On this day we commemorate the life and efforts of St. John Neumann
Reflections on the readings for the Memorial of St. John Neumann (January 5, 2022): 1 JN 4:11-18; PS 72:1-2,10,12-13; MK 6:45-52
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
The first man who was a naturalized citizen of the United States to become a Catholic saint.
On this Memorial in honor of St. John Neumann we venerate a devout priest and bishop who left his homeland in what is now the Czech Republic to serve in the mission territory of the United States of America. Born in 1811, he arrived in here in 1836 and was ordained a priest of the Diocese of New York that included the whole state and northern New Jersey. He first served in the western part of the state, traveling miles each day to care for his people. Six years later he received permission to join the Redemptorists and then worked in several other states before being named the Bishop of Philadelphia. A new citizen of the United States himself, he made every effort to help the many immigrants from Europe and other parts of the world. St. John Neumann prayed, “O my Jesus, I, a poor, ignorant young man, have become a shepherd in Thy sheepfold. … Grant that not one of those confided to me be lost. … Teach me to live, and, if needs be, to die for my people that they all may be saved, that they all may love Thy dear Mother!”
He guided the diocese in providing for education and social services for his flock, especially the poor. He established many churches and schools in what became the diocesan school system. Although riots led by the anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant Know-Nothing party took place, Bishop Neumann defended his people. He also lived an exemplary life of service. His episcopal motto was, “Passion of Christ, strengthen me!” He died on this date in 1860 at only 48 years of age. At his canonization in 1977, Pope St. Paul VI said of St. John Neumann, “He was close to the sick, he loved to be with the poor, he was a friend of sinners, and now he is the glory of all emigrants.”
Suggested missionary action: We can ask St. John Neumann who looked after the welfare of his own flock to intercede for all who exercise authority. Let us pray for his assistance for every one of us who, in small ways or large, affects the lives of those to whom we bear some responsibility.