Walking with the Saints Podcast | Feast of St. John Gualbert, Patron Saint of Foresters, Park Rangers and Parks | July 12
One of the hardest experiences in life is to forgive an enemy or someone who did a big harm to us. But charity and forgiveness are refreshing to the soul and makes one closer and dearer to God. This was the experience of St. John Gualbert. John Gualbert was an Italian monk who was born in Florence, into a noble family about 985 A.D. He
was raised up as a Catholic but he cared little about religion and for some time lived a frivolous life. He became a lover of the pleasures, amusements and vanities of the world and involved in several romantic intrigues. When his only brother Hugh was murdered he planned to avenge his death. His opportunity came when one Good Friday he met his brother’s murderer on a narrow way. John Gualbert drew his sword, ready to kill his prey but the killer knelt on his knees, with arms outstretched as on a cross and begged for mercy and forgiveness. With this humble act, John could not execute his long-time plan. The
thought of Christ on the Cross forgiving His executioners softened his heart. He instead embraced the killer and forgave him. Soon, John had a vision of Jesus on the Cross bowing to him to acknowledge the good he had done. When he entered a church after the incident, he prayed before a Crucifix and the moment of grace came upon him again. He felt that he was being called to enter a monastery. His family vehemently opposed the idea but they could not stop him. He joined the Order of St. Benedict, but after some time, he left that community to find a more solitary and strict life. Besides, he was more attracted to live in a cenobitic atmosphere, a monastic tradition centered on community life. He left the Order and formed his own monastery at Vallombrosa
at the outskirts of Florence. He attracted many followers and they founded six monasteries more during his lifetime. He was a guide and adviser even for religious leaders during those difficult times for the Church and society in general. In Vallombrosa, the area surrounding the monastery was wild and deserted. He therefore encouraged his companions to plant trees instead of putting up a flower garden
of varied plants. They created a park and with the fir trees and pines around, the place became more conducive to prayer and contemplation. At first, the monastery at Vallombrosa had very strict rules, and only a few Aspirants came, but a bit later John Gualbert mitigated the rules and many came to join them. As for himself, John Gualbert continued to practice more austerity and to do more penances. He became a popular model for compassion and goodness to the poor and the sick. Popes travelled to see him and praised him for the meekness and the pureness of his faith. He himself admired the teachings of the Fathers of the Church, in particular those of St. Basil the Great and St. Benedict of
Nursia. Called the Holy and Knight Monk, John Gualbert died at the age of 80 in 1073. He was canonized by Pope Celestine III on October 24, 1193. His feast day is celebrated on July 12. Due to his love for planting pines and trees he was declared patron saint of foresters, park
rangers and parks. Pope Pius XII named him in 1951 the patron saint of
Italian Forest Corps and patron for Brazilian forests in 1957.
Virtues: piety, humility, charity, forgiveness, bravery, temperance and fortitude.
“Lord, through the example of St. John Gualbert give us the charity and humility to forgive our
enemies and those who have harmed us.”
Reflection: Am I nourishing suspicion, hostility or hatred towards someone?
