Feast of Sant'Egidio (Giles) Maria di San Giuseppe

Sant'Egidio Maria di San Giuseppe,
ora pro nobis

February 7th is the Feast of St. Egidio Maria of Saint Joseph (Francesco Portillo), Franciscan Friar and Wonderworker. Dedicating himself to helping the sick and needy of Naples, the mendicant friar became widely known as the “Consoler of Naples.”  He is the patron saint of the sick, outcasts, children, and unemployed, as well as his hometown of Taranto, Apulia.

During the brief dominion of the Kingdom by Joseph-Napoléon Bonaparte (1806-1808), the French invaders were uneasy with the holy man’s popularity with the Neapolitan people. Worried about a possible insurrection, St. Egidio was duly summoned to the court and correctly predicted the usurper’s short reign.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Egidio Maria of Saint Joseph. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Sant'Egidio Maria di San Giuseppe!

Prayer to St. Egidio Maria of Saint Joseph

Lord God, you kept St. Giles faithful to Christ's pattern of poverty and humility. May his prayers help us to live in fidelity to our calling and bring us to the perfection you have shown us in your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.