Saint Who?
Saints Who Were Writers
Blessed Francesco Mottola
Priest and founder († 1969) Feast: June 30
Francesco was born into a faithful Catholic family in Tropea, Italy. Although they had a noble pedigree, his parents were not wealthy. He was only twelve years old when his mother committed suicide, and a brother died soon afterward. Perhaps as a result of those losses, he became a nervous, scrupulous, and restless teenager. Seminary training eventually helped him discipline his personal weaknesses, train his intelligent, poetic nature, and learn to continually place his trust in God.
After ordination, he became a teacher and spiritual father to many young people in his community. Later he served as rector of a diocesan seminary and initiated efforts to renew the clergy of his diocese. He was also a committed leader in the lay movement Catholic Action. He established homes for the needy and disabled, and he founded the Secular Institute of the Oblates of the Sacred Heart.
Francesco also helped Catholics understand how to face modern challenges through his writing. He wrote articles about theology, prayer, and mystical matters, but he also wrote insightfully about the latest news of the day from a Christian perspective. Francesco accepted a painful illness for almost three decades with serenity and patience, dying in his hometown at the age of sixty-eight.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, may we always turn to you
for comfort in our difficulties.
