Giuseppe Oddi
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Vallinfreda, Rome, Papal States
Bellegra, Rome, Kingdom of Italy
| Religious | |
|---|---|
| Born | 6 June 1839 Vallinfreda, Rome, Papal States |
| Died | 3 June 1919 (aged 79) Bellegra, Rome, Kingdom of Italy |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 3 October 1999, Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City by Pope John Paul II |
| Feast | 3 June |
| Attributes | Capuchin habit |
Giuseppe Oddi (6 June 1839 - 3 June 1919) was an Italian Roman Catholic professed religious - though not a priest - of the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. He felt drawn to religious life after his adolescence and was resolved to become a Franciscan upon seeing the example that Mariano da Roccacasale set. Upon his profession of vows he assumed the religious name of "Diego da Vallinfreda". Oddi was beatified - alongside Mariano da Roccacasale - when Pope John Paul II presided over the late Franciscans' beatification on 3 October 1999.[1]
Giuseppe Oddi was born in Vallinfreda on 6 June 1839 to the poor but pious Vincenzo Oddi and Bernardina Pasquali. During his childhood, he had a limited education despite the fact he was receptive to learning about his faith to which he became devoted to.[1][2]
At the age of 20 - in 1859 - he felt as if he were being called to the religious life and announced his desire to his parents to become a professed religious. His parents met this with fierce opposition and denied Oddi this chance. In tears, he confronted his father and said: "What am I doing? I want to go to become a saint". After sometime, in 1863 while on a pilgrimage to Rome he met Mariano da Roccacasale and was inspired with Mariano's example; this inspired Oddi to become a professed member of the Order of Friars Minor of the Franciscans.[1] Oddi went to the convent of the Franciscans in Bellegra in 1871 and was welcomed as a postulant; he later made his solemn vows in 1889.[2]
Oddi was known among his fellow Franciscans for his bright temperament and for his obvious and enriching faith.[1] His personal holiness spread in reputation throughout Rome and the surrounding areas to the extent that even Pope Pius X said of him: "This is a true son of Saint Francis".[2]
Oddi died at sunset on 3 June 1919 not long before he was to turn 80. His remains were exhumed on 12 November 1931 and were transferred to a new resting place in the presence of 3000 people.
