(June 4, 2025)
Born Ascanio Caracciolo in Villa Santa Maria, Italy, Francis Caracciolo co-founded the Order of the Clerics Regular Minor, also known as the Adorno Fathers, alongside John Augustine Adorno and Fabrizio Caracciolo. At 22, he suffered from a severe skin disease resembling leprosy. He vowed that if he recovered, he would dedicate his life to God. Upon his miraculous recovery, he pursued the priesthood in Naples
Known for his deep devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, Francis often spent hours in prayer and was reputed to experience ecstasies during adoration. He died on June 4, 1608, in Agnone, Italy. When his body was examined after death, his heart was found to bear the words “Zeal for Thy house has consumed me”—a reflection of his life’s passion. He was beatified on June 4, 1769, and canonized on May 24, 1807. He is the patron saint of Naples and Italian cooks.
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