August
17
St. Joan of the Cross
(1666-1736)
An encounter with a shabby old woman many dismissed as insane prompted St.
Joan to dedicate her life to the poor. For Joan, who had a reputation as a
businesswoman intent on monetary success, this was a significant conversion.
Born in 1666 in Anjou, France, Joan worked in the family business—a small
shop near a religious shrine—from an early age. After her parents’ death she
took over the shop herself. She quickly became known for her greediness and
insensitivity to the beggars who often came seeking help.
That was until she was touched by the strange woman who claimed she was on
intimate terms with the deity. Joan, who had always been devout, even
scrupulous, became a new person. She began caring for needy children. Then
the poor, elderly and sick came to her. Over time she closed the family
business so she could devote herself fully to good works and penance.
She went on to found what came to be known as the Congregation of St. Anne
of Providence. It was then she took the religious name of Joan of the Cross.
By the time of her death in 1736 she had founded 12 religious houses,
hospices and schools. Pope St. John Paul II canonized her in 1982.
Comment:
The downtown areas of most major cities hold a population of “street
people.” Well-dressed folks usually avoid making eye contact, probably for
fear of being asked for a handout. That was Joan’s attitude until the day
one of them touched her heart. Most people thought the old woman was crazy,
but she put Joan on the road to sainthood. Who knows what the next beggar we
meet might do for us?
