Page 74 - Saints of the Month: February

Saints of the Month: February

priest, moved by his piteous state, sent him
to the University of Parma, where he
acquired great distinction. His studies were
sanctified by vigils, fasts, and prayers, till at
last, thinking that all this was only serving
God by halves, he resolved to leave the
world. He joined the monks at Font-
Avellano, then in the greatest repute, and by
his wisdom and sanctity rose to be Superior.
He was employed on the most delicate and
difficult missions, amongst others the
reform of ecclesiastical communities, which
was effected by his zeal. Seven Popes in
succession made him their constant adviser,
and he was at last created Cardinal Bishop
of Ostia. He withstood Henry IV. of
Germany, and labored in defence of
Alexander II. against the Antipope, whom he
forced to yield and seek for pardon. He was
charged, as Papal Legate, with the
repression of simony; again, was
commissioned to settle discords amongst
various bishops, and finally, in 1072, to
adjust the affairs of the Church at Ravenna.
He was laid low by a fever on his homeward
journey, and died at Faenza, in a monastery
of his order, on the eighth day of his
sickness, whilst the monks chanted matins
around him.

Reflection.—The Saints studied, not in
order to be accounted learned, but to
become perfect. This only is wisdom and
true greatness, to account ourselves as

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