My dear brothers and sisters, today around the world we celebrate in the Franciscan Order a great Franciscan saint by the name of Diego—Diego of Alcalá. He was such a saint that one of the cities in California was named after him—San Diego. The missionaries in the 1500s and 1600s who evangelized North America were mostly Franciscans, and they gave Franciscan names to many cities: Corpus Christi, Texas; San Bernardino; San Antonio; San Francisco; and many others. Even Los Angeles—Los Ángeles de la Porciúncula—is named after the Mother of God, Our Lady of the Angels.
What made this humble friar so great? He was born around 1400 near Seville, Spain, in a little village called San Nicolás del Puerto. From a young age, he was drawn to solitude and prayer, living for a time as a hermit before joining the Franciscan Order as a lay brother—that is, a friar but not a priest—at the friary in Zafra, near Córdoba.
His life was marked by simplicity, humility, and charity toward the sick and the poor. He served as a porter, cook, gardener, and infirmarian—performing the most menial tasks with profound joy and devotion. In 1441, at the age of forty-one, he was sent as a missionary to the Canary Islands, where he served the native people with extraordinary gentleness and zeal. Later, he was called to Rome in 1450 to assist at the canonization of Saint Bernardine of Siena. There he became known for his care of the sick during a plague outbreak, working miracles of healing.
He spent his final years at the Franciscan friary in Alcalá de Henares, near Madrid, where he died on November 12, 1463. Radiating peace and holiness, he was canonized in 1588 by Pope Sixtus V—himself a Franciscan.
The readings for today beautifully reflect the virtues that Saint Diego of Alcalá lived so perfectly. From the Book of Sirach we hear: “Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favour with God.” San Diego lived this completely. Though his gifts of holiness and miracles were great, he sought no recognition. His humility was not theoretical—it was lived daily in obedience, silence, and joyful service in hidden places. He found his peace not in the power of the world, but in the simplicity of being God’s servant in the kitchen and infirmary.
Our Psalm speaks of peace—the peace of the little ones: “I have stilled and quieted my soul, like a weaned child on its mother’s lap.” Diego’s interior life radiated stillness, peace, and tranquility. He rested in God, detached from worldly ambition. His peace came from childlike trust in divine providence, a peace that he shared with others—especially the sick and the suffering whom he comforted and healed.
Finally, in the Gospel, our Lord praises the childlike heart: “I give you praise, Father, for you have revealed these things to the little ones.” San Diego reminds us that holiness is not reserved for scholars or preachers—it is found above all in humble service and hidden fidelity. His life echoes Jesus’ own words: “Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.”
Saint Diego teaches us many lessons, especially as Franciscans. First, the power of hidden holiness. His sanctity came from fidelity to the smallest acts of charity. He reminds us that the Franciscan life is rooted in simplicity and humble service—not in titles or achievements.
Second, the joy of obedience and service. For us friars, obedience is not a burden but a grace. To be guided and led by others requires humility, but it is how God’s will is revealed—through our superiors, and in the world, through parents, teachers, doctors, or even strangers who call for our compassion. God speaks through them all. “I was hungry and you gave me food.” San Diego saw beyond appearances and recognized God in his brothers and sisters.
He teaches us childlike trust in God—peaceful acceptance of God’s will. Holiness begins when we surrender control and rest in divine providence. Too often we make money our god, placing our security in wealth rather than in God himself. San Diego teaches us gratitude for what we already have, and trust that it is enough.
He also teaches us healing through compassion. His work during the plague showed that Franciscan evangelization is not only preached with words but lived through mercy, tenderness, and care for the suffering.
Saint Diego of Alcalá shows us that to follow Christ as Saint Francis did, we must first descend, not ascend. He embodies the Beatitude: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” His life says to every friar and to every Christian: seek not what is beyond you, but live what God has given you with humility and joy. For in the hidden yoke of Christ, you will find your rest.
Through the intercession of Saint Diego of Alcalá, may Almighty God bless you.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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