March 5 + Saint John Joseph of the Cross

John Joseph was born in 1654 on the island of Ischia near Naples, Italy. He was a very ascetic young man and even in his youngest years, he devoted himself to a life of poverty and fasting. At 16 he joined the Franciscan Order in Naples and was the first Italian to follow the reform movement of Saint Peter of Alcantara. John’s reputation for holiness prompted his superiors to put him in charge of establishing a new friary even before he was ordained.

Obedience moved John to accept appointments as novice master, guardian and, finally, provincial. His years of mortification enabled him to offer these services to the friars with great charity. As guardian, he saw himself with no higher priveledge and insisted on working in the kitchen or carrying the wood and water needed by the friars.

When his term as provincial expired, John Joseph dedicated himself to hearing confessions and practicing mortification, two concerns contrary to the spirit of the dawning Age of Enlightenment.

In his work he suffered much and became the victim of numerous calumnies. However, John Joseph succeeded in his labors, endeavoring to instill in the hearts of his subjects, the double spirit of contemplation and penance bequeathed to his Reform by Saint Peter of Alcantara.

John Joseph exemplified the most sublime virtues, especially humility and religious discipline. He also possessed numerous gifts in the supernatural order, such as those of prophesy and the ability to read hearts. Finally, consumed by labors for the glory of God, he was called to his reward. Stricken with apoplexy, he died in Naples on March 5, 1734.