Daily Prayers

Prayer is Love, I want to Love

Seraphin of Montegranaro

St Seraphin (1540 – 1604) was born the second of four children into a poor family at Montegranaro, Italy. His father was a stone mason.

Image of St Seraphin of Montegranaro

St Seraphin, being of a slight frame in his youth, was hired out as a shepherd rather than following in his father’s trade. This also suited his reflective nature, he preferred a life of quiet contemplation and prayer.

St Seraphin’s first attempt to join the Capuchin Order was met with a refusal, perhaps because of his frailty and poor education, but in 1556 he was at last accepted.

St Seraphin spent the next forty years of his life in obedience, simplicity, fasting, penance and charity; holding a special devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Virgin Mary. His main responsibility was portering in various friaries but his joy was helping others and praying for others. He became renowned for his gift of prophecy and holiness, and numerous lay and religious sought his regular assistance.

St Seraphin is quoted as saying, “When I entered religious life I was a poor, unskilled labourer, lacking both talent and potential. I remained as I was, and this caused so many humiliations and rebukes which the devil used as opportunities to tempt me to leave religious life and retreat to some desert, withdrawing into myself. I entrusted myself to the Lord”.

St Seraphin’s Feast Day is the 12th October.


St Seraphin of Montegranaro:

Pray that we will seek God’s help in our daily work and listen to his guidance.

Glory be to the…