Pio Campidelli was born April 29, 1868 at Trebbio in the diocese of Rimini, Italy and was the son of farmers. He came to know the Passionists through a parish mission. Eagerly entering the Passionist way of life, he pronounced his vows on April 20, 1884. Following the example of St. Aloysius Gonzaga and Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother, in the seven years of his religious life he became a perfect model of the regular observance and of a joyful, heroic practice of all the virtues. He was especially devoted to the Eucharist and to our Lady. While preparing for the subdiaconate he was afflicted with a grave illness. He died on November 2, 1889, while offering his life as a sacrifice for the Church, the Pope and his beloved region of Romagna. Pope John Paul II beatified him on, November 17, 1985.
