Ignazio Capizzi

Who they were

Father Ignazio Capizzi, whose heroic virtues were recognised in 1858 and whom Blessed Pius IX called "the Saint Philip Neri of Sicily", was one of the leading figures in the religious life of 18th-century Palermo. Born at Bronte, on the slopes of Etna, in 1708, he attended the local Oratory of Saint Philip from boyhood and was ordained priest in 1736.

He spent most of his priestly life in Palermo, devoted to popular missions, the education of boys and the ministry of confession, amid difficulties and misunderstanding. From 1769 he lived at the Oratory of the Olivella, where his gifts as theologian and writer became known alongside his zeal. He died on 27 September 1783 and is buried in Palermo, in the church of the Collegio della Sapienza.

The miracles

The Church has not yet approved a miracle in this cause.

Why that counted as sanctity

Oratorian priest of Palermo called by Blessed Pius IX "the Saint Philip Neri of Sicily"; heroic virtues recognised in 1858.

Connected on this site

• Philip Neri Saint
  “Father Ignazio Capizzi, whose heroic virtues were recognised in 1858 and whom Blessed Pius IX called "the Saint Philip Neri of Sicily", was one of the leading figures in the religious life of 18th-century Palermo.” — this site's research
• Pius IX Blessed
  “Father Ignazio Capizzi, whose heroic virtues were recognised in 1858 and whom Blessed Pius IX called "the Saint Philip Neri of Sicily", was one of the leading figures in the religious life of 18th-century Palermo.” — this site's research