The Reluctant Saint 1962

Birth and childhood in a village

Giuseppe Desa is born in a rural village and is known for his slow wits from an early age. His mother keeps him in school longer than typical, and townspeople mock him as odd. He spends his childhood bearing ridicule while quietly trying to work the land and earn a living with a good heart.

Entrance into the Franciscan friary

Influenced by his uncle, Father Giovanni, an authority within the Franciscan order, Giuseppe enters the Franciscan friary. His slow mind makes study difficult and trouble follows him there, but the family connection helps him gain admission. The friars cautiously consider his suitability while he begins a new life among the brothers.

Bishop Durso endorses priestly training

During his time at the friary, visiting Bishop Durso, a man of peasant background, is moved by Giuseppe’s good heart and orders the friars to train him for the priesthood. This intervention gives Giuseppe a chance at ordination despite his limitations. The decision reshapes his path within the religious community.

Ordination despite limited academics

Even with little progress in formal study, Giuseppe is ordained a priest. He passes examinations through a series of unlikely or possibly miraculous events, rather than through conventional learning. His ordination marks a turning point from novice to shepherd within the order.

First levitations during ecstatic prayer

Shortly after his ordination, Giuseppe is seen levitating during ecstatic prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The phenomenon astonishes the friars and convinces some observers that his gifts are spiritually extraordinary. The episodes connect his holiness to the quiet life inside the friary chapel.

Another levitation during Mass

Giuseppe experiences levitation again, this time during the conventual Mass, attracting the attention of the entire community. The spectacle heightens faith in his divine assistance while also troubling those who fear demonic influence. The event cements the perception of his powers as sacred rather than mere trickery.

Raspi accuses possession

One of the friars, Father Raspi, publicly accuses Giuseppe of demonic possession after witnessing the miraculous levitations. The accusation challenges the perception of his holiness and creates tension within the friary. Giuseppe becomes the subject of scrutiny as the community debates the source of his powers.

Chaining to the ground

To prevent further writhing and to control the situation, Giuseppe is chained to the ground by his fellow friars. The measure is harsh and shows the fear that his powers could cause harm or scandal. The act underscores the conflict between discipline and belief within the order.

Exorcism is performed

The friars order an exorcism to address what is perceived as possession. The ritual attempts to suppress the levitations, but Giuseppe’s experiences persist. The tense confrontation pits faith against fear as the church machinery weighs in on his case.

Levitation continues, defying exorcism

Despite the exorcism, Giuseppe’s levitations continue, convincing the community of the divine origin of his powers. The persistence of the marvel reshapes how others view him, moving from suspicion to reverence. His gifts are increasingly interpreted as a sign of sanctity rather than abnormality.

Changing attitudes among the friars

Observing the ongoing miracles, even previously skeptical friars like Raspi begin to acknowledge the sacred nature of Giuseppe’s abilities. The atmosphere in the friary shifts from doubt to acceptance and wonder. The community starts to rally around him as a source of spiritual inspiration.