Today is the Feast Day of St. Francis di Girolamo

(1642-1716)

St. Francis di Girolamo was the eldest of eleven children born to honorable and virtuous parents in Naples, Italy.  As a child he was drawn to God and a life of prayer.  Realizing his vocation to Holy Orders, he was received into the Society of Jesus and ordained a Jesuit priest despite his father’s strong opposition to his son’s calling.  He became a renowned public preacher for his distinguished and eloquent arguments and style.  For his skill and talent he was appointed to train other missionaries.  Wherever he traveled he gathered crowds and they crowded his confessional.  Described as “a lamb when he talks, and a lion when he preaches,” St. Francis once brought to the Faith twenty Turkish muslim prisoners imprisoned in a Spanish galley.

Francis had a heart for the missions after his patron St. Francis Xavier, but instead of traveling to distant lands he accepted his hometown of Naples as his India.  After suffering a painful illness, he died the “Apostle of Naples” at age seventy-four.  He was canonized in 1839.  (Credit: MorningOffering.com and America Needs Fatima.org)

Kept aloof from God?” repeated Francis, “why should you avoid so tender a parent—a Saviour, who has poured out the last drop of his blood for you? Nay, rather turn and meet Him who has been running after you so long.”

– St. Francis di Girolamo

St. Francis di Girolamo, Apostle of Naples, pray for us.

Be not afraid!  And may the peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones today and always.  Holy Family pray for us.  Amen.