Blessed Giovanni Licci

Biography

Blessed Giovanni Licci, also known as John Licci or John Liccio, was born in 1400 in Caccamo, a small town in the diocese of Palermo, Sicily, Italy. His mother tragically passed away during childbirth, leaving John to be raised by his poor farmer father.

From a very young age, John's life was marked by extraordinary miracles. As an infant, he was fed crushed pomegranates by his father while he worked in the fields. On one occasion, his father had to leave him alone, and the baby began to cry. A neighbor woman took him to her home to feed him and placed him next to her bedridden husband. Miraculously, the paralyzed man was instantly cured. Although the woman shared this miracle with John's father, he was more concerned about his son being taken without permission. When John was brought back home, the neighbor's husband fell back into paralysis, and his father recognized this as a sign that the neighbors were meant to care for John.

Even as a precocious and emotional child, John showed great devotion to his faith. Before the age of 10, he began reciting the Daily Offices. At the age of 15, while on a trip to Palermo, John went to Confession in the church of Saint Zita of Lucca, where he encountered Blessed Peter Geremia. Peter sensed John's potential for a religious life and encouraged him to consider it. Although John initially felt unworthy, Peter persisted, and John eventually joined the Dominicans in 1415. He would wear the Dominican habit for an astonishing 96 years, which remains the longest known period for anyone.

As a Dominican priest, John dedicated himself to serving God and others. He founded the convent of Saint Zita in Caccamo, but faced financial difficulties in its construction. During a prayer for guidance, John had a vision of an angel instructing him to build on the already laid foundations. Following this sign, he discovered the remains of a church called Saint Mary of the Angels in nearby woods. Recognizing this as the indicated place, John took charge and completed the construction of the convent.

Throughout the construction process, John witnessed numerous miracles. When workmen ran out of materials, an ox-drawn wagon suddenly arrived at the site filled with stone, lime, and sand. The driver vanished mysteriously, leaving the materials behind for the convent's use. On another occasion, a well became an obstacle to construction, but John blessed it, causing it to dry up temporarily. Once construction was finished, he blessed the well again, and water began flowing from it. John also prayed over roof beams that had been cut too short, causing them to miraculously stretch.

In addition to his construction miracles, John's healing abilities and intercessory powers were well-known. He would often multiply bread and wine to feed the workers, and he blessed a nearby widow's breadbox, keeping it miraculously full to provide for her and her six children. His blessing prevented diseases from afflicting the cattle of his parishioners. Notably, John cured at least three individuals who had suffered severe head injuries in accidents, restoring them to health.

Throughout his long life, John held various leadership positions within the Dominican order. He served as the Dominican Provincial of Sicily and prior of the abbey on numerous occasions. Despite his spiritual gifts, John was not renowned for his oratory skills. However, his exceptional miracles and good works earned him great admiration and veneration among the people.

Blessed Giovanni Licci passed away on November 14, 1511, at the incredible age of 111, from natural causes. His beatification took place on April 25, 1753, by Pope Benedict XIV, who confirmed his cultus. Although there is no specific representation attributed to him, his feast day is celebrated on November 14th annually. The lasting legacy of Blessed Giovanni Licci lies in his remarkable life, dedicated to faith, miracles, and selfless service to others.