St. Ignatius of Santhia

  Posted on September 22, 2020  by admin  No comments

Born: 5 June 1686 Santhià, Vercelli, Duchy of Milan

Died: 22 September 1770 (aged 84) Turin, Duchy of Milan

Venerated: in Roman Catholic Church

Beatified: 17 April 1966, Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City by Pope Paul VI

Canonized: 19 May 2002, Saint Peter’s Square, Vatican City by Pope John Paul II

Feast: 22 September

Patronage: Chaplains Santhià

Ordained in 1710 in the diocese of Vercelli, Italy. Parish priest for six years. He was offered a position of authority in the diocese, but declined, and on 24 May 1716 he became a novice in the Capuchins of Turin, Italy, taking the name Ignatius, and beginning 54 years of service in the Order. He was under the direction of a novice half his age, which Father Ignatius accepted with humility. In 1717 he was assigned to the convent at Saluzzo, Italy, and served as sacristan. Novice master at Chieri, Italy. Sacristan at Capuchin Hill, Turin in 1723, a convent with 87 priests. Novice master at Mondovi from 1731 to 1744. An eye illness forced him to give up the position for nearly two years. 

When he recovered he became head chaplain of the armies of the King of Piedmont who were fighting invading Franco-Hispanic forces. He was noted for his work in the field as minister, and with the injured. After the war he returned to life at Capuchin Hill where he served as confessor and religious instructor to lay brothers. In his later years he spent his days visiting the sick and the poor of Turin, and ministering to the thousands that came daily to Capuchin Hill for his blessing. 

Prayer to St. Ignatius of Santhia

St. Ignatius, you were born in Italy and were inspired to become a priest from the example of the village pastor. You went to the seminary in Vercelli, was ordained, and worked as a diocesan priest for six years. To the horror of your parishioners, you decided to quit being a parish priest and join the Franciscan Order. You were given the name of St. Ignatius and became a sacristan for a convent and later, a novice master. When war broke out you were a chaplain for the army. You were best known for your spiritual direction and work as a confessor. You died after a long illness, still hearing confessions on your deathbed.

St. Ignatius, you had a great devotion to Mary and to the rosary. Pray that we may follow after your example and develop a solid relationship with our Mother. St. Ignatius, you were humble and obedient, a good preacher and a discerning director. Pray that we may continue to grow in virtue under the leadership of our pastors. St. Ignatius, you remained faithful to God unto death. Pray that we may be granted the grace of final perseverance. Amen.

St. Ignatius of Santhia, pray for us!