Episode 1928: St. John Joseph of the Cross

St. John Joseph of the Cross, also known as Giovanni Giuseppe della Croce, was born on August 15, 1654, in Ischia, Italy. His birth name was Carlo Gaetano Calosirto. He entered the Order of Friars Minor at the age of 16 and took the name Fra Giovanni Giuseppe (Brother John Joseph). He was known for his devoutness and asceticism from an early age.

Throughout his life, St. John Joseph lived a life of poverty, penance, and prayer. He was deeply committed to serving God and his fellow human beings. He spent many years serving in various Franciscan communities in Italy, including Naples, Sicily, and Venice. He was particularly noted for his humility, obedience, and love for the poor.

St. John Joseph of the Cross is remembered for his extraordinary devotion to the Eucharist and his dedication to the sacrament of reconciliation. He spent long hours in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament and was known to offer himself as a victim for the sins of others. He also had a special affinity for the sick and the suffering, often ministering to their needs with great compassion.

St. John Joseph died on March 5, 1734, in Naples, Italy. He was beatified by Pope Pius VI in 1789 and canonized by Pope Gregory XVI in 1839. He is considered a patron saint of Ischia, Italy, and his feast day is celebrated on March 5th.

St. John Joseph of the Cross is remembered as a model of holiness and a testament to the power of humility, simplicity, and self-sacrifice in the Christian life. His life and teachings continue to inspire Christians around the world to this day.