Of Beggars and Prisoners
Homily on the Memorial of St John Capistrano, Friday, 29th Week in OT, 23 Oct 2026, FSpIF Chapel, Talamban
Yesterday morning, Fr Mcmanus, SDB, our oldest missionary priest in our Province, died in Perpetual Succor Hospital at 89 years old after succumbing to pneumonia. He was originally from Burma but had spent almost his entire Salesian life working as a missionary in differrent countries including India and Pakistan. When he was made Rector of Don Bosco Boys Home here in Cebu, he humbly begged from people for the sustenance of our poor, abandoned and underprivileged youth.
In these recent years until his death, despite his old age and the fragility of his health, he continued to minister to our Bosconians in DBTC. And amazingly he also continued to beg with all humility for the feeding and education of the city’s countless street kids. In fact, last year he was so happy to have been able to join their Christmas Party and gift giving. We were still hoping that he could overcome this health crisis and be discharged from the hospital. But God had other plans, even much better plans. He deemed it worthy to have him finally rest from his labors and to grant him the eternal reward reserved for his faithful and fruitful ministers.
We are nearing the end of the liturgical year which reminds us of the possible end of our life. In fact, nine days from now we will already be celebrating All Souls Day. And surprisingly, the gospel passage we have heard today (Lk 12:49-53) is inviting us to reflect on the last things, esp. on the impending day of judgement. Jesus said “If someone comes to sue you in court, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise, your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison.”
I was just imagining what life in the real prison cell could be? There, you find no freedom, no family, no friends, no comfort, no peace, and perhaps you lose all hope too. But who among us would want his/her soul to be chained behind prison bars or hurled in the fires of hell for all eternity? I’m dead sure, no one. And so, we better do all we can to make the necessary settlement while we still have time. Otherwise, the supreme Judge will impose on us the timeless punishment we deserve because of our sins or because we did not love enough.
The signs of the end times seem to be present all over the world… just look at the wars and the violent protests in Europe, as well as the super typhoons, earthquakes, landslides and flashfloods in our country and in many parts of the world. Could all these be the signs predicted by Jesus in the Gospel? (Let us therefore take time to reflect on our lives and everything we have done. Let us ask ourselves, if I die now, would I deserve a fitting reward in heaven or a just punishment in hell?)
In today’s first reading (Eph 3:14-21) St Paul addressed himself to the Christians in Ephesus by means of a letter. He had just been thrown into prison for having preached Christ in Rome. And he was writing that letter not only from his prison cell, but above all, from his heart set on fire with apostolic zeal for the Christians in Ephesus. And he urged them to live in a manner worthy of the call they have received, with all humility, gentleness, and patience, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.
Before we end let me share with you something interesting about St John Capistrano, whose memorial we are celebrating today. This saint was a Franciscan friar, priest and missionary, born in Italy in 1386 (on the feast day of St John the Baptist). After finishing his studies in law, he was appointed governor of Perugia. He was only 26 years old. Later, however, when war broke out in his land, he was imprisoned for being an ambassador of peace, making negotiations between warring Perugia and the Malatestas.
Now here is the twist. His imprisonment became a blessing in disguise. For, while in prison, he began to think more seriously about his soul. And by God’s grace, he heard an inner voice calling him to follow Christ along the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi. And so, when he was released, he decided to give up the world. He then embraced the life of a Franciscan Friar. He studied Theology in Florence under St Bernardine of Siena who eventually became his model in pursuing a life of rigorous asceticism. (If you want to know more about this saint, read also the addendum at the end.)
We thank God today for the gift of St John Capistrano to the Church. This saint showed extraordinary courage in leaving behind a noble career and all its worldly perks in order to serve Christ, the Lord, the Real Master, following him in poverty, chastity and obedience. We pray that we too, including the young people here present, may be blessed with that same extraordinary courage and generosity. May we dedicate our lives totally at the service of Christ and his Body, the Church.
Please join us in praying for Fr Leonard McManus. May the good Lord in his loving mercy embrace him forever in heaven and grant him the eternal reward reserved for those who serve him faithfully and perseveringly on earth. GiGsss!
