CapuchinVocations

Memorial of Blessed Anicet Kopliński and Companions, Capuchin Martyrs

Known as the “Saint Francis of Warsaw,” Blessed Anicet Kopliński spent his life serving the poor. Walking the streets in his worn Capuchin habit and sandals, he begged not for himself, but for those in need, filling the deep pockets of his mantle with bread, fruit, vegetables, and sweets for children.

When N**i forces occupied Poland, his ministry did not cease. Arrested with fellow Capuchin friars and subjected to imprisonment and torture, he remained steadfast in faith and charity.

When questioned about helping both Jews and Poles, he replied:

“I am a priest and wherever there are people I will exercise that priesthood: be those people Jews or Poles—especially if they are suffering or poor.”

Before his martyrdom at Auschwitz in 1941, he told a friend:

“We must drink this chalice to the bottom.”

Blessed Anicet and his companions remind us that Franciscan poverty is never an end in itself—it is a way of drawing near to Christ in the poor, the suffering, and the forgotten.

Blessed Anicet Kopliński and Companions, pray for us.

Almighty, everlasting God, you conferred the victory of martyrdom on Blessed Anicet and his companions, who persevered in the religious life. Through their intercession, may we learn to love our enemies and remain steadfast in the fullness of faith. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Memorial of Blessed Florida Cevoli, Capuchin Poor Clare (1685–1767)

Blessed Florida Cevoli never preached to crowds, traveled the world, or sought recognition. She spent her life behind monastery walls as a Capuchin Poor Clare, serving faithfully as abbess and vicar, living a life of prayer, charity, and deep union with Christ.

A spiritual daughter of St. Veronica Giuliani, she reminds us that holiness is often found not in extraordinary accomplishments but in extraordinary faithfulness: praying when no one sees, serving with love, carrying daily crosses with patience, and entrusting everything to God.

Her words reveal the wisdom she gained through a lifetime of embracing the Cross:

“Pure suffering brings with it every remedy: it strengthens the soul, rejoices the heart, gives joy to the spirit… Its silence is a trumpet blast.”

May Blessed Florida teach us to find Christ in the ordinary duties, hidden sacrifices, and quiet moments of each day.

Blessed Florida Cevoli, pray for us.

🙏🏼