Mr. Gaetano Gagliano, a visionary in evangelization through modern media

Mireille Haj-Chahine

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Photo of a middle-aged couple, smiling, showing a poster that says 'Salt + Light Television' to an elderly Pope John Paul II, whose arm is extended in blessing.

Gaetano Gagliano and his wife, Giuseppina, present the vision of Catholic media to Pope John Paul II, receiving his blessing for what would become the Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation.

And the mission continues …

On April 14, we commemorate the tenth anniversary of the passing of our beloved founder Mr. Gaetano Gagliano (1917–2016). He was a visionary, whose humility, faith, generosity, and love for the Church made it possible for Salt + Light Media to come into being. Mr. Gaetano Gagliano placed Christ at the centre of his life. He allowed the Holy Spirit to work within him and guide his steps. At the age of 86, he founded Salt + Light TV just after World Youth Day 2002, thus answering God’s call to share stories of hope and faith through the power of modern communication.

His legacy lives on today through 24/7 Catholic broadcasting in Canada and around the world via Salt + Light Plus. a testament to his unwavering faith and his vision of the new evangelization.

A moderate crowd of people stand behind a middle-aged couple, the man holding a bouquet of colourful flowers.

Gaetano Gagliano and his wife, Giuseppina, visit the Salt + Light Media office on Richmond Street in 2006, warmly welcomed by staff and guests.

He was deeply convinced that the Gospel deserved a place in every home and at every table, and a voice on every platform. He and his family gave their all to make this possible and to ensure it became a constant presence in people’s lives. Everything we do today reflects the beauty of his work: every program or story we share, every testimony we hear, every life touched by our work rests on the foundation he laid nearly twenty-three years ago. Mr. Gagliano strongly believed in what is said in Proverbs 16:3: “Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” We can also attribute this to him: “Be strong and courageous… the Lord your God is with you” (Joshua 1:9).

Gaetano Gagliano’s story speaks deeply to me. I had the good fortune to get to know him and his family. I can testify that this man of God, together with his wife Giuseppina, trusted in Providence to raise their family so that it might remain as close to God as possible.

A middle-aged couple, their heads bowed in prayer.

Gaetano Gagliano participates in Mass during a visit to the Salt + Light Media chapel, reflecting his deep faith at the heart of the mission.

Mr. Gagliano also had a deep devotion to the Eucharist. He built a chapel in his home, where he could reflect, pray, and ask for divine assistance for the success and blessing of his projects. As often as possible, he invited priests to preside over Mass in his home chapel, and received the Eucharist every morning. He shared many similarities with my dear late father, who even bore a physical resemblance to Mr. Gagliano! He loved the Lord and the poor above all else. He was committed to spreading the Word of God by every means possible. My late father lived according to the teachings of the Church and had a chapel at home so that he could receive the Eucharist every morning during daily Mass.

On the occasion of this important anniversary, we pay tribute to Mr. Gagliano for his legacy, which will last for generations to come. The mission of Salt + Light Media would not exist without his faith, tenacity, and courage.

The Salt + Light Media team gives thanks to God for his tireless work, and to the man and his family who have made our mission possible year after year. We will be eternally grateful to him for his visionary spirit, his unshakeable faith, and his shining witness that continues to inspire us. Thus we celebrate his legacy of enduring faith and pray for the repose of his soul.

We keep the Gagliano family in our thoughts and prayers.

May the soul of Gaetano Gagliano rest in peace, and may his memory be eternal!

To learn more about his life marked by faith and courage, I invite you to visit slmedia.org/founder.

If you were similarly inspired by Mr. Gagliano’s legacy, please let us know! How have you found the courage to spread the Good News?