Saint of the day for December 18: the story of blessed Antonio Grassi

Saint of the day for December 18nd
(13 November 1592 - 13 December 1671)
Audio file
The story of the blessed Antonio Grassi

Anthony's father died when his son was only 10, but the young man inherited his father's devotion to Our Lady of Loreto. As a schoolboy he attended the local church of the Oratorian Fathers, becoming part of the religious order at the age of 17.

Already a good student, Anthony soon earned a reputation in his religious community as a "walking dictionary," which quickly understood Scripture and theology. For some time he was plagued by scruples, but reportedly they left him just around the time he was celebrating his first Mass. From that day on, serenity penetrated his very being.

In 1621, at the age of 29, Antonio was struck by lightning while praying in the church of the Santa Casa in Loreto. He was brought paralyzed by the church, waiting to die. When Anthony recovered within days he realized he was cured of acute indigestion. His burnt clothes were donated to the Loreto church as thanks for his new gift of life.

More importantly, Anthony now felt that his life belonged entirely to God. Every year thereafter he made a pilgrimage to Loreto to give thanks.

He also began to hear confessions and ended up being considered an exceptional confessor. Simple and direct, Anthony listened attentively to penitents, said few words and did penance and absolution, often drawing on his gift of reading consciences.

In 1635 Antonio was elected superior of the oratory of Fermo. He was so well regarded that he was re-elected every three years until his death. He was a quiet person and a kind superior who could not be strict. At the same time he kept the oratorian constitutions to the letter, encouraging the community to do the same.

He refused social or civic commitments and instead went out day and night to visit the sick, the dying or anyone who needed his services. As Anthony grew up, he had a God-given awareness of the future, a gift he often used to warn or comfort.

But age has also brought its own challenges. Anthony suffered the humility of having to give up his physical faculties one by one. The first was his preaching, made necessary after losing his teeth. So he could no longer hear confessions. Eventually, after a fall, Anthony was confined to his room. The same archbishop came every day to give him Holy Communion. One of his final acts was to reconcile two fiercely bickering brothers. The liturgical feast of Blessed Antonio Grassi is December 15th.

Reflection

Nothing provides a better reason to reevaluate a life than to touch death. Anthony's life already seemed to be on its way when he was struck by lightning; he was a brilliant priest, finally blessed with serenity. But the experience has softened it. Anthony became a loving advisor and wise mediator. The same could be said of us if we put our heart into it. We don't have to wait to be struck by lightning