On October 23, the Catholic Church honors Saint John of Capistrano, a Franciscan priest remembered for his deep faith, tireless missionary work, and even a remarkable moment of military leadership. Known as the patron saint of military chaplains, he was praised by Saint John Paul II in 2002 for his “glorious evangelical witness” and his generous dedication to saving souls.
Born in Capistrano, Italy, in 1385, John lost his father a knight of French or possibly German origin when he was still a child. Guided by his mother, he received an excellent education, mastering Latin and later studying both civil and Church law in Perugia. His brilliance quickly led him into public service, and at just 26 years old, he was appointed governor of Perugia.
A man of integrity and peace, John worked to end a war between Perugia and the powerful Malatesta family in 1416. However, his efforts resulted in his imprisonment by local nobles. During this time of reflection, he reportedly saw Saint Francis of Assisi in a dream, inspiring him to leave behind his worldly life and embrace the Franciscan ideals of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
In October 1416, John entered the Franciscan Order, where he became a disciple of Saint Bernardine of Siena. Inspired by Bernardine’s passion for preaching and devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, John began preaching in 1420 and was ordained a priest five years later.
Throughout his ministry, John defended the faith and his mentor against accusations of heresy, while also working to heal divisions within the Franciscan community. His wisdom and dedication earned the trust of several popes, who sent him on important missions, including efforts to reconcile the Eastern and Western Churches at the Council of Florence.
As a missionary, John drew vast crowds across Italy and Central Europe. He became known for his bold defense of Church teaching, especially against the Hussites’ denial of the true nature of the Eucharist. Following the fall of Constantinople to the Turks in 1453, Pope Nicholas V and later Pope Callixtus III called on him to rally European leaders to defend Christendom.
In 1456, when Sultan Mehmet II advanced into Serbia and Hungary, John joined forces with the renowned general Janos Hunyadi to defend Belgrade. Despite his age and frail health, the friar led a portion of the Christian army, contributing to a decisive victory on August 6, 1456 a triumph that became a defining moment in European history.
Soon after, both heroes fell ill. Hunyadi died shortly after the battle, and John, after preaching his comrade’s funeral sermon, also succumbed to illness on October 23, 1456.
Saint John of Capistrano was canonized in 1724 and remains a symbol of courage, faith, and steadfast devotion to the Gospel.