Saint Didacus of Alcalá – Life, Feast Day, Miracles & Canonization

ST. DIDACUS

Saint Didacus of Alcalá, a humble Franciscan lay brother born around 1400 in Spain, is celebrated for his life of simplicity, missionary work in the Canary Islands, and miraculous care for the sick. He died in 1463 and is the patron of San Diego.

Saint Didacus of Alcalá, also known as Diego de Alcalá, was born around the year 1400 in San Nicolás del Puerto, a remote village in the Kingdom of Seville, Spain. Coming from a poor and devout family, he embraced a life of deep spirituality from an early age. He initially lived as a hermit, seeking solitude and communion with God in the wilderness. This early ascetic lifestyle laid the foundation for his later entry into the Franciscan Order, specifically the Observant branch known for its strict adherence to the rule of Saint Francis.

Didacus joined the Franciscans as a lay brother, never pursuing the priesthood. Despite this, his humility, obedience, and dedication to labor and prayer earned him great respect within the order. He performed menial tasks with love and viewed manual work as a form of service to God. His deep spirituality and natural leadership did not go unnoticed, and in 1441, he was chosen to serve as a missionary in the Canary Islands. There, he was made guardian of the friary on Fuerteventura—an uncommon appointment for a lay brother, emphasizing the high regard in which he was held.

During his missionary work, Didacus showed exceptional compassion toward the indigenous people. He advocated for their rights and openly opposed injustices inflicted by colonial authorities. His role went beyond spiritual guidance; he became a symbol of protection and justice in an environment where native populations were often exploited.

Upon his return to Spain in 1449, Didacus continued to serve his order with unwavering devotion. In 1450, he traveled to Rome during the Jubilee Year declared by Pope Nicholas V. While in Rome, he was assigned to serve as an infirmarian at the convent of Santa Maria in Ara Coeli. There, he cared for the sick with such tender devotion that many believed his healing touch to be miraculous. Numerous testimonies of healings were attributed to his intercession and presence.

Didacus spent his remaining years in Alcalá de Henares, near Madrid, living a life of intense prayer, penance, and humility. He passed away on November 12, 1463, and was buried in the cathedral of Alcalá. After his death, his body was reported to be incorrupt, and many pilgrims flocked to his tomb, seeking cures and spiritual solace.

The veneration of Didacus grew rapidly, and he was canonized by Pope Sixtus V in 1588. He became the first lay brother of the Franciscan Order to be officially declared a saint. His feast day is celebrated on November 13 worldwide, although in the United States, it is commemorated on November 7. Saint Didacus is notably the patron saint of San Diego, California, a city named in his honor.

Feast Day

13-11-

Birth Date

--1400

Died Date

12-11-1463

Canonised Date

--1588

Cathedral of Alcalá de Henares, Spain

O God, who taught Blessed Didacus to prefer the heavenly kingdom to all that the earth holds dear, grant that, by following his example, we may walk in humility and love, and come to share his reward in heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
ST. DIDACUS

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ST. DIDACUS

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