Andrea Giacinto Longhin, bishop of Treviso, was born in Fiumicello di Campodarego (Padua) on 22 November 1863 to a rural family. He was baptised Giacinto Bonaventura the following day. On finishing primary school, at sixteen he decided to become a Capuchin Friar. He faced a struggle with his father who opposed the idea, not wanting to lose his only son from work in the fields. Giacinto prevailed, and was clothed in the Capuchin habit at Bassano del Grappa (Vicenza) on 27 august 1879 and received the name Andrea. In the friary at Padua he completed his studies and made final profession on 4 October 1883. After his theological studies in Venice he was ordained priest on 19 June 1886. From 1888 he was spiritual director and teacher in the Capuchin seminary in Udine. From 1889 he was director and professor of the Capuchin clerics in Padua and of the Capuchin theological students in Venice from 1891. On 18 April 1902 he was elected provincial superior.
Saint Pius X appointed him bishop of his home diocese on 16 April 1904. Pius was pleased to have “chosen one of the more beautiful flowers of the Capuchin Order” for his own diocese. On 12 August 1907 Pius X elaborated, “It is one of my first-born sons, to whom I have entrusted my beloved diocese. I rejoice every time they report his praises to me. He is truly holy and learned, a good, old fashioned bishop whose apostolic zeal will leave an indelible imprint.” Consecrated bishop in Rome on 17 April 1904 he entered Treviso on 6 August. He was determined to be a good shepherd, and would not spare “effort or sacrifice, ready to give all his blood and his very life itself” for his church. For thirty two years he was “the good shepherd of the Church in Treviso”, while continuing to live in Capuchin austerity and poverty.
Go here to read the rest.
Thank you Don for this.