<p>John was born at Capistrano in the Kingdom of Naples in 1386, the son of a German knight living in Italy. Trained as a lawyer at the University of Perugia, John became governor of that city in 1412.</p>
<p>When Perugia became involved in a conflict, John was imprisoned, during which time he resolved to change his life. At age 30 he joined the Friars Minor and was ordained. For the next 30 years he preached missions in the whole of Italy, drawing large and enthusiastic crowds. Meanwhile, he assisted Bernardine of Siena in re-uniting the divided Franciscans.</p>
<p>John was frequently sent on papal diplomatic missions. While his preaching revived the faith of many, some of his methods in dealing with heretics were extremely harsh. In 1453 he was called to Hungary to preach a crusade against the Turks who threatened to take Vienna and Rome. At the age of 70, carrying a cross rather than a sword, John personally led a wing of the Christian army in the Battle of Belgrade. The victory of 1456 prevented the Turks from overrunning Europe. A few months later John died of the plague. He is a patron of military chaplains.<br /></p>
<p>©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong>. Reprinted with permission.</p>
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