November 27 | Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani

Born: 1681

Died: 1742

Nationality: Italian 

Vocation: religious and priest 

Attributes: Franciscan habit, preaching on the Blessed Virgin Mary

Patronage: Lucera, Italy 

Canonization: 1986 by Pope St. John Paul II

Born Giovanneillo Fasani, this saint entered the Conventual Franciscans at the age of 14 and took the names of Sts. Francis and Anthony. 

A serious scholar, he was ordained a priest after 10 years and taught philosophy to younger members of the community. He eventually became provincial of his order. After his term as provincial ended, he became a novice-master and pastor in his hometown of Lucera. 

He was known as a gifted confessor and preacher, as well as for his charity, devotion, and penitential life. 

One witness for his cause attested: “In his preaching, he spoke in a familiar way, filled as he was with the love of God and neighbor; fired by the Spirit, he made use of the words and deeds of Holy Scripture, stirring his listeners and moving them to do penance.” 

Francesco loved to serve the poor and was also a mystic who sometimes levitated while praying. Those he pastored compared him with St. Francis of Assisi.

He died in 1742 and was canonized by Pope St. John Paul II. 

St. Francesco Antonio Fasani, pray for us.