Saint Who?
Saints Who Could Read Souls
Saint Serafino
Religious († 1604) Feast: October 12
Felix Nicola grew up poor in Montegranaro, in central Italy. His parents died while he was still young, and he was raised by an older brother, who often beat him. One day while, Felix was working as a servant in a neighbor’s house, he heard the daughter of the family reading from the lives of the saints. He was struck by a desire to enter religious life.
He went to the Capuchins, among whom he became Serafino. During his first years with the friars, Serafino often received harsh punishments, yet he remained undeterred. He intensified his prayer, spending three hours each evening before the Blessed Sacrament. He laid everything before the Blessed Mother, often reciting the Stabat Mater in tears. At last, Serafino found his place—as the doorkeeper at the house in nearby Ascoli Piceno. Here he could be close to the poor. He fed them from the vegetable gardens, listened to their troubles, and offered his prayers for their ailments.
In time, people from all walks of life were showing up at the door to speak to Serafino. He was gifted with the ability to read hearts, and was known to prophesy the future. Many sick people received miraculous healing when Serafino blessed them with his brass crucifix. In 1604, Serafino died at Ascoli. He is buried in the Capuchin friary.
All-merciful Father, through the intercession
of Saint Serafino, make me simple.
Help me to love the childlike and the poor.
