Nunzio Sulprizio

Nunzio Sulprizio was born on 13 April 1817 in the area of Pescara, Italy, during a time of famine, and was baptized only hours after his birth. Orphaned young and marked by hardship at home, he learned to read and write through the care of local priests and, even as a child, found strength in Mass, prayer, and a quiet love for Christ. After his mother and grandmother died, Nunzio was placed with an uncle and made an apprentice blacksmith, where harsh treatment and exhausting labor weakened his fragile health. In 1831 he developed a grave illness that became gangrene in one leg. Through long hospital stays in L’Aquila and Naples, Nunzio bore intense suffering with remarkable patience, offering his pain to God and deepening his devotion, especially through the Rosary. Supported by a soldier uncle and a benefactor who treated him like a son, he prepared eagerly for First Communion. He died on 5 May 1836, clinging to the crucifix and the sacraments. Proposed as a model for workers, he is venerated as patron of Pescosansonesco. His feast day is May 5.