May 12.  St. Leopold Mandić

St. Leopold Mandić is a native of Croatia. He joined the Capuchin Franciscans and was ordained several years later in spite of several health problems. He could not speak loudly enough to preach publicly. For many years he also suffered from severe arthritis, poor eyesight, and a stomach ailment.

He had spent many of his adult life in Italy, living in Padua from 1906 until his death. He became known as Apostle of Confession and an Apostle of Unity. Born in Austria, on 12 May, 1866, he died in Padua, Italy on 30 July, 1942. He was beatified on the 2^nd of May, 1976 by Pope Paul VI, and canonized 16 October, 1983 by Pope John Paul II. He is the patron of Cancer sufferers. Ordained in 1890, he spent up to 15 hours per day in the confessional.

For several years Leopold Mandic taught patrology, the study of the Church Fathers, to the clerics of his province, but he is best known for his work in the confessional, where he sometimes spent 13-15 hours a day. Several bishops sought out his spiritual advice.

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