Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia
Who is Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia? What is his connection to Living in the Divine Will, Luisa Piccarreta and the Book of Heaven?
Early Life and Vocation
Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia, born on July 5, 1851, in Messina, Italy, embarked on a remarkable journey of faith and service that would leave an indelible mark on the Catholic Church. From a young age, he exhibited a deep reverence for God and a profound compassion for the less fortunate. These qualities would shape his vocation and guide him throughout his life.
Hannibal Mary Di Francia's spiritual journey led him to pursue the priesthood, and he was ordained in 1878. Inspired by the Gospel message of love and service, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the mission of spreading God's word and alleviating the suffering of those in need.
Founding Religious Congregations
Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia founded two religious congregations during his lifetime:
1. Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus (Rogationists): Founded in 1887, the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus is a religious congregation dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
2. Daughters of Divine Zeal (FDZ): Established in 1896, the Daughters of Divine Zeal is a religious congregation founded by Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia to care for the sick and the elderly.
Connection to the Divine Will
Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia's life was deeply intertwined with the teachings of the Divine Will, as revealed to the mystic Luisa Piccarreta. And he played a crucial role in the dissemination and approval of her writings on the Divine Will.
Recognizing the spiritual significance of Luisa's revelations, Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia approved her first 19 volumes, providing crucial support for the spread of the Divine Will teachings. He understood the transformative power of living in accordance with God's Divine Will and sought to share this message with others.
Canonization and Legacy
Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on May 16, 2004, in recognition of his exemplary life of holiness and service. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world to emulate his virtues of faith, compassion, and devotion to God's Divine Will.
Today, Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia is venerated as a patron saint of vocations, the poor, and those seeking to live in accordance with God's Divine Will. His intercession is sought by individuals facing challenges and seeking spiritual guidance.
Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia's life serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and the profound impact one person can have on the world. His unwavering dedication to serving God and his fellow human beings, coupled with his support for the Divine Will teachings of Luisa Piccarreta, continues to inspire countless individuals to deepen their relationship with God and live lives of love and service.
Burial
Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia is buried in Messina, Italy in the Basilica Santuario Sant'Antonio which di Francia had built. The church is dedicated to the Gospel's passage: "Pray therefore the Lord of the Harvest.” His body has been found to be incorrupt.
Watch the pope blessing the statue of St. Hannibal in the Vatican in this video:
“February 14, 1927 just months before he died:
“You know that at this point I do not occupy myself with almost anything regarding my institutes, since I am completely dedicated to the great work of the Divine Will. I speak of it with spiritual persons. I raise the subject when I deem it best to do so. I promote it as much as possible, also within my institutes.”
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Saint Hannibal approved the first 19 volumes of the Book of Heaven before he died.
“These are writings that must now be made known to the world. I believe they will produce great good. For as sublime as this science of the Divine Will is, so do these writings of divine dictation present it, clearly and limpidly. In my opinion, no human intellect would have been able to form them”. - June 20, 1924