Louis Versiglia was born in Oliva Gessi on 5^th June 1873. In 1885, at the age of 12, he joined the Salesian Oratory in Valdocco. Initially, Louis said that he did not want to become a priest. However, through his time there, his mind began to change, and Don Bosco was able to convince him that priesthood would be good for him. One day in passing, Don Bosco told Louis "Come and see me, I have something to tell you", however soon after this, Don Bosco became ill and would soon succumb to the illness.

Louis remained loyal to Don Bosco and felt the call that Don Bosco had issued, and at the end of his studies, he made the request to "remain with Don Bosco". His wish was that one day he would be able to be a missionary, so at the age of 16, he made his first religious vows to the Salesian Congregation.

Louis earned a degree in Philosophy which led him to his priestly ordination in 1895. His desire to become a missionary grew over his time studying but felt that he lacked certain qualities that would allow him to do that. After he was ordained a priest, Don Rua (the then Rector Major), made him rector and novice master in the Salesian house in Genzano near Rome. And for the next 10 years he led the house in formation and was adored not only by the Salesians, but the residents of Genzano. However, he still felt his calling was as a missionary, and in 1905, he took the first group of Salesian Missionaries over to China.

Upon arrival into China, Fr Versiglia, was greeted by the local bishop, and started work in and orphanage. For the next 12 years, the orphanage grew and moved to a larger property, and was transformed into a technical school for around 200 boarding students.

In 1918, the Holy See entrusted the Salesians with the new mission of Shiu-Chow. Fr Versiglia was tasked with organizing the mission here, and it was during this time that he was made a bishop in 1921. Continuing his mission, he set up 55 mission stations, built an orphanage and a formation house for female catechists as well as a school for male catechists.

In 1930, Fr Vergsiglia and Fr Callisto Caravario, were travelling by boat along a river when pirates boarded the ship and ordered them to pay 500 dollars to allow their safe passage. However, they didn't have that much money. The pirates subdued the two missionaries and knocked them unconscious. When they both regained consciousness, they heard each other's confessions, before being led down a path to a wooded area. Fr Versiglia begged the pirates to spare Fr Caravario's life, but they refused, and both missionaries were killed.

He was Beatified on 15^th May 1983 by Pope John Paul II, and canonized on 1^st October 2000.

His feast is celebrated with Callistus Caravario on the 25^th February.