St Joseph Calasanz
Today we remember the life of St. Joseph Calasanz. From his birthplace which was Aragon during the year 1556, to Rome where he had died 92 years later, fortune had alternately smiled and frowned on the work of St. Joseph Calasanz.
St. Joseph had served as a priest with university training in canon law and also theology. He was very well respected for his wisdom and his administrative expertise, he also had put aside his career because he was deeply concerned with the need for education of poor children.
When St. Joseph was unable to get other institutes to undertake this apostolate in Rome, St. Joseph and his several other companions had personally provided a free school for many deprived children. So overwhelming was the response that there was a very constant need for larger facilities in order to house their effort. Soon after, Pope Clement VIII gave support to the school, and this aid had also continued under Pope Paul V. Other schools were later opened; other men were attracted to the work, and during the year 1621 the community where the teachers lived was recognized as a religious community. Not too long after this success, St. Joseph was appointed superior for life.
The community had encountered many different obstacles, however, St. Joseph trusted in God’s plan for him and he was able to stay persistent and he was able to overcome the many obstacles that he encountered. However, only after St. Joseph’s death was when the community was finally formally recognized as a religious community. His feast day is celebrated on August 25.
Prayer to St. Joseph Calasanz
St. Joseph intercede that we may be able to find the will and dedication needed so that we may be able to serve others out of love, kindness and compassion. Help us to serve the poor and vulnerable in our community before we serve ourselves.
Amen
St. Joseph Calasanz pray for us
St. Joseph pray for us
May we continue to strengthen our journey to sainthood and keep others in our prayers.
Works cited
Information (read from, not taken):
Franciscan media. “Saint Joseph Calasanz. ”Saint Joseph Calasanz | Franciscan Media. Accessed August 26, 2021.
Images:
Saint Joseph Calasanz. August 26, 2021. St Joseph Calasanz - Google Search.