The São Leopoldo Mandic Faculty, Curitiba Unit, received a visit this Wednesday, April 4th, from Friar Francisco, from the São Leopoldo Mandic Sanctuary, which has a branch in the city of Curitiba, Paraná. According to the Unit's coordinator, Dr. Karen Petrelli, Friar Francisco visits annually and offers a prayer, blessing everyone at the Institution.

The Faculty was named after the welcoming and friendly saint, much sought after for his wisdom and hospitality. Saint Leopold Mandic lived almost half his life in Padua, Italy, where the former Capuchin Friars' Church was transformed into a Sanctuary that bears his name. During the Second World War, the Saint Leopold Mandic Sanctuary was almost completely destroyed, but it was soon rebuilt and receives visits from pilgrims who come to visit Saint Leopold's tomb.

In Curitiba, Paraná, the São Leopoldo Mandic chapel, built by the Capuchin friar Fr. Miguel Bottacin, was elevated to the status of a Sanctuary and continues to be cared for by the Capuchins, who carry out their work inspired by the purposes of the saint of Reconciliation.

The São Leopoldo Mandic Faculty expresses its gratitude for the blessings received from Friar Francisco.