Saint Cajetan

Cajetan was born in 1480 in Vincenza, Italy. At the University of Padua, he was an outstanding student in theology and law. Cajetan became a priest and could have had a successful career in the Curia as an advisor to the pope. Instead, he chose to serve those who were poor or the sick. Other men wanted to help him in his work, so he began a religious order called the Theatines. Cajetan trained his priests in the study of the Bible, in the faith, and in restoring prayerful worship in the parishes. His followers always looked after people who needed help in the cities.

In 1527, an army attacked Rome. Cajetan was treated cruelly because he did not have the riches the soldiers were looking for. He escaped to Venice, where he recovered his health. It was there that he began a monte de pieta (a “mountain of compassion”). This name was given to an organization that loaned money to people in need in return for pawned objects. Cajetan developed this plan to help people avoid going to men who charged enormous interest. His plan was the first of what has come to be known as parish credit unions. During the last few years of his life, Cajetan spent many hours each day in prayer. He died in 1547.

Suggestions

• Have the students find out how their parish helps those who are poor or disadvantaged. Let them suggest how they themselves can help.

• Ask the students how they can foster vocations.

Excerpted from Christ Our Life, by Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio

Image credit: Sanctus Caietanus by Francesco Solimena, date unknown. Public Domain via Wikimedia.