About Saint John of Capistrano:
John of Capistrano was a 15th-century Franciscan friar, lawyer, and preacher, known as the “Soldier Saint” for his role in leading an army to relieve the Siege of Belgrade.
John of Capistrano was born in 1386 at a turbulent time in history: one-third of the population and nearly 40 percent of the clergy had been wiped out by the bubonic plague, The Western Schism split the Church with two or three claimants to the Holy See at one time, plus England and France were at war with each other; on top of which, the city-states of Italy were constantly in conflict with each other.
Thanks to the excellent education he received, his talents and success were great. John was 26 when he was made governor of Perugia. Imprisoned after a battle against the Malatestas, he resolved to change his way of life completely. At the age of 30 he entered the Franciscan novitiate and was ordained a priest four years later.
John of Capistrano’s preaching attracted great throngs at a time of religious apathy and confusion. He and 12 Franciscan brethren were received in the countries of central Europe as angels of God. They were instrumental in reviving a dying faith and devotion.
The Franciscan Order itself was in turmoil over the interpretation and observance of the Rule of St. Francis. Through John’s tireless efforts and his expertise in law, the heretical Fraticelli (strict Franciscan Spirituals who became a schismatic sect in the 14th century) were condemned by the Church.
John of Capistrano helped bring about a brief reunion with the Greek and Armenian Churches.
When the Turks captured Constantinople in 1453, John was commissioned to preach a crusade for the defense of Europe. Gaining little response in Bavaria and Austria, he decided to concentrate his efforts in Hungary. He led the army to Belgrade. Under the great General John Hunyadi, they gained an overwhelming victory, and the siege of Belgrade was lifted. Worn out by his superhuman efforts, Capistrano was an easy prey to an infection after the battle.
He died in Újlak (modern-day Ilok) on October 23, 1456, and his grave became a pilgrimage site soon after. where nearly 500 miracles were reported by 1526. We celebrate the Feast Day of Saint John of Capistrano on October 23.
Saint John of Capistrano is Patron Saint of Judges. Today, his remains are interred in the church complex at Ilok Castle.
The complex includes a working friary, maintaining the site’s continuous monastic presence as well as a beautiful neo-Gothic church with frescoes. Visitors can climb the bell tower for spectacular views.
Traveling to Ilok Castle, Croatia and the tomb of Saint John of Capistrano:
Ilok is located in the easternmost part of Croatia overlooking the Danube River. The castle complex dominates the town and is easy to find. And, as typical is many areas of Croatia, grape production is an important part of the economy, with wine being produced here locally. The winery makes an excellent visit after seeing the church and castle complex.