Carlo Crespi

Don Carlo Crespi (In Spanish Padre Carlos Crespi Croci) was an Italian Catholic Priest of the Salesian Congregation, who was born in Legnano (Milan, Italy) on 29 May 1891 to Daniele Crespi and Luisa Croci. Carlo was the third of thirteen children, one of his youngest brothers, Delfino Pietro Luigi Crespi (born in 1907, when Carlo was 16, became also a Salesian and was a missionary in Thailand.) Like Saint John Bosco, from the time he was a child, the Lord had given him great gifts: intelligence, generosity and good will. After attending the local school, he met the Salesians when he was 12, at St Ambrose College in Milan where he finished his secondary studies.

“When I was studying there" Fr Carlo said "the Blessed Virgin revealed something to me in a dream: I saw myself dressed as a priest with a long beard in an old pulpit, and I was preaching to lots of people. The pulpit looked like it was in a hut rather than a church…”.

Fr Carlo Crespi: Ecuador’s Beloved Missionary and Modern-Day Saint[]

In the heart of Cuenca, Ecuador, the legacy of Fr Carlo Crespi Croci stands as a radiant example of humility, intellect, and devotion. Born in Legnano, Italy, in 1891, he joined the Salesians in Turin, drawn to the vision of Don Bosco. After his novitiate in Foglizzo, Crespi made his religious vows and immersed himself in the study of philosophy and theology. Alongside his formation, he taught sciences, mathematics, and music—his gifts already lifting others before he left the classroom behind.

Ordained in 1917, Crespi’s scientific curiosity led to the discovery of a previously unknown microorganism at the University of Padua. He went on to earn doctorates in both natural sciences and music before heeding a missionary call in 1923, prompted by a vision of the Blessed Virgin. That call would take him to Ecuador, where he arrived in Cuenca and never left.

There, he poured himself into helping the poor. He brought electricity to Macas, opened an agricultural school in Yanuncay, and founded workshops that became the Universidad Politécnica Salesiana del Ecuador. In 1940, he launched a Faculty of Education, served as its first rector, and later established a primary school and College of Oriental Studies to support young Salesians heading into remote regions.

His cultural contributions included founding the Museo Crespi, a treasure trove of archaeological and ethnographic artifacts. He also championed vocational training for girls through sewing workshops—one of many ways he uplifted Cuenca’s most vulnerable.

Fr Crespi was showered with honors: the Gold Medal of Merit from Ecuador’s president, recognition from Italy, and the title of “most illustrious citizen of Cuenca of the 20th century.” But it was his spiritual presence that left the deepest mark. Known affectionately as “San Carlos Crespi,” he was beloved for his devotion to Mary Help of Christians and tireless service. On Sundays, he taught catechism to street children and gave bread to the hungry.

In July 2025, his remains were exhumed and transferred to Cuenca’s Shrine of Mary Help of Christians—a key step in his path to sainthood. Archbishop Marcos Pérez declared: “A priest with a universal heart, very Ecuadorian, very much ours... the people have venerated him and regarded him as a saint.”

Fr Pierluigi Cameroni, Postulator General, added: “The cause of Fr Crespi belongs not only to the Salesians but to the entire Church... lived out with simplicity, among the people and the poorest.”

Fr Carlo Crespi died in 1982, mourned across Ecuador—but his light has never dimmed.

Testimonies[]

Fr Carlo Crespi’s life has drawn admiration from many prominent voices, especially within the Salesian community and the Church in Ecuador. Here are some notable testimonies and reflections:

Ecclesiastical Voices

Archbishop Marcos Aurelio Pérez Caicedo of Cuenca: During the canonical recognition of Fr Crespi’s remains in July 2025, he declared: “Today we recognize the mortal remains of a priest who lived and worked in our city — a priest with a universal heart, very Ecuadorian, very much ours. From the time of his death, the people have venerated him and regarded him as a saint.”

Fr Pierluigi Cameroni, SDB, Postulator General for the Causes of Saints: “We are witnessing a true ecclesial event. The cause of Fr Crespi belongs not only to the Salesians but to the entire Church. It is a path of holiness lived out with simplicity, among the people and the poorest.”

