The son of a baker, Edward Poppe was born in Belgium in 1890. His parents were so devout that five of his six sisters became nuns, and he and his older brother became priests. While he was in the seminary he was drafted into the army in 1910 and he was harassed by the other soldiers for his piety. Edward served as a medic on the battlefield of World War I, then after being discharged he resumed his seminary studies and was ordained at the age of 25. He preached to the poor, taught the catechism, started a children’s Eucharistic adoration group, and to be like his parishioners he lived a life of extreme poverty. He also wrote extensively against Marxism and secular influences like materialism. He died of a stroke at the age of 33.
CHALLENGE
Blessed Edward Joannes Maria Poppe’s father died when he was 16, and he wanted to drop out of the seminary and take over his father’s business to support his mother. She, however, told him to continue his studies. We are often faced with choosing between not good and evil but good and good. Today, think about what “good versus good” situation you are struggling with, then listen carefully to those who are impacted most by your decision.
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