Ignatius of Laconi

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Saint Ignatius of Laconi
Saint Ignatius of Laconi
Born	1701, Laconi, Sicily
Died	May 11, 1781
Venerated in	Roman Catholicism
Beatified	1940
Canonized	1951
Feast
Saints Portal

Saint Ignatius was born in 1701, the son of peasants at Laconi, Sicily. As a young man he vowed, during a serious illness, that if he recovered his health, he would consecrate his life to God in the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. He regained his health, but kept putting off the fulfillment of his vow from day to day. There is some indication that his parents raised objections to his entering the Franciscans. Some time later his life was again threatened when a horse he was riding shied. Ignatius called upon the assistance of Saint Francis of Assisi and renwed the vow he had previously made. This time his parents did not raise objections to his becoming a Franciscans.

He asked for admission at the Capuchin Convent at Cagliari, but the superiors hesitated at first because of his delicate health. Ignatius then looked up an influential friend who interceded for him, and he was received into the novitiate. Despite his physical infirmities, his ardor allowed him to attend the spiritual exercises of the community and excel in perfection of his observance of the Rule of Life of Saint Francis.

[edit] Hagiography

After being employed in the community for several years at various occupations, he was appointed quester of alms because of his edifying conduct. He had good relations with the citizens of Cagliari, who realized that although Brother Ignatius was begging alms, he was also giving back to them in a spiritual manner. His modest demeanor was seen as a quiet sermon for all who saw him going about. He seldom spoke; but when charity required it, he spoke with exceptional kindness. He would also instruct the children and the uneducated, comfort the sick, and urge sinners to be converted and to do penance.

Ignatius was known for punctually obeying his superiors, even when it required the denial of his own will. He was accustomed to pass by the house of a usurer, because he feared that in accepting an alms from him he would share the guilt of this man's injustices. But when the man complained and the superior commanded, Ignatius accepted alms from the man.

Ignatius' sister had often written to him asking him to pay her a visit, so she could get his advice in certain matters. Ignatius had no mind to heed her request, but when his superior ordered him to do so, he at once undertook the journey. But he left again as soon as he had given the required advice.

When his brother was sent to prison, it was hoped that, in view of the reputation of Brother Ignatius, the latter could obtain his brother's release. His superior sent him to speak to the governor, but he asked merely that his brother be dealt with according to justice. Not for anything in the world would Brother Ignatius have kept anyone from doing his duty.

Despite his infirmity, Ignatius persevered in his work until he was 80 years old. Even after he became blind, he continued to make his daily rounds for two years. The veneration of the people increased, and many sick persons accounted miraculously healings that were aided by him.

He died on May 11, 1781, and many miracles were said to have occurred at his grave. Brother Ignatius was beatified in 1940, and canonized in 1951.

This article incorporates text from the public-domain Catholic Encyclopedia of 1913.