Angelo Bughetti

From the beginning of his ministry, Father Angelo Bughetti distinguished himself by his oratorical talents and his passion for education. He first taught catechism in primary schools, then sacred liturgy and literary subjects at the seminary of Imola, while serving as diocesan master of ceremonies. In 1906, he was appointed parochial vicar at Castel del Rio, in the parish of Sant'Ambrogio. His pastoral action was primarily deployed in preaching, writing articles, and creating charitable works. In January 1911, he chose to devote himself entirely to the apostolate of the youth. He founded the "Silvio Pellico" Circle on March 5, 1911, and then structured the "Patronato Giovani." In 1915, he founded the Istituto Artigianelli Santa Caterina to welcome and educate war orphans and poor boys. He continued his work by founding the Diocesan Federation of Italian Catholic Youth (1920), the "Reparto San Giorgio" scout troop (1922), the "Casa Pii Studenti" (1926), and served as chaplain for civil structures to maintain a Christian presence under the fascist regime.

Father Angelo Bughetti led a life of profound union with God, drawing his strength from the Eucharist and prayer. He knew how to closely involve his parishioners and collaborators in his works of charity, guiding them on the path to holiness. Despite increasingly failing health and serious financial difficulties in maintaining his foundations, he demonstrated absolute trust in Divine Providence and filial obedience toward ecclesiastical authority. Afflicted with severe bladder problems, he was hospitalized at the Villa Torri clinic in Bologna, where he died on April 5, 1935, at the age of 57. His reputation for holiness and goodness spread rapidly among the population of Imola.

The cause for the beatification and canonization of Father Angelo Bughetti is open in the Diocese of Imola. Following the diocesan inquiry and the examination of his virtues by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, Pope Francis authorized, on April 14, 2025, the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues. Father Angelo Bughetti is thus declared Venerable.

The spirituality of Father Angelo Bughetti is centered on active charity, the Christian education of youth, and a trusting abandonment to Divine Providence. His educational and social work continues today in Imola through the Santa Caterina Foundation, which perpetuates the legacy of the institute he founded in 1915 for the reception, formation, and accompaniment of young people in difficulty.