July 12
John Gualberto (1073)
Benedictine religious
An anecdote is told about this Florentine saint to which his decision to embrace the religious state is attributed.
Biography
One day, when he was returning to Florence with his squire, he ran into his brother's murderer, who was unarmed, in a narrow alley. Seeing himself lost, this man knelt to beg him to spare his life for the love of Jesus Christ on the cross, and although Juan Gualberto was not devout or of edifying customs, he was moved and hugged him, telling him that he could not have looked for a better lawyer. Then, as he entered a church, he saw the crucifix bow its head before him, thanking him. He was abbot of the Vallumbrosa monastery, where he established the Benedictine reform. It is said of him that he was always benign, modest, understanding with the sick, severe with the rebels and gentle with the weak: a monk who only lived for prayer and charity.
Practical advice
Whenever you have the opportunity, teach a truth of faith with clarity and affection and also take care of the small details.