ST JOHN OF CAPISTRANO (1386-1456) OCTOBER 23, 2026
EARLY YEARS
Born June 24, 1386 in Capistrano, Italy.
Highly educated.
Studied Law at the University of Perugia.
At the age of 26 became governor of Perugia.
Was on path for a distinguished political career.
IMPRISONMENT
During a political conflict was imprisoned.
No more authority over others but powerless behind prison walls.
Had vision of St Francis of Assisi, calling him to abandon worldly ambitions and follow Christ.
POWERFUL PREACHER
As a priest, St John traveled throughout Europe preaching repentance, conversion, and devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus.
Challenged people to abandon sin, return to the sacraments, and lived a life of prayer, fasting and personal sacrifice.
As a disciple of St Bernardine of Siena promoted reform within the Franciscan Order.
THE SOLDIER SAINT
When he was 70, the Ottoman army besieged Belgrade, an important defensive stronghold in Europe. (1456)
He rallied Christian volunteers, preached courage and prayer and supported the Hungarian military leader John Hunyadi.
The defenders in the Battle of Belgrade won in July 1456.
St John became known as the Soldier Saint.
Unfortunately illness and exhaustion overcame the saint and he died on October 23, 1456.
MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO IN CALIFORNIA
The beautiful Mission was named in his honor many centuries after his death. It is the mission known for the annual return of its swallows.
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