MEMORIAL OF ST JOHN NEUMANN, BISHOP, JANUARY 5, 2023
PATRON SAINT OF TEACHERS AND EDUCATORS
John Neumann, C.Ss.R is the first United States male saint, canonized January 5, 1977. He was born in Bohemia, now Czech Republic. At the age of 25, after studying in Prague, he came to New York as a missionary and at the age of 29 he became the first Redemptorist to take his priesthood vows in the United States. He continued his missionary work in Maryland, Virginia and Ohio, working closely with the German immigrant.
As a Bishop at the age of 41, he organized a diocesan school system. In a short time he organized many teachers to help the immigrant children. He was a gifted organizer, placing the Redemptorists in the forefront of the parochial movement.
He was a holy writer and preacher. He took seriously his calling of "Go and teach all nations" and show love to one another. He promoted devotion to the Eucharist, organizing 40 Hours' Eucharistic Devotion. His love transcended from His love for Jesus to loving the German immigrant children.
He was canonized January 5, 1977 and is buried in St. Peter the Apostle Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.
In 1 John 3:11-21, we read that we should love one another and that we know we have passed from death to life, because we love our brother. We can say, "I love you" and wring our hands, but that which appears harder actually is easier as we love in deed and truth, not in word or speech.
PAPA helps out the homeless and the poor through charitable causes (PAPA end of the year tithing, volunteers buying and packing boxes of food), we feed the malnourished children (PAPA Joe), we spend hours in the heat or cold praying in front of abortion clinics (PAPA for Life).
Our example is God as His love was so immense, infinite and everlasting that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to save us.
In the Old Testament (2 Samuel 9:3) David asked, "Is there any survivor of Saul's house to whom I may show God's kindness?" He loved God and loved his fellow men, including his rival's family.
St John Neumann, a holy and righteous man, became a saint; King David showed Meribbaal, Saul's grandson, kindness and love. In accepting King David's generosity with humility, Meribbaal sat and ate at the King's table all his life.
May we learn to love. If we don't know how or have trouble, ask God to be generous with this gift. Be a beautiful example of what God has done in your life.
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