On the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, 1654, Charles Cajetan was born and baptized in the town of Ischia, a suburb of Naples. In his early years, he already showed a special inclination to virtues, having practiced humility, obedience, modesty and docility to a high degree.
His extraordinary devotion to the Blessed Mother was nurtured at an altar which he built in a secluded part of his house. Besides his daily commitment to prayer and meditation, Charles spent a good part of the day in spiritual studies. When God called him to dedicate his life to the priesthood, our future saint made a novena to the Holy Spirit and put all his confidence in the intercession of Our Lady. He took the habit at 16 years old and chose the name of John Joseph of the Cross, with St. Francis of Assisi and St. Peter of Alcantara as models.
His superiors, aware of St. John Joseph's sanctity, chose him to spend long hours in the confessional since he had a profound knowledge of directing souls acquired solely "at the foot of the cross".
At 24, he became the master of novices, setting the example by his strictest observance of the rule and his ardent love of Our Lord and His Blessed Mother. In fact, by being the first in obedience , St. John won the hearts and minds of all the religious in his care and helped them to advance to heights of heroic perfection.
Having particularly chosen a name that is linked with the Holy Cross, St. John manifested his understanding that there is no glory without the cross, that it is through suffering we imitate Our Lord and Savior. "Whosoever will be my disciple, let him take up his cross and follow Me."
Let us ask St. John Joseph of the Cross for a profound knowledge of the glories of the Cross and for the fortitude to follow It.
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