Roman Catholic Cardinal. Born in Naples, Gennaro Portanova studied at the local Jesuit school, entering later the archiepiscopal lyceum. Ordained priest in May 1869 by the then local ordinary, Cardinal Sisto Riario Sforza, he taught mathematics, physics, and philosophy in various Neapolitan institutions between 1875 and 1883, when he was assigned to lecture theology at the archdiocesan seminary. Distinguishing himself for his humanitarian activities following the earthquake which struck Ischia in 1883, in August of that year, at the age of thirty seven, he was named coadjutor, with right of succession, to the local diocese, receiving his episcopal consecration with the titular see of Roso at the Ssmo. Redentore a Villa Caserta in Rome on August 12, 1883. Succeeding to the see of Ischia on February 1, 1885 upon the death of Bishop Francesco di Nicola, he was promoted to the metropolitan see of Reggio Calabria on March 16, 1888. While in the latter office, he also acted as apostolic administrator of the dioceses of Bova between 1889 and 1895 and Oppido from 1898 until 1899. Pope Leo XIII created him cardinal priest in the consistory of June 19, 1899, receiving the title of San Clemente three days later. Protector of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate founded by Sister Brigida Maria Postorino at Catona, Portanova suffered longly of anemia. His death however arrived suddenly early in the morning while preparing to celebrate mass. Originally buried at the local cemetery, his remains were eventually transferred to the metropolitan cathedral when a definitive tomb was completed.
Roman Catholic Cardinal. Born in Naples, Gennaro Portanova studied at the local Jesuit school, entering later the archiepiscopal lyceum. Ordained priest in May 1869 by the then local ordinary, Cardinal Sisto Riario Sforza, he taught mathematics, physics, and philosophy in various Neapolitan institutions between 1875 and 1883, when he was assigned to lecture theology at the archdiocesan seminary. Distinguishing himself for his humanitarian activities following the earthquake which struck Ischia in 1883, in August of that year, at the age of thirty seven, he was named coadjutor, with right of succession, to the local diocese, receiving his episcopal consecration with the titular see of Roso at the Ssmo. Redentore a Villa Caserta in Rome on August 12, 1883. Succeeding to the see of Ischia on February 1, 1885 upon the death of Bishop Francesco di Nicola, he was promoted to the metropolitan see of Reggio Calabria on March 16, 1888. While in the latter office, he also acted as apostolic administrator of the dioceses of Bova between 1889 and 1895 and Oppido from 1898 until 1899. Pope Leo XIII created him cardinal priest in the consistory of June 19, 1899, receiving the title of San Clemente three days later. Protector of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate founded by Sister Brigida Maria Postorino at Catona, Portanova suffered longly of anemia. His death however arrived suddenly early in the morning while preparing to celebrate mass. Originally buried at the local cemetery, his remains were eventually transferred to the metropolitan cathedral when a definitive tomb was completed.
Bio by: Eman Bonnici
Inscription
CARD. IANVARIVS PORTANOVA
ARCHIEPISCOPVS RHEGINVS
IN PACE
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