Saint John Joseph of the Cross

Carlo Gaetano Calosirto was born on the island of Ischia, near Naples, on August 15, 1654. At sixteen he entered the Alcantarine Franciscans, a strict reform of the Friars Minor founded by Saint Peter of Alcantara, and took the name John Joseph of the Cross. While still young he was sent to help found a new friary at Piedimonte d'Alife, where he worked with his own hands on the building.

Ordained a priest out of obedience, he served as novice master, guardian and later provincial, always choosing the poorest cell and the hardest tasks. He played a key role in establishing the Alcantarine friars as an Italian province. In Naples crowds sought his counsel and prayers, and many healings were attributed to him. He died in Naples on March 5, 1734, and Pope Gregory XVI canonized him in 1839, on the same day as Saint Alphonsus Liguori.

He is the patron of Ischia, where islanders honor him with Masses and a great procession by land and sea. In Naples his relics are venerated in the church of Santa Lucia al Monte.