March 14
Santiago Cusmano (1834–1888)
Priest
Practical advice
Starting today, set aside a fixed portion of your weekly spending to share, instead of only helping when you have something left over.
Biography
A Sicilian doctor known for providing free care to the poor, Santiago Cusmano discovered that the misery of Palermo demanded an organized response. After being ordained as a priest, he created the “Bocado del Pobre” association, inviting each family to reserve a portion of their food for those who were hungry. From that initiative, welfare works and the congregations of the Servants of the Poor were born. He begged personally, opened houses and attended to epidemics, without reducing charity to occasional alms. He taught to share in a constant and communal way.
Example of
Spirit of serviceCharityPriestly life