Saint Joseph Cafasso

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Saint Joseph Cafasso
Feast Day	June 23
Liturgical Class
Patronage	Prisoners, students, those condemned to death
Birthplace	Castelnuovo d'Asti, Piedmont, Kingdom of Sardinia
Death Place	Turin, Piedmont, Kingdom of Sardinia
Cause of Death	Pneumonia, stomach hemorrhage, congenital medical issues
Primary Shrine	Sanctuary of the Consolata, Turin, Italy

Saint Joseph Cafasso (15 January 1811 – 23 June 1860) was an Italian priest and social reformer, known as the “Priest of the Gallows” for his ministry to prisoners and the condemned in Turin. Born in Castelnuovo d'Asti, Piedmont, he entered the priesthood after studying at the seminary in Chieri and became a professor and spiritual director at the Ecclesiastical Institute in Turin. Cafasso mentored countless priests, including Saint John Bosco, and worked tirelessly to improve prison conditions, offering confession and comfort to inmates facing execution. Canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1947, he is venerated for his compassion and apostolic zeal.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Cafasso)

Cafasso’s legacy endures as the patron saint of prisoners, students, and those condemned to death, with his feast day celebrated on 23 June in the Latin Rite. His work in Turin’s prisons and his influence on the formation of priests through the Diocese of Turin remain profound. His relics at the Sanctuary of the Consolata draw pilgrims, and his example of mercy continues to inspire Catholic social reform.[](https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=696)[](https://x.com/SaintPortraits/status/1804675478940225924)

Biography

Birth

Saint Joseph Cafasso was born on 15 January 1811 in Castelnuovo d'Asti, Piedmont, Kingdom of Sardinia, to Giovanni Cafasso and Orsola Beltramo, small landowners. The third of four children, he grew up in a modest, pious household in a rural village known for its agricultural community. His early exposure to the local parish fostered a deep faith, evident in his childhood devotion.

Castelnuovo’s proximity to Turin, a hub of religious and political activity, shaped his awareness of social issues. His family’s humility and commitment to charity laid the foundation for his later ministry to the marginalized.[](https://salesians.org/calendar/st-joseph-cafasso)

Early Life

Cafasso displayed sanctity from a young age, often leading family prayers and showing compassion for the poor. Educated locally, he excelled in studies and entered the seminary in Chieri at 14. His frail health, due to congenital issues, did not deter his rigorous academic and spiritual discipline. Ordained a priest in 1833, he continued studies at the Ecclesiastical Institute in Turin.

In Turin, Cafasso befriended John Bosco, guiding his vocation and encouraging his work with youth. His early ministry focused on teaching and spiritual direction, earning him a reputation as a gifted confessor.[](https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=696)

Occupation

Cafasso’s primary occupation was as a priest and educator. After ordination, he taught moral theology at the Ecclesiastical Institute in Turin, shaping generations of clergy. His role as a spiritual director extended to advising bishops and laypeople, earning him respect across the Diocese of Turin.

His most notable work was ministering to prisoners, visiting Turin’s jails to offer confession and counsel. Known for accompanying the condemned to the gallows, he provided solace in their final moments, a ministry that defined his legacy.[](https://www.smp.org/resourcecenter/resource/9522/?srsltid=AfmBOop-SQUscG6pedKmyEFfIfHdodmyb-D4VgMSMxQSWhPaXaFYv1AN)

Vocation

Cafasso’s religious vocation began with his ordination in 1833 and flourished in Turin, where he served as a priest under the Diocese of Turin. Appointed rector of the Ecclesiastical Institute, he reformed priestly formation, emphasizing pastoral care and moral theology. His mentorship of Saint John Bosco was pivotal, guiding the founder of the Salesians in his mission.

His prison ministry, conducted alongside teaching, involved advocating for better conditions and offering spiritual support to inmates. Cafasso’s tireless service, despite chronic illness, exemplified his dedication to the marginalized.[](http://www.vaticannews.cn/en/saints/06/23/st--joseph-cafasso--priest-of-turin-.html)

Death

Cafasso met his end on 23 June 1860 in Turin, Piedmont, dying of pneumonia, a stomach hemorrhage, and complications from congenital medical problems. Weakened by years of intense ministry and poor health, he succumbed at age 49 in a Turin rectory, surrounded by fellow priests. His final words, expressing trust in Jesus and Mary, reflected his serene faith.[](https://x.com/aciprensa/status/1142672395892928518)

Buried at the Sanctuary of the Consolata, his funeral drew crowds of mourners, including prisoners and clergy. Reports of miracles soon emerged, fueling his canonization cause.[](https://www.ecatholic2000.com/cts/untitled-453.shtml)

Significant events

• Ordained a priest in 1833, beginning his ministry in Turin.[](https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=696)
• Became rector of the Ecclesiastical Institute in Turin, reforming priestly education.[](https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-joseph-cafasso/)
• Mentored Saint John Bosco, shaping the Salesian mission.
• Ministered to prisoners and the condemned in Turin, earning the title “Priest of the Gallows.”
• Died in 1860, leaving a legacy of social reform and spiritual guidance.