Historical and Spiritual Reflections

Dr. Angélica Almeida, Secretary of the Pro-Beatification Commission: She described the exhumation and transfer of Fr Crespi’s remains as “days of prayer, intense work, and deep contemplation,” affirming his legacy as a missionary and spiritual father.

Salesian Bulletin highlighted his heroic virtues, especially hope, noting how he comforted a grieving Kivaro mother with words of eternal life and how he responded to the destruction of the Cornelio Merchán school by saying: “Pachilla is no more, but we will build a better one and the children will be happier and more content.”

Personal Witness

Fr Crespi’s personal physician, who cared for him for 25 years, testified: “When he saw that the doors of eternity were open and perhaps the Virgin was waiting for him, he silenced us and made us all pray.”

These voices reflect not just admiration, but a deep conviction that Fr Crespi lived a life of sanctity, humility, and unwavering service.

Decree of Venerability of the Servant of God Carlo Crespi, SDB published[]

(ANS - Vatican City, 26 April 2023) - The Dicastery for the Causes of Saints has transmitted to the Postulator General of the Causes of the Saints of the Salesian Family, Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni, the Decree by which, on March 23, 2023, the Supreme Pontiff Francis declares and affirms "The theological virtues of the Faith, Hope, and Charity toward God as well as toward one's neighbor, the cardinal virtues of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance and the other related virtues, practiced to a heroic degree by the Servant of God Carlo Crespi Croci, Professed Priest of the Salesian Society of St. John Bosco, in the case and for the purpose at hand." The Decree is signed by the Prefect of the Dicastery, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, and the Secretary, Msgr. Fabio Fabene.

It begins by quoting the biblical phrase from St. Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians: "We have been loving in your midst, like a mother who cares for her children. Thus, being fond of you, we would have wished to pass on to you not only the gospel of God, but our own life, because you have become dear to us" (1 Thess 2:7-8), indicating that the missionary life of the Servant of God Carlo Crespi Croci was profoundly characterized by both the Salesian loving-kindness and by the tireless industriousness typical of St. John Bosco's preventive system, of which he was a faithful and passionate follower in the land of Ecuador, both among the Shuar people and in the city of Cuenca, where he spent much of his long life.

After succinctly tracing the stages of the great missionary's life, the Decree summarizes the steps that accompanied the Cause of Beatification: on the strength of the reputation for holiness, the Diocesan Inquest was celebrated at the Archdiocesan Curia of Cuenca (Ecuador) from March 2 to December 7, 2007, the validity of which was recognized by a decree of January 15, 2010. Having prepared the Positio, it was submitted to the Theological Consultors for their consideration on October 11, 2022. The Ordinary Session of the Fathers Cardinals and Bishops was held on March 7, 2023.

It is worth recalling that just one hundred years ago, on April 24, 1923, the young Carlo Crespi landed in Ecuador, the land of his tireless and passionate missionary frontier. In a later writing, he would recall with great emotion his first departure for the Missions: "I remember my departure from Genoa on March 22 of the year 1923 [...]. When, having removed the bridges that still held us fast to our native land, the ship began to move, my soul was pervaded by a joy so overwhelming, so superhuman, so ineffable, that such I had never felt in any moment of my life, not even on the day of my first Communion, not even on the day of my first Mass. In that instant, I began to understand what the missionary was and what God reserved for him [...]. Pray fervently, that God may preserve our holy vocation and make us worthy of our holy mission; that none of the souls may perish, which in His eternal decrees, God has willed to be saved through us, that He may make us valiant champions of the faith, even unto death, even unto martyrdom."

Text Decree of Venerability[]

Free Translation

Dicastery of the Cause of Saints.

CONCHENSIS IN AEQUATORE, BEATIFICATIONIS et CANONIZATIONIS SERVI DEI CAROLI CRESPI CROCI SACERDOTIS PROFESSI SOCIETATIS SANCTI FRANCISCI SALESII (1891-1982)

DECREE ON HEROIC VIRTUES

“We were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her own children. So affectionately devoted to you, we were eager to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us” (1 Thess 2:7-8).

The missionary life of the Servant of God Carlo Crespi Croci was deeply characterized by both Salesian loving-kindness and the tireless work inherent in the preventive system of St. John Bosco, of whom he was a faithful and passionate follower in Ecuador, both among the Shuar people and in the city of Cuenca, where he spent much of his long life.

