Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint John Leonardi (1541-1609)

Saint John Leonardi was ordained a priest and became very passionate about ministering to prisoners and the sick. His commitment and devotion attracted other young men to assist him, and they later become priests themselves. John and his fellow assistants and priests formed the Clerks Regular of the Mother of God of Lucca. However, this group spurred political opposition, with many believing that John had founded the group for his personal glorification. John was exiled from Lucca for most of the remainder of his life. While in exile, he was encouraged and looked after by Saint Philip Neri. John created the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, and put out a collection of Christian doctrine that was continually used until the 19th century. He died at the age of 68 from a disease caught while ministering to plague victims. Saint John Leonardi was canonized in 1938.

Reflection

Popularity can be a blessing. Saint John Leonardi used his popularity to bring more young men into the priesthood and share the Good News of Christ. However, popularity can also be a bad thing if it is used to spread hurtful gossip or encourage people to do dangerous and sinful things. Do you set a good Christian example when you are with your friends, or do you encourage them to partake in hurtful or dangerous behaviors?

Prayer

Dear Jesus, you know how important friends are in helping us live as your disciples. Thank you for my friends, and help me to be a positive influence on my friends in return. (Taken from "Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.")

Meditations

Meditation for Responsorial Psalm

God has done great things for us. One athlete was bemoaning the fact that he had broken his leg and was out for the season. He was feeling sorry for himself until one of his classmates was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. Yet the young man with cancer could still express gratitude to God for the short life he had experienced. He could do this because, like the psalmist, he was looking at the bigger picture. Name things for which you wish to praise God. How do you praise God with your whole heart? When you look at the bigger picture, with what grea things has God blessed you? (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)

Meditation for Gospel

Saint Francis of Assisi is an example of a person who was a good neighbor. He came from a wealthy family but gave up his wealth for the good of others. In the parable of the good Samaritan, we have a story about the least likely, a Samaritan, acting as a true neighbor. Samaritans were despised by the Jews. But in the story, a priest and a Levite (a respected Jewish leader) ignored an injured man. Only the Samaritan stopped to help. The Samaritan and Saint Francis have much in common. They both went out of their way to help others. They were both willing to be inconvenienced to help others. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)