FRANCIS of Paola, Saint. — Founder of the Order of Minims. Born in Paola in Calabria on 27 March 1416. At the age of twelve he wore the Franciscan votive habit for a year, and after fulfilling his vow he went to Assisi. Passing through Rome, he venerated the tombs of the Apostles and martyrs; then, returning home, he retired to a wood where he lived for six years as a hermit. When his cave was discovered, some young men wished to become his disciples: thus the Order of Minims originated.
The activity of the new apostle was directed to extinguishing the hatreds, selfishness and corruption of that age, recalling men from the rebirth of paganism to the practice of Christian life. The example of his austere penance, combined with great charity and the gift of miracles and prophecy—of which the Saint was so abundantly endowed that he could be compared to the most illustrious thaumaturges of the Church—was most efficacious. He was a staunch defender of the people against the oppressions of princes and lords. Even King Ferrante of Aragon of Naples he reproached for his misrule, threatening divine punishments. In vain he exhorted the monarch to desist from civil wars, in order to prevent instead the invasion of the Turks. Unfortunately these set foot on the Adriatic coasts (July 1480): Otranto was taken, but also liberated, as the Saint had foretold, with the contribution of his efforts and prayers.
To obey Sixtus IV, when nearly seventy years old, in 1483 he went to France at the court of Louis XI, who hoped to be miraculously healed. The hermit consoled the sovereign and, despite the obstacles placed by envious courtiers, succeeded in disposing the king’s mind—until then tenaciously attached to earthly life—to desire the heavenly one. Thus Louis XI was able to settle, with F.’s advice, several important affairs of the kingdom, and, having received the Sacraments in full consciousness, died piously, to the edification of France and all Europe. F. remained at court to assist spiritually the king’s children, entrusted to him before his death, and later still at the request of the successors. The Dauphin, who became Charles VIII, held the Saint in great veneration, recognizing in him many personal favours and benefits for the kingdom.
FRANCIS OF PAOLA – FRANCIS OF SALES
Other images, episodes from his life, and numerous miracles have been painted or sculpted by distinguished artists: G. Romano, Cav. d’Arpino, Joan de Joannes, E. Murillo, C. M. Crespi, M. Preti, N. Gandolfi, G. Reni, G.B. Tiepolo, A. Cano, L. Giordano, P. Rubens, G.B. Mayno, P. Legros etc. — See pl. CIV.