Quote
“He is 86 now. At that age you are not so strong, but he seemed to me to be very fresh. His memory is fresh and his eyes are very bright and joyous.”
| Salvatorian Father Stephan Otto Horn, president of the “Ratzinger Schulerkreis” (Ratzinger Student Circle) and longtime confidant of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, downplaying concerns about Benedict’s health. Father Horn met with his mentor in June to discuss this year’s meeting of the Ratzinger Schulerkreis. (Catholic News Service)
Profile
Richard Medeiros
Youth minister at Sacred Heart, Waianae
- Favorite Scripture quotes: Joshua 24:15, Matthew 19:14
- Saint: St. Francis of Assisi
- Holiday: Easter, I just love that time of year.
- Food: Portuguese bean soup
- Best church: Sacred Heart Waianae!
- Most memorable priest: Father Rey Lim; he had the most amazing homilies and whenever he sung the consecration you felt like you were in heaven receiving Jesus.
- Latest iPod download: I just re-added the soundtrack from “Les Miz” to my playlist (no iPod though)
- Five fantasy dinner guests: Jesus, Chuck Norris, Abraham Lincoln, Bernice Pauahi Bishop and Martin Luther King; I think this would have a very interesting dinner conversation.
Saints under 35
Devoted servant
Gerard Majella’s life could have been far different if he succumbed to his chronic weak health and challenging childhood. But the young man whose unwavering obedience and patience impressed and inspired those around him was blessed by God with miraculous powers, which he used to help others.
Born in Muro, Italy, in 1726, Majella’s intimate connection with God began when he was just a child. As an adolescent, he bore the abuse of two cruel employers with faithful patience. But when the frail young man attempted several times to join a religious order, he was turned away due to his health; later the Redemptorist Fathers reluctantly accepted his petition to become a lay brother.
Majella worked incredibly hard and won the hearts of those around him with his obedience, deep faith and ability to perform miracles – in fact, he already was being called a saint by his fellow brothers and by people he encountered. He could not overcome his poor health, however, and he died in 1755. He was canonized in 1904. (www.catholictradition.org/Life/majella1.htm)
