Seraphin of Montegranaro
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Saint Seraphin of Montegranaro ((Italian) Serafino de Montegranaro) (1540—October 12, 1604) is an Italian saint. Born Felice de Nicola at Montegranaro of a poor, pious family, in his youth he was employed as a shepherd, an occupation which gave him much leisure for prayer and other pious exercises. Upon the death of his parents, he was subjected to harsh and cruel treatment by his eldest brother. At the age of sixteen, he entered the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin and received the name Seraphin.
He was distinguished from the first by his unaffected simplicity, mortification, and obedience as well as charity which towards the poor knew no bounds. He had a special devotion to the Blessed Eucharist and to Our Lady.
Seraphin was endowed with the gift of reading the secrets of hearts, and with that of miracles and prophecy. Although unlettered, his advice was sought by secular and ecclesiastical dignitaries, and was a fruitful source of virtue to souls. His tomb is in the Capuchin friary at Ascoli. He was canonized by Pope Clement XIII, 16 July, 1767.
His feast is celebrated on 12 October.
A church at San Lorenzo Nuovo is dedicated to him.
This article incorporates text from the entry St. Seraphin of Montegranaro in the public-domain Catholic Encyclopedia of 1913.
