The Day of St. John of Capistrano is celebrated on October 23rd .

Saint John of Capistrano was born on June 24, 1386 in Italy. He studied law at the University of Perusia and became a judge's official, but disillusioned with the death of his wife, and imprisoned for political intrigues, João decides to dedicate his life to God, joining the Franciscans.

After undergoing many humiliations and donating his goods to the poor, in the image of St. Francis, John of Capistrano finally managed to enter the Franciscan Order, where he was rejected twice, until after a great deal of effort he became a priest.

He traveled tirelessly all over Europe on foot, barefoot, or on horseback, working on the reform of customs and fighting the heresies of his time. For his wisdom and prudence, he was sent to various diplomatic missions.

He headed for Hungary at the request of the Pope, where he managed to stop a strong Ottoman invasion after encouraging the small army with a crucifix and mobilizing thousands of peasants for war.

Three times the Supreme Pontiffs tried to name him bishop of important cities, but John of Capistrano preferred not to receive titles and to follow the humble and poor path of a preacher, eating only once a day and without meat.

Saint John of Capistrano died on October 23, 1456, in Austria, when the church celebrates its liturgical feast.

Source: Calendarr