Blessed Peter Casani

Biography

Blessed Peter Casani, also known as Peter of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was born on September 8, 1570, in Lucca, Tuscany (in modern Italy). He was born into the Tuscan nobility and received his education at Franciscan schools in Lucca and Rome, Italy.

From a young age, Pietro displayed a talent for music and was skilled in playing several musical instruments. He frequently played the pipe organ during Mass, using his musical abilities to enhance the worship experience for others.

In 1590, Pietro joined the Clerks Regular of the Mother of God of Lucca, a religious order. He served as the secretary to Saint John Leonardi, a renowned figure in the Catholic Church. Pietro was ordained a priest in the Lateran Basilica in 1600 and focused his efforts on youth ministry, particularly in guiding parishioners back to the confessional.

To further his mission of working with young people, Pietro founded the Congregation of Our Lady of the Snows in Lucca. This congregation aimed to provide guidance and support to the youth and played a vital role in their spiritual formation.

After the death of Saint John Leonardi, Pietro decided to unite his Congregation with that of the Pious Schools, seeking to strengthen both communities. He then assumed the role of secretary-general for the newly merged Congregation. However, due to the differences in charisms between the two groups, Pope Paul V decided to separate them again in 1617.

Pietro, now known as Father John, remained dedicated to the Piarist Order, which focused on the education of underprivileged children. He became rector of the church of Saint Pantaleon in Rome and worked closely with Saint Joseph Calasanz, actively participating in the organization's activities.

Throughout his life, Father John Casani founded numerous schools and Piarist houses across Italy, Germany, and Poland, spreading the mission of education and the Gospel. He wrote extensively on theology, contributing to the intellectual growth and spiritual development of the Piarist community. Many of his works were in Latin and Italian.

Father John passed away on October 17, 1647, at the Piarist motherhouse in Rome, Italy, at the age of 77. He died of natural causes and was buried in the San Pantaleo church at the Piarist motherhouse.

Blessed Peter Casani was venerated for his exemplary virtues, and on January 22, 1991, Pope John Paul II issued a decree of heroic virtues, acknowledging his sanctity. Finally, on October 1, 1995, Pope John Paul II beatified him at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. The beatification miracle associated with Blessed Pietro involved the healing of a hospitalized woman in Szeged, Hungary, who sought his intercession and kissed a picture of him.