(1676-1751) Paul Jerome Casanova was born in Porto Maurizio, Italy, to a sea captain and was placed with his uncle to study to be a physician. Rather than study medicine, Paul studied with the Jesuits in Rome and finally joined the Franciscans, taking the name Brother Leonard. He was ordained a priest and wanted to be a missionary to China, but an ulcer kept him in Italy. Father Leonard spread devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, the Sacred Heart, the Immaculate Conception, and the Stations of the Cross throughout his life.
Saint Leonard gives us a model of perseverance. The virtue of fortitude reflects the strength and courage to do the right thing or to resist temptation, but it also contains the act of persevering. Fortitude is one of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit (cf. Isaiah 11:2). Do you invite the Holy Spirit to grant you the gifts to live out your recovery?
“If the Lord at the moment of my death reproves me for being too kind to sinners, I will answer, ‘My dear Jesus, if it is a fault to be too kind to sinners, it is a fault I learned from you, for you never scolded anyone who came to you seeking mercy’” (Saint Leonard).
Reflection by Brad Farmer