Saint of the day for December 2: The story of Blessed Rafal Chylinski

Saint of the day for December 2nd
(January 8, 1694 - December 2, 1741)

The story of Blessed Rafal Chylinski

Born near Buk in the Poznan region of Poland, Melchior Chylinski showed the first signs of religious devotion; family members nicknamed him "the little monk". After completing his studies at the Jesuit college in Poznan, Melchior joined the cavalry and was promoted to the rank of officer within three years.

In 1715, against the solicitations of his military companions, Melchior joined the conventual Franciscans in Krakow. Receiving the name Rafal, he was ordained two years later. After pastoral assignments in nine cities, he came to Lagiewniki, where he spent the last 13 years of his life, except 20 months, serving victims of floods and epidemics in Warsaw. In all these places Rafal was known for his simple and sincere sermons, for his generosity, as well as for his confessional ministry. People from all levels of society were attracted to the selfless way in which he lived his religious profession and priestly ministry.

Rafal played the harp, lute and mandolin to accompany the liturgical hymns. In Lagiewniki he distributed food, provisions and clothes to the poor. After his death, the convent church of that city became a place of pilgrimage for people from all over Poland. He was beatified in Warsaw in 1991.

Reflection

Rafal's sermons preached were greatly strengthened by the living sermon of his life. The sacrament of reconciliation can help us bring our daily choices into harmony with our words about Jesus' influence in our life.