Blessed Mark Of Aviano

Biography

Blessed Mark Of Aviano, also known as Carlo Domenico Cristofori, Marco D'Aviano, Marco of Aviano, or Marek z Aviano, was born on 17 November 1631 in Aviano, Italy. He was the son of Marco Pasquale Cristofori and Rosa Zanoni. From a young age, Mark showed a deep fascination with stories of the saints. He received his education at home and also attended the Jesuit school in Gorizia, Italy.

At the age of 16, Mark embarked on a journey to Crete, where Venice was engaged in a war against the Ottoman Turks. His intention was to preach Christianity to the Muslims and willingly face martyrdom. However, after a few days of hiking, he arrived at the Capuchin house in Capodistria (modern-day Kopar, Slovenia), seeking food and shelter. The Capuchin brothers welcomed him, provided him with sustenance, prayed with him, and counseled him to return home. Following their advice, Mark returned to his family.

His time spent at the monastery had a profound impact on Carlo, leading him to become a Capuchin novice at Conegliano, Italy, in 1648. He made his formal vows in 1649, assuming the name Mark. On 18 September 1655, he was ordained at Chioggia, Italy. For several years, Mark lived within the cloister, but in 1664, he was called to engage in missionary activities, preaching the Gospel throughout Italy.

In 1672, Mark was elected as the superior of the Belluno house in Italy. Two years later, in 1674, he was appointed as the superior of the Oderzo house in Italy. While delivering a sermon on 8 September 1676 at a monastery in Padua, Italy, Mark offered prayers over Sister Vincenza Francesconi, who had been bedridden for 13 years. Miraculously, she was healed. News of this remarkable event spread, and people flocked to Mark, seeking miracles and conversions. Many experiencing physical and spiritual healings became followers of the faith.

Mark's fame reached such heights that he became a trusted counselor on religious and political matters to Leopold I, the emperor of Austria, serving in this capacity for almost two decades. He also held the positions of Papal legate and Apostolic Nuncio to Austria, representing Pope Blessed Innocent XI. One of his notable achievements was securing the liberation of Vienna from the Ottoman Turks on 12 September 1683.

From 1683 to 1689, Mark accompanied the army as an advisor and chaplain, offering spiritual guidance and support to soldiers of all ranks. He played a crucial role in negotiating the liberation of Buda on 2 September 1686 and Belgrade on 6 September 1688. Throughout Europe, Mark tirelessly worked as a peacemaker, fostering unity among warring Catholic powers. He highlighted the threat posed by the Ottomans and reminded leaders that divine wisdom guided his counsel.

Legend has it that during the Ottomans' retreat before the European army, they left behind a surplus of their strong, bitter coffee. To make it more palatable, the Christian soldiers mixed it with honey and milk, naming the resulting beverage after Mark's religious order, the Capuchins. Thus, cappuccino was created.

Blessed Mark Of Aviano died on 13 August 1699 in Vienna, Austria, succumbing to cancer. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on 27 April 2003, and his heroic virtues were recognized by the same pontiff on 6 July 1991.

Carlo Domenico Cristofori, also known as Blessed Mark Of Aviano, stands as a faithful servant of God, a zealous preacher, and a skilled diplomat who dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel, healing the sick, and defending the Christian faith against the Ottoman Empire's threats. His legacy endures as a model of holiness, intercession, and tireless dedication to the cause of peace.