Saint Benedict Joseph Labre

Also known as

Beggar of Perpetual Adoration

Memorial

16 April

Profile

Oldest of 15 children in a prosperous middle class family. Educated by his uncle, a parish priest. Following his uncle's death, he tried to join the Trappists, Carthusians, and Cistercians, but was rejected by them all. Spent years wandering Europe, especially Rome, in complete poverty, spending his days in perpetual adoration in the cathedrals. Given to religious ecstacies when contemplating the Crown of Thorns; reputed to float, soar, and bilocate when in these swoons. He begged in the streets, and if he was given more than he needed for the day, he would give the remainder to some one he considered more in need than he was. Cured some of his fellow homeless, and reported to have multiplied bread for them. Noted counselor to people of all walks in Rome. He died in a hospice, exhausted from his life of austerity. His biography, written by his confessor Marconi, describes 136 miraculous cures attributed to him within three months of his death.

Born

25 March 1748 at Amettes, Boulogne, France

Died

17 April 1783 at Rome

Beatified

1859 by Pope Pius IX

Canonized

8 December 1883 by Pope Leo XIII

Name Meaning

blessed ( = Benedict)

Patronage

bachelors
beggars
hoboes
homeless people
insanity
mental illness
mentally ill people
people rejected by religious orders
pilgrims
tramps
unmarried men

Prayers

Prayer to...

Representation

beggar in a tri-cornered hat sharing his alms

Additional Information

Google Directory
Herman Holbrook's personal site
New Catholic Dictionary
Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints, by Matthew Bunson, Margaret Bunson, and Stephen Bunson

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