14 - Vedano's house had become too small because so many children wanted to go there. So don Luigi and the director bought a beautiful house in Ponte Lambro.
Archival content: this article was published more than 20 years ago. The language and content reflect the sensitivities of the time.
This year, we're dedicating some pages of our magazine to children. We thought we'd tell them about some of our "great friends" through drawings and easy, enjoyable stories. You can read about the fruits of our first friend's life on page 28. This is the story of: Luigi Monza From "Through the Eyes of Children" — La Nostra Famiglia, 1997
1 - On June 22, 1898, a baby boy named Luigi Monza was born in Cislago. His parents were poor and worked in the fields. When Luigi was small, he nearly died, so his parents had him confirmed right away.
2 - As he grew, Luigi became a very good boy. The parish priest asked if he wanted to become a priest. Luigi turned red and ran away. But he kept on studying in the barn — he'd put a washboard across his knees to make a desk.
3 - He had a burning wish to become a priest. At fourteen, he entered seminary. During holidays, he'd come home to help his mother and father.
4 - One day, while Luigi was in seminary, his father fell from a tree and broke his back. He could no longer work. Luigi had to leave seminary and come home to work in his father's place.
5 - At eighteen, he returned to seminary. Because he had no money for books, he helped the younger students. After years of hard work and sacrifice, he became a priest for life.
6 - Before there was a parish hall, children would come to Don Luigi's house to play and do their homework. But there were so many, and the house was so small, that Don Luigi was able to get a piece of land for them to play on.
7 - Don Luigi cared for everyone and greeted even people who didn't go to church.
8 - He often visited the sick, bringing so much joy that they forgot their pain. He suffered with those who suffered and always helped them.
9 - One day, while Don Luigi was performing a baptism, the police came and took him away. He was accused of killing an important person. It wasn't him, but the guards put him in prison anyway.
10 - He stayed in prison for many months, but he knew he was innocent and stayed calm. He spoke about God to his fellow prisoners and comforted them.
11 - In 1936, Don Luigi became pastor of St. John's in Lecco, and everyone welcomed him with great celebration. In his parish, everyone was amazed by all the good he did.
12 - For a long time, he'd dreamed of building a home for many children. He visited a hillside near Vedano, and he loved it. But before work could begin, he had to overcome many obstacles.
13 - Then Don Luigi found some good women to help. Soon the house was finished, and many children arrived.
14 - The house in Vedano became too small because so many children wanted to come. So Don Luigi and the director bought a lovely house in Ponte Lambro.
15 - More houses were built. Don Luigi and the director traveled by train to visit the children and staff. Then he bought his first car so he could do good work faster.
16 - Don Luigi worked very hard. One day he became ill. Everyone went to visit him and pray, but on September 29, 1954, he died and went to heaven, where he watches over and protects all the children in his homes.
