A portrait of St. Joseph Calasanz
St. Joseph Calasanz
11 September 1557 – 25 August 1648
Feast
August 25 · XVII c.
Patron of
Catholic schools · Poor children · Students
Order
Priest / Founder
Spanish-Italian priest and founder (1557-1648), Aragonese, who at Rome opened in 1597 the first free public elementary school in Europe and founded the Piarists (Order of the Pious Schools, 1617) for the Christian education of poor children. Canonized 1767 by Clement XIII.
Life & Times
Born: 11 September 1557 · Died: 25 August 1648 · From: Spain / Italy.
Patronage
St. Joseph Calasanz is invoked as the patron of catholic schools, poor children, students. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Joseph Calasanz, 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.