Blessed Giacomo Cusmano
Also known as
• Jacob Cusmano
• Jakob Cusmano
• Jacques Cusmano
Profile
Fourth of five children born to Giacomo and Magdalene Cusmano; his father worked as a surveyor, and the family was well-off financially. Giacomo's mother died of cholera when the boy was three. He was a pious child, eager for the religious instruction from his father, and showing concern for the poor; the family had to lock up clothes because he would give away thing in the closets to beggars. Educated at Jesuit schools. Physician, graduating from medical school in 1851. Taught at the medical school of the Royal University of Palermo. His father died in 1852, and Giacomo returned home to manage the family business and estate; he still managed to continue his education and become certified as a surgeon.
Feeling a call to religious vocation, he considered becoming a Capuchin friar, but his spiritual director recommended the priesthood. Ordained on 22 December 1860 in archdiocese of Palermo, Italy. Devoted to penance, he fasted often and would sleep on a cross. Along with about 40 of his parishioners, he founded the Missionary Servants of the Poor on 12 May 1867 and the Sisters Servants of the Poor.
Born
15 March 1834 in Palermo, Italy
Died
at 04:30am on 14 March 1888 in Palermo, Italy of natural causes following a severe bout of pleurisy
Venerated
2 April 1982 by Pope John Paul II (decree of heroic virtues)
Beatified
30 October 1983 by Pope John Paul 11
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