January 6
Charles de Sezze (1613–1670)
Franciscan religious
The little shepherd Gian Carlo, who lived in the small village of Sezze, south of Rome, achieved his only ambition: to become a Franciscan layman.
Biography
In the monastery of San Pietro in Montorio he did not go beyond the most modest activities: caring for the sick, acting as sacristan, begging for alms. Even within his order he was a nobody, but it turns out that he performed stupendous miracles, as if God were pleased not to respect the ranks of ecclesiastical dignities. During a mass, when her Host was raised, a ray of light struck her chest until it penetrated her heart (which is preserved incorrupt and with the sign of the cross). Despite having very little education, he wrote admirable books of mystical depth, such as "The Greatness of God's Mercy." Pope John XXII canonized him in 1959, honoring in the name of the Church the uniqueness of the most humble of ideals lived as an anonymous and joyful dedication.
Practical advice
In a spirit of service, spend a few minutes asking for holy and generous vocations, remembering that holiness is built in the ordinary.