Saint Didacus
Also known as
Diego, Diaz
Profile
Didacus loved and felt drawn to the solitary life from his youth, and when still young he became a hermit who supported himself by weaving mats. Franciscan lay-brother at the convent of Arizafa. Though he lacked a formal education, he was sought out for his insights into the Christian life.
Sent as a missionary to the Canary Islands in 1442, he went with the belief that he would be martyred. Superior of the community at Fuerteventura, Spain. Converted many by his preaching and example, and returned unharmed to Spain in 1449.
Sent to Rome, Italy in 1450 for the canonization of Saint Bernardine of Siena. An epidemic broke out among the gathered Franciscans, and Didacus worked himself to exhaustion to help his brothers; reported to have miraculously cured many of the sick. He then returned to Spain and spent the rest of his life as a prayerful at Alcala.
Born
1400 at Seville, Spain
Died
12 November 1463 at Alcala, Castile, Spain of natural causes
Canonized
1588 by Pope Sixtus V
Patronage
• Franciscan laity
• Franciscan lay brothers
• San Diego, California, diocese of
Representation
cross, lily
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