TODAYS SAINT (Lius Beltran)

LUIS BELTRAN

(1526-1581)

Patron saint of Columbia who evangelized

thoughout the Americas

Luis Beltran was born in Valencia, Spain, in 1526. At 18 he joined the order of St. Dominic and in 1546 was ordained a priest. Five years later he was put in charge of instructing the novitiates. As a teacher he was very strict and sever, concerned that his students sincerely renounce the world and unite perfectly with God.

In 1562, Luis was sent to Cartagena, Colombia, to evangelize the natives of the New World. He worked in missions throughout Colombia, Panama and The islands of the Caribbean. Although he spoke only Spanish, God gave him the gifts of tongues, prophecy and miracles.

Luis returned to Spain in 1569 and dedicated himself to training new missionaries to contiue with the evangelization of the Americas. He died on October 9, 1581, after a debilitating illness.