May 11
Saint Ignatius of Laconi
Lay Brother
(1701 – 1781)
“This is the blood of the poor; squeezed from them by usury. That is why I never ask for anything at that house.”
Saint Ignatius of Laconi explaining why he would skip the house of a rich money-lender, a man who never forgave a debt
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His Early Years
Vincenzo (Vincent) Peis (also known as Ignazio da Laconi) was born on December 10, 1701 in Laconi, Sardinia, Italy. He was the second of seven children born to poor peasant farmer Mattia Peis and Anna Maria Sanna. He was baptised as “Francesco Ignazio Vincenzo” since he was born out of a difficult pregnancy in which her mother invoked the intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi. Ignatius grew up in hard rural poverty, working the fields. In his childhood, Vincent often called the local church his “home” and took Saint Lawrence of Brindisi as his personal role model.
Abbot
Horrified, after his father killed a relative in a dispute over some property, at which he was forced to be present, Romuald sought to atone for the crime by doing 40 days of penance for his father at the monastery of St. Apollinare at Classe, Italy near Ravenna.
These 40 days confirmed Romuald’s monastic calling, as they became the foundation for an entire life of penance. Romuald became a Benedictine monk and then, from 996 to 999, he was the abbot. Romuald’s strict asceticism brought him into conflict with some of the other monks. So, he left the area near Ravenna and went to Venice, where he became the disciple of the hermit Marinus and lived a life of extraordinary severity.
Physically Illness and Mishaps
At age 17 in 1719, Vincent suffered a serious illness that made him vow that he would consecrate himself to God and join the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin if he managed to recover from it. He did so recover. But, after his father convinced him to wait since Vincent helped him in the fields, Vincent put off the fulfillment of his vow and delayed entering religious life.
However, at 20 years old, Vincent experienced another life-threatening incident. While riding a horse, he lost control, but suddenly the horse came to a halt and calmly trotted on. Vincent believed that God had intervened to save his life once again. So, without delay, Vincent made the decision to pursue his religious vocation.
Joined Capuchin Monastery
On November 2, 1721, the 20-year-old Vincent, together with his father, traveled to Cagliari. At St. Anthony Friary, situated on the hill called Buoncammino, Vincent made his request to Francis Mary of Cagliari, the Capuchin provincial minister. The minister’s response was a quick, cold “no.” The provincial judged that Vincent’s frail constitution was too much of an obstacle for living the austere, rigorous life of a Capuchin. The family asked the Marquis of Laconi, Don Gabriel Aymerich, protector of the Peis family,to intervene on Vincent’s behalf. On the following day, the marquis and the provincial minister met and decided to allow Vincent to enter the Capuchins.
A year later, in November 1722, at the isolated novitiate of St. Benedict the Abbot, Vincent laid aside the traditional Laconese costume and wore the Capuchin habit. As a Capuchin lay brother, he was given the name, Ignatius. He dedicated himself to a life of service and devotion.
Alms Beggar
For the next fifteen years, from 1722 up until 1737, Ignatius worked in the monastery’s weaving shed. However, in 1740, Ignatius was assigned to a team that would go from house to house, seeking donations and food for the friars. He travelled about on foot in all kinds of weather, meeting with refusals and contradictions but he never gave up.
People quickly realized that they received more than just material goods when Brother Ignatius visited their homes. He offered solace to the sick and lonely, brought joy to the children of the streets, and mediated conflicts between enemies. Ignatius refused to take the money from the very poor, saying that it was better for them to keep it for themselves. He had a remarkable ability to convert sinners and dispense wise advice to those in trouble.
Money-Lender
It was noticed that Ignatius deliberately skipped the house of a wealthy money-lender during his rounds. This man never forgave any debts and felt slighted by Ignatius passing by without requesting anything from him. The money-lender complained to Ignatius’ superior, who was unaware of the situation. As a result, Ignatius was sent to the money-lender’s house. To everyone’s surprise, Ignatius returned with a large sack of food. However, when the sack was opened, blood spilled out. “This is the blood of the poor,” Ignatius softly explained. “That is why I never ask for anything at that house.”
