April 18
Francisco Solano, missionary (1549–1610)
Franciscan religious missionary founder
This Spanish saint lived most of his life as a Franciscan missionary in South America.
Biography
He traveled incredible distances on foot - once more than 3,000 kilometers from Lima, Peru to Tucumán, Argentina - to convert the Indians, amidst countless dangers and sufferings. He had a special gift for languages, because in a few days he learned the dialects of each tribe and they understood his teachings so well and received them with such benefit that they were converted and baptized by the hundreds. Saint Francis loved music: he sang and played the guitar and violin very well. He delighted the Indians and settlers with his music and it is said that even the birds followed him to listen to him, like their Founding Father and namesake, Francisco de Asís.
Practical advice
With simplicity and joy, respectfully approach those who have distanced themselves from the Church with peace, perseverance and good humor.