San Giovanni Leonardi, Saint of the day for 8 October

(1541 - October 9, 1609)

The story of San Giovanni Leonardi
“I'm just a person! Why should I do something? What good would it do? “Today, as in any era, people seem plagued by the dilemma of getting involved. In his own way, John Leonardi answered these questions. He chose to become a priest.

After his ordination, Fr. Leonardi became very active in the ministry's work, especially in hospitals and prisons. The example and dedication of his work attracted several young lay people who began to assist him. They later became priests themselves.

John lived after the Protestant Reformation and the Council of Trent. He and his followers have designed a new congregation of diocesan priests. For some reason the plan, which was eventually approved, provoked great political opposition. John was exiled from his hometown of Lucca, Italy, for almost the rest of his life. He received encouragement and help from San Filippo Neri, who gave him his accommodation, along with the care of his cat!

In 1579, John formed the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine and published a compendium of Christian doctrine which remained in use until the XNUMXth century.

Father Leonardi and his priests became a great power for good in Italy, and their congregation was confirmed by Pope Clement in 1595. Giovanni died at the age of 68 from an illness he contracted while caring for those affected by the plague.

By the deliberate policy of the founder, the Clerks Regular of the Mother of God never had more than 15 churches, and today they form only a small congregation. The liturgical feast of San Giovanni Leonardi is October 9th.

Reflection
What can a person do? The answer is abundant! In the life of every saint, one thing is clear: God and a person are the majority! What an individual, following God's will and plan for his life, can do is more than our mind can ever hope or imagine. Each of us, like John Leonardi, has a mission to fulfill in God's plan for the world. Each of us is unique and has received talent to use in the service of our brothers and sisters in building the kingdom of God.