For the glory of God and in honor of
Saint Benedict Joseph Labre
(26 March 1748 - 16 April 1783)

From the Roman Martyrology:

Upon the 16th day of April, was born into the better life: At Rome, [in the year 1783,] the holy Confessor Benedict Joseph Labre, illustrious for his contempt of himself, and his absolute voluntary poverty.

Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven;
Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.
Matthew 5.3,8

 The Tomb and Monument of the Saint

Displayed above is a photograph of the tomb of St Benedict Joseph, at an altar in a chapel of Santa Maria dei Monti in Rome (at the top of the photograph can be seen the edge of the altar cloth draped over the mensa). The life-size marble effigy of the Saint depicts him clutching a crucifix in one hand and a rosary in the other. He wears a patched and threadbare coat, another rosary around his neck, and a rope cincture or belt, reminiscent of the fact that St Benedict Joseph was invested as a Cord-Bearer of St Francis of Assisi. The Latin inscription visible, HIC JACET CORPUS S. B. J. LABRE, may be rendered, "The Body of S[aint] B[enedict] J[oseph] Labre lies here."

(Photograph courtesy of the Rev. Stuart A. C. MacDonald.)

Grateful acknowledgements are due at least to the following:

• Rev. Brother Ambrose Bettencourt, O.S.B., of St Benedict Abbey, Still River, Mass., for the inspiration of his example and the help of his prayers;
• Miss Patricia A. Myshrall, for her generous patience and cheerful encouragement;
• Mr T. L. Coulombe, for his technical guidance and instruction.

Retribuere dignare, Domine, omnibus nobis benefacientibus vitam aeternam.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to reward with eternal life all them that do us good.

 The editor will be grateful for notices of errors observed or improvements proposed at the following address:
hholbroo@bowdoin.edu
Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed Nomini tuo da gloriam

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