St. Crispin of Viterbo
Feast day: May 19
“They say you Capuchins are poor, but you are actually very, very rich. You have saints.”
These are the words of Pope St. John Paul II, whose first canonization, in 1982, was of a Capuchin, St. Crispin of Viterbo. By the world’s standards, St. Crispin did nothing special. But as a Capuchin Franciscan lay brother, he was an example of wise and simple happiness, and he allowed the Lord to use him to spread the joy of the Gospel to all those he interacted with.
St. Crispin of Viterbo was born Pietro Fioretti in 1668, in Viterbo, Italy, and he lost his father at an early age. When he was just 5 years old, his mother took him to a sanctuary of the Blessed Mother not far from Viterbo and consecrated him to the Mother of God. Under the special protection of Mary, St. Crispin grew in remarkable virtue for his age. As a young adult, he received some Jesuit education and then joined his uncle, a shoemaker, as an apprentice.
Inspired by the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, he became a Capuchin lay brother at age 25 and took the name Crispin. Lay brothers are friars who are not ordained and devote themselves to manual labor and other forms of service to the community. One of Crispin’s foremost jobs was begging for food for his fellow brothers; other jobs he held included cook, gardener, orchard keeper and nurse.
As he went about his duties, St. Crispin also worked to alleviate social injustice. Begging for the friars, he sought food for needy local people as well. He assisted prisoners, unwed mothers, families experiencing hardship and those on the brink of despair. During several pandemics, he helped the sick and was known for cures. He reprimanded merchants, reminded people of workers’ rights, and asked for forgiveness of debts whenever possible. In the midst of his many activities, he maintained a solid prayer life.
Calm and friendly, St. Crispin was a peacemaker both within his own Capuchin community and with others. Throughout his life, he was known for his witty, joyful sayings and expressions which got to the point without directly insulting anyone. He used imagery and metaphors in order not to talk about himself and thereby not gain admiration and praise. St. Crispin knew how to find the right words and tone when he had to correct people, such as greedy merchants. A fellow lay friar noted, “When he was giving his holy cautions, he practiced a kind and courteous manner, seeming to joke in a holy way, and directing his words as if to a third person so as to express his intent more prudently.”
St. Crispin was known for praising God and trusting in his providence. He used to often exclaim, “O Divine Goodness!” Encouraging others to enjoy creation, he would say, “What a great God … what a great God!” When asked how the needs of his expanding friary would be met, St. Crispin replied that he did not have to worry because he had three great providers: God, Our Lady and St. Francis of Assisi.
St. Crispin did all for the glory of God and the love of Mary, whom he called “my Lady Mother.” When he received a request, he would often say, “Let me speak with my Lady Mother for a little while, and then come back.” His sayings about death and judgment are numerous, for St. Crispin did everything with eternity in mind. “Suffering is brief, joy is eternal,” he told the sick and troubled. “You don’t get to heaven riding in a carriage.” Of suffering, he said, “God gave it to me and God will lift it from me. Let his holy will be done.”
St. Crispin warned many, “Death is a school of sensibility for all the crazy people who are attached to the world.” To merchants he noted, “Know that God sees the contract and the goods.” Yet St. Crispin believed in the infinite mercy of God and advised that bad habits could be overcome by first making a good confession. He encouraged the religious of his time to be committed, obedient and involved in many good works. To all, St. Crispin advised, “Love everyone, speak well of everyone and do good to everyone.”
St. Crispin died in Rome in 1750, and his remains rest in the church of the Capuchin friars in Rome, Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini. He was beatified by Pope Pius VII in 1806 and canonized by Pope St. John Paul II on June 20, 1982.
Reflection
Dear Jesus, thank you for the simple wisdom of humble people who desire to do your will. May I fall in love more with you and your mother as I encourage all people I meet to live in your love, peace and joy.
Prayer
O God, who have taught your Church
to keep all the heavenly commandments
by love of you as God and love of neighbor;
grant that, practicing the works of charity
after the example of blessed Crispin,
we may be worthy to be numbered among the blessed in your Kingdom.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
