Blessed John Marinoni of Venice

His parents having sent him to the University of Pa université de Padoue Place of his medical studies. dua, he associated only with those who combined sincere piety with purity of morals. He had as a fellow student and friend Luigi Lippoman Louis Lippoman Learned bishop and fellow student of Jean Marinon. o, one of the most learned bishops of the 16th century. Prayer, meditation on the law of the Lord, the reading of good books, the frequenting of the Sacraments, and the avoidance of bad company were the means he employed to preserve his innocence. He embraced the ecclesiastical state and received the holy Orders in succession. Before prayer, he attached himself for two years to the service of the church of San Pantalon in Venice. His love for the poor led him to accept the position of superior of the hospital where the incurably ill an supérieur de l'hôpital où l'on recevait les incurables Institution of which he was superior during the plague. d orphans were received. He gave the most striking proofs of his charity there during the plague that ravaged the city of Venice in 1528. Having been appointed to a canonry at the church of Saint Mark, he fulfilled his duties with the greatest edification. But he soon left this benefice to enter the Congregation of Saint Cajeta Congrégation de Saint-Gaétan Religious order founded by Saint Gaetano of Thiene. n, newly established in Venice. He was received there on December 9, 1528, and made his vows on May 29, 1530.

His fervor increased with each passing day. His love for purity led him to avoid the company of women, and he only spoke with them as much as charity required. The most rigorous austerities of penance held no fear for him; he loved poverty and seized every opportunity to practice this virtue. His love for the poor was extraordinary. His humility, his patience in trials, his resignation to the will of God, his obedience, and his gentleness were truly admirable. To draw heavenly blessings upon the works of his zeal, he prayed with as much assiduity as fervor. He had a tender devotion to the Blessed Virgin, to his guardian angel, and to the other Saints. Finally, his virtues were a source of admiration for all who knew him; and Saint Andrew Avellino said, when speaking of him, that he was, through his words and actions, an image of holiness.

Blessed John Marinoni was appointed superior several times. He received into the Congregation Saint Andrew Avellino and Blessed Paul of Arezzo, who always took pride in having him as their master and director in the ways of piety. He posses sed to an eminent degree bienheureux Paul d'Arezzo Disciple of John Marinoni and member of the congregation. the gift of discerning spirits and of giving to each person advice suitable to their situation.

When he announced the word of God, it was with that unction which characterizes apostolic men. There was a prodigious attendance at his sermons. Not content with explaining the great principles of Christian morality, he also warned the faithful against the errors that attacked the faith in his time, especially in Naples. D uring Naples Place of the saint's death. his stay in this city, he was entrusted with the direction of a convent of nuns, and he applied himself with success to leading these spouses of Jesus Christ to the perfection of their state. He established in the same city a pawnshop to mont-de-piété Charitable institution created to assist poor families. assist families on the verge of falling into indigence; but at the same time, he took all the measures necessary to prevent the abuses that greed might occasion. This pawnshop subsequently became one of the most famous establishments in the city of Naples.

Blessed John Marinoni refused the archbishopric of Naples, to which the Pope wished to appoint him. He continued to exercise the duties of the holy ministry in that city. He received with the greatest charity all those who came to him in the tribunal of penance, and went with eagerness to the sick who called upon him: thus he had a particular unction for inspiring confidence in the dying and restoring peace to troubled and agitated consciences. So many virtues earned him singular graces from God; he obtained the healing of several sick people and was favored with the gift of prophecy.

His labors and his infirmities made his Congregation fear that they would soon lose him: but the moment had arrived. He was struck by an illness whose fatal consequences were foreseen. He requested the last Sacraments, which he received with the most vivid sentiments of piety. Saint Andrew Avellino and the Blessed Paul of Arezzo assisted him in his illness. He died on December 13, 1562. Clement XIII published, on September 11, 1762, a decree to authorize the cult of the Blessed John Marinoni. Th e Theatines Les Théatins Religious order founded by Saint Gaetano of Thiene. celebrate his office with a double major rite.

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