Saint of the day for December 23: the story of Saint John of Kanty

Saint of the day for December 23nd
(24 June 1390 - 24 December 1473)

The story of St. John of Kanty

John was a country boy who did well in the big city and big university in Krakow, Poland. After brilliant studies he was ordained a priest and became a professor of theology. The inevitable opposition encountered by the saints led him to be ousted by his rivals and sent to be parish priest in Olkusz. An extremely humble man, he did his best, but his best was not to the liking of his parishioners. Furthermore, he was afraid of the responsibilities of his position. But in the end he won the hearts of his people. After some time he returned to Krakow and taught Scripture for the rest of his life.

John was a serious and humble man, but known to all the poor of Krakow for his kindness. His possessions and his money were always at their disposal and they often took advantage of them. He kept only the money and clothes absolutely necessary to support himself. He slept little, ate sparingly and took no meat. He made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, hoping to be martyred by the Turks. Later Giovanni made four successive pilgrimages to Rome, carrying his luggage on his shoulders. When he was warned to take care of his health, he was quick to point out that, despite all their austerity, the desert fathers lived extraordinarily long lives.

Reflection

John of Kanty is a typical saint: he was kind, humble and generous, he suffered opposition and led an austere and penitential life. Most Christians in a wealthy society can understand all but the last ingredient: anything more than mild self-discipline seems reserved for athletes and dancers. At least Christmas is a good time to reject self-indulgence.