Born in Naples, Italy, he was the eldest of eleven children and was drawn to God and a life of prayer as a child. At the age of 28, he was ordained a Jesuit priest. He was known for his loud voice and eloquence, and was described as “a lamb when he talks and a lion when he preaches.” He wanted to go for missions to distant lands like his patron Saint Francis Xavier but accepted Naples as his India. He went to country towns and villages to preach in the streets. He converted prisoners of war who were Muslim to Christianity, rescued children who were in dangerous situations, and started a pawn shop for charity. He converted many sinners and was known for his holiness, zeal and as a miracle worker before and after his death. He spent 40 years in apostolic labour in Naples and died from an illness which he suffered greatly from but without complaint.
