Reading the lives of the saints is often a fascinating endeavor, as you get to learn more about the person behind the statue that you see every Sunday or the portrait that hangs on the wall of your local parish.
Saints can seem at first glance like static figures, men and women who were born holy and who are entirely foreign to our daily lives. Yet, when you dig deeper into their lives, you'll learn that you have more in common with them than you may imagine.
St. John Neumann is one example, as many know him as the founder of the first parochial school system in the United States and the fourth bishop of Philadelphia; but beyond that, he remains a "statue."
Bookworm and painter
During Neumann's early life, he was an avid reader, devouring anything he could get his hands on. This trait benefited him when he entered seminary, as he was a natural learner and loved languages.
Yet, his love of knowledge and books wasn't always well received, especially when at home on breaks from the seminary.
There is a somewhat humorous story in The Life of John N. Neumann that helps illustrate his love of books:
When at home in vacation, he not unfrequently had his book before him at meals, and so preoccupied was he, that he forgot to eat. When addressed by his parents or any other member of the family, he was often at a loss, as to the subject of conversation and for this he received many a reproof.
Many parents can relate to such a scenario, when one of their children is sitting at the table with their book open, oblivious to what is happening around them.
Another fascinating story from St. John Neumann's time at seminary is how he was a talented painter:
Neumann understood the art of landscape painting, both on paper and glass, and great was his delight when able to present one of his own productions to his friends. He displayed some talent also for portrait painting and several excellent pictures of his friends painted by him are carefully preserved to this day, treasured memorials of the reverend artist.
These two little stories help illustrate the human side of St. John Neumann, again reminding us that saints were just like us, normal human beings who were not born as saints.
Saints loved many of the things that we love, and most didn't spend their entire lives praying in a church. This can give us a little hope that holiness is not out of reach.
