Blessed John Liccio of Sicily
OF THE ORDER OF SAINT DOMINIC (1511).
Dominican
Born in Sicily in 1397, John Liccio became an illustrious member of the Order of Saint Dominic after a childhood marked by poverty. A zealous preacher and founder of a convent in Caccamo, he propagated devotion to the Rosary. He died at the exceptional age of 111 in 1511.
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BLESSED JOHN LICCIO OF SICILY,
OF THE ORDER OF SAINT DOMINIC (1511).
Origins and miraculous childhood
Born in 1397 in Sicily to a poor family, John Liccio survived on pomegranate juice before being taken in by a wet nurse whose husband was miraculously healed upon contact with him.
A town in the diocese of Palermo (believed to be Caccamo) saw the birth, in 1397, of Blessed John Liccio to poor parents . He lost h Jean Liccio Sicilian Dominican friar celebrated for his longevity and miracles. is mother at six months, and as his father was too poor to pay for a wet nurse, the child was given pomegranate juice in place of milk.
A pious woman, moved by the state to which this poor orphan was reduced, took him in to nurse him, and was immediately rewarded for her good deed, for her husband, who was sick in bed, had no sooner touched little John Liccio than he was suddenly healed.
Entry into religious life and preaching
Under the influence of Blessed Peter of Geremia, he joined the Order of Saint Dominic, where he became a renowned preacher, converting many sinners.
As soon as John had reached the age of reason, he was seen to be full of zeal and ardor for prayer, fasting, and bodily mortifications. Later, at the instigation of B lessed Peter of Geremia, he e bienheureux Pierre de Gérémia Dominican friar who influenced the vocation of John Liccio. ntered the Order o f Saint Dominic, which h Ordre de Saint-Dominique Religious order to which Magdeleine belonged. e was to illustrate by his virtues. Charged by his superiors to announce the word of God, he did so with such success that the most hardened sinners felt their hearts touched with compunction and returned to God.
Devotion and monastic foundation
Marked by great charity and a devotion to the Rosary, he founded and directed a Dominican convent in his hometown of Caccamo.
His charity and eagerness to be of service quickly won him the affection of the people. To this charity he joined a tender piety, and he was often seen shedding tears while celebrating the holy mysteries. He had a great love for the Blessed Virgin, and worked to spread the devotion of the Rosary everywhere.
Counting on Providence and public charity, he undertook the founding of a Dominican convent in his hometown. The work was b Dominicains Religious order to which Magdeleine belonged. rought to a successful conclusion, and for a long time the Blessed one was at the head of this house, which he governed with great zeal and intelligence. He lived for one hundred and eleven years, and passed away in 1511 while embracing the crucifix. Numerous miracles performed through his intercession led to a cult being rendered to him, which was appro ved on April 25 pape Benoît XIV Pope who beatified Jerome Emiliani. , 1753, by the great Pope Benedict XIV.
Death and recognition by the Church
He died at the exceptional age of 111 in 1511; his cult was officially recognized by Pope Benedict XIV in 1753 following numerous miracles.
Cf. Continuators of G odescard. Godescard Hagiographer and translator, primary author of the source.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Born in 1397 to poor parents
- Motherless at six months old, fed with pomegranate juice
- Entered the Order of Saint Dominic
- Preaching and spreading devotion to the Rosary
- Foundation of a Dominican convent in his hometown
- Died at the age of one hundred and eleven while embracing the crucifix
- Confirmation of cult by Benedict XIV on April 25, 1753
Miracles
- Sudden healing of his nurse's husband upon the child's simple touch
- Numerous miracles performed through his intercession after his death