Make his mind flit to and fro between an expression like “the body of Christ” and the actual faces in the next pew. It matters very little, of course, what kind of people that next pew really contains. You may know one of them to be a great warrior on the Enemy’s side. No matter. Your patient, thanks to Our Father below, is a fool.
CS Lewis, The Screwtape Letters
Called “the Beggar of Rome,” a pilgrim recluse. He was born in Amettes, France, on March 25, 1748, the eldest of eighteen children. Studying under his uncle, a parish priest, at Erin, France, Benedict tried to join the Trappists, Carthusians, and Cistercians but was refused by these orders. In 1770, he made a pilgrimage to the major shrines of Europe, settling in Rome in 1774. There he lived near the Colosseum and earned fame for his sanctity. Benedict was devoted to the Blessed Sacrament and attended the Forty Hours devotion in the city. He died in Rome on April 16, and was beatified in 1860. He was canonized in 1883.
Go here to read the rest. Hundreds of miracles occurred within months of the death of this humble beggar saint, basically a hobo, demonstrating once again that God sees what Man does not.
“God became man that man become God.” Athanasius (ca 298–373)
These hidden treasures abound more than we realize. One holy man in our region that fits into the mold of “the Beggar of Rome” has the facade of a hobo and an incredible Spirit that radiates authentic brotherly love.
A peacefulness that is tangible.
If we properly understood the richness of poverty and the economy of grace, we could be entertaining a prince at our dining room.
Holy Saturday dear TAC.
Nicely put, Philip.