Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
December
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Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
November
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Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today October
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September |
AUGUST by
month August 2017 |
JULY |
June 30 |
May |
April
|
March |
Popes of Saints
February
2019 February
2018+ |
January |
Peter 42-67 • Linus 67-79 • Anacletus 79-92 • Clement I 92-101 • Evaristus 101-105 • Alexander I 105-115 • Sixtus I 115-125 • Telesphorus 125-136 • Hyginus 136-140 • Pius I 140-155 • Anicetus
155-166 • Soter
166-175 •
Eleuterus175-189 • Victor I
189-199 • Zephyrinus 199-217
• Callixtus I 218-223 • Urban I • Pontian 230-235 • Anterus • Fabian 236-250 • St Cornelius 251-253 • Lucius I • Stephen I 254-247• Sixtus II 257-258 • St. Dionysius 259-268 • St. Felix I 269-274 • Eutychian 275 -283 • Caius 283-296 • Marcellinus • Marcellus I 308-309
• Eusebius • Miltiades 311-314
Silvester
I 314-335 • Mark 336• Julius I • Liberius 352 to his
death in 366 • Damasus 366-374 I • Siricius 384 -399 •
Anastasius I • Innocent I 401-417
• St. Zosimus 417-418
• Boniface I 418-422 • Celestine I 422-432 • Sixtus III 432-440 • Leo I 400 – 10 November 461 • Hilarius 461-468 • Simplicius • Felix III 483-492 • Gelasius I 492-496
• Anastasius II 496-498 • Symmachus 498-514 • Hormisdas • John I 523-526 • Felix IV 526-530• Boniface II • John II 533-535 • Agapetus I 535-536 • St. Silverius 536-537 • Vigilius 537-555 • Pelagius I • John III • Benedict I • Pelagius
II • Gregory I 590-604 • Sabinian • Boniface III • Boniface IV 608-615• Adeodatus I 615-618 • Boniface V • Honorius I • Severinus • John
IV 640-642• Theodore I • Martin I
649-655 • Eugene I • Vitalian
• Adeodatus II • Donus • Agatho • St. Leo II 682-683 • Benedict II 684-685• John V 685-686 • Conon • Sergius I 687-701• John VI • John VII • Sisinnius • Constantine
• Gregory II 715-731 • Gregory III • Zachary 741-752
• Stephen
II • Paul I • Stephen III • Adrian I • Leo III 795-816 • Stephen IV • Paschal I 817-824 • Eugene II • Valentine • Gregory IV 827-44 •
Sergius II • Leo IV • Benedict III • Nicholas I 820-867 • Adrian II • John VIII • Marinus I • St. Adrian
III St. Adrian III 884-885 • Stephen V • Formosus • Boniface VI • Stephen
VI • Romanus • Theodore II • John IX • Benedict
IV • Leo V • Sergius III • Anastasius III • Lando
• John X • Leo VI • Stephen VII • John XI • Leo VII •
Stephen VIII • Marinus II • Agapetus II • John XII • Leo VIII
• Benedict V • John XIII • Benedict VI • Benedict VII • John
XIV • John XV • Gregory V • Silvester II • John XVII • John XVIII
• Sergius IV • Benedict VIII • John XIX • Benedict IX • Silvester
III • Benedict IX • Gregory VI • Clement II • Benedict IX
• Damasus II • Leo IX 1049-1054 • Victor II 1055-157
• Stephen IX • Nicholas II
1058 1061 • Alexander II 1061-1073
• Gregory VII 1073-1085 • Victor III 1086-1087 • Bl Urban II 1088-1099• Paschal II 1099-1118• Gelasius II • Callixtus II • Honorius II •
Innocent II • Celestine II • Lucius II • Eugene III • Anastasius IV • Adrian
IV 1154-1059 • Alexander III 1159-81• Lucius III • Urban III • Gregory VIII • Clement
III • Celestine III 1191-1198 • Innocent
III 1198 - 1216 • Honorius III 1216 1227 • Gregory IX 1227-1241 • Celestine IV • Innocent IV 1243-1254
• Alexander IV • Urban IV
1261-64 • Clement IV • Gregory
X 1271-1276
• Innocent V
1276 • Adrian V • John XXI • Nicholas
III • Martin IV • Honorius IV • Nicholas IV 1288-1292
• Celestine V 1294
• Boniface VIII • Benedict
XI 1304 • Clement V • John XXII • Benedict
XII • Clement VI • Innocent VI • Urban V 1310;
died at Avignon, 19 Dec., 1370
Bl. Urban V
1362-1370 • Gregory XI 1370-78 • Urban VI 1378-89 • Boniface IX 1389-1404 • Innocent VII 1406 • Gregory XII • Martin
V 1368; died at Rome, 20 Feb., 1431• Eugene IV 1431
1447 • Nicholas V • Callixtus III • Pius
II 1464 • Paul II 1471 • Sixtus IV 1471-1481 • Innocent VIII 1492 • Alexander VI 1503
• Pius III 1503 • Julius II 1513 Paul III 1534-1549 Julius III 1555 Marcellus II 1555 • Leo X • Adrian VI • Clement VII
1523-1534 • Julius III •• Paul IV • Pius IV 1565 • St Pius V 1572 • Gregory XIII 1585• Urban VII 1590 Gregory XIV 1591 Innocent IX 1591 Leo XI 1605 Urban
VIII 1644 Alexander VII 1667 Clemens X 1676
Innocent XI 1689 •
Alexander VIII 1691 • Innocent XII 1700 • Clement XI 1721 • Innocent XIII 1724 Benedict XIV 1758 Clement
XIII 1769 Pius
Pius VI 1799 VII 1823 Leo XII
1829 • Pius
VIII 1830 • Gregory
XVI 1846 Pius
IX 1878 Leo
XIII 1903 Pius X 1914 Benedict XV 1922 • Pius XI 1922-1939 • Pius XII 1939-1958
• St John
XXIII 1958-1963 • Paul VI 1963 to 1978 • John Paul 1978 • St John Paul II 2005 • Benedict XVI 2013 • Francis 2013 - |
JANUARY 01 178 St. Concordius Martyred subdeacon 2nd v. St. Elvan & Mydwyn Apud Spolétum sancti Concórdii,
Presbyteri et Mártyris; qui, tempóribus
Antoníni Imperatóris, primo cæsus
fústibus, dehinc equúleo suspénsus,
ac póstea macerátus in cárcere, ibíque
Angélica visitatióne confortátus, demum
gládio vitam finívit.
3rd v. St.
Martina,
virginAt Spoleto, in the time of Emperor Antoninus, St. Concordius, priest and martyr, who was beaten with clubs, then stretched on the rack, and after long confinement in prison, where he was visited by an angel, lost his life by the sword. Item Romæ, via Appia, corónæ
sanctórum mílitum trigínta Mártyrum,
sub Diocletiáno Imperatóre.
In the same city, on the Appian Way, the crowning with martyrdom of thirty holy soldiers under Emperor Diocletian. Eódem die sancti Magni Mártyris. The same day, St. Magnus, martyr. 5th v. ST EUPHROSYNE,
VIRGIN; The Greeks call St Euphrosyne “Our Mother”,
and pay her great honour, but we have no authentic accounts
of her life. Her so-called history is nothing but a replica
of the story of St Pelagia, as narrated for Western readers
in the Vitae Patrum or in the Golden Legend, a tale which struck
the popular fancy and which, with slight variations, adapted
as an embellishment to the lives of St Marina, St Apollinaris, St
Theodora, etc.
400 St. Telemachus
an Eastern ascetic; martyred seperating
gladiators; he caused abolishing of contests379 St. Basil the Great, bishop, confessor, and doctor of the Church 475 St. Basil Bishop of Aix, in Provence 510 St. Eugendus 4th abbot of Condat, near Geneva Switzerland. Also called Oyand, Eugendus never ordained, but he was a noted Scripture scholar. 533 St. Fulgentius
Bishop of Ruspe, Tunisia friend of St.
Augustine; “A person may be endowed with the gift of
miracles, and yet may lose his soul. Miracles insure not
salvation; they may indeed procure esteem and applause; but
what will it avail a man to be esteemed on earth and afterwards be
delivered up to torments?”
540 St. Justin
of Chieti; A patron of Chieti, Italy580 St. FELIX, BISHOP OF BOURGES; orthodox patriarchate; numerous cures are said obtained by those who drank water in which some of the dust of the old crumbling tomb slab had been mingled 585 St. Fanchea lrish abbess foundress of a convent of St. Ends 590 St. Connat The abbess of St. Brigid’s convent at Kildare, Ireland 6th v. St. Cuan Irish abbot founded many churches and monasteries 660 ST CLARUS,
ABBOT; many marvellous stories of the miracles he worked,
*{* It is perhaps desirable to remind the reader once
for all that only Almighty God can do miracles. The use
of the above and similar expressions is permissible by custom,
but in fact God does the miracle through the agency or at the
intercession of the saint concerned.} patron of tailors
1031 St William
of Saint Benignus, Abbot; character was great zeal
and firmness joined with tender affection for his subjects; did not
hesitate to oppose, both by action and writings, the most powerful rulers
of his time, like Emperor St Henry, Robert, King of France,
and Pope John XIX, when he felt the cause of justice was at stake;
In interests of the Cluniac reform he was constantly active, making
many journeys and travelling as far as Rome. 837 St Peter of Atroa, Abbot; numerous miracles; undertook restoration of St Zachary’s and reorganization of 2 other monasteries he established, his own residence hermitage at Atroa; Iconoclast troubles began again and, the local bishop being an opponent of images, Peter judged it wise once more to disperse his monks to more remote houses; ninth-century Byzantine hagiography and for what it tells of monastic life during the Iconoclast troubles; moines de l’Olympe scanty ruins of St Peter’s monastery of St Zachary, and of numerous others, can still be seen. 1048 St. Odilo monk at Cluny 5th abbot ecstacies great austerities inaugurated All Souls' Day 1125 Saint Bonfilius one of the founders of the Servite Order 1252 Bl. Berka Zdislava founded Dominican priory of St. Laurence Communion daily St. Maelrhys Welsh saint, probably a Breton St. Magnus Martyr noted in the Roman Martyrology 1260 BD HUGOLINO OF GUALDO; entered the Order of the Hermits of St Augustine, and that somewhere about the year 1258 he took over a monastery in his native place, Gualdo in Umbria 1261 St. Bonfilius, confessor, one of the seven founders of the Order of the Servites of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1713 St. Joseph Mary Tomasi; Cardinal confessor of Pope Clement XI {1649 1721}; He answered that the days of actual physical martyrdom are over, and that we are now in the days of hidden martyrdom, seen only by God; the lesson of it all being trust in God; Even before his death the sick were healed through touching his clothing, and when the end had come cures multiplied round his bier. Bd Joseph Tommasi was beatified in 1803. JANUARY 02 THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS 3rd-4th v. St. Artaxus Martyr with Acutus & companions 304 Lichfield Martyrs in England during the persecution of Diocletian 305 commemoration of many holy martyrs, who preferred maryterdom to giving up Códices 3rd v. St. Isidore of Antioch bishop, martyred 320 St. Argeus martyr soldiers with brothers Narcissus and Marcellus at Tomi 379 St. Basil the Great vast learning and constant activity, genuine eloquence and immense charity Patron of hospital administrators St. Martinian Bishop of Milan Council of Ephesus foe of Nestorianism 4th v. Nítriæ, in Ægypto, beáti Isidóri, Epíscopi et Confessóris. 4th v. The PriestMartyr Theogenes was bishop of the Asia Minor city of Pareia at the beginning of the IV Century. 394 ST MACARIUS OF ALEXANDRIA 560 St. Aspasius Bishop in Councils of Orleans, in 533, 541, and 549 7th v. St. Munchin Patron of Limerick or “little monk.” 672? ST VINCENTIAN; There is nothing even to show that such a person as St Vincentian ever existed. 630 St. Blidulf Monk at Bobbio reformed the court and the area 730 Vincentian, Hermit (AC) (also known as Viance, Viants) A disciple of Saint Menelaus, who became a hermit in the diocese of Tulle (Auvergne) (Benedictines). 827 St. Adelard monk Charles Martel grandson King Pepin nephew Charlemagne 1st cousin 1146? BD AYRALD, Bishop of MAURIENNE; “Here lies Ayrald, a man of noble blood, monk of Portes, glory of pontiffs, a light of the Church, stay of the unfortunate, shining with goodness and unnumbered miracles.” 1530 BD STEPHANA
QUINZANI, VIRGIN; third order of St Dominic,
she spent her time in nursing the sick and relieving
the poor until she was able herself to found a convent at
Soncino; performed many miracles
of healing and to have multiplied food and money;
1833 St. Seraphim of Sarov Russian
monk/mystic high honorific title of starets Vision
from Mary1604 Saint Juliana of Lazarevo (or Juliana of Murom) 1836 St. Caspar del Bufalo Various miracles many graces were obtained by his intercession 1. The Martyrdom of St. Ignatius, Patriarch of Antioch. COPTIC 2. The Departure of St. Philogonus, Patriarch of Antioch.COPTIC 3. The Birth of St. Takla Haymanot, the Ethiopian.COPTIC JANUARY 03 168 St. Daniel Padua Martyr Jewish deacon 236 ST ANTHERUS, POPE AND MARTYR; the Liber Pontificalis states that he was put to death for obtaining copies of the official proceedings against the martyrs with the view of preserving them in the episcopal archives 284 St. Theopemptus bishop of Nicomedia/Theonas martyrs 320 The Martyr Gordius centurion for confessing the Name of Christ the Savior 303 St. Zosimus & Athanasius hermits tortured in Cilicia but survived 311 ST PETER BALSAM, MARTYR 320 St. Cyrinus Martyred soldier with Primus and Theogenes St. Florentius of Vienne Bishop and martyr of Vienne France, who attended the Council of Valence in 374. 512 St. Genevieve Paris averted Attila scourge by fasting/ prayer 6th v. St. Fintan Abbot and patron saint of Doon 6th v. St. Finlugh Irish abbot, the brother of St. Fintan 660 St. Blitmund Monk of Bobbio disciple-St. Attalas companion-St. Valery St. Wenog Saint of Wales St. Narses Martyred bishop of Persia 8th v. ST BERTILIA OF MAREUIL, WIDOW 1953
Saint Ekvtime
(Euthymius) Taqaishvili, Georgia called the “Man
of God,”; From beginning
of career he began to collect historical-archaeological and ethnographical
materials from all over Georgia; including historiography, archaeology,
ethnography, epigraphy, numismatics, philology, folklore, linguistics,
and art history. Above all, St. Ekvtime strove to learn more about
Georgian history and culture by applying the theories and methodologies
of these various disciplines to his work; after 10 years burial, his
body, even his clothing and footwear remained incorrupt.
Last Holy Prophetic book Malachi means "my messenger': probably anonymous
“The saints must
be honored as friends of Christ and children and heirs of God, as John
the theologian and evangelist says: ‘But as many as received him, he gave them the
power to be made the sons of God....’
Let us carefully observe the manner of life of all the apostles, martyrs, ascetics and just men who announced the coming of the Lord. And let us emulate their faith, charity, hope, zeal, life, patience under suffering, and perseverance unto death, so that we may also share their crowns of glory” (Exposition of the Orthodox Faith). JANUARY 04 1st v. Synaxis der
Siebzig Apostel; Orthodoxe Kirche: 4. Januar - Katholische Kirche: 15. Juli
1st
v. birthday of
St.
Titus, consecrated bishop of Crete by the apostle
St. Paul; In the Christian
New Testament, Saint Titus, (a common Roman first name) was a companion
of Paul of Tarsus, mentioned in several of Paul's epistles, including
the Epistle to Titus. Titus was with Paul and Barnabas at Antioch
and accompanied them to the Council of Jerusalem, although his name
nowhere occurs in the Acts of the Apostles.
211 St. Mavilus,
martyr, who, being condemned by the very cruel governor
Scapula to be devoured by wild beast received the crown of martyrdom.
300 Saints Hermes,
Aggaeus, and Caius, martyrs, who suffered under Emperor
Maximian4th v. Romæ sanctórum Mártyrum Prisci Presbyteri, et Priscilliáni Clérici, ac Benedíctæ, religiósæ féminæ; qui, témpore impiíssimi Juliáni, gládio martyrium complevérunt. At Rome, in the reign of the impious Julian, the holy martyrs Priscus, a priest, Priscillian, a cleric; and Benedicta, a religious woman, whose martyrdom was ended by the sword.
340 St. Anastasia
Martyrdom
of; Coptic -- visit those imprisoned for their faith
ministered to them, comforted them, offered them whatever
they needed; her husband shut her up in house placed guards
over her; distributed wealth among poor and those in prison,
confessors and strivers, for sake of the faith Commemoration of
St. Juliana the Martyr. On this day also is the commemoration
of St. Juliana the martyr.
484 St. Aquilinus
Martyr with Sts. Geminus & companionsSt. Dafrosa Martyred mother of St. Bibiana 539 ST GREGORY, Bishop of Langres miracles recorded after death; he seemed preference to captives arrested by the officers of human justice 745 St. Rigobert Benedictine archbishop of Reims; patient acceptance of all trials, love of retirement and prayer, miraculous cures attributed to him, gained him the repute of high sanctity. 740 St. Pharaildis A Flemish maiden a miracle worker 800 Theoktistos gründete im 8, Jahrhundert ein Kloster in Cucuma (Sizilien) und war auch dessen Leiter. In dem Kloster lebten vor allem griechische Mönche, die vor dem Bildersturm geflohen waren. Theoktistos starb 800.Orthodoxe Kirche: 4. January 1160 BD ROGER OF ELLANT sick and the suffering were the object of his particular care 1309 Bl. Angela of Foligno Franciscan tertiary and mystic Many miracles 1310 BD ORINGA, VIRGIN The Augustinians keep her feast on January 4 1570 Bl. Thomas Plumtree English martyr 1821 St. ELIZABETH ANN SET0N (née Bayley). Born in New York City, 1774; married William Seton, 1794; widowed in 1803; received into the Catholic Church in 1805; made religious vows, 1809; died at Emmetsburg in Maryland, 4 January 1821. Mother Seton founded the American Sisters of Charity and was the first native-born American citizen to be beatified, in 1963. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton; At the suggestion of the president of St. Mary's College in Baltimore, Maryland, Elizabeth started a school in that city. She and two other young women, who helped her in her work, began plans for a Sisterhood. They established the first free Catholic school in America. 1897 Birthday of Thérèse de Lisieux (2 January 1873 Alençon, France – 30 September 1897). 1946 Fritz von Bodelschwingh; When Bodelschwingh got to know in May, 1940 from the euthanasia actions, he exerted himself vehement with the highest places against these people-despising measures, however, reached only to be stamped as a public enemy. JANUARY 05 The fourth day of the Forefeast of Theophany falls on January 5. 126 ST TELESPHORUS Pope in the time of Antoninus Pius, St. Telesphorus, pope, who, after many sufferings for the confession of Christ, underwent a glorious martyrdom. 303 Ss Theopemptus bishop in Nicomedia and Theonas Holy Martyrs; Theopemptus Speaking against idolatry, defended the faith in Christ became first victims of the Diocletian persecution. 305 Thebais In Egypt commemoration of many holy martyrs 400 St. Syncletica consecrated her virginity to God 459
ST SIMEON
THE STYLITE; By invincible patience bore all afflictions
and rebukes without a word of complaint; sincerely looked
upon himself as outcast of the world; spoke to all with
the most engaging sweetness and charity.
470 Saint Apollinaria
was a daughter of Anthemias, a former proconsul
of the Byzantine Empire during the minority of Theodosius
the Younger (408-450). 550 St. Emiliana Mystic aunt of Pope St. Gregory the Great 6th v. Saint Menas lived in asceticism 50 years in Sinai monastery; Myrrh flowed from his holy relics. St John Climacus speaks of this wonderful man in THE LADDER OF DIVINE ASCENT (Step 4:34). 592 St Simeon Stylites The Younger 593 St. Lomer Hermit founder of Corbion Monastery St. Cera An Irish abbess 7th v. Saint Phosterius the Hermit led an ascetical life on a lofty mountain, where he was fed by an angel. He brought many back to the Church from the heresy of Iconoclasm by his miracles and saintly life. 820 Saint Gregory of Akrita (Sea of Marmora); led a life of piety on Seleukia; 12 years persecuted by Jews in Jerusalem; accomplished great ascetic deeds 868 St. Convoyon Benedictine abbot exiled by Norseman in Brittany 1004 St. Gaudentius Benedictine bishop friend of St. Adalbert 11th v. ST DOROTHEUS
THE YOUNGER, Abbot; Among many miracles credited
multiplied corn, saved from shipwreck a vessel far away
out at sea and on another occasion by invoking the Holy
Trinity to have caused a huge stone which crashed down during
the building operations to rise unassisted and resume its proper
place
1066 In England, St.
Edward, king and confessor, illustrious by the
virtue of chastity and the gift of miracles1170 St. Gerlac Dutch soldier/sailor Hermit correspondent with St. Hildegard 1236 St. Roger da Todi received the habit from St. Francis of Assisi 1368 St. Paula Camaldolese peaceful resolution to the feud between Florence and Pisa 1694 St. Romanus of Karpenisi Martyr monk on Mt. Athos; suffered for Christ at Constantinople, beheaded Turks 1860 St. Bd John Nepomucen Neumann.
Born in Bohemia, 1811; he was ordained priest in
New York City in 1836 and joined the Redemptorist congregation;
consecrated fourth bishop of Philadelphia in 1852; he died
there on 5 January 1860 Bd John
NEPOMUCEN NEUMANN. Born in Bohemia, 1811; he
was ordained priest in New York City in 1836 and joined
the Redemptorist congregation; consecrated fourth bishop
of Philadelphia in 1852; he died there on 5 January 1860. Bishop
Neumann, a naturalized American citizen, organized Catholic schools
into a diocesan system. He was beatified in 1963.
St. Talida
Abbess head of convents in EgyptSt. Charles of Sezze a lay brother at Naziano 1893
Fr.
Charles
of St. Andrew; the saint of Mount Argus; received by Blessed Dominic Barberi,
Passionist; Due to his poor mastery of the English language,
he was never a formal preacher and he never preached
missions. Rather he very successfully dedicated himself
to spiritual direction, especially through the sacrament
of Reconciliation (Confession). The fame of his virtue was
such that great crowds of people would gather at the monastery
to seek his blessing. There are also numerous testimonies to the
outstanding miraculous cures that he worked to the extent that
even during his lifetime he was known as a miracle worker.
JANUARY 06 210 In Africa commemorátio plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum 287 St. Macra Virgin martyr of Reims France 4th v. St. Anastasius VIII Martyr at Syrmium St. Nilammon, anchoret 390 St. Gregory Nazianzen “the Theologian.” 511 St. Melani a monk helped draw up the canons of the Council of Orleans in 511 516 St. Hywyn Welsh founder patron of churches-western England 535 St. Melanius bishop of Rennes France when Franks invaded Gaul 607 St. Peter of Canterbury Benedictine 1st abbot monastery Sts. Peter/Paul - Canterbury 6th v. St. Merinus Titular patron of churches in Wales /Brittany 6th v. St. Schotin hermit disciple of St. David of Wales 6th v. St. Edeyrn hermit patron of a church in Brittany, France 6th v. St. Eigrad Founder of a church in Anglesey Wales 658 St. Diman Abbot-bishop Connor Ireland 986 St. Wiltrudis Widow Benedictine nun wife of Duke Berthold - Bavaria 1121 St. Erminold Benedictine abbot A large number of miracles are recorded at his tomb after death. 1150 ST GUARINUS, OR GUÉRIN, BISHOP of SI0N esteemed by St Bernard 1275 St Raymond of Pennafort canon of Barcelona Dominican, Archbishop 1358 BD GERTRUDE OF DELFT, VIRGIN stigmata knowledge of people’s thoughts, distant and future events 1373 St. Andrew Corsini regarded as a prophet and a thaumaturgus miracles were so multiplied at his death that Eugenius IV permitted a public cult immediately; Feast kept on February 04 1611 St. John de Ribera Archbishop Vice-roy of Valencia deported Moors Many miracles attributed his intercession 1925 BD RAPHAELA MARY, VIRGIN, FOUNDRESS OF THE HANDMAIDS OF THE SACRED HEART her answer to misery was, I see clearly that God wants me to submit to all that happens to me as if I saw Him there commanding it.” Bd Raphaela Mary 1937 Blessed André Bessette (b. 1845) expressed a saint’s faith by a lifelong devotion to St. Joseph. JANUARY 07 St. Felix & Januarius Martyrs
of Heraclea
300 St. Clerus A Syrian deacon martyred at Antioch Turkey. 312 St. Lucian of Antioch Theologian scholar martyr praised by Sts. John Chrysostom and Jerome St. Crispins 1/ Pavia Lombardy 30 yrs 2/bishop w Pope St. Leo I Great. 4th v. St. Theodore of Egypt; Monk, disciple of St. Ammonius. 335-414 St. Nicetas of Remesiana Bishop Te Deum missionary friend of St. Paulinus of Nola who made fierce and barbarous nations humane and meek by preaching the Gospel to them. 470 St. Valentine Abbot missionary bishop in Rhaetia; a fairly long medieval biography of him is printed in the Acta Sanctorum; but this, as all are agreed, is historically worthless 7th v/ St. Cronan Beg bishop of Aendrum, County Down Ireland. He is mentioned in connection with controversy 640. 680 Shiite saint Imam Hussein, grandson of Islam's Prophet Muhammad Known as Ashoura and observed by Shiites across the world, the 10th day of the lunar Muslim month of Muharram: the anniversary of the 7th century death in battle of one of Shiite Islam's most beloved saints. 702 St. Tillo Benedictine monk; ransomed and baptized by St Eligius. That fervent apostle sent him to his abbey of Solignac, in the Limousin; was honoured with miracles 734 St. Kentigerna Widowed hermitess mother St. Coellan daughter of Kelly the prince of Leinster, Ireland. 767 St. Emilian Benedictine Recluse of Bordeaux, France also called Aemilio. He was native of Vannes and a Benedictine. 856 St. Aidric Bishop court diplomat Charlemagne and son/successor Louis Raised at Aix-la-Chapelle, Germany, the royal residence of Charlemagne. 960? St. Reinold Benedictine monk martyred by stonemasons; patron of stone masons sometimes listed as Rainold or Reynold. 977 St. Anastasius XVIII Archbishop Sens. He served the archdiocese from 968-977, started the cathedral, and promoted the monks of Saint-Pierre-le-Vin. His relics are in the monastic church. 1131 St. Canute Lavard Martyred nephew of St. Canute son of King Eric the Good. In Dánia sancti Canúti, Regis et Mártyris. In Denmark, St. Canute, king and martyr. 1225 St. Raymond of Peñafort Dominican Marian; sailed on water w/cloak; Patron of Canonists taught philosophy at 20-gratis. The brave religious of this Order devoted themselves to saving poor Christians captured by the Moors. St. Brannock Welsh monk famed for holiness and zeal who migrated to Devon, England. He founded a monastery at Braunton. 1593 Bl. Edward Waterson English convert; martyred He was born in London, England, and ordained in Reims, France. In 1592, he was returned to England to serve hidden Catholics. Edward was arrested the following year and executed at Newcastle. He was beatified in 1929. JANUARY 08 The second day of the Afterfeast of Theophany. 175 St. Apollinaris appologist bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia 290 St. Lucian Martyred missionary with companions, Julian, /Maximian; relics were famous for miracles. 304 St. Carterius Priest martyr of Caesarea in Cappadocia. 400+? Saint Domnica came from Carthage to Constantinople By her miracles the saint moved inhabitants of the capital towards concerns about life eternal and the soul 491 St. Patiens Archbishop of Lyons, Gaul best known for his immense efforts at charitable work. He constantly gave aid and comfort to the poor, devoting the resources of the diocese to feed those left starving by the Gothic and Germanic invasions and to rebuilding and repairing burned and looted churches 425 St. Atticus Bishop converted opponent of St. John Chrysostom then called a "true successor of Chrysostom" by Pope St. Celestine I. 482 St. Severinus Monk hermit founded Danube monasteries comfort to refugees /victims of Attila many miracles 5th v. St. Ergnad Irish nun who received the veil from St. Patrick. She followed the monastic tradition of performing prayer and penance in seclusion. 511 St. Maximus Bishop of Pavia, Italy. attended the councils of Rome convened by Pope Symmachus. 550 ST SEVERINUS, legend BISHOP OF SEPTEMPEDA 7v Saint George the Chozebite example in fasting, vigil and physical efforts lived as angel on the earth, died in peace Theophilus, deacon, and Helladius In Libya, the holy martyrs 673 St. Frodobert Benedictine abbot-founder monk, trained by St. Waldebert. a monk at Luxeuil, France. He founded MoutierlaCelle Abbey near Troyes. 686 St. Erhard Irish Bishop missionary to Bavaria baptized St Odilia, who, though born blind, recovered her sight on receiving the sacrament. 712 St. Gudula Patroness of Brussels, Belgium daughter of St. Amalberga, educated by St. Gertrude of Nivelles was known for her great charity. 719 ST PEGA, VIRGIN; Ordericus Vitalis says her relics were honoured with miracles, and kept in a church which bore her name at Rome, but this church is not now known 762 St. Garibaldus Benedictine bishop of Regensburg ordained by St. Boniface He was also a noted scholar. 800 St. Albert Patron saint of Cashel English in Ireland and Bavaria 923 St. Athelm Benedictine Archbishop of Canterbury uncle of St. Dunstan 1002 St. Wulsin Benedictine bishop monk St. Dunstan disciple abbot of Westminster 1285 St. Thorfinn miracles reported at his tomb 50 yrs after death St. Theophilus deacon & Helladius a layman martyrs in Libya 1309 Blessed Angela of Foligno dedicated to prayer and works of charity; her Book of Visions and Instructions Angela the title "Teacher of Theologians." She was beatified in 1693. 1456 St. Lawrence Justinian first Patriarch of Venice the death of; Eminent for learning, and abundantly filled with the heavenly gifts of divine wisdom the 5th of September, on which day he ascended the pontifical throne. JANUARY 09 303 St. Marciana Virgin martyr in Caesarea amphitheater in Mauretania St. Paschasia virgin martyr in the area of modern Dijon, France 250 St. Epicharis bishop Martyr of Africa with 7 companions 3rd v. Saint Polyeuctus first martyr in the Armenian city of Meletine; soldier 302 St. Julian Basilissa & Companions Martyr with Anastasius St. Vitalicus bishop martyrs at Smyrna Revocatus Fortunatus deacons 391
ST
PETER, Bishop OF SEBASTEA; In this family three brothers were at the same
time eminently holy bishops, St Basil, St Gregory of Nyssa and St Peter
of Sebastea; their eldest sister, St Macrina, was the spiritual mother
of many saints and excellent doctors; and their father and mother, St
Basil the Elder and St Emmelia, were banished for their faith in the reign
of the Emperor Galerius Maximian, and fled into the deserts of Pontus.
Finally, the grandmother was the celebrated St Macrina the
Elder, who was instructed in the science of salvation by St Gregory
Thaumaturgus.
683 St. Waningus
Benedictine abbot entered a monastery founded
Holy Trinity Church and Convent of Fecamp 700 St. Maurontus Benedictine abbot founder of Saint-Florentle-Vieil in Anjou 710 St. Adrian, African Abbot near Naples tomb famous for miracles 731
St. Brithwald
Benedictine Archbishop of Canterbury from 692
until 37 years;
friendly relations with St Aldhelm, St Boniface and other
prominent and holy ecclesiastics; letter written to Berhtwald
by Waldhere, Bishop of London, is the first extant letter from
one Englishman to another
8th v. St. Foellan
Irishman with his mother to Scotland became monk;
missionary1569 Saint Philip, Metropolitan of Moscow 1622 Bl. Alix Le Clercq nun founded Augustinian Canonesses Congregation of Our Lady from Rome 1975 St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer God showed him his specific mission: he was to found Opus Dei. JANUARY 10 The fourth day of the Afterfeast of Theophany; The fourth day of the Afterfeast of Theophany falls on January 10. Some of the hymns of this period compare the streams of the Jordan to the life-giving waters of Baptism. St. Nicanor Early martyr 1/7 deacons of Jerusalem St. Paul,
the first hermit who lived alone in the desert from
the sixteenth to the one hundred and thirteenth year of his
age. His soul was seen by St. Anthony carried by angels
among the choirs of apostles and prophets. His feast
is kept on the 15th of this month.
395 St. Gregory
of Nyssa {lower Armenia where Nathaniel was
martyred} 385 Saint Theosebia the Deaconess; virgin served the Holy Church caring for the sick, distributing food to vagrants, raising orphans and preparing women for holy Baptism; sister of Sts Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, and Peter, Bishop of Sebaste January 10 (Eastern Christianity, Lutheranism) Catholic, March 9 463 St. Petronius Monk bishop of Die 471 St. Marcian Confessor hymnist - Constantinople famous for miracles; received gift of wonderworking, St Marcian healed the sick and cast out devils 6th v. St. Dermot Abbot monastery founder 601 Saint Dometian, Bishop of Melitene Armenia miracles glorified by God 660 St. Saethryth Benedictine abbess 660 St. Thomian Armagh Archbishop 660 St. John Camillus the Good Bishop of Milan 681 Pope St. Agatho 678-681 a holy death, concluded a life remarkable for sanctity and learning. 987 St. Peter Orsini Venetian Admiral Benedictine hermit 1209 St. William of Bourges canon monk Cistercian many miracles deaf, dumb, blind, the mentally ill became sound. The stone of his tomb in the Cathedral Church of Bourges cured mortal wounds and illnesses and delivered possessed persons; the deaf and dumb, the blind, the mentally ill became sound. So many miracles occurred there that the monks could not record them all, and he was canonized nine years after his death, in 1218, by Pope Honorius III. 1276 Teobaldo Visconti
Pope
St. Gregory X 1210-1276; Arriving
in Rome in March, he was first ordained priest, then consecrated
bishop, and crowned on the 27th of the same month,
in 1272. He took the name of Gregory X, and to procure the most
effectual succour for the Holy Land he called a general council
to meet at Lyons. This fourteenth general council, the second
of Lyons, was opened in May 1274. Among those assembled were St Albert
the Great and St Philip Benizi; St Thomas Aquinas died on his way thither,
and St Bonaventure died at the council. In the fourth session the Greek
legates on behalf of the Eastern emperor and patriarch restored communion
between the Byzantine church and the Holy See.; miraculous cures
performed by him
1429 Saint Paul
of Obnora famed disciple of St Sergius of Radonezh;
spent years as a hermit;
His final words were,
"Brethren, have love one for another and keep to the rule of the monastic
community."; died at 112;
15th
v. Saint Macarius
of Pisma and Kostroma A fellow ascetic of St Paul
of Obnora. In the second half of the 15th century, he founded
the Makariev Transfiguration monastery at the River Pisma on
the outskirts of Kostroma.1882 Saint Antipas of Romania; came to Valaam Monastery from Mt Athos 1865; spent rest of life in the skete at Valaam, living like a hermit. Blessed with the gift of clairvoyance 1884 Alphonse Ratisbonne With Theodore elder brother Theodore, he founded the Congregation of Our Lady of Zion. January 10 - Our Lady of the Guides (Constantinople, 1570) The Incarnation of the Human Values Necessary to My Life A German Catholic priest told that one day he saw a painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary hanging in place of honor in the cabinet of Field Marshal Hindenburg. As the priest did not hide his surprise, Hindenburg (who was a Lutheran) said, "I see in the Blessed Virgin the incarnation of the human values necessary to my life." It is possible to dream of a better definition of what Mary has brought to the world? To a world completely abandoned to proud egoism, Mary teaches the humility of Bethlehem. To a world dominated by money and greed, she recalls the poverty of Nazareth. To a twisted, dishonest world, she brings truth and simplicity. To a world that gets more and more hardened by hatred every day, she repeats her lessons of gentleness. To an impure and vain world, she offers the testimony of her fertile virginity. To an aged world, she brings her eternal youth. H. Engelmann Excerpt from his book I Lost the Faith (J’ai perdu la foi, p.91) JANUARY 11 The fifth day of the Afterfeast of Theophany 137-140 St. Hyginus, Pope Greek confront Gnostic heresy 180 St. Leucius Bishop of Brindisi a missionary from Alexandria St. Salvius martyr in Roman Africa St. Alexander Bishop of Fermo 250 St. Alexander "The charcoal burner" Bishop of Comana, in Pontus martyr 269 St. Theodosius martyred With fifty soldiers Item Romæ natális sancti Melchíadis, Papæ et Mártyris; qui multa, in persecutióne Maximiáni, passus est, atque, réddita Ecclésiæ pace, quiévit in Dómino. Ipsíus autem festívitas quarto Idus Decémbris celebrátur. Also at Rome, the birthday of St. Melchiades, who, having suffered much in the persecution of Maximian, went to his rest in the Lord after peace returned to the Church. His feast day is on the 10th of December. 325 St. Palaemon Egyptian hermit development of monasticism 412 St. Theodosius of Antioch Monk founder Cilicia monastery healings miracles St. Ethenea and Fidelmia 2/of 1st converts- St. Patrick 500 St. Honorata Nun at Pavia ransomed by brother St. Epiphanus 529 St. Theodosius the Cenobiarch Abbot founder various nationalities of monks 570 St. Anastasius X Benedictine abbot angel summoned him and monks to heaven 625 St. Vitalis of Gaza Monk reforming prostitutes and scandalous women 625 St Salvius, Or Sauve, Bishop Of Amiens St. Peter, Severus and Leucius Martyrs confessors Alexandria 5th v, St. Brandan Irish monk confronted the Pelagian heretics St. Boadin Benedictine monk from Ireland 8th v. St. Paldo, Tato, and Taso Benedictine monastery founders 1392 Saint Theodosius, Metropolitan of Trebizond 1453 Blessed Michael of Klops 1546 Ernst der Bekenner; studierte ab 1512 in Wittenberg und wurde hier von Luther geprägt; 1584 Blessed William Carter; arrest for "printing lewd [i.e., Catholic] pamphlets" as well as possessing books upholding Catholicism; hanged, drawn and quartered 1915 Mary Slessor; Missionarin nach Westafrika ging. Sie kam nach Nigeria, lernte die Stammessprache (Efik) und lebte wie die Einheimischen; weitere Missionare aus Schottland kamen JANUARY 12 JANUARY 13 Octáva Epiphaníæ Domini. The Octave of the Epiphany of our Lord. 160+ Martyr Potitus at Naples In
Sardinia, by the power of God he worked wondrous miracles;
who, having suffered much under Emperor Antoninus and the governor
Gelasius, was at last put to death by the sword. July 1 Orthodox.
235
St. Andrew of Trier bishop
possible martyr 253-268? Romæ, via Lavicána, corónæ sanctórum mílitum quadragínta, quas ipsi, sub Galliéno Imperatóre, pro veræ fídei confessióne percípere meruérunt. 315 St. Hermylus Martyr with Stratonicus drowned-Danube Belgrade Serbia 335 St. Agrecius Bishop missionary trusted associate of St. Helena According to the life of the saint, a document which is certainly not older than the eleventh century, and which modern scholars pronounce to be entirely fabulous 324 St. Glaphyra persecuted slave owned by Empress Constantia 337 St. Leontius of Cuesaren Bishop of Caesarea Nicaea Council participant 368 St. Hilary gentle courteous devoted writing great theology on Trinity 5th v. St. Elian ap Erbin known only through local Welsh liturgical calendars 5th v. St. Erbin Saint of the Comish and Devonshire regions England 6th v. St. Elian Perhaps a Breton missionary 530 St. Remigius or Remi, Bishop of Rheims extraordinary gift of miracles 603 St. Kentigern Mungo {"dear one"} First bishop of Strathclyde Britons in 325 ‘Angel of Peace” 631 St. Enogatus Bishop of Aleth Brittany France 852 St. Gumesindus priest Spanish martyr with Servus Dei a monk 927 Berno of Cluny 1st abbot of renowned of Clunymonastery OSB, Abbot 1127 BD GODFREY
OF KAPPENBERG belongs to the category of those
youthful saints who spent the few years of their life on earth
in making preparation for Heaven. JANUARY 14 Hodegitria.jpg The
Virgin Mary of Nazareth
January is the month of the Holy Name of Jesus since 1902;
The First Moment of Christian Tradition Began in Mary's Heart (III) When faith is strong it works wonders (
Mk 16:17 ).
Mary's heart is not a document, it's a source. "She stored up all these things
in her heart"
(Lk 2:19 & 51), and that was the Word of God. Excerpt from "Follow the Lamb" (Suivre l'Agneau) Father Marie-Dominique Philippe Saint Paul Ed. 2005 In Judæa sancti Malachíæ Prophétæ. In Judea, St. Malachy, prophet. 255 St. Felix of Nola Bishop distributed inheritance to the poor assistant to St. Maximus of Nola tomb famous for miracles 340 St. Macrina the Elder Grandmother of Sts. Basil and Gregory of Nyssa 309 Martyrs Monks of Mount Sinai slain by Bedouins Saint Moses was one of the Holy Monastic Fathers Slain at Sinai and Raithu. 335 Saint Nino, Enlightener of Georgia and Equal of the Apostles 346 St. Barbasymas bishop of Seleucia and Ctesiphon Martyr of Persia with 16 companions 368 Sancti Hilárii, Epíscopi Pictaviénsis, Confessóris et Ecclésiæ Doctóris; qui prídie hujus diéi evolávit in cælum. 400 Saint Theodulus son of St Nilus the Faster Lord saved boy through prayers of his father 552 St. Datius Bishop of Milan, Italy , exiled by the Arian Ostrogoths 610 Saint Kentigern (meaning "head chief") of Glasgow "Mungo" meaning "dear one" 664 St. Deusdedit first Anglo-Saxon primate of England Benedictine archbishop of Canterbury 8th v. Saint Stephen great ascetics glorious departure into Heaven with the angels St. Felix A Roman priest of whom nothing is known St. Euphrasius A bishop martyred by the Vandals 1180 Saint Lawrence O'Toole descendant of Irish petty kings 1200 BD ODO OF NOVARA He worked many miracles both during life and after death, but it horrified him to think that people should attribute to him any supernatural power. 1225 St. Sava patron of Serbia monk founded monasteries translated religious works into Serbian 1237 BD ROGER OF TODI received the habit of the Friars Minor from the hands of the Seraphic Father himself in 1216, that he was appointed by St Francis to act as spiritual director to the community founded and governed by Bd Philippa Mareri at Rieti in Umbria under the rule of St Clare, that he assisted Philippa on her deathbed in 1236, and that he died himself at Todi shortly afterwards on January 5, 1237. 1331 BD ODORIC OF PORDENONE IT would not be easy to find in secular literature a more adventurous career than that of the Franciscan Friar Odoric of Pordenone. Miracle worker Marytrs of Raithu Forty-three hermits in the Raithu Sinai Desert 1501 Servant of God John the Gardener; " as John insisted, forgiveness is the loveliest thing in God’s eyes." 1518 BD GILES OF LORENZANA his ecstatic prayer miracles, and gift of prophecy were renowned far and wide. In particular he is said to have been frequently seen raised from the ground and physically assaulted by the Evil One. 1811 St. Joseph Pignatelli, Pius XI said, served "chief link between Society of Jesus that had been and Society to be." 1833 Seraphim von Sarow 1892 ST ANTONY PUCCI a member of a religious order, the Servants of Mary, spent most of his life and achieved holiness as a parish priest and miracles of healing took place at his grave. JANUARY 15
In Judæa sanctórum Hábacuc
et Michǽæ Prophetárum, quorum corpora, sub Theodósio
senióre, divína revelatióne sunt repérta.
In Judea, the holy prophets Habakkuk and Micah, whose bodies were found by divine revelation in the days of Theodosius the Elder. 250 St. Secundina Martyred virgin 250 St. Maximus of Nola Bishop suffered greatly 303 St. Ephysius martyr revered on Sardinia St. Sawl Welsh chieftain and the father of St. Asaph 342 St. Paul the Hermit 4th v. St. Maura & Britta Virgins St. Macarius the Great Egyptian hermit enemy of Arianism 404 ST ISIDORE OF ALEXANDRIA governor of the great hospital at Alexandria 450 St. John Calabytes Hermit (at 12) lived unknown in a small hut famous for prayers penances He sanctified his soul by wonderful patience, meekness and prayer. The legend of Calybites has either originated from, or been confused with, those of St Alexis, St Onesimus, and one or two others in which the same idea recurs of a disguise long persisted in. 510 Saint Maurus was the first disciple of St. Benedict of Nursia 511 St. Eugyppius African priest of Rome companion of St. Severinus of Noricum 6th v. St. Liewellyn & Gwrnerth Welsh monks of Welshpool and Bardsey, Wales 570 St. Ita virgin founded a community of women dedicated to God extravagant miracles attributed 6th v. St. Lleudadd Welsh abbot, companion of St. Cadfan to Brittany 600 St. Tarsicia Virgin hermit granddaughter of the Frankish king Clotaire I 700 St. Bonitus resigned the See Bishop of Clermont in 689 doubts of election 710 St. Emebert bishop of Cambrai, in Flander 764 St. Ceolwulf King of Northumbria patron of St. Bede 7th V St. Malard Bishop of Chartres, in France 823 St. Blaithmaic Irish abbot who sought martyrdom among the Danes 1208 Bl. Peter of Castelnau Martyred Cistercian papal legate and inquisitor St. Teath may also be St. Ita 1648 Bl. Frances de Capillas The Proto martyr of China Dominican missionary 1909 Bl. Arnold Jansen Founder of the Society of the Divine Word JANUARY 16 42 The Veneration of the Honorable Chains of the Holy and All-Praised Apostle Peter 98 ST PRISCILLA, MATRON the mother of the senator St Pudens, and through him, the ancestress of SS. Praxedis and Pudentiana. St Peter, the apostle, is believed to have used a villa belonging to St Priscilla on the Via Salaria, beneath which the catacomb was afterwards excavated, as the seat of his activities in Rome 309 Marcellus I, Pope M (RM) reorganized Church in Rome Romæ sanctæ Priscíllæ,
quæ se súaque pio Mártyrum obséquio
mancipávit.
At Rome, St. Priscilla,
who devoted herself and her goods to the service of the martyrs.
385 St.
Melas
Bishop of Rhinocolura, near the boundary between Egypt and Palestine
on the Mediterranean Sea. He was cruelly abused and imprisoned
by the Arian heretics. 429 James of Tarentaise B (AC) 429 Honoratus of Arles archbishop blessedly joyful B (RM) 5th v. St. Liberata Virgin sister of St. Honorata and St. Epiphanius of Pavia, Italy. 453 St. Valerius Hermit bishop reputation for goodness and wisdom 550 St. Triverius Hermit native of Neustria Gaul 6th v. St. Honoratus of Fondi abbot-founder (RM) 633 St. Fulgentius Bishop in Spain brother of Sts'. Isidore St. Leander and St. Florentina 648 St. Fursey Irish monastic founder brother of Sts. Foillan and Ulan intense ecstasies 650 St. Titian Bishop 30 yrs in outlying regions near Venice 670 St. Ferreolus bishop of Grenoble BM Karantoc same as Saint Carantog (Carantoc) (Benedictines). 988 St. Dunchaid O'Braoin Abbot on Clanmocnoise 1105 Blessed Jane of Bagno Camaldolese lay-sister OSB Cam. V (AC) 1127 St. Henry of Cocket Danish hermit gifts of prophecy telekinesis read souls 1145 Blessed Conrad martyred abbot of Mondsee 1220 ST HENRY OF COCKET THE Danes were indebted in part for the light of faith, under God, to the example and labours of English missionaries. Henry was born in that country, and from his youth gave himself to the divine service with his whole heart. 1220 Berard, Peter, Otto, first martyrs of Franciscan order 1259 Blessed Gundisalvus of Amarante miracles appears 40 yrs after death JANUARY 17 155? SS. SPEUSIPPUS, ELEUSIPPUS AND MELEUSIPPUS, MARTYRS Romæ Invéntio sanctórum Mártyrum Diodóri Presbyteri, Mariáni Diáconi, et Sociórum; qui, sancto Stéphano Papa Ecclésiam Dei regénte, martyrium Kaléndis Decémbris sunt assecúti. At Rome, the finding of the holy martyrs Diodorus, priest, and Marian, deacon, and their companions. They suffered martyrdom on the 1st of December during the pontificate of Pope St. Stephen. 356 St. Anthony the Abbot miraculous healings Faith comes from God rhetoric from humans 377 ST JULIAN SABAS “In the district of Edessa, in Mesopotamia (the commemoration) of St Julian, the hermit, called Sabas, who, when the Catholic faith at Antioch had almost died out in the time of the Emperor Valens, restored it again by the power of his miracles”. 4 th v. St. Achillas Hermit in Egypt with Amoes "the Flowers of the Desert" by the Greek Church Blessed Gonzalo de Amarante Dominican priest 395 St. Pior Hermit disciple of St. Anthony in Egypt 420 Sabinus of Piacenza B (RM); feast day formerly December 11. Bishop Saint Sabinus of Piacenza was a close friend of Saint Ambrose, who used to send him his writings for editing. 624 St. Sulpicius Bishop of Bourges in austerities holiness devoted to the poor 715 ST RICHIMIR, ABBOT selected a place called later Saint-Rigomer-des-Bois. There he built a church in honour of the Apostles, and founded a monastery over which he ruled as abbot till his death 6th v. St. Nennius 1 of the 12 Apostles of Ireland disciple of St. Finian 676 St. Mildgytha Benedictine nun, daughter of St. Ermenburga 1220 St. Berard and Companions prompted Anthony of Padua a young Augustinian canon to join the Franciscans 1329 BD ROSELINE, VIRGIN holy Carthusian nun frequent visions and ecstasies, and possessed an extraordinary gift of reading the hearts of all who came to her. Her body was indescribably beautiful after death, and no sign of rigidity or corruption appeared in it. Five years afterwards it was still perfectly preserved, and the ecclesiastic who presided at the them enucleated and kept in a reliquary apart. The body was still quite entire a hundred years later, and the eyes had neither shrivelled nor decayed as late as 1644. JANUARY 18 Saints_Athanasius_and_Cyril.jpg ST PETER’S CHAIR AT ROME 250 St. Ammonius and a fellow soldier Moseus Martyrs Ibídem sancti Athenógenis,
antíqui Theólogi, qui, per ignem consummatúrus
martyrium, hymnum lætus cécinit, quem et discípulis
scriptum relíquit. In the
same country, St. Athenogenes, an aged divine, who, on the point
of being martyred by fire, joyfully sang a hymn, which he left in writing
to his disciples.
270 St Prisca
of Rome ST PRISCA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR 293 St. Archelais and Companions Martyr with Thecla and Susanna 373 Saints Athanasius and Cyril were Archbishops of Alexandria 388 Saint Marcian of Cyrrhus gift of wonderworking many other miracles on behalf of the brethren 496 St. Volusian Bishop of Tours France A senator 625 Deicolus, Abbot known for the peace and joy radiated from his soul miracles spring St Diarmis, Abbot founder spiritual director and teacher of Saint Kieran 593 St. Leobard Hermit disciple of St. Gregory of Tours 580 Sts Faustina and Liberata sisters founded convent of Santa Margarita in Como Paul & 36 Christian Soldiers evangelized Egypt 1028 St. Ulfrid Missionary martyr from England great learning and virtue 1270 St. Margaret, virgin, from the royal family of Arpad, and a nun of the Order of St. Dominic 1272 St Fazzio of Verona goldsmith founded charitable society in Cremona Order of the Holy Spirit 1262 Blessed Beatrix II of Este founded Benedictine convent of Saint Antony at Ferrara 1337 Saint Cyril and his wife Maria 1516 Saint Maximus the New life of great spiritual endeavors 1543 Blessed Christina Ciccarelli extraordinary humility and love of the poor 1550 Saint Athanasius of Synadem and Vologda incorrupt relics St. Day (Dye), Abbot Cornish church is dedicated 16th v. Righteous Athanasius of Navolotsk 1670 St. Charles of Sezze Franciscan Pope Clement IX called Charles to his bedside for a blessing 1890 St. Vincenza Mary Lopez y Vicuna Foundress of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate 1937 St Jaime Hilario Barbal, religious Brother teaching the poor executed during the Spanish Civil War: "The day you learn to surrender yourself totally to God, you will discover a new world, just as I am experiencing. You will enjoy a peace and a calm unknown, surpassing even the happiest days of your life." “To die for Christ, my young friends, is to live.” JANUARY 19 Saint_Macarius_the_Great_of_Egypt 1st v. Marius wife Martha, their sons Audifax and Habbakuk, noble Persians, who came to Rome through devotion in the time of Emperor Claudius St. Paul, Gerontius and Companions martyrs of Africa 156 St. Germanicus Martyr of Smyrna 169 St. Pontianus martyred at Spoleto 250 St. Fabian Roman layman a dove settled on his head 251 St. Messalina Virgin martyr disciple of St. Felician 260 SS. MARIUS, MARTHA, AUDIFAX, and ABACHUM, MARTYRS 257 or 288 St. Sebastian;
Nothing is historically certain about St. Sebastian except that
he was a Roman martyr, was venerated in Milan even in the time
of St. Ambrose and was buried on the Appian Way, probably near the
present Basilica of St. Sebastian. Devotion to him spread rapidly,
and he is mentioned in several martyrologies as early as a.d. 350.
303 The
Holy Virgin Martyr Euphrasia refused offer sacrifice to
idols395 Saint Macarius of Alexandria great ascetic and monastic head, worked many miracles 400 Saint Macarius the Great of Egypt worked many healings Abba Anthony received him with love, and Macarius became his devoted disciple and follower Saint_Macarius_of_Alexandria >.jpg
413 St. Bassian Bishop
of Lodi in Lombardy, Italy 510 St. Contentius bishop of Bayeux 6th v. St. Branwallader Bishop of Jersey 7th v? ST ALBERT OF CASHEL, BISHOP (SEVENTH CENTURY?) But the whole story is fabulous 678 St. Nathalan Hermit bishop of Tullicht, best known for his miracles 772 St. Remigius Bishop of Rouen introduction Roman rite into Gallic {French Church} 8th 9th v. St. Arcontius Bishop and martyr of Viviers St. Catellus Bishop of Castellamore 8th v. ST FILLAN, OR FOELAM, ABBOT (EIGHTH CENTURY) extravagant incidents 959 St. Arsenius 1st bishop of Corfu convert from Judaism St. Firminus Third bishop of Gabales, in France 1095 St. Wulfstan Bishop reformer died while daily ritual wash feet of 12 poor men 1086 St. Canute IV Martyred king of Denmark 1157 St. Henry of Sweden an Englishman Bishop of Uppsala residing at Rome miracles at tomb St. Fillan monk hermit abbot reknowned for his most extravagant miracles 1392 Blessed Theodore of Novgorod possessed gift of clairvoyance; spend his time in unceasing prayer 1457 Saint Mark Eugenikos, Archbishop of Ephesus admired and honored by all 1652 Saint Sava of Storozhev and Zvenigorod Today we commemorate opening of incorrupt relics of 1485 BD ANDREW OF PESCHIERA Some miracles attributed are of a rather extravagant character Saint
Macarius the Faster of the Near Caves of Kiev was a deacon
1667 BD BERNARD
OF CORLEON extraordinary graces levitations,
and of prophecies and miracles innumerable.
1670 ST CHARLES OF SEZZE extreme simplicity, company was sought by cardinals and other eminent ecclesiastics 1700 BD MARGARET BOURGEOYS, VIRGIN, FOUNDRESS OF THE CONGREGATION OF NOTRE DAME OF MONTREAL 1924 Saint Joseph Sebastian Pelczar; Bishop of Przemysl in 1900 until his death in 1924. He made frequent visits to the parishes, supported the religious orders, conducted three synods, and worked for the education and religious formation of his priests. He encouraged devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, Eucharistic devotions, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Virgin Mary. He built and restored churches, built nurseries, kitchens, homeless shelters, schools for the poor, and gave tuition assistance to poor seminarians. He worked for the implentation of the social doctrine described in the writings of Pope Leo XIII. He left behind a large body of work including books, pastoral letters, sermons, addresses, prayers and other writings. JANUARY 20 477 St. Euthymius monk bishop sixty-six years in the desert Inna, Pinna and Rimma Holy Martyrs disciples of the holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called 250 St. Fabian layperson dove descended this stranger was elected Pope able built Church of Rome 250 St Fabian, Pope M (RM) succeeded Saint Antheros as pope and governed as bishop of Rome for 14 peaceful years 286 St. Sebastian an officer in imperial bodyguard secretly done many acts of love and charity for brethren in the Faith. 303 Bassus, Eusebius, Eutychius and Basilides Holy Martyrs witnessed Bishop Theopemptus of Nicomedia 310 St. Neophytus Martyr martyr at 15 in Nicaea Schemamonk Euthymius of the Kiev Caves St Laurence incorrupt relics lie in the Far Caves of the Kiev Caves Lavra. 1465 Saint Euthymius of Syanzhemsk and Vologda igumen
Ascension monastery
477
St. Euthymius
monk bishop sixty-six years in the desert655 St. Molagga Abbot-founder disciple of St. David of Wales 665 St. Fechin founding Abbot of Fobhar died of plague devastating Ireland 946 St. Maurus Benedictine bishop of Cesena 1107 Blessed Benedict Ricasoli hermit 1194 Blessed Didier 33rd bishop of Thérouanne founder of the Cistercian abbey 1232 Blessed Daniel of Cambron Cistercian abbot 1468 St. Eustochium Calafato Foundress and Poor Clare love of Jesus in poverty and penance was outstanding 1670 St. Charles of Sezze 17th-century successor to Brother Juniper 1782 The Holy New Martyr Zachariah Peloponnesos in Greece JANUARY 21
112 Publius
of Malta prefect host to Saint Paul BM
(RM).
Zacchaeus the tax-collector he "sought to see who Jesus was" (Luke 19:3). 258 The holy Virgin Martyr Agnes Many miracles occurred at the grave relics rest in the church built in her honor, along the Via Nomentana born at Rome during the third century. Holy_Martyr_Eugene & others 284-311 Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia 1236-1325 Sultan-Ul-Mashaikh Hazrat Khwaja Syed Nizamuddin Aulia, affectionately known as Mehboob-i Elahi or "Beloved of God". Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki renowned Muslim Sufi saint scholar miracles in the Chishti Order from Delhi, India. He was the disciple and spiritual successor (khalifa) Moinuddin Chishti as head of the Chishti Order. His most famous disciple and spiritual successor was Fariduddin Ganjshakar. More Here Baba Sheikh Farid Ji was a great Sufi saint On the banks of the river Sutlej at a place called Pak Pattan, tamerlane horses suddenly stopped. The horsement whipped their animals. The stallions started bleeding but refused to move further voice came from somewhere and called, "Baba Farid, the King of Kings" More Here 259 Fructuosus B bishop Augurius & Eulogius deacons the heavens open and the saints carried up with crowns on their heads MM (RM) 279 Patroclus of Troyes invoked against demons and fever M (RM) 284-305 The Holy Martyr Neophytus red-hot oven holy martyr remained unharmed 3 days and 3 nights in it 284 311 The Holy Martyrs Eugene, Candidus, Valerian and Aquila suffered for their faith in Christ red-hot oven emerged from it unharmed reign of Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (305-311), under regimental commander Lycius. 497 Epiphanius of Pavia reputation for sanctity, charity to the poor; bishop and confessor. B (RM) 6th v. Vimin Scottish bishop his many miracles 6th v St. Brigid also known as Briga 6th century 6th century Lawdog titular patron of four churches in the diocese of Saint David's in Wales (AC) 662 Saint Maximus the Confessor 3 candles burned miraculously over the grave proving his fight against the Monothelite heresy 662 The Holy Martyr Anastasius disciple of St Maximus the Confessor 861 St. Meinrad martyr hermit founder of the Benedictine abbey of Einsiedeln Blessed Inez practiced severe austerities prophesies Augustinian hermitesses at Beniganim taking the name Sister Josepha Maria of St. Agnes. 978 Maccallin of Waulsort hermit founded Saint Michael's monastery at Thiérache OSB, Abbot (AC) 1556 Saint Maximus the Greek translate patristic and liturgical books into Slavonic translated St John Chrysostom's Commentaries on the Gospels of Matthew and John 1586 Blessed Edward Stransham priest five years martyred at Tyburn M (AC) 1642 St. Alban Bartholomew Roe Missionary martyr 1/40 of England and Wales 1642 Blessed Thomas Reynolds priest for nearly 50 years M (AC) 1696 Blessed Inés de Beniganim barefoot Augustinian hermits OSA Disc., V (AC) St. Maccalin Benedictine abbot of St. Michael's at Thierache JANUARY 22 St Timothy was converted to Christ in the year 52 by the holy Apostle Paul (June 29). When the Apostles Paul and Barnabas first visited the cities of Lycaonia, St Paul healed one crippled from birth. Many of the inhabitants of Lystra then believed in Christ, and among them was the future St Timothy, his mother Eunice and grandmother Loida (Lois) (Acts 14:6-12; 2 Tim. 1:5). The seed of faith, planted in St Timothy's soul by the Apostle Paul, brought forth abundant fruit. He became St Paul's disciple, and later his constant companion and co-worker in the preaching of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul loved St Timothy and in his Epistles called him his beloved son, remembering his devotion and fidelity with gratitude. He wrote to Timothy: "You have followed my teaching, way of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, and patience" (2 Tim. 3:10-11). The Apostle Paul appointed St Timothy as Bishop of Ephesus, where the saint remained for fifteen years. Finally, when St Paul was in prison and awaiting martyrdom, summoned his faithful friend, St Timothy, for a last farewell (2 Tim. 4:9). St Timothy ended his life as a martyr. The pagans of Ephesus celebrated a festival in honor of their idols, and used to carry them through the city, accompanied by impious ceremonies and songs. St Timothy, zealous for the glory of God, attempted to halt the procession and reason with the spiritually blind idol-worshipping people, by preaching the true faith in Christ. The pagans angrily fell upon the holy apostle, they beat him, dragged him along the ground, and finally, they stoned him. St Timothy's martyrdom occurred in the year 93. In the fourth century the holy relics of St Timothy were transferred to Constantinople and placed in the church of the Holy Apostles near the tombs of St Andrew (November 30) and St Luke (October 18). The Church honors St Timothy as one of the Apostles of the Seventy. In Russian practice, the back of a priest's cross is often inscribed with St Paul's words to St Timothy: "Be an example to the believers in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim. 4:12) 304 St. Vincent the Deacon martyr would not surrender the holy books 305 St. Vincent, Orontius, & Victor 3 martyrs of the Pyrenees 312 St. Paschasius Bishop of Vienne, France 380 St. Vincent of Digne Bishop of Digne France from Africa 383 St. Blaesilla Widow of Rome; St. Blaesilla herself began to study Hebrew, and it was at her request that St. Jerome began his translation of the book of Ecclesiasts. Monk Martyr Anastasius, Deacon of the Kiev Caves Holy martyrs of Christ one of 377 Christians captured in Thrace by Bulgars 410 Saint Gaudentius, Bishop of Brescia from 387 successor of the writer on heresies, St. Philastrius 628 St. Anastasius XIV Martyr a Persian called Magundat monk in Jerusalem 680 Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad 1031 St. Dominic of Sora Benedictine abbot founder 1045 St. Brithwald Benedictine bishop monk at Glastonbury visions a prophet 1592 Bl. William Patensona priest English martyr converted six other prisoners 1623 Saint Macarius of Zhabyn Wonderworker of Belev incorrupt relics appeared to the participants 1745 St. Francis Gil de Frederich Dominican martyr Tonkin, China, & Vietnam 1745 St. Matthew Alonso Leziniana Dominican martyr of Vietnam 1850 St. Vincent Pallotti Priest spent huge sums for the poor/underprivileged Founder of The Society of Catholic Apostolate the motto of founder St. Vincent Pallotti, “The Love of Christ urges us on!” St Vincent foresaw all Catholic Action, even its name, said Pius XI; and Cardinal Pellegrinetti added, “He did all that he could; as for what he couldn’t do—well, he did that too.” JANUARY 23 98 St. Parmenas 1/7 deacons appointed by Apostles minister to Hellenized Jews of Jerusalem 287 St. Asclas Martyr concerning Arrian governor of Egypt 304 St. Emerentiana Martyr of Rome 309 St. Agathangelus Martyr baptized by St. Clement of Ancyra died with him 4th v. St. Eusebius Syrian hermit 356 St. Amasius Bishop of Teano exile involved in the Arian persecution of his era 6th v. Martyrius of Valeria hermit -- Gregory the Great extols in his Dialogues (Dial. I, II) 6th v. St. Ormond French abbot 616 St. John Almoner Patriarch of Alexandria generosity to the poor family died entered religious life known holiness 667 St. Ildephonsus Archbishop Blessed Virgin devotion Our Lady's appearance present him with a chalice; prolific writer 702 St. Colman of Lismore Abbot bishop monastery of Lismore 841 St. Barnard Benedictine archbishop founder member of the court of Charlemagne 850 St. Lufthildis of Cologne she lived as an anchorite 880 Maimbod martyr miracles occur at his tomb blind Bishop Berengarius received sight from relics St. Severian & Aquila martyrs 1266
Baba
Sheikh Farid Ji On the banks of the river Sutlej at
a place called Pak Pattan (Province Punjab, also known as the city
of saints), tamerlane horses (1398) suddenly stopped. The horsement
whipped their animals. The stallions started bleeding but refused to
move further voice came from somewhere and called, "Baba Farid, the King
of Kings"
1366
St. Henry
Suso, Blessed Famed German Dominican mystic 1275 ST RAYMUND OF Peñafort. St. Maimbod Irish martyr 1505 Blessed Margaret of Ravenna patience and humility 1918 Blessed Mother Marianne Cope of Molokai faced everything with unflinching courage smiling sweetly through all JANUARY 24 97 ST TIMOTHY, BISHOP AND MARTYR Apud Ephesum sancti Timóthei, qui fuit discípulus beáti Pauli Apóstoli; atque, ab eódem Ephesi ordinátus Epíscopus, ibi, post multos pro Christo agónes, cum Diánæ immolántes argúeret, lapídibus óbrutus est, ac paulo post obdormívit in Dómino. At Ephesus, St. Timothy, disciple of the apostle St. Paul, who ordained him bishop of that city. After many labours for Christ, he was stoned for rebuking those who offered sacrifices to Diana, and shortly after went peacefully to his rest in the Lord. St. Thyrsus & Projectus Martyrs of an unknown year St. Macedonius Hermit of Syria, called Kriptophagus “the barley eater,” miracles of healing St. Mardonius Martyr of Asia Minor 250 St. Babylas Martyred Antioch bishop w/companions refused Emperor Philip the Arab 254 ST FELICIAN, Bishop OF FOLIGNO, MARTYR is also regarded as the original apostle of Umbria; the earliest trace of the use of the pallium is met with in the account of the episcopal consecration of this saint 268 St. Zama 1st recorded bishop of Bologna 4th v. St. Guasacht Bishop of Longford or Granard 396 St. Artemius Bishop imperial legate 430 ST MACEDONIUS;
Theodoret relates many
miraculous cures of sick persons, and of his own mother among them,
wrought by water over which Macedonius had made the sign of the
cross. He adds that his own birth was the effect of the anchoret’s
prayers after his mother had lived childless in marriage thirteen years
5th v. St.
Exuperantius
Bishop of Cingoli580 St. Cadoc Welsh bishop martyr founded Llancarfan Monastery 580 Saint Suranus, Abbot of the Sora Monastery; 7th v. St. Bertrand Benedictine abbot of Saint-Quentin 1397 BD MARCOLINO
OF FORLI; qualities most remarked
were exact observance of rule, love of poverty and obedience, especially
a spirit of great humility, supreme contentment undertaking lowliest
and most menial offices; practised rigorous bodily penance; lover
of the poor and little children; favoured with continual ecstasies
1622
St. Francis
de Sales converted 40,000 Calvinists back to Catholicism
1622 St Francis De Sales, Bishop Of Geneva And Doctor Of The Church, Co-Founder Of The Order Of The Visitation 1679 Bl. William Ireland Jesuit English martyr for supposed complicity in the Popish Plot 1697 Bl. John Grove English martyr alleged in the Titus Oates plot JANUARY 25 Transfer of the Shroud of the Virgin to Constantinople (452) What happened to the funeral clothes of the Blessed Virgin Mary? In the mid-fifth century, the rulers of Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey), asked the Archbishop of Jerusalem to send them the holy coffin containing the funerary clothes of the Virgin Mary. Having received the coffin, they laid it
in the church of Blachernae in Constantinople, built in honor of the Holy
Theotokos. This church preserved the relics of Mary's mantle until
the sacking of the city by the Crusaders in the year 1204.
Conversion
of St. Paul; Convérsio sancti Pauli Apóstoli,
quæ fuit anno secúndo ab Ascensióne Domini.The church of Chalcoprateia (Constantinople) had the relics of Mary’s belt until the arrival of the Turks in the year 1453. There were other relics of the Virgin in Constantinople as well. This is how, long before the city fell into the hands of the Ottomans, Charlemagne had received three relics of Mary’s veil from the Eastern Emperor, and kept them safe in Aachen. Unfortunately, his grandson Charles the Bald scattered them—a veil remained in Aachen and is still venerated there; another veil, made of silk, was given in the year 876 to the Cathedral of Chartres, but was then cut up and dispersed in the year 1793. Still another veil was given in the year 876 to the Abbey of Saint Cornelius in Compiegne. This linen veil is visible there today. The conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, which occurred in the second year after the Ascension of our Lord. 1st v St. Ananias II the birthday of; Missionary; martyr; Feb 25 feast day; patron of St. Paul; 363 St. Juventius & Maximus Martyred imperial guards to Emperor Julian the Apostate 380 St. Bretannion Bishop of Tomi Romania Black Sea 380
ST PUBLIUS,
ABBOT; sold his estate
and goods for benefit of poor; he added every day something to his
exercises of penance and devotion; remarkably earnest in avoiding
sloth, being sensible of inestimable value of time.
395 St.
Apollo
Egyptian hermit founder miracle worker4th v. St. Bretannio, bishop At Tomis in Scythia; wondrous sanctity and zealous devotion to the Catholic faith; 6th v. St. Maurus With Placid, Benedictines, disciples of St. Benedict 660 St. Racho First Bishop of Autun, France 676 St. Amarinus bishop of Clermont Benedictine martyr 676 ST PRAEJECTUS, or PRIX, BISHOP OF CLERMONT, MARTYR; many miracles immediately afterwards recorded at his tomb 697 St. Eochod The Apostle of the Picts of Galloway St. Artemas teenage Martyr of Pozzuoli St. Donatus Martyr with Sabinus and Agape 1048 ST POPPO, ABBOT; visited Jerusalem holy places brought many relics, enriched church of our Lady at Deynze; St. Dwynwen she is A Welsh saint “Nothing wins hearts like cheerfulness.” 1366 St. Peter Thomas Carmelite Latin patriarch and papal legat JANUARY 26 St. Timothy Born at Lystra, Lycaenia son of a Greek father and Eunice a converted Jewess 96 St. Titus disciple companion of St. Paul "my true child in our common faith" 69-155 St. Polycarp of Smyrna Bishop of Smyrna Feast day February 25th Sts. Timothy and Titus 262 St. Theogenes Bishop of Hippo Regius in Africa 255 until 262 He attended the Synod of Carthage; defended the Unity of Baptism 404 St. Paula patroness of widows children Toxotius Blesilla Paulina Eustochium and Rufina 648 St. Conan bishop of Ireland taught St. Fiacre 690 St. Theofrid Abbot Benedictine bishop of Corbie 700 St. Thordgith Benedictine nun at the abbey of Barking 925 St. Ansurius Bishop Benedictine monk founder 1109 St. Alberic Hermit co-founder of the great Cistercian Order more familiarly known as the Trappists 1159 St. Robert of Newminster Cistercian abbot helped found Newminster Abbey, Northumberland, its first abbot. 1188 St. Eystein Erlandsson B (RM) 1270 St Margaret Of Hungary Virgin Dominican novice at twelve shortened her life by austerities St. Athanasius Bishop honored in Sorrento JANUARY 27 Whereas in the Lord's Prayer, we are bidden to ask for 'our daily bread,' the Holy Fathers of the Church all but unanimously teach that by these words must be understood, not so much that material bread which is the support of the body, as the Eucharistic bread, which ought to be our daily food. -- Pope St. Pius X 150 St. Julian of Le Mans First bishop of Le Mans 3rd v. St. Julian of Sora Martyr of Sora Campania 303 St. Devota Virgin martyr of Corsica France <<407 Transfer incorrupt relics of St John Chrysostom condemned by Eudoxia St. Avitus Martyr of Africa apostle and first bishop in the Canary Islands St. Datius African martyr with Reatrus and 27 companions 555 St. Marius Abbot visions 584 St. Maurus, abbot and deacon; sent to France in 543 to propagate the order of St. Benedict; favored by God with the gift of miracles: see also January 15 510 Saint Maurus was the first disciple of St. Benedict of Nursia 610 St. Lupus of Chalons Bishop cared for the sick and poor 8th v. St. Gamo Benedictine abbot of Bretigny monastic expansion near Noyon, France 8th v, St. Emerius Benedictine abbot of France founder 740 St. Natalis founder of monasticism in northern Ireland disciple of St. Columba {597 St. Columba} 798 St. Candida hermitess recluse near St. Stephen of Banoles 800 St. Gamelbert Parish priest of Michaelsbuch 50 years 1022 St. Theodoric of Orleans Benedictine bishop royal counselor 1077 St. Gilduin Canon of Dol in Brittany France, who refused a bishopric from Pope St. Gregory VII 1540 St. Angela Merici innovative approach to education Ursulines 1st teaching order of women Saint Ursula appeared levitation 1896 St. Enrique de Osso y Cervello Spain devotion to religious education JANUARY 28 Publican and the Pharisee 251 St. Thyrsus, Leucius, & Callinicus slain at Apollonia Phrygia 304 St. Flavian Martyr at Civita Vecchia asst prefect of Rome 304 Leonidas and Companions martyrs in Egypt 315 St. Valerius Bishop Saragossa Spain St. Vincent was deacon 356 Martyrs of Alexandria while attending Mass offered by Saint Athanasius St. Saint Ephraim the Syrian deacon teacher of repentance humble contrite monk translator hymnographer 444 St Cyril, Archbishop Of Alexandria, Doctor Of The Church 814 Blessed Charlemagne Emperor restored unity of liturgy defined doctrine encouraged education Saint Ephraim of Novy Torg founder of Sts Boris and Gleb monastery in the city 1224 Blessed Bartholomew Aiutamicristo Camaldolese lay-brother 1237 Bl. Roger of Todi Franciscan friend of St. Francis of Assisi 1258 St Peter Nolasco, Founder ransoms Christian prisoners 400 on 1 trip 1274 St. Thomas Aquinas priest Doctor of the Church patron - all universities & students 1431 Blessed Mary of Pisa Widow miraculous favors saw guardian angel from childhood 1908 Joseph Freinademetz (b. 1852) he received his mission cross and departed for China with Fr. John Baptist Anzer, another Divine Word Missionary. Saint John the Sage Saint Ephraim of Novy Torg founder of Sts Boris and Gleb monastery in the city New_Saints_of_Moscow 1159 Bl. Amadeus of Lausanne Cistercian Bishop prominent official court of Savoy & Burgundy 1169 St. Richard of Vaucelles English Cistercian abbot 1208 Julian of Cuenca bishop dedication to the poor invoked for rain 1224 Blessed Bartholomew Aiutamicristo Camaldolese lay-brother 1237 Bl. Roger of Todi Franciscan friend of St. Francis of Assisi 1258 St Peter Nolasco, Founder ransoms Christian prisoners 400 on 1 trip 1274 St. Thomas Aquinas priest Doctor of the Church patron - all universities & students 1304 Blessed James the Almsgiver priest martyred by a bishop 1350 BD ANTONY OF AMANDOLA commended for his patience and for his charity towards the poor, and a great number of miracles are reported to have been wrought at his intercession 1366 St Peter Thomas Carmelite diplomat bishop of Patti and Lipari crusader1431 Blessed Mary of Pisa Widow miraculous favors saw guardian angel from childhood 1450 Blessed Antony of Amandola Augustinian OSA (AC) 1518 Blessed Giles of Lorenzana Franciscan lay-brother 1554 The Sumorin Totma Icon of the Mother of God glorified by numerous healings at the Spaso-Sumorin monastery of the city of Totma 1568 Saint Theodosius of Totma & founded Ephraimov wilderness monastery miracles incorrupt 1683 Blessed Julian Maunoir priest recalled 30,000 to God in 2 years, SJ (AC) 1858 Blessed Jerome Lu & Laurence Wang martyred native catechists 1908 Joseph Freinademetz (b. 1852) he received his mission cross and departed for China with Fr. John Baptist Anzer, another Divine Word Missionary. JANUARY 29 101 Sts. Sarbelius & Barbea 2 martyrs brother and sister 108 Transfer of the Relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer introduced antiphonal singing left us 7 archpastoral epistles provided instructions on faith, love and good works St. Caesarius first bishop of Angouleme France 170 Constantius first bishop of Perugia and Companions 275 St. Sabinian Martyr brother of St. Sabina 303 St. Papias and Maurinus Roman soldiers put to death in Rome for defending the faith 320 St. Valerius 2nd Bishop of Trier, Germany 523 Blath of Kildare reputation for heroic sanctity and cooking 6th v Triphina of Brittany Widow mother of the infant-martyr Saint Tremorus 570 Gildas (Badonicus) the Wise, Abbot Bishop first English historian 591 Sulpicius 'Severus,' bishop of Bourges learned in secular literature and the law 598 Dallan Forghaill renowned scholar martyred 650 St. Aquilinus vigorous opponent of Arianism: martyred by them 724 St. Voloc Irish missionary throughout Scotland bishop 1212 Blessed Charles of Sayn a beatus by the Cistercians 1622 St Francis De Sales, Bishop Of Geneva And Doctor Of The Church, Co-Founder Of The Order Of The Visitation JANUARY 30 1084 3 Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom 114 Barsimaeus 1/72 disciples sent by Jesus third bishop of Edessa from Saint Jude 120 St. Matthias Bishop of Jerusalem Jewish heritage 180 St. Agrippinus 9th bishop of Alexandria after Saint Mark 228 St. Martina Virgin martyr of Rome 250 St. Alexander Martyr third century 250 St. Barsimaeus Bishop of Edessa in Syria successful evangelist 269 St. Hippolytus Martyr of Antioch, Turkey 311 St. Savina Martyr model of holiness aid and comfort to the Christian prisoners & burials 379 Barses of Edessa banished to western Egypt frontiers of Libya 400 Saint Zeno soldier deliver the imperial edicts Antioch 40 yrs cave ascetic disciple of Saint Basil the Great 451 St. Armentarius Bishop of Pavia St. Tudy Welsh virgin 680 St. Bathildis Queen and foundress Benedictine convent at Chelles, St. Denis Monastery and Corbie 684 St. Aldegunais Virgin abess Mauberge, a noted Benedictine monastery 711 St. Armentarius Bishop of Antibes in Provence 784 The Holy Martyr Theophilus the New commander of the Greek armies senator martyred for not apostazing 967 Saint Peter, King of Bulgaria concluded advantageous peace with Byzantium extirpation of the Bogomil heresy 1043 Blessed Amnichad of Fulda lived rest of his life walled up as a anchorite 1084 Synaxis of the 3 Hierarchs: Basil the Great Gregory the Theologian John Chrysostom 1100 Blessed Haberilla of Mehrerau virgin recluse a Black Benedictine monastery 1100 St. Aleaunie Abbot and soldier patron of Burgos many miracles, one of them in favour of Queen Edith, widow of St Edward the Confessor. St. Felician African martyr with Philappian & 124 companions 14th v. Saint Zeno the Faster and Lover of Labor of the Far Caves of Kiev 1640 St. Hyacinth Franciscan a model tertiary 1710 Blessed Sebastian Velfré Oratorians cheerfull sought out sinners 1784 The Holy New Martyr Theodore renounced Christ and accepted the Moslem religion soon repented a Moslem judge fiercely tortured strangled with rope cast into sea Christians buried Theodore in the church of St John the Forerunner 1821 Feast of the Annunciation apparation of The Tinos Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos Innumerable miracles of healing and deliverance from danger continue 1841 The Holy New Martyr Demetrius Bulgaria continuously refused to apostasize to moslem Kadi 1917 St. Mutien-Marie Wiaux Christian Brother praised model teacher art and music JANUARY 31 250 St. Metranus Egyptian martyr in Alexandria 250 Sts. Saturninus, Thrysus, & Victor Martyrs at Alexandria 303 St. Cyrus Alexandrian doctor monk converted patients to Christianity and John Arab soldier Martyrs 309 St. Julius of Novara Missionary confessor with his brother, Julian deacon 348 St. Geminian Bishop of Modena, Italy St. Tryphaena martyr at Cyzicus on the Hellespont patroness nursing mothers St. Tarskius Martyr with Zoticus Cyriacus & companions 410 St. Marcella Roman matron gave to the poor martyred 626 St. Aidan Monastic & Church founder bishop miracle worker great charity kindness to animals 680 St. Adamnan of Coldingham Confessor gift of prophecy 750 St. Ulphia Hermitess 766 St. Bobinus Benedictine bishop of Troyes 884 St. Eusebius hermit Martyred Irish Benedictine 885 St. Athanasius Bishop caught in the Saracen invasion of Sicily 1050 Bessed John of Angelus, 1107 St. Nicetas Bishop of Novgorod miracle worker 1156 St. Martin Manuel Portuguese martyr 1515 Blessed Paula Gambara-Costa won bad husband over to Christ 1533 Blessed Louise degli Albertoni Widow spent her life in works of charity St. Madoes honored in the Carse of Gowrie, Scotland 1815 St. Francis Xavier Bianchi Bamabite priest called “the Apostle of Naples” stopped lava from Vesuvius 1805 1836 Blessed Mary Christina, Queen 1888 John Bosco, Priest Founder great lover of children (RM) |
|
MAY 01 St. Joseph Feastday: March 19, May 1 Patron of the Universal Church The birthday of the blessed apostles Philip and James. Philip, after having converted nearly all of Scythia to the faith of Christ, went to Hieropolis, a city in Asia, where he was fastened to a cross and stoned, and thus ended his life gloriously. James, who is also called the brother of our Lord, was the first bishop of Jerusalem. Being hurled down from a pinnacle of the temple, his legs were broken, and being struck on the head with a dyer's staff, he expired and was buried near the temple. 208 St Andeolus Martyr sent to France by St Polycarp 240 St Orentius and Patientia Martyrs Spain husband wife 303 St Acius deacon & Aceolus subdeacon Martyrs of minor orders 4th v. Bata, The Martyr a monastic, lived during the 4th century in Persia labored there in monastery 418 St Amator priest Bishop confessor miracles ability to make spur conversions including King Germanus scholars believe Amator ordained St. Patrick St Grata secured proper burial for remains of Christian martyrs 4th or 8th century 439 St Orentius Bishop hermit faithful of Auch insisted he become their bishop St Cominus Martyr of Catania, in Sicily 510 St Brieuc Bishop missionary known for miracles educated by St. Germanus 523 ST. SIGISMUND
St. Avitus made king Sigismund realize his behavior
was anything but Christian and he tried to make amends. Sigismund listened to the
voice of his conscience and found that it led to martyrdom. We, too may have to suffer for trying to live our faith.
It is one of the consequences of following Christ.
6th v. St Ceallach
Disciple of St. Kiernan bishop558 St Marculf missionary work hermit patron cured diseases attracted numerous disciples built monastery Egyptian model 600 St Asaph First bishop of Asaph Wales 604 St. Arigius Bishop 20 yrs greatest priest pastor of his era 680 St Bertha abbess-foundress martyr 893 St Theodard Benedictine bishop rebuilt churches ransom captives selling treasures spending his own money to feed poor suffering practiced severe austerities 1012 St Benedict of Szkalka hermit martyr gifted mystic of Hungary 1200 Tamar In 1166 a daughter, Tamar, was born to King George III (1155–1184) and Queen Burdukhan of Georgia. 1219 St Aldebrandus Bishop reformer sermons roused many preached against baneful corrupting influences 1345 Peregrine Laziosi received a vision of Our Lady who told him to go to Siena, Italy, and there to join the Servites healed by Jesus incorrupt fervant preacher, excellent orator, and gentle confessor 1383 St Panacea Child martyr of Quarona struck while at prayer 1477 Saint Paphnutius of Borov monk 30 years at the Protection Monastery as igumen, Elder, and Father-confessor earned deep respect and love of the brethren of his own monastery & other monasteries 1497 Macarius The Hieromartyr , Metropolitan of Kiev, was earlier the archimandrite of the Vilensk Holy Trinity monastery. 1537 St Zosimas of Kumurdo lived and labored from the end of the 15th century through the first half of the 16th century 1554 St Gerasimus of Boldino, whose secular name was Gregory a strict ascetic founded monasteries 1814 St Euthymius This holy New Martyr of Christ was born in Demitsana in the Peloponnesos apostasized recantded and asked for martyrdom 1814 Ignatius The holy New Martyr martyred for the faith by moslems 1816 Acacius The holy New Martyr was born at Neochorion, Macedonia near Thessalonica in the eighteenth century martyred for the faith by moslems 1821 Saint Nicephorus, the "most luminous star of the Church of Christ," who delighted the hearts of the faithful "with divinely inspired teachings," grace of working miracles 1852 St John-Louis Bonnard priest Martyr of Vietnam MAY 02 Saint Athanasius
Doctor of the Church
Today's
celebration midpoint
of 50 days between Feasts of Pascha and Pentecost
Lesser Blessing of Water and the Blessing of Fields127-140 St. Zoe & Exsuperius (Hesperus) and 2 sons martyred for faith children encouraged parents bodies were preserved in the fire unharmed, and angelic singing was heard, glorifying the confessors of the Lord 251 Martyrdom of St. Sina, the Soldier and Isidore many signs and wonders appeared from them 307 St. Valentine Bishop of Genoa monastic expansion relics were found and enshrined in 985 Romæ sanctórum Mártyrum Saturníni, Neópoli, Germáni et Cælestíni, 373 St. Athanasius Bishop and Doctor of the Church refusal to tolerate Arian heresy refuge among desert monks became ascetic renowned for sanctity beloved by followers many volumes of writings extant 460 Germanus of Normandy bishop with Saint Patrick; alleged evangelized in Wales, Spain, Gaul, Isle of Man; martyred in Normandy BM (AC) 485 St Vindemialis, Eugene, & Longinus 3 African martyred bishops by Arian Vandal king Hunneric Floréntiæ item natális sancti Antoníni, ex Ordine Prædicatórum, Epíscopi et Confessóris, doctrína et sanctitáte célebris 6th v. St. Neachtian Irish confessor supposedly present when Patrick died 6th v. Gluvias may have been sent to Cornwall by his brother, Saint Cadoc of Llancarfan (AC) 600 MERCIANS (meaning Lords of the March.) The original Mercian Bishopric was at Lichfield 668 St. Waldebert Benedictine aristocrat Frankish knight then hermit abbot helped St. Salaberga to found her famed convent at Laon 686 St.
Ultan
Benedictine abbot founder chaplain to St Gertrude's nuns
escaped Mercians by supernatural revelation he
knew of the death of St Foillan, who was murdered by robbers
in the forest of Seneffe, and he foretold to St Gertrude, at her
request, the day of her own death. He said that St Patrick was preparing
to welcome her, and in point of fact she died on March 17.
699 Bertinus
the Younger Benedictine monk of Sithin (Sithiu) OSB (AC)St. Felix of Seville deacon Martyr of Spain still revered in Seville Saint Gennys often confused with others (AC) 880 Departure of Pope Sinuthius (Shenouda I), 55th Pope of Alexandria (coptic) 907 The Holy Equal of the Apostles Tsar Boris, in Holy Baptism Michael on March 3, 870 Bulgaria was joined to the Eastern Church, and Orthodoxy was firmly established there 926 St. Wiborada Swabian nobility Martyred nun wisdom noted for austerities holiness and gifts of prophecy 1026 The Transfer of the Relics of the Holy Passion-Bearers Boris and Gleb burial place was glorified by miracles 1126 Blessed Conrad of Seldenbüren founded and endowed Engelberg Abbey at Unterwalden Switzerland Benedictine lay-brother martyr; remained incorrupt until the abbey was burnt down in 1729. OSB M (AC) 1257 Mafalda of Portugal Queen slept on bare ground spent night in prayer fortune used to restore cathedral of Oporto founded a hospice for pilgrims hospital for 12 widows built a bridge over Talmeda River died in sackcloth and ashes body exhumed 1617 found flexible and incorrupt OSB Cist. (AC) 1459 Natalis of Antoninus of Florence great soul in a frail body, and of the triumph of virtue over vast and organized wickedness miracles after death body was found uncorrupted in 1559 OP B (RM) Feast Day May 10 1654 Saint Athanasius III Patelarios, Patriarch of Constantinople, Wonderworker of Lubensk relics glorified by numerous miracles and signs, rest in the city of Kharkov, in the Annunciation cathedral church 1854 St. Joseph Luu native Vietnamese martyr died in prison for refusing to abjure the faith even under torture The Putivil Icon depicts the Mother of God holding Christ on her left arm, and with a ladder behind her right hand. MAY 03 62 Jakobus der Bruder des Herrn (griech. adelphos kyriou) Markus 15,40 nennt Maria, die Mutter Jakobus des Kleinen Apostel Jakobus Alphäus (der Jüngere) Apostel Philippus Sts. Philip and James 105 Romæ, via Nomentána, pássio sanctórum Mártyrum Alexándri Papæ Primi, Evéntii et Theodúli Presbyterórum St. Sarah, and her two sons wife of Diocletian's governor Socrates who caused their martyredom {Coptic} Kiev Caves Icon of the Uspenie (Dormition) of the Most Holy Theotokos one of the most ancient icons in the Russian Orthodox Church glorified by numerous miracles 286 SS. TIMOTHY AND MAURA, MARTYRS 286 Saints Timothy {from village of Perapa --Egyptian Thebaid} and Maura ("Let no one defend me. I have one Defender, God, in Whom I trust.") suffered for the faith under governor Arian 300 Xenia von Kalamas Ihre Eltern erzogen sie im christlichen Glauben und sie führte ein klösterliches Leben auf dem Hof ihrer Eltern 313 Constantinópoli sanctórum Mártyrum Alexándri mílitis, et Antonínæ Vírginis. 326 THE FINDING OF THE HOLY CROSS 328 Kreuzfindung Die Kaiserin und Mutter Konstantins Helena soll in Jerusalem das Kreuz Christi gefunden haben. 369 Nárniæ sancti Juvenáli, Epíscopi et Confessóris. 4th v. Aphrodísiæ, in Cária, sanctórum Mártyrum Diodóri et Rhodopiáni Hierosólymis Invéntio Sacrosánctæ Crucis Domínicæ, sub Constantíno Imperatóre. Commemoration of One hundred martyrs Sts. Babnuda (Paphnute) the hermit, Theodore the worshipper. Apud montem Senárium, in Etrúria, natális sanctórum Sostenǽi et Ugucciónis Confessórum, e septem Fundatóribus Ordinis Servórum beátæ Maríæ Vírginis 563 St. Scannal (AC) The celebrated missionary; Scannal was a disciple of Saint Columba (Benedictines). 6th v. St. Gluvias Monastic founder and brother of St. Cadoc of Llancarfan, Wales. Gluvias labored in Cornwall, England, where he may have started an abbey also called Glywys. 680 St. Adalsindis Abbess and sister of St. Waldalenus became abbess of a convent at Beze, France, the monastery founded by her brother. 744 Saint Mamai martyr for Christ served as chief shepherd of the Georgian faithful from 731 to 744 Sts. Michael and Arsenius the Georgians 8th v. St. Ethelwin Second bishop of Lindsey, England. He accompanied St. Egbert to Ireland, where he died 770 St. Philip of Zell Benedictine hermit founded the monastery of Zell, so named because it had its start with his single “cell,” or room. 801 Rabi'a al-'Adawiyya Sufi One of the most famous Islamic mystics 920 St Peter the Wonderworker Bishop of Argos in the Peloponnesos ransomed captives healed the sick and the afflicted, and possessed the gift of insight relics exuding myrrh, and working miracles and healings 1010 St. Ansfrid Bishop and founder Count of Brabant friend of Emperor Otto III of the Holy Roman Empire 1074 Saint Theodosius of the Caves Father of monasticism in Russia from youth led the ascetic life relics incorrupt miracles of food for the monk brethren 1100 The Sven Caves Icon of the Mother of God painted by St Alypius of the Caves (August 17) glorified by miracles 12th v. Blessed Ventura Spellucci, OSB Abbot (AC) MAY 04 133 Cyriacus of Ancona revealed where the Cross was hidden to Empress Saint Helena BM (RM) 3rd v. Curcodomus of Auxerre sent by the pope to attend Saint Peregrinus, first bishop of Auxerre Deacon (RM) 250 Porphyrius of Camerino preached in Umbria, Italy, chiefly at Camerino M (RM) 300 Saint Pelagia of Tarsus in Cilicia (southeastern Asia Minor) saw the face of Bishop Linus in a dream miraclous baptism burnt body filled city with myrrh wild beasts protected her bones
Pelagia_of_Tarsus
300 Florian
und die Märtyrer von Lorch wurden auch in Lauriacum
40 Christen verhaftet
The Staro
Rus (Old Russian) Icon of the Mother of God303 Saint Erasmus Bishop of Formium, Italy--Angel "Erasmus! No one vanquishes enemies if he is asleep. Go to your own city, and you shall vanquish your enemies." many miracles and conversions Nicomedíæ natális sanctæ Antóniæ Mártyris, quæ, nímium torta et váriis afflícta cruciátibus, áltero bráchio tribus suspénsa diébus, et in cárcere biénnio deténta, ad últimum a Priscilliáno Prǽside, in confessióne Dómini, flammis exústa est. At Nicomedia, the birthday of St. Antonia, martyr, who was cruelly tortured, subjected to various torments, suspended by one arm for three days, kept two years in prison, and finally delivered to the flames for the confession of Christ by the governor Priscillian. 304 Saint Albian bishop of Aneium the Aseian district martyred for faith with his student disciple 304 Florian of Austria princeps officiorum in the Roman army in Noricum (Austria) Many miracles are attributed M (RM) 310 Saint Sylvanus from Gaza city soldier priest bishop of Gaza martyred in copper mines with 40 converts in 311 387 Saint Monica, mother of St Augustine of Hippo (June 15) 395 Nepotian of Altino priest esteemed by Saint Jerome, who dedicated to him a treatise on the sacerdotal life (AC) 409 Venerius of Milan ordained deacon by Saint Ambrose promoted to see of Milan following death of Saint Simplician loyal supporter of Saint John Chrysostom 6th v. Antony du Rocher disciple of Saint Benedict and a companion of Saint Maurus during his mission to France Abbot 716 Ethelred of Bardney abdicated to become a monk at Bardney OSB King (AC) 720 Sacerdos of Limoges monk, then abbot-founder of Calabre (Calviat) Abbey bishop of Limoges OSB B (RM) 826 Paulinus of Sinigaglia bishop and now patron of Sinigaglia, Italy B (AC) Saint Paulinus of Cologne M (RM) relics are enshrined at Cologne, Germany (Benedictines). 875 Hilarion der Wundertäter Ein Engel wies ihn an, nach Grusinien zurückzukehren und sich von seinem Vater Abschied zu nehmen 1028 Hilsindis In her widowhood the abbess-founder of the convent of Thorn on the Marne River , OSB Abbess 1038 Godehard of Hildesheim monk at Nieder-Altaich in 990 successfully accomplished reforms formed 9 abbots for various houses over 9 years 1052 + Cunegund a Benedictine nun of Niedermunster convent in Regensburg (Benedictines)., OSB V 13th v. Blessed Catherine of Parc-aux-Dames convert from Judaism OSB Cist. 1300 Saint Nicephorus teacher of St Gregory Palamas (November 14) convert from Catholic ascetic on Mount Athos 1343 Blessed Gregory Celli monk received by the Franciscans of Monte Carnerio, near Rieti, OSA 14th v. The Alfanov Brothers Sts Nikita, Cyril, Nicephorus, Clement, Isaac a miracle took place at their relics 1485 Blessed Michael Gedroye famous for his gifts of prophecy and miracles: his cell adjoining church of the Augustinian canons regular at Cracow OSA (AC) 1535-1681 THE MARTYRS OF ENGLAND AND WALES 1535 John Houghton parish priest 1/40 Martyrs of England and Wales O Cart. M (RM) 1535 Richard Reynolds, Priest priest 1/40 Martyrs of England and Wales 1535 Augustine Webster one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales O. Cart. M (RM) 1535-40 18 Carthusian monks martyred in England for their allegiance to the Holy See Blessed Martyrs (AC) 1535 und 1681 600 katholischen Märtyrern Englands 1535 Robert Lawrence, Priest 1/40 Martyrs of England and Wales prior of the charterhouse of Beauvale, Nottinghamshire,M (RM) 1945 Archpriest Vasily Martysz missionary service in the land of St Herman., America and martyred in Poland 1951 Blessed Mezlényi, martyr of the Hungarian communist regime MAY 05 Silvanus, apostle of the Seventy Companion of Saint Paul 300 St. Jovinian Martyred bishop missionary companion of St. Peregrinus of Auxerre. Martyr Irene (peace) dedicated herself to Christ her miracles converted thousands blinded and healed an entire army beheaded, buried then resurected St. Crescentia, Martyr, at Lucanium Commemorated on June 15, is also on May 16 350 St. Maximus of Jerusalem crippled by tortures dedicated enemy of the Arians 381 Eulogius of Edessa opposition to Arianism bishop of Edessa B (RM) 386 St Brito Bishop of Trier Germany opposed Priscillian heretics but always refused to hand over to the state for punishment 445 St. Nectarius Bishop of Vienne severe political and religious disputes 470 Geruntius of Milan succeeded Saint Eusebius united monastic with clerical life. B (RM) 449 St. Hilary Bishop of Arles known for austerities aid to the poor and ransoming captives 449 St. Nicetius 15th Bishop of Vienne, Gaul aided monastic expansion defended his see in a turbulent political era Euthymius of Alexandria martyred Deacon M (RM) 5th v. St. Hydroc patron saint of Lanhydroc Cornwall 5th century 5th v. Crescentiana 5th century Martyr honored by a church in Rome dating to the reign of Pope Symmachus. 550 St. Theodore of Bologna Bishop aided the people of his see and served as patron of local abbeys 560 St. Sacerdos Bishop of Saguntum Sagunto noted for his holiness and fervor Spain 7th v. Diuma B (AC) Scottish priest bishop His monastery Saint Peter's grew into Peterborough 701 St. Maurontus Benedictine abbot founder 767 St. Echa Anglo-Saxon priest monk-hermit link to early Desert Fathers of Egypt 1180 St Aventinus Hermit consecrated himself to service of the poor and strangers companion of St. Thomas Becket 1220 St Angelo martyred early Carmelite Jews of Jerusalem parents converted to Christianity by vision of our Lady converted many sinners by teaching/miracles Our Lord appeared to him to offer the sacrifice of his life in Sicily 1260 St. Jutta Widowed noblewoman of Thuringia: Jutta received wonderful graces, for besides being favoured with many visions and revelations, she was given an infused understanding of the Holy Scriptures. She once said that three things could bring one very near to God— painful illness, exile from home in a remote corner of a foreign land, and poverty voluntarily assumed for God’s sake 1426 Ephraim priest 27 years; The holy New Martyr wonderworker imitated life of the great Fathers/ascetics of the desert Turkes tortued him to death but after 500 years he is quick to answer the prayers of those who call upon him 1442 Saint James of Zhelezny Bor. Today we celebrate the Uncovering of the Relics of the Kostroma Wonderworker 1535 Bl. John Haile elderly martyred secular priest 1572 ST PIUS V. POPE1844 Bl. Edmund Ignatius Rice founder of the Congregation of the Brothers of the Christian Schools devout man dedicated to charitable works attention to bands of ragged youth in the streets1878 The "Inexhaustible Chalice" Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos 1900 Bl Anna Rose Gattorno co-founded an order of nuns dedicated to working with the sick and poor. By the time of her death the order had grown to more than 3500 sisters. MAY 06 Exraordinary Apparitions in Zeitoun, Egypt (II) 1350 BC Job The righteous (whose name means "persecuted"), God's faithful servant, the perfect image of every virtue 64-67 Evodius of Antioch 1/72 disciples commissioned by Jesus believed Evodius coined the word 'Christian' (RM) 66 Photina (Svetlana) The Samaritan Woman Holy Martyr Woman, with whom the Savior conversed at Jacob's Well (John. 4:5-42). fearlessly preached the Gospel in Carthage she and family miracle workers 94? Romæ sancti Joánnis, Apóstoli et Evangelístæ, ante Portam Latínam On Tuesday of St Thomas week we remember those Orthodox Christians from all ages who have died in faith, and in the hope of resurrection. 1st v. St Lucius Bishop of Cyrene 1/of “prophets and doctors” in Ptolemais, Africa 259 Sts. Marian a lector or reader; and James a deacon; experienced visions, including martyred bishop 286 Gundula starb um 286 als Märtyrerin in der Nähe von Mailand. 3rd v. St Heliodorus Martyr with Venustus and companions (7 to 77) in Africa 325 Theodotus Bishop of Cyprus suffered a long term of imprisonment B (RM) 335 St. Heliodorus Martyred Persian bishop of Mesopotamia with two priests Desan and Marjab 362 Barbarus the Soldier, Bacchus, Callimachus and Dionysius The Holy Martyrs served in the army of the emperor Julian the Apostate miracles caused many conversions. 4th v. Protogenes of Syria priest & bishop of Carrhaes banished by the Arian Emperor B (RM) 6th v. St. Benedicta Mystic nun St Peter appeared in vision warn her of death 7th v. Colman Mac Ui Cluasigh took his students to an island in the ocean to escape the pestilence (AC) 698 St. Eadbert Abbot bishop of Lindisfarne Ireland learning and knowledge of the Scriptures obedience to God's commandments 747 St. Petronax Abbot “the Second Founder of Monte Cassino.” restored after Lombards destruction rule of St Benedict 9th v. Barbarus The Holy Martyr, formerly a robber, lived in Greece and for a long time he committed robberies, extortions and murders miracles after death 11th v. Salérni Translátio sancti Matthǽi, Apóstoli et Evangelístæ 1300 Bl. Bonizella Piccolomini Widow devoted herself and all her wealth to the service of the poor (PC) 1385 St Micah of Radonezh one of the first disciples of St Sergius of Radonezh Appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos Holy Apostles Peter and John the Theologian to St Sergius of Radonezh. 1492 Bl. Prudentia Castori abbess-founder her fame rests on miracles reported wrought after her death; Her zeal was displayed not only amongst her nuns, whom she ruled with great prudence, but also in bringing about the restoration of the church of the Visitation at Como OSA V (PC) 1590 Bl. Edward Jones missionary priest and Anthony Middleton priest. Damásci natális beáti Joánnis Damascéni, Presbyteri, Confessóris et Ecclésiæ Doctóris, doctrína et sanctitáte célebris. Hic, pro cultu sanctárum Imáginum, verbo et scriptis advérsus Leónem Isáuricum strénue decertávit; cujus Imperatóris ob calúmnias cum ipsi Joánni déxtera manus e Saracenórum Príncipe amputáta esset, idem, beátæ Maríæ Vírgini, cujus Imágines defénderat, se comméndans, prótinus déxteram íntegram sanámque recépit. Ejus autem festívitas sexto Kaléndas Aprílis celebrátur. At Damascus, the birthday of St. John Damascene, priest and doctor of the Church, renowned for sanctity and learning. By means of his writing and preaching, he courageously resisted Leo the Isaurian, in defending the veneration paid to sacred images. By order of this emperor his right hand was cut off, but commending himself before an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which he had defended, his hand was immediately restored to him, entire and sound. His feast day is the 27th of March. Translation of Relics Saint Sava_1st_Archbishop_of_Serbia Job_and_Monk_Seraphim Seraphim_of_Lebadeia. MAY 07 Romæ Translátio córporis sancti Stéphani Protomártyris, quod, Pelágio Primo Summo Pontífice, e Constantinópoli 132 St. Juvenal of Benevento saint of Narni Italy His shrine is in Benevento 2nd v. Flavia Domitilla great-niece of emperors Domitian and Titus, and also of Saint Flavius Clemens, her foster sisters Euphrosyna, & Theodora VV MM (RM) 2nd century 257 St. Quadratus Martyr imprisoned several years in Nicomedia Nicaea & Apamea 300 St. Flavius Martyred bishop of Nicomedia with brothers Augustine and Augustus 357 May 07th Cross over Jerusalem Commemoration of the Appearing of the Precious 560 St. Domitian Bishop of Maastricht Netherland, called “the Apostle of the Valley of the Meuse’ o Belgium and France known for goodness aided poor during severe famine refutation of heresies 6th v. Bl Michael Ulumbijski 1/12 companions of St. John Zedazneli evangelized Georgia Natives of Syria John_Zedanzeni_12_disciples
600 St Liudhard
Bishop chaplain to Queen Bertha daughter of King
Charibert of Paris669 St Serenidus & Serenus Benedictine hermits known for his miracles including ending plague and drought 675 St. Placid Benedictine Abbot in Autun 717 St. John of Beverly John known for holiness preference for the contemplative life possessed the gift of healing many miracles are recounted in Bede's Ecclesiastical History the author of which he had ordained. It was not just miracles that led to John's canonization. He led a life of remarkable holiness 735 St. Peter of Pavia Bishop during the reign of the Lombard king Liutprand 1070 Bl Frederick of Hirschau sent with twelve of his comrades to restore discipline OSB Abbot (AC) 1079 ST STANISLAUS, Bishop of Cracow, Martyr 1237 St. Villanus Benedictine bishop 1279 Bl Albert of Bergamo, OP Tert. (AC) peasant farmer who followed his pious and industrious father's example many practices of penance and piety 1728 Bl Rose BD ROSE VENERINI gift of ready and persuasive speech real ability to teach and teach others to teach not daunted by any difficulty when in service of God reputation of holiness confirmed by miracles 1902 Bl Agostino Roscelli (AC) spent endless hours hearing confessions 1876, he founded the Institute of Sisters of the Immaculata served as prison chaplain caring particularly for those condemned to death
1909 Alexis
Toth Priest defender of the Orthodox Faith miracle worker
and zealous worker in the Lord's vineyard 1889 appointed pastor
of a Uniate parish in Minneapolis MN Archbishop Ireland greeted
him with open hostility refused to recognize him as a legitimate
Catholic priest or grant permission to serve in his diocese. Miracle
of finding a lost son for a man, and that occurred after Alexis's
death. In his last will and testament St Alexis commended his
soul to God's mercy, asking forgiveness from everyone and forgiving
everybody.
Sancti Stanislái,
Epíscopi Cracoviénsis et Mártyris.
MAY 08 St John on this day The Church commemorates because of the annual pilgrimage to his grave miracle of red dust 193 St. Dionysius Bishop of Vienne, in Dauphine, France, successor of St. Justus 1/of 10 missionaries sent with St. Peregrinus to Gaul, by Pope St. Sixtus I. 303 St. Victor the Moor ( from Mauretania, Africa) praetorian guard Martyr 303 St Acacius of Byzantium Cappadocian centurion in the Roman army stationed in Thrace body was afterwards miraculously brought to the shore of Squillace in Calabria M (RM) 306 THE FOUR CROWNED ONES, MARTYRS 350 St Nikolaus von Myra Bischof von Myra in Lykien (heute Demre/Türkei) condemned Arianism 375 St Emilia mother of St Basil the Great Gregory of Nyssa, Peter of Sebaste, Macrina and Theosevia founded a monastery in her old age 387 St. Helladius of Auxerre Bishop of Auxerre, France, for 3 decades. He converted his successor, St. Amator, to the religious life. 450 St Arsenius the Great deacon Sketis monastery in midst of the desert standing at prayer, surrounded by a flame 5v St. Odrian One of the first bishops of Waterford, Ireland -- part of an ancient deanery system at the time, ruled by abbot bishops. Odrian a prelate. 496 St Michael Archangel appeared on Mount Gargano {San Giovanni Rotondo is there} in Apulia, South Italy, in the days of Pope Gelasius to bishop of Siponto 515 St Abran Hermit and his brothers and sisters were all declared saints Ireland 6th v. Antony du Rocher disciple of Saint Benedict companion of Saint Maurus during mission to France, OSB Abbot 6th v. ST CYBI, on CUBY, ABBOT 6th v. St. Desideratus Desire brothers- Desiderius & Deodatus miracles condemned Nestorianism/Eutychianism 615 Boniface IV, Pope student under Gregory the Great converted Roman temple of gods {Pantheon} into a Christian church dedicated to Our Lady and all saints corresponded with Saint Columba (RM) 618 ST DEUSDEDIT, POPE 652 Bl Ida of Nivelles built a double monastery at Nivelles OSB Widow (AC) 685 St Benedict II, Pope Scripture scholar and an expert in sacred chants amended the process to speed approval of papal elections by having the exarch of Ravenna confirm Papal elections patron saint of Europe brought to orthodoxy Macarius, ex-patriarch of Antioch, from Monothelitism, restored Roman churches upheld cause of Saint Wilfred of York 7th v. St. Wiro A holy Irish bishop, traveled to Rome with St. Plechelm, and deacon Otger preached the faith of Christ to pagans in the Low Countries Saint Pimen, Faster of the Caves, won fame by his exploit of fasting 7th v. ST TYSILIO, OR SULIAU, ABBOT 753 St. Wiro Bishop and missionary with Sts. Plechelm and Otger (sharing the same feast day) Boniface named Wiro bishop of Utrecht, Netherlands 789 ST WILLEHAD, BISHOP OF BREMEN 1079 St. Stanislaus noted for his preaching Bishop of Cracow killed by excommunicated King 1115 ST GODFREY, Bishop OF AMIENS 1175 St. Peter of Tarantaise (not Pope Innocent V) Cistercian archbishop reformer purging clergy of corrupt & immoral members, aiding poor, promoting education Trusted advisor by popes and kings; The author of his life, his constant companion at this period, testifies to numerous miracles which he wrought, mainly in curing the sick and multiplying provisions in time of famine. 1292 Bl Amatus Ronconi lay-brother at San Giuliano Abbey near Rimini, OSB (AC) 14th v. St Arsenius the Lover of Labor gift of wonderworking 1416 Julian von Norwich 'Sixteen Revelations of Divine Love' niederschrieb 1458 Bl Angelus of Masaccio martyred by the Fraticelli or Bertolani heretics because of his preaching in defense of the Catholic faith , OSB Cam. M (AC) 15-16 th v The Monks Zosima and Adrian of Volokolamsk, founders of the Sestrinsk monastery on the banks of the River Sestra 1785 Monk Arsenii of Novgorod, Fool-for-Christ transfer of his relics and with the "Saints-name-in-common" ("tezoimenitstvo") of this day 1835 St. Maria Magdalen of Canossa Foundress of the Daughters of Charity at Verona, Italy saw the Blessed Mother surrounded by six religious dressed in brown She herself tended the poorest and dirtiest children; witnesses observed her rapt in ecstasy, and once she was seen levitating. May 8 – Our Lady of the Rosary (Pompeii, 1875) ‘‘If you make known the Rosary you shall be saved’’ The "Supplication to the Queen of the Holy Rosary" is a popular Marian tradition still very much alive in Italy. It was composed in 1883 by Blessed Bartolo Longo, a lawyer and founder of the new city of Pompeii, near Naples, 250 km south of Rome. One day, during a walk in the countryside, Longo heard a voice say, "If you make known the Rosary you shall be saved." He decided to spread devotion to the Virgin Mary, beginning with a new church dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. With this church, now a Pontifical Shrine and international pilgrimage site, Bartolo Longo founded many organizations to help children and youth, especially the orphaned and abandoned. Saint John Paul II visited Pompeii in 1979 and again for the closing of the Year of the Rosary, on October 7, 2003. And Pope Benedict XVI went there on pilgrimage on October 19, 2008. Zenit.org, May 7, 2014 MAY 09
700 BC Isaiah
The Holy Prophet father Amos son Jashub during
the reign of Oziah [Uzziah], king of Judea, kings Joatham, Achaz
[Ahaz], Hezekiah and Manasseh vision the Lord God, sitting in
a majestic heavenly temple upon a high throne. Six-winged Seraphim
encircled Him. With two wings they covered their faces, and with
two wings they covered their feet, and with two wings they flew about
crying out one to another, "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord Sabaoth, heaven and
earth are filled with His glory!" The pillars of the heavenly temple
shook from their shouts, and in the temple arose the smoke of incense.
383 Gregor
von Nazianzus 76 Hermas, Gaius, Linus, Patrobus und Philologus 112 St Beatus monk hermit Baptized in England by St. Barnabas ordained by St. Peter 250 Epimachus The Holy Martyr the New 250 St Christopher The Holy Martyr miracles converted 50 thousand pagans to Christ, as St Ambrose of Milan testifies 3rd V St Beatus of Vendome missionary through regions of France 292-346 St Pachomius Egypt Emperor's army anchorite extreme austerity and total dedication to God began monasticism as we know it today 362 Gordian The Holy Martyr was beheaded with a sword under Julian the Apostate (361-363) at Rome. His relics rest in the Roman catacombs. 475 St John of Chalons 3rd bishop of Chalonssur-Saon 500 Tudy of Landevennec hermit who founded monasteries and evangelized in Brittany Abbot (AC) 501 St Gerontius Bishop of Cervia martyr 6th v. St. Shio of Mgvime among Thirteen Syrian Fathers who preached the Christian Faith in Georgia miracles the Most Holy Theotokos and St. John the Baptist stood before him performed many miracles 6th V St. Sanctan Irish bishop governed two sees, at Kill-da-Les and Kill-na-Sanctan (modern Dublin) The MonkMartyr Nicholas of Bunenia suffered from the Arabs in Thessaly, near the city of Larissa. 950 St. Vincent Benedictine abbot disciple and successor to St. Gennadius 1044 Gregory of Ostia Benedictine cardinal-bishop papal legate in the old kingdoms of the Spanish Navarre and Old Castile OSB 1087 St Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia (350) Transfer of the Relics from Myra of Lycia to Bari in Italy His Life is found under December 6 & May 8 . 1317 St. Brynoth 23rd bishop of Scara in West Gottland, Sweden St. Gorfor saint of Wales, patron of Llanover, in Gwent, Wales. 1443 Bl Nicholas Albergati archbishop cardinal mediate between the emperor and the pope generous patron of learned men O. Cart. 1463 St Catharine of Bologna served the Lord in obscurity 1679 Bl Thomas Pickering England Benedictine Martyr 1911 Saint Joseph of Optina at 8, "What makes you think you saw the Queen?" "Because she had a crown with a cross," he replied. Several miracles took place on the day St Joseph was laid to rest MAY 10 In terra Hus sancti Job Prophétæ Saint Simon was from Cana in Galilee one of twelve Apostles receiving the Holy Spirit with others on Pentecost 232 St Calepodius priest Roman martyr with Palmatius consular rank, Simplicius senator, Felix & Blanda a couple, & companions 250 St Epimachus Martyr of Alexandria, Egypt, with Alexander St Quaratus and Quintus from Capua martyred during the Roman persecutions St Aurelian disciple of Saint Martial bishop of Limoges 251 St Alphius Martyr one of 3 brothers from Vaste, Italy, who died with their sister, Benedicta 1517 incorrupt relics discovered at Leontini [Lentini] 4th v. Hesychius of Antioch The Holy Martyr lived in Antioch during the reign of Maximian Galerius (305-311) 362 St Gordian died in Rome a mere boy St. Tadros (Theodore) The Departure of, disciple of St. Pachomius. St Dioscorides martyr of Smyrna Medioláni Invéntio sanctórum Mártyrum Nazárii et Celsi 5th v. St Thais lived in Egypt pious virgin radiant light holy angels bearing her soul to Paradise 519 Conleth of Kildare Irish recluse at Old Connell (County Kildare) B (AC) 685? ST CATALD, BISHOP OF TARANTO, AND 250 ST CONLETH, BISHOP OF KILDARE 6th v. St Isidora, Fool-for-Christ, struggled in the Tabenna monastery in Egypt during the sixth century 601 St Comgall Abbot teacher of St Columbanus and monks who evangelized France & central Europe 7th v. St Cataldus Bishop of Taranto an Irish churchman 880 St Solange a shepherdess; Besides having a great power over animals, she was endowed with the gift of healing and effected many cures 1096 A.M. St. Philothaos Martyrdom of He was from the people of "Doronka" in the province of Assuit 1192 St William of Pontoise English hermit 1226 Blessed Beatrix d'Este; Benedictine nun OSB V (AC) 1226 St Simon, Bishop of Vladimir and Suzdal an author of the KIEV CAVES PATERIKON 1459 Saint Antoninus of Florence great soul in a frail body, and of the triumph of virtue over vast and organized wickedness OP B (RM) miracles after death uncorrupted in 1559 1569 St John of Avila The Apostle of Andalusia spiritual advisor of St Teresa St Francis Borgia St John of the Cross St Peter of Alcantara and others 1602 Vasilii (Basil), Mangazeia the Holy Martyr Wonderworker, -- was the first saint glorified in the Siberian land 1857 St Peter Van native catechist Vietnamese martyr 1889 Blessed Damien of Molokai Joseph de Veuster he took the name of a fourth-century physician and martyr caring for the leper people's physical, medical and spiritual needs. MAY 11 66 St Evellius of Pisa counsellor to Nero convert upon witnessing patience of martyrs M (RM) 1st v. St Jason Departure of 1/70 disciples accompanied St. Paul Acts 17:9 ordained bishop by St. Paul 330 CONSTANTINOPLE was placed under the protection of the Most Holy Theotokos 600 St Asaph of Wales founded the church of Llanasa in Flintshire favorite pupil of Saint David B (RM) 603 St Comgall Abbot warrior as a young man priest founder he taught Saint Columban (AC) 885 Sts Cyril and Methodius, Equals Apostles, Slavs Enlighteners discovered relics Clement, Pope 1049 St. Odilo of Cluny Benedictine Abbot austerities sold Church treasures to feed poor during famine 1156 Bl Peter the Venerable Cluny Abbot “the Venerable” holiness wisdom suggest Koran translate to Latin convert Muslims 1325 St Nikodim, Archbishop of Serbia, hegumen of Khilendaria monastery 1316 translated to Slavonic 1537 Bl. John of Rochester Carthusian martyr with Blessed James Walworth refused Oath of Supremacy 1672 St Joseph The Hieromartyr First Metropolitan of Astrakhan relics glorified by miracles 1716 St. Francis Jerome Jesuit miracles, attribute numerous cures to intercession of Saint Cyrus (Jan 31) 1781 Saint Ignatius of Laconi Capuchin questor for 40 years as a child found daily at church doors before dawn waiting in prayer to be opened levitation in prayer gifts of prophecy and miracles of healing Mary's 15 Promises
to Those Who Recite the Holy Rosary
3) The Rosary shall
be a powerful weapon against evil; it will destroy
vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies.1) Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary, shall receive special graces. 2) I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary. 4) The Rosary will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities, and will lift them to desire for eternal things. 5) The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the Rosary shall not perish. 6) Whoever shall recite the Rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its sacred mysteries, shall never be conquered by misfortune. God will not chastise him in His justice, he shall not perish; if he be just he shall remain in the grace of God, and become worthy of eternal life. 7) Whoever shall have a true devotion for the Rosary shall not die without the sacraments of the Church. 8) Those who are faithful to reciting the Rosary shall have during their life and at their death the light of God and the plenitude of His graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the merits of the saints in paradise. 9) I shall deliver from Purgatory those who have been devoted to the Rosary. 10) The faithful children of the Rosary shall merit a high degree of glory in Heaven. 11)You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the Rosary. 12) All those who propagate the Holy Rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities. 13) I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the Rosary shall have for intercessors the entire celestial court during their life and at the hour of death. 14) All who recite the Rosary are my sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters of my only Son Jesus Christ. 15) Devotion of my Rosary is a great sign of predestination. St. Ignatius
of Laconi, Religious (Memorial)
AcActs 9:31-42 ;
1 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Sama'ria had
peace and was built up; and walking in the fear of the Lord and
in the comfort of the Holy Spirit it was multiplied. 32 Now as Peter
went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints that
lived at Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aene'as, who had been bedridden
for eight years and was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, "Aene'as,
Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed." And immediately he rose.
35 And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned
to the Lord. 36 Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which
means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 In those
days she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her
in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing
that Peter was there, sent two men to him entreating him, "Please come
to us without delay." 39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he
had come, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside
him weeping, and showing tunics and other garments which Dorcas made while
she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all outside and knelt down
and prayed; then turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, rise." And she
opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 And he gave her
his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented
her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed
in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 1:26-31; 2:1-2 ; 26 For consider your call, brethren; not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth; 27 but God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong, 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption; 31 therefore, as it is written, "Let him who boasts, boast of the Lord."21 When I came to you, brethren, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God in lofty words or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. Psalms 116:12-17 ; 12 What shall I render to the LORD for all his bounty to me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, 14 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people. 15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. 16 O LORD, I am thy servant; I am thy servant, the son of thy handmaid. Thou hast loosed my bonds. 17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. Psalms 112:1-7, 9 ; 1 Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments! 2 His descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches are in his house; and his righteousness endures for ever. 4 Light rises in the darkness for the upright; the LORD is gracious, merciful, and righteous. 5 It is well with the man who deals generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice. 6 For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered for ever. 7 He is not afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. 9 He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever; his horn is exalted in honor. John 6:60-69 ; 60 Many of his disciples, when they heard it, said, "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?" 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at it, said to them, "Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of man ascending where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you that do not believe." For Jesus knew from the first who those were that did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. 65 And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father." 66 After this many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him. 67 Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" 68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God." Matthew 18:1-5 ; 1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, 3 and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me;1055-1057 Pope Victor II granted ST WALTER OF L’ESTERP special faculties for dealing with penitents—including the right to excommunicate and to restore to communion so great was his reputation for converting sinners. 1055-157 Pope Victor II With untiring zeal he combated, like his predecessor, against simony and clerical concubinage. Being well supported by the emperor, he often succeeded where Leo IX had failed. On Pentecost Sunday, June 4, 1055, he held a large synod at Florence, in presence of the emperor and 120 bishops, where former decrees against simony and incontinence were confirmed and several offending bishops deposed. To King Ferdinand of Spain he sent messengers with threats of excommunication if he should continue in his refusal to acknowledge Henry III as Roman Emperor. Ferdinand submitted to the papal demands. Before the emperor returned to Germany he transferred to the pope the duchies of Spoleto and Camerino. Early in 1056 Victor II sent Hildebrand back to France to resume his labours against simony and concubinage, which he had begun under Leo IX. He appointed the archbishops Raimbaud of Arles and Pontius of Aix papal legates to battle against the same vices in Southern France.
66 St Evellius
of Pisa counsellor to Nero convert upon witnessing
patience of martyrs M (RM) 1st v. St Jason Departure of one of the 70 disciples accompanied St. Paul Acts 17:9 ordained bishop by St. Paul over Tarsus God performed through him many miracles and signs 251 St Anastasius VII Martyr convert to Christ tribune in the Roman army martyred w/family & servants 295 St Mocius a presbyter in Macedonia in the city of Amphipolis miracles from God created Christians from pagans seeing them 300 St. Anastasius VI of Lérida (AC) Patron saint of Lerida, Spain 303 St Anthimus Priest and martyr of Rome led the Church in Rome converting many 304 St Sisinius, Diocletius, & Florentius stoned to death at the same time as the better known Roman priest, Anthimus 304 St Maximus Martyr of Rome with Bassus and Fabius 305 St. Otimus Departure of the Priest martyred God revealed many miracles in Church where he was buried after persecutions ceased 330 CONSTANTINOPLE was placed under the protection of the Most Holy Theotokos 420 St Principia of Rome one of the holy women a Roman virginV (AC) 475 St Mamertius Archbishop of Vienne originator of the penitential practice of abrogation days known for his learning 485 St Possessor of Verdun Bishop Franks, Vandals, Goths, and others affected his flock B (AC) 5th v. St. Tudy Abbot eremetic native of Brittany disciple of St. Brioc preached in Cornwall Bl Julian Cesarello de Valle venerated there OFM (AC) 600 St Asaph of Wales founded the church of Llanasa in Flintshire favorite pupil of Saint David B (RM) 603 St Comgall Abbot warrior as a young man priest founder he taught Saint Columban (AC) 7th v. St Lua of Killaloe founder refuge on Friar's Island, County Tipperary pilgrim's destination even in the 20th century gave name to ancient town of Killaloe (Church of Lua) 646 St Sophronius Relics were buried in the Far Caves of the Kiev Caves monastery 678 St. Walbert father of Saints Waldetrudis and Alegundis and husband of St. Bertilia St Credan a hogherder lived exemplary he was esteemed a saint (AC) 760 St. Gangulphus Martyred; hermit prominent in Burgundian courtier until retiring a recluse 866 St Fremund of Dunstable Anglo-Saxon hermit relics many miracles are recorded M (AC) 885 Sts Cyril and Methodius, Equals of the Apostles, Enlighteners of the Slavs miraculously discovered relics of the hieromartyr Clement, Pope of Rome 994 St Majolus Benedictine abbot abbey of Cluny friend of emperors and popes 994 ST MAJOLUS, OR MAYEUL, ABBOT OF CLUNY 1000 St Illuminatus of San Severino Benedictine monk of the abbey of San Mariano OSB (RM) 1010 St Ansfrid of Utrecht knight in service of Emperors Otto III and Henry II built convent of Thorn OSB B (AC) 1049 St. Odilo of Cluny Benedictine Abbot beloved throughout Europe for deep austerities concern for poor sold Church treasures to feed poor during famine 1070
St. Walter
Augustinian abbot for thirty-eight years of L'Esterp famed
as confessor had an ardent zeal for souls: Walter
is repeatedly referred to by the chroniclers of that age as a man
of outstanding holiness, whose undertakings were marvellously blessed
by Heaven
1156
Bl Peter
the Venerable Abbot of Cluny “the Venerable” owing to
his holiness and wisdom suggestion the Koran be translated
into Latin to assist conversions of Muslims1230 Illuminatus disciple of Saint Francis of Assisi OFM (AC) 1279 Bl Albert of Bergamo Dominican tertiary pious farmer miracle worker to benefit others 1300 Bl Vivaldus nursed Bartholomew for twenty years, OFM Tert. (AC) 1325 St Nikodim, Archbishop of Serbia, hegumen of Khilendaria monastery; bishop in 1316 translated into Slavonic ordered use in Serbia the Typikon (Ustav) of Saint Sava the Sanctified, of Jerusalem; wonderworking relics 1378 Pope Gabriel IV Departure of, the 86th. Patriarch of Alexandria. 1426 Bl Benincasa of Montechiello Servite hermit OSM (AC) 1490 Bl Aloysius Rabata Carmelite friar of Randazzo monastery Sicily OC (AC) 1505 BD LADISLAUS OF GIELNIOW 1537 Bl. John of Rochester Carthusian martyr of England with Blessed James Walworth refused the Oath of Supremacy 1672 St Joseph The Hieromartyr First Metropolitan of Astrakhan relics glorified by miracles 1716
St. Francis
Jerome famous Jesuit preacher credited with miracles,
attributing numerous cures to the intercession of Saint Cyrus
(Jan 31) From the outset his preaching attracted huge congregations
and was rewarded by such excellent results that he was set to train
other missionaries. In the provinces he conducted at least 100 missions,
but the people of Naples would never allow him to be long absent from
their city. Wherever he went, men and women hung upon his lips and
crowded to his confessional; and it was confidently asserted that
at least four hundred hardened sinners were annually reclaimed through
his efforts. He would visit the prisons, the hospitals and even the
galleys, in one of which—a Spanish one—he brought to the faith twenty
Turkish prisoners. Moreover, he did not hesitate to track down sinners
to the very haunts of vice, in which it sometimes happened that he
was very roughly handled. Often he would preach in the streets—occasionally
on the spur of the moment.
1771
Bl Christesia
from Egrisi west Georgia withdrew to the Monastery of
St. John the Baptist in the Davit - Gareji Wilderness bright light
appeared before him to light the way1781 Saint Ignatius of Laconi Capuchin questor 40 years as child found daily at church doors before dawn waiting in prayer to be opened levitation in prayer gifts of prophecy miracles of healing (AC) 1847 Bl. Matthew Gam Vietnamese martyr transported Catholic priests of the Paris Foreign Missions Society from Singapore to Vietnam MAY 12 100 St. Nereus and Achilleus Martyrs of the Roman military baptized by St. Peter 103 St. Philip of Agirone first Christian missionary to preach in Sicily 2nd v. St. Flavia Domitilla 2nd century Martyr with Euphrosyna and Theodora 304 St. Dionysius Martyr died in prison uncle of St. Pancras 304 Saint Pancras (Pancratius) 14 buried in the cemetery of Calepodius on the Aurelian Way, later named after him 403 St. Epiphanius of Salamis “Oracle of Palestine’ bishop of Constantia Salamis Cyprus authority on Mar,and the gift of miracles, and taught the primacy of Peter among the Apostles; reputation for scholarship austerities mortifications spiritual wisdom and advice; authored many treatises 5th v. St. Diomma Patron saint of Kildimo County Limerick 450 Saint Sabinus, Bishop of Cyprus ordained by St Epiphanius of Cyprus to the holy priesthood and successor to 475 Saint Polybius disciple of St Epiphanius of Cyprus gift of wonderworking 640 St. Modoaldus Bishop of Trier counselor of King Dagobert I Franks related by blood or friendship to most of the saints of the Merovingian period 688 St. Richrudis Benedictine abbess forty years wed St. Adalbald 4 children Eusebia, Clotsind, Adalsind, and Mauront all became saints 732 Germanus of Constantinople patriarch "When we show reverence to representations of Jesus Christ, we do not worship paint laid on wood: we worship the invisible God in spirit and in truth."B (RM) 805 Saint Ethelhard of Canterbury archbishop B (AC) 1109 St. Dominic de la Calzada Hermit aided pilgrims to Compostela the famed shrine in Spain 1249 Gemma of Goriano shepherdess, was a recluse for 42 years at Goriano Sicoli B (AC) 1328 Bl. Francis
Patrizzi Italian member of the Servite Order holiness remarkable
ability to solve crises of various kinds through his personal
mediation famous as a missioner and preacher. His confessional
was crowded; wonderful gift for preaching moving sermons with
little or no preparation, and he was indefatigable in exercising
it.
1333 Blessed Imelda
Lambertini patron of first communicants died of love on her
first Communion day Saint Agnes came in a vision she saw
a brilliant light shining above Imelda's head, and a Host suspended in the light
OP V AC1429 BD GEMMA OF SOLMONA, VIRGIN 1490 Blessed Jane of Portugal Despite the interruptions of plague, family cares, and state troubles, Joanna lived an interior and penitential life She died, as it says in an old chronicle, "with the detachment of a religious and the dignity of a queen," and with the religious community around her OP V (AC) Hieromartyr Hermogenes, Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus miracle healer of the sick 1539? BD JOHN STONE, MARTYR an Austin friar, a doctor of theology, 1633 St Dionysius of Radonezh gift of miracles hospice for injured and those left homeless during the Polish- Lithuanian incursion 1662 Saint John of Oltenia "I would rather die for Christ than become a Turk ..." MAY 13 St. Jeremiah the Prophet On this day, the prophet Jeremiah, one of the major prophets, the son of Hilkiah the priest, was martyred (?dies in Egypt). Sancti Robérti Bellarmíno, e Societáte Jesu, Cardinális atque olim Epíscopi Capuáni, Confessóris et Ecclésiæ Doctóris Romæ Dedicátio Ecclésiæ sanctæ Maríæ ad Mártyres Sunday_of_the_Blind_Man He opened the eyes of a man "who was blind from his birth (John 9:1). the blind man St Celidonius who lacked both sight and eyes 177 Saint Glyceria {means Sweet} Martyred virgin of Trajanopolis, in Greece destroyed a statue of Jupiter protected by an angel 177 Martyr Laodicius martyred for the faith the Keeper of the Prison for Saint Glyceria 2nd v. Saint Abban of Magheranoidhe, known as "Abbanstown," today, Adamstown founded an abbey at Rosmic-treoin, or New Ross came from Ireland to England where baptized about 165 AD 304 Saint Quintus Mucius Priest martyr reportedly destroyed an altar of the pagan god Bacchus at Amphipolis, Macedoniat miraculously escaped attempts at murdering him 350 Valerian of Auxerre 3rd bishop championed the Catholic faith against error of Arianism B (AC) 361 Saint Onesimus Fifth Bishop of Soissons, France 372 Alexandrian Martyrs at the time of Saint Athanasius's fifth exile 384 Saint Servatus Bishop of Tongres (in the modern Low Countries) host of Saint Athanasius during his exile prophesied the Hun invasion of France 6th v. Saint Mael hermit of Wales disciple of Saint Cadfan
558 Saint John
the Silent Bishop of Colonia in Palestine reputation
for sanctity hermit John saw a bright cross in the air and
heard a voice say, "If you want to be saved, follow this light."to
the laura of Saint Sabas near Jerusalem; 75 years a silent recluse
586 Saint Agnes
of Poitiers Abbess and model of the conventual life adopted
the Rule of Saint Caesarius606 Saint Pausicacus, Bishop of Synada gift of healing sicknesses of both soul and body 686 Erconwald of London founded Chertsey monastery in Surrey convent Barking Essex invoked against gout OSB B 751 Natalis of Milan bishop from about 740 governed in the strained period of Italian and Church history when Lombards were being converted to the orthodox faith 780 Anno of Verona remembered chiefly with translation the relics of SS. Firmus and Rusticus B (AC) 850 George The Holy Confessor suffered for veneration of holy icons at Constantinople under emperor Theophilus 970 Saint Merewenna first Abbess of Romsey in Hampshire monastery prospered and attracted princesses 1028 Euthymius the Illuminator performed many miracles He translated from Greek into Iberian (Karthvelian) the Bible 60 writings of the Fathers (Basil, Gregory of Nyssa, Ephrem, Gregory the Great, John Cassian), biblical commentaries, lives of the saints, and liturgical books Abbot (RM) 1040 Blessed Fortis Gabrielli OSB Hermit in the mountains near Scheggia (AC) 1242 Blessed Gerard of Villamagna esquire to crusader knight ransomed prisoner Franciscan tertiary OFM Tert. 1259 Persecution by crusaders of the Georgian monks who settled Mt. Athos in mid 10th century 1333 Blessed Imelda Lambertini patron of first communicants died of love on her first Communion day; Saint Agnes came in a vision she saw a brilliant light shining above Imelda's head, and Host suspended in the light OP V (AC) 1423
Bl. Juliana
of Norwich Benedictine English mystic anchorite In 1373
experienced sixteen revelations. Her book, Revelations of Divine
Love - a work on the love of God, the Incarnation, redemption,
and divine consolation. Among English mystics none is greater
1456
St Peter
Regalatus began his efforts at reforming this and several
other friaries--primarily through his own example of austerity,
penance, and prayer OFM (RM)1522 Righteous Virgin Glyceria of Novgorod incorrupt relics During the interment, healings occurred at the relics. 1621 ST ROBERT BELLARMINE, ARCHBISHOP OF CAPUA AND CARDINAL, DOCTOR OF THF CHURCH ONE of the greatest polemical theologians the Church has ever produced, and her foremost controversialist against the doctrines of the Protestant Reformation 1688 Transfer of the Relics of the Hieromartyr Macarius, Archimandrite of Kanev 1834 ST ANDREW HUBERT FOURNET, CO-FOUNDER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE CROSS 1917 Our Lady of Fatima three Portuguese children received apparitions of Our Lady at Cova da Iria, near Fatima, a city 110 miles north of Lisbon Between May 13 and October 13 MAY 14 130 St. Justa Martyr of Sardinia with Justina and Henedina They were martyred at Cagliari or at Sassari. 176 Saints Victor and Corona Husband and wife martyrs put to death in Syria during the reign of Marcus Aurelius 249 Isidor von Chios Isidor stammte aus Alexandria und lebte unter Kaiser Decius auf der Insel Chios 250 Maximus The Holy Martyr suffered under the emperor Decius (249-251) 260 St. Pontius Deacon and witness to the execution of St. Cyprian of Carthage earliest Christian biography 307 Boniface of Tarsus possessed virtues to a remarkable degree: hospitality, liberality, and compassion assist any stranger in need wander city streets at night seeking those whose miseries he could relieve) 346 Pachomius 287 in Ägypten geboren wurde lernte als gepreßter römischer Soldat Christen kennen und ließ sich nach seiner Soldatenzeit taufen gründete 9 Männerklöster und 2 Frauenklöster 395 St. Macarius of Alexandria Departure of (Coptic) St. Isaac El-Defrawi The Martyrdom of miracles angel of the Lord appeared to him in a vision, and told him to go to the town of Towwa, district of Beba, to receive the crown of martyrdom (Coptic) 445 St. Vincent
of Lerins Monk and writer Written under the
pseudonym Peregrinus the Commonitorium offered a guide to orthodox
teaching and included his famous maxim, the Vincentian Canon, by
which he hoped to be able to differentiate between true and false
tradition: quod ubique, quod semper, quod ab omnibus credituni est
("what has been believed everywhere, always, and by all").
6th v St. Boniface
Bishop of Ferentino, Italy, renowned for sanctity and miracles from his childhood, commemorated by Pope St. Gregory the Great.637 St. Carthach the Younger Irish hermit and bishop wrote a rule for the monastery in metrical verse, document that is extant 739 St. Engelmund Benedictine abbot companion of St. Willibrord 1096 St. Engelmer Hermit near Passau, Germany known for holiness and a recluse 1109 Saint Nikita, Hermit of the Kiev Caves, Bishop of Novgorod 1175 Saint Leontius, Patriarch of Jerusalem, according to St Gregory Palamas (Nov. 14), Patriarch from 1223-1261 1265
BD GILES
OF PORTUGAL Friars Preachers "I
shall kill you unless you amend your life!" "I will amend
it!" exclaimed Giles as he awoke, and he kept his word.
Without delay he burnt his magical books, destroyed the phials
which contained his potions and set out on foot to return to Portugal:
favoured with frequent ecstasies,
and showed himself to be endowed with the gift of prophecy
1474 Saint Isidore
Tverdislov a German ("Constant of Word"), Fool-for-Christ,
Wonderworker of Rostov From his youth, he led "an unsullied
life and had a compassionate understanding."1355 BD PETRONILLA OF MONCEL, VIRGIN: Poor Clares first abbess of the convent of Le Moncel in Oise, 1823 The Yaroslavl (Pechersk) Icon of the Mother of God 1835 BD MAGDALEN DI CANOSSA, VIRGIN, FOUNDRESS OF THE CANOSSIAN DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY: spent her time giving religious instruction, working in hospitals and looking after children. 1846 St Tikhon of Zadonsk incorrupt relics 1863 Saint Michael Garicoits priest combat Jansenism by custom of frequent communion & introducing Sacred Heart devotions Society of Priests of the Sacred Heart of Betharram athe Holy See approved 14 years after death 1900 St. Maria Dominic Mazzarello Co-foundress of Daughters of Mary Auxiliatrix or Our Lady Help of Christians disciple of St. John Bosco MAY 15 1st v. Saint Torquatus Christian missionary in Spain martyred w/others each disciples of Apostles Peter/Paul sent to Spain to spread faith 250 Saint Isidore of Chios A martyr of Chios under Decius M (RM) 251 Saint Peter Hellespont native Peter was put to death at Troas with Sts. Andrew, Dionysia, and Paul 251 Saint Andrew in Lampsacus Martyr Companions Peter and Nichomachus in Lampsacus Mysia w/Dionysia a young man, appeared glittering with light diffusing itself over the whole house protected her 260 Saint Cassius, Victorinus, Maximus, & Companions MM (RM) 304 Saint Simplicius of Sardinia martyred in Sardinia M (RM) 330 Saint Achillas attended 1st Council of Nicaea relics venerated Presba gift of healing sickness, especially demonic possession, and he worked many miracles (Achilli) Bulgaria 330 Saint Achillas attended 1st Council of Nicaea relics venerated Presba (Achilli) Bulgaria 348 Saint Pachomius the Great was a model of desert dwelling with Sts Anthony the Great, Macarius the Great, and Euthymius the Great, founded cenobitic monastic life in Egypt 4 thv Saint Silvanus of Tabennisi actor abandoned world to be a monk Hermit sentiments of contrition helped him progress in virtue a holy abbot proposed him as model of humility to the rest favored with a spirit of prophecy he explained the dreadful judgments which threaten those that mock God 558 Saint Hilary Hermit respected by Ostrogoth King Theodoric spared monastery the land as well 6thv. Saint Colman McO'Laoighse, Abbot (AC) 650 Saint Dymphna Many miracles have taken place at her shrine on the spot where she was buried in Gheel, Belgium Patron of those suffering for nervous and mental affictions 7thv. Saint Gerebernus aged Irish priest Gerebernus accompanied Saint Dympna, he baptized in infancy to Belgium; shared in her martyrdom at Ghee M (AC) 7th v Saint Gerebrand Martyred Irish priest 7th v. Saint Waldalenus Abbot founder brother of Saint Adalsindis founded the monastery of Beze 733 Saint Britwin fostered monasticism and culture 9thv. Saint Bertha founded several hospices for the poor 925 Saint Nicholas the Mystic oldest member of the mystic, or secret, council of the Byzantine court B (AC) 1043 Saint Hallvard martyr for his defense of an innocent person and is the patron saint of Oslo 1090 ST ISAIAS, BISHOP OF Rostov; His preaching is said to have been reinforced by many miracles 1115 Saint Isaiah of the Kiev Caves was one of the saints known for his quietness and his unflagging toil, for which he is named a "lover-of-labor." 1130 Saint Isidore
the Farmer celestial visions angels sometimes helped him
appeared in a vision to King Alphonsus of Castile in 1211 show
him an unknown path used to surprise and defeat the Moors patron
of farmers his master saw angels and oxen helping him
Saint Nicholas
the Mystic Patriarch of Constantinople 1250 Blessed Leonard of Camaldoli monk-hermit OSB Camb. Hermit (AC) Saint Caesarn Virgin recluse 1384 Saint Pachomius of Nerekhta construction of a monastery build a church in the Name of the Holy Trinity 1450 Blessed Andrew Abellon, OP (AC) 1465 Blessed Mary
Magdalen Albrizzi prioress remarkable for her promotion
of frequent communion among her nuns was endowed with supernatural gifts which precluded
her from remaining as unknown as she could have wished. She
healed the sick and foretold the future, while her trust in God
was so perfect that many miracles were wrought in immediate response
to her prayers
1481 St Euphrosynus
of Pskov The Rule of St Euphrosynus generalized advice
for monks proceeding on the monastic path built a church in honor
of the Three Holy Hierarchs Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian
and John Chrysostom, who appeared to him, and St Onuphrius the Great
1719 ST JOHN
BAPTIST DE LA SALLE, FOUNDER OF THE BROTHERS OF THE CHRISTIAN
SCHOOLSEboræ, in Lusitánia, sancti Máncii Mártyris. At Evora in Portugal, St. Mancius, martyr. MAY 16 1st
v. Fort
of Bordeaux Believed to have been the first bishop
of Bordeaux BM (AC)
376 Hilary
of Pavia Bishop prelate of N. Italy fought Arianism B
(AC) Aquilinus and Victorian this pair was martyred in Isauria Asia Minor MM (RM) Leavetaking of the Feast On Wednesday of the sixth week of Pascha, we celebrate 138 St Peregrinus Bishop of Terni, Italy 3rd v. St. Peregrinus 1st bishop of Auxerre evangelization of Gaul martyred intervention in the dedication of a temple of Jupiter 251 Alexander, Bishop of Jerusalem, 325 On the seventh Sunday of Pascha, we commemorate the holy God-bearing Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council. 420 St Abdas Persian Bishop martyred w/ 28 members of his flock their deaths marked beginning of a long reign of terror for Christians throughout that empire 437 St. Possidius, bishop of Calamae, and disciple of St. Augustine, of whose glorious life he wrote a history. 450 Primael of Quimper Hermit crossed the Channel to Brittany, where he became a hermit (AC) Saint Maxima of Fréjus several French villages are named in her honor V (RM) 5th v. St Carantoc Welsh confessor abbot and monastic founder aided St. Patrick in evangelizing Ireland venerated in Brittany, France 5th v. Saint Musa The Most Holy Theotokos appeared to her in a dream 540 St Fidouls (Phal) of Aumont abbey named for him Slave who became abbot of Aurnont, near Troyes 560 St Germerius Bishop of Toulouse France for half a century founded 2 churches a monastery aided by King Clovis caring for the poor 581 St Domnolus Bishop of Le Mans, France abbot of a monastery 24 yrs in Paris built churches monasteries hospice 583 St Brendan the Voyager monk founder "Navagation" in which he is described as searching for the Isles of the Blessed, touching the Canaries, and even discovering America. possible visits to Scotland and Wales St Felix & Gennadius 2 Benedictine martyrs of Uzalis North Africa where relics were venerated 600 St Honoratus of Amiens Bishop of Amiens, France Many miracles were reported at his shrine 614 Forty-four monks of the St Sava Lavra received unfading crown martyrdom attacked by Arabs search of plunder 689 St Annobert Bishop Benedictine monk in Almeneches he became bishop in 685 of Séez France 842 St George the Bishop of Mitylene 1210 St Adam Hermit and abbot maintained his prayer life and rigorous self-discipline 1247 St Margaret of Cortona established a hospital and founded a congregation of tertiary sisters devoted to the Eucharist and the passion of Jesus 1265 St Simon Stock Scapular of Mount Carmel the Virgin Mary appeared to him holding the brown scapular in one hand. Her words were: "Receive, my beloved son, this scapular of thy Order; it is the special sign of my favor, which I have obtained for thee and for thy children of Mount Carmel 1537 St Cassian of Komel and Vologda disciple of St Cornelius of Komel (May 19) 1393 St John Nepomucene a retiring disposition Father John repeatedly refused bishoprics M (RM) 1545 St Ephraim of Perekomsk Transfer of the Relics of occurred on May 16 reposed on September 26, 1492 1547 Saint Laurence of Komel disciple of St Cornelius of Komel 1657 St Andrew Bobola 1608 Jesuit missionary preached distinguished himself by work of mercy during plague martyred by Cossacks 1834 Andrew Hubert Fournet early life was devoted to frivolity Inspired by his uncle he became protector of the poor studied theology ordained became his assistant changed for one of austerity and simplicity Founder Prayers to Saint Andrew miraculously increased food supplies for the nuns when they were in need (RM) WW II Martyr Vukasin from the Village of Klepci in the notorious concentration camp of Jasenovac MAY 17 AND ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN 1st v. Andronicus and Junias liturgically honored among the Greeks referenced by Saint Paul in Romans 16:7 "Salute Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and fellow-prisoners, who are of not among the Apostles, who also were in Christ before me." St Adrio Victor & Basilla Martyrs of Alexandria Egypt MM (RM) 255 St Restituta Virgin martyr maiden in Africa died for Christ 300 Saint Solochon, a native of Egypt imperial army in regiment of tribune Campanus 303 St Heradius Martyr with Aquilinus Paul and 2 companions died at Nyon on Lake Geneva Switzerland 305 Solochon and Companions Egyptian soldiers in the imperial army at Chalcedon died for their faith MM (RM) 545 St Madern Hermit of Cornish descent St. Madern’s Well, is still popular many cures are said to have been performed 596 St. Dodo of Gareja ("Mamadavitoba" in Tbilisi, An admirer of poverty and solitude, he labored as a hermit at Ninotsminda in Kakheti. 650 St Cathan Bishop of the isle of Bute, in Scotland 673 Maildulf of Malmesbury Abbot spread the Gospel in England community of scholars known as Malmesbury (AC) Saint Maw Born in Ireland name in Cornish means "a boy." 893 Saint Stephen, Patriarch of Constantinople concerned himself with widows and orphans, and distinguished himself by his temperance Blessed Rasso of Grafrath man of great stature brave warrior against invading Hungarians founder monk OSB AC 1045 St Bruno of Würzburg bishop spent his private fortune on building the cathedral of Saint Kilian and other churches B (RM) 1100 Silaus of Lucca Irish monk abbot of Saint Brendan's monastery zealous and charitable bishop B (AC) 1152 St. Thethmar missionary among the Wends 1407 Saint Euphrosyne The holy princess was tonsured as a nun builder of churches founded Ascension women's monastery in the Moscow Kremlin patronage the famous icon of the Archangel Michael 1450 BD ANDREW ABELLON distinguished for his piety and the zeal with which he enforced regular observance; he exercised his talents as an artist in many of the Dominican churches of the south of France. 1549 Adrian of Ondrosov The MonkMartyr uncovering of the relics of the saint 1551 1592 St Paschal Baylon Franciscan lay brother mystic labored as shepherd for father performed miracles distinguished for austerity spent most of his life as a humble doorkeeper rigorous asceticism deep love for the Blessed Sacrament defended the doctrine of the Real Presence against a Calvinists born and died on Whitsunday 1616 Georgian martyrs of Persia are commemorated on Ascension. MAY 18 250 St. Venantius
Martyr native at Camerino near the Marquisate of Ancona
in Italy
304 St. Felix
of Spoleto Bishop and martyr of Spoleto Italy or of Spello
in Umbria
304 St. Theodotus Martyr with Thecusa, Alexandra, Claudia, faina (Phaina), Euphrasia, Matrona, and Julitta 305 St. Dioscorus Martyr of Egypt a reader on the parish of Kynopolis 340 St. Potamon Bishop of Heraclea, Upper Egypt. Arrested in the final persecution of the Church 526 St. Pope John I Martyr succeeded persuading Emperor Justin I mitigate treatment of Arians avoid reprisals against Catholics in Italy visit brought reconciliation of Western and Eastern Churches plagued by a schism since 482 when Zeno's Henoticon had been published 6th v. Conval of Strathclyde archdeacon to Saint Kentigern active missionary (AC) 8th v. St. Merililaun Martyred pilgrim from England, journeying to Rome 863 St. Feredarius Irish abbot of lona, Scotland moved the relics of St. Columba to Ireland 944 St. Elgiva Benedictine nun Queen mother of Kings Edwy of the Saxons and Edgar, King of England wife of Edmund the First 1160 King Eric IX Patron of Sweden aid Christianity in his realm responsible for codifying laws of his kingdom 1486 Blessed Camilla Gentili holy virgin venerated at church of the Dominican friars at San Severino V (AC) 1587 St. Felix of Cantalice noted for austerities, piety, 38 years in monastery as questor aiding sick the poor and revered by all; There is record of a great number of miracles worked after his death, and he was canonized in 1709. helped in St. Charles Borromeo's revision of the rule for his Oblates: “All earthly creatures can lift us up to God if we know how to look at them with an eye that is single.” loved to dwell upon the sufferings of our Lord, never weary of contemplating that great mystery. Always cheerful, always humble, he never resented an insult or an injury. If reviled he would only say, “I pray God that you may become a saint”. MAY 19 Theophilus
means "Friend of God"named in the Gospel of Luke and
the Acts of the Apostles Acts 1:1
(Luke 1:3 KJV, p.59).1 in the Greek language θεόφιλος 2nd v. Pudens Roman senator baptized by the Apostles father of the martyr Pudentiana M (RM) 2nd century 160 Pudentiana of Rome titulus Pudentis or ecclesia Pudentiana in Rome her father's palace considered most ancient in world 303 St. Philoterus nobleman of Nicomedia who was put to death 304 St. Calocerus & Parthenius Martyrs and brothers who supposedly served as eunuchs in the imperial court 307 St. Cyriaca & Companions Six Christian maidens who died at the stake in Nicomedia 5th v. Cyril of Trèves Bishop relics enshrined in the abbey church of Saint Matthias in Trier, Germany B (AC) 728 Hadulph of Saint-Vaast, OSB B (AC) 804 Bl. Alcuin
Benedictine scholar and counselor to Charlemagne, sometimes
called Alcuin of York and in biblical commentaries; and as a liturgist—his
work had a strong influence on the Roman liturgy as we have it to-day.
But it was as an educator that his fame has been enduring, for he was
the main channel between the English scholarship of St Bede’s era
and the revival of western learning under Charlemagne he was “the
schoolmaster of his age”; and like a good schoolmaster a primary activity
was to spread enthusiasm for learning.
988 St.
Dunstan
Kyrie Rex splendens Cantuáriæ, in Anglia,
sancti Dunstáni Epíscopi. 1246 Blessed Humiliana de'Cerchi, OFM Tert. (AC) 1294 St. Celestine V Pope Born 1212 The birthday of St. Peter of Moroni who, while leading the life of an anchoret, was created Sovereign Pontiff and called Celestine V. He later abdicated the pontificate, and led a religious life in solitude, where, renowned for virtues and miracles, he went to the Lord. 1303 Ivo Hélory, OFM Tert. (RM) 1308
Blessed John
Duns Scotus 1308 Blessed John Duns Scotus
one of the most important and influential Franciscan theologians.
His major contributions included the founding of the Scotistic School
in Theology and clarifying the theology of the Absolute Kingship of
Jesus Christ, the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
and his philosophic refutation of evolution. (AC)
1309 Blessed
Augustine
Novello, 1309 Blessed Augustine Novello,
became prior general of the Augustinianfriars, confessor to the pope, and legate. He spent the last nine years of his life as a hermit OSA (AC) 1378-1397 Bl. Peter de Duenas Franciscan Martyr. Born at Palencia, Spain, he entered the Franciscans and set out in 1396 with Blessed John de Cetina to preach among the Moors of Granada. The following year both were seized and beheaded. 1651 Bl. Peter Wright Jesuit (1629) martyr in England chaplain to the Royalist army; convert to Catholicism given preparation for the priesthood in Ghent and Rome 1740 St. Theophilus of Corte Franciscan reformer. Born Biagio Arrighi at Corte, Corsica, Italy ordained at Naples,
taught at Civitella, and then embarked upon a mission to promote
the faith in Corsica and Italy The influence exerted by his eloquent
words was enhanced by the holiness of his life and by miracles.
At Civitella, of which he became guardian, he won the love and veneration
of the whole community
1750 --St.
Crispin
of Viterbo, taking the name, Crispin (after the patron of
cobblers);
possessed an amazing ability to integrate a life of feverish
activity, on the one hand, with a solid interior life. Without concern
for his own well being, Crispin cared for those stricken during the
epidemics at Farnese, Gallese and Bracciano. As questor, he begged for
food not only on behalf of his Capuchin brothers, but also to provide for
all the needy of his "big Orvietan family." For the friars, he would only
beg for necessities, nothing more. OFM
Cap1854 Joaquina Vedruna de Mas, Widow Foundress founded the Institute of the Carmelites of Charity, whose sisters are dedicated to tending the sick and teaching. (AC) 1875 Blessed Francis Coll Guitart, OP After several years of parish ministry, he pursued itinerant preaching along with his friend Saint Anthony Claret. He founded the Dominican Sisters of the Annunciation to teach the children of the poor in the village where he preached (AC) MAY 20 67 St. Plautilla baptized by St. Peter witnessed execution of St. Paul; wife of Emperor Vespasian 284 St. Thalelaeus Physician called 'the Merciful' for his gratis services to the sick poor martyr with Alexander, Asterius, and companions; son of a Roman general 297 St. Baudelius married missionary; beheaded at Nimes for interrupting festival of Roman deity, Jupiter 300 St. Hilary Bishop of Toulouse, France 304 St. Basilissa beheaded for her faith 311 St. Aquila Egyptian martyr prefect Arianus ordered torture subsequently became Christian and martyr 380? ST BAUDELIUS, MARTYR 610 St. Anastasius XIII converted the Lombards from the heresy of Arianism 624 St. Austregisilus knight priest Bishop and abbot 778 St. Theodore of Pavia Bishop several times he was banished from his diocese by Arian Lombard kings 793 Ethelbert of East Anglia a man of prayer from his childhood miracles revealed at his hidden tomb M 1099 Blessed Guy de Gherardescha led a solitary life at Campo in the diocese of Massa Maritima Hermit 1242 Blessed Orlando of Vallombrosa celebrated as an exorcist OSB Vall. Hermit (AC) 1245 Blessed Albert of Bologna, OSB Vall. Abbot (AC) 1444 St. Bernardine
of Siena He was called the "People's Preacher" because his sermons
were filled with lively and realistic depictions of everything
from a bachelor's household to women's fashions; throughout
his life he was noted for his unfailing affability, patience and courtesy;
It is impossible to follow him on his missionary journeys, for in them
he covered nearly the whole of Italy; His tomb at Aquila was honoured
by many miracles
1501 Blessed Columba
of Rieti pious mystics of the third order of Saint Dominic raising
of a dead child to lifeespecially devoted to Our Lady modeled after Saint Catherine of Siena to OP Tert. V (AC) MAY 21 6th v. St. Barrfoin Irish missionary journeyed to spread the faith repeated his adventures on a voyage to the Americas to St. Brendan the Navigator Valens and Companions bishop martyred at Auxerre, France, with three boys MM (RM) St. Polyeuctus Victorius Donatus Martyrs Caesarea Cappadocia 1521 Vladimir_Icon_Theotokos
300? Sts. Timothy, Polius, & Eutychius three deacons from Mauretania Caesariensis martyrs in Mauretania late 3rd/early 4th 303 St. Nicostratus, Antiochus, Companions Martyrs Roman soldiers 306 St. Secundinus Spanish martyred at Cordova, Spain 327 Saint Helen mother of St Contantine the Great 337 St. Constantine the Great Junior Emperor and emperor called the "13th Apostle” in East reared on court of co-Emperor Diocletian defeated 2 emperors and Christianized the Roman Empire 356 St. Serapion the Sindonite (comes from garment of coarse linen he always wore) Egyptian monk part of the great birth of monasticism in the wilderness of Egypt 357 St. Secundus priest & Companions martyrs in Alexandria by Arians the intruded Arian patriarch George 357 Martyrs of Egypt "At Alexandria, the memory of the holy bishops and priests who were sent into exile by the Arians, merited joined to the holy confessors" (RM) 6th v. St. Barrfoin Irish missionary journeyed to spread the faith reported his adventures on a voyage to the Americas to St. Brendan the Navigator 6th century 681 Hospitius of Cap-Saint-Hospice Hermit blessed with the gifts of prophecy and miracles 7th v. St Gollen 7th century Welsh saint 800 Isberga (Itisberga) of Aire reputed sister of Charlemagne a nun at Aira in the Artois OSB B (AC) 888 St. Ansuinus Martyr companion of St. Ageranus Benedictine monk 1001 St. Theobald of Vienne Archbishop support of monastic renewal defended Church from royal interference 1129 Princes Constantine and sons Michael and Theodore spreading Christian Faith among pagans of Murom 1170
ST
GODRIC endowed with extraordinary powers—notably with the gifts
of prophecy and a knowledge of distant events. He foretold the
death of Bishop William of Durham, and the exile, return and martyrdom
of St Thomas Becket, whom he had never seen. He often beheld scenes that
were being enacted far away, breaking off a conversation to pray for vessels
in imminent danger of shipwreck. He also knew beforehand the date of
his own death which occurred on May 21, 1170, after he had spent some
sixty years in his hermitage. At a later period there was built at Finchale
a monastery, the ruins of which survive. St Godric is the co-titular
of a Catholic church in Durham.
1252 Hermann
Josef Er wurde Priester und war als beliebter Prediger und Seelsorger
besonders in Frauenklöstern im Rheinland tätig1262 Sainted Kirill (Cyril), Bishop of Rostov chosen hierarchical seat whilst hegumen of the Vladimir Nativity monastery left a series of writings 1289 Blessed Benvenutus of Recanati Franciscan lay brother favored with ecstasies and visions OFM AC 1521 Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God Celebration of delivered Moscow from Tatars invasion 1577 Blessed Catherine of Cardona hermit for 20 years Carmelite V (PC 1584 Agapit of Makrushevsk MonkMartyr founder of the Makrushevsk Nikolaev monastery healed by a vision from Saint Nicholas icon 1657 Andrew Bobola Polish aristocrat who joined the Jesuits kindness to plague dying and care for the dead martyred incorrupt after 150 years a specially remarkable circumstance in view of the respect for this phenomenon popularly shown among the dissident Orthodox. And the doctors were able to confirm the horrible details of his death SJ M (RM) 1730
Pachomius
Our Holy Father the Martyr Many miracles were wrought
by his blood and his relics, his body being buried on the island
of Patmos in the Church of St John the Theologian {Serbian}
1740 Theophilus
of Corte priest taught theology OFM famous missioner throughout
Italy Corsica zealous worker for revival of Franciscan observance
(RM)) 1750 Crispin (patron of cobblers) of Viterbo the admirable quaestor (the brother who requests alms) taught basics of the catechism, OFM Cap. (AC) 1861 St. Eugene de Mazenod founded Oblates of Mary Immaculate Patron saint of dysfunctional families 1915-1928 St. Cristóbal Magallanes and Companions: These martyrs did not die as a single group but in eight Mexican states, with Jalisco and Zacatecas having the largest number. They were beatified in 1992 and canonized eight years later. MAY 22 1st, 3rd century St. Ausonius Bishop and martyred for the faith. 120 St. Marcian Bishop of Ravenna 250 St. Castus & Emilius African martyrs praised by St. Cyprian and St. Augustine 312 St. Basiliscus Bishop martyr reappeared to St. John Chrysostom just before death 362 Faustinus, Timothy and Venustus MM (RM) 418 St. Helen Martyred virgin mentioned in the acts of St. Amator of Auxerre 5th v. Julia of Corsica VM (RM) 5th v. St. Quiteria virgin martyr invoked against the bite of mad dogs 560 St. Romanus of Subiaco hermit who influenced St. Benedict of Nursia 600 St. Fulk pilgrim gave his life for others in time of plague 600 St. Boethian Benedictine martyr disciple of St. Fursey 650 St. Conall Abbot of Inniscoel Monastery in County Donegal 836 St. Aigulf Bishop and court counselor, known for his sanctity at an early age 982 John of Parma canon abbot OSB Abbot (AC) 985 St. Bobo Crusader hermit fought against invading Saracens 1153 St. Atto Vallambrosan Benedictine bishop and hagiographer 1199 St. Peter Pareuzi Papal legate to Orvieto suppressing the Cathars martyred 1310 Humility of Faenza, OSB Vall. Widow heroic fasting and savagely austere life (AC) 1366 Hemming of Finland canon of Abo cathedral in Helsinki bring peace to the Hundred Years War between England and France and to end the Avignon papacy miracles were reported at his tomb BM 1397 Bl. John of Cetina Franciscan martyr of Granada 1457 St. Rita of Cascia wife mother widow religious community member legendary austerity prayerfulness charity 1538 Blessed John Forest reputation for wisdom and learning, OFM M (AC) 1614 Bl. Peter of the Assumption Spaniard martyr of Japan 1617 St. John Baptist Machado Azores Jesuit martyr of Japan 1622 Bl. Matthias of Arima native catechist Martyr of Japan 1854 ST JOACHIMA DE MAS Y DE VEDRUNA, WIDOW, FOUNDRESS OF THE CARMELITES of CHARITY 1857 St. Michael Ho-Dinh-Hy native Martyr of Vietnam arrested for his Christian activities MAY 23 1st v.St. Epitacius and Basileus body thrown into sea found by Elpidiphorus through angel revelation Martyrs both bishops
Icon_You_are_vineyard_Theotokos
303 Martyrs
of Cappadocia A group of Christians put to deathSaint Euphebius bishop of Naples B (RM) 307 Martyrs of Mesopotamia under Maximian Galerius 406 Merculialis of Forli first bishop of Forli, central Italy zealous opponent of paganism and Arianism(RM) 407 St. Desiderius Bishop martyr attempt to convince warriors not to massacre his flock 430 St. Quintian Leader of a group of 19 martyrs in Africa including Julian and Lucius Dodo of the St David-Gareji Monastery, Georgia Venerable 6th v. Eutychius and Florentius 2 monks Saint Gregory the Great praised their virtues and miracles (RM) 650 St. Desiderius reforming bishop of Vienne murdered by three followers of King Theodoric He is invoked against fever 670 St. Goban Abbot builder skills Benedictine monk disciple of Saint Fursey 787 Saint Syagrius (Siacre) of Nice kinsman of Blessed Charlemagne monk of Lérins founder abbot bishop of Nice OSB B (AC) 820 St. Michael of Synnada Bishop disciple of St. Tarasius of Constantinople enemy of Iconoclast heretics in the Byzantine Empire 962 Guibert (Guibertus) of Gembloux abandoned his military career for the religious life active in missionary work among the Hungarian and Slav soldiers OSB Abbot (AC) 1073 Saint Leonitus of Rostov Bishop and wonderworker of Rostov BM (RM) 1077 St. Leontius Bishop missionary in Russia born Greek monk at the Caves of Kiev, Russia 1116 St. Ivo of Chartres One of the most notable bishops of France at the time of the Investiture struggles and the most important canonist before Gratian in the Occident 1164 St Leontius Bishop and Wonderworker of Rostov Uncovering of the relics 1173 Euphrosyne of Polotsk only East Slav virgin saint Euphrosyne earned $ copying books distributed to the poor 1201 St. William of Rochester miracles occurred at grave experienced conversion as a young man devoted himself to the care of the poor and orphans Basil_of_Yaroslavl 1238 Right-Believing Prince Basil of Rostov belonged in lineage to the Suzdal Monomashichi, famed in Russian history (Vasilko): 1245 BD GERARD
OF VILLAMAGNA
led a very austere life, absorbed for the most part in contemplation,
but also giving direction at times to many struggling souls who came
to consult him: received the
cord of the third order from St Francis himself, and that he died some
twenty years later famous for his miracles and prophecies
1288 St Ignatius
Wonderworker of Murom Bishop of Rostov, shepherded his flock for
twenty-six years miracles took place at his grave1330 Blessed Bartholomew Pucci-Franceschi Franciscan friar wealthy citizen of Montepulciano, OFM St Theodore the Wonderworker of Murom 1394 St Theodore the Wonderworker of Murom journeyed to Constantinople several times on church matters for the Russian Metropolitan iconographer 1550 St Adrian the Wonderworker of Poshekhonye Many miracles occurred at the grave 1587 St. Felix of Cantalice the first Franciscan Capuchin ever canonized developed the habit of praying while he worked model of simplicity and charity 1750 St. Crispin of Viterbo Franciscan lay brother, noted for miracles, prophecies, and holiness 1764 John Baptist de Rossi combined enfleshment of social Gospel with cure of souls catechized teamsters farmers cattlemen from the country sought help homeless women girls living in streets beggars prostitutes (RM) 1951 Army Chaplain Capt Emil J Kapaun Servant of God Synaxis of the Rostov and Yaroslav Saints The celebration of the Synaxis of the Rostov and Yaroslav Saints on May 23 was established by resolution of His Holiness Patriarch Alexis I (+ 1970) and the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, on March 10, 1964. Archimandrite Abraham the wonderworker (October 29, 1073-1077) Prince Basil (+ 1238) Metropolitan Demetrius (+ October 28, 1709 and September 21) Bishop Ignatius (+ May 28, 1288) Monk Irenarchus the Hermit (+ 1616) Bishop Isaiah, wonderworker (+ May 15, 1090) Blessed Isidore, Fool-for-Christ (+ 1474) Bishop James (+ November 27, 1391) Blessed John of the Hair-Shirt (the Merciful), Fool-for-Christ (+ 1580) Bishop Leontius (+ May 23, 1073) Peter, Tsarevich of Ordynsk (+ 1290) Archbishop Theodore (+ November 28, 1394) Yaroslav Wonderworkers: Princes Basil (+ 1249), Constantine (+ 1257), Theodore (+ 1299) and his sons David (+ 1321) and Constantine (XIV) Pereslavl Wonderworkers: Prince Alexander Nevsky (+ 1263) Prince Andrew of Smolensk (15th c.) Monk Daniel the Archimandrite (+ 1540) Monk Nikita the Stylite (+ 1186) Uglich Wonderworkers: Monk Cassian (+ 1504) Tsarevich Demetrius (+ 1591) Monk Ignatius of Lomsk (+ 1591) Monk Paisius (+ 1504) Prince Roman (+ 1285) Poshekhonsk Wonderworkers: Hieromartyr Adrian + 1550 Monk Gennadius of Liubimograd & Kostroma (+ 1565) Monk Sebastian (+ 1542) Monk Sylvester of Obnora + 1379 MAY 24 1st century St. Robustian An early Milanese martyr put to death perhaps in MilanSt. Zoellus + Matyyr with Servilius, Felix, Silvanus, and Diodes 2nd v. Susanna, Marciana, Palladia, & Companions wives of soldiers in the military unit commanded by SaintMeletiusMM (RM) 2nd v. St. Meletius Martyr with 252 companions army general who led the group suffering for the faith St. Vincent of Porto slain in an unknown year at disappeared Porto Romano near Rome 177 Alexander companion of Saint Epipodius martyred with 34 others in Lyons, France MM (RM) 272 Saint Sabas Christian officer of Gothic descent, was martyred with 70 companions in Rome MM (RM) 299 St. Donatian & Rogatian received baptism and began evangelizing others with zeal refusing to worship the gods 304 St. Afra Martyr of Brescia, Italy traditionally associated with Sts. Faustinus and Jovita. 305 Eusebius, Neon, Leontius, Longinus & Comp 8 bystanders became Christians witnessing martyrdom of Saint George MM (RM) 400 Saint Gregory of Elvira champions of the faith against Arianism Bishop B (RM) 5th v. Dyfnan One of the many saintly sons of the Welsh chieftain Brychan Saint Dyfnan founded a church at Anglesey Benedictines (AC) 445 Saint Vincent of Lérins fled service of world to serve Christ (RM) 469 St. Patrick Fourth bishop of Bayeux, France probably successor of St. Lupus 525 Deodatus of Blois hermit or an abbot referenced by Saint Gregory the Great, her contemporary Abbot (AC) 586 Honorius of Brescia hermit to bishop B (RM) 596 Saint Simeon the Stylite during his childhood the Lord Jesus Christ appeared several times Holy Spirit to descend upon him toiled as a stylite for 68 years 6th v. Musa of Rome favored with visions and other mystical experiences referenced by Saint Gregory the Great, her contemporary V (AC) 6th v. Saint David of Gareji Syrian by birth. The future ascetic became disciple of St. John of Zedazeni journeyed with him to Georgia. St. David and his spiritual son Lucian settled on a mountain above Tbilisi, the capital of Kartli. 624 Mellitus of Canterbury Roman abbot 1 of 2nd band of monks sent by Pope Saint Gregory the Great to England in 601 in the wake of Saint Augustine OSB B (RM) 7th v. Ivo
of Huntingdonshire Persian bishop Hermit B a holy well sprung
up, at which many miracles were performed as recorded by Ramsey's third
abbot (AC)
Bonóniæ Translátio sancti
Domínici Confessóris, témpore Gregórii
Papæ Noni.7th v. Authaire of La Ferté courtier at the palace of King Dagobert I of France; father of Saint Ouen of Rouen (AC) 680 Bova (Beuve, Bona) & Doda devote herself to the service of God abbess OSB VV (RM) 709 Aldhelm Er wurde im Kloster Malmesbury und in Canterbury {erzogen-- well-educated} Einer seiner Lehrer war der Benediktinermönch Adrian, der mit Theodor nach England gekommen war seiner Werke "De laude virginitatis".Blessed Corona of Elche Benedictine nun near Valencia, Spain OSB V (AC) 729 Egbert of Rathemigisi Northumbrian monk of Lindisfarne induced monks to adopt Roman liturgical practices OSB (RM) 1089 Blessed Lanfranc of Canterbury taught law in Pavia monk prior archbishop of Canterbury in 1070 Lanfranc's De Sacramento Corporis et Sanguinis Christi became classic statement of transubstantiation in Middle Ages OSB B (PC) 1103 William Firmatus, Hermit divine warning against avarice gave all possessions to poor spent rest of life on pilgrimages (AC) 1153 St. David I King of Scotland founded dioceses and monasteries in Scotland, instituted Norman law, started the office of chancellor conducted many charitable project 1178 Blessed John of Montfort Knight Templar of Jerusalem wounded in battle against the Saracens OSB Knight (AC) 1186 Our Holy Father Nikita Stylites monastery close to Pereyaslavl enveloped his body in chains and shut himself up in a pillar healer 1186 St. Nicetas of Pereaslav Russian monk wonder worker gave himself utterly to a life of prayer and mortifications many miracles attributed 1250 Blessed William of Dongelberg Cistercian monk at the abbey of Villers, Belgium OSB (AC) 1306 Blessed Philip Suzanni known for his spirit of prayer and compunction OSA (AC) 1298 St. Gerard de Lunel Franciscan tertiary who made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land patron of Monte Santo 1590 Blessed Francis Colmenario Spanish missionary priest evangelized West Indies preached in Guatemala (AC) 1607 May 29 St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi virgin of the Order of the Carmelites St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi -she is called the "ecstatic saint." 1622 Fidelis of Sigmaringen example of religious devotion and goodness to the poor "the Poor Man's Lawyer." OFM Cap. M (RM) 1636 St. John del Prado Franciscan martyr of Morocco zeal attracted attention Islamic authorities thrown into prison in chains patiently endured torture until death 1788 Charles Wesley Methodisten Er schrieb und komponierte mehr als 6.000 Kirchenlieder und gab Gesangbücher heraus Mehrere seiner Lieder werden im englischsprachigen Raum von allen Konfessionen gesungen 1791 John Wesley 1735 ging er mit seinem Burder Charles als Indianermissionar nach Nordamerika 1837 Anne Mary Taigi Endowed with the gift of prophecy, she read thoughts and described distant events incorruptible. At Bologna, the translation of St. Dominic, confessor, in the time of Pope Gregory IX MAY 25 St. Mary, the mother of James At Veroli Campania the translation of, revered body is noted for many miracles At Assisi in Umbria, the translation of St. Francis, confessor, in the time of Pope Gregory IX 1227-1241. 230 Pope Urban I Alexander Severus Roman emperor 222-35 favoured a religious eclecticism and also protected Christianity 302 St. Julius of Dorostorum birthday of the holy martyrs Pasicrates, Valentio, and two others crowned with them. 359 St. Dionysius of Milan Bishop defended Athanasius banished to Cappadocia with Eusebius of Vercelli and Lucifer of Cagliari 384 St. Maximus & Victorinus 417 St. Zenobius Florence bishop renowned for the sanctity of his life and his glorious miracles. 550 St. Leo of Troyes Abbot who succeeded St. Romanus at Mautenay, 709 St. Aldhelm abbot of Malmesbury practiced great austerity holiness 717 St. Dunchadh 735 Venerable St. Bede born near St. Peter and St. Paul monastery at Wearmouth-Jarrow, England Doctor of the Church {Pope Leo XIII} 881 St. Egilhard 936 St Gennadius 1085 Pope Gregory VII At Salerno, the death of blessed , a most zealous protector and champion of Church liberty. 1348 BD CLARITUS 1607 St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi virgin of the Order of the Carmelites famed for her holy life suffering mystic 1865 St. Madeleine Sophie Barat foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, who devoted her labours for the Christian education MAY 26 85 St. Alphaeus father of St. James the Less, mentioned in Matthew. His legends were popular in the early Church. Saint Carpus was one of the Seventy Apostles chosen and sent forth to preach by Christ (Luke 10:1). He was bishop of Verria in Macedonia. 106 St. Zachary Bishop and martyr of Vienne, Gaul, he was martyred during the reign of Emperor Trajan. 130 St. Quadratus Martyr Apostle of the 70 THE first of the great line of Christian apologists preached the Word of God as Bishop of Athens and at Magnesia (eastern peninsula of Thessaly) 2nd v St. Eleutherius, martyred pope; converted to the Christian faith many noble Romans Sts. Fugatius and Damian 272 SS. PRISCUS, OR PRIX, AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS 303 St. Felicissimus Martyr with Heraclius and Paulinus. They suffered martyrdom at Todi, Umbria, Italy. Romæ sanctórum Mártyrum Simítrii Presbyteri, et aliórum vigínti duórum; qui sub Antoníno Pio passi sunt. At Rome, the holy martyrs Simitrius, priest, and twenty-two others who suffered under Antoninus Pius. 6th v. ST ELEUTHERIUS, ABBOTSt. Dyfan He is also called Deruvianus and Damian Missionary to the Britons sent by Pope St. Eleutherius when a local Briton king requested missionaries from the pope 600 St. Becan 6th century Irish hermit in Cork lived in the time of St. Columba and was known for his sanctity. 604 Saint Augustine was from Italy, and a disciple of St Felix, Bishop of Messana 695 St. Oduvald Scottish abbot native of Scotland entered monastic life became abbot of Melrose, then a great spiritual center of the era. 800 Saint John Psichaita the Confessor Because of his holy life and deeds, he received from God the gift to cast out demons and to heal the sick called emperor Leo the Isaurian a heretic 1050 St. Guinizo Benedictine of Spain who was a hermit at Monte Cassino, in Italy. He was greatly revered as a model eremite. 1050 St. Guinizo 1154 ST LAMBERT, BISHOP OF VENICE instructing the people and healing many sick persons by prayer and the laying-on of hands. He was famous for his learning and for his miracles. 1258 Blessed Eva of Liege together w/Blessed Juliana prioress of Mount Cornillon, their enthusiastic purpose was to obtain the institution of a feast in honor of the Blessed Sacrament--granted by Pope Urban IV 1293 St. Berencardus Benedictine monk known for his charity. He was a member of the community of St. Papoul Abbey in Languedoc, France. 1293 St. Berencardus 1515 George the New Holy Martyr attentively studied the Holy Scriptures pious and chaste refused to accept Islam bright light over his burnt relics 1521 Uncovering Relics of St Macarius of Kalyazin a grave was discovered, exuding an ineffable fragrance. Igumen Joasaph immediately recognized the grave of the monastery's founder, St Macarius, who reposed in the year 1483 1595 Saint Philip Neri Patron of Rome showed the humorous side of holiness known to be spontaneous and unpredictable, charming and humorous. 1645 St. Mariana de Paredes Solitary and the “Lily of Quito,” Ecuador 1747 Bl. Peter Sanz Martyred bishop in China native of Catalonia, Spain Dominican 1861 St. John Hoan Martyr of Vietnam a Vietnamese priest beheaded during the anti-Christian persecutions. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. 1861 St. Matthew Phuong Martyr of Vietnam A native catechist and an ardent Christian MAY 27 3rd v. Therapon, Bishop of Sardis Hieromartyr suffered for Christ Sardis was in Lydia, Asia Minor miraclulous curative powers from his blood 270 St. Restituta of Sora fled Rome to Sora, Campania, Italy, aid of an angel to escape the persecution of the Church 302? ST JULIUS AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS 304 Theodora the Virgin and Didymus the Soldier The Holy Martyrs suffered for Christ during persecution against Christians in the city of Alexandria 476 ST EUTROPIUS, BISHOP OF ORANGE repute for piety and learning 526 St. Pope
John I Martyr succeeded persuading Emperor Justin I mitigate treatment
of Arians avoid reprisals against Catholics in Italy visit also brought reconciliation of Western and Eastern
Churches plagued by a schism since 482 when Zeno's Henoticon had
been published
590 St. Melangell
Welsh
virgin founded a community of women, serving as abbess for thirty-seven
years605 St. Augustine of Canterbury respected monastery prior Monk and abbot of Saint Andrew's abbey in Rome Apostle to the Anglo-Saxons; Apostle to the English; called himself Austin 700 St. Ranulphus Martyred confessor father of St. Haduiph, bishop of Arras Cambrai, France, He suffered for the faith at Thelvs, near Arras 735 Saint Bede was a church historian who recorded the history of Christianity in England up to his own time 9th v. Saint Michael of Parekhi native of the village Norgiali in Shavsheti region of southern Georgia tonsured a monk in the Midznadzori Wilderness miracles at grave 1045 St. Bruno Bishop of Würzburg Germany killed in an accident; starting parishes throughout Würzburg, projects for which he used his personal wealth revered as a scholar and author 11th v. Saint Basil son of King Bagrat III Lived in the and labored at Khakhuli Monastery (in southwestern Georgia, present-day Turkey) a major figure in the spiritual and educational life of southern Georgia. 1121 St. Frederick Bishop of Liege, Belgium, believed poisoned by the count of Louvain. 1426 Saint Therapon of White Lake Wonderworker of Luzhetsk raised in faith and piety throughout his life as a holy ascetic 1472 Cyprian, Photius and Jonah Uncovering and Transfer of Relics of Holy Hierarchs 1554 Saint Nilus of Stolobensk icon of St Nilus was painted by the monks of the Orshin monastery, and numerous miracles of healings of the sick began to occur at the saint's grave incorrupt relics 1597 Saint Therapon of Monza 1730 John the Russian The Holy Confessor kind and gentle nature; effect souls of both the turkic master and slaves (Compare the story of Habakkuk, who miraculously brought a dish of porrage to Daniel in the lions' den [Dan. 14:33-39], in the Septuagint). MAY 28 softener_of_evil_hearts_icon 1. Jahrhundert Eutyches soll Mitarbeiter der Apostel und Bischof in Melitene (Armenien) gewesen sein. Er erlitt das Martyrium (vgl. Eutyches) Emilius Martyr with Felix, Priam, and Lucian, on Sardinia, Italy 250 St. Heliconis Martyr of Thessalonica, Greece. She was beheaded. In some lists she is called Heliconides. 4th v. Item pássio sanctórum Crescéntis, Dioscóridis, Pauli et Helládii. Also the martyrdom of the Saints Crescens, Dioscorides, Paul, and Helladius. Thécuæ, in Palæstína, sanctórum Monachórum Mártyrum, qui, témpore Theodósii junióris, a Saracénis occísi sunt 357 Departure Of St. Ammonius The Hermit Devil could not harm him {Coptic} 480 St. Caraunus only eleven when brought from Perugia to Rome 480 St. Senator Archbishop of Milan, Italy, and papal legate to the Council of Chalcedon 451 527 St. Justus
of Urgel Bishop and writer, called by St. Isidore “among
the illustrious.” He was the first recorded bishop of Urgel, Spain. He
attended the Councils of Toledo in 527 and Larida in 546. Justus wrote a commentary on
the Canticle of Canticles
576
Saint Germanus,
Bishop Of Paris ordained priest by St. Agrippinus abbot of St. Symphorian's
continual fasts
and austerities miraculous healings while alive and wrought at his tomb:
sight was restored to the blind and speech to the dumb prophesied605 St. Augustine of Canterbury respected monastery prior Monk and abbot of Saint Andrew's abbey in Rome Apostle to the Anglo-Saxons; Apostle to the English; called himself Austin 800 St Nicetas, Bishop of Chalcedon distinguished himself by his charity always helped the poor he lodged travelers in his home cared for orphans widows, interceded for those wronged relics occurred many miracles of healing 812 St. William of Gellone Knight Benedictine monk son of Count Thierry of Toulouse member of Charlemagn court defeated Islamic Saracens abbey named Saint Guilhem-du-Desert in his honor 1002 St. Podius Augustinian bishop of Florence from 990 son of the margrave of Tuscany so distinguished himself that he was given a bishopric. 1050 St. Bernard
of Montjoux priest Vicar General
of Aosta spent 40 yrs missionary work in the Alps built schools churches
remembered for 2 Alpine hospices aid lost travelers in the mountain
passes named Great and Little Bernard after him.
1089 Lanfranc
Le Bec Er studierte und wirkte als Lehrer in Südfrankreich
wurde er Prior der Gemeinschaft Er starb in Canterbury1288 Saint Ignatius Bishop of Rostov shepherdeding flock for twenty-six years Many miracles took place at his grave 1373 Birgitta von Schweden Ihre Visionen wurden auch in deutscher Sprache veröffentlicht und haben das Werk Nithards beeinflußt. Das Kloster wurde 1384 eingeweiht 1541 Bl. Margaret Pole Martyr of England opposed Henry’s marriage to Anne Boleyn, exiled her from cour he called her “the holiest woman in England; severly martyred 1577 BD MARY
BARTHOLOMEA OF FLORENCE, VIRGIN From her bed she exercised a wonderful
influence over the numerous persons who visited her. Enemies were
reconciled, the sorrowful consoled, sinners converted and the sick healed
by one who forgot her own sufferings in her sympathy for others.
1582 Bl. Robert
Johnson
servant study at Rome and Douai Priest English martyr1582 Bl. John Shert Priest English martyr Convert studied at Douai and Rome 1582 Bl. Thomas Ford priest Martyr of England educated at Oxford converted and set out for Douai companion of St. Edmund Campion 1582 THE LONDON MARTYRS OF 1645 St. Mariana lily of Quito practiced great austerities ate hardly anything slept 3 hours a night for years gift of prophesy performed miracles offered herself as victim for sins of the people 1859 St. Paul Hanh Vietnamese martyr convert to Catholicism martyred 1865 St. Madeleine Sophie Barat nun teacher founded Society of the Sacred Heart, focus on schools for poor and boarding schools for young women of means during the French Revolution MAY 29 Cameríni pássio sanctórum
mille quingentórum et vigínti quinque Mártyrum.
251? ST CYRIL
OF CAESAREA, BOY MARTYRAt Camerino, the passion of fifteen hundred and twenty-five holy martyrs. 275 St. Conon Two men, father and son, having the same name, martyred at Iconium in Asia Minor 299 St. Restitutus Roman martyr first Bishop of London 303 St. Theodosia & Companions group of thirteen female martyrs who were supposedly slain at Caesarea, in Palestine. Theodosia was also the reputed mother of St. Procopius. 347 St. Maximinus Bishop of Trier, Germany miracle worker ardent enemy of the Arian heretics in the councils of Milan, Sardica, and Cologne apologist for orthodox Catholicism called “one of the most courageous bishops of his time” by St. Jerome 5th v. Sisinius, Martyrius, and Alexander, who were persecuted by the heathens of Anaunia St. Maximus 6th century bishop of Verona, Italy he governed his see in a period of political and military turmoil. 745 St. Theodosia and companions Nun and martyr defended icons 745 St. Theodosia 750 St. Votus, Felix (brothers), & John Hermits in the Pyrenees Mountains Their place of seclusion became the site of the Benedictine abbey of St. John de La Pena 750 St. John de Atares Spanish hermit in the Aragonese Pyrenees the Benedictine Abbey of St. John de Ia Pena. It served as the cradle of the religious and spiritual life of Navarre and Aragon. 1242
Bl. Marytrs
of Toulouse
Twelve martyrs put to death by Albigensian heretics near Toulouse
4 diocesan priests, 3 Dominicans, 2 Benedictines, 2 Franciscans, and
1 layman died singing the Te Deum on the eve of the feast of the Ascension
1242 St. William
Arnaud martyred by the heretics with eleven companions Dominican
inquisitor general in Southern France during the effort to extirpate the
Albigensian heresy1242 SS. WILLIAM, STEPHEN, RAYMUND AND THEIR COMPANIONS, MARTYRS Many cures reported at their grave St. Eleutherius Patron saint of Rocca d’Arce, southern Italy brother of Sts. Grimbald and Fulk, was English 1361 BD PETER PETRONI 1583 Bl. Richard Thirkeld priest English martyr receive preparation for priesthood at Reims and Douai, France educated at Queen's College, Oxford. He ministered to the Catholics of Yorkshire 1607 St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi virgin of the Order of the Carmelites famed for her holy life suffering; mystical experiences God gave this saint saw her ecstasies as evidence of a great fault in her, not a reward for holiness MAY 30 1st v. St. Andronicus
1/70 Disciples received Holy Spirit in Upper Room on day
of the Pentecost: Romans 16:7: "Greet Andronicus and Junia, my
kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles,
who also were in Christ before me." preached the Gospel in many
cities in the company of Junia, and they guided many to Christian faith,
performed many miracles, healed sick, transformed the temples of idols
to churches.
1085 St. Gregory
VII Hildebrand directed his reformer’s attention, first as counselor
to the popes and later (1073-1085) as pope The Gregorian Reform, a milestone
in the history of Christ’s Church, was named after this man who tried
to extricate the papacy and the whole Church from undue control by civil
rulers. Against an unhealthy Church nationalism in some areas, Gregory
reasserted the unity of the whole Church based on Christ and expressed in
the bishop of Rome, the successor of St. Peter. IV v. Natalia and Salonus beheaded by the sword for confessing faith in Christ Saint Euplos died a martyr's death sewn up in an ox skin beneathe the harsh rays of the sun. Isaiah and Nikanor of Arkhangel'sk Monks glorified in the exploit of wilderness-dwelling on banks of River Rucha in the Arkhangel'sk frontier region. 189 ST ELEUTHERIUS, POPE XV v. Monk Yakov (James) of Galich pursued asceticism in the 274 St. Felix I Pope from 269-274 Gabíni et Críspuli Túrribus, in Sardínia, sanctórum Mártyrum where they had preached the Gospel Syci et Palatíni Antiochíæ sanctórum endured many torments for the name of Christ 383 St Isaac received monastic tonsure pursued ascetic labors in the desert Isaac left the wilderness went to Constantinople to console/encourage the Orthodox, fight heretics prophet miracles helped laypeople and the poor 370 St Basilíi et Emméliæ uxóris Cæsaréæ in Cappadócia parents of St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory of Nyssa, St. Peter of Sebastopol, bishops, and St. Macrina, virgin lived in exile in the deserts of Pontus after the persecution they died in peace, leaving their children as heirs of their virtues. 400 St. Venantius Hermit brother of St. Honoratus Both lived on an island near Cannes, France, until they departed to embrace the monastic life in the Eastern Empire.Venantius died at Medon, in Morea (modern Greece). 410 St Isaac of Constantinople bravely defended the Catholic faith against Arian Emperor Valens whom he publicly denounced Abbot 418 Exsuperántii, Epíscopi et Confessóris Ravénnæ sancti 628 St. Anastasius XV Bishop convert from the heresy of Arianism, appointed bishop of Pavia in Lombardy, Italy 655 St. Madelgisilus (Mauguille) disciple of St Fursey hermit disciple of St Fursey hermit with St Pulgan 714 St. Hubert Benedictine monk at the age of twelve at the abbey of Bretigny, near Noyon, France 1016 St. Walstan Penitent and model of charity and intense personal goodness, spending his life in prayer gave away his goods and worked as a farmhand 1252 St. Ferdinand III of Castile extremely devoted to the Blessed Virgin Patron of engineers conquered the city of Cordoba from the Moors founded the Cathedral of Burgos University of Salamanca a great administrator and a man of deep faith. He founded hospitals and bishoprics, monasteries, chuches, and cathedrals during his reign. He also compiled and reformed a code of laws which were used until the modern era. Ferdinand rebuilt the Cathedral of Burgos and changed the mosque in Seville into a Cathedral. He was a just ruler, frequently pardoning former offenders to his throne. buried in the habit of his secular Franciscan Order 1401 Blessed Andrew Franchi bishop of Pistoia, an office he filled with distinction and holiness for 23 years good religious and an able administrator served as prior in three convents while still quite young, OP B (AC) 1431 St. Joan of Arc the patroness of soldiers and of France voices "of St. Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret" told Joan to go to the King of France and help him reconquer his kingdom 1483 Blessed James Bertoni At nine James joined Servites serving as procurator of the friary from the time of his ordination till death, Miracles wrought at his tomb in the church of St John at Faenza led to a popular cultus, formally approved in 1766OSM (AC) 1582 Bl. William Filby Martyr of England studied at Oxford converted to Catholicism ordination as a priest in 1581 Reims, France arrested with St. Edmund Campion executed at Tyburn 1582 Bl. Thomas Cottam English martyr raised Protestant, studied at Oxford University, convert to Catholicism ordination at Douai and Rome; Jesuit 1582 Bl. Lawrence Richardson Martyr of England educated at Oxford. Converting to the faith, ordained in 1577 at Douai worked in Lancashire until martyrdom at Tyburn 1582 St. Luke Kirby 1/40 martyrs of England and Wales Educated at Cambridge converted and studied in Rome and in Douai martyred at Tyburn 1612 Bl. Richard Newport English martyr studied in Rome ordained in 1597 arrested banished twice returned each time martyred after third arrest 1612 Bl. Maurus Scott Benedictine martyr of England studied law at Cambridge where he became Catholic converted by Blessed John Roberts ordained in Sahagun Spain St. Facundus Benedictine Abbey banished returned again and again exiled each time finally martyred 1933 Apolo Kivebulaya 1972 wurde der erste Bischof nach Boga entsandt und heute gibt es eine große anglikanische Kirche in Zaire. MAY 31 The Visitation Mariä Heimsuchung Katholische und Anglikanische Kirche: 31. Mai und 2. Juli Evangelische Kirche: 2 Juli 1st v. Romæ sanctæ Petroníllæ Vírginis, fíliæ beáti Petri Apóstoli, 130 St. Crescentian Martyr at Sassari, on Sardinia. He died at the same time as St. Gabinus and St. Crispulis. Hermas The Holy Disciple was a bishop in Thracian Philippopolis 170 St. Hermias Roman soldier martyred at Comana, in Cappadocia. Magus (Magician-Sorcerer) The Holy Martyr suffered together with Martyr Hermias during the persecution under emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161). 250 Philosophos The Holy Martyr suffered for Christ in Alexandria urged the youth to recant from Christ, but he remained steadfast 304 Protus St. Cantius, Cantianus, Cantianilla, martyred with his brother, Cantianus, and his Sister, Cantianilla orphans reared by Protus: They freed their slaves, sold their estates, gave to the poor Orthodoxe Kirche: 5. November Orthodoxe Kirche: Hermas - 8. März und 31. Mai Katholische Kirche: Gaius - 4. Oktober Katholische Kirche: Hermas - 9. Mai Katholische Kirche: Linus - 23. September Verónæ sancti Lupicíni Epíscopi. At Verona, St. Lupicinus, bishop. St. Colluthus of Antinoe Martyrdom of (Known as Abu Colta) Many miracles appeared from his body {Coptic} 512 St. Paschasius Roman deacon who gave support to antipope during the reign of Pope Symmachus. Pope St. Gregory I the Great wrote about him. 6th v. St. Winnow, Mancus, & Mybrad Irish saints honored by several churches in Cornwall, England, probably the area of their missionary labors as part of the great evangelizing efforts of the era. 1160 St. Mechtildis nun and Benedictine abbess mystical gifts and miracles 1163 Blessed Nicholas of Vaucelles an early Cistercian; He and his father gave up worldly success in order to profess their vows before Saint Bernard, OSB Cist. Abbot (AC) 1314
BD JAMES
THE VENETIAN
holy friar had many ecstasies, was endowed with the gift of prophecy,
and miraculously healed a number of paralytics and other sick persons.
Although he suffered for four years from cancer, he never complained,
appearing always to be cheerful and calm.
1370 St. Vitalis
Benedictine hermit monk of Monte Subasio, near Assisi, Italy,
he gave up the monastic life to become a hermit near Assisi. He spent
two years in a hermitage. 1527 Blessed Camilla Varani, Poor Clare Abbess governed a convent founded by her father in Camerino, Italy (AC) 1795 Layman Ibrahim El-Gohari The Departure of the most honored; transscribed religion books and distributed them to the church at his own expense 1839 St. Thomas Du Vietnamese martyr native entered the Dominicans as a tertiary and aided the Catholic cause in Vietnam until his arrest by authorities. {Coptic} |
DECEMBER 01 7th v bc The Holy Prophet Nahum, whose name means "God consoles," was from the village of Elkosh (Galilee) <Prophet_Nahum.jpg Sancti Nahum Prophétæ, in Bégabar quiescéntis. The prophet Nahum, who was buried in Bagabar. Saint_Procolus 137 Castritian of Milan governed the see of Milan for 42 years St. Ananias Martyr for the faith Arbela, Persia or Erbel, Assyria St. Lucius Roman martyr with Candida, Cassian, and Rogatus 283 St. Diodorus & Marianus Roman martyrs with many companions St. Natalia Martyr of Nicomedia 303 St. Olympiades Martyr at Almeria ,Italy 304 St. Ansanus Martyr patron of Siena "the Baptizer." 347 St. Ursicinus Bishop Brescia Council of Sardica 347 362 St. Evasius of Asti BM (RM) 432 St. Leontius Bishop of Fregus 5th v. Candres of Maestricht evangelized the territory of Maestricht 570 St. Constantian Abbot founder of Javron Abbey 588 St. Agericus Bishop miracle worker patron of the poor Verdun 6th v. ST TUDWAL, BISHOP 7th v. St. Grwst A Welsh saint 640 St. Eligius priest generous in spirit Patron of metalworkers a considerable number of miracles 660 ST ELIGIUS, OR ELOI, BISHOP OF NOYON 792 Righteous Philaret the Merciful of Amnia in Asia Minor whose name means "lover of virtue," was famed for his love for the poor. Theoseba said to her husband, "You have no pity on us, you merciless man, but don't you feel sorry for the cow? You have separated her from her calf." The saint praised his wife, and agreed that it was not right to separate the cow and the calf. Therefore, he called the poor man to whom he had given the calf and told him to take the cow as well. 1232 BENTVOGLIA great charity; zeal for souls; inspiring earnestness of his sermons; levitating 13th v. Blessed Christian of Perugia one of the first disciples of Saint Dominic 1283 Blessed John of Vercelli sixth master general of the Dominicans tireless energy and his commitment to simplicity 1345 BD GERARD CAGNOLI cult to this follower of St Francis confirmed 1908; simplicity and devotion admiration of all; many miracles healing before little shrine of his patron St Louis; assisted cooking by angel; levitating 1482 Blessed Antony Bonfadini sent to the mission in the Holy Land miracles were reported at his tomb 1539
Bl. John
Beche abbot Martyr England 1539 friend of St.
John Fisher and St. Thomas More; abbot of Coichester Abbey;
A Benedictine, he received a doctorate from Oxford in 1515
. He took the Oath of Supremacy in 1534 , but then saw his
own abbey being plundered; deaths of Sts. John Fisher and Thomas
More horrified him as well. When he refuted King Henry VIII’s
right to suppress the English monasteries, he was arrested for treason
and hanged, drawn, and quartered at Colchester; beatified in 1895.
1580 St. Edmund
Campion Jesuit; object of most intensive manhunts
English history1539 Bl. Richard Writing, Abbot of Glastonbury, and his companions, martyrs 1539 Bb. Hugh Faringdon, Abbot of Reading, and his companions, Martyrs 1539 BD JOHN BECHE, ABBOT OF COLCHESTER, MARTYR 1581
BD RALPH
SHERWIN; priest , MARTYR; M.A. in 1574, “being then accounted”, says Anthony
a Wood, “an acute philosopher and an excellent Grecian
and Hebrician”. The next year he was reconciled to the
Church, went to Douay, and was there ordained priest in 1577.
1581 Bl. Alexander Briant;
priest convert, Missionary martyr at 25; From the
Tower Bd Alexander contrived to write a long letter to
the Jesuits in England, in the course of which he says that
the first time he was racked, towards the end “I was without
sense and feeling wellnigh of all grief and pain; and not so only,
but as it were comforted, eased, and refreshed of the griefs of
the torture bypast.” “Whether this that I say be miraculous or
no, God he knoweth; but true it is, and thereof my conscience is
a witness before God.” On the testimony of Norton (for
what that is worth), after the torture Bd Alexander experienced
pain of a more than usual sharpness. In the same letter he asked
that he might be admitted into the Society of Jesus, even in
his absence, having made a vow to offer himself if he should be released
from jail, and he is in consequence numbered among the martyrs
of the Society.
1586 Bl. Richard
Langley English martyr member of gentry
sheltered priests.DECEMBER O2
- 650 bc The Holy Prophet Habakkuk
(Abbacum)
8th of the Twelve Minor Prophets
foresaw
destruction of Jerusalem Temple, the Babylonian Captivity and later return of captives 250 Martyr Myrope of Chios; myrrh from Hermione relics, daughter of the holy Apostle Philip, healed the sick; St Isidore appeared surrounded by angels & St Myrope surrendered soul to God 259 St. Pontian Martyr of Rome 3rd v. Saint Evasius (Italian: Sant'Evasio) 4th v. St. Bibiana Virgin Martyr 4th v. Sts. John & others of Egypt thebaid Heraclemon, Andrew, &Theophilus of Egypt Also 12 June 406 St. Chromatius Bishop Pope Synod of Aquileia condemned Arianism 381praised by St. Jerome ST. CHROMATIUS INVITES US TO ENTER INTO CONTACT WITH GOD 600 St Jesse (Ise), Bishop of Tsilkan in Georgia born Antioch Syria great gifts of prayer wonderworking moved a river St. Lupus Bishop of Verona St. Solomon, Archbishop of Ephesus. St. Cyril of Phileotes in Greece. 1176 Saint Athanasius, hermit of the Near Caves of Kiev contemporary of archimandrite St Polycarp miracles; relics are in the Near Caves 1314 St Stephen Urosh, King of Serbia faithful to Lord provided for widows orphans pacified quarrels maintained peace charitable to poor defended downtrodden 1381 Saint John [Jan] of Ruysbroeck, priest † First Prior of Groenendaal and Mystic 1741 Blessed Rafal Chylinski Franciscan Apud Forum Cornélii, in Æmília, natális sancti Petri, Epíscopi Ravennátis, Confessóris et Ecclésiæ Doctóris, cognoménto Chrysólogi, doctrína et sanctitáte célebris. Ipsíus tamen festum prídie Nonas hujus mensis recólitur. At Imola, St. Peter Chrysologus, bishop of Ravenna, confessor and doctor of the Church, celebrated for his learning and sanctity. His feast is celebrated on the 4th of this month. DECEMBER O3 626 bc Prophet Zephaniah (Tsephan-yah) means "Yahweh hides") eliminate idol-worship prophesied calamities to come for people of Judea and Gaza, Ascalon, Crete, and against Moabites, Ammonites Ninevites contemporary of Prophet Jeremiah Sophonias means "the Lord is my secret" a contemporary of the Prophet Jeremiah and the Prophetess Oldama. 200 St. Lucius Ruler of Britain who wrote to Pope St. Eleutherius for missionaries St. Agricola Martyr of Pannonia Claudius, a tribune, and Hilaria, his wife, with Jason and Maur, their sons, and seventy soldiers 298 St. Cassian of Tangiers Martyr patron of modern stenographers Claudius, Crispin, Magina, John, and Stephen Saints Ambicus, Victor, and Julius 300 St Galganus Senis, in Túscia, sancti Galgáni Eremítæ. At Siena in Tuscany, St. Galganus, hermit. 318 St. Mirocles Archbishop of Milan Ambrosian chant and liturgy 558 St John the Silent of St Sabbas Monastery many miracles, St John performed during this time in the desert, discern secret thoughts of people, healed sick and possessed 650 St. Birinus The "Apostle of Wessex." 666 St. Eloque Benedictine abbot, disciple 741 St. Attalia Benedictine abbess and niece of St. Odilia 749 St. John of Damascus poet "Doctor of Christian Art." 3 treatises on Veneration of Images 794 ST SOLA an Englishman who, following St Boniface into Germany, became his disciple and was ordained priest by him. DECEMBER O4 217 St. Clement of Alexandria Confessor teacher of Origen "there is not sufficient reason for ever inserting his name in the Roman Martyrology." 295 St. Meletius Bishop of Pontus, modern Turkey friend of Eusebius 3rd v. Theodore, Bishop of Alexandria Hieromartyr fiery preacher, powerful of word and church activity <4th v. Great martyr BARBARA at Heliopolis, Syria; By night prayed fervently and the Savior Himself appeared healed her wounds the Lord sent angel who covered nakedness of the holy martyrs with a splendid robe. Saint Juliana, a virtuous woman of Heliopolis was in the crowd when St Barbara was tortured 415 St. Maruthas Bishop of Maiferkat Syria wrote hymns a friend of St. John Chrysostom 429 St. Felix of Bologna disciple of St. Ambrose 5th bishop of Bologna 450 ST PETER CHRYSOLOGUS, ARCHBISHOP OF RAVENNA, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH 7th v. St. Ada Abbess and dedicated virgin 614 St. Bertoara Abbess of Notre-Dame-de Sales, in Bourges December 4 - Saint John
Damascene^
(+ 753)
700 Saint John,
Bishop of Polybotum (in Phrygia) gift of healing
the infirm and casting out evil spirits opposed Leo for his
iconoclasm 749 last Greek Father Exposition of the Orthodox
Faith against the iconoclasts Poet hand reattached to
his arm753 Saint John Damascene 8th v. Saint John, Bishop of Polybotum in Phrygia denouncer of heresy and impiety of Emperor Leo the Isaurian 1009 St. Osmund Bishop of Salisbury helped compile Domesday Book 1075 St. Anno Archbishop, reformer 1133 St. Bernard degli Uberti Cardinal papal legate of the noble Uberti family 1505 Saint Gennadius, Archbishop of Novgorod "dignified, intelligent, virtuous and learned in the Holy Scripture." first complete codex of Holy Scripture in Slavonic "the Gennadius Bible," 1601 The Hieromonk Seraphim Bishop of the Phanar and Neochorion martyred refusal to accept Islam 1623 St. Francis Galvez Franciscan Japan Martyr 1861 St. Theophane Venard Vietnam Martyr 1937 Glorification of the Priestmartyr Alexander Hotovitzky constructed the architecturally remarkable and majestic St Nicholas Cathedral in New York DECEMBER O5 250 St. Bassus Martyred bishop of Nice France 302 St. Julius martyrs w/Potamia Felix Crispin Gratus & companions 304 St. Dalmatius Bishop martyr of Monza Lombardy 304 St. Crispina Martyr praised by St. Augustine 361 St. Pelinus martyr St. Anastasius turned himself in joyfully received martyrdom relics were glorified by many miracles late 4th v. Saints Karion and his son Zachariah whom the Holy Spirit Descended upon in Scetis in Egypt lower Thebaid 532 St. Sabas (Sava) one of the founders of Eastern monasticism Many miracles took place through his prayers healings of the sick and the demoniacs 566 St. Nicetius of Trier bishop 650
ST BIRINUS,
BISHOP OF DORCHESTER on his arrival in England in 634
he found the West Saxons so sunk in idolatry that “he thought it
better to preach the word of God there, rather than to go further looking
for others to evangelize”. One of the first fruits of his labours
was the king himself of the West Saxons, Cynegils, at whose baptism
St Oswald, King of Northumbria, was sponsor. The presence of Oswald
in Wessex must have been a great help to St Birinus, and the
two kings gave him the town of Dorchester* {* The Dorchester in
Oxfordshire, on the borders of Mercia and Wessex, which had been
an important Roman centre. It remained a bishopric till 1085,
when it was merged in Lincoln for his see. From thence he is said
to have converted large numbers of people, so earning himself the title
of Apostle of Wessex.
690 St. Gerbold
Benedictine founded abbey of Livray655 ST SIGIRAMNUS, OR CYRAN, ABBOT; Several striking stories are told of his sympathy with the hard-working peasants and with poor criminals 6th v. St. Cawrdaf Welsh chief 6th v. St. Firminus 7th Bishop of Verdun 750 St. John the Wonder-Worker Bishop of Polybatum Phrygia 780 St. Basilissa Benedictine abbess Trier 1109 St. Gerald Abbott of Moissac influence people for good 1181 St. Galagnus Hermit of Siena, Italy 1280 Holy Monastic Martyrs of Karyes were martyred by the Latins who came with fire and sword onto Mount Athos devastated Church of the Protaton only basilica on the Holy Mountain, built in 965 1391
BD NICHOLAS
OF SIBENIK, MARTYR; Franciscan friars. The last-named
were particularly successful, and among their foremost
missioners was Bd Nicholas, who laboured for twenty years in
Bosnia. At the end of that time he was sent to the Franciscan mission
in Palestine, where he was thrown into prison and afterwards
hacked to pieces, with three other friars, for publicly preaching
to the Mohammedans.
1490 Saint Philotheus
of Karyes lived an ascetic life on Athos in the
cell of Iagari near Karyes granted clairvoyance1495 BD BARTHOLOMEW OF MANTUA; he showed himself a preacher of great power, with a burning devotion to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament: it was by anointing with oil taken from the lamp burning before the Most Holy that Bd Bartholomew brought about several among his miracles of healing; Bd Baptist Spagnuolo; Baptist speaks of him as a “most holy guide and spiritual master”. 1500 Saint Nectarius of Mount Athos holy relics uncovered four years later exuding wondrous fragrance 1563 Saint Gurias 1st Archbishop of Kazan pious humble and gentle igumen 9 years of St Joseph of Volokolamsk monastery received the great schema from St Barsanuphius incorrupt 30 yrs 1612 St. John Almond; “One hour overtaketh another...and though never so long at last cometh death. And yet not death; for death is the gate of life unto us whereby we enter into everlasting blessedness. And life is death to those who do not provide for death, for they are ever tossed and troubled with vexations, miseries, and wickedness. To use this life well is the pathway through death to everlasting life.” 1/40 Martyrs of England and Wales St. Nicholas Tavigli Franciscan martyr of Jerusalem “The
saints must be honored as friends of Christ and children
and heirs of God, as John the theologian and evangelist says:
‘But as many as received him, he gave them the power to be
made the sons of God....’ Let us carefully observe the manner
of life of all the apostles, martyrs, ascetics and just men who
announced the coming of the Lord. And let us emulate their faith,
charity, hope, zeal, life, patience under suffering, and perseverance
unto death, so that we may also share their crowns of glory” Exposition
of the Orthodox Faith
1942 Father Narcyz
Putz
The Rosary in Dachau DECEMBER O6 343. ST NICHOLAS, CALLED “OF BARI”, BISHOP OF MYRA 4th v. St. Polychronius A priest martyr Council of Nicaea opposed Arians St. James the Mangled (Sawn) The Martyrdom of appeared to devoted monks with many martyrs of Persia {Coptic Orthodox} 406 St. Asella Virgin hermitess, called "a flower of the Lord" by St. Jerome 484 St. Dionysia son Majoricus African catholics St. Majoricus Martyred son of St. Dionysia 558 St. Abraham of Kratia Bishop hermit Syria who faced the trials and upheavals of his era 1300 St. Peter Pascual Bishop, preacher extensively to promote the Christian faith in Islamic communities and sought ransom captives native of Valencia Spain 1305 Saint Maximus successor of Metropolitan Cyril III of Kiev (1243-1280) Greek by birth arrived in Rus then suffering under the Mongol (Tatar) Yoke, in 1283 as Metropolitan DECEMBER O7 The Vladimir Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos of Seliger comes from the island of Seliger in the Tver Province of Russia. 283 St. Eutychian or Eutychianus Pope 275.01.04 to 283.12.07; Pope #27 St. Polycarp and Theodore Martyrs at Antioch 304 The Holy Martyr Athenodorus Miracles accompanied the martyrdom of the saint, which converted many of the pagans to the Christian Faith 4th v. Bld Agatho, soldier prevented people from mocking bodies of martyrs 375 St. Victor of Piacenza Bishop of -- at the Council of Sardica Saint
Paul
the Obedient deep humility, for the complete renunciation
of his own will monks received a unique vision proving
that their brother was a true ascetic. By night they were
all transported to Paradise and conversed with St Paul, who
permitted them to take a flower or twig with them as a remembrance.
Awakening from sleep, they found in their hands the flowers
and twigs from Paradise
397 St. Ambrose
sent to Milan as Roman governor chosen bishop;
whilecatechumen Granted gift of wonderworking, healed many from sickness 5th v. St. Anianas fifth Bishop of Chartres, France 484 St. Servus executed by Arian Vandals then masters of Africa 1134 Urban, Bishop of Llandaff first bishop of South East Wales 1208 Saint Philothea (Philofthea) of Argesh adorned with virtues of prayer, virginity, and almsgiving accidently killed Many people have been healed at the tomb of St Philothea 12 yrs old 1405 St Gregory of Mount Athos born in Serbia pursued asceticism on Mt Athos 1554 Saint Nilus of Stolobnoye strict ascetic life incessant struggle against snares of the devil took on the appearance of reptiles and wild beasts; miracles 1556 Saint Anthony of Siya distributed his goods to the poor and as a wanderer came to the Pachomiev wilderness monastery at the River Kena. St Pachomius tonsured him with the name Anthony 1888 St. Maria Giuseppe Rossello Foundress Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy Eboríaci, in território Meldénsi, commemorátio sanctæ Faræ, étiam Burgundofáræ nómine appellátæ, Abbatíssæ et Vírginis, cujus dies natális tértio Nonas Aprilis recensétur. At Faremoutiers, in the diocese of Meaux, the commemoration of St. Fara, who is also called Burgundofara, abbess and virgin. Her birthday is on the 3rd of April. < St. Fara “The saints must be honored as friends of Christ
and children and heirs of God, as John the theologian
and evangelist says:
(Exposition of the Orthodox Faith).‘But as many as received him, he gave them the power to be made the sons of God....’ Let us carefully observe the manner of life of all the apostles, martyrs, ascetics and just men who announced the coming of the Lord. And let us emulate their faith, charity, hope, zeal, life, patience under suffering, and perseverance unto death, so that we may also share their crowns of glory” DECEMBER O8 Genesis 3:9-15, 20;
Psalms 98:1-4;
Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12; Luke
1:26-38;
December
8 - THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
In 1854 Pius IX {pope 1846-1878)} gave the infallible statement:
Feast of the Immaculate Conception arose in the Eastern Church in the 7th v. came to the West in the 8th. In 1854 Pius IX {pope 1846-1878)} gave the infallible statement: “The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted Feast
of the Immaculate Conception Concéptio Immaculáta
gloriósæ semper Vírginis Genitrícis
Dei Maríæ, quam fuísse præservátam,
singulári Dei privilégio, ab omni originális
culpæ labe immúnem, Pius Nonus, Póntifex
Máximus, hac ipsa recurrénte die, solémniter
definívit.
was preserved free from all stain of
original sin.”The Immaculate Conception of the glorious and ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God. On this day, Pius IX solemnly declared her to have been by a singular privilege of God preserved from all stain of original sin. by almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the savior of the human race, 1st v. St Sosthenes one of the 70 Apostles of the Saints Apollos, Cephas, Tychicus, Epaphroditus, Caesar, Onesiphorus Feast of the Immaculate
Conception arose in the Eastern Church in the 7th v.
came to the West in the 8th.
283 Pope St. Eutychianus
January, 275, until 7 December, 283 the last
pope buried in the catacombs of St. CallixtusAnthusa The Holy Martyr wife of a Roman official martyred for refusing Arianism 490 The Holy Martyrs of Africa 62 Clergy 300 Laypeople By a miraculous Divine power they continued to preach an to oppose the Arian heresy 653 St. Romaric monk Merovingian nobleman St. Macarius Martyr of Alexandria, Egypt 7th v. Saint Patapius was born at Thebes into a pious Christian family gift of healing, began to help all the needy holy relics are found incorrupt to the present day Patapius especially revered in the Eastern Churches. Saint Cyril of Chelma Hill Enlightener of the Chudian People luminous ascetic life and kindly preaching moved many to accept holy Baptism St Sophronius In Cyprus, the holy bishop , who was a devoted protéctor of orphans and widows, and a helper of the poor and oppressed. St Nemesis, a deacon, his daughter Lucina At Rome, the finding of the holy martyrs Nemesis, a deacon, his daughter Lucina, a virgin, Symphronius, Olympius the tribune and his wife Exuperia and his son Theodulus, whose commemoration is made on the 25th of August. Verónæ Ordinátio sancti Zenónis Epíscopi. At Verona, the ordination of St. Zeno, bishop. December 8 - THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
The Immaculate Conception According to Saint
Maximilian KolbeTruly, the Immaculate is the work of God and,
like any work of God, she is less than Him, without comparison,
and she depends completely on her Creator. However, she is
God's most perfect, and simplest work. According to Saint
Bonaventure, God could have created a larger, more perfect world,
but He could never have made anything worthier than Mary.
Saint Maximilian Kolbe,
1938 From: Marie, mère du Seigneur, by Rene Laurentin,
Desclee 1984.DECEMBER O9 Holy Prophetess Hannah dwelt in marriage with Elkanah son she named Samuel (which means "Asked from God") St Anna mother of the Virgin Mary The youngest daughter of the priest Nathan from Bethlehem, descended from the tribe of Levi. Anna maried St Joachim (September 9, who was a native of Galilee St. Restitutus, bishop and martyr At Carthage, on whose feast St. Augustine delivered a discourse to the people in which he set forth his praises. Item in Africa sanctórum Mártyrum Petri, Succéssi, Bassiáni, Primitívi et aliórum vigínti. Peter, Successus, Bassian, Primitivus, and twenty others. Also in Africa, the holy martyrs St Syrus of Pavia You'll recognize St. Syrus in art as a bishop enthroned between two deacons; sometimes with St. Juventius BM (RM) St. Peter Martyr of Africa 3rd v. St. Julian of Apamea Bishop of Apamea Syria. 303 St. Leocadia Martyr of Spain, suffering in Toledo. 304 Marytrs of Samosata Hipparchus and his companions, the seven martyrs 320 St Proculus Bishop of Verona who confessed the faith during the Diocletian persecutions B (R M) 4th v. Saint Sophronius Archbishop of Cyprus gift of wonderworking by the Lord 375 St. Gorgonia daughter of St. Gregory Nazianzus the Elder & St. Nonna 586 St. Cyprian A hermit near Perigueux. France, whose life and miracles were recorded by St. Gregory of Tours. 6th v. Budoc or Beuzec, abbot 7th v St. Balda Benedictine abbess in Jouarre, in Meaux, 7th v St. Budoc Bishop and hermit 912 Saint Stephen the New Light over fifty years he constantly increased his ascetic efforts St. Valeria Maiden converted to Christianity by St. Martial of Limoges and martyr. The "Unexpected Joy" Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos 1548 St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin On December 9, 1531 passed Tepeyac Hill, he heard music and saw a glowing cloud encircled by a rainbow. A woman's voice called him to the top of the hill: first indigenous American saint 1742 St. Francis Fasani Franciscan mystic. 1610 St. John Roberts Benedictine 1/40 Martyrs of England and Wales 1640 St. Peter Fourier Founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame DECEMBER 10 300 St. Carpophorus priest & Abundius deacon Martyrs 300 St. Mercurius Martyred soldiers /companions slain at Lentini Sicily 304 St. Eulalia of Merida Virgin Martyr; Also, in the same city, St. Julia, virgin and martyr, the companion of the blessed Eulalia, who would not be separated from her when the latter went to suffer. 312 St. Mennas Martyr /Eugraphus /Hermogenes beheaded Alexandria 314 Miltiades or Melchiades, pope and martyr 362 St. Gemellus Martyr Ancyra Turkey priest baptized him and when emerged from water his wounds were all healed 6th v. Viénnæ, in Gállia, sancti Sindúlphi, Epíscopi et Confessóris. At Vienne in France, St. Sindulph, bishop and confessor. 700 St. Deusdedit Bishop of Brescia 720 St. Thomas of Farfa Benedictine abbot native of Savoy 739 St. Lucerius Benedictine abbot successor of St. Thomas of Maurienne 741 Pope Saint Gregory III ( 731-741) protected images of Jesus Mary & the saints 765 St. Guitmarus 4th Benedictine abbot of Saint Riquier Abbey France 844 St. Hildemar Benedictine bishop Beauvais 900 Saint Thomas Dephourkinos The Lord glorified him with the gift of healing and prophecy; Emperor Leo the Wise (886-911) came to the monastery to St Thomas for advice. Not finding the monk at the monastery, the emperor sent his messenger with a letter for him. And just as the messenger arrived at the the Elder's hut, the saint carried out to him a sealed answer, resolving the emperor's question. 1156 St. Florentius of Carracedo Benedictine abbot Cistercian rule 1169 The Novgorod Icon of the Mother of God 1287 Bl. Peter Tecelano Franciscan mystic miracles at his tomb 1591 THE LONDON MARTYRS OF 1591 1591 St. Polydore Plasden 1/40 Martyrs of England 1591 Bl. John Mason England Martyr layman arrested for harboring St. Edmund Gennings priest 1591 St. Edmund Genings 1/40 Martyrs of England /Wales 1610 Bls. Thomas Somers And John Roberts English martyrs 1616 Bl. Sebastian Montanol Spanish Dominican missionary possible martyr 1754 Saint Joasaph Archimandrite several times Athanasius appeared to Igumen Joasaph sign of patronal protection 1838 St. Peter Duong Vietnamese martyr native 1865 Blessed Father Adolph Kolping - Kolping Society, emphasizes the sanctification of family life and dignity of labor <741 Pope Saint Gregory III ( 731-741) protected images of Jesus Mary & the saints 310
314 Miltiades or Melchiades, pope and martyr>
Sancti Melchíadis,
Papæ et Mártyris, cujus dies natális recensétur
tértio Idus Januárii.St. Melchiades, pope and martyr, whose birthday mentioned on 11 January. During Gregory's reign, toleration was granted to Christians by Constantine; labelled a martyr due to his sufferings during the persecution of Maximian. Pope Miltiades, or Melchiades, decreed absolutely forbiding Christians to fast on Sundays or Thursdays, "because these days were observed by the heathen as a holy fast". This reason is remarkable; it comes most likely from the author of the "Liber Pontificalis" who with this alleged decree traces back a Roman custom of his own time to an ordinance of Miltiades. The "Liber Pontificalis" is probably no less arbitrary in crediting this pope with a decree to the effect that the Oblation consecrated at the Solemn Mass of the pope (by which is meant the Eucharistic Bread) should be taken to different churches in Rome. Such a custom actually existed in Rome. Pope Clement VIII 1592-1605 Pope Pius XI on December 15, 1929 one hundred and thirty-six martyrs declared blessed by. DECEMBER 11 250 ST GENULF, OR GENOU, BISHOP 287 Sts. Victoricus, Fuscian, and Gentian martyrs in Gaul 302 St. Trason w/ Pontian /Practextatus Roman martyrs In Hispánia sancti Eutychii Mártyris. In Spain, St. Eutychius, martyr. 312 Akepsimas and Aithalas The Holy Martyrs were from Persia. 342 St. Barsabas Persian abbot famous wonder worker; martyr by Sassanid King Shapur II 384 Pope Saint Damasus I commissioned Saint Jerome translate Scriptures in Latin 4th v. St. Eutychius Martyr of Spain at Merida or Cadiz, also called Oye. The details of his martyrdom are lost. Saint Abba Hor, the Monk Departure of: Raised child from the dead; Coptic 420 St. Sabinus Bishop of Piacenza renowned for miracles. 493 Saint Daniel the Stylite mother Martha dedicate him to the Lord named at 5 by igumen monastery at 12 ascetic 32 yrs then stylite 33 years could see future & gift of words Emperor Leo I, built a series of pillars with a platform on top for him, and Daniel was ordained there by St. Gennadius 6th v. St. Cian A Welsh hermit believed to have been a servant of St. Peris. 640 Mirax The Holy Martyr declared himself a Moslem deeply repented and returned home 566 St. Sabinus Bishop of Canossa Apulia Italy, and patron of Bari. 888 St. Fidweten Benedictine monk and a disciple of St. Convoyon 980 Saint Luke the New Stylite a soldier under the Byzantine emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitos St. Pens Patron saint of Llanberis Wales 1100 Saint Nikon the Dry gave up everything for Christ and became a monk at the Kiev Caves monastery; transported to the Dormition church 1289 BD PETER
OF SIENA; Bd Peter attained to a
high degree of contemplative prayer and received spiritual
graces, which it was difficult to hide, so that many knew his
holiness. Priests and theologians equally with laybrothers and
fellow workmen valued his opinion and advice, but not at all
by himself: It
is commonly held that the “Pier Pettinagno”, the efficacy
of whose prayers is made known by Dante in the Purgatorio, canto xiii, line 128,
was no other than this beatus.
1291 BD FRANCO
OF GROTTI; by middle age his excesses had
ruined his health and more than once brought him nearly to death; a long and painful pilgrimage
to the shrine of St James at Compostela; Visions and miracles were accorded
him, and after his death on December 11, 1291, there was
a spontaneous recognition of him as a very holy penitent
1373
BD HUGOLINO
MAGALOTTI: orphan whose life was entirely given
to manual work, contemplation and penance, and the fame
of his holiness drew many to his lonely cell. God glorified
him with the gift of miracles, and numbers of the sick were healed
at his intercession.1455 BD JEROME RANUZZI; a scholar and contemplative; doctorate in theology, and was afterwards ordained priest and employed as professor in various houses-of-studies of his order in Italy; devotion of the people was so great and miracles so numerous that his body, instead of being buried in the conventual graveyard, was at once enshrined above an altar in the church of the Servites at Sant’ Angelo 1910 Lars Olsen Skrefsrud; Mission in Stavanger nicht als Schüler aufnahm, ging er zu der Berliner Mission und wurde von ihr 1863 zu den Santals in Westbengalen entsandt, Skrefsrud arbeitete hier mit dem dänischen Missionar Hans Peter Børresen zusammen; 1869 wurde die erste Missionsstation erbaut, danach richtete Skrefsrud in der Provinz 30 Schulen ein, in denen auch praktisches Wissen vermittelt wurde. Er entwickelte eine Schriftsprache und übersetzte die Bibel In Hispánia sancti Eutychii Mártyris. In Spain, St. Eutychius, martyr. DECEMBER 12 Holy
Prophetess Hannah dwelt in marriage with Elkanah son
she named Samuel (which means "Asked from God")
When the child reached the age of boyhood, the mother herself presented him to the priest Heli, and Samuel remained with him to serve before the Tabernacle (1 Kings/1 Samuel 2: 1-21). St Anna mother of the Virgin Mary The youngest daughter of the priest Nathan from Bethlehem, descended from the tribe of Levi. Anna maried St Joachim (September 9, who was a native of Galilee Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of
the Americas (Mexico, 1531)
I am the Mother of Ipalnemohuani (IV) But the Blessed Virgin came down the hill to meet him, and blocking his way, she said, "Where are you going, my dearest and humblest son? Where are you headed to?" He bowed and greeted the Lady and told her that although it would make her sad, he must tell her that his uncle was very ill and he would surely die from it soon, so he must go quickly and call a priest. He assured her that he would come back again tomorrow for her. The merciful and ever-virgin Saint Mary replied, "Listen and understand, my humblest and dearest son: what has troubled you, what has afflicted you is nothing. Do not let it disturb you. Do not fear this illness or any other illness. Am I not here? Am I not your mother? Aren't you under my shadow and protection? Am I not the source of your joy?(...) As Juan Diego listened to the Lady from Heaven, he felt comforted and his heart became peaceful. And at that very moment his uncle became well, as they later found out. Excerpt and adapted from La Dame du Ciel (The Lady from Heaven), by Jean-Pierre Rousselle and Jean Mathiot, Editions Téqui 2004 250 St. Alexander & Martyrs companion of St. Epimachus divine revelation condemned to be eaten by wild beasts, but they did not harm him 275 Synetus {means "man of reason"} The Holy Martyr reader in the Roman Church under Pope Sixtus II 287 St. Maxentius Martyr with Constantius at Trier, Germany 347 Saint Spyridon
Bishop of Tremithus miracle worker Through his prayer,
drought was replaced by abundant rains, and incessant rains
were replaced by fair weather the sick healed and demons cast out
gave away most of his shepherding and farming items; raised dead; miracle
of breaking idol; life of miracles;
360 St. Abra
Consecrated virgin, the daughter of St. Hilary
of Poitiers 490 St. Corentin Bishop or Corentinus or Cury 549 St. Finian of Clonard The “Teacher of the Irish Saints.” 659 St. Colman of Glendalough An abbot mentioned in the Irish calendars 751 St. Edburga Benedictine abbess /disciple of St. Mildred St. Hermogenes Martyr with Donatus and 22 companions 790 St. Agatha Nun and missionary aide to St. Boniface 9th v. John, Abbot of Zedazeni Monastery murdered by Muslims 1154 St. Vicelin Missionary and bishop 1531 Our Lady of Guadalupe 1597 Saint Therapon of Monza labored in asceticism until the end of his life gift of wonderworking 1642 Bl. Thomas Holland English martyr Our Lady of Guadalupe: Historical Sources (IV) December 12 - OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE (Mexico, 1531) The results of the examination of the sources
show convergence on the essentials. At the beginning of the
Spanish presence in Mexico and precisely in the Anahuac Valley,
after a dramatic conquest and divisions in the "Nahuatl" political
world, a church was built in a place of religious significance to
the indigenous community: the hills of Tepeyac. This church was
dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary with the title of "Guadalupe",
and coincides only in name with
the one in Spain. (...)DECEMBER 13 As Juan Diego listened to the Lady from Heaven, he felt comforted and his heart became peaceful. And at that very moment his uncle became well, as they later found out. Excerpt and adapted from La Dame du Ciel (The Lady from Heaven), by Jean-Pierre Rousselle and Jean Mathiot, Editions Téqui 2004 Guadalupe_eye_family.jpg
Dr. Aste Tonsmann eyes on the tilma book
"El Secreto de sus Ojos"
The Lady from Heaven ordered him to go to
the top of the little hill, pick the different kinds of flowers
growing there, gather them together and bring them back to
her. Cuauhtlatoatzin (Juan Diego-'Singing Eagle') followed her orders and came upon an amazing
sight: multitudes of magnificent flowers in full bloom were
growing there in mid-winter. 1837 Venerable Herman of Alaska, Wonderworker of All America Synaxis of the First Martyrs of the American land. 110 St Antiochus the island and town of S. Antioco 284 St. Philip's Fast Nativity + Martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius, and Orestes at Sebaste 304 St Lucy of Syracuse Virgin-martyr VM (RM) 305 Ss Eustratius Auxentius Eugene Mardarius Orestes The Holy Martyrs in Armenia (5) 549 St. Columba of Terryglass Celtic & British 7th v. St. Edburga A Benedictine nun of Lyminge, Kent, England 669 St. Autbert Bishop of Canbrai-Arras, France A patron of monasteries 669 St. Jodoc (Josse) Confessor honoree by miracles both before and after his death 8th v.St. Einhildis & Roswinda Benedictine Nuns monastery of Hohenburg, in Alsace 720 St. Otilie, virgin born blind, rejected by Lord Adalric, reared by abesses, baptized at 12 by Saint Erhard of Regensburg (Bishop of Bavaria) and immediately gained her sight. 10th v. St Arsenius of Latros many miracles even after death 1077 Saint Arcadius of Vyazma and Novy Torg relics of St Arcadius miracles of healing 11th c. St. Arcadius, monk of Novotorsk 1130 St. Elizabeth Rose abbesse foundress convent of Sainte Marie du Rozoy 13th v. Saint Mardarius, Hermit of the Kiev Caves 1562 Blessed John Marinoni joined Saint Cajetan founder of Theatines 8-10th c. St. Arsenius of Latros Venerable Nicodemus of Romania 1659 St. Gabriel, patriarch of Serbia 1671
BD ANTONY
GRASSI; he possessed the gift of reading consciences,
not merely in generalities but in specific actions of which he
could have no natural knowledge; As he grew older his prescience,
both of the future and of events at a distance, increased, and were frequently
used both for consolation and warning in his dealings with the many who came
to him.
1837
Venerable Herman
of Alaska, Wonderworker of All America1857 St. Innocent, bishop of Cherson 1896 St. Gabriel, bishop of Imeretia Georgia 1920 New Hieromartyr Alexander priest and Martyr John 1937 New Hieromartyrs Vladimir, Alexander, Jacob priests 1938 New Hieromartyr Nicolos priest 1941 New Hieromartyr Emilian priest Father Alexander Schmemann: In Memoriam: Father Alexander's vision shaped the structure and life of the Orthodox Church in America as well as St. Vladimir's Seminary. His works informed and infuriated, transformed and influenced the life of the whole Orthodox community in America and beyond. DECEMBER 14 251 SS Thyrsus, Leucius and Callinicus The Holy Martyrs miracle involving St Thyrsus 250 St. Heron Egyptian martyr with Arseinus Dioscorus Isidore 270 St Spiridion Bishop and Confessor of our Order 283 St. Justus & Abundius Martyrs of Spain 286 SS Philemon, Apollonius, Arianus and Theotychus Martyrs suffered for Faith in Egypt, at the city of Antinoë 290 St. Pompeius Bishop of Pavia St. Jucundus & companion martyrs St. Drusus Martyr with Zosimus and Theodore in Syria 378 St. Viator Bishop Bergamo Italy 451? Ss. Nicasius, Bishop Of Rheims, And His Companions, Martyr 5th v. St. Fingar Martyr Cornwall with Phiala sister, and companions St. Matronian Hermit of Milan, Italy St. Nicasius Bishop of Reims martyr sister Eutropia 596 St. Agnellus Miracle worker and abbot 610 St. Venantius Fortunatus Gallic poet (briefly) bishop of Poitiers 1300 St.
Bartholomew Buonpedoni Leper priest Franciscan tertiary;
Bd Bartholomew of San Gimignano; this our Lord appeared to him
in sleep, and told him that he would win his crown by twenty years
of physical suffering rather than by becoming a monk; one of the
friars wrote an account of his life and miracles; he retired to
the leper-house of Celloli, of which he was made master and chaplain,
and though the disease was malignant in him it never incapacitated
him from celebrating Mass. He lived thus, in infinite patience and
ministering to his fellow sufferers, until December 12, 1300, just
twenty years after his leprosy began; He has been called “the Job
of Tuscany”, and he is known always in San Gimignano as Santo Bartolo
1306 BD CONRAD
OF OFFIDA; is said to have had the same guardian angel
as St Francis, and to have often conversed with him about the
seraphic founder; the chief companion of his life was Bd Peter
of Treja, who accompanied him in his preaching journeys and was present
in the woods on that Candlemas-day when our Lady appeared to Conrad
and laid the Child Jesus in his arms; “marvellous zealot of gospel poverty
and of the Rule of St Francis, of so religious a life and so
deserving before God that Christ, the Blessed One, honoured him
in life and in death with many miracles”.
1315
Bd Bonaventure
Buonaccorsi; a
leader of the Ghibellines and notorious as a desperate character.
This Bonaventure was so moved by St Philip’s exhortations to peace
and concord that he went to him and accused himself of being a prominent
fomenter of disorder and a cause of much misery and injustice. So
penitent was he that he asked to be admitted among the Servite friars;
even in his lifetime he
was known as il Beato, and miracles were reported both before
and after his death
1591 St.
John of the Cross Carmelite St Teresa of Avila asked
him to help1583 Bd Nicholas Factor; His raptures, miracles and visions were so frequent that St Louis Bertrand said he lived more in Heaven than on earth, and among many examples of supernatural knowledge was an announcement of the victory of Lepanto the day after the battle. 1707 Saint Hilarion, Metropolitan of Suzdal and Yuriev found the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God 1922-1939 Pope Pius XI Ambrogio Damiano Achille Ratti declared St John of the Crux a doctor of the universal Church (1857 - 1939) Italian scholar & pope He issued the encyclical Quas Primas establishing the feast of Christ the King, and took as his papal motto "Christ's peace in Christ's kingdom". Pius XI fought the two ascendant ideologies of communism and fascism. Onetime librarian & mountain climber; reorganized Vatican archives. Nevertheless, Pius XI was hardly a withdrawn and bookish figure. A man of stature, he possessed an iron will and did not hesitate to assert his position. DECEMBER 15 4th V. St Nino,
Virgin; miracle worker of Georgia; helped conversion
of Georgia in reign of Constatine; Uncertainty surrounds the
beginnings of Christianity in the former kingdom of Georgia
(Iberia), but the story of the beginning of its evangelization
told by Rufinus is accepted—and improved on—by Georgians themselves
and generally in the East.
457
St. Valerian
martyred Bishop of Abbenza (modern Africa) 520 St. Maximinus First abbot of the Abbey of Micy 6th v. St Pardus the Hermit 7th v. St. Florentius Abbot of Bangor Monastery in Ireland 750 Saint Stephen the Confessor Archbishop of Surrentium (Surozh) miracles at crypt 760 St Stephen, Bishop of Surosh; exiled for defence of images, restored to his see on accession of Constantine V; 805 St. Urbitius Hermit, known in Spanish as Urbez 955 Saint Paul of Latros clairvoyance and wonderworking Byzantine hermit St. Nino Virgin the Apostle of Georgia 1005 St. Adalbero Benedictine bishop 1500 Saint Nectarius of Bitel distinguished for his charity displayed complete humility 1583 Saint Tryphon of Pechenga and Kola devote life to apostolic deeds and to pagan Laplanders 1590 Saint Jonah of Pechenga and Kola disciple of St Tryphon 1651 Saint Virginia Centurione Bracelli from Genoa, Italy. After husband's death she began charitable works, assisted the needy and sick. To help alleviate the poverty in her town, she founded the Cento Signore della Misericordia Protettrici dei Poveri di Gesù Cristo. The center was soon overrun with people suffering from the famine and plague of 1629-1630 and soon she had to rent the Monte Calvario convent to accommodate all the people. 1771 BD MARY MARGARET D’YoUvILLE (née Dufrost de Lajemmerais). Born at Varennes near Montreal, 1701; left a widow in 1722, she devoted herself to hospital work and in 1738 founded the Grey Nuns of Canada. She died on 23 December 1771 and was beatified in 1959. 1831 Bd VINCENT ROMANO. Born near Naples, 1751. He was the parish priest of Herculano (possibly the former Herculaneum, near Pompeii). He died in 1831 and was beatified in 1963. 1836 BD NuNzIo SuLPRIzIo. A layman, born 1817 in the Abruzzi province of Italy. He was a blacksmith by trade, who died in 1836 at the age of nineteen. He was beatified in 1963. 1855 St Mary
Di Rosa, Virgin; acquired an unusual knowledge
of theology; co- Foundress of The Handmaids of Charity of
Brescia; anticipating Florence Nightingale by several years,
the Handmaids of Charity ministered to the souls and bodies
of the wounded on the battlefields. In the following year came
the terrible “Ten Days of Brescia”. Paula and her sisters were at the
disposal of all sufferers without distinction, but some disorderly
troops made an attempt on the hospital. Paula, supported by half-a-dozen
sisters, went to the front door to meet them: they carried a great
crucifix, with a lighted candle on either side. The soldiers wavered,
halted, and slunk away. And the crucifix (still preserved at Brescia)
was carried from sick-bed to sick-bed that each occupant might give
it a grateful kiss.
1929
Hilarion The
holy New Martyr Archbishop outstanding theologian,
an eloquent preacher, and a fearless defender of Christ's holy
Church.1876 Blessed Mary Frances Schervier; 1844 she became a Secular Franciscan; she and four companions established a religious community devoted to caring for the poor. In 1851 the Sisters of the Poor of St. Francis (a variant of the original name) were approved by the local bishop; the community soon spread. The first U.S. foundation was made in 1858; helped her sisters nurse soldiers wounded in the Civil War. 1900 BD LEONARD MURIALDO. A secular priest, born at Turin in 1828. He devoted his life to the welfare of young people and of manual workers, establishing the first “family house” in Italy for young working men. He founded the Society of St Joseph in Turin, where he died in 1900. He was beatified in 1963. DECEMBER 16 - 500 b.c. The Holy Prophet Haggai prophesied the Messiah would appear in this Temple persuaded people build 2nd Jerusalem Temple Sunday of the Holy Forefathers ancestors of Christ according to the flesh, who lived before the Law and under the Law, especially the Patriarch Abraham, to whom God said "In thy seed shall all of the nations of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 12:3, 22:18). 250 St. Albina Martyr at a tender age a young witness for Christ 3rd v. Marinus The Martyr soldier Caesarea of Palestine refused to swear the customary oath invoking the pagan gods, or to offer sacrifice to idols 305 St. Valentine Martyr with group including Navalis Concordius Agricola Ss Ananias, Azarias, and Misael buried in a cave in Babylon 371 ST EUSEBIUS, BISHOP OF VERCELLI united the monastic discipline with the clerical 389 St. Irenion of Gaza (Palestinian, bishop) first church built in Gaza 5th-6th v. St. Beoc Irish monastic founder many holy virgins In Africa 875 St. Ado of Vienne Benedictine archbishop scholar wrote new Roman Martyrology 894 Theophano The Holy Empress; Sunday after Pentecost be dedicated to All Saints 999 ST
ADELAIDE,
WIDOW; regent Throughout her life she had shown herself generous
and forgiving to enemies, and amenable to the wise guidance
in turn of St Adalbert of Magdeburg, St Majolus and St Odilo of
Cluny, who called her “a marvel of beauty and grace”. She founded
and restored monasteries of monks and nuns, and was urgent for the
conversion of the Slavs, whose movements on the eastern frontier
troubled her closing years before she finally returned to Burgundy.
1000 + St. Nicholas
Chrysoberges Patriarch of Constantinople1012 In Hibérnia sancti Beáni Epíscopi. In Ireland, St. Bean, bishop. 1151 Bl. Raynald de Bar Cistercian abbot 1st collection Cistercian statutes 1496 BD SEBASTIAN OF BRESCIA all Genoa came to his tomb, whereat many miracles were reported. 1542 Saint Sophia the Nun, "the holy Righteous Princess the wonderworker, who dwelt at the Protection monastery." several miraculous healings at her grave 1717 BD MARY OF TURIN, VIRGIN miraculous abbess “Obedience wills what God wills" 1916 Blessed Honoratus Kozminski; received Capuchin habit and new name; 4 years later he was ordained; 1855 helped Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska establish the Felician Sisters; DECEMBER 17 Lazarus 167-164 bc Daniel The Holy Prophet is the fourth of the major prophets. St. Ignatius, bishop and martyr, translation of who, third after blessed Apostle Peter, governed Church of Antioch Ananias ("God is gracious")The Holy Youth Azarias ("whom God helps")The Holy Youth Misael ("Who is what God is?")The Holy Youth Lazarus bishop of Marseilles martyr 4th c. St. Modestus I, archbishop of Jerusalem 408 St. Olympias lavish in her almsgiving 5th v. St. Maxentiolus Abbot and founder of Our Lady of Cunault Abbey 6th v. St. Tydecho Welsh saint 627 St. Briarch Abbot founder companion of St. Tudwal 637 St. Florian martyr w/58 Chiristians 691 St. Begga daughter of Pepin of Landen mayor of the palace 779 ST STURMI, ABBOT first German Benedictine monk; mission work in Westphalia founded monastery favourite of St Boniface 822 St. Eigil Benedictine abbot restored community 9th v. Saint Daniel the Confessor refused the Saracens' demand that he renounce Christ 1170 St. Wivina Benedictine abbess built a convent 1213 St. John of Matha John ransomed captives feast, by decree of Pope Innocent XI, is observed on February 8th 1624 Saint Dionysius of Zakynthos Bishop of Aegina gift of working miracles 1814 Paisius The holy New Martyr igumen of the Annunciation monastery in Trnava near Cacak, Serbia 1815 Avakum (Habakkuk) The holy New Martyr preferred death than deny Christ DECEMBER 18 from him 107 St. Rufus and Zosimus Martyrs of Antioch 250 St. Moses Martyr of Africa 255 St. Quintus African group of martyrs St. Theotimus & Basilian martyrs put to death at Laodicea 287 Sebastian The Holy Martyr miracle worker steadfast faith given to wavering Christians 287 Victurus Victor, Victorinus, Adjutor, Quartus, 30 others Loreto_house.jpg
Also in Africa, the holy martyrs318 Martyr Eubotius at Cyzicus 321 St. Auxentius Bishop soldier under Licinius, preferred to surrender his military insignia than offer grapes to Bacchus 337 St. Gatian 1st Bishop of Tours Celebrated many miracles, 6th v. St. Samthan Irish abbess foundress convent of Clonbroney 588 St. Bodagisil Founder abbey on the banks of the Meuse St. Flannan bishop Son of Irish chieftain Turlough 634 Saint Modestus Archbishop of Jerusalem restored devastated Christian shrines the Sepulchre of the Lord by Persian ruler Chosroes 7th c. St. Florus, bishop of Amisus 761 St. Winebald Benedictine abbot missionary 790 St. Desideratus Benedictine son of St. Waningus 845 Saint Michael
the Confessor was born at Jerusalem into a family of zealous
Christians and at an early age devoted himself to monastic life;
suffered for the veneration
of holy icons under emperor Theophilus; After the death of Theophilus,
the empress Theodora (842-855) restored veneration of holy icons,
ordered return of Christians banished by the Iconoclasts; She
offered St Michael occupy the patriarchal throne in place of deposed
iconoclast, Grammatikos. the holy martyr declined this; Thus upon
the patriarchal throne entered St Methodius.
1496
Saint Daniel
the Hesychast, great wonderworker monastics instructor1500 Saint Sebastian of Sokhota, Poshekhonye Monastery (Vologda) founded Transfiguration of the Lord monastery 1642 Saint Simeon of Verkhoturye led beggars life worked many miracles after death 1671 Blessed Anthony Grassi devotion to Our Lady of Loreto; outstanding confessor gift of reading consciences & future 1838 St. Paul My Vietnamese martyr convert to Catholicism 1838 St. Peter Truat Vietnamese martyr fellow catechist with Peter Duong Sebastian Martyr at Rome and his companions: Martyrs Nicostratus, Zoe, Castorius, Tranquillinus, Marcellinus, Mark, Claudius, <<1937 Thaddeus (Uspensky), archbishop of Tver executed in 1937 New Hieromartyr 1937 Nicholas archbishop of Velikoustiuzh, James, John and Vladimir priests. New Hieromartyrs 1942 Sergius deacon and Virgin-martyr Vera. New Hieromartyr DECEMBER 19 The
Silence Of
St. Joseph In A World Full Of Noise
250 St. Nemesius
Martyr of Egypt burned alive in Alexandria between
two criminals250 Timothy of Africa burnt alive in Africa under Decius M (RM) 290 Boniface The Holy Martyr unharmed by boiling tin & tar relics glorified by numerous miracles Saint Aglaida (Aglae see Saint Boniface) St. Darius Martyr with Zosimus Paul Secundus Nicea 303 Cyriacus and Companions martyred at Nicomedia MM (RM) 307 St. Meuris & Thea Martyred virgins from Gaza 308 Elias, Probus and Ares The Martyrs natives of Egypt heedless of safety cared for Christians locked up in prison 3rd v. St. Fausta mother of St. Anastasia - Sirmium Serbia 401 Anastasius I, Pope condemnation of Origen Saint Jerome helped him in his own way Saints Augustine and Paulinus of Nola praised his model of sanctity (RM) 540 Gregory of Auxerre for 13 years as its 12th bishop B (RM) 552 Saint Gregory Bishop of Homer (Omirits) possessed gifts healing wonderworking even in youth. 6th c. Samthana of Meath Irish abbess-founder of Cluain- Bronach in Meath V (AC) St. Manirus Bishop an apostle to Scotland kindness - goodwill 6th v. The Relocation of the Body of St. Severus, Patriarch of Antioch. 790 St. Ribert Revered abbot of the monastery of Saint Oyend 1122 St. Bernard Valeara patron of Teramo 1153 Blessed Macarius of Würzburg first abbot of Saint James monastery, OSB Abbot (AC) 1188 Saint Elias Muromets of the Caves, nicknamed "Shoemaker" or "Cobbler," 1205 Blessed William of Fenoli Carthusian lay-brother many miracles both during his life and after his death 1220 St. Adjutus abbot, famous for the spirit of prophecy 1370 Blessed Pope Urban V deeply spiritual Benedictine monk canon lawyer reformer 1511 Blessed Caecilia of Ferrara, OP V (PC) 1839 St. Francis Xavier Mau Martyr of Vietnam 1839 Bl. Francis Man Dominican 1839 St. Thomas De & Companions Vietnamese martyrs 1839 St. Augustine Moi martyr of Vietnam Dominican tertiary Avitus (Adjutus) of Micy, Abbot (RM) Romæ sanctæ Faustæ, quæ fuit mater sanctæ Anastásiæ, ac nobilitáte et pietáte éxstitit insígnis. At Rome, St. Fausta, mother of St. Anastasia, renowned for her noble birth and her holiness. Forefeast
of the Nativity
of the Lord
Vigília sancti Thomæ Apóstoli.
The Vigil of St. Thomas, Apostle.
Hieromartyr 250 St. Ammon One of Theban Martyrs converted by Egyptian Christians 324 St. Philogonius Bishop of Antioch Liberatus and Bajulus At Rome, the holy martyrs 362 Eugene and Macarius priests scourged MM banished put to the sword under Julian the Apostate St. Julius A martyr of Gelduba Thrace Malou (Madeloup) (AC) Priest who feted Hautvillers, Marne St. Liberatus & Bajulus Martyrs of Rome 585 St. Ursicinus Bishop of Cahors 612 St. Dominic of Brescia bishop of Brescia 625 St. Ursicinus Irish missionary and disciple of St. Columbanus 1073 Blessed Gundisalvus (Gonzalo) of Silos, OSB (AC) 1073
St. Dominic
of Silos Benedictine abbot defender of the faith many miracles
were recorded of Dominic it was said
1169 The Novgorod
Icon of the Mother of God that there were no diseases known to man not been cured by his prayers 1277 Bl. Peter de la Cadireta Dominican martyr 1338 Saint Daniel of Serbia gift of wonderworking and healing built Ascension of the Lord at Dechani finest Christian monuments in Serbia 1435 Saint Ignatius, Archimandrite of the Kiev Caves 1652 John of Thasos The New Martyr would not renounce the Christian Faith 1839 St. Peter Thi Vietnamese martyr native of Vietnam 1908 St John of Kronstadt performed more miracles than almost any other saint, with the possible exception of St Nicholas. Through his prayers he healed the sick, gave hope to the hopeless, and brought sinners to repentance. DECEMBER 21 The
Silence Of
St. Joseph In A World Full Of Noise
No matter how good food is, if poison
is mixed with it, it may cause the death of him who eats it. So
it is with conversation. A single bad word, an evil action, an unbecoming
joke, is often enough to harm one or more young listeners, and may
later cause them to lose God's grace. -- St John Bosco
1st v. ST THOMAS, APOSTLE (72 A.D. feast day kept by Malabar and Syria) 253 St. Themistoeles martyred With companion Dioscorus St. Honoratus of Bishop of Toulouse 300 St. Severinus Bishop of Trier 303 St. Glycerius Martyred priest of Nicomedia 609 St. Anastasius II Patriarch of Antioch successor of Anastasius St. John Vincent Benedictine bishop and hermit Bl. Adrian Dominican martyr + 27 companions in Dalmatia 1597 St. Peter Canisius Jesuit founded colleges; delegate to Council of Trent; first issue of the Catechism 1839 St. Andrew Dung Lac native Vietnamese martyr St. John & Festus Martyrs of Tuscany He who wishes
to love God does not truly love Him if he has not an ardent and
constant desire to suffer for His sake.
-- St.
Aloysius GonzagaDecember 21 – Our Lady of Saint Acheul (Amiens,
France)
Anne Claire and Bernard Noirot-Nerin (a French
family) are the parents of four children, all teenagers and young
adults. Anne Claire used to be involved in many community activities
and lived at a fast pace. On February 2, 2011, she fell off her bike
and was in a coma for several months.A woman healed by Our Lady Three times, she came close to death... After coming out of the coma, she relapsed on May 30th... On September 9, 2011, she plunged into another coma. Doctors attempted a very difficult operation but failed eight times. During the last surgery, Anne Claire caught meningitis. By mid-November, only the beating of her heart attested that she was still alive. On December 8, 2011, the feast of the Immaculate Conception... Anne Claire’s husband was by her side in the hospital like every night, while she was still in a coma. The doctor asked her his usual question: "Mrs. Nerin, how are you?" She immediately replied "I’m very well, thank you." The immense joy of her re-awakening was offset by some hard facts about her condition. She was paralyzed on the right side, spoke with difficulty, and her vision was blurred. She started rehabilitation and each day brought some progress. In the summer of 2012, Anne Claire was finally able to go home... Marie Lorne fr.aleteia.org DECEMBER 22 THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST Forefeast
of the Nativity of the Lord begins on December 20. From now
on, most of the liturgical hymns will be concerned with the birth
of the Savior.
303 St. Zeno Martyred soldier at Nicomedia (modern Turkey) 188 to 231 St. Demetrius Bishop of Alexandria; Martyr with Honoratus and Florus St. Demetrius Martyr with Honoratus and Florus 4th v. Anastasia the Deliverer from Potions, The Great Martyr fed, doctored and often ransomed captives distribute her property to the poor and suffering 4th v. Saint Chrysogonus Martyr at Aquileia teacher of Great Martyr St Anastasia 4th v. Saint Theodota young widow with 3 children she raised in piety visited imprisoned Christians took care of them 4th v. Saint Evodus eldest son of St Theodota. He, his mother, and his two brothers stood bravely before the judge endured beatings without protest 4th v. Saint Eutychianus one of the prisoners sentenced drown with St Anastasia St Theodota appeared, steered ship to shore 120 believed in Christ baptized by Sts Anastasia and Eutychianus All captured and martyred St. Chaeremon, bishop of Nilopolis, and many other martyrs In Egypt Thirty holy martyrs At Rome, on the Lavican Way, St. Ischyrion, At Alexandria, martyr 362 St. Flavian Prefect of Rome arrested for being a Christian 540 St. Barsanuphius Martyrd by muslims; monk in the early days of the Islamic era in Egypt; Coptic St. Abracius (Apraxios); from upper Egypt became a monk in one of the monasteries when he was 20; Coptic St. Misaeal (Misayil), the Anchorite; Consecration of the Church; Coptic 866 St. Hunger Bishop of Utrecht 982 St. Amaswinthus Abbot 44 yrs in Andalusia 1136 Bd Jutta of Diessenberg, Virgin; led life of a recluse next to the monastery founded by St Disibod on the Diessenberg; the “noble woman” to whom was confided care of St Hildegard, when a child, Jutta who first taught her Latin, to read and to sing; many startling miracles 1210 Bd Adam of Loccum; St Mary laid her hand on his head, and when he had done as he was told his complaint was cured never to return. “It is clear that there is nothing more efficacious and no remedy more sure than the medicine of the Blessed Virgin”, observes the novice in the Dialogue. To which the monk replies: “And no wonder. For it was she who brought to us the medicine of the whole human race, as it is written, ‘Let the earth bring forth the living creature’, that is to say, let Mary bring forth the man Christ.” Bd Adam told other marvels to Caesarius, but these were not written down for our delectation and improvement. 1306 Blessed Jacopone da Todi wrote Stabat Mater dolorosa -- The sorrowful mother stood 1899 Dwight Lyman Moody; Evangelische Kirche: 1856 nach Chicago begann dort evangelistisch zu arbeiten; 1889 eröffnete er ein Bibelinstitut in Chicago 1917 St. Frances Cabrini, virgin, foundress Congregation of Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, At Chicago Leo XIII {1878-1903} said, “Not to the East, but to the West”, to St Francis Cabrini. The United States at all times attracted the attention and admiration of Pope Leo. December 22 - OUR LADY OF CHARTRES - MOTHER OF THE YOUTH (France, 1935) Advent's Great O Antiphons (VI): O Rex gentium O King of nations! You are getting close to this Bethlehem where you must be born. The journey draws to its end, and your august Mother, consoled and strengthened by such a sweet burden, doesn't stop conversing with you on the way. She adores your divine majesty, she gives thanks for your mercy; she rejoices to have been chosen for the sublime ministry of serving as the Mother of a God. She desires and fears at the same time the moment when her eyes will finally contemplate you. How will she be able to serve you in a manner worthy of your sovereign greatness, when she thinks of herself as the last of all creatures? How will she dare to pick you up in her arms, press you against her heart, nurse you with her mortal breast? And yet, when she comes to think about the impending time when, without ceasing to be her son, you will come out of her and demand the cares of her tenderness, her heart fails her, and maternal love becoming mixed up with the love she feels for her God, she is about to expire in this too unequal fight between her weak human nature and the strongest and mightiest of all affections gathered in a single heart. But you hold her up, O Desired of nations! For you want her to arrive to that happy term which must give the earth its Savior and to men the Cornerstone which will gather them up in a unique family. Dom Gueranger The Liturgical Year - Advent - December XXII DECEMBER 23 Sunday
of the Holy Fathers Sunday before the Nativity of the Lord
(December 18-24)
250 St. Theodulus
Martyr with Saturninus on Crete and still revered there303 St. Migdonius & Mardonius Martyred officials of the Roman court 304 St. Victoria sister Anatolia guard martyred 4th v. Saint Paul, Bishop of Neocaesarea First Ecmenical Council at Nicea 6th v. St. Servulus beggar in Rome palsy thanked God all his life 679 St. Dagobert II Martyred king of Austrasia son of King Sigebert II 890 St. Vintila Benedictine monk hermit great holiness 910 Saint Nahum Cyril and Methodius disciple wonderworker man of prayer translate Scriptures Greek to Slavonic 1164 Bd Hartman, Bishop of Brixen; canon; highly respected by the Emperors Conrad III and Frederick I 1193
St Thorlac,
Bishop Of Skalholt; daily rule of life, which began with
the singing of the Credo, Pater noster, and a hymn directly he awoke;
he recited a third of the psalter every day, and had an especial devotion
to the titular saints of the churches in which he ministered;
formed a community of canons
regular, of which he was abbot;
14th
v. Saint Theoctistus,
Archbishop of Novgorod14thv. Saints Niphon, Bishop of Cyprus devils often attacked overcame with the help of God received from God gift to discern evil spirits and defeat them, also saw departure of the soul after death. 1464
BD MARGARET
OF SAVOY, WIDOW; took
the habit of the third order of St Dominic and with other ladies
formed a community at Alba. This retired life of prayer, study and
charitable works lasted for some twenty-five years; Pope Eugenius IV gave permission for the tertiary
sisters to become nuns, in the same place and under the rule of Bd
Margaret. During the last sixteen years of her life ecstasies and miracles
are alleged in abundance, among
them a vision of our Lord offering her three arrows, labelled respectively
Sickness, Slander and Persecution
1473
St. John
of Kanty professor of sacred Scripture pius generous humble
care for the poor 1550 St. Nicholas Factor Franciscan preacher native of Valencia DECEMBER 24 1898 Charbel Makhlouf the Maronite, Hermit Adam and Eve (SS) 246 St. Lucian African martyr confessor at Carthage 304 ST GREGORY OF SPOLETO, MARTYR Antiochíæ natális sanctárum
Vírginum quadragínta, quæ, in Deciána
persecutióne, per divérsa torménta martyrium
consummárunt.
404
St. Delphinus
Bishop of Bordeaux Paulinus corresponded with St. Ambrose attended Synod of
Saragossa, 380 At Antioch, the birthday of forty holy virgins who suffered martyrdom by divers torments in the Decian persecution. 3rd v. The Holy Martyr Eugenia; She and her companions were baptized by Bishop Elias (July 14), who learned about her in a vision. He blessed her to pursue asceticism at the monastery disguised as the monk Eugene; By her ascetic labors, St Eugenia acquired the gift of healing. 4th v. St. Gregory, Patriarch of the Armenians Departure of; cast into a pit fifteen years for the faith; 423 St. Venerandus Bishop of Clermont Auvergne Evangelist St. Euthymius, martyr, At Nicomedia, 581 St. Tarsilla saw heaven; at the hour of her death she saw Jesus coming to her; niece of Pope St. Felix IV 550 St. Emiliana of Rome saintly life, visions V (RM) aunt of St. Gregory the Great 669 St. Caranus Scottish bishop 730 St. Adele Widow Abbess ruling with holiness prudence compassion 754 St. Adela Abbess foundress disciple of St. Boniface 10th v. Blessed Alberic of Gladbach, OSB (AC) 1050 Bruno a Benedictine lay-brother at Ottobeuren Abbey OSB (AC) 1473 St. John Cantius distributed to the poor all the money/clothes he had slept little on the floor, ate very sparingly, total abstainer from meat 1865 BD PAULA CERIOLI, WIDOW, Foundress OF THE INSTITUTE OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF BERGAMO 1898 Charbel Makhlouf Maronite, Hermit After death many favors and miracles through his intercession in heaven. DECEMBER 25 303 MANY MARTYRS AT NICOMEDIA 304 St. Anastasia III Martyr honor commerated 2nd Mass Christmas Roman Canon of Mass SSt. Eugenia martyr Delehaye in his Etude sur le légendier romain (1936), pp. 175—186, commented exhaustively, both here and in his CMH. shows there is solid ground for believing St Eugenia an authentic Roman martyr. 715 St. Adalsindis Benedictine nun from a sainted family 800 St. Alburga Abbess foundress princess in Wessex 1256 Natalis of St. Peter Nolasco founder of the Mercedarians. 1306 BD JACOPONE OF TODI 1628 Bl. Michael Nakashima native Jesuit martyr of Japan hid priests. DECEMBER 26 Synaxis of the Most Holy Theotokos 36 St. Stephen 1st Christian Martyr 268 St. Dionysius Pope a Greek 259-268 rebuilt the Church 278 St. Archelaus Bishop in Kashkar Mesopotamia St. Marinus Martyr of Rome 400 St. Zeno (d.c. 400) + Bishop of Gaza Israel 417 St. Zosimus Pope A Greek 6th v. St. Amaethlu Founder and hermit 6th century St. Theodore the Sacrist in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome 6th v. St. Tathal hermit Wales 7th v. Our Holy Father Constantine of Synnada; famed for his fasting and for his many miracles; 9th v. Euthymius, Bishop of SardisThe Hieromartyr; martyred denounced the Iconoclast heresy 10th v. St. Luke the Stylite Commemoration of the Departure of and the Relocation of His Holy Relics. 1649 St. Neol Chabanel Priest one of North American Martyrs 1896 St. Vincentia Maria Lopez Y Vicuna Virgin 1938 Saint Isaac II (Bobrikov) died as a martyr on December 26 DECEMBER 27 Protomartyr St Stephen. St. John the Apostle St. John the Evangelist 104 John the Divine, (RM) 282 St. Maximus Patriarch of Alexandria 400 St. Fabiola opened a hospice for poor pilgrims at Porto 410 ST NICARETE, VIRGIN; belonged to a good family of Nicomedia and left home to live in Constantinople, where she devoted herself to good works. She is said to have successfully treated St John Chrysostom when he was ill; 686 Saint Theodore, Archbishop of Constantinople 841 St. Theodore bishop of Nicaea and Theophanes (martyred) brothers monks supported icons 1133 Blessed Hesso (Esso) of Beinwil, OSB, Abbot (AC) 1156 Blessed Walto of Wessobrünn his goodness and ability to work miracles OSB, Abbot (AC) 1273 Blessed Adelheidis of Tennenbach, OSB Cist. V (PC) 1348 Blessed Bonaventure Tolomei died while tending to his plague-stricken fellow citizen OP 1539 John Stone 1/40 Martyrs of England and Wales, OSA Priest M (RM) DECEMBER 28 750 c. A.U.C. THE HOLY INNOCENTS 250 St. Troadius Martyr crucifixion NeoCaesarea, Pontus Turkey SS Indes, a eunuch, Domna, Agapes, and Theophila, virgins, and their companions 309 St. Caesarius Penitent Armenia martyr father of Eudoxius Arian heretic 4th v. St. Domnio Holy Roman priest confessor SS Eutychius, priest, and Domitian, deacon At Ancyra in Galatia, the holy martyrs SS Castor, Victor, and Rogatian. In Africa, the birthday of the holy martyrs 368 ST THEODORE THE SANCTIFIED, ABBOT many miracles 450 St. Romulus and Conindrus Missionaries bishops 1st on Isle of Man 488 St. Maughold Irish bishop converted by St. Patrick 490 {570} St. Anthony the Hermit renowned for his miracles & spirituality 520 ST ANTONY OF LÉRINS St. Castor Martyr Africa with Victor and Rogatian 1622 St. Francis de Sales died 28 December at Lyons, France; bishop of Geneva and confessor. Pope Pius IX decreed him a doctor of the universal Church, and Pope Pius XI constituted him the heavenly patron of all Catholic writers who explain, promote, or defend Christian doctrine by publishing journals or other writings in the vernacular. 1604 May 3, “As far as possible, make your devotion attractive” To a married woman, on harmonizing family and devotion Letter 217 to Madame Brulart, 1608 September 25, “Serve God where you are” To a priest, on fidelity to one’s calling Letter 480 to Etienne Dunant, priest of Gex, September 25, 1608 1611-1612 “We must remain in the presence of God” To Jane de Chantal, on prayer Letter 838 to Jane de Chantal, To a pregnant woman, on loving God in her suffering “If you get tired kneeling, sit down” DECEMBER 29 10th century BC; David, King of Judah and Israel Prophet (RM) 1st c. St. Trophimus Missionary companion of St. Paul St. Crescens, bishop and martyr disciple of St. Paul the Apostle and was the first bishop of Vienne in France 280 St. Trophimus of Arles Bishop sent from Rome with St. Denis, 1/6 prelates France Ss. Callistus, Felix, & Boniface Ss. Dominic African martyr with Crescentius & etc. 485 Saint Marcellus, Monastery igumen Council of Chalcedon gift of clairvoyance 485 ST MARCELLUS AKIMETES, ABBOT continued the Divine Office day and night without interruption 596 Ebrulf of Ouche Abbot Merovingian courtier several small houses founded (RM) 664 St. Aileran Monk biographer scholar 706 St. Ebrulf Abbot founder wife separated, each entering a religious house 800 St. Albert of Gambron Abbot founder of the Benedictines 815 Saint Thaddeus the Confessor a disciple of Theodore the Studite disciple defender holy icons 11th c. Saints Mark the Grave-Digger, Theophilus and John; in Kiev Caves; Paterikon 1031 Girald of Fontenelle, OSB, Abbot (AC) 1156 Blessed Peter de Montboissier Peace great virtue poet theological writer of distinction, defended Jews OSB Abbot 1170 Thomas Becket (of Canterbury) BM (RM) St. Thomas Becket (1118-1170) A strong man who wavered for a moment, but then learned one cannot come to terms with evil and so became a strong churchman, a martyr and a saint—that was Thomas Becket, archbishop of Canterbury, murdered in his cathedral on December 29, 1170. His career
had been a stormy one. While archdeacon of Canterbury, he was made
chancellor of England at the age of 36 by his friend King Henry II.
When Henry felt it advantageous to make his chancellor the archbishop
of Canterbury, Thomas gave him fair warning: he might not accept all
of Henry’s intrusions into Church affairs. Nevertheless, he was made archbishop
(1162), resigned his chancellorship and reformed his whole way of life!
Troubles began. Henry insisted upon usurping Church rights. At one time, supposing some conciliatory action possible, Thomas came close to compromise. He momentarily approved the Constitutions of Clarendon, which would have denied the clergy the right of trial by a Church court and prevented them from making direct appeal to Rome. But Thomas rejected the Constitutions, fled to France for safety and remained in exile for seven years. When he returned to England, he suspected it would mean certain death. Because Thomas refused to remit censures he had placed upon bishops favored by the king, Henry cried out in a rage, “Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest!” Four knights, taking his words as his wish, slew Thomas in the Canterbury cathedral. Thomas Becket remains a hero-saint down to our own times. Comment:
No one becomes a saint without struggle, especially with himself.
Thomas knew he must stand firm in defense of truth and right, even at
the cost of his life. We also must take a stand in the face of pressures—against
dishonesty, deceit, destruction of life—at the cost of popularity, convenience,
promotion and even greater goods.
Quote: In T.S. Eliot's drama, Murder in the Cathedral, Becket faces a final temptation to seek martyrdom for earthly glory and revenge. With real insight into his life situation, Thomas responds: "The last temptation is the greatest treason: To do the right deed for the wrong reason." 1680 Bl. William Howard Martyr of England so-called Popish Plot grandson of Blessed Philip Howard and a member of the noble family of the Howards DECEMBER 30 200 St. Liberius Bishop of Ravenna founder 274 St. Felix I Pope from 269-274 Aquilæ, in Vestínis,
sancti Rainérii Epíscopi.
At Aquila, in Abruzzi, St. Rainer, bishop.
303
St. Sabinus
bishop Martyr with and companions cured a blind child304 St. Anysia Martyr of Greece wealthy woman of Salonika aided poor 4th v. St Philetairus of Nicomedia The Holy Martyr twice suffered torture for Christ: under Diocletian (284-305) and under Maximian (305-311); sentenced to exile on Prokonnesos, one of the islands of the Sea of Marmora. On the journey, he performed many miracles and destroyed a heathen temple with its idols. 4th v. Zoticus The Hieromartyr; Protector of Orphans, an illustrious and rich Roman in service of St Constantine the Great (306-337); St Constantine's son, Constantius (337-361), an adherent of the Arian heresy martyrd the saint 407 St. Anysius Bishop successor of St. Ascolus in see of Salonika St. Eugene, bishop and confessor At Milan 717 St. Egwin English noble bishop of Worcester England 692 A vision of Mary; Following his burial many miracles were attributed to him: The blind could see, the deaf could hear, the sick were healed. 1077 St. Raynerius Bishop of Aquila Abruzzi Italy 1156 Blessed Peter de Montboissier Peace great virtue poet theological writer of distinction, defended Jews OSB Abbot SEE DECEMBER 29 1748 Bl. John Alcober Dominican martyr in China 20 yrs St. Mansuetus Martyr of Egypt, with 10 others by heretic Monophysites Solemnity of Pentecost, the Pope recalls the fact that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Servant of God Pius XII's DECEMBER 31 St Joseph the Betrothed Holy Prophet-King David Holy Apostle James
270 St.
Hermes
martyr 273 St. Columba of Sens Spanish martyr noble descent 335 St. Sylvester Pope (25 yrs) council of Arles and Nice 390 Sts. Sabinian & Potentian Martyrs bishops of Sens 439 St. Melania Abbess rich Roman endowed monasteries in Egypt Syria and Palestine 5th v. St. Barbatian Confessor counselor to Roman Empress Galla Placidia St. Donata Roman martyr with companions 7th v. St. Zoticus Roman Patron of poor in Constantinople defended orthodox Christianity 1014 BD ISRAEL tomb famous miracles venerated as saint by canons regular of the Lateran and diocese of Limoges 1070 St. Offa Abbess Benedictine convent of St. Peter’s 11th v. Venerable Mother Sabiana, Abbess of Samtskhe Convent 1640 St. John
Francis Regis Society of Jesus priest; confessor; man of great
love & patience securing souls' salvation; miracle worker; Mention must
be made of the fact that a visit made in 1804 to the blessed remains
of the Apostle of Vivarais was the beginning of the vocation of the
Blessed Curé of Ars, Jean-Baptiste
Vianney, whom the Church has raised in his turn to her altars.
"Everything good that I have done", he said
when dying, "I owe to him"
1660 Saint Cyriacus
of Bisericani is one of Romania's greatest ascetics |
|
APRIL 01 2019 St Mary of Egypt St Zosimas monk at a certain Palestinian monastery on the outskirts of Caesarea 120 -132 St. Theodora Roman martyr sister of Saint Hermes aid and care to her brother in prison 180 St. Melito Bishop of Sardis in Lydia, Asia Minor powerful gift of prophecy as attested by Saint Jerome and Eusebius 180 St. Philip of Gortyna authorship of a now lost treatise against the Gnostics 255 St. Venantius Bishop martyr prelate serving Dalmatia, Croatia Sts. Victor and Stephen Two martyrs executed in Egypt probably Alexandria 3rd v. The Martyrs Gerontius and Basilides suffered martyrdom for Christ St. Quintian and Irenaeus 2 Armenian martyrs whose Acts are no longer extant Constantinópoli sancti Macárii Confessóris, qui, sub Leóne Imperatóre, pro assertióne sanctárum Imáginum 5thv to 6th v Saint Tewdric prince of Glamorgan is discussed in the Book of Llan Dav, written much later, Hermit 622 St. (Valery) Walericus Benedictine founder missionary abbot under St. Columbanus His time was entirely occupied with preaching, prayer, reading, and manual labor 644 Berhard B Berhard saintly bishop who had a great affection for Saint Valéry 666 Saint Leuconus 18th bishop of Troyes, who founded Notre-Dame-des-Nonnains 7th v. St. Dodolinus bishop of Vienne, in Dauphine, France 7th v. St. Caidoc & Fricor Irish missionaries in northern France convert was Saint Ricarius 9th v. St. Cellach abbot of lona, Scotland archbishop of Armagh, Ireland Ardpatrícii, in Momónia Hibérniæ província, sancti Celsi Epíscopi, qui beátum Malachíam in Episcopátu præcéssit. St. Marcella A little shepherdess of the Auvergne 830 St. Macarius the Wonder-Worker monk known for miracles 1053 VENERABLE PROCOPIUS, THE CZECH establishing the Monastery of St. John the Forerunner by Sazava river 1129 St. Cellach Last hereditary archbishop of Armagh, Ireland named St. Malachy 1132 St. Hugh of Grenoble Benedictine bishop amazing modesty took upon himself all sins of others the cross he carried was heavy laden holy and redemptive great reputation for miracles Apud Ambiánum, in Gállia, sancti Waleríci Abbátis, cujus sepúlcrum crebris miráculis illustrátur. 1194 Hugh of Bonnevaux possessed singular powers of discernment and exorcism OSB Cistercian, Abbot (AC) 1220 Jacqueline V Hermit recluse in Sicily reprimanded Pope Innocent III 1220 Blessed Nicholas of Neti Cistercian monk of the community of Santa Maria dell'Arcu near Neti, Sicily, OSB Cist. 1245
ST GILBERT,
BISHOP OF CAITHNESS “Three
maxims which I have always tried to observe I now commend
to you: first, never to hurt anyone and, if injured,
never to seek revenge secondly, to bear patiently whatever
suffering God may inflict, remembering that He chastises every
son whom He receives; and finally to obey those in authority so as
not to be a stumbling-block to others.”
1229
The Holy Martyr Abraham
the Bulgar, Vladimir Wonderworker convert from Islam
martyred for his faithXII (XIII) Century The Monk John Shauteli -- was a distinguished Gruzinian (Georgian) poet, philosopher and rhetorician 1367 Blessed Gerard of Sassoferrato received the Camaldolese habit OSB Cam. (AC) euthymius_dormition 1404 Saint Euthymius of Suzdal tonsure Nizhegorod Caves under St Dionysius: founded Savior-Euthymius monastery strict ascetic great man of prayer incorrupt relics 100 yrs 1574 Catherine Tomás strange phenomena mystical experiences both consoling /alarming, including gift of prophecy last years of life continually in ecstasy 1849 BD LUDOVIC PAVONI, FOUNDER OF THE SONS OF MARY IMMACULATE OF BRESCIA 1913 Saint Barsanuphius of Optina (Paul I. Plikhanov) a colonel, to be a general, but became a priest gifts of clairvoyance healing read souls St
Barsanuphius loved spiritual books, especially the Lives
of the Saints. He often told people that those who read these
Lives with faith benefit greatly from doing so. The answers
to many of life's questions can be found by reading the Lives
of the Saints, he said. They teach us how to overcome obstacles
and difficulties, how to stand firm in our faith, and how to struggle
against evil and emerge victorious
APRIL 02 Holy Week: A Liturgical Explanation for the Days of Holy Week 1st v Tryphenna and Tryphosa 2 converts of Saint Paul from Iconium in Lycaonia Romans (16:12) (RM) 175 Probus of Ravenna the sixth bishop of Ravenna B (RM) 251 Tryphon, Respicius and Nympha MM (RM) Patron of gardeners (Roeder) 303 Saint Polycarp of Alexandria Martyr of Egypt 303 Tiberius (of Agde), Modestus, and Florence MM (RM) 305 St. Amphianus reproached chief proponent of the Diocletian persecutions for his crime of idolatry Martyred; sea was not able to endure corpse of the martyr and threw it up before the gates of the city all the inhabitants went out to see this prodigy, and gave glory to the God of the Christians, confessing aloud the name of Jesus Christ 308 St. Theodosia Virgin martyred for her extreme faith Cápuæ sancti Victóris Epíscopi, eruditióne et sanctitáte conspícui. At Capua, Bishop St. Victor, well known for his sanctity and learning. 390 St. Urban of Langres Bishop of Langres patron saint of vine dressers 430 St. Mary of Egypt penitent sent to desert east of Palestine by the Blessed Virgin as a hermitess in absolute solitude for forty-seven years 469 St. Abundius Greek priest bishop noted theologian obvious intellect and holiness attended Councils of Chalcedon and Milan 490 Monitor of Orlèans Twelfth bishop of Orlèans B (RM) (Benedictines) 573 St. Nicetius bishop of Lyons extensive revival of ecclesiastical chant Humility assiduous prayer Great miracles confirmed the opinion of his sanctity 6th v. St. Musa Virgin child of Rome; a great mystic, visions and ecstasies, reported by St. Gregory I the Great St. Bronach The "Virgin of Glen Seichis," Irish mystic listed in martyrologies of Tallaght /Donegal 653 & 638 St. Longis & Agnofleda Confessors of Christ Spes martyred during the persecutions at Les Andelys (Eure) Natalene Martyr of Pamiers M (RM) (also known as Lene) 9th v. Saint Titus the Wonderworker displayed zeal for the monastic life from his youth 952 Anba Macarius, the Fifty-Ninth Pope of Alexandria; The Departure of . 10th v Theoctista A nun of Lesbos a hermitess on the Isle of Paros simili to Saint Mary of Egypt V (RM) XII v. Sainted Savva, Archbishop of Surozh (now the city of Sudak), lived in the Crimea (early XII v.) 1507 St. Francis of Paola hermit foundation of the Minimi fratres ('least brothers') penance, charity, humility many miracles gifts of prophesy insight into men's hearts uncorrupt 25 years but burned by Hugenots 1815 BD LEOPOLD OF GAICHE founded house for missioners and preachers could retire for their annual retreat other brethren and friends of the order could come for spiritual refreshment; numerous miracles reported at grave 1839 St. Dominic Tuoc 3rd order Dominican martyr Vietnam native 1968 The Apparition of the Pure Lady the Virgin in the church of Zeiton. APRIL 03 Holy Week: A Liturgical Explanation for the Days of Holy Week 1st v Pancras of Taormina Antiochene by birth Saint Peter consecrated bishop sent to Sicily BM (RM) 127 Sixtus I, Pope survived as pope for about 10 years before being killed by the Roman authorities Tauroménii, in Sicília, sancti Pancrátii Epíscopi 304 St. Agape and her sisters Chionia and Irene, Christians of Thessalonica, Macedonia convicted possessing texts of the Scriptures 304 St. Vulpian Syrian Martyr firmly confessed Jesus as Lord before the judge Urbanus Evagrius and Benignus Martyrs at Tomi on the Black Sea MM (RM) 307 Holy Martyr Theodosia of Tyre suffered for the faith Elpidiphoros, Dios, Bythonios and Galikos The Holy Martyrs suffered for their confession of faith in Jesus Christ sancti Nicétæ Abbátis In monastério Medícii, in Bithynia, deposítio, qui ob cultum sanctárum Imáginum, sub Leóne Arméno, multa passus est, ac tandem, juxta Constantinópolim, Conféssor quiévit in pace. 695 St. Fara Burgundofara (Fara) convent Abbess 37 yrs Many English princess-nuns and nun-saints were trained under her, including Saints Gibitrudis, Sethrida, Ethelburga, Ercongotha, Hildelid, Sisetrudis, Hercantrudis, and others miracles after death: 800 Saint Attala monk and of a monastery at Taormina abbot , Sicily Benedictine , OSB Abbot (AC) Monk Illyrikos the Wonderworker asceticised on Mount Marsion in the Peloponessus. 824 St. Nicetas Abbot From Caesarea Bithynia modern Turkey opposed Iconoclast policies of Emperor Leo V the Armenian 1253 St. Richard of Wyche Ph.D. Priest missionary bishop denounced nepotism, insisted on strict clerical discipline, ever generous to poor and needy Many miracles healing recorded during lifetime more after death. Richard was deep in the hearts of his people, the sort of saint that anyone can recognize by his simplicity, holiness, and endless charity to the poor 1260 Blessed Gandulphus of Binasco Franciscan while Saint Francis was still alive preaching in Sicily hermit OFM 1271 Blessed John of Penna priest founding several Franciscan houses visions gift of prophecywon all hearts by his exemplary life as well as by his kindly and courteous manners; aridity and a painful lingering illness; spiritual consolations assurance that he accomplished his purgatory on earth his cell was illuminated with a celestial light OFM (AC) 1458 Blessed Alexandrina di Letto nun abbess founder Poor Clare initiated a new Franciscan reform (PC) 1492 The Monk Nektarii of Bezhetsk a monastic of the Trinity-Sergiev monastery 1589 St. Bendict the Black Franciscan lay brother superior obscure and humble cook holiness reputation for miracles patron of African-Americans in the United States incorrupt 17th v. Martyred Monastic Fathers of the Davido-Garedzh Lavra 6,000+, accepted martyr's death in Gruzia (Georgia) for confessing the Christian faith APRIL 04 303 St. Agathopus deacon & Theodulus doctor Martyrs for professing the faith The Icon of the Mother of God, named "Gerontissa" ("Staritsa" -- "Nastoyatel'nitsa", "Head" -- "Elderess") 342 The Holy Martyress Pherbutha and her Sister and Servants accepted a martyr's death for Christ between the years 341 and 343 395 St. Theonas of Egypt monk in the Thebaid Egypt 397 Medioláni deposítio sancti Ambrósii Epíscopi, Confessóris et Ecclésiæ Doctóris; 420 The Departure of St. Euphrasia (Eupraxia) humility and obedience daughter of noble family in Rome related to Emperor Honorius God granted her gift of healing the sick 5th v. St. Zosimus hermit took care of funeral arrangements of St. Mary of Egypt 549 Saint Tigernach monk bishop 636 St. Isidore of Seville Doctor of the Church In a unique move, he made sure that all branches of knowledge including the arts and medicine were taught in the seminaries 752 St. Hildebert Benedictine abbot martyr for his defense of the holy images 813 St. Plato Greek monk abbot at the monastery Symboleon Prayer pious reading were the delight of his soul He served as abbot of several monasteries 9th v. The Monk George lived during the IX Century at a monastery on Mount Malea in the Peloponessus 863 Saint Joseph the Hymnographer, "the sweet-voiced nightingale of the Church," 9th v St. Gwerir Hermit of Cornwall England King Alfred the Great reportedly cured of an illness at Gwerir’s grave 1105 Blessed Aleth of Dijon Mother of Saint Bernard Widow (PC) 1115 Bl. Peter Bishop of Poitiers fearless prelate who publicly denounced the sacrilegious tyranny 1190 Blessed Henry of Gheest The relics of the Cistercian monk Henry of Villers in the diocese of Namur were solemnly raised in 1599 14th v. Saint Joseph the Much-Ailing vowed that if the Lord granted him health, he would then serve the brethren of the Kiev Caves monastery until the end of his days. 1550 The Monk Zosima of Vorbozomsk founder of a monastery in honour of the Annuniciation of the Most Holy Mother of God on an island in Lake Vorbozoma 1550 The Monk Jakov of Galich asceticised during the XV-XVI Centuries at the Starotorzhsk monastery in the city of Galich in the Kostroma district 16th v. Sainted Theon asceticised during the XVI Century on Athos, at first in the monastery of the Pantokrator 1589 St. Bendict the Black Franciscan lay brother superior obscure and humble cook holiness reputation for miracles patron of African-Americans in the United States 1726 The Departure of Pope Peter VI, the One Hundred and Fourth Pope of Alexandria. 1808 The Priest Martyr Nikita, a Slav from Albania, asceticised at the end of the XVIII Century at Athos in the Russian Panteleimonov monastery 1958 Blessed Gaetano Catanoso reputation for holiness as a parish priest crusaded for observance of liturgical feasts service to poor children, priests, and the elderly (AC) APRIL 05 Kasperov Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos brought to Cherson from Transylvania by a Serb end 16th v. St John the Baptist and St Tatiana on painting 130 St. Theodore and Pausilippus Martyrs slain during the reign of Hadrian at Byzantium 303 Agathopodes the Deacon and Theodulus the Reader Holy Martyrs righteous lives and pious fearlessly continued to proclaim the Gospel miracle of the ring of God 304 Irene martyred for protecting sacred scriptures VM (RM) St. Zeno Martyrs of Lesbos 5 virgin Christian maidens martyred for the faith on the Greek island 350 Saint Mark born in Athens desert monk moved mountain 2.5 km He related his life to Abba Serapion who, by the will of God, visited him before his death 375 Saint Publius lived a life of asceticism in the Egyptian desert during reign of emperor Julian Apostate (361-363) 459 Martyrs of Africa large group of Christians were martyred on Easter Sunday while hearing Mass 5th 6th v St. Derferl-Gadarn soldier monk 597 St. Becan great champion of virtue 1/12 Twelve Apostles of Ireland 647 Ethelburga of Lyminge founded an abbey at Lyminge abbess 814 Saint Platon honored as a Confessor because of his fearless defense of the holy icons Saint Theodora of Thessalonica obedient to all, especially to the abbess Many miracles were worked through St Theodora's holy relics 875 Clarus of Rouen first a monk and then a hermit in the diocese of Rouen then roamed throughout the countryside preaching the Good News OSB M (RM) 1095 Saint Gerald of Sauve-Majeure monk cellarer of abbey Corbie; founded, directed, Benedictine Abbey of Grande -Sauveabbot author of a hagiology 1127 St. Albert of Montecorvino Bishop visions miracle worker heroic patience 1162 Blessed Sighardus of Bonlieu founded the abbey of Carbon-Blanc (Bonlieu) 1258 Blessed Juliana of Mount Cornillon visions in which Jesus pointed out that there was no feast in honor of the Blessed Sacrament OSA V (AC) 14th v Blessed Blaise of Auvergne impassioned Dominican preacher disciple of Saint Vincent Ferrer 14th v Blessed Antony Fuster called 'the Angel of Peace.' disciple of Saint Vincent Ferrer 1419 St. Vincent Ferrer Patron of Builders Dominican at 19 simply "going through the world preaching Christ," eloquent
and fiery preacher St Vincent declared himself to be the
angel of the Judgement foretold by St John (Apoc. xiv 6). As some
of his hearers began to protest, he summoned the bearers who were
carrying a dead woman to her burial and adjured the corpse to testify
to the truth of his words. The body was seen to revive for a moment
to give the confirmation required, and then to close its eyes once
more in death. It is almost unnecessary to add that the saint laid no
claim to the nature of a celestial being, but only to the angelic office
of a messenger or herald—believing, as he did, that he was the instrument
chosen by God to announce the impending end of the world.
1422 Blessed Peter
Cerdan accompanied Saint Vincent Ferrer in his travels
OP (AC) Probus and Grace traditionally considered to be a Welsh
husband and wife duo (AC)1574 St. Catherine Thomas Orphan strange phenomena mystical experiences visits from angels, Saint Anthony of Padua and Saint Catherine gifts of visions and prophecy 1582 Martyrs of London Three groups of martyrs who were put to death in the late sixteenth century in London by English authorities 1607 Patriarch Job After his death relics were buried by the western doors of the Dormition Church monastery in Staritsa Many miracles took place at his grave incorrupt 1744 Blessed Crescentia Höss, OFM Tert. blessed by celestial visions V (AC) APRIL 06 3rd v. Jeremiah and the Priest Archilius (Alchimius) The Holy Martyrs suffered martyrdom 308 St. Platonides Deaconess foundress Mesopotamia 345 The 120 Martyrs in Persia under King Shapur II 4th century St. Rufina Martyr with 10 companions province of Pannonia 4th v. St. Florentius with Geminianus and Saturus Martyrs. They suffered at Sirmium. 345 Sts. Timothy & Diogenes murdered by pagans at Philippi In Macedonia 413 Marcellinus of Carthage ordered Donatists return to the Catholic faith; Agustine dedicated City of God to him 432 Celestine I Pope treatise against semi-Pelagianism St. Ulehad Patron saint of Liechulched church on Anglesey Island, Wales (Uchal in some lists). 515 Amandus of Bergamo Count of Grisalba near Bergamo (Benedictines) 582 Eutychius of Constantinople worked many miracles; healings; opposed Justinian's interference; vigorously denounced Aphthartodocetism [asartodoketai] or "imperishability" which taught that the flesh of Christ, before His death on the Cross and Resurrection, was imperishable and not capable of suffering 650 St. Winebald Hermit abbot Benedictine 720 Saint Gennard of Flay monk OSB Abbot St. Brychan King of Wales, undocumented but popular saint credited with having 24 children, all saints. 840 St. Berthane monk of Iona bishop of Kirkwall in the Orkneys 861 ST PRUDENTIUS, Bishop of Troyes 885 Saint Methodius, Archbishop of Moravia Life found May 11, when commemorated with Cyril, Teacher of Slavs 861 Prudentius Galindo became widely known by his writings 912 Notker Balbulus originator of the liturgical sequences composed both words and music OSB 940 Urban of Peñalba initiate a revival within the Benedictine order OSB Abbot 981 St. Elstan Benedictine Bishop of Winchester model of blind obedience 1203 St. William of Eskilsoe reforming the canons life of prayer and austere mortification never approached the altar without watering it with his tears, offering himself to God in the spirit of adoration and sacrifice 1252 St. Peter of Verona inquisitor inspiring sermons martyr accepted into the Dominican Order by St. Dominic
Medioláni pássio sancti Petri, ex Ordine Prædicatórum,
Mártyris, qui ab hæréticis, ob fidem
cathólicam, interémptus est. Ipsíus
tamen festívitas recólitur tértio Kaléndas
Maji.
Saint Gregory
native of Constantinople pursued an ascetic life on
Mt. Athos in the Lavra of St AthanasiusAt Milan, the passion of St. Peter, a martyr belonging to the Order of Preachers, who was slain by the heretics for his Catholic faith. His feast, however, is kept on the 29th of April. 1478 Blessed Catherine of Pallanza hermit commune under Augustinian Rule fought epidemics 1744 St. Crescentia Hoess, humble, crippled; wise enough to balance worldly skills with acumen in spiritual matters; heads of State and Church both sought her advice. 1857 St. Paul Tinh native Vietnamese priest martyr 1896 Blessed Zefirino Agostini first priority to develop relationship with God through personal prayer because God was the source of joy and power to do good APRIL 07 Holy
Week: A Liturgical Explanation for the Days of Holy
Week
descent_into_hades180 Saint Hegesippus Father of Church History Jewish convert {Eusebius drew heavily on his writings for Ecclesiastical History (Book I through Book X)} St. Epiphanius African bishop with 13 members of his flock were martyred St. Pelagius Egyptian priest martyr refusing to abjure the faith unknown 303 St. Calliopus Martyr at Pompeiopolis crucified upside down because of his fidelity to the Cross holy mother died on same day buried with son 310 Rufinus the Deacon, the Martyr Aquilina and converted 200 soldiers to Christ by their miracles 310 St. Peleusius priest Martyr of Alexandria St. Cyriacus Martyr with ten companions at Nicomedia 345 Saint Aphraates Persian hermit convert struggle against Arian heresy oldest extant Church document in Syria; miracles 356 St. Saturninus Bishop of Verona 5th v St. Brynach Celtic hermit in Wales constant communication with angels 6th v Saint Finan Disciple of St. Brendan abbot founder 568 Villicus of Metz praised for his virtues by Venantius Fortunatus B (AC) 6th v St. Goran Missionary of district of Cornwall friend of Saint Patrick 6th v Saint Finan Disciple of St. Brendan abbot founder 6th v Llewellwyn (LLywelyn) & Gwrnerth Welsh monks at Welshpool and afterwards at Bardsey (Benedictines) 816 George the Younger Bishop George of Mitylene, Lesbos Island B 888 St. Gibardus Benedictine abbot of Luxeuil martyred and his monks during the invasion of the Huns 1078 Blessed Eberhard of Schaeffhausen protected and built convents OSB Monk (PC) 1129 St. Celsus hereditary abbacy of Armagh in 1105 elected Bishop at 26 in 1106 effected many reforms to restore ecclesiastical discipline Blessed Christian priest of Douai Date PC 1140 St. Aibert Benedictine ascetic monk 23 years then recluse; two Masses each day, one for living, second for dead 1140 Aybert of Crespin private in prayer & fasts devotional practice recite the Ave Maria 50 times in succession connected with origin of rosary 1241 St. Herman Joseph Praemonstratensian and mystic visions of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph 1410 Bl. Ursulina mystic accustomed to visions and ecstasies tried to end the scandals of the "Babylonian Captivity" 1411 Blessed William Cufitella Franciscan tertiary hermit at Scicli 70 yrs OFM 1508 Nilus of Sora study, translation, diffusion of Greek ascetical writings canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church 1540 Saint Daniel of Pereslavl monk in monastery of St Paphnutius of Borovsk dedicated to love for neighbor buried the neglected, the poor, and those without family: founded a monastery on the site of the cemetery 1595 St. Henry Walpole Jesuit missionary 1/40 Martyrs of England and Wales 1595 Bl. Alexander Rawlins Martyr missionary fervent Catholicism 1606 Bl. Edward Oldcorne Jesuit & Ralph Ashley Jesuit lay- brother English martyrs alleged involve Gunpowder Plot 1719 ST JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE, FOUNDER OF THE BROTHERS OF THE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS 1919 Blessed Josaphata Micheline Hordashevska 1925 St Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow Apostle to America led austere and chaste life; kindest of the Russian hierarchs "May God teach every one of us to strive for His truth, and for the good of the Holy Church, rather than something for our own sake." APRIL 08 Pascha (Easter) Enjoy ye all the feast of faith; receive ye all the riches of loving-kindness. (Sermon of St John Chrysostom, read at Paschal Matins) 1st v. TORQUATUS AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS Saints Herodion (Rodion), Agabus, Asyncritus, Rufus, Phlegon and Hermes are among the Seventy Apostles, chosen by Christ and sent out by Him to preach All these disciples for their intrepid service to Christ underwent fierce sufferings and were found worthy of a martyr's crown. 117-138 The Holy Martyr Pausilippus martyred for the faith prayed ferventl that the Lord grant him a quick death Lord granted it 170 St. Dionysius of Corinth Bishop of Corinth, Greece, famed for his letters commemorated the martyrdom of Sts. Peter and Paul. 306 St. Aedesius Martyred brother of St. Apphian publicly rebuked Roman officials placing Christian virgins in brothels St. Concessa A martyr venerated in Carthage. St. Januarius, Maxima, and Macaria 3 African martyrs who were executed in an uncertian year during the Roman persecutions. 422 Kallistus I. Er verwaltete die Begräbnisstätten an der Via Appa, die heute Kalixtus -Katakomben heißen 432 Saint Celestine Pope of Rome (422-432) zealous champion of Orthodoxy virtuous life theologian authority denounced the Nestorian heresy 494 St. Perpetuus Bishop of Rours a man of great sanctity enforced clerical discipline regulated feast days rebuilt the basilica of St. Martin 586 St. Redemptus Bishop of Ferentini, near Rome, Italy known mainly because his friend Pope St. Gregory I the Great wrote of his holiness. 690 Julian von Toledo Erzbischof In seiner Amtszeit leitete er 4 nationale Synoden förderte den mozarabischen Ritus und verfaßte mehrere theologische Werke 1095 St. Walter of Pontoise continued to live a life of mortification, spending entire nights in prayer establishing the foundation of a convent in honor of Mary at Bertaucourt 1156 Saint Niphon peacemaker reminded Russian bishops tradition of the Russian Church had received the Orthodox Faith from Constantinople however, in 1448, the Russian Church began primates without confirmation from Constantinople he uprooted the passions through fasting, vigil, and prayer, and adorned himself with every virtue 1291 Blessed Clement of Saint Elpidio considered the second founder of the Augustinians OSA (AC) 14th v. Saint Rufus the Obedient, Hermit of the Caves 1606 Blessed Julian of Saint Augustine Dominican Order as a lay-brother at Santorcaz, OFM (AC) 1669 The Holy Martyr John the Shipmaster (Naukleros) suffered a psychological sickness martyr in the city of Koe. 1816 St. Julie Billiart vision of crucified Lord with group wearing habits of Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur which she founded great love for Jesus in the Eucharist carried on this mission of teaching throughout her life although occasionally paralyzed and sick most of the time. APRIL 09 Holy
Week: A Liturgical Explanation for the Days of Holy
Week
1st v. St. Mary
Cleophas Mother of St. James the Less and Joseph, wife
of Cleophas. She was one of the “Three Marys” who served Jesus
and was present at the Crucifixion, accompanied Mary Magdalen to the
tomb of Christ.1st v. Prochorus of Nicomedia One of the seven deacons ordained the by Apostles martyred at Antioch BM (RM) 303 Martyrs of Sirmium modem Mitrovica, in the Balkans Hermogenes, Caius & Companions Armenian martyrs who are believed to have suffered at Melitene MM (RM) Massylitan Martyrs African martyrs, although they are mentioned by Saint Bede, by Saint Augustine and in ancient calendars (RM) Bishop Desan, Presbyter Mariabus, Abdiesus, and 270 Others Holy Martyrs Put to death under the Persian emperor Sapor II 362 St. Eupsychius Martyr of Caesarea, in Cappadocia destruction of the temple of the goddess Fortuna Sírmii pássio sanctárum septem Vírginum et Mártyrum, quæ, dato simul prétio sánguinis, vitam mercátæ sunt ætérnam. At Sirmio, seven holy virgins and martyrs, who purchased eternal life together at the price of their own blood. 362 Roman Captives Nine thousand Christians, including Bishop Heliodorus, the ancient priests Dausas and Mariabus, and many other priests and nuns, were captured by Persians who besieged Bethzarbe Castle on the Tigris
Monk Martyr Archimandrite Bademus
(Vadim) was born in the fourth century in the Persian
city of Bithlapata, and was descended from a rich and illustrious
family. In his youth, he was enlightened with the Christian teaching.
