Saint John Leonardi, Priest

Saint John Leonardi (c. 1541–1609) was an Italian priest, reformer, and founder of the Clerks Regular of the Mother of God of Lucca. Originally a pharmacist's apprentice, Leonardi was ordained priest in 1572 and dedicated himself to catechizing youth, reforming clergy, and promoting frequent Communion following the Council of Trent. Enduring fierce opposition and exile from local authorities in Lucca due to his zealous moral reforms, Leonardi traveled to Rome where he gained the patronage of Saint Philip Neri and Pope Clement VIII. In Rome, Leonardi co-founded the Collegium Urbanum (Seminary of the Propagation of the Faith), establishing a centralized missionary training college for priests sent to foreign lands, and died while ministering to plague victims in Rome.