Blessed Didacus Joseph of Cadiz

Didacus Joseph Lopez Caamano, baptized Joseph Francis, was born in Spain in the year 1743, and entered the Capuchin Order in the Province of Seville. He was invested with the religious habit in 1757.

After his ordination to the priesthood he exercised the ministry of preaching throughout Spain with great success and was called “a second Paul”. He developed a method for his preaching which revolved around three points - 1) giving clear theological input, 2) promoting sacramental and devotional exercises, and 3) advocating a practical Christianity, especially in terms of promoting peace and justice. Always imbued with a great love for the cross, he combined apostolic activity with contemplation in a marvelous way.

For a good portion of his religious life, Didacus Joseph lived apart from any local Capuchin fraternity. He often stayed at the home of a
devout family in Ronda where he wrote most of his correspondence and where he died in 1801. His remains are preserved at the shrine of Our Lady of Peace at Ronda.

Didacus Joseph was beatified by Pope Leo XIII on April 1, 1894.