Saint Joseph of Leonessa, OFM Cap., was born on January 8, 1556, in Leonessa, Italy. He was the third of eight children and was given the name Eufranio at baptism.
He was deeply influenced by the example of Matthew Silvestri, who had left the medical profession to join the Capuchins and lived a life of clear holiness. Inspired by this witness, Eufranio felt called to religious life. Although his family strongly opposed his decision, he entered the Capuchin novitiate, received the habit, and took the name Joseph. He made his religious profession on January 8, 1573.
On May 21, 1581, Saint Joseph received official permission to preach, a ministry that would occupy the rest of his life. Trusting fully in God’s grace and carrying a mission crucifix in his cincture, he traveled through the remote and mountainous areas of Umbria, Lazio, and the Abruzzi. He dedicated himself to bringing the Gospel especially to the poor and neglected.
His success as a preacher came from his deep union with God. He prayed constantly and often meditated while walking, holding his crucifix. Later, he was sent to Constantinople and appointed chaplain to about 4,000 Christian slaves working in the penal colony of Qaasim-pacha. He brought them both spiritual care and material assistance. Many times, he offered himself in exchange for slaves who were near death, but his offers were never accepted.
When the plague broke out in the penal colonies, the Capuchins devoted themselves to caring for the sick and dying. Two friars, Peter and Dennis, died while doing this work. Saint Joseph also became ill, but he and Brother Gregory were the only ones who survived to continue the mission.
After converting a Greek bishop who had abandoned the faith, Saint Joseph formed a plan to approach Sultan Murad III to request freedom of conscience for those who wished to convert or return to Christianity. When he tried to enter the sultan’s chambers, he was arrested and placed in chains. He was condemned to death by being hung on hooks, with one hook through his right hand and another through his right foot. After suffering for three days, he was taken down by the guards, still alive but near death.
Saint Joseph soon left Turkey and traveled to Rome with the converted bishop, where they met Pope Sixtus V. In the autumn of 1589, he returned to Italy and settled at the Carcerelle in Assisi.
After the Council of Trent, Saint Joseph devoted himself to catechesis. He focused on shepherds and rural people who had little knowledge of the faith, prayer, and the commandments. He walked through the streets ringing a bell to remind parents to send their children to catechism.
When he became seriously ill, Saint Joseph asked to be taken back to Leonessa so he could say goodbye to his relatives and friends. On Saturday evening, February 4, 1612, while beginning the Divine Office, he became too weak to continue and repeated his favorite prayer, Sancta Maria, succurre miseris, meaning Holy Mary, help the afflicted.
Saint Joseph of Leonessa was beatified by Pope Clement XII in 1737 and canonized by Pope Benedict XIV in 1746.