August 19: The Remarkable Bishop

Welcome to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Today is August 19th, and our story is The Remarkable Bishop. Bishop Simon Broutet was remarkable in most every way. As a child, Broutet smuggled the Eucharist into French prisons during the Reign of Terror.

As a young man, he graduated at the top of his class from the University of Paris' medical school, then the best college of its kind in the world. And as a newly minted doctor, he declined a prestigious hospital appointment and chose to enter seminary instead.

There, he was a remarkable scholar, and a favorite of Napoleon Bonaparte, who wanted Brutus to serve as his personal chaplain after ordination. Again, Brutus said no, choosing to come to America as a Sulpician missionary instead. In America, Father Brutus served as the spiritual director to the equally remarkable Elizabeth Ann Seton. He carried out that task during the 20-plus years he served at Mount St. Mary's College in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Described by John Quincy Adams as one of the most brilliant men in America, Brute was also described as the most devoted of priests, who, quite remarkably, never tired of his duties. one day after ministering from morning until night he wrote how wonderful the day of a priest god god god all day long in eighteen thirty four father brutt became bishop brutt of the newly created diocese of vincennes In just five remarkable years, he built 20 parishes, established 30 missions, recruited dozens of priests, and founded multiple schools.

Most important, however, Brute was a remarkable lover of Christ, humble, patient, pious, and poor. After his death in June 1839, he was buried in borrowed clothes. His own were thought unfit for the occasion. On August 19, 1839, in a memorial service for Brute, Mount St. Mary's president, Father John McCaffrey, summed up Brute's priestly genius. His exhortations to virtue and piety could scarcely fail of effect, because he recommended what he himself practiced. No standard of Christian or priestly excellence to which he pointed could appear too high, since he was himself a living instance of its attainment.

The remarkable bishop's cause for canonization opened in 2005. Bishop Brute's brilliance, paired with humility and tireless pastoral care, shows that leadership is most effective when grounded in virtue and example. Consider how your talents or skills can serve others. Take one concrete action today that benefits your community or parish today.

Thank you for listening to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Join us tomorrow, August 20th, for another story of faith and courage in America.