Priest, 1631-1699

Blessed Marco was born as Carlo Domenico Cristofori on Nov. 17, 1631, in Aviano, Italy, to Marco Pasquale Cristofori and Rosa Zanoni. At the age of 16, he left home to walk to Crete where Venice was at war with the Ottoman Turks, planning to preach Christianity to Muslims and take his chance on martyrdom. After a few days, he stopped at a Capuchin house seeking food and shelter.

His time at the monastery affected Carlo deeply, and in 1648 he became a Capuchin novice at Conegliano, Italy. He made his formal vows in 1649, taking the name Mark.

On Sept. 8, 1676, while preaching at a monastery in Padua, Italy, Mark prayed over Sr. Vincenza Francesconi, who had been bed-ridden for 13 years; she was miraculously healed. Word spread, and while he continued preaching, Mark was soon besieged by people seeking miracles; many were healed and many were brought to the faith. He worked as a peacemaker throughout Europe, bringing unity to warring Catholic powers, educating them on the threat posed by the Ottomans and never letting them forget that all wise counsel was given by God.

On Aug. 13, 1699, Mark died of cancer in Vienna, Austria. He was declared venerable on July 6, 1991, and beatified on April 27, 2003, by Pope John Paul II.