SAINT JOHN OF KANTY (1390-1473)
December 23
	Perhaps not many have heard of today’s saint. A native of Poland, as a young man John proved himself to be a bright student at the University of Krakow. He then went on to become a priest and professor but was later prevented from teaching by rivals and became a parish priest instead. Yet, difficulties found him there as well, in the form of personal fear and opposition by parishioners. Those who took the time to get to know him were eventually won over by his humility and kindness. He eventually returned to Krakow to teach Scripture but led a sacrificial and austere life, keeping only the bare essentials and donating the rest to those in need. He slept little, ate little and gave much. His life is a great example of focusing on the essential - Jesus - and pruning out the unnecessary. Lord, grant us the grace to be more humble, selfless and kind. Saint John of Kanty, pray for us!
—Tami Urcia