Roman Catholic Saint. Born Giuseppe Desideri to humble family in Leonessa, as a child, his early biographies recall that he fasted regularly and was drawn to a life of penance. Entering the Franciscan Minor Capuchin Order in Assisi in 1573, he spoke little and led a life of great humility. Ordained priest in 1580, becoming a preacher only through obedience, he was appointed guardian of the named friary of Assisi. Sleeping on boards and wearing poor clothes, he kept his body in almost continual pain and prayed continuously. Desiring martyrdom, he asked and obtained permission to go to Constantinople in 1587, where along with three companions, their works among the Christian slaves of the Turks proved to be heroic. Aside from preaching, he took care of the sick and needy until guards became suspicious of him, thinking he was a spy, and thus threw him in a dungeon. After being released, Padre Giuseppe tried to preach to the Sultan, but was arrested, beaten and condemned to die on the gibbet. Suspended by his right hand and left foot by hooks for three days, a slow fire below him almost choked him, yet as a large crowd gathered, he forgot his torments and preached to them of Christ, until on the third day, apparently quite miraculously, he was freed. Returning to Italy, where he soon became a sought confessor, he was a famous peacemaker. Leading on with his penances, he spent long hours in the confessional despite the cold and heat and preached as many as six sermons a day. Passing away at Amatrice on February 4, 1612, his remains were transported to his native Leonessa in 1639, where they repose to date inside a sanctuary dedicated to his honor. Canonized by Pope Benedict XIV in 1745, his liturgical feast is celebrated on February 4.