Today the Church commemorates St. John of Capistrano (1386-1456). He was born in Italy in 1386. He was a lawyer and the governor of the city of Perugia. When enemies of the city threw John into prison, he started to think about the real meaning of life. John’s political enemies were not in a hurry to release him. He had plenty of time to realize that what mattered most was the salvation of his soul. So, when he was set free, John entered a Franciscan monastery. He was thirty at the time. For John, life as a poor friar was a big change. He had to sacrifice his independence for the love of Jesus. And he tried with all his heart to do this.

After he became a priest, John was sent out to preach. He and his former novice master, St. Bernardine of Siena, spread devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus everywhere. John preached throughout Europe for forty years. All who heard him were moved to love and serve the Lord better.

An outstanding moment in the life of this saint came at the battle of Belgrade. The Turks had made up their minds to conquer Europe and to wipe out the Church of Jesus. The pope sent St. John of Capistrano to all the Christian kings of Europe to beg them to unite to fight the mighty Turkish army. The kings obeyed this poor, barefoot friar. He stirred up their love of God and their courage with his fiery words. Even though a big army of Christians came to fight Mohammed II and his army, it looked as though they would lose. The enemy army was much bigger. Then it was that the saint himself, though he was seventy years old, ran to the front lines and encouraged the men to keep fighting. Holding his crucifix up high, this thin, small old man kept crying, “Victory, Jesus, victory!” And the Christian soldiers felt full of more courage than ever. They fought until the enemy ran away in fear. St. John of Capistrano died of the plague a short time later, on October 23, 1456. He was proclaimed a saint in 1690. (iMissal, Saint a Day)

❦ Those who are called to the table of the Lord must glow with the brightness that comes from the good example of a praiseworthy and blameless life. They must completely remove from their lives the filth and uncleanness of vice. Their upright lives must make them like the salt of the earth for themselves and for the rest of mankind… (St. John of Capistrano)

With the help of God, one person can do great things. We can ask St. John of Capistrano to share with us some of his enthusiasm and courage to do what’s right.

Hail Mary full of grace…

St. Joseph, pray for us.

St. Clare, pray for us.

St. John of Capistrano, pray for us.

Peace in Christ,

Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen

St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church

Houston, TX