June 16th - St. John Francis Regis By: Maxin Mathew

St John Francis Regis was not like any normal person. He grew up listening to his mother speak of them being eternally damned after the death of Regis’ eldest brother, which made a lasting impression at such a young age. He grew never enjoying any of the pleasures that a child his age would find amusing. He was known to keep to himself and give special regard to Sundays and holidays as special days of reading and devotions at home and at church. He was one of the first students to join the Jesuit founded public school at Beziers, at which he joined a brotherhood devoted in prayer named after the Blessed Virgin. Following his ordination, John Francis made himself readily available to the poor in various French towns. Seeing his great devotion to helping others and his great success in communicating with people, the bishop of Viviers recruited John to work for him, in a time where the people had been deprived of the sacraments for more than 20 years. He lived his years working as a missionary visiting all parts of the diocese, preparing them for a visit by the bishop. Father Regis continued his life as a missionary in the wildest and most desolate parts of France, encountering multiple harsh winters. The last four years of his life were spent preaching and organizing social services, dedicated for prisoners, the sick and the poor. After sensing that his days were coming to an end in the fall of 1640, Fr. Regis settled his affairs and started to prepare for the end. On New Years Eve, 1640, Regis spent most of his day in prayer, with his eyes on the crucifix. That evening, he passed away, at the age of 43. His feast day is celebrated on June 16 as the patron of lacemakers, medical social workers, and illegitimate children.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER 

O God, whose priest, Saint John Francis Regis, a friend of the poor, the sick, and the wayward, eagerly desired to evangelize the peoples of North America; grant, we ask, that we who serve You in his place may be filled with his same spirit of zeal. Amen.