Born in Italy in 1701, Ignatius of Laconi’s family were poor farmers. He grew up with his six siblings helping work the rural fields, and at 17 when he got gravely ill he promised to become a Capuchin if he recovered. He got better, but forgot his promise. Then he had an accident riding a horse where he was convinced God had saved his life. He remembered his promise and joined the Capuchin monastery of St. Benedict as a lay brother where he worked 15 years as a weaver, then spent the next 40 years begging for alms. On his route he made converts, consoled the lonely, visited the sick, and gave spiritual direction. Ignatius died at the age of 80 of natural causes.
CHALLENGE
There was one house, that of a rich money-lender who charged high interest, where St. Ignatius of Laconi never stopped for alms. When his superior made him go, St. Ignatius came back with a large sack of food. But when the sack was emptied, blood dripped out. He explained, “This is the blood of the poor.” Is there a debt that someone owes you that you know they can’t repay? Forgive the debt and move on.
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Want to learn more about the Order of Mercy, also known as the Mercedarians? Mercy, Ransom, Redemption is a compilation of short stories about Mercedarian saints, blesseds, brothers, priests, and third order members of the Order.
