Leopold Mandić
Leopold Mandić, also known as Leopold of Castelnuovo (12 May 1866 – 30 July 1942), was a Croatian Capuchin friar and Catholic priest. He spent almost all his adult life in Italy, living in Padua from 1906 until his death.
Quotes
[edit]- Nascondiamo tutto, anche quello che può avere apparenza di dono di Dio, affinché non se ne faccia mercato. A Dio solo l'onore e la gloria! Se fosse possibile, noi dovremmo passare sulla terra come un'ombra che non lascia traccia di sé.
- We hide everything, even what may appear to be a gift of God, so as not to make it an instrument of profit. To God alone be honour and glory! If it were possible, we should pass over the earth like a shadow that leaves no trace.
- Quoted in Pope John Paul II, Homily for the Canonization of Father Leopold of Castelnovo (16 October 1983).
- Be at peace; place everything on my shoulders. I will take care of it. I give my penitents only small penances because I do the rest myself.
- To his penitents. Quoted in "An important anniversary to celebrate", The Malta Independent (20 August 2017).
- Faith! Have Faith! God is both doctor and medicine.
- [Il Crocifisso] È lui che perdona, è lui che assolve.
- [The Crucifix] It is he who forgives, it is he who absolves.
- Quoted in Pope John Paul II, Homily for the Canonization of Father Leopold of Castelnovo (16 October 1983).
- Sarò missionario qui, nell'ubbidienza e nell'esercizio del mio ministero.
- I will be a missionary here, in obedience and in the exercise of my ministry.
- Quoted in Pope John Paul II, Homily for the Canonization of Father Leopold of Castelnovo (16 October 1983).
Quotes about
[edit]- Saint Leopold left no theological or literary works, did not fascinate with his culture, did not found social works. For all who knew him, he was nothing but a poor friar: small, sickly. His greatness lies elsewhere: in immolating himself, in giving himself, day after day, throughout his priestly life, that is, for 52 years, in the silence, in the confidentiality, in the humility of a confessional cell: "the good shepherd offers life for the sheep." Brother Leopold was always there, ready and smiling, prudent and modest, discreet confidant and faithful father of souls, respectful teacher and understanding and patient spiritual advisor.
If one wanted to define him with a single word, as his penitents and brothers did during his lifetime, then he is "the confessor"; he only knew how to "confess." Yet therein lies his greatness. In this disappearance of his to make way for the true Shepherd of souls.
