Saints’ of the Week

S. Francis of Paola – 2nd April

Francis was born in 1516 at Paola in Calabria, Italy, which at that time was part of the Kingdom of Naples. He lived his life as a hermit and attracted many followers by his piety and holiness. He founded a congregation of hermits which became the Order of Minims. The number of his disciples gradually increased, and about 1454, with the permission of Pyrrhus, Archbishop of Cosenza, Francis built a large monastery and church. The building of this monastery was the occasion of a great outburst of enthusiasm and devotion on the part of the people towards Francis: even the nobles carried stones and joined in the work. He died at Tours, France, in 1507 after receiving the sacraments and having the Passion according to St. John read out to him.

S. Isidore – 4th April

Isidore was born in Seville, Spain, about 560 to Severianus and Theodora, part of an influential family who were instrumental in the political-religious manoeuvring that converted the Visigothic kings from Arianism to Catholicism. He was appointed Bishop of Seville in 601 and invoked several synods, notably the Fourth Council of Toledo in 633 which sought for the good government of the Church in Spain. He wrote a good deal and was very concerned with the education of young people, founding a school that was well ahead of its time. He died in 636.