José Cafasso (1811–1860)

Biography

At the age of 16 he decided to dedicate his life to the priesthood. Upon being ordained in 1833, Joseph, who had a very high concept of priestly duties and considered himself still unprepared, entered the Ecclesiastical Convictory that, precisely for these purposes, had been founded by the exemplary priest Don Guala in Turin. There Joseph discovered that his vocation was to transmit to the people of God and even to the clergy the true morality of the Church, so disturbed then by the influence of Jansenism. Having received his license to confess, he very soon became a skilled director of souls, and spent long hours in the confessional where not only lay people but also numerous priests attended. The chair of morals of the Convictory itself was entrusted to him and upon the death of Don Guala, José was placed in charge of it and was its soul until the end of his days, the formation of the clergy being his distinctive charisma. From the Convictory came zealous parish priests, prepared directors of souls and enthusiastic animators of the Christian communities. He also carried out extensive preaching work as well as great charitable activity, personally leading a very austere life. He preached sessions of spiritual exercises with great fire and effectiveness, and the archbishop of Turin entrusted him with the direction of the Diocesan House of Exercises. Joseph celebrated mass with great devotion and his love for the Eucharist was contagious. Along with Eucharistic devotion, he fervently cultivated Marian devotion, and instilled it in his priests. In full activity, at 49 years of age, the Lord transferred him to his kingdom. Joseph was canonized by Pope Pius XII on June 22, 1947.