EGIDIO MARIA OF SAINT JOSEPH, Blessed. - Francesco, in the world Francesco Antonio Pasquale, b. at Taranto on 16 Nov. 1729 to Cataldo Pontillo and Grazia Procaccio, d. at Naples on 7 Feb. 1812. In his youth he practiced his father's trade (rope-maker); in Feb. 1754, through supernatural inspiration, he took the religious habit in the convent of S. Pasquale at Taranto as a lay brother. Having made his religious vows on 28 Feb. 1755, he was transferred to the convent of S. Maria delle Grazie at Squinzano and, shortly afterward, to that of S. Pasquale a Chiaia in Naples, where he remained until his death.

Virtuous and pious from childhood, he was distinguished by the practice of all the Christian and religious virtues, particularly by the spirit of prayer, humility and simplicity, so as to awaken great admiration in everyone, especially in the Neapolitan people, with whom he had frequent contact while exercising the office of porter and alms-collector. He had the charism of prophecy and also worked many miracles during his life, among them the resurrection of several deceased persons and the healing of the dying. He was therefore hailed as a thaumaturge. Pius IX beatified him on 21 Nov. 1886.

Bibliography2 works

BIBL.: Vita del b. E. M. di S. G. laico prefesso alcantarino, Rome 1887 (edited by the Postulation); P. Coco, Cerni della vita del b. E. M. di S. G. taumaturgo di Taranto, Taranto 1931.

Egidio Caggiano

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Egidio Maria of Saint Joseph, Blessed

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