St. Theophilus of Corte, born in 1676 in Corte, Corsica, came from a noble family. As a youth, he joined the Order of Friars Minor, adopting the name Theophilus. He favored silence, solitude, and prayer over youthful distractions, inspiring those around him toward piety and laying the groundwork for his future sanctity.
With a strong commitment to Christian virtues, St. Theophilus exceeded his superiors' expectations after professing his vows. He studied philosophy in Rome, earning distinction, and continued with theological studies in Naples, integrating his piety into his academic pursuits.
He had long admired the austere life which obtained in the retreat house at Civitella near Subiaco, and so, after his ordination to the priesthood, he sought permission to join the community. He tirelessly promoted a lifestyle of austerity within his order, and later returned to Corsica and Tuscany to establish retreat houses in Zuani and Fucecchio, creating spiritual havens.
St. Theophilus of Corte was pleasant of countenance and possessed a cheerful temperament. Although continually afflicted with various diseases, he was undaunted by hardships, fulfilling the duties entrusted to him while faithfully performing the austerities prescribed by the rule. He was a great lover of poverty, choosing for himself what was poorest, and often begging alms from door to door for the religious entrusted to his care.
A man deeply in love with Christ and the Mother of God, he devoted his life to visiting the sick, assisting the needy, and hearing confessions. St. Theophilus faced every challenge resolutely, driven by his mission to do good. He passed away on June 17, 1740, in a Tuscan retreat house. Pope Leo XIII beatified Theophilus of Corte, and in 1930, Pope Pius XI canonized him.
St. Theophilus of Corte, pray for us to be blessed with pure and selfless love for God and our neighbor.
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love (Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
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