Saint of the Day: St. John of Kanty

Priest (1390-1473)

His life

+ John was born in Kanty in the diocese of Krakow, Poland.

+ After completing a doctorate in philosophy, he was ordained a priest and began to teach at the academy of Krakow. He would go on to complete a doctorate in theology served as director of the theology department. In addition to his work in theology, he also made contributions to the study of physics.

+ John became known for his compassion for the poor, especially poor students at the university.

+ Saint John of Kanty died on Christmas Eve 1473 and was canonized in 1767. He is honored as one of the patron saints of Poland.

For prayer and reflection

O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.

Spiritual bonus

On this day, the Church also remembers Saint Zeno of Nicomedia. An imperial Roman soldier, he was among the many who lost their lives during the fierce persecution of the Emperor Diocletian. Having refused to offer sacrifice to the goddess Ceres, Zeno was put to death in Nicomedia (modern-day Izmit, Turkey) in 303.

Prayer

Almighty ever-living God,
as we see how the Nativity of your Son
according to the flesh draws near,
we pray that to us, your unworthy servants,
mercy may flow from your Word,
who chose to become flesh of the Virgin Mary
and establish among us his dwelling,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal: Collect for December 23)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.