October 21: Saint Gaspar

Saint Gaspar statue at
Saint Mary Catholic Church
in Philothea, Ohio, USA.
Photo by Nheyob

History

Saint Gaspar was a newly ordained priest in Rome when Napoleon’s army took over the city. Father Gaspar, along with most of the other priests, were thrown out of the city because they refused to give up their loyalty to the Pope. But Napoleon did not remain in charge. The priests returned to serve the people who had been almost entirely without Mass, confession and other Sacraments for nearly five years. Father Gaspar had a lot of work to do. He started the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood to work in the most awful places in Italy. Father Gaspar understood these people and started an all-night prayer for men who were too embarrassed to come to church during the day, when others might see them. 

Activity

Have you ever been too embarrassed to admit that you are a Christian? Or that you go to church? Have you ever been too embarrassed to pray before your meal at a restaurant? Saint Gaspar would have understood, even though he was brave enough to stand up for what he believed him when faced with a powerful army. Today, pray to Saint Gaspar and ask him to help you be courageous about your faith. 

Saint Gaspar, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Missionaries of the Most Precious Blood

Catholic Online

Last year, we learned about St. Hilarion and wove baskets out of paper.