And
of book sellers and printers
1495-1550
Was born in Portugal
And was founder of the Brothers Hospitallers
He joined the mercenaries
And fought for Spain
Against the French and Turks in Hungary
When he was in the army
He gave up ALL practice of religion
After the disbandment of his troop
He worked as a Shepherd
At the age of 40
He rededicated himself to God
And helping the poor
He suffered a period of “madness”
Running through the streets
Tearing out his hair
And giving away his Sacred books
From the bookstore where he sold them
His friends---most notably John of Avila
Calmed him down
And he rededicated himself
To the sick and the poor
He rented a house---
Filled it with sick poor people
And for over 10 years
Devoted himself to taking care of his patients
He had never-ending energy
But this was balanced by prayer
His final illness
Was brought on
When he saved a man from drowning
In a flood
He died at the age of 55
Before the altar at his hospital chapel
Today---he is known as the PATRON SAINT
Of the SICK---of HOSPITALS---and booksellers and printers
Today---March 8th---is his feast day
Robert P. Wallman
3-8-12
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