ST. CRISPIN - "One doesn't get to heaven on a taxi"

“The life of a true Christian is a perpetual strive against self”, said St. Maria Faustina, and so it is. Every good Christian knows that he ought to continually strive against his natural inclinations, in other to be that which God wills for him. This fact was not unknown to St. Crispin Fioretti of Viterbo. Despite his weak constitution, he made every possible effort to live a life of total dedication to God and he succeeded unto eternal life.

Born at Viterbo, Italy on the 13^th of November, 1668. He was named Peter. His Father, Ubald died when he was still very young and left his upbringing, with that of his step-sister, in the hands of the poor mother, Marsha. His mother dedicated him to Mary when he was still small and told him “this is your mother too. I have made you a gift to her”, Crispin never forgot those words. Because of their poor condition, his uncle provided for his schooling. He, also, worked as a cobbler for his uncle. At the age of 25, he applied to the Capuchins, after the example of St. Felix of Cantalice. He was accepted but met with oppositions, both from the family and from the novice master himself. To the glory of God, he overcame the oppositions. In the Order, he took the name Crispin after the example of St. Crispin, patron of Cobblers. However, he never served the Order as a cobbler. After his vows on the 22^nd of July, 1694, he worked as a cook, orchard keeper, infirmarian and finally, questor for 38years. 

He was particularly, close to the people. He generously served the stricken during the epidemics of Farnese, Gallese and Bracciano. He ministered and served the imprisoned, sinners, unwed mothers, families experiencing hardship, even those on the verge of despair. He was known as a peace-maker both within the capuchin community and outside. He daily visited the sick and local prisons, pleading their cause and begging the guards to respect their dignity. More so, he took resources to them. He did not only quest for the community but also, for those in need. He arranged families to take turns in providing home-made meals for the prisoners. He was filled with a spirit of joy and never began a task without saying a prayer first to Mary. He was very much devoted to settling social injustice, which he believed was the cause of both spiritual and material human miseries. He, nevertheless, had some critiques and crosses because of his devotion to the course of good. He left behind many maxims and letters. On the 19^th of May, 1750, Crispin died of pneumonia aged 82. He was beatified by Pope Pius VII on the 7^th of September, 1806 and canonized by Pope John Paul II on the 20^th of June, 1982. His feast day is 19^th of May.

St. Crispin would say, “One doesn’t get to heaven on a taxi”. Let us learn from him to go beyond our human weaknesses to embrace a life of total dedication to God.