Nicola D'Onofrio
Nicola D'Onofrio (1943-1964) was a young Italian Camillian religious, recognized as Venerable for his heroic acceptance of illness and his deep spirituality inspired by Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
5 reading sections
Biography
Birth and youth of Nicola D'Onofrio in Villamagna, his early vocation and his entry into the Camillian seminary in Rome.
Nicola D'Onofrio, nicknamed "Nicolino," was born on March 24, 1943, in Villamagna (Abruzzo, Italy) into a family of humble farmers, Giovanni D'Onofrio and Virginia Ferrara. Raised in a solid faith, he felt the call to the priesthood at the age of seven. Fascinated by the red cross of the Camillians after meeting Father Santino, he overcame his parents' initial opposition and entered the Camillian seminary in Rome on October 3, 1955.
Life and work
Nicola's religious commitment, his early illness, and his final vows on his hospital bed.
Nicola pronounced his temporary vows on October 7, 1961, committing himself in particular to the service of the sick. He also joined the Militia of the Immaculata. At the end of 1962, he felt the first symptoms of cancer (teratosarcoma). Despite the suffering, he kept his joy and made pilgrimages to Lourdes and Lisieux. Thanks to a dispensation from Pope Paul VI, he pronounced his perpetual vows on May 28, 1964, on his hospital bed, before passing away on June 12, 1964, in Rome.
Path to holiness
Nicola's reputation for holiness, the transfer of his remains, and the opening of his cause for beatification.
After his death, his reputation for holiness spread rapidly in Italy and Latin America. His remains were transferred in 1979 to the crypt of the Sanctuary of Saint Camillus de Lellis in Bucchianico. His cause for beatification was officially opened in June 2000 by the Vicariate of Rome. In November 2021, his mortal remains underwent a canonical recognition under the direction of Bishop Bruno Forte.
Beatification and canonization
The proclamation of Nicola D'Onofrio as venerable by Pope Francis.
On July 5, 2013, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroic virtues of Nicola D'Onofrio, thereby declaring him venerable. A presumed miracle attributed to his intercession is currently under study with a view to a future beatification.
Spirituality and legacy
The influence of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux on his spirituality and the endurance of his legacy.
Nicola's spirituality is deeply inspired by the "little way" of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. His spiritual journal bears witness to his love for the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary, offering his sufferings for the salvation of souls. His legacy endures through the Nicola D'Onofrio Spirituality Center in Bucchianico and the Mangano formation house.
Iconography
Signs and attributes
Frequently asked questions about Nicola D'Onofrio
Who was Nicola D'Onofrio?
Nicola D'Onofrio (1943-1964) was a young Italian Camillian religious, recognized as Venerable for his heroic acceptance of illness and his deep spirituality inspired by Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.
How is Nicola D'Onofrio depicted in Christian art?
In iconography, Nicola D'Onofrio is recognizable by: Red cross on the habit.
Which saints were contemporaries of Nicola D'Onofrio?
Contemporaries include: Pauline of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus, Felipe de Jesús Munárriz and 50 companions, Mariano de Jesús Euse Hoyos and Teresa of Jesus of the Andes.
When did Nicola D'Onofrio die?
Nicola D'Onofrio died around 1964.
What are the other names of Nicola D'Onofrio?
Other forms of the name: Nicolino.
Who are the relatives of Nicola D'Onofrio?
Relatives of Nicola D'Onofrio: Giovanni D'Onofrio (father) and Virginia Ferrara (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: 1943-1964
- Decree of venerability by Francis