Saints
St. Hannibal
St. Hannibal Biography
St. Hannibal Mary Di Francia, also known as Annibale Maria di francia, was a Roman Catholic saint and founder of the Congregation of the Religious of Jesus and Mary. He was born on July 5, 1851 in Messina, Italy to an aristocratic family. His father was a knight and his mother belonged to an aristocratic family as well. St. Hannibal lost his father at a young age and this experience made him deeply empathetic towards orphans.
As a child, St. Hannibal was known for his devotion to the Eucharist and he was allowed to receive Holy Communion daily, something exceptional in those days. He was ordained a priest in 1878 and dedicated his life to the redemption of the poor and marginalized. He started orphanages called “Anthonian Orphanages” and focused on providing the children with moral and religious education in addition to food and shelter.
St. Hannibal believed in the power of prayer to bring about vocations in the Church and made the “Rogate,” or the prayer for vocations, a fundamental part of his life and the charism of his apostolate. In 1890, he founded the Congregation of the Religious of Jesus and Mary, an organization that focused on providing education and care to the poor and sick. St. Hannibal’s charismatic leadership and dedication to the poor and marginalized made him a beloved figure in his community.
St. Hannibal was canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church in 2001 and his feast day is celebrated on June 1. He is remembered for his charitable work and his dedication to helping those in need.
Popular St. Hannibal Medal and St. Hannibal Rosary
Patron Saints - H's
Prayers to St. Hannibal
Prayer of Intercession to St. Hannibal
O St. Hannibal, holy priest and founder of the Congregation of the Religious of Jesus and Mary, your life was dedicated to the care of the poor and the marginalized. Through your intercession, may we follow your example of selfless love and service to others. Help us to see the face of Jesus in those in need, and give us the courage to reach out to them with compassion and mercy. Amen.
Prayer to St. Hannibal
O St. Hannibal, you believed in the power of prayer to bring about vocations in the Church. Help us to pray with perseverance and trust, asking the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers to gather his harvest. May our prayer be a source of inspiration and strength for those called to serve in the Church. Amen.
Prayer to St. Hannibal
O St. Hannibal, you showed us the beauty and importance of a life dedicated to the care of the poor and the orphans. Help us to see the value and dignity of every person, and to work for a world where all can live with justice and respect. St. Hannibal, you were a man of great faith and trust in God. Help us to follow your example and to trust in the Lord, especially in times of difficulty and uncertainty. May we find comfort and strength in the loving presence of God. Amen.
Children’s Story about the life of St. Hannibal
In a small town in Italy called Messina, there was a kind and generous boy named Hannibal. Hannibal was known for his love of God and his devotion to the Eucharist. He spent much of his time praying and helping those in need, especially orphans and the poor.
As he grew older, Hannibal felt called to become a priest and serve God in a special way. He worked hard to become a good and holy priest, and was ordained at the young age of 27.
After he was ordained, Hannibal went to work in a poor neighborhood on the outskirts of Messina called Avignone. There, he met a blind beggar named Francesco who helped him to see the sad reality of the poor and marginalized people living there. Hannibal was moved with compassion and knew he had to do something to help.
So, Hannibal started a school for boys and a kindergarten for girls, and eventually opened up two orphanages called the “Anthonian Orphanages.” Hannibal believed that every child deserved the chance to be loved and cared for, and he worked tirelessly to provide for the needs of the orphans and poor children in his care.
As time went on, Hannibal’s work became known all around Italy and even beyond. He started a religious congregation called the Congregation of the Religious of Jesus and Mary, and his work spread to other parts of the world. Hannibal spent his whole life serving God and helping those in need, and he became known as a saint for his charitable work and selfless love.
Today, people all over the world remember St. Hannibal and pray to him for help and guidance in their own lives. His message of love and compassion lives on and continues to inspire people of all ages to serve others and follow in his footsteps.
Papal Writings and Sermons about St. Hannibal
Here are a few papal writings and sermons about St. Hannibal:
-
Pope John Paul II: “May the example of Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia, founder of the Congregation of the Religious of Jesus and Mary, inspire all those who are involved in the education of young people, especially those who are poor and disadvantaged, to be faithful to their mission and to the Gospel message.”
-
Pope Benedict XVI: “St. Hannibal Mary Di Francia was a tireless apostle of charity and mercy, a man who dedicated his life to serving the poor and marginalized. His life and work are a powerful reminder of the importance of reaching out to those in need and offering them the love and support they deserve.”
-
Pope Francis: “St. Hannibal Mary Di Francia was a man of great faith and compassion, a man who dedicated his life to serving God and helping those in need. May his example inspire us to follow in his footsteps and to serve others with love and generosity.”
-
Cardinal Angelo Amato: “St. Hannibal Mary Di francia was a man of great holiness and compassion, a man who dedicated his life to serving the poor and marginalized. His life and work are a powerful reminder of the importance of reaching out to those in need and offering them the love and support they deserve.”
Reflection on the Feast of St. Hannibal
Today, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Hannibal on June 1st. In a small town in Italy called Messina, there was a kind and generous boy named Hannibal. Hannibal was known for his love of God and his devotion to the Eucharist. He spent much of his time praying and helping those in need, especially orphans and the poor.
As he grew older, Hannibal felt called to become a priest and serve God in a special way. He worked hard to become a good and holy priest, and was ordained at the young age of 27.
After he was ordained, Hannibal went to work in a poor neighborhood on the outskirts of Messina called Avignone. There, he met a blind beggar named Francesco who helped him to see the sad reality of the poor and marginalized people living there. Hannibal was moved with compassion and knew he had to do something to help.
So, Hannibal started a school for boys and a kindergarten for girls, and eventually opened up two orphanages called the “Anthonian Orphanages.” Hannibal believed that every child deserved the chance to be loved and cared for, and he worked tirelessly to provide for the needs of the orphans and poor children in his care.
As time went on, Hannibal’s work became known all around Italy and even beyond. He started a religious congregation called the Congregation of the Religious of Jesus and Mary, and his work spread to other parts of the world. Hannibal spent his whole life serving God and helping those in need, and he became known as a saint for his charitable work and selfless love.
Today, people all over the world remember St. Hannibal and pray to him for help and guidance in their own lives. His message of love and compassion lives on and continues to inspire people of all ages to serve others and follow in his footsteps.
Next up: Biography of St. Hedwig
Also check out our handmade St. Hannibal Medal and St. Hannibal Rosary and St. Hannibal Rosary Bracelet .