“Priest of the Gallows” they called him. That moniker tells only a fraction of the story of San Giuseppe Cafasso. He was so much more than just a visitor to condemned souls.
San Giuseppe Cafasso’s story began in Castelnuovo d’Asti in 1811. His parents were farmers known for their charity. From a young age, Giuseppe showed remarkable piety and intellect. He excelled in his studies and was ordained a priest in 1833.
After ordination, San Giuseppe Cafasso went to Turin. He attended advanced courses and became an assistant professor. His lectures became famous. Students flocked to Turin from all over. San Giuseppe Cafasso aimed to make young priests both learned and saintly.
Jansenism was a problem at the time. Many clergy held strict views. They discouraged people from receiving the sacraments. San Giuseppe Cafasso preached hope. He advocated frequent Communion. He trained young priests to work in prisons. He helped those considered unworthy by Jansenists.
Eventually, San Giuseppe Cafasso became the Rector of the Institute. He also took charge of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. He spent hours hearing confessions. Working men and servant girls were his priority. He would ask the wealthy to return later.
Besides his duties, San Giuseppe Cafasso taught catechism. He visited the sick and prisons. He also gave missions and retreats.
San Giuseppe Cafasso had a special connection with Don Bosco. He advised and supported Don Bosco’s work with neglected boys. He provided a house and funds for Don Bosco.
San Giuseppe Cafasso sought out the poor. He trained young priests to help them. He gave away everything he owned. People trusted him to distribute alms wisely. He was kind to those fallen into poverty.
The prisons of Turin were dreadful places. San Giuseppe Cafasso spent much of his time among the prisoners. He visited each prison weekly. Sometimes, he visited daily. He offered instruction and heard confessions. Even hardened sinners converted. He brought young priests to assist in this work. He helped freed prisoners find jobs.
San Giuseppe Cafasso showed special kindness to those condemned to death. He prepared them for death. He accompanied 57 prisoners to the scaffold. He ensured they received the sacraments. He urged them to accept their punishment with resignation. He told them they could go straight to Heaven.
People of all classes sought San Giuseppe Cafasso’s advice. Bishops, priests, lawyers and simple folk consulted him. He solved difficult cases with ease. People saw in him the virtues of various saints. Some saw St. Philip Neri. Others saw St. Alphonsus Liguori. Still others saw St. Vincent de Paul.
San Giuseppe Cafasso practiced great austerities. He preferred unsavory food. He fasted every Saturday as a child. After ordination, every day was a fast day. He prayed for long hours. He took vows to do what was most perfect and to waste no time. He used instruments of penance.
San Giuseppe Cafasso’s devotions included the Passion and the Sacred Heart. He was devoted to the Mass. He cherished the Stations of the Cross. He loved the Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady.
San Giuseppe Cafasso died in 1860. He had prepared for death meticulously. He died on a Saturday dedicated to Our Lady. St. John Bosco preached at his funeral. San Giuseppe Cafasso was canonized in 1947.
Remember San Giuseppe Cafasso. He was the “Priest of the Gallows”. He was a beacon of hope. He was a model of charity. He was a true saint.