John Joseph of the Cross
John Joseph of the Cross was an Italian Catholic priest and professed member of the Order of Friars Minor, known for his austerity and reputation for miracles. He served as a novice master and later as Vicar Provincial of the Alcantarine Reform in the Italian peninsula. John Joseph is remembered for his charitable actions towards the poor and his humble demeanor.
- Century
- 18th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Born Carlo Gaetano Calosinto on August 15, 1654, on the island of Ischia.
- ›Entered the Order of Friars Minor before age sixteen and took the name John Joseph of the Cross.
- ›Was the first Italian to follow Peter of Alcantara's reform movement.
- ›Ordained to the priesthood against his will, he performed lowly tasks as superior.
- ›Appointed Vicar Provincial of the Alcantarine Reform in Italy in 1702.
- ›Beatified in 1789 and canonized in 1839.
Carlo Gaetano Calosinto
About John Joseph of the Cross
John Joseph of the Cross, born Carlo Gaetano Calosinto on August 15, 1654, was an Italian Catholic priest and a professed member of the Order of Friars Minor. Hailing from the island of Ischia, he gained a significant reputation for his austere lifestyle and was believed to possess the gift of miracles. He served diligently within his order, including as a novice master.
Life and Ministry
Carlo Gaetano Calosinto entered the Order of Friars Minor in Naples before reaching the age of sixteen, adopting the religious name John Joseph of the Cross. He was notable as the first Italian to embrace the reform movement initiated by Peter of Alcantara. In 1674, he was instrumental in founding a convent for the order in Afila, Piedmont, and even participated in its physical construction. Despite his reluctance, he was ordained to the priesthood and, as superior, consistently performed the most menial tasks.
In 1702, when Italian convents became independent of Spanish houses and formed a separate province, John Joseph of the Cross was appointed Vicar Provincial of the Alcantarine Reform in Italy. As a superior, he instituted a policy of never dismissing a beggar from the convent gate without some form of aid, often devoting his own portions and those of the convent to their needs during times of scarcity. When traveling as provincial, he disliked receiving special recognition and would not make himself known at inns, preferring to avoid any personal distinction.
John Joseph of the Cross was also known for his discretion regarding his spiritual gifts. He desired that those he helped recover from illness should attribute their cure to natural means, suggesting certain medicines. Similarly, with his numerous prophecies, he would often preface them by claiming to judge from analogies and past experiences.
Sainthood
His path to sainthood began with his beatification under Pope Pius VI on May 24, 1789. He was later formally canonized as a saint of the Catholic Church on May 26, 1839, by Pope Gregory XVI. A small chapel on Ischia, at the Aragonese Castle, is dedicated to him, serving as a site of veneration for the late friar.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was John Joseph of the Cross born?
John Joseph of the Cross was born Carlo Gaetano Calosinto on August 15, 1654, on the island of Ischia.
What religious order did John Joseph of the Cross belong to?
He was a professed member of the Order of Friars Minor, also known as Franciscans.
Why is John Joseph of the Cross remembered?
He is remembered for his austerity, his reputation for performing miracles, and his dedication to helping the poor. He served as a novice master and later as Vicar Provincial.
When was John Joseph of the Cross beatified and canonized?
He was beatified in 1789 under Pope Pius VI and later canonized as a saint of the Catholic Church in 1839 under Pope Gregory XVI.
What was John Joseph of the Cross's role in the Alcantarine Reform?
He was the first Italian to follow the reform movement of Peter of Alcantara and was appointed as the Vicar Provincial of the Alcantarine Reform in the Italian peninsula.
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