Gaetano Gagliano
August 24, 1917 - April 14, 2016
Gaetano Gagliano
August 24, 1917 - April 14, 2016
Gaetano Gagliano
August 24, 1917 - April 14, 2016
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
Gaetano Gagliano founded Salt and Light Television, Canada's first Catholic television network, shortly after World Youth Day Toronto, 2002. He had already made an indelible impact on the Canadian communications landscape, but the 86-year-old Gaetano felt his life's work was not yet done. He discerned a renewed vocation to harness modern media to spread Christ's message of hope and share stories of goodness, inspiration, and holiness.
From day one to today, Salt + Light TV broadcasts 24/7 across Canada, and is available live and on-demand online worldwide on Salt + Light Plus. Starting as a TV network, it has grown into a multi-platform Catholic media organization dedicated to evangelizing people around the world. It is now known as Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation.
“For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.”
Psalm 71:5
Gaetano was born in 1917 in Cattolica Eraclea, Italy. After serving in World War II, he married the love of his life. Gaetano and Giuseppina's growing family soon emigrated to Canada, and charted a course that would inspire countless Catholics throughout the country and the world.
He quickly found work laying tracks for Canadian Pacific Rail by day, while in the evening he printed invitations, business cards, and letterhead on a small press in the basement of his Toronto home. He named this new business St. Joseph Printing, after Canada's patron saint and the patron saint of workers. His small business would become St. Joseph Communications, which is now Canada's largest privately owned communications company.
Gaetano was named a Knight of the Order of Sylvester in 1992 and a Member of the Order of Canada in 1998. He also received the title of Commendatore, one of Italy's highest honours. Before he died in 2016, he expressed his conviction that founding Salt + Light TV was his most important work.
In addition to Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation, Gaetano and Giuseppina leave behind a lasting testament of a 70-year marriage, including 10 children, more than 50 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a remarkable witness to the faith.
The ministry of Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation would not exist today were it not for the exceptional vision of our beloved founder, Gaetano Gagliano.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Proverbs 16:3
The Story of Our Founder
The Story of Our Founder
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