August 17th - St. Joan of the Cross By: Nidhav Sojan

St Joan was known for her greediness as a business woman and disregard for the needy people who came for help. That is until she met an old woman who was regarded as insane by other people. After that she decided to dedicate her life to the poor. She was born on June 18, 1666, in Anjou, France. At a young age she started working in the family business, a small shop near the abbey of Saint-Florent de Saumur. When her parents died she took over the shop and she became known for her reputation as a businesswoman set on financial wealth. She was like that when she met that woman who changed her life forever. After she started caring for poor children. Eventually the poor, sick, and elderly started coming to her. Overtime she even closed down the family business so she could devote herself to good works. She founded the congregation of St. Anne of Providence and it was at that time she took the name St Joan of the Cross. She died on August 17 1736 in Fencet France. Over her lifetime, she founded 12 religious houses and many hospices and Schools. Pope John Paul II canonized her in 1982.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER
Lord, you invited Jean to give up her self-centered and avaricious life and instead to dedicate her life to helping others. Jean listened and said yes. She gave up her self-centered ways and instead of seeking her own comfort and riches. She changed her focus to helping those in need. May god grant us the courage and strength to accept the same challenge in our own lives today. Amen.