Saint Cajetan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Cajetan CR
Portrait of Saint Cajetan
Priest and Confessor
Born	1 October 1480 Vicenza, Veneto, Republic of Venice (now Italy)
Died	7 August 1547(1547-08-07) (aged 66) Naples, Campania, Kingdom of Naples
Venerated in	Catholic Church
Beatified	8 October 1629, Saint Peter's Basilica, Papal States by Pope Urban VIII
Canonized	12 April 1671, Saint Peter's Basilica, Papal States by Pope Clement X
Feast	7 August
Attributes	Priest's cassock Book
Patronage	Bankers; unemployed people; workers; gamblers; document controllers; job seekers; good fortune; Albania; Italy; Ħamrun (Malta); Argentina; Brazil; El Salvador; Guatemala; Labo, Camarines Norte, Philippines

Saint Cajetan (born Gaetano dei Conti di Thiene) was an Italian Catholic priest. He was also a religious reformer. He helped start a group called the Theatines. The Catholic Church recognizes him as a saint. His special day, called a feast day, is celebrated on August 7.

Early Life and Studies

Cajetan was born in October 1480. His family was important and noble in the area of Vicenza, Italy. His father passed away when Cajetan was only two years old. His mother, Mary Porta, helped him grow up with a strong sense of faith.

Cajetan studied law at the University of Padua. He earned a special degree at age 24. This degree meant he was an expert in both civil (country's) and church law.

Working for the Pope

In 1506, Cajetan worked as a diplomat for Pope Julius II. A diplomat is someone who represents their country or leader in talks with other groups. He helped the Pope make peace with the city of Venice. However, he did not become a priest until 1516.

After Pope Julius II died in 1513, Cajetan left his work at the Pope's court. He went back to Vicenza when his mother died. There, he started a hospital in 1522 for people with illnesses that could not be cured. By 1523, he had also opened a hospital in Venice.

Cajetan cared deeply about helping people's spirits, not just their bodies. He joined a group in Rome called the "Oratory of Divine Love". He wanted to create a new group that would combine prayer and quiet reflection with active work helping others.

Founding the Theatines

In 1524, Pope Clement VII officially approved Cajetan's new group. One of his four friends who helped start it was Giovanni Pietro Carafa. Carafa was a bishop who later became Pope Paul IV. The new group was named "Theatines" after Carafa's city, Chieti (which was called Theate in Latin).

The Theatines grew slowly at first. In 1527, when the city of Rome was attacked, there were only twelve Theatines. During this difficult time, Cajetan faced hardship from soldiers. The Theatines managed to escape to Venice.

Helping Others and Starting a Bank

In Venice, Cajetan met Jerome Emiliani. He helped Emiliani start his own group, the Somaschi Fathers. In 1533, Cajetan opened a Theatine house in Naples. By 1540, he was back in Venice and expanded his work to Verona.

Cajetan also started a bank to help poor people. This bank offered loans at fair rates, giving people an option instead of moneylenders who charged very high interest. This bank later became the Banco di Napoli, a famous bank in Italy.

Cajetan passed away in Naples on August 7, 1547. His body rests in the church of San Paolo Maggiore in Naples. Outside the church, there is a square named Piazza San Gaetano with a statue of him.

Becoming a Saint

Cajetan was recognized as "blessed" (beatified) on October 8, 1629, by Pope Urban VIII. Later, on April 12, 1671, he was officially declared a saint (canonized) by Pope Clement X. Saint Cajetan's feast day is celebrated every year on August 7.

Patron Saint and Legacy

A Jesuit missionary named Eusebio Kino started a mission in 1691. He named it San Cayetano de Tumacácori to honor Saint Cajetan. This place is now Tumacacori National Historical Park in Arizona, USA.

Saint Cajetan is known as the patron saint of several groups and places. A patron saint is like a special protector or guide. He is the patron saint of Argentina, and also of people who are unemployed, workers, and those looking for jobs. He is also a patron saint for bankers, gamblers, and good fortune.

Saint Cajetan was like Saint Francis of Assisi. He gave up his wealth to live a life focused on Christian faith. He was very dedicated to his spiritual goals and never let anything distract him. He worked hard until the very end. Because he is the patron saint of the unemployed, many people who are looking for work pray to him for help.

See also

In Spanish: Cayetano de Thiene para niños

• Theatines
• Sant'Andrea della Valle