Enzo Boschetti

After his ordination, Father Enzo Boschetti exercised his ministry as a parochial vicar, first in Chignolo Po, then in Pavia within the parish of the Most Holy Savior (Santissimo Salvatore). Very close to workers, nomadic populations, and emigrants from the Mezzogiorno, he became aware of the distress of marginalized youth. In 1968, he began welcoming young people in difficulty into the basement chapel on Viale Libertà in Pavia. In order to structure his action, he founded in 1971 the "Piccola Opera S. Giuseppe" (Little Work of Saint Joseph) for the social and spiritual rehabilitation of marginalized people. In 1973, he created the "Casa del Giovane" (House of the Youth) in Pavia, a reception structure specifically dedicated to minors and young people struggling with drug addiction and social exclusion. His educational approach is based on sharing, responsibility, and community life. In 1978, this work expanded with the creation of the "Fraternity of Life of the Casa del Giovane," which brings together priests, consecrated persons, and lay families living alongside the young people welcomed. On February 11, 1992, Bishop Giovanni Volta, Bishop of Pavia, officially erected the work as a Private Association of the Faithful.

The ministry of Father Enzo Boschetti was marked by a profound union with God and a rigorous ascetic life, despite his fragile health. In 1987, he underwent major surgery for pancreatic cancer. The difficult convalescence that followed was accompanied by nervous exhaustion and a period of intense spiritual aridity. To regain physical and spiritual strength, he stayed in 1990 at the Benedictine monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Ronco di Ghiffa. Despite his illness, he continued to spiritually guide his collaborators and the young people of his community. He passed away on February 15, 1993, at the hospital in Esine (in the Val Camonica, province of Brescia) due to complications from his cancer. His funeral, celebrated on February 18 or 19, 1993, by Bishop Giovanni Volta in the Cathedral of Pavia, brought together a vast crowd from all social backgrounds. He is buried in the cemetery of Costa de' Nobili.

The reputation for holiness of Father Enzo Boschetti, already vivid during his lifetime, spread rapidly after his death. On February 15, 2006, Bishop Giovanni Giudici, Bishop of Pavia, officially opened the diocesan inquiry for his beatification. This investigative phase closed on February 15, 2008, and the file was transmitted to Rome. The validity of the diocesan inquiry was recognized by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on May 7, 2010. After the examination of the Positio, Pope Francis authorized, on June 11, 2019, the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues, thus conferring upon him the title of Venerable. The cause is currently ongoing, awaiting the recognition of a miracle attributed to his intercession to allow for his beatification.

The spirituality of Father Enzo Boschetti is deeply rooted in Carmelite contemplation and missionary action. He conceived his service to the poorest not as mere social assistance, but as a true work of human and Christian promotion. His spiritual motto, often repeated by his communities, summarizes his ideal of life: "If you do not love life, you do not give it; if you do not give it, you cannot serve your brother; if you do not serve, you do not free yourself. Free yourself for the love of the Gospel and of your brothers in difficulty." Today, the Comunità Casa del Giovane continues his work in Pavia and beyond, managing numerous reception, rehabilitation, and support centers for people suffering from addictions or social marginalization.