Franciscan Saint | St. John of Capistrano

St. John of Capistrano was born in 1386 in Capistrano, Italy. The son of a former German knight, he became a lawyer and was later appointed governor of Perugia.

His life took a dramatic turn when he was imprisoned during a war with a neighbouring town. In prison, he experienced a deep conversion and began to reconsider the direction of his life.

After his release, St. John gave up his worldly ambitions and entered the Franciscan Order. He became an inspiring preacher, travelling throughout Europe and Russia, preaching to large crowds and helping to establish Franciscan communities.

In his later years, Europe faced the threat of the Ottoman Empire. In 1456, at the age of 70, John helped rally and organise Christian forces defending Belgrade. Despite his age, he personally accompanied the soldiers, encouraging them through his preaching and faith. The Christian victory at the Siege of Belgrade became one of the defining events of his final years. He died a few months later, on 23 October 1456, in Ilok, in present-day Croatia.

St. John of Capistrano reminds us that God can transform the direction of our lives. His journey from a successful lawyer to a Franciscan preacher shows that true greatness is not found in status or achievement, but in giving ourselves to God's call.

Reflection: What might God be asking me to let go of so that I can follow Him more fully?