April 5
Mariano de la Mata Aparicio (1905–1983)
Augustinian priest
Spanish Augustinian sent to Brazil, Mariano de la Mata spent more than fifty years as a priest, educator and companion of the poor in the state of São Paulo.
Biography
He taught science, led communities and developed a close apostolate among the sick, families and workers. He personally visited nearly two hundred workshops in Santa Rita, where volunteers made clothes for people in need and cultivated spiritual life. Despite a progressive illness, he retained his simplicity, joy and availability. Its mission was born from walking with people and knowing their specific needs.
Practical advice
Personally visit a work that you support and ask those who work there what specific need usually goes unnoticed.
Example of
Marian devotionFaithPriestly life