The Positio super virtutibus, submitted on September 19, 2023, had as its presentor Fr Szczepan Tadeusz Praśkiewicz OCD, the Postulator Fr Pierluigi Cameroni SDB, and was drafted by Dr. Lodovica Maria Zanet, a collaborator of the Central Salesian Office of Postulation. The nine Consultants were tasked with responding to the question regarding the heroic exercise of Christian virtues practiced by the Servant of God, along with his reputation for holiness and signs. Based on this judgment, the Cardinals and Bishops, members of the Dicastery, will subsequently express their opinion.
This news has brought great joy, particularly to Colle Umberto (Treviso), the birthplace of the Servant of God, and the Diocese of Vittorio Veneto, where a group of people has been promoting the Cause of the Servant of God for several years. He distinguished himself for his apostolic zeal as a "conqueror of souls," earning the title "St. Francis Xavier of Northeast India."
"In this Holy Year dedicated to Christian hope and on the 150th anniversary of the first Missionary Expedition initiated by Don Bosco, the testimony of Fr Vendrame is that of a true pilgrim of hope. Animated by the apostolic zeal of Gospel missionaries, he announced the Word of salvation, walking up to 50 kilometers a day, inspiring joy for life in all he met, and opening many doors and hearts to hope," commented Fr Cameroni on the news.
The Servant of God Fr Costantino Vendrame was born in San Martino di Colle Umberto, near Treviso, on August 27, 1893, into a modestly poor family with strong Christian values, tested by illness and bereavement. Costantino felt a vocation for the priesthood at a very young age and entered the seminary of the Diocese of Ceneda, near Vittorio Veneto, in 1908. In 1912, he joined the Salesians due to his love for the missions.
As a novice in 1913, he became a temporary professed member in 1914 and took his perpetual vows in 1920, forming his religious life through the practical training phase. During the First World War, he served as a soldier, remaining faithful to his vocation. Ordained a priest on March 15, 1924, in Milan, he received the missionary cross in Turin, at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, on October 5. He departed for Northeast India (Assam) and arrived in Shillong on December 24, 1924.
As a missionary (and almost always a parish priest) in Shillong-Laitumkhrah, Jowai, Wandiwash in Tamil Nadu (Southern India), and finally Shillong-Mawkhar from 1951 until his death, he traversed immense distances on foot to reach distant souls. He lived among the poor, touched even the hardest hearts, and endured the wear and tear of apostolic life with a smile.
He attracted thousands of souls—Protestants, pagans, Muslims, and Hindus—to Christ and the Church, earning the respect of all as a true man of God. During World War II, as an Italian citizen in the British Empire, he was interned, first under Gurkha custody, then at Deoli, and finally at Dehra Dun. Even in this apparent immobility, he exhibited strength that consoled and supported others.
Afflicted by severe arthritis in his spine and excruciating pain until he fainted, he lived his final months in total self-offering, hospitalized in Dibrugarh, where he passed away on the eve of the feast of St. John Bosco: January 30, 1957. His funeral was a triumph of faith and gratitude. During his life, he was widely reputed for sanctity and signs and was compared to St. Paul, St. Francis Xavier, and St. Vincent de Paul.
It was said of him: "We remember Fr Vendrame as a priest who loved us with the heart of Christ—warm and human, strong and faithful, ready to give his life for us."