Born in Legnano (Milan) on May 29, 1891, the third of thirteen children, to a wealthy and influential family, the Servant of God attended the local school and at the age of twelve entered the Salesian Institute of St. Ambrose in Milan, where he had his first encounter with the Salesian movement. In 1903, he attended the Salesian High School in Turin-Valsalice to complete his studies, and it was there that he met Renato Ziggiotti, his classmate and future successor of St. John Bosco. Feeling a calling to Salesian life, he completed his novitiate year on September 8, 1907, and made his first religious profession in 1910. During this period, he deepened his studies in theology and philosophy, and taught mathematics, music, and natural sciences. On January 28, 1917, he was ordained a priest.

At the University of Padua, he discovered the existence of a previously unknown microorganism, making a name for himself in the scientific community for this important discovery. In 1921, he earned a doctorate in natural sciences, specializing in botany, and shortly thereafter earned a diploma in music.

In 1923, he left for Ecuador as a missionary. He spent the first six months of 1925 in the forests of the Sucúa-Macas area, aiming to gain an in-depth understanding of the language, territory, culture, and spirituality of the Shuar people. Drawing on his knowledge of various cultural fields, he began a revolutionary and innovative work of evangelization, based on the exchange and mutual enrichment of very different cultures. He learned about indigenous myths and reinterpreted them according to a new interpretation, transformed and enriched in the light of the Catholic faith. Father Carlo soon became a friend, and the Christian message, transmitted with care and respect, was no longer the religion of the foreigner, but something the population recognized as their own.

Having settled in Cuenca, he began an unprecedented work of human development, founding several institutions: the festive oratory, the Normal Orientalista for the training of Salesian missionaries, the "Cornelio Merchán" elementary school, the school of arts and crafts that would later take the name of the Salesian Technical College, the Quinta Agronomica, the first agricultural institute in the region, the Salesian Theater, the Great Community House, the "Domenico Savio" Orphanage, and the "Carlo Crespi" Museum, renowned for its numerous scientific exhibits. In 1938, he organized the First Diocesan Eucharistic Congress in Cuenca.

Generations of Cuenca residents benefited from his teachings and his generosity. The gratitude of the common people for the good done by Father Crespi was such that it was forcefully demonstrated even in the painful circumstance of a fire in 1962 that almost completely destroyed the "Cornelio Merchán" Institute. The people of Cuenca participated unhesitatingly in the reconstruction.

Underlying his immense work and multifaceted activities was the desire to imitate Christ in his preferential love for the poor, his closeness to the little ones, and his concern for sinners. His great humility was reflected in the simplicity of his gestures.

Much of his time was spent at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Cuenca, whose devotion he zealously spread. The last years of his life were spent entirely in the seclusion of the confessional, where the faithful lined up in long lines, eager to receive the sacrament of reconciliation, but also counsel and comfort.

Weakened by a life of hardship, having chosen to live as a poor man among the poor, on April 30, 1982, now almost a centenary, after having asked for the last time to hold the crucifix, the Servant of God died in the Santa Inés Clinic in Cuenca from bronchopneumonia and a heart attack.

Given his reputation for sanctity, the Diocesan Inquiry was conducted at the Archbishop's Curia of Cuenca, Ecuador, from March 2 to December 7, 2007, and its validity was recognized by this Dicastery with a decree dated January 15, 2010. The Positio was prepared and submitted to the Theological Consultors for examination on October 11, 2022.

The Ordinary Session of the Cardinals and Bishops was held on March 7, 2023. The undersigned Cardinal Prefect then reported all these matters to the Supreme Pontiff Francis. His Holiness, accepting and confirming the votes of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, declared today: The theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity toward God and neighbor, the cardinal virtues of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance, and the other related virtues, practiced to a heroic degree by the Servant of God Carlo Crespi Croci, Professed Priest of the Salesian Society of St. John Bosco, in the case and for the purpose in question, are established.

The Holy Father has ordered that this decree be published and transcribed in the proceedings of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.

Given in Rome on March 23, in the year of our Lord 2023.