The saint gave away all his wealth to the poor and withdrew into
the wilderness, where he founded a monastery. He would go up on
a mountain for solitary prayer, and once was permitted to behold the
Glory of God. >>
St. Demetrius Martyr with Concessus, Hilary, and companions. 421 St. Acacius bishop of Amida (Diarbekir), Mesopotamia sold sacred vessels of church aid victims of Persian persecution. 5th v. St. Madrun A Welsh or Cornish widow. No details of her life are extant, but some Welsh churches bear her name. 474 Marcellus of Avignon suffered much from the Arians and died after a long episcopate B (RM) 6th v. St. Dotto Abbot of a monastery of the Orkney Islands of Scotland. 688 St. Waldetrudis ist Patronin von Mons 7 saints in family renowned for holiness and miracles. 730 St. Hugh of Rouen Benedictine bishop of Rouen, Paris, and Bayeux, France, a nephew of Charles Martel Martyrs of Pannonia A group of seven Christian men and women who died at Sirmium in Pannonia, on the Danube. 870 St. Hedda Martyred Benedictine abbot of Peterborough, England. He and eighty four monks were slain by Danes marauding the English coast 1050 St. Casilda Spanish martyr native of Toledo of Moorish parentage became a Christian and a hermitess near Briviesca, Burgos venerated in Burgos and Toledo. 1140 St. Gaucherius hermit in the forest of Limoges with a companion founded St. John’s Monastery at Aureilfor and a convent for women 1315 Blessed Ubald Adimari converted by Saint Philip Benizi, who admitted him to the Servite institute model to penitent souls OSM (AC) 1322 Bl. Thomas of Tolentino preach in the difficult regions of Armenia and Persia (modern Iran) set out for China beheaded at Thame in Hindustan 1331 Blessed John of Vespignano devoted himself to works of charity among the refugees who flocked to Florence 1348 Blessed Reginald Montesmarti, OP (AC) 1374 Blessed Antony of Pavoni consistent poverty of Antony's life & example of Christian virtue combatting heresies of Lombards OP At Rome, the transferring of the body of St. Monica, mother of the bishop St. Augustine. It was brought from Ostia to Rome, under the Sovereign Pontiff, Martin V, and buried with due honours in the church of St. Augustine. 1463 Saint Eleni (also called Susanna) is one of the New Martyrs of Lesbos who are commemorated on Bright Tuesday 1945 Dietrich Bonhoeffer Lektor an der Berliner Universität für aktiven Widerstand gegen das Unrechtsregime ein ermordet in das Konzentrationslager Flossenbürg. APRIL 10 6th v. BC. Apud Babylónem sancti Ezechiélis Prophétæ, qui, a Júdice pópuli Israël, quod eum de cultu idolórum argúeret, interféctus, in sepúlcro Sem et Arpháxad, Abrahæ progenitórum, VII B.C. The Holy Prophetess Oldama (Huldah) lived in the first half profesied to Josiah he would not see the Woe Martyrdom of St. James the Apostle Brother of St. John the Apostle. copticchurch.net 115 Martyrs of Rome Saint Alexander while imprisoned he preached to criminals they converted and baptized 250 St. Apollonius A priest in Egypt, martyred in Alexandria with 5 companions 250 St. Terence With Africanus, Pompeius, and companions, a group of fifty martyrs 305 St. Apollonius Martyr of Egypt with Philemon deacon inAntinopolis Faiyoum 380 The Holy Martyrs James the Presbyter and deacons Azadanes and Abdikius 380 St Bademus of Persia founded and governed an abbey near Bethlapeta in Persia Abbot M (AC) 661 St. Palladius Bishop of Auxerre, France abbot of St. Germanus until 622, then bishop of the city 870 St. Beocca martyr of England with Ethor, lledda, Torthred, ninety monks died in Surrey, and others 883 Bede the Younger chief official at the court of the French Charles the Bald OSB Monk (AC) 1012 St. Macarius the Ghent Bishop of Antioch in Pisidia performing miracles throughout Europe 1028 St. Fulbert Bishop of Chartres France poet scholar aided Cluniac Reform defended monasticism orthodoxy 1058 St. Paternus Irish/Scottish hermit obedience to vow of enclosure caused death monastery caught fire 1110 Saint Malchus of Waterford Irish consecrated the first bishop of Waterford by Saint Anselm OSB B 1386 In the 14th century, during the reign of King Bagrat V (1360–1394), Timur (Tamerlane) invaded Georgia 7 times troops inflicted irreparable damage on country seizing centuries-old treasures razing ancient churches monasteries. 1463 Commemoration of Sts Raphael, Nicholas and Irene of Lesbos (also April 9) 1479 Blessed Mark Fantucci preached throughout Italy, Istria, and Dalmatia. He also visited the friars in Austria, Poland, Russia, and the Levant OFM 1460 Bl. Anthony Neyrot Dominican martyr in Tunis modem Tunisia 1616 Georgia's monasteries and monks destroyed by enormous Persian army 1625 St. Michael de Sanctis life of exemplary fervor devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament ecstacies during Mass many miracles After his death at 35 1763 The Holy Martyr Dimos (Demos) a fisherman renounced false charge and confessed his Christianity martyred by turks buried in the church of Saint George 1821 Priest Martyr Gregory V, Patriarch of Constantinople "I sense... fishes of the Bosphorus will nibble at my body, but I shall die happy in the name of saving my nation". 1835 Saint Madelaine was an orphan taught catechism and nursed the sick in Verona, Venice, Milan, and China Order of the Daughters of Charity APRIL 11 Pope St. Leo I (the Great) "And to the angel of the Church of Pergamum write:
"the words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. I know
where you live, where the throne of Satan is, and you cleave
unto My Name, and have not renounced My faith, even in those days
when Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where
Satan dwells" (Rev 2:12-13). St. Antipas
63. St. Domnio
Possibly first bishop of Salona and one of 72 disciples
of Christ sent to Dalmatia, a region in Croatia, by St. Peter67 Sts. Processus and Martinian pagans guards at Mamertine prison in Rome accepted holy Baptism from Peter 68 St. Antipas Martyr and disciple of St. John the Apostle who called Antipas "my faithful witness." body untouched bby fire - tomb was the site of many miracles 180 St. Philip of Gortyna Bishop of Gortyna, Crete. Little known except his authorship of a now lost treatise against Marcionite Gnostics. 4th v. Saint Pharmuphios lived at the same desert monastery where St John (March 29) lived asceticism within a well, whom St Pharmuphios gave food. 5th v. St. Machai Abbot founder of a monastery on the isle of Bute in Ireland disciple of St. Patrick. and leader of the evangelical mission there 6th . St. Maedhog Irish abbot also called Aedhan or Mogue ruled Clonmore Abbey Ireland associated with Sts. Oncho and Finan Aid of Achad-Finglas Abbot Saint Aid of Achard-Finglas, County Carlow, Ireland (AC) 300 Eustorgius a priest of Nicomedia, Asia Minor M (RM) 550 Isaac of Spoleto a Syrian monk “A monk who wants earthly possessions is not a monk at all”. The holy man endowed with gifts of prophecy and miracles 550 St. Barsanuphius Hermit of Gaza, in Israel Egyptian renowned for holiness and wisdom refusing to speak communicating only in writing existing without food or water. 680 Agericus of Tours disciple of Saint Eligius abbot of Saint Martin's in Tours, France, and spent himself entirely for his abbey OSB (PC) 700 St. Godebertha establishing a convent in Noyon abbess miracle worker who stopped a plague and a raging fire 714 St. Guthlac of Croyland, OSB Hermit imitate rigors of old desert fathers "Those who choose to live apart from other humans become the friends of wild animals; and the angels visit them, too- -for those who are often visited by men and women are rarely visited by angels." prophet visions incorrupt 1079 St. Stanislaus ordained at Szczepanow near Cracow noted for preaching sought after spiritual adviser martyred by cruel King 1138 Blessed Waltmann of Cambrai accompanied Saint Norbert to Cambrai preach against heresy O. Praem., Abbot 1146 The Departure of the holy father Anba Michael, the Seventy First Pope of the See of St. Mark. {Coptic church} 1209 Blesseds Stephen abbot & Hilderbrand one of his monks, were killed by the Albigenses at Saint-Gilles, Languedoc OSB Cist. MM (PC) 1237 Blessed Raynerius Inclusus, Hermit (i.e., 'shut up') hermit in a cell near the cathedral of Osnabrück heavy chains next to his skin (AC) 1303 Blessed John of Cupramontana cave of Cupramonatan on Mount Massaccio for many years as a Camaldolese monk -hermit XIV v. The Monk Jakov of Bryleevsk was a disciple of the Monk Jakov of Zheleznoborovsk founded the Bryleevsk wilderness-monastery 1442 Saint James of Zhelezny Bor sanctity prophet years of common ascetical efforts monks entreated St James to be their igumen ordained a priest XVI v. The Monk Evphymii {Euphymius} and disciple Monk Khariton example to the brethren in prayer, and in works of construction and supervision 1576 Saint Barsanuphius of Tver captured by the Crimean Tatars After 3years John's father ransomed him became a monk proficient in virtue and piety 1576 Sainted Varsonophii bishop of Tver died at the Transfiguration monastery founded by him in the city of Kazan in the year 1576 1608 Blessed George Gervase adventurous career with Francis Drake ordained to the priesthood and died for his priesthood OSB M (AC) 1771 St. Mary Margaret d'Youville Foundress of the Sisters of Charity directress of Montreal’s General Hospital, operated by her community 1845 holy monastic Fathers Saints Theocharis and Apostolos are local saints of Arta On Bright Wednesday we commemorate them 1878 George Augustus Selwyn studierte in Cambridge und wurde 1833 zum Diakon und 1834 zum Priester geweiht 1841 wurde er zum ersten Bischof Neuseelands ernannt 1903 St. Gemma Galgani stigmata many mystical experiences and special graces Gemma was miraculously cured by the Venerable Passionist Gabriel Possenti APRIL 12 Agathonica, Papylus (Pamfilus), Carpus & Companions MM (RM) 250 St. Vissia Virgin martyr put to death at Fermo near Ancona, Italy during persecutions of Emperor Trajanus Decius 300 St. Victor Martyr a catechumen put to death during the reign of Diocletian in Portugal. 303 Maximus, Dadas & Quintilianus brothers from Dorostorum (now Silistraia MM (RM) 336 St. Julius elected Pope to succeed Pope St. Mark on February 6, 337 built several basilicas and churches in Rome declared that Athanasius was the rightful bishop of Alexandria and reinstated him 371 St. Zeno Bishop of Verona, Italy, opponent of Arianism promoted discipline among clergy in liturgical life built cathedral founded convent wrote extensively on virgin birth of Christ 372 St. Sabas & 50 others Goth converted to Christianity lector in Targoviste Romania martyr in the area of modern Romania by pagan Goths 396 Ursus Bishop of Ravenna 20 yrs revived celebration feasts of the saints in city B (RM) 530 Martius, Abbot (also known as Mars) sober-minded austere native of Auvergne hermit attracted disciples. 560 Isaak der Syrer/Isaak vom Monte Luco Er kam (auf der Flucht vor den Monophysiten?) aus Syrien nach Spoleto (Italien) 586 Hermenegild, King conversion to orthodox Christianity from Visigoth Arian M (RM) 655 Martin I, Pope died in the Crimea great intellect and charity the last pope to die a martyr M (RM) 690 St. Wigbert Missionary An Anglo-Saxon went to Ireland disciple of St. Egbert before journeying to Friesland Netherlands spent time his time as a missionary died in Ireland. 707 St. Tetricus Benedictine of the monastery of St. Gerrnanus at Auxerre and bishop of the city by popular acclaim, as well, serving with much distinction 7th v. The Monk Martyrs David and John Menas lived in Palestine when Jerusalem was captured by the Arabs 710 St. Damian Bishop of Pavia, in Lombardy, Italy elected to that see mediator between Lombards and emperors of the Byzantine Empire also opposed the heretical Monotheists 714 St. Erkemboden Benedictine bishop of Therouanne France originally a monk of St. Sithin at St. Omer France succeeding St. Bertinus as abbot 801 Saint Anthusa of Constantinople an example of humility daughter of Iconoclast emperor Constantine Copronymos (741-775) and his first wife 8th v. St Basil the Confessor elected as bishop by the inhabitants of Parium icon veneration suffered much persecution, hunger and deprivation 838 Guinoc of Scotland Bishop commemorated in the Aberdeen breviary B (AC) 860 Saint Athanasia abbess of a monastery on the island of Aegina in the ninth century granted the gift of healing by God she built three churches. 1050 St. Allerius Hermit founded Benedictine Abbey of La Cava vowed to become a monk if cured kept his oath when restored to good health 1113 Blessed Ida of Boulogne, Widow Ida, daughter of Duke Godfrey IV (Dode) of Lorraine, descendent of Blessed Charlemagne. (AC) 11th v. 13th v. SS. ALFERIUS AND OTHERS, ABBOTS OF LA CAVA St Alferius, the founder of the abbey, although his immediate successors, Leo I of Lucca, Peter I of Polycastro and Constabilis of Castelabbate were all saints; whilst eight later abbots, Simeon, Falco, Marinus, Benincasa, Peter II, Balsamus, Leonard and Leo II all received the title of Blessed. OF the holy abbots of La Cava who are honoured upon April 12, November 16 and other dates a special notice can only be given here of St Alferius, the founder of the abbey, although his immediate successors, Leo I of Lucca, Peter I of Polycastro and Constabilis of Castelabbate were all saints; whilst eight later abbots, Simeon, Falco, Marinus, Benincasa, Peter II, Balsamus, Leonard and Leo II all received the title of Blessed. Apud Vapíngum óppidum, in Gállia, sancti Constantíni, Epíscopi et Confessóris. At the town of Gap in France, St. Constantine, bishop and confessor. 1300 Blessed Ida of Louvain, OSB Cist. V (PC) 1320 Blessed Margaret of Città di Castello born blind abandoned at 5 in church became influence for good in any group of children number of miracles still incorrupt V (AC) 1392 Blessed James of Certaldo joined Camaldolese Benedictines at abbey Saints Clement and Justus-example led father and brother to join the abbey as lay brothers OSB Cam. (AC) 1480
BD ANDREW
OF MONTEREAL Augustinian roll of honour describes him as
“remarkable for his patience in suffering, for his extraordinary
austerity of life, for his great learning and especially for
his success in preaching the word of God” numerous were the miracles wrought beside
the bier
1642 Blessed Edward
Catherick priesthood at Douai returned to the mission
fields of England, where he worked from 1635 until his execution1495 BD ANGELO OF CHIVASSO; He always been humble: even as vicar general he would only wear the cast-off habits of others and delighted in doing the lowliest work. Now he begged to he allowed to go and beg for the poor; Franciscan friary of the Observance at Genoa 1642 Blessed John Lockwood English priesthood in Rome worked covertly in England for 44 years M (AC) 1730 Saint Acacius the New ascetic gifts of unceasing mental prayer and divine revelation monk at Holy Trinitymonastery of St Dionysius of Olympus St Maximus appeared repeatedly 1920 St. Teresa of Los Andes; Carmelite nun, Chile’s first saint. APRIL 13 1947 Jesus showed Mother Teresa what he desired from her 593 B.C. The Commemoration of the Great Prophet Ezekiel, the son of Buzi. 150 or 170 or 250 St. Carpus martyred in Pergamos with others bishop of Gurdos, Lydia 303 St. Maximus Martyr with his brothers Dadas Quintilian from Dorostorum (now Silistraia) on the Danube Bulgaria beheaded at Ozobia 303 The Hieromartyr Artemon was born of Christian parents in Laodicea, Syria many miracles talking animals etc. commemorated on March 24 on the Greek calendar. The Holy Martyr Crescens (Kreskes) was descended from an illustrious family and lived in Myra of Lycia 396 Saint Ursus of Ravenna revived celebration of the feasts B Romæ, in persecutióne Marci Antoníni Veri et Lúcii Aurélii Cómmodi, pássio sancti Justíni, Philósophi et Mártyris Pérgami, in Asia, in eádem persecutióne, natális sanctórum Mártyrum Carpi, Thyatirénsis Epíscopi, Pápyli Diáconi et Agathonícæ 476 The Holy martyr Thomais was born into a Christian family in the city of Alexandria raised in piety loved to read spiritual books miracle appeared after death 530 Saint Martius the hermit attracted disciples founded For them the friary of Clermont Abbot (RM 583-586 St. Hermengild Prince of Visigothic Spain arian convert martyred for his faith 656 Pope Saint Martin I martyred for defending dual nature of Jesus died at Kherson Crimea last pope die a martyr 838 Saint Guinoc Bishop of Scotland Guinoc's prayers helped king vanquish Picts B (AC 1113 Blessed Ida of Boulogne descendent of Blessed Charlemagne Benedictine oblate Widow (AC) 1124 St. Caradoc Welsh hermit harpist 1292 BD JAMES OF CERTALDO, ABBOT he early developed a vocation to the religious life: devotion and austerity greatly edified all who came into contact with him 1300 Blessed Ida of Louvain OSB Cist. V (PC) 1320 Blessed Margaret of Città di Castello born blind abandoned then adopted very holy favored with heavenly visions many miracles V (AC) 1392 Blessed James of Certaldo parish priest 40 yrs OSB Cam. (AC) 1642 Blessed Edward Catherick priest missionary 44 yrs English Martyr M (AC APRIL 14 descent_into
hades.jpg
69 St. Domnina Martyr with virgin companions 2nd v Fronto of Nitria desert father Hermit (RM) Sancti Justíni, Philósophi et Mártyris, cujus memória prídie hujus diéi recensétur. 190 St. Tiburtius Martyr with Valerian and Maximus 300 St. Ardalion martyr who professed Christ while performing on stage 319 Proculus of Terni martyrdom under Maxentius BM (RM) 364 Saint Azades (Azat) suffered martyrdom with 1000 other Christians wealthy man served in household of Shapur II of Persia, and enjoyed his confidence 476 St. Thomais Egyptian she is an ardent Christian martyr 495 St. Tassach Bishop first disciples of St. Patrick creating for croziers patens chalices credences shrines crosses 564 St. Abundius Confessor sacrist St. Peter's in Rome humble many graces spiritual gifts 655 Saint Martin the Confessor, Pope of Rome native of the Tuscany convened Lateran Council at Rome condemn Monothelite heresy last martyred Pope 688 St. Lambert of Lyon Benedictine monk founder archbishop 8th v. The Holy Martyr Christophoros Savvaites was murdered by Saracens in the VIII Century in Palestine. 1117 Saint Bernard of Thiron Benedictine Rule prior 20 yrs hermit OSB Abbot (AC) 1120 Blessed Lanvinus of Torre prior O.Cart. (AC) 1120 BD LANVINUS Carthusian monk, came to Rome and obtained from Pope Paschal a bull to protect the houses of the Carthusians from molestation 1124 Caradoc of Llandaff Abbot monk musician reputation for holiness miracles quieted wildest beasts healer incorrupt (AC) 1200 Saint Hedweg Premonstratensian nun abbess 1235 Blessed Conrad of Hildesheim earliest disciples of Saint Francis OFM (AC) 1241 Blessed Ralph of Sisteron monk abbot OSB Cist. B (AC) 1246 St. Peter Gonzalez Dominican evangelized protector of captive Muslims and cared for sailors 1342 Antony (Kukley) Eustace (Nizilon) and John (Milhey) martyred for their faith relics were found to be incorrupt 1433 St. Lydwine heroically accepted plight as will of God offered her sufferings for humanity's sins Jesus Christ confided in her She experienced mystical gifts, including supernatural visions of heaven, hell, purgatory, apparitions of Christ, and the stigmata Patron of sickness & skaters APRIL 15 The Departure of the Righteous Joachim, The Lord Christ Grandfather. Papa_Benedict_XVI_Joseph_Ratzinger Happy Birthday 62 Basilissa & Anastasia converted by preaching of SS. Peter and Paul MM buried their remains 67 Aristarchus, Pudas and Trophymos from the 70 Disciples whom the Lord Jesus Christ sent before him with the good-news of the Gospel (Lk. 10: 1-24). 99 Maro, Eutyches & Victorinus exile to Ponza island martyred in Rome MM (RM) 100 Holy Martyr Sukhios and 16 Gruzian (Georgian) Companions new names: to the eldest -- Sukhios (replacing his old name Bagadras), and companions Andrew, Anastasias, Talale, Theodorites, Juhirodion, Jordan, Kondrates, Lukian, Mimnenos, Nerangios, Polyeuktos, James, Phoki, Domentian, Victor and Zosima. Eutychius of Ferentino martyr in the Roman Campagna M (RM) 130 Theodore and Pausilipus Martyrs near Byzantium under Hadrian MM (RM) (Benedictines). St. Crescens of Myra martyred in Lycia Asia Minor M (RM) 251 St. Maximus & Olympiades Martyrs of Persia loyalty to the faith The Departure of St. Macrobius. 372 Sabas der Gote Er missionierte unter seinen Landsleuten und wurde deshalb vom Ostgotenkönig Athanarich zweimal verhaftet und ins Exil geschickt 485 Blessed Laurentinus Sossius five-year-old boy M (AC) 500 St. Paternus hermit founder bishop preaching charity mortifications 584 St. Ruadan 1/12 Apostles of Ireland abbot founder produced the masterpiece Stowe Missal 625 Silvester of Réome, Abbot (AC) 679 St. Hunna devoted herself to the poor of Strasbourg 829 Blessed Nidger of Augsburg bishop of Augsburg OSB B (AC) 962 St. Mundus Scottish abbot founded abbeys excellent maxims to fraternal charity meekness value of solitude need be aware of the Divine presence 1607 Blessed Caesar de Bus military priest teaching catechism to ordinary people in neglected rural out-of-the-way places 1889 Bl. Damien de Veuster of Hawaii evangelize peoples of Puno Kohala destroyed pagan worship and Hero of Molokai leper colony APRIL 16 April 16 – Death of Saint Bernadette Soubirous
in Nevers, France (1879)
St. Bernadette
Mary appeared
to Bernadette 18 times and spoke with her above a rose
bush in a grotto called Massabielle
3rd v St. Callistus & Charisius Martyrs
with 7 companions Corinth Greece for their faithdressed in blue and white with a rosary of ivory and gold. The Holy Martyress Irene suffered in Greece in the year 258 304 The Holy Martyrs Agape, Irene, and Chione sisters 304 18 Martyrs of Saragossa relics were found at Saragossa in 1389 (RM) 304 Caius and Crementius Martyrs at Saragossa died 2nd persecution that same year MM (RM) Ibídem sancti Lambérti Mártyris. In the same place, the martyr St. Lambert. 304 St. Encratia Spanish virgin martyr "her ardor in suffering for Christ." The Martyrdom of the 150 believers by the hand of king of Persia. {Coptic church} 460 St. Turibius of Astorga Bishop stern disciplinarian opponent of the heretical Priscillianist 5th v Paternus of Wales bold opponent of pagan kings never tiring preaching hoped they convert ) 500 Vaise by his family for distributing his property among the poor M (AC) 528 Turibius of Palencia abbot-founder of the great abbey of Liébana in Asturias Abbot (AC) 564 St. Paternus bishop of Avranches organized community of hermits; Paternus was elected abbot and busied himself founding other religious houses that had an excellent influence upon the paganism around him. At age seventy, Paternus was appointed bishop of Avranches and lived for thirteen years afterwards. We know that he attended a council in Paris, and he was probably brought into personal relation with King Childebert. He is said to have died at Eastertide on the same day as his friend St Scubilio, and they were both buried together in the church at Scissy. 665 Fructuosus of Braga Visigoth priest monk hermit B Abbot (RM) 900 St. Lambert of Saragossa servant Martyred by his Saracen master in Spain 1021 St. Herve Hermit monk at St. Martin of tours Abbey 1042 Blessed Elias of Cologne monk abbot archbishop OSB Abbot (AC) 1058 St. Paternus predicted death by fire in monastery would not break his vow of enclosure 1116 Magnus of Orkney Magnus stood against wanton violence and racism against foreigners) 1186 St. Drogo Flemish humble noble hermit 40 yrs penitential pilgrim, visiting shrines 1294 St. Contardo “the Pilgrim.” miracles were reported at his grave 1305 Blessed Joachim Piccolomini singular devotion to the Blessed Virgin charity for poor perfect model of conspicuous virtue OSM (RM) 1317 Blessed William Gnoffi extremely penitential life Hermit (AC) 1378 The Nun Theodora of Nizhegorod, in the world Anastasia (Vassa) entered the Nizhegorod Zachat'ev monastery attained the gift of humility and love 1513 Blessed Archangelo Canetuli archbishop-elect natural gift of fraternal love supernatural gift of prophecy OSA 1658 Ilyin_Chernigov_Icon_of_the_Mother_of_God 1692 Tambov Icon of the Mother of God 1772 The Holy Martyr Michael Burliotes 1783 St. Benedict Joseph Labré "the Beggar of Rome," a pilgrim recluse devoted to the Blessed Sacrament miracles soaring over the ground, as well as bilocation, is frequently attested in Benedict's case 1879 St. Bernadette Mary appeared to Bernadette 18 times and spoke with her above a rose bush in a grotto called Massabielle dressed in blue and white with a rosary of ivory and gold 1923 Isabella Gilmore wurde 1887 war die erste Diakonisse in der anglikanischen Kirche und bildete in Clapham in einem später Gilmore House genannten Gebäude Diakonissen April16 - Our Lady of Victories in the Church of St Mark (Venice, Italy) at Notre-Dame des Victoires During her pilgrimage to Rome, St Therese of Lisieux experienced Mary’s faithful tenderness, through Notre-Dame des Victoires (Our Lady of Victories): "The graces that she granted to me moved me so deeply and I was so happy, I cried like on the day of my First Communion. The Blessed Virgin led me to believe that it was really she herself who had smiled at me and had cured me. I understood that she had been watching over me, that I was her child, so much so that I could only call her “Mommy” because that name seemed to me so much tenderer than that of “Mother”. With what enthusiasm did I pray her to always keep me with her and to fulfill my dream by hiding me under her virginal cloak! Ah! This was one of my first desires as a child (...) as I grew older, I understood that it would be possible for me to find the Blessed Virgin’s cloak in the Carmel Convent and from that moment on all my desires were directed towards that fertile mountain." Excerpt from Saint Therese of Lisieux, Complete Works, (Œuvres complètes DDB) hgchangeme2011 APRIL 17 Pope Sinuthius (Shenouda I) the Fifty Fifth Patriarch commemoration of Wonder took place on his hand (Coptic) Tuesday of St Thomas week we remember those Orthodox Christians from all ages who have died in faith, and in the hope of resurrection. 155-166 St. Anicetus pope a Syrian from Emesa actively opposed Marcionism and Gnosticism 250 St. Mappalicus Martyr of Africa with 17 companions at Carthage 250 The Holy Martyr Adrian the holy martyr scattered the fire and wrecked the sacrifice 344 The Hieromartyr Simeon, Bishop of Persia & 1,150 Martyrs perished because refused to accept Persian religion 350 Innocent of Tortona priest for remaining steadfast to the Christian faith B (RM) St. Peter deacon and Hermogenes servant Roman martyrs Departure of St. Zosimus (Zocima). On this day in the middle of the fifth century the ascetic father and the struggling monk Abba Zocima the priest, departed (Coptic) 435 Saint Acacius, Bishop of Melitene support of Orthodoxy wonderworker made rain, checked flood, stopped dome from collapse 3rd Ecumenical Council 431 defended Orthodox teaching of 2 Natures (Divine /Human) of the Savior His seedless Birth from Most Holy Virgin Mother of God 536 Saint Agapitus wonderworker healer of the blind and lame defended the Orthodox teaching against the heretic Severus Bishop of Rome 7th v. St. Fortunatus & Marcian Martyrs of Antioch, in Syria, or of an African location. 540 Pantagathus of Vienne courtier of King Clovis priest bishop B (RM) 568 St. Villicus Bishop of Meta, France, from 543 616-618 Donnan & Companions Irishman monk converted Many to Christianity through efforts Eigg has remained Catholic "as if by special blessing of these martyrs" Saint Potentienne Christian virgin death in Spain 700-730 St. Landericus Benedictine bishop of Meaux 756 St. Wando Benedictine abbot of Fontenelle Abbey 856 St. Elias priest Spanish martyr with Paul and Isidore by the Moors 1067 St. Robert of Chaise Dieu priest canon Benedictine abbot founder love of the poor hospices housed 300 monks under the Benedictine Rule 1117 Blessed Gervinus of Oudenburg monk hermit governor of the abbey of Aldenbury (Oudenburg) in Flanders OSB 1134 Stephen Harding one of the founders of the Cistercians OSB Cist. Abbot (RM) 1178 Blessed Eberhard of Marchtal Premonstratensian monk O.Praem. (PC) 1367 Blessed James of Cerqueto Many miracles occurred at his tomb OSA (AC) 1419 Blessed Clare Gambacorta both devout and penitential Poor Clares OP Widow (AC) 1478 Saint Zosimas, Igumen of Solovki a great luminary of the Russian North founder of cenobitic monasticism on Solovki Island visionary predicted Novogorod nobles death fed by angels 1533 Saint Alexander of Svir died on August 30, 1533 incorrupt relics uncovered in 1641 during reconstruction of the Transfiguration cathedral 1805 Makarios von Korinth 1765 wurde er Erzbischof von Korinth gab neben vielen anderen Werken Dieses fand eine weite Verbreitung und prägt bis heute die Spiritualität der Ostkirche (Notaras) 1944 Max Joseph Metzger Märtyrer 1911 wurde er zum Priester geweiht und wirkte in Meitingen Er gründete den "Friedensbund deutscher Katholiken", die "Christkönigsgesellschaft vom weißen Kreuz" (1927) und die Bruderschaft "Una Sancta" APRIL 18 138 St. Corebus prefect of Messina Martyr convert of St. Eleutherius 138 St. Eleutherius & Anthia bishop in Illyria Dalmatia with mother Anthia 185 St. Apollonius the Apologist Roman senator Martyr whose Apologia or defense of the faith is considered one of the most priceless documents of the early Church St. Calocerus officer of Hadrian Martyr associated with Sts. Faustinus and Jovita 303 Holy Martyrs Victor, Zoticus, Acindynus, Zeno, Severian and Caesarius Medioláni sancti Galdíni, Cardinális et ejúsdem civitátis Epíscopi, qui, concióne advérsus hæréticos expléta, spíritum Deo réddidit. At Milan, St. Galdini, cardinal bishop of that city, who at the very end of a sermon against heretics, gave up his soul to God. 6th v. Bitheus and Genocus British monks Bitheus and Genocus accompanied Saint Finnian of Clonard 639 St. Laserian monk abbot Bishop papal legate brother of St. Goban ordained priest by Saint Gregory the Great 714 St. Agia Benedictine wife of St. Hiduiphus of Hainault 8th v. St. Cogitosus Monk biographer of St. Brigid 749 St. Wicterp Bishop devoted to assisting founding monasteries of Filssen 820 Saint John disciple of St Gregory of Decapolis born end of the eighth century opposition to Iconoclast heresy 820 Saint Cosmas, Bishop of Chalcedon, and his companion St Auxentius 851 St. Perfectus priest Spanish martyr by Moors on Easter Sunday 851 Messánæ, in Sicília, sancti Corébi Præfécti, qui, per sanctum Eleuthérium convérsus ad fidem, gládio percússuest. 1080 St. Gebuinus Archbishop of Lyons patron of the cathedral chapter of Langres 1145 The Departure of Pope Gabriel II, the 70th Pope of Alexandria who was known as Ibn Turaik transcribed many Arabic and Coptic books retained its contents and comprehended its interpretations. {Coptic} 1167 Idesbald of Dunes court of Flanders OSB Cist. Abbot (AC) incorrupt 450 years after death, now lies at Bruges. 1176 St. Galdinus Cardinal of Milan fierce opponent of the Lombards 13th v. Saint Basil Ratishvili prominent figures 13th-century Church gift of prophecy the Most Holy Theotokos called him to censure King Demetre’s impious rule. The Maximov Icon of the Mother of God was written in the year 1299 1404 BD JAMES OF LODI raised to the priesthood, after he had lived for some time an austere life of piety and good works with a band of friends who gathered round him. 1435 Saints Euthymius, Anthony, and Felix lived a life of asceticism in Karelia about the year 1410 1526 Holy Martyr John Kulikos born in the Greek district of Epirus Ioannina city apostates were filled with hatred for St John; Turks sentenced the martyr be burned alive went boldly into the midst of the flames torturers, seeing St John was prepared to die in the fire, pulled him out and beheaded him 1602 Blessed Andrew Hibernon converted many Moors by his frank simplicity OFM (AC) 1618 BD MARY OF THE INCARNATION, WIDOW 19 th v. Departure of Anba Isaac, Disciple of Anba Apollo "I was not fleeing from men but from Satan. If a man hold a lighted lamp in the wind, it will be extinguished. So, it is with us when our hearts and minds shine because of the prayers and the Liturgy then we talk with each other, our hearts and minds become dark." {Coptic} APRIL 19 1st v. St. Timon 1/7 Deacons chosen by the Apostles to minister to Nazarene of Jerusalem 275 Socrates and Dionysius Martyrs of Pamphylia MM (RM) St. Paphnutius Martyred priest of Jerusalem 304 St. Vincent of Collioure Martyr 4th v. St. Hermogenes Armenian martyr w/others at Melitene 396 St. Crescentius A disciple of St. Zenobius and St. Ambrose 713 St. Ursmar Benedictine abbot-bishop missionary organized exceedingly successful in Flanders Belgium 8th v. Saint John of the Ancient Caves Bethlehem, near Dead Sea labored in fasting, vigil, and prayer ordained priest glorified by his ascetic life 814 George of Antioch monk bishop of Antioch Pisidia BM (RM) 10th v. Saint Lazarus an Oriental king travelled to Rome pilgrimage to Gaul 978 St. Gerold nobleman hermit gave his lands to Einsiedeln Monastery in Switzerland 11th v. Saint Emma favored with the gift of working miracles 1012 St. Alphege Archbishop "1st Martyr of Canterbury." famed for care of poor and austere life incorrupt in 1105 1054 Leo IX "the pilgrim pope" - reformer deacon a stern bishop holy man & army officer Pope (RM) 1164 Blessed Burchard of Bellevaus a favorite disciple of Saint Bernard OSB Cist Abbot (PC) 1182 Blessed Bernard the Penitent Many miraculous cures occurred at his tomb OSB Monk (AC) 1260 Blessed Luchesio and Buonadonna they set in motion the Secular Franciscan Order 1275 Wernher the Glass-Blower 14 yr-old M (AC) 1289 Blessed Conrad de'Miliani evangelize Libya advisor to cardinal Masci (later Pope Nicholas IV) OFM (AC) great a devotion to the Sacred Passion that he was sometimes allowed to behold our Lord crowned with thorns and to take part in His sufferings 1374 St. Pavoni, Anthony Dominican Inquisitor murdered at Bricherasio 1404 Blessed James of Oldo priest a Franciscan tertiary w/wife turned their home into a church OFM Tert. (AC) 1602 St. James Duckett, Blessed bookseller imprisoned 9 years Martyr of England for his faith ST EXPEDITUS in fact it is more than doubtful whether the saint ever existed. We may own that in the “Hieronymianum” the name Expeditus occurs among a group of martyrs both on the 18th and the 19th of April, being assigned in the one case to Rome, and in the other to Melitene in Armenia; APRIL 20 1st v. Apostle Zacchaeus climbed tree to see the Savior pass by accompanied St Peter Bishop of Caesarea in Palestine 117 Sulpicius and Servilian converted to the faith by the prayers of Saint Flavia Domitilla MM (RM) Theodore_Trichinas_Disciple_Zacchaeus_ Departure of St. Alexander, Bishop of Jerusalem (Coptic) 303 St. Victor Martyr executed at Nicomedia with others 330 St. Theodore Trichinas one of the most revered in the history of Orthodox monasticism; renowned for many miracles, especially for his power over the demons; from his body issues liquid that imparts health to the sick 374 Marcellinus African priest of Embrun BM Vincent, & Domninus missionaries MM (RM) 380 Sainted Betranes and Theotimos were bishops of Lesser Skythia, where the mouth of the Dunaj (Danube) flows into Thrace. Their diocesan cathedral was situated in the city of Toma (Kiustendji). They were Skythians. 392 The Cypriot Icon of the Mother of God appeared in the year 392 on the island of Cyprus the Mother of God sits upon a throne with the Divine-Infant in Her arms, and at Her sides are two angels, holding branches. 407 Bishop Theotimus of Tomi evangelized the tribes of Huns of the Lower Danube B (RM) 410 Saint Theotimus the Scythian "the Philosopher" Father of the Romanian PHILOKALIA works in the form of dialogues reveal training in rhetoric and philosophy 470-488 St. Marian Abbot Revered for his humility remarkable power over all animals 593 Sainted Gregory, Patriarch of Antioch fervent faith, merciful and compassionate to the fallen, humble and forgiving (573-593), hegumen of the Pharan monastery not far from Mount Sinai 599 Sainted Anastasias I the Sinaite, Patriarch of Antioch, began his monastic deeds on Mount Sinai, wherefore he was called the Sinaite. 609 Sainted Anastasias II, Patriarch of Antioch, entered upon the throne after the holy Patriarch Anastasias I the Sinaite (561-572; 593-599). 685 Monk Saint Anastasius of Sinai one of the great ascetics who flourished on Mt. Sinai humility received wisdom and spiritual discernment from God wrote Lives of several holy Fathers & other spiritually instructive books 689 Caedwalla of Wales pagan King converted by Saint Wilfrid (AC) 8th v. Gundebert martyred by pagan invaders M (AC) 811 Blessed Harduin of Fontenelle copied Fathers of the Church writings as a Hermit OSB Monk (AC) 9th v. Heliane neglected young girl of Lauriano lived on herbs and Hail Marys 1158 Blessed Oda of Rivroelles prioress disfigured her face to be able to follow her heart O.Praem. V (PC) 1188 Saint Hildegund died as a novice and her identity was discovered OSB Cist. V (PC) 1218 Blessed Dominic Vernagalli hospital founder OSB Cam. (AC) 1280 Blessed John of Grace-Dieu abbot OSB Cist. Abbot (PC) 1317 St. Agnes of Montepulciano Nun foundress in Tuscany noted for visions (of Christ Blessed Virgin angels) levitations miracles for the faithful (1435 - incorrupt) 1322 Blessed Simon Rinalducci famous preacher OSA (AC) 1413 The Koloch Icon of the Mother of God manifest itself in the year during the reign of Vasilii I 1479 Saint Alexander of Oshevensk Oshevensk Dormition Monastery founder enlightener of Kargopol area tonsured in White Lake Monastery Appeared in 17th v. incorrupt 1584 Bl. James Bell priest and Bl. John Finch Martyr of England yeoman farmer harbored priests 1602 Bl. Francis Page Jesuit martyr of England 1602 Bl. Robert Watkinson priest English martyr 1666 Blessed Margaret of Amelia Benedictine abbess many mystical gifts OSB V (PC) 1818-1894 St. Conrad of Parzham porter, a job Conrad held for 41 years; enthusiastically promoted the Seraphic Work of Charity, which aided neglected children. APRIL 21 160 The Holy Martyrs Theodore, his mother Philippa, Dioscorus, Socrates and Dionysius 302 St. Isaac, Apollos and Quadratus Martyrs spectators who witnessed sufferings of the Holy Great Martyr George (April 23). His faith, valor and miracles caused them to believe in Christ 303 St. Apollo & Companions Martyrs Nicomedíæ sanctórum Mártyrum Apóllinis, Isácii et Codráti 305 Hieromartyr Januarius Bishop of Beneventum deacons Proculus, Sossius and Faustus, Desiderius the Reader, Eutychius and Acution 341 Simeon Barsabae B and 1000 Companions martyred in Persia under King Shapur MM (RM) St. Arator priest Martyr with Fortunatus, Felix, Silvius, and in Alexandria, Egypt Antiochíæ sancti Anastásii Sinaítæ Epíscopi. At Antioch, St. Anastasius the Sinaite, bishop. 434 St. Maximian Patriarch of Constantinople priest 582 Cyprian of Brescia B (AC) 599 St. Anastasius XI Antioch Patriarch learning holiness comforting afflicted; observed perpetual silence except for charity 630 Beuno of Wales founder Abbot (AC) 678 Anastasius the Sinaite hermit on Mount Sinai left ascetical and theological writings of considerable value (RM) 721-724 Malrubius priest Abbot austere monastic life known for piety learning miracles M (AC) 750 St. Frodulphus Benedictine monk hermit St. Beuno effective preacher evangelized North Wales 1109 Anselm of Canterbury Doctor of the Church OSB B Cur Deus Homo, the most famous treatise on the Incarnation ever written 1158 Blessed Walter of Mondsee in Upper Austria OSB Abbot 1163 Blessed Fastred of Cambron abbot-founder of Cambron obligation to poverty OSB Cist. Abbot (AC) 1466 Blessed Bartholomew of Cervere PhD. precocious solemnity pious converted many heretics worked steadfastly to eradicate heresy OP M (AC) 1894 St. Conrad of Parzham Franciscan mystic lay brother Marian devotions gift of prophecy read people’s hearts APRIL 22 The Holy Apostles Nathaniel, Luke and Clement of the Seventy: See June 11, October 18 and September 10. Holy Myrrh-bearing women Sts Mary Magdalene The Holy Apostles Nathaniel, Luke and Clement of the Seventy St. Tamara is commemorated on the Sunday of the Myrrh-beating Women 1st v. St. Apelles first bishop of Smyrna Laodicea mentioned by St. Paul in Romans 174 Soter, Pope charity personal kindness care for persecuted condemned Montanists (RM) 178 St. Epiphanius and Alexander young Martyrs of Lyons 202 St. Leonides of Alexandria noted scholar Martyred father of Origen 202 Rufus of Glendalough, Hermit at Glendalough (AC) 250 St. Parmenius, Chrysoteins, and Helimenas died for the Faith 282 The Departure of the Holy Father Anba Maximus The Fifteenth Pope of Alexandria. 296 Saint Caius, Pope Dalmatian M (RM) 342 St. Abdiesus deacon in the Christian community of Persia martyrdom w/others by King Shapur II 342 Abrosimus of Persia priest stoned to death with many of his flock M (RM) 342 Azadanes (Azadames) Azades Tharba & Companions Died in Persia MM (RM) 342 Mareas and Companions 21 bishops 250 priests monks nuns vast number of laity MM (RM) 345 St. Tarbula Virgin martyr sister of St. Simeon, the Persian bishop and martyr 376 St. Acepsimas Bishop (80 yr) martyr victim of the Persian persecutions in Hnaita, Persia St. Bicor A Persian martyr bishop 376 St. Joseph of Persia with St. Acepsimas Martyred 377 Aithalas of Persia priest M (RM) St. Mareas Martyred bishop of Persia with 21 companion bishops 250 priests monks nuns and laypeople 380 St. Milles bishop Martyr of Persia 4th v. Abdiesus the Deacon Persian martyr M (RM) 536 Pope Agapitus I archdeacon opposed Monophysites Pope (RM) in the opinion of Pope St Gregory I he was “a trumpet of the gospel and a herald of righteousness”. 541 St. Leo of Sens Bishop of Sens defended the rights of his see 7th v. St. Authaire Confessor and patron of La-Feste-sur-Jouarre 610 Saint Vitalius monk Alexandria when St John the Merciful was Patriarch converted harlots "Men of Alexandria, judge not beforehand, til cometh the Lord, the Righteous Judge". 613 St. Theodore of Sykeon (Galatia) Abbot bishop cured a royal prince of leprosy gifts of prophecy and miracles bestowed on him by God 686 Saints Arwalds Martyrs slain after Baptism by pagan King Cadwall 770 St. Opportuna Benedictine abbess 982 St. Senorina Benedictine abbess 997 Adalbert of Prague bishop founder composition of Czech and Polish hymns preaching Poland Prussia Hungary Russia missionaries martyred there Saint_of_the_DayApril23.html 1091 BD
WOLFHELM, ABBOT was remarkable for devotion to the rule and love
of the Bible, the study of which he urged upon all those under
his charge. An admirable superior, he instilled into others what he
practised himself——a life well balanced between action and contemplation;
In a letter which he addressed to the abbot of Gladbach upon the errors
of Berengarius he said: “In order to see the bread and the wine, he [Berengarius]
uses the eyes of the body, but at the same time he closes the eyes of
the soul and so he does not see the Body and Blood of the Lord”.
1322
Blessed Francis
Venimbene Franciscan a
great devotion to the holy souls for whom he celebrated requiem
Mass
1834 The Transfer of the Relics of Holy Prince Vsevolod-Gabriel of Pskov : See February 11. APRIL 23 Commemoration Consecration church of St. Agabus, Apostle {Coptic} 212 Sts. Felix priest and two deacons Fortunatus & Achilleus martyred evangelizers Vienne region 303 St. George soldier Diocletian martyred Patron of England & Catalonia 303 The Holy Great Martyr George the Victory-Bearer 303 Sts Anatolius and Protoleon 2 illustrious officials secretly Christians confessed Christ after seeing St George tortured, then miraculously healed of his wounds. Immediately, and without a trial, they were beheaded with the sword by order of the emperor. 314 The Holy Empress Alexandra and daughter Valeria martyred by Licinius who subscribed to the Edict of Milan {gave Christians religions freedom} but remained an enemy of Christianity. 318 Consecration Commemoration first altar for St. Nicholas, Bishop of Mora for Jacobite Christians {Coptic} 423 Marolus of Milan Syrian bishop virtues were soon sung in verse B (RM) 5th v. Ibar of Meath missionary close to Patrick founded monastic school B reformers tried to burn his wooden image-restored each time (AC) 994 Gerald of Toul reputation for piety rebuilt churches founded Hospital taught students to improve interior life more then science; miracles 997 Adalbert of Prague bishop founder composition of Czech and Polish hymns preaching Poland Prussia Hungary Russia missionaries martyred there 1051 Consecration of St George's Church in Kiev by St Hilarion, Metropolitan of Kiev and All Rus 1138 Blessed Gerard of Orchimont Benedictine monk OSB Abbot (AC) 1262 Blessed Giles of Assisi 1/of 1st and liveliest companions of Saint Francis ecstasies vision of Christ considered most perfect example of primitive Franciscan humor deep understanding of human nature optimism OFM 1266 Blessed Giles of Saumur bishop archbishop under King Saint Louis of France B (AC) 1458 Blessed Helen Valentini Augustinian tertiary devotional practices, charity, and austerity Widow (AC) 1462 Blessed Georgii of Shenkursk a contemporary of the Monk Varlaam of Vazhsk and Shenkursk 1656 The Departure of Pope Mark (Marcus) VI, the 101st. Patriarch. {Coptic} APRIL 24 178 St. Alexander crucified Martyr with 34 others companion of St. Epipodius 272 St Sabas Roman martyr supposedly Gothic officer 272 70 soldiers After witnessing torments of St Sava Stratelates they believe in Christ: beheaded by the sword 288 Martyrs Pasikrates and Valention from Durostorum, Silistria {Bulgaria) soldiers under governor Absolanus 305 Martyrs Eusebius, Neon, Leontius, Longinus, and 40 Others present at sufferings of Great Martyr George In Anglia deposítio sancti Mellíti Epíscopi, qui, a sancto Gregório Papa in Angliam missus, orientáles Saxónes et ipsórum Regem ad Rhemis, in Gállia, sanctárum Vírginum Bovæ et Dodæ. At Rheims in France, the holy virgins Bova and Doda. Andégavi, in Gállia, sanctæ Maríæ a sancta Euphrásia Pelletier, Vírginis, Institúti Sorórum a Bono Pastóre Fundatrícis Conversion_of_St_Augustine_Hippo 430 Medioláni Convérsio sancti Augustíni Epíscopi, Confessóris et Ecclésiæ Doctóris 5th v St Dyfnan Founder at Anglesey, Wales 525 St Deodatus Abbot near Blois Illíberi, in Hispánia, sancti Gregórii, Epíscopi et Confessóris. 6th v Saint Thomas the Fool-for-Christ was a monk in one of the monasteries in Caesarea of Cappadocia (Asia Minor) many healings 586 St. Honorius of Brescia Bishop of Brescia, Italy, from circa 577, after living as a hermit nearby. 624 St Mellitus of Canterbury missionary Archbishop of Canterbury from 619 Saint Elizabeth the Wonderworker from Constantinople chosen for the service of God at birth gift of healing physical and spiritual infirmities 851 St Diarmaid Irish bishop of Armagh known for his learning 639 St Egbert English monk of Lindisfarne persuading monks adopt roman usage over celebration of Easter ST IVO, Bishop
After
the bones had been removed from the spot where they had lain
hidden, a spring appeared at which many miracles were reported. William
of Malmesbury tells us that he had been an eye-witness of the remarkable
cure of a man suffering from dropsy.
1103 St William
Firmatus Hermit pilgrim physician canon at Saint-Venance
close relationship with nature honored by wild animals13th v Saint Sava of the Caves lived in the Near Caves of the Kiev Caves monastery a wonderworker 13th v Saint Alexius, Hermit of Caves, lived a life of asceticism in the Near Caves of the Kiev Caves monastery a wonderworker 1622 St Fidelis of Sigmaringen Franciscan Capuchin martyr defending poor Congregation head for Spreading of the Faith 1657 Saint Iorest the Confessor was born into a peasant family of Transylvania, and received name Elias in Baptism 1683 Saint Sava {Simeon in Baptism}was born into an old Serbian family from Hertzegovina defender of the faith against calvinists used Saints in Sermons for his flock 1711 Saint Joseph the confessor was born in the seventeenth century, and was consecrated as a bishop in Moldavia (northern Romania in 1690 by Metropolitan Dositheus. 1868 St Mary Euphrasia Pelletier, Virgin, Foundress Of The Institute Of Our Lady Of Charity Of The Good Shepherd APRIL 25 1st v. St Anianus Bishop St Mark shoemaker aide great fervor and virtue 150 St. Philo and Agathopodes Antiochene deacons authored Acts recounting life and death of St. Ignatius of Antioch Evodius, Hermogenes & Callistus MM (RM) 4th v. Kebius preached conversion in Cornwall B (AC) Saturninus, Theophilus & Revocata MM (RM) 300 Theophilus of Caesarea M (RM) 312 Saturninus, Theophilus & Revocata MM (RM) Antiochíæ sancti Stéphani, Epíscopi et Mártyris, qui ab hæréticis Synodum Chalcedonénsem impugnántibus, multa passus 392 St. Phaebadius one of “the illustrious men” of the Church extirpated Arianism heresy 480 St. Macedonius Patriarch of Constantinople Council of Chalcedon defender 489 St. Macaille Bishop of Croghan prelate vows of St. Brigid 5th v. Mun of Lough Ree hermit another nephew of Saint Patrick B (AC) 5th v. Dyfnan saintly son of Welsh chieftain Brychan (AC) 525 Deodatus of Blois, Abbot (AC) 539 Vedast of Arras holy from childhood instrumental in the conversion of Clovis I to Christianity B (AC) 7th v. Authaire of La Ferté courtier at King Dagobert Ipalace France (AC) 7th v. Bova (Beuve, Bona) abbess & Doda rejected marriage proposals devoted to service of God OSB VV (RM) 729 Egbert of Rathemigisi Northumbrian monk of Lindisfarne OSB (RM) 737 Erminus of Lobbes practicing apostolic zeal as abbot and regional bishop OSB B (RM) 750 Saint Relindis of Eyck abbess OSB, Abbess (AC) 780 St. Mella Widow abbess Blessed Corona of Elche Benedictine nun OSB V (AC) 857 Heribald of Auxerre Benedictine monk abbot love of well-regulated lives ceremonies well-built churches 891 Photius career of scholarship and public service at the imperial court legitimate patriarch of Constantinople Orthodox objection to doctrine of the Holy Spirit 1000 St. Robert of Syracuse Benedictine abbot He headed the monastery at Syracuse, Sicily. 1243 Blessed Boniface of Valperga monk bishop of Aosta B (PC) 1586 Bl. William Marsden & Blessed Robert Anderson priest Martyr of England 1586 Bl. Robert Anderton Jesuit Cardinal theology professor notable figure Catholic Reformation defended Gallileo 1597 Philip of Jesus friar Miracles attested the power before God of these first martyrs of Japan patron of Mexico City, Mexico 1913 Blessed Giovanni Battista Piamarta (AC) APRIL 26 91 St. Cletus Pope eminent virtue martyr canon of the Roman mass among St. Peter's 1st disciple 3rd Pope after Linus 304 Marcellinus Pope M (RM) 4th v. Bishop Lucidius of Verona famous for his life of prayer and study; revered for his holiness and learning B RM 319 St. Basileus Bishop martyr of Amasea in Pontus angel found his body 350? ST PETER, Bishop of BRAGA 500? St. Peter of Braga Martyred bishop of Braga Portugal 620 Clarentius of Vienne succeeded Saint Etherius in that see B (RM) 644 St. Trudpert Irish pilgrim Benedictine hermit 645 St Richarius young pagan protected 2 Irish missionaries Cadoc & Frichor; fast strenuously; cry copiously for sins pray without ceasing; Abbot; 1st to work ransoming captives 860 Paschasius Radbertus abandoned at convent asked to be forgotten simply asks for prayers to God left works dealing with the body and blood of Christ the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist (De Corpore et Sanguine Christe) commentary on Saint Matthew's Gospel (12 volumes) composed treatise on the Virgin defend her perpetual virginity long exposition on Psalm 44 and another on the Lamentations of Jeremiah wrote biographies of 2 abbots -Corbie OSB Abbot (AC) Trecis, in Gállia, sanctæ Exsuperántiæ Vírginis. At Troyes in France, St. Exuperantia, virgin. 1146 Blessed John of Valence canon of Lyons forced to be bishop of Valence OSB Cist. B (AC) 1218 St. Franca Visalta Benedictine Convent at 7 yr Cistercian nun foundress 1300 Blesseds Dominic & Gregory Dominican preachers died in cavein cave surrounded by lights and angelic music Miracles surrounded burials and tombs at Besians diocese of Barbastro 1309 St Aldo Aldobrandesca she gave away all possessions ministering to sick visions and ecstasies Siena 1396 Stephen of Perm great Russian missionary bishop invented alphabet for Zyrians using for letters parts of the traditional elements of Zyrian carvings and embroidery to teach the Bible 1667 St. Pedro de San José Betancur "St. Francis of the Americas," Pedro de Betancur is the first saint to have worked and died in Guatemala. APRIL 27 100 Simeon der Bruder des Herrn 303 Anthimus of Nicomedia for his confession of the Christian faith BM (RM) Tarsi, in Cilícia, sanctórum Cástoris et Stéphani Mártyrum. 4th v. Saint Eulogius the Hospitable 368 Theodore the Sanctified miracles holy water as a sacramental Abbot (RM) 400 St Liberalis Priest worked to convert Arian heretics 427 St. Theophilus Bishop of Brescia Italy succeeded St. Gaudentius 470 ST ASICUS, OR TASSACH, BISHOP OF ELPHIN The Félire of Oengus commemorates St Asicus (on April 14) in these terms: “The royal bishop, Tassach, gave when he came unto him the body of Christ, the truly strong King, at the communion unto Patrick”. His feast is observed in all Ireland. 488 Saint Maughold of Man Irish prince reputedly captain of robbers converted by Patrick B (AC) 490 St Asicus Abbot-Bishop of Ireland Humble not believing worthy of the office disciple of St. Patrick 490 St Tertullian 8th Bishop of Bologna, Italy St Castor & Stephen 2 martyrs at Tarsus in Cilicia unknown 6th v. St Enoder abbot Grandson of Welsh chieftain Brychan of Brecknock 731 St Winewald Second abbot of Beverley monastery in England 746 St Floribert Bishop a man avid in correcting others of Liege Belgium 813 St John of Constantinople Abbot inveterate opposition to the destruction of icons 1094 Stephen Pechersky abbot of the monastery of the Caves in Kiev 1152 St Adelelmus Hermit founder disciple of St. Bernard of Thiron 1278 St Zita miraculus life daily Mass recite many prayers generous gifts of food to the poor visits to sick & prisoners heavenly visions variety of miracles 1304 Bl Peter Armengol twice went from Spain to Africa to redeem captives continued for 10 more years after being hung 1311 Blessed Antony de'Patrizi superior of hermit friars of Saint Augustine at Monticiano OSA (AC) 1485 Blessed James of Bitetto heroic humility; levitate during prayer; accurately predict the future; incorrupted body remains; many miracles 1565 Blessed Hosanna of Cattaro miracle child; several apparitions OP Tert. V (AC) 1597 Sancti Petri Canísii, Sacerdótis e Societáte Jesu et Confessóris atque Ecclésiæ Doctóris 1606 ST TURIBIUS, Archbishop of LIMA 1624 Blessed Mariana of Jesus life of penance O. Merc. V (AC) 1678 Blessed Nicolas Roland (AC) 1716 St. Louis Mary de Montfort promote genuine devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus and mother of the Church. Totus tuus(completely yours) was Louis's personal motto 1919 Blessed Maria Antonia Bandres y Elosegui (AC). APRIL 28 The Commemoration of the Lady the Theotokos. (coptic) Departure of St. Hierotheos of Athens priest present at the time of the departure of the Lady Virgin Mary learned man in the city Athens met Apostle St. Paul visited St. Dionysius the Areopagite (coptic) 63 Jason wurde von Paulus zum Bischof von Tarsus Sosipater und Gefährten eingesetzt und Sosipater zum Bischof von Ikonien mit sieben Dieben martyred zusammen: Saturninus Iakischolus Faustianus Januarius Marsalius Euphrasius Mammius 92 St. Mark of Galilee Martyred bishop of Marsi St. Theodora 1st v. St. Aphrodisius martyr with Sts. Caralippus, Agapius, Eusebius, supposedly sheltered the Holy Family when they fled into Egypt 1st century 1-2nd v. St. Vitalis & Valeria she suffered when attacked by the pagans they were martyred near Milan 304 St Didymus & Theodora rescued from infamous brothel by Didymus Martyrs in Alexandria 304 St. Pollio Martyr Christian community lector of Cybalae Pannonia serving as a lector {READ HIS LAST SERMON} 305 Martyrs Dada, Maximus and Quinctilian suffered under the emperor Diocletian (284-305) St. Patrick of Prusa; Several guards scalded Patrick untouched- "I do not condemn your gods, for no one can condemn what does not exist..." Martyrdom of St. Babnuda (Paphnute). (Coptic) 4th v. Probe and Germaine two were Irish virgins who refused marriage 409 Medioláni sanctæ Valériæ Mártyris, uxóris sancti Vitális ac matris sanctórum Gervásii et Protásii. 609 St. Artemius Bishop mentor of St. Bond or Balthus 626 St. Cronan of Roscrea founded fifty monasteries hermit in Ireland 639 Gerard the Pilgrim (AC) 700 St. Pamphilus Bishop of Sulmona and Corfinium Abruzzi venerated for his deep sanctity 700 + Prudentius of Tarazona hermit priest bishop B (RM) 1172 Blessed Gerard of Bourgogne, OSB Cist. Abbot (PC) 1182 Saint Cyril of Turov hermit monk to become an outstanding bishop preacher; pre-Mongol Russia Greek tradition theological devotion 1260 St. Luchesio first Franciscan tertiary works of mercy nursing sick visiting prisons gave all possessions to the poor 1716 Saint Louis de Monfort founded the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Wisdom 1775 Sancti Pauli a Cruce, Presbyteri et Confessóris; qui Congregatiónis a Cruce et Passióne Dómini nostri Jesu Christi Cross was endowed with extraordinary gifts. He prophesied future events, healed the sick, and even during his lifetime appeared on various occasions in vision to persons far away 1840 St. John Baptist Thanh native catechist Martyr of Vietnam 1840 St. Peter Hieu catechist native Vietnamese martyr 1841 St. Peter Chanel Priest Martyred in the New Hebrides model pupil vicar parish priest model missionary intelligence and simple piety 1962 Saint Gianna Beretta Molla M.D. gave special attention to mothers babies elderly and the poor gave her life to save that of her child (AC). APRIL 29 65 St Torpes Martyr Martyrs of Corfu hermits the Seven Saintly Robbers martyred 1st v. Cercyre converted by Saint Jason VM 1st v. St Tychicus 1st century disciple assistant of St. Paul 259 St Agapius banished to Cirta, Numidia (Algeria) Martyr bishop 290 Nine holy martyrs Cyzicus Dardenelles Thaumasius, Theognes, Rufus, Antipater, Theostichus, Artemas, Magnus, Theodotus, and Philemon Holy Martyrs Diodorus and Rhodopianus the Deacon suffered under emperor Diocletian (284-305) in Aphrodisias, Caria. 409 Severus of Naples renowned miracle worker raised dead man B (RM) 5th v. Saint Memnon the Wonderworker gift of clairvoyance many miracles 5th v. St Dichu First convert of St Patrick in Ulser 545 St Paulinus of Brescia Bishop 6th v. St Endellion Virgin recluse 7th v. St Fiachan monk in Lismore Abbey obedience was his sterling quality 7th v. St Senan Welsh hermit 744 St Wilfrid the Younger Benedictine abbot bishop of York zealous for education 845 St Ava cured of blindness by St. Rainfredis, became a Benedictine Abbess 9th v. St Daniel of Gerona hermit Daniel native of Asia Minor M (AC) 1109 St Hugh the Great Benedictine abbot founded hospital for lepers preached the First Crusade 1110 Robert of Molesme one of Cistercian founders movement a great reformer OSB Cist. Abbot (RM) 1111 St. Robert of Molesmes Benedictine abbot great reformer founder 1120 Blessed Theoger of Metz canon monk prior abbot bishop OSB B (PC) 1157 Bl Robert Bruges Cistercian abbot followed Saint Bernard to Clairvaux 1252 St Peter of Verona inquisitor inspiring sermons martyr accepted into the Dominican Order by St. Dominic 1380 St Catherine of Siena illiterate one of the most brilliant theological minds of her day mystical experiences when only 6 visions of Christ Mary and the saints gift of healing Stigmata visible only after her death Doctor of the Church 16th v. Saint Basil, Bishop of Zakholmsk monk various miracles 1715 St. Louis Mary Grignion missionary apostolic organized women the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Wisdom furthering devotion to the Most Blessed Virgin through the Rosary popular book, True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin formed the Missionaries of the Company of Mary founded the clerical institute Montfort Fathers 1716 St Louis de Montfort Confessor Marian devotee missionary apostolic famous for fostering devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Rosary founder of the Sisters of Divine Wisdom 1842 Joseph Benedict Cottolengo priest ministered to the sick "When I am in Heaven, where everything is possible, I will cling to the mantle of the Mother of God and I will not turn my eyes from you. But do not forget what this poor old man has said to you."(RM) Founder Of The Societies Of The Little House Of Divine Providence; “We are like the marionettes of a puppet-show. As long as they are held by a hand from above they walk, jump, dance and give signs of agility and life: they represent...now a king, now a clown...but as soon as the performance is over they are dropped and huddled together ingloriously in a dusty corner. So it is with us: amid the multiplicity of our various functions we are held and moved by the hand of Providence. Our duty is to enter into its designs, to play the part assigned to us...and respond promptly and trustfully to the impulses received from on high.” 1928 St Nectarius Moscow Patriarchate authorized local veneration of the Optina Elders June 13,1996, glorifying for universal veneration August 7, 2000. APRIL 30 44 James son of Zebedee one of the Twelve Apostles 1st Apostles died as a martyr Angels with the Cross lance and the sponge. Eutropius sent by Pope Saint Clement (100) as 1st bishop Saintes evangelized inhabitants Icon of the Mother of God "Of the Passion" angels with the Cross lance and the sponge. 130 Qurinus von Neuss ein Tribun sei mit seiner Tochter Balbina von Papst Alexander getauft St. Aphrodisius An Egyptian priest martyr of Alexandria with 30 members of his parish 250 St. Maximus Martyr in Ephesus ordered sacrifice to goddess Diana refused 250 Sophia of Fermo maiden venerated there in the cathedral VM (RM) 259 St. Marianus lector Martyr of Lambesa Numidia with James deacon & companions strengthened by a dream of his triumphant martyrdom to come St. Isaac (Ishaq), of Hourin Departure of. (Coptic) 320 Basil, Bishop of Amasea Hieromartyr encouraged comforted the Christians suffering persecution by pagans 328 St. Alexander I, 19th Pope; Departure of; See of St. Mark. 397 St. Lawrence of Novara Martyred priest aided St. Gaudentius bishop of Novara, Italy 4th v. St. Donatus Bishop of Euraea in Epirus sanctity praised by Greek writers 5th v. Hoilde "A virgin who was blotted out of existence and found again" 536 St. Pomponius Bishop of Naples steadfast in opposition to the Arian creed 569 St. Desideratus Hermit at Gourdon revered in the region eremetical life 6th v. St. Cynwl hermit noted for his austere life 686-693 Erconwald of London bishop miracles at grave were reported (until the 16th century) miracles recorded touching his couch OSB B (RM) 783 Blessed Hildegard aid to religious patroness of the sick Empress (AC) 807 Swithbert the Younger missionaries in Germany bishop B (AC) 819 St. Mark II, 49th Pope of the See of St. Mark Departure of. (Coptic) 851 St. Michael II, 53rd Pope of the See of St. Mark Departure of. (Coptic) 855 Amator priest (Amateur), Peter monk & Louis lay friend preachers martyred by Saracens MM (RM) 982 St. Forannan Irish bishop of Domhnach-Mor went to Belgium in response to a dream 1100 Genistus of Beaulieu killed by his nephew OSB M (AC) 1109 Saint Nikita former Recluse of the Kiev Caves healing of many people 1127 Gualfardus a saddler; Famous for miracles during his life, St Gualfardus became even more famous for them after his death. those around him regarded him as a saint hermit in the Camaldolese priory of San Salvatore OSB (AC) 1173 St. Aimo monk mystical experiences charitable kindness nursed victims of plagues with limitless devotion 1131 St. Adjutor distinguished himself in the First Crusade abbey of Tiron confessor recluse Sanctæ Catharínæ Senénsis Vírginis, ex tértio Ordine sancti Domínici, quæ ad cæléstem Sponsum transívit prídie hujus diéi. 1429 St. Louis von Bruck Martyred boy example of the pervasive anti-Semitism of the medieval period 1572 St. Pius V, Pope from 1566-1572 Catholic Reformation leader taught theology philosophy 16 years excessive zeal as grand inquisitor wholeheartedly devoted to the religious life published Roman Catechism revised Roman Breviary and Roman Missal organized Battle of Lepanto 1590 Bl. Miles Gerard Martyr of England 1590 Bl. Francis Dickenson English convert martyr 1590 St. Gerard Miles Martyr of England with Blessed Francis Dickinson 1618 Bl. Mary of the Incarnation contemplative prayer frequent ecstasies often saying "The Kingdom of God is within you"received the stigmata reserved regarding mystical illuminations and always very humble responsible for at least 10,000 conversions first Carmel established in Paris OCD Widow (AC) 1625 Blessed Benedict of Urbino lawyer Capuchin effective preacher OFM Cap. (AC) 1672 Blessed Marie of the Incarnation Martin, OSU (AC) 1721 Argyra The holy New Martyr lived in Proussa, Bithynia jailed for her Christianity 17 years tortured endured all with great courage and patience 1842 St. Joseph Cottolengo opened home/hospital for sick poor Piccola Casa became a great medical institution founded Daughters of Compassion Daughters of the Good Shepherd Hermits of the Holy Rosary Priests of the Holy Trinity 1922 Pandita Mary Ramabai ihr Werk leiten und den elenden Frauen Indiens helfen. |
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Saints and Popes mentioned June 02
350 St Barlaam The first Friday of the Apostles' Fast. St Barlaam also commemorated November 6 and February 10. 657 St. Eugene I a Roman priest who held various positions in the Church known for his charity and his sanctity 1340 John the New of Sochi The Holy Great Martyr a merchant, devout and firm in his Orthodoxy, and generous to the poor calling on the help of Him Who said, "When they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what you shall speak, neither do you premeditate; but whatsoever will be given you in that hour, speak that, for it is not you that speaks, but the Holy Spirit" (Mark 13:11) 1795 Ibrahim El-Gohari Departure of the most honored Layman transscribe the religion books, and distribute them to the church at his own expense 1819 Constantine The Holy Martyr was born upon the island of Mytilene into a Mahometan family. In his youth he fell ill with smallpox, from which he completely lost his eyesight and awaited death. A certain Christian took him to church and washed him with holy water. They brought him out of the temple completely healthy. Saints and Popes mentioned June 03
“It is not that the gospel has changed; it is that we have begun to understand it better. Those
who have lived as long as I have…were enabled
to compare different cultures and traditions, and know that the moment has come to
discern the signs of the times, to seize the opportunity
and to look far ahead.”
1963 Angelo
Giuseppe Roncalli ordination 1904.
Secular Franciscan; canon law studies; worked as his bishop’s secretary; Church history teacher in the seminary; publisher of the diocesan paper; stretcher-bearer for the Italian army during World War I; 1921 national director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith; taught patristics at Eternal City seminary; 1925 papal diplomat, first in Bulgaria, then Turkey finally in France (1944-53). During World War II, became well acquainted with Orthodox Church leaders with the help of Germany’s ambassador to Turkey. Archbishop Roncalli helped save 24,000 Jewish people. Cardinal and appointed patriarch of Venice in 1953, finally residential bishop; elected pope at 78, taking the name John, his father’s name and the two patrons of Rome’s cathedral, St. John Lateran; 270-275 Saint Lucillian pagan priest old age became persuaded falseness of pagan religion turned to faith in Christ the Savior; martyred with Claudius, Hypatius, Paul and Dionysius and later holy virgin Paula who cared for them 545 Clotilda of France Queen Widow At her passing, a dazzling light and heavenly incense filled the room Clothilde built Church of the Apostles, later called Saint Geneviève, in Paris her relics survived the French Revolution found in the church of Saint-Leu, Paris.) (RM) 7th v. Glunshallaich Saint Kevin preached the Gospel and the Holy Spirit led the heart of the Irish Saint Glunshallaich to conversion penitent rest of his life 1051 Davinus (Dalidus) of Lucca native Armenian died on a pilgrimage to Rome (RM) 1254 Blessed Andrew Caccioli 1/original 72 followers of Saint Francis, OFM (AC) 1600 BD JOHN "THE SINNER" His active life did not prevent him from attaining to great spiritual heights. Often he was rapt in ecstasy-sometimes when he was on his errands of mercy caring for prisoners, the sick and destitute. 1885 St. Charles Lwanga and Companions MARTYRS OF UGANDA canonized in 1964 feast added to the Roman Calendar in 1969. When the The Society of Missionaries of Africa, known as the White Fathers were expelled from the country, new Christians carried on their work, translating and printing the catechism into their native language and giving secret instruction on the faith. Without priests, liturgy, and sacraments their faith, intelligence, courage, and wisdom kept the Catholic Church alive and growing in Uganda. When the Missionaries of Africa returned after King Mwanga's death, they found 500 Christians and 1000 catchumens waiting for them. 1886 St. Achilleus Kewanuka One of the Martyrs of Uganda, with Charles Lwanga Saints and Popes mentioned June 04
Martyrs
of Niculitsel
graves of Saints Zoticus, Atallus, Camisius
and Philip were discovered in 1971.Lesser Scythia (modern Romania),
between the Danube and the Black Sea in the northeastern
territory of the Roman Empire, was a place of exile
or death for Christians who refused to worship the
pagan gods. During the persecutions of Decius (249-251),
Diocletian and Maximilian (284-305), and Licinius (308-324)
thousands of people died there from cold, hunger, or torture.
The relics of those who endured martyrdom because they
openly proclaimed their faith in Christ were taken by Christians
and buried in secret places. Accounts of the lives and sufferings
of these holy martyrs were written and preserved so they would not
be forgotten. When the persecutions ended, the relics were moved
from their temporary resting places and placed in special crypts (martyria).
Churches were built over these crypts, and the ruins of some of them
may be seen today in Dobrogea.
In September 1971 a creek overflowed its banks near the village of Niculitsel in the county of Tulcea, revealing one of the oldest of these martyria. The crypt, which is made of bricks, is divided into two rooms, one on top of the other. In the upper room, the relics of four martyrs were found in a single wooden coffin. All had been decapitated. The heads of three martyrs were found atop their necks, while the head of the fourth martyr was resting on his chest. An inscription on the left wall reads: "Christ's martyrs." The names of the four martyrs (Zoticus, Attalus, Camasius, and Philip) were scratched into the right wall. 5th-6th v. St. Breaca Disciple of St. Brigid went from Ireland to Cornwall, England, about 460 Breaca and her companions settled on the bank of the Hoyle River 1150 St. Walter Benedictine abbot English served as a monk and then abbot of Fontenelle, France, the famed Benedictine spiritual center. Pope Innocent II (r. 1130-1143) noted his zeal and holiness. 1392 Saint Methodius, Igumen of Peshnosha founder of the Peshnosha monastery under guidance St Sergius of Radonezh 1608 St. Francis Caracciolo priest Founder of the Minor Clerks Regular with St. John Augustine Adorno Archbishop Andronicus of Perm The holy New Martyr was an outspoken critic of the Communist decree which ordered the separation of Church and State 1847 ST VINCENTIA GEROSA, VIRGIN, COFOUNDRESS OF THE SISTERS OF CHARITY OF LOVERE 1886 Charles Lwanga and Companions; One of 22 Ugandan martyrs, Charles Lwanga is the patron of youth and Catholic action in most of tropical Africa. Saints and Popes mentioned June 05
305-311 The Holy
Martyrs Marcian, Nicander, Hyperechius, Apollonius,
Leonidas, Arius, Gorgias, Pambo, and the women
martyrs Selenia and Irene natives of Egypt
angel appeared and healed their wounds6th v. St. Tudno Welsh saint after whom Llandudno in Gwynedd, Wales, is named. He figures in various Welsh Christian legends 583 Saint Theodore the Wonderworker In his youth he left the world, embraced monasticism and withdrew into the Jordanian wilderness. He received from God the gift of wonderworking. 754 St. Boniface {Winfrith} of Mainz missionary bishop; Pope Gregory II talked to Winfrith all winter long before finally sending him on a test mission to Thuringia in Germany; known as the Apostle of Germany He brought the Christian faith and Roman Christian civilization to this portion of Europe 1443 BD FERDINAND OF PORTUGAL IT is as the hero of one of the finest plays of the great Spanish dramatist Calderon that Prince Ferdinand the Constant is best known to the world to-day. He was born at Santarem on September 29, 1402. His father was King John I of Portugal, and his mother was Philippa, daughter of John of Gaunt; he was therefore a great-grandson of King Edward III of England. Even as a child he was devout, and although he was delicate and often prostrated by illness, he always led an austere disciplined life. From the age of fourteen, he regularly recited the canonical hours, according to the Use of Sarum-a practice he must have learnt from his English mother-and he was untouched by the temptations and dissipations of court life. 1840 St. Luke Loan Martyr of Vietnam native ordained a priest and then served the Catholic community until his arrest by anti-Christian forces. He was beheaded. His canonization took place in 1988. 1900 Bl. Franciscan
Martyrs of China 29 Franciscans and Franciscan
tertiaries who became victims of the Boxer Rebellion.
They represent more than 100,000 Christians of China
who were martyred in the reign of Empress Tz’u hsi. These martyrs
are recorded as being slain in the palace of the viceroy of
Taiyuan-fu of Xian-fu Province.
Saints and Popes mentioned June 06
90 St. Philip
the Deacon "Acts" ministering to needy members
of the Church 1st preacher in Samaria converted Simon Magus then eunuch chief treasurer of the Queen of Ethiopia on the
road from Jerusalem to Gaza293 Sts Archelais, Thekla and Susanna Holy Virgin Martyrs sought salvation in a small monastery near Rome received; gift of healing from God in the 19 C. Susanna appeared to a disciple of Elder Boniface saying, "We must pray to God with soul, mind, and the heart." described as maiden of untold beauty, with a soft, pleasant voice. 455 St. Ceratius Bishop of Grenoble present at the Council of Orange in 441 466 Saint Bessarion Wonderworker of Egypt baptized in youth led strict life, preserving grace given during Baptism 550 St. Jarlath, Bishop founder principle patron of Tuam, Archdiocese in Galway; pupils were St. Brendan of Clonfert and St.Colman of Cloyne 699 St. Claud restored the monastic buildings in the Jura mountains enforced the Rule of St. Benedict burial place for centuries a favorite place of pilgrimage at which miraculous cures took place 786 St. Willibald dedicated as a child to God porter in the great monastery of Monte Cassino ordained priest and became bishop of Eichstaett; over 50 years pioneering work in a barbarous land (RM) 845 Saint Hilarion the New was born of pious parents Peter and Theodosia raised in the virtues; instructed him in Holy Scripture. At 12 tonsured as a monk at the Hesychius monastery near Constantinople, from there transferred to Dalmatus monastery, where he received the Great Schema and became a disciple of St Gregory the Dekapolite (November 20). Hilarion beheld holy angels taking soul of St Theodore to Heaven. 950 St. Amantius Bishop governed Noyon, France and 5 priests were martyred for the faith, 3 were his brothers 1134 Saint Norbert early life devoted to worldly pleasures including financial benefices as cannon then struck down w/lightning regain conscious first words were "Lord, what do you want me to do?" same words Saul spoke on road to Damascus Norbert heard in his heart, "Turn from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it." became itinerant preacher severe and popular reformer; Norbert's community first evidence of lay affiliation with a religious order. Theobald, Count of Champagne, aspired to enter
the order, but St Norbert, who recognized his lack
of vocation, dissuaded him, urging him rather to carry
out the duties of his station and to marry. At the same
time he gave him a small white scapular to wear under his outer
garments, and prescribed certain rules and devotions for his
use. This seems to have been the first known case of the affiliation
of a layman living in the world to a recognized religious order, and
from the Premonstratensians St Dominic is thought to have derived
the idea of secular tertiaries.
1470 Saint Jonah, Bishop of Great Perm converted the inhabitants of Great Perm to Christ. He journeyed throughout his extensive diocese to spread and consolidate the Christian Faith 1537 Bl. John Davy Carthusian martyr of England member of the Carthusian Charterhouse of London, he was an opponent of the Act of Supremacy of King Henry VIII 1840 St Marcellin Champagnat founder of the Little Brothers of Mary the Marists classmate of St Vianney Saints and Popes mentioned June 07
1st v. Hesia
and Susanna The Holy Women were disciples of
the PriestMartyr Pankratios, Bishop of Tauromeneia (Comm.
9 July), a disciple of the Apostle Peter. 3rd v. St Sisinius
deacon suffered at Rome along with hieromartyr
Marcellus, Bishop of Rome, holy deacon Cyriacus; also
Smaragdus, Largus, Apronian, Saturninus, Crescentian,
Papias and Maurus and the holy women martyrs Priscilla,
Lucy and the Emperor's daughter Artemia
350 St. Paul of Bishop of Constantinople during the period of bitter controversy in the Church over the Arian heresy 610 Colman (Mocholmoc) of Dromore first abbot of Muckmore, County Antrim many miracles to the bishop; teacher of Saint Finnian of Clonard B (AC) 786 St. Willibald Bishop and missionary native of Wessex England brother of Sts. Winebald and Walburga related to St. Boniface; Willibald was the first recorded English pilgrim to the Holy Land, and his vita the earliest travel book by an English writer. 851 St. Peter Spanish martyr with Wallabonsus, Sabinian, Wistremundus, Habentius, and Jeremias martyred in Cordoba at the order of Emir Abd al-Rahman II for preaching against Muhammad. 1066 St. Gottschalk Martyr Prince of the Wends collected scattered tribes of the Slavs into one kingdom, and to make that Christian established monasteries at Oldenburg, Mecklenburg, Ratzeburg, Lubeck, and Lenzen 1302 St. Meriadoc native of Brittany ordained then embraced the life of a hermit then Bishop of Vannes most conspicuous in his labors on behalf of the poor 1527 BD BAPTISTA VARANI, VIRGIN; Poor Clare; mystical revelations on the Passion-revelations which under obedience she embodied in a book entitled The Sufferings of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus; she drew up a series of instructions upon how to attain perfection. They exhibit that shrewd common sense not unmixed with humour which characterizes some of the great mystics. Though written for a fifteenth-century monk, they would form an excellent rule of life for any devout twentieth-century Catholic. 1592 The Monk Antonii of Kensk (Kozheezersk), with schema-monk name Avramii disciple and successor of the Monk Serapion (Comm. 27 June) in the guiding of the Kozheezersk ("Leather-tanning Lake") monastery 1626 Bld Anne
of Saint Batholomew shepherdess the first
to join Saint Teresa of Ávila's reformed order
sent to France introduce the reform there appointed prioress
of the convents at Pontoise and Tours; founded convent at
Antwerp for English refugees OCD V (AC)
1846 St. Anthony Mary Gianelli Bishop of Bobbio, Italy founded a congregation of missionaries and a congregation of teaching sisters 1928 Joseph Perez Servant of God Franciscan "The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church," said Tertullian in the third century. Joseph Perez carried on that tradition; body was later brought in procession to Salvatierra, it was buried there amid cries of "Viva, Cristo Rey!" Saints and Popes mentioned June 08
90 St. Maximinus
of
Aix First bishop of Aix Provence one of Christ's 72
disciples and accompanied Mary Magdalene Martha, Lazarus,
and Mary Cleopas to Provence to evangelize the area319 Theodore Stratelates Holy Great Martyr suffered for Christ in Heraklea church dedicated to him at a place called Karsat, near Damascus 410 St. Melania the Elder relationship with Saint Jerome was a clash of titans 425 Saint Ephraim, Patriarch of Antioch defended teaching of the Orthodox Church union of two natures the divine and the human in the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ; a Syrian distinguished for his virtue, piety, and compassion for all the destitute; miracle of the omophorion 511 St. Bron Bishop; disciple of St. Patrick; continued St. Patrick's mission; introduced literary and artistic standards in Irish monastic life Saint Zosimus of Phoenicia born in Syrian village of Synda, near city of Tyre; accepted monasticism and zealous in his fasting, prayer, labors and other virtues. The monk received from God the gift of clairvoyance. This
holy icon belonged to St Cyril of White Lake (June
9), and he kept it in his cell. St Cyril was living at
the Simonov Monastery, but his soul yearned for solitude,
and he asked the Mother of God to show him a place conducive
for salvation. One night he was reading an Akathist in his
cell before the Hodigitria icon of the Mother of God, and had just
reached the eighth Kontakion, "Seeing the strange Nativity, let
us become strangers to the world and transport our minds to heaven."
Then he heard a voice say, "Go to White Lake (Belozersk), where
I have prepared a place for you." He left the Simonov Monastery and
at the desolate and sparsely populated White Lake, he found the
place which he had seen in the vision. St Cyril and his companion St
Therapon of White Lake and Mozhaisk (May 27), set up a cross and dug
a cell in the ground near Mount Myaura at Siversk Lake. The White
Lake Icon is also commemorated on July 28.
975 St. Edgar the Peaceful; English king patron of St. Dunstan, who served as his counselor 1154 St. William of York, Bishop austere life of a monk, practicing much prayer and mortification; Following his death, many miracles were attributed to him. 1482 Bl. Pacificus of Cerano Franciscan friar renowned preacher missionary especially respected for his knowledge of moral theology Summa Pacifica was popular 1609
Saint Tevdore
was a simple priest who labored in the
16th century in the village of Kvelta led them in the
wrong direction Embittered hungry for revenge, they beheaded
Fr. Tevdore.
Saints and Popes mentioned June 09
ORTHODOXY
IN CHINA June 9th, 2007 (Byz/Julian Cal.: May
27th, year of the world 7515)297 Primus and Felician Roman patricians; converts to Christianity; relieving poor visiting prisoners; refusing to sacrifice to the public gods; MM first martyrs; bodies later reburied within walls of Rome (RM) 346 Thekla, Martha and Mary Holy Women Martyrs beheaded during the reign of the Persian emperor Sapor II 370 St. Julian Christian sold into slavery in Syria; monk under St. Ephraem 373 St. Ephrem the only Syrian recognized as a Doctor of the Church; left us hundreds of hymns and poems on the faith that inflamed and inspired the whole Church; Poet, teacher, orator and defender of the faith see june 18 444 Saint Cyril, Archbishop of Alexandria, a distinguished champion of Orthodoxy a great teacher of the Church 594 St. Maximian of Syracuse Benedictine bihop, monk trained by St. Gregory I the Great at St. Andrew’s Abbey in Rome; Aposcrisarius apostolic delegate in Sicily 597 St. Columba royal descent fifteen years preaching setting up foundations built world famous monastery island of Iona off the coast of Scotland; developed a monastic rule poet 13 th v. Blessed Diana, Caecilia, and Amata 1st members of Saint Agnes Dominican Convent in Bologna OP VV (AC) 1348
Blessed Silvester
Ventura age of 40 he joined the Camaldolese at Santa
Maria degli Angeli at Florence as a lay brother cook
favored with ecstasies heavenly visions, angels were wont
to come and cook for him spiritual advice was in great demand,
OSB Cam. (AC)
1427 Saint Cyril,
Igumen of White Lake1666 BD HENRY THE SHOEMAKER he formed a religious society for his fellow tradesmen under the traditional patronage of SS. Crispin and Crispinian. 1837 Anne Mary Taigi Endowed with the gift of prophecy, read thoughts described distant events; Christ revealed to her,"The humble are always patient, and the patient sanctify themselves. Patience is the best of all penances, and he who is truly patient possesses all earthly treasure, and will receive a heavenly crown." Saints and Popes mentioned June 10
67 St. Crispulus
& Restitutus 1st century Martyrs who died
in Rome in the reign of Emperor Nero. Some scholars state
that they were martyred in Spain. 362 St. Timothy Martyr and bishop. The Prusa, in Bithynia (modern Turkey), he was put to death during the persecutions of the Church under Emperor Julian the Apostate. 4th v. St. Maximus Martyred bishop of Naples, from 359; died in exile from his see and is venerated as a martyr. 371 Martyrdom of St. Alladius (Hilarius or Hilarion) the Bishop. {coptic} 430 Saint Bassian, Bishop of Lodi friend of St Ambrose, Bishop of Milan (December 7) glorified by miracles providing his flock example of a virtuous life 661 St. Landericus (or Landry) Bishop of Paris, from 650-661 A sincere and dedicated servant of God great love for the poor and the lowly; erect the city's first real hospital 1093 MARGARET of Scotland see Memorial 16 November; formerly 10 June; 16 June in Scotland founded abbeys and used her position to work for justice and improved conditions for poor. 1270 Bl. Amata Dominican co-foundress. Amata was a Dominican nun in Rome. She co-founded the convent of St. Agnes at Valle di Pietro, in the Bologna area of Italy. Bl. Olive (Olivia) achieved a large following when her story from biography; held in great esteem by Christians and Muslims. 1315 Bd Henry of Treviso; 276 miracles, wrought by his relics, recorded within days of death by notaries appointed by the magistrates: they occupy thirty-two closely printed columns of the Acta Sanctorum 1609 Saint Basil, Bishop of Ryazan Uncovering and Transfer of the Holy Relics into the Ryazan-Dormition (afterwards Nativity) church in the Kremlin of Ryazan-Pereslavl 1626 Bl. Caspar Sadamazu Japanese martyr a Jesuit received into the Order at Bungo in 1582 served as secretary to several provincials before being arrested as a Christian 1715 Saint John, Metropolitan of Tobolsk and All Siberia Wonderwonder teacher of the Latin language Kiev Spiritual Academy monasticism at the Kiev Caves "How ought man to conform his will with the will of God?" 1914 Departure of St. Abraam, bishop of El-Fayyoum ordained a monk and priest; meek, humble, had a pure life, and he prayed much in seclusion; Many patients, of different religions, came to him, seeking the blessing of his prayers and were healed miracles were manifested through him after his departure, and his tomb became and still is a pilgrimage for many who have special needs or infirmities. Saints and Popes mentioned June 11
June 11 - Sacred
Heart - Revelation of Axion Estin at Mount Athos
61 St. Barnabas A Jew, born in Cyprus and named Joseph, he sold his property, gave the proceeds to the Apostles, who gave him the name Barnabas, and lived in common with the earliest converts to Christianity in Jerusalem. Axion_Estin_Dostojno_ests.jpg
It is truly meet to call thee blest, the Mother of
God One night in 982, an angel in
the guise of a monk asked for hospitality at the monastery of Mont Athos,
where the disciple of an elder monk, absent that night, put him up for the
night. At Matins, they rose to sing the Office. But when they came to the
ninth ode of the hymn (…), turning to the icon of the Mother of God, the
stranger used the following prelude:
"It is truly meet to call thee blest, the
Theotokos, the ever-blessed and all-immaculate and
Mother of our God..."
Marveling at what he heard, the disciple asked his guest to put the words in writing, and since they had no paper, the strange monk inscribed it effortlessly on a piece of slate, using just his fingers. "From now on," he added, "all Orthodox should sing the hymn to the Mother of God in this manner." Then he disappeared. Upon hearing about the story when he returned,
the older monk understood that the visitor was the
Archangel Gabriel, and proclaimed the miracle to the
Elders. Consequently, they transferred the icon that
had been the object of the miracle to the Protaton Church,
where it is still kept today (…). This "Axion Estin" ("it is
meet") Icon is, along with the Portaïtissa, one of the
most famous of all miraculous icons. www.histoire-russie.fr
June 11 - Pope Leo XIII's Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Rome, 1899) June 11 - Leo XIII consecrated the world to the Sacred Heart of Jesus that is one with the Heart of Mary (1899) 1158 Blessed Hugh of Marchiennes educated at Rheims, became a Benedictine at Saint Martin's in Tournai, in 1148 was named abbot of Marchiennes, OSB Abbot (PC) 1242 St. Peter Rodriguez and Companions group of seven Spanish martyrs members of the Knights of Santiago of Portugal put to death by the Moors 1445 Saint Barnabas of Vetluga priest born in Great Ustiug wilderness people would visit "for a blessing," and he would predict to them that after his repose on the banks of the River Vetluga "God would multiply the human habitation, and upon the place of his dwelling monks would live." At Red Hill the monks built two churches, one in honor of the Most Holy Trinity, and the other, over the grave of the monk, dedicated to St Nicholas the Wonderworker. They founded a cenobitic monastery, which received as its name "the Varnavinsk wilderness-monastery." 1882 St. Paula
Frasinetti Foundress began the Congregation
of St. Dorothy her brother was a parish priest in the
city,
and she assisted
him by teaching poor children in their parish.Saints and Popes mentioned June 12 67 St. Ampliatus Bishop martyr, mentioned by St. Paul with Sts. Narcissus and Urban bishop, join St. Andrew mission in Balkans. 4th v. St. Amphion Bishop defender of the faith, praised by St. Athanasius bishop of Epiphania, Cicilia and bishop of Nicomedia when Arians began to spread their heresy attended Council of Nicaea in 325. 683 Pope St. Leo II God restored his eyes and his tongue after they had been torn out by impious men. 734 St. Peter of Mount Athos first hermit to reside on Mount Athos; St Simeon touched his staff to the chains binding St Peter, and the chains melted away like wax. 1138 St. Christian Bishop brother of St. Malachy of Armagh. Celtic name was Croistan O'Morgair, 1298 Blessed Jolenta (Yolanda) of Poland daughter of Bela IV, King of Hungary. sister, St. Kunigunde miracles, still occur at her grave 1626 Blessed Louis Naisen 7 year old Japanese boy, son of Blessed John and Monica Naisen. beheaded in Nagasaki M (AC) 1971 Blessed Manuel Lozano Garrido, Spanish layman, beatified Sat 12, 2010 June in Linares, Spain. Saints and Popes mentioned June 13
370 St. Triphyllius
Bishop convert to Christianity and eventually
named bishop of Nicosia, Cyprus a devoted supporter of
St. Athanasius of Alexandria against the Arians and consequently
was persecuted by them. 600 St. Peregrinus murdered by Lombards-drowned in the Aterno River after pleading for mercy for a prisoner condemned to death. 680 St. Rambert he opposed corruption; member of the court of the Frankish king Thierry III of Neustria murdered in the Jura Mountains. 852 St. Fandila entered the Benedictine monastery of Tabanos at Cordoba habitual practices of frequent prayer, vigils, and penances. His zeal to preach the faith and defend it prompted him to take the audacious step of going before a Moorish magistrate to deliver a refutation of Islam; miracle of hailstones. 1138 Blessed Gerard Of Clairvaux St Bernard' second and favorite brother a monk he became the right hand of St Bernard, whom he accompanied to Clairvaux; a pattern of obedience and of religious fervor: “How good it is of God to be the Father of men, and what glory it is for men that they are the children of God” 1410 Saint Sava of Moscow succeeded St Andronicus as the igumen of the monastery of the Savior, dedicated to the Icon of Christ Not-Made-By Hands (August 16) in 1395. Saint James acquired the gift of discernment, learned the straight and narrow path of God, and became a great wonderworker 1716 Saint Anthimus of Iberia was one of the most highly educated people of his time. He was fluent in many languages, including Greek, Romanian, Old Slavonic, Arabic, and Turkish and well-versed in theology, literature, and natural sciences; unusually gifted in the fine arts—in painting, engraving, and sculpture in particular; famed for his beautiful calligraphy; great writer, a renowned orator, and a reformer of the written Romanian language. 1839 St. Augustine of Huy A martyr of Vietnam native of Vietnam a soldier; discovered a Christian, he joined St. Nicholas in martyrdom they were sawed into pieces. Augustine was canonized in 1988. 1886 St. Gyavire Martyr of Uganda, slain by a King; Gyavire was known as “the good runner of messages” before being martyred for the faith. 1942 Pope Yoannis the Nineteenth 113th Patriarch of Alexandria Departure of ; monk ; priest; example of, ambition, honesty, purity of conduct, firmness, godliness, and good management loved, since his young age, to read the biographies of saints. He longed to follow their example {Coptic} Saints and Popes mentioned June 14
9th v. BC Elisha The
Holy Prophet was a native of the village
of Abelmaum, near Jordan. By the command of the Lord
he was called to prophetic service by the holy Prophet
Elias (July 20).He spent more than 65 years in prophetic service,
under six Israelite kings (from Ahab to Joash). While Elisha lived,
he did not tremble before any prince, and no word could overcome
him (Sirach 48: 13 ["Sirach" is called "Ecclesiasticus" in Catholic
Bibles ]). 287 St. Valerius & Rufinus Martyrs served as missionaries in Gaul before being martyred at Soissons during the first years of the reign of Emperor Diocletian (r. 284-305). 756 St. Lotharius Benedictine bishop and founder of Saint-Loyer-des-Champs Monastery in the forest of Argentan, France. He served as bishop of Seez for more than three decades. 847 Methodius I as representative of Patriarch Nicephorus, was exiled by Emperor Leo V the Armenian for refusing to yield to the imperial decrees on the destruction of icons. 886 St. Joseph the Hymnographer The most prolific of the Greek hymn writers. A native of Sicily, he was forced to leave his island in 830 in the wake of an invasion by the Arabs, journeying to Thessalonica and then Constantinople; credited with the composition of about one thousand canons 1100 St. Elgar Hermit on the isle of Bardsey, off the coast of Cearnarvon, Wales. He was born in Devonshire, England, and spent many years as a captive in Ireland. 14th v. Saint Niphon of Athos was the son of a priest. From childhood he was raised under the principles of strict Christian morality. Upon taking monastic tonsure he soon was ordained to the holy priesthood. Thirst for stillness and solitary labors led him to the Holy Mountain glorified by gifts of wonderworking and clairvoyance 1688 Saint Elisha of Suma was a monk at the Solovky monastery, and was occupied with the weaving of fishing nets. Before his death he became a schemamonk. In 1688 miracles began from the saint's grave in a crypt in the Nikolsk church of the city of Suma, Archangelsk diocese. 1839 St. Augustine of Huy Vietnam native martyr, a soldier. discovered Christian, he joined
St. Nicholas Thé in martyrdom. They were sawed
into pieces. Augustine was canonized in 1988.
1916 St. Albert
Chmielowski founded the Brothers of the
Third Order of Saint Francis, Servants to the Poor.
Saints and Popes mentioned June 15
284 Sts Crescentia,
Vitus and Modestus Christians who gave their
live for the Faith in the Roman province of Lucania southern
Italy. Crescentia was Vitus' attendant. Tortured
at this juncture, a great storm arose which destroyed many
temples, killing a multitude of pagans. An angel now descended
from heaven, set the martyrs free, and led them back to Lucania,
where they peacefully expired, worn out by their sufferings.310 St. Dulas Martyr from Zephyrium, Cilicia, he called Tatian Dulas in some lists. He was arrested and refused to worship Apollo and other Roman gods. Tortured, Dulas died while being taken to Tarsus. 549 Melan of Viviers Saint Melan was consecrated bishop of Viviers in 519. He was still bishop in 549, when he sent representatives to a council at Orléans (Benedictines). B (AC) 686 St. Domitian & Hadelin Two disciples of St. Landelinus at abbey of Lobbes, Belgium. 706 Constantine of Beauvais a monk under Saint Philibert at Jumièges later bishop of Beauvais (Benedictines) 853 St. Benildis
Spanish woman martyr, converted by the
heroic death of St. Athanasius. A priest, St. Athanasius,
died in the city of Córdoba at the hands of the Moors,
the Islamic rulers of that era. Benildis converted during the
martyrdom of St. Athanasius and she died at the stake the following
day.
1053 Bardo of Mainz helmet, a lamb, and a Psalter were gifts presented to Bardo as a child, and these symbolized courage, gentleness, and piety, each of which marked his later career education came at Fulda, where he also received the Benedictine habit and became the dean. Upon his ordination as a priest in 1029; succeed the archbishop of Mainz; to the end Bardo preserved the simple habits of a monk; noted for his love of the poor, the destitute, and animals; lover of birds, many rare specimens of which he collected and tamed, and taught to feed from his own plate; advocated, especially to young people, the virtues of self-discipline and temperance. 1250 St. Aleydis or Adelaide, Virgin born at Shaerbeck, near Brussels entered a Cistercian convent at seven named Camera Sanctae Mariae, and she remained there for the rest of her life offered up her sufferings for the souls in purgatory and had visions of their being set free through her intercession. 1537 Bls. Thomass', Scryven, and Reding English Carthusian martyrs starved to death at Newgate 1601 St. Germaine Cousin The Rosary was her only book, and her devotion to the Angelus was so great that she used to fall on her knees at the first sound of the bell, even though she heard it when crossing a stream. 1886 Bd Aloysius Palazolo founder of the brothers of the Holy Family and Sisters of the Poor; His charitable work was particularly concerned with the reclaiming of prostitutes. Saints and Popes mentioned June 16
June 16 - Canonization of Padre Pio in
2002
Saint Pio of
Pietrelcina presented himself to everyone - priests,
men and women, religious and lay people - as a credible witness
to Christ and his Gospel. Canonization of Padre Pio of
Pietrelcina, Capuchin Franciscan Friar, Address of John Paul
II, June 16, 2002.Prayer to Our Lady of Grace 4th v. Actinea and Graecina (Gracinea) Actinea was beheaded at Volterra, Etruria, during persecution of Diocletian; 477 Simplicius of Bourges a husband and father of a large family when local bishops elected him to the episcopate of Bourges; defended Church against Arian Visigoths and ambitions of lay magnates B (AC) 551 St. Aurelian Bishop and papal vicar of Gaul named bishop of Arles in 546; He founded a monastery and convent there enriched them with the relics of many saints, including a piece of the True Cross, and Saints Stephen, Peter and Paul, John, James, Andrew, Gennesius, Symphorianus, Victor, Hilary, Martin, Caesarius, and others; Pope vigilius named him a papal vicar of Gaul. 1106 St. Benno bishop educated in the abey of St. Michael, he bacame a canon at Gozlar in Hanover, chaplain to Emperor Henry III; in 1066 bishop of Meissen; watched diligently over his flock, enforced discipline on his clergy, 1245 Blessed Guy Vignotelli known for charities recieved Franciscan habit from Francis 1211 famed for his holiness, miracles 1246 St. Luthgard outstanding mystic of the Middle Ages, Cistercian nun, A vision of Christ compelled Lutgard to become a Benedictine. levitated, form of stigmata spiritual wisdom and miracles, prayers efficacious in conversion of sinners and the release of souls from purgatory; gifts of healing and prophecy as well as an infused knowledge of the meaning of the Holy Scriptures 1503 St Tikhon of Lukh, and Kostroma copied books with skill, a fine lathe turner. Out of humility he did not become a priest 1752 Joseph Butler seiner Ordination 1718; 1736 wurde er Kaplan am englischen Königshof. Im gleichen Jahr veröffentlichte er sein Hauptwerk 'The Analogy of Religion, Natural and Revealed, To the Constitution and Course of Nature' oft verkürzt 'Butler's Analogy' genannt, Saints and Popes mentioned June 17
2nd v. St. Nicander
and Marcian Martyrs, possibly of Durostorum, Bulgaria;
members of the imperial army in the region of the Balkans
and were martyred in the region that eventually became Romania,4th v. St Bessarion a native of Egypt; having heard the call to perfection he went into the wilderness; disciple first of St Antony and then of St Macarius; neighborly charity led him to a height of perfection was manifested by miracles: made salt water fresh, several times brought rain during drought, walked on the Nile admirers compared him with Moses, Joshua, Elias and John the Baptist 363 St. Manuel, Sabel and Ismael Persian Christians martyred by Julian the Apostate at Chalcedon; legates from Persia sent to negotiate peace who were slain when it was discovered they were Christians. A church was dedicated to them by Emperor Theodosius the Great. 510 St. Nectan one of the most celebrated saints in the West of England; tended to the needs of the poor throughout Devon, Cornwall and even Brittany, where churches dedicated to him may be found 680 St. Adulf Bishop and missionary, venerated with his brother, Butulf nobles of Saxon or Irish lineage who became monks; went as missionaries to Germany. There Adulf was made the bishop of Utrecht. Butulf returned to England and founded a religious house in 654, becoming widely respected for his holiness. 1001 St. Rainbold Benedictine abbot; monk of St Maximinus at Trier, Germany; became abbot of St. Emmeram. St. Wolfgang appointed him to the pos; reputedly extremely long lived, reportedly dying at the age of one hundred. 1160 St. Raynerius
Hermit and Benedictine monk led a dissolute
life until undergoing a conversion after pilgrimages
to Jerusalem. Returning home, he entered the Benedictine
abbey of St Andrew at Pisa he lived as a conventual oblate;
His great
reputation is primarily due to the numerous cures which were
worked by him during his life and after his death. From the
use he made of holy water in his miracles of healing he received
the nickname of De Aqua,
1250 St. Teresa of Portugal the eldest daughter of King Sancho I of Portugal and sister of SS. Mafalda and Sanchia; married her cousin, King Alfonso IX of Leon & had several children; the marriage was declared invalid because of consanguinity, she returned to Portugal and founded a Benedictine monastery on her estate at Lorvao. She replaced the monks with nuns following the Cistercian Rule; accounts of miracles are attributed to Teresa's intercession. She expanded a monastery to accommodate three hundred nuns, and lived there. In about 1231, at the request of Alfonso's second wife and widow, Berengaria, she settled a dispute among their children over the succession of the throne of Leon, and on her return to Lorvao, she probably became a nun. 1435 BD PETER OF PISA Many miracles were ascribed to him; 1697 St Gregory Barbarigo, Bishop Of Padua And Cardinal; charities were enormous kind to all, especially to those in trouble or distress founded a college, and also a seminary for young priests 1737 Bl. Emmanuel d'Abreu Martyr of China, a Portuguese Jesuit. He entered the Order in 1724 and was stationed in China. In 1736, he was arrested in Tonkin and was martyred the following year with three companions. 1856 St. Emily
de Vialar Virgin, Foundress of the Sisters of St. Joseph "of the Apparition" Their work was to
be the care of the needy, especially the sick, and
the education of children. In 1835, she made her profession
with seventeen other sisters, and received formal approval
for the rule of the Congregation.
1860 St. Joseph
Cafasso assigned to a seminary in Turin After ordination
there he worked especially against the spirit of Jansenism,
an excessive preoccupation with sin and damnation; St.
John Bosco was one of Joseph’s pupils. Joseph urged John
Bosco to establish the Salesians to work with the youth of TurinSaints and Popes mentioned June 18
305 Saint
Cyriacus and Saint Paula virgin death at Málaga,
Spain MM (RM)373 St Ephraem, Doctor of The Church 569 St. Fortunatus Italian bishop called “the Philosopher;” esteemed by St. Germanicus of Paris, France, driven from his see in northern Italy by the Lombards. 940 St. Guy Benedictine abbot, successor of St. Berno in Baume Abbey retired became a hermit. 1135 Blessed Jerome of Vallumbrosa lived 35 years on nothing but bread /water OSB Vall. (AC) 1505 Blessed Hosanna of Mantua spent her fortune in the service of the poor stigmata OP Tert. miraculously learned to read/write V (AC) 1697 Saint Gregory Barbarigo first Bishop of Bergamo worked unceasingly in carrying out the reforms set forth by the Council of Trent 1925 Venerable Matt Talbot patron people struggling with alcoholism Secular Franciscan Order began life of strict penance contributed generously to the missions Saints and Popes mentioned June 19
Commemoration of Archangel
Michael {Coptic}135 Departure of St. Justus, the Sixth Pope of the See of St. Mark. {Coptic} 1092 Departure of St. Kyrillos the Second, the 67th Pope of Alexandria. {Coptic} Departure of St. Euphemia. {Coptic} 80 Saint Jude, one of 12 apostles of Christ, descended from King David and Solomon, son of Righteous Joseph the Betrothed (Sunday after the Nativity of the Lord) by his first wife. 400 St Paisius the Great lived in Egypt. His parents, Christians, distributed generous alms to all the needy; a seer and a wonderworker famed throughout the whole of Egypt 586 Saint John the Hermit an ascetic in Palestine; passed his days in fasting and prayer in a cave near Jerusalem. The uncovetous ascetic had only an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, before which a lampada was always lit. 679 St. Didier bishop of Nevers, attended the synod of Sens in 657 hermit invoked for rain and against thunderstorm, evil spirits, and plague 827 Saint Hildegrin missions to the Saxons bishop of Châlons-sur-Marne retired to Werden as monk 1009 Saint Bruno (Boniface) of Querfurt received the habit of a Camaldolese monk from the founder Saint Romuald missionary to Germany "the Second Apostle of the Prussians"OSB Cam. BM (RM) 1027 St. Romuald early life wasted in worldly pleasures; abbot. Like all the saints fought lifelong battle against assaults of devils and men; in old age, he increased his austerities; the founder of the Camaldolese monks, 1340 Juliana Falconieri birth answer to prayers of old childless couple they built magnificent church Annunciation at Florence founded Third Order of Servites Austere zealous charitable sympathetic to all, OSM V (RM) 1535 Bl. William Exmew Carthusian martyr Englishman, he was educated at Cambridge and entered the Carthusians, eventually becoming sub-prior of the London Charterhouse 1573 Bl. Thomas Woodhouse ordination as a secular priest; incarceration 12 years; Society of Jesus; English martyr 1607 Saint Job; first Patriarch of Moscow Many incorrupt and fragrant relics became the source of healing for many who were afflicted by physical and mental illnesses at his grave 18th v. Saint Paisius of Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos wrote The History of the Slavo-Bulgarians, a book upholding the Christian Faith and awakening the national self-awareness of the subjugated Bulgarian nation. 1929 Sundar Singh Von Kind an religiös interessiert, studierte er den Koran, meditierte und erlernte Yoga; Er fand aber keinen inneren Frieden englischen Missionsschule und wandte sich hier vehement gegen das Christentum Theologiestudium in den USA Seine mystische Ausrichtung führte ihn wieder zurück nach Indien. Saints and Popes mentioned June 20
151 St. Novatus
Confessor son of St. Pudens and Claudia Rufina
brother of Sts. Pudentiana and Praxedes paternal grandfather
Quintus Cornelius Pudens Roman senator with his wife Priscilla
among St. Peter's earliest converts in Rome in whose house the
Apostle dwelt while in that city303 St Alban, a Roman soldier The first martyr to die for the Faith; he arrested and then was converted by a priest who he allowed to escape; Alban refused to renounce his new faith 431 St. Paulinus of Nola austerity charity giving away their Spanish property correspondent /friend of Augustine, Jerome, Melania, Martin, Gregory and Ambrose last years saddened by Huns invasion St. Paul and Cyriacus 2 Benedictines martyrs martyred in Lower Moesia at Tomis in Pontus Black Sea 537 Silverius Pope son of Pope Saint Hormisdas died a martyr's death after less than two years in office M (RM) 750 St. Helena Benedictine abbess of Ohren Abbey in Trier Germany 981 St. Adalbert of Magdeburg Apostle of the Slavs archbishop German Benedictine monk 1139 John of Matera Benedictine monastery reputation for austerity; honoured by all for his wisdom, his miracles and his prophetical gifts popular preacher at Bari OSB Abbot (AC) 1505 BD OSANNA OF MANTUA, VIRGIN Professor R. W. Chambers described as "that beloved and saintly scholar ... Edmund Gardner", to quote somewhat at length from a privately printed essay of his entitled: "A Mystic of the Renaissance: Osanna Andreasi of Mantua". Speaking of the vision vouchsafed to her in her childhood, Professor Gardner tells how, in her own words, "she feared greatly because of the vision she had had, knowing herself not to be a true and perfect lover of God as she needs must be", and how her aspirations after this perfect state took articulate form in her simple prayer for divine guidance along the way of love. 1626 Bl. Michael Tozo native Martyr of Japan. He became a catechist and aide to Blessed Balthasar Torres. 1626 Bl. John Baptist Zola Martyred Jesuit of Japan 1606-14 Born in Brescia, Italy sent to India in 1602 1626 St. Vincent Kaun Martyr of Japan. A native of Korea, he was brought to Japan in 1591 as a prisoner of war and was subsequently converted to Christianity. Entering the Jesuits, he studied at the Jesuit seminary of Arima and worked for three decades as a catechist in both Japan and China. 1678-1680 THE ENGLlSH MARTYRS OF THE OATES PLOT 1774 Gleb of Vladimir Holy Prince grew up with a deep faith, from twelve he led a solitary spiritual life; incorrupt relics preserved and glorified by miracles Saints and Popes mentioned June 21
64 Saint Lazarus
is the poor
man at the gate of the rich man in Christ's parable related
in Luke. (Luke 16:19-31) Bishop of Cyprus given cloak by Saint
Mary Mother of God75 Saint Terence 1st century Bishop martyr the Tertius mentioned by St. Paul in his Letter to the Romans 379 Saint Eusebius of Samosata staunch defender of orthodoxy during arianism close friends with both Saint Basil and Saint Gregory Nazianzen Eusebius returned to Samosata when Valens died in 378 BM (RM) 5th v. Saints Julius
the presbyter and Julian the Deacon, brothers by
birth, natives of Myrmidonia holy brothers received permission
for building churches; preaching to remote sections East and
West within the Roman Empire, where pagan temples still existed
and where offering of sacrifice to idols was still made converted
pagans to Christianity, by word & numerous miracles.
617 St. Méen of Brittany, Abbot founded monasterys cultus of Saint Méen spread throughout France and there were numerous pilgrimages to his shrine at the monastery (AC) 738 St. Agofredus Holy Cross Benedictine monk, brother of St. Leutfrid known throughout Normandy, France, for his holiness 9th v. Blessed Dominic of Comacchio Benedictine monk of Comacchio (near Venice) went to the Holy Land in 820 retrieved relics of Saint Mark from Alexandria and brought them to Venice where they reside in the duomo; 990 Blessed Wolfrid founded Hohenwiel Abbey c. 973 and became its first abbot; OSB Abbot (AC) 11th v. Saint Anastasia mother of St Sava of Serbia (January 12) daughter of Byzantine Emperor Romanus finished her life as a nun 1126 St. Raymond of Barbastro Augustinian appointed second bishop of Barbastro, Aragon, Spain 1591 St. Aloysius (Luigi, Louis) Gonzaga Benedict XIII declared him patron of young students and Pius XI proclaimed him patron of Christian youth. SJ (RM) 1600 St. John Rigby Martyr of England, a layman executed at Southwak one of the Forty Martyrs of Englandandn Wales and was canonized in 1970 by Pope Paul VI 1622 Saint Luarsab II, Emperor of Georgia The Holy Martyr distinguished himself by his intellect and piety having from his youth kept strict fast and constantly at prayer, without hesitation refused the demands of the shah 1732 Nicetas of Nisyros New Martyr near Rhodes 1930 Eva von Tiele-Winkler Evangelische Kirche: 21. Juni entwickelte sich ein großes diakonisches Arbeitsfeld bis hinein in die Chinamission. 1942 Departure of Pope Yoannis the Nineteenth, 113th Patriarch of Alexandria. PCoptic} Saints and Popes mentioned June 22
96 St. Flavius
Clemens Roman martyr
brother of Emperor Vespasian uncle of Emperors Titus
and Domitian303 Martyrs of Ararat Ten thousand Roman soldiers, led by St. Acacius, massacred on Mount Ararat, modern Turkey 372 St. Nicetas bishop of Remesiana in Dacia (modern Romania and Yugoslaviaclose friend of St. Paulinus of Nola) noted for successful missionary activities especially amoung Bessi race of marauders miracles and healings began to be performed from the relics 375 Eusebius Bischof von Samosata Orthodoxe Kirche: 22. Juni Katholische Kirche: 21. Juni 431 St. Paulinus Bishop of Nola writer poet he gave away their property vast fortune to poor and the Church he & wife pursued a life of deep austerity and mortifications 5th v. Saint John I bishop of Naples translated body of Saint Januarius from Puteoli to Naples, "whom blessed Paulinus, bishop of Nola, called to the heavenly kingdom" B (RM) At Samaria in Palestine, fourteen hundred and eighty holy martyrs, under Chosroes, king of Persia. 570 St. Consortia Foundress of a convent endowed by King Clotaire I of Soissons and the Franks miraculously healed his dying daughter 835 John IV bishop of Naples San Giovanni d'Acquarola, or "the Peacemaker," B (AC) 1164 St. Eberbard Archbishop of Salzburg, Austria supporter of the pope during the “Investiture Controversy.” 1277 Peter of Tarentaise -a simple, humble friar Blessed Pope Innocent V masterly tutelage of Saint Albert the Great visited on foot all Dominican houses under his care; sent to Paris to replace Thomas Aquinas at the University of Paris; succeeded solving questions of Greek schism establishing short-lived truce OP Pope (RM) 1535 St. Thomas More Martyr (Patron of Lawyers) 1516 wrote "Utopia" refused to render allegiance to the King as the Head of the Church of England 1535 St. John Fisher confessor to Lady Margaret Beaufort mother of Henry VII also tutored Prince Henry who became Henry VIII 1968 Relics of the Great St. Mark the Apostle by the hand of Pope Paul the Sixth, Pope of Rome for the opening of the new St. Mark Cathedral {Coptic} Saints and Popes mentioned June 23
257 Saint Felix
a priest in Tuscany, who was scourged to death under
emperors Valerian and Gallienus (Benedictines).304 Zeno and his slave Zenas At Philadelphia in Arabia, the holy martyrs. When the latter kissed the chains of his master, begging to be a partner in his torments, arrested by soldiers, received the crown of martyrdom with him. 362 Saint John of Rome Roman priest beheaded during persecution of Julian the Apostate; head enshrined in San Silvestro in Capita, and martyrdom recorded in several legends that include miracles and prophecy. 435 Saint Johannes Cassian Er wurde Mönch in einem Kloster bei Bethlehem, reiste dann 390 mit seinem Gefährten Germanus nach Ägypten, wo er sieben Jahre bei den Einsiedlern und Asketen der Nitriawüste undin der Skete-Wüste lebte gegen die Nestorianer gegen die Pelagianer 679 Saint Etheldreda (Audrey) heaven sent seven day high tide founded the great abbey of Ely, where she lived an austere life body was found incorrupt 769 Saint James Bishop of Toul, France, from 756 died in Dijon while praying before the tomb of Saint Benignus, after making a pilgrimage to Rome. 1076 Saint Lietbertus s a noble who became bishop in 1051-founder of Cambrai, France built the church and monastery of the Holy Sepulcher 1136 Saint Peter of Juilly Benedictine monk and preacher; originally from England, a friend of St. Stephen Harding and companion at Molesme; miracle worker 1213 Blessed Mary (Marie) d'Oignies turned their house into a leper hospital, and tended the sick miraculously "see the Blessed Sacrament", Widow (AC) able to discern the past history of relics (hierognosis, psychometry). 1343 Blessed Thomas Corsini a Servite lay-brother, who spent his live collecting alms for the abbey. He was favored by many visions (Benedictines), OSM (AC) 1480 Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God Today the church celebrates the miracle which led to the saving of Moscow from the invasion of Khan Achmed in 1480 1535 Saint
John
Fisher is usually associated with Erasmus, Thomas More
and other Renaissance humanists. His life, therefore,
did not have the external simplicity found in the lives of some
saints. Rather, he was a man of learning, associated with the
intellectuals and political leaders of his day. He was interested
in the contemporary culture and eventually became chancellor at
Cambridge
1545 Saint
Artemius
of Verkola Holy Righteous a light over the place where
the incorrupt body holy relics were shown to be a source
of numerous healings1535 St. Thomas More Martyr (Patron of Lawyers) 1516 wrote "Utopia" refused to render allegiance to the King as the Head of the Church of England 1608 Saint Thomas
Garnet English Jesuit martyr nephew of the Jesuit
Henry Garnet studied for the priesthood at Saint Omer, France,
and Valladolid, Spain. Initially ordained as a secular priest,
hejoined the Jesuits in 1604 and worked to advance the Catholic
cause in Warwick until his arrest in 1606. He was exiled after
months of torture but returned in 1607 and soon arrested refused to
take the Oath of Supremacy
1714 Saint Herman,
Archbishop of Kazan1860 Saint Joseph Cafasso a brilliant lecturer in moral theology at the Institute of Saint Franics; a popular teacher, actively opposed Jansenism, and fought state intrusion into Church affairs; made a deep impression on his young priest students with his holiness and insistence on discipline and high standards ministered to prisoners, working to improve their terrible conditions. He met Don Bosco in 1827 and the two became close friends. It was through Joseph's encouragement that Bosco decided his vocation was working with boys. Saints and Popes mentioned June 24
St. John
the Baptist son of Zachary Jerusalem Temple priest
in and Elizabeth kinswoman of Mary5th v. Agoard, Agilbert, and Others MM (RM) 575 St. Germoc Confessor of the faith Irish chieftain 640 Saint Alena of Brussels invoked for eye troubles and toothache VM (AC) 776 St. Theodulphus Abbot of the Benedictine monastery of Lobbes, near Liege, Belgium 845 Saint Ivan of Bohemia renounced brilliant career as courtier hermit life (AC) 1193 St. Bartholomew of Farne; Benedictine hermit on the island of Farne 42 yrs; miracle worker 1292 St. Kunegunda founded Poore Clare Convent of Sandeck built churches hospitals ransomed Christians served the poor and ill. St. Faustus and Companions 1815 Bl. Joseph Yuen Martyr of Tonkin, Vietnam. A native priest, Saints and Popes mentioned June 25
65 Departure of St.
Damianos, 35th Pope of Alexandria. {Coptic}Inauguration of the New St. Mark Cathedral in the Monastery of Anba Rowais. {Coptic} 2nd v. Sosipater (Sopater) son of Pyrrhus, kinsman of Saint Paul, and Christian of Beroea, accompanied Saint Paul on his journey from Greece to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4) (RM) 434 Saint Solomon of Brittany husband of Saint Gwen and father of Saints Cuby and Cadfan M (AC) 463 Prosper of Aquitaine study of theological questions wrote poetry and treatises, notably his Chronicle, a universal history from creation to the Vandal capture of Rome in 455 (RM) 541 Saint Gallicanus 5th bishop of Embrun France founded hospital spent remainder of his life caring for sick 740 Saint Adalbert missionary in Ireland whose tomb became a center for pilgrims miracles after his death 843 Saint Gohardus Bishop of Nantes, France, martyred by marauding Normans 874 Saint Solomon (Selyf) III warrior against Franks Norsemen his own rebellious subjects M (AC) 1122 Blessed Burchard of Mallersdorf monk of the Benedictine abbey of Saint Michael at Bamberg, OSB Abbot (AC) 1228 Holy Prince Peter (David in monasticism) and Holy Princess Febronia (Euphrosyne in monasticism), Wonderworkers of Murom The holy couple was famous for their piety and charity; They died on the same day and hour, June 25, 1228, having received the monastic tonsure 1264 Blessed Jutta of Thuringia patroness of Prussia began her life amidst luxury and power became a Secular Franciscan, taking on the simple garment of a religiousdied the death of a simple servant of the poor 1391 Blessed Guy Maramaldi Dominican taught philosophy and theology OP (AC) 1838 Saint Dominic Henares Bishop martyr of Vietna; Spanish Dominican beheaded with Saint Francis Chie;n canonized in 1988. 1931 Saint Nikon a priest 1917; remembered prophecy of Fr Barsanuphius made before Revolution foresaw times of difficulty for monasteries when Christians would be persecuted and suffer martyrdom; predicted he would be dead before this happened, and that Fr Nikon would live those terrible times; jailed 9/18/1919 because he was a monk; released return to Optina Saints and Popes mentioned June 26
1st v. Lydda
Icon The wonder-working
Icon is mentioned in the service for the Kazan Icon (July 8
& October 22) in the third Ode of the Canon. The "Seven Lakes" Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos shone forth with many miracles in the seventeenth century in the area of Kazan. It is similar to the Smolensk Icon (July 28). 362 St. John & Paul Martyred brothers of Rome commemorated in the first Eucharistic Prayer 515 St. Maxentius Abbot miracle worker a monk in St. Severus’ abbey counselor to King Clovis I marauding soldiers threatened the abbey, Maxentius miraculously saved the site 684 Pope St. Benedict II distinguished knowledge of the Scriptures and by his singing, and as a priest was remarkable for his humility, love of the poor, and generosity; Many of the churches of Rome were restored by him; and its clergy, its deaconries for the care of the poor, and its lay sacristans all benefited by his liberality 790 St. John of the Goths Bishop of Goths in southern Russia defended use of sacred images Iconoclast Controversy 800 ST JOHN, BISHOP OF THE Goths honoured in Eastern churches -- resistance he opposed to Iconoclasm 925 St. Pelagius Martyr in Cordoba Spain left by his uncle as a hostage to the Moors stubborn refusal three years renounce his Christianity and become a Muslim 1157 Blessed Bartholomew de Vir helped Saint Norbert to found the Prémontré OSB Cist. B (PC) St. Marie Magdalen Fontaine Martyred Sister of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul 1315 Blessed Raymond Lull dedicate life working for conversion of Muslims North Africa 1383 The wonderworking icon of Tikhvin; According to ancient tradition, is one of several painted by St Luke the Evangelist. The icon was taken from Jerusalem to Constantinople in the fifth century, where it was enshrined in the Church of Blachernae, which was built especially for this purpose. 1399 The Neamts Icon of the Mother of God was given as a gift by the Byzantine emperor Andronicus Paleologos to the Moldavian ruler Alexander the Voevod, and then placed into the Moldavian Neamts Ascension monastery. 1794 Bl. Teresa Fantou French martyr member Sisters of Charity in Arras during the French Revolution 1794 Blessed Mary Magdalen Fontaine and Companions superior of the house of that institute at Arras (AC) Saints and Popes mentioned June 27
Departure of Elisha,
the Prophet a servant to the holy prophet Elijah raised
son of the Shunammite woman from the dead. {Coptic}1st v. Saint Joanna the Myrrh-bearer, wife of Chusa, household steward of King Herod (Luke 8:3 and 24:10) anoint the Holy Body of the Lord with myrrh after His death on the Cross, she heard from the angels the joyful proclamation of His All-Glorious Resurrection. 444 St. Cyril of Alexandria Bishop Doctor of the Church (June 27) "Seal of the Fathers" in the East 473 St. Deodatus deacon to Saint Paulinus of Nola successor of Paulinus 500 St.
Samson
Xenodochius "the Hospitable," priest a doctor, renowned
figure of charity; Lord blessed the efforts of St Sampson and
endowed him with the power of wonderworking He healed the
sick not only through being a skilled physician, but also as a bearer
of the grace of God
Venerable George
of Mt. Athos; brothers Sts. George the Scribe and Saba
remained; with St. George the Recluse (the God-bearer) for
3 years translation of theological texts from the Greek
to the Georgian language1045 St. Emma a relative of Emperor St. Henry II raised at Henry's court by St. Cunegund gave liberally to the poor, founded several religious houses and a double monastery at Gurk, Austria, may have become a nun there 1095 King Ladislaus I of Hungary, He fought just and successful wars against Poles, Russians, and the Tartars (RM) renowned for his miracles even to this day 1100 St. Laszlo son of King Bela of Hungary 1232 Blessed Benvenuto of Gubbio uncouth soldier; endowed with supernatural gifts of a high order: these spread his fame far and wide; many miracles; received into Franciscan order by Saint Francis himself OFM (AC) 611 Saint Serapion of Kozhe Lake brought to Moscow among Kazan Tatar captives in the year 1551; built two churches; one in honor of the Holy Theophany, and the other in honor of St Nicholas. Patriarch Job 1654 Johann Valentin Andreä Er schrieb mehrere kleine Schriften in lateinischer Sprache, in denen er die Mißstände in der Christenheit anprangerte und ein wahres Christentum forderte. 1794 B Madeleine Fontaine And Companions, Virgins Martyrs Sisters of Charity St Vincent de Paul convent of Arras 1840 Bl. Thomas Toan Vietnamese native Martyr Blessed Joseph Heiu (Hien, Yeun) a native Dominican priest of Annam (Vietnam), beheaded at Nam-Dinh, OP 1918, Catholicos-Patriarch Kirion II was found murdered in the patriarchal residence at Martqopi Monastery; Bishop Kirion was a tireless researcher, with a broad range of scholarly interests. To his pen belong more than forty monographs on various themes relating to the history of the Georgian Church and Christian culture in Georgia. He compiled a short terminological dictionary of the ancient Georgian language and, with the linguist Grigol Qipshidze, a History of Georgian Philology. Saints and Popes mentioned June 28
Martyrdom of St.
Timothy of Memphis (El-Masry) (Coptic}
95 Departure
of St. Cedron (Kardonos), the Fourth Patriarch of Alexandria
This father was baptized by the hand of St. Mark the apostle,
and the evangelist of the land of Egypt (Coptic}
202 Saint Irenaeus writings of Saint Irenaeus entitle him to a high place among the fathers of the Church, for they not only laid the foundations of Christian theology but, by exposing and refuting the errors of the gnostics, they delivered the Catholic Faith from the real danger of the doctrines of those heretics: He was most influenced by Saint Polycarp who had known the apostles or their immediate disciples 412 Cyrus and John from the city of Konopa, near Alexandria Transfer of the Relics of the Holy Martyrs, Unmercenaries and Wonderworkers many miracles, healings of the sick and infirm 5th v. Saint Crummine Bishop and disciple of Saint Patrick of Ireland. Saint Patrick placed Crummine over the church in Lachan County, Westmeath. 6th v. Saint Benignus Bishop and martyr. mentioned in Pope Pelagius II's decretal concerning his resignation from his see. Benignus retired to Utrecht, Netherlands; listed in the Roman Martyrology, relics found in Utrecht, in 996. 660 Saint Theodichildis She served as first abbess Benedictine house of Jouarre, Meaux, France. 683 SAINT LEO II Pope he accomplished good works which cause his name blessed by all succeeding generations 767 Saint Paul I, Pope {Pope from 757-767}. The brother of Pope Stephen II and a Roman, he was educated in the Lateran Palace, became a deacon under Pope Zachary, and wielded considerable influence in his brother’s administration. Elected to succeed Stephen, he took as his primary concern the threat posed to Rome and the Papal States by the Lombards. 858 Saint Argymirus Martyr of Spain, native of Cabra, Spain, he held a high position in one of the Islamic domains in the peninsula. Fired because of his Christian faith, Argymirus became a monk. made a public statement of his beliefs and was beheaded 1019 Saint Heimrad
Benedictine hermit and pilgrim. He was a monk
at various abbeys before beginning his ceaseless pilgrimages
to Rome and Jerusalem. He was considered a lunatic by many until
he setteld as a hermit at Wolfhagen, Hesse Nassau. His tomb there
drew many pilgrims.
1353 Saints Sergius
and Herman settled on the island of Valaam in 1329.
The brethren gathered by them spread the light of Orthodoxy
in this frontier land. The Karelian people began to regard Christianity
with renewed suspicion, with its authority in the 14th century
being undermined by Swedes--sought to spread Catholicism by means
of the sword.
1654 Saint John
Southworth became a priest in 1619 in Douai One of the
Forty Martyrs of England and Wales relics are in Westminster
Cathedral in London, discovered there in 1927. Pope Paul VI canonized
him in 1970.1847 Saint Vincenza Gerosa Co-foundress of Sisters of Charity native of Lovere, Italy gave her life to aiding the poor Saints and Popes mentioned June 29
Sermon
of Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo Today the Holy Church
piously remembers the sufferings of the Holy Glorious
and All-Praised 64 Saint Simon Peter or Cephas first pope, Prince of the Apostles, and founder, with Saint Paul, of the see of Rome 67 Saint Paul, the indefatigable Apostle of the Gentiles convert from Judaism on the road to Damascus. Ephesus: he remained 3 yrs, the center of his missionary activity 75 Saint Mary Mother of John (Mark) Peter went to Mary’s home, a gathering place of the Apostles, when released from prison by Herod Sts. Cosmas, Damian, Their Mother, and Brothers Consecration of the Church of {Coptic} 558 Saint Cassius Bishop of Narni, Italy praised by Pope Saint Gregory the Great 575 Saint Cocha abbess Nurse of the infant Saint Kieran of Saighir Génuæ natális sancti Syri Epíscopi. At Genoa, the birthday of St. Syrius, bishop. In território Senonénsi sanctæ Benedíctæ Vírginis. In the territory of Sens, St. Benedicta, virgin. St. Marcellus, martyr At Argenton in France, beheaded for the faith of Christ together with soldier Anastasius. 875 Saints Salome and Judith Anchorites (An anchorite is a woman who lives in seclusion for religious purposes) 1045 ST EMMA, WIDOW founded the abbey of Gurk; devoted her possessions and her life to the service of God and of her fellow creatures. Besides giving alms liberally to the poor, she founded several religious houses, 1600 The Kasperov Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos Saints and Popes mentioned June 30 The Holy Apostle Paul (June 29) SerbianOrthodoxChurch.net Twelve
Apostles of Christ The Synaxis of the Glorious
and All-Praiseworthy an ancient Feast. The Church honors each
of the Twelve Apostles on separate dates during the year, and established
a general commemoration for all the day after commemoration of
Glorious and First-Ranked among the Apostles Peter and Paul.
64 First
Martyrs of the See of Rome “Protomartyrs of Rome.” 1st v. Saint Lucina Martyr mentioned in the Acts of Sts. Processus and Martinianus 205 Saint Basilides Martyr of Egypt, defender of Saint Potomiana soldier of the guard of the prefect of Egypt 250 Saint Martial Bishop of Limoges one of the first apostles of France Saint Airick Hermit companion of Saint Godric; noted recluse in England. Saint Godric is recorded as being his friend and deathbed companion. 623 Saint Bertrand Bishop ordained by Saint Germanicus. Archdeacon of Paris 714 Saint Clotsindis Benedictine abbess 718 ST ERENTRUDE, VIRGIN St Rupert appealed particularly for the aid of devoted men and women to occupy religious houses in the new city of Salzburg, among those responding was his kinswoman, Erentrude, or Erentrudis 10th v. Queen Dinar The Russian Church preserved chronicles of the life of a woman who achieved much on behalf of the Christian Faith. 1066 Saint Theobald Camaldolese hermit and monk priest; sanctity attracted many disciples, 1139 Otto von Bamberg Er wirkte als Kaplan am Hof des polnischen Königs. 1228 BD ARNULF OF VILLERS he had the gifts of miracles and of prophecy; heroic mortifications and penitential exercises he practised as a lay-brother in the Cistercian abbey of Villers in Brabant 1290 Saint Peter, Prince of the Horde, nephew of Bergai Khan of the Golden Horde distinguished himself with a love for silence, contemplation, and prayer. After a miraculous appearance to him of the Apostles Peter and Paul he built a monastery near Lake Nera in their honor embraced monasticism at the monastery 1315 Bl. Raymond Lull 5 Christ Visions; one of the military leaders who reconquered Majorca from the Moslems 1646 Bl. Philip Powell Benedictine English martyr two decades in the area of Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall before being arrested served as a chaplain in the Civil War 1770 The Martyr Michael the Gardener suffered under the Turks for confessing the Christian faith at Athens 1771 Saint Sophronius, Bishop of Irkutsk and All Siberia relics; incorrupt, and a source of grace-filled miracles 1838 Saint Vincent Yen Dominican native Vietnamese martyr Saint Ostianus French saint. He was a priest in some uncertain year and is still venerated at Viviers. Marytrs of Rome The groups of Christians who perished during cruel persecutions in the Eternal City. Saint Gelasius igumen of the Rimet Monastery in Transylvania Saints and Popes mentioned July 01 |
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Saints
and Popes mentioned this day of May
01
600 B.C. The Holy
Prophet Jeremiah, one of the
four great Old
Testament prophets regarded as a wonderworkerIn Ægypto sancti Jeremíæ Prophétæ, qui, a pópulo lapídibus óbrutus, apud Taphnas occúbuit, ibíque sepúltus est; ad cujus sepúlcrum fidéles (ut refert sanctus Epiphánius) supplicáre consuevérunt, índeque sumpto púlvere, áspidum mórsibus medéntur. In Egypt, St. Jeremias, prophet, who was stoned to death by the people at Taphnas, where he was buried. St. Epiphanius tells that the faithful were accustomed to pray at his grave, and to take away from it dust to heal those who were stung by serpents. Son of the priest Helkiah from the city of Anathoth near Jerusalem. 600 BC Jeremiah,The Holy Prophet one of 4 great Old Testament prophets St. Joseph Feastday: March 19, May 1 Patron of the Universal Church Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 01
165 Saint Justin Martyr Patron Saint of: apologists, lecturers, philosophers Romæ sancti Juvéntii Mártyris. 309 ST PAMPHILUS AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS a man of remarkable sanctity and learning, and great charity to the poor 430 ST CAPRASIUS, OR CAPRAIS sanctity was extolled by St Eucherius, bishop of Lyons, and by St Hilary of Arles 849 ST WISTAN wonderful manifestation with which God continued to honour the martyr 1035 ST SIMEON OF SYRACUSE spent two years as a solitary in a little cave near the Red Sea; long before his death, he was venerated as a saint and a wonder-worker 1451 BD HERCULANUS OF PIEGARO Franciscan; extraordinary powers in winning souls to God. Wherever he went he spoke of the sufferings of our Lord, frequently by his eloquence reducing his hearers to tears, and by his personal holiness inspiring them to reform their lives; urged penance on others set example himself by his own great austerity. 1571 BD JOHN STOREY, MARTYR "the most noted civilian and canonist of his time" boldly opposed the Act of Uniformity; 17th v. Shio the New holy monk-martyrs, David, Gabriel and Paul labored in the David-Gareji Wilderness at the end of the 17th century. 1617 Bl. Andrew Sushinda Martyr of Japan Japanese layman sheltered Dominican missionaries, martyred at Nagasaki on October 1, 1617 Bl. Andrew Sushinda Martyr of Japan Japanese layman sheltered Dominican missionaries, martyred at Nagasaki on October 1, 1617-1632 THE MARTYRS OF JAPAN 1787 BD FELIX OF NICOSIA In private, Felix practised great austerities; in public his love of God expressed itself in charity towards his neighbours. He was endowed with the gift of healing temporal and spiritual diseases, and he delighted in tending the sick Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 02
177 SS. Pothinus
And His Companions, The Martyrs Of Lyons And Vienne
1094 St., Nicholas Peregrinus, confessor At Trani in Apulia, whose miracles were recited in a Roman Council over which Pope St. Urban II presided. 177 St. Blandina Martyr a slave patroness of young girls A miraculous victory obtained by the prayers of Christians under Marcus Aurelius, in 174, the Church enjoyed a kind of peace 177 St. Alexander a physician in Vienne, Gaul, when he converted to Christianity Martyr and companion St. Pothinus and 46 other Christians 177 Martyrs of Lyons A group of Christians that include Photinus, Sanctius, Vetius, Epagathus, Maturus, Ponticus, Biblis, Attalus, Alexander, Blandina, and companions. 300 St. Erasmus (St. Elmo) bishop of Formiae, Campagna, Italy suffered a martyr's death 1/14 Holy Helpers wounds he miraculously endured 304 Sts. Marcellinus and Peter Martyrs respect in which they were held are the basilica Constantine built over their tombs and the presence of their names in the first eucharistic prayer. 1070 Guy of Acqui B (AC) cultus confirmed in 1853. Saint Guy was bishop of Acqui in Monferrato, Piedmont, Italy, from 1034 to 1070 (Benedictines). 1075 Stephen of Corvey monk of Corvey in Saxony, who was appointed regionary bishop of Sweden successfully engaged in missionary work first to plant the faith on the shores of the sound OSB BM (AC) 1094 St. Nicholas Peregrinus Confessor, so called Peregrinus because of his constant pilgrimages Greek by birth miracles were claimed at his tomb 1150 St. John de Ortega priest hermit friend of St. Dominic de Ia Caizada aided Dominic in the building of hospices and bridges. 1260 Blessed Sadoc and Companions dreams of converting the Tartars found realization in his sons MM (AC) 1340 John the New of Sochi The Holy Great Martyr a merchant, devout and firm in his Orthodoxy, and generous to the poor calling on the help of Him Who said, "When they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what you shall speak, neither do you premeditate; but whatsoever will be given you in that hour, speak that, for it is not you that speaks, but the Holy Spirit" (Mark 13:11) St. Dodo companion of St. Davit of Gareji, belonged to the royal family Andronikashvili. He was tonsured a monk while still an youth, and was endowed with every virtue. 1657 Demetrius von Philadelphia Als Kind wurde er von Muslimen geraubt. Er wurde im islamischen Glauben erzogen, bekehrte sich aber mit 25 Jahren und bekannte sich als Christ. 1795 Ibrahim El-Gohari Departure of the most honored Layman transscribe the religion books, and distribute them to the church at his own expense 1819 Constantine The Holy Martyr was born upon the island of Mytilene into a Mahometan family. In his youth he fell ill with smallpox, from which he completely lost his eyesight and awaited death. A certain Christian took him to church and washed him with holy water. They brought him out of the temple completely healthy. 1819 Princess Juliana of Vyazemsk The relics of the holy were uncovered was buried in the Torzhok cathedral on the right side by the south doors in 1407 Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 03
1st v. sister Sts Martha
and Mary the righteous sisters were
believers in Christ even before He raised their brother St Lazarus (October 17) from the dead41-54 Sts. Frontasius, Severinus, Severianus, and Silanus The Holy Martyrs suffered for Christ preach the Word of God in southern Gaul (now France) by Bishop Frontonus of Petragorium 64 St. Clateus Martyred bishop. He was one of the earliest bishops of Brescia, Italy. He died in the persecution launched by Emperor Nero. 98-117 Astius The Hieromartyr was bishop of the city of Dyrrachium (Macedonia) 175 Concordius The Holy Martyr son of the presbyter Gordian, was raised in piety and faith in Christ, and therefore Bishop Pius of Rome made him a subdeacon generously distributed alms to the needy 270 St. Aretius Roman martyr with Dacian relics of martyrs were discovered in the catacombs along the Appian Way. 308 St. Quirinus Bishop and martyr of Siscia, Croatia St. Rutilius and Companions group of martyrs put to death at Sabaria, Pannonia province during Roman persecutions St. Quirinus martyr put to death at Tivoli, Italy, and mentioned in the Roman Martyrology under the same feast day as the Quirinus of Pannonia. Martyrs of Niculitsel graves of Saints Zoticus, Atallus, Camisius and Philip were discovered in 1971. 325 St. Metrophanes Bishop of Byzantium first Patriarch of Constantinople His devotion to the faith as bishop was so remarkable that Emperor Constantine the Great was supposedly influenced by him in placing the new imperial capital at Byzantium, on the Hellespont -- Constantinople. 387 St. Optatus of Milevis Bishop of Milevis, Numidia, in Africa a convert from paganism best known for his opposition to the heresy of Donatism and his six treatises composed against them 564 St. Petroc Welsh became a monk and with some of his friends, went to Ireland to study pilgrimage to Rome and Jerusalem known for his miracles 6th v. St. Croidan disciple of St. Petroc with St. Medan and Degan. 1150 St. Walter Benedictine abbot English served as a monk and then abbot of Fontenelle, France, the famed Benedictine spiritual center. Pope Innocent II (r. 1130-1143) noted his zeal and holiness. 1176 St. Cornelius Archbishop of Armagh, Ireland Irishman, he joined the Augustinians at Armagh died returning from a pilgrimage to Rome 1250 St. Walter Benedictine hermit, abbot, founder and first abbot of Serviliano monastery in the Marches of Ancona, Italy. This monastery involved in the renaissance of the spirit that was pioneered by religious orders in that er St. Saturnina virgin martyr reportedly a maiden from Germany who journeyed to France and there died while defending herself against some attack upon her chastity. 1392 Saint Methodius, Igumen of Peshnosha founder of the Peshnosha monastery under guidance St Sergius of Radonezh 1608 St. Francis Caracciolo priest Founder of the Minor Clerks Regular with St. John Augustine Adorno Archbishop Andronicus of Perm The holy New Martyr was an outspoken critic of the Communist decree which ordered the separation of Church and State 1847 ST VINCENTIA GEROSA, VIRGIN, COFOUNDRESS OF THE SISTERS OF CHARITY OF LOVERE 1886 Charles Lwanga and Companions; One of 22 Ugandan martyrs, Charles Lwanga is the patron of youth and Catholic action in most of tropical Africa. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 04
1st v. Sts Martha
and Mary the righteous sisters were
believers in Christ even before He raised their brother St Lazarus (October 17) from the dead175 Concordius The Holy Martyr son of the presbyter Gordian, was raised in piety and faith in Christ, and therefore Bishop Pius of Rome made him a subdeacon generously distributed alms to the needy 325 St. Metrophanes Bishop of Byzantium first Patriarch of Constantinople His devotion to the faith as bishop was so remarkable that Emperor Constantine the Great was supposedly influenced by him in placing the new imperial capital at Byzantium, on the Hellespont -- Constantinople. 564 St. Petroc Welsh became a monk and with some of his friends, went to Ireland to study pilgrimage to Rome and Jerusalem known for his miracles 1150 St. Walter Benedictine abbot English served as a monk and then abbot of Fontenelle, France, the famed Benedictine spiritual center. Pope Innocent II (r. 1130-1143) noted his zeal and holiness. 1392 Saint Methodius, Igumen of Peshnosha founder of the Peshnosha monastery under guidance St Sergius of Radonezh 1847 ST VINCENTIA GEROSA, VIRGIN, COFOUNDRESS OF THE SISTERS OF CHARITY OF LOVERE June 4 – First visit of Saint John Paul II to Poland, at Czestochowa (1979) In Poland, a light has always shone… Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 05
250 St. Florentius
Martyr with Cyriacus, Faustinus, Julian,
and Marcellinus. They were beheaded at Perugia, Italy305-311 The Holy Martyrs Marcian, Nicander, Hyperechius, Apollonius, Leonidas, Arius, Gorgias, Pambo, and the women martyrs Selenia and Irene natives of Egypt angel appeared and healed their wounds 362 Dorotheus bishop of Phoenician Tyre The Hieromartyr guided his flock more than 50 years, converted many pagans to Christianity martyred at 107 in Myzean city of Udum (present day Bulgarian Varna) 4th v. Saint Anubius the Ascetic bravely endured tortures during time of persecutions against Christians; remained alive and withdrew into the wilderness dwelt until old age singing of angels who came to receive his soul he often saw angels and the holy saints of God standing before the Lord also beheld Satan and his angels committed to the eternal flames 755 St. Adalar Priest monk and martyr served as a companion of St. Boniface in his missionary labors: martyred at Dokkum in Frisia with Boniface. 851 St. Sanctinus Also Sancho, martyr; born in Albi, France, captured as child by Moors sold into slavery at Cordoba, Spain. Raised and educated at the court of the emir of Cordoba, served in the palace guard until tortured and executed for professing the Christian faith and refusing to embrace Islam. 1233 Theodore of Novgorod Holy Prince the elder brother of St Alexander Nevsky. In 1614 the Swedes pillaged the monastery, broke open the tomb of the prince finding him whole and incorrupt 1275 Saint Peter
of Korisha meek and humble child he and sister
St Helena sold family possessions distributed money to
the poor entered monastery Archangel Michael appeared to
him and drove away demons the Lord consoled him with a vision of the Uncreated Light which lasted several
days Many icons of St Peter proved to be miracle working
1561 Sts Bassian
and Jonah were monks of the Solovki Transfiguration
monastery and disciples of Igumen Philip, who later became
Metropolitan of Moscow (January 9).1443 BD FERDINAND OF PORTUGAL 1840 St. Luke Loan Martyr of Vietnam native ordained a priest and then served the Catholic community until his arrest by anti-Christian forces. He was beheaded. His canonization took place in 1988. 1900 Bl. Franciscan
Martyrs of China 29 Franciscans and Franciscan
tertiaries who became victims of the Boxer Rebellion.
They represent more than 100,000 Christians of China who
were martyred in the reign of Empress Tz’u hsi. These martyrs
are recorded as being slain in the palace of the viceroy of Taiyuan-fu
of Xian-fu Province.
Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 06
St. Lycarion
A martyr of Egypt Virgin - martyrs: Martha
with Mary and their brother Lycarion, in Egypt90 St. Philip the Deacon "Acts" ministering to needy members of the Church 1st preacher in Samaria converted Simon Magus then eunuch chief treasurer of the Queen of Ethiopia on the road from Jerusalem to Gaza St. Artemius, with his wife Candida and his daughter Paulina martyred at Rome, 293 Sts Archelais, Thekla and Susanna Holy Virgin Martyrs sought salvation in a small monastery near Rome received; gift of healing from God in the 19 C. Susanna appeared to a disciple of Elder Boniface saying, "We must pray to God with soul, mind, and the heart." described as maiden of untold beauty, with a soft, pleasant voice. 300 20 Marytrs of Tarsus A group of twenty martyrs slain at Tarsus, in modern Turkey 303 St. Vincent of Bevagna 1st Bishop of Bevagna in Umbria martyr 461 St. Simon the Stylite Departure Of led a great ascetic life in worship and prayer {Coptic} 466 Saint Bessarion Wonderworker of Egypt baptized in youth led strict life, preserving grace given during Baptism 518 St. Eustorgius II Reportedly Greek-lived in Rome spent vast amounts of money ransoming members of his flock 699 St. Claud restored the monastic buildings in the Jura mountains enforced the Rule of St. Benedict burial place for centuries a favorite place of pilgrimage at which miraculous cures took place 786 St. Willibald dedicated as a child to God porter in the great monastery of Monte Cassino ordained priest and became bishop of Eichstaett; over 50 years pioneering work in a barbarous land (RM) 840 St. Agobard Archbishop theologian fled Spain to avoid Moorish invasion 845 Saint Hilarion the New was born of pious parents Peter and Theodosia raised in the virtues; instructed him in Holy Scripture. At 12 tonsured as a monk at the Hesychius monastery near Constantinople, from there transferred to Dalmatus monastery, where he received the Great Schema and became a disciple of St Gregory the Dekapolite (November 20). Hilarion beheld holy angels taking soul of St Theodore to Heaven. 950 St. Amantius Bishop governed Noyon, France and 5 priests were martyred for the faith, 3 were his brothers 1134 Saint Norbert early life devoted to worldly pleasures including financial benefices as cannon then struck down w/lightning regain conscious first words were "Lord, what do you want me to do?" same words Saul spoke on road to Damascus Norbert heard in his heart, "Turn from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it." became itinerant preacher severe and popular reformer; Norbert's community first evidence of lay affiliation with a religious order.
1534 Saint Jonah
of Klimets monk founded the Klimets Trinity monastery
in fulfillment of a vow 1535 BD LAURENCE OF VILLAMAGNA 1537 Bl. John Davy Carthusian martyr of England member of the Carthusian Charterhouse of London, he was an opponent of the Act of Supremacy of King Henry VIII 1537 Bl. Robert Salt Carthusian martyr a lay brother in the Carthusian community of London who, with six other members of the order starved to death at Newgate by order of King Henry VIII of England after they resisted his Dissolution of the Monasteries. St. Nilammon Egyptian hermit named bishop but refused; blockaded his cell died while in prayer with group of pleading bishops outside 1537 Bl. Walter Pierson Bl. John Davy Bl. Robert Salt Carthusian martyrs of England opposing the religious policies of King Henry VIII 1840 St Marcellin Champagnat founder of the Little Brothers of Mary the Marists classmate of St Vianney. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 07
1st v.
Hesia
and Susanna The Holy Women were disciples of
the PriestMartyr Pankratios, Bishop of Tauromeneia (Comm.
9 July), a disciple
of the Apostle Peter.304 Potamioena the Younger A young girl martyred at Alexandria VM (AC) 3rd v. Theodotus The Holy Martyr lived in Ancyra of Galatia distinguished by his kindliness and concern 3rd v. Hieromartyr Marcellinus Bishop of Rome Claudius, Cyrinus and Antoninus with him 17,000 men the Holy Martyrs 3rd v. St Sisinius
deacon suffered at Rome along with hieromartyr Marcellus,
Bishop of Rome, holy deacon Cyriacus; also Smaragdus, Largus, Apronian, Saturninus,
Crescentian, Papias and Maurus and the holy women martyrs
Priscilla, Lucy and the Emperor's daughter Artemia
St. Lycarion
A martyr of Egypt Virgin - martyrs: Martha
with Mary and their brother Lycarion, in Egypt 3rd v. Kyriake,
Kaleria (Valeria), and Mary the holy women martyrs lived
in Palestinian Caesarea; abandoned paganism, settled in
a
solitary place and spent their lives in prayer, beseeching
the Lord that the persecution against Christians would come
to an end, and that the Faith of Christ would shine
throughout all the world
310 Marcellus
hieromartyr
Bishop of Rome denounced the emperor
openly before everyone for his cruelty toward innocent
Christians732 Aventinus of Bagnères hermit in Larboush Valley, where Saracens discovered him put him to death M (AC) 786 St. Willibald Bishop and missionary native of Wessex England brother of Sts. Winebald and Walburga related to St. Boniface; Willibald was the first recorded English pilgrim to the Holy Land, and his vita the earliest travel book by an English writer. 847 St. Deochar Hermit Blessed Charlemagne founded Benedictine abbey of Herriedon appointed Deochar first abbot: Deochar translated relics of St. Boniface to Fulda 851 St. Peter Spanish martyr with Wallabonsus, Sabinian, Wistremundus, Habentius, and Jeremias martyred in Cordoba at the order of Emir Abd al-Rahman II for preaching against Muhammad. 1066 St. Gottschalk Martyr Prince of the Wends collected scattered tribes of the Slavs into one kingdom, and to make that Christian established monasteries at Oldenburg, Mecklenburg, Ratzeburg, Lubeck, and Lenzen. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 08
90 St. Maximinus
of Aix First
bishop of Aix Provence one of Christ's 72 disciples and
accompanied Mary Magdalene Martha, Lazarus, and Mary Cleopas
to Provence to evangelize the areaSt. Sallustian confessor of great veneration in Sardinia 250 St. Calliope Eastern martyr determined to obey Christ and died for her faith 319 Theodore Stratelates Holy Great Martyr suffered for Christ in Heraklea church dedicated to him at a place called Karsat, near Damascus 410 St. Melania the Elder relationship with Saint Jerome was a clash of titans 425 Saint Ephraim, Patriarch of Antioch defended teaching of the Orthodox Church union of two natures the divine and the human in the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ; a Syrian distinguished for his virtue, piety, and compassion for all the destitute; miracle of the omophorion 511 St. Bron Bishop; disciple of St. Patrick; continued St. Patrick's mission; introduced literary and artistic standards in Irish monastic life 515 St. Heraclius 14th Bishop of Sens built abbey of St. John the Evangelist Saint Zosimus of Phoenicia born in Syrian village of Synda, near city of Tyre; accepted monasticism and zealous in his fasting, prayer, labors and other virtues. The monk received from God the gift of clairvoyance. 550 St. Severinus Bishop brother of St. Victorinus distributed their enormous wealth among the poor and became hermits In Picéno sancti Severíni, Septempedáni
Epíscopi.
and Victorinus became hermits
at Montenero, Italy,
giving away their extensive wealth to the poor. Compelled
to become bishops by Pope Vigilius, Severinus
served as head of Septempeda (modern Sanseverino) in the marches,
or territories of Aneona, and Victorinus was named bishop of
CamerinoIn Piceno, St. Severin, bishop of Septempeda. Severinus of Sanseverino B (RM) Severinus was bishop of Septempeda, which is now called Sanseverino in his honor, in the Marches of Ancona. He and his brother Saint Victorinus distributed their enormous wealth among the poor and became hermits at Montenero. Pope Vigilius forced both to become bishops in 540-- Severinus in Septempeda and Victorinus in Camerino. Severinus died shortly before Septempeda was destroyed by Totila the Ostrogoth (Benedictines) Saint John of
Kronstadt >
glorified
by Russian Orthodox Church
Mother_of_God_of_White_Lake 690 Saint Eustadiola of Moyen-Moutier expended her fortune building Moyen-Moutier convent OSB Abbess 696 Saint Clodulf bishop of Metz for 40 years B (RM) 975 St. Edgar the Peaceful; English king patron of St. Dunstan, who served as his counselor 1070 St. Robert of Frassinoro Benedictine abbot 1154 St. William of York, Bishop austere life of a monk, practicing much prayer and mortification; Following his death, many miracles were attributed to him. At York in England, St. William, archbishop and confessor, who, among other miracles wrought at his tomb, raised three persons from the dead. He was placed in the calendar of the saints by Pope Honorius III. 1257 Basil and Constantine Vsevolodovich of YaroslavThe holy Princes . 1330 Blessed John Rainuzzi "the Almsgiver" a Benedictine monk Saint Margaret's monastery at Todi OSB (AC) 1482 Bl. Pacificus of Cerano Franciscan friar renowned preacher missionary especially respected for his knowledge of moral theology Summa Pacifica was popular 1609
Saint Tevdore
was a simple priest who labored in the 16th
century in the village of Kvelta led them in the wrong direction
Embittered hungry for revenge, they beheaded Fr. Tevdore.
Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 09
292 St. Vincent
of Agen Martyr deacon in Agen, Gaul (modern France)
tortured beheaded after disturbing a pagan ceremony297 Primus and Felician Roman patricians; converts to Christianity; relieving poor visiting prisoners; refusing to sacrifice to the public gods; MM first martyrs; bodies later reburied within walls of Rome (RM) 311 St. Pelagia of Antioch Roman martyred virgin. She was a disciple of St. Lucian of Antioch 346 Thekla, Martha and Mary Holy Women Martyrs beheaded during the reign of the Persian emperor Sapor II 373 St. Ephrem the only Syrian recognized as a Doctor of the Church; left us hundreds of hymns and poems on the faith that inflamed and inspired the whole Church; Poet, teacher, orator and defender of the faith see june 18 444 Saint Cyril, Archbishop of Alexandria, a distinguished champion of Orthodoxy a great teacher of the Church 597 St. Columba royal descent 15 years preaching founder, built monastery island of Iona coast of Scotland; monastic rule, poet 717 St. Cummian 8th century Benedictine bishop of Ireland, he traveled to Bobbio, in Italy, and remained as a monk. 1222 Bl. Diana family founded Dominican convent for her, staffed with Diana 4 companions 4 nuns from Rome, 2- Cecilia and Amata 13th v. St. John of Shavta great Georgian hymnographer, philosopher, orator education Gelati Academy monk at Vardzia Monastery 1439 Alexander, Hegumen of Kushtsk, of Vologda, The Monk 1666 BD HENRY THE SHOEMAKER he formed a religious society for tradesmen under patronage of SS. Crispin and Crispinian. 1837 Anne Mary Taigi Endowed with the gift of prophecy, read thoughts described distant events; Christ revealed to her, "The humble are always patient, and the patient sanctify themselves. Patience is the best of all penances, and he who is truly patient possesses all earthly treasure, and will receive a heavenly crown." Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 10
ORTHODOXY
IN CHINA June 9th, 2007 (Byz/Julian Cal.: May 27th,
year of the world 7515)67 St. Crispulus & Restitutus 1st century Martyrs who died in Rome in the reign of Emperor Nero. Some scholars state that they were martyred in Spain. 120 St. Getulius
Martyr with Amantius, Caerealis, and Primitivus the
husband of St. Symphorosa; officer in the Roman army, he
resigned when became a Christian returned to his estates near
Tivoli, Italy. There he converted Caerealis, an imperial legate
sent to arrest him. At Rome,
on the Salarian Way, the martyrdom of blessed Getulius, a very learned
nobleman, and his companions, Caerealis, Amantius, and Primitivus.
By order of Emperor Hadrian they were arrested by the ex-consul
Licinius, scourged, thrown into prison, and then delivered
to the flames. But the fire did not injure them, and their
heads were crushed with clubs, thus ending their martyrdom.
Their bodies were taken by Symphorosa, wife of blessed Getulius,
and reverently interred on her own estate.
275 St. Basilides
and Companions 23 martyrs, including Mandal and Tripos,
slain in Rome on the Aurelian Way Nicomedíæ
sancti Zacharíæ Mártyris.
At Nicomedia, the martyr St. Zachary. 313 Sts Alexander
and Antonina the Virgin Martyrs saint bravely confessed
Christ she urged the governor to renounce the worship of
demons in the form of idols; he didn't, after martyring them
he became numb, unable to eat nor to drink died after seven
days of terrible torment.
362 St. Timothy
Martyr and bishop. The Prusa, in Bithynia (modern Turkey),
he was put to death during the persecutions of the Church
under Emperor Julian the Apostate. 365 St. Asterius Convert from Arianism, bishop of Petra, Jordan attacked at the Council of Sardica in 347 for denouncing Arian heresy 369 Sts. Pansemne and Theophanes of Antioch zealously taught keeping the commandments of God to everyone who came to him; exhorted people to lead a pure /chaste life, condemned debauchery of the people of Antioch. St. Aresius and Companions African martyrs, seventeen in number, including Rogatus these martyrs were included in early martyrologies. 4th v. Construct first church of St. George in the cities of Birma and Beer Maa (Water Well) in the Oases. {Coptic Departure of St. Martha of Egypt. {Coptic} 4th v. St. Maximus Martyred bishop of Naples, from 359; died in exile from his see and is venerated as a martyr. 371 Martyrdom of St. Alladius (Hilarius or Hilarion) the Bishop. {coptic} 430 Saint Bassian, Bishop of Lodi friend of St Ambrose, Bishop of Milan (December 7) glorified by miracles providing his flock example of a virtuous life 486 St. Censurius Bishop of Auxerre, France, the successor of St. Germanus. Censurius governed Auxerre from 448 until his death. He was buried in the church of St. Germanus 661 St. Landericus (or Landry) Bishop of Paris, from 650-661 A sincere and dedicated servant of God great love for the poor and the lowly; erect the city's first real hospital 690 St. Amelberga Benedictine nun widow relative of Blessed Pepin of Landen mother of Sts. Cludula, Emebert, and Reinildis. Her husband, Count Witger, became a religious, and she entered a convent. 729 Departure of Pope Cosmas, the 44th Patriarch from the village of Abi-Sair monk in the monastery of St. Macarius. {Coptic} 1093 MARGARET of Scotland see Memorial 16 November; formerly 10 June; 16 June in Scotland founded abbeys and used her position to work for justice and improved conditions for poor. 1182 St. Bogumilus Archbishop and founder joined the Camaldolese at Uniedow, Poland 1270 Bl. Amata Dominican co-foundress. Amata was a Dominican nun in Rome. She co-founded the convent of St. Agnes at Valle di Pietro, in the Bologna area of Italy. Bl. Olive (Olivia) achieved a large following when her story from biography; held in great esteem by Christians and Muslims. 14th v. Silvanus of the Kiev Caves The Holy Schemamonk labored in asceticism in the Far Caves during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries 1315 Bd Henry of Treviso; 276 miracles, wrought by his relics, recorded within days of death by notaries appointed by the magistrates: they occupy thirty-two closely printed columns of the Acta Sanctorum 1386 Bd Bonaventure of Peraga, Cardinal of The Holy Roman Church St. Maurinus Abbot and martyr. He probably governed St. Pantaleon Abbey in Cologne, Germany He is revered as a martyr, but his Acta are not extant. 1419 Bd John Dominici, Archbishop of Ragusa and Cardinal; instrumental in helping to end the great schism, 1609 Saint Basil, Bishop of Ryazan Uncovering and Transfer of the Holy Relics into the Ryazan-Dormition (afterwards Nativity) church in the Kremlin of Ryazan-Pereslavl 1626 Bl. Caspar Sadamazu Japanese martyr a Jesuit received into the Order at Bungo in 1582 served as secretary to several provincials before being arrested as a Christian 1715 Saint John, Metropolitan of Tobolsk and All Siberia Wonderwonder teacher of the Latin language Kiev Spiritual Academy monasticism at the Kiev Caves "How ought man to conform his will with the will of God?" Russian Saints_of_North_America_on_this_day_1700's-1900's 1854 Blessed Joachima
marriage to a young lawyer, Theodore de Mas deeply devout,
they became secular Franciscans they raised eight children
he died and she she established the Carmelite Sisters of Charity
known and admired for her high degree of prayer, deep trust in
God and selfless charity
1914
Departure of St. Abraam,
bishop of El-Fayyoum ordained a monk and priest;
meek, humble, had a pure life, and he prayed much in seclusion;
Many patients, of different religions, came to him, seeking
the blessing of his prayers and were healed miracles were manifested
through him after his departure, and his tomb became and still
is a pilgrimage for many who have special needs or infirmities.Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 11
#Revelation_of_Axion_Estin_at_Mount_Athos
61 St. Barnabas
A Jew, born in Cyprus and named Joseph, he
sold his property, gave the proceeds to the Apostles, who
gave him the name Barnabas, and lived in common with the earliest converts
to Christianity in Jerusalem.
Holy Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy was born on the island
of Cyprus into
the family of the tribe of Levi, and he was named Joseph.
He received his education at Jerusalem, being raised with his
friend and fellow student
Saul (the future Apostle Paul) under the renowned
teacher of the Law, Gamaliel. Joseph was
pious, he frequented the Temple, he strictly observed the fasts
and avoided youthful distractions.
Bartholomew
The Holy Apostle was born at Cana of Galilee and
was one of the Twelve Apostles of Christ. After the Descent
of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, it fell by lot to
the holy Apostles Bartholomew and Philip (November 14) to preach
the Gospel in Syria and Asia Minor. Sts John Chrysostom, Cyril of Alexandria,
Epiphanius of Cyprus and certain other teachers of the Church
regard the Apostle Bartholomew as being the same person as Nathanael
(John 1:45-51, 21:2).
St. John
of St, Facundus At Salamanca in Spain, , a confessor
of the Order of the Hermits of St. Augustine, renowned for his zeal for the faith, for
holiness of life, and for miracles.
St. Shenousi
(Sanusi) from Balkim Martyrdom of a young man, tended the sheep;
gave his food to the young shepherds, and spend his day
fasting. He visited the sick and those who were in prison;
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a vision and told
him, "Rise up, and go before the governor and confess your God
to receive the crown of martyrdom."
Martyrdom
of Saints Anba Amoun and the Righteous Sophia
Martyrdom of John of Herakleia Departure of St. Aba-Hour. {Coptic}
1242 St. Peter
Rodriguez and Companions group of seven Spanish
martyrs members of the Knights of Santiago of Portugal put to death by the Moors1267 St. Parisius beloved Camaldolese spiritual director priest performing miracles and possessing the gift of prophecy 1320 Departure of Pope Yoannis the Eighth the last to reside in the church of Abu-Saifain in Cairo (80th Patriarch). 1445 Saint
Barnabas
of Vetluga priest born in Great Ustiug wilderness
people would visit "for a blessing," and he would predict
to them that after his repose on the banks of the River Vetluga
"God would multiply the human habitation, and upon the place
of his dwelling monks would live." At Red Hill the monks
built two churches, one in honor of the Most Holy Trinity, and
the other, over the grave of the monk, dedicated to St Nicholas
the Wonderworker. They founded a cenobitic monastery, which received
as its name "the Varnavinsk wilderness-monastery."
St. Gregory
Nazianzen the translation of At
Rome, whose revered body was brought from Constantinople
to Rome,
and kept for a long time in the Church of the Mother of
God Rome,
and kept for a long time in the Church of the Mother of God
1882 St. Paula
Frasinetti Foundress began the Congregation of
St. Dorothy her brother was a parish priest in the city,
and she assisted him by
teaching poor children in their parish. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 12
7 St. Ampliatus
Bishop and martyr, mentioned by St. Paul with
Sts. Narcissus and Urban bishop, joining St. Andrew in missionary
labors in the Balkans. 4th v. St. Amphion Bishop defender of the faith, praised by St. Athanasius bishop of Epiphania, Cicilia and then the bishop of Nicomedia when Arians began to spread their heresy. He also attended the Council of Nicaea in 325. 3rd V.-end Sts Basilides, Cyrinus, Nabor, and Nazarius all soldiers martyrs At Rome, on the Aurelian Way 304? St. Antonina, martyred At Nicaea in Bithynia 325 Amphion of Cilicia "an excellent confessor..." bishop of Epiphania, Cilicia attended the Council of Nicaea as member of the Catholic party. Elected to see of Nicomedia. Saint Athanasius commended Amphion's writings 343 St. Olympius Bishop of Enos, Rumelia, dedicated foe of Arianism heresy; endured persecution, including removal from his see, by Arian Emperor Constantius II. defended St. Athanasius opponent of Arianism, 599 St. Cominus Baithen Mor; Baithen the Great; Comin; Cominus Patron saint of Ardcavan, Ireland, abbot Part of Saint Columba's mission to Britain in 563 683 Pope St. Leo II At Rome, in the Vatican basilica, to whom God miraculously restored his eyes and his tongue after they had been torn out by impious men. 734 St. Peter of Mount Athos first hermit to reside upon Mount Athos in northern Greece; St Simeon touched his staff to the chains binding St Peter, and the chains melted away like wax. Graced with a vision from Our Lady, he journeyed to Mount Athos and took up the life of a hermit, remaining there for half a century 816 Pope Leo III, On Christmas Day Leo crowned Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor in Saint Peter's Basilica. This was the beginning of the Holy Roman Empire, an attempt to realize Saint Augustine's ideal of the City of God, which profoundly affected European history for many centuries 10th v. Saint John-Tornike Eristavi (a Georgian title, meaning literally “head of the army.” a perfect example of humility. He renounced his own will completely and would do nothing without a blessing from his spiritual father “I entrust myself and my will to you. Save me according to your will!” 1447 Saint Arsenius of Konevits a native of Novgorod, coppersmith by trade tonsure at the Lisich monastery near Novgorod, where he spent eleven years went to Mount Athos in 1373, and there he spent three years, dwelling in prayer and making copper vessels for the brethren. In the year 1393, St Arsenius returned to Russia and brought with him an icon of the Mother of God, which was later called the Konevits Icon. St Arsenius went with this icon to the island of Konevets on Lake Ladoga, where he spent five years in solitude. 1450 Bd Stephen Bandelli; doctor of canon law, University of Pavia professor, honoured as saint and wonder-worker; 1463 St. John of Sahagun educated by the Benedictine monks of Fagondez monastery there and when twenty, received canonry from bishop of Burgos; granted to behold with bodily eyes the human form of our Lord at the momen of consecration; Augustinian friar famous for his miracles, had the gift of reading men's souls; 1626 Blessed Louis Naisen a seven year old Japanese boy, son of Blessed John and Monica Naisen. He was beheaded in Nagasaki (Benedictines). M (AC) 1650 Anna of Kashin died Oct. 2, 1338. The Holy Right-Believing Princess; solemn transfer of relics from wooden Dormition cathedral into stone Resurrection church June 12, 1650; many miracles took place at her tomb 1894 St. Cunera A British virgin venerated in Germany. 1971 Blessed Manuel Lozano Garrido, Spanish layman, beatified Saturday 12, 2010 June in Linares, Spain. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 13
90 St. Felicula
Virgin martyr, the foster sister of St. Petronilla.
Flaccus, a powerful Roman official, proposed to
Petronilla and was refused. He then had her arrested. After
Petronilla’s martyrdom, Felicula went without food or water in
the prison. She was then thrown into a sewer, where she died.
St. Nicomedes recovered her remains.293 St. Aquilina at the age of seven, living as a true Christian, and by the age of ten was so filled with divine understanding and the grace of the Holy Spirit that she used to preach Christ with great power and zeal to her girl friends. Killed but an angel of God appeared to her and said: 'Arise and be healed!' Asked to be martyred again, then her relics gave healing to many of the sick 3rd v. Antonina The Holy Martyr suffered during the third century under Diocletian (284-305) in the city of Nicea.Martyrdom of Sts. Apakir, John, Ptolemy and Philip. {Coptic} 370 St. Triphyllius Bishop convert to Christianity and eventually named bishop of Nicosia, Cyprus a devoted supporter of St. Athanasius of Alexandria against the Arians and consequently was persecuted by them. 600 St. Peregrinus murdered by Lombards-drowned in the Aterno River after pleading for mercy for a prisoner condemned to death. 680 St. Rambert he opposed corruption; member of the court of the Frankish king Thierry III of Neustria murdered in the Jura Mountains. 826 Saint Anna and her son St John lived in the ninth century. St Anna was the daughter of a deacon of the Blachernae church in Constantinople. After the death of her husband, she dressed in men's clothing and called herself Euthymianus. She and her son St John lived in asceticism in one of Bythinian monasteries near Olympus. 852 St. Fandila entered the Benedictine monastery of Tabanos at Cordoba habitual practices of frequent prayer, vigils, and penances. His zeal to preach the faith and defend it prompted him to take the audacious step of going before a Moorish magistrate to deliver a refutation of Islam; miracle of hailstones 1138 Blessed Gerard Of Clairvaux St Bernard' second and favorite brother a monk he became the right hand of St Bernard, whom he accompanied to Clairvaux; a pattern of obedience and of religious fervor: “How good it is of God to be the Father of men, and what glory it is for men that they are the children of God” 1231 St. Antony or Antonio of Padua Doctor of the Church a preaching friar most zealous in checking heresy, he gained great fame in Italy, the scene of his labours; miracles 1716 Saint Anthimus of Iberia was one of the most highly educated people of his time. He was fluent in many languages, including Greek, Romanian, Old Slavonic, Arabic, and Turkish and well-versed in theology, literature, and natural sciences; unusually gifted in the fine arts—in painting, engraving, and sculpture in particular; famed for his beautiful calligraphy; great writer, a renowned orator, and a reformer of the written Romanian language. 1839 St. Augustine of Huy A martyr of Vietnam native of Vietnam a soldier; discovered a Christian, he joined St. Nicholas in martyrdom they were sawed into pieces. Augustine was canonized in 1988. 1886 St. Gyavire Martyr of Uganda, slain by a King; Gyavire was known as “the good runner of messages” before being martyred for the faith. St. Damhnade Virgin venerated in Ireland. 1942 Pope Yoannis the Nineteenth 113th Patriarch of Alexandria Departure of ; monk ; priest; example of, ambition, honesty, purity of conduct, firmness, godliness, and good management loved, since his young age, to read the biographies of saints. He longed to follow their example {Coptic} Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 14
9th v. BC Elisha The
Holy Prophet was a native of the village of
Abelmaum, near Jordan. By the command of the Lord he was
called to prophetic service by the holy Prophet Elias (July
20).He spent more than 65 years in prophetic service, under six
Israelite kings (from Ahab to Joash). While Elisha lived, he did
not tremble before any prince, and no word could overcome him (Sirach
48: 13 ["Sirach" is called "Ecclesiasticus" in Catholic Bibles
]). 225 St. Marcian of Syracuse Martyred bishop of Syracuse, Italy, called “the First Bishop of the West." Jews of Syracuse threw Marcian from a tower 287 St. Valerius & Rufinus Martyrs served as missionaries in Gaul before being martyred at Soissons during the first years of the reign of Emperor Diocletian (r. 284-305). 293 St. Aquilina 328 St. Mark of Lucera Bishop revered in southern Italy. He served the diocese of Lucerne and was respected for his concern with the poor and with evangelization. 847 Methodius I as representative of Patriarch Nicephorus, was exiled by Emperor Leo V the Armenian for refusing to yield to the imperial decrees on the destruction of icons. 853 St. Anastasius XVII Deacon and martyr. A monk in the Benedictine monastery in Tabanos, near Cordoba, Spain, Anastasius was caught up in the persecutions conducted by the Muslim Moors. 886 St. Joseph the Hymnographer The most prolific of the Greek hymn writers. A native of Sicily, he was forced to leave his island in 830 in the wake of an invasion by the Arabs, journeying to Thessalonica and then Constantinople; credited with the composition of about one thousand canons 1100 St. Elgar Hermit on the isle of Bardsey, off the coast of Cearnarvon, Wales. He was born in Devonshire, England, and spent many years as a captive in Ireland. 14th v. Saint Niphon of Athos was the son of a priest. From childhood he was raised under the principles of strict Christian morality. Upon taking monastic tonsure he soon was ordained to the holy priesthood. Thirst for stillness and solitary labors led him to the Holy Mountain glorified by gifts of wonderworking and clairvoyance 1391 Bd Castora Gabrielli, Widow 1392 Saint Methodius, Igumen of Peshnosha founder of the Peshnosha monastery a cell in the forest beyond the River Yakhroma St Sergius came to him for spiritual conversation, this spot became known as "Beseda=Conversation-place" 1688 Saint Elisha of Suma was a monk at the Solovky monastery, and was occupied with the weaving of fishing nets. Before his death he became a schemamonk. In 1688 miracles began from the saint's grave in a crypt in the Nikolsk church of the city of Suma, Archangelsk diocese. 1839 St. Augustine of Huy Vietnam native martyr, a soldier. discovered Christian, he joined
St. Nicholas Thé in martyrdom. They were sawed into
pieces. Augustine was canonized in 1988.
1916 St. Albert
Chmielowski founded the Brothers of the Third
Order of Saint Francis, Servants to the Poor.
Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 15
284 St. Vitus
the only son of a senator in Sicily, become a
Christian when he was twelve. When his conversions and miracles
became widely known to the administrator of Sicily, Valerian,
he had Vitus brought before him, to shake his faith. He was unsuccessful,
but Vitus with his tutor, Modestus, and servant, Crescentia, fled
to Lucania and then to Rome, where he freed Emperor Diocletian's son
of an evil spirit. 284 Sts Crescentia,
Vitus and Modestus Christians who gave their live for
the Faith in the Roman province of Lucania southern Italy. Crescentia
was Vitus' attendant. Tortured at this juncture, a great
storm arose which destroyed many temples, killing a multitude
of pagans. An angel now descended from heaven, set the martyrs
free, and led them back to Lucania, where they peacefully expired,
worn out by their sufferings.
300 Tatian
(Dulas) of Cilicia a Christian of Zepherinum, Cilicia,
who was martyred after having undergone horrid tortures (Benedictines).M
(RM)302 Hesychius of Dorostorum a Roman soldier martyred at Dorostorum (Sillistria) in Moesia (Bulgaria) together with the veteran Saint Julius (Benedictines, Encyclopedia).M (RM) 303 Lybe,
Leonis, and Eutropia Lybe was beheaded; Leonis, her
sister, died at the stake; and the 12-year-old slave girl, Eutropia,
was used as a target for the soldiers to practice their shots.
Their martyrdom took place under Diocletian at Palmyra in Syria
(Benedictines). MM (RM)
310 St. Dulas
Martyr from Zephyrium, Cilicia, he called Tatian
Dulas in some lists. He was arrested and refused to worship
Apollo and other Roman gods. Tortured, Dulas died while being
taken to Tarsus. 549 Melan of Viviers Saint Melan was consecrated bishop of Viviers in 519. He was still bishop in 549, when he sent representatives to a council at Orléans (Benedictines). B (AC) 853 St. Benildis
Spanish woman martyr, converted by the heroic
death of St. Athanasius. A priest, St. Athanasius, died in the
city of Córdoba at the hands of the Moors, the Islamic
rulers of that era. Benildis converted during the martyrdom of
St. Athanasius and she died at the stake the following day.
960 Edburga
of Winchester; as a child, her royal father offered
her precious jewels in one hand a penitential habit in the
other: Edburga chose the latter joyfully relics enshrined; many
miracles have taken place, OSB V Abbess (AC)1053 Bardo
of Mainz helmet, a lamb, and a Psalter were gifts presented
to Bardo as a child, and these symbolized courage, gentleness,
and piety, each of which marked his later career education came
at Fulda, where he also received the Benedictine habit and became
the dean. Upon his ordination as a priest in 1029; succeed the
archbishop of Mainz; to the end Bardo preserved the simple
habits of a monk; noted for his love of the poor, the destitute,
and animals; lover of birds, many rare specimens of which he collected
and tamed, and taught to feed from his own plate; advocated, especially
to young people, the virtues of self-discipline and temperance
1204 Isfrid,
O. Praem Born 1114; The Norbertine Saint Isfrid
was provost of the church of Jerichow in diocese of Havelberg;
elected bishop of Ratzeburg (Regensburg), Germany; honored on
this day by his order (Norbertines).Orlando Catanii Servant of God Third Order Franciscan; St. Francis his spiritual director. 1250 St. Aleydis
or Adelaide, Virgin born at Shaerbeck, near Brussels
entered a Cistercian convent at seven named Camera Sanctae
Mariae, and she remained there for the rest of her life
offered up her sufferings for the souls in purgatory and had visions
of their being set free through her intercession
1299 BD JOLENTA
OF HUNGARY, WIDOW1601 St. Germaine Cousin The Rosary was her only book, and her devotion to the Angelus was so great that she used to fall on her knees at the first sound of the bell, even though she heard it when crossing a stream. 1886 Bd Aloysius Palazolo founder of the brothers of the Holy Family and Sisters of the Poor; His charitable work was particularly concerned with the reclaiming of prostitutes. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 16
212 St. Ferreolus
a priest possibly French, & Ferrutio, a deacon; Martyred
brothers of Asia Minor; sent by St. Irenaeus to Besancon, France, area where they labored for three decades
and were marytred by the Roman authorities.St. Aureus Bishop and martyr with his sister and their companions, Justina; bishop of Mainz, in Germany St. Claudius Martyrdom of son of Ptolemy (Abtelmawos), who was Emperor Numerianus' (1) brother. He was loved by the people of Antioch for his courage and good appearance. Because they loved him so greatly, they painted a picture of him on the doors of the city of Antioch. 304 St. Quiriacus and Julitta Martyrs of Tarsus. Quiricus was the three year old son of Julitta, a noble widow of that city. Arrested for being a Christian, Julitta enraged the Roman magistrate by scratching his face. 4th v. Actinea and Graecina (Gracinea) Actinea was beheaded at Volterra, Etruria, during the persecution of Diocletian; relics were found 1140 in the Camaldolese church of SS. Justus and Clement Volterra, Italy VV MM 404 Hieromartyr Tigrius the Presbyter and the Martyr Eutropius the Reader were contemporaries of St John Chrysostom (November 13) were among his clergy: As they took his body for burial, angelic singing was heard in the sky above them. 425 St. Tychon Bishop of Amathus, Cyprus; gift of wonderworking; appeared in St Tikhon at quite a young age a dedicated missionary among the last elements of pagan culture on the island 477 Simplicius of Bourges a husband and father of a large family when local bishops elected him to the episcopate of Bourges; defended the Church against Arian Visigoths and ambitions of lay magnates B (AC) 5th v. St. Cettin Bishop and disciple of St.Patrick, also called Cetagh consecrated bishop to help St. Patrick; His shrine at Oran was a pilgrimage center for 13 centuries. 540 St. Berthaldus A hermit ordained by St. Remigius. Berthaldus, also called Bertaud, lived in the Ardennes region of France indulgences granted for pilgrimages to his shrine. 551 St. Aurelian Bishop and papal vicar of Gaul named bishop of Arles in 546; He founded a monastery and convent there enriched them with the relics of many saints, including a piece of the True Cross, and Saints Stephen, Peter and Paul, John, James, Andrew, Gennesius, Symphorianus, Victor, Hilary, Martin, Caesarius, and others; Pope vigilius named him a papal vicar of Gaul. 1106 St. Benno bishop educated in the abey of St. Michael, he bacame a canon at Gozlar in Hanover, chaplain to Emperor Henry III; in 1066 bishop of Meissen;
watched
diligently over his flock, enforced discipline on his clergy,
preached frequently, made regular visitations, gave liberally
to the poor, set the example of a holy ascetic life, restored
the public singing of the Divine Offices
1245 Blessed Guy
Vignotelli known his charities and recieved the Franciscan
habit from Francis at Cortona in 1211 famed for his holiness
and miracles 1246 St. Luthgard One of the outstanding mystics of the Middle Ages, a Cistercian nun, sometimes called Lutgardis A vision of Christ compelled Lutgard to become a Benedictine. She had many mystical experiences, levitated, had a form of the stigmata famed for her spiritual wisdom and miracles, prayers were so efficacious in obtaining the conversion of sinners and the release of souls from purgatory; gifts of healing and prophecy as well as an infused knowledge of the meaning of the Holy Scriptures 1492 Saint Tikhon of Medin and Kaluga lived in asceticism in a deep dense forest, on bank of the River Vepreika, in the hollow of an ancient giant oak; wonder worker; built a monastery in honor of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos 1503 St Tikhon of Lukh, and Kostroma copied books with skill, and was a fine lathe turner. Out of humility he did not become a priest 1537 Bl. William Greenwood Carthusian martyr of England with six companions; A lay brother in the Carthusian London Charterhouse, he was arrested for opposing the policies of King Henry VIII (r. 1509-1547) and starved to death in Newgate Prison with six companions. 1640 St. St Jean François Regis Confessor of the Society of Jesus: True virtue, or Christian perfection, consists not in great or shining actions, but resides in the heart, and appears to great edification, though in the usual train of common and religious duties constantly performed fidelity and fervor. 1752 Joseph Butler seiner Ordination 1718; 1736 wurde er Kaplan am englischen Königshof. Im gleichen Jahr veröffentlichte er sein Hauptwerk 'The Analogy of Religion, Natural and Revealed, To the Constitution and Course of Nature' oft verkürzt 'Butler's Analogy' genannt, 1862 Saint Moses (Putilov) went to live with the hermits of the Roslavl forests. There he received the monastic tonsure from Fr Athanasius and was named Moses: priest; Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 17
2nd
v. St. Nicander
and Marcian Martyrs, possibly of Durostorum, Bulgaria;
members of the imperial army in the region of the Balkans and
were martyred in the region that eventually became Romania,265 St. Antidius Bishop and martyr; disciple of St. Fironinus in the see of Besancon, in France. 4th v. St Bessarion a native of Egypt; having heard the call to perfection he went into the wilderness; disciple first of St Antony and then of St Macarius; neighborly charity led him to a height of perfection was manifested by miracles: made salt water fresh, several times brought rain during drought, walked on the Nile admirers compared him with Moses, Joshua, Elias and John the Baptist 363 St. Manuel, Sabel and Ismael Persian Christians martyred by Julian the Apostate at Chalcedon; legates from Persia sent to negotiate peace who were slain when it was discovered they were Christians. A church was dedicated to them by Emperor Theodosius the Great. 575 St. Harvey blind abbot of Plouvien; later he transferred his community to Lanhourneau, where he passed the rest of his days and was famous for miracles. 1250 St. Teresa of Portugal the eldest daughter of King Sancho I of Portugal and sister of SS. Mafalda and Sanchia; married her cousin, King Alfonso IX of Leon & had several children; the marriage was declared invalid because of consanguinity, she returned to Portugal and founded a Benedictine monastery on her estate at Lorvao. 1697 St Gregory Barbarigo, Bishop Of Padua And Cardinal; charities were enormous kind to all, especially to those in trouble or distress founded a college, and also a seminary for young priests <<1856 St. Emily de Vialar Virgin, Foundress of the Sisters of St. Joseph "of the Apparition" Their work was to be the care of the needy, especially the sick, and the education of children. In 1835, she made her profession with seventeen other sisters, and received formal approval for the rule of the Congregation. 1860 St. Joseph Cafasso assigned to a seminary in Turin After ordination there he worked especially against the spirit of Jansenism, an excessive preoccupation with sin and damnation; St. John Bosco was one of Joseph’s pupils. Joseph urged John Bosco to establish the Salesians to work with the youth of Turin Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 18
135
Saint Leontius
Roman Greek general martyrs killed with Hypatius
and Theodolus in Tripoli, Phoenicia (Syria) many miracles occurred
and were attributed to him286 Sts. Mark & Marcellian twins were both married deacons in Rome refused to sacrifice to the Roman gods 293 St. Aquilina Virgin martyr beheaded at Byblos at 12 303 Etherius of Nicomedia Martyr at Nicomedia M (RM) 305 Saint Cyriacus and Saint Paula virgin death at Málaga, Spain MM (RM) 373 St Ephraem, Doctor of The Church 1135 Blessed Jerome of Vallumbrosa lived 35 years on nothing but bread /water OSB Vall. (AC) 1164 St. Elizabeth of Schonau Benedictine abbess gifted mystic known for ecstasies, prophecies, and diabolical visitations visions in 3 books 13th v. Saint Gerland of Caltagirone either a Knight Templar or a Knight Hospitaller (AC) 1300 Blessed Marina Vallarina of Spoleto lively cultus Augustinian nun V (AC) 1505 Blessed Hosanna of Mantua spent her fortune in the service of the poor stigmata OP Tert. miraculously learned to read/write V (AC) 1697 Saint Gregory Barbarigo first Bishop of Bergamo worked unceasingly in carrying out the reforms set forth by the Council of Trent 1925 Venerable Matt Talbot patron people struggling with alcoholism Secular Franciscan Order began life of strict penance contributed generously to the missions Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 19
Commemoration of Archangel
Michael {Coptic}135 Departure of St. Justus, the Sixth Pope of the See of St. Mark. {Coptic} 1092 Departure of St. Kyrillos the Second, the 67th Pope of Alexandria. {Coptic} Departure of St. Euphemia. {Coptic} 67 Saint Ursicinus physician in Ravenna condemned for being a Christian 80 Saint Jude, one of 12 apostles of Christ, descended from King David and Solomon, son of Righteous Joseph the Betrothed (Sunday after the Nativity of the Lord) by his first wife. 2nd v. Gervase and Protase twin sons of Saints Vitalis and Valeria, suffered beheading for the faith martyrs themselves appeared to Saint Ambrose in an apparition MM (RM) 110 St. Zosimus Martyr at Spoleto, Umbria, Italy 364 Saint Gaudentius Bishop his deacon Culmatius his wife, children, and 53 companions martyred MM (RM) 373 St Ephraem, Doctor of The Church 400 St Paisius the Great lived in Egypt. His parents, Christians, distributed generous alms to all the needy; a seer and a wonderworker famed throughout the whole of Egypt 586 Saint John the Hermit an ascetic in Palestine; passed his days in fasting and prayer in a cave near Jerusalem. The uncovetous ascetic had only an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, before which a lampada was always lit. 679 St. Didier bishop of Nevers, attended the synod of Sens in 657 hermit invoked for rain and against thunderstorm, evil spirits, and plague 679 Saint Deodatus Bishop of Nevers, France, from about 655, and a hermit. He was abbot-founder of Ebersheimmunster, near Strasbourg, France. Deodatus is also cited with founding Jointures Abbey. 1009 Saint Bruno (Boniface) of Querfurt received the habit of a Camaldolese monk from the founder Saint Romuald missionary to Germany "the Second Apostle of the Prussians"OSB Cam. BM (RM) 1027 St. Romuald early life wasted in worldly pleasures; abbot. Like all the saints fought lifelong battle against assaults of devils and men; in old age, he increased his austerities; the founder of the Camaldolese monks, 1113 Blessed Odo of Cambrai founded community of Benedictines; one of the most erudite scholars of his time 1340 Juliana Falconieri birth answer to prayers of old childless couple they built magnificent church Annunciation at Florence founded Third Order of Servites Austere zealous charitable sympathetic to all, OSM V (RM) 1535 Bl. Sebastian Newdigate Carthusian martyr of England priest after wife passed on 1535 Bl. William Exmew Carthusian martyr Englishman, he was educated at Cambridge and entered the Carthusians, eventually becoming sub-prior of the London Charterhouse 1573 Bl. Thomas Woodhouse ordination as a secular priest; incarceration 12 years; Society of Jesus; English martyr 1607 Saint Job; first Patriarch of Moscow Many incorrupt and fragrant relics became the source of healing for many who were afflicted by physical and mental illnesses at his grave 18th v. Saint Paisius of Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos wrote The History of the Slavo-Bulgarians, a book upholding the Christian Faith and awakening the national self-awareness of the subjugated Bulgarian nation. 1884 Ludwig Richter war zwar katholisch, fühlte sich aber auch der evangelischen Kirche zugehörig 1929 Sundar Singh Von Kind an religiös interessiert, studierte er den Koran, meditierte und erlernte Yoga; Er fand aber keinen inneren Frieden englischen Missionsschule und wandte sich hier vehement gegen das Christentum Theologiestudium in den USA Seine mystische Ausrichtung führte ihn wieder zurück nach Indien. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 20
151
St. Novatus
Confessor son of St. Pudens and Claudia Rufina brother
of Sts. Pudentiana and Praxedes paternal grandfather Quintus Cornelius
Pudens Roman senator with his wife Priscilla among St. Peter's
earliest converts in Rome in whose house the Apostle dwelt while
in that city303 St Alban, a Roman soldier The first martyr to die for the Faith; he arrested and then was converted by a priest who he allowed to escape; Alban refused to renounce his new faith 312 Methodius Bishop of Patara (Lycia in Asia Minor), The Hieromartyr, distinguished for his genuine monastic humility defended Orthodoxy against Origen 350 Bishop Macarius of Petra opposed the Arians at the Council of Sardica B (RM) 431 St. Paulinus of Nola austerity charity giving away their Spanish property correspondent /friend of Augustine, Jerome, Melania, Martin, Gregory and Ambrose last years saddened by Huns invasion St. Paul and Cyriacus 2 Benedictines martyrs martyred in Lower Moesia at Tomis in Pontus Black Sea 537 Silverius Pope son of Pope Saint Hormisdas died a martyr's death after less than two years in office M (RM) 1139 John of Matera Benedictine monastery reputation for austerity; honoured by all for his wisdom, his miracles and his prophetical gifts popular preacher at Bari OSB Abbot (AC) 1356 Blessed Michelina Metelli Franciscan tertiary OFM Tert. Widow (AC) 1505
BD OSANNA
OF MANTUA, VIRGIN Professor
R. W. Chambers described as "that beloved and saintly scholar
... Edmund Gardner", to quote somewhat at length from a privately
printed essay of his entitled: "A Mystic of the Renaissance: Osanna
Andreasi of Mantua". Speaking of the vision vouchsafed to her in
her childhood, Professor Gardner tells how, in her own words, "she
feared greatly because of the vision she had had, knowing herself not
to be a true and perfect lover of God as she needs must be", and how
her aspirations after this perfect state took articulate form in her
simple prayer for divine guidance along the way of love.
1626 Bl.
John
Kinsako1626 Bl. Michael Tozo native Martyr of Japan. He became a catechist and aide to Blessed Balthasar Torres. 1626 Bl. John Baptist Zola Martyred Jesuit of Japan 1606-14 Born in Brescia, Italy sent to India in 1602 1626 Bl. Francis Pacheco Macao Jesuit martyr in Japan Fireworkster returning native of Ponte da Lima, Portugual 1626 Bl. John Kinsako Martyr of Japan, a novice of the Jesuits 1626 Bl. Paul Shinsuki Japanese martyr. Born in Japan, he became a Christian and entered the Jesuits. Among his notable students was Blessed Paul Navarro. 1626 Bl. Balthasar de Torres martyr of Japan. A Jesuit, he was born in Grenada, Spain, and entered the Society in 579. He worked in India, at Goa, and Macao and went to Japan in 1606. 1626 Bl. Peter Rinshei native Japanese martyr entered the Jesuit college at Arima, Japan 1679 Bl. Anthony Turner Martyr of England Jesuits son of a Protestant minister 1626
St. Vincent
Kaun Martyr
of Japan. A native of Korea, he was brought to Japan in 1591
as a prisoner of war and was subsequently converted to Christianity.
Entering the Jesuits, he studied at the Jesuit seminary of Arima
and worked for three decades as a catechist in both Japan and China.
1679
Bl. Thomas
Whitbread English Jesuit and martyr native of Essex England
alias Thomas Harcourt served as provincial of the Jesuit mission1679 Bl. Anthony Turner Martyr of England Jesuits son of a Protestant minister 1679 Bl. William Harcourt Jesuit martyr of England also called William Barrows Catholic mission more than 30 years 1679 Bl. John Fenwick & John Gavan Jesuit Martyrs of England Titus Qates Plot hysteria, falsely charged 1678-1680 THE ENGLlSH MARTYRS OF THE OATES PLOT 1774 Gleb of Vladimir Holy Prince grew up with a deep faith, from twelve he led a solitary spiritual life; incorrupt relics preserved and glorified by miracles Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 21
64 Saint Lazarus
is the poor man
at the gate of the rich man in Christ's parable related in Luke.
(Luke 16:19-31) Bishop of Cyprus given cloak by Saint Mary Mother of God 75 Saint Terence 1st century Bishop martyr the Tertius mentioned by St. Paul in his Letter to the Romans 1st v. Saint Rufinus and Martia Martyrs during the first persecutions of the Church in Syracuse, Sicily 216 Saint Urciscenus Bishop of Pavia, Italy, from 183 he led his see during turbulent period of persecution and growth 290 Saint Julian of Tarsus The Holy Martyr son of a pagan senator, mother a martyred Christian; remained steadfast in his firm faith under torture; relics were transferred to Antioch St John Chrysostom himself gave an eulogy for the holy martyr Julian: `A holy voice comes forth from the lips of the martyr, and with this voice is poured out a light brighter than the rays of the sun.' He said further: `Take whomsoever you will, be he a madman or one possessed, and lead him to the grave of this saint, to the martyr's relics, and you will see the demon immediately jump out and flee as from blazing fire.' 6th v. St. Corbmac abbot and disciple of St. Columba, who made him the superior of Durrow Monastery. (AC) 617 St. Méen of Brittany, Abbot founded monasterys cultus of Saint Méen spread throughout France and there were numerous pilgrimages to his shrine at the monastery (AC) 738 St. Agofredus Holy Cross Benedictine monk, brother of St. Leutfrid known throughout Normandy, France, for his holiness 738 St. Leutfridus Benedictine abbot-founder studied at Condat and studied at the monastery school of Sain Taurinus at Evreux, then at Chartres became a hermit 1591 St. Aloysius (Luigi, Louis) Gonzaga Benedict XIII declared him patron of young students and Pius XI proclaimed him patron of Christian youth. SJ (RM) 1600 St. John Rigby Martyr of England, a layman executed at Southwak one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales and was canonized in 1970 by Pope Paul VI 1622 Saint Luarsab II, Emperor of Georgia The Holy Martyr distinguished himself by his intellect and piety having from his youth kept strict fast and constantly at prayer, without hesitation refused the demands of the shah 1732 Nicetas of Nisyros New Martyr near Rhodes 1930 Eva von Tiele-Winkler Evangelische Kirche: 21. Juni entwickelte sich ein großes diakonisches Arbeitsfeld bis hinein in die Chinamission. 1942 Departure of Pope Yoannis the Nineteenth, 113th Patriarch of Alexandria. PCoptic} Aphrodysios The Holy Martyr was beheaded with sword at Cilicia (Asia Minor) for faith in Christ the Saviour. Rufus The Holy Martyr accepted a martyr's death at Syracuse in Sicily. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 22
96 St. Flavius
Clemens Roman martyr brother
of Emperor Vespasian uncle of Emperors Titus and Domitian303 Martyrs of Ararat Ten thousand Roman soldiers, led by St. Acacius, massacred on Mount Ararat, modern Turkey 304 Zenon und Zenas Orthodoxe Kirche: 22. Juni 304 St. Alban 1st. martyr of England soldier to kill the Saint was converted , and he too became a martyr According to Bede, governor so impressed by the miracles following Alban's martyrdom he immediately ended persecutions, these miracles were still occurring in his lifetime at the intercession of England's protomartyr where these martyrdoms took place a church later erected, 400 years later, Offa, king of Mercia, founded the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Albans. 304 St. Aaron & Julius native of Britain hermit Abbot attracted numerous disciples, among them St. Malo of Wales 372 St. Nicetas bishop of Remesiana in Dacia (modern Romania and Yugoslaviaclose friend of St. Paulinus of Nola) noted for successful missionary activities especially amoung Bessi race of marauders miracles and healings began to be performed from the relics 1125 Blessed Lambert Saint-Bertin 40th abbot introduced the Cluniac observances OSB Abbot (AC) 1164 St. Eberbard Archbishop of Salzburg, Austria supporter of the pope during the “Investiture Controversy.” 1277 Peter of Tarentaise -a simple, humble friar Blessed Pope Innocent V masterly tutelage of Saint Albert the Great visited on foot all Dominican houses under his care; sent to Paris to replace Thomas Aquinas at the University of Paris; succeeded solving questions of Greek schism establishing short-lived truce OP Pope (RM) 1535 St. Thomas More Martyr (Patron of Lawyers) 1516 wrote "Utopia" refused to render allegiance to the King as the Head of the Church of England 1535 St. John Fisher confessor to Lady Margaret Beaufort mother of Henry VII also tutored Prince Henry who became Henry VIII 1968 Relics of the Great St. Mark the Apostle by the hand of Pope Paul the Sixth, Pope of Rome for the opening of the new St. Mark Cathedral {Coptic} 4th v. Consecration of the Church of Mari Mina at Maryut. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 23
St. Abba
Nofer the Anchorite Departure of
Many holy martyrs commemoration of who concealed themselves in mountains and caverns, joyfully underwent martyrdom for the name of Christ: At Nicomedia 257 Saint Felix a priest in Tuscany, who was scourged to death under emperors Valerian and Gallienus (Benedictines). 262 Saint Agrippina martyr, whose shrine is venerated as a site of miracles 300 Saint Eustochius a convert, In the city of Lystra St Eustochius converted his nephew Gaius and all his household, among which included the children Probus, Lollias and Urban. The Holy Martyrs suffered; did not deny Christ 304 Zeno and his slave Zenas At Philadelphia in Arabia, the holy martyrs. When the latter kissed the chains of his master, begging to be a partner in his torments, arrested by soldiers, received the crown of martyrdom with him. 306 Saints Aristokles, Demetrius der Diakon und Athanasius der Lektor Orthodoxe Kirche: 23. Juni oder 20. Juni 362 Saint John of Rome Roman priest beheaded during persecution of Julian the Apostate; head enshrined in San Silvestro in Capita, and martyrdom recorded in several legends that include miracles and prophecy. 679 Saint Etheldreda (Audrey) heaven sent seven day high tide founded the great abbey of Ely, where she lived an austere life body was found incorrupt 1136 Saint Peter of Juilly Benedictine monk, preacher; originally from England, friend of St. Stephen Harding companion at Molesme; miracle worker 1213 Blessed Mary (Marie) d'Oignies turned their house into a leper hospital, and tended the sick miraculously "see the Blessed Sacrament", Widow (AC) able to discern the past history of relics (hierognosis, psychometry). 13th v. Saint Walhere Martyred a parish priest in the Walloon district of Belgium killed by a profligate priest whom he was exhorting to reform his life 1343 Blessed Thomas Corsini a Servite lay-brother, spent his live collecting alms for the abbey; favored by many visions (Benedictines), OSM (AC) 1480 Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God Today the church celebrates the miracle led to saving of Moscow from the invasion of Khan Achmed in 1480 1496 Blessed Peter James of Pesaro, OSA (AC) cultus approved by Pope Pius IX; an Augustinian friar in Saint Nicholas's at Pesaro (Benedictines). 1535 Saint
John
Fisher is usually associated with Erasmus, Thomas More and other
Renaissance humanists. His life, therefore, did not have the
external simplicity found in the lives of some saints. Rather, he
was a man of learning, associated with the intellectuals and political
leaders of his day. He was interested in the contemporary culture and
eventually became chancellor at Cambridge
1545 Saint
Artemius
of Verkola Holy Righteous light over the place where the
incorrupt body holy relics were shown to be a source of numerous
healings1535 St. Thomas More Martyr (Patron of Lawyers) 1516 wrote "Utopia" refused to render allegiance to the King as the Head of the Church of England 1588 The Zaonikievsk Icon of the Mother of God was found in the year 1588 by the Vologda peasant Ilarion -- the future Monk Joseph of Zaonikievsk. 1581 The Pskov Caves Icon of the Most Holy Mother of God, named the "Tenderness" (1542), is famous particularly for the defense of Pskov and the Pskov Caves monastery from the army of Stephen Bathory in 1581. 1608 Saint Thomas
Garnet English Jesuit martyr nephew of the Jesuit Henry
Garnet studied for the priesthood at Saint Omer, France, and Valladolid,
Spain. Initially ordained as a secular priest, hejoined the Jesuits
in 1604 and worked to advance the Catholic cause in Warwick until
his arrest in 1606. He was exiled after months of torture but returned
in 1607 and soon arrested refused to take the Oath of Supremacy
1714
Saint Herman,
Archbishop of Kazan1860 Saint Joseph
Cafasso a brilliant lecturer in moral theology at the Institute
of Saint Franics; a popular teacher, actively opposed Jansenism,
and fought state intrusion into Church affairs; made a deep impression
on his young priest students with his holiness and insistence on
discipline and high standards ministered to prisoners, working to
improve their terrible conditions. He met Don Bosco in 1827 and the
two became close friends. It was through Joseph's encouragement that
Bosco decided his vocation was working with boys. Joseph was
his adviser, worked closely with him in his foundations, and convinced
others to fund and found religious institutes and charitable organizations:
His funeral
was preached by Saint John Bosco.
Saints and Popes mentioned this day of June 24 St. John the Baptist son of Zachary Jerusalem Temple priest in and Elizabeth kinswoman of Mary 304 St. Orentius Martyr with Heros Pharnacius Firminus Firmus Longinus and Cyriacus army Romans 304 St. Amphibalus Martyr traditional companion of St. Alban of Verulam 360 St. Simplicius of Autun B (RM) 5th v. Agoard, Agilbert, and Others MM (RM) 575 St. Germoc Confessor of the faith Irish chieftain 640 Saint Alena of Brussels invoked for eye troubles and toothache VM (AC) 775 St. Rumold Bishop martyr; patron saint of Malines, Flanders, Belgium 776 St. Theodulphus Abbot of the Benedictine monastery of Lobbes, near Liege, Belgium 845 Saint Ivan of Bohemia renounced brilliant career as courtier hermit life (AC) 880 Henry (Heric) of Auxerre Benedictine monk and the headmaster of Saint-Germain abbey school OSB (AC) 9th v. St. John of Tuy 1050 Blessed Erembert I of Kremsmünster, OSB Abbot (AC) 1193 St. Bartholomew of Farne; Benedictine hermit on the island of Farne 42 yrs; miracle worker 1292 St. Kunegunda founded Poore Clare Convent of Sandeck built churches hospitals ransomed Christians served the poor and ill. St. Faustus and Companions 1815 Bl. Joseph Yuen Martyr of Tonkin, Vietnam. A native priest. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 25
65 Departure
of St.
Damianos, 35th Pope of Alexandria. {Coptic}Inauguration of the New St. Mark Cathedral in the Monastery of Anba Rowais. {Coptic} 2nd v. Sosipater (Sopater) son of Pyrrhus, kinsman of Saint Paul, and Christian of Beroea, accompanied Saint Paul on his journey from Greece to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4) (RM) 463 Prosper of Aquitaine study of theological questions wrote poetry and treatises, notably his Chronicle, a universal history from creation to the Vandal capture of Rome in 455 (RM) 740 Saint Adalbert missionary in Ireland whose tomb became a center for pilgrims miracles after his death 843 Saint Gohardus Bishop of Nantes, France, martyred by marauding Normans 874 Saint Solomon (Selyf) III warrior against Franks Norsemen his own rebellious subjects M (AC) 1122 Blessed Burchard of Mallersdorf monk of the Benedictine abbey of Saint Michael at Bamberg, OSB Abbot (AC) 1142 Saint William of Vercelli hermit on Monte Vergine founded monasteries through out Naples 1150 Blessed Henry Zdik elected bishop of Olmütz founded an abbey O. Praem. B (PC) 1160 Blessed John the Spaniard drew up the first constitutions for the Carthusian sisters O. Cart. (AC) 1228 Holy Prince Peter (David in monasticism) and Holy Princess Febronia (Euphrosyne in monasticism), Wonderworkers of Murom The holy couple was famous for their piety and charity; They died on the same day and hour, June 25, 1228, having received the monastic tonsure 1264 Blessed Jutta of Thuringia patroness of Prussia began her life amidst luxury and power became a Secular Franciscan, taking on the simple garment of a religiousdied the death of a simple servant of the poor 1391 Blessed Guy Maramaldi Dominican taught philosophy and theology OP (AC) 1838 Saint Dominic Henares Bishop martyr of Vietna; Spanish Dominican beheaded with Saint Francis Chie;n canonized in 1988. 1931 Saint Nikon a priest 1917; remembered prophecy of Fr Barsanuphius made before Revolution foresaw times of difficulty for monasteries when Christians would be persecuted and suffer martyrdom; predicted he would be dead before this happened, and that Fr Nikon would live those terrible times; jailed 9/18/1919 because he was a monk; released return to Optina Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 26
1st v. Lydda
Icon The wonder-working
Icon is mentioned in the service for the Kazan Icon (July 8 &
October 22) in the third Ode of the Canon. The "Seven Lakes" Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos shone forth with many miracles in the seventeenth century in the area of Kazan. It is similar to the Smolensk Icon (July 28). 362 St. John & Paul Martyred brothers of Rome commemorated in the first Eucharistic Prayer 405 St. Vigilius Bishop of Trent (German for Trento) Italy martyr long labored aid poor resist pernicious practice of usury most of all to promote conversions away from paganism 515 St. Maxentius Abbot miracle worker a monk in St. Severus’ abbey counselor to King Clovis I marauding soldiers threatened the abbey, Maxentius miraculously saved the site 684 Pope St. Benedict II distinguished knowledge of the Scriptures and by his singing, and as a priest was remarkable for his humility, love of the poor, and generosity; Many of the churches of Rome were restored by him; and its clergy, its deaconries for the care of the poor, and its lay sacristans all benefited by his liberality 790 St. John of the Goths Bishop of Goths in southern Russia defended use of sacred images Iconoclast Controversy 800 ST JOHN, BISHOP OF THE Goths honoured in Eastern churches -- resistance he opposed to Iconoclasm 925 St. Pelagius Martyr in Cordoba Spain left by his uncle as a hostage to the Moors stubborn refusal three years renounce his Christianity and become a Muslim 942 St. Hermogius Benedictine bishop whose nephew St. Pelagius his hostage with the Moors 1157 Blessed Bartholomew de Vir helped Saint Norbert to found the Prémontré OSB Cist. B (PC) St. Marie Magdalen Fontaine Martyred Sister of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul 1178 St. Anthelm Carthusian monk and bishop defender of papal authority 1315 Blessed
Raymond
Lull dedicate life working for conversion of Muslims North
Africa
1383 The wonderworking icon of Tikhvin; According to ancient tradition, is one of several painted by St Luke the Evangelist. The icon was taken from Jerusalem to Constantinople in the fifth century, where it was enshrined in the Church of Blachernae, which was built especially for this purpose. 1385 Dionysius,
Archbishop of Suzdal; sublime spiritual frame of mind and his
profound knowledge of Holy Scripture. Patriarch Nilus, having
termed the saint "a warrior of God and a spiritual man," wrote that
he himself saw him "at fasting and charity, and vigil, and prayers, and
tears, and every other virtue." A "wonderworking monk".
1391
BD GUY
MARAMALDI he became a great theologian and preacher; After
teaching theology and philosophy at
Naples, he went
to Ragusa, where the success of his preaching and his fame as awonder-worker
caused him to be acclaimed as an apostle. 1399 The Neamts Icon of the Mother of God was given as a gift by the Byzantine emperor Andronicus Paleologos to the Moldavian ruler Alexander the Voevod, and then placed into the Moldavian Neamts Ascension monastery. 1794 Bl. Teresa Fantou French martyr member Sisters of Charity in Arras during the French Revolution 1794 Blessed Mary Magdalen Fontaine and Companions superior of the house of that institute at Arras (AC) Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 27
Departure
of Elisha,
the Prophet a servant to the holy prophet Elijah raised son
of the Shunammite woman from the dead. {Coptic}1st v. Saint Joanna
the Myrrh-bearer, wife of Chusa, household steward of King
Herod (Luke 8:3 and 24:10) anoint the Holy Body of the Lord with
myrrh after His death on the Cross, she heard from the angels the
joyful proclamation of His All-Glorious Resurrection.
2nd
v. St. Crescens
Bishop of Galatia martyr mentioned by St. Paul into
Galatia (2 Timothy 4:10)301 St. Zoilus Martyr of Spain at Cordoba 303 St. Anectus Martyr probably martyred in Caesarea, in Palestine 444 St. Cyril of Alexandria Bishop Doctor of the Church (June 27) "Seal of the Fathers" in the East 500 St.
Samson
Xenodochius "the Hospitable," priest a doctor, renowned figure
of charity; Lord blessed the efforts of St Sampson and endowed him
with the power of wonderworking He healed the sick not only through
being a skilled physician, but also as a bearer of the grace of God
Venerable
George
of Mt. Athos; brothers Sts. George the Scribe and Saba remained;
with St. George the Recluse (the God-bearer) for 3 years translation
of theological texts from the Greek to the Georgian language6th v. St. John of Chinon Hermit famed as prophet Many pilgrims were restored to health at his intercession 6th v. Saint Severus the Presbyter served in a church of the Most Holy Theotokos in the village of Interocleum in Central Italy; noted for his virtuous and God-pleasing life the dead man came alive and related to everyone that the demons wanted to seize his soul, but one of the angels said, "Give him back, since the priest Severus weeps over him, and on account of his tears the Lord has granted him this man." 1045 St. Emma a relative of Emperor St. Henry II raised at Henry's court by St. Cunegund gave liberally to the poor, founded several religious houses and a double monastery at Gurk, Austria, may have become a nun there 1066 St George Mtasmindeli, Abbot doctor of the Georgian (Iberian) Church 1066 St. Arialdus Martyr of Milan remains recovered ten months later uncorrupt and sweet smelling 1095 King Ladislaus I of Hungary, He fought just and successful wars against Poles, Russians, and the Tartars (RM) renowned for his miracles even to this day 1100 St. Laszlo son of King Bela of Hungary 1146 Saint Martin of Turov served as cook under the Turov bishops Simeon, Ignatius, Joachim (1144-1146), and George; Sts Boris and Gleb appeared to him, gave him a sip of water, and miraculous healing him of his illness 1232 Blessed Benvenuto of Gubbio uncouth soldier; endowed with supernatural gifts of a high order: these spread his fame far and wide; many miracles; received into Franciscan order by Saint Francis himself OFM (AC) 1611 Saint Serapion of Kozhe Lake brought to Moscow among Kazan Tatar captives in the year 1551; built two churches; one in honor of the Holy Theophany, and the other in honor of St Nicholas. Patriarch Job 1654 Johann Valentin Andreä Er schrieb mehrere kleine Schriften in lateinischer Sprache, in denen er die Mißstände in der Christenheit anprangerte und ein wahres Christentum forderte. 1794 B Madeleine Fontaine And Companions, Virgins Martyrs Sisters of Charity St Vincent de Paul convent of Arras 1840 Bl. Thomas Toan Vietnamese native Martyr Blessed Joseph Heiu (Hien, Yeun) a native Dominican priest of Annam (Vietnam), beheaded at Nam-Dinh, OP 1918, Catholicos-Patriarch Kirion II was found murdered in the patriarchal residence at Martqopi Monastery; Bishop Kirion was a tireless researcher, with a broad range of scholarly interests. To his pen belong more than forty monographs on various themes relating to the history of the Georgian Church and Christian culture in Georgia. He compiled a short terminological dictionary of the ancient Georgian language and, with the linguist Grigol Qipshidze, a History of Georgian Philology. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 28
Martyrdom of St.
Timothy of Memphis (El-Masry) (Coptic}
95 Departure
of St. Cedron (Kardonos), the Fourth Patriarch of Alexandria
This father was baptized by the hand of St. Mark the apostle, and
the evangelist of the land of Egypt (Coptic}
202 Saint Irenaeus writings of Saint Irenaeus entitle him to a high place among the fathers of the Church, for they not only laid the foundations of Christian theology exposing and refuting errors of the gnostics, they delivered the Catholic Faith from the real danger of the doctrines of those heretics: He was most influenced by Saint Polycarp who knew the apostles or immediate disciples 5th v. Saint Crummine Bishop and disciple of Saint Patrick of Ireland. 683 ST LEO II Pope accomplished good works caused his name blessed by all succeeding generations 767 Saint Paul I, Pope from 757-767; brother of Pope Stephen II and a Roman, he was educated in the Lateran Palace, became a deacon under Pope Zachary, and wielded considerable influence in his brother’s administration. Elected to succeed Stephen, he took as his primary concern the threat posed to Rome and the Papal States by the Lombards. 9th v.St. John of Damascus "Of the Three Hands" The Icon of the Mother of God, Mary reattached his hand John placed on the icon a hand fashioned of silver, from which the icon received its name 858 Saint Argymirus
Martyr of Spain, native of Cabra, Spain, he held a high
position in one of the Islamic domains in the peninsula. Fired because
of his Christian faith, Argymirus became a monk. made a public statement
of his beliefs and was beheaded
875 Saint Egilo
abbot of Prum, near Trier, Germany founder, also called
Egilo and Eigil. He was abbot of Prum, near Trier, Germany. There
he gave the habit to Saint Humphrey. In 860, he was directed by Emperor
Charles the Bald to restore Flavigny Abbey in Dijon, France. He then
founded the abbey of Corbigny, in Yonne.
1353 Saints Sergius
and Herman settled on the island of Valaam in 1329. The brethren
gathered by them spread the light of Orthodoxy in this frontier
land. The Karelian people began to regard Christianity with renewed
suspicion, with its authority in the 14th century being undermined
by Swedes--sought to spread Catholicism by means of the sword.
1654
Saint John
Southworth became a priest in 1619 in Douai One of the Forty
Martyrs of England and Wales relics are in Westminster Cathedral
in London, discovered there in 1927. Pope Paul VI canonized him in
1970.1847 Saint Vincenza Gerosa Co-foundress of Sisters of Charity native of Lovere, Italy gave her life to aiding the poor. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 29
Apostles Peter and Paul
Sermon
of Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo Today the Holy Church
piously remembers the sufferings of the Holy Glorious and All-Praised
64 Saint Simon Peter or Cephas first pope, Prince of the Apostles, and founder, with Saint Paul, of the see of Rome 67 Saint Paul, the indefatigable Apostle of the Gentiles convert from Judaism on the road to Damascus. Ephesus he remained 3 yrs, the center of his missionary activity 75 Saint Mary Mother of John (Mark) Peter went to Mary’s home, a gathering place of the Apostles, when released from prison by Herod Sts. Cosmas, Damian, Their Mother, and Brothers Consecration of the Church of {Coptic} 558 Saint Cassius Bishop of Narni, Italy praised by Pope Saint Gregory the Great 575 Saint Cocha abbess Nurse of the infant Saint Kieran of Saighir Génuæ natális sancti Syri Epíscopi. At Genoa, the birthday of St. Syrius, bishop. In território Senonénsi sanctæ Benedíctæ Vírginis. In the territory of Sens, St. Benedicta, virgin. St. Marcellus, martyr At Argenton in France, beheaded for the faith of Christ together with soldier Anastasius. 875 Saints Salome and Judith Anchorites (An anchorite is a woman who lives in seclusion for religious purposes) 1045 ST EMMA, WIDOW founded the abbey of Gurk; devoted her possessions and her life to the service of God and of her fellow creatures. Besides giving alms liberally to the poor, she founded several religious houses, 1600 The Kasperov
Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos
The icon is painted with oils on a canvas mounted on
wood. The Mother of God holds Her Son on her left arm. The Child is holding a scroll. St. John the Baptist (Janurary 7) is depicted on one side of the icon, and St. Tatiana (January 12) on the other. These were probably the patron saints of the original owners of the icon. The Kasperov Icon is commemorated on October 1, June 29, and Bright Wednesday. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
June 30
Apostles Peter and Paul
Sermon
of Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo Today the Holy Church piously
remembers the sufferings of the Holy Glorious and All-Praised
64 Saint Simon Peter or Cephas first pope, Prince of the Apostles, and founder, with Saint Paul, of the see of Rome 67 Saint Paul, the indefatigable Apostle of the Gentiles convert from Judaism on the road to Damascus. Ephesus he remained 3 yrs, the center of his missionary activity The Holy Apostle Peter The Holy Apostle Paul (June 29) SerbianOrthodoxChurch.net Twelve
Apostles of Christ The Synaxis of the Glorious and All-Praiseworthy
an ancient Feast. The Church honors each of the Twelve Apostles
on separate dates during the year, and established a general commemoration
for all the day after commemoration of Glorious and First-Ranked
among the Apostles Peter and Paul.
64
First
Martyrs of the See of Rome “Protomartyrs of Rome.” 1st v. Saint Lucina Martyr mentioned in the Acts of Sts. Processus and Martinianus 205 Saint Basilides Martyr of Egypt, defender of Saint Potomiana soldier of the guard of the prefect of Egypt 250 Saint Martial Bishop of Limoges one of the first apostles of France Saint Airick Hermit companion of Saint Godric; noted recluse in England. Saint Godric is recorded as being his friend and deathbed companion. Departure of St. Abba Noub the Confessor {Coptic} 714 Saint Clotsindis Benedictine abbess 718 ST ERENTRUDE, VIRGIN St Rupert appealed particularly for the aid of devoted men and women to occupy religious houses in the new city of Salzburg, among those responding was his kinswoman, Erentrude, or Erentrudis 757 Saint Marcian Bishop of Pamplona, very close to Jaca 10th v. Queen Dinar The Russian Church preserved chronicles of the life of a woman who achieved much on behalf of the Christian Faith. 1066 Saint Theobald Camaldolese hermit and monk priest; sanctity attracted many disciples, 1139 Otto von Bamberg Er wirkte als Kaplan am Hof des polnischen Königs. 1228 BD ARNULF OF VILLERS he had the gifts of miracles and of prophecy; heroic mortifications and penitential exercises he practised as a lay-brother in the Cistercian abbey of Villers in Brabant 1290 Saint Peter, Prince of the Horde, nephew of Bergai Khan of the Golden Horde distinguished himself with a love for silence, contemplation, and prayer. After a miraculous appearance to him of the Apostles Peter and Paul he built a monastery near Lake Nera in their honor embraced monasticism at the monastery 1315 Bl. Raymond Lull 5 Christ Visions; one of the military leaders who reconquered Majorca from the Moslems 1646 Bl. Philip Powell Benedictine English martyr two decades in the area of Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall before being arrested served as a chaplain in the Civil War 1770 The Martyr Michael the Gardener suffered under the Turks for confessing the Christian faith at Athens 1771 Saint Sophronius, Bishop of Irkutsk and All Siberia relics; incorrupt, and a source of grace-filled miracles 1838 Saint Vincent Yen Dominican native Vietnamese martyr Saint Ostianus French saint. He was a priest in some uncertain year and is still venerated at Viviers. Marytrs of Rome The groups of Christians who perished during cruel persecutions in the Eternal City. Saint Gelasius igumen of the Rimet Monastery in Transylvania |
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Saints
and Popes mentioned this day of May 01
600 B.C. The Holy
Prophet Jeremiah, one of the four great Old
Testament prophets regarded as a wonderworkerIn Ægypto sancti Jeremíæ Prophétæ, qui, a pópulo lapídibus óbrutus, apud Taphnas occúbuit, ibíque sepúltus est; ad cujus sepúlcrum fidéles (ut refert sanctus Epiphánius) supplicáre consuevérunt, índeque sumpto púlvere, áspidum mórsibus medéntur. In Egypt, St. Jeremias, prophet, who was stoned to death by the people at Taphnas, where he was buried. St. Epiphanius tells that the faithful were accustomed to pray at his grave, and to take away from it dust to heal those who were stung by serpents. Son of the priest Helkiah from the city of Anathoth near Jerusalem. 600 BC Jeremiah,The Holy Prophet one of 4 great Old Testament prophets St. Joseph Feastday: March 19, May 1 Patron of the Universal Church The birthday of the blessed apostles Philip and James. Philip, after having converted nearly all of Scythia to the faith of Christ, went to Hieropolis, a city in Asia, where he was fastened to a cross and stoned, and thus ended his life gloriously. James, who is also called the brother of our Lord, was the first bishop of Jerusalem. Being hurled down from a pinnacle of the temple, his legs were broken, and being struck on the head with a dyer's staff, he expired and was buried near the temple. 208 St Andeolus Martyr sent to France by St Polycarp 240 St Orentius and Patientia Martyrs Spain husband wife 303 St Acius deacon & Aceolus subdeacon Martyrs of minor orders 4th v. Bata, The Martyr a monastic, lived during the 4th century in Persia labored there in monastery 523 ST. SIGISMUND St. Avitus made king Sigismund realize his behavior was anything but Christian and he tried to make amends. Sigismund listened to the voice of his conscience and found that it led to martyrdom. We, too may have to suffer for trying to live our faith. It is one of the consequences of following Christ. 893 St Theodard Benedictine bishop rebuilt churches ransom captives selling treasures spending his own money to feed poor suffering practiced severe austerities 1012 St Benedict of Szkalka hermit martyr gifted mystic of Hungary 1345 Peregrine Laziosi received a vision of Our Lady who told him to go to Siena, Italy, and there to join the Servites healed by Jesus incorrupt fervant preacher, excellent orator, and gentle confessor 1814 St Euthymius This holy New Martyr of Christ was born in Demitsana in the Peloponnesos apostasized recantded and asked for martyrdom 1814 Ignatius The holy New Martyr martyred for the faith by moslems 1816 Acacius The holy New Martyr was born at Neochorion, Macedonia near Thessalonica in the eighteenth century martyred for the faith by moslems 1821 Saint Nicephorus, the "most luminous star of the Church of Christ," who delighted the hearts of the faithful "with divinely inspired teachings," grace of working miracles 1852 St John-Louis Bonnard priest Martyr of Vietnam
Saints
and Popes mentioned this day of May 02
373 ST
ATHANASIUS, ARCHBISHOP OF ALEXANDRIA, DOCTOR OF THE
CHURCH Today's celebration
midpoint
of 50 days between Feasts of Pascha and Pentecost
Lesser Blessing of Water and the Blessing of Fields
127-140 St. Zoe & Exsuperius (Hesperus) and 2 sons martyred for faith children encouraged parents bodies were preserved in the fire unharmed, and angelic singing was heard, glorifying the confessors of the Lord 251 Martyrdom of St. Sina, the Soldier and Isidore many signs and wonders appeared from them 307 St. Valentine Bishop of Genoa monastic expansion relics were found and enshrined in 985 Romæ sanctórum Mártyrum Saturníni, Neópoli, Germáni et Cælestíni, 373 St. Athanasius Bishop and Doctor of the Church refusal to tolerate Arian heresy refuge among desert monks became ascetic renowned for sanctity beloved by followers many volumes of writings extant ST ATHANASIUS, “the Champion of Orthodoxy”, was probably born about the year 297 at Alexandria. Of his family nothing is known except that his parents were Christians, and that he had a brother called Peter. In Egypt he had won over the Meletians, a disaffected body, and many of the so-called intellectuals. Meanwhile, his doctrines were embodied in hymns set to popular tunes that were carried into the marketplaces and by sailors to all parts of the Mediterranean. So widespread became the influence of this pallid and persuasive priest that the famous Council of Nicaea was called in 325, presided over by Emperor Constantine. At the time, Athanasius, who had just composed the treatise De Incarnatione expounding on the redemptive work of Christ in restoring fallen man to the image of God in which he was created, was an under-sized, 25-year-old deacon serving as secretary to Bishop Alexander. He accompanied the bishop to the council, probably not thinking that he would play any important role in its outcome. But upon him rested the fate of Christendom; for he more than any other perceived the gravity of the points at issue, and by his clear and powerful arguments disconcerted the heretics. Thus, the battle of faith was won, and the letter sent out by the council confirming the excommunication of Arius, concluded with the words: "Pray for us all, that what we have thought good to determine may remain inviolate, through God Almighty, and through our Lord Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, to whom be glory for evermore." The Creed, formulated there and confirmed by the Council of Constantinople (May, 381, by Emperor Theodosius Even in exile Athanasius managed to tend his flock. It was primarily for them that he wrote the most illuminating theological treatises on Catholic dogma. He authored Against the Heathen (c. 318), Contra Arianos (c. 358 ?), Apologia to Constantius, (primary historical source), History of the Arians Defense of His Flight, many letters, The Life of Antony (c. 357), and other pieces. In Against the Arians, Athanasius drew on the work of Saints Justin (Born in Flavia Neapolis, Samaria, c. 100; died 165) and St Irenaeus (115-125? 200?), who interpreted Scripture in an orthodox tradition, to insist that the Nicene term homoousios, although not Scriptural itself, was necessary to formulate correctly the truth of Christ's Scriptural revelation. His Life of Saint Antony showed his friend as singularly devoted to combatting the powers of evil. It became a widely diffused classic. From the time of Saint Bede (Born in Northumbria, England, 673; died at Jarrow, England, on May 25, 735; named Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIII in 1899), it inspired other monastic hagiographers. An 8th-century monk wrote, "If you find a book by Athanasius and have no paper on which to copy it, write it on your shirts." 460 Germanus of Normandy bishop with Saint Patrick; alleged evangelized in Wales, Spain, Gaul, Isle of Man; martyred in Normandy BM (AC) 600 MERCIANS (meaning Lords of the March.) The original Mercian Bishopric was at Lichfield The early Mercians held the main border between the Britons, and the Saxons and Angles in the emerging Engla-land, and were instrumental in pushing back the borders of British kingdoms such as Cynwidion and Pengwern (which at this time still stretched out to the east of modern Birmingham). Pengwern became a strong ally in the fight against the Northumbrians from 613-656. Mercia's kings liked to spend Christmas at Tamworth, an old and well-established part of their domain where they felt particularly safe. The original Mercian Bishopric was at Lichfield. 686 St. Ultan Benedictine abbot founder chaplain to St Gertrude's nuns escaped Mercians by supernatural revelation he knew of the death of St Foillan, who was murdered by robbers in the forest of Seneffe, and he foretold to St Gertrude, at her request, the day of her own death. He said that St Patrick was preparing to welcome her, and in point of fact she died on March 17. 880 Departure of Pope Sinuthius (Shenouda I), 55th Pope of Alexandria (coptic) On this day, of the year 596 A.M. (April 19th., 880 A.D.), the great father Pope Sinuthius (Shenouda I), 55th Pope of the See of St. Mark, departed. This holy father was a monk in the monastery of St. Macarius. He advanced in righteousness and worship, and was ordained archpriest for the monastery. Shortly after, he was chosen for the Patriarchate with the recommendation of the people and bishops. He was enthroned on the 13th day of Tubah 575 A.D. (January 8th., 859 A.D.), and great tribulations and severe persecutions befell him. God performed through him many signs and healed many grievous sicknesses. 1026 The Transfer of the Relics of the Holy Passion-Bearers Boris and Gleb burial place was glorified by miracles 1257 Mafalda of Portugal Queen slept on bare ground spent night in prayer fortune used to restore cathedral of Oporto founded a hospice for pilgrims hospital for 12 widows build bridge over the Talmeda River died in sackcloth and ashes body exhumed 1617 found flexible and incorrupt OSB Cist. (AC) 1459 Natalis of Antoninus of Florence great soul in a frail body, and of the triumph of virtue over vast and organized wickedness miracles after death body was found uncorrupted in 1559 OP B (RM) Feast Day May 10 1654 Saint Athanasius III Patelarios, Patriarch of Constantinople, Wonderworker of Lubensk relics glorified by numerous miracles and signs, rest in the city of Kharkov, in the Annunciation cathedral church 1854 St. Joseph Luu native Vietnamese martyr died in prison for refusing to abjure the faith even under torture The Putivil Icon depicts the Mother of God holding Christ on her left arm, and with a ladder behind her right hand. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 03
Kiev Caves Icon of
the Uspenie (Dormition) of the Most Holy Theotokos one of the most ancient
icons in the Russian Orthodox Church glorified
by numerous miraclesSts. Philip
and James Sts. Philip and James
James, Son of Alphaeus: We know nothing of this man but his name, and of course the fact that Jesus chose him to be one of the 12 pillars of the New Israel, his Church. He is not the James of Acts, son of Clopas, “brother” of Jesus and later bishop of Jerusalem and the traditional author of the Letter of James. James, son of Alphaeus, is also known as James the Lesser to avoid confusing him with James the son of Zebedee, also an apostle and known as James the Greater. Philip: Philip came from the same town as Peter and Andrew, Bethsaida in Galilee. Jesus called him directly, whereupon he sought out Nathanael and told him of the “one about whom Moses wrote” (John 1:45). The Kiev Caves Icon of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos is one of the most ancient icons in the Russian Orthodox Church. The Mother of God entrusted it to four Byzantine architects, who in 1073 brought the icon to Sts Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves 744 Saint Mamai served as chief shepherd of the Georgian faithful from 731 to 744 martyr for Christ The information we have about his life is scarce, but it is known that St. Mamai was abbot of Zedazeni Monastery and died a martyr for Christ. Outstanding in his achievements and endowed with profound spiritual wisdom. St. Mamai was enthroned as Catholicos of Georgia at a time when the catholicos and the Georgian king were frequently the first victims of invading armies. 920 St Peter the Wonderworker Bishop of Argos in the Peloponnesos ransomed captives healed the sick and theafflicted, and possessed the gift of insight relics exuding myrrh, and working miracles and healings Wonderworker Bishop of Argos in the Peloponnesos ransomed captives healed the sick and the afflicted, and possessed the gift of insight relics exuding myrrh, and working miracles and healings Lived during the ninth and early tenth centuries, and was raised by pious parents. St Peter's parents, and later his brothers Paul, Dionysius, Platon and St Peter himself, all became monks. St Peter zealously devoted himself to monastic labors, and he excelled all his fellows. This came to the attention of the Italian bishop Nicholas (who from 895 was Patriarch of Constantinople), who wanted to elevate him to the rank of bishop. St Peter declined, accounting himself unworthy of such honor. Bishop Nicholas consecrated Paul, St Peter's brother, as Bishop of Corinth, and St Peter went to his brother and lived with him, taking upon himself the spiritual struggle of silence. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 04
133 Cyriacus
of Ancona revealed where the Cross was hidden
to Empress Saint Helena BM (RM)387 Saint Monica, mother of St Augustine of Hippo (June 15) 1300 Saint Nicephorus teacher of St Gregory Palamas (November 14) convert from Catholic ascetic on Mount Athos 1535-1681 THE MARTYRS OF ENGLAND AND WALES 1945 Archpriest Vasily Martysz missionary service in the land of St Herman., America and martyred in Poland 1951 Blessed Mezlényi, martyr of the Hungarian communist regime Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 05
Silvanus,
apostle of the Seventy Companion of Saint Paul Martyr Irene (peace) dedicated herself to Christ her miracles converted thousands blinded and healed an entire army beheaded, buried then resurected 386 St Brito Bishop of Trier Germany opposed Priscillian heretics but always refused to hand over to the state for punishment 470 Geruntius of Milan succeeded Saint Eusebius united monastic with clerical life. B (RM) 449 St. Hilary Bishop of Arles known for austerities aid to the poor and ransoming captives 5th v. Crescentiana 5th century Martyr honored by a church in Rome dating to the reign of Pope Symmachus. 767 St. Echa Anglo-Saxon priest monk-hermit link to early Desert Fathers of Egypt 1180 St Aventinus Hermit consecrated himself to service of the poor and strangers companion of St. Thomas Becket 1220 St Angelo martyred early Carmelite Jews of Jerusalem parents converted to Christianity by vision of our Lady converted many sinners by teaching/miracles Our Lord appeared to him to offer the sacrifice of his life in Sicily 1260 St. Jutta Widowed noblewoman of Thuringia: Jutta received wonderful graces, for besides being favoured with many visions and revelations, she was given an infused understanding of the Holy Scriptures. She once said that three things could bring one very near to God— painful illness, exile from home in a remote corner of a foreign land, and poverty voluntarily assumed for God’s sake 1426 Ephraim priest 27 years; The holy New Martyr wonderworker imitated life of the great Fathers/ascetics of the desert Turkes tortued him to death but after 500 years he is quick to answer the prayers of those who call upon him 1442 Saint James of Zhelezny Bor. Today we celebrate the Uncovering of the Relics of the Kostroma Wonderworker 1535 Bl. John Haile elderly martyred secular priest 1572 ST PIUS V. POPE MICHAEL GHISLIERI confessor of the Order of Preachers1844 Bl. Edmund Ignatius Rice founder of the Congregation of the Brothers of the Christian Schools devout man dedicated to charitable works attention to bands of ragged youth in the streets1878 The "Inexhaustible Chalice" Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos 1900 Bl Anna Rose Gattorno co-founded an order of nuns dedicated to working with the sick and poor. By the time of her death the order had grown to more than 3500 sisters. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 06
On Tuesday of
St Thomas week we remember those Orthodox Christians from
all ages who have died in faith, and in the hope of resurrection. Exraordinary Apparitions in Zeitoun, Egypt (II)
Job's explanations are among the most poetic writings
in the Old Testament book which bears his name. It is
one of the most edifying portions of Holy Scripture. Job teaches
us that we must endure life's adversities patiently and with
trust in God. As St Anthony the Great (January 17) says, without
temptations, it is impossible for the faithful to be saved.
1350 BC Job The righteous (whose name means "persecuted"), God's faithful servant, the perfect image of every virtue 64-67 Evodius of Antioch 1/72 disciples commissioned by Jesus believed Evodius coined the word 'Christian' (RM) anastasis2.jpg There are indications of this commemoration in the sermons of the Fathers of the Church. St John Chrysostom, for example, mentions it in his homily "On the Cemetery and the Cross." In pre-Revolutionary Russia bars remained closed and alcoholic beverages were not sold until this Day of Rejoicing so that the joy people felt would be because of the Resurrection, and not an artificial joy brought on by alcohol. Today the Church remembers its faithful members at Liturgy, and kollyva is offered in remembrance of those who have fallen asleep. Priests visit cemeteries to bless the graves of Orthodox Christians, and to share the paschal joy with the departed. It is also customary to give alms to the poor on this day. 94? Romæ sancti Joánnis, Apóstoli et Evangelístæ, ante Portam Latínam On Tuesday of St Thomas week we remember those Orthodox Christians from all ages who have died in faith, and in the hope of resurrection. 1st v. St Lucius Bishop of Cyrene 1/of “prophets and doctors” in Ptolemais, Africa 6th v. St. Benedicta Mystic nun St Peter appeared in vision warn her of death 698 St. Eadbert Abbot bishop of Lindisfarne Ireland learning and knowledge of the Scriptures obedience to God's commandments 747 St. Petronax Abbot “the Second Founder of Monte Cassino.” restored after Lombards destruction rule of St Benedict 11th v. Salérni Translátio sancti Matthǽi, Apóstoli et Evangelístæ 1300 Bl. Bonizella Piccolomini Widow devoted herself and all her wealth to the service of the poor (PC) 1385 St Micah of Radonezh one of the first disciples of St Sergius of Radonezh Appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos Holy Apostles Peter and John the Theologian to St Sergius of Radonezh. 1492 Bl. Prudentia Castori abbess-founder her fame rests on miracles reported wrought after her death; Her zeal was displayed not only amongst her nuns, whom she ruled with great prudence, but also in bringing about the restoration of the church of the Visitation at Como OSA V (PC) 1590 Bl. Edward Jones missionary priest and Anthony Middleton priest. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 07
2nd v. Flavia
Domitilla great-niece of emperors Domitian
and Titus, and also of Saint Flavius Clemens, her foster
sisters Euphrosyna, & Theodora VV MM (RM) 2nd century
<<Romæ Translátio córporis sancti Stéphani Protomártyris, quod, Pelágio Primo Summo Pontífice, e Constantinópoli At Rome, the translation of the body of St. Stephen protomartyr, which was brought from Constantinople to Rome by Pope Pelagius I, and laid in the sepulchre of the martyr St. Lawrence in the Agro Verano, where it is honoured with great devotion by the pious faithful. At Terracina in Campania, the birthday of blessed Flavia Domitilla, virgin and martyr, and niece of the holy martyr, the Consul Flavius Clemens. She received the religious veil at the hands of St. Clement, and in the persecution of Domitian was exiled with many others to the island of Pontia, where endured a long martyrdom for Christ.257 St. Quadratus Martyr imprisoned several years in Nicomedia Nicaea & Apamea 300 St. Flavius Martyred bishop of Nicomedia with brothers Augustine and Augustus 357 Cross over Jerusalem Commemoration of the Appearing of the Precious 6th v. Bl Michael Ulumbijski 1/12 companions of St. John Zedazneli evangelized Georgia Natives of Syria John_Zedanzeni_12_disciples
717 St. John of Beverly John known for holiness preference for the contemplative life possessed the gift of healing many miracles are recounted in Bede's Ecclesiastical History the author of which he had ordained. It was not just miracles that led to John's canonization. He led a life of remarkable holiness 1279 Bl Albert of Bergamo, OP Tert. (AC) peasant farmer who followed his pious and industrious father's example many practices of penance and piety 1728 Bl Rose BD ROSE VENERINI gift of ready and persuasive speech real ability to teach and teach others to teach not daunted by any difficulty when in service of God reputation of holiness confirmed by miracles 1902 Bl Agostino Roscelli (AC) spent endless hours hearing confessions 1876, he founded the Institute of Sisters of the Immaculata served as prison chaplain caring particularly for those condemned to death
1909 Alexis
Toth Priest defender of the Orthodox Faith
miracle worker and zealous worker in the Lord's vineyard
1889 appointed pastor of a Uniate parish in Minneapolis
MN Archbishop Ireland greeted him with open hostility refused
to recognize him as a legitimate Catholic priest or grant permission
to serve in his diocese.
Miracle of finding a lost son for a man, and that occurred after Alexis's death. In his last will and testament St Alexis commended his soul to God's mercy, asking forgiveness from everyone and forgiving everybody. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 08
127 Sixtus
I 115-125
,
Pope survived as pope for about 10 years before being killed
by the Roman authorities M (RM)Romæ natális beáti Xysti Primi, Papæ et Mártyris; qui, tempóribus Hadriáni Imperatóris, summa cum laude rexit Ecclésiam, ac demum, sub Antoníno Pio, ut sibi Christum lucrifáceret, libénter mortem sustínuit temporálem. At Rome, the birthday of blessed Pope Sixtus the First, martyr, who ruled the Church with distinction during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, and finally in the reign of Antoninus Pius he gladly accepted temporal death in order to gain Christ for himself. (also known as Xystus) 684-685 Benedict II, Pope Scripture scholar and an expert in sacred chants amended the process to speed approval of papal elections by having the exarch of Ravenna confirm Papal elections patron saint of Europe brought back to orthodoxy Macarius, the ex-patriarch of Antioch, from his Monothelitism, restored several Roman churches upheld the cause of Saint Wilfred of York (RM) 608-615 Boniface IV, Pope student under Gregory the Great converted Roman temple of gods {Pantheon} into a Christian church dedicated to Our Lady and all saints corresponded with Saint Columba (RM) Romæ sancti Bonifátii Papæ Quarti, qui Pántheon in honórem beátæ Maríæ ad Mártyres dedicávit. At Rome, Pope St. Boniface IV, who dedicated the Pantheon to the honour of our Lady and the martyrs. St. Boniface IV 608-615 25 May converted Pantheon into a Christian Church, the temple by Agrippa to Jupiter the Avenger, to Venus, and to Mars consecrated by the pope to the Virgin Mary and all the Martyrs. (Hence the title S. Maria Rotunda.) the first instance at Rome of a pagan temple into a place of Christian worship. 684-685 Pope St. Benedict II distinguished knowledge of the Scriptures and by his singing, and as a priest was remarkable for his humility, love of the poor, and generosity; Many of the churches of Rome were restored by him; and its clergy, its deaconries for the care of the poor, and its lay sacristans all benefited by his liberality. St John on this day The Church commemorates because of the annual pilgrimage to his grave miracle of red dust When St John was more than one hundred years old, he took seven of his disciples and went to a spot outside the city of Ephesus. There he told them to dig a grave in the form of a cross. Then he climbed into the grave and told his disciples to cover him with earth. Later, the grave was opened and the saint's body was not there. Each year on May 8 a red dust would arise from the grave which the faithful collected in order to be healed of their illnesses.
450 Saint
Arsenius the Great; deacon, Sketis monastery in the midst of the desert
standing at prayer, surrounded by a flame
Arsenius der Große Orthodoxe
Kirche: 8. Mai Katholische Kirche: 19. Juni
Born in the year 354 at Rome
into a pious Christian family, which provided him
a fine education and upbringing. He studied rhetoric and
philosophy, and mastered the Latin and Greek languages.
St Arsenius gave up philosophy and the vanity of worldly life,
seeking instead the true wisdom praised by St James "pure, peaceable,
gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits"
(Jas. 3:17). He entered the ranks of the clergy as a deacon in
one of the Roman churches, dedicating himself to the service of
God.
"Forget that
they are the emperor's sons," said Theodosius, "for
I want them to submit to you in all things, as to their father
and teacher."The emperor Theodosius (379-395), who ruled the eastern half of the Roman Empire, heard about his erudition and piety, and he wished to entrust Arsenius with the education of his sons Arcadius and Honorius. Arsenius, however, protested that he had given up secular studies in order to serve God. Against his will, but in obedience to the will of Pope Damasus (December 11), St Arsenius agreed to teach the imperial children, hoping to teach them Christian piety as well. When he arrived at Constantinople, Arsenius was received with great honor by the emperor Theodosius, who charged him to educate his sons not only in wisdom, but also in piety, guarding them from the temptations of youth. 496 St Michael Archangel appeared on Mount Gargano {San Giovanni Rotondo is there} in Apulia, South Italy, in the days of Pope Gelasius to bishop of Siponto 615 Boniface IV, Pope student under Gregory the Great converted Roman temple of gods {Pantheon} into a Christian church dedicated to Our Lady and all saints corresponded with Saint Columba (RM) 618 ST DEUSDEDIT, POPE 685 St Benedict II, Pope Scripture scholar and an expert in sacred chants amended the process to speed approval of papal elections by having the exarch of Ravenna confirm Papal elections patron saint of Europe brought to orthodoxy Macarius, ex-patriarch of Antioch, from Monothelitism, restored Roman churches upheld cause of Saint Wilfred of York 1079 St. Stanislaus noted for his preaching Bishop of Cracow killed by excommunicated King 14th v. St Arsenius the Lover of Labor gift of wonderworking 1416 Julian von Norwich 'Sixteen Revelations of Divine Love' niederschrieb 15-16 th v The Monks Zosima and Adrian of Volokolamsk, founders of the Sestrinsk monastery on the banks of the River Sestra 1785 Monk Arsenii of Novgorod, Fool-for-Christ transfer relics and "Saints-name-in-common" ("tezoimenitstvo") of this day 1835 St. Maria Magdalen of Canossa Foundress of the Daughters of Charity at Verona, Italy saw the Blessed Mother surrounded by six religious dressed in brown She herself tended the poorest and dirtiest children witnesses observed her rapt in ecstasy, seen levitating. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 09
383 Gregor
von Nazianzus
At Nazianzum, the birthday of St. Gregory, bishop, confessor, and doctor of the Church, surnamed the Theologian because of his remarkable knowledge of divinity. At Constantinople, he restored the Catholic faith which was fast waning, and repressed the rising heresies. 6th v. St. Shio of Mgvime among Thirteen Syrian Fathers who preached the Christian Faith in Georgia miracles1087 St Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia (350) Transfer of the Relics from Myra of Lycia to Bari in Italy His Life is found under December 6 & May 8 . 1443 Bl Nicholas Albergati archbishop cardinal mediate between the emperor and the pope generous patron of learned men O. Cart. 1463 St Catharine of Bologna served the Lord in obscurity 1679 Bl Thomas Pickering England Benedictine Martyr 1911 Saint Joseph of Optina at 8, "What makes you think you saw the Queen?" "Because she had a crown with a cross," he replied. Several miracles took place on the day St Joseph was laid to rest Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 10
Saint Simon
from Cana in Galilee 1/12 Apostles receive
the Holy Spirit with others on Pentecost In terra Hus sancti Job Prophétæ In the land of Hus, the holy prophet Job, a man of wonderful patience. Hiob (Ijob) Orthodoxe Kirche: 6. Mai Katholische Kirche: 10. Mai He and was known to the Lord and His Mother. Tradition says that he was the bridegroom at the wedding where the Savior performed His first miracle. After witnessing the miracle of the water which had been turned into wine, he became a zealous follower of Christ. For this reason, he is known as St Simon the Zealot. St Simon was one of the twelve Apostles, and received the Holy Spirit with the others on Pentecost. He traveled to many places from Britain to the Black Sea, proclaiming the Gospel of Christ. After winning many pagans to the Lord, St Simon suffered martyrdom by crucifixion. 6th v. St Isidora, Fool-for-Christ, struggled in the Tabenna monastery in Egypt during the VI v 601 St Comgall Abbot teacher of St Columbanus and monks evangelized France & central Europe He was born about 516 in Ylster, Ireland, and studied under St. Fintan at Cluain Eidnech Monastery. After living under a harsh rule as a hermit, Comgall founded a monastery in Bangor. He was abbot for eight thousand monks. Comgall also accompanied St. Columba on a mission to Inverness, Scotland, and founded a monastery at Heth. He died at Bangor. 880 St Solange a shepherdess; great power over animals, gift of healing and effected many cures 1096 A.M. St. Philothaos Martyrdom; from the people of "Doronka" in the province of Assuit 1459 Saint Antoninus of Florence great soul in a frail body, and of the triumph of virtue over vast and organized wickedness OP B (RM) miracles after death uncorrupted in 1559 The adjacent late thirteenth-century church was rebuilt with great magnificence by Cosimo de' Medici to serve the new Dominican house. In addition to his official duties, St Antoninus preached often and wrote works which made him famous among his contemporaries. He was consulted from Rome and from all quarters, especially in intricate cases of canon law. Pope Eugenius IV summoned him to attend the general Council of Florence, and he assisted at all its sessions. He was occupied with reforming houses in the province of Naples when he learnt to his dismay that the pope had nominated him to be archbishop of Florence. In vain did he plead incapacity, ill-health and advancing years; Eugenius was inflexible and left him no freedom of choice. He was consecrated in March 1446 amid the rejoicings of the citizens. 1569 St John of Avila Andalusia Apostle spiritual advisor St Teresa St Francis Borgia St John of the Cross St Peter of Alcantara etc. 1569 Saint John of Ávila ; The Apostle of Andalusia, spiritual advisor of St. Teresa, St. Francis Borgia, St. John of the Cross, St. Peter of Alcantara and others 1569 BD JOHN OF ÁVILA AMONGST the great religious leaders of sixteenth-century Spain, one of the most influential and most eloquent was Bd John of Avila, the friend of St Ignatius Loyola and the spiritual adviser of St Teresa, St John of God, St Francis Borgia, St Peter of Alcantara and of Louis of Granada, who became his biographer. 1602 Vasilii (Basil), Mangazeia the Holy Martyr Wonderworker, -- was the first saint glorified in the Siberian land 1602 Vasilii (Basil), Mangazeia the Holy Martyr Wonderworker, -- was the first saint glorified in the Siberian land He accepted a martyr's death on 4 April 1602, and from the mid-XVII Century he is deeply venerated for manifold manifestations of grace in help of infirmities, in sorrow and in desperate straits. 1889 Blessed Damien of Molokai Joseph de Veuster took name of a IV v physician and martyr; caring for the leper people's physical, medical and spiritual needs Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 11
1st v. St Jason
Departure of one of the 70 disciples accompanied
St. Paul Acts 17:9 ordained bishop by St. Paul over Tarsus
God performed through him many miracles and signs
On this day St. Jason, one of the seventy disciples who
were chosen by the Lord, departed. He ministered with the disciples
before the passion of the Savior, and performed many signs
and wonders. Then he was supported by the grace and power on the
day of Pentecost. 251 St Anastasius VII Martyr convert to Christ tribune in the Roman army martyred w/family & servants Anastasius and Companions MM (RM) Died 251. We honor two SS Anastasius today. This one was a tribune in the army of Emperor Decius. He converted to Christianity upon witnessing the courage of the martyrs he tortured to death in his capacity as tribune. A few days after his conversion, he was arrested and beheaded with all his family and servants. Their relics now lie in Camerino, Italy (Benedictines). 295 St Mocius a presbyter in Macedonia in the city of Amphipolis miracles from God created Christians from pagans seeing them 300 St. Anastasius VI of Lérida (AC) Patron saint of Lerida, Spain 303 St Anthimus Priest and martyr of Rome led the Church in Rome converting many 304 St Sisinius, Diocletius, & Florentius stoned to death at the same time as the better known Roman priest, Anthimus 304 St Maximus Martyr of Rome with Bassus and Fabius 305 St. Otimus Departure of the Priest martyred God revealed many miracles in Church where he was buried after persecutions ceased 330 CONSTANTINOPLE was placed under the protection of the Most Holy Theotokos 600 St Asaph of Wales founded the church of Llanasa in Flintshire favorite pupil of Saint David B (RM) 603 St Comgall Abbot warrior as a young man priest founder he taught Saint Columban (AC) 678 St. Walbert father of Saints Waldetrudis and Alegundis and husband of St. Bertilia 885 Sts Cyril and Methodius, Equals of the Apostles, Enlighteners of the Slavs miraculously discovered the relics of the hieromartyr Clement, Pope of Rome 994 St Majolus Benedictine abbot abbey of Cluny friend of emperors and popes 1010 St Ansfrid of Utrecht knight in service of Emperors Otto III and Henry II built convent of Thorn OSB B (AC) 1049 St. Odilo of Cluny Benedictine Abbot beloved throughout Europe for deep austerities concern for poor sold Church treasures to feed poor during famine 1055-1057 Pope Victor II granted ST WALTER OF L’ESTERP special faculties for dealing with penitents—including the right to excommunicate and to restore to communion so great was his reputation for converting sinners. 1055-157 Pope Victor II With untiring zeal he combated, like his predecessor, against simony and clerical concubinage. Being well supported by the emperor, he often succeeded where Leo IX had failed. On Pentecost Sunday, June 4, 1055, he held a large synod at Florence, in presence of the emperor and 120 bishops, where former decrees against simony and incontinence were confirmed and several offending bishops deposed. To King Ferdinand of Spain he sent messengers with threats of excommunication if he should continue in his refusal to acknowledge Henry III as Roman Emperor. Ferdinand submitted to the papal demands. Before the emperor returned to Germany he transferred to the pope the duchies of Spoleto and Camerino. Early in 1056 Victor II sent Hildebrand back to France to resume his labours against simony and concubinage, which he had begun under Leo IX. He appointed the archbishops Raimbaud of Arles and Pontius of Aix papal legates to battle against the same vices in Southern France. 1070
St. Walter
Augustinian abbot for thirty-eight years of L'Esterp
famed as confessor had an ardent zeal for souls:
Walter is repeatedly referred to by the chroniclers of that
age as a man of outstanding holiness, whose undertakings were
marvellously blessed by Heaven
1156 Bl Peter
the Venerable Abbot of Cluny “the Venerable”
owing to his holiness and wisdom suggestion the Koran
be translated into Latin to assist conversions of
Muslims1300 Bl Vivaldus nursed Bartholomew for twenty years, OFM Tert. (AC) 1325 St Nikodim, Archbishop of Serbia, hegumen of Khilendaria monastery; bishop in 1316 translated into Slavonic ordered use in Serbia the Typikon (Ustav) of Saint Sava the Sanctified, of Jerusalem; wonderworking relics 1378 Pope Gabriel IV Departure of, the 86th. Patriarch of Alexandria. 1537 Bl. John of Rochester Carthusian martyr of England with Blessed James Walworth refused the Oath of Supremacy 1672 St Joseph The Hieromartyr First Metropolitan of Astrakhan relics glorified by miracles 1716 St. Francis Jerome famous Jesuit preacher credited with miracles, attributing numerous cures to the intercession of Saint Cyrus (Jan 31) From the outset his preaching attracted huge congregations and was rewarded by such excellent results that he was set to train other missionaries. In the provinces he conducted at least 100 missions, but the people of Naples would never allow him to be long absent from their city. Wherever he went, men and women hung upon his lips and crowded to his confessional; and it was confidently asserted that at least four hundred hardened sinners were annually reclaimed through his efforts. He would visit the prisons, the hospitals and even the galleys, in one of which—a Spanish one—he brought to the faith twenty Turkish prisoners. Moreover, he did not hesitate to track down sinners to the very haunts of vice, in which it sometimes happened that he was very roughly handled. Often he would preach in the streets—occasionally on the spur of the moment. 1771 Bl Christesia from Egrisi west Georgia withdrew to the Monastery of St. John the Baptist in the Davit - Gareji Wilderness bright light appeared before him to light the way 1781 Saint Ignatius of Laconi Capuchin questor 40 years as child found daily at church doors before dawn waiting in prayer to be opened levitation in prayer gifts of prophecy miracles of healing (AC) 1847 Bl. Matthew Gam Vietnamese martyr transported Catholic priests of the Paris Foreign Missions Society from Singapore to Vietnam Saints and Popes mentioned this day of May 12 100
St. Nereus
and Achilleus Martyrs of the Roman military baptized
by St. Peter
640 St. Modoaldus
Bishop of Trier counselor of King Dagobert I Franks
related by blood or friendship to most of the saints
of the Merovingian period304 St. Dionysius Martyr died in prison uncle of St. Pancras 304 Saint Pancras (Pancratius) 14 buried in the cemetery of Calepodius on the Aurelian Way, later named after him 450 Saint Sabinus, Bishop of Cyprus ordained by St Epiphanius of Cyprus to the holy priesthood and successor to 688 St. Richrudis Benedictine abbess forty years wed St. Adalbald 4 children Eusebia, Clotsind, Adalsind, and Mauront all became saints 732 Germanus of Constantinople patriarch "When we show reverence to representations of Jesus Christ, we do not worship paint laid on wood: we worship the invisible God in spirit and in truth."B (RM) 1328 Bl. Francis
Patrizzi Italian member of the Servite Order holiness
remarkable ability to solve crises of various kinds
through his personal mediation famous as a missioner
and preacher. His confessional was crowded; wonderful gift
for preaching moving sermons with little or no preparation, and he
was indefatigable in exercising it.
1333 Blessed Imelda
Lambertini patron of first communicants died of love
on her first Communion day Saint Agnes came in a vision
she saw a brilliant light shining above Imelda's head, and a Host suspended in the light OP
V AC1429 BD GEMMA OF SOLMONA, VIRGIN 1490 Blessed Jane of Portugal Despite the interruptions of plague, family cares, and state troubles, Joanna lived an interior and penitential life She died, as it says in an old chronicle, "with the detachment of a religious and the dignity of a queen," and with the religious community around her OP V (AC) Hieromartyr Hermogenes, Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus miracle healer of the sick 1539? BD JOHN STONE, MARTYR an Austin friar, a doctor of theology, 1633 St Dionysius of Radonezh gift of miracles hospice for injured and those left homeless during the Polish- Lithuanian incursion 1662 Saint John of Oltenia "I would rather die for Christ than become a Turk ..." Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 13
St. Jeremiah
the Prophet On this day, the prophet Jeremiah,
one of the major prophets, the son of Hilkiah the priest,
was martyred Sancti Robérti Bellarmíno, e Societáte Jesu, Cardinális atque olim Epíscopi Capuáni, Confessóris et Ecclésiæ Doctóris Romæ Dedicátio Ecclésiæ sanctæ Maríæ ad Mártyres Sunday_of_the_Blind_Man He opened the eyes of a man "who was blind from his birth (John 9:1). the blind man St Celidonius who lacked both sight and eyes 177 Saint Glyceria {means Sweet} Martyred virgin of Trajanopolis, in Greece destroyed a statue of Jupiter protected by an angel 372 Alexandrian Martyrs at the time of Saint Athanasius's fifth exile 384 Saint Servatus Bishop of Tongres (in the modern Low Countries) host of Saint Athanasius during his exile prophesied the Hun invasion of France 1028 Euthymius the Illuminator performed many miracles He translated from Greek into Iberian (Karthvelian) the Bible
60 writings of the Fathers (Basil, Gregory of Nyssa,
Ephrem, Gregory the Great, John Cassian), biblical
commentaries, lives of the
saints, and liturgical books Abbot (RM)1333 Blessed Imelda Lambertini patron of first communicants died of love on her first Communion day Saint Agnes came in a vision she saw a brilliant light shining above Imelda's head, and Host suspended in the light OP V (AC) 1423 Bl. Juliana of Norwich Benedictine English mystic anchorite In 1373 experienced sixteen revelations. Her book, Revelations of Divine Love - a work on the love of God, the Incarnation, redemption, and divine consolation. Among English mystics none is greater 1621 ST ROBERT BELLARMINE, ARCHBISHOP OF CAPUA AND CARDINAL, DOCTOR OF THF CHURCH ONE of the greatest polemical theologians the Church has ever produced, and her foremost controversialist against the doctrines of the Protestant Reformation 1688 Transfer of the Relics of the Hieromartyr Macarius, Archimandrite of Kanev 1834 ST ANDREW HUBERT FOURNET, CO-FOUNDER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE CROSS 1917 Our Lady of Fatima three Portuguese children received apparitions of Our Lady at Cova da Iria, near Fatima, a city 110 miles north of Lisbon Between May 13 and October 13 Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 14
Saint Matthias After
the Ascension of our Lord, the Apostles chose him, by
lot, to fill the place of Judas the traitor, and he suffered
martyrdom for the preaching of the Gospel.176 Saints Victor and Corona Husband and wife martyrs in Syria during the reign of Marcus Aurelius 249 Isidor von Chios Isidor stammte aus Alexandria und lebte unter Kaiser Decius auf der Insel Chios 346 Pachomius 287 in Ägypten geboren wurde lernte als gepreßter römischer Soldat Christen kennen und ließ sich nach seiner Soldatenzeit taufen gründete 9 Männerklöster und 2 Frauenklöster 395 St. Macarius of Alexandria Departure of (Coptic) 637 St. Carthach the Younger Irish hermit and bishop wrote a rule for the monastery in metrical verse, a document that is extant 1109 Saint Nikita, Hermit of the Kiev Caves, Bishop of Novgorod 1355 BD Petronilla Of Moncel, Virgin: Poor Clares e first abbess of the convent of Le Moncel in Oise, 1823 The Yaroslavl (Pechersk) Icon of the Mother of God 1835 BD MAGDALEN DI CANOSSA, VIRGIN, FOUNDRESS OF THE CANOSSIAN DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY: spent her time giving religious instruction, working in hospitals and looking after children. She had a predilection for the dirtiest and most troublesome children, and would look after them from the combing of their hair to the brushing of their minds, so that to this day a specially difficult child is known in the congregation as "One of our holy foundress's". In amplifying his words quoted above Pope Pius XI said that "Many are charitable enough to help and even to serve the poor, but few are able deliberately to become poor with the poor", and that that is exactly what Bd Magdalen did. Such a life can only grow from a rooted interior humility, and it was through no will of hers that others came to know how she had to struggle with her quick imagination and keen senses-to say nothing of unavoidable external distractions- to attain the degree of religious recollection that was hers. 1863 Saint Michael Garicoits priest combat Jansenism by custom of frequent communion & introducing Sacred Heart devotions Society of Priests of the Sacred Heart of Betharram athe Holy See approved 14 years after death In the town of Betharram in the diocese of Bayonne, St. Michael Garricoits, confessor, and founder of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, renowned for his apostolic fervour. Pope Pius XII added him to the roll of saints. 1900 St. Maria Dominic Mazzarello Co-foundress Daughters of Mary Auxiliatrix Our Lady Help of Christians disciple of St. John Bosco. At Nizza Monferrato in Italy, St. Mary Dominica Mazzarello, co-founder of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and renowned for her humility, prudence and charity. She was added to the book of Virgins by Pope Pius XII. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 15
1st v. Saint Torquatus
Christian missionary in Spain martyred w/others
each disciples of Apostles Peter, Paul sent to Spain
to spread faith 250 Saint Isidore of Chios A martyr of Chios under Decius M (RM) In the island of Chio, the birthday of blessed Isidore, martyr, in whose church is a well into which he is said to have been thrown. By drinking of the water of this well, the sick are frequently cured. 251? ST ISIDORE OF CHIOS, MARTYR 330 Saint Achillas attended 1st Council of Nicaea relics venerated Presba gift of healing sickness, especially demonic possession, and he worked many miracles (Achilli) Bulgaria 348 Saint Pachomius the Great was a model of desert dwelling with Sts Anthony the Great, Macarius the Great, and Euthymius the Great, founded cenobitic monastic life in Egypt. ALTHOUGH St Antony is often reckoned the founder of Christian monasticism, that title belongs more properly to St Pachomius, called “the Elder”, for he was the first—not, indeed, to gather round him communities of Christian ascetics on a large scale—but to organize them and draw up in writing a rule for their common use. 558 Saint Hilary Hermit respected by Ostrogoth King Theodoric spared monastery the land as well 650 Saint Dymphna Many miracles have taken place at her shrine on the spot where she was buried in Gheel, Belgium Patron of those suffering for nervous and mental affictions 925 Saint Nicholas the Mystic oldest member of the mystic, or secret, council of the Byzantine court 1130 Saint Isidore the Farmer celestial visions angels sometimes helped him appeared in a vision to King Alphonsus of Castile in 1211 show him an unknown path used to surprise and defeat the Moors patron of farmers his master saw angels and oxen helping him 1465 Blessed Mary
Magdalen Albrizzi prioress remarkable for her
promotion of frequent communion among her nuns was endowed with supernatural gifts which precluded
her from remaining as unknown as she could have wished.
She healed the sick and foretold the future, while her trust
in God was so perfect that many miracles were wrought in immediate
response to her prayers
1719 ST JOHN
BAPTIST DE LA SALLE, FOUNDER OF THE BROTHERS OF THE
CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS1481 St Euphrosynus of Pskov The Rule of St Euphrosynus generalized advice for monks proceeding on the monastic path built a church in honor of the Three Holy Hierarchs Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom, who appeared to him, and St Onuphrius the Great Eboræ, in Lusitánia, sancti Máncii Mártyris. At Evora in Portugal, St. Mancius, martyr. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 16
AND
ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN
Leavetaking
of the Feast On Wednesday of the sixth week of Pascha,
we celebrate
138 St Peregrinus Bishop of Terni, Italy 3rd v. St. Peregrinus 1st bishop of Auxerre evangelization of Gaul martyred intervention in the dedication of a temple of Jupiter 251 Alexander, Bishop of Jerusalem, 325 On the seventh Sunday of Pascha, we commemorate the holy God-bearing Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council. 376 Hilary of Pavia Bishop prelate of N. Italy fought Arianism B (AC) 420 St Abdas Persian Bishop martyred w/ 28 members of his flock their deaths marked beginning of a long reign of terror for Christians throughout that empire 5th v. St Carantoc Welsh confessor abbot and monastic founder aided St. Patrick in evangelizing Ireland venerated in Brittany, France 5th v. Saint Musa The Most Holy Theotokos appeared to her in a dream 583 St Brendan the Voyager monk founder "Navagation" in which he is described as searching for the Isles of the Blessed, touching the Canaries, and even discovering America. possible visits to Scotland and Wales 614 Forty-four monks of the St Sava Lavra received unfading crown martyrdom attacked by Arabs search of plunder 1247 St Margaret of Cortona established a hospital and founded a congregation of tertiary sisters devoted to the Eucharist and the passion of Jesus 1265 St Simon Stock Scapular of Mount Carmel the Virgin Mary appeared to him holding the brown scapular in one hand. Her words were: "Receive, my beloved son, this scapular of thy Order; it is the special sign of my favor, which I have obtained for thee and for thy children of Mount Carmel 1657 St Andrew Bobola 1608 Jesuit missionary preached distinguished himself by work of mercy during plague martyred by Cossacks 1834 Andrew Hubert Fournet early life was devoted to frivolity Inspired by his uncle he became protector of the poor studied theology ordained became his assistant changed for one of austerity and simplicity Founder Prayers to Saint Andrew miraculously increased food supplies for the nuns when they were in need (RM) WW II Martyr Vukasin from the Village of Klepci in the notorious concentration camp of Jasenovac Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 17
1st v. Andronicus and Junias liturgically honored among the Greeks referenced by Saint Paul in Romans 16:7 "Salute Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and fellow-prisoners, who are of not among the Apostles, who also were in Christ before me." St Adrio Victor & Basilla Martyrs of Alexandria Egypt MM (RM) 255 St Restituta Virgin martyr maiden in Africa died for Christ 300 Saint Solochon, a native of Egypt imperial army in regiment of tribune Campanus 303 St Heradius Martyr with Aquilinus Paul and 2 companions died at Nyon on Lake Geneva Switzerland 305 Solochon and Companions Egyptian soldiers in the imperial army at Chalcedon died for their faith MM (RM) 893 Saint Stephen, Patriarch of Constantinople concerned himself with widows and orphans, and distinguished himself by his temperance 1407 Saint Euphrosyne The holy princess was tonsured as a nun builder of churches founded Ascension women's monastery in the Moscow Kremlin patronage the famous icon of the Archangel Michael 1450 BD ANDREW ABELLON distinguished for his piety and the zeal with which he enforced regular observance; he exercised his talents as an artist in many of the Dominican churches of the south of France. 1549 Adrian of Ondrosov The MonkMartyr uncovering of the relics of the saint 1551 1592 St Paschal Baylon Franciscan lay brother mystic labored as shepherd for father performed miracles distinguished for austerity spent most of his life as a humble doorkeeper rigorous asceticism deep love for the Blessed Sacrament defended the doctrine of the Real Presence against a Calvinists born and died on Whitsunday 1616 Georgian martyrs of Persia are commemorated on Ascension. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 17
250 St. Venantius
Martyr native at Camerino near the Marquisate
of Ancona in Italy
304 St. Felix
of Spoleto Bishop and martyr of Spoleto Italy or of
Spello in Umbria304 St. Theodotus Martyr with Thecusa, Alexandra, Claudia, faina (Phaina), Euphrasia, Matrona, and Julitta 305 St. Dioscorus Martyr of Egypt a reader on the parish of Kynopolis 340 St. Potamon Bishop of Heraclea, Upper Egypt. Arrested in the final persecution of the Church 526 St. Pope John I Martyr succeeded persuading Emperor Justin I mitigate treatment of Arians avoid reprisals against Catholics in Italy visit brought reconciliation of Western and Eastern Churches plagued by a schism since 482 when Zeno's Henoticon had been published 863 St. Feredarius
Irish abbot of lona, Scotland moved the relics
of St. Columba to Ireland
944 St. Elgiva Benedictine nun Queen mother of Kings Edwy of the Saxons and Edgar, King of England wife of Edmund the First 1160 King Eric IX Patron of Sweden aid Christianity in his realm responsible for codifying laws of his kingdom 1486 Blessed Camilla Gentili holy virgin venerated at church of the Dominican friars at San Severino V (AC) 1587 St. Felix of Cantalice noted for austerities, piety, 38 years in monastery as questor aiding sick the poor and revered by all; There is record of a great number of miracles worked after his death, and he was canonized in 1709. helped in St. Charles Borromeo's revision of the rule for his Oblates: “All earthly creatures can lift us up to God if we know how to look at them with an eye that is single.” loved to dwell upon the sufferings of our Lord, never weary of contemplating that great mystery. Always cheerful, always humble, he never resented an insult or an injury. If reviled he would only say, “I pray God that you may become a saint”. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 18
Theophilus
means "Friend of God"named in the Gospel of Luke
and the Acts of the Apostles Acts 1:1 Saints and Popes mentioned this day of May 19 (Luke 1:3 KJV, p.59).1 in the Greek language θεόφιλος 2nd v. Pudens Roman senator baptized by the Apostles father of the martyr Pudentiana M (RM) 2nd century 160 Pudentiana of Rome titulus Pudentis or ecclesia Pudentiana in Rome her father's palace considered most ancient in world 303 St. Philoterus nobleman of Nicomedia who was put to death 304 St. Calocerus & Parthenius Martyrs and brothers who supposedly served as eunuchs in the imperial court 307 St. Cyriaca & Companions Six Christian maidens who died at the stake in Nicomedia 804 Bl. Alcuin Benedictine scholar and counselor to Charlemagne, sometimes called Alcuin of York and in biblical commentaries; and as a liturgist—his work had a strong influence on the Roman liturgy as we have it to-day. But it was as an educator that his fame has been enduring, for he was the main channel between the English scholarship of St Bede’s era and the revival of western learning under Charlemagne he was “the schoolmaster of his age”; and like a good schoolmaster a primary activity was to spread enthusiasm for learning. 1294 St. Celestine V Pope Born 1212 The birthday of St. Peter of Moroni who, while leading the life of an anchoret, was created Sovereign Pontiff and called Celestine V. He later abdicated the pontificate, and led a religious life in solitude, where, renowned for virtues and miracles, he went to the Lord. 1308 Blessed John Duns Scotus 1308 Blessed John Duns Scotus one of the most important and influential Franciscan theologians. His major contributions included the founding of the Scotistic School in Theology and clarifying the theology of the Absolute Kingship of Jesus Christ, the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and his philosophic refutation of evolution. (AC) 1651 Bl. Peter Wright Jesuit (1629) martyr in England chaplain to the Royalist army; convert to Catholicism given preparation for the priesthood in Ghent and Rome 1740 St. Theophilus of Corte Franciscan reformer. Born Biagio Arrighi at Corte, Corsica, Italy ordained at Naples,
taught at Civitella, and then embarked upon a mission to promote
the faith in Corsica and Italy The influence exerted by his eloquent
words was enhanced by the holiness of his life and by miracles.
At Civitella, of which he became guardian, he won the love and
veneration of the whole community
1750 --St. Crispin
of Viterbo, taking the name, Crispin (after the patron of
cobblers);
possessed an amazing ability to integrate a life of
feverish activity, on the one hand, with a solid interior
life. Without concern for his own well being, Crispin cared for
those stricken during the epidemics at Farnese, Gallese and Bracciano.
As questor, he begged for food not only on behalf of his Capuchin
brothers, but also to provide for all the needy of his "big Orvietan
family." For the friars, he would only beg for necessities, nothing
more. OFM Cap1854 Joaquina Vedruna de Mas, Widow Foundress founded the Institute of the Carmelites of Charity, whose sisters are dedicated to tending the sick and teaching. (AC) 1875 Blessed Francis Coll Guitart, OP After several years of parish ministry, he pursued itinerant preaching along with his friend Saint Anthony Claret. He founded the Dominican Sisters of the Annunciation to teach the children of the poor in the village where he preached (AC) Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 20
67 St. Plautilla
baptized by St. Peter witnessed execution of St.
Paul; wife of Emperor Vespasian284 St. Thalelaeus Physician called 'the Merciful' for his gratis services to the sick poor martyr with Alexander, Asterius, and companions; son of a Roman general 297 St. Baudelius married missionary; beheaded at Nimes for interrupting festival of Roman deity, Jupiter 300 St. Hilary Bishop of Toulouse, France 304 St. Basilissa beheaded for her faith 311 St. Aquila Egyptian martyr prefect Arianus ordered torture subsequently became Christian and martyr 610 St. Anastasius XIII converted the Lombards from the heresy of Arianism 624 St. Austregisilus knight priest Bishop and abbot 778 St. Theodore of Pavia Bishop several times he was banished from his diocese by Arian Lombard kings 793 Ethelbert of East Anglia a man of prayer from his childhood miracles revealed at his hidden tomb M 1444 St. Bernardine
of Siena He was called the "People's Preacher" because his
sermons were filled with lively and realistic depictions of
everything from a bachelor's household to women's fashions;
throughout his life he was noted for his unfailing affability, patience
and courtesy; It is impossible to follow him on his missionary journeys,
for in them he covered nearly the whole of Italy; His tomb at Aquila
was honoured by many miracles
1501 Blessed Columba
of Rieti pious mystics of the third order of Saint Dominic
raising of a dead child to lifeespecially devoted to Our Lady modeled after Saint Catherine of Siena to OP Tert. V (AC) Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 21
6th v.
St. Barrfoin
Irish missionary journeyed to spread the faith
repeated his adventures on a voyage to theAmericas to St. Brendan the Navigator Valens and Companions bishop martyred at Auxerre, France, with three boys MM (RM) St. Polyeuctus Victorius Donatus Martyrs Caesarea Cappadocia 1521 Vladimir_Icon_Theotokos
300? Sts. Timothy, Polius, & Eutychius three deacons from Mauretania Caesariensis martyrs in Mauretania late 3rd/early 4th 303 St. Nicostratus, Antiochus, Companions Martyrs Roman soldiers 306 St. Secundinus Spanish martyred at Cordova, Spain 327 Saint Helen mother of St Contantine the Great 337 St. Constantine the Great Junior Emperor and emperor called the "13th Apostle” in East reared on court of co-Emperor Diocletian defeated 2 emperors and Christianized the Roman Empire 356 St. Serapion the Sindonite (comes from garment of coarse linen he always wore) Egyptian monk part of the great birth of monasticism in the wilderness of Egypt 357 St. Secundus priest & Companions martyrs in Alexandria by Arians the intruded Arian patriarch George 357 Martyrs of Egypt "At Alexandria, the memory of the holy bishops and priests who were sent into exile by the Arians, merited joined to the holy confessors" (RM) 6th v. St. Barrfoin Irish missionary journeyed to spread the faith reported his adventures on a voyage to the Americas to St. Brendan the Navigator 6th century 1129 Princes Constantine and sons Michael and Theodore spreading Christian Faith among pagans of Murom 1170
ST
GODRIC endowed with extraordinary powers—notably with the
gifts of prophecy and a knowledge of distant events. He foretold
the death of Bishop William of Durham, and the exile, return
and martyrdom of St Thomas Becket, whom he had never seen. He often
beheld scenes that were being enacted far away, breaking off a conversation
to pray for vessels in imminent danger of shipwreck. He also knew
beforehand the date of his own death which occurred on May 21, 1170,
after he had spent some sixty years in his hermitage. At a later period
there was built at Finchale a monastery, the ruins of which survive.
St Godric is the co-titular of a Catholic church in Durham.
1252 Hermann
Josef Er wurde Priester und war als beliebter Prediger
und Seelsorger besonders in Frauenklöstern im Rheinland
tätig1262 Sainted Kirill (Cyril), Bishop of Rostov chosen hierarchical seat whilst hegumen of the Vladimir Nativity monastery left a series of writings 1289 Blessed Benvenutus of Recanati Franciscan lay brother favored with ecstasies and visions OFM AC 1521 Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God Celebration of delivered Moscow from Tatars invasion 1577 Blessed Catherine of Cardona hermit for 20 years Carmelite V (PC 1584 Agapit of Makrushevsk MonkMartyr founder of the Makrushevsk Nikolaev monastery healed by a vision from Saint Nicholas icon 1750 Crispin (patron of cobblers) of Viterbo the admirable quaestor (the brother who requests alms) taught basics of the catechism, OFM Cap. (AC) 1861 St. Eugene de Mazenod founded Oblates of Mary Immaculate Patron saint of dysfunctional families 1915-1928 St. Cristóbal Magallanes and Companions: These martyrs did not die as a single group but in eight Mexican states, with Jalisco and Zacatecas having the largest number. They were beatified in 1992 and canonized eight years later. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 22
1st, 3rd century St. Ausonius
Bishop and martyred for the faith.120 St. Marcian Bishop of Ravenna 250 St. Castus & Emilius African martyrs praised by St. Cyprian and St. Augustine Castus and Aemilius MM (RM) Castus and Aemilius suffered martyrdom in Africa under Decius. The first time they were captured, they gave way under torture. Upon their release they repented of their failure to remain steadfast in their faith. On being seized a second time, they were burned to death. Their contemporary Saint Cyprian in De lapsis, and later Saint Augustine in Serm. 285, were loud in their praise of these two martyrs (Benedictines, Husenbeth). 312 St. Basiliscus Bishop martyr reappeared to St. John Chrysostom just before death. This was the martyr who appeared to Saint John Chrysostom on the eve of the holy doctor's death in the church dedicated to Saint Basiliscus to encourage him (Benedictines, Husenbeth). 418 St. Helen Martyred virgin mentioned in the acts of St. Amator of Auxerre Helen of Auxerre V (RM) Died after 418. Saint Helen is mentioned as a maiden in the Acta of Saint Amator of Auxerre as assisting him on his deathbed (Benedictines). 560 St. Romanus of Subiaco hermit who influenced St. Benedict of Nursia In the diocese of Auxerre, Abbot St. Romanus, who ministered to St. Benedict in his cave. Going later to France, he built a monastery there, and leaving many disciples and imitators of his sanctity, went to rest in the Lord. 600 St. Fulk pilgrim gave his life for others in time of plague Fulk of Castrofurli (RM) Died after 600; cultus approved in 1572. Fulk was a pilgrim to Rome who offered his services in the plague-stricken town of Santopadre or Castofuli near Arpino in southern Italy. He is venerated as the patron saint of that district (Benedictines) . 600 St. Boethian Benedictine martyr disciple of St. Fursey Boethian of Pierrepont, OSB M (AC) Born in Ireland, 7th century. A disciple of Saint Fursey, Boethian built the monastery of Pierrepont near Laon, France. He was murdered by those whom he had felt bound to rebuke. His shrine is still a place of pilgrimage (Benedictines) . 650 St. Conall Abbot of Inniscoel Monastery in County Donegal Abbot Conall ruled the monastery of Inniscoel in Donegal, where there is a holy well named after him. He is the most celebrated patron of that region (Benedictines, Husenbeth). 836 St. Aigulf Bishop and court counselor, known for his sanctity at an early age St Aigulf left his native city of Bourges to live as a solitary in a neighbouring forest. There he led a most austere life and acquired so great a reputation for sanctity that when the see of Bourges fell vacant, about the year 811, the clergy and people unanimously chose him for their bishop. Although he only accepted office with reluctance, yet he ruled the diocese wisely and successfully for twenty-four years. 985 St. Bobo Crusader hermit fought against invading Saracens Bobo (Beuvon) of Provence, Hermit (AC) Bobo, a knight of Provence, bravely fought the invading Saracens from Spain and Africa. Afterwards he retired to lead a life of a penitential hermit for many years. 1153 St. Atto Vallambrosan Benedictine bishop and hagiographer He was born in Badajoz, Spain, in 1070, and he entered the Benedictines at Vallambrosa, Italy. In time he became the abbot-general of the Vallambrosans and the bishop of Pistoia in 1135. Atto wrote the lives of St. Gualbert and St. Bernard of Parma, and the history of the shrine of Compostela in Spain. 1199 St. Peter Pareuzi Papal legate to Orvieto suppressing the Cathars martyred Peter Parenzi M (AC) Born in Rome, Italy; died 1199. Peter was sent to Orvieto in 1199 as papal governor to repress the excesses of the Catharist heretics. He adopted severe measures with the result that the heretics seized him and put him to a cruel death (Benedictines). 1310 Humility of Faenza, OSB Vall. Widow heroic fasting and savagely austere life (AC) Humility was then twenty-four years of age. She discovered before long that the rule afforded her insufficient opportunity for solitude and austerity, and she withdrew first to a house of Poor Clares and then to a cell, which was constructed for her by a kinsman whom she had cured of a painful infirmity of the feet. 1366 Hemming of Finland canon of Abo cathedral in Helsinki bring peace to the Hundred Years War between England and France and to end the Avignon papacy miracles were reported at his tomb BM 1397 Bl. John of Cetina Franciscan martyr of Granada 1457 St. Rita of Cascia wife mother widow religious community member legendary austerity prayerfulness charity At Cascia in Umbria, St. Rita, a widow and nun of the Order of the Hermits of St. Augustine, who, after being disengaged from her earthly marriage, loved only her eternal spouse Christ. 1614 Bl. Peter of the Assumption Spaniard martyr of Japan Arrested by Japanese officials, he was imprisoned at Omura and, with Blessed John Machado, was beheaded at Nagasaki. Beatified in 1867, he is considered the first martyr of the second great Japanese persecution. 1617 St. John Baptist Machado Azores Jesuit martyr of Japan He was born in the Azores and became a Jesuit in Coimbra, Portugal. In 1609 he was sent to Japan. John and two companions were beheaded at Nagasaki. He was beatified in 1867. 1622 Bl. Matthias of Arima native catechist Martyr of Japan Japanese catechist of the Jesuit fathers and servant of the provincial. Because he refused to betray his master, he was subjected to a most revolting martyrdom (Benedictines). 1854 ST JOACHIMA DE MAS Y DE VEDRUNA, WIDOW, FOUNDRESS OF THE CARMELITES of CHARITY But when the French troops had crossed the Pyrenees and were approaching Vich, the inhabitants fled, and Joachima set out with the children for a place called Montseny, accompanied by two servants and a boy. They were going to spend the night in the plain of La Calma, but a woman with a donkey suddenly appeared and warned Joachima on no account to do so; she led them some way farther to a house where they were hospitably received, and then their guide disappeared. That night French troops bivouacked in the plain of La Calma. Nobody could identify the mysterious woman with the donkey, and Joachima always believed it was our Lady herself who had appeared to warn her. 1857 St. Michael Ho-Dinh-Hy native Martyr of Vietnam arrested for his Christian activities Blessed Michael Ho-Dinh-Hy M (AC) Born in Nhu-lam, Cochin-China, c. 1808; died at An-Hoa, near Hue, in 1857; beatified in 1909. Though Michael was born to Christian parents, he became a Great Mandarin and superintendent of the royal silk mills. For a long time he did not practice his faith, but he eventually became a leader to and protector of his fellow- Christians. It was for this reason he was beheaded (Benedictines). Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 23
303
Martyrs
of Cappadocia A group of Christians put to deathSaint Euphebius bishop of Naples B (RM) 307 Martyrs of Mesopotamia under Maximian Galerius 406 Merculialis of Forli first bishop of Forli, central Italy zealous opponent of paganism and Arianism(RM) 407 St. Desiderius Bishop martyr attempt to convince warriors not to massacre his flock 430 St. Quintian Leader of a group of 19 martyrs in Africa including Julian and Lucius Dodo of the St David-Gareji Monastery, Georgia Venerable 6th v. Eutychius and Florentius 2 monks Saint Gregory the Great praised their virtues and miracles (RM) 787 Saint Syagrius (Siacre) of Nice kinsman of Blessed Charlemagne monk of Lérins founder abbot bishop of Nice OSB B (AC) 820 St. Michael of Synnada Bishop disciple of St. Tarasius of Constantinople enemy of Iconoclast heretics in the Byzantine Empire 1173 Euphrosyne of Polotsk only East Slav virgin saint Euphrosyne earned $ copying books distributed to the poor 1201 St. William of Rochester miracles occurred at grave experienced conversion as a young man devoted himself to the care of the poor and orphans Basil_of_Yaroslavl 1238 Right-Believing Prince Basil of Rostov belonged in lineage to the Suzdal Monomashichi, famed in Russian history (Vasilko): 1245 BD GERARD
OF VILLAMAGNA
led a very austere life, absorbed for the most part in
contemplation, but also giving direction at times to many struggling
souls who came to consult him: received the cord of the third order
from St Francis himself, and that he died some twenty years later
famous for his miracles and prophecies
1288 St Ignatius
Wonderworker of Murom Bishop of Rostov, shepherded his
flock for twenty-six years miracles took place at his grave1587 St. Felix of Cantalice the first Franciscan Capuchin ever canonized developed the habit of praying while he worked model of simplicity and charity 1750 St. Crispin of Viterbo Franciscan lay brother, noted for miracles, prophecies, and holiness 1764 John Baptist de Rossi combined enfleshment of social Gospel with cure of souls catechized teamsters farmers cattlemen from the country sought help homeless women girls living in streets beggars prostitutes (RM) 1951 Army Chaplain Capt Emil J Kapaun Servant of God Synaxis of the Rostov and Yaroslav Saints The celebration of the Synaxis of the Rostov and Yaroslav Saints on May 23 was established by resolution of His Holiness Patriarch Alexis I (+ 1970) and the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, on March 10, 1964. Archimandrite Abraham the wonderworker (October 29, 1073-1077) Prince Basil (+ 1238) Metropolitan Demetrius (+ October 28, 1709 and September 21) Bishop Ignatius (+ May 28, 1288) Monk Irenarchus the Hermit (+ 1616) Bishop Isaiah, wonderworker (+ May 15, 1090) Blessed Isidore, Fool-for-Christ (+ 1474) Bishop James (+ November 27, 1391) Blessed John of the Hair-Shirt (the Merciful), Fool-for-Christ (+ 1580) Bishop Leontius (+ May 23, 1073) Peter, Tsarevich of Ordynsk (+ 1290) Archbishop Theodore (+ November 28, 1394) Yaroslav Wonderworkers: Princes Basil (+ 1249), Constantine (+ 1257), Theodore (+ 1299) and his sons David (+ 1321) and Constantine (XIV) Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 24
50 St.
Joanna
Jennifer wife of Chuza steward of King Herod Antipas one
of the women who helped provide for Jesus and Apostles and 1 of
3 women discovered empty tomb of Jesus on first Easter morning1st v. St. Manaen Courtier of King Herod Antipas mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles 13:1 as the foster- brother of Herod Antipas and as a prophet 1st century St. Robustian An early Milanese martyr put to death perhaps in MilanSt. Zoellus + Matyyr with Servilius, Felix, Silvanus, and Diodes 2nd v. Susanna, Marciana, Palladia, & Companions wives of soldiers in the military unit commanded by SaintMeletiusMM (RM) 2nd v. St. Meletius Martyr with 252 companions army general who led the group suffering for the faith St. Vincent of Porto slain in an unknown year at Porto Romano near Rome 177 Alexander companion of Saint Epipodius martyred with 34 others in Lyons, France MM (RM) 272 Saint Sabas Christian officer of Gothic descent, was martyred with 70 companions in Rome MM (RM) 299 St. Donatian & Rogatian received baptism and began evangelizing others with zeal refusing to worship the gods 304 St. Afra Martyr of Brescia, Italy traditionally associated with Sts. Faustinus and Jovita. 305 Eusebius, Neon, Leontius, Longinus & Comp 8 bystanders became Christians witnessing martyrdom of Saint George MM (RM) 525 Deodatus of Blois hermit or an abbot referenced by Saint Gregory the Great, her contemporary Abbot (AC) 596 Saint Simeon the Stylite during childhood Lord Jesus Christ appeared several times Holy Spirit to descend upon him toiled as a stylite for 68 years 6th v. Musa of Rome favored with visions and other mystical experiences referenced by Saint Gregory the Great, her contemporary V (AC) 6th v. Saint David of Gareji Syrian by birth. The future ascetic became disciple of St. John of Zedazeni journeyed with him to Georgia. St. David and his spiritual son Lucian settled on a mountain above Tbilisi, the capital of Kartli. 624 Mellitus of Canterbury Roman abbot 1 of 2nd band of monks sent by Pope Saint Gregory the Great to England in 601 in the wake of Saint Augustine OSB B (RM) th v. Authaire of La Ferté courtier at the palace of King Dagobert I of France; father of Saint Ouen of Rouen (AC) 1089 Blessed Lanfranc of Canterbury taught law in Pavia monk prior archbishop of Canterbury in 1070 Lanfranc's De Sacramento Corporis et Sanguinis Christi became classic statement of transubstantiation in Middle Ages OSB B (PC) 1153 St. David I King of Scotland founded dioceses and monasteries in Scotland, instituted Norman law, started the office of chancellor conducted many charitable project 1186 St. Nicetas of Pereaslav Russian monk wonder worker gave himself utterly to a life of prayer and mortifications many miracles attributed 1590 Blessed Francis Colmenario Spanish missionary priest evangelized West Indies preached in Guatemala (AC) 1607 May 29 St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi virgin of the Order of the Carmelites St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi -she is called the "ecstatic saint." 1622 Fidelis of Sigmaringen example of religious devotion and goodness to the poor "the Poor Man's Lawyer." OFM Cap. M (RM) 1636 St. John del Prado Franciscan martyr of Morocco zeal attracted attention Islamic authorities thrown into prison in chains patiently endured torture until death 1788 Charles Wesley Methodisten Er schrieb und komponierte mehr als 6.000 Kirchenlieder und gab Gesangbücher heraus Mehrere seiner Lieder werden im englischsprachigen Raum von allen Konfessionen gesungen 1791 John Wesley 1735 ging er mit seinem Burder Charles als Indianermissionar nach Nordamerika 1837 Anne Mary Taigi Endowed with the gift of prophecy, she read thoughts and described distant events incorruptible. Bonóniæ Translátio sancti Domínici Confessóris, témpore Gregórii Papæ Noni. At Bologna, the translation of St. Dominic, confessor, in the time of Pope Gregory IX Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 25
St. Mary,
the mother of James At Veroli Campania the translation of,
revered body is noted for many miraclesAt Assisi in Umbria, the translation of St. Francis, confessor, in the time of Pope Gregory IX 1227-1241. 2nd v St. Eleutherius, martyred pope; converted to the Christian faith many noble Romans Sts. Fugatius and Damian Also at Rome, St. Eleutherius, pope and martyr, who converted to the Christian faith many noble Romans. He sent Saints Damian and Fugatius to England, and they baptized King Lucius, his wife, and almost all his people. Damian and Fugatius Missionaries sent by Pope St. Eleutherius to Britain. They are also listed as Phaganus and Diruvianus Fagan and Deruvian, or as Hager and Dyfan. 230 Pope Urban I favoured a religious eclecticism and also protected Christianity At Rome, on the Via Nomentana, the birthday of blessed Urban, pope and martyr, by whose exhortation and teaching many persons, among whom were Tiburtius and Valerian, received the faith of Christ and suffered martyrdom for it. He himself endured many afflictions for the Church of God, and was crowned with martyrdom by being beheaded in the persecution of Alexander Severus Roman emperor 222-35. 302 St. Julius of Dorostorum birthday of the holy martyrs Pasicrates, Valentio, and two others crowned with them. 359 St. Dionysius of Milan Bishop defended Athanasius banished to Cappadocia with Eusebius of Vercelli and Lucifer of Cagliari At Milan, Bishop St. Denis, who for the Catholic faith was exiled into Cappadocia by the Arian emperor Constantius, where he yielded his soul to God in a manner almost like that of the martyrs. His revered body was sent to blessed Bishop Ambrose at Milan, by Bishop Aurelius, with the help, it is said, of St. Basil the Great Bishop of Milan, Italy, the successor of St. Protasius in 351. 417 St. Zenobius Florence bishop renowned for the sanctity of his life and his glorious miracles. 550 St. Leo of Troyes Abbot who succeeded St. Romanus at Mautenay, 735 Venerable St. Bede born near St. Peter and St. Paul monastery at Wearmouth-Jarrow, England Doctor of the Church {Pope Leo XIII} At Jarrow in England, the death of St. Venerable Bede, priest, confessor and doctor of the Church, well known for his sanctity and scholarship. His feast, however, was celebrated on the 27th day of May. 1085 Pope Gregory VII At Salerno, the death of blessed , a most zealous protector and champion of Church liberty. At Salerno, the death of blessed Pope Gregory VII, a most zealous protector and champion of Church liberty. One of the greatest of the Roman pontiffs and one of the most remarkable men of all times; born between the years 1020 and 1025, at Soana, or Ravacum, in Tuscany; died 25 May, 1085, at Salerno. 1348 BD CLARITUS “Il Chiarito”. It was founded in 1342 by Bd Claritus or Chiarito, the last male of the Voglia family, and was dedicated by him in honour of our Lady. His wife Nicolasia having taken the veil in the new foundation, he himself joined it as servant to the nuns. 1607 St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi virgin of the Order of the Carmelites famed for her holy life suffering mystic 1865 St. Madeleine Sophie Barat foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, who devoted her labours for the Christian education She was added to the list of holy virgins by Pope Pius XI. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 26
85 St. Alphaeus
father of St. James the Less, mentioned in Matthew.
His legends were popular in the early Church.Saint Carpus was one of the Seventy Apostles chosen and sent forth to preach by Christ (Luke 10:1). He was bishop of Verria in Macedonia. 106 St. Zachary Bishop and martyr of Vienne, Gaul, he was martyred during the reign of Emperor Trajan. 130 St. Quadratus Martyr Apostle of the 70 THE first of the great line of Christian apologists preached the Word of God as Bishop of Athens and at Magnesia (eastern peninsula of Thessaly) 2nd v St. Eleutherius, martyred pope; converted to the Christian faith many noble Romans Sts. Fugatius and Damian 272 SS. PRISCUS, OR PRIX, AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS 303 St. Felicissimus Martyr with Heraclius and Paulinus. They suffered martyrdom at Todi, Umbria, Italy. Romæ sanctórum Mártyrum Simítrii Presbyteri, et aliórum vigínti duórum; qui sub Antoníno Pio passi sunt. At Rome, the holy martyrs Simitrius, priest, and twenty-two others who suffered under Antoninus Pius. 6th v. ST ELEUTHERIUS, ABBOTSt. Dyfan He is also called Deruvianus and Damian Missionary to the Britons sent by Pope St. Eleutherius when a local Briton king requested missionaries from the pope 1258 Blessed Eva of Liege together w/Blessed Juliana prioress of Mount Cornillon, their enthusiastic purpose was to obtain the institution of a feast in honor of the Blessed Sacrament--granted by Pope Urban IV 1293 St. Berencardus Benedictine monk known for his charity. He was a member of the community of St. Papoul Abbey in Languedoc, France. 1293 St. Berencardus 1515 George the New Holy Martyr attentively studied the Holy Scriptures pious and chaste refused to accept Islam bright light over his burnt relics 1595 Saint Philip Neri Patron of Rome showed his humility and humorous side of holiness known to be spontaneous and unpredictable, charming and humorous. To re-evangelize Rome was to be St Philip’s life-work, and he accomplished it with such success as to earn from posterity the title of “the Apostle of Rome”. Congregation of the Oratory Oratorians in 1575, the new society received the formal approbation of Pope Gregory XIII, who afterwards gave to it the ancient church of Sta Maria in Vallicella. Cardinal Newman founded the first English-speaking house of the Oratory. The edifice, besides being in a ruinous condition, was far too small, and St Philip decided to demolish it and to rebuild it on a large scale. He had no money, but contributions came in from rich and poor. The pope and St Charles Borromeo were generous in their donations, as were many of the most prominent men in Rome. 1645 St. Mariana de Paredes Solitary and the “Lily of Quito,” Ecuador. In the city of Quito in Ecuador, St. María Ana de Jesù de Paredes, a third order Franciscan, well known for her austerity and charity towards her neighbour. Pope Pius XII numbered her in the book of Virgins. 1747 Bl. Peter Sanz Martyred bishop in China native of Catalonia, Spain Dominican 1861 St. John Hoan Martyr of Vietnam a Vietnamese priest beheaded during the anti-Christian persecutions. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. 1861 St. Matthew Phuong Martyr of Vietnam A native catechist and an ardent Christian Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 27
3rd v. Therapon,
Bishop of Sardis Hieromartyr suffered for Christ Sardis was
in Lydia, Asia Minor miraclulous curative powers from his blood270 St. Restituta of Sora fled Rome to Sora, Campania, Italy, aid of an angel to escape the persecution of the Church 302? ST JULIUS AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS 304 Theodora the Virgin and Didymus the Soldier The Holy Martyrs suffered for Christ during the persecution against Christians in the city of Alexandria 526 St. Pope John I Martyr succeeded persuading Emperor Justin I mitigate treatment of Arians avoid reprisals against Catholics in Italy visit also brought reconciliation of Western and Eastern Churches plagued by a schism since 482 when Zeno's Henoticon had been published 605 St. Augustine of Canterbury respected monastery prior Monk and abbot of Saint Andrew's abbey in Rome Apostle to the Anglo-Saxons; Apostle to the English; called himself Austin 700 St. Ranulphus Martyred confessor father of St. Haduiph, bishop of Arras Cambrai, France, He suffered for the faith at Thelvs, near Arras 735 Saint Bede was a church historian who recorded the history of Christianity in England up to his own time 9th v. Saint Michael of Parekhi native of the village Norgiali in Shavsheti region of southern Georgia tonsured a monk in the Midznadzori Wilderness miracles at grave 1045 St. Bruno Bishop of Würzburg Germany killed in an accident starting parishes throughout Würzburg, projects for which he used his personal wealth revered as a scholar and author 11th v. Saint Basil son of King Bagrat III Lived in the and labored at Khakhuli Monastery (in southwestern Georgia, present-day Turkey) a major figure in the spiritual and educational life of southern Georgia. 1426 Saint Therapon of White Lake Wonderworker of Luzhetsk raised in faith and piety throughout his life as a holy ascetic As a monk in this monastery Therapon became close to St Cyril of White Lake (June 9). Together they passed through their ascetic struggles of prayer and fasting. They were under the spiritual guidance of St Sergius of Radonezh (September 25 and July 5), who visited the monastery to instruct the brethren. St Therapon went north, to the
frontier of White Lake, on monastery matters. The harsh northern
land attracted the ascetic, and he decided to remain there for his
ascetic endeavors.
After returning with St Cyril, to
whom the Mother
of God had appeared, also ordering him to go to the north,
St Therapon received the blessing of the igumen to go to White Lake.
For a while the ascetics lived together in a cell they built; later
and by mutual consent, St Therapon moved to another place fifteen versts
away from Cyril, between two lakes, Borodava and Pava. 1554 Saint Nilus of Stolobensk icon of St Nilus was painted by the monks of the Orshin monastery, and numerous miracles of healings of the sick began to occur at the saint's grave incorrupt relics 1597 Saint Therapon of Monza 1730 John the Russian The Holy Confessor kind and gentle nature effect souls of both the turkic master and slaves (Compare the story of Habakkuk, who miraculously brought a dish of porrage to Daniel in the lions' den [Dan. 14:33-39], in the Septuagint). Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 28
1.
Jahrhundert Eutyches
soll Mitarbeiter der Apostel und Bischof in Melitene
(Armenien) gewesen sein. Er erlitt das Martyrium (vgl. Eutyches)Emilius Martyr with Felix, Priam, and Lucian, on Sardinia, Italy 250 St. Heliconis Martyr of Thessalonica, Greece. She was beheaded. In some lists she is called Heliconides. 4th v. Item pássio sanctórum Crescéntis, Dioscóridis, Pauli et Helládii. Also the martyrdom of the Saints Crescens, Dioscorides, Paul, and Helladius. Thécuæ, in Palæstína, sanctórum Monachórum Mártyrum, qui, témpore Theodósii junióris, a Saracénis occísi sunt 480 St. Senator Archbishop of Milan, Italy, and papal legate to the Council of Chalcedon 451 527 St. Justus
of Urgel Bishop and writer, called by St. Isidore
“among the illustrious.” He was the first recorded bishop of Urgel,
Spain. He attended the Councils of Toledo in 527 and Larida in 546. Justus wrote a commentary on
the Canticle of Canticles
576
Saint Germanus,
Bishop Of Paris ordained priest by St. Agrippinus abbot of St.
Symphorian's continual fasts and austerities miraculous
healings while alive and wrought at his tomb: sight was restored
to the blind and speech to the dumb prophesied605 St. Augustine of Canterbury respected monastery prior Monk and abbot of Saint Andrew's abbey in Rome Apostle to the Anglo-Saxons; Apostle to the English; called himself Austin 800 St Nicetas, Bishop of Chalcedon distinguished himself by his charity always helped the poor he lodged travelers in his home cared for orphans widows, interceded for those wronged relics occurred many miracles of healing 812 St. William of Gellone Knight Benedictine monk son of Count Thierry of Toulouse member of Charlemagn court defeated Islamic Saracens abbey named Saint Guilhem-du-Desert in his honor 1050 St. Bernard
of Montjoux priest Vicar
General of Aosta spent 40 yrs missionary work in the Alps built
schools churches remembered for 2 Alpine hospices aid lost travelers
in the mountain passes named Great and Little Bernard after
him.
1089 Lanfranc
Le Bec Er studierte und wirkte als Lehrer in Südfrankreich
wurde er Prior der Gemeinschaft Er starb in Canterbury1288 Saint Ignatius Bishop of Rostov shepherdeding flock for twenty-six years Many miracles took place at his grave 1373 Birgitta von Schweden Ihre Visionen wurden auch in deutscher Sprache veröffentlicht und haben das Werk Nithards beeinflußt. Das Kloster wurde 1384 eingeweiht 1541 Bl. Margaret Pole Martyr of England opposed Henry’s marriage to Anne Boleyn, exiled her from coutr he called her “the holiest woman in England; severly martyred 1577 BD MARY
BARTHOLOMEA OF FLORENCE, VIRGIN From her bed she exercised a
wonderful influence over the numerous persons who visited her.
Enemies were reconciled, the sorrowful consoled, sinners converted
and sick healed by one who forgot her own sufferings in her sympathy
for others.
1582 Bl. Robert
Johnson
servant study at Rome and Douai Priest English martyr1582 Bl. John Shert Priest English martyr Convert studied at Douai and Rome 1582 Bl. Thomas Ford priest Martyr of England educated at Oxford converted and set out for Douai companion of St. Edmund Campion 1582 THE LONDON MARTYRS OF 1645 St. Mariana lily of Quito practiced great austerities ate hardly anything slept 3 hours a night for years gift of prophesy performed miracles offered herself as victim for sins of the people 1859 St. Paul Hanh Vietnamese martyr convert to Catholicism martyred 1865 St. Madeleine Sophie Barat nun teacher founded Society of the Sacred Heart, focus on schools for poor and boarding schools for young women of means during the French Revolution Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 28
1.
Jahrhundert Eutyches
soll Mitarbeiter der Apostel und Bischof in Melitene
(Armenien) gewesen sein. Er erlitt das Martyrium (vgl. Eutyches)Emilius Martyr with Felix, Priam, and Lucian, on Sardinia, Italy 250 St. Heliconis Martyr of Thessalonica, Greece. She was beheaded. In some lists she is called Heliconides. 4th v. Item pássio sanctórum Crescéntis, Dioscóridis, Pauli et Helládii. Also the martyrdom of the Saints Crescens, Dioscorides, Paul, and Helladius. Thécuæ, in Palæstína, sanctórum Monachórum Mártyrum, qui, témpore Theodósii junióris, a Saracénis occísi sunt 480 St. Senator Archbishop of Milan, Italy, and papal legate to the Council of Chalcedon 451 527 St. Justus
of Urgel Bishop and writer, called by St. Isidore
“among the illustrious.” He was the first recorded bishop of Urgel,
Spain. He attended the Councils of Toledo in 527 and Larida in 546. Justus wrote a commentary on
the Canticle of Canticles
576
Saint Germanus,
Bishop Of Paris ordained priest by St. Agrippinus abbot of St.
Symphorian's continual fasts and austerities miraculous
healings while alive and wrought at his tomb: sight was restored
to the blind and speech to the dumb prophesied605 St. Augustine of Canterbury respected monastery prior Monk and abbot of Saint Andrew's abbey in Rome Apostle to the Anglo-Saxons; Apostle to the English; called himself Austin 800 St Nicetas, Bishop of Chalcedon distinguished himself by his charity always helped the poor he lodged travelers in his home cared for orphans widows, interceded for those wronged relics occurred many miracles of healing 812 St. William of Gellone Knight Benedictine monk son of Count Thierry of Toulouse member of Charlemagn court defeated Islamic Saracens abbey named Saint Guilhem-du-Desert in his honor 1050 St. Bernard
of Montjoux priest Vicar
General of Aosta spent 40 yrs missionary work in the Alps built
schools churches remembered for 2 Alpine hospices aid lost travelers
in the mountain passes named Great and Little Bernard after
him.
1089 Lanfranc
Le Bec Er studierte und wirkte als Lehrer in Südfrankreich
wurde er Prior der Gemeinschaft Er starb in Canterbury1288 Saint Ignatius Bishop of Rostov shepherdeding flock for twenty-six years Many miracles took place at his grave 1373 Birgitta von Schweden Ihre Visionen wurden auch in deutscher Sprache veröffentlicht und haben das Werk Nithards beeinflußt. Das Kloster wurde 1384 eingeweiht 1541 Bl. Margaret Pole Martyr of England opposed Henry’s marriage to Anne Boleyn, exiled her from coutr he called her “the holiest woman in England; severly martyred 1577 BD MARY
BARTHOLOMEA OF FLORENCE, VIRGIN From her bed she exercised a
wonderful influence over the numerous persons who visited her.
Enemies were reconciled, the sorrowful consoled, sinners converted
and sick healed by one who forgot her own sufferings in her sympathy
for others.
