MASTRILLI, MARCELLO FRANCESCO. – Jesuit, missionary, b. Naples 14 Sept. 1603, d. Nagasaki 17 Oct. 1637.
Struck violently on the head by a heavy hammer, and escaping the grasp of a decorator in the Gesù in Naples, he was reduced to extremity after twenty-one days of futile treatment (3 Jan. 1634). Invoking St Francis Xavier, the saint appeared to him, made him repeat his vow to go to the Indies and ask for the grace of martyrdom, which was not granted him, and restored him to health so completely that on 4 Jan. Mastrilli celebrated Mass in church to the amazement of all. In 1635 he set out without delay for Japan, where he arrived, after a brief stay in the Philippines, while persecution was raging. In 1637 he was imprisoned by the pagans and suffered martyrdom at Nagasaki, in accordance with the grace he had begged for on his deathbed.
The origin of the “Nova of Grace,” which may be gained at any time of year, is connected with his cure; but it is solemnly observed from 4 to 12 March (the date of the saint’s canonization), because Mastrilli, grateful for the healing he had received, stirred by word and example a great confidence in St Francis Xavier, which it cost the latter generously to requite (cf. F. Beringer, *Die Ablässe, ihr Wesen und Gebrauch*, I, 15th ed. [Paderborn 1921], no. 786).