A portrait of St. Francis Xavier Bianchi
St. Francis Xavier Bianchi
1743 – 1815
Feast
January 31 · XIX c.
Patron of
Barnabites · Naples · Spiritual directors
Order
Priest / Barnabite
Italian Barnabite priest (1743-1815), of noble birth, served at Naples through the Napoleonic suppression of religious orders, refusing to abandon his community and accepting persecution. Renowned spiritual director and intercessor; reputed to have stopped the lava flow of Vesuvius in 1805. Canonized 1951 by Pius XII.
Life & Times
Born: 1743 · Died: 1815 · From: Italy / Naples.
Patronage
St. Francis Xavier Bianchi is invoked as the patron of barnabites, naples, spiritual directors. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Francis Xavier Bianchi, 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.