FRANCESCO MARIA da CAMPOROSSO, blessed. – Capuchin lay brother, born at Camporosso (Imperia) on 27 Dec. 1804, died at Genova on 17 Sept. 1866. From being a tertiary of the Conventuals at Sestri Ponente, he entered the novitiate of S. Barnaba of the Capuchins at Genova on 17 Dec. 1825; he lived in the convent of the S.ma Concezione in that same city until his death.
Assigned to domestic duties, he sanctified himself through labor and penance, silence and humility. Appointed to collect alms in the city, he benefited souls, especially among the dockworkers, through his heartfelt exhortation, austere life, charisms, and charity toward the sick, the poor, and the suffering. His letters of advice and consolation bear witness to the faith and goodness of his heart. Out of veneration he was commonly called the Holy Father. During the cholera epidemic of 1866, he offered himself as a victim to the Lord for the cessation of the scourge. He was beatified by Pio XI on 30 June 1929. His body is still held in great veneration in the church of the S.ma Concezione at Genova.