St. Barbatus - February 19th
St. Barbatus was born in Italy. He was given a Christian education and was a very good and devout boy. What he liked the most to do was to read the Holy Bible. As soon as he was old enough he was ordained a priest and later made pastor. But some of the people did not like him to tell them that they must lead better lives and be sorry for their sins. So they persecuted him and obliged him to leave.
St. Barbatus went back to Benevento, where he was born. There he was received with great joy.. Many people in this city were converts to Christianity, but they still kept pagan idols in their homes. And they still believed that these idols had magic powers. St. Barbatus preached against this custom, but the people did not want to give up the false gods. The Saint told them that because of this sin, their city would be attacked by their enemies, and it was.
Afterwards, the people gave up their error and peace returned. St Barbatus was made Bishop and continued his work to convert his people.
Our parish priests, like St. Barbatus, want us to be good so that we will go to heaven. Let us listen to their advice and follow it.
