Saint John Neumann: Builder of the Flock
The Feast of Saint John Nepomucene Neumann, Bishop and Redemptorist, is celebrated on January 5. He is the first American male saint and the fourth Bishop of Philadelphia (1811–1860).
Born in Bohemia (modern Czech Republic), Neumann immigrated to the U.S. in 1836, ordained in New York, and joined the Redemptorists. As Bishop of Philadelphia (1852–1860), he built over 100 churches and 50 schools, founding the U.S. Catholic parochial school system amid anti-immigrant hostility. A tireless pastor fluent in multiple languages, he collapsed and died at age 48 while walking Philadelphia streets.
Leadership Lessons for Catholic Leaders
His incorrupt body rests at the National Shrine of St. John Neumann (1019 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA), beneath the altar in St. Peter the Apostle Church—run by the Redemptorists and a major pilgrimage site.
