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| Saint Francis Caracciolo, Pray for us! |
⛪ Saint of the Day: June 4
⛪ Other Names: • Ascanio Pisquizio • Francesco Caracciolo
⛪ Born: 13 October 1563 at his family's castle at Villa Santa Maria, Abruzzi, Italy as Ascanio Pisquizio
⛪ Died: • 4 June 1608 at Agnone, Italy of a fever
• Relics at Naples, Italy and San Lorenzo in Lucina, Rome, Italy
Saint Francis Caracciolo, born Ascanio dei Caracciolo Pisquizi on October 13, 1563, was an Italian Catholic priest renowned for co-founding the Order of Clerics Regular Minor. His early life in Villa Santa Maria, Abruzzo, was marked by gentleness and uprightness. At the age of 22, he vowed to dedicate his life to God after a miraculous recovery from a severe skin condition, often referred to as leprosy at the time.
He pursued priesthood studies in Naples and was ordained in 1587. Five years later, a misdirected letter from Giovanni Agostino Adorno intended for another Caracciolo, Fabrizio, reached Francis. He interpreted this as a divine sign and joined forces with Adorno and Fabrizio Caracciolo to establish a new religious institute. The Order, confirmed by Pope Sixtus V in 1588, emphasized perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and self-mortification, with a unique vow against seeking ecclesiastical dignities.
Francis Caracciolo’s dedication to prayer, service to the sick and poor, and his role as Superior General of the Order until his death on June 4, 1608, in Agnone, are central to his legacy. He was beatified in 1769 and canonized on May 24, 1807, by Pope Pius VII. His feast day is celebrated on June 4, and he is the patron saint of Naples and Italian cooks.
Saint Francis Caracciolo had a profound influence on the Order of Clerics Regular Minor through his role in its foundation and his leadership as the first Superior General. His contributions shaped the Order’s spiritual and operational framework in several ways:
Co-Founding the Order: Francis Caracciolo, along with Giovanni Agostino Adorno and Fabrizio Caracciolo, established the Order after a divine sign received through a misdirected letter. He played a pivotal role in drafting the rules for the new congregation.
Spiritual Pillars: He instilled the practice of perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and self-mortification as central pillars of the Order’s life. This reflected his deep devotion to the Eucharist and the ascetic lifestyle he led.
Fourth Vow: Under his influence, the Order adopted a unique fourth vow, where members must not aspire to ecclesiastical dignities outside the order nor seek them within it. This vow was aimed at keeping the focus on service and humility.
Leadership and Guidance: As the first Superior General, Francis Caracciolo was the focal point of reference for the members of the Order. His leadership style and personal virtues set the standard for the conduct and aspirations of the Order’s members.
Promoting Devotion: The Order, often called the Caracciolini or the Adorno Fathers, is known for its contemplative and active nature, with a great devotion to Eucharistic Adoration, which was heavily influenced by Francis Caracciolo’s own spiritual practices.
Through these influences, Saint Francis Caracciolo left a lasting legacy that continues to guide the Order of Clerics Regular Minor even after his death. His commitment to prayer, service, and the propagation of devotion to the Holy Eucharist became the hallmark of the Order’s identity.
Saint Francis Caracciolo’s life has been a source of inspiration for many, particularly within the Catholic Church, due to his deep spirituality, commitment to service, and the founding of the Order of Clerics Regular Minor. Here are some ways in which his life has inspired others:
Miraculous Recovery and Vow: His miraculous recovery from a severe skin condition and subsequent vow to dedicate his life to God’s service inspired many to see the power of faith and the importance of vows.
Devotion to the Eucharist: His profound devotion to the Eucharist and the practice of perpetual adoration influenced others to deepen their own spiritual lives and appreciate the significance of the Blessed Sacrament.
Service to the Marginalized: Francis joined the Contraternity of the Bianchi della Giustizia, ministering to condemned prisoners. His compassion and dedication to those on the margins of society set an example for charitable work.
Humility in Leadership: Despite being the Superior General of his Order, he remained true to his vow of humility, refusing ecclesiastical dignities such as the bishopric, which encouraged others to value humility over honors.
Propagation of Devotion: His desire to propagate devotion to the Holy Eucharist and his active involvement in the Order’s activities served as a model for combining contemplative life with active ministry.
Culinary Connection: Interestingly, his patronage of Italian cooks is attributed to his family’s connection to culinary instruction, symbolizing the blend of faith and daily life, and inspiring many in the culinary field.
Saint Francis Caracciolo’s legacy continues to inspire individuals to live a life of devotion, service, and humility, while also balancing the contemplative and active aspects of their faith journey. His life story encourages people to respond to God’s call with courage and to serve others with compassion and dedication.
Saint Francis Caracciolo is attributed with performing miracles during his lifetime. One notable miracle was his recovery from a severe skin condition, which at the time was collectively referred to as “leprosy.” This illness was considered incurable, and his condition was so grave that he was thought to be beyond hope. However, after making a vow to dedicate his life to the service of God and others if he were healed, he experienced a rapid recovery. His cure was so swift and complete that it was deemed miraculous.
Additionally, there are accounts of his body remaining incorrupt after his death, which is often considered a sign of sainthood. It is reported that when his body was prepared for a long journey to Naples, the blood that issued forth was red and scented, and his vital organs were found to be uncorrupted. Around his heart, the words of the Psalm “The zeal of your house consumes me” (Ps 69:10) were reportedly found.
These events contributed to his veneration and eventual canonization as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. His life and miracles continue to inspire devotion and are celebrated within the Church. Saint Francis Caracciolo’s feast day is observed on June 4th, the anniversary of his death.
Collect for Saint Francis Caracciolo
O God, You adorned blessed Francis, the founder of a new Order, with a zeal for prayer and a love of penance; grant that your servants may make such progress in the imitation of his virtues, that by constant prayer and bringing their bodies into subjection, they may deserve to attain heavenly glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who being God, lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer for Intercession: O my powerful intercessor before God, St. Francis Caracciolo, by the burning love with which you testified on earth—and continue to testify in heaven—towards Jesus, our beloved Savior, and towards Mary his Mother most pure, by the sympathizing charity with which you comforted the afflicted and looked after the sick, I implore you, obtain for me who beseech you the grace (make your petition), through Christ our Lord.
Prayer for Forgiveness and Embrace: Dear Jesus, please help me to forgive others and embrace them in spite of their wrongdoing, as Saint Francis Caracciolo embraced the prisoners to whom he ministered
.