Saint Francis Solano

Francisco Solano was born in Montilla, near Córdoba, Spain, on March 10, 1549. He entered the Franciscan Order there at about twenty years of age and became known as a fervent preacher. In 1589 he sailed for the New World, crossed the isthmus of Panama and continued on to Peru.

For about twenty years he evangelized the vast region of Tucumán, in what is today northwestern Argentina, and Paraguay, learning the native languages with remarkable speed. He often played the violin to gather and gladden the people, and he is usually pictured with it. In his last years he preached in Lima and served as guardian of the Franciscan convent there. He died in Lima on July 14, 1610, was beatified by Pope Clement X in 1675, and was canonized by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726.

Francisco Solano is beloved as one of the great missionaries of South America, and many towns, parishes and schools in Argentina, Peru and beyond bear his name. In many Spanish-speaking countries and in the Franciscan family his feast is traditionally kept on July 24, while July 14, the day of his death, is the date of the Roman Martyrology.

Because of his violin, he is a favorite of musicians, and his memory invites families to share faith with joy and music.