April 7 St. John Baptist de La Salle

Patron Saint of Educators

Born into a wealthy family on April 30, 1651 at Rheims, France,  St. John began his studies for priesthood in Paris France. He left when to care for his siblings upon the death of his parents. When they had grown, he returned to his studies and was ordained in 1678. Founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (Christian Brothers) in 1681. He instituted the process of dividing students into grades; established the first teacher‘s school, started high schools and trade schools, and was proclaimed the patron of all teachers of all youth by Pope Pius XII in 1950.

Today, say a prayer for that special teacher (or teachers) in your life.

March 28 Saint Guntramnus

Born in France in the 500s, he married Mercatrude. But decided he did not like living with her, so divorced her. When she later became ill, he hired a doctor to save her. When the doctor could not and Mercatrude died, Guntramnus had the doctor killed. Guntramnus later converted to Christianity and spent the rest of his life in penance for his previous sins. He became a protector of the oppressed, care-giver to the sick, open with alms, especially during times of plague and famine. He even forgave, and went on to work with, the two people who tried to have him assassinated.

His skull currently resides in a silver box  in the church of Saint Marcellus, which he had founded.