Saint Joseph Moscati

Biography

Saint Joseph Moscati, also known as Giuseppe Mario Carolo Alphonse Moscati or Joseph Mario Charles Alphonse Moscati, was born on July 25, 1880, in Benevento, Italy. He was the seventh of nine children born into a prominent family. His father, Francsco Moscati, was a lawyer and magistrate who served as an altar server whenever possible, while his mother, Rosa de Luca dei Marchesi di Roseto, came from Italian nobility. When Giuseppe was four years old, his family relocated to Naples, Italy. It was in Naples that he grew up and received his Catholic sacraments, making his First Communion at the age of eight and Confirmation at ten. He developed a deep faith from a young age and became friends with Blessed Bartolo Longo and Blessed Caterina Volpicelli. After completing his studies, Giuseppe received his doctorate from the University of Naples in 1903. He embarked on a career in medicine, working at a hospital for the incurable and also conducting medical research. He distinguished himself in helping prepare for and recover from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius on April 8, 1906, but refused any recognition for his work. Moscati's dedication extended beyond his medical practice. He led efforts to combat cholera in Naples and became a member of the Royal Academy of Surgical Medicine in 1911. Additionally, he received a doctorate in physiological chemistry. Moscati directed several hospitals and medical societies, using his position to support the poor and outcast. Giuseppe Moscati was also known for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of medicine. He was one of the first physicians to experiment with the use of insulin for diabetes, demonstrating his innovative approach to medical research and treatment. During World War I, Moscati attempted to enlist in the army but was refused due to his invaluable medical skills. Instead, he ran a hospital for the wounded. He personally treated nearly 3,000 soldiers, exhibiting his selfless dedication to serving others. Moscati possessed a rare gift in his ability to diagnose and prescribe treatments without having physically seen a patient. Sometimes, he could even effect a cure by utilizing a patient's faith and the sacraments. His healing abilities were so remarkable that they were considered miraculous. Saint Joseph Moscati passed away on April 12, 1927, around 3 pm, due to a stroke in his office in Naples. He was taking a break between treating patients at the time of his death. He was buried in the cemetery of Poggio Reale, Naples, but in 1920 his remains were re-interred in the church of Gesù Nuovo in Naples. Saint Joseph Moscati's life and virtues were recognized and venerated by many. He was declared venerable by Pope Paul VI on May 10, 1973, and beatified on November 16, 1975, by the same Pope. Finally, on October 25, 1987, Pope John Paul II canonized him, making him the first modern physician to be recognized as a saint. The canonization miracle of Saint Joseph Moscati involved the miraculous cure of a young ironworker who was dying of leukemia. The patient's mother had a dream in which she saw a doctor wearing a white coat. When shown a photograph of Saint Joseph Moscati, she identified him as the doctor from her dream. Soon after, her son was miraculously cured, solidifying Saint Joseph Moscati's reputation as a patron saint for physicians. Today, Saint Joseph Moscati is revered as a patron saint for bachelors, people rejected by religious orders, and physicians. He is remembered for his exemplary Christian life, his dedication to medicine, and his unwavering commitment to serving those in need.