Saint Who?
Saints of the Ordinary
Saint Guy of Anderlecht
Layman († 1012) Feast: September 12
According to tradition, Guy was born near Brussels, Belgium. His parents were too poor to pay for his education, but they did teach him about the love of God. He also learned to accept poverty without resentment.
One day, Guy happened to enter a church in the city of Laeken. The pastor was impressed by Guy’s piety and asked him to serve as the sacristan. Guy agreed. Everyone was impressed with the orderliness and cleanliness Guy brought to their church. People also noticed his generosity toward those in need.
One day, Guy met a merchant (or perhaps a con man) who convinced him to invest his small savings in a business venture. But the ship in which he invested his money sank. So did Guy’s hopes to spend his promised profits on the needy. He had even given up his job. Blaming only himself for his newfound destitution, Guy undertook a pilgrimage to Rome as a penance. After praying in the beautiful churches of Rome, he continued his pilgrimage and traveled all the way to Jerusalem. After seven years’ absence, Guy returned to Belgium, exhausted and sick. There he died. He has been known ever since as the Poor Man of Anderlecht.
Heavenly Father, may we accept
our state in life peacefully.
