St. John Neumann
Feast day: January 5
Born in Bohemia, Neumann studied at the University of Prague, became a noted scholar and entered religious life. He traveled to New York, where he spent several years doing missionary work. In 1842, he joined the Redemptorist order, and 10 years later, he was consecrated bishop of Philadelphia. As bishop, Neumann founded 50 churches in the diocese and was noted especially for his contribution to Catholic education. Neumann established nearly 100 parochial schools. He also cared for the poor and orphans. He was canonized in 1977, the first American bishop to be canonized. He is patron of Catholic education.
Collect
O God, who called the Bishop Saint John Neumann,
renowned for his charity and pastoral service,
to shepherd your people in America,
grant by his intercession
that, as we foster the Christian education of youth
and are strengthened by the witness of brotherly love,
we may constantly increase the family of your Church.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
