While many are familiar with the extraordinary life of St. Padre Pio, a Capuchin priest who would spend over 12 hours a day hearing confessions, he wasn't the only Capuchin priest who was devoted to the confessional.
St. Leopold Mandić lived at the same time as St. Padre Pio and spent a similar amount of time hearing confessions each day, remaining in the confessional for at least 15 hours.
He died on July 30, 1942, and was later canonized by St. John Paul II on October 16, 1983.
Note: The Capuchin cardinal who inspired Pope Francis with his life of mercy was a devotee of his confrere St. Leopold. Read about the cardinal here.
A simple life in the confessional
What's remarkable about St. Leopold's life is how simple it was, without any extraordinary visions or levitations. He may have been similar to St. Padre Pio, but he did not receive the stigmata or any other extraordinary gift.
St. John Paul II spoke about the ordinariness of St. Leopold's life in his homily for the canonization:
His was a life without great events: a transfer from one convent to another, as is the custom of the Capuchins; but nothing more... St. Leopold left no theological or literary works...he did not found social works. For all those who knew him, he was nothing more than a poor friar: small, sickly.
St. Leopold's ministry was entirely "hidden" in the confessional. He was regarded as a holy confessor and spiritual advisor.
St. John Paul II continued his homily praising St. Leopold for his example of holiness:
His greatness is elsewhere: in immolating himself, in giving himself, day after day, for the entire time of his priestly life, that is, for 52 years, in the silence, in the confidentiality, in the humility of a confessional cell: “the good shepherd offers life for the sheep." Fra. Leopold was always there, ready and smiling, prudent and modest, discreet confidant and faithful father of souls, respectful teacher and understanding and patient spiritual advisor.
If one wanted to define him with one word, as his penitents and brothers did during his life, then he is “the confessor;” he only knew how to “confess.” Yet precisely in this lies its greatness.
Both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis found great inspiration in the life of St. Leopold. They both encouraged the confessors of Rome to look to him as a shining example in their ministry.
St. Leopold was a faithful instrument of God's Divine Mercy, showing heartfelt compassion to every sinner, never humiliating them, but always treating them with care and love.
He may not have led an "extraordinary life," but he lived heroically in his ministry as confessor.
