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As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
December 20, 1676–November 26, 1751
Patron Saint of missionaries, preachers, evangelizers, City of Imperia, Italy
Called the great missionary of the 18th century, St. Leonard of Port Maurice’s preaching and writings had a profound impact on the Church in Italy and the Franciscan order.
St. Leonard of Port Maurice, a Franciscan friar, was well-known for his powerful preaching and deep devotion to the Stations of the Cross. Born Paul Jerome Casanova in Port Maurice, Italy, he was the son of a ship’s captain.
As a young man, he went to Rome to live with an uncle and study at a Jesuit college. His family encouraged him to pursue a career in medicine, but he felt drawn instead to religious life. When he declared his preference, his uncle disowned him.
He continued his studies in Rome, excelling in science and literature. At the age of 21, he entered the Franciscan Order. He made his novitiate at an institution near Naples, then completed his studies at a Franciscan monastery in Rome, where he was ordained and served as a teacher.
St. Leonard hoped to serve as a missionary in China, but poor health forced him to remain in Italy. This apparent disappointment became the foundation of his vocation—to preach the Gospel and draw God’s people to true conversion.
The Grand Duke of Tuscany, who oversaw his university, sent St. Leonard and some of his colleagues to conduct missions there. St. Leonard was intense in his preaching and began to grow a reputation for opening hearts to conversion. In 1720, he extended his mission territory to Central and Southern Italy. Often, he would preach in the open because buildings could not contain the thousands who came to listen. Two popes called him to Rome, and he was highly esteemed by Pope Benedict.
Among his many devotions, St. Leonard had a special love for the Stations of the Cross. He consistently encouraged the practice, and thanks to his efforts, more than 500 sets of Stations were erected across Italy, including the famous Via Crucis at the Colosseum in Rome. He also emphasized devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, fidelity to the Eucharist, and the importance of frequent Confession.
St. Leonard founded a monastery near Florence and various pious confraternities and societies across Italy. A collection of his writings, including his missionary diary, sermons, letters, and devotional books, was compiled in Rome.
St. Leonard passed away in 1751 and was canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1867.
St. Leonard set up the Stations of the Cross in over 500 locations across Italy to help the faithful experience a deeper connection to Christ’s suffering. During his missions, he preached fervently in the open air to enormous crowds, using the Stations of the Cross to talk about God’s love and mercy. He hoped to develop a deep devotion to the Stations of the Cross among the people. His efforts spread the devotion throughout Italy and beyond. The missions he led, with the Stations as a central element, resulted in numerous conversions and spiritual revival among the faithful.
St. Leonard founded the Hermitage of Incontro near Florence, a monastery for religious retreat where Franciscan friars would go twice a year to live as hermits. He was also a driving force behind numerous pious societies and confraternities throughout his extensive missionary tours in Italy. He used these lay societies to foster devotional practices in addition to the Stations of the Cross, including the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and Perpetual Adoration.
Bishop Alphonsus Liguori, a contemporary of St. Leonard, was also canonized as a saint. Both men were prominent figures in the Church during the 18th century. He referred to St. Leonard as “the great missionary of the 18th century,” most likely to recognize St. Leonard’s significant missionary work, his powerful, widespread preaching, and the spiritual revival St. Leonard influenced through devotion to the Way of the Cross.
This eBook combines stunning photography from EWTN’s Vatican Bureau along with Bible passages and saints’ quotes that will calm your heart, give you hope, and remind you that God is with us always. Simply fill out the form below and we will send this to you!
As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
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