Saint Joseph of Leonessa

Biography

Saint Joseph of Leonessa, also known as Eufranio Desiderio, Joseph Desideri, and Joseph of Leonissa, was born on 8 January 1556 in Leonessa, Umbria, Italy. He was the third of eight children born to John Desideri, a wool merchant, and Serafina Paolini. Unfortunately, his parents died when he was only 12 years old, and he was raised and educated by his uncle, Battista Desideri, who worked as a teacher in Viterbo, Italy. At a young age, Desideri was arranged to be married to a local noble family by his uncle. However, he felt a strong call to religious life and was torn between his vocation and fear of hurting his uncle. This internal struggle caused Desideri to become sick, so he returned to his hometown of Leonessa to recover. In Leonessa, Desideri encountered a group of Capuchin monks who made a lasting impression on him. Despite his illness, he shared his desire to join their religious order with his uncle. Battista Desideri insisted that Joseph continue his studies, and so Joseph agreed and moved to Spoleto, Italy to pursue his education while keeping in contact with the monks. Following a year of testing and dissuasion from the monks during his novitiate, Joseph officially joined the Capuchin Franciscans on 8 January 1573 at the age of 18. He took on the religious name Joseph and embarked on a life of self-imposed austerity, including fasting three days a week and sleeping on bare boards. Ordained as a priest on 24 September 1580 in Amelia, Italy, Father Joseph became a preacher, spreading his message throughout the regions of Umbria, Lazio, and Abruzzi in Italy. He became known for his dynamic sermons and his ability to captivate audiences, including a band of 50 highway bandits whom he successfully converted to Christianity. In 1587, Joseph received a commission as a missionary to Muslim Pera near Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul, Turkey). Serving as a chaplain to 4,000 Christian galley slaves, he showed great humility in offering to take their place but was never accepted by the authorities. He ministered to prisoners during a plague outbreak and converted many lapsed Christians and Muslims to the Catholic faith. Joseph's strong drive for seeking religious freedom led him to repeatedly seek an audience with the Sultan. His forceful methods resulted in his arrest and condemnation to death for trespassing on royal property. He endured a horrific punishment, being hung by hooks over a smoky fire for three days. Miraculously, he was freed, purportedly by an angel, and returned to Italy in autumn 1589. Back in Italy, Joseph continued his vocation as a wandering preacher in small villages across the country. He dedicated himself to serving the poor, following the teachings of the Council of Trent. Joseph played a significant role in establishing hospitals, homeless shelters, and food banks, providing care and support to those in need. With his crucifix in hand, Joseph fearlessly entered gang fights and brawls, preaching peace and good sense. He ministered to prisoners, the sick, and the poor, sharing his message of faith and compassion. Despite facing numerous hardships throughout his life, including battling cancer and post-operative problems from surgery, Joseph remained steadfast in his devotion to God and his calling as a preacher. Saint Joseph of Leonessa was beatified on 22 June 1737 by Pope Clement XII, and he was canonized on 29 June 1746 by Pope Benedict XIV. He is the patron saint of Leonessa, Italy. His feast day is celebrated on 4 February. Saint Joseph of Leonessa's life exemplifies his deep faith, unwavering devotion to serving others, and his courageous dedication to spreading the word of God.