Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Bruno (c.1030-1101)

Saint Bruno was born in Cologne, Germany, in approximately 1030. He stood with Pope Gregory VII in his battle against the corruption and decadence of the clergy. Bruno was also involved in the removal of a scandalous archbishop by the name of Manasses. He dreamed about living a life of seclusion and prayer, and became a hermit. Bruno started a hermitage with a few friends in the desert, and this was the beginning of the Carthusian Order. They lived lives of prayer and poverty, and their primary work was copying manuscripts. Saint Bruno was never officially canonized because of the Carthusians' dislike of public honors. However, Pope Leo X gave the Carthusians permission to celebrate Bruno's feast day, and his name was put on the Roman Catholic Calendar of Saints.

Reflection

Why do you think the Carthusians dislike public honors? Many of us secretly harbor strong desires for public recognition and honor. While there is nothing wrong with being recognized for one's great works or character, the Carthusians strongly emphasize that honors and accolades from human beings are meaningless compared to the humility and love and virtue cultivated through a life of devotion to God.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, help me to live with the humility and virtue of a Carthusian.