Saint John of Capistrano

Capistrano, a city located in the Italian region of Abruzzo, is known as the birthplace of Saint John of Capistrano. Son of a German baron, he moved to Perugia to study law. He quickly made a career and became a jurist and governor of the city. However, after the occupation of Perugia by the Malatesta family, Saint John of Capistrano was arrested.

Called in prison

It was during his period in prison that Saint John of Capistrano discovered that the Lord was calling him. As soon as he was released, he became a priest of the Order of Friars Minor. As a member of this Franciscan order, João dedicated himself to preaching, defending Catholic orthodoxy and reforming the order from the inside out. His preaching, especially during Advent and Lent, was known to ignite people’s spirits, leading to the conversion and spiritual renewal of those who heard him.

Friendship in God

During this period, Saint John of Capistrano met Bernardino of Siena, another Franciscan friar, with whom he developed a solid friendship. Bernardino shared with him his special devotion to the Name of Jesus, represented by the acronym IHS, which means “Jesus, savior of men”. João defended Bernardino against accusations of heresy and also committed himself to unmasking “fraticellism”, which was the dissemination of heretical doctrines disguised by the Franciscan Rule.

For this reason, Saint John of Capistrano is considered one of the greatest reformers of the Franciscan Order and received the nickname “Column of Observance”. Furthermore, he was also responsible for combating the practice of usury.

Fighter of heresies

In 1453, the fall of Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, brought a feeling of threat to Christianity, due to the unstoppable advance of Islam and the Turks. This situation has become a real and urgent concern for many people. In the name of Pope Nicholas V, Saint John of Capistrano was in Austria with 12 other companions to evangelize the neglected regions of Europe and combat widespread heresy. However, this mission soon took a backseat.

Total dedication to the Gospel

Saint John of Capistrano abandoned his initial mission to dedicate himself completely to the cause of the gospel. He began traveling through Central Europe, seeking to recruit men to face the threat from the Turks, especially in the Hungarian populations, which were most exposed. At the head of an army of five thousand men, Saint John of Capistrano left for Belgrade with the aim of breaking the siege of the city led by Muhammad II’s river fleet.

Easter and legacy

A week later, earthly victory arrived, transforming the elderly friar into a victorious general. However, on his way back, exhausted and after contracting the plague, Saint John of Capistrano died in the convent of Ilok, in present-day Croatia, on October 23, 1456. He was canonized by Pope Alexander VII in 1690 and, since 1984, , was proclaimed patron saint of military chaplains.

Saint John of Capistrano was a great reformer of the Franciscan Order and a fighter dedicated to the defense of Catholic orthodoxy and the fight against the heresies of the time. His incendiary preaching and his ability to mobilize people made him a symbol of spiritual renewal. Furthermore, his dedication to confronting the threat of Islam and the Turks led to him being called the “Apostle of a united Europe.” His life and legacy are examples of faith, courage and commitment to the cause of the Gospel.