Layman (1148-1233)
His life
+ Hugh was born into a noble Italian family and served as a soldier much of his life.
+ After taking part in the Third Crusade, he became a member of the Knights of Malta and was assigned to the St. John Commandery Hospital in Genoa.
+ To support the work of the hospital, he sold his armor to buy supplies for the nursing staff and he himself served the poor for nearly 50 years.
+ Blessed John died on October 8, 1233.
For prayer and reflection
“Come, you blessed of my Father, says the Lord: I was sick, and you visited me. Amen I say to you: Whatever you did for one of the least of my brethren you did it for me.”- Matthew 25:34, 36, 40
Prayer
O God, who have taught your Church to keep all the heavenly commandments by love of you as God and love of neighbor; grant that, practicing the works of charity after the example of blessed John, we may be worthy to be numbered among the blessed in your Kingdom. 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 Those Who Practiced Works of Mercy)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
And today we celebrate...