Statue of Saint Ignatius of Laconi

Brother, teacher, Capuchin, he was beggar for 40 years and set an example of humility and charity in the city of Cagliari (Sardinia). In 1940, when he had little hope of halos and pedestals, Pius XII beatified him and then canonized him in 1952. Ignatius Láconi (1701-1781) was an Italian who was never on the Italian mainland, a Sardinian native who never left his Mediterranean island. He died almost two centuries ago. He spoke Spanish, at least in his early years, and made great or small discoveries as a scientist. In poverty Franciscan Friar Ignacio reached a remarkable degree of perfection. He used to dress like Capuchin with a lamentable habit, mosaic patches and scraps, clean yes, but quaint.