Posted on 06/04/2002 7:00:45 PM PDT by Lady In Blue
ST. JOSEPH MOSCATI
Joseph Moscati was born on July 25, 1880, in Benevento, Italy. He was the seventh of nine children. His father became a judge in Naples, so the entire family moved there. When Joseph was twelve, his older brother Albert was thrown from a horse. The family hoped for a cure at first, but the boy's condition worsened. Joseph spent much of his free time at his brother's bedside. He was there when Albert died.
His brother's death made a deep impression on Joseph. He asked Jesus in the Eucharist and Mary for answers. Suffering had to have a purpose. He also became convinced of the importance of expert medical care. Most important though, he realized that in this life we are journeying toward eternity. It is up to us to help people and serve them as we journey. Joseph wondered and prayed about what he should do with his life. He decided that he wanted to help cure physical pain. Joseph would become a doctor.
When he was twenty-three, Dr. Moscati began his service at the Hospital of the Incurables in Naples. Later he opened his own office. All patients were welcome whether they could pay or not. He would write prescriptions for poor patients, then pay for the medicine out of his own pocket. Every day was long and hard, but Dr. Moscati remained gentle and kind. He made the effort to listen carefully to his patients. He encouraged them and prayed for them.
Besides being an excellent doctor, he was holy too. How did he do it? Each morning he went to Mass and spent time in prayer. Then the doctor would visit the sick poor in the slums of Naples. From there he would go to the hospital and begin his rounds. For twenty-four years, Joseph worked and prayed for his patients. He poured all his strength into his life's calling. On the afternoon of April 12, 1927, Dr. Moscati did not feel well, so he went to his office and relaxed in an arm chair. There he had a stroke and died. He was forty-seven.
Dr. Joseph Moscati was proclaimed a saint by Pope John Paul II on October 25, 1987.
We can ask St. Joseph Moscati to help us be honest, kind and sympathetic as he was. We can also ask him to teach us how to appreciate the Mass and to love Mary as he did.
Show yourself the man you are,
without simulation,
without fear or favours.
And if truth costs you persecution,
Do welcome it.
If it costs you torments,
Do endure them.
And if for truth's sake You must sacrifice Yourself,
and even your life,
be steadfast in your sacrifice.
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