The feast day of St. John Joseph of the Cross is celebrated on March 5.
St. John Joseph was born on the Feast of the Assumption, to a noble family on the Island of Ischia in Southern Italy in 1654. From early childhood he lived a life of penitence and prayer. Although he was from a noble family his love of poverty led him to wear the clothes of the poor and often he gave them food and money.
When John was sixteen years old he entered the Order of St. Francis at Naples. He joined the Franciscan Friars of the Alcantarine Reform, which was begun by St. Peter of Alcantara. He fasted constantly and slept little.
In 674, St. John Joseph founded a friary at Afila in Piedmont. He worked alongside the builders while it was being built. He was ordained a priest and was appointed Vicar Provincial of the Alcantarine Reform in Italy. He was known for having the gift of miracles. As a result, many people came to him seeking cures from illness.
St. John Joseph had a great devotion to Our Lady and urged others to have the same devotion.
St. John Joseph died in1734. St. John Joseph of the Cross was beatified in 1789 and canonized in 1839.
There stood by the cross of Jesus His Mother…the nails pierced the hands of the Son and the heart of the Mother.
Quote of St. Thomas of Villanova; Feast day Sept. 22
March is the Month of St. Joseph