Maggiorino Vigolungo

On October 15, 1916, at the age of twelve, Maggiorino Vigolungo realized his aspiration by entering the Little Worker Typographical School (Scuola Tipografica Piccolo Operaio) in Alba. This institution, founded by Father Alberione, constitutes the first step in the founding of the Society of Saint Paul and, more broadly, the Pauline Family. In the midst of this nascent community, Maggiorino committed himself fervently to the mission of spreading the Gospel through printing and the written press. Despite his young age, he astonished his companions and his instructors with his diligence, his Eucharistic piety, and his kindness. Spiritually guided by Father Alberione and Blessed Timoteo Giaccardo, he learned to channel his impetuous temperament to put it at the service of God. He then adopted a personal rule of life: 'to progress a little bit each day.' In the spring of 1918, Maggiorino was struck by a serious illness. Afflicted with pleurisy, to which meningitis was added, he was forced to return to his family in Benevello. Faced with suffering and the prospect of death, he manifested total resignation to the divine will, declaring to Father Alberione that he desired only what God wanted. He passed away peacefully on July 27, 1918, in Benevello, at the age of 14. His last words, recorded by his spiritual director, were: 'Greet all my companions, may they pray for me, and may we all meet again in Paradise.'

Deeply convinced of the holiness of his young disciple, Father James Alberione actively encouraged the opening of his cause for beatification. The diocesan informative process opened in the Diocese of Alba on December 12, 1961, and closed on September 26, 1963. The young boy's writings were approved by a decree on December 10, 1964. The cause was officially introduced in Rome at the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on September 11, 1980. The apostolic process took place from September 30, 1981, to October 21, 1982, and its validity was recognized by a decree on July 1, 1983. The Positio documenting his heroic virtues was published in 1986. After the favorable examination by the theological consultants on December 18, 1987, and by the cardinals and bishops on February 16, 1988, the cause reached its decisive stage.

On March 28, 1988, Pope John Paul II promulgated the decree recognizing the heroic virtues of Maggiorino Vigolungo, thereby conferring upon him the title of Venerable. His mortal remains, initially interred in Benevello, were transferred on May 2, 1963, to the Temple of Saint Paul in Alba (Tempio di San Paolo ad Alba), where they now rest alongside other major figures of the Pauline Family. The cause is currently awaiting the recognition of a miracle attributed to his intercession to pave the way for his beatification.

Father James Alberione himself described Maggiorino Vigolungo as the 'Dominic Savio of the Pauline Family', highlighting his delicate conscience, his love for the Eucharist, and his clear vision of the apostolate of the press. His spirituality is based on an intimate union with Jesus Master and a filial devotion to Mary, Queen of Apostles.

His life program, 'to progress a little bit each day', remains a source of inspiration for young people in formation within the various branches of the Pauline Family. In 2018, on the occasion of the centenary of his death, the Diocese of Alba designated him as a protector and model for altar servers and young communicators.