St. John of Monte Marano

A native of Monte Vergine, Italy, John entered the Benedictine monastery of Monte Cassino. Out of humility, he vigorously opposed efforts to make him bishop of Monte Marano. At the feet of Pope Saint Gregory VII, John begged not to be raised to the episcopate. The pontiff responded, "It is needful, son, to suffer much for our brethren," explaining that just as God the Father did not spare his Son from immolation for mankind's salvation, he as pontiff could not spare John from the episcopal vocation. He added, "You ought also to remember what the Lord himself said to blessed Peter: 'If you love me, feed my sheep.' This precept, brother, is ours; if we love the Lord, we should feed his sheep...Whence on the Lord's part I command you that you should most diligently receive his yoke." In 1084 John was consecrated bishop of Monte Marano. Many miracles were attributed to his intercession.