St. John Nepomucene, Priest and Martyr

Patron of Confessors

In his early childhood, John Nepomucene was cured of a disease through the prayers of his good parents. In thanksgiving, they consecrated him to the service of God.

After John was ordained, he was sent to a parish in the city of Prague. He became a great preacher, and thousands of those listened to him changed their way of life.

Father John was invited to the court of Wenceslaus IV. He settled arguments and did many kind deeds for the needy people of the city. He also became the Queen’s confessor. When the King was cruel to the Queen, Father John taught her to bear her cross patiently.

One day, about 1393, the King asked the Saint to tell what the Queen had said in confession. When he refused, he was thrown into prison.

A second time, Father John was asked to reveal the Queen’s confession. “If you do not tell me,” said the King, “you shall die. But if you obey my command, riches and honors will be yours.” Again Father John refused. He was tortured. The King ordered him to be thrown into river. Where he drowned, a strange brightness appeared upon the water. Known as the “Martyr of the Confessional,” he was canonized in 1729 by Pope Benedict XIII.

PRAYER: God, we praise You for the grace You granted to St. John to offer his life in defense of the seal of confession. Grant that, through his prayers, we may use the Sacrament of Penance often and with profit. Amen.