St. John of the Cross, Saint of the day for August 17

(18 June 1666 - 17 August 1736)

History of St. John of the Cross

The encounter with a wretched old woman who many considered crazy led St. John to dedicate his life to the poor. For Joan, who had a reputation as an entrepreneur intent on monetary success, this was a significant conversion.

Born in 1666 in Anjou, France, Joan worked in the family business, a small shop near a religious shrine, from an early age. After his parents died, he took over the shop. She soon became known for her greed and callousness towards beggars who often came for help.

That was until she was touched by the strange woman who claimed to be intimate with the deity. John, who had always been devoted, even scrupulous, became a new person. She started taking care of children in need. Then the poor, the elderly and the sick came to her. Over time he closed the family business to be able to devote himself completely to good works and penance.

He went on to found what became known as the Congregation of Sant'Anna della Provvidenza. It was then that she took the religious name of Joan of the Cross. By the time of his death in 1736 he had founded 12 religious houses, hospices and schools. Pope John Paul II canonized her in 1982.

Reflection
The downtown areas of most large cities are home to a population of "street people". Well-dressed people usually avoid making eye contact, probably out of fear of being asked for a flyer. This was John's attitude until the day one of them touched her heart. Most people thought the old woman was crazy, but she put Joan on the path to holiness. Who knows what the next beggar we meet might do for us?