Church to celebrate feast of first modern medical doctor ever canonized

Catholic News Agency ^ | 11-15-09 | Staff

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CNA STAFF, Nov 15, 2009 / 04:45 am (CNA).- On November 16, the Church will celebrate the feast of St. Joseph Moscati, the first modern medical doctor to be canonized. Born on July 25, 1880 in Benevento, Italy, he lived out the Gospel through his position as a teacher and physician. There are a number of stories of Dr. Moscati paying close attention to the state of his patient's soul as well as the body, sometimes even bringing the patient back to the sacraments. The Catholic understanding of body and soul clearly informed his understanding of illness and medicine. He saw Confession and Communion as the “first medicine.”

He is quoted as once having said, “Remember that you have to deal not only with the bodies but also with the moaning souls coming to you.”

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"He carried a Rosary in his pocket as a reminder throughout his day and as a way to draw him to Our Lady -- and through her, to Jesus -- when he needed to make important decisions" --from the article.