The 10th child of a wool carder, Francisco Coll was born in 1812 in Spain. His faith was strong from an early age, he was confirmed at the age of six, and he then taught the catechism to other children for the next few years until he entered the seminary at the age of 10. After finishing his studies he became a Dominican at 18, continued studying in secret to avoid the anti-clerical Spanish government, and was ordained at 23. Fr. Francisco then went to his bishop and offered his services, and he set out preaching with apostolic zeal. Fr. Francisco preached missions to parishes and cloisters, and he also preached to prisoners, to children, and to the sick. He co-founded an evangelization fraternity with St. Anthony Mary Claret, and also a congregation of the Dominican Sisters that today has over 140 houses.
CHALLENGE
St. Francisco Coll was struck blind during a homily when he was 57, and although his health continued to decline, he refused to retire. Many people look forward to relaxing in their retirement, but it’s a time when we can be the most useful to God. Today, prayerfully consider your own retirement and how you can infuse it with apostolic zeal.
Being a good husband and father starts when a man honors his wife.
In Kevin Lowry’s new delightful, easy-to-read book Honor Thy Wife, he shares a month’s-worth of stories and the lessons he learned over 35+ years of marriage.
