Believe it, Former Satanist became a saint!

January 13, 2026 Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: 1 Samuel 1:9-20; Mark 1:21–28
 

Children of God: Believe it or not, one of the saints of the Church was once deeply involved in Satanism. Saint Bartolo Longo, remember the name! Saint Bartolo Longo lived in 19th-century Italy and, as a young man, drifted away from the faith. In his search for meaning, he became involved in occult practices, spiritism, and eventually was ordained as a satanic priest. His life spiraled into darkness, fear, depression, and inner torment. He later testified that instead of power and freedom, what he found was emptiness and despair.

Bartolo Longo’s turning point came through the quiet but persistent influence of faithful friends and a Dominican priest who invited him back to prayer, especially the Rosary. He renounced Satanism, returned to the Church, dedicated his life to the poor, and founded a shrine in honor of the Blessed Virgin. The former Satanist became a witness of mercy, now honored as Saint Bartolo Longo.

In the gospel story of Mark, Jesus confronts evil directly, not with ritual, but with authority and truth. What are our inspirations for today? 

First, the authority of Jesus is stronger than any form of evil, confusion, or bondage. In the gospel of Mark, Jesus teaches in the synagogue, and people are astonished because he teaches with authority, not like the scribes (Mark 1:21–22). His words carry the power of truth. When an unclean spirit confronts him, Jesus does not argue or negotiate. He commands, and evil obeys (Mark 1:25–26).

Bartolo Longo’s life mirrors this reality. Satanism promised him hidden knowledge and control, but it only enslaved him. What freed him was not stronger rituals, but surrender to the authority of Christ. When he returned to prayer and confession, the grip of darkness loosened.

This reminds us that evil does not disappear by ignoring it or romanticizing it. Only Christ has true authority over sin, fear, and the forces that wound the human soul.

Second, no past is too dark when encountered by the mercy of God. In the gospel story of Mark, the unclean spirit recognizes Jesus as the Holy One of God, even before others fully understand him (Mark 1:24). This shows that darkness knows its limits when faced with holiness.

This teaches us that conversion is not about pretending we were never lost. It is about allowing God to transform even our worst chapters into testimonies of grace.

Children of God: The story of Saint Bartolo Longo and the authority of Jesus proclaim the same truth: Christ is stronger than evil, and mercy is stronger than sin. No life is beyond redemption when surrendered to Jesus.