My sister’s name is Jolanta—and so is today’s saint of the day!
Dear Friend, Today’s Saint of the Day is Jolenta of Poland—a woman of deep faith, humility, and service. As someone with a strong Polish heritage (and a sister named Jolanta!), this one hits close to home. Her story reminds me that sainthood isn’t far off. It’s not just for the mystics and martyrs. It’s for all of us.
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Saint of the Day for June 12:
Jolenta of Poland (c. 1235 – June 11, 1298) Listen to Blessed Jolenta of Poland’s Story Here Jolenta was the daughter of Bela IV, King of Hungary. Her sister, St. Kunigunde, was married to the Duke of Poland. Jolenta was sent to Poland where her sister was to supervise her education. Eventually married to Boleslaus, the Duke of Greater Poland, Jolenta was able to use her material means to assist the poor, the sick, widows, and orphans. Her husband joined her in building hospitals, convents, and churches so that he was surnamed “the Pious.” Upon the death of her husband and the marriage of two of her daughters, Jolenta and her third daughter entered the convent of the Poor Clares. War forced Jolenta to move to another convent where despite her reluctance, she was made abbess. So well did Jolenta serve her Franciscan sisters by word and example, that her fame and good works continued to spread beyond the walls of the cloister. Her favorite devotion was the Passion of Christ. Indeed, Jesus appeared to her, telling her of her coming death. Many miracles, down to our own day, are said to have occurred at her grave. Reflection Jolenta’s story begins like a fairy tale. But fairy tales seldom include the death of the prince and never end with the princess living out her days in a convent. Nonetheless, her life of charity toward the poor and devotion to her Franciscan sisters indeed brought her to a “happily ever after.” Our lives may be short on fairy tale elements, but our generosity and our willingness to serve well the people we live with lead us toward an ending happier than we can imagine.
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Loved by God, Found by Saint Anthony As Julian of Spires wrote: “The sea obeys and fetters break/And lifeless limbs thou dost restore/While treasures lost are found again/When young or old thine aid implore.” As the Solemnity of Saint Anthony arrives once again this year, I want to celebrate his life as a famous member of our Franciscan family who was known for his holiness, wisdom, teaching, preaching, and intercessory influence with the Lord he loved so deeply. I have many needs and I know that I can turn to him for inspiration and help. He is definitely a Franciscan we can all look to and emulate—and still ask for help to find lost articles. —from Franciscan Spirit‘s “How Saint Anthony Found Me“
by Fr. Don Miller, OFM |
Renouncing Sinister Lies About Ourselves Reflect Do you ever catch yourself criticizing, cursing, or insulting yourself when you make a mistake, or something doesn’t go your way? Past wounds have a way of being an opening for the devil to whisper lies into our hearts and minds. Pray Merciful and loving Jesus,
Please cover me with the precious blood
that poured forth from your side at Calvary.
May it wash away the voice of Satan that condemns me,
and heal the wounds through which he attacks me.
Just as you gave your mother to us on the cross,
ask her now to cover me in her mantle of protection
to guard against the lies of the enemy.
Amen Act When you find yourself in a habit of self-condemnation today, put yourself at the feet of Christ on the cross and allow him to speak over you instead. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Martin J.P. Gianotti. Learn more here! |
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