St. Joseph of Leonessa clung to the cross of Christ as his only strength in life, and it gave him great perseverance and hope.

Eufranio Deseridi was born in Leonessa, Italy, in 1556, and was orphaned at the age of 12. He was raised by an uncle, who arranged a marriage for him that Eufranio declined because he felt a call to religious life.

He met a group of Capuchin monks, and was impressed by their life together. He joined them at the age of 18, taking the name Joseph. He was known for the intensity of his prayer, and he was ordained a priest.

As a priest, he preached throughout the region, always holding a crucifix. His words were so interesting that he once converted a gang of 50 highway bandits who came to listen to his homilies out of curiosity.

He was assigned as a missionary in a suburb of Constantinople, and became a chaplain to a group of 4,000 Christian galley slaves. He continued to preach, and his words comforted the imprisoned Christians and even converted some of their guards.

His zeal landed him in prison twice, and he was even tortured for demanding an audience with the sultan—he was hung by hooks over a smoky fire for three days. When released, he returned to Italy to continue his life as a wandering preacher.

Joseph was a tireless advocate for the poor, and established hospitals, homeless shelters, and food banks to serve them. He was known to wade into gang fights and brawls to preach peace, carrying nothing but the crucifix he kept with him.

In his 50s, he was struck with cancer. He underwent several painful operations without anesthesia in an attempt to remove the disease. He was asked if he wanted to be bound, but he pointed to his crucifix and replied, “This is the strongest bond—this will hold me better than any ropes could.” He died at the age of 58.

St. Joseph’s relics rest in the reliquary chapel of the Basilica, and his image is used here with permission from Catholic.org.

St. Joseph of Leonessa, who helped the poor, preached peace, and served enslaved Christians, pray for us!