STURLA, LUIGI. — Born in Genoa on 27 Aug. 1805, died there on 19 Apr. 1865. Formerly Apostolic Prefect of Aden.
A priest of great piety and zeal, FRASSINETTI, GIUSEPPE (v.) and founder of the Pie Opere of St. Raphael and St. Dorothy for catechetical instruction and of the Congregation of Leonardo da Porto Maurizio (v.) for the education of the clergy. Hated by the liberals, who expelled him from Genoa in 1848, he offered himself to the Sacred Congregation of Propaganda, which sent him to Aden, where he served as military chaplain to the English garrison and cared for that Catholic community; for several years he was also MASSAJA (v.), whom he assisted greatly. GIACOBBI (v.) called SturlA “the angel of all those regions.” He was held in very high esteem by the English authorities, who generously supported his works of charity. He returned to Italy in 1857, when the mission could finally be given a stable organization through its transfer to the Capuchins. He died in a reputation for holiness.