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| San Nunzio Sulprizio, ora pro nobis |
May 5th is the Feast of St. Nunzio Sulprizio (Pescosansonesco 1817–Napoli 1836), orphan and young layman. Losing his parents at an early age, the pious boy was taken in by his cruel and abusive uncle. Beaten and starved, the child was made to do back-breaking labor in his uncle’s blacksmith shop. Nunzio was hospitalized in Aquila, then Naples, suffering from bone cancer and gangrene in one leg. In Naples, the boy was cared for and raised by Colonel Felice Wochinger, a kindly soldier known as “the father of the poor.” During his time in the hospital, Nunzio teaches the other sick children catechism and prepares them for their first confessions. Despite his sickness, the boy is recognized as a living saint by St. Gaetano Errico and welcomed into the incipient congregation of the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary; however, Nunzio’s health took a turn for the worse and died at the age of 19. St. Nunzio Sulprizio is the patron saint of workers, blacksmiths, the disabled, and Pescosansonesco, Abruzzo.
In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Nunzio Sulprizio. The Accompanying photo was taken in the rectory of St. Rita’s Church in Staten Island, New York. Evviva San Nunzio Sulprizio!
Prayer to St. Nunzio Sulprizio
Lord Jesus Christ, help us to trust always in you even when life is difficult, as St. Nunzio did. Although he endured so much suffering, he remained a person of faith. May we reach out to other people who need a caring word or gesture. Help us to love you as St. Nunzio did and know that you are with us in all times and places of our lives. Amen.