DECEMBER 23, 2025 – ST. SERVULUS.

• St. John Cantius (John of Kanty) (1473). Patron or Patroness, Priest. Patron of Poland. (Current)
• St. Servulus the Beggar (590). (Historical)
• St. Yvo of Chartres (1115). Bishop. (Historical)

SERVULUS was a beggar, and had been so afflicted with palsy from his infancy that he was never able to stand, sit upright, lift his hand to his mouth, or turn himself from one side to another. His mother and brother carried him into the porch of St. Clement’s church at Rome, where he lived on the alms of those that passed by. He used to entreat devout persons to read the Holy Scriptures to him, which he heard with such attention as to learn them by heart. His time he consecrated by assiduously singing hymns of praise and thanksgiving to God. After several years thus spent, his distemper having seized his vitals, he felt his end was drawing nigh. In his last moments he desired the poor and pilgrims, who had often shared in his charity to sing sacred hymns and psalms for him. Whilst he joined his voice with theirs, he on a sudden cried out: “Silence; do you not hear the sweet melody and praise which resound in the heavens?” Soon after he spoke these words he expired, and his soul was carried by angels into everlasting bliss, about the year 590.

REFLECTION: The whole behavior of this poor sick beggar loudly condemns those who, when blessed with good health and a plentiful fortune, neither do good works nor suffer the least cross with tolerable patience.

WORD OF THE DAY

SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. "I am going now to prepare a place for you and after I have gone and prepared a place for you, I shall return to take you with me" (John 14:3). This promise, which Jesus made to his Apostles the night before he died, will be the culmination of his incarnation and redemption. On the occasion of his Ascension, angels repeated the promise. "This same Jesus will come back in the same way as you have seen Him go there" (Acts 1:11). When the Second Coming will be, no one knows. Some of his devoted followers were mistaken in thinking that the return would take place in a short time, possibly in their lifetime. Nevertheless, that promise is the basis of Christian hope. As Paul wrote to Titus: "We must be self-restrained and live good and religious lives here in this present world while we are waiting in hope for the blessing which will come with the Appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus" (Titus 2:13).

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!)

Advent & The Great Truths

Advent: Short Meditations and The Great Truths Day 27 (Dec 23) O Emmanuel & The Sins of Individual Men (Advent Meditation)

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