Innocenzo da Berzo

Who was Innocenzo da Berzo?

Blessed Innocenzo da Berzo was born in Niardo, Val Camonica, Italy on 19 March 1844. His parents were Pietro Scalvinoni and Francesca Poli. He was baptized with the name of Giovanni. He spent his childhood between Niardo, the maternal village, and Berzo Inferiore, the paternal village. His father died when Giovanni was only three months old. Although his name is related to the village of Berzo Inferiroe, once he became a friar, he used the name of Father Innocenzo of Berzo.

As a small child he had great mercy for the poor, giving generously to those who asked, even though his family was in need.

From 1855 to 1860 he attended the municipal college in Lovere, Bergamo, and passed with high marks. In 1864 he entered the diocesan seminary of Brescia. He was ordained a priest in 1867 and was assigned as the Praochial Vicar at the parish of Cevo in Valsaviore.

In 1870 he returned to Berzo Inferiore where his duties were to act as Confessor and to direct the local primary school. During the time in the parish he found a need for solitude, prayer and penance. In 1873 he entered the Capuchin Franciscan Order at the Annunciata Convent in the village of Borno. Four years later he took his Solemn Vows and took the name of Fr. Innocenzo of Berzo.