Perhaps the most compelling story connected with the Santuario del Corazón de Don Orione is that of his heart. It is physically present here in Argentina. We stand before a testament to faith and unwavering dedication. The Santuario del Corazón de Don Orione embodies the spirit of a man who dedicated his life to serving others.
Luis Orione was born in Pontecurone Italy in 1872. He felt called to priesthood at a young age. He joined the Franciscans at 13. Illness forced him home. Later he joined Don Bosco’s Oratory in Turin. He found happiness there while completing his secondary studies. Yet he felt that God had other plans for him.
Orione began his work with young people through catechesis. This led to the first Oratory inaugurated in 1892. The following year he opened a school for poor children. He was ordained a priest in 1895. He founded the “Little Work of Divine Providence.” This congregation included priests brothers and hermits.
Don Orione’s work extended beyond Italy. He traveled to Messina and Reggio Calabria after the 1908 earthquake. He provided social assistance pastoral care and material reconstruction. Another earthquake struck Avezzano in 1915. Again Don Orione helped especially the orphans. Some of these orphans later joined his religious order.
In 1915 Don Orione founded the “Little Missionary Sisters of Charity”. They opened the “San Antonio” home for the elderly. In 1924 he founded the Cottolengo of Genoa. He later established similar institutions in Milan and Argentina. These Cottolengos became a hallmark of his apostolate. Don Orione’s work was multifaceted driven by his deep charity.
Don Orione made two significant missionary trips to Latin America. He visited Argentina three times between 1921 and 1937. During his first visit in 1921 he consecrated his work in Argentina to Mary at the Sanctuary of Luján. During his second visit he established religious communities. His third stay was longer. He resided in Buenos Aires. He expanded his pastoral work.
Don Orione faced calumnies. Despite this he continued his charitable work. He involved religious and lay people alike. He visited the Basilica of Luján multiple times. He entrusted his projects to Mary. He also accepted pastoral care of the Basilica of “Nuestra Señora de Itatí”.
Don Orione died in 1940. His last words were “¡Jesús! ¡Jesús! ¡Voy Jesús!”. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2004. The relic of his heart resides in the Santuario del Corazón de Don Orione.
His heart embodies his spirit. It arrived in Argentina in 2000. It was brought by 400 young people. They participated in the Jubilee of Youth in Rome. The heart is kept in a special reliquary. It is a site of pilgrimage.
Don Orione’s life exemplifies charity. The Santuario del Corazón de Don Orione stands as a beacon of hope. It inspires all to follow the path of holiness. He said “Tenemos que ser santos”. We must extend our hands to all those in need. In them shines the image of God.