Saint Benedict Joseph Labré

"Meditate on the horrors of Hell which will last for eternity because of one easily-committed mortal sin. Try hard to be among the few who are chosen. Think of the eternal flames of Hell, and how few there are that are saved."
- Saint Benedict Joseph Labré (1748 - 1783)

Today is the feast day of Saint Benedict Joseph Labré. Benedict was born in 1748 in Amettes, France, and was the eldest of eighteen children. Benedict studied under his uncle, who was a parish priest. He tried unsuccessfully to join the Trappists, Carthusians, and Cistercians. Then, at the age of 16, Benedict lost his interest in study and his desire to become a priest and enter religious life. He instead became a pilgrim, and went from one shrine to another. He lives off alms, wore the rags of a beggar, and shared his food with the poor. Benedict had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Blessed Sacrament. In 1774, Benedict settled in Rome. He lived in the Colosseum, and became known for his sanctity. He even became known as the "beggar of Rome". He died in 1783, and was canonized in 1883. He is the patron saint of unmarried men, those mentally ill, and the homeless. 

Saint Benedict Joseph Labré, pray for us!

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Picture Of And Information About Saint Benedict Joseph Taken From:

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=1728

http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saintofday/

http://abbey-roads.blogspot.com/2010/04/saint-benedict-joseph-labre.html