MARCELLO Card. SEMERARO Prefetto

FABIO FABENE Arciv. tit. di Montefiascone Segretario

Fr. Carlo Crespi, SDB, is Venerable[]

(ANS - Vatican City, 24 March 2023) - On March 23, 2023, the Holy Father Francis received in audience Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. During the Audience, the Supreme Pontiff authorized the same Dicastery to promulgate the Decree concerning the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Carlo Crespi Croci, professed priest of the Salesian Society of St. John Bosco; born May 29, 1891, in Legnano, Italy, he died April 30, 1982, in Cuenca, Ecuador.

Carlo Crespi was born in Legnano, near Milan, on May 29, 1891, as the third of 13 children, to a wealthy and influential family. He attended the local school and at the age of 12 entered the Salesian Institute Sant'Ambrogio Opera Don Bosco in Milan, where he made his first encounter with the Salesian reality. In 1903, he went to the Salesian high school in Valsalice, Turin, to complete his studies and it was here that he met Renato Ziggiotti, his classmate and future Successor of St. John Bosco. Sensing a call to Salesian life, he completed his novitiate in Foglizzo and made his first religious profession on September 8, 1907. In 1910, he made his perpetual profession.

It was during this period that he deepened his study of theology and philosophy and he taught mathematics, music, and natural sciences. On January 28, 1917, he is ordained a priest. At the University of Padua, he discovers the existence of a hitherto unknown microorganism, becoming known in scientific circles for this important discovery. In 1921, he received a doctorate in natural sciences, with a specialization in botany, and shortly afterward a degree in music.

It is 1923 when he leaves for Ecuador as a missionary. He first landed in Guayaquil, reached Quito, and finally settled permanently in Cuenca, where he would remain until his death. It was here that he began unprecedented human promotion work, founding several works: the Festive Oratory, the "Normal Orientalist" for the formation of Salesian missionaries, the "Cornelio Merchán" elementary school, the school of arts and crafts that would later take on the name Salesian Technical College, the Quinta Agronomica, i.e., the first agricultural institute in the region, the Salesian Theater, the Gran Casa de la Comunidad, the "Domenico Savio" Orphanage, and the "Carlo Crespi" museum, famous for its many scientific exhibits. In 1938, he organized the First Diocesan Eucharistic Congress in Cuenca.

Generations of Cuenca citizens benefit from his teachings and generosity. The gratitude of the common people for the good done by Father Crespi is such that it is powerfully manifested even in the painful circumstance that in 1962, due to a fire, saw the almost total destruction of the "Cornelio Merchán" Institute. Indeed, the people of Cuenca participated without hesitation in the reconstruction.

Much of his time is spent at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Cuenca, whose devotion he zealously spreads. The last years of his life are spent entirely in the seclusion of the confessional, where the faithful follow one another in long lines, eager to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation, but at the same time also advice and comfort from the man they now do not hesitate to call "Saint Charles Crespi."

Wearied by a life of hardship chosen to live as a poor man among his poor, on April 30, 1982, after asking for the last time to have the crucifix in his hands, the Venerable died in the "Santa Inés" Clinic in Cuenca from bronchopneumonia and a heart attack.

Mass in honor of Venerable Fr. Carlo Crespi, SDB, celebrated in Cuenca Cathedral[]

ANS, Cuenca, Ecuador - April 2023 - On April 30, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Cuenca was the setting for an emotional celebration in honor of Venerable Fr. Carlo Crespi, SDB, to commemorate 41 years since his death, 100 years since his arrival in Ecuador (April 24, 1923), and to thank God for the declaration of his venerability on April 23, 2023 by Decree of Pope Francis. Fr. Marcelo Farfán, Provincial of the Salesians of Ecuador, presided over the celebration, together with Salesian Directors and present Salesians from local communities. As part of the homily, Fr. Luciano Bellini, coordinator of the commission for the cause of beatification of Fr. Crespi, read the official decree published by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, which highlighted Fr. Crespi's missionary life and his tireless work on behalf of those most in need. Fr. Farfán invited those present to contemplate Jesus as the shepherd who cares for the sheep and acknowledged that He never acted as master but gave Himself totally. In relation to the Venerable, he pointed out, "We can find in the figure of Fr. Crespi, the shepherd who, like Christ, became a sign of love for the poorest, for the weakest." He concluded his reflection by asking that the witness of Fr. Crespi help us to "open the doors of serving the poor, enlighten our lives and those of our families, and especially bless the city of Cuenca." The celebration was attended, in person or through digital links, by hundreds of members of the Salesian Family of Ecuador and faithful from the city of Cuenca, who faithfully carry on the pastoral work of Venerable Fr. Carlo Crespi Croci.

