Perhaps you’ve hurried past this place before. This is the Monumento ai P.P. Cappuccini Marcellino Oriani e Teodoro Castelli Stele. It stands as a tribute to two remarkable figures.
The monument honors Marcellino Oriani and Teodoro Castelli. It is located in Cusano Milanino. This memorial tells a story of faith, service, and dedication.
Marcellino Oriani was born in Cusano sul Seveso on September 6, 1882. His parents were Luigi Oriani and Virginia Caimi. He was baptized Ernesto.
In 1897, he joined the Capuchin Franciscan order. This was at the novitiate in Lovere. He took the name Fra Marcellino da Cusano. He completed his theological studies in 1905. In March of that year, he celebrated his first Mass in Cusano. This followed his ordination as a priest the day before.
At the end of December, he departed Milan for missions in Brazil. In 1906, he arrived in Canindé. He taught letters, sciences, and religion. He began preaching in Portuguese and undertaking traveling missions.
For the next 10 years, he moved between cities. These included Fortaleza, Belém, Manaus, and San Luis. In San Luis, he founded the Maranhense Workers’ Union.
Marcellino returned to Cusano in 1920. He saw his family again. In October, he returned to his mission in Canindé. He resumed his traveling missions in 1921. He ventured into the state of Piauí. In 1924, he traveled to San Paulo for medical treatment. There was suspicion he had leprosy. He returned to Ceará. He then sought to go to Carolina. His health declined. He returned to San Paulo.
He stayed in a convent and then a rectory in Riberao Pires. He moved to Paraná for treatment at a hospital. Eventually, he became parish priest in Caratinga.
In 1930, with visible signs of leprosy, he retired to “Sitio s, Francesco”. This was near Fortaleza. He spent his final years in conversation. He spoke with friends, colleagues, and admirers. He engaged in reading, study, writing, and translating.
Marcellino Oriani died on December 30, 1940. He was 58 years old. His remains are in the Capuchin convent in Milan. It’s located in viale Piave, 2.
The Monumento ai P.P. Cappuccini Marcellino Oriani e Teodoro Castelli Stele stands in Piazza Marcellino da Cusano. It serves as a lasting reminder of these men’s lives. It honors their contributions to both Italy and Brazil. Take a moment to reflect on their dedication and legacy.