Franciscan Saint | St. Pacifico of San Severino

Saint Pacifico of San Severino was born on 1 March 1653 in San Severino Marche, Italy. Orphaned at a young age, he was entrusted to the care of an uncle and suffered mistreatment from two of the household maids. Despite these hardships, he entered the Franciscan Order and was ordained a priest at the age of 25.

He served among the poor and uneducated in the villages of the Apennines, seeking out even poor shepherds in their remote huts to teach them about God. He celebrated Holy Mass with great fervour and devotion, and was known for his deep prayer and love for the Eucharist.

In his later years, Saint Pacifico suffered blindness and deafness, which he patiently offered for the salvation of souls and conversion of sinners.

St. Pacifico died peacefully on 24 September 1721, at the age of 68. Many miracles were attributed to his intercession, and he was canonised by Pope Gregory XVI in 1839.

Reflection: What burden am I carrying that I can entrust to God today?