POPE SAINT JOHN XXIII (1881-1963)
October 11
	Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was an ordinary man who achieved extraordinary things in the 20th century. Born into a farming family in northern Italy, he joined the Secular Franciscan order and served in Rome in various capacities following his ordination. During World War II, his diplomacy helped save an estimated 24,000 Jewish people. He was named a cardinal in 1953, and later elected pope, taking the name John after his father and St. John Lateran. Pope John soon became famous for his wit and he began meeting with world political and religious leaders. His writings include “Mother and Teacher” (1961) and “Peace on Earth'' (1963). He enlarged the College of Cardinals, making it more international. He opened the Second Vatican Council and set the tone for it stating “...the Spouse of Christ prefers to make use of the medicine of mercy rather than that of severity.” He is nicknamed “Good Pope John”. May Pope Saint John XXIII encourage us by his teachings and example, to understand the Gospel better and to understand each other better. 
―Tami Urcia