Today December 15

Today is the feast of Father Lukas Etlin (1864 - 1927). Although not formally canonized, his cause for beatification was opened in 1960.

His was a life that appeals to me, if only for the fact that he loved a) art and b) comedy (among many other things) -- two subjects often ignored or bypassed entirely by most other saints. He was a comic actor in college in Switzerland, and was an artist in Missouri (at Conception Abbey, which still is active -- and artistic -- today. Besides the glorious paintings [by Father Lukas, et. al.] in the abbey church, they make and distribute beautiful cards and artwork through their Printery House.) He emigrated to America after hearing an appeal at his university from a Benedictine from America asking for priests and monks. He was just a student when he heard the call, but he joined the monastery in Europe and took his habit -- and Holy Orders -- in this country. His favorite hobby was -- and remained all his life -- fishing. So he appeals to my husband too!

Lukas was direct and straightforward -- idealistic, too. While most folks told him to "Be realistic," he went ahead and launched "one of the most amazing one-man relief programs the world has ever seen -- the Caritas program." - Modern Saints. It provided money for food for convents, monasteries, orphanages and seminaries throughout Europe between the wars. He knew firsthand how they were struggling, and he'd heard how some of them had lost their only means of support during the First World War and how some of the religious were actually dying of hunger. One man's efforts (especially through his published words) made a real difference!

He then started the Adopt-a-Seminarian program to sponsor men who couldn't otherwise afford to study for the priesthood in war-devastated Europe. Initially the scholarship program helped 3000 men -- including many who later became bishops, abbots and even cardinals -- and which continues today.

His words were expressed not only face-to-face, but through the publication service he started. He really believed in books, magazines and pamphlets and he's right about the power and the potential clarity of words. His favorite topics were the Blessed Sacrament, the Sacred Heart and the saints.

He was a simple man and he lived simply. He discouraged excessive penances for the nuns under his spiritual direction, but that didn't mean he babied himself. He was toughest on himself -- and that extended even to making sure he said Mass every day. Father Lukas Etlin, pray for us.