"In patiently enduring, you obtained your reward, O venerable father. You persevered in your prayers without ceasing; and you loved the impoverished and you satisfied them. We entreat you,intercede with Christ God, O blessed John the Merciful, for the salvation of our souls."

St. John was born in 555 on the island of Cyprus in the city of Amathus and became Archbishop of Alexandria (the great city of learning in Egypt) in 608. In his time, there were many heresies plaguing the Christian community—that is, there were many people with faulty ideas about who Jesus was (and is!) in our lives, and these wrong ideas were being spread and accepted by too many people. St. John fought these ideas with much bravery and power; he did this because he loved God and loved His Church. We remember him with love and appreciation for this, but above all, he was famous—now and then—for his great generosity, humility, and sympathy towards all, especially the poor. He fell asleep in the Lord in 619, at the age of 64."

Getting Practical: This year’s parish-wide theme is “The Desert”—the importance of exploring the nether-regions of the heart, finding time to be in silence, discovering humility and prayer life. Use St. John’s story to encourage and inspire your family. During dinner time, try and think of ways that you can do more for those in need; John was a great, important man in the ancient world—yet nothing was more important to him than finding time to help the poorest of the poor. What can your family do? How about adopting a special charity just in time for Thanksgiving—be it ECHO, Habitat for Humanity, or any other institution close to your family’s heart. And in your family prayers—breakfast, dinner, etc.—ask St. John to inspire your family to beautiful acts of philanthropy and love!