Saints celebrated on the 14th of July
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| A page of one of Fortunatus Hueber's Saints' books, "Stammenbuch..." (1693) |
Caspar Bonus, French Gaspard-Bon, of the Order of the Friars Minor (Minimen), was born at Valencia in Spain on January 5, 1530 of poor but righteous parents. Already in his 15th year he wanted to enter the monastery of Saint Damian and was accepted for admission there.
But when his brother-in-law reminded him how much his elderly parents needed his support, and what grief this step would cause them, he went back to his parents, who welcomed him with joy. He then began to work as a silk merchant. Because of his impeccable conduct, Caspar gained his employer's full trust.
Five years later, however, he left this service and joined the military to go to war as a cavalryman. At one point, when his life was in danger in the midst of the tumult of battle, he vowed to enter the Order of Saint Francis of Paola (Minimen) if God would save him from this danger. Several of his fellow soldiers came to his aid and dragged him from the scene of combat alive; but he was so badly wounded that he became completely unfit for armed service and therefore had to be dismissed.
Once he was somewhat restored, he fulfilled his vow by returning to Valencia, prostrating himself at the feet of the Provincial of the Minimes, and begging for admission into the Order, which he was granted. Caspar entered the said Order on June 17, 1560 at the age of 30.
From then on led a completely new life, which he devoted only to penance, mortification and prayer. In 1561 he was ordained a priest, subsequently held several religious offices, was twice elected provincial, and died on July 14, 1604 at the age of 74 and in the 44th year of his religious life.
His memory was soon especially honoured in Spain; Archbishop John of Ribera of Valencia instituted judicial investigations and authorised his special veneration. Finally, King Philip III requested the introduction of the beatification process for this Servant of God, which then also took place on August 18, 1786 under Pius VI.
Butler*, from whom we took the above information, places his feast on August 18; but we believe - as the Bollandists* do - that the day of his death should have precedence over the date of his beatification. (But.)
(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 1, Augsburg, 1858, p. 571)
*A hagiography source used by the authors
Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations
PRAYER:
Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of the blessed Caspar may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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