The Franciscan Order has produced so many saints in every station of life that the Church granted the Order—called “Seraphic” after St. Francis’s title of the Seraphic Father—a feast day to celebrate all of them. This feast day coincides with the anniversary of the Rule’s approval in 1223.
Many of these Seraphic saints are famous—such as St. Bonaventure, St. Clare, and St. Thomas More.
Many are not as famous—so let’s honor them by learning about a few lesser-known Franciscans:
St. Veronica Giuliani: Born in 1660, she showed signs of spiritual strength from a very early age, performing great works of charity for the poor while still a child. At about 16 years of age, she convinced her father to let her enter the convent. After her entrance, she prayed to suffer with Christ Crucified. This prayer was answered in the early 1690s, when she received the stigmata of all Five Wounds and the Crown of Thorns.
St. Elzear of Sabran: A French nobleman of the 14th century, Elzear and his wife—Bl. Delphine—both vowed to retain their virginity. They joined the Third Order in 1316 and practiced prayer, mortification, and charity. Elzear’s diplomacy and exemplary virtues were sought and admired in various European courts. He was buried in the Franciscan habit in 1323.
St. Nicholas Pieck: A native of Holland, Nicholas joined the Franciscans immediately after completing his education. He was ordained in 1558 at 24 years of age and became a champion against heresy in Holland and Belgium. When the Calvinists gained control of his town of Gorkum, they imprisoned and tortured Nicholas. Finding his allegiance to the true Church unshakeable, they martyred him.
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