LEOPOLDO da GAICHE, blessed. — Apostolic missionary of the Friars Minor, born at Gaiche (Perugia) on 30 October 1732, died at Monteluco (Spoleto) on 2 April 1815. Ordained a priest in 1757, he taught philosophy and theology for several years, subsequently holding various important offices, including those of guardian, custodian, and provincial minister.
He sought to revive sacred preaching and substantially adopted the method of s. Leonardo da Portomaurizio in giving missions to the people. For forty-seven years he preached continually, without, however, going beyond the boundaries of Umbria and the territory that at that time belonged to the Papal States, as appears from the Diario delle S. Missioni, which he wrote. He erected 73 Via Crucis and restored very many others, raising commemorative crosses wherever he preached. He established a retreat in the convent of Monteluco near Spoleto, residing there until his death. He was beatified by Leo XIII on 12 March 1893.