July 17th - St. Francis Solano By: Rona Roy

Today's saint of the day is Saint Francis Solano. Saint Francis Solano was ordained a Franciscan priest in 1576 and dedicated his life to helping others. During the epidemic of 1583 at Granada, he put everyone's safety above his own, and helped tend to the sick and dying. Even during the difficult time Saint Francis Solano kept his faith and continued to teach about the word of God. Saint Francis Solano was later chosen to go on a missionary trip to South America. During the trip, they encountered a bad storm, unlike the crew and passengers, Francis stayed with the slaves who were on board to teach them about the love and mercy of Jesus and later baptized them. After a week, they were rescued and brought to Lima, Peru. During his 20 years as a missionary, he learned many of the native languages, as said that he had the gifts of the tongues. Through his prayers, songs of worship and words of faith he converted many and became known throughout Peru. He was canonized in 1726 and is the patron saint of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER
O God, help us through the intercession of Saint Francis Solano to remain in faith and continue to spread the word of God even during the difficult times, especially during this pandemic. Amen.