Legnano remembers the Venerable Fr Carlo Crespi, SDB[]

(ANS, 23 October 2023 - Legnano) - On the 97th World Missionary Day, celebrated on Sunday 22 October 2023, the city of Legnano, on the outskirts of Milan, the birthplace of the Salesian Venerable Fr Carlo Crespi, remembered and proposed the missionary testimony of its illustrious son. Born in the town in Lombardy on 29 May 1891, Carlo Crespi matured his Salesian and missionary vocation that led him 100 years ago, in 1923, to Ecuador. He lived an intense and committed life of ministry for sixty years as a missionary, scientist, musician, apostle of the poor and of mercy.

To celebrate the Venerability of Fr Carlo Crespi, which was declared by Pope Francis on 23 March, 2022, the association named after him and the city parishes of Legnano have proposed a three day programme. On the evening of Friday, 20 October, Fr Pierluigi Cameroni, the Postulator General of the Causes of the Saints of the Salesian Family, and Mariafrancesca Oggianu, curator of the Positio, evoked his multifaceted figure not only as a religious person but also as a lover and promoter of culture. The event was held in the Basilica of San Magno.

On Saturday 21, the San Magno parish housed a photo exhibition on his life to benefit the public. On Sunday 22nd, again at the Basilica of San Magno, Fr Cameroni presided over the Eucharist during which the Decree of Venerability was read by Mr Carlo Riganti, the President of the Carlo Crespi Association. In his homily, Fr Pierluigi Cameroni, drawing inspiration from the Pope's message for the 97th World Mission Day, presented Fr Crespi as a missionary with a burning heart, listening to the voice of God who called him. Even as a boy, he had a revelatory dream, taking him to distant lands, of which he recounted: 'I was still studying at the College of St Ambrose (in Milan). I had just fallen asleep, and the Virgin appeared to me in a dream and showed me a scene: on one side, the devil who wanted to grab me and drag me; on the other, the Divine Redeemer, with the cross, was showing me another way. I was dressed as a priest and had a beard; I stood on an old pulpit, around me a multitude of people eager to hear my words. The pulpit was not in a church, but in a hut”.

At the same time, Fr Cameroni emphasized the ability of Fr Crespi to listen to the voice of the little ones and the poor whose dignity he promoted with the strength of love: 'Fr Crespi is a patriarch of Cuenca. For many he is a saint. For all, he is a priest with a big, tender, and generous heart. How many have benefited from the early works initiated by this Sower of schools, sports fields and refectories for poor children!".

Again, Fr Crespi was remembered as a missionary with open eyes in contemplating nature, especially fascinated by the beauty and mysteries of the Amazon rainforest, as he wrote in his letters: "As so many, so many times, enraptured in the sublime contemplation of nature I have felt crushed by the creative Omnipotence of God, humbled before the sight of a new world, still almost completely unexplored by science"; in contemplating the Eucharistic mystery, the source of his apostolic industriousness and creativity: "My life is at the feet of the Tabernacle for whole hours and from there comes the blessing over these works, and the continuous sacrifice; there are shortcomings, but God forgives them". Finally, his being a missionary with his feet on the road was stressed: as a tireless explorer in the Amazon rainforest, to get to know and evangelize the Shuar people; and on the streets of Cuenca, to bring the proclamation of the Gospel through the education of the young and the poor. On his death in Cuenca on 30th April 1982, the following narrative illustrated the life and mission of Father Carlo Crespi: 'Always with a childish smile on your lips; with your lively eyes as you danced merrily, with the fingers of your right hand nervously unrolling the beads of your old and worn rosary… Your whole life was a hymn of praise to God and a loving dedication to mankind! You were a contemplative in action, a monk of God in the midst of sinful people'.

