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​EUSTACHIO MONTEMURRO
​Founder

THE LIFE
 
Eustachio Montemurro, Servant of God, is a figure that attracts and inspires priests, religious and lay people, who commit themselves to the path of deeper faith and the integral promotion of man.
 
Having lived on the cusp between 19th and the 20th centuries, moved by faith, he followed Christ with intense spiritual life and love for God and neighbor. His passion led him to devote himself to the service of the least and most needy.
 
He founded the Little Brothers of the Blessed Sacrament and the Daughters of the "Sacro Costato".

On this webpage:
​Birth and training
Doctor Doctor and Magnanimous
Promoter of social welfare
Fervent Priest
Founder
The hour of the cross
Emigration to Pompeii
Death of Santa
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EUSTACHIO MONTEMURRO
 Birth and training
Eustachio was born in Gravina in Puglia, Italy on 1 January 1857 to notary Giuseppe Montemurro, of Matera, and Giulia Barbarossa, from a distinguished family of Minervino Murge BARI. In addition to the intellectual and moral qualities he manifested as a child, he also showed himself to have a lively, dynamic, enterprising, empathetic and generous temperament.
 
The parents, who distinguished themselves in Gravina for their excellent life of faith and generosity toward the poor and the sick, contributed to his education. He received his first formal education in the elementary school that was set up in Minervino by his uncles Federico and Leopoldo Barbarossa, who were both priests.
 
In June 1867 Eustachio lost his mother, his sister M. Francesca, and his brother Federico Gregorio, to the cholera epidemic.
The trauma of the death of so many people, did not hinder him, instead, it developed in him a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to finish his studies ahead of time, distinguishing himself in the areas of Conduct and --profitto---and to enter the classical high school in Matera.
 
Those three years in Matera, from 1872 to 1875, had positively influenced the formation of the personality of the young student.
 
In high school "Emanuele Duni" in Matera, in addition to helping his brothers Francesco and Luigi, who came a year later to stay with him in the adjacent -convitto,
Eustachio also found a way of visiting his paternal uncles, who were living a poor life. He realized the inconvenience of those who, living under economic constraintswhile pouring into economic constraints, do not stretch his hand and his innate sense of justice, cleansed his heart of unnecessary needs, putting him in sensitivity to his neighbor. It comes out psychologically and spiritually to tackle unobtrusive university studies.

 
In the fall of 1875 Eustachio joined the faculty of medicine and surgery at the University of Naples.
 
Consistent with the strong religious and moral principles transmitted to him by the family, supported by grace, passionate about his studies and eager to attain the doctoral degree as soon as possible so as not to overburden his father, he kept himself away from dangerous ---ozi---, and devoted himself to his studies with much attention and commitment. Therefore, on July 23, 1879, he obtained a special degree in Math and Natural Sciences and on August 23, 1881, he graduated in Medicine and Surgery.
 
Shortly thereafter, his training was resumed with the experience of the military service carried out in Bologna.
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​EUSTACHIO MONTEMURRO
Doctor-friendly and magnanimous

Returning to Gravina, Eustachio practiced his medical profession for 22 years, demonstrating proofs of his competence and specialization, of his love for the sick, of his growing selflessness, of his disinterested commitment, of his capacity for dialogue and  spirit of collaboration.
 
At the outset, in order to ensure timely and conscientious assistance to the sick, he, who also needed means of subsistence, refused the appointment to be the Municipal Doctor, declaring himself available only if such a position would render feasible the division of service per district.
 
He also carried out political, social welfare, and charitable activities. He was a municipal councilor, a teacher and schoolmaster, and  became the President of the "Opere Pie" (Pious works). During his secular life, he took the "social problems in the South" into consideration and boldly supported the interests of the poor and the underprivileged.
 
Following the example of Christ, he loved the poor and the needy and helped them from his own sustenance and income from his daily work. He refused to accept compensation for his work in the various city schools that operated for the benefit of the youth, and for the direction and care he provided to the works handled by the Congregation of Charity.
 
In 1892, while at the height of all his activities, assisting his patients, Dr. Montemurro  contracted typhoid fever. His condition became so serious  that he vowed to the Sorrowful Virgin that, should he be healed, he would respond to the divine call to the priesthood, which he has been experiencing  for quite a long time then.
 
