St. Barbatus went back to Benevento, where he was born. There he was received with great joy. Many people in this city were converts to Christianity, but they still kept pagan idols in their homes. And they still believed that these idols had magic powers. St. Barbatus preached against this custom, but the people did not want to give up the false gods. The Saint told them that because of this sin, their city would be attacked by their enemies, and it was.
Afterwards, the people gave up their error and peace returned. St. Barbatus was made Bishop and continued his work to convert his people.
Our parish priests, like St. Barbatus, want us to be good so that we will go to Heaven. Let us listen to their advice and follow it.