Saint John Neumann

As we begin this new year, the United States has been able to celebrate two of their own who have become saints in the Catholic Church. On January 4, we celebrated the memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Today, January 5, we celebrate the memorial of Saint John Neumann. Saint John was born in Bohemia but came to the United States and was ordained in New York in 1836. In 1840, he joined the Redemptorist Order and labored in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Saint John was consecrated bishop of Philadelphia in 1852. During his time as bishop, he worked to establish parish schools and built many parishs for the numerous immigrants who were coming to our country. Saint John Neumann died on January 5, 1860. He was beatified in 1963 and canonized in 1977 (Magnificat, 80). We pray for Saint John's intercession as we continue the mission of the church. Perhaps we can make part of the opening prayer at Mass our prayer as well, "By his prayers help us to build up the community of the Church through our dedication to the Christian education of youth and through the witness of our brotherly love" (Sacramentary, 599). Saint John Neumann, intercede for us! Have a blessed day!!!