BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF

BISHOP WILLIAM GIAQUINTA

• Born in Noto, Italy on June 25, 1914
   

• Completed his studies at the Minor and the Major Seminaries in Rome
   

• Ordained a priest on March 18, 1939 in Rome
   

• Served as associate in the Madonna dei Monti Parish and as rector of the Church of the Madonna di Loreto (Rome)

• In contemplation and theological reflection, he rediscovered the call to holiness as the fundamental vocation of humanity
   

• Dedicated himself to conducting spirituality courses, retreats, conferences, and above all, giving spiritual direction
   

• His vision became a reality when he founded a group of consecrated lay women, called the Apostolic Oblates, and an international movement called the Pro Sanctity Movement, for the purpose of proclaiming the universal call to holiness
   

• Worked in various of the Vicariate of Rome, as he continued his work as a spiritual director, as a writer, and as theologian of spirituality
   

• Ordained bishop on November 1, 1968, he led the Diocese of Tivoli, Italy
   

• Wholly devoted to Christ, the Glorious Christ and the Suffering Christ of Calvary
   

• Developed a serious illness in 1984 which led him  - on June 26, 1987 – to request resignation from the Holy Father, John Paul II, and retired as leader of the diocese

Bishop William Giaquinta lived his final years in total dedication to the works he founded according to the will of God.  His love for the tender Face of the father was visible in his life.  He bore everything in preparation for his final encounter with the God of Love.  On June 15, 1994, in Rome, his offering for the holiness of his brothers and sisters was consummated in the full acceptance of the will of God.  He was almost 80 years old.

“Our desire to communicate with God comes from the need we feel to imitate Christ. Imitation of Christ is learned in the silence of prayer and through the quiet work of grace in us.”

Bishop  Giaquinta