Giovanni Liccio

Blessed Giovanni Liccio (c.1430 - 14 November 1511) was an Italian Roman Catholic priest and a professed member of the Order of Preachers. Liccio was a noted miracle worker and a pious preacher who was also known for his simple and ascetic manner of living. Liccio's miracles earned him the reputation of being a saint and devotion to him throughout the Sicilian cities spread.

On 25 April 1753 he was beatified after his cultus was approved.

Life Giovanni Liccio was born around 1430 in Caccamo to a poor farmer. His mother died during childbirth. His father neglected the child; he fed him crushed pomegranates, all he could afford. Liccio's cries led to a female neighbor taking him to her home to feed him and left him next to the bedside of her husband who was paralyzed. As soon as Liccio was placed near him, the husband found that he could move. The neighbor told Liccio's father but the latter was dismissive and more concerned with the fact that she had taken his son without his permission. As soon as the child was taken the husband could no longer move. Liccio's father took this as a sign of the divine and allowed the neighbours to care for his son while he worked. After a short time, the man was once again able to walk.

As the child grew older, he was cared for by an aunt. Before he turned ten he was able to recite the canonical hours. On a trip to Palermo he went to have his confession heard in the church of Saint Zita of Lucca; the Blessed Pietro Geremia heard his confession and suggested that Liccio take Holy Orders.