Brother in Prison
His brother was sent to prison and it was hoped that – in view of reputation of Brother Ignatius – the latter could obtain his brother’s release. His superior sent him to speak to the governor but Ignatius just asked that his brother be dealt with according to justice.
His Reputation
Though he was illiterate, Ignatius loved to listen to the Gospels, especially the Passion accounts, and was favored with the gifts of prophecy and miracles. He would pass whole hours in prayer before the tabernacle.
The people of Cagliari were inspired by his kindness and his faithfulness to his work. Ignatius lived a life marked by humility, selflessness, and devotion to the poor and needy. Many miracles of healing were said to have occurred through his intercession.
His Death
Even though he had poor health and other infirmities, Ignatius continued to work making his collections, even though it was difficult. He lost his eyesight in 1779, but he continued for the benefit of those around him.
Ignatius died on May 11, 1781, in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, of natural causes. He was buried in the Capuchin friary in Cagliari.
Pope Pius XII canonized St. Ignatius of Laconi on October 21, 1945 and called him: “A hero of sanctity, of humble birth, who lived his life in lowly conditions… Long and difficult tasks seemed easy to him; easy, too, was the obedience he gave to his superiors. For him even the most painful corporal sufferings were light and sweet, all because he accepted whatever happened to him, whether agreeable or disagreeable, with complete resignation. He relied entirely on the will of God. That was the source of his strength.”
Born : December 10, 1701 in Laconi, Sardinia, Italy
Died: May 11, 1781 in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy
Beatified: June 16, 1940 by Pope Pius XII
Canonized: October 21 1951 by Pope Pius XII
Feast Day: May 11
Patron Saint: Beggars; Domusnovas, Italy; Students
Source:
Reflection
Saint Ignatius of Laconi was an 18th century Italian, who nearly died from a serious illness as a young man. He promised God that if he recovered, he would dedicate his life to religious service. After regaining his health, he kept that promise and joined the Capuchin Franciscans.
For many years, as a lay brother, Saint Ignatius had a tough job begging for alms and donations to support the community and poor while walking the same dirty streets each day. While this task might have seemed small or ordinary, he carried it out with deep humility and kindness. People began to notice his gentle spirit, wisdom, and devotion. Many sought his prayers and counsel. His presence became a source of comfort and hope to the people he encountered.
Saint Ignatius reminds us that holiness is often found in faithful service to simple duties. His life teaches us that even the most ordinary tasks can become powerful acts of love when they are offered to God.
What menial tasks do you have to do today that you can offer up to God? When you rely on God’s will, you are given God’s grace, wisdom and strength to complete them.
Prayers
Saint Ignatius of Laconi,
You lived a life of humility, simplicity, and compassion while advocating tirelessly for the poor and sick, please intercede for us today.
Help us to follow your example of selflessness and devotion, seeing Christ in the faces of those in need, and serving them with love and compassion.
Guide us in our journey of faith and teach us to trust in Divine Providence, knowing that God’s love and care are always with us.
May be inspired by your life of holiness and virtue so that through our actions, others may come to know and love God more deeply.
Saint Ignatius of Laconi, pray for us. Amen.
Saint Links
All Saints & Martyrs – Saint Ignatius of Laconi – Religious
AnaStpaul – Saint of the Day – 11 May – St Ignatius of Laconi O.F.M. Cap. (1701-1781)
Angelus – Saint of the day: Ignatius of Laconi
Capuchin Franciscans – May 11 St. Ignatius of Laconi
Catholic Online – St. Ignatius of Laconi
CatholicSaints.Info – Saints of the Day – Ignatius of Laconi – by Katherine I Rabenstein
Daily Prayers – Ignatius of Laconi
Find a Grave – Saint Ignazio Vincenzo da Laconi
Franciscan Media – Saint Ignatius of Laconi
Rev Alban Butler’s Lives Of The Saints Complete Edition – St Ignatius of Laconi
Roman Catholic Saints – Saint Ignatius of Laconi
Saint Mary’s Press – Saint Ignatius of Laconi (1701-1781)
Saint of the Day – May 11 St. Ignatius of Laconi
The Daily Mass – St. Ignatius of Laconi
Video Link
Cradio Saint of the Day: Saint Ignatius of Laconi – YouTube (CatholicSaints.Info)