"I
am only one person! Why should I do anything? What good would it do?"
Today, as in any age, people seem plagued with the dilemma of getting
involved. In his own way John Leonardi answered these questions. He
chose to become a priest.
After his ordination, he became very active in the works of the
ministry, especially in hospitals and prisons. The example and
dedication of his work attracted several young laymen who began to
assist him. They later became priests themselves.
John lived after the Protestant Reformation and the Council of
Trent. He and his followers projected a new congregation of diocesan
priests. For some reason the plan, which was ultimately approved,
provoked great political opposition. John was exiled from his home town
of Lucca, Italy, for almost the entire remainder of his life. He
received encouragement and help from St. Philip Neri [whose feast is
May 26], who gave him his lodgings—along with the care of his cat!
In 1579, John formed the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine,
and published a compendium of Christian doctrine that remained in use
until the 19th century.
Father Leonardi and his priests became a great power for good
in Italy, and their congregation was confirmed by Pope Clement in 1595.
He died at the age of 68 from a disease caught when tending those
stricken by the plague.
By the deliberate policy of the founder, the Clerks Regular of
the Mother of God have never had more than 15 churches and today form
only a very small congregation.