The Life
Francesco Spoto was born in Raffadali (Ag) on July 8, 1924 by Vincenzo Spoto and Vincenza Marzullo. Attending primary schools in the country, at the age of 12 years, responding to the call of God, by entering in the Missionary Servants of the Poor (Bocconist) of Palermo, for the "trial time" before the noviciate ("Probandato"), to follow the path of "Charity without limits" drawn by Blessed Giacomo Cusmano.
He felt strong, young, the desire to leave for the missions, but was able to accept the will of God that he had on other designs.
Equipped with intelligence deep, passionately engaged in the studies performed with excellent results at the seminar the Archbishop of Palermo.
On July 22, 1951, the Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies (Palermo), he was ordained priest by Cardinal Ernesto Ruffini.
Allocated by higher education, meanwhile, held the priestly ministry with zeal.
In the Chapter of 1959 he was elected Superior General in just 35 years, with a dispensation of the Holy See.
Just five days after his election, delivered the cross and blessed the brother who went to Africa to open the first mission of the pieces which, from Palermo, Father Spoto followed the birth, development, consolidation.
In August 1964 he wanted to go in person to Biringi (Democratic Republic of Congo) to meet, comfort and support from the brothers tried terrible events of the revolt of the "Simba".
Choosing between a return to Italy and stay on mission, not even hesitate for a moment and wanted to stay in the "catacomb Green" to share the passion of the members. In the village of Erira, it made his sacrifice on 27 December 1964, just 40 years, following the beatings and mistreatment suffered by the guerrillas.
Buried in Biringi, its venerated relics were transferred to Palermo in 1987 in the Parish "Eucharistic Heart of Jesus" in 327, Calatafimi St.
On June 26, 2006 the Holy Father Benedict XVI authorized the promulgation of the Decree concerning the martyrdom of the Servant of God: Francesco Spoto is now among between the blessed.