Odescalchi, Thomas

Odescalchi, Thomas another member of the same family, who was almoner to pope Innocent XI. In imitation of the preceding, he gave himself up to works of charity. Perceiving that in the hospital of St. Gale there were a number of children destitute of education, he conceived the idea of erecting an asylum for their reception; which he carried into execution, beginning with thirty-eight children, who were instructed and brought up to industry. The number soon increased through the liberality of pope Innocent, to seventy; and in 1686 Thomas Odescalchi laid the foundation of a large hospital for the education and employment of poor children in weaving cloth. This pious prelate died in 1692, and left considerable funds for the support of his institution, to which he gave the name of St. Michael de Ripegrande.