Bl. Nicolás Factor

Pedro Nicolás Factor was born in Valencia, Spain, in 1520, the son of a Sicilian tailor. At seventeen he joined the Observant Franciscans in his home city.

He was a tireless preacher and confessor, and spiritual director to several convents of nuns, including the Poor Clares of Madrid. He lived almost entirely on bread and water. His penances were so severe that someone reported him to the Inquisition. He was a friend of St Paschal Baylon and St Louis Bertrand.

He died in 1583. Pius VI beatified him in 1786.

Legend and tradition. Stories told of his ecstasies, his foreknowledge of the Battle of Lepanto, and angels who helped him at Mass. His biographer notes that these tales reflect the outlook of his time.

Nicolás Factor was beatified in 1786.

Beatification allows public veneration, usually in a particular region or religious family. Canonization extends it to the whole Church.