February 19
St. Barbatus
St. Barbatus was born in Benevento, Italy in the year 612. He was a good boy, brought up in a good home and he loved to read the Bible. As soon as he was old enough, he became a priest. Eventually, he was made pastor of a church in another town. He encouraged his flock to give up sinful ways and follow the Gospel but they did not like him telling them how to live so they persecuted him and drove him away.
He felt very bad and so he returned to his home town of Benevento. He received a warm welcome home but his ministry there was not without its challenges. Even though many people converted to Christianity, some of them still held onto their pagan idols and hid them in their homes. They did not want to give up their good luck charms even though St. Barbatus preached against superstition.
He warned them that if they did not surrender their idols, their city would be attacked. Enemies did attack and afterward, the people gave up their false gods and St. Barbatus was made Bishop. Peace returned. St. Barbatus died at the age of 70 after a life of ministry in the priesthood.
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