SAINT PACIFICUS OF SA SEVERINO

 

Saint Pacificus of San Severino
Saint Pacificus of San Severino

By Edward Matulanya 

St. Pacificus of San Severino (born Carlo Antonio Divini) was an Italian Franciscan priest and mystic, known for his holiness, intense suffering, and miracles. 

Birth and Early Life: He was born on March 1, 1653, in San Severino, in the Marches of Ancona, Italy. His parents were Antonio Maria Divini and Mariangela Bruni. He was orphaned at a very young age (shortly after his Confirmation, when he was about three years old). He was raised by his maternal uncle, who was reportedly strict. 

Religious Life: In December 1670, he entered the Franciscan order (the Reformati branch) at Forano, taking the religious name Pacificus. He was ordained a priest on June 4, 1678. Early in his priesthood, he served as a professor (lector of philosophy) for the younger members of his order. 

Ministry and Preaching

After teaching, he spent several years (four to six) as a missionary in the surrounding regions, preaching and working among the people. His preaching was held in high regard. 

Suffering and Mystical Life 

In his mid-30s, Pacificus was afflicted with severe illnesses that left him impaired: lameness, deafness, and blindness. Despite these sufferings, which lasted for many years (nearly twenty-nine to thirty years), he bore them with great patience and devotion. He withdrew more into contemplative life, though he still performed duties where possible, including leadership positions in his monastery. He was known for mystical experiences (ecstasies), prophecy, and miracles. 

Leadership 

Even with his disabilities, he served as guardian (superior) of the Franciscan community at the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in San Severino around 1692-1693. 

Death and Canonization He died on September 24, 1721, in San Severino. His cause for beatification opened in 1740. He was beatified by Pope Pius VI on August 4, 1786, and canonized by Pope Gregory XVI on May 26, 1839. His feast day is celebrated on September 24. 

Legacy 

Pacificus is remembered especially for his heroic suffering, his virtues of patience, poverty, obedience, and for the miracles attributed to his intercession both during his life and after death. 

Reference 

Bihl, M. (1911). St. Pacificus of San Severino. In The Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol. 11. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved from http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11383a.htm 

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