Saint Leopold Mandic was born with many physical and health problems, into a large family, in Croatia. In 1884, he joined the Capuchin Franciscans and was appointed to a parish in Padua from 1906 until his death. He was so committed to mercy and compassion, that he spent 13-16 hours a day in the confessional. People from all walks of life sought him out for this sacrament of reconciliation, including Albino Luciani who would become John Paul I. He also prayed and worked for the unity of the Roman and Orthodox Christians. He died of esophagus cancer, after he collapsed as he was preparing for Mass.
