LORGNA, GIOCONDO PIO. — Dominican, founder of the Dominican Sisters of the Blessed Imelda (Imeldine), born at Tresana (Massa) on 27 September 1870, died at Venice on 8 July 1928.
Ordained priest in 1893, after several years of teaching in Bologna and zealous activity at Fontanellato (Parma), he became parish priest of SS. Giovanni e Paolo in Venice, where his zeal knew no bounds. After many struggles he succeeded in founding the Institute of the Imeldines (30 October 1922), dedicated to the worship of the Eucharist and the education of children. A religious and apostle, he spent his life in constant dedication to souls and in a growing love of God, nourished by profound Eucharistic and Marian piety.
Bibl.: G. Leporati, Aurora consurgens, Fidenza 1934; L. Lorma, Un'anima cristiana, Firenze 1937; A. Portaluppi, Profilo della vita di P. G. L., Venezia 1950; Antonio Piolanti