Saint Joseph of Leonissa

Saint Joseph of Leonissa was born on January 8, 1556 in Leonissa, Italy. At the age of 16, he joined the Capuchin Order and did his novitiate in the small convent of Carcerelle, near Assisi.

He chose for himself the path of humility and poverty, calling his body the “dumb brother” and treating it with little food and other deprivations. On May 21, 1581, he was ordained a priest in Perugia and then destined for the office of preacher.

In 1587, he traveled to Constantinople with two brothers to found a mission. There, he dedicated himself to the liberation of enslaved Christians and the reinstatement of a bishop who had apostatized to the Church. However, he was captured by the Turks for trying to preach to Sultan Murad III. Under a beam, he was whipped and subjected to a fire that burned slowly for three days . And, surprisingly, he survived.

Back in Italy, Saint Joseph of Leonissa continued to preach in the cities and villages of Umbria, achieving consoling results in conversions and reconciliations. Furthermore, it promoted social assistance works such as Hospitals and “Monte Pios”.

At the age of 57, falling ill from a tumor, he was admitted to the convent of Amatrice, next to Rieti . Even with the pain, he refused to be tied up or take anesthetics.

In the early hours of February 4, 1612, he gave his soul to God.

Saint Joseph of Leonissa was canonized by Benedict XIV on June 29, 1746.

Saint Joseph of Leonissa is a miracle worker of the Catholic faith, whose story of resistance to suffering and perseverance in preaching the word of God are an inspiration for all Christians.

Reference: capuchinhos.org