Ignatius of Santhià

Ignatius of Santhià (5 June 1686 – 22 September 1770), born Lorenzo Maurizio Belvisotti, was an Italian Roman Catholic priest and a professed member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin.

Belvisotti made it his mission to help penitents in the sacrament of Reconciliation and also devoted himself to the care of the ill. He gained a strong reputation for the humble and austere nature of his life in addition to the application of the Franciscan charism in his life which served as a model for thousands.

He was canonized in 2002 after three miracles had been attributed to him and as recognition for his long life of service and heroic virtue.

Life Lorenzo Maurizio Belvisotti was born in Vercelli on 5 June 1686 as the fourth of six children to Pietro Paolo Belvisotti and Maria Elisabetta Balocco. His education came from a local priest - Bartolomeo Quallio - who inspired him to discern a potential call to religious life. His education came at the age of seven after the death of his father. He travelled to Vercelli from his village for theological and philosophical studies in 1706.

The third and final miracle for sainthood was investigated in 1993 and was ratified on 3 June 1994. Pope John Paul II approved the miracle on 20 December 2001 and canonized him on 19 May 2002.

His body lies under the altar in the left chapel in the Church of Santa Maria al Monte dei Cappuccini, Turin.