Saint Carlo da Sezze

Feast Day: January 6

Saint Carlo da Sezze, also known as Charles of Sezze, was born Giancarlo Marchioni in 1613 in Sezze, Italy. He came from a poor farming family. As a child, he worked as a shepherd and helped his parents in the fields. He was not well-educated and struggled with reading and writing. Despite this, he had a deep love for God and wanted to serve Him. He joined the Franciscan Order as a lay brother at the age of 22.

Carlo lived a humble life, performing simple tasks like cooking, gardening, and serving as a porter. He was known for his kindness, obedience, and devotion to prayer. He never became a priest but was respected for his wisdom and holiness. Many people, including popes and noble families, sought his advice.

He wrote several spiritual books, including his autobiography titled “The Grandeurs of the Mercies of God.” His writings reflected his deep faith and experiences with God. Despite his lack of formal education, his works were well-received and continue to inspire many.

Carlo died on January 6, 1670, in Rome. He was buried in the Church of Saint Francis in Rome, where his body remains incorrupt. He was canonized by Pope John XXIII on April 12, 1959.

From Fields to Faith

Carlo was born into a devout Catholic family. His parents hoped he would become a priest, but his poor academic performance made this difficult. Instead, he worked on the family farm, tending livestock and plowing fields. His experiences in nature deepened his spiritual life and connection with God.

At the age of 22, after recovering from a serious illness, Carlo joined the Franciscan Order as a lay brother. He chose this path to live a life of poverty, humility, and service. He worked in various friaries, performing tasks like cooking, gardening, and begging for alms. His dedication to these humble duties was a testament to his faith.

Carlo’s life was marked by obedience and simplicity. He once followed an order to give food only to traveling friars, which led to a decrease in alms. He convinced his superior to resume giving to all in need, after which donations increased. This story highlights his understanding of charity and trust in God’s providence.

Despite his humble position, Carlo’s reputation for holiness grew. He was sought after for spiritual guidance by people from all walks of life, including members of the clergy and nobility. His life exemplified the Franciscan values of poverty, humility, and service.

A Life of Service and Sacrifice

Carlo dedicated his life to serving others. During the plague of 1656, he cared for the sick and dying, showing great compassion and courage. His selfless actions during this time further solidified his reputation as a man of deep faith and charity.

He also experienced mystical events. In 1648, while praying during Mass, a beam of light from the Eucharist struck his chest, leaving a wound that remained for the rest of his life. This event is considered a sign of his deep connection with God.

Carlo’s writings, including his autobiography, provide insight into his spiritual journey. He wrote about his experiences, struggles, and the grace he received from God. His works continue to inspire those seeking a deeper relationship with God.

He remained humble throughout his life, never seeking recognition. His focus was always on serving God and others. His life serves as a reminder that holiness can be found in simple, everyday actions performed with love and faith.

The Wounded Friar

The wound Carlo received during prayer became a symbol of his deep spiritual life. It was examined by medical professionals and deemed unexplainable by natural means. This event, along with his virtuous life, contributed to his beatification and eventual canonization.

Despite his mystical experiences, Carlo remained grounded. He continued his daily tasks and lived a life of humility. He believed that true holiness came from obedience, service, and love for God and neighbor.

His spiritual insights and experiences were shared through his writings. He emphasized the importance of trusting in God’s mercy and living a life of simplicity and devotion. His teachings continue to resonate with those seeking a deeper spiritual life.

Carlo’s life demonstrates that one does not need to be a scholar or hold a high position to achieve holiness. Through faith, humility, and service, anyone can grow closer to God. His example encourages us to find sanctity in our daily lives.

Saint for the Humble and the Simple

After Saint Carlo da Sezze died in 1670, many people remembered his kindness and holiness. People who knew him shared stories about the good things he did. They spoke about his miracles and his deep faith. His name slowly became more known, even outside of Italy.

The Church looked carefully at Carlo’s life. They studied his writings and the stories of miracles. They wanted to be sure that he had lived a holy and faithful life. After many years of study, the Church decided he should be honored as a saint.

