A Desire to Unify: Born in 1580, in what is now Ukraine, St. Josaphat was monk, a priest, and a well-known preacher. He eventually became the archbishop of the Ruthenian Catholic Church. Over 60 men entered the Basilian Order under his influence. On November 12, 1623, while St. Josaphat was visiting Vitebsk (Belarus), he was hacked to death for his beliefs. He was 45 years old. St. Josaphat is known as the bishop who was murdered for his desire to unify East and West and is the patron saint of reunion between Orthodox and Catholics.
Here in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, we remember him through the beauty of our basilica – a place where we gather in unity of the Holy Spirit. The Basilica of St. Josaphat welcomes you to Sunday Mass.
St. Josaphat, pray for us!