Significant locations

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Legend

• Birth location: Castelnuovo d'Asti, Piedmont, Kingdom of Sardinia
• Death location: Turin, Piedmont, Kingdom of Sardinia
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Parishes

Joseph Cafasso
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Canonization

Servant of God

The process to recognize Joseph Cafasso as a Servant of God began in 1895 in the Diocese of Turin, 35 years after his death. The inquiry collected testimonies from priests, prisoners, and laity, focusing on his prison ministry and spiritual direction. His writings, including sermons and letters, demonstrated his holiness and zeal.

The cause advanced due to widespread devotion in Piedmont, particularly among Salesians and prison reform advocates. Documentation was forwarded to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints for further review.[](https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=696)

Venerable

Cafasso was declared Venerable on 11 April 1903 by Pope Leo XIII, recognizing his heroic virtue. The Congregation for the Causes of Saints affirmed his charity, humility, and dedication to prisoners and clergy formation. No miracle was required at this stage, as the focus was on his moral life.

This declaration increased devotion in Turin, with parishes promoting his cause. His influence on Saint John Bosco and prison reform was cited as evidence of his sanctity.[](https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-joseph-cafasso/)

Beatification

Cafasso was beatified on 3 May 1925 by Pope Pius XI in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, after a miracle: the healing of a woman in Turin from a terminal illness. The woman, deemed incurable, recovered after prayers to Cafasso, a cure verified by medical experts. This fulfilled the beatification requirement.

The ceremony allowed Cafasso to be called “Blessed” and venerated in Turin and Piedmont. Celebrations included Masses, particularly among Salesian communities.[](https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=696)

Canonization

Canonized on 22 June 1947 by Pope Pius XII in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Cafasso’s canonization followed a second miracle: the recovery of a prisoner in Turin from a severe infection. The prisoner, near death, was healed after prayers to Cafasso, a case approved by the Vatican. This confirmed his universal sanctity.

The canonization drew thousands, establishing his feast day as 23 June. Cafasso’s recognition strengthened devotion, particularly among prisoners and students.[](https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-joseph-cafasso/)

Miracles

Miracle for beatification

The beatification miracle involved a woman in Turin healed from a terminal illness in the early 20th century. Diagnosed with an incurable condition, she was prayed for by her community invoking Cafasso’s intercession. After a novena, she recovered fully, a cure documented by physicians and deemed inexplicable.

The Congregation for the Causes of Saints verified the miracle, attributing it to Cafasso’s intercession. This event, widely celebrated in Turin, led to his beatification in 1925.[](https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=696)

Miracle for canonization

The canonization miracle occurred in the 1940s, involving a prisoner in Turin who recovered from a severe infection. Facing death due to a life-threatening illness, the prisoner’s family and chaplain prayed to Cafasso. His sudden recovery, without medical explanation, was investigated and approved by the Vatican.

This miracle, tied to Cafasso’s patronage of prisoners, reinforced his sanctity, culminating in his 1947 canonization. The event deepened devotion in Piedmont’s prisons.[](https://www.smp.org/resourcecenter/resource/9522/?srsltid=AfmBOop-SQUscG6pedKmyEFfIfHdodmyb-D4VgMSMxQSWhPaXaFYv1AN)

Other notable miracles

• Traditions in Turin attribute minor healings and conversions to Cafasso’s intercession, particularly among prisoners and students, though specifics are not widely documented.[](https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=696)

Patronage

Saint Joseph Cafasso is the patron saint of prisoners, students, and those condemned to death, reflecting his prison ministry and educational work. His patronage extends to those seeking spiritual guidance, inspired by his role as a confessor.[](https://saintoftheday.com/st-joseph-cafasso/)

Feast day

Cafasso’s feast day is 23 June, commemorating his death, celebrated in the Latin Rite. Masses and prayers occur in Turin, Castelnuovo d'Asti, and Salesian communities, honoring his legacy.[](https://connection.newmanministry.com/saint/saint-joseph-cafasso/)

Veneration

Saint Joseph Cafasso is venerated through Masses, novenas, and pilgrimages to his relics at the Sanctuary of the Consolata, Turin. Prisoners, students, and priests seek his intercession for mercy and guidance. His relics are displayed on his feast day, drawing pilgrims to Piedmont.

Depicted in art with a priest’s cassock and crucifix, Cafasso appears in Turin’s churches and Salesian institutions. His life, praised in posts on X as the “Priest of the Gallows,” inspires prison ministries and social reform.[](https://x.com/SaintPortraits/status/1804675478940225924)

Books

Written about the saint

• Saint Joseph Cafasso: Priest of the Gallows
• Roman Catholic Saints: Saint Joseph Cafasso

Written by the saint

• No major works by Cafasso are widely published, though his sermons and spiritual writings are preserved in Diocese of Turin archives.[](https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=696)

External links

• CatholicSaints.Info: Saint Joseph Cafasso
• Catholic.org: St. Joseph Cafasso
• Franciscan Media: Saint Joseph Cafasso
• Newman Connection: Saint Joseph Cafasso