Love the truth, appear as you are, and without affectation and without fear and without human respect. Even if the truth costs you persecution, accept it; and if it means anguish, endure it. And if for the sake of truth you should have to sacrifice yourself and your life, then be strong in your sacrifice.
Saint Joseph Moscati
EWTN periodically runs a film about St Joseph (Giuseppe) Moscati. I watched it once and found it excellent. Recommended.
https://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/st-giuseppe-moscati-doctor-to-the-poor-dvd/p/MM00SGMD
The proverb above sounds very Stoic, like something Seneca or Epictetus or Marcus Aurelius would have said. I have read similar thoughts in Epistulae Morales.
The movie that Frank suggests is very entertaining. Unfortunately for my family, I’m one of those people that looks things up when I don’t think the plot line seems plausible. And unfortunately, though a good movie, it seems that much of it is total fiction. They wove in a love story and rivalry that simply did not happen, and it’s a big part of the plot. They show exactly one scene, as I recall in any case, where he is imploring God, but in a very challenging way, as if God wasn’t doing enough for his patients. That’s the point where I decided to read a mini biography of this great Saint.Saint Joseph was indeed the doctor to the poor, and he was a daily communicant. What he actually did and suffered would have required a very firm, strong faith. One that sustained by our Eucharistic Lord. It would’ve been so wonderful to have seen this depicted in a modern film, but it just wasn’t there. I know people who have said that they think this is one of the best movies they’ve ever seen! What a missed opportunity. But, again, it is a good movie.
Thanks for checking it out, Lfk.