The physical ailments that afflicted him as a boy (he was born in Parma in 1865) prevented Guido Maria Conforti from following the path that his father wanted for him (agricultural manager), but also the path of the mission "ad gentes". This did not mean that the founder of the Xaverians lost heart. He bought a house to train young missionaries. Thus was born the "Pious Xaverian Society".

The first Xaverians went to China in 1899. The mission was cut short in blood by the Boxer revolt. But they didn't stop. Conforti had meanwhile become archbishop of Ravenna. However, he had to leave two years later for serious health reasons. Later he improved, so much so that the Pope sent him bishop to Parma, a diocese of which he had already been vicar general. He managed it for 25 years, making 5 pastoral visits to the 300 parishes. He also visited the missionaries in “the Celestial Empire”, China. He died in 1931. He has been declared Blessed in 1996 and Saint in 2011.

We want to recall some significant moments, initiatives and services carried out by Guido Conforti during his life dedicated to the local church, always open and passionate about proclaiming Jesus to the world!