Egidio Maria of Saint Joseph
Egidio Maria of Saint Joseph, born Francesco Pontillo, was an Italian professed religious of the Order of Friars Minor. He is remembered as the "Consoler of Naples" for his dedicated service to the poor and ill in southern Italian cities. Despite lacking formal education, he lived a life of heroic virtue, eventually being canonized by Pope John Paul II.
- Feast Day
- February 7
- Century
- 19th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›He was born Francesco Pontillo in Taranto on November 16, 1729.
- ›Due to his lack of formal education, he became a Franciscan brother rather than an ordained priest.
- ›He served as a porter, gatekeeper, and cook in various Franciscan convents.
- ›Pontillo worked with lepers and frequently begged for alms to aid the marginalized.
- ›He earned the moniker "Consoler of Naples" for his work in Taranto and Naples.
- ›His remains are housed at the church adjacent to the San Pasquale convent in Chiaia.
Francesco Pontillo, Egidio of the Mother of God, Consoler of Naples
Taranto
About Egidio Maria of Saint Joseph
Egidio Maria of Saint Joseph (born Francesco Pontillo, November 16, 1729 – February 7, 1812) was an Italian professed religious of the Order of Friars Minor. He is venerated for his lifelong dedication to serving the poor and ill in southern Italy, particularly in Taranto and Naples, where he became known as the "Consoler of Naples".
Life and Historical Context
Born Francesco Domenico Antonio Pasquale Pontillo in Taranto to Cataldo Postillo and Grazia Procaccio, he was one of four children. After his father's death in 1747, Pontillo worked as a rope maker to support his widowed mother and siblings. Lacking a formal education, he was unable to pursue ordination as a priest. Instead, he dedicated himself to religious life as a professed brother in the Order of Friars Minor. He entered the order on February 27, 1754, and made his solemn vows on February 28, 1755, at the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Galatone. Initially taking the religious name "Egidio of the Mother of God," he later changed it to "Egidio Maria of Saint Joseph."
Throughout his religious life, Pontillo served in various capacities within Franciscan convents. He worked as a porter and gatekeeper at his convent and as a cook at the convent in Squinzano. He also ministered to lepers and frequently traveled outside his convent to beg for alms and assist those who were marginalized. He spent time at convents in Capuso and Squinzano before being assigned to the convent of San Pasquale in Chiaia, near Naples.
Pontillo died in Naples in 1812 from complications of severe sciatica, asthma, and dropsy. His remains are interred at the church adjacent to the San Pasquale convent in Chiaia.
Sainthood and Veneration
The process for sainthood began with an informative process in Naples, opened by Cardinal Filippo Giudice Caracciolo, which concluded in 1843. Pope Pius IX declared him venerable on February 24, 1868, recognizing his life of heroic virtue. He was beatified by Pope Leo XIII on February 5, 1888, following the confirmation of two miracles attributed to his intercession.
In 1919, the Archbishop of Taranto, Orazio Mazzella, named him the patron of Taranto. The formal cause for his canonization opened on March 14, 1952. A third miracle, the 1937 cure of Mrs. Angela Mignogna, was investigated and validated, leading to its recognition by Pope John Paul II on December 15, 1994. Egidio Maria of Saint Joseph was canonized on June 2, 1996.
His liturgical feast is observed annually on February 7, the date of his death.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Egidio Maria of Saint Joseph?
Egidio Maria of Saint Joseph, born Francesco Pontillo, was an Italian professed religious of the Order of Friars Minor. He is known for his extensive work assisting the poor and ill in southern Italy, particularly in Naples.
Why was he called the "Consoler of Naples"?
He earned the moniker "Consoler of Naples" due to his dedicated service and compassionate care for the poor and ill in the city of Naples and other southern Italian cities.
What was his religious affiliation?
Francesco Pontillo became a professed religious of the Order of Friars Minor, commonly known as Franciscans. He assumed the religious name Egidio of the Mother of God, later changing it to Egidio Maria of Saint Joseph.
When was he canonized?
Egidio Maria of Saint Joseph was canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 2, 1996. This followed a process that included confirmation of miracles attributed to his intercession.
Where are his remains located?
His remains are housed at the church adjacent to the San Pasquale convent in Chiaia, near Naples, where he served for a significant period of his religious life.
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