1582 Bl. Robert
Johnson
servant study at Rome and Douai Priest English martyr1582 Bl. John Shert Priest English martyr Convert studied at Douai and Rome 1582 Bl. Thomas Ford priest Martyr of England educated at Oxford converted and set out for Douai companion of St. Edmund Campion 1582 THE LONDON MARTYRS OF 1645 St. Mariana lily of Quito practiced great austerities ate hardly anything slept 3 hours a night for years gift of prophesy performed miracles offered herself as victim for sins of the people 1859 St. Paul Hanh Vietnamese martyr convert to Catholicism martyred 1865 St. Madeleine Sophie Barat nun teacher founded Society of the Sacred Heart, focus on schools for poor and boarding schools for young women of means during the French Revolution Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 29
251? ST
CYRIL
OF CAESAREA, BOY MARTYR275 St. Conon Two men, father and son, having the same name, martyred at Iconium in Asia Minor 299 St. Restitutus Roman martyr first Bishop of London 303 St. Theodosia & Companions group of thirteen female martyrs who were supposedly slain at Caesarea, in Palestine. Theodosia was also the reputed mother of St. Procopius. 347 St. Maximinus Bishop of Trier, Germany miracle worker ardent enemy of the Arian heretics in the councils of Milan, Sardica, and Cologne apologist for orthodox Catholicism called “one of the most courageous bishops of his time” by St. Jerome 745 St. Theodosia and companions Nun and martyr defended icons 745 St. Theodosia 242 Bl. Marytrs of Toulouse Twelve martyrs put to death by Albigensian heretics near Toulouse 4 diocesan priests, 3 Dominicans, 2 Benedictines, 2 Franciscans, and 1 layman died singing the Te Deum on the eve of the feast of the Ascension 1242 St. William Arnaud martyred by the heretics with eleven companions Dominican inquisitor general in Southern France during the effort to extirpate the Albigensian heresy 1242 SS. WILLIAM, STEPHEN, RAYMUND AND THEIR COMPANIONS, MARTYRS Many cures reported at their grave St. Eleutherius Patron saint of Rocca d’Arce, southern Italy brother of Sts. Grimbald and Fulk, was English 1361 BD PETER PETRONI 1583 Bl. Richard Thirkeld priest English martyr receive preparation for priesthood at Reims and Douai, France educated at Queen's College, Oxford. He ministered to the Catholics of Yorkshire 1607 St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi virgin of the Order of the Carmelites famed for her holy life suffering; mystical experiences God gave this saint saw her ecstasies as evidence of a great fault in her, not a reward for holiness Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 30
1st v. St. Andronicus
1/70 Disciples received Holy Spirit in Upper Room on
day of the Pentecost: Romans 16:7: "Greet Andronicus and Junia,
my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles,
who also were in Christ before me." preached the Gospel in many
cities in the company of Junia, and they guided many to the Christian
faith, and performed many miracles, healed the sick, and transformed
the temples of idols to churches.IV v. Natalia and Salonus beheaded by the sword for confessing faith in Christ Saint Euplos died a martyr's death sewn up in an ox skin beneathe the harsh rays of the sun. Isaiah and Nikanor of Arkhangel'sk Monks glorified in the exploit of wilderness-dwelling on the banks of the River Rucha in the Arkhangel'sk frontier region. 189 ST ELEUTHERIUS, POPE XV v. Monk Yakov (James) of Galich pursued asceticism in the 274 St. Felix I Pope from 269-274 Gabíni et Críspuli Túrribus, in Sardínia, sanctórum Mártyrum where they had preached the Gospel Syci et Palatíni Antiochíæ sanctórum endured many torments for the name of Christ 383 St Isaac received monastic tonsure pursued ascetic labors in the desert Isaac left the wilderness went to Constantinople to console/encourage the Orthodox, fight heretics prophet miracles helped laypeople and the poor 370 St Basilíi et Emméliæ uxóris Cæsaréæ in Cappadócia parents of St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory of Nyssa, St. Peter of Sebastopol, bishops, and St. Macrina, virgin lived in exile in the deserts of Pontus after the persecution they died in peace, leaving their children as heirs of their virtues. 1085 St. Gregory VII Hildebrand directed his reformer’s attention, first as counselor to the popes and later (1073-1085) as pope The Gregorian Reform, a milestone in the history of Christ’s Church, was named after this man who tried to extricate the papacy and the whole Church from undue control by civil rulers. Against an unhealthy Church nationalism in some areas, Gregory reasserted the unity of the whole Church based on Christ and expressed in the bishop of Rome, the successor of St. Peter. 1252 St. Ferdinand III of Castile extremely devoted to the Blessed Virgin Patron of engineers conquered the city of Cordoba from the Moors founded the Cathedral of Burgos University of Salamanca a great administrator and a man of deep faith. He founded hospitals and bishoprics, monasteries, chuches, and cathedrals during his reign. He also compiled and reformed a code of laws which were used until the modern era. Ferdinand rebuilt the Cathedral of Burgos and changed the mosque in Seville into a Cathedral. He was a just ruler, frequently pardoning former offenders to his throne. buried in the habit of his secular Franciscan Order 1582 Bl. William Filby Martyr of England studied at Oxford converted to Catholicism ordination as a priest in 1581 Reims, France arrested with St. Edmund Campion executed at Tyburn 1582 Bl. Thomas Cottam English martyr raised as a Protestant and studied at Oxford University convert to Catholicism ordination at Douai and Rome Jesuit 1582 Bl. Lawrence Richardson Martyr of England educated at Oxford. Converting to the faith, ordained in 1577 at Douai worked in Lancashire until martyrdom at Tyburn 1582 St. Luke Kirby 1/40 martyrs of England and Wales Educated at Cambridge converted and studied in Rome and in Douai martyred at Tyburn 1612 Bl. Richard Newport English martyr studied in Rome and was ordained in 1597 arrested banished twice returned each time martyred after third arrest 1612 Bl. Maurus Scott Benedictine martyr of England studied law at Cambridge where he became Catholic converted by Blessed John Roberts ordained in Sahagun Spain St. Facundus Benedictine Abbey banished returned again and again exiled each time finally martyred 1933 Apolo Kivebulaya 1972 wurde der erste Bischof nach Boga entsandt und heute gibt es eine große anglikanische Kirche in Zaire. Saints and Popes mentioned this day of
May 31
165 Saint Justin Martyr Patron Saint of: apologists, lecturers, philosophers Romæ sancti Juvéntii Mártyris. 309 ST PAMPHILUS AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS a man of remarkable sanctity and learning, and great charity to the poor 430 ST CAPRASIUS, OR CAPRAIS sanctity was extolled by St Eucherius, bishop of Lyons, and by St Hilary of Arles 849 ST WISTAN wonderful manifestation with which God continued to honour the martyr 1035 ST SIMEON OF SYRACUSE spent two years as a solitary in a little cave near the Red Sea; long before his death, he was venerated as a saint and a wonder-worker 1451 BD HERCULANUS OF PIEGARO Franciscan; extraordinary powers in winning souls to God. Wherever he went he spoke of the sufferings of our Lord, frequently by his eloquence reducing his hearers to tears, and by his personal holiness inspiring them to reform their lives; urged penance on others set example himself by his own great austerity. 1571 BD JOHN STOREY, MARTYR "the most noted civilian and canonist of his time" boldly opposed the Act of Uniformity; 17th v. Shio the New holy monk-martyrs, David, Gabriel and Paul labored in the David-Gareji Wilderness at the end of the 17th century. 1617 Bl. Andrew Sushinda Martyr of Japan Japanese layman sheltered Dominican missionaries, martyred at Nagasaki on October 1, 1617 Bl. Andrew Sushinda Martyr of Japan Japanese layman sheltered Dominican missionaries, martyred at Nagasaki on October 1, 1617-1632 THE MARTYRS OF JAPAN 1787 BD FELIX OF NICOSIA In private, Felix practised great austerities; in public his love of God expressed itself in charity towards his neighbours. He was endowed with the gift of healing temporal and spiritual diseases, and he delighted in tending the sick |
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May 01
600 BC
Jeremiah,The
Holy Prophet one of the four great Old Testament prophets In Egypt, St. Jeremias,
prophet, who was stoned to death by the people at Taphnas,
where he was buried. St. Epiphanius tells that the faithful
were accustomed to pray at his grave, and to take away from
it dust to heal those who were stung by serpents.Son of the priest Helkiah from the city of Anathoth near Jerusalem. He lived 600 years before the Birth of Christ, under the Israelite king Josiah and four of his successors. He was called to prophetic service at the age of fifteen, when the Lord revealed to him that even before his birth the Lord had chosen him to be a prophet. Jeremiah refused, citing his youth and lack of skill at speaking, but the Lord promised to be always with him and to watch over him. He touched the mouth of the chosen one and said, "Behold, I have put My words into your mouth. Behold, I have appointed you this day over nations and kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to rebuild, and to plant" (Jer. 1:9-10). When Jeremiah
prophesied that the King of Babylon would invade Egypt and
annihilate the Jews living there, the Jews murdered him.
In that very same year the saint's prophecy was fulfilled.
There is a tradition that 250 years later,
Alexander the Great transported the relics of the holy Prophet
Jeremiah to Alexandria.
The Prophet Jeremiah wrote his Book of Prophecies and also the Book of Lamentations about the desolation of Jerusalem and the Exile. The times in which he lived and prophesied are described in 4/2 Kings (Ch. 23-25) and in the Second Book of Chronicles (36:12) and in 2 Maccabbees (Ch. 2). In the Gospel of Matthew it is said that the betrayal of Judas was foretold by the Prophet Jeremiah, "And they took thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom the sons of Israel had set a price, and they gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord directed me" (Mt. 27:9-10). Perhaps Jeremiah 32:6-15 is meant. Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 01
600 BC Jeremiah,The
Holy Prophet one of the four great
Old Testament prophets In Egypt,
St. Jeremias, prophet, who was stoned to death
by the people at Taphnas, where he was buried. St.
Epiphanius tells that the faithful were accustomed
to pray at his grave, and to take away from it dust to
heal those who were stung by serpents.Son of the priest Helkiah from the city of Anathoth near Jerusalem. He lived 600 years before the Birth of Christ, under the Israelite king Josiah and four of his successors. He was called to prophetic service at the age of fifteen, when the Lord revealed to him that even before his birth the Lord had chosen him to be a prophet. Jeremiah refused, citing his youth and lack of skill at speaking, but the Lord promised to be always with him and to watch over him. He touched the mouth of the chosen one and said, "Behold, I have put My words into your mouth. Behold, I have appointed you this day over nations and kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to rebuild, and to plant" (Jer. 1:9-10). When Jeremiah
prophesied that the King of Babylon would
invade Egypt and annihilate the Jews living
there, the Jews murdered him. In that
very same year the saint's prophecy was fulfilled.
There is a tradition that 250 years later,
Alexander the Great transported the relics
of the holy Prophet Jeremiah to Alexandria.
The Prophet Jeremiah wrote his Book of Prophecies and also the Book of Lamentations about the desolation of Jerusalem and the Exile. The times in which he lived and prophesied are described in 4/2 Kings (Ch. 23-25) and in the Second Book of Chronicles (36:12) and in 2 Maccabbees (Ch. 2). In the Gospel of Matthew it is said that the betrayal of Judas was foretold by the Prophet Jeremiah, "And they took thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom the sons of Israel had set a price, and they gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord directed me" (Mt. 27:9-10). Perhaps Jeremiah 32:6-15 is meant. The birthday of the blessed apostles Philip and James. Philip, after having converted nearly all of Scythia to the faith of Christ, went to Hieropolis, a city in Asia, where he was fastened to a cross and stoned, and thus ended his life gloriously. James, who is also called the brother of our Lord, was the first bishop of Jerusalem. Being hurled down from a pinnacle of the temple, his legs were broken, and being struck on the head with a dyer's staff, he expired and was buried near the temple. St. Joseph Feastday: March 19, May 1 Patron of the Universal Church. We know he was a carpenter, a working man, for the skeptical Nazarenes ask about Jesus, "Is this not the carpenter's son?" (Matthew 13:55). He wasn't rich for when he took Jesus to the Temple to be circumcised and Mary to be purified he offered the sacrifice of two turtledoves or a pair of pigeons, allowed only for those who could not afford a lamb (Luke 2:24). Despite his humble work and means, Joseph
came from a royal lineage. Luke and Matthew disagree some about the details
of Joseph's genealogy but they both mark
his descent from David, the greatest king of Israel
(Matthew 1:1-16 and Luke 3:23-38). Indeed the angel
who first tells Joseph about Jesus greets him as "son of David,"
a royal title used also for Jesus.
We know Joseph was a compassionate,
caring man. When he discovered Mary was pregnant after
they had been betrothed, he knew the child was not
his but was as yet unaware that she was carrying the
Son of God. He planned to divorce Mary according to the law
but he was concerned for her suffering and safety. He knew
that women accused to adultery could be stoned to death,
so he decided to divorce her quietly and not expose her
to shame or cruelty (Matthew 1:19-25). We know Joseph was man of faith, obedient to whatever God asked of him without knowing the outcome. When the angel came to Joseph in a dream and told him the truth about the child Mary was carrying, Joseph immediately and without question or concern for gossip, took Mary as his wife. When the angel came again to tell him that his family was in danger, he immediately left everything he owned, all his family and friends, and fled to a strange country with his young wife and the baby. He waited in Egypt without question until
the angel told him it was safe to go back
(Matthew 2:13-23).
We know Joseph loved Jesus. His one
concern was for the safety of this child entrusted
to him. Not only did he leave his home to protect
Jesus, but upon his return settled in the obscure
town of Nazareth out of fear for his life. When Jesus stayed
in the Temple we are told Joseph (along with Mary) searched
with great anxiety for three days for him (Luke 2:48). We
also know that Joseph treated Jesus as his own son for over
and over the people of Nazareth say of Jesus, "Is this not the
son of Joseph?" (Luke 4:22) We know Joseph respected God. He followed God's commands in handling the situation with Mary and going to Jerusalem to have Jesus circumcised and Mary purified after Jesus' birth. We are told that he took his family to Jerusalem every year for Passover, something that could not have been easy for a working man. Since Joseph does not appear in Jesus' public life, at his death, or resurrection, many historians believe Joseph probably had died before Jesus entered public ministry. Joseph is the patron of the dying because, assuming he died before Jesus' public life, he died with Jesus and Mary close to him, the way we all would like to leave this earth. 208 St Andeolus Martyr sent to France by St Polycarp, In France, in the Province of Vivarias, blessed Andeol, subdeacon, who was sent from the East into Gaul with others by St. Polycarp to preach the word of God. Under Emperor Severus he was scourged with thorny sticks, and having his head split with a wooden sword into four parts, in the shape of a cross, he completed his martyrdom. Martyr and companion of St. Polycarp. Originally from Smyrna, Andeolus was sent to France by Polycarp. There he labored until arrested and martyred at Viviers. 604 St. Arigius Bishop 20 yrs greatest priest pastor of his era of Gap, France. He served as bishop for twenty years after earning a reputation as one of the greatest priest pastors of his era. His cult was confirmed by Pope St. Pius X. 893 St Theodard Benedictine bishop rebuilt churches ransom captives selling treasures spending his own money to feed poor suffering practiced severe austerities. The Montauban breviary describes him as “an eye to the blind, feet to the lame, a father of the poor, and the consoler of the afflicted”. Greatly beloved by all, he was unanimously chosen archbishop of Narbonne at the death of Sigebold, who had nominated him as his successor. The perils which then beset travellers did not deter the newly-elected prelate from undertaking a visit to Rome, where he received the pallium. Born at Montauban (Monlauriol), France, he studied law at the University of Toulouse and then at the Benedictine abbey of Montauban before becoming a lawyer. Appointed secretary to Archbishop Sigebold of Narbonne, he soon was named an archdeacon and finally succeeded Sigebold as archbishop. He devoted much of his effort to repairing the damage, physical and spiritual, caused by the raids of Saracens, including rebuilding churches, ransoming captives, selling off treasures, and spending his own money to feed the poor and suffering. His death at St. Martin's Abbey (where he received the Benedictine habit) was probably hastened by the severe austerities he practiced. 1012 St Benedict of Szkalka hermit martyr gifted mystic of Hungary. Benedict was a recluse on Mount Zabor, near a Benedictine monastery, trained by St. Andrew Zorard. A gifted mystic, Benedict was murdered by a mob in 1012. He was canonized in 1083 Gregory VII 1073-1085. 1200 Tamar In 1166 a daughter, Tamar, was born to King George III (1155–1184) and Queen Burdukhan of Georgia. The king proclaimed that he would share the throne with his daughter from the day she turned twelve years of age. The royal court unanimously vowed its allegiance and service to Tamar, and father and daughter ruled the country together for five years. After King George’s death in 1184, the nobility recognized the young Tamar as the sole ruler of all Georgia. Queen Tamar was enthroned as ruler of all Georgia at the age of eighteen. She is called “King” in the Georgian language because her father had no male heir and so she ruled as a monarch and not as a consort. At the beginning of her reign, Tamar convened a Church council and addressed the clergy with wisdom and humility: “Judge according to righteousness, affirming good and condemning evil,” she advised. “Begin with me—if I sin I should be censured, for the royal crown is sent down from above as a sign of divine service. Allow neither the wealth of the nobles nor the poverty of the masses to hinder your work. You by word and I by deed, you by preaching and I by the law, you by upbringing and I by education will care for those souls whom God has entrusted to us, and together we will abide by the law of God, in order to escape eternal condemnation.… You as priests and I as ruler, you as stewards of good and I as the watchman of that good.” Having encamped near Basiani, Rukn al-Din sent a messenger to Queen Tamar with an audacious demand: to surrender without a fight. In reward for her obedience, the sultan promised to marry her on the condition that she embrace Islam; if Tamar were to cleave to Christianity, he would number her among the other unfortunate concubines in his harem. When the messenger relayed the sultan’s demand, a certain nobleman, Zakaria Mkhargrdzelidze, was so outraged that he slapped him on the face, knocking him unconscious. At Queen Tamar’s command, the court generously bestowed gifts upon the ambassador and sent him away with a Georgian envoy and a letter of reply. “Your proposal takes into consideration your wealth and the vastness of your armies, but fails to account for divine judgment,” Tamar wrote, “while I place my trust not in any army or worldly thing but in the right hand of the Almighty God and the infinite aid of the Cross, which you curse. The will of God—and not your own—shall be fulfilled, and the judgment of God—and not your judgment—shall reign!” The Georgian soldiers were summoned without delay. Queen Tamar prayed for victory before the Vardzia Icon of the Theotokos, then, barefoot, led her army to the gates of the city. Hoping in the Lord and the fervent prayers of Queen Tamar, the Georgian army marched toward Basiani. The enemy was routed. The victory at Basiani was an enormous event not only for Georgia, but for the entire Christian world. 1345 Peregrine Laziosi received a vision of Our Lady who told him to go to Siena, Italy, and there to join the Servites healed by Jesus incorrupt fervant preacher, excellent orator, and gentle confessor. 1345 St Peregrine Laziosi; he spent hours upon his knees in the chapel of our Lady in the cathedral. One day the Blessed Virgin herself appeared to him in that place, and addressed him, saying, “Go to Siena: there you will find the devout men who call themselves my servants: attach yourself to them”. After he had spent some years in Siena, his superiors sent him to Forli to found a new house for the order. By this time he had been ordained and had proved himself to be an ideal priest—fervent in the celebration of the holy mysteries, eloquent in preaching, untiring in reconciling sinners. A great affliction now befell him in the form of cancer of the foot, which, besides being excruciatingly painful, made him an object of repulsion to his neighbours. He bore this trial without a murmur. At last the surgeons decided that the only thing to do was to cut off the foot. St Peregrine spent the night before the operation in trustful prayer; he then sank into a light slumber, from which he awoke completely cured—to the amazement of the doctors, who testified that they could no longer detect any trace of the disease. This miracle greatly enhanced the reputation which the holy man had already acquired by his exemplary life. He lived to the age of 80, and was canonized in 1726 Benedict XIV 1758. 1852 St John-Louis Bonnard priest Martyr of Vietnam. Born at St. Christot-en-Jarret, France, he became a priest of the Paris Society of Foreign Missions and was ordained in 1850. Sent to western Vietnam, he was arrested in a persecution and beheaded. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 02
373 St. Athanasius
Bishop and Doctor of the Church refusal
to tolerate Arian heresy refuge among desert
monks became ascetic renowned for sanctity beloved
by followers volumes of writings extant. At Alexandria, the birthday
of St. Athanasius, bishop of that city, confessor and doctor
of the Church, most celebrated for sanctity and
learning. Although almost all of the world had
formed a conspiracy to persecute him, he courageously
defended the Catholic faith, from the reign of Constantine
to that of Valens, against emperors, governors, and a multitude
of Arian bishops, whose underhanded attacks forced him
to wander as an exile over the whole earth without finding a
place of security. At length, however, he was restored
to his church, and after overcoming many trials, and winning
many crowns by his patience, he departed for heaven in the
forty-sixth year of his priesthood, in the time of the emperors
Valentinian and Valens.born in Spain, about 346; died at Milan, 17 January, 395), is still used in the liturgy of the Catholic Church. Five times Athanasius had been banished; seventeen years he had spent in exile: but for the last seven years of his life he was left in the unchallenged occupation of his see. It was probably at this time that he wrote the Life of St Antony. St Athanasius died in Alexandria on May 2, 373, and his body was subsequently translated first to Constantinople and then to Venice. The greatest man of his age and one of the greatest religious leaders of any age, Athanasius of Alexandria rendered services to the Church the value of which can scarcely be exaggerated, for he defended the faith against almost overwhelming odds and emerged triumphant. Most aptly has he been described by Cardinal Newman as “a principal instrument after the Apostles by which the sacred truths of Christianity have been conveyed and secured to the world”. Although the writings of St Athanasius deal mainly with controversy, there is beneath this war of words a deep spiritual feeling which comes to the surface at every turn and reveals the high purpose of him who writes. Take, for example, his reply to the objections which the Arians raised from the texts: “Let this chalice pass from me”, or “Why hast thou forsaken me?” Is it not extravagant to admire
the courage of the servants of the Word,
yet to say that that Word Himself was in tenor,
through whom they despised death? For that most enduring
purpose and courage of the holy martyrs demonstrates that
the Godhead was not in terror but that the Saviour took away our
terror. For as He abolished death by death, and by human means
all human evils, so by this so-called terror did He remove our
terror, and brought about for us that never more should men fear
death. His word and deed go together. . . . For human were the
sounds: “Let this chalice pass from me”, and “Why hast thou forsaken
me?” and divine the action whereby He, the same being, did cause
the sun to fail and the dead to rise. And so He said humanly: “Now
is my soul troubled”; and He said divinely: “I have power to lay down
my life and power to take it again”. For to be troubled was proper
to the flesh, but to have power to lay down His life and take it again
when He would, was no property of man, but of the Word’s power. For
man dies not at his own arbitrament, but by necessity of nature and against
his will; but the Lord being Himself immortal, not having a mortal flesh,
had it at His own free will, as God, to become separate from the body
and to take it again, when He would. . . . And He let His own body
suffer, for therefore did He come, that in the flesh He might suffer,
and thenceforth the flesh might be made impassible and immortal;
and that contumely and the other troubles might fall upon Him,
but come short of others after Him, being by Him annulled utterly;
and that henceforth men might for ever abide incorruptible, as
a temple of the Word.
The principal
source of information for the life of
St Athanasius is the collection of his own writings,
but his activities were so interwoven with not only
the religious, but the secular history of his times that
the range of authorities to be consulted is very wide. For
English readers Cardinal Newman in his Anglican days, both
in his special work on St Athanasius and in his tract on the
“Causes of the Rise and Successes of Arianism”, rendered the
whole complicated situation intelligible. There is also a brilliantly
written chapter on St Athanasius in Dr A. Fortescue’s volume,
The Greek Fathers (1908). Two excellent
little monographs have appeared in France, by F. Cavallera (1908)
and by G. Bardy (1914) in the series “Les Saints”. Reference should
also be made to four valuable papers by E. Schwartz in the Nachrichten of the Göttingen Akademie from
1904 to 1911. For a fuller bibliography, see Bardenhewer in the
latest edition of his Patrologie, or in his
larger work, Geschichte des altkirchlichen Literatur,
and for a survey of more recent work, F. L. Cross,
The Study of St Athanasius
(1945).
Even in exile Athanasius managed to tend
his flock. It was primarily for them that he wrote
the most illuminating theological treatises on Catholic
dogma. He authored Against
the Heathen (c. 318), Contra
Arianos (c. 358 ?), Apologia
to Constantius, (primary historical
source), History
of the Arians
Defense of His Flight, many letters,
The
Life of Antony (c. 357), and
other pieces. In Against
the Arians, Athanasius drew on the
work of Saints Justin
(Born in Flavia Neapolis,
Samaria, c. 100; died 165) and St Irenaeus (115-125? 200?), who
interpreted Scripture in an orthodox tradition,
to insist that the Nicene term homoousios, although
not Scriptural itself, was necessary to formulate correctly
the truth of Christ's Scriptural revelation. His Life of Saint Antony showed his friend as singularly devoted to combatting the powers of evil. It became a widely diffused classic. From the time of Saint Bede (Born in Northumbria, England, 673; died at Jarrow, England, on May 25, 735; named Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIII in 1899), it inspired other monastic hagiographers. An 8th-century monk wrote, "If you find a book by Athanasius and have no paper on which to copy it, write it on your shirts." Athanasius defended the oneness
of God, yet the separateness of the three
Divine Persons. He also went forward to add
the Holy Spirit to the Godhead to counter Tropici. His
theology of the Holy Spirit is found in his letters to
Serapion. In his enlightening treatises on Catholic dogma,
Athanasius showed that asceticism and virginity were
effective ways to restore the divine image in man.
Several of his works were addressed to monks,
to whom he also gave repeated practical
help.
When
he returned to Alexandria after his final exile,
Athanasius spent the last seven years of his life helping
to build the Nicene party.Before the outbreak of the Arian controversy, which began in 319, Athanasius had made himself known as the author of two essays addressed to a convert from heathenism, one of them entitled Against the Gentiles, and the other On the Incarnation of the Word. Both are of the nature of apologetical treatises, arguing such questions as monotheism, and the necessity of divine interposition for the salvation of the world; and already in the second may be traced that tone of thought respecting the essential divinity of Christ as the "God-man" for which he afterwards became conspicuous. There is no distinct evidence of the connection of Athanasius with the first contentions of Arius and his bishop, which ended in the exile of the former, and his entrance into Palestine under the protection of Eusebius the historian, who was bishop of Caesarea and subsequently of his namesake the bishop of Nicomedia. It can hardly be doubted, however, that Athanasius would be a cordial assistant of his friend and patron Alexander, and that the latter was strengthened in his theological position by the young enthusiastic student who had already expounded the nature of the divine Incarnation, and who seems about this time to have become archdeacon of Alexandria. At the Council of Nicaea, in the year 325, he appears prominently in connection with the dispute. He attended the council, not as one of its members (who were properly only bishops or delegates of bishops), but merely as the attendant of Alexander. In this capacity, however, he was apparently allowed to take part in its discussions, for Theodoret (i. 26) states that "he contended earnestly for the apostolic doctrines, and was applauded by their champions, while he earned the hostility of their opponents". Within `five months' after the return of Alexander to the scene of his episcopal labours he expired, and his friend and archdeacon was chosen to succeed him. He was elected in the sight and amidst the acclamations of the people. He was now about 30 years of age, and is spoken of as remarkable both for his physical and mental characteristics. He was small in stature, but his face was radiant with intelligence, as 'the face of an angel. This is the expression of Gregory of Nazianzus (Orat., xxii. 9), who has written an elaborate panegyric upon his friend, describing him as fit 'to keep on a level with common-place views yet also to soar high above the more aspiring,' as accessible to all, slow to anger, quick in sympathy, pleasant in conversation, and still more pleasant in temper, effective alike in discourse and in action, assiduous in devotions, helpful to Christians of every class and age, a theologian with the speculative, a comforter of the afflicted, a staff to the aged, a guide of the young." 686 St. Ultan Benedictine abbot founder chaplain to St Gertrude's nuns escaped Mercians by supernatural revelation he knew of the death of St Foillan, who was murdered by robbers in the forest of Seneffe, and he foretold to St Gertrude, at her request, the day of her own death. He said that St Patrick was preparing to welcome her, and in point of fact she died on March 17. ST ULTAN (or Ultain) and his more celebrated brothers, St Fursey and St Foillan, were Irish monks who crossed over to East Anglia, where they founded the abbey of Burgh Castle, near Yarmouth, on territory bestowed upon them by King Sigebert or Sigebert I. In consequence of raids by the Mercians, St Fursey went to France, where he died. When St Foillan and St Ultan visited their brother’s tomb at Péronne on their way back from a pilgrimage to Rome, they were warmly welcomed by Bd Itta and St Gertrude at Nivelles, who offered them land at Fosses on which to build a monastery and a hospice for strangers. Ultan became the abbot of Fosses. We are told that by supernatural revelation he knew of the death of St Foillan, who was murdered by robbers in the forest of Seneffe, and he foretold to St Gertrude, at her request, the day of her own death. He said that St Patrick was preparing to welcome her, and in point of fact she died on March 17. St Ultan later became abbot of, and died at, Péronne, but his relics were subsequently translated to Fosses. 880 Departure of Pope Sinuthius (Shenouda I), 55th Pope of Alexandria (coptic). On this day, of the year 596 A.M. (April 19th., 880 A.D.), the great father Pope Sinuthius (Shenouda I), 55th Pope of the See of St. Mark, departed. This holy father was a monk in the monastery of St. Macarius. He advanced in righteousness and worship, and was ordained archpriest for the monastery. Shortly after, he was chosen for the Patriarchate with the recommendation of the people and bishops. He was enthroned on the 13th day of Tubah 575 A.D. (January 8th., 859 A.D.), and great tribulations and severe persecutions befell him. God performed through him many signs and healed many grievous sicknesses. Once there was a drought in the city of Mariout for three years, the wells dried up and the farm land became barren. This father came to the church of St. Mina, celebrated the Divine Liturgy, and supplicated God to have mercy upon His creation. At the setting of the sun of that day, the rain began lightly then ceased. This father entered his room and stood up praying and he said: "O My Lord Christ, have mercy on Thy people with the riches of Thy compassion, and let them be filled with Thy good pleasure." Before he finished his prayer, mighty thunders and lightnings started, and the rain descended like a flood, until the wells, the vineyards, and the farms were filled with water. The people rejoiced, glorifying God the wonder worker. 907 The Holy Equal of the Apostles Tsar Boris, in Holy Baptism Michael on March 3, 870 Bulgaria was joined to the Eastern Church, and Orthodoxy was firmly established there. His apostolic deeds were foretold by an uncle, St Boyan. The first years of the reign of Tsar Boris were marked by misfortune. The Bulgarians were frequently at war with surrounding nations, famine and plague beset the land, and in the year 860 Bulgaria found itself in dire straits. Tsar Boris saw the salvation of his land, which was darkened by paganism, in its enlightenment by the faith in Christ. During one of the battles of the Bulgarians with the Greeks he captured the illustrious courtier Theodore Kuphares, who had become a monk. He was the first man to plant the seed of the Gospel in the soul of the Bulgarian tsar. In one of the campaigns with the Greeks the young sister of Tsar Boris was taken captive, and was raised in the Orthodox Faith at the court of the Byzantine Emperor. When the emperor Theophilus died, Tsar Boris decided to take advantage of this circumstance to take revenge upon the Greeks for his former defeats. But the widow of the emperor, Theodora, showed courage and sent a messenger to the Bulgarian tsar saying that she was prepared to defend the Empire and humiliate its opponents. Tsar Boris agreed to a peace alliance, and Theodore Kuphares was exchanged for the Bulgarian princess, who influenced her brother toward Christianity. A while later St Methodius was sent into Bulgaria. He and his brother St Cyril were enlightening the Slavic peoples with the light of Christ. St Methodius baptized Tsar Boris, his family and many of the nobles. When the pagan Bulgarians learned of this, they wanted to kill Tsar Boris, but their plot was frustrated by the tsar. Deprived of their rebellious leaders, the Bulgarian people voluntarily accepted Baptism. A peace was concluded between Byzantium and Bulgaria, based on their unity in faith, which was not broken until the end of the reign of the noble tsar. The Patriarch Photius (February 6) took great interest in the spiritual growth of the Bulgarian nation. 1257 Mafalda of Portugal Queen slept on bare ground spent night in prayer fortune used to restore cathedral of Oporto founded a hospice for pilgrims hospital for 12 widows build a bridge over the Talmeda River died in sackcloth and ashes body exhumed 1617 found flexible and incorrupt OSB Cist. (AC). IN the year 1215, at the age of eleven, Princess Mafalda (i.e. Matilda), daughter of King Sancho I of Portugal, was married to her kinsman King Henry I of Castile, who was like herself a minor. The marriage was annulled the following year on the ground of the consanguinity of the parties, and Mafalda returned to her own country, where she took the veil in the Benedictine convent of Arouca. As religious observance had become greatly relaxed, she induced the community to adopt the Cistercian rule. Her own life was one of extreme austerity. The whole of the large income bestowed upon her by her father was devoted to pious and charitable uses. She restored the cathedral of Oporto, founded a hostel for pilgrims, erected a bridge over the Talmeda and built an institution for the support of twelve widows at Arouca. When she felt that her last hour was approaching she directed, according to a common medieval practice, that she should be laid on ashes. Her last words were, “Lord, I hope in thee”. Her body after death shone with a wonderful radiance, and when it was exposed in 1617 it is said to have been as flexible and fresh as though the holy woman had only just died. Mafalda’s cultus was confirmed in 1793. 1459 Natalis of Antoninus of Florence great soul in a frail body, and of the triumph of virtue over vast and organized wickedness miracles after death body was found uncorrupted in 1559 OP B (RM) Feast Day May 10. From the cradle his inclination was to piety. His only pleasure was to read the lives of saints and other good books, converse with pious persons, or employ himself in prayer. Accordingly, if he was not at home or at school, he was always to be found at Saint Michael's Church before a crucifix or in our Lady's chapel there. He had a passion for learning, but an even greater ardor to perfect himself in the science of salvation. In prayer, he begged nothing of God but His grace to avoid sin, and to do His holy will in all things. Antoninus hitched his wagon
to the star of great austerity and, at 14, discovered the answer to all his
questions in the preaching of Blessed John
Dominici (Born in Florence, Italy, 1376 (or 1350?); died in Hungary
1419), who was then the prior of Santa Maria Novella and later became cardinal-archbishop
of Ragusa and papal legate. Antoninus went
to speak with the preacher and begged to be admitted
to the order.
At the time, Blessed John was reforming the Dominican priories of the area according to the wishes of Blessed Raymond of Capua(Born 1330 at Capua, Italy as Raymond delle Vigne Died 5 Oct 1399 at Nuremberg Germany of natural causes). John planned to build a new and reformed house at Fiesole (near Florence), which he hoped to start again with young and fervent subjects who would revivify the order. It declined under the plague and effects of the schism. As yet, he had no building in which to house the new recruits. Even were the monastery completed, it was to be a house of rigorous observance, and Antoninus looked far too small and frail for such an austere community. John Dominici, not wishing to quench the wick of youthful eagerness, had not the heart to explain all this. He told Antoninus to go home and memorize the large and forbidding book called Decretum Gratiani, supposing that its very bulk would discourage the lad. {It was about 1150 that the Camaldolese monk, Gratian, professor of theology at the University of Bologna, to obviate the difficulties which beset the study of practical, external theology (theologia practica externa), i. e. canon law, composed the work entitled by himself "Concordia discordantium canonum", but called by others "Nova collectio", "Decreta", "Corpus juris canonici", also "Decretum Gratiani", the latter being now the commonly accepted name. In spite of its great reputation the "Decretum" has never been recognized by the Church as an official collection. It is divided into three parts (ministeria, negotia, sacramenta). The first part is divided into 101 distinctions (distinctiones), the first 20 of which form an introduction to the general principles of canon Law (tractatus decretalium); the remainder constitutes a tractatus ordinandorum, relative to ecclesiastical persons and function. The second part contains 36 causes (causœ), divided into questions (quœstiones), and treat of ecclesiastical administration and marriage; the third question of the 33rd causa treats of the Sacrament of Penance and is divided into 7 distinctions. Antoninus, however, was possessed of an iron will. He went home and began to read the book straight through. By the end of the year, he had finished the nearly impossible task set before him, and returned to Blessed John to recite it as requested. There was now no further way to delay his reception into the order, so he was received into the Dominican Order "for the future priory of Fiesole" in 1405 by Blessed John. 1654 Saint Athanasius III Patelarios, Patriarch of Constantinople, Wonderworker of Lubensk relics glorified by numerous miracles and signs, rest in the city of Kharkov, in the Annunciation cathedral church. The saint went to Athos, where for a certain time he pursued asceticism in solitude. Then he became Patriarch again, but was deposed after a year. After this, he returned to Thessalonica and renewed his connections with the Holy Mountain. In view of the intolerable persecution of Christians by the Moslems, St Athanasius was repeatedly (from 1633 to 1643) obliged to send petitions to the Russian tsar Michael (1613-1645) seeking alms for the hapless Church of Constantinople. When living at Thessalonica
became impossible for the saint, he was
forced to journey to Moldavia under the protection
of its sovereign, Basil Lukulos, and he settled there
in the monastery of St Nicholas near Galats, but he longed
for Mount Athos. He visited it often and hoped to finish
his life there, but God ordained something else for him.
In 1652 after the death of Patriarch Cyril I, St Athanasius
was returned to the patriarchal throne. He remained only fifteen
days, since he was not acceptable to the Moslems and Catholics.
During his final Patriarchal service he preached a sermon
in which he denounced papal pretensions to universal jurisdiction
over the whole Church.
The relics of holy Patriarch Athansios,
glorified by numerous miracles and signs, rest in the
city of Kharkov, in the Annunciation cathedral church.Persecuted by the Moslems and Jesuits, physically weakened, he transferred the administration of the Church of Constantinople to Metropolitan Paisius of Laureia, and he withdrew to Moldavia, where he was appointed administrator of the monastery of St Nicholas at Galats. Knowing the deep faith and responsiveness of the Russian nation, St Athanasius undertook a journey to Russia. In April 1653 he was met with great honor in Moscow by Patriarch Nikon (1652-1658) and Tsar Alexis Mikhailovich. Having received generous alms for the needs of the monastery, Patriarch Athanasius left for Galats in December 1653. On the way he fell ill and stayed at the Transfiguration Mgarsk monastery in the city of Lubno in February 1654. Sensing his impending death, the saint wrote
his last will, and he fell asleep in the
Lord on April 5. Igumen Petronios and the brethren
of the monastery buried the Patriarch. By Greek custom
the saint was buried in a sitting position. On February
1, 1662 St Athanasius was glorified as a saint and his Feastday
was designated as May 2, the Feast of St Athanasius the Great.
1854 St. Joseph Luu native Vietnamese martyr died in prison for refusing to abjure the faith even under torture. He was a catechist at the time of his arrest. He died in prison for refusing to abjure the faith, even under torture, and was canonized in 1988. Blessed Joseph Luu M (AC) Born at Cai-nhum, Cochin-China, Vietnam; died at Vinh-long, 1854; beatified in 1909. Joseph was a native who died in prison for the faith. He may have been among those included in the canonization of the Martyrs of Vietnam in 1988, but the orthographic inconsistencies in the latinization of Chinese names makes it nearly impossible to tell without a complete list of those who were canonized at that time (Benedictines). Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 03
Sts. Philip
and James James,
Son of Alphaeus: We know nothing of this man but
his name, and of course the fact that Jesus chose
him to be one of the 12 pillars of the New Israel, his Church.
He is not the James of Acts, son of Clopas, “brother” of Jesus
and later bishop of Jerusalem and the traditional author of
the Letter of James. James, son of Alphaeus, is also known as
James the Lesser to avoid confusing him with James the son of
Zebedee, also an apostle and known as James the Greater.Philip: Philip came from the same town as Peter and Andrew, Bethsaida in Galilee. Jesus called him directly, whereupon he sought out Nathanael and told him of the “one about whom Moses wrote” (John 1:45). Like the other apostles, Philip took a long time coming to realize who Jesus was. On one occasion, when Jesus saw the great multitude following him and wanted to give them food, he asked Philip where they should buy bread for the people to eat. St. John comments, “[Jesus] said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do” (John 6:6). Philip answered, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little [bit]” (John 6:7). Kiev Caves Icon of the Uspenie (Dormition) of the Most Holy Theotokos one of the most ancient icons in the Russian Orthodox Church glorified by numerous miracles. The Kiev Caves Icon of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos is one of the most ancient icons in the Russian Orthodox Church. The Mother of God entrusted it to four Byzantine architects, who in 1073 brought the icon to Sts Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves. The architects arrived at the monks' cave and asked, "Where do you want to build the church?" The saints answered, "Go, the Lord will point out the place." "How is it that you, who are about to die, have still not designated the place?" the architects wondered. "And they gave us much gold." Then the monks summoned all the brethren and they began to question the Greeks, saying, "Tell us the truth. Who sent you, and how did you end up here?" The architects answered, "One day, when each of us was asleep in his own home, handsome youths came to us at sunrise, and said, 'The Queen summons you to Blachernae.' We all arrived at the same time and, questioning one another we learned that each of us had heard this command of the Queen, and that the youths had come to each of us. Finally, we beheld the Queen of Heaven with a multitude of warriors. We bowed down to Her, and She said, 'I
want to build Myself a Church in Rus,
at Kiev, and so I ask you to do this. Take enough
gold for three years.'"
"We bowed down and asked, 'Lady Queen!
You are sending us to a foreign land. To whom are we
sent?' She answered, 'I
send you to the monks Anthony and Theodosius.'"
"We wondered, 'Why then, Lady, do You give
us gold for three years? Tell us that which concerns
us, what we shall eat and what we shall drink, and tell
us also what You know about it.'" "The Queen replied, 'Anthony
will merely give the blessing, then depart
from this world to eternal repose. The other
one, Theodosius, will follow him after two years. Therefore,
take enough gold. Moreover, no one can do what I shall
do to honor you. I shall give you what eye has not seen, what
ear has not heard, and what has not entered into the heart of
man (1 Cor.2:9). I, Myself, shall come to look upon the church
and I shall dwell within it.'"
"She also gave us
relics of the holy martyrs Menignus, Polyeuctus, Leontius,
Acacius, Arethas, James, and Theodore, saying,
'Place these within
the foundation.'
We took more than
enough gold, and She said, 'Come out and see
the resplendant church.'
We went out and saw
a church in the air. Coming inside again, we bowed
down and said, 'Lady Queen, what will be the name of
the church?'" "She answered, 'I wish to call it
by My own name.'
We did not dare to
ask what Her name was, but She said again, 'It will be
the church of the Mother of God.'
After giving us this
icon, She said, 'This will be placed
within.'
We bowed down to Her
and went to our own homes, taking with us the icon
we received from the hands of the Queen." Having heard this account, all glorified God, and St Anthony said, "My children, we never left this place. Those handsome youths summoning you were holy angels, and the Queen in Blachernae was the Most Holy Theotokos. As for those who appeared to be us, and the gold they gave you, the Lord only knows how He deigned to do this with His servants. Blessed be your arrival! You are in good company: the venerable icon of the Lady." For three days St Anthony prayed that the Lord would show him the place for the church. 369 Nárniæ sancti Juvenáli, Epíscopi et Confessóris. First bishop of Narni, Italy, consecrated by Pope Damasus. He was a physician from the East, and he is credited with saving Narni from a Ligurian and Sarmatian invasion. The barbarian invaders were supposedly slain in a wondrous but deadly downpour. Juvenal is patron of Narni, but his cult was confined to local calendars in 1969. 744 Saint Mamai martyr for Christ served as chief shepherd of the Georgian faithful from 731 to 744. The information we have about his life is scarce, but it is known that St. Mamai was abbot of Zedazeni Monastery and died a martyr for Christ. Outstanding in his achievements and endowed with profound spiritual wisdom. St. Mamai was enthroned as Catholicos of Georgia at a time when the catholicos and the Georgian king were frequently the first victims of invading armies. 770 St. Philip of Zell Benedictine hermit founded the monastery of Zell, so named because it had its start with his single “cell,” or room.. An Anglo Saxon, he undertook a pilgrimage and then became a hermit in the area around Worms. Meeting King Pepin the Short of the Franks, he became a friend and advisor to the monarch. He also attracted various followers and founded the monastery of Zell, so named because it had its start with his single “cell,” or room. 8th v. ST PHILIP OF ZELL DURING the reign of Charlemagne’s father, King Pepin, there was living in the Rhenish palatinate, not far from the present city of Worms, a hermit named Philip who had an extraordinary reputation for sanctity and miracles. An Englishman by birth, he had settled in the Nahegau after he had made a pilgrimage to Rome, where he was ordained priest. Amongst those who sought out the recluse was King Pepin himself who, according to the legend, often visited him and conversed familiarly with him about holy things. The historian of St Philip, who wrote a century after his death, states that through his intercourse with the hermit, Pepin “began to fear as well as to love God and to place all his hope in Him”. As is so often the case with solitaires, Philip exercised a great attraction over the wild creatures of the forest: birds perched on his shoulder and ate from his hands, whilst hares frisked about him and licked his feet. He was joined in his solitude by another priest, Horskolf by name, who served God with him in prayer and helped to cultivate the land. One evening, thieves stole the two oxen which the hermits kept to aid them in their labours. All night long the miscreants wandered about the woods, unable to find their way out, and in the morning they discovered that they were back again in front of the hermitage. In dismay they threw themselves at St Philip’s feet, begging forgiveness. The holy man reassured them, entertained them as guests and sped them on their way. Gradually disciples gathered round the two hermits and a church was built. Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 04
387 Saint Monica,
mother of St Augustine of Hippo (June
15). THE Church is doubly
indebted to St Monica, the ideal of wifely forbearance
and holy widowhood, whom we commemorate upon this day,
for she not only gave bodily life to the great teacher
Augustine, but she was also God’s principal instrument
in bringing about his spiritual birth by grace. She was born
in North Africa—probably at Tagaste, sixty miles from Carthage—of
Christian parents, in the year 332. Her early training
was entrusted to a faithful retainer who treated her young
charges wisely, if somewhat strictly. Amongst the regulations
she inculcated was that of never drinking between meals. “It
is water you want now”, she would say, “but when you become
mistresses of the cellar you will want wine—not water—and
the habit will remain with you.” But when Monica grew old enough to be charged with the duty of drawing wine for the household, she disregarded the excellent maxim, and from taking occasional secret sips in the cellar, she soon came to drinking whole cupfuls with relish. One day, however, a slave who had watched her and with whom she was having an altercation, called her a wine-bibber. The shaft struck home: Monica was overwhelmed with shame and never again gave way to the temptation. Indeed, from the day of her baptism, which took place soon afterwards, she seems to have lived a life exemplary in every particular. 409 Venerius of Milan ordained deacon by Saint Ambrose promoted to see of Milan following death of Saint Simplician loyal supporter of Saint John Chrysostom.. THE second bishop of Milan after St Ambrose was St Venerius, who was one of his deacons and who succeeded St Simplician in 400. Very little is known about him, but his cultus received a great impetus when St Charles Borromeo elevated his relics in 1579 and translated them to the cathedral. The saint enjoyed the friendship of St Paulinus of Nola, of St Delphinus of Bordeaux and of St Chromatius of Aquileia, and was a warm sympathizer with St John Chrysostom in his sufferings. When the bishops of Africa, assembled at Carthage in 401, appealed for the support of Pope Anastasius, they also addressed a similar appeal to Bishop Venerius. The Christian poet Ennodius celebrated his praises and describes him as a man of singular eloquence. 1038 Godehard
of Hildesheim monk at Nieder-Altaich
in 990 successfully accomplished reforms
formed 9 abbots for various houses over 9 years.
All these testimonies
are gathered up in the account furnished in the
Acta Sanctorum, May, vol. i.
We have a
full and trustworthy account of St Gothard written by his devoted disciple, Wolfher. There are, in fact, two lives by the same author, the one compiled
before Gothard’s death, the other revised
and completed some thirty years later. Both
are printed in Pertz, MGH., Scriptores,
vol. xi, pp. 167—218. There are also some
letters by and to him which have survived and which have
been printed in MGH., Epistolae Selectae,
vol. iii, pp. 59-70 and 105—110. St Gothard figures
prominently in the third volume of Hauck’s Kirchengeschichte Deutschlands. There are
also modern biographies by F. K. Sulzbeck (1863) and 0.
J. Blecher (1931). See further the Acta
Sanctorum, May, vol. i, and E. Tomek, Studien z. Reform d. deutsch. Kloster,
vol. i (1910), pp. 23 seq.
Born at Reichersdorf, Bavaria, Germany,
c. 960; died at Hildesheim, May, 4, 1038; canonized
by Innocent II in 1131. Godehard was educated by the canons
of Nieder-Altaich Abbey, who employed his father. Archbishop
Frederick of Salzburg took him to Rome and made him a provost
when he was 19. Godehard was ordained, and became a monk
at Nieder-Altaich in 990 when the Rule of Saint Benedict was
reintroduced there with the help of the prelates of Salzburg,
Passau, and Regensburg.When, in 996, Godehard became abbot, Duke Henry of Bavaria attended his installation. Under his direction the house kept such a good religious discipline that the emperor, Saint Henry II, entrusted him with the reform of several other monasteries, including those of Tegernsee (Freising), Hersfeld (Thuringia), and Kremsmünster (Passau). He successfully accomplished the reforms while retaining the direction of Nieder-Altaich through a deputy during his long absences. In the course of 23 years, Godehard formed nine abbots for various houses. 13th v. Blessed Catherine of Parc-aux-Dames convert from Judaism OSB Cist. BD CATHERINE of Parc-aux-Dames was the daughter of Jewish parents, resident in the city of Louvain. Amongst the constant visitors to their house was the duke of Brabant’s chaplain, Master Rayner, with whom his host used to have long discussions on religious subjects. From the time she was five years old, little Rachel— as she was then called—was an attentive listener to these talks and one day the priest, noticing her eager expression, said to her, “Rachel, would you like to become a Christian?” “Yes—if you would tell me how!” was the prompt reply. From that time Master Rayner began to give her instruction in the faith as occasion offered. Rachel’s parents, however, became uneasy at the change which was taking place in their child, and when she was in her seventh year decided to send her away beyond the Rhine, to remove her from Christian influences. Rachel was greatly distressed at the prospect, but one night she had a vision of our Lady, who gave her a staff and bade her escape. The girl arose at once, slipped out of the house and made her way to the priest, by whom she was taken to the Cistercian nuns in the abbey of Parc-aux-Dames, a mile and a half from Louvain. There she was baptized and clothed with the habit of the order, assuming the name of Catherine. Her parents appealed to the bishop of Louvain, to the duke of Brabant and even to Pope Honorius, that their daughter might be restored to them—at any rate till she was twelve years old. The bishop and the duke favoured the claim, but it was successfully opposed by Engelbert, archbishop of Cologne, and William, abbot of Clairvaux. Catherine accordingly remained at Parc-aux-Dames until her death, and became famous for her visions and miracles. 1485 Blessed Michael Gedroye famous for his gifts of prophecy and miracles: his cell adjoining church of the Augustinian canons regular at Cracow OSA (AC). THE history of Bd Michael Giedroyc is the story of his infirmities and his austerities. Born at Giedroyc Castle, near Vilna in Lithuania, the only son of noble parents, it soon became evident that he could never bear arms, being a dwarf and very delicate. Moreover, an accident at a very early age deprived him of the use of one of his feet. His father and mother therefore destined him for the Church, and his natural piety pointed in the same direction. His studies being frequently interrupted by ill-health and the lack of good teachers, the boy occupied himself in making sacred vessels for the church when he was not engaged in prayer. Weakly as he was, he had begun almost from childhood to practise mortification, speaking seldom, fasting strictly four days in the week and living as far as possible in retirement. He joined the canons regular of St Augustine in the monastery of our Lady of Metro at Cracow, but was permitted at his request to take up his abode in a cell adjoining the church, There, in a space so restricted that he could scarcely lie down, he spent the rest of his life, only leaving his cell to go to church, and on very rare occasions to converse with holy men. He never ate meat, living on vegetables, or else on bread and salt. His austerities were extreme and were never relaxed during illness or in his old age. Moreover, he suffered much physical and mental torment from evil spirits. On the other hand, God gave him great consolations: once, it is said, our Lord spoke to him from the crucifix, and he was endowed with the gifts of prophecy and miracles. An account
of this beatus, based on
materials which do not seem to be altogether reliable,
is given in the Acta Sanctorum, May,
vol. i. The canons of our Lady of Metro were members
of a penitential order of which a brief description may
be found in Hélyot, Ordres religieux,
vol. ii (1849), pp. 562—567.
1535 John
Houghton parish priest 1/40 Martyrs
of England and Wales O Cart. M (RM).
Born in Essex, England, in 1487; died at Tyburn
on May 4, 1535; beatified in 1886; canonized by
Pius VI in 1970 as one of the Forty Martyrs
of England and Wales. Saint John served as a parish priest
for four years after his graduation from Cambridge. Then
he joined the Carthusians, where he was named prior of Beauvale
Charterhouse in Northampton and, just a few months later, prior
of London Charterhouse.In 1534, he and his procurator, Blessed Humphrey Middlemore, were arrested for refusing to accept the Act of Succession, which proclaimed the legitimacy of Anne Boleyn's children by Henry VIII. They were soon released when the accepted the act with the proviso "as far as the law of God allows." The following year Father Houghton was again arrested when he, Saint Robert Lawrence, and Saint Augustine Webster went to Thomas Cromwell to seek an exemption from taking the oath required in the Act of Supremacy. He, as the first of hundreds to refuse to apostatize in favor of the crowned heads of England, gave a magnificent example to his monks and the whole of Britain of fidelity to the Catholic faith. As the sentence of drawing and quartering was read to Father Houghton, he said, "And what wilt thou do with my heart, O Christ?" The three were dragged through the streets of London, treated savagely, and then hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn. After his death, John Houghton's body was chopped into pieces and hung in various parts of London (Attwater, Benedictines, Delaney). 1535-1681 THE MARTYRS OF ENGLAND AND WALES. IN addition to local feasts of individuals and groups there is to-day observed throughout England and Wales a collective festival, with proper Mass, of all the beatified among our martyrs from the Carthusians and others of 1535 to (at present) Bd William Howard in 1680 and Bd Oliver Plunket in 1681. Already, while the persecution was at its height, Pope Gregory XIII informally approved certain recognitions of martyrdom, such as the public display of pictures of the victims in the church of the English College at Rome; These pictures are mentioned several times in these pages. They were a series of frescoes or wall-paintings of English saints and martyrs, made at the expense of George Gilbert, a friend of Bd Edmund Campion, and painted by Circiniani; Pope Gregory XIII gave permission for the inclusion of the English martyrs of between 1535 and 1583. The pictures were destroyed at the end of the eighteenth century, but a book of engravings of them (made in 1584) was preserved, and the equivalent beatification of certain martyrs was made on the strength of this evidence of ancient approved cultus. And in 1642 Pope Urban VIII began a formal inquiry, which came to nothing because of the Civil War. Not till over three hundred years later, in 1874, was an ordinary process begun, when Cardinal Manning, Archbishop of Westminster, sent a list of 360 names to Rome, with the evidence. In December 1886 the Holy See announced that 44 of these names had been referred back (dilati); but of the remainder, 54 (9 more were added later) were recognized as having been equivalently beatified by the actions of Pope Gregory XIII in 1583 mentioned above, which cultus Pope Leo XIII now confirmed. Of the remaining 253 one, Archbishop Plunket, was separately beatified in 1920. The evidence concerning the rest was exhaustively examined in Rome, and on December 15, 1929, the centenary year of Catholic Emancipation, 136 more were solemnly beatified. There are therefore now, apart from the dilati, 126 undecided cases from the list submitted in 1874. But in 1889 a second and separate list of presumptive martyrs was drawn up, whose process continues; these number 242, and are known as the praetermissi. It includes the last confessor to die in prison, Father Matthew Atkinson, Franciscan, who died in Hurst Castle in 1729 after thirty years’ imprisonment. The 200 martyrs beatified to date (of whom, of course, two have since been canonized, Fisher and More) are made up as follows: 2 bishops, 84 secular priests, 7 more secular priests who became regulars (6 Jesuits, one Benedictine), 16 Benedictine monks, 18 Carthusians (including 6 lay-brothers), one Bridgettine, 3 Franciscans, one Austin friar, one Minim friar, 19 Jesuits (2 lay-brothers), 44 laymen and 4 laywomen. Of these persons some twenty were Welsh and the remainder mostly English. They are all referred to individually herein, either separately or as members-of groups, e.g. the London Martyrs of 1588. The best general
books are Bishop Challoner’s Memoirs of Missionary
Priests (1741), edition by Fr. J. H. Pollen,
s.j., 1924; Lives of
the English Martyrs, first
series from 1535 to 1538, in 2 volumes, edited by Dom Bede
Camm (1904—5); second series 1583—1603 unfinished:
vol. i, edited by Canon E. H. Burton and Fr Pollen (1914);
T. P. Ellis, The Catholic Martyrs of
Wales (1933). Fr Pollen’s Acts of English Martyrs
(1891) is a valuable collection of contemporary
documents.
1945 Archpriest
Vasily Martysz missionary service in the
land of St Herman., America and martyred in
Poland.The holy New Martyr Archpriest Vasily Martysz was born on February 20, 1874 in Tertyn, in the Hrubieszow region of southeastern Poland. His father Alexander was a judge in Molczyce near Pinsk. After his retirement, he was ordained a priest and became rector of a local parish. Because of the long distances and severe climate, Fr Vasily's priestly work was extremely difficult and required many sacrifices. Often he would leave home for several weeks, in order to celebrate the services, to confess, baptize, marry the living, and to bury the dead, while traveling in a specially constructed kayak. Taught in the parish school and worked in two church homes for the poor. After serving nearly twelve years in America, Fr Martysz left the New World and returned to Europe in 1912. Fr Vasily served as chief of Orthodox chaplains for the next twenty-five years. Within the Ministry of the Interior, he had his own cabinet, and was directly responsible to the Minister himself. He celebrated the Divine Liturgy their language in the Ukrainian internment camps for over 5,000 prisoners, while visiting this camp. The Polish Secretary of the Army, Lucjan Zeligowski sent a congratulatory letter to Father Vasily on the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of his ordination, December 7, 1925, stating "The virtues of this remarkably talented, conscientious and diligent servant, completely devoted to the Polish nation, expressed in his receiving a high distinction, the Order of Polonia Restituta, which is conferred upon him for his efforts in securing the Autocephaly of the Orthodox Church in Poland." 1951 Blessed Mezlényi, martyr of the Hungarian communist regime. Bishop Zoltán Lajos Meszlényi was a brave pastor and a martyr of the Hungarian communist regime, who died after being tortured in the Kistarcsa concentration camp on March 4th, 1951. Auxiliary Bishop of the diocese of Esztergom from 1937 to 1950, Meszlényi sacrificed his life for the Church during the dictatorial persecutions. He was beatified on October 31st at the Esztergom Basilica during a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Cardinal Péter Erdö, the Primate of Hungary. “Blessed Zoltán Meszlényi invites us to be faithful to the Gospel of life and truth. This is his message for today: to live in communion, in liberty, and in charity and to build, promote, and give testimony of a civilization of love, life, and universal fraternity.” Thus read the message from Archbishop Angelo Amato, the prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, who, as the Pope’s representative, read the beatification formula at the ceremony. In his homily, Cardinal Péter Erdö, archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, called the Servant of God Meszlényi an example of a Christian man who is strengthened by the Holy Sprit, a testimony fully relevant for our time: “Today we also perceive how our individual and collective egoism, our myopia, our desire for power, and our hatred make us fall into a trap from which we cannot free ourselves with our own strength. It is only the merciful love of God that can save us from this infernal circle.” In conclusion, the Cardinal said that “the martyrs’ fidelity is a source of hope for us”. Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 05
Silvanus,
apostle of the Seventy Companion of Saint
Paul.
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who
was preached among you by us; by me, Silvanus, and Timothy;
was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. (2 Corinthians
1:19). Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of
the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1). By Silvanus,
our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to
you briefly. (1 Peter 5:12).Martyr Irene (peace) dedicated herself to Christ her miracles converted thousands blinded and healed an entire army beheaded, buried then resurected At Thessalonica, the birthday of the holy martyrs Irenæus, Peregrinus, and Irene, who were burned alive. Irene was born in the city of Magedon in Persia during the fourth century. She was the daughter of the pagan king Licinius, and her parents named her Penelope. Since St Irene had dedicated
herself to Christ, she refused to marry
any of the suitors her father had chosen for her.
When Licinius learned that his daughter refused to worship
the pagan gods, he was furious. He attempted to turn her
from Christ by having her tortured. She was tied up and thrown
beneath the hooves of wild horses so that they might trample
her to death, but he horses remained motionless. Instead of harming
the saint, one of the horses charged Licinius, seized his right
hand and tore it from his arm. Then it knocked Licinius down and
began to trample him. They untied the holy virgin,
and through her prayers Licinius rose unharmed in the presence of
eyewitnesses with his hand intact.
Seeing such a miracle, Licinius
and his wife, and many of the people, (about
3000 men) believed in Christ and turned from
the pagan gods. Resigning his administrative duties,
Licinius devoted himself to the service of the Lord Jesus
Christ. St Irene lived in the house of her teacher
Apellian, and began to preach Christ among the pagans,
converting them to the path of salvation.
St. Crescentia, Martyr, at Lucanium Commemorated on June 15, is also on May 16 St. Crescentia and the boy’s tutor, St. Modestus, were both Christians, and secretly took the child from his home. They found a boat at the river, and an angel entered the boat with them. They reached the Italian district of Lucanium, where they lived quietly, hiding from their persecutors. St. Vitus healed the sick and converted pagans to Christianity. His fame soon spread throughout the region. 449 St. Hilary Bishop of Arles known for austerities aid to the poor and ransoming captives At Arles in France, the bishop St. Hilary, noted for his learning and sanctity. Born 400 France friend and relative of St. Honoratus. He was born to a noble family in Lorraine and was successful, although he gave up his secular career to join St. Honoratus at Lerins Abbey. When Honoratus died after being named the bishop of Arles, Hilary was chosen as his successor in 429. He was known for his austerities, his aid to the poor, and for ransoming captives. On two occasions Hilary became
embroiled in controversies with Pope
St. Leo I the Great, but they were reconciled,
and Hilary's sanctity brought him great veneration.
May 5, 2007 St. Hilary of Arles (400-449)
5th v. Crescentiana 5th century Martyr honored by a church in Rome dating to the reign of Pope Symmachus. Item Romæ sanctæ Crescentiánæ Mártyris. Also at Rome, St. Crescentia, martyr. Crescentiana M (RM) The only evidence for the life of Saint Crescentiana is a church in Rome dedicated to her that was already extant at the time of Pope Symmachus (498-514) (Benedictines). 701 St. Maurontus Benedictine abbot founder. The eldest son of St. Adalbald and St. Rictrudis of Flanders, he served King Clovis II of the Franks. He entered Marchiennes Monastery at the urging of St. Amandus of Maestricht and founded the abbey of Breuil on his personal estate near Therouanne. His sister was an abbess at Marchiennes . 767 St. Echa Anglo-Saxon priest monk-hermit link to early Desert Fathers of Egypt: also called Etha. He was a Benedictine who lived at Crayk, near York, England. Hermits such as Echa served as a link to the early Desert Fathers of Egypt. Echa of Crayk, OSB Hermit (AC) (also known as Etha) Echa was an Anglo-Saxon priest and monk-hermit at Crayk, near York, England (Benedictines). 1180 St Aventinus Hermit consecrated himself to service of the poor and strangers companion of St. Thomas Becket. Avertinus, Deacon (AC) Died 1189. The deacon Avertinus accompanied Saint Thomas Becket into his exile in France. After Thomas was killed in his cathedral, Avertinus consecrated himself to the service of the poor and strangers at Vinzai, a village in Touraine. He is included in the new martyrology of Evreux and that of Tours (Husenbeth). 1220 St Angelo martyred early Carmelite Jews of Jerusalem parents converted to Christianity by vision of our Lady converted many sinners by teaching/miracles Our Lord appeared to him to offer the sacrifice of his life in Sicily. t ANGELO, who was one of the early members of the Carmelite Order, suffered martyrdom for the faith at Leocata, in Sicily. The story of his life, as it has come down to us, is not very reliable. It may be summarized as follows: The parents of St Angelo were Jews of Jerusalem who were converted to Christianity by a vision of our Lady. She told them that the Messias they were awaiting had already come and had redeemed His people, and she promised them two sons, who would grow up as flourishing olive-trees on the heights of Carmel—the one as a patriarch and the other as a glorious martyr. 1260 St. Jutta Widowed noblewoman of Thuringia: Jutta received wonderful graces, for besides being favoured with many visions and revelations, she was given an infused understanding of the Holy Scriptures. She once said that three things could bring one very near to God— painful illness, exile from home in a remote corner of a foreign land, and poverty voluntarily assumed for God’s sake. 1572 ST PIUS V. POPE.MICHAEL GHISLIERI was born in 1504 at Bosco, in the diocese of Tortona, and received the Dominican habit at the age of fourteen in the priory of Voghera. After his ordination to the priesthood he was lector in theology and philosophy for sixteen years, and for a considerable time was employed as novice master and in governing houses of the order—everywhere endeavouring to maintain the spirit of the founder. In 1556 he was chosen bishop of Nepi and Sutri, and the following year was appointed inquisitor general, and also cardinal—in order, as he ruefully remarked, that irons should be riveted to his feet to prevent him from creeping back into the peace of the cloister. Pope Pius IV transferred him to the Piedmontese bishopric of Mondovi—a church reduced almost to ruin by the ravages of war. Within a short time of his accession the newly-appointed prelate had done much to restore calm and prosperity in his diocese, but he was soon recalled to Rome in connection with other business. Here, though his opinions were often at variance with those of Pius IV, he never shrank from openly stating his convictions.1535 Bl. John Haile elderly martyred secular priest. Martyr of England, a companion in death of St. John Houghton at Tyburn. He was an elderly secular priest, the vicar of Isleworth, Middlesex, when he was arrested by King Henry VIII’s men. John was executed at Tyburn. He was beatified in 1886. 1844 Bl. Edmund Ignatius Rice founder of the Congregation of the Brothers of the Christian Schools devout man dedicated to charitable works attention to bands of ragged youth in the streets, 1900 Bl Anna Rose Gattorno co-founded an order of nuns dedicated to working with the sick and poor. By the time of her death the order had grown to more than 3500 sisters. Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 06
1350 BC
Job The righteous (whose name means "persecuted"),
God's faithful servant, the perfect image of
every virtue. The son of
Zarah and Bossorha (Job 42), Job was a fifth-generation
descendent of Abraham. He was a truthful, righteous,
patient and pious man who abstained from every evil thing.
Job was very rich and blessed by God in all things, as
was no other son of Ausis (his country, which lay between
Idoumea and Arabia).
Later, God restored
his former prosperity, and he had twice as much as before.
However, divine condescension permitted him to be tested. Job lost his children, his wealth, his glory, and every consolation all at once. His entire body became a terrible wound covered with boils. Yet he remained steadfast and patient in the face of his misfortune for seven years, always giving thanks to God. Job lived for 170 years after his misfortune, completing his earthly life in 1350 B.C. at the age of 240. Some authorities say that Job's afflictions lasted only one year, and that afterwards he lived for 140 years, reaching the age of 210. 64-67 Evodius of Antioch 1/72 disciples commissioned by Jesus believed Evodius coined the word 'Christian' (RM) At Antioch, St. Evodius, who, as the blessed Ignatius wrote to the people of Antioch, was consecrated first bishop of that city by the apostle St. Peter, and ended his life by a glorious martyrdom. Euodias Orthodoxe Kirche: 7. September We learn from Origen and from Eusebius the predecessor of St Ignatius the God-bearer in the see of Antioch was Evodius, who had been ordained and consecrated by the Apostles themselves—doubtless when St Peter was about to leave Antioch for Rome. Later writers have tried to identify Evodius with the Evodias or Evodia mentioned by St Paul in his epistle to the Philippians—though this person was almost certainly a woman—and have also described him as a martyr. According to tradition, he was one of the seventy disciples sent out by our Lord to preach. He is supposed to have coined the word “Christian”, which, as we know from the Acts of the Apostles, was first used in Antioch to denote members of the Church of Christ. This is stated by the chronicler Malalas, who wrote in the latter part of the sixth century, and we further learn from him that St Peter happened to be passing through Antioch at the time when St Evodius died, and that he thereupon consecrated St Ignatius to be bishop in his room. If this be true, Evodius must have died before A.D. 64. There is a
short notice in the Acta Sanctorum,
May, vol. i; but consult also G. Salmon
in DCB., vol. ii, p. 428, and Harnack, Chronologie d. Altchrist. Literatur, vol.
i, p. 94, as well as Die Zeit des Ignatius
by the same author.
66 Photina
(Svetlana) The Samaritan Woman Holy
Martyr Woman, with whom the Savior conversed at Jacob'sWell (John. 4:5-42). fearlessly preached the Gospel in Carthage she and family miracle workers. Her sons Victor (named Photinus) and Joses; and her sisters Anatola, Phota, Photis, Paraskeva, Kyriake; Nero's daughter Domnina; and the Martyr Sebastian: The holy Martyr Photina was the Samaritan Woman, with whom the Savior conversed at Jacob's Well (John. 4:5-42). 94? Romæ sancti Joánnis, Apóstoli et Evangelístæ, ante Portam Latínam At Rome, the Apostle and Evangelist St. John before the Latin Gate. He was bound and brought to Rome from Ephesus by the order of Domitian, and the Senate condemned him to be taken to that gate and placed in a cauldron of boiling oil, from which he came forth more healthy and vigorous than before. When the two sons of Zebedee, James and John, strangers as yet to the mystery of the cross and the nature of Christ’s kingdom, had, through their mother’s lips, petitioned for places of honour in the day of His triumph, He asked them if they were prepared to drink of His cup. They answered boldly, assuring their master that they were ready to undergo anything for His sake. Our Lord thereupon promised them that their sincerity should be put to trial and that they should both be partakers of the cup of His sufferings. This was literally fulfilled in St James on his being put to death for the faith by Herod, and this day’s festival records in part the manner in which it was verified in St John. It may, indeed, be said that this favourite disciple who so tenderly loved his Master, had already had experience of the bitterness of the chalice when he was present on Calvary. But our Saviour’s prediction was to be fulfilled in a more particular manner, which should entitle him to the merit and crown of martyrdom, the instrument of this trial, postponed for more than half a century, being Domitian, the last of the twelve Caesars. The localization of the alleged miracle outside the Latin gate is certainly not historical, for the Ports Latina belongs to the walls of Aurelian, two centuries later than St John’s time. This particular festival cannot be traced farther back in the Roman church than the sacramentary of Pope Adrian, towards the close of the eighth century. There is a church of St John at the Porta Latina, replacing an older one which owed its existence to that pontiff and presumably was dedicated on this day. Mgr Duchesne suggests that the choice of this date (May 6) is connected with the occurrence in the Byzantine calendar of a feast on May 8, commemorating a miracle of St John at Ephesus. In the so-called Missale Gothicum there is a Mass of St John the Evangelist which must have fallen in May, not long after that of the Finding of the Cross. The incident of the boiling oil seems originally to have belonged to certain apocryphal but early “Acts of John”, of which we now only possess fragments. In a
Motu Proprio of John XXIII dated July 25 1960, this feast was dropped from
the Roman Calendar.
On Tuesday of St Thomas week we remember those Orthodox Christians from all ages who have died in faith, and in the hope of resurrection. here are indications of this commemoration in the sermons of the Fathers of the Church. St John Chrysostom, for example, mentions it in his homily "On the Cemetery and the Cross." In pre-Revolutionary Russia bars remained closed and alcoholic beverages were not sold until this Day of Rejoicing so that the joy people felt would be because of the Resurrection, and not an artificial joy brought on by alcohol. Today the Church remembers its faithful members at Liturgy, and kollyva is offered in remembrance of those who have fallen asleep. Priests visit cemeteries to bless the graves of Orthodox Christians, and to share the paschal joy with the departed. It is also customary to give alms to the poor on this day. 1st v. St Lucius Bishop of Cyrene 1/of “prophets and doctors” in Ptolemais, Africa Bishop of Cyrene in Ptolemais,
Africa. He is one of the “prophets and doctors”
mentioned in Acts.
Lucius of Cyrene B (RM) 1st century.Saint Lucius was one of the 'prophets and doctors' in the church at Antioch when Paul and Barnabas were consecrated for their apostolate (Acts 13:1). It is said that he was from 'Cyrene,' which is the source of the tradition that he was the first bishop of the city in the Ptolemais (Africa) (Benedictines). 259 Sts. Marian a lector or reader; and James a deacon; experienced visions, including martyred bishop. Often, it’s hard to find much detail from the lives of saints of the early Church. What we know about the third-century martyrs we honor today is likewise minimal. But we do know that they lived and died for the faith. Almost 2,000 years later, that is enough reason to honor them. Born in North Africa, Marian was a lector or reader; James was a deacon. For their devotion to the faith they suffered during the persecution of Valerian. Prior to their persecution Marian and James were visited by two bishops who encouraged them in the faith not long before they themselves were martyred. A short time later, Marian and James were arrested and interrogated. The two readily confessed their faith and, for that, were tortured. While in prison they are said to have experienced visions, including one of the two bishops who had visited them earlier. On the last day of their lives, Marian and James joined other Christians facing martyrdom. They were blindfolded and then put to death. Their bodies were thrown into the water. The year was 259. 325 Theodotus Bishop of Cyprus suffered a long term of imprisonment B (RM) In Cyprus, St. Theodotus, bishop of Cyrinia, who having undergone grievous afflictions under Emperor Licinius, at length yielded his soul to God when peace was restored to the Church. Bishop Theodotus of Cyrenia,
Cyprus,under Lucinius
(Benedictines).
335 St. Heliodorus
Martyred Persian bishop of Mesopotamia
with two priests Desan and Marjab.
He died with his two priests, Desan and Marjab,
and many others. King Shapur II instituted
the persecution that brought about their
martyrdom.698 St. Eadbert Abbot bishop of Lindisfarne Ireland learning and knowledge of the Scriptures obedience to God's commandments. THE Venerable Bede, writing of St Edbert, states that he was remarkable for his knowledge of the Bible, as well as for his faithful observance of the divine precepts. All his life long he was extremely generous to the poor, for whose benefit he set aside a tenth part of his possessions. Ordained successor to St Cuthbert in the see of Lindisfarne, he governed wisely for eleven years, and covered with lead St Finan’s great wooden cathedral church which had previously been thatched only with reeds, Scottish fashion. He made it a practice to retire twice a year for forty days of solitary prayer to the retreat—probably the tiny island known as St Cuthbert’s Isle—where his great predecessor had spent some time before finally withdrawing to Farne. When the relics of St Cuthbert were found incorrupt, St Edbert gave instructions that the body should be put into a new coffin which was to be raised above the pavement for greater veneration. He added that the space below would not long remain empty. Scarcely had his orders been carried out when he was seized with a fever which proved mortal, and his own remains were laid in the empty grave. A commemoration of St Edbert is made to-day in the diocese of Hexham. 747 St. Petronax Abbot “the Second Founder of Monte Cassino.” restored after Lombards destruction rule of St Benedict. THE second founder of the abbey of Monte Cassino, St Petronax, was a native of Brescia. When on a visit to Rome he seems to have been induced by Pope St Gregory II to make a pilgrimage to the tomb of St Benedict, in the year 717. There, among the ruins of the old monastery which had been destroyed by the Lombards in 581, he found a few solitaries, who elected him their superior. Other disciples soon gathered round them. Through the generosity of prominent nobles, chief amongst whom was the Lombard duke of Beneventum, and with the strong support of three popes, he succeeded in rebuilding Monte Cassino, which, under his long and vigorous rule, regained its old eminence. The English St Willibald, afterwards bishop of Eichstätt, received the habit at his hands. St Sturmius, founder of the abbey of Fulda, spent some time at Monte Cassino learning the primitive Benedictine rule, and great men of all kinds, princes as well as ecclesiastics, stayed within its hospitable walls. St Petronax ruled over the community until his death, the date of which was probably 747. Recent investigation has shown that St Willibald himself, during the ten years he spent at Monte Cassino, contributed much to the restoration of Benedictine discipline and to the general development of this great abbey. 1300 Bl. Bonizella Piccolomini Widow devoted herself and all her wealth to the service of the poor (PC). When Naddo Piccolomini died, his Sienese wife Bonizella devoted herself and all her wealth to the service of the poor in the district of Belvederio, Italy (Benedictines). 1385 St Micah of Radonezh one of the first disciples of St Sergius of Radonezh Appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos Holy Apostles Peter and John the Theologian to St Sergius of Radonezh. He lived with him in the same cell, and under his guidance he attained a high degree of spiritual perfection. For his meekness of soul and purity of heart, St Micah was permitted to witness the appearance of the Mother of God to his great teacher. Once, after St Sergius had completed the morning Rule of prayer, sat down to rest for awhile, but suddenly he said to his disciple, "Be alert, my child, for we shall have a wondrous visitation." Hardly had he uttered these words when a voice was heard, "The All-Pure One draws near." Suddenly there shone a light brighter than the sun. St Micah fell down upon the ground in fear, and lay there as if he were dead. When St Sergius lifted up his disciple, he asked, "Tell me, Father, what is the reason for this wondrous vision? My soul has nearly parted from my body from fright." St Sergius then informed his disciple about the appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos. St Micah fell asleep in the Lord
in the year 1385.
St Micah's
relics rest in a crypt at the Trinity-Sergiev Lavra. On
December 10, 1734, over St Micah's tomb, a church was consecrated
in honor of the Appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos
and the Holy Apostles Peter and John the Theologian to
St Sergius of Radonezh.1492 Bl. Prudentia Castori abbess-founder her fame rests on miracles reported wrought after her death; Her zeal was displayed not only amongst her nuns, whom she ruled with great prudence, but also in bringing about the restoration of the church of the Visitation at Como OSA V (PC). This life of Bd Prudence seems to have been quite uneventful, and her fame rests entirely upon the miracles she is reported to have wrought after her death. A member of the noble Milanese family of the Casatori, she joined the Hermitesses of St Augustine in her native city. She was promoted to be superior of the convent of St Mark at Como, and succeeded in settling the dissensions which were dividing the two communities. Her zeal was displayed not only amongst her nuns, whom she ruled with great prudence, but also in bringing about the restoration of the church of the Visitation at Como. Full of years, labours and merits, she passed to her eternal reward after she had governed the house at Como for thirty-eight years. 1590 Bl. Edward Jones missionary priest and Anthony Middleton priest. 1590 BB. EDWARD JONES AND ANTONY MIDDLETON, MARTYRS EDWARD Jones was a Welshman from the diocese of St Asaph, and Antony Middle-ton was a Yorkshireman. Both were educated at the Douai College in Rheims, raised to the priesthood and chosen for the English mission. Middleton came to London in 1586, and owing to his juvenile appearance and small stature was able to labour for a considerable time without rousing suspicion. Jones, who followed two years later, at once made a name for himself as a fervent and eloquent preacher. They were tracked down by spies who professed to be Catholics, and they appear to have been hanged before the doors of the houses in Fleet Street and Clerkenwell within which they had been arrested, the words “For Treason and Foreign Invasion” being posted up in large letters as an explanation of this summary “justice” which, as attested by witnesses present at the trial, was full of irregularities. Middleton, whose request that he might address the people was refused, called God to witness that he died simply and solely for the Catholic faith and for being a priest and preacher of the true religion. He then prayed that his death might obtain the forgiveness of his sins, the advancement of the Catholic faith and the conversion of heretics. Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 07
669 680 SS. SERENICUS, or Cerenicus, and his brother Serenus, or Seneridus. Young patricians from Spoleto who abandoned their family and their possessions at the bidding, it is said, of an angel, and betook themselves to Rome. The tombs of the Apostles were at that time under the care of the Benedictines, with whom the two strangers were brought into contact and from whom they received the habit. For some time they lived the community life in Rome, edifying their brethren by their youthful piety, but before long they withdrew, still under angelic guidance, to seek a new home beyond the Alps in France. 717 St. John of Beverly John known for holiness preference for the contemplative life possessed the gift of healing many miracles are recounted in Bede's Ecclesiastical History the author of which he had ordained It was not just miracles that led to John's canonization. He led a life of remarkable holiness 721 ST JOHN OF BEVERLEY, BISHOP OF YORK. FEW native saints enjoyed a greater reputation in Catholic England than St John of Beverley, whose shrine was one of the favourite places of pilgrimage until the Reformation. The learned Alcuin had an extraordinary devotion to him and celebrated his miracles in verse, whilst Athelstan ascribed to him his victory over the Scots and Henry V his defeat of the French at Agincourt. At the instance of the latter, a synod in 1416 ordered his feast to be kept throughout England. 1279 Bl Albert of Bergamo, OP Tert. (AC) peasant farmer who followed his pious and industrious father's example many practices of penance and piety; In 1256, he met the Dominicans. Attracted by the life of Saint Dominic, Albert joined the Brothers of Penance, which later became the Order of Penance of Saint Dominic, and continued his works of charity in his new state. As a lay brother he was closely associated with the religious but lived in the world so that he was able to continue his pilgrimages. At home, he assisted the Dominican fathers in Cremona, working happily in their garden, cultivating the medicinal herbs so necessary at the time, and doing cheerfully all the work he could find that was both heavy and humble. Falling very ill, Albert sent a neighbor for the priest, but there was a long delay, and a dove came bringing him Holy Viaticum. When he died, the bells of Cremona rang of themselves, and people of all classes hurried to view the precious remains. It was planned to bury him in the common cemetery, outside the cloister, as he was a secular tertiary, but no spade could be found to break the ground. An unused tomb was discovered in the church of Saint Matthias, where he had so often prayed, and he was buried there. Many miracles were attributed to him after his death, and the farmer- saint became legendary for his generosity to the poor (Benedictines, Bentley, Dominicans, Dorcy, Gill). 1728 Bl Rose BD ROSE VENERINI gift of ready and persuasive speech real ability to teach and teach others to teach not daunted by any difficulty when in service of God reputation of holiness confirmed by miracles. BD ROSE was born at Viterbo in 1656, the daughter of Godfrey Venerini, a physician. Upon the death of a young man who had been paying court to her, she entered a convent, but after a few months had to return home to look after her widowed mother. Rose used to gather the women and girls of the neighbourhood to say the rosary together in the evenings, and when she found how ignorant many of them were of their religion she began to instruct them. She was directed by Father Ignatius Martinelli, a Jesuit, who convinced her that her vocation was as a teacher “in the world” rather than as a contemplative in a convent; whereupon in 1685, with two helpers, Rose opened a free school for girls in Viterbo: it soon became a success. 1902 Bl Agostino Roscelli (AC) spent endless hours hearing confessions 1876, he founded the Institute of Sisters of the Immaculata served as prison chaplain caring particularly for those condemned to death. Born at Casarza Ligure, Italy, July 27, 1818; died May 7, 1902; beatified May 7, 1995. Agostino Roscelli was not blessed with worldly wealth or rank. Instead God gave him virtuous parents, intelligence, and supportive friends. Surrounded by the silence of the mountains as he watched his family's sheep, Agostino's soul was opened to prayer and his heart drew close to God. But it was not until a parish mission in May 1835 (age 16) that he recognized he was being called to the priesthood. Most peasants would have found it impossible to answer that call without divine and human intervention; however, Agostino's vocation was supported by his own prayer life and the financial aid of generous people. Following his studies at Genoa, Roscelli was ordained in 1846. His first appointment was in the parish of Saint Martin d'Albaro. Eight years later he was given the care of the parish Church of Consolation, where he spent endless hours hearing confessions.
1909 Alexis
Toth Priest defender of the Orthodox
Faith miracle worker and zealous worker in the
Lord's vineyard 1889 appointed pastor of a Uniate parish
in Minneapolis MN Archbishop Ireland greeted him with open
hostility refused to recognize him as a legitimate Catholic
priest or grant permission to serve in his diocese. Miracle
of finding a lost son for a man, and that occurred after
Alexis's death. In his last will and testament St Alexis
commended his soul to God's mercy, asking forgiveness from everyone
and forgiving everybody.
Sancti Stanislái,
Epíscopi Cracoviénsis et Mártyris.
Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 08
Romæ natális beáti Xysti Primi, Papæ et Mártyris; qui, tempóribus Hadriáni Imperatóris, summa cum laude rexit Ecclésiam, ac demum, sub Antoníno Pio, ut sibi Christum lucrifáceret, libénter mortem sustínuit temporálem. At Rome, the birthday of blessed Pope Sixtus the First, martyr, who ruled the Church with distinction during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, and finally in the reign of Antoninus Pius he gladly accepted temporal death in order to gain Christ for himself. (also known as Xystus) 496 Pope St. Gelasius I feast Nov 21 conspicuous for his spirit of prayer, penance, and study. He took great delight in the company of monks, and was a true father to the poor 684-685 Benedict II, Pope Scripture scholar and an expert in sacred chants amended the process to speed approval of papal elections by having the exarch of Ravenna confirm Papal elections patron saint of Europe brought back to orthodoxy Macarius, the ex-patriarch of Antioch, from his Monothelitism, restored several Roman churches upheld the cause of Saint Wilfred of York (RM) Romæ sancti Bonifátii Papæ Quarti, qui Pántheon in honórem beátæ Maríæ ad Mártyres dedicávit. At Rome, Pope St. Boniface IV, who dedicated the Pantheon to the honour of our Lady and the martyrs. St. Boniface IV 608-615 25 May converted Pantheon into a Christian Church, the temple by Agrippa to Jupiter the Avenger, to Venus, and to Mars consecrated by the pope to the Virgin Mary and all the Martyrs. (Hence the title S. Maria Rotunda.) the first instance at Rome of a pagan temple into a place of Christian worship. 684-685 Pope St. Benedict II distinguished knowledge of the Scriptures and by his singing, and as a priest was remarkable for his humility, love of the poor, and generosity; Many of the churches of Rome were restored by him; and its clergy, its deaconries for the care of the poor, and its lay sacristans all benefited by his liberality. "The answers to many of life's questions can be found by reading the Lives of the Saints. They teach us how to overcome obstacles and difficulties, how to stand firm in our faith, and how to struggle against evil and emerge victorious." 1913 Saint Barsanuphius of Optina God calls each one of us to be a saint in order to get into heaven. The more "extravagant" graces are bestowed NOT for the benefit of the recipients so much as FOR benefit of others. Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 09
1431 1447 Pope Eugenius IV Gabriello Condulmaro, or Condulmerio, b. at Venice, 1388; elected 4 March, 1431; d. at Rome, 23 Feb., 1447. He sprang from a wealthy Venetia family and was a nephew, on the mother's side, of Gregory XII. His personal presence was princely and imposing. He was tall, thin, with a remarkably winning countenance. Coming at an early age into the possession of great wealth, he distributed 20,000 ducats to the poor and, turning his back upon the world, entered the Augustinian monastery of St. George in his native city. At the age of twenty-four he was appointed by his uncle Bishop of Siena; but since the people of that city objected to the rule of a foreigner, he resigned the bishopric and, in 1408, was created Cardinal-Priest of St. Clement. He rendered signal service to Pope Martin V by his labours as legate in Picenum (March of Ancona) and later by quelling a sedition of the Bolognesi. In recognition of his abilities, the conclave, assembled at Rome in the church of the Minerva after the death of Martin V, elected Cardinal Condulmaro to the papacy on the first scrutiny. 700 BC Isaiah The Holy Prophet father Amos son Jashub during the reign of Oziah [Uzziah], king of Judea, kings Joatham, Achaz [Ahaz], Hezekiah and Manasseh vision the Lord God, sitting in a majestic heavenly temple upon a high throne. Six-winged Seraphim encircled Him. With two wings they covered their faces, and with two wings they covered their feet, and with two wings they flew about crying out one to another, "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord Sabaoth, heaven and earth are filled with His glory!" The pillars of the heavenly temple shook from their shouts, and in the temple arose the smoke of incense. He lived 700 years before the birth of Christ, and was of royal lineage. Isaiah's father Amos raised his son in the fear of God and in the law of the Lord. Having attained the age of maturity, the Prophet Isaiah entered into marriage with a pious prophetess (Is 8:3) and had a son Jashub (Is 8:18). St Isaiah was called to prophetic service during the reign of Oziah [Uzziah], king of Judea, and he prophesied for 60 years during the reign of kings Joatham, Achaz [Ahaz], Hezekiah and Manasseh. The start of his service was marked by the following vision: he beheld the Lord God, sitting in a majestic heavenly temple upon a high throne. Six-winged Seraphim encircled Him. With two wings they covered their faces, and with two wings they covered their feet, and with two wings they flew about crying out one to another, "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord Sabaoth, heaven and earth are filled with His glory!" The pillars of the heavenly temple shook from their shouts, and in the temple arose the smoke of incense. 112 St Beatus monk hermit Baptized in England by St. Barnabas ordained by St. Peter ST BEATENBERG, above the lake of Thun, derives its name from St Beatus, a hermit who, at an early date, is said to have occupied a cave on its slope and died there— supposedly about the year 112. A whole legendary history afterwards grew up about him. It was believed that he had been baptized in England by the Apostle St Barnabas, and that he had been sent to evangelize Switzerland by St Peter, who ordained hint priest in Rome. His cave, where he was reputed to have slain a dragon, became a favourite place of pilgrimage, until it was closed by the Zwinglians. His cultus was then transferred to Lungern in Oberwalden, and St Peter Canisius did much to revive and propagate it. Modern research, however, has revealed that the tradition of St Beatus as the apostle of Switzerland is a late one, extending back no farther than the middle of the eleventh century— if so far. The Swiss St Beatus is often confused with a namesake, honoured on the same day, viz. St Beatus of Vendôme, who preached the gospel first on the shores of the Garonne, then at Vendôme and Nantes, and who is stated to have died at Chevresson, near Laon, about the close of the third century. This St Beatus seems to have a better claim to be regarded as historical, for his name undoubtedly was entered on this day in the Hieronymianum, and his legend has seemingly supplied much that is attributed to the Swiss Beatus. 250 St Christopher The Holy Martyr miracles converted as many as 50 thousand pagans to Christ, as St Ambrose of Milan testifies. He lived during the third century and suffered about the year 250, during the reign of the emperor Decius (249-251). There are various accounts of his life and miracles, and he is widely venerated throughout the world. St Christopher is especially venerated in Italy, where people pray to him in times of contagious diseases. There are various suggestions about his descent. Some historians believe that he was descended from the Canaanites, while others say from the "Cynoscephalai" [literally "dog-heads"] of Thessaly. Perhaps this is why certain unlearned painters foolishly portray St Christopher with a dog's head. 292-346 St Pachomius Egypt Emperor's army anchorite extreme austerity and total dedication to God began monasticism as we know it today. There is probably some foundation for that mitigation of austerity according to the capacity of the subject which Palladius makes so prominent. The angel-borne tablet is said to have enjoined: “Thou shalt allow each man to eat and drink according to his strength; and proportionately to the strength of the eaters appoint to them their labours. And prevent no man either from fasting or eating. However, assign the tasks that need strength to those who are stronger and eat, and to the weaker and more ascetic such as the weak can manage.” So, too, we have probably a glimpse of the practice actually followed, when Palladius quotes further: “Let them sleep not lying down full length, but let them make sloping chairs easily constructed and put their legs on them and thus sleep in a sitting posture”. Or again: “As they eat, let them cover their heads with their hoods, lest one brother see another chewing. A monk is not allowed to talk at meals, nor let his eye wander beyond his plate or the table.” What is certain is that St Benedict’s Rule, which has shaped nearly all surviving monasticism in the West, borrowed a good deal from Pachomius. Abbot Cuthbert Butler, in his edition of the Regula S. Benedicti, makes thirty-two references to St Jerome’s Pachomiana, and several phrases in the rule can be traced to Pachomian sources, while the spirit of the so-called Angelic Rule is even more noticeable therein 383 Gregor von Nazianzus At Nazianzum, the birthday of St. Gregory, bishop, confessor, and doctor of the Church, surnamed the Theologian because of his remarkable knowledge of divinity. At Constantinople, he restored the Catholic faith which was fast waning, and repressed the rising heresies. Feast Eastern Orthodox Church: January 25 (primary feast day) January 30 (Three Great Hierarchs) Roman Catholic Church: January 2 (c. 1500-1969 May 9) Episcopal Church (USA): May 9Feast, Roman Calendar, 9 May Orthodoxe Kirche: 25. Januar und 30. Januar (Drei Hierarchen) Katholische und Anglikanische Kirche: 2. Januar Evangelische Kirche: 8. Mai 501 St Gerontius Bishop of Cervia martyr ALL that is known of St Gerontius is that he was bishop of Cervia (Ficocle) in the archdiocese of Ravenna, and that he was murdered by “ungodly men”—presumably bandits—at Cagli, on the Flaminian Way, near Ancona, as he was returning from a synod in Rome, presided over by Pope St Symmachus. A Benedictine abbey, dedicated in his honour, was afterwards erected on the spot where he fell, and the Church honours him as a martyr. 1443 Bl Nicholas Albergati archbishop cardinal mediate between the emperor and the pope generous patron of learned men O. Cart. Bd Nicholas died in Siena, when visiting a house belonging to the Augustinians, whose protector he was. Although it was an unprecedented thing for a pope to attend the obsequies of a cardinal, Eugenius IV took part in the funeral services at Bologna, being present also at his actual burial. Cardinal Albergati was a great patron of learning and the author of several literary works. A full biography
as well as a panegyric will be found in the
Acta Sanctorum, May, vol. ii,
and another panegyric in the Analecta
Bollandiana, vol. vii (1888), pp. 381—386.
A long account is also given in Le Couteulx, Annales. Ordinis Cartusiensis, vol.
vii. See further Pastor, History of
the Popes, vol. ii.
"Therefore, whoever wishes to carry the cross for his sake must take up the proper weapons for the contest, especially those mentioned here.1463 St Catharine of Bologna served the Lord in obscurity First, diligence; second, distrust of self; third, confidence in God; fourth, remembrance of the Passion; fifth, mindfulness of one’s own death; sixth, remembrance of God’s glory; seventh, the injunctions of Sacred Scripture following the example of Jesus Christ in the desert" (On the Seven Spiritual Weapons). Some Franciscan saints led fairly public lives; Catharine represents the saints who served the Lord in obscurity. Catharine, born in Bologna, was related to the nobility in Ferrara and was educated at court there. She received a liberal education at the court and developed some interest and talent in painting. In later years as a Poor Clare, Catharine sometimes did manuscript illumination and also painted miniatures. 1911 Saint Joseph of Optina at 8, "What makes you think you saw the Queen?" "Because she had a crown with a cross," he replied. Several miracles took place on the day St Joseph was laid to rest He was born on November 2, 1837 in the village of Gorodishcha in the province of Kharkov. His name in the world was John Litovkin, and his parents Euthymius and Maria were simple but pious people. They were generous to the poor, and often lent money to those in need even when there seemed little chance that it would be repaid. Euthymius also loved to receive monks who came to his door collecting alms for their monasteries. Invariably, he would give each one five rubles for the needs of the monastery Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 10
232 St Calepodius
priest Roman martyr with Palmatius consular
rank, Simplicius senator, Felix & Blanda a
couple, & companions. At Rome, the blessed priest and
martyr Caleposius, who was killed with the sword by
order of Emperor Alexander. His body was dragged
through the city and thrown into the Tiber. It
was afterwards found and buried by Pope Callistus. The consul
Palmatius was also beheaded with his wife, his sons, and forty-two
of both sexes belonging to his household; likewise the senator
Simplicius with his wife, and sixty-eight of his house; Felix
also with his wife Blanda. The heads of all these martyrs
were exposed over different gates of the city in order to
terrify the Christians.
They suffered
under Emperor Severus Alexander in
the pontificate of St. Callistus I. Calepodius was a priest
and the first of the group to suffer. His name is honored by
a Roman catacomb. St. Palmatius was of consular rank, and he
died with his wife, children, and household. St. Simplicius was
a senator who suffered death with sixty-five members of his family
and household. Sts. Felix and Blanda were husband and wife.601 St Comgall Abbot teacher of St Columbanus and monks who evangelized France & central Europe. Saint Comgall (Comhghall), "the Father of Monks," was born in Ireland at Dalaradia, Co. Ulster sometime between 510 and 520. Unlike many of the early Irish saints, St Comgall was not of noble birth. He served as a soldier, then studied with St Finnian of Moville (September 10). He was ordained to the holy priesthood by Bishop Lugaid before the age of forty. 1459 Saint Antoninus of Florence great soul in a frail body, and of the triumph of virtue over vast and organized wickedness OP B (RM) miracles after death uncorrupted in 1559. OF all the prelates who through many centuries have ruled the diocese of Florence, no one has gained so great and lasting a hold upon the loving veneration of the Florentines as St Antoninus. His father, a citizen of good family, who was notary to the republic, was called Nicholas Pierozzi, and he himself received in baptism the name of Antony. The diminutive Antonino, which clung to him all his life, was given him in childhood because of his small stature and gentle disposition. A serious boy, much addicted to prayer, he loved to listen to the sermons of Bd John Dominici, then prior of Santa Maria Novella, and when he was fifteen he asked the friar to admit him to the Dominican Order. The saintly John, judging him too weakly for the life, tried to put him off by bidding him study for a time and learn the Decretum Gratiani; but when, within a year, the lad returned, having committed the whole of the treatise to memory, he was received without further hesitation. He was the first postulant to take the habit in the new priory at Fiesole, which Bd John Dominici had built. For the novitiate Antonino was sent to Cortona, where he had as novice master Bd Laurence of Ripafratta and as companions Bd Peter Capucci and the future great artist Fra Angelico da Fiesole. 1569 St John of Avila The Apostle of Andalusia spiritual advisor of St Teresa St Francis Borgia St John of the Cross St Peter of Alcantara and others 1569 BD JOHN OF ÁVILA AMONGST the great religious leaders of sixteenth-century Spain, one of the most influential and most eloquent was Bd John of Avila, the friend of St Ignatius Loyola and the spiritual adviser of St Teresa, St John of God, St Francis Borgia, St Peter of Alcantara and of Louis of Granada, who became his biographer. He was born in New Castile at Almodovar-del-Campo of wealthy parents, who sent him at the age of fourteen to Salamanca University to prepare to take up law. This career, however, had no attraction for the boy and he returned home, where for three years he gave himself up to devotional exercises and austerities. Then, at the suggestion of a Franciscan who was greatly impressed by his piety, he went to Alcalà to study philosophy and theology. There he had as his master the celebrated Dominic Soto; there also he laid the foundation of a life-long friendship with Peter Guerrero, afterwards archbishop of Granada. 1857 St Peter Van native catechist Vietnamese martyr He was arrested by authorities and beheaded. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. 1889 Blessed Damien of Molokai Joseph de Veuster he took the name of a fourth-century physician and martyr caring for the leper people's physical, medical and spiritual needs. When Joseph de Veuster was born in Tremelo, Belgium, in 1840, few people in Europe had any firsthand knowledge of leprosy (Hansen's disease). By the time he died at the age of 49, people all over the world knew about this disease because of him. They knew that human compassion could soften the ravages of this disease. Forced to quit school at age 13 to work on the family farm, six years later Joseph entered the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, taking the name of a fourth-century physician and martyr. When his brother Pamphile, a priest in the same congregation, fell ill and was unable to go to the Hawaiian Islands as assigned, Damien quickly volunteered in his place. In May 1864, two months after arriving in his new mission, Damien was ordained a priest in Honolulu and assigned to the island of Hawaii. In 1873, he went to the Hawaiian government's leper colony on the island of Molokai, set up seven years earlier. Part of a team of four chaplains taking that assignment for three months each year, Damien soon volunteered to remain permanently, caring for the people's physical, medical and spiritual needs. In time, he became their most effective advocate to obtain promised government support. Soon the settlement had new houses and a new church, school and orphanage. Morale improved considerably. A few years later he succeeded in getting the Franciscan Sisters of Syracuse, led by Mother Marianne Kope, to help staff this colony in Kalaupapa. Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 11
1055-157 Pope Victor II With untiring zeal he combated, like his predecessor, against simony and clerical concubinage. Being well supported by the emperor, he often succeeded where Leo IX had failed. On Pentecost Sunday, June 4, 1055, he held a large synod at Florence, in presence of the emperor and 120 bishops, where former decrees against simony and incontinence were confirmed and several offending bishops deposed. To King Ferdinand of Spain he sent messengers with threats of excommunication if he should continue in his refusal to acknowledge Henry III as Roman Emperor. Ferdinand submitted to the papal demands. Before the emperor returned to Germany he transferred to the pope the duchies of Spoleto and Camerino. Early in 1056 Victor II sent Hildebrand back to France to resume his labours against simony and concubinage, which he had begun under Leo IX. He appointed the archbishops Raimbaud of Arles and Pontius of Aix papal legates to battle against the same vices in Southern France. 1st v. St Jason Departure of one of the 70 disciples accompanied St. Paul Acts 17:9 ordained bishop by St. Paul over Tarsus God performed through him many miracles and signs. On this day St. Jason, one of the seventy disciples who were chosen by the Lord, departed. He ministered with the disciples before the passion of the Savior, and performed many signs and wonders. Then he was supported by the grace and power on the day of Pentecost. He was born in Tarsus, and was the first to believe from this city. He accompanied St. Paul on his evangelical missions, and journeyed with him to many countries. He was arrested with St. Paul and Silas in Thesalonica, and when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go. (Acts 17:9) 475 St Mamertius Archbishop of Vienne originator of the penitential practice of abrogation days known for his learning. WE do not know much about the life of St Mamertus. He was the elder brother of Claudian, the poet, author of De statu animae, whom he ordained priest, and both brothers seem to have enjoyed a deserved reputation for learning as well as piety. In 463 trouble arose in connection with the consecration of a bishop to the see of Die, which Pope St Leo I not long before had transferred from the province of Vienne to that of Arles. It was complained to Pope St Hilarus that Mamertus, without justification, had consecrated a new bishop for Die. A council of bishops was held at Arles to inquire into the matter and a report was sent to Rome. Though Hilarus wrote rather severely and declared that Mamertus deserved to be deposed for his usurpation, no change was, in fact, made, and the new bishop of Die was allowed to retain his see after confirmation from Arles. Somewhat later than this we learn that Mamertus translated to Vienne the remains of the martyr Ferreolus, who had been put to death in that part of the country a century or two earlier. But that which more than anything else has made the name of St Mamertus well known in ecclesiastical history is his institution of the penitential processions on what we now call the Rogation Days, the three days preceding the feast of the Ascension. These are the Litaniae Snores, which in the time of Pope St Leo III (795—816) were adopted in Rome itself, Frankish influence, under the Emperor Charlemagne, thus making itself felt throughout the whole of western Christendom. That St Mamertus was the real author of the Rogation processions is proved by an abundance of early testimony. We have a letter addressed to him by St Sidonius Apollinaris, in which he speaks of these supplications which the bishop had instituted and which had proved so efficacious a remedy in the panic which had seized upon the populace. He enlarges at the same time on the courage this shepherd of his people had shown by standing his ground when others were taking to flight. St Avitus, who himself became bishop of Vienne only fifteen years after Mamertus’s death, and who as a child had received baptism at his hands, preached a homily, still preserved to us, on one of the occasions when the Rogation processions came round. 885 Sts Cyril and Methodius, Equals of the Apostles, Enlighteners of the Slavs miraculously discovered the relics of the hieromartyr Clement, Pope of Rome . St Methodius came from an illustrious and pious family living in the Greek city of Thessalonica. St Methodius was the oldest of seven brothers, St Constantine [Cyril was his monastic name] was the youngest. At first St Methodius was in the military and was governor in one of the Slavic principalities dependent on the Byzantine Empire, probably Bulgaria, which made it possible for him to learn the Slavic language. After living there for about ten years, St Methodius later received monastic tonsure at one of the monasteries on Mount Olympus (Asia Minor). 994 St Majolus Benedictine abbot abbey of Cluny friend of emperors and popes. In 954, shortly after his profession, he was named abbot-coadjutor to the blind abbot, Saint Aymard. In 965, he succeeded as head of the Cluniac congregation, which grew and spread through Western Europe during his tenure. Emperor Otto the Great entrusted the monasteries of Germany to him and Majolus reformed many of them. Majolus was a man of distinguished presence, devoted to learning and the monastic life, and a peace-maker: He settled a disagreement between Empress Saint Adelaide and her son, Emperor Otto II. Once Majolus was captured by Saracens as he crossed the Saint Bernard Pass, and ransomed by the monks of Cluny for a thousand pounds of silver. Majolus, friend of emperors and popes, was several times offered and refused to be made pope, preferring to remain a monk. In 991, he appointed Saint Odilo as his coadjutor and devoted himself to prayer and penance. He died while on his way to make a visitation of the abbey of Saint-Denis in Paris at the request of King Hugh Capet (Attwater, Benedictines, Delaney, Gill). 1300 Bl Vivaldus nursed Bartholomew for twenty years, OFM Tert. (AC). VIVALDO, or Ubaldo, was a disciple and fellow townsman of Bd Bartolo of San Gemignano whom he nursed for twenty years through a particularly distressing form of leprosy. Afterwards he lived as a solitary inside a hollow chestnut-tree at Montajone, in Tuscany. One day as a huntsman was seeking game in the mountains, his hounds discovered the hermit, who was kneeling in his retreat in an attitude of prayer, but was quite dead. It is stated that at the moment his soul passed to God the bells of Montajone began ringing of themselves and never ceased pealing until the huntsman came in with the news of the discovery of the body. Bd Vivaldo had been attached to the third order of St Francis, and the Observants built a convent on the site where he had lived and died. The brief account printed in the
Acta
Sanctorum, May, vol. i, seems to contain
all that has been recorded of Bd Vivaldo. The decree
by which Pope Pius X confirmed his cultus
may be read in the Analecta
Ecclesiastica for 1908, p. 145, but it adds
nothing material to the facts mentioned above. Neither is anything
further to be learnt from the article of Father Ghilardi
in the Miscellanea Storica
della Valdelsa, vol. xi (1903), pp. 38—42.
1672 Joseph The Hieromartyr First Metropolitan of Astrakhan relics glorified by miracles Joseph was born at Astrakhan in 1579. After becoming a monk, St Joseph was made Archimandrite of the Astrakhan Trinity monastery at the age of fifty-two. In 1656 he was at Moscow, after which he was chosen to be Metropolitan of Astrakhan. On May 11, 1672, during an uprising of the townspeople, St Joseph suffered martyrdom at Astrakhan. This sad event was recorded in detail by two eyewitnesses, priests of the Astrakhan cathedral, Cyril and Peter. The priests took the body of the martyr, dressed it in bishop's vestments, and placed it in a prepared grave. On the following day, after serving a Panikhida, the saint's body was taken to a chapel, and it remained unburied for nine days. The relics of the holy hierarch were placed into the grave, and were soon glorified by miracles. St Joseph was glorified at the Council of the Russian Orthodox Church in April 1918. Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 13
St. Jeremiah the Prophet On this day, the prophet Jeremiah, one of the major prophets, the son of Hilkiah the priest, was martyred. He prophesied in the days of Josiah son of Amon, king of Judah and Jehoiakim son of Josiah. God had chosen him for He said: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations" (Jr 1:5). He rebuked the children of Israel for they left the worship of God and rejected His Commandments. He warned them of the anger of God if they did not return on their transgressions. When he saw their hard hearts and the fast approaching judgement of the Lord, he prayed fervently weeping so that God might forgive the sins of his people. God rejected his prayers with regard to those who did not obey him, and He moved Nebuchadnezzar to besiege Jerusalem. His soldiers conquered it under the leadership of Nebuzardan who killed many of them inside the city. After they had taken all the precious possessions of the temple, the king's palace, and the nobles of the people, they took with them all those who were left alive to Babylon. Among those who were driven to exile was the prophet Jeremiah. Nevertheless, when Nebuzardan saw him bound with the rest, he set him free. He then wrote his "Lamentations" for the destruction of the city of Jerusalem, the temple and the exile of his people for 70 years in babylon. This Prophet prophesied about the coming of Our Lord and Savior, and His sufferings and passion. His life ended when the jews themselves stoned him in Egypt, and he died a martyr in prison. May his prayers be with us and glory be to
God forever. Amen.
1028 Euthymius the Illuminator performed many miracles He translated from Greek into Iberian (Karthvelian) the Bible
60 writings of the Fathers (Basil, Gregory of
Nyssa, Ephrem, Gregory the Great, John Cassian), biblical
commentaries, lives of the
saints, and liturgical books Abbot (RM). The work of predilection of St Euthymius was the translation
of sacred books from Greek into Iberian, and George
the Hagiorite names over sixty for which the Iberian
church was indebted to him. Among them were biblical commentaries,
writings of St Basil, St Gregory of Nyssa, St Ephrem and
St John Damascene, the Institutes of
St John Cassian, and the Dialogues
of Pope St Gregory the Great. One of his translations,
from Iberian into Greek this time, has an interest for hagiology: this was the so-called
History of Saints Barlaam and Josaphat
(Joasaph), imaginary people whose names Cardinal
Baronius unfortunately added to the Roman Martyrology (November
27). Naturally enough, St Euthymius found that his duties
as abbot seriously interfered with his work of translation,
and after he had directed Iviron for fourteen years he resigned
his charge, on the plea that the church of his people was crying
out for more books that only he could efficiently supply.1423 Bl. Juliana of Norwich Benedictine English mystic anchorite In 1373 experienced sixteen revelations. Her book, Revelations of Divine Love - a work on the love of God, the Incarnation, redemption, and divine consolation. Among English mystics none is greater. APART from the autobiographical details given in the Revelations of Divine Love, history has preserved few records of the holy woman known as Dame Julian of Norwich. She lived as a strict recluse in the anchoress-house attached to the old church of St Julian, and had even in her lifetime a reputation for great sanctity. She is said to have survived to an advanced age, having two maids to wait upon her when she was old, but the actual date of her death is unknown, as is also her parentage. That she was certainly living at the age of seventy appears from a notice prefixed to a manuscript of her book purporting to have been transcribed by a contemporary, and now in the British Museum. It runs: “Here es a vision schewed be the goodenes of God to a deuoute Woman and hir name es Julyan that es recluse atte Norwyche and yitt ys on lyfe. Anno dni millmo CCCCXIII0. In the whilke Vision er fulle many comfortabylle wordes and gretly styrrande to alle thaye that desyres to be crystes looverse.” 1621 ST ROBERT BELLARMINE, ARCHBISHOP OF CAPUA AND CARDINAL, DOCTOR OF THF CHURCH ONE of the greatest polemical theologians the Church has ever produced, and her foremost controversialist against the doctrines of the Protestant Reformation. Born in 1542 at Montepulciano in Tuscany, of a noble but impoverished family, he was the son of Vincent Bellarmino and Cynthia Cervini, half-sister to Pope Marcellus II. Even as a boy Robert showed great promise. He knew Virgil by heart, he wrote good Latin verses, he played the violin, and he could hold his own in public disputations, to the great admiration of his fellow-citizens. Moreover, he was so deeply devout that in 1559, when Robert was seventeen, the rector of the Jesuit college at Montepulciano described him in a letter as “the best of our school, and not far from the kingdom of Heaven”. It was his ambition to enter the Society of Jesus, but he had to encounter strong opposition from his father, who had formed other plans for his son. Robert’s mother, however, was on his side, and eventually he obtained the permission he desired. In 1560 he went to Rome to present himself to the father general of the order, by whom his noviciate was curtailed to enable him to pass almost immediately into the Roman College to enter upon the customary studies. 1917 Our Lady of Fatima three Portuguese children received apparitions of Our Lady at Cova da Iria, near Fatima, a city 110 miles north of Lisbon Between May 13 and October 13. Between May 13 and October 13, 1917, three Portuguese children received apparitions of Our Lady at Cova da Iria, near Fatima, a city 110 miles north of Lisbon. (See February 20 entry for Blessed Jacinta and Francisco Marto). Mary asked the children to pray the rosary for world peace, for the end of World War I, for sinners and for the conversion of Russia. Mary gave the children three secrets. Since Francisco died in 1919 and Jacinta the following year, Lucia, who later became a Carmelite nun, revealed the first secret in 1927, concerning devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The second secret was a vision of hell. Pope John Paul II directed the Holy See's Secretary of State to reveal the third secret in 2000; it spoke of a 'bishop in white' who was shot by a group of soldiers who fired bullets and arrows into him. Many people linked this to the assassination attempt against Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square on May 13, 1981. The feast of Our Lady of Fatima was approved by the local bishop in 1930; it was added to the Church's worldwide calendar in 2002. Sister Lucia died in 2005 at the age of 97. Comment: The message of Fatima is simple: Pray. Unfortunately, some people—not Sister Lucia—have distorted these revelations, making them into an apocalyptic event for which they are now the only reliable interpreters. They have, for example, claimed that Mary's request that the world be consecrated to her has been ignored. Sister Lucia has agreed that Pope John Paul II's public consecration in St. Peter's Square on March 25, 1984, fulfilled Mary's request. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith prepared a June 26, 2000, document explaining the “third secret” (available at www.vatican.va). Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 14
In Judea, birthday of St. Matthias the Apostle. After the Ascension of our Lord, the Apostles chose him, by lot, to fill the place of Judas the traitor, and he suffered martyrdom for the preaching of the Gospel. Matthias_election.jpg
260 St. Pontius
Deacon and witness to the execution
of St. Cyprian of Carthage earliest Christian biography. ST PONTIUS was long believed to be an illustrious
primitive martyr who suffered in the persecution
of Valerian about the year 258 at Cimelia, a city afterwards
destroyed by the Lombards but rebuilt in modem times as
Cimiez on the French Riviera, near Nice. According to his legendary history he was the son of a Roman senator, and was instructed in the Christian faith as a lad by Pope Pontian. Upon the death of his father he gave away his inheritance to the poor, devoting himself to good works. He was greatly esteemed by the Emperor Philip and by his son—both of whom he converted to Christianity. After the murder of his royal patron he fled to Cimella, but was arrested as a Christian and condemned to be tortured and exposed to the wild beasts. As the creatures would not attack him, the governor ordered him to be beheaded. 6th v St. Boniface Bishop of Ferentino, Italy, renowned for sanctity and miracles from his childhood, commemorated by Pope St. Gregory the Great. At Ferentino in Tuscany, Bishop St. Boniface, who was renowned for sanctity and miracles from his childhood as is told by the blessed Pope Gregory. Boniface of Ferentino B (RM) 6th century. Bishop Boniface of Ferentino, Tuscany, Italy, reigned during the time of Emperor Justin and was commemorated by Saint Gregory the Great (Benedictines). 1846 St Tikhon of Zadonsk incorrupt relics The incorrupt relics of St Tikhon of Zadonsk were first uncovered in May 1846, during the construction of the new cathedral at Zadonsk. They were found beneath the altar of the old church. St Tikhon is also commemorated on August 13. 1823 The Yaroslavl (Pechersk) Icon of the Mother of God In the city of Yaroslavl the townswoman Alexandra Dobychkina suffered terribly for seventeen years from emotional and bodily illness. In 1823 she saw in a dream a church with an icon of the Mother of God. She decided to seek out the Yaroslavl temple and icon she had seen in the vision. This church turned out to be the temple in honor of the Procession of the Venerable Wood of the Cross of the Lord (August 1), under the belltower of the archbishop's residence. Entering the church, the afflicted Alexandra saw on the wall the depiction of the Kiev Caves Mother of God. Suddenly she had a powerful attack of fever, after which there was some relief at first, and later a full healing from the grievous illness. From that time, miraculous healings took place when people prayed to the Most Holy Theotokos. 1835 BD MAGDALEN DI CANOSSA, VIRGIN, FOUNDRESS OF THE CANOSSIAN DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY: spent her time giving religious instruction, working in hospitals and looking after children. Magdalen was now thirty-four years old, and it was not easy for her to leave the Canossa household, where among other responsibilities was an orphaned baby cousin. Her family looked on her projects as rather undignified for one of her birth. Pope Pius XI seems to have been glancing sideways at this when, in his address at the reading of the decree which declared Magdalen di Canossa's virtues to have been heroic, he quoted the great man "who was humble enough to serve the poor at table with his own hands, but not quite humble enough to sit at table with them". A remark which, as his Holiness added, "suggests a lot of things and goes a long way". Magdalen's brother Boniface was especially sad that she should leave them. But it was done, and on May 8, 1808 Magdalen and her few companions opened the doors of their house to the poor girls of the San Zeno quarter, Verona's "east end". They began by teaching them the simplest prayers and the elements of the Christian faith, with a little reading, writing and sewing, and within a few months the effects of this centre of goodness and decency were seen in the quarter. 1900 St. Maria Dominic Mazzarello Co-foundress of Daughters of Mary Auxiliatrix or Our Lady Help of Christians disciple of St. John Bosco 1881 ST MARY MAZZARELLO, VIRGIN, CO-FOUNDRESS OF THE DAUGHTERS OF OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS MORNESE is a mountain village in the south of Piedmont, near the border of Liguria and not far from Genoa. There lived there in the first half of the nineteenth century a certain energetic, hard-headed and honest peasant named Joseph Mazzarello and his wife Maddalena Calcagno, and to them was born in 1837 the first of several children, who was christened with the names Mary Dominica. Six years later the family moved to a new home on a hill, the Valponasca, some way out of Mornese, and here Mary was brought up, working long hours in the fields and vineyards so that she developed considerable physical toughness and strength. Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 15
Spain to spread faith In Spain, the Saints Torquatus, Ctesiphon, Secundus, Indaletius, Cecilius, Hesychius, and Euphrasius, who were consecrated bishops at Rome by the holy apostles, and sent to Spain to preach the word of God. When they had evangelized various cities, and brought innumerable multitudes under the yoke of Christ, they rested in peace in different places in that country: Torquatus at Cadiz, Ctesiphon at Vierco, Secundus at Avila, Indaletius at Portilla, Cecílius at Elvira, Hesychius at Gibraltar, and Euphrasius at Anduxar. 330 Saint Achillas attended 1st Council of Nicaea relics venerated Presba gift of healing sickness, especially demonic possession, and he worked many miracles (Achilli) Bulgaria. gift of healing sickness, especially demonic possession, and he worked many miracles (Achilli) Bulgaria Saint Achilles, Bishop of Larissa, lived during the fourth century, during the reign of St Constantine the Great. Glorified for his holiness of life and erudition, he was made Bishop of Larissa in Thessaly. St Achilles participated in the First Ecumenical Council, where he boldly denounced the heretic Arius. In his city he strove to promote Christianity, destroyed idolatrous pagan temples, and he built and adorned churches. St Achilles had the gift of healing sickness, especially demonic possession, and he worked many miracles. The saint died peacefully in about the year 330. His relics have been in Prespa, Bulgaria (now the village of Akhila, renamed in honor of the saint) since 978. 348 Saint Pachomius the Great was a model of desert dwelling with Sts Anthony the Great, Macarius the Great, and Euthymius the Great, founded cenobitic monastic life in Egypt. What is certain is that St Benedict’s Rule, which has shaped nearly all surviving monasticism in the West, borrowed a good deal from Pachomius. Abbot Cuthbert Butler, in his edition of the Regula S. Benedicti, makes thirty-two references to St Jerome’s Pachomiana, and several phrases in the rule can be traced to Pachomian sources, while the spirit of the so-called Angelic Rule is even more noticeable therein. Of all the
early saints of the East it is St Pachomius
who seems of recent years to have attracted most attention.
New discoveries have been made especially of Coptic
(i.e. Sahidic) texts, though for the
most part these unfortunately are only fragmentary. Other
manuscripts previously neglected have now been collated in
many different redactions and languages. The older generation
of Bollandists (in the Acta Sanctorum,
May, vol. iii) did a great deal, but in the seventeenth century
no exhaustive research of oriental sources was possible. Their
modern representatives, however, have published a thoroughly satisfactory
edition of St Pachomii Vitae Graecae
(1932), edited by Fr F. Halkin. With this great advance
may be associated the not, less important study of L. T. Lefort,
S. Pachomii Vitae Sahidice Scriptae (published
in two parts in the Corpus Scriptorum (Christianorum
Orientalium, 1933
and 1934), in the same series his edition of a Bohairic
life of Pachomius (1925), and his Vies copter
de S. Pacôme
(1943)
these are
discussed in Analecta Bollandiana, vol. lii (1934), pp. 286—320,
and vol. lxiv (1946), pp. 258—277. A further piece of research is that of
A. Boon, Pachomiana Latina (1932), an essay on St Jerome’s
translation of the Rule with an appendix on the Greek and Coptic versions
see also B. Albers, S. Pachomii . . . Regulae
Monasticae (1923). Amongst a multitude of somewhat older studies
the essay of F. Ladeuze, Le Cénobitisme Pakhômien,
deserves special mention, and H. Leclercq in his long article
“Monachisme” in DAC., vol. xi (1933), especially in cc. 1807—1831, has brought
together a number of valuable bibliographical references. There are also
biographies, with slight variations, in Syriac and Arabic. M. Amélineau,
who was among the first to take account of the Coptic texts, published in
1887 an Etude historique sur S. Pacôme. After the sixteenth-centenary
celebrations in Egypt in 1948 a volume of lectures,
Pachomiana, by scholars of several
nationalities and ecclesiastical obediences
was published. For the Angelic Rule and Western monachism,
see J. McCann’s St Benedict (1938),
pp. 152 ss. and passim. In spite, however,
of the research bestowed upon the subject, the life and
work of St Pachomius still remain very much of a problem, as such
an authority as Fr Paul Peeters is the first to confess.
4th v Saint Silvanus of Tabennisi actor abandoned world to be a monk Hermit sentiments of contrition helped him progress in virtue a holy abbot proposed him as model of humility to the rest favored with a spirit of prophecy he explained the dreadful judgments which threaten those that mock God. Saint Silvanus was an actor who abandoned the world to become a monk at Tabennisi under Saint Pachomius (Born in the Upper Thebaîd near Esneh, Egypt, c. 290-292; died at Tabennisi, Egypt, on May 15, c. 346-348; feast day in the East is May 15.) For some time he led an undisciplined life, trying to entertain the other monks and often transgressing the rule of silence. Pachomius endeavored to reform him by remonstration, prayers, sighs, and tears, for his poor soul. It was a fruitless endeavor for a long time, but Pachomius persisted until one day he explained to the impenitent Silvanus the dreadful judgments which threaten those that mock God. 650 Saint Dymphna Many miracles have taken place at her shrine on the spot where she was buried in Gheel, Belgium Patron of those suffering for nervous and mental affictions. The body of Dympna is preserved in a silver reliquary in the church bearing her name. Only the head of Gerebernus rests there, the remains have been removed to Sonsbeck in the diocese of Muenster. Three churches in Belgium have altars dedicated to her (Attwater, Benedictines, D'Arcy, Delaney, Farmer, Kenney, Montague, O'Hanlon, White). From Stories of the Saints by Kate Bolin In art, Saint Dympna is a crowned maiden with a sword and the devil on a chain. Sometimes she may be shown (1) kneeling before her confessor, Saint Gerebernus, (2) kneeling at Mass while her father murders the priest Gerebernus (Roeder), (3) praying in a cloud surrounded by a group of lunatics bound with golden chains, or (4) being beheaded by the king (White). The more common image now seen of Saint Dympna (shown here and in a larger size), clearly illustrates that she is a virgin (lily) and Irish (note the shamrock on the book). For an interesting image that has larger cultural implications, see La Cadena--El Hogar. Dympna is invoked against insanity, mental illness of all types, asylums for the mentally ill, nurses of the mentally ill, sleepwalking, epilepsy, and demoniac possession (Roeder). A lovely set of nine prayers to Saint Dymphna are worth studying. Her feast day is kept in Ireland and Gheel. In the United States, her cultus centers on her shrine in Massillon, Ohio, which is next to one of the most modern hospitals in the world. The Franciscan Mission Associates in America conduct a world-wide correspondence in her name to fund their activities for the poor and suffering, especially in Central America (Montague). 1130 Saint Isidore the Farmer celestial visions angels sometimes helped him appeared in a vision to King Alphonsus of Castile in 1211 show him an unknown path used to surprise and defeat the Moors patron of farmers his master saw angels and oxen helping him His wife survived him for several years and, like him, is honoured as a saint. In Spain she is venerated as Santa Maria de Ia Cabeza 1130 ST ISIDORE THE HUSBANDMAN In the United States of America this feast is celebrated on 25 October. THE patron of Madrid was born in the Spanish capital of poor parents, and was christened Isidore after the celebrated archbishop of Seville. Although unable to procure educational advantages for their son, his father and mother early instilled into his mind a great horror of sin and a love of prayer. As soon as he was old enough to work, Isidore entered the service of John de Vergas, a wealthy resident of Madrid, as a farm labourer on his estate outside the city, and with that one employer he remained all his life. He married a girl as poor and as good as himself, but after the birth of one son, who died young, they agreed to serve God in perfect continence. 1465 Blessed Mary
Magdalen Albrizzi prioress remarkable for
her promotion of frequent communion among her nuns
was endowed with supernatural gifts which precluded
her from remaining as unknown as she could have
wished. She healed the sick and foretold the future,
while her trust in God was so perfect that many miracles
were wrought in immediate response to her prayers
There existed,
as she well knew, a very poor convent situated in
an isolated spot up in the mountains at Brunate, and thither
accordingly she betook herself. It contained only a few
nuns, but after Bd Magdalen's reception the numbers increased
considerably. She was soon chosen superior, and was able to affiliate
the community to the Hermits of St Augustine.Lack of the bare
necessities of life sometimes obliged the nuns to make begging
expeditions into Como, where they were liable to be detained
for the night by bad weather; so to obviate the undesirable necessity
of their having to accept casual hospitality from strangers,
and also to provide a hospice for young women stranded in Como
without a home, Magdalen founded a kind of daughter house in the
city, though she herself remained at Brunate. Hers was a hidden
life, but she was endowed with supernatural gifts which precluded
her from remaining as unknown as she could have wished. She healed
the sick and foretold the future, while her trust in God was so perfect
that many miracles were wrought in immediate response to her prayers.
She also was constantly urging her nuns to frequent communion.
Bd Magdalen appears to have died on May 15, 1465, at an advanced age,
after a long and painful illness.1719 ST JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE, FOUNDER OF THE BROTHERS OF THE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Eboræ, in Lusitánia, sancti Máncii Mártyris. At Evora in Portugal, St. Mancius, martyr. 1719 ST JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE, FOUNDER OF THE BROTHERS OF THE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Rotómagi natális sancti Joánnis Baptístæ de La Salle, Presbyteri et Confessóris, qui, in erudiénda adolescéntia præsértim páupere excéllens, et de religióne civilíque societáte præcláre méritus, Fratrum Scholárum Christianárum Sodalitátem instítuit. Eum Pius Duodécimus, Póntifex Máximus, ómnium Magistrórum púeris adolescentibúsque instituéndis præcípuum apud Deum cæléstem Patrónum constítuit. Ipsíus tamen festum Idibus Maji celebrátur. At Rouen, the birthday [april 08] of St. John Baptist de la Salle, priest and confessor. He was prominent in the education of youth, especially those who were poor, for which he was acclaimed both by religious and civil society. He was the founder of the Society of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Pius XII, Supreme Pontiff, declared him patron of all those who teach children and young people. His feast is celebrated on the 15th of May. Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 16
After his release from prison he went to Jerusalem to venerate the holy places, and was told to remain there through a divine revelation. In 212 he was chosen as coadministrator with the elderly Patriarch Narcissus, an unusually rare occurrence in the ancient Church. Following the death of St Narcissus (August 7), St Alexander succeeded him and governed the Church of Jerusalem for thirty-eight years, working for the enlightenment of Christians. He also established the first library of Christian theological works at Jerusalem. St Alexander was arrested during the persecution of the Church under the emperor Decius (249-251). The holy martyr was sent to Cappadocia, where he suffered many tortures. He was condemned to be eaten by wild beasts, but they did not harm him. St Alexander was cast into prison, where he surrendered his soul to God in the year 251. The hieromartyr Alexander is also commemorated on December 12. 1128 St Ubald Baldassini Bishop of Gubbio ordained cathedral deacon returned to Gubbio Dissuaded from the eremitical life by Peter of Rimini. WE are fortunate in possessing an excellent and reliable biography of Ubald Baldassini, bishop of Gubbio, compiled by Theobald, his immediate successor. The saint, descended from a noble family in Gubbio, became an orphan at an early age and was educated by his uncle, also bishop of the same see, in the cathedral school. Having completed his studies, he was ordained priest and appointed dean of the cathedral, young though he was, that he might reform the canons amongst whom grave irregularities were rampant. The task was no easy one, but he succeeded before long in persuading three of the canons to join him in a common life. Then, that he might obtain experience in the management of a well-conducted household, he resided for three months with a community of regular canons which had been established by Peter de Honestis in the territory of Ravenna. The rule which they followed he brought back to Gubbio, and within a short time it was accepted by the whole chapter. 1247 St Margaret of Cortona established a hospital and founded a congregation of tertiary sisters devoted to the Eucharist and the passion of Jesus. They then went to Cortona, where her son eventually became a friar. There she established a hospital and founded a congregation of tertiary sisters. The poor and humble Margaret was, like Francis, devoted to the Eucharist and to the passion of Jesus. These devotions fueled her great charity and drew sinners to her for advice and inspiration. She was canonized in 1728. 1834 Andrew Hubert Fournet early life was devoted to frivolity Inspired by his uncle he became protector of the poor studied theology ordained became his assistant changed for one of austerity and simplicity Founder Prayers to Saint Andrew miraculously increased food supplies for the nuns when they were in need (RM). When Napoleon allowed the church back openly into France after the revolution (1807), Andrew was once again officially the parish priest at Maillé. He labored as a missionary, preacher, and confessor, and with Saint Elizabeth (Agnes) Bichier (f.d. August 26) founded the congregation of the Daughters of the Cross, dedicated to nursing and teaching. Andrew retired from his parish in 1820, but continued to direct the sisters until his death, at which time the order had over sixty convents in Poitou. Prayers to Saint Andrew were said to have miraculously increased food supplies for the nuns and their charges when they were in need (Attwater, Benedictines, Bentley, Delaney, White). Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 17
The son of the Emperor Basil the Macedonian and brother of Leo the Wise, he came to the patriarchal throne after Photius, and governed the Church of God from 886 to 893. He died peacefully, and went to the Lord whom he had greatly loved. he holy princess was a builder of churches. In 1387 she founded the Ascension women's monastery in the Moscow Kremlin. In 1395, during Tamerlane's invasion into the southern regions of Russia, the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God was transferred to Moscow upon her advice, miraculously defending the Russian land. During Lent, the princess secretly wore chains beneath her splendid royal garb. By her patronage the famous icon of the Archangel Michael was painted, and later became the patronal icon of the Kremlin's Archangel Cathedral. 1407 Saint Euphrosyne The holy princess was tonsured as a nun builder of churches founded Ascension women's monastery in the Moscow Kremlin patronage the famous icon of the Archangel Michael . After raising five sons (a sixth died in infancy), the princess was tonsured as a nun with the name Euphrosyne. She completed her earthly journey on July 7, 1407 and was buried in the Ascension monastery she founded. An old Russian church poem has survived, the lament of the princess for her husband, who had died at the age of thirty-nine. St Euphrosyne is also commemorated on July 7. 1592 St Paschal Baylon Franciscan lay brother mystic labored as shepherd for father performed miracles distinguished for austerity spent most of his life as a humble doorkeeper rigorous asceticism deep love for the Blessed Sacrament defended the doctrine of the Real Presence against a Calvinists born and died on Whitsunday At Villareal in Spain, St. Paschal of the Order of Friars Minor, confessor. He was a man remarkable for innocence of life and the spirit of penance, whom Pope Leo XIII declared to be the heavenly patron of Eucharistic Congresses and of societies formed to honour the Most Blessed Sacrament. Patron of shepherds, the Eucharist
and Eucharistic guilds, societies and congresses
1592 ST
PASCHAL BAYLONTHE notice of St Paschal Baylon
in the Roman Martyrology tells us not only that
he was a man of wonderful innocence and austerity of
life, but also that he has been proclaimed by the Holy See
patron of all eucharistic congresses and confraternities of
the Blessed Sacrament. It is a striking fact that a humble friar,
of peasant birth, who was never even a priest, whose name in
his own day was hardly known to any but his townsfolk in a corner
of Spain, should now from his place in Heaven preside over those imposing
assemblies of the Catholic Church.
Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 18
A native of Tuscany in Italy, John was elected Pope while he was still an archdeacon upon the death of Pope Hormisdas in 523. At that time, the ruler of Italy was Theodoric the Goth who subscribed to the Arian brand of Christianity, but tolerated and even favored his Catholic subjects during the early part of his reign. However, about the time of St. John's accession to the Papacy, Theodoric's policy underwent a drastic change as a result of two events: the treasonable (in the sovereign's view) correspondence between ranking members of the Roman Senate and Constantinople and the severe edict against heretics enacted by the emperor Justin I, who was the first Catholic on the Byzantine throne in fifty years. 1160 King Eric IX Patron of Sweden aid Christianity in his realm responsible for codifying laws of his kingdom. 1161 ST ERIC OF SWEDEN, MARTYR ST ERIC was acknowledged king in most parts of Sweden in 1150, and his line subsisted for a hundred years. He did much to establish Christianity in Upper Sweden and built or completed at Old Uppsala the first large church to be erected in his country. It is said that the ancient laws and constitutions of the kingdom were by his orders collected into one volume, which became known as King Eric’s Law or the Code of Uppland. The king soon had to take up arms against the heathen Finns, who were making descents upon his territories and pillaging the country. He vanquished them in battle, and at his desire, St Henry, Bishop of Uppsala, an Englishman, who had accompanied him on the expedition, remained in Finland to evangelize the people. At Rome, St. Felix, confessor of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, celebrated for his evangelical simplicity and charity. He was inscribed on the roll of the saints by the Sovereign Pontiff Clement XI. 1587 St. Felix of Cantalice noted for austerities, piety, 38 years in monastery as questor aiding sick the poor and revered by all; . 1587 ST FELIX OF CANTALICE “All earthly creatures can lift us up to God if we know how to look at them with an eye that is single.” He loved to dwell upon the sufferings of our Lord, never weary of contemplating that great mystery. Always cheerful, always humble, he never resented an insult or an injury. If reviled he would only say, “I pray God that you may become a saint”. Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 19
(Luke 1:3 KJV, p.59).1 in the Greek language θεόφιλος. Many conjectures and traditions around his identity. It is a common name among both Romans and Jews of the era. His life would coincide with the writing of Luke and Acts, sometime between AD 40-85, depending on which tradition one subscribes to. Conjectures to his identity and traditional beliefs include: Coptic tradition asserts he was a Jew of Alexandria Another tradition claims a converted Roman official, possibly Titus Flavius Sabinus II, a former Prefect of Rome and older brother of future Roman Emperor Vespasian, owing to the honorific, "most excellent" (Lk. 1:3). As Titus Flavius Sabinus, Theophilus is given a crucial role in the novel The Flames of Rome by Paul Maier, where he is given the dedication of the "Gospel of Luke" and "Acts of the Apostles" by Luke the Evangelist. Another maintains Theophilus not a specific person, as "θεόφιλος" means "he who loves God", and thus the books could be addressed to anyone who fits that description. Some also believed that Theophilus could have been Paul's lawyer during his trial period in Rome. 804 Bl. Alcuin Benedictine scholar and counselor to Charlemagne, sometimes called Alcuin of York and in biblical commentaries; and as a liturgist—his work had a strong influence on the Roman liturgy as we have it to-day. But it was as an educator that his fame has been enduring, for he was the main channel between the English scholarship of St Bede’s era and the revival of western learning under Charlemagne he was “the schoolmaster of his age”; and like a good schoolmaster a primary activity was to spread enthusiasm for learning. Alcuin is often called Blessed and his name appears in the Benedictine Martyrology and in some old calendars; this cultus has never been officially confirmed, but so significant a figure requires notice, however short. He was born, probably at York about 730, into the noble family to which St Willibrord belonged, and in 767 succeeded to the direction of the cathedral school of that city, where he had himself been educated. He was not a man of great originating mind; rather was he a conserver and spreader of learning, and he attracted numerous students, outstanding among them being St Ludger, the apostle of Saxony. He was especially careful for the management and building-up of the library, and under him the York school entered into the company of those of Jarrow and Canterbury. During this period Alcuin visited Rome three times, and in 781 accepted an invitation to take up his residence at the court of Charlemagne, whose educational and ecclesiastical adviser he became. After two visits to England, in 786 and 790, he settled permanently in France, finally in the abbey of St Martin at Tours, of which Charlemagne had made him abbot. 1294 St. Celestine V Pope Born 1212 The birthday of St. Peter of Moroni who, while leading the life of an anchoret, was created Sovereign Pontiff and called Celestine V. He later abdicated the pontificate, and led a religious life in solitude, where, renowned for virtues and miracles, he went to the Lord. The Church of Christ has judged differently:
she canonized him in 1313, and his feast is kept in
all the Western church.
Peter, who was
the eleventh of twelve children, was born of peasant
parents about the year 1210 at Isernia, in the Abruzzi. Because
he showed unusual promise, his mother, though she was early left
a widow, sent him to school—against the advice of her
relations. Even as a boy Peter was “different”, and when he was
twenty he left the world to live as a hermit on a solitary mountain
where he made himself a cell so circumscribed that he could scarcely
stand upright or lie down in it. In spite of his desire to remain
hidden, he had occasional visitors, some of whom persuaded him
to seek holy orders. He accordingly went to Rome and was ordained
priest, but in 1246 he returned to the Abruzzi. On the way back he
received the Benedictine habit from the Abbot of Faizola, by whom
he was permitted to resume his solitary life. For five years he dwelt on Mount Morone, near Sulmona, but in 1251 the wood was cut on the mountain, and Peter, finding his privacy too much invaded, took refuge with two companions in the fastnesses of Monte Majella. His disciples, however, tracked him thither. So, after two further ineffectual attempts to live in solitude, he resigned himself to the inevitable and, returning to Monte Morone, became the head of a community of hermits who lived at first in scattered cells, but afterwards in a monastery. He gave his disciples a strict rule based on that of St Benedict and in 1274 he obtained from Pope Gregory X the approbation of his order, the members of which were afterwards known as Celestines.* [* Not to be confused with the “Celestine” Franciscans. The congregation of hermit monks spread in Europe, and in France came to an end only at the Revolution.] After the death of Nicholas IV, the chair of St Peter remained vacant for over two years owing to the rivalry between two parties, neither of which would give way. To the cardinals assembled at Perugia came a message, it is said, from the hermit of Monte Morone threatening them with the wrath of God if they continued to delay. In any case, to bring the deadlock to an end, the conclave chose the hermit himself to become Christ’s vicar upon earth. The five envoys who climbed the steeps of Morone to bear the official notification found the old man (he was eighty-four) red-eyed with weeping and appalled at the tidings of his election which had already reached him. Boundless enthusiasm prevailed at the choice of a pope so holy and so unworldly, while to many it seemed an inauguration of the new era foretold by Joachim del Fiore—the reign of the Holy Ghost, when the religious orders would rule the world in peace and love. Two hundred thousand persons are said to have been assembled in Aquila to acclaim the new pope as he rode to the cathedral on a donkey, its bridle held on the one side by the King of Hungary and on the other by Charles of Anjou, King of Naples. 1303 Ivo Hélory, OFM Tert. (RM). THE patron of lawyers, St Ivo Hélory, was born near Tréguier in Brittany at Kermartin, where his father was lord of the manor. At the age of fourteen he was sent to Paris, and before the end of a ten years’ stay in its famous schools he had gained great distinction in philosophy, theology and canon law. He then passed on to Orleans to study civil law under the celebrated jurist Peter de la Chapelle. In his student days he began to practise austerities which he continued and increased throughout his life. He wore a hair shirt, abstained from meat and wine, fasted during Advent and Lent (as well as at other times) on bread and water, and took his rest—which was always short—lying on a straw mat with a book or a stone by way of a pillow. Upon his return to Brittany after the completion of his education, he was appointed by the archdeacon of Rennes diocesan “official”, in other words, judge of the cases that came before the ecclesiastical court. In this capacity he protected orphans, defended the poor and administered justice with an impartiality and kindliness which gained him the goodwill even of the losing side. 1308 Blessed John Duns Scotus 1308 Blessed John Duns Scotus one of the most important and influential Franciscan theologians. His major contributions included the founding of the Scotistic School in Theology and clarifying the theology of the Absolute Kingship of Jesus Christ, the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and his philosophic refutation of evolution. (AC) 1378-1397 Bl. Peter de Duenas Franciscan Martyr. Born at Palencia, Spain, he entered the Franciscans and set out in 1396 with Blessed John de Cetina to preach among the Moors of Granada. The following year both were seized and beheaded. 1651 Bl. Peter Wright Jesuit (1629) martyr in England chaplain to the Royalist army; convert to Catholicism given preparation for the priesthood in Ghent and Rome 1740 St. Theophilus of Corte Franciscan reformer. Born Biagio Arrighi at Corte, Corsica, Italy ordained at Naples,
taught at Civitella, and then embarked upon a mission
to promote the faith in Corsica and Italy The influence exerted by his eloquent
words was enhanced by the holiness of his life and
by miracles. At Civitella, of which he became guardian,
he won the love and veneration of the whole community
1750 --St. Crispin
of Viterbo, taking the name, Crispin (after the patron of
cobblers);
possessed an amazing ability to integrate a
life of feverish activity, on the one hand, with a solid
interior life. Without concern for his own well being,
Crispin cared for those stricken during the epidemics at Farnese,
Gallese and Bracciano. As questor, he begged for food not only
on behalf of his Capuchin brothers, but also to provide for all the
needy of his "big Orvietan family." For the friars, he would only
beg for necessities, nothing more. OFM
Cap1854 Joaquina Vedruna de Mas, Widow Foundress founded the Institute of the Carmelites of Charity, whose sisters are dedicated to tending the sick and teaching. (AC) 1875 Blessed Francis Coll Guitart, OP After several years of parish ministry, he pursued itinerant preaching along with his friend Saint Anthony Claret. He founded the Dominican Sisters of the Annunciation to teach the children of the poor in the village where he preached (AC) Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 20
1444 St. Bernardine of Siena He was called the "People's Preacher" because his sermons were filled with lively and realistic depictions of everything from a bachelor's household to women's fashions; throughout his life he was noted for his unfailing affability, patience and courtesy; It is impossible to follow him on his missionary journeys, for in them he covered nearly the whole of Italy; His tomb at Aquila was honoured by many miracles. ST BERNARDINO was born in the Tuscan town of Massa Marittima, in which his father, a member of the noble Sienese family of the Albizeschi, occupied the post of governor. The little boy lost both his parents before he was seven and was entrusted to the care of a maternal aunt and her daughter— both excellent women, who gave him a religious training and loved him as though he had been their own child. Upon reaching the age of eleven or twelve he was placed by his uncles at school in Siena, where he passed with great credit through the course of studies deemed requisite for a boy of his rank. He grew up a good-looking lad, so merry and entertaining that it was impossible to be dull in his company; but a coarse or blasphemous remark would always bring a blush to his cheek and generally a remonstrance to his lips. Once when a man of position sought to lead him into vice, Bernardino struck him in the face with his fists, and on a second and similar occasion he incited his comrades to join him in pelting the tempter with mud and stones. Except when thus moved by righteous indignation, Bernardino was singularly sweet-tempered; indeed, throughout his life he was noted for his unfailing affability, patience and courtesy. 1501 Blessed Columba of Rieti pious mystics of the third order of Saint Dominic raising of a dead child to life especially devoted to Our Lady modeled after Saint Catherine of Siena to OP Tert. V (AC) Pope Alexander VI when he came to Perugia asked specially to see her, and was so impressed that at a later date he sent his treasurer to consult her on certain secret projects-only to receive reproaches and warnings the details of which were never made public. But if the pontiff himself was favourably disposed, it was otherwise with his daughter, Lucrezia Borgia, whom Columba had refused to meet and who, it is said, became her bitter enemy. Apparently as the result of her hostile influence, Bd Columba was subjected to a period of persecution, when a decree issued from Rome accused her of magic and deprived her of her confessor. She uttered no complaint and bore all in patience until the attack passed. Towards the end of her life she suffered much bodily pain, but her interest in Perugia continued to the end. To the city fathers who came to visit her in her last illness she gave an exhortation to observe Christian charity and to do justice to the poor. She died at the age of thirty-four, early in the morning on the feast of the Ascension, 1501. The magistrates contributed to provide for her a public funeral, which was attended by the whole city. Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 21
6th v. St. Barrfoin Irish missionary journeyed to spread the faith reported his adventures on a voyage to the Americas to St. Brendan the Navigator 6th century. Saint Barrid tells of his visit to the Island of Paradise, which prompts Brendan to go in search of the isle. possibly a bishop, and friend of Sts. Columba and Brendan. Barrfoin took charge of a church founded by St. Columba in Drum Cullen, Offaly. He lived at Killbarron. He also journeyed to spread the faith. Barrfoin reported his adventures on a voyage to the Americas to St. Brendan the Navigator. 1170 ST GODRIC endowed with extraordinary powers—notably with the gifts of prophecy and a knowledge of distant events. He foretold the death of Bishop William of Durham, and the exile, return and martyrdom of St Thomas Becket, whom he had never seen. He often beheld scenes that were being enacted far away, breaking off a conversation to pray for vessels in imminent danger of shipwreck. He also knew beforehand the date of his own death which occurred on May 21, 1170, after he had spent some sixty years in his hermitage. At a later period there was built at Finchale a monastery, the ruins of which survive. St Godric is the co-titular of a Catholic church in Durham. ST GODRIC was born of very poor parents at Walpole in Norfolk, and in his youth earned a living by peddling in the neighbouring villages. As he improved his stock he was able to go farther afield to the great fairs and cities. Then the spirit of adventure seized him, and he took to a seafaring life which he pursued for sixteen years. He made voyages to Scotland, Flanders and Scandinavia, and probably traded in the ports he visited, for he was able to purchase a half-share in one merchant vessel and a quarter-share in another. The life was a rough one with many temptations, and one chronicler refers to him as a pirate but on a visit which he paid to Lindisfarne he was deeply impressed by the account given him of the life of St Cuthbert, whom he ever afterwards regarded with special veneration. He undertook a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, which had lately been captured by the Crusaders, and on the homeward journey he visited Compostela.* [* For the service rendered by “Gudericus pirata de regno Angliae” to King Baldwin I of Jerusalem, see S. Runciman, History of the Crusades, vol. ii (1953), p. 79 (Albert of Aix, Chronicon, ix).] 1577 Blessed Catherine of Cardona hermit for 20 years Carmelite V (PC. Born in Naples, Italy, 1519; Catherine was born in Italy of a noble Spanish family. She lived for a time at the court of Philip II of Spain. Then she retired near Roda in southern Spain to live as a hermit for 20 years until she was received into a Carmelite convent, where, however, she continued to live as an anchoress. Saint Teresa of Avila speaks very highly of her (Benedictines). 1657 Andrew Bobola Polish aristocrat who joined the Jesuits kindness to plague dying and care for the dead martyred
incorrupt after 150 years a specially remarkable circumstance
in view of the respect for this phenomenon popularly shown
among the dissident Orthodox. And the doctors were able
to confirm the horrible details of his death SJ M (RM). As soon as he was relieved
of his charge, he resumed the missionary career which
he had pursued for more than twenty years, travelling the
country and bringing whole villages of separated Orthodox back
to communion with the Holy See, besides converting numerous lax
Catholics. His success brought upon him hatred and opposition.
One form of petty persecution he found particularly trying. For several
years, whenever he entered a village with a sufficiently large
anti-Catholic population, he was met by an organized band of children
who, in accordance with instructions from their elders, followed
him about, hurling abusive epithets at him and trying to shout him
down. He never lost patience with them, nor was he daunted or discouraged
by threats or opposition. Poland at this time had become the scene
of a sanguinary conflict in which the revolted Cossacks took a prominent
part. The Jesuit missionaries were driven from their churches and colleges
by these relentless foes, and they took refuge in a district of swamps,
lakes and marshland formed by branches of the Pripet and Berezina and
known as Podlesia. Thither Prince Radziwill invited the Jesuits, to whom
he offered one of his residences at Pinsk in 1652. St Andrew accepted
the invitation although he fully anticipated the fate that was in store
for him.
1740 Theophilus
of Corte priest taught theology OFM famous missioner
throughout Italy Corsica zealous 1915-1928 St. Cristóbal Magallanes and Companions: These martyrs did not die as a single group but in eight Mexican states, with Jalisco and Zacatecas having the largest number. They were beatified in 1992 and canonized eight years later. Like Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro, S.J., Cristóbal and his 24 companion martyrs lived under a very anti-Catholic government in Mexico, one determined to weaken the Catholic faith of its people. Churches, schools and seminaries were closed; foreign clergy were expelled. Cristóbal established a clandestine seminary at Totatiche, Jalisco. Magallanes and the other priests were forced to minister secretly to Catholics during the presidency of Plutarco Calles (1924-28). All of these martyrs except three were diocesan priests. David, Manuel and Salvador were laymen who died with their parish priest, Luis Batis. All of these martyrs belonged to the Cristero movement, pledging their allegiance to Christ and to the Church that he established to spread the Good News in society—even if Mexico's leaders once made it a crime to receive Baptism or celebrate the Mass. Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 22
He was the bishop of Comana, in Pontus and was beheaded. His remains were thrown into a river near Nicomedia. Basiliscus' body was taken to Comana. Reappeared to St. John Chrysostom just before the death of that Doctor of the Church. Basiliscus of Comana M (RM) Bishop Basiliscus of Comana, Pontus, Asia Minor, was beheaded under Maximin the Thracian (a.k.a. Maximinus Daia) and his body thrown into a river near Nicomedia. It was recovered and buried in Comana. This was the martyr who appeared to Saint John Chrysostom on the eve of the holy doctor's death in the church dedicated to Saint Basiliscus to encourage him (Benedictines, Husenbeth). 600 St. Fulk pilgrim gave his life for others in time of plague. Patron saint of Castrofuli, in southern Italy, a pilgrim who gave his life for others in time of plague. On his way to Rome, Fulk stopped at Castrofuli to help plague victims. He died of that pestilence, and his cult was approved in 1522 1457 St. Rita of Cascia wife mother widow religious community member legendary austerity prayerfulness charity. At Cascia in Umbria, St. Rita, a widow and nun of the Order of the Hermits of St. Augustine, who, after being disengaged from her earthly marriage, loved only her eternal spouse Christ. She is patron of those in desperate situations (perhaps an allusion to her own life), of parenthood, and against infertility. In Spain Rita is known as "La Abogada de Imposibles", the patron saint of desperate cases, particularly matrimonial difficulties. An Italian poll showed that her popularity is greater than that of the Madonna (White). Rita is especially venerated in Cascia and Spoleto (Roeder). Also Peter of Cuerva, a martyr of Japan. A Spaniard from Cuerva, near Toledo, he entered the Franciscans and was sent to Japan in 1601 with fifty other members of the order. While there, he was named guardian of the Franciscan friary at Nagasaki. Arrested by Japanese officials,
he was imprisoned at Omura and, with Blessed John
Machado, was beheaded at Nagasaki. Beatified in 1867,
he is considered the first martyr of the second great Japanese
persecution.
1614 Bl. Peter of the Assumption Spaniard martyr of Japan 1617 St. John Baptist Machado Azores Jesuit martyr of Japan 1622 Bl. Matthias of Arima native catechist Martyr of Japan 1854 ST JOACHIMA DE MAS Y DE VEDRUNA, WIDOW, FOUNDRESS OF THE CARMELITES of CHARITY 1857 St. Michael Ho-Dinh-Hy native Martyr of Vietnam arrested for his Christian activities Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 23
In Spain, the holy martyrs
Epitacius, a bishop, and Basileus.
Epitacius was the first
bishop of Tuy, Spain. Basileus ruled Braga, Portugal. At
Amasea in Pontus, St. Basileus, bishop and martyr, whose illustrious
martyrdom occurred under Emperor Licinius.
His body was thrown into the sea, but was found by Elpidiphorus,
through the revelation of an angel, and was honorably buried.Epitacius and Basileus MM (RM) 1st century. It is likely that Saint Epitacius was the first bishop of Tuy in Spanish Galicia and Basileus the first bishop of Braga, Portugal (Benedictines). 303 Martyrs of Cappadocia A group of Christians put to death In Cappadocia, the commemoration of the holy martyrs who died by having their legs crushed, in the persecution of Maximian Galerius. Also in Mesopotamia, those martyrs who, at the same time, were suspended in the air with their heads downward, suffocated with smoke, and consumed by a slow fire, thus fulfilling their martyrdom. A group of Christians who suffered martyrdom in Mesopotamia under the Roman imperial authorities. Martyrs of Mesopotamia (RM) These martyrs suffered under Maximian Galerius (Benedictines). 307 Martyrs of Mesopotamia under Maximian Galerius Martyrs of Cappadocia (RM) A group of martyrs who died under Galerius after extreme torture (Benedictines). 407 St. Desiderius Bishop martyr attempt to convince warriors not to massacre his flock At Langres in France, the martyrdom of the holy bishop Desiderius, who visited the king to offer entreaties in behalf of his people who were mistreated by the Vandal army. He was immediately condemned to beheading, and willingly presenting his head to receive the blow of the sword, he died for the sheep committed to his charge and departed for heaven. With him suffered many of his flock, who are buried in the same city; also called Dizier. A native of Genoa, Italy, he became bishop of Langres, in France. When the Vandals invaded the region, Desiderius pleaded for his people and was slain. 6th v. Eutychius and Florentius 2 monks Saint Gregory the Great praised their virtues and miracles (RM). At Norcia, Saints Eutychius and Florentius, monks, mentioned by the blessed Pope Gregory. Two monks who successively governed a monastery in Valcastoria near Norcia (Nursia?), Italy. Saint Gregory the Great praised their virtues
and miracles (Benedictines).
Dodo of the St David-Gareji Monastery, Georgia Venerable . A companion of St. Davit of Gareji, St. Dodo belonged to the royal family Andronikashvili. He was tonsured a monk while still an youth, and was endowed with every virtue. An admirer of poverty and solitude, he labored as a hermit at Ninotsminda in Kakheti. Having heard about the miracles of Davit of Gareji, St. Dodo set off for the Gareji Wilderness to witness them himself. The venerable fathers greeted one another warmly and began laboring there together. After some time, St. Davit became deeply impressed with Dodo’s devotion to the Faith, and he proposed that he take with him some of the other monks and begin to construct cells on the opposite mountain. The brothers built cells and began to labor there with great ardor. Before long the number of cells had reached two hundred. St. Dodo isolated himself in a narrow crevice, where there was barely room for one man. Day and night, winter and summer, in the heat and the cold, he prayed with penitent tears for the forgiveness of his sins, the strengthening of the souls of his brothers, and the bolstering of the true Faith throughout the country. 787 Saint Syagrius (Siacre) of Nice kinsman of Blessed Charlemagne monk of Lérins founder abbot bishop of Nice OSB B (AC). Saint Syagrius, kinsman of Blessed Charlemagne, was a monk of Lérins. Later he founded and became the abbot of Saint Pons at Cimiez in Provence, from where he was consecrated at bishop of Nice in 777 (Benedictines). 820 St. Michael
of Synnada Bishop disciple of St. Tarasius of Constantinople
enemy of Iconoclast heretics in the Byzantine Empire. Synnadæ, in Phrygia, sancti Michaélis
Epíscopi. At Synnada in Phrygia,
St. Michael, bishop.
St. Michael of Synnadawas bishop of Synnada, Phrygia, in modem Turkey. He carried a synodal document from St. Tarasius to Pope St. Leo III in Rome. An enemy of the Iconoclast heretics in the Byzantine Empire, Michael was exiled to Galatia by Emperor Leo V the Armenian. 962 Guibert (Guibertus) of Gembloux abandoned his military career for the religious life active in missionary work among the Hungarian and Slav soldiers OSB Abbot (AC). Died at Gorze on May 23, 962; canonized in 1211. Guibert, a noble of Lorraine, was a well-known military leader, but he abandoned his military career for the religious life. He became a hermit on his estate at Gembloux, Brabant, and with the help of his Grandmother Gisla, in 936 founded a Benedictine monastery on the estate with Herluin as abbot and donated the estate to the monastery. 1073 Saint Leonitus of Rostov Bishop and wonderworker of Rostov BM (RM). 1077 ST LEONTIUS, BISHOP OF ROSTOV, MARTYR Helped by the gift of miracles, he is said to have brought paganism to an end around Rostov; St Leontius was distinguished as "the hieromartyr", that is, the martyr who was a priest. Russian usage commemorates him at the preparation of the holy things in the Byzantine Mass, This Leontius, who was a Greek from Constantinople, was the first monk of the Caves of Kiev to become a bishop, when soon after the year 1051 he was given charge of the eparchy of Rostov. He was one of a line of remarkable missionary bishops of this see, and though he received much persecution at the hands of the heathen he was reputed to be more successful in their conversion than any of his predecessors. Helped by the gift of miracles, he is said to have brought paganism to an end around Rostov, but in view of the mission of St Abraham fifty years later this can hardly be the case (unless St Abraham has been wrongly dated). St Leontius died in or about 1077, and because of the ill-treatment he suffered from the heathen he has ever been venerated as a martyr. It is said that two laymen, Varangians, were the first to die for the Christian faith in Russia, in the time of St Vladimir the Great, and St Leontius was distinguished as "the hieromartyr", that is, the martyr who was a priest. Russian usage commemorates him at the preparation of the holy things in the Byzantine Mass. 1116 St. Ivo of Chartres One of the most notable bishops of France at the time of the Investiture struggles and the most important canonist before Gratian in the Occident. To the order of Canons Regular of St Augustine the Church in the eleventh century was indebted for one of the most venerated of her episcopal rulers. Ivo, bishop of Chartres, was born in the territory of Beauvais and studied theology under the celebrated Lanfranc in the abbey of Bec. After occupying a canonry at Nesles in Picardy, he took the habit at the monastery of Saint-Quentin, a house of regular canons, where he was appointed to lecture on theology, canon law and the Holy Scriptures. Afterwards Ivo ruled as superior for fourteen years, during the course of which he raised the house to a high pitch of discipline and learning, so that he was constantly being called upon by bishops and princes to send his canons to other places either to reform ancient chapters or to found new ones. The observances of Saint-Quentin were adopted by St Botulf's at Colchester, the first Augustinian house in England. When, in the year 1091, Geoffrey, bishop of Chartres, was deposed for simony and other misdemeanours, the clergy and St. Ivo of Chartres people demanded Ivo for their bishop. He was very unwilling to emerge from his retirement, but Bd Urban II confirmed his election and Ivo set out for Capua, where he was consecrated by the pope, who subsequently checked the endeavours of Richerius, archbishop of Sens, to reinstate Geoffrey. Scarcely was St Ivo firmly established in his see than he found himself faced with the necessity of opposing the will of his sovereign. King Philip I had become so greatly enamoured of Bertrada, the third wife of Fulk, Count of Anjou, that he had determined to marry her and to divorce his queen Bertha, in spite of the fact that she had borne him two children. Ivo did his utmost to dissuade the king from proceeding further, but when he found his remonstrances unavailing he declared openly that he would prefer to be cast into the sea with a mill-stone round his neck rather than countenance such a scandal; and he absented himself from the wedding ceremony at which the bishop of Senlis connived. Philip in revenge had him put in prison, seized his revenues and sent officers to plunder his lands. Strong representations, however, were made by the pope, by other influential personages and by the citizens of Chartres, and he was released. Philip indeed could scarcely fail to realize that the bishop was amongst his most loyal subjects, for St Ivo, while actually in custody, nipped in the bud a conspiracy of nobles against their sovereign; and, when the affair had dragged on for years, he exerted himself to reconcile Philip to the Holy See and at the Council of Beaugency in 1104 recommended the absolution of the king, whose real wife had in the meantime died. Though he was devoted to the Holy See, St Ivo maintained a sufficiently independent attitude to enable him to act as mediator in the dispute over investitures and to protest openly against the greed of certain Roman legates and the simony of members of the papal court. St Ivo died on December 23, 1116, after having governed his see for twenty-three years. He was a voluminous writer and many of his works have survived. His most famous literary undertaking was a collection of decrees drawn from papal and conciliar letters and canons accepted by the fathers. This is preserved to us in two, if not three, independent compilations. We have also 24 sermons and 288 letters which shed an interesting light on contemporary history and ecclesiastical discipline. 1173 Euphrosyne of Polotsk only East Slav virgin saint Euphrosyne earned $ copying books distributed to the poor. WHEN Russia received the Christian faith from Constantinople at the end of the tenth century the Byzantine liturgy of worship also was adopted, including the calendar with its commemorations of numerous Greek and other saints. As time went by Russian holy ones were added to the sanctorale; but in this connection there were two rather curious modifications of Greek and Western practice. The first was the very secondary place given to martyrs for the faith as compared with great ascetics or such "sufferers" as SS. Boris and Gleb. The second was the lack of veneration for holy maidens (the All-Holy Mother of God of course excepted). Early Russian iconography ignored the virgin saints of the Greek calendar almost completely; and only twelve women have been canonized by the Russian Church, and of these, eleven have been married. The exception was St Euphrosyne of Polotsk. 1201 St. William of Rochester miracles occurred at grave experienced conversion as a young man devoted himself to the care of the poor and orphans. THE story of this William is that he was a holy and charitable burgher of Perth, who set out from Scotland to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He took with him one David, a foundling whom he had adopted. In the neighbourhood of Rochester this lad murdered his benefactor. The body was found by a poor woman who roamed about the country crazy and half-naked; she made a garland of honeysuckle and laid it on the corpse. Afterwards, putting the wreath on her own head, she was restored to her right mind and gave notice to the people of Rochester. They came out and honourably buried the victim of this crime. Miracles followed, and it is even St. William of Rochester alleged that William was canonized by Pope Alexander IV in 1256. What is certain is that before this time there was already a shrine of "St William" in Rochester Cathedral, which was a notable centre of popular devotion. 1587 St. Felix of Cantalice the first Franciscan Capuchin ever canonized developed the habit of praying while he worked model of simplicity and charity. AMONGST the numerous persons of all ranks who were led by the example of the early Franciscans to abandon all things in order to embrace holy poverty was a prominent citizen of Montepulciano named Bartholomew Pucci-Franceschi. He was a married man and had lived an exemplary Christian life with his family for many years when the call came to him to serve God in complete renunciation of the world. With the consent of his wife, who herself took the vow of chastity, he entered the Franciscan Order. Soon he surpassed all his brethren in piety, and was induced, though against his wish, to receive holy orders. He had frequent visions of our Lady and of angels, and performed many miracles, particularly in the multiplication of food. To avoid human respect he tried to become a "fool for Christ's sake", behaving at times in such a manner as to be ridiculed and pelted by children in the streets. He lived to be very old, and died at Montepulciano on May 6, 1750 St. Crispin of Viterbo Franciscan lay brother, noted for miracles, prophecies, and holiness Born Peter Fioretti, in Viterbo, Italy, on November 13, 1668, he studied at the Jesuit College, and became a shoemaker. At twenty-five he entered the Franciscan Capuchins and took the name Crispin. He served as a gardener and as a cook. He called himself “the little beast of burden of the Capuchins.” During an epidemic, Crispin effected many miraculous cures. He was also venerated for his prophecies and spiritual wisdom. Crispin died in Rome on May 19. He was beautified in 1806 and canonized in 1982. 1764 John Baptist de Rossi combined enfleshment of social Gospel with cure of souls catechized teamsters farmers cattlemen from the country sought help homeless women girls living in streets beggars prostitutes (RM) THIS holy priest was born in 1698 at the village of Voltaggio in the diocese of Genoa, and was one of the four children of an excellent and highly respected couple. When he was ten, a nobleman and his wife who were spending the summer at Voltaggio obtained permission from his parents to take him back with them to Genoa to be trained in their house. He remained with them three years, winning golden opinions from all, notably from two Capuchin friars who came to his patron's home. They carried such a favourable report of the boy to his uncle, who was then minister provincial of the Capuchins, that a cousin, Lorenzo Rossi, a canon of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, invited him to come to Rome. The offer was accepted, and John Baptist entered the Roman College at the age of thirteen. Popular with his teacher's and with his fellow pupils, he had completed the classical course with distinction when the reading of an ascetical book led him to embark on excessive mortifications. The strain on his strength at a time when he was working hard led to a complete breakdown, which obliged him to leave the Roman College. He recovered sufficiently to complete his training at the Minerva, but he never was again really robust. Indeed, his subsequent labours were performed under the handicap of almost constant suffering. On March 8, 1721, at the age of twenty-three, John Baptist was ordained, and his first Mass was celebrated in the Roman College at the altar of St Aloysius Gonzaga, to whom he always had a special devotion. Even in his student days he had been in the habit of visiting the hospitals, often in the company of his fellow pupils, over whom he exercised the same influence that he had wielded over the children of Voltaggio. Now, as a priest, he could do far more for the patients. Very particularly did he love the hospice of St Galla, a night refuge for paupers which had been founded by Pope Celestine III. 1951 Army Chaplain Capt Emil J Kapaun Servant of God http://www.frkapaun.org/ http://cbi-theater-6.home.comcast.net/~cbi-theater-6/kapaun/kapaun.html Kapaun, who volunteered for the Korean War after serving as a chaplain during World War II, is now being considered for sainthood by the Vatican. Father Kapaun, was born in Pilsen, Kansas in the Diocese of Wichita, Kansas on Holy Thursday, April 20, 1916. He was ordained as a Priest for the Diocese on June 9, 1940 and entered the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps in 1944. Separated from the service in 1946, he re-entered the Army in 1948 and was sent to Japan the following year. In July of 1950 Father Kapaun was ordered to Korea. On November 2 of that same year he was taken as a prisoner of war. In the seven months in prison, Father Kapaun spent himself in heroic service to his fellow prisoners without regard for race, color or creed. To this there is testimony of men of all faiths. Ignoring his own ill health, he nursed the sick and wounded until a blood clot in his leg prevented his daily rounds. Moved to a so-called hospital, but denied medical assistance, his death soon followed on May 23, 1951. The Diocese of Wichita and the Vatican have begun the formal process that could lead to Father Kapaun's canonization. In 1993, it was announced that Fr. Kapaun would receive the title of "Servant of God". Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 25
At Veroli in Campania, the translation of St. Mary, the mother of James the Less, whose revered body is noted for many miracles. James, the Apostle, son of Alphaeus; James (son of Alphaeus) One of the 12 Apostles. He is named in the list of Apostles in Matthew 10:1-3, Mark 3:14-19, Luke 6:13-16, and Acts 1:13. His mother's name was Mary and she was one of the women who went to the tomb of Jesus, and found that it had been opened. James was also called "James the Less" and "James the Younger." 230 Pope Urban I Alexander Severus Roman emperor 222-35 favoured a religious eclecticism and also protected Christianity; Reigned 222-30, date of birth unknown; died 23 May, 230. According to the "Liber Pontificalis," Urban was a Roman and his father's name was Pontianus. After the death of Callistus I (14 October, 222) Urban was elected Bishop of Rome, of which Church he was the head for eight years, according to Eusebius (Hist. eccl., VI, 23). The document called the Liberian catalogue of popes puts the beginning of his pontificate in the year 223 and its close in the year 230. The dissension produced in the Roman Church by Hippolytus (q.v.) continued to exist during Urban's pontificate. Hippolytus and his adherents persisted in schism; it was probably during the reign of Urban that Hippolytus wrote his "Philosophumena", in which he attacked Pope Callistus severely. Urban maintained the same attitude towards the schismatical party and its leader that his predecessor had adopted. The historical authorities say nothing of any other factious troubles in the life of the Roman Church during this era. In 222 Alexander Severus became Roman emperor. He favoured a religious eclecticism and also protected Christianity. His mother, Julia Mammaea, was a friend of the Alexandrine teacher Origen, whom she summonded to Antioch. Hippolytus dedicated his work on the Resurrection to her. The result of the favourable opinion of Christianity held by the emperor and his mother was that Christians enjoyed complete peace in essentials, although their legal status was not changed. The historian Lampridius (Alex. Sever., c. xxii) says emphatically that Alexander Severus made no trouble for the Christians: "Christianos esse passus est." Undoubtedly the Roman Church experienced the happy results of these kindly intentions and was unmolested during this emperor's reign (222-235). The emperor even protected Roman Christians in a legal dispute over the ownership of a piece of land. When they wished to build a church on a piece of land in Rome which was also claimed by tavern-keepers, the matter was brought before the imperial court, and Severus decided in favour of the Christians, declaring it was better that God should be worshipped on that spot (Lampridius, "Alex. Sever.", c. xlix). 359 St. Dionysius of Milan Bishop defended Athanasius banished to Cappadocia with Eusebius of Vercelli and Lucifer of Cagliari; 360 ST DIONYSIUS, BISHOP OF MILAN AMONGST the few faithful bishops who upheld the cause of St Athanasius when the whole world seemed to have turned against him, a place of honour must be accorded to St Dionysius, who succeeded Protasius in 351 as metropolitan of Milan. An ardent champion of the Catholic faith, he found himself summoned in 355 to attend, in his own episcopal city but at the imperial palace, a synod which the Arian Emperor Constantius had convoked to pronounce the condemnation of Athanasius. Although nearly all the prelates present were overawed into signing the decree, St Dionysius, St Eusebius of Vercelli, and Lucifer of Cagliari refused to do so. They were accordingly banished, and St Dionysius retired into Cappadocia, where he died about the year 360, probably shortly before the Emperor Julian sanctioned the return of the exiles to their churches. A point of interest is the fact that the remains of the saint were sent back to Milan all the way from Cappadocia by St Basil. The letter in which Basil describes to St Ambrose the care taken to authenticate the relics is still preserved. 550 St. Leo of Troyes Abbot who succeeded St. Romanus at Mautenay; 550 ST LEO, or LYE, ABBOT AT Mantenay, a village in the diocese of
Troyes, St Leo’s whole life was passed: there he
was born and there he entered a monastery which had been built
not very many years earlier by St Romanus, afterwards bishop
of Rheims. First as a simple monk, afterwards as abbot in succession
to Romanus, Leo led an edifying and uneventful existence. One
night when he lay, as was his custom, on the baptistery floor, St Hilary,
St Martin of Tours and St Anastasius of Orleans appeared to announce
his death which, they told him, was to take place in three days.
St Leo asked for a three days’ respite to enable him to obtain a mortuary
habit which a good woman had promised him. The delay was granted and
a messenger was despatched from the abbey to ask for the garment. The
lady acknowledged that she had not yet made it as the father abbot
seemed hale and hearty, but said he should have it in three days. The
promise was kept: the habit was duly sent: and St Leo at the appointed
time passed to his reward.
A short account of St Leo is given both in Mabillon
and the Acta Sanctorum,
May, vol. vi, but the materials merit little confidence.
His name, however, has been included in certain later recensions
of the Hieronymianum.735 Venerable St. Bede born near St. Peter and St. Paul monastery at Wearmouth-Jarrow, England Doctor of the Church {Pope Leo XIII}. At Jarrow in England, the death of St. Venerable Bede, priest, confessor and doctor of the Church, well known for his sanctity and scholarship. His feast, however, was celebrated on the 27th day of May. His Ecclesiastical History of the English People is commonly regarded as of decisive importance in the art and science of writing history. A golden age was coming to an end at the time of Bede’s death: It had fulfilled its purpose of preparing Western Christianity to assimilate the non-Roman barbarian North. Bede recognized the opening to a new day in the life of the Church even as it was happening. He was sent there when he was three and educated by Abbots Benedict Biscop and Ceolfrid. He became a monk at the monastery, was ordained when thirty, and except for a few brief visits elsewhere, spent all of his life in the monastery, devoting himself to the study of Scripture and to teaching and writing. He is considered one of the most learned men of his time and a major influence on English literature. His writings are a veritable summary of the learning of his time and include commentaries on the Pentateuch and various other books of the Bible, theological and scientific treatises, historical works, and biographies. His best-known work is HISTORIA ECCLESIASTICA, a history of the English Church and people, which he completed in 731. It is an account of Christianity in England up to 729 and is a primary source of early English history. Called "the Venerable" to acknowledge his wisdom and learning, the title was formalized at the Council of Aachen in 853. He was a careful scholar and distinguished stylist, the "father" of English history, the first to date events anno domini (A.D.), and in 1899, was declared the only English doctor of the Church. He died in Wearmouth-Jarrow on May 25. 735 ST BEDE THE VENERABLE, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH ALMOST all that is known about the life of St Bede is derived from a short account he has given of himself and from a touching description of his last hours written by one of his disciples, a monk called Cuthbert. In the closing chapter of his famous work, the Ecclesiastical History of the English People, the Venerable Bede says: “Thus much concerning the
ecclesiastical history of Britain and especially of the
English nation, I, Bede, a servant of Christ and priest of
the monastery of the Blessed Apostles St Peter and St Paul,
which is at Wear-mouth and at Jarrow, have with the Lord’s help
composed so far as I could gather it either from ancient documents
or from the traditions of our forefathers or from my own knowledge.
I was born in the territory of the said monastery and at the age
of seven I was, by the care of my relations, given to the most reverend
Abbot Benedict [St Benedict Biscop] and afterwards to Ceolfrid to
be educated. From that time I have spent my whole life in that monastery,
devoting all my efforts to the study of the Scriptures, and amid the
observance of monastic discipline and the daily charge of singing
in the church it has ever been my delight to learn or teach or write.
In my nineteenth year I was admitted to the diaconate and in my thirtieth
to the priesthood—both by the hands of the most reverend Bishop
John [St John of Beverley] and at the bidding of Abbot Ceolfrid. From
the time of my ordination up till my present fifty-ninth year I have
endeavoured, for my own use and that of the brethren, to make brief notes
upon the Holy Scriptures either out of the works of the venerable fathers
or in conformity with their meaning and interpretation.”
He goes on to give a list of
his writings and concludes with the words:“And I pray thee, loving Jesus,
that as thou hast graciously given me to drink in with delight the words
of thy knowledge, so thou wouldst mercifully grant me to attain one day to
thee, the fountain of all wisdom, and to appear for ever before thy face.”
That Bede sometimes visited friends in other monasteries has been inferred from the fact that in 733 he stayed for a few days in York with Archbishop Egbert; but except for such brief interludes his life was spent in a round of prayer and praise, of writing and of study. A fortnight before Easter 735 he began to be much troubled by shortness of breath, and all seem to have realized that the end was near. Nevertheless his pupils continued to study by his bedside and to read aloud, their reading often interrupted by tears. He for his part gave thanks to God. During the “Great Forty Days” from Easter to the Ascension, in addition to singing the office and instructing his pupils, he was engaged on a translation of St John’s Gospel into English, and a collection of notes from St Isidore; for, he said, “I will not have my scholars read what is false
or labour unprofitably on this after my death.” On Rogation
Tuesday he began to be much worse, but he passed the day peacefully
and dictated in school, saying occasionally: “Go on quickly:
I do not know how long I shall hold out and whether my Maker will
soon remove me.”
After a wakeful night
spent in thanksgiving he began to dictate the last chapter
of St John. At three in the afternoon he sent for the priests
of the monastery, distributed to them some pepper, incense and a
little linen which he had in a box and asked for their prayers. They
wept much when he said they would see his face on earth no more, but
rejoiced that he was about to return to his Creator. In the evening
the boy who was acting as his amanuensis said, “There is still
one sentence, dear master, which is not written down”, and when
that last passage had been supplied and he was told that it was
finished, Bede exclaimed, “You have well said...all is finished. Take
my head in your hands that I may have the comfort of sitting opposite
the holy place where I used to pray and that, so sitting, I may
call upon my Father.” And on the floor of his cell, singing “Glory be
to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost”, he breathed his
last.Several fantastic stories have been invented to account for the title of “Venerable” by which Bede is known ; it was actually a term of respect not infrequently bestowed in days of old upon distinguished members of religious orders. We find it applied to Bede by the Council of Aáchen in 836, and the title seems to have struck the public imagination as peculiarly suitable. It has clung to him through the succeeding centuries and, though in 1899 he was authoritatively recognized as saint and doctor of the Church, it remains his special designation to this day. Bede, the only English doctor of the Church, is the only Englishman who sufficiently impressed Dante to name him in the Paradiso. That that one should be Bede is not surprising: the monk who hardly left his monastery became known throughout England and far beyond—his homilies are read in the Divine Office everywhere in the Western church. But for his Ecclesiastical History—which is more than ecclesiastical—England’s history before 729, “the year of the comets” would be dark indeed; through the school of York, founded by his pupil Archbishop Egbert, and by his own writings, he was a power in the scholarship of Carolingian Europe; and if we know little enough about his personal life, that account of his last hours by the monk Cuthbert is enough—“the death of his saints is precious in the eyes of the Lord”. St Boniface said of Bede that he was “a light of the Church lit by the Holy Ghost”; and that light has never been quenched, even in this world. Many books have
been written about St Bede and his times, especially by
Anglicans. Dr William Bright’s Chapters of Early
English Church History (1878) is in some respects
open to objection from a Catholic point of view, but no one has
written more eloquently or sympathetically of Bede’s own
character. Bede His Life, Times and Writings,
ed. by A. Hamilton Thompson (1935), is a most valuable collection
of essays by non-Catholic scholars. H. M. Gillett’s popular biography
is excellent, as is the essay in R. W. Chambers’s Man’s Unconquerable Mind (1939), pp.
23—52. In the Acta Sanctorum, May, vol.
vi, we have little but what purports to be a life by Turgot, really
an extract from Simeon of Durham, and an account of the translation
of Bede’s remains to Durham cathedral. The definitive edition of
the Ecclesiastical History and other historical
works is C. Plummer’s (1896), but there are several more popular
translated editions; Stapleton’s delightful version (1565) was reprinted
in 1930, and modernized by P. Hereford in 1935. For Bede’s martyrology,
see D. Quentin, Les martyrologes historiques (1908).
See also T. D. Hardy, Descriptive Catalogue
(RolIs Series), vol. i, pp. 450—455. “Remember”, writes Cardinal
Gasquet, “what the work was upon which St Bede was engaged upon his
deathbed—the translation of the gospels into English”…But of this work
“ to break the word to the poor and unlearned” nothing is now extant.
1085 Pope Gregory VII At Salerno, the death of blessed , a most zealous protector and champion of Church liberty. 1085 ST GREGORY VII, POPE THE Bollandist compilers of the Acta Sanctorum remark by way of a preface to the life of Gregory VII that he suffered much from persecutions during his lifetime and from calumnies after his death. It is, however, satisfactory to note that, whereas it was once the fashion to depict this great pope as an ecclesiastical tyrant, modern historians are agreed in recognizing his whole policy to have been inspired, not by ambition, but by an unquenchable thirst for justice—the establishment of righteousness upon the earth. At Salerno, the death of blessed Pope Gregory VII, a most zealous protector and champion of Church liberty. One of the greatest of the Roman pontiffs and one of the most remarkable men of all times; born between the years 1020 and 1025, at Soana, or Ravacum, in Tuscany; died 25 May, 1085, at Salerno. 1607 St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi virgin of the Order of the Carmelites famed for her holy life suffering mystic. Her lifelong devotion to Pentecost can be easily understood because her trial ended in ecstasy in 1590. At this time she could have asked for any gifts but she wanted two in particular: to look on any neighbor as good and holy without judgment and to always have God's presence before her. Far from enjoying the attention her mystical experiences brought her, she was embarrassed by it. For all her days, she wanted a hidden life and tried everything she could to achieve it. When God commanded her to go barefoot as part of her penance and she could not walk with shoes, she simply cut the soles out of her shoes so no one would see her as different from the other nuns. If she felt an ecstasy coming on, she would hurry to finish her work and go back to her room. She learned to see the notoriety as part of God's will. When teaching a novice to accept God's will, she told her, "I wanted a hidden life but, see, God wanted something quite different for me." Some still might think it was easy for her to be holy with all the help from God. Yet when she was asked once why she was weeping before the cross, she answered that she had to force herself to do something right that she didn't want to do. It's true that when a sister criticized her for acting so different, she thanked her, "May God reward you! You have never spoken truer words!" but she told others it hurt her quite a bit to be nice to someone who insulted her. 1865 St. Madeleine Sophie Barat foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, who devoted her labours for the Christian education At Paris, St. Madeleine-Sophie Barat, foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, who devoted her labours for the Christian education of girls. She was added to the list of holy virgins by Pope Pius XI. Her feast is observed on the 29th of May.
A deceased holy nun appeared
before the same altar where Mary praying & levitating
during an hour of devotion. Mary asked her why she was
here. The nun said she had not performed the hour of devotion
out of love for God but because she had to -- obligated to , grudgling--
and not a privelidge before the Lord and Savior. Therefore,
she was in purgatory for that, even thouth the nun was known for
her piety and holiness, and faithful for to her duties. Now
the nun was only allowed to adore Jesus in the blessed sacrament for
one hour.At Assisi in Umbria, the translation of St. Francis, confessor, in the time of Pope Gregory IX 1227-1241. Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 26
Saint Carpus was one of the Seventy Apostles chosen and sent forth to preach by Christ (Luke 10:1). He was bishop of Verria in Macedonia. St Carpos and St Alphaeus were numbered with the Seventy, and ministered to the holy Apostle Paul, journeying with him and conveying his epistles to those to whom they were written. St Carpos became Bishop of Beroea in Thrace, where he endured great tribulations while bringing many of the heathen to holy Baptism, and suffered martyrdom there. St Paul mentions him in 2 Timothy 4:13 The Holy Apostle Alphaeus of the Seventy
from the Galilean city of Capernaum father of the
Apostles James and Matthew.
604 Saint Augustine was from Italy, and a disciple of St Felix, Bishop of Messana At Canterbury in England, St. Augustine, bishop, who was sent there with others by blessed Pope Gregory, and who preached the Gospel of Christ to the English nation. Celebrated for virtues and miracles, he went peacefully to his rest in the Lord. The 28th of May is observed as his feast. St Gregory Dialogus (March12) chose him to lead a mission of forty monks to evangelize the people of Britain. They arrived at Ebbsfleet (on the isle of Thanet) in Kent in 597. 1154 ST LAMBERT, BISHOP OF VENICE instructing the people and healing many sick persons by prayer and the laying-on of hands. He was famous for his learning and for his miracles. ST LAMBERT was born at Bauduen, in the diocese of Riez, and became a monk in the abbey of Lérins, where he had lived from his childhood. Though kindly to all and popular with his brethren, he was so great a lover of solitude and study that he never left his cell except when obedience required him to do so. Much against his will he was made bishop of Vence in 1114. For forty years he ruled his diocese, instructing the people and healing many sick persons by prayer and the laying-on of hands. He was famous for his learning and for his miracles. Beloved of all, he died in the year 1154, and was buried in his cathedral church. 1258 Blessed Eva of Liege together w/Blessed Juliana prioress of Mount Cornillon, their enthusiastic purpose was to obtain the institution of a feast in honor of the Blessed Sacrament--granted by Pope Urban IV. WHEN Bd Juliana was prioress of Mount Cornillon, one of her closest friends was a holy recluse, Eva, or Heva, of Liège, whom she inspired with her own enthusiastic purpose to obtain the institution of a feast in honour of the Blessed Sacrament. It was in Eva’s cell near the church of St Martin that Juliana found refuge when she was driven for the first time from Cornillon, and it was Eva who took up her mission after she died. The accession of Pope Urban IV raised her hopes, for he had formerly shown himself sympathetic when, as Archdeacon James Pantaleon, he had been approached on the subject by Bd Juliana. Eva’s hopes were fulfilled. Not only did he institute the festival of Corpus Christi, but he sent to her the bull of authorization as well as the special office for the day which St Thomas Aquinas had compiled at his desire. The cultus of Bd Eva was confirmed in 1902. 1595 Saint Philip Neri Patron of Rome showed the humorous side of holiness known to be spontaneous and unpredictable, charming and humorous. At Rome, St. Philip Neri, priest and confessor, founder of the Congregation of the Oratory, celebrated for his virginal purity, the gift of prophecy, and miracles. Born at Florence, Italy, 22 July, 1515; died 27 May, 1595 If one had to choose one saint who showed the humorous side of holiness that would Philip Neri. 1645 St. Mariana de Paredes Solitary and the “Lily of Quito,” Ecuador In the city of Quito in Ecuador, St. María Ana de Jesù de Paredes, a third order Franciscan, well known for her austerity and charity towards her neighbour. Pope Pius XII numbered her in the book of Virgins. 1645 ST MARIANA OF QUITO, VIRGIN the recipient of many spiritual favours and was endowed with the gifts of prophecy and miracles. THE present capital of Ecuador was a Peruvian town in 1618, the year which saw the birth of its famous citizen, Mariana Paredes y Flores, “the Lily of Quito”. 1747 Bl. Peter Sanz Martyred bishop in China native of Catalonia, Spain Dominican Peter entered the Dominicans in 1697 and was sent to the Pacific. In 1712 he arrived in the Philippines and then went to China the following year. Nominated a vicar apostolic in 1730, he later became the titular bishop of Mauricastro. Arrested by anti-Christian forces in 1746, he was imprisoned and finally beheaded. He was beatified in 1893. 1747 1748 BB. PETER SANZ, BISHOP, AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS IT is one of the glories of the Church of Christ that so many of her sons in the prime of life have always been eager to surrender all that the world prizes in order to risk persecution and death on the foreign mission field. Amongst the number must be reckoned the five Dominican priests who were martyred in the Chinese province of Fu-kien in the years 1747 and 1748. Their names were Peter Martyr Sanz, Francis Serrano, Joachim Royo, John Alcober and Francis Diaz: all five were Spaniards and all five from early youth were inflamed with the desire to spread the gospel of Christ amongst the heathen. Their future leader, Peter San a native of Asco in Catalonia, was sent in 1714 to the Chinese province of Fu-kien, where he laboured successfully until 1730 when he was named bishop of Mauricastro i.p.i. and vicar apostolic of Fu-kien, with the general supervision of the whole mission. 1861 St. John Hoan Martyr of Vietnam a Vietnamese priest beheaded during the anti-Christian persecutions. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. 1861 St. Matthew Phuong Martyr of Vietnam A native catechist and an ardent Christian. Matthew was arrested by government officials for his faith. He was tortured and then beheaded. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 27
Appealed to by his co-religionists in the East, Theodoric decided to send an embassy to negotiate with the emperor. Much against his own wishes, John was made head of this mission, and his arrival in Constantinople was greeted with enthusiasm: all the inhabitants went out to meet him, headed by Justin, and on Easter day he pontificated in the cathedral. Accounts vary as to the exact nature of the message he bore and the manner in which he carried out his mission, but he appears to have induced the emperor to moderate his measures against the Arians lest reprisals should be made at the cost of the orthodox in Italy. But Theodoric’s suspicions had been growing. During the absence of the embassy he had ordered the execution of the philosopher St Severinus Boethius and his father-in-law Symmachus on a charge of high treason, and he seems to have regarded the friendly relations between the pope and the emperor as part of a great conspiracy against him. No sooner had the mission reached Ravenna, Theodoric’s capital, than Pope John was cast into prison, where he died not many days later from the treatment he received. 605 St. Augustine of Canterbury respected monastery prior Monk and abbot of Saint Andrew's abbey in Rome Apostle to the Anglo-Saxons; Apostle to the English; called himself Austin. At the end of the sixth century
anyone would have said that Augustine had found his niche
in life. Looking at this respected prior of a monastery, almost
anyone would have predicted he would spend his last days there,
instructing, governing, and settling even further into this
sedentary life.
Alle Kirchen: 26. Mai Katholische
Kirche auch 27. Mai (gebotener Gedenktag)Also known as Apostle to the Anglo-Saxons; Apostle to the English; Austin Memorial 27 May; 28 May on some calendars, 26 May in England and Wales 605 St Augustine, or Austin, archbishop of Canterbury 672 - 735 Saint Bede was a church historian who recorded the history of Christianity in England up to his own time Bede was the author of many works
of various type – biblical commentaries, saints' ‘Lives’,
homilies, hymns; educational, scientific and historical texts.
Into this last category falls the work for which he is best known
today: the ‘Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum’ (Ecclesiastical
History of the English People). Bede dedicated the work to Ceolwulf,
king of Northumbria (729–737), indeed, he had submitted a draft
for the king's criticism prior to finalising it. It is clear that
Bede was anxious to record only information which he considered to
have reliable origins, and his scrupulous approach has lead to him
being referred to as ‘the Father of English History’. In the Preface,
he writes:
“... to the end that I may
remove all occasion of doubting what I have written, both
from yourself [Ceolwulf] and other readers or hearers of this
history, I will take care briefly to intimate from what authors I
chiefly learned the same.11th v. Saint Basil son of King Bagrat III Lived in the and labored at Khakhuli Monastery (in southwestern Georgia, present-day Turkey) a major figure in the spiritual and educational life of southern Georgia. The famous 19th-century scholar Prince John Bagrationi describes St. Basil in his work Kalmasoba: (the tradition of monks journeying throughout the land to collect alms for the Church. In his book Prince John follows a fictional monk traveling throughout the country on kalmasoba. With this literary device he describes the contemporary situation, the life of the people, diverse branches of knowledge, and Georgian literature and folk culture, creating a veritable Georgian encyclopedia.) “Basil Bagrationi was highly educated in philosophy and theology. 1426 Saint Therapon of White Lake Wonderworker of Luzhetsk raised in faith and piety throughout his life as a holy ascetic As a monk in this monastery Therapon became close to St Cyril of White Lake (June 9). Together they passed through their ascetic struggles of prayer and fasting. They were under the spiritual guidance of St Sergius of Radonezh (September 25 and July 5), who visited the monastery to instruct the brethren. St Therapon went north, to the
frontier of White Lake, on monastery matters. The harsh
northern land attracted the ascetic, and he decided to remain
there for his ascetic endeavors.
After returning with St
Cyril, to whom the Mother
of God had appeared, also ordering him to go to
the north, St Therapon received the blessing of the igumen
to go to White Lake. For a while the ascetics lived together in
a cell they built; later and by mutual consent, St Therapon moved
to another place fifteen versts away from Cyril, between two lakes,
Borodava and Pava. 1730 John
the Russian The Holy Confessor kind and gentle nature
effect souls of both the turkic master and slaves (Compare
the story of Habakkuk, who miraculously brought a dish of porrage
to Daniel in the lions' den [Dan. 14:33-39], in the Septuagint).
Born in Little Russia around 1690, raised
in piety and love for the Church of God. Upon attaining the age
of maturity he was called to military service, and he served as a
simple soldier in the army of Peter I and took part in the Russo-Turkish
War. During the Prutsk Campaign of 1711 he and other soldiers were
captured by the Tatars, who handed him over to the commander of the
Turkish cavalry. He took his Russian captive home with him to Asia
Minor, to the village of Prokopion.
The Turks tried to convert the Christian soldiers to the Moslem faith with threats and flattery, but those who resisted were beaten and tortured. Some, alas, denied Christ and became Moslems, hoping to improve their lot. St John was not swayed by the promise of earthly delights, and he bravely endured the humiliation and beatings. Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 28
Medioláni
sancti Senatóris Epíscopi, virtútibus
et eruditióne claríssimi.
At Milan, St. Senator, bishop, who was very well known for his virtues and his learning. 475 ST SENATOR, BISHOP OF MILAN.
WHEN the Church in the East was threatened with schism
or lapse into heresy as the result of the vindication of the
monophysite Eutyches and the condemnation of St Flavian
by the so-called "Robber Synod", St Leo the Great
decided to send legates to Constantinople to urge upon the Emperor
Theodosius II the calling of a general council at which the
true doctrine of our Lord's two natures should be definitely
and decisively enunciated. For this mission men of learning, tact and
integrity were required, and the pope chose St Abundius,
bishop of Como, and a distinguished priest called Senator
as being suitable representatives. By the time these envoys
reached Constantinople, Theodosius was dead, but their mission resulted
in the summoning of the Council of Chalcedon under the Emperor Marcian.
The year after his return to Italy, St Senator
attended a synod at Milan in the same capacity of papal legate. Upon
the death of St Benignus he succeeded to the bishopric
of Milan, which he ruled for three years, dying probably in 475.
527 St. Justus
of Urgel Bishop and writer, called by St.
Isidore “among the illustrious.” He was the first recorded
bishop of Urgel, Spain. He attended the Councils of Toledo
in 527 and Larida in 546. Justus
wrote a commentary on the Canticle of Canticles
THE Spanish bishopric of Urgel
seems to have been founded in the first quarter of the sixth
century, and its earliest recorded ruler is St Justus, whose
three brothers were Justinian, bishop of Valencia, Nebridius,
bishop of Egara, and Elpidius of Huesca, also a bishop. St Justus
took part in the Councils of Toledo and Lerida in the years 527
and 546 respectively. He was the author of a short mystical exposition
of the Canticle of Canticles which he dedicated to his metropolitan,
Archbishop Sergius of Tarragona. The tone of this treatise and
of its dedication leaves a very favourable impression of the writer’s
intelligence and piety.576 Saint Germanus, Bishop Of Paris ordained priest by St. Agrippinus abbot of St. Symphorian's continual fasts and austerities miraculous healings while alive and wrought at his tomb: sight was restored to the blind and speech to the dumb prophesied. 605 St. Augustine of Canterbury respected monastery prior Monk and abbot of Saint Andrew's abbey in Rome Apostle to the Anglo-Saxons; Apostle to the English; called himself Austin 800 St Nicetas, Bishop of Chalcedon distinguished himself by his charity always helped the poor he lodged travelers in his home cared for orphans widows, interceded for those wronged relics occurred many miracles of healing 1050 St. Bernard of Montjoux priest Vicar General of Aosta spent 40 yrs missionary work in the Alps built schools churches remembered for 2 Alpine hospices aid lost travelers in the mountain passes named Great and Little Bernard after him. 1288 Saint Ignatius Bishop of Rostov shepherdeding flock for twenty-six years Many miracles took place at his grave 1373 Birgitta von Schweden Ihre Visionen wurden auch in deutscher Sprache veröffentlicht und haben das Werk Nithards beeinflußt. Das Kloster wurde 1384 eingeweiht 1541 Bl. Margaret Pole Martyr of England opposed Henry’s marriage to Anne Boleyn, exiled her from cour he called her “the holiest woman in England; severly martyred 1577 BD MARY
BARTHOLOMEA OF FLORENCE, VIRGIN From her bed she exercised
a wonderful influence over the numerous persons who
visited her. Enemies were reconciled, the sorrowful consoled,
sinners converted and the sick healed by one who forgot her
own sufferings in her sympathy for others.
1582 Bl. Robert
Johnson
servant study at Rome and Douai Priest English
martyr1582 Bl. John Shert Priest English martyr Convert studied at Douai and Rome 1582 Bl. Thomas Ford priest Martyr of England educated at Oxford converted and set out for Douai companion of St. Edmund Campion 1582 THE LONDON MARTYRS OF 1645 St. Mariana lily of Quito practiced great austerities ate hardly anything slept 3 hours a night for years gift of prophesy performed miracles offered herself as victim for sins of the people 1859 St. Paul Hanh Vietnamese martyr convert to Catholicism martyred 1865 St. Madeleine Sophie Barat nun teacher founded Society of the Sacred Heart, focus on schools for poor and boarding schools for young women of means during the French Revolution Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 29
750 St. John de Atares Spanish hermit in the Aragonese Pyrenees the Benedictine Abbey of St. John de Ia Pena. It served as the cradle of the religious and spiritual life of Navarre and Aragon. 1242 Bl. Marytrs of Toulouse Twelve martyrs put to death by Albigensian heretics near Toulouse 4 diocesan priests, 3 Dominicans, 2 Benedictines, 2 Franciscans, and 1 layman died singing the Te Deum on the eve of the feast of the Ascension 1583 Bl. Richard Thirkeld priest English martyr receive preparation for priesthood at Reims and Douai, France educated at Queen's College, Oxford. He ministered to the Catholics of Yorkshire 1607 St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi virgin of the Order of the Carmelites famed for her holy life suffering; mystical experiences God gave this saint saw her ecstasies as evidence of a great fault in her, not a reward for holiness Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 30
1st v. St. Andronicus 1/70 Disciples received Holy Spirit in Upper Room on day of the Pentecost: Romans 16:7: "Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me." preached the Gospel in many cities in the company of Junia, and they guided many to the Christian faith, and performed many miracles, healed the sick, and transformed the temples of idols to churches. 189 ST ELEUTHERIUS, POPE As in the case of all the other early Roman pontiffs, we have very little reliable information concerning Pope Eleutherius. It is stated that he was a Greek by origin. In his time Montanism was causing uneasiness in both West and East, and St Irenaeus came to Rome with a letter about it from the Christians of Lyons but it is not clear what action the pope took. 189 ST ELEUTHERIUS, POPE. Sancti Felícis Primi, Papæ et Mártyris, cujus dies natális tértio Kaléndas Januárii recensétur. Pope St. Felix I, martyr, whose birthday is commemorated on the 30th of December. St. Felix inherited from Dionysius the problems associated with the deposition of Bishop Paul of Samosata. Although he had been deposed legitimately, he refused to allow Domnus to succeed him. Emperor Aurelian helped to insure that Domnus was allowed to rule the see. 370 St Basilíi et Emméliæ uxóris Cæsaréæ in Cappadócia parents of St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory of Nyssa, St. Peter of Sebastopol, bishops, and St. Macrina, virgin lived in exile in the deserts of Pontus after the persecution they died in peace, leaving their children as heirs of their virtues. At Caesarea in Cappadocia, the Saints Basil and his wife Emmelia, parents of St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory of Nyssa, St. Peter of Sebastopol, bishops, and St. Macrina, virgin. They lived in exile in the deserts of Pontus during the reign of Galerius Maximian, and after the persecution they died in peace, leaving their children as heirs of their virtues. 1085 St. Gregory VII Hildebrand directed his reformer’s attention, first as counselor to the popes and later (1073-1085) as pope The Gregorian Reform, a milestone in the history of Christ’s Church, was named after this man who tried to extricate the papacy and the whole Church from undue control by civil rulers. Against an unhealthy Church nationalism in some areas, Gregory reasserted the unity of the whole Church based on Christ and expressed in the bishop of Rome, the successor of St. Peter. 1252 St. Ferdinand III of Castile extremely devoted to the Blessed Virgin Patron of engineers conquered the city of Cordoba from the Moors founded the Cathedral of Burgos University of Salamanca a great administrator and a man of deep faith. He founded hospitals and bishoprics, monasteries, chuches, and cathedrals during his reign. He also compiled and reformed a code of laws which were used until the modern era. Ferdinand rebuilt the Cathedral of Burgos and changed the mosque in Seville into a Cathedral. He was a just ruler, frequently pardoning former offenders to his throne. buried in the habit of his secular Franciscan Order 1401 Blessed Andrew Franchi bishop of Pistoia, an office he filled with distinction and holiness for 23 years good religious and an able administrator served as prior in three convents while still quite young, OP B (AC) 1431 St. Joan of Arc the patroness of soldiers and of France voices "of St. Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret" told Joan to go to the King of France and help him reconquer his kingdom 1483 Blessed James Bertoni At nine James joined Servites serving as procurator of the friary from the time of his ordination till death, Miracles wrought at his tomb in the church of St John at Faenza led to a popular cultus, formally approved in 1766OSM (AC) 1582 Bl. William Filby Martyr of England studied at Oxford converted to Catholicism ordination as a priest in 1581 Reims, France arrested with St. Edmund Campion executed at Tyburn Saints and Popes Mentioned on May 31
512 St. Paschasius Roman deacon who gave his support to an antipope during the reign of Pope Symmachus. Pope St. Gregory I the Great wrote about him. 1160 St. Mechtildis nun and Benedictine abbess mystical gifts and miracles. THIS Mechtildis was only five years old when she was placed by her parents, Count Berthold of Andechs and his wife Sophia, in the double monastery they had founded on their own estate at Diessen, on the Ammersec in Bavaria. Trained by the nuns, Mechtildis grew up a devout and exemplary maiden, much given to prayer and austerities. Her one weakness in youth was a somewhat quick temper which occasionally betrayed her into hasty speech, but over this she obtained complete control. Indeed, in later life she was remarkable for her silence, and it was said of her by the Cistercian monk Engelhard that on the rare occasions when she opened her lips to speak her words were as those of an angel. After she had received the habit, she made still further advance along the path of perfection. Upon the death of the superior, she was elected abbess, in which capacity she raised the whole community to a high pitch of virtue. This she effected far more by her example than by the strictness of her rule. So highly was she esteemed by the Bishop of Augsburg that he requested her to undertake the charge of the convent of Edelstetten which stood in great need of reform. Mechtildis shrank from the task: she was only twenty-eight, and felt incapable of coping with the difficulties of the situation. Nevertheless, in compliance with an injunction from Pope Anastasius IV, who reminded her that obedience is better than sacrifice, she allowed herself to be installed abbess of Edelstetten. 1163 Blessed Nicholas of Vaucelles an early Cistercian; He and his father gave up worldly success in order to profess their vows before Saint Bernard, OSB Cist. Abbot (AC). Blessed Nicholas was an early Cistercian. He and his father gave up worldly success in order to profess their vows before Saint Bernard. Nicholas became abbot of Vaucelles and is venerated by the Cistercians (Benedictines). 1314 BD JAMES THE VENETIAN holy friar had many ecstasies, was endowed with the gift of prophecy, and miraculously healed a number of paralytics and other sick persons. Although he suffered for four years from cancer, he never complained, appearing always to be cheerful and calm. JAMES SALOMONIUS was born of a noble family at Venice in 1235. His father having died when he was very young, he was brought up partly by his mother who, however, retired after a few years into a Cistercian convent, partly by a grandmother. James was devout almost from infancy, and at the age of seventeen he distributed all his property to the poor and joined the Dominicans. Very much against his will he was chosen to fill the office of prior at Forli, Faenza, San Severino and Ravenna, but he was finally allowed to settle down at Forli, where he led a life of great austerity, devoting himself especially to prayer, to reading and to charity towards the sick poor, for whom he had a great affection. In addition to the Bible he regularly studied the martyrology which, as he was wont to aver, provided him with constant food for meditation. The holy friar had many ecstasies, was endowed with the gift of prophecy, and miraculously healed a number of paralytics and other sick persons. Although he suffered for four years from cancer, he never complained, appearing always to be cheerful and calm. The cancer is said to have been healed shortly before his death, which took place on May 31, 1354, when he was eighty-two years of age. Many miracles were wrought at his intercession, and the year after he died a brotherhood was formed to promote his veneration. His cultus was sanctioned for Forli in 1526, for Venice by Pope Paul V, and for the Dominicans by Gregory XV. 1527 Blessed Camilla Varani, Poor Clare Abbess governed a convent founded by her father in Camerino, Italy (AC). cultus confirmed in 1843. Camilla governed a convent founded by her father in Camerino, Italy (Benedictines). 1795 Layman Ibrahim El-Gohari The Departure of the most honored transscribed religion books and distributed them to the church at his own expense. On this day also of the year 1511 A.M. (1795 A.D.), the great layman Ibrahim El-Gohari, departed. He was born in the eighteenth century, and his parents were poor. His fathers name was Yousef El-Gohari whose trade was making clothing in Kalube. They taught him writing and arithmetic, and he excelled in them. He used to transscribe the religion books, and distribute them to the church at his own expense. He brought the books to Pope John (Youhanna) the Eighteenth, and 107th patriarch of Alexandria Who was enthroned from 1486-1512 A.M. (1769-1796 A.D.) The many books presented to the church by Ibrahim El-Gohari got the attention of the pope, together with the high cost of transcribing the books and binding them. The pope asked Ibrahim about his resource, and Ibrahim revealed to them his zealously and his godly life. The pope blessed him saying:"may the lord uplift your name and bless your work, and keep your memory forever." The relation between Ibrahim El-Gohari and the pope became stronger from that time. 1839 St. Thomas Du Vietnamese martyr native entered the Dominicans as a tertiary and aided the Catholic cause in Vietnam until his arrest by authorities. He was tortured and finally beheaded. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. |
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Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 01
Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 01
550 B.C. The Departure
of the Great Prophet Daniel. On this day of the last year of king Cyrus King of Babylon, the great righteous prophet Daniel Departed. This prophet was from the tribe of Judah, and from the posterity of king David. He was taken captive along with the Israelites by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon when he captured Jerusalem in the year 3398 of the world. He stayed in babylon for seventy years. This prophet was very young in age, however, he conducted himself in virtuous life, the Holy Spirit filled him and he prophesied in Babylon. St Mary of Egypt St Zosimas monk at a certain Palestinian monastery on the outskirts of Caesarea 120 -132 St. Theodora Roman martyr sister of Saint Hermes aid and care to her brother in prison According to the Acta of Pope St. Alexander (r 105-115), she was the sister of Saint Hermes and was martyred some time after her brother. She had given aid and care to her brother during his difficult time in prison. Saint Venantius was a Dalmatian bishop whose body was brought to the Lateran at Spalato by Pope John IV in 641 180 St. Melito Bishop of Sardis in Lydia, Asia Minor powerful gift of prophecy as attested by Saint Jerome and Eusebius 255 St. Venantius Bishop martyr prelate serving Dalmatia, Croatia. Venantius was a Dalmatian bishop whose body was brought to the Lateran at Spalato by Pope John IV in 641 1132 St. Hugh of Grenoble Benedictine bishop amazing modesty took upon himself all sins of others the cross he carried was heavy laden holy and redemptive great reputation for miracles. Born near Valence in the Dauphiné, France, in 1052; died in Grenoble, France, on April 1, 1132; canonized by Pope Innocent II in 1134. Discouraged, he quietly withdrew to the Cluniac abbey of Chaise-Dieu, where he received the Benedictine habit. He did not remain there long, for Pope Gregory commanded him to resume his pastoral charge and return to Grenoble. He besought pope after pope to release him from office. One and all refused point-blank. Honorius II, to whom he pleaded his age and infirmities, replied that he preferred to retain him as bishop of Grenoble—old and ill— rather than have any younger or stronger man in his place. During his 52-year episcopacy, Hugh vainly tendered his resignation to each pope--Gregory VII, Gelasius II, Calixtus II, Honorius II, Innocent II, and others--and they refused him because of his outstanding ability. He never ceased imploring them to release him from the duties of his episcopal office up to the day of his death. During his last, painful illness he was tormented by headaches and stomach disorders that resulted from his long fasts and vigils, yet never complained. For a short time before his death, he lost his memory for everything but prayer, and would recite the Psalter and the Our Father unceasingly. 1194 Hugh of Bonnevaux possessed singular powers of discernment and exorcism OSB Cistercian, Abbot (AC) A nephew of Saint Hugh of Grenoble, went to Venice in 1177, there to act as mediator between Pope Alexander III and the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. To him is due the credit of negotiating between them a peace which has become historic. St Hugh died in 1194, and his ancient cultus was approved in 1907. 1220 Jacqueline V Hermit recluse in Sicily reprimanded Pope Innocent III.The Roman orphan Jacqueline lived in a hut in Greece and passed herself off as a monk. Later she continued her life as a recluse in Sicily, where she lived in a tree. 1404 Saint Euthymius of Suzdal tonsure Nizhegorod Caves under St Dionysius: founded Savior-Euthymius monastery strict ascetic great man of prayer incorrupt relics 100 yrs St Euthymius died on April 1, 1404. On July 4, 1507 while a foundation trench was being dug for a new cathedral church, his incorrupt relics were uncovered. The saint was glorified at a Council in 1549. 1574 Catherine Tomás strange phenomena mystical experiences both consoling /alarming, including gift of prophecy last years of life continually in ecstasy 1849 BD LUDOVIC PAVONI, FOUNDER OF THE SONS OF MARY IMMACULATE OF BRESCIA 1913 Saint Barsanuphius of Optina (Paul I. Plikhanov) a colonel, to be a general, but became a priest gifts of clairvoyance healing read souls St
Barsanuphius loved spiritual books, especially the
Lives of the Saints. He often told people that those who
read these Lives with faith benefit greatly from doing so.
The answers to many of life's questions can be found by reading
the Lives of the Saints, he said. They teach us how to overcome
obstacles and difficulties, how to stand firm in our faith, and
how to struggle against evil and emerge victorious
Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 02
Holy
Week: A Liturgical Explanation for the Days of
Holy Week 1st v Tryphenna and Tryphosa 2 converts of Saint Paul from Iconium in Lycaonia Romans (16:12) (RM). Tryphenna and Tryphosa are mentioned by the apostle in his letter to the Romans (16:12). Tradition represents them as protectresses of Saint Thecla (Benedictines). 303 Saint Polycarp of Alexandria Martyr of Egypt 430 St. Mary of Egypt penitent sent to desert east of Palestine by the Blessed Virgin as a hermitess in absolute solitude for forty-seven years 6th v. St. Musa Virgin child of Rome; a great mystic, visions and ecstasies, reported by St. Gregory I the Great 9th v. Saint Titus the Wonderworker displayed zeal for the monastic life from his youth 952 Anba Macarius, the Fifty-Ninth Pope of Alexandria; The Departure of . 10th v Theoctista A nun of Lesbos a hermitess on the Isle of Paros simili to Saint Mary of Egypt V (RM) XII v. Sainted Savva, Archbishop of Surozh (now the city of Sudak), lived in the Crimea (early XII v.) 1507 St. Francis of Paola hermit foundation of the Minimi fratres ('least brothers') penance, charity, humility many miracles gifts of prophesy insight into men's hearts uncorrupt 25 years but burned by Hugenots, At Tours in France, St. Francis of Paula, founder of the Order of Minims. Because he was renowned for virtues and miracles, he was inscribed among the saints by Pope Leo X. 1815 BD LEOPOLD OF GAICHE founded house for missioners and preachers could retire for their annual retreat other brethren and friends of the order could come for spiritual refreshment; numerous miracles reported at his grave 1839 St. Dominic Tuoc 3rd order Dominican martyr native of Vietnam 1968 The Apparition of the Pure Lady the Virgin in the church of Zeiton. Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 03
Holy
Week: A Liturgical Explanation for the Days of
Holy Week 1st v Pancras of Taormina Antiochene by birth Saint Peter consecrated bishop sent to Sicily BM (RM) Tauroménii, in Sicília, sancti Pancrátii Epíscopi 127 Sixtus I, Pope survived as pope for about 10 years before being killed by the Roman authorities 695 St. Fara Burgundofara (Fara) convent Abbess 37 yrs Many English princess-nuns and nun-saints were trained under her, including Saints Gibitrudis, Sethrida, Ethelburga, Ercongotha, Hildelid, Sisetrudis, Hercantrudis, and others miracles after death: 800 Saint Attala monk and of a monastery at Taormina abbot , Sicily Benedictine , OSB Abbot (AC) Monk Illyrikos the Wonderworker asceticised on Mount Marsion in the Peloponessus. 824 St. Nicetas Abbot From Caesarea Bithynia modern Turkey opposed Iconoclast policies of Emperor Leo V the Armenian 1260 Blessed Gandulphus of Binasco Franciscan while Saint Francis was still alive preaching in Sicily hermit OFM 1458 Blessed Alexandrina di Letto nun abbess founder Poor Clare initiated a new Franciscan reform (PC) 1589 St. Bendict the Black Franciscan lay brother superior obscure and humble cook holiness reputation for miracles patron of African-Americans in the United States incorrupt 17th v. Martyred Monastic Fathers of the Davido-Garedzh Lavra 6,000+, accepted martyr's death in Gruzia (Georgia) for confessing the Christian faith Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 04
397 Medioláni
deposítio
sancti Ambrósii Epíscopi, Confessóris
et Ecclésiæ Doctóris;
At Milan, the
death of St. Ambrose, bishop and confessor, doctor of the
Church. By his zeal, besides other monuments to his learning
and miracles, almost all Italy returned to the Catholic faith
at the time of the Arian heresy. His feast is properly kept on the seventh of December, on which day he became Bishop of Milan. 420 The Departure of St. Euphrasia (Eupraxia) humility and obedience daughter of noble family in Rome related to Emperor Honorius God granted her gift of healing the sick 5th v. St. Zosimus hermit took care of funeral arrangements of St. Mary of Egypt 636 St. Isidore of Seville Doctor of the Church In a unique move, he made sure that all branches of knowledge including the arts and medicine were taught in the seminaries canonized by Pope Clement VIII in 1598; and declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Innocent XIII in 1722. St Isidore presided over the second Council of Seville in 619 and again over the fourth Council of Toledo in 633, where he was given precedence over the archbishop of Toledo on the ground of his exceptional merit as the greatest teacher in Spain. Many of the enactments of the council emanated from St Isidore himself, notably the decree that a seminary or cathedral school should be established in every diocese. The aged prelate’s educational scheme was extraordinarily wide and progressive far from desiring a mere counterpart of the conventional classical curriculum, his system embraced every known branch of knowledge. The liberal arts, medicine, and law were to be taught as well as Hebrew and Greek; and Aristotle was studied in the Spanish schools long before he was reintroduced by the Arabs. St Isidore seems to have foreseen that unity of religion and a comprehensive educational system would weld together the heterogeneous elements which threatened to disintegrate his country, and it was mainly thanks to him that Spain was a centre of culture when the rest of Europe seemed to be lapsing into barbarism. His crowning contribution to education was the compilation of a sort of encyclopedia, called the Etymologies or Origins, which gathered into compact form all the knowledge of his age. He has sometimes been called “The Schoolmaster of the Middle Ages”, and until almost the middle of the sixteenth century this work remained a favourite text-book. St Isidore was a voluminous writer, his earlier works including a dictionary of synonyms, a treatise on astronomy and physical geography, a summary of the principal events of the world from the creation, a biography of illustrious men, a book of Old and New Testament worthies, his rules for monks, extensive theological and ecclesiastical works, and the history of the Goths, Vandals and Suevi. Of all these writings the most valuable to us at the present day is undoubtedly his history of the Goths, which is our only source of information for one period of Visigothic history. Another great service which St Isidore rendered to the church in Spain was the completion of the Mozarabic missal and breviary which St Leander had begun to adapt for the use of the Goths from the earlier Spanish liturgy. St Isidore was declared a doctor of the Church in 1722, and he is named in the canon of the Mozarabic Mass still in use at Toledo. Some notes on St Isidore was one of the works on which the Venerable Bede was engaged just before his death, on a translation of extracts from Isidore's book On the wonders of nature (De natura rerum). 752 St. Hildebert Benedictine abbot martyr for his defense of the holy images 9th v. The Monk George lived during the IX Century at a monastery on Mount Malea in the Peloponessus 863 Saint Joseph the Hymnographer, "the sweet-voiced nightingale of the Church," vision of St Nicholas of Myra told the death of the iconoclast Leo the Armenian Apostle Bartholomew appeared to him. At that time the Roman bishops were in communion with the Eastern Church, and Pope Leo III, who was not under the dominion of the Byzantine Emperor, was able to render great help to the Orthodox. The Orthodox monks chose St Joseph as a steadfast and eloquent messenger to the Pope. St Gregory blessed him to journey to Rome and to report on the plight of the Church of Constantinople, the atrocities of the iconoclasts, and the dangers threatening Orthodoxy. 9th v St. Gwerir Hermit of Cornwall England King Alfred the Great reportedly cured of an illness at Gwerir’s grave 1105 Blessed Aleth of Dijon Mother of Saint Bernard Widow (PC) 16th v. Sainted Theon asceticised during the XVI Century on Athos, at first in the monastery of the Pantokrator 1589 St. Bendict the Black Franciscan lay brother superior obscure and humble cook holiness reputation for miracles patron of African-Americans in the United States 1726 The Departure of Pope Peter VI, the One Hundred and Fourth Pope of Alexandria. 1808 The Priest Martyr Nikita, a Slav from Albania, asceticised at the end of the XVIII Century at Athos in the Russian Panteleimonov monastery 1958 Blessed Gaetano Catanoso reputation for holiness as a parish priest crusaded for observance of liturgical feasts service to poor children, priests, and the elderly (AC) Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 05
350 Saint Mark
born in Athens desert monk moved mountain 2.5 km
He related his life to Abba Serapion who, by the will of
God, visited him before St Mark's death597 St. Becan great champion of virtue 1/12 Twelve Apostles of Ireland 647 Ethelburga of Lyminge founded an abbey at Lyminge abbess 814 Saint Platon honored as a Confessor because of his fearless defense of the holy icons 14th v Blessed Blaise of Auvergne impassioned Dominican preacher disciple of Saint Vincent Ferrer 14th v Blessed Antony Fuster called 'the Angel of Peace.' disciple of Saint Vincent Ferrer 1419 St. Vincent Ferrer Patron of Builders Dominican at 19 simply "going through the world preaching Christ," eloquent
and fiery preacher St Vincent declared himself to be
the angel of the Judgement foretold by St John (Apoc. xiv 6).
As some of his hearers began to protest, he summoned the bearers
who were carrying a dead woman to her burial and adjured the corpse
to testify to the truth of his words. The body was seen to revive
for a moment to give the confirmation required, and then to close its
eyes once more in death. It is almost unnecessary to add that the saint
laid no claim to the nature of a celestial being, but only to the angelic
office of a messenger or herald—believing, as he did, that he was the
instrument chosen by God to announce the impending end of the world.
1422 Blessed Peter
Cerdan accompanied Saint Vincent Ferrer in his
travels OP (AC) Probus and Grace traditionally considered
to be a Welsh husband and wife duo (AC)1574 St. Catherine Thomas Orphan strange phenomena mystical experiences visits from angels, Saint Anthony of Padua and Saint Catherine gifts of visions and prophecy 1574 St. Catherine Thomas Orphan strange phenomena mystical experiences visits from angels, Saint Anthony of Padua and Saint Catherine gifts of visions and prophecy 1582 Martyrs of London Three groups of martyrs who were put to death in the late sixteenth century in London by English authorities 1607 Patriarch Job After his death relics were buried by the western doors of the Dormition Church monastery in Staritsa Many miracles took place at his grave incorrupt 1744 Blessed Crescentia Höss, OFM Tert. blessed by celestial visions V (AC) Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 06
413 Marcellinus
of Carthage ordered Donatists return to the Catholic
faith; Agustine dedicated City of God to him432 Celestine I Pope treatise against semi-Pelagianism Born in Campania, Italy; died at Rome, July 27, 432; feast day formerly on July 27 and/or August 1. Saint Celestine was a deacon in Rome when he was elected pope on September 20, 422, to succeed Saint Boniface. He was a staunch supporter of Saint Germanus of Auxerre in the fight against Pelagianism, and a friend of Saint Augustine with whom he corresponded, and which demonstrates that the bishop of Rome was the central authority even at that early date. Benedict_XVI_Patriarch_Bartholomew 432 Celestine I Pope treatise against semi-Pelagianism 413 Marcellinus of Carthage ordered Donatists return to the Catholic faith; Agustine dedicated City of God to him 582 Eutychius of Constantinople worked many miracles; healings; opposed Justinian's interference; vigorously denounced Aphthartodocetism [asartodoketai] or "imperishability" which taught that the flesh of Christ, before His death on the Cross and Resurrection, was imperishable and not capable of suffering. Towards the end of his days Eutychius was engaged in controversy with Gregory, then the representative of the Holy See at Constantinople, better known after his succession to the papacy as Pope St Gregory the Great. Eutychius before his death is said to have admitted his error. 885 Saint Methodius, Archbishop of Moravia Life found May 11, when commemorated with Cyril, Teacher of Slavs 912 Notker Balbulus originator of the liturgical sequences composed both words and music OSB 981 St. Elstan Benedictine Bishop of Winchester model of blind obedience 1203 St. William of Eskilsoe reforming the canons life of prayer and austere mortification never approached the altar without watering it with his tears, offering himself to God in the spirit of adoration and sacrifice 1252 St. Peter of Verona inquisitor inspiring sermons martyr accepted into the Dominican Order by St. Dominic 1744 St. Crescentia Hoess, humble, crippled; wise enough to balance worldly skills with acumen in spiritual matters; heads of State and Church both sought her advice. 1857 St. Paul Tinh native Vietnamese priest martyr 1896 Blessed Zefirino Agostini first priority to develop relationship with God through personal prayer because God was the source of joy and power to do good Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 07
180 Saint Hegesippus
Father of Church History Jewish convert {Eusebius drew heavily
on his writings for Ecclesiastical History (Book I through
Book X)}345 St. Aphraates Persian hermit involved in the struggle against the Arian heresy by the power of miracles oldest extant document of the Church in Syria 1140 St. Aibert Benedictine ascetic monk 23 years then recluse two Masses each day, one for the living, the second for the dead. St Aybert’s holiness began to attract visitors, who found themselves greatly helped by his spiritual advice and made him known to others. Bishops and laymen, grand ladies and canonesses, scholars and humble peasants flocked to him in such numbers that Bishop Burchard of Cambrai promoted him to the priesthood, providing him with a chapel beside his cell. Moreover Pope Innocent II granted him leave to absolve reserved cases—a right which he only exercised in exceptional circumstances. God crowned Aybert’s long penance with a happy death in the eightieth year of his age. 1129 St. Celsus hereditary abbacy of Armagh in 1105 elected Bishop when he was twenty-six in 1106 effected many reforms to restore ecclesiastical discipline; On his death-bed at Ardpatrick in Munster in 1129, Celsus broke the evil custom of hereditary succession by nominating Malachy to succeed him at Armagh. By his own wish he was buried at Lismore. 1140 Aybert of Crespin private in prayer & fasts His devotional practice reciting the Ave Maria 50 times in succession is connected with the origin of the rosary OSB (AC) 1241 St. Herman Joseph Praemonstratensian and mystic visions of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph b. 1150 German. Born in Cologne, he demonstrated at an early age a tendency toward mystical experiences, episodes which made him well known and deeply respected through much of Germany. He subsequently entered the Praemonstratensians at Steinfeld, Germany, where he was ordained. Herman experienced visions of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, and authored a number of mystical writings. Long considered a saint, he was given an equivalent canonization by Pope Pius XII in 1958. 1410 Bl. Ursulina mystic accustomed to visions and ecstasies tried to end the scandals of the "Babylonian Captivity" 1411 Blessed William Cufitella Franciscan tertiary hermit at Scicli 70 yrs OFM 1508 Nilus of Sora study, translation, diffusion of Greek ascetical writings canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church 1540 Saint Daniel of Pereslavl monk in monastery of St Paphnutius of Borovsk dedicated to love for neighbor buried the neglected, the poor, and those without family: founded a monastery on the site of the cemetery 1595 St. Henry Walpole Jesuit missionary 1/40 Martyrs of England and Wales 1595 Bl. Alexander Rawlins Martyr missionary fervent Catholicism 1606 Bl. Edward Oldcorne Jesuit & Ralph Ashley Jesuit lay- brother English martyrs alleged involve Gunpowder Plot 1719 ST JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE, FOUNDER OF THE BROTHERS OF THE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS 1919 Blessed Josaphata Micheline Hordashevska 1925 St Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow Apostle to America led austere and chaste life; kindest of the Russian hierarchs "May God teach every one of us to strive for His truth, and for the good of the Holy Church, rather than something for our own sake." Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 08
"O Death, where is
your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? Christ is risen,
and you are overthrown. Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen.
Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice. Christ is risen, and
life reigns. Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave.
For Christ, being risen from the dead, is become the first fruits
of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and dominion unto
ages of ages. Amen."
The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the center of the Christian faith. St Paul says that if Christ is not raised from the dead, then our preaching and faith are in vain (I Cor. 15:14). Indeed, without the resurrection there would be no Christian preaching or faith. The disciples of Christ would have remained the broken and hopeless band which the Gospel of John describes as being in hiding behind locked doors for fear of the Jews. They went nowhere and preached nothing until they met the risen Christ, the doors being shut (John 20: 19). Then they touched the wounds of the nails and the spear; they ate and drank with Him. The resurrection became the basis of everything they said and did (Acts 2-4): ". . . for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have" (Luke 24:39). Pascha
(Easter) Enjoy ye all the feast of faith; receive
ye all the riches of
loving-kindness. (Sermon of St John
Chrysostom, read at Paschal Matins)
432 Saint Celestine
Pope of Rome (422-432) zealous champion of Orthodoxy
virtuous life theologian authority denounced the Nestorian
heresy494 St. Perpetuus Bishop of Rours a man of great sanctity enforced clerical discipline regulated feast days rebuilt the basilica of St. Martin 586 St. Redemptus Bishop of Ferentini, near Rome, Italy known mainly because his friend Pope St. Gregory I the Great wrote of his holiness. 690 Julian von Toledo Erzbischof In seiner Amtszeit leitete er 4 nationale Synoden förderte den mozarabischen Ritus und verfaßte mehrere theologische Werke 1095 St. Walter of Pontoise continued to live a life of mortification, spending entire nights in prayer establishing the foundation of a convent in honor of Mary at Bertaucourt 1156 Saint Niphon peacemaker reminded Russian bishops tradition of the Russian Church had received the Orthodox Faith from Constantinople however, in 1448, the Russian Church began primates without confirmation from Constantinople he uprooted the passions through fasting, vigil, and prayer, and adorned himself with every virtue 1291 Blessed Clement of Saint Elpidio considered the second founder of the Augustinians OSA (AC) 14th v. Saint Rufus the Obedient, Hermit of the Caves 1606 Blessed Julian of Saint Augustine Dominican Order as a lay-brother at Santorcaz, OFM (AC) 1669 The Holy Martyr John the Shipmaster (Naukleros) suffered a psychological sickness martyr in the city of Koe. 1816 St. Julie Billiart vision of crucified Lord with group wearing habits of Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur which she founded great love for Jesus in the Eucharist carried on this mission of teaching throughout her life although occasionally paralyzed and sick most of the time. April 9 – Holy Mary, The Empress (Russia) Every Christian soul leaps to her in love My soul trembles and is afraid when I consider the glory of the Mother of God. Small and of no account is my mind, poor and sickly my heart, but my soul rejoices and would fain set down if but a little concerning her. My soul fears to touch upon this matter but love constrains me not to conceal my thankfulness for her compassion. archimandrite sophrony (Sakharov), Saint Silouan the Athonite, XI, On the Mother of God, translated from the Russian by Rosemary Edmonds, Stavropegic Monastery of Saint John the Baptist, Essex, 1991, p. 390-393. The Church draws her life from Christ in the Eucharist; by Him she is fed and by Him she is enlightened. The Eucharist is both a mystery of faith and a "mystery of light". Whenever the Church celebrates the Eucharist, the faithful can in some way relive the experience of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus: "their eyes were opened and they recognized Him" (Lk 24:31). John Paul II Ecclesia de Eucharistia #6 (2003) Consider Jesus' act of acceptance in the garden and how much it cost Him, making Him sweat a sweat of blood! Make this act yourself when things are going well and also when they go against you. If your will flees from rebellion you may be certain that the will, in its own way, has uttered its act of acceptance. -- Saint Pio of Pietrelcina 1st v. St. Mary Cleophas Mother of St. James the Less and Joseph, wife of Cleophas. She was one of the “Three Marys” who served Jesus and was present at the Crucifixion, accompanied Mary Magdalen to the tomb of Christ. 1st v. Prochorus of Nicomedia One of the seven deacons ordained the by Apostles martyred at Antioch BM (RM) 303 Martyrs of Sirmium modem Mitrovica, in the Balkans Hermogenes, Caius & Companions Armenian martyrs who are believed to have suffered at Melitene MM (RM) Massylitan Martyrs African martyrs, although they are mentioned by Saint Bede, by Saint Augustine and in ancient calendars (RM) Bishop Desan, Presbyter Mariabus, Abdiesus, 270 Others Holy Martyrs Put to death under Persian emperor Sapor II 362 St. Eupsychius Martyr of Caesarea, in Cappadocia destruction of the temple of the goddess Fortuna Sírmii pássio sanctárum septem Vírginum et Mártyrum, quæ, dato simul prétio sánguinis, vitam mercátæ sunt ætérnam. At Sirmio, seven holy virgins and martyrs, who purchased eternal life together at the price of their own blood. 362 Roman Captives Nine thousand Christians, including Bishop Heliodorus, the ancient priests Dausas and Mariabus, and many other priests and nuns, were captured by Persians who besieged Bethzarbe Castle on the Tigris Monk Martyr Archimandrite Bademus (Vadim) was born in the fourth century in the Persian city of Bithlapata, and was descended from a rich and illustrious family. In his youth, he was enlightened with the Christian teaching. The saint gave away all his wealth to the poor and withdrew into the wilderness, where he founded a monastery. He would go up on a mountain for solitary prayer, and once was permitted
to behold the Glory of God. >>
421
St. Acacius
bishop of Amida (Diarbekir), Mesopotamia sold sacred
vessels of church aid victims of Persian persecution.688 St. Waldetrudis ist Patronin von Mons 7 saints in family renowned for holiness and miracles. 730 St. Hugh of Rouen Benedictine bishop of Rouen, Paris, and Bayeux, France, a nephew of Charles Martel 1315 Blessed Ubald Adimari converted by Saint Philip Benizi, who admitted him to the Servite institute model to penitent souls OSM (AC) 1322 Bl. Thomas of Tolentino preach in the difficult regions of Armenia and Persia (modern Iran) set out for China beheaded at Thame in Hindustan 1331 Blessed John of Vespignano devoted himself to works of charity among the refugees who flocked to Florence 1348 Blessed Reginald Montesmarti, OP (AC) 1374 Blessed Antony of Pavoni consistent poverty of Antony's life & example of Christian virtue combatting heresies of Lombards OP At Rome, the transferring of the body of St. Monica, mother of the bishop St. Augustine. It was brought from Ostia to Rome, under the Sovereign Pontiff, Martin V, and buried with due honours in the church of St. Augustine. 1463 Saint Eleni (also called Susanna) is one of the New Martyrs of Lesbos who are commemorated on Bright Tuesday 1945 Dietrich Bonhoeffer Lektor an der Berliner Universität für aktiven Widerstand gegen das Unrechtsregime ein ermordet in das Konzentrationslager Flossenbürg. Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 10
6th v. BC. Apud Babylónem
sancti
Ezechiélis Prophétæ, qui, a Júdice
pópuli Israël, quod eum de cultu idolórum
argúeret, interféctus, in sepúlcro Sem
et Arpháxad, Abrahæ progenitórum,VII B.C. The Holy Prophetess Oldama (Huldah) lived in the first half profesied to Josiah he would not see the Woe Martyrdom of St. James the Apostle Brother of St. John the Apostle. copticchurch.net 115 Martyrs of Rome Saint Alexander while imprisoned he preached to criminals they converted and baptized At Rome, the birthday of many holy martyrs, whom Pope St. Alexander baptized while he was in prison. The prefect Aurelian had them all put in an old ship, taken to the deep sea, and drowned with stones tied to their necks 1028 St. Fulbert Bishop of Chartres France poet scholar aided Cluniac Reform defended monasticism orthodoxy 1029 ST FULBERT, Bishop OF CHARTRES WE learn from St Fulbert of Chartres himself that he was of humble extraction, but we know little of his early years beyond the fact that he was born in Italy and spent his boyhood there. He was later on a student in Rheims and must have been one of its most distinguished scholars, for when the celebrated Gerbert, who taught him mathematics and philosophy, was raised to the papacy under the title of Pope Silvester II, he summoned Fulbert to his side. When another pope succeeded, Fulbert returned to France, where Bishop Odo of Chartres bestowed upon him a canonry and appointed him chancellor. Moreover, the cathedral schools of Chartres were placed under his care, and he soon made them the greatest educational centre in France, attracting pupils from Germany, Italy and England. Regarded as a paragon of learning and described as a reincarnation of Socrates and Plato, he stood as a bulwark against the rationalizing tendencies of his day, although one at least of his pupils, the notorious Berengarius, afterwards lapsed into heresy. Upon the death of Bishop Roger, Fulbert was chosen to succeed him in the see of Chartres. In his humility the prelate elect wrote to Abbot St Odilo of Cluny that he trembled at the prospect of leading others in the way of holiness when he stumbled so repeatedly himself, but he was obliged to accept the office. 1479 Blessed Mark Fantucci preached throughout Italy, Istria, and Dalmatia. He also visited the friars in Austria, Poland, Russia, and the Levant OFM St Catherine of Bologna came with some of her nuns from Ferrara to establish it, and found in Bd Mark Fantucci one who could give her all the assistance she needed. He visited as commissary all the friaries in Candia, Rhodes and Palestine, and on his return to Italy he was elected vicar general for the second time. Never sparing himself he undertook long and tiring expeditions to Bosnia, Dalmatia, Austria and Poland, often travelling long distances on foot. Pope Paul II wished to make him a cardinal, but he fled to Sicily to avoid being forced to accept an honour from which he shrank. The next pope, Sixtus IV, formed a project which was even less acceptable, for he had set his heart upon uniting all Franciscans into one body, without requiring any reform from the Conventuals. At a meeting convened to settle the matter, Bd Mark used all his eloquence to defeat the proposal, but apparently in vain. At last, in tears, throwing down the book of the rule at the pope’s feet, he exclaimed, “Oh my Seraphic Father, defend your own rule, since I, miserable man that I am, cannot defend it”; and thereupon left the hall. The gesture accomplished what argument had failed to do; the assembly broke up without arriving at a decision, and the scheme fell through. In 1479, white delivering a Lenten mission in Piacenza, Bd Mark was taken ill and died at the convent of the Observance outside the city. His cultus was confirmed in 1868. 1625 St. Michael de Sanctis life of exemplary fervor devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament his ecstacies during Mass many miracles After his death at 35 At Valladolid in Spain, St. Michael of the Saints, confessor, of the Order of Discalced Trinitarians for the Redemption of Captives, a man known for his upright life, his penitential spirit, and his great love of God. He was placed on the roll of the saints by Pope Pius IX. Michael de los Santos was born in Catalonia, Spain around 1591. 1821 Priest Martyr Gregory V, Patriarch of Constantinople "I sense... fishes of the Bosphorus will nibble at my body, but I shall die happy in the name of saving my nation". 1835 Saint Madelaine was an orphan taught catechism and nursed the sick in Verona, Venice, Milan, and China Order of the Daughters of Charity. Saint Madelaine Born in Italy; attracted the attention of Napoleon Bonaparte because of her faith. She taught catechism and nursed the sick in Verona, Venice, Milan, and China as a member of the Order of the Daughters of Charity (Encyclopedia) Wealth and privilege did nothing to prevent today’s saint from following her calling to serve Christ in the poor. Nor did the protests of her relatives, concerned that such work was beneath her. Born in northern Italy in 1774, Magdalen knew her mind—and spoke it. At age 15 she announced she wished to become a nun. After trying out her vocation with the cloistered Carmelites, she realized her desire was to serve the needy without restriction. For years she worked among the poor and sick in hospitals and in their homes and among delinquent and abandoned girls. She died in 1835. Pope John Paul II canonized her in 1988. Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 11
Popes and Saints mentioned
in articles of Saints
today April 13
Pope
St. Leo I (the Great)
461 ST LEO THE GREAT, POPE AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH THE sagacity of Leo I, his successful defence of the Catholic faith against heresy, as well as his political intervention with Attila the Hun and Genseric the Vandal, raised the prestige of the Holy See to unprecedented heights and earned for him the title of “the Great”, a distinction accorded by posterity to only two other popes, St Gregory I and St Nicholas I. The Church has honoured St Leo by including him amongst her doctors on the strength of his masterly expositions of Christian doctrine, many extracts from which are incorporated in the Breviary lessons. At the time of the death of Pope Sixtus III he was still in Gaul, whither a deputation was sent to announce to him his election to the chair of St Peter. Immediately after his consecration on September 29, 440, he began to display his exceptional powers as a pastor and ruler. Preaching was at that time mainly confined to bishops, and he set about it systematically, instructing the faithful of Rome whom he purposed to make a pattern for other churches. In the ninety-six genuine sermons which have come down to us, we find him laying stress on alms-giving and other social aspects of Christian life, as well as expounding Catholic doctrines—especially that of the Incarnation. Some idea of the extraordinary vigilance of the holy pontiff over the Church and its necessities in every part of the empire can be gathered from the 143 letters written by him, and the 30 letters written to him, which have fortunately been preserved. About the period that he was dealing with the Manichaeans in Rome, he was writing to the Bishop of Aquileia advising him how to deal with Pelagianism, which had made a reappearance in his diocese. 63. St. Domnio Possibly first bishop of Salona and one of 72 disciples of Christ sent to Dalmatia, a region in Croatia, by St. Peter 67 Sts. Processus and Martinian pagans guards at Mamertine prison in Rome accepted holy Baptism from Peter 68 St. Antipas Martyr and disciple of St. John the Apostle who called Antipas "my faithful witness." body untouched bby fire - tomb was the site of many miracles 5th v. St. Machai Abbot founder of a monastery on the isle of Bute in Ireland disciple of St. Patrick. and leader of the evangelical mission there 6th . St. Maedhog Irish abbot also called Aedhan or Mogue ruled Clonmore Abbey Ireland associated with Sts. Oncho and Finan Aid of Achad-Finglas Abbot Saint Aid of Achard-Finglas, County Carlow, Ireland (AC) 700 St. Godebertha establishing a convent in Noyon abbess miracle worker who stopped a plague and a raging fire 714 St. Guthlac of Croyland, OSB Hermit imitate rigors of old desert fathers "Those who choose to live apart from other humans become the friends of wild animals; and the angels visit them, too- -for those who are often visited by men and women are rarely visited by angels." prophet visions incorrupt (AC) Apparently, Guthlac was also had a vision of Saint Bartholomew, his patron. Nor was he entirely alone in his refuge: He had several disciples, Saints Cissa, Bettelin, Egbert, and Tatwin, who had cells nearby. Bishop Hedda of Dorchester ordained him to the priesthood during a visit. The exiled prince Ethelbald, often came to him for advice, learned from Guthlac that he would wear the crown of the Mercians. 1079 St. Stanislaus ordained at Szczepanow near Cracow noted for preaching sought after spiritual adviser martyred by cruel King Stanislaus Szczepanowsky BM (RM) (also known as Stanislaus of Cracow) Born at Szczepanow, Poland, on July 26, 1030; died at Cracow, Poland, on April 11, 1079; canonized by Pope Innocent IV in 1253; feast day formerly May 7. 1146 The Departure of the holy father Anba Michael, the Seventy First Pope of the See of St. Mark. {Coptic church} 1608 Blessed George Gervase adventurous career with Francis Drake ordained to the priesthood and died for his priesthood OSB M (AC) 1771 St. Mary Margaret d'Youville Foundress of the Sisters of Charity directress of Montreal’s General Hospital, operated by her community 1845 holy monastic Fathers Saints Theocharis and Apostolos are local saints of Arta On Bright Wednesday we commemorate them 1845 holy monastic Fathers Saints Theocharis and Apostolos are local saints of Arta On Bright Wednesday we commemorate them who have shone forth on the God-trodden
Mt Sinai. This commemoration was established by the Church of Russia on April
17, 1997.
Saints Theocharis and Apostolos
are local saints of Arta. The first fell asleep in 1845
and the second a little later. St Theocharis was a teacher at
Komboti, Arta.
The icons of these saints are in the church of Holy Wisdom (Hagia Sophia) in Arta. The Kasperov Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos is also commemorated today. Tradition says that this holy
icon had been brought to Cherson from Transylvania by a
Serb at the end of the sixteenth century. Passing down from
parent and child, the icon had come to a certain Mrs. Kasperova
of Cherson in 1809. One night in February of 1840 she was praying,
seeking consolation in her many sorrows. Looking at the icon of
the Virgin, she noticed that the features of the icon, darkened
by age, had suddenly become bright. Soon the icon was glorified by
many miracles, and people regarded it as wonder-working.
During the Crimean War (1853-1856),
the icon was carried in procession through the city of Odessa,
which was besieged by enemy forces. On Great and Holy Friday,
the city was spared. Since that time, an Akathist has been
served before the icon in the Dormition Cathedral of Odessa
every Friday. 1878 George Augustus Selwyn studierte in Cambridge und wurde 1833 zum Diakon und 1834 zum Priester geweiht 1841 wurde er zum ersten Bischof Neuseelands ernannt 1903 St. Gemma Galgani stigmata many mystical experiences and special graces Gemma was miraculously cured by the Venerable Passionist Gabriel Possenti Gemma’s ill-health seems to have been congenital; she suffered from tuberculosis of the spine with aggravated curvature. The doctors despaired of any remedy, but she was cured (instantaneously and, it was then believed, completely) after an apparition of St Gabriel-of-the-Sorrows, to whom she was very devout. She earnestly desired to be a Passionist nun, but, the miracle notwithstanding, she could never obtain that medical certificate of sound health which was very wisely required before admission into the noviceship. She had periodically recurring stigmata from June 1899 to February 1901, as well as the marks of our Lord’s scourging at a later time. She was also at one period obsessed by the Devil, and in these attacks she even spat upon the crucifix ‘and broke her confessor’s rosary. On the other hand, her normal state was one of great spiritual peace and love. During her many ecstasies she used to commune with her heavenly visitants in a low sweet voice, and the bystanders often took down her words in writing. After a long and painful illness St Gemma died very peacefully on Holy Saturday, April 11, 1903. Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 12
336 St. Julius
elected Pope to succeed Pope St. Mark on
February 6, 337 built several basilicas and churches in
Rome declared that Athanasius was the rightful bishop of
Alexandria and reinstated himThe Murom Icon of the Mother of God Transferred to Murom from Kiev by the enlightener of this remote region, the holy Prince Constantine (May 21), in the twelfth century. In the Murom icon, Christ leans against His Mother's shoulder, and He holds a scroll which says, "I am the light of the world."352 ST JULIUS I, Pope THE name of Pope St Julius stands in the Roman Martyrology to-day with the notice that he laboured much for the Catholic faith against the Arians. He was the son of a Roman citizen named Rusticus, and succeeded Pope St Mark in 337. In the following year St Athanasius, who had been exiled at the instance of the Arians, returned to his see of Alexandria, but found himself opposed by an Arian or semi-Arian hierarch whose intrusion had been obtained by Bishop Eusebius of Nicomedia. In response to the request of the followers of Eusebius, Pope Julius convoked a synod to examine into the matter, but the very people who had asked for the council refrained from attending it. The case of St Athanasius was, however, very carefully examined in their absence and the letter, which the pope subsequently sent to the Eusebian bishops in the East has been characterized by Tillemont as “one of the finest monuments of ecclesiastical’ antiquity”, and by Monsignor Batiffol as “a model of weightiness, wisdom and charity”. Calmly and impartially he meets their accusations one by one and refutes them. Towards the end he states the procedure they ought to have followed. “Are you not aware that it is customary that we should first be written to, that from hence what is just may be defined whereas you expect us to approve condemnations in which we had no part. This is not according to the precepts of Paul or the tradition of the fathers. All this is strange and new. Allow me to speak as I do: I write what I write in the common interest, and what I now signify is what we have received from the blessed apostle Peter.” The council at Sardica (Sofia) convened in 342 by the emperors of the East and West, vindicated St Athanasius, and endorsed the statement, previously made by St Julius, that any bishop deposed by a synod of his province has a right to appeal to the bishop of Rome. Nevertheless it was not until the year 346 that St Athanasius was able to return to Alexandria. On his way thither he passed through Rome, where he was cordially received by Pope Julius, who wrote a touching letter to the clergy and faithful of Alexandria, congratulating them on the return of their holy bishop, picturing the reception they would give him, and praying for God’s blessing on them and on their children. St Julius built several churches in Rome, notably the Basilica Julia, now the church of the Twelve Apostles, and the basilica of St Valentine in the Flaminian Way. He died on April 12, 352. His body was buried at first in the cemetery of Calepodius, but was afterwards translated to Santa Maria in Trastevere which he had enlarged and beautified. 655 Martin I, Pope died in the Crimea great intellect and charity the last pope to die a martyr M (RM) Born in Todi in Umbria, Italy; died in the Crimea, September 16, 655; feast day was previously November 12 (November 10 in York); the Eastern Church celebrates his feast on September 20. Pope St. Martin I defender of the faith; buried in the church of Our Lady, called Blachernæ, near Cherson, many miracles are related wrought by St Martin in life and after death Martyr, born at Todi on the Tiber, son of Fabricius; elected Pope at Rome, 21 July, 649, to succeed Pope Theodore I; died at Cherson in the present peninsulas of Krym, 16 Sept., 655, after a reign of 6 years, one month and twenty six days, having ordained eleven priests, five deacons and thirty-three bishops. 5 July is the date commonly given for his election, but 21 July (given by Lobkowitz, "Statistik der Papste" Freiburg, 1905) seems to correspond better with the date of his death and reign (Duchesne "Lib. Pont.", I, 336); his feast is on 12 November.The Greeks honor him on 13 April and 15 September, the Muscovites on 14 April. In the hymns of the Office the Greeks style him infallibilis fidei magister because he was the successor of St. Peter in the See of Rome (Nilles, "Calendarium Manuale", Innsbruck, 1896, I, 336). 1642 Blessed Edward Catherick priesthood at Douai returned to the mission fields of England, where he worked from 1635 until his execution 1642 Blessed John Lockwood English priesthood in Rome worked covertly in England for 44 years M (AC) 1730 Saint Acacius the New ascetic gifts of unceasing mental prayer and divine revelation monk at Holy Trinitymonastery of St Dionysius of Olympus St Maximus appeared repeatedly 1920 St. Teresa of Los Andes; Carmelite nun, Chile’s first saint. (1900-1920) One needn’t live a long life to leave a deep imprint. Teresa of Los Andes is proof of that. As a young girl growing up in Santiago, Chile, in the early 1900s, she read an autobiography of a French-born saint—Therese, popularly known as the Little Flower. The experience deepened her desire to serve God and clarified the path she would follow. At age 19 she became a Carmelite nun, taking the name of Teresa. The convent offered the simple lifestyle Teresa desired and the joy of living in a community of women completely devoted to God. She focused her days on prayer and sacrifice. “I am God’s, ” she wrote in her diary. “He created me and is my beginning and my end. ” Toward the end of her short life, Teresa began an apostolate of letter-writing, sharing her thoughts on the spiritual life with many people. At age 20 she contracted typhus and quickly took her final vows. She died a short time later, during Holy Week. Teresa remains popular with the estimated 100,000 pilgrims who visit her shrine in Los Andes each year. She is Chile’s first saint. 656 Pope Saint
Martin I martyred for defending dual nature of Jesus
died at Kherson Crimea last pope die a martyr
656 Pope Saint Martin
I martyred defending dual nature of Jesus died at Kherson Crimea
last pope to die a martyr
St. Martin I Martin became a deacon in Rome. He displayed a great intellect and charity, was sent by Pope Theodore I as nuncio (apocrisiarius) to Constantinople, and was elected pope in 649 to succeed Theodore I. When Martin I became pope in 649, Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine empire and the patriarch of Constantinople was the most influential Church leader in the eastern Christian world. The struggles that existed within the Church at that time were magnified by the close cooperation of emperor and patriarch. A teaching, strongly supported in the East, held that Christ had no human will. Twice emperors had officially favored this position, Heraclius by publishing a formula of faith and Constans II by silencing the issue of one or two wills in Christ. Shortly after assuming the office of the papacy (which he did without first being confirmed by the emperor), Martin held a council at the Lateran in which the imperial documents were censured, and in which the patriarch of Constantinople and two of his predecessors were condemned. Constans II, in response, tried first to turn bishops and people against the pope. Failing in this and in an attempt to kill the pope, the emperor sent troops to Rome to seize Martin and to bring him back to Constantinople. Martin, already in poor health, offered no resistance, returned with the exarch Calliopas and was then submitted to various imprisonments, tortures and hardships. Although condemned to death and with some of the torture imposed already carried out, Martin was saved from execution by the pleas of a repentant Paul, patriarch of Constantinople, who himself was gravely ill. Martin died shortly thereafter, tortures and cruel treatment having taken their toll. He is the last of the early popes to be venerated as a martyr. 838 Saint Guinoc Bishop of Scotland Guinoc's prayers helped king vanquish Picts B (AC 1113 Blessed Ida of Boulogne descendent of Blessed Charlemagne Benedictine oblate Widow (AC) 1124 St. Caradoc Welsh hermit harpist 1292 BD JAMES OF CERTALDO, ABBOT he early developed a vocation to the religious life: devotion and austerity greatly edified all who came into contact with him 1300 Blessed Ida of Louvain OSB Cist. V (PC) 1320 Blessed Margaret of Città di Castello born blind abandoned then adopted very holy favored with heavenly visions many miracles V (AC) 1392 Blessed James of Certaldo parish priest 40 yrs OSB Cam. (AC) 1642 Blessed Edward Catherick priest missionary 44 yrs English Martyr M (AC Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 14
2nd v Fronto
of Nitria desert father Hermit (RM)Alexandríæ sancti Frontónis Abbátis, cujus vita sanctitáte et miráculis cláruit. At Alexandria, St. Fronto, an abbot whose life was graced by sanctity and his miracles. Sancti Justíni, Philósophi et Mártyris, cujus memória prídie hujus diéi recensétur. Of the writings of Justin Martyr, the only treatises which have survived intact are two Apologies and the Dialogue with Trypho. His great Apology, to which the second seems to have been an appendix, is addressed to the Emperor Antoninus, to his two sons, and to the Roman senate and people. In it he protests against the condemnation of Christians simply on the score of their religion or of unsubstantiated charges. After vindicating them from accusations of atheism and immorality he goes on to insist that, far from being a danger to the state, they are peaceable subjects whose loyalty to the emperor is based on the teaching of our Lord. Towards the end he describes the rite of baptism and of the Sunday services, including the Eucharistic Sacrifice and the distribution of alms. His third book is a vindication of Christianity as opposed to Judaism, in the form of a dialogue with a Jew called Trypho. A treatise which he wrote against heresy seems to have been utilized by Irenaeus. 319 Proculus of Terni martyrdom under Maxentius BM (RM) 495 St. Tassach Bishop first disciples of St. Patrick creating for croziers patens chalices credences shrines crosses One of the first disciples of St. Patrick, he was a gifted artisan, creating for St. Patrick croziers, patens, and chalices. He was later appointed the first bishop of Rahoip, Ireland, and gave Patrick the last rites. 564 St. Abundius Confessor sacrist St. Peter's in Rome humble many graces spiritual gifts Abundius served in St. Peter's in Rome. Pope St. Gregory I the Great wrote of his life, which was filled with many graces and spiritual gifts. 655 Saint Martin the Confessor, Pope of Rome native of the Tuscany convened Lateran Council at Rome condemn Monothelite heresy last martyred Pope 1120 Blessed Lanvinus of Torre prior O.Cart. (AC) IN 1893 Pope Leo XIII confirmed the cultus of a Carthusian monk, Bd Lanvinus, {20 February, 1878; 20 July, 1903; Pope Leo XIII } who though little known to the world at large has always been held high in honour in his own order. He was a Norman by birth who seems to have made his way south to the Grande Chartreuse about the year 1090, and thence accompanied St Bruno to Calabria. When the holy founder died there in 1101, Lanvinus was elected to succeed him in the government of the two charterhouses which the order at that time possessed in the south of Italy. Some little difference of opinion had preceded this election, and we possess more than one letter addressed to the new superior by Pope Paschal II, {Pope Paschal II Succeeded Urban II, and reigned from 13 Aug., 1099, till he died at Rome, 21 Jan., 1118. }congratulating the brethren on this peaceful solution and admonishing them not to presume too much upon the austerity of their rule, but ever to seek perfect concord and union with God. In 1102 Lanvinus was summoned to Rome to attend a synod. Other letters of the same pontiff were despatched to him in 1104 commending his zeal in carrying out the pope’s injunctions, and entrusting to his care a difficult negotiation which concerned one of the bishops of that province. In 1105 he was further appointed visitor of all monastic houses in Calabria and charged with the duty of restoring strict discipline; while eight years later he again came to Rome and obtained from Pope Paschal a bull to protect the houses of the Carthusians from molestation. He died greatly revered on April 11, 1120, but his feast is kept in the order on this day. 1124 Caradoc of Llandaff Abbot monk musician reputation for holiness miracles quieted wildest beasts healer incorrupt (AC) St Caradoc was buried with great honour in the cathedral church of St David, where the remains of his shrine may be seen. A still extant letter of Pope Innocent III directs certain abbots to make inquiry into the life and miracles of this Welsh hermit. 1246 St. Peter Gonzalez Dominican evangelized protector of captive Muslims and cared for sailors entered the order of St Dominic, and in due time he was professed and sent forth to preach. From the outset his ministrations were abundantly blessed. Peter Gonzalez, OP (AC) (also known as Elmo-Erasmus, Telmo) Born at Astorga, Leon, Spain, c. 1190; died April 14, 1246; beatified by Pope Innocent IV in 1254; cultus approved by Benedict XIV in 1741 for the veneration of the whole Order of Preachers. The patron saint of sailors, especially in Portugal and Spain, is popularly invoked as Saint Elmo or Telmo. King St Ferdinand III was so impressed by him that he appointed him his chaplain. The friar immediately set about the difficult task of reforming the morals of the courtiers and of the soldiers—in the face of great opposition from the younger nobles. He also preached the crusade against the Moors and contributed much to the success of Ferdinand’s campaigns by his prudent advice, by his prayers, and by the good spirit he instilled. He was with the army during the siege of Cordova, and at the surrender of the city exerted all his influence to restrain the victorious soldiers from excesses, whilst the clemency of the terms granted to the vanquished must be attributed in large measure to him. As soon as he could obtain leave, Bd Peter quitted the court to devote the rest of his life to evangelizing the country districts, especially Galicia and the coast. Often the churches could not contain the people who flocked to hear him, and he had to preach in the open air. Very specially did he love sailors, whom he visited on board their vessels. His last weeks on earth were spent at Tuy, where he died on Easter Sunday, 1246. His cultus was confirmed in 1741. 1342 Antony (Kukley) Eustace (Nizilon) and John (Milhey) martyred for their faith relics were found to be incorrupt 1342 SS. JOHN, ANTONY AND EUSTACE, MARTYRS THE young men, John, Antony and Eustace, were officials in the household of Duke Olgierd, who eventually ruled Lithuania and was the father of the famous Jagiello. Like most of their fellow-countrymen they had been heathen, but they were converted to Christianity and baptized. Because of their fidelity to their new faith, and especially because they refused to partake of forbidden food on days of fasting, they were cast into prison. After enduring many trials they were condemned to death. John was hanged on April 14, his brother Antony on June 14, whilst Eustace, who was still young, was cruelly tortured before his execution on December 13. The martyrs suffered at Vilna, about the year 1342, and were buried in the famous church of the Holy Trinity in that city. They are honoured not only by the Lithuanians but also by the Russians. 1433 St. Lydwine heroically accepted plight as will of God offered her sufferings for humanity's sins Jesus Christ confided in her She experienced mystical gifts, including supernatural visions of heaven, hell, purgatory, apparitions of Christ, and the stigmata Patron of sickness & skaters For 30 years she received no explanation of incredible sufferings except through Jesus Christ who confided in her and promised the consolation of a heavenly life. Upon the advice of her confessor, Jan Pot, Lidwina meditated night and day on our Lord's passion, which she divided into seven parts, to correspond to the seven canonical hours of prayer. Through this practice Lidwina soon found all her bitterness and affliction converted into sweetness and consolation, and her soul so much changed, that she prayed to God to increase her pains and patience. Beginning in 1407, Lidwina began to experience supernatural gifts--ecstasies and visions in which she participated in the Passion of Christ, saw purgatory and heaven and visited with saints. Though her family was poor, Lidwina gave away the major portion of the alms given to her by others. Upon the death of her parents, she bequeathed to the poor all the goods that they left to her. The last 19 years of her life she partook of no food except the Holy Eucharist, slept little if at all during the last seven years of her life, and became almost completely blind and was unable to move any part of her body except her head and left arm. Her extraordinary sufferings attracted widespread attention. When a new parish priest accused her of hypocrisy, the people of the town threatened to drive him away. An ecclesiastical commission appointed to investigate declared her experiences to be valid. She died on Easter Tuesday in 1433. Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 15
Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 16
3rd v St. Callistus & Charisius Martyrs
with 7 companions Corinth Greece for their faithThe Holy Martyress Irene suffered in Greece in the year 258 304 The Holy Martyrs Agape, Irene, and Chione sisters 304 18 Martyrs of Saragossa relics were found at Saragossa in 1389 (RM) 304 Caius and Crementius Martyrs at Saragossa died 2nd persecution that same year MM (RM) Ibídem sancti Lambérti Mártyris. In the same place, the martyr St. Lambert. The Martyrdom of the 150 believers by the hand of king of Persia. {Coptic church} 564 St. Paternus bishop of Avranches organized community of hermits; Paternus was elected abbot and busied himself founding other religious houses that had an excellent influence upon the paganism around him. At age seventy, Paternus was appointed bishop of Avranches and lived for thirteen years afterwards. We know that he attended a council in Paris, and he was probably brought into personal relation with King Childebert. He is said to have died at Eastertide on the same day as his friend St Scubilio, and they were both buried together in the church at Scissy. 900 St. Lambert of Saragossa servant Martyred by his Saracen master in Spain 1021 St. Herve Hermit monk at St. Martin of tours Abbey 1116 Magnus of Orkney Magnus stood against wanton violence and racism against foreigners) 1186 St. Drogo Flemish humble noble hermit 40 yrs penitential pilgrim, visiting shrines 1294 St. Contardo “the Pilgrim.” miracles were reported at his grave 1305 Blessed Joachim Piccolomini singular devotion to the Blessed Virgin charity for poor perfect model of conspicuous virtue OSM (RM) 1317 Blessed William Gnoffi extremely penitential life Hermit (AC) 1513 Blessed Archangelo Canetuli archbishop-elect natural gift of fraternal love supernatural gift of prophecy OSA 1658 Ilyin_Chernigov_Icon_of_the_Mother_of_God 1692 Tambov Icon of the Mother of God 1772 The Holy Martyr Michael Burliotes 1783 St. Benedict Joseph Labré "the Beggar of Rome," a pilgrim recluse devoted to the Blessed Sacrament miracles soaring over the ground, as well as bilocation, is frequently attested in Benedict's case 1879 St. Bernadette Mary appeared to Bernadette 18 times and spoke with her above a rose bush in a grotto called Massabielle dressed in blue and white with a rosary of ivory and gold Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 17
165 ST ANICETUS, POPE AND MARTYRST ANICETUS was raised to the chair of St Peter in the latter part of the reign of the Emperor Antoninus Pius. He is styled a martyr in the Roman and other martyrologies and, if he did not actually shed his blood for the faith, he at least purchased the title of martyr by the sufferings and trials he endured. His efforts appear to have been specially directed to combating the errors of Valentine and Marcion and to protecting his flock from heresy. It was whilst he was pope that St Polycarp, the great bishop of Smyrna, came to Rome in connection with the controversy about the date of Easter. The conference which took place led to no settlement, but, to quote the words of Eusebius, “the bonds of charity were not broken”. St Anicetus is said to have been a Syrian. 344 The Hieromartyr Simeon, Bishop of Persia & 1,150 Martyrs perished because they refused to accept the Persian religion Suffered during a persecution against Christians under the Persian emperor Sapor II (310-381). 856 St. Elias priest Spanish martyr with Paul and Isidore by the Moors Córdubæ, in Hispánia, sanctórum Mártyrum Elíæ Presbyteri, Pauli et Isidóri Monachórum, qui, in persecutióne Arábica, ob Christiánæ fidei professiónem, interémpti sunt. At Cordova in Spain, the holy martyrs Elias, a priest, and the monks Paul and Isidore, who were slain in the Arab persecution for the profession of the Christian faith.
1134 Stephen
Harding one of the founders of the Cistercians OSB Cist.
Abbot (RM)
Born probably in Sherborne, Dorsetshire,
England; died at Cîteaux, France, March 28; canonized in
1623; his feast is celebrated on July 16 among the Cistercians.Cistércii, in Gállia, sancti Stéphani Abbátis, qui primus erémum Cisterciénsem incóluit, et sanctum Bernárdum, cum sóciis ad se veniéntem, lætus excépit. At Citeaux in France, St. Stephen, abbot, who was first to live in the Cistercian desert and who joyfully welcomed St. Bernard and his companions when they came to him. 1134 ST STEPHEN HARDING, ABBOT OF CITEAUX, CO- FOUNDER OF THE Cistercian ORDER The legate made known his opinion in 1098: "We have thought that the best thing would be for you to retire to another convent which the Divine Goodness will grant you. We have therefore permitted you who have appeared before us, Abbot Robert, Brothers Alberic and Stephen and all those who are determined to follow you, to execute this good plan and we exhort you to persevere therein." What is comforting to note is
that in the Church, if a work is good, the Holy Spirit gets
involved in it
and sooner or later, someone always presents himself to support and activate it. Thus, the permission was granted,
and Saint Robert and 20 others, built a monastery at Cîteaux,
diocese of Châlon-sur- Saône, in the heart of the
forest. The site was chosen, not for its majestic beauty, but
because Rainald, the lord of Beaune, gladly donated the site to
them. The monastery opened in 1098 with Robert as abbot, Alberic
as prior, and Stephen as subprior.
Saint Robert returned to Molesmes
about a year later at the order of Urban II. The other
two shifted positions respectively to abbot and prior.
During Alberic's reign, the new
order received definitive approval from Pope
Pascal II and was placed under the protection of the Holy See.
The Benedictines of Cîteaux
received a white habit and made their solemn professions on
March 21, 1098, Passion Sunday.1419 Blessed Clare Gambacorta both devout and penitential Poor Clares OP Widow (AC) (also known as Thora or Theodora of Pisa) Born in Venice(?), Italy, in 1362; beatified by Pope Pius VIII in 1830. She now became associated with Mary Mancini, also a widow, and destined like herself to be raised to the altars of the Church. The teaching of St Catherine of Siena strongly influenced the two women who, when they were transferred to Gambacorta’s new foundation in 1382, succeeded in inaugurating observance of their rule in its primitive austerity. This house, in which Bd Clare was at first sub-prioress and then prioress, became the training centre for many saintly women who afterwards carried the reform movement to other Italian cities. To this day, enclosed Dominican nuns are often spoken of in Italy as “Sisters of Pisa”. They led a contemplative life of prayer, manual work and study: “Never forget”, said Bd Clare’s director, “that in our order very few have become saints who were not likewise scholars.” 1478 Saint Zosimas, Igumen of Solovki a great luminary of the Russian North founder of cenobitic monasticism on Solovki Island visionary predicted death of Novogorod nobles fed by angels 1533 Saint Alexander of Svir died on August 30, 1533 incorrupt relics uncovered in 1641 during reconstruction of the Transfiguration cathedral Died on August 30, 1533. His incorrupt relics were uncovered in 1641 during the reconstruction of the Transfiguration cathedral. {below} The incorrupt relics of the saint were removed from the Svir Monastery by the Bolsheviks on December 20, 1918 after several unsuccessful attempts to confiscate them. There was an infamous campaign to liquidate the relics of the saints which continued from 1919 to 1922. Many relics of Russsian saints were stolen and subjected to "scientific examination" or displayed in antireligious museums. Some were completely destroyed. Hoping to prove that the relics were fakes, the Soviets conducted many tests. However, the tests only confirmed that the relics were genuine. Finally, the holy relics were sent to Petrograd's Military Medical Academy. There they remained for nearly eighty years. At Rome, the birthday of St. Benedict Joseph Labre, confessor, who was famed for his contempt of self and his great voluntary poverty. He was officially proclaimed a saint by Pope Leo XIII at canonization ceremonies in 1883. 1783 ST BENEDICT JOSEPH LABRE AMETTES, in the eighteenth century a village in the diocese of Boulogne-sur-Mer, was the birthplace in 1748 of Benedict Joseph Labre, the eldest of the fifteen children of a local shopkeeper of good standing. His parents sent him at the age of twelve to pursue his studies with his uncle, the parish priest of Erin. Here he became so completely absorbed in the Holy Scriptures and the lives of the saints that his uncle had to insist upon the importance of Latin and of secular subjects generally in the education of a candidate for holy orders. The boy, however, had already begun to realize a call to serve God in complete abandonment of the world. The good curé died of cholera, after he and his nephew had spent themselves in assisting other victims of the epidemic in the parish, and Benedict Joseph returned home. His one ambition was now to retire into the most austere religious order he could find. At the age of eighteen, having wrung a reluctant consent from his parents, he started off in mid-winter to walk sixty miles to La Trappe. Here disappointment awaited him: he was too young, he was told, to be admitted. Subsequent attempts to join the Carthusians and the Cistercians were not much more successful. Thrice indeed he was permitted to make trial of his vocation, but he was obviously unsuited to community life: devout indeed he was, but somewhat eccentric the confinement of the cell told on his health as well as on his spirits; he became reduced to a shadow, and his superiors had no option but to dismiss him. “God’s will be done”, he said, as he took a final farewell of the Cistercians of Septfons in 1770. Benedict now determined to go on pilgrimage to Rome, walking all the way and living on alms. He set out accordingly, staying among other places at Ars, where he met Mr Vianney, father of the future curé. Having crossed the Alps into Italy, he wrote from Piedmont a touching letter to his parents—the last they ever received from him. In it he apologized for the uneasiness he may have caused them and announced his intention of trying to enter an Italian monastery. This he does not appear to have done, for his true vocation began to dawn upon him. Not by shutting himself up in any cloister was he to abandon the world, but by obeying the counsels of perfection without turning his back on the world. Literally and in spirit he must follow the example of our Lord and so many of His saints. With this object in view he embarked upon a life of pilgrimages which led him to the principal shrines in western Europe. Oblivious of wind and weather, he travelled everywhere on foot, carrying neither purse nor scrip nor yet provisions for the way. Often he slept in the open air upon the bare ground; at best he took his rest in a shed or a garret, for he could rarely be induced to accept a bed. He wished to be homeless like his Master. He saluted no man by the way unless specially moved to do so, he seldom opened his lips except to acknowledge or distribute to others the alms which he had received. Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 18
138
St. Corebus
prefect of Messina Martyr convert of St. Eleutherius138 St. Eleutherius & Anthia bishop in Illyria Dalmatia with mother Anthia 185 St. Apollonius the Apologist Roman senator Martyr whose Apologia or defense of the faith is considered one of the most priceless documents of the early Church 6th v. Bitheus and Genocus British monks Bitheus and Genocus accompanied Saint Finnian of Clonard 639 St. Laserian monk abbot Bishop papal legate brother of St. Goban ordained priest by Saint Gregory the Great 714 St. Agia Benedictine wife of St. Hiduiphus of Hainault 8th v. St. Cogitosus Monk biographer of St. Brigid 749 St. Wicterp Bishop devoted to assisting founding monasteries of Filssen 820 Saint John disciple of St Gregory of Decapolis born end of the eighth century opposition to Iconoclast heresy 851 St. Perfectus priest Spanish martyr by Moors on Easter Sunday 1145 The Departure of Pope Gabriel II, the 70th Pope of Alexandria who was known as Ibn Turaik transcribed many Arabic and Coptic books retained its contents and comprehended its interpretations. {Coptic} 1526 Holy Martyr John Kulikos born in the Greek district of Epirus Ioannina city apostates were filled with hatred for St John; Turks sentenced the martyr be burned alive went boldly into the midst of the flames torturers, seeing St John was prepared to die in the fire, pulled him out and beheaded him 1602 Blessed Andrew Hibernon converted many Moors by his frank simplicity OFM (AC) 1618 BD MARY OF THE INCARNATION, WIDOW 19 th v. Departure of Anba Isaac, Disciple of Anba Apollo "I was not fleeing from men but from Satan. If a man hold a lighted lamp in the wind, it will be extinguished. So, it is with us when our hearts and minds shine because of the prayers and the Liturgy then we talk with each other, our hearts and minds become dark." {Coptic} Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 19
275 Socrates and Dionysius Martyrs of Pamphylia MM (RM) Eódem die sanctórum Mártyrum Socrátis et Dionysii, qui lánceis confóssi sunt. On the same day, the holy martyrs Socrates and Denis, who were killed with spears. who were stabbed to death under Aurelian(?) (Benedictines). Pamphylia: ancient name for the fertile coastal plain in southern Turkey.
4th v. St. Hermogenes
Armenian martyr w/others at Melitene
Melitínæ, in Arménia, sanctórum Mártyrum Hermógenis, Caji, Expedíti, Aristónici, Rufi et Galátæ, qui omnes una die sunt coronáti. At Melitine in Armenia, the holy martyrs Hermogenes, Caius, Expeditus, Aristonicus, Rufus, and Galatas, all crowned on the same day. with Aristonicus, Expeditus, Galata, Gaius, and Rufus. They suffered at Melitene. Hermogenes, Caius & Companions MM (RM). Hermogenes, Caius, Expeditus, Aristonicus, Rufus, and Galata were Armenian martyrs believed to have died at Melitene (Benedictines).
1012
St. Alphege
Archbishop "1st Martyr of Canterbury." famed for care
of poor and austere life incorrupt in 1105 "1st Martyr of Canterbury." famed for care
of poor and austere life incorrupt in 1105
Cantuáriæ,
in Anglia, sancti Elphégi, Epíscopi et Mártyris.
At Canterbury in England, St. Elphege, bishop and martyr.ST ALPHEGE, ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, MARTYR St ALPHEGE (Aelfheah; Elphege) when a young man entered the monastery of Deerhurst in Gloucestershire. Afterwards he withdrew to a deserted place near been refounded by St Dunstan. As an abbot Alphege would never tolerate the slightest relaxation of the rule, for he realized how easily a small concession may begin to undermine the regular observance of a religious house; he used to say that it was far better for a man to remain in the world than for him to become an imperfect monk. In 1006, Elphege was appointed Archbishop
of Canterbury, and received the pallium from Pope John XVIII
in Rome.
Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles of
Saints today April 201054 Leo IX "the pilgrim pope" - reformer deacon a stern bishop holy man & army officer Pope (RM) - attempted stopping the schism (RM) Romæ sancti Leónis Papæ Noni, virtútum et miraculórum laude insígnis. At Rome, Pope St. Leo IX, illustrious for his virtues and his miracles. 1054 ST LEO IX, POPE St Benedict, who touched him with a cross was completely cured severe blood-poisoning ALSACE, at that period a part of the Holy Roman Empire, was the birthplace of St Leo IX in the year 1002. His father Hugh, who was closely related to the emperor, and his mother Heilewide were a pious and cultured pair of whom it is recorded, as though it were somewhat unusual, that they spoke fluent French as well as their own German tongue. In the summer of 1048 Pope Damasus II died after a pontificate of twenty-three days, and the Emperor Henry III chose his kinsman Bruno of Toul as his successor. He set out for Rome, stopping at Cluny on the way, where he was joined by the monk Hildebrand, afterwards Pope St Gregory VII. His nomination having been endorsed in due form, Bruno was enthroned, taking the name of Leo IX, early in 1049. 1260 Blessed Luchesio and Buonadonna they set in motion the Secular Franciscan Order Luchesio and his wife Buonadonna wanted to follow St. Francis as a married couple. Thus they set in motion the Secular Franciscan Order. Luchesio and Buonadonna lived in Poggibonzi where he was a greedy merchant. Meeting Francis—probably in 1213—changed his life. He began to perform many works of charity. At first Buonadonna was not as enthusiastic about giving so much away as Luchesio was. One day after complaining that he was giving everything to strangers, Buonadonna answered the door only to find someone else needing help. Luchesio asked her to give the poor man some bread. She frowned but went to the pantry anyway. There she discovered more bread than had been there the last time she looked. She soon became as zealous for a poor and simple life as Luchesio was. They sold the business, farmed enough land to provide for their needs and distributed the rest to the poor. In the 13th century some couples, by mutual consent and with the Church’s permission, separated so that the husband could join a monastery (or a group such as Francis began) and his wife could go to a cloister. Conrad of Piacenza and his wife did just that. This choice existed for childless couples or for those whose children had already grown up. Luchesio and Buonadonna wanted another alternative, a way of sharing in religious life, but outside the cloister. To meet this desire, Francis set up the Secular Franciscan Order. Francis wrote a simple Rule for the Third Order (Secular Franciscans) at first; Pope Honorius III approved a more formally worded Rule in 1221. 1289 Blessed Conrad de'Miliani evangelize Libya advisor to cardinal Masci (later Pope Nicholas IV) OFM (AC) great a devotion to the Sacred Passion that he was sometimes allowed to behold our Lord crowned with thorns and to take part in His sufferings Besides attending to his professorial duties he found time to preach in the churches and to visit the sick poor in the hospitals. In 1289 Jerome, now pope, sent for his friend, whom he wished to have in the college of cardinals, but Conrad fell ill before he could reach Rome and died in his native town of Ascoli. His cultus was approved by Pope Pius VI. 1602 St. James Duckett, Blessed bookseller imprisoned 9 years Martyr of England for his faith hanged at Tyburn. James was born in Gilfortriggs, Westmoreland, England. After being drawn to Catholicism, he refused to attend Protestant services and passed two terms in prison. He then took instructions and was baptized. James went to London, where he spent more time in prison and distributed Catholic materials. Arrested for his faith, he was imprisoned for nine years before his execution at Tyburn. He was beatified in 1929. Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 21
Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 22
The
Holy
Apostles Nathaniel, Luke and Clement of the Seventy:
See June 11, October 18 and September 10.
Popes and
Saints mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 23Holy Myrrh-bearing women Sts Mary Magdalene The Holy Apostles Nathaniel, Luke and Clement of the Seventy St. Tamara is commemorated on the Sunday of the Myrrh-beating Women 1st v. St. Apelles first bishop of Smyrna Laodicea mentioned by St. Paul in Romans 174 Soter, Pope charity personal kindness care for persecuted condemned Montanists (RM) 282 The Departure of the Holy Father Anba Maximus The Fifteenth Pope of Alexandria. 296 Saint Caius, Pope Dalmatian M (RM) 342 St. Abdiesus deacon in the Christian community of Persia martyrdom w/others by King Shapur II 342 Abrosimus of Persia priest stoned to death with many of his flock M (RM) 342 Azadanes (Azadames) Azades Tharba & Companions Died in Persia MM (RM) 342 Mareas and Companions 21 bishops 250 priests monks nuns vast number of laity MM (RM) 345 St. Tarbula Virgin martyr sister of St. Simeon, the Persian bishop and martyr 376 St. Acepsimas Bishop (80 yr) martyr victim of the Persian persecutions in Hnaita, Persia St. Bicor A Persian martyr bishop 376 St. Joseph of Persia with St. Acepsimas Martyred 377 Aithalas of Persia priest M (RM) St. Mareas Martyred bishop of Persia with 21 companion bishops 250 priests monks nuns and laypeople 380 St. Milles bishop Martyr of Persia 4th v. Abdiesus the Deacon Persian martyr M (RM) 536 Pope Agapitus I archdeacon opposed Monophysites Pope (RM) in the opinion of Pope St Gregory I he was “a trumpet of the gospel and a herald of righteousness”. Commemoration Consecration church of St. Agabus, Apostle {Coptic} 1262 Blessed Giles of Assisi 1/of 1st and liveliest companions of Saint Francis ecstasies vision of Christ considered most perfect example of primitive Franciscan humor deep understanding of human nature optimism OFM 318 Consecration Commemoration first altar for St. Nicholas, Bishop of Mora for Jacobite Christians {Coptic} 994 Gerald of Toul reputation for piety rebuilt churches founded Hospital taught students to improve interior life more then science; miracles 997 Adalbert of Prague bishop founder composition of Czech and Polish hymns preaching Poland Prussia Hungary Russia missionaries martyred there 1051 Consecration of St George's Church in Kiev by St Hilarion, Metropolitan of Kiev and All Rus 1138 Blessed Gerard of Orchimont Benedictine monk OSB Abbot (AC) 1262 Blessed Giles of Assisi 1/of 1st and liveliest companions of Saint Francis ecstasies vision of Christ considered most perfect example of primitive Franciscan humor deep understanding of human nature optimism OFM 1266 Blessed Giles of Saumur bishop archbishop under King Saint Louis of France B (AC) 1458 Blessed Helen Valentini Augustinian tertiary devotional practices, charity, and austerity Widow (AC) 1462 Blessed Georgii of Shenkursk a contemporary of the Monk Varlaam of Vazhsk and Shenkursk 1656 The Departure of Pope Mark (Marcus) VI, the 101st. Patriarch.{Coptic} 272 St Sabas Roman martyr supposedly Gothic officer 272 70 soldiers After witnessing torments of St Sava Stratelates they believe in Christ: beheaded by the sword 288 Martyrs Pasikrates and Valention from Durostorum, Silistria {Bulgaria) soldiers under governor Absolanus 305 Martyrs Eusebius, Neon, Leontius, Longinus, and 40 Others present at sufferings of Great Martyr George In Anglia deposítio sancti Mellíti Epíscopi, qui, a sancto Gregório Papa in Angliam missus, orientáles Saxónes et ipsórum Regem ad Rhemis, in Gállia, sanctárum Vírginum Bovæ et Dodæ. At Rheims in France, the holy virgins Bova and Doda. Andégavi, in Gállia, sanctæ Maríæ a sancta Euphrásia Pelletier, Vírginis, Institúti Sorórum a Bono Pastóre Fundatrícis Conversion_of_St_Augustine_Hippo 430 Medioláni Convérsio sancti Augustíni Epíscopi, Confessóris et Ecclésiæ Doctóris 525 St Deodatus Abbot near Blois Illíberi, in Hispánia, sancti Gregórii, Epíscopi et Confessóris. 6th v Saint Thomas the Fool-for-Christ was a monk in one of the monasteries in Caesarea of Cappadocia (Asia Minor) many healings 624 St Mellitus of Canterbury missionary Archbishop of Canterbury from 619 In England, the death of St. Mellitus, bishop. He was sent there by St. Gregory, and he converted to the faith the East Saxons and their king. a Roman abbot—presumably from the monastery of St Andrew— whom Pope St Gregory the Great despatched to England in 601 at the head of a second band of missionaries to assist St Augustine. When he had laboured for three years in Kent, he was appointed first bishop of London or of the East Saxons, and baptized King Sabert as well as many of his subjects. Saint Elizabeth the Wonderworker from Constantinople chosen for the service of God at birth gift of healing physical and spiritual infirmities 639 St Egbert English monk of Lindisfarne persuading monks adopt roman usage over celebration of Easter 851 St Diarmaid Irish bishop of Armagh known for his learning 1103 St William Firmatus Hermit pilgrim physician canon at Saint-Venance close relationship with nature honored by wild animals 13th v Saint Sava of the Caves lived in the Near Caves of the Kiev Caves monastery a wonderworker 13th v Saint Alexius, Hermit of Caves, lived a life of asceticism in the Near Caves of the Kiev Caves monastery a wonderworker 1622 St Fidelis of Sigmaringen Franciscan Capuchin martyr defending poor Congregation head for Spreading of the Faith At Gruch in Switzerland, St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest and martyr, of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. He was sent there to preach the Catholic faith, but was put to death by the heretics. He was numbered among the holy martyrs by the Sovereign Pontiff, Benedict XIV. 1657 Saint Iorest the Confessor was born into a peasant family of Transylvania, and received name Elias in Baptism 1683 Saint Sava {Simeon in Baptism}was born into an old Serbian family from Hertzegovina defender of the faith against calvinists used Saints in Sermons for his flock 1711 Saint Joseph the confessor was born in the seventeenth century, and was consecrated as a bishop in Moldavia (northern Romania in 1690 by Metropolitan Dositheus. St Joseph was a zealous defender of the Orthodox Faith, and therefore he was jailed by the civil authorities. He died in 1711 after suffering for the truth and defending his flock. St Joseph the Confessor was glorified by the Orthodox Church of Romania in 1992. 1868 St Mary Euphrasia Pelletier, Virgin, Foundress Of The Institute Of Our Lady Of Charity Of The Good Shepherd ROSE Virginia Pelletier was born in 1796 in the island of Noirmoutier off the coast of Brittany; her parents had been forced to seek shelter there in the war of La Vendée. Having been sent to school at Tours, Rose came to learn something of the Convent of the Refuge. This belonged to a religious congregation founded in 1641 by St John Eudes for the rescue of “fallen” women and the protection of those in danger. It was known as the Institute of Our Lady of Charity of the Refuge, and it had a house in Tours. Rose joined the noviceship there in 1814, and some eleven years later, when she was still only twenty-nine, was elected superior. Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 25
1st v. St Anianus
Bishop St Mark shoemaker aide great fervor and virtue150 St. Philo and Agathopodes Antiochene deacons authored Acts recounting life and death of St. Ignatius of Antioch 392 St. Phaebadius one of “the illustrious men” of the Church extirpated Arianism heresy 480 St. Macedonius Patriarch of Constantinople Council of Chalcedon defender 489 St. Macaille Bishop of Croghan prelate vows of St. Brigid 7th v. Authaire of La Ferté courtier at King Dagobert Ipalace France (AC) 729 Egbert of Rathemigisi Northumbrian monk of Lindisfarne OSB (RM) 891 Photius career of scholarship and public service at the imperial court legitimate patriarch of Constantinople Orthodox objection to doctrine of the Holy Spirit: Filioque 1000 St. Robert of Syracuse Benedictine abbot He headed the monastery at Syracuse, Sicily. 1586 Bl. William Marsden & Blessed Robert Anderson priest Martyr of England 1586 Bl. Robert Anderton Jesuit Cardinal theology professor notable figure Catholic Reformation defended Gallileo 1597 Philip of Jesus friar Miracles attested the power before God of these first martyrs of Japan patron of Mexico City, Mexico 1913 Blessed Giovanni Battista Piamarta (AC) Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 26
Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 27
Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 28
63 Jason
wurde von Paulus zum Bischof von Tarsus Sosipater und
Gefährten eingesetzt und Sosipater zum Bischof von Ikonien
mit sieben Dieben martyred zusammen: Saturninus Iakischolus
Faustianus Januarius Marsalius Euphrasius Mammius the Apostles baptized the governor
and gave him the name Sebastian. With his help, the Apostles Jason
and Sosipater built several churches on the island, and increased the
flock of Christ by their fervent preaching. They lived there until they
reached old age.92 St. Mark of Galilee Martyred bishop of Marsi St. Theodora At Atino in Campania, St. Mark, who was made bishop by the blessed apostle Peter. He was the first to preach the Gospel to the Equicoli, and received the crown of martyrdom in the persecution of Domitian, under the governor Maximus. A Galilean by birth, he was a missionary to Italy. 1st v. St. Aphrodisius martyr with Sts. Caralippus, Agapius, Eusebius, supposedly sheltered the Holy Family when they fled into Egypt 1st century; also involved in ancient tradition. St. Gregory of Tours related a legend that Aphrodisius was an Egyptian. He supposedly sheltered the Holy Family when they fled into Egypt. Aphrodisius and companions were martyred in Languedoc, France. 1716 Saint Louis de Monfort founded the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Wisdom Born: Jan 31. 1673 Canonized: 1947 by Pope Pius XII He was born poor. Studied in Paris, and ordained in 1700. While a seminarian he delighted in researching the writings of Church Fathers, Doctors, and Saints as they related to the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom he was singularly devoted. At once he began to give missions to the poor, who flocked to hear him, but the bishop of Poitiers, at the instigation of the critics of Father Grignion, forbade him to preach in his diocese. Undismayed, he set off on foot for Rome to seek authority from Pope Clement XI, who received him encouragingly and sent him back to France with the title of missionary apostolic. As Poitiers remained closed to him, he returned to his native Brittany, where he embarked on a course of missions which he continued almost uninterruptedly until his death. 1775 Sancti Pauli a Cruce, Presbyteri et Confessóris; qui Congregatiónis a Cruce et Passióne Dómini nostri Jesu Christi Cross was endowed with extraordinary gifts. He prophesied future events, healed the sick, and even during his lifetime appeared on various occasions in vision to persons far away St. Paul of the Cross, priest and confessor, founder of the Congregation of the Cross and Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. He went to his repose in the Lord on the 18th of October. St. Paul of the Cross Paul Francis Daneii, born at Ovada, Genoa, Italy, 3 January, 1694; died in Rome, 18 October, 1775. 1775 St Paul Of The Cross, Founder Of The Barefooted Clerks Of The Holy Cross And Passion THE founder of the Passionists, St Paul-of-the-Cross, was born at Ovada in the republic of Genoa in 1694— 1840 St. Peter Hieu catechist native Vietnamese martyr 1841 St. Peter Chanel Priest Martyred in the New Hebrides model pupil vicar parish priest model missionary intelligence and simple piety 1962 Saint Gianna Beretta Molla M.D. gave special attention to mothers babies elderly and the poor gave her life to save that of her child (AC). Popes and Saints
mentioned
in articles
of Saints today April 29
33 The man who lay by the Sheep's
Pool in Jerusalem for thirty-eight years65 St Torpes Martyr Martyrs of Corfu hermits the Seven Saintly Robbers martyred 1st v. Cercyre converted by Saint Jason VM 1st v. St Tychicus 1st century disciple assistant of St. Paul 259 St Agapius banished to Cirta, Numidia (Algeria) Martyr bishop 290 Nine holy martyrs Cyzicus Dardenelles Thaumasius, Theognes, Rufus, Antipater, Theostichus, Artemas, Magnus, Theodotus, and Philemon The Holy Martyrs Diodorus and Rhodopianus the Deacon suffered under the emperor Diocletian (284-305) in Aphrodisias, Caria. 409 Severus of Naples renowned miracle worker raised dead man B (RM) 845 St Ava cured of blindness by St. Rainfredis, became a Benedictine Abbess 9th v. St Daniel of Gerona hermit Daniel native of Asia Minor M (AC) 1109 St Hugh the Great Benedictine abbot founded hospital for lepers preached the First Crusade 1110 Robert of Molesme one of Cistercian founders movement a great reformer OSB Cist. Abbot (RM) 1111 St. Robert of Molesmes Benedictine abbot great reformer founder 1157 Bl Robert Bruges Cistercian abbot followed Saint Bernard to Clairvaux 1252 St Peter of Verona inquisitor inspiring sermons martyr accepted into the Dominican Order by St. Dominic 1380 St Catherine of Siena illiterate one of the most brilliant theological minds of her day mystical experiences when only 6 visions of Christ Mary and the saints gift of healing Stigmata visible only after her death Doctor of the Church 1715 St. Louis Mary Grignion missionary apostolic organized women the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Wisdom furthering devotion to the Most Blessed Virgin through the Rosary popular book, True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin formed the Missionaries of the Company of Mary founded the clerical institute Montfort Fathers 1716 St Louis de Montfort Confessor Marian devotee missionary apostolic famous for fostering devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Rosary founder of the Sisters of Divine Wisdom 1842 Joseph Benedict Cottolengo priest ministered to the sick "When I am in Heaven, where everything is possible, I will cling to the mantle of the Mother of God and I will not turn my eyes from you. But do not forget what this poor old man has said to you."(RM) Founder Of The Societies Of The Little House Of Divine Providence; Popes and Saints mentioned in articles of Saints today April 30 |
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120 -132 St. Theodora Roman
martyr sister of Saint Hermes aid and
care to her brother in prison. At Rome, the passion of St.
Theodora, sister of the illustrious martyr Hermes. She
underwent martyrdom in the time of Emperor Adrian, under the judge
Aurelian, and was buried at the side of her brother, on the Salarian
Way, a short distance from the city. According to the Acta of Pope St. Alexander (r 105-115), she was the sister of Saint Hermes and was martyred some time after her brother. She had given aid and care to her brother during his difficult time in prison. The council and the delegates from Grenoble severally and collectively appear to have looked on Canon Hugh as the one man who was capable of dealing with the disorders complained of; but though unanimously elected it was with the greatest reluctance that he consented to accept the office. The legate himself conferred on him holy orders up to the priesthood, and took him to Rome that he might receive consecration from the pope. 1132 St. Hugh of Grenoble Benedictine bishop amazing modesty took upon himself all sins of others the cross he carried was heavy laden holy and redemptive great reputation for miracles. The kindness of the reception he met emboldened the young bishop elect to consult St Gregory VII about temptations to blasphemy which sometimes beset him, causing him great distress and, as he considered, rendering him unfit for the high office to which he was called. The pontiff reassured him, explaining that God permitted these trials to purify him and render him a more fitting instrument for the divine purposes. These particular temptations continued to assault him until his last illness, but he never yielded to them in any way. The Countess Matilda gave the twenty-eight-year-old bishop his crozier and some books, including the De officiis ministrorum of St Ambrose and a psalter to which were appended the commentaries of St Augustine. Immediately after his consecration. St Hugh hurried off to his diocese, but he was appalled by the state of his flock. The gravest sins were committed without shame; simony and usury were rampant; the clergy openly flouted the obligation to celibacy; the people were uninstructed; laymen had seized church property and the see was almost penniless. It was indeed a herculean task that lay before the saint. For two years he laboured unremittingly to redress abuses by preaching, by denunciations, by rigorous fasts and by constant prayer. The excellent results he was obtaining were patent to all but to himself: he only saw his failures and blamed his own incompetence. Discouraged, he quietly withdrew to the Cluniac abbey of Chaise-Dieu, where he received the Benedictine habit. He did not remain there long, for Pope Gregory commanded him to resume his pastoral charge and return to Grenoble. A short time before his death he lost his memory for everything but prayer, and would recite the psalter or the Lord’s Prayer without intermission. During his 52-year episcopacy, Hugh vainly tendered his resignation to each pope--Gregory VII, Gelasius II, Calixtus II, Honorius II, Innocent II, and others--and they refused him because of his outstanding ability. He never ceased imploring them to release him from the duties of his episcopal office up to the day of his death. During his last, painful illness he was tormented by headaches and stomach disorders that resulted from his long fasts and vigils, yet never complained. St Hugh died on April 1, 1132, two months before attaining the age of eighty, having been a bishop for fifty-two years. Pope Innocent II canonized him two years later. 1194 Hugh of Bonnevaux possessed singular powers of discernment and exorcism OSB Cistercian, Abbot (AC). The Mother of Mercy, with a look of great kindness, addressed him, saying, “Bear yourself like a man and let your heart be comforted in the Lord; rest assured that you will be troubled no more by these temptations.” IN one of his letters St Bernard of Clairvaux mentions with great praise a novice called Hugh, who had renounced considerable riches and entered the abbey of Mézières at a very early age against the wishes of his relations. He was nephew to St Hugh of Grenoble. Once, when greatly troubled by temptations and longings to return to the world, he entered a church to pray for light and help. As he raised his eyes to the altar, he beheld above it a figure which he recognized to be that of our Lady, and then, beside her, appeared the form of her divine Son. The Mother of Mercy, with a look of great kindness, addressed him, saying, “Bear yourself like a man and let your heart be comforted in the Lord; rest assured that you will be troubled no more by these temptations.” Hugh afterwards gave himself up to such severe penances that his health broke down and he seemed to be losing his memory. He owed his recovery to the wise common-sense of St Bernard, who ordered him off to the infirmary with instructions that he should be properly tended and allowed to speak to anyone he liked. Not long afterwards he was made abbot of Bonnevaux, and in Hugh’s care the abbey became very flourishing. It was noted that the abbot could read men’s thoughts and was quick to detect any evil spirit which had access to the minds of his brethren. The stories that have come down to us testify to his powers of divination and exorcism. Like so many of the great monastic luminaries, both men and women, Hugh did not confine his interests to his own house or even to his order. Moved by what he felt to be divine inspiration he went to Venice in 1177, there to act as mediator between Pope Alexander III and the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. To him is due the credit of negotiating between them a peace which has become historic. St Hugh died in 1194, and his ancient cultus was approved in 1907. 1220 Jacqueline V Hermit recluse in Sicily reprimanded Pope Innocent III 1245
ST GILBERT,
BISHOP OF CAITHNESS “Three
maxims which I have always tried to observe
I now commend to you: first, never to hurt anyone
and, if injured, never to seek revenge secondly, to
bear patiently whatever suffering God may inflict, remembering
that He chastises every son whom He receives; and finally
to obey those in authority so as not to be a stumbling-block
to others.”
1849 BD
LUDOVIC PAVONI, FOUNDER OF THE SONS OF MARY
IMMACULATE OF BRESCIA.
THIS forerunner of St John Bosco in the education and
care of boys, especially the orphaned and neglected,
was born at Brescia in Lombardy in 1784. His parents were
Alexander Pavoni and Lelia Pontecarali, and the family was of
noble descent, with a sufficiency of property to maintain its
position. Ludovic while still young showed a serious disposition;
his sister Paolina said of him that “Ludovic was always a good
religious youngster, while I was always a scamp”; and as a
youth he already outlined his vocation when, during summer holidays
at Alfianello, he played with the peasants’ children and taught
them the catechism. On another occasion he threw his shirt
out of the window to a beggar shivering in the street below.
He had a taste and some capacity for the fine arts and might have
become a painter or an architect, but probably nobody was surprised
when he decided to study for the priesthood. This he did under the
Dominicans (all the Lombard seminaries were closed in consequence
of the revolution), and he was ordained priest in 1807.
Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
in
articles of Saints today April 02
469
St. Abundius
Greek priest bishop noted theologian
obvious intellect and holiness attended Councils
of Chalcedon and Milan. He became
the bishop of Como, Italy, and attended the Council of Constantinople
in 450. As a result of his obvious intellect and holiness,
he was sent by Pope
St. Leo I the Great to the Emperor Theodosius
II as an envoy of the Holy See. His mission led to the and
to the Council of Chalcedon
in 451 Council of Milan in 452. Abundius
served as the pope's representative in such councils,
clearly stating the Church's role and concerns.
952 Anba Macarius, the Fifty-Ninth Pope of Alexandria; The Departure of. On this day also of the year 668 A.M. (May 20th. 952 A.D.) St. Macarius the fifty ninth Pope of Alexandria, departed. He was born in the city of Shoubra. He rejected the world since his youth and he desired the monastic life. He went to the monastery of St. Macarius at the wilderness of Sheahat (Scetis). He lived in virtues and good conduct made him worthy to be chosen a Patriarch, and a successor for Pope Cosma. He was enthroned on the first of Baramouda 648 A.M. (March 27th. 932 A.D.). When he went forth from Alexandria
going to visit the monasteries in the desert
of Scetis according to the custom of his predecessors,
he passed by his home town to visit his mother who was
a righteous woman. When his mother heard that he had arrived
she did not go out to meet him. When he had come to the house,
he found her sitting down weaving and she did not greet
him or paid attention to him. He thought that she did not know
him. He told her: "Don't you know that I am your son Macarius
who was elevated to a great position and became a head for a great
nation?" She answered him with tears in her eyes: "I did not ignore
you and I know what became of you, but I would have rather seen you
dead than seen you as a Patriarch. Before, you were responsible
only for your own soul but now your are responsible about the souls
of all your flock: Now remember you are in danger and it is difficult
to escape it." She said that and went on weaving as she did before. The father the Patriarch left
her sad, and attended to his office with delegant
and care. He instructed his people with preaching
and sermons. He did not touch any of the church revenue,
and did not lay his hand on any one without people consent. He
commanded the bishops and the priests to watch their flock
and to protect them with homilies and admonitions. He sat on
the throne of St. Mark twenty years in peace and tranquility,
then departed in peace. In his thirteenth year he was placed in the Franciscan friary at San Marco, where he learnt to read and where he laid the foundation of the austere life which he ever afterwards led; although he had not professed the rule of the order, he seemed even at that tender age to outstrip the religious themselves in a scrupulous observance of its requirements. After spending a year there he accompanied his parents on a pilgrimage which included Assisi and Rome. Upon his return to Paola, with their consent, he retired first to a place about half a mile from the town, and afterwards to a more remote seclusion by the sea, where he occupied a cave. He was scarcely fifteen years old. Before he was twenty, he was joined by two other men. The neighbours built them three cells and a chapel in which they sang the divine praises and in which Mass was offered for them by a priest from the nearest church. Besides the gift of miracles St Francis was endowed with that of prophecy, and long afterwards, writing to Pope Leo X for the canonization of St Francis, the Bishop of Grenoble (uncle to Bayard, the “Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche”) wrote, “Most holy Father, he revealed to me many things which were known only to God and to myself”. Pope Paul II sent one of his chamberlains into Calabria to inquire about the truth of the wonderful things that were reported of the saint. Upon seeing a visitor approach, St Francis, who was busy with the masons over the construction of his church, left his work to greet him. The envoy attempted to kiss his hand, but this Francis would not allow; he protested that it was for him to kiss the hands which for some thirty years had been sanctified by offering the holy Sacrifice. The chamberlain, surprised that Francis should know how long he, a stranger, had been a priest, did not disclose his mission, but asked to speak with him and was led within the enclosure. Here he expatiated eloquently on the dangers of singularity, and censured Francis’s way of life as too austere for human nature. The saint attempted humbly to vindicate his rule and then, to prove what the grace of God would enable single-minded men to bear, he lifted out of the fire some burning coals and held them for some time in his hands unscathed. It may be noted that there is record of several similar examples of his immunity from the effects of fire. The chamberlain returned full of veneration for the holy man, and the new order received the sanction of the Holy See in 1474. At that time the community was composed of uneducated men, with only one priest. They were then called Hermits of St Francis of Assisi, and it was not until 1492 that their name was changed to that of “Minims”, at the desire of the founder, who wished his followers to be reckoned as the least (minimi) in the household of God. St Francis passed twenty-five years in France, and died there. On Palm Sunday 1507 he fell ill, and on Maundy Thursday assembled his brethren and exhorted them to the love of God, to charity and to a strict observance of all the duties of their rule. Then he received viaticum barefoot with a rope round his neck, according to the custom of his order. He died on the following day, Good Friday, being then ninety-one years of age. His canonization took place in 1519. Besides the rule which St Francis drew up for his friars, with a correctorium or method of enjoining penances and a ceremonial, he also composed a rule for nuns, and regulations for a third order of persons living in the world. Today the number of members of the Order of Minims is considerably reduced they are mostly found in Italy. 1815 BD LEOPOLD OF GAICHE founded house for missioners and preachers could retire for their annual retreat other brethren and friends of the order could come for spiritual refreshment; numerous miracles reported at his grave. When in 1808 Napoleon invaded Rome and imprisoned Pope Pius VII, religious houses were suppressed and their occupants turned out. Bd Leopold, a venerable old man of seventy-seven, was obliged to abandon his beloved convent, and with three of his brethren to live in a miserable hut in Spoleto. While there he acted as assistant to a parish priest, but afterwards he had charge of an entire parish whose pastor had been driven out by the French. Then he was himself imprisoned for refusing to take an oath which he considered unlawful. His imprisonment, however, was of short duration, for we soon find him giving missions once more. His fame was enhanced by his prophetical powers and by strange phenomena which attended him: for example, when he was preaching his head often appeared to his congregation as though it were crowned with thorns. With the fall of Napoleon, Bd Leopold hurried back to Monte Luco, where he set about trying to establish things as they had been before but he only survived for a few months, dying on April 15, 1815, in his eighty-third year. The numerous miracles reported to have taken place at his grave caused the speedy introduction of the process of his beatification, which reached a favourable conclusion in 1893. 1839 St. Dominic Tuoc 3rd order Dominican martyr native of Vietnam. Arrested and tortured, he died in prison. Dominic was a native of Vietnam. He was canonized in 1988. Blessed Dominic Tuoc M, OP Tert. (AC) Born in Tonkin; died 1839; beatified in 1900. Saint Dominic was a priest of the third order of Dominicans, who died of his wounds in prison (Benedictines). 1968 The Apparition of the Pure Lady the Virgin in the church of Zeiton. On the eve of this day of the year 1684 A.M. which coincide with tuesday the 2nd. of April 1968 A.D., during the papacy of Pope Kyrellos VI, the hundred sixteenth Pope of Alexandria, our Lady and the pride of our faith started to transfigure in luminous spiritual forms in and around the domes of the church dedicated to her immaculate name in Zeiton, a suburb of Cairo. Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
in
articles of Saints today April 03
Tauroménii, in Sicília, sancti Pancrátii Epíscopi. At Rome, the birthday of blessed Pope Sixtus the First, martyr, who ruled the Church with distinction during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, and finally in the reign of Antoninus Pius he gladly accepted temporal death in order to gain Christ for himself. (also known as Xystus) ST XYSTUS I succeeded Pope St Alexander I about the end of the reign of Trajan, and governed the Church for some ten years at a period when the papal dignity was the common prelude to martyrdom. In all the old martyrologies he is honoured as a martyr, but we have no particulars about his life or death. He was by birth a Roman, his father’s house in the ancient Via Lata having occupied, it is supposed, the site now covered by the church of St Mary-in-Broad-Street. The Liber Pontificalis credits him with having laid down as ordinances that none but the clergy should touch the sacred vessels, and that the people should join in when the priest had intoned the Sanctus at Mass. The Sixtus mentioned in the canon of the Mass was probably not this pope but St Sixtus II, whose martyrdom was more widely famous. 1253 St. Richard of Wyche Ph.D. Priest missionary bishop denounced nepotism, insisted on strict clerical discipline, ever generous to poor and needy Many miracles healing recorded during lifetime more after death. Richard was deep in the hearts of his people, the sort of saint that anyone can recognize by his simplicity, holiness, and endless charity to the poor. Richard Backedine B (RM) (also known as Richard of Wyche, of Droitwich, of Chichester, of Burford) Born at Droitwich (formerly called Wyche), Worchestershire, England, in 1197; died at Dover, England, 1253; canonized 1262 (Urban IV 1261-64 ). In 1244 Ralph Neville, bishop of Chichester, died, and Henry III, by putting pressure on the canons, obtained the election of Robert Passelewe, a worthless man who, according to Matthew Paris, “had obtained the king’s favour in a wonderful degree by an unjust inquisition by which he added some thousands of marks to the royal treasury.” The archbishop refused to confirm the election and called a chapter of his suffragans who declared the previous election invalid, and chose Richard, the primate’s nominee, to fill the vacant see. Upon hearing the news, King Henry was violently enraged: he kept in his own hands all the temporalities and forbade the admission of St Richard to any barony or secular possession attached to his see. In vain did the bishop elect himself approach the monarch on two separate occasions: he could obtain neither the confirmation of his election nor the restoration of the revenues to which he was entitled. At last both he and the king carried the case to Pope Innocent IV, who was presiding over the Council of Lyons, and he decided in favour of St Richard, whom he consecrated himself on March 5, 1245. Landing once more in England the new bishop was met by the news that the king, far from giving up the temporalities, had forbidden anyone to lend St Richard money or even to give him houseroom. At Chichester he found the palace gates closed against him: those who would gladly have helped him feared the sovereign’s anger, and it seemed as though he would have to wander about his diocese a homeless outcast. However, a good priest, Simon of Tarring, opened his house to him, and Richard, as Bocking informs us, “took shelter under this hospitable roof, sharing the meals of a stranger, warming his feet at another man’s hearth”. "Thanks be to Thee, my Lord Jesus Christ For all the benefits Thou hast given me, For all the pains and insults Which Thou has borne for me. O most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother, May I know Thee more clearly, Love Thee more dearly, Follow Thee more nearly, Day by day. Amen." --Saint Richard of Chichester.1271 Blessed John of Penna priest founding several Franciscan houses visions gift of prophecywon all hearts by his exemplary life as well as by his kindly and courteous manners; aridity and a painful lingering illness; spiritual consolations assurance that he accomplished his purgatory on earth his cell was illuminated with a celestial light OFM (AC) . Born at Penna San Giovanni (near Fermo), Ancona, Italy, c. 1193; died at Recanati, Italy, April 3, 1271; cultus approved 1806 by Pope Pius VII. Blessed John joined the Franciscans at Recanati about 1213, was ordained a priest, and was sent to France, where he worked for about 25 years in Provence, founding several Franciscan houses. About 1242, he returned to Italy, where he spent his last 30 years mainly in retirement, although he did serve as guardian several times. He experienced visions and had the gift of prophecy, but was also afflicted with extended periods of spiritual aridity. His life is described in chapter 45 of The Little Flowers of Saint Francis (Attwater2, Benedictines, Delaney). 1271 BD JOHN OF PENNA won all hearts by his exemplary life as well as by his kindly and courteous manners; aridity and a painful lingering illness; spiritual consolations assurance that he accomplished his purgatory on earth his cell was illuminated with a celestial light 1589 St. Bendict the Black Franciscan lay brother superior obscure and humble cook holiness reputation for miracles patron of African-Americans in the United States incorrupt. St. Benedict of San Philadelphio (Or BENEDICT THE MOOR) Born at San Philadelphio or San Fradello, a village of the Diocese of Messina in Sicily, in 1526; d. 4 April, 1589. The parents of St. Benedict were slaves from Ethiopia who were, nevertheless, pious Christians. On account of their faithfulness their master freed Benedict, the first-born child. From his earliest years Benedict was very religious and while still very young he joined a newly formed association of hermits. When Pope Pius IV dissolved the association, Benedict, called from his origin Æthiops or Niger, entered the Reformed Recollects of the Franciscan Order. Owing to his virtues he was made superior of the monastery of Santa Maria de Jesus at Palermo three years after his entrance, although he was only a lay brother. He reformed the monastery and ruled it with great success until his death. He was pronounced Blessed in 1743 and was canonized in 1807. His feast is celebrated 3 April.
