Blessed John Paul I - Albino Luciani
Blessed John Paul I, born Albino Luciani (Canale d'Agordo, Belluno, October 17, 1912 – Vatican City, September 28, 1978), served as pontiff for merely 33 days (September 3 to September 28, 1978). He earned recognition as "the Smiling Pope."
Early Life and Ministry
Born at Forno di Canale (now Canale D'Agordo) in the diocese of Belluno on October 17, 1912, to Giovanni Luciani and Bortola Tancon. He entered the Minor Seminary of Feltre in 1923, advancing to Belluno Seminary in 1928. Priestly ordination occurred on July 7, 1935.
His ministerial work began as chaplain in his native parish, followed by service in Agordo. In 1937, he received appointment as Vice-Rector of Belluno Seminary. On February 27, 1947, he earned his theology degree from the Pontifical Gregorian University. His designation as Vicar General of Belluno diocese came in 1954, and on December 15, 1958, he became Bishop of Vittorio Veneto.
December 15, 1969 marked his appointment as Patriarch of Venice. Following Paul VI's death, he won election on August 26, 1978 as the 263rd successor of Saint Peter, becoming the first pope in history to choose a double name: John Paul.
He returned to the Father's house on September 28, 1978, after 33 days of pontificate.
Path to Beatification
The diocesan phase of his beatification cause took place in the Belluno-Feltre diocese from November 22, 2003 to November 10, 2006. On November 8, 2017, Pope Francis authorized the decree declaring him Venerable, and on October 13, 2021, the decree regarding his miracle.
Finally, on September 4, 2022, he was proclaimed Blessed in Rome's Saint Peter's Square.
The mortal remains of Pope John Paul I rest in the Vatican Grottoes, beneath Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome.
We commemorate him on September 28.
Connection to the Deaf Community
Luciani demonstrated exceptional communication skills, proving to be an immediate and effective proclaimer of the gospel's good news.
Pope Luciani maintained particular affection for deaf individuals, given that he had two deaf sisters: Amalia (1901-1938) and Pia (1902-1969), who became a nun with the name Maria del Buon Consiglio, serving in Turin among the Sisters of the Heart of Mary at the Divine Providence Institute of Cottolengo. She passed away shortly before her brother became pope.
He naturally visited this community, composed of deaf nuns, and admired their dedication to caring for the sick and creating sacred vestments.
In Venice lived his deaf niece, Marisa Luciani, who possessed notable artistic talents.
p. Vincenzo Di Blasio