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| San Francesco de Geronimo, ora pro nobis |
May 11th is the feast of St. Francis Jerome (Grottaglie, December 17, 1642 — Napoli, May 11, 1716), Jesuit priest, preacher throughout Southern Italy, and Apostle of Naples. When St. Francis Jerome requested to leave on a mission to the Americas or the East Indies, he was told by his superiors: “Your Indies will be Naples.” He spent nearly 40 years helping the sick and poor in the city, performing many miracles. After his beatification by Pope Pius VII on May 2, 1806, he was chosen by King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon as one of the 52 co-patrons of Naples. He was canonized by Pope Gregory XVI on May 26, 1839.
In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Francis de Geronimo. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva San Francesco de Geronimo!
Prayer to St. Francis Jerome
O Saint Francis Jerome, who dedicated all your energies to the poor, the disinherited and the sick, intercede so that I too, together with you, can glorify and serve God our Lord. Turn your gaze towards us, Church of Christ, and obtain for us those necessary graces so that, animated in heart and mind by faith and hope, we can continue your mission of Mercy with word and deed. Lastly, I beg you to obtain for me the special grace I ask of you... (Mention your request here). Amen.
