SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS INTO THE LIFE OF SAINT ADELA OF NORMANDY FEAST DAY
February 24, 2026
Day Seven of Lent – A Lowly Servant of the Lord
February 25, 2026
HUMBLE ORIGINS BECOME HOLY GROUND
“God chose what is low and despised in the world… so that no one might boast before Him.”
1 Corinthians 1:28-29
Saint John Theristus was born in Calabria in southern Italy during a time of Saracen invasions. His father was killed in conflict, and his mother was taken captive while pregnant. John was born in slavery.
Yet God was already at work in what seemed like tragedy. Raised in hardship and uncertainty, he later escaped captivity and returned to his homeland. His beginnings did not define his destiny.
His life reminds us that suffering and obscurity do not prevent holiness. God often plants the seeds of sainthood in hidden soil.
WORK AS PRAYER AND WORSHIP
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
— Colossians 3:23
John became known as “Theristus,” meaning “the Reaper,” because he worked humbly in the fields while living a life of prayer. He embraced manual labor, seeing it not as a burden but as a participation in God’s providence.
It is said that he miraculously harvested grain in a single night to help feed the poor and the monks. Whether by miracle or by tireless effort blessed by grace, his labor became service.
Through his example, we learn that ordinary tasks become sacred when offered to God. Work done with love becomes worship.
CHARITY ROOTED IN CONTEMPLATION
“Faith working through love.”
— Galatians 5:6
John lived as a monk in the Byzantine tradition in Calabria, dedicating himself to prayer, fasting, and silence. Yet his contemplation did not isolate him from others. Instead, it deepened his compassion.
He generously shared what he harvested with the needy and supported fellow monks. His life blended the hidden life of prayer with visible acts of mercy.
True contemplation does not withdraw from the world in indifference. It sends us back into the world with a heart shaped by Christ.
TRUST IN DIVINE PROVIDENCE
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
— Matthew 6:33
Having known instability from childhood, John lived with radical trust in God’s care. He possessed little, yet lacked nothing essential.
Stories from his life describe how God provided abundantly through his faithfulness — whether in harvest, protection, or spiritual fruitfulness. His monastery became a place of blessing and peace.
His life assures us that when God is placed first, He sustains what truly matters.
HOLINESS BLOOMS IN HIDDENNESS
“Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
— Matthew 6:4
Saint John Theristus did not seek fame or recognition. He lived quietly, faithfully, and prayerfully. Yet his sanctity became widely known, and devotion to him spread across Calabria and Sicily after his death.
A monastery was later dedicated to him near Bivongi in southern Italy, where his memory is still honored. His life shows that holiness does not require applause — only fidelity.
God sees the hidden sacrifices, the silent prayers, and the unnoticed acts of love. In His time, He brings them to light.
May Saint John Theristus teach us to transform suffering into strength, labor into prayer, and hiddenness into holiness