Popes and other
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Thus there
began to develop a special bond between this Mother
and the Church.
For the infant Church was the fruit
of the Cross and Resurrection of her Son.
Mary, who from the beginning had given
herself without reserve to the person and work
of her Son, could not but pour out upon the Church, from
the very beginning, her maternal self-giving. After
her Son's departure, her motherhood remains in the Church
as maternal mediation: interceding for all her children,
the Mother cooperates in the saving work of her Son, the Redeemer
of the world. Holy Father John Paul II
Redemptoris Mater #40
The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin
April 4 - Our Lady of Seven Sorrows (1897)
- Francisco of Fatima (d. 1919)
1.
The prophecy of Simeon. (Lk 2: 34, 35) 2. The flight
into Egypt. (Mt 2:13-14) 3. The loss of the Child Jesus
in the temple. (Lk 3: 43-45) 4. The meeting of Jesus
and Mary on the Way of the Cross. 5. The Crucifixion.
6. The taking down of the Body of Jesus from the Cross.
7. The burial of Jesus. "And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: 'Behold this child is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; and thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed" (Lk 2: 34-35). 636 St. Isidore of Seville Doctor of the Church In a unique move, he made sure that all branches of knowledge including the arts and medicine were taught in the seminaries. At Seville in Spain, St. Isidore, bishop, confessor, and doctor of the Church. He was conspicuous for sanctity and learning, and had brightened all Spain by his zeal for the Catholic faith and his observance of Church discipline. Isidore of Seville B, Doctor (RM) Born at Cartagena, Spain, c. 560; died in Seville, Spain, in April 4, 636; canonized by Pope Clement VIII in 1598; and declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Innocent XIII in 1722. Saint Isidore was born into a noble Hispano-Roman family, which also produced SS. Leander, Fulgentius, and Florentina. Their father was Severian, a Roman from Cartagena, who was closely connected to the Visigothic kings. Though Isidore became one of the most erudite men of his age, as a boy he hated his studies, perhaps because his elder brother, Saint Leander, who taught him, was a strict task master. The more we
are afflicted in this world, the greater is our assurance in the next;
863 Saint Joseph
the Hymnographer, "the sweet-voiced nightingale
of the Church,". At that
time the Roman bishops were in communion with the Eastern
Church, and Pope Leo III, who was not under the
dominion of the Byzantine
Emperor, was able to render great help to the Orthodox.
The Orthodox monks chose St Joseph as a steadfast and
eloquent messenger to the Pope. St Gregory blessed him to
journey to Rome and to report on the plight of the Church
of Constantinople, the atrocities of the iconoclasts, and
the dangers threatening Orthodoxy. the more we sorrow in the present, the greater will be our joy in the future. - St. Isidore of Seville Born in Sicily in 816 into a pious Christian family. His parents, Plotinos and Agatha, moved to the Peloponnesos to save themselves from barbarian invasions. When he was fifteen, St Joseph went to Thessalonica and entered the monastery of Latomos. He was distinguished by his piety, his love for work, his meekness, and he gained the good will of all the brethren of the monastery. He was later ordained as a priest. 1589 St. Bendict the Black Franciscan lay brother superior obscure and humble cook holiness reputation for miracles patron of African-Americans in the United States. 1589 ST BENEDICT THE BLACK His face when he was in chapel often shone with an unearthly light, and food seemed to multiply miraculously under his hands; reputation for sanctity and miracles; Beatified 15 May 1743 by Pope Benedict XIV Canonized 24 May 1807 by Pope Pius VIII BENEDICT was born in a village near Messina in Sicily. His parents were good Christians, but African slaves of a rich landowner whose name (Manasseri) they bore, according to the prevalent custom. Christopher’s master had made him foreman over his other servants and had promised that his eldest son, Benedict, should be free. The baby grew up such a sweet-tempered, devout child that when he was only ten years old he was called “The Holy Black” (Ii moro santo), a nickname which clung to him all his life. One day, when he was about twenty-one, he was grossly insulted by some neighbours, who taunted him with his colour and the status of his parents. There happened to be passing at the time a young man called Lanzi, who had retired from the world with a few companions to live the life of a hermit in imitation of St Francis of Assisi. He was greatly impressed by the gentleness of Benedict’s replies and, addressing the mockers, he said, “You make fun of this poor black man now; but I can tell you that ere long you will hear great things of him”. Soon afterwards, at Lanzi’s invitation, Benedict sold his few possessions and went to join the solitaries. 1726 The Departure of Pope Peter VI, the One Hundred and Fourth Pope of Alexandria. On this day also the church commemorates the departure of Pope Peter VI (Petros), the one hundred and fourth Patriarch in the year 1442 A.M. (April 2nd., 1726 A.D.). This blessed father and spiritual angel was the son of pure and Christian parents from the city of Assiut. They raised him well, educated him with ecclesiastic subjects and manners and he excelled in them. His name was Mourgan, but later on he became known by the name Peter El-Assuity. The grace of God was on him since his young age, and when he came to the age of maturity, he forsook the world and what in it, and longed to the monastic life. He went to the monastery of the great St. Antonios in the mount of El-Arabah, he dwelt there, became a monk and put on the monastic garb. He exerted himself in worship, and when he achieved the ascetic life, purity, righteousness, and humility, the fathers the monks chose him to be a priest. They took him against his will to Cairo, and he was ordained a priest, for the monastery of the great Saint Anba Paula the first hermit, among others, by the hand of Pope Yoannis El-Toukhy (103), in the church of the Lady the Virgin in Haret El-Roum. He increased in virtues and he became well known among the people. Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
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1095 Saint Gerald of Sauve-Majeure monk cellarer of abbey Corbie; founded, directed, Benedictine Abbey of Grande -Sauveabbot author of a hagiology. Feeling that all he could do for God was to minister to others, he undertook, in honour of the Holy Trinity, the care of three poor men whom he looked after. His abbot chose him as companion to go with him to Rome, where he hoped the sufferer might be cured. Together they visited the tombs of the Apostles, and at the hands of St Leo IX Gerald was ordained priest. But from time to time the terrible headaches recurred, until one day when—at the intercession, he was convinced, of St Adelard, whose life he had written— the pains left him as suddenly as they had come, never to trouble him again. After this, in thanksgiving he redoubled his prayers and mortifications. In a vision he beheld our Lord come down from the crucifix towards him, he felt Him place His hand on his head, and heard Him say, “Son, be comforted in the Lord and in the power of His might”. A pilgrimage to Jerusalem was another source of inspiration and consolation. 1258 Blessed Juliana of Mount Cornillon visions in which Jesus pointed out that there was no feast in honor of the Blessed Sacrament OSA V (AC). The years passed and Juliana became a nun at Mount Cornillon; but she was unknown, without influence and in no position to do anything in the matter of the desired feast. Then in 1225 she was elected prioress and began to speak about what she felt to be her mission to some of her friends, notably to Bd Eva, a recluse who lived beside St Martin’s church on the opposite bank of the river, and to a saintly woman, Isabel of Huy, whom she had received into her community. Encouraged no doubt by the support of these two, she opened her heart to a learned canon of St Martin’s, John of Lausanne, asking him to consult theologians as to the propriety of such a feast. James Pantaleon (afterwards Pope Urban IV), Hugh of St Cher, the Dominican prior provincial, Bishop Guy of Cambrai, chancellor of the University of Paris, with other learned men, were approached, and decided that there was no theological or canonical objection to the institution of a festival in honour of the Blessed Sacrament. Juliana’s great mission was carried on and completed by her old friend Eva, the recluse of St Martin’s. After the elevation to the papacy of Urban IV, who as James Pantaleon had been one of Juliana’s earliest supporters, Eva, through the bishop of Liege, begged him to sanction the new feast of the Blessed Sacrament. He did so; and afterwards, in recognition of the part she had taken, he sent her his bull of authorization together with the beautiful office for Corpus Christi which St Thomas Aquinas had composed at his desire. The bull was confirmed in 1312 by the Council of Vienne under Pope Clement V, and the celebration of the feast of Corpus Christi has from that time become of universal obligation throughout the Western church, and most Catholics of the Eastern rite have adopted it too. The observance of a feast in honour of Bd Juliana was allowed by the Holy See in 1869. 1574 St. Catherine Thomas Orphan strange phenomena mystical experiences visits from angels, Saint Anthony of Padua and Saint Catherine gifts of visions and prophecy. In the monastery at Palma, in the diocese of Majorca, the birthday of St. Catherine Thomas, Canoness Regular of the Order of St. Augustine, whom Pope Pius XI, in the fiftieth year of his priesthood, placed among the number of virgin saints. Felt a call to the religious life at age 15, but her confessor convinced her to wait a little. Domestic servant in Palma where she learned to read and write. Joined the Canonesses of Saint Augustine at Saint Mary Magdalen convent at Palma. Subjected to many strange phenomena and mystical experiences including visits from angels, Saint Anthony of Padua and Saint Catherine. Had the gifts of visions and prophecy. Assaulted spiritually and physically by dark powers, she sometimes went into ecstatic trances for days at a time; her wounds from this abuse were treated by Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian. During her last years she was almost continually in ecstasy. Foretold the date of her death. Born 1 May 1533 at Valldemossa, Mallorca, Spain Died 5 April 1574 at Saint Mary Magdalen convent, Palma, Spain of natural causes 1419 St. Vincent Ferrer Patron of Builders Dominican at 19 simply "going through the world preaching Christ," eloquent
and fiery preacher St Vincent declared himself
to be the angel of the Judgement foretold by St John
(Apoc. xiv 6). As some of his hearers began to protest,
he summoned the bearers who were carrying a dead woman to her
burial and adjured the corpse to testify to the truth of his words.
The body was seen to revive for a moment to give the confirmation
required, and then to close its eyes once more in death. It is
almost unnecessary to add that the saint laid no claim to the nature
of a celestial being, but only to the angelic office of a messenger
or herald—believing, as he did, that he was the instrument chosen
by God to announce the impending end of the world.
In
1405 St Vincent was in Genoa, from whence he reached
a port from which he could sail for Flanders. Amongst other
reforms he induced the Ligurian ladies to modify their fantastic
head-dress—“the greatest of all his marvellous deeds”, as
one of his biographers avers. In the Netherlands he wrought
so many miracles that an hour was set apart every day for the
healing of the sick. It has also been supposed that he visited
England, Scotland and Ireland, but of this there is no shadow
of proof. Although we know from the saint himself that beyond
his native language he had learnt only some Latin and a little Hebrew,
yet he would seem to have possessed the gift of tongues, for we
have it on the authority of reliable writers that all his hearers,
French, Germans, Italians and the rest, understood every word
he spoke, and that his voice carried so well that it could be
clearly heard at enormous distances. It is impossible here to follow
him in all his wanderings. In fact he pursued no definite order,
but visited and revisited places as the spirit moved him or as he
was requested. In 1407 he returned to Spain. That terrible
scandal had begun in 1378 when, upon the death of Gregory XI,
sixteen of the twenty-three cardinals had hastily elected
Urban VI in deference to the popular cry for an Italian
pope. Under the plea that they had been terrorized, they then, with
the other cardinals, held a conclave at which they elected Cardinal
Robert of Geneva, a Frenchman. He took the name of Clement
VII and ruled at Avignon, whilst Urban reigned in Rome. St Vincent
Ferrer, who had been amongst those who recognized Clement, naturally
upon his death accepted as pope his successor, Peter de Luna
or Benedict XIII as he was called, who summoned the Dominican to
his side. [* Because of their anomalous position this Clement
VII and Benedict XIII are not referred to as antipopes but as “called
popes in their obedience”.]1744 Blessed Crescentia Höss, OFM Tert. blessed by celestial visions V (AC). Her life for the next few years was to be one of humiliations and persecution, for the superioress and the older nuns could not forget that she had come to them penniless. They taunted her with being a beggar, gave her the most disagreeable work, and then called her a hypocrite. At first she had a little cell, but that was taken away to be given to a novice who had brought money. For three years she had to beg first one sister and then another to allow her to sleep on the floor of her cell: then she was allowed a damp dark little corner of her own. Taking all humiliations as her due, Crescentia refused the sympathy of some of the younger nuns when they exclaimed at the treatment meted out to her. In time, however, another superioress was appointed, who had more charity and discrimination. In time the nuns recognized that they had a saint amongst them and eventually chose her as novice mistress and finally as superioress. She had many visions and ecstasies, besides a mystical experience of the sufferings of our Lord which lasted every Friday from nine until three, culminating often in complete unconsciousness. On the other hand she suffered greatly from the assaults of the powers of evil. Unkindly criticism of others Crescentia always repressed, invariably defending the absent. Stern to herself, she yet said to her daughters, “The practices most pleasing to God are those which He himself imposes—to bear meekly and patiently the adversities which He sends or which our neighbours inflict on us”. Gradually her influence spread beyond the walls of her convent, and people who came to consult her went away impressed by her wisdom and spoke of her to others: leaders in church and state visited the weaver’s daughter or corresponded with her, and to this day her tomb is visited by pilgrims. Pope Leo XIII beatified her in 1900. Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
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Born in Campania, Italy; died at Rome, July 27, 432; feast day formerly on July 27 and/or August 1. Saint Celestine was a deacon in Rome when he was elected pope on September 20, 422, to succeed Saint Boniface. He was a staunch supporter of Saint Germanus of Auxerre in the fight against Pelagianism, and a friend of Saint Augustine with whom he corresponded, and which demonstrates that the bishop of Rome was the central authority even at that early date.
Benedict_XVI_Patriarch_Bartholomew
582 Eutychius
of Constantinople worked many miracles;
healings; opposed Justinian's interference; vigorously
denounced Aphthartodocetism [asartodoketai] or "imperishability"
which taught that the flesh of Christ, before His death
on the Cross and Resurrection, was imperishable and not capable
of suffering. ALTHOUGH
the name of this Eutychius is not commemorated in the Roman
Martyrology, and although his career belongs more to
church history than to hagiography, still he has always been
honoured as a saint among the Greeks (and at Venice, which
claims his relics), and he set a noble example of resistance
to the Emperor Justinian’s pretensions to figure as arbiter in
theological matters. Thus, through his prayer the
wife of a devout man, Androgenes, who had given birth only
to dead infants, now gave birth to two sons who lived to maturity.
Two deaf-mutes received the gift of speech; and two grievously ill
children were restored to health. The saint healed a cancerous ulcer
on the hand of an artist. The saint also healed another artist, anointing
his diseased hand with oil and making over it the Sign of the Cross.The saint healed not only bodily, but also spiritual afflictions: he banished the devil out of a girl that had kept her from Holy Communion; he expelled a demon from a youth who had fled from a monastery (after which the youth returned to his monastery); he healed a drunken leper, who stopped drinking after being cleansed of his leprosy. During the Persian invasion of Amasea and its widespread devastation, they distributed grain to the hungry from the monastery granaries on the saint's orders, and by his prayers, the stores of grain at the monastery were not depleted. St Eutychius received from God the gift of prophecy. He revealed the names of two of Emperor Justinian's successors: Justin (565-578) and Tiberias (578-582). 885 Saint Methodius, Archbishop of Moravia Life found May 11, when commemorated with Cyril, Teacher of Slavs. In Moravia, the birthday of St. Methodius, bishop and confessor. Together with his brother, the bishop St. Cyril, whose birthday was the 14th of February, he converted many of the Slav races and their rulers to the faith of Christ. Their feast is celebrated on the 7th day of July. These brothers, natives of Thessalonika, are venerated as the apostles of the Southern Slavs and the fathers of Slavonic literary culture. The characters now called "cyrillic ", from which are derived the present Russian, Serbian and Bulgarian letters, were invented from the Greek capitals, perhaps by the followers of St Cyril ; the" glagolitic " alphabet, formerly wrongly attributed to St Jerome, in which the Slav-Roman liturgical books of certain Yugoslav Catholics are printed, may be that prepared for this occasion by Cyril himself, or, according to the legend, directly revealed by God.* {* Like so much to do with these brothers, the history of these alphabets is a matter of debate. The southern Slavonic of SS. Cyril and Methodius is to this day the liturgical language of the Russians, Ukrainians, Serbs and Bulgars, whether Orthodox or Catholic.} In 863 the two brothers set out with a number of assistants and came to the court of Rostislav; they were well received and at once got to work. The position was very difficult. The new missionaries made free use of the vernacular in their preaching and ministrations, and this made immediate appeal to the local people. To the German clergy this was objectionable, and their opposition was strengthened when the Emperor Louis the German forced Rostislav to take an oath of fealty to him. The Byzantine missionaries, armed with their pericopes from the Scriptures and liturgical hymns in Slavonic, pursued their way with much success, but were soon handicapped by their lack of a bishop to ordain more priests. The German prelate, the bishop of Passau, would not do it, and Cyril therefore determined to seek help elsewhere, presumably from Constantinople whence he came. On their way the brothers arrived in Venice. It was at a bad moment. Photius at Constantinople had incurred excommunication; the East was under suspicion the proteges of the Eastern emperor and their liturgical use of a new tongue were vehemently criticized. One source says that the pope, St Nicholas I, sent for the strangers. In any case, to Rome they came, bringing with them the alleged relics of Pope St Clement, which St Cyril had recovered when in the Crimea on his way back from the Khazars. Pope Nicholas in the meantime had died, but his successor, Adrian II, warmly welcomed the bearers of so great a gift. He examined their cause, and he gave judgement: Cyril and Methodius were to receive episcopal consecration, their neophytes were to be ordained, the use of the liturgy in Slavonic was approved. Although in the office of the Western church both brothers are referred to as bishops, it is far from certain that Cyril was in fact consecrated. For while still in Rome he died, on February 14, 869. 1203 St. William of Eskilsoe reforming the canons life of prayer and austere mortification never approached the altar without watering it with his tears, offering himself to God in the spirit of adoration and sacrifice. ON this day the Roman Martyrology mentions the death in Denmark of St William, “famous for his life and miracles”. He was born about 1125 at Saint-Germain, Crépy-en-Valois, and became a canon of the collegiate church of St Genevieve in Paris. In 1148 Suger, abbot of Saint-Denis, carrying out the wishes of the pope, Bd Eugenius III, established canons regular in this church, and William was one of those who accepted a more austere and regular life with enthusiasm. Peter was born at Verona, Italy, in 1205. Both of his parents were Catharists, a heresy that denied God created the material world. Even so, Peter was educated at a Catholic school and later at the University of Bologna. While in Bologna, Peter was accepted into the Dominican Order by St. Dominic. He developed into a great preacher, and was well known for his inspiring sermons in the Lombardy region. In addition, around the year 1234, he was appointed by Pope Gregory IX as inquisitor of Northern Italy, where many Catharists lived. Peter's preaching attracted large crowds, but as inquisitor he made many enemies. 1252 St. Peter of Verona inquisitor inspiring sermons martyr accepted into the Dominican Order by St. Dominic Medioláni pássio sancti Petri, ex Ordine Prædicatórum, Mártyris, qui ab hæréticis, ob fidem cathólicam, interémptus est. Ipsíus tamen festívitas recólitur tértio Kaléndas Maji. At Milan, the passion of St. Peter, a martyr belonging to the Order of Preachers, who was slain by the heretics for his Catholic faith. His feast, however, is kept on the 29th of April. 1252 St Peter Of Verona, Martyr; Having received the habit from St Dominic himself; Once, as he knelt before the crucifix, he exclaimed, “Lord, thou knowest that I am not guilty. Why dost thou permit me to be falsely accused?” The reply came, “And I, Peter, what did I do to deserve my passion and death?” Rebuked yet consoled, the friar regained courage. St Peter Martyr was born at Verona in 1205 of parents who belonged to the sect of the Cathari, a heresy which closely resembled that of the Albigenses and included amongst its tenets a denial that the material world had been created by God. The child was sent to a Catholic school, in spite of the remonstrances of an uncle who discovered by questioning the little boy that he had not only learnt the Apostles’ Creed, but was prepared stoutly to maintain in the orthodox sense the article “Creator of Heaven and earth”. 1744 St. Crescentia Hoess, humble, crippled; wise enough to balance worldly skills with acumen in spiritual matters; heads of State and Church both sought her advice. Conditions improved four years later when a new superior was elected who realized her virtue. Crescentia herself was appointed mistress of novices. She so won the love and respect of the sisters that, upon the death of the superior, Crescentia herself was unanimously elected to that position. Under her the financial state of the convent improved and her reputation in spiritual matters spread. She was soon being consulted by princes and princesses as well as by bishops and cardinals seeking her advice. And yet, a true daughter of Francis, she remained ever humble.Bodily afflictions and pain were always with her. First it was headaches and toothaches. Then she lost the ability to walk, her hands and feet gradually becoming so crippled that her body curled up into a fetal position. In the spirit of Francis she cried out, "Oh, you bodily members, praise God that he has given you the capacity to suffer." Despite her sufferings she was filled with peace and joy as she died on Easter Sunday in 1744. She was beatified in 1900 and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2001. Comment: Although she grew up in poverty and willingly embraced it in her vocation, Crescentia had a good head for business. Under her able administration, her convent regained financial stability. Too often we think of good money management as, at best, a less-than-holy gift. But Crescentia was wise enough to balance her worldly skills with such acumen in spiritual matters that heads of State and Church both sought her advice. 1857 St. Paul Tinh native Vietnamese priest martyr. Born in Vietnam, he was converted to the Catholic faith and was ordained a priest. Seized by anti-Catholic forces, Paul was beheaded. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. Blessed Paul Tinh M (AC) Born in Trinh-ha, Tonkin (Vietnam); died 1857; beatified in 1909. Paul became a priest and was beheaded at Son-tay in West Tonkin (Benedictines). 1896 Blessed Zefirino Agostini first priority to develop relationship with God through personal prayer because God was the source of joy and power to do good. Born in Verona, Italy, September 24, 1813; died there on April 6, 1896; beatified October 24, 1998. Blessed Zefirino was the elder son of the physician Antonio Agostini and his wife Angela Frattini. Upon the death of the pious Antonio, the two boys were raised by their mother with a gentleness and wisdom that left its mark on the souls of her children and led Zefirino to his priestly vocation. Following his ordination on March 11, 1837, at the hands of Bishop Grasser of Verona, Zefirino was assigned to the poor parish of Saint Nazarius, where he had been baptized on September 28, 1813. The first eight years he had responsibility for teaching the catechism and running the recreational program for boys. In 1845, he was named pastor. Although the parish was large and poor, Father Agostini never allowed his fatherly heart to be overcome by its problems. He knew that his first priority was to develop his relationship with God through personal prayer because God was the source of his joy and power to do good. God filled Father Agostini with apostolic zeal. He established an after-school program for girls and catechetical instruction for their mothers. To inspire women, he held up the ideal of Saint Angela Merici and celebrated her feast. Three young women followed that inspiration and devoted themselves to the neediest in the community. Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
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In 277 he returned to the East, where he died in extreme old age, probably at Jerusalem. In the course of his travels, he seems to have visited the principal Christian centres in the West as well as in the East, and he noted with satisfaction that, although disturbances had been caused by individual heretics, hitherto no episcopal see or particular church had fallen into error: everywhere he had found the unity of the faith as it had been delivered by our Lord to the saints. Unfortunately only a few chapters remain of the five books which he wrote on the history of the Church from the passion of our Lord down to his own time, but the work was highly esteemed by Eusebius and others, who drew largely upon it. He was a man filled with the spirit of the apostles and with a love of humility “which”, says St Jerome, “he expressed by the simplicity of his style”. St Hegesippus is named in the Roman Martyrology to-day. 345 Saint Aphraates Persian hermit convert struggle against Arian heresy oldest extant Church document in Syria; miracles. In Syria, in the time of Valens, St. Aphraates, an anchoret, who defended the Catholic faith against the Arians by the power of miracles. Aphraates is sometimes identified as the bishop of the monastery of Mar Mattai, near Mosul Mesopotamia. Possibly a martyr, he is believed to have written a many-volumed defense of the faith called the Demonstrations, which is the oldest extant document of the Church in Syria. Aphraates is often referred to as "the Persian Sage." According to the Bollandists, followed by Alban Butler, we owe our knowledge of the history of St Aphraates to Theodoret, who recalled how, as a boy, he had been taken by his mother to visit the saint and how Aphraates had opened his door to bless them, promising to intercede with God on their behalf. In his later years Theodoret continued to invoke that intercession, believing that it had become even more potent since the holy man had gone to God. As the Arians had taken possession of their churches, the faithful were reduced to worshipping beside the river Orontes or in the large open space outside the city which was used for military exercises. One day, as St Aphraates was hurrying along the road which led from the city to this parade-ground, he was stopped by order of the emperor, who happened to be standing in the portico of his palace which overlooked the road. Valens inquired whither he was going: “To pray for the world and the emperor”, replied the recluse. The monarch then asked him how it happened that one dressed as a monk was gadding about far away from his cell. To this Aphraates answered with a parable: “If I were a maiden secluded in my father’s house, and saw it take fire, would you recommend me to sit still and let it burn? It is not I who am to blame, but rather you who have kindled the flames which I am striving to extinguish. We are doing nothing contrary to our profession when we gather together and nourish the adherents of the true faith.” The emperor made no reply, but one of his servants reviled the venerable man, whom he threatened to kill. Shortly afterwards the same attendant was accidentally scalded to death, which so terrified the superstitious Valens that he refused to listen to the Arians when they tried to persuade him to banish St Aphraates. He was also greatly impressed by the miracles wrought by the hermit, who not only healed men and women but also—or at least so it was reported—cured the emperor’s favourite horse. 1078 Blessed Eberhard of Schaeffhausen protected and built convents OSB Monk (PC). Born 1018; Pious prince Eberhard III, count of Nellenburg, was the husband of the pious Itta and a relative of both Pope Saint Leo IX and the emperor Saint Henry II. Eberhard and Itta protected and built convents into which each was to retire later, including the Benedictine abbey of Schaffhausen, Switzerland, in 1050, where Eberhard retired (Benedictines, Encyclopedia). 1140 St. Aibert Benedictine ascetic monk 23 years then recluse; two Masses each day, one for living, second for dead. St Aybert’s holiness began to attract visitors, who found themselves greatly helped by his spiritual advice and made him known to others. Bishops and laymen, grand ladies and canonesses, scholars and humble peasants flocked to him in such numbers that Bishop Burchard of Cambrai promoted him to the priesthood, providing him with a chapel beside his cell. Moreover Pope Innocent II granted him leave to absolve reserved cases—a right which he only exercised in exceptional circumstances. God crowned Aybert’s long penance with a happy death in the eightieth year of his age. One phase of Aybert’s devotional practice is of great interest in its bearing on the controversy concerning the origin of the rosary. It is recorded that the saint used to repeat the Ave Maria fifty times in succession, accompanying each Ave with a prostration. A mention in the same context of his habit of dividing his recitation of the whole psalter into fifties makes the allusion still more significant. 1241 St. Herman Joseph Praemonstratensian and mystic visions of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph b. 1150 German. Born in Cologne, he demonstrated at an early age a tendency toward mystical experiences, episodes which made him well known and deeply respected through much of Germany. He subsequently entered the Praemonstratensians at Steinfeld, Germany, where he was ordained. Herman experienced visions of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, and authored a number of mystical writings. Long considered a saint, he was given an equivalent canonization by Pope Pius XII in 1958. AMONGST the German mystics of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, special interest attaches to Bd Herman Joseph, not so much for his writings as for his visions, which were later a source of inspiration even to poets and painters. Herman, to give him his baptismal name, was born in Cologne, and lived from his seventh year until his death in extreme old age apparently in continual intercourse with the denizens of Heaven. As a little boy he would enter a church and converse familiarly with our Lady and the Holy Child, as he knelt before their statue. Once, indeed, when he offered them an apple he had the joy of seeing the hand of the Madonna extended to accept it. Sometimes he was uplifted to another plane and permitted to play with the Infant Saviour and the angels; and on one bitter winter’s day when he came to church barefoot, his parents being very poor, a kindly voice, which he took to be that of the Mother of Mercy, bade him look under a stone near by and he would find money wherewith to buy shoes. He looked, and the coins were there. At no time robust, Bd Herman Joseph’s health became seriously affected by his fasts and austerities. Severe headaches attacked him, and his digestion became so impaired that he ate nothing and seemed a living skeleton. However, God granted him a reprieve from suffering towards the end, prolonging his life for nine years, and this was the period of his chief literary output. He had been sent in 1241 to the Cistercian nuns at Hoven for Passiontide and Easter when he was taken ill with fever from which he never recovered. The process of Herman’s canonization was introduced but never completed; his cultus, however, has been authoritatively sanctioned. 1410 Bl. Ursulina mystic accustomed to visions and ecstasies tried to end the scandals of the "Babylonian Captivity". A vision which was vouchsafed to her on Easter day decided her purpose. With two companions, besides her mother who accompanied her on all her subsequent travels, the girl made the toilsome journey over the Alps and succeeded in obtaining an audience with Clement more than once. Her efforts to persuade him proving fruitless, she went back to Parma, but almost immediately proceeded to Rome where she delivered a similar message to the true pope, Boniface IX. He received her graciously and appears to have encouraged her to make another attempt to win over his rival. Thereupon she undertook a second expedition to Avignon, with no better success than before. Indeed this time she was separated from her mother, was accused of sorcery, and narrowly escaped a trial. Another journey to Rome was followed by a somewhat perilous pilgrimage to the Holy Land. If she and her mother had hoped to settle down in Parma on their return they were doomed to disappointment, for civil war broke out in the city and they were expelled. They made their way to Bologna and then to Verona, which Bd Ursulina seems to have made her home until her death at the age of thirty-five. 1595 St. Henry Walpole Jesuit missionary 1/40 Martyrs of England and Wales 1595 Bl. Alexander Rawlins Martyr missionary fervent Catholicism 1595 BDs. ALEXANDER RAWLINS and HENRY WALPOLE, MARTYRS beatified in 1929 ALEXANDER RAWLINS, secular priest, and Henry Walpole, Jesuit, who suffered martyrdom together in 1595, were men of good family, born, the one on the borders of Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, and the other in Norfolk. Whereas Rawlins seems to have gone directly to the English College at Rheims to prepare to receive holy orders, Walpole, who was intended for the law, continued his education at Cambridge and then took chambers at Gray’s Inn. Realizing that he was becoming an object of suspicion to the authorities and feeling himself called to the priesthood, he proceeded to Rheims and then to Rome, where he entered the Society of Jesus. After taking his final vows, he was sent on missions, first to Lorraine and then to the Netherlands, where he was captured by Calvinists and imprisoned for a year. Upon being liberated, he asked to be allowed to go to England, but he was sent to teach in English seminaries at Seville and Valladolid. After another mission to Flanders, the long-desired permission was accorded, and he set out for England, landing at Flamborough Head on December 4, 1593. Within twenty-four hours he was arrested and was taken prisoner to York. 1606 Bl. Edward Oldcorne Jesuit & Ralph Ashley Jesuit lay- brother English martyrs alleged involve Gunpowder Plot. He was born in York, England, and ordained in Rome. In 1587, he became a Jesuit. Returning to England, Edward worked in the Midlands from 1588 to 1606. He was then condemned to death at Worcester for alleged coinplicity in the Gunpowder Plot He was beatified in 1929. 1719 ST JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE, FOUNDER OF THE BROTHERS OF THE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS. At Rouen, the birthday of St. John Baptist de la Salle, priest and confessor. He was prominent in the education of youth, especially those who were poor, for which he was acclaimed both by religious and civil society. He was the founder of the Society of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Pius XII, Supreme Pontiff, declared him patron of all those who teach children and young people. His feast is celebrated on the 15th of May. But in 1679 he met a layman, Adrian Nyel, who had come to Rheims with the idea of opening a school for poor boys. Canon de La Salle gave him every encouragement, and, somewhat prematurely, two schools were started. Gradually the young canon became more and more drawn into the work and grew interested in the seven masters who taught in these schools. He rented a house for them, fed them from his own table, and tried to instil into them the high educational ideals which were gradually taking shape in his own mind. In 1681, though their uncouth manners repelled him, he decided to invite them to live in his own home that he might have them under his constant supervision. The result must have been a great disappointment. Not only did two of his brothers indignantly leave his house—a step he may have anticipated, for “ushers” were then ranked with pot-boys and hucksters—but five of the schoolmasters soon took their departure, unable or unwilling to submit to a discipline for which they had never bargained. The reformer waited, and his patience was rewarded. Other men of a better type presented themselves, and these formed the nucleus of what was to prove a new congregation. To house them the saint gave up his paternal home, and moved with them to more suitable premises in the Rue Neuve. As the movement became known, requests began to come in from outside for schoolmasters trained on the new method, and de La Salle found his time fully engrossed. Partly for that reason, and partly because he realized the contrast his disciples drew between his assured official income and their own uncertain position, he decided to give up his canonry. This he did. Elsewhere the institute had been steadily developing. As early as 1700 Brother Drolin had been sent to found a school in Rome, and in France schools were started at Avignon, at Calais, in Languedoc, in Provence, at Rouen, and at Dijon. In 1705 the novitiate was transferred to St Yon in Rouen. There a boarding-school was opened, and an establishment for troublesome boys, which afterwards developed into a reformatory-school. From these beginnings grew the present world-wide organization, the largest teaching-order of the Church, working from primary schools to university-colleges. In 1717 the founder decided finally to resign; from that moment he would give no orders, and lived like the humblest of the brothers. He taught novices and boarders, for whom he wrote several books, including a method of mental prayer. St John Baptist lived at an important period in the history of spirituality in France, and he came under the influence of Bérulle, Olier and the so-called French “school” of de Rancé and of the Jesuits, his friends Canon Nicholas Roland and the Minim friar Nicholas Barré being specially influential. On the negative side he was distinguished by his strong opposition to Jansenism, illustrated positively by his advocacy of frequent and even daily communion. In Lent, 1719 St John Baptist suffered a good deal from asthma and rheumatism, but would give up none of his habitual austerities. Then he met with an accident, and gradually grew weaker. He passed away on Good Friday, April 7, 1719 in the sixty-eighth year of his age. The example of St John Baptist de la Salle may well lead everyone of us to ask himself: “What have I done to help and to encourage this most necessary and divine work? What sacrifices am I prepared to make that the Christian education of our children may be carried on in spite of all the hindrances and hostilities which beset it?” The Church has shown her appreciation of the character of this man, a thinker and initiator of the first importance in the history of education, by canonizing him in 1900, and giving his feast to the whole Western church; and in 1950 Pope Pius XII declared him the heavenly patron of all school-teachers. 1919 Blessed Josaphata Micheline Hordashevska . A native of Lviv in Ukraine, Josaphata Michaelina Hordashevska became a nun at age 18. Co-founder with Father Kyrylo Seletsky of the first female congregation of the Byzantine-Ukrainian rite, the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, she devoted herself to caring for the sick, teaching the Catechism, and maintaining impoverished churches. Diagnosed with bone cancer, from which she endured terrible pain, she died at age 49. She was beatified in June 2001 in Lviv by Saint John Paul II. The Congregation of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate lives out its special calling to serve others by following the example of the Virgin Mary—Handmaid of the Lord—Mary is also Servant of all humanity. Our Lady went speedily to assist Elizabeth; she intervened with simplicity at Cana; she courageously stood at the foot of the Cross where she received us as her children from the arms of her Son; with confidence, in union with the Apostles in the Upper Room, she prayed for the Church. As servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate try to answer God’s call, as He invites us to collaborate with him in the work of Salvation by serving other. nominis.cef.fr 1925 St Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow Apostle to America led austere and chaste life; kindest of the Russian hierarchs "May God teach every one of us to strive for His truth, and for the good of the Holy Church, rather than something for our own sake." t was extremely painful and hard for the Patriarch's loving, responsive heart to endure all the Church's misfortunes. Upheavals in and outside the church, the Renovationist schism, his primatial labors, his concern for the organization and tranquility of Church life, sleepless nights and heavy thoughts, his confinement that lasted more than a year, the spiteful and wicked baiting of his enemies, and the unrelenting criticism sometimes even from the Orthodox, combined to undermine his strength and health. In 1924, Patriarch Tikhon began to feel unwell. He checked into a hospital, but would leave it on Sundays and Feast Days in order to conduct services. On Sunday, April 5, 1925, he served his last Liturgy, and died two days later. On March 25/April 7, 1925 the Patriarch received Metropolitan Peter and had a long talk with him. In the evening, the Patriarch slept a little, then he woke up and asked what time it was. When he was told it was 11:45 P.M., he made the Sign of the Cross twice and said, "Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee." He did not have time to cross himself a third time. Almost a million people came to say farewell to the Patriarch. The large cathedral of the Donskoy Monastery in Moscow could not contain the crowd, which overflowed the monastery property into the square and adjacent streets. St Tikhon, the eleventh Patriarch of Moscow, was primate of the Russian Church for seven and a half years. On September 26/October 9, 1989, the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church glorified Patriarch Tikhon and numbered him among the saints. For nearly seventy years, St Tikhon's relics were believed lost, but in February 1992, they were discovered in a concealed place in the Donskoy Monastery. It would be difficult to imagine the Russian Orthodox Church without Patriarch Tikhon during those years. He did so much for the Church and for the strengthening of the Faith itself during those difficult years of trial. Perhaps the saint's own words can best sum up his life: "May God teach every one of us to strive for His truth, and for the good of the Holy Church, rather than something for our own sake." Popes and other
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This icon portrays
three scenes:
1) The central and main scene
is from Matthew 28:2-4: "And behold, there was a great
earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven
and came and rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance
was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. And for
fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men."2) The scene in the left bottom corner is from Matthew 28:5-7: "But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. he is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. Lo, I have told you." 3) The scene in the bottom right corner is from John 20:16-17: "Jesus said to her, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." DATE COMPLETED: 1991 DONATED BY: Emile Kouri, brothers & sisters (in memory of their father Abdallah Chahine Kouri) MELKITES -- Saints Peter & Paul Parish 1161 North River Road Ottawa, Ontario K1K 3W5 The spiritually avaricious are those who can never have enough of embracing and seeking after countless exercises of piety, hoping thereby to attain perfection all that much sooner, they say. They do this as though perfection consisted in the multitude of things we do and not in the perfection with which we do them! I have already said this very often, but it is necessary to repeat it: God has not placed perfection in the multiplicity of acts we perform to please Him, but only in the way we perform them, which is simply to do the little we do according to our vocation, in love, by love, and for love. -- St. Francis de Sales 1st v. TORQUATUS AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS. THE first Christian missionaries to attempt the evangelization of Spain are said to have been seven holy men who had been specially commissioned by St Peter and St Paul, and sent forth for that purpose. According to the legend the party kept together until they reached Guadix in Granada, where they encamped in a field whilst their servants went into the town to buy food. The inhabitants, however, came out to attack them, and followed them to the river. A miraculously erected stone bridge enabled the Christians to escape, but it collapsed when their pursuers attempted to cross it. Afterwards the missionaries separated, each one selecting a different district in which he laboured and was made bishop. Torquatus chose Guadix as the field of his labours, and is honoured on this day in association with his companions, all six of whom, however, have also special feasts of their own. St Torquatus and the other bishops appear
to have suffered martyrdom.
Saints Herodion
(Rodion), Agabus, Asyncritus, Rufus,
Phlegon and Hermes are among the Seventy Apostles,
chosen by Christ and sent out by Him to preach All these
disciples for their intrepid service to Christ underwent
fierce sufferings and were found worthy of a martyr's crown. The commemoration of Saints
Herodian, Asyncritus, and Phlegon who are mentioned
by blessed Paul the Apostle in his Letter to the Romans.The holy Apostle Herodion was a relative of St Paul, and his companion on many journeys. When Christianity had spread to the Balkan Peninsula, the Apostles Peter and Paul established St Herodion as Bishop of Patara. St Herodion zealously preached the Word of God and converted many of the Greek pagans and Jews to Christianity. Enraged by the preaching of the disciple, the idol-worshippers and Jews with one accord fell upon St Herodion, and they began to beat him with sticks and pelt him with stones. One of the mob struck him with a knife, and the saint fell down. But when the murderers were gone, the Lord restored him to health unharmed. After this, St Herodion continued
to accompany the Apostle Paul for years afterward.
170 St. Dionysius
of Corinth Bishop of Corinth, Greece, famed
for his letters commemorated the martyrdom of Sts.
Peter and Paul.
At Corinth, Bishop
St. Denis, who instructed not only the people of his own city
and province by the learning and charm with which he preached
the word of God, but also the bishops of other cities and provinces
by the letters he wrote to them. His devotion to
the Roman Pontiffs was such that he was accustomed to read their
letters publicly in the church on Sundays.
When the holy Apostle Peter was crucified (+ c. 67), St Herodion and St Olympos were beheaded by the sword at the same time. He lived in the time of Marcus Antoninus Verus{161-166} [161-180--Marcus Aurelius] and Lucius Aurelius Commodus{180-192}. 432 Saint Celestine Pope of Rome (422-432) zealous champion of Orthodoxy virtuous life theologian authority denounced the Nestorian heresy. He lived during the reign of the holy Emperor Theodosius the Younger (408-450). He received an excellent education, and he knew philosophy well, but most of all he studied the Holy Scripture and pondered over theological questions. The virtuous life of the saint and his authority as a theologian won him the general esteem and love of the clergy and people. After the death of St Boniface (418-422), St Celestine was chosen to be the Bishop of Rome. During this time, the heresy of Nestorius emerged. At a local Council in Rome in 430, St Celestine denounced this heresy and condemned Nestorius as a heretic. After the Council, St Celestine wrote a letter to St Cyril, Archbishop of Alexandria (January 18), stating that if Nestorius did not renounce his false teachings after ten days, then he should be deposed and excommunicated. St Celestine also sent a series of letters to other churches, Constantinople and Antioch, in which he unmasked and denounced the Nestorian heresy. For two years after the Council, St Celestine proclaimed the true teaching about Christ the God-Man, and he died in peace on April 6, 432. 1095 St. Walter of Pontoise continued to live a life of mortification, spending entire nights in prayer establishing the foundation of a convent in honor of Mary at Bertaucourt. IN studying the lives of the saints, we not infrequently meet with men and women whose lifelong aspiration it is to serve God in solitude, but who are recalled again and again by the voice of an authority which they dare not gainsay, and are forced to shoulder responsibilities from which they shrink, in a world from which they fain would flee. Such a saint was Walter (Gautier) of Pontoise. A Picard by birth, he received a liberal education at various centres of learning and became a popular professor of philosophy and rhetoric. Then he entered the abbey of Rebais-en-Brie, and was afterwards compelled by King Philip I to become the first abbot of a new monastery near Pontoise. Although, in accordance with the custom of the time, he received his investiture from the sovereign, the new abbot placed his hand not under but over that of the king, and said “it is from God, not from your Majesty, that I accept the charge of this church” . His courageous words, far from offending Philip, won his approval; but the very honour in which he was held by persons in high office was a source of anxiety to Walter, and some time later he fled secretly from Pontoise and took refuge at Cluny, then under the rule of St Hugh, hoping there to lead a hidden life. His refuge was, however, discovered by his monks, who fetched him back to Pontoise. From the cares of office he would retire occasionally to a grotto in the abbey grounds, hoping for a little solitude; but his visitors followed him there, and he took to flight once more. This time he buried himself in a hermitage on an island in the Loire, but again he was forced to return. Some time later, St Walter went to Rome, where he requested St Gregory VII to relieve him of his burden. Instead of doing so, the pope told him to use the talents God had bestowed upon him, and bade him resume his charge. From that time Walter resigned himself to his fate. The mortifications he would have wished to practise in solitude were more than compensated for by the persecutions he had to undergo in consequence of his fearless opposition to simony and to evil-living among the secular clergy ; there was even one occasion when he was mobbed, beaten and thrown into prison, but his friends procured his release. In spite of advancing age he never relaxed but rather increased the austerity of his habits ; he rarely sat down in church, but when his aged limbs would no longer support him, he leant upon his pastoral staff. After the other monks had retired at the close of the night offices, he would remain behind, lost in contemplation, until he sank to the ground, where in the morning he would sometimes be found lying helpless. His last public effort was to found, in honour of our Lady, a convent for women at Bertaucourt. He succeeded in building a church with a small house, but the community was not actually established there until after his death, which occurred on Good Friday 1095. 1816 St. Julie Billiart vision of crucified Lord with group wearing habits of Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur which she founded great love for Jesus in the Eucharist carried on this mission of teaching throughout her life although occasionally paralyzed and sick most of the time. THE origin of the Institute of Notre Dame was once described by Cardinal Sterckx as “a breath of the apostolic spirit upon the heart of a woman who knew how to believe and how to love” . That woman was Bd Mary Rose Julia Billiart. She came of a family of fairly well-to-do peasant farmers, who also owned a little shop at Cuvilly in Picardy, where she was born in 1751. Reading and writing she learnt from her uncle, the village schoolmaster, but her special delight was in religious instruction and the things of God. By the time she was seven, she was in the habit of explaining the catechism to other children less intelligent than herself. The parish priest encouraged these good instincts, and allowed her to make her first communion at the age of nine-—a rare privilege in those days. He also permitted her to take a vow of chastity when shc was fourteen. Although Julia had to work very hard, especially after heavy losses had impoverished her family, yet she always found time to visit the sick, to teach the ignorant and to pray. Indeed, she had already begun to earn the title by which she was afterwards known, “The Saint of Cuvilly”. Suddenly a complete change came over her hitherto active existence. As the result of shock caused by the firing of a gun through a window at her father, beside whom she was sitting, there came upon her a mysterious illness, attended with great pain, which gradually deprived her of the use of her limbs. Thus reduced to the condition of an invalid, she lived a life of even closer union with God, continuing on her sick-bed to catechize the children, to give wonderfully wise spiritual advice to visitors, and to urge all to practise frequent communion. “ Qu’il est bon le hon Dieu !” was a saying of hers long remembered and often quoted. In 1790, when the curé of Cuvilly was superseded by a so-called constitutional priest who had taken the oath prescribed by the revolutionary authorities, it was mainly Julia’s influence which induced the people to boycott the schismatic intruder. For that reason and because she was known to have helped to find hiding-places for fugitive priests, she became specially obnoxious to the Jacobins, who went so far as to threaten to burn her alive. She was with difficulty smuggled out of the house, hidden in a haycart, and taken to Compiègne, where she was hunted from one lodging to another until at last one day they heard her exclaim, “Dear Lord, will you not find me a corner in Paradise, since there is no room for me on earth?” In 1815, Mother taxed her ever poor health by nursing the wounded and feeding the starving left from the battle of Waterloo. For the last three months of her life, she again suffered much. She died peacefully on April 8, 1816 at 64 years of age. Julie was beatified on May 13, 1906, and was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1969. Popes and other
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Her identity among the various Marys mentioned by the evangelists is a matter of discussion among biblical commentators. The martyrology contents itself with saying that “Blessed John the Evangelist calls [her] sister of the most holy Mary, Mother of God, and relates that she stood with her by the cross of Jesus”. But it is possible that the sister of the mother of Jesus mentioned (John xix 25) was in fact a fourth, unnamed, woman. Round the name of Mary of Cleophas all sorts of legendary excrescences gathered in later days. She was said to have travelled to Spain with St James the Greater, to have died at Ciudad Rodrigo, and to have been venerated with great honour at Compostela. On the other hand another extravagant legend connects her with the coming of SS. Lazarus, Mary Magdalen and Martha to Provence, and her body was believed to repose at Saintes-Maries near the mouth of the Rhone. 1st century. Mary of Cleophas, the 'other Mary,' followed our Lord to Calvary (Matt. 27:56; Mark 15:40; John 19:25) and saw Him after His Resurrection (Mark 16:1; Luke 24:10). She was the mother of James the Younger, Joseph (Matt. 27:56; Mark 15:40), Simon, and Jude; wife of Cleophas (John 19:25); and sister of the Blessed Virgin (John 19:25). 1140 St. Gaucherius hermit in the forest of Limoges with a companion founded St. John’s Monastery at Aureilfor and a convent for women. St Gaucherius was only eighteen when he abandoned the world to live the solitary life. He was born at Meulan-sur-Seine, where he received a good and religious education. His director sent him to his own master, Humbert, one of the canons of Limoges, who happened to be staying in the neighbourhood. That wise man not only encouraged the youth, but offered to assist him in carrying out his heart’s desire by taking him back to the Limousin district which was suitable for the life of retirement which he was contemplating. After spending a night in prayer at the tomb of St Leonard of Limoges, Gaucherius and a friend called Germond struck out into the wild forest region which stretched away for miles without any human habitation. In a particularly remote and inaccessible spot, they constructed a hermitage, and there they lived for several years unknown and forgotten. But gradually, as knowledge of the hermits’ holy life spread, cells sprang up round about to accommodate disciples and visitors. Many holy men were trained in this community, which became known as Aureil. Born 1060. Also known as Walter, abbot founder and friend of St. Stephen of Grandmont. He was born in Meulan sur Seine, France, and became a hermit in the forest of Limoges with a companion, Germond. Attracting disciples even though he was only eighteen, Gaucherius founded St. John’s Monastery at Aureilfor and a convent for women. Died April 9, 1140; canonized by Pope Celestine III. His spiritual vocation led him to found and govern two monasteries in the Limousin region: Saint John at Aureil for Augustinian canons regular and Saint Stephen of Grandmont at Muret. He fell from a horse and died at the age of 80 (Benedictines, Encyclopedia, Husenbeth). 1322 Bl. Thomas of Tolentino preach in the difficult regions of Armenia and Persia (modern Iran) set out for China beheaded at Thame in Hindustan. From the time he had entered, the Order of Friars Minor in early youth, Thomas had been known as a truly apostolic man, and when the ruler of Armenia sent to ask the Minorite minister-general for some priests to fortify true religion in his realm, Thomas was chosen for the mission with four of his brethren. Their labours were blessed with success, many schismatics being reconciled and infidels converted. Armenia, however, was being seriously threatened by the Saracens, and Thomas came back to Europe to solicit help from Pope Nicholas IV and the kings of England and France. Although he duly returned to the Armenian mission with twelve other Franciscans, Thomas subsequently travelled farther afield to Persia. Again he was recalled or sent back to Italy, but this time it was to report to Pope Clement V with a view to a further advance into Tartary and China. His embassy resulted in the nomination of an ecclesiastical hierarchy consisting of John of Monte Corvino as archbishop and papal legate for the East, with seven Franciscans as suffragans. In the meantime Bd Thomas had returned to the field of his labours, full of zeal for the conversion of India and China. He appears to have been making for Ceylon and Cathay, but the ship was driven by contrary winds to Salsette Island, near Bombay. Thomas was seized by the Saracens with several of his brethren and imprisoned. After being scourged and exposed to the burning rays of the sun, the holy man was beheaded. Bd Odoric of Pordenone afterwards recovered his body and translated it to Xaitou. The cultus was approved in 1894. 1331 Blessed John of Vespignano devoted himself to works of charity among the refugees who flocked to Florence. Born at Vespignano (diocese of Florence), Italy; cultus approved by Pius VII. During the civil wars, John devoted himself to works of charity among the refugees who flocked to Florence (Benedictines). 1374 Blessed Antony of Pavoni consistent poverty of Antony's life & example of Christian virtue combatting heresies of Lombards OP. Born in Savigliano, Italy, in 1326; died in Turino, Italy, in 1374; beatified in 1868. Antony was obviously martyred for the faith, yet it took more than 500 years before he was even beatified. He is still not canonized. Antony grew up to be a pious, intelligent youth. At 15, he was received into the monastery of Savigliano, was ordained in 1351, and almost immediately was engaged in combatting the heresies of the Lombards. Pope Urban V, in 1360, appointed him inquisitor-general of Lombardy and Genoa, making him one of the youngest men ever to hold that office. It was a difficult and dangerous job for a young priest of 34. Besides being practically a death sentence to any man who held the office, it carried with it the necessity of arguing with the men most learned in a twisted and subtle heresy. Antony worked untiringly in his native city, and his apostolate lasted 14 years. During this time, he accomplished a great deal by his preaching, and even more by his example of Christian virtue. He was elected prior of Savigliano, in 1368, and given the task of building a new abbey. This he accomplished without any criticism of its luxury--a charge that heretics were always anxious to make against any Catholic builders. At Rome, the transferring of the body of St. Monica, mother of the bishop St. Augustine. It was brought from Ostia to Rome, under the Sovereign Pontiff, Martin V, and buried with due honours in the church of St. Augustine. Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
in
articles of Saints today April 10
Ezekiel, Prophet (RM) (also known as Ezechiel). Ezekiel is one of the four major prophets of the Old Testament. Tradition says that he was put to death, while in captivity in Babylon, by one of the Jewish judges who had apostatized, and that he was buried there in the tomb of Shem. He grave was a site of pilgrimage for the early Christians (Benedictines, Encyclopedia). Raphael painted this Vision of Ezekiel. VII B.C. The Holy Prophetess Oldama (Huldah) lived in the first half profesied to Josiah he would not see the Woe She foretold to the 16 year old king of Judah reigning at Jerusalem, Josiah, that for his humility the Lord would put him with his forefathers and he would be at peace in the grave, and his eyes would not see all the woe, which the Lord would bring upon the land (4 (2) Kings 22: 14-20; 2 Chron. 34: 28). Martyrdom of St. James the Apostle Brother of St. John the Apostle. copticchurch.net On this day, St. James the Apostle, the son of Zebedee, and the brother of St. John, the Apostle, was martyred. After he had preached the Gospel in Judea and Samaria, he went to Spain. He preached the Gospel there, and its people believed in the Lord Christ. He returned to Jerusalem and pursued his ministry. He always advised his flock to give alms to the poor, the needy, and the weak. They accused him before Herod who called him and asked him: "Are you the one that instigating the people not to give the taxes to Caesar but to give it to the poor and the churches?" Then he smote him with the sword, cutting off his head, and St. James received the crown of martyrdom. Clement of Alexandria, from the fathers of the second century, said: "The soldier that seized the Saint, when he saw his courage, he realized that there must be a better life and asked the Saint for his forgiveness. Then the soldier confessed Christianity and received the crown of martyrdom (Acts 12:1,2) along with the Apostle in the year 44 A.D." Because Herod saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. So when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover. (Acts 12:3-4) So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting, "The voice of a god and not of a man!" Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died. (Acts 12:21-23) As of the body of St. James, the believers took it, shrouded it, and buried it by the Temple. It was said that the body of St. James was translated to Spain, where James the elder considered to be its Apostle. His prayers be with us and Glory be to our God forever. Amen. 115 Martyrs of Rome Saint Alexander while imprisoned he preached to criminals they converted and baptized At Rome, the birthday of many holy martyrs, whom Pope St. Alexander baptized while he was in prison. The prefect Aurelian had them all put in an old ship, taken to the deep sea, and drowned with stones tied to their necks While Pope Saint Alexander was imprisoned in a public jail in Rome, he preached to the criminals he found there. They were converted and baptized. Later, the criminals were taken to Ostia and put on board an old boat which was then sent out to sea and scuttled. (Benedictines). 1028 St. Fulbert Bishop of Chartres France poet scholar aided Cluniac Reform defended monasticism orthodoxy. WE learn from St Fulbert of Chartres himself that he was of humble extraction, but we know little of his early years beyond the fact that he was born in Italy and spent his boyhood there. He was later on a student in Rheims and must have been one of its most distinguished scholars, for when the celebrated Gerbert, who taught him mathematics and philosophy, was raised to the papacy under the title of Pope Silvester II, he summoned Fulbert to his side. When another pope succeeded, Fulbert returned to France, where Bishop Odo of Chartres bestowed upon him a canonry and appointed him chancellor. Moreover, the cathedral schools of Chartres were placed under his care, and he soon made them the greatest educational centre in France, attracting pupils from Germany, Italy and England. Like most of the more eminent churchmen of his century he was an outspoken opponent of simony and of bestowing ecclesiastical endowments upon laymen. After an episcopate of nearly twenty-two years, he died on April 10, 1029. The writings of St Fulbert include a number of letters, a brief penitential, nine sermons, a collection of passages from the Bible dealing with the Trinity, the Incarnation and the Eucharist, and also some hymns and proses. 1460 Bl. Anthony Neyrot Dominican martyr in Tunis modem Tunisia. Disaster followed disaster. He lost all faith in Christianity and began to translate the Koran. He was adopted by the king, married a Turkish lady of high rank, and was given the freedom of the city. Into the false paradise came the news of the death of Saint Antoninus. Love for his old master stirred in Antony a yearning for the Truth he had abandoned. He resolved to return to the Christian faith, although it meant certain death. In order that his return might be as public as his denial had been, he waited until the king returning in triumph from a victory over the Christians, had a public procession. Having confessed and made his private reconciliation with God, Antony, clothed in a Dominican habit, at that moment mounted the palace steps where all could see him. In a loud voice he proclaimed his faith, and his sorrow at having denied it. The king at first disbelieved his ears, then he became angry. Failing to change the mind of the young man, he commanded that he be stoned to death. Antony died under a shower of stones, proclaiming to the last his faith and his sorrow. It was Holy Thursday, 1460. His body was recovered at great expense from the Islamics and returned to Rivoli, where his tomb soon became a place of pilgrimage. Many miracles were performed there, and, until very recently, an annual procession was held at his shrine. In the procession, all the present-day members of his family, dressed in black, walked proudly behind the statue of Blessed Antony (Benedictines, Dorcy, Encyclopedia). ANTONY NEYROT was born at Rivoli in Piedmont, and entered the Dominican priory of San Marco in Florence, then under the direction of St Antoninus. After being professed he was sent to one of the houses of the order in Sicily. Between Naples and Sicily his ship was boarded by pirates, who carried him to Tunis, where he was sold as a slave. He succeeded in obtaining his freedom, but only to fall into a worse captivity, for the study of the Koran led him to abjure his faith and to become a Mohammedan. For several months he had practised the religion of the false prophet when his eyes were suddenly opened, in consequence, it is said, of a vision he had of St Antoninus. Smitten with contrition, he at once sent away his wife, did penance, and resumed the daily recitation of the office. Then he went before the ruler of Tunis in his friar’s habit and, in the presence of a great crowd, openly renounced his heresy and proclaimed the religion of Jesus Christ as the one true faith. Arguments, promises and threats were employed without being able to shake him. Eventually he was condemned to death, and perished by stoning and by sword cuts as he knelt in prayer with hands upraised. His body was given over to the flames, but portions of his relics which remained unconsumed were sold to Genoese merchants, who took them back to Italy. The cultus of Bd Antony was approved in 1767. 1479 Blessed Mark Fantucci preached throughout Italy, Istria, and Dalmatia. He also visited the friars in Austria, Poland, Russia, and the Levant OFM. AMONGST the Franciscan leaders of the fifteenth century a special place must be assigned to Bd Mark Fantucci of Bologna, to whom was mainly due the preservation of the Observance as a separate body when it seemed on the point of being compulsorily merged into the Conventual branch. After having received an excellent education to fit him for the good position and large fortune to which he was left sole heir, he had given up all his worldly advantages at the age of twenty-six to receive the habit of St Francis. Three years after his profession, he was chosen guardian of Monte Colombo, the spot where St Francis had received the rule of his order. So successful was he in converting sinners that he was given permission to preach outside his province by St John Capistran, then vicar general of the Observants in Italy. Having served twice as minister provincial, Bd Mark was elected vicar general in succession to Capistran, and showed himself zealous in enforcing strict observance of the rule the various reforms he brought about all tended to revive the spirit of the founder, After the taking of Constantinople so many Franciscans had been enslaved by the Turks, that Mark wrote to all his provincials urging them to appeal for alms to ransom the captives but in answer to a request for instructions how to act in the danger zone, he sent word to, Franciscan missionaries in places threatened by victorious Islam bidding them remain boldly at their posts and to face what might betide. He was able to execute a long-cherished plan
to form a convent of Poor Clares in Bologna.
St Catherine
of Bologna came with some of her nuns from Ferrara
to establish it, and found in Bd Mark one who could give
her all the assistance she needed. He visited as commissary
all the friaries in Candia, Rhodes and Palestine, and on his
return to Italy he was elected vicar general for the second time.
Never sparing himself he undertook long and tiring expeditions
to Bosnia, Dalmatia, Austria and Poland, often travelling long
distances on foot. Pope Paul II wished to make him a
cardinal, but he fled to Sicily to avoid being forced to accept an
honour from which he shrank.The next pope, Sixtus IV, formed a project which was even less acceptable, for he had set his heart upon uniting all Franciscans into one body, without requiring any reform from the Conventuals. At a meeting convened to settle the matter, Bd Mark used all his eloquence to defeat the proposal, but apparently in vain. At last, in tears, throwing down the book of the rule at the pope’s feet, he exclaimed, “Oh my Seraphic Father, defend your own rule, since I, miserable man that I am, cannot defend it”; and thereupon left the hall. The gesture accomplished what argument had failed to do; the assembly broke up without arriving at a decision, and the scheme fell through. In 1479, white delivering a Lenten mission in Piacenza, Bd Mark was taken ill and died at the convent of the Observance outside the city. His cultus was confirmed in 1868. 1625 St. Michael de Sanctis life of exemplary fervor devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament his ecstacies during Mass many miracles After his death at 35. Michael de los Santos was born in Catalonia, Spain around 1591. At the age of six he informed his parents that he was going to be a monk. Moreover, he imitated St. Francis of Assisi to such a great extent that he had to be restrained. After the death of his parents, Michael served as an apprentice to a merchant. However, he continued to lead a life of exemplary fervor and devotion, and in 1603, he joined the Trinitarian Friars at Barcelona, taking his vows at St. Lambert's monastery in Saragosa in 1607. Shortly thereafter, Michael expressed a desire to join the reformed group of Trinitarians and was given permission to do so. He went to the Novitiate at Madrid and, after studies at Seville and Salamanca, he was ordained a priest and twice served as Superior of the house in Valladolid. His confreres considered him to be a saint, especially because of his devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament and his ecstacies during Mass. After his death at the age of thirty-five on April 10, 1625 many miracles were attributed to him. He was canonized in 1862 by Pope Pius IX. St. Michael de Sanctis is noted in the Roman Martyrology as being "remarkable for innocence of life, wonderful penitence, and love for God." He seemed from his earliest years to have been selected for a life of great holiness, and he never wavered in his great love of God or his vocation. As our young people look for
direction in a world that seems not to care, St.
Michael stands out as worthy of imitation as well as
of the prayers of both young and old alike.
Michael
of Sanctis, O. Trin. (RM) (also known as Michael of
the Saints) Born at Vich, Catalonia, Spain, in 1591; died
at Valladolid, Spain, in 1625; canonized in 1862. Saint Michael
joined the calced Trinitarians at Barcelona in 1603, and
took his vows at Saragossa in 1607. That same year he migrated
to the discalced branch of the order and renewed his vows at
Alcalá. After his ordination he was twice superior at Valladolid.
He was one of the greatest apostles of the order in the 17th
century,1835 Saint Madelaine was an orphan taught catechism and nursed the sick in Verona, Venice, Milan, and China Order of the Daughters of Charity. Wealth and privilege did nothing to prevent today’s saint from following her calling to serve Christ in the poor. Nor did the protests of her relatives, concerned that such work was beneath her. Born in northern Italy in 1774, Magdalen knew her mind—and spoke it. At age 15 she announced she wished to become a nun. After trying out her vocation with the cloistered Carmelites, she realized her desire was to serve the needy without restriction. For years she worked among the poor and sick in hospitals and in their homes and among delinquent and abandoned girls. In her mid-twenties Magdalen began offering lodging to poor girls in her own home. In time she opened a school, which offered practical training and religious instruction. As other women joined her in the work, the new Congregation of the Daughters of Charity emerged. Over time, houses were opened throughout Italy. Members of the new religious congregation focused on the educational and spiritual needs of women. Magdalen also founded a smaller congregation for priests and brothers. Both groups continue to this day. She died in 1835. Pope John Paul II canonized her in 1988. Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
in
articles of Saints today April 11
The history of Our
Lady of Pochaev begins in 1198, only about
two centuries after Christianity: became institutionalized
following the conversion of St. Vladimir.
In this year a monk ascended Mount Pochaev in order
to pray. After beginning his prayers a pillar of fire
appeared to him and to some shepherds that happened to be nearby.
The flames withdrew to reveal the Blessed Virgin.
The apparition of the Virgin Mary left behind a footprint, from
which a spring of water flowed. This first event would
lead to many other supernatural events through the special dedication
of the Blessed Virgin to this region
Many of these miracles are the result of the veneration
of the icon of our Lady of Pochaev [see above]. It first arrived
in the region as a gift of Metropolitan Neophit to Anna
Hoyska, an important patron of the Church, in 1559. The
icon shows our Lady, wearing a crown, and holding the infant Jesus.
In her other hand “she holds the end of her veil.” This
being a 'tenderness' icon, Jesus and Mary’s face touch, while
Jesus gives a blessing with his hand. To Mary’s right are
the prophet Elijah and Saint
Myrna, while to her left are St. Stephen and the Reverend Abraymey.
Mary’s face is described as being “beautiful but sad.”
The icon itself is 29 x23 cm, and made out of red pitched
cypress. The origin of the icon remains a mystery. 63. St. Domnio
Possibly first bishop of Salona and
one of 72 disciples of Christ sent to Dalmatia, a region
in Croatia, by St. Peter. The Hieromartyr
Antipas, a disciple of the holy Apostle John the Theologian
(September 26), was bishop of the Church of Pergamum during
the reign of the emperor Nero (54-68). During these
times, everyone who would not offer sacrifice to the idols lived
under threat of either exile or execution by order of the emperor.
On the island of Patmos (in the Aegean Sea) the holy Apostle John
the Theologian was imprisoned, he to whom the Lord revealed the
future judgment of the world and of Holy Church.
"And
to the angel of the Church of Pergamum write:
the words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. I
know where you live, where the throne of Satan is, and you
cleave unto My Name, and have not renounced My faith, even
in those days when Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain
among you, where Satan dwells" (Rev 2:12-13). 67 Sts. Processus and Martinian pagans guards at Mamertine prison in Rome accepted holy Baptism from Peter. The Holy Martyrs Processus and Martinian were pagans and they served as guards at the Mamertine prison in Rome. State criminals were held in this prison, among them some Christians. Watching the Christian prisoners and listening to their preaching, Processus and Martinian gradually came to the knowledge of the Savior. When the holy Apostle Peter was locked up at the Mamertine prison, Processus and Martinian came to believe in Christ. They accepted holy Baptism from the apostle and released him from prison. 461 Pope St. Leo I (the Great) St. Leo the First, pope and confessor, who was surnamed the Great. His birthday falls on the 10th of November. (Reigned 440-461). ST LEO THE GREAT, POPE AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH THE sagacity of Leo I, his successful defence of the Catholic faith against heresy, as well as his political intervention with Attila the Hun and Genseric the Vandal, raised the prestige of the Holy See to unprecedented heights and earned for him the title of “the Great”, a distinction accorded by posterity to only two other popes, St Gregory I and St Nicholas I. The Church has honoured St Leo by including him amongst her doctors on the strength of his masterly expositions of Christian doctrine, many extracts from which are incorporated in the Breviary lessons. St Leo’s family was probably Tuscan, but he seems to have been born in Rome, as he always speaks of it as his “patria”. Of his early years and of the date of his ordination to the priesthood there are no records. It is clear from his writings that he received a good education, although it did not include Greek. We hear of him first as deacon under St Celestine I and then under Sixtus III, occupying a position so important that St Cyril wrote directly to him, and Cassian dedicated to him his treatise against Nestorius. Moreover, in 440, when the quarrels between the two imperial generals, Aetius and Albinus, threatened to leave Gaul at the mercy of the barbarians, Leo was sent to make peace between them. At the time of the death of Pope Sixtus III he was still in Gaul, whither a deputation was sent to announce to him his election to the chair of St Peter. Immediately after his consecration on September 29, 440, he began to display his exceptional powers as a pastor and ruler. Preaching was at that time mainly confined to bishops, and he set about it systematically, instructing the faithful of Rome whom he purposed to make a pattern for other churches. In the ninety-six genuine sermons which have come down to us, we find him laying stress on alms-giving and other social aspects of Christian life, as well as expounding Catholic doctrines—especially that of the Incarnation. Some idea of the extraordinary vigilance of the holy pontiff over the Church and its necessities in every part of the empire can be gathered from the 143 letters written by him, and the 30 letters written to him, which have fortunately been preserved. About the period that he was dealing with the Manichaeans in Rome, he was writing to the Bishop of Aquileia advising him how to deal with Pelagianism, which had made a reappearance in his diocese. 1079 St. Stanislaus ordained at Szczepanow near Cracow noted for preaching sought after spiritual adviser martyred by cruel King. Stanislaus was born of noble parents on July 26th at Szczepanow near Cracow, Poland. He was educated at Gnesen and was ordained there. He was given a canonry by Bishop Lampert Zula of Cracow, who made him his preacher, and soon he became noted for his preaching. He became a much sought after spiritual adviser. He was successful in his reforming efforts, and in 1072 was named Bishop of Cracow. He incurred the enmity of King Boleslaus the Bold when he denounced the King's cruelties and injustices and especially his kidnapping of the beautiful wife of a nobleman. When Stanislaus excommunicated the King and stopped services at the Cathedral when Boleslaus entered, Boleslaus himself killed Stanislaus while the Bishop was saying Mass in a chapel outside the city on April 11. Stanislaus has long been the symbol of Polish nationhood. He was canonized by Pope Innocent IV in 1253 and is the principle patron of Cracow. 1146 The Departure of the holy father
Anba
Michael, the Seventy First Pope of the See
of St. Mark. {Coptic church}. On
this day also of the year 862 A.M. (March 29th. 1146 A.D.)
the holy father Pope Michael, the seventy first Patriarch
of the See of St. Mark, departed. He longed to the pure life
since his young age so he became a monk in the monastery of St.
Macarius. He lived in the desert until he was an old man, in a
good pleasing life to God.
When Pope Gabriel
(70) departed, the bishops, the priests and the lay
leaders spent three month searching for who was best suited
to succeed him. A monk from the monastery of St. Macarius,
called Yoannis Ebn Kedran, came forward nominating himself
supported in that by Anba Yacoub, bishop of Lekanah, Anba Christodolus,
bishop of Fowa, and Anba Michael, bishop of Tanta. 1771 St. Mary Margaret
d'Youville Foundress of the Sisters of Charity
directress of Montreal’s General Hospital, operated
by her community. Grey Nuns of
Canada.
1903 St. Gemma
Galgani stigmata many mystical experiences
and special graces Gemma was miraculously cured by the
Venerable Passionist Gabriel Possenti.
THE short life of this saint, who was born at Camigliano
in Tuscany in 1878, and died at Lucca at the age of twenty-five,
was in one sense uneventful. It is a story of very fervent
piety, charity and continuous suffering. These sufferings
were caused partly by ill-health, partly by the poverty into
which her family fell, partly by the scoffing of those who took
offence at her practices of devotion, ecstasies and other phenomena,
partly by what she believed to be the physical assaults of the
Devil. But she had the consolation of constant communion with
our Lord, who spoke to her as if He were corporeally present, and
she also met with much kindness from the Giannini family, who in
her last years after her father’s death treated her almost as an adopted
daughter.She was born at Varennes, Quebec, and was baptized Marie Marguerite Dufrost de Ia Jemmerais. After being educated by the Ursulines, she was married to Francois d’Youville in 1722, becoming a widow eight years later. Mary Margaret worked to support herself and her children, aiding the Confraternity of the Holy Family as well. In 1737, she founded the Sisters of Charity, the Grey Nuns, with three companions. A formal declaration took place in 1745, and two years later she became directress of Montreal’s General Hospital, operated by her community. The Grey Nuns expanded to the United States, Africa, and South America. Mary Margaret died in Montreal on December 23. She was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1990. Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
in
articles of Saints today April 12
The council at Sardica (Sofia) convened in 342 by the emperors of the East and West, vindicated St Athanasius, and endorsed the statement, previously made by St Julius, that any bishop deposed by a synod of his province has a right to appeal to the bishop of Rome. Nevertheless it was not until the year 346 that St Athanasius was able to return to Alexandria. On his way thither he passed through Rome, where he was cordially received by Pope Julius, who wrote a touching letter to the clergy and faithful of Alexandria, congratulating them on the return of their holy bishop, picturing the reception they would give him, and praying for God’s blessing on them and on their children. St Julius built several churches in Rome, notably the Basilica Julia, now the church of the Twelve Apostles, and the basilica of St Valentine in the Flaminian Way. He died on April 12, 352. His body was buried at first in the cemetery of Calepodius, but was afterwards translated to Santa Maria in Trastevere which he had enlarged and beautified. 371 St. Zeno Bishop of Verona, Italy, opponent of Arianism promoted discipline among clergy in liturgical life built cathedral founded convent wrote extensively on virgin birth of Christ. From a panegyric he delivered on St Arcadius, a Mauretanian martyr, it has been conjectured that St Zeno was born in Africa; and from the excellent flowing Latin of his writings and from the quotations he makes from Virgil, it is evident that he received a good classical education. He seems to have been made bishop of Verona in 362. We gather a number of interesting particulars about him and about his people from a collection of his tractatus, short familiar discourses delivered to his flock. We learn that he baptized every year a great number of pagans, and that he exerted himself with zeal and success against the Arians, who had been emboldened by the favours they had enjoyed under the Emperor Constantius. When he had in a great measure purged the church of Verona from heresy and heathenism, his flock increased to an extent which necessitated the building of a large basilica. Contributions flowed in freely from the citizens, whose habitual liberality had become so great that their houses were always open to poor strangers, whilst none of their fellow citizens ever had occasion to apply for relief, so promptly were their wants forestalled. Their bishop congratulated them upon thus laying up for themselves treasure in Heaven. After the battle of Adrianople in 378, when the Goths defeated Valens with terrible slaughter, the barbarians made numerous captives in the neighbouring provinces of Illyricum and Thrace. It appears to have been on this occasion that, through the bountiful charity of the inhabitants of Verona, many of the prisoners were ransomed from slavery, some rescued from a cruel death, and others freed from hard labour. Though this probably occurred after the death of St Zeno, the self-sacrifice of the townsmen may be traced to his inspiring zeal and example. 372 St. Sabas & 50 others Goth converted to Christianity lector in Targoviste Romania martyr in the area of modern Romania by pagan Goths. THE Goth’s in the third century swarmed over the Danube and established themselves in the Roman provinces of Dacia and Moesia, making expeditions from time to time into Asia Minor, especially into Galatia and Cappadocia, from which they brought back Christian slaves, priests and lay people. These prisoners soon began to make converts amongst their conquerors, with the result that Christian churches were founded. In 370 the ruler of one section of the Goths raised a persecution against his Christian subjects, out of revenge, it is supposed, for a declaration of war launched against him by the Roman emperor. The Greeks commemorate fifty-one Gothic martyrs, the most famous of whom were St Sabas and St Nicetas. Sabas, who had been converted to Christianity in early youth, acted as cantor or lector to the priest Sansala. When, at the outset of the persecution, the magistrates ordered the Christians to eat meat sacrificed to idols, certain pagans, who had Christian relations whom they wished to save, persuaded the officials to give them meat which had not been offered to idols. Sabas loudly denounced this ambiguous proceeding: not only did he himself refuse to eat, but he declared that those who consented to do so had betrayed the faith. Some of the Christians applauded him, but others were so much displeased that they obliged him to withdraw from the town. He was, however, soon allowed to return. The following year, when the persecution broke out again, some of the principal inhabitants offered to swear that there were no Christians in the town. As they were about to take the oath, Sabas presented himself and said, “Let no one swear for me : I am a Christian!” The officer asked the bystanders how much he was worth, and, upon learning that he had nothing but the clothes he wore, contemptuously released him, remarking, “Such a fellow can do us neither good nor harm”. 560 Isaak
der Syrer/Isaak vom Monte Luco Er kam (auf
der Flucht vor den Monophysiten?) aus Syrien nach
Spoleto (Italien). St Isaac the
Syrian lived during the mid-sixth century. He came to
the Italian city of Spoleto from Syria. The saint asked permission
of the church wardens to remain in the temple, and he
prayed in it for two and a half days. One of the church wardens
began to reproach him with hypocrisy and struck him on the
cheek. Then the punishment of God came upon the church warden.
The devil threw him down at the feet of the saint and cried out,
"Isaac, cast me out!" Just as the saint bent over the man, the unclean
spirit fled.
When
his disciples asked the Elder why he had declined
the gifts, he replied, "A monk who acquires possessions
is no longer a monk."News of this quickly spread throughout the city. People began to flock to the saint, offering him help and the means to build a monastery. The humble monk refused all this. He left the city and settled in a desolate place, where he built a small cell. Disciples gathered around the ascetic, and so a monastery was formed. St Isaac was endowed with the gift of clairvoyance. St Gregory Dialogus (March 12) speaks of this in his "Dialogues About the Lives and Miracles of the Italian Fathers." Once, St Isaac bade the monks to leave their spades in the garden for the night, and in the morning he asked them to prepare food for the workers. Some robbers, equal to the number of spades, had come to rob the monastery, but the power of God forced them to abandon their evil intent. They took the spades and began to work. When the monks arrived in the garden, all the ground had been dug up. The saint greeted the toilers and invited them to refresh themselves with food. Then he admonished them to stop their thievery, and gave them permission to come openly and pick the fruits of the monastery garden. Another time, two almost naked men came to the saint and asked him for clothing. He told them to wait a bit, and sent a monk into the forest. In the hollow of a tree he found the fine clothes the travelers had hidden in order to to deceive the holy igumen. The monk brought back the clothes, and St Isaac gave them to the wanderers. Seeing that their fraud was exposed, they fell into great distress and shame. It happened that a certain man sent his servant to the saint with two beehives. The servant hid one of these hives along the way. The saint said to the servant, "I accept the gift, but be careful when you go back for the beehive that you hid. Poisonous snakes have entered into it. If you stretch forth your hand, they will bite you." Martyr, born at Todi on the Tiber, son of Fabricius; elected Pope at Rome, 21 July, 649, to succeed Pope Theodore I; died at Cherson in the present peninsulas of Krym, 16 Sept., 655, after a reign of 6 years, one month and twenty six days, having ordained eleven priests, five deacons and thirty-three bishops. 5 July is the date commonly given for his election, but 21 July (given by Lobkowitz, "Statistik der Papste" Freiburg, 1905) seems to correspond better with the date of his death and reign (Duchesne "Lib. Pont.", I, 336); his feast is on 12 November.The Greeks honor him on 13 April and 15 September, the Muscovites on 14 April. In the hymns of the Office the Greeks style him infallibilis fidei magister because he was the successor of St. Peter in the See of Rome (Nilles, "Calendarium Manuale", Innsbruck, 1896, I, 336). 655 Martin I, Pope died in the Crimea great intellect and charity the last pope to die a martyr M (RM). Martin, one of the noblest figures in a long line of Roman pontiffs (Hodgkin, "Italy", VI, 268) was, according to his biographer Theodore (Mai, "Spicil. Rom.", IV 293) of noble birth, a great student, of commanding intelligence, of profound learning, and of great charity to the poor. Piazza, II 45 7 states that he belonged to the order of St. Basil. He governed the Church at a time when the leaders of the Monothelite heresy, supported by the emperor, were making most strenuous efforts to spread their tenets in the East and West. Pope Theodore had sent Martin as apocrysiary to Constantinople to make arrangements for canonical deposition of the heretical patriarch, Pyrrhus. After his election, Martin had himself consecrated without waiting for the imperial confirmation, and soon called a council in the Lateran at which one hundred and five bishops met. Five sessions were held on 5, 8, 17, 119 and 31 Oct., 649 (Hefele, "Conciliengeschichte", III, 190). The "Ecthesis" of Heraclius and the "Typus" of Constans II were rejected; nominal excommunication was passed against Sergius, Pyrrus, and Paul of Constantinople, Cyrus of Alexandria and Theodore of Phran in Arabia; twenty canons were enacted defining the Catholic doctrine on the two wills of Christ. The decrees signed by the pope and the assembled bishops were sent to the other bishops and the faithful of the world together with an encyclical of Martin. The Acts with a Greek translation were also sent to the Emperor Constans II. 11th v. 13th v. SS. ALFERIUS AND OTHERS, ABBOTS OF LA CAVA St Alferius, the founder of the abbey, although his immediate successors, Leo I of Lucca, Peter I of Polycastro and Constabilis of Castelabbate were all saints; whilst eight later abbots, Simeon, Falco, Marinus, Benincasa, Peter II, Balsamus, Leonard and Leo II all received the title of Blessed. OF the holy abbots of La Cava who are honoured upon April 12, November 16 and other dates a special notice can only be given here of St Alferius, the founder of the abbey, although his immediate successors, Leo I of Lucca, Peter I of Polycastro and Constabilis of Castelabbate were all saints; whilst eight later abbots, Simeon, Falco, Marinus, Benincasa, Peter II, Balsamus, Leonard and Leo II all received the title of Blessed. Alferius belonged to the Pappacarboni family which was descended from the ancient Lombard princes. Sent by Gisulf, duke of Salerno, as ambassador to the French court, he fell dangerously ill, and vowed that if he should regain his health he would embrace the religious life. Upon his recovery he entered the abbey of Cluny, then under the rule of St Odilo, but was recalled by the duke of Salerno, who wished him to reform the monasteries in the principality. The task appeared beyond his power, and he retired about the year 1011 to a lonely spot, picturesquely situated in the mountainous region about three miles north-west of Salerno, where he was soon joined by disciples. Of these he would only accept twelve—at any rate at first—but they formed the nucleus around which gradually grew the abbey of La Cava which afterwards attained to great celebrity. Alferius is said to have lived to the age of 120 and to have died on Maundy Thursday, alone in his cell, after he had celebrated Mass and washed the feet of his brethren. Only a very few years after his death there were, in south Italy and Sicily, over 30 abbeys and churches dependent upon La Cava and 3000 monks. Amongst his disciples had been Desiderius, who subsequently became Pope Victor III and a beatus. The cultus of the sainted abbots of La Cava was confirmed in 1893, that of the beati in 1928. 1495 BD ANGELO OF CHIVASSO; He always been humble: even as vicar general he would only wear the cast-off habits of others and delighted in doing the lowliest work. Now he begged to he allowed to go and beg for the poor; Franciscan friary of the Observance at Genoa. Bd Angelo’s superiors soon realized that they had in him a recruit of exceptional merit as well as of great missionary zeal, and it was not long before he was admitted to the priesthood. At once he embarked upon a strenuous evangelistic campaign. Full of eloquence and zeal, he made his way into remote villages in the Piedmontese mountains and valleys, regardless of weather and of the roughness of the way. The poor he greatly loved: he sought them out, visited them in sickness, and would often beg on their behalf. He helped them in many ways, notably by encouraging the introduction of monti di pietà to save them from the clutches of money-lenders. His penitents, however, were not confined to the poor. St Catherine of Genoa consulted him, and Charles I, Duke of Savoy, chose him to be his confessor. His so-called Summa Angelica, a book of moral theology which he wrote, was much used. Bd Angelo filled a number of offices, and as superior he was extremely zealous in preserving the purity of the rule; his outstanding capabilities caused him to be three times re-elected vicar general. When, after the taking of Otranto by the fleet of Mohammed II, Pope Sixtus IV appealed for recruits to fight the threatening forces of Islam, the Observants proved themselves specially zealous in rousing the people to meet the crisis, but it was Bd Angelo who always chose the places of greatest danger for his activities. Moreover, when in 1491, at the age of eighty, he had accepted the office of commissary apostolic to evangelize the Waldensians in the Piedmontese valleys, he displayed a fervour and intrepidity which were rewarded by a surprising measure of success. Many heretics as well as lapsed Catholics were brought back to the faith, so that Pope Innocent VIII wished to raise him to the episcopate, but he could not be induced to consent. At last, in 1493, Bd Angelo was able to lay down office and to prepare his soul for death. He had always been humble: even as vicar general he would only wear the cast-off habits of others and delighted in doing the lowliest work. Now he begged to he allowed to go and beg for the poor. His last two years were spent at the convent of Cuneo in Piedmont where he died at the age of 84. His cultus was approved in 1753. 1920 St. Teresa of Los Andes; Carmelite nun, Chile’s first saint. (1900-1920) One needn’t live a long life to leave a deep imprint. Teresa of Los Andes is proof of that. As a young girl growing up in Santiago, Chile, in the early 1900s, she read an autobiography of a French-born saint—Therese, popularly known as the Little Flower. The experience deepened her desire to serve God and clarified the path she would follow. At age 19 she became a Carmelite nun, taking the name of Teresa. The convent offered the simple lifestyle Teresa desired and the joy of living in a community of women completely devoted to God. She focused her days on prayer and sacrifice. “I am God’s, ” she wrote in her diary. “He created me and is my beginning and my end. ” Toward the end of her short life, Teresa began an apostolate of letter-writing, sharing her thoughts on the spiritual life with many people. At age 20 she contracted typhus and quickly took her final vows. She died a short time later, during Holy Week. Teresa remains popular with the estimated 100,000 pilgrims who visit her shrine in Los Andes each year. She is Chile’s first saint. Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
in
articles of Saints today April 13
The Prophet Ezekiel
("God is strong") was the son of Buzi and a priest
by rank.
He was taken captive and brought to Babylon
during the reign of Jechonias.
In the fifth year of this captivity, about 594 or 593 B.C., he began to prophesy. Having prophesied for about twenty-eight years, he was murdered, it is said, by the tribe of Gad, because he reproached them for their idolatry. His book of prophecy, divided into forty-eight chapters, is ranked third among the greater Prophets. It is richly filled with mystical imagery and marvelous prophetic visions and allegories, of which the dread Chariot of Cherubim described in the first Chapter is the most famous; in the "gate that was shut," through which the Lord alone entered, he darkly foretold of the Word's Incarnation from the Virgin (44:1-3); through the "dry bones" that came to life again (37:1-14), he prophesied both of the restoration of captive Israel, and the general resurrection of our race. 656 Pope Saint Martin I martyred for defending dual nature of Jesus died at Kherson Crimea last pope die a martyr. Martin I, Pope M (RM) Born in Todi in Umbria, Italy; died in the Crimea, September 16, 655; feast day was previously November 12 (November 10 in York); the Eastern Church celebrates his feast on September 20. Martin became a deacon in Rome. He displayed a great intellect and charity, was sent by Pope Theodore I as nuncio (apocrisiarius) to Constantinople, and was elected pope in 649 to succeed Theodore I. At once, he convened the council at the Lateran that condemned Monothelitism (the denial that Christ had a human will), the Typos--the edict of the reigning Emperor Constans II, which favored it, and Heraclius's Ekethesis. Although he was supported by the bishops of Africa, England, and Spain, the imperial wrath fell upon the pontiff who was arrested by Constans and taken to Constantinople in 653. When Martin I became pope in 649, Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine empire and the patriarch of Constantinople was the most influential Church leader in the eastern Christian world. The struggles that existed within the Church at that time were magnified by the close cooperation of emperor and patriarch. A teaching, strongly supported in the East, held that Christ had no human will. Twice emperors had officially favored this position, Heraclius by publishing a formula of faith and Constans II by silencing the issue of one or two wills in Christ. Shortly after assuming the office of the papacy (which he did without first being confirmed by the emperor), Martin held a council at the Lateran in which the imperial documents were censured, and in which the patriarch of Constantinople and two of his predecessors were condemned. Constans II, in response, tried first to turn bishops and people against the pope. Comment: The real significance of the word martyr comes not from the dying but from the witnessing, which the word means in its derivation. People who are willing to give up everything, their most precious possessions, their very lives, put a supreme value on the cause or belief for which they sacrifice. Martyrdom, dying for the faith, is an incidental extreme to which some have had to go to manifest their belief in Christ. A living faith, a life that exemplifies Christ's teaching throughout, and that in spite of difficulties, is required of all Christians. Martin might have temporized; he might have sought means to ease his lot, to make some accommodations with the civil rulers. Quote: The breviary of the Orthodox Church pays tribute to Martin: “Glorious definer of the Orthodox Faith...sacred chief of divine dogmas, unstained by error...true reprover of heresy...foundation of bishops, pillar of the Orthodox faith, teacher of religion.... Thou didst adorn the divine see of Peter, and since from this divine Rock, thou didst immovably defend the Church, so now thou art glorified with him.” Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
in
articles of Saints today April 14
564 St. Abundius Confessor sacrist St. Peter's in Rome humble many graces spiritual gifts At Rome, St. Abundius, sacristan of the church of St. Peter. Abundius served in St. Peter's in Rome. Pope St. Gregory I the Great wrote of his life, which was filled with many graces and spiritual gifts. 655 Saint Martin the Confessor, Pope of Rome native of the Tuscany convened Lateran Council at Rome condemn Monothelite heresy last martyred Pope. He received a fine education and entered into the clergy of the Roman Church. After the death of Pope Theodore I (642-649), Martin was chosen to succeed him. At this time the peace of the Church was disturbed by the Monothelite heresy (the false doctrine that in Christ there is only one will. He has a divine, and a human will). "Even if they cripple me, I will not have relations with the Church of Constantinople while it remains in its evil doctrines." The torturers were astonished at the confessor's boldness, and they commuted his death sentence to exile at Cherson in the Crimea. There the saint died, exhausted by sickness, hunger and deprivations on September 16, 655. He was buried outside the city in the Blachernae church of the Most Holy Theotokos, and later the relics of the holy confessor Martin were transferred to Rome. The Monothelite heresy was condemned
at the Sixth Ecumenical Council in 680.
1120 BD LANVINUS Carthusian monk,
came to Rome and obtained from Pope Paschal a bull
to protect the houses of the Carthusians from molestation.
IN 1893 Pope Leo XIII
confirmed the cultus of a Carthusian
monk, Bd Lanvinus, {20
February, 1878; 20
July, 1903; Pope
Leo XIII } who though little known
to the world at large has always been held high in honour
in his own order. He was a Norman by birth who seems to have
made his way south to the Grande Chartreuse about the year 1090,
and thence accompanied St Bruno to Calabria. When the holy founder
died there in 1101, Lanvinus was elected to succeed him in the government
of the two charterhouses which the order at that time possessed
in the south of Italy. Some little difference of opinion had preceded
this election, and we possess more than one letter addressed
to the new superior by Pope Paschal
II,
{Pope Paschal II Succeeded
Urban II, and reigned from 13 Aug., 1099, till he
died at Rome, 21 Jan., 1118. }congratulating
the brethren on this peaceful solution and admonishing them
not to presume too much upon the austerity of their rule, but
ever to seek perfect concord and union with God. In 1102 Lanvinus was summoned to Rome to attend a synod. Other letters of the same pontiff were despatched to him in 1104 commending his zeal in carrying out the pope’s injunctions, and entrusting to his care a difficult negotiation which concerned one of the bishops of that province. In 1105 he was further appointed visitor of all monastic houses in Calabria and charged with the duty of restoring strict discipline; while eight years later he again came to Rome and obtained from Pope Paschal a bull to protect the houses of the Carthusians from molestation. He died greatly revered on April 11, 1120, but his feast is kept in the order on this day. 1124 Caradoc of Llandaff Abbot monk musician reputation for holiness miracles quieted wildest beasts healer incorrupt (AC). As a young man St Caradoc lived at the court of Rhys ap Tewdwr, prince of South Wales, where he occupied the honourable post of harper. One day he fell into disgrace with his master who blamed him for the loss of two favourite greyhounds and threatened to kill him. Thus brought to realize the folly of trusting in the favour of earthly princes, Caradoc resolved from henceforth to give his services only to the King of kings. He accordingly abandoned the court and repaired to Llandaff, where he received the tonsure from the bishop who sent him to serve in the church of St Teilo. Afterwards he spent some years as a hermit near the abandoned church of St Cenydd in Gower and then retired with some companions to the still more remote solitude of an island off the coast of Pembroke. Here they suffered from Norse raiders, and St Caradoc eventually settled in St Ismael’s cell at Haroldston, of which he was given charge. Like so many other solitaries Caradoc had unusual power over the lower animals, illustrated on one occasion by his mastering a pack of hounds “by a gentle movement of his hand”, when they were quite out of the owner’s control. St Caradoc was buried with great honour in the cathedral church of St David, where the remains of his shrine may be seen. A still extant letter of Pope Innocent III directs certain abbots to make inquiry into the life and miracles of this Welsh hermit. 1246 St. Peter Gonzalez Dominican evangelized protector of captive Muslims and cared for sailors. St. Peter Gonzales Peter Gonzales, also known as St. Elmo or St. Telmo, was born to a Castilian family of nobility. He was educated by his uncle, the Bishop of Astorga, named canon of the local cathedral, famous for his penances and mortifications, joined the Dominican Order, preached and made chaplain of the court of King St. Ferdinand III. He converted and influenced the soldiers of his country, evangelized, and died on Easter Sunday. He was canonized by Pope Benedict XIV in 1741. Peter evangelized throughout his country and all along the coast. He had a special fondness for sailors. He used to visit them aboard their ships, preaching the Gospel and praying for their needs. 1433 St. Lydwine heroically accepted plight as will of God offered her sufferings for humanity's sins Jesus Christ confided in her She experienced mystical gifts, including supernatural visions of heaven, hell, purgatory, apparitions of Christ, and the stigmata Patron of sickness & skaters. About the year 1407 she began to have ecstasies and mystical visions. While her body lay in prolonged cataleptic trances, her spirit communed with our Lord, with the saints, and with her guardian angel, or it would visit the holy places of Rome and Palestine or else churches near at hand. Now she would help our Lord to carry His cross on Calvary, now she would witness the pains of purgatory and would be given a foretaste of the joys of Heaven. Two points are emphasized by her biographers: never, in all her raptures, did she lose sight of her vocation, and always those spiritual privileges were followed by increase of suffering. Acclaimed as she was even then as a saint, she was not destined to escape detraction, which came in a very painful form. The biography of Bd Lydwina compiled by John Brugman has been printed, both in its first and latest form, by the Bollandists in the Acta Sanctorum, April, vol. ii; and they have also given extracts from the memoir by Thomas a Kempis. John Gerlac’s narrative is in Dutch and was first printed at Delft in 1487. Full bibliographical details are provided in the excellent little volume Sainte Lydwine contributed by Hubert Meuffels to the series “Les Saints” (1925). This is by far the best popular life, and it corrects in many details the extravagances and inaccuracies of Huysmans’ Saints Lydwine de Schiedam which has gone through so many editions. There are several other lives of less value. That by Thomas a Kempis has been translated into English by Dom Vincent Scully (1912), with a useful introduction. In this introduction may be found a translation of the striking official document drawn up in 1421 by the municipality of Schiedam attesting among other things that “within the seven years last passed she (Lydwina) has used no food or drink at all nor does use any at present”. Although she is quite commonly called Saint Lydwina, she has never been officially canonized, but her cultus was formally confirmed by Pope Leo XIII in 1890. Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
in
articles of Saints today April 15
On this day the righteous Joachim (Yonakhir - Zadok) departed. He was the father of St. Mary, the Theotokos, the mother of God incarnate. He was of the seed of David, and of the tribe of Judah, for he was the son of Jotham, the son of Lazarus, the son of Eldad who ascended up in genealogy to Solomon the king, the son of David whom God promised that his seed should reign over the children of Israel for ever. The wife of this righteous man, Hannah was barren, and both of them prayed and entreated God continually to give them a child. Having accepted their petition He gave them a good and sweet fruit, which satisfied all the men of the world, and removed from them the bitterness of servitude, and He made Joachim worthy to be called the father of the Lord Christ in regard of His marvelous and wondrous Incarnation. After God had pleased him with the birth of our Lady, his heart was rejoiced and he offered his offerings, and the shame had been removed from him, he departed in peace when the Virgin was three years old. May his prayers be with us. Amen. 100 Holy Martyr Sukhios and 16 Gruzian (Georgian) Companions new names: to the eldest -- Sukhios (replacing his old name Bagadras), and companions Andrew, Anastasias, Talale, Theodorites, Juhirodion, Jordan, Kondrates, Lukian, Mimnenos, Nerangios, Polyeuktos, James, Phoki, Domentian, Victor and Zosima.
The holy remains
of the martyrs remained undecayed and unburied until
the time of the IV Century, when they were placed in graves
and consigned to earth by local Christians (the names of the
holy martyrs were found written on a cliff).
679 St. Hunna
devoted herself to the poor of Strasbourg.The holy PriestMartyr Gregory, Enlightener of Armenia (+ c. 335, Comm. 30 September), built a church on this spot and established a monastery. And afterwards, a curative spring of water was discovered there.( shown a golden base where the cathedral at Vagharshapat (later Etchmiadzin) see map close to Yerevan {Even when Agathangelos describes well-known events, he borrows from the Bible. Diocletian's persecution of the Church is talked about completely in Bible images, with no reference to any actual events. Gregory is nourished in the terrible pit as Elijah was; Drtad's bestial transformation recalls that of Nebuchadnezzar. There are also countless references to liturgical and patristic writings, and it is unfortunate that we modern readers miss so many of these. Agathangelos presumed on the part of his readers an intimate familiarity with the Scriptures, Liturgy, and spiritual writings that most of us today simply do not possess. Agathangelos had a purpose in mind as he wrote about Gregory. That purpose is reflected in some of the differences in emphasis between Agathangelos' work about the saint and the work of others. For example, Movses Khorenatsi gives us much more detail about Gregory's origins, and tries to tie him to the first enlightener, Thaddeus. In general, he gives more detail about all aspects of Gregory's life than Agathangelos does. But Agathangelos is not interested in establishing an apostolic tie for Gregory, or presenting his life in detail. His purpose is mainly to enhance Gregory's role as the first bishop, first church builder, and first establisher of a hierarchy in the Armenian Church. He wants to show the importance of the hierarchical structure of the Church, and emphasize the authority of the patriarch's position, and this he does by tying both to the great saint so highly venerated in the Church. Central to this effort is Agathangelos' description of Gregory's vision of the burial place of the martyrs. Gregory is shown a golden base where the cathedral at Vagharshapat (later Etchmiadzin) is to be built. Thus Agathangelos establishes divine foundation for cathedral and for church leaders who reside there so again, he makes a case for the "rightness" of the hierarchs and the hierarchical structure of the Church.} Called “the Holy Washerwoman,”
a noblewoman who devoted herself to the poor of Strasbourg,
France. The daughter of a duke and wife of Huno of
Hunnaweyer, she even washed the poor's clothes, hence
her name. She was canonized in 1520 by Pope Leo
X.
Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
in
articles of Saints today April 16
900 St. Lambert of Saragossa servant Martyred by his Saracen master in Spain. Lambert of Saragossa M (RM); cultus promoted by Pope Hadrian VI. Saint Lambert was a servant who was killed near Saragossa, Spain, by his Saracen master during the Moorish occupation (Benedictines). 1116 Magnus of Orkney Magnus stood against wanton violence and racism against foreigners). Died on Igilsay Island, Norway, Earl Magnus Erlendsson of Norway, son of Erling, ruled over half the Orkney Islands. He was killed by his cousin Haakon, who ruled over the other half. Magnus is venerated as the protector of Scotland and a martyr, even though as a young man he participated in the Viking raids on Scotland. . After King Magnus Barefoot bad been killed in battle against the Irish, his son Sigurd allowed Haakon to return to the Orkneys, of which he wished to be the sole ruler. But Magnus, whose brother Erlend had also been slain, gathered a body of men and proceeded to his native country, where he vindicated his right to share in the government of the islands. Although the two cousins could unite against a common foe, disputes often arose between them. At last Haakon, whose overbearing spirit could no longer brook a rival, invited Magnus to meet him with a few followers on the island of Egilsay, under pretext of cementing a lasting peace. Magnus unsuspectingly complied, but was overpowered by a large band of men brought by Haakon and was treacherously slain, refusing to resist. The cathedral of Kirkwall, where he was buried (and where what seem to have been his bones were found in 1919, and many other churches have been dedicated in honour of St Magnus, who was regarded as a martyr, in spite of the fact that he was murdered on political rather than on religious grounds. He is said to have appeared to Robert Bruce with a promise of victory, on the eve of Bannockburn, and his feast is still observed in the diocese of Aberdeen. 1378 The Nun Theodora of Nizhegorod, in the world Anastasia (Vassa) entered the Nizhegorod Zachat'ev monastery attained the gift of humility and love. The daughter of the Tver' boyar-noble Ioann and his spouse Anna. She was born in the year 1331. At 12 years of age they gave her in marriage to the Nizhegorod prince Andrei Konstantinovich. after 12 years of childless married life, the prince died, having accepted monasticism (+ 2 June 1365). The holy princess continued to live in the world for another four years, and then she set free her servants, distributed off her substance and entered the Nizhegorod Zachat'ev monastery. She was tonsured by Sainted Dionysii, afterwards the archbishop of Suzdal' (+ 1385, Comm. 15 October and 26 June). In monastic life the saint often went without food for a day or two, and sometimes even five; her nights she spent in tearful prayers, and on her body she wore an hairshirt. She attained the gift of humility and love and she bore every abuse without malice. The example of the strict life of the Nun Theodora attracted others also: in her common-life monastery were tonsured princesses and boyaresses, and in all there about 100 sisters. The Nun Theodora died in the year 1378. 1783 St. Benedict Joseph Labré "the Beggar of Rome," a pilgrim recluse devoted to the Blessed Sacrament miracles soaring over the ground, as well as bilocation, is frequently attested in Benedict's case. 1783 St. Benedict Joseph Labré "the Beggar of Rome," a pilgrim recluse devoted to the Blessed Sacrament miracles soaring over the ground, as well as bilocation, is frequently attested in Benedict's case Romæ natális sancti Benedícti-Joséphi Labre Confessóris, qui contémptu sui et extrémæ voluntáriæ paupertátis laude exstitit insígnis. At Rome, the birthday of St. Benedict Joseph Labre, confessor, who was famed for his contempt of self and his great voluntary poverty. miraculous multiplication of bread for some poor people and by the healing of a confirmed invalid. “God’s will be done”, he said, as he took a final farewell of the Cistercians of Septfons in 1770. Benedict now determined to go on pilgrimage to Rome, walking all the way and living on alms. He set out accordingly, staying among other places at Ars, where he met Mr Vianney, father of the future curé. Having crossed the Alps into Italy, he wrote from Piedmont a touching letter to his parents—the last they ever received from him. In it he apologized for the uneasiness he may have caused them and announced his intention of trying to enter an Italian monastery. This he does not appear to have done, for his true vocation began to dawn upon him. Not by shutting himself up in any cloister was he to abandon the world, but by obeying the counsels of perfection without turning his back on the world. Literally and in spirit he must follow the example of our Lord and so many of His saints. With this object in view he embarked upon a life of pilgrimages which led him to the principal shrines in western Europe. Oblivious of wind and weather, he travelled everywhere on foot, carrying neither purse nor scrip nor yet provisions for the way. Often he slept in the open air upon the bare ground; at best he took his rest in a shed or a garret, for he could rarely be induced to accept a bed. He wished to be homeless like his Master. He saluted no man by the way unless specially moved to do so, he seldom opened his lips except to acknowledge or distribute to others the alms which he had received. 1879 St. Bernadette Mary appeared to Bernadette 18 times and spoke with her above a rose bush in a grotto called Massabielle dressed in blue and white with a rosary of ivory and gold. In the city of Nevers in France, St. Mary Bernard Soubirous of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity, also called the Christian Institute. She was favoured with frequent apparitions and conversations at Lourdes with Mary Immaculate, the Mother of God. In 1933 her name was added to the roll of holy virgins by Pope Pius XI. St. Bernadette Soubirous 1879 Famed visionary of Lourdes, baptized Mary Bernard. She was born in Lourdes, France, on January 7, 1844, the daughter of Francis and Louise Soubirous. Bernadette, a severe asthma sufferer, lived in abject poverty. On February 11, 1858, she was granted a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary in a cave on the banks of the Gave River near Lourdes. She was placed in consider able jeopardy when she reported the vision, and crowds gathered when she had futher visits from the Virgin, from February 18 of that year through March 4. The civil authorities tried to frighten Bernadette into recanting her accounts, but she remained faithful to the vision. On February 25, a spring emerged from the cave and the waters were discovered to be of a miraculous nature, capable of healing the sick and lame. On March 25, Bernadette announced that the vision stated that she was the Immaculate Conception, and that a church should be erected on the site. Thus, she lived out her self-effacing life, dying at the age of 35 as did Saint Benedict Labre. The events of 1858 resulted in Lourdes becoming one of the most important pilgrim shrines in the history of Christendom, ending with the consecration of the basilica in 1876. But Saint Bernadette took no part in these developments; nor was it for her visions that she was canonized, but for the humble simplicity and religious trust that characterized her whole life (Attwater, Benedictines, Bentley, Delaney, Encyclopedia, Farmer, Sandhurst, Schamoni, Trochu, Walsh, White). Saint Bernadette is the patron saint of shepherds (White). Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
in
articles of Saints today April 17
Tuesday of St Thomas week we remember those Orthodox Christians from all ages who have died in faith, and in the hope of resurrection. On this day also a great sign was made manifest through our holy father Pope Sinuthius (Shenouda I) the fifty fifth Pope of Alexandria. This Pope went to the desert of Scetis in order to fast the Holy Lent with the fathers the monks. On Palm Sunday many Arabs came to the desert of Scetis to plunder the monasteries. They stood on the rock east of the church of St. Macarius. Their swords were drawn in their hands ready to kill and steal. The bishops and the monks gathered together and decided to leave the desert before the Holy Feast of Resurrection (Easter) and they took counsel with Pope Shenouda who told them; "As for me I will not leave the desert until I complete the Pascal week. On Maundy Thursday the situation became worse. The Pope took his staff that had the sign of the cross on it and he wanted to go out to meet the Arabs saying: "It is better for me to die with the people of God" but they prevented him from going out, but instead, he strengthened and comforted them. Then he went forth to meet the Arabs with his staff in his hand. When they saw him, they retreated and fled away as if they were pursued by an army of soldiers and from this day onwards they never came back to do any harm. The prayers of this father be
with us and glory be to God forever. Amen.
There are indications
of this commemoration in the sermons of the Fathers
of the Church. St John Chrysostom, for example,
mentions it in his homily "On the Cemetery and the
Cross."
In pre-Revolutionary
Russia bars remained closed and alcoholic beverages
were not sold until this Day of Rejoicing so that the joy
people felt would be because of the Resurrection, and not an
artificial joy brought on by alcohol.Today the Church remembers its faithful members at Liturgy, and kollyva is offered in remembrance of those who have fallen asleep. Priests visit cemeteries to bless the graves of Orthodox Christians, and to share the paschal joy with the departed. It is also customary to give alms to the poor on this day. At Rome, St. Anicetus, pope and martyr, who received the palm of martyrdom in the persecution of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus and Lucius Verus. 155-166 St. Anicetus pope a Syrian from Emesa actively opposed Marcionism and Gnosticism. 165 ST ANICETUS, POPE AND MARTYR ST ANICETUS was raised to the chair of St Peter in the latter part of the reign of the Emperor Antoninus Pius. He is styled a martyr in the Roman and other martyrologies and, if he did not actually shed his blood for the faith, he at least purchased the title of martyr by the sufferings and trials he endured. His efforts appear to have been specially directed to combating the errors of Valentine and Marcion and to protecting his flock from heresy. It was whilst he was pope that St Polycarp, the great bishop of Smyrna, came to Rome in connection with the controversy about the date of Easter. The conference which took place led to no settlement, but, to quote the words of Eusebius, “the bonds of charity were not broken”. St Anicetus is said to have been a Syrian. 350 Innocent of Tortona priest for remaining steadfast to the Christian faith B (RM). THE parents of St Innocent at Tortona in the north of Italy, although they were Christians living in times of persecution, were by imperial licence exempted from molestation. The exemption granted to the parents did not extend to the children, and after the death of his father and mother Innocent was summoned to appear before the magistrates. As the young man steadfastly refused to sacrifice to the gods, he was tortured and sentenced to perish at the stake. During the night before his execution he had a dream of his father, who bade him go at once to Rome, where he would find safety. He awoke to find his guards fast asleep, and easily succeeded in making his escape. Upon his arrival in Rome he was kindly received by Pope St Miltiades. Pope St Silvester raised him to the diaconate, and after the accession of the Emperor Constantine he was sent back to Tortona as bishop. During the twenty-eight years of his episcopate he showed great zeal in spreading the faith, in building churches, and in converting pagan temples into Christian sanctuaries. We owe these details to a late
and quite untrustworthy life of St Innocent which
is printed in the Acta Sanctorum, April, vol. ii. But Father
F. Savio has shown in the Analecta Bollandiana, vol.
xv (1896), pp. 377—384, that the saint really existed, and that
there are germs of truth in the legend, though the story is a fiction.
See on the other hand the brochure of Canon V. Loge (1913) to
which Fr Savio subsequently replied.
Departure
of St.
Zosimus (Zocima).
On this day in the middle of the fifth century the
ascetic father and the struggling monk Abba Zocima the
priest, departed (Coptic).
The custom of those monks during the Holy Lent, was that after
they had fasted the first weak they partook the Holy Communion,
then they left the monastery singing the twenty six psalm, and
at the end of it, they prayed together. Then the abbot blessed
them and they bed farewell to each other. Then they dispersed in
the desert of Jordan and each of them carried out his spiritual fight
by himself. St. Zosimus used to go out with them each year wondering
in the desert asking God to show him who was more perfect than him.As he was wondering about he met Mary the Egyptian (Coptic). He learned from her about her life history and the reason for her wondering in the desert. She asked him to visit her after one year to give her the Holy Mysteries. He came to her in the next year and gave her the Holy Communion. In the year after he revisited her again but he found her had departed and he buried her and told the monks of the monastery concerning her strife. After he had lived ninety nine years he departed in peace. May his prayers be with us. Amen. 435 Saint
Acacius, Bishop of Melitene support of Orthodoxy wonderworker
made rain, checked flood, stopped dome from collapse
3rd Ecumenical Council 431 defended Orthodox teaching
of 2 Natures (Divine /Human) of the Savior His seedless Birth
from Most Holy Virgin Mother of God. He
wisely governed his diocese. By his firm faith, humility and
deeds, the saint acquired the gift of wonderworking. Once, during
a dry summer, the saint celebrated Liturgy in an open field, suddenly
the wine in the Holy Chalice was mixed by the falling rain, which
fell throughout the land.
St Acacius peacefully
fell asleep in the Lord around the year 435. He should
not be confused with St Acacius the Confessor (March 31),
who was also a bishop of Melitene.He prayed during a flood, and the advancing river turned away and did not rise higher than the stone which he had placed at the riverbank. On one of the islands of the River Azar, despite the opposition of the pagans, the saint built a temple in honor of the Most Holy Theotokos. The builders of the church either through carelessness or through malice, were not careful in building the dome. During the Liturgy the dome was ready to collapse. The people rushed out of the church in terror. But the saint halted their flight saying, "The Lord is the defender of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?" (Ps. 26/27:1). The dome remained suspended in the air. Only when the services were ended, and the saint was the last one to emerge from the church, did the dome collapse, causing harm to no one. After this, the church was rebuilt. St Acacius participated in the Third Ecumenical Council (431) and he defended the Orthodox teaching of the Two Natures (Divine and Human) of the Savior, and of His seedless Birth from the Most Holy Virgin Mother of God. During Alberic's reign, the
new order received definitive approval from Pope Pascal II and was placed under the
protection of the Holy See.
The Benedictines
of Cîteaux received a white habit and made their
solemn professions on March 21, 1098, Passion Sunday.1134 Stephen
Harding one of the founders of the Cistercians
OSB Cist. Abbot (RM). At Citeaux in France, St. Stephen,
abbot, who was first to live in the Cistercian desert
and who joyfully welcomed St. Bernard and his companions
when they came to him.
In the following
year, on March 21, 1110, there was a second departure
for eternity. Robert died. Stephen was the sole survivor
of the three. This vouched-safe, original Cistercian, however,
was not to conform in all points with the Benedictine prototype
because he was to become the champion of the most absolute
poverty with an almost Franciscan insistence. With
the death of Alberic, Stephen found himself elected abbot of
Cîteaux against his will. Born probably in Sherborne, Dorsetshire, England; died at Cîteaux, France, March 28; canonized in 1623; his feast is celebrated on July 16 among the Cistercians.. Stephen assisted at the death of Alberic on January 26, 1109. Alberic was the first of the trio to prepare a meeting place for them with God. Stephen missed Alberic, his friend, his "companion in arms," his "general in the battles of the Lord," in the time that they were placed "in the front line of the battle." Stephen's character and temperament are well expressed in this military language. 1419 Blessed Clare Gambacorta both devout and penitential Poor Clares OP Widow (AC). (also known as Thora or Theodora of Pisa) Born in Venice(?), Italy, in 1362; beatified by Pope Pius VIII in 1830. At last Peter Gambacorta relented, and not only allowed his daughter to enter the Dominican priory of Holy Cross, but promised to build another house of the order. She now became associated with Mary Mancini, also a widow, and destined like herself to be raised to the altars of the Church. The teaching of St Catherine of Siena strongly influenced the two women who, when they were transferred to Gambacorta’s new foundation in 1382, succeeded in inaugurating observance of their rule in its primitive austerity. This house, in which Bd Clare was at first sub-prioress and then prioress, became the training centre for many saintly women who afterwards carried the reform movement to other Italian cities. To this day, enclosed Dominican nuns are often spoken of in Italy as “Sisters of Pisa”. They led a contemplative life of prayer, manual work and study: “Never forget”, said Bd Clare’s director, “that in our order very few have become saints who were not likewise scholars.” Bd Clare was a great sufferer towards the close of her life, and as she lay on her death-bed with outstretched arms, she was heard to murmur, “My Jesus, here I am upon the cross”. Just before she died, however, her face was illuminated with a radiant smile and she blessed her daughters absent as well as present. She had reached the age of fifty-seven years. Her cultus was confirmed in 1830. Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
in
articles of Saints today April 18
185
St. Apollonius
the Apologist Roman senator Martyr whose Apologia
or defense of the faith is considered one of the most priceless
documents of the early Church. THE
Emperor Marcus Aurelius had persecuted the Christians on principle,
but his son Commodus, who succeeded him about the year 180, although
a vicious man, showed himself not unfavourably disposed towards
them. During the cessation of active persecution under his reign,
the number of the faithful greatly increased, many men of rank
enlisting themselves under the banner of the cross. Amongst these
was a Roman senator called Apollonius, who was well versed in philosophy
as well as in the Holy Scriptures. In the midst of the peace which the
Church was enjoying, he was denounced as a Christian by one of his
own slaves to Perennis, the praetorian prefect. The laws against the
Christians had not been repealed and, although the slave was promptly
put to death as an informer, Perennis called upon Apollonius to renounce
his religion. As the saint refused, the prefect referred him to the
judgement of the Roman senate. In their presence the martyr who,
possibly on account of his learning and social position, seems to
have been treated with a certain exceptional consideration, debated
with Perennis and boldly gave an account of his faith. As Apollonius
persisted in his refusal to offer sacrifice, he was condemned and
decapitated; another, less probable, account tells us that he was
put to death by having his legs crushed.
When the senator refused to apostatize, the case
was remanded to the Senate, where a remarkable dialogue took place between
Perennis and Apollonius. Because of his influence in society, those judging
him paid close attention to his defense of Christianity, which is recorded
in the Roman Martyrology.
"Are you bent on dying?" asked
Perennis.
"No," said Apollinius, "I enjoy life; but love of life does not make me afraid to die. There is waiting for me something better: eternal life, given to the person who has lived well on earth." Apollinius pointed out that everyone must die and that it was better to die for the sake of true belief and the true God than to die of some ordinary disease because a martyr becomes the seed of new Christians. He argued that Christianity is superior by its concepts of death and life: death is a natural necessity which has nothing frightening about it, while the true life is the life of the soul. He explained that paganism is futile because idols are human artefacts without life, automony, reason, or virtue. Saint Apollinius then took the opportunity to give the whole court a reasoned apology of his Christian faith, which is a moving, direct summary of the entire Christian creed. Above all, he reasoned, Christianity surpasses paganism through the salvific work of Jesus Christ, the revealing Word of God and teacher of moral life, who became man to destroy sin by his death. Apollonius continued that Christ's death was prophesied both by Scripture and by Plato. THE early history of St Laisren is very uncertain in view of the discrepancy between the various accounts which have come down to us. He is said to have spent several years at Iona, and then to have proceeded to Rome where he received ordination from Pope St Gregory the Great. We next find him at Leighlin, on the banks of the Barrow, in a monastery presided over by its founder, St Goban. At a synod held at White Fields in the immediate vicinity, St Laisren was foremost in upholding the Roman date for keeping Easter as against the Columban usage still widely prevalent in Ireland. The conference, which was conducted with great courtesy on both sides, could come to no conclusion, and it was decided to send St Laisren with a deputation to refer the matter to the pope. On this second visit to Rome, the saint was consecrated bishop by Honorius and appointed papal legate for Ireland. In this capacity he would seem to have succeeded in practically settling the paschal controversy as far as the south of Ireland was concerned. About two years after the synod, St Goban resigned the government of the monastery to St Laisren, who ruled it until his death. His feast is kept throughout Ireland. 820 Saint John disciple of St Gregory of Decapolis born end of the eighth century opposition to Iconoclast heresy The post of cantor, which he held, was dear to him, for the Divine Office was his passion: he would become so much absorbed in it as to be oblivious to all things else. He eventually became abbot, and the monastery prospered greatly under his rule, his prestige being so great that outsiders eagerly assisted him in carrying out his schemes; and privileges were granted to the abbey by Pope Alexander III. When St Idesbald died, his brethren, in deference to his great sanctity, departed from the custom of the order and laid him in a coffin which they buried in their church. His body, which was found to be incorrupt 450 years after his death, now lies at Bruges. 1145 The Departure of Pope Gabriel II, the 70th Pope of Alexandria who was known as Ibn Turaik transcribed many Arabic and Coptic books retained its contents and comprehended its interpretations. {Coptic}. On this day of the year 861 A.M. (April 5th., 1145 A.D.) the great and holy father Pope Gabriel II, the seventy Pope of the See of St. Mark, who was known as Ibn Turaik, departed. This Pope was from the nobles of Cairo, and he was a writer, scribe, distinguished scholar, with a commendable conduct. He transcribed with his hand many Arabic and Coptic books, he retained its contents and comprehended its interpretations. The elders of the people and the clergy chose him for the Patriarchal Chair, and his enthronement was on the 9th day of Amshir, 847 A.M. (February 3rd., 1131 A.D.). When he prayed his first Divine Liturgy in St. Macarius monastery as the custom of the previous Patriarchs, at the end of the Liturgy, he added to the profession after the saying: "I believe and confess to the last breath, that this is the life-giving Flesh that Thine Only-Begotten Son, our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ, took from our Lady, the Lady of us all, the holy Mother of God, Saint Mary," this sentence "He made it one with His Divinity." The monks objected, lest it would be understood from that there was mingling between His Divinity and His Humanity, and asked him to refrain from using it. He refused saying: "This statement was added by a decree from the council of bishops." After a great and lengthy discussion, they decided to add this sentence: "Without mingling, without confusion, and without alteration," because of the fear of falling in the heresy of Eutyches, and he agreed with them. During his papacy, he ordained 53 bishops and many priests, he drew up Canons and laws concerning inheritance, and many other matters. He never took any money from anyone, nor he touched the revenue of the churches, or that of the religious endowments for the poor. When the governor of that time asked him for money, the nobles and people collected three hundred Dinars in gold and gave them to the governor on his behalf. He remained on the Episcopal Chair for fourteen years, two month and two days, then departed in peace. May his prayers be with us and
glory be to God forever. Amen.
1176 St. Galdinus Cardinal of Milan fierce opponent of the Lombards. MILAN honours as one of its principal patrons the holy Galdinus, whose name appears associated with those of St Ambrose and St Charles Borromeo at the close of every litany of the Milanese rite. A member of the famous Della Scala family, he occupied the posts of chancellor and archdeacon under two archbishops of Milan, winning the confidence of clergy and people by the manner in which he shouldered his responsibilities at a very difficult epoch. When Pope Alexander III was elected in 1159, a few dissentient cardinals promptly elected a rival pope more favourable to the pretensions of the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. Milan had already offended the emperor by claiming the right to select its own magistrates, but when the citizens acknowledged Alexander III he became further incensed against them. Archbishop Hubert and his archdeacon Galdinus were obliged to withdraw into exile, and the following year Frederick, with a great army, invested the city, which surrendered after a siege. It was by his orders that the reputed bodies of the Three Magi were then removed from the church of St Eustorgius to Cologne, where the greater part of these “relics” still remain. 1256 St. Buonfiglio Monaldo 1240 of Servants of Mary, or Servites inspired by vision on feast of the Assumption to a life of solitude and prayer february 12. Apud montem Senárium, in Etrúria, natális sancti Amidǽi Confessóris, e septem Fundatóribus Ordinis Servórum beátæ Maríæ Vírginis, flagrantíssima in Deum caritáte præclári. Ipsíus tamen ac Sociórum festum prídie Idus Februárii celebrátur. On Mount Senario in Tuscany, St. Amadeo, confessor, one of the seven founders of the Order of Servites of the Blessed Virgin Mary, famous for his ardent love for God. His feast, together with that of his companions, is kept on the 12th of February.
13th v. Saint Basil
Ratishvili prominent figures 13th-century Church
gift of prophecy the Most Holy Theotokos called him to
censure King Demetre’s impious rule.He was the uncle of Catholicos
Ekvtime III. He labored with the other Georgian fathers at
the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos. Endowed with the gift of prophecy,
St. Basil beheld a vision in which the Most Holy Theotokos called
upon him to censure King Demetre’s impious rule. (This is actually
St. Demetre the Devoted, who in his youth lived profligately
but later laid down his life for his nation.)
1602 Blessed Andrew
Hibernon converted many Moors by his frank simplicity
OFM (AC). 1602 BD ANDREW HIBERNON
God was pleased to glorify him by giving him the gifts of
prophecy and of miracles, ANDREW HIBERNON came of noble
Spanish stock, but his parents, who lived at Alcantarilla, near
Murcia, were so poor that at a very early age the boy hired himself
out to an uncle, in order to contribute to the support of his
family. He had gradually amassed a sum sufficient to provide a
dowry for his sister, and was taking it home in triumph, when
he was set upon by thieves who robbed him of all. Bitterly disappointed,
he now began to realize the uncertainty of earthly riches compared
with the heavenly treasure which is eternal. He entered a
house of Conventual Franciscans which he soon left to pass to
a convent of the Alcantarine reform, where he was professed as a
lay-brother. He sought to live a hidden life of self-effacement,
humility and prayer, but God was pleased to glorify him by giving
him the gifts of prophecy and of miracles. Many owed their conversion
to him. The holy man foretold the date of his own death, which occurred
at Gandia when he was in his sixty-eighth year.Having arrived in Georgia and been brought before the king, the God-fearing father denounced the sovereign’s uncrowned marriage [i.e., a conjugal union without the blessing of the Church]. He promised the king that if he abandoned his present way of life, he would find great happiness and success. St. Basil also condemned the ungodly ways of Georgia’s apostate feudal lords. But the king and his court disregarded the virtuous elder’s admonitions, and in response St. Basil prophesied: “A vicious enemy will kill you, and your kingdom will remain without refuge. Your children will be scattered, your kingdom conquered, and all your wealth seized. Know that, according to the will of the Most Holy Theotokos, everything I have told you will come to pass unless you repent and turn from this way of life. Now I will depart from you in peace.” St. Basil returned to Mt. Athos and peacefully reposed at the Iveron Monastery. His vision was fulfilled. St Pascal Baylon and Bd John de Ribera made Andrew’s name widely known; but he had been locally honoured as a saint even in his life-time, and he was beatified in 1791. 19 th v. Departure of Anba Isaac, Disciple of Anba Apollo "I was not fleeing from men but from Satan. If a man hold a lighted lamp in the wind, it will be extinguished. So, it is with us when our hearts and minds shine because of the prayers and the Liturgy then we talk with each other, our hearts and minds become dark." {Coptic} Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
in
articles of Saints today April 19
1st v. St.
Timon century 1/7 Deacons chosen by the Apostles to minister at Nazarene
of Jerusalem
Corínthi natális sancti Timónis, qui fuit unus de septem primis Diáconis. Hic primo apud Berœam Doctor resédit, ac deínde, verbum Dómini disséminans, venit Corínthum; ibíque, a Judǽis et Græcis (ut tráditur) injéctus flammis, sed nihil læsus, demum, cruci affíxus, martyrium suum implévit. At Corinth, the birthday of St. Timon, one of the first seven deacons, who was first a teacher at Berea. Afterwards, while preaching the word of the Lord at Corinth, he was delivered to the flames by the Jews and the Greeks, but remaining uninjured, he ended his martyrdom by crucifixion. One of the Seven Deacons chosen by the Apostles to assist in the ministering to the Nazarene community of Jerusalem. He was mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (6:5), although the traditions concerning him are confusing. Timon the Deacon M (RM) 1st century. One of the first seven deacons (Acts 6:5), Saint Timon is said to have been crucified in Corinth, though there are conflicting stories about his life (Benedictines, Encyclopedia). 396 St. Crescentius A disciple of St. Zenobius and St. Ambrose. At Florence, St. Crescent, confessor, a disciple of the blessed Bishop Zenobius who served as a subdeacon of Florence, Italy. Crescentius of Florence (RM) Subdeacon to Saint Zenobius(c. 390) the bishop of Florence, Crescentius was also a disciple of Saint Ambrose (340-397). In art, Saint Crescentius is a deacon (1) with a censer and chalice, (2) with a censer and book, or (3) tending the sick (Roeder). He is especially venerated in Florence, Italy (Roeder). (Attwater2, Benedictines). 814 George of Antioch monk bishop of Antioch Pisidia BM (RM)814 George of Antioch monk bishop of Antioch Pisidia second Council of Nicaea (797), which condemned the iconoclasts BM (RM) Antiochíæ Pisídiæ sancti Geórgii Epíscopi, qui, ob sanctárum Imáginum cultum, exsul occúbuit. At Antioch in Pisidia, St. George, a bishop, who died in exile for the veneration of sacred images. Saint George was a monk before becoming bishop of Antioch, Pisidia. He participated in the second Council of Nicaea (797), which condemned the iconoclasts. He stand against the heresy led him to be banished by emperor Leo V the Armenian. George died in exile (Benedictines). 1012 St. Alphege Archbishop "1st Martyr of Canterbury." famed for care of poor and austere life incorrupt in 1105. St ALPHEGE (Aelfheah; Elphege) when a young man entered the monastery of Deerhurst in Gloucestershire. Afterwards he withdrew to a deserted place near been refounded by St Dunstan. As an abbot Alphege would never tolerate the slightest relaxation of the rule, for he realized how easily a small concession may begin to undermine the regular observance of a religious house; he used to say that it was far better for a man to remain in the world than for him to become an imperfect monk. Upon the death of St Ethelwold in 984, St Dunstan obliged Alphege to accept the bishopric of Winchester, although he was only thirty years of age and shrank from the responsibility. In this position his high qualities and exceptional abilities found a wider scope. His liberality to the poor was so great that during the period of his episcopate there were no beggars in the diocese of Winchester. Adhering to the austerity of his monastic days, he became so thin through prolonged fasts that men declared they could see through his hands when he uplifted them at Mass. The holy prelate had ruled his see wisely for twenty-two years when he was translated to Canterbury in. succession to Archbishop Aelfric. In order to be invested with the pallium, he paid a visit to Rome, where he was received by Pope John XVIII. 1054 Leo IX "the pilgrim pope" - reformer deacon a stern bishop holy man & army officer Pope (RM). 1054 Leo IX "the pilgrim pope" - reformer deacon a stern bishop holy man & army officer attempted stopping the schism (RM) Romæ sancti Leónis Papæ Noni, virtútum et miraculórum laude insígnis. At Rome, Pope St. Leo IX, illustrious for his virtues and his miracles. 1054 ST LEO IX, POPE St Benedict, who touched him with a cross was completely cured severe blood-poisoning ALSACE, at that period a part of the Holy Roman Empire, was the birthplace of St Leo IX in the year 1002. His father Hugh, who was closely related to the emperor, and his mother Heilewide were a pious and cultured pair of whom it is recorded, as though it were somewhat unusual, that they spoke fluent French as well as their own German tongue. In the summer of 1048 Pope Damasus II died after a pontificate of twenty-three days, and the Emperor Henry III chose his kinsman Bruno of Toul as his successor. He set out for Rome, stopping at Cluny on the way, where he was joined by the monk Hildebrand, afterwards Pope St Gregory VII. His nomination having been endorsed in due form, Bruno was enthroned, taking the name of Leo IX, early in 1049. It was Leo who first promulgated the proposal to vest the election of future popes exclusively in the Roman cardinals—a suggestion which became law five years after his death. Amongst the monarchs with whom St Leo maintained friendly relations was St Edward the Confessor, whom he authorized to refound Westminster Abbey in lieu of a pilgrimage he had undertaken to make to Rome. During his pontificate King MacBeth is said to have visited the Holy See—perhaps in expiation of his crimes. Luchesio and his wife Buonadonna wanted to follow St. Francis as a married couple. Thus they set in motion the Secular Franciscan Order. 1260 Blessed Luchesio and Buonadonna they set in motion the Secular Franciscan Order. Luchesio and Buonadonna lived in Poggibonzi where he was a greedy merchant. Meeting Francis—probably in 1213—changed his life. He began to perform many works of charity. At first Buonadonna was not as enthusiastic about giving so much away as Luchesio was. One day after complaining that he was giving everything to strangers, Buonadonna answered the door only to find someone else needing help. Luchesio asked her to give the poor man some bread. She frowned but went to the pantry anyway. There she discovered more bread than had been there the last time she looked. She soon became as zealous for a poor and simple life as Luchesio was. They sold the business, farmed enough land to provide for their needs and distributed the rest to the poor. In the 13th century some couples, by mutual consent and with the Church’s permission, separated so that the husband could join a monastery (or a group such as Francis began) and his wife could go to a cloister. Conrad of Piacenza and his wife did just that. This choice existed for childless couples or for those whose children had already grown up. Luchesio and Buonadonna wanted another alternative, a way of sharing in religious life, but outside the cloister. To meet this desire, Francis set up the Secular Franciscan Order. Francis wrote a simple Rule for the Third Order (Secular Franciscans) at first; Pope Honorius III approved a more formally worded Rule in 1221. 1289 Blessed Conrad de'Miliani evangelize Libya advisor to cardinal Masci (later Pope Nicholas IV) OFM (AC) great a devotion to the Sacred Passion that he was sometimes allowed to behold our Lord crowned with thorns and to take part in His sufferings. 1289 BD CONRAD OF ASCOLI great a devotion to the Sacred Passion that he was sometimes allowed to behold our Lord crowned with thorns and to take part in His sufferings THE power of foreseeing the future is a gift which is seldom bestowed upon the young, but Conrad Miliani of Ascoli was a mere boy when, as we are told, he knelt before a peasant lad called Jerome Masci and greeted him, whether in jest or earnest, as destined to become pope. The prophecy was fulfilled in time, for Jerome in due course occupied the chair of St Peter as Nicholas IV. Although Conrad was of noble birth, there sprang up between the two youths a close friendship which was to prove lifelong. Together they entered the Franciscan Order, together they were professed, together they studied, and they received their doctor’s degree at Perugia on the same day. Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
in
articles of Saints today April 20
The holy Apostle Zacchaeus was a rich publican at Jericho. Since he was short of stature, he climbed a sycamore tree in order to see the Savior passing by. After the Ascension of the Lord, St Zacchaeus accompanied St Peter on his travels. Tradition says he became the Bishop of Caesarea in Palestine, where he died in peace. The Gospel (Luke 19:1-10) describing Zacchaeus' encounter with Christ is read on the Sunday before the TRIODION begins. Departure of St. Alexander, Bishop of Jerusalem (Coptic). On this day, the holy father Anba Alexander, Bishop of Jerusalem, departed. This holy father was Bishop of Cappadocia, and he came to the city of Jerusalem to receive the blessing of the holy places and then return to his country. St. Narcissus, who was the Bishop of Jerusalem at that time (Second century - his departure on the first day of Baramhat), was advanced in age and had reached over 110 years. He often asked his people that he wished to retire from his See, but they refused. When St. Alexander finished his visit and decided to return to his Chair in Cappadocia, the people of Jerusalem heard a voice from heaven saying: "Go to the gate of the city, and the first one to enter it, seize him and make him stay with Narcissus to assist him." When they went to the gate they met the Bishop Alexander, and they pleaded with him to stay with Abba Narcissus to assist him. He refused because he could not leave his flock that the Lord Christ had entrusted him with. They told him about the voice which they had heard from heaven and that it was God's Will. He accepted and wrote to the people of his parish what had happened, apologized, and allowed them to appoint another bishop in his place. He remained in Jerusalem, assisting its bishop Anba Narcissus, for about 5 years. 330 St. Theodore Trichinas one of the most revered in the history of Orthodox monasticism; renowned for many miracles, especially for his power over the demons; from his body issues liquid that imparts health to the sick. His life was adorned with miracles,
and he had the power to heal the sick. He reposed at
the end of the fourth century, or the beginning of the fifth
century. A healing myrrh flows from his relics.
The name of St
Theodore Trichinas is one of the most revered in the
history of Orthodox monasticism. St Joseph the Hymnographer
(April 4) has composed a Canon to the saint.Marcellinus crossed over to Europe with fellow missionaries Vincent and Domninus. They preached the Gospel in what was later called the Dauphiné. Marcellinus was consecrated the first bishop of Embrun by Saint Eusebius of Vercelli. Numerous legends tell of cures and other miracles worked by Marcellinus, some of which are reported by Saint Gregory of Tours. Near the end of his life, he was persecuted by the Arians, whom he bitterly opposed, and was forced to live in isolation in the Auvergne hills. 374 Marcellinus African priest of Embrun BM Vincent, & Domninus missionaries MM (RM). At Embrun in France, St. Marcellin, first bishop of that city. By divine inspiration he came from Africa with his holy companions Vincent and Domninus, and converted the greater portion of the inhabitants of the Maritime Alps by his preaching, and by the wonderful prodigies which he still continues to work. Marcellinus crossed over to Europe with fellow missionaries Vincent and Domninus. They preached the Gospel in what was later called the Dauphiné. Marcellinus was consecrated the first bishop of Embrun by Saint Eusebius of Vercelli. Numerous legends tell of cures and other miracles worked by Marcellinus, some of which are reported by Saint Gregory of Tours. Near the end of his life, he was persecuted by the Arians, whom he bitterly opposed, and was forced to live in isolation in the Auvergne hills. 380 Sainted Betranes and Theotimos were bishops of Lesser Skythia, where the mouth of the Dunaj (Danube) flows into Thrace. Their diocesan cathedral was situated in the city of Toma (Kiustendji). They were Skythians. The impressive miracles, worked by the saint in the Name of Jesus Christ, so astonished the pagans, that they called him a Roman god.Their diocesan cathedral was situated in the city of Toma (Kiustendji). They were Skythians. The Church historian Sozomenes gives an account about Sainted Betranes. When the emperor Valens (364-378) stayed in Toma, he began in church to urge the saint to enter into communion with Arian heretics. Saint Betranes boldly answered, that he adhered to the teaching of the holy Nicean fathers and, in order to avoid bantering, he went off to another of the city churches. And all the people followed after him. There remained in the deserted church only the emperor with his retinue. For such audacity the emperor condemned the saint to exile, but he feared the grumbling of the crowd and let him go free. The Skyths loved their archpastor and they cared about him as a good and saintly man. 685 Monk Saint Anastasius of Sinai one of the great ascetics who flourished on Mt. Sinai humility received wisdom and spiritual discernment from God wrote Lives of several holy Fathers & other spiritually instructive books. ENGLISH-SPEAKING visitors to the crypt of St Peter’s at Rome often have their attention called to the epitaph which eulogizes an English king buried in that hallowed spot. Caedwalla in 685 began a campaign to obtain and to enlarge the West Saxon kingdom. After several years of savage fighting he made a pilgrimage to Rome, where he received baptism at the hands of Pope St Sergius I on Easter eve in the year 689. The king was taken ill almost immediately afterwards, and died— as Bede tells us he had wished to die—while still wearing his white baptismal garment. He was buried in the archbasilica, and his long metrical epitaph (without the prose addition given by Bede) has been preserved from the original stone in old St Peter’s. Caedwalla was the first of several Anglo-Saxon kings who are recorded to have left their kingdoms to go ad limina Apostolorum, but there is no evidence that there was any ancient cultus of him. 1317 St. Agnes of Montepulciano Nun foundress in Tuscany noted for visions (of Christ Blessed Virgin angels) levitations miracles for the faithful (1435 - incorrupt). She was born circa 1268 and at the age of nine entered the monastery of Montepulciano, near her home in Gracchiano-Vecchio. Four years later she was commissioned by Pope Nicholas IV to assist in the foundation of a new convent in Procena. At fifteen she became the head of the nuns there. About 1300, the people of Montepulciano built a new convent in order to lure Agnes back to them. She established a convent under the Dominican rule and governed there until her death in 1317. Agnes was noted for her visions. She held the infant Christ in her arms and received Holy Communion from an angel. She experienced levitations and she performed miracles for the faithful of the region. She is still revered in Tuscany. Agnes of Montepulciano, OP V (RM) Born in Gracchiano-Vecchio, Tuscany, Italy, in 1268; died at Montepulciano, Tuscany, on April 20, 1317; canonized by Benedict XIII in 1726. 1818-1894 St. Conrad of Parzham porter, a job Conrad held for 41 years; enthusiastically promoted the Seraphic Work of Charity, which aided neglected children. He made his profession in 1852 and was assigned to the friary in Altoetting. That city’s shrine to Mary was very popular; at the nearby Capuchin friary there was a lot of work for the porter, a job Conrad held for 41 years. At first some of the other friars were jealous that such a young friar held this important job. Conrad’s patience and holy life overcame their doubts. As porter he dealt with many people, obtaining many of the friary supplies and generously providing for the poor who came to the door. He treated them all with the courtesy Francis expected of his followers. Conrad’s helpfulness was sometimes unnerving. Once Father Vincent, seeking quiet to prepare a sermon, went up the belltower of the church. Conrad tracked him down when someone wanting to go to confession specifically requested Father Vincent. Conrad also developed a special rapport with the children of the area. He enthusiastically promoted the Seraphic Work of Charity, which aided neglected children. Conrad spent hours in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. He regularly asked the Blessed Mother to intercede for him and for the many people he included in his prayers. The ever-patient Conrad was canonized in 1934. Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
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articles of Saints today April 21
341
Simeon
Barsabae B and 1000 Companions martyred in Persia
under King Shapur MM (RM). PERHAPS
the longest individual notice which occurs in the Roman
Martyrology is that devoted to a group of Persian martyrs on this
day. It runs as follows: “In Persia the birthday of St Simeon,
Bishop of Seleucia and Ctesiphon, who was taken by command of
Sapor, King of the Persians, loaded with chains, and brought before
iniquitous tribunals. As he refused to worship the sun, and bore
testimony to Jesus Christ with clear and constant voice, he was
first of all kept for a long time in prison with a hundred others,
whereof some were bishops, others priests, others clerics of divers
ranks; then when Usthazanes, the king’s tutor, who some time before
had lapsed from the faith, but whom the bishop had recalled to repentance,
had suffered martyrdom with constancy, on the next day, which was
the anniversary of the Lord’s passion, the others were all beheaded
before the eyes of Simeon, who meanwhile zealously exhorted each
of them; and lastly he himself was beheaded. With him there suffered
moreover the men of renown Abdechalas and Ananias, his priests; Pusicius
also, the overseer of the king’s workmen, fell by a cruel death, because
he had sttengthened Ananias when he was wavering, wherefore his neck
was severed and his tongue removed; and after him his daughter also was
slain who was a holy virgin.”
Saint Maximian,
Patriarch of Constantinople, was born in Rome from wealthy
and pious parents. Upon receiving his inheritance, he provided
tombs to bury those who led holy lives.
St Maximian was a plain man and he preferred to live far
from worldly vanity. Because of his pure and virtuous life,
Patriarch Sisinius of Constantinople (426-427) ordained him
presbyter. A hardly less lengthy eulogy is accorded on the next day to another group of Persian martyrs. St Simeon, called Barsabae, i.e. son of the fuller, is mentioned in the first place among the martyrs in the little supplement annexed to the Syriac “Breviarium” of 412 under the heading “The Names of our Masters the Confessors, Bishops of Persia”. There can be no question as to the reality and the cruelty of the persecution which was renewed by Sapor II in 340 or 341, for we hear much about it in Sozomen and other authorities. 434 St. Maximian Patriarch of Constantinople priest. Patriarch of Constantinople. He was a Roman priest and a friend of Pope Celestine I, who esteemed him. When the heretic Nestorius (428-431) was deposed as Patriarch of Constantinople, St Maximian replaced him on the patriarchal throne on October 25, 431, during the reign of the holy emperor Theodosius the Younger (408-450). The holy Patriarch Maximian died peacefully on April 12, 434, on Great and Holy Thursday. 599 St. Anastasius XI Antioch Patriarch learning holiness comforting afflicted; observed perpetual silence except for charity. ST ANASTASIUS I was a man of much learning and piety. According to Evagrius he was little given to speech, and when people discussed temporal affairs in his presence he seemed to have neither ears to bear nor tongue to make answer; yet he had a great gift for comforting the afflicted. Anastasius was banished from his see for twenty-three years for opposing erroneous teaching that had the support of the Emperors Justinian I and Justin II, but was restored by the Emperor Maurice at the instance of his friend and correspondent Pope St Gregory I. Several of the bishop’s letters and sermons have survived. One would think that a man who did not speak would not get into trouble. Nevertheless, he was a resolute opponent of the imperial politico-theological rule. He vigorously opposed Emperor Justinian's heretical insistence that Jesus, during his mortal life, suffered no pain, i.e., that Christ simply appeared to be a man. For his opposition, Anastasius was threatened with deposition by Justinian, and actually banished from his see for 23 years by Justin II. Anastasius was finally restored to Antioch by Saint Gregory the Great and Emperor Maurice, but died five years later leaving us a legacy of several letters and pious sermons (Benedictines, Husenbeth). 678 Anastasius the Sinaite hermit on Mount Sinai left ascetical and theological writings of considerable value (RM). A Palestinian hermit on Mount Sinai, Anastasius participated in all the Christological controversies of his time, in Syria, Egypt, and elsewhere. He has left ascetical and theological writings of considerable value (Attwater2, Benedictines, Encyclopedia). 700 St. Anastasius the Sinaite Abbot He wrote "The Guide" faith defender He was a Greek writer born in Alexandria. The abbot of the monastery of Mount Sinai, he was called "the New Moses" because of his outstanding attacks on the various groups trying to influence the Church. He wrote "The Guide", a book defending the faith. This work remained popular for centuries. 1109 Anselm of Canterbury Doctor of the Church OSB B Cur Deus Homo, the most famous treatise on the Incarnation ever written. At Canterbury, England, St. Anselm, bishop, confessor, and doctor of the Church, renowned for sanctity and learning. Born in Aosta, Piedmont, Italy, c. 1033; died at Canterbury, England, on Holy Wednesday, April 21, ; canonized and included among the Doctors of the Church by Pope Clement XI in 1720. An original and independent thinker, endowed with profound learning, St Anselm was the greatest theologian of his age and the “father of Scholasticism” as a metaphysician he surpassed all Christian doctors since the days of St Augustine. Whilst still prior of Bec, he wrote his Monologium, in which he gave metaphysical proofs of the existence and nature of God, his Proslogium, or contemplation of God’s attributes, as well as treatises on truth, on freewill, on the origin of evil, and a work on the art of reasoning. With regard to the training of the young, he held quite modern views. To a neighbouring abbot, who was lamenting the poor success which attended his educational efforts, he said: “ If you planted a tree in your garden, and bound it on all sides, so that it could not spread out its branches, what kind of a tree would it prove when in after years you gave it room to spread ? Would it not be useless, with its boughs all twisted and tangled? But that is how you treat your boys...cramping them with fears and blows, debarring them also from the enjoyment of any freedom.”Finding that King William was determined on every possible occasion to oppress the Church unless the clergy would yield to his will, St Anselm sought permission to leave the country that he might consult the Holy See. Twice he was met with refusal, but eventually he was told by the monarch that he might depart if he liked, but that if he did so his revenues would be confiscated and he would never be allowed to return. Nevertheless he set out from Canterbury in October 1097, accompanied by Eadmer and another monk called Baldwin. On his way, he stayed first with St Hugh, abbot of Cluny, and then with another Hugh, archbishop of Lyons. Upon his arrival in Rome, he laid his case before the pope, who not only assured him of his protection, but wrote to the English king to demand Anselms re-establishment in his rights and possessions. It was while the archbishop was staying in a Campanian monastery, whither he had betaken himself from Rome for the benefit of his health, that he completed his famous book, Cur Deus Homo, the most famous treatise on the Incarnation ever written. 1163 Blessed Fastred of Cambron abbot-founder of Cambron obligation to poverty OSB Cist. Abbot (AC). At Wertingen in Bavaria, St. Conrad of Parzham, confessor, of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, outstanding both for prayer and for love of neighbour. Being renowned for miracles, Pope Pius XI enrolled him among the number of the saints. (also known as Fastrede de Cavamiez) Born in Hainault; Fastred de Cavamiez was received into the Cistercians by Saint Bernard (1153 Dr of the Church). In 1148, he was dispatched with a colony of monks to be abbot-founder of Cambron in Cambrai diocese. In 1157, he became abbot of Clairvaux and, in 1162, of Cîteaux itself. Nevertheless, he never released himself from the obligations of poverty (Attwater2, Benedictines, Encyclopedia). Born at Savigliano, Italy, in 1420; died at Cervere, Piedmont, 1466; beatified by Pope Pius IX in 1853. 1466 Blessed Bartholomew of Cervere PhD. precocious solemnity pious converted many heretics worked steadfastly to eradicate heresy OP M (AC). In the venerable tradition of death in the cause of truth, Blessed Bartholomew of Cerverio was the fourth Dominican inquisitor to win his crown in the Piedmont--the stronghold of the Catharists, who had taken the lives of Saint Peter of Verona, Blessed Peter de'Ruffi, and Blessed Anthony of Pavonio. Even in his early years Bartholomew displayed a precocious solemnity and piety. He entered the Order of Preachers in Savigliano and progressed rapidly in his studies. On May 8, 1452, Bartholomew received his licentiate, doctorate, and master's degree from the University of Turin; the only time in the history of the university that anyone had acquired three degrees in one day. Bartholomew taught for a year at the university, then was made prior of his monastery. In his short apostolate of 12 years, he converted many heretics and worked steadfastly to eradicate heresy. He was appointed inquisitor in Piedmont, which made it clear to him that a martyr's death was marked out for him. Being a Dominican in Lombardy was a dangerous business, at best; to be appointed inquisitor meant that the heretics were given a target for their hatred. 1894 St. Conrad of Parzham Franciscan mystic lay brother Marian devotions gift of prophecy read people’s hearts 1894 St. Conrad of Parzham Franciscan mystic lay brother Marian devotions gift of prophecy read people’s hearts Œttingæ Véteris, in Bavária, sancti Conrádi a Parzham, Confessóris, Ordinis Minórum Capuccinórum, caritáte et oratióne insígnis; quem, miráculis clarum, Pius Papa Undécimus Sanctórum número adscrípsit. At Wertingen in Bavaria, St. Conrad of Parzham, confessor, of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, outstanding both for prayer and for love of neighbour. Being renowned for miracles, Pope Pius XI enrolled him among the number of the saints. In its external aspects nothing could offer less of sensation or romantic interest than the life of this humble Capuchin lay-brother. Born in the Bavarian village of Parzham of pious parents, simple folk, but not indigent, Conrad was the ninth and youngest of the family. In Ins early years he set an example of conscientious industry and of great devotion to the Mother of God. After his parents’ death, he entered the noviceship of the Capuchins, being then thirty-one years of age, took his solemn vows in 1852, and shortly afterwards was sent to Altötting, famous for a much venerated shrine of our Lady. There for forty years he discharged the duties of porter, an office which, owing to the multitude of pilgrims who were continually coming and going, offered endless opportunities for the exercise of charity, patience, tact and apostolic zeal. In all these respects he left an ineffaceable impression of self-abnegation and union with God. He seemed to have the gift of reading hearts, and there were occasions on which he manifested a strange knowledge of the future. Worn out with his labours he fell grievously ill in 1894 and died on April 21 of that year. Perhaps the most conclusive testimony to St Conrad’s exceptional virtue is the fact that, though the process of beatification was held up by the war of 1914-1918, he was canonized in 1934, only forty years after his death. Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
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articles of Saints today April 22
According to the Roman Martyrology, St. Sotor was martyred on April 22 on the Appian Way in Rome. He is buried in the church of St. Sixtus; in the cemetery of St. Callistus, there is a cella (a memorial chapel) dedicated to his memory. John II Pope 533-535 Pope Agapitus I archdeacon opposed Monophysites Pope (RM) in the opinion of Pope St Gregory I he was “a trumpet of the gospel and a herald of righteousness”. Constantinópoli sancti Agapíti Papæ Primi, cujus sánctitas a beáto Gregório Magno commendátur. Ipsíus autem corpus, póstea Romam relátum, in Vaticáno cónditum est. At Constantinople, Pope St. Agapitus the First, whose sanctity was praised by St. Gregory the Great. His body was afterwards taken to Rome and buried in the Vatican. BD BARTHOLOMEW OF CERVERE ancient cultus was approved by Pope Pius IX. 1846--1878 Pius IX (Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti, devotion to Mary led him to favor the Proclamation of the Immaculate Conception (December 8, 1854) Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
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articles of Saints today April 23
Gerald was educated at the cathedral school in Cologne. After his mother, Emma, was killed by lightning, he understood the precariousness of life and devoted himself to God. When his reputation for piety reached the ears of Archbishop Bruno of Cologne, Gerald was removed from the semi-monastery of the Canons of Saint Peter in Cologne and, in 963 at the age of 28, compelled to accept consecration as bishop of Toul, which he governed for 31 years. 997 Adalbert of Prague bishop founder composition of Czech and Polish hymns preaching Poland Prussia Hungary Russia missionaries martyred there. Born of a princely family and christened Voytech, Saint Adalbert took the name of the archbishop who healed and educated him, Saint Adalbert of Magdeburg. Upon the death of his mentor, today's saint returned to Prague with a prized collection of books. In 983, while still under 30, he became bishop of Prague. As a man of high moral as well as intellectual standards, he visited the imprisoned and the poor, and divided his revenues according to the guidelines established by Saint Gregory the Great. With the zeal of Christian youth, he tried to convert Hungary and Bohemia, but the pastoral and political difficulties were such that in 990 he withdrew in desperation to Rome and there became a Benedictine at SS. Boniface and Alexius on the Aventine. At the request of Duke Boleslas, who agreed to support Adalbert's exercise of authority, Pope John XV sent him back to his diocese. There he founded the great Benedictine monastery of Brevnov with the help of Majolus of Cluny; but again he met with trouble. A penitent adulterous noblewoman, who had been given sanctuary in a convent by Adalbert, was dragged out and killed by her accusers. He encountered such opposition to his ministry from the nobility whom he excommunicated because of this affair that he again retired to Rome in 995. This time some of Adalbert's relatives were massacred and the people of Prague refused to receive him back. 1262 Blessed Giles of Assisi 1/of 1st and liveliest companions of Saint Francis ecstasies vision of Christ considered most perfect example of primitive Franciscan humor deep understanding of human nature optimism OFM. Born in Assisi, Italy; died at Perugia, Italy, 1262. One of the first and liveliest companions of Saint Francis, Giles is described delightfully as the "Knight of the Round Table" in the Fioretti . After receiving the habit from Francis in 1208, Giles accompanied Francis on many of his missions around Assisi. He made pilgrimages to Compostella, the Holy Land, and Rome, then went to preach to the Saracens in Tunis. His mission was a failure; the Christians of Tunis, fearful of the repercussions of his religious fervor, forced him back on a boat as soon as he had landed. The rest of his life he spent in Italy, being eagerly consulted by all sorts of people on spiritual matters. From about 1243, Giles could be found at the Monte Rapido hermitage on the outskirts of Perugia. He experienced ecstasies, had a vision of Christ at Cetona, and is considered the most perfect example of the primitive Franciscan. Known for his austerity and silence, Giles' The Golden Sayings of Brother Giles is noted for its humor, deep understanding of human nature, and optimism (Benedictines, Delaney, Gill). Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
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articles of Saints today April 24
While deeply humble and respectful of authority, the young prioress, who, as one of her admirers said, “était de taille a gouverner un Royaume”, succeeded, God’s providence helping, in creating at Angers what was virtually a new institute, “of the Good Shepherd”. Papal approbation was obtained in 1835, and the developments were rapid, immense good being visibly effected wherever new foundations were made. When Mother Euphrasia died in 1868, the Good Shepherd nuns numbered 2760 and were known all over the world. In all her manifold trials and difficulties, including charges of rash innovation, personal ambition and impatience of authority, St Mary Euphrasia displayed heroic fortitude, cheerfulness and trust in God; “Having brought to birth all our young sisters in the Cross”, she said once, “I love them more than life itself. And the root of that love is in God and in the knowledge of my own unworthiness, for I realize that at the age at which they are professed I could not have supported such deprivations and hard work.” She was canonized in 1940. 430 Medioláni Convérsio sancti Augustíni Epíscopi, Confessóris et Ecclésiæ Doctóris. At Milan, the Conversion of St. Augustine, bishop, confessor, and doctor of the Church, whom the bishop St. Ambrose had instructed in the truth of the Catholic faith, and baptized on this day. 624 St Mellitus of Canterbury missionary Archbishop of Canterbury from 619. ST MELLITUS was a Roman abbot — presumably from the monastery of St Andrew— whom Pope St Gregory the Great despatched to England in 601 at the head of a second band of missionaries to assist St Augustine. When he had laboured for three years in Kent, he was appointed first bishop of London or of the East Saxons, and baptized King Sabert as well as many of his subjects. At the death of Sabert his three sons, who had never been baptized, openly reverted to idolatry. Nevertheless they demanded that Mellitus should give them the Blessed Sacrament— “the fine white bread” they called it—as he had been accustomed to give It to their father. Upon his refusal they banished him from the kingdom. Mellitus retired to France, but was soon recalled to Kent, the scene of his earlier labours, and succeeded St Laurence as archbishop of Canterbury in 619. While prostrate with gout, he stopped by his prayers a great conflagration which was threatening to destroy the city. The feast of this saint is kept in the dioceses of Westminster, Brentwood and Southwark. 6th or 9th V. Saint Elizabeth the Wonderworker from Constantinople chosen for the service of God at birth gift of healing physical and spiritual infirmities. It was revealed to her mother that the girl would become a chosen vessel of the Lord (Acts 9:15). The parents sent their daughter to a monastery as a child. She grew up in an atmosphere of fasting and constant prayer, and received the gift of healing physical and spiritual infirmities. The sisters chose her to be abbess of the Sts Cosmas and Damian Monastery. She wore a coarse hairshirt all year round. Her body was chilled in winter, but her spirit blazed with ardent love for God. The saint's asceticism was very strict. For many years she ate only grass and vegetables, but would not partake of bread, wine, or oil. Many times St Elizabeth ate nothing at all during the forty days of the Great Fast. Imitating the Publican in humility, for three years she did not lift up her eyes to the heavens, but she looked constantly to God with her spiritual eyes. 639 St Egbert English monk of Lindisfarne persuading monks adopt roman usage over celebration of Easter . In Ióna, Scótiæ ínsula, sancti Egbérti, Presbyteri et Mónachi, admirándæ humilitátis et continéntiæ viri. In Iona, an island of Scotland, St. Egbert, priest and monk, a man of admirable humility and continency. ONE of the many Englishmen who in Anglo-Saxon days crossed the sea to acquire sanctity and learning in Ireland was a young monk from Lindisfarne called Egbert. Whilst living at the monastery of Rathmelsigi, during a terrible epidemic of plague, he vowed that if God would grant him time for repentance he would never return to his native land. After his ordination to the priesthood he conceived an ardent desire to evangelize Friesland and the north of Germany. But it was revealed to him that Providence had another design for him, and he abandoned the enterprise to St Wigbert, St Willibrord and others. His own task was to be less glorious, but no less difficult. The great paschal controversy had ended in the general acceptance of the Roman use throughout the British Isles. The celebrated monastery of Iona alone held out, even the efforts of their own abbot Adamnan having been unable to shake the adherence of the monks to the Columban tradition. Thither went St Egbert, who spent the last thirteen years of his life upon the island. By his patient reasoning, enhanced by his reputation for holiness and learning, he succeeded where all others had failed. The very day on which he died, an old man of ninety, the brethren of Iona were keeping Easter day for the first time with the rest of the Western church. It was April 24, 729. His feast is observed in the dioceses of Hexham and Argyll, as a confessor though Bede says he was a bishop. 1622 St Fidelis of Sigmaringen Franciscan Capuchin martyr defending poor Congregation head for Spreading of the Faith At Gruch in Switzerland, St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest and martyr, of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. He was sent there to preach the Catholic faith, but was put to death by the heretics. He was numbered among the holy martyrs by the Sovereign Pontiff, Benedict XIV. St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen (1577-1622) 1622 ST FIDELIS OF SIGMARINGEN, MARTYR THE Congregation de Propaganda Fide honours as its protomartyr the Capuchin priest St Fidelis, otherwise known as Mark Rey. A native of Sigmaringen in Hohenzollern and a youth of great promise, he was sent to the university of Freiburg in Breisgau, where he taught philosophy whilst he was working for a legal degree. Already he had begun to lead a penitential life, wearing a hair shirt and abstaining from wine. In 1604 he was appointed tutor to a small party of aristocratic Swabian youths who wished to complete their education by supplementary studies in the chief cities of western Europe. During this tour, which seems to have lasted for six years, he won the affection and esteem of his companions, to whom he set the example of religious devotion and of liberality towards the poor, to whom he sometimes gave the clothes off his back. Upon his return to Germany, he took his degree as doctor of laws, and began to practise as an advocate at Ensisheim in Upper Alsace. He soon became known for his integrity and for his studied avoidance of the invective and personalities then too often employed to damage an opponent’s case. His espousal of the cause of the oppressed earned him the nickname of The Poor Man’s Lawyer; but the unscrupulous and crooked expedients adopted by his colleagues gave him a disgust for the law, and he decided to enter the Capuchin branch of the Franciscan Order, of which his brother George was already a member. After having received holy orders Mark took the habit, together with the name of Fidelis, chosen in allusion to the promise of a crown of life to those who persevere (Apoc. ii, 10). 1683 Saint Sava {Simeon in Baptism}was born into an old Serbian family from Hertzegovina defender of the faith against calvinists used Saints in Sermons for his flock. In 1668 Metropolitan Sava journeyed to Russia seeking help. This led to his persecution by Prince Michael Apaffi and Protestant leaders, who did not appreciate his fierce opposition to their attempts to convert the Orthodox of Transylvania to Calvinism. In February of 1669 the prince issued a decree imposing many duties and restrictions on him. St Sava convened a council at Alba Iulia in 1675. Among other things, the council decided to celebrate the Liturgy in the Romanian language rather than Slavonic, and to improve the spiritual and moral life of the clergy and laity. In 1680 the Calvinist Superintendent of Transylvania made false accusations against St Sava and had him put on trial and thrown into prison. This effectively ended his career. Old and sickly, the Metropolitan endured three years of cruel torture in the Blaj Castle prison. He was finally released through the efforts of Prince Sherban of Wallachia, but died of his injuries on April 24, 1683. St Sava served as Metropolitan
for almost twenty-five years under very trying circumstances.
In spite of this, he defended his clergy and his flock
against the activities of the proselytizers. Since he endured
all things with Christian patience, even the bitter sufferings
to which he was subjected at the end of his life, St Sava is regarded
as a martyr and a Confessor of the Orthodox Faith.
St Sava was glorified by the Church
of Romania on October 21, 1955.1711 Saint Joseph the confessor was born in the seventeenth century, and was consecrated as a bishop in Moldavia (northern Romania in 1690 by Metropolitan Dositheus. This was a period of great trials and sufferings for the people of Maramures (in northern Romania) because the Roman Catholic authorities wanted to wipe out Orthodoxy in the region. St Joseph was a zealous defender of the Orthodox Faith, and therefore he was jailed by the civil authorities. He died in 1711 after suffering for the truth and defending his flock. St Joseph the Confessor was glorified by the Orthodox Church of Romania in 1992. Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
in
articles of Saints today April 25
At Alexandria, the birthday of St. Mark the Evangelist,
disciple and interpreter of the apostle St. Peter.
He wrote his gospel at the request of the faithful at Rome,
and taking it with him, proceeded to Egypt and founded a church
at Alexandria, where he was the first to preach Christ. Afterwards,
being arrested for the faith, he was bound, dragged over stones, and
endured great afflictions. Finally he was confined to prison,
where, being comforted by the visit of an angel, and even by an
apparition of our Lord himself, he was called to the heavenly kingdom
in the eighth year of the reign of Nero.
feast day in the East
is September 23; feast of the translation of his relics
to Venice is celebrated on January 31.St. Mark (John Mark) 2nd Gospel before year 60 Greek for Christian Gentile converts St. Paul St. Barnabas associates (who was Mark's cousin) Patron of notaries. St. Mark The second Gospel was written by St. Mark, who, in the New Testament, is sometimes called John Mark. Both he and his mother, Mary, were highly esteemed in the early Church, and his mother's house in Jerusalem served as a meeting place for Christians there. St. Mark was associated with St. Paul and St. Barnabas (who was Mark's cousin) on their missionary journey through the island of Cyprus. Later he accompanied St. Barnabas alone. We know also that he was in Rome with St. Peter and St. Paul. Tradition ascribes to him the founding of the Church in Alexandria. St. Mark wrote the second Gospel, probably in Rome sometime before the year 60 A.D.; he wrote it in Greek for the Gentile converts to Christianity. Tradition tells us that St. Mark was requested by the Romans to set down the teachings of St. Peter. This seems to be confirmed by the position which St. Peter has in this Gospel. In this way the second Gospel is a record of the life of Jesus as seen through the eyes of the Prince of the Apostles. The winged lion is used as Saint Mark's emblem. This is one of the four winged creatures of Ezekiel 1:10; 10:14 that were first applied by Jewish scholars to the four archangels (Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel) with reference to and later used in reference to the four major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel). Traditionally, it is explained that the winged lion is chosen for Mark because his gospel speaks of the royal dignity of Christ, and because he begins his account of Saint John the Baptist with the "voice crying is the desert" (Appleton). 1st v. St Anianus Bishop St Mark shoemaker aide great fervor and virtue. Also at Alexandria, Bishop St. Anian, disciple of blessed Mark, and his successor in the episcopate. With a great renown for virtue, he rested in the Lord. 1st v. ST ANIANUS, BISHOP OF ALEXANDRIA ACCORDING to the so-called “Acts of St Mark”, St Anianus, the second bishop of Alexandria, had been a shoemaker, whose hand, wounded by an awl, had been healed by the evangelist at his first entrance into the city. Other writers, on the other hand, assert that St Anianus was an Alexandrian of noble family. He is said to have been consecrated bishop in order that he might govern during the absence of St Mark, whom he afterwards succeeded. Eusebius speaks of him as “a man well pleasing to God and admirable in all things”, and Epiphanius mentions a church in Alexandria built in his honour. See the Acta Sanctorum, April, vol. iii.
539 Vedast
of Arras holy from childhood instrumental in the
conversion of Clovis I to Christianity B (AC).
St Vedast assisted St Remigius (Rémi) in instructing
the Franks until that prelate consecrated him bishop of Arras
that he might re-establish the faith where it had died out.
Entering the city in 499, he restored sight to a blind man and
cured one who was lame. These miracles disposed the hearts of
many unbelievers to accept the Gospel, which had suffered much
from the inroads of the northern marauders.Vedast could find no traces of Christianity except the ruins of a church where, within the memory of certain old people, Christians had worshipped. St Vedast found the people boorish and obstinate, but he persevered, and in the end we are told he succeeded in restoring Christianity throughout the land. 891 Photius career of scholarship and public service at the imperial court legitimate patriarch of Constantinople Orthodox objection to doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Born in Constantinople, c. 810; died there c. 891; canonized by the Orthodox Church. Photius, a member of a patrician family, was a man of very great ability and learning who until mid-life followed a career of scholarship and public service at the imperial court, where he was secretary of state and filled other offices. Then, in 858, Emperor Michael III banished the patriarch Ignatius, and Photius, who until then had been a layman, was made patriarch. From that time Photius's life is one of difficulties between himself and Pope Saint Nicholas I and his successor Adrian II, complicated by the fluctuations of Byzantine politics--a long, complex, and often obscure struggle that is a matter of ecclesiastical history. It did not end until 879 when, Ignatius being dead, Pope John VIII recognized Photius as the legitimate patriarch of Constantinople and peace was restored between the churches. For Orthodox Catholics, Saint Photius was the standard-bearer of their church in its disagreements with the pope of Rome; to Roman Catholics, he was a proud and ambitious schismatic: the relevant work of scholars over the past generation has somewhat modified partisan judgements. All agree on the virtue of his personal life and his remarkable talents, even genius, and the wide range of his intellectual aptitudes. Pope Nicholas himself referred to his 'great virtues and universal knowledge.' Of his extensive writings the one of most general interest is the Bibliotheca or Myriobiblion, which has been translated into English and which includes descriptions and summaries of 279 books of all kinds, including extracts from works whose original text no longer exists. His Mystagogy of the Holy Spirit is important as a classical statement of Orthodox objections to the doctrine of the Holy Spirit's proceeding from the Father and the Son (Filioque) (Attwater). 1586 Bl. Robert Anderton Jesuit Cardinal theology professor notable figure Catholic Reformation defended Gallileo. 1586 BR. ROBERT ANDERTON AND WILLIAM MARSDEN, MARTYRS ROBERT ANDERTON and William Marsden were two young Lancashire men who were ordained priests at Rheims and sent upon the English mission. The ship which was conveying them to England was driven out of her course to the shore of the Isle of Wight, where the passengers were obliged to disembark. Suspicion at once fell upon the two young men: they were taken before a magistrate to be questioned, and, as they did not deny that they were priests, they were sent to prison. At their trial they protested not only that they had made a forced landing, but also that at the time of their arrest they had not been in England for the statutory period which would bring them within the scope of the penal law. Although this was actually the case, they were found guilty of treason and sentenced to death. A reprieve, however, was granted until the will of the Privy Council could be ascertained, and the prisoners were sent up to London for further examination. In the end they were executed in the Isle of Wight on April 25, 1586, their cheerful fortitude on the scaffold producing a profound impression upon all who witnessed it. 1597 Philip of Jesus friar Miracles attested the power before God of these first martyrs of Japan patron of Mexico City, Mexico. OFM M (RM) (also known as Philip de las Casas Born in Mexico City, Mexico, May 1, 1571; died in Nagasaki, Japan, 1597; beatified by Pope Urban VIII; canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1862; feast day formerly February 5. The life of Saint Philip points again to the importance of the domestic church--the family. Early in life Saint Philip ignored the pious teachings of his immigrant Spanish family, but eventually he entered the Reformed Franciscan Convent of Santa Barbara at Puebla, Mexico--and soon exited the novitiate in 1589. Grieved at the inconstancy of his son, Philip's father sent him on a business trip to the Philippines. Like many of us, Philip sought to escape God's love in worldly pleasures but the Hound of Heaven tracked him down. Gaining courage by prayer, Philip was again able to follow his vocation, joined the convent of Our Lady of the Angels in Manila in 1590, and took his vows in 1594. The richest cargo Philip could have sent back to Mexico couldn't have pleased his father more than the message that Philip had been professed a friar. Alonso de las Casas obtained directions from the commissary of the order that Philip should be sent to Mexico to be ordained a priest. He embarked with other religious on the Saint Philip in July 1596 but storms shipwrecked them in Japan. Amid the storm, Philip saw over Japan a white cross, in the shape used in that country, which after a time became blood-red, and remained so for some time. It was an omen of his coming victory. The ship's captain sent Philip and two others to the emperor to gain permission for them to continue their voyage, but they could not obtain an audience. He then continued to the Franciscan house in Macao to see if they could apply pressure. In the meantime, the pilot of the Saint Philip had excited the emperor's fears of Christians, causing him to contemplate their extermination. In December, officers seized a number of the Franciscan fathers, including Philip, three Jesuits, and several of their young pupils. When Philip had that they were to die, he responded with joy. His left ear was cut off, and he offered the first fruit of his blood to God for the salvation of Japan. The martyrs were taken to Nagasaki, where crosses had been erected on a high hill. When Philip was led to the one on which he was to die, he knelt down, clasped it, and exclaimed, "O happy ship! O happy galleon for Philip, lost for my gain! Loss--no loss for me, but the greatest of all gain!" He was bound to the cross, but the footrest under him gave way, so that he was strangled by the cords that bound him. While repeating the name of Jesus, he was the first of the group to die. Philip was 25. Miracles attested the power before God of these first martyrs of Japan (Benedictines, Butler, Delaney). 1913 Blessed Giovanni Battista Piamarta (AC) Born at Brescia, Italy, November 26, 1841; died at Remedello, April 25, 1913; beatified October 12, 1997. Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
in
articles of Saints today April 26
91 St. Cletus
Pope eminent virtue martyr canon of the Roman
mass among St. Peter's 1st disciple 3rd Pope after Linus. At Rome, the birthday of St.
Cletus, the pope who governed the Church the second after the apostle
St. Peter, and was crowned with martyrdom in the persecution of Domitian.
91 St. CLETUS POPE AND MARTYR THE exact order in the succession of the earliest popes has never been satisfactorily established, and it is still a moot point whether St Cletus was the third or the fourth occupant of the chair of St Peter. The fact that he is sometimes referred to by the name of Cletus and sometimes by the Greek equivalent of Anicetus has further confused the issue. It is now, however, agreed that the names belong to the same pope, and that he died about the year 91—probably as a martyr during the reign of Domitian. Nothing else is known about him. He is named, as the third pope, in the present Canon of the Mass, and the name Anacletus has now been expunged from the list of popes in the Annuario Pontifico. 304
Marcellinus
Pope M (RM). St. Marcellinus, pope and martyr,
whose birthday is commemorated on the 25th of October.
St Marcellinus followed St Caius in the bishopric of Rome in 296, and reigned eight years. Theodoret states that he acquired great glory in the stormy times of Diocletian’s persecution; on the other hand it was generally believed throughout the middle ages that under fierce trial he yielded up the holy books and offered incense to the gods. The legend, fostered by the Donatists, that he afterwards acknowledged his guilt at a certain Council of Sinuessa, pronouncing at the same time his own deposition, is now universally discredited, no such council having ever taken place but ancient breviaries and catalogues of popes certainly allude to the fall of Marcellinus and to his subsequent repentance crowned by martyrdom. If, as seems mote than probable, he was guilty of a temporary lapse, he expiated it by a holy death and is honoured as a saint and a martyr, though his actual martyrdom is far from certain. He was buried in the cemetery of St Priscilla which he built or enlarged. 319 St. Basileus Bishop martyr of Amasea in Pontus angel found his body. The Hieromartyr Basil, Bishop of Amasea, lived at the beginning of the fourth century in the Pontine city of Amasea. He encouraged and comforted the Christians suffering persecution by the pagans. During this time the Eastern part of the Roman Empire was ruled by Licinius (311-324), the brother-in-law of the holy emperor Constantine the Great (May 21). Licinius deceitfully signed St Constantine's Edict of Milan (313), which granted religious toleration to Christians, but he hated them and continued to persecute them. 645 St Richarius young pagan protected 2 Irish missionaries Cadoc & Frichor; fast strenuously; cry copiously for sins pray without ceasing; Abbot; 1st to work ransoming captives. He became a priest and went to England for several years. Upon his return to France, Richarius founded an abbey in Centula in 638, afterwards called Celles, became famous preacher admonished King Dagobert and other luminaries. The gifts he received from the wealthy he handed on to the poor. He was the first to devote himself to the work of ransoming captives. After some years as abbot he resigned and spent the rest of his life as a hermit. His relics were moved to the town now called Saint- Riquier (Somme), where a monastery was later founded. Saint Riquier appears frequently in ancient calendars and litanies. His reputation extended across the Channel: A church in Aberford, West Yorkshire, England, is dedicated to his memory (Benedictines, Farmer, Husenbeth). 860 Paschasius Radbertus abandoned at convent asked to be forgotten simply asks for prayers to God left works dealing with the body and blood of Christ the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist (De Corpore et Sanguine Christe) commentary on Saint Matthew's Gospel (12 volumes) composed treatise on the Virgin defend her perpetual virginity long exposition on Psalm 44 and another on the Lamentations of Jeremiah wrote biographies of 2 abbots -Corbie OSB Abbot (AC) He assumed as a prefix the name of Paschasius in deference to the custom then prevalent amongst French men of letters of adopting a classical or scriptural name. Although Radbertus would never suffer himself to be promoted to the priesthood, yet he was elected to be abbot of Corbie—a post which he found difficult and uncongenial. Gladly at the close of seven years did he lay down his crozier to retire to the abbey of Saint-Riquier where he could write in peace. His last years, however, were spent at Corbie. St Paschasius Radbertus was a prolific writer. Amongst his works are lengthy commentaries on St Matthew and on the forty-fourth psalm, a treatise on the book of Lamentations, the two biographies already mentioned, and a famous book, De Corpore et Sanguine Christi. Radbertus was buried in Saint John's Chapel. His body was translated into the great church, in 1073, by authority of the Pope Saint Gregory VII 1218 St. Franca Visalta Benedictine Convent at 7 yr Cistercian nun foundress. For years Franca had to suffer calumny and misrepresentation, as well as severe interior trials. Her one earthly solace was a young girl called Carentia who used to visit her. By her advice Carentia underwent a year’s novitiate in the Cistercian convent at Rapallo, and then persuaded her parents to build for the order a house at Montelana which she entered, while it was arranged that St Franca should be transferred from St Syrus to rule the new foundation. Later the community settled at Pittoli. They kept the Cistercian rule in all its poverty and austerity, but even that was not enough for the abbess. Night after night she would go to the chapel to spend in prayer hours which others devoted to sleep. Her daughters, marking with dismay her failing health, bade the sacristan withhold the key, but it would have required more than a key to keep her from her vigil. She died in 1218, and Pope Gregory X, Carentia’s kinsman, sanctioned her cultus for Piacenza. 1300 Blesseds Dominic & Gregory Dominican preachers died in cavein cave surrounded by lights and angelic music Miracles surrounded burials and tombs at Besians diocese of Barbastro. Dominic and Gregory were two Dominican friars, living in the first century of the order, who were impelled by zeal for souls to leave their Castilian priory to preach the gospel in Aragon. Their labours lay specially in out-of-the-way districts among the hill folk inhabiting the steep southern spurs of the Pyrenees. Penniless and barefoot they went from hamlet to hamlet, giving spiritual instruction and receiving frugal hospitality. They had taken refuge under a cliff during a severe thunderstorm when a fall of rock buried them beneath it. The ringing of bells startled the inhabitants of the nearest villages, and a strange light is said to have revealed the scene of the catastrophe. The bodies of the two missionaries were recovered and buried at Besiano, where they have ever since been venerated, and their cultus was confirmed in 1854. Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
in
articles of Saints today April 27
Simon (Simeon oder Symeon) begleitete Jesus und durfte ihn Bruder nennen. Origines und andere berichten, Simon sei der zweite Emmausjünger gewesen. Nach dem Tode seines Bruders Jakobus wurde Simon der zweite Patriarch von Jerusalem. Er starb in hohem Alter von 100 oder 120 Jahren unter Kaiser Trajan den Tod am Kreuz (als Todesjahr werden 98 und 107 angegeben). 303 Anthimus of Nicomedia for his confession of the Christian faith BM (RM). At Nicomedia, during the persecution of Diocletian, the birthday of St. Anthimus, bishop and martyr, who obtained the glory of martyrdom by being beheaded for the faith. Nearly all his numerous flock followed him. The judge
ordered some to be beheaded, others to be burned alive,
others to be put in boats and sunk in the sea.
THE persecution
under Diocletian and Maximian was waged, with particular
ferocity at Nicomedia in Bithynia, where the emperors had
a favourite residence. When the edict was first posted up, it
was torn down by a Christian, moved by a zeal which Lactantius
condemns but Eusebius commends. From that time the faithful could
neither buy nor sell, draw water or grind corn without being called
upon to offer incense to the gods. Eusebius, after relating that Anthimus the bishop was beheaded for confessing the Christian faith, states that an immense number of other martyrs perished also. He adds: “In those days, I do not know how, a fire broke out in the palace, and a false report was spread that we originated it. By the emperor’s’ orders all who were servants of God perished in masses, some by the sword, others by fire. A certain number of men and women, spurred on by an inexplicable divine inspiration, are said to have rushed into the blazing pyre. Innumerable others, bound and placed on rafts or planks, were drowned in the sea.”Nearly the whole of the Christian population proved faithful and won the crown of martyrdom. With St Anthimus are also sometimes associated eleven of his fellow-martyrs. 368 Theodore the Sanctified miracles holy water as a sacramental Abbot (RM). St Theodore visited the monasteries one after the other, and instructed, comforted and encouraged every monk in particular, correcting faults with a sweetness which gained the heart. He wrought several miracles, and foretold things to come. Being one day in a boat on the Nile with St Athanasius, he assured him that his persecutor, Julian the Apostate, was that moment dead in Persia and that his successor would restore peace to him and the Church: both of which were soon confirmed. One of St Theodore's miracles provides an early example of the use of blessed water as a sacramental for the healing of body and soul. The story is told by a contemporary -- St Ammon. A man came to the monastery at Tabenna, asking St Theodore to come and pray over his daughter, who was sick. Theodore was not able to go, but reminded the man that God could hear his prayer wherever they were offered. To which the man replied that he had not a great faith, and brought a silver vessel of water, asking the monk that he would at least invoke the name of God upon that so it might be as a medicine for her. Then Theodore prayed and made the sign of the cross over the water, and the man took it home. He found his daughter unconscious, so he forced open her mouth and poured some of it down her throat. And by virtue of the prayer of St Theodore the girl was saved and recovered her health. 1278 St Zita miraculus life daily Mass recite many prayers generous gifts of food to the poor visits to sick & prisoners heavenly visions variety of miracles. St. Zita Zita (1218-1272) + Servant and miracle worker. Born at Monte Sagrati, Italy, she entered into the service of the Fratinelli family, wool dealers in Lucca, at the age of twelve. Immediately disliked by the other servants for her hard work and obvious goodness, she earned their special enmity because of her habit of giving away food and clothing to the poor including those of her employers. In time, she won over the members of the household. According to one tradition, the other servants were convinced when one day they found an angel taking Zita's place in baking and cleaning. Throughout her life she labored on behalf of the poor and suffering as well as criminals languishing in prisons. She was also credited with a variety of miracles. Canonized in 1696, she is the patroness of servants and is depicted in art with a bag and keys, or loaves of bread and a rosary. 1485 Blessed James of Bitetto heroic humility; levitate during prayer; accurately predict the future; incorrupted body remains; many miracles. ALTHOUGH a native of Dalmatia, whence he is sometimes called “the Slav” or “the Illyrian”, Bd James spent the greater part of his life on the opposite coast of the Adriatic, where he became a lay-brother of the Friars Minor of the Observance at Bitetto, a small town nine miles from Ban. Through humility, self-denial and contemplation he attained to great holiness. He was favoured by God with a prophetic spirit and, according to the deposition of a fellow friar in the process for his beatification, he was seen on occasions upraised from the ground when engaged in prayer. In another house of the order, at Conversano, he was employed for some years as cook. The sight of the kitchen fire led him at times to contemplate the flames of Hell and on other occasions to soar in spirit to the highest Heaven to dwell on the consuming fire of eternal love. Thus he often fell into ecstasies over his work, standing motionless and entirely absorbed in God. Afterwards Bd James was transferred back to Bitetto, where he closed a holy life by a happy death; Many miracles were ascribed to his intercession, and in the garden at Bitetto there used to be a juniper tree which he had planted, the berries of which were said to possess healing properties. He was beatified by Pope Innocent XII. The notice of James de Bitetto in the Acta Sanctorum, April, vol. iii, is interesting because this is one of the cases in which the Bollandists have had access to the documents submitted for the beatification process, and have been able to print the evidence of the various witnesses. See also Léon, Auréole Séraphique (Eng. trans.), vol. ii, pp. 104—105. 1565 Blessed Hosanna of Cattaro miracle child; several apparitions OP Tert. V (AC) (also known as Ossana) Born in Kumano, Montenegro, in 1493; cultus confirmed in 1928; beatified in 1934. 1565 BD OSANNA OF GATTARO, VIRGIN graced with many supernatural gifts, such as that of prophecy. CATHERINE Cosie
was a Montenegrin girl born in 1493, the daughter of dissident
Orthodox parents. Her early years seem to have been spent
mostly with the flocks and herds, but later she was allowed
by her parents to enter the service of a Catholic lady at Cattaro,
where she made herself beloved. After seven years she undertook
the seclusion of an anchoress, first in a cell adjoining the church
of St Bartholomew, and afterwards in one attached to the church
of St Paul. On becoming a Dominican tertiary she had taken the name
of Osanna in veneration for Bd Osanna Andreasi, who had died not
long before, in 1505. Young women and matrons crowded to her anchorage
and were guided by her counsels.
At first Peter Canisius preached to almost
empty churches, partly because of the general disaffection and
partly because his Rhineland German grated on the ears of the
Viennese; but he found his way to the heart of the people by his
indefatigable ministrations to the sick and dying during an outbreak
of the plague. The energy and enterprise of the man was astounding;
he was concerned about everything and everybody, from lecturing
in the university to visiting the neglected criminals in the jails.
The king, the nuncio, the pope himself would fain have seen him
appointed to the vacant see of Vienna, but St Ignatius could be induced
only to allow him to administer the diocese for one year, and that
without episcopal orders, title or emoluments. It was about this
period that St Peter began work on his famous catechism, or Summary
of Christian Doctrine, published in 1555; this was followed by a Shorter and a Shortest Catechism—both
of which attained enormous popularity. These catechisms were to
be to the Catholic Reformation what Luther’s catechisms were to the
Protestant Reformation; they were reprinted over two hundred times
and translated into fifteen languages (including English, Braid Scots,
Hindustani and Japanese) even during the author’s lifetime. And he
never by violently or rudely attacking his opponents, either in these
catechisms or in any of his instructions, roused hostility towards
the truths he wished to commend to his hearers.Her prayers, it was believed, protected the city from the inroads of Turks and other raiders. She had much to suffer, both from the assaults of Satan within and from calumny without, but she was graced with many supernatural gifts, such as that of prophecy. Finally after a grievous illness of two months borne with exemplary patience, she went to her reward on April 27, 1565. St. Peter Canisius, priest of the Society of Jesus, confessor and doctor of the Church, who departed to the Lord on the 21st of December. 1606 ST TURIBIUS, Archbishop of LIMA. ST TURIBIUS is, equally with St Rose of Lima, the first known saint of the New World. It is true that he was not born on the American continent, and not canonized until fifty-five years after her; but they lived in the same place at the same time, Turibius died first, and it was he who conferred the sacrament of confirmation on Rose. His memory is held in great veneration throughout Peru, for although he did not plant Christianity in that land he greatly promoted it, and cleansed the Church there from grave abuses which were sapping its vitality and bringing discredit upon its name; his feast is, moreover, observed throughout South America. Turibius, Toribio Alfonso de Morgobejo, was born in 1538 at Majorca in Spain. His childhood and youth were notably religious, but he had no intention of becoming a priest and was, in fact, educated for the law. He was so brilliant a scholar that he became professor of law in the University of Salamanca, and while there he attracted the notice of King Philip II (widower of Mary I of England), who eventually made him chief judge of the ecclesiastical court of the Inquisition at Granada. This was a surprising position for a layman to hold, and it was not a pleasant or easy post for anyone, lay or cleric. But it led to an even more surprising development. After some years the archbishopric of Lima in the Spanish colony of Peru became vacant. Turibius had carried out his judge’s duties so well, and displayed such a fine missionary spirit, that it was decided to send him to Peru as archbishop: he seemed to be the one person who had force of character sufficient to remedy the serious scandals which stood in the way of the conversion of the Peruvians. 1624 Blessed Mariana of Jesus life of penance O. Merc. V (AC). Born in Madrid, Spain, in 1565; died there in 1624; beatified by Pius VI. Known as the "Lily of Madrid," Mariana was a Discalced Mercedarian in Madrid, where she distinguished herself by her life of penance (Benedictines). 1716 St. Louis Mary de Montfort promote genuine devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus and mother of the Church. Totus tuus(completely yours) was Louis's personal motto. b. 1673 Louis's life is inseparable from his efforts to promote genuine devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus and mother of the Church. Totus tuus (completely yours) was Louis's personal motto; Karol Wojtyla chose it as his episcopal motto. Born in the Breton village of Montfort, close to Rennes (France), as an adult Louis identified himself by the place of his Baptism instead of his family name, Grignion. After being educated by the Jesuits and the Sulpicians, he was ordained as a diocesan priest in 1700. Soon he began preaching parish missions throughout western France. His years of ministering to the poor prompted him to travel and live very simply, sometimes getting him into trouble with Church authorities. In his preaching, which attracted thousands of people back to the faith, Father Louis recommended frequent, even daily, Holy Communion (not the custom then!) and imitation of the Virgin Mary's ongoing acceptance of God's will for her life. Louis founded the Missionaries of the Company of Mary (for priests and brothers) and the Daughters of Wisdom, who cared especially for the sick. His book, True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin, has become a classic explanation of Marian devotion. Louis died in Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre, where a basilica has been erected in his honor. He was canonized in 1947. 1919 Blessed Maria Antonia Bandres y Elosegui (AC). Born at Tolosa (Guipuzcoa), Spain, March 6, 1898; died at Salamanca, Spain, April 27, ; beatified May 12, 1996. More will be added in 2000. Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
in
articles of Saints today April 28
Departure
of St. Hierotheos
of Athens priest present at the time of the
departure of the Lady Virgin Mary learned man in the city
Athens met Apostle St. Paul visited St. Dionysius the Areopagite
(coptic). On this day also, St. Hierotheos
(Berutawos) of Athens, departed. This father was one of the learned
men in the city of Athens. He met the Apostle St. Paul, and many
discussions took place between them which led to his belief on the
Apostle's hand. He baptized him, taught him the Ordinances and Law of the church, and then ordained him a priest for this city. He frequently visited St. Dionysius the Areopagite, who was also one of the learned men in Athens. This Saint was present at the time of the departure of the Lady Virgin Mary, and he stood in the midst of the apostles and comforted them with spiritual songs and hymns which he sang accompanied with musical instruments. He converted many Jews and Gentiles to the knowledge of the Lord Christ. When the people wished to ordain him a bishop, he refused saying: "I just wish to be able to perform the duties of a priest." Having finished his good strife, he went
to the Lord Whom he loved.
63 Jason
wurde von Paulus zum Bischof von Tarsus Sosipater
und Gefährten eingesetzt und Sosipater zum Bischof von
Ikonien mit sieben Dieben martyred zusammen: Saturninus
Iakischolus Faustianus Januarius Marsalius Euphrasius Mammius.
Orthodoxe Kirche: 28. April (Sosipater auch 10. November)
Katholische Kirche: Jason - 12. JuliHis prayers be with us and Glory be to our God forever. Amen. Saturninus Iakischolus Faustianus Januarius Marsalius Euphrasius Mammius Jason aus Tarsus und Sosipater aus Achaia waren Schüler und Gefährten des Apostels Paulus. Jason wurde von Paulus zum Bischof von Tarsus eingesetzt und Sosipater zum Bischof von Ikonien. 92 St. Mark of Galilee Martyred bishop of Marsi St. Theodora. At Atino in Campania, St. Mark, who was made bishop by the blessed apostle Peter. He was the first to preach the Gospel to the Equicoli, and received the crown of martyrdom in the persecution of Domitian, under the governor Maximus. A Galilean by birth, he was a missionary to Italy. Mark of Galilee BM (RM) Saint Mark is said to have been a Galilean by descent and the first missionary bishop and martyr in the province of the Marsi (Abruzzi) in Italy (Benedictines). 304 St. Pollio Martyr Christian community lector of Cybalae Pannonia serving as a lector {READ HIS LAST SERMON}. THE scene of the martyrdom of St Pollio was the ancient town of Cybalae or Cibalis in Lower Pannonia (now Mikanovici in Yugoslavia), the birth-place of the Emperors Gratian, Valentinian and Valens. He was a lector in the church, and, after the martyrdom of his bishop Eusebius, he became the leader of those Christians in the diocese who disregarded the edicts of Diocletian. He was accordingly brought before Probus the president, before whom he made a bold confession. Because he refused to offer sacrifice to the gods and to render divine honours to the emperors he was condemned to death, and was burnt at the stake a few years after the martyrdom of Eusebius. St. Patrick of Prusa; Several guards scalded Patrick untouched- "I do not condemn your gods, for no one can condemn what does not exist...". Martyr with Polyaenus and Menander, put to death in Prusa, in the Roman province of Bithynia, in Asia Minor. No date can be attached to the event, but The account of his death, the Acts of Patrick, is considered by scholars to be authentic, although the names of the others were probably added to the calendar over succeeding centuries. 1260 St. Luchesio first Franciscan tertiary works of mercy nursing sick visiting prisons gave all possessions to the poor. Blessed Luchesio's cultus was confirmed in 1694. (also known as Luchesio, Lucius) Born near Poggibonsi, Umbria, Italy; Luchesius, a miserly grocer, money changer, and corn merchant, is venerated as the first Franciscan tertiary. About 1221, Saint Francis of Assisi relieved of him wicked practices by enlisting him in the Third Order along with his wife Blessed Bonadonna. Thereafter the couple spent their lives in almsdeeds and penance (Attwater2, Benedictines, Encyclopedia). 1716 Saint Louis de Monfort founded the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Wisdom At St. Laurent sur Sèvres, in the diocese of Luçon, St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, confessor and founder of the Missionaries of the Company of Mary and the Sisters of Wisdom, a form of apostolic life. He was renowned for his preaching and devotion to the Blessed Mother, and was added to the number of the saints by Pope Pius XII. Born: Jan 31. 1673 Canonized: 1947 by Pope Pius XII He was born poor. Studied in Paris, and ordained in 1700. While a seminarian he delighted in researching the writings of Church Fathers, Doctors, and Saints as they related to the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom he was singularly devoted. But St Louis did not confine his evangelistic efforts to his missions—he believed in preaching the word of God in season and out of season. On one occasion, when travelling on a market-boat between Rouen and Dinant, he asked his fellow passengers, who were singing obscene songs, to join him in the rosary. Twice they answered his invitation with jeers, but eventually they not only recited it reverently on their knees, but also listened attentively to the homily with which he followed it. Another day-it was a rough alfresco dance which he brought to an end in the same way. Perhaps his greatest triumphs were won in the Calvinistic stronghold of La Rochelle, where he held several crowded missions in rapid succession, and reconciled a number of Protestants to the Church. St Louis had long desired to form an association of missionary priests, but it was only a few years before his death that he succeeded in attaching to himself a few ordained men who became the first Missionaries of the Company of Mary. He was in the midst of a mission at Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre when he was attacked by a sudden illness which proved fatal. He was only forty-three years of age when he died in 1716. Apart from his verses and hymns, St Louis Mary Grignion’s chief literary work was the well-known treatise on “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin”, in which a renewal of interest was caused by his canonization in 1947. St. Paul of the Cross, priest and confessor, founder of the Congregation of the Cross and Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. He went to his repose in the Lord on the 18th of October. 1775 Sancti Pauli a Cruce, Presbyteri et Confessóris; qui Congregatiónis a Cruce et Passióne Dómini nostri Jesu Christi Cross was endowed with extraordinary gifts. He prophesied future events, healed the sick, and even during his lifetime appeared on various occasions in vision to persons far away. St. Paul of the Cross Paul Francis Daneii, born at Ovada, Genoa, Italy, 3 January, 1694; died in Rome, 18 October, 1775. 1775 St Paul Of The Cross, Founder Of The Barefooted Clerks Of The Holy Cross And Passion THE founder of the Passionists, St Paul-of-the-Cross, was born at Ovada in the republic of Genoa in 1694—the year which saw also the birth of Voltaire. 1840 St. John Baptist Thanh native catechist Martyr of Vietnam John was associated with priests of the Society of Foreign Missions. He was executed in the anti-Christian persecutions. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. 1840 St. Peter Hieu catechist native Vietnamese martyr He joined the Foreign Missions of Paris and served as a catechist to his own people. Arrested by government authorities, he and two companions were beheaded. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1988. Blessed Paul Khoan, Peter Hieu, & John Baptist Thauh MM (AC) beatified in 1900 (they may be included in the Martyrs of Vietnam who were canonized in 1988). During the first 20 years of the 19th century, Christianity made steady progress in Vietnam until it was dramatically interrupted by the persecution of the Annamite king Minh-Mang (1820-1841). 1841 St. Peter Chanel Priest Martyred in the New Hebrides model pupil vicar parish priest model missionary intelligence and simple piety However, in 1836, Pope Gregory XVI gave canonical approval to the new congregation, and St Peter was one of a small band of missionaries commissioned to carry the faith to the islands of the Pacific. Peter with one companion went to the island of Futuna in the New Hebrides. They were well received by the people, whose confidence they gained by healing the sick. But after the missionaries had acquired the language and had begun to teach, the chieftain’s jealousy was aroused. Suspicion turned to hatred when his own son expressed a desire for baptism, and on April 28, 1841, he sent a band of warriors, one of whom felled St Peter with his club and the rest cut up the martyr’s body with their hatchets. The missionary’s death swiftly completed the work he had begun, and within a few months the whole island was Christian. Peter was canonized in 1954, and his feast is kept in Australia and New Zealand as well as by the Marists. 1962 Saint Gianna Beretta Molla M.D. gave special attention to mothers babies elderly and the poor gave her life to save that of her child (AC). A few days before the child
was due, although trusting as always in Providence, she was ready to give
her life in order to save that of her child: "If you must decide between
me and the child, do not hesitate: choose the child--I insist on it. Save
the baby." Thus, Gianna Emanuela was born on the morning of April 21, 1962.
Despite all efforts to save both mother and child, today's saint died less
than a week later in horrible pain. After repeatedly exclaiming, "Jesus,
I love you. Jesus, I love you," the mother died. She was 39 years old. Her
funeral was an occasion of profound grief, faith and prayer. The body of
the new blessed lies in the cemetery of Mesero near Magenta (L'Osservatore
Romano, 4/27/94).
Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
in
articles of Saints today April 29
33 The man who
lay by the Sheep's
Pool in Jerusalem for thirty-eight years.
On this day the Church remembers the man who
lay by the Sheep's Pool in Jerusalem for thirty-eight years,
waiting for someone to put him into the pool. The first
one to enter the pool after an angel troubled the water would
be healed of his infirmities, but someone always entered the pool
before him. Seeing the man, the Lord felt compassion for him and healed him. The Kontakion for this Fourth Sunday of Pascha asks Christ to raise up our souls, "paralyzed by sins and thoughtless acts." 65 St Torpes Martyr. At Pisa in Tuscany, the martyr St. Torpes, who filled a high office in the court of Nero, and was one of those of whom the apostle wrote from Rome to the Philippians: "All the saints salute you, especially those that are of the house of Caesar." For the faith of Christ, he was, by order of Satellicus, beaten, cruelly scourged, and delivered to the beasts to be devoured, but remained uninjured. He completed his martyrdom by being beheaded. He was slain during the reign of Emperor Nero, although most of the accounts about him are considered unreliable. Torpes of Pisa M (RM) All that is really known is that Torpes was martyred in Pisa under Nero. (Benedictines). VM 1st v. St Tychicus 1st century disciple assistant of St. Paul. A disciple of St. Paul who was mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. According to Paul’s Letters to the Colossians and Ephesians, he was an assistant to Paul, being described by him as "my beloved brother and trustworthy minister in the Lord." Tradition declares him to have become bishop of Paphos, Cyprus. Tychicus of Paphos B (RM) 1st century. A disciple of Saint Paul the Apostle (Acts 20:4, 21:29) and his fellow worker (Col. 4:7; Eph. 6:21ff), Saint Tychicus is said to have ended his days as bishop of Paphos in Cyprus (Benedictines). 290 Nine holy martyrs Cyzicus Dardenelles Thaumasius, Theognes, Rufus, Antipater, Theostichus, Artemas, Magnus, Theodotus, and Philemon. The saints boldly confessed Christ and fearlessly denounced the pagan impiety. They were arrested and brought to trial before the ruler of the city. Over several days they were tortured, locked in prison and brought out again. They were promised their freedom if they renounced Christ. But the valiant martyrs of Christ continued to glorify the Lord. All nine martyrs were beheaded by the sword (+ ca. 286-299), and their bodies buried near the city. In the year 324, when the Eastern half of the Roman Empire was ruled by St Constantine the Great (May 21), and the persecutions against Christians ended, the Christians of Cyzicus removed the incorrupt bodies of the martyrs from the ground and placed them in a church built in their honor. In Russia, not far from the city of Kazan, a monastery was built in honor of the Nine Martyrs of Cyzicus. It was built by the hierodeacon Stephen, who brought part of the relics of the saints with him from Palestine. This monastery was built in the hope that through their intercession and prayers people would be delivered from various infirmities and ills, particularly a fever which raged through Kazan in 1687. St Demetrius of Rostov (September 21), who composed the service to the Nine Martyrs, writes, "through the intercession of these saints, abundant grace was given to dispel fevers and trembling sicknesses." St Demetrius also described the sufferings of the holy martyrs and wrote a sermon for their Feast day. 744 St Wilfrid the Younger Benedictine abbot bishop of York zealous for education. Amongst the bishops mentioned by the Venerable Bede as having been educated at Whitby Abbey under the rule of St Hilda was Wilfrid the Younger, the favourite disciple of St John of Beverley. He was appointed bishop’s chaplain and ruled the establishment of cathedral clergy. As the years went by, he was employed more or less in the capacity of a coadjutor by St John, who before finally retiring to Beverley nominated him to be his successor. St Wilfrid showed great zeal in instructing his people; and like his predecessor he eventually laid down his office to end his days in a monastery—presumably Ripon—where he died. There seems to be only one old calendar known in which this bishop’s name appears. 1110 Robert of Molesme one of Cistercian founders movement a great reformer OSB Cist. Abbot (RM). Born near Troyes, Champagne, France, in 1018; died on March 21, 1110; canonized in 1222. Born of noble parents, Robert was one of the founders of the Cistercian movement, which, like the monks of Cluny in the 10th century, was of Benedictine stock. The Rule of Saint Benedict had lost none of its value since its foundation in Italy in the 6th century. Absolute fidelity to this rule, and its greatest possible extension in the religious life were the two aims Robert pursued throughout his life. Saint Alberic (1108) joined Robert in this pursuit, followed by Saint Stephen Harding (1134). But would they have taken the initiative without Robert? Or would they have postponed it. Or might they not have become discouraged while en route? For Robert was endowed with an uncommon will to overcome all obstacles. There was no lack of obstacles. Like Stephen Harding, Robert had received Benedictine training at Moutier-La-Celle beginning when he was 15. He was appointed prior soon after his novitiate, then abbot of Saint Michael of Tonnerre at a very early age. He was unsuccessful in his attempts to reform the abbey. The scandals at the abbey were the motivation behind Robert's activity. 1109 St Hugh
the Great Benedictine abbot founded hospital for lepers
preached the First Crusade. Soon
after his promotion Hugh took part in the Council of Rheims,
presided over by Pope St Leo IX. Placed second in rank
amongst the abbots, the youthful superior of Cluny championed the
reforms called for by the supreme pontiff, and denounced the prevalence
of simony together with the relaxation of clerical celibacy in
such eloquent terms that he was loudly applauded by the assembled
dignitaries—many of whom had purchased their own offices.
1252 St Peter of Verona inquisitor inspiring sermons martyr accepted into the Dominican Order by St. Dominic. St. Peter, a martyr of the Order of Preachers, who was slain for the Catholic faith on the 6th day of April. Peter was born at Verona, Italy, in 1205. Both of his parents were Catharists, a heresy that denied God created the material world. Even so, Peter was educated at a Catholic school and later at the University of Bologna. While in Bologna, Peter was accepted into the Dominican Order by St. Dominic. He developed into a great preacher, and was well known for his inspiring sermons in the Lombardy region. In addition, around the year 1234, he was appointed by Pope Gregory IX as inquisitor of Northern Italy, where many Catharists lived. Peter's preaching attracted large crowds, but as inquisitor he made many enemies. 1380 St Catherine of Siena illiterate one of the most brilliant theological minds of her day mystical experiences when only 6 visions of Christ Mary and the saints gift of healing Stigmata visible only after her death Doctor of the Church; Though she lived her life in a faith experience and spirituality far different from that of our own time, Catherine of Siena stands as a companion with us on the Christian journey in her undivided effort to invite the Lord to take flesh in her own life. Events which might make us wince or chuckle or even yawn fill her biographies: a mystical experience at six, childhood betrothal to Christ, stories of harsh asceticism, her frequent ecstatic visions. Still, Catherine lived in an age which did not know the rapid change of twenty-first-century mobile America. The value of her life for us today lies in her recognition of holiness as a goal to be sought over the course of a lifetime. 1716 St Louis de Montfort Confessor Marian devotee missionary apostolic famous for fostering devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Rosary founder of the Sisters of Divine Wisdom. Louis Mary Grignion was born to a poor family on January 31, 1673 at Montfort, France. He was educated at the Jesuit college in Rennes and was ordained there in 1700. He was assigned as chaplain to a hospital at Poitiers, and his much needed reorganization of the hospital staff caused great resentment, leading to his resignation. However, during his stay there he organized a group of women into the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Wisdom. Eventually Louis went to Rome where Pope Clement XI appointed him missionary apostolic, and he began to preach in Brittany. His emotional style caused much reaction, but he was successful, especially in furthering devotion to the Most Blessed Virgin through the Rosary. He also wrote a very popular book, True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin. In 1715, Louis organized several priests and formed the Missionaries of the Company of Mary. He died in 1716 at Saint-Laurent-sur-Sever, France, and was canonized in 1947 by Pope Pius XII. 1842 Joseph Benedict Cottolengo priest ministered to the sick "When I am in Heaven, where everything is possible, I will cling to the mantle of the Mother of God and I will not turn my eyes from you. But do not forget what this poor old man has said to you."(RM) Founder Of The Societies Of The Little House Of Divine Providence; “We are like the marionettes of a puppet-show. As long as they are held by a hand from above they walk, jump, dance and give signs of agility and life: they represent...now a king, now a clown...but as soon as the performance is over they are dropped and huddled together ingloriously in a dusty corner. So it is with us: amid the multiplicity of our various functions we are held and moved by the hand of Providence. Our duty is to enter into its designs, to play the part assigned to us...and respond promptly and trustfully to the impulses received from on high.” Joseph Benedict Cottolengo was born in Bra, a town in the province of Cuneo, on May 3, 1786. The first born of 12 children, six of whom died at an early age, he showed from his boyhood great sensitivity toward the poor. He embraced the path of priesthood, imitated also by two brothers. The years of his youth were those of the Napoleonic venture and of the consequent hardships in the religious and social realm. Cottolengo became a good priest, sought after by many penitents and, in the Turin of that time, a preacher of spiritual exercises and conferences for university students, where he earned notable success. At the age of 32, he was appointed canon of the Most Holy Trinity, a congregation of priests that had the task of officiating in the Church of Corpus Domini and of giving decorum to the religious ceremonies of the city, but he felt ill at ease in that post. 1928 St Nectarius Moscow Patriarchate authorized local veneration of the Optina Elders June 13,1996, glorifying for universal veneration August 7, 2000. Born in the city of Elets in the Orel province in 1853, the son of Basil and Elena Tikhonov. At his baptism, he was named Nicholas. St Nectarius completed the course of his earthly life on April 29, 1928. The Moscow Patriarchate authorized local veneration of the Optina Elders on June 13,1996, glorifying them for universal veneration on August 7, 2000 Popes and other
important Saints mentioned
in
articles of Saints today April 30
44 James
son of Zebedee one of the Twelve Apostles 1st Apostles
died as a martyr. He and
his brother, St John, were called to be Apostles by our Lord Jesus
Christ, Who called them the "Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17). It
was this James, with John and Peter, who witnessed the Raising of
the Daughter of Jairus, the Lord's Transfiguration on Mount Tabor,
and His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.At Saintes in France, blessed Eutropius, bishop and martyr, who was consecrated bishop and sent to France by St. Clement. After preaching for many years, he had his skull crushed for bearing testimony to Christ, and thus gained victory by his death. The town of Saintes in south-west France honours as its first bishop St Eutropius, who was sent from Rome in the third century to evangelize the inhabitants and who suffered martyrdom either at their hands or by order of the Roman authorities. The story locally told is that St Eutropius accompanied St Denis to France to share his apostolic labours. The people of Saintes, to whom he preached, expelled him from their city, and he went to live in a cell on a neighbouring rock where he gave himself to prayer and to instructing those who would listen. Amongst others he converted and baptized the Roman governor’s daughter, Eustella. When the girl’s father discovered that she was a Christian he drove her from his house, and charged the butchers of Saintes to slay Eutropius. Eustella found him dead with his skull split by an axe, and she buried his remains in his cell. 328 St. Alexander I, 19th Pope; Departure of; See of St. Mark. On this day also of the year 44 A.M. (April 17th., 328 A.D.) the holy father Pope Alexander (Alexandros), 19th Pope of the See of St. Mark, departed. This Pope was born in the city of Alexandria from Christian parents, and he grew up in serving the church. Pope Maximus ordained him a reader, Pope Theonas ordained him a deacon. Pope Peter (Petros the Seal of the Martyrs) ordained him a priest, and he was virgin and chaste. 686-693 Erconwald of London bishop miracles at grave were reported (until the 16th century) miracles recorded touching his couch OSB B (RM). In Saint Bede's (673-735) time, miracles were recorded as a result of touching the couch used by Erconwald in his later years. At his death, Erconwald's relics were claimed by Barking, Chertsey, and London; he was finally buried in Saint Paul's Cathedral in London, which he had enlarged. The relics escaped the fire of 1087 and were placed in the crypt. November 14, 1148, they were translated to a new shrine behind the high altar, from where they were again moved on February 1, 1326 (Attwater, Benedictines, Encyclopedia, Farmer) Erconwald is portrayed in art as a bishop in a small 'chariot' (the Saxon equivalent of a bath chair) in which he travelled because of his gout. Sometimes there is a woman touching it or he may be shown with Saint Ethelburga of Barking (Roeder). 819 St. Mark II, 49th Pope of the See of St. Mark Departure of. (Coptic). This Pope was from Alexandria, and he a was chaste, learned, and honorable man. Pope John ordained him a deacon, and he was an eloquent speaker. His voice was sweet and all those who heard him rejoiced in him. The Pope handed him the administration of the papal place, and he did nothing without his advice. When Pope John put on him the garb of monks in the monastery, one of the elder monks shouted saying: "This deacon whose name is Mark shall, rightly and fittingly
sit upon the throne of his father Mark, the Evangelist."
851
St. Michael
II, 53rd Pope of the See of St. Mark Departure of. (Coptic). When pope
John departed, the bishops unanimously agreed to choose him
Patriarch. He fled to the desert, but they caught up with him,
brought him back, and enthroned him Patriarch on the 2nd day of
Amshir, 515 A.M. (January 26th., 799 A.D.).On this day also, of the year 567 A.M. (April 17th., 851 A.D.), the holy father Pope Michael (Khail), 53rd Pope of Alexandria, departed. This father was a righteous monk, and he was ordained hegumen for the monastery of the saint Abba John. Because of his good conduct, they chose him Patriarch, and he was enthroned in the 24th day of Hatour 566 A.M. (November 20th., 849 A.D.). When the Holy Fast came, he went to the desert of Scetis to keep the fast there. He remembered his earlier life in the wilderness, so he asked God with tears and supplication saying: "O God, you know how much I love solitary life and I have no aptitude for the position that I am in." The Lord accepted his petition and he departed in peace after the feast of Passover. He stayed on the Chair one year, four months and twenty-eight days. His prayers be with us and Glory be to our God forever. Amen. Sanctæ Catharínæ Senénsis Vírginis, ex tértio Ordine sancti Domínici, quæ ad cæléstem Sponsum transívit prídie hujus diéi. ST Catherine was born in Siena on the feast of the Annunciation 1347, she and a twin sister who did not long survive her birth being the youngest of twenty-five children. Their father, Giacomo Benincasa, a well-to-do dyer, lived with his wife Lapa, daughter of a now forgotten poet, in the spacious house which the piety of the Sienese has preserved almost intact to the present day. Catherine as a little girl is described as having been very merry, and sometimes on her way up or downstairs she used to kneel on every step to repeat a Hail Mary. She was only six years old when she had the remarkable mystical experience which may be said to have sealed her vocation. In the company of her brother Stephen she was returning from a visit to her married sister Bonaventura when she suddenly came to a dead stop, standing as though spellbound in the road, with her eyes gazing up into the sky, utterly oblivious to the repeated calls of the boy who, having walked on ahead, had turned round to find that she was not following. Only after he had gone back and had seized her by the hand did she wake up as from a dream. “Oh!” she cried, “if you had seen what I saw you would not have done that!” Then she burst into tears because the vision had faded—a vision in which she had beheld our Lord seated in glory with St Peter, St Paul and St John. The Saviour had smiled upon the child: He had extended His hand to bless her . . . and from that moment Catherine was entirely His. In vain did her shrewish mother seek to inspire her with the interests common to girls of her age: she cared but for prayer and solitude, only mingling with other children in order to lead them to share her own devotion. Such things as these, coupled with her reputation for holiness and wonders, had by this time won for her a unique place in the estimation of her fellow citizens, many of whom proudly called her “La Beata Popolana” and resorted to her in their various difficulties. So numerous were the cases of conscience with which she dealt that three Dominicans were specially charged to hear the confessions of those who were induced by her to amend their lives. Moreover, because of her success in healing feuds, she was constantly being called upon to arbitrate at a time when every man's hand seemed to be against his neighbour. It was partly no doubt with a view to turning the belligerent energies of Christendom from fratricidal struggles that Catherine was moved to throw herself energetically into Pope Gregory Xl's appeal for another crusade to wrest the Holy Sepulchre from the Turks. Her efforts in this direction brought her into direct correspondence with the pontiff himself. 1572 St. Pius V, Pope from 1566-1572 Catholic Reformation leader taught theology philosophy 16 years excessive zeal as grand inquisitor wholeheartedly devoted to the religious life published Roman Catechism revised Roman Breviary and Roman Missal organized Battle of Lepanto. One of the foremost leaders of the Catholic Reformation. Born Antonio Ghislieri in Bosco, Italy, to a poor family, he labored as a shepherd until the age of fourteen and then joined the Dominicans, being ordained in 1528. Called Brother Michele, he studied at Bologna and Genoa, and then taught theology and philosophy for sixteen years before holding the posts of master of novices and prior for several Dominican houses. Named inquisitor for Como and Bergamo, he was so capable in the fulfillment of his office that by 1551, and at the urging of the powerful Cardinal Carafa, he was named by Pope Julius III commissary general of the Inquisition. In 1555, Carafa was elected Pope Paul IV and was responsible for Ghislieri’s swift rise as a bishop of Nepi and Sutri in 1556, cardinal in 1557, and grand inquisitor in 1558. In his personal life he continued to be a devout mendicant friar; as pope he set himself to enforce the decrees of the Council of Trent with energy and effect. The catechism ordered by the Council of Trent was completed during his rule (1566), and he ordered translations made. The breviary reformed (1568) and missal (1570). He also commissioned the best edition to date of the writings of Saint Thomas Aquinas (1159); it was he who made Thomas a Doctor of the Church in 1567. He encouraged the new society founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) and
established the Jesuits in the Gregorian University. He consecrated
three Jesuit bishops for India, gave Saint Francis Borgia (1510-1572) his
greatest cooperation, and helped to finance missionaries to China
and Japan. He built the church of Our Lady of the Angels for the
Franciscans and helped Saint
Philip Neri (1515-1595) in his establishment of the Oratory.
Probably the act for which he will be longest remembered in his leadership
at the time of the Battle of Lepanto.
1590 St. Gerard
Miles Martyr of England with Blessed Francis Dickinson. 1590 BB. FRANCIS
DICKENSON AND MILES GERARD, MARTYRS. NATIVES respectively
of Yorkshire and of Lancashire, Francis Dickenson and Miles Gerard crossed
over to France to be educated for the priesthood in the Douai
college at Rheims. In 1589, six years after Gerard’s ordination,
they were despatched on the English mission, but the ship on which
they embarked was wrecked, passengers as well as crew being cast
up on the Kentish coast. Either on suspicion or on information,
Dickenson and Gerard were promptly arrested and cast into prison.
Brought up for trial, they were condemned to death as traitors for
the offence of coming to England as priests. They suffered martyrdom
together at Rochester, on April 13 or 30, 1590.
1842 St.
Joseph
Cottolengo opened home/hospital for sick poor Piccola
Casa became a great medical institution founded Daughters of
Compassion Daughters of the Good Shepherd Hermits of the Holy
Rosary Priests of the Holy Trinity. At Chieri, near Turin,
St. Joseph Cottolengo, confessor, founder of the Little House
of Divine Providence, full of trust in God and remarkable for
his charity toward the poor, whom Pope Pius XI enrolled among the
saints.See Challoner,
MMP., p. 162. There is further interesting information in
the state papers which preserve a record of the examinations
of these two martyrs. See Catholic Record Society Publications,
vol. v, pp. 171—173 and cf. Pollen, Acts of English Martyrs, pp. 314--315.
One day in 1827 Father Joseph Cottolengo was called upon to give the last sacraments to a young Frenchwoman who had taken ill in the city of Turin, Italy, while en route back to France with her family. Amazed at the fact that this foreign woman was dying uncared for in a slum - the only place in which she could find lodging - Cottolengo learned that there was no institution in the whole city where emergency medical care could be obtained. Father Joseph was a great devotee of the needy of any sort. Whenever he saw that aid was necessary, he dropped everything else until provision had been made. In this case, he at once rented five rooms in a house to serve as an emergency hospital. A good local woman supplied some beds, a doctor and a pharmacist offered their services, and soon he had five patients under care. What proved the need of such an institution was the way that the hospital grew. As more rooms were added, Father Cottolengo gathered and organized a permanent nursing staff of men and women. He called the men the Brothers of St. Vincent. The women he formed into a nursing order of nuns, the Vincentian Sisters. This “Volta Rossa” hospital suffered a brief setback in 1831. A cholera epidemic broke out, and the city authorities, fearing that the hospital would become a breeding ground for the disease, shut it down. Canon Cottolengo kept his cool, and simply planned to move the hospital to other quarters. Meanwhile, his nurses took care of the cholera victims in their own homes. The place to which the hospital was
moved in 1832 was Valdocco, suburban to Turin. Not only did
the transplanted emergency hospital thrive in its new locale;
there soon sprang up alongside it a number of auxiliary institutions
called into being by additional human needs. There was a nursing
school, a building for epileptics, and others for deaf-mutes, the blind,
orphans, homeless kids, prostitutes, the aged, and the mentally retarded
(“My good boys and girls”, he affectionately termed his retarded
children.) In the end, he had a vast complex of charitable homes.
The most remarkable part of this “Little House of Divine Providence” is that the founder actually did leave the management completely in God's hands. He kept no books, no accounts. What he got he forthwith spent, never investing it as a cautionary or prudential measure. He even refused to put his center under royal patronage as a security, and would allow no endowments. Whenever a need arose, therefore, he trusted that the God who had allowed it to arise would provide funds to deal with it. 1922 Pandita Mary Ramabai ihr Werk leiten und den elenden Frauen Indiens helfen. Die von Pandita Ramabai ausgebildeten Lehrerinnen und Krankenpflegerinnen waren in Indien sehr angesehen und begehrt. 1904 gründete sie außerdem eine Bibelschule um Missionarinnen auszubilden. 1905 kam es zu einer Erweckung unter den Bewohnern, über 1.000 von ihnen ließen sich taufen. Bis zu ihrem Tod am 5.4.1922 konnte Pandita Ramabai ihr Werk leiten und den elenden Frauen Indiens helfen. |
||||||||||||||||
January
01 Saints
2nd v. St. Elvan
& Mydwyn;
Supposedly two Britons sent by King St. Lucius to Pope
St. Eleutherius (c. 174-189) to ask for missionaries. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
01
2nd v. St. Elvan & Mydwyn Apud Spolétum sancti Concórdii,
Presbyteri et Mártyris; qui, tempóribus
Antoníni Imperatóris, primo cæsus
fústibus, dehinc equúleo suspénsus,
ac póstea macerátus in cárcere,
ibíque Angélica visitatióne confortátus,
demum gládio vitam finívit.
3rd
v. St. Martina,
virgin
At Spoleto, in the time of Emperor Antoninus, St. Concordius, priest and martyr, who was beaten with clubs, then stretched on the rack, and after long confinement in prison, where he was visited by an angel, lost his life by the sword. 5th v. ST EUPHROSYNE,
VIRGIN; The Greeks call St Euphrosyne “Our
Mother”, and pay her great honour, but we have no
authentic accounts of her life. Her so-called history is
nothing but a replica of the story of St Pelagia, as narrated
for Western readers in the Vitae Patrum or in the Golden Legend,
a tale which struck the popular fancy and which, with slight
variations, adapted as an embellishment to the lives of St Marina,
St Apollinaris, St Theodora, etc.
400 St. Telemachus
an Eastern ascetic; martyred seperating
gladiators; he caused abolishing of contests379 St. Basil the Great, bishop, confessor, and doctor of the Church 510 St. Eugendus 4th abbot of Condat, near Geneva Switzerland. Also called Oyand, Eugendus was never ordained, but he was a noted Scripture scholar. 533 St. Fulgentius
Bishop of Ruspe, Tunisia friend of
St. Augustine; “A person may be endowed with the
gift of miracles, and yet may lose his soul. Miracles
insure not salvation; they may indeed procure esteem and applause;
but what will it avail a man to be esteemed on earth and afterwards
be delivered up to torments?”
540 St. Justin
of Chieti; A patron of Chieti, Italy
1713
St. Joseph
Mary Tomasi; Cardinal confessor of
Pope Clement XI {1649 1721}; He answered that the
days of actual physical martyrdom are over, and that
we are now in the days of hidden martyrdom, seen only by God;
the lesson of it all being trust in God; Even before his death
the sick were healed through touching his clothing, and when
the end had come cures multiplied round his bier. Bd Joseph Tommasi
was beatified in 1803.580 St. FELIX, BISHOP OF BOURGES; orthodox patriarchate; numerous cures are said obtained by those who drank water in which some of the dust of the old crumbling tomb slab had been mingled 837 St Peter of Atroa, Abbot; numerous miracles; undertook restoration of St Zachary’s and reorganization of 2 other monasteries he established, his own residence hermitage at Atroa; Iconoclast troubles began again and, the local bishop being an opponent of images, Peter judged it wise once more to disperse his monks to more remote houses; ninth-century Byzantine hagiography and for what it tells of monastic life during the Iconoclast troubles; moines de l’Olympe scanty ruins of St Peter’s monastery of St Zachary, and of numerous others, can still be seen. 1031 St William of Saint Benignus, Abbot; character was great zeal and firmness joined with tender affection for his subjects; did not hesitate to oppose, both by action and writings, the most powerful rulers of his time, like Emperor St Henry, Robert, King of France, and Pope John XIX, when he felt the cause of justice was at stake; In interests of the Cluniac reform he was constantly active, making many journeys and travelling as far as Rome. 1252 Bl. Berka Zdislava founded Dominican priory of St. Laurence Communion daily 1260 BD HUGOLINO OF GUALDO; entered the Order of the Hermits of St Augustine, and that somewhere about the year 1258 he took over a monastery in his native place, Gualdo in Umbria 1261 St. Bonfilius, confessor, one of the seven founders of the Order of the Servites of the Blessed Virgin Mary THE HOLY
NAME OF JESUS
1530 BD STEPHANA
QUINZANI, VIRGIN; third order of St Dominic,
she spent her time in nursing the sick and
relieving the poor until she was able herself to
found a convent at Soncino; performed many miracles
of healing and to have multiplied food and
money;3rd-4th v. St. Artaxus Martyr with Acutus & companions 304 Lichfield Martyrs in England during the persecution of Diocletian 305 commemoration of many holy martyrs, who preferred maryterdom to giving up Códices 3rd v. St. Isidore of Antioch bishop, martyred 320 St. Argeus martyr soldiers with brothers Narcissus and Marcellus at Tomi 379 St. Basil the Great vast learning and constant activity, genuine eloquence and immense charity Patron of hospital administrators 630 St. Blidulf Monk at Bobbio reformed the court and the area 730 Vincentian, Hermit (AC) (also known as Viance, Viants) A disciple of Saint Menelaus, who became a hermit in the diocese of Tulle (Auvergne) (Benedictines). 827 St. Adelard monk Charles Martel grandson King Pepin nephew Charlemagne 1st cousin 1146? BD AYRALD, Bishop of MAURIENNE; “Here lies Ayrald, a man of noble blood, monk of Portes, glory of pontiffs, a light of the Church, stay of the unfortunate, shining with goodness and unnumbered miracles.” 1604 Saint Juliana of Lazarevo (or Juliana of Murom)
1833 St. Seraphim of Sarov Russian
monk/mystic high honorific title of starets
Vision from Mary
1836 St. Caspar del Bufalo Various miracles many graces were obtained by his intercession 1. The Martyrdom of St. Ignatius, Patriarch of Antioch. COPTIC 2. The Departure of St. Philogonus, Patriarch of Antioch.COPTIC 3. The Birth of St. Takla Haymanot, the Ethiopian.COPTIC “The saints must be honored as friends of Christ and children and heirs of God, as John the theologian and evangelist says: ‘But as many as received him, he gave them the
power to be made the sons of God....’
Let us
carefully observe the manner of life of all
the apostles, martyrs, ascetics and just men who
announced the coming of the Lord. And let us emulate their
faith, charity, hope, zeal, life, patience under suffering,
and perseverance unto death, so that we may also share their
crowns of glory” (Exposition of the Orthodox Faith).
168 St. Daniel
Padua Martyr Jewish deacon
1953
Saint Ekvtime
(Euthymius) Taqaishvili, Georgia called
the “Man of God,”; From beginning of career he began
to collect historical-archaeological and ethnographical materials
from all over Georgia; including historiography, archaeology,
ethnography, epigraphy, numismatics, philology, folklore,
linguistics, and art history. Above all, St. Ekvtime strove
to learn more about Georgian history and culture by applying
the theories and methodologies of these various disciplines
to his work; after 10 years burial, his body, even his clothing and
footwear remained incorrupt.236 ST ANTHERUS, POPE AND MARTYR; the Liber Pontificalis states that he was put to death for obtaining copies of the official proceedings against the martyrs with the view of preserving them in the episcopal archives 284 St. Theopemptus bishop of Nicomedia/Theonas martyrs 320 The Martyr Gordius centurion for confessing the Name of Christ the Savior 303 St. Zosimus & Athanasius hermits tortured in Cilicia but survived 311 ST PETER BALSAM, MARTYR 320 St. Cyrinus Martyred soldier with Primus and Theogenes St. Florentius of Vienne Bishop and martyr of Vienne France, who attended the Council of Valence in 374. 512 St. Genevieve Paris averted Attila scourge by fasting/ prayer 660 St. Blitmund Monk of Bobbio disciple-St. Attalas companion-St. Valery St. Wenog Saint of Wales St. Narses Martyred bishop of Persia 8th v. ST BERTILIA OF MAREUIL, WIDOW Last Holy Prophetic book Malachi means "my messenger': probably anonymous
“The saints must be honored as friends
of Christ and children and heirs of God, as John
the theologian and evangelist says: ‘But as many as received him, he
gave them the power to be made the sons of God....’
Let us carefully observe the manner of life of all the apostles, martyrs, ascetics and just men who announced the coming of the Lord. And let us emulate their faith, charity, hope, zeal, life, patience under suffering, and perseverance unto death, so that we may also share their crowns of glory” (Exposition of the Orthodox Faith). God loves variety. He doesn't mass-produce his saints. Every saint is unique, for each is the result of a new idea. As the liturgy
says: Non est inventus similis illis--there are
no two exactly alike.
It is we with our lack of imagination,
who paint the same haloes on all the saints. Dear Lord, grant us a spirit that is not bound
by our own ideas and preferences.
God calls
each one of us to be a saint in order to get
into heavenGrant that we may be able to appreciate in others what we lack in ourselves. O Lord, grant that we may understand that every saint must be a unique praise of Your glory. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
04
1st
v. birthday of St.
Titus, consecrated bishop of Crete by the
apostle St. Paul; In the Christian New Testament,
Saint Titus, (a common Roman first name) was a companion of Paul
of Tarsus, mentioned in several of Paul's epistles, including
the Epistle to Titus. Titus was with Paul and Barnabas at Antioch
and accompanied them to the Council of Jerusalem, although his
name nowhere occurs in the Acts of the Apostles. 300 Saints Hermes,
Aggaeus, and Caius, martyrs, who suffered
under Emperor Maximian
4th v. Romæ sanctórum Mártyrum Prisci Presbyteri, et Priscilliáni Clérici, ac Benedíctæ, religiósæ féminæ; qui, témpore impiíssimi Juliáni, gládio martyrium complevérunt. At Rome, in the reign of the impious Julian, the holy martyrs Priscus, a priest, Priscillian, a cleric; and Benedicta, a religious woman, whose martyrdom was ended by the sword. 340 St. Anastasia Martyrdom of; Coptic -- visit those imprisoned for their faith ministered to them, comforted them, offered them whatever they needed; her husband shut her up in house placed guards over her; distributed wealth among poor and those in prison, confessors and strivers, for sake of the faith Commemoration of St. Juliana the Martyr. On this day also is the commemoration of St. Juliana the martyr.
539 ST GREGORY,
Bishop of Langres miracles recorded after
death; he seemed to give the preference to captives
arrested by the officers of human justice
745 St. Rigobert Benedictine archbishop of Reims; patient acceptance of all trials, love of retirement and prayer, miraculous cures attributed to him, gained him the repute of high sanctity. 740 St. Pharaildis A Flemish maiden a miracle worker 800 Theoktistos gründete im 8, Jahrhundert ein Kloster in Cucuma (Sizilien) und war auch dessen Leiter. In dem Kloster lebten vor allem griechische Mönche, die vor dem Bildersturm geflohen waren. Theoktistos starb 800.Orthodoxe Kirche: 4. January 1160 BD ROGER OF ELLANT sick and the suffering were the object of his particular care 1309 Bl. Angela
of Foligno Franciscan tertiary and mystic
Many miracles
1310 BD ORINGA, VIRGIN The Augustinians keep her feast on January 4 1570 Bl. Thomas
Plumtree English martyr
1821 St. ELIZABETH ANN SET0N (née Bayley). Born in New York City, 1774; married William Seton, 1794; widowed in 1803; received into the Catholic Church in 1805; made religious vows, 1809; died at Emmetsburg in Maryland, 4 January 1821. Mother Seton founded the American Sisters of Charity and was the first native-born American citizen to be beatified, in 1963. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton; At the suggestion of the president of St. Mary's College in Baltimore, Maryland, Elizabeth started a school in that city. She and two other young women, who helped her in her work, began plans for a Sisterhood. They established the first free Catholic school in America. 1897 Birthday of Thérèse de Lisieux (2 January 1873 Alençon, France – 30 September 1897). 1946 Fritz von Bodelschwingh; When Bodelschwingh got to know in May, 1940 from the euthanasia actions, he exerted himself vehement with the highest places against these people-despising measures, however, reached only to be stamped as a public enemy. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January 05
The fourth day of the Forefeast
of Theophany falls on January 5.
126 ST TELESPHORUS Pope in the time of Antoninus Pius, St. Telesphorus, pope, who, ad from his holy relics. St John Climacus speaks of this wonderful man in THE LADDER OF DIVINE ASCENT (Step 4:34). 592 St Simeon Stylites The Younger 820 Saint Gregory of Akrita (Sea of Marmora); led a life of piety on Seleukia; 12 years persecuted by Jews in Jerusalem; accomplished great ascetic deeds 868 St. Convoyon Benedictine abbot exiled by Norseman in Brittany 1004 St. Gaudentius Benedictine bishop friend of St. Adalbert 1066 In England, St. Edward, king and confessor, illustrious by the virtue of chastity and the gift of miracles 1170 St. Gerlac Dutch soldier/sailor Hermit correspondent with St. Hildegard 1236 St. Roger da Todi received the habit from St. Francis of Assisi 1368 St. Paula Camaldolese peaceful resolution to the feud between Florence and Pisa 1694 St. Romanus of Karpenisi Martyr monk on Mt. Athos; suffered for Christ at Constantinople, beheaded Turks 1860 St. Bd John Nepomucen Neumann.
Born in Bohemia, 1811; he was ordained priest
in New York City in 1836 and joined the Redemptorist
congregation; consecrated fourth bishop of Philadelphia
in 1852; he died there on 5 January 1860 Bd John
NEPOMUCEN NEUMANN. Born in Bohemia, 1811;
he was ordained priest in New York City in 1836 and
joined the Redemptorist congregation; consecrated fourth
bishop of Philadelphia in 1852; he died there on 5 January 1860.
Bishop Neumann, a naturalized American citizen, organized
Catholic schools into a diocesan system. He was beatified
in 1963.
fter many sufferings for the confession of
Christ, underwent a glorious martyrdom.303 Ss Theopemptus bishop in Nicomedia and Theonas Holy Martyrs; Theopemptus Speaking against idolatry, defended the faith in Christ became first victims of the Diocletian persecution. 305 Thebais In Egypt commemoration of many holy martyrs 400 St. Syncletica consecrated her virginity to God 550 St. Emiliana Mystic aunt of Pope St. Gregory the Great 6th v. Saint Menas
lived in asceticism 50 years in Sinai monastery; Myrrh flowe
St. Charles of Sezze a lay brother at Naziano 1893
Fr. Charles
of St. Andrew; the saint of Mount Argus; received by Blessed Dominic Barberi,
Passionist; Due to his poor mastery of the English language,
he was never a formal preacher and he never preached
missions. Rather he very successfully dedicated himself
to spiritual direction, especially through the sacrament
of Reconciliation (Confession). The fame of his virtue was
such that great crowds of people would gather at the monastery
to seek his blessing. There are also numerous testimonies to the
outstanding miraculous cures that he worked to the extent that
even during his lifetime he was known as a miracle worker.
3rd v. St. Martina, virgin Item Romæ, via Appia, corónæ sanctórum mílitum trigínta Mártyrum, sub Diocletiáno Imperatóre. In the same city, on the Appian Way, the crowning with martyrdom of thirty holy soldiers under Emperor Diocletian. Alban Butler informs us correctly that there was a chapel in Rome consecrated to her memory which was frequented with great devotion in the seventh century. We also may learn from him that her relics were discovered in a vault in the ruins of her old church, and translated in the year 1634 under Pope Urban VIII, who built. a new church in her honour and himself composed the hymns used in her office in the Roman Breviary. He adds further that the city of Rome ranks her amongst its particular patrons. 510 St. Eugendus 4th abbot of Condat, near Geneva Switzerland. Also called Oyand, Eugendus was never ordained, but he was a noted Scripture scholar. In the lives of the first abbots of Condat it is mentioned that the monastery, which was built by St Romanus of timber, being consumed by fire, St Eugendus rebuilt it of stone; and also that he built a handsome church in honour of SS. Peter, Paul and Andrew. His prayer was almost continual, and his devotion most ardent during his last illness. Having called the priest among his brethren to whom he had committed the office of anointing the sick, Eugendus caused him to anoint his breast according to the custom then prevalent, and he breathed forth his soul five days after, about the year 510, and of his age sixty-one.*{* The rich abbey of Saint-Claude gave rise to a considerable town built about it, which was made an episcopal see by Pope Benedict XIV in 1748, who, secularizing the monastery, converted it into a cathedral. The canons to gain admittance were required to give proof of their nobility for sixteen degrees, eight paternal and as many maternal.} 533 St. Fulgentius Bishop of Ruspe, Tunisia friend of St. Augustine; “A person may be endowed with the gift of miracles, and yet may lose his soul. Miracles insure not salvation; they may indeed procure esteem and applause; but what will it avail a man to be esteemed on earth and afterwards be delivered up to torments?” Born Fabius Claudius Gordianus Fulgentius of Carthage, he was a Roman of senatorial rank. His mother, widowed, opposed Fulgentius’ religious career, but he became a monk. He became abbot with Felix but had to flee the monastery in 499 when Vandals or Numidians invaded, going to Sicca Veneria. Retuming to the area, Fulgentius was named bishop of Ruspe, circa 508. King Thrasamund , an Arian, banished Fulgentius to Sardinia, Italy where he and other bishops were aided by Pope St. Symmachus. Fulgentius founded a monastery and wrote such eloquent defenses of orthodox Catholic doctrines that King Thrasamund returned him to his see, only to banish him again. In 523, Fulgentius returned to his see, where he set about rebuilding the faith. 660 ST CLARUS, ABBOT; many marvellous stories of the miracles he worked, *{* It is perhaps desirable to remind the reader once for all that only Almighty God can do miracles. The use of the above and similar expressions is permissible by custom, but in fact God does the miracle through the agency or at the intercession of the saint concerned.} patron of tailors. St. Clarus Abbot numerous miracles patron of tailors Clarus was born near Vienne, Dauphine', France. He became a monk at St. Ferreol Abbey and later was spiritual director of St. Blandina Convent, where his mother and sister were nuns. In time he became Abbot of St. Marcellus monastery at Vienne and lived there until his death on January 1. He is reputed to have performed numerous miracles, and his cult was confirmed in 1903 by Pope Pius X. He is the patron of tailors. 1031 St William of Saint Benignus, Abbot; character was great zeal and firmness joined with tender affection for his subjects; did not hesitate to oppose, both by action and writings, the most powerful rulers of his time, like Emperor St Henry, Robert, King of France, and Pope John XIX, when he felt the cause of justice was at stake; In interests of the Cluniac reform he was constantly active, making many journeys and travelling as far as Rome. 1048 St. Odilo monk at Cluny 5th abbot ecstacies great austerities inaugurated All Souls' Day. Though he was a friend of princes and popes, he was exceedingly gentle and kind and known throughout Christendom for his liberality to the needy. Odilo's concern for the people was also shown by the lavish help he gave during several famines, especially in 1006, when he sold Church treasures to feed the poor, and again from 1028-1033. 1252 Bl. Berka Zdislava founded Dominican priory of St. Laurence Communion daily; Zdislava had visions and ecstasies, and even in those days of infrequent communion she is said to have received the Blessed Sacrament almost daily. When she fell grievously ill she consoled her husband and children by saying that she hoped to help them more from the next world than she had ever been able to do in this. She died on January 1, 1252, was buried in the priory of St Laurence which she had founded, and is stated to have appeared to her husband in glory shortly after her death. This greatly strengthened him in his conversion from a life of worldliness. Pope Pius X approved the cult paid to her in her native country in 1907. The alleged connection of Bd Zdislava Berka with the third order of St Dominic remains somewhat of a problem, for the first formal rule for Dominican tertiaries of which we have knowledge belongs to a later date. 1713 St. Joseph
Mary Tomasi; Cardinal confessor of Pope
Clement XI {1649 1721}; He answered that the days of actual
physical martyrdom are over, and that we are now in the days
of hidden martyrdom, seen only by God; the lesson of it all
being trust in God; Even before his death the sick were healed
through touching his clothing, and when the end had come cures multiplied
round his bier. Bd Joseph Tommasi was beatified in 1803.
. Born the son of
the duke of Palermo, he became a member of the Theatine
Order. Sent to Rome, he became the confessor of Cardinal
Giovanni Francesco Albani, proving instrumental in convincing
the cardinal to accept elevation as pope in 1700
under pain of mortal sin. In return, the newly elected pontiff
forced Joseph to accept appointment as a cardinal. While he served
capably as a cardinal, his first preoccupation was as a brilliant
liturgical scholar who published some of his works under the
pseudonym J. M. Carus.Among his most notable contributions were:
Codices Sacramentorunz Nongentis Annis Vetustiores (1680),
including the Missale Gothicurn and the Missale Francorum; Responsalia
etA ntiphonaria Ronzanae Ecclesiae a Sancto Gregorio Magno Disposita
(1686); and the Antiqua Libri Missaruni Romanae Ecclesiae (1691).
Beatified in 1803, he was canonized in 1986 by Pope John
Paul II. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
06
210 In Africa commemorátio
plurimórum
sanctórum Mártyrum 287 St. Macra Virgin martyr of Reims France 4th v. St. Anastasius VIII Martyr at Syrmium St. Nilammon, anchoret 390 St. Gregory Nazianzen “the Theologian.” 511 St. Melani a monk helped draw up the canons of the Council of Orleans in 511 658 St. Diman Abbot-bishop Connor Ireland 986 St. Wiltrudis Widow Benedictine nun wife of Duke Berthold - Bavaria 1121 St. Erminold Benedictine abbot A large number of miracles are recorded at his tomb after death. 1150 ST GUARINUS, OR GUÉRIN, BISHOP of SI0N esteemed by St Bernard 1275 St Raymond of Pennafort canon of Barcelona Dominican, Archbishop 1358 BD GERTRUDE OF DELFT, VIRGIN stigmata knowledge of people’s thoughts, distant and future events 1373 St. Andrew Corsini regarded as a prophet and a thaumaturgus miracles were so multiplied at his death that Eugenius IV permitted a public cult immediately; Feast kept on February 04 1611 St. John de Ribera Archbishop Vice-roy of Valencia deported Moors Many miracles attributed his intercession 1925 BD RAPHAELA MARY, VIRGIN, FOUNDRESS OF THE HANDMAIDS OF THE SACRED HEART her answer to misery was, I see clearly that God wants me to submit to all that happens to me as if I saw Him there commanding it.” Bd Raphaela Mary 1937 Blessed André Bessette (b. 1845) expressed a saint’s faith by a lifelong devotion to St. Joseph. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
07
St. Felix & Januarius Martyrs
of Heraclea300 St. Clerus A Syrian deacon martyred at Antioch Turkey. 312 St. Lucian of Antioch Theologian scholar martyr praised by Sts. John Chrysostom and Jerome St. Crispins 1/ Pavia Lombardy 30 yrs 2/bishop w Pope St. Leo I Great. 4th v. St. Theodore of Egypt; Monk, disciple of St. Ammonius. 335-414 St. Nicetas of Remesiana Bishop Te Deum missionary friend of St. Paulinus of Nola who made fierce and barbarous nations humane and meek by preaching the Gospel to them. 680 Shiite saint Imam Hussein, grandson of Islam's Prophet Muhammad Known as Ashoura and observed by Shiites across the world, the 10th day of the lunar Muslim month of Muharram: the anniversary of the 7th century death in battle of one of Shiite Islam's most beloved saints. 77 St. Anastasius XVIII Archbishop Sens. He served the archdiocese from 968-977, started the cathedral, and promoted the monks of Saint-Pierre-le-Vin. His relics are in the monastic church. 1131 St. Canute Lavard Martyred nephew of St. Canute son of King Eric the Good. In Dánia sancti Canúti, Regis et Mártyris. In Denmark, St. Canute, king and martyr. 1225 St. Raymond of Peñafort Dominican Marian; sailed on water w/cloak; Patron of Canonists taught philosophy at 20-gratis. The brave religious of this Order devoted themselves to saving poor Christians captured by the Moors. St. Brannock Welsh monk famed for holiness and zeal who migrated to Devon, England. He founded a monastery at Braunton. 1593 Bl. Edward Waterson English convert; martyred He was born in London, England, and ordained in Reims, France. In 1592, he was returned to England to serve hidden Catholics. Edward was arrested the following year and executed at Newcastle. He was beatified in 1929. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January 08 The second day of the Afterfeast of Theophany. 175 St. Apollinaris appologist bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia 290 St. Lucian Martyred missionary with companions, Julian, /Maximian; relics were famous for miracles. 304 St. Carterius Priest martyr of Caesarea in Cappadocia. 400+? Saint Domnica came from Carthage to Constantinople By her miracles the saint moved inhabitants of the capital towards concerns about life eternal and the soul 491 St. Patiens Archbishop of Lyons, Gaul best known for his immense efforts at charitable work. He constantly gave aid and comfort to the poor, devoting the resources of the diocese to feed those left starving by the Gothic and Germanic invasions and to rebuilding and repairing burned and looted churches 425 St. Atticus Bishop converted opponent of St. John Chrysostom then called a "true successor of Chrysostom" by Pope St. Celestine I.
401
Anastasius I, Pope condemnation of Origen
Saint Jerome helped him in his own way Saints
Augustine and Paulinus of Nola praised his model of
sanctity (RM)
Romæ deposítio sancti Anastásii Papæ Primi, viri ditíssimæ paupertátis et apostólicæ sollicitúdinis, quem (ut ait sanctus Hierónymus) diu Roma habére non méruit, ne orbis caput sub tali Epíscopo truncarétur; nam, haud multo post ejus óbitum, Roma a Gothis capta et dirépta fuit. At Rome, the death of Pope St. Anastasius I, a man who was rich in his poverty and filled with apostolic zeal. St. Jerome says that Rome did not deserve to possess him long, lest the capital of the world should be devastated under so fine a bishop, for shortly after his death Rome was taken and sacked by the Goths. 482 St. Severinus Monk hermit founded Danube monasteries comfort to refugees /victims of Attila many miracles 5th v. St. Ergnad Irish nun who received the veil from St. Patrick. She followed the monastic tradition of performing prayer and penance in seclusion. 7v Saint George the Chozebite example in fasting, vigil and physical efforts lived as angel on the earth, died in peace Theophilus, deacon, and Helladius In Libya, the holy martyrs 673 St. Frodobert Benedictine abbot-founder monk, trained by St. Waldebert. He was a monk at Luxeuil, France. He founded MoutierlaCelle Abbey near Troyes. 686 St. Erhard Irish Bishop missionary to Bavaria baptized St Odilia, who, though born blind, recovered her sight on receiving the sacrament. 800 St. Albert Patron saint of Cashel English in Ireland and Bavaria 923 St. Athelm Benedictine Archbishop of Canterbury uncle of St. Dunstan 1002 St. Wulsin Benedictine bishop monk St. Dunstan disciple abbot of Westminster 1285 St. Thorfinn miracles reported at his tomb 50 yrs after death St. Theophilus deacon & Helladius a layman martyrs in Libya 1309 Blessed Angela of Foligno dedicated to prayer and works of charity; her Book of Visions and Instructions Angela the title "Teacher of Theologians." She was beatified in 1693. 1456 St. Lawrence Justinian first Patriarch of Venice the death of; Eminent for learning, and abundantly filled with the heavenly gifts of divine wisdom the 5th of September, on which day he ascended the pontifical throne. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
09
391 ST
PETER, Bishop OF SEBASTEA; In this family three brothers were at the same
time eminently holy bishops, St Basil, St Gregory of Nyssa and St Peter
of Sebastea; their eldest sister, St Macrina, was the spiritual mother
of many saints and excellent doctors; and their father and mother, St
Basil the Elder and St Emmelia, were banished for their faith in the reign
of the Emperor Galerius Maximian, and fled into the deserts of Pontus.
Finally, the grandmother was the celebrated St Macrina
the Elder, who was instructed in the science of salvation
by St Gregory Thaumaturgus. 731
St. Brithwald
Benedictine Archbishop of Canterbury from
692 until 37
years; friendly relations with St Aldhelm, St
Boniface and other prominent and holy ecclesiastics; letter
written to Berhtwald by Waldhere, Bishop of London, is the first
extant letter from one Englishman to another
8th v. St. Foellan
Irishman with his mother to Scotland became
monk; missionary1569 Saint Philip, Metropolitan of Moscow 1622 Bl. Alix Le Clercq nun founded Augustinian Canonesses Congregation of Our Lady from Rome 1975 St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer God showed him his specific mission: he was to found Opus Dei. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
10
Pope
Francis PRAYER
INTENTIONS
FOR January 2018
Religious Minorities in Asia That Christians and other religious minorities in Asian countries may be able to practice their faith in full freedom. Please pray for those who
have no one to pray for
them.
January 10, 2017
St John has appeared many times in
the history of the Church:
from the third century,
to Gregory the Thaumaturges to St Andrew the bishop
in the Blachernes Church of Constantinople to St Catherine of
Siena and Saint John of God, to Pope Celestine V (1215-1296),
Ferdinand of Portugal (1402-1443), and a young Cistercian called
Saint Bernard, to Flodoard of Reims (c.893-966) to Gherardesca
Pisa (d. 1269), to Mary Picard Amice (May 19 1634), to Saint
Seraphim of Sarov (d. 1833), to Knock in Ireland August 21, 1879,
and to Heroldsbach (1949-1952)."If
I want him to stay behind till I come, what does it
matter to you?"
Christ had
prophesied in response to Peter about John, who lived
to a very old age and was the last living Apostle. The Gospel
tells that by correcting him "the rumour then went out among the brothers
that this disciple would not die."
John finally died in Ephesus, during
the reign of Trajan, according to Saint Irenaeus, i.e. after
the year AD.104; he was almost 100 years old. His tomb
is still venerated in Ephesus at the Basilica of Saint John.St. Nicanor Early martyr 1/7 deacons of Jerusalem St. Paul,
the first hermit who lived alone in the desert
from the sixteenth to the one hundred and thirteenth year
of his age. His soul was seen by St. Anthony carried
by angels among the choirs of apostles and prophets.
His feast is kept on the 15th of this month.
395 St. Gregory
of Nyssa {lower Armenia where Nathaniel
was martyred} 385 Saint Theosebia the Deaconess; virgin served the Holy Church caring for the sick, distributing food to vagrants, raising orphans and preparing women for holy Baptism; sister of Sts Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, and Peter, Bishop of Sebaste January 10 (Eastern Christianity, Lutheranism) Catholic, March 9 601 Saint Dometian, Bishop of Melitene Armenia miracles glorified by God 660 St. Saethryth Benedictine abbess 660 St. Thomian Armagh Archbishop 660 St. John Camillus the Good Bishop of Milan 681 Pope St. Agatho 678-681 a holy death, concluded a life remarkable for sanctity and learning. 987 St. Peter Orsini Venetian Admiral Benedictine hermit 1209 St. William of Bourges canon monk Cistercian many miracles deaf, dumb, blind, the mentally ill became sound. The stone of his tomb in the Cathedral Church of Bourges cured mortal wounds and illnesses and delivered possessed persons; the deaf and dumb, the blind, the mentally ill became sound. So many miracles occurred there that the monks could not record them all, and he was canonized nine years after his death, in 1218, by Pope Honorius III. 1276 Teobaldo Visconti Pope St. Gregory X 1210-1276; Arriving in Rome in March, he was first ordained priest, then consecrated bishop, and crowned on the 27th of the same month, in 1272. He took the name of Gregory X, and to procure the most effectual succour for the Holy Land he called a general council to meet at Lyons. This fourteenth general council, the second of Lyons, was opened in May 1274. Among those assembled were St Albert the Great and St Philip Benizi; St Thomas Aquinas died on his way thither, and St Bonaventure died at the council. In the fourth session the Greek legates on behalf of the Eastern emperor and patriarch restored communion between the Byzantine church and the Holy See.; miraculous cures performed by him 1429 Saint Paul
of Obnora famed disciple of St Sergius of Radonezh;
spent years as a hermit;
His final words were, "Brethren,
have love one for another and keep to the rule of the monastic community.";
died at 112;
15th
v. Saint Macarius
of Pisma and Kostroma A fellow ascetic of St Paul
of Obnora. In the second half of the 15th century, he founded
the Makariev Transfiguration monastery at the River Pisma
on the outskirts of Kostroma.1882 Saint Antipas of Romania; came to Valaam Monastery from Mt Athos 1865; spent rest of life in the skete at Valaam, living like a hermit. Blessed with the gift of clairvoyance 1884 Alphonse Ratisbonne With Theodore elder brother Theodore, he founded the Congregation of Our Lady of Zion. January 10 - Our Lady of the Guides (Constantinople, 1570) The Incarnation of the Human Values Necessary to My Life A German Catholic priest told that one day he saw a painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary hanging in place of honor in the cabinet of Field Marshal Hindenburg. As the priest did not hide his surprise, Hindenburg (who was a Lutheran) said, "I see in the Blessed Virgin the incarnation of the human values necessary to my life." Théodor Ratisbonne published a biography of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, A Life of St. Bernard, in 1841. During a visit to Rome the following year, this work drew the admiration of Pope Gregory XVI, for which the Pope made him a Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester in recognition of his contribution to the Catholic faith. Ratisbonne was still very conscious of his Jewish roots and how his heritage was the basis for his faith as a Catholic. He wanted to work to help other Jews who would embrace Christianity. After his own sudden conversion, Alphonse had proposed to his brother the founding of schools for providing a Christian education to Jewish children. The Pope gave his blessing and authorization for this mission. The first concrete step was accomplished with his founding of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion in 1847, the first members being two Jewish sisters who converted to Catholicism and committed themselves to the education of Jewish children in a Christian setting. Not long after Alphonse's ordination in 1850 as a Jesuit priest, he left his Order to join his brother in their shared vision. In 1852 Theodore and Alphonse led the small community of men who had gathered to share in the work to form a new congregation, the male branch of the Congregation of Our Lady of Sion. The Ratisbonne brothers obtained permission to work as missionaries in Jerusalem. There Alphonse went to establish a convent for the Sisters to carry out their mission in the heart of the Jewish homeland. The Sisters arrived in Jerusalem in 1856, while he sought to purchase the ruined Church of Ecce Homo to serve as their home. The Sisters then devoted their lives to hastening the "fulfilment of the promises concerning the Jews and the Gentiles" while avoiding all proselytism through the education of girls regardless of creed. Ratisbonne's directive was: "Remain firm in your own faith without attempting to impose it on others." The esteem Ratisbonne received from Pope Gregory was shared by his successors. He was honored repeatedly by Pope Pius IX and was named a Protonotary Apostolic by Pope Leo XIII. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
11
137-140
St. Hyginus,
Pope Greek confront Gnostic heresy 180 St. Leucius Bishop of Brindisi a missionary from Alexandria St. Salvius martyr in Roman Africa St. Alexander Bishop of Fermo 250 St. Alexander "The charcoal burner" Bishop of Comana, in Pontus martyr Item Romæ natális sancti Melchíadis, Papæ et Mártyris; qui multa, in persecutióne Maximiáni, passus est, atque, réddita Ecclésiæ pace, quiévit in Dómino. Ipsíus autem festívitas quarto Idus Decémbris celebrátur. Also at Rome, the birthday of St. Melchiades, who, having suffered much in the persecution of Maximian, went to his rest in the Lord after peace returned to the Church. His feast day is on the 10th of December. St. Ethenea and Fidelmia 2/of 1st converts- St. Patrick 500 St. Honorata Nun at Pavia ransomed by brother St. Epiphanus 529 St. Theodosius the Cenobiarch Abbot founder various nationalities of monks 570 St. Anastasius X Benedictine abbot angel summoned him and monks to heaven Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
12
6th_day_Afterfeast_
of_Theophany The
sixth day of the Afterfeast of Theophany falls on January
12. Divine grace shines forth so that we might be freed from the power of the devil, and cleansed of our sins in Baptism. St. Tatiana Martyr during the reign of Emperor Alexander Severus St. Arcadius Martyr "Invent what torments you please; but know that nothing shall make me a traitor to my God" the document belongs rather to the category of historical romances. The Holy Martyr Mertius soldier suffered for Christ in Africa during Diocletian (284-305) The Holy Martyr Peter Apselamos refusing to offer sacrifice to lifeless idols," 393 Saint Eupraxia the Elder was the mother of St Eupraxia, 404-405 Sts. Tigrius & Eutropius suffered as a result of their support of St. John Chrysostom 494 St. John of Ravenna saved his people from the fury of Attila the Hun 529 St. Caesaria sister of Bishop St. Caesarius of Arles St. Martina early venerated at Rome St. Zoticus Member of a group of martyrs soldiers about fifty 558 St. Victorian of Asan Abbot Italy native founded Asan monastery {San Victorian} his miracles and his great reputation as a teacher of monastic observance. 625 St. Salvius bishop of Amiens, France a martyr 690 St. Benedict Biscop an English monastic founder; five pilgrimages to Rome; SS Peter and Paul monasteries became the best-equipped in England, and St Benedict’s purchase of books was of special significance, for it made possible the work of the Venerable Bede; On his return to England, Benedict introduced, whenever he could, the religious rites as he saw them practised in Rome; first to introduce into England the building of stone churches and the art of making glass windows; Pope Vitalian sent him and the monk Adrian as advisers with Theodore, the newly appointed Archbishop of Canterbury 762 St. Ephesus Martyrs 42 monks death by Byzantine Emperor Constantine V for opposing Iconoclasts. 1167 January 12,l - Saint Aelred of Rievaulx, Abbot (England, 1110-1167) 1237 Saint Sava, First Archbishop of Serbia 1455 Saint Martinian of White Lake 1700 St. Marguerite Bourgeoys; Children from European as well as Native American backgrounds in seventeenth-century Canada benefited from her great zeal and unshakable trust in God’s providence. 1737 Bl. Vincent de Cunha Vietnam Jesuit martyr 1737 Bl. Bartholomew Alvarez Jesuit martyr Portuguese Sent to Tonking 1737 Bl. John Gaspard Cratz Jesuit martyr in China. 1892 St. Anthony Mary Pucci Servite priest caring for sick poor pioneering Holy Childhood Society Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
13
Octáva Epiphaníæ Domini. The Octave of the Epiphany of our Lord. 530 St. Remigius or Remi, Bishop of Rheims extraordinary gift of miracles 927 Berno of Cluny 1st abbot of renowned of Clunymonastery OSB, Abbot 1127 BD GODFREY
OF KAPPENBERG belongs to the category of those
youthful saints who spent the few years of their life on
earth in making preparation for Heaven. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
14
(516-445) In Judæa sancti Malachíæ
Prophétæ. In Judea, St. Malachy, prophet.
Malachi means My Messenger 368 Sancti Hilárii, Epíscopi Pictaviénsis, Confessóris et Ecclésiæ Doctóris; qui prídie hujus diéi evolávit in cælum. 400 Saint Theodulus son of St Nilus the Faster Lord saved boy through prayers of his father 664 St. Deusdedit first Anglo-Saxon primate of England Benedictine archbishop of Canterbury 1200 BD ODO OF NOVARA many miracles both during life and death, it horrified him to think that people should attribute to him any supernatural power. 1237 BD ROGER OF TODI received the habit of the Friars Minor from the hands of the Seraphic Father himself in 1216, appointed by St Francis to act as spiritual director to community of Bd Philippa Mareri at Rieti in Umbria under rule of St Clare, assisted Philippa on her deathbed in 1236; he died January 5, 1237. 1892 ST ANTONY PUCCI a member of a religious order, the Servants of Mary, spent most of his life and achieved holiness as a parish priest and miracles of healing took place at his grave Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
15
In Judæa sanctórum
Hábacuc et Michǽæ Prophetárum, quorum
corpora, sub Theodósio senióre, divína
revelatióne sunt repérta. In Judea, the holy prophets Habakkuk and Micah, whose bodies were found by divine revelation in the days of Theodosius the Elder. 404 ST ISIDORE OF ALEXANDRIA governor of the great hospital at Alexandria 450 St. John Calabytes Hermit (at 12) lived unknown in a small hut famous for prayers penances He sanctified his soul by wonderful patience, meekness and prayer. The legend of Calybites has either originated from, or been confused with, those of St Alexis, St Onesimus, and one or two others in which the same idea recurs of a disguise long persisted in. 510 Saint Maurus was the first disciple of St. Benedict of Nursia 511 St. Eugyppius African priest of Rome companion of St. Severinus of Noricum 570 St. Ita virgin founded a community of women dedicated to God extravagant miracles attributed 6th v. St. Lleudadd Welsh abbot, companion of St. Cadfan to Brittany 600 St. Tarsicia Virgin hermit granddaughter of the Frankish king Clotaire I 1208 Bl. Peter of Castelnau Martyred Cistercian papal legate and inquisitor St. Teath may also be St. Ita 1648 Bl. Frances de Capillas The Proto martyr of China Dominican missionary 1909 Bl. Arnold Jansen Founder of the Society of the Divine Word Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
16
42
The Veneration
of the Honorable Chains of the Holy and All-Praised
Apostle Peter98 ST PRISCILLA, MATRON the mother of the senator St Pudens, and through him, the ancestress of SS. Praxedis and Pudentiana. St Peter, the apostle, is believed to have used a villa belonging to St Priscilla on the Via Salaria, beneath which the catacomb was afterwards excavated, as the seat of his activities in Rome 309 Marcellus I, Pope M (RM) reorganized Church in Rome Romæ sanctæ Priscíllæ,
quæ se súaque pio Mártyrum obséquio
mancipávit.
At Rome,
St. Priscilla,
who devoted herself and her goods to the service of the
martyrs.385 St. Melas Bishop of Rhinocolura, near the boundary between Egypt and Palestine on the Mediterranean Sea. He was cruelly abused and imprisoned by the Arian heretics. 429 James of Tarentaise B (AC) 429 Honoratus of Arles archbishop blessedly joyful B (RM) 5th v. St. Liberata Virgin sister of St. Honorata and St. Epiphanius of Pavia, Italy. 633 St. Fulgentius Bishop in Spain brother of Sts'. Isidore St. Leander and St. Florentina 648 St. Fursey Irish monastic founder brother of Sts. Foillan and Ulan intense ecstasies 650 St. Titian Bishop 30 yrs in outlying regions near Venice 670 St. Ferreolus bishop of Grenoble BM Karantoc same as Saint Carantog (Carantoc) (Benedictines). 1127 St. Henry of Cocket Danish hermit gifts of prophecy telekinesis read souls 1145 Blessed Conrad martyred abbot of Mondsee 1220 ST HENRY OF COCKET THE Danes were indebted in part for the light of faith, under God, to the example and labours of English missionaries. Henry was born in that country, and from his youth gave himself to the divine service with his whole heart. 1220 Berard, Peter, Otto, first martyrs of Franciscan order 1259 Blessed Gundisalvus of Amarante miracles appears 40 yrs after death Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
17
155? SS. SPEUSIPPUS,
ELEUSIPPUS AND MELEUSIPPUS, MARTYRS Romæ Invéntio sanctórum Mártyrum Diodóri Presbyteri, Mariáni Diáconi, et Sociórum; qui, sancto Stéphano Papa Ecclésiam Dei regénte, martyrium Kaléndis Decémbris sunt assecúti. At Rome, the finding of the holy martyrs Diodorus, priest, and Marian, deacon, and their companions. They suffered martyrdom on the 1st of December during the pontificate of Pope St. Stephen. 356 St. Anthony the Abbot miraculous healings Faith comes from God rhetoric from humans 377 ST JULIAN SABAS “In the district of Edessa, in Mesopotamia (the commemoration) of St Julian, the hermit, called Sabas, who, when the Catholic faith at Antioch had almost died out in the time of the Emperor Valens, restored it again by the power of his miracles”. 4 th v. St. Achillas Hermit in Egypt with Amoes "the Flowers of the Desert" by the Greek Church Blessed Gonzalo de Amarante Dominican priest 395 St. Pior Hermit disciple of St. Anthony in Egypt 420 Sabinus of Piacenza B (RM); feast day formerly December 11. Bishop Saint Sabinus of Piacenza was a close friend of Saint Ambrose, who used to send him his writings for editing. 624 St. Sulpicius Bishop of Bourges in austerities holiness devoted to the poor 715 ST RICHIMIR, ABBOT selected a place called later Saint-Rigomer-des-Bois. There he built a church in honour of the Apostles, and founded a monastery over which he ruled as abbot till his death 6th v. St. Nennius 1 of the 12 Apostles of Ireland disciple of St. Finian 676 St. Mildgytha Benedictine nun, daughter of St. Ermenburga 1220 St. Berard and Companions prompted Anthony of Padua a young Augustinian canon to join the Franciscans 1329 BD ROSELINE, VIRGIN holy Carthusian nun frequent visions and ecstasies, and possessed an extraordinary gift of reading the hearts of all who came to her. Her body was indescribably beautiful after death, and no sign of rigidity or corruption appeared in it. Five years afterwards it was still perfectly preserved, and the ecclesiastic who presided at the them enucleated and kept in a reliquary apart. The body was still quite entire a hundred years later, and the eyes had neither shrivelled nor decayed as late as 1644. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
18
Saints_Athanasius_and_Cyril.jpgST PETER’S CHAIR AT ROME 250 St. Ammonius and a fellow soldier Moseus Martyrs Ibídem sancti Athenógenis, antíqui Theólogi, qui, per ignem consummatúrus martyrium, hymnum lætus cécinit, quem et discípulis scriptum relíquit. In the same country, St. Athenogenes, an aged divine, who, on the point of being martyred by fire, joyfully sang a hymn, which he left in writing to his disciples. 388 Saint Marcian of Cyrrhus gift of wonderworking many miracles on behalf of the brethren 496 St. Volusian Bishop of Tours France A senator 593 St. Leobard Hermit disciple of St. Gregory of Tours 580 Sts Faustina and Liberata sisters founded convent of Santa Margarita in Como Paul & 36 Christian Soldiers evangelized Egypt 1028 St. Ulfrid Missionary martyr from England great learning and virtue 1270 St. Margaret, virgin, from the royal family of Arpad, and a nun of the Order of St. Dominic 1670 St. Charles of Sezze Franciscan Pope Clement IX called Charles to his bedside for a blessing 1890 St. Vincenza Mary Lopez y Vicuna Foundress of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate 1937 St Jaime Hilario Barbal, religious Brother teaching the poor executed during the Spanish Civil War: "The day you learn to surrender yourself totally to God, you will discover a new world, just as I am experiencing. You will enjoy a peace and a calm unknown, surpassing even the happiest days of your life." “To die for Christ, my young friends, is to live.” Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
19
Ascetical struggles and unceasing prayer a pillar of fire would rise up into the sky at night above his place of refuge. During the day, the grace of God was made manifest by a fragrant cloud of smoke, gifts of clairvoyance and wonderworking from God European Jesuit Martyrs European Martyrs of the Society of Jesus (memorial) 1st v. Marius wife Martha, their sons Audifax and Habbakuk, noble Persians, who came to Rome through devotion in the time of Emperor Claudius St. Paul, Gerontius and Companions martyrs of Africa 156 St. Germanicus Martyr of Smyrna 169 St. Pontianus martyred at Spoleto 250 St. Fabian Roman layman a dove settled on his head 772 St. Remigius Bishop of Rouen introduction Roman rite into Gallic {French Church} 1095 St. Wulfstan Bishop reformer died while daily ritual wash feet of 12 poor men 1086 St. Canute IV Martyred king of Denmark 1157 St. Henry of Sweden an Englishman Bishop of Uppsala residing at Rome miracles at tomb St. Fillan monk hermit abbot reknowned for his most extravagant miracles 1392 Blessed Theodore of Novgorod possessed gift of clairvoyance; spend his time in unceasing prayer 1457 Saint Mark Eugenikos, Archbishop of Ephesus admired and honored by all 1652 Saint Sava of Storozhev and Zvenigorod Today we commemorate opening of incorrupt relics of 1485 BD ANDREW OF PESCHIERA Some miracles attributed are of a rather extravagant character Saint
Macarius the Faster of the Near Caves of Kiev was
a deacon
1667 BD BERNARD
OF CORLEON extraordinary graces levitations,
and of prophecies and miracles innumerable.
1670 ST CHARLES OF SEZZE extreme simplicity, company was sought by cardinals and other eminent ecclesiastics 1700 BD MARGARET BOURGEOYS, VIRGIN, FOUNDRESS OF THE CONGREGATION OF NOTRE DAME OF MONTREAL 1924 Saint Joseph Sebastian Pelczar; Bishop of Przemysl in 1900 until his death in 1924. He made frequent visits to the parishes, supported the religious orders, conducted three synods, and worked for the education and religious formation of his priests. He encouraged devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, Eucharistic devotions, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Virgin Mary. He built and restored churches, built nurseries, kitchens, homeless shelters, schools for the poor, and gave tuition assistance to poor seminarians. He worked for the implentation of the social doctrine described in the writings of Pope Leo XIII. He left behind a large body of work including books, pastoral letters, sermons, addresses, prayers and other writings. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
20
477 St. Euthymius monk
bishop sixty-six years in the desert
Inna, Pinna and Rimma Holy Martyrs disciples of the holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called 250 St. Fabian layperson dove descended this stranger was elected Pope able built Church of Rome 250 St Fabian, Pope M (RM) succeeded Saint Antheros as pope and governed as bishop of Rome for 14 peaceful years 286 St. Sebastian an officer in imperial bodyguard secretly done many acts of love and charity for brethren in the Faith. 303 Bassus, Eusebius, Eutychius and Basilides Holy Martyrs witnessed Bishop Theopemptus of Nicomedia 310 St. Neophytus Martyr martyr at 15 in Nicaea Schemamonk Euthymius of the Kiev Caves St Laurence incorrupt relics lie in the Far Caves of the Kiev Caves Lavra. 1194 Blessed Didier 33rd bishop of Thérouanne founder of the Cistercian abbey 1232 Blessed Daniel of Cambron Cistercian abbot 1468 St. Eustochium Calafato Foundress and Poor Clare love of Jesus in poverty and penance was outstanding 1670 St. Charles of Sezze 17th-century successor to Brother Juniper 1782 The Holy New Martyr Zachariah Peloponnesos in Greece Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
21
112 Publius
of Malta prefect host to Saint Paul BM
(RM). Zacchaeus the tax-collector he "sought to see who Jesus was" (Luke 19:3). 258 The holy Virgin Martyr Agnes Many miracles occurred at the grave relics rest in the church built in her honor, along the Via Nomentana born at Rome during the third century. Holy_Martyr_Eugene & others 284-311 Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia 1236-1325 Sultan-Ul-Mashaikh Hazrat Khwaja Syed Nizamuddin Aulia, affectionately known as Mehboob-i Elahi or "Beloved of God". Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki renowned Muslim Sufi saint scholar miracles in the Chishti Order from Delhi, India. He was the disciple and spiritual successor (khalifa) Moinuddin Chishti as head of the Chishti Order. His most famous disciple and spiritual successor was Fariduddin Ganjshakar. More Here Baba Sheikh Farid Ji was a great Sufi saint On the banks of the river Sutlej at a place called Pak Pattan, tamerlane horses suddenly stopped. The horsement whipped their animals. The stallions started bleeding but refused to move further voice came from somewhere and called, "Baba Farid, the King of Kings" More Here 861 St. Meinrad martyr hermit founder of the Benedictine abbey of Einsiedeln Blessed Inez practiced severe austerities prophesies Augustinian hermitesses at Beniganim taking the name Sister Josepha Maria of St. Agnes. 978 Maccallin of Waulsort hermit founded Saint Michael's monastery at Thiérache OSB, Abbot (AC) 1556 Saint Maximus the Greek translate patristic and liturgical books into Slavonic translated St John Chrysostom's Commentaries on the Gospels of Matthew and John 1586 Blessed Edward Stransham priest five years martyred at Tyburn M (AC) 1642 St. Alban Bartholomew Roe Missionary martyr 1/40 of England and Wales 1642 Blessed Thomas Reynolds priest for nearly 50 years M (AC) 1696 Blessed Inés de Beniganim barefoot Augustinian hermits OSA Disc., V (AC) St. Maccalin Benedictine abbot of St. Michael's at Thierache Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
22
383 St. Blaesilla
Widow of Rome; St. Blaesilla herself
began to study Hebrew, and it was at her request that St.
Jerome began his translation of the book of Ecclesiasts.Monk Martyr Anastasius, Deacon of the Kiev Caves Holy martyrs of Christ one of 377 Christians captured in Thrace by Bulgars 410 Saint Gaudentius, Bishop of Brescia from 387 successor of the writer on heresies, St. Philastrius 628 St. Anastasius XIV Martyr a Persian called Magundat monk in Jerusalem 680 Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad 1745 St. Francis Gil de Frederich Dominican martyr Tonkin, China, & Vietnam 1745 St. Matthew Alonso Leziniana Dominican martyr of Vietnam 1850 St.
Vincent
Pallotti Priest spent huge sums for the poor/underprivileged
Founder of The Society of Catholic Apostolate the
motto of founder St. Vincent Pallotti, “The Love of Christ urges
us on!” St Vincent foresaw all
Catholic Action, even its name, said Pius XI; and Cardinal Pellegrinetti
added,
“He did all that he could; as for what he
couldn’t do—well, he did that too.”
Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
23
98 St. Parmenas
1/7 deacons appointed by Apostles minister to
Hellenized Jews of Jerusalem 287 St. Asclas Martyr concerning Arrian governor of Egypt 304 St. Emerentiana Martyr of Rome 309 St. Agathangelus Martyr baptized by St. Clement of Ancyra died with him 4th v. St. Eusebius Syrian hermit 356 St. Amasius Bishop of Teano exile involved in the Arian persecution of his era 6th v. Martyrius of Valeria hermit -- Gregory the Great extols in his Dialogues (Dial. I, II) 667 St. Ildephonsus Archbishop Blessed Virgin devotion Our Lady's appearance present him with a chalice; prolific writer 702 St. Colman of Lismore Abbot bishop monastery of Lismore 841 St. Barnard Benedictine archbishop founder member of the court of Charlemagne 1266
Baba
Sheikh Farid Ji On the banks of the river Sutlej
at a place called Pak Pattan (Province Punjab, also known as
the city of saints), tamerlane horses (1398) suddenly stopped.
The horsement whipped their animals. The stallions started bleeding
but refused to move further voice came from somewhere and called,
"Baba Farid, the King of Kings"
1366 St. Henry
Suso, Blessed Famed German Dominican mystic 1275 ST RAYMUND OF Peñafort. St. Maimbod Irish martyr 1505 Blessed Margaret of Ravenna patience and humility 1918 Blessed Mother Marianne Cope of Molokai faced everything with unflinching courage smiling sweetly through all Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
24
97 ST TIMOTHY,
BISHOP AND MARTYRApud Ephesum sancti Timóthei, qui fuit discípulus beáti Pauli Apóstoli; atque, ab eódem Ephesi ordinátus Epíscopus, ibi, post multos pro Christo agónes, cum Diánæ immolántes argúeret, lapídibus óbrutus est, ac paulo post obdormívit in Dómino. At Ephesus, St. Timothy, disciple of the apostle St. Paul, who ordained him bishop of that city. After many labours for Christ, he was stoned for rebuking those who offered sacrifices to Diana, and shortly after went peacefully to his rest in the Lord. 254 ST FELICIAN, Bishop OF FOLIGNO, MARTYR is also regarded as the original apostle of Umbria; the earliest trace of the use of the pallium is met with in the account of the episcopal consecration of this saint 268 St. Zama 1st recorded bishop of Bologna 4th v. St. Guasacht Bishop of Longford or Granard 396 St. Artemius Bishop imperial legate 430 ST MACEDONIUS;
Theodoret relates many
miraculous cures of sick persons, and of his own mother
among them, wrought by water over which Macedonius had made
the sign of the cross. He adds that his own birth was the effect
of the anchoret’s prayers after his mother had lived childless
in marriage thirteen years
1397 BD MARCOLINO
OF FORLI; qualities most remarked
were exact observance of rule, love of poverty and obedience,
especially a spirit of great humility, supreme contentment
undertaking lowliest and most menial offices; practised rigorous
bodily penance; lover of the poor and little children; favoured
with continual ecstasies
1622
St. Francis
de Sales converted 40,000 Calvinists back to Catholicism
1622 St Francis De Sales, Bishop Of Geneva And Doctor Of The Church, Co-Founder Of The Order Of The Visitation 1679 Bl. William Ireland Jesuit English martyr for supposed complicity in the Popish Plot 1697 Bl. John Grove English martyr alleged in the Titus Oates plot Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
25
Conversion
of St. Paul; Convérsio sancti Pauli Apóstoli,
quæ fuit anno secúndo ab Ascensióne Domini.The conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, which occurred in the second year after the Ascension of our Lord. 1st v St. Ananias II the birthday of; Missionary; martyr; Feb 25 feast day; patron of St. Paul; 363 St. Juventius & Maximus Martyred imperial guards to Emperor Julian the Apostate 380 St. Bretannion Bishop of Tomi Romania Black Sea 380
ST PUBLIUS,
ABBOT; sold his estate
and goods for benefit of poor; he added every day something to
his exercises of penance and devotion; remarkably earnest in avoiding
sloth, being sensible of inestimable value of time.
6th v. St. Maurus With Placid, Benedictines, disciples of St. Benedict 660 St. Racho First Bishop of Autun, France 676 St. Amarinus bishop of Clermont Benedictine martyr 676 ST PRAEJECTUS, or PRIX, BISHOP OF CLERMONT, MARTYR; many miracles immediately afterwards recorded at his tomb 1048 ST POPPO, ABBOT; visited Jerusalem holy places brought many relics, enriched church of our Lady at Deynze; St. Dwynwen she is A Welsh saint “Nothing wins hearts like cheerfulness.” 1366 St. Peter Thomas Carmelite Latin patriarch and papal legate Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
26
St. Timothy
Born at Lystra, Lycaenia son of a Greek father and
Eunice a converted Jewess 96 St. Titus disciple companion of St. Paul "my true child in our common faith" 69-155 St. Polycarp of Smyrna Bishop of Smyrna Feast day February 25th Sts. Timothy and Titus 262 St. Theogenes Bishop of Hippo Regius in Africa 255 until 262 He attended the Synod of Carthage; defended the Unity of Baptism 404 St. Paula patroness of widows children Toxotius Blesilla Paulina Eustochium and Rufina 648 St. Conan bishop of Ireland taught St. Fiacre 690 St. Theofrid Abbot Benedictine bishop of Corbie 700 St. Thordgith Benedictine nun at the abbey of Barking 925 St. Ansurius Bishop Benedictine monk founder 1109 St. Alberic Hermit co-founder of the great Cistercian Order more familiarly known as the Trappists 1159 St. Robert of Newminster Cistercian abbot helped found Newminster Abbey, Northumberland, its first abbot. 1188 St. Eystein Erlandsson B (RM) 1270 St Margaret Of Hungary Virgin Dominican novice at twelve shortened her life by austerities St. Athanasius Bishop honored in Sorrento Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
27
Whereas in the Lord's Prayer,
we are bidden to ask for 'our daily bread,' the Holy Fathers
of the Church all but unanimously teach that by these words must
be understood, not so much that material bread which is the support
of the body, as the Eucharistic bread, which ought to be our daily
food. -- Pope St. Pius XSt. Avitus Martyr of Africa apostle and first bishop in the Canary Islands 584 St. Maurus, abbot and deacon; sent to France in 543 to propagate the order of St. Benedict; favored by God with the gift of miracles: see also January 15 510 Saint Maurus was the first disciple of St. Benedict of Nursia 610 St. Lupus of Chalons Bishop cared for the sick and poor 8th v. St. Gamo Benedictine abbot of Bretigny monastic expansion near Noyon, France 740 St. Natalis founder of monasticism in northern Ireland disciple of St. Columba {597 St. Columba} 798 St. Candida hermitess recluse near St. Stephen of Banoles 800 St. Gamelbert Parish priest of Michaelsbuch 50 years 1022 St. Theodoric of Orleans Benedictine bishop royal counselor 1077 St. Gilduin Canon of Dol in Brittany France, who refused a bishopric from Pope St. Gregory VII 1540 St. Angela Merici innovative approach to education Ursulines 1st teaching order of women Saint Ursula appeared levitation 1896 St. Enrique de Osso y Cervello Spain devotion to religious education Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
28
St. Saint Ephraim
the Syrian deacon teacher of repentance humble contrite
monk translator hymnographer
444 St Cyril, Archbishop Of Alexandria, Doctor Of The Church 804 Paulinus of Aquileia defending the filioque 814 Blessed
Charlemagne Emperor restored
unity of liturgy defined doctrine encouraged education
Saint Ephraim of Novy Torg founder of Sts Boris and Gleb monastery in the city 1224 Blessed Bartholomew Aiutamicristo Camaldolese lay-brother 1237 Bl. Roger of Todi Franciscan friend of St. Francis of Assisi 1258 St Peter Nolasco, Founder ransoms Christian prisoners 400 on 1 trip 1274 St. Thomas Aquinas priest Doctor of the Church patron - all universities & students 1350 BD ANTONY OF AMANDOLA commended for his patience and for his charity towards the poor, and a great number of miracles are reported to have been wrought at his intercession 1431 Blessed Mary of Pisa Widow miraculous favors saw guardian angel from childhood 1683 Blessed Julian Maunoir priest recalled 30,000 to God in 2 years, SJ (AC) 1858 Blessed Jerome Lu & Laurence Wang martyred native catechists 1908 Joseph Freinademetz (b. 1852) he received his mission cross and departed for China with Fr. John Baptist Anzer, another Divine Word Missionary. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
29
101 Sts.
Sarbelius
& Barbea 2 martyrs brother and sister 108 Transfer of the Relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer introduced antiphonal singing left us 7 archpastoral epistles provided instructions on faith, love and good works St. Caesarius first bishop of Angouleme France 170 Constantius first bishop of Perugia and Companions 275 St. Sabinian Martyr brother of St. Sabina 303 St. Papias and Maurinus Roman soldiers put to death in Rome for defending the faith 320 St. Valerius 2nd Bishop of Trier, Germany 523 Blath of Kildare reputation for heroic sanctity and cooking 6th v Triphina of Brittany Widow mother of the infant-martyr Saint Tremorus 570 Gildas (Badonicus) the Wise, Abbot Bishop first English historian 591 Sulpicius 'Severus,' bishop of Bourges learned in secular literature and the law 598 Dallan Forghaill renowned scholar martyred 650 St. Aquilinus vigorous opponent of Arianism: martyred by them 724 St. Voloc Irish missionary throughout Scotland bishop 1212 Blessed Charles of Sayn a beatus by the Cistercians 1622 St Francis De Sales, Bishop Of Geneva And Doctor Of The Church, Co-Founder Of The Order Of The Visitation Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
30
1084
3
Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John
Chrysostom114 Barsimaeus 1/72 disciples sent by Jesus third bishop of Edessa from Saint Jude 311 St. Savina Martyr model of holiness aid and comfort to the Christian prisoners & burials 680 St. Bathildis Queen and foundress Benedictine convent at Chelles, St. Denis Monastery and Corbie 967 Saint Peter, King of Bulgaria concluded advantageous peace with Byzantium extirpation of the Bogomil heresy 1043 Blessed Amnichad of Fulda lived rest of his life walled up as a anchorite 1084 Synaxis of the 3 Hierarchs: Basil the Great Gregory the Theologian John Chrysostom 1821 Feast of the Annunciation apparation of The Tinos Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos Innumerable miracles of healing and deliverance from danger continue 1841 The Holy New Martyr Demetrius Bulgaria continuously refused to apostasize to moslem Kadi 1917 St. Mutien-Marie Wiaux Christian Brother praised model teacher art and music Popes and Saints mentioned this Month January
31
626 St. Aidan
Monastic & Church founder bishop miracle worker great charity
kindness to animals680 St. Adamnan of Coldingham Confessor gift of prophecy 1107 St. Nicetas Bishop of Novgorod miracle worker 1156 St. Martin Manuel Portuguese martyr 1515 Blessed Paula Gambara-Costa won bad husband over to Christ 1815 St. Francis Xavier Bianchi Bamabite priest called “the Apostle of Naples” stopped lava from Vesuvius 1805 1836 Blessed Mary Christina, Queen 1888 John Bosco, Priest Founder great lover of children (RM) January 02
Saints
Saints of January 01
mention with Popes
2nd v. St.
Elvan
& Mydwyn;
Supposedly two Britons sent by King
St. Lucius to Pope St. Eleutherius (c. 174-189) to ask for missionaries.
3rd v. St. Martina, virgin Item Romæ, via Appia, corónæ sanctórum mílitum trigínta Mártyrum, sub Diocletiáno Imperatóre. In the same city, on the Appian Way, the crowning with martyrdom of thirty holy soldiers under Emperor Diocletian. Alban Butler informs us correctly that there was a chapel in Rome consecrated to her memory which was frequented with great devotion in the seventh century. We also may learn from him that her relics were discovered in a vault in the ruins of her old church, and translated in the year 1634 under Pope Urban VIII, who built. a new church in her honour and himself composed the hymns used in her office in the Roman Breviary. He adds further that the city of Rome ranks her amongst its particular patrons. 510 St. Eugendus 4th abbot of Condat, near Geneva Switzerland. Also called Oyand, Eugendus was never ordained, but he was a noted Scripture scholar. In the lives of the first abbots of Condat it is mentioned that the monastery, which was built by St Romanus of timber, being consumed by fire, St Eugendus rebuilt it of stone; and also that he built a handsome church in honour of SS. Peter, Paul and Andrew. His prayer was almost continual, and his devotion most ardent during his last illness. Having called the priest among his brethren to whom he had committed the office of anointing the sick, Eugendus caused him to anoint his breast according to the custom then prevalent, and he breathed forth his soul five days after, about the year 510, and of his age sixty-one.*{* The rich abbey of Saint-Claude gave rise to a considerable town built about it, which was made an episcopal see by Pope Benedict XIV in 1748, who, secularizing the monastery, converted it into a cathedral. The canons to gain admittance were required to give proof of their nobility for sixteen degrees, eight paternal and as many maternal.} 533 St. Fulgentius Bishop of Ruspe, Tunisia friend of St. Augustine; “A person may be endowed with the gift of miracles, and yet may lose his soul. Miracles insure not salvation; they may indeed procure esteem and applause; but what will it avail a man to be esteemed on earth and afterwards be delivered up to torments?” Born Fabius Claudius Gordianus Fulgentius of Carthage, he was a Roman of senatorial rank. His mother, widowed, opposed Fulgentius’ religious career, but he became a monk. He became abbot with Felix but had to flee the monastery in 499 when Vandals or Numidians invaded, going to Sicca Veneria. Retuming to the area, Fulgentius was named bishop of Ruspe, circa 508. King Thrasamund , an Arian, banished Fulgentius to Sardinia, Italy where he and other bishops were aided by Pope St. Symmachus. Fulgentius founded a monastery and wrote such eloquent defenses of orthodox Catholic doctrines that King Thrasamund returned him to his see, only to banish him again. In 523, Fulgentius returned to his see, where he set about rebuilding the faith. 660 ST CLARUS, ABBOT; many marvellous stories of the miracles he worked, *{* It is perhaps desirable to remind the reader once for all that only Almighty God can do miracles. The use of the above and similar expressions is permissible by custom, but in fact God does the miracle through the agency or at the intercession of the saint concerned.} patron of tailors. St. Clarus Abbot numerous miracles patron of tailors Clarus was born near Vienne, Dauphine', France. He became a monk at St. Ferreol Abbey and later was spiritual director of St. Blandina Convent, where his mother and sister were nuns. In time he became Abbot of St. Marcellus monastery at Vienne and lived there until his death on January 1. He is reputed to have performed numerous miracles, and his cult was confirmed in 1903 by Pope Pius X. He is the patron of tailors. 1031 St William of Saint Benignus, Abbot; character was great zeal and firmness joined with tender affection for his subjects; did not hesitate to oppose, both by action and writings, the most powerful rulers of his time, like Emperor St Henry, Robert, King of France, and Pope John XIX, when he felt the cause of justice was at stake; In interests of the Cluniac reform he was constantly active, making many journeys and travelling as far as Rome. 1048 St. Odilo monk at Cluny 5th abbot ecstacies great austerities inaugurated All Souls' Day. Though he was a friend of princes and popes, he was exceedingly gentle and kind and known throughout Christendom for his liberality to the needy. Odilo's concern for the people was also shown by the lavish help he gave during several famines, especially in 1006, when he sold Church treasures to feed the poor, and again from 1028-1033. 1252 Bl. Berka Zdislava founded Dominican priory of St. Laurence Communion daily; Zdislava had visions and ecstasies, and even in those days of infrequent communion she is said to have received the Blessed Sacrament almost daily. When she fell grievously ill she consoled her husband and children by saying that she hoped to help them more from the next world than she had ever been able to do in this. She died on January 1, 1252, was buried in the priory of St Laurence which she had founded, and is stated to have appeared to her husband in glory shortly after her death. This greatly strengthened him in his conversion from a life of worldliness. Pope Pius X approved the cult paid to her in her native country in 1907. The alleged connection of Bd Zdislava Berka with the third order of St Dominic remains somewhat of a problem, for the first formal rule for Dominican tertiaries of which we have knowledge belongs to a later date. 1713 St. Joseph
Mary Tomasi; Cardinal
confessor of Pope Clement XI {1649 1721};
He answered that the days of actual physical martyrdom
are over, and that we are now in the days of hidden
martyrdom, seen only by God; the lesson of it all being
trust in God; Even before his death the sick were healed
through touching his clothing, and when the end had come cures
multiplied round his bier. Bd Joseph Tommasi was beatified in
1803.
. Born the son of the duke of Palermo,
he became a member of the Theatine Order. Sent
to Rome, he became the confessor of Cardinal Giovanni
Francesco Albani, proving instrumental in convincing
the cardinal to accept elevation as pope
in 1700 under pain of mortal sin. In return, the newly
elected pontiff forced Joseph to accept appointment as a
cardinal. While he served capably as a cardinal, his first preoccupation
was as a brilliant liturgical scholar who published
some of his works under the pseudonym J. M. Carus.Among
his most notable contributions were: Codices Sacramentorunz
Nongentis Annis Vetustiores (1680), including the Missale
Gothicurn and the Missale Francorum; Responsalia etA ntiphonaria
Ronzanae Ecclesiae a Sancto Gregorio Magno Disposita (1686);
and the Antiqua Libri Missaruni Romanae Ecclesiae (1691).
Beatified in 1803, he was canonized in 1986 by Pope
John Paul II. Saints of January 02
mention with Popes
379 St.
Basil the Great vast learning
and constant activity, genuine eloquence
and immense charity Patron of hospital administrators. 379 St Basil The
Great, Archbishop of Caesarea and Doctor
of The Church, Patriarch of Eastern MonksSt Basil was born at Caesarea, the capital of Cappadocia in Asia Minor, in the year 329. St. Basil the Great (329-379) Basil was on his way to becoming a famous teacher when he decided to begin a religious life of gospel poverty. After studying various modes of religious life, he founded what was probably the first monastery in Asia Minor. He is to monks of the East what St. Benedict is to the West, and his principles influence Eastern monasticism today. One of a family of ten, which included St Gregory of Nyssa, St Macrina the Younger, and St Peter of Sebaste, he was descended on both sides from Christians who had suffered persecution. His father, St Basil the Elder, and his mother, St Emmelia, were possessed of considerable landed property, and Basil’s early years were spent at the country house of his grandmother, St Macrina, whose example and teaching he never forgot. He was less successful in his efforts on behalf of the Church outside his own province. Left by the death of St Athanasius the champion of orthodoxy in the East, he strove persistently to rally and unite his fellow Catholics who, crushed by Arian tyranny and rent by schisms and dissensions amongst themselves, seemed threatened with extinction. His advances, however, were ill-received and he found himself misunderstood, misrepresented, and accused of ambition and of heresy. Even appeals which he and his friends made to Pope St Damasus and the Western bishops to intervene in the affairs of the East and to heal the troubles met with little response—apparently because aspersions upon their good faith had been made in Rome itself. Nevertheless, relief was at hand, and that from an unexpected quarter. On August 9, 378, the Emperor Valens was mortally wounded at the battle of Adrianople, and with the accession of his nephew, Gratian, came the end of the Arian ascendancy in the East. When the news reached St Basil he was on his death-bed, but it brought him consolation in his last moments. He died on January 1, 379 at the age of forty-nine, worn out by his austerities, his hard work, and a painful disease. The whole of Caesarea mourned him as a father and protector—pagans, Jews, and strangers joining in the general lamentation. Seventy-two years after his death the Council of Chalcedon described him as “The great Basil, the minister of grace who has expounded the truth to the whole earth”. He was undoubtedly one of the most eloquent orators the Church has ever produced and his writings have entitled him to a high place amongst her doctors. In the Eastern church his chief feast-day is on January 1. 1146? BD AYRALD, Bishop of MAURIENNE; “Here lies Ayrald, a man of noble blood, monk of Portes, glory of pontiffs, a light of the Church, stay of the unfortunate, shining with goodness and unnumbered miracles.” THE identity of this holy bishop is involved in much confusion and obscurity. His cultus was confirmed in 1863, and in the decree published on that occasion a summary of his life is given. If we may credit this account, he was a son of William II, Count of Burgundy. Of his three brothers, one was elected pope under the name of Callistus II; another, Raymond, became king of Castile; and the third, Henry, count of Portugal. 1836 St. Caspar del Bufalo Various miracles many graces were obtained by his intercession. In 1814 he founded the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood and in 1815, it was formally approved. The second foundation was made in 1819 and the third shortly afterwards at Albano. His wish was to have a house in every diocese, the most neglected and wicked town or district being chosen. The Kingdom of Naples in those days was a nest of crime of every kind; no one's life or property was safe, and in 1821 the pope asked del Bufalo to found six houses there. He joyfully responded but met with endless difficulties before subjects and funds were collected. Saints of January 03
mention with Popes
236 ST ANTHERUS, POPE AND MARTYR; the Liber Pontificalis states that he was put to death for obtaining copies of the official proceedings against the martyrs with the view of preserving them in the episcopal archives. THE name of St Antherus occurs in the list of popes after that of St Pontian. He is believed to have been elected November 21, 235, and to have died January 3, 236, thus reigning only forty-three days. Nothing certain is known regarding his martyrdom, though the Liber Pontificalis states that he was put to death for obtaining copies of the official proceedings against the martyrs with the view of preserving them in the episcopal archives. He was buried in the “papal crypt” in the catacombs (Cemetery of St Callistus), and De Rossi discovered the site in 1854, together with the fragments of a Greek inscription. 512 St. Genevieve Paris averted Attila scourge by fasting/ prayer; 500 ST GENEVIEVE, or GENOVEFA, VIRGIN GENEVIEVE’S father’s name was Severus, and her mother’s Gerontia; she was born about the year 422 at Nanterre, a small village four miles from Paris, near Mont Valérien. When St Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre, went with St Lupus into Britain to oppose the Pelagian heresy, he spent a night at Nanterre on his way. The inhabitants flocked about them to receive their blessing, and St Germanus gave an address, during which he took particular notice of Genevieve, though she was only seven. After his sermon he inquired for her parents, and foretold their daughter’s future sanctity. He then asked Genevieve whether it was not her desire to serve God only and to be naught else but a spouse of Jesus Christ. She answered that this was what she desired, and begged that by his blessing she might be from that moment consecrated to God. The holy prelate went to the church, followed by the people, and during the long singing of psalms and prayers, says Constantius—that is during the recital of None and Vespers, as one text of the Life of St Genevieve expresses it—he laid his hand upon the maiden’s head. After he had supped he dismissed her, telling her parents to bring her again to him the next morning. The father obeyed, and St Germanus asked the child whether she remembered the promise she had made to God. She said she did, and declared that she hoped to keep her word. The bishop gave her a medal or coin, on which a cross was engraved, to wear about her neck, in memory of the consecration she had received the day before; and he charged her never to wear bracelets or jewels or other trinkets. The author of her life tells us that the child, begging one day that she might go to church, her mother struck her on the face, but in punishment lost her sight; she only recovered it two months after, by washing her eyes with water which her daughter fetched from the well and over which she had made the sign of the cross. Hence the people look upon the well at Nanterre as having been blessed by the saint. The
city of Paris has frequently received
sensible proofs of the divine protection,
through St Genevieve’s intercession. The most famous
instance is that called the miracle des Ardents,
or of the burning fever. In 1129 a disease,
apparently poisoning by ergot, swept off in a short time
many thous and persons, nor could the art of physicians afford
any relief. Stephen, Bishop of Paris, with the clergy
and people, implored the divine mercy by fasting and supplications.
Yet the epidemic did not abate till the shrine of St Genevieve
was carried in a solemn procession to the cathedral. Many
sick persons were cured by touching
the shrine, and of all who then were suffering from the
disease in the whole town only three died, and no others fell
ill. 1130 Pope Innocent II, coming to Paris the year following, after due investigation ordered an annual festival in commemoration of the miracle on November 26, which is still kept in Paris. It was formerly the custom, in extraordinary public calamities, to carry the shrine of St Genevieve in procession to the cathedral. The greater part of the relics of the saint were destroyed or pillaged at the French Revolution. Saints of January 04
mention with Popes
1821 St. ELIZABETH
ANN SET0N (née Bayley). Born
in New York City, 1774; married William Seton,
1794; widowed in 1803; received into the Catholic Church
in 1805; made religious vows, 1809; died at Emmetsburg
in Maryland, 4 January 1821. Mother Seton founded the
American Sisters of Charity and was the first native-born
American citizen to be beatified, in 1963.
Elizabeth
Bayley Seton was the first native born American
to be canonized by the Catholic Church. Born two
years before the American Revolution, Elizabeth grew
up in the "cream" of New York society. She was a prolific
reader, and read everything from the Bible to contemporary
novels. In spite of her high society
background, Elizabeth's early life was quiet, simple, and
often lonely. As she grew a little older, the Bible was to
become her continual instruction, support and comfort; she would
continue to love the Scriptures for the rest of her life.In
1794, Elizabeth married the wealthy young William Seton,
with whom she was deeply in love. The first years of their marriage
were happy and prosperous. Elizabeth wrote in her diary at
first autumn, "My own home at twenty-the world-that and heaven
too-quite impossible."
Born: 28 August 1774, New York
City, New York, USA as Elizabeth Ann Bayley Died:
4 January 1821 Beatification: 17 March 1963
by Pope John XXIII Canonization: 14 September
1975 by Pope Paul VI Patronage:
death of children, in-law problems, loss of parents, opposition
of Church authorities, people ridiculed for their
piety, diocese of Shreveport Louisiana, widows. Readings We must pray without ceasing, in every occurrence and employment of our lives - that prayer which is rather a habit of lifting up the heart to God as in a constant communication with Him. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Our God is God. All is as He pleases. I am the happiest creature in the thought that not the least thing can happen but by His will or permission; and all for the best. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. The first end I propose in our daily work is to do the will of God; secondly, to do it in the manner he wills it; and thirdly to do it because it is his will. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Saints of January 05
mention with Popes
126 ST TELESPHORUS
Pope in the time of Antoninus
Pius, St. Telesphorus, pope, who, after many
sufferings for the confession of Christ, underwent
a glorious martyrdom. Towards the year 126 he succeeded St Sixtus
I, and saw the havoc which the persecution
of Hadrian made in the Church. “He ended his life by
a glorious martyrdom”, says Eusebius,
and he is the first one of the successors of St Peter
whom St Irenaeus and other early writers refer to as a martyr. The
ordinances attributed to him in the Liber Pontificalis,
e.g. that the Mass of Christmas—a feast that did
not then exist—should be celebrated at midnight, cannot with any
probability be ascribed to his pontificate. St Telesphorus
is commemorated to-day in the Mass and Office of the vigil of the Epiphany.550 St. Emiliana Mystic aunt of Pope St. Gregory the Great At Rome, the holy virgin Emiliana, aunt of Pope St. Gregory. Being called to God by her sister Tharsilla, who had preceded her, she departed to heaven on this day. She and a sister, Tharsilla, lived in Rome, in the home of their brother, Gregory’s father, practicing great austerity. Emiliana died on January 5, just a few days after Tharsilla. 550 Emiliana of Rome saintly life, visions V (RM) 550 SS. THARSILLA AND EMILIANA, VIRGINS 868 St. Convoyon Benedictine abbot exiled by Norseman in Brittany IN 1866 Pope Pius IX approved the cultus, which from time immemorial had been paid in the neighbourhood of Redon in Brittany to the Benedictine monk who was the founder and abbot of the monastery of Saint Saviour. He was himself a Breton by birth, and it was in 831 that he, with six companions, obtained a grant of land on which to build an abbey. In the disturbed political conditions of the time, the early years of the new foundation seem to have been full of privation and hardship. Owing in part to a charge of simony brought against certain bishops of the province, Convoyon in 848 found himself a member of a deputation sent to Rome to appeal to Pope Leo IV. He is said to have brought back with him to his monastery a chasuble which Leo gave him, and also the relics of Pope St Marcellinus. Later Convoyon was driven from his monastery by the incursions of the Norsemen, and was absent from it at the time of his death in 868. In 1866 the abbey of Saint Saviour at Redon had passed into the hands of a community of the Eudist fathers, who were very active in procuring the confirmation of cultus for this local saint. St. Charles
of Sezze a lay brother at Naziano. John Charles Marchioni was born at Sezze,
Italy, on October 19, of
humble parents. He became a shepherd and wanted to become a priest. When
unable to do so because of his poor scholarship (He barely learned to
read and write), he became a lay brother at Naziano, served in various
menial positions - cook, porter, gardener
- at different monasteries near Rome and
became known for his holiness, simplicity, and charity.
He wrote several mystical works, lived a life of great mortifications, and worked heroically to help the stricken in the plague of 1656. He died in Rome on January 6. His family name may have been Melchior, and he is also known as Charles of Sezze. He was canonized by Pope John XXIII in 1959. 1236 St. Roger da Todi received the habit from St. Francis of Assisi. Ruggiero da Todi (Roger) was appointed spiritual director of Blessed Philippa Mareri's Community at Rieti by Francis. Roger died at Todi, shortly after Philippa's death January 5; his cult was confirmed by Pope Benedict XIV. 1860
Bd John
NEPOMUCEN NEUMANN. Born in Bohemia,
1811; he was ordained priest in New York City
in 1836 and joined the Redemptorist congregation; consecrated
fourth bishop of Philadelphia in 1852; he died there
on 5 January 1860. Bishop Neumann, a naturalized American
citizen, organized Catholic schools into a diocesan
system. He was beatified in 1963.
January 5, 2010 St. John
Neumann (1811-1860). The first
American bishop to be canonized and the fourth bishop
of Philadelphia. A native of Bohemia, he studied at
the University of Prague, became a noted scholar, and
entered the religious life. Deeply inspired by the letters
of Father Frederic Baraga to the Leopold Missionary Society,
he volunteered to labor in America, arriving in New York and
receiving ordination on June 25, 1836. The next four years
were spent in missionary work among the members of the German
community around Niagara Falls. In 1840, he joined the Redemptorists
in 1842- the first member to be professed in America - and
ten years later, on March 28, 1852, he was consecrated bishop
of Philadelphia at the suggestion of Archbishop Francis Kenrick
of Baltimore. As bishop, Neumann founded fifty churches in the
diocese, advanced the program on the cathedral, and was noted
especially for his contribution to Catholic education. Finding
only two parochial schools at his arrival, Neumann established nearly
one hundred by the time of his passing. He also cared for the poor
and orphans, and founded the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis.
Beatified by Pope Paul VI in 1963, he was canonized in 1977.Saints of January 06
mention with Popes
607 St. Peter
of Canterbury Benedictine
1st abbot monastery Sts. Peter/Paul - Canterbury.
Peter was originally
a monk in the monastery of St. Andrew’s,
Rome, and was chosen by Pope
St. Gregory I the Great {Doctor of the Church; b.
Rome 540; d.12 March 604}to embark with St. Augustine
of Canterbury and other monks on the
missionary enterprise to England
in 596. Peter became the
first abbot of the monastery of Sts.
Peter and Paul at Canterbury in 602.
He died by drowning
at Ambleteu, near Boulogne while on a mission
to France. 1275 St Raymond of Pennafort canon of Barcelona Dominican, Archbishop At Barcelona in Spain, St. Raymond of Pennafort, of the Order of Preachers, celebrated for sanctity and learning. His festival is kept on the 23rd of this month. 1175-1275) encouraged assisted and confessor for Peter Nolasco -- requested by the Blessed Virgin in a vision to found an order especially devoted to the ransom of captives from the Moors. The reputation of the saint for juridical science decided the pope to employ Raymond of Peñafort's talents in re-arranging and codifying the canons of the Church. He had to rewrite and condense decrees that had been multiplying for centuries, and which were contained in some twelve or fourteen collections already existing. We learn from a Bull of Gregory IX to the Universities of Paris and Bologna that many of the decrees in the collections were but repetitions of ones issued before, many contradicted what had been determined in previous decrees, and many on account of their great length led to endless confusion, while others had never been embodied in any collection and were of uncertain authority. The pope announced the new publication in a Bull directed to the doctors and students of Paris and Bologna in 1231, and commanded that the work of St. Raymond alone should be considered authoritative, and should alone be used in the schools. When Raymond completed his work the pope appointed him Archbishop of Tarragona, but the saint declined the honour. Having edited the Decretals he returned to Spain. He was not allowed to remain long in seclusion, as he was elected General of the Order in 1238; but he resigned two years later. 1373 St. Andrew Corsini regarded as a prophet and a thaumaturgus miracles were so multiplied at his death that Eugenius IV permitted a public cult immediately; Feast kept on February 04. At Florence, St. Andrew Corsini, a Florentine Carmelite and bishop of Fiesole. Being celebrated for miracles, he was ranked among the saints by Urban VIII. His festival is kept on the 4th of February. He was born in Florence on November 30,
1302, a member of the powerful Corsini family. Wild in his youth, Andrew
was converted to a holy life by his mother and became a Carmelite monk.
