Blessed Alberto Marvelli

Alberto Marvelli (21 March 1918 – 5 October 1946) was an Italian Catholic and a member of the Catholic Action movement. He became noted for his defense of the poor and for selflessness during World War II in tending to the homeless and wounded despite the devastating air raids while placing himself at risk in doing so. Marvelli also saved numerous people from deportation since he would free them from sealed train carriages before the train could set off. Marvelli was also an active champion for social justice and was known for giving his possessions to the poor and homeless, especially during the harsh winter periods. He served as a town councilor for some time after the war and helped in restoration efforts though he died in an accident before election as a Christian Democrat candidate. Marvelli's reputation for holiness and his faith led to the cause for his beatification being introduced, and Pope John Paul II beatified Marvelli in 2004 in Loreto. Alberto Marvelli was born on 21 March 1918 in Ferrara as the second of six children to Luigi Marvelli (a bank clerk) and his wife Maria Mayr. In his childhood, Marvelli was known for being a thoughtful and reserved individual though with an enthusiastic willingness to aid other people. His mother - who herself worked in charities - was a special influence on his religious formation and often invited the poor to their home. The Marvelli's later moved to Rimini in June 1930. In Rimini, Marvelli attended the Salesian "oratorio" school and was involved with the Catholic Action group in his parish from the age of twelve. One childhood friend of his was the filmmaker Federico Fellini; he loved all kinds of sports and especially cycling. Marvelli's father died unexpectedly on 7 March 1933, leaving his wife to take care of the children alone. It was some months later in October that Marvelli began to keep a spiritual journal.