Alberto Marvelli (1918–1946) was born in Ferrara, Italy, on March 21, 1918, into a devout Catholic family. When he was 12, his family moved to Rimini, where Alberto became deeply involved in parish life, particularly through the Salesian Oratory and the Catholic Action movement. Known for his strong spiritual discipline, he attended daily Mass, prayed the Rosary, and practiced frequent Eucharistic adoration. Even as a student, he combined faith with action, tutoring poorer classmates and organizing charitable initiatives. After completing his engineering degree in 1941, he worked for Fiat in Turin but remained closely connected to his community and his commitment to Christian service.

During World War II, Marvelli’s faith translated into extraordinary acts of courage and charity. As Allied bombings devastated Rimini and Nazi occupation intensified, he rode his bicycle through dangerous streets to deliver food, medicine, and clothing to those in need. He broke open sealed train cars to free people being deported to concentration camps, sheltered refugees, and personally rescued those trapped in collapsed buildings. His efforts to alleviate suffering earned him widespread respect, and many saw in him a living witness to the Gospel. Amid the chaos of war, he kept a spiritual journal expressing his desire for holiness and self-sacrifice, writing that his life’s aim was to “serve Christ in every person.”

After the war, Marvelli continued to integrate faith and public life. He served on Rimini’s city council, worked tirelessly to rebuild housing, and fought against corruption and injustice in local governance. A committed lay leader, he also helped relaunch Catholic Action and promoted the social teachings of the Church in political life. On October 5, 1946, while cycling to a Christian Democratic Party meeting, he was struck by a truck and died the same day at just 28 years old.