September 24: Saint Pacificus of San Severino

Today, September 24, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Pacificus of San Severino (1653-1721), Franciscan Friar, missionary, Superior of the Friary of San Severino, and joyful sufferer for Christ. The life of Saint Pacificus inspires us to take stock of our own lives, accepting those things we consider to be difficult or sufferings with endurance, obedience, and joy—offering our difficulties and failings to the Lord.

Pacificus was born at San Severino (central Italy), the son of distinguished parents. Both of his pious parents died while he was quite young, at approximately five years of age, and he was raised by an uncle who treated him quite harshly, viewing him as little more than a servant. Never one to complain, Pacificus obediently completed any task asked of him, spending his free time in prayer and contemplation. At the age of 12, he requested admission into the Franciscan monastery of san Severino, and was accepted.

Following his formation and ordination, Pacificus began his apostolic life as teacher to his brethren (Professor of Philosophy), preacher, and later missionary to the rural communities of Italy. Recognized for his intelligence and piety, Pacificus was well-respected and sought out for counsel and advice. His preference was to lived as an ascetic, fasting perpetually, and limiting his intake to bread, soup, or water. He wore uncomfortable garments made of rough iron beneath his robes, and submitted all things to the Lord. His obedience was only surpassed by his poverty and humility.

At the young age of 35, Pacificus was struck ill by an aggressive disease that eventually left him deaf, blind, and physically crippled. For the remaining 29 years of his life, he lived a contemplative life—no longer able to participate in missions outside the monastery. He prayed constantly, offering his daily sufferings for the conversion of sinners, and came to be known for miraculous cures of the sick who came to visit him. He was further gifted with ecstasies in which he communed with the Lord, and had the ability to “read souls,” reminding penitents in the confessional of sins they had forgotten.

Appointed superior of the monastery, Saint Pacificus led through his humble example. He served the post until his death, and soon thereafter, miracles began being reported at his tombside. Through the intercession of this saintly man who had suffered throughout his life, the sufferings of many were cured by the grace of God.



Year 2: Day 267 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Patience, obedience, endurance to bear our sufferings for the Lord.
Requested Intentions: Business success, peace, health (E); Conversion and deliverance of those who suffer, increase in vocations (M); Financial security and safe housing (M); For a daughter (K); Conversion of a family, deliverance of the souls in Purgatory (S); Successful marriage (A); Health, safety, grace, success of a building project (A); Successful treatment and recovery from cancer (D); Clear speech for a child (C); Conversion of a family (A); Successful employment (S); For the healing of impaired vision (F); For a couple experiencing difficulties (L); Successful employment after finishing college (M); Mother’s health (A); Financial security, freedom from anxiety (S); For a son and cousins (L); Peace and civility (B); Successful examination results (D); Safety of family, strength, courage, wisdom (C); For the souls of a departed father and brother, finding of a suitable marriage partner (R); Successful pilgrimage, deepening of prayer life (R); Restoration of health (J); Restoration of health (S); Freedom from pride (A); For children and marriage (M); For the birth of a healthy baby (Y); For personal family intentions, for the sick, poor, hungry, and homeless (G); Financial security and peace (J); Grace, peace, and obedience to the will of God in a marriage (H); Successful and blessed marriage for sin, freedom from anxiety for husband, spiritual contentedness for family (N); Employment and health for a husband (B); Recovery and health of a mother (J); For a family to grow closer to the Church, salvation for all children (D); Successful employment (L); Successful employment (S); Renewal of faith life (A); Support for an intended marriage, health for friend and aunt (J); Mental health assistance for son (G); Freedom from illness (S); Successful employment (C).