Saint Didacus (c. 1400 – 1463) was a Spanish Franciscan friar who, like the founder of his Order (the 800th anniversary of whose death we celebrate this year), never felt called to the priesthood. He began life life as a hermit, first in the village on San Nichola del Puerto, before a life of wandering from place to place, and finally joining the Franciscans at Córdoba, where he evangelized the surrounding region, including Cádiz, and Seville. Though not ordained, he did preach, as did Francis (though not at Mass), and many were converted. In 1445, Friar Didacus was sent to the Canary Islands, to help in the work of bringing the natives to the Faith (long before they became a European tourist destination!). Devotion to the saint is still strong in all these regions, six centuries later.
Didacus pilgrimaged to Rome for the Jubilee year of 1450, tending the sick when a plague broke out, was recalled to Spain, and spent the remainder of his life in contemplation and his ascetical practices, dying on September 12, 1463. He was hailed as a saint, his body reported to remain incorrupt, with no rigor mortis, and exuding a pleasant odour. Friar Didacus was canonized by Pope Sixtus V in 1558. Miracles continue to abound with his intercession, and devotion continued across the seas. The city of San Diego is named after him, in the Spanish version of his name. May he intercede for the city, the state of California, the United States, and all of us.
Saint Didacus – or Diego – ora pro nobis! +
