Garbagna born Giovanni Battista Alvigini took his vows within the Congregation of the Sons of Divine Providence on January 24, 1904, becoming thus one of the earliest followers of Saint Luigi Orione whom he assisted in the foundation of his future congregation since the days they were both still clerics. Stricken with tuberculosis, he made his profession on his deathbed, passing away only four days later at the tender age of twenty four, becoming the first deceased member of Orionini. Saint Luigi Orione would recall in his later years that not finding him dressed properly in sacerdotal vestments, he saw that the required vestments were brought to him and had him revested himself. Upon finishing this task, to the amazement of those present, Don Giambattista clasped Don Orione by the arm, who asking him to repeat his gesture, he did anew. He was buried in the local cemetery in a day of continuous snow. The image of Alvigini on his deathbed with Don Orione by his side was immortalized in a painting by Ida Marcora.
Garbagna born Giovanni Battista Alvigini took his vows within the Congregation of the Sons of Divine Providence on January 24, 1904, becoming thus one of the earliest followers of Saint Luigi Orione whom he assisted in the foundation of his future congregation since the days they were both still clerics. Stricken with tuberculosis, he made his profession on his deathbed, passing away only four days later at the tender age of twenty four, becoming the first deceased member of Orionini. Saint Luigi Orione would recall in his later years that not finding him dressed properly in sacerdotal vestments, he saw that the required vestments were brought to him and had him revested himself. Upon finishing this task, to the amazement of those present, Don Giambattista clasped Don Orione by the arm, who asking him to repeat his gesture, he did anew. He was buried in the local cemetery in a day of continuous snow. The image of Alvigini on his deathbed with Don Orione by his side was immortalized in a painting by Ida Marcora.
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