Justin Russolillo

Who was Justin Russolillo?

Blessed Fr. Justin Russolillo was founder of the Vocationist Fathers, the Vocationist Sisters and Apostles of Universal Sanctification.

Russolillo was born in Pianura, Italy on 18 January 1891. After completing his seminary studies, he was ordained a priest on 29 September 1913. On the day of his ordination he vowed to found a religious congregation for promoting vocations to priesthood and religious life. On 30 April 1914, with a group of young men that had been in formation, he tried to set up a community life. But this did not last long.

He was appointed the parish priest of St. George's church in Pianura in 1920. On 18 October 1920, he started the Society of Divine Vocations, popularly known as the Vocationist Fathers. And on 2 October 1921, he also founded the Vocationist Sisters.

In 1927, the Society of Divine Vocations received diocesan approval. The Vocationist Sisters and the Fathers became congregations of Pontifical Right in 1947 and 1948, respectively. In 1950, Fr. Justin sent three missionary priests to Brazil to open a community there. Now the congregation serves in Italy, Brazil, the United States, France, Argentina, Philippines, Nigeria, India, Madagascar, Indonesia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, the United Kingdom and South Africa.