From his earliest years, everyone thought he was an excellent child for his meek and reflective nature. He seemed naturally inclined to prayer and loved his mother very much. At five years of age, he and his family moved to Turin close to the Porta Nuova Oratory.

He was amongst the first in his class at school and served Mass each morning. On the advice of Fr Garelli the Rector of the Oratory, he entered the Novitiate and became a Salesian. In 1922 Bishop Versiglia was in Turin and spoke of the missions to the Brothers. Callistus told him: “Bishop, you will see me in China”.

Fr Garelli left for China and Callistus insisted so much that after a short time, he followed him there. He kept his word. His mother told Fr Garelli: “I am willing to leave my son in Don Bosco’s hands”. “With all the affection I am capable of.

Callistus was sent to Macao, and then for two years to Timor where he edified everyone, including the rector, for his goodness and apostolic zeal.

On 18 May 1929, he returned to Shiuchow, where bishop Versiglia ordained him priest and entrusted him with the mission at Linchow. In a short time, he had visited all the families and earned the sympathy of the school children. Meanwhile, in China, the political situation had become very tense, especially for Christians and foreign missionaries. Persecutions began.

On 13 February 1930, Fr Caravario was in Shiuchow to accompany the bishop on his pastoral visit to the Linchow mission. Some young boys and girls went with them; they had been studying in Shiuchow. On 25 February a group of Bolshevik pirates stopped the bishop’s boat, wanting to take the girls. Bishop Versiglia and Fr Callistus stopped them.

They were taken by force and ultimately shot, but before they were killed they heard one another’s confessions. Their last breath was spent for their beloved China.

Birth: 1903

Death: 1930

Beatified: 15 May 1983 by Pope John Paul II

Canonized: 1 October 2000 by Pope John Paul II