Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, January 5, 2005
Wednesday after Epiphany
St. John Neumann, bishop

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 John 4:11-18
Psalm 72:1-2,10,12-13
Mark 6:45-52

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today is the memorial of St. John Neumann, the first American man and first bishop to be canonised. Born in Bohemia in 1813, he travelled to the US to be ordained as at that time there was an oversupply of priests in Bohemia. He joined the Redemptorists in 1840 and became Bishop of Philadelphia in 1852, occupying various posts in between.

Bishop John worked tirelessly to propagate the Faith in his adopted country. Knowing 12 languages he served the immigrant community, building schools, churches, even started building a cathedral.

With little sleep and human comforts, he served his diocese believing firmly in the importance of Catholic teaching and schooling for continuing the Faith; hence his impressive record of building 50 churches and opening almost 100 schools.

Bishop John's energy and zeal in an example to us of one totally devoted to the service of the Lord who lived his calling in a totally selfless and pragmatic way. What can I do today, to be more giving and less selfish?

- Cliodhna Doyle
(clia at cliadoyle dot com)

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posted by joachim at 6:05 AM