Before entering the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God Richard was an Italian medical doctor and a veteran of World War I. He worked as a field doctor on the battlefield during the Great War and was discharged in 1920 when he was able to resume his studies and soon began his own practice as a doctor where he tended to the poor without charge. He became a member of the Third Order of Saint Francis as “Antonio” while founding the Band of Pius X, which he dedicated to the medical care of poor people.
After joining the order he managed a free dental clinic in Brescia for his order. Brother Richard carried out his mission as a physician, religious, and apostle, living a life of self-denial and abstinence. He rapidly advanced through the stages of his life thanks to the great charity that burned in his heart. He was open, communicative, humble, and joyful, these were the qualities that defined both his professional and spiritual life.
For the sick, Saint Richard showed personal attention and care, a delicacy and tenderness that made him lovable and approachable to everyone. He drew near to the sick as to a sacred place where he encountered Jesus.
Even today, his life remains a model of spirituality embodied in charity as an example for us all.
Pope Paul VI titled him as Venerable on 12 June 1978 after confirming that he had lived a model life of heroic virtue. Pope John Paul II beatified him on 4 October 1981 and later canonized him at the end of that decade on 1 November 1989.