May 29
Joseph Gérard (1831–1914)
Missionary
Practical advice
Today, patiently resume an apostolic task that seemed sterile and approach a family personally.
Biography
A French Oblate missionary, José Gérard dedicated more than sixty years to evangelization in southern Africa, especially among the Basotho people of Lesotho. After little initial fruit among the Zulus, he persevered in a new mission and waited years before receiving the first catechumen. He learned the language, visited the sick and elderly on foot or on horseback and formed communities with deep love for the Eucharist and Mary. His perseverance was summed up in a conviction: to love people despite everything and to love them always.
Example of
Missionary zealEvangelizationCare for the sick