April Saints

April 5. Saint Vincent Ferrer.

Saint Vincent Ferrer was born in Spain in 1357. In 1374 he entered the Order of Preachers, now known as Dominicans. In 1378 the schism of the West divided the allegiances of Christians between the pope of Rome and that of Avignon. Vincent worked to restore the unity of the church. He traveled throughout Europe, striving to bring peace to a divided society. He died in 1417.

Your turn
What kinds of divisions do you see in your society? And in your parish community? What could you do to foster unity?

April 7. Saint John Baptist de LaSalle.

Saint John Baptist de LaSalle was born in France. He renounced a good clerical position in order to found the Congregation of Brothers of the Christian Doctrine, devoted to the education of children of the lower social classes. John dedicated his life to education, both at the elementary level and at the level of trade training for young people. His methods were very innovative. He died in 1719.

Your turn
What would you be able to leave behind in order to serve underprivileged people?

April 16. Saint Isidore of Seville.

Saint Isidore of Seville was born in Spain in the 6th Century. He was the brother of saints Leander, Fulgence, and Florentine. He was the bishop of Seville and devoted himself to the formation of the clergy. He fostered the creation of schools for priests and monks. He wrote many important works of spiritual doctrine. He died in 636.

Your turn
In which ways could you use the media for good purposes?

April 28. Saint Peter Chanel.

Saint Peter Chanel was a religious priest of the society of Mary. Sent as a missionary to a Polynesian island, his work appeared to be fruitless, but his martyrdom in 1841 achieved the conversion of the whole island. He was canonized in 1954.

Your turn
Do you sometimes feel as if your efforts are all in vain? Do you want to see the result of your efforts or do you trust that God will give fruit to the works that have the intention of serving God?

April 28. Saint Louis Mary Grignon of Monfort.

Saint Louis Mary Grignon of Monfort was born in France in 1673. Even from his youth he showed an inclination to serve the poor. When he was 30 years old, he founded the Congregation of Daughters of Wisdom to work with those in need. He then founded the Company of Mary for priests and wrote many books on devotion to Mary. He was only 43 when he died.

Your turn
Who is Mary for you? Do you have with her the relationship of a child with his or her mother?

April 29. Saint Catherine of Siena.

Saint Catherine of Siena was born in Italy in 1347. It is said that she had a mystical vision when she was only seven years old. In order to escape an arranged marriage, she became a Third Order Dominican among the Sisters of Penance. A small spiritual family gathered around her. She worked for the unity of the church and for peace in Italy. She gave advice to popes and kings. She died in 1380 and is a Doctor of the church.

Your turn
Would you dare speak to kings and popes if you thought that a greater good would come out for the church and society? Do you feel a call to leadership? How do you respond?