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".
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
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
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.
- 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.
- In high school "Emanuele Duni" in Matera, visiting his paternal uncles who were living a poor life, he realized the inconvenience of those who living under economic constraints. It developed in him an innate sense of justice, live according to what is necessary, made him sensitive to the needs of his neighbor.
- In the fall of 1875, Eustachio began his studies in Medicine and Surgery at the University of Naples.
- On July 23, 1879, he obtained a special degree in Math and Natural Sciences
- On August 23, 1881, he graduated in Medicine and Surgery.
- Shortly thereafter his training, he was called to serve in the military service and was stationed in Bologna.
EUSTACHIO MONTEMURRO
Medical Doctor
Medical Doctor
- 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, and of his capacity for dialogue and spirit of collaboration.
- He was appointment to be the Municipal Doctor in Gravina
- He also carried out political and charitable activities. He was a municipal councilor, a teacher and schoolmaster, and became the President of the "Opere Pie" (Pious Works). 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 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 promise 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.
EUSTACHIO MONTEMURRO
Social Advocate
Social Advocate
- On June 6, 1895, still immersed in his great pain for the death of his father, notary Giuseppe, Dr. Montemurro received the appointment as president of the Congregation of Charity which was in-charge of the orphanage for girls, the pre-school and the hospital Santa Maria del Piede
- Montemurro held the office of President for three years, giving 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 "Opere Pie". On February 17, 1897, he resigned spontaneously from the office.
- When leaving the presidency, he gave some precious family objects for lottery in support of orphanage for girls. He pledged to the givefifty years of lire for the rest of his life to be raffled every year for the dowry of an orphan girl.
- For 22 years, he worked as Health Director at "S. Maria del Piede" hospital, taught various disciplines in the schools of the diocesan Seminary for free and offered free medical visits to poor people.
- He experienced everything. He lived the poverty of the Montemurros of Matera from whom his father descended. He knew the comfort and distinction of the Barbarossas on his mother side. He also knew the tenderness of a family rich in kindness and faith, and the grief caused by great losses which deprived him of every human affection. He endured the struggles to provide for his livelihood and shared in the joy from the experience of providing for and comforting many in need. Thus, he gave witness of his faithful obedience to Christ who said, "I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you welcome me; naked and you clothed me; sick and you visited me; imprisoned and you came to visit me". (Matthew 25:35-36)
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EUSTACHIO MONTEMURRO
Zealous Priest
Zealous Priest
- On January 1st, 1903, he entered the seminary and began his formation to the priesthood.
- On September 24, 1904, at the main altar of the Cathedral of Gravina, Eustachio Montemurro was ordained priest.
- On 26 October, Fr. Eustachio was appointed parish vicar of the church of St. Nicholas.
- As parish vicar, he devoted himself with love and joy especially to the formation of children and young people and to the assistance of the dying people.
- With his 22 years of experience in serving and tending to bodily ailments and alleviating those of the spirit, he perceived that in order to revive the faith and amend people's behavior, it was necessary to awaken the sense of responsibility of priests and even of bishops. This had to be achieved by a radical return to the Gospel.
- He is well aware that the effective formation of consciences can contribute to the exemplary life of priests and that, without such a factor, very hardly could there be authentic Christians who are committed to the common good.
- Therefore giving up everything and resolving to follow Christ in his poverty and as the Good Shepherd, he went in search of souls to be saved. He awakened the pastoral responsibility of his fellow priests, stimulated ecclesiastical superiors to charity, and urged the bishops to be vigilant over the flock entrusted to them by visiting the churches and inspiring the clergy to effectively proclaim the Gospel to the people.
EUSTACHIO MONTEMURRO
Founder
On May 1st, 1908, trusting in the vocation to the religious life of his penitent Chiara Terribile, he founded the Daughters of the Sacred Costato 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.
