October 10: An Act of Oblation

Welcome to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Today is October 10th, and our story is An Act of Ablation. Francis J. Perriter was born on October 10th, 1897. He died on February 7th, 1920. In the intervening 22 years, the Virginia native graduated at the top of his class from Benedictine High School in Richmond, became an Eagle Scout, discerned a vocation to the priesthood, and began his formation at Belmont Abbey Seminary. In 1919, the Diocese of Richmond sent Periter to Rome to continue his seminary studies at the Pontifical North American College, NAC.

He began his classes at the college on November 25, 1919. Less than eight weeks later, the pious, popular, easygoing seminarian contracted rheumatism. That led to rheumatic fever and, by early February, his death. Just days later, a seminarian friend, sorting through Parater's belongings, discovered an act of oblation to the Sacred Heart that the seminarian wrote shortly after he arrived at the NAC. It read, I have nothing to leave or give but my life, and this I have consecrated to the Sacred Heart to be used as he wills.

I have offered my all for the conversion of non-Catholics in Virginia. This is what I live for and, in case of death, what I die for. Since my childhood, I have wanted to die for God and my neighbor. Shall I have this grace? I do not know, but if I go on living, I shall live for this same purpose. Every action of my life here is offered to God. I shall be of more service to my diocese in heaven than I can ever be on earth.

Somehow, the act of oblation made its way to Pope Benedict XV, who asked the Vatican's newspaper, Lo Servatore Romano, to publish it. The future Pope Pius XI then saw it and copied it out, so he too could pray Parator's oblation. As the years passed, the Diocese of Richmond held up Pariter as a model for all seminarians, and in 2001, it officially opened his cause for sainthood.

Pariter's devotion reminds us that sanctity is measured not by years, but by the intensity of surrender. His willingness to give all, even a young life, to divine service encourages us to examine our priorities, offering talents, time, and energy for purposes greater than ourselves.

Offer one small action today intentionally to God as a prayer of surrender and service. Thank you for listening to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Join us tomorrow, October 11th, for another story of faith and courage in America.