John Joseph of the Cross

John Joseph of the Cross was born Carlo Gaetano Calosirto in 1654 on the island of Ischia in the Kingdom of Naples. From his earliest years he was described as given to prayer and virtue. When not yet seventeen he entered the Order of Friars Minor at Naples and joined the Alcantarine reform associated with Saint Peter of Alcantara, which had only recently been introduced into Italy. He took the religious name John Joseph of the Cross and became the first Italian to embrace that strict Franciscan observance. After his novitiate and studies he was ordained a priest.

While still young he was appointed master of novices and was later sent to found a convent at Piedimonte according to the primitive Franciscan rule and the Alcantarine constitutions. He subsequently served as guardian of convents and as definitor of his order, and took part in organizing the Italian province of the Alcantarine reform. He was also associated with the foundation or organization of other houses, including one at Arienzo. Despite holding offices of authority he insisted on the lowliest community tasks and lived in marked personal poverty, with severe fasting, little sleep, and penitential practices.

During his lifetime he acquired a wide reputation for holiness. Testimony gathered for his cause and later hagiographical accounts attribute to him prophecy, miracles of healing, discernment of spirits, levitation in prayer, and bilocation. He was a sought-after confessor and spiritual director for religious and for lay people of every station, including members of the Neapolitan nobility. In later years he remained closely tied to the convent of Santa Lucia al Monte in Naples, continuing a hidden life of penance even as petitioners came to him.

He died at Naples on 5 March 1734. Popular devotion began immediately after his death. He was beatified by Pope Pius VI on 24 May 1789 and canonized by Pope Gregory XVI on 26 May 1839. His feast is observed on 5 March. He is venerated as the patron saint of the island of Ischia, and his burial and cult have been associated with the church of Santa Lucia al Monte in Naples.