The Religious Situation in Verona

The religious situation is deeply touched by the happenings. Monsgr. Morosini was the bishop on 1773-89. The clergy was quite open to the new ideas. Monsgr. Morosini was a noble bishop. He had been “imposed” by the Republic of Venice. His theological ideas were of the Agustinian school. He started some reforms within the Diocesan Synod and fought the “devotionism.”

On 1790, Monsgr. Avogadro, a Jesuit, was appointed bishop. He was also of noble origin. (At this time, the Jesuits were suppressed). He stayed in Verona with Fr. Fortis that would be the first General Superior after the reopening of the Society of Jesus. Monsgr. Avogadro was not loved by France and Venice. He reformed tha Catechesis and he brought back the philosophy of St. Thomas. The French Revolution happened. On 1804, he resigned.

With Napoleon, there was a great interference of the politicians in the religious life. The Easter of Verona followed and the Bishop was arrested.
The Bishop in prison was obliged to swear fidelity to the emperor. After his resignation on 1804-1806, Verona was without bishop.

On 1805, many convents were closed. And on 1810, all the remnant convents were closed.

On 1807-27, the bishop was Monsgr. Liruti. He was an anti-illuministic, a restaurateur. He was defender of an absolute obedience to the pope. At this time, the model of charity was the one of St. Francis of Sales and Vincent de Paul.