Hello, and welcome to St. Stories for Kids, a weekly podcast full of fun stories and facts

about the holy men and women that have come before us.

I'm your host, Shantal Bios.

St. Stories for Kids is brought to you by Shining Light Dolls.

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Today we'll be telling the story of St. John Walbert, whose faith is celebrated on July 12th.

John was born to a noble family around the year 985 in Florence, Italy.

Although he was raised Catholic, John didn't really care much about religion or God.

Sadly, his only older brother, Hugo, was murdered.

And John, with the encouragement of his father, was determined to avenge his death.

But when the chance came, John chose mercy instead.

That was a turning point in his life, and John realized he wanted to devote his life to God.

John became a Benedictine monk at San Meneito,

but corruption in that monastery caused John to leave and seek out a more authentically Christian life.

Eventually, he settled in Valombroja, where he founded his own covenant in 1036.

He became famous during his lifetime for his kindness to the poor and sick,

and was even visited by the Pope.

John died in 1073 at the age of 80.

St. John Walbert is the patron saint of forest workers,

forests, park rangers, and parks.

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