Captured Fire: Seasonal and Sanctoral Cycle, Year Two by Krempa S. Joseph

Author:Krempa, S. Joseph [Krempa, S. Joseph]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: ST PAULS / Alba House
Published: 2009-12-11T05:00:00+00:00

JANUARY 5 – ST. JOHN NEUMANN (MEMORIAL)

The Lord with the Apostles in the storm is a moment appropriate for the life of St. John Neumann, the first American bishop to be made a saint.

John Neumann was born in 1811 in Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic). He received his education and early seminary training in Budweis (the original source of a popular American refreshment). Because his ordination was delayed due to the large number of priests in Bohemia, he came to New York City and sought ordination. He was sent to the western part of the archdiocese and became effectively the pastor of Western New York.

Drawn to care for the German immigrants entering the United States, he joined the Redemptorist Order and did mission work in Maryland and Pennsylvania. His focus was on the pastoral ministry of caring for the spiritual needs of the people. John Neumann was probably not aware of the natural gifts he had in administration, basic finance and peace-making. His superiors were certainly aware of them and repeatedly gave him administrative positions.

During his eight years as bishop of Philadelphia, he founded over 80 parishes and as many schools. He established the first parochial school system under diocesan control. He fought trusteeism that sought to take legal control of parishes from the local bishop. He authored two catechisms. He visited all the parishes of his diocese and introduced the practice of Forty Hours Devotion in America.

As Bishop of Philadelphia in 1852, however, he faced many storms. This was the heyday of the Know Nothing Party which was opposed to immigrants and Catholics. Prayers in the public schools were very anti-Catholic. There were ethnic conflicts within the Church with the constant danger of schism. His appointment had disappointed the clergy and people of Philadelphia who wanted a more urbane man as bishop. Instead, they received a saint. In the storms he faced, his comfort came from Christ. His episcopal motto was “Passion of Christ, comfort me.”

When we feel overwhelmed by the storms in our life, we can look to the example of St. John Neumann who was always confident that Christ was at his side. “Passion of Christ, comfort me.” That same Christ who was with him is with us in any storm.

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