Blessed Didacus Joseph (Diego Jose) of Cadiz was born in March 29, 1743. His lineage dated from the Visigoth kings. As a youth, Didacus could make no progress at school, receiving the nickname of the "dunce of Cadiz". A seminarian classmate, a Dominican friar, Antonio Querero, testified how difficult study had been for him. Didacus Joseph entered the Capuchin Franciscan Order in Seville, was ordained to the priesthood, and had prepared himself by a holy life. His first appointment was to the task of preaching. His biographers stated that the congregations marveled at the singular power and unction of his words, which swayed his audiences and left an impression on their lives.