Bishop (1124-1198)
His life
+ Lanfranco was born in Gropello, Italy.
+ Named bishop of Pavia, Italy, in 1159, he was known as a pious and kind pastor who resisted attempts by local authorities to seize church properties and limit the rights of the church.
+ Because of his opposition, he was exiled, but was later restored to his diocese through the intervention of Pope Clement III.
+ Lanfranco was eventually worn down by the political turmoil and retired to spend his final years in the Vallombosan Benediction monastery near Pavia.
+ Blessed Lanfranco died on June 23, 1198, and was honored for his holimess immediately after his death.
Spiritual bonus
On this day, the Church also honors Saint Joseph Cafasso. A friend and former student of Saint John Bosco, he was a revered pastor and confessor. Known for his work for prison reform and care for prisoners and those condemned to death, he died on June 23, 1860, and was canonized in 1947 and is honored as a special patron of prisoners.
For reflection
“Do not make any judgment before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God.”—1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Prayer
Almighty and eternal God, who gave your holy Church blessed Lanfranco as Bishop, grant that what he taught when moved by the divine Spirit may always stay firm in our hearts; and as by your gift we embrace him as our patron, may we also have him as our defender to entreat your mercy. 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 Pastors—For a Bishop)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
And today we celebrate...