Blessed Sebastian Valfre

Today is the Feast of Blessed Sebastian Valfre (1629-1710) of the Turin Oratory, who was beatified by Gregory XVI in 1834. He produced a popular Catechism and introduced the Quarant'Ore to Turin, and was as happy helping the poor and needy as he was acting as Spiritual Director to the Piedmontese Royal Family (he tutored the young Victor Amadeus II). He also had a great love for the Holy Shroud of Turin (helping supervise its repair in 1694) and was involved in the foundation of Rome's Accademia (where diplomats are trained).