Giuseppe Moscati (1880-1927)

This inspiring saint lived his faith daily, taking Jesus’ words at face value . . .

Giuseppe Moscati

Feast Day: November 16
Beatified: October 25, 1987

Giuseppe Moscati was a beloved physician for his efforts to better the lives of the poor in Naples, Italy. Early in his career, he became famous for his diagnostic skills and soon was appointed a university professor and then a hospital administrator. An inspiration for young doctors, he sought always to bring Christ into the realm of medicine. He used his abilities and knowledge to benefit those who could not afford adequate medical care.

He spent each morning conducting clinics around Naples for the poor and assisting them with programs to improve their living conditions and the health of their children. He helped expose the squalor, filth and despair of the Neapolitan slums and bring order, cleanliness, and above all, Christian charity to the sick, abandoned and destitute. He continued helping the most vulnerable and the poor until his death.

Blessed Pope John Paul II canonized him saying, “In his constant rapport with God, Giuseppe Moscati found the light to better understand and diagnose illnesses and the warmth to be able to draw near to those who looked for sincere participation on the part of the doctor assisting them.”

This column is written for Legatus magazine by Dr. Matthew Bunson, senior fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, and author of “John Paul II’s Book of Saints.”