Florentini, Teodosio

FLORENTINI, TEODOSIO. - Capuchin, called "the greatest philanthropist of Switzerland," b. at Münster (Canton Grisons) on 23 May 1802, d. at Heiden (Appenzell) on 15 Feb. 1865. First master of novices and professor of philosophy and theology, he was prior at Baden in 1838, superior and parish priest at Chur in 1845, and vicar general of the diocese in 1860.

To raise up the depressed spirits of Catholics in the face of the machinations of the radical party and to form strong and courageous souls, he undertook to establish a series of works of education, charity and social welfare, which made him a benefactor of the nation. For the education and relief of the sick, the poor and orphans, he founded in 1844 the Institute of the Franciscan Sisters of the Holy Cross, from which arose the Congregation of Teaching Sisters with its mother house at Menzingen. Later (1852) he established the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross with its mother house at Ingenbohl. He bought the former Jesuit gymnasium at Schwyz and founded there the Maria-Hilf College, with a gymnasium, lyceum, and industrial school with technical and commercial departments (1856). In 1865 he created the Bücherverein für die katholisch. Schweiz) and in 1868 the Verein für instandliche Missionen. He also devoted himself to social works, which however did not succeed for lack of commercial experience on the founder's part. From his pen came four volumes of Heiligendegende, with practical applications, in a popular style, but fresh and original, which brought the work to more than 100 editions.

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