Saint of the Day: St. John Joseph of the Cross

Religious Priest (1654-1734)

His life

+ Carlo Gaetano was born near Naples on the Feast of the Assumption, in the year 1654.

+ At the age of sixteen he entered the Reformed Franciscan Friary of Santa Lucia del Monte, where he received the name John Joseph of the Cross. Such was the edification he gave to the Friars that, three years after his profession, he was sent to found a monastery at Piedmont.

+ John Joseph was ordained to the priesthood only out of obedience and was endowed with singular wisdom and insight into the spiritual life.

+ Saint John Joseph of the Cross exemplified great virtues, especially humility, innocence, and religious discipline.

+ After years of serving in a variety of posts, and laboring for the good of his Order, he died at his monastery in Naples in the year 1734 and was canonized in 1839.

For prayer and reflection

“And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life.”—Matthew 19:29

Spiritual bonus

On March 5 we also remember the Pope Saint Lucius I. Lucius was elected 22^nd successor of Saint Peter in 253 and was exiled almost immediately after, although he was allowed to return to Rome a short time later. Known for his staunch condemnation of the Novationist heresy, he died on March 5, 254. Although he was once honored as a martyr, the persecution of Valerian (during which it was claimed that Lucius had been killed) began after the date of his death. His relics were later enshrined in Rome’s Basilica of Santa Cecilia in Trastavere.

Prayer

We humbly ask you, almighty God,
that at the intercession of blessed John Joseph of the Cross
you may multiply your gifts among us
and order our days in peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal: Common of Pastors—For One Pastor)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.