P. GIUSEPPE RAGUSA DA MODICA (RAGUSA) (†1869) EGREGIO ORATORE SACRO.

This short, five-paragraph article introduces the reader to the distinguished preacher Friar Giuseppe Ragusa from Modica (Syracuse). The article begins by talking about preaching in the Franciscan Order. Next, it recounts events in Friar Giuseppe's life. Friar Giuseppe was born in 1806. He professed vows in 1826, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1828. He completed his studies in Catania [Sicily] and in 1836, having earned a Bachelor's degree, he was co-opted by the Order's other college students. After graduating in theology in 1839, he alternated between teaching and preaching. However, he achieved ever-increasing success as a preacher. The grave misfortune that struck his family, the memory of which aroused great horror in Friar Giuseppe, induced him to accept membership in the Province of Bologna, where he was assigned to the friary in Faenza. He became its guardian several times. He was well liked by the clergy and the people. He was also elected the Minister Provincial of Bologna for a three-year term (1849-1852). Longing for quiet, he retired to Longiano, in the Italian Province of Forlì, to the Shrine of the Most Holy Crucifix. He died of cancer on May 19, 1869. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]