Today September 25

Today is the feast of St. Vincent Strambi (1745 - 1824), Passionist. He was a fun-loving only child of a pharmacist. He liked football, drama and hitting targets with his slingshot. Those were the days when women carried their water in earthenware jars on their heads, and at least one local housewife of Civita Vecchia got drenched. But he also loved to "play priest" and rang a bell to call his buddies to "catechism" where he'd explain the lesson. He was overly generous -- once even giving away all his clothes to a beggar child. he got in trouble for that one.

He tried and failed to join the Capuchins and Vincentians, but did become rector of a seminary -- as a layman! But he was later ordained as a secular priest and though he was spurned twice as a Passionist, St. Paul of the Cross himself allowed him into the order. Vincent was really big on preaching, retreats, frequent Communion (in an age that didn't favor that), and stringent requirements of lay catechists. He was made bishop of Macerata/Tolentino against his will, but once he accepted, he was indefatigable. He was vigilant for the orthodoxy of seminarians and he built numerous churches, nursing homes and orphanages. When representatives of Napoleon's Army demanded he sign an oath of loyalty to the Emperor, he refused, saying, "I'll not be a traitor to my sacred duty . . . I won't sign." They said they'd confiscate all he had. "Do so," was his simple reply. "You'll be banished from your diocese." "I am ready," he said. And he was -- for 5 years. Not long after he returned in triumph, he asked to resign the episcopacy and it was granted. You don't hear much about high clerical officers resigning anymore. People act like it's unheard of -- but it's not.

I would say that not only was Vincent eloquent, but he even TAUGHT eloquence. Isn't that a great name for a subject? "Sacred Eloquence"? He also taught theology. And though he was a great man, bishop of a large diocese, friend of founders and popes -- and military generals -- alike, he never forgot the "little people." He showed great care to the sick and he had many female platonic friends, one of whom was named (Blessed) Anna Maria Taigi. This laywoman knew and loved him (to know him was to love him) and had a little insight concerning him at his end. When Vincent had heard of Pope Leo XII's fatal illness, he offered his life to God in exchange for the Pope's. A few days later Vincent was struck with a serious stroke. The Pope recovered and lived another 5 years. Meanwhile, Vincent had lost both his power of speech and of swallowing -- so he couldn't make his last confession nor take Viaticum. Blessed Anna Maria said that at dawn on December 30th he'd regain both powers and have a half hour for his thanksgiving. Sure enough, the little lady was right. He kissed the crucifix after the Mass and thanksgiving, lapsed into a coma and died. He was canonized in 1950.