My Friend: St. Benedict Joseph Labre

Back in June 2012, I visited Rome and the apartment that I rented was very close to the Coliseum. There was a local Catholic parish about half-a-block away, that I attended daily Mass, when I was not at the Vatican. Inside this Church, that was considered small in Rome, but would be an enormous Basilica in the US, was the burial place of St. Benedict Joseph Labre. I knew little about him, but his presence I thought of: as a sign from God. The Lord was telling me to get to know this little Saint. Since then, he has been a constant friend. Especially now, as I have been called deranged and disturbed by the 1000s who have e-mailed me. Benedict Joseph, after being asked to leave various religious orders, was also considered mentally ill. Thank you Jesus for giving me this Holy companion. There are no accidents with God; He has our lives mapped out. All we have to do is be guided and willing to follow.