Carlo was beatified first, which means the Church said he was blessed and worthy of special honor. Later, Pope John XXIII canonized him as a saint in 1959. This made him officially Saint Carlo da Sezze, someone the whole Church could look up to and ask for prayers.

Saint Carlo is known today as the patron of lay brothers. He is also seen as a model of humility and simplicity. His life teaches that even quiet and hidden lives are precious to God. He shows that simple love, prayer, and service can lead to sainthood.

Homilies, Commentaries, and Reflections

Walking with Saint Carlo in Simple Ways

Saint Carlo da Sezze did not live a famous or important life. He did not hold a high position in the Church. He was not a priest or a scholar. He was a poor farmer’s son who became a Franciscan brother. He cleaned, cooked, and helped the sick. He lived simply. Yet, he became a saint. His life shows us that holiness is possible for anyone, no matter how small or hidden their life seems.

Carlo reminds us that we don’t need to be perfect or powerful to follow God. He had trouble with reading and writing. He was sick often. But he stayed close to God through prayer, work, and love for others. He believed that God could use even the weakest person to do good things. This is important for us. Sometimes we feel we are not good enough or strong enough. But God works in simple people, just like He worked in Carlo.

One thing that stands out in Carlo’s life is how he treated others. He helped people during a plague. He welcomed strangers. He did not look for praise. He just did what was needed with kindness. We can do this too. When we help someone, when we listen, when we forgive, we are doing the kind of things that lead to holiness. We may never be famous, but we can still love and serve like Carlo.

Carlo also reminds us that prayer matters. Even when doing simple tasks, he stayed close to God. He did not need big words or special knowledge. He prayed with trust and love. We can do the same. We can talk to God in our own words. We can offer our small tasks to Him. God sees what is hidden and blesses it.

Reflection Questions:

What small tasks in my life could I offer to God with love?

Do I sometimes feel too small or unimportant to serve God?
How can I grow in kindness and prayer like Saint Carlo?
Who in my life needs a simple act of love or care?

Questions and Answers about Saint Carlo da Sezze

Who was Saint Carlo da Sezze?

He was a Franciscan lay brother from Italy. He lived a simple life of prayer, work, and service.

What was his birth name?

His birth name was Giancarlo Marchioni.

Where was he born?

He was born in Sezze, a town in Italy, in the year 1613.

Was he a priest?

No, he was not a priest. He was a lay brother in the Franciscan Order.

What kind of work did he do?

He cooked, cleaned, gardened, and cared for the sick. He also welcomed guests.

Did he write anything?

Yes, he wrote books about his life and faith. One of them is his autobiography.

Did he have any special experiences?

Yes, he had visions and once received a wound on his chest while praying during Mass.

When did he die?

He died on January 6, 1670, in Rome.

When was he made a saint?

He was canonized in 1959 by Pope John XXIII.

What is he the patron saint of?

He is the patron saint of lay brothers and those who live simply and serve others.

Living Holiness in the Quiet Places

Saint Carlo da Sezze shows us that holiness can grow in quiet lives. He did not preach to crowds. He did not travel far. He stayed close to home, did small jobs, and prayed often. He trusted God in simple ways.

His life teaches us that we do not need to be perfect or famous to follow Jesus. We can serve others in small ways. We can love people around us. We can pray during our work. Carlo reminds us that God sees even the hidden things we do.

He was weak in body but strong in faith. He worked hard, listened to others, and stayed humble. He helped the sick and gave his time to those in need. That is how he became a saint.

Saint Carlo da Sezze’s life is a reminder that the path to sainthood can begin with doing small things with great love and care.

Your Turn

Take a little time to learn more about Saint Carlo da Sezze. Read his story. Think about how he lived with faith and service in daily life. His example is simple, but strong.

Share your thoughts below. What part of Carlo’s life speaks to you? How do you try to live your faith in small ways? Join the conversation in the comments.