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Saint John’s Hospice
seeks to be a community
grounded in
faith and service
where homeless persons
find dignity,
respect,
nourishment,
and opportunities
for new beginnings.

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UNITED WAY

DONOR OPTION # 272
(St. John's Hospice for Men)

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COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN

OPTION # 25893

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A Program Of
Catholic Social Services
Archdiocese of Philadelphia

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SAINT JOHN’S HOSPICE

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What’s New

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July 28, 2011 … Artist Suliman EL-Amin donates original painting “Ben” to Saint John’s Hospice.

"Ben", acrylic on canvas, by Suliman EL-Amin. “Ben” is a modern depiction of a young St Benedict the Moor from the Franciscan Friary of St Mary in Palermo, Italy. Artist is Suliman EL-Amin, a medical student and folk artist from Philadelphia. His works focus on the Christian experience of the African diaspora.

This painting, a 36” X 24” acrylic on canvas, will be on permanent display at Saint John’s Hospice. Suliman made his gift during today’s lunch amid residents, volunteers and staff.

Benedict the Moor was born in Messina, Italy in 1526, the son of African slaves who later became Christian. Benedict worked as a field hand until given his freedom at the age of 18. He later became a day laborer and was known for giving his wages to the needy and caring for the sick. Due to his Gerry Huot and Suliman EL-Amin with "Ben" acts of kindness he was referred to as the “Holy Moor.”

Benedict was often ridiculed because of skin color; however he handled each insult with humility and grace. On one occasion, a hermit witnessed how Benedict bored these offenses and gave a prophetic word saying “You ridicule a poor Negro now; before long you will hear great things of him.” Shortly after Benedict relinquished his possessions and joined the hermit community in Monte Pellegrino. There he was known as the “saintly cook” and eventually became their leader.

After the hermits where disbanded by Pope Pius IV in 1564, Benedict joined the Franciscan Friary of Saint Mary in Palermo, Italy. At the friary he was widely respected for his in depth knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, which often led others to seek him for counsel. Eventually he was promoted to novice master, a position in which he served diligently. In later years, Benedict returned to kitchen duties and gained a reputation for healing the sick.

Benedict died in 1589 at the age of 65. It is claimed that he predicted the exact date and time of his death. He was beatified by Pope Benedict XIV in 1743 and was canonized by Pope Pius VII in 1807. Today Saint Benedict the Moor is considered the protector of the city Palermo and the patron saint of African Americans.

Artist’s Statement: “I felt it was appropriate for Saint John’s Hospice to have this painting because of its long history of servicing underprivileged communities. Saint John’s has given countless individuals back a sense of self-worth by providing them with clothing, food, housing and many other services. I hope this painting serves as a reminder of the vision that Saint Benedict the Moor and Saint John’s Hospice share.”

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2011

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