Blessed Joachim Piccolomini

Joachim Piccolomini (1258 – 10 April 1305), also known as Joachim of Siena, or, in Italian, Giovacchino Piccolomini, was an Italian Servite tertiary from Siena. Born Chiaramonte Piccolomini, he was from a noble family of Siena, Italy. Especially noted for his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Marym as a child, he would pray the Ave Maria before an image of Our Lady of Sorrows. He was also known from an early age to exhibit sensitivity to the plight of the poor. He distributed his own clothes and pocket money, and urged his parents to increase their help to the unfortunate.His father once protested to his son, saying that wisdom should set limits to his generosity, otherwise he would lead the whole family into poverty. The compassionate youngster replied modestly: "You have taught me that an alms is given to Jesus Christ in the form of a pauper - can we deny him anything? And what is the benefit of wealth if it is not used to buy treasures in heaven?" The father wept for joy when he found such generous qualities in one who was so young and so dear to him. Despite his family's reservations, Piccolomini joined the Servites as a lay-brother at the age of fourteen, taking the name Joachim, reflecting his devotion to Mary. He became a spiritual student of Philip Benizi. In the monastery he distinguished himself by his devotion and kindness. On Saturdays, Joachim abstained from all food in honor of the Seven Dolours of the Virgin. His fervor grew, yet instilled in him an extraordinary humility. Joachim was urged by his brothers to study and be ordained a priest, but he felt he was unworthy, and wanted nothing grander than to be an altar server. One account of Joachim's hagiography has the Blessed Virgin appearing to him at important times in his life, such as in his adolescence, when she urged him to join the Servites.