(1049-1123) Bruno was born to Italian nobility and became a Benedictine monk. He was made bishop of Segni, Italy, wrote scripture commentaries and theology, condemned simony, and defended the Blessed Sacrament. He served as a Vatican librarian for a few years, retired, and became abbot at Monte Cassino. However, after reprimanding Pope Paschal II he was ordered back to his diocese as bishop.

Saint Bruno was an adept theologian, but even he was mistaken about a priest in sin losing his ability to perform the sacraments. The grace and validity of the sacraments is not dependent on the priest’s holiness. In a similar way with recovery, we might not “do it” perfectly, but it still works. Every day we don’t “use” is a day won (a “daily reprieve”). And the only way it works is with humility, God’s power and grace, and our radical reliance on Him.

“We offer the Lord gold when we shine in his sight with the light of heavenly wisdom. We offer him frankincense when we send up pure prayer before him, and myrrh when, mortifying our flesh with its vices and passions by self-control, we carry the cross behind Jesus” (Saint Bruno of Segni).

Reflection by Brad Farmer