Humilis of Bisignano

Saint Humilis of Bisignano was born in 1582 in Bisignano, Calabria, as Luca Antonio Pirozzo, the son of Giovanni Pirozzo and Ginevra Giardino. From childhood he showed a tender love for God, spending long hours in prayer, attending Mass daily, and receiving Holy Communion as often as he was allowed—an unusual devotion for his time. His humility became legendary, especially when he responded to public humiliation by literally turning the other cheek. Though he felt a call to religious life as a young man, he entered the Reformed Friars Minor only in 1609, becoming a lay brother and taking the name Humilis. Illiterate yet filled with spiritual wisdom, he carried out simple tasks with gentleness and was tested by superiors who discerned the authenticity of his mystical ecstasies. He astonished church officials with his clear explanations of the faith, and his holiness led him to serve as companion to the Minister General and later as a trusted adviser in Rome to Popes Gregory XV and Urban VIII. He returned home and died in Bisignano on November 26, 1637. He is venerated as patron of Bisignano, and his feast day is November 27.