June 23
Saint Joseph Cafasso
“Priest of the Gallows”
(1811-1860)
“We are born to love, we live to love, and we will die to love still more.”
Saint Joseph Cafasso
Click here for the Amazon page
or on the Book Cover Image above
Click here for the Amazon page
or on the Book Cover Image above
Saint’s Life Story
His Early Life
Giuseppe (Joseph) was born on January 15, 1811, in Castelnuovo d’Asti, Italy into a wealthy peasant family as the third of four children. His sister Marianna, was to be the mother of Blessed Joseph Allamano, Founder of the Consolata Missionary Fathers and the Consolata Missionary Sisters.
Friend of Saint John Bosco
Joseph had been born with a deformed spine which contributed to his short stature and frail constitution. When Saint John Bosco was 12 years old, they met and became lifelong friends.
Called to Priesthood
As a child, Joseph felt called to become a priest. So, he began his ecclesial studies in Turin, Italy and at the seminary at Chieri, Italy in order to achieve his dream.
Ordained
In September 21, 1833, Joseph was ordained to the priesthood in the archdiocesan cathedral. Soon after his ordination, he became a professor of moral theology at the ecclesiastical college in Turin. Using the teachings of spiritual studies from Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Francis de Sales, Joseph proved his intellectual prowess and dedication to the spiritual growth of his students.
Superior
Three years in 1836, Joseph was appointed professor of moral theology at the ecclesiastical college Saint Francis of Assisi in Turin, which housed 60 young priests from different dioceses and of diverse political orientations. His leadership skills and commitment to the well-being of his students gained him much respect and admiration within the community.
Spiritual Director
Additionally, Joseph served as the director of a retreat house and as the pastor of Saint Francis Church starting in 1848, becoming a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual guidance. Like Saint Robert Bellarmine, Joseph was undersized and called “the little one,” but he made his mark both as a spiritual director and a preacher.
Joseph was renowned as a confessor due to his ability to provide wise counsel and solace to countless individuals who sought penance and reconciliation. From 1841 to 1860, he was Saint John Bosco’s spiritual director.
“The Priest of the Gallows”
Joseph’s devotion to prison ministry and the reform of prison conditions became one of his most significant accomplishments. Deeply moved by the plight of the imprisoned, he dedicated himself to improving their lives and seeking their spiritual transformation so much so that he was called “The Priest of the Gallows”.
There was even one occasion when Joseph, even as a small and weak priest, seized an enormous inmate’s beard and told him he would not let go until the man confessed. The inmate did so and wept as he confessed (not from Joseph tugging at his beard) while giving praise to God as he left the confessional.
He ministered to condemned prisoners and was able to successfully bring many individuals closer to God, even in their final moments. On another occasion, he escorted an extraordinary group of sixty converted condemned prisoners. His prayers for these prisoners were answered when each of the men called on the name of Jesus and received the Sacrament of Reconciliation before they were hanged. Recognizing their profound conversion and the ultimate sacrifice they made, Joseph referred to them as the “hanged saints.”
His Death
In 1860, when he was ill with pneumonia, Joseph made a will bequeathing his goods to Saint Joseph Cottolengo and Saint John Bosco. Due to pneumonia, a stomach hemorrhage, and complications arising from his congenital medical conditions, Joseph’s life was tragically cut short on June 23, 1860, in Turin, Italy.
Born: January 15, 1811, in Castelnuovo d’Asti, Italy
Died: June 23, 1860, in Turin, Italy
Beatified: May 3, 1925 by Pope Pius XI
Canonized: June 22, 1947 by Pope Pius XII
Feast Day: June 23
Patron Saint: Captives; Italian Prisons; Prison Chaplains; Prisoners
Reflection
Saint Joseph Cafasso was known as the “Priest of the Gallows” because of his profound ministry to prisoners — especially those condemned to death. He saw dignity and hope where others saw only failure. With gentleness and truth, he brought Christ’s mercy to the forgotten, often walking with them to their final moments on earth. He believed a priest should not only preach the Gospel, but live it through radical compassion. His influence quietly shaped the hearts of future saints, including Saint John Bosco. Saint Joseph Cafasso challenges us to step beyond comfort and offer love where it’s least expected—and most needed.
Who in my life or community might be waiting for mercy or understanding and how am I being called to respond?
Prayers
Saint Joseph Cafasso,
You were a gentle shepherd of souls and comforter of the condemned, bringing the light of Christ into the darkest places. Your words gave hope and your presence gave peace.
Teach me to see others with the eyes of mercy – to love without judgment, to listen with patience, and to serve with courage.
May I help those who are forgotten, imprisoned, or alone, just as you did.
Help me to walk beside others with compassion, especially when it is difficult or inconvenient.
May I become a true instrument of God’s mercy in this world.
Saint Joseph Cafasso, pray for us! Amen.
Saint Links
Aleteia – Saints who fought the death penalty (in various ways) by Meg Hunter-Kilmer
All Saints & Martyrs – Saint Joseph Cafasso – Priest
AnaStpaul – Saint of the Day – 23 June – St Joseph Cafasso (1811-1860) “Priest of the Gallows”
Catholic Culture – Saint Joseph Cafasso by Pope Benedict XVI
Catholic Fire – St. Joseph Cafasso
Catholic Online – St. Joseph Cafasso
CatholicSaints.Info – Saints of the Day – Joseph Cafasso – by Katherine I Rabenstein
Franciscan Media – Saint Joseph Cafasso
Loyola Press – Saint Joseph Cafasso Feast Day June 23
Melanie Rigney – Joseph Cafasso
Regnum Christi (Uncle Eddy) – St Joseph Cafasso
Saint Mary’s Press – Saint Joseph Cafasso (1811-1860)
The B.C. Catholic – Last-minute grace: the saint who inspired the dying with confidence
The Holy Ones – Saint Joseph Cafasso
University of Notre Dame – St. Joseph Cafasso
Video Link
Cradio Saint of the Day: Saint Giuseppe Cafasso – YouTube (CatholicSaints.Info)