Born in Italy in 1386 his father served on the Court of the King of Naples.

As a young man, after studying law at the University of Perugia, he was appointed Governor when he was just 26 years old. 

It was a time of great conflict in Italy and soon war developed with the house of Malatesta, a family that ruled parts of Italy in the 13th and 14th centuries. 

Sent as an Ambassador and a broker for peace, John was taken prisoner and, while he was being held 

captive, had a vision of St. Francis, which moved him to join the Franciscans as a priest, after he was finally released. 

He was 30 when he joined the Franciscans and was ordained four years later. 

John was an outstanding priest and a fiery preacher and these skills, combined with his intellect and ability as a negotiator, made him a valued participant in the many and varied conflicts of his day. 

He was sent by Pope Eugene IV and Nicholas V to oppose the claims of antipope, Felix V. 

John helped suppress a number of different heresies, including one within the ranks of the Franciscan Order itself, and he was especially effective at reviving the sleeping and dormant faith of the people of central Europe. 

At the age of 70, he was sent to preach a Crusade against the invading Turks and was even given command of his own unit in a difficult but successful effort to free Belgrade from a siege. 

However, the battle took its toll on John, and a few years later he died, on this day in 1456. 

St. John Capistrano, please pray for us.