Saint Seraphim of Montegranaro

Saint Seraphim of Montegranaro was a religious of the First Order, born in 1540 in Montegranaro, in the Marches, in Italy. Son of Jerónimo Rapagnano and Teodora Giovannuzzi, his parents were fervent Christians of humble condition. Despite his family's poverty, Seraphim found his way to religion and became an example of humility, patience and devotion.

Like many Franciscan brothers of his time, Saint Seraphim found a special connection with God in the solitude of the fields. Being illiterate, he learned to read the “great book of nature” and raise his spirit to the divine. At the age of 18, he knocked on the door of the Capuchin Convent of Tolentino, hoping to follow religious life. Despite initial difficulties, he was received into the Order and did his novitiate in Jesi. During his religious journey, he passed through several convents in the Marches, but even with his commitment and diligence, he was unable to please his superiors and fraternity brothers, who often reprimanded and punished him. However, Saint Seraphim always showed extraordinary kindness, poverty, humility, purity and mortification.

Example of virtue and devotion

Saint Seraphim worked as a doorman and almsman, which put him in contact with people of different types. He always found the right word and demonstrated exceptional delicacy of feelings to lead souls towards God. Just like Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Seraphim loved nature, which spoke to his heart and led him to a deeper connection with God. In many moments of his life, we can see similarities with the most characteristic pages of the “Fioretti” of San Francisco.

In 1590, Saint Seraphim permanently settled in Áscoli Piceno, where he found special affection from the city. His immense love for peace and good exerted a significant influence on all groups of people, and his words were capable of calming alarming situations and extinguishing fierce hatred. He fervently promoted virtue and softened the customs of the time, seeking reform in accordance with the principles of the Council of Trent.

A man of prayer and patience

Saint Seraphim lived in constant prayer, humility, penance and work. His patience was exceptional, even in the face of constant reprimands. God helped him, making up for his limitations in the tasks of the kitchen, concierge, garden and alms, granting him the gift of performing miracles, reading hearts and comforting everyone. He always found joy in loving God and knowing and studying the divine “two books”: the crucifix and the rosary.

At 64 years of age, Saint Seraphim was already known for his holiness throughout the region of Áscoli. Unexpectedly, he asked for Viaticum when no one imagined his death was near. He died on October 12, 1604. After his death, the people began to call him a saint due to his simplicity and the testimony of his life. These murmurs reached the ears of Pope Paul V, who authorized a lamp to be lit next to his tomb.

Saint Seraphim of Montegranaro was canonized by Clement XIII on July 16, 1767. His example of humility, patience and devotion continues to inspire and touch the lives of the faithful to this day.