February 8: Saint Jerome Emiliani, Founder—Optional Memorial

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February 8: Saint Jerome Emiliani, Founder—Optional Memorial

1486–1537
Patron Saint of orphans and abandoned children
Canonized on July 16, 1767 by Pope Clement XIII
Liturgical Color: White (Purple if Lenten Weekday)

Quote:
One morning, we were twenty-eight at St. Magdalene Hospital and we were praying. Since we had nothing to eat, father Jerome told us, “Do not doubt, my sons, the Lord will take care!” And while he was still praying, we heard the doorbell ring. They went to open the door. A person wanted to see father Jerome. He went to the door and came back with four loaves of bread…he fed all twenty-eight of us with only those four loaves and fresh water because he did not have anything else. And everybody had enough. And the father kept saying we had to eat cheerfully because the Lord would never abandon us. ~Eyewitness testimony

Prayer:
Saint Jerome, you had a desire for greatness within your heart. Though you first sought to fulfill that desire by worldly and passing honors, God opened your eyes and helped you to discover that the greatest honor is found in the wholehearted service of His holy will. Please pray for me, that I may imitate your generosity and devote myself to the service of the Gospel and the care of those in need. Saint Jerome, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.

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Giacomo Guerrini, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons