The Fourteenth General: Brother James of Mercato Saraceno

37 His election 38 He was a gracious preacher 39 His visitations

(37) The thirteenth General was the Venerable Father James of Mercato Saraceno from the Province of Bologna. He was elected on the feast of Pentecost 20th May 1584 at the Chapter assembled in Tome.

(38) He was a gracious preacher. Although he was not very well educated, he preached in Saint Lawrence in Damaso in Ferrara with great approval where he bore great fruit as in many other Italian cities, and always with great approval. He showed great spirit in negotiating peace and other spiritual affairs he was very careful, kind and affable with everyone.

(39) He visited nearly all the Congregation with the very best example. He was so inspiring in his sermons to the Friars that he was indescribable. Everyone marvelled at how he could go so long in a sermon and he was often very reassuring. He did not make many ordinances. He was unable to visit France as he wished because when he arrived in Genoa soon after Christmas he fell gravely ill. Before he died he gave the Friars a very devout exhortation and displayed great holiness. Someone had visions of him and revelations about his death.

He passed away to the better life on the feastday of Saint Silvester and was buried in the friary in Genoa.

He governed the Congregation two years, six months and eleven days.