Luca Antonio Pirozzo was born at Bisignano (southern Italy) and joined the Franciscan Order at the age of 27, receiving the name that suited him so well, that of Humilis. He was a model for the friars who knew him. Fervent in prayer, he was blessed by the Lord with extraordinary gifts of supernatural insight. Gregory XV had him come to Rome and always received him with special kindness. Urban VIII also appreciated him and sought his advice. While in Rome, he lived at the friary of San Francesco a Ripa and for a short time at St Isidore’s College. Returning to the south of Italy, he moved to many friaries, always willing to help those in need and neglected by society and at the service of other friars. He suffered severe pain in his final illness but bore it all with admirable patience. He was canonised by John Paul II in 2002.
First Reading: Eccles. 3: 17-24; Gospel: Mt. 25: 31-40
