PORRO, GIOVANNI ANGELO, blessed. - Servite, born in Milan around 1450 of a noble family, died there on 24 October 1506.
At the age of fifteen he entered the Order of the Servants of Mary, and in 1473 he was ordained priest. For some years he devoted himself to the eremitical life and enjoyed special mystical graces. A supporter of strict observance, he was subsequently, on several occasions, master of novices in Florence and prior at Montesenario, Chianti, and Milan, distinguishing himself by his charity and apostolic zeal. With his disciples he established the Congregation of the Sons of the New Observance of the Servants of Mary, immediately dependent on the prior general of the Order.
In Milan he was the first to begin teaching Christian doctrine to children: “he stood above the door of his Church and in the streets, seeking out children and leading them to school, he taught them Christian doctrine.” The cult of blessed G. A. P. was confirmed by Clement XII (15 July 1737). Feast: 24 October.