Today we celebrate the memorial of Saint Ignatius of Laconi.

He is the second child to a peasant family of 7, 9 counting his parents, living in Sardinia. His journey to the Franciscans was unique. Ignatius promised to join the Capuchin order if he recovered from a terrible illness. Despite regaining his health, he disregarded the vow. Ignatius renewed the commitment when he was 20 due to a riding mishap and followed through with it this time. Because of his reputation for selflessness and generosity, Ignatius served as Caligliari’s official beggar, chosen by the friars. Even though he had been blind for the previous two years, he carried out that duty for 40 years.

Ignatius would teach the young ones, visit the sick, and invite sinners to repent while making his rounds. His generosity and dedication to his job inspired the citizens of Cagliari. In 1951, Ignatius became a saint.

Source: franciscanmedia.org