Saint Who?
Saints Who Served in the Military
Blessed Hugh Canefro
Religious († 1233) Feast: October 8
Hugh Canefro—also called Ugo Canefri—was born around the year 1168. His father was Count Arnoldo of Alessandria in northern Italy.
Because of his family’s position, Hugh was probably educated like most noblemen’s sons, taught to read and write in both Latin and his mother tongue, and trained in hunting, horsemanship, and the art of warfare. When Pope Gregory VIII called for the Third Crusade to liberate Jerusalem, Hugh joined the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, commonly called the Knights Hospitaller. The Knights Hospitaller began as a Benedictine order caring for the poor, but began to include knights like Hugh during the 12th century. Hugh fought in the Holy Land and returned home afterward, although the crusade itself was only marginally successful. A few years later, Hugh was placed in charge of a commandery of his order in Genoa, which included a hospital.
For more than three decades, Hugh served as the hospital superior. He earned a reputation as an able administrator, and he inspired the staff and patients through his holiness. He lived an ascetic, prayerful life and cared daily for the sick, treating their wounds and washing their feet. Miracles were reported through his prayers both before and after his death.
Jesus, our Divine Physician,
show us how we can serve those in need today.
