Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia

Biography

Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia, also known as Annibale Maria Di Francia or Hannibal Di Francia, was born on July 5, 1851, in Messina, Italy. He was the third of four children of Francis, the Marquises of Saint Catherine of Jonio, a Papal Vice-Consul, a knight, and Honorary Captain of the Navy, and his mother, Anna Toscano, an Italian aristocrat. Unfortunately, Hannibal's father passed away when he was only fifteen months old. From a young age, Hannibal developed a deep devotion to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary. At the age of 17, while in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, he received a calling to religious life. Responding to this call, he was ordained a priest on March 16, 1878. Immediately after his ordination, Saint Hannibal Di Francia chose to dedicate his life to serving the poor and marginalized. He moved into the Avignone ghetto, one of the most impoverished areas he could find, and began his life's work with those in need. In 1882, he founded the Anthonian Orphanages, which were named after Saint Anthony of Padua. These orphanages were exceptional because they operated as an extended family, providing not only basic care but also love and support to the children. Saint Hannibal's tireless dedication to serving the poor led him to establish more organizations designed to uplift the physically and spiritually poor. In 1887, he founded The Daughters of Divine Zeal, a religious congregation of women committed to charitable works. Later, in 1897, he founded The Rogationists, a religious congregation of priests and brothers. Both the Daughters of Divine Zeal and the Rogationists received canonical approval on August 6, 1926. Understanding the importance of a strong priesthood, Saint Hannibal initiated the Holy Alliance and Pious Union of the Evangelical Rogation. These movements aimed to promote worldwide prayer for vocations to the priesthood. He also published the periodical "God and Neighbor," which provided information about these movements and their work. Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia also endeavored to be a role model for the seminarians who came to work in his schools. He cared for the physical and spiritual needs of his brothers and sisters in the religious life with compassion and love. Throughout his life, he was considered a saint by those who knew him due to his virtuous character and selfless service. Just before his death, Saint Hannibal experienced a vision of the Virgin Mary. He passed away on June 1, 1927, in Messina, Italy, due to natural causes. The groups that Saint Hannibal founded, the Daughters of Divine Zeal and the Rogationists, continue their work even today. They are actively involved in prayer, publishing, orphanages, schools, training for the deaf and mute, care for the elderly, homes for single mothers, and various forms of education. Recognizing his exemplary virtues and dedication to serving the poor, Pope John Paul II declared Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia venerable on December 21, 1989. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on October 7, 1990, and canonized as a saint on May 16, 2004. Although Saint Hannibal does not have a specific patronage assigned to him, his legacy and devotion to the poor continue to inspire and guide people around the world.