Saint of the day, February 4 – Zeale
Born in Italy with the name Eufranio, St. Joseph of Leonissa was the third of eight children. He was inspired by the example of Matthew Silvestri who left a medical career to become a Capuchin and, after overcoming family opposition, was admitted to the Capuchin novitiate. In 1573, Eufranio received the habit and the name Joseph.
February 4 – St. Joseph of Leonissa
Born: 1556
Died: 1612
Nationality: Italian
Vocation: religious
Attributes: Capuchin habit, cross
Canonization: 1746
Born in Italy with the name Eufranio, St. Joseph of Leonissa was the third of eight children. He was inspired by the example of Matthew Silvestri who left a medical career to become a Capuchin and, after overcoming family opposition, was admitted to the Capuchin novitiate. In 1573, Eufranio received the habit and the name Joseph.
In 1581, Joseph received a patent for preaching from the Capuchin general vicar, which became his ministry for the rest of his life.
He traveled through the obscure mountainous regions of Italy to evangelize the poor. Because of his giftedness as a preacher and his union with God in prayer, he was very successful.
Joseph was then assigned to be the chaplain for over 4,000 Christian slaves working in a penal colony in Constantinople. He ministered to those suffering the inhumane conditions and many times offered himself as a substitute for the release of a slave who was near death. His offer was never accepted.
When an outbreak of the plague occurred, Joseph became ill but continued to serve at the mission. After converting a Greek bishop who had renounced the faith, Joseph decided to approach the sultan to ask for the right of freedom of conscience for anyone who converted or returned to the Christian faith.
When Joseph tried to approach the sultan, he was arrested and sentenced to immediate death by hanging on hooks through his right hand and right foot. On the evening of the third day, he was cut down and released.
He traveled to Rome and took up residence in Assisi. Following the Council of Trent, he devoted himself to catechizing the faithful.
When he became very ill, Joseph requested to be taken to Leonissa to say goodbye to his family members and friends. One evening, after beginning the Divine Office, he died repeating his favorite prayer, “Sancta Maria, succurre miseris.”
St. Joseph of Leonissa, pray for us.
