Saint of the Day: June 04, 2024
Early Life and Vocation
• Birth and Family: St. Francis Caracciolo, born Ascanio Caracciolo, on October 13, 1563, in Villa Santa Maria, Italy, came from a noble Neapolitan family. His mother was a relative of St. Thomas Aquinas.
• Youth and Illness: As a youth, Ascanio led a virtuous life and felt a calling toward religious service. At 22, he contracted a severe skin disease similar to leprosy and prayed for healing, promising to follow his calling to the priesthood if cured.
• Miraculous Healing: Upon making this promise, Ascanio was instantly cured. He then moved to Naples to study for the priesthood and was ordained. He joined the confraternity of The White Robes of Justice, aiding condemned criminals to die a holy death, reconciled with God.
Founding the Minor Clerks Regular
• Divine Encounter: In 1588, a letter meant for another Ascanio Caracciolo, his distant relative, arrived by mistake. The letter was an appeal from Father Giovanni Agostino Adorno of Genoa to co-found a religious order. Seeing this as a sign from God, Ascanio met with Father Adorno.
• Formation of the Order: The two men retreated for a few weeks to draft the rule and constitutions of their new congregation, which Pope Sixtus V approved on July 1, 1588.
• Life of the Congregation: The Minor Clerks Regular embraced a dual life of active ministry and contemplative prayer, with perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament as a cornerstone. They served the sick, poor, prisoners, and engaged in missionary work. They also took a unique fourth vow, forbidding the pursuit or acceptance of ecclesiastical honors.
Devotion and Death
• Name Change and Devotion: Upon making his profession, Ascanio took the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. He was known for his deep devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, often found in ecstasy and frequently repeating, “Zeal for Thy house has consumed me.”
• Final Days and Legacy: Francis died of a severe fever on June 4, 1608, the eve of Corpus Christi, with his last words being his oft-repeated prayer. Remarkably, these words were found burned into the flesh of his heart during an examination after his death.
Canonization
• Recognition: St. Francis Caracciolo was canonized by Pope Pius VII on May 24, 1807.
• Feast Day: His feast day is celebrated on June 4th.
Reflection
St. Francis Caracciolo’s life is a testament to the transformative power of faith and commitment. His journey from illness to miraculous healing and from nobility to humility underscores the profound impact of divine intervention and dedication to God’s will. His establishment of the Minor Clerks Regular reflects his vision of a life balanced between contemplation and active service, rooted in perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
Conclusion
St. Francis Caracciolo’s unwavering devotion and humility continue to inspire the faithful. His life encourages us to trust in divine providence, embrace humility, and dedicate ourselves to serving others while remaining deeply connected to God through prayer and adoration. His legacy reminds us that true greatness lies not in seeking honor but in faithfully fulfilling God’s will in our lives.
May we, like St. Francis Caracciolo, find strength in our faith, zeal for God’s house, and love for those we serve. Amen.