St. John of Kanty is the patron saint of Poland and Lithuania. He was born in 1390 AD in Poland. He received his education at the Kraków Academy. Fr. John was known for his brilliance, and he secured a lectureship at the University. But he was even more famous for his modesty, charity, and compassion towards the poor; he slept on the floor, rested little, and abstained from eating meat. He gave away his wealth to the needy and kept only what was absolutely necessary. He was a humble scholar who sought no legacy through wealth, fame, or property. Still, he was ousted from the University upon false accusations and transferred as a parish priest at Olkusz. The parishioners there were hostile towards this 'disgraced' priest. Despite years of efforts, no miracles happened, but the saint patiently persevered, letting his love for God and his people rule all his actions. Unselfish love, though, never goes unrewarded; when he was transferred back to the university years later, these same parishioners accompanied him a long way, begging him to stay. Back at the University, this holy man taught the Sacred Scriptures and continued his works of charity. He desired to be martyred for His faith and made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem with this hope. He also made four pilgrimages to Rome and penitentially carried his luggage on his back. Ardently following the lessons of the desert fathers, he harbored a spirit of austerity till the very end. St. John died on Christmas Eve at age 83 and was canonized on 16 July 1767 by Pope Clement XIII. St John Paul II greatly appreciated this fellow saint and countryman, describing the life of St. John Kanty as "knowledge and wisdom seeking a covenant with holiness."
Prayer:
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that by the example of the Priest Saint John of Kanty, we may advance in the knowledge of holy things and, by showing compassion to all, may gain forgiveness in Your sight.
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