(1386-1456) The “Soldier Saint,” designated as patron saint of military chaplains by Pope Saint John Paul II, was the son of a knight in Capistrano, Italy. He became a lawyer in Naples, then the governor of Perugia, Italy. Just before war broke out with a neighbor of Perugia, John had gotten married but never consummated the marriage. He tried to broker peace, ended up a prisoner of war, and while in prison, was inspired by a dream of Saint Francis to become a Franciscan. After his release, John’s marriage was declared null, he became a Franciscan priest, and had Saint Bernardine of Siena as his mentor. At age 70, he preached a crusade against the Ottoman Turks after the fall of Constantinople and helped lead the soldiers to their initial victory before falling victim to the bubonic plague.
Saint John challenged people to live holy lives in order to be salt and light to the world around us (cf. Matthew 5:13-16). Steps 10-12 challenge us to put the principles gained in the previous Steps into action, to “practice these principles in all our affairs.” How is this done in your recovery?
“The Lord who made the beginning will take care of the finish!” (Saint John of Capistrano).
Reflection by Brad Farmer