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July 14
St. Francis Solano
(1549-1610)
Francis came from
a leading family in Andalusia, Spain. Perhaps it was his popularity as a
student that enabled Francis in his teens to stop two duelists.
He entered the Friars Minor in 1570, and after ordination enthusiastically
sacrificed himself for others. His care for the sick during an epidemic drew so
much admiration that he became embarrassed and asked to be sent to the African
missions. Instead he was sent to South America in 1589.
While working in
what is now Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay, Francis quickly learned the local
languages and was well received by the indigenous peoples. His visits to the
sick often included playing a song on his violin.
Around 1601 he was
called to Lima, Peru, where he tried to recall the Spanish colonists to their
baptismal integrity. Francis also worked to defend the indigenous peoples from
oppression. He died in Lima and was canonized in 1726.
Comment:
Francis of Solano knew from experience that the lives
of Christians sometimes greatly hinder the spread of the gospel of Jesus
Christ. Francis lived an exemplary life himself, and urged his fellow Spaniards
to make their lives worthy of their Baptism.
Quote:
"When Francis Solano was about to die, one of
the friars asked him, 'Father, when God takes you to heaven remember me when
you enter the everlasting kingdom.' With joy Francis answered, 'It is true, I am going to heaven
but this is so because of the merits of the passion and death of Christ; I am
the greatest of sinners. When I reach our homeland, I will be your good friend'" (contemporary biography of St. Francis
Solano).
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