October 9: Saint John Leonardi, Priest—Optional Memorial

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October 9: Saint John Leonardi, Priest—Optional Memorial

1541–1609
Patron Saint of pharmacists
Canonized by Pope Pius XI on April 17, 1938
Liturgical Color: White

Quote:
Those who want to work for moral reform in the world must seek the glory of God before all else. Because he is the source of all good they must wait for his help, and pray for it in this difficult and necessary undertaking. They must then present themselves to those they seek to reform, as mirrors of every virtue and as lamps on a lamp-stand. Their upright lives and noble conduct must shine before all who are in the house of God. In this way they will gently entice the members of the Church to reform instead of forcing them, lest, in the words of the Council of Trent, they demand of the body what is not found in the head, and thus upset the whole order of the Lord’s household.
They will be like skilled physicians taking great pains to dispose of all the diseases that afflict the Church and require a cure. They will ready themselves to provide suitable remedies for each illness. ~Letter to Pope Paul V, from Saint John Leonardi

Prayer:
Saint John Leonardi, you came to know Christ in an intimate and personal way and desired to share your devotion with others. Though your mission was not warmly welcomed by those who opposed the Holy Spirit, God used you, nonetheless, to bring about much good. Please pray for me, that I will never allow opposition to hinder my fidelity to God’s will, but will be inspired by your own courage in the face of persecution and will follow in your example. Saint John Leonardi, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.

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