Having founded the congregation, Fr. Eustachio strove zealous to attract other vocations, which began to come in great numbers by 1909. Spiritual Directors in Gravina and elsewhere began to direct young ladies to the Congregation. Jesuit Father Gennaro Maria Bracale, to whom Father Eustachio went for spiritual guidance, also sent some of his penitents among them were Maria Addolorata (Sister Teresa Quaranta) and Teresina (Sister Maria) D'Ippolito.
The establishments of the religious congregations, founded on evangelical poverty and a high regard for saintly life, made Father Montemurro the object of admiration both in and out of the doicese. Many consider him a man of God, an exemplary priest and a zealous apostle of the love of Christ who shows all men and women his pierced side and invites them to draw from his heart the means for their salvation as well as that of others.
Founder
On May 1st, 1908, trusting in the vocation to the religious life of his penitent Chiara Terribile, he founded the Daughters of the Sacred Costato 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.
Having founded the congregation, Fr. Eustachio strove zealous to attract other vocations, which began to come in great numbers by 1909. Spiritual Directors in Gravina and elsewhere began to direct young ladies to the Congregation. Jesuit Father Gennaro Maria Bracale, to whom Father Eustachio went for spiritual guidance, also sent some of his penitents among them were Maria Addolorata (Sister Teresa Quaranta) and Teresina (Sister Maria) D'Ippolito.
The establishments of the religious congregations, founded on evangelical poverty and a high regard for saintly life, made Father Montemurro the object of admiration both in and out of the doicese. Many consider him a man of God, an exemplary priest and a zealous apostle of the love of Christ who shows all men and women his pierced side and invites them to draw from his heart the means for their salvation as well as that of others.
EUSTACHIO MONTEMURRO
LIFE: The hour of the cross
However, some ecclesiastics in Gravina had some reservations. They considered Montemurro's zeal as excessive prompting the bishop of Gravina, Nicola Zimarino to adopt severe measures against him and the congregation.
Just three years after the founding of the congregation, Bishop Zimarino worked through the Holy See for the promulgation of the Decree of the Suppression and applied it in his diocese.
Father Eustachio did not want to cause any displeasure to the Holy Father. So, after doing everything he could to save the congregation, he relinquished the responsibility of their direction. To his spiritual director, he wrote the following:
"Father, I again repeat to you before God and the Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Sorrows, that though considering myself a great sinner, I think that, as far as the institute is concerned, I always had before my eyes God's glory for which I strove to consume all the energies I possessed...
Since an order has now come which deprives me of the responsibility of the congregation and decrees that this must be terminated, should I
not rather just obey and let others be concerned, so that the matters be resolved in a more favorable manner?...
If at present I should become a stumbling block, may I be taken away; may I be crushed as long as God be given glory...
If the Lord wants from me this witness of my love for him now, namely that I withdraw myself from the very undertakings where he had placed me and that I go elsewhere like an exile seeking refuge, much like himself who wandered through many places, my desire is to please that heart
deserving of worship...
The Bishops from other dioceses, however, were not sure that should put an end to the congregation that appeared so indispensable to their diocese. People appreciated and were benefiting from them. Hence, they tried to rescue them by sending reports to Reverend Del Papa for that purpose.
Bishop Ignazio Monterissi appealed to Pope Pius X to allow the Daughters of the "Sacro Costato" to continue their religious work under his supervision. The petition was successful not only for the house of Potenza but also for those in Minervino (Diocese of Andrea) and Spinazzola (Diocese of Venosa).
In agreement with Fr. Montemurro, the interested bishops considered it opportune to entrust the congregation to the supervision of Saint Hannibale di Francia who agreed to assist his friend so greatly tried.
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 go to the diocese of Nola and to do apostolatolic work at the Valley of Pompeii.
LIFE: The hour of the cross
However, some ecclesiastics in Gravina had some reservations. They considered Montemurro's zeal as excessive prompting the bishop of Gravina, Nicola Zimarino to adopt severe measures against him and the congregation.
Just three years after the founding of the congregation, Bishop Zimarino worked through the Holy See for the promulgation of the Decree of the Suppression and applied it in his diocese.