He studied in Paris and Avignon, France,
returning to his birthplace. There he became
known as the Apostle of Florence. He was called a prophet
and miracle worker. Named as the bishop of Fiesole in
1349, Andrew fled the honor but was forced to accept
the office, which he held for twelve years. He was sent by
Pope Urban V to Bologna to settle disputes between
the nobles and commoners, a mission he performed well. Andrew
died in Fiesole on January 6, 1373. So many miracles took
place at his death that Pope Eugenius IV permitted the immediate
opening of his cause.
1611 St. John de Ribera Archbishop Vice-roy of Valencia deported Moors Many miracles attributed his intercession. Spain. He was the son of the duke of Alcala, and was born in Seville, Spain. Ordained a priest in 1557, he became archbishop in 1568, serving for more than four decades until he died on January 6, in Valencia. John ordered the Moors deported from his see. He was revered by Pope Pius V and King Philip II of Spain. Pope John XXIII canonized him in 1959. Providence seems perceptibly to have intervened to shield his virtue from danger. Realizing the perils to which he was exposed, he gave himself up to penance and prayer in preparation for holy orders. In 1557, at the age of twenty-five, Don John was ordained priest; and after teaching theology at Salamanca for a while, he was preconized bishop of Badajoz, much to his dismay, by St Pius V in 1562. His duties as bishop were discharged with scrupulous fidelity and zeal, and six years later, by the desire both of Philip II and the same holy pontiff, he was reluctantly constrained to accept the dignity of archbishop of Valencia. A few months later, filled with consternation at the languid faith and relaxed morals of this province, which was the great stronghold of the Moriscos, he wrote begging to be allowed to resign, but the pope would not consent; and for forty-two years, down to his death in 1611, St John struggled to support cheerfully a load of responsibility which almost crushed him. In his old age the burden was increased by the office of viceroy of the province of Valencia, which was imposed upon him by Philip III. 1925 BD RAPHAELA
MARY, VIRGIN,
FOUNDRESS OF THE HANDMAIDS OF THE SACRED
HEART her answer to misery was, I see clearly that God wants me to submit to all that happens
to me as if I saw Him there commanding
it.” It cannot be doubted that it was in these years that she earned
her halo of holiness. In
English there is a good summary in pamphlet form, In Search of the Will
of God (1950), by Fr William Lawson. St. André Bessette (1845-1937) Brother André expressed a saint’s faith by a lifelong devotion to St. Joseph. Sickness and weakness dogged André from birth. He was the eighth of 12 children born to a French Canadian couple near Montreal. Adopted at 12, when both parents had died, he became a farmhand. Various trades followed: shoemaker, baker, blacksmith—all failures. He was a factory worker in the United States during the boom times of the Civil War. At 25, he applied for entrance into the Congregation of the Holy Cross. After a year’s novitiate, he was not admitted because of his weak health. But with an extension and the urging of Bishop Bourget (see Marie-Rose Durocher, October 6), he was finally received. He was given the humble job of doorkeeper at Notre Dame College in Montreal, with additional duties as sacristan, laundry worker and messenger. “When I joined this community, the superiors showed me the door, and I remained 40 years,” he said. He is buried at the Oratory. He was beatified in 1982 and canonized in 2010. At his canonization in October 2010, Pope Benedict XVI said that St. Andre "lived the beatitude of the pure of heart." Saints of January 07
mention with Popes
258 The holy Virgin
Martyr Agnes Many miracles occurred at the
grave relics rest in the church built in her honor,St.
Crispins
1/ Pavia Lombardy 30 yrs 2/bishop w
Pope St. Leo I Great.
Papíæ sancti Crispíni,
Epíscopi et Confessóris.
At Pavia, St.
Crispin, bishop and confessor.
Two brothers bore this name, both
canonized. One served Pavia, in Lombardy, Italy,
for thirty years. The other was bishop in the reign of Pope St. Leo I the Great. 335-414 St. Nicetas of Remesiana Bishop Te Deum missionary friend of St. Paulinus of Nola who made fierce and barbarous nations humane and meek by preaching the Gospel to them. Though a priest of Antioch, we find him at Nicomedia in the year 303, when Diocletian first published his edicts against the Christians. He there suffered a long imprisonment for the faith, for he wrote from out of his dungeon, “All the martyrs salute you. I inform you that the Pope Anthimus [Bishop of Nicomedia] has finished his course by martyrdom.” This happened in 303. Yet Eusebius informs us that St Lucian did not arrive himself at the crown of martyrdom till after the death of St Peter of Alexandria in 311, so that he seems to have continued nine years in prison. 856 St. Aidric Bishop court diplomat Charlemagne and son/successor Louis Raised at Aix-la-Chapelle, Germany, the royal residence of Charlemagne. Aidric, or Aldericus, grew up serving Charlemagne and his son and successor, Louis. At twenty-one, Aidric left the honors of the court to study for the priesthood at Metz, France. After his ordination, he was recalled to the court by Louis. Nine years later he was made the bishop of Le Mans, where he became known for his sanctity and for his efforts on behalf of his people. When Louis died, Aidric supported Charles the Bald, one of Louis' sons fighting for the throne, and for this reason was forced out of Le Mans, only to be reinstalled by Pope Gregory IV. Aidric served as a legate to the court of King Pepin of Aquitaine, France, where he convinced that monarch to restore vast amounts of Church property stolen by the royal family. Aidric also took part in the councils of Paris and Tours. He was paralyzed for the last two years of his life. 1131 St. Canute Lavard Martyred nephew of St. Canute son of King Eric the Good. In Dánia sancti Canúti, Regis et Mártyris. In Denmark, St. Canute, king and martyr. Canute had spent part of his youth at the Saxon court, and in 1129 the Emperor Lothair III recognized his rule over the western Wends, with the title of king. This excited the anger of King Niels of Denmark, and on January 7, 1131, Canute was treacherously slain in the forest of Haraldsted, near Ringsted, by his cousins Magnus Nielssen and Henry Skadelaar. Canute, who had supported the missionary activities of St Vicelin, was canonized by Pope Alexander III in 1169 at the request of his son, Valdemar I of Denmark, and of Eskil, Archbishop of Lund. The Roman Martyrology, following the cultus, which Canute received in Denmark, calls him a martyr, but he seems to have been a dynastic hero rather than a martyr. 1225 St. Raymond of Peñafort Dominican Marian; sailed on water w/cloak; Patron of Canonists taught philosophy at 20-gratis. The brave religious of this Order devoted themselves to saving poor Christians captured by the Moors. Raymund joined to the exercises of his solitude the functions of an apostolical life, by laboring without intermission in preaching, instructing, hearing confessions with wonderful fruit, and converting heretics, Jews, and Moors Among his penitents were James, king of Aragon, and St. Peter Nolasco, with whom he concerted the foundation of the Order of the B. Virgin of mercy for the redemption of captives. James, the young king of Aragon had married Eleonora of Castile within the prohibited degrees, without a dispensation. A legate was sent by pope Gregory IX. to examine and judge the case. In a council of bishops of the two kingdoms, held at Tar rayon, he declared the marriage null, but that their son Don Alphonso should be reputed lawfully born, and heir to his father's crown. The king had taken his confessor with him to the council, and the cardinal legate was so charmed with his talents and virtue, that he associated him in his legation and gave him a commission to preach the holy war against the Moors. The servant of God acquitted himself of that function with so much prudence, zeal, and charity, that he sowed the seeds of the total overthrow of those infidels in Spain. Saints of January 08
mention with Popes
425 St. Atticus
Bishop converted opponent of St. John Chrysostom
then called a "true successor
of Chrysostom" by Pope St. Celestine
I. Atticus was born in Sebaste. He was trained
in a heretical sect but converted and was ordained
in Constantinople. He and one Arsacacius aided in deposing
St. John Chrysostom from the see of Constantinople at
the Council of the Oak in 405. Atticus succeeded to the see
of Constantinople in 406, recognized by Pope St. Innocent
I. He was a tireless foe of heretics, called a "true
successor of Chrysostom" by Pope St. Celestine I.
Atticus died in Constantinople on October 10.511 St. Maximus Bishop of Pavia, Italy. attended the councils of Rome convened by Pope Symmachus. He attended the councils of Rome convened by Pope Symmachus. 1309 Blessed Angela of Foligno dedicated to prayer and works of charity; her Book of Visions and Instructions Angela the title "Teacher of Theologians." She was beatified in 1693. At her confessor’s advice, Angela wrote her Book of Visions and Instructions. In it she recalls some of the temptations she suffered after her conversion; she also expresses her thanks to God for the Incarnation of Jesus. This book and her life earned for Angela the title "Teacher of Theologians." She was beatified in 1693. 1456 St. Lawrence Justinian first Patriarch of Venice the death of Eminent for learning, and abundantly filled with the heavenly gifts of divine wisdom the 5th of September, on which day he ascended the pontifical throne. The Diocese of Castello belonged to the Patriarchate of Grado. On 8 October, 1451, Nicholas V united the See of Castello with the Patriarchate of Grado, and the see of the patriarch was transferred to Venice, and Lawrence was named the first Patriarch of Venice, and exercised his office till his death somewhat more than four years later. His beatification was ratified by Clement VII in 1524, and he was canonized in 1690 by Alexander VIII. Innocent XII appointed 5 September for the celebration of his feast. The saint's ascetical writings have often been published, first in Brescia in 1506, later in Paris in 1524, and in Basle in 1560, etc. We are indebted to his nephew, Bernardo Giustiniani, for his biography. Saints of January 09
mention with Popes
710 St. Adrian,
African Abbot near Naples tomb famous
for miracles. 710
ST ADRIAN, ABBOT OF CANTERBURYADRIAN was an African by birth, and was abbot of Nerida, not far from Naples, when Pope St Vitalian, upon the death of St Deusdedit, the archbishop of Canterbury, judged him for his learning and virtue to be the most suitable person to be the teacher of a nation still young in the faith. The humble servant of God found means to decline that dignity by recommending St Theodore in his place, but was willing to share in the more laborious part of the ministry. The pope therefore enjoined him to be the assistant and adviser of the archbishop, to which Adrian readily agreed. Adrian was serving as an abbot in Italy when the new Archbishop of Canterbury appointed him abbot of the monastery of Sts. Peter and Paul in Canterbury. Thanks to his leadership skills, the facility became one of the most important centers of learning. The school attracted many outstanding scholars from far and wide and produced numerous future bishops and archbishops. Students reportedly learned Greek and Latin and spoke Latin as well as their own native languages. He died there, probably in the year 710, and was buried in the monastery. Several hundred years later, when reconstruction was being done, Adrian’s body was discovered in an incorrupt state. As word spread, people flocked to his tomb, which became famous for miracles. Rumor had it that young schoolboys in trouble with their masters made regular visits there. Saints of January 10
mention with Popes
681 Pope St.
Agatho 678-681 a holy death, concluded
a life remarkable for sanctity and learning. AGATHO,
a Sicilian Greek by birth, was remarkable
for his benevolence and an engaging sweetness
of temper. He had been married and engaged in secular
pursuits for twenty years before he became a monk at Palermo;
and was treasurer of the Church at Rome when he succeeded
Donus in the pontificate in 678. He presided
by his three legates at the sixth general council (the third
of Constantinople) in 680 against the monothelite heresy,
which he confuted in a learned letter by the tradition of the
apostolic church of Rome “acknowledged”, says he, “by the whole Catholic Church
to be the mother and mistress of all churches,
and to derive her superior authority from St Peter,
the prince of the apostles, to whom Christ committed
His whole flock, with a promise that his faith should never
fail”. This epistle was approved as a rule of faith by the
same council, which declared, “Peter spoke by Agatho”.
1209 St. William of Bourges canon monk Cistercian many miracles deaf, dumb, blind, the mentally ill became sound. The stone of his tomb in the Cathedral Church of Bourges cured mortal wounds and illnesses and delivered possessed persons; the deaf and dumb, the blind, the mentally ill became sound. So many miracles occurred there that the monks could not record them all, and he was canonized nine years after his death, in 1218, by Pope Honorius III. At Bourges in Aquitaine, St. William, archbishop and confessor, renowned for miracles and virtues. He was canonized by Pope Honorius III. William de Don Jeon was born at Nevers France. He was educated by his uncle Peter, archdeacon of Soissons, became a canon of Soissons and of Paris and then became a monk at Grandmont Abbey. He became a Cistercian at Pontigny, served as Abbot at Fontaine-Jean in Sens, and in 1187 became Abbot at Chalis near Senlis. He was named Archbishop of Bourges in 1200, accepted on the order of Pope Innocent III and his Cistercian superior, lived a life of great austerity, was in great demand as a confessor, aided the poor of his See, defended ecclesiastical rights against seculars, even the king, and converted many Albigensians during his missions to them. 1276 Teobaldo Visconti Pope St. Gregory X 1210-1276; Arriving in Rome in March, he was first ordained priest, then consecrated bishop, and crowned on the 27th of the same month, in 1272. He took the name of Gregory X, and to procure the most effectual succour for the Holy Land he called a general council to meet at Lyons. This fourteenth general council, the second of Lyons, was opened in May 1274. Among those assembled were St Albert the Great and St Philip Benizi; St Thomas Aquinas died on his way thither, and St Bonaventure died at the council. In the fourth session the Greek legates on behalf of the Eastern emperor and patriarch restored communion between the Byzantine church and the Holy See.; miraculous cures performed by him. At Arezzo in Tuscany, blessed Gregory X, a native of Piacenza, who was elected Sovereign Pontiff while he was archdeacon of Liege. He held the second Council of Lyons, received the Greeks into the unity of the Church, appeased discords among the Christians, made generous efforts for the recovery of the Holy Land, and governed the Church in a most holy manner. 1283 BD JOHN OF VERCELLI Immediately on his election to the see of Rome, Bd Gregory X imposed on John of Vercelli and his friars the task of again pacifying the quarrelling states of Italy, and three years later he was ordered to draw up a schema for the Second Ecumenical Council of Lyons. At the council he met Jerome of Ascoli (afterwards Pope Nicholas IV), who had succeeded St Bonaventure as minister general of the Franciscans, and the two addressed a joint letter to the whole body of friars. Later on they were sent together by the Holy See to mediate between Philip III of France and Alfonso X of Castile, continuing the work of peace-maker, in which John excelled. Arriving in Rome in March, he was first ordained priest, then consecrated bishop, and crowned on the 27th of the same month, in 1272. He took the name of Gregory X, and to procure the most effectual succour for the Holy Land he called a general council to meet at Lyons. This fourteenth general council, the second of Lyons, was opened in May 1274. Among those assembled were St Albert the Great and St Philip Benizi; St Thomas Aquinas died on his way thither, and St Bonaventure died at the council. In the fourth session the Greek legates on behalf of the Eastern emperor and patriarch restored communion between the Byzantine church and the Holy See. Pope Gregory, we are told, shed tears whilst the Te Deum was sung. Unhappily the reconciliation was short-lived. After the council, Bd Gregory devoted all his energies to concerting measures for carrying its decrees into execution, particularly those relating to the crusade in the East, which, however, never set out. This unwearied application to business, and the fatigues of his journey across the Alps on his return to Rome brought on a serious illness, of which he died at Arezzo on January 10, 1276. The name of Gregory X was added to the Roman Martyrology by Pope Benedict XIV; his holiness was always recognized, and had he lived longer he would doubtless have left a deeper mark on the Church. Saints of January 11
mention with Popes
137-140
St. Hyginus,
Pope a Greek confronts Gnostic heresy At Rome,
St. Hyginus, pope, who suffered a glorious martyrdom in the persecution
of Antoninus.
Saints
of January 12 mention with Popes
Pope from 137-140, successorto
Pope St. Telesphorus. He
was a Greek, and probably had a pontificate of four years.
He had to confront the Gnostic heresy and Valentinus
and Cerdo, leaders of the heresy, who were in Rome at
the time. Some lists proclaim him a martyr. His cult was
suppressed in 1969.
250 St. Alexander "The charcoal burner" Bishop of Comana, in Pontus martyr The discovery of his virtues was due to the very contempt with which he had been regarded. St. Gregory Thaumaturgus had been asked to come to Comana to help select a bishop for that place. As he rejected all the candidates, someone in derision suggested that he might accept Alexander, the charcoal-burner. Gregory took the suggestion seriously, summoned Alexander, and found that he had to do with a saint and a man of great capabilities. In the modern Roman Martyrology
his name occurs, and he is described as
a "philosophus disertissimus."
570 St. Anastasius
X Benedictine abbot angel summoned him
and monks to heaven. At Suppentonia, near Mount Soracte,
St. Athanasius, monk, and his companions, who were
called by a voice from heaven to enter the kingdom of
God.
Noted by Pope St. Gregory the Great. Anastasius became a
monk at Suppentonia in the diocese of Nepi,
Italy, serving in time as abbot. Pope
St. Gregory the Great recorded that an angel appeared
to summon Anastasius and his monks, all of whom died in
rapid succession after the visitation.
690 St. Benedict
Biscop an English monastic founder;
five pilgrimages to Rome; SS Peter and Paul monasteries became
the best-equipped in England, and St Benedict’s
purchase of books was of special significance,
for it made possible the work of the Venerable Bede;
On his return to
England, Benedict introduced, whenever he could, the religious
rites as he saw them practised in Rome; first to introduce into England the building
of stone churches and the art of making glass windows; Pope Vitalian sent him and the monk Adrian as
advisers with Theodore, the newly appointed Archbishop of Canterbury
1700 St. Marguerite
Bourgeoys; Children from European as well
as Native American backgrounds in seventeenth-century
Canada benefited from her great zeal and unshakable trust
in God’s providence.
Quote:
In his homily at her canonization, Pope
John Paul II said, “...in particular, she [Marguerite]
contributed to building up that new country [Canada],
realizing the determining role of women, and she diligently
strove toward their formation in a deeply Christian spirit.”
He noted that she watched over her students with affection
and confidence “in order to prepare them to become wives
and worthy mothers, Christians, cultured, hard-working, radiant
mothers.”Comment: It’s easy to become discouraged when plans that we think that God must endorse are frustrated. Marguerite was called not to be a cloistered nun but to be a foundress and an educator. God had not ignored her after all. 1892 St. Anthony Mary Pucci Servite priest caring for sick poor pioneering Holy Childhood Society. Born Ap16 1819 Poggiole, Italy christened Eustace. He entered the Servites about 1837, taking the name Anthony Mary, and ordained in 1843. Assigned to Viareggio, Italy, Anthony became pastor of the parish in 1847. His entire life was spent instructing children, caring for the sick and poor, and pioneering the Holy Childhood Society. He was heroic during the epidemics of 1854 and Anthony Mary died on January 14, 1892, in Viareggio. He was canonized in 1962. Saints of January 13 mention with Popes
368 St. Hilary
gentle courteous devoted writing great theology
on Trinity
At Poitiers in France,
the birthday of St. Hilary, bishop and confessor of the
Catholic faith which he courageously defended, and for which
he was banished for four years to Phrygia, where, among
other miracles, he raised a man from the dead. Pius IX declared
him a doctor of the Church. His festival is celebrated
tomorrow.
Saints
of January 14 mention with Popes1497 Blessed Veronica of Binasco (b. 1445) known as a great contemplative who also gave loving care to sick sisters in her community and ministered to the people of Milan. She had the gifts of prophecy, discernment and miracles.. Although she never learned to read and write, she was known and respected by the secular and ecclesiastical leaders of her day. Several times Christ gave to St. Martha, blessed Veronica of Binasco, virgin, of the Order of St. Augustine in prayer important messages which she carried to influential persons such as the Duke of Milan and Pope Alexander VI. Born Giovanna Negroni in Binasco, Milan, Italy in 1445, she was raised in a peasant family. When she was 22 years old, she joined the monastery of Saint Martha in Milan. She took the religious name Veronica, reflecting her devotion to the Passion of Christ. She always spoke of her own sinful life, as she called it, though, indeed, it was most innocent, with feelings of intense compunction. Veronica was favoured by God with many extraordinary visions and consolations. A detailed account is preserved of the principal incidents of our Lord’s life as they were revealed to her in her ecstasies. By her moving exhortations she softened and converted several obdurate sinners. She died at the hour which she had foretold, in the year 1497, at the age of fifty-two, and her sanctity was confirmed by miracles. Pope Leo X in 1517 permitted her to be honoured in her monastery in the same manner as if she had been beatified according to the usual forms, and the name of Bd Veronica of Binasco is inserted on this day in the Roman Martyrology, an unusual distinction in the case of a servant of God who has not been formally canonized. 255 St. Felix of Nola Bishop distributed inheritance to the poor assistant to St. Maximus of Nola tomb famous for miracles At Nola in Campania, the birthday of St. Felix, priest, who (as is related by bishop St. Paulinus), after being subjected to torments by the persecutors, was cast into prison, bound hand and foot, and extended on shells and broken earthenware. In the night, however, his bonds were loosened and he was delivered by an angel. The persecution over, he brought many to the faith of Christ by his exemplary life and teaching, and, renowned for miracles, rested in peace.. Pope St Damasus pays a tribute in verse to Felix for a cure he himself had received. Cf. Quentin, Les Martyrologes historiques, pp. 518—522. St Felix was a native of Nola, a Roman colony in Campania, fourteen miles from Naples, where his father Hermias, who was by birth a Syrian and had served in the army, had purchased an estate and settled down. He had two sons, Felix and Hermias, to whom at his death he left his patrimony. The younger sought preferment in the world by following the profession of arms. Felix, to become in effect what his name in Latin imported, that is “happy”, resolved to follow no other standard than that of the King of kings, Jesus Christ. For this purpose he distributed most of his possessions among the poor, and was ordained priest by St Maximus, Bishop of Nola, who, charmed with his virtue and prudence, made him his right hand in those times of trouble, and looked upon him as his destined successor. 368 Sancti Hilárii, Epíscopi Pictaviénsis, Confessóris et Ecclésiæ Doctóris; qui prídie hujus diéi evolávit in cælum. St. Hilary, bishop of Poitiers, confessor and doctor of the Church, who entered heaven on the thirteenth day of this month. ST AUGUSTINE, who often urges the authority of St Hilary against the Pelagians, styles him “the illustrious doctor of the churches”. St Jerome says that he was a “most eloquent man, and the trumpet of the Latins against the Arians” and in another place, that “in St Cyprian and St Hilary, God had transplanted two fair cedars out of the world into His Church St Hilary was born at Poitiers, and his family was illustrious in Gaul. He himself testifies that he was brought up in idolatry, and gives us a detailed account of the steps by which God conducted him to a knowledge of the faith, He considered, by the light of reason, that man, a moral and free agent, is placed in this world for the exercise of patience, temperance, and other virtues, which he saw must receive a recompense after this life. He ardently set about learning what God is, and quickly discovered the absurdity of polytheism, or a plurality of gods he was convinced that there can be only one God, and that He must be eternal, unchangeable, all-powerful, the first cause and author of all things. Hilary died at Poitiers, probably in the year 368, but neither the year nor the day of the month can be determined with certainty. The Roman Martyrology names his feast on January 14. St Hilary was proclaimed a doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1851. 552 St. Datius Bishop of Milan, Italy , exiled by the Arian Ostrogoths Driven from Milan the bishop betook himself to Constantinople, where, in 545, he boldly supported Pope Vigilius against Justinian in the controversy concerning the “Three Chapters”. He seems to have died in 552, while still at Constantinople, whence his remains were at a later date translated to his episcopal city of Milan. Pope St Gregory the Great in his Dialogues recounts a curious story of a haunted house from which the devil used to frighten all intending occupants, by producing the most alarming and discordant howlings of beasts. St Datius, however, showed no fear, but put the aggressor to shame and restored perfect quiet. 1180 Saint Lawrence O'Toole descendant of Irish petty kings Dublin was a turbulent place in those days. It was practically under the control of half-pagan Danish settlers. Archbishop Lawrence was a staunch reformer, which won him few friends. He established a rule of life for the clergy of his cathedral, and followed it strictly himself. At several local church councils he upheld the rights of the Church. He also went to Rome to take part in the reformist Third Council of the Lateran (1179). When he passed through England, King Henry II asked him to swear that while at Rome he would do nothing to infringe on the regal "rights" over the church in England and Ireland. Nevertheless, Lawrence was able to obtain from Pope Alexander II papal protection for the dioceses of the Dublin Province. The pope also named him papal legate to Ireland. 1200 BD ODO OF NOVARA He worked many miracles both during life and after death, but it horrified him to think that people should attribute to him any supernatural power. BD Odo, a Carthusian monk of the twelfth century, stands out from among some of his saintly contemporaries by the fact that we have good first-hand evidence concerning his manner of life. Pope Gregory IX ordered an inquiry to be made with a view to his canonization, and the depositions of the witnesses are still preserved. One or two extracts will serve to sketch his portrait better than a narrative. “Master
Richard, Bishop of Trivento, having been adjured
in the name of the Holy Ghost, the holy Gospels
lying open before him, affirmed that he had seen the
blessed Odo and knew him to be a God-fearing man, modest and
chaste, given up night and day to watching and prayer, clad
only in rough garments of wool, living in a tiny cell, which he
hardly ever quitted except to pray in the church, obeying always
the sound of the bell when it called him to office. Without ceasing,
he poured forth his soul in sighs and tears; there was no one
he came across to whom he did not give new courage in the service
of God; he constantly read the divine Scriptures, and in spite of his
advanced age, as long as he stayed in his cell, he laboured with
his hands as best he could that he might not fall a prey to idleness.” One of these, the Archpriest
Oderisius, deposes that he was present when
Odo breathed his last, and that “as he
lay upon the ground in his hair-shirt in the aforesaid
little cell, he began to say, when at the point of death,
‘Wait for me, Lord, wait for me, I am coming to thee’; and
when they asked him to whom he was speaking, he answered, ‘It
is my King, whom now I see, I am standing in His presence.’
And when the blessed Odo spoke these words, just as if someone
were offering him his hand, he stood straight up from the ground,
and so, with his hands stretched out heavenwards, he passed away
to our Lord.” This happened on January
14 in the year 1200, when Odo was believed to be nearly
a hundred years old. 1225 St. Sava patron of Serbia monk founded monasteries translated religious works into Serbian. THE public ecclesiastical life and politics of St Sava (i.e. Sabas) were to a great extent conditioned by political considerations, a circumstance common to many churchmen in history, and nowhere more acute than in the Balkans, at the junction of great civil and ecclesiastical powers and the meeting-place of diverse cultures. Sava, born in 1174, was the youngest of the three sons of Stephen I, founder of the dynasty of the Nemanydes and of the independent Serbian state. At the age of seventeen he became a monk on the Greek peninsula of Mount Athos, where he was joined by his father when that prince abdicated in 1196. Together they established a monastery for Serbian monks, with the name of Khilandari, which is still in existence as one of the seventeen “ruling monasteries” of the Holy Mountain. As abbot, Sava was noted for his light and effective touch in training young monks; it was remarked, too, that his influence was always on the side of gentleness and leniency. He began the work of translating books into the Serbian language, and there are still treasured at Khilandari a psalter and ritual written out by himself, and signed, “I, the unworthy lazy monk Sava”. 1811 St.
Joseph
Pignatelli, Pius XI said, served "chief
link between Society of Jesus that had been and
Society to be." 1892 ST
ANTONY PUCCI a member of a religious order,
the Servants of Mary, spent most of his life
and achieved holiness as a parish priest and miracles of healing took place at
his grave. St Antony Pucci died on January 14, 1892 at the age of 73; his passing was greeted with an outburst of grief in Viareggio, and miracles of healing took place at his grave. He was beatified in 1952, and canonized in 1962 during the Second Vatican Council. See the decree of beatification in the Acta Apostolicae Sedis, vol. xliv (1952) ; and Un apostolo della Carità (1920), by a Servite. 570
St. Ita
virgin founded a community of women
dedicated to God extravagant miracles attributed.
570 ST ITA, VIRGIN
Saints
of January 16 mention with PopesAMONG the women saints of Ireland,
St Ita (also called Ida and Mida, with other
variant spellings) holds the foremost place after
St Brigid. Although her life has been overlaid with
a multitude of mythical and extravagant miracles, there is
no reason to doubt her historical existence. She is said
to have been of royal descent, to have been born in one of
the baronies of Decies, near Drum, Co. Waterford, and to
have been originally called Deirdre. A noble suitor presented
himself, but by fasting and praying for three days Ita, with
angelic help, won her father’s consent to her leading a life
of virginity. She accordingly migrated to Hy Conaill, in the western
part of the present county of Limerick, There at Killeedy she
gathered round her a community of maidens and there, after
long years given to the service of God and her neighbour, she eventually
died, probably in the year 570.
1909 Bl. Arnold
Jansen Founder of the Society of the Divine
Word. Born in Goch,
Germany, on
November 5, 1837, Arnold studied at Gaesdonck, Munster, and
Bonn. He was ordained in 1861 and served as a parish priest.
He also served as a chaplain at an Ursuline convent at Kempen.
In 1875, he founded the Society of the Divine Word in a mission
house in Steyl, Holland. This society was designed to provide
priests and lay brothers for the missions. The congregation was
approved in 1901. Arnold also founded the Servant Sisters of the
Holy Ghost for the missions in 1889. He died in Steyl on January
5, 1909, and was beatified in 1975 by Pope Paul VI. Not alone was St. Ita a saint, but she was the foster-mother of many saints, including St. Brendan the Voyager, St. Pulcherius (Mochoemog), and St. Cummian Fada. At the request of Bishop Butler of Limerick, Pope Pius IX granted a special Office and Mass for the feast of St. Ita, which is kept on 15 January. 764 St.
Ceolwulf
King of Northumbria patron of St.
Bede. IT is difficult to find any
trace of late medieval cultus
of this Northumbrian king, but he was held
in high honour after his death, his body in 830 being translated
to Norham, and the head to Durham.
England, and
patron of St. Bede. He resigned in 738 and became a
monk at Lindisfame. St. Bede dedicated his Ecclesiastical
History to “the most gracious King Ceolwulf.”
Bede speaks enthusiastically of his virtues and his zeal, and dedicated to him his Ecclesiastical History, which he submitted to the king’s criticism. Ceolwulf ended his days as a monk at Lindisfarne, and it is recorded that through his influence the community, who previously had drunk nothing but water or milk, were allowed to take beer, and even wine. His relics were said to work many miracles. Simeon of Durham assigns his death to 764, but in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle the date given is 760. Practically all available information will be found collected in Plummer’s edition of Bede, especially vol. ii, p. 340. 1208 Bl. Peter of Castelnau Martyred Cistercian papal legate and inquisitor. 1208 BD PETER OF CASTELNAU, MARTYR This Cistercian monk was born near Montpellier, and in 1199 we hear of him as archdeacon of Maguelone, but he entered the Cistercian Order a year or two later. To him, aided by another of his religious brethren, Pope Innocent III in 1203 confided the mission of taking action as apostolic delegate and inquisitor against the Albigensian heretics, a duty which Peter discharged with much zeal, but little success. The opposition against him, which was fanned by Raymund VI, Count of Toulouse, ended in his assassination on January 55, 1209, not far from the abbey of Saint-Gilles. Pierced through the body by a lance, Bd Peter cried to his murderer, “May God forgive thee as fully as I forgive thee”. His relics were enshrined and venerated in the abbey church of Saint-Gilles. 309 Marcellus
I, Pope
M (RM) reorganized Church in Rome 309
ST MARCELLUS I, POPE AND MARTYR
ST MARCELLUS had been a priest under Pope St Marcellinus, and succeeded him in 308, after the see of Peter had been vacant for three years and a half. An epitaph written of him by Pope St Damasus says that by enforcing the canons of penance he drew upon himself the hostility of many tepid and refractory Christians, and that for his severity against a certain apostate, he was banished by Maxentius. He died in 309 at his unknown place of exile. The Liber Pontificalis states that Lucina, the widow of one Pinian, who lodged St Marcellus when he lived in Rome, after his death converted her house into a church, which she called by his name. His false acts relate that, among other sufferings, he was condemned by the tyrant to keep cattle. He is styled a martyr in the early sacramentaries and martyrologies, but the fifth-century account of his martyrdom conflicts with the earlier epitaph. His body lies in Rome under the high altar in the ancient church which bears his name and gives its title to a cardinal. 6th v. St. Honoratus of Fondi abbot-founder (RM) At Fondi in Lazio, St. Honoratus, abbot, mentioned by Pope St. Gregory. Honoratus was the of the monastery of Fondi on the confines of Latium and Campania in present-day Italy. Saint Gregory the Great gives a pleasing, though
all too short, account of his life in Dialogos,
Book I (Benedictines).
670 St. Ferreolus bishop
of Grenoble BM. ALTHOUGH the cult of Bd Ferreolus was confirmed by
Pope Pius X in 1907, practically
nothing is known of the facts of his life. He is said to have
been the thirteenth bishop of Grenoble, but, as Mgr Duchesne
points out, nothing connects him with the see but a feeble liturgical
tradition. Later accounts describe him as resisting the demands
of the tyrannical mayor of the palace, Ebroin, and as having been,
in consequence, driven from his see, and eventually put to death.
See Duchesne,
Fastes Épiscopaux,
vol. i, p. 232, and the
Acta Sanctorum for January
12.Saints of January 17
mention with Popes
420 Sabinus
of Piacenza B (RM); feast day formerly December
11. Bishop Saint Sabinus of Piacenza was a
close friend of Saint Ambrose, who used to send him his
writings for editing. At Edessa in Mesopotamia, in the time
of Emperor Valens, St. Julian Sabas the Elder, who miraculously
restored the Catholic faith at Antioch, although
it was almost destroyed in that city. While
still a deacon Sabinus was sent by Pope Saint Damasus
to settle the Meletian schism at Antioch. Sabinus is reputed
to have stayed the flood water of the River Po with a
written order (Attwater2, Benedictines, Coulson).
356 St. Anthony the Abbot miraculous healings Faith comes from God rhetoric from humans At Rome, in the monastery of St. Andrew, the blessed monks Anthony, Merulus, and John, of whom Pope St. Gregory speaks in his writings. Anthony, Merulus, and John were monks in Rome’s Benedictine Monastery of Saint Andrew. Anthony meditated upon the Scriptures so as to move his heart to contrition. One night he experienced a vision in which he was told to prepare to leave on a journey, for God had commanded it. When Anthony replied that he did not have the money to pay his way, the voice answered, “If you are referring to your sins, know that they are forgiven.” Six days later, he died. Saints of January 18
mention with Popes
1270 St. Margaret,
virgin, from the royal family of Arpad, and
a nun of the Order of St. Dominic. Budæ, in Hungária,
sanctæ Margarítæ Vírginis,
e régia Arpadénsium família, Ordinis sancti
Domínici Moniális, virtúte castitátis
et arctíssima pæniténtia insígnis,
quam Pius Duodécimus, Póntifex Máximus,
sanctárum Vírginum catálogo adscrípsit.
At Buda in Hungary, St. Margaret, virgin, from the royal
family of Arpad, and a nun of the Order of St. Dominic, endued
with the virtues of chastity and a burning penitence.
The Supreme Pontiff, Pius XII, added her to the list of holy
virgins.
1337 Saint Cyril and his wife Maria. Forty days after burying his parents, Bartholomew settled their estate, giving his share to his brother Peter. He then went to the monastery when he was twenty-three years old, and was tonsured on October 7 with the name Sergius (in honor of the martyr St Sergius who is commemorated on that day). As everyone knows, St Sergius of Radonezh became one of Russia's greatest and most revered saints. St Cyril was glorified by the Orthodox Church of Russia in 1992. He is also commemorated on September 28, and on July 6 (Synaxis of the Saints of Radonezh). 1670 St.
Charles
of Sezze Franciscan Pope Clement IX called
Charles to his bedside for a blessing. Charles
thought that God was calling him to be a missionary in
India, but he never got there. God had something better
for this 17th-century successor to Brother Juniper.
Saints
of January 21 mention with PopesBorn in Sezze, southeast of Rome, Charles was inspired by the lives of Salvator Horta and Paschal Baylon to become a Franciscan; he did that in 1635. Charles tells us in his autobiography, "Our Lord put in my heart a determination to become a lay brother with a great desire to be poor and to beg alms for his love." 1890 St. Vincenza Mary Lopez y Vicuna Foundress of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate. Born at Cascante, Navarre, Spain, March 22, 1847, she was the daughter of a lawyer. Vincenza took a vow of chastity, aided by her aunt, Eulolia de Vicuna, and she refused the arranged marriage which had been organized by her parents. In 1876, she established the Daughters in order to offer some protection to the vulnerable young women who worked as domestic servants. Papal approval was secured in 1888 from Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903), and Vincenza died two years later in Madrld on December 26, after intense suffering from illness. Beatified in 1950, she was canonized in 1975 by Pope Paul VI (1963-1978). 1937 St Jaime Hilario Barbal, religious Brother teaching the poor executed during the Spanish Civil War: "The day you learn to surrender yourself totally to God, you will discover a new world, just as I am experiencing. You will enjoy a peace and a calm unknown, surpassing even the happiest days of your life." “To die for Christ, my young friends, is to live.” He believed proficing a strong education was the best way to help the poor. In 1937 St. Jaime was arrested for being a religious Brother during the Spanish Civil War and executed by firing sqad. Saints of January 19
mention with Popes
250 St. Fabian
Roman
layman a dove settled on his head.
Fabian who came into
the city from his farm one day as clergy and people were
preparing to elect a new pope. Eusebius, a Church historian,
says a dove flew in and settled on the head of Fabian. This
sign united the votes of clergy and laity and he was chosen unanimously.
He led the Church for 14 years and died a martyr’s death during
the persecution of Decius{249-251 1/5} in a.d. 250.
St. Cyprian wrote to his successor that Fabian was an “incomparable” man whose glory in death matched the holiness and purity of his life. In the catacombs of St. Callistus, the stone that covered Fabian’s grave may still be seen, broken into four pieces, bearing the Greek words, “Fabian, bishop, martyr.” 678 St. Nathalan Hermit bishop of Tullicht, best known for his miracles . THE curiously extravagant legend of St Nathalan, whose cult was confirmed by Pope Leo XIII in 1898, and whose feast is now kept at Aberdeen on January 19, cannot be better given than in the words of the Aberdeen breviary: “Nathalan is believed to have been born in
the northern parts of the Scotti, in ancient
times, at Tullicht in the diocese of Aberdeen ; a
man of great sanctity, who, after he had come to man’s estate
and been imbued with the liberal arts, devoted himself and
his wholly to divine contemplation. And when he learned that
amongst the works of man’s hands the cultivation of the soil
approached nearest to divine contemplation, though educated
in a noble family with his own hands he practised the lowly art
of tilling the fields, abandoning all other occupations that
his mind might never be sullied by the impure solicitations of
the flesh.”
1086 St. Canute IV Martyred king of Denmark. ST CANUTE (Cnut) of Denmark was a natural son of Swein Estrithson, whose uncle Canute had reigned in England. He advanced a claim to the crown of that country, but his attempt on Northumbria in 1075 was a complete failure; in 1081 he succeeded his brother Harold as king of Denmark. The Danes had received the Christian faith some time before, but, as has been said of Canute of England, their “religious enthusiasm was quaintly tinged with barbarian naïveté”. Perhaps the word “tinged” is hardly strong enough. Canute II married Adela, sister of Robert, Count of Flanders, by whom he had a son, Bd Charles the Good. He enacted several laws for the administration of justice and in restraint of the jarls, granted privileges and immunities to the clergy, and exacted tithes for their subsistence; unfortunately one effect of his activities was to make some churchmen feudal lords who gave more attention to their temporal than to their spiritual profit and duties. Canute showed a royal magnificence in building and endowing churches, and gave the crown which he wore to the church of Roskilde, which became the burial-place of the Danish kings. 1157 St. Henry of Sweden an Englishman Bishop of Uppsala residing at Rome miracles at tomb 1156? ST HENRY, BISHOP OF UPPSALA, MARTYR. FOR lack of reliable contemporary records only a bare outline can be given of the history of St Henry. He was an Englishman, and it is possible that he was already resident in Rome when Cardinal Nicholas Breakspear, afterwards Pope Adrian IV, was sent in 1151 as papal legate to Scandinavia. Henry seems to have accompanied him and to have been consecrated bishop of Uppsala by the legate himself in 1152. The new bishop won the favour of St Eric, King of Sweden, and when the king sailed to undertake a sort of crusade against the pagan marauders of Finland, the new bishop went with him. The Swedish warriors gained a great victory and as a result some of the Finns accepted Christian baptism. Eric sailed back to Sweden, but the bishop remained behind to continue his work, “with apostolic zeal, though occasionally hardly with apostolic wisdom”. 1924 Saint Joseph Sebastian Pelczar; Bishop of Przemysl in 1900 until his death in 1924. He made frequent visits to the parishes, supported the religious orders, conducted three synods, and worked for the education and religious formation of his priests. He encouraged devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, Eucharistic devotions, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Virgin Mary. He built and restored churches, built nurseries, kitchens, homeless shelters, schools for the poor, and gave tuition assistance to poor seminarians. He worked for the implentation of the social doctrine described in the writings of Pope Leo XIII. He left behind a large body of work including books, pastoral letters, sermons, addresses, prayers and other writings. Saints of January 20 mention with Popes 250 St
Fabian, Pope M (RM) succeeded Saint
Antheros as pope and governed as bishop of Rome for 14 peaceful years . 250 St. Fabian layperson dove descended this stranger was elected Pope able built Church of Rome. At Rome, the birthday of St. Fabian, pope, who suffered martyrdom in the time of Decius, and was buried in the cemetery of Callistus. 250 ST FABIAN, POPE AND MARTYR Pope ST FABIAN succeeded St Antherus in the pontificate about the year 236. Eusebius relates that in an assembly of the people and clergy held to elect the new pope, a dove flew in and settled on the head of St Fabian. This sign, we are told, united the votes of the clergy and people in choosing Fabian, though, as he was a layman and a stranger, they had no thought of him before. He governed the Church fourteen years, brought the body of St Pontian, pope and martyr, from Sardinia, and condemned Privatus, the author of a new heresy, which had given trouble in Africa. St Fabian died a martyr in the persecution of Decius, in 250, as St Cyprian and St Jerome bear witness. Pope Caius, who was appealed to, judged that Sebastian should stay in Rome. In the year 286, the persecution growing fiercer, the pope and others concealed themselves in the imperial palace, as the place of greatest safety, in the apartments of one Castulus, a Christian officer of the court. Zoë was first apprehended, when praying at St Peter’s tomb on the feast of the apostles. She was stifled with smoke, being hung by the heels over a fire. Tranquillinus, ashamed to show less courage than a woman, went to pray at the tomb of St Paul, and there was seized and stoned to death. Nicostratus, Claudius, Castorius and Victorinus were taken, and after being thrice tortured, were thrown into the sea. Tiburtius, betrayed by a false brother, was beheaded. Castulus, accused by the same wretch, was twice stretched upon the rack, and afterwards buried alive. Marcus and Marcellian were nailed by the feet to a post, and having remained in that torment twenty-four hours were shot to death with arrows. 946 St. Maurus Benedictine bishop of Cesena. At Cesena, St. Maur, bishop, renowned for virtues and miracles. St. Maurus A native of Rome and nephew of Pope John IX, he was ordained then became a Benedictine at Classe in Ravenna, its abbot in 926 and bishop of Cesena, Italy in 934. 1670 St. Charles of Sezze 17th-century successor to Brother Juniper. The dying Pope Clement IX called Charles to his bedside for a blessing. Charles thought that God was calling him to be a missionary in India, but he never got there. God had something better for this 17th-century successor to Brother Juniper. Born in Sezze, southeast of Rome, Charles was inspired by the lives of Salvator Horta and Paschal Baylon to become a Franciscan; he did that in 1635. Charles tells us in his autobiography, "Our Lord put in my heart a determination to become a lay brother with a great desire to be poor and to beg alms for his love. along the Via Nomentana born at Rome during the third century. At Rome, the passion of St. Agnes, virgin, who under Symphronius, governor of the city, was thrown into the fire, but after it was extinguished by her prayers, she was slain with the sword. Of her, St. Jerome writes: "Agnes is praised in the writings and by the tongues of all nations, especially in the churches. She overcame the weakness of her age, conquered the cruelty of the tyrant, and consecrated her chastity by martyrdom." St Agnes was martyred, and that she was buried beside the Via Nomentana in the cemetery afterwards called by her name. Here a basilica was erected in her honour before 354 by Constantina, daughter of Constantine and wife of Gallus; and the terms of the acrostic inscription set up in the apse are still preserved, but it tells us nothing about St Agnes except that she was “a virgin” and “victorious”. Again, the name of St Agnes is entered in the Depositio martyrum of A.D. 354, under the date January 21, together with the place of her burial. There is also abundant subsidiary evidence of early cultus in the frequent occurrence of representations of the child martyr in “gold glasses”, etc., and in the prominence given to her name in all kinds of Christian literature. “Agnes, Thecla and Mary were with me”, said St Martin to Sulpicius Severus, where he seems to assign precedence to Agnes even above our Blessed Lady. St Agnes is, as remarked above, one of the saints named in the canon of the Mass. Baba Sheikh Farid Ji was a great Sufi saint On the banks of the river Sutlej at a place called Pak Pattan, tamerlane horses suddenly stopped. The horsement whipped their animals. The stallions started bleeding but refused to move further voice came from somewhere and called, "Baba Farid, the King of Kings" More Here. Farid was to Punjabi what Chaucer was to English. He made Punjabi poetry and poetry Punjabi. Later when Adi Granth (Sikh scripture) was compiled by the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Arjun Dev Ji, Farid’s ‘slokas’ (sacred couplets) were given the place of honour along with those of Kabir, Ramdev and Guru Ravidas. "Farid return thou good for evil; In thy heart bear no revenge. Thus thy body will be free of maladies, And thy life have all blessings." 662 Saint Maximus the Confessor 3 candles burned miraculously over the grave proving his fight against the Monothelite heresy. Born in Constantinople around 580 and raised in a pious Christian family. He received an excellent education, studying philosophy, grammar, and rhetoric. He was well-read in the authors of antiquity and he also mastered philosophy and theology. When St Maximus entered into government service, he became first secretary (asekretis) and chief counselor to the emperor Heraclius (611-641), who was impressed by his knowledge and virtuous life. Patriarch Sergius died at the end of 638, and the emperor Heraclius also died in 641. The imperial throne was eventually occupied by his grandson Constans II (642-668), an open adherent of the Monothelite heresy. The assaults of the heretics against Orthodoxy intensified. St Maximus went to Carthage and he preached there for about five years. When the Monothelite Pyrrhus, the successor of Patriarch Sergius, arrived there after fleeing from Constantinople because of court intrigues, he and St Maximus spent many hours in debate. As a result, Pyrrhus publicly acknowledged his error, and was permitted to retain the title of "Patriarch." He even wrote a book confessing the Orthodox Faith. St Maximus and Pyrrhus traveled to Rome to visit Pope Theodore, who received Pyrrhus as the Patriarch of Constantinople. 1642 St. Alban Bartholomew Roe Missionary martyr 1/40 of England and Wales. Alban is believed to have been born in Bury St. Edmund's, England, about 1580. He converted to Catholicism and went to the English College at Douai, where he was dismissed for an infraction of discipline. In 1612 he became an ordained Benedictine at Dieulouard, France. From there he was sent to England. In 1615 he was arrested and banished. In 1618 he returned to England and was imprisoned again. This imprisonment lasted until 1623, when the Spanish ambassador obtained his release. In 1625, once again having returned to England to care for Catholics, Alban was arrested for the last time. For seventeen years he remained in prison and was then tried and condemned. Alban was sentenced with Thomas Reynolds, another English martyr. They were hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn on January 21, 1642. Born in Bury Saint Edmunds, Suffolk, England, c. 1583; died at Tyburn, England, 1642; canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. Saints of January 22
mention with Popes
304 St. Vincent
the Deacon martyr would not surrender the
holy books 304
ST VINCENT OF SARAGOSSA, MARTYRTHE glorious martyr St Vincent was instructed in the sacred sciences and Christian piety by St Valerius, Bishop of Saragossa, who ordained him his deacon, and appointed him, though very young, to preach and instruct the people. Dacian, a cruel persecutor, was then governor of Spain. The Emperors Diocletian and Maximian published their second and third edicts against the Christian clergy in the year 303, which in the following year were put in force against the laity. It seems to have been before these last that Dacian put to death eighteen martyrs at Saragossa, who are mentioned by Prudentius and in the Roman Martyrology for January 16, and that he apprehended Valerius and Vincent. 410 Saint Gaudentius, Bishop of Brescia from 387 successor of the writer on heresies, St. Philastrius. At the time of that saint's death Gaudentius was making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The people of Brescia bound themselves by an oath that they would accept no other bishop than Gaudentius; and St. Ambrose and other neighbouring prelates, in consequence, obliged him to return, though against his will. The Eastern bishops also threatened to refuse him Communion if he did not obey. We possess the discourse which he made before St. Ambrose and other bishops on the occasion of his consecration, in which he excuses, on the plea of obedience, his youth and his presumption in speaking. He had brought back with him from the East many precious relics of St. John Baptist and of the Apostles, and especially of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, relics of whom he had received at Caesarea in Cappadocia from nieces of St. Basil. 1745 St. Francis Gil de Frederich Dominican martyr Tonkin, China, & Vietnam 1745 St. Matthew Alonso Leziniana Dominican martyr of Vietnam. He was born in Navas del Rey in Spain and became a Dominican priest. Assigned originally to the Philippines, he was sent later to Vietnam where he was beheaded during the anti-Christian oppression. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. Saints of January 23
mention with Popes
309 St. Agathangelus
Martyr baptized by St. Clement of Ancyra
died with him . See the Acta Sanctorum for January 23 and F. Jubaru, St Agnes (1909), pp. 145-156. In
some traditions the foster sister of St. Agnes, stoned to death when discovered
praying at Agnes’ grave. Emerentiana was possibly
martyred elsewhere. Her cult was confined to local
calendars in 1969. It is claimed by Alban Butler that
her relics were recovered with those of her sister in Christ near
the Church of Saint Agnes
on the Via Nomentana when it was being restored during the
reign of Pope Paul V. Farmer reports that they were found nearby.
6th v. Martyrius of Valeria hermit -- Gregory the Great extols in his Dialogues (Dial. I, II). In the province of Valeria, St. Martyrius, monk, mentioned by Pope St. Gregory. 1275 ST RAYMUND OF Peñafort. THE family of Peñafort claimed descent from the counts of Barcelona, and was allied to the kings of Aragon. Raymund was born in 1175, at Peñafort in Catalonia, and made such rapid progress in his studies that at the age of twenty he taught philosophy at Barcelona. This he did gratis, and with great reputation. When he was about thirty he went to Bologna to perfect himself in Canon and civil law. He took the degree of doctor, and taught with the same disinterestedness and charity as he had done in his own country. In 1219 Berengarius, Bishop of Barcelona, made Raymund his archdeacon and “official”. He was a perfect model to the clergy by his zeal, devotion and boundless liberalities to the poor. In 1222 he assumed the habit of St Dominic at Barcelona, eight months after the death of the holy founder, and in the forty-seventh year of his age. No one of the young novices was more humble, obedient or fervent than he. He begged of his superiors that they would enjoin him some severe penance to expiate the complacency which he said he had sometimes taken in his teaching. They, indeed, imposed on him a penance, but not quite such as he expected. It was to write a collection of cases of conscience
for the convenience of confessors and moralists.
This led to the compilation of the Summa de casibus poenitentialibus and the first work of its kind. 1366 St. Henry Suso, Blessed Famed German Dominican mystic wrote many classic books. Born Heinrich von Berg in Constance, Swabia, he entered the Order of Preachers, the Dominicans, at an early age. Undergoing a conversion, he developed an abiding spiritual life and studied under Meister Eckhart in Cologne from 1322-1325. He then returned to Constance to teach, subsequently authoring numerous books of spirituality. As he supported Meister Eckhart who was then the source of some controversy and had been condemned by Pope John XXII in 1329 Henry was censured by his superiors and stripped of his teaching position. He subsequently became a preacher in Switzerland and the Upper Rhine and was a brilliant spiritual advisor among the Dominicans and the spiritual community of the Gottesfreunde . He endured persecution right up until his death at Ulm. Pope Gregory XVI beatified him in 1831. Saints of January 24
mention with Popes
254 ST FELICIAN,
Bishop OF FOLIGNO, MARTYR is also regarded as the
original apostle of Umbria; the earliest trace
of the use of the pallium is met with in the account
of the episcopal consecration of this saint At Foligno
in Umbria, St. Felician, consecrated bishop of
that city by Pope St. Victor I. After many labours,
in extreme old age, he was crowned with martyrdom in the
time of Decius.268 St. Zama 1st recorded bishop of Bologna At Bologna, St. Zamas, the first bishop of that city, who was consecrated by Pope St. Denis, and there did wonders in spreading the Christian faith. Italy. He was ordained by Pope St. Dionysius and entrusted with the founding of this illustrious see. 1679 Bl. William Ireland Jesuit English martyr for supposed complicity in the Popish Plot. the servant of Blessed William Ireland. He served several Jesuits at a London house until his arrest. John was martyred at Tyburn with Blessed William Ireland for alleged involvement in the Titus Oates Plot. He was beatified in 1929. Saints of January 25
mention with Popes
6th
v. St. Maurus
With Placid, Benedictines, disciples of St.
Benedict. Maurus was the son
of a Roman noble. At the age of twelve he became St. Benedict’s
assistant and possibly succeeded him as abbot of Subiaco Abbey
in 525 . Pope St. Gregory I the Great wrote of
Maurus and Placid in his Dialogues. In liturgical art, Maurus
is depicted saving Placid from drowning. Their cult is now restricted
to local calendars. Saints of January 26
mention with Popes
69-155 St. Polycarp
of Smyrna Bishop of Smyrna Feast
day February 25th. We
are told that St Polycarp met at Rome the heretic Marcion
in the streets, who, resenting the fact that the bishop did
not take that notice of him which he expected, said, “Do not
you know me?” “Yes”, answered the saint, “I know you,
the first-born of Satan.”
He had learned
this abhorrence of those who adulterate divine truth
from his master St John, who fled from the baths at the sight
of Cerinthus.St Polycarp kissed the chains of St Ignatius when he passed by Smyrna on the road to his martyrdom, and Ignatius in turn recommended to him the care of his distant church of Antioch, supplementing this charge later on by a request that he would write in his name to those churches of Asia to which he had not leisure to write himself. Polycarp addressed a letter to the Philippians shortly after, which is highly commended by St Irenaeus, St Jerome, Eusebius, Photius and others, and is still extant. This letter, which in St Jerome’s time was publicly read in the Asiatic churches, is justly admired both for the excellent instructions it contains and for the perspicuity of the style. Polycarp undertook a journey to Rome to confer with Pope St Anicetus about certain points, especially about the time of keeping Easter, for the Asiatic churches differed from others in this matter. Anicetas could not persuade Polycarp, nor Polycarp Anicetus, and so it was agreed that both might follow their custom without breaking the bonds of charity. St Anicetus, to testify his respect, asked him to celebrate the Eucharist in his own papal church. 404 St. Paula patroness of widows children Toxotius Blesilla Paulina Eustochium and Rufina. At Bethlehem of Judea, the death of St. Paula, widow, mother of St. Eustochium, a virgin of Christ, who abandoned her worldly prospects, though she was descended from a noble line of senators, distributed her goods to the poor, and retired to our Lord's manger, where, endowed with many virtues, and crowned with a long martyrdom, she departed for the kingdom of heaven. Her admirable life was written by St. Jerome. 1188 St. Eystein Erlandsson B (RM) IN the year 1152 an English cardinal, Nicholas Breakspeare (afterwards to be pope as Adrian IV), visited Norway as legate of the Holy See, and gave a new organization to the Church in that country, consisting of a metropolitan see at Nidaros (Trondhjem) with ten bishoprics. * Among them was Suderoyene, i.e. the western isles of Scotland and Man, which remained suifragan to Trondhjem till the fourteenth century the name survives In the “Sodor and Man” diocese of the Anglican Church to-day. Upon his appointment as bishop, Eystein went on a pilgrimage to Rome to be consecrated by Pope Alexander III, who gave him the pallium and made him a papal legate a latere. He returned from Rome late in 1161. Eystein labored to strengthen the ties between the Norwegian Church and Rome, implement the Gregorian Reform, and to free the Church in Norway from interference by the nobles. He brought to the Norwegian Church the practices and customs of the churches of Europe at that time, though celibacy for the clergy was largely unobserved in his country. Perhaps this is the reason he established communities of Augustinian canons regular to set an example for the parochial clergy. Saints of January 27
mention with Popes
<<407 Transfer
incorrupt relics of St John Chrysostom condemned
by Eudoxia. St.
John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, confessor
and doctor of the Church, and the heavenly patron of preachers,
who fell asleep in the Lord on the 14th of September.
His holy body was brought to Constantinople on this day in
the reign of Theodosius the younger; it was afterwards taken
to Rome and placed in the basilica of the Prince of the Apostles.The emperor sent troops to drive the people out of the churches on Holy Saturday, and they were polluted with blood and all manner of outrages. The saint wrote to Pope St Innocent I, begging him to invalidate all that had been done, for the miscarriage of justice had been notorious. He also wrote to beg the concurrence of other bishops of the West. The pope wrote to Theophilus exhorting him to appear before a council, where sentence should be given according to the canons of Nicaea. He also addressed letters to Chrysostom, to his flock and several of his friends, in the hope of redressing these evils by a new council, as did also the Western emperor, Honorius. But Arcadius and Eudoxia found means to prevent any such assembly, the mere prospect of which filled Theophilus and other ringleaders of his faction with alarm. 555 St. Marius Abbot visions. 555 ST MARIUS, OR MAY, ABBOT We have no very certain information concerning St Marius, who in the Roman Martyrology appears as Maurus, while Bobacum is given as the name of the monastery which he governed. Both these designations seem to be erroneous. Dynamius, patrician of the Gauls who is mentioned by St. Gregory of Tours, (l. 6, c. 11,) and who was for some time steward of the patrimony of the Roman church in Gaul, in the time of St. Gregory the Great, as appears by a letter of that pope to him, (in which he mentions that he sent him in a reliquary some of the filings of the chains of St. Peter, and of the gridiron of St. Laurence,) was the author of the lives of St. Marius and of St. Maximus of Ries. From the fragments of the former in Bollandus, we learn that he was born at Orleans, became a monk, and after some time was chosen abbot at La-Val-Benois, in the diocese of Sisteron, in the reign of Gondebald, king of Burgundy, who died in 509. 584 St. Maurus, abbot and deacon; sent to France in 543 to propagate the order of St. Benedict; favored by God with the gift of miracles: see also January 15 510 Saint Maurus was the first disciple of St. Benedict of Nursia. Gift of Miracles St. Maurus was favored by God with the gift of miracles. To show in what high degree the Saint possessed the gift of miracles, it will be sufficient to cite a few examples of how he miraculously cured the sick and restored to health those who were stricken with a grievous affliction. It has already been stated, according to the testimony of Pope St. Gregory the Great, in the Second Book of his Dialogues, how when a youth, St.Maurus rescued St. Placid from drowning. A few more examples of miracles wrought by the Saint, as related by the monk St. Faustus (Bollandists, Vol. 2), who accompanied St. Maurus to France and later wrote his life, will be given here. They were invariably wrought by means of the sign of the Cross, and the relic of the true Cross, which he had taken along to France. 1077 St. Gilduin Canon of Dol in Brittany France, who refused a bishopric from Pope St. Gregory VII. After going to Rome to decline the honor, Gilduin died on his way home. His tomb became a popular pilgrimage destination. When she was 56, Angela Merici said "No" to the Pope. She was aware that Clement VII was offering her a great honor and a great opportunity to serve when he asked her to take charge of a religious order of nursing sisters. But Angela knew that nursing was not what God had called her to do with her life. 1540 St. Angela Merici innovative approach to education Ursulines 1st teaching order of women Saint Ursula appeared levitation. She had just returned from a trip to the Holy Land. On the way there she had fallen ill and become blind. Nevertheless, she insisted on continuing her pilgrimage and toured the holy sites with the devotion of her heart rather than her eyes. On the way back she had recovered her sight. But this must have been a reminder to her not to shut her eyes to the needs she saw around her, not to shut her heart to God's call. 1896 St. Enrique de Osso y Cervello Spain devotion to religious education. When Pope John Paul II made his pastoral visit to Spain in June 1993, he canonized a Spanish priest noted for his devotion to religious education: St. Enrique de Osso y Cervello. Enrique was a native of Tarragona in Spain's Catalonia, the youngest of the three children of Jaime de Osso and Micaela Cervello, a couple very Christian and very Catalan. Saints of January 28
mention with Popes
444
St Cyril,
Archbishop Of Alexandria, Doctor Of The Church. ST CYRIL
has been called the Doctor of the Incarnation, as St Augustine
was styled the Doctor of Divine Grace: in the great intercession
of the Syrian and Maronite Mass he is commemorated as "a
tower of truth and interpreter of the Word of God made flesh".
Throughout his life he made it a rule never to advance any
doctrine which he had not learnt from the ancient fathers, but
his books against Julian the Apostate show that he had also read
the profane writers. He often said himself that he neglected human
eloquence, and it is certainly to be regretted that he did not cultivate
a clearer style and write purer Greek.Both parties appealed to Pope St Celestine I who, after examining the doctrine in a council at Rome, condemned it and pronounced a sentence of excommunication and deposition against Nestorius unless, within ten days of receiving notice of the sentence, he publicly retracted his errors. St Cyril, who was appointed to see the sentence carried out, sent Nestorius, with his third and last summons, twelve propositions with anathemas to be signed by him as a proof of his orthodoxy. Nestorius, however, showed himself more obstinate than ever. [It is debatable whether Nestorius in fact held all the opinions attributed to him; in any case he was hardly the originator of the heresy that bears his name.] 814 Blessed Charlemagne Emperor restored unity of liturgy defined doctrine encouraged education. THE life of Charlemagne (born in 742; king of the Franks, 768; first Holy Roman emperor, 800; died, 814) belongs to general history, and his is a somewhat surprising name to find in any book of saints. There does not appear to have been any noticeable cultus of him till 1166, when it began to develop under the rather sinister auspices of Frederick Barbarossa; and an antipope, Guy of Crema (“Paschal III”), appears to have equivalently sanctioned it. It is interesting to note that St Joan of Arc associated “St Charlemagne” with the devotion she paid to St Louis of France, and that in 1475 the observance of a feast in his honour was made obligatory throughout that country. Prosper Lambertini, later Pope Benedict XIV, discusses the question at some length in his great work on beatification and canonization, and he concludes that the title Blessed may not improperly be allowed to so great a defender of the Church and the papacy. To-day, however, the cultus of Charlemagne is confined to the keeping of a feast in his honour in Aachen and two Swiss abbeys. 880 Odo of Beauvais Benedictine monk helped reform Church N. France. Born near Beauvais, France, in 801; died 880; cultus approved by Pope Pius IX. Saint Odo chose the military as a profession in his youth but abandoned this calling to become a Benedictine monk at Corbie. He taught Charles Martel's son while he was a monk there and in 851 was elected abbot, succeeding Saint Paschasius Radbertus. He was consecrated bishop of his native city in 861 and in the two decades of his bishopric helped reform the Church in northern France and mediated the differences between Pope Nicholas I and Archbishop Hincmar of Rheims over Hincmar's deposition of Rothadius of Soissons in 862 and Rothadius's restoration by the pope in 865 (Benedictines, Delaney). In 851, Odo was elected abbot, and in 861 became bishop of Beauvais. His reforms were much to the benefit of the Church in northern France, and he assisted in bringing about the reconciliation between Pope Nicholas I and the powerful Archbishop Hincmar of Reims after they had a dispute over Hincrnar’s deposition of Bishop Rothadius of Soissons in 862. 1159 Bl. Amadeus of Lausanne Cistercian Bishop prominent official court of Savoy & Burgundy. THIS Amadeus was of the royal house of Franconia and born at the castle of Chatte in Dauphiné in 1110. When he was eight years old his father, Amadeus of Clermont, Lord of Hauterive, took the religious habit at the Cistercian abbey of Bonnevaux. Young Amadeus went to Bonnevaux to be educated there, but after a time he and his father migrated to Cluny. Amadeus senior returned to the more austere Cistercian house, while Amadeus junior went for a short time into the household of the Emperor Henry V. He then received the Cistercian habit at Clairvaux, where he lived for fourteen years. In 1139 the abbot of Hautecombe in Savoy retired and St Bernard appointed Amadeus in his place; the monastery had adopted the reform only four years before and its temporal affairs were in a bad way. St Amadeus encouraged the community to bear these extra hardships cheerfully, and by careful administration got the monastery out of its difficulties. In 1144 he accepted, by order of Pope Lucius II, the see of Lausanne, where he was at once involved in struggles with the nobles of the diocese and a vain effort to induce the Emperor Conrad to go to the help of the pope against Pierleone. When Amadeus III, Duke of Savoy, went on the Second Crusade, St Amadeus was appointed as a sort of co-regent with his son Humbert; and four years before his death he was made chancellor of Burgundy by Frederick Barbarossa. Nicholas, the secretary of St Bernard, speaks highly of the virtues of this active bishop, and his age-long cultus was approved in 1910. A number of sermons of St Amadeus are extant. 1258 St Peter Nolasco, Founder ransoms Christian prisoners 400 on 1 trip. St. Peter Nolasco, confessor, who founded the Order of Our Lady of Ransom for the redemption of captives, and who fell asleep in the Lord on the 25th of December. Born at Mas-des-Saintes Puelles (Languedoc), France, (or Barcelona, Spain?) c. 1189; died in Barcelona, Spain, December 25, 1258; canonized in 1628; feast extended to the universal Church in 1664; feast day formerly on January 31. This was received by the people with acclamation. St Peter received the new habit from St Raymund, who established him first master general of the order, and drew up for it rules and constitutions. Two other gentlemen were professed at the same time with St Peter. When Raymund went to Rome, he obtained from Pope Gregory IX in 1235 the confirmation of the foundation and its rule. 1304 Blessed James the Almsgiver priest martyred by a bishop. THERE is, or at any rate once was, a curious contest between the Friars Minor and the Servites regarding the religious status of the servant of God who is known as James the Almsgiver. The Servites keep his feast every year on this day in virtue of a rescript of Pope Pius IX, and he is described in their martyrology as a confessor of the Third Order of the Servants of Blessed Mary the Virgin, “whose memory remaineth for a blessing among his fellow-citizens”. On the other hand, the Third Order of the Franciscans also claims him as a recruit, although his name does not occur in the general martyrology of the Friars Minor. Mazzara in his Leggendario Francescano (1676) indignantly rejects the claim of the Servites to number Bd James among the adherents of their own religious family. 1366 St Peter Thomas Carmelite diplomat bishop of Patti and Lipari crusader . Born in Breil, Gascony, France, c. 1305; died January 6, 1366; cultus approved in 1608; feast day was January 25. 1366 ST PETER THOMAS, TITULAR PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE. What is most surprising in our days is that Innocent VI and Urban V seem to have placed Peter Thomas virtually in command of expeditions which were distinctly military in character. He was sent to Constantinople in 1359 with a large contingent of troops and contributions in money, himself holding the title of “Universal Legate to the Eastern Church”; and when in 1365 an expeditionary force was sent to make an attack on infidel Alexandria, again the legate had virtual direction of the enterprise. The expedition ended disastrously. In the assault the legate was more than once wounded with arrows, and when he died a holy death at Cyprus three months later (January 6, 1366) it was stated that these wounds had caused, or at least accelerated, the end, and he was hailed as a martyr. On behalf of Pope Urban V and with the support of King Peter I of Cyprus, he led a crusade against the Turks. In an unsuccessful attack on Alexandria, Peter was wounded and died three months later on Cyprus. Throughout his active life, he remained true to the spirit of his contemplative profession (Benedictines). 1431
Blessed Mary of Pisa Widow
miraculous favors saw guardian angel from childhood. THE history of Bd Mary
Mancini is a standing illustration of the principle
that holiness depends very little upon external circumstances.
There is, in fact, no condition of life which the interior
spirit may not sanctify. Here we have a servant of God who
was twice married and many times a mother, who then lived for
several years in the world as a widow, joined a relaxed religious
house, reformed it, and finally founded a community of exceptionally
strict observance, in which she died at an advanced age in the
fragrance of sanctity. Saint Catherine of Siena visited Pisa at about
this time, and the two saintly women were drawn together into a holy friendship.
As they prayed together in the Dominican church one day, they were surrounded
by a bright cloud, out of which flew a white dove. They conversed joyfully
on spiritual matters, and were mutually strengthened by the meeting. On
the advice of Saint Catherine of Siena,
Catherine Mancini retired to the enclosed Santa Croce convent of the
Second Order. In religion, she was given the name Mary, by which she is
usually known. She embraced the religious life in all its primitive austerity
and reformed the convent. With Blessed Clare
Gambacorta and a few other members of the convent, she founded a
new and much more austere house, which had been built by Peter Gambacorta.
Our Lady's prophecy of his benefaction was thus fulfilled.
1622 St Francis
De Sales, Bishop Of Geneva And Doctor Of The Church,
Co-Founder Of The Order Of The Visitation
St Francis De Sales was born at the Château
de Sales in Savoy on August 21, 1567, and on the following
day was baptized in the parish church of Thorens under the
name of Francis Bonaventure. His patron saint in after-life
was the Poverello of Assisi, and the room in which he was born was
known as “St Francis’s room”, from a painting of the saint preaching
to the birds and fishes. At this time, owing to armed hostilities and the inroads of Protestantism, the religious condition of the people of the Chablais, on the south shore of the Lake of Geneva, was deplorable, and the Duke of Savoy applied to Bishop de Granier to send missioners who might win back his subjects to the Church. In response the bishop sent a priest to Thonon, the capital of the Chablais. The first attempt was fruitless, and the priest was soon forced to withdraw. The bishop, summoning his chapter, put the whole matter before them, disguising none of the difficulties and dangers. Perhaps of all those present, the provost was the one who best realized the gravity of the task, but nevertheless he stood up and offered himself for the work, saying very simply, “My lord, if you think I am capable of undertaking the mission, tell me to go. I am ready to obey, and should be happy to be chosen.” The bishop accepted at once, to Francis’s great joy. But M. de Boisy took a different view of the matter and hastened to Annecy to stop what he called “this piece of folly”. In his opinion it meant sending Francis to his death. Kneeling at the feet of the bishop he exclaimed, “My lord, I allowed my eldest son, the hope of my house, of my old age, of my life, to devote himself to the service of the Church to be a confessor, but I cannot give him up to be a martyr!” When Mgr de Granier, impressed by the distress and insistence of his old friend, seemed on the point of yielding, it was Francis who implored him to be firm, saying, “Would you make me unworthy of the Kingdom of God? Having put my hand to the plough, would you have me look back?” Saints of January 30
mention with Popes
228 St. Martina
Virgin martyr of Rome . ST MARTINA, VIRGIN AND MARTYRIN the general calendar of the Western church this day is kept as the feast of St Martina, and accordingly her name stands first today in the Roman Martyrology and in the fuller notice which appears there on January 1, we are told that at Rome under the Emperor Alexander (Severus, 222-235) she was subjected to many kinds of torment and at length perished by the sword. Alban Butler informs us correctly that there was a chapel in Rome consecrated to her memory which was frequented with great devotion in the seventh century. We also may learn from him that her relics were discovered in a vault in the ruins of her old church, and translated in the year 1634 under Pope Urban VIII, who built. a new church in her honour and himself composed the hymns used in her office in the Roman Breviary. He adds further that the city of Rome ranks her amongst its particular patrons. 269 St. Hippolytus Martyr of Antioch, Turkey. With St Chryse suffered the martyrs Ares, Felix, Maximus, Herculianus, Venerius, Stiracius, Mennas, Commodus, Hermes, Maurus, Eusebius, Rusticus, Monagrius, Amandinus, Olympius, Cyprus, Theodore the Tribune, Maximus the Presbyter, Archelaus the Deacon, and Cyriacus the Bishop. All these Roman martyrs suffered in the year 269. The relics of the Hieromartyr Hippolytus were put in the church of the holy Martyrs Laurence and Pope Damasus at Rome. St Hippolytus was a disciple of St Irenaeus, Bishop of Lugdunum (Lyons in France), and he is also renowned as a Christian theologian who wrote many treatises against the heretics. St Hyppolitus compiled a Paschal Canon, the famous Apostolic Tradition, "On Christ", and a "Treatise on the Antichrist." 1710 Blessed Sebastian Velfré Oratorians cheerfull sought out sinners. During all this time Bd Sebastian’s fame as a director of souls was constantly growing. He spent long hours in the confessional, being scrupulous in the regularity of his attendance, a matter upon which he laid much stress in his exhortations to his own community. All classes came to him, and he was prepared to bestow endless trouble on those whom he saw in need of help or earnest to make progress. On the other hand, aided probably by a supernatural insight, or by some strange telepathic faculty, he was ruthless in exposing insincerity and affectation. Amongst his penitents was the Duke Victor Amadeus II, afterwards king of Sardinia, who endeavoured in 1690, with Pope Alexander VIII’S ready consent, to induce Father Sebastian to accept the archbishopric of Turin, but all to no purpose. Saints of January 31
mention with Popes
1888 John Bosco,
Priest Founder great lover of children (RM).
1888 ST JOHN BOSCO,
FOUNDER OF THE SALESIANS OF DON Bosco “IN his life the supernatural
almost became the natural and the extraordinary ordinary.”
These were the words of Pope Pius XI in speaking of
that great lover of children, Don Bosco. Born in 1815,680 St. Adamnan of Coldingham Confessor gift of prophecy Adamnan of Coldingham, OSB, Monk (AC) cultus confirmed by Pope Leo XIII in 1897. Saint Adamnan was an Irish pilgrim priest who became a monk at the double monastery of Coldingham near Berwick, Scotland, which was ruled by the abbess-founder, Saint Ebba. He should not be confused with the Adamnan who wrote the biography of Saint Columba of Iona. 1815 St. Francis Xavier Bianchi Bamabite priest called “the Apostle of Naples” stopped lava from Vesuvius 1805 At Naples, St. Francis Xavier-Maria Bianchi, confessor, cleric regular of St. Paul, renowned for miracles, heavenly gifts and an admirable patience, whom Pope Pius XII raised to the supreme honour of sainthood. Born in Arpino, Italy, in 1743, he became a Barnabite and was ordained in 1767. Francis worked endlessly for the poor and abandoned. His work load and austerities ruined his health, and though he lost the use of his legs, he continued in his labors. He was canonized in 1951. |
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Saints of February 01
mention with Popes
St. Cecilius
of Granada first bishop
203 The Holy Martyrs Perpetua, Felicitas and those with them Tunis visions from God 250 St. Pionius Martyr with Sabinus and Asclepiades A priest from Smyma 250 The Martyr Tryphon greatly venerated Russian Orthodox Church heavenly protector of Moscow Helping everyone in distress asked only one thing from them: faith in Jesus Christ, by Whose grace he healed them. 348 St. Severus of Ravenna poor weaver a dove on his shoulder Kinnia Irish maiden baptized and consecrated by Saint Patrick 480 Jarlath of Armagh disciple of Saint Patrick 5th v. St. Cinnia A princess of Ulster Ireland 6th v. St. Kinnia Irish maiden baptized by St. Patrick St. Crewanna A confessor who accompanied St. Breaca 512 Saint Vendemianus (Bendemianus) granted the gift of healing disciple of St Auxentius 524 St. Darulagdach Abbess of Kildare successor of St. Brigid Kinnia Irish maiden baptized and consecrated by Saint Patrick 525 St. Brigid of Ireland extraordinary spirituality boundless charity compassion for those in distress Saints of February 02
mention with Popes
St.
Cornelius sent for Peter First bishop of Caesarea304 St. Apronian martyr executioner in Rome converted by St. Sisinnius 480+ St. Flosculus Bishop of Orleans 619 St. Lawrence of Canterbury Benedictine Archbishop scourged by St. Peter physical scars 652 St. Adalbald of Ostrevant Noble martyr Many miracles were recorded at his tomb 745 St. Adeloga Benedictine abbess founded Benedictine convent 880 St. Theodoric Bishop martyr 880 Ebsdorf Martyrs Members of the army of Duke St. Bruno 959 Columbanus of Ghent, Hermit Irish abbot his name in the litany St. Fortunatus Martyr with Candidus, Felician, and Firmus of Rome St. Feock unknown Patron of a church in Cornwall 1365 Blessed Peter Cambiano Dominican martyr 1640 St. Joan de Lestonnac Foundress many miracles different kinds occurred at her tomb Saints of February 03
mention with Popes
Righteous
Simeon and Anna the prophetess On this first
day of the Afterfeast of the Meeting of the Lord 3rd v. St. Laurentinus & brother and sister SS Laurentius and Clerina 3rd. century African martyrs 250 St. Celerinus African martyr revered for his sufferings 316 St. Blaise miracles with animals martyr Patron of Throat Illnesses bishop of Sebastea in Armenia 486 St. Lupicinus & Felix Bishops of Lyons 550 Ia of Cornwall sailing on a leaf that grew to accommodate her 576 St. Lawrence of Spoleto Bishop “the Illuminator.” miracle worker 578 St. Philip of Vienne Bishop of Vienne France. He served in a turbulent era of political wars and rampant heresies. 700 Werburga of Chester founded new convents restored goose to life 702 St. Berlinda hermitess of Belgium protectress of trees and invoked against cattle diseases SS. Celsa and Nona bodies were found near that of Saint Berlinda St. Deodatus A monk of Lagny 785 St. Werburg Widow abbess 856 Bl. Rabanus Maurus Abbot Fulda archbishop very learned man intense charity also promoted clerical discipline 865 St. Ansgar 1st Archbishop of Hamburg & Bremen missionary first Christian church in Sweden Patron of Scandinavia 980 St. Liafdag martyred Bishop of Jutland 1331 Bl. Odoric of Pordenone Franciscan missionary to Mongol Great Khan in Peking miracles performed 1494 Blessed John Zakoly Hungary 1578 Bl. John Nelson Jesuit martyr of England 1840 Blessed Stephen Bellesini devoted ministrations to the victims of a cholera epidemic Saints of February 04
mention with Popes
Sunday of the Prodigal Son2nd day of the Afterfeast of the Meeting of the Lord 250 Saint Jadorus suffered martyrdom with St Isidore (not Isidore of Pelusium) Abraham Bishop of Arbilia suffered during persecution Persia under Sapor II Romæ sancti Eutychii Mártyris, qui illústre martyrium consummávit, ac sepúltus est in cœmetério Callísti; ejúsque sepúlcrum póstea sanctus Dámasus Papa vérsibus exornávit. At Rome, St. Eutychius, who endured a glorious martyrdom and was buried in the cemetery of Callistus. Pope St. Damasus wrote an epitaph in verse for his tomb. Thumi, in Ægypto, pássio beáti Philéæ, ejúsdem civitátis Epíscopi, et Philorómi, Tribúni mílitum; qui, in persecutióne Diocletiáni, cum a cognátis et amícis suadéri non possunt ut sibi párcerent, ambo, datis cervícibus, palmas a Dómino meruérunt. Cum ipsis innúmera étiam multitúdo fidélium ex eádem urbe, pastóris sui vestígia sequens, martyrio coronáta est. At Thumis in Egypt, in the persecution of Diocletian, the passion of blessed Philaeus, bishop of that city, and of Philoromus, military tribune, who rejected the exhortations of their relatives and friends to save themselves, offered themselves to death, and so merited immortal palms from God. With them was crowned with martyrdom a numberless multitude of the faithful of the same place, who followed the example of their pastor. 784-856 Blessed Maurus Magnentius Rabanus; monk; celebrated theological and pedagogical writer Wrote Veni, Creator Spiritus 845 St. Nithard Benedictine monk and martyr companion of St. Ansgar 860 St. Nicholas Studites Abbot A native of Sydonia, Crete 1204 St. Obitius Benedictine monk penitent glimpse of hell 1238 Holy Great Prince George Battle fought at River Sita Mongol Horde of Batu destroyed the small valiant company of the Great Prince 1373 St. Andrew Corsini Carmelite gifts of prophecy, miracles papal legate Apostle of Florence miracles at death 1532 Saint Cyril of New Lake fond of solitude and prayer healing through his prayers Lord granted gift of foresight 1538 St. John Stone Augustinian 1/40 Forty Martyrs of England and Wales 1594 Bl. John Speed English martyr for befriending Catholic priests 1612 St. Joseph of Leonissa Capuchin Franciscan missionary 1693 St. John de Britto Jesuit martyr in India. Saints of February 05
mention with Popes
250
St. Agatha
St.
Peter vision
preserves Mt. Etna In Pontus persecution of Maximian commemoration of many holy martyrs 310 Theodula The Holy martyr lived in Anazarbus (Asia Minor) breath crumbled idol to dust 345 St. Abraham bishop of Arbela in Assyria martyr 5th v. Saint Calamanda made it rain In Catalonia 420 Agricola of Tongres 11th bishop 520 St. Avitus Bishop of Vienne ransomed captives wisdom and charity 1060 The Elets-Chernigov (Chernigov Spruce Tree) Icon of the Mother of God "Seeker of the Perishing" Icon of the Mother of God those who dying or souls are in danger of spiritual death 1597 St. Louis Ibachi Martyr of Japan 12 yr old w/25 companions 1597 St. Philip of Jesus Franciscan martyr in Japan 1597 St. Leo Karasuma Martyr of Japan Korean Franciscan tertiary 1600 The Divnogorsk-Sicilian Icon of the Mother of God 1696 Saint Theodosius, Archbishop of Chernigov Saints of February 06
mention with Popes
Sts. Peter Baptist, OFM, Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs (Memorial) 105
Saint Bucolus,
Bishop of Smyrna disciple of the holy Apostle and
Evangelist John the Theologian, 1st Bishop of Smyrna
(Asia Minor)
1060 The Eletsk-Chernigov (Chernigov Spruce Tree) Icon of the Mother of God. 1597 St. Paul Miki and Companions: Nagasaki, Japan, is familiar to Americans as the city on which the second atomic bomb was dropped, killing hundreds of thousands. Three and a half centuries before, 26 martyrs of Japan were crucified on a hill, now known as the Holy Mountain, overlooking Nagasaki. 312 The Holy Martyr Julian skilled physician healed illnesses body/soul 490 St. Mel miracule picking live fish from ground nephew of St. Patrick 1207 Bl. Diego De Avezedo Bishop Cistercian visit led to the founding of the Dominicans 1597 Peter Baptist, OFM, (born 1545) was a native of Avila, Spain. He joined the Franciscans in 1567, worked as a missionary in Mexico, was sent to the Philippines in 1583, and on to Japan in 1593, where he served as commissary for the Franciscans. He had the gift of working miracles and is considered the leader of the Franciscan martyrs. 1597 St. Francis Nagasaki a Japanese physician 1/26 crucified 1597 Philip of Jesus martyred in Japan patron of Mexico City 1597 St. James Kisai Jesuit martyr in Japan native 1696 Sainted Theodosii (Feodosii), Archbishop of Chernigov Saints of February 07
mention with Popes
303 St. Augulus
Martyr listed by St. Jerome as a bishop4th v. Saint Parthenius Bishop of Lampsacus from age 18 healed sick in the name of Christ cast out demons worked other miracles 372 St. Moses Arab hermit bishop called “the Apostle of the Saracens.” 722 St. Richard brother of St. Boniface miracles reported at his tomb father of Saints Willibald, Winnebald, and Walburga 946 St. Luke the Younger Hermit death place called Sterion (place of healing) wonder-worker (Thaumaturgus ) one of the earliest saints to be seen levitating in prayer 1027 ST ROMUALD, ABBOT FOUNDER OF THE CAMALDOLESE BENEDICTINES 1236
Bl. Rizzerio
Early Franciscan great austerities mortifications
miracle from Francis
dissolved his despair of God's mercy
1447 St. Colette Poor Clare 17 established monasteries 1461 Blessed Antony of Stroncone practicing rigorous penance 1551 Blessed Thomas Sherwood denying queen's ecclesiastical supremacy 1593 Blessed James Salès & William Saulte-mouche martyrs 1603 Bl. William Richardson Martyr of England 1812 Blessed Giles Mary of Saint Joseph porter for the friary 1871 Bd Eugenia Smet (Mother Mary of Providence), foundress of the Helpers of the Holy Souls. Sancti Romuáldi Abbátis, Monachórum Camaldulénsium Patris, cujus dies natális tertiodécimo Kaléndas Júlii recensétur, sed festívitas hac die, ob Translatiónem córporis ejus, potíssimum celebrátur. St. Romuald, founder of the Camaldolese monks, whose birthday is the 19th of June, but celebrated today because transference of his body. Saints of February 08
mention with Popes
6th_day_afterfeast_Meeting_theLordOur Lady of Casimir (Poland) 520 b.c. Prophet Zachariah the Sickle-Seer 11/12 Minor Prophets 1st v Juventius of Pavia first bishop of Pavia (Ticinum) disciple of Saint Mark 249 St. Cointha Martyr of Alexandria St. Dionysius Martyr with Emilian and Sebastian Armenian monks St. Paul Lucius, and Cyriacus Roman martyrs 319 St Theodore Stratelates from Euchaita in Asia Minor God enlightened him with knowledge of Christian truth angel healed and took him down from the cross 485 Martyrs of Constantinople community of monks of Saint Dius 6th v. St. Llibio The patron saint of Llanlibio on Anglesey Island, Wales 570 St. Honoratus Bishop of Milan suffered from Arian and Lombard aggressions 6th v. Martyrs of Persia slain under Cabas 600 St. Oncho Irish saint guardian of the Celtic traditions collector of holy relics 611 St. Nicetius of Besancon Bishop restored his see after invasion of Huns enemy of heresy 649 St. Paul of Verdun Hermit bishop headmaster in the monastery school 714 St. Elfleda Benedictine abbess powerful in Church affairs 900 St. Cuthman saint of southern England a holy Shepard known for miracles built church by hand 994 Blessed Mlada of Prague, OSB Abbess 1089 St. Peter Igneus meaning “of the fire,” Cardinal Benedictine 10th v. St. Meingold A holy man of Huy on the Meuse 1124 Stephen (Etienne) of Grandmont (of Muret) God give Stephen ability read hearts: deacon austere life little food/sleep for 46 years conversions many obstinate sinners 1213 John of Matha hermit first Mass celebrated: vision of angel clothed in white with a red and blue cross on his breast. The angel placed his hands on the heads of two slaves, who knelt beside him. Pope Innocent III had experienced a similar vision Redemption of Captives (the Trinitarians) 1537 St. Jerome Emiliani devoted himself to poor and suffering special call to help orphans founded orphanages shelter for prostitutes 1837 John Charles Cornay Vietnam Martyr "framed" by the wife of a brigand chief 1861 Stephen Cuénot Vietnam Martyr 25 fruitful years of service during which many souls were converted 1947 St. Josephine Bakhita slave her spirit was always free c. 1868 Saints of February 09
mention with Popes
260 St. Nicephorus
Martyr ready to die in place of Sapricius362 Primus and Donatus slain by Donatists St. Alexander Martyr with St. Ammonius and thirty-eight other Christians 444 ST CYRIL, ARCHBISHOP OF ALEXANDRIA DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH 695 St. Ansbert Bishop chancellor serving King Clotaire III 700 St. Cuaran An Irish bishop became a hermit on Iona 8th v. St. Cronan the Wise bishop of Ireland 760 St. Alto Hermit missionary recorded as an Irishmen 1094 Blessed Erizzo 4th general of Vallumbrosans 1222 St. Raynald of Nocera Benedictine bishop Born in Umbria 1430 Bl. Alvarez of Córdoba Dominican Confessor preacher born in Cordoba 15th v Saint Nicephorus of Vazhe Lake came to St Alexander of Svir (April 17) in the year 1510 1516 Saint Gennadius of Vazhe Lake 1537 St. Jerome Emiliani b. 1481? n 1928 Pius Xl named him the patron of orphans and abandoned children. 1805 Saint Innocent of Irkutsk body commemorate the uncovering of his relics in 1805 discovered incorrupt in 1764 1910 St. Michael Cordero Ecuadorian de La Salle Brother first native vocation there Saints of February 10
mention with Popes
The Prophet
Muhammad's (PBUH) Last Sermon1st v St. Andrew Palestine Martyr w/ St. Aponius St. James the Greater, or Elder 202 Hieromartyr Charalampus Bishop of Magnesia Many miracles through his prayer raised a dead youth healed a man tormented by devils 35 years so that many people began to believe in Christ the Savior: also Martyrs Porphyrius and Baptus and Three Women Martyrs 543 St. Scholastica twin foundress St. Benedict sister saw her soul ascending to heaven with a dove 1056 Princess_Anna_of_Novgorod gave children Christian upbringing strong faith love of work integrity & learning. 1960 Blessed Aloysius Stepinac, Cardinal demonstrating the importance of faith, charity and virtue 1st v St. Andrew Palestine Martyr w/ St. Aponius St. James the Greater, or Elder Bishop Silvanus of Terracina confessor 120 Zoticus, Irenaeus, Hyacinth, Amantius & Companions 202 Hieromartyr Charalampus Bishop of Magnesia Many miracles through his prayer raised a dead youth healed a man tormented by devils 35 years so that many people began to believe in Christ the Savior: also Martyrs Porphyrius and Baptus and Three Women Martyrs 304 Soteris of Rome the Aureli family martyred for Jesus 543 St. Scholastica twin foundress sister of St. Benedict beheld her soul in a vision ascending into heaven with a dove 700 Trumwin of Whitby bishop lived out last days in "austerity to the benefit of many others beside himself" (Bede) 704 St. Austreberta Benedictine abbess famed for her visions and miracles 704 St. Trumwin Early Scottish bishop 962 Salvius of Albelda, OSB Abbot prudent court adviser 1157 St. William of Maleval Hermit licentious military life conversion of heart gift of working miracles and prophecy 1164 Blessed Hugh of Fosse "a man of impetuous disposition" --Saint Bernard 1240 St. Paul and Ninety Companions missionaries Dominican martyrs 1423 St. Paganus Italian Benedictine monastery on Sicily 1501 Blessed Eusebius of Murano Camaldolese monk 1540 Saint Longinus of Koryazhemsk 1645 Bl. Alexander of Lugo Dominican martyr of Spain martyred by Muslims 1960 Blessed Aloysius Stepinac, Cardinal demonstrating the importance of faith, charity and virtue Saints of February 11
mention with Popes
731 Gregory II, 89th Pope
educated at the Lateran restore clerical discipline,
fought heresies helped restore and rebuild churches (including Saint
Paul-Outside-the-Walls), hospitals, and monasteries, including
Monte Cassino under Petrona The outstanding concern of his
pontificate was his difficulties with Emperor Leo III the Isaurian
(RM) He sent missionaries into Germany,
among them Saint Corbinian
and Saint Boniface in 719,
whom he consecrated bishop. He also helped Saint Nothelm in his researches in the papal archives to provide material for Saint Bede's Ecclesiastical history. Gregory also received the Wessex king Ina, who became a monk in Rome in 726. 824 St. Paschal elected as the 94th pope on the day Pope Stephen IV (V) died, January 25, 817 unsuccessful in attempts to end the iconoclast heresy of Emperor Leo V, encouraged SS. Nicephorous and Theodore Studites in Constantinople to resist iconoclasm, and gave refuge to the many Greek monks who fled to Rome to escape persecution from the iconoclasts. Saints of February 12
mention with Popes
160 Modestus
patron saint of Cartagena, Spain and Julian MM (Rm)
1st v St. Juventius Bishop of Pavia one with St. Syru 249 St. Apollonia the patroness of dentists, and people suffering from toothache and other dental diseases often ask her intercession. 304 St. Febronia venerated by all the churches of the East, including that of Ethiopia 381 St. Meletius of Antioch Patriarch of Antioch presided Great Council of Constantinople, in 381 740 Ethelwald of Lindisfarne, OSB B 9th v The Iveron Icon of the Mother of God (which is preserved on Mt. Athos) appearance of the Icon in a pillar of fire at Mt. Athos and its recovery by St Gabriel 895 Saint Anthony, Patriarch of Constantinople native of Asia, but lived in Constantinople from his youth distinguished by his mercy, by his love and concern for the destitute provided generous help to them 1202 St. Ludan Scottish pilgrim local church bells saluted him miraculously 1256 St. Buonfiglio Monaldo 1240 of Servants of Mary, or Servites inspired by vision on feast of the Assumption to a life of solitude and prayer 1378 Saint Alexis, Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia the Wonderworker 1584 Bl. Thomas Hemerford English martyr priest native of Dorsetshire 1584 St. James Feun, Blessed English Martyr in Born in Somerset 1584 Bl. John Nutter & John Munden English martyrs 1691 Nicholas Herman Born in Lorraine, France 1709 Blessed Nicholas Saggio lay brother in the Order of Minims of Saint Francis of Paola 1748 The holy New Martyr Kristo was an Albanian who worked in a vegetable garden Saints of February 13
mention with Popes
Saints of February 14
mention with Popes
112 St. Eleuchadius
Bishop of Ravenna Item Romæ sanctórum Mártyrum Vitális, Felículæ et Zenónis. Alexandríæ sanctórum Mártyrum Cyriónis, Presbyteri, Bassiáni Lectóris, Agathónis Exorcístæ, et Móysis; qui omnes, igne combústi, evolavérunt ad cælum. Alexandríæ sanctórum Mártyrum Bassi, Antónii et Protólici, qui demérsi sunt in mare. Item Alexandríæ sanctórum Dionysii et Ammónii decollatórum. Neápoli, in Campánia, sancti Nostriáni Epíscopi, qui in cathólica fide contra hæréticam pravitátem tuénda éxstitit insígnis. 12 Greeks Who Built the Dormition Cathedral in the Kiev Caves 269 Valentine of Terni Valentine patron of beekeepers engaged couples travellers youth 273 Proculus, Ephebus & Apollonius MM (RM) 4th v Lienne (Leone) of Poitiers Confidant of Saint Hilary (Encyclopedia) 422 St. Abraham of Carrhae Hermit bishop missionary Saint
Cyril
Item Alexandríæ sanctórum
Dionysii et Ammónii decollatórum.
Also at Alexandria, the Saints Denis and Ammonius,
who were beheaded.433 ST MARO, ABBOT God rewarded his labours with most abundant graces and with the gift of healing infirmities both of mind and body 7th v St. Conran bishop of the Orkney Islands 830 St. Antoninus of Sorrento St. Michael Archangel visit Benedictine abbot body daily glorified many miracles esp deliverance of possessed persons Michael Archangel visited him on mountain Benedictine abbot Sorrento patron 869 Sts. Cyril and Methodius 1073 The Kiev Caves Icon of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos glorified by numerous miracle St. Dionysius Martyr of Egypt with Ammonius 1154 BD CONRAD OF BAVARIA his sanctity being revealed by the marvels which occurred at his tomb 1224 ST ADOLF, BISHOP OF OSNABRUCK 1255 Blessed Nicholas Palea companion of Saint Dominic miracle worker OP (AC) 1325 Blessed Angelus of Gualdo Camaldolese lay-brother lived 40 years a hermit walled up in his cell OSB Cam. (AC) 1442 Blessed Vincent of Siena Franciscan for 22 years Vitalis, Felicula & Zeno MM (RM) 1572 Relics of holy martyrs Michael and councilor Theodore transferred to Moscow to the temple dedicated to them 1613 John Baptist of the Conception, C. Trinitarian reform, called the Discalced Trinitarians Saints of February 15
mention with Popes
121 St. Faustinus & Jovita martyrs 273 St. Agape Martyr follower of St. Valentine 273 St. Saturninus martyr with Castulus, Magnus, and Lucius members of Saint Valentine of Terni St. Joseph Josippus of Antioch Martyred deacon 3rd v St. Craton Martyr in Rome converted by St. Valentine 6th v St. Faustus An abbot believed to be a disciple of St. Benedict 579 St. Quinidius Hermit bishop second patron of Vaison-la-Romaine St. Berach Irish abbot nephew of St. Freoch 695 St. Decorosus 30 years Bishop of Capua, Italy Council of Rome in 680 1045 ST SIGFRID, BISHOP OF Växjö: a spring bore Sigfrid’s name was the channel of many miracles 1046 St. Druthmar Benedictine abbot of Corvey Fervor and good observance 1237 Bl. Jordan of Saxony thousand novices to the Dominicans established new foundations Germany and Switzerland It was a sermon of Jordan’s that decided Albertus Magnus to enter the order 1306 BD
ANGELO OF BORGO SAN SEPOLCRO the
body of Bd Angelo remained entire down to the year 1583,
exhaling, it is asserted, a sweet fragrance, and that the
veneration paid to his remains at Borgo San Sepolcro as those
of a saint has been continuous. Saints of February 16
mention with Popes
90 St. Onesimus
Martyr former slave mentioned in St. Paul’s Letter
to Philemon 422 Saint Maruthas Bishop of Tagrith (Martyropolis) famed for knowledge piety works in Syrian "Commentary on the Gospel," "Verses of Maruthas," "Liturgy of Maruthas" and "The 73 Canons of the Ecumenical Council at Nicea" (325) with an account of the acts of the Council 1189 St. Gilbert of Sempringham priest shared wealth with the poor miracles wrought at his tomb built 13 monasteries (9 were double) 1940 St. Philip Siphong 7 Thai Catholics martyred for the faith "white-robed army of martyrs." Saints of February 17
mention with Popes
1st v Righteous Mariamne "The Apostolic Virgin" sister of the holy Apostle Philip 102 Saint Auxibius encountered holy Apostle /Evangelist Mark who established Auxibius as bishop in the city of Soli miracles and the signs worked Commemorateion All the righteous and God-bearing Fathers and Mothers, both known and unknown, who shone forth in asceticism 310 Miracle of the boiled wheat performed by the holy Great Martyr Theodore the Recruit 1233 7 Founders of the Order of Servites On the Feast of the Assumption the 7 single vision to withdraw from world forming new society within the Church devoted to prayer and solitude 1310 St. Alexis Falconieri Founder mystic 1233 on the Feast of the Assumption group experienced a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary Saint Theodore the Silent of the Caves 1362 Saint Theodosius the Bulgarian and disciple Romanus zealous defender of Orthodoxy translated Greek writings into Slavonic founded a monastery Trnovo later called Theodosiev 1603 Blessed William Richardson martyred for his priesthood 1612 Hermogenes Hieromartyr Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus stood up against traitors /enemies of the nation who wanted
to spread Uniatism and Western Catholicism throughout Russia
and to wipe out Orthodoxy, while
enslaving
the Russian nation1795 Theodore The Holy New Martyr apotasized then returned to Christianity tortured hanged by Turks 1819 Saint Joseph monk of Dionysiou Monastery on Mt. Athos iconographer he shone forth with the virtues of monastic life. 1820 Blessed Francis Regis Clet Chinese Martyr Saints of February 18
mention with Popes
107
St. Simon
or Simeon father was Cleophas St. Joseph's brother Mother
was our Lady's sister 8 yrs older than Jesus203 St. Charalampias priest Martyr of Magnesia Asia Minor with companions 260 St. Leo & Paregorius Martyrs of Patara in Lycia 295 St. Maximus Martyr with Alexander & others 354 Constance, Attica & Artemia VV MM (RM) 449 St. Flavian of Constantinople martyr Patriarch succeeding St. Proclus cum fidem cathólicam Ephesi propugnáret 632 Helladius of Toledo native minister court of Visigoth kings B (RM) 676 St. Colman of Lindisfarne Irish bishop chief defender of Celtic customs 814 St. Angilbert Benedictine abbot advisor to Charlemagne body was found to be incorrupt 1166 St. Theotonius Augustinian, trusted canon; royal advisor, all forms of royal corruption opponent 1455 Blessed John of Fiesole patron of Christian artists St. Lucius African martyr with Classicus & others 1594 Bl. William Harrington priest Martyr of England 1601 Bl. John Pibush English martyr solely for his priesthood Bl. Martin Martyr of China native Blessed Agnes De martyred native cradle Christian VM (AC) 1855 Blessed Andrew Nam-Thung native catechist of Cochin-China M (AC) 1858 St. Agatha Lin Chinese martyr 1862 Blessed John Peter French missionary priest & Martin native catechist MM (AC) Saints of February 19
mention with Popes
1st
v St. Auxibius
Bishop baptized a Christian by St. Mark ordained by
St. Paul 1st century295 Gabinus of Rome Pope Caius brother father of Saint Suzanne M (RM) In Africa sanctórum Mártyrum Públii, Juliáni, Marcélli et aliórum. 304 St. Zambdas 37th Bishop of Jerusalem martyred 441 Mesrob the Teacher government official in Armenia Georgia translation of the Bible B (AC) 798 St. Beatus Monk author foe Adoptionist heresy foe commentary on the book of Revelation 884 George of Lodève, OSB (AC) Born at Rodez, Spain 11th v Neápoli, in Campánia, sancti Quod-vult-Deus, Carthaginénsis Epíscopi, qui, una cum Clero, a Rege Ariáno Genseríco in fractas et absque remígiis ac velis naves impósitus, præter spem Neápolim áppulit, ibíque, in exsílio pósitus, Conféssor occúbuit. 1135 St. Belina Virgin martyr of Troyes, France died in defense of her virginity 1265 St. Boniface of Lausanne Bishop publicly scolded emperor local clergy for corruption 1350 St. Conrad of Piacenza reputation for holiness 1400 + St. Alvarez confessor Queen Catherine adviser tutor King John II teaching preaching asceticism holiness 1862 Bl. Lucy Martyr of China Catholic schoolteacher Saints of February 20 mention
with Popes
Between
May 13 and October 13, 1917, three children, Portuguese
shepherds
February 20 - Jacinta Marto, seer of Fatima (d. 1920)
- 5th Apparition in Lourdes (France, 1858)
480 St. Bolcan
Bishop disciple of St. Patrick & Baptized by Pothmius and Nemesius martyrs in Cyprus MM (RM) 302-310 Marytrs of Tyre wild animals couldn't approach the Christians: beheaded instead 743 ST. EUCHERIUS, Bishop Charles Martel reproved encroachments miracles. 1154 + St. Wulfric hermit Many miracles were attributed to his intercession, both in this life and after his death numerous between 1185 to 1235 1250 St. Amata Poor Clare niece of St. Clare of Assisi 1304 Blessed Peter of Treja early Franciscans associated with Blessed Conrad of Offida in his apostolate 1468 Blessed Elisabeth Bartholomea Picenardi, OSM V (AC) many miracles were said worked at her tomb 1920 Blessed Jacinta & Francisco Marto Between May 13 and October 13, 1917, three children, Portuguese shepherds Saints of February 21 mention
with Popes
379 Irene
Spanish Sister of Pope Saint Damasus 633 Saint Zacharias Patriarch of Jerusalem Chosroes looted Jerusalem exiled and returned from captivity 689 St. Avitus II of Clermont Bishop and defender of the Church 795 Saint Timothy of Symbola Italian gift of healing sick casting out unclean spirits 805 George of Amastris B (AC) Born at Kromna near Amastris on the Black Sea 1072 Peter Damian brilliant teacher writer transcribing manuscripts , B Doctor (RM) 1210 Blessed Nicholas of Vangadizza great helper to holy souls, OSB Cam. (AC) 1562 Robert Southwell 1/40 martyrs of England and Wales SJ M (RM) 1794 Blessed Noel Pinot continued to minister to his flock.M (AC) Saints of February 22 mention
with Popes
The
Chair of St. Peter at Antioch, where the disciples were first
called Christians.1st v St. Aristion Martyr disciple one of the original seventy-two sent out into the world Alexandríæ sancti Abílii Epíscopi, qui, secúndus post beátum Marcum 130 St. Papias Bishop of Hieropolis in Phrygia, Asia Minor 4th v Martyrs of Arabia Christians who died for the faith 967 St. Raynerius Benedictine monk served at Beaulieu near Limoges France 1297 St. Margaret of Cortona penitent direct contact with Jesus frequent ecstacies Saints of February 23 mention
with Popes
156
Saint Polycarp
a disciple of Saint John the Evangelist
Polycarp was, as
was his friend St. Ignatius
of Antioch, one of the most important intermediary links
between the
apostolic
and the patristic eras in the Church,
especially in Christian Asia Minor. 430 St. Alexander Akimetes Hermit founder of religious houses Sleepless Ones (akoimetoi) 1072 St. Peter Damian stern figure recall men in lax age from error of ways declared doctor of the Church in 1828. 1473 St. John Cantius patron saint of Poland and Lithuania "Fight all false opinions, but let your weapons be patience, sweetness and love. Roughness is bad for your own soul and spoils the best cause." 1771 St. Marguerite d'Youville allowed no obstacle of her helping others canonized December 9, 1990. 252 St. Martha Virgin martyr Spain led holy life in dens/caves, glorious miracles baptized by Pope St. Sylvester 324 St. Romana Roman virgin 372 Saint Gorgonia sister of St Gregory the Theologian distinguished for great virtue, piety, meekness, sagacity, toil 430 St. Alexander Akimetes Hermit founder of religious houses Sleepless Ones (akoimetoi) 430 Saint Alexander, Founder of the Monastery of the "Unsleeping Ones," monastery of 400 monks 5th v. Saint Polychronius lived in Syria disciple of St Zebinas and imitated the life of his Elder 5th v. Saint Damian lived in Syria withdrew to a monastery named Ieros 530 St. Dositheus Convert monk at Gaza, Israel cared for the sick 7th v St. Jurmin Prince a confessor of East Anglia, England 650 St. Felix of Brescia Bishop of Brescia Itlay opponent of the Lombard Arians 1072 St. Peter Damian stern figure recall men in lax age from error of ways declared doctor of the Church in 1828. 1456 Blessed Nicholas of Prussia novice-master and prior, OSB (PC) 1473 St. John Cantius patron saint of Poland and Lithuania 1568 Saint Damian of Philotheou was a disciple of St Dometius (August 7) preacher martyr by Turks Saints of February 24 mention
with Popes
The_Second_Finding of Saint John the BaptistIn Judæa natális sancti Matthíæ Apóstoli Hierosólymis prima Invéntio cápitis sancti Joánnis Baptístæ, Præcursóris Domini. {see second finding 452} Romæ sanctæ Primitívæ Mártyris. Rotómagi pássio sancti Prætextáti, Epíscopi et Mártyris. 304 Cæsaréæ, in Cappadócia, sancti Sérgii Mártyris, cujus gesta præclára habéntur. Apud Stylum, in Calábria, sancti Joánnis, cognoménto Therísti, monásticæ vitæ laude, et sanctitáte insígnis. St. Alexander Martyr with Abundius & others 360 Miracle of St Theodore the Recruit on the first Saturday of Great Lent and the boiled wheat to eat cooked wheat with honey (kolyva) 452 St John the Baptist celebrated as the Second Finding appears to Archimandrite Marcellus 586 ST PRAETEXTATUS, OR PRIX, BISHOP OF ROUEN, MARTYR 616 In Anglia sancti Edilbérti, Regis Cantiórum, quem sanctus Augustínus, Anglórum Epíscopus, ad Christi fidem convértit. 918 St. Betto Benedictine bishop of Auxerre 1137 St. Adela Benefactor and English princess famed for endowing churches and monastic institutions youngest daughter of William the Conqueror 1160 Saint Erasmus of the Kiev Caves monastic fathers Anthony and Theodosius have appeared; he used everything he possessed for adornment of the monastery church donated many icons even now seen over the altar 1285 Blessed Luke Belludi nobleman talented, well-educated asked for the Franciscan habit St. Anthony recommended him to St. Francis; gift of miracles Saints of February 25 mention
with Popes
Commemorate the "Triumph of Orthodoxy," restoration
of the holy icons Triumph_of_Orthodoxy1st v. St. Ananias II Missionary martyr patron of St. Paul 369 St. Caesarius of Nazianzus Brother of St. Gregory Nazianzus son of St. Gregory the Elder 616 Ethelbert of Kent, King Not since conversions of Constantine and Clovis had Christendom known an event so momentous 779 St. Walburga Abbess of the double monastery at Heidenheim 1481 Bl. Constantius a boy of extraordinary goodness gift of prophecy or second sight miracles 1624 Bl. Didacus Carvalho martyr of Japan 1828 Bl. Dominic Lentini called the Son and Servant of the Cross Saints of February 26 mention
with Popes
328 St.
Alexander
of Alexandria Bishop defender of the faith drew up the
acts of the 1st Gen Council of Nicaea 325
Perge, in Pamphylia, natális beáti Néstoris Epíscopi 421 St. Porphyry of Gaza Epíscopi worked tirelessly for his people, instructed them and made many converts, miraculous healing. “I tried to reach Mount Calvary, and there
I fainted away and fell into a kind of trance or ecstasy in
which I seemed to see our Saviour on the cross and the good thief
hanging near Him. I said to Christ, ‘Lord, remember me when thou
comest into thy kingdom’, and he replied by bidding the thief come
to my assistance. This he did, and raising me from the ground he bade
me go to Christ. I ran to Him and He came down from His cross, saying
to me, ‘Take this wood’ (meaning the cross) ‘into thy custody’. In
obedience to Him, methought I laid it on my shoulders and carried it
some way. I awoke soon after and have been free from pain ever since,
nor is there any sign left of the ailments from which I formerly suffered.”
Ibídem pássio sanctórum Pápiæ,
Diodóri, Conónis et Claudiáni, qui
sanctum Néstorem martyrio præcessérunt.434 St. Alexander Martyr of Arumentum companion of Verulus, Secundius, and others 995 St. Victor Hermit recluse in the area of Arcissur-Aube 1163 BD LEO OF SAINT-BERTIN, ABBOT 1270 St. Isabel of France virgin ministered to the sick and the poor consecrated to God 1889 Saint Paula of Saint Joseph of Calasanz founded colleges, schools, spread to 4 continents Saints of February 27 mention
with Popes
Saint
Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, Passionist (1838-1862)
Special Devotion to Mary the Afflicted Mother Feb 27
St. Julian,
martyr.Alexandríæ
pássio sancti
Juliáni Mártyris
596 St. Leander
of Seville Bishop monk consubstantiality 3 Persons of
the Trinity 1st introduce Nicene Creed at Mass250 SS. JULIAN, CRONION AND BESAS, MARTYRS St. Besas, a soldier rebuked those who insulted the martyrs just mentioned 975 St. John of Gorze Benedictine abbot ambassador to Caliph Abd al-Rahman III of Cordoba 1600 Bl. Mark Barkworth Martyr of England first Benedictine to die at Tyburn 1601 St. Anne Line English 1/40 martyr from Dunmow, Essex Widow 1856 Bl. Augustus Chapdelaine Martyr of China Kwang-si 1862 Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows patron saint of students (Possenti) CP Saints of February 28 mention
with Popes
460 St.
Romanus
of Condat Abbot of Gallo Roman hermit in the Jura Mountains457 Hieromartyr Proterius Patriarch of Alexandria and those with him teaching Christ as Perfect God and Perfect Man, existing in these two natures "unconfusedly" and "indivisibly" [and "immutably" and "inseparably"] was set forth. 468 St. Hilary, Pope from 461-468 guardian of Church unity sent decree to Eastern bishops validating decisions of General Councils Nicaea Ephesus// and Chalcedon. Hilary consolidated the Church in Sandi, Africa, and Gaul St. Ruellinus Bishop of Treguier, Brittany Papíæ Translátio córporis sancti Augustíni Epíscopi, Confessóris et Ecclésiæ Doctóris, ex Sardínia ínsula, ópera Luitprándi, Regis Longobardórum. 731 Saint Pope Gregory II served St Sergius I next 4 popes as treasurer of the Church, then librarian, Held synods to correct abuses, stopped heresy, promoted discipline and morality in religious and clerical life 1360 BD VILLANA OF FLORENCE, MATRON wonderful visions and colloquies with our Lady and other saints 1377 Bl. Villana hideous demon in mirror wonderful visions olloquies our Lady and saints gift of prophecy 1399 St. Hedwig, Blessed Queen of Poland and model of faith in Lithuania 1472 Blessed Antonia (Antoinette) of Florence, OFM Widow (AC) 1533 BD LOUISA ALBERTONI, WIDOW 1576 Blessed Nicholas of Pskov graced by the Holy Spirit granted gifts of wonderworking and prophecy 1936 Blessed Daniel Brottier Senegal, West Africa volunteer chaplain WWI 4yrs |
||||||||||||||||
865 St. Ansgar (b. 801) The “apostle of the north” (Scandinavia) had
enough frustrations to become a saint—and
he did. He became a Benedictine at Corbie, France,
where he had been educated.
Three years later, when the king of Denmark became a convert,
Ansgar went to that country for three years of missionary
work, without noticeable success. Sweden asked for
Christian missionaries, and he went there, suffering capture
by pirates and other hardships on the way. Less than two years
later he was recalled, to become abbot of New Corbie (Corvey)
and bishop of Hamburg. The pope made him legate for the Scandinavian
missions. Funds for the northern apostolate stopped with Emperor
Louis’s death. After 13 years’ work in Hamburg, Ansgar saw it burned
to the ground by invading Northmen; Sweden and Denmark returned to
paganism. He directed new apostolic activities in the North, traveling to Denmark and being instrumental in the conversion of another king. By the strange device of casting lots, the king of Sweden allowed the Christian missionaries to return. Ansgar’s biographers remark that he was an extraordinary preacher, a humble and ascetical priest. He was devoted to the poor and the sick, imitating the Lord in washing their feet and waiting on them at table. He died peacefully at Bremen, Germany, without achieving his wish to be a martyr. Sweden became pagan again after his death, and remained so until the coming of missionaries two centuries later. 1645 St Henry Morse Jesuit fought off the plague returned several times to England ministering. Born in Broome, Suffolk, England, in 1595; died at Tyburn, England, February 1, 1645; beatified in 1929; canonized in 1970 by Pope Paul VI as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. Saint Henry, like so many saints of his period in the British Isles, was a convert to Catholicism. He was a member of the country gentry, who studied at Cambridge then finished his study of law at Barnard's Inn, London. In 1614, he professed the Catholic faith at Douai. When he returned to England to settle an inheritance, he was arrested for his faith and spent the next four years in New Prison in Southwark. He was released in 1618 when a general amnesty was proclaimed by King James. Saints of February 02
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St.
Cornelius sent for Peter First bishop of
Caesarea. 1st
century. Palestine, who was originally a centurion in the Italica
cohort of the Roman legion in the area. Cornelius
had a vision instructing him to send for St. Peter, who
came to his home and baptized him, as described in Acts, chapter
ten. 619 St. Lawrence of Canterbury Benedictine Archbishop scourged by St. Peter physical scars. England, sent there by Pope St. Gregory I the Great. A Benedictine, Lawrence accompanied St. Augustine to Canterbury in 597 and succeeded him as archbishop in 604. When the Britons lapsed into pagan customs, Lawrence planned to return to France, but in a dream he was rebuked by St. Peter for abandoning his flock. He remained in his see and converted the local ruler King Edbald to the faith. He died in Canterbury on February 2. Lawrence is commemorated in the Irish Stowe Missal and is reported to have been scourged by St. Peter in his dream, carrying the physical scars on his back. 1365 Blessed Peter Cambiano Dominican martyr. Born in Chieri, Piedmont, Italy, in 1320; died February 2, 1365; beatified in 1856. Peter Cambiano's father was a city
councillor and his mother was of nobility.
They were virtuous
and careful parents, and they gave their
little son a good education, especially in religion.
Peter responded to all their care and became a fine student,
as well as a pious and likeable child.
Peter was drawn to the Dominicans by devotion to the rosary. Our Lady of the Rosary was the special patroness of the Piedmont region, and he had a personal devotion to her. At 16, therefore, he presented himself at the convent in Piedmont and asked for the habit. The inquisition had been set up to deal with these people in Lombardy before the death of Peter Martyr, a century before. So well did young Peter of Ruffia carryout the work of preaching among them that the order sent him to Rome to obtain higher degrees. The pope, impressed both by his talent and his family name, appointed him inquisitor-general of the Piedmont. This was a coveted appointment; to a Dominican it meant practically sure martyrdom and a carrying on of a proud tradition. 1640 St. Joan de Lestonnac Foundress many miracles different kinds occurred at her tomb. After her children were raised, she entered the Cistercian monastery at Toulouse. Joan was forced to leave the Cistercians when she became afflicted with poor health. She returned to Bordeaux with the
idea of forming a new congregation, and
several young girls joined her as novices. They
ministered to victims of a plague that struck Bordeaux,
and they were determined to counteract the evils of heresy
promulgated by Calvinism. Thus was formed the Congregation
of the Religious of Notre Dame of Bordeaux. In 1608,
Joan and her companions received the religious habit from
the Archbishop of Bordeaux. Joan was elected superior in 1610,
and many miracles occurred at her tomb. She was canonized
in 1949 by Pope Pius XII.
Saints of February 03
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Gregory
IV (827-44) # 102Elected near the end of 827; died January, 844. When Gregory was born is not known, but he was a Roman and the son of John. Before his election to the papacy he was the Cardinal-Priest of the Basilica of St. Mark, which he adorned with mosaics yet visible. For his piety and learning he was ordained priest by Paschal I. This man, of distinguished appearance and high birth, was raised to the chair of Peter, despite his protestations of unfitness, mainly buy the instrumentality of the secular nobility of Rome who were then securing a preponderating influence in papal elections. But the representatives in Rome of the Emperor Louis the Pious would not allow him to be consecrated until his election had been approved by their master. This interference caused such delay that it was not, seemingly, till about March, 828, that he began to govern the Church. 576 St. Lawrence of Spoleto Bishop “the Illuminator.” miracle worker of Spoleto, Italy, also called “the Illuminator.” He was a Syrian, forced to leave his homeland in 514 because of Arian persecution. He went to Rome and was ordained by Pope St. Hormisdas. He then preached in Umbria and founded a monastery in Spoleto. Named bishop of Spoleto, Lawrence was rejected as a foreigner until the city’s gates miraculously opened for his entrance. He is called “the Illuminator” because of his ability to cure physical and spiritual blindness. After two decades, Lawrence resigned to found the Farfa Abbey near Rome. 865 St. Ansgar 1st Archbishop of Hamburg & Bremen missionary first Christian church in Sweden Patron of Scandinavia At Bremen, St. Ansgar, bishop of Hamburg and later of Bremen, who converted the Swedes and the Danes to the faith of Christ. He was appointed Apostolic Delegate of all the North by Pope Gregory IV. Ansgar was born of a noble family near Amiens. He became a monk at Old Corbie monastery in Picardy and later at New Corbie in Westphalia. He accompanied King Harold to Denmark when the exiled King returned to his native land and engaged in missionary work there. Ansgar's success caused King Bjorn of Sweden to invite him to that country, and he built the first Christian Church in Sweden. He became Abbot of New Corbie and first Archbishop of Hamburg about 831, and Pope Gregory IV appointed him Legate to the Scandinavian countries. He labored at his missionary works for the next fourteen years but saw all he had accomplished destroyed when invading pagan Northmen in 845 destroyed Hamburg and overran the Scandinavian countries, which lapsed into paganism. 1331 Bl. Odoric of Pordenone Franciscan missionary to Mongol Great Khan in Peking miracles performed . Born Odoric Mattiussi at Villanova, near Pordenone, Italy, he entered the Franciscans in 1300 and became a hermit. After several years, he took to preaching in the region of Udine, northern Italy, attracting huge crowds through his eloquence. In 1316 he set out for the Far East, journeying through China and finally reaching the court of the Mongol Great Khan in Peking. From 1322 to 1328 he wandered throughout China and Tibet, finally returning to the West in 1330 where he made a report to the pope at Avignon and dictated an account of his travels. He died before he could find missionaries to return with him to the East. His cult was approved in 1755 owing to the reports of miracles he performed while preaching among the Chinese. 1450 Blessed Matthew of Girgenti . Matthew became a Conventual Franciscan in his hometown. Then he turned to the Observants and worked zealously under Saint Bernardino of Siena, with whom he became close friends as they travelled together on Bernardino's preaching missions. He himself gained a reputation as a great preacher. Pope Eugene IV forced him to accept the bishopric of Girgenti. Once he accepted it as God's will, he set about reforming the see. As a result of the opposition the changes raised, he resigned the see. Then he was refused admittance to the friary he himself had founded because he was deemed to be too much of a firebrand. Matthew died in a Franciscan friary at Palermo (Attwater2, Benedictines). Saints of February 04
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1373 St. Andrew
Corsini Carmelite gifts of prophecy,
miracles papal legate Apostle of Florence miracles
at death. He was
born in Florence on November 30, 1302, a member of the powerful
Corsini family. Wild in his youth, Andrew was converted
to a holy life by his mother and became a Carmelite monk.
He studied in Paris and Avignon, France, returning to his birthplace.
There he became known as the Apostle of Florence. He was called
a prophet and miracle worker. Named as the bishop of Fiesole
in 1349, Andrew fled the honor but was forced to accept the
office, which he held for twelve years. He was sent by Pope
Urban V to Bologna to settle disputes between the
nobles and commoners, a mission he performed well. Andrew died
in Fiesole on January 6, 1373. So many miracles took place at
his death that Pope Eugenius IV permitted the immediate
opening of his cause.On Rabanus Maurus “A Truly Extraordinary
Personality of the Latin West”
784-856 Blessed Maurus
Magnentius Rabanus; monk; celebrated theological and pedagogical writer
Wrote Veni, Creator Spiritus. A
truly extraordinary personality of the Latin
West: the monk Rabanus Maurus. Together with men such
as Isidore of Seville, the Venerable Bede and Ambrose Auperto,
already spoken in previous catechesis, [Rabanus Maurus]
knew how to stay in contact with the great culture of the ancient
scholars and the Christian fathers during the centuries of the
High Middle Ages. For this reason, Rabanus Maurus concentrated his attention above all on the liturgy, as the synthesis of all the dimension of our perception of reality. This intuition of Rabanus Maurus makes him extraordinarily relevant to our times. He also left the famous “Carmina” proposals to be used above all in liturgical celebrations. In fact, Rabanus' interest for the liturgy can be entirely taken for granted given that before all, he was a monk. Nevertheless, he did not dedicate himself to the art of poetry as an end in itself, but rather he used art and whatever other type of knowledge to go deeper in the Word of God. Because of this, he tried with all his might and rigor to introduce to his contemporaries, but above all to the ministers (bishops, priests and deacons), to the understanding of the profound theological and spiritual significance of all the elements of the liturgical celebration. 1505 St. Joan of Valois Order of the Annunciation that she founded holiness and spiritual testament. At Bourges in Aquitaine, St. Jane de Valois, Queen of France, foundress of the Order of Sisters of the Annunciation of the blessed Virgin Mary, renowned for her piety and singular devotion to the Cross, whom Pope Pius XII added to the catalogue of saints. 1693 St. John de Britto Jesuit martyr in India. In Marava Kingdom in India, St. John de Britto, priest of the Society of Jesus, who having converted many infidels to the faith, was gloriously crowned with martyrdom. He was a native of Lisbon, Portugal, was dedicated at birth to St. Francis Xavier, and was a noble friend of King Pedro. He entered the Jesuits at the age of fifteen. In his effort to promote conversions among the native Indian people as a missionary to Goa, he wandered through Malabar and other regions and even adopted the customs and dress of the Brahmin caste which gave him access to the noble classes. In 1683, John had to leave India but returned in 1691. Arrested, tortured, and commanded to leave India, he refused and was put to death. Pope Pius XII canonized him in 1947. Saints of February 05
mention with Popes
1005 Saint Fingen
of Metz Abbot restoring old abbeys.
Saint Fingen, a celebrated Irish abbot, migrated
to the kingdom of Lothaire, where he acquired a reputation
for restoring old abbeys. One of them, Saint Symphorien's,
was given over to him about 991 by Bishop Saint Adalbero and an Irish
community. At the insistence of the dowager Empress Saint Adelaide, Pope John XVII issued a
charter that declared that only Irish monks would
administer the abbey as long as they could be found.
She obtained a similar charter from Otto III in 992.
1597 St. Leo Karasuma Martyr of Japan Korean Franciscan tertiary. At Nagasaki in Japan, the passion of twenty-six martyrs. Three priests, one cleric, and two lay brothers were members of the Order of Friars Minor; one cleric was of the Society of Jesus, and seventeen belonged to the Third Order of St. Francis. All of them, placed upon crosses for the Catholic faith, and pierced with lances, gloriously died in praising God and preaching that same faith. Their names were added to the roll of saints by Pope Pius IX. who served the Franciscan mission, Louis was crucified at Nagasaki, Japan, with twenty-five companions. He was canonized in 1867. Saints of February 06
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891
Saint Photius,
Patriarch of Constantinople, "the Church's
far-gleaming beacon," The Synod
of 861 was called to end the unrest, at which the deposition
of Ignatius and the installation of Photius as patriarch
were confirmed. Pope Nicholas I,
whose envoys were present at this council, hoped that by recognizing
Photius as patriarch he could subordinate him to his power.
When the new patriarch proved unsubmissive, Nicholas anathematized
Photius at a Roman council.
Until the end of his life St Photius was a
firm opponent of papal intrigues and designs
upon the Orthodox Church of the East.
In 864, Bulgaria voluntarily converted to Christianity.
The Bulgarian prince Boris was baptized by
Patriarch Photius himself. Later, St Photius sent
an archbishop and priests to baptize the Bulgarian people.
In 865, Sts Cyril and Methodius
were sent to preach Christ in the Slavonic
language. lived during the ninth century,
and came from a family of zealous Christians.
His father Sergius died as a martyr
in defense of holy icons.
ST
THEODORE OF HERACLEA, MARTYR (No DATE?).
The differentiation of two separate Theodores
seems to have occurred somewhat earlier than Father
Delehaye supposes. An Armenian homily which F. C. Conybeare
believes to be of the fourth century already regards them
as distinct and Mgr Wilpert has reproduced a mosaic which
Pope Felix IV (526—530) set up in the church of St Theodore
on the Palatine, in which our Saviour is represented seated,
while St Peter on one side presents to Him one St Theodore and St
Paul on the other side presents another.1597 Philip of Jesus martyred in Japan patron of Mexico City Born in Mexico City, Mexico, May 1, 1571; died in Nagasaki, Japan, 1597; beatified by Pope Urban VIII; canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1862; feast day formerly February 5. The life of Saint Philip points again to the importance of the domestic church--the family. Early in life Saint Philip ignored the pious teachings of his immigrant Spanish family, but eventually he entered the Reformed Franciscan Convent of Santa Barbara at Puebla, Mexico--and soon exited the novitiate in 1589. Grieved at the inconstancy of his son, Philip's father sent him on a business trip to the Philippines. Saints of February 07
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550 St. Tressan Irish missionary spread the faith in Gaul. Tressan worked there as a swineherd, but he was ordained to the priesthood by Saint Remigius, who provided the siblings with suitable retreats from which they could spread the faith. Tressan became curate of Mareuil-sur-Marne, and the patron saint of Avenay in Champagne. His cultus is strong and has been continuous in the area of Rheims. More than 1,000 years after his death, Pope Clement VIII and Archbishop Philip of Rheims authorized the publishing of an Office for his feast (Benedictines, D'Arcy, Encyclopedia, Fitzpatrick, Kenney, Montague, O'Hanlon). 1027 ST ROMUALD, ABBOT FOUNDER OF THE CAMALDOLESE BENEDICTINES. Romuald seems to have spent the next thirty years wandering about Italy, founding hermitages and monasteries. He stayed three years in a cell near that house which he had founded at Parenzo. Here he labored for a time under great spiritual dryness, but suddenly, one day, as he was reciting the words of the Psalmist, I will give thee understanding and will instruct thee “, he was visited by God with an extraordinary light and a spirit of compunction which from that time never left him. He wrote an exposition of the Psalms full of admirable thoughts, he often foretold things to come, and he gave counsel inspired by heavenly wisdom to all who came to consult him. He had always longed for martyrdom, and at last obtained the pope’s licence to preach the gospel in Hungary; but he was stricken with a grievous illness as soon as he set foot in the country, and as the malady returned each time he attempted to proceed, he concluded it was a plain indication of God’s will in the matter and he accordingly returned to Italy, though some of his associates went on and preached the faith to the Magyars. 1447 St. Colette Poor Clare 17 established monasteries . After four years of prayer and penance in this cell, she left it. With the approval and encouragement of the pope, she joined the Poor Clares and reintroduced the primitive Rule of St. Clare in the 17 monasteries she established. Her sisters were known for their poverty—they rejected any fixed income—and for their perpetual fast. Colette’s reform movement spread to other countries and is still thriving today. Colette was canonized in 1807. Saints of February 08
mention with Popes
485 Martyrs
of Constantinople community of monks of Saint
Dius . At Constantinople, the birthday
of the holy martyrs, monks of the monastery of Dius.
While bringing the letter of Pope St. Felix against
Acacius, they were barbarously killed for their defence
of the Catholic faith. The community of monks of Saint Dius martyred at the time of the Acacian schism ( first significant break between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Western Catholic Church) for their fidelity to the Holy See (Benedictines). Monophysites believed that Christ had only one nature: divine. But orthodox belief held that Christ had two natures: both divine and human expressed at the Council of Chalcedon, an ecumenical council held in 451. 1124 Stephen (Etienne) of Grandmont (of Muret) God give Stephen ability read hearts: deacon austere life little food/sleep for 46 years conversions many obstinate sinners. At Muret, near Limoges, the birthday of the abbot St. Stephen, founder of the order of Grandmont, celebrated for his virtues and miracles., Born in Thiers, Auvergne, France, 1046; died 1124; canonized by Pope Clement III in 1189 at the request of King Henry II of England. 1213 John of Matha hermit first Mass celebrated: vision of angel clothed in white with a red and blue cross on his breast. The angel placed his hands on the heads of two slaves, who knelt beside him. Pope Innocent III had experienced a similar vision Redemption of Captives (the Trinitarians). St. John of Matha, priest and confessor, founder of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity for the redemption of captives, who went to repose in the Lord on the 17th of December. (RM) Born in Fauçon, Provence, France, June 23, 1160 (or June 24, 1169, according to Husenbeth, or 1154 per Tabor); died in Rome, Italy, December 17, 1213; cultus approved in 1655 and 1694. 1213 ST JOHN OF MATHA, Co-FOUNDER OF THE ORDER OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY 1270 Jacoba de Settesoli She joined the third order of Saint Francis buried in same crypt. Jacqueline, friend of Saint Francis of Assisi, was born into a noble Italian family descended from the Norman knights who invaded Sicily. She married well to Gratien Frangipani, a family renowned for its charity. When Jacqueline was about 22 (1212), Saint Francis came to Rome for an audience with the pope. While there, he preached so well that he became famous. When Jacqueline heard Francis praise poverty that opens wide the doors of the Kingdom of Heaven, she realized that charity is not dealt with as one would deal with a servant, and that charity is not a fact, but a state. The next day, Jacqueline sought Francis's direction. Francis told her to return home, she could not abandon her family. "A perfect life can be lived anywhere. Poverty is everywhere. Charity is everywhere. It is where you are that counts. You have a husband and two children. That is a beautiful frame for a holy life." And, so, Jacqueline joined the third order of Saint Francis; and because she was masculine and energetic she was nicknamed "Brother Jacoba." 1537 St. Jerome Emiliani devoted himself to poor and suffering special call to help orphans founded orphanages shelter for prostitutes. At Somascha, in the district of Bergamo, the birthday of St. Jerome Emilian, confessor, who was the founder of the Congregation of Somascha. Illustrious both during his life and after death for many miracles, he was inscribed in the roll of the saints by Pope Clement XIII. Pope Pius XI chose and declared him to be the heavenly patron of orphans and abandoned children. His feast is celebrated on the 20th of July. b: 1481 Jerome Emiliani lay chained in the dark dirty dungeon. Only a short time before he had been a military commander for Venice in charge of a fortress. He didn't care much about God because he didn't need him -- he had his own strength and the strength of his soldiers and weapons. When Venice's enemies, the League of Cambrai, captured the fortress, he was dragged off and imprisoned. There in the dungeon, Jerome decided to get rid of the chains that bound him. He let go of his worldly attachments and embraced God. 1947 St. Josephine Bakhita slave her spirit was always free c. 1868 . During his homily at her canonization Mass in St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul II said that in St. Josephine Bakhita, "We find a shining advocate of genuine emancipation. The history of her life inspires not passive acceptance but the firm resolve to work effectively to free girls and women from oppression and violence, and to return them to their dignity in the full exercise of their rights." Saints of February 09
mention with Popes
444 ST
CYRIL, ARCHBISHOP OF ALEXANDRIA DOCTOR
OF THE CHURCH. ST CYRIL has
been called the Doctor of the
Incarnation, as St Augustine was styled the
Doctor of Divine Grace in the great intercession of the
Syrian and Maronite Mass he is commemorated as “a tower
of truth and interpreter of the Word of God made
flesh”. He was declared
a doctor of the Universal Church in 1882 and at the
fifteenth centenary of his death in 1944 Pope Pius
XII issued an encyclical letter, “Orientalis ecclesiae”,
on “this light of Christian wisdom and valiant hero of the
apostolate”. The great devotion of this
saint to the Blessed Sacrament is manifest from the frequency with which
he emphasizes the effects it produces upon those who receive it worthily.
Indeed, he says that by holy communion we are made concorporeal with Christ.
And it must surely be difficult for those who profess to hold the same faith
as that defined in the first six general councils to shut their eyes to the
vigour and conviction with which St Cyril before the year 431 affirmed his
Eucharistic doctrine. In a letter to Nestorius, which received the general
and formal assent of the fathers at Ephesus, he had written: Proclaiming
the death according to the flesh of the only begotten
Son of
566 Bishop
Sabinus of Canosa (Canusium) in Apulia
.
At Canossa in Apulia, St. Sabinus, bishop and confessor.
Blessed Pope Gregory tells that he was endowed with
the spirit of prophecy and the power of miracles.
After he had become blind, when a cup of poison was offered to
him by a servant who was bribed, he knew it by divine instinct.
He, however, declared that God would punish the one who had
bribed the servant, and, making the sign of the cross, he
drank the poison without anxiety and without harmful effect.God, that is, Jesus Christ, and confessing His resurrection from the dead and ascent into Heaven, we celebrate the bloodless sacrifice in our churches and thus approach the mystic blessings, and are sanctified by partaking of the holy flesh and the precious blood of Christ the Saviour of us all. And we receive it, not as common flesh (God forbid), nor as the flesh of a man sanctified and associated with the Word according to the unity of merit, or as having a divine indwelling, but as really the life-giving and very flesh of the Word Himself (Migne, PG., lxxvii, xii). And he wrote to Calosyrius, Bishop of Arsinoë: I hear that they say that the sacramental consecration does not avail for hallowing if a portion of it be kept to another day. In saying so they are crazy. For Christ is not altered, nor will His holy body be changed; but the power of the consecration and the life-giving grace still remain in it (Migne, PG., lxxvi, 1073). Our knowledge of St Cyril is derived principally from his own writings and from the church historians Socrates, Sozomen and Theodoret. The view of his life and work presented by Butler is the traditional view, and we are not here directly concerned with the discussions which, owing mainly to the discovery of the work known as The Bazaar of Heracleides, have since been devoted to the character of Nestorius and his teaching. Bishop Sabinus of the now-destroyed
city of Canosa (Canusium) in Apulia was a
friend of Saint Benedict.
Pope Saint Agapitus I entrusted
him with an embassy to Emperor Justinian (535-536).
He is the patron saint of Bari, where his relics
are now enshrined (Benedictines).
1088 Blessed Marianus
Scotus extraordinarily gifted at producing
manuscripts.
In 1078, he founded and became the abbot of the abbey of
Saint Peter in Regensburg. Having successfully taken charge
of the church and abbey attached to it for the task of copying
manuscripts, other Irish monks were attracted to the mission.
The abbey expanded to the point that, within 10 years, plans
were made for another such monastery. In this way, Muirdach
originated the congregation of 12 "Scottish," that is, Irish monasteries
in southern Germany. (The reason for the term "Scottish" is that
it was used from the time of the Romans for the Irish. Even 200
years after the establishment of the Scottish monarchy, the term
was commonly used for things Irish. Although Scottish monks pressured
Pope Leo XIII, who did permit them in 1515 to take possession
of Saint James in Regensburg and the abbeys at Constanz and Erfurt.
In Germany, the 12 are still known as the Schottenklöster.
)1430 Bl. Alvarez of Córdoba Dominican Confessor preacher born in Cordoba. When the antipope Benedict XIII came on the scene in 1394-1423, Alvarez opposed him successfully. Alvarez died about 1430. Blessed Alvarez is probably best remembered as a builder of churches and convents, an activity which was symbolic of the work he did in the souls of those among whom he preached. He founded, in one place, a convent to shelter a famous image of Our Lady, which had been discovered in a miraculous manner. Near Cordova he built the famous convent of Scala Coeli, a haven of regular observance. It had great influence for many years. His building enterprises were often aided by the angels, who, during the night, carried wood and stones to spots convenient for the workmen.The austerities of Alvarez were all the more remarkable in that they were not performed by a hermit, but by a man of action. He spent the night in prayer, as Saint Dominic had done; he wore a hairshirt and a penitential chain; and he begged alms in the streets of Cordova for the building of his churches, despite the fact that he had great favor at court and could have obtained all the money he needed from the queen. He had a deep devotion to the Passion, and had scenes of the Lord's sufferings made into small oratories in the garden of Scala Coeli. 1537 St. Jerome Emiliani b. 1481? in 1928 Pius Xl named him the patron of orphans and abandoned children. At Somascha, in the district of Bergamo, the birthday of St. Jerome Emilian, confessor, who was the founder of the Congregation of Somascha. Illustrious both during his life and after death for many miracles, he was inscribed in the roll of the saints by Pope Clement XIII. Pope Pius XI chose and declared him to be the heavenly patron of orphans and abandoned children. His feast is celebrated on the 20th of July. b: 1481. Around 1532 Jerome and two other priests established a congregation dedicated to the care of orphans and the education of youth. Jerome died in 1537 from a disease he caugh t while tending the sick. He was canonized in 1767. 1910 St. Michael Cordero Ecuadorian de La Salle Brother first native vocation there. Michael of Ecuador (RM) (also known as Miguel of Ecuador and Miguel or Francisco Febres Cordero Muñoz) Born at Cuenca, Ecuador, on November 7, 1854; died near Barcelona, Spain, on February 9, 1910; beatified with fellow Christian Brother Mutien-Marie by Pope Paul VI on October 30, 1977; canonized by Pope John Paul II on April 7, 1984 (the feast of the order's founder). "The heart is rich when it is content, and it is always content when its desires are set upon God." --Saint Miguel of Ecuador. Saints of February 10
mention with Popes
304 Soteris
of Rome the Aureli family martyred for Jesus
. Also at Rome, on the Appian Way, St.
Soter, virgin and martyr, descended of a noble family,
but as St. Ambrose mentions, for the love of Christ she set
at naught the consular and other dignitaries of her people.
Upon her refusal to sacrifice to the gods, she was for a long
time cruelly scourged. She overcame these and various
other torments, then was struck with the sword; and joyfully
went to her heavenly spouse. Two passages
of St Ambrose for our knowledge of this martyr. He speaks of
her In his De virginibus, iii, 7, and in his Exhortatio
virginis, c. 12. At the same time we know
from the “Hieronymianum”
that she wasoriginally buried at Rome on the Via Appia. One of the catacombs, the location of which it is difficult to determine, afterwards bore her name. Her body was later on translated by Pope Sergius II to the church of San Martino di Monti. See the Acta Sanctorum, February, vol. ii, and the Römische Quartalschrift, 1905, pp. 50—63 and 105—133. 1157
St. William
of Maleval Hermit licentious military life conversion
of heart gift of working miracles and
prophecy In
Stábulo Rhodis, in territorio Senénsi,
sancti Guiliélmi Eremítæ.
At Malavalle, near Siena, St. William, hermit.
A native of France,
he led a dissolute early and maritial life but underwent
a conversion through a pilgrimage to Rome, where he was
forced to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land (at the command
of Pope Eugenius Ill, r. 1145-1153). Upon his return,
he lived as a hermit and then became head of a monastery near
Pisa. As he failed to bring about serious reforms among the monks
there or on Monte Pruno (Bruno), he departed and once more
took up the life of a hermit near Siena. Attracting a group of
followers, the hermits received papal sanction. They later developed
into the Hermits of St. William (the Gulielmites) until absorbed
into the Augustinian Canons. In his later years, William was
noted for his gifts of prophecy and miracles.
1960 Blessed Aloysius Stepinac, Cardinal demonstrating the importance of faith, charity and virtue. (also known as Louis or Alojzije of Zagreb) Born at Brezaric near Krasic, Croatia, on May 8, 1898; died at Krasic, on February 10, 1960; beatified on October 3, 1998, by Pope John Paul II at the Marian shrine of Marija Bistrica. Aloysius Stepinac, the eighth of 12 children of a peasant family, was always the special object of his mother's prayers to he might be ordained. In 1916, he was conscripted into the Austro-Hungarian army and fought on the Italian front until he was taken prisoner. Upon his return to civilian life in 1919, Stepinac entered the University of Zagreb to study agriculture, but soon recognized his call to the priesthood. In 1924, he was sent to Rome for his seminary studies leading to his ordination on October 26, 1930. He returned to Zagreb in July 1931 with doctorates
in theology and philosophy.
Soon afterwards,
Stepinac was chosen to become secretary to Archbishop
Antun Bauer. On June 24, 1934, he was nominated as coadjutor
to the Archbishop of Zagreb. After this nomination, Stepinac
stated: "I love my Croatian people and for their benefit I
am ready to give everything, as well as I am ready to give everything
for the Catholic Church." After Bauer's death on December
7, 1937, Stepinac became the Archbishop of Zagreb. He took as
his motto, "In You, O Lord, I take refuge!" (Psalm 31:1), which
was the inspiration for his service to the Church.During the Second World War, Stepinac never
turned his back on the refugees, or the persecuted.
Saints of February 11
mention with Popes
350 St. Lucius
Martyred bishop of Adrianople opposed Arianism.
Lucius BM and Companions MM (RM) Died 350.
Lucius, who succeeded Eutropius as bishop of Adrianople,
was driven from his see to Gaul for having opposed Arianism.
He played a leading role in the Council of Sardica in 347.
Under the protection of Pope Saint Julius I, he
returned to Adrianople, but refused to be in communion with the
Arian bishops condemned at Sardica. On this account he was
arrested and died in prison. A group of his faithful Catholics,
who had been siezed with him, were beheaded by order of the Emperor
Constantius (Attwater2, Benedictines, Coulson).6th v Saint Gobnata (meaning Honey Bee) of Ballyvourney the angels spoke of 9 deer gift of healing, and there is a story of how she kept the plague from Ballyvourney. The round stone associated with her is still preserved. Several leading families of Munster have a traditional devotion to this best-known and revered local saint. The devotion of the O'Sullivan Beare family may have been the reason that Pope Clement VIII honored Gobnata in 1601 by indulgencing a pilgrimage to her shrine and, in 1602, by authorizing a Proper Mass on her feast. About that time the chieftains of Ireland were making a final struggle for independence and the entire clan migrated to the North having dedicated their fortunes to Gobnata in a mass pilgrimage that included O'Sullivan Beare, his fighting men, and their women, children, and servants (Benedictines, D'Arcy, Farmer, Montague, Neeson, O'Hanlon, Sullivan). 608 St. Desiderius martyred Bishop of Vienne France, murdered by the Frankish queen Brunhildis and her followers, and is revered as a martyr. Born at Autun, he is also called Didier. As bishop, he attacked Queen Brunhildis for immorality. She accused him of paganism, but he was cleared by Pope St. Gregory the Great. Desiderius was then banished from his see. He was slain upon his return four years later at Saint-Didier-sur-Chalaronne. 731 Gregory II, 89th Pope educated at the Lateran restore clerical discipline, fought heresies helped restore and rebuild churches (including Saint Paul-Outside-the-Walls), hospitals, and monasteries, including Monte Cassino under Petrona The outstanding concern of his pontificate was his difficulties with Emperor Leo III the Isaurian (RM). Born in Rome, Italy; sometimes celebrated also on February 13. The 89th pope, Saint Gregory, became involved in church affairs in his youth, was educated at the Lateran, became a subdeacon under Pope Saint Sergius, served as treasurer and librarian of the Church under four popes, and became widely known for his learning and wisdom. In 710, now a deacon, he distinguished himself in his replies to Emperor Justinian when he accompanied Pope Constantine to Constantinople to oppose the Council of Trullo canon that had declared the patriarchate of Constantinople independent of Rome and helped to secure Justinian's acknowledgment of papal supremacy. On May 19, 715, Gregory was elected pope to succeed Constantine, put into effect a program to restore clerical discipline, fought heresies, began to rebuild the walls around Rome as a defense against the Saracens, and helped restore and rebuild churches (including Saint Paul-Outside-the-Walls), hospitals, and monasteries, including Monte Cassino under Petronax, which had been destroyed by Lombards about 150 years previously. He sent missionaries into Germany, among them Saint Corbinian and Saint Boniface in 719, whom he consecrated bishop. 824 St. Paschal elected as the 94th pope on the day Pope Stephen IV (V) died, January 25, 817. Paschal was the son of Bonosus, a Roman. He studied at the Lateran, was named head of St. Stephen's monastery, which housed pilgrims to Rome, and was elected Pope to succeed Pope Stephen IV (V) on the day Stephen died, January 25, 817. Emperor Louis the Pious agreed to respect papal jurisdiction, but when Louis' son Lothair I came to Rome in 823 to be consecrated king, he broke the pact by presiding at a trial involving a group of nobles opposing the Pope. When the two papal officials who had testified for the nobles were found blinded and murdered, Paschal was accused of the crime. He denied any complicity but refused to surrender the murderers, who were members of his household, declaring that the two dead officials were traitors and the secular authorities had no jurisdiction in the case. The result was the Constitution of Lothair, severely restricting papal judicial and police powers in Italy. Paschal was unsuccessful in attempts to end the iconoclast heresy of Emperor Leo V, encouraged SS. Nicephorous and Theodore Studites in Constantinople to resist iconoclasm, and gave refuge to the many Greek monks who fled to Rome to escape persecution from the iconoclasts. Paschal built and redecorated many churches in Rome and transferred many relics from the catacombs to churches in the city. Although listed in the Roman Martyrology, he has never been formally canonized. Saints of February 12
mention with Popes
381 St. Meletius
of Antioch Patriarch of Antioch presided Great
Council of Constantinople, in 381 .
In 374, the situation was further complicated
when Pope Damasus recognized Paulinus as archbishop,
appointed him papal legate in the East, and Saint
Jerome allowed
himself to be ordained a priest by Paulinus. In 378,
the death of the avidly pro-Arian Valens led to the restoration
of the banished bishops by Emperor Gratian, and Meletius
was reinstated. He was unable to reach an agreement with Paulinus
before his death in Constantinople in May while presiding at
the third General Council of Constantinople. His funeral was attended
by all the fathers of the council and the faithful of the city.
Saint Gregory of Nyssa delivered his funeral
panegyric (Benedictines, Delaney, Encyclopedia,
Walsh).
Saint Meletius, Archbishop of
Antioch, was Bishop of Sebaste in Armenia (ca.
357), and afterwards he was summoned to Antioch by
the emperor Constantius to help combat the Arian heresy,
and was appointed to that See.
St Meletius was
the one who ordained the future hierarch St Basil the Great as deacon.
St Meletius also baptized and encouraged another of the greatest
luminaries of Orthodoxy, St John Chrysostom, who later eulogized
his former archpastor.St Meletius struggled zealously against the Arian error, but through the intrigues of the heretics he was thrice deposed from his cathedra. Constantius had become surrounded by the Arians and had accepted their position. In all this St Meletius was distinguished by an extraordinary gentleness, and he constantly led his flock by the example of his own virtue and kindly disposition, supposing that the seeds of the true teaching sprout more readily on such soil. After Constantius, the throne was occupied by Julian the Apostate, and the saint again was expelled, having to hide himself in secret places for his safety. Returning under the emperor Jovian in the year 363, St Meletius wrote his theological treatise, "Exposition of the Faith," which facilitated the conversion of many of the Arians to Orthodoxy. 900 St. Benedict Revelli Benedictine bishop monk of Santa Maria dei Fonte . Benedict Revelli, OSB B (AC) Died c. 900; cultus confirmed by Pope Gregory XVI. Benedict is said to have been a Benedictine monk of Santa Maria dei Fonti, and then a hermit on the island of Gallinaria in the Gulf of Genoa. In 870, he was chosen bishop of Albenga towards the western end of the Ligurian Riviera (Benedictines).
1584 Bl. Thomas
Hemerford English martyr priest native of Dorsetshire
. IT was the name of Thomas Hemerford, with his companions,
that distinguished and identified the cause of all the second group of English
and Welsh martyrs (beatified in 1929) while that cause was under
consideration in Rome. But actually, of the four secular priests
who suffered at Tyburn on February 12, 1584, he is the one of whom
least is known. He was born somewhere
in Dorsetshire and was educated at St John’s College and Hart Hall
in the University of Oxford, where he took the degree of bachelor of
law in 1575. He went abroad to Rheims, and thence to the English College
at Rome, being ordained priest in 1583 by Bishop GoIdwell of St Asaph,
the last bishop of the old hierarchy. A few weeks later he left Rome for
the English mission, but shortly after landing he was arrested, tried for
his priesthood and sentenced to death. For six days before execution he
lay loaded with fetters in Newgate jail, and then met the savagery of hanging,
drawing and quartering with calm fortitude. Bd Thomas was a man “of moderate
stature, a blackish beard, stern countenance, and yet of
a playful temper, most amiable in conversation, and in every
respect exemplary”. There suffered with him BD. JAMES FENN,
JOHN NUTTER and JOHN MUNDEN, and GEORGE HAYDOCK.These four martyrs, together with
the Venerable George Haydock, were all condemned and put
to death ostensibly for high treason. What contemporaries thought
is shown by the chronicler Stow, when he writes that their
treason consisted “in being made priests beyond the seas
and by the pope’s authority”. And that was the view
that the Church took when she beatified them among the other English
martyrs in 1929. Saints of
February 13 mention
with Popes 616 ST LICINIUS, OR LESIN, BISHOP OF ANGERS by the example of his severe and holy life and by miracles which were wrought through him he succeeded in winning the hearts of the most hardened and in making daily conquests of souls for God.. There is, however, no reason to doubt the existence of St Licinius or his episcopate or the reverence in which he was held. Duchesne, Fastes Épiscopaux (vol. ii, p. 354), while treating the life as a very suspicious document, points out that a letter was written to Licinius in 601 by Pope Gregory the Great and that he is also mentioned in the will of St Bertram, Bishop of Le Mans, which is dated March 27, 616. 1237 Blessed JORDAN of Saxony noted for his charity to the poor from an early age brought Saint Albert the Great into the Order Spiritual director of Blessed Diana d'Andalo. A noted and powerful preacher; one of his sermons brought Saint Albert the Great into the Order. Wrote a biography of Saint Dominic. His writings on Dominic and the early days of the Order are still considered a primary sources. Spiritual director of Blessed Diana d'Andalo. Born c.1190 at Padberg Castle, diocese of Paderborn, Westphalia, old Saxony; rumoured to have been born in Palestine while his parents were on a pilgrimage, and named after the River Jordan, but this is apparently aprochryphal drowned 1237 in a shipwreck off the coast of Syria while on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land Beatified 1825 (cultus confirmed) by Pope Leo XII 1589 St. Catherine de Ricci miracles the "Ecstacy of the Passion" she was mystically scourged & crowned with thorns. Her patience and healing impressed her sisters. While still very young, Catherine was chosen to serve the community as novice- mistress, then sub-prioress, and, at age 30, she was appointed prioress in perpetuity, despite her intense mystical life of prayer and penance. She managed the material details of running a large household were well, and became known as a kind and considerate superior. Catherine was particularly gentle with the sick. Troubled people, both within the convent and in the town, came to her for advice and prayer, and her participation in the Passion exerted a great influence for good among all who saw it. Three future popes (Cardinals Cervini later known as Pope Marcellus II, Alexander de Medici (Pope Leo XI), and Aldobrandini (Pope Clement VIII)) were among the thousands who flocked to the convent to beseech her intercession. 1812 St. Giles Mary of St. Joseph “Consoler of Naples.” served 53 years at St. Paschal’s Hospice in Naples various roles cook porter most often as official beggar for that community. People often become arrogant and power hungry when they try to live a lie, for example, when they forget their own sinfulness and ignore the gifts God has given to other people. Giles had a healthy sense of his own sinfulness—not paralyzing but not superficial either. He invited men and women to recognize their own gifts and to live out their dignity as people made in God’s divine image. Knowing someone like Giles can help us on our own spiritual journey. Quote: In his homily at the canonization of Giles, Pope John Paul II said that the spiritual journey of Giles reflected “the humility of the Incarnation and the gratuitousness of the Eucharist” (L'Osservatore Romano 1996, volume 23, number 1). Saints of February 14
mention with Popes
269 Valentine
of Terni Valentine patron of beekeepers
engaged couples travellers youth. Valentine was a holy priest in Rome, who,
with St Marius and his family, assisted the martyrs in
the persecution under Claudius II. He was apprehended,
and sent by the emperor to the prefect of Rome, who, on finding
all his promises to make him renounce his faith ineffectual,
commanded him to be beaten with clubs, and afterwards to be
beheaded, which was executed on February 14, about the year 270.
Pope Julius I is said to have built a church near Ponte
Mole to his memory, which for a long time gave name to the gate
now called Porta del Popolo, formerly Porta Valentini. The greatest
part of his relics are now in the church of St Praxedes His name is
celebrated as that of an illustrious martyr in the sacramentary
of St Gregory, the Roman Missal of Thomasius, in the calendar
of F. Fronto and that of Allatius, in Bede, Usuard, Ado, Notker
and all other martyrologies on this day. To abolish the heathen’s
lewd superstitious custom of boys drawing the names of girls, in
honour of their goddess Februata Juno, on the 15th of
this month, several zealous pastors substituted the names of saints
in billets given on this day.869 Sts. Cyril and Methodius. The holy brothers were then summoned to Rome at the invitation of the Roman Pope. Pope Adrian received them with great honor, since they brought with them the relics of the Hieromartyr Clement. Sickly by nature and in poor health, St Cyril soon fell ill from his many labors, and after taking the schema, he died in the year 869 at the age of forty-two. Before his death, he expressed his wish for his brother to continue the Christian enlightenment of the Slavs. St Cyril was buried in the Roman church of St Clement, whose own relics also rest there, brought to Italy from Cherson by the Enlighteners of the Slavs. 1325 Blessed Angelus of Gualdo Camaldolese lay-brother lived 40 years a hermit walled up in his cell OSB Cam. (AC). In early life he made many pilgrimages, travelling in particular barefoot from Italy to St James of Compostela in Spain. On his return he offered himself as a lay-brother to the Camaldolese monks, but after a very short time received permission to lead a solitary life according to his desire. In this vocation he faithfully persisted for nearly forty years. When he died on January 25, 1325 it is said that the church bells in the neighbouring district rang of themselves: the people scoured the country to discover the cause, and coming to his little cell they found him dead, kneeling in the attitude of prayer. The miracles wrought at his tomb brought many to do him honour, and Pope Leo XII approved the cultus in 1825. Saints of February 15
mention with Popes
695 St. Decorosus
30 years Bishop of Capua, Italy Council of Rome in 680
. He attended
the Council of Rome
in 680 in the reign of Pope St. Agatho.. (The
council, attended in the beginning by 100 bishops, later by
174, was opened 7 Nov., 680, in a domed hall (trullus) of the
imperial palace and was presided over by the (three) papal
legates who brought to the council a long dogmatic letter
of Pope Agatho
and another of similar import from a Roman synod
held in the spring of 680. )1045 ST SIGFRID, BISHOP OF Växjö: a spring bore Sigfrid’s name was the channel of many miracles. After a time, St Sigfrid entrusted the care of his diocese to these three and set off to carry the light of the gospel into more distant provinces. During his absence, a troop, partly out of hatred for Christianity and partly for booty, plundered the church of VaxjO and murdered Unaman and his brothers, burying their bodies in a forest and placing their heads in a box which they sank in a pond. The heads were duly recovered and placed in a shrine, on which occasion, we are told, the three heads spoke. The king resolved to put the murderers to death, but St Sigfrid induced him to spare their lives. Olaf compelled them, however, to pay a heavy fine which he wished to bestow on the saint, who refused to accept a farthing of it, notwithstanding his extreme poverty and the difficulties with which he had to contend in rebuilding his church. He had inherited in an heroic degree the spirit of the apostles, and preached the gospel also in Denmark. Sigfrid is said, but doubtfully, to have been canonized by Pope Adrian IV, the Englishman who had himself laboured zealously for the propagation of the faith in the North over one hundred years after St Sigfrid. The Swedes honour St Sigfrid as their apostle. 1237 Bl. Jordan of Saxony thousand novices to the Dominicans established new foundations Germany and Switzerland It was a sermon of Jordan’s that decided Albertus Magnus to enter the order. Blessed Jordan of Saxony, OP (AC) Born in Germany, 1190; died 1237; cultus confirmed in 1828. Men prayed for strength to resist Jordan's burning eloquence, and mothers hid their sons when Master Jordan came to town. Students and masters warned each other of the fatal magnetism of his sermons. The sweetness of his character and the holiness of his life shone through his most casual words in a flame that drew youth irresistibly to the ideal to which he had dedicated his own life. In his 16 years of preaching, Jordan is said to have drawn more than a thousand novices to the Dominican Order, among whom were two future popes, two canonized saints (e.g., Albert the Great), numerous beati, and countless intellectual lights of his dazzling century. 1682 St. Claude la Colombière special day for the Jesuits spiritual companion, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. This is a special day for the Jesuits, who claim today’s saint as one of their own. It’s also a special day for people who have a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus—a devotion Claude la Colombière promoted, along with his friend and spiritual companion, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. The emphasis on God’s love for all was an antidote to the rigorous moralism of the Jansenists, who were popular at the time. Claude showed remarkable preaching skills long before his ordination in 1675. Two months later he was made superior of a small Jesuit residence in Burgundy. It was there he first encountered Margaret Mary Alacoque. For many years after he served as her confessor. He was next sent to England to serve as confessor to the Duchess of York. He preached by both words and by the example of his holy life, converting a number of Protestants. Tensions arose against Catholics and Claude, rumored to be part of a plot against the king, was imprisoned. He was ultimately banished, but by then his health had been ruined. He died in 1682. Pope John Paul the Second
canonized Claude la Colombière in 1992.
Saints of February 16
mention with Popes
305 St. Juliana
of Cumae Christian virgin martyred for the
faith refused Roman prefect marriage. Only
after Juliana's death, thanks to the renewed efforts of
Bl. Eva, was the feastday of Corpus Christi accepted
by the Latin Rite of the Church. The pope who authorized
the festival was none other than James Pantaleon, now
Pope Urban IV, who had earlier confirmed Juliana's
inquiry whether such a feast was feasible. Urban commissioned
St. Thomas Aquinas to compose the office of the feastday.
Aquinas's beautiful composition included those ever-popular
Eucharistic hymns: the "Lauda Sion", the "Pange Lingua", the "O
Salutaris", and the "Tantum Ergo." This feast was long a holy day of
obligation.When miracles were reported in connection with Juliana's tomb, she came to be venerated as a saint. A local feast in her honor was allowed by Pius IX in 1869, but her feastday has not yet been extended to the whole church. Thanks to St. Juliana's reverence for the Holy Eucharist, the dark line on the moon of her vision was eliminated. May we imitate her in our love--and respect--for the real Eucharistic presence of Christ in our tabernacles. --Father Robert F. McNamara 1189 St. Gilbert of Sempringham priest shared wealth with the poor miracles wrought at his tomb built 13 monasteries (9 were double). ST GILBERT was born at Sempringham in Lincolnshire, and in due course was ordained priest. For some time he taught in a free school, but the advowson of the parsonages of Sempringham and Terrington being in the gift of his father, he was presented by him to the united livings in 1123. He gave the revenues of them to the poor, reserving only a small sum for bare necessaries. By his care, his parishioners were led to sanctity of life, and he drew up a rule for seven young women who lived in strict enclosure in a house adjoining the parish church of St Andrew at Sempringham. This foundation grew, and Gilbert found it necessary to add first lay-sisters and then lay-brothers to work the nuns’ land. In 1147 he went to Citeaux to ask the abbot to take over the foundation. This the Cistercians were unable to do, and Gilbert was encouraged by Pope Eugenius III to carry on the work himself. Finally Gilbert added a fourth element, of canons regular, as chaplains to the nuns. 1468 BD EUSTOCHIUM OF MESSINA, VIRGIN authority of her virtues was increased by fame of her miracles—the sick being healed even by the kerchief which had been bathed by her tears of penitence. She died at the age of thirty-five. After eleven years spent at Basico, Bd Eustochium felt that she desired a stricter rule, and Pope Callistus III allowed her to found another convent to follow the first rule of St Francis under the Observants. In 1458—1459 her mother and sister built the convent which was called Maidens’ Hill (Monte Vergine). There she received, amongst others, her sister and her niece Paula, who was only eleven years of age. The foundation passed through many trials during its early years. When Eustochium became thirty—the legal age—she was elected abbess and gathered around her crowds of fervent souls. The authority of her virtues was increased by the fame of her miracles—the sick being healed even by the kerchief which had been bathed by her tears of penitence. She died at the age of thirty-five, her cultus being subsequently approved in 1782. 1940 St. Philip Siphong 7 Thai Catholics martyred for the faith "white-robed army of martyrs." On October 22, 1989, Pope John Paul II formally beatified the seven Thai Catholics. Deeply touched by their fidelity, the pope said that Blessed Philip ("the great tree" as he was called at Songkhon) exemplified the missionary zeal that is incumbent upon all of us by virtue of our baptism. He quoted Sister Agnes' letter to the policeman: "We rejoice in giving back to God the life that He has given us.... We beseech you to open to us the doors of heaven… You are acting according to the orders of men, but we act according to the commandments of God." Sentiments like these, said John Paul II, resembled those of the Christian martyrs of antiquity. Indeed, their very names were those of ancient saints: Agnes, Lucy, Agatha, Cecilia, Bibiana.... The Blessed Martyrs of Thailand, in "giving back to God the life that He had given them", were therefore contemporary soldiers in the age-old "white-robed army of martyrs." - -Father Robert R McNamara Saints of February 17
mention with Popes
603 St.
Fintan
Abbot . In the
monastery of Cluainedhech in Ireland, St. Fintan, abbot.Fintan was a hermit in Clonenagh, Leix, Ireland. When disciples gathered around his hermitage he became their abbot. A wonder worker, Fintan was known for clairvoyance, prophecies, and miracles. He also performed very austere penances. 603 ST FINTAN OF CLONEENAGH, ABBOT even in his boyhood he possessed the gift of prophecy and of a knowledge of distant events. IN a tractate preserved in the Book of Leinster St Fintan is presented as an Irish counterpart of St Benedict, and there can be no question as to the high repute in which his monastery of Cloneenagh in Leix was held by his contemporaries. An early litany speaks of “the monks of Fintan, descendant of Eochaid, who ate nothing but herbs of the earth and water; there is not room to enumerate them by reason of their multitude”. Quite in accord with this is a gloss in the Félire of Oengus: “Generous Fintan never consumed during his time aught save the bread of woody barley and muddy water of clay.” The Latin life bears out this description of extreme asceticism, which indeed St Canice of Aghaboe thought excessive and protested against.
Seven Founders of the Order
of Servites (RM) 13th century; canonized in 1887 by
Pope Leo XIII.
1233 7
Founders of the Order of Servites On the Feast
of the Assumption the 7 single vision to withdraw
from world forming new society within the Church devoted
to prayer and solitudeIn 1233 seven wealthy
councilors of the city of Florence, who had previously joined
the Laudesi (Praisers),
gave up the pleasures of this world in order to devote themselves
to God through particular devotion to the Blessed Virgin
Mary. Their previous lives had been by no means lax or undisciplined,
even though Florence was then a city filled with factions
and immorality, and infected by the Cathar heresy (the belief
that the body was evil and we are the souls of angels inserted by
Satan into human bodies). Under the direction of James of Poggibonsi,
who was the chaplain of the Laudesi and a man of great holiness
and spiritual insight, they came to recognize the call to renunciation.
On the Feast of the Assumption, 1233,
the seven had a single inspiration or vision to withdraw
from the world to form a new society within the Church devoted
to prayer and solitude.1302 BD ANDREW OF ANAGNI was held in great veneration both in life and after death for the miracles he was believed to work. IN the Franciscan supplement to the Roman Martyrology this servant of God is described as “Beatus Andreas de Comitibus”; but it would seem that the more accurate form of his name is Andrea dei Conti di Segni (Andrew of the Counts of Segni). In Mazzara he is called Andrea d’Anagni, from his birthplace. As we learn from these designations he was of noble family, nephew of the Roland Conti who became Pope Alexander IV and a near kinsman of another native of Anagni, Benedict Gaetani, Pope Boniface VIII. Laying aside all thought of worldly advancement he gave himself to the Order of Friars Minor, in which he remained a simple brother, not even aspiring to the priesthood. Saints of February 18
mention with Popes
107 St. Simon
or Simeon father was Cleophas St. Joseph's brother.
Mother was our Lady's sister 8 yrs older than Jesus. At Jerusalem, the birthday of St.
Simeon, bishop and martyr, who is said to have been
the son of Cleophas, and a relative of the Saviour according
to the flesh. He was consecrated bishop of Jerusalem
after St. James, the cousin of our Lord. In the persecution
of Trajan, after having endured many torments, his martyrdom
was completed. All who were present, even the judge himself,
were astonished that a man one hundred and twenty years of age
could bear the torment of crucifixion with such fortitude and
constancy.
In St. Matthew's Gospel, we read of St. Simon or Simeon who is described as one of our Lord's brethren or kinsmen. 449 St. Flavian of Constantinople martyr Patriarch succeeding St. Proclus cum fidem cathólicam Ephesi propugnáret. At Constantinople, St. Flavian, bishop, who, for having defended the Catholic faith at Ephesus, was attacked with slaps and kicks by the faction of the impious Dioscorus, and then driven into exile where he died within three days. The abbot, in his excessive zeal against Nestorius’s heresy of two distinct persons in Christ, had rushed to the other extreme and, denying that our Lord had two distinct natures after the Incarnation, was the protagonist of the monophysite heresy. In a synod held by St Flavian in 448, Eutyches was accused of this error by Eusebius of Dorylaeum, and the opinion was there condemned as heretical, Eutyches being cited to appear before the council to give an account of his faith. He eventually did so, and was deposed and excommunicated. Whereupon he declared that he appealed to the bishops of Rome, Egypt and Jerusalem; and he addressed a letter to St Leo I in which he complained of the way he had been treated and stated his case. But the pope was not misled. In a carefully-worded letter to Flavian, famous in ecclesiastical history as his “Tome” or “Dogmatic Letter”, Leo set out the orthodox faith upon the principal points in dispute. 1455 Blessed John of Fiesole patron of Christian artists . The patron of Christian artists was born around 1400 in a village overlooking Florence. He took up painting as a young boy and studied under the watchful eye of a local painting master. He joined the Dominicans at about age 20, taking the name Fra Giovanni. He eventually came to be known as Fra Angelico, perhaps a tribute to his own angelic qualities or maybe the devotional tone of his works. 1594 Bl. William Harrington priest Martyr of England. Blessed William Harrington M (AC) Born at Mount Saint John, Felixkirk, Yorkshire, England; died at Tyburn, 1594; beatified in 1929. William was educated and ordained in 1592 at Rheims. He was only 27 when he was hanged, drawn, and quartered for his priesthood (Benedictines). 1601 Bl. John Pibush English martyr solely for his priesthood . born in Thirsk, Yorkshire. He went to Reims and was ordained in 1587. Returning to England in 1589, John was arrested at Gloucestershire in 1593 and kept in prison in London. He escaped but was recaptured and then tried and condemned. He was executed at Southwark. His beatification took place in 1929. Bl. Martin Martyr of China native Blessed Agnes De martyred native cradle Christian VM (AC) 1855 Blessed Andrew Nam-Thung native catechist of Cochin-China M (AC) 1858 St. Agatha Lin Chinese martyr 1862 Blessed John Peter French missionary priest & Martin native catechist MM (AC) Saints of February 19
mention with Popes
295 Gabinus
of Rome Pope Caius brother father of Saint Suzanne
M (RM) . Saint Gabinus
was a Roman Christian, brother of Pope Caius and
father of the beautiful Saint
Suzanne. He also seems to have been related to Emperor Diocletian.
Gabinus was ordained a priest and died as a martyr of starvation
under Diocletian.
682 St. Barbatus
Bishop Benevento innocence, simplicity, and purity
of heart . In 680, Barbatus
assisted in a council called by Pope Agatho at
Rome and the following year attended the Sixth General Council
held at Constantinople against the Monothelites. He
died shortly after the council about age 70. He is honored as
one of the chief patrons of Benevento (Benedictines, Encyclopedia,
Husenbeth).
1350 St. Conrad
of Piacenza reputation for holiness.
Conrad of Piacenza, OFM Tert. (AC) Born
in 1290; died 1351 or 1354; cultus approved with the title
of saint by Paul III. One day while
hunting he ordered attendants to set fire to some brush in order
to flush out the game. The fire spread to nearby fields and
to a large forest. Conrad fled. An innocent peasant was imprisoned,
tortured to confess and condemned to death. Conrad confessed
his guilt, saved the man’s life and paid for the damaged property.
Soon after this event, Conrad and
his wife agreed to separate: she to a Poor Clare monastery and
he to a group of hermits following the Third Order Rule. His reputation
for holiness, however, spread quickly. Since his many visitors
destroyed his solitude, Conrad went to a more remote spot
in Sicily where he lived 36 years as a hermit, praying for himself
and for the rest of the world. Prayer and penance
were his answer to the temptations that beset him. Conrad died
kneeling before a crucifix. He was canonized in 1625.
1400 + St. Alvarez
confessor Queen Catherine adviser tutor King John
II teaching preaching asceticism holiness The Bishop
of Syracuse himself visited him, and it was told
afterwards that while his attendants were preparing
to unpack the provisions they had brought, the bishop had
asked St Conrad with a smile whether he had nothing to offer
his visitors. The holy man replied that he would go and look
in his cell, from which he emerged carrying became a favourite shrine at which many miraculous
cures took place. He is more particularly invoked
for ruptures on account of the large number of people who owed
their recovery from hernia to his intercession. The cultus
of St Conrad has been approved by three popes.He became known for his preaching prowess in Spain and Italy, was confessor and adviser of Queen Catherine, John of Gaunt's daughter, and tutor of King John II in his youth. He reformed the court, and then left the court to found a monastery near Cordova. There the Escalaceli (ladder of heaven) that he built became a center of religious devotion. He successfully led the opposition to antipope Benedict XII (Peter de Luna), and by the time of his death was famous all over Spain for his teaching, preaching, asceticism, and holiness. His cult was confirmed in 1741. 1862 Bl. Lucy Martyr of China Catholic schoolteacher She was a Catholic schoolteacher in China, where she was beheaded. Lucy was beatified in 1909. Saints of February 20
mention with Popes
1920 Blessed Jacinta
& Francisco Marto Between May 13 and October
13, 1917, three children, Portuguese shepherds The
Church is always very cautious about endorsing alleged
apparitions, but it has seen benefits from people changing
their lives because of the message of Our Lady of Fatima.
Prayer for sinners, devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
and praying the rosary—all these reinforce the Good News
Jesus came to preach.
Quote: In his homily at their
beatification, Pope John Paul II recalled that shortly before Francisco
died, Jacinta said to him, “Give my greetings to Our Lord and to Our Lady
and tell them that I am enduring everything they want for the conversion
of sinners.”
Saints of February 21
mention with Popes
379 Irene
Spanish Sister of Pope Saint Damasus ;
Irene was the sister of Pope Saint Damasus I
(c. 304-384). She and her devout mother Laurentia are said
to have often spent whole nights in the catacombs of Rome.
606 St. Paterius monk from Rome bishop of Brescia prolific writer on Biblical subjects. Paterius of Brescia B (RM) Paterius, a Roman monk, was a disciple and friend of Pope Saint Gregory the Great. He was a notary in the Roman Church, who was raised to the see of Brescia, Lombardy. Paterius was a prolific writer on Biblical subjects (Benedictines). 1072 Peter Damian brilliant teacher writer transcribing manuscripts , B Doctor (RM). Saint Peter Damian (born 1007, Ravenna—died Feb. 22, 1072, Faenze; feast day February 21) Italian cardinal and Doctor of the Church. He was prior of Fonte Avellana in the Apennines before being named a cardinal in 1057. A leading monastic reformer and ascetic, he played an important role in the promotion of apostolic poverty and in support of papal reformers who sought to enforce clerical celibacy and abolish simony. He defended Pope Alexander II against the antipope Honorius II and reconciled Alexander with the city of Ravenna. He was also sent as a papal legate to resolve disputes in Milan and Cluny, Burgundy, and he played a key role in the formulation of the papal election decree of 1059. In 1828 he was declared a Doctor of the Church. 1562 Robert Southwell 1/40 martyrs of England and Wales SJ M (RM) . Born at Horsham Saint Faith's, Norfolk, England, in 1561 or 1562; died at Tyburn, London, England, February 21, 1595; beatified in 1929; canonized on October 25, 1970, by Pope Paul VI as one of the 40 representative martyrs of England and Wales. 1794 Blessed Noel Pinot continued to minister to his flock.M (AC). During the twelve days he was kept in prison, he was very roughly treated, and upon his reiterated refusal to take the oath he was sentenced off-hand to the guillotine. On February 21, 1794, he was led out to death still wearing the priestly vestments in which he had been arrested, and on the way to offer his final sacrifice he is said to have repeated aloud the words which the priest recites at the foot of the altar in beginning Mass Introibo ad altare Dei\...“I will enter unto the altar of God, to God who giveth joy to my youth.” Bd Noel Pinot was beatified in 1926 -- Pius XI 1922-1939. Saints of February 22
mention with Popes
Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle. WE are accustomed to use such phrases as the power
of the “throne”, the heir to the “throne”, the prerogative
of the “crown:, etc., substituting the concrete insignia
of dignity for the office itself. The same metonomy is
familiar in ecclesiastical matters. The “Holy See” is no
more than the Sancta Sedes, the holy
chair, for the word “see” is
simply sedes, which has come to us through
the Old French sied. But the Romans
had another name, which they borrowed from the Greeks, for the
seat occupied by a teacher or anyone who spoke with authority.
This was cathedra, and its use in
this sense can not only be traced back to the early Christian centuries,
but it survives to this day, notably in the phrase “an ex cathedra decision”, that is to say a
pronouncement in which the pope speaks as teacher of the Universal
Church.556 St. Maximian of Ravenna Bishop of Ravenna erected St. Vitalis Basilica, which was dedicated in the presence of Emperor Justinian and his wife, Theodora. Ordained by Pope Vigilius in 546. Maximian erected St. Vitalis Basilica, which was dedicated in the presence of Emperor Justinian and his wife, Theodora. Maximianus of Ravenna B (RM) Born in Pola, Italy, 499; died February 22, 556; feast day formerly February 21. Saints of February 23
mention with Popes
156 Saint Polycarp
a disciple of Saint John the Evangelist
Anicetus asked
Polycarp to celebrate the Eucharist in his own papal
chapel.
Polycarp
was, as was his friend St. Ignatius of Antioch, one
of the most important intermediary links between the
apostolic and the patristic
eras in the Church, especially in Christian
Asia Minor.The East, where Polycarp was from,
celebrated the Passover as the Passion of Christ followed by
a Eucharist on the following day. The West celebrated Easter on
the Sunday of the week following Passover. When
Polycarp went to Rome to discuss the difference with Pope Anicetus, they could
not agree on this issue. But they found no difference in
their Christian beliefs. Polycarp faced persecution the way Christ did. His own church admired him for following the "gospel model" -- not chasing after martyrdom as some did, but avoiding it until it was God's will as Jesus did. They considered it "a sign of love to desire not to save oneself alone, but to save also all the Christian brothers and sisters." 324 St. Romana Roman virgin. At Todi in Umbria, St. Romana, virgin, who was baptized by Pope St. Sylvester, led a life of holiness in dens and caves, and wrought glorious miracles. Almost certainly a legendary figure, she supposedly lived as a hermitess in a cave on the banks of the river Tiber in Rome. She figures in the doubtful life of Pope St. Sylvester. 372 Saint Gorgonia sister of St Gregory the Theologian distinguished for great virtue, piety, meekness, sagacity, toil. Her house was a haven for the poor. The mother of five children, she died around the year 372 at the age of thirty-nine. Her last words were, "In peace I will both lie down and sleep" (Psalm 4:8). 1011 St. Willigis Bishop missionaries to Scandinavia, founded churches chaplain to Emperor Otto II. Born at Schoningen, Germany, he was the son of a wheelwright. After studying and receiving ordination, he was named a canon at Hildesheim and then received appointment as a chaplain to Emperor Otto II. The ruler made Willigis chancellor of Germany in 971 and then archbishop of Mainz in 973. About the same time, Pope Benedict VII (r. 974-983) named him vicar apostolic for Germany. In 983, he crowned the infant emperor Otto III (r. 996-1002) at Aachen and was one of the chief figures in the regency with Otto's mother, Empress Theophano (d. 991) and then Empress Adelaide (d. 999). Following Otto's death in 1002, Willigis was instrumental in securing the election of Henry (r. king, 1002-1024, emperor, 1014-1024) of Bavaria, whom he consecrated as Henry II. A brilliant statesman, he always strove first to a be Church man. He sent missionaries to Scandinavia, founded churches, was careful in the prelates that he appointed to the sees of Germany, and rebuilt the cathedral of Mainz. St. Peter Damian: Monk And Church
Reformer Vatican City, 9 Sep 2009 (VIS) - Benedict
XVI
1072 St. Peter
Damian stern figure recall men in lax age from
error of ways declared doctor of the Church in 1828.
Pope Benedict XVI dedicated the catechesis of
his general audience, held this morning in the Paul VI
Hall, to St. Peter Damian (1007-1072), "a monk, lover of
solitude and, overall, an intrepid man of the Church who played
a leading role in the reforms undertaken by the Popes of his
time".Peter Damian, who lost both his parents while still very young and was raised by his siblings, received a superlative education in jurisprudence and Greek and Latin culture. As a young man he dedicated himself to teaching and authored a number of literary works, but he soon felt the call to become a monk and entered the monastery of Fonte Avellana. The monastery "was dedicated to the Holy Cross, and of all the Christian mysteries the Cross would be the one that most fascinated Peter Damian", explained Pope Benedict, expressing the hope that the saint's example "may encourage us too always to look to the Cross as God's supreme act of love towards man". 1771 St. Marguerite
d'Youville allowed no obstacle in the way of her
helping others canonized December 9, 1990..
In 1754, Mme. d'Youville took the now inevitable
step of forming her women auxiliaries into a new religious
order.
Their official title
was "The Sisters of Charity of the General Hospital."
For their religious habit she chose a grey material.
One reason for the choice was rather witty. In their
early years their enemies had sometimes called these women "les
soeurs grises," which meant, "the drunken sisters." But it can also
mean "the grey sisters." So ever since its foundation, Mother d'Youville's
large congregation, today divided into several distinct communities,
has been called by the nickname she adopted, the "Grey Sisters."They rapidly expanded throughout Canada, always welcome because they were ready to undertake not only all the corporal works of mercy but also the spiritual works of mercy, including school teaching at all levels. This comprehensive order eventually branched out into both Americas, Africa, and the Far East. (They made a foundation in Buffalo in 1857. Out of this came D'Youville College.) From the start, the Grey Nuns were mission-minded. In 1755, when the Indians of the Quebec Province were suffering a severe smallpox epidemic, Mother d'Youville and all 12 of her sisters volunteered to go nurse the Indian victims, willing to risk their own lives by so doing. The Indians were touched by this devotion. These same Native Americans had earlier complained to the Governor about François d'Youville, who was disobediently selling them liquor. "We cannot pray God because d'Youville made us drink every day. If you don't expel him from this island, we don't want to go there again." Thus did Mother d'Youville make reparation for the sins of her husband. Her nuns continued this restitution by becoming pioneer missionaries among the natives of Canada's West and Northwest. One cannot know St. Marguerite d'Youville without admiring her. She was one of the most remarkable Catholic women in the history of the Western Hemisphere. --Father Robert F. McNamara Saints of February 24
mention with Popes
In Judæa
natális sancti Matthíæ
Apóstoli. 1st
v. ST MATTHIAS, APOSTLE
CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA says that
according to tradition St Matthias was one of the seventy-two
disciples whom our Lord had sent out, two by two, during
His ministry, and this is also asserted by Eusebius and by
St Jerome. We know from the Acts of the Apostles that he was constantly
with the Saviour from the time of His baptism until His ascension.
When St Peter soon after had declared that it was necessary to
elect a twelfth apostle in place of Judas, two candidates were chosen
as most worthy, Joseph called Barsabas and Matthias, After prayer
to God that He would direct their choice, they proceeded to cast
lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias, who was accordingly numbered
with the eleven and ranked among the apostles. He received the Holy
Ghost with the rest soon after his election
and applied himself with zeal to his mission. It is stated
by Clement of Alexandria that he was remarkable for his insistence
upon the necessity of mortifying the flesh to subdue the sensual
appetites—a lesson he had leant from Christ and which he faithfully
practised himself.
616 Ethelbert
of Kent, King Not since conversions of Constantine
and Clovis had1285 Blessed Luke Belludi nobleman talented, well-educated asked for the Franciscan habit St. Anthony recommended him to St. Francis; gift of miracles. After the fulfillment of the prophetic message, Luke was elected provincial minister and furthered the completion of the great basilica in honor of Anthony, his teacher. He founded many convents of the order and had, as Anthony, the gift of miracles. Upon his death he was laid to rest in the basilica that he had helped finish and has had a continual veneration up to the present time. Comment: The epistles refer
several times to a man named Luke as Paul’s trusted
companion on his missionary journeys. Perhaps every great
preacher needs a Luke; Anthony surely did. Luke Belludi not
only accompanied Anthony on his travels, he also cared for
the great saint in his final illness and carried on Anthony’s
mission after the saint’s death. Yes, every preacher needs a Luke,
someone to offer support and reassurance—including those who
minister to us. We don’t even have to change our names!
Saints of February 25
mention with Popes
Christendom known an event so momentous. ETHELBERT, King of Kent, married a Christian princess, Bertha, only child of Charibert, King of Paris. She had full liberty to practise her religion, and she brought with her a French prelate, Bishop Liudhard, who officiated in an ancient church, which he dedicated to God in honour of St Martin, at Canterbury. Tradition speaks of the piety and amiable qualities of Queen Bertha, and these no doubt made a great impression on her husband, but his conversion did not take place until the coming of St Augustine and his companions. These missionaries, sent by St Gregory the Great, first landed in Thanet, from whence they sent a message to the king announcing their arrival and explaining the reason of their coming. Ethelbert bade them remain in the island, and after some days he himself came to Thanet to hear what they had to say. His first conference with them took place in the open air, as he was afraid they might use spells or some form of magic, which were held to be powerless out of doors. Ethelbert, sitting under an oak, received them well and, after listening to them, told them that they might freely preach to the people and convert whom they could. As for himself, he could not immediately abandon all that he had held sacred, but he would undertake that the missionaries should be well treated and should have the means to live. Bede tells us that he gave them the church of St Martin in which “to sing psalms, to pray, to offer Mass, to preach and to baptize”. Conversions took place, and it was not long before Ethelbert and many of his nobles were convinced. They received baptism on Whitsunday, 597; and the king’s conversion was followed by that of thousands of his subjects. 806 St. Tarasius saintly Bishop charity to poor no indigent person overlooked . At Constantinople, St. Tharasius, bishop, a man of great learning and piety. There exists a letter defending sacred images, written to him by Pope Hadrian I. ST TARASIUS, although a layman and chief secretary to the young Emperor Constantine VI and his mother Irene, was chosen patriarch of Constantinople by the court, clergy and people after having been nominated by his predecessor Paul IV, who had retired into a monastery. Tarasius came of a patrician family, had had a good upbringing, and in the midst of the court, though surrounded by all that could flatter pride or gratify the senses, he had led a life of almost monastic severity. He was most loath to accept the dignity which had been conferred upon him, partly because he felt that a priest should have been chosen, but also on account of the position created by the succession of emperors, beginning with Leo III in 726, whose policy it was for various reasons to abolish the veneration of sacred images and banish eikons from the churches.* [* The use of sacred images had become general throughout the Church and had been encouraged by the authorities when, all danger of idolatry being over, it became necessary to impress on men’s minds that God had actually become man and had been born of a human mother. For this purpose, and as a means of reviving the memory of the saints and of lifting up the soul to God, pictures and other images were introduced into the churches.] Soon after his consecration he wrote letters to Pope Adrian I (as did Irene) and the patriarchs of Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem requesting their attendance or that of their legates at the seventh ecumenical council. The Holy Father sent legates with letters to the emperor, empress, and patriarch that, in the presence of his legates, the false council of the Iconoclasts should first be condemned and efforts made to re-establish holy images throughout the empire. (His legates, who assumed the presidency of the council, were Peter, archpriest of the Roman church, and Peter, priest and abbot of Saint Sabas in Rome.)1104 Gerland of Girgenti continually saddened by the sight of the world. Born in Besançon, France. Saint Gerland is said to have been related to the Norman conqueror of Sicily, Robert Guiscard. He was consecrated bishop of Girgenti by Urban II, and labored for the restoration of Christianity in Sicily after the expulsion of the Saracens. It is said that Gerland was continually saddened by the sight of the world (Benedictines, Encyclopedia). Count Roger recalled him to Sicily to appoint him bishop of Girgenti, and he was consecrated by Bd Urban II. He found much to do in a land where the Moslems had ruled for so long. He re-established the cathedral, which had been reduced to ruins, built an episcopal residence, and obtained a charter of his jurisdiction. He sought out Jews and Saracens, had private interviews with them besides public conferences, and converted many, baptizing them himself. His success has been described as marvellous. Gerland died soon after returning from a visit to Rome, having apparently foreseen his approaching end. 1380 St. Aventanus Carmelite mystic lay brother gift of ecstasies, miracles visions. A native of Limoges, France, he joined the Carmelites as a lay brother. With another Carmelite, Romaeus, Aventanus started on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Crossing the Alps they encountered many difficulties, including an outbreak of plague. Aventanus, who had a gift of ecstasies, miracles, and visions, succumbed to the plague near Lucca, Italy. His cult was approved by Pope Gregory XVI. 1481 Bl. Constantius a boy of extraordinary goodness gift of prophecy or second sight miracles. EARLY in the fifteenth century, there lived at Fabriano a boy of such extraordinary goodness that even his parents would sometimes wonder whether he were not rather an angel than a human child. Once, when his little sister was suffering from a disease which the doctors pronounced incurable, Constantius Bernocchi asked his father and mother to join him in prayer by her bedside that she might recover. They did so, and she was immediately cured. At the age of fifteen he was admitted to the Dominican convent of Santa Lucia and he seems to have received the habit from the hands of Bd Laurence of Ripafratta, at that time prior of this house of strict observance. Constantius was one of those concerned with the reform of San Marco in Florence, and it was whilst he was teaching in that city that it was discovered that he had the gift of prophecy or second sight. Among other examples, the death of St Antoninus was made known to him at the moment that it took place, and this is mentioned by Pope Clement VII in his bull for the canonization of that saint. He was also credited with the power of working miracles, and besides the cares of his office he acted as peacemaker outside the convent and quelled popular tumults. 1828 Bl. Dominic Lentini called the Son and Servant of the Cross. Blessed Dominic Lentini was born in Lauria and always lived there. Life for him stopped there. This already says a great deal: people can and ought to become saints in their own space of life and work. He moved from Lauria on account of his studies to the Seminary of Policastro and also as a Priest on account of his preaching in the surrounding towns. The towns he preached in were within the confines of the Noce Valley, the Gulf of Policastro and of Mercure. (N.B. These territories are all situated further south than Naples). The two Popes who glorified Bl. Dominic Lentini, Pius XI for his Heroic Virtues (27/1/35) and John Paul for his Beatification (12/10/97), will exalt the greatness of his Priesthood: Sacerdote sine adiunctis! (a Priest without equal) Rich only in his Priesthood! Saints of February 26
mention with Popes
328 St. Alexander
of Alexandria Bishop defender of the faith drew
up the acts of the 1st Gen Council of Nicaea 325.
At Alexandria, Bishop St. Alexander,
an aged man held in great honour, who succeeded blessed
Peter as bishop of that city. He expelled Arius, one
of his priests, from the Church because he was tainted with
heretical ímpiety and convicted in the face of divine truth.
Later on he was one of the three hundred and eighteen Fathers
who condemned him in the Council of Nicaea.He was born circa (c.) 250, probably in Alexandria, Egypt, becoming the bishop of the see in 313. The heresy of Arianism was sweeping the region, as Arius was preaching the doctrine there. Alexander excommunicated Arius in 321, a decision upheld by a council. Alexander is also credited with drawing up the acts of the First General Council of Nicaea in 325. He was described by contemporaries as "a lover of God . . .just . . . eloquent." His successor, St. Athanasius, was the choice of Alexander on his deathbed. In due course, in the year 325, the first oecumenical council assembled at Nicaea to deal with the matter, Pope St Silvester being represented by legates. Anus was himself present, and both Marcellus of Ancyra and the deacon St Athanasius, whom St Alexander had brought with him, exposed the falsity of the new doctrines and completely confuted the Arians. The heresy was emphatically and finally condemned, and Anus and a few others banished by the Emperor Constantine to Illyricum. St Alexander, after this triumph of the faith, returned to Alexandria, where he died two years later, having named St Athanasius as his successor. Her fasts and the nervous strain of the life she led brought on so severe an illness that she was publicly prayed for, and her mother sent to consult a holy woman at Nanterre who was reputed to have the gift of prophecy. The reply was that the princess would recover, but that she must never be counted among the living because for the rest of her life she would be dead to the world. The truth of this was soon perceived when various suitors presented themselves. She refused first Count Hugo of Austria and then Conrad, King of Jerusalem, although Pope innocent IV sent her a letter urging her to accept him for the benefit of Christendom. She answered him so humbly and wisely that he applauded her resolution to serve God in perpetual virginity. 421 St. Porphyry of Gaza Epíscopi worked tirelessly for his people, instructed them and made many converts, miraculous healing. “I tried to reach Mount Calvary, and there
I fainted away and fell into a kind of trance or ecstasy
in which I seemed to see our Saviour on the cross and
the good thief hanging near Him. I said to Christ, ‘Lord,
remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom’, and he replied
by bidding the thief come to my assistance. This he did, and
raising me from the ground he bade me go to Christ. I ran to Him
and He came down from His cross, saying to me, ‘Take this wood’
(meaning the cross) ‘into thy custody’. In obedience to Him, methought
I laid it on my shoulders and carried it some way. I awoke soon
after and have been free from pain ever since, nor is there any
sign left of the ailments from which I formerly suffered.”
We go far back in history today to learn a bit about a saint
whose name is not familiar to most of us in the West but who is
celebrated by the Greek and Russian Orthodox churches.
Born near Greece in the mid-fourth century, Porphry is most known
for his generosity to the poor and for his ascetic lifestyle. Deserts
and caves were his home for a time. At age 40, living in Jerusalem,
Porphyry was ordained a priest.
Feeble as he was, he
never omitted his usual visits to the holy places
and he daily partook of the Blessed Sacrament. The only
thing which troubled him was that his paternal estate had
not as yet been disposed of and the proceeds given to the poor.
This commission he entrusted to Mark, who set out for Thessalonica
and in three months’ time returned to Jerusalem with money and
effects of considerable value.
Mark scarcely recognized Porphyry, so
completely had he recovered his health. His face had lost its
pallor and was fresh and ruddy. Seeing his friend’s amazement,
he said with a smile,“Do not be surprised, Mark, to see me in perfect health, but only marvel at the unspeakable goodness of Christ who can easily cure what men despair of”. 1163 BD LEO OF SAINT-BERTIN, ABBOT. He soon retired from the world and entered the monastery of Anchin, where he distinguished himself amongst his brother monks, and ere long was called to rule the abbey of Lobbes. During the protracted wars that had desolated the country the affairs of the monastery had fallen into a bad state, but Leo succeeded in setting them in order and in restoring discipline. In 1138 he was recalled to become abbot of Saint-Bertin—an abbey of such importance that it was known as the Monastery of Monasteries. His name appears on several contemporary charters. That same year he went to Rome, where the main purpose of his visit was to free his abbey from the interference of Cluny, which claimed certain rights over it. Amongst the works of St Bernard are two letters addressed “to the dear and venerable Leo and to all his community”. When in 1146 Thierry of Alsace, Count of Flanders, took part
in the Second Crusade, he was accompanied by Bd Leo,
but, beyond the fact that he reached Jerusalem, nothing
is known about the abbot’s stay in the Holy Land. On his return
he brought with him to the chapel of St Blaise in Bruges the
relic of the Precious Blood which the count had obtained and
which is still treasured and venerated in that ancient city. When
the abbot was quite an old man, his monastery was entirely
destroyed by fire in the year 1152. Undismayed he started at once
to rebuild it, and was fortunate in enlisting the help of a nobleman
known as William of Ypres: in two years the monks were able to
return, and Bd Leo lived to see the whole monastery entirely reconstructed.
In 1161 he lost his sight, and two years later he died. 1270 St. Isabel of France virgin ministered to the sick and the poor consecrated to God. Sister of St. Louis and daughter of King Louis VIII of France and Blanche of Castile, she refused offers of marriage from several noble suitors to continue her life of virginity consecrated to God. She ministered to the sick and the poor, and after the death of her mother, founded the Franciscan Monastery of the Humility of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Longchamps in Paris. She lived there in austerity but never became a nun and refused to become abbess. She died there on February 23, and her cult was approved in 1521. Every day before her dinner Isabel would admit a number of poor people upon whom she waited herself, and after dinner she went out to visit the sick and the poor; and she used to pay the expenses of ten knights in the Holy Land as her share in the crusade. She was tried by several long and painful illnesses, but the ill-success of the crusade and her brother’s capture were far harder trials to her. After the death of her mother she resolved to establish a house for daughters of the Order of St Francis, and obtained the approval of St Louis, who promised material aid. The next thing was to have a rule drafted in accordance with the Rule of St Clare, and some of the greatest Franciscans of the day, including St Bonaventure himself, set to work to draw up a set of constitutions. Thus began the famous Franciscan convent of Longchamps, whose site was within what is now the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. It was called the Monastery of the Humility of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 1889 Saint Paula of Saint Joseph of Calasanz founded colleges, schools, spread to 4 continents. Also known as: Paula Montal Fornes; Paula Montal; Paola Montal; Paola Montal Fornes.Profile: Daughter of Ramon and Vicenta Fornes Montal. Raised in a large and pious family in a small seaside village. Her father died when Paula was 10 years old. She worked as a seamstress and lace-maker, and helped raise her siblings, then helped in her parish with other children. At age thirty, still single and devoting herself privately to God, she and her friend Inez Busquets opened a school in Gerona to provide a good education mixed with spiritual guidance. The school was such a success that she was able to found a college in May 1842, and another school in 1846. To staff and manage the schools, she founded the Daughters of Mary (Pious School Sisters) on 2 February 1847, and took the name Paula of Saint Joseph of Calasanz. Paula served as its leader, and they received papal approval from Blessed Pope Pius IX in 1860. These schools have now spread to four continents. Born: 11 October 1799 at Arenys de Mar, near Barcelona, Spain Died: 26 February 1889 at Olesa de Montserrat of natural causes. Beatified: 18 April 1993 by Pope John Paul II at Rome Canonized: 25 November 2001 by Pope John Paul II. Saints of February 27 mention with Popes 596 St. Leander of Seville Bishop monk consubstantiality 3 Persons of the Tr inity 1st
introduce Nicene Creed at Mass
At Seville in Spain, the birthday of St. Leander, bishop of that city, and of St. Florentina, virgin. By his preaching and zeal the Visigoths, with the help of King Recared, were converted from the Arian heresy to the Catholic faith. He was instrumental in converting the two sons Hermenegild and Reccared of the Arian Visigothic King Leovigild. This action earned him the kings's wrath and exile to Constantinople, where he met and became close friends of the Papal Legate, the future Pope Gregory the Great. It was Leander who suggested that Gregory write the famous commentary on the Book of Job called the Moralia. 1601 St. Anne Line English 1/40 martyr from Dunmow, Essex Widow. The daughter of William Heigham, she was disowned by him when she married a Catholic, Roger Line. Roger was imprisoned for being a Catholic
and was exiled and died in 1594 in Flanders, Belgium.
Anne stayed in England where she hid Catholic priests in
a London safe house. In this endeavor she aided Jesuit Father
John Gerard until her arrest. Anne was hanged in Tyburn on February
27, 1601. Pope Paul VI canonized Anne Line
in 1970 as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
1862 Gabriel
of Our Lady of Sorrows patron saint of
students (Possenti) CP
At Isola, in the province of Abruzzi, St. Gabriel of the
Sorrowful Virgin, confessor and cleric of the Passionist
Congregation. Having been known for his merits
during his short life, and after death renowned for miracles,
Pope Benedict XV enrolled him in the canon of the saints.
Born in Assisi, Italy, March 1, 1838; died on Isola
di Gran Sasso, Abruzzi, Italy, February 27, 1862; canonized in
1920.1856 Bl. Augustus Chapdelaine Martyr of China Kwang-si. Born in 1814, in France, Augustus was ordained to the priesthood in the Paris Society of the Foreign Missions. He was sent to China after a brief period of parish work, going to Kwang-si. There he was taken prisoner during the persecution of the Church and was put to death brutally. He was beatified in 1900. Saints of February 28
mention with Popes
468 St. Hilary,
Pope from 461-468 guardian of Church unity sent
decree to Eastern bishops validating decisions of General
Councils Nicaea Ephesus and Chalcedon. Hilary consolidated
the Church in Sandi, Africa, and Gaul. UNDER St Flavian of Constantinople on February
18 mention has been made of the ominously-named “Robber Council” held
at Ephesus in 449, when the heresiarch Eutyches was upheld by rebel bishops
and those who maintained orthodoxy were abused and physically maltreated,
St Flavian so that he died. The legates of Pope St Leo I were
powerless: they made their protest and withdrew, barely escaping with
their lives. One of these legates was Hilarus, a Sardinian by birth.
His letter to the Empress St Pulcheria is extant, in which he apologizes
for not personally delivering to her the pope’s letter after the synod,
explaining that owing to the violence and intrigues of Dioscorus he could
not get to Constantinople and was only just able to escape to Rome. As
a votive offering for his preservation at this time he afterwards built
the chapel of St John the Apostle in the baptistery of St John Lateran.
Over the door may still be seen the inscription he put up there:
Liberatori suo beato Johanni evangelistae
Hilarus episcopus famulus Christi: “Hilarus,
bishop and servant of Christ, to his liberator, the blessed John
the Evangelist.”731 Saint Pope Gregory II served St Sergius I next 4 popes as treasurer of the Church, then librarian, Held synods to correct abuses, stopped heresy, promoted discipline and morality in religious and clerical life. Also known as: Gregory the Younger; Gregory Junior Profile Involved in Church affairs from an early age. Pope Saint Sergius I ordained Gregory a sub-deacon. He served the next four popes as treasurer of the Church, then librarian. Assigned important missions. Accompanied Pope Constantine to Constantinople for discussions with Emperor Justinian II. 992 ST
OSWALD
OF WORCESTER, ARCHBISHOP OF York . The saint spent much of his time in visiting
his diocese, preaching without intermission and reforming
abuses; he also fostered the study of letters and encouraged
learned men to come from abroad. In the year 972, he was promoted
to the see of York, but by the wish of the king and with the
pope’s sanction he retained Worcester, and although he divided
his time between the two dioceses, Worcester remained the place
of his predilection, and he loved to worship with the monks in the
monastery church of St Mary which he had founded and which became the
cathedral of Worcester. Every day St Oswald used to wash the feet~
of twelve poor persons whom he afterwards fed at his own table. On
February 29, 992 he had just wiped and kissed the feet of the last
poor man and was yet on his knees, saying, “Glory be to the Father and
to the Son and to the Holy Ghost”, when he gently passed away. As his
body was being borne to burial at Worcester it was noticed that a white
dove was hovering over it. St Oswald’s feast is observed in the archdiocese
of Birmingham.
1309 BD ANGELA
OF FOLIGNO, WIDOW
must always take her place among the great mystics and
contemplatives of the middle ages, side by side with
Catherine of Siena and Catherine of Genoa. ANGELA
of Foligno must always take her place among the great mystics
and contemplatives of the middle ages, side by side with Catherine
of Siena and Catherine of Genoa. She has a very marked and distinct
individuality of her own, and presents an unusual type of the
great Franciscan revival which influenced central Italy so strongly:
She seems in many ways the opposite to her great spiritual
father, St Francis. His life was action, Angela’s was thought,
vision; Francis saw God in all His creatures—Angela saw all creatures
in God; but the underlying principle is the same, namely, joyful
love. Very little is known of Bd Angela’s history—not even her surname.*
[*Father Ferré is able to tell us from his examination of the
Assisi manuscript that she was known among her family and intimates
as “Lella”, but this was probably only a pet name derived from Angela,]GENERAL AUDIENCE: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY OF ANGELA OF FOLIGNO. VATICAN CITY, 13 OCT 2010 (VIS) - Benedict XVI dedicated his catechesis during this morning's general audience to the Italian Blessed Angela of Foligno (ca. 1248 - 1309). The audience was celebrated in St. Peter's Square in the presence of 25,000 people. 1936 Blessed
Daniel
Brottier Senegal, West Africa volunteer chaplain
WWI 4yrs. b. 1876 Daniel spent
most of his life in the trenches—one way or another.
Born in France in 1876, Daniel was ordained in 1899 and began a
teaching career. That didn’t satisfy him long. He wanted to use
his zeal for the gospel far beyond the classroom. He joined the missionary
Congregation of the Holy Spirit, which sent him to Senegal, West
Africa. After eight years there, his health was suffering. He was forced
to return to France, where he helped raise funds for the construction
of a new cathedral in Senegal.
At the outbreak of World War I Daniel
became a volunteer chaplain and spent four years at
the front. He did not shrink from his duties. Indeed, he
risked his life time and again in ministering to the suffering
and dying. It was miraculous that he did not suffer a single
wound during his 52 months in the heart of battle.
After the war he was invited to help establish a project for orphaned and abandoned children in a Paris suburb. He spent the final 13 years of his life there. He died in 1936 and was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Paris only 48 years later. |
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November 30 2016 Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today
Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
01
ALL
SAINTS
St. Caesarius
& Julian Martyrs of Terracina, ItalySt. Caesarius martyrs of Damascus & five other Companions 3rd v. Saint Benignus of Dijon sent by Saint Polycarp to preach the Gospel in Gaul 300 St. Mary the Slave Martyr slave of a Roman patrician named Tertullus 306 St. Cyrenia & Juliana Martyred women burned to death at Tarsus 344 St. John & James Persian martyrs executed by King Shapur II 388 Saint Maturinus of Sens sold everything he owned to possess the pearl of great price (RM) 430 St. Marcellus of Paris From youth exhibited virtues of purity, modesty, meekness, charity miracle worker B St. Austremonius Bishop one of 7 missionaries to evangelize Gaul 4th v. ST MATURINUS, OR MATHURIN 4th v.? St Mary, Virgin And Martyr 5th v. St. Cledwyn of Wales Patron saint of Llangledwyn in Carmarthenshire 5th or 6th century. Pabiali of Wales 475 St. Amabilis reputation for holiness and Patron effectiveness against fire and snakes 5th century St. Dingad Reportedly the hermit son of Chieftain Brychan 6th v. St. Ceitho of Wales One of five brothers, saints of the great Welsh family of Cunedda 537 St. Vigor Bishop and missionary opposed paganism Saint Gwythian patron of a church in northern Cornwall 5th&6th v. St. Pabiali Welsh patron saint 6th century St. Ceitho Welsh saint one of 5 brothers of Cunedda 6th century St. Cadfan Missionary to Wales 609 St. Severinus Benedictine monk and hermit 616 St. Licinius Bishop and Frankish nobleman 627 St. Caesarius of Clermont B (AC) 660 St. Floribert Benedictine abbot of Ghent 679 Genesius of Fontenelle 658 raised to the see of Lyons OSB 699 St. Severinus of Tivoli, OSB Hermit 1000 St. Germanus of Montfort relics were elevated by Saint Francis de Sales in 1621 OSB Monk 1358 St. Salaun Confessor poor man spiritual attainment was recognized 1429 Blessed Conradin of Brescia model Dominican model friar just as he was formerly a model student of purity and charity OP 1622 Bl. Paul Navarro Martyr of Japan Bl 1622 Peter Onizuko Japanese martyr native of Arima Japan 1836 Blessed Nunzio Sulprizio an Italian from Pescara who worked as an apprentice blacksmith. 1861 St. Valentine Berrio-Ochoa Dominican Bishop Vietnam martyr Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
02
November 2 Feast of All Souls: PURGATORY - - CONFESSIONS FROM THE SAINTS November is the month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory since 1888; It seems clear that the privilege long enjoyed only in Spain and its dominions permitting priests to celebrate Mass thrice on All Souls’ day originated in the practice of the Dominican priory at Valencia, where it can be traced to the early fifteenth century. The number of influential people buried there in and around the church was considerable, and so many demands were made for special Masses on November a that these claims could only be satisfied by allowing friars of that community to offer two or even three Masses each on that day. This irregularity was apparently tolerated by local authority and grew into an established custom. It was eventually sanctioned and extended to the whole kingdom by Pope Benedict XIV in 1748, and during the first world war, in 1915, Pope Benedict XV further extended the privilege to the whole Western church. The devil will try to upset you by accusing you of being unworthy of the blessings that you have received. Simply remain cheerful and do your best to ignore the devil's nagging. If need be even laugh at the absurdity of the situation. Satan, the epitome of sin itself, accuses you of unworthiness! When the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future! -- St. Theresa of Avila November 2 – Coptic Church: Memorial of
the Holy Family in Egypt
A
new pilgrimage in Egypt "In the Footsteps of the Holy Family" is the new pilgrimage route proposed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism in partnership with the Coptic Orthodox Church. The flight of the Holy Family to Egypt is reported in the second chapter of Saint Matthew’s Gospel. When King Herod learned of the birth of the "King of the Jews" in Bethlehem, he feared for his power and sent his soldiers to kill all the male children under two years of age. Warned in a dream of this cruel plan, Joseph took the infant Jesus and his mother, as the Gospel says, and all three fled to Egypt, where they stayed for three and a half years, until the death of Herod. The Gospel says no more about the Holy Family’s stay in Egypt. According to the Coptic Church, the Holy Family first stayed in the Nile Delta, then went to Cairo, then to Memphis, before going south and to Upper Egypt. Their journey probably took them to Doronka just before Assiut, where we can visit the Coptic Orthodox Monastery of the Virgin Mary. Their long, adventurous journey is now relived through this new pilgrimage that will take pilgrims to meaningful places which bear the traces of the passage of Mary, Joseph and the Child Jesus. Source: fr.radiovaticana.va 334 St. Theodotus Bishop of Laodicea signature to Council of Nicaea 325 345 St. Acyndinus & Companions Persian Christian priests and clerical assistants martyred by King Shapur II 362 Saint Eustochium of Tarsus died in prison, while engaged in prayer St. Maura the Irish sister of St. Brigid Scottish princesses martyred by pagan outlaws while pilgrimage to Rome 523 Saint Ambrose abbot of Sainte Barbe, near Lyons 582 Saint Ambrose of the abbey of Agaune, Saint Moritz, Switzerland 699 Saint George Bishop of Vienne 10th v. Scottish Saint Baya instructed Saint Maura in the eremitical life 1045 St. Amicus Benedictine hermit priest esteemed in Monte Cassino 1340 St. Jorandus Benedictine hermit at Kergrist and Saint-Juhec in Pedernec 1430 Blessed Thomas of Walden King Henry V chose him as his confessor and died in his arms 1583 Bl. John Bodey English martyr and schoolmaster 1843 Our Lady of Montligeon France Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
03
80
St. Quaratus named by St. Paul Letter to
the Romans 16:23250 St. Germanus Martyrat Caesarea, in Cappadocia 300 St. Papulus Martyr and priest 304 St. Valentine priest & Hilary deacon Martyrs beheaded at Viterbo 304 Innumerable Martyrs of Saragossa still great popular devotion to these martyrs 320 St. Acepsimas Bishop; Joseph the Presbyter and Aethalas the Deacon of Persia were leaders of the Christian Church in the Persian city of Naesson. His flock devotedly loved their hierarch for his ascetic life and tireless pastoral work; Martyrs; Saint Snandulia of Persia is mentioned in the account of the martyrdom of Sts Joseph the priest and Aithalas the deacon. The historian Sozomen also describes their sufferings in his Church History (Book 2, ch. 13). 389 St. Florus First bishop of Lodeve Saint Odilo abbey on his tomb bccame a Cathedral 572 Sylvia of Rome mother of Gregory the Great, pope and doctor of the Church Widow 585 Saint Gaudiosus of Tarazona Bishop monk of Asan in the Aragonese Pyrenees under Saint Victorian 657 St. Domnus of Vienne Bishop of Vienne ransoming captives 660 St. Winifred Abbess Tenoy had her head restored by Beuno 680 Winifred the time of the persecution of Roman Catholics in England 7th v. Saint Cristiolus of Wales Brother of Saint Sulian and founder of churches in Pembrokeshire and Anglesey St. Cristiolus Welsh confessor 704 St. Vulganius Irish or Welsh missionary and hermit 727 St. Hubert Bishop of Maastricht noted for miracles converting hundreds 1035 St. Hermengaudis Bishop of Urgell gave its canons a rule of life based on that of Saint Augustine 1045 Saint Amicus Monk of Monte Cassino 1112
The
Holy Princess Anna
Vsevolodna; a virgin she took monastic tonsure
in 1082 at the Andreiev Yanchinov monastery built for
her at Kiev, but later destroyed under the Tatar invasion
1211 Blessed Alpais of Cudot little girl leper with patience and gentle 1226 Blessed Ida of Toggenburg a nun reading by the lights which spring from antlers of a stag 1304 Blessed Raynerius of Arezzo a Franciscan lay- brother OFM 1308
Saint
Nicholas
hymnographer author of many church services; one of the greatest hymnographers and spiritual
figures of his time; enriched the spiritual literature
of Georgia with his translations from Greek to Georgian, manuscripts of the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos
1319 Blessed
Simon Ballachi Dominican lay-brother at
age 27 visitors came to him in the silence of the night:
Saint Catherine of Alexandria, to whom he had a special
devotion, Saint Dominic and Saint Peter Martyr, and sometimes
the Blessed Virgin herself. His little cell was radiant with
heavenly lights, sometimes angelic voices heard within
1639
St. Martin de Porres Dominican
resolving
theological problems aerial flights and bilocation1860 Blessed Peter-Francis Néron worked in west Tonkin director of central seminary until martyrdom by beheading 1869 St. Peter Francis Neron martyr in Vietnam Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
04
Popes Associated
with St Charles BorromeoPaul IV, Pius IV, St Pius V, Pope Gregory XIII, 1566-1572 Pope St. Pius V (MICHELE GHISLERI). Pope Pius V made this Missal mandatory throughout the Latin rite of the Catholic Church, except where a Mass liturgy dating from before 1370 was in use . He worked incessantly to unite the Christian princes against the hereditary enemy, the Turks. In the first year of his pontificate he had ordered a solemn jubilee, exhorting the faithful to penance and almsgiving to obtain the victory from God. He supported the Knights of Malta, sent money for the fortification of the free towns of Italy, furnished monthly contributions to the Christians of Hungary, and endeavoured especially to bring Maximilian, Philip II, and Charles I together for the defence of Christendom. Born at Bosco, near Alexandria, Lombardy,
17 Jan., 1504 elected 7 Jan., 1566; died 1 May, 1572. Being of a poor
though noble family his lot would have been
to follow a trade, but he was taken in by the Dominicans
of Voghera, where he received a good education and
was trained in the way of solid and austere piety. He entered
the order, was ordained in 1528, and taught theology and
philosophy for sixteen years. In the meantime he was master
of novices and was on several occasions elected prior of different
houses of his order in which he strove to develop the practice
of the monastic virtues and spread the spirit of the holy founder.
He himself was an example to all. He fasted, did penance, passed
long hours of the night in meditation and prayer, traveled on foot
without a cloak in deep silence, or only speaking to his companions
of the things of God. In 1556 he was made Bishop of Sutri by Paul IV.
His zeal against heresy caused him to be selected as inquisitor of the
faith in Milan and Lombardy, and in 1557 Paul II made him a cardinal
and named him inquisitor general for all Christendom. In 1559 he was
transferred to Mondovì, where he restored the purity of faith
and discipline, gravely impaired by the wars of Piedmont. Frequently
called to Rome, he displayed his unflinching zeal in all the affairs
on which he was consulted. Thus he offered an insurmountable opposition
to Pius IV when the latter wished to admit Ferdinand de' Medici,
then only thirteen years old, into the Sacred College. Again it
was he who defeated the project of Maximilian II, Emperor of Germany,
to abolish ecclesiastical celibacy. On the death of Pius IV, he was,
despite his tears and entreaties, elected pope, to the great joy
of the whole Church.
1559-1565 Pope Pius IV (31 March 1499 – 9 December 1565), born Giovanni Angelo Medici, was Pope from 1559 to 1565. He is notable for presiding over the culmination of the Council of Trent. Pius_IV_portrait.jpg
On 18 January 1562
the council of Trent, which had been suspended by Pope
Julius III, was opened for the third time. Great skill
and caution were necessary to effect a settlement of the
questions before it, inasmuch as the three principal nations
taking part in it, though at issue with regard to their own
special demands, were prepared to unite their forces against the
demands of Rome. Pius IV, however, aided by Moroni and Charles
Borromeo, proved himself equal to the emergency, and by judicious
management – and concession – brought the council to a termination
satisfactory to the disputants and favourable to the pontifical
authority. Its definitions and decrees were confirmed by a papal
bull dated 26 January 1564; and, though they were received with
certain limitations by France and Spain, the famous Creed of
Pius IV, or Tridentine Creed, became an authoritative expression
of the Catholic faith. The more marked manifestations of stringency
during his pontificate appear to have been prompted rather than
spontaneous, his personal character inclining him to moderation
and ease.Pope Paul IV 1555 -- 1559 (GIOVANNI PIETRO CARAFFA ). Born near Benevento, 28
June, 1476; elected 23 May, 1555; died 18 Aug.,
1559. The Caraffa were one
of the most illustrious of the noble families
of Naples, and had given distinguished scions to
Church and State. The name of Cardinal Oliviero Caraffa
recurs frequently in the history of the papacy during the days
of the Renaissance. One of the great cardinal's merits was
that of superintending the training of his young relative,
Giovanni
Pietro, whom he introduced to the papal Court in 1494, and
in whose favour he resigned the See of Chieti (in Latin, Theate),
from which word he was thenceforward known as Theatinus. Leo
X sent him on an embassy to England and retained him for some
years as nuncio in Spain. His residence in Spain served to accentuate
that detestation of Spanish rule in his native land which
characterized his public policy during his pontificate.
From early childhood he led a blameless life; and that longing
for asceticism which had prompted him to seek admission into
the Dominican and the Camaldolese Orders asserted itself in
1524 when he persuaded Clement VII, though with difficulty, to
accept the resignation of his benefices and permit him to enter the
congregation of clerics regular founded by St. Cajetan, but
popularly named "Theatines", after Caraffa, their first general.
The young congregation suffered more than its share during the
sack of Rome in 1527, and its few members retired to Venice. But
the sharp intellect of Paul III had perceived the importance of
the institute in his projected reform of the clergy, and he summoned
the Theatines back to Rome. Caraffa was placed by the pontiff on
the committee named to outline the project of reform of the papal
Court; and on 22 Dec., 1536 he was created cardinal with the title
of San Pancrazio. Later he was made Archbishop of Naples; but, owing
to the emperor's distrust and fear of him, it was only with difficulty
he could maintain his episcopal rights. Although Caraffa was highly
educated and surpassed most of his contemporaries in the knowledge
of Greek and Hebrew, still he remained throughout medieval in life
and thought. His favourite author was St. Thomas Aquinas. The few opuscula
which he found time to write were Scholastic in character. For
the party of Pole, Contarini, and Morone he had the most heartfelt
detestation; and his elevation boded them no happiness. Caraffa
was the head and front of every effort made by Paul III in the
interest of reform. He reorganized the Inquisition in Italy on papal
lines and for a generation was the terror of misbelievers. How so
austere a person could be chosen pope was a mystery to everyone,
especially to himself. "I have never conferred a favour on a human
being", he said. It is most likely that the octogenarian would have
refused the dignity, were it not that the emperor's agent, Cardinal Mendoza,
had pronounced decidedly that Charles would not permit Caraffa to be
pope. This was to challenge every principle for which the aged cardinal
had stood during his long career. He was elected in spite of the emperor,
and for four years held aloft the banner of the independence of Italy.
Historians seem to be unjust towards Paul IV. That unbending Italian
patriot, born whilst Italy was "a lyre with four strings", Naples,
Rome, Florence, and Venice, was certainly justified in using the prestige
of the papacy to preserve some relics of liberty for his native country.
The Austrian and Spanish Habsburgers treated Paul IV with studied contempt,
and thus forced him to enter an alliance with France. Neither in the
matter of the succession to the empire nor in the conclusion of the
religious peace were the interests of the Holy See consulted in the
slightest degree.
1572-1585 Pope Gregory XIII (January 7, 1502 – April 10, 1585), born Ugo Boncompagni; No other act of Gregory has gained for him a more lasting fame than reform of the Julian calendar completed introduced 1578. Closely connected with the reform of the calendar is the emendation of the Roman martyrology ordered by Gregory 1580. In a brief, dated 14 January, 1584, Gregory XIII ordered that the new martyrology should supersede all others. Another great literary achievement of Gregory XIII is an official Roman edition of the Corpus juris canonici. Shortly after the conclusion of the Council of Trent, Pius IV appointed a committee to bring out a critical edition of the Decree of Gratian; increased to 35 (correctores Romani) by Pius V 1566. Gregory XIII a member from the beginning; finally completed in 1582. In the Briefs "Cum pro munere", dated 1 July, 1580, and "Emendationem", dated 2 June, 1582, Gregory ordered that henceforth only the emended official text was to be used and that in the future no other text should be printed. Perhaps one of the happiest events during his pontificate was his arrival at Rome of four Japanese ambassadors on 22 March, 1585. They had been sent by the converted kings of Bungo, Arima, and Omura, in Japan, to thank the pope for the fatherly care he had shown their country by sending them Jesuit missionaries who had taught them the religion of Christ. In the spring of 1580 St Charles entertained at Milan for a week a dozen young Englishmen, who were going on the English mission, and one of them preached before him. This was Bd Ralph Sherwin, who in some eighteen months’ time was to give his life for the faith at Tyburn. In the same way he met his fellow martyr, Bd Edmund Campion, and talked with him. A little later in the same year St Charles met St Aloysius Gonzaga, then twelve years old, to whom he gave his first communion. At this time he was doing much travelling and the strain of work and worry was beginning to tell on him; moreover, he curtailed his sleep too much and Pope Gregory personally had to warn him not to overdo his Lenten fasting. 1st v.St. Philologus and Patrobas mentioned by St. Paul in his Letter to the Romans St.
Nicander
bishop and Hermas priest Martyrs at Myra,
Lycia disciples
of the holy Apostle Paul's follower and fellow
ascetic, the holy Apostle Titus of the Seventy (August
25), ordained by him to the priesthood:
Hieromartyrs
304 St. Vitalis
Martyr, also called Agricola1st v. St. Ilia Chavchavadze, well known as the “father” and “uncrowned king” of the Georgian nation, and Sts. John, Steven, and Isaiah the Georgians; It is believed that Holy John, Steven, and Isaiah lived in Jerusalem and guarded the Tomb of our Lord. 542 St. Proculus Bishop of Narni, Italy, who was put to death by the Gothic king Totila. 580 John Zedazneli, Abbot, and Companions evangelized Georgia and introduced monastic life there 680 St. Modesta Benedictine abbess at Trier St. Clarus martyred priest Benedictine monk 846 St. Joannicus Hermit prophet miracle worker defied Byzantine emperor Theophilus; Mt. Olympus Saint Theodore the Studite and Saint Methodius of Constantinople consulted him. Hermit (RM) 934 St. Birrstan Benedictine bishop ; noted for his devotion to the holy souls in Purgatory for whose repose he nightly repeated the Psalms. He also frequently said prayers for them in the cemetary (once was answered, “Amen!”) 1250 Blessed Henry of Zwiefalten Benedictine of Zwiefalten abbey prior OSB 1485 Blessed Frances d'Amboise great benefactress of the Carmelite Blessed John Soreth Carmelite at the convent she had founded at Nantes OC 1584 St. Charles Borromeo Council of Trent Patron of learning arts; With Pope St Pius V, St Philip Neri and St Ignatius Loyola he is one of the four outstanding public men of the so-called Counter-reformation 1698
Rev Claude
Brousson; Unter
Ludwig XIV. mußten die Hugenotten vor
allen nach der Aufhebung des Edikts von Nantes neue
Verfolgungen erleiden. Der Prediger Claude Brousson
(geboren 1647) feierte am 27. Juni 1683 mit Gleichgesinnten
in Toulouse und Umgebung öffentliche reformierte Gottesdienste.
Er löste damit eine neue Verfolgung aus und mußte
in die Schweiz fliehen. Kehrte
dann wieder nach Frankreich zurück und
zog monatelang durch die reformierten Gemeinden
in Südfrankreich.
Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
05
St. Elizabeth
first to know about Mary's great blessing
as the Mother of God1st v. Felix and Eusebius MM
Saints Patrobas,
Hermes, Linus, Gaius, Philologus, Apostles
of the Seventy preached the Gospel in various cities,
each enduring various hardships in their service as bishops. St
Patrobas (Rom 16:14) was Bishop of Neopolis (now Naples)
and Puteoli in Italy.
225 Galation
(Galacteon) & Episteme continuation of
the romance of Clitophon and Leucippe MM310 St. Domninus doctor Martyr with Sylvanus Syrian bishop and others 4th v. Domninus of Grenoble first bishop of Grenoble 495 St. Dominator 14th bishop of Brescia 500 Fibitius of Trèves 21st bishop of Trèves (Trier, Germany) 594 St. Sylvia Mother of St. Gregory the Great 6th v. Kea founded churches and monasteries 705 St. Bertilla Benedictine abbess strict rule and austerities 8th v. Saint Gregory Archbishop of Alexandria lived in the eigth century. He was flogged and thrown into prison in the reign of Leo the iconoclast. He was left in prison without food until he died. 1123 Saint Gerald of Beziers spent all his revenues on relieving the distress of the poor B 1470 Saint Jonah, Archbishop of Novgorod; received tonsure and became igumen at Otnya wilderness-monastery, 50 versts from the city; special work relating miracles is found in manuscripts of seventeenth century. 1586 Blessed Raynerius of Todi Capuchin friar OFM Cap. 1707 Blessed Gomidas Keumurjian known for his eloquence and religious fervor wouldn't apostatize to Islam M 1758
Hans
Egede; Er ließ
seinen Sohn Paul in Grönland und ging mit seinen anderen Kindern nach
Kopenhagen. Hier bildete er Katecheten für den Einsatz in Grönland
aus. 1741 wurde er zum Superintendenten der grönländischen Missionskirche
ernannt; war ein norwegischer Pfarrer dänischer Abstammung. Er ist auch
als „Apostel der Grönländer“ bekannt.
1957
Venerable
ordained Capuchin Solanus Casey a divine
love for people Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
06
SAINT SEVERINUS
miracle
worker And the servant of God said, “Even if
thy soldiers are unarmed, they shall now be armed from
the enemy. For neither numbers nor fleshly courage is required,
when everything proves that God is our champion. Only in the
name of the Lord advance swiftly, advance confidently. For
when God in his compassion goes before, the weakest shall seem
the bravest. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall be silent.
Then make haste; and this one thing observe above everything,
to conduct unharmed into my presence those of the barbarians
whom thou shalt take”.
Theópoli, quæ est
Antiochía, sanctórum decem Mártyrum, qui a
Saracénis passi legúntur.At Theopolis, which is Antioch, ten holy martyrs who are said to have suffered at the hands of the Saracens. 6th v. ST ILLTUD, OR ILLTYD, ABBOT; a disciple of St Germanus (of Auxerre), who ordained him priest, and that he presided over the monastic school at Llantwit in Glamorgan much stress is laid on his learning and wisdom “This Illtud was the most learned of all the Britons both in the Old Testament and the New, and in all kinds of philosophy—poetry and rhetoric, grammar and arithmetic…were I to begin to relate all his wondrous works I should be led to excess”. 6th v. St. Felix of Fondi Benedictine monk; revered friend of Pope St. Gregory I the Great 559 St. Leonard of Noblac Hermit-abbot convert of St. Remigius 912 St Demetrian Cypriot bishop highly venerated on Cyprus abbot of the monastery for forty years 1431 BD NONIUS Nonius (Nuñes) Alvares de Pereira, son of a grand-master of the Knights of Rhodes, was born near Lisbon in 1360. At the age of seventeen he married, and when twenty-three was made constable in command of the armed forces of Portugal by the grand-master of the Knights of Aviz, who became king as John I. Together they overcame the armies of Castile and established their country as a sovereign state. Thus Bd Nonius is one of the national heroes of Portugal, whose story is told in the sixteenth-century Chronica do Condestavel. In 1422, his wife being dead, he entered a Carmelite friary which he had founded at Lisbon as a lay-brother, and remained there for the rest of his life. He died on All Saints’ day in 1431, while reading the Passion according to St John, just as he came to the words, “Behold thy mother!” 1851-1862 THE MARTYRS OF INDO-CHINA, II 1861 St. Joseph Khang Martyr of Vietnam Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
07
687 to 701 Pope
Saint Sergius I; On April 10, 689, Sergius I baptised King
Caedwalla of Wessex in Rome. He also ordained
Saint Willibrord as bishop
of the Frisians, and the Liber Pontificalis states he also
ordained Berthwald as Archbishop of Canterbury.
Pope Saint Sergius I (c. 650 – September 8, 701)
was pope from 687 to 701. Selected to end a schism between Antipope
Paschal and Antipope Theodore, Sergius I ended the last disputed
sede vacante of
the Byzantine Papacy. In 693, St. Willibrord went
to Rome to seek papal approval for his labors, Pope
Sergius I (r. 687-701) gave his full approbation and, during
Willibrord's second Roman visit, the pontiff consecrated
him archbishop to the Frisians, in 696, with his see at Utrecht.100 AD Saint Prosdocimus (Prosdecimus) of Padua; venerated as the first bishop of Padua. Of Greek origin, tradition holds that he was sent from Antioch by Saint Peter the Apostle. 3rd v. Amaranthus of Albi Saint Gregory of Tours attests to the martyrdom 675 St. Gebetrude Third abbess of the Benedictine Abbey of Remiremont 693 St. Florentius of Strasbourg Irish bishop curing the blind and deaf 1300 BD MATTHIA OF MATELICA, VIRGIN Miracles incorrupt in 1756; Miracles became so frequent at her grave that the body was soon moved to a tomb beside the high altar of the chapel, where her veneration was continued without interruption. In 1756 the tomb had to be moved on account of repairs, and the Bishop of Camerino took the opportunity to examine the relics; the body was found to be incorrupt and giving off a pleasant smell. It was re-enshrined under the altar of St Cecilia, and since then miracles have again been reported there. 1717 Bl. Anthony
Baldinucci Jesuit missionary preacher; His father, painter and writer by profession,
after recovery from an illness, which he attributed
to the intercession of St Antony of Padua, vowed his
next child to that saint; and when a boy was born in 1665,
appropriately within the octave of his feast, he had him
baptized Antony and brought up with the idea of becoming a priest.
The Baldinucci family lived in the same house in the via degli
Angeli at Florence in which St Aloysius Gonzaga had lived for
a time when a child, and the intimate memory of this young saint
had much influence on the growing Antony. When he was sixteen
he offered himself to the Society of Jesus and was accepted, in
spite of his rather uncertain health.
1773 St. Hyacinth
Castaneda Martyr of Vietnam a Dominican1773 St. Vincent Liem Vietnamese Dominican martyr native 1814 Bl. Peter Ou Chinese martyr; native; six hundred converts Saint Amandin Patron of Saint-Amandin (Cantal) and of a church in Clermont- Ferrand Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
08
305
4
crowned martyrs Castorius, Claudius, Nicostratus,
and Symphorian called 4 crowned martyrs
Pannonia Hungary4th v. St. Demetrius of Thessalonica Martyr; "Do whatever you please, for I will neither worship nor offer incense except to my Lord Christ the True God." Coptic 397 Saint Clarus of Marmoûtier disciple of Saint Martin of Tours ordained a priest Hermit 618 St. Pope Deusdedit first pope to use bullae on documents leaned on secular clergy more than monks. Pope St. Deusdedit, who had such great merit that he healed a leper of his disease by a kiss. 790 St. Wiomad Abbot bishop accompanied Charlemagne 934 Saint Gervadius of Elgin providential arrival of wood for his church by a flooding river 996 St. Gregory of Einsiedeln abbot rule coincided with the period of the greatest monastic splendor of the abbey 1115 St. Godfrey of Amiens a zealous reformer, unrelentingly fought simony enforcing celibacy 1229 Blessed Columbus Dominican prior of Toulouse 1308 Blessed John Duns Scotus one of the most influential Franciscans through the centuries OP 1840 St. John Baptist Con Martyr of Vietnam 1840 St. Joseph Nghi native Martyr of Vietnam St. Martin Tinh 80 and Martin Tho Martyrs of Vietnam 1840 St. Paul Ngan Vietnamese martyr native priest Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
09
THE DEDICATION OF THE
ARCHBASILICA OF THE MOST HOLY SAVIOUR, COMMONLY CALLED
ST JOHN LATERANTHE whole Western church Celebrates to-day the anniversary of the consecration to divine worship of the basilica of St John Lateran, on whose façade is carved the proud title OMNEUM URBIS ET 0RBIS ECCLESIARUM MATER ET
CAPUT:
The Mother and Head of all churches of the City and of the World; For this church is the cathedral of Rome and
the pope’s permanent cathedra stands in its apse.
It is senior in dignity to St Peter’s itself, and is in some sort the cathedral of the world. In the earliest days of Christianity
worship was carried out in private houses and the Holy Sacrifice was offered at an ordinary
table (doubtless a special one was often kept for the
purpose); but so early as the first quarter of the third
century we hear of a building in Rome specially set apart as
a Christian church, at the beginning of the fourth century there
are said to have been many there, and Constantine’s decree
of freedom was naturally followed by great activity in the building
of new churches. Following the example of the Jews with their
Temple (and indeed of the pagans with theirs), these places of worship
were set apart for their purpose by a dedication of them to the
service of Almighty God. Eusebius in his Ecclesiastical
History speaks of the solemn dedication of the
church at Tyre in the year 314, and several historians make reference
to the magnificence with which Constantine’s basilica at Jerusalem
was dedicated in 335, on the anniversary of the finding of the
true cross. For long the dedicatory rite consisted simply in
the consecration of the altar by the solemn celebration of Mass
thereat, to which the deposition of relics was added when there were
any, and later certain prayers, sprinklings and anointings, modifications
which arose in respect of buildings that had formerly been used
for pagan worship and had to be purified. But the developments
which went to form the long, complex and imposing ceremony that is
now found in the Pontificale Romanum hardly
began before the eighth century.
The
annual celebration of the anniversary of a church’s
dedication is a practice probably as old as that of the
dedication itself, and certainly far older than our present
rite of consecration. It was undeniably a custom of the Jews,
for such a feast was instituted by Judas Machabeus in 164 B.C.,
when the Temple had been purified after its pollution by Antiochus
Epiphanes; St John in his gospel (x 22) speaks of our Lord walking
in Solomon’s porch at the time of this feast. This Jewish festival
was, and is, kept with an octave and was celebrated not only
in the Temple at Jerusalem but in every synagogue as well, somewhat
as every Western Catholic church observes the dedication of St
John Lateran. These things are referred to in the sixth lesson at
Matins in the common office of the octave-day of a dedication anniversary,
which is said in the Roman Breviary to be taken from a letter to Pope
St Felix IV (III), who died in the year 530. Actually the piece
belongs only to the ninth century, but its words represent a much
older discipline. In Sozomen’s time, the early part of the fifth century,
the anniversary of the dedication of the Martyrion at Jerusalem, referred
to above, was observed with an octave and other solemnities. This
custom of commemorating the dedication of a church is responsible for
the existence of several feasts in the Church’s calendar, and determines
the date of others, e.g. St John before the
Latin Gate (May 6), St Peter in Chains (August 1), and St Michael the
Archangel (September 29). The
mansion of the Laterani at Rome came into the hands
of the Emperor Constantine through his second wife, Fausta,
and by him it was given to the Church. It was the principal
residence of the popes from that time until the exile to Avignon
at the beginning of the fourteenth century, a period of a thousand
years. The church made there was in all likelihood an adaptation
of the great hall of the house, but the famous baptistery was
founded and newly built, in its main lines as we see it today.
The basilica was dedicated to our Most Holy Saviour and the baptistery
in honour of St John the Baptist.*[*It may be here
noted that all churches and ecclesiastical buildings are dedicated
to God and to God only. Other names by which they may be known are
those of saints or mysteries of religion in whose honour or under
whose patronage they are dedicated. Nevertheless, custom allows
the loose expression “dedicated to such-and-such a saint”.] The
now universal practice of calling the church itself
St John Lateran arose at a time when it was served by
monks from an adjoining monastery of St John the Baptist
and St John the Divine.*[ *The Canons Regular
of the Lateran are so called because they represent a reformed congregation
of Augustinian canons which originated at the Lateran in the eleventh
century, when the basilica was served by canons regular.] In its fifteen hundred years of Christian history the basilica
has undergone numerous vicissitudes, from pillage
by the barbarians, from earthquakes, from fire; but
it retained its ancient basilican form till the seventeenth
century, when Francesco Borromini made of it the church that
we see today. The apse was enlarged into a choir, in more happy
fashion, in 1878. The high altar of St John Lateran, encased in
marble, is the only altar in the Western church made not of stone but
of wood. It is a relic of the days of persecution, and is believed
by some to have been used by St Peter himself. In the ciborium over the altar are enshrined the reputed
heads of SS. Peter and Paul.
“As
often as we celebrate the dedication festival of
an altar or church,” says St Augustine, “if we assist with
faith and attention, living holily and righteously, that
which is done in temples made with hands is done also in us
by a spiritual building. For he lied not who said, ‘The temple
of God, which you are, is holy’; and again, ‘Do you not know that
your bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost, who is in you?’ Therefore,
since we are made worthy to become the temple of God-—not by any foregoing
worth of our own but by His grace—let us work, as hard as we are able
with His help, that our Lord find not in His temple, that is, in us,
anything whereby the eyes of His majesty may be offended. . . . If no
one in dirty garments would dare to approach the table of an earthly ruler,
how much the more ought one who is infected with the poison of envy or
hate, or full of unrighteous anger, reverently and humbly to draw back
from the table of the eternal King, that is, from the altar of God?
For it is written, ‘Go first and be reconciled with thy brother, and
then come and offer thy gift’; and again, ‘Friend, how camest thou in hither
not having on a wedding-garment?’” Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
10
Saint Theodore the Studite - The Most Beautiful
Texts on the Virgin Mary Introduced
by Fr. Pius Régamey (1946)
St. Andrew
Avellini, Cleric Regular and confessor Ss Erastus, Sosipater (April 28), Quartus and Tertius (October 30) holy Apostles disciples of St Paul. Saint Rodion, or Herodion (April 8), was a kinsman of the Apostle Paul (Romans 16:11) 1st century Sts. Trypbaena & Tryphosa mentioned in St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans 175 St. Probus sixth bishop of Ravenna B (RM) 251 St. Tryphon Martyr at Nicaea popular in the early Greek Church St. Demetrius Martyr with Anianus, Eustosius, and twenty companions in Antioch Syria 3rd v. St. Orestes Physician of Cappadocia Martyr capable soldier from childhood St Orestes truly a good Christian 461 St. Leo the Great was born in Tuscany persuaded Attila the Hun to turn back at the very gates of Rome St. Probus, a bishop renowned for miracles At Ravenna 627 St. Justus of Canterbury a Roman sent by Pope St. Gregory I the Great in 601 to England aide to St. Augustine 852 St. Constantine the King of Georgia Martyr 1608 ST ANDREW AVELLINO number of miraculous happenings recorded in life 5 volumes; devotional writings published at Naples in 1733-1734 there are others still unprinted. Aureliánis, in Gállia, sancti Monitóris, Epíscopi et Confessóris. At Orleans in France, St. Monitor, bishop and confessor. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
11
190
St Victor
at Damascus The Holy Martyr was a soldier miracles 295 St. Menuas Egyptian army of Rome martyr noted for healing various illnesses, delivering people from possession by demons, a protector, especially during times of war. We also ask his help in finding lost objects. 304 Ss Valentine, Felician & Victorinus Martyrs at Ravenna under Diocletian 400 Saint Martin of Tours man came back to life bishop tree fell freeing of prisoners Patron of Soldiers bolt of lightning 826 Saint Theodore
the Studite ideals and regulations have
had a far-reaching influence in Byzantine monasticism
Abbot (RM)
1067 Blessed Bartholomew of Marmoûtier archbishop of Tours OSB B (AC) 1250 Blessed Alradus of Isenhagen knight who laid down his arms to become a lay-brother of the Cistercian abbey OSB Cist. (PC) 1532 Blessed Agnes of Bavaria, Poor Clare died at age seven daughter of Louis IV, duke of Bavaria V (PC) 1811 St. Joseph Pignatelli Jesuit confessor restorers of the SoJ 1773 Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
12
Coptic St. Athanasius
and His Sister, Irene. Departure of Coptic
St. Cyriacus;
Departure of; brought to Abba Peter, Bishop of Corinth,
his cousin,; he ordained him reader. Cyriacus read continually
searched interpretations of Holy Scriptures surpassed many
in it; went to Jerusalem,
met bishop Abba Cyril; sent to Euthymius (Otimus) Palestine;
lived virtuous life much
asceticism humility, godliness devoutness; God bestowed
the gift of healing; He healed all who came to the monastery
all kinds of sicknesses or infirmities; His virtues and holiness
spread everywhere
They suffered many tortures at the hands of Maximianus.
150 St. Patiens Patron saint of Metz, France fourth diocesecan bishop 2nd v. Aurelius and Publius bishops who wrote against the Montanists or Cata-Phrygians BM (RM) 200 St. Rufus and Avignon first bishop of Avignon France 430 St. Nilus the Elder Bishop and friend of St. John Chrysostom 6th v. St. Machar founder of Aberdeen, Scotland companion of St. Columba 616-620 Saint John the Merciful, monk, Patriarch of Alexandria; spiritual exploits won honor among men, even the emperor; charitable to all; ransomed prisoners, Wed & Fri he received everyone in need; settled quarrels, helped the wronged, ; distributed alms. 3x's times a week visited the sick-houses, rendered assistance to the suffering. 633 St Cunibert of Trèves untiring builder of churches and monasteries B (RM) 650 St. Livinus Martyred Irish bishop 655 Complúti, in Hispánia, natális sancti Dídaci Confessóris, ex Ordine Minórum, humilitáte célebris; quem Xystus Quintus, Póntifex Máximus, Sanctórum catálogo adscrípsit. Ipsíus autem festum sequénti die celebrátur. At Alcala in Spain, the birthday of St. Didacus, confessor, a member of the Order of Friars Minor well known for his humility. Pope Sixtus V included him in the catalogue of the saints and his feast is celebrated on the day following. November 13 Pope St. Martin I defender of the faith buried in the church of Our Lady, called Blachernæ, near Cherson, many miracles are related wrought by St Martin in life and after death 665 St. Cummian Fada Irish monastic founder defender of Roman liturgical customs 689 St. Cadwallader king of Saxon peoples 726 St. Paternus Benedictine monk of Saint Pierre le Vif 1580 Blessed John the Merciful of Rostov (known as "the Hairy") Living in humility, patience unceasing prayer, he spiritually nourished many people 1623 St. Josaphat of Polotsk an Eastern Rite bishop martyr 1651 Saint Nilus the Myrrh-Gusher of Mt Athos predicted telephone, airplane submarine warned that people's minds would be clouded by carnal passions, "dishonor lawlessness grow stronger." Men indistinguishable from women because of "shameless dress and style of hair." Lamented Christian pastors, bishops priests, become vain, morals and traditions of the Church would change. Few pious God-fearing pastors remain, and many people stray from the right path because no one would instruct them. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
13
Coptic Ss John
and James, Bishops of Persia Martyrdom of; would not turn from the
faith, would not cease from teaching the people
and strengthening them, in spite of their tortureCoptic Ss Epimachus and Adrianus (Azarianus); Martyrdom of; admonished Maximianus for worshipping man-made idols which could neither see nor hear and wherein dwelt Satan, who led men astray by worshipping these idols 314 St. Mitrius martyr Slave honorable mention by Saint Gregory of Tours 444 St. Brice raised by St. Martin of Tours at Marmoutier 657 Saint Eugenius of Toledo gifted poet musician most zealous for all that pertained to divine worship B (RM) 7th v. St. Gredifael Welsh or Breton abbot of Whitland 670 St. Maxellendis Virgin martyr Caudry restored sight to her murderer 867 St. Nicholas I, Pope served Pope Sergius II deacon under Pope Leo IV trusted adviser to Pope Benedict III elected bishop of Rome still a deacon, and occupied the see with distinguished courage and energy for nine troubled years. (RM) patron of tailors cloth workers 1463 St. Didacus several miracles restoring patients eremite kind gentle 1568 Stanislaus Kostka, SJ (RM); known for his studious ways, deep religious fervor, mortifications. After recovered from serious illness experienced several visions, he decided to join the Jesuits; experienced ecstasies at Mass. 1917 St. Frances Xavier Cabrini founded schools hospitals orphanages; Patron of immigrants; In 1946, Pope Pius XII named her patroness of all emigrants and immigrants. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November 14 Apostle
Philip The Holy and All-praised profound knowledge of
Holy Scripture, rightly discerning meaning of the
Old Testament prophecies, he awaited the coming of the
Messiah
Eméssæ,
in Phœnícia, pássio plurimárum
sanctárum mulíerum, quæ, sub sævíssimo
Arabum duce Mady, ob Christi fidem, crudelíssime
tortæ atque necátæ sunt.
At Emesa in Phoenicia, the martyrdom of many holy women,
who were barbarously tortured and massacred for the faith
of Christ under Mady, a savage Arabian chief.
2nd v. St. Venaranda Virgin martyr of Gaul 252 St. Serapion Egyptin Martyr during anti-Christian riots 275 Saint Venerandus of Troyes M (RM) 325 St. Hypatius Martyred bishop of Gangra in Paphlagonia prominent defender of the divinity of Christ 1180 St. Lawrence O'Toole Augustinian archbishop of Dublin 1172 convened a synod at Cashel General Lateran Council in Rome in 1179 unbounded charity Corpus on the Crucifix before the kneeling prelate spoke papal legate many miracles were reported at his tomb fought against King Henry II 1180 St. Lawrence abbot sanctity 1359 Saint Gregory Palamas Gregory's cause, Hesychasm triumphed teaching declared Oorthodox by church of Constantinople in 1351; after death declared 'Father and Doctor of the church.' As well as being a speculative theologian of importance, Saint Gregory Palamas was a devoted teacher and pastor. 1511 Blessed John
Liccio, Dominican habit 96 years; cured the sick
when he was a baby; reciting daily Office of the Blessed
Virgin Office of the Dead, and the Penitential Psalms as a
child frequently in ecstasy withered hand made whole; cured 3
people whose heads were crushed by accidents OP (AC
Saint Montan
of Lorraine, Hermit B1623 ST JOSAPHAT, ARCHBISHOP Of Potomic, MARTYR Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
15
St.
Zachariah St. Zachary Jerusalem priest wife
Elizabeth, Mary's cousin beyond child-bearing ageZachariah
287 Saint Felix
of Nola first bishop of Nola, near Naples martyred
with 30 companions
284-324 Samonas and Habibus Martyr & Confessor Gurias of Edessa refused to offer sacrifice to the gods, and boldly confessed their faith in Christ After the death of the saints, numerous miracles wrought by them for those who entreated their help with faith and love 363 Martyrs Elpidius senator Christ appeared with angels resurrected Elpidius, Marcellus and Eustochius idols standing nearby crumbled into dust through the prayer of the saint More than six thousand pagans witnessed this miracle and were converted to Christ. St Elpidius was burned again 871 St. Arnulf Bishop opposed divorce of Lothair II St. Machudd abbot founder of Llanfechell Abbey 879 St. Findan Benedictine hermit at the Rheinan Abbey in Switzerland 20 twenty years 1135 St. Leopold Known for his piety and charity founded three monasteries 1271 Blessed Brother Leo, Priest; Friar Minor, companion of St. Francis of Assisi; confessor and secretary of the saint; 1280 St. Albert the Great Patron of Scientists a Church great intellect very learned in biblical studies and theology 1457 Saint Philip of Rabanga founder of the Savior-Transfiguration monastery, near Kadnikov closest disciple of St Dionysius of Glushitsa extremely strict with himself, but lenient towards the infirmities of others 1539 Bl. Roger James English martyr monk at Glastonbury 1539 Bl. Richard Whiting Benedictine abbot martyr 1539 Bl. John Thorne Benedictine martyr of England protecting Glastonbury treasures from seizure by Henry VIII 1539 Bl. John Rugg Martyred monk of Chichester refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy 1539 Bl. John Eynon Martyred Benedictine of St. Giles 1539 Bl. Hugh Faringdon Benedictine abbot of Reading 1544 Blessed Lucy Brocolelli of Narni When five she had a vision of Our Lady; two years later, Our Lady came with Saint Dominic, who gave her the scapular OP V 1627 St. Gaius of Korea Japan Martyr former Korean Buddhist monk Dominican tertiary 1642 St. Hugh Green, Blessed Martyr England 1794 Venerable Paisius Velichkovsky archimandrite Neamts Monastery spent last 15 years of his life translating writings of the Holy Fathers organized
community according to Typikon (Rule) of Mt Athos gathered
a thousand monks in the monastery, instructing them in unceasing
prayer of the heart holy relics of St Paisius were uncovered
in
Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
16
St Dionysius
of Alexandria, Bishop and Educator
265Apostle and Evangelist Matthew also named Levi a witness to the suffering, death, and Resurrection of the Savior, and of His glorious Ascension into Heaven. The holy Apostle brought the Gospel of Christ to Syria, Media, Persia, Parthia, and finishing his preaching in Ethiopia with a martyr's death. Today the Church
offers us riches: Saint
Mathew and several colorful saints from the middle
ages about whom a lot is known.
Male/female
mystics: Gertrude
the Great 1302, her mentor/friend
Mechtilde
von Hackeborne1298 Edmund
of Abingdon
1242 a fisherman converted late in life,
Gratia
of Cattaro 1508, Agnes
of Assisi 1253, away from home
to help start Poor Clares.
The fisherman1508
is contrasted with a queen, Margaret
of Scotland 1093, Proving again
in 1 day that God loves variety, calls to Himself whom
he wills without regard to station in life or personality. contrast two
queens, Margaret
of Scotland 1093
and tomorrow's
Elizabeth
of Hungary 1231,
who demonstrate that marriage is not an obstacle to sanctity.
Margaret's marriage was stormy; Elizabeth lived in wedded
bliss.
Prayer to St.
Joseph Moscati 19271093 St. Margaret of Scotland English princess holy civility 1105 St. Alfrick Archbishop of Canterbury faced the Norse invasion of England 1219 1298 MATILDA OF HACKEBORN: LITURGY AND SPIRITUALITY 1302 St. Gertrude Gertrude the Great, Virgin Patroness of the West Indies 1495 Blessed Louis Morbioli third order Carmelite teaching Christian doctrine begged alms for the poor OC Tert. 1508 Blessed Gratia mysterious light seen above his cell miracles at his intercession lay-brother at Monte Ortono, near Padua gift of infused knowledge 1544 Bd Lucy Of Narni, Virgin; received the stigmata, and a sensible participation in sufferings of the Passion, which happened, accompanied by loss of blood, every Wednesday and Friday for the three years that she remained at Viterbo 1585 Saint Sergius of Malopinega (in the world Simeon) he possessed a kindly soul pure mind a courageous heart humility and quiet strength love for truth was merciful to the poor to the point of self-denial numerous miracles which occurred at the grave 1885 Saint Joseph Mkasa prefect of the royal pages of Uganda M (RM) 1927 St. Joseph Moscati Celebrated physician of Naples a model of piety and faith long periods of reflective prayer Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
17
St. Gregory Thaumaturgus (means the wonderworker) first recorded vision of Our Lady During the heresy of Sabellius and Paul of Samosata began to spread. They taught falsely concerning the Holy Trinity. St Gregory prayed fervently and diligently imploring God and His most pure Mother to reveal to him the true faith. The All-Holy Virgin Mary appeared to him, radiant like the sun, and with Her was the Apostle John the Theologian dressed in archepiscopal vestments. By the command of the Mother of God, the Apostle John taught the saint how to correctly and properly confess the Mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. St Gregory wrote down everything that St John the Theologian revealed to him. The Mystery of the Symbol of the Faith, written down by St Gregory of Neocaesarea, is a great divine revelation in the history of the Church. The teaching about the Holy Trinity in Orthodox
Theology is based on it.
Subsequently
it was used by the holy Fathers of the Church: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian,
and Gregory of Nyssa. The Symbol of St Gregory of
Neocaesarea was later examined and affirmed in the year 325
by the First Ecumenical Council, showing his enduring significance
for Orthodoxy.270 St. Gregory Thaumaturgus (means the wonderworker); miracles first recorded vision of Our Lady 303 St. Alphaeus lector in the church of Caesarea and Zachaeus deacon at Gadara martyrs 4th v. Ss. Acisclus and Victoria, Martyrs remembered in Mozarabic liturgical rites St. Namasius bishop of Nimes 422 St. Eugene a disciple of St. Ambrose of Milan and deacon at Florence, Italy, under St. Zenobius. 453 St. Anianus Bishop defender of Orleans against Attila the Hun 594 St Gregory of Tours Historian writer his works are our best historical source for the Merovingian period 680 St. Hilda
Benedictine abbess one of England’s greatest
women baptized by St.
Paulinus; “that not only ordinary people, but also kings
and princes sometimes asked and accepted her advice. And she
obliged those who were under her direction to attend much to reading
the Holy Scriptures and to exercise themselves freely in works
of righteousness in order that many there might be found fit for
ecclesiastical duties and to minister at the altar.” b. 614
1170 St. Hugh of Noara Cistercian abbot of Noara Abbey Sicily disciple of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Hugh and Richard, of the Abbey of St. Victor by Benedict XVI 1200 St. Hugh
of Lincoln known for his wisdom and justice abbot
of the first English Carthusian monastery built by King Henry
II as part penance for murder of Thomas Becket; St Hugh in his little garden was
a special attraction to squirrels and birds, of whom
he was very fond and over whom he had considerable power.
{In pictorial representations of St Hugh his emblem is generally
a swan. His chaplain and biographer assures us that when a bishop
he had a pet wild swan at Stow, one of his manors, which would
feed from his hand, follow him about and keep guard over his bed,
so that it was impossible for anyone to approach the bishop without
being attacked by it Giraldus Cambrensis confirms these statements.}
In the epidemic of Jew-baiting,
which broke out in England at the time of the Third Crusade St, Hugh
was conspicuous in defence of those persecuted. In his own cathedral
at Lincoln, at Stamford, and again at Northampton, he single-handed
faced armed and angry mobs, and cowed and cajoled them into sparing
their hated victims: When his chancellor pointed out to him that St
Martin had cured leprosy by his touch, St Hugh answered, “St Martin’s
kiss healed the leper’s flesh; but their kiss heals my soul”.
1420 BD ELIZABETH THE GOOD, VIRGIN She received the stigmata of the Passion from time to time, including marks resembling those of the crown of thorns and of the scourging; these bled copiously on Fridays and in Lent, and the pain was almost unceasing. For years and years Bd Elizabeth lived on an amount of food far short of the minimum normally required to keep a human being alive, and eventually died attended by the faithful priest, Father Conrad Kügelin, who had been the witness of her extraordinary life. 1426 Saint Nikon Abbot of Radonezh successor of St Sergius of Radonezh a "zealot of obedience." St Peter and St Alexis together with St Sergius appeared to him 1628 Martyrs of Paraguay Three Spanish Jesuits 1628 St. JUAN de Castillo Jesuit. One of the Martyrs of Paraguay 1628 St. Roque Gonzalez de Santa Cruz earliest beatified martyr of America 1628 St Alonso Rodriguez co-founded the "reduction" of the Assumption on the Ijuhi River 1852 BD PHILIPPINE DUCHESNE, VIRGIN Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
18
Abdias A Minor Prophet who deals almost exclusively with the fate of Edom Samaríæ, in Palæstína, sancti Abdíæ Prophétæ. At Samaria in Palestine, the holy prophet Abdias. This name is the Greek form of the Hebrew `Obhádhyah, which means "the servant [or worshipper] of Yahweh". The fourth and shortest of the minor prophetical books of the Old Testament (it contains only twenty-one verses) is ascribed to Abdias. In the title of the book it is usually regarded as a proper name. Some recent scholars, however, think that it should be treated as an appellative, for, on the one hand, Holy Writ often designates a true prophet under the appellative name of "the servant of Yahweh", and on the other, it nowhere gives any distinct information concerning the writer of the work ascribed to Abdias. It is true that in the absence of such authoritative information Jews and Christian traditions have been freely circulated to supply its place; but it remains none the less a fact that "nothing is known of Abdias; his family, station in life, place of birth, manner of death, are equally unknown to us" (Abbé Trochon, Les petits prophètes, 193). The only thing that may be inferred from the work concerning its author is that he belonged to the Kingdom of Juda. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
19
236 ST PONTIAN,
POPE AND MARTYR304 St. Azas and Companions 150 Martyrs of the Roman army 304 St. Barlaam Martyr of Caesarea, in Cappadocia 363 St. Sophia and the Fifty Virgins with her Martyrdom Coptic 370 St. Nerses the Great Armenia Bishop martyr father of St. Isaac the Great 875 Saint Hilarion the Georgian was the son of a Kakheti aristocrat 1010 St. Atto Benedictine abbot of Tordino 1065 Saint Barlaam, Igumen of the Kiev Caves 1231 St Elizabeth of Hungary, Widow; a reputation for miracles. 1253 St. Agnes of Assisi devotion to prayer 1298 St. Mechtildis of Helfta Benedictine nun trained St. Gertrude the Great 1867 Saint Philaret (Drozdov) Metropolitan of Moscow, and remained in that position until his death. 1907 Saint Raphael Kalinowski: sentence to ten years forced labor in the Siberian salt mines; part of his sentence was spent in Irkutsk where his relics recently sanctified a new cathedral: Enthusiastic parish priest, he spent countless hours with his parishioners in the confessional. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
19
236 ST PONTIAN,
POPE AND MARTYR304 St. Azas and Companions 150 Martyrs of the Roman army 304 St. Barlaam Martyr of Caesarea, in Cappadocia 363 St. Sophia and the Fifty Virgins with her Martyrdom Coptic 370 St. Nerses the Great Armenia Bishop martyr father of St. Isaac the Great 875 Saint Hilarion the Georgian was the son of a Kakheti aristocrat 1010 St. Atto Benedictine abbot of Tordino 1065 Saint Barlaam, Igumen of the Kiev Caves 1231 St Elizabeth of Hungary, Widow; a reputation for miracles. 1253 St. Agnes of Assisi devotion to prayer 1298 St. Mechtildis of Helfta Benedictine nun trained St. Gertrude the Great 1867 Saint Philaret (Drozdov) Metropolitan of Moscow, and remained in that position until his death. 1907 Saint Raphael Kalinowski: sentence to ten years forced labor in the Siberian salt mines; part of his sentence was spent in Irkutsk where his relics recently sanctified a new cathedral: Enthusiastic parish priest, he spent countless hours with his parishioners in the confessional. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
20
The Feast
of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple
has only one day of prefeast. The hymns for today praise St
Anna for bringing her daughter, the living temple of God, to
the Temple in Jerusalem: tent of the congregation: dedication of Solomon's Temple; the gate of the sanctuary which faces east.
God enters through
this gate, which is shut so that no one else can enter by
it.
9th
v. B.C. St Obadiah
The
Holy Prophet [or Abdia] fourth of the Twelve Minor
Prophets; He was from the village of Betharam, near Sichem,
and he served as steward of the impious Israelite King Ahab. In
those days the whole of Israel had turned away from the true God
and had begun to offer sacrifice to Baal, but Obadiah faithfully served
the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in secret. The God-inspired work of St Obadiah is the
fourth of the Books of the Twelve Minor Prophets in the Bible, and
contains predictions about the New Testament Church. 235 Eustace, Thespesius & Anatolius Martyrs of Nicaea MM (RM) St. Bassus Denis, Agapitus, and 40 Companions Martyrs of Heraclea Thrace 297 St. Octavius, Solutor, and Adventor Martyrs patron saints of Turin 300 St. Dasius Martyred Roman soldier slain at Durosturum Bulgaria 343 St. Nerses Persian bishop martyr 450+ St Proclus the Archbishop of Constantinople 446 Saint Proclus, Archbishop of Constantinople (Orthodox) Catholic Nov 24 816 Venerable Gregory Decapolite gifts of prophecy and wonderworking permitted to hear angelic singing in praise of the Holy Trinity 869 St. Edmund the Martyr king at 14 of the East Angles 870 Saint Humbert of the East Angles crowned Saint Edmund king on Christmas Day BM 1000 St. Leo of Nonantula Benedictine abbot of Nonantula 1837 St. Francis Xavier Can native Vietnam Martyr 1852 St. Rose Philippine Duchesne care of poor /sick, opened school for street urchins risked life helping priests in the underground. 1922 Blessed Maria Fortunata Viti: Patronage against poverty, against temptations, impoverishment, insanity, loss of parents, mental illness, mentally ill people, poverty. 1885 Blessed Salvatore Lilli, a Franciscan missionary in Armenia. He built schools and clinics for the poor while he preached the Gospel: captured by Muslims and murdered for refusing to convert to Islam. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
21
Archangel Michael Commemoration of the Coptic Departure of St. Anna (Hannah), the mother of the Theotokos. Coptic 90 St. Rufus A Roman disciple of St. Paul Sts. Celsus and Clement MM (RM) 270 St. Heliodorus Martyr with companions in Pamphylia 496 St. Gelasius I, Pope Roman African son of Valerius learning justice holiness charity; 492 496 Pope St. Gelasius I feast Nov 21 conspicuous for his spirit of prayer, penance, and study. He took great delight in the company of monks, and was a true father to the poor 1045 St. Hilary Benedictine abbot of San Vincenzo 1180 Blessed Nicholas Giustiniani family man and monk OSB (AC) 1193 St. Albert of Louvain martyred Cardinal knight son of Duke Godfrey III 1541 Wolfgang Capito Evangelische Kirche: November 21 - Presentation of the Virgin
Mary in the Temple
On the day of the feast of the
Presentation of Mary, the liturgy refers to non-canonical texts.
As the Gospels do not mention the Virgin’s childhood, some unknown
authors have told the story …When the little girl turned 3 Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
22
St. Maurus Martyr of Rome 70 St Apphia the wife of Philemon and Equal of the Apostles Martyr Menignus at Parium a linen-bleacher Martyr Valerian at Rome and the Holy Martyrs Tiburtius Maximus: St. Cecilia patroness of music Tiburtius at Rome the brother of St Valerian, and the brother-in-law of Martyr Maximus at Rome led the detachment of soldiers accompanying St Cecilia Martyr 873 Blessed Christian of Auxerre 37th bishop of Auxerre (Benedictines). B (AC) 900 Saint Righteous Michael the soldier of Potouka, Bulgaria many miracles after death 13th v. Blessed Benedict de Ponte shed blood to bring the light of faith to Poland among the Tartars OP (PC) 1318 Martyr Michael the Prince of Tver 1400 Venerable Callistus Xanthopoulos of Mt Athos November 22 - Our Lady of Lavang (Vietnam, 1798) Mary in the Temple (II) Eighty-two young girls were weaving the veil of
the Temple. Rabbinical literature
confirms many young girls lived in the Temple and wove the veil. The Jerusalem
Talmud (or Palestinian Talmud) furnishes interesting precisions on the subject:
"The veil of the Temple was a palm-length in width. It was woven with seventy-two
smooth stitches each made of twenty-four threads. The length was 40
cubits and width of 20 cubits. Eighty-two young girls wove it. Two veils
were made each year and three hundred priests were needed to carry it to
the pool" (Mishna Sheqalim 8, 5). The Talmud also says that when the Temple
was burnt in 70 A.D. "the virgins who were weaving threw themselves
in the flames" rather than let themselves fall into the hands of the enemy
(Pesiqta Rabbati 26, 6), and that they lived in the three-storey building
inside the Temple area.
Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
23
100? Pope St.
Clement
I a disciple of Sts Peter/Paul Marble-Workers Patron
The birthday of Pope St. Clement, who held
the sovereign pontificate the third after the blessed apostle Peter.
In the persecution of Trajan, he was banished to Chersonesus, where, being
thrown into the sea with an anchor tied to his neck, he was
crowned with martyrdom. During the pontificate of Pope
Adrian II, his body was translated to Rome by the brothers Saints
Cyril and Methodius, and buried with honour in the church that had
already been built and named for him.
2nd
v. St. Felicitas
MARTYR; The
earliest list of the Roman feasts of martyrs, known as the "Depositio
Martyrum" and dating from the time of Pope Liberius, i.e.
about the middle of the fourth century (Ruinart, Acta sincera,
Ratisbon, p. 631), mentions seven martyrs whose feast was kept
on 10 July. Their remains had been deposited in four different
catacombs, viz. in three cemeteries on the Via Salaria and in one
on the Via Appia. Two of the martyrs, Felix and Philip, reposed
in the catacomb of Priscilla; Martial, Vitalis and Alexander, in
the Coemeterium Jordanorum; Silanus (or Silvanus) in
the catacomb of Maximus, and Januarius in that of Prætextatus.
St. Clement
of Metz sent from Rome to evangelize that district
of Roman Gaul B (AC)325 St Sisinius of Cyzicus present at the Council of Nicaea B (RM) 360 Holy Martyr Theodore of Antioch 15-year-old condemned to fierce torments Because he was responsible for the translation of the relics of St Babylas (September 4) from Daphne to Antioch 392 Amphilochius of Iconium counteract Arianism opposed the Macedonian heretics presided synod of Sidon condemned the Messalians B (RM) 1263 Alexander Nevsky 1703 St Metrophanes, Bishop of Voronezh, in the world Michael saint, a stone church was built there in honor of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos 1714 Saint Anthony the Hesychast loved Christ from his early childhood many of the clergy and laity flocked to him for spiritual advice or consolation in sorrows 1927 Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro Mary, "Mother of the Church" (III) November 23 - Our Lady of the Assumption (Italy, 1624) Indelibly printed in my memory is the moment when, hearing his words: "Mariam Sanctissimam declaramus Matrem Ecclesiae" - "We declare Mary the Most Holy Mother of the Church", the Fathers spontaneously rose at once and paid homage to the Mother of God, to our Mother, to the Mother of the Church, with a standing ovation. Pope Benedict XVI December 8, 2005 Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
24
300 St. Chrysogonus Martyr beheaded at Aquileia 303 St. Firmina A Roman virgin martyr in Umbria, Italy 303 St. Felicissimus Martyr of Perugia, Italy The Nun Mastridia lived in Alexandria vow of virginity dwelt in unceasing prayer fasts and silence finished her life in works for the Lord The Holy Great Martyr Catherine visions of Mary and Jesus martyred for her faith 5th v. St. Portian, In the territory of Auvergne, abbot renowned for miracles in the time of King Theodoric. 601 St. Colman of Cloyne born in Munster St. Columba's teacher 615 St. Columban greatest of the Irish missionaries who worked on the European continent 7th v. St. Bieuzy Martyr of Brittany 7th v. St. Leopardinus Abbot and martyr 1239 Blessed Conrad of Frisach died at Magdeburg while singing the Psalm, Cantate Domino canticum novum OP 1239
The Holy Martyr Mercurius
of Smolensk saintly soldier secret ascetic life strict
fasting chaste nights at prayer
spiritually
preparing to suffer for Christ Mercurius appeared to church warden
promising Smolensk people constant help intervention in sorrow
struggle14th v. Saint Mercurius of Kiev Caves pursued asceticism deep spiritual friendship with St Paisius 1591
St John
Of The Cross- Doctor Of The Church At twenty-one he took the religious habit among
the Carmelite friars at Medina, receiving the name of John-of-St-Matthias.
After his profession he asked for and was granted permission
to follow the original Carmelite rule, without the mitigations
approved by various popes and then accepted in all the friaries.
It was John’s desire to be a lay brother, but this was refused him.
He had given satisfaction in his course of theological studies, and
in 1567 he was promoted to the priesthood. The graces, which he received
from the holy Mysteries, gave him a desire of greater retirement,
for which purpose he deliberated with himself about entering the order
of the Carthusians. Miracles
1823-1856
Blessed Martyrs
of China and Cochin-China beatified in 1900 (AC)1798 until 1861 Martyrs of Vietnam Several groups of martyrs called the Martyrs of Annam who were slain for the faith in Vietnam Over 5,000! Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
25
Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
26
399 St. Siricius,
Pope 384 -399 known for his learning and piety, clerical celibacy
and also the earliest papal decree survived in its entirety
(RM)998 St. Nicon Missionary called Metanoeite because of his common use of penance as a theme for his sermons noted for his miracles Armenian preacher to Crete, 1180 Blessed Walter of Aulne followed Saint Bernard to Clairvaux OSB Cist. (AC) 1267 St. Silvester Gozzolini vision of Saint Benedict, he organized the disciples Blue Benedictines he had attracted; His tomb was the scene of many miracles, and in 1275 his relics were enshrined in the abbey church at Monte Fano (where they still are). Clement VIII in 1598 ordered the name of Silvester Gozzolini to be added to the Roman Martyrology and Leo XIII gave his feast to the whole Western church. The Silvestrines are now a very small order, whose monks are distinguished by a dark blue habit. OSB Abbot (RM) 1338 Blessed James Benfatti a master in theology and a holy priest; Nearly 150 years after his death, when repairs were being made in the church where he was buried, an accident opened his tomb, and people were startled to find his body completely incorrupt. Again in 1604, the same phenomenon was noted. worked many miracles among his flock. At his death in 1338, many remarkable miracles occurred OP B (AC) 1388 Saints Athanasius ("the Iron Staff") disciple of St Sergius of Radonezh built church honoring Most Holy Trinity 1618 St. John Berchmans miracles were attributed to him after his death 1731 Saint Innocent, Bishop of Irkutsk, miracles occurred not only at Irkutsk, but also in remote places of Siberia, for those who flocked to the saint with prayer; incorrupt 1751 St. Leonard of Port Maurice Franciscan Blessed Sacrament proponent Stations of the Cross as well as the Immaculate Conception 1839 St. Dominic Doan Xuyen Martyr of Vietnam Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
27
305 St. Acacius
priest at Sebaste Armenia & Hirenarchus during Diocletian persecution 389 St. Valerian Bishop of Aquileia spent in combatting that heresy admired Saint Jerome called the energetic Bishop Saint Valerian"papa." 421 St. James Intercisus "cut to pieces" courtier of the Persian King Yezdigerd I in 421 M (RM) The Tsarskoe Selo Sign Icon of the Mother of God present by St Athanasius of Constantinople 421 Saint Romanus the Wonderworker born in the city of Rosa 433 St. John Angeloptes "the man who saw an angel." an angel assisted Bishop of Ravenna 447
St. Seachnall
of Dunshauglin sent from Gaul in 439(?) to assist his uncle,
Saint Patrick, in Ireland wrote several hymns, notably the alphabetical
hymn Audites, omnes amantes Deum (the oldest known
Latin hymn written in Ireland) in honor of Patrick and the earliest
Latin hymn in Ireland, and Sancti, venite, Christi corpus sumite
B (AC)
460 St. Maximus
reluctant Bishop of Reiz ordained by St. Hilary; celebrated for working miracles and
prodigies.475 St. Secundinus bishop in 439 to assist St. Patrick in Ireland 540 St. Severinus Hermit in the area near Lutetia (modern Paris) The Apparitions at Beauraing (I): Look! The Blessed Virgin! November 27 - OUR LADY OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL (Paris, France, 1830) Beauraing is a small town in the southern, French-speaking part of Belgium, and it was here that the Blessed Virgin appeared to a group of 5 children, between late November 1932 and January 1933. On the evening of Tuesday, November 29, 1932, Fernande Voisin (a 15 year-old girl) and her brother Albert (aged 11), were with Andrea Degeimbre (aged 14) and her sister Gilberte (aged 9), making their way to the local convent school to meet Fernande's and Albert's sister Gilberte (aged 13), who had stayed at school until 6:30 P.M. to study. They entered the grounds and passed a small Lourdes Grotto in the convent gardens. Albert rang the bell, and then looking towards the Grotto he suddenly cried out: "Look! The Blessed Virgin, dressed in white, is walking above the bridge!" (It is in fact railroad embankment.) Without turning around, Fernande replied that it was only automobile lights. But Albert insisted, and when the girls looked back, they too saw the luminous figure of lady dressed in white walking mid air, feet hidden by a little cloud. The religious answered the door could see nothing, but as soon as Gilberte came to the door she too saw the figure. The next evening, the children went by themselves again to the convent to meet Gilberte. And, as the day before, the vision they claimed to have had took place again, just for them. Although very moved, the children took at closer look at the vision, and they were able to describe it: She was at the same place as the day before, holding her hands as in prayer, with rays of light surrounding her head. 1259 The Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God "Of the Sign" 1346 Gregory of Sinai established a monastery on Mount Paroria, near Sozopol on the west coast of the Black Sea Born near Smyrna 1392
Saint James,
Bishop of Rostov spread bishop's mantiya on water signed
himself with the Sign of the Cross sailed off on it as if on a
boat, guided by grace of God 1 1/2 versts from the city emerged on
shore at site of future monastery
1386 Blessed
Angelus
Sinesio influenced all Sicilian Benedictine abbeys restoring
monastic observance OSB Abbot PC1503 Blessed Bernardinus of Fossa mission-preaching throughout Italy, Dalmatia, and Bosnia OFM (AC) 1619 Blessed Antony Kimura & Companions MM (AC) 1637 Blessed Humilis of Bisignano Observant Franciscan lay-brother so widely known for his sanctity that he was called to Rome, where both Pope Gregory XV and Urban VIII consulted him OFM (AC) 1637 The Abalaka Icon of the Mother of God "Of the Sign" the Mother of God, accompanied by St Nicholas and St Mary of Egypt, appeared to the pious widow Maria. 1742 St. Francesco Antonio Fasani Barlaam & Josaphat (Joasaph) (RM) 1879 The Seraphim-Ponetaevka Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign" famous for its numerous miracles Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
28
1000 St. Simeon
the Logothete (secretary of state) to Emperor Constantine
VII Porphyrogenitus menology of legends, Byzantine saints stories;
wrote chronicle, prayers, letters, maxims-Basil and Macarius
of Egypt collections
1876 Saint Catherine Labouré
'Miraculous Medal' sanctity revealed through
her self-effacement, humility, holiness in little things everyday
life; incorrupt V (RM)1st v. St. Sosthenes ruler of the synagogue at Corinth 1st bishop of Colophon in Asia Minor converted by Paul 767 St. Stephen the New of Mt St Auxentius Monkmartyr and Confessor gift of wonderworking performed healings with holy icons and turned many away from Iconoclasm 767 Saint Anna Martyr noblewoman sold all possessions gave money to poor received monastic tonsure from St Stephen the New while living on Mt Auxentius in Bithynia: receiving from Him twin crowns virginity/ martyrdom 1476 St. James of the Marche "four pillars" among the Franciscans 1811 Joseph Pignatelli, SJ (RM) 1835 St. Andrew Trong Vietnamese martyr Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November 29 November 29 6th v. St. Sadwen Confessor Brother of Saint Illtyd and disciple of Saint Cadfan 560 St. Hieromartyr Abibus the Bishop of Nekressi in Georgia relics were glorified by healings 562 St. Brendan of Birr, Abbot contemporary of Saint Brendan the Voyager, and his fellow-disciple under Saint Finian at Clonard Abbey great friend and protector of Saint Columba 1328 Servant of God John of Monte Corvino; soldier, judge and doctor before a friar. Prior to going to Tabriz, Persia (present-day Iran), in 1278, he was well known for his preaching and teaching. In 1291 he left Tabriz as a legate of Pope Nicholas IV to the court of Kublai Khan. An Italian merchant, a Dominican friar and John traveled to western India where the Dominican died. John and the Italian merchant arrived in China 1294, established his headquarters in Khanbalik (now Beijing), built 2 churches; 1st resident Catholic mission; By 1304 he had translated the Psalms and the New Testament into the Tatar language. SS Blaise & Demetrius martyred at Veroli in central Italy MM (RM) 6th v. St. Sadwen Confessor Brother of Saint Illtyd and disciple of Saint Cadfan 562 St. Brendan of Birr, Abbot contemporary of Saint Brendan the Voyager, and his fellow-disciple under Saint Finian at Clonard Abbey great friend and protector of Saint Columba 573 St. Brendan of Birr monk at Clonard 6th v. Venerable Acacius of Sinai died after suffering these torments for nine years mentioned in the Ladder (Step 4:110) as an example of endurance and obedience, and of the rewards for these virtues 12th v. Venerable Nectarius the Obedient of the Kiev Near Caves 1250 Blessed Jutta of Heiligenthal founded and served as the first abbess OSB Cist. Abbess Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November
29
November 29 6th v. St. Sadwen Confessor Brother of Saint Illtyd and disciple of Saint Cadfan 560 St. Hieromartyr Abibus the Bishop of Nekressi in Georgia relics were glorified by healings 562 St. Brendan of Birr, Abbot contemporary of Saint Brendan the Voyager, and his fellow-disciple under Saint Finian at Clonard Abbey great friend and protector of Saint Columba 1328 Servant of God John of Monte Corvino; soldier, judge and doctor before a friar. Prior to going to Tabriz, Persia (present-day Iran), in 1278, he was well known for his preaching and teaching. In 1291 he left Tabriz as a legate of Pope Nicholas IV to the court of Kublai Khan. An Italian merchant, a Dominican friar and John traveled to western India where the Dominican died. John and the Italian merchant arrived in China 1294, established his headquarters in Khanbalik (now Beijing), built 2 churches; 1st resident Catholic mission; By 1304 he had translated the Psalms and the New Testament into the Tatar language. SS Blaise & Demetrius martyred at Veroli in central Italy MM (RM) 6th v. St. Sadwen Confessor Brother of Saint Illtyd and disciple of Saint Cadfan 562 St. Brendan of Birr, Abbot contemporary of Saint Brendan the Voyager, and his fellow-disciple under Saint Finian at Clonard Abbey great friend and protector of Saint Columba 573 St. Brendan of Birr monk at Clonard 6th v. Venerable Acacius of Sinai died after suffering these torments for nine years mentioned in the Ladder (Step 4:110) as an example of endurance and obedience, and of the rewards for these virtues 12th v. Venerable Nectarius the Obedient of the Kiev Near Caves 1250 Blessed Jutta of Heiligenthal founded and served as the first abbess OSB Cist. Abbess November 29 6th v. St. Sadwen Confessor Brother of Saint Illtyd and disciple of Saint Cadfan 560 St. Hieromartyr Abibus the Bishop of Nekressi in Georgia relics were glorified by healings 562 St. Brendan of Birr, Abbot contemporary of Saint Brendan the Voyager, and his fellow-disciple under Saint Finian at Clonard Abbey great friend and protector of Saint Columba 1328 Servant of God John of Monte Corvino; soldier, judge and doctor before a friar. Prior to going to Tabriz, Persia (present-day Iran), in 1278, he was well known for his preaching and teaching. In 1291 he left Tabriz as a legate of Pope Nicholas IV to the court of Kublai Khan. An Italian merchant, a Dominican friar and John traveled to western India where the Dominican died. John and the Italian merchant arrived in China 1294, established his headquarters in Khanbalik (now Beijing), built 2 churches; 1st resident Catholic mission; By 1304 he had translated the Psalms and the New Testament into the Tatar language. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month November 30
60 St. Andrew
St. Peter’s brother, and was called with him.
339 SS Sapor (Shapur), Isaac & Comps. BM (AC) St. Justina of Constantinople VM (RM) 383 St Frumentius the Archbishop of Abyssinia, Ethiopia St. Constantius Roman priest who fought against the Pelagians Castulus & Euprepis MM (RM) 502 king Vakhtang I Georgia remarkable in faith, wisdom, grace, virtue; founded Georgian Holy Cross Monastery in Jerusalem 6th v. Saint Peter first catholicos of Georgia. He led the Church of Kartli from the 460s through the beginning of the 6th century. According to God’s will, St. Peter inaugurated the dynasty of the chief shepherds of Georgia. 533 St. Trojan Bishop, son of Jewish father, Arabic mother; shows by many miracles he lives in heaven, though his body is buried on earth. 1186 Blessed Joscius Roseus of St-Bertin great devotion to the Ave Maria OSB (AC) 1348 BD ANDREW OF ANTIOCH 1423 Blessed William de Paulo restore monastic disciple at Maniaco restore monastic disciple at Maniaco 1577 St Cuthbert Mayne one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales M (AC) 1835 St. Joseph Marchand Vietnam Martyr 60 St. Andrew
St. Peter’s brother, and was called
with him.; The name of St Andrew
appears in the canon of the Mass with those of the other apostles,
and he is also named with our Lady and SS. Peter and Paul in the embolism
after the Lord’s Prayer. This is generally attributed to the personal
devotion of Pope St Gregory the Great for the saint, but the
usage may antedate his time. Crusaders stole
Andrew's alleged body in 1210 and took them to Amalfi, which still claims
the relics. The head, considered one of the treasures of Saint Peter's,
was given to Pope Pius II by the despot Thomas
Palaeologus in 1461, but was returned to Constantinople
by Pope Paul VI.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today November 29 2016Andrew's feast was universal in the West from the 6th century. There are church dedications in his honor from early times in France, Italy, and England (at Rochester as early as 637). (Attwater, Attwater 2, Benedictines, Bentley, Coulson, Delaney, Encyclopedia, Farmer, White). 1577 St Cuthbert Mayne one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales M (AC); Born at Youlston (near Barnstaple), Devonshire, England, 1544; beatified in 1886; canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales (general feast day is October 25); feast day was November 29. Saint Cuthbert was raised as a Protestant by his uncle, a schismatic priest. His elementary education was provided at the Barnstaple Grammar School. He himself was ordained a Protestant minister when he was about 19 without an inclination or preparation for the role. Thus, Cuthbert was hanged, drawn, and quartered at Launceston on November 25 on the charge of treason because he was a priest who refused to accept the supremacy of Queen Elizabeth I in ecclesiastical matters. He was cut down before he died, but was probably unconscious before the disembowelling began. He was the first Englishman trained for the priesthood at Douai to be martyred (at that time the penal code distinguished between priests trained on the Continent and those "Marian priests," who had been ordained in England). For this reason, Cuthbert Mayne is the protomartyr of English seminaries. His feast is kept at Plymouth and in several other English dioceses (Attwater, Attwater 2, Benedictines, Delaney, Walsh). 1835 St. Joseph Marchand Vietnam Martyr; Joseph Marchand M (AC) Born at Passavant (diocese of Besançon), France; died 1835; beatified in 1900; canonized in 1988 as one of the Martyrs of Vietnam. Joseph completed his theological studies at the seminary of Paris Society of Foreign Missions, was ordained, and sent to Annam. He was arrested at Saigon where he died while the flesh was being torn from his body with red-hot tongs (Attwater 2, Benedictines). 1328 Servant of God John
of Monte Corvino; soldier, judge and doctor
before a friar. Prior to going to Tabriz, Persia
(present-day Iran), in 1278, he was well known for his
preaching and teaching. In 1291 he left Tabriz as a legate
of Pope Nicholas IV to the court of Kublai Khan. An Italian
merchant, a Dominican friar and John traveled to western
India where the Dominican died. John and the Italian merchant
arrived in China 1294, established his headquarters in Khanbalik
(now Beijing), built 2 churches; 1st resident Catholic
mission;
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today November 28 2016By 1304 he had translated the Psalms and the New Testament into the Tatar language.
You people of Vitebsk want to put me to death. You
make ambushes for me everywhere, in the streets, on the bridges,
on the highways, and in the marketplace. I am here among
you as a shepherd and you ought to know that I should be happy
to give my life for you. I am ready to die for the holy union,
for the supremacy of St. Peter and of his successor the Supreme
Pontiff.
-- St Josaphat
309 Sts. Saturninus priest from Carthage & Sisinius deacon Martyrs of Rome; THE Western church makes a commemoration of this martyr in today’s liturgy, but particulars of him are known only from the unauthentic passio of Pope St Marcellus I. The Roman Martyrology says: “At Rome on the Salarian Way the birthday of the holy martyrs, the aged Saturninus and Sisinnius, the deacon, under the Emperor Maximian. After they had been weakened by a long imprisonment the prefect of the city ordered them to be put on the rack and stretched, beaten with rods and scourges, scorched with fire, and then taken down from the rack and beheaded.” St Saturninus is said in an epitaph by Pope St Damasus to have been a priest who came to Rome from Carthage; he was certainty buried in the cemetery of Thraso on the Via Salaria Nova.
At Naples in Campania, the death of St. James
della Marca, priest and confessor of the Order
of Friars Minor, celebrated for the austerity of
his life, his apostolic preaching, and his many diplomatic
missions undertaken for the success of the affairs of Christianity.
His name was added to the calendar of the saints by the
Sovereign Pontiff, Benedict XIII. James worked in
concert with St John Capistrano, his fellow student
under St Bernardino. In 1426 they were named together by Pope
Martin V as inquisitors against the Fraticelli,
the name given to a number of rigorist and heretical sects then
rampant in Italy. The two friars proceeded with such severity
that some bishops and others were moved to protest not only
were thirty-six houses of the Fraticelli dispersed and destroyed,
but some members were burned at the stake. James
took part in less violent measures as well, both as regards
them and other schismatics: at the Council of Basle he helped
in the conciliation of the moderate Hussites by the concession
of communion in both kinds, and when the council moved to
Florence he took part in the reunion of the dissident orientals. In 1445 St James preached
the Lent at Perugia, and there clothed with the Franciscan habit
Bd Bernardino of Fossa. Four years later he was again commissioned
to deal with the Fraticelli, and wrote a “Dialogue” which was published
against them.
St James
belonged to the Observants among the Friars Minor, whose marked
success at that time had excited a deal of envy and jealousy; in
a letter to St John Capistrano he sets out his own difficulties
and sufferings because of this. He took part in the efforts to
settle the matters at issue between Observants and Conventuals,
but the compromise which James recommended to the Holy See
satisfied neither party.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today November 27 2016Meet one of the fathers of the modern pawnshop!
With John
of Capistrano, Albert of Sarteano and Bernardine of
Siena, James is considered one of the "four pillars" of the
Observant movement among the Franciscans. These friars
became known especially for their preaching.To combat extremely high interest rates, James established montes pietatis (literally, mountains of charity) — nonprofit credit organizations that lent money at very low rates on pawned objects. Not everyone was happy with the work James did. Twice assassins lost their nerve when they came face to face with him. James was canonized in 1726. 1582 Bd. James Thompson, Priest 2 years; Blessed English martyr; He addressed the people, protested his loyalty to the queen, and as he was mounting the scaffold turned and said, “I have forgotten one thing. I pray you all to bear witness that I die in the Catholic faith.” As he hung, swinging and choking, he was seen, “to the great astonishment of the spectators” to make the sign of the cross. ; A native of York, he studied for the priesthood at Reims and was ordained there in 1581. Arrested soon after his return to England, he was hanged at York. He used the name Hudson in his mission work. James was beatified in 1895. Blessed James Thompson M (AC) also known as James Hudson Born at York, England; died there in 1582; beatified in 1895. Blessed James was educated for and ordained to the priesthood at Rheims. After his ordination in 1581, he returned to York under the name of Hudson to convert the Protestants and was hanged the following year (Attwater 2, Benedictines, Encyclopedia). 1811 Joseph Pignatelli, SJ (RM) Born in Saragossa, Spain, 1737; died October 1811; canonized 1954 by Pope Pius XII; feast day formerly on November 11. For a time the Aragonese Jesuits found a home in Corsica, but when the French occupied that island they were expelled from there, and eventually Father Pignatelli helped to arrange a centre for them, as well as their brothers from Peru and Mexico, at Ferrara. Pope Clement XIII, a great defender of the Jesuits, died in 1769, and four years later his successor, Clement XIV, yielded to the ever-growing pressure of the Bourbon princes and suppressed the Society altogether. It was a purely administrative measure and the papal brief was careful not to state that charges brought were proved. When this brief was read to the assembled fathers at Ferrara and the vicar general asked if they submitted themselves to it, they were true to their special fidelity as Jesuits to the Holy See and replied at once, “Yes, willingly”. The effect of the decree was to secularize 23,000 religious “It is a sad page of history, as everybody agrees”, said Pope Pius XI at the beatification of Father Joseph, “sad to read even after so many years. What then must it have been for Father Pignatelli and his numerous brethren!” As the Empress Catherine had refused to allow the bishops to promulgate the brief of suppression, the continued existence of the Society was tolerated in White Russia by the Holy See, and in 1792 the Duke of Parma invited three Italian fathers from there to establish themselves in his state. Father Pignatelli wished to associate himself with this venture, but was not willing to act without authority. When, however, Duke Ferdinand obtained a guarded approval from Pope Pius VI, Pignatelli renewed his vows privately and was put in charge, and two years later (1799), having received verbal permission from the pope, he organized a quasi-novitiate at Colorno. The students had to go to Russia to make their profession, and this proceeding was recognized as canonical when, in 1801, Pope Pius VII gave formal approbation to the Jesuit province in Russia. With help of the generous alms of his sister, he was able to restore the Society in Sardinia and re-lay its foundations in Rome, Tivoli and Orvieto. During the critical period of the French occupation and exile of Pius VII his prudence conserved safely all that he had gained towards his ultimate object—the complete restoration of the Society of Jesus. This took place in 1814, three years after his death. Nevertheless, St Joseph Pignatelli fully deserves to be regarded as what Pope Pius XI called him, “the chief link between the Society that had been and the Society that was to be…the restorer of the Jesuits”. 1835 St. Andrew Trong Vietnamese martyr; Born in 1817, he was a soldier and a Christian. He was arrested in 1834 and in the presence of his mother he was beheaded. She knelt beside him at the execution site in Hué, receiving his head on her lap. He was canonized in 1988. 1876 Saint Catherine Labouré 'Miraculous Medal' sanctity revealed through her self-effacement, humility, holiness in little things everyday life; incorrupt V (RM); She was the only one of a large family not to go to school and did not learn to read and write. Her mother died when Zoé was eight, and when her elder sister, Louisa, left home to become a Sister of Charity the duties of housekeeper and helper to her father devolved upon her. From the age of fourteen or so she also heard a call to the religious life, and after some opposition M. Labouré allowed her to join the Sisters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul at Châtillon-sur-Seine in 1830. She took the name of Catherine, and after her postulancy was sent to the convent in the rue du Bac at Paris, where she arrived four days before the translation of the relics of St Vincent from Notre-Dame to the Lazarist church in the rue de Sèvres. On the evening of the day
of those festivities began the series of visions which were to make the name
of Catherine Labouré famous. The first
of the three principal ones took place three months
later, on the night of July 18, when at about 11.30 p.m.
she was woken up suddenly by the appearance of a “shining child”,
who led her down to the sisters’ chapel. There our Lady appeared
and talked with her for over two hours, telling her that she
would have to undertake a difficult task and also, it is said,
speaking of the future and the violent
death of an archbishop of Paris forty years later (Mgr
Darboy, in the Commune of 1871). Sister Catherine confided
in her confessor, M. Aladel, and he, after making very careful investigations,
was given permission by the archbishop of Paris,
Mgr de Quélen, to have the medal struck.
In June 1832 the first 1500 were
issued— the medal now known to Catholics throughout the
world as “miraculous”. This epithet seems to be due to
the circumstances of its origin rather than, as is commonly
supposed, to miracles connected with its pious use. 721 St. Fergus
part of the Roman Council in 721; THIS Fergus was an Irishman and distinguished
in his own country as “the Pict”. According to tradition of
the church of Aberdeen he was already a bishop when
he left Ireland for Scotland, and settled in Strathearn in Perthshire,
where he founded three churches and dedicated them all
in honour of St Patrick. He was a missionary also in Caithness,
Buchan and finally, Forfarshire, where at Glamis he founded
the church and died. St Fergus may be identical with the “Fergustus,
Bishop of the Scots”, who assisted at a synod held by Pope
St Gregory II in Rome in 721. His feast was restored to
the diocese of Aberdeen in 1898, and is also observed by Dunkeld.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today November 26 2016784 St. Virgilius Benedictine bishop A noted intellectual round World; At Salzburg in Austria, St. Virgil, bishop and apostle of Carinthia, who was placed among the number of saints by Pope Gregory IX. (also known as Feargal, Fearghal, Fergal, Virgilius) Born in Ireland; died in Salzburg, Austria, November 27, c. 781-784; canonized 1233 by Pope Gregory IX. Saint Virgil brought relics and the veneration of Saints Brigid and Samthann of Clonbroney to the areas he evangelized. In fact, Saint Samthann, who may have provided Virgil with his early education, is better known in Austria than in her homeland. Among his other good works, Virgil sent fourteen missionary monks headed by Saint Modestus into the province of Carinthia, of which he is venerated as the evangelizer. He baptized two successive dukes of Carinthia at Salzburg (Chetimar and Vetune). His influence is revealed by the issuance during the time of duke Chetimar of a Carinthian coin, an old Salzburg rubentaler, with the images of Saint Rupert, who built Saint Peter's monastery, and Virgil. He fell ill and died soon after making a visitation in Carinthia, going as far as the place where the Dravo River meets the Danube. He then spent two years in France, later going to Bavaria, Germany, where he assisted St. Rupert, the Apostle of Austria. He was elected abbot of the Benedictine abbey of St. Peter at Salzburg and bishop of the city about 765. A noted intellectual, he believed that the earth was a sphere, which brought him into conflict with St. Boniface of Mainz who twice denounced him to Rome. Both times Virgilius was exonerated, and his reputation as an Apostle of Carinthia (modern southern Austria), where he conducted missionary labors, was unblemished. Besides rebuilding the cathedral of Salzburg, he encouraged a vast missionary venture into Carinthia. 1619 Blessed Antony Kimura & Companions MM (AC) (also known as Antony Chimura) beatified in 1867. Blessed Antony Kimura, Bartholomew Xeki, John Ivanango, John Montajana, Leo Nacanixi, Michael Takexita, and Thomas Cotenda were all born into Japanese royal family of Firando. (Antony is also a relative of Blessed Leonard Kimura (November 18), who was burned to death at Nagasaki.) All six native laymen and four other companions were beheaded at Nagasaki. Antony was only 23; Michael, described as a man of most amiable character, only 25. Thomas was educated by the Jesuits and lived in exile at Nagasaki until his beheading (Benedictines). They were beatified in 1867 by Pope Pius IX. 1742 St. Francesco Antonio Fasani; During his homily at the canonization of Francesco, Pope John Paul II reflected on John 21:15 in which Jesus asks Peter if he loves Jesus more than the other apostles and then tells Peter, "Feed my lambs." The pope observed that in the final analysis human holiness is decided by love. "He [Francesco] made the love taught us by Christ the fundamental characteristic of his existence, the basic criterion of his thought and activity, the supreme summit of his aspirations" (L'Osservatore Romano, vol. 16, number 3, 1986). In his various ministries, he was loving, devout and penitential. He was a sought-after confessor and preacher. One witness at the canonical hearings regarding Francesco’s holiness testified, "In his preaching he spoke in a familiar way, filled as he was with the love of God and neighbor; fired by the Spirit, he made use of the words and deed of Holy Scripture, stirring his listeners and moving them to do penance." Francesco showed himself a loyal friend of the poor, never hesitating to seek from benefactors what was needed. 399 St. Siricius,
Pope 384 -399 known for his learning and piety, clerical celibacy
and also the earliest papal decree survived
in its entirety (RM).384-399 Pope St. Siricius; lector then Roman Church deacon during Liberius (352-66) pontificate; After death of Damasus, Siricius unanimously
elected successor.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today November 25 2016Pope Benedict XIV 1740-1758 added the name of St Siricius to the Roman Martyrology, with the statement that he was “distinguished for his learning, piety and zeal for religion, condemning various heretics and strengthening ecclesiastical discipline by very salutary decrees”. A letter, questions asked on 15 different points concerning baptism, penance, church discipline, and the celibacy of the clergy, came to Rome addressed to Pope Damasus by Bishop Himerius of Tarragona, Spain. Siricius answered this letter on 10 February, 385, and gave decisions, exercising full consciousness his supreme power of authority in the Church (Coustant, "Epist. Rom. Pont.", 625 sq.). This letter of Siricius is of special importance because it is the oldest completely preserved papal decretal (edict for the authoritative decision of questions of discipline and canon law). In all his decrees the pope speaks with the consciousness of his supreme ecclesiastical authority and of his pastoral care over all the churches. Siricius was also obliged to take a stand against heretical movements; Jovinian & 8 followers condemned /excluded from communion with the Church; Bishop Bonosus of Sardica (390), accused of errors in the Trinity dogma & false doctrine that Mary was not always a virgin; He sharply condemned episcopal accusers of Priscillian because of that execution; took severe measures against Manichæans at Rome; In the East Siricius interposed to settle the Meletian schism at Antioch; At Rome Siricius with basilica over the grave of St. Paul on Via Ostiensis rebuilt by the emperor as a basilica of five aisles during pontificate of Siricius dedicated by in him 390; Siricius's name is still to be found on a pillar not destroyed in the fire of 1823, and now stands in the vestibule of the side entrance to the transept. 975 St. Conrad gave inheritance to poor renovated churches avoided secular affairs; Conrad of Constance B (RM) ; canonized in 1123 (1823 per Attwater 2). Of the famous Guelph family and son of Count Henry of Altdorf, he was educated at the cathedral school of Constance, Switzerland, and was ordained. He was made provost of the cathedral and in 934 was elected bishop of Constance. He gave his share of his inheritance to the Church and to the poor and built and renovated many churches in his see. 1178 BD PONTIUS OF FAUCIGNY, ABBOT small pieces of bone, said to have been the occasion of miracles; IN the year 1896 Pope Leo XIII confirmed the cultus of this holy abbot; he had been greatly venerated by St Francis de Sales, who opened his tomb in 1620 to examine the relics and took away several small pieces of bone, which are said to have been the occasion of miracles. Pontius belonged to a noble Savoyard family, and at twenty became a canon regular at the abbey of Abondance in Chablais. He was entrusted with the revision of the constitutions of his house and the foundation in 1144 of a new monastery at Sixt, of which he was made abbot. After ruling it with great distinction for twenty-eight years he went to fulfil the same office at Abondance, but relinquished it soon after and died a holy death in retirement at Sixt. 1267 St. Silvester Gozzolini vision of Saint Benedict, he organized the disciples Blue Benedictines he had attracted; His tomb was the scene of many miracles, and in 1275 his relics were enshrined in the abbey church at Monte Fano (where they still are). Clement VIII in 1598 ordered the name of Silvester Gozzolini to be added to the Roman Martyrology and Leo XIII gave his feast to the whole Western church. The Silvestrines are now a very small order, whose monks are distinguished by a dark blue habit. OSB Abbot (RM) 1338 Blessed James Benfatti a master in theology and a holy priest; Nearly 150 years after his death, when repairs were being made in the church where he was buried, an accident opened his tomb, and people were startled to find his body completely incorrupt. Again in 1604, the same phenomenon was noted. worked many miracles among his flock. At his death in 1338, many remarkable miracles occurred OP B (AC) (also known as James of Mantua) Born in Mantua, Italy; died there; cultus confirmed 1859 by Pope Pius IX. James Benefatti, bishop of Mantua, was a famous man in his time; it is unfortunate that he is so little known in ours. 1618 St. John Berchmans miracles were attributed to him after his death 1621 ST JOHN BERCHMANS “IF I do not become a saint when I am young”, said John Berchmans, “I shall never become one.” He died when he was twenty-two and he was a saint, one of the three notable young saints of the Society of Jesus. He differed from the other two, St Aloysius and St Stanislaus Kostka, in his origins, for while they belonged to aristocratic families John was the eldest son of a master-shoemaker, a burgess of the town of Diest in Brabant. There were extraordinary scenes at the funeral, numerous miracles were attributed to John’s intercession, and the recognition of his holiness was spread so rapidly that within a few years Father Bauters, s.j., wrote from Flanders, “Though he died in Rome, and but few of his countrymen knew him by sight, ten of our best engravers have already published his portrait and at least 24,000 copies have been struck off. This is not including the works of lesser artists and numbers of paintings.” Nevertheless, though his cause was begun in the very year of his death, the beatification of St John Berchmans did not take place till 1865, and his canonization till 1888. 1751 St. Leonard of Port Maurice Franciscan Blessed Sacrament proponent Stations of the Cross as well as the Immaculate Conception. At Rome, St. Leonard of Port Maurice, priest and confessor of the Order of Friars Minor. He was remarkable for his zeal for souls and his holy expeditions throughout Italy. He was canonized by Pope Pius IX, and Pope Pius XI chose and appointed him the heavenly patron of priests to the preaching of missions to the people. devotion of the Sacred Heart, and Stations of the Cross, as well as the Immaculate Conception. He also encouraged the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and devotion to the Sacred Heart and to our Lady as conceived free from original sin, all of which were very far less wide-spread than they are to-day. In particular did he make zealous efforts to get the Immaculate Conception defined as a dogma of faith and he was the first to suggest, what was done a century later, that the mind of the Church should be sounded on the matter without summoning a general council. 1839 St. Dominic Doan Xuyen Martyr of Vietnam beheaded with St. Thomas Du. He was a Vietnamese Dominican canonized in 1988. 101 St
Clement
Hieromartyr,
Pope of Rome; at Alexandria meets holy Apostle
Barnabas baptized
by Apostle Peter. After the death
of the Apostle Peter,
St Linus (67-79) was
the next Bishop of Rome, succeeded by St Anacletus (79-91),
and then St Clement (92-101).
101
Hieromartyr Clement, Pope of Rome Alexandria St
Clement meets holy Apostle Barnabas baptized by the
holy Apostle Peter
Popes mentioned
in
articles of Saints today November
24 2016born at Rome into a rich and
illustrious family. Separated from his parents
from childhood by force of circumstances, Clement
was raised by strangers. Living in Rome, the youth
received a fine education, he was surrounded by luxury,
and had access to the imperial court. But these comforts brought
him no joy, and pagan wisdom failed to attract him. He began
to ponder the meaning of life.
Sts Cyril and Methodius walked along the shore
in procession with the clergy who came with them from
Constantinople. Through the fervent prayers of everyone
gathered there, the holy relics of St Clement miraculously
appeared on the surface of the sea at midnight. They solemnly
took them to the Church of the Holy Apostles at Constantinople.
