Saint of the Day: Bl. John Sullivan

Jesuit Priest (1861-1933)

His life

+ John was born in Dublin, Ireland. His mother was a Catholic but his father, the future Lord Chancellor of Ireland, was a Protestant; John was raised in the Church of Ireland.

+ He received an exceptional education and excelled in the study of classics and the law, enjoying the many privileges his families social and cultural status. While studying law in London, he lived comfortably and was known for sense of fashion, for his handsome appearance, and as a cycling enthusiast. He travelled extensively around Europe and spent several months with the Orthodox monks on Mount Athos.

John made the decision to enter the communion of the Catholic Church in 1893. Adopting a simpler way of life, he became a regular visitor to Dublin’s hospitals and convents, showing himself to be a friend of the poor and sick.

+ In 1900, he entered the Society of Jesus. From the beginning of his life as a religious, he showed a special commitment to prayer and, in a spirit of meekness and simplicity, put the needs of others before his own.

+ Following his ordination in 1907, serving on the staff of school for boys in County Kildare. Rather than being known for his own academic prowess or achievements, however, he became a friend of the sick and suffering, seeking to be a source of comfort to anyone who was in trouble. During his lifetime, he was credited with numerous miraculous healings.

+ Known for his commitment to prayer, spirit of prayer and penance, and boundless charity, Blessed John Sullivan died on February 19, 1933, and was beatified in 2017.

For prayer and reflection

“Be always beginning. Let the past go. The saints were always beginning. That is how they became saints.”—Blessed John Sullivan

Spiritual bonus

On this day we also remember Saint Lucia Yi Zhenmei. A school teacher and lay catechist in the vicariate of Guizhou, China, she was martyred for her faith on February 19, 1862. Saint Lucia was canonized with Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and other Chinese martyrs in 2000.

Prayer

We humbly ask you, almighty God,
that at the intercession of blessed John
you may multiply your gifts among us
and order our days in peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal—Common of Pastors)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.