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| Saint Annibale Maria di Francia, Pray for us! |
Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia, also known as Hannibal of Messina, was an Italian priest, founder of religious congregations, and advocate for the poor and marginalized. Here's an overview of his life and contributions:
Early Life: Hannibal Mary Di Francia was born on July 5, 1851, in Messina, Sicily, Italy. He was born into a devout Catholic family and showed signs of piety and compassion from a young age.
Education and Priesthood: Hannibal pursued his education in theology and was ordained a priest in 1878. He dedicated himself to serving the poor and the sick, especially during times of cholera outbreaks and other hardships in Sicily.
Founding Religious Congregations: In 1882, Hannibal founded the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus, a religious congregation dedicated to prayer, evangelization, and the promotion of vocations. Later, in 1897, he also founded the Daughters of Divine Zeal, a religious congregation of women focused on prayer, service, and education.
Devotion to the Sacred Heart: Hannibal had a deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and promoted this devotion throughout his life. He emphasized the importance of prayer and reparation for the sins of humanity.
Social Work and Advocacy: Saint Hannibal was known for his tireless efforts to help the poor, the sick, and the marginalized. He established shelters, schools, and orphanages to provide for the needs of those in need. He was also a vocal advocate for social justice and worked to address the root causes of poverty and suffering.
Canonization: Hannibal Mary Di Francia was canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II on May 16, 2004. He is honored as a model of holiness, compassion, and service to others.
Legacy: Saint Hannibal's legacy lives on through the religious congregations he founded, as well as through the countless lives he touched through his works of charity and mercy. He is venerated as a patron saint of the poor, the sick, and those in need of spiritual guidance. His feast day is celebrated on June 1st in the Catholic Church.