John of Capistrano (1386–1456)

Biography

He will become the most famous man of his time throughout Europe, as his fame will spread in multiple facets throughout several nations. He was elegant, intelligent and a great dreamer. For political reasons he falls into jail. One day he wants to flee and in fact he does, but he falls back into the hands of his enemies who punish him harshly. During the night he had a dream as if Saint Francis invited him to be part of his Order. He leaves prison, gives everything he has and begins a life as a pilgrim, visiting various cities, and preaching with great fervor the Doctrine of Jesus Christ. At the age of 30 he entered the Seraphic Order and devoted himself fully to the observance of the Rule and to all the entrustments his superiors gave him. He admires everyone for his great simplicity and the fire that burns in his soul. In the year 1450 he crossed the Alps to preach the Word of God. He will no longer return to his homeland. Now all of Europe is his parish and his convent. From all over they come to hear his ardent word and to witness his wonderful examples and marvelous miracles. The chroniclers of the time relate the wonders he worked everywhere he went: women, men, children, rich and poor, magnates and simple workers came, all eager to hear his words and witness his miraculous healings, and the noisy conversions of people with bad lives. It was a wonder to contemplate that man, small in stature, without human attractions and dressed so poorly, and how he dragged the crowds to lead them to Christ. It was normal that so much glory was also followed by envious people and slanderers. He had them in abundance, but their barking and biting did not diminish his burning fire and his great charity. Those who knew him knew that they were slander and envy of his goodness and zeal. He toured several nations and worked tirelessly to achieve Christian unity. Juan de Capistrano was also a great reformer of religious life in his time, since the exemplary nature of his life and the positions he held in his Order greatly influenced the regular Observance to flourish. Full of merits, he left for eternity in the year 1456 at the age of seventy.