TODAY'S SAINT (Gislenus)

GISLENUS

Abbot

This 7th century follower of Christ initially led the life of a heremit in a forest of Hainault, belgium. In 650, realizing that others were also desirous of serving God in this way, he founded a monastery in honor of Sts. Peter and Paul and spent the rest of his life directing those who flocked to this manner of life.

For thirty years St. Ghislain was the model of sanctity and prudence in his role of Abbot. No problem was too great and no difficulty too small for him; he was a bulwark of strength and a bearer of Christ for every member of his community.

At the same time, this towering figure was a source of wise counsel and unwavering encouragement for all who came into contact with him. It was St. Ghislain who encouraged St. Waldetrudis to found a convent at mons where he himself had had his first hermitage. And it was this same saint who was responsible for the fact that her sister St. Aldegondis established a convent at Maubeuge. In 680, worn out by a lifetime of labors in God's service, this saintly man ended his stay on earth and went to his heavenly reward.

PRAYER

Lord, amid the things of this world, let us be wholeheartedly

committed to heavenly things in imitation of the example of

evangelical pererfection You have given us in St. Ghislain the

Abbot. Amen.

Feast: October 10

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