Luigi Calza

Luigi Calza also known as Luigi Calza was an Italian Roman Catholic prelate, member of the Xaverian Missionary Fathers, who served as Prefect and Vicar Apostolic in China from 1906 to 1944. He is considered the first Xaverian bishop appointed in China.

Early life

Calza was born in Parma, Italy on 26 July 1879.

Luigi became a professed member of the Xaverian Missionary Fathers in year 1897 and was ordained a priest on 24 May 1902 by Bishop Francesco Magani.

Luigi was appointed Prefect of the Prefecture Apostolic of Western Honan nowadays Roman Catholic Diocese of Zhengzhou on 23 June 1906. He was appointed Vicar Apostolic of Prefecture Apostolic of Western Honan and Titular Bishop of Termessus on 18 September 1911 and consecrated a bishop by St. Guido Maria Conforti on 12 April 1912. During the famine of 1911 to 1913, he opened orphanages for the orphans and set up many schools, training centres and hospitals in Zhengzhou.

Calza died in China on 27 October 1944.