About the holy man Brother John of Seminara, Lay Friar

Brother John came from a region called Seminara situated in the province of Calabria. He was born to honest parents. At an early age, when he was around sixteen years old, and touch by the Holy Spirit, he came to the Congregation of Capuchins where he led a very austere life in which he persevered until his old age. He was one of the first Fathers of the Province of Calabria. He loved abstinence very much, for he continuously never ate more than once a day. With great devotion he did all the forty days that our Father Saint Francis was accustomed to do. It was amazing that every Friday throughout the year he always fasted on bread and water. Once he did a forty-day fast without drinking either water or wine.

Like a valiant servant of God he persevered at holy prayer most of the night even though the devil attacked him. He was hardly ever seen to speak with anyone. He was very zealous about the observance of the Rule and very obedient which he always carried out without answering back the slightest word.

He persevered in this good and holy life, well practised in every degree of virtue, for about fifty years. After having received all the most holy sacraments that happy soul passed over to its Creator.

To the praise and glory of Jesus Christ. Amen.