MONTORFANO, GIOVANNI PAOLO. - Promoter of catechetical instruction, born at Como, died
for the most part in the hands of the Jesuits; he opposed the sale of alcoholic beverages to the Indians; he staunchly defended their rights. In 1663 he opened a seminary at Québec both for ministry among the whites and for the mission: the Seminary was affiliated in 1665 with that of the Foreign Missions of Paris; in 1668 the foundation of a minor seminary followed, and in 1678 that of an industrial school. He resigned in 1688,
on 27 Dec. 1580. He was a companion of s. Girolamo Miani in the foundation of orphanages in Lombardy.
When the Somaschi united with the Theatines, M. professed their Rule in 1549 and distinguished himself among the Theatines for zeal and piety. Faithful to the teaching of s. Girolamo, he composed a catechism for children in questions and answers (Modo breve e facile di ammaestrare i figlioli nella dottrina cristiana, Venice 1562), the first after the Council of Trent and prior to the publication of the Roman Catechism. He was a companion of s. Andrea Avellino in the foundation of the house at Piacenza, where he also facilitated the admission of the Somaschi; for them he also composed the Regole della Compagnia dell'Oratorio nell'Ospedale degli Incurabili di Venezia (1568), which governed the schools of Christian doctrine throughout the city.