FLORENTINI, TEODOSIO. — Capuchin, called “the greatest philanthropist of Switzerland,” b. at Münster (Canton of Grisons) on 23 May 1802, d. at Heiden (Appenzell) on 15 February 1865. At first master of novices and professor of philosophy and theology, he was in 1838 prior at Baden, in 1845 superior and parish priest at Chur, and in 1860 vicar general of the diocese.
To uplift the depressed spirits of Catholics in the face of the schemes of the Radical party and to form strong and courageous souls, he began to establish a series of educational, charitable, and social works that made him a benefactor of the nation. For the education and relief of the sick, the poor, and orphans, he founded in 1844 the Institute of the Franciscan Sisters of the Holy Cross, from which arose the Congregation of Teaching Sisters with its motherhouse at Menzingen. Later (1852) he established the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross with its motherhouse at Ingenbohl. He purchased the former Jesuit gymnasium at Schwyz and there founded the Maria-Hilf College, with a gymnasium, lyceum, and industrial school with technical and commercial departments (1856). In 1865 he founded the Bücherverein für die katholische Schweiz, and in 1868 the Verein für ländliche Missionen. He also engaged in social works, though these did not prosper owing to a lack of commercial experience on the part of the founder. From his pen there issued four volumes of Heiligeluegende, with practical applications, in a popular but fresh and original style, which brought the work to more than 100 editions.