Saint Francis of Paola

St. Francis of Paola was born in Paola, Italy, in 1416. He was the son of a humble peasant family, and from a young age, he showed a strong devotion to God. As a child, he was known for his piety and love of prayer. He would often spend hours in the local church, praying and meditating.

When St. Francis was a teenager, he had a vision of a ladder reaching heaven. This vision inspired him to devote his life to serving God. He left his home and began a life of wandering and prayer. He eventually settled in a cave near Paola, where he lived as a hermit.

St. Francis of Paola's reputation as a holy man began to spread, and many people came to him seeking advice and guidance. He became known for his miracles, including the ability to heal the sick and raise the dead. He also had a great love for animals and is said to have tamed a wild wolf.

In 1435, St. Francis founded the Order of Minims. The order was dedicated to living a life of poverty, humility, and service to others. The members of the order were known for their simple way of life, their devotion to prayer, and their service to the poor and marginalized. The order grew rapidly and spread throughout Europe. St. Francis of Paola passed away on April 2, 1507, in Plessis, France. Today, St. Francis of Paola is remembered as a great saint, and his teachings continue to inspire people around the world.

Prayer

O God, the exaltation of the lowly, who raised St. Francis of Paola to the glory of Your Saints, grant, we pray, that by his merits and example, we may happily attain the rewards promised to the humble.

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.