ST. FRANCIS-MARY CROESE OF CAMPOROSSO_ PADRE SANTO

The book of Hebrew asserted that, with so many cloud of witnesses, a great a cloud around us, we too, then, should throw off everything that weighs us down and the sin that slings so closely, and with perseverance keep running in the race which lies ahead of us” (Hebrew 12:1 NJB). Francis-Mary was very much aware of this that he decided to be a lay brother, following the humble witness of his seraphic father Francis.

            Born at Camporosso (Imperial) Italy, on 27^th December, 1804. He was named John Evamgelist. His family owned a modest house and maintained small parcels of farmland. At the age of 18, his zeal for the service of God led him to seek admission among the Friars Minor Conventuals, where he took

the name Anthony. However, he wasn’t satisfied with the life there, he wanted to do more. Thus, in 1824, he left the Conventuals and sought admission-with the Capuchins at Voltri, where he received the name Francis-Mary. On 17^th December, 1825, he was invested as a Capuchin and a year later he made his professions.

            After his profession he was assigned to the Friary of Immaculate Conception in Genoa, the principal friary of the province which housed about 90 friars, the provincial curia, retirement home, an infirmary; open to the public and even the material for the clothing of the brothers were produced there with many other commitments. Consequently, life at the friary was very hectic. Francis-Mary was made a questor, and soon his evident sanctity gained him great popularity among the common people, who normally called him “Padre Santo” (Holy father or Holy Monk). Many confided in him and he took time to listen to them. He gave practical and yet profound spiritual advice. He had a preference for the poor and lowly. He was soon named the chief questor of the Friary.

            To all who met him, he always spoke kind words, he appreciated others, was willing to help and was always close to the lonely and sad. He displayed a great deal of affection for his community. In 1866, cholera broke out in Genoa. He offered himself to serve the affected. he ministered to them with all care and compassion, and spent the entire nights in prayer for the end of the epidemic. Soon he contacted the illness and this led to his death on 27^th September, 1866. After his death, prayers rose up from the people begging their Padre Santo to intercede for the city and in a matter of weeks the epidemic subsided. He was beatified on June 30, 1929 by Pius XI and was canonized by John XXIII on the 9^th of December, 1962.

To those who thanked him, he would say “I did nothing, it was the Madonna who helped you” and to those who sought his advice he would say “Have faith, have faith”.