He selflessly dedicated his life to the abandoned, the orphaned, and the neglected children.

Luigi Maria Palazzolo was born on December 10, 1827, in Bergamo, the Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia, which is now modern-day Italy. He was the youngest of 8 boys born to Octavius and Theresa Antoine Palazzolo.

His family was well off with several houses and land across the country, but his father and several of his brothers passed away when he was around 10. This left, with what remained of the family, facing the challenges and hardships of life without much support. He was the only one to live to adulthood.

His mother, who was devout, conducted his education and instilled in him an understanding of the importance of charity towards the poor.

When he was 16, he began studying for the priesthood and 6 years later was ordained.

His heart was moved by the plight of the poor youth he encountered in the streets and many of them were living on their own. He placed himself amongst them, seeing to their care and education until he could find them a caring and safe placement. He even entertained them with puppet shows.

He attempted, “to do something, as much as I can” to ensure others could have an easier life.

In his late 30s, he began and founded the Little House of Divine Providence. The institution was dedicated to providing care and nurturement of the children abandoned by society. In addition, and for the girls, he established the Work of Saint Dorothy home.

In addition, he founded a congregation, Brothers of the Sacred Family, which served the vulnerable and marginalized in society.

In his 40s, he encountered and befriended Saint Maria Teresa Gabrieli, and with her assistance, he founded the Sisters of the Poor. They professed public vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, with a mission to serve the poor and for the care of orphans.

Not content with just establishing institutions, he also felt called to open an orphanage in Traona, Italy, further demonstrating his commitment to alleviating the suffering of abandoned and vulnerable children.

At the age of 58, his health began to decline, and he developed a shortness of breath that prevented sleep and much movement. He later also developed sores which prevented him from celebrating Mass. On May 12th, 1885, the Bishop brought him the approved Rules of his institute, bringing him comfort. A year later, on June 15, 1886, he died murmuring the name of Jesus Christ.

Pope Pius X granted final approval of the constitutions and the rule of the order on May 25, 1912.

As of 2021, there were 103 communities of the Sisters of the Poor with houses in Brazil, Burkina Faso, Congo, Italy, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi, and Peru.

He is the patron saint of the Sisters of the Poor, orphans, and the Diocese of Bergamo.

His feast day is June 15.

For God’s Glory.