San Francesco di Paola
In addition to being the patron saint of Calabria he is also the patron saint of Cosenza Province. Saint Francis is also the patron saint of boatmen, naval officers, mariners, sailors, against plagues, epidemics, against fire, travellers and sterility. Francesco Martolilla was born in 1416 in Paola and died April 2, 1507 in Plessis, France. Saint Francis was born to parents known for their holiness. They remained childless for a number of years and prayed for the intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi for children. Their prayers were answered and their first born child, a son, was named Francesco (Francis) in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Two more children followed. As a child he suffered an ailment in his eye which threatened his sight. 
His parents again, prayed for the intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi and vowed that he would wear the robes of Saint Francis' order. He was instantly cured. Thus began the life of a man known for his humility, sanctity and holiness. At the age of 13 he entered a Franciscan convent and began his life as a Franciscan monk. For 6 years he lived alone in a cave in Paola. After performing a miracle of walking on water when a boatman refused him passage, he garnered a following of monks. Eventually he founded a new order of Franciscan monks.
About 1454 the Archbishop of Cosenza granted Saint Francis permission to build a large monestary and church. In 1492 he changed the name of his order to the "Minums" because he wanted to be known as the least in God's household. He wanted to be a contemplative hermit monk, however, God had other plans for him and gave him the gift of miracles and prophecy. He was persecuted by King Ferdinand of Naples for his criticism of the King's ill doings. At the request of Pope Sixtus IV, he travelled to France to assist King Louis XI prepare for death. During his service to the King he counselled him to restore peace between France and Brittain and became his respected advisor. The King's successors kept him in service to France. With Saint Francis' death imminent be begged the King to let him return home to Italy, but was refused. He died in France on April 2, 1507 while the Passion according to Saint John was being read to him. 
My Grandfather and Saint Francis
A story has been passed down to me about my grandfather and Saint Francis of Paola. My grandfather was crossing the mountains from Montalto Uffugo to a neighboring town with the family donkey who was carrying barrels of wine. My grandfather had to go to the neighboring town to sell the wine and return home. While crossing the mountain the hoove of the donkey got caught in a cravase in the mountain. My grandfather tried and tried but he could not free the hoove of the donkey. My grandfather, who was cold and tired, prayed to Saint Francis to have pity on his poor donkey and allow his to be freed. At the moment the donkey was freed, a flash of lightening appeared. My grandfather never forgot that moment and from that day he was devoted to this local saint.
More coming soon.