Fr. Scott A. Haynes
Feast of Saint Cajetan
August 7
Saint Cajetan, born Gaetano dei Conti di Thiene on October 1, 1480, in Vicenza, Italy, was a man of profound faith and extraordinary vision. At a time when the Catholic Church was marred by scandal, ignorance, and corruption, Saint Cajetan's response was not to rebel but to renew. His life offers an inspiring meditation on the power of holiness, humility, and dedication to God's will.
In the early 16th century, the Catholic Church was experiencing a period of significant turmoil. Many clergy members were unlearned and more interested in their personal gain than in the spiritual well-being of their congregations. Corruption was rampant, with church funds being misappropriated and moral laxity becoming increasingly prevalent. Some clergy kept mistresses, flouting the vow of celibacy that they had taken. This widespread scandal within the Church was a cause of great distress to many devout Catholics.
Among those distressed by the state of the Church was Saint Cajetan. However, unlike Martin Luther, who chose to break away from the Church and instigated the Protestant Reformation, Cajetan sought to reform the Church from within. His response to the corruption he witnessed was not rebellion but renewal through personal holiness and institutional reform.
Saint Cajetan's path to sainthood began with his education. He studied law at the University of Padua, where he earned his doctorate in civil and canon law. Despite his promising career prospects, he felt a deep calling to the priesthood and was ordained in 1516. He soon became a part of the Roman Curia, working closely with Pope Julius II and later with Pope Leo X. It was during this time that he witnessed firsthand the dire need for reform within the Church.
In response to the moral and spiritual decay he observed, Saint Cajetan co-founded the Theatines, a new religious order, in 1524 along with Giovanni Pietro Carafa, who would later become Pope Paul IV. The Theatines aimed to revive the spirit of the clergy through a return to apostolic simplicity and fervor. They emphasized personal piety, rigorous theological education, and pastoral care. The order sought to be a living example of the virtues that were so desperately needed in the Church at that time.
Saint Cajetan's approach to reform was characterized by his deep humility and unwavering faith. He did not seek to condemn or castigate the errant clergy but instead to inspire them through his own example of holy living. He devoted himself to the care of the sick and the poor, often at great personal risk. During times of plague, he was known to minister to the afflicted without regard for his own safety, demonstrating a Christ-like compassion that touched the hearts of many.
In contrast to Martin Luther's public and confrontational approach, Saint Cajetan worked quietly and steadily. He believed that true reform would come not through division but through a renewal of the Church's original spirit and mission. His life was a testament to the power of inner transformation and the impact of living a life wholly dedicated to God.
One of the most moving aspects of Saint Cajetan's life was the manner of his death, which reflected his deep devotion and humility. In his final days, weakened by illness, he was urged by his doctors to rest on a softer bed instead of the hard boards on which he had always slept. His response was profound and revealing of his character: "My Savior died on a cross. Let me die on wood at least." This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates the depth of his faith and his desire to share in the sufferings of Christ, even in his last moments.
Saint Cajetan died on August 7, 1547. His passing was marked by a serene acceptance of God's will, a fitting end for a life lived in complete devotion to the Lord. His legacy, however, lived on through the Theatines and the countless lives he touched through his ministry. The order he founded continued to play a crucial role in the Counter-Reformation, helping to restore the spiritual integrity and pastoral effectiveness of the Catholic clergy.
Saint Cajetan's life and death offer a profound meditation on the power of faith and the transformative potential of personal holiness. His response to the corruption and scandal of his time was not to abandon or rebel against the Church but to work tirelessly for its renewal. Through his example, he demonstrated that true reform begins within, through a deep commitment to God and a life of service to others.
In a world often marked by division and conflict, the life of Saint Cajetan serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of humility, faith, and perseverance. His legacy is one of hope and inspiration, a testament to the enduring power of a life dedicated to the principles of love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God's plan.
Our times today bear some resemblance to the times in which Saint Cajetan lived. In his day, priests did not know the faith and did not teach it. Today it is far worse, as priests have two or three diplomas to hang on the wall, yet, despite this education, they teach false doctrine. In Saint Cajetan’s day, many clergy were stealing money from the Church or were corrupted by bad morals, keeping mistresses. In our day, we have seen financial and sexual scandals within clerical circles.
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