Saint of the Day, September 22: Saint Pacifico of San Severino

St. Pacifico of San Severino (1653-1721): Pacifico was raised by his uncle after both of his parents died when he was three. He was a Franciscan priest and a Philosophy professor. St. Pacifico threw himself into his vocation with great enthusiasm, being noted by all for his poverty and obedience, and as a tireless and effective missionary preacher and confessor. An ascetic, he fasted continuously and wore a hair-shirt made of iron. Struck down by serious illness at the height of his powers- for the final 29 years of his life, he was lame, deaf, and blind- he accepted his trials with equanimity and cultivated a life of contemplation. Offering his sufferings for the conversion of sinners, he cured many of the sick who came to him, experienced ecstasies, and demonstrated the gift of prophecy.

St. Pacifico of San Severino