Acts of diocesan process given to the Congregation (Saints) on October 3, 2005. Vice postulator: Don Nicola Lo Groi (actuary: Fr. Luciano Colussi)
The Diocesan Inquest opened on December 12, 1997 and concluded on June 20, 2005.
Childhood and youth during war years
Francis Convertini was born in Marinelli close to Cisternino, in the province of Brindisi, on August 29, 1898. His family was very poor, and from his earliest years, he was forced to go to work. As soon as he turned 18, he was called to arms to fight in the First World War. He was captured by the Austrians and sent to a concentration camp. He was freed only at the end of the war. After recovering from meningitis, he decided to join the Guardia di Finanza.
Confession in Turin at the Basilica of MHC led him to the Salesians
He followed the Captain, whose aide he was, to Turin and, devoted to Mary, went to confession in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians. Providence saw that his confessor was Fr. Angelo Amadei, the second great biographer of Don Bosco. Fr. Angelo became his spiritual director.
Accepts invitation to be missionary in India
After inviting him to attend the handing over of the missionary cross to eleven missionaries leaving for India, he said to him: “Why don’t you also become a missionary?” Francis took on studies with much effort at the Salesian missionary institute in Ivrea and, after receiving his mission cross from Don Rinaldi, on December 7, 1927, he embarked for India.
Learned how to be a holy missionary close to the people
He was formed by holy Salesians. He did his novitiate at Shillong with Fr. Ferrando and was a disciple of Fr. Costantino Vendrame. Francis learned of Don Bosco’s life from Fr. Amadei and in India learned how to incarnate his apostolic missionary spirit. He felt close to the people with Fr. Vendrame: they covered many miles visiting villages, going into homes to talk about Jesus. He finished his philosophy and theology with some difficulty. And was ordained priest in 1935. The new bishop, Bishop Ferrando sent him to the Salesian mission in Krishnagar.
Widely appreciated and loved
Even though he never got to know the Behali language so well, nobody in Krishnagar had as many friends as he did, or as many spiritual children amongst the ignorant and the wise, the rich and the poor. He was one of the few missionaries who was able to enter a Hindu home and get further than the entrance.
He was constantly on the go between villages. Fr. Francis was good, and his Salesian loving-kindness opened the people’s hearts; he knew how to be a Father, brother and friend. He gave himself to everyone without distinction: Muslim, Hindu, Christian…, and was loved and venerated by everyone as a master of the interior life, who abundantly possessed the “sapientia cordis.”
Apostle of Mary Help of Christians
Already in life he was known for his holiness, not only because of his heroic self-giving for souls, but also for the mysterious events told about him. He was an apostle of Mary Help of Christians.
He died on February 11, 1976 murmuring: “Mother Mary, I never displeased you during my life. Now help me!” His body was laid out in the cathedral, and there was a constant crowd of people of every race and religion. Now he lies in the garden adjacent to the Cathedral of Krishnagar.