John of Capistrano, a 14th century saint, was born into a period of history which found one-third of the population and almost 40% of the clergy eradicated by the bubonic plague. Holy Mother Church was split by the Western Schism and there were two or three claimants to the See of Peter. England and France were at war. And, the Italian city-states were constantly in conflict.
Yet, during these tumultuous times, God blessed mankind with this priest saint who acted as a defensive wall of the House of God. John used his talents and gifts to put fire in souls to encourage them to the defense of God and to lead them to combat. St. John of Capistrano was such a saint.
Another interesting point to know is that St. John also lived in association with three other saints. His superior was Blessed Mark of Bergamo. He was a disciple of St. Bernardine of Siena and a fellow student with St. James of the Marches. Four saints of the same religious order living at the same time and in the same small region of Italy–how marvelous is our God.
Among St. John’s many gifts was his stellar preaching. He preached to huge crowds – as many as 200,000 some writers have reported. Read here and learn how this Franciscan preacher earned the title “warrior priest”.
Saint John is buried in the Austrian town of Villach. The following is inscribed on his tomb:
[quote]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.[/quote]