The Generous Beggar

John Evangelist Croese was born at Camporosso (Imperia), Italy, at Liguria's western border, on December 27, 1804. His family owned a modest house and maintained small parcels of farmland. Elementary education was provided by his pastor. A Confessor of the First Order, Saint Francis Mary whole life bore witness to that aspect of our life in Christ that realizes it is more blessed to give than to receive. He began his life as a shepherd in the tiny village of Camporosso, near San Remo, from which occupation he gladly contributed to the support of his family. Having always been considerate of other's needs, he joined the Capuchins of the Genoa province and stated "I came to the convent to be its beast of burden".

At 18, John developed a friendship with a Conventual friar which led to John's being invested as a tertiary among the Conventuals at Sestri on October 1, 1822. At his investiture, he received the name, Anthony. Not completely satisfied with the spirit and life he experienced among the Conventuals, he went to the Capuchin friary at Voltri where he poured out his heart to Alexander Canepa, a Capuchin from Genoa. Early one morning, in late autumn of 1824, Anthony quietly left the Conventuals and sought admittance as a postulant among the Capuchins, among whom he received the name, Francis Mary. After almost three years of postulancy, Francis Mary left Voltri for the novitiate of St. Barnabas in Genoa where he chose to be a non-cleric novice, confiding to a friend that his choice was based on the example of Saint Francis "who did not want to ascend to the priesthood, because it is preferable to be humble and obedient." Francis Mary helped wherever there was a need in the infirmary, kitchen, orchard, etc. Because of the great number of friars residing at Immaculate Conception, there were many questors, some of whom canvassed the city, and other. Francis Mary was very popular with ordinary people. His fame spread rapidly, as did the nickname, padre Santo, (i.e., "holy father" or "holy monk"). People confided in him and he always took the time to listen. Asked to do anything, he always seemed to do even more than what was asked. Francis Mary gave practical yet profound spiritual advice. While questors often were brought into contact with nobles and ecclesiastical dignitaries, most of Francis Mary's encounters were with parents, shopkeepers, sailors, and prostitutes. In unsophisticated language, he spoke to all of the reign of God. To those who sought advice he would say, "Have faith! Have faith" To those who thanked him for his intervention and prayers, he would remark, "I did nothing, it was the Madonna who helped you ." His sanctity was marked by affability, and his personal life was distinguished for its austerity, penance and obedience.

In 1866, cholera was discovered on-board a vessel docked at Genoa and all ships were subsequently quarantined. On August 5th, the first case within the city was reported. Despite his own and others' fears, Francis Mary continued to minister among the people, offering himself as a victim of charity, assisting the sick. By August 31st, there were 232 reported cases and 130 fatalities.

On September 17th, Francis Mary fell victim to cholera. His body was quickly entombed in a lead casket and taken to the cemetery at Staglieno. In life, Francis Mary offered himself as a victim of charity for those struck down by cholera. In death, prayers rose up from the populace to their padre Santo to intercede on behalf of their city. In a matter of weeks, the cholera epidemic subsided.

In 1911, Francis Mary's remains were transferred to the Capuchin church of the Immaculate Conception. On June 30, 1929, Pius XI inscribed his name among the blessed. On December 9, 1962, at the conclusion of the first session of the Second Vatican Council, John XXIII solemnly declared as saints: Francis Mary Croese, Peter Julian Eymard, and Anthony Mary Pucci