March 30
Born about 570, Zozimus was dedicated to the service of Saint Lucy by his Greek parents, who owned land in Syracuse, Sicily.
At the age of seven, he was placed in Saint Lucy's Monastery near Syracuse where he remained as a monk for thirty years.
When the abbot of Saint Lucy's died, Zozimus was appointed to succeed him and a few days later was ordained. He was known for his prudence and for his holiness.
In 649, he was elected Bishop of Syracuse by the people. Although he thought of himself as unworthy of such a high honor, he agreed to follow their wishes, which he regarded as the will of God, since this was sometimes the custom.
Bishop Zozimus was was a defender of the Faith and had a devotion to the poor. He died about 660 at ninety years of age and is not to be confused with Pope St. Zozimus who was Greek.
B. 1526
D. 1589
April 4
Saint Benedict was born of Negro slave parents in Messina, Sicily. As an infant Benedict was freed by his master and as a young boy he showed such a devout and gentle disposition that he was called the "holy Moor." While working in the fields one day some neighbors made fun of him because of his race and parentage. His meek demeanor greatly impressed a Franciscan hermit who was passing by and who uttered the prophetic words: "You ridicule a poor Negro now; before long you will hear great things of him."
Wishing to join these hermits Benedict sold his few possessions for alms for the poor and then entered the community. After the death of the superior, Benedict was chosen his successor, against his will. When Pope Pius IV ordered all hermits to disband or join some Order, Benedict became a Friar Minor of the Observance at Palermo, and was made a cook. He was happy in this work since it enabled him to perform many little acts of kindness toward the others. The friars would see Angels helping him in his work sometimes.
The Chapter of 1578 made him guardian, or superior, of the friary, though he protested that he was not a priest, in fact could neither read nor write. He was a model superior, however, and won the esteem and obedience as well as the love of his subjects. As superior he gave free rein to his love for the poor, and no matter how openhanded he was, the food never seemed to give out. After serving as superior he was made novice master, and to this difficult post he brought gifts that were evidently infused: he was able to instruct with an amazing knowledge of theology and to read the hearts of others. At his request he was relieved of his office and again made cook, but he was no longer an obscure Brother, for thousands flocked to the friary, seeking cures or alms or counsel and help. He died after a brief illness, having foretold the hour of his death. His veneration has spread throughout the world, and those of African heritage in North America have chosen him their patron.
April 7
Saint George the Younger was born in Mitylene, Greece, in the eighth century to wealthy parents; he used his fortune to assist the sick and the poor.
He gave away all his possessions and became a monk in the local monastery, practicing the Faith with such devotion that he was made Bishop of Mitylene. As Bishop, our Saint continued his great generosity and piety.
When persecution came under Emperor Leo the Armenian, George stood firm for the Catholic Church and spoke out against the destruction of holy statues.
The holy Bishop was then sent into exile at Chersonese, where he offered up his trials in union with the Passion of Christ for the conversion of sinners. He died in 816.
After the Saint's relics were returned to Mitylene, many miracles were recorded.
He is called the Younger to differentiate him from two previous Bishops of Mitylene who are also Saints.
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