St. Celestine, born Pietro Angelerio in 1215, was diligent, studious, and religiously devoted from his youth. When he was little, he promised his mother he would become a saint — and he delivered! At the age of 20, Pietro became a hermit, and kept busy day in and day out — reading the Bible, praying, copying books, and so on — so that he would have no idle time to be tempted by the devil. At the insistence of other hermits seeking his guidance, he founded a new order, later dubbed the Celestines in his honor. He was chosen to be pope at the age of 84, but only kept the title for only a few months before deciding he was unfit for the position, at which point he resigned out of humility. He retired to a cell where people could not take advantage of him (one of his key weaknesses while pope) and died in 1296.

Questions for Reflection

• How do you resist temptation?
• In what ways do you show humility in your everyday life?
• What personal spiritual practices help keep you focused on your faith and living the life God has called you to?