Riccardo Pampuri

 This year our family received a great gift in the person of my great-nephew, Ricardo (Ricky). Today's post will feature his patron Saint. 

St. Riccardo Pampuri was born in Trivolzio, Italy, in 1897. He was baptized Erminio Filippo. His mother died when he was three and his father died 7 years later. He was raised by his aunt and uncle. As a child he wanted nothing more than to become a priest in the missions, but his uncle who was a doctor, inspired him to learn medicine instead. In the first World War, he served as a sergeant in the field hospitals. After his discharge in 1920, he returned to his studies and passed his internship with high honors in 1922. 

He set to practicing medicine, and also gave valuable assistance to his parish priest. He helped to set up a musical band and a Catholic Action Youth Club.  He founded the Band of Pius X which he dedicated to the medical care of the poor whom he treated for free. In 1927 he joined the Hospitallers of Saint John of God so as to follow evangelical holiness in a closer manner and at the same time to be able to continue his medical profession. When he entered the novitiate and was given the religious habit, he also was given the religious name of "Riccardo."

Riccardo was only able to serve with the Hospitallers for a short time. In 1929 he was stricken with an outbreak of pleurisy, which he had first contracted during the war. This soon degenerated into bronco-pneumonia coupled with tuberculosis. He died on May 1, 1930.

St. Riccardo is patron of Trivolzio, Military Chaplains, Nurses and Doctors. His feast day is May 1. 

St. Riccardo Pampuri, pray for us.