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FEAST OF THE DAY

St. Josaphat was born around the year 1580 in Eastern Europe and
was raised in the Eastern Orthodox faith. In the year 1595, the
Orthodox bishop of Brest-Litovsk, and five other bishops broke away
from the Eastern Orthodox and sought to be reunited with Rome.
This had a great effect on Josaphat, and he joined the movement
and dedicated the rest of his life and even his death to the cause.

Josaphat became a Basilian monk, and was ordained to the
priesthood. He soon became well known as a preacher and as an
ascetic. Josaphat's work gave him a reputation and, although he was
relatively young, he was asked to be bishop of the diocese of
Vitebsk. Josaphat implemented a system of synods, catechetical
instruction, reform of the clergy and coupled with his own example,
won many hearts to union with Rome.

Unfortunately, as many hearts that Josaphat helped convert, just as
many were solidified in opposition against him. Josaphat was
criticized for his actions and despite warnings of danger, he
continued his work. Josaphat returned to his home in the city of
Vitebsk, and while he was there the opposition took action. After
being verbally harassed, he was removed from his home by a mob
and killed. His body was thrown into the river, but it was retrieved
and later buried in Biala, Poland. In 1867, he became the first saint
of the Eastern Church to be canonized by Rome.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

You people of Vitebsk want to put me to death. You make ambushes
for me everywhere, in the streets, on the bridges, on the highways,
and in the marketplace. I am here among you as a shepherd and you
ought to know that I should be happy to give my life for you. I am
ready to die for the holy union, fir the supremacy of St. Peter and of
his successor the Supreme Pontiff. -St. Josaphat

TODAY IN HISTORY

607 Boniface III ends his reign as Pope

TODAY'S TIDBIT

An ascetic, like Josaphat, exercises self-discipline in all forms for the
love of God and spiritual improvement. This usually deals with
curbing physical wants, but also may deal with curbing internal
wants. An ascetic seeks to conform all his or her appetites to right
reason and the law of God. Asceticism is not an end in itself, but is
directed to allowing a more perfect love of God.

INTENTION FOR THE DAY

Please pray through the intercession of St. Josaphat for the
Ecumenical movement seeking to rejoin the East and the West.