St. Joseph Cafasso

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Joseph Cafasso was born on January 15, 1811 at catelnuojo d’ Asti in Italy.

His docility, obedience, recollection and love for study and pious exercises made him a favorite with his parents and teachers. Ate the age fifteen, he decided to become a priest. He is remembered at the seminary not only for his charity, obedience, and patience but even more for his ability to listen to his companions and his piece of advices to them.

When he became a priest, he was just a popular preacher who he was often invited to give missions and preach retreats moreover; he spent much time at the confessional Bringing great help and consolation to his penitents. He could understand just what a penitent needed and could give clear, exact advice that was theologically correct and at the same time, adapted to the needs of the penitents.

Joseph cafasso had the rare gift of being able to inspire confidence even among those whose cases appeared desperate. Even hardened criminals experienced an amazing change of heart after speaking with him. They would become filled with joy and would offer up their execution in penance for their sins. Anyone, even obstinate sinners speaking with this holy priest, felt the love of God and the desire for heaven arising within himself or herself.

He also supplied books and money to poor students to help them finish their studies. He provided them with clothes and food until they could earn their own living.

Joseph Cafasso also had a particular mission to prisoners. He spent much time with them, hearing their confessions and helping them in any way possible. Whenever he learned of a sentence of execution, he would visit the condemned man often and spend the man’s last night with him. On the day of his execution, he would say a mass for the prisoners and give him a holy communion, then ride in the cart with the criminal to the place of execution. Showing the prisoners the crucifix, he would say "this is a friend who will not terrify you, who will not abandon you. Hope in him and heaven is yours!"

He lived a strenuous life of penance, prayer, charity and labor. A favorite saying of his was:" most fortunate is he who dies laboring for the glory of god. He will certainly receive a great reward from that supreme master for whom he labors".

On June 23, 1860, he died quietly and peacefully. He was canonized in 1947.