The second Anna, usually known by her pet name, Nina, was born in Benevento, in 1878. She always stood by her brother, Dr. Moscati, to he1p him in all his charitable works.

The young Moscati, standing near his sister Nina.

Little Maria became the pet of the family: she died at four. Finally, Joseph was born on July 25^th 1880. His brother Eugenio was born in Ancona while Domenico was born in Naples (1884): the latter became the mayor of the city.

Don Innocenzo Maio, who died at ninety, ten years after Moscati’s death, baptized Joseph at home six days after his birth, on 31st Ju1y 1880, St.Ignatius Loyola’s Day.

On December 8^th 1888, Joseph received his First Holy Communion from Monsignor Enrico Marano, in the Church of the Maids of the Sacred Heart ("Ancelle del Sacro Cuore") in Naples. We have no further details of this event, but we can indicate that day as the beginning of his Eucharistic life, one of the secrets of Dr.Moscati’s sanctity.

On 3^rd March 1890, he received the sacrament of Confirmation from Monsignor Pasquale De Siena: Francesco Cosenza was his Godfather.

Gennaro and Nina Moscati

Gennaro and Nina Moscati deserve a special mention.

Gennaro was the firstborn. Joseph wrote about him: "Gennarino took daddy’s place and brought up all of us. He deserves our respect and reverence."

Nina was the only surviving girl of the Moscati family. Her brother Eugenio, talking about the charitable works of the Saint, says: "In doing good, he had Nina as his ally."

As long as she lived, Nina stayed by Moscati to help him in all his activities of apostolate and charity. There was an extraordinary spiritual affinity between them. Nina died four years after Moscati’s death on September 24^th 1931.

Close to the church of the Maids of the Sacred Heart, where little Joseph Moscati received his First Communion at eight, the Blessed Caterina Volpicelli lived. The Saint’s parents were very close to her by a deep spiritual affinity.

Joseph Moscati as a university student.

It is there that Moscati met Blessed Bartolo Longo, the founder of the sanctuary of Our Lady of Pompeii. He lived not far from the church until 1872: he used to go to Mass every day and say the Rosary.
Many years later, when Bartolo Longo moved to Pompeii, Moscati became his primary doctor.

Moscati’s first address in Naples was Via Santa Teresa al Museo, then Bagnara’s Palace in 9, Dante Square, later Via Sant’Anna dei Lombardi just for few months and, finally (1902), he settled on the third floor at 10, Via Cisterna dell’Olio, where he lived till his death.

After his elementary education, young Moscati entered high school and from 1889-90 he attended the Vittorio Emanuele Institute. There was Giuseppe Mercalli, the famous vulcanologist, among his teachers. He passed his school leaving examination with full marks.

Alberto, Moscati's brother, who died in 1904.

Joseph Moscati started to study Medicine in I897 and on April 4^th 1903 he graduates "summa cum laude" with a thesis on the ‘Hepatic Urogenesis’ declared worthy of publication.

When Moscati entered the University of Naples, the prevailing atmosphere was not the best from the ethical and religious point of view. A sectarian, Masonic and politic wind was blowing in the city and two cultural centres supported it: the Faculty of Philosophy and the Faculty of Medicine.

The youth fell a prey to agnostic and atheistic prophets, fascinated by a revolutionary and sectarian wave. Joseph kept out from all extremism: he knew his main task was to study: so he avoided any meddling. Besides, he was well aware that a serious profound study requires calm and serenity of spirit. How could he apply himself to his work and join his fellows rioting and demonstrating in the streets, at the same time?

He was coming back home from the church of Pilgrims Arch confraternity (he was a member) where he had heard Mass. Two days later, on December 21^st 1897, he gave up his soul to God after having received the Sacraments and entrusted Gennaro to look after his wife and children.

A new loss struck down Moscati on June 12^th 1914. His brother Alberto died in Benevento where he had been living on retreat with the Fatebenefratelli.
Some years before, in 1892, he fell off his horse during a military parade: this caused a concussion and a recurring epileptic syndrome.

Joseph used to spend many hours next to his brother to assist him. This experience favoured his decision to choose the Faculty of Medicine, the only case in his family. The sorrow he felt after the death of his brother lasted for life.

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