Bl. Antonio Franco

  Posted on September 2, 2019  by admin  No comments

Born: 26 Sep 1585 in Naples, Italy

Died: 2 Sep 1626 in Santa Lucia del Mela, Messina, Italy

Beatified: 2 September 2013 by Pope Francis, beatification recognition celebrated in the Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Santa Lucia del Mela, Messina, Italy, presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato

Born to the nobility; his family were French expatriates. Earned a doctorate in civil and canon law at age 17. Studied in Rome, Italy. Courtier to King Philip III in Madrid, Spain. Ordained a priest in 1610. Royal chaplain to Philip III for ten years. Bishop of the territorial prelature of Santa Lucia del Mela, Italy, confirmed by Pope Paul V, from 12 November 1616 until his death. Counselor and chaplain to the court of the kingom of Sicily. For all his time spent in royal and noble courts, Father Antonio was known to his ascetic life, sleeping on the bare ground or floor, eating little and plainly, his concern for piety and penance, a ministry to the poor and sick, and work with people who were victims of loan sharks.