Saint John of Capistrano was born on June 24, 1386 in Naples, Italy. Early on in John’s childhood, his father passed away. This event was hard for John to get through, but it made him a much stronger person overall. Saint John of Capistrano attended the University of Perugia, and used his education to become a lawyer. This is why Saint John of Capistrano is remembered as the patron saint of jurists. When Perugia’s governor wished to step down from his position, John was chosen to be his replacement.
When war seemed eminent between Malatesta and Perugia, John put forth a valiant effort at keeping the peace. His efforts would fail though and he would be thrown in jail by enemies.
John’s enemies were not in a hurry to set him free. He realized that the salvation of his soul was more important than anything else.
John was held in prison for many years, he was not released until age 30. After having plenty of time to contemplate what he would do with his life while in prison, John made up his mind that he wanted to join a religious society. John chose to become a Franciscan friar.
John would live life in a monastery for a few years before deciding he wished to be a priest. Once John was a priest he went all over preaching. He would continue his preaching and traveling for forty years.
The Turks took over the European continent and attempted to wipe out Christianity. Pope Callistus II told John to visit all the Christian countries and speak to their leaders of fighting to defend Christianity. John rounded up a gigantic army of 70,000 men.
Saint John got all the soldiers fired up to be in battle, and even when things were looking grim he kept their spirits high. Although they were greatly outnumbered by the Turks, they would win the battle.
After the battle, Saint John would pass away on October 23, 1456. His feast day falls on that same day each year.
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