Abbey-Roads2

Born on the Island of Ischia, Southern Italy, 1654; d. 5 March, 1739. 

As with most saints of the Alcantarine reform, I have always had devotion for St. John Joseph of the Cross, whose feast day is today - he is shown here with the Infant Jesus, although I can’t remember the incident wherein he cradled the Bambino.  (I’ll bet Don Marco knows.)

The Alcantarine reform was initiated in Spain by the great St. Peter of Alcantara, the friend and advisor of St. Teresa of Avila.  These reformed Franciscans were otherwise known as discalced.  Their habits were meager, with short mantles.  They lived in great poverty, with much fasting and penance.  Their lives were so austere, their cells resembled coffins, in as much they were very tiny and short.  I believe, as in St. Peter’s life, they were often arranged so that the friar could not lay down completely in many cases.

The Italian reform was separated from the Spanish province by the Pope, and John Joseph founded, among others, the first convent of the reform in Naples.  Later, the saint became Vicar Provincial of the Italian province of the order.  He was an extraordinary mystic and lived into his 80’s - if my memory serves me.  He was known for his tremendous compassion for the poor and charity towards sinners, renowned as a confessor.  Aside from his visions and prophecy, mystical phenomena such as levitation and ecstasy was not an uncommon experience for him.

One famous incident in his life is often told.  In Naples, on the feast of St. Januarius, when crowds were in the Cathedral to see the martyr’s blood liquify, St. John Joseph left his cane across the Cathedral, he called to it, and miraculously it floated above the heads of all, traveled across the Cathedral into the saint’s hands.  The crowds were astonished, and St. John pretty much upstaged the miracle of St. Januarius.

I do not know the dates, but I believe the Alcantarine reform was pretty much absorbed into the OFM branch of the Franciscan order.  In our day, the Capuchins were known to be the most austere reform of the Franciscans, although newer reforms have emerged from their ranks as well.  The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, Fr. Benedict Groeschl’s reform, perhaps being the best known.

When I lived in Italy in the early ’70’s, I stayed for a while with a group Padre Pio had encouraged to get started.  It was founded by a Padre Umile, and the friars lived a very austere life, and indeed went barefoot.  One of their houses was atop Capidimonte in Naples.  They lived in discarded railway cars.  I was very impressed with their observance, although I have never heard if they are still together.

Anyway - this is my loose history of St. John Joseph and a bit of information on the Alcantarine reform.  Feel free to correct me if I got things wrong.  For further information go here - Franciscan History  and Franciscan Archive .