St. Francis of Paola
Italian founder of the Minims (1416-1507), Calabrian who at 13 became a hermit at Paola and gathered followers, formally constituted as the Order of Minims under a rule of perpetual abstinence (Lenten in tone year-round). Summoned to France in 1483 by Louis XI in his last illness, he remained as advisor to French kings. Patron of sailors and Calabria; canonized 1519 by Leo X.
Life & Times
Born: 1416 · Died: 1507 · From: Italy / France.
Patronage
St. Francis of Paola is invoked as the patron of sailors, boatmen, naval officers, calabria. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
Shop St. Francis of Paola Products
Devotional items honoring St. Francis of Paola, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Francis of Paola, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.