A portion of the relics were then brought to Rome by Sts Cyril
and Methodius, but a large portion of the relics was later brought
to Kiev by the holy Prince Vladimir (July 15) and placed in the
Desyatin-Tithe church, together with the relics of St Fibius, where
a chapel dedicated to St Clement had been built. The hieromartyr
Clement is widely venerated in Russia. From ancient times, many churches
have been dedicated to him. When the news of Christ and His teaching began to reach the capital, St Clement left his home and estate and went to the lands where the Apostles were preaching. At Alexandria St Clement met the holy Apostle Barnabas, listening to his words with deep attention, and perceiving the power and truth of the Word of God. Arriving in Palestine, St Clement was baptized by the holy Apostle Peter and became his zealous disciple and constant companion, sharing his toil and sufferings with him. Shortly before his own sufferings and death, St Peter consecrated St Clement as Bishop of Rome. After the death of the Apostle Peter, St Linus (67-79) was the next Bishop of Rome, succeeded by St Anacletus (79-91), and then St Clement (92-101). St Clement, who belongs to the Apostolic
Fathers, has left to us a spiritual legacy (two
Epistles to the Corinthians)
615 St. Columbanus
of Luxeuil Abbot benefits of trusting obedience to God and
those in authority over us OSB (RM)the first written examples of Christian teaching after the writings of the holy Apostles. 1420 Blessed Elisabeth the Good, OFM Tert. mystical experiences including the stigmata V (AC) OSB Cist. (PC); Born in Waldsee, Wurtemberg, Germany, 1386, died there; cultus confirmed in 1766. Elisabeth lived her whole life in a small community of Franciscan tertiaries near Waldsee. She was subject to mystical experiences including the stigmata, and went for long periods without any natural food (Benedictines). 1858 Blesseds Louis Martin and Marie-Zélie Guérin Marriage Leads to Heaven; ROME, NOV. 25, 2008 Zenit.org As if to emphasize that marriage is a vocation to holiness, the Church will commemorate the feast of Blesseds Louis Martin and Marie-Zélie Guérin, St. Thérèse's parents, on their wedding anniversary. The Martins were beatified in Lisieux, the second married couple the Church has raised together to the altar. Louis and Marie-Azélie Martin were declared "venerable" on 26 March 1994 by Pope John Paul II. They were beatified on 19 October 2008 by Jose Cardinal Saraiva Martins, the legate of Pope Benedict XVI in the Basilique de Sainte-Thérèse, Lisieux. Canonized as saints of the Catholic Church on 18 October 2015; they can be counted among the saints of God. 1 Marie Louise (22 February 1860 – 19 January 1940), as a nun, Sister Marie of the Sacred Heart, Carmelite at Lisieux; 2. Marie Pauline (7 September 1861 – 28 July 1951), as a nun, Mother Agnès of Jesus, Carmelite at Lisieux; 3 .Marie Léonie (3 June 1863 – 16 June 1941), as a nun, Sister Françoise-Thérèse, Visitandine at Caen; candidate for sainthood since January 2015; 4 Marie Céline (28 April 1869 – 25 February 1959), as a nun, Sister Geneviève of the Holy Face, Carmelite at Lisieux; 5 Marie Françoise-Thérèse (2 January 1873 – 30 September 1897), as a nun, Sister Thérèse of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face, Carmelite at Lisieux, canonised in 1925. Louis Martin and Marie-Zélie Guérin can give light and strength to Christian spouses and parents to make their marital life a source of joy and a way of holiness. They give witness to the fact that, when the Christian family is animated by reciprocal love it is the ambit where everyone -- parents and children -- can grow and develop to the point of attaining holiness and thus make an irreplaceable contribution to society and the Church. If, as Pius XI said, Thérèse is "the greatest saint of modern times," this is explained in part by the extraordinary father and mother she had. I was given the grace of being able to go to Lisieux for the beatification and I think the joy of that day will remain forever in those who were present. Although I have participated in other beatifications, it was always in Rome. This was the first time I could attend one in the blessed's place of origin, and that made it more intimate. What impressed me most was the family atmosphere of that day: There were people from very different places and continents, not only from Europe but also from Africa and Asia -- all united by their common devotion to Thérèse and her parents, as well as many young people and married couples with their children. It seemed to be the celebration of one great family. Added to this is the fact it was a brilliant day, mild, really spring-like, as Thérèse would have liked. During the first centuries of the Church there were laypeople, young people of different professions, families recognized as saints such as St. Cecilia, her husband Valerian and her brother-in-law; or St. Vitalis and his wife St. Valeria and their sons, Gervase and Protase, martyrs. However, in the course of the centuries, though holiness was always a universal vocation, in pastoral practice withdrawal from the world was favored, and the practice of the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience, and the profession of these as the state of perfection. The layman, to the degree that he is immersed in the world and has obligations of a temporal character, seemed relegated to a less exacting and committed Christianity. In the history of spirituality, it is only with St. Francis of Sales and later St. Thérèse herself that in the pastoral order, holiness was increasingly a universal call addressed to all and accessible to all. This is the "novelty" of Vatican II. Beginning with Pope John Paul II's pontificate, the Church became increasingly interested in promoting the causes of laypeople who lived their Christian faith by assuming all their temporal commitments in a heroic way. 1876 St. Catherine Laboure the Miraculous Medal On November 27, the lady showed St. Catherine the medal of the Immaculate Conception, now universally known as the "Miraculous Medal." She commissioned St. Catherine to have one made, and to spread devotion to this medal. At that time, only her spiritual director, Father Aladel, knew of the apparitions. Forty-five years later, St. Catherine spoke fully of the apparitions to one of her superiors. She died on December 31, 1876, and was canonized on July 27, 1947. 300 St.
Chrysogonus
Martyr beheaded at Aquileia;
The name of this holy martyr, who was apprehended
at Rome, but beheaded at Aquileia in the persecution
of Dioclesian, occurs in the canon of the mass, and is
mentioned in the ancient Calendar of Carthage of the fifth
century, and in all Western Martyrologies since that time. The
church in Rome of which he is titular saint, is mentioned in a council
held by pope Symmachus,
and in the epistles of St. Gregory
the Great; it gives title to a cardinal
priest. The head of St. Chrysogonus is shown there in a
rich case, but his body is at Venice.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today November 23 2016309 St. Crescentian Martyr on Rack with Cyriacus. At Rome, St. Crescentian, martyr, whose name is mentioned in the Acts of blessed Pope Marcellus. Largus, and Smaragdus in Rome. They died on the rack. Crescentian of Rome M (RM) Crescentian suffered martyrdom under Maxentius at Rome in the company of Saints Cyriacus, Largus, Smaragdus, expiring on the rack in their presence (Benedictines). 615 St. Columban greatest of the Irish missionaries who worked on the European continent; Like all saints, he met opposition. Ultimately he had to appeal to the pope against complaints of Frankish bishops, for vindication of his orthodoxy and approval of Irish customs. He reproved the king for his licentious life, insisting that he marry. Since this threatened the power of the queen mother, Columban was ordered deported back to Ireland. His ship ran aground in a storm, and he continued his work in Europe, ultimately arriving in Italy, where he found favor with the king of the Lombards. In his last years he established the famous monastery of Bobbio, where he died. His writings include a treatise on penance and against Arianism, sermons, poetry and his monastic rule. 1591 St John Of The Cross- Doctor Of The Church At twenty-one he took the religious habit among the Carmelite friars at Medina, receiving the name of John-of-St-Matthias. After his profession he asked for and was granted permission to follow the original Carmelite rule, without the mitigations approved by various popes and then accepted in all the friaries. It was John’s desire to be a lay brother, but this was refused him. He had given satisfaction in his course of theological studies, and in 1567 he was promoted to the priesthood. The graces, which he received from the holy Mysteries, gave him a desire of greater retirement, for which purpose he deliberated with himself about entering the order of the Carthusians. Miracles. St. John of the Cross, priest and confessor, and doctor of the Church, companion of St. Teresa in the reform of Carmel, and whose birthday is the 14th of December. Gonzalo De Yepes belonged to a good Toledan family, but having married “beneath him” he was disinherited and had to earn his living as a silk-weaver. On his death his wife, Catherine Alvarez, was left destitute with three children, of whom John, born at Fontiveros in Old Castile 1542, was the youngest. He went to a poor-school at Medina del Campo and was then apprenticed to a weaver, but he showed no aptitude for the trade and was taken on as a servant by the governor of the hospital at Medina. St Teresa was then establishing her reformation of the Carmelites and, coming to Medina del Campo, heard of Brother John. Whereupon she desired to see him, admired his spirit, and told him that God had called him to sanctify himself in the Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel; that she had received authority from the prior general to found two reformed houses of men and that he himself should be the first instrument of so great a work. 1862 Dominican Martyrs by King Tu-Duc in Central Tonkin Vietnam 1856-1862 Christians who died in the persecution conducted by King Tu-Duc in Central Tonkin, Vietnam. Five martyrs were beatified in 1906. The following were canonized in 1988: Joseph Diaz Sanjurjo, Meichior Garcia Sampedro, Dominic Ninh, Laurence Ngon, Dominic An-Kham, Luke Cai-Thin, Joseph Cai-Ta, Dominic Mao, Vincent Tuong, Dominic Nguyen, Andrew Tuoung Dominic Nhi, Peter Da, Joseph Tuan, Peter Dung, Peter Tuan, Vincent Duong, Dominic Mau, Dominic Toai, Dominic Huyen, Joseph Tuan, Dominic Cam, Thomas Khuong, Paul Duong and Joseph Tuc. Some were ordained priests and others Dominican tertiarie. canonized by Pope John Paul II. 1798 until 1861 Martyrs of Vietnam Several groups of martyrs called the Martyrs of Annam who were slain for the faith in Vietnam Over 5,000! St. Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions St. Andrew was one of 117 martyrs who met death in Vietnam between 1820 and 1862. Members of this group were beatified on four different occasions between 1900 and 1951. Now all have been canonized by Pope John Paul II. 100? Pope
St. Clement
I a disciple of Sts Peter/Paul Marble-Workers
Patron, martyr.
“Under this Clement”,
says St Irenaeus, “no small sedition took place
among the brethren at Corinth, and the church of Rome
sent a most sufficient letter to the Corinthians, establishing
them in peace and renewing their faith, and announcing
the tradition it had recently received from the apostles.” It is
this letter that has made the name of Pope Clement I famous.
It was so highly esteemed in the early Church that
it took rank next to the canonical books of the Holy Scriptures
(or even among them), and was with them read in the churches.
A copy of it was found in the fifth-century manuscript copy
of the Bible (Codex Alexandrinus) which Cyril Lukaris, Patriarch
of Constantinople, sent to King James I, from which Patrick
Young, the keeper of the king’s library, published it at
Oxford in 1633.
2nd v. St. Felicitas MARTYR; The earliest list of the Roman feasts of martyrs, known as the "Depositio Martyrum" and dating from the time of Pope Liberius, i.e. about the middle of the fourth century (Ruinart, Acta sincera, Ratisbon, p. 631), mentions seven martyrs whose feast was kept on 10 July. Their remains had been deposited in four different catacombs, viz. in three cemeteries on the Via Salaria and in one on the Via Appia. Two of the martyrs, Felix and Philip, reposed in the catacomb of Priscilla; Martial, Vitalis and Alexander, in the Coemeterium Jordanorum; Silanus (or Silvanus) in the catacomb of Maximus, and Januarius in that of Prætextatus. 392 Amphilochius
of Iconium counteract Arianism opposed
the Macedonian heretics presided synod
of Sidon condemned the Messalians B (RM); 394
Saint Amphilochius
Bishop of Iconium cousin to St Gregory
the Theologian close friend of St Basil the Great
their disciple follower and of like mind with them.
Born in Caesarea in Cappadocia, a city given
the world some of the greatest Fathers and teachers of the
Orthodox Church. He was a first cousin to St Gregory the Theologian,
and a close friend of St
Basil the Great. He was their disciple, follower
and of like mind with them. 400 St Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium.
This saint was an intimate friend of St Gregory
Nazianzen (his cousin) and of St Basil, though rather
younger than they were, and their letters to him are the principal
source of information about his life. He was a native of Cappadocia
and in his earlier years was a rhetor at Constantinople, where
he seems to have got into money difficulties. He was still
young when he withdrew to a life of retirement at a place not
far from Nazianzus, where also he took care of his aged father.
615 St. Columbanus of Luxeuil Abbot benefits of trusting obedience to God and those in authority over us OSB (RM). Columban was born in west Leinster and had a good education, which was interrupted when he was a young man by a sharp struggle with the insurgent flesh. Certain lascivae puellae, as his biographer Jonas calls them, made advances to him, and Columban was grievously tempted to yield. In his distress he asked the advice of a religious woman who had lived solitary from the world for years, and she told him to flee the temptation even to the extent of leaving the land of his birth: “You think you can freely avoid women. Do you remember Eve coaxing and Adam yielding? Samson made weak by Dalila? David lured from his former righteousness by the beauty of Bathsheba? The wise Solomon deceived by love of women? Go away, turn from the river into which so many have fallen.” St Columban lays down for the foundation of his rule the love of
God and of our neighbour, as a general precept
upon which the superstructure of all the rest
is raised. He appointed that monks shall eat only the
simplest food, which is to be proportioned in amount to their
labour. He will have them eat every day that they may
be able to perform all duties; and he prescribes the time
to be spent in prayer, reading and manual labour. St Columban
says that he received these rules from his fathers, that is,
the monks of Ireland. He mentions the obligation of every one’s
praying privately in his own cell, and adds that the essential
parts are prayer of the heart and the continual application
of the mind to God. After the rule follows a penitential, containing
prescriptions of penances to be imposed upon monks for every
fault, however light. It is in the harshness of its discipline,
characteristic of much Celtic Christianity, the imposition
of fasts on bread and water, and beatings, for the smallest
transgressions, and the great length of the Divine Office
(there was a maximum of seventy-five psalms a day in winter), that
the Rule of St Columban most obviously differs from that of St
Benedict. In austerity the Celtic monks rivalled those of the
East.
As bishops pressed, him he appealed to the
Holy See, and addressed letters to two popes in which
he protests the orthodoxy of himself and his monks, explains
the Irish customs, and asks that they be confirmed.* {* In the
first letter, to Pope St Gregory the Great,
Columban, referring to the directions of Pope St Leo I quoted
by his opponents, makes a famous pun “Is not a live dog [i.e. Gregory] better than a dead
lion [Leo] ?”} Alban Butler,
writing in the middle of the eighteenth
century, could say that “Luxeuil is still in a
flourishing condition”, as a monastery of the Benedictine
congregation of Saint-Vanne. But
within fifty years the French Revolution brought
to an end its long, chequered and glorious history. Bobbio,
whose library was one of the greatest of the middle ages,
declined from the fifteenth century, and was finally suppressed
by the French in 1803; the library had begun to be dispersed
nearly three hundred years before. But the feast of St Columban
is still observed in the small diocese of Bobbio, he is mentioned
in the Roman Martyrology on November 21, on which day the Benedictines
commemorate him, and his feast is kept throughout Ireland
on the 23rd, while numerous traces of his former wide cultus exist in northern Italy.
Thirty-four
years after St. Columba came to Britain Pope
Gregory sent Augustine to convert the Saxons and
Angles. He was spurred to do so by the sight of a young
slave from Deiri. Gregory perceived a great opportunity
to harvest souls. While much of the travel noted in Bede is simply
organizational - Augustine sent Laurentius and Peter to tell
Gregory of their success, Pope Gregory sent Mellitus, Justus,
Paulinus and others to help - some of the travel had other
purposes as well.1263 Alexander Nevsky. Born at Pereaslavl, 1219; died at Vladimir, canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1547. Grandprince Alexander of Novgorod, Vladimir and Kiev, saved Russia by his policy of conciliation towards the invading Tartars and firm resistance to enemies on the west. His name of Nevsky came from his victory in 1240 over the Swedes on the River Neva; he defeated the Teutonic Knights at Lake Peipus in 1242, and drove out the Lithuanians soon after. A very troublesome time had begun in Russian history: from the East came the Mongol Horde destroying everything in their path; from the West came the forces of the Teutonic Knights, which blasphemously and with the blessing of the Roman Pope, called itself "Cross-bearers" by wearing the Cross of the Lord. In this terrible hour the Providence of God raised up for the salvation of Russia holy Prince Alexander, a great warrior, man of prayer, ascetic and upholder of the Land of Russia. "Without the command of God there would not have been his prince." Metropoltan Cyril, the spiritual Father and companion of the holy prince, said in the funeral eulogy: "Know, my child, that already the sun has set for the land of Suzdal. There will be no greater prince in the Russian land." They took his holy body to Vladimir, the journey lasted nine days, and the body remained undecayed. On November 23, before his burial at the Nativity Monastery in Vladimir, there was manifest by God "a wondrous miracle and worthy of memory." When the body of St Alexander was placed in the crypt, the steward Sebastian and Metropolitan Cyril wanted to take his hand, in order to put in it the spiritual gramota (document of absolution). The holy prince, as though alive, reached out his hand and took the document from the hand of the Metropolitan. "Because of their terror, and they were barely able to stumble from his tomb. Who would not be astonished at this, since he was dead and the body was brought from far away in the winter time." Thus did God glorify the saintly Soldier-Prince Alexander Nevsky. The universal Church glorification of St Alexander Nevsky took place under Metropolitan Macarius at the Moscow Cathedral in 1547. The Canon to the saint was compiled at that time by the monk Michael of Vladimir. 1703 St Metrophanes, Bishop of Voronezh, in the world Michael saint, a stone church was built there in honor of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos; The first Bishop of Voronezh eagerly concerned himself with the needs of his flock. He consoled both the poor and the wealthy, was a defender of widows and orphans, and an advocate of the wronged. His home served as a hostel for strangers and a hospice for the sick. The saint prayed not only for the living, but also for dead Christians, and particularly for soldiers fallen for the Fatherland, inscribing their names in the cathedral's memorial list. Remembering them at Proskomedia [priest's preparation of the gifts before Liturgy], St Metrophanes said: "If this is a righteous soul, then there is a greater portion of worthiness. If he is a sinner, however, then there is a connection with God's mercy." ¡Viva Cristo Rey! (Long live Christ the King) were the last words Father Pro uttered before he was executed for being a Catholic priest and serving his flock. Born into a prosperous, devout family in Guadalupe de Zacatecas, he entered the Jesuits in 1911 but three years later fled to Granada, Spain, because of religious persecution in Mexico. He was ordained in Belgium in 1925. He immediately returned to Mexico, where he served a Church forced to go “underground.” He celebrated the Eucharist clandestinely and ministered the other sacraments to small groups of Catholics. 1927 Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro A third operation mitigated the pain a little, but Fr. Pro's debilitation was now so alarming that his superiors sent him to the Riviera, to a pension for sick priests at Hyeres (...) Before leaving (Mexico), Miguel asked for and received permission to visit Lourdes. Counting the day of his visit as one of the happiest in his life, Miguel wrote, "I was at the feet of my Mother and...I felt very deeply within myself her blessed presence and action...for me, going to Lourdes meant finding my heavenly Mother, speaking to her, praying to her -- and I found her, spoke to her, prayed to her." He and his brother Roberto were arrested on trumped-up charges of attempting to assassinate Mexico’s president. Roberto was spared but Miguel was sentenced to face a firing squad on November 23, 1927. His funeral became a public demonstration of faith. He was beatified in 1988. St. Cecilia
patroness of music Cecilia gave burial to the three bodies,
and then she in turn was called on to repudiate her
faith. Instead she converted those who came to induce
her to sacrifice; and when Pope Urban visited her
at home he baptized over 400 persons there: one of them, Gordian,
a man of rank, established a church in her house, which Urban
later dedicated in her name. When she was eventually brought
into court, Almachius argued with Cecilia at some length, and
was not a little provoked by her attitude she laughed in his face
and tripped him up in his words. At length she was sentenced
to be suffocated to death in the bathroom of her own house.
But though the furnace was
fed with seven times its normal amount of
fuel, Cecilia remained for a day and a night
without receiving any harm, and a soldier was sent to
behead her. He struck at her neck three times, and then
left her lying. She was not dead and lingered three days, during
which the Christians flocked to her side and she formally made
over her house to Urban and committed her household to his
care. She was buried next to the papal crypt in the catacomb
of St Callistus. This well-known story, familiar to and loved by Christians for many ages, dates back to about the end of the fifth century, but unfortunately can by no means be regarded as trustworthy or even founded upon authentic materials. It must be regretfully admitted that of St Valerian and St Tiburtius nothing beyond the fact of their martyrdom, place of burial (the Praetextatus cemetery) and date of commemoration (April 14) is certainly known St Cecilia perhaps owed her original cultus to her specially honourable place of burial as foundress of a church, tile titulus Caeciliae. Nor are we any better informed about when she lived. The dates suggested for her martyrdom vary from 177 (de Rossi) to the middle of the fourth century (Kellner).
4th v. St. Maur,
Bishop & Martyr At Verona, St. Maur, bishop and confessor.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today November 20 2016martyred during the Diocletian persecution when he was Bishop of Parenzo, Croatia. In 6th v. his body was transferred first into the city's cathedral and then to chapel near the baptistry of the Lateran basilica by Pope John IV. 496 St. Gelasius I, Pope Roman African son of Valerius learning justice holiness charity; 492 496 Pope St. Gelasius I feast Nov 21 conspicuous for his spirit of prayer, penance, and study. He took great delight in the company of monks, and was a true father to the poor; Gelasius I, Pope (RM) Born in Rome; died there on November 21, 496. Born in Rome the son of an African named Valerius, Pope Gelasius I, ruled the papal see from 492 to 496. Prior to his elevation on March 1, 492, he had been secretary to the two previous popes (Saint Felix II and Saint Simplicius), and as a pope he still liked to dash off letters in his own hand--many of which still exist. Although he governed the Church for only four years, eight months, and 18 days, he showed himself a vigorous, active, and capable pontiff--in fact, one of the greatest in a century of great popes-- and a great Christian. According to Dionysius Exiguus, Gelasius was known for his holiness, justice, charity to the poor, and learning. Facundus of Hermione wrote a few years after the pope's death, "He was famous over the whole world for his learning, and the sanctity of his life." Gelasius ordered the reception of the Eucharist in both forms, thus opposing the Manichaeans, who preached that wine was impure and sinful. Among many rules which he established for the ministers of the church, Gelasius declares that its revenues are to be exactly divided into four parts: one is for the bishop, another for his clergy, the third for the poor, and the fourth for building. He also attempted to suppress simony. 1193 St. Albert of Louvain maratyred Cardinal knight son of Duke Godfrey III; Albert of Louvain BM (RM) (also known as Albert of Brabant) Born at Mont César, Louvain, in 1166; died November 24, 1192; cultus confirmed 1613. Albert, son of Duke Godfrey III of Brabant and his wife Margaret of Limburg, was raised for a life in the Church in a castle on what is now called Mont-César. At age 12 he was made a canon of Liège, but renounced his benefice when he came of age. At age 21, Albert attached himself as a knight to the entourage of his enemy Count Baldwin V of Brabant. When the papal legate preached the crusade in Liège a few months later, Albert took up the cross, and at the same time took up his canonry again. He never participated in the crusade, instead the subdeacon was quickly promoted to archdeacon, then provost. In 1191 (age 25), Albert was overwhelmingly chosen bishop of Liège by the chapter over another archdeacon, Albert of Rethel, who was cousin to Baldwin and the uncle of Empress Constance. His election was opposed by Emperor Henry VI who favored his wife's uncle. When the cause was heard at Worms, the emperor gave the see to Lothaire, provost of Bonn, whom he had just made imperial chancellor in return for 3,000 marks. In order to appeal to Rome, Saint Albert had to travel circuitously and covertly under the guise of a servant so as to avoid interception by the emperor's men. Following Pope Celestine III's confirmation of the election, Albert returned to Liège, but found Lothaire already intruded in the see and that Archbishop Bruno of Cologne was unwilling to incur the wrath of the emperor by consecrating Albert. Meanwhile the pope had made arrangements for Archbishop William of Rheims to ordain and consecrate Albert. This was accomplished at Rheims on September 29, 1192. 1000 St.
Bernward
tutor Benedictine from a Saxon
family At Hildesheim
in Saxony, St. Bernard, bishop and confessor,
who was numbered among the saints by Pope Celestine
III.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today November 19 2016(also known as Berward) Born c. 960; died at Hildesheim, ; canonized 1193 by Pope Celestine III. Bernward was made an imperial chaplain and tutor to the child-emperor, Otto III, over whose subsequent career the influence of Bernward had a strong though insufficient effect. In 993 he was elected bishop of Hildesheim, where he built the great church and monastery of St Michael and ruled his see with prudence and ability. St Bernward had always been a great amateur of ecclesiastical art and his name is particularly remembered in connection with all kinds of metal-work; as bishop of a wealthy see he had ample opportunity and means of promoting good work and encouraging good workmen. Moreover his biographer, Thangmar, who had formerly been his preceptor, states that St Bernward himself was a painter and metal-worker and spent much time in the exercise of these arts. Several very beautiful pieces of metal-work at Hildesheim are attributed to his hands. 1212 St. Felix of Valois Hermit co-founder of the Trinitarians; a religious order dedicated to ransoming Christian slaves who were captured during the Crusades: Pope Innocent III, who not only gave his approval but also gave the founders a habit for their order: white, with a red and blue cross. John and Felix then returned to France, where their hermitage was renamed Cerfroid, in memory of the deer which had appeared there. 1242 St. Edmund Rich Archbishop of Canterbury battled for discipline and justice. When Cardinal Olt became a papal legate with the patronage of King Henry, Edmund protested. A long-lasting feud between Edmund, the king, and his legate led him to resigning his see in 1240. He went to Pontigny, France, where he became a Cistercian. He died at Soissons, on November 16. Edmund was canonized in 1246 or 1247. A hall in Oxford bears his name. 1439 Blessed Ambrose Traversari Renaissance scholar attempted reunification Eastern & Western Churches OSB Cam. In 1431 this long and undisturbed period of worship, study and intellectual activity was brought to a sudden end, when Pope Eugenius IV appointed Bd Ambrose abbot general of the Camaldolese Order, with instructions to carry out certain reforms of urgent necessity. This he did with considerable vigour, and his own diary survives as evidence of the need for reform and the extraordinary difficulties with which the abbot visitor had to contend, not always successfully. Later the Holy See entrusted to him similar duties in respect of the Vallumbrosan monks. The researches which Bd Ambrose carried out in the libraries of the monasteries he had to visit still further commended him to the pope, and when in 1434 Eugenius fled from Rome and took refuge at Florence he attached Ambrose to his person. In the following year he was one of the papal envoys to the troublesome council at Basic, where he strongly defended the rights of the Holy See and warned the extremists against the sin of schism. Bd Ambrose showed himself an admirable minister, particularly efficient in keeping the pope supplied with accurate information about persons and events. 1837 St. Francis Xavier Can; native Vietnam Martyr born in Sou-Ming, he worked as a catechist with the priests of the Foreign Missions of Paris. Arrested and refusing to deny the faith, Francis Xavier was strangled in prison. He was canonized in 1988. 1922 Blessed Maria Fortunata Viti: Patronage against poverty, against temptations, impoverishment, insanity, loss of parents, mental illness, mentally ill people, poverty. Also known as: Anna Felice Viti Maria, born 1827 in
Veroli, Italy as Anna Felice Viti where she died of natural
causes, raised
her siblings after her mother's early death,
then became a Benedictine nun. Had a great devotion to
the Blessed Sacrament. Daughter of Luigi Viti, a gambler
and heavy drinker, and Anna Bono, who died when Anna was
fourteen. Raised her eight siblings after her mother's death,
often working as a domestic servant to support them. Joined
the Benedictines at the San Maria de’Franconi monastery in
Veroli, Italy on 21 March 1851 at age 24, taking the name Sister
Maria Fortunata. She was over 70 years in the Order, her days
spent spinning, sewing, washing, mending - and praying the
whole time. Sister Maria never learned to read or write, and
never held any position in her house, but she had a great devotion
to the Blessed Sacrament, and whole generations of nuns and local
lay people learned from her quiet, humble, happy, prayerful
example.
Beatified 8 October 1967 by Pope
Paul VI Canonization pending;
At Samaria
in Palestine, the holy prophet Abdias.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today November 18 2016This name is the Greek
form of the Hebrew `Obhádhyah, which
means "the servant [or worshipper] of Yahweh".
The fourth and shortest of the minor prophetical books
of the Old Testament (it contains only twenty-one verses)
is ascribed to Abdias. In the title of the book it is usually
regarded as a proper name. Some recent scholars, however, think
that it should be treated as an appellative, for, on the
one hand, Holy Writ often designates a true prophet under
the appellative name of "the servant of Yahweh", and on the
other, it nowhere gives any distinct information concerning the
writer of the work ascribed to Abdias. It is true that in the absence
of such authoritative information Jews and Christian traditions
have been freely circulated to supply its place; but it remains
none the less a fact that "nothing is known of Abdias; his
family, station in life, place of birth, manner of death, are
equally unknown to us" (Abbé Trochon, Les petits
prophètes, 193). The only thing that may be
inferred from the work concerning its author is that he belonged
to the Kingdom of Juda.
236 ST PONTIAN, POPE AND MARTYR was pope from July 21, to September 28, 235. PONTIAN, who is said to have been Roman, followed St Urban I as bishop of Rome about the year 230. The only known event of his pontificate is the synod held at Rome that confirmed the condemnation already pronounced at Alexandria of certain doctrines attributed to Origen. At the beginning of the persecution by the Emperor Maximinus the pope was exiled to Sardinia, an island described as nociva, "unhealthy“, whereby perhaps the mines were meant; here he resigned his office. How much longer he lived and the manner of his death are not known: traditionally life was beaten out of him with sticks. The Assembly of a Council
in Rome because of the Feast of Theophany
and Lent.
On this day also a holy
council assembled in Rome in the days of
Victor, Pope of Rome and Anba Demetrius, Pope
of Alexandria. The reason for the assembly of this council
was because the Christians used to celebrate the Epiphany,
then start 40 days of fasting on the following day and end the
fast on the 22nd day of the month of Amshir. After a few days
they would fast the Passion week, then celebrate the honorable
feast of the Resurrection.
When St. Demetrius the Patriarch was chosen for the Alexandrian throne, God illumined his mind with divine grace. He studied the church books and interpreted most of them. He formulated the basis for calculating the days of the fast and the changeable feasts which we celebrate to the present time. He sent copies of it to Abba Victor, Patriarch of Rome; Abba Maximus, Patriarch of Antioch; and Abba Agapius, Bishop of Jerusalem. When Abba Victor received this message he read it and appreciated it very much. He gathered fourteen of his learned bishops and many of the learned priests. They examined it, accepted it, and spread it in their countries. Since then the holy fast and the feast of Resurrection have been regulated as they are now in our Coptic Orthodox Church. Glory be to our Lord forever. Amen. 1231 St Elizabeth of Hungary, Widow; a reputation for miracles. At Marburg in Germany, the death of St. Elizabeth, widow, daughter of King Andrew of Hungary, and member of the Third Order of St. Francis. After a life spent in the performance of works of piety, she went to heaven, having a reputation for miracles. 1907 Saint Raphael Kalinowski: sentence to ten years forced labor in the Siberian salt mines; part of his sentence was spent in Irkutsk where his relics recently sanctified a new cathedral: Enthusiastic parish priest, he spent countless hours with his parishioners in the confessional. In 1863 he supported the Polish insurrection. He resigned from the Russian army and became the rebellion's minister of war for the Vilna region; he took the commission with the understanding that he would never hand out a death sentence or execute a prisoner. Arrested by Russian authorities on 25 March 1864. In June 1864 he was condemned to death for his part in the revolt, but the authorities feared they would be creating a political martyr, and commuted his sentence to ten years forced labor in the Siberian salt mines; part of his sentence was spent in Irkutsk where his relics recently sanctified a new cathedral. Released in 1873, he was exiled from his home region in Lithuania. Moved to Paris, France, and worked as a tutor for three years. In 1877 he finally answered the long-heard call to the religious life, and joined the Carmelite Order at Graz, Austria, taking the name Raphael. Studied theology in Hungary, then joined the Carmelite house at Czama, Poland. Ordained on 15 January 1882. Worked to restore the Discalced Carmelites to Poland, and for church unity. Founded a convent at Wadowice, Poland, c.1889. Worked with Blessed Alphonsus Mary Marurek. Noted spiritual director of both Catholics and Orthodox. Enthusiastic parish priest, he spent countless hours with his parishioners in the confessional. Born 1835 at Vilna, Russian Poland (modern Vilnius, Lithuania) as Joseph Kalinowski Died 15 November 1907 at Wadowice, Poland of natural causes Beatified 22 June 1983 at Cracow, Poland by Pope John Paul II Canonized 17 November 1991 by Pope John Paul II Dedication
of St. Peter and Paul In 1506 Pope Julius II inaugurated
a new building, designed by Bramante, whose
erection was carried on over a period of a hundred
and twenty years, undergoing many alterations, additions
and modifications at the hands of various popes and architects,
especially Paul V
and Michelangelo. The new basilica of St Peter, as we see it
today, was consecrated by Pope Urban VIII on November 18, 1626,
the day of its original dedication. The high altar was set up over
the Apostle’s resting-place, which until 1942 had been inaccessible for many centuries. Though St Peter’s
must always yield in dignity to the cathedral of St John Lateran,
it has nevertheless for long been the most important church of
the world, both in fact and in the hearts of Catholic Christians. The martyrdom of St Paul took place some seven miles
from that of St Peter at Aquae Salviae (now called Tre Fontane)
on the Ostian Way. He was buried about two miles from there, on
the property of a lady named Lucina, in a small vault. Early in
the third century, according to Eusebius (Hist.
ecci., ii, 25, 7), a Roman priest, Caius, refers to the tombs
of SS. Peter and Paul: “I can show you the trophies [tombs] of the
apostles. If you go to the Vatican or on the road to Ostia you will
see the trophies of those who founded this church.” Constantine is said
to have begun a basilica here too, but the great church of St Paul-outside-the-Walls
was principally the work of the Emperor Theodosius’ I and Pope St
Leo the Great. It remained in its primitive beauty and simplicity till
the year 1823, when
it was consumed by fire. The whole world contributed to its restoration,
non-Christians as well as non-Catholics sending gifts and contributions.
During the course of the work the fourth-century tomb was found, with
the inscription PAULO APOST MART: To Paul,
apostle and martyr; it was not opened. Pope Pius IX consecrated
the new basilica, on the lines of the old one, on December 10, 1854,
but the annual commemoration was appointed for this day, as the Roman
Martyrology records.
588
St. Frigidian
of Lucca B (RM) (also known as
Frediano, Frigdianus) Miraculously, the
river followed him;
St. Frigidian arrived in Italy on a pilgrimage to Rome
and decided to settle as a hermit on Mount Pisano. In
566, he was elected bishop of Lucca and was persuaded
by Pope John II to accept the position. Even thereafter,
the saint frequently left the city to spend many days
in prayer and solitude. As bishop he formed the clergy
of the city into a community of canons regular and rebuilt
the cathedral after it had been destroyed by fire by the Lombards.
952 St. Odo
spread Cluny's influence to monasteries; In
936 St Odo made his first visit to Rome, called
thither by Pope Leo VII.
Hugh of Provence, who called himself king of Italy
and who had considerable respect for St Odo, and it
was to try to conclude a peace between him and Alberic,
“Patrician of the Romans”, that Odo had been summoned, was
besieging the city. His first, temporary success was the negotiation
of a marriage between Alberic and Hugh’s daughter. At the abbey
of St Paul- outside- the- Walls he “regulated the spiritual life
of the monastery in an apostolic way and by his words kindled
faith, piety and love of truth in all hearts.” The spirit of Cluny
had been carried beyond the borders of France, and the influence
of St Odo was felt in the monasteries of Monte Cassino, Pavia, Naples,
Salerno and elsewhere in Italy. In the year 942 St Odo went to Rome for the last
time, and on his return called at the monastery of St Julian
at Tours. After assisting at the solemnities of the feast of his
patron, St Martin, he took to his bed, and died on November 18.
One of his last actions was to compose a hymn, still extant, in honour
of St Martin. In spite of his full and very active life St Odo found
time to write, as well as another hymn and twelve metrical
antiphons for St Martin, three books of moral essays, a Life of St
Gerald of Aurillac, and a long epic poem on the Redemption. There is
also a tradition, mentioned by all his biographers, that he wrote
several works on ecclesiastical music; but they have not come down
to us, though some falsely
bear his name.
265 St.
Dionysius
of Alexandria Bishop of Alexandria;
the Great. St Dionysius
of Alexandria, Bishop and Educator
265 At Alexandria,
St. Denis, bishop, a man of very great learning.
In the time of Emperors Valerian and Gallienus, renowned
for often having confessed the faith, and illustrious
for the various sufferings and torments he had endured,
full of days he rested in peace a confessor.
St Dionysius took part also in the controversy about baptisms by heretics, in which he seems to have inclined to the view that such baptisms were invalid but followed the practice directed by Pope St Stephen I {254-246}. This indefatigable bishop also had to proceed against some of his brethren in the Pentapolis who professed Sabellianism. In writing against them he vented opinions that caused him to be delated to his namesake, Pope St Dionysius. The pope wrote expounding the bishop’s errors, whereupon he published an explanation of his teaching. Then the Church was rent by the schism formed by Novatian against Pope St Cornelius. The antipope sent him a request for his support, and St Dionysius answered, “You ought to have suffered all things rather than have caused a schism in the Church. To die in defence of its unity would be as glorious as laying down one’s life for its faith in my opinion, more glorious because here the safety of the whole Church is concerned. If you bring your brethren back to union your fault will be forgotten. If you cannot gain others, at least save your own soul.” In opposition to the heresy of Novatian, who denied to the Church the power of remitting certain sins, he ordered that communion should be refused to no one that asked it in the right dispositions at the hour of death. 270 St. Gregory
Thaumaturgus (means the wonderworker);
miracles first recorded vision of Our Lady St.
Gregory Thaumaturgus (means the wonderworker)
first recorded vision of Our Lady
At Neocaesarea in Pontus,
the birthday of St. Gregory, bishop and confessor, illustrious
for his learning and sanctity. The signs and
miracles which he wrought to the great glory of the Church gained
for him the surname Wonderworker.
Gregory of Nyssa and his brother Basil learned much of
what was currently said about the Wonderworker from their
grandmother, St Macrina, who was born in Neocaesarea about
the time of his death. St Basil says that the whole tenor
of his life expressed the height of evangelical fervour. In
his devotion he showed the greatest reverence and recollection
and never covered his head at prayer, and he loved simplicity and
modesty of speech: “yea” and “nay” were the measure of his
ordinary conversation. He abhorred lies and falsehood; no
anger or bitterness ever appeared in his words or behaviour.
Such were his signs and wonders that
both friends and enemies of the truth looked
on him as another Moses.”
*{* Alban Butler narrates the famous miraculous removal of a
great stone, which in the Dialogues of St Gregory the Great
becomes a mountain. When the feast of St Gertrude was to
be added to the Western calendar in 1738 it was found that
her dies natalis coincided, with that of St Gregory.
Clement XII thought that even a pope should
not himself move a saint who moved mountains, and St Gertrude’s
feast was assigned to the 15th.}
During this time, the heresy
of Sabellius and Paul of Samosata began
to spread. They taught falsely concerning the
Holy Trinity. St Gregory prayed fervently and diligently
imploring God and His most pure Mother to reveal to him
the true faith. The All-Holy Virgin Mary appeared to him,
radiant like the sun, and with Her was the Apostle John the
Theologian dressed in archepiscopal vestments.
By the command of the Mother of God, the Apostle
John taught the saint how to correctly and properly confess
the Mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. St Gregory wrote down
everything that St John the Theologian revealed to him. The Mystery
of the Symbol of the Faith, written down by St Gregory of Neocaesarea,
is a great divine revelation in the history of the Church.
The teaching about the Holy Trinity in Orthodox Theology is based
on it. Subsequently it was used by the holy Fathers of the Church:
Basil the Great, Gregory the
Theologian, and Gregory of Nyssa. The Symbol of St Gregory
of Neocaesarea was later examined and affirmed in the
year 325 by the First Ecumenical Council, showing his enduring
significance for Orthodoxy.
Saint Macrina the Elder heard Gregory
preach many times in her youth, and passed his wisdom onto her
grandsons Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory of Nyssa.
Noted theological writer. 857 Saint Lazarus the Iconographer lived in Constantinople priest led strict ascetic life; painted holy icons fought against all heresy, enduring many afflictions from Nestorians, Eutychians, and iconoclasts. He was saved from execution by the intervention of the empress Theodora. St Lazarus died in the year 857 while returning from Rome, where he had been sent in a delegation on church matters to Pope Benedict III (855-858). His remains were taken to Constantinople and buried in the church of St Evandrus. 1200 St. Hugh
of Lincoln known for his wisdom
and justice abbot of the first English Carthusian
monastery built by King Henry II as part penance for
murder of Thomas Becket; St Hugh in his little garden
was a special attraction to squirrels and birds,
of whom he was very fond and over whom he had
considerable power. {In pictorial representations
of St Hugh his emblem is generally a swan. His chaplain
and biographer assures us that when a bishop he had a
pet wild swan at Stow, one of his manors, which would feed
from his hand, follow him about and keep guard over his bed,
so that it was impossible for anyone to approach the bishop
without being attacked by it Giraldus Cambrensis confirms these
statements.} In the epidemic of Jew-baiting,
which broke out in England at the time of the Third Crusade
St, Hugh was conspicuous in defence of those persecuted.
In his own cathedral at Lincoln, at Stamford, and again at Northampton,
he single-handed faced armed and angry mobs, and cowed and
cajoled them into sparing their hated victims: When his chancellor
pointed out to him that St Martin had cured leprosy by his
touch, St Hugh answered, “St Martin’s kiss healed the leper’s
flesh; but their kiss heals my soul”.
1268 Bl. Salomea princess became a Franciscan tertiary; did her best to make her court a model of Christian life; founding a convent of Poor Clares; 28 yrs a Poor Clare; abbess. She was a nun for twenty-eight years, and was elected abbess of the community. Bd Salome died on November 17, 1268, and her cultus was approved by Pope Clement X. 1628 St. JUAN de Castillo Jesuit. One of the Martyrs of Paraguay Canonized 1988 by Pope John Paul II . 1628 St. Roque Gonzalez de Santa Cruz earliest beatified martyr of America Canonized 1988 by Pope John Paul II . Roch Gonzalez, Aiphonsus Rodriguez, Juan de Castilo - who were slain in missions called “reductions,” including the main site on the Jiuhi River in Paraguay. They were at All Saints Mission there when they were murdered. Pope John Paul II canonized them in 1988. 1628 St Alonso Rodriguez co-founded the "reduction" of the Assumption on the Ijuhi River Canonized 1988 by Pope John Paul II . 1852 BD PHILIPPINE DUCHESNE, VIRGIN St. Ferdinand's Convent, built in 1819 under the supervision of Mother Duchesne. This convent became the first Mother House of the Ladies of the Sacred Heart outside of France; the site of the first Catholic school for Indian girls in the United States; the first free school for girls west of the Mississippi; and the first novitiate for women in the upper Louisianna Territory 1253 St.
Agnes
of Assisi Abbess miracle worker; 1253 ST AGNES OF ASSISI, VIRGIN
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today November 15 2016IN the account of St Clare (August 12) it has been told how she left her parents’ house at Assisi in order to become a nun under the direction of St Francis; and it was mentioned that when she was placed temporarily at the Benedictine convent of Sant’ Angelo di Panzo she was there joined by her sister Agnes, who was then about fifteen years old. In the Chronicle of the Twenty-four Generals there is a circumstantial account of the brutal violence with which her relatives tried to get St Agnes away again and the miracles by which they were thwarted and her determination upheld; but no mention of any such occurrences is made in Pope Alexander IV’s bull of canonization of St Clare. The tomb of St Agnes was made glorious by miracles, and Pope Benedict XIV granted her feast to the Franciscans. A touching letter written by St Agnes to St Clare, after having to leave San Damiano for Monticelli in 1219, is still extant. 450 Saint Eucherius reputation for wisdom and virtue compelled to accept bishopric of Lyons B (RM) Next to Irenaeus, no name has done so great honour to the church of Lyons as that of Eucherius. By birth he was a Gallo-Roman of good position, and he married one called Galla, by whom he had two sons, Salonius and Veranus, whom he placed in the monastery of Lérins they both became bishops and both were venerated as saints. After a time Eucherius himself retired to Lérins. St John Cassian called Eucherius and Honoratus,
Abbot of Lérins, the two models
of that house of saints.
Out of a desire of closer
solitude St Eucherius left Lérins to settle
in the neighbouring island now called Sainte-Marguerite.
There he wrote his book in praise
of the solitary life, which he addressed to
St Hilary of Arles, and to his cousin Valerian
his incomparable exhortation which no one can read without
being inspired with a contempt of the world and quickened
to a strong resolution of making the service of God our only
concern.
1093 St. Margaret
of Scotland English princess holy
civility At
Edinburgh in Scotland, the birthday of St.
Margaret, queen of the Scots and widow, renowned
for her love of the poor and her voluntary poverty.
Her feast is celebrated on the 10th of June.
She foretold the day of her death,
which took place at Edinburgh on 16 Nov., 1093,
her body being buried before the high altar at Dunfermline.
In
1250 Margaret was canonized by Innocent
IV, and her relics were translated on 19 June,
1259, to a new shrine, the base of which is still visible
beyond the modern east wall of the restored church. At
the Reformation her head passed into the possession of
Mary Queen of Scots, and later was secured by the Jesuits at
Douai, where it is believed to have perished during the
French Revolution. According to George Conn, "De
duplici statu religionis apud Scots" (Rome,
1628), the rest of the relics, together with those of Malcolm,
were acquired by Philip II of Spain, and placed in two urns
in the Escorial. When, however, Bishop Gillies of Edinburgh
applied through Pius IX for their restoration
to Scotland, they could not be found. In her position as queen, all Margaret's great influence was thrown into the cause of religion and piety. A synod was held, and among the special reforms instituted the most important were the regulation of the Lenten fast, observance of the Easter communion, and the removal of certain abuses concerning marriage within the prohibited degrees. Her private life was given up to constant prayer and practices of piety. She founded several churches, including the Abbey of Dunfermline, built to enshrine her greatest treasure, a relic of the true Cross. Her book of the Gospels, richly adorned with jewels, which one day dropped into a river and was according to legend miraculously recovered, is now in the Bodleian library at Oxford. She foretold the day of her death, which took place at Edinburgh on 16 Nov., 1093, her body being buried before the high altar at Dunfermline. 1141 Blessed Simeon of Cava, OSB Abbot (AC); Simeon, abbot of La Cava Abbey from 1124 until his death, was highly regarded by Pope Innocent II and Roger II of Sicily. During his abbacy, La Cava in southern Italy reached the height of its fame and splendor (Benedictines). 1242 Saint Edmund Rich taught theology for 8 years canon and treasurer of Salisbury Cathedral very virtuous life experienced heavenly visitations B (RM); At Canterbury in England, St. Edmund, archbishop and confessor, who was sent into exile for having maintained the rights of his church. He died a most holy death at Provins, a town near Sens, and was canonized by Innocent IV. During the few months he was there Edmund lived as one of the community, writing in the scriptorium and preaching in the neighbouring villages. In the summer of 1240 he went for his health to a priory of canons regular at Soissy. Here he died at dawn on Friday, November 16, after raising the excommunication on the Canterbury monks, and sending his hair-shirt to his brother Robert and his camlet cloak and a holy image to his sisters at Catesby. He was buried in the great church at Pontigny, where his body is still enshrined and venerated. St Edmund was canonized six years later, and his feast is kept in nearly every diocese of England and by the Cistercians, as well as at Meaux and Sens. 1302
St. Gertrude
Gertrude
the Great,
Virgin Patroness of the West Indies; St. Gertrude Virgin
Patroness of the West Indies;
Our Lord wishes people to pray for
the souls in purgatory. He once showed Gertrude
a table of gold on which were many costly pearls.
The pearls were prayers for the holy souls.
At the same time the saint had a vision of souls freed from
suffering and ascending in the form of bright sparks to heaven.
In one favorite passage, Our Lord tells
Gertrude that he longs for someone to ask Him to
release souls from purgatory, just as a king who imprisons
a friend for justice's sake hopes that someone will beg for
mercy for his friend. Jesus ends with:
"I accept with highest pleasure what is offered to Me for the poor souls, for I long inexpressibly to have near Me those for whom I paid so great a price. By the prayers of thy loving soul, I am induced to free a prisoner from purgatory as often as thou dost move thy tongue to utter a word of prayer."To her was granted the privilege of seeing our Lord's Sacred Heart. The graces flowing from it appeared like a stream of purest water flowing over the whole world. These visions continued until the end of her life. Jesus said to her at the last: "Come, my chosen one, and I will place
in you My throne."
Saint Gertrude was "the Great" because of her single-hearted love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the souls in purgatory. Though she was never formally canonized, Pope Clement XII in 1677 directed that her feast be observed throughout the Church. It is interesting to note that Saint Teresa of Avila had a great devotion to Gertrude (Attwater, Benedictines, Delaney, Encyclopedia, Martindale, Melady, White) The characteristic of St. Gertrude's piety is her devotion to the Sacred Heart, the symbol of that immense charity which urged the Word to take flesh, to institute the Holy Eucharist, to take on Himself our sins, and, dying on the Cross, to offer Himself as a victim and a sacrifice to the Eternal Father (Congregation of Rites, 3 April, 1825). 1544 Bd Lucy Of Narni, Virgin; received the stigmata, and a sensible participation in sufferings of the Passion, which happened, accompanied by loss of blood, every Wednesday and Friday for the three years that she remained at Viterbo; at Viterbo Bd Lucy received the stigmata, and when to these were added a sensible participation in the sufferings of the Passion, which happened, accompanied by loss of blood, every Wednesday and Friday for the three years that she remained at Viterbo, her state could not be concealed. She was examined, skeptically enough, by the local inquisitor, by the Master of the Sacred Palace, by a Franciscan bishop, and by the physician of the pope himself, Alexander VI. They were all convinced of the genuineness of the phenomena. Finally Count Peter came to see he was convinced too, and is said in consequence to have joined the Friars Minor. 1885 Saint Joseph Mkasa prefect of the royal pages of Uganda M (RM); Profile Kayozi clan. Major-domo to King Mwanga of Uganda, and captain of the king's pages. Convert, joining on 15 November 1885. Rebuked the 18 year old king for his dissolute lifestyle, his drinking, his advances to the male court pages, and the martyrdom of Anglican missionary bishop James Hannington. Not the first Christian killed in Uganda, but the first Catholic martyr in the country. One of the Martyrs of Uganda who died in the Mwangan persecutions. Born 1860 at Buganda, Uganda Died beheaded on 15 November 1885 at Nakivubo, Uganda; his body was burned Name Meaning whom the Lord adds (Joseph) Canonized 18 October 1964 by Pope Paul VI at Rome, Italy Italy, noted for medical research. Joseph gave his wages and skills to caring for the sick and the poor and was a model of piety and faith. He was beatified in 1975 and canonized in 1987. 1927 St.
Joseph
Moscati Celebrated physician of
Naples a model of piety and faith long periods
of reflective prayer ; Giuseppe
Moscati (RM) (also known as Joseph Moscati) Born
in Benevento, Italy, 1860; beatified in 1975; canonized
in 1987 by Pope John Paul II. Saint Giuseppe studied
medicine at the University of Naples and later joined the
school's medical faculty. His work led to the modern study
of biochemistry. But Giuseppe was not canonized because
he had a great scientific mind; rather his vow of chastity
and loving care of the incurables at Santa Maria del Populo
drew him to a life of sanctity. His charity was further proven
during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 1906 and the cholera
outbreak in 1911. Throughout his professional life he continued
his medical research to relieve suffering, not to earn acclaim
or wealth. He regularly withdrew for long periods of reflective
prayer. Three years after his death, his relics were translated
to the church of Gesu Nuovo (Farmer).
1135
St. Leopold
Known for his piety and
charity founded three monasteries; At Klosterneuburg, near Vienna
in Austria, St. Leopold, margrave of that province
of Austria. He was placed on the canon of the
saints by Pope Innocent VIII.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today November 14 20161280 St. Albert the Great Patron of Scientists a Church great intellect very learned in biblical studies and theology; At Cologne, St. Albert, surnamed the Great, bishop and confessor of the Order of Preachers, renowned for his holiness and learning. Pope Pius XI appointed him as Doctor of the universal Church, and Pius XII appointed him as heavenly patron of those studying the natural sciences. 1544 Blessed Lucy Brocolelli of Narni When five she had a vision of Our Lady; two years later, Our Lady came with Saint Dominic, who gave her the scapular OP V Lucy went to Viterbo and joined a group of Third Order sisters. She tried very hard to hide her spiritual favors, because they complicated her life wherever she went. She had the stigmata visibly, and she was usually in ecstasy, which meant a steady stream of curious people who wanted to question her, investigate her, or just stare at her. Even the sisters were nervous about her methods of prayer. Once they called in the bishop, and he watched with them for 12 hours, while Lucy went through the drama of the Passion. The bishop hesitated to pass judgment and called in the inquisition. From here, she was referred directly to the pope. After talking to her, the pope pronounced in her favor and told her to go home and pray for him. Here the hard-pressed Pietro had his final appearance in Lucy's life. He made a last effort to persuade Lucy to change her plans and come back to him. Finally he decided to become a Franciscan, and, in later years, he was a famous preacher. It is hard to understand how anyone not a saint could have so long endured such a life. Lucy's only friends during her 39 years of exile were heavenly ones; the Dominican, Catherine of Racconigi, sometimes visited her--evidently by bi-location--and her heavenly friends often came to brighten her lonely cell. Lucy was buried without honors, but miracles occurring at her tomb soon made it necessary to transfer her relics to a more accessible place. She was reinterred, first in the monastery church, then in the cathedral (Dorcy). 1794 Venerable Paisius Velichkovsky archimandrite Neamts Monastery spent last 15 years of his life translating writings of the Holy Fathers organized
community according to Typikon (Rule) of
Mt Athos gathered a thousand monks in the monastery,
instructing them in unceasing prayer of the heart
holy relics of St Paisius were uncovered in
St Paisius fell asleep in the Lord on November 15, 1794 at the age of seventy-two. It is possible that God revealed the date of his death to him beforehand, for he stopped translating books. He only reviewed and corrected what had already been translated. He was ill for four days, but felt well enough to attend the Liturgy on Sunday. After the service, he asked everyone to come and receive his blessing. He said farewell to them all, then returned to his cell and would not receive anyone. A few days later, on November 15, he received the Holy Mysteries again and surrendered his soul to God. His funeral was conducted by Bishop Benjamin of Tuma, and was attended by multitudes of priests, monks, laymen, nobles and ordinary people. The holy relics of St Paisius were uncovered in 1846, 1853, 1861 and 1872, and were found to be incorrupt. St Paisius has had an enormous influence, not only in Romania, but throughout the Orthodox world. His disciples traveled to Russia, sparking the spiritual revival of the nineteenth century with Slavonic translations of the PHILOKALIA and the tradition of eldership which they had learned from St Paisius. This influence has been felt even in America through St Herman of Alaska (December 13). St Herman was taught by Elders whose spiritual formation was guided by St Paisius. He first met Fr Nazarius, who became his Elder at Valaam, at Sarov, then followed him to Sanaxar when St Theodore (February 19) was their igumen. One of the books that St Herman brought with him to America was the Slavonic PHILOKALIA, printed in 1794. He absorbed the spiritual wisdom that it contained, and imparted it to others. 1180 St. Lawrence
O'Toole Augustinian archbishop
of Dublin 1172 convened a synod at Cashel General
Lateran Council in Rome in 1179 unbounded charity
Corpus on the Crucifix before the kneeling prelate spoke
papal legate many miracles were reported at his tomb
fought against King Henry II
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today November 13 2016Apostle Philip The Holy and All-praised profound knowledge of Holy Scripture, rightly discerning meaning of the Old Testament prophecies, he awaited the coming of the Messiah. Among those healed was the wife of the city prefect, Amphipatos. Having learned that his wife had accepted Christianity, the prefect Amphipatos gave orders to arrest St Philip, his sister, and the Apostle Bartholomew traveling with them. At the urging of the pagan priests of the temple of the serpent, Amphipatos ordered the holy Apostles Philip and Bartholomew to be crucified. Suddenly, an earthquake struck, and it knocked down all those present at the place of judgment. Hanging upon the cross by the pagan temple of the serpent, the Apostle Philip prayed for those who had crucified him, asking God to save them from the ravages of the earthquake. Seeing this happen, the people believed in Christ and began to demand that the apostles be taken down from the crosses. The Apostle Bartholomew was still alive when he was taken down, and he baptized all those believing and established a bishop for them. But the Apostle Philip, through whose prayers everyone remained alive, except for Amphipatos and the pagan priests, died on the cross. Mariamne his sister buried his body, and went with the Apostle Bartholomew to preach in Armenia, where the Apostle Bartholomew was crucified (June 11); Mariamne herself then preached until her own death at Lykaonia. The holy Apostle Philip is not to be confused with St Philip the Deacon (October 11), one of the Seventy. 1240 Saint Serapion of Algiers converted moors with help of Peter Nolasco and Saint Raymond Nonnatus, O. Merc. IN 1728 Pope Benedict XIII approved the cultus of this little-known martyr, who is said to have been born in England. The story goes that he became a soldier in the service of Alfonso IX of Castile, and then joined the newly founded Mercedarian Order for the redemption of captives. He is supposed to have visited the British Isles to gain recruits for it, but without much success. He went among the Moors of Murcia and obtained the release of some Christian slaves, and then went to Algiers to negotiate for more. Here he was kept as hostage for the payment of the balance of the ransom, and employed his time in preaching to the Mohammedans, among whom he made several conversions. This angered the Moors, and after cruel ill-treatment Bd Serapion was nailed to a cross and cut to pieces. 1391 Saints Nicholas Tavelic and Deodat, Peter of Narbonne and Stephen of Cuneo are the only Franciscans martyred in the Holy Land to be canonized; Nicholas and his three companions are among the 158 Franciscans who have been martyred in the Holy Land since the friars became custodians of the shrines in 1335. 1511 Blessed John Liccio, Dominican habit 96 years; cured the sick when he was a baby; reciting daily Office of the Blessed Virgin Office of the Dead, and the Penitential Psalms as a child frequently in ecstasy withered hand made whole; cured 3 people whose heads were crushed by accidents OP (AC St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin St. Frances
was born in Lombardi, Italy in 1850, one of
thirteen children. At eighteen, she desired
to become a Nun, but poor health stood in her way.
She helped her parents until their death, and then
worked on a farm with her brothers and sisters.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today November 12 2016One day a priest asked her to teach in a girls' school and she stayed for six years. At the request of her Bishop, she founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart to care for poor children in schools and hospitals. Then at the urging of Pope Leo XIII she came to the United States with six nuns in 1889 to work among the Italian immigrants. Filled with a deep trust in God and endowed with a wonderful administrative ability, this remarkable woman soon founded schools, hospitals, and orphanages in this strange land and saw them flourish in the aid of Italian immigrants and children. At the time of her death, at Chicago, Illinois on December 22, 1917, her institute numbered houses in England, France, Spain, the United States, and South America. In 1946, she became the first American citizen to be canonized when she was elevated to sainthood by Pope Pius XII. 444 St. Brice raised by St. Martin of Tours at Marmoutier; At Tours in France, St. Brice, bishop, a disciple of the blessed Bishop Martin. (also known as Brictio, Britius, Brixius); 444 ST BRICE, BISHOP OF TOURS Brice (Britius, Brictio) was brought up by St Martin of Tours at Marmoutier but for long was no credit to his master. He was badly behaved, and contemptuous towards St Martin, who refrained from degrading and dismissing Brice, only lest he should thereby be avoiding a trial sent from God. Moreover, if the story be true, he had already foreseen that the troublesome cleric would be his successor. For while Brice was yet a deacon he had characterized his master as crazy; and when St Martin asked why he thought he was mad, denied his words. But St Martin replied that he had heard them. “Nevertheless”, he said, “I have prayed for you and you shall be bishop of Tours. But you will suffer many adversities in your office.” ; What we know of St Brice is almost entirely derived from Sulpicius Severus’s writings on St Martin and from the popular traditions retailed by St Gregory of Tours. There is, no doubt, much that is perplexing in the story of St Brice, but the matter should be considered in the light of what two specialists have written on the subject see Poncelet in the Analecta Bollandiana, vol. xxx (1911), pp. 88—89, and Delehaye in the same vol. xxxviii (1920), pp. 5—136, especially pp. 105 and 135. The letters of Pope Zosimus will be found summarized in Jaffé-Kaltenbrunner, Regesta Pontificum, nn. 330—331, and the full text in Migne, FL., vol. xx, cc. 650 and 663. In the second of these he expressly declares that Lazarus, the accuser of Brice, was “pro calumniatore damnatus, cum Bricii innocentis episcopi vitam falsis objectionibus appetisset”. It was probably his close connection with St Martin which made St Brice a popular saint both in England and in Italy; in nearly every one of the early English calendars printed by F. Wormald for the Henry Bradshaw Society his name is entered under November 13. 867 St. Nicholas I, Pope served Pope Sergius II deacon under Pope Leo IV trusted adviser to Pope Benedict III elected bishop of Rome still a deacon, and occupied the see with distinguished courage and energy for nine troubled years.(RM) patron of tailors cloth workers; 867 St Nicholas I, Pope; When Nicholas I died on this day in the year 867 after a pontificate of nine years all men of goodwill bewailed his loss, and heavy rains at that time were looked on by the Romans as testimony to the grief of the very heavens, for the dead pope had well deserved the titles “Saint” and “the Great” which succeeding ages bestowed on him. “Since the time of Blessed Gregory [the Great]”, writes a contemporary, “no one comparable with him has been raised to the papal dignity. He gave orders to kings and rulers as though he were lord of the world. To good bishops and priests, to religious lay-people, he was kind and gentle and modest; to evildoers he was terrible and stern. It is rightly said that in him God raised up a second Elias”, and the greatest pope between Gregory I and Hildebrand. 1004
St.
Abbo Monastic abbot; leader, papal
representative calming effect of year 1000. Abbo Of Fleur was a monk among the most conspicuous
for learning in his time and one, moreover,
associated for a short period with our own country.
About the year 971 St Oswald of York,
then bishop of Worcester, founded a monastery at Ramsey
in Huntingdonshire. Oswald had received the Benedictine
habit at Fleury-sur-Loire, and about 986 he received from
that monastery the services of Abbo as director of the school
at Ramsey.
He
filled this office for two years, having himself studied
in the schools of Paris, Rheims and Orleans, and
then returned to Fleury to resume his own studies in
philosophy, mathematics and astronomy. He was not allowed
to pursue these in quietness, for on the death of the governing
abbot he was elected to take his place. But the election
was disputed, and a contest ensued which spread far beyond
the walls of the monastery. It was eventually decided in favour
of Abbo, with the help of Gerbert, who a few
years later was to become pope as Silvester II.At Cremona, in the duchy of Milan, St. Homobonus, confessor, renowned for miracles, whom Innocent III placed among the saints. 1199 Saint Homobonus
of Cremona life of the utmost
rectitude integrity known for his charity
concern for poor devoted profits to relief some he looked
after in his own house (RM); 1197
ST HOMOBONUS: lay saint; honest merchant,
prayer accompanied all his actions; not content with giving
his tenths to the distressed members of Christ, he seemed
to set no bounds to his alms; he sought out the poor in their
homes and, whilst he relieved their corporal necessities,
he exhorted them to a good life; COMMERCE, as Alban Butler
justly remarks, is often looked upon as an occasion of too great attachment
to the things of this world and of too eager a desire of gain, as well as
of lying, fraud and injustice. That these are the vices of men, not the faults
of the profession, is clear from the example of this and other saints. Homobonus
was son of a merchant at Cremona
in Lombardy, who gave him this name (which
signifies “good man”) at baptism. Whilst he trained
his son up to his own mercantile business without
any school education, he inspired in him both by example
and instruction a love of probity, integrity and virtue.
The saint from his childhood abhorred the very shadow
of untruth or injustice. To honesty Homobonus added economy,
care and industry. His business he looked upon as an
employment given him by God, and he pursued it with diligence
and a proper regard to himself, his family and the commonwealth
of which he was a member.
1463 St. Didacus
several miracles restoring
patients eremite kind gentle; At Alcala in Spain,
the birthday of St. Didacus, confessor, a member
of the Order of Friars Minor well known for his humility.
Pope Sixtus V included him in the catalogue of the
saints and his feast is celebrated today. After having lived thus a recluse for some years he was obliged to return to his home, but he soon after went to a convent of the Observant Friar Minors at Arrizafa, and there took the habit among the lay brothers. After his profession he was sent to the mission of his order in the Canary Islands, where he did a great work in instructing and converting the people. Eventually, in 1445 he, though a lay brother was appointed guardian of the chief convent in those islands, called Fuerteventura. After four years he was recalled to Spain, and lived in several friaries about Seville with great fervour and recollection. In the year 1450 a jubilee was celebrated at Rome and, St Bernardino of Siena being canonized at the same time, very many religious of the Order of St Francis were assembled there. Didacus went thither with Father Alonzo de Castro, and at Rome he had to attend his companion during a dangerous illness. His devotion in this duty attracted the notice of his superiors and he was put in charge of the many sick friars who were accommodated in the infirmary of the convent of Ara Caeli. St Didacus was thus engaged for three months, and is said to have miraculously restored some of his patients. He lived for another thirteen years after his return to Spain, chiefly at the friaries of Salcedo and Alcala in Castile.
649-655
Pope
St. Martin I defender of the
faith; buried in the church
of Our Lady, called Blachernæ, near
Cherson
Last martyred
Pope.Sancti Martíni Primi, Papæ et Mártyris, cujus dies natális sextodécimo Kaléndas Octóbris recensétur. The Feast of St. Martin I, pope and martyr, whose birthday is mentioned on the 16th day of September. Many miracles are related wrought by St Martin in life and after death; Pope St. Martin I of noble birth, great student, commanding intelligence, profound learning, great charity to the poor Saint Martin the Confessor, Pope of Rome native of the Tuscany convened Lateran Council at Rome condemn Monothelite heresy; “The saints must be honored as friends of Christ and children and heirs of God, as John the theologian and evangelist says: ‘But as many as received him, he gave them the power to be made the sons of God....’ Let us carefully observe the manner of life of all the apostles, martyrs, ascetics and just men who announced the coming of the Lord. And let us emulate their faith, charity, hope, zeal, life, patience under suffering, and perseverance unto death, so that we may also share their crowns of glory” Exposition of the Orthodox Faith 689 St. Cadwallader king of Saxon peoples; He is also called Cadwalla and Ceadwalla. Born circa 659, Cadwallader became king of the West Saxons in 685 or 686. He expanded his kingdom to Sussex, Surrey, as well as Kent, In 668, he resigned and went to Rome, where he was baptized on Easter eve, by Pope Sergius I. He died a few days later and was entombed in St. Peter's. 773 St. Lebuin Benedictine called Leaf Wine in his native England who worked with St. Boniface. He was a monk at Ripon, England, who went to Germany in 754. There he worked with St. Marchelm among the Frisians. Lebuin went to a pagan gathering at Marklo, where he won the respect of the Westphalian Saxons. 1040 St. Anastasius XIX first Archbishop of Hungary companion of St. Stephen He probably received the habit at Brevnov, taking the name of Anastasius, of which Astrik seems to be an equivalent. Then, when St Adalbert failed to consolidate his position in Bohemia, and left Prague, Astrik Radla went to help the missionaries among the Magyars. He is known to have been in the service of the wife of Duke Geza in 997; and he was almost certainly the first abbot of St Martin's (Pannonhalma), the first ecclesiastical institution of Hungary, founded by Geza. On the duke's death and the accession of his son St Stephen I the evangelization of the Magyars was taken seriously in hand, and St Astrik was active in the work of preaching the gospel and establishing an ecclesiastical organization. In connection with this Stephen sent him to Rome to confer with Pope Silvester II, and soon after his return the sovereign was crowned with a royal crown, granted no doubt at the instance of the Emperor Otto III, in 1001. There is a good case for Radla being the Astrik who was now promoted to be archbishop of the new Hungarian church. 1332 BD JOHN DELLA PACE founder of the Fraticelli delta Penitenza at Pisa was at one time a hermit; ST JAMES DELLA Marca, whose feast is kept on the 28th of this month, was instructed by Pope Callistus III to draw up an account of the life of this holy Franciscan. Unfortunately the document could not be found when his cultus came up for confirmation in 1753, and particulars of his career are few. He belonged to the Ferretti of Ancona and became a friar minor of the Observance when he was eighteen. He was a missioner for fifteen years in the March of Ancona, where he was conspicuous by his holiness and miracles, and was then appointed guardian of the Observants in his native town, It is said that he greatly encouraged among his young friars the use of the devotion called the Franciscan or Seraphic Crown, a rosary in honour of the joys of our Lady, and that her approval of this was marvelously demonstrated. On one occasion Bd Gabriel was reported to St James for some small dereliction of duty. St James, looking rather to the quality of the doer than the smallness of the fault, ordered him to accuse and discipline himself before his community. This Gabriel did cheerfully, and sent a sugar-loaf and a carpet for his church to St James as a token of goodwill. He died at Ancona on November 12, 1456. Pope Pius IX (Mastai-Ferretti) belonged to another branch of Bd Gabriel's family. 1623 St. Josaphat of Polotsk an Eastern Rite bishop martyr; to church unity because he died trying to bring part of the Orthodox Church into union with Rome Vitépsci, in Polónia, pássio sancti Jósaphat, e sancti Basilíi Ordine, Epíscopi Polocénsis et Mártyris; qui a schismáticis, in ódium cathólicæ unitátis et veritátis, crudéliter interféctus est, et a Pio Papa Nono inter sanctos Mártyres adscríptus. Ejus tamen festívitas recólitur décimo octávo Kaléndas Decémbris. At Witebsk in Poland, the martyrdom of St. Josaphat, of the Order of St. Basil, a Polish archbishop and martyr, who was cruelly slain by schismatics through hatred of Catholic unity and truth. He was canonized by Pope Pius IX, and his feast is observed on the 16th of November. In 1054, a formal split called a schism took place between the Eastern Church centered in Constantinople and the Western Church centered in Rome. Trouble between the two had been brewing for centuries because of cultural, political, and theological differences. In 1054 Cardinal Humbert was sent to Constantinople to try and reconcile the latest flare up and wound up excommunicating the patriarch. The immediate problems included an insistence on the Byzantine rite, married clergy, disagreement on whether the Holy Spirit proceeded from the Father and the Son. The split only grew worse from there, centering mostly on whether to except the authority of the Pope and Rome. 1651 Saint Nilus the Myrrh-Gusher of Mt Athos predicted telephone, airplane, submarine warned that people's minds would be clouded by carnal passions, "and dishonor and lawlessness will grow stronger." Men would not be distinguishable from women because of their "shamelessness of dress and style of hair." St Nilus lamented that Christian pastors, bishops and priests, would become vain men, and that the morals and traditions of the Church would change. Few pious and God-fearing pastors would remain, and many people would stray from the right path because no one would instruct them. 295 St. Menuas
Egyptian army of Rome martyr
noted for healing various illnesses, delivering
people from possession by demons, a protector, especially
during times of war. We also ask his help in finding lost
objects. The Roman Martyrology
mentions to-day another ST MENNAS, who was a solitary
in the Abruzzi. He was a Greek from Asia Minor whose
holiness and zeal are spoken of by Pope St Gregory in
his Dialogues.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today November 10
2016As in the came of the great St George, we have here to do with a martyr of whose historical existence, owing to his localized, wide-spread and early cult, we can hardly entertain a doubt, but whose story has been lost and supplied at a later date by deliberate fabrication. Starting from this primitive fiction it has been transmitted to subsequent generations with endless varieties of detail, and translated into many languages, oriental and western. 400 Saint Martin of Tours man came back to life bishop tree fell freeing of prisoners Patron of Soldiers bolt of lightning; 316?-397) If saints, like stars, vary in greatness, St. Martin of Tours is a saint of great magnitude. Although he flourished in ancient times, we know a good deal about him--a further proof of his wide popularity. Martin, together with Pope Saint Siricius and Saint Ambrose, stood against the capital punishment of Priscillian and other heterodox Spaniards by the civil authorities including Ithacius and Emperor Maximus. He believed that the state should not intervene in an ecclesiastical matter. Martin pleaded with Maximus not to execute the heretics but to simply allow them to be excommunicated. November 10, St. Leo the Great (d. 461)
461 St. Leo
the Great was born in Tuscany
persuaded Attila the Hun to turn back at the
very gates of Rome; With apparent
strong conviction of the importance of the Bishop of
Rome in the Church, and of the Church as the ongoing
sign of Christ’s presence in the world, Leo the Great
displayed endless dedication as pope. Elected in 440, he worked tirelessly as "Peter’s successor," guiding fellow bishops as "equals in the episcopacy and infirmities." Leo is known as one of the best administrative popes of the ancient Church. His work branched into four main areas, indicative of his notion of the pope’s total responsibility for the flock of Christ. He worked at length to control the heresies of Pelagianism, Manichaeism and others, placing demands on their followers so as to secure true Christian beliefs. A second major area of his concern was doctrinal controversy in the Church in the East, to which he responded with a classic letter setting down the Church’s teaching on the two natures of Christ. With strong faith, he also led the defense of Rome against barbarian attack, taking the role of peacemaker. In these three areas, Leo’s work has been highly regarded. His growth to sainthood has its basis in the spiritual depth with which he approached the pastoral care of his people, which was the fourth focus of his work. He is known for his spiritually profound sermons. An instrument of the call to holiness, well-versed in Scripture and ecclesiastical awareness, Leo had the ability to reach the everyday needs and interests of his people. One of his sermons is used in the Office of Readings on Christmas. It is said of Leo that his true significance rests in his doctrinal insistence on the mysteries of Christ and the Church and in the supernatural charisms of the spiritual life given to humanity in Christ and in his Body, the Church. Thus Leo held firmly that everything he did and said as pope for the administration of the Church represented Christ, the head of the Mystical Body, and St. Peter, in whose place Leo acted. Comment: At a time when there is widespread criticism of Church structures, we also hear criticism that bishops and priests—indeed, all of us—are too preoccupied with administration of temporal matters. Pope Leo is an example of a great administrator who used his talents in areas where spirit and structure are inseparably combined: doctrine, peace and pastoral care. He avoided an "angelism" that tries to live without the body, as well as the "practicality" that deals only in externals.St. Andrew Avellini, Cleric Regular and confessor ; St. Andrew Avellini, Cleric Regular and confessor At Naples in Campania, the birthday of , celebrated for his sanctity, his zeal in procuring the salvation of souls, and renowned for his miracles. He was inscribed on the catalogue of the Saints by Pope Clement XI. Saint Rodion, or Herodion (April 8), was a kinsman of the Apostle Paul (Romans 16:11); Saint Rodion, or Herodion (April 8), was a kinsman of the Apostle Paul (Romans 16:11), and left the bishop's throne at Patras to go to Rome with the Apostle Peter. St Olympas was also a companion of the Apostle Peter. Sts Rodion and Olympas were beheaded
on the very day and hour when St
Peter was crucified.
627 St. Justus of Canterbury a Roman sent by Pope St. Gregory I the Great in 601 to England aide to St. Augustine; Justus and others were sent as aides to St. Augustine. In 604, Justus was consecrated the first bishop of Rochester. The death of King Ethelbert in 616 caused a rise in paganism, and Justus returned to Rome. In the following year he went back to England and became archbishop of Canterbury in 624. He consecrated St. Paulinus. St Justus himself became archbishop of Canterbury in 624. and Pope Boniface V sent him the pallium, together with a letter delegating the patriarchal right to consecrate bishops in England. In the course of his letter the pope shows what he thinks of Justus: he refers to “the perfection which your work has obtained,” “ to God's promise to be with His servants, which promise His mercy has particularly manifested in your ministry”, and to Justus's “ hope of patience and virtue of endurance. ” “” You must therefore endeavour, my brother ”, he concludes, “ to preserve with unblemished sincerity of mind that which you have received through the favour of the Apostolic See, as an emblem whereof you have obtained so principal an ornament [i.e. the pallium] to be borne on your shoulders .... God keep you in safety, most dear brother. ” St Justus did not long survive his promotion but before his death he consecrated St Paulinus, to accompany Ethelburga of Kent when she went north to marry the heathen Edwin, King of Northumbria, an alliance which was “ the occasion of that nation's embracing the faith ”, as St Bede remarks. The feast of St Justus is kept in the diocese of Southwark. Our knowledge of the doings of
St Justus depends mainly upon the
Ecclesiastical History of
Bede
At Naples in Campania, the birthday of St. Andrew Avellini, Cleric Regular and confessor, celebrated for his sanctity, his zeal in procuring the salvation of souls, and renowned for his miracles. He was inscribed on the catalogue of the Saints by Pope Clement XI. 1608 ST ANDREW AVELLINO number of miraculous happenings recorded in life 5 volumes; devotional writings published at Naples in 1733-1734 there are others still unprinted.
1610 Blessed George
Napper educated at Corpus Christi
College labored in Oxfordshire M (AC);
Weary of imprisonment at the end of that
time, Napper decided to capitulate, and declared his
acceptance of the religious supremacy of the Queen. But
after his release from jail, he became increasingly
ashamed of having given in. Determined to make generous amends
for having rejected the pope, he decided to study for the
Catholic priesthood. God had given him a second chance.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today November 08 2016Crossing the English Channel to Douay in Flanders, he now sought admission to the English College there. Ordained a Catholic secular priest in 1596, he was sent back to England in 1603 and spent the remaining seven years of his life on the mission in his native Oxfordshire. 1854 December 8: Pope Pius IX defines dogma “ Immaculate Conception ” Apostolic Constitution, Ineffabilis Deus. 1858 March 25, Our Lady would confirm that dogma by identifying herself to Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France, as “I am the Immaculate Conception,” that singular privilege that flows from her Divine Maternity announced by the Angel Gabriel. 1846, May 10, - 1847 Our Lady of America Immaculate Conception Patroness of the US. What is God’s plan for the role of Our Lady of America in the redemption of mankind and the renewing of the face of the earth in these troubled times? The story of Our Lady of America truly began on May 10, 1846 when one Archbishop and 22 US Bishops met in Baltimore, MD, the first Catholic diocese in the US, for the 6th Provincial Council of Baltimore. On that date they petitioned Rome to have the Blessed Virgin, under the title of the Immaculate Conception, named as Patroness of these United States, 28 at the time. In 1847 that petition was granted by Pope Pius IX and Mary, under the title of her Immaculate Conception, became Patroness of the US. It was not until eight years later, on December 8, 1854, that Pope Pius IX would define the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in his Apostolic Constitution, Ineffabilis Deus. Less than four years later, on the feast of the Annunciation, March 25, 1858, Our Lady would confirm that dogma by identifying herself to Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France, as “I am the Immaculate Conception,” that singular privilege that flows from her Divine Maternity announced by the Angel Gabriel. Moved by the great devotion to Mary of Bishop John Carroll, the first Catholic bishop of these United States who had placed this young Nation under Mary’s protection, Bishop Thomas J. Shahan, rector of Washington, DC’s Catholic University of America, presented his hope for a national shrine to Mary to Pope Pius X in 1913. The Pope was so enthusiastic about the shrine that he made a personal contribution of $400. Later in 1913 the University actually donated the land so the effort toward construction of the shrine could begin. Father Bernard McKenna of Philadelphia assisted Bishop Shahan and was made the first director of the National Shrine in 1915.
615 618
Pope
St. Deusdedit (Adeodatus I).
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today November 07
2016Date
of birth unknown; consecrated pope,
19 October (13 November), 615; d. 8 November
(3 December), 618; He was
born in Rome, the son of a subdeacon. He is the first priest to be
elected pope since John II in 533. He was a priest for 40
years prior and represents the
second wave of anti-Gregorian challenge
to the papacy, the first being that of Sabinian.
He reversed the practice of his predecessor, Boniface IV, of filling the papal adminstative ranks with monks by recalling the clergy to such positions and by ordaining some 14 priests (the first ordinations in Rome since Pope Saint Gregory). Distinguished for his charity and zeal. He encouraged and supported the clergy, who were impoverished in consequence of the political troubles of the time; and when his diocese was visited by a violent earthquake and the terrible scourge of leprosy he set an heroic example by his efforts to relieve the suffering. Also at Rome, St. Deusdedit, pope, whose merit was so great that he cured a leper by kissing him. Pope from 615-618, also called Adeodatus I. He was the son of a subdeacon, Stephen, born in Rome. Consecrated pope on October 19, 615, he became known for his care of the poor. An earthquake hit Rome in August 618, and he worked tirelessly during the disaster. He was the first pope to use bullae on documents. It is possible that he was originally a Benedictine. 730 St. Willehad Benedictine missionary and bishop native of Northumbria England 789 ST WILLEHAD, Bishop OF BREMEN; WILLEHAD was an Englishman, a native of Northumbria, and was educated probably at York, for he became a friend of Alcuin. After his ordination the spiritual conquests which many of his countrymen had made for Christ, with St Willibrord in Friesland and St Boniface in Germany, seemed a reproach to him, and he also desired to carry the saving knowledge of the true God to some of those barbarous nations. He landed in Friesland about the year 766 and began his mission at Dokkum, the place near which St Boniface and his companions had received the crown of martyrdom in 754. (The Roman Martyrology mistakenly calls St Willehad a disciple of St Boniface.) Having made so little progress among the Frisians St Willehad went to the court of Charlemagne, who in 780 sent him to evangelize the Saxons, whom he had recently subdued. The saint thence proceeded into the country where Bremen now stands, and was the first missionary who passed the Weser; some of his companions got beyond the Elbe. For a short time all went well, but in 782 the Saxons rose in revolt against the Franks. They put to death all missionaries that fell into their hands, and St Willehad escaped by sea into Friesland, whence he took an opportunity of going to Rome and laying before Pope Adrian I the state of his mission. He then passed two years in the monastery of Echternach, founded by St Willibrord, and assembled his fellow labourers whom the war had dispersed; here, too, he made a copy of the letters of St Paul. 1308 Blessed John Duns Scotus one of the most influential Franciscans through the centuries OP; John received the habit of the Friars Minor at Dumfries, where his uncle Elias Duns was superior. After novitiate John studied at Oxford and Paris and was ordained in 1291. More studies in Paris followed until 1297, when he returned to lecture at Oxford and Cambridge. Four years later he returned to Paris to teach and complete the requirements for the doctorate. In an age when many people adopted whole systems of thought without qualification, John pointed out the richness of the Augustinian-Franciscan tradition, appreciated the wisdom of Aquinas, Aristotle and the Muslim philosophers—and still managed to be an independent thinker. That quality was proven in 1303 when King Philip the Fair tried to enlist the University of Paris on his side in a dispute with Pope Boniface VIII. John Duns Scotus dissented and was given three days to leave France. 1840 St. Paul Ngan Vietnamese martyr native priest. Paul was converted to the Catholic faith and became a priest. Seized by enemies of the faith, he was beheaded with four other martyrs. He was canonized in 1988 by Pope John Paul II. St. Martin Tinh 80 and Martin Tho Martyrs of Vietnam. Martin Tinh was an eighty-year-old Vietnamese priest at the time of his death. His companion, Martin Tho, was a tax collector. They were canonized in 1988 by Pope John Paul II. 1840 St. John Baptist Con Martyr of Vietnam He was beheaded after torture by authorities and canonized in 1998 by Pope John Paul II. 1840 St. Joseph Nghi native Martyr of Vietnam He was a native priest of the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris, serving until he was beheaded. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. Blessed Joseph Nghi, Martin Tinh & Martin Tho MM (AC) Born in Tonkin; died 1840; beatified in 1900. 687 to 701 Pope
Saint Sergius I; On April 10, 689, Sergius I baptised King
Caedwalla of Wessex in Rome.
He also ordained Saint
Willibrord as bishop of the Frisians, and the
Liber Pontificalis states he also ordained Berthwald
as Archbishop of Canterbury. Pope
Saint Sergius I (c. 650 – September 8, 701) was pope
from 687 to 701. Selected to end a schism between Antipope
Paschal and Antipope Theodore, Sergius I ended the last
disputed sede vacante
of the Byzantine Papacy.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today November 06
2016In 693, St. Willibrord went to Rome to seek papal approval for his labors, Pope Sergius I (r. 687-701) gave his full approbation and, during Willibrord's second Roman visit, the pontiff consecrated him archbishop to the Frisians, in 696, with his see at Utrecht. 675 St. Gebetrude Third abbess of the Benedictine Abbey of Remiremont; France, also listed as Gertrude. Her cult was approved by Pope St. Leo IX in 1051. 739 St. Willibrord Apostle of Frisians Netherlands missionary archbishop; In Friesland, the death of St. Willibrord, bishop of Utrecht, who was consecrated bishop by blessed Pope Sergius I, and preached the Gospel in Friesland and Denmark. ST WILLIBRORD was born in Northumbria in the year 658, and placed before he was seven years old in the monastery of Ripon, which was at that time governed by St Wilfrid. In his twentieth year he went over to Ireland, where he joined St Egbert and St Wigbert who had gone thither to study in the monastic schools and lead a more perfect life among their monks. In their company he spent twelve years in the study of the sacred sciences. St Egbert was anxious to preach the gospel in northern Germany but was prevented, and his companion Wigbert came back to Ireland after spending two fruitless years on this mission. Thereupon Willibrord, who was then thirty-one, and had been ordained priest a year before, expressed a desire to be allowed to undertake this laborious and dangerous task, and was accordingly sent out with eleven other monks, Englishmen, among whom was St Swithbert. In 715 Radbod regained the
parts of Frisia he had lost, and
undid much of Willibrord’s work, destroying
churches, killing missionaries and inducing many
apostasies. For a time Willibrord retired, but after the
death of Radbod in 719 he was
at full liberty to preach in every part of the country.
He was joined in his apostolical labours by St Boniface,
who spent three years in Friesland before he went into
Germany. Bede says, when he wrote his history in 731, “Willibrord, surnamed Clement,
is still living, venerable in his old
age, having been bishop thirty-six years,
and sighing after the rewards of the heavenly life after
many spiritual conflicts”.
1280 BD MARGARET
COLONNA, VIRGIN; MARGARET
was daughter of Prince
Odo Colonna, but losing both her parents when
a child she was brought up under the care of her two
brothers. She refused the marriage arranged for her,
and lived a retired life with two attendants in a villa
at Palestrina, devoting her time and her goods to the
relief of the sick and poor. It was her intention to join
the Poor Clares in their house at Assisi, but sickness prevented
this, and she conceived the idea of establishing a convent
at Palestrina.
Her younger brother, James, who had been created cardinal (and so is distinguished as dignior frater from her senior frater, John, who wrote her life), obtained the pope’s permission and the community was given the rule of the Poor Clare nuns as modified by Urban IV. But it would seem that, on account of ill-health, Bd Margaret herself neither governed nor was professed in this convent; for the last seven years of her life she suffered from a malignant growth, bearing continual pain with the greatest courage and patience. She had the gift of miracles, and other unusual graces are recorded of her. After her death at an early age the nuns of Palestrina removed into the City to San Silvestro in Capite, taking the body of their foundress with them. When this monastery was turned into a general post office seven hundred years later the relics were translated to the nuns’ new home at St Cecilia in Trastevere. Pope Pius IX confirmed the cultus of Bd Margaret Colonna in 1847. 1717 Bl. Anthony Baldinucci Jesuit missionary preacher; His father, painter and writer by profession, after recovery from an illness, which he attributed to the intercession of St Antony of Padua, vowed his next child to that saint; and when a boy was born in 1665, appropriately within the octave of his feast, he had him baptized Antony and brought up with the idea of becoming a priest. The Baldinucci family lived in the same house in the via degli Angeli at Florence in which St Aloysius Gonzaga had lived for a time when a child, and the intimate memory of this young saint had much influence on the growing Antony. When he was sixteen he offered himself to the Society of Jesus and was accepted, in spite of his rather uncertain health. Although he was incessantly engaged in preaching missions and the work ancillary thereto, Bd Antony wrote down numerous sermons and instructions and kept up a wide correspondence. He rarely slept more than three hours in a night, and then on a bed of planks, and fasted three days of every week; in view of his tremendous activity Pope Clement XI dispensed him from the daily recitation of the Divine Office, but Antony did not make use of the dispensation. In all he gave in twenty years 448 missions in thirteen dioceses of the Abruzzi and Romagna. In 1708 he was called to preach the Lent at Leghorn by order of Duke Cosimo III. Antony arrived bare-footed, in a tattered cassock, with his luggage on his back, and at first the gentry would not come to his sermons. But he won them in the end, and every Lent after he had to preach in some principal city. The year 1716 saw a terrible famine in central Italy, and Bd Antony was indefatigable in the work of relief. He was still only just over fifty, but he was literally worn out with work and hardly survived the strain of this additional effort. He died on November 7 in the following year. During a mission at Carpineto in 1710 he had stayed in the house of the Pecci, a family which afterwards gave a pope to the Church in the person of Leo XIII. By this pope Bd Antony Baldinucci was beatified in 1893. 1773 St. Hyacinth Castaneda Martyr of Vietnam a Dominican; Born in Setavo, Spain, he was sent to China and Vietnam. Hyacinth was beheaded in Vietnam. He was canonized in 1988. 1773 St. Vincent Liem Vietnamese Dominican martyr native; Born in Setavo, Spain, he was sent to China and Vietnam. Hyacinth was beheaded in Vietnam. He was canonized in 1988. 1773 St. Vincent Liem Vietnamese Dominican martyr native; Vietnamese, he entered the Dominicans and was ordained a priest, working under St. Hyacinth Castaneda until he was arrested, tortured, and beheaded. He was canonized in 1988. 1814 Bl. Peter Ou Chinese martyr; native; six hundred converts; Peter was originally an innkeeper who was converted to the Catholic faith and became a catechist. He is credited with giving Christian instruction to more than six hundred converts before he was strangled by enemies of the Church. He was beatified. 6th v. St. Felix
of Fondi Benedictine monk;
revered friend of Pope St. Gregory I the
Great;
At Tunis in Africa, the birthday
of St. Felix, martyr, who, having confessed Christ,
was sent to prison. His sentence had been deferred,
but the next day he was found dead, as is related
by St. Augustine when he was expounding on a psalm to
the people on the feast of the saint. Felix of
Fondi, Italy, a revered friend of Pope St. Gregory I the Great.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today November 05 20161312 BD CHRISTINA. OF STOMMELN, VIRGIN; DURING her life and from the time of her death until to-day Christina Bruso was venerated as a saint in her native village of Stommeln, near Cologne, and at Jülich, where she was eventually buried; and on account of this uninterrupted local veneration Pope Pius X confirmed the cultus in 1908, just on 600 years after her death. 1851-1862 THE MARTYRS OF INDO-CHINA, II; In 195I Pope Pius XII beatified a further twenty-five martyrs who suffered in Tongking (now Viet-Nam) between 1857 and 1862 in the persecution of Yu-Duk. Their leaders were the Spanish bishops Bd JOSEPH SANJURJO and BD MELCHIOR SAMPEDRO. Just before his execution Bishop Sanjurjo wrote: “I am without house, books, clothes, anything. But I am quiet and cheerful, and happy to be able to be a little like our Blessed Lord who said that the Son of man had nowhere to lay His head”. All the others of this group were Indo-Chinese, and all laymen except four. They ranged from a judge, Bd VINCENT TUONG, to two fishermen, BB. PETER THUAN and Dominic T0NG, who with Bd PETER DA were burned alive in their bamboo hut. Other martyrs in Indo-China are mentioned herein under July 11. 1861 St. Joseph Khang Martyr of Vietnam; The servant of St. Jerome Hermosilla, Joseph tried to deliver St. Jerome from prison. He was caught in the attempt, lashed, and beheaded. Joseph was canonized in 1988 by Pope John Paul II.
594 St. Sylvia
Mother of St. Gregory
the Great; The
Church venerates the sanctity of Sylvia and Gordian, the parents
of St. Gregory the Great, as well as his two aunts, Tarsilla and Emiliana. St. Sylvia was a native of the region
of Sicily while St.
Gordian, her husband, came
from the vicinity of Rome. They had two
sons: Gregory and another whose name has not survived
the ages. Gordian died about 573 and Gregory converted
his paternal home into a monastery. Sylvia therefore
retired to a solitary and quasi-monastic life in a little
abode near the Church of St. Sava on the Aventine. It became
her custom frequently to send fresh vegetables to her son
on a silver platter. One day, when Gregory found himself with
nothing to give a poor beggar, he presented him with the platter.
St. Sylvia is thought to have gone on to her heavenly reward
between 592 and 594. After her death, the holy Pontiff had a picture
of both his parents depicted in the Church of St. Andrew.
In the sixteenth century,
Pope Clement VIII had St.
Sylvia inscribed in the Roman Martyrology.1957 Venerable ordained Capuchin Solanus Casey a divine love for people; Father Solanus’ sense of God’s providence inspired many of his visitors. "Blessed be God in all his designs" was one of his favorite expressions. The many friends of Father Solanus helped the Capuchins begin a soup kitchen during the Depression. Capuchins are still feeding the hungry there today. In 1946 in failing health, he was transferred to the Capuchin novitiate in Huntington, Indiana, where he lived until 1956 when he was hospitalized in Detroit. He died on July 31, 1957. An estimated 20,000 people passed by his coffin before his burial in St. Bonaventure Church in Detroit. At the funeral Mass, Father Gerald, the provincial, said: "His was a life of service and love for people like me and you. When he was not himself sick, he nevertheless suffered with and for you that were sick. When he was not physically hungry, he hungerd with people like you. He had a divine love for people. He loved people for what he could do for them —and for God, through them." In 1960 a Father Solanus Guild was formed in Detroit to aid Capuchin seminarians. By 1967 the guild had 5,000 members—many of them grateful recipients of his practical advice and his comforting assurance that God would not abandon them in their trials. He was declared Venerable in 1995. Quotes
The only science that gives purpose
to every other science is the science of religion—the
science of our happy relationship with, and our providential
dependence on God and our neighbor.We are continually immersed in God's merciful grace like the air that permeates us. Gratitude is the first sign of a thinking, rational creature. Thank you God, in all your designs. Confidence is the very soul of prayer. Do not pray for easy lives; pray to be stronger people. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks. Like the Holy Trinity, Faith, Hope and Charity are one. Theoretically, Faith, like the Eternal Father, comes first, but in both cases they are essentially one. God condescends to use our powers if we don't spoil His plans by ours. We must be faithful to the present moment or we will frustrate the plan of God for our lives. Many are the rainbows, the sunbursts, the gentle breezes—and the hailstorms—we are liable to meet before, by the grace of God, we shall be able to tumble into our graves with the confidence of tired children into their places of peaceful slumber. Popes
mentioned
in articles of Saints
today November 04 2016
1566-1572
Pope St. Pius
V (MICHELE GHISLERI).Popes Associated with St Charles Borromeo Paul IV, Pius IV, St Pius V, Pope Gregory XIII, Pope Pius V made this Missal mandatory throughout the Latin rite of the Catholic Church, except where a Mass liturgy dating from before 1370 was in use . He worked incessantly to unite the Christian princes against the hereditary enemy, the Turks. In the first year of his pontificate he had ordered a solemn jubilee, exhorting the faithful to penance and almsgiving to obtain the victory from God. He supported the Knights of Malta, sent money for the fortification of the free towns of Italy, furnished monthly contributions to the Christians of Hungary, and endeavoured especially to bring Maximilian, Philip II, and Charles I together for the defence of Christendom. Born at Bosco, near Alexandria, Lombardy,
17 Jan., 1504 elected 7 Jan.,
1566; died 1 May, 1572. Being of a poor
though noble family his lot would
have been to follow a trade, but he was
taken in by the Dominicans of Voghera, where he received
a good education and was trained in the way of
solid and austere piety. He entered the order, was
ordained in 1528, and taught theology and philosophy
for sixteen years. In the meantime he was master of novices
and was on several occasions elected prior of different
houses of his order in which he strove to develop the practice
of the monastic virtues and spread the spirit of the holy
founder. He himself was an example to all. He fasted, did
penance, passed long hours of the night in meditation and prayer,
traveled on foot without a cloak in deep silence, or only speaking
to his companions of the things of God. In 1556 he was made Bishop
of Sutri by Paul IV. His zeal against heresy caused him to be selected
as inquisitor of the faith in Milan and Lombardy, and in 1557 Paul
II made him a cardinal and named him inquisitor general for all Christendom.
In 1559 he was transferred to Mondovì, where he restored
the purity of faith and discipline, gravely impaired by the
wars of Piedmont. Frequently called to Rome, he displayed his unflinching
zeal in all the affairs on which he was consulted. Thus he
offered an insurmountable opposition to Pius IV when the latter
wished to admit Ferdinand de' Medici, then only thirteen years
old, into the Sacred College. Again it was he who defeated the
project of Maximilian II, Emperor of Germany, to abolish ecclesiastical
celibacy. On the death of Pius IV, he was, despite his tears and
entreaties, elected pope, to the great joy of the whole Church.
He began his pontificate by giving large alms to the poor, instead of distributing his bounty at haphazard like his predecessors. As pontiff he practiced the virtues he had displayed as a monk and a bishop. His piety was not diminished, and, in spite of the heavy labours and anxieties of his office, he made at least two meditations a day on bended knees in presence of the Blessed Sacrament. In his charity he visited the hospitals, and sat by the bedside of the sick, consoling them and preparing them to die. He washed the feet of the poor, and embraced the lepers. It is related that an English nobleman was converted on seeing him kiss the feet of a beggar covered with ulcers. He was very austere and banished luxury from his court, raised the standard of morality, laboured with his intimate friend, St. Charles Borromeo, to reform the clergy, obliged his bishops to reside in their dioceses, and the cardinals to lead lives of simplicity and piety. He diminished public scandals by relegating prostitutes to distant quarters, and he forbade bull fights. He enforced the observance of the discipline of the Council of Trent, reformed the Cistercians, and supported the missions of the New World. In the Bull "In Coena Domini" he proclaimed the traditional principles of the Roman Church and the supremacy of the Holy See over the civil power. But
the great thought and the constant
preoccupation of his pontificate seems
to have been the struggle against the Protestants and
the Turks. In Germany he supported the Catholics oppressed
by the heretical princes. In France he encouraged
the League by his counsels and with pecuniary aid. In the
Low Countries he supported Spain. In England, finally, he
excommunicated Elizabeth, embraced the cause of Mary Stuart,
and wrote to console her in prison. In the ardour of his
faith he did not hesitate to display severity against the
dissidents when necessary, and to give a new impulse to
the activity of the Inquisition, for which he has been blamed
by certain historians who have exaggerated his conduct.
Despite all representations on his behalf he condemned the
writings of Baius, who ended by submitting.
He worked incessantly to unite the Christian princes against the hereditary enemy, the Turks. In the first year of his pontificate he had ordered a solemn jubilee, exhorting the faithful to penance and almsgiving to obtain the victory from God. He supported the Knights of Malta, sent money for the fortification of the free towns of Italy, furnished monthly contributions to the Christians of Hungary, and endeavoured especially to bring Maximilian, Philip II, and Charles I together for the defence of Christendom. In 1567 for the same purpose he collected from all convents one-tenth of their revenues. In 1570 when Solyman II attacked Cyprus, threatening all Christianity in the West, he never rested till he united the forces of Venice, Spain, and the Holy See. He sent his blessing to Don John of Austria, the commander-in-chief of the expedition, recommending him to leave behind all soldiers of evil life, and promising him the victory if he did so. He ordered public prayers, and increased his own supplications to heaven. On the day of the Battle of Lepanto, 7 Oct., 1571, he was working with the cardinals, when, suddenly, interrupting his work opening the window and looking at the sky, he cried out, "A truce to business; our great task at present is to thank God for the victory which He has just given the Christian army". He burst into tears when he heard of the victory, which dealt the Turkish power a blow from which it never recovered. In memory of this triumph he instituted for the first Sunday of October the feast of the Rosary, and added to the Litany of Loreto the supplication "Help of Christians". He was hoping to put an end to the power of Islam by forming a general alliance of the Italian cities Poland, France, and all Christian Europe, and had begun negotiations for this purpose when he died of gravel, repeating "O Lord, increase my sufferings and my patience!" He left the memory of a rare virtue and an unfailing and inflexible integrity. He was beatified by Clement X in 1672, and canonized by Clement XI in 1712. 1559-1565 Pope Pius IV (31 March 1499 – 9 December 1565), born Giovanni Angelo Medici, was Pope from 1559 to 1565. He is notable for presiding over the culmination of the Council of Trent. Pius_IV_portrait.jpg
On 18 January 1562 the
council of Trent, which had been suspended
by Pope Julius III, was opened for the third time.
Great skill and caution were necessary to effect
a settlement of the questions before it, inasmuch as
the three principal nations taking part in it,
though at issue with regard to their own special demands,
were prepared to unite their forces against the demands
of Rome. Pius IV, however, aided by Moroni and Charles Borromeo,
proved himself equal to the emergency, and by judicious management
– and concession – brought the council to a termination satisfactory
to the disputants and favourable to the pontifical authority.
Its definitions and decrees were confirmed by a papal
bull dated 26 January 1564; and, though they were received
with certain limitations by France and Spain, the famous Creed
of Pius IV, or Tridentine Creed, became an authoritative
expression of the Catholic faith. The more marked manifestations
of stringency during his pontificate appear to have been prompted
rather than spontaneous, his personal character inclining
him to moderation and ease.Pope Paul IV 1555 -- 1559 (GIOVANNI PIETRO CARAFFA ). Born near Benevento, 28
June, 1476; elected 23 May,
1555; died 18 Aug., 1559. The Caraffa were one
of the most illustrious of the
noble families of Naples, and had given
distinguished scions to Church and State. The name
of Cardinal Oliviero Caraffa recurs frequently in
the history of the papacy during the days of the Renaissance.
One of the great cardinal's merits was that of superintending
the training of his young relative,
Giovanni Pietro, whom
he introduced to the papal Court in 1494, and in whose favour
he resigned the See of Chieti (in Latin, Theate), from
which word he was thenceforward known as Theatinus. Leo
X sent him on an embassy to England and retained him for some
years as nuncio in Spain. His residence in Spain served to accentuate
that detestation of Spanish rule in his native
land which characterized his public policy during
his pontificate. From early childhood he led a blameless
life; and that longing for asceticism which had prompted
him to seek admission into the Dominican and the Camaldolese
Orders asserted itself in 1524 when he persuaded Clement
VII, though with difficulty, to accept the resignation of
his benefices and permit him to enter the congregation of
clerics regular founded by St. Cajetan, but popularly named
"Theatines", after Caraffa, their first general. The young
congregation suffered more than its share during the sack
of Rome in 1527, and its few members retired to Venice.
But the sharp intellect of Paul III had perceived the importance
of the institute in his projected reform of the clergy, and
he summoned the Theatines back to Rome. Caraffa was placed
by the pontiff on the committee named to outline the project
of reform of the papal Court; and on 22 Dec., 1536 he was created
cardinal with the title of San Pancrazio. Later he was made
Archbishop of Naples; but, owing to the emperor's distrust and
fear of him, it was only with difficulty he could maintain his episcopal
rights. Although Caraffa was highly educated and surpassed
most of his contemporaries in the knowledge of Greek and Hebrew,
still he remained throughout medieval in life and thought. His
favourite author was St. Thomas Aquinas. The few opuscula which
he found time to write were Scholastic in character. For the
party of Pole, Contarini, and Morone he had the most heartfelt
detestation; and his elevation boded them no happiness. Caraffa
was the head and front of every effort made by Paul III in the
interest of reform. He reorganized the Inquisition in Italy on papal
lines and for a generation was the terror of misbelievers. How
so austere a person could be chosen pope was a mystery to everyone,
especially to himself. "I have never conferred a favour on
a human being", he said. It is most likely that the octogenarian
would have refused the dignity, were it not that the emperor's
agent, Cardinal Mendoza, had pronounced decidedly that Charles
would not permit Caraffa to be pope. This was to challenge every
principle for which the aged cardinal had stood during his long
career. He was elected in spite of the emperor, and for four years
held aloft the banner of the independence of Italy. Historians seem
to be unjust towards Paul IV. That unbending Italian patriot, born whilst
Italy was "a lyre with four strings", Naples, Rome, Florence, and Venice,
was certainly justified in using the prestige of the papacy to preserve
some relics of liberty for his native country. The Austrian and
Spanish Habsburgers treated Paul IV with studied contempt, and
thus forced him to enter an alliance with France. Neither in the
matter of the succession to the empire nor in the conclusion of the
religious peace were the interests of the Holy See consulted in the
slightest degree.
1572-1585 Pope Gregory XIII (January 7, 1502 – April 10, 1585), born Ugo Boncompagni; No other act of Gregory has gained for him a more lasting fame than reform of the Julian calendar completed introduced 1578. Closely connected with the reform of the calendar is the emendation of the Roman martyrology ordered by Gregory 1580. In a brief, dated 14 January, 1584, Gregory XIII ordered that the new martyrology should supersede all others. Another great literary achievement of Gregory XIII is an official Roman edition of the Corpus juris canonici. Shortly after the conclusion of the Council of Trent, Pius IV appointed a committee to bring out a critical edition of the Decree of Gratian; increased to 35 (correctores Romani) by Pius V 1566. Gregory XIII a member from the beginning; finally completed in 1582. In the Briefs "Cum pro munere", dated 1 July, 1580, and "Emendationem", dated 2 June, 1582, Gregory ordered that henceforth only the emended official text was to be used and that in the future no other text should be printed. Perhaps one of the happiest events during his pontificate was his arrival at Rome of four Japanese ambassadors on 22 March, 1585. They had been sent by the converted kings of Bungo, Arima, and Omura, in Japan, to thank the pope for the fatherly care he had shown their country by sending them Jesuit missionaries who had taught them the religion of Christ. In the spring of 1580 St Charles entertained at Milan for a week a dozen young Englishmen, who were going on the English mission, and one of them preached before him. This was Bd Ralph Sherwin, who in some eighteen months’ time was to give his life for the faith at Tyburn. In the same way he met his fellow martyr, Bd Edmund Campion, and talked with him. A little later in the same year St Charles met St Aloysius Gonzaga, then twelve years old, to whom he gave his first communion. At this time he was doing much travelling and the strain of work and worry was beginning to tell on him; moreover, he curtailed his sleep too much and Pope Gregory personally had to warn him not to overdo his Lenten fasting. 846 St. Joannicus Hermit prophet miracle worker defied Byzantine emperor Theophilus; Mt. Olympus Saint Defied Byzantine emperor Theophilus and his Iconoclast policies. Born in Bithynia, in modern Turkey, Joannicus was an Iconoclast until he was converted to the religious life at the age of forty. He became a recluse on Mount Olympus in Bithynia and a monk. Later, he defied the emperor and declared that sacred images would be restored to the Church. Empress Theodora did restore the icons. Joannicius of Mt. Olympus Saint Theodore the Studite and Saint Methodius of Constantinople consulted him. Hermit (RM) Born at Bithynia; died at Antidium, 846; feast day formerly on February 4. A soldier in the Byzantine army, seeing active service against the Bulgars; left the service at 40 became a monk and hermit on the Bithynian Olympus. While at the monastery near Brusa the second iconoclast controversy began in 818; Joannicius, who had formerly favored the iconoclasts, now showed himself a vigorous opponent of them. He was greatly respected among the prophetical figures of his time, and both Saint Theodore the Studite and Saint Methodius of Constantinople consulted him. He counselled moderation in their treatment of iconoclasts--unusual enough advice from a monk in that struggle. Thus, several Christians who upheld the true doctrine were martyred. The ikon war lasted until 842. But the official answer of the church came under Empress Irene. In 787 she summoned the Second Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. Representing the pope and all the bishops East and West, this council defended the use of images, and said that the honor we pay to them and relics is not idolatrous, but passes over to the holy person whom they represent or symbolize. These decrees
became the Magna Carta of Christian art.
1212 St. Felix of Valois project of founding an order for the redemption of captives In the monastery of Cerfroid, in the territory of Meaux, St. Felix of Valois, priest and confessor, and founder of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity for the Redemption of Captives, whose feast is celebrated on the 20th of November by order of Pope Innocent XI. Born in 1127; d. at Cerfroi,
4 November, 1212. He is commemorated
20 November. He was surnamed Valois
because, according to some, he was a member of the royal
branch of Valois in France, according to others,
because he was a native of the province of Valois.
At an early age he renounced his possessions and retired
to a dense forest in the Diocese of Meaux, where he gave
himself to prayer and contemplation. He was joined in his
retreat by St. John of Matha, who proposed to him the project
of founding an order for the redemption of captives. After
fervent prayer, Felix in company with John set out for Rome and
arrived there in the beginning of the pontificate of Innocent
III. They had letters of recommendation from the Bishop
of Paris, and the new pope received them with the utmost kindness
and lodged them in his palace.
1584 St. Charles Borromeo Council of Trent Patron of learning arts; With Pope St Pius V, St Philip Neri and St Ignatius Loyola he is one of the four outstanding public men of the so-called Counter-reformation; 1584 ST CHARLES BORROMEO, Archbishop OF MILAN AND CARDINAL OF the great and holy churchmen who in the troubled days of the sixteenth century worked for a true and much-needed reformation within the Church, and sought by the correction of real abuses and evil living to remove the basic excuses for the destructive and false reformation which was working such havoc in Europe, none was greater and holier than Cardinal Charles Borromeo. With Pope St Pius V,
St Philip Neri and St Ignatius
Loyola he is one of the four outstanding
public men of the so-called Counter-reformation.
He was an aristocrat by birth, his father being Count
Gilbert Borromeo, himself a man of talent and sanctity.
His mother, Margaret, was a Medici, of the newly risen
house of that name at Milan, whose younger brother became
Pope Pius IV.
572 Sylvia
of Rome mother of Gregory the
Great, pope and doctor of the Church
Widow; But of what importance
is the toga of man when compared with the robe
of God? Suddenly Gregory divested himself of all his
responsibilities and wealth and became a monk. The six
villas that he owned in Sicily he turned into six monasteries.
He was 35. And Sylvia felt in her body that the whole delicate
structure of history was trembling.
Popes mentioned
in
articles of Saints today November
02 2016There was a plague and the pope died. Sylvia decided that the next pope was to be Gregory. In vain did he refuse, escape from Rome in a wicker basket, hide in the forests and Pontine marshes. In the end of course he was found--or betrayed--and with great rejoicing brought back to the fold, where on Sept. 3, 590, he was consecrated pope. Gregory was pope, and Sylvia had been his prophet. "I have lost all the pleasures of peace," he murmured. It was to be an heroic pontificate. The Lombards, who were devastating Italy, had to be checked. The emperor in Constantinople had to be confronted. Gregory wrote several works (particularly the Morals), reformed the Church, brought the Arian Visigoths back to the true faith, and evangelized England. It was he who invented the phrase: Servant of the servants of God. His most characteristic victory was to stamp out the heresy of Eutyches, the patriarch of Constantinople, who maintained that the resurrection of the body would take place in a subtle form, in an ethereal flesh. Gregory replied that we will be resurrected in flesh and blood, as literally palpable as was the body of Christ to Saint Thomas. 753 St. Pirmin Benedictine bishop foremost Benedictines in Germany; Born in Aragon, Spain, he was of Visigothic descent and was forced to flee Spain when the Arabs invaded in the eighth century. He journeyed to the Rhineland where he founded abbeys at Reichenau, Amorbach, and Murbach, and rebuilt or restored other churches and monastic communities including Dissentia Abbey, which he brought under the Benedictine Rule. He was honored by the pope with the rank of chorepiscopus, or regional prelate, adding to his reputation as one of the foremost Benedictines in Germany. Pirmin wrote Dicta Pirinini, a popular catechism. 1150
St. Malachy O' More famous
Bishop;
wrote prophecies of the popes;
Many miracles were worked at the tomb
in addition to the ones attributed to him as he walked
the earth. Saint Bernard records some after saying,
“his first and greatest miracle was himself. His inward
beauty, strength, and purity are proved by his life; there
was nothing in his behavior that could offend anyone. Here Malachy divided the diocese, consecrated
another bishop for Connor, and reserved to himself
that of Down. Either at Downpatrick or, more probably,
on the ruins of the Bangor monastery he established
a community of regular canons, with whom he lived as much
as the external duties of his charge would permit him. Two
years later, to obtain the confirmation of many things,
which he had done, he undertook a journey to Rome. One of his
motives was to procure the pallium
for the two archbishops namely, for Armagh and for another
metropolitical see which St Celsus had settled at Cashel.
St Malachy crossed to Scotland, made his way to York, where
he met St Waltheof of Kirkham (who gave him a horse), then
came into France and by way of Burgundy reached the abbey
of Clairvaux. Here he met St Bernard, who became his devoted
friend and admirer and afterwards wrote his life. Malachy
was so edified with the spirit that he discovered in the
Cistercian monks that he desired to join them in their penance
and contemplation and to end his days in their company. At
Ivrea in Piedmont he restored to health the child of his host,
who was at the point of death. Pope Innocent II would
not hear of his resigning his see. He confirmed all Malachy
had done in Ireland, made him his legate there, and promised
the pallia if they were
applied for in solemn form. On his way home he called again
at Clairvaux, where, says St Bernard, “he gave us his blessing
a second time”. Not being able to remain himself with those
servants of God, he left there four of his companions who, taking
the Cistercian habit, came back to Ireland in 1142 and instituted the abbey of Mellifont
of that order, the parent of many others. St Malachy went
home through Scotland, where King David entreated him to heal
his son Henry, who lay dangerously ill. The saint said to the sick
prince, “Be of good courage you will not die this time.” Then he sprinkled him with holy
water, and the next day Henry was perfectly recovered. At a great synod of bishops and other clergy held on Inishpatrick, off Skerries, in 1148, it was resolved to make formal application for pallia for the two metropolitans, and St Malachy himself set off to find Pope Eugenius III, who was then in France. He was delayed by the political suspicions of King Stephen in England, and when he reached France the pope had returned to Rome. So he turned aside to visit Clairvaux, where St Bernard and his monks greeted him with joy. Having celebrated Mass on the feast of St Luke, he was seized with a fever and took to his bed. The monks were active in waiting on him; but he assured them that all the pains they took were to no purpose, because he would not recover. He insisted that he should go downstairs into the church that he might there receive the last sacraments. He begged that all would continue their prayers for him after his death, promising to remember them before God, and he commended also to their prayers all the souls which had been committed to his charge; then, on All Souls’ day, in the year 1148, he died in St Bernard’s arms. He was buried at Clairvaux. 1639 St. Martin de Porres Dominican resolving theological problems aerial flights and bilocation; He served in several offices in the convent--barber, infirmarian, wardrobe keeper--as well as in the garden and as a counsellor. Soon Martin's reputation as a healer spread abroad. He nursed the sick of the city, including plague victims, regardless of race, and helped to found an orphanage and foundling hospital with other charities attached to them. He distributed the convent's alms of food (which he is said sometimes to have increased miraculously) to the poor. Martin especially ministered to the slaves that had been brought from Africa.He cured as much through prayer as through his knowledge of the medical arts. Among the countless many whose cures were attributed to Martin were a priest dying from a badly infected leg and a young student whose fingers were so damaged in an accident that his hopes for ordination to the priesthood were nearly quenched. Martin spent his nights in prayer
and penance, and he experienced
visions and ecstasies. In addition to these
gifts, he was endowed with the gift of bilocation; he
was seen in Mexico, Central America, and even Japan,
by people who knew him well, whereas he had never physically
been outside of Lima after entering the order. One time
Martin was on a picnic with the novices and they lost track
of time. Suddenly realizing that they would be late for their
prayers, Martin had them join hands. Before they knew what
happened, they found themselves standing in the monastery yard,
unable to explain how they travelled several miles in a few
seconds.
He passed through locked doors by some means known only to himself and God. In this way he appeared at the bedside of the sick without being asked and always soothed the sick even when he did not completely heal them. St. Martin Even sick animals came to Martin for healing. He demonstrated a great control of and care for animals--a care that apparently was inexplicable to the Spaniards--extending his love even to rats and mice, whose scavenging he excused on the grounds that they were hungry. He kept cats and dogs at his sister's house. It seems clear that the privilege
long enjoyed only in Spain and
its dominions permitting priests to celebrate
Mass thrice on All Souls’ day originated in the practice
of the Dominican priory at Valencia, where it
can be traced to the early fifteenth century. The number
of influential people buried there in and around the church
was considerable, and so many demands were made for
special Masses on November a that these claims could only
be satisfied by allowing friars of that community to offer
two or even three Masses each on that day. This irregularity
was apparently tolerated by local authority and grew into
an established custom. It was eventually sanctioned and
extended to the whole kingdom by Pope Benedict XIV
in 1748, and during the first world war, in
1915, Pope Benedict XV further
extended the privilege to the whole Western church.
1430 Blessed Thomas of Walden King Henry V chose him as his confessor and died in his arms; He joined the Carmelites in London, studied at Oxford, where he took his doctorate in theology, and was ordained priest about 1400. He made a name for himself as a professor, and in 1409 was sent to the Council of Pisa, where he is said to have supported the election of Pope Alexander V. On his return to England Friar Thomas entered whole-heartedly into the opposition to the Lollards and other followers of the errors of John Wyclif, and he is regarded as the most able of the controversialists against them and their brethren on the continent—“never was there such a netter of heretics”. Friar Thomas was with Henry
V in France in 1422, and the king died in his arms at Vincennes.
The guardians
of the infant Henry VI later appointed
Thomas to be his tutor, so that in some degree
he may have been responsible for that king’s subsequent
holiness. Though Thomas was engaged so much in
conflict with stubborn and sometimes violent heretics,
he was himself of a kindly disposition and affectionate
in his relations with others. He went to France with the
boy king in 1430, and died at Rouen on November
2, leaving a reputation of holiness, which was confirmed
by miracles at his tomb. Friar Thomas’s numerous written works,
which received the praise of Pope Martin V, earned
for him the title of Doctor praestantissimus,
“the Pre-eminent Teacher”, and Doctor authenticus, “the
Authoritative Teacher”. His treatise De sacramentalibus includes a
discussion of canonization, which is of much interest
in the history of the subject.1583 Bl. John Bodey English martyr and schoolmaster; He was born at Wells, Somerset, and educated at Oxford. Converting to the faith, John studied law at Douai in 1557 and returned to England to become a schoolmaster and to marry. When he repudiated King Henry VIII’s claim of supremacy in spiritual matters, he was arrested in 1550. John was imprisoned at Winchester until 1583, when he was taken on November 2 to Andover where he was hanged. He was beatified in 1929. |
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Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today October 31 2016 994 St. Wolfgang
Benedictine Bishop and reformer of Regensburg renowned for his
charity and aid to the poor.
He brought the clergy
of the diocese into his reforms, restored monasteries,
promoted education, preached enthusiastically, and was
renowned for his charity and aid to the poor, receiving the title
Eleemosynarius Major (Grand Almoner). He also served as tutor
to Emperor Henry II (r. 1014-1024) while he was still king. Wolfgang
died at Puppingen near Linz, Austria. He was canonized in 1052
by Pope St. Leo IX (r. 1049-1054).
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today October 30 20161617 St. Alphonsus Rodriguez a Jesuit lay-brother porter forty-six years; influenced St. Peter Clavier; left considerable number of manuscripts some published as “Obras Espirituales del B. Alonso Rodriguez” ; At Palma, in the island of Majorca, St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, a lay brother of the Society of Jesus, whom Leo XIII canonized because of his remarkable humility and constant love of mortification. 1917 The Life of St John Kochurov, Hieromartyr Missionary in America First Clergy Martyr of the Russian Revolution
On
October 31, 1917, in Tsarskoye Selo, a bright new
chapter, full of earthly grief and heavenly joy, was opened
in the history of sanctity in the Russian Church: the holiness
of the New Martyrs of the twentieth century. The opening of
this chapter is linked to the name of the Russian Orthodox pastor
who became one of the first to give his soul for his flock during
this twentieth century of fighters against God: Archpriest John Kochurov.
235
In Sardínia natális
sancti Pontiáni, Papæ et Mártyris; In Sardinia, the birthday of St. Pontian,
pope and martyr. In the company of the priest
Hippolytus, he was exiled by Emperor Alexander, and
achieved martyrdom by being scourged. His body
was brought to Rome by blessed Pope Fabian and buried in the
cemetery of Callistus. His
feast, however, is celebrated on the 19th of November.
235 Pope Saint Pontian
or Pontianus, was pope from July 21, 230 to September
28.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today October 29 2016 425 St. Theonestus
martyr Bishop supposedly of Philippi; At Altino, in the neighbourhood
of Venice, St. Theonestus, bishop and martyr,
who was slain by the Arians. Macedonia:
was forced to leave his see because of the threats
and savagery of the Arians. Sent by the pope ( Celestine I 422-432 ) to help evangelize
a part of Germany, he was again compelled to flee because of the
peril of the invading Vandals. He may have been martyred on his return
journey, in Veneto, northern Italy. It is possible that another saint,
Theonestus of Veneto, may have been a local martyr merely
confused with the bishop.
545 Bishop
Saint
Germanus of Capua Saint Benedict saw his soul
being carried to heaven;
THIS holy prelate was sent by Pope St Hormisdas
with other legates to the Emperor Justin in 519 to persuade the Byzantines to put an end to the
“Acacian schism” which had continued thirty-five years. The embassy
was attended with success; and the signature of the pope’s famous
“Formula” ended the schism. St
Gregory the Great relates on the authority of “his elders” that Germanus saw Paschasius, deacon
of Rome, in Purgatory long after his death for having adhered to the
schism of Laurence against Pope St Symmachus, and that
he was purging his fault as an attendant at the hot springs, whither
Germanus had been sent to bathe for the good of his health. Within a
few days the bishop’s prayers released Paschasius.
1038 Saint Egelnoth the Good archbishop of Canterbury; 1038 ST ETHELNOTH, ARCHBISHOP of CANTERBURY WHILE dean of the cathedral
church of Christ at Canterbury his learning and
holiness caused Ethelnoth to be known as “the Good”,
and on the death of the metropolitan Living in 1020
he was appointed in his place. Two years later Ethelnoth
was in Rome, where Pope Benedict VIII received
him “with great worship and very honorably hallowed him archbishop”,
by which may be understood that he invested him with
the pallium. In the following year
Ethelnoth translated the relics of his predecessor St Alphege, martyred
by the Danes in 1012, from London to Canterbury. The cost of
a worthy shrine was defrayed by King Canute, at the instance of
his wife and the archbishop, his father’s men having been guilty of
the murder. St Ethelnoth enjoyed the favour of Canute, and he encouraged
the king’s liberality to promote several other religious undertakings,
among them the rebuilding of Chartres cathedral.
1119 Saint Gerard
of Potenza B; Poténtiæ, in Lucánia,
sancti Gerárdi Epíscopi.
At Potenza in Lucania, St. Gerard, bishop.
Born in Piacenza, Italy; canonized by Pope
Callistus II. Gerard was enrolled among the clergy of Potenza
and elected bishop there at an advanced age (Benedictines).
1583 Bl. John
Slade Martyr of England;
Blessed John Slade M (AC) Born in Manston, Dorset,
England; died 1583; beatified in 1929. John Slade was a
student at New College, Oxford. He became a schoolmaster,
and was martyred at Winchester for denying the royal supremacy
in spiritual matters (Benedictines).
St.
Donatus
of Corfu At Cassiope, in the island
of Corfu, Bishop St. Donatus, mentioned by blessed Pope Gregory.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today October 28 2016Saint whose relics were brought to Corfu, Greece, and enshrined there by Pope St. Gregory the Great. 16th & 17th v. MARTYRS OF DOUAY; More than 160 priests execution by English authorities. Trained in the English College of Douai, France, returned to England and Wales and faced arrest, torture. A large group - more than eighty- were beatified in 1929, and English dioceses celebrate the feasts of these martyrs. 1798 St.
John
Dat Martyred native priest of Vietnam:
ordained in 1798, and arrested in
that same year and imprisoned for three months before
being beheaded. He was canonized in 1988 by Pope
John Paul II.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today October 27 2016
1271 Blessed Bartholomew
of Vicenza Dominican Cyprus bishop:
See
also Butlers October 23 .
During his years as bishop in Cyprus, Bartholomew
befriended King Louis the Ninth of France, who is said
to have given the holy bishop a relic of Christ’s Crown of
Thorns. Bartholomew died in 1271. He was beatified
in 1793.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today October 26 20161902 Bd Contardo Ferrini; Ferrini was concerned with the whole vast field of law, but it was above all in Roman law (and especially its Byzantine aspect) that he made his mark. When Professor von Ligenthal died in 1894 Ferrini, his favourite pupil, inherited not only his master’s manuscripts but also his acknowledged leadership in these studies. Among those who in one way or another contributed to the success of his work were Don Achille Ratti, afterwards Pope Pius XI, and Dr John Mercati, later cardinal and librarian and archivist of the Holy Roman Church. Contardo wanted to read the Bible in its original languages, and it was to Mgr Ceriani that he turned to teach him Hebrew. Here, too, he found his father’s insistence on a scientific approach reinforced: “Don’t trust too much in second-hand information, even from the learned”, Mgr Ceriani would say. “Go directly to the sources of the truth.” A third priest to whom Contardo owed much was a colleague of his father’s, Don Antony Stoppani, whose geological and other learning chimed with that love of nature that distinguished Contardo throughout his life. Ferrini was concerned with
the whole vast field of law, but it was above
all in Roman law (and especially its Byzantine aspect)
that he made his mark. When Professor
von Ligenthal died in 1894 Ferrini, his favourite pupil,
inherited not only his master’s manuscripts but also his
acknowledged leadership in these studies. Among those who in one
way or another contributed to the success of his work were
Don Achille Ratti, afterwards Pope
Pius XI, and Dr John Mercati, later cardinal and librarian
and archivist of the Holy Roman Church. His output was very large during his short life he was responsible for over two hundred monographs, which make five stout volumes, as well as several text books. Addressing an audience of professors, lecturers and other pilgrims at this time, Pope Pius XII referred to Bd Contardo as a man who “gave an emphatic ‘Yes’ to the possibility of holiness in these days”. “The history and development of law and law-making”, he declared, “were for Ferrini simply an application of the moral and divine law, without which human legislation is useless for if they are separated from God, it is only a matter of time before social organization and its juridical enactments degenerate into tyranny and despotism…It should give us comfort that in Bd Contardo the Lord has given the Church a beatus who was a master in the field of law and at the same time a man of God, one whose exalted spirit and supremely righteous life is a model for us all.”Giving
evidence in the course of the process, the previous
pope, Pius XI, had said, “My relations with him were
purely scientific or were concerned with the beauties
of high mountains. For him these were an inspiration to holiness
and almost a natural revelation of God.”
107 Pope
St. Evaristus succeeded St.
Clement in Rome 4th successor of St. Peter. At
Rome, St. Evaristus, pope and martyr, who enriched
the Church of God with his blood under Emperor Hadrian.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today October 25 201698-107 Evaristus Pope St. Evaristus; Evaristus came of a Hellenic family, and was the son of a Bethlehem Jew; laid to rest in Vaticano, near the tomb of St. Peter; succeeded Clement in the episcopate of the Roman Church
462 St. Rusticus
Bishop of Narbonne gifted preacher
in Rome Council of Ephesus 431. RUSTICUS
was a native of southern Gaul and the son of
a bishop named Bonosus. A letter written by St Jerome
about the year 411 is supposed to be addressed to him:
the recipient is given wise counsel about the solitary life.
In 427 Rusticus was elevated to the bishopric of Narbonne.
His diocese was in a very unsatisfactory state: invading
Goths were spreading Arianism and orthodox were quarrelling
among themselves. Eventually
St Rusticus wrote to Pope St Leo I, setting forth
his difficulties (which seem to have arisen out of a synod
convoked by him in 458), and asking to be allowed to resign.
The pope dissuaded him from this and sent him an important letter
about the government of the diocese. St Rusticus built a cathedral
at Narbonne and the inscription he put up recording its foundation
is still in existence. His brother bishops held him in high
regard, but of his activities little is known, except that he
attended the synod at Arles that approved St Leo’s “tome” condemning
Monophysism.
590 St. Quadragesimus shepherd raising a man from the dead. Confessor and a shepherd known for miracles. He lived at Policastro, Italy, and served as a subdeacon. According to Pope St. Gregory I the Great, he was responsible for remarkable achievement of raising a man from the dead. Pope Saint Gregory's
plan was to send a properly organized group to England,
rather than rely on the isolated efforts of the northern
missionaries. The man he chose was the prior of a monastery
that he had founded in Rome, Saint Augustine of Canterbury.
In 596, he landed in Kent with a group of 40 monks.
686 Saint Eata
of Hexham effect a union between the Celtic
and Roman Christians. They had to
start from nothing, but fortunately they quickly
enlisted the support of Bertha, the wife of King Saint
Ethelbert--just as Saint Paulinus won the support of
Saint Ethelburga, sister of Eadbald, and Saint Remigius won
that of Saint Clotilde, wife of Clovis. Augustine received the
'pallium' and became the first archbishop of England, establishing
his see at Canterbury.
899 St. Alfred the Great King of Wessex, scholar renowned Christian monarch. Alfred was the fifth son of the Wessex king. During a journey to Rome in 853, he was accepted as a godson by Pope Leo IV He was a great
scholar, translating classics for his people, and
early on seemed destined for a career in the Church.
Instead, he became king and was forced to spend most of
his reign in conflict with the Danes who were then threatening
England. His work as a patron of the arts, literature, and
especially the Church made him a beloved figure in England.
1020 St. Bean made bishop by Pope Benedict VIII. The fourteenth century chronicler Fordun, states that he was made bishop by Pope Benedict VIII, at the request of Malcolm Canmore, who is said to have founded an episcopal monastery at Mortlach. If true, this would be between 1012 and 1024; but the See of Mortlach is generally said to date from 1063. St. Bean's dwelling place is supposed to have been at Balvanie, near Mortlach (Bal-beni-mor, "the dwelling of Bean the Great"). 1229
St. Fulk
Scottish Bishop of Pavia. Fulk of Pavia
B (RM) Born at Piacenza, Italy, 1164; died 1229.
Fulk's parents were Scottish. He was appointed to a
canonry in Piacenza. Then, after his studies in Paris,
he became archpriest and bishop of Piacenza. Six years later
he was transferred by Honorius III to the see of Pavia,
which he occupied for 13 years (Benedictines).
Contardo Ferrini was the son of a teacher who went on to become a learned man himself, one acquainted with some dozen languages. Today he is known as the patron of universities. Born in Milan b. 1859, he received a doctorate in law in Italy and then earned a scholarship that enabled him to study Roman-Byzantine law in Berlin. As a renowned legal expert, he taught in various schools of higher education until he joined the faculty of the University of Pavia, where he was considered an outstanding authority on Roman law. His death in 1902 at the age of 43 occasioned letters from his fellow professors that praised him as a saint; the people of Suna where he lived insisted that he be declared a saint. Pope Pius XII beatified Contardo in 1947. Comment: Thanks to people like Contardo, our Church long ago laid to rest the idea that science and faith are incompatible. We thank God for the many ways science has made our lives better. All that remains to us is to help ensure that the rest of the world, especially impoverished nations, gets to enjoy the fruits of scientific advance. 1926 Bartolo Longo lay Dominican 'Brother Rosario' in honor of the Rosary; beatified by Pope John Paul II, who would call him the "Apostle of the Rosary" and mentioned him specifically in his apostolic letter "Rosarium Virginis Mariae" Conversion In the following years, Longo's life became one of depression, nervousness, and confusion. Bothered by diabolical visions and ill health brought on by inordinate fasting, he turned to a hometown friend, Vincenzo Pepe, for guidance. It was Pepe who convinced him to abandon Satanism and introduced him to the Dominican Father Alberto Radente - who heard his confession and guided him further throughout his life. After a long period of repentance, Longo made his profession as a lay Dominican. He took the name Brother Rosario in honor of the Rosary. The date of his conversion was October 7, 1871. 34 St.
Tabitha good deeds and almsgiving
raised from the dead by St. Peter.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today October 24 2016Widow of Joppa (in modern Israel), who was mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (9:36-42) as one who “was completely occupied with good deeds and almsgiving.” She fell ill and died and was raised from the dead by St. Peter. 75 St. Fronto and George: Bishops and apostles of Perigreux and Le Puy Many miracles attribute Petragóricis, in Gállia, At Perigueux in France, St. Fronto, who was made bishop by the blessed apostle Peter. Along with a priest named George, he converted to Christ a large number of people of that place, and, renowned for miracles, rested in peace. THOUGH no doubt these two saints really existed and were early apostles of Périgord, their legends seem to have been fabricated or altered with the object of giving an apostolic origin to the see of Périgueux. Pronto, it is said, was of the tribe of Juda and was born in Lycaonia. He was converted by the testimony of our Lord’s miracles, was baptized by St Peter, and became one of the Seventy-two. He accompanied St Peter to Antioch and Rome, and was sent thence with the priest George to preach to the Gauls. On the way George died, but, like St Maternus of Trier and St Martial of Limoges, he was brought to life again by the touch of St Peter’s staff. 269 Saints Theodosius, Lucius, Mark & Peter & 50 martyred soldiers MM (RM). Also at Rome, the birthday of forty-six holy soldiers, who were baptized at the same time by Pope Denis, and soon after beheaded by order of Emperor Claudius. They were buried on the Salarian Way with one hundred and twenty-one other martyrs. Among them are named four soldiers of Christ: Theodosius, Lucius, Mark, and Peter. They belonged to a group of fifty
soldiers martyred in Rome under Claudius (Benedictines).
3rd v. St. Cyrinus Roman martyr; mentioned in the acta of Saint Marcellinus, pope and martyr 283
St.
Daria Chrysanthus & others martyred converted
a number of Romans. At Rome, the holy martyrs
Chrysanthus and his wife Daria. After many sufferings endured
for Christ under the prefect Celerinus, they were ordered by Emperor
Numerian to be thrown into a sandpit on the Salarian Way, where, being
still alive, were covered with earth and stones.
There
is both a Latin and a Greek text of this legend.
Both are printed in the Acta Sanctorum,
October, vol. xi. An exceptionally full discussion of the historical
data will be found in Delehaye’s CMH., under August
12, on which day these martyrs are there specially
commemorated, but their names also recur on December 20,
and in this connection Delehaye points out that the assignment
of their feast in the Roman Martyrology to October 25 seems
to be due to a statement made in an account of a translation of
their relics that October 25 was not only the date of the translation
but the actual day of their martyrdom. The marble calendar of
Naples (c. 850)
seems to confirm this. Pope St Damasus
is recorded to have written an inscription for their tomb, but
that which was at one time attributed to him must certainly be
of later date. See further, J. P. Kirsch, Festkalender
(1924), pp. 90-93 and DAC., vol. iii,
cc. 1560-1568.
410
Saint
Gaudentius of Brescia 387 consecrated by
Saint Ambrose 10 sermons survive friend of John Chrysostom
B (RM). In
405,
St Gaudentius was deputed with two others by Pope
St Innocent I and the Emperor Honorius to go into
the East to defend the cause of St John Chrysostom
before Arcadius, for which Chrysostom sent him a letter
of thanks.
The deputies were ill received, and imprisoned in Thrace their papers were forcibly taken from them, and bribes were offered if they would declare themselves in communion with the bishop who had supplanted St John Chrysostom. St Paul is said to have appeared in a vision to one of their deacons to encourage them. They eventually arrived back safely in Italy, though it is supposed their enemies intended them to be cast away at sea, for they were put on a most unseaworthy vessel. St Gaudentius seems to have died about the year 410, and Rufinus styled him “the glory of the doctors of the age wherein he lives”. He is honoured on this day in the Roman Martyrology, which mentions on October 14 another ST Gaudentius. He was the first bishop of Rimini, and may have been martyred by the Arians in the year 359. The Canons Regular of the Lateran keeps his feast. 1447 BD
THOMAS OF FLORENCE;
a Franciscan lay brother; the gift of miracles; When
in 1414 Friar John of Stroncone went to spread
the reform in the kingdom of Naples he took Bd Thomas
with him. He laboured there for some six years, strengthened
with the gift of miracles, and then, authorized by
Pope Martin V, he undertook, in company with
Bd Antony of Stroncone, to oppose the heretical
Fraticelli in Tuscany. While engaged in this campaign
he made a number of new foundations, over which St Bernardino
gave him authority, his own headquarters being at the friary
of Scarlino. Here he established a custom of going in
procession after the night office to a neighbouring wood,
where each friar had a little shelter
of boughs and shrubs wherein they remained for a time in prayer.
1447 BD
THOMAS OF FLORENCE;
a Franciscan lay brother; the gift of miracles; OF
the early life of this bishop, the only Irishman beatified between the
canonization of Lorcan O’Toole in 1228 and the beatification of Oliver
Plunket in 1920, very little is known. He belonged to the royal MacCarthys
in the part of Munster later known as the Desmond country, his father being
lord of Muskerry and his mother a daughter of FitzMaurice, lord of Kerry;
Thaddeus (Tadhg) was a baptismal name in this house for seven hundred years.
He is said to have begun his studies with the Friars Minor of Kilcrea and
to have then gone abroad, and he seems to have been in Rome when, in 1482 at the age of twenty-seven, he was appointed bishop of Ross
by Pope Sixtus IV. Three years later when Henry Tudor became ruler
of the three kingdoms, the Yorkist Geraldines made a determined effort
to have their own representative in the see of Ross. Ever since the appointment
of Thaddeus MacCarthy there had been a rival claimant in the person of Hugh
O’Driscoll, his predecessor’s auxiliary, and it was now alleged that Thaddeus
had intruded himself under false pretences, with other charges added.
The earl of Desmond seized the temporalities of the see, and its bishop
took refuge at the Cistercian abbey near Parma, which was given him in commendam by the bishop of Clogher. By the machinations
of the FitzGeralds Thaddeus was in 1488 declared suspended by the Holy
See, and he set off to Rome to plead his cause in person. After two years
of investigation and delay Pope Innocent VIII confirmed the bishopric
of Ross to Hugh, but nominated Thaddeus to the united dioceses of Cork
and Cloyne, then vacant.
1584 BD
RICHARD GWYN, MARTYR; During his four years of imprisonment Gwyn
wrote in Welsh a number of religious poems (not
“carols”, as they are generally called), calling on his
countrymen to keep to “yr hen Fam”, the old Mother Church,
and describing with a bitterness that was unhappily excusable the new religion
and its ministers. He was beatified in 1929, and his feast is kept in the diocese of
Menevia on this date.
Pius X
1903-1914 Don Guanella while in 1913
from the Vicariate of Rome, obtained recognition of the Pious Union
of Transit of St. Joseph for the dying,
an association of priests and faithful in union
of prayer for the dying:
St. Pius X was the first to enroll and the following year he raised the association to a union for the whole of Christianity. He was a fighter priest, known, in fact as an intense priest, with whom it was advisable to tread lightly. He was a courageous priest and knew no political compromises. He gave speeches and wrote articles and books against the liberal authorities that were trying to demolish the Church with ideas and expropriations. Don Luigi never hid and, proud of priesthood, he always defended the Pius IX 1846--1878, who at the time was the victim of so much envy, with a very heavy press campaign. He also suffered dramatic persecutions by the civil and government authorities. ST RAPHAEL THE ARCHANGEL Of the seven
archangels, who in both Jewish and Christian
tradition are venerated as pre-eminently standing
before the throne of God, three only are mentioned
by name in the Bible, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.
These have been venerated in the Church from early times,
especially in the East, but it was not untill the pontificate
of Pope Benedict XV that the liturgical feasts of the
two last were made obligatory throughout the Western church.
In Tobias xii
12 and 15, the archangel directly speaks of himself as “one
of the seven who stand before the Lord”, and says that he continually
offered the prayers of young Tobias up to God.
580 St Martin, or Mark: St Gregory says that many of his friends knew Martin personally and had been present at his miracles, and that he had heard much of him from his predecessor, Pope Pelagius II. Marcius (Mark, Martin, Marcus) OSB, Hermit (RM). He is an Italian hermit at Monte Cassino, mentioned by St. Gregory the Great in the life of Saint Benedict. The Cassinese tradition adds the Marcius (or Martin) became a monk at the abbey and then retired to a cave on Mount Massicus (Mondragone) where he died. 1492 Blessed Tadhg MacCarthy Many cures have been reported at his under the high altar of the cathedral of Ivrea B. Born 1455; died in Ivrea, Savoy, Italy; beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1895. When Pope Sixtus IV consecrated Tadhg MacCarthy as bishop of Ross, the Fitzgeralds reacted by contriving to place a rival claimant in the office. When Tadhg returned from his consecration in Rome he found the see occupied. About that same time Sixtus died and Tadhg's enemies seized the opportunity to vehemently denounce him to the new Pope Innocent VIII. The charges were so outrageous that the holy father immediately excommunicated the lawful bishop. An investigation, however, revealed that Tadhg was innocent of the charges whereupon Innocent issued three bulls that totally exonerated Tadhg and appointed him to the bishopric of Cork and Cloyne. The Fitzgeralds still opposed him and refused to surrender the property of the see or to allow him to occupy it. Innocent intervened by issuing such a strong decree that the Fitzgeralds finally relented. Tadhg set out from Rome to assume the leadership of his see. He travelled as a humble pilgrim and stayed overnight in the hospice of Ivrea. The next morning he was found dead. Tradition says that the bishop of Ivrea was unable to sleep that night, disturbed by a vivid dream of a bishop, unknown to him, being taken into heaven. When it was discovered that Tadhg was a bishop, this dream was considered the first of numerous miracles connected with him. Many cures have been reported at his under the high altar of the cathedral of Ivrea, where he continues to be the subject of veneration (Montague). in the service of the king of Vietnam and was strangled to death for being a Christian. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. 1860 St. Joseph Lê Dang Thi of Ke Van Vietnamese, army captain Martyr; Blessed Joseph Thi M (AC); beatified in 1909. A native captain in the army of King Tu-duc of Cochin-China. He was garroted at An-hoa (Benedictines) . 1870 St. Anthony Mary Claret archbishop Cuba prophet many supernatural graces not only in the way of ecstasies and the gift of prophecy, but also by the miraculous cure of bodily diseases. In the monastery of Fontfroide in the diocese of Carcassonne in France, St. Anthony Mary Claret, formerly Archbishop of Cuba, and founder of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was renowned for his meekness and zeal for souls, and was canonized by the Supreme Pontiff, Pius XII. Popes mentioned in articles of Saints today October 23 2016 St. Ignatius,
bishop at Constantinople; He
rebuked
Bardas Caesar for putting away his
wife; for this reason, he was subjected to many sufferings by the Emperor
and driven into exile. However, he was restored to his see by the Roman Pontiff
St. Nicholas, and at last died a peaceful
death.
524
St. Severinus
Boethius Roman philosopher theologian
statesman; “the last of the Roman philosophers,
and the first of the scholastic theologians”
He set himself to translate the whole of Plato
and Aristotle into Latin and to show their fundamental agreement
this task he was not destined to finish, but Cassiodorus
remarks that through his translations the people of Italy
were able to know, as well as Plato and Aristotle, “Pythagoras
the musician, Ptolemy the astronomer, Nichomachus the
arithmetician, Euclid the geometer and Archimedes the mechanician”.
This gives an idea of the many-sided-ness of Boethius’s interests,
and he made his own contributions to logic, mathematics, geometry
and music: moreover he was skilled in practice as well,
for a well-known letter of Cassiodorus asks him to make
a water-clock and a sundial for the king of the Burgundians.
He was also a theological writer (the Anician family had been
Christian since Constantine), and several of his treatises survive,
including one on the Holy Trinity.
The works of Boethius were exceedingly
influential in the Middle Ages, especially in the development
of logic, and it is not for nothing that he has been called
“the last of the Roman philosophers, and the first of the
scholastic theologians”. His translations were for long the
only means for the study of Greek philosophy in the West.Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
October 22 2016
314 St. Mellon
First bishop of Rouen ordained by Pope St. Stephen and sent
there to preach the Gospel.
A native of Cardiff, Wales, he is
listed as Mallonous, Mellouns, and Melanius.
He was converted while in Rome and sent to France as
a missionary by Pope St.
Stephen.
Popes mentioned
in
articles of Saints today October
21 20161087
St. Gebizo Benedictine monk who crowned the
king of Croatia; a monk at Monte Cassino, Italy under St.
Desiderius, who became Pope Victor III;
1086-1087
Pope Blessed Victor III; enter the monastery of S. Sophia at Benevento
where he received the name of Desiderius;
the greatest of all the abbots
of Monte Cassino with the exception of the founder,
and as such won for himself "imperishable fame" (Gregorovius);
Peter the Deacon gives
(op. cit., III, 63) a list of some seventy books which
Desiderius caused to be copied at Monte Cassino; they
include works of Sts. Augustine, Ambrose, Bede, Basil,
Jerome, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Cassian, the registers
of Popes Feliz and Leo, the histories of Josephus, Paul
Warnfrid, Jordanus, and Gregory of Tours, the "Institutes"
and "Novels" of Justinian, the works of Terence, Virgil, and
Seneca, Cicero's "De natura deorum", and Ovid's "Fasti";
Undoubtedly the chief importance
of Desiderius in papal history lies in his influence
with the Normans, an influence which he was able repeatedly
to exert in favour of the Holy See; refused the Papacy several
times due to his ill health
1087 St. Gebizo sent by Pope St. Gregory VII to the coronation in Croatia 1073-1085 Pope St. Gregory VII; One of the greatest of the Roman pontiffs and one of the most remarkable men of all times (HILDEBRAND); Pope Saint Gregory VII (c. 1020/1025 – May 25,
1085), born Hildebrand of Soana (Italian: Ildebrando di Soana), was pope
from April 22, 1073, until his death. One of the great reforming popes,
he is perhaps best known for the part he played
in the Investiture Controversy, his dispute with
Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor affirming the primacy of
the papal authority and the new canon law governing the
election of the pope by the college of cardinals. He was at
the forefront of both evolutionary developments in the relationship
between the Emperor and the papacy during the years before
becoming pope. He was beatified by Gregory XIII in 1584, and canonized
in 1728 by Benedict XIII as Pope St. Gregory VII. He twice excommunicated
Henry IV, who in the end appointed the Antipope Clement III
to oppose him in the hardball political power struggles between
church and Empire. Hailed as one of the greatest of the Roman
pontiffs and one of the most remarkable men of all times, Gregory
was contrastingly described by the atheist anti-Catholic English
writer Joseph McCabe as "a rough and violent peasant, enlisting
his brute strength in the service of the monastic ideal which he embraced."
Pope Honorius I
625-638
Character and work of Honorius Pope Honorius
was much respected and died with an untarnished
reputation. Few popes did more for the restoration
and beautifying of churches of Rome, and he has left
us his portrait in the apsidal mosaic of Sant Agnese fueri
le mura. He cared also for the temporal needs of the Romans by
repairing the aqueduct of Trajan. His extant letters show
him engaged in much business. He supported the Lombard King
Adalwald, who had been set aside as mad by an Arian rival.
He succeeded, to some extent, with the emperor's assistance,
in reuniting the schismatic metropolitan See of Aquileia to
the Roman Church. He wrote to stir up the zeal of the bishops
of Spain, and St. Braulio of Saragossa replied. His connexion
with the British Isles is of interest. He sent St. Birinus to convert
the West Saxons. In 634 he gave the pallium to St. Paulinus
of York, as well as to Honorius of Canterbury, and he wrote a letter
to King Edwin of Northumbria, which Bede has preserved. In 630
he urged the Irish bishops to keep Easter with the rest of Christendom,
in consequence of which the Council of Magh Lene (Old Leighlin)
was held; the Irish testified to their traditional devotion to the
See of Peter, and sent a deputation to Rome "as children to their
mother". On the return of these envoys, all Southern Ireland adopted
the Roman use (633).
1389-1404
Pope Boniface IX; He lacked good theological
training and skill in the conduct of curial business,
but was by nature tactful and prudent. His firm charater
and mild manner did much to restore respect for the papacy
in the countries of his own obedience (Germany, England, Hungary,
Poland, and the greater part of Italy); In the
course of his reign Boniface extinguished the municipal
independence of Rome and established the supremacy
of the pope. He secured the final adhesion of the Romans
(1398) by fortifying anew the Castle of Sant' Angelo,
the bridges, and other points of vantage. He also took over
the port of Ostia from its cardinal-bishop. In the Papal States
Boniface gradually regained control of the chief strongholds
and cities, and is the true founder of these States as they appear
in the fifteenth century. Owing to the faithlessness and violence
of the Romans he resided frequently at Perugia, Assisi, and elsewhere.
Clement VII, the Avignon pope, died 16 September, 1394. Boniface
had excommunicated him shortly after his own election, and
in turn had been excommunicated by Clement. In 1392 Boniface
attempted, but in vain, to enter into closer relations with Clement
for the re-establishment of ecclesiastical unity, whereupon
Boniface reasserted with vigour his own legitimacy. Clement was
succeeded at Avignon, 28 September, 1394, by Cardinal Pedro de
Luna, as Benedict XIII. Suffice it to say here that Boniface
always claimed to be the true pope, and at all times rejected the
proposal to abdicate even when it was supported by the principal
members of his own obedience, e.g. Richard II of England (1396), the
Diet of Frankfort (1397), and King Wenceslaus of Germany (Reims,
1398); Contemporary and later chroniclers praise the political
virtues of Boniface, also the purity of his life, and the grandeur
of his spirit.
St.
Margaret Clitherow was canonized
in 1970 by Pope Paul VI"The answers to many of life's questions can be found by reading the Lives of the Saints. They teach us how to overcome obstacles and difficulties, how to stand firm in our faith, and how to struggle against evil and emerge victorious." 223 St. Asterius Martyr priest who buried the remains of Pope St. Callistus. Asterius of Ostia M (RM). Asterius secretly buried the body of Pope Saint Callistus, under whom he served as a Roman priest. For this act of Christian charity, Asterius was himself cast into the Tiber River at Ostia by order of Emperor Alexander. Christians recovered and buried his body at Ostia, where it is now enshrined in the cathedral (Benedictines, Encyclopedia). 635 ST FINTAN, OR MUNNU, OF TAGHMON, Abbot At the synod held at Magh Lene in 630, and others, he strongly opposed on this matter St Laserian and those who wished to comply with the wish of Pope Honorius I that Ireland should come into line with the rest of Christendom. The monastery of Taghmon soon became famous, and there are references to its founder in the Lives of St Canice, St Mochua and St Molua. 1087 St. Gebizo Benedictine monk who crowned the king of Croatia; a monk at Monte Cassino, Italy under St. Desiderius, who became Pope Victor III; sent by Pope St. Gregory VII to the coronation in Croatia Also called Gerizo, he was a native of Colonge, Germany, and a monk at Monte Cassino, Italy under St. Desiderius, who became Pope Victor III. Gebizo was sent by Pope St. Gregory VII to the coronation in Croatia. 1379 ST JOHN OF BRIDLINGTON Miracles; THOUGH it has been often said that St Thomas of Hereford was the last English saint of the middle ages to be formally canonized (Osmund, in 1457, was a Norman), there is a bull of Pope Boniface IX that canonized John of Bridlington in 1401 his feast is now celebrated in the diocese of Middlesbrough and by the Canons Regular of the Lateran (on October to). He was surnamed Thwing, from the place of his birth near Bridlington, on the coast of Yorkshire, and the little which is known of his life presents nothing of unusual interest. 1556-1597 St. Margaret Clitherow; the "Pearl of York"; continually risking her life by harbouring and maintaining priests, was frequently imprisoned, sometimes for two years at a time, yet never daunted, and was a model of all virtues; she kept priests hidden and had Mass continually celebrated through the thick of the persecution. Some of her priests were martyred, and Margaret who desired the same grace above all things, used to make secret pilgrimages by night to York Tyburn to pray beneath the gibbet for this intention; Her indictment - harboured priests, heard Mass, and the like; she refused to plead, since the only witnesses against her would be her own little children and servants, whom she could not bear to involve in the guilt of her death. She was therefore condemned to the peine forte et dure, i.e. to be pressed to death. "God be thanked, I am not worthy of so good a death as this", she said. Although she was probably with child, this horrible sentence was carried out on Lady Day, 1586 (Good Friday according to New Style); sons Henry and William became priests, and daughter Anne a nun at St. Ursula's, Louvain. Her life, written by her confessor,
John Mush, exists in two versions. The earlier
has been edited by Father John Morris, S.J., in
his "Troubles of our Catholic Forefathers", third series
(London, 1877). The later manuscript, now at York Convent,
was published by W. Nicholson, of Thelwall Hall, Cheshire
(London, Derby, 1849), with portrait: "Life and Death of
Margaret Clitherow the martyr of York". It also contains the
"History of Mr. Margaret Ward and Mrs. Anne Line, Martyrs".
St. Margaret Clitherow was canonized
by Pope Paul VI in 1970.Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
October 20 2016
Popes mentioned in articles of Saints today October 19 2016 Popes mentioned in articles of Saints today October 18 2016 Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
October 17 2016
780
St. Nothlem
Archbishop of CanterburyOriginally a priest in London, he was named archbishop
in 734. Nothelm conducted research on the
history of Kent which was collected by Abbot Albinus
and in turn utilized by the Venerable Bede in the writing
of his Ecclesiastical History. 740
St Nothelm, Archbishop Of Canterbury, whom St Bede
refers to as “a devout priest of the church of London”,
succeeded St Tatwin in the see of Canterbury in the year
734. Two years later he received the pallium from Pope
St Gregory III. He was consulted by St Boniface from Germany
and furnished him with a copy of the famous letter of instruction
from Pope St Gregory I
to St Augustine of Canterbury about how to deal with the
English converts. But St Nothelm’s name is principally remembered
for his part in the composition of St Bede’s Ecclesiastical
History.
In the preface thereto, addressed to King Ceolwulf, Bede says that his chief aid and authority for his work had been the learned abbot Albinus at Canterbury, who transmitted to him “either by writing or by word of mouth of the same Nothelm, all that he thought worthy of memory that had been done in the province of Kent, or the adjacent parts, by the disciples of the blessed Pope Gregory, as he had learned them either from written records or the traditions of his ancestors. The said Nothelm afterwards went to Rome and, having with leave of the present Pope Gregory [III] searched into the archives of the holy Roman church, found there some letters of the blessed Pope Gregory and other popes. When he returned home he brought them to me, by the advice of the aforesaid most reverend father Albinus, to be inserted in my history. Thus . . . what was transacted in the church of Canterbury by the disciples of St Gregory or their successors, and under which kings they happened, has been conveyed to us by Nothelm through the industry of abbot Albinus. They also partly informed me by what bishops and under what kings the provinces of the East and West Saxons, as well as of the East Angles and the Northumbrians, received the faith of Christ.” 1584 St. Richard Gwyn One of Forty Martyrs of England and Wales first Welsh martyr of Queen Elizabeth I's reign Also called Richard White, he was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, in 1547, and studied at Cambridge University, England. Converted from Protestantism, he returned to Wales in 1562, married, had six children, and opened a school. Arrested in 1579, he spent four years in prison before his execution by being hanged, drawn, and quartered at Wrexham on October 15, for being a Catholic. While jailed, he composed many religious poems in Welsh. He is considered the protomartyr of Wales and was included among the canonized martyrs of England and Wales by Pope Paul VI in 1970. 1690 St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Apostle of the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus; France of the seventeenth century, love of God had gone cold, on the one hand because of widespread rebellion and sinfulness, on the other the numbing influence of Jansenism, which presented God as not loving all mankind alike. To rekindle that love there flourished, between 1625 and 1690, three saints, John Eudes, Claud La Colombière, and Margaret-Mary Alacoque, who between them brought and taught to the Church, in the form that we have had it ever since, devotion to our divine Lord in His Sacred Heart, “the symbol of that boundless love which moved the Word to take flesh, to institute the Holy Eucharist, to take our sins upon Himself, and, dying on the cross, to offer Himself as a victim and a sacrifice to the eternal Father.” At Paray, in the diocese of Autun, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. She made her profession in the Order of the Visitation of Blessed Mary the Virgin, and she excelled with great merit in spreading devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and in furthering its public veneration. Pope Benedict XV added her name to the list of holy virgins. While serving a second term as assistant superior St Margaret-Mary was taken ill in October 1690. “I shall not live”, she said, “for I have nothing left to suffer”, but the doctor did not think anything was very seriously wrong. A week later she asked for the last sacraments, saying, “I need nothing but God, and to lose myself in the heart of Jesus”. The priest came and began to administer the last rites; at the fourth anointing, of the lips, she died. St Margaret-Mary Alacoque was canonized in 1920. 1794 Bl. Marie Magdalen Desjardin Ursuline martyr of the French Revolution. 1794 The Ursuline Martyrs Of Valenciennes. Ursuline nuns established themselves at Valenciennes in the year 1654; nearly a hundred and forty years later, after devoting themselves throughout that time to the interests of their fellow-citizens by teaching their children and looking after the poor, their convent was suppressed under the Revolution and the nuns took refuge in the house of their order at Mons. When the Austrians occupied Valenciennes in 1793 they returned, reopened their school, and remained in the town after the French had recaptured it. In September 1794 they were arrested at the instance of Citizen Lacoste’s commission, on the charge of being émigrées who had unlawfully returned and reopened their convent, and confined in the public prison. On October 17 five of them were brought up for trial, and on their stating openly that they had come back to Valenciennes to teach the Catholic faith they were sentenced to death. They were led to the guillotine in the great marketplace amid the tears of their sisters. “Mother, you taught us to be valiant, and now we are going to be crowned you weep!” exclaimed Bd Mary Augustine (Mother Dejardin) to the mother superior. Five days later the superior herself, Bd Mary Clotilde (Mother Paillot) and the other five nuns suffered in the same place, among the last victims of the Revolution. “We die for the faith of the Catholic, Apostolic and Roman Church”, said Bd Mary Clotilde. 1794 BB. JOHN BAPTIST TURPAN DU CORMIER, MARY L’HUILIER and their companions. Fourteen priests, three nuns and a lay woman martyred at Laval in 1794 during the French Revolution. They were beatified in 1955. 1833 St. Francis Isidore Gagelin Martyr of Vietnam Born in Montperreux France in 1799, he entered the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris. He was sent to Vietnam in 1822, where he was ordained a priest. In 1833, Francis was seized by anti-Christian forces and was martyred by strangulation. He was canonized in 1988. Blessed Francis Isidore Gagelin M (AC) Born Montperreux (diocese of Besançon), France, 1799; died in Cochin-China, 1833; beatified in 1900. Blessed Francis was sent by the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris to Cochin-China in 1822. Upon his arrival he was ordained a priest. He worked zealously until the persecution broke out, when he gave himself up to the mandarin of Bongson and was strangled (Benedictines) . 439 St.
Maxima
Africa slaves.
Martinian, his brother Saturian and their
two brothers were slaves in Africa at the time of
Arian King Jenseric's
persecution of Catholics. They were converted
to Christianity by another slave, Maxima. When their master
insisted that Martinian marry Maxima, who had taken a vow
of virginity, they fled to a monastery but were brought back
and beaten for their attempt to escape. When their master
died, his widow gave them to a Vandal, who freed Maxima (she
later entered a monastery) and sold the men to a Berber chief.
They converted many, petitioned the Pope Leo I to
send them a priest, and were then tortured and dragged to their
deaths by horses for their Faith.
787 St. Lull Benedictine bishop relative of St. Boniface. 786 ST LULL, BISHOP of MAINZ LULL was an Englishman,
doubtless a native of the kingdom of the West Saxons. The foundation of
his education was laid in the monastery of Malmesbury, where he remained
as a young man and was ordained deacon.
Hearing the call of the foreign missions when
he was about twenty years old, he passed into Germany,
and was received with joy by St Boniface, who
is thought to have been related to him. From this time Lull
shared with that great saint the labours of his apostleship,
and the persecutions which were raised against him. St Boniface
promoted him to priest’s orders and in 751 sent him to Rome to consult
Pope St Zachary on certain matters
which he did not care to commit to writing. Upon his return,
St Boniface selected him for his successor he was consecrated
as coadjutor, and when Boniface departed on his last missionary journey
into Frisia St Lull took over the see of Mama.
1085 St. Anastasius Hermit papal legate. This Anastasius was a native of Venice and a man of considerable learning who, by the middle of the eleventh century, was a monk at Mont-Saint-Michel. The abbot there was not a satisfactory person—he was accused of simony—and Anastasius eventually left the monastery in order to live as a hermit on Tombelaine off Normandy. About the year 1066 St Hugh of Cluny induced him to join the community at Cluny. After seven years there he was ordered by Pope St Gregory VII to go into Spain, perhaps to help in inducing the Spaniards to give up their Mozarabic liturgy for the Roman, an undertaking begun by Cardinal Hugh of Remiremont (rather inappropriately called Candidus), who was then legate in France and Spain. St Anastasius was soon back at Cluny, where he lived quietly for another seven years, and then went to be a hermit in the neighbourhood of Toulouse. Here he preached to the people of the countryside (and is said to have shared his solitude with Hugh of Remiremont, who had been deposed and excommunicated for repeated acts of simony) and lived in contemplation until he was recalled to his monastery in 1085. On his way he died and was buried at Doydes.
1123 St. Bertrand
of Comminges Bishop. This happening is commemorated locally
on May 2 every year,
and Pope Clement V,
who had been bishop of Comminges, granted a plenary
indulgence to be gained at the then cathedral
church of St Bertrand every year that the feast of the finding
of the Holy Cross falls on a Friday. St Bertrand was canonized
some time before 1309,
probably by Pope Honorius III.
1243 St. Hedwig Duchess widow Cistercain patroness of Silesia At Cracow in Poland, St. Hedwig, duchess of Poland, who devoted herself to the service of the poor, and was renowned for miracles. She was inscribed among the saints by Pope Clement IV. 1399 Queen St. Jadwiga of Poland cultural institutions to both state and church Pope John Paul II canonized Blessed Jadwiga Sanctæ Hedwígis Víduæ, Polonórum Ducíssæ, quæ prídie hujus diéi obdormívit in Dómino. St. Hedwig, widow, duchess of Poland, who went to her rest in the Lord on the day previous. (1371-1399) There are two Polish women of royal blood who have long been venerated by Polish Catholics. Up to 1997 they were referred to as Saint Jadwiga and Blessed Jadwiga. (Hedwig is the form of their name in German.) Now both are called saints, for in June 1997, on a solemn visit to Krakow, where he had formerly been archbishop, Pope John Paul II canonized Blessed Jadwiga. 1771 St. Marguerite d'Youville Canada "Mother of Universal Charity." O our sweet hope let us feel your power over the loveable Heart of Jesus, and use your credit so as to make a place for us there forever! Ask Him to exert his sovereignty on our hearts, making his love reign in our heart, that He may consume us and change everything into Himself. May He be our Father, our Husband, our guard, our treasure, our delight, our love and our everything; destroying and annihilating in us all that there is of ourselves to fill us only with all that is of Him, so that we may be pleasing to Him! May He be the support of our impotence, the force of our weakness, the joy of all our sadness! Amen. The General Hospital in Montreal became known as the Hotel Dieu (House of God) and set a standard for medical care and Christian compassion. When the hospital was destroyed by fire in 1766, she knelt in the ashes, led the Te Deum (a hymn to God's providence in all circumstances) and began the rebuilding process. She fought the attempts of government officials to restrain her charity and established the first foundling home in North America. Pope John XXIII, who beatified her in 1959, called her “the Mother of Universal Charity.” She was canonized in 1990. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
October 15 2016
1243 St. Hedwig
Duchess widow Cistercain patroness
of Silesia Miracles; Her feast is celebrated on the following
day. At Cracow
in Poland, St. Hedwig, duchess of Poland, who devoted herself to the service
of the poor, and was renowned for miracles.
She was inscribed among the saints by Pope Clement
IV.
1582 St. Teresa
of Avila Doctor of the Church miracles
levitated
At Avila in Spain, the virgin St. Teresa, mother and mistress of the
Brothers and Sisters of the Carmelite Order of the Strict Observance.
(also known as Teresa of Jesus); At this time Pope
St Pius V appointed visitors apostolic
to inquire into relaxations in religious orders with
a view to reform, and he named a well-known Dominican,
Peter Fernandez, to be visitor to the Carmelites
of Castile. At Avila he not surprisingly found great
fault with the convent of the Incarnation, and to remedy
its abuses he sent for St Teresa and told her she was to
take charge of it as prioress. It was doubly distasteful
to her to be separated from her own daughters and to be put from
outside at the head of a house which opposed her activities
with jealousy and warmth. The nuns’ at first refused to obey
her; some of them went into hysterics at the very idea. She told
them that she came not to coerce or instruct but to serve, and
to learn from the least among them. “My mothers and sisters, our Lord has sent me to this house by the voice of obedience, to fill an office of which I was far from thinking and for which I am quite unfitted...I come solely to serve you...Do not fear my rule. Though I have lived among and exercised authority over those Carmelites who are discalced, by God’s mercy I know how to rule those who are not of their number.” St. Teresa of Avila
(1515-1582) Teresa lived in an age
of exploration as well as political, social and
religious upheaval. It was the 16th century, a time of
turmoil and reform. Her life began with the culmination
of the Protestant Reformation, and ended shortly after the
Council of Trent. 1617 Blessed Victoria
Strata Blue Nuns Religious vision
of Our Lady Pope Clement
VIII approved the order's constitutions in 1604 and
Maria Victoria and ten companions made their solemn vows
in the late summer of 1605.1617 Mary Victoria Fornari
a vision of Mary established "Le Turchine", i.e. the "Turquoise
Annunziate", or "Blue Nuns" sky-blue scapulars
and cloaks. (1562-1617).
Mary Victoria Fornari was a native of Genoa Italy.
When seventeen she desired to enter the convent, but
out of respect for her father's wishes she married Angelo
Strata.
Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today October 14 2016
222 St. Calixtus
(Callistus) Pope; a slave with
power behind the Church, mercy, equality embrace
sinners.
At Rome, on the Aurelian Way, the birthday of blessed Callistus
I, pope and martyr. By order of Emperor
Alexander, he was kept in prison for a long time without
food, and was daily scourged with rods. He was finally
hurled from a window of the house in which he had been shut
up, and was cast into a well, and thus merited the triumph of
victory.
Pope Paul I. and his successors, seeing
the cemeteries without walls, and neglected
after the devastations of the barbarians, withdrew
from thence the bodies of the most illustrious martyrs,
and had them carried to the principal churches of the city.
Those of SS. Callistus and Calepodius were translated
to the church of St. Mary, beyond the Tiber. Count Everard,
lord of Cisoin or Chisoing, four leagues from Tournay, obtained
of Leo IV., about the year 854, the body of St. Callistus, pope
and martyr, which he placed in the abbey of Canon Regulars which
he had founded at Cisoin fourteen years before; the church of which
place was on this account dedicated in honor of St. Callistus.
These circumstances are mentioned by Fulco, archbishop of Rheims, in a letter which he wrote to pope Formosus in 890. The relics were removed soon after to Rheims for fear of the Normans, and never restored to the abbey of Cisoin. They remain behind the altar of our Lady at Rheims. Some of the relics, however, of this pope are kept with those of St. Calepodius martyr, in the church of St. Mary Trastevere at Rome. A portion was formerly possessed
at Glastenbury.
Among the sacred edifices which, upon the
first transient glimpse of favor, or at least
tranquillity that the church enjoyed at Rome,
this holy pope erected, the most celebrated was the
cemetery which he enlarged and adorned on the Appian road,
the entrance of which is at St. Sebastian's, a monastery
founded by Nicholas I., now inhabited by reformed Cistercian
monks.
In it the bodies of SS. Peter and Paul lay
for some time, according to Anastasius,
who says that the devout lady Lucina buried St.
Cornelius in her own farm near this place; whence it
for some time took her name, though she is not to be confounded
with Lucina who buried St. Paul's body on the Ostian way,
and built a famous cemetery on the Aurelian way.
Among many thousand martyrs deposited in
this place were St. Sebastian, whom the lady Lucina interred,
St. Cecily, and several whose tombs pope Damasus adorned
with verses.In the assured faith of the resurrection of the flesh, the saints, in all ages down from Adam, were careful to treat their dead with religious respect, and to give them a modest and decent burial. The commendations which our Lord bestowed on the woman who poured precious ointments upon him a little before his death, and the devotion of those pious persons who took so much care of our Lord's funeral, recommended this office of charity; and the practice of the primitive Christians in this respect was most remarkable. Julian the Apostate, writing to a chief priest of the idolaters, desires him to observe three things, by which he thought Atheism (so he called Christianity) had gained most upon the world, namely, "Their kindness and charity to strangers, their care for the burial of their dead, and the gravity of their carriage." Their care of their dead consisted not in any extravagant pomp, in which the pagans far outdid them, but in a modest religious gravity and respect which was most pathetically expressive of their firm hope of a future resurrection, in which they regarded the mortal remains of their dead precious in the eyes of God, who watches over them, regarding them as the apple of his eye, to be raised one day in the brightest glory, and made shining lusters in the heavenly Jerusalem. 754 St. Burkard or Buchard, Bishop, Benedictine. In 749 he was appointed by Pepin the Short to go with St Fulrad, Abbot of Saint Denis, to lay before Pope St Zachary the question of the succession to the throne of the Franks, and brought back a reply favourable to the ambitions of Pepin. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
October 13 2016
909
St. Gerald
of Aurillac Confessor gave much time
to meditation, study, and prayer piety generosity
to the poor a layman who devoted himself to his neighbors
and dependents founded the monastery at Aurillac.
Saint Odo of Cluny
wrote a Life of Saint Gerald that
made him celebrated in medieval France. A later member
of Saint Gerald of Aurillac's family was Saint Robert
of Chaise-Dieu (d. 1087; canonized c. 1095) who founded the
great abbey of that name in Auvergne (Attwater, Encyclopedia,
Sitwell, White).
1066 St. Edward
the Confessor built St. Peter's Abbey
at Westminster; son of King Ethelred III St. Edward, king
of England and confessor, who died on the 5th day of January. He
is specially honoured on this day because of the translation of his
body. Son of King Ethelred III and his Norman wife,
Emma, daughter of Duke Richard I of Normandy;
born at Islip, England, and sent to Normandy with his
mother in the year 1013 when Danes under Sweyn and his son
Canute invaded England. Canute remained in England
and the year after Ethelred's death in 1016, married Emma,
who had returned to England, and became King of England.
EDWARD(US) REX. Edward the Confessor enthroned , opening scene of the Bayeux Tapestry King of England; He died in London on January 5, and he was canonized in 1161 by Pope Alexander III. St Edward during exile in Normandy had made a vow to go on pilgrimage to St Peter’s tomb at Rome if God should be pleased to put an end to the misfortunes of his family. When he was settled on the throne he held a council, in which he declared the obligation he lay under. The assembly commended his devotion, but represented that the kingdom would be left exposed to domestic divisions and to foreign enemies. The king was moved by their reasons, and consented that the matter should be referred to Pope St Leo IX. He, considering the impossibility of the king’s leaving his dominions, dispensed his vow upon condition that by way of commutation he should give to the poor the sum he would have expended in his journey and should build or repair and endow a monastery in honour of St Peter. King Edward selected for his benefaction an abbey already existing close to London, in a spot called Thorney. He rebuilt and endowed it in a magnificent manner out of his own patrimony, and obtained of Pope Nicholas II ample exemptions and privileges for it. From its situation it had come to be called West Minster in distinction from the church of St Paul in the east of the city. The new monastery was designed to house seventy monks, and, though the abbey was finally dissolved and its church made collegiate and a “royal peculiar” by Queen Elizabeth, the ancient community is now juridically represented by the monks of St Laurence’s Abbey at Ampleforth. The present church called Westminster Abbey, on the site of St Edward’s building, was built in the thirteenth century and later. Some years afterwards two English pilgrims, having lost their way as they were travelling in the Holy Land, “were succoured and put in the right way by an old man”, who at parting told them he was John the Evangelist, adding, as the legend proceeds, “Say ye unto Edwarde your Kying that I grete hym well by the token that he gaaf to me this Ryng wyth his own handes at the halowyng of my Chirche, whych Rynge ye shall deliver to hym agayn: and say ye to hym, that he dyspose his goodes, for wythin six monethes he shall be in the joye of Heven wyth me, where he shall have his rewarde for his chastitie and his good lyvinge”. At their return home, the two pilgrims waited upon the king, who was then at this Bower, and delivered to him the message and the ring; from which circumstance this place is said to have received the name of Have-Ring. Havering is really “Haefer’s people”. In 1161 he was canonized, and two years later his incorrupt body was translated to a shrine in the choir by St Thomas Becket, on October 13, the day now fixed for his feast; the day of his death, January 5, is also mentioned in the Roman Martyrology. There was a further translation, in the thirteenth century, to a shrine behind the high altar, and there the body of the Confessor still lies, the only relics of a saint (except those of the unidentified St With at Whitchurch Canonicorum in Dorsetshire) remaining in situ after the violence and impiety of Henry VIII and those who followed him. 1191 St. Maurice of Carnoët Sistercian abbot and reformer; St Maurice has always had a cultus in his order and in the dioceses of Quimper, Vannes and Saint-Brieuc, and Pope Clement XI permitted the Cistercians to observe his feast liturgically, as is done in those dioceses. 1503 Bd Magdalen
Panattieri, Virgin; she seems to have been spared all external
contradiction and persecution, soon becoming
a force in her town of Trino. Her care for the poor and
young children (in whose favour she seems several times
to have acted miraculously) paved the way for her work
for the conversion of sinners; she prayed and suffered for them
and supplemented her austerities
with exhortation and reprimands, especially
against the sin of usury; She seems to have foreseen the calamities
that overtook northern Italy during the invasions
of the sixteenth century and made several covert references
to them; it was afterwards noticed and attributed to
her prayers that, when all around was rapine and desolation,
Trino was for no obvious reason spared;
When she knew that she was dying she sent for all her tertiary
sisters, and many others pressed into her room. She made
her last loving exhortation to them, promising to intercede
for them all in eternity, adding, “I could not be happy in
Heaven if you
were not there too”. Then she peacefully made an end, while the bystanders
were singing the thirtieth psalm. From
before the day of her death, October 13, 1503,
the grateful people of Trino had venerated Bd Magdalen Panattieri as a saint,
a cultus that was confirmed by Pope Leo
XII.
Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
October 12 2016
284 St. Maximilian
of Lorch Martyred bishop of Lorch
Pope Sixtus II
sent him to Lorch, near Passau, where he served two
decades as a missionary bishop.
304 St. Pantalus first bishop of Basel; The scull is preserved today in the historical museum in Basel. Pantalus' stature as a saint predates the practice of canonization by a Pope. 484 St. Felix and Cyprian Martyred bishops of Africa -- THE DECIAN PERSECUTION The prosperity of the Church during a peace of thirty-eight years had produced great disorders. Many even of the bishops were given up to worldliness and gain, and we hear of worse scandals. In October, 249, Decius became emperor with the ambition of restoring the ancient virtue of Rome. In January, 250, he published an edict against Christians. Bishops were to be put to death, other persons to be punished and tortured till they recanted. On 20 January Pope Fabian was martyred, and about the same time St. Cyprian retired to a safe place of hiding. His enemies continually reproached him with this. But to remain at Carthage was to court death, to cause greater danger to others, and to leave the Church without government; for to elect a new bishop would have been as impossible as it was at Rome. Saint Eustace The Vision of about 1438-42 or see below; As with many early saints, there is little evidence for Eustace's existence; elements of his story have been attributed to other saints (notably the French Saint Hubert). His feast day in the Roman Catholic Church was September 20, but this date has not been officially observed since Pope Paul VI removed many of the less well documented saints from the calendar in 1969. He is one of the patron saints of Madrid, Spain. 633 St. Edwin a martyr king of Northumbria St Edwin was certainly venerated in England as a martyr, but though his claims to sanctity are less doubtful than those of some other royal saints, English and other, he has had no liturgical cultus so far as is known. His relics were held in veneration; Speed says that churches were dedicated in his honour in London and at Brean in Somerset; and Pope Gregory XIII permitted him to be represented among the English martyrs on the walls of the chapel of the Venerabile at Rome. 709 St. Wilfrid abbot of Ripon in 658 founded many monasteries of the Benedictine Order; At Rome he put himself under Boniface the archdeacon, a pious and learned man; he was secretary to Pope St Martin, and took much delight in instructing young Wilfrid. After this, Wilfrid returned to Lyons. He stayed three years there and received the tonsure after the Roman manner, thus adopting an outward and visible sign of his dissent from Celtic customs. St Annemund desired to make him his heir, but his own life was suddenly cut short by murder, and Wilfrid himself was spared only because he was a foreigner. He returned to England, where King Alcfrid of Deira, hearing that Wilfrid had been instructed in the discipline of the Roman church, asked him to instruct him and his people accordingly. Alcfrid had recently founded a monastery at Ripon and peopled it with monks from Melrose, among whom was St Cuthbert. These the king required to abandon their Celtic usages, whereupon the abbot Eata, Cuthbert and others, elected to return to Melrose. So St Wilfrid was made abbot of Ripon, where he introduced the Rule of St Benedict, and shortly after he was ordained priest by St Agilbert, the Frankish bishop of the West Saxons. 1604 St. Seraphin of Montegranaro Capuchin Franciscan ordinary work; At Ascoli in Piceno, St. Seraphinus, confessor, of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, distinguished by his humility and holiness of life. He was enrolled among the saints by the Sovereign Pontiff Clement XIII. 1622 Bl. Camillus Constanzi Jesuit martyr of Japan Originally from Italy; Blessed Camillus Costanzi, SJ (AC) Born in Italy, 1572; died at Firando, Japan, September 15, 1622; beatified in 1867. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
October 11 2016
The Motherhood
of Our Lady
Pope Pius XI enjoined the celebration on this day throughout the Western church of a feast in honour of the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, in the encyclical “Lux veritatis”, published on December 25, 1931, in view of the fifteenth centenary of the Council of Ephesus. 1379 St. John of Bridlington; Augustinian prior; Born at Thwing, Yorkshire, England, in 1319; died October 10, 1379; canonized by Pope Boniface IX in 1401 or 1403. At the age of 19, while still a student at Oxford, John joined the community of Augustinian canons at Bridlington near his hometown. He filled various offices until he was elected its prior and held that position for 17 years--until his death. Saint John is the patron of women in difficult labor (Benedictines, Delaney). 1592
St. Alexander
Sauli The Apostle of Corsica; bishop;
miracles of prophecy healing calming of storms;
during his life and death; spiritual advisor to St.
Charles Borromeo to Cardinal Sfondrato -- Pope Gregory
XIV The order the congregation
of Clerks Regular of Saint Paul became
known as the Barnabites. At Calozzo, in the diocese
of Asti, formerly that of Pavia, St. Alexander
Sauli, bishop and confessor of the Clerics Regular of
St. Paul. He was of noble birth and renowned for
virtues, learning, and miracles. Pope Pius
X placed him in the canon of the saints.
He came from a prominent
family of Lombard, Italy, born in Milan
in 1533. At an early age he entered the Barnabite
Congregation {Anthony Mary Zaccaria,
Priest Born in Cremona, Italy, 1502; died
there, July 15, 1539; canonized by Pope Leo
XIII in 1897. Alexander was a noted
miracle worker. He was also spiritual advisor to St.
Charles Borromeo and to Cardinal
Sfondrato, who became Pope Gregory XIV. He was canonized
in 1904 by Pope St. Pius X.
1833 St. Peter Tuy Vietnamese martyr native priest he was beheaded by Vietnamese authorities. Peter was canonized in 1988 by Pope John Paul II. 1867 St Francis Xavier Seelos mission preaching Miracle worker. He was considered an expert confessor, a watchful and prudent spiritual director and a pastor always joyfully available and attentive to the needs of the poor and the abandoned. In 1860, he was a candidate for the office of Bishop of Pittsburgh. Having been excused from this responsibility by Pope Pius IX, from 1863 until 1866 he became a full-time itinerant missionary preacher. He preached in English and German in the states of Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. He was named pastor of the Church of St. Mary of the Assumption in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he died of the yellow fever epidemic caring for the sick and the poor of New Orleans on October 4, 1867, at the age of 48 years and nine months. The enduring renown for his holiness which the Servant of God enjoyed occasioned his Cause for Canonization to be introduced in 1900 with the initiation of the Processo Informativo. On January 27, Your Holiness declared him Venerable, decreeing the heroism of his virtues. 1887 SS Maria- Desolata (Emmanuela) Torres Acosta Handmaids of Mary V (RM). Born at Madrid, Spain, in 1826; died there in 1887; beatified in 1950; canonized in 1970. Emmanuela, a truly great woman who overcame many obstacles, was the daughter of Francis Torres and Antonia Acosta, who earned their living by running a little business in Madrid. Born into poverty, she tried unsuccessfully to become a Dominican in the convent she frequented. But she did not despair. Instead she waited patiently for God to demonstrate his will for her. His will became apparent in 1848, and she responded to the call of a Servite tertiary priest, Michael Martinez y Sanz, to found an institute for the care of the neglected sick of his parish in their own homes. In 1851, he gathered together seven women for agreed to devote themselves to service in a religious community. Among them was the 25-year-old Emmanuela, who took the name Maria-Desolata (after Our Lady of Sorrows) together with the religious habit. In 1856, Father Martinez took half the members with him to found a new house in Fernando Po, while leaving Maria-Desolata as superioress in Madrid. 1899 Blessed Angela Truszkowska the Felician Sisters Pope John Paul II beatified her in 1993; Today we honor a woman who submitted to God's will throughout her life—a life filled with pain and suffering. Born in 1825 in central Poland and baptized Sophia, she contracted tuberculosis as a young girl. The forced period of convalescence gave her ample time for reflection. Sophia felt called to serve God by working with the poor, including street children and the elderly homeless in Warsaw's slums. In time, her cousin joined her in the work. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
October 10 2016
644 St. Paulinus
bishop
of York; Missionary; Eboráci, in Anglia, sancti
Paulíni Epíscopi, qui fuit beáti Gregórii
Papæ discípulus; et, una cum áliis, ad prædicándum
Evangélium illuc ab eo missus, Edwínum Regem ejúsque
pópulum ad Christi fidem convértit.
At York in England,
the holy bishop Paulinus, disciple of the
blessed pope Gregory. He was sent there by that
pope along with others to preach the Gospel, and he
converted King Edwin and his people to the faith of Christ.
Born 584. A
Roman monk,
in 600 he was named by Pope St. Gregory I the Great to
accompany Sts. Justus and Mellitus on their mission to England
to advance the cause of evangelization undertaken by St. Augustine
of Canterbury Paulinus labored for some twenty four
years in Kent and, in 625, was ordained bishop of Kent. He was
also responsible for bringing Christianity to Northumbria,
baptizing the pagan king Edwin of Northumbria on Easter 627,
and then converting thousands of other Northumbrians. Following
the defeat and death of Edwin by pagan Mercians at the Battle
of Hatfield in 633, Paulinus was driven from his see, and he
returned to Kent with Edwin’s widow Ethelburga, her two children,
and Edwin’s grandson Osfrid. Paulinus then took up the see
of Rochester, which he headed until his death.
1227 Ss.
Daniel
Samuel,
Angelus, Leo, Nicholas, Ugolino, and
Domnus, all of whom were priests except
Domnus; Franciscan martyrs of Morocco.
Neither threats nor bribes could
move them, they continued to affirm Christ and
to deny Mohammed, so they were ordered put to death.
Each one of the martyrs went up to Brother Daniel, knelt
for his blessing, and asked permission to give his life
for Christ; and they were all beheaded outside the walls
of Ceuta. Their bodies were mangled by the infuriated people,
but the local Christians managed to rescue and bury them. Later
on the relics were carried into Spain, and in 1516
Pope Leo X permitted the Friars Minor to observe
the martyrs’ feast liturgically.1572 St. Francis Borgia humble Jesuit priest Born at Gandia, Valencia, Spain in 1510; died shortly after midnight on September 30, 1572, in Rome; canonized 1671. The name of Borgia (Borja) is understandably ill-sounding; however, Saint Francis was outstanding among those who brought honor to it. He was the scion of the family that produced Pope Callistus III (1455-1458) and a great-grandson of the man who became Pope Alexander VI of unhappy memory (who had fathered four children at the time of his elevation). October 10 - Canonization of Father Kolbe, Saint of Auschwitz (1982) 1941 Saint Maximilian Kolbe Apostle of Consecration to MaryCanonized 10 October 1982 by Pope John Paul II; declared a martyr of charity Profile Second of three sons born to a poor but pious Catholic family in Russian occupied Poland. His parents, both Franciscan lay tertiaries, worked at home as weavers. His father, Julius, later ran a religious book store, then enlisted in Pilsudski's army, fought for Polish independence from Russia, and was hanged by the Russians as a traitor in 1914. His mother, Marianne Dabrowska, later became a Benedictine nun. His brother Alphonse became a priest. Raymond was known as a mischievous child, sometimes considered wild, and a trial to his parents. However, in 1906 at Pabianice, at age twelve and around the time of his first Communion, he received a vision of the Virgin Mary that changed his life. “I asked the Mother of God what was to become of me. Then she came to me holding two crowns, one white, the other red. She asked if I was willing to accept either of these crowns. The white one meant that I should persevere in purity, and the red that I should become a martyr. I said that I would accept them both.” -Saint Maximilian Kolbe Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
October 09 2016
258 Sts Denis
patron saint of France, Rusticus,
and Eleutherius; The Martyrology
of Jerome mentions St. Dionysius on October 9, together
with Rusticus and Eleutherius, assumed by later writers
to be Denis's priest and deacon. The Denis is presumed
to be the bishop-martyr of Paris, one of the seven missionary
bishops sent from Rome to convert Gaul. He was martyred
between 250-258 AD.
Writing in the 6th century, St. Gregory of Tours tells the story of these three martyrs. Born in Italy, Denis was sent with six other bishops to Gaul in 250 as missionaries and became the first bishop of Paris. He was so effective in converting the inhabitants around Paris that he was arrested with his priest, St. Rusticus, and deacon, St. Eleutherius, and imprisoned. The three of them were beheaded on October 9 in Montmartre (Martyrs' Hill) near Paris during Decius's persecution. Their bodies were rescued from the River Seine, and a chapel built over their tomb later became the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Denis (Delaney). Roeder claims that the deacon Eleutherius was beheaded in 286 and is shown as a deacon carrying his head. He is invoked against headache, frenzy, and strife. Venerated in Salzburg and Paris (Roeder). In 1215 Pope Innocent III translated the presumed relics of the Areopagite to the popular Basilica of St. Denis in Paris. This also added additional confusion to the stories of the three saints . 1085 St. Alfanus Benedictine archbishop; a monk at Monte Cassino until appointed archbishop of Salerno; assisted Pope St. Gregory VII on his deathbed. 1609
St. John
Leonardi miracles and religious
fervor founder;
John Leonardi was born at Diecimo, Italy. He became
a pharmacist's assistant at Lucca, studied for the
priesthood, and was ordained in 1572. He gathered
a group of laymen about him to work in hospitals and prisons,
became interested in the reforms proposed by the Council
of Trent, and proposed a new congregation of secular priests.
Great opposition to his proposal developed, but in 1583,
his association (formally designated Clerks Regular of
the Mother of God in 1621) was recognized by the bishop of
Lucca with the approval of Pope
Gregory XIII. John was aided by St. Philip Neri and St. Joseph Calasanctius,
and in 1595, the congregation was confirmed by
Pope Clement VIII,
who appointed John to reform the monks of Vallombrosa
and Monte Vergine. He died in Rome on October 9th of plague
contracted while he was ministering to the stricken.
He was venerated for his miracles and religious fervor and
is considered one of the founders of the College for the Propagation of the Faith.
He was canonized in 1938 by Pope Pius XI.
1890 Blessed John Henry Newman; Pope Benedict XVI beatified Newman on September 19, 2010, at Crofton Park (near Birmingham). The pope noted Newman's emphasis on the vital place of revealed religion in civilized society but also praised his pastoral zeal for the sick, the poor, the bereaved and those in prison. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
October 08 2016
1287 Ambrose
Sansedoni of Siena unknown pilgrim
said, “Do not cover that child's face. He will
one day be the glory of this city.” A few days later the child suddenly stretch
out his twisted limbs, pronounced the
name “Jesus”, and all deformity left him.
Mystic with
deep contemplative prayer life. Received ecstacies.
Visionary. Known to levitate when preaching, and
was seen circled in a mystic light in which flew bright
birds; Studied in Paris, France, and Cologne, Germany with
Saint Thomas Aquinas and Blessed Pope Innocent V under Saint
Albert the Great. Beatified
8 October 1622 by Pope Gregory XV (cultus
confirmed)
1609 St. John
Leonardi; formed Confraternity of Christian
Doctrine; congregation
confirmed by Pope Clement in 1595; deliberate policy of the founder, the
Clerks Regular of the Mother of God never had
more than 15 churches and today form only a very small
congregationPopes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
October 07 2016
Our
Lady of the Rosary Pope St. Pius
V established this feast in 1573. The purpose
was to thank God for the victory of Christians over the
Turks at Lepanto—a victory attributed to the praying of
the rosary. Clement XI extended the feast to the universal
Church in 1716.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today October 06
2016336
Pope
Mark successor to St. Sylvester I;
elected January 18, 336; During pontificate erected two basilicas on land donated by Emperor Constantine
I. He died in Rome on October 7 after only eight months.
Pope St. Mark; Constantine the Great's letter, which summoned
a conference of bishops for the investigation of the Donatist dispute,
is directed to Pope Miltiades and one Mark (Eusebius, Church History X.5).
This Mark was evidently a member of the Roman clergy, either priest or
first deacon, and is perhaps identical with the pope. The date of Mark's
election (18 Jan., 336) is given in the Liberian Catalogue of popes (Duchesne,
“Liber Pontificalis”, I, 9), and is historically certain; so is the day
of his death (7 Oct.), which is specified in the same way in the “Depositio
episcoporum” of Philocalus's “Chronography”, the first edition of which
appeared also in 336.
1101-1206
St. Artaldus;
cultus of St. Artaldus, called simply
“Blessed by the Carthusians”, was confirmed
for the diocese of Belley in 1134; like his master
St. Bruno, he was consulted by the Pope, and when he was well
over eighty, he was called from his monastery to be bishop of
Belley, in spite of his vehement and reasonable protest. However,
after less than two years of episcopate, his resignation was
accepted, and he thankfully returned to Arvieres, where he lived
in peace for the rest of his days. During his last years, he
was visited by St. Hugh of Lincoln, who had come into France, and
who, while he was prior of the charterhouse of Witham, had induced Henry
II to become a benefactor of Arvieres.1470 BD
MATTHEW OF MANTUA; OP successful preacher, preparing himself
for that ministry by long periods of recollection,
and an upholder of strict observance in his order;
pirates set free the friar but when he saw that among the other
prisoners were a woman and her young daughter,
he went back to the pirate captain and offered
himself in their place. The ruffian was so astonished
at the request that he let all three of them go;
Bd Matthew died (after
having asked his prior’s permission to do so) twelve
years later Pope Sixtus IV allowed
his solemn translation and a liturgical commemoration.
1090 Bl. Adalbero
bishop and defender of
papal authority of Pope Gregory VII who endured
trials for his loyalty. Adalbero was the son of an Austrian
count of Lambach and studied in Paris. He was named the bishop of Wurzberg,
Germany, but was forced into exile after defending Pope Gregory VII against King Henry IV.
He retired to the Benedictine abbey in Lambach, where he remained
until his death.
1101 St. Bruno hermit confessor to Bishop St. Hugh of Grenoble, began the Carthusian Order Many eminent scholars in philosophy and divinity did him honour by their proficiency and abilities, and carried his reputation into distant parts; among these, Eudes de Châtillon became afterwards a beatified pope under the name of Urban II. 1791 St. Maria Francesca Gallo Mystic and stigmatic, a Franciscan tertiary; MARY FRANCES OF NAPLES She was born in Naples became a Franciscan tertiary at the age of sixteen. Maria lived at home where she was abused until she became a priest's housekeeper in 1753. She had visions, bore the wounds of Christ's Passion, and was a known prophetess; among her predictions was the coming of the French Revolution. Maria was canonized in 1867 by Pope Pius IX. 1849 Bl. Marie Rose Durocher founded Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary At Naples in Campania, the death of St. Mary Frances of the Five Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ, a nun of the Third Order of St. Francis. Because of her reputation for virtues and the working of miracles, she was placed among the holy virgins by Pope Pius IX. Worn out by her many labors, Marie Rose was called to her heavenly reward on October 6, 1849, at the age of thirty-eight. She was declared Blessed by Pope John Paul II on May 23, 1982. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
October 05 2016
1938 Saint
Faustina
Divine Mercy in my Soul, has become
the handbook for devotion to the Divine Mercy
“Neither graces, nor
revelations, nor raptures, nor gifts granted to
a soul make it perfect, but rather the intimate union
of the soul with God. These gifts are merely ornaments of
the soul, but constitute neither its essence nor its perfection.
My sanctity and perfection consist in the close union of my will with the will of God” (Diary 1107). Pope John Paul II beatified her in 1993 and canonized her in 2000. 6th v. St. Placid Disciple of St. Benedict at Subiaco and Monte Cassino Messánæ, in Sicília, natális sanctórum Mártyrum Plácidi Mónachi, e beáti Benedícti Abbátis discípulis, et ejus fratrum Eutychii et Victoríni, ac soróris eórum Fláviæ Vírginis, itémque Donáti, Firmáti Diáconi, Fausti et aliórum trigínta Monachórum, qui omnes a Manúcha piráta, pro Christi fide, necáti sunt. At Messina in Sicily, the birthday of the holy martyrs Placidus, a monk who was a disciple of the blessed Abbot Benedict, and of his brothers Eutychius and Victorinus, and the virgin Flavia, their sister; also of Donatus, Firmatus, a deacon, Faustus, and thirty other monks, who were murdered for the faith of Christ by the pirate Manuchas. It was not till 1588 that the veneration of St Placid spread to the faithful at large. In that year the church of St John at Messina was rebuilt, and during the work a number of skeletons were found. These were hailed as the remains of St Placid and his martyred companions, and Pope Sixtus V approved their veneration as those of martyrs. 550 St. Galla Widowed Roman noblewoman caring for sick and poor; Her church in Rome, near the Piazza Montanara, once held a picture of Our Lady, which according to tradition represents a vision vouchsafed to St. Galla. It is considered miraculous and was carried in recession in times of pestilence, now over high altar Santa Maria in Campitelli. The letter of St Fulgentius, Bishop of Ruspe, “Concerning the State of Widowhood”, is supposed to have been addressed to St Galla; her relics are said to rest in the church of Santa Maria in Portico. 590-604 Pope St. Gregory I ("the Great") wrote about her, and St. Fulgentius of Ruspe delivered a treatise, in her honor. 1009 St. Attilanus Benedictine bishop; Mozarabic saints, St. Attilanus, Bishop of Zamora and St. Iñigo of Calatayud; ranked among the saints by Pope Urban II. When the Moors took Tarazona they were able to hold it for a long time on account of its fortified position near the Moncaya, between the Douro and the Ebro. The names of its Mozarabic bishops have not come down to us, although it is very probable there were such; on the other hand we know of the Mozarabic saints, St. Attilanus, Bishop of Zamora and St. Iñigo of Calatayud. 1399 Bl. Raymond
of Capua second founder of the
Dominican Order; made acquaintance of St. Catherine
of Siena, serving as spiritual director
1376; became her closest advisor
When in 1378 Gregory XI
died, Urban VI succeeded him, the opposition
party elected Clement VII, and the Schism of the West
began. St Catherine and Bd Raymund had no doubt as to which
was the legitimate pope, and Urban sent him to France to
preach against Clement and to win over King Charles V. Catherine
was in Rome and had a long farewell talk with this faithful
friar who had been active in all her missions for God’s glory
and had sometimes sat from dawn till dark hearing the confessions
of those whom she had brought to repentance; “We shall never again
talk like that”, she said on the quayside,
and fell on her knees in tears. For
the six last and most important years of her life Raymund
of Capua was the spiritual guide and right-hand man of Catherine
of Siena, and would be remembered for that if he had done and
been nothing else of note.
Their first work
in common was to care for the sufferers from the plague
by which Siena was then devastated. Father Raymund
became a victim and had symptoms of death: Catherine prayed
by him for an hour and a half without intermission,
and on the morrow he was well. Thenceforward he began to
believe’ in her miraculous powers and divine mission, and
when the pestilence was stayed he co-operated in her efforts
to launch a new crusade to the East, preaching it at Pisa and
elsewhere and personally delivering Catherine’s famous letter
to that ferocious freebooter from Essex, John Hawkwood. This
was interrupted by the revolt of Florence and the Tuscan League
against the pope in France, and they turned their efforts to securing
peace at home and working for Gregory’s return to Rome.
Bd Raymund of Capua died on October 5, 1399, at Nuremberg,
while working for Dominican reform in Germany. Beatified
in 1899 20 February,
1878; 20 July,
1903; Pope
Leo XIII .Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today October 04 2016
445 St. Petronius
Bishop of Bologna Sent by
Byzantine emperor Theodosius to Pope re:
Nestorius
1226 St.
Francis
of Assisi; Founder: Animals, Merchants
& indulgences Ecology; The Christmas
crèche first popularized St. Francis
of Assisi (1182-1226) Francis of Assisi was
a poor little man who astounded and inspired the Church
by taking the gospel literally—not in a narrow fundamentalist
sense, but by actually following all that Jesus said and did,
joyfully, without limit and without a mite of self-importance.
Serious illness brought the young Francis to see the emptiness
of his frolicking life as leader of Assisi's youth. Prayer—lengthy
and difficult—led him to a self- emptying like that of Christ,
climaxed by embracing a leper he met on the road. It symbolized
his complete obedience to what he had heard in prayer: “Francis!
Everything you have loved and desired in the flesh it is your
duty to despise and hate, if you wish to know my will. And when you
have begun this, all that now seems sweet and lovely to you will
become intolerable and bitter, but all that you used to avoid will
turn itself to great sweetness and exceeding joy.”
From the
cross in the neglected field-chapel
of San Damiano, Christ told him, “Francis,
go out and build up my house, for it is nearly falling
down.” Francis became the totally poor and humble workman.
He must have suspected a deeper meaning to “build
up my house.” But he would have been content to be for
the rest of his life the poor “nothing” man actually putting
brick on brick in abandoned chapels. He gave up every material
thing he had, piling even his clothes before his earthly father
(who was demanding restitution for Francis' “gifts” to the
poor) so that he would be totally free to say, “Our Father in
heaven.” Francis was
a man of action. His simplicity of life extended to ideas and
deeds. If there was a simple way, no matter how impossible
it seemed, Francis would take it. So when Francis wanted
approval for his brotherhood, he went straight to Rome to
see Pope Innocent III. You can imagine what the
pope thought when this beggar approached him! As a matter of
fact he threw Francis out. But when he had a dream that this tiny
man in rags held up the tilting Lateran basilica, he quickly called
Francis back and gave him permission to preach.
In the following year he was in Rome, where he probably
met his fellow friar St Dominic, who had been preaching faith
and penance in southern France while Francis was still a “young
man about town” in Assisi. St Francis also wanted to preach in
France, but was dissuaded by Cardinal Ugolino (afterwards
Pope Gregory IX); so he sent instead Brother Pacifico and Brother
Agnello, who was afterwards to bring the Franciscans to England.
The good and prudent Ugolino considerably influenced the development
of the brotherhood. The members were so numerous that some organization
and systematic control was imperatively necessary. The order
was therefore divided into provinces, each in charge of a minister
to whom was committed “the care of the souls of the brethren, and
should anyone be lost through the minister’s fault and bad example,
that minister will have to give an account before our Lord Jesus
Christ”. The friars now extended beyond the Alps, missions being
sent to Spain, Germany and Hungary.
Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
October 03 2016
1282 St Thomas
Cantelupe, Bishop Of Hereford;
in Oxford lectured in canon
law; in 1262 chosen chancellor of
the university. Thomas was always noted for his charity
to poor students; he was also a strict disciplinarian;
went to confession
every day; buried
at Orvieto; soon his relics were conveyed to Hereford,
where his shrine in the cathedral became the most frequented
in the west of England; Miracles were soon reported (four
hundred and twenty-nine are given in the acts of
canonization) and the process was begun at the request
of King Edward I it was achieved in the year 1320. He is
named in the Roman Martyrology on the day of his death,
but his feast is kept by the Canons Regular of the Lateran
and the dioceses of Birmingham (commemoration only) and Shrewsbury
on this October 3, by Cardiff and Salford on the 5th, and
Westminster on the 22nd. Here
Thomas was probably ordained, and received from Pope
Innocent IV dispensation to hold a plurality of benefices,
a permission of which he afterwards freely availed himself.
Miracles were soon reported (four hundred
and twenty-nine are given in the acts of canonization)
and the process was begun at the request of King Edward I
it was achieved in the year 1320. He is named in the Roman Martyrology
on the day of his death, but his feast is kept by the Canons
Regular of the Lateran and the dioceses of Birmingham
(commemoration only) and Shrewsbury on this October
3, by Cardiff and Salford on the 5th, and Westminster on the
22nd. Some bishops refused to publish the
sentence, and St Thomas publicly announced his appeal to
Pope Martin IV, whom
he set out to see in person. Some of Peckham’s letters
to his procurators at Rome are extant, but in spite of their
fulminations the pope at Orvieto very kindly received
St Thomas. Pending the consideration of his cause he withdrew
to Montefiascone, but the fatigues and heat of the journey
had been too much for him and he was taken mortally sick.
It is related that, seeing his condition, one of his chaplains
said to him, “My lord, would you not like to go to confession?”
Thomas looked at him, and only replied, “Foolish man”. Twice
more he was invited, and each time he made the same reply. The
chaplain was not aware that his master went to confession every
day.
St. Maria
Giuseppe Rossello Foundress of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy1645 Saint John Masias Marvelous Dominican Gatekeeper of Lima, Peru truly a "child of God." saint of simplicity and charity Many miracles saved souls in purgatory Historians have often criticized the Spaniards who colonized Peru and other parts of Latin America for greed and harshness. But we must not forget the bright side, the holy side of their colonial efforts. Thus, Lima itself could boast of two saints early canonized: St. Rose of Lima and Archbishop St. Toribio de Mogrovejo. More recent popes have added to that calendar two more, saints of simplicity and charity: St. Martin de Porres (canonized in 1962 by Pope John XXIII) and St. John Masias (canonized in 1975 by Pope Paul VI). Of such is the kingdom of heaven. --Father Robert F. McNamara 1888 St. Maria Giuseppe Rossello Foundress of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy “The saints must be honored as friends of Christ and children and heirs of God, as John the theologian and evangelist says: ‘But as many as received him, he gave them the power to be made the sons of God....’ Let us carefully observe the manner of life of all the apostles, martyrs, ascetics and just men who announced the coming of the Lord. And let us emulate their faith, charity, hope, zeal, life, patience under suffering, and perseverance unto death, so that we may also share their crowns of glory” Exposition of the Orthodox Faith. When Pope John Paul II beatified this remarkable religious in Rome on October 25, 1998, he gave a Christian model not only to the Hoosiers (Indianans) but to all Americans who appreciate greatness of character; --Father Robert F. McNamara “The
saints must be honored as friends
of Christ and children and heirs of God,
as John the theologian and evangelist says: ‘But as
many as received him, he gave them the power to be made
the sons of God....’ Let us carefully observe the
manner of life of all the apostles, martyrs, ascetics and
just men who announced the coming of the Lord. And let us
emulate their faith, charity, hope, zeal, life, patience under
suffering, and perseverance unto death, so that we may also
share their crowns of glory” Exposition of the Orthodox Faith.
The congregation was devoted
to charitable works, hospitals, and educating poor
young women. In 1840, Maria Giuseppe, also called Josepha,
was made superior. By the time she died on December
7, 1888, she had made sixty-eight foundations. She was
canonized in 1949.Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
October 02 2016
Guardian
Angels In Spain it became customary to honour
the Guardian Angels not only of persons, but
of cities and provinces. An office of this sort was composed
for Valencia in 1411. Outside of Spain, Francis of Estaing,
Bishop of Rodez, obtained from Pope Leo X
a bull in 1518 which approved a special office for an annual
commemoration of the Guardian Angels on March 1. In England also there seems to have been much
devotion to them. Herbert Losinga, Bishop of Norwich, who
died in 1119, speaks eloquently on the subject; and the well-known
invocation beginning Angele Dei
qui custos es mei is apparently traceable to the
verse-writer Reginald of Canterbury, at about the same period.
Pope Paul V authorized a special Mass
and Office and at the request of Ferdinand II of Austria
granted the feast to the whole empire. Pope Clement X extended
it to the Western church at large as of obligation in 1670
and fixed it for the present date, being the first free day
after the feast of St Michael.
1817 St Theodore, one of Russia's greatest naval heroes of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; frequently gave alms to the poor and needy. He never sought earthly glory or riches, but spent his life in serving God and his neighbor; The unvanquished Admiral was the terror of his country's enemies, and the deliverer of those whom the barbarians had taken captive. He served during the Russo-Turkish War (1787 - 1791), and also fought against the French. Although he fought many naval battles in the Black Sea and in the Mediterranean, he never lost a single one, and he was never wounded. He was born in 1745. St Theodore was glorified by the Orthodox Church of Russia in 2004, and a reliquary in the shape of a naval vessel was made to enshrine his holy relics. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
October 01 2016
217 Pope Saint
Zephyrinus was pope from 199 .He was a Roman who had ruled as head bishop for close to 20 years, and was elected to the Papacy upon the death of the previous pope, Victor. Zephyrinus was succeeded, upon his death on December 20, 217, by his principal advisor, Callixtus. 286 St. Piaton Martyr, also called Piat sent by the pope (283, to 22 April, 296 Pope Caius), to evangelize Chartres and the Tournai district of Belgium 1350 BD FRANCIS OF PESARO became known and loved far and wide for his goodness and benevolence; number of remarkable occurrences cultus confirmed by Pope Pius IX 1897 Saint Thérèse of Lisieux; Dr. of the Church Since death she worked innumerable miracles; one of the patron saints of the missions; She was beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1923, and in 1925 the same pope declared Teresa-of-the-Child-Jesus to have been a saint. Her feast was made obligatory for the whole Western church, and in 1927 she was named the heavenly patroness of all foreign missions, with St Francis Xavier, and of all works for Russia. A few months later she was in Rome with her father and a French pilgrimage on the occasion of the sacerdotal jubilee of Pope Leo XIII. At the public audience, when her turn came to kneel for the pope’s blessing, Teresa boldly broke the rule of silence on such occasions and asked him, “In honour of your jubilee, allow me to enter Carmel at fifteen”. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
01
33 AD
Elioz of Mtskheta and Longinoz of Karsani,
Georgia;
Robe of our Lord, it was acquired by them; Christ revealed to His Mother it was not
His will for her to preach there. “You have been entrusted
to protect the Georgian nation,” He said, “but the role of evangelizing
that land belongs to My disciple Andrew the First-called.
Send him with an image of your face “Not-Made-By- Hands”
to protect the Georgian people to the end of the ages!”1st v. Ananias of the Seventy first Bishop of Damascus; The Lord ordered him to restore the sight of Saul, the former persecutor of Christians, then baptize him (Acts 9:10-19, 22:12). Saul became the great preacher and Apostle Paul. St Ananias boldly and openly confessed Christianity before the Jews and the pagans, despite the danger; went to preach at Eleutheropolis, where he healed many of their infirmities. 286 St. Piaton Martyr, also called Piat sent by the pope (283, to 22 April, 296 Pope Caius), to evangelize Chartres and the Tournai district of Belgium 400 Aizan and Sazan Abyssinia chieftains zealous to spread the Word; friend of Saint Athanasius 505 St. Aretas and Companions Martyrs, numbering 504 others as first noted by Usuardus 530 St. Remigius Bishop The great apostle of the Franks, was illustrious for his learning, sanctity and miracles 540 St. Romanus Greek hymnographer, known as “the Melodist”; the Mother of God appeared to the grief-stricken youth in a vision while he was praying before her Kyriotissa icon. She gave him a scroll and commanded him to eat it. Thus was he given the gift of understanding, composition, and hymnography; All hymns of St Romanus became known as kontakia--reference to the Virgin's scroll. 9th v. The Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos: "Today the Virgin stands in the midst of the Church, and with choirs of Saints she invisibly prays to God for us. Angels and Bishops venerate Her, Apostles and prophets rejoice together, Since for our sake she prays to the Eternal God!" 1030 Catholicos Melchizedek I; first Georgian Catholicos to be commemorated as Catholicos-Patriarch; Under his leadership Svetitskhoveli Cathedral was restored and adorned 11th v. Saint John Koukouzelis, a native of Dirrachia (Bulgaria); tonsured a monk at Mt. Athos; Church singers reverence St John Koukouzelis as their own special patron saint 1350 BD FRANCIS OF PESARO became known and loved far and wide for his goodness and benevolence; number of remarkable occurrences cultus confirmed by Pope Pius IX 1588 Bl. Edward Campion English martyr 1617 Bl. Caspar Fisogiro Martyr of Japan Terebovlya Icon of the Mother of God October 1 commemorates the transfer of the from the town of Terebovlya to Lvov in 1672. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
02
Our Lady of the
Rosary powerful against whole armies Inside the Church of the Trinity in Krakow (Poland) is a chapel dedicated to the Virgin of the Rosary. This chapel has an icon which is a copy of the icon Salus Populi Romani (“Matka Boza Różańcowa”) found in the church of Saint Mary of the Snows in Rome, and that Pope Gregory the Great carried in procession to end the plague in 597. During the famous battle of Lepanto (October 7, 1571), when the ships of the coalition of Christian countries routed the Turkish fleet in Greek waters, Pope Pius V was praying the Rosary with a crowd of faithful before the Roman icon. Since then, this ancient image is associated with the devotion to the Rosary and the protection of Europe against the Ottoman rule. This same icon also played an important role in the "Polish Lepanto" of 1621, when at Khotyn, Ukraine (a Polish city at the time), an allied force of Poles, Lithuanians and Ukrainians faced a Turkish army twice its size. The bishop of Krakow led a procession of the Rosary with the holy icon. In the end, the Turks decided not to attack, adding a brilliant victory to the track record of Our Lady of the Rosary. Her feast day is celebrated
in Krakow on the first Sunday of October.
Guardian
AngelsPrimus, Cyril and Secundarius martyred in Antioch, Syria, in one of the early persecutions MM (RM) 303 St. Eleutherius soldier in army of coEmperor Diocletion 8th v. Princes David and Constantine Mkheidze of Argveti faithful Christian martyrs 750 St. Theophilus Monk and martyr Bulgarian exiled by Emperor Leo the Isaurian for opposition to the iconoclasts 1338 Anna of Kashin The Holy Right-believing Princess; withdrew into Tver's Sophia monastery and accepted tonsure with the name Euphrosyne. Later, she transferred to the Kashin Dormition monastery, and became a schemanun with the name Anna; Miracles at St Anna's grave began in 1611 1504 Saint Cassian the Greek of Uglich; led a strict ascetic life; a miraculous vision by night of St Martinian, urging him to take monastic tonsure. After a certain period of time, St Cassian left the monastery going not far from the city of Uglich, near the confluence of the Volga and Uchma Rivers, where he founded a monastery in honor of the Dormition of the Mother of God; many miracles of the saint were recorded 1622 Bl. Francis Chakichi Four-year-old martyr of Japan 1622 Bl. Louis Shakichi Martyr of Japan layman 1622 Bl. Lucy Chakichi Martyr of Japan 1817 St Theodore, one of Russia's greatest naval heroes of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; frequently gave alms to the poor and needy. He never sought earthly glory or riches, but spent his life in serving God and his neighbor; The unvanquished Admiral was the terror of his country's enemies, and the deliverer of those whom the barbarians had taken captive. He served during the Russo-Turkish War (1787 - 1791), and also fought against the French. Although he fought many naval battles in the Black Sea and in the Mediterranean, he never lost a single one, and he was never wounded. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
03
Corínthi item natális
sanctórum Crispi et Caji, quorum méminit
sanctus Paulus Apóstolus ad
Corínthios scribens.At Corinth, the birthday of the Saints Crispus and Caius, who are mentioned by the apostle St. Paul in his Epistle to the Corinthians. Athénis
sancti Hieróthei, qui fuit discípulus
ipsíus beáti Pauli Apóstoli.
At Athens, St. Hierotheos, disciple of the blessed apostle Paul. 96 Dionysius the Areopagite, Bishop of Athens The Hieromartyr; When the holy Apostle Paul preached at the place on the Hill of Ares (Acts 17:16-34), Dionysius accepted his salvific proclamation and became a Christian. For three years St Dionysius remained a companion of the holy Apostle Paul in preaching the Word of God. Later on, the Apostle Paul selected him as bishop of the city of Athens. And in the year 57 St Dionysius was present at the repose of the Most Holy Theotokos. Saint Rusticus a disciple of St Dionysius the Areopagite. He suffered martyrdom in Athens during the persecution of the emperor Domitian (81-96). Saint Eleutherius was a disciple of St Dionysius the Areopagite. He suffered martyrdom in Athens during the persecution of the emperor Domitian (81-96). 265 St. Dionysius; Called “the Great” by Eusebius, St. Basil, and others, was undoubtedly, after St. Cyprian, the most eminent bishop of the third century. Like St. Cyprian he was less a great theologian than a great administrator. Like St. Cyprian his writings usually took the form of letters. Both saints were converts from paganism; both were engaged in the controversies as to the restoration of those who had lapsed in the Decian persecution, about Novatian, and with regard to the iteration of heretical baptism; both corresponded with the popes of their day. Yet it is curious that neither mentions the name of the other. A single letter of Dionysius has been preserved in Greek canon law. For the rest we are dependent on the many citations by Eusebius, and, for one phase, to the works of his great successor St. Athanasius. (Bishop from 247-8 to 264-5.) 546 St. Cyprian Bishop of Toulon; The life of St. Caesarius of Arles is one of the most valuable biographical remains of the sixth century. Cyprian was aided in his task by the two bishops, Firminus and Viventius, friends of Caesarius, as well as by the priest Messianus and the deacon Stephen. The main part of the work up to the fortieth chapter of the first book was most probably written by Cyprian himself. Within the last few years another writing of his has become known, a letter to Bishop Maximus of Geneva, which discusses some of the disputed theological questions of that age. 1282 St Thomas Cantelupe, Bishop Of Hereford; in Oxford lectured in canon law; in 1262 chosen chancellor of the university. Thomas was always noted for his charity to poor students; he was also a strict disciplinarian; went to confession every day; buried at Orvieto; soon his relics were conveyed to Hereford, where his shrine in the cathedral became the most frequented in the west of England; Miracles were soon reported (four hundred and twenty-nine are given in the acts of canonization) and the process was begun at the request of King Edward I it was achieved in the year 1320. He is named in the Roman Martyrology on the day of his death, but his feast is kept by the Canons Regular of the Lateran and the dioceses of Birmingham (commemoration only) and Shrewsbury on this October 3, by Cardiff and Salford on the 5th, and Westminster on the 22nd. 1645 Saint John Masias Marvelous Dominican Gatekeeper of Lima, Peru truly a "child of God." saint of simplicity and charity Many miracles saved souls in purgatory 1856 Mother Theodore Guerin S.P. nuns who came from Europe to America Sisters of Providence heroic sanctity 1867 Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos; Ordained 1844, assigned 6 years to St. Philomena’s Parish in Pittsburgh as assistant to St. John Neumann; Zeal as Redemptorist preacher/confessor led Father Seelos to works of compassion. 1888 St. Maria Giuseppe Rossello Foundress of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy “The
saints must be honored as friends of Christ
and children and heirs of God, as John the theologian
and evangelist says: ‘But as many as received him, he
gave them the power to be made the sons of God....’ Let us
carefully observe the manner of life of all the apostles, martyrs,
ascetics and just men who announced the coming of the Lord.
And let us emulate their faith, charity, hope, zeal, life,
patience under suffering, and perseverance unto death, so that
we may also share their crowns of glory” Exposition of the Orthodox
Faith.
1953 Blessed Bogdanffy bishop martryred in Romania Oct 3 1953 Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
04
303 St. Agathopus
deacon & Theodulus doctor Martyrs for
professing the faithThe Icon of the Mother of God, named "Gerontissa" ("Staritsa" -- "Nastoyatel'nitsa", "Head" -- "Elderess") 342 The Holy Martyress Pherbutha and her Sister and Servants accepted a martyr's death for Christ between 341 - 343 395 St. Theonas of Egypt monk in the Thebaid Egypt 397 Medioláni deposítio sancti Ambrósii Epíscopi, Confessóris et Ecclésiæ Doctóris; 5th v. St. Zosimus hermit took care of funeral arrangements of St. Mary of Egypt 549 Saint Tigernach monk bishop 636 St. Isidore of Seville Doctor of the Church In a unique move, he made sure that all branches of knowledge including the arts and medicine were taught in the seminaries; The aged prelate’s educational scheme was extraordinarily wide and progressive far from desiring a mere counterpart of the conventional classical curriculum, his system embraced every known branch of knowledge. The liberal arts, medicine, and law were to be taught as well as Hebrew and Greek; and Aristotle was studied in the Spanish schools long before he was reintroduced by the Arabs. Born at Cartagena, Spain, c. 560; died in Seville, Spain, in April 4, 636; canonized by Pope Clement VIII in 1598; and declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Innocent XIII in 1722. 863 Saint Joseph the Hymnographer, "the sweet-voiced nightingale of the Church," 9th v St. Gwerir Hermit of Cornwall England King Alfred the Great reportedly cured of an illness at Gwerir’s grave 1105 Blessed Aleth of Dijon Mother of Saint Bernard Widow (PC) 1550 The Monk Zosima of Vorbozomsk founder of a monastery in honour of the Annuniciation of the Most Holy Mother of God on an island in Lake Vorbozoma 1589 St. Bendict the Black Franciscan lay brother superior obscure and humble cook holiness reputation for miracles patron of African-Americans in the United States 1726 The Departure of Pope Peter VI, the One Hundred and Fourth Pope of Alexandria. 1808 The Priest Martyr Nikita, a Slav from Albania, asceticised at the end of the XVIII Century at Athos in the Russian Panteleimonov monastery 1958 Blessed Gaetano Catanoso reputation for holiness as a parish priest crusaded for observance of liturgical feasts service to poor children, priests, and the elderly (AC) Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
05
Saint Faustina 1905-1938Say unceasingly the Divine Mercy Chaplet that I taught you. Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death. 1938 Saint Faustina Divine Mercy in my Soul, has become the handbook for devotion to the Divine Mercy 170 St. Thraseas Bishop martyr at Smyrna 265
Saint
Dionysius,
Bishop of Alexandria; devoted much effort to
defend the Church from heresy, and he encouraged his
flock in the firm confession of Orthodoxy during the persecution
under the emperors Decius (249-251) fled to Alexandria;
and Valerian (253-259) exiled him to Libya; had to contend with civil war, famine, plague,
and other difficulties; “In such a manner the best of our brethren
have departed this life. This generation of the dead, a deed
of great piety and firm faith, is no less of a martyrdom.”
287
St. Palmatius
Martyr of Trier, Germany287 St. Boniface Martyr of Trier, Germany 3rd cent. St. Marcellinus; The second or third Bishop of Ravenna in Italy. 290 St. Alexander Martyred; A relic of Saint Alexander of Trier was placed in the the main Altar at The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Saint Alexander was a German martyr. Alexander and companions were executed by Trier Prefect, Rictiovarus in 305 A.D. 344 Saint Mamelchtha of Persia The Martyr was, before her conversion to the Christian Faith, a pagan priestess of the goddess Artemis. The saint's sister convinced her to accept Baptism. When the pagans saw Mamelchtha in her white baptismal robe, they stoned her. The saint suffered in the year 344. Later, a church was dedicated to her on the site of the temple of Artemis. 520 St. Apollinaris Bishop of Vienne, Gaul; renowned in life for virtues and in death for miracles and prodigies. 6th v. St. Placid Disciple of St. Benedict at Subiaco and Monte Cassino
550 St. Galla
Widowed Roman noblewoman caring for
sick and poor; Her church in Rome, near the
Piazza Montanara, once held a picture of Our Lady,
which according to tradition represents a vision vouchsafed
to St. Galla. It is considered miraculous and was carried in
recession in times of pestilence, now over high altar Santa Maria
in Campitelli. The letter of St
Fulgentius, Bishop of Ruspe, “Concerning the State of Widowhood”,
is supposed to have been addressed to St Galla;
her relics are said to rest in the church of Santa
Maria in Portico.
965 Bl. Aymard Abbot; succeeding St. Odo in Citiny, France, in 942. Aymard served until 948, when blindness forced him to retire. He had continued the reforrn of St. Odo. 1009 St. Attilanus Benedictine bishop; Mozarabic saints, St. Attilanus, Bishop of Zamora and St. Iñigo of Calatayud; ranked among the saints by Pope Urban II. 1399 Bl. Raymond of Capua second founder of the Dominican Order; made acquaintance of St. Catherine of Siena, serving as spiritual director 1376; became her closest advisor 1588 Bl. William Hartley Martyr of England; Anglican minister before convert Catholicism; aided St. Edmund Campion 1588 Bl. Robert Sutton English martyr; an Anglican priest convert The celebration of a special day to honor Saints Peter, Alexis, Jonah the Metropolitans and Wonderworkers of All Russia was established by Patriarch Job on October 5, 1596. 2002 Tao-Klarjeti in southwestern Georgia For centuries the region of was known for its holiness, unity and spiritual strength. The cultural life and faith of Kartli were nearly extinguished by the Arab-Muslim domination from the 8th to 10th centuries. Tao-Klarjeti, however, which had been emptied by a cholera epidemic and the aftermath of the Islamic invasions, filled with new churches and monasteries, becoming a destination for many Christian ascetics. Venerable_Fathers_Mothers_Klarjeti_Wilderness.jpg St. Ekvtime Taqaishvili wrote that “Every monastery included a school and a seminary where the Christian Faith, philosophy, Greek and other foreign languages, chant, calligraphy, fine arts, jewelry making, and other disciplines were taught. Countless priests, translators, miniaturists, and jewelry makers developed their craft in these schools.” Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
06
175 St. Sagar
Martyred bishop of Laodicea in Phrygia (modern Turkey).St. Romanus, venerated as Bishop of Auxerre 7th v. St. Magnus Bishop Lombards invaded in 638, Magnus transferred his see to Heraclea or Citta Nuova Italy 838 St. Nicetas Opponent of Iconoclasticism also called Nicetas of Constantinople 1090 Bl. Adalbero bishop and defender of papal authority of Pope Gregory VII 1858 St. Francis Trung Martyr of Vietnam 1879
St Innocent,
Metropolitan of Moscow, Enlightener of the
Aleuts and Apostle to America Glorification of; The missionary service of the future Apostle
of America and Siberia began with the year 1823. Father
John spent 45 years laboring for the enlightenment of the peoples
of Kamchatka, the Aleutian Islands, North America, Yakutsk,
the Khabarov frontier, performing his apostolic exploit in
severe conditions and at great risks to life. Saint Innocent
baptized ten thousand people, and built churches, beside which he
founded schools and he himself taught the fundamentals of the Christian
life. His knowledge of various crafts and arts aided him in his work
Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
07
Our
Lady of the Rosary Pope St. Pius V established
this feast in 1573. The purpose was to thank God for
the victory of Christians over the Turks at Lepanto—a victory
attributed to the praying of the rosary. Clement XI extended
the feast to the universal Church in 1716.1st v. St. Apuleius Martyr w/Sts. Marcellus, Sergius, Bacchus; The emperor commanded they be sent to the governor of the eastern part of Syria, Antiochus, a fierce hater of Christians. Antiochus had received his position with the help of Sergius and Bacchus. “My fathers and benefactors!” he said. “Have pity on yourselves, and also on me. I do not want to condemn my benefactors to cruel tortures.” The holy martyrs replied, “For us life is Christ, and to die is gain.” He murded them. 1st v. Julian the Presbyter The Martyr suffered martyrdom for Christ with St Caesarius the Deacon at Terracina, Italy in the first century. St Caesarius was thrown into prison for insulting the pagan gods. They later took him in bonds to the temple of Apollo, but before they got him near the pagan temple it collapsed, killing pagan priests and many people. 336 Pope Mark successor to St. Sylvester I; elected January 18, 336; During pontificate erected two basilicas on land donated by Emperor Constantine I. He died in Rome on October 7 after only eight months. 4th v. St. Polychronius the Presbyter Martyr; For his fine work the saint received much money, with which he built a church; ordained priest; participated in 1st. Ecumenical Council; martyred by Arian heretics at the church altar 1101-1206 St. Artaldus; cultus of St. Artaldus, called simply “Blessed by the Carthusians”, was confirmed for the diocese of Belley in 1134; like his master St. Bruno, he was consulted by the Pope, and when he was well over eighty, he was called from his monastery to be bishop of Belley, in spite of his vehement and reasonable protest. However, after less than two years of episcopate, his resignation was accepted, and he thankfully returned to Arvieres, where he lived in peace for the rest of his days. During his last years, he was visited by St. Hugh of Lincoln, who had come into France, and who, while he was prior of the charterhouse of Witham, had induced Henry II to become a benefactor of Arvieres. 1412 Saint Sergius the Obedient of the Kiev Caves, Near Caves, was a Greek who began his monastic life on Mount Athos. Later, he came to Russia and settled in the monastery of the Life-Giving Trinity under the guidance of St Sergius of Radonezh (July 5) and (September 25). After several years, with the blessing of the igumen, St Sergius went into the Vologda forests and settled at the bank of the River Nurma. There he set up a cross and built a chapel with a cell, in which he lived an ascetical life in deep silence, “going forth in angelic life,” and patiently enduring temptation from demons and malevolent people. 1412 Saint Sergius of Nurma was originally from Greece, and traveled from Mt. Athos in order to converse with St Sergius of Radonezh (September 25) and to ask his advice on spiritual matters, even though he himself was already an experienced Elder. 1455 Saint Martinian of White Lake; with blessing of St Cyril, he occupied himself copying of books; ordained deacon then hieromonk; After death St Cyril (+ 1427), Martinian withdrew to deserted island on Lake Vozha; Several monks gradually gathered; St Martinian established for them church of the Transfiguration of the Lord introduced a general Rule for the inhabitants. consented to become igumen of the monastery and brought it into an improved condition. Feast of the "Tenderness" Icon 1763 St. Joseph of Khevi; a native of Khevi (northern Georgia) served as a priest. In addition to being great warriors, the people of Khevi throughout history been remarkably steadfast in Christian Faith; churches and monasteries in Khevi are extraordinary beauty and inaccessibility deliberately built in mountainous places; reaching them demands greatest zeal. 1812 The October 7 Feast of the “Tenderness” Icon (May 21) was established in memory of the deliverance of Pskov from the invasion of Napoleon in 1812. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
08
Blessed
Simeon; took our Lord Jesus in his arms prophesied
concerning him when he was presented in the Temple.250 St. Reparata Virgin martyr of Caesarea, in Palestine 300 St. Nestor Martyr 4th v. St. Demetrius; Called a military martyr; and “the Megalomartyr” by the Greeks; deacon martyred at Sirmium, (former Yugoslavia); extremely popular in Middle Ages, and with St. George, he was the patron of the crusades 4th v. St. Triduna virgin assisted; Her shrine at Restalrig was long venerated until its destruction in 1560 during the Scottish Reformation St. Regulus in his mission to Scotland St. Benedicta A virgin listed in the pre-1970 Roman Martyrology; birthday celebrated in Laon, France, as a martyr. 690 St. Ywi Benedictine monk and hermit at Lindisfarne Abbey; ministry of miraculous healing; Spiritual student of Saint Cuthbert at Lindisfarne 1050 St. Martin Cid; Cistercian abbot-founder and co-worker with St. Bernard; founded Val-Paraiso, a Cistercian abbey staffed with monks sent by St. Bernard St. Keyne (Keyna or Cain) one of the 24 children King Brychan of Brecknock; founded numerous churches in South Wales, Cornwall, and perhaps somerset 1230 HUGH CANEFRO Chaplain of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem at Genoa, Italy; Born 1168
1287 Ambrose
Sansedoni of Siena unknown pilgrim said, “Do
not cover that child's face. He will one day be the glory
of this city.” A few days later the child suddenly stretch
out his twisted limbs, pronounced the name “Jesus”,
and all deformity left him. Mystic with deep contemplative prayer
life. Received ecstacies. Visionary. Known to levitate
when preaching, and was seen circled in a mystic light in
which flew bright birds; Studied in Paris, France, and Cologne,
Germany with Saint Thomas Aquinas and Blessed Pope Innocent
V under Saint Albert the Great.
1309 Bl. Matthew de Eskandely Martyr
of ChinaBl. Peter of Seville Martyr 1609 St. John Leonardi; formed Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; congregation confirmed by Pope Clement in 1595; deliberate policy of the founder, the Clerks Regular of the Mother of God never had more than 15 churches and today form only a very small congregation Pope John Paul II in the presence of 1,500 bishops in Rome, on October 8, 2000 Blessed Pope Innocent V 1277 Pierre de Tarentaise -a simple, humble friar Blessed Pope Innocent V masterly tutelage of Saint Albert the Great visited on foot all Dominican houses under his care; sent to Paris to replace Thomas Aquinas at the University of Paris; succeeded solving questions of Greek schism establishing short-lived truce OP Pope (RM); Pope Innocent V was the author of several works in philosophy, theology, and canon law, including commentaries on the Pauline epistles and on the Sentences of Peter Lombard, and is sometimes referred to as famosissimus doctor. Saint Albert the Great; The principal fame of St Albert as doctor resides in the fact that, realizing autonomy of philosophy and seeing the use that could be made of the philosophy of Aristotle in ordering the science of theology, he re-wrote the works of the Philosopher so as to make them acceptable to Christian critics, and by the application of Aristotelean methods and principles to the study of theology inaugurated (with the Englishman Alexander of Hales) the scholastic system which was to be brought to perfection by his pupil St Thomas Aquinas. He was the principal pioneer and forerunner of the "preferred system of the Church"; he collected and selected the materials, even laid the foundations; St Thomas built the edifice. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
09
95 St. Dionysius
first bishop of Athens; converted in
Athens, Greece, with a woman named Damaris, by St. Paul.231 St. Demetrius Bishop of Alexandria 43 yrs; Demetrius promoted the famous Catechetical School of Alexandria; revered by his people also feared, on account of the gift, which was his of reading men’s secret sins and thoughts 258 Sts Denis patron saint of France, Rusticus, and Eleutherius 304 St. Domninus Martyr beheaded on the Via Claudia where his relics are held in great veneration now called the Borgo San Donnino 370 ST PUBLIA, WIDOW; a woman of good family in Antioch who was left a widow. She gathered together in her house a number of consecrated virgins and widows who wished to live a common life of devotion and charity. St. Andronicus relative of St. Paul 1010 Bl. Gunther revered for holiness austerity eloquent preaching, his gift of infused knowledge 1085 St. Alfanus Benedictine archbishop; a monk at Monte Cassino until appointed archbishop of Salerno; assisted Pope St. Gregory VII on his deathbed. 1165 St. Goswin Benedictine abbot; He became a Benedictine at Anchin, where he was made abbot. 1572 St. Theodoric of Emden A Dutch Franciscan Gorkum martyr 1581 St. Louis Bertrand Dominican South America gift of tongues 1609 St. John Leonardi miracles and religious fervor founder 1934 Blessed Cyril Bertrand Tejedor and seven other Brothers Saint Frances Xavier Seelos 1890 Blessed John Henry Newman; Pope Benedict XVI beatified Newman on September 19, 2010, at Crofton Park (near Birmingham). The pope noted Newman's emphasis on the vital place of revealed religion in civilized society but also praised his pastoral zeal for the sick, the poor, the bereaved and those in prison. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
10
“I asked the Mother of God what was
to become of me. Then she came to me holding two crowns,
one white, the other
red. She asked if I was willing to accept
either of these crowns. The white one meant that I
should persevere in purity, and the red that I should become
a martyr. I said that I would accept them both.” -Saint Maximilian Kolbe 10/10/1982 cannonized 180 St. Pinytus Bishop of Crete foremost ecclesiastical writers 3rd v. Clarus of Nantes B (AC) 421 Saint Maharsapor Martyr of Persia; A Christian Persian of noble family, Saint Maharsapor was seized with Narses (Parses) and Sabutaka King Yezdigerd, angered at destruction of Mazdean temple unleashed persecution of Christians 573 St. Cerbonius Africa bishop of Populonia St. Gregory relates he was renowned for miracles, during life/after death. 637 St. Tanca Virgin and martyr 644 St. Paulinus bishop of York; Missionary; 841 St. Aldericus Benedictine monk Archbishop and scholar 843 St. Paulinus of Capua Bishop of Capua 1227 Ss. Daniel Samuel, Angelus, Leo, Nicholas, Ugolino, and Domnus, all of whom were priests except Domnus; Franciscan martyrs of Morocco 1572 St. Francis Borgia humble Jesuit priest October 10 - Canonization of Father Kolbe, Saint of Auschwitz (1982) 1941 Saint Maximilian Kolbe Apostle of Consecration to Mary Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
11
The Motherhood
of Our Lady
In the third lesson of the second
nocturne of the office of the new feast mention is
made of the arch in the basilica of St Mary Major, which
Pope St Sixtus III (432-440) decorated with mosaics shortly
after the council, and which has been restored in modern times
by the care of Pius XI himself. This, we are taught, remains as
a striking monument of the proclamation of our Lady’s incomparable
honour as Mother of God. But in the institution of the present
festival, the pope, as his encyclical explains, had also other
objects in view.Festum Maternitátis beátæ
Maríæ Vírginis. The Motherhood
of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Pope Pius XI enjoined the celebration
on this day throughout the Western church of a feast
in honour of the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Mother of God, in the encyclical “Lux veritatis”, published
on December 25, 1931, in view of the fifteenth centenary
of the Council of Ephesus.1st v. Zenais (Zenaida) and Philonilla cure children and possessed by demons sisters relatives of Saint Paul MM (RM) 285 SS Nicasius, Quirinus, Scubiculus (Egobille), and Pientia MM (RM) 304 St. Tharacus Roman officer martyr with Andronicus and Probus Hermit 397 St. Nectarius Bishop of Constantinople modern Istanbul from 381 succeeded St Gregory Nazianzen and preceded St John Chrysostom 460 St. Placidia Virgin vow of perpetual virginity 506 SS Gratus of Oloron episcopacy in the ancient see of Oloron B (AC) 965 ST BRUNO THE GREAT, ARCHBISHOP OF Cologne; he set a high example of personal goodness and devotion, and kept clergy and laity on their mettle by frequent visitations. Sound learning and the monastic spirit were the means by which a high standard of pastoral care and spiritual life were to be maintained; his cathedral-school was staffed by the best professors he could find, and he founded the abbey of St Pantaleon at Cologne. Nor was St Bruno’s solicitude confined to his own diocese: he used his influence and authority to spread his reforms throughout the kingdom, and at the same time as he became archbishop this authority was further notably extended by the action of the emperor. 1592 St. Alexander Sauli The Apostle of Corsica; bishop; miracles of prophecy healing calming of storms; during his life and death; spiritual advisor to St. Charles Borromeo to Cardinal Sfondrato -- Pope Gregory XIV The order the congregation of Clerks Regular of Saint Paul became known as the Barnabites 1833 St. Peter Tuy Vietnamese martyr native priest he was beheaded by Vietnamese authorities. Peter was canonized in 1988 by Pope John Paul II. 1867 St Francis Xavier Seelos mission preaching Miracle worker 1887 SS Maria- Desolata (Emmanuela) Torres Acosta Handmaids of Mary V (RM) 1899 Blessed Angela Truszkowska the Felician Sisters Pope John Paul II beatified her in 1993 October 11 - Feast of the Divine
Maternity of Our Lady -
Memory of the Seventh Ecumenical Council September 24, 787 The Seventh Ecumenical Council Approves the Veneration of Icons The Seventh Ecumenical Council which
opened in Nicea, Bithynia, on September 24, 787,
was attended by 350 bishops, and soon joined by 17 other
hierarchs, who abjured the Iconoclast heresy. Next to
the papal delegates and those sent by the Patriarchs of Antioch
and Jerusalem, the monks, who had been relentlessly persecuted
under the Iconoclast emperors Leo III the Isaurian (717-741)
and Constantine V Copronymus (741-775), were well-represented
with a count of 136. In this last great council recognized
by all the Apostolic Churches, the holy fathers proclaimed
the eternal memory of the defenders of Orthodoxy: Patriarch
Germanus (715-730), Saint John Damascene, George of Cyprus,
and all who subjected to exile and torture in their defense
of Holy Icons. The council fathers
decreed: "We define with all certitude and accuracy that
just as the figure of the precious and life-giving Cross,
so also the venerable and holy images, as well in painting
and mosaic as of other fit materials, should be set forth in
the holy churches of God, and on the sacred vessels and on the
vestments and on hangings and in pictures both in houses and by the
wayside, to wit, the figure of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ,
of our spotless Lady, the Mother of God, of the honorable Angels,
and of all Saints and pious people."
Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
12
284 St. Maximilian
of Lorch Martyred bishop of Lorch Pope
Sixtus II sent him to Lorch, near Passau, where
he served two decades as a missionary bishop.484 St. Felix and Cyprian Martyred bishops of Africa 544 Saint Mobhi (Berchan) of Glasnevin (of Dublin) 1/12 the Twelve Apostles of Ireland shaped spirits of Saints Columba, Comgall, Kieran of Clonmacnoise, and Canice (AC) 773 St. Amicus martyr French knight, companion of Amelius Charlemagne's champion 1604 St. Seraphinus Capuchin spiritual gifts wisdom spiritual advisor 1604 St. Seraphin of Montegranaro Capuchin Franciscan ordinary work 1622 Bl. Camillus Constanzi Jesuit martyr of Japan Originally from Italy Saint Eustace The Vision of about 1438-42 Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
13
1st v. St. Carpus
bishop St. Paul left his cloak with
him181 St. Theophilus Bishop of Antioch (in modern Turkey) early apologist Triad doctrine of the Logos (Word) St. Florentius was a native of Thessalonica 3rd v. Carpus, Papylus known for gift of curing the sick, Agathodorus and Agathonike Martyrs suffered at Pergamun 838 Saint Nicetas the Confessor of Paphlagonia patrician imperial court during reigns of empress Irene @ Constantine 909 St. Gerald of Aurillac Confessor gave much time to meditation, study, and prayer piety generosity to the poor a layman who devoted himself to his neighbors and dependents founded the monastery at Aurillac 1690 St. Margaret Mary Alacoque revelations love of God symbolized by the heart of Jesus 1795 Zlata (Chryse) This "golden vessel of virginity and undefiled bride of Christ,"New Martyr border of Bulgaria and Serbia, while Bulgaria was under the Turkish Yoke; they barbarously murdered her. 1815 Saint Anthony of Chqondidi bishop of Tsageri (in lower Svaneti); thirst for learning would not give the young monk any rest. To deepen his knowledge, St. Anthony traveled to Tbilisi, opposed immoral activity slave traders, 1792 to 1794 he convened a series of Church councils to publicly condemn them; Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
14
1st v. Nazarius,
Gervasius, Protasius and Celsius of Milan The Holy Martyrs suffered during the reign of the emperor Nero
(54-68). St Nazarius (son of the Christian Perpetua
and the Jew Africanus) was born at Rome and was baptized
by Bishop Linus. From his youth Nazarius decided to devote
his life to preaching Christ and to aid wandering Christians.
With this intent he left Rome and arrived in Mediolanum (Milan). 222 St. Calixtus (Callistus) Pope; a slave with power behind the Church, mercy, equality embrace sinners 390 ST JUSTUS, Bishop OF LYONS; He lived unknown in a monastery in Egypt, until he was discovered by one who came from Gaul to visit monasteries in the Thebaid 6th v. ST MANECHILDIS, VIRGIN 547 St. Fortunatus, Bishop of Tuderti, who had a most singular grace in casting out of devils 695 St. Angadresma French abbess leprosy (dissapeared) miracle worker many 754 St. Burkard or Buchard, Bishop, Benedictine
787 The Synod
of 787 Today
the Church remembers the 350 holy Fathers of the Seventh
Ecumenical Council under the holy Patriarch Tarasius (February
25). The Synod of 787, the second to meet at Nicea,
refuted the Iconoclast heresy during the reign of Empress
Irene and her son Constantine Porphyrogenitos.
9th v. St. Bernard
of Arce recluse of Arpino <11th v. Saint Paraskeva the New; St Paraskeva departed to the Lord at the age of twenty-seven, and was buried near the sea. Because of the many miracles which took place at her grave, her relics were uncovered and found to be incorrupt. They were placed in the church of the Holy Apostles at Epivato; On June 13, 1641, her incorrupt relics were transferred to the monastery of the Three Hierarchs at Jassy in Rumania, where many healings took place. On December 26, 1888, after being rescued from a fire, St Parasceva's relics were moved again. This time they were placed in the new cathedral at Jassy, where they remain until the present day. Parasceva.jpg 1060 St. Dominic Loricatus Benedictine monk “the Mailed” Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
15
Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
16
4th v. St. Florentinus
of Trier Bishop of Trier Germany; the successor of St. Severianus or Severinus.439 St. Maxima Africa slaves 362 St. Eliphius Irish or Scottish martyr; also called Eloff. He was martyred in Toul, France. His relics were enshrined in Cologne, Germany, in the tenth century. 654 St. Magnobodus Bishop of Angers France 7th v. St. Balderic Abbot prince 680 St. Baldwin Martyr son of St. Salaberga 787 St. Lull Benedictine bishop relative of St. Boniface 1085 St. Anastasius Hermit papal legate 1399 Queen St. Jadwiga of Poland cultural institutions to both state and church Pope John Paul II canonized Blessed Jadwiga 1755 St. Gerard Majella LAY Redemptorists patron of expectant mothers gift of reading consciences bilocation levitation 1771 St. Marguerite d'Youville Canada "Mother of Universal Charity." O our sweet hope let us feel your power over the loveable Heart of Jesus, and use your credit so as to make a place for us there forever! Ask Him to exert his sovereignty on our hearts, making his love reign in our heart, that He may consume us and change everything into Himself. May He be our Father, our Husband, our guard, our treasure, our delight, our love and our everything; destroying and annihilating in us all that there is of ourselves to fill us only with all that is of Him, so that we may be pleasing to Him! May He be the support of our impotence, the force of our weakness, the joy of all our sadness! Amen. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
17
Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
18
St. Luke the only Gentile Christian among the
Gospel writers
Saint
Mnason,
bishop of Cyprus and forty holy children met their
end by the sword.217 St. Asclepiades Bishop of Antioch martyr 269 St. Athenodorus Bishop and martyr 287 St. Justus of Beauvais; he was 9; stood upright with his head in his hand 3rd v.St. Tryphonia Roman widow and martyr 377 St. Julian the Hermit, surnamed Sabas, 492 St. Gwen (Candida, Blanche), Widow (AC) St. Keyna Welsh virgin founded churches 6th v. Brothen and Gwendolen (Gwendoline) (AC) 645 St. Monon Scottish pilgrim martyred Ardennes France hermit St. Isaac Jogues, priest of the Society of Jesus, and John de la Lande, a temporary helper to the same Society, who came from France to teach the faith. 1775 Sancti Pauli a Cruce, Presbyteri et Confessóris; Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
19
800 B.C. The Prophet
Joel predicted the desolation of Jerusalem. He also
prophesied that the Holy Spirit would be poured out upon all
people, through the Savior of the world (Joel 2:28-32).St. Beronicus Syrian martyr with Pelagia 49 companions 165 St. Ptolomaeus (Ptolemy) and Lucius MM (RM) 3rd v. Hieromartyr Sadoc, Bishop of Persia, and 128 Martyrs with him He was the hierarch of a Persian district. St. Altinus Bishop and possible martyr 307 St. Varus Soldier and martyr Upper Egypt; visited and comforted seven holy monks who were kept in prison When one died he accepted in his place, after suffering cruel torments with them he obtained the palm of martyrdom Antiochíæ sanctórum Mártyrum Beroníci, Pelágiæ Vírginis, et aliórum quadragínta novem. At Antioch, the holy martyrs Beronicus, the virgin Pelagia, and forty-nine others. 590 St. Veranus Bishop of CavailIon charitable works miracles recorded by Gregory of Tours 6th v. St. Ethbin of Kildare, Abbot; famous for his virtues and miracles (RM) 695 St Aquilinus of Evreux served Clovis II 40 years; hermit; blind bishop giving alms; his zeal, which God approved by the gift of miracles B (RM) 735 St. Frideswide Benedictine hermitess nun founded St. Mary’s Convent in Oxford; "Whatsoever is not God is nothing." 864 St. Laura a martyr. Born in Cordova; murdered by Moors 946 John of Rila, Abbot; one of the earliest native Bulgarian monks; spent 60 years in Rhodope mountains south of Sofia, where he founded the great monastery of Rila 1016 St. Eadnot martyr Bishop of Dorchester; closely associated with Saint Oswald of York. Eadnot died in a battle against the Danes 1562
Peter
of Alcántara practiced asceticism from 16 until
death appeared to Teresa Avila; 1562 Peter of Alcántara practiced
asceticism from 16 until death apared to Teresa Avila; Two
months after the opening of St Joseph’s St Peter was seized
with a mortal sickness, and he was carried to the convent of Arenas
that he might die in the arms of his brethren. In his last moments
he repeated those words of the psalmist, “I rejoiced at the things
that were said to me: We shall go into the house of the Lord”. Then
he rose upon his knees, and in that posture calmly died. St Teresa wrote:
“his departure our Lord has been pleased to let me enjoy more of him
than I did when he was alive; he has given me advice and counsel in
many things, and I have frequently seen him in great glory…Our Lord told
me once that men should ask nothing in the name of St Peter of Alcantara
wherein He would not hear them. I have recommended many things to him
that he might beg them of our Lord, and I have always found them granted.”
Besides his natural talents
and learning God enriched him with an experimental and infused knowledge
and sense of spiritual things, which is the fruit only of divine grace gained
by an eminent spirit of prayer and habits of virtue. His presence alone
seemed a powerful sermon, and it was said that he had but to show himself
to work conversions. patron
of Brazil; patron
of Brazil At
Arenas in Spain, the birthday of St. Peter of Alcantara, confessor and priest
of the Order of Friars Minor. He was canonized by Pope Clement IX
because of his admirable penance and many miraclesOFM (RM)
1595 St. Philip
Howard One of 40 Martyrs of England and WalesSt._Noel_Chabanel_Jesuit_missionary Saint_of_the_DaySeptember26.html#1649_ 1646 Isaac Jogues, John de Brébeuf and Companions first martyrs of the North America 1775 Paul of the Cross Priest vision of our Lady in a black habit with the name Jesus and a cross in white on the chest Blessed Virgin told him to found a religious order devoted to preaching the Passion of Christ (RM) Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
20
250 St. Maximus
of Aquila Martyred deacon of Aquila254 ST FELICIAN, Bishop OF FOLIGNO, MARTYR is also regarded as the original apostle of Umbria; the earliest trace of the use of the pallium is met with in the account of the episcopal consecration of this saint translation of his relics on this date. Site Here: 341 St. Usthazanes martyr; abbot in Persia 363 St. Artemius;
The special interest of this alleged martyr lies in
the miracles wrought at his shrine, the detailed record
of which has been edited by A. Papadopoulos-Kerameus in
his Varia Graeca Sacra (1909), pp. 1—79. In these cures something
analogous to the incubation, practised by the votaries of Aesculapius
at Epidaurus and described by Aristides, seems to have been observed.
See Delehaye, La recueils antiques des miracles des saints in Analecta
Bollandiana, vol. xliii (1925), pp. 32—38; and M. P. Maas; “Artemioskult
in Konstantinopel”, in Byzantinisch-Neugriochische Yahrbücher
vol. (1920), pp. 377 seq. The Greek life is in the Acta Sanctorum,
October, vol. viii. Cf. P. Allard, Julien l’Apostat, vol. iii (1903),
pp. 21-32.
852 George the Deacon and Aurelius from Cordova translation of their relics on this day feast day here July 27: Lutétiæ Parisiórum item Translátio sanctórum Mártyrum Geórgii Diáconi, et Aurélii, ex urbe Hispániæ Córduba, in qua olim, una cum áliis tribus Sóciis, ambo martyrium compléverant sexto Kaléndas Augústi. At Paris, the translation of the holy martyrs George, a deacon, and Aurelius from Cordova, a city of Spain, where they had died with three companions on the 27th of July. St. Martha Virgin martyr with Saula 1004 St. Aderald Archdeacon and confessor relic hunter 1125 St. Adelina abbess granddaughter of William the Conqueror 1125 Bl. Adeline first Abbess of the monastery founded at Mortain 473 St John Of Kanti; he persevered for some years, and by the time he was recalled to Cracow had so far won his people’s hearts that they accompanied him on part of the road with such grief that he said to them, “This sadness does not please God. If I have done any good for you in all these years, sing a song of joy.” “Fight all false opinions, but let your weapons be patience, sweetness and love. Roughness is bad for your own soul and spoils the best cause.” Miracles attributed; the only confessor not a bishop has different hymns for Matins, Lauds and Vespers in the Roman Breviary. 1545 Holy Righteous Artemius of Verkola a light over the place where the incorrupt body of the Righteous Artemius lay. Taken to the church of St Nicholas in 1577, the holy relics were shown to be a source of numerous healings. In this village a monastery was later built, called the Verkola 1579 Saint Gerasimus the New Ascetic of Cephalonia; uncovering of his holy relics in 1581; studied with the ascetics of Mt Athos; For his exalted life he was granted a miraculous gift: the ability to heal the sick and cast out unclean spirits; 1748 Bl. Francis Serrano Dominican martyr of China A Spaniard & Francis Diaz OP MM (AC) 1775 St. Paul of the Cross founded Passionists greatest gifts in the supernatural order 1889 Bl. Mary Teresa de Soubiran care of working girls orphans Eucharistic adoration; enjoyed high order mystical gifts 1922 St. Maria Bertilla Boscardin nursing very ill /disturbed children; miracles of healing attributed to her intercession Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
21
St. Mary
Salome One of the “Three Marys” who served Christ1087
St. Gebizo Benedictine monk who crowned the king of Croatia;
a monk at Monte Cassino, Italy under St.
Desiderius, who became Pope Victor III;
1086-1087
Pope Blessed Victor III; enter the monastery of S. Sophia at Benevento
where he received the name of Desiderius; the greatest of all the abbots of Monte Cassino
with the exception of the founder, and as such won for himself
"imperishable fame" (Gregorovius); Peter the Deacon gives (op. cit., III,
63) a list of some seventy books which Desiderius caused to
be copied at Monte Cassino; they include works of Sts. Augustine,
Ambrose, Bede, Basil, Jerome, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Cassian,
the registers of Popes Feliz and Leo, the histories of Josephus,
Paul Warnfrid, Jordanus, and Gregory of Tours, the "Institutes"
and "Novels" of Justinian, the works of Terence, Virgil, and Seneca,
Cicero's "De natura deorum", and Ovid's "Fasti"; Undoubtedly the chief importance of Desiderius
in papal history lies in his influence with the Normans, an
influence which he was able repeatedly to exert in favour of the
Holy See; refused the Papacy several times due to his ill health
1087 St. Gebizo sent by Pope St. Gregory VII to the coronation in Croatia 1073-1085 Pope St. Gregory VII; One of the greatest of the Roman pontiffs and one of the most remarkable men of all times (HILDEBRAND); Pope Saint Gregory VII (c. 1020/1025 – May 25,
1085), born Hildebrand of Soana (Italian: Ildebrando di Soana), was pope
from April 22, 1073, until his death. One of the great reforming popes,
he is perhaps best known for the part he played in the Investiture
Controversy, his dispute with Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor
affirming the primacy of the papal authority and the new canon
law governing the election of the pope by the college of cardinals.
He was at the forefront of both evolutionary developments in the
relationship between the Emperor and the papacy during the years
before becoming pope. He was beatified by Gregory XIII in 1584,
and canonized in 1728 by Benedict XIII as Pope St. Gregory VII. He
twice excommunicated Henry IV, who in the end appointed the Antipope
Clement III to oppose him in the hardball political power struggles
between church and Empire. Hailed as one of the greatest of the Roman
pontiffs and one of the most remarkable men of all times, Gregory was
contrastingly described by the atheist anti-Catholic English writer
Joseph McCabe as "a rough and violent peasant, enlisting his brute strength
in the service of the monastic ideal which he embraced."
Pope Honorius I
625-638 Character and work of Honorius Pope Honorius was much respected and died with an untarnished reputation. Few popes did more for the restoration and beautifying of churches of Rome, and he has left us his portrait in the apsidal mosaic of Sant Agnese fueri le mura. He cared also for the temporal needs of the Romans by repairing the aqueduct of Trajan. His extant letters show him engaged in much business. He supported the Lombard King Adalwald, who had been set aside as mad by an Arian rival. He succeeded, to some extent, with the emperor's assistance, in reuniting the schismatic metropolitan See of Aquileia to the Roman Church. He wrote to stir up the zeal of the bishops of Spain, and St. Braulio of Saragossa replied. His connexion with the British Isles is of interest. He sent St. Birinus to convert the West Saxons. In 634 he gave the pallium to St. Paulinus of York, as well as to Honorius of Canterbury, and he wrote a letter to King Edwin of Northumbria, which Bede has preserved. In 630 he urged the Irish bishops to keep Easter with the rest of Christendom, in consequence of which the Council of Magh Lene (Old Leighlin) was held; the Irish testified to their traditional devotion to the See of Peter, and sent a deputation to Rome "as children to their mother". On the return of these envoys, all Southern Ireland adopted the Roman use (633) Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October 22 St. Mark First bishop of Jerusalem not of Jewish descent 200 St. Abercius Marcellus Bishop of Hieropolis in Phrygia apologist 270 St. Philip Martyr bishop of Fermo, Italy 304 St. Philip of Heraclea Bishop of Heraclea martyr Sts. Alexander, Heraclius, and Companions Martyrs 314 St. Mellon First bishop of Rouen ordained by Pope St. Stephen and sent there to preach the Gospel 395 St. Nepotian Bishop of Clermont; succeeded the famed St. Illidius in 386; Nepotian's successor was St. Artemius 4th v. St. Cordula, who was one of the companions of St. Ursula. 522 St. Verecundus Bishop of Verona 668 St. Nunctus Abbot of a monastery near Merida martyr 730 St. Moderan Benedictine bishop of Rennes France 851 St. Alodia Martyr confessor daughter of a Muslim father Christian mother; This great era of the martyrs in Spain began in the year 850, under the Moorish Abdur Rahman II, 874 St. Donatus of Fiesole Irishman became bishop of Fiesole 884 St. Bertharius Benedictine abbot martyr 1562 St. Peter of Alcantara {see also October 19} “To bear such an insult one must have the patience of Peter of Alcantara.” Quote: “I
do not praise poverty for poverty's sake; I praise only
that poverty which we patiently endure for the love of our
crucified Redeemer and I consider this far more desirable than
the poverty we undertake for the sake of poverty itself; for
if I thought or believed otherwise, I would not seem to be firmly
grounded in faith.”
(Letter of Peter to Teresa of Avila).
1622 Bl. Alix
Le Clercq nun founded Augustinian Canonesses Congregation
of Our Lady from RomePopes and Saints mentioned this Month October
23
St. Ignatius,
bishop at Constantinople; He rebuked Bardas Caesar for putting away his wife; for this reason, he
was subjected to many sufferings by the Emperor and driven into exile. However,
he was restored to his see by the Roman Pontiff
St. Nicholas,
and at last died a peaceful death.305 St. Servandus & Cermanus 4th v. Amo (Amon) of Toul B succeeded Saint Mansuetus (AC) 362 St. Theodoret martyr priest of Antioch 420 St. Severinus Bishop of BORDEAUX; distinguished himself by his zeal against Arianism; 524 St. Severinus Boethius Roman philosopher theologian statesman; “the last of the Roman philosophers, and the first of the scholastic theologians” 1271 Blessed Bartholomew of Breganza received habit from Saint Dominic followed him as Popes Theologian restored other churches rebuilt ruined city saved heretics OP B (AC) 1456 St. John of Capistrano "Initiative, Organization, Activity." Miracles 1680 Bl. Thomas Thwing English martyr 1794 Bl. Joseph Leroux Ursuline martyr French Revolution 1833 St. Paul Tong Buong Vietnamese martyr native Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
24
ST RAPHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
Of the seven archangels, who in both Jewish and Christian tradition are venerated as pre-eminently standing before the throne of God, three only are mentioned by name in the Bible, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. These have been venerated in the Church from early times, especially in the East, but it was not untill the pontificate of Pope Benedict XV that the liturgical feasts of the two last were made obligatory throughout the Western church. In Tobias xii 12 and 15, the archangel directly speaks of himself as “one of the seven who stand before the Lord”, and says that he continually offered the prayers of young Tobias up to God. 523 Christian Martyrs of Nagran Arabia by heathen Jews and Arabs; The massacre was denounced by Mohammed in the Koran 523 Ss. Aretas And The Martyrs of Najran, and St Elesbaan 523 Martyr Syncletica and her two daughters suffered under the Arabian king Dunaan. 555 Elesbaan King killed Dunaan (responsible for Nagran) 576 St. Senoch Benedictine abbot friend of St. Gregory of Tours; St Gregory narrates a number of miracles of healing vouchsafed by God at the prayer of St Senoch, who died in his arms. 580 St Martin, or Mark: St Gregory says that many of his friends knew Martin personally and had been present at his miracles, and that he had heard much of him from his predecessor, Pope Pelagius II 600 St Evergislus, Bishop of Cologne: One day when visiting the church of the “Golden Saints” he greeted the martyrs with the verse, “Exultabunt sancti in Gloria”, and at once the voice of an invisible choir responded, “Laetabuntur in cubilibus suis!” 679 St. Marcius Benedictine hermit of Monte Cassino 690 St. Fromundus Irish Benedictine bishop missionary of Coutances 1190 Saint Arethas of the Kiev Caves; "You hapless man, if you had given thanks to God for the pilfered riches, this would have been accounted as charity for you." He spent his final days as a hermit, in distress and repentance over his sins, having renounced all earthly possessions 1311 Saint Athanasius I, Patriarch of Constantinople (1289-1293; 1303-1311); humbly left Mt. Athos at first for the holy places in Jerusalem, and then to Mount Patra, where for a long time he lived ascetically as an hermit. From there the ascetic transferred to the Auxention monastery, and then to Mount Galanteia to the monastery of Blessed Lazarus, where he accepted the great angelic schema with the name Athanasius, was ordained a priest and became ecclesiarch (monk in charge of the sacred relics and vessels in the church). Here the saint was granted a divine revelation: he heard the Voice of the Lord from a crucifix, summoning him to pastoral service; received from the Lord both forgiveness and the gift of wonderworking 1616 Saint John, Hermit of Pskov lived an ascetic life during a terrible time of military troubles. In 1592 the Swedes besieged the city of Pskov. From 1608, for seven years, Polish forces attacked under the head of Lisovski. It was only in the week before the death of the monk, through the intercession of the Pskov Caves Icon of the Mother of God and the Pskov Saints, that Pskov was delivered from the besieging army of the Swedish king Gustavus Adolphus. Pius X 1903-1914 Don Guanella while in 1913 from the Vicariate of Rome, obtained recognition of the Pious Union of Transit of St. Joseph for the dying, an association of priests and faithful in union of prayer for the dying: St. Pius X was the first to enroll and the following year he raised the association to a union for the whole of Christianity. He was a fighter priest, known, in fact as an intense priest, with whom it was advisable to tread lightly. He was a courageous priest and knew no political compromises. He gave speeches and wrote articles and books against the liberal authorities that were trying to demolish the Church with ideas and expropriations. Don Luigi never hid and, proud of priesthood, he always defended the Pius IX 1846--1878, who at the time was the victim of so much envy, with a very heavy press campaign. He also suffered dramatic persecutions by the civil and government authorities. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
25
Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
26
250 St. Lucian
Martyr with Florius and companions practitioners of
black arts converted when magic had no effect
on
a Christian virgin and saw evil spirits banished by the Sign of the Cross256 St. Rogatian Martyr priest in Carthage 306 St Demetrius the Myrrh-gusher of Thessalonica The Great Martyr; he began to teach the Christian Faith openly to the inhabitants of the city and to overthrow pagan customs and idolatry. The compiler of his Life, St Simeon Metaphrastes (November 9), says that because of his teaching zeal he became “a second Apostle Paul” for Thessalonica, particularly since “the Apostle to the Gentiles” once founded at this city the first community of believers (1 Thess. and 2 Thess.). 664 Saint Cedd spent 40 days prayer/fasting; consecrate the place to God according to custom derived from Saint Columba 686 Saint Eata of Hexham effect a union between the Celtic and Roman Christians 740
Constantinople,
at the time of the iconoclast emperor Leo the
Isaurian, there was a terrible earthquake at Constantinople.
Seeing this as God's just punishment for their sins, the people
repented and prayed to the Most Holy Theotokos and to St Demetrius
to help them. God had mercy on them, and the earthquake stopped.
899 St. Alfred the Great King of Wessex, scholar renowned Christian monarch 1020 St. Bean made bishop by Pope Benedict VIII 14th
v. Saint Demetrius
of Tsilibinsk; founder of the Archangel Tsilibinsk
wilderness monastery in Vologda diocese, was a beloved disciple
of St Stephen of Perm (April 26). The monk built a church in
honor of the Archangel Michael for the newly-converted. Beneath
this temple he dug out a cave and for a long time lived there in
solitude.
1483 Saint Theophilus
of the Kiev Caves, Far Caves and Archbishop of Novgorod1484 Blessed Damian dei Fulcheri Hundreds of sinners repented by force of his preaching; miracles worked at his tomb 1685 Saint Demetrius of Basarbov in Bulgaria lived in the wilderness as an ascetic near the city of Ruschuk, Bulgaria. On July 8, 1779 his relics were transferred to Bucharest. 1711 Blessed Bonaventure of Potenza; Bonaventure’s devotion to our Lady was particularly directed towards her as conceived without original sin (he lived nearly two hundred years before that dogma was defined), and he would often express the wish that he were another Duns Scotus that he might as effectively defend the truth of the Immaculate Conception. died in an ecstasy singing psalms OFM (AC) 1819 Saint Joseph monk of Dionysiou Monastery on Mt. Athos, Martyr; where he shone forth with the virtues of monastic life. He was an iconographer, and he painted the icon of the holy Archangels on the iconostasis of Dionysiou's main church; arrested threatened with death, In spite of many tortures, he refused to convert to Islam. 1839 Blessed Dominic Doan (Xuyen) beheaded with Blessed Thomas Du 1902 Blessed Contardo Ferrini patron of universities 1926 Bartolo Longo lay Dominican 'Brother Rosario' in honor of the Rosary; beatified by Pope John Paul II, who would call him the "Apostle of the Rosary" and mentioned him specifically in his apostolic letter "Rosarium Virginis Mariae" Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
27
Vigília
sanctórum Apostolórum Simónis et Judæ.
The vigil of the holy apostles Simon and Jude.3rd v.St. Florentius Martyr who suffered at Trois-Chateaux, Burgundy 303 St. Vincent, Sabina, & Christeta Three martyrs executed at Avila 304 St. Capitolina martyred woman of Cappadocia distributed her entire wealth to the poor 306 St Nestor of Thessalonica The Holy Martyr suffered in the city of Thessalonica together with the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica (October 26). 462 Saint Namatius 9th bishop of Clermont built the cathedral there 555 St. Elesbaan Christian king of Ethiopia probably a Monophysite 563 St. Odhran Irish abbot monk 1/of 12 who accompanied Saint Columba to Iona 1114 Saint Nestor the Chronicler, of the Kiev Caves, Near Caves "Great is the benefit of book learning, for books point out and teach us the way to repentance, since from the words of books we discover wisdom and temperance. This is the stream, watering the universe, from which springs wisdom. In books is a boundless depth, by them we are comforted in sorrows, and they are a bridle for moderation. If you enter diligently into the books of wisdom, then you shall discover great benefit for your soul. Therefore, the one who reads books converses with God or the saints." The chief work in the life of St Nestor was compiling in the years 1112-1113 The Russian Primary Chronicle. "Here is the account of years past, how the Russian land came to be, who was the first prince at Kiev and how the Russian land is arrayed." 1902 Bd Contardo Ferrini; Ferrini was concerned with the whole vast field of law, but it was above all in Roman law (and especially its Byzantine aspect) that he made his mark. When Professor von Ligenthal died in 1894 Ferrini, his favourite pupil, inherited not only his master’s manuscripts but also his acknowledged leadership in these studies. Among those who in one way or another contributed to the success of his work were Don Achille Ratti, afterwards Pope Pius XI, and Dr John Mercati, later cardinal and librarian and archivist of the Holy Roman Church. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
28
Holy Family at Nazareth,
therefore Christendom had never failed to experience its salutary
effects. Saint Leo XIII (1810-1903) Taken from His Encyclical on the Rosary - Diuturni Temporis October 28 - Our Lady of the Treille (Lille, France) Veneration of Mary True Marian devotion never
obscures or diminishes faith and love for Jesus Christ
Our Savior, the one Mediator between God and humankind. On
the contrary, entrustment to Our Lady is a privileged path,
tested by numerous Saints, for a more faithful following of the
Lord.Consequently, let us entrust ourselves to her with filial
abandonment!
Pope Benedict XVI Address, May 31, 2006
Sts. Simon and Jude; Jude named by Luke Acts Matthew Mark - Thaddeus St. Jude Thaddaeus; brother of St. James the Less St. Simon; zealot surnamed for his rigid adherence to Jewish law and Canaanite law St. Cyrilla, virgin, daughter of St. Tryphonia of Cyrene, Libya 363 Hieromartyr Cyriacus the Patriarch of Jerusalem a Jew who pointed out to the holy Empress Helen the place where the Life-Creating Cross of Christ lay buried 1311 Venerable Athanasius the Younger the Patriarch of Constantinople 1289-1293; 1303-1311 Shunning praise, Acacius humbly left Mt. Athos for Jerusalem then to Mount Patra long time he lived ascetically as an hermit 1651 Repose of the Venerable Job of Pochaev, Abbot Wonderworker 1709 St Demetrius (Dimitri), Metropolitan of Rostov organizing the MENAION, Lives of the Saints the whole year 1798 St. John Dat Martyred native priest of Vietnam 1924 St Arsenius of Cappadocia Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
29
95 St.
Dionysius
first bishop of Athens; converted in Athens, Greece,
with a woman named Damaris, by St. Paul.231 St. Demetrius Bishop of Alexandria 43 yrs; Demetrius promoted the famous Catechetical School of Alexandria; revered by his people also feared, on account of the gift, which was his of reading men’s secret sins and thoughts 258 Sts Denis patron saint of France, Rusticus, and Eleutherius 304 St. Domninus Martyr beheaded on the Via Claudia where his relics are held in great veneration now called the Borgo San Donnino 1085 St. Alfanus Benedictine archbishop; a monk at Monte Cassino until appointed archbishop of Salerno; assisted Pope St. Gregory VII on his deathbed. 1165 St. Goswin Benedictine abbot; He became a Benedictine at Anchin, where he was made abbot. 1572 St. Theodoric of Emden A Dutch Franciscan Gorkum martyr 1581 St. Louis Bertrand Dominican South America gift of tongues 1609 St. John Leonardi miracles and religious fervor founder 1934 Blessed Cyril Bertrand Tejedor and seven other Brothers 1890 Blessed John Henry Newman; Pope Benedict XVI beatified Newman on September 19, 2010, at Crofton Park (near Birmingham). The pope noted Newman's emphasis on the vital place of revealed religion in civilized society but also praised his pastoral zeal for the sick, the poor, the bereaved and those in prison. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
30
Saint
Mark,
also called John, (Acts 12:12), was a nephew of St Barnabas,
and was Bishop of Apollonia (Col. 4:10). It was in the house
of his mother Maria the persecuted disciples found shelter after
Ascension of the Lord \St. Artemas Bishop disciple of St. Paul St Justus, called Barsaba, a son of St Joseph the Betrothed, was chosen with Matthias to replace Judas. He was a bishop and died a martyr's death at Eleutheropolis. 1st v. St Tertius second bishop (after St Sosipater) in Iconium, where he converted many pagans to Christ, ended his life as a martyr. The Apostle Paul mentions him in the Epistle to the Romans (Rom. 16:22). St
Marcian,
Bishop of Syracuse,
The Holy Hieromartyr a disciple of the Apostle Peter,
was sent to Sicily. Here he settled in a cave near the city of
Syracuse and successfully spread the faith in Christ. He died
a martyr. His relics are in the Italian city of Gaeta. (The Hieromartyr
Marcian is the same person as St Marcellus, Bishop of Sicily, commemorated
on February 9).
211 St.
Serapion
Bishop of Antioch ecclesiastical writer6th v. Talarica of Scotland Mentioned in the Aberdeen Breviary 545 Bishop Saint Germanus of Capua Saint Benedict saw his soul being carried to heaven 1038 Saint Egelnoth the Good archbishop of Canterbury 1044 Blessed Nanterius of Saint-Mihiel OSB, Abbot 1119 Saint Gerard of Potenza B 1258 Blessed Bernard de la Tour 13th superior general of the Carthusian order 1292 Blessed Benvenuta Bojani an early age Dominican tertiary on the Vigil of the Feast of Saint Dominic he and Saint Peter Martyr, Mary and Jesus-Child appeared; severe penances; miracle worker 1320
Saint
Stephen
younger son of King Stephen Urosh I, grandson of First-Crowned
King St Stephen (September 24). ruled Serbia from 1275 to 1320;
built
more than 40 churches, many monasteries hostels for travelers;
particularly concerned himself with the Athonite monasteries.
1394 St. Dorothy
of Montau visions and spiritual gifts patroness of Prussia1446 George
VIII was crowned ruler of a united Georgian kingdom. Filled
with every virtue, valiant warrior, God- fearing king dedicated
20 years of his reign to ceaseless struggle for reunification of
his country; constantly warding off foreign invaders, surmounting
internal strife, and suffering the betrayal of his fellow countrymen.
1583 Bl. John
Slade Martyr of England1617 St. Alphonsus
Rodriguez Obedient lay brother penintent experienced many
spiritual consolations; died still a porter saying only one word:
Jesus; the reputation he had was summed up once for all by Father
Michael Julian in his exclamation, “That brother is not a man—he
is an angel!”; Especially in his later years he suffered from long
periods of desolation and aridity, and with terrifying regularity
he was seized with pain and sickness whenever he set himself formally
to meditate. Added to this, he was beset with violent temptations, just
as though for years he had not curbed his body by fierce austerities,
which now had to be made even more rigorous. But he never despaired,
carrying out every duty with exact regularity, knowing that in God’s
own time he would be seized again in an ecstasy of love and spiritual
delight.
1739 Bl. Angelus
Capuchin of Acri many miracles of healing gifts
prophecy bilocation see into men's souls; Meditating on preaching
failure and asking God’s help in his trouble, he one day heard
a voice saying, “Be not afraid. The gift of preaching shall be yours.”
“Who art thou?” asked Father Angelo, the reply, “I am who I am.
For the future preach simply and colloquially, so that all may
understand you.” Father Angelo did as he was told; laid aside all
his books of oratory and with them the flowers of speech and flights
of learning, and prepared his discourses only with the help of his
Bible and crucifix. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month October
31
1st v. Ampliatus,
Urban & Narcissus 3 disciples of our Lord preachers
of the Gospel with Saint Andrew in the Balkans1st v. Saint Stachys of Byzantius saluted by Saint Paul as“my beloved.” 2nd v. St. Nemesius and Lucilla Two Roman martyrs translation of blessed Nemesius, deacon, and his daughter, the virgin Lucilla 250 Holy Martyr Epimachus of Alexandria Egypt native; For a long time he lived in seclusion on Mount Peleusium 287 St. Quentin martyred Roman went to Gaul as missionary with St. Lucian of Beauvais 1141 Saints Spyridon and Nicodemus, Prosphora-bakers of Kiev Caves, Near Caves Spyridon glorified by miracles 1227 100,000 Martyrs of Tbilisi by the Mongols; Georgians sacrificed their lives to venerate the holy icons 1272 Blessed Christopher of Romagnola joined Saint Francis of Assisi OFM 1447 Blessed Thomas Bellaci Fransciscan lay-brother made novice master When over 70, he went to preach in Syria and Abyssinia where, to his sorrow, he narrowly escaped martyrdom by the Islamics 1617 St. Alphonsus Rodriguez a Jesuit lay-brother porter forty-six years; influenced St. Peter Clavier; left considerable number of manuscripts some published as “Obras Espirituales del B. Alonso Rodriguez” 1917 The Life of St John Kochurov, Hieromartyr; Missionary in America; First Clergy Martyr of Russian Revolution |
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Popes and Saints of September 01 2018 Before introduction
of the Julian calendar, Rome began New Year September 1.
According
to Holy Tradition, Christ entered the synagogue
on September 1 to announce His mission to mankind (Luke
4:16-22). Quoting Isaiah 61:1-2), the Savior proclaimed,
"The spirit of the Lord is upon me; because He has anointed
me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to proclaim
release to captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to
set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable
year of the Lord…"
This scene
is depicted in a Vatican manuscript (Vatican, Biblioteca.
Cod. Gr. 1613, p.1).
12th -11th
-B.C. St.
Joshua and St. Gideon Israelites, Old Testament
patriarch and judge St. Anna the Prophetess whose sanctity is revealed in the Gospel. St. Sixtus, disciple of the blessed apostle Peter, who consecrated him first bishop at Rheims in France. He received the crown of martyrdom under Nero St. Priscus, martyr, who was formerly one of the disciples of Christ. 118 St. Terentian Bishop of Todi, in Umbria Italy; martyr 380 Holy Martyr Aithalas the Deacon death by stoning for confessing Christ by Persian emperor Sapor II 490 St. Victorious Bishop of Le Mans a disciple of St. Martin of Tours originally 520 St. Constantius Bishop of Aquino; renowned for the gift of prophecy. many virtues; 543-615 'St Columbanus Was Privileged Channel of God’s Grace' 670? ST FIACRE sometimes miraculously restored to health those that were sick. 700 ST DRITHELM visions of afterlife when separated from his body 1367 BD JOAN SODERINI, VIRGIN her tomb at once became a place of pilgrimage. 1490 St. Beatrice da Silva Meneses foundress 1588 BD HUGH MORE, MARTYR reconciled with the Church by Father Thomas Stephenson, s.j. 1855 Bl. Michael Ghebre Vincentian martyr of Ethiopia 3rd v. Mamas
The
Holy Great Martyr received a remarkable power over the forces
of nature: wild beasts inhabiting the surrounding wilderness
gathered at his abode and listened to the reading of
the Holy Gospel. St Mamas nourished himself on the milk
of wild goats and deer. The saint did not ignore the
needs of his neighbors. Preparing cheese from this milk, he gave
it away freely to the poor. Soon the fame of St Mamas's life
spread throughout all of Caesarea.
Popes and Saints
of September 03 20183rd v. Theodotus and Rufina The holy martyrs were parents of St Mamas. They came from patrician families, and were honored by all for their Christian piety. Alexander, the magistrate of the city of Gangra, summoned them because they refused to obey the imperial decree requiring all citizens to worship the pagan gods. Those who disobeyed would be tortured and put to death. 390 St. Justus of Lyons Bishop and recluse 595
Saint John
IV the Faster, Patriarch of Constantinople (582-595),
is famed in the Orthodox Church as the compiler of a penitential
nomokanon (i.e. rule for penances), which has come down
to us in several distinct versions, but their foundation is
one and the same. These are instructions for priests on how
to hear the confession of secret sins, whether sins already committed,
or merely sins of intent.
700 St. Agricolus
Bishop and charitable worker1067 St. William of Roeskilde Bishop and counselor to Danish royal house 1038 Saint Stephen Confessor, King Of Hungary—975-1038 1282 St. Ingrid of Sweden first Dominican nun in Sweden 1748 The Kaluga Icon of the Mother of God appeared in the village of Tinkova, near Kaluga, at the home of the landowner Basil Kondratevich Khitrov; it granted healing to those approaching it with faith 1794 Blessed John Francis Burté and Companions French Revolution victims 1st v. St. Phoebe
brought
Paul's epistle to the Romans a deaconess of the Church
at Cenchreae, the port of Corinth. She was recommended to
the Christian congregation at Rome by St. Paul, who praised
her for her assistance to him and to many others. Saint
Phoebe the Deaconess is mentioned by the holy Apostle Paul (Romans
16:1-2).
1st v. Euphemia,
Dorothy, Thecla, and Erasma At Aquileia, the
holy virgins and martyrs Under Nero, after
enduring many torments, they were slain with the sword
and buried by St. Hermagoras.119 St. Serapia, virgin and martyr, translation of At Rome, suffered on the 29th of July. St. Serapia; slave, also called Seraphia servant of St. Sabina; responsible for the Roman noblewoman’s conversion to Christianity. Both Sabina and Serapia were subsequently beheaded during the persecutions of Emperor hadrian 3rd v. Saint Aristion
bishop of lesser Alexandria
in Cilicia (Asia Minor); Aristion stood before the eparch
and his counselors, gazing at them with love and concern for their
salvation. Even in his weakness, this captive was stronger
than his captors, and refused to offer sacrifice to pagan gods.
303 Zeno
boldly denounced emperor Maximian; and
Chanton + 20,000 Christian Martyrs284 -311 Anthimus,
Bishop of Nicomedia, and those with him The Hieromartyr
suffered during the persecution against Christians under
the emperors Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (305-311).
The persecution became particularly intense after a fire
at the imperial court at Nicomedia. The pagans accused the Christians
of setting the fire and reacted against them with terrible
ferocity.
4th v. St. Basilissa
At
Nicomedia, the passion; virgin and martyr,
in persecution of Diocletian, under governor Alexander.
At age nine, after having, through the power of God, overcome
scourging, fire, and the beasts—by which she converted the
governor to the faith of Christ—she at length gave up her soul
to God at prayer outside the city.
350 St. Mansuetus
Bishop of Toul 425 St. Senan Natalis Priest of great sanctity renowned for learning 425 St. Angus MacNisse baptized by St. Patrick 1st bishop 467 Saint Theoctistus of Palestine great ascetic in Judean wilderness Wadi Mukellik companion five years of St Euthymius the Great 514 St. Macanisius Patrick; baptized Macanisius bishop founder of Kells Monastery; many spectacular miracles attributed to him. 6th v. The Pisidia Icon of the Mother of God glorified by miracles in the city of Sozopolis; St Germanus, Patriarch of Constantinople mentions "the icon of the All-Pure Virgin Mother of God at Pisidian Sozopolis" in letters on veneration of icons read at the Seventh Ecumenical Council said myrrh flowed from the hands," described the icon as "ancient." miracles date back to the sixth century 580 St. Maurilius Bishop of Cahors knowing the entire Bible by heart 592 ST SIMEON STYLITES THE YOUNGER 604 Saint Gregory, the raising to the Sovereign Pontificate of Great Pope and Doctor of the Church 676 St. Aigulf Abbot and reformer sent to Montecassino attempt obtain relics of St Benedict; later Abbot of Lérins 690 St. Hereswitha Benedictine princess of Northumbria England, sister of St. Hilda and mother of Sts. Sexburga, Withburga, and Ethelburga 855 St. Sandila A Spanish martyr 1200 St. Martin de Hinojosa Cistercian bishop 1231 St. John of Perugia & Peter of Sassoferrato Franciscan martyrs sent by St. Francis of Assisi 1244 Bd Guala,
Bishop of Brescia; two ladders let down from the
heavens, top of one of stood our Lord and of the other
His holy Mother. Angels were going up and down the
ladders, and at their foot there sat between them a figure
in the Dominican habit, his face covered with his hood as if
for burial. Then the ladders were drawn up and with
them the friar, borne up by the angels to the feet of Christ
-- Dominic.
1315 St. Andrew
Dotti mystic granted visions Servite missionary1349 Saint Joannicius,
Patriarch of Serbia, a native of the city of
Prizren secretary under king Karl (Charles) of Serbia,
later guided the Church in as Archbishop. In the
year 1346 a Council of all the Serbian archpastors, including
Patriarch of Bulgaria, at wish of King Dushan, chose Archbishop
Joannicius Patriarch of Serbian Orthodox Church.
1580 Blessed
John the Merciful of Rostov; "Merciful" was given
to Blessed John because many healings occurred at his
grave, and with the memory of holy Patriarch John the
Merciful (Nov 12), whose name he shared17th v. Aristaeus, bishop, and Antoninus, a young boy At Capua, the holy martyrs 1632 St. Anthony Ishida and Companions Japanese Jesuit martyr died with Franciscans/Augustinians Nagasaki 1632 Bl. Bartholomew Gutierrez Augustinian martyr of Japan 1632 St. Gabriel of St. Magdalen, Blessed Franciscan martyr of Japan Pope St. Pius X, whose birthday is mentioned on the 20th of August. Sancti Pii Papæ Décimi, cujus natális dies tertiodécimo Kaléndas Septémbris recensétur. Popes and Saints of September 04 2018
1689 B.C. Moses
The Holy Prophet and God-Seer of the tribe
Levi, son of Abram and Jochabed
(Exodus 6:20) performed many miracles during his lifetime, and also after his death. He appeared on Tabor with the Prophet Elias at the Transfiguration of the Lord. His life is described in the Bible (Exodus 2 through Deuteronomy 34:12). The Unburnt
Bush Theotokos
Icon
of the Most Holy is based on the miracle
witnessed by Moses in the Old Testament. In Chapter 3
of Exodus God calls Moses on Mt. Horeb from the midst of
a bush which "was burning, yet it was not consumed" (Ex. 3:2).
Moses is informed that he will lead the Hebrews out of their
slavery in Egypt, and then God tells him His name, "I am Who am"
(Ex. 3:14).
78 St. Candida
the Elder cured of an illness by St. Peter117 St. Hermione Ephesus Martyr prophetess in Acts of the Apostles 125 St. Thamel & Companions A group of martyrs St. Magnus Martyr with Castus and Maximus at Ancyra, Galatia. A group of seventeen martyrs died on the same day 178 Marcellus of Lyons martyred for the faith M (RM) 249-251 Saint Babylas Bishop of Antioch, 3 youths Urban, Prilidian, Epolonius and mother Christodoula 284-305 St. Theodore With Oceanus Ammianus, and Julian, martyrs from the village of Quandababa (near Nicomedia). For confessing faith in Christ they were arrested and given over to torture 420 St. Salvinus Bishop of Verdun Sts. Athanasius, the Bishop, Gerasimus (Jarasimus), and Theodotus; God honored them by manifesting many signs and wonders from their bodies {Coptic} 423 Boniface I Pope gently, but firmly, defended the rights of the Holy See (RM) 825 St Ida of Herzfeld, Widow a great-granddaughter of Charles Mattel; redoubling devotion, self-denial and austerities; she chiefly employed revenues of her estate in relieving the poor; afflicted with a painful and unremitting illness she bore with patience and turned to advantage 1160 St. Rosalia hermit; descendant great Charlemagne 1251 St. Rose of Viterbo 1574 Blessed Catherine Mattei, OP Tert. V (AC) Frezal of Mende converted all the notable pagans M Marcellus of Trèves B (RM) 1711 Blessed Joseph Vaz, the "Apostle of Sri Lanka several miracles attributed registered in Sri Lanka. "These records are regularly sent to Rome," few pilgrims from Goa visit his country, because "we don't have anything of Blessed Vaz." By Vatican proclamation, the venerated native son was declared patron of Goa in 2000. 1754 Saint Joasaph descended from the old and venerable Ukrainian lineage of the Gorlenkovi 1773 Saint Simeon Davit-Gareji Monastery labored as a simple monk advanced age -- chosen abbot; Outstanding in virtue, humility, endowed by the Lord with ability to work miracles. 1926 Blessed Dina Bélanger her devotion to the Blessed Sacrament transformed her into a woman of infectious joy despite illness Blessed Catherine Matte God reached the heart of little Catherine when she was only five. It was then that her mystical experiences began. Our Lady appeared to her while the tiny child was praying alone in her tiny room and told Catherine that Jesus wished to make her His spouse. Then as a child her own age, Jesus himself appeared, accompanied by many other saints including Catherine of Siena and Peter Martyr, and the Blessed Mother place the ring of espousal on her finger. Like the ring of Saint Catherine of Siena, it was visible to today's saint but could not be seen by others. Popes and Saints of September 05 2018
1996 Blessed Mother
Teresa of Calcutta Agnesë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu
Popes and Saints
of September 06 2018In monte Nebo, terræ Moab, sancti Móysis,
legislatóris et Prophétæ.
On Mount Nebo, in the land of Moab, the holy lawgiver and prophet Moses. 420 BC St. Malachi, the Prophet Departure of; Malachi emphasizes the coming of a forerunner who is to herald the coming of the Lord. Jesus and others regarded this prophecy as foreshadowing the work of John the Baptist --- Mark 9:11-13. Prophet Zachariah father of St John the Baptist, Herods Soldiers murdered this holy prophet, stabbed him between the temple and the altar (MT 23: 35). Elizabeth died forty days later; St John, preserved by the Lord, dwelt in wilderness until the day of his appearance to Israel. 98-117 Sarbelus The Holy Martyr was a pagan priest He and his sister Bebaia were converted by St Barsimaius, Bishop of Edessa 98-138 Tathuil (Thiphael) and his sister Bebaia (or Thivea) Martyrs suffered for bold effective preaching of Christianity among pagans martyr under Emperor Trajan. 107 St. Charbel Maronite martyr In monte Nebo, terræ Moab, sancti Móysis,
legislatóris et Prophétæ.
On Mount Nebo, in the land of Moab, the holy lawgiver and prophet Moses. 420
BC St. Malachi,
the Prophet Departure of; Malachi emphasizes
the coming of a forerunner who is to herald the coming of the
Lord. Jesus and others regarded this prophecy as foreshadowing
the work of John the Baptist --- Mark 9:11-13.
98-117 Sarbelus
The Holy Martyr was a pagan priest He and
his sister Bebaia were converted by St Barsimaius, Bishop
of EdessaProphet Zachariah father of St John the Baptist, Herods Soldiers murdered this holy prophet, stabbed him between the temple and the altar (MT 23: 35). Elizabeth died forty days later; St John, preserved by the Lord, dwelt in wilderness until the day of his appearance to Israel. 98-138 Tathuil (Thiphael) and his sister Bebaia (or Thivea) Martyrs suffered for bold effective preaching of Christianity among pagans 107 St. Charbel Maronite martyr 112 St. Romulus Roman martyr member Trajan court Bl Victorinus bishop and martyr, in the time of Nerva Trajan In the suburbs of Rome St. Quintius One of three martyrs 2nd v. Eudoxius, Zeno, Macarius & Companions band of Christian soldiers killed for the faith at Melitene, Armenia 250 St. Herculanils Martyr at Porto near Rome Rhais (Iraida) The Holy Martyr lived at Alexandria 300 Madrona (Madryne, Matrona) "mistress of the house" repeated scourging and hunger caused her death in prison 360 Juventinus and Maximus martyred soldiers during reign of emperor Julian the Apostate; served as bodyguards 370 Sts Urban, Theodore and Companions MM by Arian co-emperor Valens (RM) 400 Abdias
[or Abidas] Avdi (or Habib) Martyr suffered
in Persia during of emperor Izdegerd I for refusal to renounce
Christ and worship sun and fire; died after tortures; his
final breath, gave thanks to God for permitting His chosen one
to die for His Holy Name.
555 Genebald
(Genebaud) of Laon B performed 7 years of
continuous penance (AC)642 Oswald Er holte Aidan aus Iona als Bischof zur Missionierung seiens Landes; 635 gründete er mit Aidan das Kloster Lindisfarne, den späteren Bischofssitz. Er fiel im Kampf gegen den heidnischen König von Mercia am 644 St. Victorinus Bishop of Como zealous opponent of the Arians 700 St. Bertin monk monastery founder 709 St. Bertinus one of the greatest Benedictine abbots and founder; practiced the greatest austerities and was in constant communion with God St. Obdulia A Spanish virgin 1020 Prince Gleb & holy Prince Boris The Holy ones first Russian martyrs called "Passion-Bearers" 1063 St. Alvitus Benedictine bishop León; transferred the relics of Saint Isidore from Seville to his diocese of León 1073 Saint Albert of Butrio founded and was the abbot of Butrio monastery OSB Abbot (AC) 1095 Blessed Albert of Pontida soldier founded Benedictine abbey dedicated it to Saint James (Santiago) OSB Abbot 1152 Blessed Jordan of Pulsano abbot-general OSB Abbot (AC) 1316 BD RAYMUND LULL, MARTYR 1340 Blessed Gentilis (Gentil) of Matelica sowed faith in Italy, Islamics of Egypt, Arabia, finally martyrd in Persia OFM M <1455 St. Lawrence
Giustiniani Bishop of Venice; prior of San Giorgios;
deep prayer life; raptures; penance provided him experiential
knowledge paths of interior life ability to
direct souls; tears shed offering Mass affected all who assisted
awakened in them renewed faith.
1605 Bl. William
Browne layman Martyr of England1562 Katharina Zell furnished in the parsonage and later in the desolate Franciscan's cloister a shelter site for exiled and persecuted Protestants. She took up 1524 the first persecutees from Austria, 1525 came more than 3,000 refugees to Strasbourg. She accommodated 1529 Zwingli and Oekolampad. She took up every persecutee, immediately whether he Luther or Zwingli or the Anabaptists. Also she maintained especially in the plague times the sick people. 1619 Grodziecki
(Grondech), Istvan (Stephen) Pongracz, SJ, & Marko
Krizevcanin (Mark Crisin or Körösy) aristocratic
martyrs of Kosice died in the religious wars with Hungarian
Calvinists MM (RM)
1648 Athansius
of Bretsk - Belorussian The Hieromartyr knew theological
and historical literature, evidenced in his preserved diary;
ordained hieromonk in the year 1632, and made head of the
Duboisk [Dubovsk] monastery near Pinsk; ten years finding himself
among persons maliciously disposed towards him, led a constant
struggle for Holy Orthodoxy, his faithfulness is evidenced by
his sufferings; sentenced to death by execution, for cursing the Unia
1838 St.
Joseph Canh native Martyr of Vietnam physician1838 St. Peter Tu Vietnamese martyr native priest 1996 Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta Agnesë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu Mary, a Mystery of Mercy - OUR LADY OF THE WOODS (Galloro, Italy, 1621) As a son of Saint Dominic himself, Father Mary
Dominic Philippe, O.P. was an intimate son of Mary,
the love for whom he shared with his spiritual sons, the
Brothers of Saint John, and anyone else willing to listen.
His philosophical inquiry and research has, interestingly
enough, served this communication. From the age of six, Fr.
Philippe read for his uncle, Fr. Dehau,
who was
going blind. As a novice, his uncle gave him wise counsel:"You must enter deeply into metaphysics, for metaphysics enables us to speak of Mary. You must study metaphysics to be able to speak of Mary, and to communicate her to others." Indeed, who is Mary? She is a mystery, a mystery of mercy, for she has been enveloped by God and given to us. "Mary is the masterpiece of God at the Cross. She is the masterpiece of God, of the Father, and of the Holy Spirit, for us. The One who is given to us is the Woman, who is one with Jesus crucified. And she who is entirely turned towards Jesus
is entirely turned towards us, and is given to each
one of us in a unique way. We must receive her. We must ask
the Holy Spirit to grant us the divine experience of the heart
of Mary, who is our desert."
Read:
J'ai Soif (I Am Thirsty) Editions Saint Paul, Versailles,
1996.Verklärung
des Herrn Calixtus III. hat 1457 den 6. August für
die ganze römische Kirche festgelegt.
Popes and Saints
of September 07 2018sancti Zacharíæ Prophetæ In Palæstina , qui, de Chaldæa senex in pátriam revérsus 1st v. Archangel Michael at Colossus, later called Chone The miracle performed by St. Eutychus Departure of disciple of St. John the Evangelist; St. Paul raised him with his prayers. (Acts 20:9) {COPTIC} Saint Michael
St. Pishay
(Abshai), Antiochian Martyrdom of {COPTIC}1st v. Saint Archippus
the saint at Colossae, (Greek for "master of the
horse") from Hieropolis; persuaded many pagans who
came to the holy spring to accept Baptism, forsake pagan impiety,
and turn to Savior Jesus Christ
81 St. Onesiphorus,
disciple of apostles; Martyr with Porphyrius; St. Paul’s
Second Letter to Timothy98-117 Romulus reproached emperor for impiety and folly to diminish army's strength during war St. Cottidus, Eugene deacon, & Companions Cappadocian 250 St. Faustus, a priest, Macarius, and ten companions, received martyr's crown for Christ. 273 Ss Augustine, Sanctian, and Beata martyred at Sens where they are still venerated Eudoxius a military commander in the imperial armies , Zeno friend , house steward Macarius and their Companions received a martyric death for Christ 284-305 Cyril, Bishop of Gortyna One night the saint heard a voice commanding him to go to Rome; In the morning the doors of the prison were open, and the idols overthrown and destroyed. On the road to Rome St Cyril had a vision: St Philoxenos appeared and said that he would receive two crowns, one of a hierarch and the other of a martyr; a vision received command not to neglect Crete. 484 Donatian, Laetus, Companions driven from North Africa by the Arian Vandal King Huneric 497 Maccallin of Lusk B (AC) 585-590 Eleutherius of Spoleto, OSB Abbot one favored by God with the gift of miracles (RM) Saint David of Egypt monk, former robber; received from God power to perform miracles healed many of the sick and cast out evil spirits 7th v. St. Felix and Augebert 2 martyred English who were captured and sold into slavery in France. Ransomed by Pope St. Gregory I the Great, Felix became a priest and Augebert a deacon. 1230 Blessed Bertrand of Garrigue ardent opponent of Albigensianism closest friend and travelling companion of Saint Dominic credited many miracles during life and after death OP (AC) 1240 Bd Peregrine of Falerone; a lay-brother; In this humble condition persevered to his end; before and after death famous for miracles 1258 Liberatus of Loro, OFM introduced initial austerity of Friars Minor with help of Blesseds Humilis and Pacificus(AC) 1627 Bl. Thomas Tsughi Japanese martyr native educated by Jesuits 1654 Kiev-Bratsk Theotokos; The icon described in records of church property of Kiev-Bratsk monastery, made in 1807 1947 Blessed Claudio Granzotto Friars Minor sculptur 1997 Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta b.1910 Albania now Skopje, Macedonia Ottoman 1997 Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta Albania now Skopje, Macedonia Ottoman Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the tiny woman recognized throughout the world for her work among the poorest of the poor, was beatified October 19, 2003. Among those present were hundreds of Missionaries of Charity, the Order she founded in 1950 as a diocesan religious community. Today the congregation also includes contemplative sisters and brothers and an order of priests. Speaking in a strained, weary voice at the beatification Mass, Pope John Paul II declared her blessed, prompting waves of applause before the 300,000 pilgrims in St. Peter's Square. In his homily, read by an aide for the aging pope, the Holy Father called Mother Teresa “one of the most relevant personalities of our age” and “an icon of the Good Samaritan.” Her life, he said, was “a bold proclamation of the gospel.” Mother Teresa's beatification, just over six years after her death, was part of an expedited process put into effect by Pope John Paul II. Like so many others around the world, he found her love for the Eucharist, for prayer and for the poor a model for all to emulate. Eve M "Patron of the town of Dreux, she was martyred"
Nativity
of the Mother of God Forefeast of Readings interpreted as prefiguring
the Mother
of God
Popes and Saints
of September 08 201869 Evodius is a saint in the Christian church and one of the first identifiable Christians. St. Titus,
the Apostle Departure of born in Crete, and he
was the nephew of the governor of the island. He learned
the Greek language, its literature and wisdom, and he excelled
in it. he believed in the Lord Christ, and sent to his uncle
telling him all that he had seen and heard. When the Lord chose
the seventy apostles, Titus was one of them. {COPTIC}
Sosthenes,
Apollos, Cephas, Tychikus, Epaphroditus, Caesarius
und Onesiphorus117-138 St. Eupsychius healed of his wounds by an angel.
304 St. Sozon,
At
Pompeiopolis in Cilicia native of Lykaonia, a shepherd
read Holy Scriptures attentively, and he loved to share his knowledge
about the One God with the shepherds who gathered together
with him; brought many to the faith in Christ and Baptism; destroyed
idol; by his grave and at the place where he had the vision, many
of the sick were healed.
303 St. "John"
of Nicomedia "when he saw the cruel decrees against
the Christians displayed in the forum he was fired
with zeal for the faith and pulled them down and tore them
up with his own hands."251 St. Regina was a virgin martyr 304 St. Anastasius the Fuller Martyr from Aquileia St. Grimonia virgin A chapel was built over her grave which became famous for miracles, and around it grew up a town, called from its origin La Chapelle 560 Saint Clodoald a hermit; disciple of St. Severinus remained at Nogent, near Paris; became known as Saint-Cloud. 706 St. Madalberta Benedictine abbess Daughter of Sts. Vincent Madelgarus and Waldetrudis. St Aldegund was her superior and aunt who founded Maubeuge, where Madalberta took the veil. became abbess 697. sister was St. Aldetrudis 7th v. St. Diuma Bishop of Mercia and companion of St. Cedd An Irishman, Diuma was praised by St. Bede 1106 St. John of Lodi Benedictine bishop of Gubbio authored a life of St. Peter Damian. 1186 Saint John, Archbishop of Novgorod; establish monastery in honor of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos; Just like other Russian hierarchs, he calmed and soothed the internecine strife in much-suffering Rus by his prayers and his virtue 1211 Eustace of Flay, OSB Cist. Abbot apostolic legate of Pope Innocent III to England and represented the holy father against Albigensians 1480 Saint Serapion of Pskov; dwelt constantly with St Euphrosynus for 55 years; zealously fulfilled everything commanded of him and was a role model for monks; 1534 Lazarus Spengler Evangelische Kirche: Sein engagiertes Eintreten für die Reformation war von entscheidender Bedeutung. 1619 Bb. Mark, Stephen And Melchior, Martyrs at the instigation of the Calvinists 1627 Bl. Louis Maki Martyr of Japan layman 1627 Bl. John Maid Martyr of Japan 1644 Bl. John Duckett Martyr of England 1644 Bl. Ralph Corby Jesuit martyr of England 1678 The Hieromartyr
Macarius of Kanev This was a most terrible time
for Orthodox Christians in western Rus. The constant struggles
of the Hieromartyr, were an attempt to defend the Orthodox
Faith under difficult conditions, when it was possible only
to defend the future of the Russian Orthodox Church, which was preserved
from the brusque passing of the hurricane of the Unia, endured
together with Tatar incursions.
1853 Blessed Frederick
Ozanam served poor of Paris 1860 The future St Macarius was born in 1788 into the noble Ivanov family, and was baptized with the name Michael in honor of St Michael of Tver (November 22). 1912 Martin Kähler distinction between "Christ of faith" and the Jesus of history often traced to Martin Kahler (1835-1912), "though he probably did not mean by the term what most contemporary critics do". Birth of Mary Sts. Timothy & Faustus martyrs 362 Ss. Eusebius, Nestabus, Zeno And Nestor, Martyrs St. Adrian pagan officer patron of soldiers and butchers St. Hadrian, martyr, whose birthday is on the 4th of March. His feast, however, is observed today, the day on which his holy body was translated to Rome. Ss. Ammon, Theophilus, Neoterius, and twenty-two others. 5th v. St. Kingsmark A Scottish chieftain, also called Cynfarch. He lived in Wales, where he is venerated. 674 St Disibod zealous preacher and apostle, laboured hard to reform his flock, without success left Ireland in discouragement to missionary Germany; with 3 companions founded monastery valley of Nahe, near Bingen, 701
St
Sergius I, Pope; Sergius was an alumnus of the Roman
schola cantorum, and he seems to have been actively concerned
with the liturgy and its music in particular, the Liber
pontificalis states that he directed that the Agnus Dei "should
be sung by clergy and people at the breaking of the Lord's body"
at Mass, and he ordained that the Roman church should observe the
four feasts of our Lady already kept at Constantinople, namely,
her birthday, her purification, the Annunciation and her "falling
alseep"... In the words of Alcuin, "a holy and most worthy successor
of St Peter, second to none in piety".
730 St. Corbinian
"bear"
A bishop ordained by Pope St. Gregory II1071 St. Adela Benedictine noblewoman 1555 St. Thomas
of Villanueva; Augustinian; his Birthday today; bishop
from Fuentellana, Castile Spain; Many examples are recorded of St Thomas’s
supernatural gifts, such as his power of healing the
sick and of multiplying food, numerous miracles attributed
to his intercession before and after his death; gentle and
patient with sinners; called in his lifetime “the pattern
of bishops” “the almsgiver the father of the poor”,
1622 Bl. John
Inamura Japanese martyr1628 Bl. Anthony of St. Bonaventure Franciscan Spanish martyr of Japan 1628 Bl. Thomas of St. Hyacinth Japanese martyr native catechist 1628 Bl. Thomas Tomaki Japanese martyr young boy 1628 Bl. John Tomaki Japanese martyr and Dominican tertiary 1628 Bl. Dominic of Nagasaki Japanese martyr native 1628 St. James Fayashida, Blessed Japanese martyr native 1628 Bl. Lawrence Jamada Martyr of Japan 1628 Bl. Leo Kombiogi Martyr of Japan Dominican tertiary 1628 Bl. Louis Nifaki Martyred Japanese Dominican tertiary 1628 St. Louis of Omura She Martyr of Japan 1628 St. Romanus Aybara Father of Blessed Paul Aybara and martyr 1628 Bl. Matthew Alvarez Japanese martyr native Dominican tertiary 1628 Bl. Michael Jamada Japan native martyr Dominican tertiary 1626 Bl. Michael Tomaki A thirteen-year-old Japan martyr 1628 St. Paul Aybara Japanese martyr 1628 Bl. Paul Tomaki young Japanese martyr 1654 St. Peter Claver, priest of the Society of Jesus and confessor; died this day; feast tomorrow In New Carthage in South America, St. Peter Claver, priest of the Society of Jesus and confessor. He devoted more than forty years with wonderful mortification and exceeding charity to the service of the Negroes who had been enslaved, and with his own hand baptized in Christ almost three hundred thousand of them. Pope Leo XIII added him to the list of the saints, and then declared him to be the special heavenly patron of all missions for the Negroes. The French Still Love You Sept 08 - The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary On September 8, 1914, the feast of the Nativity of Mary, 23 year-old Marcelle Lanchon claimed to have had her first apparition of the Blessed Virgin, in the Our Lady of the Armies Chapel, on the very same day that the Virgin also stopped the Germans on the Marne, at the gates of Paris. The visionary, who later took the name of Marie-France when she became a consecrated virgin in the Pious Union of Worshippers of the Sacred Heart that she founded, transmitted a prayer for France: "My Son, forgive the French, they still love you since they have never stopped loving me..." She also gave a promise on behalf of the Virgin: "If, in union with my Divine Son, I like all the nations which he redeemed with his Blood, see how much I especially cherish your dear country... My Son wishes that you make images and statues representing me and call upon me by the name of Our Lady of France. If someone answers this new desire of his Divine Heart, France will become particularly mine again. I will take it forever under my maternal protection and my Son will be happy to bestow abundant blessings on France." Bishop Roland Gosselin, bishop of the dioceses, gave official approval of the Pious Union of Worshippers of the Sacred Heart and made it possible to print the image of "Mary Queen of France" as well as the prayer revealed during the apparitions, there was never a final canonical judgment on these facts which are a little forgotten today. Taken from "Apparitions of Versailles" Tequi 2005 Popes and Saints of September 09 2018
Nativity
of the Mother of God Forefeast of Readings interpreted as prefiguring
the Mother
of God
Popes and Saints
of September 10 20181st v. St. Felix and Constantia Martyrs of Nocera Italy slain in the persecution conducted by Emperor Nero Rufinus and Rufinian MM (RM) Two brothers who were martyred at same time and place 303 Dorotheus (Dorothea), Peter, and Gorgonius (Goroon) members of imperial court favorite eunuchs of Diocletian & body guard officials at Nicomedia M (RM) Saint Gorgonius Hyacinth, Alexander, and Tiburtus martyred in the Sabine country MM (RM) The Breviary is unquestionably mistaken here in identifying the Gorgonius of Nicomedia with the Gorgonius who was buried inter duos lauros on the Via Lavicana. The two martyrs were distinct, as Delehaye, Quentin and J. P. Kirsch are all agreed; and Dorotheus was associated not with the Roman Gorgonius, but with the Gorgonius of Nicomedia, of whose sufferings an account has been left by Eusebius. The martyrologist Ado was the author of the confusion, as Quentin, Martyrologes historiques, pp. 613—615, has fully demonstrated. Saint Straton M (RM) 320 Saint Severian of Sebaste an Armenian senator M (RM) a senator who witnessed the martyrdom of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste and subsequently proclaimed his devotion to the Christian faith 439 St. Isaac the Great Armenian monk 440 Saint Isaac (Sahak) I the Great B descendent of Saint Gregory the Illuminator son of Patriarch (Katholikos) Saint Nerses the Great of Armenia(AC) Born c. 350; died at Ashtishat, Armenia 556 Saint Ciaran of Clonmacnoise 1/12 Apostles of Ireland his holiness spread abroad: miraculous events 650 St. Osmanna Benedictine nun originally from Ireland journeyed to Brittany where she lived as a hermitess. 670 St. Omer Benedictine bishop miracle worker 690 St. Hyacinth Martyr with Alexander and Tiburtius. They died near Rome. 8th v. St. Bettelin Hermit practiced the most austere penances and lived a life of continual prayer in the forest 988 Saint Wilfrida of Wilton daughter-Saint Edith of Wilton OSB Abbess (AC) 1139 Blessed Gaufridus of Savigny spread the new Benedictine congregation to 29 houses in Normandy OSB Abbot 1175 Blessed Mary de la Cabeza, Widow the irreproachable wife of Saint Isidore the Farmer (AC) 1478 Blessed Seraphina Sforza, Poor Clare V (AC) 1503 BD LOUISA OF SAVOY, WIDOW 1515 St. Joseph of Volokolamsk Abbot ruled Borovsk Abbey Russia; During a church council in Moscow in 1503, Saint Joseph's vision for monastic life won out over that of Saint Nilus, an important step for the future of the Russian Church 1654 Saint Peter Claver, SJ Priest unable to abolish the slave trade Though Father Claver's activities were not confined to the Negroes, the "slave of the slaves" regarded himself as, above all, consecrated to their service.(RM) Sometimes St Peter would spend almost the whole day in the great square of the city, where the four principal streets met, preaching to all who would stop to listen, he became the apostle of Cartagena as well as of the Negroes, and in so huge a work was aided by God with those gifts that particularly pertain to apostles, of miracles, of prophecy, and of reading hearts. 1853 Blessed Frédèric Ozanam Both mystical and practical; humble no pride of intellect; faught secularism and anti-clericalism in Europe.
