Today, June 4, is the memorial of Saint Francis Caracciolo.
Co-founder of the Order of Clerics Regular Minor (the Adorno Fathers).
Francis, born to nobility in 1563, was an upright youth. When he was 22, Francis contracted a skin disease that was diagnosed as “leprosy” in those days. Because he was near death, he made a vow that if he recovered, he would serve God alone for the rest of his life. The cure was so quick it was miraculous. He was ordained a priest in 1587.
In 1593, he accepted an invitation from Venerable Augustine Adorno of Genoa to help in founding a new religious institute. Francis was not supposed to receive the letter—it was actually for Father Fabrizio Caracciolo. He saw this mix-up as God’s will for him to join Adorno. He helped draw up rules for the new congregation, the Order of Clerics Regular Minor, also known as the Adorno Fathers. They bring together the active and contemplative lives, with a special emphasis on Eucharistic Adoration.
Francis served as his order’s Superior General after the death of Father Adorno. He was beloved for his willingness to serve the community in the humblest tasks and for his care for the poor.
He led an intense prayer life which was rewarded by numerous mystical gifts. With the sign of the cross he restored sick people to health.
His face would emit rays of light; and he often bathed the ground with his tears when he prayed, according to his custom, prostrate on his face before the tabernacle, and constantly repeating from Psalm 68, “Zelus domus tuae comedit me,” “The zeal of Thy house hath eaten me up.”
When his body was opened after death, St. Francis’ heart was found as if it burned, and with the words from Psalm 68 imprinted around it: “Zelus domus tuae comedit me.”
He died in 1608, aged 44. He was beatified by Pope Clement XIV in 1769. Pope Pius VII canonized him in 1807.