Blessed Claudio Di Portaceli

Biography

Blessed Claudio Di Portaceli, also known as Claudio of Carcassonne, was a Mercedarian friar and Commander of the house of Carcassonne, France. He was born in France, although the exact date of his birth is not known.

In 1318, Blessed Claudio embarked on a pilgrimage to collect alms in order to ransom Christians who were held captive in Muslim-controlled territories. As a symbol of his devotion, he carried a pilgrim's staff adorned with a flag bearing the image of Our Lady of Mercy. The flag depicted a slave kneeling at the feet of Mary, and it also bore the phrase "Haec est coeli door" which translates to "this is heaven's door." This staff became a powerful symbol of his mission and his dedication to the cause of freeing Christian captives.

In 1330, Blessed Claudio traveled all the way to North Africa to carry out his mission of redeeming Christians held in slavery. Despite the dangers and challenges he faced, his faith and determination never wavered. Miraculously, he succeeded in securing the release of numerous captives, providing them with freedom and a chance to rebuild their lives.

Blessed Claudio's unwavering commitment to the service of those in need caught the attention of the Church hierarchy. As a result, he was eventually elevated to the position of Cardinal of Santa Pudenziana, a prestigious role that acknowledged his exemplary efforts and deep spirituality.

Throughout his life, Blessed Claudio Di Portaceli was known as a miracle worker, with numerous reports of divine interventions attributed to his intercession. His fervent prayers and devotion to the cause of liberating Christians from slavery touched the lives of many, creating a profound impact on those who encountered him.

Blessed Claudio's feast day is celebrated on 21 February by the Mercedarians, the religious order he belonged to. Over the years, his memory and legacy have been honored by those who recognize his selfless compassion and tireless efforts in the pursuit of justice and mercy.

Although specific details about his death, veneration, and beatification are not provided, the life of Blessed Claudio serves as a testament to the power of faith and the importance of actively living out one's beliefs. His selflessness and dedication to the service of others continue to inspire and guide people to this day.