They called him the Padre dei Poveri the Father of the Poor of Desio. Padre Andrea Galvan’s life was a testament to faith service and unwavering dedication. This humble man stands before you a giant in spirit.
Padre Andrea Galvan was born in 1896 in San Giorgio di Perlena. He was raised in a deeply Christian family. He studied in the seminary of Padua. His education was interrupted by World War I. He served as an alpine stretcher-bearer. He fought bravely on the Pasubio Isonzo Vodice and Grappa fronts. He was awarded the Croce di Guerra for his valor.
After the war his vocation to the missions solidified. He met Monsignor Conforti a Saverian missionary. At 27 years old he entered the Saverian Institute in Parma. He took his religious vows in 1924. He was ordained a priest in 1928 by the founder himself.
At 33 he embarked on a missionary journey to China. He served in various locations. His time there was challenging. His health faltered. The Chinese language proved difficult. He faced constant threats from bandits in the Honan Apostolic Vicariate.
In 1936 he was recalled to Italy. He became a spiritual director at the Saverian Mother House in Parma. For 17 years he guided countless souls. He served in other Saverian houses as well. In a letter from Nizza Monferrato in 1952 he expressed a deep desire to return to the mission field.
That same year he was sent to Desio in Milan. He served the community at the Casa and the Basilica. Desio was experiencing rapid post-war growth. Immigrants poured into the city seeking work. Padre Galvan became a cornerstone of their lives. He helped them integrate into the religious and civic life of the city.
His efforts were most evident in the San Vincenzo district. He built the Sacred Heart Chapel for the immigrants there. Many remember him for his hours spent in the confessional. Families turned to him during illness and sorrow. He found his joy in serving those in need. He requested to be buried in Desio among the people he loved so dearly.
In January 1971 he was hospitalized for a strangulated hernia. After a successful operation complications arose. He passed away peacefully in Desio on March 16 1971. Padre Andrea Galvan’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched. His quiet acts of kindness continue to inspire. His life serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith. Remember Padre Andrea Galvan’s unwavering devotion. Remember his selfless service to the poor. Remember him as a true apostle of love.