Things were clearly different in the 15th century. At just 11 years old, Frances of Rome announced that she was committing her life to God as a religious sister. Her family resisted, so Frances dutifully married at 13. But, along with her sister-in-law, Frances still found a way to live a life committed to serving the poor and the sick. Saint Frances of Rome is a model of service for children, especially during Lent. Her feast day is March 9.
Like Saint Frances, Saint John of God is known for serving the sick. However, this patron of Catholic hospitals didn’t start out so saintly. He called himself a terrible sinner, an army man leading a wild life. Inspired by the teaching of Saint John of Avila, John of God launched headlong into a total conversion of his life. He punished himself severely for his sins until John of Avila encouraged him to put his efforts into helping others. Share the life of Saint John of God with your children. His feast day is March 8.
Image credits:
Saint Frances of Rome: iStock.com/jorisvo
Saint John of God: Alain PINOGES/CIRIC