Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Pantaleon (d.303)

Saint Pantaleon was such a celebrated doctor that the Roman Emperor Galerius appointed him as his personal physician. Pantaleon's excessive involvement in the pagan court influenced him to deny his Christianity. He lived as a pagan for some time before a priest named Hermolaos made him realize that he had committed a grave sin. Pantaleon repented and rejoined the Church. To make up for his mistake, Pantaleon wished to suffer and die in Jesus' name. For the time being, he lived by the example of Christ's charity by offering his medical services to the poor free of charge. When the persecution of Diocletian began, Pantaleon immediately gave away all of his possessions to the poor, and was soon accused of being a Christian. When given the choice of denying his Faith or being put to death, Pantaleon immediately chose to die for his Christian beliefs. Saint Pantaleon is the patron saint of physicians and midwives, the patron against accidents and loneliness, and the helper for crying children.

Reflection

Even though it should not be our goal to die for our faith, it should be our goal to follow the examples that Jesus and many of the saints left for us. These examples include ministering to the poor or sick without expecting anything in return, and living a life that is in accordance with our Christian beliefs.

Prayer

Ask God to show you how you can help those in need. Maybe it will be a financial donation to an organization that helps others, maybe it will be volunteering at a local soup kitchen, or maybe it will be using your spare time to help your friends and family.