The multifaceted figure of the Venerable Salesian Fr Carlo Crespi disseminated in schools[]

ANS, Italy – 19 January 2024 - On January 15, the "Comic Book Biographies" of the new Venerable Fr Carlo Crespi, SDB, were distributed in six sections of Middle School classes in Vanzaghello and Magnago, (Milan). The initiative came about through the interest of the Religion teacher, Simone Magistrelli, in the multifaceted figure of this Salesian missionary in Ecuador for sixty years, and involved the "Associazione Padre Carlo Crespi – ONLUS", established in Legnano, Fr Crespi's birthplace. The initiative was attended by Dr. Juan Carlos Castrillon, Ambassador Consul General of Ecuador in Milan and an Officer at the Consulate; the Mayor of Vanzaghello with the Councilor for Culture; the Mayor of Magnago, the President of the Ecuadorian Folklore Group "Para Todos" and two Ecuadorian dancers of the "New Generation" Group. The meeting involved six second year classes, all in all 120 students. After the Ambassador's greeting to the students the Mayors and the Headteacher, the President of the Father Carlo Crespi Association spoke, explaining who Fr Crespi was, also using the projection of a segment of the feature film shot in 1926 by Fr Crespi in the Amazon forest in Ecuador. After the performance of the dancers in traditional Ecuadorian costume, each student and the authorities present were given the comic book biography of Father Crespi.

A "comic book" biography of the Venerable Servant of God Fr Carlo Crespi, SDB[]

(ANS – Legnano, 08 February 2024) – Following the decree of Venerability of the Servant of God Fr Carlo Crespi, SDB, issued on 23 March, 2023, the"Associazione Padre Carlo Crespi" has created, through the work of the cartoonist Mario Lisi, a "Comic Book" Biography of the Salesian missionary entitled: "From Legnano to Ecuador. Father Carlo Crespi the ‘all round’ Missionary". The story is aimed at everyone, but in particular at young people who will certainly be fascinated by the adventurous life of the character who loved God, his neighbour and creation with all his heart, so that they too will be encouraged to dream and fulfil their dreams.

The initiative aims to spread the knowledge of Fr Crespi, reaching families through the students of schools of every kind and grade in Legnano and its surroundings. In addition, a competition was held with the aim of promoting composition that will be exhibited in an exhibition in May, rewarding the best with good books and/or educational material.

Many of those who read this nice and engaging work declare that they have been able to know and appreciate this Venerable Servant of God, more with this tool than with all the writings that have been dedicated to him so far. Indeed, the cartoonist, Mario Lisi, has a particular talent in knowing how to use the literary genre of "comics" in an appropriate, fun and engaging way. Of him we can say what Hugo Pratt (author of the character "Corto Maltese") wrote about himself: "I am an author of drawn literature, a writer who replaces descriptions, the expression of faces, poses, settings, with drawings. My drawing tries to be a writing. I draw my writing and I write my drawings."

In fact, in the comic book biography, the entire multifaceted personality of Fr Crespi is highlighted in brilliant form and in all his essential characteristics.

The "Pro Beatification of Fr Carlo Crespi" Commission: join efforts between Italy and Ecuador[]

(ANS / Salesian Historical Archives, ECU – Quito, 08 October 2024) – Last Friday, 4 October 2024, a joint digital meeting was held between the members of the "Pro Beatification of Fr Carlo Crespi" Commission in Italy, the birthplace of the great missionary, and Ecuador, the adopted homeland of the Venerable Salesian. The event marked a significant moment in the commitment to support the process of beatification of the"Apostle to the poor", whose legacy has left a profound mark on various communities.

The fundamental objective of this meeting was to unify efforts and strengthen collaboration to promote the recognition of the holiness of Fr Crespi in various areas: pastoral, social, cultural and educational. In a world of increasingly pressing needs, Fr Crespi's legacy becomes more relevant than ever and his figure rises to being a beacon of hope.

During the discussion, valuable experiences were shared on the biographical publications related to the Venerable Fr Crespi (1891-1982). The www.carloscrespi.com website was presented, housing a large amount of resources that will facilitate access to information about his life and work.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the creation of strategic alliances to address Salesian educational environments, both in Ecuador and in Italy. These collaborations aim to promote the spirit and vision of Fr Crespi in educational institutions, encouraging young people to follow his example of service and dedication to the most needy.

