April 2 + Saint Francis of Paola

At the age of fifteen, Francis left his poor home in Paola, Italy to live as a hermit in a cave by the ocean. In time, disciples gathered around him and with their help, he founded an order called the Minims (named as such to show that they were the least of the monastic Orders.) They observed a perpetual Lent and never touched meat, fish, eggs or milk (they only ate boiled herbs). Francis made a rock for his bed and his best garment was a hair shirt.

As his body withered, his faith grew powerful and he “did all things in Him Who strengthened him.” He cured the sick, averted plagues, expelled evil spirits and brought sinners to penance.

A famous preacher was set to work against Francis and his miracles but Francis took no notice of it. The preacher, finding that he made no way with his hearers, determined to see this poor hermit and shame him in person. Francis received him kindly, gave him a seat by the fire and listened to a long exposition of his own frauds. He then quietly took some glowing embers from the fire, and closing his hands upon them unhurt said, “Come, Father Anthony, warm yourself, for you are shivering for want of a little charity.” Father Anthony, falling at Francis’ feet, asked for pardon.

When the greedy King Ferdinand of Naples offered him money for his convent, Francis told him to give it back to his oppressed subjects, and softened his heart by causing blood to flow from the ill-gotten coins.

King Louis XI of France, trembling at the approach of death, sent for Francis. He went by the Pope’s command and prepared the king for a holy death. The successors of Louis showered favors on Francis, his Order spread throughout Europe, and his name was reverenced throughout the Christian world.

Francis died at the age of ninety-one, on Good Friday in 1507 with a crucifix in his hand and the last words of Jesus on his lips, “Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.”