We had our Women's Bible Study potluck tonight (such an abundance of great food!). I started thinking about all of the shopping, cooking and eating that I will be doing over the next week and wondered if there is a patron saint of feasting. Google tells me that there are actually several saints with food related patronages, so I chose St. Francis Caracciolo (mainly because I'm short on time and I need to post something tonight).
Francis was born in 1563 in the Kingdom of Naples in modern day Italy. When he was 22, he was struck by a skin malady (one of several skin maladies collectively described as "leprosy" in those days). The condition was very serious and considered hopeless. He made a vow that if he recovered, he would spend the rest of his life in service to God. His subsequent recovery was so rapid that it was considered miraculous. Eager to fulfill his vow, he hurried off to study for the priesthood.
Five years later, a letter meant for another Caracciolo was mistakenly delivered to the newly ordained priest. The letter regarded the founding of a new religious institute. He saw in this the hand of God and joined in drawing up rules for the new congregation. The institute thus founded was called the Order of the Clerics Regular Minor. This order is both contemplative and active. One of the pillars of their life is circular adoration of the Blessed Sacrament - perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is kept up by rotation, and self-mortification is practiced.
Francis was general superior of the order for seven years. Afterward he carried on his apostolic work in the confessional and in the pulpit. He preached so constantly on the divine goodness to man that he was called "The Preacher of the Love of God."
He died in 1608 at the age of 44. He is the Patron Saint of Naples, Italy, and of Italian cooks (no idea why).
St. Francis Caracciolo, pray for us.
No comments:
Post a Comment