September 22 - Saint Ignatius of Santhia
Quick Facts- Ordained in 1710 in the diocese of Vercelli.
- Parish priest for six years.
- He was offered a position of authority in the diocese, but declined, and on 24 May 1716 he became a novice in the Capuchins of Turin, taking the name Ignatius, and beginning 54 years of service in the Order.
- He was under the direction of a novice half his age, which Father Ignatius accepted with humility.
- In 1717 he was assigned to the convent at Saluzzo, and served as sacristan.
- Novice master at Chieri.
- Sacristan at Capuchin Hill, Turin in 1723, a convent with 87 (!) priests.
- Novice master at Mondovi from 1731 to 1744.
- An eye illness forced him to give up the position for nearly two years.
- When he recovered he became head chaplain of the armies of the King of Piedmont who were fighting invading Franco-Hispanic forces.
- He was noted for his work in the field as minister, and with the injured.
- After the war he returned to life at Capuchin Hill where he served as confessor and religious instructor to lay brothers.
- In his later years he spent his days visiting the sick and the poor of Turin, and ministering to the thousands that came daily to Capuchin Hill for his blessing.
- On 20 December 2001 a second miracle attributed to Blessed Ignazio's intervention was decreed by the Congregation and approved by Pope John Paul II.
