November 13
Diego de Alcalá (1400–1463)
Franciscan religious
He was born in Seville, Spain, and is one of the great visionary saints and miracle workers of that country.
Biography
A painting by Murillo represents him elevated above the earth in ecstasy in his kitchen, while the angels are busy at the stove preparing the community's food. As a Franciscan lay brother, Diego fulfilled various duties: gardener, janitor, nurse and cook. In 1450 he traveled to Rome for the canonization of Saint Bernardine. There a terrible epidemic was declared among the religious and Diego was sent as a nurse. From then on, without medication, the dying ended up healthy in the refectory, instead of the cemetery, as was expected to happen.
Practical advice
When you begin your work, treat with special respect those who tend to go unnoticed, putting the result in the hands of God.