Last update on December 9, 2010

Fr. Justin Russolillo, the Founder of the Society of Divine Vocations, was born in Pianura, Naples, Italy on Jan. 18, 1891. He was ordained a priest on September 20, 1913.

A month after being named pastor of St. George Church in Pianura, on October 18, 1920 he gathered in common life the group of "the most faithful ones": the first community of the Society of Divine Vocations, which became known as the "Vocationist Fathers," came into being. Its first Diocesan approval came on May 26, 1927. It became a Congregation of Pontifical right on January 3, 1948. 

Fr. Justin established the Vocationist Fathers and their special charism to foster and promote vocations to the priesthood, religious life and holiness among all God's people.

To carry on his work for vocations Fr. Justin established the "Vocationary", a special house of formation that would supply vocations to both religious order and diocesan seminaries. For those who are undecided whether they want to be a Vocationist, a Diocesan priest or a member of another religious community, the Vocationist Fathers offer the Vocationary, a place of vocational discernment. 

Fr. Justin died on August 2, 1955 at Vocationist Fathers Motherhouse in Pianura, Naples (Italy).

On December 18, 1997  Pope John Paul II recognized Fr. Justin heroic virtues and proclaimed  him a Venerable.

On July 1, 2010 Pope Benedict XVI signed the decree of validity of the miracle by fr Justin intercession to Ida Meloro of East Hanover, New Jersey (USA). The ceremony of beatification is set for May 7, 2011 in  Pianura (Naples), birthplace of fr Justin.   More about the program of beatification by clicking here