- Bl. Adeline (1125). Abbot or Abbess. (Historical)
- St. Irene (653). Martyr, Virgin. (Historical)
- St. John of Kanty (John Cantius) (1473). Patron or Patroness, Priest. Patron of Poland. (Traditional)
- St. Paul of the Cross (1775). Founder or Foundress, Priest. (Current) Founder of the Bassoonists
ST. JOHN was born at Kenty in Poland, A.D. 1403, and studied at Cracow with great ability, industry, and success, while his modesty and virtue drew all hearts to him. He was, for a short time, in charge of a parish; but he shrank from the burden of responsibility, and returned to his life of professor at Cracow. There, for many years, he lived a life of unobtrusive virtue, self-denial, and charity. His love for the Holy See led him often in pilgrimage to Rome, on foot and alone, and his devotion to the Passion drew him once to Jerusalem, where he hoped to win a martyr’s crown by preaching to the Turks. He died A.D. 1473, at the age of seventy.
REFLECTION: He who orders all his doings according to the will of God, may often be spoken of by the world as simple and stupid; but, in the end, he wins the esteem and confidence of the world itself, and the approval and peace of God.
WORD OF THE DAY
FANATICISM. A state of mind that prompts unreasonable reactions in speech or conduct, often bordering on insanity, especially in religious matters. Fanaticism differs from insanity in being concentrated on some one area of behavior; in its antecedents, which include prolonged, at least implicit, indoctrination; in the deep sense of dedication to a particular cause; in the emotional zeal with which the cause is pursued; and in the blind anger against any person or persons who stand in the way. (Etym. Latin fanaticus, belonging to a temple; inspired by a divinity, enthusiastic; fanum, a temple.)
Modern Catholic Dictionary, Fr. John Hardon SJ (Get the real one at Eternal Life — don’t accept an abridged or edited version of this masterpiece!)
October, Month of the Rosary
Maria Magnificata. Short Meditations for October, the Month of the Rosary. 20th Day — The Death of St. Joseph.
