SAINT PACIFICUS OF SA 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

Comments

FAITH OF ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Image of Catholic Church at Vatican By Edward Matulanya Here are Meaning, believe, founder, sacraments, teaching source, Morals, source of faith, History and key teaching of Roman Catholic Church. 1. Meaning of Roman Catholic Church The Roman Catholic Church means the universal Christian community under the leadership of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope). 2. Understand the Core Beliefs of the Roman Catholic Faith The Roman Catholic Church belief in one God in three persons ; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, §234; Matt. 28:19). Catholics hold that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, whose incarnation, death, and resurrection bring salvation to humanity (CCC, 1997, §§461–463; John 1:14). 3. Founder of Roman Catholic Church The Church, founded by Christ on the apostles with the pope as Peter’s successor, is “the universal sacrament of salvation” (CCC, 1997, §774; Matt. 16:18–19). Salvation is a gift of grace received through faith ...

PRAYERS IN ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Image of a person praying By Edward Matulanya Here are Meaning, purpose, types, Powers, and significance of Prayers in the Roman Catholic Church. 1. What Is Prayer in the Roman Catholic Church? The Catholic Church teaches that, prayer is "the raising of one’s mind and heart to God" (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, para. 2559). For example, Speaking to God about your day. 2. The Purpose of Prayer in Catholic Spiritual Life Prayer helps Catholics grow in relationship with God , receive grace , and discern His will (CCC, 1997, para. 2561–2565). For e xample, asking God for guidance before making a tough choice. 3. Types of Prayer Taught by the Catholic Church The Church identifies blessing, adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise as core forms of prayers (CCC, 1997, para. 2626–2643). For e xample, Praying for a friend's health (intercession). I. Prayer of Blessing A prayer of blessing is when God’s goodness is acknowledged and when a per...

ONE GOD

One God By Edward Matulanya Here’s a clear explanation of One God according to the Roman Catholic Church, as explained by the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and the Holy Bible. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that there is one, living, and true God, the Creator of all things, who is eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, and present everywhere. God is one in essence (nature) but exists as a Trinity of Persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This mystery of one divine substance in three Persons does not divide God, but reveals His inner life of perfect unity and love. According to Catechism of the Catholic Church, (CCC 200) “There is but one God: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, a Trinity of one substance.” Also, (CCC 201) “To Israel, his chosen, God revealed himself as the only One: ‘Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD…’ (Dt 6:4).”Further more, (CCC 253) “The Trinity is One. We do not confess three Gods, but one God in three Persons, the ‘consubstan...

CATHOLIC FAITH

Search This Blog