FLORENTINI, TEODOSIO. - Capuchin, called “the greatest philanthropist of Switzerland,” b. at Münster (Canton Grigioni) on 23 May 1802, d. at Heiden (Appenzel) on 15 Feb. 1865. Initially master of novices and professor of philosophy and theology, he was prior at Baden in 1838, superior and parish priest at Coira in 1845, and vicar general of the diocese in 1860.
In order to raise the dispirited morale of Catholics in the face of the machinations of the radical party and to form strong and courageous characters, he began to establish a series of educational, charitable, and social works, which earned him the gratitude of the nation. For the education and assistance 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, whose motherhouse was at Menzinger. Later (1852) he established the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, with its motherhouse at Ingenbohl. He bought the former Jesuit gymnasium at Schwitz and founded there the Maria-Hilf College, with a gymnasium, lycée, and industrial school with technical and commercial sections (1856). He created the Bücherverein für die katholisch. Schweiz in 1865 and the Verein für instandliche Missionen in 1868. He also devoted himself to social works, which, however, did not prosper owing to the founder’s lack of commercial experience. From his pen came four volumes of Heiligendegende, with practical applications, in a popular but fresh and original style, which brought the work to more than 100 editions.