Friday, April 4, 2014
Commemoration
Benedict the African, Confessor, d. 1589
Reflection
Benedict the Black (Benedict the Moor) was born in Italy, the son of slaves who had been taken to Italy
and who later became Christians. At age 18, he was freed, and for ten years he
earned his living as a day laborer, sharing his meager wages with the poor and
caring for the sick in his free time. He bore racial slurs and ridicule with
gentleness and dignity, earning the attention of Jerome Lanzi and his group of
religious hermits, which eventually joined a Franciscan community in Palermo. Benedict worked
as a cook, continuing his small acts of charity. Although he was illiterate,
his ability to expound scripture attracted many visitors, even scholars, to the
Friary, where he was eventually named the superior. Toward the end of his life
he requested to be relieved of his leadership role in order to return to the
kitchen. Benedict the African is considered a patron saint of African
Americans.
Prayer
Gracious God, Thank you for the spirit of humility and
gentle service that shone through your servant, Benedict. Give us that same
spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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