Saint Nuntius Sulprizio

Biography

Saint Nuntius Sulprizio, also known as Nunzio Sulperio, was born on 13 April 1817 in Pescosansonesco, Pescara, Abruzzi, Italy. He was the son of Domenico Sulprizio and Rosa Luciani. When Nunzio was just a few hours old, he was baptized and named after his grandfather. Tragedy struck early in Nunzio's life, as his father passed away when he was only three years old. In 1822, his younger sister also died. To make matters worse, his step-father treated him with contempt, viewing him as a burden. Despite the hardships, young Nunzio remained devout and found solace in attending Mass as often as possible. He looked to the saints as his guide to live a virtuous life. As Nunzio grew older, his uncle Domenico Luciani took him as an apprentice blacksmith. However, Nunzio's uncle neglected and abused him. He overworked the young boy, physically beat him, and left him in dire circumstances. In the winter of 1831, after returning home with supplies, Nunzio collapsed from a fever. It was then that he discovered an untreated injury on his leg had become gangrenous. Nunzio was hospitalized in both L'Aquila and Naples in Italy. Whenever he was at home and could find a place where his open sores wouldn't drive people away, he would sit in a stream to let the flowing water clean his wounds while praying the rosary. It was during this painful period that he met Colonel Felice Wochinger, a friend of his paternal uncle, who became a surrogate father to Nunzio. The colonel not only provided emotional support but also covered the expenses of Nunzio's medical care. In 1832, Nunzio had the opportunity to meet Saint Gaetano Errico. The saint was impressed by Nunzio's character and extended an invitation for him to join the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary once he was old enough. Throughout Nunzio's life, he experienced periods of improvement and setbacks due to his injuries. However, his condition ultimately deteriorated, and on 5 May 1836, he passed away in Naples, Italy. Nunzio Sulprizio was known for his gentle, chaste, patient, and pious nature, qualities that were rare in his time and place. His exemplary life and the tremendous suffering he endured made a lasting impression on those around him. After his death, the veneration of Nunzio Sulprizio began to grow. On 21 July 1891, Pope Leo XIII recognized his virtues and declared him venerable. Further recognition followed when Pope Paul VI beatified him on 1 December 1963 in Rome, Italy. Finally, on 14 October 2018, Pope Francis canonized Nunzio Sulprizio at Saint Peter's Basilica. The canonization miracle associated with Saint Nuntius Sulprizio involved the healing of a young man who had been critically injured in a motorcycle accident. He had fallen into a coma, and doctors expected him to remain in a vegetative state. However, after a relic of Blessed Nuntius was placed in his hospital room and his family prayed fervently for a week, the young man miraculously woke from the coma. Saint Nuntius Sulprizio is proposed as the patron saint of workers by Pope Leo XIII. His feast day is celebrated on 5 May each year. His remains were interred at the church of San Domenico Soriano in Naples, Italy, where he continues to be venerated for his virtuous life and his ability to find solace in faith despite unbearable suffering.