Saint of the day, March 5 – Zeale
John Joseph was devout from a very young age, embracing a life of poverty and fasting. At the age of 16, he joined the Franciscans. His superiors noted his holiness and commissioned him to establish a new friary before he was ordained.
March 5 – St. John Joseph of the Cross
Born: 1654
Died: 1734
Nationality: Italian
Attributes: Franciscan habit
Vocation: priest, religious
Patronage: Ischia, Italy
Canonization: 1839 by Gregory XVI
John Joseph was devout from a very young age, embracing a life of poverty and fasting. At the age of 16, he joined the Franciscans. His superiors noted his holiness and commissioned him to establish a new friary before he was ordained.
John Joseph was eventually ordained, despite his reluctance, and then appointed novice master, guardian, and provincial. He carried out his duties with charity and humility, always preferring to perform the lowest and most difficult tasks himself.
When he completed his term as provincial, he devoted the rest of his life to hearing confessions and the practice of interior and exterior mortifications.
John Joseph possessed the gift of miracles and cured the sick who came to him seeking healing. He was also well known for his deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and encouraged his penitents to cultivate a devotion to her as well. He died from illness at the age of 84.
St. John Joseph of the Cross, pray for us.