Immediately, he was completely  healed, but, obstructed by his father to fulfill his  promise to embrace the priesthood, he deferred his decision and returned to his work with greater commitment. However, the thought of the vow made and the urgent invitation of grace that attracted him to clerical life continued to press upon him. He talked to his uncle, Fr. Leopoldo, who advised him to continue serving the Lord in his professional life.
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​EUSTACHIO MONTEMURRO
LIFE: Promoter of social welfare

On June 6, 1895, still immersed in his great pain for the death of his father, notary Giuseppe, on the 2nd day, Dr. Montemurro received the appointment as president of the Congregation of Charity, from which all the works of charity and charity . He knows the precarious economic condition in which the Works are responsible for the Badge for Administration and, however, accepts the nomination, but provided that the Congregation intends to administer the heritage of the poor in respect of justice: without a part .
For a three-year term, Montemurro has been appointed President, deepening his best for the sick, the elderly, the orphans, the young, the infant child and making every effort to revitalize the economic status of the Pie Works. After three years of service, accomplished with personal self-interest and love, he did not tolerate bureaucratic intrigue, on February 17, 1897 resigned spontaneously from office.
 
Orfane GRAVINA - San Domenico - Orphanage When leaving the presidency, even some dear objects belonging to his family are banned for a lottery in favor of orphans. It also commits to the payment of fifty years of lire, natural life during, to be auctioned every 2 June, anniversary of his father's death, for the "marrying" of an orphan, and free medical care for the orphans themselves and children of the ' Infant childcare.
 
Free, and for 22 years, was also the work of Health Director at the "S. Maria del Piede" hospital, as free was the teaching of various disciplines in the schools of the diocesan Seminary before and after the City, and again Free medical visits to poor people. Indeed, the honorary profession of his profession was devoted, for the most part, to subsidize the needs of his neighbor: subsidies to poor students, "marriages" for orphaned girls, offered for the seminary of the diocese, dormitory for families in need.
 
"This love of neighbor," wrote the lawyer. Filippo Gramegna, innate in him, could not become a burning charity capable of any renunciation and sacrifice for the glory of God. "
 
Throughout his 45 years of lay life, the gravine physician, in an alternation of joys and sorrows and in a growing professional success with attention to social problems, experienced: the poverty and humility of the Montemurro of Matera, from which The father came; The agility and refinement of the Barbarossa costumes, from which the mother came; The gentleness of a family, rich in humanity and religiosity, and the wound inflicted by severe mourning, which deprived him of all human affection; The struggles to make a living and the joy and the opportunity to help and comfort many in their needs, witnessing in his daily life his attachment of faith and love to Christ, which says: "I was hungry and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you held me naked and you dressed me, sick and you visited me, jailed and you came to see me " (Mt 25: 34-36).
 
The profile of Montemurro, a "frequent traveler of the poor, a man of social reflection and of civil sentiments," wrote historian Andrea Riccardi, "describes the figures of lay" lay people ", professionals engaged not only in therapy, but also in hygiene and In education: [...] This "holy doctor" becomes a priest "(National Historical Conference, 1994, p. 239).
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​EUSTACHIO MONTEMURRO
LIFE: Fervent Priest

On January 1st, 1903, the "holy physician", as many called him, won all resistance, follows the Lord's call to the priesthood. After having been a perfect Christian laity model, he became an apostle in the world and in the profession, witnessing both God's love for the brothers and the brotherly love of the brothers, helping the weak, the most Poor, the most abandoned.
 
Bishop Cristoforo Maiello, in conferring on him the garment, invites "the faithful to make you feel thanked by the Lord for this great purchase made by the Church of God."
 
On September 24, 1904, at the main altar of the cathedral of Gravina, Eustachio Montemurro is consecrated priest.
With the priesthood, he reasserts his choice of following Christ crucified and working in the Church to raise the poorest in whom He finds Him.
 
The town of Gravina at that time counted 20,000 inhabitants and 35 priests. Of these 18 were the chapter of the cathedral and 12 were chaplains of the church of the Opera Sacro Monte dei Morti, patronage of the Orsini family.
 
