St. Giuseppe Moscati (25 July 1880 – 12 April 1927) was an Italian doctor, scientific researcher, and university professor noted both for his pioneering work in biochemistry and for his piety.

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“Remember that you have to deal not only with the bodies but also with the moaning souls coming to you. How many suffering people you will more easily soothe by advising and going straight to their souls, instead of giving good prescriptions to be given to the chemist! Be joyful because great will be your reward; but you will have to set a good example of your elevation to God.”  St. Giuseppe Moscati

 

St. Giuseppe Moscati used his vocation as a doctor to serve the poor. When a patient couldn’t afford his medication or even food to eat, he would send them home with money in an envelope to make sure they got what they needed. He would even leave his own money under the pillows of the poor. He once told a student, “Not science, but charity, has transformed the world.”

 

He attended the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass daily and the Eucharist was at the center of his world. Before he examined a patient or doing any research, he was known to place himself in the presence of God and pray for the wisdom to heal his patients. It is said that he had a gift of being able to diagnose and provide the patient with a treatment plan by simply hearing their symptoms, sometimes without even seeing them. There were many miracles attributed to him even while he was still alive. He was a third order Franciscan and gave free care to Priests and Religious!

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After he became a doctor, if he knew his patient’s spiritual life was in danger, he would also prescribe to them a dose of the sacraments as part of his treatment plan for them. This was especially true if the patient was to undergo surgery of any kind. He considered the sacraments to be the “first medicine.”

 

In the autopsy room of the Institute of Anatomical Pathology, he placed a crucifix that had part of Hosea 13:14 written on it.

 

“I will deliver this people from the power of the grave;
   I will redeem them from death.
Where, O death, are your plagues?
   Where, O grave, is your destruction?

 

His research led to the discovery of insulin which has been life-saving for diabetics, undoubtedly inspired by his mother’s death from the disease. He studied and became proficient in 20 different medical specialties in order to best serve others.

 

He died at 3:00 pm—the Divine Mercy Hour—on the Tuesday of Holy Week, April 1927. He was buried on Holy Thursday, which some say is fitting because of his great love of the Eucharist. He loved the Immaculate Virgin Mary and prayed the Rosary everyday. He consulted the Immaculate Virgin Mary in all important decisions!

 

The Holy Family Institute/Divine Mercy Care was established on the Feast of the Sacred Heart June 16, 2023 to continue the vision of St. Giuseppe Moscati by emulating his great love for Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Immaculate Virgin Mary and St. Joseph in the care of those who are sick in mind, body or soul!