Born
1873 m. birželio 5 d., Oliva Gessi, Italija
Died
1930 m. vasario 25 d., Li Thau Tseui, Kinija
Feast day: November 13
Ludvikas Versilia was born in 1873. in Italy. At the age of thirteen, he met Don Bosco, who changed his life - the young man decided to become a Salesian.
Ordained as a priest, Ludwig was sent to China as a missionary. There he worked with extraordinary dedication, teaching children and establishing mission stations.
Became the first Salesian bishop in China — Vicar of the Apostolic Vicariate of Shiu Chow.
He was killed in 1930 together with the young priest Kalisto Karavarius. February 25 pirates when they protected several girls from attackers.
Both martyrs were canonized in 2000. October 1 Pope John Paul II.
Ludvik was an agile, caring, horse-loving guy who wanted to become a veterinarian. Growing up in a Christian family, at the age of 12 he was sent to Turin, to Fr. Bosco School. He personally knew Fr. Bosko, who told him during one meeting that he had to reveal the secret. Ludvikas immediately wanted to know her, but he did not have time, because after a few months, Fr. Bosco is dead. At the age of fifteen, Ludvik decided to become a Salesian and in 1889 made the first vows to Fr. The hands of Mykolos Rua, who has been Fr. Bosco's successor. Because of his special talents, he was sent to study at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. In 1895, he was ordained a priest. A year later, he was appointed director and novice teacher at an institution near Rome. Young novices admired his humanity and spirituality and quickly fell in love with him. In turn, Fr. Versilia was selflessly devoted to them and always cheerful.
in 1905 The Holy See sent the Salesians to China, at that time very poor and exploited by the West. The priest appointed as the head of the mission fell seriously ill at the last moment, then he was replaced by Fr. Louis Versilia. Upon arrival, he immediately set up a shelter in Macau. During his apostleship, a revolution broke out in China and the country fell into civil war. In such a difficult situation, Pope Benedict XV Fr. Louis was appointed bishop of Shiu Chow. After becoming one, he established new missions, opened schools and seminaries, once again showing himself as a good and courageous organizer, whose humanity encouraged him to undertake even the humblest tasks. Everyone, Christians and non-Christians, loved and respected him.
1930 in February, returning to his mission together with Fr. A soldier, he was killed by pirates when he tried to defend three catechists who were traveling with them. Martyred for his faith, he was canonized in 2000. in November.
In 1920, Msgr. Versilia wrote to the Chief Rector Fr. To Albert: "Let this letter assure you that the Salesians in China love you very much, and together they seek to spread the glory of God, devotion to Mary Help of Christians and the good name of our Congregation in these distant lands. If you need a donation, you can always count on us, because we all have good will. I don't know if our strength will meet expectations, but the desire for a donation is great."
"Believers, one thing is certain, that a place is prepared in Heaven for everyone, and that the Lord wants us all to be saved and to be with Him. It is also certain that the time of this present life is short, but on it depends our blessing in heaven. So take courage! The kingdom of honor has been conquered by our Savior. He is the way, the guide, and the reward; let us not lack our cooperation and contribution." (Rev. J. Boskas).