Saint Francis of Paula, the hermit, was born in 1416 in Paula, a small Italian town. He was named Francisco in consecration to the saint of the same name, after his parents spent several years trying to have a child. As a child, Francisco became blind due to a serious illness.
His parents entrusted him to God who restored his sight. In gratitude, at the age of 14 he went to Assisi, and there he received the inspiration to become a hermit, pray and live in penance.
He spent five years in the mountains, feeding only on water and wild herbs and sleeping on rocks. Her story spread and many men adopted her way of life.
Devotees claim that God blessed the saint with the ability to perform miracles, cures and issue prophecies.
Saint Francis spent the rest of his days touring cities and reprimanding the rich and powerful for wasting their wealth and not offering it to the poor. He even converted King Louis XI before he died. The monarch was so grateful that he appointed the hermit as spiritual director of his son Charles VIII, future king of France.
But there are more saints remembered today
Saint Eustace
Saint Mary Egyptian
Saint John Payne
Saint Nicetius of Lyon
Saint Theodora Martyr
Saint Affiano
Santo Abundio
Santo Domingo Tuoc
San Diego Luis de San Vitores
Saint Victor
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