Patron: Pope St John XXIII

Who is Pope Saint John 23rd?

The Good Pope

Angelo was one of thirteen children in a poor family from Sotto il Monte (meaning “under the mountain”), a small town in northern Italy. Very good-natured and quite intelligent, Angelo was drawn to the priesthood at an early age.

When he was elected pope in 1958 at the age of 76, most people felt that he would be an interim pope, simply filling the position for a few years until his death, not causing many waves in the church.

However, Pope John XXIII shocked the world by calling for an ecumenical council, which was eventually known as the second Vatican Council. It was John’s wish that the church offer a message of hope and direction to the world. He also felt the Catholic Church needed to review itself and be “updated” in areas of liturgy, inter-church activity, the role of the laity, and more.

The council began 11 October 1962, with bishops from throughout the world in attendance. They would convene in Rome for four consecutive years, each fall for several months. It was an incredible undertaking. Sadly, Pope John XXIII only saw the first of the sessions. He died on 3 June 1963.

Pope John XXIII was canonised by Pope Francis on 27 April 2014.

DAILY DECALOGUE

by Pope John XXIII

Only for today, I will seek to live the livelong day positively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once.

Only for today, I will take the greatest care of my appearance: I will dress modestly; I will not raise my voice; I will be courteous in my behaviour; I will not criticize anyone; I will not claim to improve or to discipline anyone except myself.

Only for today, I will be happy in the certainty that I was created to be happy, not only in the other world but also in this one.

Only for today, I will adapt to circumstances, without requiring all circumstances to be adapted to my own wishes.

Only for today, I will devote 10 minutes of my time to some good reading, remembering that just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul.

Only for today, I will do one good deed and not tell anyone about it.

Only for today, I will do at least one thing I do not like doing; and if my feelings are hurt, I will make sure that no one notices.

Only for today, I will make a plan for myself: I may not follow it to the letter, but I will make it. And I will be on guard against two evils: hastiness and indecision.

Only for today, I will firmly believe, despite appearances, that the good Providence of God cares for me as no one else who exists in this world.

Only for today, I will have no fears. In particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe in goodness. Indeed, for 12 hours I can certainly do what might cause me consternation were I to believe I had to do it all my life.