March 24: Blessed Didacus of Cadiz

Today, March 24, we commemorate Blessed Didacus Joseph of Cadiz (1743-1801), “the Apostle of the Holy Trinity.” Born in Cadiz, Spain, to devout Catholic parents, Didacus demonstrated piety and virtue from an early age. Having learned to serve Mass quite young, he was often the first to arrive at the local Capuchin Church every morning, eagerly awaiting the doors to be unlocked. One of the Capuchin friars presented him with a book on the saints, which we read repeatedly, despite poor academic skills.

Nicknamed the “dunce of Cadiz” by his classmates, Didacus struggled throughout school with his education. Upon achieving the age required for entry into the religious life, he asked to gain admittance to the Capuchin Order, but was denied due to his poor education. Only through persistence and hard work did Joseph become Brother Didacus, and entered the Capuchin monastery in Seville.

Didacus continued to struggle with academic tasks, but was immediately discovered to possess a gift of preaching. He loved preaching to the people, and traveled throughout Spain, attracting crowds so large that his homilies were oftentimes held outside by necessity, churches unable to accommodate his listeners. His simple and humble preaching style was accessible to all, his love for God apparent, his words clear and kind. He brought many to Christ, especially through is preaching of the Holy Trinity, which was his favorite subject. Once, while preaching, a young boy cried out, "Mother, mother, see the dove resting on the shoulder of Father Didacus! I could preach like that too if a dove told me all that I should say!" It is further reported that at times, when speaking about the love of Christ for His people, Father Didacus would rise above the crowds, oftentimes so high that he would require assistance to resume the pulpit. The crowds who surrounded him were often so moved they would attempt to rip pieces of his cloak, which they could hold onto as relics.

Blessed Didacus heard confessions every day, bringing those who had strayed back to the Lord and converting new faithful. His kind and gentle words were comfort and inspiration to those he served. He found time to visit those in prisons and hospitals while traveling the country. Didacus frequently engaged in personal acts of penance, both prior to preaching and hearing confessions, including scourging himself until he drew blood. When reprimanded by his superiors, Didacus replied, “Ah, Father, my sins and the sins of the people compel me to do it. Those who have been charged with the conversion of sinners must remember that the Lord has imposed upon them the sins of all their clients. By means of our penances we should atone for the sins of our fellowmen and thus preserve ourselves and them from eternal death. It would hardly be too much if we shed the last drop of our blood for their conversion."

Blessed Didacus had a simple love for the Lord, a willingness to suffer for the sins of others, and a heart on fire with faith. His kindness and humility brought many to the faith, which he never sought praise or thanks for while on earth. All glory was directed by Didacus back to the Lord. In thinking of his life, we are struck by the fact that he wanted to serve, but was initially refused. Only through his dedication and perseverance did Didacus come to discover his true abilities, given by the Lord through the Holy Spirit. We are challenged to look to the life of Blessed Didacus when obstacles arise in our lives, certain that love of the Lord and perseverance in our efforts to serve Him, will lead us to great things. As Saint Paul wrote to the Romans:

3We know that affliction makes for endurance, 4and endurance for tested virtue, and tested virtue for hope. 5And this hope will not leave us disappointed because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans, 5: 3-5)



Year 2: Day 83 of 365

Prayer Intentions: Endurance in our struggles; Faith and hope in the plan of God; For those struggling with education.
Requested Intentions: Guidance in studies (J); Healing and security for a displaced family (C); Healing of high blood pressure; Recovery of brother following surgery (A); For a sister in trouble, that she may make better decisions in the light of Christ (M); Health of expectant mother and child (R); Attainment of funds for surgery (J); Freedom from financial difficulties (E); For employment and college acceptance (E); Recovery and healing of a friend (C); For successful outcome to surgery (C); Healing for brother (M); Successful employment (C); For the victims of the Japanese tsunami/earthquake (J); Healing (E); For a son struggling with depression (B); Successful conception (M); Freedom from social anxiety; confidence in the Lord (J); Improved success in employment and studies (D); Freedom from illness (T); For a wife’s employment (E); Healing of a husband’s knee (M); Freedom from sickness (R); Healing (C); Restoration of marriage (F); Freedom from medical difficulties, employment, successful relationship (D); Healing of a father following stroke (S).