Servite Priest (1256-1315)
His life
+ Andrew was born in Borgo San Sepolcro, Italy. A member of the nobility, he was a career soldier and achieved the rank of captain of archers in the army of King Philip “the Fair.”
+ Despite his successful career, Andrew had always felt drawn to religious life and, in 1278, after hearing Saint Philip Benizi preach, Andrew was accepted in the order of the Servants of Mary (the Servites) by Saint Philip himself.
+ Following his ordination, Andrew held several offices in his order and was a noted preacher and confessor. Miracles were attributed to his intercession and many were inspired by his spirit of penance and personal holiness.
+ Near the end of his life, Andrew retired from active ministry and devoted himself to to prayer and solitude. He died in Montevecchio, Italy, on August 31, 1315. Devotion to Blessed Andrew was confirmed by Pope Pius VII in 1806.
Spiritual bonus
On this day, the Church also remembers Saint Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy Jew who offered his own tomb for the burial of Jesus. Later traditions assert that Saint Joseph traveled to England for centuries he has been associated with the legends surrounding the holy grail.
For reflection
O God, who called blessed Andrew to seek your Kingdom in this world through the pursuit of perfect charity, grant, we pray, through his intercession that we may advance with joyful spirit along the way of love. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal: Common of Holy Men and Women—For Religious)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
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