"Precious the wood, precious the nails, precious the weight the bear."

-St. Didacus

 Also known as

Diego; Diaz

Memorial

November 13 (Roman Calendar); November 12 (Order of Friars Minor)

Profile

Loved the solitary life from his youth, and when still young he became a hermit who supported himself by weaving mats. Franciscan lay-brother at Arizafa. Though he lacked a formal education, he was sought out for his insights into the Christian life.

Sent as a missionary to the Canary Islands in 1442, he went with the belief that he would be martyred.  Superior of the community at Fortaventura. Converted many by his preaching and example, and returned unharmed to Spain in 1449.

Sent to Rome in 1450 for the canonization of Saint Bernardine of Siena. An epidemic broke out among the gathered Franciscans, and Didacus worked himself to exhaustion to help his brothers; reported to have miraculously cured many of the sick. He then returned to Spain and spent the rest of his life as a prayerful at Alcala.

Born

1400 at Seville, Spain

Died

November 12, 1463 at Alcala, Castile, Spain of natural causes

Canonized

1588 by Pope Sixtus V

Patronage

Diocese of San Diego, California, Franciscan laity, Franciscan lay brothers

Representation

cross; lily