Homily: October 23 - Saint John of Capistrano, Franciscan missionary

After a thorough education in law, at the age of 26, John of Capistrano became governor of the Italian city of Perugia.  After war swept through his region of Italy, John was thrown into prison.  But there, something remarkable happened.  He experienced a deep conversion to Christ. While imprisoned, he found freedom in Christ.

As a result of his conversion, around the year 1406, John entered the religious life as a member of the Franciscan Order, itself already 200 years old.  Most of us wouldn’t mind, if what happened to John would happen to some of our government officials, being thrown into prison where they would experience the Gospel, it would certainly be good for their souls, and for our country.

After his conversion, Friar John became one of the greatest preachers of the 15^th century.  He was instrumental in the conversion of many heretics and many who were obstinate to the faith. He truly believed that there could be no truly free human society unless first and foremost Christ was enthroned as King, and those principles which Christ came to teach were embraced.

He also spoke about the importance of all of the baptized to lead lives of holiness.  Listen to his words: “those who are called to the table of the Lord ought to glow with the brightness that comes from the good example of a blameless and praiseworthy life.  They must completely remove from their lives the filth and uncleanness of vice.  Their upright lives must make them the salt of the earth for themselves and for the rest of the human family. The brightness of their wisdom must make them the light of the world that brings light to others.  Jesus declared ‘You are the Light of the World’! Now, a light does not illumine itself. But instead it diffuses its rays and shines all around upon everything that comes into its view.  So must it be for your glowing lives.”

On the saint's tomb in the Austrian town of Villach, the governor had this message inscribed: "This tomb holds John, by birth of Capistrano, a man worthy of all praise, defender and promoter of the faith, guardian of the Church, zealous protector of his Order, an ornament to all the world, lover of truth and religious justice, mirror of life, surest guide in doctrine; praised by countless tongues, he reigns blessed in heaven.” I wouldn't mind having any of those monikers, but especially the last, "he reigns blessed in heaven", which ought to be the goal of each one of us.

St. John of Capistrano: an example to us all, of our vocation to holiness. As we draw near to the table of the Lord to be fed with His Body and Blood, let us seek to be that light of the world which draws all men to Christ, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.