JOHN PAUL I ANGELUS
Sunday, 10 September 1978
At
Camp David, in America, Presidents Carter and Sadat and
Prime Minister Begin are working for peace in the Middle East.
All men are hungry and thirsty for peace, especially the poor,
who pay more and suffer more in troubled times and in wars; for
this reason they look to the Camp David meeting with interest and
great hope. The Pope, too, has prayed, had prayers said, and is
praying the Lord may deign to help the efforts of these politicians.I was very favourably impressed by the fact that the three Presidents wished to express their hope in the Lord publicly in prayer. President Sadat's brothers in religion are accustomed to say as follows: "there is pitch darkness, a black stone and on the stone a little ant; but God sees it, and does not forget it". President Carter, who is a fervent Christian, reads in the Gospel; "Knock, and it will be opened to you; ask, and it will be given you. Even the hairs of your head are all numbered." And Premier Begin recalls that the Jewish people once passed difficult moments and addressed the Lord complaining and saying: "You have forsaken us, you have forgotten us!" "No!"—He replied through Isaiah the Prophet—"can a mother forget her own child? But even if it should happen, God will never forget his people". Also we who are here have the same sentiments; we are the objects of undying love on the part of God. We know: he has always his eyes open on us, even when it seems to be dark. He is our father; even more he is our mother. He does not want to hurt us, He wants only to do good to us, to all of us. If children are ill, they have additional claim to be loved by their mother. And we too, if by chance we are sick with badness, on the wrong track, have yet another claim to be loved by the Lord. With these sentiments I invite you to pray together with the Pope for each of us, for the Middle East, for Iran, and for the whole world. © Copyright 1978 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana 1st v. St. Barypsabas Hermit martyr of Dalmatia Tradition states that Barypsabas took a vial of Christ's blood to Rome 250 St. Nemesian, Felix, and Companions Sosthenes and Victor At Chalcedon, in the persecution of Diocletian, the holy martyrs Apellius, Luke, and Clement Item sanctórum Mártyrum Apélli, Lucæ et Cleméntis St. Peter, bishop At Compostella, who was celebrated for his many virtues and miracles. St. Agapius, bishop At Novara 306 St. Menodora Martyr with her sisters, Metrodora &Nymphodora 453 St. Pulcheria Empress of the Eastern Roman Empire, eldest daughter of the Emperor Arcadius; opposition to the doctines of Nestorius and Eutyches; she built churches, hospitals, houses for pilgrims, and gave rich gifts to churches and BD Lucy DE FREITAS Widow 480 St. Veranus Bishop of Vence; He served his Alpine see for many years after a period as a monk. 584 St. Salvius Bishop of Albi friend of Pope St. Gregory I the Great; ransomed prisoners and brought King Chilperic back to orthodox teachings 586 St. Candida the Younger, At Naples in Campania, famed for miracles. 579 St. Finian Irish abbot disciple of Sts.Colman & Mochae miracles including moving a river 670 St. Theodard Bishop and martyr confiscatory policies of King Childeric II after death renowned for gift of miracles 725 St. Autbert Bishop and founder of Mont St. Michel Vision of Michael 933 St. Frithestan Benedictine bishop 1160 St. Cosmas bishop and martyr Saint Paul the Obedient was an ascetic in the Far Caves at Kiev. Upon assuming the monastic schema at the monastery of the Caves, the monk underwent very burdensome obediences without a murmur, on which the monastery's Superior had sent him. 1305 Saint Nicholas of Tolentino Patron of Holy Souls in Purgatory, and, with St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church hundreds of miracles 1453 Saint Joasaph of Kubensk, Wonderworker of Vologdae gracious meekness and humility 1555 St. Thomas of Villanova {see 1555 St. Thomas of Villanueva; Augustinian; his Birthday September 8; Butlers lives revised by Thurston s.j. Thomas of Villanova here: bishop from Fuentellana, Castile Spain; Many examples are recorded of St Thomas’s supernatural gifts, such as his power of healing the sick and of multiplying food, numerous miracles attributed to his intercession before and after his death; gentle and patient with sinners; called in his lifetime “the pattern of bishops” “the almsgiver the father of the poor”,} 1619 Bl. Mary Tokuan & Mary Choun Native Martyrs of Japan 1622 Bb. Apollinaris Franco, Charles Spinola and Their Companions, Martyrs In The Great Martyrdom In Japan 1622 Bl. Anthony of Korea martyr of Japan 1622 Bl. Anthony Sanga catechist native One of 23 martyrs 1622 Bl. Anthony Vom Japanese native martyr 1622 Bl. Apollinaris Franco Franciscan martyr of Japan 1622 Bl. Bartholomew Shikiemon layman martyrs of Japan 1622 Bl. Mary Tanaura Native Martyr of Japan 1622 Bl. Louis Kawara Martyr of Japan page in the court of Arima 1622 Bl. John Kingoku native Japanese martyr catechist 1622 St. Gundislavus Fusai, Blessed Japanese martyr court official 1622 Bl. Agnes Tsao-Kouy Martyr of China 1622 Bl. Agnes Takea Martyr of Japan 1622 Bl. Angelus Orsucci Martyr of Japan/Dominican missionary 1622 Bl. Anthony Kiun Japan Jesuit martyr native 1622 Bl. Thecla Nangashi native Japanese martyr 1622 Bl. Thomas of the Holy Rosary Japanese martyr native catechist 1622 Bl. Thomas Shikuiro Japanese martyr native 70 layman 1622 Bl. Sebastian Kimura Japanese martyr grandson of first Japanese convert baptized by St. Francis Xavier 1622 Bl. Damien Yamiki layman martyr of Japan 1622 Bl. Dominic Nakano Martyr of Japan 1622 St. Dominic Shamada Japan Martyr with wife Clare 1622 Bl. Richard of St. Ann Martyr of Japan Spanish descent 1622 Bl. Lucy de Freitas native Martyr of Japan 1622 Bl. Leo Satsuma Martyr of Japan Franciscan tertiary 1622 Bl. Joseph of St. Hyacinth Dominican martyr of Japan 1622 Bl. John of Korea 12 yr old Martyr of Japan 1622 Bl. Hyacinth Orfanel Spainish Martyr of Japan 1622 St. Francis de Morales Spainish Dominican martyr of Japan spent 20 years in Japan 1622 Bl. Dominic Nakano Martyr of Japan 1641 BD AMBROSE BARLOW, MARTYR He was so “mild, witty, and cheerful in his conversation, that of all men that ever I knew he seemed to me the most likely to represent the spirit of Sir Thomas More... Neither did I ever see him moved at all upon occasions of wrongs, slanders, or threats which were frequently raised against him: but as one insensible of wrong, or free from choler, he entertained them with a jest, and passed over them with a smile and a nod.” "Christianity
is not a moral code or a philosophy, but an encounter with a person" -- Benedict
XVI
The Holy Martyrs Demetrius
a prince and prefect of the city of Skepsis
in the Hellespont,
his wife Euanthea, and their son Demetrian; St Cornelius the Centurion (September 13), the first Gentile converted to Christ by the Apostle Paul, came into his city preaching the Gospel. 258 St. Cyprian development of Christian thought and practice northern Africa: Saint_of_the_Day September16. html Butler Lives - Thurston 3rd v. St. Felix & Regula Martyred brother &sister who fled to Switzerland during the persecution conducted by co- Emperor Maximian. They were captured and martyred near Zurich. 4th v. St. Paphnutius the Great bishop Nicaea; under Constantine the Great, he courageously strove for the Catholic faith against the Arians 253-268 SS. PROTUS AND HYACINTH, MARTYRS 4th v. St. Diodorus Martyr with Diomedes & Didymus 491
St. Patiens
Archbishop of Lyons, Gaul best known for his immense
efforts at charitable work; constantly gave aid comfort to
the poor, devoting resources of the diocese to feed those left
starving by the Gothic and Germanic invasions and rebuilding / repairing
burned and looted churches
491 St. Theodora Egyptian
penitent maiden of Alexandria520 St. Emilian Bishop of Vercelli, in Piedmont Italy; He was a hermit for forty years before becoming bishop 560 St. Almirus Hermit companion of Sts. Avitus & Carifelus 584 St. Daniel Welsh bishop; founder; companion - Sts. Dygrig &David 584 St. Deiniol Bishop of Bangor, Wales 670 St. Bodo Bishop, founder brother -St. Salaberga 670 St. Adelphus Benedictine abbot; grandson of St. Romaricus; served as successor as abbot of Remiremont Adelphus died at Luxeuil, France. 1003-1080 St. Peter of Chavanon Augustinian reformer; founder 1227 BD LOUIS OF THURINGIA 1353
Saints
Sergius
and Herman settled on the island of Valaam in 1329.
The brethren gathered by them spread the light of Orthodoxy
in this frontier land. The Karelian people began to regard Christianity
with renewed suspicion, with its authority in the fourteenth
century being undermined by the Swedes, who sought to spread
Catholicism by means of the sword.
1622 Bl. Peter
Ikiemon 7 yr old Japanese martyr1622 Bl. Francis Takea A twelve-year-old martyr of Japan 1622 Bl. Caspar Kotenda Japanese martyr member of a Japanese noble house 1641 St. Ambrose Edward Barlow Martyr one of Forty Martyrs -England &Wales 1684 BD BONAVENTURE OF BARCELONA 1840 Bl. John-Gabriel Perboyre Martyr of China Vincentian from Puech; Pope Leo XIII beatified him in 1889, making him the first martyr in China to be so honored. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1996. Take a moment to think of everything you're proud of about yourself and your life. Then ask yourself if you would have any of this without God's permission and aid? Give credit where credit is due; praise and thank Him, not yourself. St. Francis of Assisi Holy
Name of Mary: The feast of the Most Holy Name
of Mary began in Spain in 1513 and in 1671 was extended to all
of Spain and the Kingdom of Naples. In 1683, John Sobieski, king of
Poland, brought an army to the outskirts of Vienna to stop the advance
of Muslim armies loyal to Mohammed IV in Constantinople.
258 St. Curomotus
Martyred bishop of IconiumAfter
Sobieski entrusted himself to the Blessed Virgin Mary,
he and his soldiers thoroughly defeated the Muslims.
Pope
Innocent XI extended this feast to the entire Church to
commemorate victory at the Battle of Vienna in 1683.
At Pavia, St. Juventius,
bishop, mentioned on the 8th of February. The blessed
Hermagoras, disciple of the evangelist St. Mark, sent him
to that city along with St. Cyrus, who is mentioned on the 9th
of December. They both preached the Gospel of Christ there,
and being renowned for great virtues and miracles, enlightened the
neighbouring cities by divine works. They closed their glorious
careers in peace, invested with the episcopal office.300 St. Hieronides Egyptian martyr an elderly deacon with Leontius, Selesius, Serapion, Straton, and Valerian. They died in Alexandria, Egypt. 300 St. Autonomous Italian bishop and martyr; a great evangelist in Bithynia in Asia Minor 362 St. Macedonius Martyr destroying pagan idols during the restoration of paganism under Julian the Apostate 540 St. Ailbhe travelled to Rome before Patrick's arrival 551 St. Sacerdos bishop of Lyons; presided over the Council of Orleans in 549 and served as a chief councilor to King Childebert I of Paris. 640 St. Eanswida Abbess foundress Benedictine convent; daughter of a king of Kent and the granddaughter of St. Ethelbert. 1012 St. Guy of Anderlecht pilgrimage on foot to Rome and Jerusalem; patron of laborers and sacristans, and protector of sheds and stables. He is invoked to calm infantile convulsions 1161 Blessed Miro of Vich; Augustinian canon regular of Saint John de las Abadesas OSA (AC) 1604 Blessed Juvenal Ancina; bishop of Saluzzo; met Saint Philip Neri and joined his Oratory Cong. Orat. B (AC) 1617 Blessed Mary Victoria Fornari-Strata, Foundress of the Blue Nuns due to the BVM (AC) 1622 Bl. Thomas Zumarraga; Spanish Dominican; martyr of Japan 1622 St. Francis of St. Bonaventure; catechist; Native-born martyr of Japan 1622 Bl. Mancius of St. Thomas; native Japanese catechist; Martyr of Japan 1622 St. Peter Paul of St. Claire; assistant to Blessed Apollinaris Franco and as a catechist; Native Japanese martyr Verónæ
sancti Silvíni Epíscopi.
At Verona, St. Silvinus, bishop.
1st v.
The Hieromartyr
Cornelius the Centurion
Popes and Saints of September
14 2018 Blessed Philip
At
Alexandria, the birthday of, father of the virgin
St. Eugenia. Resigning the dignity of prefect of Egypt,
he received the grace of baptism. His successor, the
prefect Terentius, had him pierced through the throat with
a sword while he was praying.
St.
Macrobius
a Cappadocian, who died at Tomis, on the Black Sea
& Julian Martyrs Julian, a priest, died in Galatia3rd v. The Holy Martyr Chronides with Sts Stratonicus, Serapion, Leontius and Seleucus 313 Commemoration of the Founding of the Church of the Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre) at Jerusalem 397 St. Nectarius Bishop of Autun friend of St. Germanus of Paris succeeded by St. John Chrysostom 407 St. John Chrysostom "golden-mouthed" When it came to justice and charity, John acknowledged no double standards. 426 Saint Maurilius; closely associated with France early church history; Bishop of Angers; miracle worker 7th v. Queen Ketevan of Georgia martyred in Persia: her holy relics were illumined with a radiant light 607 St Eulogius, Patriarch Of Alexandria celebrated for learning and sanctity 629 The Exaltation Of The Holy Cross, Commonly Called Holy Cross Day 630 St. Amatus; Benedictine monk; hermit; founded a double monastery in 620 690 St. Amatus; Benedictine bishop; abbot of Agaune monastery in Switzerland 7th v. St. Venerius Hermit abbot island of Tino, in the Gulf of Genoa 680 St. Columbinus Benedictine abbot, the successor of St. Deicola at Lure, in the Vosges, France. 690 St. Amatus Benedictine bishop abbot of Agaune monastery in Switzerland St. Ligorius Eastern martyr whose relics are venerated in Venice, Italy 8th v. Saint Peter from Atroe was dedicated to God from childhood 16th v. Saint John monk of the Prislop Monastery in southwestern Romania; lead a solitary ascetical life, struggling against the assaults of the demons 1745 Saint Hierotheus received the monastic tonsure at the Iveron monastery; Many sick and afflicted with bodily suffering were healed by prayers to the saint. She is so Transparent September 13 - OUR LADY OF QUINCHE (Ecuador)
She is so transparent, so luminous, that one could think she is the light. Blessed Elisabeth of the Trinity Triumph of the Cross: Early in the fourth century St. Helena, mother
of the Roman Emperor Constantine, went to Jerusalem in search
of the holy places of Christ's life. She razed the Temple of
Aphrodite, which tradition held was built over the Savior's
tomb, and her son built the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher over
the tomb. During the excavation, workers found three crosses. Legend
has it that the one on which Jesus died was identified when its touch
healed a dying woman.
251 St. Caerealis
& Sallustia soldier and wife: martyrs Rome: converts of Pope St. Cornelius: slain during
persecution conducted by Emperor Trajanus Decius. 258 St. Crescentian African martyr with Victor, Rosula, Generalis; reported martyred at the same time and in the same place as St. Cyprian. 258
St. Cyprian
of Carthage; What
St. Cyprian really says is simply this, that Christ, using the
metaphor of an edifice, founds His Church on a single foundation
which shall manifest and ensure its unity. And as Peter is the
foundation, binding the whole Church together, so in each diocese
is the bishop. With this one argument Cyprian claims to cut at the
root of all heresies and schisms. St. Cyprian was the first great Latin writer
among the Christians, for Tertullian fell into heresy, and his style
was harsh and unintelligible. Until the days of Jerome and Augustine,
Cyprian's writings had no rivals in the West. Their praise is sung by Prudentius,
who joins with Pacian, Jerome, Augustine, and many others in attesting
their extraordinary popularity. (Thaschus Cæcilius Cyprianus).
300 St. Crescentius
Martyred eleven-year-old; son of St. Euthymius. He was brought from Perugia,
Italy, to Rome to stand trial. Refusing to deny Christ,
Crescentius was beheaded after torture. 325 St. Maternus First known bishop of Cologne; modern Germany; involved in effort against Donatist heretics; asked by Emperor Constantine to hear charges against the Donatists in 313. 407 St.
John, bishop of Constantinople At Comana in Pontus, the birthday of, confessor
and doctor of the Church, surnamed Chrysostom because of
his golden eloquence. He was cast into exile by a faction
of his enemies, but was recalled by a decree of Pope Innocent
I. However, he suffered many evils on the journey at the
hands of the soldiers who guarded him, and he rendered up his soul
unto God. His feast is kept on the 27th of January, on which
day his holy body was translated to Constantinople by Theodosius
the Younger. Pope Pius X declared and appointed this glorious
preacher of the divine Word as heavenly patron of those preaching
of holy things.
6th v. St.
Cormac
Irish abbot who was a friend of St. Columba.629 The Exaltation Of The Holy Cross, Commonly Called Holy Cross Day 908 St. Cormac of Cashel, King B his learning, piety, charity, valor; probably first bishop of Cashel and compiler of still extant Psalter of Cashel, an Irish history (AC) 1313 St. Notburga Patroness of poor peasants servants in Tyrol; famous for her miracles and concern for the poor. 1815 St. Gabriel
du Fresse, Blessed Martyr of China; began his missionary work in China
in 1777. In 1800, he was consecrated titular bishop of Tabraca. After 15
years of continual danger, Bishop Gabriel-John was betrayed by a native Christian
and beheaded
Our Lady
of Sorrows
The great psalm of the
Passion, Chapter 22, whose
first verse "My God, my God, why hast
thou forsaken me?" 90 St. Nicomedes of Rome priest refused to aposate M (RM) 2nd v. Saint Melitina of Marcianopolis; overthrew idol M (RM) 177 St. Valerian massacre; martyrs of Lyons with bishop St. Pothinus 257 Saint Acacius the Confessor; Uncovering of the relics of Bishop of Melitene, Armenia. Theodotus The Holy Martyr suffered
with Sts Maximus, Asklepiodote, at the beginning of the
fourth century under the emperor Maximian Galerius (305-311).
Eminent citizens of the city of Marcianopolis, Maximus and Asklepiodote
led a devout Christian life. By their example they brought many
to faith in Christ and to holy Baptism.
310
Ss. Maximus,
Theodore, and Scelpiodotus born in Marcianopolis (now in
Bulgaria) MM (RM)362 Porphyrius the Actor declares Christian on stage with Julian the Apostate in audience M (RM) 372 The Novonikita Icon is one of the ancient icons of the Mother of God. It appeared to the holy Great Martyr Nikita. St Nikita was a former soldier and disciple of Theophilus, Bishop of the Goths. Prior to his Baptism, Nikita saw a Child in a dream, holding His Cross in His hand. He awoke and pondered the meaning of the vision for a long time. 378 Nicetas the Goth (the Great) M (RM) 390 Saint Albinus (Aubin, Alpin) of Lyons B built the church of Saint Stephen (RM) 5th v. Eutropia of Auvergne, Widow first lauded by Saint Sidonius Apollinaris (RM) 460 Saint Mamilian of Palermo: B exiled to Tuscany by the Arian king Genseric (AC) 507 St. Aprus Bishop of Toul, France; very successful lawyer, gave up his profession in order to receive presbyterial ordination 6th century St. Hernan; Hermit and patron saint of Loc Horn Hernan 6th v. Blessed Abba Joseph of Alaverdi; disciple and companion of St. John of Zedazeni, arrived in Georgia with twelve Syrian ascetics to spread the Christian Faith. With the blessing of his teacher, Fr. Joseph settled in the village of Alaverdi in eastern Georgia. According to tradition, he carried with him a cross formed from the wood of the Life-giving Cross of our Savior. Many of the faithful were so drawn to Abba Joseph’s holy life, boundless love, and miracles that they left the world to join in his labors. 556 St. Leobinus: Bishop of Chartres, France; a hermit priest and abbot before his consecration 590 St. Joseph Abibos: Disciple of St. John Zeda Zfleli and abbot 620 Saint Mirin of Benchor: B contemporary of Saint Columba, disciple of Saint Comgall at Bangor (County Down) 7th century St. Ribert Benedictine abbot possibly bishop; disciple of Saint Ouen preached missions in the countryside 687 St. Aichardus son of army officer; Benedictine; example of daily fidelity scrupulous observance of monastic rules 690 Saint Ritbert of Varennes, OSB Abbot; disciple of Saint Ouen preached missions in the countryside (AC) 852 St. Emilas deacon & Jeremiah Spanish student martyrs of Cordoba, Spain 10th v. The Venerable Philotheus Presbyter and Wonderworker devoted himself to deeds of prayer and fasting, and works of charity; received from God the gift of working miracles 1095 St. Vitus Benedictine monk in the community near Bergamo Italy. He was a disciple of St. Albert. 1170 Blessed Aichardus of Clairvaux, received the Cistercian habit from the hands of Saint Bernard OSB Cist. (PC St. Hernan Hermit and patron saint of Loc Horn 1222 St. Adam of Caithness, As bishop tried to enforce canon and civil law, including the payment of tithes martyred with followers (PC) OSB Cist. B 1386 Bl. Roland de'Medici; renounced all its power, influence, and wealth to become quarter century as a hermit 1510 St. Catherine (Caterinetta) of Genoa, Widow; "He who purifies himself from his faults in the present life, satisfies with a penny a debt of a thousand ducats; and he who waits until the other life to discharge his debts, consents to pay a thousand ducats for that which he might before have paid with a penny." Saint Catherine, Treatise on purgatory. (RM) 16th v. Saint Bessarion, Archbishop of Larissa, founded the Dusika monastery in Thessaly. 1656 St Joseph the New; traveled to Mount Athos, tonsured at Pantokrator Monastery; worked many miracles attained unceasing prayer of the heart, receiving from God gift of tears, healing the sick and the crippled; relics remained incorrupt; St Joseph the New of Partos the Metropolitan of Timishoara (Romania) 1811 The New Martyr John, murdered by Moslems; "I was born as an Orthodox Christian, and I shall die as an Orthodox Christian." "Most Holy Theotokos, help me." He also asked forgiveness of the Christians he met along the way. Jesus pronounced on the cross, ended with the vision: "All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him" For kingship belongs to the LORD, the ruler over the nations. All who sleep in the earth will bow low before God; All who have gone down into the dust will kneel in homage. And I will live for the LORD; my descendants will serve you. The generation to come will be told of the Lord, that they may proclaim to a people yet unborn the deliverance you have brought. Benedict_XIV 1740-1758; canonized Catherine of Genoa September 15 – Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows The Sacrifice of the Virgin Will Never Consist in Renouncing Sin (III) 1st v. Sebastiana
The
Holy Martyr a follower of the holy Apostle
Paul. During a persecution against Christians under emperor Dometian
(81-96), tried as Christian before governor Georgios in Marcianopolis
in the Mizea region.
2nd v. Melitina
The
Holy Martyr lived in the city of Marcianopolis
in Thrace during the rule of the emperor Antoninus Pius ((138-161).
She was a fervent Christian, and the Lord blessed her with the
gift of wonderworking. By the power of her prayers she shattered
the idols of Apollo and Herakles.255 St. Cornelius elected Pope to succeed Fabian 258 ST CYPRIAN, BISHOP OF CARTHAGE, MARTYR St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr Also at Rome, the birthday of 300 St. Lucy & Geminian Martyrs of Rome 303 ST EUPHEMIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR; miracles during persecution with soldiers Victor and Sosthenes 304 St. Abundius martyr and miracle worker in Rome 4th
v. Saint
Dorotheus, Egyptian Hermit, a native of the Thebaid region
in Egypt, labored in asceticism for 60 years in the Skete
desert, on the Western side of the River Nile. St Dorotheus led a austere and ascetic
life. After finishing his prayers, he went into the noonday
heat to gather stones along the seashore to build cells for the
other hermits. By night the saint wove baskets, in exchange for which
he received the supplies he needed in order to live. Food for
St Dorotheus consisted of bread and the meager grass in the wilderness.
Once a day he partook of food and drank a little water. He did not
lie down to sleep, but only dozed off sometimes at work, or after
eating. "Where the Cross
is, there the demonic powers do no harm."
649-655 St. Martin I, pope and martyr
The birthday of; feast, however, is observed on the 12th of November
He had called together a council at Rome and condemned the heretics Sergius, Paul and Pyrrhus. By order of the heretical Emperor Constantius he was taken prisoner through a deceit, brought to Constantinople, and exiled to the Chersonese. There he ended his life, worn out with his labours for the Catholic faith and favoured with many virtues. His body was afterwards brought to Rome and buried in the church of Saints Sylvester and Martin. His feast, however, is observed on the 12th of November. 680 St. Curcodomus Benedictine abbot successor of St. Humbert at Maroilles, in the diocese of Cambrai, in France. 808 Isaac
and Joseph the Georgians The holy martyrs; “Remember that the flesh is like grass and
every glory of this earth is like a flower that grows in the
grass. When the grass withers, the flower also dies (c.f. Isaiah
40:6–7). Your threats of torture and death are for us rather absurd,
for neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor
powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth,
nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love
of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:38–9).”
852 St. Rogellus
Martyr with disciple Servus Dei St. Ninian
known for his miracles921 St. Ludmila Daughter of a Slavic prince; as widow, led an austere, pious life and continued to be concerned for the Church during the reign of her son Bratislav, which lasted for 33 years 984 St. Edith
of Wilton; became a nun when fifteen; daughter of King Edgar of England and Wulfrida.
She was born at Kensing, England, and was brought as a very
young child to Wilton Abbey by her mother, who later became
a nun there and Abbess. Edith became a nun when fifteen, declined
her father's offer of three abbacies, and refused to leave the
convent to become queen when her half-brother, King Edward the
Martyr was murdered, as many of the nobles requested. She built St.
Denis Church at Wilton.
St. Dulcissima
virgin martyr known only as patron saint of Sutri, Italy,
formerly part of the Papal States. 1087 BD VICTOR III, POPE -- Desiderius, one of the greatest abbots of Monte Cassino 1400 Saint Cyprian, Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia Serb by origin struggled on Mt. Athos 1420
The Icon
of the Mother of God, "Support of the Humble", appeared
in 1420 at Stony Lake near Pskov. That same year, on September
16, it was transferred to Pskov and placed in the cathedral church.
Today's celebration was established in memory of the transfer
of this wonderworking icon.
1450 Bd Louis
Allemand, Archbishop of Arles and Cardinal; 1628 Bl. Michael Fimonaya Martyr of Japan Dominican tertiary native 1628 Bl. Paul Fimonaya One of Japanese martyrs
1145-1153 Bd
Eugenius III, Pope Cistercian monk at Clairvaux; he took
in religion the name of Bernard, his great namesake being his
superior at Clairvaux
1145-1153 EUGENIUS
III. (Bernardo Paganelli), pope from the 15th of February
1145 to the 8th of July 1153, a native of Pisa, was abbot of the
Cistercian monastery of St Anastasius at Rome when suddenly elected
to succeed Lucius II. St Hildegards visions recorded in the Scivias received the guarded approbation of Pope Eugenius III, but this and similar approvals of private revelations impose no obligation of belief. The Church receives them only as probable, and even those most worthy of faith may be prudently rejected by individuals. His friend and instructor, Bernard
of Clairvaux, the most influential ecclesiastic of the time,
remonstrated against his election on account of his "innocence
and simplicity," but Bernard soon acquiesced and continued
to be the mainstay of the papacy throughout Eugenius's pontificate.
Eugene is said to have gained
the affection of the people by his affability and generosity.
He died at Tivoli, whither he had gone to avoid the summer heats,
and was buried in front of the high altar in St. Peters, Rome. St.
Bernard followed him to the grave (20 Aug.). "The unassuming but
astute pupil of St. Bernard", says Gregorovius, "had always continued
to wear the coarse habit of Clairvaux beneath the purple; the stoic
virtues of monasticism accompanied him through his stormy career, and
invested him with that power of passive resistance which has always
remained the most effectual weapon of the popes." St. Antoninus pronounces Eugene III "one of the greatest and most afflicted of the popes". Pius IX by a decreed of 28 Dec., 1872, approved the cult which from time immemorial the Pisans have rendered to their countryman, and ordered him to be honoured with Mass and Office ritu duplici on the anniversary of his death 130 St. Ariadne slave Martyr of Phrygia; miraculously her tomb provided, a chasm in a ridge 2nd
v. Saint Sophia
and her Daughters Faith, Hope and Love born in Italy. Mother a pious Christian widow
named her daughters for 3 Christian virtues. Faith was 12,
Hope 10, and Love 9. St Sophia raised them in the love of the
Lord Jesus Christ. St Sophia and her daughters did not hide their
faith in Christ, but openly confessed it before everyone.
2nd v. St. Flocellus
a boy Martyr of Autun, France3rd v. Holy Martyr Theodota, native of Cappadocia; through the prayer of the saint, the idols fell and were shattered 230 St Agathocleia
The Holy martyr according to Tradition she was
a virgin Christian slave owned by two people who converted to
paganism from Christianity, named Nicolas and Paulina. They subjected
Agathoclia to regular physical abuse, including whipping and other
violence, to get Agathoclia to renounce her faith. She repeatedly
refused to do so.
For eight years Agathocleia underwent
abuse from her mistress because of her faith. Paulina fiercely
beat the servant, and made her walk barefoot over sharp stones, then
murdered her.259 St. Justin; Martyred priest; condemned for burying the remains of Pontiff Sixtus II, of Lawrence, Hippolytus, and many other saints Christian martyrs 305 St. Theodora Roman martyr ease the suffering of the Christians 4th v. Ss. Peleus and Nilus, Bishops of Egypt, Presbyter Zeno, Patermuthius, Elias and another 151 The Holy Martyrs suffered during the reign of the emperor Maximian Galerius (305-311). The majority of them were Egyptians, but there were also some Palestinians among them. Firmilian, the governor of Palestine, arrested 156 Christians. 376 St. Satyrus Confessor and brother of Sts. Ambrose and Marcellina 4th v. Ss Socrates and Stephen, MM. perhaps in Wales St. Narcissus and Crescentio Roman martyrs 7th. v. St. Brogan Abbot author of a hymn to St. Brigid 7th v. St. Rodingus Benedictine abbot; successful preacher converting local pagans; founded Beaulieu community 709 St. Lambert of Maastricht Bishop, martyr, and patron of St. Willibrord’s missions 853 St. Columba Spanish virgin martyr of Cordoba; nun at Tabanos; refused to deny the faith and was beheaded. 936 St. Uni Bishop and missionary; evangelized Denmark and Sweden, enjoying considerable success in his efforts. St. Valerian, Niacrinus, & Gordian martyrs 1179 St. Hildegarde visions and prophecies works written called Scivias; the first of the great German mystics a poet, a physician, and a prophetess. 1224 St. Francis imprinting of the holy Stigmata 1442
The Makariev
"Directress" Icon of the Mother of God On September 17, 1442 at about the third hour
of the morning, when St Macarius was finishing his usual
morning Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos, his cell was
illumined suddenly by an unknown light. The monk became confused
in spirit and fervently began to pray.
1485 St.
Peter
Arbues; Augustinian inquisitor; a master of Canon Law at the University of Bologna1621 St. Robert Bellarmine; important writings works of devotion and instruction; spiritual father of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, helped St. Francis de Sales obtain formal approval of the Visitation Order, and in his prudence opposed severe action in the case of Galileo; Pope Pius XI bestowed honours of the Saints, declared him Doctor of the Universal Church, and appointed May 13 as his festival day. 1798 St. Emmanuel Trieu Vietnam Martyr; native ordained priest 1866 ST FRANCIS CAMPOROSSO laybrother the best-known and most welcome questor in Genoa (Transferred to September 25) He was beatified in 1929 and canonized in 1962.
2009 September 18 Augustinian Recollect Bishop Nicholas
Shi Jin Xian, 88 Dies in China After living a life
of humility and virtue. Never
having lived outside of China, he wrote in Latin, English
and Spanish, and was able to translate official texts. When
he made contact with the first Spanish religious, after almost 40
years without speaking, hearing or reading a word of Spanish, he
had no problem writing letters and reports in this language with
an astounding perfection."
The
Most Beautiful Adornment September 18 - Our Lady of Meritxell
(Andorra)Born 03.02.1921 She-Liou-Lou, Henan, member of O.A.R. 28.12.1939, priest 29.06.1948, 1958-1980 in prison, Bishop of Shangqiu, consecrated 08.05.1991, consecrator Anthony Li Duan, openly installed Bishop of Shangqiu 13.05.1999, died 16.09.2009 It
is before the altar of the Virgin that future knights would
spend their vigil of arms, because Mary was the purest and noblest
expression of their ideal: "the chaste cult of Mary has always been
the inspiration of the French knighthood and created among us traditions
of loyalty, courtesy and honor which survived all the failings,and are still now the most beautiful
adornment of our civilization."
304 St. Ferreolus A tribune in the Roman imperial army at Vienne, France 311 St. Methodius of Olympus Bishop and martyr, famous for his writings St. Eustorgius, first bishop of Milan, highly praised by blessed Ambrose. Saints Sophia and Irene, martyrs 591 St. Ferreolus Bishop of Limoges 7th v. St. Eumenius, bishop and confessor At Gortyna in Crete 690 St. Hygbald Benedictine abbot of Lincolnshire England 895 St. Richardis Empress and wife of Emperor Charles the Fat 1663 St. Joseph of Cupertino b.1603 levitating at prayer temptations chains 1645 St. John de Massias Dominican monk at Lima austerities, miracles, and visions 1663 St. Joseph
of Cupertino Franciscan mystic patron saint of pilots
/air passengers; From time of his ordination St Joseph’s life
was one long succession of ecstasies, miracles of healing and supernatural
happenings on a scale not paralleled in the reasonably authenticated
life of any other saint. When Cardinal Lauria asked him
what souls in ecstasy saw during their raptures he replied: “They
feel as though they were taken into a wonderful gallery, shining
with never-ending beauty, where in a glass, with a single look, they
apprehend the marvellous vision which God is pleased to show them.”
Anything that in any way could be particularly
referred to God or the mysteries of religion was liable to
ravish him from his senses and make him oblivious to what was
going on around him; the absent-mindedness and abstraction of his
childhood now had an end and a purpose clearly seen. The sight of
a lamb in the garden of Capuchins at Fossombrone caused him to be lost
in contemplation of the spotless Lamb of God and, it is said, be caught
up into the air with the animal in his arms.
1842 St. Dominic
Trach Vietnamese martyr and a priest
September 19 2018
Archbishop
Fulton Sheen
277 Saints Trophimus
Martyr, with Sabbatius and Dorymedon martyred for
the faith; Antioch, and seeing the city celebrating the festival
of Apollo at Daphne lamented the blindness of the people, presenting
themselves as Christians to Atticus the Governor.
305
St. Januarius
born Italy bishop blood liquefies; Sossus, deacon of Miseno, Proculus,
deacon of Pozzuoli, and Euticius and Acutius, laymen, imprisoned
at Pozzuoli by order of the governor of Campania, before whom
they had confessed their faith. Sossus by his wisdom and sanctity
had earned the friendship of St Januarius who came and tended to them
in prison.
310
St. Peleus
Martyr in Egypt with Nilus bishop, Elias priest, and an Egyptian layman; THE confessors
who were condemned to the mines (i.e. quarries) in Palestine
during the course of the last general persecution built little
oratories where they met for divine service, which was their chief
comfort under their sufferings
study of the Holy Scriptures,
and in the practice of all religious virtuesAt Eleutheropolis in Palestine, St. Susanna, virgin and martyr. She was the daughter of Arthemius, a pagan priest, and of Martha, a Jewish woman, and after the death of her parents she was converted to the Christian faith. For this she was tortured in various ways, and cast in prison by the prefect Alexander, and there gave up her spirit while at prayer. 461 St. Eustochius, bishop of Tours.Turónis, in Gállia, sancti Eustóchii Epíscopi, magnárum virtútum viri. At Tours in France, St. Eustochius, bishop, a man of great virtue. 580 St. Sequanus Abbot, also Seine; God was pleased to honour him with the gift of miracles; perfected himself in the 647 St. Goeric Bishop; successor of St. Arnulf at Metz; went blind cured by praying in church; became priest 690
St. Theodore
of Tarsus united all of Catholic England one of the greatest; St Theodore was
the first bishop whom the whole English church obeyed, the
first metropolitan of all England, and his fame penetrated into
the remotest corners of the land. Many students gathered round these
two foreign prelates who knew Greek as well as Latin, for Theodore and
Adrian themselves expounded the Scriptures and taught the sciences,
particularly astronomy and arithmetic (for calculating Easter),
and to compose Latin verse. Many under them became as proficient in
Latin and Greek as they were in their own tongue. Britain had never been
in so happy a condition as at this time since the English first set
foot in the island. The kings were so brave, says Bede, that the barbarous
nations dreaded their power; and men such good Christians that they
aspired only after the joys of the kingdom of Heaven which had been
but lately preached to them. All who desired to learn could find instructors.
835
St. Pomposa
Martyred nun; Pomposa refused to deny the faith
and was slain by the Muslims. 1070 St. Arnulf Benedictine bishop patron saint of Gap, France. He was born in Vendôme and became a Benedictine there at the abbey of the Holy Trinity. In 1063, was appointed bishop of Gap, he restored cathedral of the city. 1290
St. Maria
de Cerevellon Spanish, foundress of Mercedarian sisters;
In 1265
she joined a community of women who lived under the direction
of Bernard and reinforced the work of the Mercedarians by their
prayers. These were formed into a third order regular of our Lady
of Ransom, and Mary of Cerevellon was their first prioress. The
assiduity of her prayers and her generosity in temporal good works caused
her to be called Maria de Socós, Mary of Help, the name by which
she is still commonly known in Spain, where she is venerated also as
a patroness of seamen, especially those in danger of shipwreck.
1299, 1321 SS Theodore,
David and Constantine They died in 1321 and were buried with their
father, and were equally with him venerated as saints, the
relics of all three being solemnly enshrined in 1464. Throughout
their lives Theodore and his sons walked worthily of their calling,
both as Christians and as noblemen; they were forgiving of injuries,
more mindful of their own obligations than delinquencies of others.
1591
Bl. Alphonsus
de Orozco St. Thomas of Villanova, his instructor, imbuing
him with a spirit of recollection and prayer. Alphonsus, a popular
preacher and confessor, served as prior of the Augustinians in
Seville then in 1554, at Valladolid. In 1556 he became a court preacher,
in 1561 accompanied King Philip II of Spain to Madrid. Throughout
his court life, he did not engage in the pleasures or intrigues around
him. His example of holiness made a great impression on the royal
family and the nobles of Madrid. Alphonsus was given a vision of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, and wrote treatises on prayer and penance as Our
Lady instructed him. He was beatified in 1881.
1622
Bl. Thomas
Akafuji martyr Japanese nobleman and devoted Christian1852 St. St. Emily De Rodat, Virgin, Foundress of the Congregation of the Holy Family of VillefrancheIRGIN, FOUNDRESS OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF VILLEFRANCHE: “It is good to be an object of contempt”, St Emily declares; “Don’t you know that we are the scum of the earth, and that anyone is entitled to tread on us?” Such abnegation can be sustained by no ordinary means, and it is not surprising to learn that it was often impossible to interrupt St Emily at prayer until her state of ecstasy had passed.
20 Sts. Theodore,
Philippa, and Companions Martyrs crucified
Popes and Saints of September
21 2018
Ss.
Eustace And His Companions, Martyrs; among the most
famous martyrs of the Church, venerated for many centuries in both
East and West. He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, a patron of
hunting men, and at least since the eighth century has given his name
to the titular church of a cardinal-deacon at Rome. But there is nothing
that can be said of him with any sort of certainty. His worthless legend
relates that he was a Roman general under Trajan, by name Placidas,
and while out hunting one day he saw coming towards him a stag, between
whose antlers appeared a figure of Christ on the cross (which story
appears also in the legend of St Ruben and other saints), and a voice
issuing therefrom calling him by name. This is said to have occurred
at Guadagnolo, between Tivoli and Palestrina. Placidas was at once converted
by the vision and received baptism with his whole family.
300 St. Candida Martyred virgin of Carthage303 St. Fausta and Evilasius Martyrs at Cyzicum in Pontus; executioners could not inflict any injury upon her. Amazed at this prodigy, Evilasius believed in Christ and was cruelly tortured by order of the emperor; St. Priscus, martyr, whose body was pierced throughout with daggers, after which he was beheaded. St. Clicerius, bishop and confessor At Milan. 536 St. Pope Agapitus I Pope from 535-536 and apologist; translation of the body; able to put down a religious revolt spearheaded by a bishop named Anthemius and Empress Theodora. 677 St. Vincent
Madelgarus; Benedictine abbot; established monasterys; at
35 he wed St. Waldetrudis by whom he fathered four children, all
of whom were later venerated as saints: Aldegundis, Landericus, Dentlin,
and Madalberta. Benedictine abbot established monasterys
St. Dionysius
(Denis )
Martyr with Privatus in Phrygia, Asia Minor1537 Bl. Thomas Johnson English Carthusian martyr; with fellow monks for opposing the claim by King Henry VIII of spiritual supremacy over the English Church. 1713 BD
FRANCIS DE POSADAS; gave missions all over the southwest
of Spain, adding to the fatigues of preaching, hearing confessions,
and travelling on foot voluntary mortifications of a most rigorous
kind. His combination of example and precept won him a great influence
over all with whom he came in contact, and in his native city he brought
about a much-needed reform and improvement in public and private morals;
disorderly places of amusement shut up for lack of business. He was
always at the service of the poor and learned from them a humility that
made him avoid not only the offices of his order but also bishoprics
that were offered to him. Bd Francis wrote several books—The Triumph of
Chastity, lives of St Dominic and other holy ones of his order, moral exhortations—and
died at Scala Caeli after forty years of uninterrupted work for souls on
September 20, 1713. He was beatified in 1818. interesting account of his
levitations when he was celebrating Mass (pp. 42—45), and of his sensations
in endeavouring to resist this lifting of his body into the air
1837 St. John
Charles Cornay; Martyr of Vietnam; born in Loudon, Poitiers,
France. and joined the Paris Society of Foreign Missions. Sent
to Vietnam; worked there until his arrest after being denounced as
a Christian by a bandit1839 Sts. Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and Companions Martyrs of Korea of 1839, 1846, and 1867; intellectuals of that land, eager to learn about the world, discovered some Christian books procured through Korea’s embassy to the Chinese capital. One Korean, Ni-seung-houn, went to Beijing in 1784 to study Catholicism and was baptized Peter Ri. Returning to Korea, he converted many others. In 1791, when these Christians were suddenly viewed as foreign traitors, two of Peter Ri’s converts were martyred, men named Paul Youn and Jacques Kuen. The faith endured, however, and when Father James Tsiou, a Chinese, entered Korea three years later, he was greeted by four thousand Catholics. Father Tsiou worked in Korea until 1801 when he was slain by authorities. were canonized in Korea in 1984 by Pope John Paul II. 1846 St. Lawrence Imbert Bishop and martyr of Korea 1866 St Francis Of Camporosso: Capuchin Friars Minor lay brother; able to give correct information about people in distant lands, whom he had never seen. Miracles of healing attributed before and after death. 810
B.C. The
Prophet Jonas; God commanded him to go to Nineveh,
great city of the Assyrians, and proclaim its destruction was at
hand because of the sins of its people. But he, as a Prophet
who knew the great compassion of God, feared that at his preaching the
Ninevites would repent; that God, accepting their repentance in His
love for man, would not fulfill Jonas' threats; and he would be branded
a false prophet. So he disobeyed the divine command, and boarded a ship
and departed elsewhere.
St. Meletius
Bishop and martyr Bishop of Cyprus1st V. St Matthew, Apostle And Evangelist; The story of Matthew’s call is told in his own gospel. Jesus had just confounded some of the Scribes by curing a man who was sick of the palsy, and passing on saw the despised publican in his customhouse. “And He saith to him, ‘ Follow me’. And he arose up and followed him.” sanctæ Iphigéniæ Vírginis Ethiopia, baptized by St Mathew In Cypro sancti Isácii, Epíscopi et Mártyris. In Cyprus, St. Isacius, bishop and martyr. In Phœnícia sancti Eusébii Mártyris, 1st v. Saint Quadratus, Apostle of the Seventy preached the Word of God at Athens and at Magnesia (eastern peninsula of Thessaly), and was Bishop of Athens. His biographer called him "a morning star" among the clouds of paganism. He converted many pagans to the true faith in Christ the Savior, and his preaching aroused the hatred of the pagans. The martyrdom of St. Alexander, bishop. St. Pamphilus martyr in Rome St. Meletius Bishop and martyr 657 St. Hieu English abbess of Northumbria 8th v. Hieromartyr Hypatius,
Bishop of Ephesus, and the Priest Andrew suffered under
iconoclast emperor Leo the Isaurian (717-741). As young men,
they studied together in one of the monasteries. St Hypatius accepted
monasticism, and St Andrew became a clergyman and zealously instructed
people in Christian Faith.
746
St. Gerulph
Martyred young nobleman 850 St. Maura Virgin God performed many miracles in her favor 1246 ST MICHAEL OF CHERNIGOV AND ST THEODORE, MARTYRS 13th v. In July of 1274, the Byzantine
Emperor Michael VIII accepted a union with the Roman Church
at Lyons, France. Faced with dangers from Charles of Anjou, the
Ottoman Turks, and other enemies, the emperor found such an alliance
with Rome expedient. The Union of Lyons required the Orthodox to
recognize the authority of the Pope, the use of the Filioque in the
Creed, and the use of azymes (unleavened bread) in the Liturgy. Patriarch
Joseph was deposed because he would not agree to these conditions.
The monastic clergy and many of the laity, both at home and in other
Orthodox countries, vigorously opposed the Union, denouncing the
emperor for his political schemes and for his betrayal of Orthodoxy.
1323 Saint Cosmas Bulgariaian of Zographou Monastery; Through humility, the God-pleasing ascetic attained the heights of virtue, regarding all of his own efforts as nothing, and ascribing whatever good he had accomplished to God's mercy and grace. 1612
Saint Joseph
of Zaonikiev, a
fool-for-Christ; he suffered a disease of the eyes and he fervently
prayed for the help of the Lord, to the Most Holy Theotokos,
and to the Saints, in particular the holy Unmercenaries Cosmas and
Damian. His prayer was heard, and in 1588, by a revelation
of St Cosmas, Hilarion went into the forest into a swampy place,
to an icon of the Mother of God, from which he received healing. In
gratitude the monk cleared a forest thicket at the place of the appearance
of the wonderworking icon and built a chapel, in which he placed the icon.
He himself settled close by, taking the monastic schema with the name
of Joseph.
1838 St. Francis
Jaccard Martyr of Vietnam1709 Saint Demetrius, Metropolitan of Rostov; After uncovering of his holy relics many healings were worked, which were reported to the Synod, by whose order Metropolitan Sylvester of Suzdal and Archimandrite Gabriel of Simonov arrived at Rostov to examine the relics of St Demetrius, and investigate incidents of miraculous healings. A decree was issued by the Synod on April 29, 1757 numbering St Demetrius, Metropolitan of Rostov among the saints, and establishing his feastdays for October 28 (the day of his repose) and September 21 (the uncovering of his relics). 1764 Saint Daniel of Shugh Hill; he left the Komel monastery and continued a solitary ascetic life in the unpopulated and forested White Lake hinterland, on a mountain named Shugh Hill. Here the holy ascetic founded his monastery in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord. St Daniel was buried at a temple in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord at the monastery that he founded. 1838 St. Thomas Dien Vietnamese martyr native 1839 Sts. Chastan & Imbert beatified as the Martyrs of Korea < Thomas_Villanova Sancti Thomæ a Villa Nova, ex Eremitárum sancti Augustíni Ordine, Epíscopi Valentíni et Confessóris; cujus dies natális recólitur sexto Idus Septémbris. St. Thomas of Villanova, of the Order of Hermits of St. Augustine, archbishop of Valencia and confessor, whose birthday is the 8th of September. Popes and Saints of September 22 2018 259
St. Digna
& Emerita Roman maidens martyred in the Eternal City
Popes and Saints of September
23 2018287 St. Maurice was an officer of the Theban Legion 3rd v. St. Jonas martyred Companion of St. Denis of Paris 300 St. Phocas martyred gardener from Sinope, Paphlagonia Black Sea 287 Marytrs of the Theban Legion members of a Roman legion 3rd v. blessed Sanctinus, bishop, a disciple of St. Denis the Areopagite 300 St. Irais, priests, deacons, virgins, and all others martyred for the faith 4th v. St. Sylvanus, confessor lived in time of St Cyril 5th v.St. Florentius Hermit and disciple of St. Martin of Tours 530 ST FELIX III (IV), POPE revered in his day as a man of great simplicity, humility and kindness to the poor. 568 St. Lauto Bishop of Constance in Normandy 665 St. Salaberga (Sadalberga) Abbess and founder cured of blindness 690 St. Emmeramus Benedictine Bishop martyr native of Poitiers 781 St. Lioba Benedictine abbess relative of St. Boniface 9th v. St. Lanto, bishop In the territory of Coutances 1034 St. Lolanus Scottish bishop 1555 St. Thomas
of Villanueva Augustinian bishop from Fuentellana, Castile Spain; Many examples recorded of supernatural
gifts, such as power of healing sick, multiplying food,
numerous miracles attributed to his intercession before and after
death; called in his lifetime “the pattern of bishops” “the
almsgiver the father of the poor”
1637 St. Lawrence
Ruiz and Companions; Lorenzo: "That I will never do, because
I am a Christian, and I shall die for God, and for him I will give
many thousands of lives if I had them. And so, do with me as you please."
late 1st v.
St. Xantippa
and Polyxena Virgins
disciples of the Apostles who died in Spain
67 Saint Linus a native of Tuscany succeeded St. Peter as Pope 115 St. Thecla virgin Gospel preacher w/Paul; 72 years hermitess 6th century St. Constantius sacristan of St. Stephen’s Church in Ancona, Italy; renowned for the gift of miracles. 305
Sosius,
deacon of the church of Miseno In Campania, the commemoration of the blessed
Sosius, deacon of the church of Miseno. The holy bishop
Januarius, upon seeing a flame arise from his head as he was reading
the Gospel in the church, foretold that he would be a martyr.
Not many days after, when he was thirty years of age, he and the
holy bishop suffered martyrdom by beheading.
7th century St. Cissa
A Lindisfarne Benedictine hermit in Northumbria,
England; believed resided near Lindisfarne704 St Adamnan, Or Eunan, Abbot Of Iona 900 St. Andrew and Companions Martyred by Saracens 1498 BD Mark of Modena credited with the working of many miracles 1520 Bd Helen Of Bologna, Widow 1588 Bl. Father William Way Martyr of England 1968 St. Padre Pio da Pietrelcina b.1887; Born Francesco Forgione, Padre Pio grew up in a family of farmers in southern Italy. Twice (1898-1903 and 1910-17) his father worked in Jamaica, New York, to provide the family income. 1st v. St. Anathalon
Bishop Milan companion of St. Barnabas
Popes and Saints of September
25 20181st v. Thekla The Holy Protomartyr and Equal of the Apostles; after the preaching of holy Apostle Paul about the Savior, came to love the Lord Jesus Christ, and resolved not to enter into marriage, rather to devote all her life to preaching the Gospel. 2nd v. St. Andochius Priest martyr sent to Gaul by St. Polycarp 303 St. Paphnutius martyr of Egypt 394 49 Martyrs of Chalcedon; members of the choir in the church of Chalcedon 446 St. Rusticus present also at the Council of Arles 658 St Geremarus, Or Germer; Abbot 675 St. Chuniald & Gislar missionaries to Germany Austria 733 St. Bercthun Benedictine abbot disciple of St. John of Beverley 1046 St. Gerard, bishop of Chzonad and martyr, patrician of Venice, called the apostle of the Hungarians 1048 St. Ysarn Benedictine abbot native of Toulouse Feast of Our Lady of Ransom 1218
Bd Robert
Of Knaresborough; Like his fellow hermit and fellow Yorkshireman Richard
Rolle, Robert Flower, the Holy Hermit of Knaresborough",
enjoyed a considerable cultus in medieval England which was
never confirmed or made public by canonization. His name has not
been found in calendars, but the Trinitarian church at Knaresborough
was called St Robert's, and Matthew Paris mentions him with St Edmund
of Abingdon and St Elizabeth of Hungary as one of the holiest persons
of his time.
1721 ST
PACIFICO OF SAN SEVERINO At Mass he was often rapt
in ecstasy; gift of prophecy ability to read the consciences of
his penitents Miracles took place at his tomb, as they had done
in his lifetime; "Moreover, I advise and admonish the friars that
in their preaching, their words should be examined and chaste. They
should aim only at the advantage and spiritual good of their listeners,
telling them briefly about vice and virtue, punishment and glory, because
our Lord himself kept his words short on earth" (St. Francis, Rule of
1223, Ch. 9). 1794 arrival of Russian missionaries in Alaska, On the anniversary of the the we remember the New Martyrs St Peter the Aleut, Protomartyr of America, and Saint Juvenal, the Protomartyr of America, was born in 1761 in Nerchinsk, Siberia. His secular name was John Feodorovich Hovorukhin, and he was trained as a mining engineer. In a letter to Abbot Nazarius of Valaam (December 13, 1819), St Herman says St Juvenal "had been an assistant at our monastery and was a former officer." 1st v. St. Cleophas
met Christ on the road to Emmaus
Popes and Saints of September
26 20182nd v. St. Herculafilis Martyred Roman soldier St. Paul and Tatta Martyred husband and wife 4th v. St. Firminus of Amiens martyred missionary 5th v. St. Caian saint of Wales 480 St. Paphnutius Monk and abbot who is much venerated in the Eastern Church. According to tradition, he was the father of St. Euphrosyne 505 St. Principius (born 462), brother of St. Remy of Reims 542 St. Lupus of Lyons Archbishop of Lyons 575 ST CADOC, ABBOT Bardomian, Eucarpus, and twenty-six others In Asia, the holy martyrs 604 St. Anacharius Bishop patron of Divine Office and Litany of Saints 633 St. Finbar founded monastery developed into city of Cork Many extravagant miracles 633 At Blois in France, St. Solemnius, bishop of Chartres, renowned for miracles. 7th v. St. Fymbert Bishop of western Scotland; The Cluny Reform; was ordained by Pope St. Gregory the Great. 716 St. Ceolfrid Benedictine abbot St. Paul Monastery produced oldest Vulgate Bible 870 St. Egelred Benedictine monk died with the abbot and many fellow monks at the hands of invading Danes. 10th v. Aurelia and Neomysia At Anagni, the holy virgins . aurelia_neomysia.jpg 1013 Bl. Herman the Cripple wrote hymns Salve Regina Alma Redemptoris mater 1215 St. Albert of Jerusalem Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Carmelite Order 1283 St. Elzear and Blessed Delphina Franciscan couple 1392 ST. SERGIUS confidence in God desire to help everybody 1392 St. Sergius abbot foremost Russian saint mystic founded 40 monasteries 1523-1534 Clement VII (GIULIO DE’ MEDICI). 1569 Bl. Mark Criado Trinitarian martyr 1622 Bl. Mancius Shisisoiemon Martyr native Japan 1622 Bl. Augustine Ota native martyr of Japan 1824 St. Vincent Strambi Passionist after attending a retreat given by St. Paul of the Cross; became a professor of theology, was made provincial in 1781, and in 1801, was appointed bishop of Macera and Tolentino. He was expelled from his See when he refused to take an oath of alliance to Napoleon in 1808, AMOS
Popes and Saints of September 27
2018John the Theologian The Holy, Glorious All-laudable Apostle and Evangelist, Virgin, and Beloved Friend of Christ Son of Zebedee and Salome, a daughter of St Joseph
the Betrothed. He was called by our Lord Jesus Christ to be one
of His Apostles at the same time as his elder brother James. This
took place at Lake Gennesareth (i.e. the Sea of Galilee). Leaving behind
their father, both brothers followed the Lord.
287
Sts. Cosmos
& Damian skilled in medicine charitous300 St. Callistratus African martyr with 49 soldiers
304
Ss birthday of holy martyrs Cyprian
and virgin Justina; black magic and diabolical expertise
to win her for himself but was repelled by her faith and the
aid of Mary; He then turned to a priest named Eusebius for instruction
and was converted to Christianity. He destroyed his magical books,
gave his wealth to the poor, was baptized, as was Aglaides.
400
St. Senator
of the Albano catacomb is the largest and the most important
of the ones outside Rome400 St. Eusebius, bishop and confessor at Bologna, 506 St. Vigilius Bishop of Brescia, in Lombardy 6th v. St. Meugant Hermit of Britain 600 St. Amantius Patron saint of Cittá di Castello 612 St. Colman of Elo Abbot bishop; author of the Alphabet of Devotion 1000 St. Nilus the Younger Abbot Born in Calabria 1159 St. John of Meda abbot Rule of St. Benedict to Milan; A secular priest from Como, Italy, John joined the Humiliati, a penitential institute of laymen 13th v. BD LUCY OF CALTAGIRONE, VIRGIN special devotion to the Five Wounds; and miracles were attributed to her both before and after her death 1341
BD
DALMATIUS MONER
“he was...gently
floating down to the ground. The lessons of his office say that
he was familiarly known as 'the brother who talks
with the angels': a copy of Eymeric's work was identified and edited
by Fr van Ortroy in the Analecta Bollandiana,
vol. xxxi (1912), pp. 49-81. This memoir is extremely interesting
because we have evidence that, unlike most hagiographical documents,
it was written within ten years of the death of its subject.”
1492
Saint
Ephraim of Perekop, Novgorod; he persuaded his parents, Stephen and Annathem to leave the world and accept monasticism.
Later, they also finished their earthly paths living as hermits;
received a revelation
from the Lord, commanding him to withdraw to a desolate place; St Ephraim was buried at the church of St Nicholas.
In 1509, frequent floodings threatened the monastery with ruin,
it was transferred to another location at the shore of Lake Ilmen.
St Ephraim appeared to the igumen Romanus and pointed to the site
of Klinkovo for relocating the monastery.
1649
St. Noel
Chabanel Jesuit missionary to Hurons in Canada1642-1649 THE MARTYRS OF NORTH AMERICA 1885 St. Theresa Coudere Foundress Our Lady of Retreat Society of Our lady of the Cenacle 1st v. St.
John
Mark bishop of Byblos in Phoenicia {Lebanon}
Popes and Saints of September 28
20181st v. St. Caius martyred Bishop disciple of St. Barnabas 300 St. Epicharis Martyr in Byzantium 302 St. Fidentius and Terence holy martyrs St. Adheritus Bishop Greek successor of St. Apollinaris{520} 7th v. St. Barrog Disciple of St. Cadoc, in Wales 374 St. Florentius, martyr with blessed Hilary At Sion in Switzerland 614 St. Ceraunus bishop of Paris 679 St. Deodatus A saint of Sora in central Italy. His relics were enshrined in the cathedral there in 1621; attracted by the reputation of St. Columbanus he withdrew to the Vosges, sojourning at Romont, and Arentelle, and made the acquaintance of Sts Arbogast and Florentius 790 St. Hiltrude Benedictine recluse at Liessies Abbey in France. Her brother, Gundrad, was abbot 850 Adulf and John Martyrs of Spain brothers Islamic father Christian mother 1125 St. Bonfilius Benedictine bishop and pilgrim 1323 St. Elzear; He managed his estate with firmness, prudence, and ability; Elzear and Delphina were regarded as an ideal married couple, known for their holiness and piety 1392 Saint Sergius of Radonezh named Bartholomew by parents the pious and illustrious nobles Cyril and Maria (September 28); For his angelic manner of life St Sergius was granted an heavenly vision by God. One night Abba Sergius reading the rule of prayer beneath an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. Having completed reading the canon to the Mother of God, he sat down to rest, but suddenly he said to his disciple, St Mikhei (May 6), that there awaited them a wondrous visitation. After a moment the Mother of God appeared accompanied by the holy Apostles Peter and John the Theologian. Due to the extraordinary bright light St Sergius fell down, but the Most Holy Theotokos touched Her hands to him, and in blessing him promised always to be Protectress of his holy monastery. 1660 St. Vincent de Paul, priest and confessor; At Paris, the birthday of , founder of the Congregation of the Mission and of the Sisters of Charity, an apostolic man and father to the poor. Pope Leo XIII appointed this saint as the heavenly patron before God of all charitable societies in the world which in any way whatever draw their origin from him. His feast is celebrated on the 19th of July. 1664 Laus, France 6th v. BC Baruch
The Holy Prophet an inseparable companion, disciple, friend
and scribe of the great
Prophet Jeremiah
(May 1). He wrote an entire scroll of his prophetic sayings and
read them to the people in the Temple of Jerusalem. Together with
his teacher, St Baruch grievously lamented the destruction of Jerusalem
by Nebuchadnezzar, and he taught and censured the Jews, and he suffered
spite and vexation from them. He witnessed the stoning of the holy
Prophet Jeremiah, and buried his body. He clearly prophesied the coming into the
world of the Son of God, Who would "dwell with mankind." His prophecy
begins with the words, "He is our God, and no other can compare with
Him" (Bar 3:36).
Popes and Saints of September 29 2018150 St. Paternus Bishop of Auch France. He was born in Bilbao, Spain. St. Martial Martyr with Lawrence and companions 22 died in an African province in modern Algeria. 220s St. Privatus, martyr St. Stacteus, martyr 251 St. Maximus A martyr of Ephesus St. Mark Martyr of Antioch, in Pisidia with Alexander, Alphius, Zosimus, Nicon, Neon, Heliodorus, and thirty soldiers. Mark was a shepherd and his non-military companions were his brothers 270s
Saint Chariton
the Confessor bravely
denounced the pagan gods and staunchly confessed faith in the One
True God, Christ the Savior. The holy Confessor underwent fierce
tortures but, through the Providence of God, he remained alive. When
the persecution abated, the saint was set free from prison and he
dedicated all his life to the service of the Lord. He built a church, around which in time there
formed a monastery, the renowned Pharan Lavra in Palestine.
400
Saint Silvius
bishop;
started a new church,
which today forms the crypt of the Romanesque masterpiece, the Church
of St. Sernin. The original site is now occupied by the 14th
century Church of Our Lady of the Bull. 404 Saint Eustochium addressee of one of Jerome's most famous letter (Ep. 22)--a lengthy treatise on virginity V (RM) 412 St Exsuperius,
Bishop Of Toulouse; earning thanks and commendation
of St Jerome, who dedicated to him his commentary on Zacharias
and wrote of him, “To relieve the hunger of the poor he suffers
it himself. The paleness of his face shows the rigour of his fasts,
but he is grieved by the hunger of others. He gives his all to the
poor of Christ but rich is he who carries the Body of the Lord in an
osier-basket and His Blood in a glass vessel. His charity knew no bounds,
it sought for objects in the most distant parts, and the solitaries
of Egypt felt its beneficial effects.” At home as well as abroad there
was ample scope for his benefactions, for in his time Gaul was overrun
by the Vandals.
490 St. Faustus
Bishop of Riez, France from 459, a very influential opponent of the
Arian and Pelagian heresies630 St. Conwall disciple of St. Kentigern Scotland also called Conval; a priest who preached and worked in Scotland. 658 St. Annemund martyred Bishop friend of St. Wilfrid of York 7th v. St. Willigod & Martin Benedictine founding abbots 772 St. Tetta Benedictine abbess supported missions of St. Boniface in Germany, dispatching nuns to assist in the evangelization 782 Saint Lioba an Anglo-Saxon nun who was part of Boniface's mission to the Germans; credited with quelling a storm with her command; Several miracles were attributed to her gravesite St. Machan Scottish bishop; saint educated in Ireland. Machan was ordained as a bishop in Rome. 919
Solomon
III (Bishop of Constance) Emperor Charles III made him archchancellor
of the Empire, (Konstanz then greatest Swabia diocese Charles' original kingdom and still home).
As well as bishop, he was also abbot of Reichenau and Saint Gall,
immensely powerful abbeys in Swabia and the Rhineland. Solomon founded
a church in honour of Saint Magnus at Saint Gall. Solomon was a warlike
prelate, originally ally of both King Louis the Child and Count Palatine
Erchanger in wars for Swabian dukeship against Burchards.
929
St. Wenceslaus
martyred patron saint of Bohemia Miracles 1102 St. Thiemo Benedictine bishop; martyr at Ascalon (modern Israel); Journeying to Palestine to aid crusading movement, he was captured by Muslims and murdered for refusing to abjure the faith. 1337 Saint Cyril and his wife Maria parents of St Sergius of Radonezh (September 25). They belonged to nobility, more importantly, they were pious and faithful Christians who were adorned with every virtue. St Cyril moved his family from Rostov to Radonezh when Bartholomew was a boy. Sts Cyril and Maria asked him to wait and take care of them until they passed away. The young Bartholomew obeyed his parents, and did everything he could to please them. They later decided to retire to separate monasteries, and departed to the Lord after a few years. It is believed both Sts Cyril and Maria reposed in 1337. 1457 BD LAURENCE OF RIPAFRATTA “The
most persuasive tongue becomes silent in death, but your
heavenly pictures will go on speaking of religion and virtue throughout
the ages.” “How
many souls have been snatched from Hell by his words and example and
led from depravity to a high perfection; how many enemies he reconciled
and what disagreements he adjusted; to how many scandals did he put
an end. I weep also for my own loss, for never again shall I receive
those tender letters wherewith he used to stir up my fervour in the
duties of this pastoral office.” His tomb was the scene of many miracles,
and in 1851 Pope Pius IX confirmed his cultus.
1465
Saint Euthymius;
settled on the eastern
shore of Lake Kuben near the mouth of the River Kushta. The
saint built a small cell in the impenetrable swamps and dense woods,
where he struggled in total solitude; St Euthymius did not refuse the local people
his spiritual counsel and guidance
1484 BD JOHN
OF DUKLA by preaching and example brought back many to the
Church from Ruthenians Hussite and other sects;1494 Blessed Bernardine of Feltre; Franciscan priest missionary labors throughout the larger cities of Italy; “Prayer”, he said, “is a better preparation than study: it is both more efficacious and quicker.” 1507 BD FRANCIS OF CALDEROLA a great missioner, with an unwearying zeal for the reform of sinners 1541
Saint Herodion
of Elias Lake and Novgorod; miracle worked from the relics; disciple of St Cornelius of Komel (May 19,
1537). After the death of his mentor, he settled at Elias Lake, 20 kilometers
from White Lake, and there on a peninsula he built himself a cell and established
a church in honor of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, marking
the beginning of the Elias Lake Ozadsk monastery. The monk
was strict at fasting, he spent the nights at prayer and he received
the Holy Mysteries every Saturday. An angel told the monk of his approaching
end. He died as a schemamonk on September 28, 1541 and was buried
in the chapel he had built.
1624 BD SIMON
DE ROJAS: Rojas exercised strong influence in royal entourage
contributed much to high standard of religion and morality1630 Bl. Peter Kufioji Martyr in Japan native Japanese; for giving aid and shelter to Augustinian missionaries. 1630 Bl. Michael Kinoshi Martyr of Japan; for sheltering Catholic missionaries. 1630 Bl. Lawrence Shizu Martyr of Japan native Augustinian tertiary; for sheltering priests 1630 St. Lawrence Ruiz Martyr in Japan Philipino; Layman; he told his executioner that he was "ready to die for God and give himself for many thousands of lives if he had them!" 1630 St. John Kokumbuko Martyr of Japan Augustinian tertiary 1630 Bl. Thomas Kufioji Japanese martyr 1637 St. Lorenzo Ruiz first Filipino saint & martyred in Japan 1670 The Synaxis of Monastic Fathers are venerated in the Near Caves of St Anthony, now celebrated September 28. The general commemoration of the monastic Fathers of the Near Caves of St Anthony on the Saturday after the Leave-taking of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Venerable Cross dates to the year 1670. During the restoration of the Caves, which had been damaged by an earthquake, some of the relics of the ancient ascetics were uncovered and a church was built in honor of the Exaltation of the Venerable Cross. September 29 - Archangels Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael and more link Here Holy Mary, Mother of Angels, pray for us Saint Michael,
who was ever the defender of the people of God, pray for us.
Saint Michael, Saint
Gabriel, and Saint Raphael - Archangels - Feast DaySaint Gabriel, who did announce to Blessed Mary the Incarnation of the Divine Word, pray for us. Saint Raphael, who did lead Tobias safely through his journey home, pray for us.
6th v. BC Baruch
The Holy Prophet an inseparable companion, disciple, friend
and scribe of the great
Prophet Jeremiah
(May 1). He wrote an entire scroll of his prophetic sayings and read
them to the people in the Temple of Jerusalem. Together with his teacher,
St Baruch grievously lamented the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar,
and he taught and censured the Jews, and he suffered spite and vexation
from them. He witnessed the stoning of the holy Prophet Jeremiah,
and buried his body. He clearly prophesied the coming into the
world of the Son of God, Who would "dwell with mankind." His prophecy
begins with the words, "He is our God, and no other can compare with
Him" (Bar 3:36). St.
Raphael
{"God heals."} is one of seven Archangels
St. Gabriel means "man of God," St. Michael, the Archangel 290 St. Rhipsime Virgin martyr put to death with group fellow virgins Ripsimis the holy virgin martyr and her companions In Armenia 318 St. Theodota Martyr and penitent 340 St. Gudelia A Persian martyr; converted many to faith, refused adore sun, fire, murdered. 368 St. Dadas A Persian martyr 450 St. Fraternus Bishop and martyr Eutychius, Plautus, and Heracleas 6th v. St. Quiriacus A Greek hermit who lived in Palestine 713 St. Ludwin Benedictine bishop of Trier 1073 St. Garcia Benedictine abbot 1137 St. Grimoaldus Archpriest of Pontecorvo 1349 Bl. Richard Rolle de Hampole English mystic and hermit 1364 BD CHARLES OF BLOIS would always rather been Franciscan friar than prince; provided for poor /suffering. 173 Sophia mother of the virgin-martyrs Faith, Hope and Charity 286 Sts. Victor and Ursus Theban Legion Antoninus soldier Theban Legion blood in phial miraculou 330 ST GREGORY THE ENLIGHTENER, Bishop OF ASHTISHAT 362 Leopardus servant/slave in the household of Julian the Apostate 420 ST JEROME, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH JEROME (EUSEBIUS HIERONYMUS SOPHRONIUS) Born at Stridon, Hungary 7th v. St. Enghenedl Born in Wales 610 Midan (Nidan) saint on Anglesey in Wales 653 ST HONORIUS, ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY 869 Tancred, Torthred and Tova 1082 ST SIMON OF CREPY helped reconcile kings and subjects; great negotiator for Pope St Gregory VII <1572 Romæ natális sancti Francísci Bórgiæ, Sacerdótis et Confessóris; qui Præpósitus Generális fuit Societátis Jesu, ac vitæ asperitáte, oratiónis dono, abdicátis sæculi et recusátis Ecclésiæ dignitátibus, vir memorábilis éxstitit. Ipsíus autem festum sexto Idus Octóbris celebrátur. Quarto Nonas Januárii 1873 Lexóvii, in Gállia, item natális sanctæ Terésiæ a Jesu Infánte, ex Ordine Carmelitárum Excalceatórum; quam, vitæ innocéntia et simplicitáte claríssimam, Pius Undécimus, Póntifex Máximus, sanctárum Vírginum albo adscrípsit, peculiárem ómnium Missiónum Patrónam declarávit, ejúsque festum quinto Nonas Octóbris recoléndum esse decrévit. |
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Popes and Saints mentioned
this Month September 01
Before
introduction of the Julian calendar, Rome began New Year September 1.
According
to Holy Tradition, Christ entered the synagogue
on September 1 to announce His mission to mankind
(Luke 4:16-22). Quoting Isaiah 61:1-2), the Savior proclaimed,
"The spirit of the Lord is upon me; because He has anointed
me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to proclaim
release to captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to
set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable
year of the Lord…"
This scene
is depicted in a Vatican manuscript (Vatican,
Biblioteca. Cod. Gr. 1613, p.1).
12th -11th
-B.C. St.
Joshua and St. Gideon Israelites, Old
Testament patriarch and judge St. Anna the Prophetess whose sanctity is revealed in the Gospel. St. Sixtus, disciple of the blessed apostle Peter, who consecrated him first bishop at Rheims in France. He received the crown of martyrdom under Nero St. Priscus, martyr, who was formerly one of the disciples of Christ. 118 St. Terentian Bishop of Todi, in Umbria Italy; martyr 380 Holy Martyr Aithalas the Deacon death by stoning for confessing Christ by Persian emperor Sapor II 490 St. Victorious Bishop of Le Mans a disciple of St. Martin of Tours originally 520 St. Constantius Bishop of Aquino; renowned for the gift of prophecy. many virtues; 543-615 'St Columbanus Was Privileged Channel of God’s Grace' 670? ST FIACRE sometimes miraculously restored to health those that were sick. 700 ST DRITHELM visions of afterlife when separated from his body 1367 BD JOAN SODERINI, VIRGIN her tomb at once became a place of pilgrimage. 1490 St. Beatrice da Silva Meneses foundress 1588 BD HUGH MORE, MARTYR reconciled with the Church by Father Thomas Stephenson, s.j. 1855 Bl. Michael Ghebre Vincentian martyr of Ethiopia Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
02
3rd v. Mamas
The
Holy Great Martyr received a remarkable power over the forces
of nature: wild beasts inhabiting the surrounding
wilderness gathered at his abode and listened to the
reading of the Holy Gospel. St Mamas nourished himself
on the milk of wild goats and deer. The saint did not
ignore the needs of his neighbors. Preparing cheese from this
milk, he gave it away freely to the poor. Soon the fame of St
Mamas's life spread throughout all of Caesarea.
Gregory_the_great.jpg
3rd v. Theodotus and Rufina The holy martyrs were parents of St Mamas. They came from patrician families, and were honored by all for their Christian piety. Alexander, the magistrate of the city of Gangra, summoned them because they refused to obey the imperial decree requiring all citizens to worship the pagan gods. Those who disobeyed would be tortured and put to death. 390 St. Justus of Lyons Bishop and recluse 595
Saint John
IV the Faster, Patriarch of Constantinople
(582-595), is famed in the Orthodox Church as the compiler
of a penitential nomokanon (i.e. rule for penances),
which has come down to us in several distinct versions, but
their foundation is one and the same. These are instructions for
priests on how to hear the confession of secret sins, whether
sins already committed, or merely sins of intent.
700 St. Agricolus
Bishop and charitable worker1067 St. William of Roeskilde Bishop and counselor to Danish royal house 1038 Saint Stephen Confessor, King Of Hungary—975-1038 1282 St. Ingrid of Sweden first Dominican nun in Sweden 1748 The Kaluga Icon of the Mother of God appeared in the village of Tinkova, near Kaluga, at the home of the landowner Basil Kondratevich Khitrov; it granted healing to those approaching it with faith 1794 Blessed John Francis Burté and Companions French Revolution victims Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
03
1st v. St. Phoebe
brought
Paul's epistle to the Romans a deaconess of the Church
at Cenchreae, the port of Corinth. She was recommended
to the Christian congregation at Rome by St. Paul, who praised
her for her assistance to him and to many others. Saint
Phoebe the Deaconess is mentioned by the holy Apostle Paul (Romans
16:1-2).
1st v. Euphemia,
Dorothy, Thecla, and Erasma At Aquileia, the
holy virgins and martyrs Under Nero, after
enduring many torments, they were slain with the sword
and buried by St. Hermagoras.119 St. Serapia, virgin and martyr, translation of At Rome, suffered on the 29th of July. St. Serapia; slave, also called Seraphia servant of St. Sabina; responsible for the Roman noblewoman’s conversion to Christianity. Both Sabina and Serapia were subsequently beheaded during the persecutions of Emperor hadrian 3rd v. Saint Aristion
bishop of lesser Alexandria
in Cilicia (Asia Minor); Aristion stood before the eparch
and his counselors, gazing at them with love and concern for
their salvation. Even in his weakness, this captive was stronger
than his captors, and refused to offer sacrifice to pagan
gods.
303 Zeno
boldly denounced emperor Maximian; and
Chanton + 20,000 Christian Martyrs425 St. Angus MacNisse baptized by St. Patrick 1st bishop 467 Saint Theoctistus of Palestine great ascetic in Judean wilderness Wadi Mukellik companion five years of St Euthymius the Great 604 Saint Gregory, the raising to the Sovereign Pontificate of Great Pope and Doctor of the Church 7th v. St. Balin Confessor and disciple of St. Colman; acconipanied St. Colman to lona, in Scotland, and then took up residence in Connaught, Ireland. 676 St. Aigulf Abbot and reformer sent to Montecassino attempt obtain relics of St Benedict; later Abbot of Lérins 1231 St. John of Perugia & Peter of Sassoferrato Franciscan martyrs sent by St. Francis of Assisi 1349 Saint Joannicius,
Patriarch of Serbia, a native of the city
of Prizren secretary under king Karl (Charles) of Serbia,
later guided the Church in as Archbishop. In the
year 1346 a Council of all the Serbian archpastors, including
Patriarch of Bulgaria, at wish of King Dushan, chose Archbishop
Joannicius Patriarch of Serbian Orthodox Church.
1580 Blessed
John the Merciful of Rostov; "Merciful" was
given to Blessed John because many healings occurred
at his grave, and with the memory of holy Patriarch
John the Merciful (Nov 12), whose name he shared17th v. Aristaeus, bishop, and Antoninus, a young boy At Capua, the holy martyrs 1632 St. Anthony Ishida and Companions Japanese Jesuit martyr died with Franciscans/Augustinians Nagasaki 1632 Bl. Bartholomew Gutierrez Augustinian martyr of Japan 1632 St. Gabriel of St. Magdalen, Blessed Franciscan martyr of Japan Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
04
1st v. St. Phoebe
brought
Paul's epistle to the Romans a deaconess of the Church
at Cenchreae, the port of Corinth. She was recommended
to the Christian congregation at Rome by St. Paul, who praised
her for her assistance to him and to many others. Saint
Phoebe the Deaconess is mentioned by the holy Apostle Paul (Romans
16:1-2).
1st v. Euphemia,
Dorothy, Thecla, and Erasma At Aquileia, the
holy virgins and martyrs Under Nero, after
enduring many torments, they were slain with the sword
and buried by St. Hermagoras.119 St. Serapia, virgin and martyr, translation of At Rome, suffered on the 29th of July. St. Serapia; slave, also called Seraphia servant of St. Sabina; responsible for the Roman noblewoman’s conversion to Christianity. Both Sabina and Serapia were subsequently beheaded during the persecutions of Emperor hadrian 3rd v. Saint Aristion
bishop of lesser Alexandria
in Cilicia (Asia Minor); Aristion stood before the eparch
and his counselors, gazing at them with love and concern for
their salvation. Even in his weakness, this captive was stronger
than his captors, and refused to offer sacrifice to pagan
gods.
303 Zeno
boldly denounced emperor Maximian; and
Chanton + 20,000 Christian Martyrs467 Saint Theoctistus of Palestine great ascetic in Judean wilderness Wadi Mukellik companion five years of St Euthymius the Great 514 St. Macanisius Patrick; baptized Macanisius bishop founder of Kells Monastery; many spectacular miracles attributed to him. 604 Saint Gregory, the raising to the Sovereign Pontificate of Great Pope and Doctor of the Church 717 St Hildelitha, Abbess Of Barking, Virgin took the veil, either at Chelles or at Faremoutier. There she remained until requested by St Erconwald to return to England to train his sister Ethelburga, for whom he had built a convent at Barking, but who was quite inexperienced in the religious life. When the training was completed and St Ethelburga had taken her place as abbess, her instructress became one of the nuns. After the death of St Ethelburga, St Hildelitha was elected her successor, and continued to rule the community for the rest of her life. 1231 St. John of Perugia & Peter of Sassoferrato Franciscan martyrs sent by St. Francis of Assisi 1349 Saint Joannicius,
Patriarch of Serbia, a native of the city
of Prizren secretary under king Karl (Charles) of Serbia,
later guided the Church in as Archbishop. In the
year 1346 a Council of all the Serbian archpastors, including
Patriarch of Bulgaria, at wish of King Dushan, chose Archbishop
Joannicius Patriarch of Serbian Orthodox Church.
1580 Blessed
John the Merciful of Rostov; "Merciful" was
given to Blessed John because many healings occurred
at his grave, and with the memory of holy Patriarch
John the Merciful (Nov 12), whose name he shared17th v. Aristaeus, bishop, and Antoninus, a young boy At Capua, the holy martyrs 1632 St. Anthony Ishida and Companions Japanese Jesuit martyr died with Franciscans/Augustinians Nagasaki 1632 Bl. Bartholomew Gutierrez Augustinian martyr of Japan 1632 St. Gabriel of St. Magdalen, Blessed Franciscan martyr of Japan Pope St. Pius X, whose birthday is mentioned on the 20th of August. Sancti Pii Papæ Décimi, cujus natális dies tertiodécimo Kaléndas Septémbris recensétur. Pope St. Pius X, whose birthday is mentioned on the 20th of August. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
05
1689 B.C. Moses
The Holy Prophet and God-Seer of the
tribe Levi, son of Abram and Jochabed (Exodus 6:20) performed many miracles during his lifetime, and also after his death. He appeared on Tabor with the Prophet Elias at the Transfiguration of the Lord. His life is described in the Bible (Exodus 2 through Deuteronomy 34:12). 423 Boniface I Pope gently, but firmly, defended the rights of the Holy See (RM) 456 St. Monessa Virgin convert of St. Patrick 4th-5th v.? St. Marinus Bishop and hermit of Dalmatia 650 Birinus Er wurde von Erzbischof Asterius in Genua zum Bischof geweiht und von Papst Honorius (625-638) 634 zur Mission in das Innere Englands gesandt. 825 St Ida of Herzfeld, Widow a great-granddaughter of Charles Mattel; redoubling devotion, self-denial and austerities; she chiefly employed revenues of her estate in relieving the poor; afflicted with a painful and unremitting illness she bore with patience and turned to advantage 1251 St. Rose of Viterbo 1754 Saint Joasaph descended from the old and venerable Ukrainian lineage of the Gorlenkovi 1773 Saint Simeon Davit-Gareji Monastery labored as a simple monk advanced age -- chosen abbot; Outstanding in virtue, humility, endowed by the Lord with ability to work miracles. 1926 Blessed Dina Bélanger her devotion to the Blessed Sacrament transformed her into a woman of infectious joy despite illness Blessed Catherine Matte God reached the heart of little Catherine
when she was only five. It was then that her
mystical experiences began
Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
06
1st v. Saint Archippus
the saint at Colossae, (Greek for "master
of the horse") from Hieropolis; persuaded many
pagans who came to the holy spring to accept Baptism,
forsake pagan impiety, and turn to Savior Jesus Christ
81 St. Onesiphorus,
disciple of apostles; Martyr with Porphyrius; St. Paul’s
Second Letter to Timothy98-117 Romulus reproached emperor for impiety and folly to diminish army's strength during war 450 sancti Petrónii, Verónæ Epíscopi et Confessóris. 460 St. Arator The fourth bishop of Verdun, France 484 Donatian, Laetus, Companions driven from North Africa by the Arian Vandal King Huneric 497 Maccallin of Lusk B (AC) 585-590 Eleutherius of Spoleto, OSB Abbot one favored by God with the gift of miracles (RM) Saint David of Egypt monk, former robber; received from God power to perform miracles healed many of the sick and cast out evil spirits 607 Faustus of Syracuse, Abbot taught future Bishop Saint Zosimus (AC) 633 Chainoaldus B of Laon after death of Columbanus resumed his bishopric (AC) 666 Magnus of Füssen, Abbot fellow missionary with Saints Columbanus and Gall (AC) 7th v. Bega (Bee) V received the veil from Saint Aidan s venerated in Northumbria (AC) 7th v. St. Felix and Augebert 2 martyred English who were captured and sold into slavery in France. Ransomed by Pope St. Gregory I the Great, Felix became a priest and Augebert a deacon. 1230 Blessed Bertrand of Garrigue ardent opponent of Albigensianism closest friend and travelling companion of Saint Dominic credited many miracles during life and after death OP (AC) 1240 Bd Peregrine of Falerone; a lay-brother; In this humble condition persevered to his end; before and after death famous for miracles. 1258 Liberatus of Loro, OFM introduced initial austerity of Friars Minor with help of Blesseds Humilis and Pacificus(AC) 1627 Bl. Thomas Tsughi Japanese martyr native educated by Jesuits 1654 Kiev-Bratsk Theotokos; The icon described in records of church property of Kiev-Bratsk monastery, made in 1807 1947 Blessed Claudio Granzotto Friars Minor sculptur 1997 Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta b.1910 Albania now Skopje, Macedonia Ottoman 1997 Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta Albania now Skopje, Macedonia Ottoman Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the tiny woman recognized throughout the world for her work among the poorest of the poor, was beatified October 19, 2003. Among those present were hundreds of Missionaries of Charity, the Order she founded in 1950 as a diocesan religious community. Today the congregation also includes contemplative sisters and brothers and an order of priests. Speaking in a strained, weary voice at the beatification Mass, Pope John Paul II declared her blessed, prompting waves of applause before the 300,000 pilgrims in St. Peter's Square. In his homily, read by an aide for the aging pope, the Holy Father called Mother Teresa “one of the most relevant personalities of our age” and “an icon of the Good Samaritan.” Her life, he said, was “a bold proclamation of the gospel.” Mother Teresa's beatification, just over six years after her death, was part of an expedited process put into effect by Pope John Paul II. Like so many others around the world, he found her love for the Eucharist, for prayer and for the poor a model for all to emulate. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
07
Nativity of the Mother of God Forefeast of Readings interpreted as prefiguring the Mother of God 69 Evodius is a saint in the Christian church and one of the first identifiable Christians. St. Titus,
the Apostle Departure of born in Crete, and
he was the nephew of the governor of the island. He learned
the Greek language, its literature and wisdom, and he
excelled in it. he believed in the Lord Christ, and sent
to his uncle telling him all that he had seen and heard. When
the Lord chose the seventy apostles, Titus was one of them.
{COPTIC}
Sosthenes,
Apollos, Cephas, Tychikus, Epaphroditus, Caesarius
und Onesiphorus117-138 St. Eupsychius healed of his wounds by an angel.
304 St. Sozon,
At Pompeiopolis in Cilicia
native of Lykaonia,
a shepherd read Holy Scriptures attentively, and he loved
to share his knowledge about the One God with the shepherds
who gathered together with him; brought many to the faith in Christ
and Baptism; destroyed idol; by his grave and at the place where
he had the vision, many of the sick were healed.
303 St. "John"
of Nicomedia "when he saw the cruel decrees
against the Christians displayed in the forum he was
fired with zeal for the faith and pulled them down and tore
them up with his own hands."251 St. Regina was a virgin martyr 560 Saint Clodoald a hermit; disciple of St. Severinus remained at Nogent, near Paris; became known as Saint-Cloud. 706 St. Madalberta Benedictine abbess Daughter of Sts. Vincent Madelgarus and Waldetrudis. St Aldegund was her superior and aunt who founded Maubeuge, where Madalberta took the veil. became abbess 697. sister was St. Aldetrudis 7th v. St. Diuma Bishop of Mercia and companion of St. Cedd An Irishman, Diuma was praised by St. Bede 750 St. Hilduard Benedictine bishop and missionary 781 St. Alcmund Bishop and miracle worker 789 St. Tilbert Bishop of Hexham 950 Faciolus of Poitiers, OSB (AC) A Benedictine monk of Saint Cyprian Abbey, Poitiers, France (Benedictines). 10th v. St Luke of Prusa was the third holy igumen at the monastery of the Savior, in Batheos Ryakos (near Triglia, Lykaonia). He died in peace. 1106 St. John of Lodi Benedictine bishop of Gubbio authored a life of St. Peter Damian. 1619 Bb. Mark, Stephen And Melchior, Martyrs at the instigation of the Calvinists 1627 Bl. Louis Maki Martyr of Japan layman 1627 Bl. John Maid Martyr of Japan 1644 Bl. John Duckett Martyr of England 1644 Bl. Ralph Corby Jesuit martyr of England 1678 The Hieromartyr
Macarius of Kanev This was a most terrible time
for Orthodox Christians in western Rus. The constant
struggles of the Hieromartyr, were an attempt to defend
the Orthodox Faith under difficult conditions, when it was possible
only to defend the future of the Russian Orthodox Church,
which was preserved from the brusque passing of the hurricane
of the Unia, endured together with Tatar incursions.
1853 Blessed Frederick Ozanam served poor of Paris 1860 The future St Macarius was born in 1788 into the noble Ivanov family, and was baptized with the name Michael in honor of St Michael of Tver (November 22). 1912 Martin Kähler distinction between "Christ of faith" and the Jesus of history often traced to Martin Kahler (1835-1912), "though he probably did not mean by the term what most contemporary critics do". Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
08
Our Lady of
the Kneeler (France, 1550)
One Sunday,
September 8th in around 1550, Louise Estivalle was
on her way to mass in Azay-on-Thouet, France.
She was the lady of the manor of Poupelinière and Leon de Lusivert’s widow, remarried to Mr. Darrot in 1548. On her way, she met a beggar who asked her for some bread. She took pity on him, returned in haste to the castle to collect the necessary food, which she gladly gave to the beggar. Her errand had delayed her and she rushed off without further ado. When
she was still two miles from the church, she heard
the sound of the bells-it was already the time of the
elevation.
She knelt down piously and as she stood up she “saw the Virgin in a dim light” holding Jesus’ inert body in her arms. “Look towards
the church, my daughter. You will see from here the
celebration of the Holy Mystery,
she heard the Blessed Virgin
say. Louise looked up and “saw an illuminated altar and a
priest raising the consecrated host”.as though you were actually present,” Later,
Louise had a shrine built on the site of the apparition.
Since the middle of the 16th century, believers have
venerated the Virgin at this shine as “Our Lady of the Kneeler”.
Miracle cures have been claimed and on September 11, 1908, Pius X granted a 300-day indulgence to all those who visited the shrine. Still today,
the feast day of September 8th attracts hundreds
of believers.
Birth of Mary Sts. Timothy & Faustus martyrs 362 Ss. Eusebius, Nestabus, Zeno And Nestor, Martyrs St. Adrian pagan officer patron of soldiers and butchers St. Hadrian, martyr, whose birthday is on the 4th of March. His feast, however, is observed today, the day on which his holy body was translated to Rome. Ss. Ammon, Theophilus, Neoterius, and twenty-two others. 5th v. St. Kingsmark A Scottish chieftain, also called Cynfarch. He lived in Wales, where he is venerated. 701 St Sergius I, Pope; Sergius was an alumnus of the Roman schola cantorum, and he seems to have been actively concerned with the liturgy and its music in particular, the Liber pontificalis states that he directed that the Agnus Dei "should be sung by clergy and people at the breaking of the Lord's body" at Mass. He ordained that the Roman church should observe the four feasts of our Lady already kept at Constantinople, namely, her birthday, her purification, the Annunciation and her "falling alseep"... In the words of
Alcuin, "a holy and most worthy successor of St Peter,
second to none in piety".
730 St. Corbinian "bear" A bishop ordained by Pope St. Gregory II 1555 St. Thomas of Villanueva; Augustinian; his Birthday today; bishop from Fuentellana, Castile Spain; Many examples are recorded of St Thomas’s supernatural gifts, such as his power of healing the sick and of multiplying food, numerous miracles attributed to his intercession before and after his death; gentle and patient with sinners; called in his lifetime “the pattern of bishops” “the almsgiver the father of the poor”. 1628 St. Paul Aybara Japanese martyr 1628 Bl. Paul Tomaki young Japanese martyr 1654 St. Peter Claver, priest of the Society of Jesus and confessor; died this day; feast tomorrow In New Carthage in South America, St. Peter Claver, priest of the Society of Jesus and confessor. He devoted more than forty years with wonderful mortification and exceeding charity to the service of the Negroes who had been enslaved, and with his own hand baptized in Christ almost three hundred thousand of them. Pope Leo XIII added him to the list of the saints, and then declared him to be the special heavenly patron of all missions for the Negroes. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
09
1st v. St. Felix
and Constantia Martyrs of Nocera Italy
slain in the persecution
conducted by Emperor NeroRufinus and Rufinian MM (RM) Two brothers who were martyred at same time and place 303 Dorotheus (Dorothea), Peter, and Gorgonius (Goroon) members of imperial court favorite eunuchs of Diocletian & body guard officials at Nicomedia M (RM) Saint Gorgonius Hyacinth, Alexander, and Tiburtus martyred in the Sabine country MM (RM) The Breviary is unquestionably mistaken here in identifying the Gorgonius of Nicomedia with the Gorgonius who was buried inter duos lauros on the Via Lavicana. The two martyrs were distinct, as Delehaye, Quentin and J. P. Kirsch are all agreed; and Dorotheus was associated not with the Roman Gorgonius, but with the Gorgonius of Nicomedia, of whose sufferings an account has been left by Eusebius. The martyrologist Ado was the author of the confusion, as Quentin, Martyrologes historiques, pp. 613—615, has fully demonstrated. 440 Saint Isaac (Sahak) I the Great B descendent of Saint Gregory the Illuminator son of Patriarch (Katholikos) Saint Nerses the Great of Armenia(AC) Born c. 350; died at Ashtishat, Armenia 556 Saint Ciaran of Clonmacnoise 1/12 Apostles of Ireland his holiness spread abroad: miraculous events 988 Saint Wilfrida of Wilton daughter-Saint Edith of Wilton OSB Abbess (AC) 1139 Blessed Gaufridus of Savigny spread new Benedictine congregation to 29 houses in Normandy OSB Abbot (AC) 1175 Blessed Mary de la Cabeza, Widow the irreproachable wife of Saint Isidore the Farmer (AC) 1478 Blessed Seraphina Sforza, Poor Clare V (AC) 1503 BD LOUISA OF SAVOY, WIDOW 1654 Saint Peter Claver, SJ Priest unable to abolish the slave trade Though Father Claver's activities were not confined to the Negroes, the "slave of the slaves" regarded
himself as, above all, consecrated to their service.(RM)
Sometimes St Peter would spend almost the whole day in
the great square of the city, where the four principal streets
met, preaching to all who would stop to listen, he became the
apostle of Cartagena as well as of the Negroes, and in so huge
a work was aided by God with those gifts that particularly pertain to
apostles, of miracles, of prophecy, and of reading hearts.
1853 Blessed Frédèric
Ozanam Both mystical and practical; humble no
pride of intellect; faught secularism and anti-clericalism
in Europe.Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
10
1st v. St. Barypsabas
Hermit martyr of Dalmatia Tradition states that
Barypsabas took a vial of Christ's blood to Rome250 St. Nemesian, Felix, and Companions Sosthenes and Victor At Chalcedon, in the persecution of Diocletian, the holy martyrs Apellius, Luke, and Clement Item sanctórum Mártyrum Apélli, Lucæ et Cleméntis St. Peter, bishop At Compostella, who was celebrated for his many virtues and miracles. St. Agapius, bishop At Novara 306 St. Menodora Martyr with her sisters, Metrodora &Nymphodora 453 St. Pulcheria Empress of the Eastern Roman Empire, eldest daughter of the Emperor Arcadius; opposition to the doctines of Nestorius and Eutyches; she built churches, hospitals, houses for pilgrims, and gave rich gifts to churches and BD Lucy DE FREITAS Widow 584 St. Salvius Bishop of Albi friend of Pope St. Gregory I the Great; ransomed prisoners and brought King Chilperic back to orthodox teachings 725 St. Autbert Bishop and founder of Mont St. Michel Vision of Michael 933 St. Frithestan Benedictine bishop 1160 St. Cosmas bishop and martyr Saint Paul the Obedient was an ascetic in the Far Caves at Kiev. Upon assuming the monastic schema at the monastery of the Caves, the monk underwent very burdensome obediences without a murmur, on which the monastery's Superior had sent him. 1555 St. Thomas of Villanova {see 1555 St. Thomas of Villanueva; Augustinian; his Birthday September 8; Butlers lives revised by Thurston s.j. Thomas of Villanova here: bishop from Fuentellana, Castile Spain; Many examples are recorded of St Thomas’s supernatural gifts, such as his power of healing the sick and of multiplying food, numerous miracles attributed to his intercession before and after his death; gentle and patient with sinners; called in his lifetime “the pattern of bishops” “the almsgiver the father of the poor”,} 1619 Bl. Mary Tokuan & Mary Choun Native Martyrs of Japan 1622 Bb. Apollinaris Franco, Charles Spinola and Their Companions, Martyrs In The Great Martyrdom In Japan 1622 Bl. Anthony of Korea martyr of Japan 1622 Bl. Anthony Sanga catechist native One of 23 martyrs 1622 Bl. Anthony Vom Japanese native martyr 1622 Bl. Apollinaris Franco Franciscan martyr of Japan 1622 Bl. Bartholomew Shikiemon layman martyrs of Japan 1622 Bl. Mary Tanaura Native Martyr of Japan 1622 Bl. Louis Kawara Martyr of Japan page in the court of Arima 1622 Bl. John Kingoku native Japanese martyr catechist 1622 St. Gundislavus Fusai, Blessed Japanese martyr court official. 1641 BD AMBROSE BARLOW, MARTYR He was so “mild, witty, and cheerful in his conversation, that of all men that ever I knew he seemed to me the most likely to represent the spirit of Sir Thomas More... Neither did I ever see him moved at all upon occasions of wrongs, slanders, or threats which were frequently raised against him: but as one insensible of wrong, or free from choler, he entertained them with a jest, and passed over them with a smile and a nod.” Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
11
Holy Martyrs Demetrius
a prince and prefect of the Skepsis city in the Hellespont, wife Euanthea, and son Demetrian; St Cornelius the Centurion (September 13), the first Gentile converted to Christ by the Apostle Paul, came into his city preaching the Gospel. 258 St. Cyprian development of Christian thought and practice northern Africa: see Saint_of_the_Day September16. html Butler Lives - Thurston 3rd v. St. Felix & Regula Martyred brother &sister who fled to Switzerland during the persecution conducted by co- Emperor Maximian. They were captured and martyred near Zurich. 4th v. St. Paphnutius the Great bishop Nicaea; under Constantine the Great, he courageously strove for the Catholic faith against the Arians 253-268 SS. PROTUS AND HYACINTH, MARTYRS 4th v. St. Diodorus Martyr with Diomedes & Didymus 491 St. Patiens Archbishop of Lyons, Gaul best known for his immense efforts at charitable work; constantly gave aid comfort to the poor, devoting resources of the diocese to feed those left starving by the Gothic and Germanic invasions and rebuilding / repairing burned and looted churches 670 St. Bodo Bishop, founder brother -St. Salaberga 670 St. Adelphus Benedictine abbot; grandson of St. Romaricus; served as his successor as abbot of Remiremont Adelphus died at Luxeuil, France. 1353
Saints Sergius
and Herman settled on the island of Valaam in
1329. The brethren gathered by them spread the light of
Orthodoxy in this frontier land. The Karelian people began
to regard Christianity with renewed suspicion, with its authority
in the fourteenth century being undermined by the Swedes, who
sought to spread Catholicism by means of the sword.
1622 Bl. Peter
Ikiemon 7 yr old Japanese martyr1622 Bl. Francis Takea A twelve-year-old martyr of Japan 1641 St. Ambrose Edward Barlow Martyr one of Forty Martyrs -England &Wales 1684 BD BONAVENTURE OF BARCELONA 1840 Bl. John-Gabriel Perboyre Martyr of China Vincentian from Puech; Pope Leo XIII beatified him in 1889, making him the first martyr in China to be so honored. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1996. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
12
Holy
Name of Mary: The feast of the Most Holy Name
of Mary began in Spain in 1513 and in 1671 was extended to
all of Spain and the Kingdom of Naples. In 1683, John Sobieski,
king of Poland, brought an army to the outskirts of Vienna to
stop the advance of Muslim armies loyal to Mohammed IV in Constantinople.
258 St. Curomotus
Martyred bishop of IconiumAfter
Sobieski entrusted himself to the Blessed Virgin
Mary, he and his soldiers thoroughly defeated the Muslims.
Pope
Innocent XI extended this feast to the entire Church
to commemorate victory at the Battle of Vienna in 1683.
At Pavia, St. Juventius,
bishop, mentioned on the 8th of February. The
blessed Hermagoras, disciple of the evangelist St. Mark,
sent him to that city along with St. Cyrus, who is mentioned
on the 9th of December. They both preached the Gospel
of Christ there, and being renowned for great virtues and miracles,
enlightened the neighbouring cities by divine works. They
closed their glorious careers in peace, invested with the episcopal
office.300 St. Hieronides Egyptian martyr an elderly deacon with Leontius, Selesius, Serapion, Straton, and Valerian. They died in Alexandria, Egypt. 300 St. Autonomous Italian bishop and martyr; a great evangelist in Bithynia in Asia Minor 362 St. Macedonius Martyr destroying pagan idols during the restoration of paganism under Julian the Apostate 540 St. Ailbhe travelled to Rome before Patrick's arrival 640 St. Eanswida Abbess foundress Benedictine convent; daughter of a king of Kent and the granddaughter of St. Ethelbert. 1012 St. Guy of Anderlecht pilgrimage on foot to Rome and Jerusalem; patron of laborers and sacristans, and protector of sheds and stables. He is invoked to calm infantile convulsions 1161 Blessed Miro of Vich; Augustinian canon regular of Saint John de las Abadesas OSA (AC) 1604 Blessed Juvenal Ancina; bishop of Saluzzo; met Saint Philip Neri and joined his Oratory Cong. Orat. B (AC) 1617 Blessed Mary Victoria Fornari-Strata, Foundress of the Blue Nuns due to the BVM (AC) 1622 Bl. Thomas Zumarraga; Spanish Dominican; martyr of Japan 1622 St. Francis of St. Bonaventure; catechist; Native-born martyr of Japan 1622 Bl. Mancius of St. Thomas; native Japanese catechist; Martyr of Japan 1622 St. Peter Paul of St. Claire; assistant to Blessed Apollinaris Franco and as a catechist; Native Japanese martyr Verónæ
sancti Silvíni Epíscopi.
At Verona, St. Silvinus, bishop.
Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
13
1st v. The Hieromartyr
Cornelius the Centurion Blessed Philip
At
Alexandria, the birthday of, father of the virgin
St. Eugenia. Resigning the dignity of prefect of
Egypt, he received the grace of baptism. His successor,
the prefect Terentius, had him pierced through the throat
with a sword while he was praying.
St. Macrobius
a Cappadocian, who died at Tomis, on the Black
Sea & Julian Martyrs Julian, a priest, died in Galatia3rd v. The Holy Martyr Chronides with Sts Stratonicus, Serapion, Leontius and Seleucus 313 Commemoration of the Founding of the Church of the Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre) at Jerusalem 397 St. Nectarius Bishop of Autun friend of St. Germanus of Paris succeeded by St. John Chrysostom 407 St. John Chrysostom "golden-mouthed" When it came to justice and charity, John acknowledged no double standards. 426 Saint Maurilius; closely associated with France early church history; Bishop of Angers; miracle worker 7th v. Queen Ketevan of Georgia martyred in Persia: her holy relics were illumined with a radiant light 607 St Eulogius, Patriarch Of Alexandria celebrated for learning and sanctity 629 The Exaltation Of The Holy Cross, Commonly Called Holy Cross Day 680 St. Columbinus Benedictine abbot, the successor of St. Deicola at Lure, in the Vosges, France. 16th v. Saint John monk of the Prislop Monastery in southwestern Romania; lead a solitary ascetical life, struggling against the assaults of the demons 1745 Saint Hierotheus received the monastic tonsure at the Iveron monastery; Many sick and afflicted with bodily suffering were healed by prayers to the saint. She is so Transparent September 13 - OUR LADY OF QUINCHE (Ecuador) She
is so transparent, so luminous, that one could think
she is the light.
Blessed Elisabeth of the Trinity Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
14
258 Pope
St. Sixtus II
Elected 31 Aug., 257, martyred at Rome, 6 Aug., 258
(XYSTUS). During the pontificate of his predecessor, St. Stephen, a sharp dispute had arisen between Rome and the African and Asiatic Churches, concerning the rebaptism of heretics, which had threatened to end in a complete rupture between Rome and the Churches of Africa and Asia Minor (see SAINT CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE). Sixtus II, whom Pontius (Vita Cyprian, cap. xiv) styles a good and peaceful priest (bonus et pacificus sacerdos), was more conciliatory than St. Stephen and restored friendly relations with these Churches, though, like his predecessor, he upheld the Roman usage of not rebaptizing heretics. 253 Pope Cornelius; predecessor, Fabian, put to death by Decius,
250. March, 251 persecution slackened, owing to absence of the emperor, (two
rivals had arisen); 16 bishops at Rome elected Cornelius against his will was; "What
fortitude in his acceptance of the episcopate, what
strength of mind, what firmness of faith, that he took
his seat intrepid in the sacerdotal chair, at a time when
the tyrant in his hatred of bishops was making unspeakable
threats, when he heard with far more patience that a rival prince
was arising against him, than that a bishop of God was appointed
at Rome" (Cyprian, Ep. lv, 24). Is he not, asks St. Cyprian, to be numbered
among the glorious confessors and martyrs who sat so
long awaiting the sword or the cross or the stake and every
other torture?
Cornelius Martyr
(251 to 253). 236-250, Pope Saint Fabian succeeded Saint Antheros governed as bishop of Rome 14 peaceful years Died 250. On January 10, his martyrdom under Decius. He was a layman, who, according to Eusebius, was chosen because a dove flew in through a window during the election and settled on his head. This 'sign' united the votes of the clergy and people for this layman and stranger. Pope St. Fabian (FABIANUS) Pope (236-250), extraordinary circumstances of whose election is related by Eusebius (Hist. Eccl., VI, 29). After the death of Anterus he had come to Rome, with some others, from his farm and was in the city when the new election began. While the names of several illustrious and noble persons were being considered, a dove suddenly descended upon the head of Fabian, of whom no one had even thought. To the assembled brethren the sight recalled the Gospel scene of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Saviour of mankind, and so, divinely inspired, as it were, they chose Fabian with joyous unanimity and placed him in the Chair of Peter. 251 St. Caerealis & Sallustia soldier and wife: martyrs Rome: converts of Pope St. Cornelius: slain during persecution conducted by Emperor Trajanus Decius. 258 St. Crescentian African martyr with Victor, Rosula, Generalis; reported martyred at the same time and in the same place as St. Cyprian. 258
St. Cyprian
of Carthage; What St. Cyprian really says is
simply this, that Christ, using the metaphor of an edifice,
founds His Church on a single foundation which shall manifest and
ensure its unity. And as Peter is the foundation, binding the
whole Church together, so in each diocese is the bishop. With
this one argument Cyprian claims to cut at the root of all heresies
and schisms. St.
Cyprian was the first great Latin writer among the Christians, for
Tertullian fell into heresy, and his style was harsh and unintelligible.
Until the days of Jerome and Augustine, Cyprian's writings had no rivals
in the West. Their praise is sung by Prudentius, who joins with Pacian,
Jerome, Augustine, and many others in attesting their extraordinary popularity. (Thaschus Cæcilius Cyprianus).
300 St. Crescentius
Martyred eleven-year-old; son of St. Euthymius. He was brought from Perugia,
Italy, to Rome to stand trial. Refusing to deny Christ,
Crescentius was beheaded after torture. 325 St. Maternus First known bishop of Cologne; modern Germany; involved in effort against Donatist heretics; asked by Emperor Constantine to hear charges against the Donatists in 313. 629 The Exaltation Of The Holy Cross, Commonly Called Holy Cross Day 908 St. Cormac of Cashel, King B his learning, piety, charity, valor; probably first bishop of Cashel and compiler of still extant Psalter of Cashel, an Irish history (AC) 1313 St. Notburga Patroness of poor peasants servants in Tyrol; famous for her miracles and concern for the poor. 1815 St. Gabriel du Fresse, Blessed Martyr of China; began his missionary work in China in 1777. In 1800, he was consecrated titular bishop of Tabraca. After 15 years of continual danger, Bishop Gabriel-John was betrayed by a native Christian and beheaded Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
15
Our Lady
of Sorrows90 St. Nicomedes of Rome priest refused to aposate M (RM) 2nd v. Saint Melitina of Marcianopolis; overthrew idol M (RM) 177 St. Valerian massacre; martyrs of Lyons with bishop St. Pothinus 257 Saint Acacius the Confessor; Uncovering of the relics of Bishop of Melitene, Armenia. Theodotus The Holy Martyr suffered
with Sts Maximus, Asklepiodote, at the beginning
of the fourth century under the emperor Maximian Galerius
(305-311). Eminent citizens of the city of Marcianopolis,
Maximus and Asklepiodote led a devout Christian life. By their
example they brought many to faith in Christ and to holy Baptism.
310 Ss. Maximus,
Theodore, and Scelpiodotus born in Marcianopolis (now
in Bulgaria) MM (RM)556 St. Leobinus: Bishop of Chartres, France; a hermit priest and abbot before his consecration 590 St. Joseph Abibos: Disciple of St. John Zeda Zfleli and abbot 620 Saint Mirin of Benchor: B contemporary of Saint Columba, disciple of Saint Comgall at Bangor (County Down) 690 Saint Ritbert of Varennes, OSB Abbot; disciple of Saint Ouen preached missions in the countryside (AC) 852 St. Emilas deacon & Jeremiah Spanish student martyrs of Cordoba, Spain 10th v. The Venerable Philotheus Presbyter and Wonderworker devoted himself to deeds of prayer and fasting, and works of charity; received from God the gift of working miracles 1170 Blessed Aichardus of Clairvaux, received the Cistercian habit from the hands of Saint Bernard OSB Cist. (PC St. Hernan Hermit and patron saint of Loc Horn 1222 St. Adam of Caithness, As bishop tried to enforce canon and civil law, including the payment of tithes martyred with followers (PC) OSB Cist. B 1386 Bl. Roland de'Medici; renounced all its power, influence, and wealth to become quarter century as a hermit 1510 St. Catherine (Caterinetta) of Genoa, Widow; "He who purifies himself from his faults in the present life, satisfies with a penny a debt of a thousand ducats; and he who waits until the other life to discharge his debts, consents to pay a thousand ducats for that which he might before have paid with a penny." Saint Catherine, Treatise on purgatory. (RM) 16th v. Saint Bessarion, Archbishop of Larissa, founded the Dusika monastery in Thessaly. 1656 St Joseph the New; traveled to Mount Athos, tonsured at Pantokrator Monastery; worked many miracles attained unceasing prayer of the heart, receiving from God gift of tears, healing the sick and the crippled; relics remained incorrupt; St Joseph the New of Partos the Metropolitan of Timishoara (Romania) 1811 The New Martyr John, murdered by Moslems; "I was born as an Orthodox Christian, and I shall die as an Orthodox Christian." "Most Holy Theotokos, help me." He also asked forgiveness of the Christians he met along the way. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
16
1st v. Sebastiana
The
Holy Martyr a follower of the holy Apostle
Paul. During a persecution against Christians under emperor
Dometian (81-96), tried as Christian before governor Georgios
in Marcianopolis in the Mizea region.
2nd v. Melitina
The
Holy Martyr lived in the city of Marcianopolis
in Thrace during the rule of the emperor Antoninus Pius ((138-161).
She was a fervent Christian, and the Lord blessed her with
the gift of wonderworking. By the power of her prayers she shattered
the idols of Apollo and Herakles.255 St. Cornelius elected Pope to succeed Fabian 258 ST CYPRIAN, BISHOP OF CARTHAGE, MARTYR St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr Also at Rome, the birthday of 300 St. Lucy & Geminian Martyrs of Rome 4th v. Saint Dorotheus, Egyptian Hermit, a native of the Thebaid region in Egypt, labored in asceticism for 60 years in the Skete desert, on the Western side of the River Nile. St Dorotheus led a austere and ascetic life. After finishing his prayers, he went into the noonday heat to gather stones along the seashore to build cells for the other hermits. By night the saint wove baskets, in exchange for which he received the supplies he needed in order to live. Food for St Dorotheus consisted of bread and the meager grass in the wilderness. Once a day he partook of food and drank a little water. He did not lie down to sleep, but only dozed off sometimes at work, or after eating. "Where the Cross is, there the demonic powers do no harm." 649-655 St. Martin I, pope and martyr The birthday of; feast, however, is observed on the 12th of November He had called together a council at Rome and condemned the heretics Sergius, Paul and Pyrrhus. By order of the heretical Emperor Constantius he was taken prisoner through a deceit, brought to Constantinople, and exiled to the Chersonese. There he ended his life, worn out with his labours for the Catholic faith and favoured with many virtues. His body was afterwards brought to Rome and buried in the church of Saints Sylvester and Martin. His feast, however, is observed on the 12th of November. 680 St. Curcodomus Benedictine abbot successor of St. Humbert at Maroilles, in the diocese of Cambrai, in France. 808 Isaac
and Joseph the Georgians The holy martyrs; “Remember that the flesh is like grass and
every glory of this earth is like a flower that grows in
the grass. When the grass withers, the flower also dies (c.f.
Isaiah 40:6–7). Your threats of torture and death are for us rather
absurd, for neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities,
nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height,
nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us
from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:38–9).”
852 St. Rogellus
Martyr with disciple Servus Dei St. Ninian
known for his miracles1087 BD VICTOR III, POPE -- Desiderius, one of the greatest abbots of Monte Cassino St. Dulcissima virgin martyr known only as patron saint of Sutri, Italy, formerly part of the Papal States. 1400 Saint Cyprian, Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia Serb by origin struggled on Mt. Athos 1450 Bd Louis Allemand, Archbishop of Arles and Cardinal; 1628 Bl. Michael Fimonaya Martyr of Japan Dominican tertiary native 1628 Bl. Paul Fimonaya One of Japanese martyrs Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
17
3rd v. Holy
Martyr Theodota, native of Cappadocia; through the prayer of the saint, the idols fell
and were shattered 230 St Agathocleia
The Holy martyr according to Tradition she
was a virgin Christian slave owned by two people who converted
to paganism from Christianity, named Nicolas and Paulina.
They subjected Agathoclia to regular physical abuse, including
whipping and other violence, to get Agathoclia to renounce her
faith. She repeatedly refused to do so.
For eight years Agathocleia underwent
abuse from her mistress because of her faith. Paulina fiercely
beat the servant, and made her walk barefoot over sharp stones,
then murdered her.259 St. Justin; Martyred priest; condemned for burying the remains of Pontiff Sixtus II, of Lawrence, Hippolytus, and many other saints Christian martyrs 305 St. Theodora Roman martyr ease the suffering of the Christians 4th v. Ss. Peleus and Nilus, Bishops of Egypt, Presbyter Zeno, Patermuthius, Elias and another 151 The Holy Martyrs suffered during the reign of the emperor Maximian Galerius (305-311). The majority of them were Egyptians, but there were also some Palestinians among them. Firmilian, the governor of Palestine, arrested 156 Christians 7th v. St. Rodingus Benedictine abbot; successful preacher converting local pagans; founded Beaulieu community 709 St. Lambert of Maastricht Bishop, martyr, and patron of St. Willibrord’s missions 853 St. Columba Spanish virgin martyr of Cordoba; nun at Tabanos; refused to deny the faith and was beheaded. 1485 St. Peter Arbues; Augustinian inquisitor; a master of Canon Law at the University of Bologna 1621 St. Robert Bellarmine; important writings works of devotion and instruction; spiritual father of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, helped St. Francis de Sales obtain formal approval of the Visitation Order, and in his prudence opposed severe action in the case of Galileo; Pope Pius XI bestowed honours of the Saints, declared him Doctor of the Universal Church, and appointed May 13 as his festival day. 1798 St. Emmanuel Trieu Vietnam Martyr; native ordained priest 1866 ST FRANCIS CAMPOROSSO laybrother the best-known and most welcome questor in Genoa (Transferred to September 25) He was beatified in 1929 and canonized in 1962. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
18
304 St. Ferreolus A tribune in the Roman imperial army at Vienne, France 311 St. Methodius of Olympus Bishop and martyr, famous for his writings St. Eustorgius, first bishop of Milan, highly praised by blessed Ambrose. Saints Sophia and Irene, martyrs 591 St. Ferreolus Bishop of Limoges 1663 St. Joseph of Cupertino Franciscan mystic patron saint of pilots /air passengers; From time of his ordination St Joseph’s life was one long succession of ecstasies, miracles of healing and supernatural happenings on a scale not paralleled in the reasonably authenticated life of any other saint. When Cardinal Lauria asked him what souls in ecstasy saw during their raptures he replied: “They feel as though they were taken into a wonderful gallery, shining with never-ending beauty, where in a glass, with a single look, they apprehend the marvellous vision which God is pleased to show them.” 2009 September 18 Augustinian Recollect Bishop Shi JingXian Nicholas , 88 Dies in China After living a life of humility and virtue. Never having lived outside of China, he wrote in Latin, English and Spanish, and was able to translate official texts. When he made contact with the first Spanish religious, after almost 40 years without speaking, hearing or reading a word of Spanish, he had no problem writing letters and reports in this language with an astounding perfection." Began Mission Before Communism ROME, SEPT. 17, 2009 Zenit.org Bishop Shi JingXian Nicholas, 88, died Wednesday in Shangqui, the last of the Augustinian Recollects to have worked in China before the take-over of Communism. According to a statement from his order, it was Bishop Shi who "after decades of persecution and isolation, restored religious life in his diocese, and the Catholic Church's relations with the civil authorities." Nicholas Shi was born in 1921, just three years before the Order of Augustinian Recollects arrived at the Henan Mission (present-day Shangqiu). He entered the Augustinian minor seminary in his native municipality, and made his profession Jan. 16, 1940. After studying philosophy and theology, he was ordained a priest on July 29, 1948. Shortly after Father Shi's ordination, Spanish religious were expelled from China and native religious were dispersed or sent to concentration camps. His mission was thus closed. Father Shi was soon after appointed episcopal vicar, until he was finally prohibited from exercising any pastoral action. He first became an oculist, but later was consigned for three years to a brick factory to be "re-educated." He was imprisoned for two years and lived in miserable conditions suffering the public contempt of the authorities. However, behind closed doors, he did not cease his pastoral work, undertaking constant visits to Christian homes and leading underground liturgical celebrations. His human qualities were appreciated even by those who guarded him. Deng Xiao Ping's coming to power and the 1979 Cultural Revolution enabled the priest to get a "rehabilitation letter." He was assigned to teach English, a job he held until his retirement. Soon after, he managed to contact the Augustinian Recollects through letters written to addresses in Manila he had memorized as a young man. The contact was unexpected on both sides: Father Shi was not sure if the order still existed, having been told during his psychological torture that it was gone; the Augustinians themselves did not know if any Chinese religious were still alive. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
19
277 Saints Trophimus
Martyr, with Sabbatius and Dorymedon martyred
for the faith; Antioch, and seeing the city celebrating the
festival of Apollo at Daphne lamented the blindness of the people,
presenting themselves as Christians to Atticus the Governor.
305
St. Januarius
born Italy bishop blood liquefies; Sossus, deacon of Miseno, Proculus,
deacon of Pozzuoli, and Euticius and Acutius, laymen,
imprisoned at Pozzuoli by order of the governor of Campania,
before whom they had confessed their faith. Sossus by his wisdom
and sanctity had earned the friendship of St Januarius who came
and tended to them in prison.
310
St. Peleus
Martyr in Egypt with Nilus bishop, Elias priest, and an Egyptian layman; THE confessors
who were condemned to the mines (i.e. quarries) in Palestine
during the course of the last general persecution built
little oratories where they met for divine service, which
was their chief comfort under their sufferings
835 St. Pomposa Martyred nun; Pomposa refused to deny the faith and was slain by the Muslims. 1070 St. Arnulf Benedictine bishop patron saint of Gap, France. He was born in Vendôme and became a Benedictine there at the abbey of the Holy Trinity. In 1063, was appointed bishop of Gap, he restored cathedral of the city. 1290 St. Maria de Cerevellon Spanish, foundress of Mercedarian sisters; In 1265 she joined a community of women who lived under the direction of Bernard and reinforced the work of the Mercedarians by their prayers. These were formed into a third order regular of our Lady of Ransom, and Mary of Cerevellon was their first prioress. The assiduity of her prayers and her generosity in temporal good works caused her to be called Maria de Socós, Mary of Help, the name by which she is still commonly known in Spain, where she is venerated also as a patroness of seamen, especially those in danger of shipwreck. 1622 Bl. Thomas Akafuji martyr Japanese nobleman and devoted Christian 1852 St. St. Emily De Rodat, Virgin, Foundress of the Congregation of the Holy Family of VillefrancheIRGIN, FOUNDRESS OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF VILLEFRANCHE: “It is good to be an object of contempt”, St Emily declares; “Don’t you know that we are the scum of the earth, and that anyone is entitled to tread on us?” Such abnegation can be sustained by no ordinary means, and it is not surprising to learn that it was often impossible to interrupt St Emily at prayer until her state of ecstasy had passed. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
20
20 Sts. Theodore,
Philippa, and Companions Martyrs crucified
Ss.
Eustace And His Companions, Martyrs; among the
most famous martyrs of the Church, venerated for many centuries
in both East and West. He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers,
a patron of hunting men, and at least since the eighth century has
given his name to the titular church of a cardinal-deacon at Rome.
But there is nothing that can be said of him with any sort of certainty.
His worthless legend relates that he was a Roman general under Trajan,
by name Placidas, and while out hunting one day he saw coming
towards him a stag, between whose antlers appeared a figure of
Christ on the cross (which story appears also in the legend of St
Ruben and other saints), and a voice issuing therefrom calling him
by name. This is said to have occurred at Guadagnolo, between Tivoli
and Palestrina. Placidas was at once converted by the vision and
received baptism with his whole family.
300 St. Candida Martyred
virgin of Carthage303 St. Fausta and Evilasius Martyrs at Cyzicum in Pontus; executioners could not inflict any injury upon her. Amazed at this prodigy, Evilasius believed in Christ and was cruelly tortured by order of the emperor; 536 St. Pope Agapitus I Pope from 535-536 and apologist; translation of the body; able to put down a religious revolt spearheaded by a bishop named Anthemius and Empress Theodora. 677 St. Vincent Madelgarus; Benedictine abbot; established monasterys; at 35 he wed St. Waldetrudis by whom he fathered four children, all of whom were later venerated as saints: Aldegundis, Landericus, Dentlin, and Madalberta. Benedictine abbot established monasterys St. Dionysius (Denis ) Martyr with Privatus in Phrygia, Asia Minor 1537 Bl. Thomas Johnson English Carthusian martyr; with fellow monks for opposing the claim by King Henry VIII of spiritual supremacy over the English Church. 1713 BD
FRANCIS DE POSADAS; gave missions all over the
southwest of Spain, adding to the fatigues of preaching, hearing
confessions, and travelling on foot voluntary mortifications
of a most rigorous kind. His combination of example and precept
won him a great influence over all with whom he came in contact,
and in his native city he brought about a much-needed reform and
improvement in public and private morals; disorderly places of amusement
shut up for lack of business. He was always at the service of the
poor and learned from them a humility that made him avoid not only
the offices of his order but also bishoprics that were offered to him.
Bd Francis wrote several books—The Triumph of Chastity, lives of St Dominic
and other holy ones of his order, moral exhortations—and died at Scala
Caeli after forty years of uninterrupted work for souls on September
20, 1713. He was beatified in 1818. interesting account of his levitations
when he was celebrating Mass (pp. 42—45), and of his sensations in endeavouring
to resist this lifting of his body into the air
1837 St. John
Charles Cornay; Martyr of Vietnam; born in Loudon,
Poitiers, France. and joined the Paris Society of Foreign
Missions. Sent to Vietnam; worked there until his arrest after
being denounced as a Christian by a bandit1839 Sts. Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and Companions Martyrs of Korea of 1839, 1846, and 1867; intellectuals of that land, eager to learn about the world, discovered some Christian books procured through Korea’s embassy to the Chinese capital. One Korean, Ni-seung-houn, went to Beijing in 1784 to study Catholicism and was baptized Peter Ri. Returning to Korea, he converted many others. In 1791, when these Christians were suddenly viewed as foreign traitors, two of Peter Ri’s converts were martyred, men named Paul Youn and Jacques Kuen. The faith endured, however, and when Father James Tsiou, a Chinese, entered Korea three years later, he was greeted by four thousand Catholics. Father Tsiou worked in Korea until 1801 when he was slain by authorities. were canonized in Korea in 1984 by Pope John Paul II. 1846 St. Lawrence Imbert Bishop and martyr of Korea 1866 St Francis Of Camporosso: Capuchin Friars Minor lay brother; able to give correct information about people in distant lands, whom he had never seen. Miracles of healing attributed before and after death. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
21
810
B.C. The
Prophet Jonas; God commanded him to go to Nineveh,
great city of the Assyrians, and proclaim its destruction was at
hand because of the sins of its people. But he, as a Prophet
who knew the great compassion of God, feared that at his preaching the
Ninevites would repent; that God, accepting their repentance in His
love for man, would not fulfill Jonas' threats; and he would be branded
a false prophet. So he disobeyed the divine command, and boarded a ship
and departed elsewhere.
St. Meletius
Bishop and martyr Bishop of Cyprus1st V. St Matthew, Apostle And Evangelist; The story of Matthew’s call is told in his own gospel. Jesus had just confounded some of the Scribes by curing a man who was sick of the palsy, and passing on saw the despised publican in his customhouse. “And He saith to him, ‘ Follow me’. And he arose up and followed him.” sanctæ Iphigéniæ Vírginis Ethiopia, baptized by St Mathew In Cypro sancti Isácii, Epíscopi et Mártyris. In Cyprus, St. Isacius, bishop and martyr. In Phœnícia sancti Eusébii Mártyris, 1st v. Saint Quadratus, Apostle of the Seventy preached the Word of God at Athens and at Magnesia (eastern peninsula of Thessaly), and was Bishop of Athens. His biographer called him "a morning star" among the clouds of paganism. He converted many pagans to the true faith in Christ the Savior, and his preaching aroused the hatred of the pagans. The martyrdom of St. Alexander, bishop. St. Pamphilus martyr in Rome St. Meletius Bishop and martyr 1246 ST MICHAEL OF CHERNIGOV AND ST THEODORE, MARTYRS 13th v. In July of 1274, the Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII accepted a union with the Roman Church at Lyons, France. Faced with dangers from Charles of Anjou, the Ottoman Turks, and other enemies, the emperor found such an alliance with Rome expedient. The Union of Lyons required the Orthodox to recognize the authority of the Pope, the use of the Filioque in the Creed, and the use of azymes (unleavened bread) in the Liturgy. Patriarch Joseph was deposed because he would not agree to these conditions. The monastic clergy and many of the laity, both at home and in other Orthodox countries, vigorously opposed the Union, denouncing the emperor for his political schemes and for his betrayal of Orthodoxy. 1323 Saint Cosmas Bulgariaian of Zographou Monastery; Through humility, the God-pleasing ascetic attained the heights of virtue, regarding all of his own efforts as nothing, and ascribing whatever good he had accomplished to God's mercy and grace. 1764 Saint Daniel of Shugh Hill; he left the Komel monastery and continued a solitary ascetic life in the unpopulated and forested White Lake hinterland, on a mountain named Shugh Hill. Here the holy ascetic founded his monastery in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord. St Daniel was buried at a temple in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord at the monastery that he founded. 1838 St. Francis Jaccard Martyr of Vietnam 1838 St. Thomas Dien Vietnamese martyr native 1839 Sts. Chastan & Imbert beatified as the Martyrs of Korea Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
22
259 St. Digna & Emerita Roman maidens martyred in the Eternal City 287 St. Maurice was an officer of the Theban Legion 3rd v. St. Jonas martyred Companion of St. Denis of Paris 300 St. Phocas martyred gardener from Sinope, Paphlagonia Black Sea 530 ST FELIX III (IV), POPE revered in his day as a man of great simplicity, humility and kindness to the poor. 1034 St. Lolanus Scottish bishop 1555 St. Thomas
of Villanueva Augustinian bishop from Fuentellana,
Castile
Spain; Many examples recorded of supernatural gifts, such
as power of healing sick, multiplying food, numerous miracles
attributed to his intercession before and after death;
called in his lifetime “the pattern of bishops” “the almsgiver the
father of the poor”
1637 St.
Lawrence
Ruiz and Companions; Lorenzo: "That I will never do, because
I am a Christian, and I shall die for God, and for him I will
give many thousands of lives if I had them. And so, do with me
as you please."Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
23
late 1st v. St. Xantippa
and Polyxena Virgins
disciples of the Apostles who died in Spain67 Saint Linus a native of Tuscany succeeded St. Peter as Pope 115 St. Thecla virgin Gospel preacher w/Paul; 72 years hermitess 6th century St. Constantius sacristan of St. Stephen’s Church in Ancona, Italy; renowned for the gift of miracles. 305
Sosius,
deacon of the church of Miseno In Campania, the commemoration of the blessed
Sosius, deacon of the church of Miseno. The holy bishop
Januarius, upon seeing a flame arise from his head as he was
reading the Gospel in the church, foretold that he would be a
martyr. Not many days after, when he was thirty years of
age, he and the holy bishop suffered martyrdom by beheading.
7th century St. Cissa
A Lindisfarne Benedictine hermit in Northumbria,
England; believed resided near Lindisfarne704 St Adamnan, Or Eunan, Abbot Of Iona 900 St. Andrew and Companions Martyred by Saracens 1498 BD Mark of Modena credited with the working of many miracles 1520 Bd Helen Of Bologna, Widow 1588 Bl. Father William Way Martyr of England 1968 St. Padre
Pio da Pietrelcina b.1887; Born Francesco Forgione,
Padre Pio grew up in a family of farmers in southern Italy.
Twice (1898-1903 and 1910-17) his father worked in Jamaica, New
York, to provide the family income.
Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
24
1st v. St. Anathalon
Bishop Milan companion of St. Barnabas1st v. Thekla The Holy Protomartyr and Equal of the Apostles; after the preaching of holy Apostle Paul about the Savior, came to love the Lord Jesus Christ, and resolved not to enter into marriage, rather to devote all her life to preaching the Gospel. 2nd v. St. Andochius Priest martyr sent to Gaul by St. Polycarp 675 St. Chuniald & Gislar missionaries to Germany Austria 733 St. Bercthun Benedictine abbot disciple of St. John of Beverley 1046 St. Gerard, bishop of Chzonad and martyr, patrician of Venice, called the apostle of the Hungarians Feast of Our Lady of Ransom Festum beátæ Maríæ Vírginis de Mercéde nuncupátæ, Ordinis redemptiónis captivórum sub ejus nómine Institutrícis, de cujus Apparitióne ágitur quarto Idus Augústi. The feast of our Lady of Ransom, Foundress of the Order for the Redemption of Captives. The apparition of the same Blessed Virgin occurred on the 10th of August. 24 September, a double major, commemorates the foundation of the Mercedarians. On 10 August, 1223, the Mercedarian Order was legally constituted at Barcelona by King James of Aragon and was approved by Gregory IX on 17 January, 1235. The Mercedarians celebrated their institution on the Sunday nearest to 1 Aug. (on which date in the year 1233 the Blessed Virgin was believed to have shown St. Peter Nolasco the white habit of the order), and this custom was approved by the Congregation of Rites on 4 April, 1615 (Anal. Juris Pont., VII, 136). But the calendar of the Spanish Mercedarians of 1644 has it on 1 Aug., double. Proper lessons were approved on 30 April, 1616. The feast was granted to Spain (Sunday nearest to 1 Aug.) on 15 Feb., 1680; to France, 4 Dec., 1690. On 22 Feb., 1696, it was extended to the entire Latin Church, and the date changed to 24 September. The Mercedarians keep this feast as a double of the first class, with a vigil, privileged octave, and proper Office under the title: "Solemnitas Descensionis B. Mariæ V. de Mercede". Our Lady of Ransom is the principal patron of Barcelona; the proper Office was extended to Barcelona (1868) and to all Spain (second class, 1883). Sicily, which had suffered so much from the Saracens, took up the old date of the feast (Sunday nearest to 1 Aug.) by permission of the Congregation of Rites, 31 Aug., 1805 (double major), Apparition of Our Lady to St. Peter Nolasco in the choir of Barcelona, on the Sunday after 24 Sept. In England the devotion to Our Lady of Ransom was revived in modern times to obtain the rescue of England as Our Lady's Dowry . 1721 ST PACIFICO OF SAN SEVERINO At Mass he was often rapt in ecstasy; gift of prophecy ability to read the consciences of his penitents Miracles took place at his tomb, as they had done in his lifetime; "Moreover, I advise and admonish the friars that in their preaching, their words should be examined and chaste. They should aim only at the advantage and spiritual good of their listeners, telling them briefly about vice and virtue, punishment and glory, because our Lord himself kept his words short on earth" (St. Francis, Rule of 1223, Ch. 9). 1794 arrival of Russian missionaries in Alaska, On the anniversary of the the we remember the New Martyrs St Peter the Aleut, Protomartyr of America, and Saint Juvenal, the Protomartyr of America, was born in 1761 in Nerchinsk, Siberia. His secular name was John Feodorovich Hovorukhin, and he was trained as a mining engineer. In a letter to Abbot Nazarius of Valaam (December 13, 1819), St Herman says St Juvenal "had been an assistant at our monastery and was a former officer." Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
25
1st v. St. Cleophas
met Christ on the road to Emmaus2nd v. St. Herculafilis Martyred Roman soldier St. Paul and Tatta Martyred husband and wife 4th v. St. Firminus of Amiens martyred missionary 5th v. St. Caian saint of Wales 633 At Blois in France, St. Solemnius, bishop of Chartres, renowned for miracles. 7th v. St. Fymbert Bishop of western Scotland; The Cluny Reform; was ordained by Pope St. Gregory the Great. 716 St. Ceolfrid Benedictine abbot St. Paul Monastery produced oldest Vulgate Bible 1013 Bl. Herman the Cripple wrote hymns Salve Regina Alma Redemptoris mater 1215 St. Albert of Jerusalem Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Carmelite Order 1392 St. Sergius abbot foremost Russian saint mystic founded 40 monasteries 1523-1534 Clement VII (GIULIO DE’ MEDICI). 1622 Bl. Augustine Ota native martyr of Japan 1824 St. Vincent
Strambi Passionist after attending a retreat given by
St. Paul of the Cross; became a professor of theology,
was made provincial in 1781, and in 1801, was appointed bishop
of Macera and Tolentino. He was expelled from his See when he refused
to take an oath of alliance to Napoleon in 1808, but
returned in 1813 with the downfall of Napoleon. When Napoleon escaped
from Elba, Murat made Macerta his headquarters, and when his troops
were defeated by the Austrians, Vincent dissuaded him from sacking
and destroying the town. He imposed reform in his See that caused
threats to his life, labored for his people during a typhus epidemic,
and resigned his See on the death of Pope Pius VII to become one of
the advisers of his old friend Pope Leo XII in Rome. Vincent died on
January 1, and was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950.
Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
26
John the Theologian
The Holy, Glorious
All-laudable Apostle and Evangelist, Virgin, and Beloved Friend
of ChristSon of Zebedee and Salome, a daughter of St Joseph the Betrothed. He was called by our Lord Jesus Christ to be one of His Apostles at the same time as his elder brother James. This took place at Lake Gennesareth (i.e. the Sea of Galilee). Leaving behind their father, both brothers followed the Lord. The Apostle John was especially loved by the Savior for his sacrificial love and his virginal purity. After his calling, the Apostle John did not part from the Lord, and he was one of the three apostles who were particularly close to Him. St John the Theologian was present when the Lord restored the daughter of Jairus to life, and he was a witness to the Transfiguration of the Lord on Mount Tabor. John the Theologian The Holy, Glorious All-laudable Apostle and Evangelist, Virgin, and Beloved Friend of Christ Son of Zebedee and Salome, a daughter of St Joseph
the Betrothed. He was called by our Lord Jesus Christ to
be one of His Apostles at the same time as his elder brother
James. This took place at Lake Gennesareth (i.e. the Sea of Galilee).
Leaving behind their father, both brothers followed the Lord.
287 Sts. Cosmos & Damian skilled in medicine charitous 400 St. Senator of the Albano catacomb is the largest and the most important of the ones outside Rome 612 St. Colman of Elo Abbot bishop; author of the Alphabet of Devotion 1000 St. Nilus the Younger Abbot Born in Calabria 1159 St. John of Meda abbot Rule of St. Benedict to Milan; A secular priest from Como, Italy, John joined the Humiliati, a penitential institute of laymen 1492
Saint
Ephraim of Perekop, Novgorod; he persuaded his parents, Stephen and Annathem to leave the world and accept monasticism.
Later, they also finished their earthly paths living as hermits;
received a revelation
from the Lord, commanding him to withdraw to a desolate place;
St Ephraim was buried at the church
of St Nicholas. In 1509, frequent floodings threatened the
monastery with ruin, it was transferred to another location at
the shore of Lake Ilmen. St Ephraim appeared to the igumen Romanus
and pointed to the site of Klinkovo for relocating the monastery.
1649 St. Noel
Chabanel Jesuit missionary to Hurons in Canada1642-1649 THE MARTYRS OF NORTH AMERICA 1885 St. Theresa Coudere Foundress Our Lady of Retreat Society of Our lady of the Cenacle 1st v. St. Caius martyred Bishop disciple of St. Barnabas 300 St. Epicharis Martyr in Byzantium 614 St. Ceraunus bishop of Paris 679 St. Deodatus A saint of Sora in central Italy. His relics were enshrined in the cathedral there in 1621; attracted by the reputation of St. Columbanus he withdrew to the Vosges, sojourning at Romont, and Arentelle, and made the acquaintance of Sts Arbogast and Florentius 850 Adulf and John Martyrs of Spain brothers Islamic father Christian mother 1125 St. Bonfilius Benedictine bishop and pilgrim 1323 St. Elzear; He managed his estate with firmness, prudence, and ability; Elzear and Delphina were regarded as an ideal married couple, known for their holiness and piety 1392 Saint Sergius of Radonezh named Bartholomew by parents the pious and illustrious nobles Cyril and Maria (September 28); For his angelic manner of life St Sergius was granted an heavenly vision by God. One night Abba Sergius reading the rule of prayer beneath an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. Having completed reading the canon to the Mother of God, he sat down to rest, but suddenly he said to his disciple, St Mikhei (May 6), that there awaited them a wondrous visitation. After a moment the Mother of God appeared accompanied by the holy Apostles Peter and John the Theologian. Due to the extraordinary bright light St Sergius fell down, but the Most Holy Theotokos touched Her hands to him, and in blessing him promised always to be Protectress of his holy monastery. 1660 St. Vincent de Paul, priest and confessor; At Paris, the birthday of , founder of the Congregation of the Mission and of the Sisters of Charity, an apostolic man and father to the poor. Pope Leo XIII appointed this saint as the heavenly patron before God of all charitable societies in the world which in any way whatever draw their origin from him. His feast is celebrated on the 19th of July. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
28
6th
v. BC Baruch
The Holy Prophet an inseparable companion, disciple,
friend and scribe of the great
Prophet
Jeremiah (May 1). He wrote an entire scroll of his prophetic
sayings and read them to the people in the Temple of Jerusalem. Together
with his teacher, St Baruch grievously lamented the destruction of
Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, and he taught and censured the Jews,
and he suffered spite and vexation from them. He witnessed the stoning
of the holy Prophet Jeremiah, and buried his body. He clearly prophesied the coming into the
world of the Son of God, Who would "dwell with mankind." His prophecy
begins with the words, "He is our God, and no other can compare
with Him" (Bar 3:36).St. Martial Martyr with Lawrence and companions 22 died in an African province in modern Algeria. 220s St. Privatus, martyr St. Stacteus, martyr 251 St. Maximus A martyr of Ephesus St. Mark Martyr of Antioch, in Pisidia with Alexander, Alphius, Zosimus, Nicon, Neon, Heliodorus, and thirty soldiers. Mark was a shepherd and his non-military companions were his brothers 490 St. Faustus Bishop of Riez, France from 459, a very influential opponent of the Arian and Pelagian heresies 630 St. Conwall disciple of St. Kentigern Scotland also called Conval; a priest who preached and worked in Scotland. 929 St. Wenceslaus martyred patron saint of Bohemia Miracles 1102 St. Thiemo Benedictine bishop; martyr at Ascalon (modern Israel); Journeying to Palestine to aid crusading movement, he was captured by Muslims and murdered for refusing to abjure the faith. 1337 Saint Cyril and his wife Maria parents of St Sergius of Radonezh (September 25). They belonged to nobility, more importantly, they were pious and faithful Christians who were adorned with every virtue. St Cyril moved his family from Rostov to Radonezh when Bartholomew was a boy. Sts Cyril and Maria asked him to wait and take care of them until they passed away. The young Bartholomew obeyed his parents, and did everything he could to please them. They later decided to retire to separate monasteries, and departed to the Lord after a few years. It is believed both Sts Cyril and Maria reposed in 1337. 1457 BD LAURENCE OF RIPAFRATTA “The most persuasive tongue becomes silent in death, but your heavenly pictures will go on speaking of religion and virtue throughout the ages.” “How many souls have been snatched from Hell by his words and example and led from depravity to a high perfection; how many enemies he reconciled and what disagreements he adjusted; to how many scandals did he put an end. I weep also for my own loss, for never again shall I receive those tender letters wherewith he used to stir up my fervour in the duties of this pastoral office.” His tomb was the scene of many miracles, and in 1851 Pope Pius IX confirmed his cultus. 1630 St. John Kokumbuko Martyr of Japan Augustinian tertiary 1630 Bl. Thomas Kufioji Japanese martyr 1637 St. Lorenzo Ruiz first Filipino saint & martyred in Japan Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
29
St. Raphael
{"God heals."} is one of seven ArchangelsSt. Gabriel means "man of God," St. Michael, the Archangel 290 St. Rhipsime Virgin martyr put to death with group fellow virgins Ripsimis the holy virgin martyr and her companions In Armenia 450 St. Fraternus Bishop and martyr Eutychius, Plautus, and Heracleas 6th v. St. Quiriacus A Greek hermit who lived in Palestine 713 St. Ludwin Benedictine bishop of Trier 1073 St. Garcia Benedictine abbot 1137 St. Grimoaldus Archpriest of Pontecorvo 1349 Bl. Richard Rolle de Hampole English mystic and hermit 1364 BD CHARLES OF BLOIS would always rather been Franciscan friar than prince; provided for poor /suffering. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month September
30
The Earth Yielded Its Fruit September
30 - Saint Jerome (d. 420)"Let all the nations celebrate God: the earth has yielded its fruit," say the Scriptures. But first, the earth gave its flower. It is written in the Song of Songs: "I am the flower of the fields, the lily of the valley." The flower afterwards became fruit, so that we may eat it, so that we may eat its flesh. Do you want to know what the fruit is? The Virgin, born of a virgin; the Lord, of the handmaid; God, of man; the Son, of the mother; the fruit, of the earth. In Béthlehem Judæ deposítio sancti Hierónymi Presbyteri, Confessóris et Ecclésiæ Doctóris, qui, ómnium stúdia litterárum adéptus ac probatórum Monachórum imitátor factus, multa hæresum monstra gládio suæ doctrínæ confódit; demum, cum ad decrépitam usque vixísset ætátem, in pace quiévit, sepultúsque est ad Præsépe Dómini. Ejus corpus, póstea Romam delátum, in Basílica sanctæ Maríæ Majóris cónditum fuit. In Bethlehem of Juda, the death of St. Jerome, priest and doctor of the Church. Excelling in all kinds of learning, he imitated the life of the most approved monks, and disposed of many monstrous heresies with the sword of his doctrine. Having at length reached a very advanced age, he rested in peace and was buried near the manger of our Lord. His body was afterwards transferred to Rome, and placed in the basilica of St. Mary Major. 173 Sophia mother of the virgin-martyrs Faith, Hope and Charity 286 Sts. Victor and Ursus Theban Legion Antoninus soldier Theban Legion blood in phial miraculou 330 ST GREGORY THE ENLIGHTENER, Bishop OF ASHTISHAT 362 Leopardus servant/slave in the household of Julian the Apostate 420 ST JEROME, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH JEROME (EUSEBIUS HIERONYMUS SOPHRONIUS) Born at Stridon, Hungary 1082 ST SIMON OF CREPY helped reconcile kings and subjects; great negotiator for Pope St Gregory VII <1572 Romæ natális sancti Francísci Bórgiæ, Sacerdótis et Confessóris; qui Præpósitus Generális fuit Societátis Jesu, ac vitæ asperitáte, oratiónis dono, abdicátis sæculi et sæculi et recusátis Ecclésiæ dignitátibus, vir memorábilis éxstitit. Ipsíus autem festum sexto Idus Octóbris celebrátur. Quarto Nonas Januárii 1873 Lexóvii, in Gállia, item natális sanctæ Terésiæ a Jesu Infánte, ex Ordine Carmelitárum Excalceatórum; quam, vitæ innocéntia et simplicitáte claríssimam, Pius Undécimus, Póntifex Máximus, sanctárum Vírginum albo adscrípsit, peculiárem ómnium Missiónum Patrónam declarávit, ejúsque festum quinto Nonas Octóbris recoléndum esse decrévit. |
||||||||||||||||
420 ST JEROME,
DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH JEROME (EUSEBIUS HIERONYMUS SOPHRONIUS) Born at Stridon, Hungary; Upon St Gregory’s leaving Constantinople in 382, St Jerome
went to Rome with Paulinus of Antioch and St
Epiphanius to attend a council which St Damasus
held about the schism at Antioch. When the council was
over, Pope Damasus detained him and employed
him as his secretary; Jerome, indeed, claimed that he
spoke through the mouth of Damasus.
653 ST HONORIUS, ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY; He was consecrated at Lincoln by St Paulinus, Bishop of York, and received the pallium sent by Pope Honorius I together with a letter, in which his Holiness ordained that whenever either the see of Canterbury or York should become vacant, the other bishop should ordain the person that should be duty elected, “because of the long distance of sea and land that lies between us and you”. And to confirm this delegation of the patriarchal power of consecrating all bishops under him, a pallium was sent also to the bishop of York. 1082 ST SIMON OF CREPY helped reconcile kings and subjects; great negotiator for Pope St Gregory VII; When Pope St Gregory VII, in view of his conflict with the emperor, determined to come to terms with Robert Guiscard and his Normans in Italy, he sent for St Simon to help him in the negotiations. These were brought to a successful conclusion at Aquino in 1080, and the pope kept Simon by his side. 1872 Quarto Nonas Januárii 1873 Lexóvii, in Gállia, item natális sanctæ Terésiæ a Jesu Infánte, ex Ordine Carmelitárum Excalceatórum; quam, vitæ innocéntia et simplicitáte claríssimam, Pius Undécimus, Póntifex Máximus, sanctárum Vírginum albo adscrípsit, peculiárem ómnium Missiónum Patrónam declarávit, ejúsque festum quinto Nonas Octóbris recoléndum esse decrévit. At Lisieux in France, the birthday of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, of the Order of Discalced Carmelites. Seeing her to be most wonderful for her innocence of life and simplicity, Pope Pius XI placed her name among the holy virgins and appointed her as special patron before God of all missions, decreeing that her feast should be observed on the 3rd of October. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 29 2016
Apart from
the veneration of St Michael, the earliest
liturgical recognition of the other great archangels
seems to be found in the primitive Greek form of the
Litany of the Saints. Edmund Bishop was of opinion (Liturgica Historica, pp. 142—151) that
this may be traced back to the time of Pope Sergius
(687—701). In it St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael
are invoked in succession just as they are today, the only
difference being that they there take precedence, not only
of St John the Baptist, but also of the Blessed Virgin herself.
See Dictionnaire de la Bible, vol.
iv, cc. 1067—1075 DAC., vol. xi, CC. 903—907 DTC., vol. i,
cc. 1189—1271; Acta Sanctorum,
September, vol. vii; K. A. Kellner,
Heortology (1908), pp. 328—333;
and on the archangels in art it is sufficient to give a reference
to Kunstle, Ikonographie,
vol. i, pp. 239—264, though the subject has also
been fully treated by A. Didron, van Drival, and others. For the
angels in the church fathers, see J. Danie!ou,
Les anges et leur, mission (1952).
1364 BD CHARLES
OF BLOIS would always rather
been Franciscan friar than prince; provided
for poor /suffering.; Charles,
the man who would always rather have been a Franciscan
friar than a prince, was killed on the field. Numerous and
remarkable miracles were reported at his tomb at Guingamp,
and there was a strong movement for his canonization
in spite of the opposition of John IV de Montfort, whose
cause in Brittany might suffer were his late rival to be canonized.
Pope Gregory XI seems in fact to have decreed
it, but in the turmoil of his departure from Avignon in 1376
the bull was never drawn up. The people nevertheless continued
to venerate Bd Charles, his feast was celebrated in some places,
and finally in 1904 this ancient cultus
was confirmed by St Pius X.
Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 28 2016
220s St. Privatus,
martyr
Romæ sancti Priváti Mártyris, qui, ulcéribus plenus, a beáto Callísto Papa est sanátus; inde, sub Alexándro Imperatóre, ob Christi fidem plumbátis cæsus est usque ad mortem. St. Privatus, martyr, who was cured of ulcers by blessed Pope Callistus At Rome. In the time of Emperor Alexander he was scourged to death with leaded whips for the faith of Christ. 404 Saint Eustochium addressee of one of Jerome's most famous letter (Ep. 22)--a lengthy treatise on virginity V (RM) In Béthlehem Judæ sanctæ Eustóchii Vírginis, quæ cum beáta Paula, matre sua, ex urbe Roma in Palæstínam profécta est; ibíque, ad Præsépe Dómini cum áliis Virgínibus enutríta, præcláris méritis fulgens migrávit ad Dóminum. At Bethlehem of Juda, the holy virgin Eustochium, daughter of blessed Paula, who was brought up at the manger of our Lord with other virgins, and being celebrated for her merits, went to our Lord. 412 St Exsuperius, Bishop Of Toulouse; earning the thanks and commendation of St Jerome, who dedicated to him his commentary on Zacharias and wrote of him “To relieve the hunger of the poor he suffers it himself. The paleness of his face shows the rigour of his fasts, but he is grieved by the hunger of others. He gives his all to the poor of Christ but rich is he who carries the Body of the Lord in an osier-basket and His Blood in a glass vessel. His charity knew no bounds, it sought for objects in the most distant parts, and the solitaries of Egypt felt its beneficial effects.” At home as well as abroad there was ample scope for his benefactions, for in his time Gaul was overrun by the Vandals.St Exsuperius wrote to Pope St Innocent I for instruction on several matters of discipline and enquiring about the canon of Holy Scripture. In reply the pope sent him a list of the authentic books of the Bible as they were then received at Rome, and that list was the same as today, including the deuterocanonical books. The place and year of the death of Exsuperius are not known, but he seems to have suffered exile before the end. St Paulinus of Nola referred to him as one of the most illustrious bishops of the Church in Gaul, and by the middle of the sixth century he was held in equal honour with St Saturninus in the church of Toulouse. 782 Saint Lioba an Anglo-Saxon nun who was part of Boniface's mission to the Germans; credited with quelling a storm with her command; Several miracles were attributed to her gravesite 782 saint Lioba an Anglo-Saxon nun who was part of Boniface's mission to the Germans; credited with quelling a storm with her command; Several miracles were attributed to her gravesite Schorneshémii, prope Mogúntiam, sanctæ Líobæ Vírginis, miráculis claræ. At Fulda near Mayence, St. Lioba, virgin, renowned for miracles Also Leoba and Leofgyth born .; In the year 722 St Boniface was consecrated bishop by Pope St Gregory II and sent to preach the gospel in Saxony, Thuringia and Hesse. He was a native of Crediton, not very far from Wimborne 929 St. Wenceslaus martyred patron saint of Bohemia patron saint of Bohemia Miracles reported at his tomb Comment: “Good
King Wenceslaus”
was able to incarnate his Christianity
in a world filled with political unrest. While
we are often victims of violence of a different sort,
we can easily identify with his struggle to bring harmony
to society. The call to become involved in social change
and in political activity is addressed to Christians; the
values of the gospel are sorely needed today.
Quote: “While
recognizing the autonomy of the reality
of politics, Christians who are invited to take
up political activity should try to make their choices
consistent with the gospel and, in the framework of
a legitimate plurality, to give both personal and collective
witness to the seriousness of their faith by effective
and disinterested service of men”
(Pope Paul VI, A Call to Action,
46).
1102 St. Thiemo Benedictine bishop; martyr at Ascalon (modern Israel); Journeying to Palestine to aid crusading movement, he was captured by Muslims and murdered for refusing to abjure the faith. His office brought him into conflict with the German King Henry IV (r. 1056-1106) during the Investiture Controversy and, as Thiemo sided with Pope St. Gregory VII (r.1073-1085) in the struggle, Henry exiled him. 1102 St. Thiemo Benedictine bishop; martyr at Ascalon (modern Israel); Journeying to Palestine to aid crusading movement, he was captured by Muslims and murdered for refusing to abjure the faith. 1484 BD JOHN OF DUKLA by preaching and example brought back many to the Church from Ruthenians Hussite and other sects; He died on September 29, 1484, and the devotion of his people was answered with miracles; in 1739 Pope Clement XII approved his cultus as a principal patron of Poland and Lithuania. 1494 Blessed Bernardine of Feltre; Franciscan priest missionary labors throughout the larger cities of Italy; “Prayer”, he said, “is a better preparation than study: it is both more efficacious and quicker.”; Hitherto Friar Bernardino had done no public preaching, and when in 1469 a chapter at Venice appointed him a preacher he was much troubled. He was nervous, lacked confidence in himself, and seemed physically ill-equipped, for he was very short in stature. This was sufficiently noticeable to earn him the nickname of Parvulus from Pope Innocent VIII, and he used to sign himself “piccolino e poverello.” 1457 BD LAURENCE OF RIPAFRATTA “The most persuasive tongue becomes silent in death, but your heavenly pictures will go on speaking of religion and virtue throughout the ages.” “How many souls have been snatched from Hell by his words and example and led from depravity to a high perfection; how many enemies he reconciled and what disagreements he adjusted; to how many scandals did he put an end. I weep also for my own loss, for never again shall I receive those tender letters wherewith he used to stir up my fervour in the duties of this pastoral office.” His tomb was the scene of many miracles, and in 1851 Pope Pius IX confirmed his cultus. 1507 BD FRANCIS OF CALDEROLA a great missioner, with an unwearying zeal for the reform of sinners. He was active with Bd Bernardino of Feltre in the establishment of charitable pawnshops. Francis died at the friary of Colfano on September 12, 1507, and the cultus that at once manifested itself was confirmed by Pope Gregory XVI. 1624 BD SIMON DE ROJAS: Rojas exercised strong influence in royal entourage contributed much to high standard of religion and morality; Several references to the beatification process of this friar occur in the great work of Benedict XIV, De...beatificatione, bk ii. When Bd Simon was beatified there was published in Rome a Compendio della Vita del B. Simone de Roxas (1767). See also P. Deslandres, L’Ordre des Trinitaires (i9o3), vol. i, p. 6s8, etc. 1624 BD SIMON DE ROJAS: Rojas exercised strong influence in royal entourage contributed much to high standard of religion and morality beatified in 1766.. 1630 Bl. Peter Kufioji Martyr in Japan native Japanese; for giving aid and shelter to Augustinian missionaries. 1630 Bl. Michael Kinoshi Martyr of Japan; for sheltering Catholic missionaries. beatified in 1867. 1630 Bl. Lawrence Shizu Martyr of Japan native Augustinian tertiary; for sheltering priests beatified in 1867. 1630 St. Lawrence Ruiz Martyr in Japan Philipino; Layman; he told his executioner that he was "ready to die for God and give himself for many thousands of lives if he had them!" canonized in 1987. 1630 St. John Kokumbuko Martyr of Japan Augustinian tertiary beatified in 1867. 1630 Bl. Thomas Kufioji Japanese martyr 1637 St. Lorenzo Ruiz first Filipino saint & martyred in Japan; He and fifteen companions, martyred in the same persecution, were beatified by Pope John Paul II in Manila on February 18, 1981 and elevated to full honors of the altar by canonization on October 18, 1987 in Rome. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 27 2016
1323
St. Elzear;
He managed his estate with firmness, prudence,
and ability; Elzear and Delphina were regarded
as an ideal married couple, known for their holiness
and piety. About
the year 1309 St Elzear had assisted as godfather at the
baptism of William of Grimoard, his nephew, a sickly child
whose health was restored at the prayers of his sponsor. Fifty-three
years later this William became pope as Urban V,
and in 1369 he signed the decree of canonization of his godfather
Elzear, who is named in the Roman Martyrology on this day.
Lutétiæ
Parisiórum sancti Elzeárii
Cómitis. At Paris,
St. Eleazar, a count.
1392 Saint Sergius of Radonezh named Bartholomew by parents the pious and illustrious nobles Cyril and Maria (September 28); For his angelic manner of life St Sergius was granted an heavenly vision by God. One time by night Abba Sergius was reading the rule of prayer beneath an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. Having completed the reading of the canon to the Mother of God, he sat down to rest, but suddenly he said to his disciple, St Mikhei (May 6), that there awaited them a wondrous visitation. After a moment the Mother of God appeared accompanied by the holy Apostles Peter and John the Theologian. Due to the extraordinary bright light St Sergius fell down, but the Most Holy Theotokos touched Her hands to him, and in blessing him promised always to be Protectress of his holy monastery. 1660 St. Vincent de Paul, priest and confessor; At Paris, the birthday of Lutétiæ Parisiórum item natális sancti Vincéntii a Paulo, Presbyteri et Confessóris, Congregatiónis Presbyterórum Missiónis et Puellárum Caritátis Fundatóris, viri apostólici et páuperum patris; quem Leo Décimus tértius, Póntifex Máximus, ómnium Societátum caritátis, in toto cathólico Orbe exsisténtium et ab eódem Sancto quomodólibet promanántium, cæléstium Patrónum apud Deum constítuit. Ipsíus tamen festívitas quartodécimo Kaléndas Augústi celebrátur. At Paris, the birthday of St. Vincent de Paul, priest and confessor, founder of the Congregation of the Mission and of the Sisters of Charity, an apostolic man and father to the poor. Pope Leo XIII appointed this saint as the heavenly patron before God of all charitable societies in the world which in any way whatever draw their origin from him. His feast is celebrated on the 19th of July. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 26 2016
September
26 - Our Lady of Victory (Tourney, 1340)
Mrs Adjoubei’s Rosary
Bishop Roncalli, the future Pope John XXIII
As he left Bulgaria in
1934, Bishop Roncalli, the future Pope John XXIII,
stated, "If a Slavic, catholic
or not, knocks on my door, it will be opened and he will be greeted like
a true friend." Later, a Slavic arrived one day at the airport of Fiumicino
who asked to see Pope John XXIII. His reply
was immediate, "Let him come!"
The meeting was set for
March 7th.After
the general audience, the Pope called
for Mr. Adjoubei and his wife, Rada, a young
woman from Khrushchev. He received them in his library
and asked them to be seated.
" The Pope looked at
her smiling, "I know the name of your sons... the third is called
Yan, or John like me... They spoke about many things including the Saints of Russia and the beauty of Orthodox liturgy. Then John XXIII picked up a string of rosary beads that was laid on his table. "Madam, this is
for you. My entourage taught me that I should give currencies or stamps to
a non-Catholic princess; but I still give you a Rosary because priests, in
addition to the biblical prayer of the psalms, also have this popular form
of prayer. For me, the Pope, it is like fifteen open windows - fifteen mysteries
- through which I contemplate, in the light of the Lord, the events of the
world. I say a rosary in the morning, another at the beginning of the afternoon,
and another in the evening.
Look, I made a great
impression by telling the journalists that in the fifth joyful
mystery - "he listened and questioned them" - I was really
praying for... I made an impression on those people when I said
that, in the third joyful mystery - the Birth of Jesus - I prayed
for all the babies who are born in the past twenty-four hours,
because, Catholics or not, they will find the wishes of the Pope
upon their entry into life. When I recite the third mystery, I will also remember your children, Madam." Mrs Adjoubei, who held the Rosary in her hands, answered, "Thank you, Holy Father, how grateful I am to you! I will tell my children what you said... When you are
back home, give him a special hug from
me... "
Rosary for the Church,
#14 - 1973 600 St. Amantius Patron saint of Cittá di Castello; At Tiferno in Umbria, St. Amantius, a priest distinguished for the gift of miracles; Italy. Amantius was a parish priest in the city, venerated by Pope St. Gregory I the Great because of his sanctity. 1004 St. Nilus the Younger Abbot Born in Calabria In the Tuscan plain, the blessed Abbot Nilus, founder of the monastery of Grottaferrata, a man of eminent sanctity. ST
NILUS OF ROSSANO, ABBOT (A.D. 1004);
When in the year 998 the Emperor Otto III came
to Rome to expel Philagathos, Bishop of Piacenza,
whom the senator Crescentius had set up as antipope against
Gregory V, St Nilus went to intercede with the pope and
emperor that the antipope might be treated with mildness.
Philagathos (“John
XVI”) was a
Calabrian like himself, and Nilus had tried in vain to dissuade him from
his schism and treason. The abbot was listened to with
respect, but he was not able to do much to modify the atrocious
cruelty with which the aged antipope was treated. When a prelate was sent to make an explanation
to Nilus, who had protested vigorously against the injuries
done to the helpless Philagathos, he pretended to fall asleep in
order to avoid an argument about it. Some time after Otto paid a
visit to the laura of St Nilus; he was surprised
to see his monastery consisting of poor scattered huts, and said,
“These
men who live in tents as strangers on earth are truly citizens
of Heaven.”
Nilus conducted the emperor first to the church,
and after praying there entertained him in his cell.
Otto pressed the saint to accept some spot of ground in his
dominions, promising to endow it. Nilus thanked him and answered,
“If
my brethren arc truly monks our divine Master will not forsake
them when I am gone”.
In taking leave the emperor vainly asked him to accept some gift: St Nilus, laying his hand upon Otto's breast, said, “The only thing I ask of you is that you would save your soul. Though emperor, you must die and give an account to God, like other men.” 1159 St. John of Meda abbot Rule of St. Benedict to Milan; A secular priest from Como, Italy, John joined the Humiliati, a penitential institute of laymen; A secular priest from Como, Italy, John joined the Humiliati, a penitential institute of laymen who brought the Rule of St. Benedict to the Humiliati in Milan, Italy. A secular priest from Como, Italy, John joined the Humiliati, a penitential institute of laymen. He introduced the Little Office of Our Lady and the rule of St. Benedict. Pope Alexander III canonized him. 13th v. BD LUCY OF CALTAGIRONE, VIRGIN; 13th v. BD LUCY OF CALTAGIRONE, VIRGIN special devotion to the Five Wounds; and miracles were attributed to her both before and after her death CALTAGIRONE, a town in Sicily well-known in later times as the home of Don Luigi Sturzo, was the birthplace of this beata, but she seems to have spent her life in a convent of Franciscan regular tertiaries at Salerno. Very little is known about her. She became mistress of novices, and instilled into her charges her own, the date of which is not known. Bd Lucy's cultus seems to have been approved by Popes Callistus III and Leo X. 1642-1649 THE MARTYRS OF NORTH AMERICA 1649 St. Noel Chabanel Jesuit missionary to Hurons in Canada; Jogues remained a slave among the Mohawks, one of the Iroquois tribes, who, however, had decided to kill him. He owed his escape to the Dutch, who, ever since they had heard of the sufferings he and his friends were enduring, had been trying to obtain his release. Through the efforts of the governor of Fort Orange and of the governor of New Netherlands he was taken on board a vessel and, by way of England, got back to France, where his arrival roused the keenest interest. With mutilated fingers he was debarred from celebrating Mass, but Pope Urban VII granted him special permission to do so, saying, “It would be unjust that a martyr for Christ should not drink the blood of Christ”. 1885 St. Theresa Coudere Foundress Our Lady of Retreat Society of Our lady of the Cenacle at La Louvesc, France. She was born on February 1, at Masle, France. Joining Father J. Terme in his parish work in Aps, she founded the Daughters of St. Regis, the original group that became the Society. She served as superior until 1838 and then resumed the role of a simple member of the community until her death on September 26. Murió el 26 de septiembre de 1885. By the time of her death, her congregation spread rapidly. Pope Paul VI canonized her in 1970. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 25 2016
2nd v. St.
Herculafilis
Martyred Roman soldier
Eódem die, via Cláudia, sancti Herculáni, mílitis et Mártyris; qui, sub Antoníno Imperatóre, miráculis in passióne beáti Alexándri Epíscopi ad Christum convérsus, atque ob fídei confessiónem, post multa torménta, gládio cæsus est. At Rome, on the Claudian Way, under Emperor Antoninus, St. Herculanus, soldier and martyr, who was converted to Christ by the miracle wrought during the martyrdom of the blessed bishop Alexander. After enduring many torments he was put to the sword. Martyred Roman soldier reportedly converted by Pope St. Alexander I. 633 St. Finbar Bishop founded monastery developed into city of Cork Many extravagant miracles FINBAR, or Bairre, founder of the city and see of Cork, is said to have been the natural son of a royal lady and of a master smith. He was baptized Lochan, but the monks who educated him at Kilmacahill in Kilkenny changed his name to Fionnbharr, Whitehead, because of his fair hair. Legends say that he went to Rome on pilgrimage with one of his preceptors, and on his way back passed through Wales and visited St David in Pembrokeshire. As he had no means of getting to Ireland, David lent him a horse for the crossing, and in the channel he sighted and signalled St Brendan the Navigator, voyaging eastward. St Finbar is fabled to have gone again to Rome, in company with St David and others, when Pope St Gregory would have made him a bishop but was deterred hy a vision in which he learned that Heaven had reserved this prerogative for itself. 7th v. St. Fymbert Bishop of western Scotland; He was ordained by Pope St. Gregory the Great. 716 St. CEOLFRID, ABBOT OF WEARMOUTH Ceolfrid Benedictine abbot St. Paul Monastery produced oldest Vulgate Bible at Wearmouth-Jarrow, England; St Bede, who had the happiness to live under this great man, has left authentic testimonies of his learning, abilities and sanctity. He was a great lover of sacred literature, and enriched the libraries of his two monasteries with a large number of books. To how high a pitch he carried the sacred sciences in his monasteries St Bede himself is the foremost example. He says of St Ceolfrid that: “Whatever good works his predecessor
had begun he with no less energy took
pains to finish.”
It is now established beyond doubt that
Codex Amiatinus was written (not necessarily by an
Englishman) in the abbey of Wearmouth or Jarrow at the
beginning of the eighth century and is the very book which
St Ceolfrid carried with him to give to Pope
St Gregory II. 1215 St. Albert of Jerusalem Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Carmelite Order When therefore the Patriarch Michael died in the year 1203 the canons regular of the Holy Sepulchre, supported by King Amaury II de Lusignan, petitioned Pope Innocent III to send to succeed him a prelate whose holiness and abilities were well known even in Palestine. This was Albert, Bishop of Vercelli. He belonged to a distinguished family of Parma, and after brilliant theological and legal studies had become a canon regular in the abbey of the Holy Cross at Mortara in Lombardy. When he was about thirty-five years old, namely in 1184, he was made bishop of Bobbio and almost at once translated to Vercelli. His diplomatic ability and trustworthiness caused him to be chosen as a mediator between Pope Clement Ill and Frederick Barbarossa.
1523-1534 Clement VII (GIULIO DE’ MEDICI). ; Cardinal, Pope 1523-1534.
Born 1478; died 25 September, 1534.
Giulio de' Medici was born a few months after the death
of his father, Giuliano, who was slain at Florence
in the disturbances which followed the Pazzi conspiracy.
Although his parents had not been properly married,
they had, it was alleged, been betrothed per sponsalia
de presenti, and Giulio, in virtue of a well-known principle
of canon law, was subsequently declared legitimate.
The youth was educated by his uncle, Lorenzo the Magnificent.
He was made a Knight of Rhodes and Grand Prior of Capua,
and, upon the election of his cousin Giovanni de' Medici
to the papacy as Leo X, he at once became a person of great consequence.
On 28 September, 1513, he was made cardinal, and he had
the credit of being the prime mover of the papal policy during
the whole of Leo's pontificate. He was one of the most favoured
candidates in the protracted conclave which resulted in the election
of Adrian VI; neither did the Cardinal de' Medici, in spite
of his close connection with the luxurious regime of Leo X,
altogether lose influence under his austere successor. Giulio,
in the words of a modern historian, was "learned, clever, respectable
and industrious, though he had little enterprise and less decision"
(Armstrong, Charles V, I, 166).
1569 Bl. Mark
Criado Trinitarian martyrHe was born in Andujar, Spain, in 1522, and joined the Trinitarians in 1536 . Mark was martyred by the Moors in Almeria. Mark joined the Order of the Holy Trinity and was later assigned to the apostolate of preaching. He set out for the provinces of Almeria and Granada, where he zealously proclaimed the Gospel to the Moors as well as to the Christians. Captured by the Moors, he died a martyr near the town of La Peza in 1569. Mark Criado was beatified by Pope Leo XIII on 24 July 1899. 1622 Bl. Mancius Shisisoiemon Martyr native Japan His beatification was declared in 1867. 1622 Bl. Augustine Ota native martyr of Japan His beatification was declared in 1867. 1824 St. Vincent Strambi Passionist after attending a retreat given by St. Paul of the Cross; became a professor of theology, was made provincial in 1781, and in 1801, was appointed bishop of Macera and Tolentino. He was expelled from his See when he refused to take an oath of alliance to Napoleon in 1808, Later there was an outbreak of typhus and a dearth of provisions which bordered on famine, but in all these emergencies the bishop set an heroic example. In the fierce resentment excited by some of his reforms his life is said to have been more than once attempted. On the death of Pope Pius VII he resigned his see, and at the instance of Leo XII, who was Strambi's devoted friend, he took up his quarters at the Quirinal, where he acted as the pope's confidential adviser. During all these vicissitudes he had never relaxed anything of the austerity of his private life; but his strength was now exhausted, and, as Bd Anna Maria Taigi, his penitent, had prophesied, he received holy communion for the last time on December 31, and passed away on his seventy-ninth birthday, on January 1, 1824. St Vincent Strambi was canonized in 1950 Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 24 2016
Yesterday afternoon
I went to St. John Lateran. Thanks to the Romans, to the kindness
of the Mayor and some authorities of the Italian Government, it
was a joyful moment for me.
On the contrary, it was not joyful but painful to learn from the newspapers a few days ago that a Roman student had been killed for a trivial reason, in cold blood. It is one of the many cases of violence which are continually afflicting this poor and restless society of ours. The case of Luca Locci, a seven-year-old boy kidnapped three months ago, has come up again in the last few days. People sometimes say: "we are in a society that is all rotten, all dishonest." That is not true. There are still so many good people, so many honest people. Rather, what can be done to improve society? I would say: let each of us try to be good and to infect others with a goodness imbued with the meekness and love taught by Christ. Christ's golden rule was: "do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself. Do to others what you want done to yourself." 'And he always gave. Put on the cross, not only did he forgive those who crucified him, but he excused them. He said: "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." This is Christianity, these are sentiments which, if put into practice would help society so much. This year is the thirtieth anniversary of the death of Georges Bernanos, a great Catholic writer. One of his best-known works is "Dialogues of the Carmelites". It was published year after his death. He had prepared it working on a story of the German authoress, Gertrud von Le Fort. He had prepared it for the theatre. It went on the stage. It was set to music and then shown on the screens of the whole world. It became extremely well known. The fact, however, was a historical one. Pius X, in 1906, right here in Rome, had beatified the sixteen Carmelites of Compiègne, martyrs during the French revolution. During the trial they were condemned "to death for fanaticism". And one of them asked in her simplicity: "Your Honour, what does fanaticism mean?" And the judge: "It is your foolish membership of religion." "Oh, Sisters, she then said, did you hear, we are condemned for our attachment to faith. What happiness to die for Jesus Christ!" They
were brought out of the prison of the
Conciergerie, and made to climb into the fatal
cart. On the way they sang hymns; when they reached the
guillotine, one after the other knelt before the Prioress
and renewed the vow of obedience. Then they struck up "Veni
Creator"; the song, however, became weaker and weaker, as
the heads of the poor Sisters fell, one by one, under the guillotine.
The Prioress, Sister Theresa of St Augustine, was the last,
and her last words were the following: "Love will always be victorious,
love can do everything." That was the right word, not violence,
but love, can do everything. Let us ask the Lord for the grace that
a new wave of love for our neighbour may sweep over this poor world.
© Copyright
1978 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Feast of Our Lady
of RansomFestum beátæ Maríæ Vírginis de Mercéde nuncupátæ, Ordinis redemptiónis captivórum sub ejus nómine Institutrícis, de cujus Apparitióne ágitur quarto Idus Augústi. The feast of our Lady of Ransom, Foundress of the Order for the Redemption of Captives. The apparition of the same Blessed Virgin occurred on the 10th of August. 24 September, a double major, commemorates the foundation of the Mercedarians. 1721 ST PACIFICO OF SAN SEVERINO At Mass he was often rapt in ecstasy; gift of prophecy ability to read the consciences of his penitents Miracles took place at his tomb, as they had done in his lifetime; "Moreover, I advise and admonish the friars that in their preaching, their words should be examined and chaste. They should aim only at the advantage and spiritual good of their listeners, telling them briefly about vice and virtue, punishment and glory, because our Lord himself kept his words short on earth" (St. Francis, Rule of 1223, Ch. 9). Septémpedæ, in Picéno, deposítio sancti Pacífici, Sacerdótis ex Ordine Minórum et Confessóris, exímiæ patiéntiæ viri et solitúdinis amóre præclári, quem Gregórius Papa Décimus sextus in Sanctórum cánonem rétulit. At San Severino in Piceno, the death of St. Pacificus, priest and confessor of the Order of Friars Minor of St. Francis of the Reformed Observance. Illustrious for his great patience and his love of solitude, he was enrolled in the canon of the saints by Pope Gregory XVI. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 23 2016
67 Saint Linus
a native of Tuscany succeeded
St. Peter as Pope; Romæ sancti Lini, Papæ
et Mártyris, qui, primus post beátum
Petrum Apóstolum, Romanum Ecclésiam
gubernávit, et, martyrio coronátus,
sepúltus est in Vaticano, prope eundem Apóstolum. At Rome, St. Linus, pope and martyr,
who governed the Roman Church next after the blessed apostle Peter.
He was crowned with martyrdom and was buried on the Vatican Hill
beside the same apostle. IT is now not disputed
that St Linus was the first successor of St Peter in the see of
Rome, but practically nothing is known about him. St Irenaeus, writing
about the year 189, identifies him with the Linus mentioned by St
Paul in his second letter to Timothy (iv zi), and implies that he
was appointed bishop before the death of Peter. St Linus is named among
the martyrs in the canon of the Mass and his feast as a martyr is kept
throughout the Western church today, but his martyrdom is very doubtful
as no persecution is recorded in his time moreover, Irenaeus names only
St Telesphorus as a martyr among the earliest popes after Peter.
1520 Bd Helen Of Bologna, Widow; BD HELEN DUGLIOLI has been selected by popular acclamation from among the unknown numbers of those who have served God heroically "in the world" to be exalted at the altars of the Church. She was born at Bologna, and when she was about seventeen years old married Benedict dali' Oglie. Husband and wife lived together for thirty years in amity and happiness, supporting and encouraging one another in the life of Christians, and when Benedict died, Helen shortly after followed him to the grave. The common people, who have an almost unerring instinct for detecting true holiness, knew she was a saint, and the continual cultus they had given her was confirmed in 1828. The most important part of the notice devoted to her by the Bollandists consists of an extract from the De Servorum Dei beatificatione of Prosper Lambertini (afterwards Pope Benedict XIV), written when he was archbishop of Bologna. In this he quotes the tributes paid to Bd Helen at Bologna as an almost typical case of a spontaneous and immemorial cultus, and refers to sundry local publications which bore witness to the devotion of the citizens. Among other evidence cited by the Bollandists it is curious to find a passage from the Ragionamenti of Pietro Aretino, of all people, a contemporary of the beata, who refers satirically to the crowds of candles, pictures and ex votos deposited " alla sapoltura di santa Beata Lena dalI' Olio a Bologna." See the Acta Sanctorum, September, vol. vi
.
1968 St. Padre Pio da Pietrelcina b.1887; Born Francesco Forgione, Padre Pio grew up in a family of farmers in southern Italy. Twice (1898-1903 and 1910-17) his father worked in Jamaica, New York, to provide the family income. September 23, 2005 In one of the largest such ceremonies in history, Pope John Paul II canonized Padre Pio of Pietrelcina on June 16, 2002. It was the 45th canonization ceremony in Pope John Paul's pontificate. More than 300,000 people braved blistering heat as they filled St. Peter's Square and nearby streets. They heard the Holy Father praise the new saint for his prayer and charity. "This is the most concrete synthesis of Padre Pio's teaching," said the pope. He also stressed Padre Pio's witness to the power of suffering. If accepted with love, the Holy Father stressed, such suffering can lead to "a privileged path of sanctity." Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 22 2016
530 ST FELIX
III
(IV), POPE revered in his day as a man
of great simplicity, humility and kindness
to the poor. Having
been given two ancient buildings in the Roman Forum,
Felix built on their site the basilica of SS. Cosmas and
Damian the mosaics to be seen today in the apse and on
the triumphal arch of that church are those made
at his direction
1637 St. Lawrence Ruiz and Companions; Lorenzo: "That I will never do, because I am a Christian, and I shall die for God, and for him I will give many thousands of lives if I had them. And so, do with me as you please." Pope John Paul II canonized these six and 10 others, Asians and Europeans, men and women, who spread the faith in the Philippines, Formosa and Japan. Lorenzo Ruiz is the first canonized Filipino martyr. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 21 2016
The
martyrdom of St.
Alexander, bishop. His body was afterwards carried
into the city by blessed Pope Damasus on the
26th of November.
13th v. In July of 1274, the Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII accepted a union with the Roman Church at Lyons, France. Faced with dangers from Charles of An cojou, the Ottoman Turks, and other enemies, the emperor found such an alliance with Rome expedient. The Union of Lyons required the Orthodox to recognize the authority of the Pope, the use of the Filioque in the Creed, and the use of azymes (unleavened bread) in the Liturgy. Patriarch Joseph was deposed because he would not agree to thesenditions. The monastic clergy and many of the laity, both at home and in other Orthodox countries, vigorously opposed the Union, denouncing the emperor for his political schemes and for his betrayal of Orthodoxy. 1838 St. Thomas Dien Vietnamese martyr native. He entered the seminary program of the Paris Foreign Missions but was put to death before he could complete his studies.Thomas was flogged and strangled. Pope John Paul 11 canonized him in 1988. 1839 Sts. Chastan & Imbert beatified as the Martyrs of Korea; A letter is extant written by the Koreans to Pope Pius VII, imploring him to send them priests at once; their little flock had already given martyrs to the Church. In 1831 the vicariate apostolic of Korea was created, but the first vicar never reached there. His successor, Mgr Laurence Joseph Mary Imbert, Titular Bishop of Capsa and a member of the Paris Foreign Missions, who had been in China for twelve years, entered the country in disguise at the end of 1837, having been preceded by Bd PETER PHILIBERT MAUBANT and BD JAMES HONORÉ CHASTAN, priests of the same missionary society. 1925 Bd Laurence and his companions were beatified. The first Korean priest martyr was BD ANDREW KIM in 1846. They were canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 20 2016
536 St. Pope
Agapitus I Pope from 535-536 and
apologist; translation of the body; able
to put down a religious revolt spearheaded
by a bishop named Anthemius and Empress Theodora.
1713 BD FRANCIS DE POSADAS; gave missions all over the southwest of Spain, adding to the fatigues of preaching, hearing confessions, and travelling on foot voluntary mortifications of a most rigorous kind. His combination of example and precept won him a great influence over all with whom he came in contact, and in his native city he brought about a much-needed reform and improvement in public and private morals; disorderly places of amusement shut up for lack of business. He was always at the service of the poor and learned from them a humility that made him avoid not only the offices of his order but also bishoprics that were offered to him. Bd Francis wrote several books—The Triumph of Chastity, lives of St Dominic and other holy ones of his order, moral exhortations—and died at Scala Caeli after forty years of uninterrupted work for souls on September 20, 1713. He was beatified in 1818. interesting account of his levitations when he was celebrating Mass (pp. 42—45), and of his sensations in endeavouring to resist this lifting of his body into the air 1839 Sts. Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and Companions Martyrs of Korea of 1839, 1846, and 1867; intellectuals of that land, eager to learn about the world, discovered some Christian books procured through Korea’s embassy to the Chinese capital. One Korean, Ni-seung-houn, went to Beijing in 1784 to study Catholicism and was baptized Peter Ri. Returning to Korea, he converted many others. In 1791, when these Christians were suddenly viewed as foreign traitors, two of Peter Ri’s converts were martyred, men named Paul Youn and Jacques Kuen. The faith endured, however, and when Father James Tsiou, a Chinese, entered Korea three years later, he was greeted by four thousand Catholics. Father Tsiou worked in Korea until 1801 when he was slain by authorities. were canonized in Korea in 1984 by Pope John Paul II. Quote "The Korean Church is unique
because it was founded entirely by lay
people. This fledgling Church, so young and
yet so strong in faith, withstood wave after wave of
fierce persecution. Thus, in less than a century,
it could boast of 10,000 martyrs. The death of these martyrs
became the leaven of the Church and led to today's splendid
flowering of the Church in Korea. Even today their undying
spirit sustains the Christians in the Church of silence
in the north of this tragically divided land" (Pope John
Paul II, speaking at the canonization).
Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 19 2016
690 St.
Theodore
of Tarsus united all of Catholic
England one of the
greatest; St Theodore was the first bishop
whom the whole English church obeyed, the first metropolitan
of all England, and his fame penetrated into the
remotest corners of the land. Many students gathered
round these two foreign prelates who knew Greek as well as Latin,
for Theodore and Adrian themselves expounded the Scriptures
and taught the sciences, particularly astronomy and
arithmetic (for calculating Easter), and to compose Latin
verse. Many under them became as proficient in Latin and Greek
as they were in their own tongue. Britain had never been
in so happy a condition as at this time since the English first
set foot in the island. The kings were so brave, says Bede, that
the barbarous nations dreaded their power; and men such good
Christians that they aspired only after the joys of the kingdom
of Heaven which had been but lately preached to them. All who desired
to learn could find instructors. Pope St Vitalian, who then sat in St Peter’s
chair, chose Adrian, abbot of a monastery near
Naples, to be raised to that dignity. This abbot
was by birth an African, understood Greek and Latin perfectly,
was thoroughly versed in theology and in the monastic
and ecclesiastical discipline. But so great were his fears of
the office that the pope was compelled to yield to his excuses.
He insisted, however, that Adrian should find a person equal
to the charge, and Adrian first named a monk called Andrew; but
he was judged incapable on account of his bodily infirmities. Adrian
then suggested another monk, Theodore of Tarsus. He was accepted,
but on condition that Adrian should accompany him to Britain, because
he had already travelled twice through France and also to watch
over Theodore lest he introduce into his church anything contrary
to the faith (“as the Greeks have a habit of doing”, comments
St Bede).
1299, 1321 SS
Theodore,
David and Constantine They died in 1321 and were buried with their
father, and were equally with him
venerated as saints, the relics of all three
being solemnly enshrined in 1464. Throughout their lives
Theodore and his sons walked worthily of their calling,
both as Christians and as noblemen; they were forgiving
of injuries, more mindful of their own obligations than
delinquencies of others. At Canterbury,
the holy bishop Theodore, who was sent to England
by Pope Vitalian, and who was renowned for learning
and holiness.ST THEODORE, called “the Black”, duke of Yaroslavl and Smolensk, was a great-grandson of that Kievan prince, Vladimir Monomakh, whose “Charge to my Children” is one of the most precious documents of early Russian Christianity. As a ruler Theodore was sincerely concerned for the poor and the uncared-for. He defended his people against the Tartars, and did all he could for the promotion of religion, building a church in honour of St Michael and several others. A few days before his death, which happened on September 19, 1299, he was clothed with the monastic habit, and buried in the monastery of the Transfiguration at Yaroslavl. On the death of his first wife, mother of his son Michael, Theodore married again, and of this second wife his sons David and Constantine were born. 1591 Bl. Alphonsus de Orozco St. Thomas of Villanova, his instructor, imbuing him with a spirit of recollection and prayer. Alphonsus, a popular preacher and confessor, served as prior of the Augustinians in Seville then in 1554, at Valladolid. In 1556 he became a court preacher, in 1561 accompanied King Philip II of Spain to Madrid. Throughout his court life, he did not engage in the pleasures or intrigues around him. His example of holiness made a great impression on the royal family and the nobles of Madrid. Alphonsus was given a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and wrote treatises on prayer and penance as Our Lady instructed him. He was beatified in 1881. He was beatified by Pope Leo XIII on January 15, 1882. 1852 St. St. Emily De Rodat, Virgin, Foundress of the Congregation of the Holy Family of VillefrancheIRGIN, FOUNDRESS OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF VILLEFRANCHE: “It is good to be an object of contempt”, St Emily declares; “Don’t you know that we are the scum of the earth, and that anyone is entitled to tread on us?” Such abnegation can be sustained by no ordinary means, and it is not surprising to learn that it was often impossible to interrupt St Emily at prayer until her state of ecstasy had passed. Pope Pius XII canonized her during the Holy Year of 1950. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 18 2016
895 St. Richardis
Empress and wife of Emperor
Charles the Fat.
The daughter of the count of Alsace,
she wed the future emperor and served him faithfully for nineteen
years until accused of infidelity with Bishop Liutword of
Vercelli. To prove her innocence, she successfully endured the
painful ordeal of fire, but she left Charles and lived as a
nun, first at Hohenburg, Germany, and then Andlau Abbey. She
remained at Andlau until her death.
1645 St. John de Massias Dominican monk at Lima austerities, miracles, and visions; He was born in Ribera, Spain, to a noble family and was orphaned at a young age. John went to Peru to work on a cattle ranch before entering the Dominicans at Lima as a lay brother, assigned to serve as a doorkeeper, or porter. He was known for his austerities, miracles, and visions. John cared for all the poor of Lima, dying there on September 16. Pope Paul VI canonized him in 1975 . 1663 St. Joseph
of Cupertino Franciscan mystic
patron saint of pilots /air passengers;
From time of his ordination St Joseph’s life was one
long succession of ecstasies, miracles of healing and
supernatural happenings on a scale not paralleled in the
reasonably authenticated life of any other saint.
When Cardinal Lauria asked him what souls in ecstasy saw during
their raptures he replied: “They feel as though they were
taken into a wonderful gallery, shining with never-ending
beauty, where in a glass, with a single look, they apprehend
the marvellous vision which God is pleased to show them.”
Anything
that in any way could be particularly
referred to God or the mysteries of religion was liable
to ravish him from his senses and make him oblivious
to what was going on around him; the absent-mindedness and
abstraction of his childhood now had an end and a purpose
clearly seen. The sight of a lamb in the garden of Capuchins
at Fossombrone caused him to be lost in contemplation of
the spotless Lamb of God and, it is said, be caught up into the
air with the animal in his arms. At Osimo in Piceno, St. Joseph of Cupertino, priest and confessor of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, who was placed among the saints by Clement XIII. 1842 St. Dominic Trach Vietnamese martyr and a priest; member of the Dominican Third Order. Caught up in the persecution against Christians, Dominic was beheaded. He was canonized in 1988. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 17 2016
1145-1153 Bd
Eugenius III, Pope Cistercian monk
at Clairvaux; he took in religion the
name of Bernard, his great namesake being his superior
at Clairvaux
1145-1153
EUGENIUS III. (Bernardo Paganelli),
pope from the 15th of February 1145
to the 8th of July 1153, a native of Pisa, was abbot
of the Cistercian monastery of St Anastasius at Rome
when suddenly elected to succeed Lucius II. St Hildegards visions recorded in the Scivias received the guarded approbation of Pope Eugenius III, but this and similar approvals of private revelations impose no obligation of belief. The Church receives them only as probable, and even those most worthy of faith may be prudently rejected by individuals. His friend and instructor, Bernard
of Clairvaux, the most influential
ecclesiastic of the time, remonstrated
against his election on account of his "innocence and
simplicity," but Bernard soon acquiesced and continued
to be the mainstay of the papacy throughout Eugenius's
pontificate.
Eugene is said to have gained the
affection of the people by his affability and
generosity. He died at Tivoli, whither he had gone
to avoid the summer heats, and was buried in front of the
high altar in St. Peters, Rome. St. Bernard followed him
to the grave (20 Aug.). "The unassuming but astute pupil of St.
Bernard", says Gregorovius, "had always continued to wear the
coarse habit of Clairvaux beneath the purple; the stoic
virtues of monasticism accompanied him through his stormy
career, and invested him with that power of passive resistance
which has always remained the most effectual weapon of the
popes." St. Antoninus pronounces Eugene III "one of the greatest and most afflicted of the popes". Pius IX by a decreed of 28 Dec., 1872, approved the cult which from time immemorial the Pisans have rendered to their countryman, and ordered him to be honoured with Mass and Office ritu duplici on the anniversary of his death 1179 St. Hildegarde visions and prophecies works written called Scivias; the first of the great German mystics a poet, a physician, and a prophetess. Hildegarde was known for visions and prophecies, which at her spiritual directors request, she recorded. They were set down in a work called Scivias {written between 1141 and 1151, relating twenty six of her visions} and approved by the archbishop of Mainz and Pope Eugenius III at the recommendation of St. Bernard of Clairvaux. 1485 St. Peter Arbues; Augustinian inquisitor; a master of Canon Law at the University of Bologna. At Saragossa in Spain, St. Peter of Arbues, first inquisitor of the faith in the kingdom of Aragon, who received the palm of martyrdom by being barbarously massacred by apostate Jews for courageously defending the Catholic faith, according to the duties of his office. He was added to the list of martyr saints by Pius IX. In the year 1478 Pope Sixtus IV, at the urgent request of King Ferdinand of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castile, issued a bull empowering them to appoint a tribunal to deal with Jewish and other apostates and sham converts. Thus was established the institution known in history as the Spanish Inquisition. It may be noted in passing that, though primarily an ecclesiastical tribunal, it acted, independently and often in defiance of the Holy See; 1621 St. Robert Bellarmine; important writings works of devotion and instruction; spiritual father of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, helped St. Francis de Sales obtain formal approval of the Visitation Order, and in his prudence opposed severe action in the case of Galileo; Pope Pius XI bestowed honours of the Saints, declared him Doctor of the Universal Church, and appointed May 13 as his festival day. Born 1542 at Montepulciano, Italy, October 4, the third of ten children. His mother, Cinzia Cervini, a niece of Pope Marcellus II, was dedicated to almsgiving, prayer, meditation, fasting, and mortification of the body. Bellarmine was made a cardinal by Pope Clement VIII on the grounds that "he had not his equal for learning." Among many activities, he became theologian to Pope Clement VIII, preparing two catechisms which have had great influence in the Church. In 1931 Pius XI declared him a Doctor of the Church. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 16 2016
255 St. Cornelius
elected Pope to succeed
Fabian; There
was no pope for 14 months after the martyrdom of St. Fabian
because of the intensity of the persecution of
the Church. During the interval, the Church was governed
by a college of priests.
St. Cyprian, a friend of Cornelius, writes that Cornelius was elected pope "by the judgment of God and of Christ, by the testimony of most of the clergy, by the vote of the people, with the consent of aged priests and of good men." A document from Cornelius shows the extent of organization in the Church of Rome in the mid-third century: 46 priests, seven deacons, seven subdeacons. It is estimated that the number of Christians totaled about 50,000. The story of St Cornelius forms an important episode in ecclesiastical history, and from Eusebius downwards it has engaged the attention of all writers who deal with the Christian Church in the early centuries. Cornelius died as a result of
the hardships of his exile in what
is now Civitavecchia (near Rome).
258 ST CYPRIAN, BISHOP OF CARTHAGE, MARTYR ; The leaders of the schematics were excommunicated, and Novatus departed to Rome to help stir up trouble there, where Novatian had set himself up as antipope. Cyprian recognized Cornelius as the true pope and was active in his support both in Italy and Africa during the ensuing schism; with St Dionysius, Bishop of Alexandria, he rallied the bishops of the East to Cornelius, making it clear to them that to adhere to a false bishop of Rome was to be out of communion with the Church. In connection with these disturbances he added to his treatise on Unity one on the question of the Lapsed. 303 ST EUPHEMIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR; miracles during persecution with soldiers Victor and Sosthenes Evagrius, the historian, testifies that emperors, patriarchs and all ranks of people resorted to Chalcedon to be partakers of the blessings which God conferred on men through her patronage, and that manifest miracles were wrought. A great church was erected there in her honour and in it was held in the year 451 the fourth general council, which condemned Monophysism. A legend says that at this council the Catholic fathers agreed with their opponents that each side should write down its views in a book, lay them down, and ask Almighty God to show by a sign which expressed the truth. This was done and the two books were sealed up in the shrine of St Euphemia. After three days of prayer the shrine was opened the monophysite hook lay at the feet of the martyr but the Catholic book was held in her right hand. It is hardly necessary to say that this great council reached its conclusions by no such methods; but it seems that the fact that this epoch-making synod was held in the church of St Euphemia accounts for some of the remarkable prestige that she formerly enjoyed, and Pope Pius XII invoked her name in his encyclical letter “Sempiternus Christus rex” on the fifteen hundredth anniversary of the council in 1951. The martyr is often referred to in the East as Euphemia the Far-renowned, and she is among the saints named in the canon of the Milanese Mass and in the preparation according to Russian usage of the Byzantine rite. 649-655 St. Martin I, pope and martyr The birthday of; feast, however, is observed on the 12th of November He had called together a council at Rome and condemned the heretics Sergius, Paul and Pyrrhus. By order of the heretical Emperor Constantius he was taken prisoner through a deceit, brought to Constantinople, and exiled to the Chersonese. There he ended his life, worn out with his labours for the Catholic faith and favoured with many virtues. His body was afterwards brought to Rome and buried in the church of Saints Sylvester and Martin. His feast, however, is observed on the 12th of November. 1087 BD VICTOR III, POPE -- Desiderius, one of the greatest abbots of Monte Cassino; He had attracted the favourable notice of Pope St Leo IX, and about 1054 he was at the court of Victor II. Here he met monks from Monte Cassino, went on a pilgrimage to that cradle of Benedictine monasticism, and joined the community. In the year 1057 Pope Stephen X summoned Desiderius to Rome, intending to send him as his legate to Constantinople. Stephen had been abbot of Monte Cassino and retained the office on his elevation to the papacy, but now, believing himself to be dying, he ordered the election of a successor. The choice fell on Desiderius, and he had got to Bari on his way to the East when he learned of the pope’s death and was told to return. There was a disputed succession to Stephen X, in which Desiderius supported Pope Nicholas II, who made him a cardinal before he was permitted to go and take up his duties at his monastery. 1628 Bl. Michael Fimonaya Martyr of Japan Dominican tertiary native; Michael was beatified in 1867 by Pope Pius IX. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 15 2016
90 St. Nicomedes
of Rome priest refused to aposate
M (RM). At Rome, on
the Via Nomentana, the birthday of blessed
Nicomedes, priest and martyr. Because he
said to those who would compel him to sacrifice: "I
offer sacrifice only to the omnipotent God who reigneth
in heaven," he was for a long time scourged with leaded whips,
and thus passed to the Lord.
The Emperor Constantine Copronymus thought that the relics of the saints and martyrs were worthless objects, and that anyone who collected the bones of the holy ones was a fool. He therefore set about finding as many of these sacred remains as he could and throwing them into the sea. Pope Saint Paschal I, who was elected in 817, 32 years after the emperor's death, disagreed. Whereas Constantine Copronymus had got rid of saintly bones, Paschal I conceived it as his duty to find as many replacements as possible. The church of Santa Prassede in Rome is filled with all that he collected, their names inscribed on marble tablets close by the sanctuary. 1510 St. Catherine (Caterinetta) of Genoa, Widow; "He who purifies himself from his faults in the present life, satisfies with a penny a debt of a thousand ducats; and he who waits until the other life to discharge his debts, consents to pay a thousand ducats for that which he might before have paid with a penny." Saint Catherine, Treatise on purgatory. (RM) 16th v. Saint Bessarion, Archbishop of Larissa, founded the Dusika monastery in Thessaly. In Genoa, St. Catherine, a widow, renowned for her contempt of the world and her love of God. Born in Genoa, Italy, 1447; died there, September 14, 1510; beatified in 1737 and equipollently canonized by Pope Benedict XIV a few years later (others say she was canonized in 1737); feast day formerly on March 22. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 14 2016
Triumph
of the Cross
Although believers
spoke of the cross as the instrument of salvation,
it seldom appeared in Christian artunless disguised as an anchor or the Chi-Rho until after Constantine's edict of toleration.
258 Pope
St. Sixtus II Elected 31 Aug., 257, martyred
at Rome, 6 Aug., 258
(XYSTUS). During the pontificate of his predecessor, St. Stephen, a sharp dispute had arisen between Rome and the African and Asiatic Churches, concerning the rebaptism of heretics, which had threatened to end in a complete rupture between Rome and the Churches of Africa and Asia Minor (see SAINT CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE). Sixtus II, whom Pontius (Vita Cyprian, cap. xiv) styles a good and peaceful priest (bonus et pacificus sacerdos), was more conciliatory than St. Stephen and restored friendly relations with these Churches, though, like his predecessor, he upheld the Roman usage of not rebaptizing heretics. 253 Pope Cornelius; predecessor, Fabian, put to death by Decius, 250. March, 251 persecution slackened, owing to absence of the emperor, (two rivals had arisen); 16 bishops at Rome elected Cornelius against his will was; "What fortitude in his acceptance of the episcopate, what strength of mind, what firmness of faith, that he took his seat intrepid in the sacerdotal chair, at a time when the tyrant in his hatred of bishops was making unspeakable threats, when he heard with far more patience that a rival prince was arising against him, than that a bishop of God was appointed at Rome" (Cyprian, Ep. lv, 24). Is he not, asks St. Cyprian, to be numbered among the glorious confessors and martyrs who sat so long awaiting the sword or the cross or the stake and every other torture? Cornelius Martyr (251 to 253). 236-250, Pope Saint Fabian succeeded Saint Antheros governed as bishop of Rome 14 peaceful years Died 250. On January 10, his martyrdom under Decius. He was a layman, who, according to Eusebius, was chosen because a dove flew in through a window during the election and settled on his head. This 'sign' united the votes of the clergy and people for this layman and stranger. Pope St. Fabian (FABIANUS) Pope (236-250), extraordinary circumstances of whose election is related by Eusebius (Hist. Eccl., VI, 29). After the death of Anterus he had come to Rome, with some others, from his farm and was in the city when the new election began. While the names of several illustrious and noble persons were being considered, a dove suddenly descended upon the head of Fabian, of whom no one had even thought. To the assembled brethren the sight recalled the Gospel scene of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Saviour of mankind, and so, divinely inspired, as it were, they chose Fabian with joyous unanimity and placed him in the Chair of Peter. On 20 January Pope Fabian was martyred, and about the same time St. Cyprian retired to a safe place of hiding. His enemies continually reproached him with this. But to remain at Carthage was to court death, to cause greater danger to others, and to leave the Church without government; for to elect a new bishop would have been as impossible as it was at Rome. At Comana in Pontus, the birthday of St. John, bishop of Constantinople, confessor and doctor of the Church, surnamed Chrysostom because of his golden eloquence. He was cast into exile by a faction of his enemies, but was recalled by a decree of Pope Innocent I. However, he suffered many evils on the journey at the hands of the soldiers who guarded him, and he rendered up his soul unto God. His feast is kept on the 27th of January, on which day his holy body was translated to Constantinople by Theodosius the Younger. Pope Pius X declared and appointed this glorious preacher of the divine Word as heavenly patron of those preaching of holy things. 629 The Exaltation Of The Holy Cross, Commonly Called Holy Cross Day; On this day the Western church celebrates, as we learn from the Roman Martyrology and lessons at Matins, the veneration of the great relics of Christ’s cross at Jerusalem after the Emperor Heraclius had recovered them from the hands of the Persians, who had carried them off in 614, fifteen years before. According to the story, the emperor determined to carry the precious burden upon his own shoulders into the city, with the utmost pomp; but stopped suddenly at the entrance to the Holy Places and found he was not able to go forward. The patriarch Zachary, who walked by his side, suggested to him that his imperial splendour was hardly in agreement with the humble appearance of Christ when He bore His cross through the streets of that city. Thereupon the emperor laid aside his purple and his crown, put on simple clothes, went along barefoot with the procession, and devoutly replaced the cross where it was before. It was still in the silver case in which it had been carried away. The patriarch and clergy, finding the seals whole, opened the case with the key and venerated its contents. The original writers always speak of this portion of the cross in the plural number, calling it the pieces of the wood of the true cross. This solemnity was carried out with the most devout thanksgiving, the relics were lifted up for the veneration of the people, and many sick were miraculously cured. 1313 St. Notburga Patroness of poor peasants servants in Tyrol; famous for her miracles and concern for the poor. Before she died she particularly recommended her beloved poor to her master, and asked him to lay her body on a farm-wagon and bury it wherever the oxen should finally rest. This was done, and after a journey of which the usual miraculous accompaniments are recorded, the oxen brought the burden to a halt before the door of the church of St Rupert at Eben. Here accordingly St Notburga was buried. In 1862. Pope Pius IX confirmed her local cultus as patroness of poor peasants and hired servants. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 13 2016
407
St. John
Chrysostom "golden-mouthed"
When it came to justice and charity, John
acknowledged no double standards.
The ambiguity and intrigue surrounding John,
the great preacher (his name means "golden-mouthed")
from Antioch, are characteristic of the life of
any great man in a capital city. Brought to Constantinople
after a dozen years of priestly service in Syria,
John found himself the reluctant victim of an imperial
ruse to make him bishop in the greatest city of the empire.
Ascetic, unimposing but dignified, and troubled by stomach
ailments from his desert days as a monk, John began his episcopate
under the cloud of imperial politics. If his body was
weak, his tongue was powerful. The content of his sermons, his
exegesis of Scripture, were never without a point. Sometimes
the point stung the high and mighty. Some sermons lasted up to
two hours.
His life-style at the imperial court was not appreciated by some courtiers. He offered a modest table to episcopal sycophants hanging around for imperial and ecclesiastical favors. John deplored the court protocol that accorded him precedence before the highest state officials. He would not be a kept man. ; Two prominent personages who personally undertook to discredit John were Theophilus, Archbishop of Alexandria, and Empress Eudoxia. Theophilus feared the growth in importance of the Bishop of Constantinople and took occasion to charge John with fostering heresy. Theophilus and other angered bishops were supported by Eudoxia. The empress resented his sermons contrasting gospel values with the excesses of imperial court life. Whether intended or not, sermons mentioning the lurid Jezebel and impious Herodias were associated with the empress, who finally did manage to have John exiled. He died in exile in 407. The saint wrote to Pope St Innocent I, begging him to invalidate all that had been done, for the miscarriage of justice had been notorious. So the cabal proceeded to a sentence of deposition against him, which they sent to the Emperor Arcadius, accusing him at the same time of treason, apparently in having called the empress “Jezebel “. Thereupon the emperor issued an order for his banishment. For three days Constantinople was in an uproar, and Chrysostom delivered a vigorous manifesto from his pulpit. “Violent storms encompass
me on all sides: yet I am
without fear, because I stand upon a rock.
Though the sea roar and the waves rise high, they cannot
overwhelm the ship of Jesus Christ. I fear not death,
which is my gain; nor banishment, for the whole earth
is the Lord’s; nor the loss of goods, for I came naked
into the world, and I can carry nothing out of it.”
607 St Eulogius, Patriarch Of Alexandria celebrated for learning and sanctity; Of the numerous writings of St Eulogius, chiefly against heresies, only a sermon and a few fragments remain one treatise was submitted to St Gregory before publication, and he approved it with the words, “I find nothing in your writings but what is admirable”. St Eulogius did not long survive his friend, dying at Alexandria about the year 607. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 12 2016
Holy
Name of Mary: The feast of the Most Holy Name
of Mary began in Spain in 1513 and in 1671 was
extended to all of Spain and the Kingdom of Naples.
In 1683, John Sobieski, king of Poland, brought an
army to the outskirts of Vienna to stop the advance of
Muslim armies loyal to Mohammed IV in Constantinople.
After
Sobieski entrusted himself to the
Blessed Virgin Mary, he and his soldiers
thoroughly defeated the Muslims.
Pope
Innocent XI extended this feast
to the entire Church to commemorate victory
at the Battle of Vienna in 1683.
At Pavia,
St. Juventius,
bishop, mentioned on the 8th of
February. The blessed Hermagoras,
disciple of the evangelist St. Mark, sent him to that
city along with St. Cyrus, who is mentioned on the
9th of December. They both preached the Gospel
of Christ there, and being renowned for great virtues and
miracles, enlightened the neighbouring cities by divine
works. They closed their glorious careers in peace,
invested with the episcopal office.Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 11 2016
258 St. Cyprian
development of Christian
thought and practice northern Africa:
see Saint_of_the_Day September16.
html Butler Lives - Thurston
; During a plague in Carthage,
he urged Christians to help everyone, including
their enemies and persecutors. A friend of Pope
Cornelius, Cyprian opposed the following pope,
Stephen. He and the other African bishops would
not recognize the validity of Baptism conferred by heretics
and schismatics. This was not the universal view
of the Church, but Cyprian was not intimidated even by Stephen's
threat of excommunication. He was exiled by
the emperor and then recalled for trial. He refused to leave
the city, insisting that his people should have the witness
of his martyrdom.
253-268 SS. PROTUS AND HYACINTH, MARTYRS; The relics of St Protus are supposed to have been removed into the city by Pope St Leo IV in the middle of the ninth century, and parts thereof have been translated several times since. In an epitaph by Pope St Damasus, these martyrs are referred to as brothers. 1840 Bl. John-Gabriel Perboyre Martyr of China Vincentian from Puech; Pope Leo XIII beatified him in 1889, making him the first martyr in China to be so honored. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1996. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 10 2016
453 St. Pulcheria
Empress of the Eastern
Roman Empire, eldest daughter of the Emperor
Arcadius; opposition
to the doctines of Nestorius and Eutyches;
she built churches,
hospitals, houses for pilgrims, and gave rich gifts
to churches . In 449 Pope St
Leo the Great appealed to St Pulcheria and to the emperor
to reject Monophysism, and the answer of Theodosius was
to approve the acts of the “Robber Synod” of Ephesus, and to
drive St Flavian from the see of Constantinople. Puicheria
was firmly orthodox, but her influence with her brother had
been weakened. The pope wrote again, and the archdeacon
of Rome, Hilarus, wrote, and the Western emperor, Valentinian
III, with Eudoxia his wife (Theodosius’s daughter) and Galla
Placidia, his mother—and amid all these appeals Theodosius
suddenly died, killed by a fall from his horse while hunting.
584 St. Salvius Bishop of Albi friend of Pope St. Gregory I the Great; ransomed prisoners and brought King Chilperic back to orthodox teachings. 1160 St. Cosmas bishop and martyr. He was named bishop of Aphrodisia, ordained by Pope Eugene III. When the Saracens captured his see, Cosmas was seized and died as a result of harsh abuse. His cult was approved by Pope Leo XIII. 1305 Saint Nicholas of Tolentino Patron of Holy Souls in Purgatory, and, with St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church hundreds of miracles. Born 1245 at Sant'Angelo, March of Ancona, diocese of Fermo, Italy Died 10 September 1305 at Tolentino, Italy following a long illness; relics rediscovered at Tolentino in 1926; in previous times they were known exude blood when the Church was in danger Canonized 5 June (Pentecost) 1446 by Pope Eugene IV; over 300 miracles were recognized by the Congregation. 1622 Bb. Apollinaris Franco, Charles Spinola and Their Companions, Martyrs In The Great Martyrdom In Japan. IN 1867, the same year in which persecution began again in Urakami, though not to blood, Pope Pius IX beatified 295 of the martyrs of Japan, of whom the Franciscan Martyrology today refers to eighteen members of its first order and twenty-two tertiaries. Owing to various causes—among them it seems we must sadly recognize national jealousies and even religious rivalries between the missionaries of various orders—the shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa in 1614 decreed that Christianity should be abolished, and these Franciscan beati suffered between the years 1617 and 1632. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 09 2016
556 Saint Ciaran
of Clonmacnoise 1/12 Apostles
of Ireland his holiness spread abroad:
miraculous events. When
Pope John Paul II visited Ireland, it was
the only school that he visited. The monastery survived
many invasions and raids until 1552, and there are
still many notable ruins remaining from its early days.
Although Ciaran's shrine was plundered several times
during the medieval period, the Clonmacnoise crozier
remains in the National Museum in Dublin.
1478 Blessed Seraphina Sforza, Poor Clare V (AC); But Sueva entered the convent in 1457, when she was twenty-five years old, and whatever she may have had to repent of she had more than twenty years in which to grow holy in the living of a most austere religious rule. This she did, and the local cultus of Bd Seraphina was approved by Pope Benedict XIV in 1754. 1654 Saint Peter Claver, SJ Priest unable to abolish the slave trade Though Father Claver's activities were not confined to the Negroes, the "slave of the slaves" regarded
himself as, above all, consecrated
to their service.(RM) Sometimes St Peter
would spend almost the whole day in the great square
of the city, where the four principal streets met,
preaching to all who would stop to listen, he became the
apostle of Cartagena as well as of the Negroes, and in so
huge a work was aided by God with those gifts that particularly
pertain to apostles, of miracles, of prophecy, and of reading
hearts.
The conditions under
which they were conveyed across the Atlantic were so
foul and inhuman as to be beyond belief, and
it was reckoned that there would be a loss in each
cargo by death during the six or seven weeks’ voyage
of at least a third; but in spite of this an average of ten
thousand living slaves was landed in Cartagena every
year. In spite of the condemnation of this great crime
by Pope Paul III and by many lesser authorities,
this “supreme villainy”, as slave-trading was designated
by Pius IX, continued to flourish; all
that most of the owners did in response to the voice of the
Church was to have their slaves baptized. They received no
religious instruction or ministration, no alleviation
of their physical condition, so that the sacrament of baptism
became to them a very sign and symbol of their oppression
and wretchedness. The clergy were practically powerless;
all they could do was to protest and to devote themselves
to the utmost to individual ministration, corporal and material,
among the tens of thousands of suffering human beings. They
had no charitable funds at their disposal, no plaudits from well-disposed
audiences; they were hampered and discouraged by the
owners and often rebuffed by the Negroes themselves. St Peter Claver was never again forgotten and his
fame spread throughout the world: he was canonized at
the same time as his friend St Alphonsus Rodriguez in 1888,
and he was declared by Pope Leo XIII patron
of all missionary enterprises among Negroes, in whatever
part of the world. His feast is observed throughout the United
States.1853 Blessed Frédèric Ozanam Both mystical and practical; humble no pride of intellect; faught secularism and anti-clericalism in Europe; Born in Lyons, France, in 1813; beatified in 1997 by Pope John Paul II. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 08 2016
701 St
Sergius I, Pope; Sergius
was an alumnus of the Roman schola cantorum,
and he seems to have been actively concerned with the
liturgy and its music in particular, the Liber
pontificalis states that he directed that the Agnus
Dei "should be sung by clergy and people at the breaking
of the Lord's body" at Mass, and he ordained that the
Roman church should observe the four feasts of our Lady already
kept at Constantinople, namely, her birthday, her purification,
the Annunciation and her "falling alseep"... In the words
of Alcuin, "a holy and most worthy successor of St Peter,
second to none in piety".
730 St. Corbinian "bear" A bishop ordained by Pope St. Gregory II 1071 St. Adela Benedictine noblewoman; Adela was the wife of Count Baldwin IV of Flanders. When the count died, she entered the Benedictines, receiving the habit from Pope Alexander II. Retiring to the Benedictine convent near Ypres, Adela served as a nun until her death. 1628 Bl. Michael Jamada Japan native martyr Dominican tertiary of Japan. Michael converted and became an outstanding Catholic. He was arrested for aiding foreign missionaries and was beheaded at Nagasaki. Pope Pius IX beatified all these martyrs in 1867. 1622 Bl. John Inamura Japanese martyr 1628 Bl. Anthony of St. Bonaventure Franciscan Spanish martyr of Japan 1628 Bl. Thomas of St. Hyacinth Japanese martyr native catechist 1628 Bl. Thomas Tomaki Japanese martyr young boy 1628 Bl. John Tomaki Japanese martyr and Dominican tertiary 1628 Bl. Dominic of Nagasaki Japanese martyr native 1628 St. James Fayashida, Blessed Japanese martyr native 1628 Bl. Lawrence Jamada Martyr of Japan 1628 Bl. Leo Kombiogi Martyr of Japan Dominican tertiary 1628 Bl. Louis Nifaki Martyred Japanese Dominican tertiary 1628 St. Louis of Omura She Martyr of Japan 1628 St. Romanus Aybara Father of Blessed Paul Aybara and martyr 1628 Bl. Matthew Alvarez Japanese martyr native Dominican tertiary 1628 Bl. Michael Jamada Japan native martyr Dominican tertiary 1626 Bl. Michael Tomaki A thirteen-year-old Japan martyr 1628 St. Paul Aybara Japanese martyr 1628 Bl. Paul Tomaki young Japanese martyr Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 07 2016
400 St. Pamphilus
Bishop of Capua A
Greek, consecrated bishop by Pope Siricius.
Pamphilus’ relics are in Benevento
450 Augustalis as the first historical bishop of Gaul; Duchesne saya assisted at councils in 441 and 442 and signed in 449 and 450 the letters addressed to Pope Leo I from the province of Arles France. 1211 Eustace of Flay, OSB Cist. Abbot apostolic legate of Pope Innocent III to England and represented the holy father against the Albigensians (PC) St. Eustace abbot, was apostolic legate to England St. Eustace was born at Beauvais, France. He was ordained and served as a priest in his native diocese until he joined the Cistercians at Flay (St. Germer). He later was elected abbot, was apostolic legate to England for Pope Innocent III {1161 1216}, and was later sent by Innocent as his legate to combat Albigensianism in southern France. 1619 Bb. Mark, Stephen And Melchior, Martyrs at the instigation of the Calvinists; They were canonized in 1995 as the Martyrs of Kosice by Pope John Paul II. 1627 Bl. Louis Maki Martyr of Japan layman The adopted son of Blessed Louis Maki. A Christian, he refused to abjure the faith when arrested and was burned alive at Nagasaki. Pope Pius IX beatified him in 1867. 1644 Bl. John Duckett Martyr of England 1644 Bl. Ralph Corby Jesuit martyr of England; Both were beatified in 1929 and also 1644 Bl. Ralph Corby Jesuit martyr of England Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 06 2016
585-590 Eleutherius
of Spoleto, OSB Abbot
one favored by God with the gift of miracles
(RM);
At Rome, the holy abbot Eleutherius,
a servant of God, who, according to the testimony
of Pope St. Gregory, raised a dead man to life by
his prayers and tears.
7th v. St. Felix and Augebert 2 martyred English who were captured and sold into slavery in France. Ransomed by Pope St. Gregory I the Great, Felix became a priest and Augebert a deacon. 1258 Liberatus of Loro, OFM introduced initial austerity of Friars Minor with help of Blesseds Humilis and Pacificus(AC); The cultus of this beato was approved by Pope Pius IX in 1868, but his history is involved in a good deal of obscurity. 1997 Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta Albania now Skopje, Macedonia Ottoman Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the tiny woman recognized throughout the world for her work among the poorest of the poor, was beatified October 19, 2003. Among those present were hundreds of Missionaries of Charity, the Order she founded in 1950 as a diocesan religious community. Today the congregation also includes contemplative sisters and brothers and an order of priests. Speaking in a strained, weary voice at the beatification Mass, Pope John Paul II declared her blessed, prompting waves of applause before the 300,000 pilgrims in St. Peter's Square. In his homily, read by an aide for the aging pope, the Holy Father called Mother Teresa “one of the most relevant personalities of our age” and “an icon of the Good Samaritan.” 1947 Blessed Claudio Granzotto Friars Minor sculptur; Pope John Paul II said that Claudio made his sculpture "the privileged instrument" of his apostolate and evangelization. "His holiness was especially radiant in his acceptance of suffering and death in union with Christ’s Cross. Thus by consecrating himself totally to the Lord’s love, he became a model for religious, for artists in their search for God’s beauty and for the sick in his loving devotion to the Crucified" (L’Osservatore Romano, Vol. 47, No. 1, 1994). Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 05 2016
1316 BD RAYMUND
LULL, MARTYR; Although Ramón’s whole life
was a record of disappointment, his literary activity was
incredible. Three hundred and thirteen different treatises
are attributed to him, most of them
in Latin or Catalan, but not a few are in Arabic.
Some of his writings have been thought to deserve a note
of theological censure, but there is also difficulty
in determining in certain cases what is authentically
his composition. Nearly all of it gives proof
of a tender piety, but he speaks fearlessly of the abuses
then prevalent in the Church. Lull is celebrated liturgically
by the Friars Minor and others, and Pope Pius XI
speaks highly of him in his encyclical letter
“Orientalium rerum” (1928),
but without according him the title Blessed.
1340 Blessed Gentilis (Gentil) of Matelica sowed faith in Italy, Islamics of Egypt, Arabia, finally martyrd in Persia OFM M. In 1433 Pope Eugenius IV appointed St Laurence to the bishopric of Castello, a diocese which included part of Venice. He tried hard to avoid this dignity and responsibility, and he took possession of his cathedral-church so privately that his own friends knew nothing of the matter till the ceremony was over. As a religious so as a prelate he was admirable for his sincere piety towards God and the greatness of his charity to the poor. He remitted nothing of the austerities which he had practised in the cloister, and from his prayer drew a light, courage and vigour which directed and animated him in his whole conduct; he pacified dissensions in the state and governed a diocese in most difficult times with as much ease as if it had been a single well-regulated convent. 1455 St. Lawrence Giustiniani Bishop of Venice; prior of San Giorgios; deep prayer life; raptures; penance provided him experiential knowledge paths of interior life ability to direct souls; tears shed offering Mass affected all who assisted awakened in them renewed faith. In 1433 Pope Eugenius IV appointed St Laurence to the bishopric of Castello, a diocese which included part of Venice. He tried hard to avoid this dignity and responsibility, and he took possession of his cathedral-church so privately that his own friends knew nothing of the matter till the ceremony was over. As a religious so as a prelate he was admirable for his sincere piety towards God and the greatness of his charity to the poor. He remitted nothing of the austerities which he had practised in the cloister, and from his prayer drew a light, courage and vigour which directed and animated him in his whole conduct; he pacified dissensions in the state and governed a diocese in most difficult times with as much ease as if it had been a single well-regulated convent. The popes of his time held St Laurence in great veneration. Eugenius IV, meeting him once at Bologna, saluted him with the words, “Welcome, ornament of bishops!” His successor, Nicholas V, equally esteemed him and in 1451 recognized his worth in no uncertain fashion. 1838 St. Joseph Canh native Martyr of Vietnam physician. He was a native physician of Vietnam, a Dominican tertiary, and was beheaded by the Japanese authorities because of his refusal to deny Christ. Joseph was canonized in 1988 by Pope John Paul II. 1838 St. Peter Tu Vietnamese martyr native priest; Vietnamese, joined became a priest in his own country. He was beheaded. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta September 5, 2006 1910-1997 Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 04 2016
78 St. Candida
the Elder cured of an
illness by St. Peter. In
the 9th century, her relics were enshrined in Saint
Praxedes church by Pope Saint Paschal I
(Benedictines, Encyclopedia) .
423 Pope St. Boniface I; gently,
but firmly, defended the rights of the Holy
See; a strong supporter of St Augustine in
his opposition to Pelagianism (RM)
515 St. John, the Short, Arrival of the Holy Relic to the Wilderness of Scetis. On this day also, in the year 515 A.D., the body of the great saint Anba John, the Short, was relocated from Al-Qulzum (Red Sea) to the wilderness of Scetis. When Pope John (Youhanna), 48th Pope of Alexandria, was in the wilderness of Scetis, some of the monks expressed their wish to relocate the relics of St. John, the Short, to his monastery. The Grace of God moved the Pope, and he wrote a letter by the hand of the Hegumen Kosman and Hegumen Boctor, from the elders, and sent them to Al-Qulzum. 1160 St. Rosalia hermit; descendant great Charlemagne; Pope Urban VIII entered her name in the Roman Martyrology, wherein she is mentioned twice, on this date (said to be of her death) and on July 15, the anniversary of the finding of her relics. With the bones were found a crucifix of terra-cotta, a Greek cross of silver, and a string of beads, twelve small and a large one, which was doubtless a rosary in one of its many early forms. The feast of St Rosalia on September 4 is still the principal popular festa among the Panormitans, who always look for a cleansing rain on the preceding days. Her body was discovered several centuries later, in 1625, during the pontificate of Pope Urban VIII. 1251 St. Rose of Viterbo; At Viterbo, the translation of St. Rose the Virgin, of the Third Order of St. Francis, during the pontificate of Pope Alexander IV. St Rose therefore returned to her parents' house, where she died on March 6 1252, about the age of seventeen. She was buried in the church of Santa Maria in Podio, but her body was on September 4 in 1258 translated to the church of the convent of St Mary of the Roses, as she had foretold. This church was burnt down in 1357 but her body was preserved and is annually carried in procession through the streets of Viterbo. Pope Innocent IV immediately after her death ordered an inquiry into the virtues of St Rose, but her canonization was not achieved until 1457. 1711 Blessed Joseph Vaz, the "Apostle of Sri Lanka several miracles attributed registered in Sri Lanka. "These records are regularly sent to Rome," few pilgrims from Goa visit his country, because "we don't have anything of Blessed Vaz." By Vatican proclamation, the venerated native son was declared patron of Goa in 2000. Blessed Vaz died in Kandy, central Sri Lanka, which remained an independent kingdom during the time of Dutch rule over the rest of the island. The late Pope John Paul II beatified him, declaring him blessed, in Colombo in 1995. 1926 Blessed Dina Bélanger her devotion to the Blessed Sacrament transformed her into a woman of infectious joy despite illness; Born in Québec, Canada, 1897; died 1929; beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1993. When Dina joined the Sisters of Jesus-Marie in Rome (founded by Saint Claudine Thevenet), she took the name Marie Sainte-Cecile of Rome to honor the patron of musicians because she was herself an accomplished pianist. During the course of her life as a sister, her devotion to the Blessed Sacrament transformed her into a woman of infectious joy despite illness. Her autobiography was published in Québec in 1984 (Catholic World News, May 1, 1997). Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
September 03 2016
604 Saint
Gregory, the raising to the Sovereign
Pontificate of Great Pope and Doctor of the Church.
After the death of
Pelagius, St. Gregory was chosen Pope by
the unanimous consent of priests and people. Now began
those labors which merited for him the title of
Great. His zeal extended over the entire known world,
he was in contact with all the Churches of Christendom
and, in spite of his bodily sufferings, and innumerable
labors, he found time to compose a great number of
works. He is known above all for his magnificent contributions
to the Liturgy of the Mass and Office. He is one of the four
great Doctors of the Latin Church. He died March 12, 604. He
is the patron of teachers.
1315 St. Andrew Dotti mystic granted visions Servite missionary. He was buried in the church at Borgo San Sepolcro, where the popular veneration for his holiness was confirmed by miracles, and in 1806 Pope Pius VII approved the ancient cultus. Pope St. Pius X, whose birthday is mentioned on the 20th of August. Sancti Pii Papæ Décimi, cujus natális dies tertiodécimo Kaléndas Septémbris recensétur. THAT distinguished historian of earlier popes, Baron von Pastor, has written of Pope Pius X: He was one of those chosen few men whose personality is irresistible. Everyone was moved by his simplicity and his angelic kindness. Yet it was something more that carried him into all hearts: and that “something” is best defined by saying that all who were ever admitted to his presence had a deep conviction of being face to face with a saint. And the more one knows about him the stronger this Conviction becomes.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today September
01 2016
520 St. Constantius
Bishop of Aquino; renowned for the gift
of prophecy. many virtues; mentioned by Pope St. Gregory the Great
in his Dialogues.
543-615 'St Columbanus Was a 'Privileged Channel of God’s Grace' . “Saint Columbanus, who according to Benedict XVI we can truly consider one of the ‘Fathers of Europe,’ was convinced that there can be fraternity in the heart of Europe between people only if a civilization exists that is open to God.” This statement was made by Pope Francis in a letter that Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, sent on Francis' behalf for the 18th International Meeting of the Columbanus Community, on the 1400th anniversary of the death of the saint. It was sent to Bishop Gianni Ambrosio of Piacenza-Bobbio, Italy. 1490 St. Beatrice da Silva Meneses foundress. canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1976. In 1484, Beatrice founded the Congregation of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The groups first house was the castle of Galliana, a gift from Queen Isabel. Beatrice died at Toledo on September 1, 1490 1367 BD JOAN SODERINI, VIRGIN her tomb at once became a place of pilgrimage.. In 1828 Count Soderini, a relative of Joan, petitioned Pope Leo XII for confirmation of this cultus, which was duly granted. |
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64 Saint Simon
Peter
or Cephas first pope, Prince of the Apostles,
and founder, with Saint Paul, of
the see of Rome
Simon Peter or Cephas, the first pope, Prince of the Apostles, and founder, with Saint Paul, of the see of Rome. At Rome, the birthday of the holy apostles Peter and Paul, who suffered martyrdom on the same day, under Emperor Nero. Within the city the former was crucified with his head downwards, and buried in the Vatican, near the Triumphal Way, where he is venerated by the whole world. The latter was put to the sword and buried on the Ostian Way, where he received similar honours.the inscription set up by Pope St Damasus I (d. 384) at the place near St Sebastian's would then merely commemorate the institution of a festival in 258 which, for convenience or some other reason, was celebrated ad catacumbas. Popes mentioned
in
articles of Saints today June
29
From Pope Clement I, successor of St.
Peter: “It was through envy and jealousy
that the greatest and most upright
pillars of the Church were persecuted
and struggled unto death.... First of all,
Peter, who because of unreasonable jealousy
suffered not merely once or twice but many
times, and, having thus given his witness, went
to the place of glory that he deserved. It
was through jealousy and conflict that Paul showed
the way to the prize for perseverance. He was
put in chains seven times, sent into exile,
and stoned; a herald both in the east and the west,
he achieved a noble fame by his faith....”
250 Saint Martial
Bishop of Limoges
one of the first apostles of France;
It
is stated that Pope John XIX
gave permission for the term “apostle"
to be applied to St Martial, but the Congregation
of Rites in 1854 refused to ratify this,
deciding that he was to be venerated in the
Mass, the litanies, and office as an ordinary
bishop and confessor. It would seem, however, that
the bishop of Limoges, in answer to a remonstrance
and appeal addressed to Pius IX in
the same year, was gratified with a favourable
answer permitting that in that diocese St Martial
should enjoy the style and precedence of an
apostle. Marytrs of Rome Pope St. Alexander I -- The groups of Christians who perished during cruel persecutions in the Eternal City. A group baptized by Pope St. Alexander I 558 At Narni, St. Cassius, bishop of that city. St. Gregory relates that he permitted scarcely any day of his life to pass without offering the Victim of propitiation to Almighty God. It was in character with his life for he distributed in alms all he possessed, and his devotion was such that abundant tears flowed from his eyes during the holy Sacrifice. At last, coming to Rome on the birthday of the apostles, as was his yearly custom, after having solemnly celebrated Mass and given the Lord's Body and the kiss of peace to all, he departed for heaven. 1066 Saint
Theobald Camaldolese hermit and monk priest; sanctity attracted many disciples,
A
little before his death he sent for an
abbot of the Camaldolese hermits from
whose hands he had already received the religious
habit. To him he made his profession, recommended
his mother and his disciples, and, having received
viaticum, died in peace on the last day of June,
1066. He was canonized within less than seven years
by Pope Alexander II.
1315 Bl. Raymond Lull Christ Visions one of the military leaders who reconquered Majorca from the Moslems Further appeals to Popes Boniface VIII and Clement V for aid in his mission to the Mohammedans were fruitless, as was a visit to Cypress. He wrote voluminously - more than 300 treatises (many in Arabic) on philosophy, music, navigation, law, astronomy, mathematics, and theology, chief among his writings being Arbre de philosophia de armor. He also wrote mystical poetry of the highest order and is considered the forerunner of Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross; his Blanquera is the first novel written in Catalan. His cult was confirmed in 1858 by Pope Pius IX. 1838 Saint Vincent Yen Dominican native Vietnamese martyr Entered Dominicans in 1808; worked as missionary in the country. Seized in anti-Christian persecutions; he was beheaded after spending six years in hiding. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. Popes mentioned
in
articles of Saints today June
28
95 Departure
of St.
Cedron (Kardonos), the Fourth Patriarch
of Alexandria This father was baptized
by the hand of St. Mark the apostle, and the
evangelist of the land of Egypt.
He learned the doctrines and
the books of the Church.
After the departure of Pope Melius, he was ordained a Pope for the See of St. Mark in the 7th day of Tute (September 5th, 95 A.D.). 202 Saint Irenaeus -- Pope St Eleutherius -- writings of Saint Irenaeus entitle him to a high place among the fathers of the Church, for they not only laid the foundations of Christian theology but, by exposing and refuting the errors of the gnostics, they delivered the Catholic Faith from the real danger of the doctrines of those heretics: He was most influenced by Saint Polycarp who had known the apostles or their immediate disciples. Their captivity, however, did not prevent them from continuing to take a deep interest in their fellow Christians in Asia Minor. Conscious of the sympathetic hearing to which they were entitled as confessors in imminent peril of death, they sent to Pope St Eleutherius, by the hands of Irenaeus, what is described by Eusebius as "a most religious and most orthodox" letter, in which they appealed to him-in the interest of the peace and unity of the Church to deal leniently with their Montanist brethren in Phrygia. Thirteen or fourteen years after his mission to Pope Eleutherius, Irenaeus again acted as mediator between a pope and a body of Christians in Asia Minor. Because the Quartodecimans refused to keep Easter in accordance with the Western use they had been excommunicated by Victor III, and there was in consequence a real danger of schism. Irenaeus intervened on their behalf. In a singularly beautiful letter addressed to the pope he pleaded with him to raise the ban, pointing out that they were only following their old tradition, and that a difference of opinion on that very point had not prevented Pope Anicetus and St Polycarp from remaining in communion. 6th century Saint Benignus -- Pope Pelagius II-- Bishop and martyr. He is mentioned in Pope Pelagius II's decretal concerning his resignation from his see. Benignus retired to Utrecht, in the Netherlands. He is listed in the Roman Martyrology, and his relics were found in Utrecht, in 996. 683 SAINT LEO
II Pope
he accomplished good works which have caused
his name to be blessed by all succeeding
generations
He built three churches in Rome, to honor
Saint Paul
the Apostle, Saint Sebastian, and Saint
George. Saint Leo was highly gifted
in the domain of music, and he renovated the
Gregorian literature or library, then in a state
of confusion; he also composed new hymns, still
conserved by the Church. He took special care of
widows and orphans and the poor in general, relieving
their sufferings with a truly apostolic charity. Saint
Leo confirmed the Acts of the Sixth Ecumenical Council
which his predecessor had convoked at Constantinople against
the Monothelite heresy, and translated its acts into Latin
for the benefit of the Occidentals.
767 Saint Paul I, Pope {Pope from 757-767}. The brother of Pope Stephen II and a Roman, he was educated in the Lateran Palace, became a deacon under Pope Zachary, and wielded considerable influence in his brother’s administration. Elected to succeed Stephen, he took as his primary concern the threat posed to Rome and the Papal States by the Lombards. THE immediate successor of Pope Stephen III in the chair of St Peter was his younger brother Paul. They had been educated together at the Lateran school, they had been made deacons together by Pope St Zachary, and Paul remained closely associated with his brother, whom he tenderly nursed in his last illness and whose policy he continued to pursue. 1654 Saint John -- Pope Paul VI -- Southworth became a priest in 1619 in Douai One of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales relics are in Westminster Cathedral in London, discovered there in 1927. Pope Paul VI canonized him in 1970. 1847 Saint Vincenza Gerosa Pope Pius XII -- Co-foundress of the Sisters of Charity native of Lovere, Italy gave her life to aiding the poor , Pope Pius XII added to the list of holy virgins. canonized in 1975 by Pope Paul VI Popes mentioned
in
articles of Saints today June
27
444 St. Cyril
of Alexandria
Pope St Celestine I
-- Bishop Doctor
of the Church (June 27) "Seal
of the Fathers" in the East; feast day
formerly on January 28 and February 9. Both parties appealed
to Pope St
Celestine I who, after examining the
doctrine in a council at Rome, condemned it
and pronounced a sentence of excommunication
and deposition against Nestorius unless,
within ten days of receiving notice of the
sentence, he publicly retracted his errors. Pope Celestine
described him as "the generous
defender of the Catholic faith" and "an
apostolic man".
He was declared a doctor of the Universal Church in 1882, and at the fifteenth centenary of his death in 1944 Pope Pius XII issued an encyclical letter, "Orientalis ecclesiae", on "this light of Christian wisdom and valiant hero of the apostolate ". 1066 St. Arialdus Pope Alexander II -- Martyr of Milan remains recovered ten months later uncorrupt and sweet smelling Also called Arialdo. A noble of the Milan region and born in Cutiacum, Italy, Arialdus studied at Laon and Paris, France, before becoming a canon. He preached against the abuses in the city and was excommunicated by Bishop Guido, but was reinstated by Pope Stephen IX. Bishop Guido, who was finally suspended, was guilty of simony and immorality. His allies slew Arialdus and threw his body into Lake Maggiore. The remains were recovered ten months later, uncorrupt and sweet smelling, and carried to Milan Cathedral. There the remains were on public display before being interred in the cathedral. In 1067, Pope Alexander II declared Arialdus a martyr. Popes mentioned
in
articles of Saints today June
26
362 St. John
&
Paul Pope
Clement XIV --
Martyred brothers of Rome commemorated in
the first Eucharistic Prayer.
The present basilica
of SS Giovanni e Paolo, with its twelfth-century
Lombard Romanesque belfry and colonnaded apse,
was bestowed by Pope Clement XIV
upon St Paul - of-the-Cross, and is
still served by the Passionists. Excavations made
in 1887 revealed, beneath the church, rooms
of the ancient dwelling-house, with remains of
frescoes, some of which belong to the third century.
684 Pope St. Benedict II distinguished knowledge of Scriptures his singing, a priest remarkable for humility, love of poor, generous 1095 Ladislaus I of Hungary, Pope Celestine III. -- King He fought just and successful wars against Poles, Russians, and the Tartars (RM) renowned for his miracles even to this day. Born in Neustra, Hungary, July 29, 1040; died at Nitra, Bohemia, July 29, 1095; canonized in 1192 by Pope Celestine III. Laszlo supported Pope Gregory VII in his investiture struggle against Emperor Henry IV, and Rupert of Swabia, Henry's rival. 1232 Blessed Benvenuto of Gubbio -- Pope Gregory IX. -- uncouth soldier; endowed with supernatural gifts of a high order: these spread his fame far and wide; many miracles; received into Franciscan order by Saint Francis himself OFM (AC) Cultus authorized by Pope Gregory IX. canonized in 1988 by Pope John Paul II. 1840 Bl. Thomas Toan Vietnamese native Martyr in Vietnam. Popes mentioned
in
articles of Saints today June
25
Pope Kyrillos the Sixth, -- Inauguration of the New St. Mark Cathedral
in the
Monastery of Anba Rowais. {Coptic}
On this day, of the year 1684 A.M.,
that coincided with Tuesday the 25th of June, 1968 A.D., and in the tenth
year of the papacy of Pope Kyrillos the Sixth, 116th Pope of Alexandria,
the holy
church celebrates the inauguration of
the new St. Mark Cathedral in Dair El-Anba
Rowais, which was known also as Dair El-Khandaq.
65 Departure of St. Damianos, 35th Pope of Alexandria. {Coptic} On this day also, of the year 321 A.M. (June 25th, 65 A.D.) St. Damianos, 35th Pope of Alexandria, departed. When Pope Peter (34) was enthroned on the See of St. Mark, he brought and appointed Damianos a private secretary. Damianos pursued a good course of life and everyone loved him. When Pope Peter departed, the bishop unanimously agreed to ordain him a patriarch. He was enthroned a patriarch on the second of Abib 285 A.M. (June 26th, 569 A.D.). He cared for his flock well and he wrote many epistles and discourses. 463 Saint Prosper of Aquitaine study of theological questions wrote poetry and treatises, notably his Chronicle, a universal history from creation to the Vandal capture of Rome in 455 (RM). Prosper and Hilary went to Rome, and returned with a letter from Pope St Celestine I to the bishops of Gaul, praising the zeal of the bearers and calling for peace. Prosper eventually went again to Rome, where he is said to have been secretary to Pope St Leo the Great. He died there some time after 463. 1838 Saint Dominic Henares Pope Leo XIII -- Bishop martyr of Vietna; Spanish Dominican beheaded with Saint Francis Chien; canonized in 1988.beatified in 1900 by Pope Leo XIII; they may be included in the list of those canonized as Martyrs of Vietnam. Popes mentioned
in
articles of Saints today June
24
776 St. Theodulphus
Pope
-- Stephen
IV
-- Abbot
of the Benedictine monastery of Lobbes,
near Liege, BelgiumTheodulf
received the pallium, the symbol
of episcopal authority, from Pope
Stephen IV in 816.
Popes mentioned
in
articles of Saints today June
23
1194 Blessed
Lanfranc
Beccaria, Pope
Clement III--
OSB Vall. B (AC) actively
engaged in resisting the attempts
of the civil authorities to lay hands on
the property of the Church: made
his way to Rome, where he laid his case before
Pope Clement III, who threatened
the rulers of Pavia with his censure.
1496 Blessed Peter James of Pesaro, Pope Pius IX-- OSA (AC) cultus approved by Pope Pius IX. Peter James was an Augustinian friar in Saint Nicholas's at Pesaro (Benedictines). 1608 Saint Thomas Garnet Pope Paul VI -- English Jesuit martyr nephew of the Jesuit Henry Garnet studied for the priesthood at Saint Omer, France, and Valladolid, Spain. Initially ordained as a secular priest, hejoined the Jesuits in 1604 and worked to advance the Catholic cause in Warwick until his arrest in 1606. He was exiled after months of torture but returned in 1607 and was soon arrested refused to take the Oath of Supremacy canonized in 1970 by Pope Paul VI as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. 1860 At Turin, St. Joseph Cafasso, Pope Pius XII-- priest, renowned for his piety and learning, and for his work with prisoners, reconciling to God those who were preparing for execution. He was added to the number of the Saints by Pope Pius XII. Popes mentioned
in
articles of Saints today June
22
96 St. Flavius
Clemens Pope St. Clement-- Roman martyr brother of Emperor Vespasian
uncle
of Emperors Titus and Domitia.
His body was found
in the Basilica of Pope
St. Clement, and buried there with great
pomp.
431 St.
Paulinus
Bishop
of Nola Pope Pius X-- writer poet he gave away their property
vast fortune to poor
and the Church he & wife pursued
a life of deep austerity and mortifications. His body was translated to Benevento,
and later to
Rome, but was taken back to Nola by the order
of Pope Pius X, 1909.
1277 Pope Innocent V Peter of Tarentaise simple, humble friar Blessed Pope Innocent V; masterly tutelage of Saint Albert the Great; visited on foot all Dominican houses under his care; sent to Paris to replace Thomas Aquinas at the University of Paris; succeeded solving questions of Greek schism establishing short-lived truce: OP Pope (RM). At Rome, blessed Pope Innocent V, who laboured with mildness and prudence to maintain liberty for the Church and harmony among the Christians. The veneration paid to him was approved and confirmed by Pope Leo XIII. 1968 Relics
of
the Great St.
Mark
the Apostle by the hand of Pope
Paul the Sixth, Pope of Rome for the opening
of the new St. Mark Cathedral {Coptic}
Popes mentioned
in
articles of Saints today June
21
1591 St.
Aloysius
(Luigi,
Louis) Gonzaga Pius XI -- Benedict XIII declared him patron of young
students
and Pius XI proclaimed him patron of Christian
youth. SJ (RM).
1600 St. John Rigby Martyr of England, a layman executed at Southwak one of the Forty Martyrs of England adn Wales and was canonized in 1970 by Pope Paul VI. 1942 Departure
of Pope
Yoannis
the Nineteenth, 113th Patriarch
of Alexandria. PCoptic}
Aphrodysios The Holy Martyr was beheaded with sword at Cilicia (Asia Minor) for faith in Christ the Saviour. Popes mentioned
in
articles of Saints today June
20
537 Silverius Pope
son
of Pope Saint Hormisdas died a martyr's
death after less than two years in
office M (RM) On the island of Pontia, the
birthday of St. Silverius,
pope and martyr. For refusing to reinstate
the heretical bishop Anthimus who
had been deposed by his predecessor Agapitus,
he was banished to the isle of Pontia by Belisarius,
prompted by the wicked empress Theodora.
He died there, consumed by many tribulations
for the Catholic faith.
710 St. Bagne Pope St Sergius I -- Benedictine monk Bishop missionary disciple of St. Wandrille From a visit to Pope St Sergius I in Rome he returned with many gifts, including the reputed relics of St Silas, the companion of St Paul, which he placed in his cathedral church. He buried the bodies of SS. Luglius and Luglian, two Irish pilgrims who were murdered by robbers as they were on their way back from the Holy Land. Alexander VI. -- 1505 BD OSANNA OF MANTUA, VIRGIN Professor R. W. Chambers described as "that beloved and saintly scholar ... Edmund Gardner", to quote somewhat at length from a privately printed essay of his entitled: "A Mystic of the Renaissance: Osanna Andreasi of Mantua". Speaking of the vision vouchsafed to her in her childhood, Professor Gardner tells how, in her own words, "she feared greatly because of the vision she had had, knowing herself not to be a true and perfect lover of God as she needs must be", and how her aspirations after this perfect state took articulate form in her simple prayer for divine guidance along the way of love. "Again and again", says Professor Gardner, " we find her foretelling the scourge overhanging Italy for the sins of her people, unless they repent; and more particularly in the opening years of the sixteenth century following with agonized apprehension the career of the pope, realizing ever more and more the awful corruption of the Church. Girolamo tells us that 'she feared greatly for the Church', and it is clear that prudential motives prevented him from recording more than the safer portions of her utterances on the subject." On the other hand, Osanna, while evidently believing in the imminent damnation of vast numbers of unrepentant souls, invariably sees individuals as saved-and, very frequently, their immediate passing into Paradise. There is only one exception, and
that is the sovereign pontiff, Alexander
VI. In one of her revelations she tells
Girolamo that she has prayed three times
for the salvation of the pope. The first two
times God seemed disposed to show mercy to
him, the third time she received no reply. "And,
my soul persevering in the demand, there appeared
our Lady, the holy Mother of God, and standing
before her Son she began to pray, and to help my
soul that she might be consoled by the salvation of the
pope, and by the renovation of Holy Church. And thereafter
came all the Apostles, standing round the divine
presence, and all prayed that mercy might be shown
him. Alas, wretched sinner that I am! God ever kept
motionless, with aspect and countenance of wrath; and
He gave no reply to anyone who prayed; not to the Madonna,
nor to the Apostles, nor to my sou!"
Finally Professor Gardner insists that Osanna was not one of those mystics who so turn their backs on the world that they are entirely absorbed in their own spiritual development and progress in perfection. She was never happy, Girolamo
tells us, on any day when she had done no temporal act of mercy, by visiting
the sick, giving alms to the poor, nursing and consoling the afflicted. We
find her ever protecting the weak and oppressed from the rigour of the law,
using her influence to remedy injustice. High and low alike thronged to her
house for advice and comfort, and we have many amusing passages in Girolamo's
book in which their spiritual colloquies are interrupted by the sudden arrival
of Browning's "certain people of importance".
Her spirit of detachment does
not prevent her from caring for the
interests of her brothers, in the
court and in the camp, and a charming little letter
has been preserved in which on the occasion
of a nephew of hers singing his first Mass, she
tells the Marquis of Mantua that she is entertaining
the friars afterwards, and invites him to form
one of the party.
1626 Bl. Michael
Tozo Pope Pius
IX. -- --
Martyr of Japan. He was a native
of Japan who became a catechist and
aide to Blessed Balthasar Torres. Loyal
to the faith, Michael was bumed alive at Nagasaki.
He was beatified in 1867 by Pope Pius IX.Pope Pius XI -- 1678-1680 THE ENGLlSH MARTYRS OF THE OATES PLOT-- All the above martyrs were beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1929. Others who suffered in the Oates plot, and were beatified at the same time with so many others, will be found under the dates July 11, 22, and August 22, 27. Those noticed above are collected under this date of June 20 as that of the largest group, BB. Thomas Whitebread and his fellows. DURING the seventeen years which followed
the
Stuart Restoration in 1660, the Catholics
of England suffered little molestation:
they had, in the past, given abundant evidence
of their loyalty, and King Charles II was
known to be well affected towards them. But
in 1678 the pretended revelations of what came to
be known as the Popish Plot roused the fears and fury
of the nation to fever pitch and caused a renewal of
persecution in its bitterest form.
Popes mentioned
in
articles of Saints today June
19
135 Departure
of
St. Justus, the Sixth Pope of the See of
St. Mark.
On this day also, of the year 135 A.D., St.
Justus,
the Sixth Pope of the See of St. Mark,
departed. This saint was an honorable
and learned man before his ordination.
He was baptized by St. Mark the Apostle, along
with his father, his mother and others.
St. Anianus, the second pope,
ordained him a deacon, then a priest, and
appointed him to preach, and teach the people.
He was chosen for the papacy to succeed Pope Primus.
He shepherded his people with the best of care for ten
years. He departed at a pleasing good old age.
May his prayers be with us. Amen.
1092 Departure
of
St. Kyrillos the Second, the 67th Pope
of Alexandria.
On this day also, the twelfth of Baounah, 808 A.M. (June 6th, 1092 A.D.), the great Pope, St. Kyrillos the Second, the 67th Pope of Alexandria, departed. He became a monk in Sawma'et (Cell) of Singar. Because of his knowledge and righteousness, they chose him a Patriarch, a successor to St. Christodolus, the 66th Pope. His enthronement was on 22nd of Baramhat, 794 A.M. (March 18th, 1078 A.D.). Departure of St. Euphemia. Pope Alexandros This day also, marks the martyrdom of St.
Euphemia.
She was the wife of a man who feared
God, and gave much alms. He kept three
festivals each month: the commemoration
of the angel Michael, on the twelfth day(1);
(1) The pagans
in Alexandria worshipped the idol Zuhal, who
had a statue and a temple, that was built by Cleopatra
on the twelfth day of the month of Baounah. During
the reign of Emperor Constantine, Pope Alexandros preached
to the people, explaining to them the error of worshipping
the idols that do not move or reason, which are made by human
hands, and the error of offering sacrifices to them. He changed
the temple of this idol to a church in the name of Michael the
Archangel, and destroyed that statue. He asked them to distribute
these sacrifices to the poor that Christ had called His brothers,
to receivethe intercession of the angel Michael. This church was
called, at that time, the church of El-Kaisariah.
1009 Saint
Bruno (Boniface) of Querfurt.
With the authorization
of Pope Silvester II --
duly granted, he set out for Germany in the
depth of a winter so severe that his boots
sometimes froze tight to the stirrups.
1009 Saint
Bruno (Boniface) of Querfurt received
the habit of a Camaldolese monk from the founder
Saint Romuald missionary to Germany
"the Second Apostle of the Prussians"OSB Cam.
BM (RM). Pope
Clement VIII added his name to the general
calendar in 1595.Popes mentioned
in
articles of Saints today June
18
486 Sts.
Gregory, probably
440 Pope Saint
Sixtus III
-- Deacon Demetrius, and Abbot
Calogerus Greek hermit missionary called
"the Anchoret." received
the monastic habit from the pope {probably
440 Pope Saint
Sixtus III was pope from July 31, 432
to August 18,} in Rome1505 Blessed
Hosanna
of Mantua Popes
Leo X and Innocent XII.-- spent her fortune in the
service of the poor stigmata OP Tert.
miraculously learned to read/write V (AC)
(also known as Osanna) Born
in Mantua, Lombardy, Italy, 1449; cultus confirmed
by Popes Leo X and Innocent XII.
1697 Saint Gregory Barbarigo Pope Alexander VII. -- first Bishop of Bergamo worked unceasingly in carrying out the reforms set forth by the Council of Trent; consecrated as the first Bishop of Bergamo by Pope Alexander VII. 1925 Venerable Matt Talbot; 1973 Pope Paul VI gave him the title venerable.-- patron people struggling with alcoholism Secular Franciscan Order began life of strict penance contributed generously to the missions. Popes mentioned
in
articles of Saints today June
17
1250 St.
Teresa of Portugal Her
cult, with that of her sister
Sanchia, was approved by Pope Clement
XI in 1705.
-- the eldest daughter of King
Sancho I of Portugal and sister of SS.
Mafalda and Sanchia; married her cousin,
King Alfonso IX of Leon & had several children;
the marriage was declared invalid because
of consanguinity, she returned to Portugal and
founded a Benedictine monastery on her estate
at Lorvao. She replaced the monks with nuns following
the Cistercian Rule,
accounts of miracles
are attributed to Teresa's intercession.
She expanded
a monastery to accommodate
three hundred nuns, and lived there. In about 1231,
at the request of Alfonso's second wife and widow,
Berengaria, she settled a dispute among their
children over the succession of the throne of
Leon, and on her return to Lorvao, she probably
became a nun.
1435 BD PETER OF PISA --Pope Clement
IX
-- His
congregation,
approved by Pope Martin V in 1421, soon
established itself elsewhere in Italy. -- Many miracles were ascribed
to him; THE
founder of the Hermits, or Poor Brothers, of
St Jerome was born in 1355 at Pisa, while his father,
Peter Gambacorta, whose name he bore, was
ruling that republic. At the age of twenty-five
he secretly left the court in the disguise of a penitent,
and retired to the Umbrian solitude of Monte Bello.
Pope Clement IX united the
community of St Jerome of Fiesole, which had been
founded by Charles Montegranelli, to Bd Peter's
order. But by 1933 its members had become so few that
it was suppressed by the Holy See.
Popes mentioned in articles of Saints today June 16 540 St. Berthaldus
Nicholas VI
in 1451 and Paul II -- A hermit ordained by St. Remigius.
Berthaldus, also
called Bertaud, lived in the Ardennes region
of France indulgences
granted for pilgrimages
to his shrine.
Several popes, including Nicholas
VI in 1451 and Paul II in 1466,
have granted indulgences for pilgrimages to
his shrine (Benedictines, Montague).
551 St. Aurelian
Bishop
and papal vicar of Gaul named bishop
of Aries in 546; He founded a monastery
and convent there enriched them with the
relics of many saints, including a piece of the
True Cross, and Saints Stephen, Peter and Paul,
John, James, Andrew, Gennesius, Symphorianus,
Victor, Hilary, Martin, Caesarius, and others;
Pope Vigilius named him a papal vicar of Gaul.
551 St. Aurelian Pope Vigilius -- Bishop and papal vicar of Gaul named bishop of Aries in 546; He founded a monastery and convent there enriched them with the relics of many saints, including a piece of the True Cross, and Saints Stephen, Peter and Paul, John, James, Andrew, Gennesius, Symphorianus, Victor, Hilary, Martin, Caesarius, and others; Pope Vigilius named him a papal vicar of Gaul. 1106 St. Benno Pope Gregory, Pope Urban II -- bishop educated in the abey of St. Michael, he bacame a canon at Gozlar in Hanover, chaplain to Emperor Henry III and in 1066 bishop of Meissen. After St Benno's release he identified himself with the supporters of Pope Gregory, and in 1085 at the synod of Mainz he was deposed from his bishopric by the assembled German prelates, the greater part of whom were entirely subservient to the emperor. He regained his see, however, three years later, through the good offices of the antipope Guibert, to whom he made submission. In 1097, when the star of the emperor had waned and that of Pope Urban II was in the ascendant, Benno again changed his allegiance and declared himself an adherent of the true pope. He exerted himself particularly to combat the shameless simony which, together with the question of investitures, constituted the main grounds for the struggle between Henry IV and Pope Gregory VII. Popes mentioned
in
articles of Saints today June
15
1053 Bardo
of Mainz Pope Leo IX-- Bardo
played an important part in two synods of
Mainz which met under the presidency
of Pope Leo IX to put down simony
and to enforce clerical celibacy.
helmet, a
lamb, and a Psalter were gifts
presented to Bardo as a child, and these
symbolized courage, gentleness, and piety,
each of which marked his later career education
came at Fulda, where he also received the
Benedictine habit and became the dean. Upon
his ordination as a priest in 1029; succeed
the archbishop of Mainz; to the end Bardo
preserved the simple habits of a monk; is noted
for his love of the poor, the destitute, and animals;
lover of birds, many rare specimens of which he collected
and tamed, and taught to feed from his own plate; advocated,
especially to young people, the virtues of self-discipline
and temperance OSB B (AC)
1250 Pope Pius
X in 1907 formally authorized
her cultus under
the title of Saint Aleydis.
Her feast is kept in the Cistercian
Order and in the diocese of Malines, on June 15. St. Aleydis or Adelaide, Virgin born at Shaerbeck,
near Brussels entered a Cistercian convent at seven
named Camera Sanctae Mariae, and she remained there for
the rest of her life; offered up her sufferings for
the souls in purgatory and had visions of their being set free
through her intercession.
1886 Bd Aloysius Palazolo founder of the brothers of the Holy Family and Sisters of the Poor; His charitable work was particularly concerned witht he reclaiming of prostitutes. Born at Bergamo in 1827; ordained priest, 1850. His charitable work was particularly concerned witht he reclaiming of prostitutes. He died on 15 June, 1886 and was beatified in 1963. Popes mentioned
in
articles of Saints today June
14
847 Methodius
as representative of Patriarch Nicephorus,
was exiled by Emperor Leo V the
Armenian for refusing to yield to the imperial
decrees on the destruction of icons.
After
the deposition and exile of St Nicephorus,
however, he went to Rome, apparently
charged to inform Pope St Paschal
I of the condition of affairs; and he
remained there until the death of
Leo V.
1916 St. Albert Chmielowski Pope John Paul II -- St. Albert Chmielowski founded the Brothers of the Third Order of Saint Francis, Servants to the Poor (1845-) . Pope John Paul II beatified him in 1983 and canonized him six years later. Popes mentioned
in articles of
Saints today June 13
At Padua, St. Anthony, a native of Portugal,
priest of the Order of Friars Minor and
confessor, illustrious for the sanctity
of his life, his miracles, and his preaching.
Pope Gregory IX placed him on the canon
of the saints within a year after his death.
He died in Padua in 1231
and was canonised by Pope Gregory
IX in 1232.1942 Pope Yoannis the Nineteenth 113th Patriarch of Alexandria Departure of; monk; priest; an example of, ambition, honesty, purity of conduct, firmness, godliness, and good management loved, since his young age, to read the biographies of saints. He longed to follow their example On this day, of the year 1658 A.M. (1942 A.D.) Pope Yoannis the Nineteenth, 113th Patriarch of Alexandria, departed. He was born in the village of Dair Tasa, Asyiut governorate in the year 1571 A.M. (1855 A.D.). Popes mentioned
in articles of
Saints today June 12
Pope Saint Gelasius and Saint Gregory the Great -- 3rd V.-end Sts Basilides, Cyrinus, Nabor, and Nazarius all soldiers martyrs At Rome, on the Aurelian Way The quartet is mentioned in the sacramentaries of Pope Saint Gelasius and Saint Gregory the Great as interred on the Aurelian road. Their unreliable acta states that they were four soldiers in the army of Maxentius. Sts Basilides, Cyrinus, Nabor, and Nazarius all soldiers martyrs At Rome, on the Aurelian Way, during the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian, and under the prefect Aurelius, the birthday of the holy martyrs Basilides, Cyrinus, Nabor, and Nazarius, all soldiers who were cast into prison for the confession of the Christian name, scourged with knotted whips, and finally beheaded. 683 Pope St. Leo II At Rome, in the Vatican basilica, to whom God miraculously restored his eyes and his tongue after they had been torn out by impious men. ON the very day after the death of Pope Adrian I the electors proceeded to appoint his successor.
816
Pope Leo
III, On Christmas Day Leo crowned
Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor
in Saint Peter's Basilica. beginning of the
Holy Roman Empire, affected European history
for many centuries Popes mentioned
in articles of
Saints today June 11
1320
Departure of Pope Yoannis the Eighth;
last to reside in the church of Abu-Saifain
in Cairo (80th Patriarch). On this day also, of the year 1036 A.M. (May 29th, 1320 A.D.) Pope Yoannis the Eighth (80th Patriarch), departed. He was from Meniat Bani-Khosaim, and was known as El Mo'ataman Ebn El-Kedees, and his name was Yohanna Ben-Ebsal. He became a monk in the monastery of El-Shahran, and was ordained Patriarch on the 19th day of Amshir, 1016 A.M. (February 14th, 1300 A.D.). St. Gregory Nazianzen the translation of At Rome, whose revered body was brought from Constantinople to Rome, and kept for a long time in the Church of the Mother of God. It was then transferred with great solemnity by Pope Gregory XIII to a chapel of the basilica of St. Peter, magnificently decorated by His Holiness, and the next day placed with due honour beneath the altar. Pope Pius IX. confirmed his ancient cultus in 1856. 1450 Bd Stephen Bandelli; doctor of canon law, University of Pavia professor, honoured as saint and wonder-worker; 1971 Blessed Manuel Lozano Garrido, Venerated 17 December 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI (decree of heroic virtues) 1971 Blessed Manuel Lozano Garrido, Spanish layman, beatified Saturday 12, 2010 June in Linares, Spain. Beatified 12 June 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI Popes mentioned
in articles of
Saints today June 10
During the Papacy of
Pope Gabriel (88th
Patriarch) the relics of the saint
were relocated to his well-known church
in Old Cairo. That was on the 16th day of Abib,
1240 A.M. (July 10, 1024 A.D.).729 Departure of Pope Cosmas, the 44th Patriarch from the village of Abi-Sair monk in the monastery of St. Macarius. {Coptic} 1053 Pope St. Leo IX -- advised Bardo to lighten his duties and relax some of his personal austerities and mortifications. 1053 St. Bardo Benedictine archbishop official of the Holy Roman Empire. Canonized 1251 by Pope Innocent IV -- 1093 MARGARET of Scotland Memorial 16 November; formerly 10 June; 16 June in Scotland founded abbeys and used her position to work for justice and improved conditions for the poor 1315 Bd Henry of Treviso The cultus of Bd Henry was confirmed by Pope Benedict XIV. 1315 Bd Henry of Treviso; 276 miracles, wrought by his relics, recorded within days of death by notaries appointed by the magistrates: they occupy thirty-two closely printed columns of the Acta Sanctorum. 1386 Pope Innocent VI -- Bd Bonaventure of Peraga, Cardinal of The Holy Roman Church. when Pope Innocent VI established a theological faculty at the University of Bologna, Bonaventure was one of the earliest occupants of a chair. On several occasions he acted as ambassador for Pope Urban VI during the Schism. Pope Gregory XII -- 1419 Bd John Dominici, Archbishop of Ragusa and Cardinal; instrumental in helping to end the great schism,In 1406 he attended the conclave which elected Pope Gregory XII, and he afterwards became confessor and adviser to that pope, who created him archbishop of Ragusa and cardinal of San Sisto. By encouraging Pope Gregory to resign—as the only possible means of inducing the antipopes likewise to forego their claims—Bd John was instrumental in helping to end the great schism, and it was he who conveyed Gregory’s resignation to the Council of Constance. The next pope, Martin V, appointed him legate to Bohemia and Hungary, charged especially with the duty of counteracting the influence of the Hussites. 1914 Pope Kyrillos the Fifth-- Departure of St. Abraam, bishop of El-Fayyoum ordained a monk and priest; meek, humble, had a pure life, and he prayed much in seclusion; Many patients, of different religions, came to him, seeking the blessing of his prayers and were healed miracles were manifested through him after his departure, and his tomb became and still is a pilgrimage for many who have special needs or infirmities.. The abbot of the monastery of El-Baramous at that time was archpriest Youhanna the Scribe, who became later on Pope Kyrillos the fifth (112th Patriarch). In the year 1597 A.M. (1881 A.D.), Pope Kyrillos the Fifth chose and ordained him a bishop for the parish of El-Fayyoum and El-Giza. He replaced its reposed bishop, Anba Eisak, and was ordained with the name of Abba Abraam. Popes mentioned
in articles of
Saints today June 09
Pope Theodore
--
297 Primus and Felician Roman patricians
who had converted to Christianity
relieving poor visiting prisoners
refusing to sacrifice to the public gods MM first
martyrs bodies later reburied within walls
of Rome (RM) Pope
Theodore caused
their relics to be brought to San Stefano
Rotondo, and this translation is said to
have been the first instance of the removal
of the bodies of martyrs from a church dedicated
to them outside the walls of Rome to a basilica
within the city. 373; -- Pope Benedict XV; Ephrem of Edessa, Deacon, Doctor (RM) (also known as Ephraem, Ephraim) Born c. 306 in Nisibis (Syria), Mesopotamia; died at Edessa (Iraq) on June 9, 373; declared Doctor of the Church in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV; feast day formerly June 18 and February 1. Ephrem passed his entire life in his native Mesopotamia (Syria). He was long thought to be the son of a pagan priest, but it is now believed his parents were Christians. He was baptized at eighteen, served under Saint James of Nisibis, became head of his school, and probably accompanied him to the Council of Nicaea in 325. 444 Pope Celestine -- Saint Cyril, Archbishop of Alexandria, a distinguished champion of Orthodoxy and a great teacher of the Church Then the saint sent out epistles against Nestorianism to the clergy of Constantinople and to the holy emperor Theodosius the Younger (408-450), denuncing the heresy. Cyril wrote also to other Churches, to Pope Celestine and to the other Patriarchs, and even to monks of several monasteries, warning of the emergence of a dangerous heresy. 594 St. Gregory I the Great -- St. Maximian of Syracuse Benedictine bihop, monk trained by St. Gregory I the Great at St. Andrew’s Abbey in Rome Aposcrisarius apostolic delegate in Sicily 1196 Pope St Gelasius I -- St. Richard of Andria Bishop of Andria, Italy and patron of that see known for miracles and his extraordinary sanctity he was one of the three prelates commissioned by Pope St Gelasius I to dedicate the sanctuary on Monte Gargano after the famous vision of St Michael. He may possibly have owed his elevation to the episcopate to Pope Adrian IV, himself an Englishman. The remains of St Richard, which had been long lost, were discovered in 1434 with documents testifying to his ancient cultus, and Eugenius IV consented to its revival and continuance. St Richard, or Riccardo, is the principal patron of Andria. Popes mentioned
in articles of
Saints today June 08
543
Pope
Virgilius -- At Camerino,
St. Victorinus, confessor, the
twin brother of St. Severin, bishop
of Septempeda.Victorinus, brother of Saint Severinus, was made bishop of Camerino in 540 against his will by Pope Virgilius. Pope Vigilius forced both to become bishops in 540-- Severinus in Septempeda and Victorinus in Camerino. Severinus died shortly before Septempeda was destroyed by Totila the Ostrogoth (Benedictines) 1154 Pope Honorius III. --St. William of York, Bishop austere life of a monk, practicing much prayer and mortification; Following his death, many miracles were attributed to him. He was placed in the calendar of the saints by Pope Honorius III.a new Pope, the Cistercian Eugene III, suspended William, and in 1147, he was deposed as archbishop of York. William then retired to Winchester where he led the austere life of a monk, practicing much prayer and mortification. Upon the death of his accusers and Eugene III, Pope Anastastius IV restored William his See and made him archbishop. Pope Sixtus IV -- 1482 Bl. Pacificus of Cerano Franciscan friar renowned preacher missionary especially respected for his knowledge of moral theology Summa Pacifica was popular In 1480 came another summons to go to Sardinia, this time as visitor and commissary general for the convents of the strict observance, and also as apostolic nuncio charged by Pope Sixtus IV to proclaim a crusade against Mohammed II. Popes mentioned
in articles of
Saints today June 06
Pope St Leo the
Great --
441
St.
Ceratius Bishop of Grenoble present at the Council
of Orange in 441 We
know that he was present at the Council of Orange in 441,
also that he with two other Gaulish bishops wrote to Pope St Leo the Great in 450,
and finally there is mention
of him in a letter written to the same pope by
Eusebius of Milan.518 St. Eustorgius II Reportedly a Greek who lived in Rome spent vast amounts of money ransoming members of his flock. lived in Rome during the reigns of Popes Gelasius, Symmachus and Hormisdas. Popes mentioned
in articles of
Saints today June 05
St Clement, Pope -- Lucian The Hieromartyr lived in Romes pagan name Lucius was converted to Christ by the Apostle Peter, and was baptized At the request of St Clement, Pope of Rome (November 25), he agreed to preach the Gospel in the West, and gathered companions and helpers for this task. Pope Gregory II -- 754 St. Boniface {Winfrith } of Mainz missionary bishop; Pope Gregory II talked to Winfrith all winter long before finally sending him on a test mission to Thuringia in Germany known as the Apostle of Germany He not only brought the Christian faith but Roman Christian civilization to this portion of Europe. In 731 Pope Gregory II died, and his successor, Gregory III, to whom St Boniface had written, sent him the pallium and constituted him metropolitan of Germany beyond the Rhine, with authority to found bishoprics wherever he thought fit. Several years later the saint went to Rome for the third time, in order to confer about the churches he had founded. He was then appointed legate of the Apostolic See; and at Monte Cassino he obtained another missionary for Germany in the person of St Walburga's brother, St Willibald. Pope St Zachary created him primate of Germany as well as apostolic legate for Germany and Gaul. Pope Benedict VIII -- 1036 BD MEINWERK, BISHOP OF PADERBORN ALTHOUGH his cultus appears never to have been formally confirmed, Bd Meinwerk was undoubtedly one of the greatest and most high-minded churchmen of his age. Of noble Saxon birth, he was educated for the priesthood, first at Halberstadt and afterwards in the cathedral school of Hildesheim, where he formed what was to prove a life-long friendship with his kinsman, the future sainted Emperor Henry II. These expeditions enabled the bishop to satisfy a passion for relic collecting, in which he found Pope Benedict VIII specially generous. Pope Eugenius IV -- 1443 BD FERDINAND OF PORTUGAL IT is as the hero of one of the finest plays of the great Spanish dramatist Calderon that Prince Ferdinand the Constant is best known to the world to-day. Pope Eugenius IV sent a legate to offer the prince the cardinal's hat, but again Ferdinand's scruples stood in the way, and he declined the honour, on the plea that he could not take that burden upon his conscience. Popes mentioned
in articles of
Saints today June 04
Pope Innocent II -- 1150 St. Walter Benedictine abbot English served as a monk and then abbot of Fontenelle, France, the famed Benedictine spiritual center. Pope Innocent II (r. 1130-1143) noted his zeal and holiness. Pope Clement VIII -- 1608 St. Francis Caracciolo priest Founder of Minor Clerks Regular with St. John Augustine Adorno When Pope Paul VI canonized these 22 martyrs on October 18, 1964, 1886 Charles Lwanga and Companions; One of 22 Ugandan martyrs, Charles Lwanga is the patron of youth and Catholic action in most of tropical Africa. he referred to the Anglican pages martyred for the same reason. Popes mentioned
in articles of
Saints today June 03
Pope Benedict XIV.-- The cultus was approved by 1264 Blessed Andrew Caccioli 1/original 72 followers of Saint Francis, OFM (AC) The apostolic letter of Pope Benedict XV, which includes a detailed statement of the names and of the more outrageous barbarities of which the martyrs were victims, may be read in the Acta Apostolicae Sedis, vol. xii (1920), pp. 272-281. 1885 St. Charles Lwanga Pope Paul VI in 1964; -- and Companions Martyrs of Uganda When the White Fathers were expelled from the country, the new Christians carried on their work, translating and printing the catechism into their natively language and giving secret instruction on the faith. Without priests, liturgy, and sacraments their faith, intelligence, courage, and wisdom kept the Catholic Church alive and growing in Uganda. When the White Fathers returned after King Mwanga's death, they found five hundred Christians and one thousand catchumens waiting for them. The twenty-two Catholic martyrs of the Uganda persecution were canonized. 1963 Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli ordination 1904 Secular Franciscan; canon law studies; worked as his bishop’s secretary; Church history teacher in the seminary; publisher of the diocesan paper; stretcher-bearer for the Italian army during World War I; 1921 national director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith; taught patristics at Eternal City seminary; 1925 papal diplomat, first in Bulgaria, then Turkey finally in France (1944-53). During World War II, became well acquainted with Orthodox Church leaders with the help of Germany’s ambassador to Turkey, Archbishop Roncalli helped save 24,000 Jewish people. Pope John Paul II beatified him on September 3, 2000, and assigned as his feast day October 11, the day that Vatican II’s first session opened. Popes mentioned
in articles of
Saints today June 02
304
Pope St. Damasus composed an
epitaph in verse
for their tomb. -- Sts. Marcellinus and Peter Martyrs
respect in which they were held are the
basilica Constantine built over their tombs
and the presence of their names in the first eucharistic
prayer. The bodies of the
saints were sent in 827 by Pope Gregory IV
to Eginhard, Charlemagne’s former secretary, to enrich
the monasteries he had built or restored, and were eventually
deposited at Seligenstadt, fourteen miles from Frankfort-on-the-Main.
Accounts are preserved to us recording every
detail of the miracles which attended this very famous
translation. That there was an active cultus
of these two martyrs in Rome is proved
by such inscriptions as, “Sancte Petr(e) Marcelline, suscipite
vestnim alumnum”.657 St. Eugene I a Roman priest who held various positions in the Church known for his charity and his sanctity Romæ sancti Eugénii Primi, Papæ
et Confessóris.
At Rome, Pope St. Eugene I, Confessor.
He was consecrated
Pope
on August 10, 654, while
his predecessor, Pope
St. Martin I, was still alive (he
died on September
6), an exile and prisoner in
the Crimea by order of Monothelite
Emperor Constans II. 1094 -- At Trani in Apulia, St. Nicholas Peregrinus, confessor, whose miracles were recounted in the Roman Council under Pope Urban II. 1795 Departure of the most honored Layman Ibrahim El-Gohari; transscribed the religion books, and distribute them to the church at his own expense. He brought the books to Pope John (Youhanna) the Eighteenth, and 107th patriarch of Alexandria Who was enthroned from 1486-1512 A.M. (1769-1796 A.D.) The many books presented to the church by Ibrahim El-Gohari got the attention of the pope, together with the high cost of transcribing the books and binding them. The pope asked Ibrahim about his resource, and Ibrahim revealed to them his zealously and his godly life. The pope blessed him saying: “may the lord uplift your name and bless your work, and keep your memory forever.” The relation between Ibrahim El-Gohari and the pope became stronger from that time. Popes mentioned
in articles of
Saints today June 01
Gregory
XIII -- 304 542 ST PROCULUS, “THE SOLDIER
“, AND ST PROCULUS,
BISHOP OF BOLOGNA, MARTYRS: in 1584
Pope Gregory XIII sanctioned the
keeping, on June 1, of an annual feast in honour
of the translation.Bonóniæ sancti Próculi Mártyris, qui sub Maximiáno Imperatóre passus est. At Bologna, St. Proculus, martyr, who suffered under Emperor Maximian. Pope Benedict IX -- 1035 ST SIMEON OF SYRACUSE spent two years as a solitary in a little cave near the Red Sea; long before his death, he was venerated as a saint and a wonder-worker Tréviris sancti Simeónis Mónachi, qui a Benedícto Papa Nono in Sanctórum númerum relátus est. At Treves, St. Simeon, a monk, whom Pope Benedict IX numbered among the saints. Pope Alexander IV -- 1057 ST ENECO, OR INIGO, ABBOT a great reputation for austerity and the working of miracles deeply lamented even by Jews and Moors; hermit then monk at San Juan de Pena elected Prior drawn to both the contemplative and the eremitical life In monastério Onniénsi, apud Burgos, in Hispánia, sancti Enecónis, Abbátis Benedictíni, ob sanctitátis et miraculórum glóriam illústris. At Burgos in Spain, in the monastery of Onia, St. Eneco, Benedictine abbot, made illustrious by his sanctity and miracles.There is some obscurity regarding the manner and time of the canonization, but it is certain that in 1259 Pope Alexander IV granted an indulgence to those who visited the church of Oña "on the feast of Blessed Eneco, confessor, formerly abbot of the said monastery" ; see further E. W. Kemp, Canonization and Authority (1948), pp. 83-85. It would seem to have been out of devotion to the organizing genius who made Oña famous that St Ignatius Loyola received in baptism the name of Iñigo. Several early signatures of his are preserved in this form. Pope Pius IX 1451 BD HERCULANUS OF PIEGARO beatified the holy friar in 1860. Franciscan; extraordinary powers in winning souls to God. Wherever he went he spoke of the sufferings of our Lord, frequently by his eloquence reducing his hearers to tears, and by his personal holiness inspiring them to reform their lives; he urged penance on others he set the example himself by his own great austerity. Clement VII Pope Paul III -- 1540 St. Angela Merici, virgin of the Third Order of St. Francis. She was the foundress of the Nuns of St. Ursula, and was called by her heavenly Spouse on the 27th of January in order to receive an incorruptible crown. suggested that she should stay in Rome to take charge of a congregation of nursing sisters, but a sense of her true vocation as well as a shrinking from publicity led her to decline the offer. Pope Paul III issued a bull confirming the Company of St Ursula and declaring it to be a recognized congregation, and in 1807 its foundress was canonized. |
||||||||||||||||
Popes and Saints of August 01 2018
On Mt. Hor, the death of
St. Aaron
In monte Hor deposítio
sancti Aaron, primi ex órdine Levítico
Sacerdótis. On Mt. Hor, the death of St. Aaron,
the first priest of the Levitical order.
Viénnæ, in Gállia, sancti Martíni Epíscopi, Apostolórum discípuli. At Vienne in France, St. Martin, a bishop who was a disciple of the apostles. 283 Saints Cosmas and Damian The Holy Martyrs, Wonderworkers and Unmercenary Physicians led strict and chaste lives, and were granted by God the gift of healing the sick 305 Saint Julius and Anron Martyrs of Britain at Caerlon, Monmouthshire, companions. Saint Bede lists them in his martyrology 390 Saint Felix of Como First bishop of Como, Italy. He was a friend of Saint Ambrose. 466 ST SHENUTE, ABBOT EGYPT the original home of communal monastic life, and St Shenute (Shenoudi) was, after St Antony and St Pachomius, the most considerable force in its early development, as well as the only prominent original writer in Coptic. 533 Saint Theodoric (Thierry) Abbot of Mont d'Or, near Reims; educated by Saint Remigius of Reims; founded Mont d'Or; known for converting sinners; cured King Theodoric (r. 471-526) of an eye disease. 645 Saint Gall Famous Irish missionary companion of Saint Columban noted scriptural scholar helped founding Luxeuil Monastery 854 Saint Peter of Constantinople One night, while praying, the holy Evangelist John the Theologian appeared in a vision and released him from captivity; lived all his monastic life in strict fasting and constant vigil, wearing a prickly hair-shirt and going barefoot founded a church and a monastery named for St Euandrus. 1160 Saint Arnulf Archbishop of Mainz, martyred for the faith. Arnulf served the archdiocese of Mainz, Germany,from 1153. 1505 Saint Angelina daughter of Prince George Skenderbeg of Albania 1784 Bld. Junipero Serra Miguel Jose Serra Franciscan Ordained 1737 taught philosophy theology at University of Padua At 37, landed in Mexico City January 1, 1750, and spent the rest of his life working for the conversion of the peoples of the New World. Popes and Saints of July 02 2018
St.
Jude Martyrdom of one of the Seventy
Disciples {Coptic}67 Saint Acestes and Companions Martyrs A soldier assigned to escort Saint Paul, the great Apostle, to his death. Acestes and two other soldiers were converted by Paul during their brief encounter. The three Romans, horrified by Paul's execution, declared their faith before the onlookers and were promptly beheaded. 284 Saint Ariston and Companions Martyr with Crescentian, Futychian, Urban, Vitalis, Justus, Felicissimus, Felix, Marcia, and Symphorosa. Christians martyred in Campania, southern Italy, persecution initiated by Diocletian. SS. PROCESSUS AND MARTINIAN. MARTYRS THESE martyrs were publicly venerated in Rome from at least the fourth century, but of their history and passion nothing is known; St Gregory the Great preached his thirty-second homily on their feast-day, in the course of which he said that at that place the sick were healed, the possessed were freed, and the forsworn were tormented. 458 Placing of the Venerable Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae 458 Saint Juvenal , Patriarch of Jerusalem, occupied the throne of the Holy City during the years 420-458. During this period great luminaries of the Church enlightened the world: Sts Euthymius the Great (Jan 20), Simeon the Stylite (September 1), Gerasimus of Jordan (March 4), and many others. Departure of St. Peter the Fourth, 34th Pope of Alexandria {Coptic} 1139 Saint Otto of Bamberg Bishop; Apostle of Pomerania figured in reconciliation of the pope and Emperor Henry V 1387
BD PETER
OF LUXEMBURG, BISHOP OF METZ AND CARDINAL "Contempt of the world, contempt of yourself:
rejoice in your own contempt, but despise no other
person." tomb soon became a place of pilgrimage,
miracles were reported there, and he was eventually beatified,
by the true Pope Clement VII, in 1527. Bd Peter was only eighteen at his death.
1431 Saint Photius,
Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia known for
his learning and holiness of life could not remain in
the Kiev lands, where everything increasingly fell under
the dependence of Catholic Poland: he arrived in Moscow following
example of former Russian Metropolitans, transferred residence
first to Vladimir, then Moscow1504 Saint Stephen Prince of Moldavia succeeded his father, Prince Bogdan II, April 12, 1457 soon after the latter was murdered. He defended his country against the Turks, and he also built many churches and monasteries. Spiritual son of St Daniel the Hesychast drove the Turks from the country 1616 Saint Bernardino Realino 1681 St. Oliver Plunkett martyred for defending the faith in his native Ireland during a period of severe persecution. 1739 The wonderworking Akhtyr Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos appeared July 2, 1739 in Akhtyr village area of Kharkov, east of Kiev; washed it with water that would cure people of maleria and fever; many other miracles Popes and Saints of July 02 2018
1139 Saint Otto
of Bamberg Bishop; Apostle of Pomerania figured
in reconciliation of the pope and Emperor Henry V1387
BD PETER
OF LUXEMBURG, BISHOP OF METZ AND CARDINAL "Contempt of the world, contempt of yourself:
rejoice in your own contempt, but despise no
other person." tomb soon became a place of pilgrimage,
miracles were reported there, and he was eventually beatified,
by the true Pope Clement VII, in 1527. Bd Peter was only eighteen at his
death.
1431 Saint Photius,
Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia known for
his learning and holiness of life could not remain
in the Kiev lands, where everything increasingly fell
under the dependence of Catholic Poland: he arrived in Moscow
following example of former Russian Metropolitans, transferred
residence first to Vladimir, then Moscow1504 Saint Stephen Prince of Moldavia succeeded his father, Prince Bogdan II, April 12, 1457 soon after the latter was murdered. He defended his country against the Turks, and he also built many churches and monasteries. Spiritual son of St Daniel the Hesychast drove the Turks from the country 1616 Saint Bernardino Realino 1681 St. Oliver Plunkett martyred for defending the faith in his native Ireland during a period of severe persecution. 1739 The wonderworking Akhtyr Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos appeared July 2, 1739 in Akhtyr village area of Kharkov, east of Kiev; washed it with water that would cure people of maleria and fever; many other miracles 1139 Saint Otto of Bamberg Bishop; Apostle of Pomerania figured in reconciliation of the pope and Emperor Henry V 1387
BD PETER
OF LUXEMBURG, BISHOP OF METZ AND CARDINAL "Contempt of the world, contempt of yourself:
rejoice in your own contempt, but despise no
other person." tomb soon became a place of pilgrimage,
miracles were reported there, and he was eventually beatified,
by the true Pope Clement VII, in 1527. Bd Peter was only eighteen at his
death.
1431 Saint Photius,
Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia known for
his learning and holiness of life could not remain
in the Kiev lands, where everything increasingly fell
under the dependence of Catholic Poland: he arrived in Moscow
following example of former Russian Metropolitans, transferred
residence first to Vladimir, then Moscow1504 Saint Stephen Prince of Moldavia succeeded his father, Prince Bogdan II, April 12, 1457 soon after the latter was murdered. He defended his country against the Turks, and he also built many churches and monasteries. Spiritual son of St Daniel the Hesychast drove the Turks from the country 1616 Saint Bernardino Realino 1681 St. Oliver Plunkett martyred for defending the faith in his native Ireland during a period of severe persecution. 1739 The wonderworking Akhtyr Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos appeared July 2, 1739 in Akhtyr village area of Kharkov, east of Kiev; washed it with water that would cure people of maleria and fever; many other miracles Popes and Saints of July 03 2018
St. Thomas
a Jew, called to be one of the twelve
Apostles Patron of architects Martyred at Calamine108 Saint Hyacinthus, a twelve-year-old native of Caesarea in Cappadocia The jailer saw two angels in the cell. One covered the saint's body with his own garment, and the other placed a crown of glory on his head; Diomedes suffered with Sts Hyacinthus, Eulampius, Asclepiodotus, and Golinduc 120 St. Hyacinth Martyred chamberlain of Emperor Trajan. In Caesarea, Cappadocia 190 St. Dathus Bishop of Ravenna, Italy, who was elected to that see when a dove appeared miraculously over his head. He is also called Datus. 202
Saint Irenaeus
writings of Saint
Irenaeus
entitle him to a high place among the fathers
of the Church, for they not only laid the foundations
of Christian theology but, by exposing and refuting the
errors of the gnostics, they delivered the Catholic Faith
from the real danger of the doctrines of those heretics:
He was most influenced by Saint Polycarp who had known the apostles
or their immediate disciples see June 28
283 St. Anatolius
Bishop, noted philosopher, and scientist
in Alexandria, Egypt. He was the bishop of Laodicea
in Syria, where he wrote ten books on mathematics3rd v. SS. IRENAEUS AND MUSTIOLA, MARTYRS St. Tryphon & Companions A group of thirteen martyrs slain in Alexandria, Egypt. 304? SS. JULIUS AND AARON, MARTYRS THESE were Britons who are said to have glorified God by martyrdom at Caerleon in Monmouthshire 4th v. The Holy Martyrs Mocius and Mark were arrested as Christians and brought to trial by the governor Maximian. They refused to offer sacrifice to idols, for which they suffered death by beheading in the fourth century, and an unidentified boy. They were slain with the sword. The boy, a spectator, exhorted them to remain true to Christ, and for this he also suffered martyrdom 400 ST HELIODORUS, BISHOP OF ALTINO met St Jerome at Aquileia 372 and became his disciple 430 Saint Alexander, Founder of the Monastery of the "Unsleeping Ones," built a church for the city-dwellers, and a home for the sick and homeless with the money that charitable Antiochians 50 years of incessant monastic effort 458 St. Anatolius Patriarch and defender of the faith, known for his opposition to the heretic Dioscurus at the Council of Chalcedon. The patriarch of Constantinople, he is called a prophet and a miracle worker, despite the political turmoil that surrounded him. Anatolius also fought the Nestorian heresy at the Council of Ephesus. 1249 The holy Princes Basil and Constantine Vsevolodovich of Yaroslav suffered without complaint like a true Christian concerned himself with the unfortunate among his subjects, and built churches 1501 the incorrupt relics of the holy princes were uncovered and now rest in the Yaroslav cathedral. 1316 Bl. Raymond Lull Mystic, philosopher, and Doctor Illuminatus “Enlightened Doctor,” a vision of Christ crucified a profound mystic; considered a predecessor of Sts. Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross 1589 Blessed John, Fool-for-Christ, Wonderworker of Moscow foretold great misfortunes for Russia, the Time of Troubles and the incursion of the Poles gift of healing 1591 Transfer of the Relics of Saint Philip, Metropolitan of Moscow and Wonderworker of All Russia 1616 ST BERNARDINO REALINO entered the Society of Jesus at 34; self-sacrificing zeal and apostolical fervour had long before earned the veneration of the people, who recognized him as a saint; 1640 Saint Nicodemus of Kozhe Lake God also granted him clairvoyance and the power to heal the sick 1838 St. Joseph Peter Uyen Dominican tertiary, martyr of Vietnam native catechist he died of abuse in prison for refusing to give up the faith and was canonized in 1988 by Pope John Paul II. 1853 St. Philip Minh Vietnamese martyr native he joined the Society for Foreign Missions of Paris and was ordained a priest with the purpose of working for the Church in Vietnam. Seized by anti-Catholic forces, he was beheaded. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1988. d. 190 Ravénnæ sancti Dathi, Epíscopi et Confessóris. At Ravenna, St. Dathus, bishop and confessor. Popes and Saints of July 04 2018
516 BC Haggai Aggaeus
(Aggeus ), Prophet The tenth of the Minor
Prophets, Haggai belongs to the period after the exile.
The purpose of his divine message was to forward rebuilding
the Temple of Jerusalem (Benedictines) (RM)St. Ananias Martyrdom of; bishop for the city of Damascus; baptized the apostle Paul {Coptic} St. Thomas of Shentalet Martyrdom of Michael angel of God appeared to this Saint when he was 21 {Coptic} Saint Theodotus suffered martyrdom during the reign of Trajan because he refused to sacrifice to idols. 180 St. Namphanion Called “the Archmartyr” by African Christian historians. He was an African martyr of Carthaginian heritage, put to death in Numidia with Several companions. St. Jucundian Martyr of Africa, thrown into the sea 310 St. Theodore
of Cyrene Bishop of Cyrene, Libya, martyr;
A scribe who was especially noted for his skill in copying
manuscripts. Theodore was arrested during the persecutions
of the Church under Emperor Diocletian and
ordered to deliver up his copies of the Scriptures. When
he refused, he was martyred; Also put to
death were the women Cyprilla, Lucia and Aroa, and
all who had accepted holy Baptism from the holy bishop.
6th v. Saint Martha
St John the Forerunner was for her a
protector, frequently appearing to her in visions;
charitable towards the poor, fed and clothed them, visited
convalescents and attended the sick, buried the dead, and
for those preparing to receive holy Baptism she made baptismal garments
with her own hands
544 St. Laurianus
Martyred archbishop of Seville, Spain.
He was Hungarian, and was ordained in Milan, Italy. The
site of his martyrdom is reportedly Bourges, France.712-26 Saint Andrew, Archbishop of Crete; monastic tonsure at monastery of St Sava the Sanctified; led a strict chaste life; meek and abstinent, such that all were amazed at his virtue and reasoning of mind 725 St. Bertha Benedictine widow and abbess entered the convent she had founded at Blangy, in Artois, France. Two daughters joined her in the religious life. Bertha served as abbess for a time and also lived as a recluse. 959 St. Odo
the Good Archbishop of Canterbury
promoting the revival of monasticism in England. Known as
“the Good” because of his famed holiness, he was also credited
with miracles; a demonstration of the Real Presence against some
doubting clergy; God bore witness to his sanctity by miracles
during his life and after his death.
973 St. Ulric
of Augsburg His canonization by Pope John XV
in 993 is the first recorded canonization by a Pope;
Miracles were recorded at his tomb.1091
BD
WILLIAM OF HIRSCHAU, ABBOT concern for spiritual and material well-being
of serfs both of the monastery and neighbouring manors;
and by aggregating its servants to the monastic community
he had a significant part in the development of the institution
of fratres conversi
(lay-brothers).
1174 Holy Prince Andrew
Bogoliubsky (1110-1174), grandson of Vladimir
Monomakh, son of Yurii Dolgoruky and a Polovetsian princess
(in holy Baptism Maria)1336 St. Elizabeth of Portugal exercises of piety, including daily Mass, also through her exercise of charity she was able to befriend and help pilgrims, strangers, the sick, the poor—in a word, all those whose need came to her notice 1387 St. Peter of Luxembourg well known for his austerity and holiness 1427-1430 Saint Andrew Rublev, Russia's greatest iconographer received monastic tonsure; was taught iconography by Theophanes the Greek and the monk Daniel, St Andrew's friend and fellow-ascetic In 1408 St Andrew painted his most famous
icon:
1507 Uncovering of the Relics
of Saint Euthymius the Wonderworker of Suzdal,
who died on April 1, 1405the Holy Trinity (actually, the Hospitality of Abraham). 1594 Bld's. John Carey Martyr of England, an Irish layman; put to death with Blesseds Thomas Bosgrave, John Cornelius, and Patrick Salmon at Dorchester in Oxfordshire. He was servant of Blessed Thomas Bosgrave. They were beatified in 1929. 1594 BB. JOHN CORNELIUS AND HIS COMPANIONS, THE DORCHESTER MARTYRS 1594 Bl. Patrick Salmon Martyr of England charged with sheltering a priest 1597 Bl. William Andleby Martyr of England studied at St. Johns College, Cambridge, and was converted to Catholicism on the way to fight the Spanish. He went to Douai, France, ordained in 1577. Returning home, he worked inYorkshire and Lincolnshire for two decades. 1597 Bl. Thomas Warcop English martyr. A gentleman in Yorkshire, England, who sheltered Blessed William Andleby. He was arrested and condemned for giving this aid and hanged at York with three companions on July 4. 1597 St. Henry Abbot, Blessed Martyr of England. A native of Howden, England, a convert to the Church duly arrested and hanged at York. Pope Pius XI beatified him 1929. 1900 Bl. Anthony Fantosat Martyr of China, a victim of the Boxer Rebellion. The vicar apostolic for southern Hunan, in China, he was martyred at Hangchow on July 7. 1918 Saint Nicholas, the last Russian Tsar, was born in 1868. As a child, very religious, guileless and free from malice. Sírmii sanctórum Mártyrum Innocéntii et Sebástiæ, cum áliis trigínta. At Sirmium, Saints Innocent and Sebastia, with thirty other martyrs. Turónis, in Gállia, Translátio sancti Martíni, Epíscopi et Confessóris; et Dedicátio Basílicæ suæ hoc ipso die, quo étiam is ante áliquot annos in Epíscopum fúerat ordinátus. At Tours in France, the translation of St. Martin, bishop and confessor, and the dedication of his basilica, consecrated on the same day that he had been raised to the episcopate some years previously. Popes and Saints of July 05 2018
1st v. Stephen
of Reggio ordained 1st bishop of Reggio by Saint
Paul and martyred under Nero BM (AC)286 St. Zoe Martyr; A noble woman of the imperial court of Rome, executed early stages of Emperor Diocletian's (r. 284-305) persecution of the Church. 300 St. Cyrilla of Cyrene M Although the aged widow of Cyrene, Saint Cyrilla, was condemned to death, she seems to have died in the torture chamber rather than as planned. Several other martyrs suffered with her (Benedictines). St. Marinus founder of the world's oldest surviving republic, San Marino, in 301; Martyr with Sedopha and Theodotus. They suffered at Tomi, on the Black Sea. Saint Marinus was a blacksmith by trade who came from the island of Rab on the other side of the Adriatic. 362 St. Domitius A Persian convert to Christianity. He became a hermit at Nisibis, Mesopotamia. Challenging Julian the Apostate, Domitius was stoned to death. In some lists he is called Dometius 452 St. Athanasius Martyr and deacon of Jerusalem, Athanasius denounced Theodosius, the heretic who usurped the see of Jerusalem, formerly held by St. Juvenal Arrested for this act, Athanasius was beheaded. 567 Departure of St. Theodosius, 33rd Pope of Alexandria On this day also The Commemoration of the Consecration of the Church of Anba Sarabamoun, Bishop of Nikios. {Coptic} 666 Numerian (Memorian) of Trèves son of a rich senator, became a monk in Trèves, OSB B (RM) 1000 St. Athanasius the Athonite Abbot and founder went to Mount Athos in Greece, where he aided Nicephoras Phocas, a longtime friend, in repelling the Saracens; there gushed forth a spring of water, which exists even now, in remembrance of this miraculous visitation. The Economissa (or Stewardess) Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos depicts the Mother of God seated on a throne, with Her Son on her left knee. St Athanasius of Mt Athos (July 5) stands on her right, holding a model of the Great Lavra. On her left is St Michael of Synnada (May 23). Two angels hold a crown above her head. 1422 Saint Sergius of Radonezh Uncovering of the Venerable Relics of 1484 Blessed Elias (Elie) of Bourdeilles Franciscan habit at the age of 10, bishop of Périgueux at the age of 24, archbishop of Tours in 1468, and cardinal in 1483 OFM B (PC) 1538 St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria priest; Cofounder of the Barnabites a medical doctor; popularized the 40-hour prayer ceremony, promoted of altar sacraments, introduced ringing church bells on Friday 1758 Johann Andreas Rothe 1918 Saint Elizabeth the older sister of Tsarina Alexandra was married to the Grand Duke Sergius governor of Moscow. She converted to Orthodoxy from Protestantism of her own free will, and organized women from all levels of society to help the soldiers at the front and in the hospitals. Popes and Saints of July 06 2018
701 BC Jesaja
ist neben Jeremia, Ezechiel und anderen
einer der großen Schriftpropheten des Tanach, der
Hebräischen Bibel. Er wirkte im damaligen Südreich
Juda zwischen 740 und 701 v. Chr. in der Zeit der Bedrohung durch
die antike Großmacht Assyrien.90 St Romulus, Bishop Of Fiesole, Martyr a Roman convert of St Peter 268-270 The Holy Martyrs Marinus, Martha, Audifax, Habakkuk, Cyrenus, Valentinus the Presbyter, Asterius, and many others with them at Rome. 283-284 The Holy Martyrs Isaurius the Deacon, Innocent, Felix, Hermias, Basil, Peregrinus were Athenians, suffering for Christ in the Macedonian city of Apollonia & two city officials, Rufus and Ruphinus 288 St. Tranquillinus Roman martyr. He is affiliated with the legends surrounding St. Sebastian 300 Holy Martyrs Lucy (Lucia) the Virgin, Rexius, Antoninus, Lucian, Isidore, Dion, Diodorus, Cutonius, Arnosus, Capicus and Satyrus: twenty-four martyrs suffered with Sts Lucy and Rexius Martyrdom of the Seven Ascetic Saints in Tounar Mount. {Coptic} Martyrdom of Sts. Abba Hour and his Mother Theodora. {Coptic} 303 St Dominica, Virgin And Martyr 429 St Sisoes After death of St Antony, St Sisoes was one of the most shining lights of the Egyptian deserts; Egyptian by birth; quit the world in his youth he retired to the desert of Skete. St. Noyala Virgin martyr. A much revered martyr in Brittany said to have crossed to Brittany on the leaf of a tree, accompanied by her nurse 699 St Sexburga, Abbess Of Ely, Widow daughter of Anna, King of the East Angles; sister of SS. Etheldreda, Ethelburga and Withburga, and half-sister of St Sethrida 1433 Johannes Hus Evangelische Kirche: 6. Juli 1990 bedauerte Papst Johannes Paul II. den grausamen Tod von Johannes Hus. 1535 Thomas More mit Kardinal John Fisher 1585 Bl. Thomas Alfield English martyr native of Gloucester educated at Eton and Cambridge; raised as an Anglican convert left England to study for the priesthood at Douai and Reims, France, ordination in 1581 1599-1624 Virgin Juliana, Princess of Olshansk Uncovering of the Relics of; Many miracles have been worked by St Juliana, and she helps those who venerate her holy relics with piety and faith 1794 Blessed Mary Rose entered Benedictine convent of Caderousse in 1762 French Revolution martyr, OSB M (AC) 1902 St. Maria Goretti Devotion to the young martyr grew, miracles, and in less than half a century she was canonized Popes and Saints of July 07 2018
100 Sts. Priscilla
& Aquila a Jewish tentmaker. He and his wife
Prisca or Priscilla were forced to leave Rome; went to Corinth
where St. Paul lived with them during his stay converted them
to Christianity; accompanied Paul to Ephesus and remained;
Paul stayed with them on his 3rd missionary journey. 117 St.
Astius
Martyr the bishop of Dynhachium in Macedonia
group of others seized and put to death by crucifixion
by Roman authorities during reign of Emperor Trajan
120 Sts Peregrinus, Lucian, Pompeius, & Companions they expressed sympathy for Astius, MM (RM) 216 St. Pantaenus a stoic philosopher from Sicily; head of the catechetical school at Alexandria, Egypt, built into a leading center of learning: missionary in India met Christians who received St. Matthew's gospel in Hebrew from St Bartholomew 288 Claudius, Nicostratus, & Companions likely identical with the group known as the Four Crowned Martyrs 432 Saint Palladius of Ireland a deacon at Rome, responsible for sending Saint Germanus of Auxerre to Britain in 429 to combat Pelagianism; in 431 consecrated bishop of the Irish; landed near Wicklow and worked in Leinster 420-458 Blachernae
Icon of the Mother of God was discovered at Jerusalem
by the empress Eudokia also called the Hodigitria, or
"She who leads the way." During time of St Juvenal, Patriarch
of Jerusalem, 420-458, (July 2), and St Euthymius the Great,
377-473, (Jan 20). The holy icon was sent to Constantinople, the
empress Pulcheria placed it in the Blacernae Church, where the Venerable
Robe of the Mother of God (July 2) was preserved
582 St. Bonitus
of Monte Cassino abbot of the Benedictine 4th successor to St. Benedict OSB (AC)582 St. Bonitus 4th successor to St. Benedict as abbot of Monte Cassino, Italy. During his abbacy, the Lombards plundered Monte Cassino. Bonitus and his monks fled to Rome and were housed in the Lateran. 660 St. Sethrida entered religious life at abbey of Faremoutiers-en-Brie under foundress Saint Burgunofara, whom she succeeded as abbess; half-sister to SS. Etheldreda, Sexburga, Ethelburga, and Withburga, OSB Abbess V (AC) 660 Saint Ercongota of Faremoutiers daughter of King Erconbert of Kent and Saint Sexburga, who became abbess of Ely. Together with her aunt, Saint Sethrida, she was a nun at the double monastery of Faremoutier under her aunt, Saint Ethelburga, OSB V (AC) 664 Saint Ethelburga of Faremoutiers; lived in a family of saints including her sister Saint Etheldreda & eldest sister, Saint Sexburga; body was found to be incorrupt OSB Abbess (RM) 869 & 884 Sts. Cyril And St. Methodius, Archbishop Of Sirmium 1122 St. Odo of Urgell Spanish bishop; member of the family of the counts of Barcelona, Spain; a soldier but gave this up to enter the religious life; Named archdeacon of Urgell in the Pyrenees; ordained by Pope Urban II, was appointed bishop of Urgell, and celebrated for his concern for the poor 1304 Blessed Benedict
XI, OP Pope he had "a vast store of knowledge,
a prodigious memory, a penetrating genius, and (that) everything
about him endeared him to all." In 1295, he received the
degree of master of theology As papal legate Nicholas travelled
to Hungary to try to settle a civil war there. He worked to reconcile
warring parties in Europe and the Church and to increase spirituality.
