Saint Filippo Smaldone

[CyrilSebastian]

Saint Filippo Smaldone was born in Naples on July 27, 1848.   
His parents were Antonio and Maria Concetta Smaldone.   
Filippo attended the Cappella Serotina of Santa Maria della Purita, where he acquired a taste for the things of God.

[CyrilSebastian]

Due to the government's impounding of ecclesiastical property, seminarists could only 
receive Holy Orders if they had a yearly income.   
Filippo's father lacked the resources to pay for his son.   
A priest friend pledged to supply the necessary funds.

[CyrilSebastian]

In 1869 Filippo was appointed to teach deaf-mute children.   
It was in the Neapolitan convent of the Franciscans of Casoria he began to teach catechism.