Memorial of Bl Jacobinus

"Jacobinus of Canepacia was born in the village of Plascha, within the diocese of Vercelli, in the year 1438. His parents were well known for their inborn uprightness of character, but they were poor in worldly goods. Jacobinus was piously trained from early youth, and he grew in years and in virtue alike. His devotion to the Mother of God, in particular, ever increased, and he determined to serve her by joining some Order which was especially devout towards her. He strove, by every means in his power, to make his vocation sure, and for this end, to constant prayer he added bodily mortification, fasting, and penance. At length he asked to be admitted amongst the lay Carmelites of the Primitive Observance and his request was granted.

During the novitiate, and still more after he had made his solemn vows to God, Jacobinus chose all sorts of austerities as the inheritance which by right belonged to him. He fasted on bread and water upon four days in each week; and on Feast Days and Thursdays the only relaxation of penance that he allowed himself was to devote himself with greater earnestness to prayer, in which he passed many hours continuously before the Blessed Sacrament, or at the altar of the Virgin Mother of God. By the will of his Superior he was sent to collect alms, and he discharged his duty for a long time. Such was his humility, piety, and zealous charity that all were moved by his admonitions to walk in the footsteps of the Saints.

Worn out with years, labors, and sickness, Jacobinus fell joyfully asleep in the kiss of the Lord, in the midst of his Brethren at Vercelli, at the age of seventy years. This happened on the fifth of the Nones of March, which was likewise the day of his birth. Scarcely had he changed this mortal life for that which is eternal before God glorified his tomb by the many miracles that He worked there. An altar was raised to God in honor of Jacobinus, and the faithful whose prayers had been answered through his intercession, failed not to portray him surrounded by a halo. The devotion shown to the Saint from the earliest years down to the present time was lately examined; and on the recommendation of the Sacred Congregation of Rites, Pope Gregory the Sixteenth approved it, and graciously granted that an Office and Mass should be said in his honor.

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Pour out upon us, we beseech Thee, O Lord! the spirit of prayer and of penance through the intercession of the Blessed Jacobinus, Thy Confessor; that, by following his glorious example, we may reach eternal glory. Through our Lord."

-- Proper Offices of the Saints granted to the Barefooted Carmelites (1896)