St. John Cantius

St. John was born near Krakow in Poland in the 15h Century. He was called by God to keep the light of faith and the flame of Christian charity burning. He was a university lecturer in Theology before his ordination when he took up pastoral work. His is the story of the brigands who robbed him on a pilgrimage to Rome. They let him go when they were assured that they had taken all he had. But St. John remembered that he was sewn some money into his cloak and called them back to offer it to them. They were touched by his goodness that they gave back all they had taken. St. John died on Christmas Eve in 1473.

Introit: Ecclus. 18. 12-13. The compassion of man is towards his neighbour; but the mercy of God is upon all flesh. He hath mercy, and teacheth and correcteth, as a shepherd doth his flock. Ps. Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of pestilence.

Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that by the example of Thy holy confessor John we may advance in the science of the Saints and show mercy to others, that through his merits we may obtain forgiveness from Thee.

Communion: Luke. 6. 38. Give, and it shall be given to you; good measure, and pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall they give into your bosom.