Father Eustachio did not want to cause any displeasure to the Holy Father. So, after doing everything he could to save the congregation, he relinquished the responsibility of their direction. To his spiritual director, he wrote the following:
"Father, I again repeat to you before God and the Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Sorrows, that though considering myself a great sinner, I think that, as far as the institute is concerned, I always had before my eyes God's glory for which I strove to consume all the energies I possessed...
Since an order has now come which deprives me of the responsibility of the congregation and decrees that this must be terminated, should I
not rather just obey and let others be concerned, so that the matters be resolved in a more favorable manner?...
If at present I should become a stumbling block, may I be taken away; may I be crushed as long as God be given glory...
If the Lord wants from me this witness of my love for him now, namely that I withdraw myself from the very undertakings where he had placed me and that I go elsewhere like an exile seeking refuge, much like himself who wandered through many places, my desire is to please that heart
deserving of worship...
The Bishops from other dioceses, however, were not sure that should put an end to the congregation that appeared so indispensable to their diocese. People appreciated and were benefiting from them. Hence, they tried to rescue them by sending reports to Reverend Del Papa for that purpose.
Bishop Ignazio Monterissi appealed to Pope Pius X to allow the Daughters of the "Sacro Costato" to continue their religious work under his supervision. The petition was successful not only for the house of Potenza but also for those in Minervino (Diocese of Andrea) and Spinazzola (Diocese of Venosa).
In agreement with Fr. Montemurro, the interested bishops considered it opportune to entrust the congregation to the supervision of Saint Hannibale di Francia who agreed to assist his friend so greatly tried.
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 go to the diocese of Nola and to do apostolatolic work at the Valley of Pompeii.
EUSTACHIO MONTEMURRO
Incardination 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. Later, Don Saverio Valerio also moved to Pompeii to join him in his work.
With serenity and heroic constancy, Don Eustachio resumed his Apostolic Ministry throughout the Valley of Pompeii, spending long hours in the confessional at the comfort of those who go to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Rosary; Teaching Catechism to children and adults; giving spiritual direction; Visiting families in the countryside; Caring for the infirm and dying, especially during the Spanish fever epidemic; and absolute availability for anyone who needs help and comfort.
Incardination 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. Later, Don Saverio Valerio also moved to Pompeii to join him in his work.
With serenity and heroic constancy, Don Eustachio resumed his Apostolic Ministry throughout the Valley of Pompeii, spending long hours in the confessional at the comfort of those who go to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Rosary; Teaching Catechism to children and adults; giving spiritual direction; Visiting families in the countryside; Caring for the infirm and dying, especially during the Spanish fever epidemic; and absolute availability for anyone who needs help and comfort.
EUSTACHIO MONTEMURRO
LIFE: Holy Death
From Pompeii Don Eustachio follows with patience what was happening to the the Daughters of the Sacro Costato. Father Eustachio did everything in his power to avert the division of the congregation and reconcile the differences. Nevertheless, all efforts from him and others were useless. To him this was the bitter piercing of his heart,as he wrote to Mother Teresa Quaranta.
In this new hour of his painful Calvary, and in a new vision of faith and love, he renewed the total surrender of himself to Christ pierced in his side, accepting as his final sacrifice the suffering and humiliation that the current events were inflicting upon him. Physically exhausted and consumed by the love of God and his brethren, Father Eustachio completed his earthly journey on the morning of January 2, 1923.
LIFE: Holy Death
From Pompeii Don Eustachio follows with patience what was happening to the the Daughters of the Sacro Costato. Father Eustachio did everything in his power to avert the division of the congregation and reconcile the differences. Nevertheless, all efforts from him and others were useless. To him this was the bitter piercing of his heart,as he wrote to Mother Teresa Quaranta.
In this new hour of his painful Calvary, and in a new vision of faith and love, he renewed the total surrender of himself to Christ pierced in his side, accepting as his final sacrifice the suffering and humiliation that the current events were inflicting upon him. Physically exhausted and consumed by the love of God and his brethren, Father Eustachio completed his earthly journey on the morning of January 2, 1923.
