Agostino Chieppi
An Italian priest and founder of the Congregation of the Little Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Agostino Chieppi (1830-1891) dedicated himself to the poor and was declared venerable by John Paul II in 1992.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
5 reading sections
Biography
Youth, formation, and early priestly ministry of Agostino Chieppi.
Agostino Chieppi was born on November 12, 1830, in Castel San Giovanni, Italy, into a modest family. Despite financial difficulties, he worked as a laborer with his father Raimondo while studying in the evenings. At the age of 15, he left for Piacenza, studied with the Jesuits, and then entered the Alberoni College in 1847. Ordained a priest on September 24, 1853, he first taught rhetoric in Borgotaro, then was transferred to Parma in 1860. In 1863, he was dismissed from his teaching duties by civil authorities for having obeyed his bishop, Msgr. Felice Cantimorri, by refusing to celebrate the feast of the Statute.
Life and Work
Foundation of the Congregation of the Little Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary with Anna Micheli.
In Parma, Father Agostino became the spiritual director of Anna Micheli. Together, they founded the Congregation of the Little Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary on April 14, 1865 (Good Friday), dedicated to the education of poor young girls, assistance to the sick, and evangelization. The institute developed thanks to Divine Providence, opening structured works after the flood of 1868. In 1887, it welcomed Eugenia Picco, the future superior general beatified in 2001. Father Agostino passed away on September 7, 1891.
Path to holiness
The diocesan process for the cause of canonization of Agostino Chieppi.
After his death, his reputation for holiness grew. His cause for canonization opened at the diocesan level in Parma on November 14, 1941, and closed on January 22, 1944. The validity of this inquiry was officially recognized by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on March 5, 1988, allowing for the publication of the Positio that same year.
Beatification and canonization
Recognition of the heroic nature of his virtues by Pope John Paul II.
On December 21, 1992, Pope John Paul II authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroic nature of the virtues of Agostino Chieppi, conferring upon him the title of Venerable. The cause is currently ongoing, awaiting the recognition of a miracle for his beatification.
Spirituality and legacy
The spirituality of Agostino Chieppi and the enduring nature of his work today.
Don Agostino's spirituality is based on the Word of God, the Eucharist, and Marian devotion, summarized by his motto 'To Jesus through Mary'. Today, his congregation (the Chieppine) is active in Italy, Chile, Peru, the DRC, Switzerland, and Turkey. In Parma, his legacy continues through the 'Agostino Chieppi' school, the Piccole Figlie Hospital, and the Palliative Care Center.
Frequently asked questions about Agostino Chieppi
Who was Agostino Chieppi?
An Italian priest and founder of the Congregation of the Little Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Agostino Chieppi (1830-1891) dedicated himself to the poor and was declared venerable by John Paul II in 1992.
Which saints were contemporaries of Agostino Chieppi?
Contemporaries include: Jesús María Echavarría Aguirre, Pauline of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus, Narcisa de Jesús and Juan de Jesús López y González.
When did Agostino Chieppi die?
Agostino Chieppi died around 1830.
Who are the relatives of Agostino Chieppi?
Relatives of Agostino Chieppi: Raimondo Chieppi (father) and Benvenuta Maffi (mother).
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Era / death: 1830-1891
- Decree of venerability by John Paul II