May 11 Saint Ignatius of Laconi, O.F.M. Cap. According to legend, Ignatius was known for punctually obeying his superiors, even when it required the denial of his own will. He was accustomed to pass …More
May 11 Saint Ignatius of Laconi, O.F.M. Cap.
According to legend, Ignatius was known for punctually obeying his superiors, even when it required the denial of his own will. He was accustomed to pass by the house of an usurer, because he feared that in accepting an alms from him he would share the guilt of this man's injustices. But when the man complained and the superior commanded, Ignatius accepted alms from the man. On returning to the friary, St. Ignatius opened the sack offered by the usurer and blood flowed out.[1] To those around him the saint said, "This is the blood of the poor squeezed from them by usury."
Ignatius' sister had often written to him asking him to pay her a visit, so she could get his advice in certain matters. Ignatius had no mind to heed her request, but when his superior ordered him to do so, he at once undertook the journey. But he left again as soon as he had given the required advice.
When his brother was sent to prison, it was hoped that, in view of the reputation of Brother Ignatius, the latter could obtain his brother's release. His superior sent him to speak to the governor, but he asked merely that his brother be dealt with according to justice. Not for anything in the world would Brother Ignatius have kept anyone from doing his duty.
Despite his infirmity, Ignatius persevered in his work until he was 80 years old. Even after he became blind, he continued to make his daily rounds for two years. The veneration of the people increased, and many sick persons attributed miraculous healings to him.
He died on May 11, 1781, and many miracles were said to have occurred at his grave. Brother Ignatius was beatified in 1940, and canonized in 1951.
According to legend, Ignatius was known for punctually obeying his superiors, even when it required the denial of his own will. He was accustomed to pass by the house of an usurer, because he feared that in accepting an alms from him he would share the guilt of this man's injustices. But when the man complained and the superior commanded, Ignatius accepted alms from the man. On returning to the friary, St. Ignatius opened the sack offered by the usurer and blood flowed out.[1] To those around him the saint said, "This is the blood of the poor squeezed from them by usury."
Ignatius' sister had often written to him asking him to pay her a visit, so she could get his advice in certain matters. Ignatius had no mind to heed her request, but when his superior ordered him to do so, he at once undertook the journey. But he left again as soon as he had given the required advice.
When his brother was sent to prison, it was hoped that, in view of the reputation of Brother Ignatius, the latter could obtain his brother's release. His superior sent him to speak to the governor, but he asked merely that his brother be dealt with according to justice. Not for anything in the world would Brother Ignatius have kept anyone from doing his duty.
Despite his infirmity, Ignatius persevered in his work until he was 80 years old. Even after he became blind, he continued to make his daily rounds for two years. The veneration of the people increased, and many sick persons attributed miraculous healings to him.
He died on May 11, 1781, and many miracles were said to have occurred at his grave. Brother Ignatius was beatified in 1940, and canonized in 1951.