St. Michael de Sanctis was born in Catalonia, Spain in 1591. At the age of twelve, he came to Barcelona and asked to be received into the monastery of the Trinitarians. Three years later, he took his vows at St. Lambert's monastery in Zaragoza in 1607. He later entered the Discalced Trinitarians at Madrid and was ordained to the priesthood. He was elected as Superior of the Monastery at Valladolid two times. He was admired for his profound life of prayer, his humility, and his devotion to the Eucharist. He often entered into a state of ecstasy while celebrating Mass. He died on April 10, 1625, at the age of 33. He was canonized by Pope Pius IX on June 8, 1862. Many miracles of healing having been attributed to his prayer and intercession, including the healing of a woman of cancerous mouth tumors, which is why he is one of the patron saints of cancer patients.
We continue to hear about the development of the Early Church in Acts in our first reading. Yesterday in Acts, we heard about the healing of a lame man. Today, we hear how that healing gave Peter and John the opportunity to preach the Gospel message to the crowds, calling the people to conversion. Peter and John brought the reality of the risen Christ to the lives of the people, showing them how their faith in Jesus can work miracles. Not only did Peter and John attract the interest of the crowds, but their activities attracted the attention of the Sadducees, the head of the Temple guards, and the chief priests in a negative way. Even though the authorities take Peter and John into custody, this gives them the opportunity to address the elders and to proclaim the Gospel, telling them that the name of Jesus is the only name that truly saves.
We are seeing a lot of energy in the Church this year and a lot of conversions to the faith, especially in college students and in young adults. May the spirit of the risen Lord encourage us to witness to others and to live out our faith in courage and zeal.
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