St. Luchesius - First Secular Franciscan?
Today is the Feast of St. Luchesius of Poggibonsi, who, along with his wife, Blessed Buona dei Segni, were among the first - and possible were the first - Secular Franciscans.
He was reportedly indifferent to religion early in his life, more interested in amassing wealth in various trades - baker, money changer, grain speculator - and political power. But hen he was in hi 30's all his children suddenly died due to natural causes, and he changed, dedicating his life to serving the poor, sick and imprisoned. In 1221 St. Francis visited Poggininsi. Francis had either just formed or was about the form the Third Order (Secular Franciscans), and, whatever the case, St. Luchesius and his wife joined and entered fully into a life of even greater penance, prayer and service.
He was reportedly experienced ecstasies and levitations, and had the gift of healing. He died April 28, 1260.
He's the patron of of the "death of children" and of lost vocations.
He was reportedly indifferent to religion early in his life, more interested in amassing wealth in various trades - baker, money changer, grain speculator - and political power. But hen he was in hi 30's all his children suddenly died due to natural causes, and he changed, dedicating his life to serving the poor, sick and imprisoned. In 1221 St. Francis visited Poggininsi. Francis had either just formed or was about the form the Third Order (Secular Franciscans), and, whatever the case, St. Luchesius and his wife joined and entered fully into a life of even greater penance, prayer and service.
He was reportedly experienced ecstasies and levitations, and had the gift of healing. He died April 28, 1260.
He's the patron of of the "death of children" and of lost vocations.
Labels: Secular Franciscans
posted by A Secular Franciscan | 5:36 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home