Wednesday, April 2, 2014

April 2: St. Francis of Paola

"St. Francis of Paola Blessing
the Son of Louisa of Savoy" 

History

Named after St. Francis of Assisi (just like Pope Francis!), Francis of Paola became a monk when he was 15 years old. He slept in a cave and only ate what he could find growing wild or what his friends gave him. Two friends joined him, and then it grew into a religious order called the “Minims”. Francis wanted them to live as “the least” of all people. To inspire other Catholics to return to fasting during Lent (which people had given up), Francis and the other monks ate no meat or dairy products year-round.

Activity

In places like the United States, where most of us have so much food available to us all the time, abstaining from meat seems like a strange thing to do. However, when we give up something we are used to eating for the sake of Christ, it helps us think about how much He gave up to save us from our sins. Today, go beyond meatless and eat a vegan meal. Here’s an easy recipe for potato soup. Or try this peanut stew.

Saint Francis of Paola, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic News Agency

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