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.
April 2 St. Appian of Caesarea
Born to wealthy, prominent and non-Christian family in 287 a.d. Well educated, studying rhetoric, philosophy and civil law in Beirut, Lebanon, where he converted to christianity. Settled in Caesarea, Palestine after being rejected by his parents. In the midst of a persecution in his area, he publicly tried to end sacrifices to pagan gods and was arrested. Unlike Saint Peter of Nicomedia, who was slow roasted to death after having his flesh torn from his bones, St. Appian survived the tearing and slow roasting and was given a second chance. He refuse to denounce his faith. He was sent back to prison still sizzling. After three days he was again taken from prison and thrown into the sea with stones tied to his feet. Eusebius, an eyewitness, declares that an earthquake simultaneously shook the city, and that the sea flung up his corpse on the shore.