St. John of Capistrano

Here's a saint whose name might sound a bit familiar--but perhaps that's because we know the story about the swallows that return, every year, to Mission San Juan Capistrano in California, which has clearly been named for him. Our St. John that we are discussing today was born in 14th century Italy. He had a successful career as a lawyer before deciding to become a Franciscan friar. He was a reformer of their order and of the Poor Clare's, and he traveled barefoot throughout Europe preaching the Gospel. At 70, he led a Crusade against invaders, finally succumbing, after a successful battle, to the plague. St. John, pray for us!