Saint Francis of Paola

Biography

Saint Francis of Paola, also known as Franciscus de Paula, Francis the Fire Handler, Francesco di Paola, and Francisco de Paula, was born on March 27, 1416, in Paola, Calabria, Kingdom of Italy (part of modern Italy). His parents had been childless for many years until they prayed for the intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi, after which they were blessed with three children, with Francis being the eldest. In his teens, Francis embarked on a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, Italy, which deeply influenced him. After returning from the pilgrimage, he decided to become a hermit and sought solitude in a cave near Paola. It was here that he started to gather followers, even before he reached the age of 20. As the number of his followers grew, Francis established a Rule for them, and in 1474, the Holy See approved their community, known as the Hermits of Saint Francis of Assisi. The followers of Francis continued to increase, and in 1492, they adopted the name Franciscan Order of Minim Fiars, which emphasized their belief in considering themselves the least in the family of God. Over the years, Francis gained a reputation as a prophet, miracle worker, and was even reputed to have the ability to read minds. One notable miracle attributed to Francis occurred in 1464 when he intended to cross the Straits of Messina to reach Sicily. However, a boatman refused to take him. In response, Francis laid his cloak on the water, tied one end to his staff to serve as a sail, and miraculously sailed across with his companions. This event inspired composer Franz Liszt to write a musical piece. Saint Francis of Paola was known for his strong devotion to defending the poor and oppressed. It is said that he fearlessly offered counsel and admonitions to King Ferdinand of Naples and his sons, advocating for justice and fairness on behalf of the marginalized. He was called upon by Pope Sixtus IV to go to Paris to help King Louis XI prepare for death. During his time in Paris, Francis used his position to influence national politics by advising the marriage between ruling families, thus restoring peace between France and Brittany, as well as between France and Spain. In a traditional belief where certain saints are considered adversaries of specific demons, Francis is regarded as the opponent of Belial due to his simple humility, which counters the demon's raging pride. Saint Francis of Paola is often depicted in various representations. One of the common depictions shows him as a man with the word "charitas" levitated above a crowd. He is also shown as a man holding a skull and a scourge, symbolizing his focus on mortality and penance. Another depiction portrays him sailing on his cloak, representing the miracle of crossing the Straits of Messina. Additionally, a green rose is associated with him. Saint Francis of Paola died on April 2, 1507, which happened to be Good Friday, in Plessis, France, of natural causes. However, in 1562, Huguenots vandalized his tomb but found his body to be incorrupt. They proceeded to burn it. Nevertheless, the bones were saved by Catholics and distributed as relics to various churches. Pope Leo X canonized Saint Francis of Paola in 1519. He is considered the patron saint against fire, plague, sterility, and is invoked for the protection of boatmen, mariners, naval officers, sailors, travelers, and watermen. In Brazil, he is venerated in the following places: Monte Santo de Minas, Ouro Fino, Pelotas, Poço Fundo, and São Francisco de Paula. In Italy, Saint Francis of Paola is revered in Acquappesa, Altomonte, Amato, Belsito, Bisignano, Bovalino Marino, Calabria (proclaimed by Pope John XXIII in 1963), Careri, Carolei, Castellaneta (city and diocese), Castrolibero, Castrovillari, Fossato Serralta, Paola, Paterno Calabro, and Sant'Agata di Esaro.