# Novena to St. Leopold Mandić
*2015-06-28*

> Bill Young reflects on the life of St. Leopold Mandić, a dedicated confessor and advocate for Christian unity, and leads a novena in his honor.

## The Life of St. Leopold Mandić

Today is the feast day of St. Leopold Mandić. A native of Croatia, Leopold joined the Capuchin Franciscans and was ordained several years later, despite suffering from severe health problems. He struggled with arthritis, poor eyesight, and stomach ailments, and his voice was not loud enough to preach publicly. Because of these limitations, he focused his ministry on teaching the Church Fathers to the clerks of his province and, most notably, working in the confessional, where he sometimes spent 13 to 15 hours a day.

Leopold had a profound sense of sin and a firm belief in God's grace. He also held a deep dream of working toward the reunification of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches. While his superiors never permitted him to go to the East, he renewed his vows to pray constantly for the unity of all Christians.

## A Novena for Grace and Unity

In honor of St. Leopold, we pray this novena. We ask the Father, who made St. Leopold a rich source of grace, to help us live our lives in love, relying entirely on His will and strong in the hope of His promises.

We remember that God's almighty power is most clearly shown when He grants mercy and forgiveness to sinners. St. Leopold was an outstanding witness to this through his ministry in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We ask for the grace to celebrate this sacrament joyfully and to experience God's great love.

We also pray for the certainty of God's presence in our trials and for the unity of all who believe in Christ. Just as St. Leopold had a tender devotion to Our Lady, we ask for the motherly protection and love of Mary in our own lives.

## The Gift of Confession

Reflecting on my own experience, the last time I went to confession, I felt a great sense of peace that lasted through the Mass immediately following. It was the most peaceful experience one could have. I hope and pray that all of us—myself included—go to confession and reconciliation more often. It is one of the greatest gifts the Lord Jesus gave us, second only to the Eucharist.

If you haven't been in a while, please go. The priests are kind and often have a good sense of humor. I remember my priest asking if I knew the Act of Contrition, and I told him I had brought a copy with me. There is a feeling of relief and peace that comes with confession that is difficult to explain, but it is something everyone should experience. We thank the Lord for this gift and for the priests who hear our confessions.

*Confession is one of the greatest gifts of the faith, providing an inexplicable peace and relief that everyone should seek regularly.*