CAMPANA, EMILIO. - Distinguished Mariologist, b. in 1874 at Signora (Val Colla, Ticino), d. at Lugano on 14 June 1939. He pursued his studies at Pollegio, Lugano, and Rome, at the Urbanian Athenaeum “De Propaganda Fide,” where he took degrees in philosophy and theology. Ordained priest in 1897, he returned to Lugano, where for 42 years he held the chair of dogmatic theology and, from 1914, also the office of theologian canon of the Cathedral; from 1927 to 1932 he was rector of the Seminary.
He devoted himself lovingly to Marian theology, publishing the two very well-known works: Maria nel dogma cattolico (Turin 1923; the 5th ed. was edited by Fr. Roschini, ibid. 1946. The work was translated into various languages), Maria nel culto cattolico (ibid. 1933, 2 vols.), notable for their extent, clarity, and learning. His former teacher at Propaganda, Card. Lépicier, defining him with a play on his surname as “La campana di Maria,” paid him a deserved tribute. He also left a historical-dogmatic study: Il Concilio Vaticano (Lugano 1926, pt. 1: Il clima del Concilio; the other part did not appear) and various articles in theological journals. He was preparing: Maria nell'arte.