O God, You have manifested Your love in the priest St. Francis Caracciolo by making him an adorer of the Eucharist, a preacher of Your Divine love, an apostle to the poor the sick and the sinners.
Grant we implore You, that we may imitate his love for Jesus in the Eucharist, and spare no effort to work for the salvation of our brothers and sisters, always for the greater glory of the Risen Christ.
Through the intercession of St. Francis, we ask you to inspire many young men and women to follow Christ totally in the spirit of prayer, penance and zeal for the building of Your Kingdom here on earth. Amen.
Feast Day is June 4
A medical crisis that proved to be a false alarm changed the life of this 16th-century saint. At age 22 Francis developed a troublesome skin disease resembling leprosy—one of the most dreaded diseases of the day. He vowed that if he recovered he would devote his life to God. The skin condition cleared up completely. Convinced his recovery was miraculous, Francis kept his promise to God.
He studied for the priesthood in Naples. There he befriended a man who wanted to establish a new religious community that would focus on both the active and the contemplative life. Francis helped draw up Rules for the new Order of the Minor Clerks Regular. Members of the Order agreed among themselves never to seek leadership within the group, though Francis was elected many times to serve in such positions.
Even in his capacity as superior of the Order, he insisted on sharing simple tasks: sweeping rooms, making beds, washing dishes. As a priest Francis spent many hours in the confessional. He also begged in the streets for the poor and gave away most of his possessions to the needy.
Francis died in 1608. He is the patron saint of Naples.
from Saint of the Day Lives, Lessons and Feast, By Leonard Foley, O.F.M.; revised by Pat McCloskey, O.F.M.
Two Hearts – One Love