On 21st March 1918, a young man was born who would grow up with such compassion for the poorest and weakest in his community that he became involved in politics to make their lives better, following the call we all have as Catholics to play our part in shaping our communities for good.

Although he was only 28 when he was killed in a road accident, in that short time, Alberto had worked as a catechist, assisted during air raids, started a soup kitchen for the homeless, and helped people escape from trains on their way to concentration camps. After the war, he became a town councillor, and using his engineering training, played a major role in the reconstruction of his home town.

At the time of his death, he was an electoral candidate for the Christian Democrats, greatly respected by his allies and his opponents. The news filtered through as people were heading for the polling stations, and they still wanted to vote for him. His mother was elected in his place.

In this year of the Synod on Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment, Alberto's legacy and example for young members of the laity comes into even greater focus.

As the Archbishop of Loreto said: 'One can be in politics and be a saint, and this is a very great message that comes from the life of Alberto Marvelli.'

Read more about him

Bl Alberto is one of the inspiring members of the Salesian family featured in our Pocketbook, On the Road to Sainthood, £1.60 inc UK p&p