Saint Benedict-Joseph Labre

Benedict-Joseph Labre was born on March 26, 1748 in Amettes, Pas-de-Calais.

Elder of a family of fifteen children, he was inhabited very early by a deep faith, which would never let go of him. Very pious and seeking his vocation, he eventually became a beggar pilgrim, a member of the Third Franciscan Order.

Because he traveled a lot, he was nicknamed the “Wanderer of God.” With a radical faith, he was seen as a fool-for-Christ, willing to forsake his possessions, and live a “religious” life that defied society's norms, practices, and customs.

He died on April 16, 1783 at the age of 35. He was beatified in 1860 by Pius IX, then canonized in 1881 by Pope Leo XIII. He is celebrated every year by the Church on April 16. He is now recognized as the patron saint of the homeless, beggars, pilgrims and itinerants.

Today, in France, Canada and the United States, several places of worship, parishes, villages, chapels and churches have Saint Benedict-Joseph Labre as their patron.

So, let's meet Saint Benedict-Joseph Labre: let's discover his life, his influence and what he can still tell us today.

What can we learn from Saint Benedict-Joseph Labre?

Saint Benedict-Joseph Labre, a man who persevered in his vocational search

Benedict-Joseph Labre was a man of research. Very pious during his youth, he long sought his vocation. Around the age of 18, he wanted to enter monastic life, especially at the Chartreuse de Longuenesse, where he was not accepted because of his young age. He then tried the chartreuse of Neuville-sous-Montreuil, but six weeks later, the prior invited him to leave because of his fragile health and his austerity, which was considered excessive.

Later, he tried again at the trapdoor of Soligny, and at the chartreuse of Neuville, which also resulted in failures, with in particular the prior of the chartreuse who told him that he did not have this vocation, despite the recommendation of the bishop of Boulogne. Despite this, Benedict-Joseph Labre remained confident, as shown by a letter addressed to his parents: “The good Lord will assist me and lead me in the business that He Himself inspired in me. ”

Finally, by becoming Brother Urban, he seemed to find his vocation at the abbey of Sept-Fons, but he was still dismissed because of his scruples preventing him from receiving communion or receiving absolution. Going to Paray-le-Monial, he finally found his vocation as a beggar pilgrim. We would therefore say that his vocation was the road. Marked by Franciscan spirituality, he was a member of the Third Franciscan Order, after receiving the cordon of Saint Francis at Assisi.

Saint Benedict-Joseph Labre, a beggar pilgrim Saint

As a pilgrim, he walked about 30,000 km on foot in Europe, from one sanctuary to another, whether in France, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, or even as far as Poland. When he was not on the roads, he was often be in Rome, where he spent most of his time praying in the churches and being with the poor. This is how he developed his reputation for holiness more and more. Firstly, thanks to his charity: he redistributed gifts and offerings to the poor, since he was so affected by his activity as a beggar. Continually in prayer, he also conformed more and more to holiness. Finally, he also acquired this reputation for holiness due to the fact that he confessed with deep faith: the priests confessing him, were also amazed by his humility and his mystical life.

At the announcement of his death, the children and the People of Rome said “The saint is dead”. Prophetic words or not, miracles multiplied.

Seen as a mystic, he spent the last eight months of his life knowing the worship that would arise after his death. He spoke to Father Marconi about it: “I saw my own funeral, and a great crowd of people were paying tribute to my wretched body. The Blessed Sacrament was removed from the church, and the marks of reverence and respect prepared for the Holy Eucharist were returned to my body. ” 

What can Saint Benedict-Joseph Labre bring us today?

Life with Christ is a pilgrimage

Through his vocation as a pilgrim and his nickname “Wanderer of God,” Benedict-Joseph Labre can show us that the Christian life is a pilgrimage. In other words, the Christian life is a long journey to holiness. Throughout the year, the liturgy of the Church reminds us of this. In our daily lives, it is the exercise of our duty of state that reminds us of this pilgrimage through our work, our family, our involvement in the community, and our other obligations and duties. This pilgrimage is made of joys and difficulties, with trials (this is what is called the Cross), as experienced by Christ or Benedict-Joseph Labre. It is now our turn to experience this pilgrimage, the purpose of which is to open the door of Heaven for us.

For a more in-depth look at Saint Benedict-Joseph Labre

Here are two books on the life of Benedict-Joseph Labre:

·         Augustine-Victor Deramecourt, History of the Canonization of Blessed Benedict-Joseph Labre, with a Pilgrim's Guide to the Various Stations of His Life, Hachette Livre

·         François Gaquère, The Poor Saint of Jesus Christ, Benedict-Joseph Labre, Maison Aubanel Père, 1954 

Pray with Saint Benedict-Joseph Labre

Prayer of the Three Hearts by Saint Benedict-Joseph Labre “My God, grant me, to love You, three hearts in one”:

“My Lord, bestow upon me, in order to love You, three hearts united as one. The initial heart, devoted to You, pure and fervent like a flame, shall keep me constantly in Your Presence, prompting me to speak of You, act for You, and, above all, endure with patience the trials I must overcome throughout my life. The second heart, compassionate and fraternal towards my fellow beings, shall guide me to quench their spiritual thirst by sharing Your Word with them, by being Your ambassador through prayer. May this heart show kindness to those who stray from You, especially if they reject me; may it ascend to You, beseeching Your light upon them so they may break free from the snare of the hunter. Let it also overflow with compassion for those who depart from this world in the hope of beholding You face to face. The third heart, steadfast and resolute, shall help me conquer the temptations of the flesh, shield me from self-centeredness, free me from obstinacy, lead me to abstain, and prompt me to shun sin. For I am aware that the more I resist the allure of earthly desires, the greater the bliss You shall bestow upon me for all eternity. Amen.”

Prayer by Saint Benedict-Joseph Labre “Jesus is with us!”
“Jesus Christ, King of glory, came in peace, God became man. The Word became flesh. Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus Christ went in peace among them. Jesus Christ was crucified. Jesus Christ died. Jesus Christ was buried. Jesus Christ has risen. Jesus Christ has ascended into heaven. Jesus Christ triumphs, Jesus Christ reigns. Jesus Christ governs. May Jesus Christ deliver us from all evil, Jesus is with us! Amen” 

Continue your pilgrimage with Christ with Hozana

Following on from Saint Benedict-Joseph Labre, a true pilgrim, let us continue our pilgrimage with God with the many available novenas and retreats on Hozana.

Explore Franciscan spirituality as well with this novena to Saint Francis of Assisi or this novena with another famous priest, Padre Pio.