I was born with a "candy cane" shaped foot. My brother was born with an extra thumb. I am glad my parents didn't send us away to be cared for by a nurse like today's saint Ambrose Sansedoni of Siena. He was born badly deformed. The nurse said that the only time he was peaceful was when he was in St. Mary Magdalene Church, the local Dominican church, especially when he was near the altar and relics. Legend has it that the nurse covered his face with a scarf and a pilgrim said, "Do no cover that child's face. He will one day be the glory of this city." A few days later the young boy suddenly stretched out his twisted limbs and said the name of "Jesus" and all deformity left him.He was a pious child and at age 2 when given the choice of two of his father's books (his father was a book illuminator) and he chose the one about the saints. From age 7 he recited daily the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin. And he loved working with the poor, abandoned and sick. He told his family and friends that he wanted to join the preaching friars and they tried to talk him out of it, but Ambrose heard the call and joined the Dominicans in Siena in 1237 on his 17th birthday. He studied in Paris and Cologne with Saint Thomas Aquinas and Pope Blessed Innocent V under Saint Albert the Great. He then taught in Cologne and devoted himself to preaching. He evangelized in Germany, France and Italy. He was a mystic with a deep contemplative prayer life. He received visions and was known to levitate when preaching.
It is sad that everything he wrote and preached--which had to be good--was once saved, but now no longer exists.
PRAYER
Merciful God, may this feast of Blessed Ambrose bring joy to the Church, that she may be strengthened with spiritual help and be made worthy to enjoy everlasting happiness. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
General Calendar of the Order of Preachers
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