Subj : =?UTF-8?Q?January_5th_=2D=C2 _Saint_John_Neumann?= To : All From : rich Date : Fri Jan 04 2019 08:01:16 From: rich January 5th -=C2 Saint John Neumann (1811-1860) =E2=80=9CSince every man of whatever race is endowed with the dignity of a person, he has an inalienable right to an education corresponding to his proper destiny and suited to his native talents, his cultural background, and his ancestral heritage. At the same time, this education should pave the way to brotherly association with other peoples, so that genuine unity and peace on earth may be promoted. For a true education aims at the formation of the human person with respect to the good of those societies of which, as a man, he is a member, and in whose responsibilities, as an adult, he will share.=E2=80=9D =C2 Saint John Nepomucene Neumann was the first American male saint. Yesterday, we celebrated the feast of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821), regarded as the first American-born Catholic saint. While not born in America, Saint John's work as the fourth bishop of Philadelphia, as well as his role in the creation of the American parochial school system=E2=80=94again like Saint Elizabeth=E2=80=94earned h= im the glorious title of saint! John was born in Bohemia to German and Czech parents who owned a factory. John excelled at school, noted for being small and quiet. From an early time, he felt drawn to the religious life, and when he reached age, was accepted as a seminarian at Budweis, Bohemia. He further studied astronomy and botany, as well as theology at Charles Ferdinand University in Prague. Upon completion of his studies, John was prepared for ordination. However, at that time, the local bishop imposed a moratorium on ordinations, given that there were too many priests in Bohemia! Not one to give up, John contacted priests across Europe, only to be met with the same response. Having learned English from the factory-workers in his father's factory, John subsequently wrote letters to American bishops, and finally received permission from a bishop in New York. Committed to the call of the Lord, John left his homeland and family, and traveled to America. In New York, John discovered that the over-abundance of priests that Europe was experiencing was not the case in America. John found himself as one of 36 priests ministering to 20,000 Catholics. His parish stretched from Lake Ontario to Pennsylvania, and he spent the majority of his time traveling from town to town, village to village, ministering to the sick, celebrating Mass in family homes, and taking lodging wherever he could find it. The years of John's isolation and traveling made him long for a mor= e established community, and he eventually joined the Redemptorists, a congregation of priests and brothers dedicated to working with the poor and forgotten. Through his tireless work, he was appointed the bishop of Philadelphia at the age of 41. As bishop, he organized a system of diocesan parochial schools, increasing the number of Catholic schools in Philadelphia from two to over 100. Bishop John was graced with the ability to easily learn languages, and during his tenure as bishop, was able to learn six languages=E2=80=94hearin= g confessions in German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Dutch. When Irish immigration started, he learned Gaelic so well that one Irish woman remarked, "Isn't it grand that we have an Irish bishop!" Despite his achievements, Saint John remained humble and simple, preferring to give any financial compensation or privileges to the poor and needy, rather than keep them for himself. As bishop, he was famously carted to local, rural parishes in a manure wagon. On one further trip, during which he was soaked in the rain, his host suggested he change his shoes. With a smile, this humble man remarked, "The only way I could change my shoes is by putting the left one on the right foot and the right one on the left foot. This is the only pair I own." Saint John Nepomucene Neumann died on January 5, 1860 at the age of 48. Prior to his death he wrote countless newspaper articles, two catechisms, and many Catholic works in varied languages (some reports indicate he spoke 12 languages fluently prior to his death!) Saint John was the first saint canonized from the Americas! Saint John's life is one of struggle and disappointment, yet one of dedication to the call of the Lord and perseverance in meeting that call. His humility and service remains inspirational to us today as we face struggles and work to discern the Lord's plan in our lives! Saint Quotes: =E2=80=9DMy God, how great Thou art, how wonderful in all Thy works! Teach = me Thy will that I may begin and end all my actions for Thy greater glory. --Saint John Neumann Speak to me, 0 my God, let me know Thy will, for behold I am ready to fulfill Thy every command. The difficult, the irksome, I will patiently endure for love of Thee. --Saint John Neumann 0 my God, I thank Thee for the love Thou hast planted in my heart. I will cultivate this precious flower. I will guard it night and day that nothing may injure it. Do Thou, 0 Lord, water it with the dew of Thy grace.=E2=80=9D --Saint John Neumann Bible Quote: Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:=C2 (Col.1:12:14) <><><><> Merciful Father, You have given me all that I have in this world, even life itself. In all my daily needs, help me to remember the needs of others too. Make me aware of the need to pray to You not just for myself but for the Church, the Pope, for the clergy and for people who suffer any need. Make me as selfless as Saint John Neumann. Throughout my life, give me the grace to direct my first thoughts to the service of You and of others. Make my prayer - =E2=80=9CYour will be done=E2=80=9D = knowing that in Your mercy and love, Your will for me is my sanctification. I ask this through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen. --- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2 * Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4) .