Leopold Mandić

Infobox Saint
name = Saint Leopold Mandić
birth_date = birth date|1866|5|12|mf=y
death_date = death date and age|1942|6|30|1866|5|12|mf=y
feast_day = May 12
venerated_in = Roman Catholic Church

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imagesize = 220px
caption = Saint Leopold Bogdan Mandić
birth_place = Herceg Novi, Boka Kotorska
death_place = Padua, Italy
titles =
beatified_date = May 2, 1976
beatified_place =
beatified_by = Paul VI
canonized_date = October 16, 1983
canonized_place =
canonized_by = John Paul II
attributes =
patronage =
major_shrine =
suppressed_date =
issues =
prayer =
prayer_attrib =

Saint Leopold Bogdan Mandić was born on May 12 1866 and died on June 30 1942. He was an ethnic Croat born in Herceg Novi, in Boka Kotorska (modern-day Montenegro), and died in Padua, Italy. Physically malformed and delicate, having a height of only 1.35m, with clumsy walk and stuttering, he developed tremendous spiritual strength. His feast is celebrated May 12.

Although he wanted to be a missionary in Eastern Europe, he spent almost all of his adult life in Italy, and lived in Padua from 1906 until the end of his life. He spent also one year in Italian prison during WWI, since he did not want to renounce his Croatian nationality. He also dreamed unceasingly about reuniting the Catholic and Orthodox churches and going to the Orient. He became known as Apostle of Confession and Apostle of Unity. He made a famous prayer that is the forerunner of today's Ecumenism.

Early life

Bogdan Mandić was the twelfth child of Dragica Carević and Petar Antun Mandić, owner of an Adriatic fishing fleet; they came from village of Zakučac (hinterland of city of Omiš, 28 km from Split). The origins of his family are noble; they came from Vrhbosna province in Bosnia.

He suffered from disabilities that would plague his speech and stature. The family eventually lost most of its wealth, and became more sympathetic to those who suffered in similar situations. In November of 1882 while he was 16, Bogdan went to Udine to enter the seminary of the Venetian Capuchins, and accepted the name "Leopold". Two years later he was put in the Bassano del Grappa friary, where he took the name Leopold. His first profession of vows were made a year later in May and a profession of perpetual vows 4 years latter in 1888.

In the mid-1880s, Croatian Bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer began a movement which focused on unity and consecration of the cathedral of Đakovo and Srijem, a movement in which Leopold took interest in. On September 20, 1890, Leopold was ordained to the presbyterate at Venice at the age of 24.

Work and disability

Refusing to renounce his Croatian nationality during World War I, Leopold was forced to go to southern Italy. All this time Leopold held a hope that he would be able to return to his homeland and preach among his people, a feat that would be inhibited by his disabilities. On top of his physical deformities, he also suffered from stomach ailments, poor eyesight, and arthritis. Unsurprisingly, the Capuchin ministers declined these attempts due to his health.

While in Italy, Leopold's main vocation was confessions, which he did for 34 years. The Capuchin brothers often criticized Leopold for his approach to confession, calling him too lenient and compassionate. Leopold's compassion showed that he was more understanding and sympathetic to the people that came to him, and would treat them with great sensitivity. He was an outspoken on issues with children, and being pro-life and especially fond of expectant mothers and young children. He did great work in setting up orphanages for children without parents.

Leopold also had a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary who he referred to as "my holy boss". He was known to pray the rosary quite often, and celebrated the eucharist daily at the side altar in the Little Office of the Virgin Mary. He would then visit the sick in nursing homes, hospitals and homes all over Padua. He visited the Capuchin infirmary to comfort the sick friars, giving them words of advice and reminding them to have faith.

Death and canonization

Leopold suffererd from esophagus cancer, which would ultimately lead to his death at age 76. On July 30, 1942, while preparing for the liturgy, he collapsed on the floor. He was then brought to his cell, where he was given the last rites. Friars that had gathered at his bed began singing the "Salve Regina" and saw that Leopold died as they sang "O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary."

As a result of the bombing during World War II, the church and part of the friary where Leopold lived were demolished, but Leopold's cell and confessional were left unharmed. Leopold had predicted this before his death, saying, "The church and the friary will be hit by the bombs, but not this little cell. Here God exercised so much mercy for people, it must remain as a monument to God's goodness." Paul VI beatified Leopold on May 2, 1976. He was canonized by John Paul II during the Synod of Bishops on October 16, 1983. Leopold is hailed as the "Apostle of Unity".

Quotes

* "Some say that I am too good. But if you come and kneel before me, isn't this a sufficient proof that you want to have God's pardon? God's mercy is beyond all expectation."
* "Be at peace; place everything on my shoulders. I will take care of it." He once explained, "I give my penitents only small penances because I do the rest myself."
* "A priest must die from apostolic hard work; there is no other death worthy of a priest."

References

* [http://www.zupa-vela-luka.hr/sveci-opis.asp?svetac=144 Biografije svetaca Leopold Bogdan Mandić]
* [http://www.beafriar.com/leopold.html St. Leopold Mandic]
* [http://www.dugirat.com/content/view/1577/36/ Zakučac proslavio blagdan sv. Leopolda Mandića] Zakučac celebrates the feast day of its saint
* [http://www.glas-koncila.hr/rubrike_reportaza.html?broj_ID=5058 Živi' će nam ime makar granu sikli Reportaža Glas Koncila] Reportage of Glas koncila
* [http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintOfDay/default.asp?id=1090 American Catholic article entitled "St. Leopold Mandic"]