10 Facts About Callistus Caravario

Callistus Caravario was a Salesian priest serving in China, who along with Luigi Versiglia was martyred in China on 25 February 1930.

Callistus Caravario joined Salesians on the advice of Father Garelli and entered the Novitiate.

Callistus Caravario was inspired by the words of Bishop Luigi Versiglia who spoke of the missions to the Brothers on his visit to Turin in 1922 and wanted to join the mission in China.

Callistus Caravario was sent to Macao and then he spent two years in Timor.

Callistus Caravario returned to Shaoguan on 18 May 1929 and was ordained a priest by Versiglia.

On 13 February 1930, Callistus Caravario was accompanying Versiglia on his pastoral visit to his mission in Lianzhou and there were some young boys and girls with them.

Versiglia and Callistus Caravario tried to stop them but they were hit by the guns by the pirates and fell unconscious.

Versiglia and Callistus Caravario were taken ashore and shot by the pirates.

Callistus Caravario was declared a martyr by Pope Paul VI in 1976 and was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1983.

Callistus Caravario was canonized on 1 October 2000 along with Luigi Versiglia by John Paul II.