The statue encasing the sacred remains of St. Francis Caracciolo in Naples
Exactly 400 years ago on this today, on the eve of the Feast of the Holy Eucharist, St. Francis Caracciolo, the founder of the Clerics Regular Minor, entered into heaven. Fr. Nicholas transports us to the scene within the Oratorian's House of the Annunciation in the Italian town of Agnone, in his book Saint Francis Caracciolo - Founder of the Clerics Regular Minor:
VATICAN CITY, 4 JUN 2008 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience, the Pope addressed some remarks to participants in a pilgrimage being promoted by the Order of Minor Clerks Regular to mark the end of celebrations for the fourth centenary of the death of their founder, St. Francis Caracciolo (1563- 1608).
"Dear friends", said the Pope, "I hope that this important occasion many contribute to renewing in everyone the living desire to serve Christ, following the teachings of this great saint who was a lover of the Eucharist, a humble servant of the poor, and an ascetic constantly immersed in contemplation of the Crucified Christ".
The Holy Father then turned to greet Polish pilgrims, recalling that yesterday marked the 45th anniversary of the death of Blessed John XXIII "whom people called 'John the Good' or 'Good Pope John'. It was he who called Vatican Council II which began the renewal of the Church, the reform of her structures and the 'aggiornamento' of her liturgy. May this reform", Benedict XVI concluded, "produce fruits in us and in the Church of the third millennium".
"On Wednesday evening, Francis was absorbed once more in deep prayer. He was motionless. One wondered if his last moments were now close. All the friars were in the little room or down the hallway with lighted candles. The smell of burning candles filled the little space. The light flickered, casting shadows on the wall as they recited the De Profundis. At one point, Francis's lips seemed to be moving. One of the friars bent over to hear Francis's whisper. What he heard was, 'Let us go, let us go!' The friar asked, 'Where do you want to go, Father Francis?' And Francis replied, 'To Heaven! To Heaven!' Moments later Francis died. It was Wednesday, June 4, 1608, about 11 p.m. ..."
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4-June-2008 -- Vatican Information Service
Pope Recalls St. Francis Caracciolo and Blessed John XXIII
Pope Recalls St. Francis Caracciolo and Blessed John XXIII
VATICAN CITY, 4 JUN 2008 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience, the Pope addressed some remarks to participants in a pilgrimage being promoted by the Order of Minor Clerks Regular to mark the end of celebrations for the fourth centenary of the death of their founder, St. Francis Caracciolo (1563- 1608).
"Dear friends", said the Pope, "I hope that this important occasion many contribute to renewing in everyone the living desire to serve Christ, following the teachings of this great saint who was a lover of the Eucharist, a humble servant of the poor, and an ascetic constantly immersed in contemplation of the Crucified Christ".
The Holy Father then turned to greet Polish pilgrims, recalling that yesterday marked the 45th anniversary of the death of Blessed John XXIII "whom people called 'John the Good' or 'Good Pope John'. It was he who called Vatican Council II which began the renewal of the Church, the reform of her structures and the 'aggiornamento' of her liturgy. May this reform", Benedict XVI concluded, "produce fruits in us and in the Church of the third millennium".
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