Saint of the day for February 16: the story of San Gilberto

Gilberto was born in Sempringham, England, into a wealthy family, but he followed a very different path from what was expected of him as the son of a Norman knight. Sent to France for his higher education, he decided to continue his seminary studies. He returned to England not yet ordained a priest, and inherited several properties from his father. But Gilberto avoided the easy life he could have led in those circumstances. Instead he lived a simple life in a parish, sharing as much as possible with the poor. After his priestly ordination he served as pastor in Sempringham. Among the congregation were seven young women who had expressed a desire to him to live in the religious life. In response, Gilberto had a house built for them adjacent to the church. There they lived an austere life, but one that attracted more and more numbers; in the end lay sisters and lay brothers were added to work the land. The religious order formed eventually became known as Gilbertini, although Gilbert had hoped that the Cistercians or some other existing order would take responsibility for establishing a rule of life for the new order. The Gilbertini, the only religious order of English origin founded during the Middle Ages, continued to thrive. But the order ended when King Henry VIII suppressed all Catholic monasteries.

Over the years a special custom has grown in the houses of the order called "the dish of the Lord Jesus". The best portions of the dinner were put on a special plate and shared with the poor, reflecting Gilbert's concern for the less fortunate. Throughout his life Gilberto lived in a simple way, consumed little food and spent a good part of many nights in prayer. Despite the rigors of such a life, he died well over 100. Reflection: when he entered his father's wealth, Gilberto could have lived a life of luxury, as many of his fellow priests did at the time. Instead, he chose to share his wealth with the poor. The fascinating habit of filling "the dish of the Lord Jesus" in the monasteries he established reflected his concern. Today's Rice Bowl operation echoes that habit: eating a simpler meal and letting the difference in the grocery bill help feed the hungry.