Today, May 19, is the memorial of Saint Crispin of Viterbo.
He was born Pietro Fioretti in 1668 to parents Marzia and Ubaldo. The latter died when Pietro was four years old.
Meanwhile, Marzia brought Pietro to a Marian shrine where he consecrated him to the Virgin Mary. Since then, the child had an ardent devotion to the Blessed Mother. His piety and humility was so impressive that their neighbors and townmates started calling him “the little saint.” He became his uncle’s apprentice in making shoes.
When Capuchins held a procession in his place, Pietro understood that he was being called to the religious life. Thus he joined the Capuchins in 1693, and took the name “Crispin” and St. Felix of Cantalice as his inspiration.
In the Capuchin monastery in Viterbo, Crispin worked as a cook. Wherever he was assigned, the holy Crispin won the admiration of everyone. His virtuous life attracted many to seek him for spiritual direction: lay people, religious, priests, bishops, cardinals, and even Pope Clement XI, who enjoyed talking to Crispin about spiritual matters.
The unassuming friar could foretell future events and was also known as a miracle-worker, having cured those hit by the epidemic.
He died of pneumonia at age 81 in 1750. The Servant of God Pope Pius VII beatified Crispin in 1806. Pope St. John Paul canonized him in 1982.