Saint Francis Caracciolo
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| Saint Francis Caracciolo | |
| Feast Day | June 04 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Naples, Italy; Italian chefs |
| Birthplace | Villa Santa Maria, Abruzzo, Kingdom of Naples |
| Death Place | Agnone, Kingdom of Naples |
| Cause of Death | Fever |
| Primary Shrine | Church of Santa Maria di Monteverginella, Naples, Italy |
Saint Francis Caracciolo (October 13, 1563 – June 4, 1608), born Ascanio Caracciolo, was an Italian saint and priest who co-founded the Order of the Clerics Regular Minor (Caracciolini) with John Augustine Adorno and Fabrizio Caracciolo. Born in Villa Santa Maria, Abruzzo, to a noble family, he survived a severe skin disease resembling leprosy at 22, vowing to dedicate his life to God if cured. Miraculously healed, he pursued priesthood in Naples, was ordained in 1587, and joined the Confraternity of the White Robes of Justice, aiding condemned criminals. In 1588, a misdelivered letter from Adorno inspired him to co-found the Clerics Regular Minor, emphasizing perpetual Eucharistic adoration and a fourth vow against seeking ecclesiastical honors. Elected superior general in 1593, he established houses in Spain and Italy, known for his humility and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. He died of a fever in Agnone on the eve of Corpus Christi, 1608. Beatified in 1769 by Pope Clement XIV and canonized in 1807 by Pope Pius VII, his feast day is June 4. He is patron of Naples (since 1838) and Italian chefs (since 1996).[1][2]
His relics rest in the Church of Santa Maria di Monteverginella, Naples, and his devotion to the Eucharist, marked by nightly adoration, earned him the title “Preacher of Divine Love.” His legacy endures in Naples and Villa Santa Maria, where festivals honor his patronage of chefs.[3]
Biography
Birth
Saint Francis Caracciolo was born on October 13, 1563, in Villa Santa Maria, Abruzzo, Kingdom of Naples, to Ferrante Caracciolo and Isabella Barattucci of the noble Pisquizio branch of the Caracciolo family. Baptized Ascanio, he showed early piety, reciting the Rosary and aiding the poor.[4][3]
Early Life
Raised with a Catholic education, Ascanio was gentle and virtuous, enjoying hunting until a severe skin disease, likened to leprosy, struck at 22. Facing death, he vowed to serve God if healed. Miraculously cured, he renounced his noble titles, sold his goods for the poor, and moved to Naples in 1585 to study theology.[1][5]
Occupation
Ordained a priest in 1587, Ascanio joined the Confraternity of the White Robes of Justice in Naples, ministering to condemned criminals. In 1588, a misdelivered letter from John Augustine Adorno, intended for another Caracciolo, prompted him to co-found the Clerics Regular Minor. Taking the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, he served as superior general from 1593, performing menial tasks like washing dishes despite his leadership role.[2][6]
Vocation
Francis’ vocation was rooted in Eucharistic adoration and service to the poor and prisoners. His order’s fourth vow—renouncing ecclesiastical dignities—reflected his humility. Known for spending nights before the Blessed Sacrament, his face reportedly glowed during prayer. He wrote *Le sette stazioni sopra la Passione di N.S. Gesù Christo*, promoting devotion to Christ’s Passion, and was gifted with prophecy and healing through the sign of the cross.[7][8]
Death
Francis died on June 4, 1608, in Agnone, Kingdom of Naples, from a fever, aged 44, on the eve of Corpus Christi. His last words were, “Let us go, let us go to Heaven!” When his body was opened, his heart bore the words “Zelus domus Tuæ comedit me” (“The zeal of Thy house hath consumed me”). Initially buried in Naples’ Basilica of St. Mary Major, his relics were moved to Santa Maria di Monteverginella in 1823.[1][2]
Significant events
- Cured of leprosy-like disease, 1585.
- Ordained priest, 1587.
- Co-founded Clerics Regular Minor, 1588.
- Made religious profession as Francis, April 9, 1589.
- Elected superior general, March 9, 1593.
- Died in Agnone, June 4, 1608.[2][4]
Significant locations
Legend
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Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize Francis as a Servant of God began soon after his death, spurred by a healing miracle at his funeral on June 11, 1608. His cult grew in Naples, supported by his order’s testimony.[3]
Venerable
No formal Venerable declaration was recorded, as his cause advanced rapidly due to his miracles and piety. Devotion spread in Naples and Abruzzo by the 17th century.[2]
Beatification
Francis was beatified on June 4, 1769, by Pope Clement XIV in St. Peter’s Basilica, following recognition of his virtues and miracles, including the 1608 healing.[1]
Canonization
He was canonized on May 24, 1807, by Pope Pius VII in St. Peter’s Basilica, affirmed by his miracles and Eucharistic devotion. His canonization bull highlighted his love for the Eucharist and sinners’ conversion.[3]
Miracles
His canonization was supported by miracles, notably a healing during his funeral in 1608. His life’s Eucharistic devotion was considered providential.[3]
Miracle for beatification
A documented miracle was the healing of an invalid man on June 11, 1608, during Francis’ funeral, attributed to his intercession.[3]
Miracle for canonization
Additional miracles, including healings by blessing with the sign of the cross, were verified, though specifics are less documented.[8]
Other notable miracles
- Miraculous cure of his leprosy-like disease, 1585.
- Reported healings of the sick through his blessings.[7]
Patronage
Saint Francis Caracciolo is patron of Naples (since 1838) and Italian chefs (since 1996, due to Villa Santa Maria’s culinary tradition tied to his family). He is also invoked by the Clerics Regular Minor.[3][8]
Feast day
His feast day is celebrated on June 4 in the Roman Catholic Church, marking his death.[2]
Veneration
Francis is venerated through Masses and pilgrimages to Santa Maria di Monteverginella, Naples, where his relics are preserved. His image, often with a monstrance or book, adorns churches in Naples and Abruzzo. Feast day celebrations in Villa Santa Maria include a cuisine festival, reflecting his patronage of chefs, with devotion centered on his Eucharistic fervor and humility.[3][6]
Books
Written about the saint
- Lives of the Saints, Vol. VI by Alban Butler[1]
- Saint Francis Caracciolo: Founder of the Minor Clerks Regular by Alberto Macchi[2]
- History of the Clerics Regular Minor by Giuseppe Guerra[3]
Written by the saint
External links
- Saint Francis Caracciolo at CatholicSaints.Info
- St. Francis Caracciolo at Catholic Online
- St. Francis Caracciolo in the Catholic Encyclopedia
- Francis Caracciolo at Wikipedia
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "St. Francis Caracciolo". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06218a.htm.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 "Francis Caracciolo". Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Caracciolo.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 "San Francesco Caracciolo". Italy Heritage. https://www.italyheritage.com/great-italians/san-francesco-caracciolo.htm.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "St. Francis Caracciolo". Adorno Fathers. 2010-04-13. https://www.adornofathers.org/st-francis-caracciolo.
- ↑ "Saint Francis Caracciolo". Franciscan Media. 2016-08-19. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-caracciolo.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Saint Francis Caracciolo". CatholicSaints.Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-francis-caracciolo/.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "St. Francis Caracciolo". Catholic Exchange. 2024-06-04. https://catholicexchange.com/st-francis-caracciolo.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "Saint Francis Caracciolo (1563-1608)". Saint Mary’s Press. https://www.smp.org/resource/saint-francis-caracciolo-1563-1608.