St. John of San Facundo
John came from a wealthy family. During a serious sickness he vowed to embrace an ascetic way of life upon recovery. In fulfillment of his resolve, he gave the better of his two garments to a beggar who went about almost naked, and joined the hermits of St. Augustine at Salamanca (1463); at the time that monastery was universally respected because of its strict rule and discipline. He was often granted the privilege of seeing Christ the Lord at holy Mass and learning the deepest secrets directly from God Himself, the secrets of men’s hearts and the secret events of the future. Through his prayers the seven-year-old daughter of his brother was raised to life. His death was probably due to poisoning.

John’s special charism was to calm passions and to restore peace. How quickly disputes and quarrels arise! Yet we must practice the beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Remember that the prayers for peace and the kiss of peace in the Mass should not be empty ceremonies.

Excerpted from The Church’s Year of Grace, Pius Parsch

Patron: Salamanca, Spain.

Symbols: A hermit of St. Augustine, walking upon the sea; holding a chalice and host surrounded by rays of light.

June 12, 2020 (Readings on USCCB website)

From CatholicCulture.org