Luigi's childhood was marked by local traditions and home life, a cultural and spiritual whole that helped shape the character and transmit valuable content to the growth of the boy, and to mark his future missionary vocation in Colombia among the lepers of Agua de Dios and in the foundation of the Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
Luigi's relationship with his father Pietro, who formed and taught him, was significant, passing on the Christian meaning of life to him, the early rudiments of schooling and a love for music and singing.
Another aspect that would influence the growth of young Louis was that the Variara home was almost always full of children. Pietro, at the end of the lessons, took with him the most needy schoolchildren and after doing some tutoring entrusted them to the care of his wife Livia. And so did the other families. Luigi grew up in this "Oratory" climate, where you people felt at home, felt loved and the fatherly presence of Pietro and Livia's maternal presence were first quality educational and affective resources not only for their children, but for many other children and young people, especially the poorest and most disadvantaged.
Over these years, Luigi met and dedicated himself to a disabled companion, taking care of him and making him feel comfortable. In this we can see a seed of the concern and closeness that would later mark the life and mission of Louis Variara at the service of leprosy patients in Agua de Dios in Colombia.
Truly Louis Vararia in his childhood experienced, with his brothers and with the boys in the neighbourhood, the sincere love of his parents. Through their example he came to know the true face of God the Father, the source of authentic love.
