MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 24 SEPTEMBER
September 24, 2026
FROM EARLY SUFFERING TO TRUST IN GOD
Saint Pacifico of San Severino was orphaned at a very young age and experienced hardship during his childhood. Yet these sufferings did not turn his heart away from God. At seventeen, he entered the Franciscan Order at Forano and took the name Pacifico, beginning a life dedicated to Christ.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
— Proverbs 3:5
His life teaches us that painful beginnings need not determine our future. When we place our wounds and uncertainties in God’s hands, He can transform them into a deeper vocation of faith.
A HEART GIVEN COMPLETELY TO GOD
After his ordination to the priesthood in 1678, Pacifico taught philosophy and then spent several years preaching among the people of the surrounding villages. His ministry flowed from a life of prayer, penitence and love for God.
“Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:31
His example reminds us that our talents are gifts entrusted to us. Whether teaching, preaching, serving or simply praying, everything becomes fruitful when offered sincerely for God’s glory.
WHEN GOD CHANGES OUR PLANS
Pacifico’s active ministry was interrupted by serious illness. For many years he suffered from lameness, deafness and blindness, eventually becoming unable to preach as he had before. Instead of allowing his limitations to destroy his faith, he entered more deeply into contemplation and prayer.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9
His life shows us that a change in circumstances does not mean that God has abandoned us. When one form of service becomes impossible, God can open another path through prayer, sacrifice and loving surrender.
PATIENCE IN SUFFERING
Saint Pacifico endured years of physical suffering with remarkable patience. His illnesses became an offering for God and for the conversion of sinners. His patience became one of the most striking virtues associated with his life.
“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.”
— Psalm 37:7
He teaches us not to measure God’s love by the absence of suffering. Even in weakness, pain and loneliness, our lives can become offerings of love when we unite our suffering with Christ.
THE POWER OF CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER
When illness prevented Pacifico from continuing his earlier missionary activity, he devoted himself more intensely to contemplation. He was known for profound prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, and accounts of his life describe frequent ecstasies during the celebration of Holy Mass.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10
His life reminds us that prayer is not inactivity. A soul quietly united with God can become a powerful instrument of grace, even when hidden from the world.
FAITHFULNESS IN HUMBLE SERVICE
Despite his serious infirmities, Pacifico continued to serve his Franciscan community and held responsibilities including that of guardian at the monastery of Maria delle Grazie in San Severino. His weakness did not prevent him from giving himself to others.
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”
— Matthew 20:26
His example teaches us that Christian greatness is found not in power or recognition but in faithful service. Even when our abilities are limited, love can always find a way to serve.
LOVE FOR THE EUCHARISTIC LORD
The Eucharist occupied a central place in Pacifico’s spiritual life. He was especially devoted to prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, and his Masses were sometimes prolonged because of the profound mystical experiences associated with them.
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.”
— John 6:56
Saint Pacifico reminds us to approach Jesus in the Eucharist with reverence, love and trust, allowing His presence to strengthen us in our trials.
SILENCE THAT BECAME A TESTIMONY
As Pacifico gradually lost his hearing and sight, the world around him became increasingly silent and inaccessible. Yet his inner life became more deeply centred on God. His physical isolation became an opportunity for greater union with the Lord.
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
— James 4:8
His life teaches us that external silence can become a sacred space where the heart listens more attentively to God.
HOPE BEYOND THIS LIFE
Near the end of his life, Pacifico remained focused on God and the hope of Heaven. He died in San Severino on 24 September 1721, after a life marked by prayer, suffering, service and contemplation. He was beatified by Pope Pius VI in 1786 and canonized by Pope Gregory XVI in 1839.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7
Saint Pacifico’s life invites us to persevere faithfully to the end, trusting that every sacrifice offered to God in love has eternal meaning.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, through the intercession of Saint Pacifico of San Severino, teach us to trust You in every trial, to accept our sufferings with patience and to remain faithful when our plans are changed.
Give us a deeper love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, a heart devoted to prayer and the grace to serve You faithfully even when we are weak, lonely or unable to do what we once could.
May Saint Pacifico’s example inspire us to surrender ourselves completely to Your holy will, confident that Your grace is sufficient and that every faithful offering made in love will lead us closer to Heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
