January 30

Born: 1841 in Mellet, Hainaut, Belgium as Louis Wiaux
Died: 1917 at Malonne, Namur, Belgium of natural causes

Third of six children of a blacksmith whose family was noted for piety. Louis attended a small country school, and then helped in his father's shop. He joined the Brothers of Christian Schools on 7 April 1852 at age 11, taking the name Mutien Marie, and beginning his novitiate in Namur, Belgium. As a Christian Brother, he taught at several elementary schools near Brussels, Belgium; he was so easy on his students that his classes were known for getting out of hand. He was re-assigned to music and art classes so he could work with small classes, and work individually with students. He soon became an excellent fine arts teacher, and the one-to-one work led many young people to see and follow his excellent example of a holy life devoted to prayer.

Prayer...
Saintly Brother Mutien-Marie, we ask you to talk to God on our behalf.
Lord, May the life of St. Mutien-Marie Wiaux remind us of the value of staying dedicated to a project. Give us a spirit that opens us to religion. Lord, give us today the blessings we need forever and ever. Amen.