Bishop Maiello in a relationship with the Holy See of 1903 wrote: "Oh, if we could restore the canons and the clergy would live together! How many scandals, how many offenses to God would be avoided and how best it would be for the Church! "
 
On 26 October, Fr. Eustachio was appointed vice parish priest of the church of St. Nicholas. Like the bishop, who hoped for the common life of the clergy to overcome the many disadvantages he faced, Fr. Eustachio was aware that extraordinary intervention was needed to start a proper pastoral work and to serve the poor and the poor in particular.
 
As a vice-parish priest, he devoted himself with love and joy especially to the formation of children and young people and to the assistance of the dying people, running to their bedside to prepare them for the farest departure. For his new mission, in a sense, related to the former physician, he can penetrate more deeply into the folds of society in his time and country, and to know the causes and effects of a long neglected pastoral ministry. He realizes that only the service of zealous priests could have improved the general state of decadence of faith and customs.
 
He is well aware that the effective formation of consciences can contribute to the exemplary life of priests, parish priests and vice-parish priests in particular, and that, without such a factor, very hardly there could be authentic Christians and committed to the common good.
 
Montemurro diagnoses among the causes responsible for the indolence in the priestly ministry, that of "secular life" conducted by parish priests and vice-parishioners who, "with their little diligence," greatly contribute to the "propagation of errors against the faith. In times of universal corruption and increasingly intrusive errors and heresies, Montemurro intends to counteract prompt and energetic remedies, especially the teaching of catechism, thus making the anxieties of Pius X.
 
Meanwhile, I meet everyone, especially so many poor children, "who ask for bread and there is who can break them." It was about bread for spirit and body. To be totally devoted to the Apostolate, under the direct obedience of a superior, he at first thinks he embraces the religious state. Pray, reflect, consult and understand that God wants more from him.
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​EUSTACHIO MONTEMURRO
LIFE: Founder

Therefore, by the grace of the Holy Spirit and encouraged by the Servant of God, Antonio M. Losito to start permanent works of pastoral service and civic and religious education, on November 21st, 1907 he founded the Congregation of the Little Brothers of SS. Sacramento for Eucharistic worship and the formation of good parish priests. On May 1st, 1908, he founded the Daughters of the Sacred Cost to repair the offenses that the Heart of Jesus receives specially from consecrated persons, and for the Christian and civic education of the people's maidens.
 
For about three years, raising interest even beyond his diocese, Fr. Eustachio expects the founding and development of the two Congregations. Some ecclesiastics of Gravina, however, considering the "excess of zeal" the work of him prevents the bishop of Gravina, Nicola Zimarino.
 
It is worth it for the presbyter to consult with the Canon Annibale Maria Di Francia, from whom he has great assurances about Montemurro both with respect to the principles that animate him and with regard to the project of his incipient foundation. With the most original aspect of the thought of his friend Montemurro, on October 1st, 1910, Di Francia wrote to the bishop of Gravina, emphasizing the purpose:
 
"It would be a very sacred purpose, to fill a void that has existed for centuries in the Church, to form centers of eternal health in every parish, and to organize thus the flock of God, forming the pastoral action of the parish priests, which must be all 'The height and breadth of their sacred responsibility and their sacred office.'
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​EUSTACHIO MONTEMURRO
LIFE: The hour of the cross

Unfortunately, Msgr. Zimarino, who also appreciates Montemurro for his culture, pity and integrity of life, does not find feasible the works he started. With his repeated use to the Congregation of Religious, the prelate provokes the Decree of 21 February 1911 for the suppression of the institutes instituted by his priest and on June 23, 1911, he applied it to his diocese.
 
Don Eustachio, who has always made a firm decision in the field of justice, in the defense of the poor, in the tenacity of the propositions, submits to the will of God the Father and in all follows Jesus Christ, who, mild and humble, Calvary goes up. He does not dispute, drinks the cup of incomprehension and obeys unconditionally to his bishop and to all ecclesiastical superiors, who deprive him of the direction of the works he founded.
 
