His love for
people was authentic brotherly love. It was real charity: missionary and
pastoral charity. It meant that he gave himself to others. Like Jesus the Good
Shepherd, he lay down his life for the sheep, for Christ's flock: to provide
for their needs, to lead them to salvation. And today, with the Evangelist, we
solemnly proclaim: "There is no greater love than this: to lay down one's life
for one's friends" (John 15, 13).
excerpt, canonization homily
19 June 1977
Learn more about Saint John Neumann during this holy year, the 200th anniversary of his birth.
