(1563-1608) A relative of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Ascanio (Saint Francis’ name at birth) became a priest after being miraculously healed of a leprosy-like disease. He served the less fortunate in various ministries and eventually founded the Congregation of the Minor Clerks Regular, taking the name Francis. Miracle-worker, prophet, and popular preacher, Saint Francis had a deep devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.
Saint Francis Caracciolo had an encounter with the healing power of Jesus Christ that led to a vocation born of gratitude. The gift shared with him was multiplied for everyone he encountered. This is often how charisms (gifts that build up the Church) work, and also how recovery becomes self-replicating. We want to share what we were given, what changed our lives. This often expresses itself in service. How has your gratitude in recovery expressed itself in service?
“Zeal for your house has consumed me” (Psalm 69:10; frequently repeated by Saint Francis and found burned into the flesh of his heart after he died).