Biography
John was a successful lawyer and governor of Perugia. After being imprisoned during a war, he had a vision of St. Francis and experienced a conversion. He joined the Franciscans and became a dynamic preacher across Europe, drawing crowds of up to 100,000 people. When the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople in 1453 and threatened to overrun Europe, the Pope commissioned the 70-year-old John to preach a crusade. He rallied an army of peasants and led them personally at the Siege of Belgrade in 1456. Despite overwhelming odds, carrying only a crucifix, he led a charge shouting 'Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!' breaking the Ottoman siege and saving Europe. He died of bubonic plague shortly after.
Miracles & Signs
- ✦Miraculous victory at the Siege of Belgrade
- ✦Healing of the sick with the relic of the blood of St. Francis
Wisdom & Quotes
“Those who are called to the table of the Lord must glow with the brightness that comes from the good example of a praiseworthy and blameless life.”