(1748-1783) The “Beggar Saint” was the oldest of fifteen children born to a prosperous shopkeeper in northern France. Benedict was educated by his uncle, a parish priest, until his uncle’s death when Benedict was 18. He then tried to join the Trappists, Carthusians, and Cistercians, but was rejected by all of them. He became a permanent pilgrim and joined the Third Order of Saint Francis. He traveled to most of the major shrines of Europe, begging for what he needed each day, and sharing what he received with other homeless people. He spent many hours in Eucharistic adoration and was said to go into ecstasies where he would levitate or bilocate. He was reported to heal his fellow homeless and multiply bread for them.
The orders that Benedict tried to join are very austere. His own way of life as a permanent pilgrim was also extreme. Turning our penances or our discomforts into prayer is a valuable spiritual skill. How do you offer up penances and discomfort in prayer for yourself and others?
“We offend God because we do not know His greatness” (Saint Benedict Joseph Labre).
Reflection by Brad Farmer