The Catholic Church has declared Salesian missionary Fr. Costantino Vendrame as “Venerable,” recognising his heroic virtues and lifelong service to the poor and the Church in India. Pope Leo XIV approved the decree on May 22, marking the second step in the Catholic canonisation process.
Fr. Vendrame was an Italian missionary who spent nearly 30 years serving in northeastern India, especially in Assam and Meghalaya. Known for his deep faith and compassion, he travelled on foot to remote villages, bringing education, care, and the message of the Gospel to poor and neglected communities.
Church leaders described him as a “missionary of hope” who touched the lives of people across different faiths. Many respected him not only as a priest but also as a humble servant of humanity.
Born in Treviso, Italy, Fr. Vendrame joined the Salesians with a strong desire to become a missionary. He was ordained a priest in 1924 and arrived in Shillong later that same year. He later served in Meghalaya and Tamil Nadu.
During World War II, British authorities imprisoned him because he was Italian. Despite hardship, illness, and severe pain caused by osteoarthritis, he continued his mission with courage and dedication.
Fr. Vendrame died on January 30, 1957, in Dibrugarh, Assam, at the age of 63.
The Salesian community welcomed the declaration with joy, saying his life remains an inspiration of faith, sacrifice, and service. Many faithful now pray that his journey toward sainthood will continue in the years ahead.
