Today May 4

Father Mateo Crawley-Boevey (1975 - 1960), is a fairly modern saint, although I use the word "saint" loosely, as his cause has only recently been put forward. A young priest (whose motto, and that of his order, was "To be a saint!"), he burned for missionary duty but forced himself to "bloom where he was planted," so to speak, and serve the folks at home (Chile). (He had an English last name because his father was a British businessman, while his mother was a Peruvian [Catholic]. His father converted from Anglicanism only on his deathbed. But he supported all Father Mateo's priestly desires.) He reached out to all classes, providing a law school for the wealthy and a social center for the poor. He was especially proud when his law school became incorporated with the local university. That was in May (1906). By August, the dream was in ruins. A major earthquake had hit Valparaiso.

Now Father Mateo's attention was completely absorbed with getting relief to the victims of the quake. He wore himself out so much he had to take the cure in Europe. While at Paray-le-Monial, he was inspired with a plan to spread devotion to the Sacred Heart back in his own land and then around the world. St. Pius X listened to him and startled him by saying, "No, my son. You ask for permission and I say no. I do not permit you. I command you to give your life for this work."

And so he did. He and another priest would go to each home, putting up a picture of the Sacred Heart and perform a simple ceremony. He started in Chile and soon was doing this "Enthronement of the Sacred Heart" throughout the world. In his own personal mission, he converted hundreds of notorious sinners. He talked to people, he said prayers, but above all, he said the Mass. At great sacrifice sometimes, he said daily Mass wherever he was. (He was always in poor health, and in the last days he could not even stand up. But he had received a special dispensation to say Mass seated, and so he did. Every day -- even Saturday.) He died on this date in 1960, back home in Chile.

Now some folks will tell you you have to do the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart in a very specific way, say these exact words, and get a priest to do the whole shebang (which in these days is very difficult). No, you can put up your own picture and make Our Lord the master of your own home and heart. Father Mateo, pray for us.