Antonino Baglieri: A Life of Suffering, Faith, and Service

The journey toward sainthood for Antonino Baglieri, a courageous quadriplegic layman who, despite his suffering, devoted his life to bringing Jesus to others in pain, reached a significant milestone on January 21, 2025, when the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints officially validated the legal standing of the diocesan inquiry into his Cause of Beatification and Canonization. 

The decision, endorsed by Prefect Cardinal Marcello Semeraro and Secretary Monsignor Fabio Fabene, acknowledges the rigorous investigative process surrounding Baglieri’s life and virtues. This process includes thorough testimonies and historical documentation, underscoring the profound impact of his journey.

Born on May 1, 1951, in Modica, Italy, Baglieri was an energetic young man who worked as a bricklayer. However, his life changed dramatically on May 6, 1968, when he fell from a 17-meter-high scaffolding, leaving him completely paralyzed for life. His mother, Giuseppina, committed herself to his lifelong care, demonstrating immense faith and resilience. The following decade was marked by suffering, loneliness, and despair, as Baglieri remained confined to his home, battling the emotional and physical challenges of his condition.

A profound transformation occurred on Good Friday, March 24, 1978, at precisely 4:00 p.m., when members of the Catholic movement Renewal in the Spirit prayed over him. He later described this moment as life-changing, saying, "From that moment, I accepted my Cross and said my 'yes' to the Lord." Inspired by faith, he immersed himself in studying the Gospels and began using his mouth to write letters, memoirs, and personalized messages for visitors. Through telephone conversations, he offered comfort to the sick, spreading hope beyond his physical limitations.

Baglieri's commitment to service deepened when he joined the Salesian Family as a Salesian Cooperator in 1982. He later made his perpetual profession with the Volunteers With Don Bosco (CDB) on August 31, 2004. Until his passing on March 2, 2007, he remained an inspiration to many. His wish to be buried in sneakers symbolized his readiness to "run toward God" on his final journey.

Reflecting on the recent Vatican decision, Postulator General Pierluigi Cameroni called it "a great achievement, the result of the passion and competence of the diocesan Tribunal and the Historical Commission." Archbishop Salvatore Rumeo of Noto, alongside the Salesian Family of Sicily, welcomed the news with joy.

As the next step in the process, the Vatican will appoint a Rapporteur to oversee the preparation of the Positio super virtutibus, a document summarizing Baglieri’s virtues and path to holiness. His life, marked by suffering yet transformed by faith, continues to inspire many worldwide.

(Sources: ANS, Vatican Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, Diocese of Noto)