Saint John Neumann

This week, we are celebrating a series of saints for the United States. Yesterday we kept the memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton and today we remember Saint John Neumann. He was born in Bohemia but had a desire to work and minister in the American Missions. Saint John came to the United States and was ordained in New York in 1836. In 1840, he joined the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) and ministered in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. He was consecrated the bishop of Philadelphia in 1852. Saint John established Catholic Schools and parishes that ministered to immigrants. He died on January 5, 1860; was beatified in 1963; and canonized a saint in 1977 (Magnificat, 69). Saint John is truly a saint for America and a saint for this Christmas Time. He gave of himself to minister to those brothers and sisters who came to America from other countries, just as he did. As one commentary states, "Saint John Neumann lived in poverty in order to preach the Gospel without hindrance. His concern was not for his own comfort but fo the religious and educational needs of those he had left his homeland to serve, especially those who, like himself, were immigrants to the United States" (Magnificat, 66). Like Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Saint John Neumann followed not his will, but the will of God. He came to America to minister and preach. We are called to do the same, to reach out to our brothers and sisters, to preach the Good News to them, and share with them God's great love. May Saint John Neumann intercede for us so that we may be faithful disciples of our Lord and evangelizers of the gospel! Blessings to you!!!