No image available
Feast Day: May 3
Blessed Zechariah, also known as Zaccaria, was a Franciscan friar who dedicated his life to spreading the teachings of Christianity. He was accepted into the Franciscan Order in Rome, Italy, by Saint Francis of Assisi himself. Endowed with a deep faith and a fervent desire to bring the Gospel to those who had not yet heard it, Blessed Zechariah was sent to Spain by Saint Francis to preach to the Moors.
During his time in Spain, Blessed Zechariah used his God-given gift of performing miracles to convey the reality of Christ's presence in the Eucharist. Through these miraculous acts, he demonstrated the true significance of the sacrament, dispelling any doubts or misconceptions that others may have had.
The details of Blessed Zechariah's birth and early life are unfortunately not known. However, his unwavering devotion to his calling is evident in his commitment to the Franciscan Order and his tireless efforts to bring Christianity to the Moors.
Blessed Zechariah passed away around the year 1249 and was buried in the floor of the main chapel of the monastery of Saint Catherine of Alemquer in Portugal. His relics were later enshrined in a grated wall creche within the chapel in 1562. Although his exact date of beatification and veneration are not specified, his memory is honored by the Franciscan community on the feast day of May 3rd.
Although specific representations or images of Blessed Zechariah are not mentioned, it is likely that he is depicted dressed in the habit of a Franciscan friar, as is customary for saints of the order. His simple and humble way of life, characterized by his dedication to spreading the Gospel, serves as an inspiration to believers even today.
Throughout his life and ministry, Blessed Zechariah exemplified the values of the Franciscan Order, particularly the call to poverty, humility, and evangelization. His unwavering faith, coupled with his ability to display miracles as a testament to the Real Presence of Christ, left a lasting impact on those he encountered, furthering the mission of the Church and the spread of Christianity.