Ludovico of Casoria

Ludovico da Casoria

Ludovico da Casoria, born Arcangelo Palmentieri, was an Italian Roman Catholic priest and a professed member of the Order of Friars Minor. He is recognized as a significant social reformer and a founder of religious congregations dedicated to charitable works.

Life and Ministry

Born in Casoria on March 11, 1814, Arcangelo Palmentieri apprenticed as a cabinet maker in his youth before entering the novitiate of the Order of Friars Minor in 1832, where he adopted the name Ludovico. Ordained five years later, he taught philosophy, mathematics, and chemistry to younger friars. Following a mystical experience in 1847, Ludovico dedicated his life to establishing institutions for the poor and needy, founding dispensaries and orphanages.

His charitable initiatives included opening a school for African boys and girls rescued from slavery around 1852 and founding institutions for the deaf and mute. He also extended care to the elderly within his own Order, establishing infirmaries and charitable institutes in Naples, Florence, and Assisi.

Founding Religious Congregations

In 1859, Ludovico founded a community of men, the Grey Friars of Charity, as a religious congregation of the Franciscan Third Order Regular. Three years later, he established a congregation of religious women, the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Elizabeth, placing them under the patronage of Elizabeth of Hungary. The work of the friars later spread to the United States, though the congregation was formally disbanded by the Holy See in 1971.

Death and Canonization

Ludovico da Casoria suffered from a serious illness around 1876 and died nine years later on March 30, 1885. His cause for canonization was introduced shortly after his death. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 18, 1993, and canonized by Pope Francis on November 23, 2014. His feast day is celebrated on March 30. The reconstructed body of San Ludovico da Casoria is venerated in the Basilica of Santa Chiara.