The Little Bishop Who Changed a Nation

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010526.cfm

On this twelfth day of Christmas, Fr. Matthew Tomeny, MIC reflects on the memorial of St. John Neumann—a man small in stature but immense in his love for Christ and His people. Born in Bohemia and ordained at a time when Europe had more priests than it needed, St. John Neumann heard a different call: to bring the Sacraments to Catholics scattered across a young and growing America.

As a missionary and later bishop, St. John Neumann traveled tirelessly, celebrating Mass in homes, building churches, and caring for Catholics of every ethnicity. He learned multiple languages so he could hear Confessions and shepherd souls more faithfully. Though physically small, even nicknamed “the little bishop,” his pastoral charity burned brightly—so brightly that he died at just 48 from total self-gift.

Jesus comes not only to comfort but to heal us from the sickness of sin. He calls us out of darkness and into His truth, even when that truth challenges us. “Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them” (1 Jn 3:24; NABRE). Love of Christ is proven not by words alone, but by obedience, charity, and a willingness to change.

If we want Christ to dwell in us, we must turn away from sin and live the love He commands. Like St. John Neumann, we are called to pour ourselves out for others—so that the light of Christ may truly dwell among His people.

To better understand how Christ heals and strengthens us through the Sacraments, explore Understanding the Sacraments at ShopMercy.org via the link in bio.