The meeting was attended, among others, by Fr Marcelo Farfán, Superior of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of Ecuador, and Fr Pierluigi Cameroni, Postulator General of the Causes of Saints of the Salesian Family. Their participation stressed the importance of this process and the commitment of the Salesian community to pave the way for the possible beatification of Fr Crespi.

"All those who have experienced a grace or a favour received through the intercession of Fr Carlo Crespi are invited to share their testimonies" the members of the"Pro Beatification of Fr Carlo Crespi" Commission shared during the meeting –. These stories are fundamental for the beatification process and help to highlight the spiritual impact that Fr Crespi had on the lives of many people."

Interested parties can contact the committee by email at: causapadrecrespi@salesianos.org.ec

The path of support for the beatification process of Fr Crespi is a collective effort that transcends borders and cultures. The meeting between the communities of Ecuador and Italy, together with the support of the members of the Salesian Family, is a powerful testimony of how faith and service can change lives. The figure of Fr Crespi continues to inspire many and his legacy lives on in every action dedicated to helping the most needy.

Eucharist in Memory of Venerable Fr. Carlo Crespi: A Life Radically Devoted to Serving Others[]

ANS, Cuenca, Ecuador, 02 May 2025 – April 2025 – April 30 marks the Dies Natalis of the Venerable Carlo Crespi Croci, SDB, who left a profound legacy of faith, service, and love for the poor, especially within the Salesian Family of Ecuador. On this occasion, the two Salesian communities of Cuenca gathered with Fr. Marcelo Farfán, Provincial Superior of Ecuador, along with Salesians, civic authorities, students, and parishioners, to celebrate a commemorative Eucharist at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians—where Fr. Crespi lived for many years and carried out much of his pastoral ministry. The anniversary of his death, 43 years ago, served as an opportunity to remember his tireless commitment to social justice, education, the arts, and human dignity. His life remains a powerful inspiration to live with generosity, faith, and dedication to the most vulnerable, following his example of love and service.

Don Pierluigi Cameroni: “Communication is essential to share a charism[]

(ANS – Quito) – The Postulator General for the Causes of Saints of the Salesian Family, Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni, visited Ecuador to support the processes concerning Venerable Fr. Carlo Crespi and the future canonization of Blessed Maria Troncatti. In this interview given to the Communications Office of the Salesian Province of Ecuador, he spoke about the purpose of his visit, the value of holiness in this land, and the importance of communication in passing on Don Bosco’s charism to new generations.

What is the purpose of your visit to Ecuador?

My visit had two main purposes. The first was the canonical recognition of the mortal remains of Venerable Fr. Carlo Crespi. The second was a visit to Sucúa, where Blessed Sr. Maria Troncatti lived, and who will be canonized by Pope Leo XIV on October 19. This visit was necessary to carry out a preservation process for the relics of this new saint of the Salesian Family.

Do you have a message for the Salesian Family of Ecuador?

Saints are not private property; they are sons and daughters of the Church. They are people who responded to God's call and gave their testimony in different ways and places. This is the great challenge we face today: the Church and the people of Ecuador must give thanks because there is a history of holiness in this land.

It is important to remember this holiness with gratitude and to accompany others on this path of holiness—especially young people—by offering meaningful witness in families, schools, parishes, and service. This is our shared challenge as Church, as Salesian Family, and as people of good will.

And a message for the Salesian Bulletin and the “Noticiero Salesiano” (Salesian Bulletin)?

First of all, thank you for your valuable service. There's something interesting you may not know: Sr. Maria Troncatti first encountered Don Bosco’s charism through the Salesian Bulletin. That’s very significant. And she’s not the only one—many of our blesseds and venerables were first introduced to Don Bosco’s charism through that same publication.

I believe all forms of communication are important tools to share a story, a charism that is a gift from God to the whole Church. It’s essential to continue using these new forms of storytelling that engage younger generations—not just as receivers of information, but as active participants in sharing the message themselves.

Construction work has started on the chapel to house the relics of Venerable Fr Carlo Crespi[]

ANS, Cuenca, Ecuador - June 2025 - Work has begun in the María Auxiliadora parish in Cuenca to build the chapel where the remains of the Salesian missionary, Venerable Fr Carlo Crespi Croci will rest, a space to honour his legacy and encourage prayer in his memory.

