Our Lady's Promise Apostolate Blog

St. of the Cross was born about the middle of the seventeenth century in the beautiful island of Ischia, near Naples. From his childhood he was the model of virtue, and in his sixteenth year he entered the of the Strictest Observance, or Reform of of Alcantara. Such was the edification he gave in his Order, that within three years after his profession he was sent to found a monastery in Piedmont. He became a out of obedience, and obtained, as it seems, an inspired of moral theology. With his superiors' permission he built another and drew up rules for that community, which were confirmed by the Holy See. He afterward became Master of Novices. Sometimes later he was made of the province of Naples, erected in the beginning of the eightheenth century by Clement XI. He labored hard to establish in that branch of his Order which the sovereign Pontiff had separated from the one in Spain. In his work he suffered much, and became the victim of numerous calumnies. However, the saint succeeded in his labors, endeavoring to instill in the hearts of his subjects, the double of and bequeathed to his Reform by of Alcantara. exemplified the most sublime virtues, especially and religious discipline. He also possessed numerous in the order, such as those of prophesy and miracles. Finally,consumed by labors for the of God, he was called to his reward. Stricken with apoplexy, he died an octogenarian in his at on March 5, 1734. His is March 5th.