Particular circumstances lead to the trust of the two institutes at can. Annibale Maria Di Francia, a friend of Montemurro and his defender at the Congregation of Religious. To Redemptorist p. Antonio Maria Losito, his spiritual director, don Eustachio writes:
 
"Father, I do not turn away from work, but if the Lord wanted this proof of the love that I brought to him, that he would separate me from the Works where he put me and go elsewhere in search of asylum, as He went, Different places, I want to content that Adorable Heart that suffered so much for me in the ages of Gethsemane and in the calvary wretches [...]. No way I want to displease the Holy Father. "
 
Bishops, cardinals and prelates cling to Don Eustachio. They find that the priest-priest, founder of works useful to the Church, is the victim of ruthless human machinations and with letters to the dicasteries of the Roman Curia, the Pope and the apostolic visitor defending his pity, humility, obedience and the great utility of His foundation project for the revitalization of the Church, especially in the South of Italy.
 
Pius X, with his telegram, before December 8, 1911, allowed the continuation of the female work and with further intervention on June 28, 1913, pray the bishop of Gravina to allow Don Eustachio and his companion, Fr. Saverio Valerio, to To go to the diocese of Nola and to play an Apostolate at the Valley of Pompeii.
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​EUSTACHIO MONTEMURRO
LIFE: Emigration to Pompeii

On January 7th, 1914 Don Eustachio moved to Pompeii, welcomed with paternal affection by the Pontifical Delegate, His Eminence Augusto Silj, and his beloved friend Bartolo Longo. It will soon follow Don Saverio Valerio, left to Gravina to silence the people, opposed to their departure.
 
In 1915, having the house given for the purpose by the Pontifical Delegation, Fr. Eustachio began to welcome some people to resume the Work of the Little Brothers of SS Sacramento, but Bishop Zimarino insists on having the periodic return of the two to Gravina. Don Eustachio and Don Saverio address S. S. Benedetto XV. The Pope, through the Secretary of State, Card. Pietro Gasparri, writes to the bishop of Gravina, who is his "august desire" that the two priests do not depart from Pompeii "for the great good they do to souls."
 
Supported by the authority of card. Augusto Silj and the encouragement of Blessed Bartolo Longo, at first it seems that the male Congregation may resume. But the outbreak of the First World War, which takes away the first members and multiplies the work of priests left in the pastoral care, and the Spanish fever epidemic, which sees Fr. Eustachio in the forefront not only as a priest for the administration of the Sacraments, but also as a physician, prevent the creation of male work, which was so much in his heart for the support that he could have given to the female institute and to the aggregate laity associations in the future.
 
With serenity and heroic constancy, Don Eustachio awaits the Apostolic Ministry throughout the Pompeii Valley: long hours to the confessional at the comfort of those who, in the early afternoon, go to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Rosary; Catechesis for children and adults; Spiritual direction; Popular missions; Visits to families abandoned in the countryside; Pastoral care of infirm and dying, especially during the infuriating of Spanish fever; Absolute availability for anyone who needs help and comfort.
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​EUSTACHIO MONTEMURRO
LIFE: Holy Death

From Pompeii don Eustachio follows with patience the sorrows of the Daughters of the Holy Cost, which, since 1918, run the risk of a split. The Founder works to ward off her, but every hope of herself and others is out of vain. He, in a vision of faith and love, renews the total offering of himself to Christ by the perverted Costosa, accepting this sacrifice as well.
 
He closes his days at dawn on January 2, 1923, leaving behind him a trail of disciples, priests, religious and laity who, attracted by his message of "to make known to men the love that God brings to them so that everyone The amino and nobody offend, "follows the teaching and the example of life devoted entirely to the service of God and man.
 
The Daughters of the Holy Shroud, present today in the Church in two distinct papal Congregation, Missionary Sisters of the Holy Shrouded Church and Mary's Assumption and Holy Catechist Missionary Sisters, operate in different parts of the world.
 
The Congregation of the Little Brothers of SS Sacramento, who disappeared at birth, in 1993, with the consent of S.E. Emilio Pignoli, bishop of Campo Limpo - Brazil, resumes life by priest priest-priest Giovanni Volmir dos Santos. At present it has over 50 members, some of whom carry out their training in Italy.
 
The two Congregations engage with zeal in the catechetical, liturgical, pastoral, pedagogical, welfare and missionary fields, while the Little Brothers of the Sacred Sacrament dedicate mainly to the revitalization of the parishes entrusted to them, such as centers of spiritual life and pastoral service.
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