Fr. Carlo Crespi Returns to His Home at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Cuenca. A key milestone in his Cause for Beatification and Canonization[]

(ANS - Cuenca, 30th July 2025) – In a spirit of prayer and ecclesial hope, the remains of the Venerable Fr. Carlo Crespi Croci, Salesian priest, were exhumed, transferred, canonically recognized, and underwent conservation treatment between July 9–14 and 20–23, 2025. These rites were carried out at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Cuenca, where his remains will now rest permanently. These actions are a fundamental part of the process for the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of Fr. Crespi. The Dicastery for the Causes of Saints had granted the Nihil obstat (“nothing stands in the way”) on November 24, 2024, thus authorizing this significant step forward for the Ecuadorian Church and the entire Salesian Family.

Supervising the Process[]

To oversee and accompany this process, Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni, SDB, Postulator General for the Causes of Saints of the Salesian Family, and Deacon Luciano Griggio, expert in conservation, traveled from Rome to Cuenca.

On July 9, at the Monumental Cemetery of Cuenca, Fr. Crespi’s coffin was exhumed in the presence of the ecclesiastical tribunal designated by Archbishop Marcos Aurelio Pérez Caicedo of Cuenca. Also present were Fr. Marcelo Farfán, Provincial Superior of the Salesians of Ecuador, along with his Council; members of the Pro-Beatification Commission; and representatives from Salesian communities in Cuenca. The remains were then solemnly transferred to the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians.

Canonical Recognition and Conservation[]

On July 10, the formal process of canonical recognition and conservation treatment began, marked by the solemn oath of the ecclesiastical tribunal composed of:

Msgr. Fernando Ortega, Episcopal Delegate Fr. Luciano Bellini, SDB, Promoter of Justice Fr. Joffre Astudillo, Notary Dr. Galo Duque Proaño, Medical Expert Deacon Luciano Griggio, Conservation Technician Fr. Juan Cárdenas, SDB, Witness Fr. Ángel Lazo, SDB, Witness Fr. Ángel Morocho, SDB, Witness Fr. José Bolívar Jiménez, SDB, Witness

During the opening ceremony, Archbishop Pérez Caicedo expressed with emotion: “This is a historic moment in the life of our Church. Today we recognize the mortal remains of a priest who lived and worked in our city — a priest with a universal heart, very Ecuadorian, very much ours. From the time of his death, the people have venerated him and regarded him as a saint.”

Fr. Cameroni, the Postulator, added: “We are witnessing a true ecclesial event. The cause of Fr. Crespi belongs not only to the Salesians but to the entire Church. It is a path of holiness lived out with simplicity, among the people and the poorest. May this Jubilee Year, in which we celebrate 150 years since Don Bosco's First Missionary Expedition, inspire us to walk in faith toward holiness.” Towards the conclusion of the event, Fr. Farfán, the Salesian Provincial, thanked all those present and emphasized: “The Salesian and missionary vocation is filled with a journey of holiness, as a gift of God living among us.”

Documenting the Process[]

Ms. Angélica Almeida, Secretary of the Commission, meticulously documented the entire process, compiling the official acts and records according to canonical norms. She bore witness to the spiritual depth and seriousness of the proceedings.

On July 23, the closing session of the process took place, presided over by Archbishop Pérez Caicedo, together with the ecclesiastical tribunal and the Pro-Beatification Commission. After reading and signing the official act, Fr. Crespi’s remains were carefully placed in a specially prepared casket. This will soon be placed inside a new urn, within a chapel built in his honor inside the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Cuenca—a visible sign of the people’s devotion and living memory.

Dr. Almeida of the Salesian Historical Archive of Ecuador remarked:

“These were days of prayer, intense work, and deep contemplation. Days that renewed the missionary spirit of the Salesian Family in Ecuador and affirmed that holiness is also found in daily life, in silent and persevering dedication—as lived by the Venerable Fr. Carlo Crespi, a witness of God's love among the poorest. May this event encourage us to continue invoking his intercession and praying with faith for his upcoming beatification.”