Saint John of Sahagun

His life:

+ John was born in 1419 in Sahagun in the Spanish kingdom of Leon. Educated by Benedictines, he drew the attention of the Bishop of Burgos, who supported his further studies. He was ordained a priest in 1445.

+ John received a degree in Divinity from the University of Salamanca, and served for 9 years at the College of St. Bartholomew. After undergoing surgery for a serious illness, John vowed to become a religious should God spare his life. On his recovery, he joined the Order of Hermits of St. Augustine in Salamanca, where he was professed in 1464.

+ John was soon asked to serve as Master of Novices. He was known for his ability to read the conscience of others and to discern truth from lies. He was devoted to the Blessed Sacrament, and often had visions at Mass of the Host surrounded by glory.

+ John was known as a peacemaker, ending many long-lasting feuds by reconciling people. But his outspoken preaching against the vices of the time made him enemies among the wealthy and powerful. He was stoned in the streets, but his preaching had the effect of obtaining many conversions.

+ Saint John of Sahagun died in 1479. Later rumors accused one of the wealthy women he had offended if poisoning him. His reputation for sanctity spread widely soon after his death

+ John was beatified in 1601. He was canonized by Pope Alexander VIII in 1690.

For prayer and reflection:

"Tell me why did I walk into that Pulpit: To proclaim the truth to all who would listen, or to shamefully praise you? A preacher must be prepared in his soul to speak the truth, both in denouncing and correcting shortcomings and in praising virtue, to such a point that he is willing in that cause even to face death.” =St. John of Sahagun to the Duke of Alba, who criticized him

Prayer

O God, by whose gift blessed John of Sahagun persevered in imitating Christ, poor and lowly,
grant us through his intercession that, faithfully walking in our own vocation,
we may reach the perfection you have set before us in 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, Collect for a Religious)