Saint Francesco Saverio Maria Bianchi

Also known as

• Apostle of Naples
• Francis Xavier Bianchi

Memorial

• 31 January

Profile

Studied in Naples, Italy. Joined the Barnabite at age 14 over the objections of his family. Ordained in 1767. Served as the president of two colleges. Noted for his endless ministry to the poor and neglected, his work to prevent girls from turning to prostitution, for his personal austerities, his gift of prophecy, and as a miracle worker. Reported to have stopped the flow of lava from Mount Vesuvius in 1805. His health destroyed by overwork, late in life he lost the use of his legs, but continued to work with those whom he felt were worse off than himself. When the Barnabites were expelled from Naples, his health was so poor that he had to be left behind, and he died separated from his brothers.

Born

• 2 December 1743 in Arpino, Frosinone, Italy

Died

• 31 January 1815 in Naples, Italy of natural causes

Venerated

• 23 February 1857 by Pope Pius IX (decree of heroic virtue)

Beatified

• 22 January 1893 by Pope Leo XIII

Canonized

• 21 October 1951 by Pope Pius XII

Additional Information

• Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
• Catholic Online
• Hagiography Circle
• Katherine Rabenstein
• Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Saints

Readings

When you hear that I cannot celebrate Mass any more, count me as dead. - Saint Francis Xavier Bianchi

MLA Citation

• “Saint Francesco Saverio Maria Bianchi“. Saints.SQPN.com. 6 February 2013. Web. 23 May 2013. <>