St Giles

St. Giles Mary was given the name Francis when he was born. He always wanted to be a priest but he had not finished enough schooling to enter the seminary, so he became a monk instead. When he turned 25, he entered the Friars of St Peter Alcantara in Naples. As Brother Giles Mary of St. Joseph, he served God with simplicity and humility. He had a heart for the poor and the homeless. His job in the monastery was to go out begging in the streets for the needs of the poor and for the needs of the Brothers in the monastery. He would always generously give food and money to the poor. No matter how much he would give away, there always food and money left over for the Brothers. He believed St. Joseph was responsible for this miracle of always providing for the needs of the poor and the Brothers. Brother Giles always had a special devotion to St. Joseph because he was always providing for him and that is why he is now called St. Giles Mary of St. Joseph. Brother Giles Mary was peacefully praying when he left this world to be with Jesus in heaven.