Saint John Joseph of the Cross
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Saint John Joseph of the Cross was born on the Feast of the Assumption in 1654 on the island of Ischia. Known for his extreme austerity and devotion, he entered the Franciscan Order of the Alcantarine Reform at the age of sixteen, becoming the first Italian to join this Spanish-initiated reform. His life was marked by founding monasteries, serving as a novice master, and his reputation for miracles, including healing and prophecy. He was canonized in 1839, reflecting his significant spiritual contributions and the impact of his ascetic life.
Biography
Birth
John Joseph was born on August 15, 1654, in Ischia, near Naples, Italy.
Early Life
From a young age, he exhibited a strong inclination towards piety and austerity, living a life of virtue even before joining the religious order.
Occupation
He became a priest, though he did so reluctantly out of obedience to his superiors.
Vocation
As a Franciscan friar of the Alcantarine Reform, he was known for his humility, poverty, and love for silence and prayer, founding a monastery in Piedmont and later becoming a novice master and provincial.
Death
He died in Naples on March 5, 1739, from apoplexy, after a life dedicated to prayer, penance, and service to the Franciscan community.
Significant events
- Founded a monastery in Afila, Piedmont, in 1674, personally assisting in its construction.
- Became the first Italian to join the Alcantarine Reform of the Franciscans.
- Served as master of novices, instilling virtues of humility and prayer in young friars.
- Appointed as provincial of the Naples province, working to establish the Alcantarine Reform in Italy.
Death
Saint John Joseph of the Cross died peacefully in Naples from apoplexy on March 5, 1739.
Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize him as a Servant of God likely began shortly after his death, though exact dates are not well-documented.
Venerable
Declared Venerable for his exemplary life of virtue, though exact dates are not widely recorded.
Beatification
Beatified on May 24, 1789, by Pope Pius VI, based on his life of virtue and the miracles attributed to his intercession.
Canonization
Canonized on May 26, 1839, by Pope Gregory XVI following the confirmation of additional miracles.
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
Details of specific miracles for beatification are not comprehensively documented, but healing miracles are noted.
Miracle for canonization
Not specifically documented in detail, but miracles post-beatification were recognized for his canonization.
Other notable miracles
- Known for the gift of prophecy. - Reported to have performed numerous healings.
Patronage
While not explicitly stated, his patronage might be inferred for those seeking a life of austerity, humility, or those in the Franciscan order.
Feast day
Saint John Joseph of the Cross's feast day is celebrated on March 5.
Veneration
Veneration includes the honoring of his relics, which are kept in the Franciscan Church in Ischia, and through the remembrance of his life of penance and miracles in the Franciscan tradition.
Books
Written about the saint
- [Compendio della Vita di Giangiuseppe della Croce - Published in Rome, 1838]
- [Vita di S. Gian Giuseppe della Croce, dal P. Diodata dell' Assunta - Rome, 1839]
Written by the saint
No known writings by Saint John Joseph of the Cross exist.
External links
- EWTN - St. John Joseph of the Cross
- Catholic Encyclopedia - St. John Joseph of the Cross
- Wikipedia - John Joseph of the Cross