Parabiago 3.0

Birthplace of Davide Giovanni Ceriani priest

Father Davide Giovanni Ceriani is a Somasque Father who was born in San Lorenzo 15/06/1867 and died in Como 10/10/1945. His birthplace is located on Costa di San Lorenzo n° 14 in Nerviano.

He spent his youth working as a blacksmith-ironer until the age of 20, when he was called to military service.

In 1900 he became a priest in the Congregation of the Somaschi Fathers.

Elected Provost General in 1932 to 1938, he was confirmed in office by the Supreme Pontiff Pius XI, for the development of the rebirth of the Order.

He distinguished himself for having renewed the Congregation, following in an exemplary way the Rules of the founder St. Girolamo Emiliani, father of orphans and abandoned youth. In 1919 he founded an orphanage in Como for the care and integral education of children and young people.

In Corbetta in 1935, he bought Villa Brentano where he established the philosophical-theological seminary for the formation of future Somaschi Fathers. He embellished the Sanctuary of the Holy Crucifix in Como with statues and frescoes of high artistic value, and was its zealous custodian and soul of the sacred functions. He was in charge of the spiritual direction of female religious institutes. He had the temporary direction of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Action. He was called to be a member of the Provincial Committee of the National Work for Orphans of War. He took part in the foundation of the Institute of "Providence and Rehabilitation of Minors" in Maccio (Co) of which he was appointed Director by Bishop Maccchi. And so we could continue.

During the First and Second World War he represented a point of reference and charitable support for the entire city, a link between the military and families. He had the esteem of influential civil and religious personalities, in particular Bishop Alessandro Macchi. He made his Archives a privileged place: he welcomed everyone without distinction of class or social extraction or religious office; he listened, advised, provided: for many he was a friend and advisor, for all he was a father.

In 1945 he died in Como, with a reputation for holiness. His body is in the Sanctuary of the Holy Crucifix.

In the year 2015, the 70th anniversary of his death is celebrated with the involvement of the municipalities of Parabiago, Nerviano, Vittorio Veneto, Corbetta, Como.