Even as a child, this Italian Capuchin servant-saint inspired many to holiness . . .
Feast Day: May 23
Canonized: June 20, 1982
Born Peter Fioretti, this Italian saint’s pious parents taught him how to be holy. People in his hometown of Viterbo called him “the little saint.”
After his father died, his uncle got him work as a cobbler’s apprentice. While an expert at this trade, Peter decided to join the Capuchins at age 25. He took the name of Crispin, and showed himself capable of handling all physical hardships while maintaining a solid spiritual life. When epidemics broke out nearby, he cared for the sick. He visited prisons daily to ensure that prisoners had enough food and that the guards weren’t abusing them. He also helped these gentlemen repent, thereby saving many souls.
Occasionally, people left babies at the friary’s orphanage. Crispin lovingly raised these foundlings, and when they left, he got them work and kept in touch with them. He hassled merchants who overcharged or underpaid workers. He persuaded lenders to forgive debts. Because of this, many thought him a saint, but just as many saw in him a nosy busybody.
Crispin was funny. Asked why he went bare-headed, he responded, “An ass doesn’t wear a hat!” After Crispin was transferred to Rome, Clement XI would visit him just for laughs. He died of pneumonia at the age of 82.
BRIAN O’NEEL is a writer, husband and father of six living in southeast Pennsylvania. His latest book is “39 New Saints You Should Know.”