CAPG's Blog 

"He improved a pious education by learning; and being directed by heaven, entered into a religious Order, which had been then lately founded for the redemption of captives. In this state he gave proof of his wonderful charity, by going into Africa; and having purchased the liberty of many with money, he gave himself in exchange for others, whom he perceived to be in danger of renouncing their faith. He extended his charity likewise to the Mahometans; and having by his preaching converted many, he was cast into prison, and after many torments, had his lips bored, and fastened together with a lock. After a tedious suffering, returning home, he was made a cardinal; but while he accepted the dignity, he renounced the state, living in a private and humble way, till God called him from his captivity to perfect freedom. His death happened in the year 1240, the thirty-seventh of his age.

Pray for all Christians who are in slavery amongst infidels, that God would give them patience and comfort in their troubles, and constancy in their faith. If you cannot do them any other charity, deprive them not of this. Pray for all who are in the worst slavery of sin and vicious passions. If you considered the tyranny of evil spirits, to which these are subject, their misery would move your compassion, and oblige you to importune heaven daily for their liberty. See if you have no part in this misfortune; and labour in time to disengage yourself, lest through neglect, your chains be doubled upon you. If there be difficulty in breaking them, while they are yet weak, will not this be still greater as they gain strength? And yet broken they must be, if you think of being for ever happy. (...)" The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother