Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

St. Benedict the Moor was a Franciscan Friar in the 1500s in Sicily, Italy. His feast day is April 4. His parents had been brough to San Fratello from Africa as slaves. Benedict had been granted freedom. He was a hard worker but was harassed by his fellow laborers because of the color of his skin. He endured with cheerfulness and meekness. He was attracted to the life of the Franciscan hermits near him, sold his small possessions, and gave everything to the poor, joining these hermits. Pope Pius IV issued an order that hermits following the rule of St. Francis should join with a friary, which he did. He became the superior of his friary despite being a lay brother without any schooling. His holy example, his humble charity, and self-denial had the effect of others wanting to model their behavior after him. After his term as superior, he went back to his duties in the kitchen with great joy.

For someone without education, he had a powerful knowledge of theology and scripture. He was sought out as a spiritual director. The sick came to him for healing, and pilgrims looked to him for his wisdom and counsel.

St. Benedict’s model of cheerful service lives today in many communities that call him their patron. In Milwaukee, St. Benedict the Moor Parish hosts a community meal program six nights a week. Participants from organizations throughout the greater Milwaukee area offer their services one night a month to serve those in need. Churches of all denominations, university students, high school students, confirmation classes, Sikh temple members, and many others join in in service to people who require assistance. It is a beautiful experience that we see as living out the Gospel that is repeated in caring communities around the world.

As we continue our Lenten journey, we are reminded of the disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Let us pray for those in need who are assisted by the help of those following in the footsteps of St. Benedict. Let us fast, giving the food we would otherwise have had to those in need. Let us participate in almsgiving to support the financial needs of meal programs in our communities and larger organizations like Catholic Relief Services.

Blessed Angela: “Do all things with the intention of pleasing Jesus Christ.”