His reign, short though it was, was noted for its leniency and
kindness Many miracles were performed at his tomb, and there were
several cures even before his burial (RM)
1531 Tilman
Riemenschneider Evangelische Kirche: 7. Juli1538 Saint Thomas Becket Katholische, Anglikanische und Evangelische Kirche: 29. Dezember Anglikanische Kirche auch 7. Juli 1591 Bl. Lawrence Humphrey Martyr of England a convert 1591 Bl. Ralph Milner English martyr born at Stocksteads, Hampshire, a convert; arrested the day he received his first Communion. A husbands man by trade, Ralph was allowed a leave from prison; aided priests and Catholics 1860 Blessed Emmanuel Ruiz and Companions Franciscan priest; served as a missionary in Damascus Emmanuel, his brother Franciscans and the three Maronite laymen and thousands lost their lives Bríxiæ sancti Apollónii, Epíscopi et Confessóris. At Brescia, St. Apollonius, bishop and confessor. 1945 Blessed Peter To Rot lay catechist serving the people in his own village Rakunai New Guinea Popes and Saints of July 08 2018 290 Epictetus priest and Astion monastic martyrs in Bithynia sw Black Sea coast gift of wonderworking, healed many people troubled by unclean spirits, or afflicted with other maladies 303 Procopius {Neanius} persecutor of Christians, vision of the Lord Jesus, similar to Saul a radiant Cross appeared in the air; felt an inexpressible joy and spiritual happiness in his heart; transformed from being a persecutor into a zealous follower of Christ 410 King Mirdat (408–410), the son of Varaz-Bakur, first martyred king of Georgia endowed with great virtues: wisdom, discretion, physical prowess, fearlessness, valor, and courage; liberated Klarjeti from the Byzantines, abolished tribute system (taxes to Persia), 689 St. Kilian Irish monk; Bishop, in Rome 686, permission from Pope Conon evangelize Franconia (Baden and Bavaria) 1118 St. Raymond of Toulouse chanter canon renowned for generosity; native of Toulouse, many miracles reported at his tomb 1153 Bd Eugenius III, Pope Cistercian monk at Clairvaux; took the name of Bernard, namesake being his superior at Clairvaux 1239 St Albert of Genoa Cistercian hermit; born in Genoa Cistercian abbey Sentri da Ponente lay brother 1282 Mar 02 St. Agnes of Bohemia ; thaumaturgist or miracle worker 1336 St. Elizabeth of Portugal pious, daily Mass, exercise of charity, able to befriend and help pilgrims, strangers, the sick, the poor—in a word, all those whose need came to her notice 1337 Novgorod_Theotokos Tenderness icon Theotokos Eleousa (Umilenie) type floating in the air, and tears were flowing 1579 Copy of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, Wonderworking 1626 Bl. Mancius Araki Martyr of Japan; brother of Blessed Matthew Araki, sheltered missionaries 1900 7 Martyrs of Shanxi members Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, in China to open orphanages. Popes and Saints of July 09 2018
St. Thaddaeus,
the Apostle Departure of travelled around the world preaching
the Gospel. He returned many of the Jews and Gentiles to
the knowledge of God and Baptized them; Syria and preached
to its people {Coptic}1st v. Pancratius, Bishop of Taormina Hieromartyr born when our Lord Jesus Christ yet lived upon the earth; Apostle Peter visited Pancratius at Pontus took him along to Antioch, & Sicily, where Apostle Paul was; There the holy Apostles Peter and Paul made St Pancratius Bishop of Taormina in Sicily 250 St. Anatolia Martyr with sister Victoria & Her guard Audax, in Thora, Lake Velino Italy; refused marriage; supported in her decision by a visit from an angel Cyprus_Kiprskaya_Icon_Stromynskaya
Cyril,
Bishop of Gortyna, was bishop at Gortyna on the island
of Crete for 50 years Hieromartyr continued to convert people
from the darkness of paganism to the light of Christ.300 St. Zeno leader of an enormous group of martyrs more than ten thousand 312 St. Brictus Bishop of Martola, near Spoleto Italy, imprisoned in the reign of Emperor Diocletian. He was not martyred; died during Constantine era. 363 St. Patermuthius Egyptian hermit and martyr with Alexander and Capres A robber, Patermuthius converted by St. Copres an eyewitness of how St Patermuthius tended sick & buried the dead. He recorded life & miracles 392 Cyprus Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos also commemorated on Sunday of Orthodoxy, Pentecost Monday, April 20 and July 9 Cyprus Icon of the Mother of God belongs to the Panachrana type 751 St. Agilulfus martyr archbishop of Cologne tried to persuade King Pepin not to name his illegitimate son Charles Martel heir to the throne, and was slain as a result 848 Saint Theodore, Bishop & born in the Syrian city of Edessa. All his life the holy saint was a bright witness of the great deeds of God, glorified in His Saints; tonsured at the Lavra of the St Sava the Sanctified 12 years fervent monastic obedience & another 24 years of full seclusion/great abstinence, the Lord called the valiant ascetic to be a bishop healed and converted Caliph Mavi of Baghdad 1008 St. Justus of Poland Camaldolese hermit, one of four brothers who were also canonized: Sts. Benedict, Andrew, Barnabas, and Justus. Martyrs of Gorkum 19 martyrs put to death with great cruelty by Protestant Calvinists in Gorkum, Holland. There were 10 Franciscans, 2 Premonstratensians, a Dominican, a Canon Regular, 4 secular priests, and one layman in the group. They were canonized in 1867. 1535 St. John Fisher confessor to Lady Margaret Beaufort mother of Henry VII; tutored Prince Henry -- Henry VIII refused to render allegiance to the King as the Head of the Church of England 1535 St. Thomas More Martyr (Patron of Lawyers) 1516 wrote "Utopia" refused to render allegiance to the King as the Head of the Church of England 1572 St. Francis Rod born in Brussels, Belgium, Franciscan martyr, hanged at Briel, by Calvinists 1681 Georg Neumark Evangelische Kirche: 09. Juli Nach dem Studium lebte Neumark 12 Jahre als freier Schriftsteller in Danzig und Thorn 1727 St. Veronica Giuliani Capuchin mystic who had many spiritual gifts; recipient of a stigmata in 1697 and visions 1794 THE MARTYRS OF ORANGE 1648 to 1930 St. Augustine Zhao Rong and 120 Companions Christianity arrived in China by way of Syria -- 600s. Depending on China's relations with outside world, Christianity over centuries was free to grow or was forced to operate secretly. 1900 St. Alberic Crescitelli Missionary martyr joined the Milan Foreign Missionary Society and was sent to China in 1888. He worked in schools and missions along the Han River until the Boxer Rebellion brought chaos to China Popes and Saints of July 10 2018
Konevits
Icon of the Mother of God: The holy icon was
glorified by many miracles.165 Saint Alexander martyrdom of the seven holy brothers, sons of the saintly martyr Felicitas 2nd v. The Seven Brothers And St Felicity, Martyrs 257? SS. RUFINA AND SECUNDA, VIRGINS AND MARTYRS 284-305 Bianor and Silvanus The Holy Martyrs: St Bianor came from the Pisidia district of Asia Minor 311-324 45 Martyrs of Nicopolis Armenian City martyrs sang Psalms at midnight, Lord's angel appeared & prison blazed with light declared to the martyrs their contest was near its end, 320 Saint Leontius Martyr with Daniel, Maurice, and forty-two companions in Nicopolis; 320 Saint Leontius Saint Rufinus and Secundus Martyrs buried on the Via Comelia, at the eleventh milestone of Rome Apollonius from Sardis city of Holy Martyr, located in Lydia (Asia Minor) 690 Saint Amalberga Mother of saints; relative of Blessed Pepin of Landen, the Duke of Brabant 770 Saint Lantfrid Abbot of Benediktbeuren in Bavaria, Germany. With his brothers, Saint Elilantus and Saint Waltram, he served the Benedictines. 772 Saint Amelberga Benedictine nun in Munsterbilsen, Flanders, Belgium. Saint Willibrord gave her the veil 1007 Saint Peter of Perugia member of the noble house of Agello but chose to enter the Benedictines abbot establishing of the monastery of Saint Peter 1073 Saint Anthony
Pechersky Ukrainian hermit on Mt. Athos in Greece
returned to Ukraine built a hermitage in Kiev became the
"Caves of Kiev" first Ukrainian monastery founded by Urainians;
gifts of clairvoyance, wonderworking
1074 Saint Theodosius
Pechersky Russian monk abbot of the community monastery
Caves in Kiev aided the poor, established hospitals one of
the founders of Russian monasticism14th v. Silvanus (Silouan) of the Kiev Caves The Holy Schemamonk, zealously preserved purity of both soul and body; subdued his flesh - fasting/vigils, cleansed his soul - prayer/meditation on God: Lord granted him abundance of spiritual gifts: a prayerful boldness towards God, constant joy in the Lord, clairvoyance, wonderworking 1625 Robe of Our Lord Jesus Christ The Placing of the Precious at Moscow 1727 St. Veronica Giuliani desire to be like Christ crucified answered with the stigmata joined Poor Clares directed by Capuchins; abbess, an office she held for 11 years until her death 1713-1784 Blessed Junipero Serra 1840 Saint Peter Tu Vietnamese martyr who became a catechist arrested by authorities. He was beheaded. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. 1860 Bl. Emmanuel Ruiz Franciscan Spanish Martyr with 11 companions in Lebanon 1860 Martyrs of Damascus 8 Franciscan and 3 Maronite martyrs slain in a Druse uprising in 1860 in Damascus, Syria refused to accept the Muslim faith, they were executed Popes and Saints of July 11 2018
155? Romæ sancti
Pii Primi, Papæ et MártyrisSt. Marcian
Martyred
youth of Iconium, Lycaonia. He was cited for
his courage in sufferiSt. John a bishop At Bergamo who was killed by the Arians for defending the Catholic faith 272 Sts. Sabinus & Cyprian Martyrs during persecutions; long venerated at Brescia, Italy 300 St. Cindeus A martyred priest of Pamphylia in Asia Minor. He was burned at the stake 304 Saint Euphemia the All-Praised The Miracle of as though alive, raised her hand and gave the scroll to the patriarch of the Fourth Ecumenical Council 5th v. St. Sabinus disciple of St. Germanus of Auxerre; especially venerated in the city of Poitiers, 543 St. Bendict of Nursia Father of Western monasticism brother of Scholastica, patron of speliologists 690 St. John of Bergamo Bishop in 656, John noted for Arian opposition holiness and learning 854 St. Abundius priest martyr Islamic persecution pastor in Ananelos, arrested in Córdoba, Spain, Januarius and Pelagia At Nicopolis in Armenia, the birthday of the holy martyrs 1077 Saint Arcadius of Vyazma and Novy Torg from Vyazma city of pious parents, who from childhood taught him prayer and obedience people of Vyazma witnessed several miracles 1100 The relics of the holy Great Martyr Barbara (December 4 304) were transferred to Kiev 1539 Bd Adrian Fortescue, Sir Adrian Fortescue Born in 1476, of an old Devonshire family, and was a cousin, on his mother's side, of Anne Boleyn 1539 The Rzhevsk (or Okovetsk) Icon of the Mother of God is from the Rzhevets Monastery in Poltava 1575 Renata
von Ferrara Tochter des französischen Königs
Ludwig XII Ignatius von Loyola schickte seine besten Leute
nach Ferrara und der König von Frankreich entsandte seinen
obersten Inquisitor - keiner von ihnen konnte Renata von ihrem
evangelischen Glauben abbringen
1681 St. Oliver
Plunkett born in Loughcrew in County Meath, Ireland
ordained priest in Rome and taught until 1669, when appointed
Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland a man of peace
and, religious fervor, visiting his people, establishing
schools, ordaining priests, and confirming thousands.
1745-1840 The Martyrs
Of Indo-ChinaPopes and Saints of July 12 2018
Sts. Peter
and Paul, Martyrdom of the Apostles {coptic}67 St. Paulinus of Antioch Martyr According to tradition, the first bishop of Lucca in Tuscany, Italy, and the city’s patron saint 1st v. St. Veronica The woman of Jerusalem wiped the face of Christ with a veil on His the way to Calvary 1st v. St. Jason St. Paul stayed at Salonika (2nd journey) in the house of one, Jason 1st v. Ss. Hermagoras and Fortunatus deacon, Martyrs 98-117 Hilary and Proclus The Holy Martyrs were natives of the village of Kallippi, near Ancyra; fearlessly confessed their faith in Christ 303 Ss. Nabor And Felix, Martyrs St Ambrose greatly praised these martyrs and multitudes of people flocked to Milan to venerate them St. Epiphana At Lentini 303 Marciana of Toledo her martyrdom is assigned to Toledo, Spain VM (RM) 542 Proculus served as bishop of Bologna for two years until he was martyred by the Goths (Benedictines) BM (AC) 591 St. Golinduc The Holy martyr lived in Persia during Chosroes I wife of chief magician Persian empire; In sleep angel showed Golinduc place of torment for sinners and paradise dwell believers in Christ, the true God; Lord made her invisible to impious preserving her purity; the Lord sheltered her from execution - brought her to Christians living in concealment. 886 St. Ansbald Abbot and Benedictine builder petitioned Holy Roman Emperor Charles the Fat for royal aid received the necessary patronage 962 Saint Michael Maleinos priest hermit, fifty years of ceaseless monastic struggle; demonstrated great humility (related to Byzantine emperor Leo VI the Wise) acquired gift of perspicacity; prayer accomplished many miracles 978 983 Theodore the Varangian and his son John military service at Constantinople-baptized there;. pagan name was Tur (Scandinavian Thor) or Utor (Scandinavian Ottar), 10th v. Saints John
& monk Gabriel settled at a monastery on the Monastery of St.
Athanasius the Athonite; built Iveron Monastery of Mt.
Athos travel to Greece,
on Mt. Olympus: (The story of the miraculous Iveron Icon of the Theotokos)
monk Gabriel stepped out onto the water and, walking upon the waves
as upon dry land, approached the icon, the holy image drew nearer to him. Clutching the holy icon to
his breast, Gabriel crossed back over the waves and delivered the icon safely
to the shore.
1002 St. John
the Iberian Abbot noble of Georgia, sometimes called
Iberia, a military leader; with son, St. Euthymius, to
Mount Olympias in Bithynia; to Mount Athos in Macedonia;
founded monastery endured into the 20th v.1073 Saint John Gaulbert, Abbot entered the Order of St. Benedict laid the foundation of the Order of Vallombrosa founded several monasteries, reformed others eradicated simony no indigent person sent away without alms dedicated to poverty and humility. He never became a priest, in fact, he declined even to receive minor orders known for his wisdom, miracles, and prophecies 1462 Bl. Andrew Oexner of Riun Martyred at age three, place of death was made into a shrine, and many miracles were reported there 1541 Bl. David Gonson Martyred for his faith English knight of St. John; son of a British vice-admiral 1598 St. John Jones b.1530 1679 St. John Wall b. 1620 These two friars were martyred in England (16th and 17th centuries) for refusing to deny their faith 1626 Bl. Monica Naisen Martyr of Japan native, arrested for sheltering Blessed John Baptist Zola; beheaded at Nagasaki with husband, Blessed John Naisen; beatified in 1867. 1626 Bl. Louis Naisen Martyr of Japan, only seven, son of Blesseds John and Monica Naisen. He was beheaded at Nagasaki, Japan. Louis was beatified in 1867. 1626 Bl. John Naisen Martyr of Japan wealthy Japanese from Arirna; arrested as a Christian. When his wife was threatened with being put in a brothel. John abjured. but then repented 1626 Bl. John Tanaka Martyr of Japan; layman, sheltered Blessed Balthasar de Torres and was arrested, imprisoned, and then burned alive in Nagasaki. John was beatified in 1867. 1626 Bl. Peter Araki Kobjoje native Japanese martyr at Nagasaki by government officials for the crime of giving shelter to Christians; beatified in 1867 1626 Bl. Matthias Araki Martyr native of Japan, brother of Blessed Mancius Araki; Matthias sheltered priests and was burned alive at Nagasaki. He was beatified in 1867 1641 Simon of Volomsk Hosiomartyr received monastic tonsure at the Pinegsk Makariev monastery settled in the Volomsk forest, 80 versts to the southwest of Ustiug at the River Kichmenga grace-filled miracles at his relics 1841 St. Agnes De Vietnamese Christian martyr; born in Baiden and raised in a Christian family; arrested - died in prison at Namdinh Agnes was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1988. 1780-1842 St. Peter Khanh native Vietnamese Martyr; he served as a catechist until his arrest and beheading by Vietnamese authorities. Popes and Saints of July 13 2018
St. Silas
One of Church of Jerusalem leaders; sent with Paul and Barnabas
to Antioch to communicate decisions of the Council
of Jerusalem
to the Gentile community in Syria
Saint Julian,
Bishop of Cenomanis, elevated to bishop by Apostle Peter;
sent to preach Gospel in Gaul (Cenomanis-region of River
Po) great wonders accompanied preaching of the saint healing
bodily infirmities-also the souls, blind, lame and To end of his
days he preached about Christ completely eradicating idolatry in
Cenomanis land
St. Aoulimpas,
the Apostle martyrdom one of the seventy apostles ministered
to the disciples; carried epistles of St. Peter to the Gentiles;
took Saint Peters body off the cross, shroud him, took him
to the house of the believers; martyred just like Peter {Coptic}
1 Romæ sancti
Anacléti, Papæ et Mártyris, qui,
post sanctum Cleméntem Ecclésiam Dei regens,
eam glorióso martyrio decorávit.195 St. Serapion Martyr. He was put to death in Macedonia presented himself before the judge completely healed by the Lord Jesus Christ 251 St. Myrope Martyr of the island of Chios, in Greece, She recovered the body of St. Isidore after his martyrdom 258 Marcian The Holy Martyr a native of Lyceian Iconium, while still at a youthful age converted many to Christ by his fiery preaching; gave thanks to God for his fate St. Theodosia mother of St. Proconius Martyrdom of St. Theodosia mother of St. Proconius and her companions {Coptic} 5th v. St. Dogfan Welsh martyr, descended from chieftain Brychan of Brecknock. He was slain by pagan invaders at Dyfed, Wales. A church there honors his memory. "It is Truly Meet" Icon of the Mother of God is in the high place of the altar of the cathedral church of the Karyes monastery on Mount Athos. 1024 St. Henry son of Duke of Bavaria, and Gisella, daughter of Conrad, King of Burgundy; made numerous pious foundations, gave liberally to pious institutions and built the Cathedral of Bamberg 1033 Kunigunde Nachfolgers 1025 zog sie sich in das von ihr 1017 gestiftete Kloster Kaufungen (bei Kassel) zurück und wurde Benediktinerin 1298 BD JAMES OF VORAGINE, ARCHBISHOP OF GENOA; author of Legenda Sanctorum, now everywhere known as Legenda Aurea, "The Golden Legend" 1610 St. Francis
Solano Franciscan Observance priest; survived Granada plague of 1583; in Peru refused to leave shipwrecked
slaves baptized them most survived; 20 years untiring
ministry among Indians and Spanish colonists; he had "gift
of tongues", called
"wonder-worker of the New World for miracles"; died at moment of consecration,
saying with last breath, "Glory be to God"
1616 Bl. Thomas
Tunstal English martyr priesthood at Douai; six years
in confinement joined Benedictines there until finally
murdered 1620 Monk Antonii of Leokhovo Transfer of the Relics of . The account about the saint is located under 17 October 1920 St. Teresa de los Andes Discalced Carmelite mystic; 1st Chilean beatified or canonized; model for young people Popes and Saints of July 14 2018
At Mylapore, the birthday of the blessed Apostle
Thomas, who preached the Gospel to the Parthians, Medes, Persians,
and Hyrcanians. Having finally penetrated into India,
and instructed those nations in the Christian religion, he died
pierced with lances at the order of the king. His remains
were first taken to the city of Edessa in Mesopotamia, and then to Ortona. Sancti Bonaventúræ, ex Ordine Minórum, Cardinális et Epíscopi Albanénsis, Confessóris et Ecclésiæ Doctóris; qui sequénti die migrávit ad Dóminum. "A spiritual joy is the greatest sign of the divine grace dwelling in a soul ". Sancti Bonaventúræ Saint Aquila, Apostle of the 70: a disciple of the Apostle Paul native of Pontus a Jew, living in the city of Rome with his wife Priscilla St Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, in Rome Martyrdom of . {Coptic} 117 St. Phocas Martyred bishop of Sinope, a diocese on the Black Sea. martyred during the reign of Emperor Trajan. 247 St. Heraclas Patriarch, brother of St. Plutarch the Martyr; one of Origen’s first pupils in Alexandria, Egypt. Ordained, Heraclas succeeded Origen as head of Alexandria school in 231 4th v. Saint Onesimus the Wonderworker performed many miracles St. Shenouda (Shenoute)Departure of , the Archimandrite attended the Council of the two hundred that gathered at Ephesus with the holy father Anba Kyrillos (24th), and he admonished Nestorius the heretic {Coptic} 4th v. St Hellius sent to a monastery when still a child raised in piety, temperance and chastity went into the Egyptian desert; endowed with the gift of clairvoyance, knew all thoughts and disposition of monks conversing with him; Great faith, simplicity of soul, deep humility allowed St Hellius to command wild animals 390 Sancti
Felícis, Novocómiqui fuit primus ejúsdem
civitátis Epíscopus. At Como, St. Felix, first
bishop of that city
550 St. Optatian
Bishop of Brescia, Italy, from about 451. He
was among a singular group of sainted bishops of this diocese.
In time, all Brescian prelates bore the rank of Count5th v. Idus of Leinster a disciple of Saint Patrick, who he baptized. Patrick appointed him bishop Alt-Fadha in Leinster. St. Cyrus of Carthage A bishop mentioned by St. PossidiusSt. Justus Martyr at Rome or Constantinople, modern Istanbul; Roman military veteran put to death Also at Rome; miraculous cross appeared to him he believed in Christ, was baptized, and gave away his goods to the poor 62 St. Marcellinus of Oldensee Anglo-Saxon monk who followed Saint Willibrord to the Netherlands. Together with Saint Lebuin, preached Gospel to the people of Over-Yssel (Holland); 738 accompanied Saint Boniface to Rome 783 St. Libert Benedictine martyr, educated by St. Rumoldus; put to death by raiders at Saint-Trond Abbey, Franc Davéntriæ, in Belgis, sancti Marcellíni, Presbyteri et Confessóris. 1093 St. Ulrich page at court of Empress Agnes opted for religious life; deacon, Benedictine monk at Cluny-1052; Prior at Peterlingen, founding Friar of Ruggersberg Priory; returned to Cluny, opposed Bishop Burchard of Lausanne for his support of Henry IV against the Pope; founding Abbot of Zell monastery in Black Forest and convent at nearby Bollschweil author of Consuetudines cluniacences, on the liturgy; direction of monasteries and novices 1217 Bd Hroznata, Martyr a man the course of whose blameless life was changed by a succession of misfortunes 1263 Bl. Humbert studied at Paris; received doctorate in law joined Dominicans 224; Holy Land pilgrimage on return-1240 elected provincial Roman province of the Dominicans; elected provincial of France- 1244 - 1254 5th Dominican master general 1270 Blessed Boniface of Savoy entered Grande Chartreuse as youth, a Carthusian monk then prior of Mantua, served 7 years administrator diocese of Belley; bishop of Valence. 1241 elected archbishop of Canterbury , O. Cart. 1604 Blessed Caspar de Bono a silk merchant, then a trooper, and finally a Minim friar O. Minim. (AC) 1610 St. Francis Solano At Lima in Peru, , a priest and confessor of the Order of Friars Minor. passed to the Lord in West Indies, renowned for preaching, miracles and virtues. Pope Benedict XIII placed him on canon of the saints
1614 Camillus
de Lellis, Priest To him the only people that mattered
were the sick, for in serving them he was serving God charity
was the only thing that made life worth living, the surest way
of bringing man closer to God, the only true life-blood of the Church
for the first time the patients were separated into different
wards according to the nature of their maladie RM
1679 Bl. Richard
Langhorne English martyr educated at the Bedfordshire
Inner Temple worked as a lawyer; arrested as conspirator in
the so-called “Popish Plot.” 1680 Blessed Kateri
Tekakwitha Virgin daughter of a Mohawk warrior; smallpox
attacked Kateri and transfigured her face; teenage convert
suffered greatly for her Faith; lived a life dedicated to prayer,
penitential practices, care for sick and aged; devoted to the
Eucharist and to Jesus Crucified first Native American declared
a Blessed
1809 St. Nicodemus
of the Holy
Mountian Greek Monk and writer; entered the monastery of Athos
in 1775 and worked with St. Macanus Nataras of Corinth to compile
the Philokalia {means
'Love of what is beautiful'}, a massive compendium of monastic life
and spirituality
1866 John
Keble Er schrieb Bücher mit Gedichten und Hymnen1929 Karolina Utriainen in Finnland geboren Über fünfzig Jahre hielt Karolina Utriainen über 20.000 Predigten, von denen viele aufgeschrieben und auf Tonträgern aufgezeichnet wurden Popes and Saints of July 15 2018
1st v. St. Simon
Cleophas, the Apostle Martyrdom of; brother of
Joseph the Just, to whom the Virgin Mary was betrothed; received
the grace of the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room of Zion, and was
ordained bishop for Jerusalem succeeding St. James the Apostle.
{Coptic}Popes and Saints of July 16 2018 295 St. Domnio A martyr of Bergamo, in Lombardy 305 St. Valentine Bishop of Trier (or Tongres, Belgium) , Germany, martyr 337 St. Eustathius of Antioch Confessor; a learned, eloquent, virtuous man; ardent zeal for purity of faith made bishop of Beroea, Syria; attended Council of Nicaea concurred with fellow bishops forbid all translations of bishops from one see to another; During, before, and after the council, firm opponent of Arianism both preaching and writing 451 The Fourth Ecumenical Council, 630 bishops participated; convened 451 in the city of Chalcedon 784 St. Fulrad Abbot of St. Denis Abbey near Paris, France; counselor of King Pepin and Charlemagne; guided the Franks in establishing close ties with the Holy See rather than Byzantium 866 Blessed Irmengard of Chiemsee daughter of King Louis, great granddaughter of Charlemagne 1420 The Chirsk (Pskov) Icon of the Mother of God 1794 Blessed Mary & Mary-Magdalen de Justamond sisters by blood and in the Cistercian convent of Sainte-Catherine at Avignon; guillotined at Orange during the French Revolution, OSB Cist. MM (AC) 1846 St. Mary Magdalen Postel opened a school for girls at Barfleur, leader in Barfleur against constitutional priests. sheltered fugitive priests in her home venerated for her holiness and miracle Bérgomi sancti Domniónis Mártyris. At Bergamo, St. Domnio, martyr. Popes and Saints of July 17 2018
Popes and Saints of July 19 2018July 17 – Feast of the Humility of Mary
The first Lourdes grotto in the land of the Hashemite Kingdom The first grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes on Jordanian territory was built in the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Nour, 24 km south of Amman (capital of Jordan). 180 Speratus and Companions, Narzales, Cythinus, Veturius, Felix, Acyllinus, Laetantius, Januaria, Generosa, Vestina, Donata, Secunda carried "The sacred books, and the letters of a righteous man named Paul." (Scillitan Martyrs) (RM) 300 St. Marina
(Margaret) The Holy Great Martyr governor gave the holy
martyr over to torture beaten her fiercely; night in prison,
granted heavenly aid healed of wounds; then burned with fire.
Barely alive, the martyr prayed: "Lord, You have granted
me to go through fire for Your Name, grant me also to go through
the water of holy Baptism."; governor gave orders to drown the saint;
a light, and snow-white dove came from Heaven, in its beak a golden
crown; fetters on St Marina came apart by themselves;. The martyr stood
up glorifying the HolyTrinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. emerged
from the fount completely healed; people glorified the True God, many
believed; governor in a rage, gave orders to kill confessors of Christ;
15,000 Christians perished there
398 St. Marcellina
sister of St. Ambrose consecrated to a religious
life by Pope Liberius in 353 417 St. Alexis charitable to the poor; in disguise traveled to Syria lived in great poverty near a Church of Our Lady; after 17 years, a picture of our Blessed Mother spoke to tell the people that this beggar was very holy. She called him "The man of God." he wrought many miracles 521 St. Ennodius Bishop, poet, papale missary, born Magnus Felix Ennodius in a Gallo Roman family of Arles, France. Educated in Milan, Italy, married but then separated from his wife, who entered a convent; ordainedmade bishop of Pavia went on 2 missions to Emperor Anastasius I for the pope; biographer of St. Antoninus wrote poetry gained considerable attention 735 St. Theodota Byzantine martyr. A lady of Constantinople, modern Istanbul, Turkey, martyred for hiding 3 icons from imperial officials during the Iconoclast period of Emperor Leo III the Isaurian. 740 Fredegand of Kerkelodor; feast day is celebrated with an annual procession of the Blessed Sacrament to commemorate a plague that stopped at his intercession 855 Leo IV studied at Saint Martin's Monastery in Rome, made subdeacon of Lateran Basilica by Pope Gregory IV, named cardinal by Pope Sergius II; restored many churches in Rome benefactions to churches take up 28 pages in the Liber pontificalis; tightened clerical discipline with a synod at Rome in 853 OSB Pope (RM) St. Hyacinth Martyr of Amastria, Paphlagonia; put to death for cutting down tree consecrated to a pagan deity. 1010 St. Andrew Zorard A hermit of Polish descent. Andrew lived on Mount Zobar in Hungary. Benedictines resided nearby, and Andrew trained St. Benedict of Szkalka. He was canonized in 1083. 1198
St. Nerses
Lambronazi a noted scholar, theologian, and linguist;
hermit, became archbishop of Tarsus; promoting reunion Armenia
with Western Church, first through the Council of Hromkla later
through negotiations reunion in 1198; translated Western writings
into Armenian including the Dialogues of Pope St. Gregory the Great.
1066 Ansuerus
and Companions, a noble of Schleswig. He became a monk,
later abbot, of the Benedictine monastery of Saint Georgenberg
near Ratzeburg, Denmark, which became the center for the evangelization
of the region. All 29 members of the community were stoned to
death by the Wends in reaction to the death of Emperor Henry III
1242 Bl. Ceslaus his life like that of Saint Hyacinth, is a record of almost countless miracles, of unbelievable distances travelled on foot through wild and warlike countries, miracles of grace; cured the sick, maimed, raised the dead to life, wonders in building convents; remarkable miracle raising to life a boy been dead for 8 days 1610 St. Francis Solano Friars Minor in 1570 sent to South America in 1589 worked to defend the indigenous peoples from oppression 1654 Saint Leonid of Ustnedumsk; At 50, saw the Mother of God in a dream, Who directed him to the Morzhevsk Nikolaev hermitage; take from there the Hodigitria Icon of the Mother of God, and build a church for it at the River Luz and Mount Turin; he did this and the "Ustnedumsk" ("the mouth of the Nedumaya") monastery was built 1794 Blessed Carmelite Nuns of Compiègne ; beatified 1906. 16 nuns of the Carmel of Compiègne, France, guillotined in Paris during the French Revolution. As they mounted the scaffold, they sang the Salve Regina MM (AC) 1794 Bl. Juliette Verolot St. Madeleine Lidoine 1794 Carmelite Nuns of Compiegne St. Madeleine Brideau 1794 St. Frances de Croissy 1794 Bl. Rose Chretien St. Marie Claude Brard St. Marie Dufour 1794 Bl. Antoinette Roussel Sister St. Martha 1794 Bl. Frances Brideau St. Nicholas, Alexandra, and Companions Last Romanov rulers of Russia and martyrsSt. Generosus Martyr of Tivoli, Italy. His relics are enshrined under the high altar of the cathedral ther Marytrs of Scillitan St. Fredegand Benedictine abbot, an Irishman and a companion of St. Foillan. 1881 St Daniel Comboni Bishop; founded missionary institutes -- Comboni Missionaries and the Comboni Missionary Sisters (Verona Fathers and Sisters) struggled against the slave trade: He takes part in the first Vatican Council as the theologian of the Bishop of Verona, and gets 70 Bishops to sign a petition for the evangelisation of Central Africa (Postulatum pro Nigris Africæ Centralis). Popes and Saints of July 18 2018 135 Symphorosa
widow of the martyr Saint Getulius mother of seven
other martyrs named Crescens, Julian, Nemesius, Primitivus, Justin,
Stacteus, and Eugene MM (RM)
St. Julian A martyr known as a son of St. Symphorosa 203 St. Gundenis Virgin martyr of Carthage. She died in the persecution of Septimius Severnus 307 St. Maternus Bishop of Milan, Italy. Maternus was chosen bishop in a public acclamation in 295 . He suffered during the last period of the Roman persecutions but managed to survive, eventually dying in peace Athanasias (III-IV) The Holy Great Martyr was a contemporary and friend of the holy Martyrs Sergios and Backhos Iacynthos (Hyacinthe) (IV) The Holy Martyr: An Angel gave him his name; a 3 year-old, Saint Iacynthos besought God a dead infant might be resurrected, and the Lord hearkened to his childish prayer: the dead one arose; Both lads grew up together, together they asceticised virtuous life; pagans worshipping tree, he chopped it down Sts. John priest and Simon, his cousin, a disciple of this Saint; Martyrdom of confessed the Lord Christ before its Governor {Coptic} St. Isaiah, the hermit; Departure of On this day also, the great saint, Anba Isaiah, was a hermit in wilderness of Shiheet (Scetis), departed. May his prayers be with us, Glory be to God forever. Amen. {Coptic} 362 St. Emilian Martyr of Sillistria, in Bulgaria Aemilianos dem Gouverneur, zum Lobe Gottes und zum Heil seiner eigenen Seele die Bilder wrecked the pagan-temple; Thrown into a bon-fire, he did not perish, but rather the flames burnt many of the pagans standing about. And when the bon-fire had gone out, Saint Emelian lay down upon the dying embers and with a prayer gave up his spirit to the Lord 387 St. Philaster primary mission resisting the spread of the Arian heresy bishop of Brescia; Saint Gaudentius, his successor, praises him for his "modesty, quietness, and gentleness towards all men." He was chiefly famed, however, for his charity to the poor authored Catalogue of Heresies (28 Jewish & 128 Christian heresies) popular book in the Western Church used by St. Augustine; much praised by his successor, St. Gaudentius 1123 St. Bruno of Segni Benedictine bishop Vatican librarian, cardinal legate theological work on the Holy Eucharist set the standard for centuries abbot of Monte Cassino 1241 Pamva The Monk, a Kievo-Pechersk Hermit and PriestMonk, fulfilled the exploit of confessor. Caught while on a monastic obedience, he was taken off by Tatars and for many years suffered from them for his refusal to renounce the Christian faith. The monk was afterwards miraculously transported from captivity and put within his own cell. 1314 Tolga Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos appeared Aug 8, 1314 to Rostov hierarch Prochorus (Tryphon in schema) 1341 Blessed Robert of Salentino a disciple of Saint Peter Celestine at Murrone, before he was elected pope; founded 14 Celestine monasteries, OSB Cel. Abbot (AC) 1435 Blessed Angeline of Marsciano founded first community of Franciscan women other than Poor Clares to receive papal approval Widow assumed dress of St Francis tertiary converted her household into a body of secular tertiaries living in community Angelina and her companions travelled about recalling sinners to penance, relieving distress, and putting before young women the call of a life of virginity for Christ's sake first convent of regular tertiaries with vows and enclosure, and its success was immediate. 1566 Bartolomé de Las Casas Dominikanern zum Priester weihen Sein Einsatz für die Rechte der Indios wirkt heute noch nach 1614 St. Camillus de Lellis; fought for Venetians against Turks, addicted to gambling penniless by 1574; became director of St. Giacomo Hospital in Rome; received permission from his confessor (St. Philip Neri) to be ordained decided, with 2 companions, to found the Ministers of the Sick (the Camellians) he sent members of his order to minister wounded troops in Hungary and Croatia, the first field medical unit 1630 Kozman hieromonk end earthly life as martyr by Dagestanis carrying out a raid on the Davit-Gareji Wilderness 1839 St. Dominic Nicholas Dat Vietnamese soldier and martyr; strangled during the persecution; canonized in 1988 1892 The Kaluzhsk Icon of the Mother of God: The feast on this day was established and done at Kaluga in grateful memory of the deliverance of the city from cholera on 18 July 1939 Reverend Paul Robert Schneider Er wird der „Prediger von Buchenwald“ genannt; the first Protestant minister to be martyred by the Nazis; Paul Schneider did not stand by idly as Nazi leaders ridiculed the morality of the Church. In writing and in preaching, he protested against the vitriol directed against the Church by Nazi officials; Local Nazi officials interrogations 12 times during the winter of 1935/1936;. continued to speak his mind and follow the dictates of his conscience. Paul’s friends pleaded with him to avoid confrontation with Nazis. He responded that "he did not seek martyrdom, but that he had to follow his Lord. His primary responsibility was to prepare his family for eternal life – not to insure their material well-being." Died by lethal injection. Archangel
Michael Commemoration of the perpetual intercessor of the human
race before God the Pantocrator {Coptic}
Popes and Saints of July 20 2018St. Abba Hour El-Siriakousy Martyrdom of {Coptic} 1st v. St. Epagaphras Bishop and martyr, called “the most beloved fellow servant” of Paul. Tradition states he served in Colossae, where he was martyred St. Felix of Verona A bishop of Verona, Saint Felix has been venerated there as a saint from time immemorial 210 Martin of Trèves the tenth bishop of Trier (Trèves), Germany, as the records show BM (RM) 287 St. Justa and St. Rufina Virgins and Martyrs were two Christian women at Seville in Spain who maintained themselves by selling earthenware 379 St. Macrina the Younger; Gregory of Nyssa found her sick with a raging fever and used her discussion of eternal life as the basis of his treatise De anima et resurrectione (On the soul and the resurrection) 430 Saint Dius his flesh was humbled by vigil and unceasing prayer. For these deeds the Lord granted St Dius dispassion and the gift of wonderworking; a vision, the Lord ordered St Dius to go to Constantinople and there to serve both Him and the people; The Lord worked many other miracles through His saint 450 Arsenius the Great, Hermit 395 he abandoned the court and joined the monks in Alexandria, Egypt. On the death of Theodosius (c. 400), saddened and sickened by his pupils' weakness of character and quarrels--for which he felt some responsibility as their former teacher, he became a desert monk in the Wadi Natrun (Skete). There he was tutored in the eremitical customs by Saint John the Dwarf. 514 Symmachus a holy and able pope. He helped the African bishops exiled to Sardinia by the Arian Thrasimund, founded three hospices, aided the victims of the barbarian raids in northern Italy, and helped ransom captives. His generosity to the poor led to the well-deserved bestowal of the title "father of the poor" Pope 778 St. Ambrose Aut-pert Benedictine monk and tutor of Charlemagne; monk there and, eventually, abbot. He was an able exegete and his works were considered as authoritative as those written by the greatest Latin Fathers. In fact, though not in title, his is one of the Doctors of the Church 856 St. Aurea Sister of SS. Aldolphus and John, who were martyred at Cordova, Saint Aurea was the daughter of a Moorish father and a Christian mother. Aurea became a Christian and a nun at Cuteclara. 1079 Blessed Bernard of Rodez close friend of Saints Gregory VII, Hugh of Cluny, and William of Hirschau; promoted the Cluniac reform with great zeal; made a cardinal and, in 1077, legate to Germany 1141 Blessed Stilla of Abenberg; engaging herself in the relief of all unfortunates, daughter of Count Wolfgang II of Abenberg and sister to Archbishop Conrad I of Salzburg, found Saint Peter's Church in Abenberg (near Nuremburg) V (AC) 1270 Roman Olegovich of Ryazan The Holy martyred Prince was from a line of princes, who during the time of the Tatar (Mongol) Yoke won glory as defenders of the Christian Faith and of their Fatherland. Both his grandfathers perished for the Fatherland in the struggle with Batu. 1660 St Vincent DePaul, Founder of The Congregation of The Mission And The Sisters Of Charity 1697 St. John Plessington son of a Royalist Catholic, John was educated at Saint Omer's in France and the English college at Valladolid, Spain. He was ordained in Segovia in 1662. 1781 Servant of God Francis
Garces and Companions greatly loved by the indigenous
peoples, among whom he live
unharmed for a long time. They regularly
gave him food and referred to him as "Viva Jesus," which was the
greeting he taught them to use1903 Saint Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov: Uncovering of the Relics In 1991, St Seraphim's relics were rediscovered after being hidden in a Soviet anti-religious museum for seventy years . 900 b.c. Elijah (the Lord's strength) The Holy Prophet is one of the greatest of the prophets and the first dedicated to virginity in the Old Testament. He was born in Tishba of Gilead into the Levite tribe 900 years before the Incarnation of the Word of God. 1st v St. Joseph of Barsabas A follower of Christ also called Joseph Barsassas and sur named “the Just.” He is the person listed in the Acts of the Apostles as a competitor of St. Matthias for the vacant place among the Apostles, caused by the treachery of Judas Iscariot. 1st v. St. Apollinaris St. Peter sent Apollinaris to Ravenna, Italy, as its first bishop exiled 4 times by pagans 304 Margaret (Marina) of Antioch (of the Latins) VM (RM) 334 Rheticus of Autun a Gallo-Roman, became bishop of Autun about 310. Three years later he participated in the Lateran synod that condemned the Donatists St. Sabinus Martyr with Cassia, Julian, Macrobius, Maximus, Paula, and ten companions.They were put to death at Damascus, Syria. 355 St. Barhadbesciabas A Persian martyr, serving as a deacon in Arbele tortured by the governor of the Persian region of Adiaban in modern Iran 429 Aurelius of Carthage archdeacon promoted to head the Church in Africa; Friend of Saint Augustine of Hippo; one of the first detect and oppose Celestius and Pelagianism councils 412 and 416; convened several councils to counter the Donatists; highly praised by Saint Fulgentius; prompted St. Augustine to write On the Work of Monks. 512 & 518 St. Flavian patriarch of Antioch, and Elias patriarch of Jerusalem. They were both exiled by Emperor Anastasius I, a Monophysite. The two bishops supported the decrees of the Council of Chalcedon. Flavian, and probably Elias, died in the city of Petra, Jordan 513 St. Elias an Arab educated in an Egyptian monastery; driven from Egypt by monophysite Bishop Timothy the Cat of Alexandria for his Catholic orthodoxy; stayed for a time at St Euthymius' laura, founded a monastery at Jericho, ordained. In 494 he was elected patriarch of Jerusalem 833 Ansegisus of Fontenelle chosen by Charlemagne to restoe several abbeys Saint Sixtus at Rheims, Saint Meuge near Châlons, Saint Germer at Flaix, Luxeuil, and Fontenelle; wrote a collection of capitularies, the official lawbook of the Empire; life characterization of Benedictine work for Christianity and civilization during Dark Ages of Europe 851 Paul of Cordova, Deacon belonged to the community of Saint Zoilus in Cordova. He zealously ministered to Christians who had been imprisoned by the Moors 1350 Chukhloma Icon of the Mother of God of Galich appeared in the year 1350 to St Abraham of Galich, who came there from the north for ascetical labors with the blessing of St Sergius of Radonezh. 1375 Saint Abraham of Galich priest (Chukhloma Lake), lived and pursued asceticism at the monastery of St Sergius of Radonezh revelation to go up a mountain, where he found an icon of the Mother of God shining with an indescribable light; Numerous healings were worked through the icon; founded four monasteries dedicated to the Mother of God, who granted him Her icon at the beginning of his ascetical exploits 1537: St Jerome Emiliani, Founder Of The Somaschi; served in the armies of the republic; led careless irreligious life, now he sanctified his sufferings by prayer and turning to God; resolved to devote himself and his property solely to others, founded orphanages at Brescia, Bergamo, Como, shelter for penitent prostitutes, hospital at Verona 1596 Blessed Gregory Lopez, a page to Philip II, Hermit among the Indians near Zacatecas and later near the capital many well-authenticated miracles were recorded at his tomb 1649 Athanasius of Bretsk (Transfer of Relics 1649) The ground in which the martyr was buried belonged at the time to the Jesuits, therefore they had to go to work secretly. At night monks dug up the incorrupt body of the igumen glorified by grace-filled gifts of wonderworking, and attracted a vast number of believers. "The Unia will die out, but Orthodoxy will flourish." 1907 Saint Ilia, called the “Uncrowned King of Georgia,” the “Father of the Nation” and “the Righteous,” noble family Chavchavadze; great philosopher, writer, and historian often repeated the statement “A nation whose language is corrupted can no longer exist as a nation.” cared deeply about Georgian language fought to ensure it remained primary language taught in schools; 1936 Blessed Francisca Aldea 1/8 nuns martyrs Spanish Revolution; assigned to teaching and fulfilled this task with great dedication until 1916, when she was elected assistant and, later, general secretary 1936 Blessed Rita Dolores Pujalte Sanchez & Companions These eight nuns were martyrs of the Spanish Revolution. St. Pisentius, Bishop of Qift Departure; see the angels fluttering their wings around the altar while he was celebrating the Divine Liturgy; healer Lord informed him that his departure drew near {Coptic} St. Apamon of Toukh Martyrdom of; Angel Michael appeared to him and commanded him to go to Ansena and confess Christ. He went and confessed the Lord Christ before Eukhius, the governor. He tortured him; the Lord strengthened and raised him up sound; performed many signs and miracles; {Coptic} St. Abba Shenoute Martyrdom of , during the Early Arab Rule. {Coptic} Popes and Saints of July 21 2018 6th v. B.C.
Ezekiel
The Holy Prophet; of Sarir, descended from tribe
of Levi; a priest and son of priest Buzi; led off to Babylon when
25; with King Jechoniah II and others during 2nd invasion of Jerusalem
by Babylonian king Nebuchadnessar; lived in captivity by the
River Chebar; saw 4 living creatures shape of men, but with
4 faces ( Ez 1:6).
Each face of a man in front, face of a lion on the right, the
face of an ox on the left, and the face of an eagle at the back
(Ez. 1:10). a wheel on the earth
beside each creature, and the rim of each wheel was full of eyes.
the shut gate of the
sanctuary, through which the Lord God would enter (Ez. 44: 2), is a prophecy of the Virgin giving birth to
Christ, yet remaining a virgin. vision of the dry bones prefigured the universal
resurrection of the dead, and the new eternal life bestowed
by the Lord Jesus Christ. if a righteous man turns from
righteousness to sin, he shall die for his sin, and his righteouness
will not be remembered. If a sinner repents, and keeps God's commandments,
he will not die. His former sins will not be held against him, beause
now he follows the path of righteousness (Ez. 3:20; 18:21-24).
Popes and Saints of July 22 20185th v. BC. Daniel, Prophet died in Babylon; He also saw four living creatures in the shape of men, but with four faces (Ez. 1:6); Daniel died in Babylon; relics are reputed translated first to Alexandria and then to Venice 1st v. St Mary Magdalen 2nd v. Praxedes of Rome daughter of Roman senator Saint Pudens sister of Saint Pudentiana. All 3 were converted by Saint Peter; One of oldest churches in Rome, S. Prassede, built on site of her home and dedicated to her 204 Zoticus of Cappadocia Eusebius mentions Bishop Zoticus of Comana, Cappadocia famous for his zeal against Montanist heretics; condemned their errors and false prophecies 273 Claudius, Justus, Jucundinus & Comp group of 8 martyrs with Saint Julia at Troyes, France, under Aurelian 290? St Victor Of Marseilles, Mann 304 St. Victor soldier in the Roman army at Marseilles when hailed before prefects, Asterius and Eutychius, sent him to Emperor Maximian for exhortations to Christians be firm in faith in face of impending visit by the Emperor. 356 St Joseph
of Palestine, mentioned in the Roman Martyrology,
appears nowhere venerated liturgically in the world, not
even country where he was so conspicuous a figure; he privately
exorcised an indwelling demon in the name of our Lord, and the energumen
was delivered; making the sign of the cross upon a vessel of water,
poured it on the kilns, and the fire instantly burst forth and burned;
Constantine the Great gave Joseph the rank of comes with authority to build churches over
Galilee, particularly in Jewish towns; Scythopolis (Bethsan),
lodged St Eusebius of Vercelli; harboured other servants of God,
like St Epiphanius;
379 St. Ephraem
El-Soriani (The Syrian) Departure of; He debated pagans overcame
them by the grace within him; went with his teacher St. James to attend
the council of Nicea {Coptic}1088 Bd Benno, Bishop Of Osnabruck; noteworthy work as "official architect" to Emperor Henry III; sent more than once as imperial envoy to pope St Gregory; founded Iburg monastery 1150 Verena von Schönau Werk über ihre Visionen zu Ursula und ihren Gefährtinnen verfaßte. Die Reliquien von Verena verblieben in Schönau und wurden hier verehrt. 12th v. Onuphrius the Silent Monk in the Near Caves of St Anthony an ascetic in the twelfth century 1227–1228 St. Salome the Georgian details of the life of are not preserved. In the Synaxarion of Jerusalem’s Holy Cross Monastery it is written: “On this day (July 20) we commemorate martyrdom of Salome the Georgian, at first yielded to Persian threats renounced Christ, later confessed Faith; beheaded and cast into flames.” 14th v. Saint Markella lived in the village of Volissos, Chios; devil incited her father with an unnatural desire for his daughter; martyred for her faith 1400 Blessed Oddino Barrotti, parish priest at the church of Saint John the Baptist at Fossano and a Franciscan tertiary. Later he resigned from his pastoral duties and turned his house into a hospital OFM 1435 Bd Angelina Of Marsciano, Widow assumed dress of St Francis tertiary converted her household into a body of secular tertiaries living in community Angelina and her companions travelled about recalling sinners to penance, relieving distress, and putting before young women the call of a life of virginity for Christ's sake first convent of regular tertiaries with vows and enclosure, and its success was immediate. 1619 Lawrence of Brindisi, Doctor of the Church by Pope John XXIII both a brilliant military tactician as well as a peacemaker; became a Capuchin Franciscan in Verona at 16 and took the name Lawrence excelled at Bible studies; main contributions are in the nine volumes of his sermons 1679 Bds. Philip Evans priest S.J. and John Lloyd a secular priest, missionary to minister in his own country; Martyred ".. as priests who had come unlawfully into the realm..." 1693 Saint Cornelius of Pereyaslavl church sacristan, served in trapeza, also toiled in the garden relics found incorrupt 1860 Moritz Bräuninger Am 22. Juli 1860 traf er in der Nähe der Station mit Indianern zusammen und kam mit ihnen in ein Gespräch. Seitdem fehlte jede Spur von ihm. Händler berichteten später, Bräuninger sei von Ukala--Indianern erschossen und in den Powder-River geworfen worden.
St. Mary
Magdelene "The Penitent" Tradition informs us that Mary
of Magdala was young and pretty, and led a sinful life. It says
in the Gospels that the Lord expelled seven devils from Mary (Luke. 8:2) followed the Lord, with Apostles
through cities and villages of Judea Galilee preaching the Kingdom
of God; together with pious women Joanna, wife of Choza (steward
of Herod), Susanna and others, she served Him from her own possessions
(Luke 8:1-3); According
to Tradition, she took Emperor Tiberias a red egg as a symbol of
the Resurrection, a symbol of new life with the words: "Christ is
Risen!"
1st v. Saint Syntyche of Philippi She was a fellow-worker of Saint Paul in spreading the Gospel; She is mentioned by Saint Paul (Philippians 4:2-3) as being a female member of the Church at Philippi and one of those "whose names are in the book of life" (RM) (Benedictines, Encyclopedia). 300 Saint Cyril of Antioch succeeded Timaeus as patriarch of Antioch in 280. Although persecuted by Diocletion, he appears to have died in peace (Benedictines).B (RM) 306 St. Plato and brother of St. Antiochus Martyr; A much revered saint in the Eastern Church, he was put to death at Ancyra during the persecution of the early fourth century.
356
St Joseph
of Palestine, mentioned in the Roman Martyrology,
appears nowhere venerated liturgically in the world, not
even country where he was so conspicuous a figure; he privately
exorcised an indwelling demon in the name of our Lord, and the energumen
was delivered; making the sign of the cross upon a vessel of water, poured
it on the kilns, and the fire instantly burst forth and burned; Constantine
the Great gave Joseph the rank of comes with authority to build churches over Galilee,
particularly in Jewish towns; Scythopolis (Bethsan), lodged St
Eusebius of Vercelli; harboured other servants of God, like St Epiphanius;
at Tiberias produced Massoretic doctors, who are famous for the
invention of the vowel points to preserve the pronunciation of
written Hebrew
356 St. Pancharius
Bishop of Besancon in Gaul during the height of the Arian
controversy in the Church. He endured considerable hardships
at the hands of the heretical Arians who support of Arian Emperor
ConstantiusSt. Movean Abbot and companion of St. Patrick, also called Biteus. Movean was abbot of Inis-Coosery, County Down, Ireland. He served as a missionary in Perthshire and died as a hermit. 789 St. Theophilus Admiral and martyr. An officer in charge of the Byzantine fleet stationed at Cyprus, he was captured in battle against an Arab fleet, despite the pleas of his officers to retreat when the cause was hopeless. He spent one year in a Muslim prison and was then martyred after he refused to abjure the Christian faith. 1088 Bd Benno, Bishop of Osnabruck; noteworthy work as an architect "official architect" to the Emperor Henry III; sent more than once as imperial envoy to pope St Gregory; founded Iburg monastery 1493 Blessed Augustine Fangi; Miracles during life; raised dead, removed devils, mended broken jar and refilled it; Miracles around the tomb of Augustine of Biella led to his beatification in 1878, after forgotten by everyone, except residents of the little town at the foot of the Alps where he lived; His life noted for piety and regularity, but quite unremarkable for unusual events or venturesome projects, OP (AC) 1619 St Lawrence of Brindisi, Doctor of the Church by Pope John XXIII both a brilliant military tactician as well as a peacemaker; became a Capuchin Franciscan in Verona at 16 and took the name Lawrence excelled at Bible studies; main contributions are in the nine volumes of his sermons (RM) OFM Cap. (also known as Laurence, Lorenzo) 1622 Blessed Kiprian, fool-for-Christ's-sake, gatekeeper of the church in Voskresensk, near the city of Kovrov in Vladimir Diocese. Saint Kiprian pursued calling in silence on island mouth of rivers Kliazma and Uvod 1679 Bds. Philip Evans priest S.J. and John Lloyd a secular priest, missionary to minister in his own country; Martyred "as priests who had come unlawfully into the realm" 1693 Saint Cornelius of Pereyaslavl sacristan in church, served in the trapeza, also toiled in garden relics incorrupt 1927 Saint Marie Alphonsine saved a girl by lowering down her Rosary Popes and Saints of July 23 2018 The Three
Wise Men
75 St. Apollinaris first bishop of Ravenna, Italy Saint Primitiva of Rome was a very early martyr, probably of Rome. She may be the same Primitiva celebrated on February 24 (Benedictines). VM (RM) Rasyphus of Rome Rasyphus another very early martyr relics are enshrined in the Pantheon 302 Sts. Trophimus & Theophilus Two Roman martyrs slain under Emperor Diocletian. 303 St. Phocas the Gardener lived at Sinope, in Paphiagonia, on the Black Sea gave welcome to the Roman soldiers sent to find and execute him using the rest of the night to prepare his soul. In the morning he led them to his prepared grave and informed them of his identity he encouraged them to complete their task and behead him 3rd v. Trophimus, Theophilus, and thirteen martyrs The Holy Martyrs suffered during the persecution against Christians refused to offer sacrifice to idols After fierce tortures and fire, Strengthened by the Lord, they came out of the fire completely unharmed, and they glorified Christ all the more 390 St. Liborius 2nd or 3rd bishop of Le Mans Patron saint of Paderborn, Germany; bishop of Le Mans, France 5th v. St. Rasyphus and Ravennus Martyrs came from Britain, fleeing the islands upon invasions by the Anglo Saxons 433 St. John Cassian Eastern monk and theological writer. He went to Palestine in 380 with a companion, Germanus, and became a monk in Egypt. In 400 he entered into the discipleship of St. John Chrysostom, going to Rome to defend the much-oppressed saint before Pope Innocent I. Ordained in Rome, John started monasteries in southern France, near Marseilles, thus helping to pioneer monasticism in Europe Cassian, in short, was and still is one of the great teachers of the religious life 460 St. Valerian Bishop and orator Originally a monk in Lerins monastery; named bishop of Cimeiz, Gaul (France); took part in the Councils of Riez (439) and Vaison (442), Some of his sermons were discovered in the sixteenth century attesting to his eloquence and offering considerable insight into his historical era. St. John, of the Golden Gospel Departure of righteous monk Many miracles manifested from his relics {Coptic} 6th v. St. Romlua A virgin who lived with St. Redempta as a hermitess near the church of Mary Major, Rome. Redempta had been trained as a nun by St. Herundo in Palestine. They formed a small community in Rome, and earned praise of Pope St. Gregory I the Great. Romula was paralyzed for the last years of her life. 580 Romula, Redempta, and Herundo 3 Roman maidens lived lives of austerity and prayer near the church of Saint Mary Major; were venerated by Saint Gregory the Great 9th v. Martyrs of Bulgaria war between the Greek emperor, Nicephorus, and the Bulgars (RM) 918 St. Anne Hermitess went to Leucadia, Epirus, about 896. She lived as a hermitess there until her death 1306 Blessed Jane of Orvieto a Dominican tertiary her life was one of unwearied devotion to God, attention to the poor; it was known she bore particular good will towards those unkind to her, doing penance for their sins; 1340 Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God in Pochaev monastery most venerable sacred items of Orthodox Church 1373 Bridget (Birgitta) of Sweden, Religious visions were written in a book called Revelations 1408—1427 St. George, Recovery of the Holy Relics of the Great Martyr; many signs manifested from it to his church in Old Cairo {Coptic} 1888 "Joy of All Who Sorrow" (With Coins) The Icon of the Mother of God glorified in 1888 at Petersburg Popes and Saints of July 24 2018 250 Christophorus
Christophorus gehört auch
heute zu den beliebtesten Heiligen und um ihn ranken sich viele
Legenden.
St. Vincent Roman martyr uncertain year; executed beyond the walls of Rome on the road to Tivoli, Italy. 3rd v. Christina
of Tyre To be a saint is not enough just to avoid sin and
obey the commandments; a saint is someone who loves God, lives with
God and thinks with God. And when a Christian loves, lives, and
thinks with God none of the commandments will be a burden to him, nor
will he be tempted to do any of the things that are forbidden, since
their effect would be to separate him from God. True happiness comes
only from God, and to find this happiness in God is the essence of
saintliness. The saints who have gone before us show us the path
to this happiness by showing us the path to God. Christina Martyr
visited by an angel, who instructed her in the true faith in Christ
Savior of the world; The angel called her a bride of Christ
and told her about her future suffering; angel appeared at night,
healing her wounds and strengthening her with food VM (RM)
3rd v. Martyrdom of St. Euphemia
she cursed the Emperor, his idols, and admonished
the Governor saying, "O you
whose
heart is like a stone, do you not have compassion on these holy men!
or are you not afraid that their God might destroy you?" {Coptic}304 Sts. Victor, Stercntius, and Antigones Three martyrs executed during the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian. Supposedly three brothers of Merida, Spain, it is believed only Victor was a Spaniard; the other two perhaps identified with Armenian martyrs who died with St. Theozonus of Sebaste 5th century St. Lewina
Martyred virgin of England, a Briton slain by invading
Saxons. In 1058, her relics were translated from Seaford, in Sussex,
England, to Berques in Flanders, Belgium; relics honored by numerous
miracles, especially at the time of the translation; A history of
these miracles was written by Drogo, eyewitness to several of them
425 St. Declan
First bishop of Ardmore in Ireland, Baptized by St.
Colman, and preached the faith in that country a little before
the arrival of St. Patrick, who confirmed the episcopal see of Ardmore,
in a synod at Cashel in 448. Many miracles are ascribed to St. Declan,
ever been much honored in the viscounty of Dessee, ancient Nandesi.1015 Boris and Gleb sons 1st Christian prince of Russia St Vladimir of Kiev and Anne of Constantinople the daughter of Emperor Basil II, the Bulgar slayer (Gleb) Passion-Bearers, since they did not resist evil with violence mm ac 1041 Saint Hilarion of Tvali (Tulashvili) abbot of Khakhuli Monastery in southwestern Georgia a famous translator and writer and an eminent theologian. 1224 Christina the Astonishing "The angels then transported me into Heaven, even to the throne of the Divine Majesty. The Lord regarded me with a favorable eye, and I experienced an extreme joy, because I thought to obtain the grace of dwelling eternally with Him. "But my Heavenly Father, seeing what passed in my heart, said to me these words: "'Assuredly, My dear daughter, you will one day be with Me. Now, however, I allow you to choose, either to remain with Me henceforth from this time, or to return again to earth to accomplish a mission of charity and suffering. In order to deliver from the flames of Purgatory those souls which have inspired you with so much compassion, you shall suffer for them upon earth; you shall endure great torments, without, however, dying from their effects. And not only will you relieve the departed, but the example which you will give to the living, and your life of continual suffering, will lead sinners to be converted and to expiate their crimes. After having ended this new life, you shall return here laden with merits.'" Her body is preserved in the Redemptorist church at Saint-Trond. Her resurrection was witnessed by the whole town and many saw her escape her various tortures unscathed (Mirabilis) V (PC) 1594 St. John
Boste One of Forty Martyrs of England and Wales; born at
Dufton, at Westmoreland, England; studied at Oxford. Becoming a
Catholic in 1576, he went to Reims and received ordination in 1581.
John went back to England where he worked in the northern parts of the
kingdom
1667 Child SchemaMonk
Bogolep
son of Moscow nobleman Yakov Lukich Umakov and wife Ekatarina
Numerous miracles of healing through the prayers of the holy SchemaMonk
Bogolep; the holy lad had repeatedly appeared to many either in
sleep, or awake while walking along the river bank or coming down
the hill 1694 Blessed Antony Turriani several apostolic journeys OSA (AC) 1838 Bl. Joseph Fernandez Dominican martyr of Vietnam. He was sent there in 1805 as an ordained priest and appointed provincial vicar of the mission. He was beheaded. He was beatified in 1988 by Pope John Paul II. Bl. Maria
Pilar Martinez Garcia & Companions Carmelite nun, with
Maria Angeles Valtierra and Teresa Garcia y Garcia. They were
killed in Guadalajara Spain, by communists in the civil war. Maria
Pilar Martinez was an older nun from Tarazona, Zaragoza. They
were beatified in 1987 by Pope John Paul II.
1877 Johann
Heinrich Volkening In seiner Heimat wurde er auch
1838 Pfarrer1898 St. Sharbel Makhlouf from the Monastery of St. Maron at Annaya, Lebanon; l lived as a hermit 23 years; Bishop Zayek wrote: “St. Sharbel is called the second St. Anthony of the Desert, the Perfume of Lebanon, the first Confessor of the East to be raised to the Altars according to the actual procedure of the Catholic Church, the honor of our Aramaic Antiochian Church, and the model of spiritual values and renewal." Popes and Saints of July 25 2018 44 St. James the Greater Apostle 1st v. Saint Anna
mother of the Most Holy Theotokos; daughter of the
priest Matthan and his wife Mary. She was of the tribe of Levi
and the lineage of Aaron. According
to Tradition, she died peacefully in Jerusalem at age 79, before the
Annunciation to the Most Holy Theotokos.
St Christopher
{Reprobus}, Martyr 177 The Holy Martyrs Sactus
(Sanctus), Maturus, Attalus, Blandina, Biblius (Viblius), Vittius, Epagathus, Pontinus, Alexander
and 43 Others; tortured by pagans for belief in Christ in Lyons
(then named Lugdunum) under emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180). After
a vicious death, bodies were burned, and the ashes thrown into
the River Rhone.
235 St. Florentius
& Felix
Martyred Roman soldiers of the imperial army. They
belong to a group of eighty-three soldiers commemorated on July
24. They were martyred at Furcona in southern Italy.
304 St. Cucuphas
A
martyr of Spain, also called Cucufate, Cugat, Guinefort,
or Qaqophas; born in a noble family Scillis, Africa martyred near
Barcelona. Prudentius composed verse in his honor, the Benedictine
abbey of St. Cugat de Valles stands on site of his martyrdom; also
venerated in Paris, where some relics are enshrined.
308 Sts. Thea
& Valentina and Paul 308 St. Paul of Gaza A martyr during the persecutions of the Church in the early fourth century. 409 Saint Olympias the Deaconess; daughter of senator Anicius Secundus, granddaughter of noted eparch Eulalios; distributed wealth to the needy: poor, orphaned and widowed, also gave generously to the churches, monasteries, hospices and shelters for the downtrodden and homeless; Miracles, healings occurred from her relics St. Magnericus First Frankish bishop of Trier, Germany, friend of St. Gregory of Tours, and an illustrious churchman. He was raised by St. Nicetius of Trier, he accompanied that prelate into exile when King Clotaire I retaliated for Nicetius’ reprimands of the royal court. Magnericus returned to Trier, in 566 named bishop; a great devotion to St. Martin of Tours. He also gave shelter to Bishop Theodore of Marseilles in 585. 851 St. Theodemir Monk martyr of Spain, at Cordoba under Muslim Emir Abd al-Rahman II (r. 822-852), because would not recant his Christian faith. 1444 Saint Macarius
of Zheltovod and Unzha; At 12 he left his parents
and accepted monastic tonsure at Nizhni -Novgorod Caves
monastery under St Dionysius; extreme strict fast, precise fulfillment
of monastic rule; at Yellow Lake organized a monastery Name of the
Most Holy Trinity, preached Christianity to surrounding Cheremis
and Chuvash peoples, baptizing both Mohammedans and pagans in the lake;
on the shores of Lake Unzha he founded a new monastery; granted gift
healing, more than 50 people received healing from his relics
1471 Thomas
von Kempen kam er in die Klosterschule von Deventer 1414
wurde er zum Priester geweih Katholische und Evangelische Kirche:
25. Juli1572-1582 The Monk Christopher of Sol'vychegodsk and Koryazhemsk was a student and novice under the Monk Longin, hegumen of the Koryazhemsk monastery. After the death of his teacher, the Monk Christopher dwelt for yet another ten years at the Koryazhemsk monastery, and then he settled along the upper tributaries of the Large Koryazhemka, where he lived in solitude. Popes and Saints of July 26 2018 Sts. Joachim
and Anne {Saint
Gerontius founded the Skete of St Anna on Mount Athos this day}
Popes and Saints of July 27 20181st v. Erastus of Corinth conversion by Saint Paul; helped in evangelization travelling with Saint Timothy from Ephesus to Macedonia especially at Corinth; believed bishop of Philippi in Macedonia and martyred, although Greek tradition says bishop of Philippi Paneas in Palestine.BM (RM) 110 St. Hyacinth Martyr under Trajan, 140 Holy Virgin Martyr Paraskeva
of Rome only daughter of Christian parents, Agathon and Politia,
from her early years she dedicated herself to God; spent much
of her time in prayer and study of the Holy Scriptures; After parents death St Paraskeva distributed all her inheritance
to the poor, consecrated her virginity to Christ. Emulating holy
Apostles, she began to preach to the pagans about Christ, converting
many to Christianity.
160 St.
Pastor A
priest of Rome who is reported to have been the brother of
Pope St. Pius I.185 A.M. (July 13th, 1369 A.D.) Departure of Pope Youanis X, 85th Patriarch of Alexandria. {Coptic} 284 A.M. Martyrdom of Sts. Bidaba, Bishop of Qift, Anba Andrew, and Anba Christodoulas. {Coptic} 304 Saints Justus and Pastor are venerated as Christian martyrs Alcala and Madrid in Spain share two child patrons At
Alcala in Spain, the holy martyrs Justus and Pastor, brothers.
While they were yet schoolboys, they threw aside their books in
school, and spontaneously ran to martyrdom. By order of the
governor Dacian, they were arrested, beaten with rods, and as they
exhorted each other to constancy, were led out of the city, and had
their throats cut by the executioner.
305 St. Pantaleemon,
the Physician Martyrdom of; miracle worker {Coptic today}, Catholic
tomorrow305 Hieromartyrs Hermolaus,
Hermippus and Hermocrates of Nicomedia, among small number
of 20,000 Christians
remaining alive after burned
in church at Nicomedia in 303 (December 28), They did not cease
to preach Christianity to the pagans. The Lord Jesus Christ
appeared to St Hermolaus
531
St. Valens
Bishop of Verona, Italy, from 524. He faced the barbarian
and heretical groups of that era.1316 Saint Sava III was Archbishop of Serbia from 1305 -1316. He is also commemorated on August 30. 1594 Bl. John Ingram Martyr of Scotland. He was born in Stoke Edith, Herefordshire, in 1565 , and became a convert at Oxford. After conversion, he went to Reims and Rome and was ordained in 1589. Sent to Scotland in 1592, 1594 Blessed George Swallowell and John Ingram convert to Catholicism, was martyred for his priesthood MM (AC) 1641 Bl. William Ward Martyr of England; of his 33 years on the mission, 20 were passed in one prison or another; an excellent spirit, exceeding zealous in God's service; 1833 St Bartholomea
Capitanio, Virgin, Co-Foundress Of The Sisters of Charity
of Lovere; She never spared herself; her endless correspondence
and outside activities left her no moment of leisure, and though
for four months before the end she obeyed her doctor, who prohibited
the writing of letters, she was already far gone in consumption, and
the relief came too late.
1837 Luise
Scheppler Als junges Mädchen kam sie für ein Haushaltsjahr
zu Friedrich Oberlin. Hier erfuhr sie das ganze Leben als einen
einzigen Gottesdienst und entfaltete ihre Gaben. Sie blieb im Haushalt
Oberlins und übernahm nach dem frühen Tod seiner Ehefrau
ihre Aufgaben; Nach dem Tode Oberlins konnte Luise Scheppler noch
11 Jahre im Steintal wirken und sein Werk fortführen
1864 Father Jacob
(Netsvetov) of Alaska; enrolled in the Irkutsk Theological
Seminary and placed all his hope in Christ by seeking first the
Kingdom of God (Mt. 6:33); Subdeacon on October 1, 1825; Holy Priesthood
March 4, 1828; Father Jacob yearned to return to his native Alaska;
brought his people to a deep commitment to their own salvation. Being
fully bilingual and bicultural, Father Jacob was uniquely blessed by
God to care for the souls of his fellow Alaskans; bring the light of
Christ to the people of the Yukon; performed exorcism, converted shamans,
baptized thousands, and brought warring tribes together by his example
and preaching.
1946 Saint
Alphonsa Muttathupadathu; "Grains of wheat, when ground in
the mill, turn in to flour. With this flour we make the wafer of
the holy Eucharist. Grapes, when crushed in the wine press, yield
their juice. This juice turns into wine. Similarly, suffering so crushes
us that we turn into better human beings." -Saint Alphonsa to novices 117
Maurus,
Pantaleemon, and Sergius These 3 martyrs are venerated at
Bisceglia on the Adriatic. Their acta describe Maurus as a native
of Bethlehem, sent by Saint Peter to be Bisceglia's first bishop.
MM (RM)
220 St. Theodore of Shotep in Upper Egypt Martyrdom of; a great Christian general during reign of Emperor Lucianus who apostatized the faith, started Christian persecutions and killed Theodore for this professed faith {Coptic} 250 St. Maximian, Malchus, Martinian, Dionysius, John Serapion, and Constantine7 sleeping martyrs 305 St. Pantaleon
(Panteleemon,
Panteleimon); 1/14
Holy Helpers; from Nicomedia,
near the Black Sea; the "Great Martyr and Wonder-worker";
so famous a doctor the Emperor
chose him for his own doctor; was a Christian, but bad influence from
pagan court caused him to give up his Christian faith entirely;. A
holy priest named Hermolaos made him realize what a sin he had committed,
Pantaleon listened to him, detested his sin and joined the Church once
more. To make up for what he had done, he greatly desired to suffer
and die for Jesus. In the meantime, he imitated Our Lord's charity by
taking care of poor sick people without any charge for his medical services.
305 St. Hermolaus
elderly priest converted Pantaleon Martyr with Hermippus
and Hermocrates -- brothers.St. Felix Martyr with Julia and Jucunda 759 St. Anthusa Abbess tortured by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine V; Anthusa was originally a hermitess, becoming abbess of the convent near Constantinople. Because of her veneration of sacred images, 852 St. Natalie
husband Aurelius martyred
for her Faith with her husband Aurelius. According to his biography
by St. Eulogius of Toledo, Aurelius was the son of a Moor and a Spanish
woman, and was orphaned as a child. He was secretly raised a Christian
by his aunt during the Moorish persecution of Christians. He married
a half Moorish woman, Sabigotho, who took the name Natalie when he
converted her to Christianity. They were both beheaded for practicing
their religion openly together with George, a monk from Jerusalem whom
Aurelius had befriended.
1557 Engel
de Merel {Angelus Merula} Catholic priest and freethinker,
supported the Reformation imprisoned around 1550 for criticizing
the Catholic church. He studied the Bible in the original text
and represented the view that not human efforts, but God's mercy save
the person and not efforts save the person.
1583 Bl. Rudolf
Acquaviva Jesuit martyr sent to India, going to the court
of Mogul Akbar near Agra. He became superior of the Salsette mission.
Rudolf was martyred at Salsette, near Goa, by Hindus, with four companions,
including Alfonso Pacheco
1737
Blessed Mary
Magdalen Martinengo, OFM Cap. V (AC) Born Brescia, Italy;
beatified 1900. Took the veil at the Capuchin convent in Brescia
filled the post of novice mistress and prioress with marked success
(Benedictines).1752 Blessed Antonio
Lucci; attended the local school run by the Conventual Franciscans
and joined them at the age of 16. Antonio completed his studies
for the priesthood in Assisi, where he was ordained in 1705. Further
studies led to a doctorate in theology and appointments as a teacher
in Agnone, Ravello and Naples. He also served as guardian in Naples;
bishop
of Bovino
1836
St. Bartholomea
Capitanjo Foundress of Italian Sisters of Charity of Lovere
with St. Vincenzia Gerosa, she was the guiding light of the congregation.
Sisters of Charity of Lovere approved in 1840.1878 Gustav Knak Nach dem Studium der Theologie wirkte er zunächst als Lehrer, dann ab 1834 als Pastor in Wusterwitz 1942 Bl. Titus Brandsma Carmelite martyr; sent to various concentration camps where he demonstrated charity and concern; a Carmelite as a young man, he displayed a dazzling intellect and scholarship, receiving ordination as a priest in 1905 earning a doctorate in philosophy at Rome; taught in Dutch universities, lectured in many countries on Carmelite spirituality and mysticism; served as rector magnificus at the Catholic University of Nijmegen; 1935 became ecclesiastical advisor to Catholic journalists; academic and spiritual studies were printed and widely read. Popes and Saints of July 28 2018
900 b.c. Elijah
(the Lord's strengthk July 20) The Holy Prophet
is one of the greatest of the prophets and the first dedicated
to virginity in the Old Testament. He was born in Tishba of Gilead
into the Levite tribe 900 years before the Incarnation of the Word
of God.
Popes and Saints of July 29 2018"Hodegetria", Written by the holy Evangelist Luke within the earthly lifetime of the MostHoly Mother of God The Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God, which in Russian means "Putevoditel'nitsa" or "Way-Guide", 64 St. Nazarius and Celsus Martyrs supposedly beheaded at Milan during the reign of Emperor Nero. relics, however, discovered in 395 by St. Ambrose of Milan. Nazarius’ blood still liquid when his remains were found Saints Nicanor, Prochorus, Timon, and Parmenas, Apostles of the Seventy were among the first deacons in the Church of Christ. Thebáide,
in Ægypto, commemorátio plurimórum sanctórum
Mártyrum, qui in Décii et Valeriáni persecutióne
passi
sunt, quando Christiánis, optántibus
pro Christi nómine gládio pércuti, cállidus
hostis, tarda ad montem supplícia conquírens,
ánimas cupiébat juguláre, non córpora.
138-161 Julian
The Holy Martyr suffered during reign of Antoninus Pius (138-161)
in Italian province of Campagna199 Victor I, Pope African by birth, Victor succeeded Saint Eleutherius as pope c. 189 the first to use Latin in the celebration of the liturgy (RM) 2nd v. St. Peregrinus Priest and hermit. He was probably a priest serving in the area around Lyons. He survived the persecutions under Emperor Septimius Severus by residing as a hermit on an island in the Saone River 310 St. Acacius of Miletus martyred in Miletus under Emperor Licinius (Benedictines). M (RM) 316 Eustace
(Eustathius) of Galatia , a martyr of Galacia, was tortured
and then cast into a river in a chest, was singing the 90th (91st)
Psalm: "He that dwelleth in the help of the Most-High..."; received
Communion from the hand of an Angel Beholding the miracle and sensing
himself disgraced, the governor killed himself; (Benedictines). M (RM)
321 Akakios
The Holy Martyr was brought to trial for belief in Christ;
into a cauldron, filled with boiling tar and tallow, but the martyr
remained unharmed; led into a pagan temple, but by his prayer all
the idols there fell down; then threw him into a red-hot furnace.
The martyr there also remained unharmed; took him to the city of Miletos,
but there also the saint by his prayer ruined idols
417 St. Innocent
I Pope, succeeding Pope St. Anastasius I, on December 22,
401; he emphasized papal supremacy, commending the bishops of Africa
for referring the decrees of their councils at Carthage and Millevis
in 416, condemning Pelagianism, to the Pope for confirmation. It
was his confirmation of these decrees that caused Augustine to make
a remark that was to echo through the centuries: "Roma locuta, causa
finitas" (Rome has spoken, the matter is ended); matters of great importance
were to be referred to Rome for settlement.1029 George
the Builder was the third abbot of the Iveron Monastery on
Mt. Athos The venerable Under his leadership, the main church of
the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos was constructed; inscription
on wall reads: “I established these columns and they will not be shaken
unto the ages. Monk George the Georgian, Builder.”
1038 St.
Lyutis
Benedictine hermit of La Cava, Italy; He began as a monk at
Monte Cassino.1100 St. Botuid Swedish martyr; convert to Christianity while on a journey to England; returned to Sweden as a missionary and was murdered by a Finnish slave he had set free 13-14 v. Moisei (Moses) The Monk pursued asceticism at the Kievo-Pechersk Lavra (XIII-XIV) in the Farther (Theodosiev) Caves; he wore chains and a heavy copper cross; possessed graced gift of wonderworking. 1459 Bl. Anthony della Chiesa Dominican superior; companion of St. Bernardino of Siena; one of the leaders opposing the last of the antipopes, Felix V; known miracle worker with an ability to read the consciences of men and women 1698 Saint Pitirim,
Bishop of Tambov; earned respect of his brethren by ascetic
life;, chosen igumen; raised to dignity of archimandrite; following
decree of the Tsar and Patriarch diligent in removing "poorly executed,"
westernized icons from churches, and private use; Like the great ascetics,
St Pitirim allotted much time to physical work
1750 Johann
Sebastian Bach
1942 St. Leopold
Mandic; Western Christians working for greater dialogue with
Orthodox Christians may be reaping the fruits of Father Leopold’s
prayers; taught patrology, the study of the Church Fathers,
to the clerics of his province for several years, but he is best known
for his work in the confessional, where he sometimes spent 13-15 hours
a day. Several bishops sought out his spiritual advice; he conversed with Saint Mary, in ecstasy, several
times
80 St. Martha, Mary and their brother Lazarus close friends of Jesus; St. Martha said to him, ‘Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world’” St. Lazarus The disciple and friend of Jesus raised from the dead by Jesus; brother of Martha and Mary; resided in Bethany suburb of Jerusalem, Israel 119 St. Serapia A slave and martyr, also called Seraphia; the servant of St. Sabina responsible for the Roman noblewoman’s conversion to Christianity. Both were subsequently beheaded during Emperor hadrian persecutions 260 St. Lucilla & Companions Martyr with Antoninus, Eugene, Flora, Theodore, Aucejas, and 18 other companions 284-305 Theodota The Holy widow martyr with her three young children; natives of the city of Nicea, Bithynia; spiritual friendship with St Anastasia; 3rd v. Callinicus
Kallinikos (Καλλίνικος) The Holy Martyr , a native of Cilicia,
raised from childhood in the Christian Faith. Grieving that many
misguided people would perish for eternity because they worshiped
idols, he went through the cities and villages to proclaim Jesus
Christ and His teachings to the pagans, and with the Word of God;
he converted many to Christianity; God caused a miraculous spring of
water to gush forth from a stone.
303 Simplicius,
Faustinus & Beatrice The record of these two brothers and
their sister who were martyred in Rome under Diocletian is known from
the Martyrology of Jerome. (Viatrix) 365 Felix (Felice) II, may have been an anti-pope (?) (RM) 4th v. Faustinus
of Spello; a disciple of Bishop Saint Felix of Martano (Spello)
near Spoleto, Italy, and the bishop's attendant at his martyrdom.
Faustinus himself suffered for Christ before passing peacefully at
Todi, Umbria, Italy
821 Saint Michael
the Confessor The Hosiomartyr disciple of St Theodore of Edessa
(July 9), was beheaded during the ninth century for his confession
of faith in Christ 1030 St. Olaf
son of Harold Grenske, a lord in Norway. Olaf Haraldsson,
often called "the Fat", spent his youth as a pirate. He was baptized
in Rouen, and in 1013, went to England to aid King Ethelred against
the Danes. He returned to Norway in 1015, captured most of Norway back
from the Danes and Swedes, defeated Earl Sweyn at the battle of Nesjar
in 1016, became king. He set about unifying and Christianizing his realm
miracles were reported at his shrine
1099 Blessed Urban
II Pope, Odo of Lagery studied under Saint Bruno at Rheims,
became archdeacon there, and, about 1070, became a Benedictine monk
at Cluny. Saint Hugh named Odo prior; sent to Rome to assist Pope Gregory
VII's Church
reform, became chief
adviser; named cardinal-bishop of Ostia 1078; succeeded Blessed Pope
Victor III
1629 Bl. Mancius
of the Holy Cross Martyr of Japan, a Dominican tertiary.
An elderly native of Japan, he was burned alive at Omura with Blessed
Louis Bertran. He was beatified in 18671629 Bl. Louis Bertran Dominican martyr of Japan. A relative of St. Louis Bertran, this Louis was born in Barcelona, Spain, and became a Dominican. He was sent to the Philippines in 1618 and then to the Japanese mission. He was burned alive with two companions in Omura, Japan. He was beatified in 1867 1629 Bl. Peter of the Holy Mother of God Japanese martyr native; entered the Dominicans and served as a catechist before being arrested by Japanese authorities. With Blessed Louis Bertran, he was burned alive at Omura 1667 Child Schemamonk Bogolep was the son of a Moscow nobleman Iakov Lukich Ushakov and his wife Katherine the holy child repeatedly appeared to many either in sleep, or awake while walking along the river bank, or coming down the hill. He consoled them, promising that he would be present spiritually with believers. 1861 Bl. John Baptist Lo Martyr of China. Originally a humble servant, he was converted to the Christian faith and slain because he refused to recant When tortured by officials 1861 Bl. Joseph Tshang Martyr of China. a native seminarian who, along with three companions, was beheaded. Pope St. Pius X beatified him in 1909 1861 St. Martha Wang Martyr of Tonkin, Vietnam, who was arrested carrying letters from the imprisoned martyrs, Blesseds Joseph Tshang and Paul Tcheng. She was beheaded with them at Tsingai. Martha was beatified in 1909. 1861 Bl. Paul Tcheng Martyr of China. He was a Catholic seminarian when arrested by Chinese authorities and beheaded at Tsingai. He was beatified in 1909 s and Saints of July 30 2018
Apostles
of the Seventy The Holy Silas, Silvanus, Crescens, Epenetus
and Andronicus disciples of the Savior.
Popes and Saints of July 31 2018250 St. Abdon A Persian nobleman who suffered martyrdom with his companion, St. Sennen 251 The Hieromartyr Polychronius, Bishop of Babylon; the presbyters Parmenius, Helimenas, and Chrysotelus; the deacons Luke and Mocius; the holy Persian Martyrs Abdon and Sennen; and the holy martyrs Olympius and Maximus suffered during the third century 258 SS. Maxima, Donatilla & Secunda, Virgin Martyrs, in North Africa 287 St. Valerius & Rufinus Martyrs served as missionaries in Gaul before being martyred at Soissons during the first years of the reign of Emperor Diocletian (r. 284-305). [see June 14] 303 SS. Abdon and Sennen, Martyred Persians; ministering to their fellows and burying the bodies of the martyrs; 304 Julitta The Holy Martyred for the faith; a certain pagan stole all her property; when Julitta turned for relief to the courts, her antagonist reported to the judge she was a Christian, which placed her outside the law's protection. 334 St. Rheticus Bishop of Autun, France Gallo Roman by birth; named bishop of Autun 310; worked to bring about condemnation of Donatism, including official denunciation of Donatist teachings by 313 Roman commission 4th v. John
the Warrior The Holy Martyr served in the imperial army of
the emperor Julian the Apostate; appearing to be a persecutor, St
John rendered great help to the Christians. He freed those who had
been arrested, warned others of dangers threatening them, and assisted
in their flight. St John showed charity not only to Christians, but
to all the destitute and those needing help. He visited with the sick,
and he consoled the grieving
450
St. Peter
Chrysologus A man who vigorously pursues a goal may produce
results far beyond his expectations and his intentions. Thus it was
with Peter of the Golden Words, as he was called, who as a young man
became bishop of Ravenna, the capital of the empire in the West. declared
a doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XIII734 St. Tatwine Archbishop of Canterbury from 731. Probably from Mercia, England, he became a monk at Bredon, and eventually was named archbishop of Canterbury in succession to Brithwald. Respected by St. Bede, he was the author of several works, including a grammar and riddles. 1198 St. Hatebrand Benedictine abbot of Olden Kloaster in Frisia, Netherlands. He was a native of that land and Revived Benedictine monatictine there. 1230 Bd Mannes always had an attraction to the contemplative life; brother was St Dominic, founder of the Friars Preachers; excellent preacher 1259 Saint Tsotne Dadiani, a virtuous military leader and the prince of Egrisi, lived mid 13th century; During that time Georgia languished under the yoke of Mongol oppression. 1471 Bd John Soreth at 16 became a Carmelite; Ph.D, Univ Paris; unanimously elected prior general of the whole order in 1451; at this time Carmelites, in common with other mendicant friars, were in urgent need of reform, part because of the Black Death and of the "great schism of the West". John was a forerunner of St Teresa; deeply versed both in sacred science and in profane philosophy over and above such gifts, it was his religion and goodness that made him the glory and the most illustrious reformer of the Carmelite order 1490 Bd Peter of Mogliano an Observant Franciscan from Ancona; preaching companion to St James della Marca, who was, after St John Capistran, the most distinguished of the disciples of St Bernardino of Siesta; an effective preacher and director, and was chosen as confidant and counsellor by the Duke of Camerino, whose daughter, Bd Baptista Varani, owed much to her father's friend. 1504 Bl. Edward
Powell English martyr, a councilor to Queen Catherine of Aragon,
wife of King Henry VIII. A Welshman, Edward was a canon of Salisbury,
England, and a fellow of Odd, noted for treatises opposing Martin
Luther He served Queen Catherine of Aragon and opposed the spiritual
supremacy of Henry VIII. For this he spent six years in prison before
being hanged,
1540 Bl. Thomas
Abel English martyr; graduate of Oxford University, Thomas
served as chaplain to Queen Catharine of Aragon, proving intensely
loyal to her cause during the ordeal of the divorce proceedings against
her by King Henry VIII of England (r. 1509-1547). Arrested by English
authorities for denying the spiritual supremacy of the king, he was
incarcerated in the Tower of London for six years, finally receiving execution
at Smithfield
1540 Bl. Richard
Featherstone English martyr; tutor to the princess Mary; chaplain to Queen Catherine of Aragon I; In
the crisis which attended the king’s efforts to secure divorce from
his wife, Richard spoke openly in her defense; arrested for treason
and executed at Tyburn.
16th v. Saint Angelina
daughter of Prince George Skenderbeg of Albania1922 Saint Anatole the Younger longed to be a monk from his youth; even though still a deacon received everyone with love; were always crowds of visitors at his cell; very little sleep, since the people would not leave his cell until late at night; always very kind and ready to help anyone who came to him with problems or sorrows; early 1920s St Anatole was mocked and tormented by soldiers of the Red Army; endured much suffering, but continued to receive visitors; gift of wonderworking Righteous
Joseph
of Arimathea a secret disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ; As
a Sanhedrin member he didn't participate "counsel and deed"
of Jews passing death sentence for Jesus Christ.
190 St. Calimerius Martyred bishop of Milan, Italy; Greek educated in Rome; disciple of Pope St. Telesphorus; appointed bishop of Milan, preached in the area, and was called “the Apostle of the Valley of the Pa River.” St. Firmus of Tagaste Bishop tortured for defending the whereabouts of one of his Christian members in hiding. Firmus died while protecting his flock; praised by St. Augustine. St. Democritus Martyr with Secundus and Dionysius in either Africa or Phrygia 300 St. Fabius of Mauritania a Roman soldier martyred for refusing to carry standard bearing emblems of idols Marytrs of Syria group of 350 monks martyred by Monophysite heretics; monks refused to deny the decree of the Council of Chalcedon that condemned Monophysites 448 Germanus (Germain) of Auxerre; high Roman official before priesthood ordination in 418; consecrated bishop of Auxerre' relations with the church in Britain-429 and 447- succeeded completely eradicating Pelagianism; led the Britons to their great "Alleluia" victory over the Saxons 11th v. Arsenius of Ninotsminda Georgia; an ascetic; a brilliant translator, writer, calligrapher, and theologian, and indeed one of the greatest Church figures of his time. 1175 St. Helen of Skovde Widow; gave all her possessions to the poor; Like Jesus, the innocent Lamb, St. Helen was put to death; many miracles were reported at her tomb 1367 Blessed John (Giovanni) Colombini, Founded Gesuati lay brothers approved in 1367; rich Sienese merchant held position of 1st magistrate (gonfalionere); ambitious, avaricious, ill-tempered man converted while reading conversion story of Saint Mary of Egypt in the The Lives of the Saints (RM) 1556 St. Ignatius Of Loyola founder of the Jesuits "Give me only your love and your grace. With this I am rich enough, and I have no more to ask." IgnatiusLoyola.jpg 1859 Blessed Emmanuel Phung native catechist and Peter Qui priest MM (AC) 1859 St. Emmanuel Phung Martyr of Vietnam; born in Dannuoc Vietnam became a Christian catechist. Emmanuel was strangled to death near Chaudoc. He was canonized in 1988. 1859 St. Peter Quy Vietnamese martyr; native of Vietnam, Peter devoted Christian ordained priest. Arrested for being a Christian priest by anti-Catholic forces, beheaded. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988 1860 St. Justin de Jacobis; first prefect and vicar apostolic to the new Catholic mission at Adua, Ethiopia; Vincentians 1922 Benjamin
(Kazansky) The New Hieromartyr one of few people in Russia
with no interest in politics; more concerned with caring for his diocese
and his flock; did not resist turning over the Church's valuables to
the Communists confiscating Church treasures; he believed it was his
duty to help save people's lives; He wanted this sacrifice to be voluntary;
dressed in rags so the firing squad would not know they were shooting
clergy
1922 Archimandrite
Sergius (Shein) was executed along with Metropolitan Benjamin
of Petrograd on July 31, 1922; "Does this tribunal imagine," he said,
"that severing this thread which connects me with life could frighten
me? Do your deed. I pity you, and I pray for you."
1922 Yuri
(George) a layman executed along with Metropolitan Benjamin
of Petrograd on July 31, 1922
The
New Martyr John was executed along with Metropolitan Benjamin of Petrograd,
Archimandrite Sergius, and the layman Yuri on July 31, 1922. They
were taken to a place a few miles from Petrograd and shot. These saints
are also commemorated at the Synaxis of the New Martyrs and Confessors
of Russia (January 25 or the Sunday after the 25th). |
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1240 St. Raymond
Nonnatus. Upon his return
to Spain in 1239 he was nominated cardinal by Pope Gregory
IX. But so little was he affected by unlooked-for honour
that he neither changed his dress, nor his poor cell in
the convent at Barcelona, nor his manner of living. The pope
called him to Rome. St Rayrnund obeyed, but could not be persuaded
to travel otherwise than as a poor religious. He got no farther
than Cardona (Cerdagne), which is only six miles from Barcelona;
he was seized with a violent fever and died there, being only
about thirty-six years old. He was buried in the chapel of
St Nicholas at Portello, and his name was inscribed in the Roman
Martyrology in 1657. St Raymund Nonnatus is the patron-saint of
midwives, from the circumstances of his birth. In
1657 his name was placed in the Roman martyrology by Alexander
VII. He is invoked by women in labour and by persons falsely
accused. The appendix to the Roman ritual gives a formula for
the blessing of water, in his honour, to be used by the sick, and another
of candles.
Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
August 30 2016
384 Pope
Saint Damasus I commissioned Saint Jerome
to translate Scriptures in Latin
At Rome, St. Damasus, pope and confessor, who condemned the heresiarch Apollinaris, and restored to his See Peter, bishop of Alexandria, who had been driven from it. He also discovered the bodies of many holy martyrs and composed verses in their honour. "The answers to many of life's questions can be found by reading the Lives of the Saints. They teach us how to overcome obstacles and difficulties, how to stand firm in our faith, and how to struggle against evil and emerge victorious." 1913 Saint Barsanuphius of Optina 20 February, 1878; 20 July, 1903; Pope Leo XIII Gioacchino Vincenzo Raffaele Luigi Pecci doctorate of theology; Civilization owes much to Leo for his stand on the social question. The ecclesiastical sciences found a generous patron in Pope Leo. Even among the Copts his efforts at reunion made headway. Under Leo the Catholic Faith made great progress; With regard to the Kingdom of Italy, Leo XIII maintained Pius IX's attitude of protest; in Portugal the Government ceased to support the Goan schism, and in 1886 a concordat was drawn up. The United States at all times attracted the attention and admiration of Pope Leo. Throughout his entire pontificate he was able to keep on good terms with France; 1872 he introduced the government standards for studies of the secondary schools and colleges. Bishop of Perugia; 1843, appointed nuncio to Brussels. 1588 Margaret Ward one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales M (RM) Born at Congleton, Cheshire, England; died August 30, 1588; beatified in 1929; canonized in 1970 by Pope Paul VI as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. The gentlewoman Margaret was serving as a companion in the home of the Whittle family in London when she was arrested together with her servant, Blessed John Roche, for helping Father Richard (William?) Watson to escape from Bridewell Prison. She had smuggled a rope into the priest's cell so that he might climb down from the roof. He was injured, but did escape with the help of John Roche. The rope was traced back to Margaret, who was severely tortured. They were tried at the Old Bailey on August 29, and offered their freedom if they would reveal the whereabouts of Watson and convert to the Protestant faith. Upon refusing, they were hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn, together with a priest and three other laymen (Benedictines, Delaney, Farmer, Kalberer). 1617 St. Rose of Lima patroness of Latin America and the Philippines miracles . She was canonized by Pope Clement X in 1671, being the first canonized saint of the New World. 1879 St. Jeanne Jugan (Sister Mary of the Cross) developed special love for aged, particularly poor widows; At 47 several other women moved into Jeanne’s home, they became an informal prayer community eventually elected Jeanne superior; supported themselves through domestic work; in free time they catechized children, aided the poor as best they could. Over time the community became known as congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor. Their members, who begged for needs of the elderly in their care, vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and hospitality.. She lived to see Pope Leo XIII approve the constitutions for the Little Sisters of the Poor in 1879. But Jeanne Jugan was not officially recognized as the founder of the congregation until 14 years after her death. Pope John Paul II beatified her in 1982. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
August 29 2016
St. Candida
A martyr of the Ostian Way Rome.
Long venerated in Rome, Saint Candida's remains
were enshrined in Saint Praxedes church there by Pope Saint Paschal I in the
9th century. She was one of a group of martyrs executed for
their faith on the Ostian Way outside the gates of Rome (Benedictines,
Encyclopedia).
Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
August 28 2016
John Paul I's Election Remembered
Luciani entered the minor seminary of the town of Feltre, and then went on to the major seminary of Belluno, where he was ordained priest in 1935. He was appointed bishop of Vittorio Veneto in 1958, and was appointed patriarch of Venice in 1969. In 1973 he was elevated to cardinal. John Paul I was the first Pope to have a composite
name, a gesture to honor his two predecessors
The "smiling Pope" died Sept. 28, 1978, 33 days
after his election to the papacy.-- John XXIII and Paul VI. His papal motto was "humilitas" (humility). 120 St. Hermes Martyr with companions in Rome. At Rome, the birthday of St. Hermes, an illustrious man, who, as we read in the Acts of blessed Pope Alexander, was first confined in prison, and afterwards fulfilled his martyrdom by the sword, at the time of the judge Aurelian. 430 St. Augustine of Hippo is the patron of brewers; son of St. Monica. Thus, in the words of Pope Paschal II, "The regular mode of life recognized in the early Church as instituted by the Apostles was earnestly adopted by the blessed Augustine, who provided it with new regulations". 1588 Bl. Hugh More Martyr of England. He was a native of Lincolnshire, educated at Oxford. After converting while at Reims, Hugh was martyred at Lincoln’s Inn Fields by hanging. Pope Pius XI beatified him in 1929. 1628 St. Edmund Arrowsmith one of the Forty Martyrs. He was canonized as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales by Pope Paul VI in 1970. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints today
August 27 2016
JOHN PAUL I
ANGELUS Sunday, 27 August 1978
Yesterday morning I went to the Sistine Chapel to
vote tranquilly. Never could I have imagined what was about
to happen. As soon as the danger for me had begun, the two colleagues who were beside me whispered words of encouragement. One said: “Courage! If the Lord gives a burden, he also gives the strength to carry it.” The other colleague said: “Don't be afraid; there are so many people in the whole world who are praying for the new Pope.” When the moment of decision came,
I accepted.
Then there
was the question of the name, for they also ask what
name you wish to take, and I had thought little
about it. My thoughts ran along these lines: Pope John had decided to consecrate me himself in St Peter's Basilica, then, however unworthy, I succeeded him in Venice on the Chair of St Mark, in that Venice which is still full of Pope John. He is remembered by the gondoliers,
the Sisters, everyone.
Then Pope Paul not
only made me a Cardinal, but some months earlier, on
the wide footbridge in St Mark's Square, he made me blush
to the roots of my hair in the presence of 20,000 people,
because he removed his stole and placed it on my shoulders.Never have I blushed so much!
Furthermore, during fifteen years
of pontificate this Pope has shown, not only to
me but to the whole world,
For that
reason I said: “I
shall be called John Paul.”
I have neither the “wisdom
of the heart”
of Pope John, nor the preparation and culture
of Pope Paul, but I am in their place. how to love, how to serve, how to labour and to suffer for the Church of Christ. I must seek to serve the Church. I hope that you will help me with your prayers. © Copyright 1978 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana <Pope Clement VIII 1592-1605; made a grant towards the rent of The Clerks Regular of The Religious Schools, and people of consequence having begun to send their children to the school, the parish-schoolmasters and others began to criticize it with some vehemence; complaints of its disorders were made to the pope and he directed Cardinals Antoniani and Baronius to pay it a surprise visit of inspection. This was done and as a result of their report Clement took the institution under his immediate protection. v St. Joseph
Calasanctius Founder Clerks Regular
In similar circumstances
the same course was taken and the grant doubled
in 1606 by Paul V
1605-1621 a canonist
of marked ability; watched vigilantly over the interests
of the Church in every nation.
Paul V>
Renewed efforts on
the part of the malcontents, who had the support of
an aggrieved female relative of the pope. They were
successful, and in <1646
Pope Innocent XSt. Joseph
Calasanctius saw the apparent overturning of all his
work by the authority to which he was so greatly
devoted and the indirect disgrace of himself before
the world when the news was brought to him he simply murmured,
"The
Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away.
Blessed be the name of the Lord."
Sancti Joséphi Calasánctii, Presbyteri et Confessóris, qui Ordinis Clericórum Regulárium Páuperum Matris Dei Scholárum Piárum éxstitit Fundátor, atque octávo Kaléndas Septémbris obdormívit in Dómino. St. Joseph Calasanctius, priest and confessor, who founded the Order of Poor Clerics Regular of the Mother of God of the Christian Schools. He fell asleep in the Lord on the 25th of August. There is an obvious parallel
between this history and that of St Alphonsus Liguori and the early
days of the Redemptorists, and during the troubles
of his young congregation St Alphonsus used to encourage
and fortify himself by reading the life of St Joseph Calasanctius; he
was canonized in 1767, six years before the death of Alban Butler,
who only gives to him a brief notice, wherein he is referred
to as "a perpetual miracle of fortitude and another Job"-a
comparison made
by Cardinal ^Lambertini (afterwards Pope Benedict XIV) before the Congregation of Sacred Rites in 1728. The failure of St Joseph's foundation was only apparent. Its suppression was strongly objected to in several places, and it was reconstituted with simple vows in 1656 and restored as a religious order in 1669. Today the Clerks Regular of the Religious Schools (commonly called Piarists or Scolopi) flourish in various parts of the world. 366 Saint Liberius the Confessor, Bishop of Rome, became Bishop of Rome in the year 352, after the death of Pope Julius. St Liberius was a fervent proponent of Orthodoxy against the Arian heresy and a defender of St Athanasius of Alexandria (May 2). The emperor Constantius (337-361) was inclined to side with the Arians, but was not able to compel St Liberius to condemn St Athanasius. For such intransigence he was sent off to prison in Beroea (Thrace), but was soon returned to his see on the insistent petitions of the Roman people. 515 St. John, the Short Arrival of the Holy Relic from Al-Qulzum (Red Sea) to the Wilderness of Scetis. On this day also, in the year 515 A.D., the body of the great saint Anba John, the Short, was relocated from Al-Qulzum (Red Sea) to the wilderness of Scetis. When Pope John (Youhanna), 48th Pope of Alexandria, was in the wilderness of Scetis, some of the monks expressed their wish to relocate the relics of St. John, the Short, to his monastery. The Grace of God moved the Pope, and he wrote a letter by the hand of the Hegumen Kosman and Hegumen Boctor, from the elders, and sent them to Al-Qulzum. 542-543 St. Caesarius of Arles especially venerated: "Let your souls be as pure as the text Beati immaculati in via. When you sing the verse Confundantur superbi, hate pride and flee from it. And so, while your ears are charmed with melody, you will realize what the Psalmist meant when he said, "Quam dulcia faucibus meis eloquia tua!" Pope St Symmachus confirmed the metropolitan rights of Arles, recognized him as apostolic delegate in Gaul, and conferred the pallium, which St Caesarius is said to have been the first bishop in western Europe to receive pallium from a pope. 600 Syagrius (Siacre) of Autun hosted Saint Augustine of Canterbury on his way to England; though he was only a bishop he was granted permission to wear the pallium by Pope St Gregory the Great 1648 St. Joseph Calasanctius Founder of Scolopi or Piarists The Clerks Regular of The Religious Schools entered a holy rivalry with his friend St Camillus of Lellis as who should expend himself more freely in service of sick and dying. Pope Clement VIII having made a grant towards the rent, and people of consequence having begun to send their children to the school, the parish-schoolmasters and others began to criticize it with some vehemence; complaints of its disorders were made to the pope and he directed Cardinals Antoniani and Baronius to pay it a surprise visit of inspection. This was done and as a result of their report Clement took the institution under his immediate protection. In similar circumstances the same
course was taken and the grant doubled in 1606 by Paul V.
1679 St. David Lewis, SJ Priest Rome spiritual director for English college alias Charles Baker farmhouse at Cwm (Monnow Valley) headquarters for 31 years; a handkerchief dipped in his blood had been the occasion of the cure of an epileptic child and of other miracles. Born at Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales, in 1616; died at Usk, August 27, 1679; beatified in 1929; canonized in 1970 by Pope Paul VI as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. 1849 Blessed Dominic of the Mother of God, born Dominic Barberi (22 June 1792 - 27 August 1849) was an Italian theologian and a member of the Passionist Congregation. He was beatified by Pope Paul VI in 1963. Dominic received an interior call which led him to believe that he was called to preach the Gospel in far off lands, later he would affirm that he had received a specific call to preach to the people of England Saint Paul of the Cross, founder of the Passionist Congregation, also had a great enthusiasm for the conversion of England. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 26 2016
217 St Zephyrinus
called the principal defender
of Christ's divinity; Pope And Martyr 199-217.
But it was his glory that they called him
the principal defender of Christ's divinity. During
the later years of the Emperor Septimius Severus the toleration
of Christians ceased, though it is not known what was the
effect in Rome itself of the edict which laid heavy penalties
upon conversion, except that there were many confessors
of the faith.1240 St Raymond Nonnatus the birthday of; Master-general of Mercedarian Order; St Raymond Nonnatus Created cardinal by Pope Gregory IX, Raymond continued to live as a mendicant monk. He died while en route to Rome to answer a papal summons. Born 1204 at Portella, diocese of Urgel, Catalonia, Spain. Died 31 August 1240 at Cardona, Spain of a fever; buried at the chapel of Saint Nicholas near his family farm he was supposed to manage. Canonized 5 November 1625 by Pope Urban VIII (cultus confirmed); 1657 by Pope Alexander VII (canonized) Name Meaning not born (= non-natus) as he was delivered by ceasarian. 1504 Bd Timothy Of Montecchio; worked many miracles, visited by our Blessed Lady and St Francis and our Saviour spoke to him audibly from the sacramental species. cultus was formally confirmed by Pope Pius IX in 1870. 1572 Bd Thomas Percy, Martyr; born in 1528. Earl of Northumberland from 1537, Thomas initially enjoyed an excellent relationship with Queen Elizabeth I (r. 1558-1603). Thomas also served Queen Mary (r. 1542-1587). Queen Elizabeth bestowed the Order of the Garter on him in 1563. He then became involved in the Rising of the North and fled to Scotland but was sold to Queen Elizabeth for two thousand pounds. For three years he languished in a prison, refusing fervently to abjure his faith in return for his freedom. Thomas was finally beheaded at York and was beatified in 1896. He, therefore, with the earl of Westmorland, Charles Neville, sent a letter to Pope St Pius V asking for his advice and direction, but they were forced into action before his reply could be received.* The pope's eventual answer was approving and encouraging, and referred to the example of St Thomas Becket. It was dated three days before his bull of deposition of Elizabeth, "Regnans in excelsis". 1648 St. Joseph Calasanz educating the poor; founded Clerks Regular of Religious Schools (Piarists or Scolopi). Pope Clement VIII gave support to the school, and this aid continued under Pope Paul V. Other schools were opened; other men were attracted to the work and in 1621 the community (for so the teachers lived) was recognized as a religious community, the Clerks Regular of Religious Schools (Piarists or Scolopi). Not long after, Joseph was appointed superior for life. 1838 St Elizabeth Bichier Des Ages, Virgin, Co-Foundress of The Daughters of The Cross or Sisters of St Andrew; Louis Veuillot, whatever objections can be brought against some of his theology and politics, at any rate knew a saint when he saw one, and he said of her, " She is one of the finest-tempered characters ever seen, gentle, resolute, strict, intelligent, industrious, but above all contrite and humble. No difficulty daunts her courage, no lack of strength stops her superhuman labours, no interior distress troubles her outward serenity, no success puffs her up. Whatever happens, she remains undisturbed. Hardships, setbacks, successes, respect, insults-they are all the same to the supreme tranquillity that is rooted in an understanding that sees God in everything, and so must obey." In the diocese of Poitiers, St. Joan-Elizabeth Bichier des Ages, virgin, who with St. André Hubert Fournet co-founded the Congregation of the Daughters of the Cross, and who was renowned for her spirit of mortification and life of innocence. Pope Pius XII added her name to the list of holy virgins. 1897 St. Teresa of Jesus Jornet Ibars 1897 St. Teresa of Jesus Jornet Ibars Foundress Little Sisters of the Poor Beatified in 1958, she was canonized in 1974 by Pope VI. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 25 2016
2nd v. St. Nemesius
and Lucilla Two Roman martyrs. Their bodies were buried by blessed
Pope Stephen, and afterwards more decently entombed
on the 31st of October, by blessed Sixtus on the
Appian Way.552 St. Menas Patriarch of Constantinople. MENNAS, a native of Alexandria, was a priest in Constantinople until 536, he was appointed patriarch of that church and consecrated by Pope St Agapitus, who was then in Constantinople. The pope, Vigilius, was first on one side, then on the other, but eventually in 551 refused to accept Justinian's edict, and sought refuge in St Peter's church in Constantinople (whither he had been peremptorily summoned by the emperor), and then in St Euphemia's at Chalcedon, from whence he excommunicated St Mennas and others who had signed it. Mennas assured Vigilius that he in no way deviated from the acts of the Council of Chaleedon, and the matter of the Three Chapters was referred to an oecumenical council. This council Mennas did not live to see, for he died on August 24, 552, and the fifth general council did not assemble till the following year. It then condemned the Three Chapters, as the emperor had done, and Pope Vigilius approved and confirmed the condemnation. We thus have the curious and unusual spectacle of a patriarch of Constantinople firmly supporting a policy which was to be eventually confirmed by a general council, as against a feeble pope who allowed his judgement and actions to be swayed from side to side by the conflicting views of Western bishops and Eastern emperor; it must be borne in mind that the matter at issue was concerned not with any definition of faith, but with the expediency and implications of the proposed condemnation. St Mennas is named in the Roman Martyrology. 1282 St. Thomas of Hereford; relics were brought back to Hereford, where many miracles were wrought by his intercession and his shrine became second only to that of St. Thomas of Canterbury. He then went to Rome to plead his own cause before Pope Martin IV, who received him kindly. But his failing health succumbed to the fatigue of the journey and the summer heat. He was buried at Orvieto, but subsequently his relics were brought back to Hereford, where many miracles were wrought by his intercession and his shrine became second only to that of St. Thomas of Canterbury. He was canonized by John XXII (17 April, 1320), and his festival, formerly observed on 2 October, is now kept in England on 3 October. 1270 St. Louis, King of France the 9th of his name; patron of Tertiaries; In the person of St Louis (Lewis) IX were united the qualities which form a great king, a hero of romance, and a saint. He was endowed with qualifications for good government, he excelled in the arts of peace and of war, and his courage and greatness of mind received from his virtue the highest setting ambition had no share in his enterprises, his only motives in them was the glory of God and the good of his subjects. Though the two crusades in which he was engaged were failures, he is certainly to be ranked among the most valiant of princes, and a perfect example of the good and great medieval nobleman. 1648 St. Joseph Calasanctius Founder of Scolopi or Piarists. Pope Clement VIII having made a grant towards the rent, and people of consequence having begun to send their children to the school, the parish-schoolmasters and others began to criticize it with some vehemence; complaints of its disorders were made to the pope and he directed Cardinals Antoniani and Baronius to pay it a surprise visit of inspection. This was done and as a result of their report Clement took the institution under his immediate protection. In similar circumstances the same course was taken and the grant doubled in 1606 by Paul V. These difficulties were the beginning of trials and persecutions which beset St Joseph until the end of his life. Nevertheless during the succeeding five years the work prospered and grew in spite of all opposition, and in 1611 a palazzo was purchased to house it near the church of San Pantaleone; there were about a thousand pupils, including a number of Jews whom the founder himself invited to attend and encouraged by his kindness. They were successful, and in 1646 Pope Innocent X published a brief of which the effect was to make the Clerks Regular of the Religious Schools simply a society of priests subject to their respective bishops. Thus in his ninetieth year St Joseph saw the apparent overturning of all his work by the authority to which he was so greatly devoted and the indirect disgrace of himself before the world when the news was brought to him he simply murmured, "The Lord gave and the Lord hath
taken away. Blessed be the name of the
Lord."
St Alphonsus
used to encourage and fortify himself by reading
the life of St Joseph Calasanctius; he was canonized in
1767, six years before the death of Alban Butler, who only gives
to him a brief notice, wherein he is referred to as "a perpetual
miracle of fortitude and another Job"-a comparison made
by Cardinal Lambertini (afterwards
Pope Benedict XIV) before the Congregation of
Sacred Rites in 1728.The failure of St Joseph's foundation was only apparent. Its suppression was strongly objected to in several places, and it was reconstituted with simple vows in 1656 and restored as a religious order in 1669. Today the Clerks Regular of the Religious Schools (commonly called Piarists or Scolopi) flourish in various parts of the world. 1826 St Joan Antide-Thouret, Virgin, Foundress of The Sisters of Charity Under St Vincent's Protection. In 1821 she came to France and passed eighteen months in Paris, trying in vain to smooth out the difficulties. As a last resort she presented herself at the mother-house in Besançon-and was refused admission. Both charity and facts incline us to the view that this action was prompted not by partizanship but by obedience to their archbishop. Before the schism hardened many of the sisters of the Besançon diocese openly adhered to their foundress and to the directions of the Holy See. We therefore leave it to the mercy of God, in whose hands we long ago placed it. May His will be done and everything be for His glory!" Then she returned to Naples and, having spent three strenuous years in founding new convents in Italy, she died peacefully on August 24, 1826. St Joan Antide-Thouret was canonized in 1934. St. Macarius Translocation of the Body of to His Monastery in Scetis. {Coptic} On this day, the church celebrates the return of the body of St. Macarius to his monastery in the desert of Sheahat (Scetis). After the departure of St. Macarius, some of the natives of the city of Shanshour (Shabsheer) came and stole his body. They built a large church for him, and placed the body in it. Later on, his body was moved to another town where he stayed for four hundred forty years, till the time of Pope Michael V (Anba Mikhail V), the 71st Pope. When Pope Michael went to the wilderness to observe the holy fast in the monastery, he sighed and said, "How much I yearn that God would help us so that the body of our father Anba Macarius be in our midst." Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 24 2016
At Valencia
in Spain, the birthday of St. Mary Micaela, virgin,
who founded the Institute of Religious Adorer-Slaves
of the Blessed Sacrament and of Charity. Burning
with the desire to suffer and draw souls to God, she was numbered
among the holy virgins by Pope Pius XI.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today August 23 20161865 St MARY_MICAELA Foundress of Sisters consecrated especially to the Blessed Sacrament (1809-1865. St. Mary Micaela, virgin, founded Institute of Religious Adorer-Slaves of the Blessed Sacrament and of Charity. The Virgin of the Rosary (II) July 10 - Our Lady of the Star (Italy, 1491) Pope Pius VII declared Our Lady of Chiquinquirá patroness of Colombia in 1829, and granted a special liturgy. In 1897 a thick glass plate was placed over it for protection against the weather and the excessive touching of the faithful. The image canonically crowned 1919, in 1927 her sanctuary declared a Basilica. She was beatified in 1925 and canonized on March 4, 1934 by Pope Pius XI 1828 St. Jane Antide Thouret Foundress Daughters of Charity. At Naples in Campania, St. Joan Antide Thouret, virgin, who founded the Daughters of Saint Vincent de Paul, and whom Pope Pius XI added to the catalogue of holy virgins. 1301 Bd James Of Bevagna St Dominic appeared to him and said, "Do it! According to God's will I choose you, and will be ever with you ". Bd James was very strict in his observance of his vow of poverty, and when his mother gave him some money to buy a new habit, which he badly needed, he got permission from his superior to buy a crucifix for his cell instead. When his mother saw the worn-out habit again, she remonstrated with him, but he answered with a smile, "I have done as you wished. St Paul tells us to 'put on the Lord Jesus`, and that is the habit I have bought." But that crucifix was to clothe him in a way he never thought of, for praying before it one day in great dryness and fear of spirit, almost despairing of his salvation, it is said that a spurt of blood miraculously sprang from the image over his face, and he heard a voice saying, "Behold the sign of your salvation". Another marvel, reported at his death, is recounted in the notice of Bd Joan of Orvieto, under July 23. Pope Boniface IX approved the cultus of Bd James of Bevagna Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 22 2016
The Immaculate
Heart Of Mary; The Immaculate Heart Of Mary;
found in some early commentaries on the Song of
Songs; first considerably fostered by St John Eudes 17th
v.; Pope Pius VII gave permission for a feast
of the Pure Heart of Mary in 1805; words attributed to our
Lady at Fatima had strong influence in popularizing devotion;
Oct 31, 1942, Pope Pius XII consecrated the whole world to
her immaculate heart; on May 4, 1944, he directed that the
corresponding feast should be observed throughout the Western
church on the octave day of the Assumption.St. Philip Beniti, confessor, of Florence, the birthday of at Todi in Umbria. He was a zealous promoter of the Order of the Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and was a man of great humility. He was canonized by Pope Clement X; his feast, however, is observed on the day following. 1679 St. John Kemble Martyr of Wales at 80 Pope Paul VI canonized him in 1970. 1679 St. John Kemble 1/ 40 Martyrs of England and Wales; several miracles; annual pilgrimage uninterrupted since martyrdom; studied at Douai ordained 1625; falsely charged in the Titus Qates Plot and condemned for being Catholic. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 21 2016
1914 St. Pius
X "I was born poor, I have lived in poverty,
and I wish to die poor"We know from experience that such prayer relying on the Virgin has never been vain How bitterly and fiercely is Jesus Christ now being persecuted, and the most holy religion which he founded! And how grave is the peril that threatens many of being drawn away by the errors that are afoot on all sides, to the abandonment of the faith! "Then let him who thinks he stands take
heed lest he fall" (I Cor. 10, 12).
And
let all, with humble prayer and entreaty, implore
of God, through the intercession of Mary, that those who have abandoned the truth may repent. We know, indeed, from experience that such
prayer, born of charity and relying on the
Virgin, has never been vain.
True,
even in the future the strife against the Church
will never cease, "for there must be also heresies, that
they also who are reproved may be made manifest among you"
(I Cor. 11, 19). But neither will the Virgin ever cease to succor us in our trials, however grave they be, and to carry on the fight fought by her since her conception, so that every day we may repeat: "Today the head of the serpent of
old was crushed by her" (Office Immac. Con.,
11. Vespers, Magnif.).
Saint Pius X, Encyclical letter
Ad Diem Illum Laetissimum §251348 St. Bernard Tolomeo Italian monk, founder of Congregation of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Olivet His death was followed by many miracles and the congregation became a nursery of saints. Within a few years Bd Bernard had founded a second monastery at Siena, and others followed elsewhere; their penitential life continued to attract disciples and in 1344 the new congregation was confirmed by Pope Clement VI. 1840 St. Joseph Nien Vien Martyr of Vietnam refuse to deny Christ. He was beheaded by anti-Christian officials for refusing to deny Christ. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. 1914 St. Pius X "I was born poor, I have lived in poverty, and I wish to die poor" Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 20 2016
During Papacy of St. Theophilus.
[COPTIC] Commemoration
of the Great Sign, the Lord had Manifested
When he pierced the honorable
cross with his sinful hand, blood and water flowed
forth, and ran down on the ground. Then this apostate dropped
dead instantly, and dried up like a rock. Great
fear fell upon all those who were present, many of them
believed and cried, saying, "One is the Lord God of the Christians,
and we believe in Him." Then they took the blood, and anointed
their faces and eyes with it. Philexinos took also some of
the blood and sprinkled it on his daughter who was born blind,
and she saw straightway.1148 WILLIAM OF ST. THIERRY: CANTOR OF LOVE. According to a contemporary annalist his death occurred about the time of the council held at Reims under Pope Eugenius; this council took place in 1148, and his death should be placed in this year or the preceding. The necrology of his abbey dates it 8 September., in any case it was prior to that of St. Bernard (20 August, 1153). William, a friend and admirer of Bernard of Clairvaux, was born in Liege between the years 1075 and 1080. A member of a noble family, he was educated in the most famous schools of the time and later entered the Benedictine monastery of Saint-Nicaise in Reims. He subsequently became abbot of the monastery of Saint-Thierry where, however, he was unable to reform the community as he wished and abandoned the Benedictines to enter the Cistercian abbey of Signy. There he wrote a number of important works of monastic theology. "De natura et dignitate amoris" (The nature and the dignity of love) contains, the Pope explained, one of William's fundamental ideas, which also holds true for us today: "The principal force that moves the human soul is love. ... The truth is that only one task is entrusted to each human being: learning to love sincerely, authentically and freely. But only at the school of God can this task be achieved and can man attain the end for which he was created". 1153 St. Bernard of Clairvaux Abbot Doctor of the Church eminently endowed with the gift of miracles. August 20, 2009 St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153) Man of the century! Woman of the century! You see such terms applied to so many today—“golfer of the century,” “composer of the century,” “right tackle of the century”—that the line no longer has any punch. But the “man of the twelfth century,” without doubt or controversy, has to be Bernard of Clairvaux. Adviser of popes, preacher of the Second Crusade, defender of the faith, healer of a schism, reformer of a monastic Order, Scripture scholar, theologian and eloquent preacher: any one of these titles would distinguish an ordinary man. Yet Bernard was all of these—and he still retained a burning desire to return to the hidden monastic life of his younger days. After the disputed papal election of 1130 the cause of Pope Innocent II took St Bernard up and down France, Germany and Italy. On one of his returns to Clairvaux he took with him a new postulant, a canon of Pisa, Peter Bernard Paganelli, who was to become a beatified pope as Eugenius III; for the present he was put to stoke the fire in the monastery calefactory. After the general acknowledgement of Innocent II Bernard was present at the tenth general council in Rome, the second of the Lateran, and it was at this period that he first met St Malachy of Armagh; the ensuing friendship between the two lasted until Malachy's death in Bemard's arms nine years later. All this time Bernard had continued diligently to preach to his monks whenever he was able, notably those famous discourses on the Song of Songs. 1866 Bd Mary De Mattias, Virgin, Foundress of The Sisters Adorers of The Precious Blood . When Mary de Mattias began the work that was to develop into a congregation for adoration of the Precious Blood of Christ and the education of children she met a requirement of her time, which needed, in the words of Pope Pius XI, "a general reform, especially by way of better instruction of minds and a renewed purifying of habits". Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 19 2016
535 St. Mochta
Bishop of Ireland last disciple of
St. Patrick. There he became
a disciple of St.
Patrick. During a visit to Rome, Mochta was made
a bishop by Pope St. Leo I. 640 St. Bertulf Abbot famous for miracles. Bertulf obtained exemption for this monastery from episcopal jurisdiction from Pope Honorius I; the first such case in history. This stemmed from his dispute with a local bishop, Probus. Bertuif was famous for miracles. 1297 St Louis of Anjou, Bishop of Toulouse; “Jesus Christ is my kingdom. If I possess Him alone, I shall have all things if I have not Him, I lose all.” The opposition of his family obliged the superiors of the Friars Minor to refuse for some time to admit him into their body, wherefore he retired to a castle near Naples, where he befriended a poor scholar of Cahors, James d’Euse, who afterwards became Pope John XXII and canonized his benefactor. Pope Boniface VIII gave him a dispensation to receive priestly orders in the twenty-third year of his age, and afterwards for the episcopate, together with his nomination to the bishopric of Toulouse, and a severe injunction in virtue of obedience to accept it. He first went to Rome to fulfil his vow, and made his religious profession among the Friars Minor, in their convent of Ara Caeli, on Christmas eve 1296, and received episcopal consecration in St Peter’s five days later. 1622 Bl. Paul Sanchiki Martyr of Japan. He was a sailor on board the vessel owned by Blessed Joachim Firayama and was arrested for transporting Christian missionaries. Paul was beheaded at Nagasaki. He was beatified in 1867 by Pope Pius IX. 1670 St. John
Eudes studied at Paris and Aubervilliers,
ordained 1625; missionary; shared with
St. Mary Margaret Alacoque honor of initiating devotion
to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (composed Mass for the
Sacred Heart in 1668) and the Holy Heart of Mary, popularizing
devotions with his "The Devotion to the Adorable Heart
of Jesus" (1670) and "The Admirable Heart of the Most Holy
Mother of God" . He was canonized by Pope Pius
XI.
Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 18 2016
272 St. Agapitus
Martyr, deacon, companion of
Pope Sixtus II in deathPopes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 17 2016
310
St. Eusebius Pope martyr;
apostates should not be
forever debarred from ecclesiastical communion, readmitted
only after doing proper penance (Eusebius miseros docuit
sua crimina flere); exiled
by Emperor Maxentius feast is yet celebrated
on 26 September Romæ
sancti Eusébii Papæ.
At Rome, Pope St. Eusebius.
Successor of Marcellus, 309 or 310. His
reign was short. The Liberian Catalogue gives its duration
as only four months, from 18 April to 17 August, 309 or 310.
We learn some details of his career from an epitaph for his
tomb which Pope Damasus ordered. This epitaph had come down
to us through ancient transcripts. A few fragments of the
original, together with a sixth-century marble copy made
to replace the original, after its destruction were found
by De Rossi in the Papal Chapel, in the catacombs of Callistus.400 Icon of the Mother of God of Sven August 17 (the day of the repose of St Alypius), who painted the icon . Alipius' name was placed in the Roman Martyrology by Pope Gregory XIII in 1584. 1094 St. John of Monte Marano Benedictine bishop. 1094 St. John of Monte Marano Benedictine bishop \ Appointed by Pope St. Gregory VII in 1074. He is the patron saint of Monte Marano, Italy. 1185 St. Hyacinth Dominican missionary called "the Apostle of Poland". 1185-1257 St. Hyacinth Dominican missionary called "the Apostle of Poland" Cracóviæ, in Polónia, natális sancti Hyacínthi, ex Ordine Prædicatórum, Confessóris, quem Clemens Octávus, Póntifex Máximus, in Sanctórum númerum rétulit. Ipsíus autem festum sextodécimo Kaléndas Septémbris celebrátur. At Cracow in Poland, St. Hyacinth, confessor of the Order of Preachers, whom Pope Clement VIII placed in the number of the saints. His feast is observed on the 17th of August. 1308 St. Clare of Montefalco devoted to the Passion of Christ and His Cross found imprinted on her heart, incorrupt. At Montefalco in Umbria, St. Clare, a nun of the Order of Hermits of St. Augustine, virgin. In her flesh were renewed the mysteries of the Lord's passion, which the faithful honour with great devotion. Pope Leo XIII solemnly inscribed her in the list of the holy virgins. 1627 Bl. Michael Kiraiemon Martyr of Japan and a Franciscan tertiary. 1627 Bl. Michael Kiraiemon Martyr of Japan and a Franciscan tertiary. Michael was beheaded at Nagasaki and was beatified in 1867 by Pope Pius IX. 1736 St. Joan of the Cross; Anjou, France; a shabby old woman many dismissed as insane prompted St. Joan to dedicate her life to the poor; founded Congregation of St. Anne of Providence. Pope John Paul II canonized her in 1982. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 16 2016
944 Not-Made-by-Hands
Icon of our Lord Jesus Christ Transfer
from Edessa to Constantinople. In
proof of the validity of Icon-Veneration, Pope Gregory
II (715-731) sent a letter to the Byzantine emperor, in
which he pointed out the healing of King Abgar and the sojourn
of the Icon Not-Made-by-Hands at Edessa as a commonly known
fact. The Icon Not-Made-by-Hands was put on the standards
of the Russian army, defending them from the enemy. In the Russian
Orthodox Church it is a pious custom for a believer, before entering
the temple, to read the Troparion of the Not-Made-by-Hand icon
of the Savior, together with other prayers.1038 St. Stephen the Great. By decree of Pope Innocent XI, his feast is kept on the 2nd of September, on which day the strong city of Buda, by the aid of the holy king, was recovered by the Christian army. His tomb was the scene of miracle . Stephen was soon engaged in wars with rival tribal leaders and others; and when he had consolidated his position he sent St Astrik, whom he designed to be the first archbishop, to Rome to obtain Pope Silvester II’s approval for a proper ecclesiastical organization for his country; and at the same time to ask his Holiness to confer upon him the title of king, which his nobles had long pressed him to assume and which he now asked that he might with more majesty and authority accomplish his designs for promoting the glory of God and the good of his people. 1243 Blessed Laurence Loricatus practiced the strictest poverty by giving away any offerings left by visitors to the poor OSB Hermit (AC). An account of him is given in the Acta Sanctorum, August, vol. iii, which possesses interest from the fact that it embodies documents compiled in 1244 during an investigation undertaken at the insistance of Pope Innocent IV. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 15 2016
Assumption
of Saint Mary Mother of God.
At the time that Alban Butler wrote, belief
in our Lady's bodily assumption to Heaven was still,
in the words of Pope Benedict
XIV, "a probable opinion the denial of which
would be impious and blasphemous"; and so it remained for
another two hundred years. Then, in 1950, after taking
counsel with the whole Church through her bishops, Pope
Pius XII solemnly declared this doctrine to be divinely
revealed and an article of faith. In the bull "
Munificentissimus Deus"
he declared that:
The remarkable
unanimity of the Catholic episcopacy and faithful in the matter
of the definibility of our Lady's bodily assumption into
Heaven as a dogma of faith showed us that the ordinary
teaching authority of the Church and the belief
of the faithful which it sustains and directs were
in accord, and thereby proved with infallible
certainty
that privilege is a truth revealed by God and
is contained in the divine deposit which Christ entrusted
to His bride the Church, to be guarded faithfully and declared
with infallible certainty.255 Tarsicius of Rome acolyte or deacon refused to surrender the Eucharist M (RM). Thus the Roman Martyrology sums up the later form of the story of St Tarsicius, "the boy martyr of the holy Eucharist ", which is derived from the fourth-century poem of Pope St Damasus, wherein it is stated that one Tarsicius, like another St Stephen stoned by the Jews, suffered a violent death at the hands of a mob rather than give up "the divine Body to raging dogs ". Tarcisium
sanctum Christi sacramenta gerentem,
Cum male sana manus
peteret vulgare profanis;
Ipse animam potius voluit dimittere caerus Prodere quam canibus rabidis caelestia membra. 430 St. Alipius Bishop companion of St. Augustine baptized with Augustine in 387 or 394 by St. Ambrose. Alipius' name was placed in the Roman Martyrology by Pope Gregory XIII in 1584. The evidence of Alipius' sanctity was clearly stated by Augustine's account of his life. 1078 St. Stephen, king of Hungary and confessor, who fell asleep in the Lord on the 15th of August. By decree of Pope Innocent XI, his feast is kept on the 2nd of September, on which day the strong city of Buda, by the aid of the holy king, was recovered by the Christian army. Cracóviæ, in Polónia, natális sancti Hyacínthi, ex Ordine Prædicatórum, Confessóris, quem Clemens Octávus, Póntifex Máximus, in Sanctórum númerum rétulit. Ipsíus autem festum sextodécimo Kaléndas Septémbris celebrátur. At Cracow in Poland, St. Hyacinth, confessor of the Order of Preachers, whom Pope Clement VIII placed in the number of the saints. His feast is observed on the 17th of August. 1936 Blessed Maria Sagrario Spanish Civil War martyr OC VM (AC) . Born at Lillo, Spain, January 8, 1881; died at San Isidro, Spain, on August 15, 1936; beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 8, 1997. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 14 2016
3rd v. Eusebius
a priest of Palestine M (RM).
Usuard's ancient martyrology calls this
priest who founded a church in Rome (now called titulis
Eusebii) a confessor. The spurious acta, say
that he was martyred under the Arian Emperor Constantius
for having preached against Pope Liberus' signing of the
confession of Sirmium. According to these, he was imprisoned for
many months and died during confinement. He was
beatified in 1971 and canonized in 1982.1941 St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe Immaculata his inspiration b. 1894 "I don’t know what’s going
to become of you!” How many parents
have said that? Maximilian Mary Kolbe’s reaction
was,
She appeared, holding in her hands
two crowns, one white, one red. She asked if I
would like to have them—one was for purity, the other for
martyrdom. I said, ‘I choose both.’ She smiled and disappeared.”
After that he was not the same.“I prayed very hard to Our Lady to tell me what would happen to me. 1490 Blessed Sanctes Brancasino a Franciscan lay-brother at Scotameto, Italy OFM (AC) Born at Monte Fabri near Urbino, Italy; cultus approved by Pope Clement XIV. Sanctes was a Franciscan lay-brother at Scotameto, Italy (Benedictines). Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 13 2016
235 St
Hippolytus,
Martyr, Concordia, his nurse, and
nineteen others of his household, who were beheaded beyond
the Tiburtine Gate, and buried with him in the Agro Verano.
Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus
died for the faith after
harsh treatment and exhaustion in the
mines of Sardinia. One had been pope for five
years, the other an antipope for 18. They died reconciled.
Pontian was a Roman who
served as pope from 230 to 235.
He may have been
a disciple of St Irenaeus,
and St Jerome called
him "a most holy and eloquent man".
Hippolytus censured Pope
St Zephyrinus for being, in his opinion,
not quick enough to detect and denounce heresy, and
on the election of his successor, St Callistus I, he severed communion
with the Roman church and permitted himself to
be set up in opposition to the pope.662 St. Maximus the Confessor Abbot mystic Doctor of the Church called “the Theologian,” noted for contributions to the theology of the Incarnation; who suffered persecution from Emperor Constans II and the Monothelitist heretics.. When Emperor Constans II favored Monothelitism, Maximus defended Pope Honorius and debated and converted Pyrrhus in 645. He then attended the Lateran Council in 649, convened by Pope St. Martin I, and he was taken prisoner and brought to Constantinople, where he was charged with treason. Exiled from the Empire, he spent six years at Perberis and was brought back to Constantinople with two companions - both named Anastasius - to be tortured and mutilated. Their tongues and right hands were cut off and they were sent to Skhemaris on the Black Sea, where Maximus died. St. Nerses Glaietsi Armenian bishop His time as Catholicos was occupied with improving relations between the Armenian Church and Rome, and between the Armenian Church and the Greek Orthodox and the uncle of St. Nerses Lambronazi, he studied under his uncle, the Catholicos Gregory II, and received ordination by his brother, Catholicos Gregory III. Nerses, moreover, worked for the reconciliation of the Orthodox Greeks; and writing to the Emperor Manuel Comnenos he refers to the pope as “the first of all the archbishops and successor of the apostle Peter”. He is the
most famous writer of the twelfth-century
Armenian renaissance, both in prose and verse;
he wrote a book of short prayers for every hour of the
day, poems on religious and historical subjects, and
liturgical hymns, in one of which the Roman church is
apostrophized as “immovably built on the rock of Kephas,
invincible by the gates of Hell, and seal of the guardian
of the gates of Heaven”. St Nerses died on August 13, 1173,
but his feast is kept on the 3rd, and he is named in the great
intercession of the Armenian Mass both by Catholics and dissidents.
1297 St. Louis of Toulouse he died at 23 already a Franciscan, a bishop and a saint. Comment: When Cardinal Hugolino, the future Pope Gregory IX, suggested to Francis that some of the friars would make fine bishops, Francis protested that they might lose some of their humility and simplicity if appointed to those positions. Those two virtues are needed everywhere in the Church, and Louis shows us how they can be lived out by bishops. 1350 St. Francis of Pesaro miracle worker known for his holiness. He founded the Confraternity of Mercy, a hospice. Franciscan tertiary of Pesaro, Italy He lived in a community and was known for his holiness. He founded the Confraternity of Mercy, a hospice, and was a miracle worker. Pope Pius IX confirmed his cult. 1621 St. John Berchmans fervent, filial piety from early youth; bright intellect; a retentive memory Jesuit. At Rome, the birthday of St. John Berchmans, a scholastic of the Society of Jesus, illustrious for his innocence and for his fidelity to the rules of the religious life. He was canonized by Pope Leo XIII. The Constitutions of the Society of Jesus lead those who observe them exactly to the highest degree of sanctity, as has been declared by Pope Julius III and his successors. The attainment of that ideal was what John proposed to himself. "If I do not become a saint when I am young", he used to say "I shall never become one". That is why he displayed such wisdom in conforming his will to that of his superiors and to the rules. 1862 St. Benilde Romançon, founded Saugues school. Born at Thuret, France June 13, 1805 and christened Peter. He studied at the Christian Brothers school at Riom and joined them in 1820, taking the name Benilde, after he had been refused two years earlier. He headed the Brothers' school in Billom, and in 1841 he founded a school at Saugues, where he was to spend the rest of his life. Saugues became a model school, and Benilde was known for his dedication, his teaching ability and his sanctity. He died at Saugues on August 13, 1862 and was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1967. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 12 2016
1297 St. Louis
of Toulouse Bishop When he died
at the age of 23, Louis was already a Franciscan,
a bishop and a saint!.
Louis was canonized in 1317 by Pope John XXII,
one of his former teachers.1838 St. Anthony Peter Dich sheltered priest Martyr of Vietnam a native farmer who was beheaded for sheltering a priest, St. James Nam. Anthony was canonized in 1988. 1838 St. Michael My mayor Martyr of Vietnam mayor of a town in Vietnam when persecution of Christians started martyred with Blessed Anthony Dich, his son-in-law, and with St. James Nam; canonized in 1988 by Pope John Paul II. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 11 2016
296 This
story seems to be fictitious from beginning
to end, but the germs of historic truth incorporated
in it are of curious interest. The primitive Hieronymian
Martyrology would seem to have contained a notice
in this form: "In Rome, at the `Two Houses' beside the
baths of Diocletian, the birthday of St Susanna."
These brief data are quite reliable, but they have probably provided the nucleus from which the story of Gabinius and Pope St Cajus in their two houses evolved. The Holy Martyr Susanna the Virgin was the daughter of Presbyter Gavinius and a niece of the Holy Bishop Caius of Rome (283-296); raised in strict Christian piety and in her youthful years dedicated herself to God. The family of the saint was related to the emperor Diocletian (284-305), who heard reports of her virtue and beauty. St. Susanna Martyred for the faith The beautiful daughter of Gabinius, a priest, and niece of Pope Caius, Susanna refused Emperor's Diocletian request that she marry his son-in-law, Maximian and converted two of her uncles, Claudius and Maximus who were court officers sent by Diocletian to persuade her to marry, to Christianity. Diocletian was so enraged by what she had done that he sent one of his favorites, Julian, to deal with the matter. Julian had Maximus, Claudius and his wife, Praepedigna, and their two sons, burned to death at Cumae, and then had Susanna and her father beheaded. 412 St. Taurinus Bishop of Evreux, Normandy, France in a now discredited legend involving St. Denis of Paris. At Evreux in France, St. Thaurinus, bishop. Being made bishop of that city by blessed Pope Clement, he propagated the Christian faith by the preaching of the Gospel, and the many labours he sustained for it. Celebrated for glorious miracles, he fell asleep in the Lord. 560 St Equitius, Abbot; Zeal for the salvation of souls so burned in his heart that, in spite of his responsibility for so many monasteries, he travelled about diligently, visiting churches, towns, villages, and particularly men's houses, to stir up the hearts of those that heard him to a love of heavenly joys; St Equitius flourished in the Abruzzi at the time when St Benedict was establishing his rule at Monte Cassino, in youth suffered greatly from temptations of the flesh. In the province of Valeria, St. Equitius, abbot, whose sanctity is attested by blessed Pope Gregory. 1253 St. Clare Patron of sore eyes a beautiful Italian noblewoman who became the Foundress of an order of nuns now called "Poor Clares." At Assisi in Umbria, the birthday of St. Clare, virgin, the first of the Poor Ladies of the Order of Friars Minor. Being celebrated for holiness of life and miracles, she was placed among the holy virgins by Pope Alexander IV. Her feast, however, is observed on the day following. 1546 Bd Peter Favre; the senior of the first companions of St Ignatius Loyola and held the highest place in his master's estimation with St Francis Xavier; and he was the first among the Jesuits to come to grips with the Protestant Reformation. At the time the Emperor Charles V was trying to compose the religious troubles of Germany by convoking a series of conferences, called "diets", of the Catholic and Protestant leaders, and Peter Favre was appointed by Pope Paul III to go to that of Worms, in 1540; from this abortive meeting he went on to assist at the equally useless diet of Ratisbon in the following year. Pope Paul III wished to have Father Peter as his theologian at the Council of Trent. He was not anxious to go, but "I determined to fall in with the
wish of the Archbishop of Mainz, who wanted me to go with him to the Council
of Trent, which was to begin on the first day of November. Before I took
that determination I had various feelings in my mind and some sadness, from which our Lord delivered me by
virtue of holy and unquestioning obedience,
which knows better than to consider either
one's own insufficiency or the difficulty of the
things which are commanded."
In 1546 the pope's summons to the
same assembly confirmed his resolution of obedience,
and he set out at once, though he was sick and the
summer heat was overpowering. The effort was too much.
Though only forty years old, Bd Peter was exhausted by his laborious
journeys and the strain of his work, and soon after his
arrival in Rome he died in the arms of St Ignatius.Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 10 2016
258 Saint
Lawrence
1/7 deacons in charge giving help
to the poor and needy; persecution broke
out, Pope St. Sixtus condemned to death; led to execution,
Lawrence followed him weeping, "Father, where are
you going without your deacon?" he said. "I am not
leaving you, my son," answered the Pope. "in three days
you will follow me." Full of joy, Lawrence gave to the poor
the rest of the money he had on hand and even sold expensive
vessels to have more to give away."Turn me over," he said
to the judge. "I'm done on this side!" And just before he died,
he said, "It's cooked enough now." 6th v. St. Deusdedit Shoemaker in Rome in the era of Pope St. Gregory the Great . Every Saturday Deusdedit gave all his weekly earnings to the poor. Pope St. Gregory I the Great praised Deusdedit. Romæ sancti Deúsdedit Confessóris, qui quod in hebdómada mánibus suis operándo lucrabátur, die sábbati paupéribus erogábat. At Rome, the holy confessor Deusdedit, a labouring man who gave to the poor every Saturday what he had earned during the week. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 09 2016
116 Departure
of Pope
Abriamus (Primus), Fifth Patriarch
of Alexandria. {Coptic}304 St Emygdius (Emidius) , Martyr beheaded together with three companions, SS. Eupolus, Germanus and Valentinus.. Full of zeal for the faith, Emygdius entered a heathen temple and dashed a statue of Aesculapius to the ground. Pagans of Rome were so incensed by this action that Pope Marcellus, in order to protect Emygdius from their vengeance, ordained him, consecrated him a bishop, and sent him to evangelize the territory of Ascoli Piceno. There he laboured with success, making many converts. 606 St. Serenus Bishop Bishop of Marseilles, France. He is best known for having been a correspondent with Pope St. Gregory I the Great (r. 590-604) who sent him several letters. One endorsed the Roman missionanes who were then on their way to Britain. 1242 Bd John of Salerno; gift of reading minds and consciences.. Florence was troubled at this time by the Patarines, a sect which had penetrated into Italy from Bosnia; Pope Gregory IX. commissioned Bd John to deal with these heretics, whose tenets and life were similar to those of the Albigensians who had first exercised St Dominic. 1482 St. Amedeus Franciscan founder Portugal He was born to a noble family 1420 and entered the Franciscans as a lay brother at Assisi, Italy. After some time as a hermit, Amedeus was ordained and founded Franciscan monasteries. He was revered by Pope Sixtus IV. 1942 Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein). Beatified in the Cologne cathedral by Pope John Paul II; canonized on October 11, 1998. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 08 2016
308 SS Cyriacus,
deacon, Largus, Smaragdus, translated with 20
others by Pope St. Marcellus The holy
martyrs suffered on March 16; buried on the Salarian Way by the priest
John translated to estate of Lucina, on the Ostian Way; then brought to the
city and placed in the church of St. Mary in Via Lata. On
August 8 Pope St Marcellus I
translated the bodies to a burial-place, which received
the name of Cyriacus, on the road to Ostia.
Delehaye shows that this Cyriacus has been confused
with another Cyriacus, the founder of the titulus Cyriaci,
and that a fictitious story was later evolved which
is best known to us as an episode in the spurious Acts
of Pope St Marcellus.1091 St. Altman of Passau; Bishop apostolic delegate; studied in Paris, ordained, became the ranking priest at the Paderborn Cathedral School; went to Aachen royal chaplain of Emperor Henry II; 1064 pilgrimage to Jerusalem, captured by Muslim Saracens in Palestine; released journeyed home 1065; became involved in Pope Gregory VII's efforts to halt simony and clergy marriages; driven out of his diocese because of this controversy; founded Augustinian abbey at Gottweig, Austria; reformed religious institutions of the region; When in 1074 Pope St Gregory VII renewed the pontifical decrees against simony and married clergy, Altman read out the letter in his cathedral. It was very ill received, he had to escape from the ensuing uproar, and found himself opposed in the matter of celibacy by a strong party led by his own provost. The bishop's chief supporters were the Augustinian canons, but the rebels invoked the help of the emperor; Altman did his best to enforce the decree, excommunicated the provost, and, when in the following year the pope forbade lay investiture, definitely ranged himself against Henry. He was driven from his see, and went to Rome. He had some scruples as to whether he held his own see simoniacally, as he had received it by favour of the Empress Agnes; but St Gregory VII confirmed him in it and appointed him delegate apostolic for Germany. He died in 1091, and his cultus was approved by Pope Leo XIII. 1221 St.
Dominic
de Guzman, Astronomers Patron:
studied at the Univ. at Palencia; ordained,
appointed canon at Osma in 1199 became prior superior
of the chapter, which was noted for its strict adherence
to the rule of St. Benedict; founded an order devoted
to the conversion of the Albigensians; the order was canonically
approved by the bishop of Toulouse the following year.
He failed to gain approval for his order of preachers at
the fourth General Council of the Lateran in 1215 but received
Pope Honorius III's approval in the following year, and
the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) was founded; Dominic's
concept of harmonizing the intellectual life with popular need.
We are not surprised, therefore, that,
after signing the Bull of canonization on 13 July, 1234,
Gregory IX declared that he no more doubted
the saintliness of Saint Dominic than he did that of Saint
Peter and Saint Paul.
1570 Bl. John Felton Martyr of England promoted the papacy in London. Born in Bermondsey, London, to a Norfolk line, John nailed a copy of the Bull of Pope St. Pius V excommunicating Queen Elizabeth I to the doors of the bishop of London’s residence. Arrested and imprisoned, he was racked three times before being martyred in St. Paul’s churchyard. Pope Leo XIII beatified him in 1886. On February 25, 1569-70, Pope St Pius V published a bull, "Regnans in excelis ", directed against Queen Elizabeth, who was at the time ostensibly a Catholic. By it she was declared excommunicate, deprived of the kingdom which she ruled and all her subjects discharged from their allegiance, because she claimed headship of the Church in England, sheltered heretics, oppressed Catholics, and coerced her subjects into heresy and repudiation of the Holy See, contrary to her coronation oath. On the following May 25 citizens of London woke up to find a copy of this bull of excommunication of their sovereign fastened to the door of the bishop of London's house, adjoining St Paul's cathedral; it had been put there late on the previous night by Mr John Felton, a gentleman of a Norfolk family who lived in Southwark. 1638 St. Agathangelo Noury Arabic scholar Martyr and reformer, a Franciscan missionary, also called Agathangelus; sent to Aleppo, Syria, where he became known as an Arabic scholar, publishing Catholic works in Arabic; sent to Cairo -- worked to bring the Coptic Christians into communion with Rome. In 1905, Agathangelo of Vendome, one of the most remarkable missionaries of the seventeenth century, and his faithful companion, Cassian of Nantes, were declared blessed by Pope Pius X. 1909 Bl. Mary MacKillop first native Australian to be beatified; Born in Melbourne of Scottish ancestry; Concerned with the poor and suffering founded the Sisters of St. Joseph and of the Sacred Heart; sisters were dedicated to educating children; became Mary of the Cross 1873, two years later elected mother general of her congregation; After many difficulties, Mother MacKillop received papal approval of her work in 1888 from Pope Leo XIII. When she died on August 8, 1909, in Sydney, there were one thousand women in her congregation. Pope John Paul II beatified her on January 19, 1995. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 07 2016
On the first
day of the Afterfeast
of the Transfiguration
1st v. St. Claudia mother of Linus, the second Pope. Tradition has her the daughter of British King Caractacus, who was sent to Rome with his family in chains when he was defeated by Aulus Plautius. Released by Emperor Claudius, one of his daughters took the name Claudia, remained in Rome, was baptized, and is the Claudia mentioned in St. Paul's second letter to Timothy. 258 Sixtus (Xystus) II, Pope M, and Companions a Greek philosopher who embraced the Christian faith, served as a deacon in Rome, reached this pinnacle of the church's offices on August 30, 257, and lasted in it no more than a year, suffering a brave martyr's death. His name is in the canon of the Roman Mass. Nevertheless, he resumed relations with Saint Cyprian and the churches Africa and Asia Minor which had been ruptured by Pope Saint Stephen I, his predecessor. 361 St. Donatus bishop of Arizzo & Hilarinus a martyr of Ostia; Italy; cultus confined to local calendars. At Arezzo in Tuscany, the birthday of St. Donatus, bishop and martyr, who among other miraculous deeds by his prayers (as is related by blessed Pope Gregory) made whole again a sacred chalice which had been broken by pagans. 407 St. Victricius missionary and Bishop; The son of a Roman legionnaire, he set out on a military career. After becoming a Christian, he refused to remain in the legions. Flogged and sentenced to death for remaining adamant in his refusal to return to the army, he somehow avoided execution and received a discharge. Victricius became a missionary among the tribes of Flanders, Hainault, and Brabant, Belgium, and later the bishop of Rouen, France (about 386). Not only was he exonerated by Pope St. Innocent I (401-417), but he received from the pope the important decretal of the Liber Regularum. He was also the author of the work The Praise of Saints St. Victricius. 1638 St. Agathangelo Noury Arabic scholar Martyr and reformer, a Franciscan missionary, also called Agathangelus; sent to Aleppo, Syria, became known as an Arabic scholar, publishing Catholic works in Arabic; sent to Cairo -- worked to bring the Coptic Christians into communion with Rome. In 1905, Agathangelo of Vendôme, one of the most remarkable missionaries of the seventeenth century, and his faithful companion, Cassian of Nantes, were declared blessed by Pope Pius X. 1547 St. Cajetan; at his birth his mother, a fervent Dominican tertiary, dedicated Cajetan to the Blessed Virgin; father died fighting for Venetians against King Ferdinand of Naples when Cajetan was only two, example of mother helped Cajetan to grow into a man of sweet temper, constant recollection, unwavering compassion, especially toward poor and afflicted; mystical experience; doctorate in both civil and canon law at Padua, Italy, he became a senator in Vicenza; Pope Julius II compelled him to accept the office of protonotary in his court. Although Julius II was one of the least inspiring examples of a pope, Cajetan saw through the lustful, simonious, indulgent, war-loving court to the essential holiness of the Church. He knew that despite the vices and follies of Her servants, Holy Mother Church still held the keys to the salvation of the world; resigned as protonotary upon Julius's death in 1513 and was ordained in 1516; founder of the blue-habited Theatines, beatified by Urban VIII in 1629; canonized by Clement X in 1671 1638 St. Agathangelo Noury Arabic scholar Martyr and reformer, a Franciscan missionary, also called Agathangelus; sent to Aleppo, Syria, became known as an Arabic scholar, publishing Catholic works in Arabic; sent to Cairo -- worked to bring the Coptic Christians into communion with Rome. In 1905, Agathangelo of Vendôme, one of the most remarkable missionaries of the seventeenth century, and his faithful companion, Cassian of Nantes, were declared blessed by Pope Pius X. 1927 Departure of St. Kyrillos V (Cyril), 112th Pope of Alexandria {Coptic}. The Pope gave the utmost of his efforts to lift his flock to the highest spiritual level, as he was prudent in printing the church books. He departed in peace, after spending fifty-two years, nine months and six days on the Patriarchal chair. May his prayers be with us and Glory be to God forever. Amen. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 06 2016
The Transfiguration
of Jesus an event reported
by Synoptic Gospels in which Jesus is transfigured
upon a mountainFeast of the Transfiguration of Christ Given the importance to international politics at that time of such battles between Christian and Muslim nations, in celebration of the victory Pope Callixtus III elevated the Transfiguration to a Feast day to be celebrated in the entire Catholic Church. In 2002, Pope John Paul II
selected the Transfiguration as
one of the five Luminous Mysteries of the
rosary.
Mount_of_transfiguration.JPG
258
Pope St. Sixtus II
martyr a good and peaceful
priest (bonus et pacificus sacerdos)
(XYSTUS).
Romæ, via Appia, in cœmetério Callísti, natális beáti Xysti Secúndi, Papæ et Mártyris, qui in persecutióne Valeriáni, gládio animadvérsus, martyrii corónam accépit. At Rome, on the Appian Way, in the cemetery of Callistus, the birthday of blessed Sixtus II, pope and martyr, who received the crown of martyrdom in the persecution of Valerian by being put to the sword. 258 St. Agapitus matyred and five other deacons-Felicissimus, Januarius, Magnus, Stephen, and Vincent. With them suffered also blessed Quartus, as is related by St. Cyprian, Deacon, and companion of Pope Sixtus II in death. He was with the pope when seized during the persecutions of Emperor Valerian. Agapitus and five other deacons-Felicissimus, Januarius, Magnus, Stephen, and Vincent- were martyred. 514 St. Hormisdas Pope successor to St. Symmachus, ended Acacian Schism which had divided the Eastern and Western Churches since 484. At Bologna, the birthday of St. Dominic, confessor, founder of the Order of Friars Preachers, most renowned for sanctity and learning. He preserved his chastity unsullied to the end of his life, and by his great merits raised three persons from the dead. After having repressed heresies by his preaching, and instructed many in the religious and godly life, he rested in peace. His feast is celebrated on the 4th of August by decree of Pope Paul IV. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 05 2016
235 The Martyr Pontius lived during the III Century, son of a pagan Roman senator named Marcus and wife Julia. 235 The Martyr Pontius lived during the III Century, the son of a pagan Roman senator named Marcus and his wife Julia. . Pope Pontian, who was making the service, invited Pontius and his companion Valerian to come in. After the service, the pope talked for a long while with the youths, revealing to them the Gospel teachings, and after a certain while he baptised them. Saint Pontius in turn likewise converted his father to Christ, whom Pope Pontian also baptised, together with his whole household. Pope Saint Pontian finished his life as a martyr (+ 235). 257 SS Pope Antherus (Bishop of Rome in place of Pope Saint Pontian), and successor was Pope Saint Fabian (Fabius), as presbyter fearlessly gave burial to bodies of martyrs soon accepted suffering and death for Christ (+ 236). 257 SS Pope Antherus (Bishop of Rome in place of Pope Saint Pontian), and successor was Pope Saint Fabian (Fabius), who as a presbyter fearlessly gave burial to the bodies of martyrs.he too soon accepted suffering and death for Christ (+ 236). For 4 years the Church of Christ dwelt in peace and tranquility (emperor Philip and his son.). 303 St. Emygdius patron against earthquakes destroyed a pagan temple. At Ascoli in Piceno, St. Emygdius, bishop and martyr, who was consecrated bishop by Pope St. Marcellus, and sent thither to preach the Gospel. He received the crown of martyrdom for the confession of Christ under Diocletian. 435 Dedication of St. Mary Major first church in Rome dedicated to Mary the Mother of God.. It was founded by Pope Liberius in the 4th century, and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin by Pope Saint Sixtus III about 435. 751 St. Abel Irish Archbishop and Benedictine abbot noted churchman, accompanying St. Boniface on his missions to the European Continent. He was chosen as archbishop of Remis by Pope St. Zachary, a nomination ratified by the Council of Soissons in 744. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 04 2016
622
Molua
educated at Bangor under Saint
Comgall founded over 100 monasteries
in Ireland Abbot (AC);.
He is said to have gone to Rome (“Unless I see Rome
I shall soon die”), and taken the opportunity to submit
to Pope St Gregory the Great the rule he
had drawn up for his monasteries;
it was, like all Celtic monastic rules, extremely
arduous and the pope said of it that, “The holy man who
drew up this rule has laid a hedge round his family which
reaches to Heaven”1869 St. John Vianney Patron of priests ordained 1815 incorupt . Pope Pius XI placed him in the number of the saints, ordered that his feast should be observed on the 9th day of this month, and appointed him as the heavenly patron of all parish priests. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 03 2016
415
The Finding
Of St Stephen Pope
Benedict XIV's commission proposed
to suppress this feast.
448 St Germanus, Bishop Of Auxerre; by his teaching and miracles Pelagianism was finally eradicated and its teachers banished, free from heresy the Church in these islands remained for a space of eleven hundred years, until the errors of Protestantism took root and were watered by royal corruption in the sixteenth century; Pope St Celestine and the Gallic bishops nominated St Germanus to go in year 429, and appointed St Lupus, Bishop of Troyes, to accompany him on this mission. Pope Urban II sent him to Constantinople as papal legate to the Byzantine Empire. He was canonized in 1109 by Pope Paschal II, a mere four years after his death. 1295 “ST” THOMAS OF DOVER Miracles were recorded at his tomb and Simon Simeon, an Irish friar who made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land about 1322, mentions the honour given to him as a martyr “at the Black Monks, under Dover Castle”. King Richard II asked Pope Urban VI to canonize Thomas, and a process was begun in 1382 but never carried out 1323 Blessed Augustine Gazotich of Lucera fought the Manichæen heresy; in Sicily, Islam; in Hungary charming miracles are related OP B (AC) Born in Trau, Dalmatia, c. 1260-1262; cultus reconfirmed by Pope Clement XI in 1702. 1105 St. Peter of Anagni 1st crusader Benedictine bishop papal legate. A native of Salerno, Italy, he entered the Benedictines and so distinguished himself as a monk that Pope St. Gregory VII appointed him bishop of Anagni. 1868 ST PETER JULIAN EYMARD, FOUNDER OF THE PRIESTS OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT During this time he received encouragement from Pope Pius IX and from the Ven. John Cohn, founder of the Marists, and he determined to sacrifice his vocation with the Society of Mary and to devote himself to a new society. Peter Julian Eymard was beatified, and canonized in 1962 during the Second Vatican Council. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 02 2016
2nd v
St. Maximus
of Padua Bishop Bishop of Padua, Italy, successor to St. Prosdocimus
there. His relics were discovered
in 1053 and enshrined by Pope St. Leo IX. 257 Stephen I, Pope the Novatian controversy M (RM) 257 Stephen I, Pope the Novatian controversy Christ is the principal minister in the Sacraments, whose validity and efficacy do not depend upon the grace of the human minister M (RM) Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today August 01 2016
SS.
Hope
Sofia Charity According
to an Eastern allegory explaining the cult
of Divine Wisdom, Faith, Hope, and
Charity the daughters of Wisdom,
a widow in Rome; The daughters suffered martyrdom;
mentioned in the
Acts of Pope St. Stephen.
The cult cannot be called ancient. No earlier
evidence has been adduced than the Index oleorum, which
dates only from the end of the sixth century
.40 St. Peter in Chains. Under the high altar, in a chasse of plate glass and silver-gilt, there are two ancient iron chains fastened together. Tradition has it that Pope Alexander I enshrined here as a precious relic the chain that bound St. Peter in the year 67, when he was imprisoned, prior to his Roman martyrdom in the Mamertine Prison, a dungeon still visitable in the Roman Forum. 1787 St. Alphonsus Marie Liguori Bishop, Doctor of the Church, and the founder of the Redemptorist Congregation; St. Alphonsus Theologians Patron he experienced visions, performed miracles, and gave prophecies. Noted for his zeal for souls, his writings, and his example, Pope Gregory XVI added him to the canon of saints, and Pius IX declared him to be a doctor of the Universal Church. Pius XII established him as heavenly patron of all moral theologians and of those who hear Confession. His feast, however, is observed on the day following. |
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Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today July 31
190
St. Calimerius
Martyred bishop of
Milan, Greek Rome educated disciple of Pope St. Telesphorus;448 Germanus (Germain) of Auxerre; high Roman official before priesthood ordination in 418; consecrated bishop of Auxerre' relations with the church in Britain-429 and 447- succeeded completely eradicating Pelagianism; led the Britons to their great "Alleluia" victory over the Saxons. 1175 St. Helen of Skovde Widow; gave all her possessions to the poor; Like Jesus, the innocent Lamb, St. Helen was put to death; many miracles were reported at her tomb. Her body was brought from Gotene and interred in the church she had built at Skovde, and on the strength of the miracles of healing there reported Pope Alexander III authorized her cultus in 1164. 1367 Blessed John (Giovanni) Colombini, Founded Gesuati lay brothers approved in 1367; rich Sienese merchant held position of 1st magistrate (gonfalionere); ambitious, avaricious, ill-tempered man converted while reading conversion story of Saint Mary of Egypt in the The Lives of the Saints (RM.) Born in Siena, Italy, c. 1300; beatified by Pope Gregory XIII. If John Colombini can win God's favor, there is hope for all of us. 1556 St. Ignatius Of Loyola founder of the Jesuits "Give me only your love and your grace. With this I am rich enough, and I have no more to ask." Pope Pius XI declared him to be the heavenly patron of all spiritual retreats. St. Ignatius died in Rome, on July 31, 1556. Pope Gregory XV proclaimed him a saint in 1622. Cardinals appointed by the pope to examine the affair of this new order at first opposed it, thinking religious orders already too much multiplied, but after a year changed their opinions, and Paul III approved it by a bull, dated September 27, 1540. In the words of Pope Pius XI, the Ignatian methods of prayer "lead a man by the safe paths of self-abnegation and the removal of bad habits up to the suprente heights of prayer and divine love ". 1859 St. Peter Quy Vietnamese martyr; native of Vietnam, Peter devoted Christian ordained priest. Arrested for being a Christian priest by anti-Catholic forces, beheaded. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988 1859 St. Emmanuel Phung Martyr of Vietnam; born in Dannuoc Vietnam became a Christian catechist. Emmanuel was strangled to death near Chaudoc. He was canonized in 1988. 1859 St. Peter Quy Vietnamese martyr; native of Vietnam, Peter devoted Christian ordained priest. Arrested for being a Christian priest by anti-Catholic forces, beheaded. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988 1860 St. Justin de Jacobis; first prefect and vicar apostolic to the new Catholic mission at Adua, Ethiopia; Vincentians. He was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1975. But some of them, including Gabra Mika'el, defied the patriarch & accompanied Father de Jacobis. They were warmly received by Pope Gregory XVI, assisted at Mass in St Peter's on the Assumption, and came away exceedingly impressed. Only one of them had yet repudiated schism, on the way back at Jerusalem, but Father de Jacobis was sowing good seed. And so the deputation returned home. As Bd Justin said, "That visit to Rome altered the ideas of my poor Ethiopians: it was the best possible course of theology for them ". Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today July 20
450 St.
Peter Chrysologus A man who vigorously
pursues a goal may produce results far beyond
his expectations and his intentions. Thus it was with
Peter of the Golden Words, as he was called, who as a young
man became bishop of Ravenna, the capital of the empire
in the West. declared a doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict
XIII
1460 Bd Archangelo of Calatafimi; from childhood a religious and retiring disposition; withdrew himself to a cave, there to live in solitude many people invaded his retreat to seek his advice and conversation, and when miracles take place, they came in greater numbers; removed to Alcamo asked to revive and organize a decayed hospice for the poor, which he undertook; once more returned to the solitary life; Pope Martin V saw fit to order all the hermits in Sicily, of which there were many, to return to the world or religious order; Obedient received the habit of the Friars Minor of the Observance from Bd Matthew of Girgenti. Worn out with penance and work for souls, Archangelo died in April, 1460, and Pope Gregory XVI confirmed his cultus in 1836. 1471 Bd John Soreth at 16 became a Carmelite; Ph.D, Univ Paris; unanimously elected prior general of the whole order in 1451; at this time Carmelites, in common with other mendicant friars, were in urgent need of reform, part because of the Black Death and of the "great schism of the West". John was a forerunner of St Teresa; deeply versed both in sacred science and in profane philosophy over and above such gifts, it was his religion and goodness that made him the glory and the most illustrious reformer of the Carmelite order. Bd John's efforts at reform among the friars met with only a limited success; but his sanctity and abilities were recognized by Pope Callistus III, who wished to make him a bishop and a cardinal. John however had not taught humility to others at the expense of his own, and the Holy See accepted his refusal of these honours, leaving him free to persevere with his own task; in the service of his order he went up and down Europe, to Germany, to England, to Italy, to Sicily. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today July 29
1099 Blessed Urban
II Pope, Odo of Lagery
studied under Saint Bruno at Rheims, became
archdeacon there, and, about 1070, became a Benedictine
monk at Cluny. Saint Hugh named Odo prior; sent to
Rome to assist Pope Gregory VII's reform of the Church,
became chief adviser; named cardinal-bishop of Ostia
in 1078; succeeded Blessed Pope Victor III
"The answers
to many of life's questions
can be found by reading the Lives of the
Saints. They teach us how to overcome obstacles and
difficulties, how to stand firm in our faith, and
how to struggle against evil and emerge victorious."
Pope Saint Leo (died 461) -- 303 Simplicius, Faustinus & Beatrice The record of these two brothers and their sister who were martyred in Rome under Diocletian is known from the Martyrology of Jerome. (Viatrix) MM (RM). Lucina buried her body next to that of her brothers in the Ad Ursum Pileatum cemetery on the highway to Porto. Pope Saint Leo translated their relics to a church he built in their honor in Rome. In 1868, the cemetery of Generosa was discovered beside this road; it had a small church dating from the time of Pope Saint Damasus (died 384), with contemporary frescoes and inscriptions. 1099 Blessed Urban II, Odo of Lagery studied under Saint Bruno at Rheims, became archdeacon there, and, about 1070, became a Benedictine monk at Cluny. Saint Hugh named Odo prior. Then he was sent to Rome to assist Pope Gregory VII's reform of the Church, became his chief adviser, and was named cardinal-bishop of Ostia in 1078; succeed Blessed Pope Victor III: OSB Pope (RM) 1234 St. William of Saint-Brieuc, Bishop, also called William Pinchon. A native of Brittany, France, he entered the priesthood and was soon made a canon and then bishop of Saint-Bricuc (in 1220). Known as a staunch defender of the poor and of ecclesiastical rights, he was banished for a time by the duke of Brittany, going to Poitiers and returning in 1230 body was deposited in his cathedral and taken up incorrupt in 1248. He was canonized in 1247 or 1253.. William Pinchon of Saint-Brieuc B (RM) Born in Brittany; canonized in 1253 by Pope Innocent IV. Although William was born into an illustrious Breton family, he possessed very admirable virtues: an innocence of manner, meekness, humility, chastity, charity, and devotion. 1861 Bl. Joseph Tshang Martyr of China; a native seminarian who, along with three companions, was beheaded. Pope St. Pius X beatified him in 1909. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today July 28
64 St. Nazarius and
Celsus Martyrs supposedly beheaded
at Milan during the reign of Emperor Nero. Their
relics, however, were discovered in 395 by St. Ambrose
of Milan. Nazarius’ blood was still liquid when his
remains were found.
SS. Nazarius and Celsus are united
in one feast with the holy popes Victor
and Innocent (see
below), and are named in the canon of the Milanese Mass.199 Victor I, Pope African by birth, Victor succeeded Saint Eleutherius as pope c. 189 the first to use Latin in the celebration of the liturgy Until Victor's time, Rome celebrated the Mass in Greek. Pope Victor changed the language to Latin, which was used in his native North Africa. According to Jerome, he was the first Christian author to write about theology in Latin. Latin masses, however, did not become universal until the latter half of the 4th century. (RM) Pope St Victor died before the persecution of Septimius Severus began, and there is no good reason to suppose he was martyred; but his energy and zeal exposed him to persecutions for which alone he might deserve the honours of a martyr which are accorded him liturgically. 417 St. Innocent I Pope, succeeding Pope St. Anastasius I, on December 22, 401; he emphasized papal supremacy, commending bishops of Africa for referring decrees of their councils at Carthage and Millevis in 416, condemning Pelagianism, to the Pope for confirmation. It was his confirmation of these decrees that caused Augustine to make a remark that was to echo through the centuries: "Roma locuta, causa finitas" (Rome has spoken, the matter is ended); matters of great importance were to be referred to Rome for settlement. 1459 Bl. Anthony della Chiesa Dominican superior; companion of St. Bernardino of Siena; one of the leaders opposing the last of the antipopes, Felix V; known miracle worker with an ability to read the consciences of men and women; he conversed with Saint Mary, in ecstasy, several times. 1942 St. Leopold Mandic; Western Christians working for greater dialogue with Orthodox Christians may be reaping the fruits of Father Leopold’s prayers; taught patrology, the study of the Church Fathers, to the clerics of his province for several years, but he is best known for his work in the confessional, where he sometimes spent 13-15 hours a day. Several bishops sought out his spiritual advice Western Christians who are working for greater dialogue with Orthodox Christians may be reaping the fruits of Father Leopold’s prayers.. At a time when Pope Pius XII said that the greatest sin of our time is "to have lost all sense of sin," Leopold had a profound sense of sin and an even firmer sense of God’s grace awaiting human cooperation. Leopold, who lived most of his life in Padua, died on July 30, 1942, and was canonized in 1982. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today July 27
916
Saints Clement, Bishop of Ochrid, Equal of the Apostles,
Naum, Sava, Gorazd and Angelar were Slavs,
disciples of Sts Cyril and Methodius (May 11)
These
Enlighteners of the Slavs were opposed
by German missionaries, who had the support
of the Pope and the patronage of the Moravian prince
Svyatopolk. The struggle centered around the questions
of the need for divine services in Slavonic, the
Filioque and Saturday fasting. Pope Stephen VI prohibited
the use of Slavonic in church. The proponents
of the three-tongued heresy (who wanted to use only Hebrew,
Greek, or Latin for Church purposes), after setting
aside the ancestral language of the Slavic peoples,
brought the disciples of St Methodius to trial, including
St Clement. They subjected them to fierce torture:
dragging them through thorns, and holding them in prison
for a long time, just as they had done with their spiritual
Father, St Methodius.Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today July 26
Sts.
Joachim and Anna
Orthodoxe Kirche: 9. September (mit Anna) Katholische und Anglikanische Kirche: 26. Juli (mit Anna) {Saint Gerontius founded the Skete of St Anna on Mount Athos this day}The early cultist of St Anne in Constantinople is attested by the fact that in the middle of the sixth century the Emperor Justinian I dedicated a shrine to her. The devotion was probably introduced into Rome by Pope Constantine (708-715). There are two eighth-century representations of St Anne in the frescoes of S. Maria Antiqua; she is mentioned conspicuously in a list of relics belonging to S. Angelo in Pescheria, and we know that Pope St Leo III (795-816) presented a vestment to St Mary Major which was embroidered with the Annunciation and St Joachim and St Anne. The first papal pronouncement on the subject, enjoining the observance of an annual feast, was addressed by Urban VI in 1382, at the request, as the pope said, of certain English petitioners, to the bishops of England alone. It is quite possible that it was occasioned by the marriage of King Richard II to Anne of Bohemia in that year. The feast extended to the whole Western church in 1584. 1583 Bl. Rudolf Acquaviva Jesuit martyr sent to India, going to the court of Mogul Akbar near Agra. He became superior of the Salsette mission. Rudolf was martyred at Salsette, near Goa, by Hindus, with four companions, including Alfonso Pacheco. It was not till 1741 that Pope Benedict XIV declared the martyrdom proved, and even then the formal beatification did not take place till 1893 . 1752 Blessed Antonio Lucci; attended the local school run by the Conventual Franciscans and joined them at the age of 16. Antonio completed his studies for the priesthood in Assisi, where he was ordained in 1705. Further studies led to a doctorate in theology and appointments as a teacher in Agnone, Ravello and Naples. He also served as guardian in Naples; bishop of Bovino. Elected minister provincial in 1718, the following year he was appointed professor at St. Bonaventure College in Rome, a position he held until Pope Benedict XIII chose him as bishop of Bovino (near Foggia) in 1729. The pope explained, "I have chosen as bishop of Bovino an eminent theologian and a great saint." 1942 Bl. Titus Brandsma Carmelite martyr who died at the hands of the Nazis; was sent to various concentration camps where he demonstrated charity and concern Becoming a Carmelite as a young man, he displayed a dazzling intellect and scholarship, receiving ordination as a priest in 1905 and earning a doctorate in philosophy at Rome. Titus then taught in Dutch universities and lectured in many countries on Carmelite spirituality and mysticism. He also served as rector magnificus at the Catholic University of Nijmegen. In 1935 he became an ecclesiastical advisor to Catholic journalists. His academic and spiritual studies were also printed and widely read. He was born in 1881 at Bolsward in the Netherlands. When the Nazis occupied the Netherlands, Titus was singled out as an enemy because he fought against the spread of Nazism in Europe. Arrested, Titus was sent to various concentration camps where he demonstrated charity and concern. In 1942, he was martyred in Dachau. Titus was beatified by Pope
John Paul II on November
3, 1985 .
Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today July 2
160
St. Pastor A priest of Rome who is reported to have been
the brother of Pope St. Pius
I.Pastor of Rome (RM) Saint Pastor, brother to Pope Saint Pius I, was a Roman priest. It is believed that he left his name to the title (i.e., parish) of Saint Pudentiana in Rome--Titulus pastoris (Benedictines) 185 A.M. (July 13th, 1369 A.D.) Departure of Pope Youanis X, 85th Patriarch of Alexandria. 284 A.M. {1448} Martyrdom of Sts. Bidaba, Bishop of Qift, Anba Andrew, and Anba Christodoulas. When it was Sunday and the people were gathered in the church, they brought the Saint to the bishop who promoted him to Hegumen (Archpriest). He stayed with the bishop for nine days then went back to the mountain. Later on, the bishop of Qift departed, so the people of the area gathered and unanimously decided to nominate Abba Bidaba to be ordained in his place. They decided to go to Pope Peter the First (The seal of martyrs and the 17th Patriarch) to ordain him a bishop for them. The angel of the Lord appeared to the Pope in a vision and told him, "Go to Upper Egypt and bring the Archpriest Bidaba and ordain him a bishop for the city of Qift, for the Lord has chosen him." The Pope was amazed and looked at the saint and said, "Truly you are chosen from God." He asked the Pope to allow him to go to his parish. He embarked in a sailing boat, which had a handicapped man, that did not walk for twenty-two years. While he was getting aboard the boat the saint's leg slipped and stepped over the leg of that handicapped man. The man's legs were healed and he jumped up immediately praising God. All those in the ship praised God and asked the saint to remember them in his prayers and to bless them. Many miracles were wrought by his hands during his journey. 305 (as we read in the Acts of Pope St. Stephen) -- Hieromartyrs Hermolaus, Hermippus and Hermocrates of Nicomedia, were among the small number of those remaining alive after 20,000 Christians were burned alive in a church at Nicomedia in the year 303 (December 28), on the orders of the emperor Maximian (284-305). They in remote places and did not cease to preach Christianity to the pagans. The Lord Jesus Christ appeared to St Hermolaus. 1016 St Simeon The Armenian earned a reputation for miracles, and charity. Here he was accused of being a heretic, and by order of Pope Benedict VII he was examined, and declared to be orthodox. Miracles attributed to him caused notice to be taken at Rome, and Simeon's cultus was allowed by Pope Benedict VIII. 1833 At Lovere, in the diocese of Brescia, St. Bartholemea Capitanio, virgin, who founded the Sisters of Charity, dedicated to teaching the young. Pope Pius XII added her name to the catalogue of holy virgins. 1946 The cause of Sister Alphonsa began on 2 December 1953 in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Palai and she was declared a Servant of God. She was declared Venerable on 9 July 1985 by Pope John Paul II. Her beatification was declared 8 February 1986 by Pope John Paul II at Kottayam. 1946 Saint Alphonsa Muttathupadathu; "Grains of wheat, when ground in the mill, turn in to flour. With this flour we make the wafer of the holy Eucharist. Grapes, when crushed in the wine press, yield their juice. This juice turns into wine. Similarly, suffering so crushes us that we turn into better human beings." -Saint Alphonsa to novices Popes mentioned
in
articles of Saints today July
25
44
St. James the Greater Apostle.
The relics still rest in the
cathedral and were referred to as authentic
in a bull of Pope Leo XIII in 1884.
Their genuineness is seriously disputed, but it
does not depend in any way on the truth or falseness
of the story of St James's missionary visit to Spain.
553 The Fifth Ecumenical Council (Constantinople II) under the holy Emperor St Justinian I (527-565) in the year 553 to determine the Orthodoxy of three dead bishops: Theodore of Mopsuetia, Theodoret of Cyrrhus and Ibas of Edessa, who expressed Nestorian opinions in their writings in the time of the Third Ecumenical Council (September 9). Pope Vigilius, though present in Constantinople, refused to participate in the Council, although he was asked three times to do so by official deputies in the name of the gathered bishops and the Emperor himself. The Pope Vigilius afterwards concurred with the mind of the Fathers, and signed the Conciliar definition. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today July 24
75
Wulfhade and Ruffinus Martyrs of England; according
to tradition they were two princes of Mercia who were
baptized by St. Chad; martyred at Stone, Staffordshire.
The procurator of the Peterborough
Abbey built at Stone travelled to Rome and
prevailed upon the pope to enroll the martyrs among
the saints.1015 Boris and Gleb sons 1st Christian princes of Russia St Vladimir of Kiev and Anne of Constantinople the daughter of Emperor Basil II, the Bulgar slayer (Gleb) Passion-Bearers, since they did not resist evil with violence MM (AC) (also known as Romanus and David). It was a conception characteristically Russian, as it is characteristically Christian,*{*Non-violent resistance to evil has persisted throughout Christian history there were for instance, conscientious objectors to military service among the early saints, e.g. St Victricius, St Martin of Tours and the martyr St Maximilian.} and popular feeling was so strong that the Greek ecclesiastical authorities in Russia submitted to what they seem not to have understood, and Boris and Gleb were enrolled among the saints. This verdict was confirmed by Pope Benedict XIII in 1724. 1391 Bd Nicholas (Nils) Hermanssön son of Herman and Margaret of Skeninge, was raised to piety; led a life of abstinence; educated in Paris and Orléans, France, in civil and canon law; ordained priest, served as a canon in Sweden, tutor to the sons of Saint Bridget of Sweden to whom he was a devoted friend. In 1361, he was appointed archdeacon of Linköping. B (AC) Until Uppsala was made a metropolitan see by Pope Alexander III, Linkoping was the principal ecclesiastical centre, and even afterwards its position was to a considerable extent maintained by a succession of capable and energetic bishops, of whom Bd Nicholas Hermansson was one of the most noteworthy. 1391 Bd Nicholas (Nils) Hermanssön son of Herman and Margaret of Skeninge, was raised to piety; led a life of abstinence; educated in Paris and Orléans, France, in civil and canon law; ordained priest, served as a canon in Sweden, tutor to the sons of Saint Bridget of Sweden to whom he was a devoted friend. In 1361, he was appointed archdeacon of Linköping. B (AC). Nicholas's cult arose immediately thereafter; vita were written and cures described. An enquiry into his life and miracles began in 1417, and Pope Martin V confirmed his cultus. The translation of relics occurred in 1515, and eight years later his Office was authorized. His cultus ended with the Reformation. The Benedictines note that this canonization cannot be proven; he might be better considered as a beatus. In some places, his feast is given as May 2 (Benedictines, Farmer, Husenbeth). 1446 Blessed John Tavalli of Tossignano; best remembered as the translator of the Bible into Italian; he studied at the University of Bologna before joining the order of the Gesuati; In 1431, he was named bishop of Ferrara. (AC). In 1431 he was chosen bishop of Ferrara, and seven years later welcomed to his cathedral city and assisted at the council, convoked by Pope Eugenius IV at the suggestion of the emperor, John VIII Palaiologos, to effect a union of the Western and Eastern churches against the encroachments of Islam; until the council was removed to Florence he was the host of the pope, the emperor and the patriarch of Constantinople. 1594 St. John Boste One of Forty Martyrs of England and Wales; born at Dufton, at Westmoreland, England; studied at Oxford. Becoming a Catholic in 1576, he went to Reims and received ordination in 1581. John went back to England where he worked in the northern parts of the kingdom. John was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as a martyr of Durham. 1838 Bl. Joseph Fernandez Dominican martyr of Vietnam. He was sent there in 1805 as an ordained priest and appointed provincial vicar of the mission. He was beheaded. He was beatified in 1988 by Pope John Paul II. Bl. Maria Pilar Martinez Garcia & Companions Carmelite nun, with Maria Angeles Valtierra and Teresa Garcia y Garcia. They were killed in Guadalajara, Spain, by communists in the civil war. Maria Pilar Martinez was an older nun from Tarazona, Zaragoza. They were beatified in 1987 by Pope John Paul II. 1898 St. Sharbel Makhlouf from the Monastery of St. Maron at Annaya, Lebanon; l lived as a hermit 23 years; Bishop Zayek wrote: “St. Sharbel is called the second St. Anthony of the Desert, the Perfume of Lebanon, the first Confessor of the East to be raised to the Altars according to the actual procedure of the Catholic Church, the honor of our Aramaic Antiochian Church, and the model of spiritual values and renewal." Pope Paul VI beatified him in 1965 and canonized him in 1977. Comment: Pope John Paul II has often said that the Church has two lungs (East and West) and it must learn to breathe using both of them. Remembering saints like Sharbel helps the Church to appreciate both the diversity and unity present in the Catholic Church. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today July 23
75 St.
Apollinaris first bishop of Ravenna, Italy martyr. Apollinaris's best memorials
are the superb churches of
Ravenna dedicated to name; however,
Pope Honorius built one in Rome dedicated
to him about 630.
390 St. Liborius second or third bishop of Le Mans Patron saint of Paderborn, Germany, and the bishop of Le Mans, France. St Liborius is invoked against gravel and allied complaints, and this, curiously enough, accounts for his commemoration in the liturgy of the Western church on July 23: the observance was instituted by Pope Clement XI (d. 1721), who suffered from that painful disease. 433 St. John Cassian Eastern monk and theological writer. He went to Palestine in 380 with a companion, Germanus, and became a monk in Egypt. In 400 he entered into the discipleship of St. John Chrysostom, going to Rome to defend the much-oppressed saint before Pope Innocent I. Ordained in Rome, John started monasteries in southern France, near Marseilles, thus helping to pioneer monasticism in Europe. John also authored the work De Incarnatione Doniini, in seven books, at the. behest of Pope Leo I the Great so as to inform the Western Church of the details of the teachings of the heresiarch Nestorius. While never canonized officially in the West, John has long been considered a saint among the Eastern Churches. His next work were the 24 Conferences on the Egyptian Monks, which were addressed to different people, among them Saint Honoratus, abbot and founder of Lérins. In them Cassian tells of the discussions or conferences that he had with the monks; however, the doctrine that he expressed in them was often unorthodox, and in the opinion of Saint Augustine gave too much importance to human free will in the virtuous act and not enough to divine grace. This whiff of heresy, which went under the name of 'semi-Pelagianism,' earned the author public reproof, and his Conferences were officially relegated to the ranks of the apocrypha by a decree attributed to Pope Saint Gelasius. Nevertheless, Saint Benedict prescribed the Conferences as one of the books to be read aloud to his monks after supper. Though Cassian was in bad odor with the Holy Office, the success and popularity of his works in no way diminished, particularly among the monks of southern France, who were strongly anti-Augustinian. In about 430, Cassian was commissioned by the future Pope Saint Leo to write seven books entitled On the Incarnation of the Lord against the heretic Nestorius. This work was evidently written in haste and does not compare with the other two works. Nestorius, archbishop of Constantinople, was solemnly condemned by the Council of Ephesus in 431, whereas Cassian, the champion of semi- Pelagianism, was not condemned by a council until 529. In many ways Cassian was the
precursor of Saint Benedict, who
drew on him heavily, though he also altered a great deal. Every
generation has found in Cassian one of its best guides.
His works, which have been endlessly republished and translated,
have been quoted by a large number of spiritual
writers, from Saint Bernard and
Saint Thomas down
to the Jesuit father Rodriguez.
Cassian, in short,
was and still is one of the great teachers
of the religious life (Attwater, Benedictines,
Chadwick, Delaney, Encyclopedia).
6th v. St. Romlua A virgin who lived with St. Redempta as a hermitess near the church of Mary Major, Rome. Redempta had been trained as a nun by St. Herundo in Palestine. They formed a small community in Rome, and they earned the praise of Pope St. Gregory I the Great. Romula was paralyzed for the last years of her life. St Redempta was brought up by St Herundo in the ways of virtue and the solitary life, and when she had grown old went from the hills near Palestrina to live with St Romula and another woman in a small house near the church of St Mary Major, about the year 575. St Gregory, who knew them personally, says that they showed a perfect humility and obedience, and hardly opened their mouths to speak except in prayer. 580 Romula, Redempta, and Herundo Three Roman maidens who lived lives of austerity and prayer in or near the church of Saint Mary Major. They were venerated by Saint Gregory the Great (Benedictines, Encyclopedia). VV (RM) Romæ sanctárum Vírginum Rómulæ, Redémptæ et Herúndinis, de quibus scribit sanctus Gregórius Papa. At Rome, the saintly virgins Romula, Redempta, and Herundo, mentioned by Pope St. Gregory in his writings. 1373 Bridget (Birgitta) of Sweden, Religious visions were written in a book called Revelations. In this house St Bridget provided for sixty nuns, and in a separate enclosure monks, to the number of thirteen priests, in honour of the twelve Apostles and St Paul, four deacons, representing the Doctors of the Church, and eight choir-brothers not in orders, making the number of our Lord’s apostles and disciples, eighty-five, in all. She prescribed them certain particular constitutions, which are said dictated to her by our Saviour in a vision. This circumstance is neither mentioned by Pope Boniface IX in the bull of her canonization, nor by Martin V when he ratified the privileges of Syon Abbey and reaffirmed the canonization; and the popes when they speak of this rule mention only the approbation of the Holy See, without making reference to any such private revelation. In this institute, as in the Order of Fontevrault, the men were subject to the abbess of the nuns in temporals, but in spirituals the women were subject to the superior of the monks, because the order was principally instituted for women and the men were admitted only to afford them spiritual ministrations. This rule had already been submitted to Urban when he arrived in Rome, and he had done nothing about it. So now Bridget set off to Montefiascone on her white mule, and as a result the pope gave a general approval to her religious foundation, prescribing for it the general Rule of St Augustine with the Bridgettine constitutions. Four months later Urban was dead, and St Bridget three times wrote to his successor at Avignon, Gregory XI, warning him to come back to the apostolic see, which he eventually did four years after her death. Pope Benedict XIV referred specifically to the revelations of St Bridget, among others, when he wrote that, “Even though many of these revelations have been approved, we cannot and we ought not to give them the assent of divine faith, but only that of human faith, according to the dictates of prudence whenever these dictates enable us to decide that they are probable and worthy of pious credence”. 1408—1427 St. George, the Great Martyr Recovery of the Holy Relics of; many signs were manifested from it to his church in Old Cairo {Coptic}. Then, he went to Pope Gabrial, 88th Pope, and told him about the vision and the box. Immediately the Pope rose up and took with him the priests and the deacons, and went to where the box was. After they took the blessings of the holy relics and gave some money to the woman, they carried the box in a venerable celebration. They brought it to the church of St. George in Old Cairo where many signs were manifested from it. May his prayers be with us and Glory be to God forever. Amen. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today July 22
{The identification of Mary Magdalen, the sister
of Lazarus and the Sinner
as one person is still by no means unchallenged
in the West. Though most Latin writers
since the time of Pope St Gregory
have supported the identity, St Ambrose, St
Jerome, St Augustine, St Albert the Great and St Thomas
leave the question undecided; most of the Greek fathers
distinguish three, or at least two, different persons.
This is the common view in the East, not only among
the dissidents but also among those in communion
with the Holy See. Thus the Catholic Byzantines
keep the feast of Mary Magdalen the Myrrh-bearer on July 22,
and of the other two on other dates.}
1088 Bd Benno, Bishop Of Osnabruck; noteworthy work as an architect "official architect" to the Emperor Henry III; sent more than once as imperial envoy to pope St Gregory; founded Iburg monastery 1619 Lawrence of Brindisi, Doctor of the Church by Pope John XXIII both a brilliant military tactician as well as a peacemaker; became a Capuchin Franciscan in Verona at 16 and took the name Lawrence excelled at Bible studies; main contributions are in the nine volumes of his sermons (RM) OFM Cap. (also known as Laurence, Lorenzo) At Lisbon in Portugal, St. Lawrence of Brindisi, priest and confessor, superior general of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin of St. Francis. Illustrious for his preaching and his arduous labour for the glory of God, he was canonized by Pope Leo XIII.In 1596, he became a definitor general of the order in Rome, a position he was to hold five times. Pope Clement VIII commissioned him to evangelize the Jews; his facility with Hebrew contributed to his success at this task. He accompanied Blessed Benedict of Urbino to Germany to establish the Capuchins as a means of counteracting the spread of Lutheranism. They nursed plague victims and established monasteries at Prague, Vienna, and Gorizia, which were to develop into the provinces of Bohemia, Austria, and Styria. Lawrence then was elected minister general of the Capuchins. During this time, the Turks were threatening to conquer Hungary. Emperor Rudolf II begged Lawrence to unite the German princes against them. As a result of his efforts, an army was mustered, and he was appointed chaplain general. Before the battle of Szekes-Fehervar in 1601, the generals consulted him on strategy. He advised an attack, rallied the troops, and rode before the army with a crucifix. The victory of Szekes-Fehervar was attributed to him. In 1602, he was elected vicar general of the Capuchins but refused re-election in 1605. 1679 Bds. Philip Evans priest S.J. and John Lloyd a secular priest, missionary to minister in his own country; Martyred " as priests who had come unlawfully into the realm". Philip Evans, SJ, and John Lloyd, Priests MM (RM) Died at Cardiff, Wales, on July 22, 1679; beatified in 1929; canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as two of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. 1927 Saint Marie Alphonsine saved a girl by lowering down her Rosary. Saint Marie Alphonsine Ghattas (1843-1927), recently canonized by Pope Francis in Rome, was favored with several Marian apparitions. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today July 21
1st v.
St. Apollinaris St. Peter
sent Apollinaris to Ravenna, Italy, as
its first bishop exiled 4 times by pagans.
Saint Fortunatus exhorted his friends to make
pilgrimages to his tomb, and Saint Gregory
the Great ordered parties in doubtful
lawsuits to be sworn before it. Apollinaris's
best memorials are the superb churches of Ravenna dedicated
to name; however, Pope Honorius built
one memorial in Rome
dedicated to him about 630.
1537: St Jerome Emiliani, Founder Of The Somaschi; served in the armies of the republic; led a careless and irreligious life, but now he sanctified his sufferings by prayer and turning to God; resolved to devote himself and his property solely to others, founded orphanages at Brescia, Bergamo, and Como, shelter for penitent prostitutes, a hospital at Verona. He was canonized in 1767, and in 1928 was named patron-saint of orphans and abandoned children by Pope Pius XI. After his death his congregation suffered considerable vicissitudes, but it had the approval of St Charles Borromeo and in 1540 was recognized by Pope Paul III; today, however, the Somaschi number but few members, who conduct schools and orphanages in Italy. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today July 20
450 St. Arsenius
the Great, -- Pope St Damasus -- Hermit 395 he abandoned the court
and joined the monks in
Alexandria, Egypt. On the death of Theodosius
(c. 400), saddened and sickened by his pupils'
weakness of character and quarrels--for which
he felt some responsibility as their former teacher,
he became a desert monk in the Wadi Natrun (Skete).
There he was tutored in the eremitical customs by Saint
John the Dwarf. When the
Emperor Theodosius
the Great wanted a man to whom he might entrust
the education of his children Pope St Damasus recommended
Arsenius,
a man of senatorial rank learned in both sacred
and profane knowledge.
514 Symmachus a holy and able pope. He helped the African bishops exiled to Sardinia by the Arian Thrasimund, founded three hospices, aided the victims of the barbarian raids in northern Italy, and helped ransom captives. His generosity to the poor led to the well-deserved bestowal of the title "father of the poor" Pope (RM). He was baptized at Rome, became archdeacon of the Roman church under Pope Anastasius II, and succeeded him in the Holy See in 498. 778 St. Ambrose Aut-pert Benedictine monk and tutor of Charlemagne; monk there and, eventually, abbot. He was an able exegete and his works were considered as authoritative as those written by the greatest Latin Fathers. In
fact, though not in title,
his is one of the Doctors of the Church
His talents did not
lack admiration and appreciation: Charlemagne consulted
him (Ambrose
had been at one time his tutor)
and Pope Stephen IV
befriended him; nor was he without love and
honour in his own monastery, for about the year 776, the
abbacy becoming vacant, the Frankish element among
the monks elected him. But unhappily a Lombard clique
opposed to Ambrose as their choice a certain Potho; the trouble
reached Rome, and Pope Adrian I summoned
the rivals to appear before him. On the journey
St Ambrose Autpert died. He was buried in St
Peter's, but his relicé were translated about
the year 1044 to the abbey he had ruled for so short
a time.1660 St Vincent DePaul, Founder of The Congregation of The Mission And The Sisters Of Charity Sancti Vincénti a Paulo, Presbyteri et Confessóris, Congregatiónis Presbyterórum Missiónis et Puellárum Caritátis Fundatóris, cæléstis ómnium caritátis Societátum Patróni; qui in Dómino obdormívit quinto Kaléndas Octóbris. St. Vincent de Paul, priest and confessor, founder of the priests of the Congregation of the Mission and the Sisters of Charity, the heavenly patron of all charitable organizations. He fell asleep in the Lord on the 27th of September.In the autumn of 1660 he died calmly in his chair, on September 27, being fourscore years old. Monsieur Vincent, the peasant priest, was canonized by Pope Clement XII in 1737, and by Pope Leo XIII he was proclaimed patron of all charitable societies, outstanding among which is the society that bears his name and is infused by his spirit, founded by Frederic Ozanam in Paris in 1833. 1697 St. John Plessington son of a Royalist Catholic, John was educated at Saint Omer's in France and the English college at Valladolid, Spain. He was ordained in Segovia in 1662. beatified in 1929 Pope Paul VI canonized him in 1970. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today July 2018
1123 St. Bruno
of Segni Benedictine bishop
Vatican librarian, cardinal legate theological work on the Holy Eucharist set the standard for
centuries; abbot of
Monte Cassino. Pope Gregory VII nominated him
bishop of Segni in the following
year, Bruno's humbleness prompting him to
refuse a cardinalate. He indeed took
it upon himself to rebuke Pope Paschal II, who had been
persuaded by the emperor elect, Henry V, to make concessions
in the matter of ecclesiastical privileges and investiture
in Germany. The pope retorted by ordering
Bruno to resign his abbacy and return to his bishopric,
and was at once obeyed.
1341 Blessed Robert of Salentinos a disciple of Saint Peter Celestine at Murrone, before he was elected pope. He founded 14 Celestine monasteries, OSB Cel. Abbot (AC) 1435 Bd Angelina Of Marsciano, Widow assumed the dress of a tertiary of St Francis and converted her household into what was in effect a body of secular tertiaries living in community Angelina and her companions travelled about recalling sinners to penance, relieving distress, and putting before young women the call of a life of virginity for Christ's sake first convent of regular tertiaries with vows and enclosure, and its success was immediate.. Pope Paul VI wrote in 1971: "Without in any way undervaluing human love and marriage— is not the latter, according to faith, the image and sharing of the union of love joining Christ and the Church?— consecrated chastity evokes this union in a more immediate way and brings that surpassing excellence to which all human love should tend" (Apostolic Exhortation on the Renewal of Religious Life, #13). 1614 St. Camillus de Lellis; spirit of prophecy and the gift of miracles, fought for Venetians against Turks, addicted to gambling penniless by 1574; became director of St. Giacomo Hospital in Rome; received permission from his confessor (St. Philip Neri) to be ordained decided, with 2 companions, to found the Ministers of the Sick (the Camellians) he sent members of his order to minister wounded troops in Hungary and Croatia, first field medical unit. . St Camillus de Lellis was canonized in 1746, and was, with St John-of-God, declared patron of the sick by Pope Leo XIII, and of nurses and nursing associations by Pope Pius XI Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today July 17
398 St. Marcellina
sister of St. Ambrose consecrated to a religious life
by Pope Liberius in 353. The
pope in a discourse on that occasion exhorted her
to love only our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in
continual recollection and mortification and always
to behave herself in church with the utmost respect
and awe: in reporting this address St Ambrose did not
hesitate to heighten the eloquence of Liberius
where he thought it insufficient. It was to his sister
that St Ambrose addressed and dedicated his work on the
excellence of virginity, and after he became bishop she several
times visited him at Milan to confer with him on the spiritual
life, helping him in his dealings with dedicated
maidens. 417 St. Alexis charitable to the poor; in disguise traveled to Syria lived in great poverty near a Church of Our Lady; after seventeen years, a picture of our Blessed Mother spoke to tell the people that this beggar was very holy. She called him "The man of God." he wrought many miracles. In 1216, his bones were discovered by Pope Honorius III and reverently placed under the high altar of the church. 521 St. Ennodius Bishop, poet, and papale missary, born Magnus Felix Ennodius in a Gallo Roman family of Arles, France. Educated in Milan, Italy, he married but then separated from his wife, who entered a convent. He was ordained and made the bishop of Pavia. Ennodius went on two missions to Emperor Anastasius I for the pope. He was also the biographer of St. Antoninus. Ennodius wrote poetry that gained considerable attention. He wrote an apology for Pope St Symmachus and the synod which had pronounced against the schism formed in favour of Laurence; "God", he says, "certainly ordained that men should settle the affairs of men; but the passing of judgement on the pontiff of the supreme see He reserved to Himself." He was made choice of by Pope St Hormisdas to go twice to Constantinople where the Emperor Anastasius II was favouring the monophysite heretics. 812-821 Kenelm (Cynehelm) highly honored in England during the Middle Ages as a saint and martyr, and still is venerated at Gloucester and Winchcombe, where his relics are enshrined, King M (AC). In 798 Pope St Leo III confirmed to him the ownership of Glastonbury, and he signed certain charters up to 811. 855 Leo IV studied at Saint Martin's Monastery in Rome, was made subdeacon of the Lateran Basilica by Pope Gregory IV, and soon after was named cardinal by Pope Sergius II; restored many churches in Rome. In fact, his benefactions to churches take up 28 pages in the Liber pontificalis. He tightened clerical discipline with a synod at Rome in 853 OSB Pope (RM) ST LEO IV, POPE (A.D. 855) Born in Rome, Italy; died in Rome on July 17, 855. Leo was probably of Lombard ancestry though born in Rome. He studied at Saint Martin's Monastery in Rome, was made subdeacon of the Lateran Basilica by Pope Gregory IV, and soon after was named cardinal by Pope Sergius II. In 853, King Ethelwulf of the West Saxons sent his son, Alfred, to Rome, where Pope Leo stood as god-father for him at his Confirmation. 916 St. Clement of Okhrida One of the Seven Apostles of Bulgaria. He became a bishop in the reign of Khan Simeon, the first Slav to become a bishop. When in 869 Pope Adrian II had appointed St Methodius archbishop over Moravia and Pannonia he had deliberately extended his jurisdiction to the very borders of Bulgaria, not, as Pope John VIII later carefully explained to Boris, because the religion of Rome and Constantinople was not one and the same, but because, he said, the Byzantines were inclined to separation and schism. Methodius in fact had to keep an eye on the Bulgars, most of whom were still heathen; and for this reason he and his brother St Cyril (July 7) are reckoned the first two of their seven apostles. But it does not seem that either of them actually ever preached among the Bulgars. 1198 St. Nerses Lambronazi a noted scholar, theologian, and linguist; hermit, became archbishop of Tarsus; promoting reunion Armenia with Western Church, first through the Council of Hromkla later through negotiations reunion in 1198; translated Western writings into Armenian including the Dialogues of Pope St. Gregory the Great. Nerses and the bishops of Lesser Armenia now looked towards Rome once more, in which they were backed for political reasons by the prince of Cilicia, Leo II, and in the negotiations which led to reunion the saint was very active. As a public sealing of the return of so large a part of Armenia from schism Leo II was, on the feast of the Epiphany, 1198, crowned king of Little Armenia by the papal legate, Cardinal Conrad von Wittelsbach (the crown being sent by Pope Celestine III), and anointed by the Armenian katholikos of Sis, Gregory IV Abirad. Crowned also was the work of Nerses, and he died in peace six months later. Among the works which caused him to share his uncle's place of literary eminence was his translation into Armenian of the Rule of St Benedict and of the Dialogues of St Gregory. 1794 Bl. Antoinette Roussel One of the Carmelite nuns martyred in Paris by the French Revolution. Sixteen Cannelites were guillotined in Paris, ascending the scaffolds while singing Salve Regina. They had been arrested for living in a religious community. On July 12 the Carmelites were taken to Paris and martyred on July 17. In 1906, these nuns were beatified. They were beatified in 1906 by Pope St. Pius X. The Carmelites were: Marie Claude Brard; Madeleine Brideau, the superior; Maire Croissy, grand niece of Colbert Marie Dufour; Marie Hanisset; Marie Meunier, a novice; Rose de Neufville Annette Pebras; Anne Piedcourt: Madeleine Lidoine, the prioress; Angelique Roussel; Catherine Soiron and Therese Soiron, both extern sisters, natives of Compiegne and blood sisters: Anne Mary Thouret; Marie Trezelle; and Eliza beth Verolot. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today July 16
THE COMMEMORATION CARMEL
OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL THE patronal feast of the Carmelite Order was originally the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15; but between 1376 and 1386 the custom arose of observing a special feast of our Lady, to celebrate the approbation of their rule by Pope Honorius III in 1226. This custom appears to have originated in England; and the observance was fixed for July 16, which is also the date that, according to Carmelite tradition, our Lady appeared to St Simon Stock and gave him the scapular. At the beginning of the seventeenth century it became definitely the "scapular feast" and soon began to be observed outside the order, and in 1726 it was extended to the whole Western church by Pope Benedict XIII. 166 St. Cladianus (Celadion) Departure of , the Ninth Pope of the See of St. Mark. {Coptic} On this day also, in the year 166 A.D. St. Cladianus (Celadion), the ninth Pope of the See of St. Mark, departed. He was a knowledgeable man, and righteous in his life. He was chosen Patriarch in the 8th day of Tubah (January 16th, 152 A.D.), after the departure of his predecessor Pope Marcianus. 451 The Fourth Ecumenical Council, at which 630 bishops participated; convened 451 in the city of Chalcedon under the emperor Marcian (450-457). On the basis of Letters Saint Cyril of Alexandria and Pope Saint Leo the Great, the fathers of the Council resolved: "Following the holy fathers, we all with one accord teach to confess as one and the same the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, perfect in Divinity and perfect in humanity, truly God, truly man, of Whom is a reasoned soul and a body, One in Essence with the Father through Divinity and that Same-One one-in-essence with us through humanity, in all things like unto us except for sin, begotten before the ages from the Father in Divinity, but in these latter days born for us and our salvation from Mary the Virgin Mother of God in humanity. This self-same Christ, Son and Lord, the Only-Begotten, is in two natures perceived without mingling, without change, without division, without separation [Greek: "asugkhutos, atreptos, adiairetos, akhoristos"; Slavic: "neslitno, neizmenno, nerazdel'no, nerazluchno"], such that by conjoining there be not infringement of the distinctions of the two natures, and by which is preserved the uniqueness of each nature conjoined in one Person and One Hypostasis, -- not split nor separated into two persons, but rather the One and Self-same Son, the Only-Begotten, the Word of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, as in antiquity the prophets taught of Him and as the Lord Jesus Christ Himself taught us, and as the Creed-Symbol of the fathers has passed down to us" .784 St. Fulrad Abbot of St. Denis Abbey near Paris, France, and a counselor of King Pepin and Charlemagne; guided the Franks in establishing close ties with the Holy See rather than Byzantium Born in Alsace, Fulrad became abbot in 750. He served Pepin, Carloman, and Charlemagne. In 750, with St. Burchard, Fulrad secured the approval of Pope St. Zachary for the accession of Pepin as king of the Franks. 866 Bd Ermengard, Virgin daughter of King Louis the German, grandson of Charlemagne, and his queen Emma. The nuns of the abbey and people of the neighbourhood at once began to venerate Ermengard as a saint, a veneration which has continued without interruption to this day. In 1928 Pope Pius XI confirmed the cultus, which had been established by the findings of the court of the Archbishop of Munich and Freising at the instance of the present Chiemsee community. This Ermengard must not be confounded with Bd Irmgard or Ermengard honoured in the diocese of Cologne on September 4, who died about 1100. 1158 Bd Milo of Selincourt, Bishop of Therouanne; The title "Blessed" seems to have been accorded to Milo chiefly on account of the miracles reported at his tomb. Milo also showed himself very critical of the Cluniac monks, for which he was rebuked by Bd Peter the Venerable. Nevertheless he is said to have been personally a humble man. In the controversy about the teaching of Gilbert de Ia Porrée, Milo ranged himself on the side of St Bernard (they were also personal friends) and vigorously supported his attack; he appeared against Gilbert before Pope Eugenius III at the Council of Rheims in 1148. The English pope, Adrian IV, appointed Milo to be his delegate in 1157 to judge a dispute between the bishop of Amiens and the abbot of Corbie. Cardinal Baronius highly praised the goodness and learning of Milo, but it is not decided which of the works attributed to him are authentic. Peter Cantor, a contemporary, in his Verbum Abbieviatum quotes a sermon said to be his in which the following passage occurs: "It is not decent that Christian
women should trail
at their heels long skirts which pick up
filth off the roadway. Surely you realize,
dear ladies, that if a gown
of this kind were necessary to you, Nature would have
met the case by attaching to you something more suitable
with which to sweep the ground."
1846 St. Mary Magdalen
Postel opened a school for girls at Barfleur
a leader in Barfleur against the constitutional
priests and sheltered fugitive priests in her home
venerated for her holiness and miracles.
At the abbey
of our Most Holy Redeemer, in the diocese of Coutances
in France, St. Mary Magdalene Postel, foundress
of the Sisters of Mercy of the Christian Schools,
who was added to the list of the holy virgins by Pope
Pius XI.Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today July 15
1024 St Henry
The Emperor;
Pope Benedict VIII -- by prayer maintained in
his heart the necessary spirit of humility and
fear, and was able without being spoiled to bear the tide
of prosperity and honour; founded the see of
Bamberg and built a great cathedral there; miraculously
cured at the intercession of St Benedict at Monte Cassino.
In 1014 he went in triumph to Rome, where
he was crowned emperor by Pope Benedict
VIII.1122 St. Egino Camaldolese abbot involved in the many disputes of his era. He was born in Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany, and was placed in the abbey of Sts. Ulric and Afra as a child. He became abbot of the abbey but was expelled when he supported Pope Callistus II against Emperor Henry V in a dispute. Residing in St. Blaise Abbey, he retumed to Augsburg in 1106, resuming his office of abbot in 1109. In 1120, Egino fled to Rome because of his opposition to Bishop Hermann, who practiced simony. Retuming to Augsburg two years later, he died in Pisa. 1274 St. Bonaventure Franciscan, theologian, doctor of the Church, was both learned and holy; contemporary of Saint Thomas Aquinas and Saint Albert the Great. Bonaventure was nominated as archbishop of York in 1265, but refused the honor. In 1273, much against his will, Bonaventure was made cardinal and bishop of Albano by Pope Gregory X. His personal simplicity is illustrated by the story that when his cardinal's hat was brought to him at the friary in Mugello (near Florence), he told the legates to hang it on a nearby tree, as he was washing the dishes and his hands were wet and greasy. 1458 Blessed Bernard of Baden renounced his worldly power and possessions in order to organize a Crusade to the Holy Land died without having met his goal (AC). Bernard set out for Rome to get the support of Pope Callistus III, but just after leaving Turin he was attacked by the plague and died in the Franciscan monastery at Moncalieri, being less than thirty years old, On account of his great reputation for sanctity, supported by miracles reported at his tomb, he was beatified in 1479 by Pope Sixtus IV, in the presence of his mother and brothers. 1550 Bd. Ignatius Azevedo and His Companions, Martyrs Missionaries to Brazil; martyred by Huguenot French privateer. Bd Ignatius and his thirty-nine companions were then and there brutally massacred in cold blood, meeting their death with heroism and joy; their leader was thrown into the sea clasping a picture of our Lady given to him by Pope St Pius V. Of these martyrs nine were Spanisrds and the rest Portuguese. 1710-1756 St. Pompeius Maria Pirotti a renowned teacher and preacher. He was registered among the saints by Pope Pius XI. 1838 St. Peter Tuan Vietnamese martyr native priest, he was arrested by Vietnamese authorities suffered such grievous tortures in prison died before they could carry out the order of execution by beheading. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. 1851 Bl. Anne Jahouvey a vision of black children decided vocation to their needs; veil in Autun, France, and Congregation of St. Joseph of Cluny was founded; founded houses in Europe, South America, and Africa went to French Guyana educate six hundred slaves to be liberated; founded houses in Tahiti and Madagascar. When Pope Pius VII passed through Chalon in 1805 he received the four young women and gave them every encouragement. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today July 14
1053 Procopius of Sazaba
one of the patrons of Czechoslovakia, OSB Abbot (RM)Born in Bohemia; died March 25, 1053; canonized by Pope Innocent III in 1204; feast day formerly July 4. 1217 Bd Hroznata, Pope Celestine III -- Martyr one of those men the course of whose blameless life was changed by a succession of misfortunes. But he changed his mind, going to Rome to get released from his vow, which Pope Celestine III commuted for the foundation of a monastery. He therefore found a suitable site and built the abbey of Tepl, in western Bavaria, which he peopled with canons regular of Prémontré from Strabov, and founded two other religious houses, one to shelter his sister, who had been left a widow. These undertakings having been successfully carried through, Hroznata himself became a canon of TepI. 1263 Bl. Humbert studied at Paris; received doctorate in law joined Dominicans 224; Holy Land pilgrimage on return-1240 elected provincial Roman province of the Dominicans; elected provincial of France- 1244 - 1254 5th Dominican master general emerged briefly at the request of Pope Clement IV to settle a dispute among the Cistercians, and died at Valence on July 14. 1270 Blessed Boniface of Savoy entered Grande Chartreuse as youth, a Carthusian monk then prior of Mantua, served 7 years as administrator diocese of Belley serving bishop of Valence. In 1241 elected archbishop of Canterbury , O. Cart. B (AC) Pope Innocent IV indeed allowed him to continue his visitations, but subject to great restrictions, and he was compelled to withdraw the excommunications which he had launched. Of it Pope Sixtus IV said that: "he uttered such things on sacred science that
the Holy Ghost would
seem to have spoken by his mouth".
1274 Sancti Bonaventúræ,
ex Ordine Minórum, Cardinális
et Epíscopi Albanénsis,
Confessóris et Ecclésiæ
Doctóris; qui sequénti die migrávit
ad Dóminum.St. Bonaventure of the Order of Friars Minor, cardinal and bishop of Albano, confessor and doctor of the Church, who passed to the Lord on the day following this. In 1265 Pope Clement IV nominated St Bonaventure to be archbishop of York in succession to Geoffrey of Ludham; he induced the pope to accept his refusal, but in 1273 Bd Gregory X created him cardinal-bishop of Albano, adding a command to accept that charge without alleging any pretext against it, and immediately to come to Rome. Gregory X ordered him to prepare the matters to be dealt with in the general council which he had called to meet at Lyons for the reunion of the Greeks, the Emperor Michael Palaeologus having made proposals to Pope Clement IV for union. All the best theologians were sent for: St Thomas Aquinas died on the way thither. But St Bonaventure was the outstanding figure in this great assembly. Peter of Tarentaise, a Dominican friar, afterwards Pope Innocent V, preached his panegyric, in which he said: "No one ever beheld Bonaventure who did not
conceive a great regard and affection for him; and even strangers were desirous
to follow his counsel and advice, simply from hearing him speak: for he was
gentle, courteous, humble, pleasing to all, compassionate, prudent, chaste
and adorned with all virtues."
ST. BONAVENTURE: UNIQUENESS AND CONTINUITY
OF THE CHURCH
VATICAN CITY,
10 MAR 2010 (VIS) - During today's general
audience, celebrated in the Paul VI Hall, the
Pope turned his attention to the written works and
doctrine of St. Bonaventure of Bagnoregio.St. Bonaventure "authentically and faithfully interpreted the figure of St. Francis of Assisi", said the Holy Father. He reacted against the "Spirituals" in the Franciscan Order who, drawing on the ideas of Joachim of Fiore, held that "with St. Francis the final phase of history had begun", and looked to the creation of a new Church of the Holy Spirit, "no longer tied to the structures of old". St. Bonaventure dealt with this question in his last work, "Hexaemeron", in which he explained that "God is one throughout history. ... History is one, even if it is a journey, a journey of progression. ... Jesus is the last word of God" and "there is no other Gospel, no other Church to be awaited. Thus the Order of St. Francis must also insert itself into this Church, into her faith and her hierarchical order. 1614 Camillus de Lellis, Priest To him the only people that mattered were the sick, for in serving them he was serving God charity was the only thing that made life worth living, the surest way of bringing man closer to God, the only true life-blood of the Church for the first time the patients were separated into different wards according to the nature of their maladie RM. Pope Benedict XIV numbered him among the saints because of the fame of his miracles and virtues; Pope Leo XIII appointed him heavenly protector of hospitals and of the sick. His feast is observed on the 18th of July. After moving two or three times, he and his companions settled down in an establishment in the street called Botteghe Oscure. The short rules he prescribed for his order required going daily to the hospital of the Holy Ghost to serve. Gradually the seed that he planted grew into a mighty tree. On March 18, 1586, Pope Sixtus V approved his congregation and in the same year the order received its distinctive habit--a black cloak with a red cross on the right shoulder. Soon afterwards they were given the hospice of the Magdalen near the Pantheon, and on September 21, 1591, Pope Gregory XIV raised them to the rank of an order, that of the "Ministers of the Sick." [Note: In 1930, Pope Pius XI named St. Camillus de Lellis, together with St. John of God, principal Co-Patron of nurses and of nurses' associations.] 1610 At Lima in Peru, St. Francis Solano, a priest and confessor of the Order of Friars Minor. He passed to the Lord in the West Indies, renowned for his preaching, miracles and virtues. Pope Benedict XIII placed him on the canon of the saints. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today July 13
91 Romæ sancti
Anacléti,
Papæ et Mártyris, qui,
post sanctum Cleméntem Ecclésiam
Dei regens, eam glorióso martyrio
decorávit. At
Rome, St. Anacletus, pope and martyr, who
governed the Church of God after St. Clement, and
shed lustre upon it by a glorious martyrdom. Pope
St. Anacletus The second successor of St. Peter.
1024 St. Henry son of Duke of Bavaria Pope Benedict VIII-- and Gisella, daughter of Conrad, King of Burgundy; made numerous pious foundations, gave liberally to pious institutions and built the Cathedral of Bamberg Heinrich II. Orthodoxe, Katholische und Evangelische Kirche: 13. Juli. In 1014, he went to Rome and received the imperial crown at the hands of Pope Benedict VIII. Every believer in this world of ours must be a spark of light, a center of love, a vivifying leaven amidst his fellow men. And he will be this all the more perfectly, the more closely he lives in communion with God in the intimacy of his own soul” (Blessed Pope John XXIII, Peace on Earth, 146, 164). 1920 St. Teresa de los Andes Discalced Carmelite mystic; first Chilean to be beatified or canonized; a model for young people A model for young people, Teresa was beatified in 1987 in Santiago, Chile, and canonized by Pope John Paul II March 21, 1993. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today July 12
1st v. St. Veronica
The woman of Jerusalem who wiped the face of Christ with a veil while he
was on the way to Calvary Thus in a widespread
western version Veronica came to Rome and cured the Emperor Tiberius with
the precious relic,
which at her death she left to Pope
St Clement.
1073 Saint John Gaulbert, Abbot entered the Order of St. Benedict laid the foundation of the Order of Vallombrosa founded several monasteries, reformed others eradicated simony no indigent person sent away without alms dedicated to poverty and humility. He never became a priest, in fact, he declined even to receive minor orders known for his wisdom, miracles, and prophecies. The saint was endowed with the spirit of prophecy, and by his prayers restored many sick persons to health. Pope St Leo IX went to Passignano on purpose to converse with him and Stephen X had the greatest esteem for him. Pope Alexander II testified that the whole country where he lived owed to his zeal the extinction of simony, for John's enthusiasm for the purely contemplative life did not prevent him and his monks from taking an active part in putting down that disorder, which was rife at the time. St John Gualbert died on July 12, 1073, the only certain date in his history, being eighty or more years old. Pope Celestine III enrolled him among the saints in 1193. 1088 Blessed Benno of Osnabrück educated and professed a Benedictine at Reichenau official architect to Henry III; founded and retired to Iburg Abbey OSB B (AC) he always upheld the pope's cause. 1462 Bl. Andrew Oexner of Riun Martyred at age three, place of death was made into a shrine, and many miracles were reported there. In 1750 Pope Benedict XIV allowed the cultus and granted a local office in honour of Andrew; but five years later the same pope refused the request of the bishop of Brixen for the canonization of the boy. It may reasonably be held that be was not a victim of the Jews at all, but was killed by his mad uncle in an outburst of homicidal mania. 1841 St. Agnes De Vietnamese Christian martyr; born in Baiden and raised in a Christian family; arrested - died in prison at Namdinh Agnes was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1988. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today July 11
155? Romæ
sancti
Pii Primi, Papæ
et Mártyris.
At Rome, Pope Pius I, who was
crowned with martyrdom in the
persecution of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus.
ST PIUS I, POPE AND MARTYR
This Pius succeeded Pope
St Hyginus in the see of Peter,
and the Liber
Pontificalis states that
he was the son of one Rufinus and a native of Aquileia;
some authorities add further that he was a brother
of that Hernias who wrote the famous work called
The Shepherd: if
the account of himself given by the author
of this book be not a pious fiction, and if his
relationship to the pope be true, then St Pius
will have been likewise born a slave. Pius
was the ninth successor of St. Peter
304 Saint Euphemia the All-Praised The Miracle of as though alive, raised her hand and gave the scroll to the patriarch of the Fourth Ecumenical Council. In the year 451 in the city of Chalcedon, in the very church where the glorified relics of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia rested, the sessions of the Fourth Ecumenical Council (July 16) took place. They opened the tomb of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia and placed both scrolls upon her bosom. Then, in the presence of the emperor Marcian (450-457), the participants of the Council sealed the tomb, putting on it the imperial seal and setting a guard to watch over it for three days. During these days both sides imposed upon themselves strict fast and made intense prayer. After three days the patriarch and the emperor in the presence of the Council opened the tomb with its relics: the scroll with the Orthodox confession was held by St Euphemia in her right hand, and the scroll of the heretics lay at her feet. St Euphemia, as though alive, raised her hand and gave the scroll to the patriarch. After this miracle many of the hesitant accepted the Orthodox confession, while those remaining obstinant in the heresy were consigned to the Council's condemnation and excommunication. 690 St. John of Bergamo Bishop in 656, John noted for Arian opposition holiness and learning. 690 St. John of Bergamo Bishop of Bergamo, Italy. Consecrated in 656, John was noted for his opposition to the Arian heretics and for his holiness and learning. It was originally reported that he was martyred by the Arians, but John died of natural causes. This John, having been elected to the see of Bergamo because of his holiness and learning, set himself to get rid of the heresies, particularly the remnants of Arianism, which were polluting the faith of his diocese. He was present at the synod held by Pope St Agatho in 679 at Rome at which St Wilfrid of York appealed against the division of his diocese. St. Oliver Plunkett born in Loughcrew in County Meath, ordained in Rome taught until 1669, appointed Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland a man of peace, religious fervor, visiting his people, establishing schools, ordaining priests, confirming thousands. He himself was on friendly terms with the Protestant bishops and gentry of Ulster, who had great regard for him and for his sake were disposed not to oppress Catholics; the Synod of Clones expressed its gratitude to the Holy See for sending them "a pastor so assiduous in good works, so exemplary in life and conduct, that he has won for himself and his clergy the love and reverence even of the enemies of our faith ". In 1645, when he was sixteen, he went to Rome with four other young men who had been chosen to be educated at his own expense for the priesthood by Father Pierfrancesco Scarampi, the Oratorian who had been sent in 1643 by Pope Urban VIII to assist at the supreme council of the Irish Confederate party. In March 1669 died in exile in France Edmund O'Reilly, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. Pope Clement IX chose to succeed him Dr Oliver Plunket, "a man of tried virtue, long experience, and ripe learning ", and in November of that year he was consecrated at Ghent. 1745-1840 The Martyrs Of Indo-China. In 1900 Pope Leo XIII beatified seventy-seven of these martyrs, among the principal of whom were Bd. Ignatius Delgado Y Cebrian, vicar apostolic of Eastern Tongking, and Dominic Henarez, his coadjutor, both Dominicans of Spanish nationality who had worked in that mission for nearly fifty years. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today July 10
1727 St. Veronica
Giuliani desire to be like Christ crucified was answered
with the stigmata joined the Poor Clares
directed by the Capuchins; abbess, an office
she held for 11 years until her death [SEE
ALSO JULY 09 HERE]
At Tiferno in Umbria,
St. Veronica Giuliani, a nun of the second Order
of St. Francis and abbess of the monastery in
that town. Born at Mercatello in the
diocese of Urbania, she became illustrious by her
great love for suffering and other virtues, and
by her heavenly gifts. She was inscribed among
the holy virgins by Pope Gregory XVI.1713-1784 July 1, 2010 Blessed Junipero Serra Quote: During his homily at Serra’s beatification, Pope John Paul II said: “Relying on the divine power of the message he proclaimed, Father Serra led the native peoples to Christ. He was well aware of their heroic virtues—as exemplified in the life of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha—and he sought to further their authentic human development on the basis of their new-found faith as persons created and redeemed by God. He also had to admonish the powerful, in the spirit of our second reading from James, not to abuse and exploit the poor and the weak.” 1840 Saint Peter Tu Vietnamese martyr who became a catechist arrested by authorities. He was beheaded. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. 1860 Martyrs of Damascus 8 Franciscan and 3 Maronite martyrs slain in a Druse uprising in 1860 in Damascus, Syria refused to accept the Muslim faith, they were executed Pope Pius XI beatified them in 1926. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today July 09
751 St. Agilulfus
martyr archbishop
of Cologne tried to persuade King Pepin
not to name his illegitimate son Charles Martel
heir to the throne, and was slain as a result.
His remains were taken to the
Church of Our Lady of the Steps in Cologne where they
were venerated. He also received a commendation
from Pope Zacharius in 747.
1535 St. Thomas More Martyr (Patron of Lawyers) 1516 wrote "Utopia" refused to render allegiance to the King as the Head of the Church of England But the time was soon at hand. On March 30, 1534, the Act of Succession provided for the taking of an oath by the king's subjects recognizing succession to the throne in the offspring of Henry and Anne Boleyn; to which were later added particulars that his union with Catherine of Aragon had been no true marriage, that his union with Anne Boleyn was a true marriage, and repudiating the authority of "any foreign authority, prince or potentate". To oppose the act was high treason, and only a week before Pope Clement VII had pronounced the marriage of Henry and Catherine to be valid. More was equivalently beatified with other
English martyrs
in 1886, and canonized in 1935. But, as has
been pointed out more than once, had he never
met his death as he did he would have been a good
candidate for canonization as a confessor. Some saints
have attained their honours by redeeming an indifferent
or even sinful life by martyrdom; not so Thomas More.
He was from first to last a holy man, living in the
spirit of his own prayer: "Give me, good Lord, a longing to
be with thee: not for the avoiding of the calamities of
this wicked world, nor so much for the avoiding of the pains
of Purgatory, nor of the pains of Hell neither, nor so much
for the attaining of the joys of Heaven in respect of mine
own commodity, as even for a very love of thee." And this
when his ways were cast, not in the cloister, but in the ordinary
places of the world-home and family, among scholars and lawyers,
in tribunals, council-chambers, and royal courts.
Thomas More
M (RM) Born in London, England, 1478; died
there in 1535; canonized by Pope Pius
XI in 1935 as the "Martyr of the Papacy";
feast day formerly on July 6.By sending him the cardinal's hat, six months later, Pope Paul III infuriated Henry VIII and hastened the end. Martyrs of Gorkum 19 martyrs put to death with great cruelty by Protestant Calvinists in Gorkum, Holland. There were ten Franciscans, two Premonstratensians, a Dominican, a Canon Regular, four secular priests, and one layman in the group. They were canonized in 1867. Pope Pius IX included them in the number of holy martyrs 1727 St. Veronica Giuliani Capuchin mystic who had many spiritual gifts; recipient of a stigmata in 1697 and visions. She was inscribed among the holy virgins by Pope Gregory XVI. 1648 to1930 St. Augustine Zhao Rong and 120 Companions Christianity arrived in China by way of Syria in the 600s. Depending on China's relations with the outside world, Christianity over the centuries was free to grow or was forced to operate secretly. Quote: A year after these martyrs were canonized, Pope John Paul II addressed a group of Chinese and Western scholars, gathered in Rome for a symposium honoring the 400th anniversary of the arrival in Beijing of Matteo Ricci, a Jesuit scholar and Chinese intellectual. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today July 07
432 Palladius
of Ireland Pope
Saint Celestine I. -- a deacon at Rome, responsible
for sending Saint Germanus of
Auxerre to Britain in 429 to combat Pelagianism;
in 431 consecrated bishop of the Irish; landed
near Wicklow and worked in Leinster B (AC)
feast day formerly celebrated on
October 7. The story of Palladius, recorded by Saint
Prosper of Aquitaine, is caught up in that of
Pope Saint Celestine I.
869 & 884 St. Cyril And St. Methodius One source says that the pope, St Nicholas I, sent for the strangers. In any case, to Rome they came, bringing with them the alleged relics of Pope St Clement, which St Cyril had recovered when in the Crimea on his way back from the Khazars. In Moravia, the birthday of St. Methodius, bishop and confessor. Together with his brother, the bishop St. Cyril, whose birthday was the 14th of February, he converted many of the Slav races and their rulers to the faith of Christ. Their feast is celebrated on the 7th day of July. Pope Nicholas in the meantime had died, but his successor, Adrian II, warmly welcomed the bearers of so great a gift. 1122 St. Odo of Urgell Pope Urban II-- Spanish bishop; member of the family of the counts of Barcelona, Spain; a soldier but gave this up to enter the religious life; Named archdeacon of Urgell in the Pyrenees; ordained by Pope Urban II, he was appointed bishop of Urgell, and was celebrated for his concern for the poor. 1304 Blessed Benedict XI, OP Pope he had "a vast store of knowledge, a prodigious memory, a penetrating genius, and (that) everything about him endeared him to all." In 1295, he received the degree of master of theology As papal legate Nicholas travelled to Hungary to try to settle a civil war there He worked to reconcile warring parties in Europe and the Church and to increase spirituality. His reign, short though it was, was noted for its leniency and kindness Many miracles were performed at his tomb, and there were several cures even before his burial (RM) 1860 Blessed Emmanuel Ruiz and Companions Pope Pius XI. -- a Franciscan priest; served as a missionary in Damascus Emmanuel, his brother Franciscans and the three Maronite laymen and thousands lost their livesEmmanuel, his brother Franciscans and the three Maronite laymen were beatified in 1926 by Pope Pius XI. 1945 Blessed Peter To Rot lay catechist serving the people in his own village Rakunai New Guinea; beatified by Blessed Pope John Paul II in 1995 in Papua New Guinea. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today July 06
288 St. Tranquillinus Pope St. Caius -- At Rome, the birthday of St. Tranquillinus,
martyr, father
of Saints Mark and Marcellianus, who had
been converted to Christ by the preaching
of the martyr St. Sebastian. Baptized
by the blessed priest Polycarp, he was ordained
priest by Pope St. Caius. As he prayed
at the tomb of blessed Paul on the octave of the apostles,
he was arrested and stoned to death by the pagans,
and thus completed his martyrdom.1902 St. Maria Goretti Devotion to the young martyr grew, miracles were worked, and in less than half a century she was canonized. Pope Pius XII solemnly added to the catalogue of holy martyrs. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today July 05
1538 St. Anthony
Mary Zaccaria
Pope Clement
VII --
priest; Cofounder of the Barnabites a medical
doctor; popularized the 40-hour prayer ceremony, promoted
of altar sacraments, introduced
ringing church bells on Friday.
They worked among the plague-stricken
Milanese and infused such vigour into the
spiritual life of their city that in 1533 the new
congregation was approved by Pope
Clement VII under the name of the
Clerks Regular of St Paul. He was
canonized by Pope Leo XIII in 1897
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today July 04
973 St. Ulric
of Augsburg His
canonization by Pope John XV in 993 is the
first recorded canonization by a Pope;
Miracles were recorded at his tomb.
BD WILLIAM OF HIRSCHAU,
ABBOT (A.D. 1091)
concern for the
spiritual and material well-being of the serfs both of the monastery
and of neighbouring manors; and by aggregating its servants
to the monastic community he had a significant part in the
development of the institution of fratres conversi (lay-brothers).
1336 St. Elizabeth of Portugal Pope Urban VIII, -- exercises of piety, including daily Mass, but also through her exercise of charity, by which she was able to befriend and help pilgrims, strangers, the sick, the poor—in a word, all those whose need came to her notice. Pope Urban VIII, mindful of her virtues and miracles, placed among the number of the saints. Pope Innocent XII ordered her feast to be kept on the 8th of July. 1597 St. Henry Abbot, Pope Pius XI -- Blessed Martyr of England. A native of Howden, England, Henry became a convert to the Church and was duly arrested and hanged at York. Pope Pius XI beatified him 1929. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today July 03
202
Saint Irenaeus Pope Eleutherius-- writings of Saint
Irenaeus entitle him to a high place
among the fathers of the Church, for
they not only laid the foundations of
Christian theology but, by exposing and refuting
the errors of the gnostics, they delivered the
Catholic Faith from the real danger of the doctrines
of those heretics: He was most influenced
by Saint Polycarp who had known the apostles
or their immediate disciples.
Thirteen or fourteen years after his mission
to Pope Eleutherius, Irenaeus again
acted as mediator between a pope and a body of Christians
in Asia Minor.
458 St. Anatolius Patriarch Pope St Leo -- and defender of the faith, known for his opposition to the heretic Dioscurus at the Council of Chalcedon. The patriarch of Constantinople, he is called a prophet and a miracle worker, despite the political turmoil that surrounded him. Anatolius also fought the Nestorian heresy at the Council of Ephesus. Almost at once Anatolius held a synod at Constantinople, at which he formally accepted Pope St Leo's dogmatic letter ("The Tome") sent to St Flavian, and he sent copies of the letter, together with a condemnation of Nestorius and Eutyches, to be signed by all his metropolitans. 683 SAINT LEO II Pope he accomplished good works which have caused his name to be blessed by all succeeding generations 1838 St. Joseph Peter Uyen Dominican tertiary, martyr of Vietnam native catechist he died of abuse in prison for refusing to give up the faith and was canonized in 1988 by Pope John Paul II. 1853 St. Philip Minh Vietnamese martyr native he joined the Society for Foreign Missions of Paris and was ordained a priest with the purpose of working for the Church in Vietnam. Seized by anti-Catholic forces, he was beheaded. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1988. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today July 02
SS. PROCESSUS AND MARTINIAN
--Pope
St Paschal I--
MARTYRS THESE martyrs were publicly venerated
in Rome from at least the fourth century,
but of their history and passion nothing
is known; St Gregory
the Great preached his thirty-second
homily on their feast-day, in the course of which
he said that at that place the sick were healed,
the possessed were freed, and the forsworn were tormented.
In the beginning of the ninth century
Pope St Paschal I translated their relics
to St Peter's, where they still rest under the altar dedicated
in their honour in the south transept.
Departure of St. Peter the Fourth, 34th Pope of Alexandria {Coptic} His predecessor Pope Theodosius was exiled by the orders of Emperor Vespasian because he did not agree with him on the resolutions of the Council of Chalcedon. When the Pope departed in exile, the Emperor did not permit the ordination of a new Patriarch. The lay leaders of the city of Alexandria went to its governor, who was an honorable and forthright man, and expressed to him their grief because of the vacancy of the Patriarchal chair. He advised them to go to the monastery of El-Zogag as if they were going to pray, there they could then ordain the patriarch of their choice. The bishops took Abba Peter to the monastery of El-Zogag and ordained him Patriarch on the 1st day of Mesra, 283 A.M. (July 25th,567 A.D.). 1062-1139 Saint Otto of Bamberg Bishop and Apostle of Pomerania a figure in the reconciliation of the pope and Emperor Henry V. Thus, when Otto was appointed bishop of Bamberg in 1103, he refused to be consecrated until receiving approval from Pope Paschal II who consecrated him in 1106. 1387 BD PETER OF LUXEMBURG, -- Pope Clement VII, -- BISHOP OF METZ AND CARDINAL "Contempt of the world, contempt of yourself: rejoice in your own contempt, but despise no other person." tomb soon became a place of pilgrimage, miracles were reported there, and he was eventually beatified, by the true Pope Clement VII, in 1527. Bd Peter was only eighteen at his death. 1681 St. Oliver Plunkett martyred for defending the faith in his native Ireland during a period of severe persecution. Pope Paul VI canonized Oliver Plunkett in 1975. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today July 01
THE PRECIOUS BLOOD
OF OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST Pope
Pius IX extended it to the whole
Western church in 1849, amid the trials
of the revolution which had driven him
from Rome. The feast was at first fixed for the
first Sunday of July; this was altered by
Pope Pius X to the first day of the month.
645 Saint Gall -- Pope Adrian I -- Famous Irish missionary and companion of Saint Columban a noted scriptural scholar and helped in the founding of Luxeuil MonasteryThe abbey gave hospitality to numerous Anglo-Saxon and Irish monks who came to copy manuscripts for their own monasteries. Two distinguished guests of the abbey were Peter and Romanus, chanters from Rome, sent by Pope Adrian I at Charlemagne's request to propagate the use of the Gregorian chant. 1784 Bl. Junipero Serra --Pope John Paul II -- Miguel Jose Serra Franciscan Order. Ordained in 1737 taught philosophy and theology at the University of Padua At the age of thirty-seven, he landed in Mexico City on January 1, 1750, and spent the rest of his life working for the conversion of the peoples of the New World. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on September 25, 1988. His statue, representing the state of California, is in National Statuary Hall. Saint Martin of Vienne Third bishop of Vienne, France. Pope Saint Alexander I sent him as an apostle to this region. |
||||||||||||||||
Saints and Popes mentioned July 01
St. Thomas
a Jew, called to be one of the twelve
Apostles Patron of architects Martyred at Calamine160 Saint Potitus
The Holy Martyr accepted holy Baptism
at 13; by the power of God he worked wondrous miracles
settled on Mount Garganus and lived in solitude, among
the animals
283 Saints Cosmas and Damian The Holy Martyrs, Wonderworkers and Unmercenary Physicians they led strict and chaste lives, and they were granted by God the gift of healing the sick 305 Saint Julius and Anron Martyrs of Britain, put to death at Caerlon, Monmouthshire, with companions. Saint Bede listed them in his martyrology 390 Saint Felix of Como First bishop of Como, Italy. He was a friend of Saint Ambrose. 440 Saint Domitian Founder of the monastery of Bebron, now called Saint Rambert de Joux. An orphan in Rome, he became a monk at Lerins, France. 466
ST SHENUTE,
ABBOT EGYPT was the original home
of communal monastic life, and St Shenute (Shenoudi) was,
after St Antony and St Pachomius, the most considerable force
in its early development, as well as the only prominent
original writer in Coptic.
33 Saint Theodoric
Abbot of Mont d'Or, near Reims, sometimes
called Thierry; educated by Saint Remigius of Reims; founded
Mont d'Or; known for converting sinners; cured
King Theodoric (r. 471-526) of an eye disease.
6th v.Saint Martin of Vienne Third bishop of Vienne, France. Pope Saint Alexander I sent him as apostle to this region 854 Saint Peter
of Constantinople One night, while praying,
the holy Evangelist John the Theologian appeared
in a vision and released him from captivity; lived
all his monastic life in strict fasting and constant vigil,
wearing a prickly hair-shirt and going barefoot founded a church
and a monastery named for St Euandrus.
1160 Saint Arnulf
Archbishop of Mainz, martyred for the faith.
Arnulf served the archdiocese of Mainz, Germany,from 1153. He was murdered there and is venerated as a martyr 1616 BD THOMAS MAXFIELD, MARTYR 1784 Bld. Junipero Serra Miguel Jose Serra Franciscan Order. Ordained in 1737 taught philosophy and theology at the University of Padua At the age of thirty-seven, he landed in Mexico City on January 1, 1750, and spent the rest of his life working for the conversion of the peoples of the New World. 1809 The Monk
Nicodemos of the Holy Mountain (Nikodim
Svyatogorets) editing of the work of the Monk Simeon
the New Theologian. The Monk Nicodemos put aside
the ascetic deed of silence and again occupied himself with
literary work. And from this time until his death he continued
zealously to toil in this endeavour
1873 Henry,
John und Henry VennMartyrdom of the Great Saint Anba Moses the Black {Coptic} Saints and Popes mentioned July 02
St.
Jude Martyrdom of one of the Seventy
Disciples {Coptic}
67 Saint Acestes and Companions Martyrs A soldier assigned to escort Saint Paul, the great Apostle, to his death. Acestes and two other soldiers were converted by Paul during their brief encounter. The three Romans, horrified by Paul's execution, declared their faith before the onlookers and were promptly beheaded. 284 Saint Ariston and Companions Martyr with Crescentian, Futychian, Urban, Vitalis, Justus, Felicissimus, Felix, Marcia, and Symphorosa. Christians martyred in Campania, southern Italy, persecution initiated by Diocletian. 458 Placing of the Venerable Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae 458 Saint Juvenal , Patriarch of Jerusalem, occupied the throne of the Holy City during the years 420-458. During this period great luminaries of the Church enlightened the world: Sts Euthymius the Great (January 20), Simeon the Stylite (September 1), Gerasimus of Jordan (March 4), and many others. Departure of St. Peter the Fourth, 34th Pope of Alexandria {Coptic} 1118 Saint Lidanus Benedictine abbot credited with draining the Pontine Marshes, Italy, and for founding Sezze Abbey in the Papal States He died at Monte Cassino and is patron of Sezze. 1139 Saint Otto of Bamberg Bishop; Apostle of Pomerania figured in reconciliation of the pope and Emperor Henry V 1387
BD PETER
OF LUXEMBURG, BISHOP OF METZ AND CARDINAL
"Contempt of the world, contempt
of yourself: rejoice in your own contempt, but
despise no other person." tomb soon became
a place of pilgrimage, miracles were reported there, and
he was eventually beatified, by the true Pope Clement VII,
in 1527. Bd Peter
was only eighteen at his death.
1431 Saint Photius, Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia known for his learning and holiness of life could not remain in the Kiev lands, where everything increasingly fell under the dependence of Catholic Poland: he arrived in Moscow following example of former Russian Metropolitans, transferred residence first to Vladimir, then Moscow 1504 Saint Stephen Prince of Moldavia succeeded his father, Prince Bogdan II, April 12, 1457 soon after the latter was murdered. He defended his country against the
Turks, and he also built many churches and monasteries.
spiritual
1681 St. Oliver Plunkett martyred for defending the faith in his native Ireland during a period of severe persecution. 1739 The wonderworking Akhtyr Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos appeared July 2, 1739 in Akhtyr village area of Kharkov, east of Kiev; washed it with water that would cure people of maleria and fever; many other miracles Saints and Popes mentioned July 03
108 Saint Hyacinthus, a twelve-year-old native of Caesarea in Cappadocia The jailer saw two angels in the cell. One covered the saint's body with his own garment, and the other placed a crown of glory on his head; Diomedes suffered with Sts Hyacinthus, Eulampius, Asclepiodotus, and Golinduc 120 St. Hyacinth Martyred chamberlain of Emperor Trajan. In Caesarea, Cappadocia 190 St. Dathus Bishop of Ravenna, Italy, who was elected to that see when a dove appeared miraculously over his head. He is also called Datus. 202 Saint Irenaeus writings of Saint Irenaeus entitle him to a high place among the fathers of the Church, for they not only laid the foundations of Christian theology but, by exposing and refuting the errors of the gnostics, they delivered the Catholic Faith from the real danger of the doctrines of those heretics: He was most influenced by Saint Polycarp who had known the apostles or their immediate disciples see June 28 283 St. Anatolius Bishop, noted philosopher, and scientist in Alexandria, Egypt. He was the bishop of Laodicea in Syria, where he wrote ten books on mathematics 400 ST HELIODORUS, BISHOP OF ALTINO met St Jerome at Aquileia 372 and became his disciple 430 Saint Alexander, Founder of the Monastery of the "Unsleeping Ones," built a church for the city-dwellers, and a home for the sick and homeless with the money that charitable Antiochians 50 years of incessant monastic effort 458 St. Anatolius Patriarch and defender of the faith, known for his opposition to the heretic Dioscurus at the Council of Chalcedon. The patriarch of Constantinople, he is called a prophet and a miracle worker, despite the political turmoil that surrounded him. Anatolius also fought the Nestorian heresy at the Council of Ephesus. 683 SAINT LEO II Pope accomplished good works which cause his name to be blessed by all succeeding generations 1068 Saint George the God-bearer and Recluse labored in the Black Mountains near Antioch during a time when the churches and monasteries there flourished. 1249 The holy Princes Basil and Constantine Vsevolodovich of Yaroslav suffered without complaint like a true Christian concerned himself with the unfortunate among his subjects, and built churches 1501 the incorrupt relics of the holy princes were uncovered and now rest in the Yaroslav cathedral. 1316 Bl. Raymond Lull Mystic, philosopher, and Doctor Illuminatus “Enlightened Doctor,” a vision of Christ crucified a profound mystic; considered a predecessor of Sts. Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross 1589 Blessed John, Fool-for-Christ, Wonderworker of Moscow foretold great misfortunes for Russia, the Time of Troubles and the incursion of the Poles gift of healing 1616 ST BERNARDINO REALINO entered the Society of Jesus at 34; self-sacrificing zeal and apostolical fervour had long before earned the veneration of the people, who recognized him as a saint; 1640 Saint Nicodemus of Kozhe Lake God also granted him clairvoyance and the power to heal the sick 1838 St. Joseph Peter Uyen Dominican tertiary, martyr of Vietnam native catechist he died of abuse in prison for refusing to give up the faith and was canonized in 1988 by Pope John Paul II. 1853 St. Philip Minh Vietnamese martyr native he joined the Society for Foreign Missions of Paris and was ordained a priest with the purpose of working for the Church in Vietnam. Seized by anti-Catholic forces, he was beheaded. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1988. Saints and Popes mentioned July 04
516 BC Haggai Aggaeus
(Aggeus ), Prophet The tenth of the
Minor Prophets, Haggai belongs to the period after
the exile. The purpose of his divine message was to forward
rebuilding the Temple of Jerusalem (Benedictines) (RM)St. Ananias Martyrdom of; bishop for the city of Damascus; baptized the apostle Saint Paul {Coptic} St. Thomas of Shentalet Martyrdom of Michael angel of God appeared to this Saint when he was 21 {Coptic} Saint Theodotus suffered martyrdom during the reign of Trajan because he refused to sacrifice to idols. 180 St. Namphanion Called “the Archmartyr” by African Christian historians. He was an African martyr of Carthaginian heritage, put to death in Numidia with Several companions. 6th v. Saint Martha St John the Forerunner was for her a protector, frequently appearing to her in visions; charitable towards the poor, fed and clothed them, visited convalescents and attended the sick, buried the dead, and for those preparing to receive holy Baptism she made baptismal garments with her own hands 712-26 Saint Andrew, Archbishop of Crete; monastic tonsure at monastery of St Sava the Sanctified; led a strict chaste life; meek and abstinent, such that all were amazed at his virtue and reasoning of mind 959 St. Odo
the Good Archbishop of Canterbury
promoting the revival of monasticism in England. Known as
“the Good” because of his famed holiness, he was also credited
with miracles; a demonstration of the Real Presence against some
doubting clergy; God bore witness to his sanctity by miracles
during his life and after his death.
973 St. Ulric
of Augsburg His canonization by Pope John
XV in 993 is the first recorded canonization by a Pope;
Miracles were recorded at his tomb.1091 BD WILLIAM OF HIRSCHAU, ABBOT concern for spiritual and material well-being of serfs both of the monastery and neighbouring manors; and by aggregating its servants to the monastic community he had a significant part in the development of the institution of fratres conversi (lay-brothers). 1336 St. Elizabeth of Portugal exercises of piety, including daily Mass, also through her exercise of charity she was able to befriend and help pilgrims, strangers, the sick, the poor—in a word, all those whose need came to her notice 1427-1430 Saint Andrew Rublev, Russia's greatest iconographer received monastic tonsure; was taught iconography by Theophanes the Greek and the monk Daniel, St Andrew's friend and fellow-ascetic In 1408 St Andrew painted his most famous
icon:
the Holy Trinity (actually, the Hospitality of Abraham). 1594 Bld's. John Carey Martyr of England, an Irish layman; put to death with Blesseds Thomas Bosgrave, John Cornelius, and Patrick Salmon at Dorchester in Oxfordshire. He was servant of Blessed Thomas Bosgrave. They were beatified in 1929. 1594 BB. JOHN CORNELIUS AND HIS COMPANIONS, THE DORCHESTER MARTYRS 1900 Bl. Anthony Fantosat Martyr of China, a victim of the Boxer Rebellion. The vicar apostolic for southern Hunan, in China, he was martyred at Hangchow on July 7. 1918 Saint Nicholas, the last Russian Tsar, was born in 1868. As a child, very religious, guileless and free from malice. Saints and Popes mentioned July 05
1st v. Stephen
of Reggio ordained 1st bishop of Reggio
by Saint Paul and martyred under Nero BM (AC)286 St. Zoe Martyr; A noble woman of the imperial court of Rome, she was executed in the early stages of Emperor Diocletian's (r. 284-305) persecution of the Church. 300 St. Cyrilla of Cyrene M Although the aged widow of Cyrene, Saint Cyrilla, was condemned to death, she seems to have died in the torture chamber rather than as planned. Several other martyrs suffered with her (Benedictines). St. Marinus founder of the world's oldest surviving republic, San Marino, in 301; Martyr with Sedopha and Theodotus. They suffered at Tomi, on the Black Sea. Saint Marinus was a blacksmith by trade who came from the island of Rab on the other side of the Adriatic. 452 St. Athanasius Martyr and deacon of Jerusalem, Athanasius denounced Theodosius, the heretic who usurped the see of Jerusalem, formerly held by St. Juvenal Arrested for this act, Athanasius was beheaded. 567 Departure of St. Theodosius, 33rd Pope of Alexandria On this day also The Commemoration of the Consecration of the Church of Anba Sarabamoun, Bishop of Nikios. {Coptic} 1000 St. Athanasius the Athonite Abbot and founder went to Mount Athos in Greece, where he aided Nicephoras Phocas, a longtime friend, in repelling the Saracens; there gushed forth a spring of water, which exists even now, in remembrance of this miraculous visitation. The Economissa (or Stewardess) Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos depicts the Mother of God seated on a throne, with Her Son on her left knee. St Athanasius of Mt Athos (July 5) stands on her right, holding a model of the Great Lavra. On her left is St Michael of Synnada (May 23). Two angels hold a crown above her head. 1538 St. Anthony
Mary Zaccaria priest; Cofounder of
the Barnabites a medical doctor; popularized the 40-hour
prayer ceremony, promoted of altar sacraments, introduced
ringing church bells on Friday
1758 Johann Andreas Rothe 1918 Saint Elizabeth the older sister of Tsarina Alexandra married the Grand Duke Sergius governor of Moscow. She converted to Orthodoxy from Protestantism of her own free will, and organized women from all levels of society to help the soldiers at the front and in the hospitals. Saints and Popes mentioned July 06
701 BC Jesaja
ist neben Jeremia, Ezechiel und anderen
einer der großen Schriftpropheten des Tanach,
der Hebräischen Bibel. Er wirkte im damaligen
Südreich Juda zwischen 740 und 701 v. Chr. in der Zeit
der Bedrohung durch die antike Großmacht Assyrien.90 St Romulus, Bishop Of Fiesole, Martyr a Roman convert of St Peter 268-270 The Holy Martyrs Marinus, Martha, Audifax, Habakkuk, Cyrenus, Valentinus the Presbyter, Asterius, and many others with them at Rome. 300 Holy Martyrs Lucy (Lucia) the Virgin, Rexius, Antoninus, Lucian, Isidore, Dion, Diodorus, Cutonius, Arnosus, Capicus and Satyrus: twenty-four martyrs suffered with Sts Lucy and Rexius Martyrdom of the Seven Ascetic Saints in Tounar Mount. {Coptic} 429 St Sisoes After death of St Antony, St Sisoes was one of the most shining lights of the Egyptian deserts; Egyptian by birth; quit the world in his youth he retired to the desert of Skete. 518 St. Monenna Irish abbess also called Darerca. She resided at Sliabh Cuillin in Ireland noted for her austerities 699 St Sexburga, Abbess Of Ely, Widow daughter of Anna, King of the East Angles; sister of SS. Etheldreda, Ethelburga and Withburga, and half-sister of St Sethrida 1070 St Godeleva, Martyr The scene of the murder of Godeleva soon had a reputation for miracles 1433 Johannes Hus Evangelische Kirche: 6. Juli 1990 bedauerte Papst Johannes Paul II. den grausamen Tod von Johannes Hus. 1535 Thomas More mit Kardinal John Fisher 1599-1624 Virgin Juliana, Princess of Olshansk Uncovering of the Relics of; Many miracles have been worked by St Juliana, and she helps those who venerate her holy relics with piety and faith 1794 Blessed Mary Rose entered Benedictine convent of Caderousse in 1762 French Revolution martyr, OSB M (AC) 1902 St. Maria Goretti Devotion to the young martyr grew, miracles, and in less than half a century she was canonized Saints and Popes mentioned July 07
117 St. Astius
Martyr the bishop of Dynhachium in
Macedonia group of others seized and put to death
by crucifixion by Roman authorities during reign of Emperor
Trajan120 Sts Peregrinus, Lucian, Pompeius, & Companions they expressed sympathy for Astius, MM (RM) 216 St. Pantaenus a stoic philosopher from Sicily; head of the catechetical school at Alexandria, Egypt, built into a leading center of learning: missionary in India met Christians who received St. Matthew's gospel in Hebrew from St Bartholomew 284-305 Saint Kyriake was the only child of Dorotheus and Eusebia; born on a Sunday (Kyriake-- Greek) wished to remain a virgin, for she had dedicated herself to Christ 385 Saint Illidius (Allyre) of Clermont Saint Gregory of Tours greatly venerated Saint Allyre, 4th bishop of Clermont, Auvergne, France. B (RM) 420-458 Blachernae Icon of the Mother of God was discovered at Jerusalem by the empress Eudokia also called the Hodigitria, or "She who leads the way." During time of St Juvenal, Patriarch of Jerusalem, 420-458, (July 2), and St Euthymius the Great, 377-473, (Jan 20). The holy icon was sent to Constantinople, the empress Pulcheria placed it in the Blacernae Church, where the Venerable Robe of the Mother of God (July 2) was preserved 584 St. Felix Bishop of Nantes, France, known for the cathedral he erected there; A noble of Aquitaine and married, Felix accepted the post of bishop when his wife entered a convent in 549 660 St. Sethrida entered religious life at abbey of Faremoutiers-en-Brie under foundress Saint Burgunofara, whom she succeeded as abbess; half-sister to SS. Etheldreda, Sexburga, Ethelburga, and Withburga, OSB Abbess V (AC) 660 Saint Ercongota of Faremoutiers daughter of King Erconbert of Kent and Saint Sexburga, who became abbess of Ely. Together with her aunt, Saint Sethrida, she was a nun at the double monastery of Faremoutier under her aunt, Saint Ethelburga, OSB V (AC) 664 Saint Ethelburga of Faremoutiers; lived in a family of saints including her sister Saint Etheldreda & eldest sister, Saint Sexburga; body was found to be incorrupt OSB Abbess (RM) 664 660 Ss. Ethelburga, Ercongota and Sethrida, Virgins 705 Saint Hedda (Haeddi) of Winchester a great benefactor of Malmesbury and King Ina's chief advisor, who acknowledged Hedda's help in framing his laws; many cures at his tomb OSB B (RM) 869 & 884 Sts. Cyril And St. Methodius, Archbishop Of Sirmium 1122 St. Odo of Urgell Spanish bishop; member of the family of the counts of Barcelona, Spain; a soldier but gave this up to enter the religious life; Named archdeacon of Urgell in the Pyrenees; ordained by Pope Urban II, he was appointed bishop of Urgell, and was celebrated for his concern for the poor 1304 Blessed Benedict
XI, OP Pope he had "a vast store of knowledge,
a prodigious memory, a penetrating genius, and (that)
everything about him endeared him to all." In 1295,
he received the degree of master of theology As papal legate
Nicholas travelled to Hungary to try to settle a civil war
there. He worked to reconcile warring parties in Europe and
the Church and to increase spirituality. His reign, short
though it was, was noted for its leniency and kindness Many
miracles were performed at his tomb, and there were several cures
even before his burial (RM)
1531 Tilman Riemenschneider Evangelische Kirche: 7. Juli 1538 Saint Thomas Becket Katholische, Anglikanische und Evangelische Kirche: 29. Dezember Anglikanische Kirche auch 7. Juli 1860 Blessed Emmanuel Ruiz and Companions Franciscan priest; served as a missionary in Damascus Emmanuel, his brother Franciscans and the three Maronite laymen and thousands lost their lives 1945 Blessed Peter To Rot lay catechist serving the people in his own village Rakunai New Guinea Saints and Popes mentioned July 08
100 Sts. Priscilla
& Aquila a Jewish tentmaker. He and his
wife Prisca or Priscilla were forced to leave Rome;
went to Corinth where St. Paul lived with them during his
stay converted them to Christianity; accompanied Paul to Ephesus
and remained; Paul stayed with them on his 3rd missionary
journey.303 Procopius {Neanius} persecutor of Christians, vision of the Lord Jesus, similar to Saul a radiant Cross appeared in the air; inexpressible joy spiritual happiness in heart; transformed from persecutor into a zealous follower of Christ 410 King Mirdat (408–410), son of Varaz-Bakur, first martyred king of Georgia endowed with virtues: wisdom, discretion, physical prowess, fearlessness, valor, courage; liberated Klarjeti fromByzantines, abolished taxes to Persia, 689 St. Kilian Irish monk; Bishop, in Rome 686, permission from Pope Conon evangelize Franconia (Baden/Bavaria) 800 St. Arnold confessor court of Charlemagne; Greek by birth, he was noted for his charity to the poor. 901 St. Grimbald Benedictine abbot invited by King Alfred credited restor learning to England 1118 St. Raymond of Toulouse chanter canon renowned for generosity; native of Toulouse, miracles at his tomb 1153 Bd Eugenius III, Pope Cistercian monk at Clairvaux; took name of Bernard, being his superior at Clairvaux 1239 St Albert of Genoa Cistercian hermit; born in Genoa Cistercian abbey Sentri da Ponente lay brother 1282 Mar 02 St. Agnes of Bohemia ; thaumaturgist or miracle worker 1336 St. Elizabeth of Portugal pious, daily Mass, exercise of charity, able to befriend and help pilgrims, strangers, the sick, the poor—in a word, all those whose need came to her notice 1337 Novgorod_Theotokos Tenderness icon Theotokos Eleousa (Umilenie) type floating in the air, and tears were flowing 1579 Copy of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, Wonderworking 1626 Bl. Mancius Araki Martyr of Japan; brother of Blessed Matthew Araki, sheltered missionaries 1900 7 Martyrs of Shanxi members Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, in China to open orphanages. Saints and Popes mentioned July 09
St. Thaddaeus,
the Apostle Departure of travelled around the world
preaching the Gospel. He returned many of the Jews and
Gentiles to the knowledge of God and Baptized them; Syria
and preached to its people {Coptic}1st v. Pancratius, Bishop of Taormina Hieromartyr born when our Lord Jesus Christ yet lived upon the earth; Apostle Peter visited Pancratius at Pontus took him along to Antioch, & Sicily, where Apostle Paul was; There the holy Apostles Peter and Paul made St Pancratius Bishop of Taormina in Sicily 363 St. Patermuthius Egyptian hermit and martyr with Alexander and Capres A robber, Patermuthius converted by St. Copres an eyewitness of how St Patermuthius tended sick & buried the dead. He recorded life & miracles 392 Cyprus Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos also commemorated on Sunday of Orthodoxy, Pentecost Monday, April 20 and July 9 Cyprus Icon of the Mother of God belongs to the Panachrana type 751 St. Agilulfus martyr archbishop of Cologne tried to persuade King Pepin not to name his illegitimate son Charles Martel heir to the throne, and was slain as a result 1008 St. Justus of Poland Camaldolese hermit, one of four brothers who were also canonized: Sts. Benedict, Andrew, Barnabas, and Justus. Martyrs of Gorkum 19 martyrs put to death with great cruelty by Protestant Calvinists in Gorkum, Holland. There were 10 Franciscans, 2 Premonstratensians, a Dominican, a Canon Regular, 4 secular priests, and one layman in the group. They were canonized in 1867. 1535 St. John Fisher confessor to Lady Margaret Beaufort mother of Henry VII; tutored Prince Henry -- Henry VIII refused to render allegiance to the King as the Head of the Church of England 1535 St. Thomas More Martyr (Patron of Lawyers) 1516 wrote "Utopia" refused to render allegiance to the King as the Head of the Church of England 1572 St. Nicholas Poppel Franciscan martyr of Gorkum; A Dutch Franciscan serving as curate to Leonard van Wechel at the time of their martyrdom at Gorkum. 1539 Bl. Adrian Fortescue Martyr opposed divorce Henry VIII of England from Catherine; cousin of Anne Boleyn 1572 St. Francis Rod born in Brussels, Belgium, Franciscan martyr, hanged at Briel, by Calvinists 1681 Georg Neumark Evangelische Kirche: 09. Juli Nach dem Studium lebte Neumark 12 Jahre als freier Schriftsteller in Danzig und Thorn 1727 St. Veronica Giuliani Capuchin mystic who had many spiritual gifts; recipient of a stigmata in 1697 and visions 1794 THE MARTYRS OF ORANGE 1648 to 1930 St. Augustine Zhao Rong and 120 Companions Christianity arrived in China by way of Syria -- 600s. Depending on China's relations with outside world, Christianity over centuries was free to grow or was forced to operate secretly. 1900 St. Alberic Crescitelli Missionary martyr joined the Milan Foreign Missionary Society and was sent to China in 1888. He worked in schools and missions along the Han River until the Boxer Rebellion brought chaos to China Saints and Popes mentioned July 10
Konevits
Icon of the Mother of God: The holy icon
was glorified by many miracles.165 Saint Alexander martyrdom of the seven holy brothers, sons of the saintly martyr Felicitas 2nd v. The Seven Brothers And St Felicity, Martyrs 84-305 Bianor and Silvanus The Holy Martyrs: St Bianor came from the Pisidia district of Asia Minor 311-324 45 Martyrs of Nicopolis Armenian City martyrs sang Psalms at midnight, Lord's angel appeared & prison blazed with light declared to the martyrs their contest was near its end, 320 Saint Leontius Martyr with Daniel, Maurice, and forty-two companions in Nicopolis; 320 Saint Leontius Saint Rufinus and Secundus Martyrs buried on the Via Comelia, at the eleventh milestone of Rome 690 Saint Amalberga Mother of saints; relative of Blessed Pepin of Landen, the Duke of Brabant 770 Saint Lantfrid Abbot of Benediktbeuren in Bavaria, Germany. With his brothers, Saint Elilantus and Saint Waltram, he served the Benedictines. 772 Saint Amelberga Benedictine nun in Munsterbilsen, Flanders, Belgium. Saint Willibrord gave her the veil 1074 Saint Theodosius Pechersky Russian monk abbot of the community monastery Caves in Kiev aided the poor, established hospitals one of the founders of Russian monasticism 14th v. Silvanus (Silouan) of the Kiev Caves The Holy Schemamonk, zealously preserved purity of both soul and body; subdued his flesh - fasting/vigils, cleansed his soul - prayer/meditation on God: Lord granted him abundance of spiritual gifts: a prayerful boldness towards God, constant joy in the Lord, clairvoyance, wonderworking 1625 Robe of Our Lord Jesus Christ The Placing of the Precious at Moscow 1727 St. Veronica Giuliani desire to be like Christ crucified answered with the stigmata joined Poor Clares directed by Capuchins; abbess, an office she held for 11 years until her death 1713-1784 Blessed Junipero Serra 1840 Saint Peter Tu Vietnamese martyr who became a catechist arrested by authorities. He was beheaded. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. 1860 Bl. Emmanuel Ruiz Franciscan Spanish Martyr with 11 companions in Lebanon 1860 Martyrs of Damascus 8 Franciscan and 3 Maronite martyrs slain in a Druse uprising in 1860 in Damascus, Syria refused to accept the Muslim faith, they were executed Saints and Popes mentioned July 11
Sts. Peter
and Paul, Martyrdom of the Apostles {coptic}155? Romæ
sancti
Pii Primi, Papæ et MártyrisSt. Marcian
Martyred
youth of Iconium, Lycaonia. He was cited
for his courage in sufferinSt. John a bishop At Bergamo who was killed by the Arians for defending the
Catholic faith
272 Sts. Sabinus & Cyprian Martyrs during persecutions; long venerated at Brescia, Italy 304 Saint Euphemia the All-Praised The Miracle of as though alive, raised her hand and gave the scroll to the patriarch of the Fourth Ecumenical Council 543 St. Bendict of Nursia Father of Western monasticism brother of Scholastica, patron of speliologists 690 St. John of Bergamo Bishop in 656, John noted for Arian opposition holiness and learning 854 St. Abundius priest martyr Islamic persecution pastor in Ananelos, arrested in Córdoba, Spain, 975 St. Turketil Abbot/brother of King Edred of England, chancellor until 948 entered a monastery 1100 The relics of the holy Great Martyr Barbara (December 4 304) were transferred to Kiev 1539 Bd Adrian Fortescue, Sir Adrian Fortescue B. 1476, old Devonshire family, cousin, on mother's side, of Anne Boleyn 1681 St. Oliver
Plunkett born in Loughcrew in County Meath,
ordained in Rome taught until 1669, appointed Archbishop
of Armagh and Primate of Ireland a man of peace, religious
fervor, visiting his people, establishing schools, ordaining
priests, confirming thousands.
1745-1840 The Martyrs
Of Indo-China Saints and Popes mentioned July 12
67 St. Paulinus of Antioch Martyr tradition, the first bishop of Lucca in Tuscany, Italy, city’s patron saint 1st v. St. Veronica The woman of Jerusalem wiped the face of Christ with a veil on His the way to Calvary 1st v. St. Jason St. Paul stayed at Salonika (2nd journey) in the house of one, Jason 1st v. Ss. Hermagoras and Fortunatus deacon, Martyrs 98-117 Hilary and Proclus Martyrs natives of the village of Kallippi, near Ancyra; fearlessly confessed faith in Christ 303 Ss. Nabor And Felix, Martyrs St Ambrose greatly praised these martyrs and multitudes of people flocked to Milan to venerate them 470 St. Paternian Bishop of Bologna, Italy, from circa 450 until his death 524 St. Viventiolus Archbishop of Lyons, France. He was a friend of St. Avitus of Vienne, and they convoked the Council of Epaone in 517 together 886 St. Ansbald Abbot and Benedictine builder petitioned Holy Roman Emperor Charles the Fat for royal aid received the necessary patronage 962 Saint Michael Maleinos priest hermit, fifty years of ceaseless monastic struggle; demonstrated great humility (related to Byzantine emperor Leo VI the Wise) acquired gift of perspicacity; prayer accomplished many miracles 1073 Saint John Gaulbert, Abbot entered the Order of St. Benedict laid the foundation of the Order of Vallombrosa founded several monasteries, reformed others eradicated simony no indigent person sent away without alms dedicated to poverty and humility. He never became a priest, in fact, he declined even to receive minor orders known for his wisdom, miracles, and prophecies 1163 Blessed Lambert of Morimond spent most of his life at Morimond Abbey, where he first entered the Cistercians, he also was abbot of Clairfontaine and Cîteaux OSB Cist. Abbot (AC) 1462 Bl. Andrew Oexner of Riun Martyred at age three, place of death was made into a shrine, and many miracles were reported there 1541 Bl. David Gonson Martyred for his faith English knight of St. John; son of a British vice-admiral 1598 St. John Jones b.1530 1679 St. John Wall b. 1620 These two friars were martyred in England (16th and 17th centuries) for refusing to deny their faith 1626 Bl. Monica Naisen Martyr of Japan native, arrested for sheltering Blessed John Baptist Zola; beheaded at Nagasaki with husband, Blessed John Naisen; beatified in 1867. 1841 St. Agnes De Vietnamese Christian martyr; born in Baiden and raised in a Christian family; arrested - died in prison at Namdinh Agnes was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1988. 1780-1842 St. Peter Khanh native Vietnamese Martyr; he served as a catechist until his arrest and beheading by Vietnamese authorities. Saints and Popes mentioned July 12
Archangel
Gabriel The Synaxis of the celebrated on the
day after the Annunciation, and a second time on July
13St. Silas One of Church of Jerusalem leaders; sent with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch to communicate decisions of the Council of Jerusalem to the Gentile community in Syria Saint Julian,
Bishop of Cenomanis, elevated to bishop by Apostle
Peter; sent to preach Gospel in Gaul (Cenomanis-region
of River Po) great wonders accompanied preaching of the saint
healing bodily infirmities-also the souls, blind, lame and
To end of his days he preached about Christ completely eradicating
idolatry Cenomanis land
St. Aoulimpas,
the Apostle martyrdom one of the seventy apostles
ministered to the disciples; carried epistles of St.
Peter to the Gentiles; took Saint Peters body off the cross,
shroud him, took him to the house of the believers; martyred
just like Peter {Coptic}
91 Romæ sancti
Anacléti, Papæ et Mártyris,
qui, post sanctum Cleméntem Ecclésiam Dei
regens, eam glorióso martyrio decorávit.195 St. Serapion Martyr. He was put to death in Macedonia presented himself before the judge completely healed by the Lord Jesus Christ 251 St. Myrope Martyr of the island of Chios, in Greece, She recovered the body of St. Isidore after his martyrdom 5th v. SS. MAURA AND BRIGID solitaries at Ariacum (now Sainte-Maure), and had died in the fifth century, not long after St Martin. The relics were found, the chapel built, and a cultus begun in Touraine which still exists their feast is kept at Tours on January 28. 505 ST EUGENIUS, BISHOP OF CARTHAGE “If the good shepherd must lay down his life for his sheep, can it be excusable for me to trouble about the passing needs of my body?” 794 Saint Stephen Sabbaites, nephew of St John of Damascus entered St Sava Lavra at 10 spent his life there; given gifts of wonderworking and clairvoyance; healed the sick, cast out devils Arno von Würzburg war Bischof von 855 bis 892 1024 St. Henry son of Duke of Bavaria, and Gisella, daughter of Conrad, King of Burgundy; made numerous pious foundations, gave liberally to pious institutions and built the Cathedral of Bamberg 1298 BD JAMES OF VORAGINE, ARCHBISHOP OF GENOA; author of Legenda Sanctorum, now everywhere known as Legenda Aurea, "The Golden Legend" 1610 St. Francis
Solano Franciscan Observance priest; survived
Granada plague of 1583; in Peru refused to leave shipwrecked
slaves baptized them most survived; 20 years untiring
ministry among Indians and Spanish colonists; he had
"gift of tongues", called "wonder-worker of the New World for miracles"; died at moment of consecration,
saying with last breath, "Glory be to God"
1616 Bl. Thomas
Tunstal English martyr priesthood at Douai;
six years in confinement joined Benedictines there
until finally murdered 1620 Monk Antonii of Leokhovo Transfer of the Relics of . The account about the saint is located under 17 October 1920 St. Teresa de los Andes Discalced Carmelite mystic; 1st Chilean beatified or canonized; model for young people Saints and Popes mentioned July 13
1st v.
ST THOMAS, APOSTLE (72 A.D. Dec 21 feast day kept
by Malabar and Syria)St_Thomas_by_Caravaggio Calamínæ natális beáti Thomæ Apóstoli, qui Parthis, Medis, Persis et Hyrcánis Evangélium prædicávit; ac demum in Indiam pervénit, ibíque, cum eos pópulos in Christiána religióne instituísset, Regis jussu lánceis transfíxus occúbuit. Ipsíus relíquiæ primo ad urbem Edéssam, in Mesopotámia, deínde Ortónam, apud Frentános, translátæ sunt. At Mylapore, the birthday of the blessed Apostle Thomas, who preached the Gospel to the Parthians, Medes, Persians, and Hyrcanians. Having finally penetrated into India, and instructed those nations in the Christian religion, he died pierced with lances at the order of the king. His remains were first taken to the city of Edessa in Mesopotamia, and then to Ortona. Saint Aquila, Apostle of the 70: a disciple of the Apostle Paul native of Pontus a Jew, living in the city of Rome with his wife Priscilla St Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, in Rome Martyrdom of . {Coptic} 117 St. Phocas Martyred bishop of Sinope, a diocese on the Black Sea. martyred during reign of Trajan. 247 St. Heraclas Patriarch, St. Plutarch Martyr brother; succeeded Origen head of Alexandria school 231 390 Sancti Felícis, Novocómiqui fuit primus ejúsdem civitátis Epíscopus St. Felix, first bishop of Como 664 St. Deusdedit of Canterbury the first Anglo-Saxon primate succeeding Saint Honorius as archbishop of Canterbury 653 762 St. Marcellinus of Oldensee Anglo-Saxon monk who followed Saint Willibrord to the Netherlands. 1053 Procopius of Sazaba one of the patrons of Czechoslovakia, OSB Abbot (RM) 1263 Bl. Humbert studied at Paris; received doctorate in law joined Dominicans 224; 1610 St. Francis Solano Lima Peru, priest confessor of the Order of Friars Minor; passed to the Lord in West Indies, 1614 Camillus de Lellis, Priest To him the only people that mattered were the sick, for in serving them he was serving God for the first time the patients were separated into different wards according to the nature of their maladie RM 1680 Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Virgin daughter of a Mohawk warrior; teenage convert suffered greatly for her Faith; care for sick and aged; devoted to the Eucharist and to Jesus Crucified first Native American declared a Blessed 1809 St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountian Greek Monk and writer; entered monastery of Athos in 1775 1866 John Keble Er schrieb Bücher mit Gedichten und Hymnen Saints and Popes mentioned July 15
Synaxis
der 12 Aposte the First
Six Ecumenical Councils Commemoration of the Holy Fathers An Ecumenical
Council is comprised of archpastors and pastors of the
Church, and representatives of all the local Churches, from
every land of the"oikumene" (i.e. from all the whole inhabited
world).All Saints of Pskov on the Third Sunday after Pentecost The Russian Orthodox Church commemorates 355 St. Barhadbesaba (Barhadbesciabas), zealous deacon of Arbela (Adiabene), Persia, was beheaded in the 15th year of the persecutions under Shapur II.M (AC) 660 Eternus of Évreux The ninth bishop of Évreux, France (Benedictines) B (AC) 775 St. Plechelm A Benedictine companion to St. Wiro. Plecheim was from Northumbria, England, an ordained priest. He traveled with St. Wiro to establish a monastery at Odilienburg. 820 St. Benedict The bishop of Angers, France, in the reign of Emperor Louis the Pious, the son of Charlemagne 872 St. Athanasius Bishop and victim of political turmoil suffered during the Saracen occupation. He also ransomed Christians from Islamic captors attended the Lateran Council of 863 937 St. Edith of Polesworth Sister of King Athelstan of England; married viking king Sihtric at York in 925, he died next year, she became a Benedictine nun at Polesworth, Warwickshire, where she was noted. 1015 St. Vladimir I, notorious for his barbarism and immorality. After conquest of Kherson in Crimea (988) became impressed by progrers of Christianity approached Eastern Emperor Basil II about marrying emperor's daughter Ann; converted, reformed his life, and married Anne 1274 St. Bonaventure Franciscan, theologian, doctor of the Church, was both learned and holy; contemporary of Saint Thomas Aquinas and Saint Albert the Great 1435 Blessed Angelina of Marsciano founded a convent of regular tertiaries of Saint Francis of Foligno, which was finished in 1397 with 135 convents, OFM Tert. Widow (AC) 1583 Bl. Anthony Francisco Jesuit martyr with Rudolf Acquaviva. Born in Coimbra, Portugal, Anthony was professed as a Jesuit in 1570. working in the missions of Salsette, near Goa 1756 St. Pompeius Maria Pirotti a renowned teacher and preacher 1838 Blessed Peter Tuan Born in Tonkin (Vietnam) in 1766; beatified 1900 a native priest, died in prison of wounds received for faith while awaiting the decree of decapitation (Benedictines) 1851 Bl. Anne Jahouvey a vision of black children decided vocation to their needs; veil in Autun, France, and Congregation of St. Joseph of Cluny was founded; founded houses in Europe, South America, and Africa went to French Guyana educate six hundred slaves to be liberated; founded houses in Tahiti and Madagascar Saints and Popes mentioned July 16
1st v. St. Simon
Cleophas, the Apostle Martyrdom of; brother
of Joseph the Just, to whom the Virgin Mary was betrothed;
received the grace of the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room of Zion,
and was ordained bishop for Jerusalem succeeding St.
James the Apostle. {Coptic}166 St. Cladianus (Celadion) Departure of , the Ninth Pope of the See of St. Mark. {Coptic} 305 St. Athenogenes Bishop martyr, author of the hymn Phos Hilaron, used in Byzantine vespers liturgy; theologian, Athenogenes died by burning with ten disciples at Sebaste; As Athenogenes entered flames sang the Phos Hilaron in joy Phos Hilaron (Φῶς Ἱλαρόν) is an ancient Christian hymn originally written in New Testament Greek. Often referred to by its Latin title Lumen Hilare 'O Gladsome/Joyous Light'; The Lord granted the saint to hear His Voice before death, "Today you shall be with Me in Paradise." 451 The Fourth Ecumenical Council, at which 630 bishops participated; convened 451 in the city of Chalcedon under emperor Marcian (450-457) 6th v. Sinach MacDara (AC) Fisherman traditionally gathered on the island of MacDara for an annual Mass. It is still customary to dip sails or make the Sign of Cross when passing the island (Montague). 784 St. Fulrad Abbot of St. Denis Abbey near Paris, France; counselor of King Pepin and Charlemagne; guided the Franks in establishing close ties with the Holy See rather than Byzantium 851 Sisenandus of Cordova At every step, at every turn, the cross was before him; Led by the cross he went to Cordova study Latin, theology, canon law, liturgy, and all needed to become a priest; ordained deacon at Cordova 1251 Our Lady of Mount Carmel Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock, a leader of the Carmelites, gave him a scapular, telling him to promote devotion to it. The scapular is a modified version of Mary’s own garment. It symbolizes her special protection and calls the wearers to consecrate themselves to her in a special way. 1420 The Chirsk (Pskov) Icon of the Mother of God 1546 Anna Askew Evangelische Kirche: 16. Juli 1794 Blessed Mary & Mary-Magdalen de Justamond sisters by blood and in the Cistercian convent of Sainte-Catherine at Avignon. They were guillotined at Orange during the French Revolution, OSB Cist. MM (AC) 1846 St. Mary Magdalen Postel opened a school for girls at Barfleur a leader in Barfleur against the constitutional priests and sheltered fugitive priests in her home venerated for her holiness and miracle Bérgomi sancti Domniónis Mártyris. At Bergamo, St. Domnio, martyr. Saints and Popes mentioned July 17
180 Speratus
and Companions, Narzales, Cythinus, Veturius,
Felix, Acyllinus, Laetantius, Januaria, Generosa, Vestina,
Donata, Secunda carried "The sacred books, and the letters
of a righteous man named Paul." (Scillitan Martyrs) (RM) 300 St. Marina
(Margaret) The Holy Great Martyr governor gave
the holy martyr over to torture beaten her fiercely; night
in prison, granted heavenly aid healed of wounds; then burned
with fire. Barely alive, the martyr prayed: "Lord,
You have granted me to go through fire for Your Name, grant me
also to go through the water of holy Baptism."; governor gave
orders to drown the saint; a light, and snow-white dove came from
Heaven, in its beak a golden crown; fetters on St Marina came apart
by themselves;. The martyr stood up glorifying the HolyTrinity, Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit. emerged from the fount completely healed; people
glorified the True God, many believed; governor in a rage, gave orders
to kill confessors of Christ; 15,000 Christians perished there
398 St. Marcellina
sister of St. Ambrose consecrated to a
religious life by Pope Liberius in 353 521 St. Ennodius Bishop, poet, papale missary, born Magnus Felix Ennodius in a Gallo Roman family of Arles, France. Educated in Milan, Italy, married
but then separated from his wife, who entered a convent;
ordained
wrote poetry gained considerable
attentionmade bishop of Pavia went on 2 missions to Emperor Anastasius I for the pope; biographer of St. Antoninus 7th 8th v. 7 Apostles of Bulgaria SS. Cyril and Methodius, Gorazd, Nahum, Sabas, Angelarius, Clement of Okarida 740 Fredegand of Kerkelodor; feast day is celebrated with an annual procession of the Blessed Sacrament to commemorate a plague that stopped at his intercession 55 Leo IV studied at Saint Martin's Monastery in Rome, made subdeacon of Lateran Basilica by Pope Gregory IV, named cardinal by Pope Sergius II; restored many churches in Rome benefactions to churches take up 28 pages in the Liber pontificalis; tightened clerical discipline with a synod at Rome in 853 OSB Pope (RM) 1010 St. Andrew Zorard A hermit of Polish descent. Andrew lived on Mount Zobar in Hungary. Benedictines resided nearby, and Andrew trained St. Benedict of Szkalka. He was canonized in 1083. 1198 St. Nerses Lambronazi a noted scholar, theologian, and linguist; hermit, became archbishop of Tarsus; promoting reunion Armenia with Western Church, first through the Council of Hromkla later through negotiations reunion in 1198; translated Western writings into Armenian including the Dialogues of Pope St. Gregory the Great. 1242 Bl. Ceslaus his life like that of Saint Hyacinth, is a record of almost countless miracles, of unbelievable distances travelled on foot through wild and warlike countries, miracles of grace; cured the sick, maimed, raised the dead to life, wonders in building convents; remarkable miracle raising to life a boy been dead for 8 days 1610 St. Francis Solano Friars Minor in 1570 sent to South America in 1589 worked to defend the indigenous peoples from oppression 1794 Blessed Carmelite Nuns of Compiègne ; beatified 1906. 16 nuns of the Carmel of Compiègne, France, guillotined in Paris during the French Revolution. As they mounted the scaffold, they sang the Salve Regina MM (AC) 1881 St Daniel Comboni Bishop; founded missionary institutes -- Comboni Missionaries and the Comboni Missionary Sisters (Verona Fathers and Sisters) struggled against the slave trade: He takes part in the first Vatican Council as the theologian of the Bishop of Verona, and gets 70 Bishops to sign a petition for the evangelisation of Central Africa (Postulatum pro Nigris Africæ Centralis). Saints and Popes mentioned July 18
135 Symphorosa
widow of the martyr Saint Getulius mother
of seven other martyrs named Crescens, Julian, Nemesius,
Primitivus, Justin, Stacteus, and Eugene MM (RM)St. Julian A martyr known as a son of St. Symphorosa 203 St. Gundenis Virgin martyr of Carthage. She died in the persecution of Septimius Severnus 307 St. Maternus Bishop of Milan, Italy. Maternus was chosen bishop in a public acclamation in 295 . He suffered during the last period of the Roman persecutions but managed to survive, eventually dying in peace 387 St. Philaster primary mission resisting the spread of the Arian heresy bishop of Brescia; Saint Gaudentius, his successor, praises him for his "modesty, quietness, and gentleness towards all men." He was chiefly famed, however, for his charity to the poor authored Catalogue of Heresies (28 Jewish & 128 Christian heresies) popular book in the Western Church used by St. Augustine; much praised by his successor, St. Gaudentius 640 St. Arnulf Bishop member of Frankish king Theodebert II of Austrasia court; A noble, Arnulf married Doda, their son Ansegisel married Beggia, daughter of Pepin of Landen, starting the Carolingian dynasty of France 838 St. Frederick Bishop of Utrecht, Martyr trained in piety and sacred learning among Church of Utrecht clergy; at once began to establish order everywhere, sent St. Odulf and other zealous and virtuous labourers into northern parts to dispel paganism still subsisting there 986 St. Minnborinus Benedictine abbot born in Ireland became abbot of St. Martin Monastery in Cologne, Germany, in 974. promoted monastic reform and scholarly pursuits 1123 St. Bruno of Segni Benedictine bishop Vatican librarian, cardinal legate theological work on the Holy Eucharist set the standard for centuries abbot of Monte Cassino 1314 Tolga Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos appeared Aug 8, 1314 to Rostov hierarch Prochorus (Tryphon in schema) 1341 Blessed Robert of Salentino a disciple of Saint Peter Celestine at Murrone, before he was elected pope; founded 14 Celestine monasteries, OSB Cel. Abbot (AC) 1435 Blessed Angeline of Marsciano founded first community of Franciscan women other than Poor Clares to receive papal approval Widow assumed dress of St Francis tertiary converted her household into a body of secular tertiaries living in community Angelina and her companions travelled about recalling sinners to penance, relieving distress, and putting before young women the call of a life of virginity for Christ's sake first convent of regular tertiaries with vows and enclosure, and its success was immediate. 1614 St. Camillus de Lellis; fought for Venetians against Turks, addicted to gambling penniless by 1574; became director of St. Giacomo Hospital in Rome; received permission from his confessor (St. Philip Neri) to be ordained decided, with 2 companions, to found the Ministers of the Sick (the Camellians) he sent members of his order to minister wounded troops in Hungary and Croatia, the first field medical unit 1839 St. Dominic Nicholas Dat Vietnamese soldier and martyr; strangled during the persecution; canonized in 1988 1892 The Kaluzhsk Icon of the Mother of God: The feast on this day was established and done at Kaluga in grateful memory of the deliverance of the city from cholera on 18 July 1939 Reverend Paul Robert Schneider Er wird der „Prediger von Buchenwald“ genannt; the first Protestant minister to be martyred by the Nazis; Paul Schneider did not stand by idly as Nazi leaders ridiculed the morality of the Church. In writing and in preaching, he protested against the vitriol directed against the Church by Nazi officials; Local Nazi officials interrogations 12 times during the winter of 1935/1936;. continued to speak his mind and follow the dictates of his conscience. Paul’s friends pleaded with him to avoid confrontation with Nazis. He responded that "he did not seek martyrdom, but that he had to follow his Lord. His primary responsibility was to prepare his family for eternal life – not to insure their material well-being." Died by lethal injection. Saints and Popes mentioned July 19
Archangel
Michael Commemoration of the perpetual intercessor of the human
race before God the Pantocrator {Coptic}St. Abba Hour El-Siriakousy Martyrdom of {Coptic} 1st v. St. Epagaphras Bishop and martyr, called “the most beloved fellow servant” of Paul. Tradition states he served in Colossae, where he was martyred St. Felix of Verona A bishop of Verona, Saint Felix has been venerated there as a saint from time immemorial 210 Martin of Trèves the tenth bishop of Trier (Trèves), Germany, as the records show BM (RM) 287 St. Justa and St. Rufina Virgins and Martyrs martyrs were two Christian women at Seville in Spain who maintained themselves by selling earthenware 379 St. Macrina the Younger; Gregory of Nyssa found her sick with a raging fever and used her discussion of eternal life as the basis of his treatise De anima et resurrectione (On the soul and the resurrection) 514 Symmachus a holy and able pope. He helped the African bishops exiled to Sardinia by the Arian Thrasimund, founded three hospices, aided the victims of the barbarian raids in northern Italy, and helped ransom captives. His generosity to the poor led to the well-deserved bestowal of the title "father of the poor" Pope 778 St. Ambrose Aut-pert Benedictine monk and tutor of Charlemagne; monk there and, eventually, abbot. He was an able exegete and his works were considered as authoritative as those written by the greatest Latin Fathers. In fact, though not in title, his is one of the Doctors of the Church 856 St. Aurea Sister of SS. Aldolphus and John, who were martyred at Cordova, Saint Aurea was the daughter of a Moorish father and a Christian mother. Aurea became a Christian and a nun at Cuteclara. 1079 Blessed Bernard of Rodez close friend of Saints Gregory VII, Hugh of Cluny, and William of Hirschau; promoted the Cluniac reform with great zeal; made a cardinal and, in 1077, legate to Germany 1141 Blessed Stilla of Abenberg; engaging herself in the relief of all unfortunates, daughter of Count Wolfgang II of Abenberg and sister to Archbishop Conrad I of Salzburg, found Saint Peter's Church in Abenberg (near Nuremburg) V (AC) 1270 Roman Olegovich of Ryazan The Holy martyred Prince was from a line of princes, who during the time of the Tatar (Mongol) Yoke won glory as defenders of the Christian Faith and of their Fatherland. Both his grandfathers perished for the Fatherland in the struggle with Batu. 14th v Saint Paisius of the Caves a monk of the Kiev Caves monastery 1405 Saint Militsa was the mother of St Stephen, and was known for her quick wit and her pious life. She founded the Lubostina women's monastery, in which she was tonsured with the name Eugenia 1427 Saint Stephen was the son of prince St Lazar of Serbia (June 15). In the terrible times of the Turkish Yoke St Stephen became the great benefactor of his enslaved countrymen. He built up the city, constructed churches an expended his treasury on the help of the needy 1660 St Vincent DePaul, Founder of The Congregation of The Mission And The Sisters Of Charity 1697 St. John Plessington son of a Royalist Catholic, John was educated at Saint Omer's in France and the English college at Valladolid, Spain. He was ordained in Segovia in 1662. 1781 Servant of God Francis
Garces and Companions greatly loved by the indigenous
peoples, among whom he live
unharmed for a long time. They
regularly gave him food and referred to him as "Viva Jesus," which
was the greeting he taught them to use1903 Saint Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov: Uncovering of the Relics In 1991, St Seraphim's relics were rediscovered after being hidden in a Soviet anti-religious museum for seventy years Saints and Popes mentioned July 20
900 b.c. Elijah
(the Lord's strength) The Holy Prophet is
one of the greatest of the prophets and the first dedicated
to virginity in the Old Testament. He was born in Tishba of
Gilead into the Levite tribe 900 years before the Incarnation
of the Word of God.1st v St. Joseph of Barsabas A follower of Christ also called Joseph Barsassas and sur named “the Just.” He is the person listed in the Acts of the Apostles as a competitor of St. Matthias for the vacant place among the Apostles, caused by the treachery of Judas Iscariot. 1st v. St. Apollinaris St. Peter sent Apollinaris to Ravenna, Italy, as its first bishop exiled 4 times by pagans 304 Margaret (Marina) of Antioch (of the Latins) VM (RM) 429 Aurelius of Carthage archdeacon promoted to head the Church in Africa; Friend of Saint Augustine of Hippo; one of the first detect and oppose Celestius and Pelagianism councils 412 and 416; convened several councils to counter the Donatists; highly praised by Saint Fulgentius; prompted St. Augustine to write On the Work of Monks. 512 & 518 St. Flavian patriarch of Antioch, and Elias patriarch of Jerusalem. They were both exiled by Emperor Anastasius I, a Monophysite. The two bishops supported the decrees of the Council of Chalcedon. Flavian, and probably Elias, died in the city of Petra, Jordan 689 St. Wulmar Benedictine abbot, founder of the rnonastery of Samer near Boulogne 750 Severa of Öhren abbess of the great Benedictine convent at Trier 833 Ansegisus of Fontenelle chosen by Charlemagne to restoe several abbeys Saint Sixtus at Rheims, Saint Meuge near Châlons, Saint Germer at Flaix, Luxeuil, and Fontenelle; wrote a collection of capitularies, the official lawbook of the Empire; life characterization of Benedictine work for Christianity and civilization during Dark Ages of Europe 903 Etheldwitha of Winchester Anglo-Saxon princess, widow, retired to convent founded at Winchester 1139 St. John of Pulsano a hermit in Sicily and monk famous his for preaching, prophecy, and miracles. 1350 Chukhloma Icon of the Mother of God of Galich appeared in the year 1350 to St Abraham of Galich, who came there from the north for ascetical labors with the blessing of St Sergius of Radonezh. 1537: St Jerome Emiliani, Founder Of The Somaschi; served in the armies of the republic; led careless irreligious life, now he sanctified his sufferings by prayer and turning to God; resolved to devote himself and his property solely to others, founded orphanages at Brescia, Bergamo, Como, shelter for penitent prostitutes, hospital at Verona 1649 Athanasius of Bretsk (Transfer of Relics 1649) The ground in which the martyr was buried belonged at the time to the Jesuits, therefore they had to go to work secretly. At night monks dug up the incorrupt body of the igumen glorified by grace-filled gifts of wonderworking, and attracted a vast number of believers. "The Unia will die out, but Orthodoxy will flourish." 1907 Saint Ilia, called the “Uncrowned King of Georgia,” the “Father of the Nation” and “the Righteous,” noble family Chavchavadze; great philosopher, writer, and historian often repeated the statement “A nation whose language is corrupted can no longer exist as a nation.” cared deeply about Georgian language fought to ensure it remained primary language taught in schools; Saints and Popes mentioned July 21
6th v. B.C. Ezekiel
The Holy Prophet; of Sarir, descended from
tribe of Levi; a priest and son of priest Buzi; led off to
Babylon when 25; with King Jechoniah II and others during 2nd
invasion of Jerusalem by Babylonian king Nebuchadnessar;
lived in captivity by the River Chebar; saw 4 living creatures
shape of men, but with 4 faces ( Ez 1:6).
Each face of a man in front, face of a lion on the right, the
face of an ox on the left, and the face of an eagle at the back
(Ez. 1:10). a wheel on the earth
beside each creature, and the rim of each wheel was full of eyes.
the shut gate of
the sanctuary, through which the Lord God would enter (Ez. 44: 2), is a prophecy of the Virgin giving birth to
Christ, yet remaining a virgin. vision of the dry bones prefigured the universal
resurrection of the dead, and the new eternal life bestowed
by the Lord Jesus Christ. if a righteous man turns
from righteousness to sin, he shall die for his sin, and his righteouness
will not be remembered. If a sinner repents, and keeps God's
commandments, he will not die. His former sins will not be held
against him, beause now he follows the path of righteousness
(Ez. 3:20; 18:21-24).5th v. BC. Daniel, Prophet died in Babylon; He also saw four living creatures in the shape of men, but with four faces (Ez. 1:6); Daniel died in Babylon; relics are reputed translated first to Alexandria and then to Venice 1st v. St Mary Magdalen 2nd v. Praxedes of Rome daughter of Roman senator Saint Pudens sister of Saint Pudentiana. All 3 were converted by Saint Peter; One of oldest churches in Rome, S. Prassede, built on site of her home and dedicated to her 379 St. Ephraem El-Soriani (The Syrian) Departure of; He debated pagans overcame them by the grace within him; went with his teacher St. James to attend the council of Nicea {Coptic} 560 Constantine of Monte Cassino disciple of Saint Benedict, whom he succeeded at abbot 678 Arbogast of Strasbourg Bishop; many miracles ascribed famed for humility and wisdom 787 The Armatia Icon of the Mother of God was in Constantinople at the Armatian monastery 1088 Bd Benno, Bishop Of Osnabruck; noteworthy work as "official architect" to Emperor Henry III; sent more than once as imperial envoy to pope St Gregory; founded Iburg monastery 1400 Blessed Oddino Barrotti, parish priest at the church of Saint John the Baptist at Fossano and a Franciscan tertiary. Later he resigned from his pastoral duties and turned his house into a hospital OFM 1619 Lawrence of Brindisi, Doctor of the Church by Pope John XXIII both a brilliant military tactician as well as a peacemaker; became a Capuchin Franciscan in Verona at 16 and took the name Lawrence excelled at Bible studies; main contributions are in the nine volumes of his sermons 1693 Saint Cornelius of Pereyaslavl church sacristan, served in trapeza, also toiled in the garden relics found incorrupt 1860 Moritz Bräuninger Am 22. Juli 1860 traf er in der Nähe der Station mit Indianern zusammen und kam mit ihnen in ein Gespräch. Seitdem fehlte jede Spur von ihm. Händler berichteten später, Bräuninger sei von Ukala--Indianern erschossen und in den Powder-River geworfen worden. Saints and Popes mentioned July 22
St. Mary
Magdelene "The Penitent" Tradition informs us that
Mary of Magdala was young and pretty, and led a sinful life.
It says in the Gospels that the Lord expelled seven devils from
Mary (Luke. 8:2) followed the Lord,
with Apostles through cities and villages of Judea Galilee
preaching the Kingdom of God; together with pious women Joanna,
wife of Choza (steward of Herod), Susanna and others, she served
Him from her own possessions (Luke 8:1-3); According
to Tradition, she took Emperor Tiberias a red egg as a symbol
of the Resurrection, a symbol of new life with the words: "Christ
is Risen!"1st v. Saint Syntyche of Philippi She was a fellow-worker of Saint Paul in spreading the Gospel; She is mentioned by Saint Paul (Philippians 4:2-3) as being a female member of the Church at Philippi and one of those "whose names are in the book of life" (RM) (Benedictines, Encyclopedia). 403 or 404 Phokas The Transfer of the Relics of the Priest-Martyr from Sinope to Constantinople occurred on 22 July in either the year . The account about him is located under 22 September. 668 St. Wandrille Benedictine abbot a noble family and related to Blessed Pepin of Landen, he was sent to the court of the Frankish king Dagobert I 789 St. Theophilus Admiral and martyr. An officer in charge of the Byzantine fleet stationed at Cyprus, he was captured in battle against an Arab fleet, despite the pleas of his officers to retreat when the cause was hopeless. He spent one year in a Muslim prison and was then martyred after he refused to abjure the Christian faith. 1088 Bd Benno, Bishop of Osnabruck; noteworthy work as an architect "official architect" to the Emperor Henry III; sent more than once as imperial envoy to pope St Gregory; founded Iburg monastery 1493 Blessed Augustine Fangi; Miracles during life; raised dead, removed devils, mended broken jar and refilled it; Miracles around the tomb of Augustine of Biella led to his beatification in 1878, after forgotten by everyone, except residents of the little town at the foot of the Alps where he lived; His life noted for piety and regularity, but quite unremarkable for unusual events or venturesome projects, OP (AC) 1619 St Lawrence of Brindisi, Doctor of the Church by Pope John XXIII both a brilliant military tactician as well as a peacemaker; became a Capuchin Franciscan in Verona at 16 and took the name Lawrence excelled at Bible studies; main contributions are in the nine volumes of his sermons (RM) OFM Cap. (also known as Laurence, Lorenzo) 1693 Saint Cornelius of Pereyaslavl sacristan in church, served in the trapeza, also toiled in garden relics incorrupt 1927 Saint Marie Alphonsine saved a girl by lowering down her Rosary Saints and Popes mentioned July 23
Saint Primitiva
of Rome was a very early martyr, probably
of Rome. She may be the same Primitiva celebrated on February
24 (Benedictines). VM (RM)Rasyphus of Rome Rasyphus another very early martyr relics are enshrined in the Pantheon 302 Sts. Trophimus & Theophilus Two Roman martyrs slain under Emperor Diocletian. 433 St. John Cassian Eastern monk and theological writer. He went to Palestine in 380 with a companion, Germanus, and became a monk in Egypt. In 400 he entered into the discipleship of St. John Chrysostom, going to Rome to defend the much-oppressed saint before Pope Innocent I. Ordained in Rome, John started monasteries in southern France, near Marseilles, thus helping to pioneer monasticism in Europe 580 Romula, Redempta, and Herundo 3 Roman maidens lived lives of austerity and prayer near the church of Saint Mary Major; were venerated by Saint Gregory the Great 9th v. Martyrs of Bulgaria war between the Greek emperor, Nicephorus, and the Bulgars (RM) 1340 Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God in Pochaev monastery most venerable sacred items of Orthodox Church 1373 Bridget (Birgitta) of Sweden, Religious visions were written in a book called Revelations 1408—1427 St. George, Recovery of the Holy Relics of the Great Martyr; many signs manifested from it to his church in Old Cairo {Coptic} 1888 "Joy of All Who Sorrow" (With Coins) The Icon of the Mother of God glorified in 1888 at Petersburg Saints and Popes mentioned July 24
250 Christophorus
Christophorus gehört
auch heute zu den beliebtesten Heiligen und um ihn ranken sich
viele Legenden. St. Vincent Roman martyr uncertain year; executed beyond the walls of Rome on the road to Tivoli, Italy. 3rd v. Christina of Tyre To be a saint is not enough just to avoid sin and obey the commandments; a saint is someone who loves God, lives with God and thinks with God. And when a Christian loves, lives, and thinks with God none of the commandments will be a burden to him, nor will he be tempted to do any of the things that are forbidden, since their effect would be to separate him from God. True happiness comes only from God, and to find this happiness in God is the essence of saintliness. The saints who have gone before us show us the path to this happiness by showing us the path to God. Christina Martyr visited by an angel, who instructed her in the true faith in Christ Savior of the world; The angel called her a bride of Christ and told her about her future suffering; angel appeared at night, healing her wounds and strengthening her with food VM (RM) 425 St. Declan First bishop of Ardmore in Ireland, Baptized by St. Colman, and preached the faith in that country a little before the arrival of St. Patrick, who confirmed the episcopal see of Ardmore, in a synod at Cashel in 448. Many miracles are ascribed to St. Declan, ever been much honored in the viscounty of Dessee, ancient Nandesi. 675 Wulfhade and Ruffinus Martyrs of England; according to tradition they were two princes of Mercia who were baptized by St. Chad; martyred at Stone, Staffordshire. 769 Sigolena of Troclar Daughter and early widow of French noblemen of Aquitaine; became a nun in the convent of Troclar on the Tarn in southern France, where she was later chosen as abbess, OSB Abbess (AC) 1015 Boris and Gleb sons 1st Christian prince of Russia St Vladimir of Kiev and Anne of Constantinople the daughter of Emperor Basil II, the Bulgar slayer (Gleb) Passion-Bearers, since they did not resist evil with violence mm ac 1224 Christina the Astonishing "The angels then transported me into Heaven, even to the throne of the Divine Majesty. The Lord regarded me with a favorable eye, and I experienced an extreme joy, because I thought to obtain the grace of dwelling eternally with Him. "But my Heavenly Father, seeing what passed in my heart, said to me these words: "'Assuredly, My dear daughter, you will one day be with Me. Now, however, I allow you to choose, either to remain with Me henceforth from this time, or to return again to earth to accomplish a mission of charity and suffering. In order to deliver from the flames of Purgatory those souls which have inspired you with so much compassion, you shall suffer for them upon earth; you shall endure great torments, without, however, dying from their effects. And not only will you relieve the departed, but the example which you will give to the living, and your life of continual suffering, will lead sinners to be converted and to expiate their crimes. After having ended this new life, you shall return here laden with merits.'" Her body is preserved in the Redemptorist church at Saint-Trond. Her resurrection was witnessed by the whole town and many saw her escape her various tortures unscathed (Mirabilis) V (PC) 1391 Nicholas (Nils) Hermanssön son of Herman and Margaret of Skeninge, was raised to piety; led a life of abstinence; educated in Paris and Orléans, France, in civil and canon law; ordained priest, served as a canon in Sweden, tutor to the sons of Saint Bridget of Sweden; he was a devoted friend. In 1361, appointed archdeacon of Linköping. B (AC) 1444 Bd Felicia of Milan; life of chastity and direct service of God'; a Poor Clare convent of St Ursula at Milan 25 years; her sister followed her example and her brother became a Friar Minor; remarkable in the community for her faultless observance of the rule; perseverance in prayer and penance in spite of diabolical influences active against her. The gentle nun overcame these fierce trials; many miracles 1594 St. John
Boste One of Forty Martyrs of England and Wales; born
at Dufton, at Westmoreland, England; studied at Oxford. Becoming
a Catholic in 1576, he went to Reims and received ordination in
1581. John went back to England where he worked in the northern
parts of the kingdom
1667 Child SchemaMonk
Bogolep
son of Moscow nobleman Yakov Lukich Umakov and wife Ekatarina
Numerous miracles of healing through the prayers of the holy
SchemaMonk Bogolep; the holy lad had repeatedly appeared to many
either in sleep, or awake while walking along the river bank
or coming down the hill 1838 Bl. Joseph Fernandez Dominican martyr of Vietnam. He was sent there in 1805 as an ordained priest and appointed provincial vicar of the mission. He was beheaded. He was beatified in 1988 by Pope John Paul II. Bl. Maria
Pilar Martinez Garcia & Companions Carmelite nun,
with Maria Angeles Valtierra and Teresa Garcia y Garcia.
They were killed in Guadalajara Spain, by communists in the civil
war. Maria Pilar Martinez was an older nun from Tarazona, Zaragoza.
They were beatified in 1987 by Pope John Paul II.
1898 St. Sharbel Makhlouf from the Monastery of St. Maron at Annaya, Lebanon; l lived as a hermit 23 years; Bishop Zayek wrote: “St. Sharbel is called the second St. Anthony
of the Desert, the Perfume of Lebanon, the first Confessor
of the East to be raised to the Altars according to the actual
procedure of the Catholic Church, the honor of our Aramaic
Antiochian Church, and the model of spiritual values and renewal."
Saints and Popes mentioned July 25
44 St. James
the Greater Apostle
Sancti Jacóbi Apóstoli, qui éxstitit beáti Joánnis Evangelístæ frater; et, prope festum Paschæ ab Heróde Agríppa decollátus, primus ex Apóstolis corónam martyrii percépit. Ejus sacra ossa, ab Hierosólymis ad Hispánias hoc die transláta, et in últimis eárum fínibus apud Gallæciam recóndita, celebérrima illárum géntium veneratióne, et frequénti Christianórum concúrsu, religiónis et voti causa illuc adeúntium, pie colúntur. St. James the Apostle, brother of the blessed evangelist John, who was beheaded by Herod Agrippa at about the feast of Easter. He was the first of the apostles to receive the crown of martyrdom. His sacred bones were on this day carried from Jerusalem to Spain, and placed in the remote province of Galicia, where they are devoutly honoured by the far-famed piety of the inhabitants, and the frequent concourse of Christians, who visit them through piety and in fulfillment of vows. Orthodoxe Kirche: 30. April Katholische, Anglikanische und Evangelische Kirche: 25. Juli St JAMES, the brother of St John Evangelist, son of Zebedee, was called the Greater to distinguish him from the other apostle of the same name, surnamed the Less because he was the younger. St James the Greater was by birth a Galilean, and by trade a fisherman with his father and brother, living probably at Bethsaida, where St Peter also dwelt at that time. Jesus walking by the lake of Genesareth saw Peter and Andrew fishing, and He called them to come after Him, promising to make them fishers of men. Going a little farther on the shore, He saw two other brothers, James and John, in a ship, with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and He also called them; who forthwith left their nets and their father and followed Him. Probably by conversing with Peter, their townsman, and by other means, they had before this call a conviction that Jesus was the Christ; and no sooner did they hear His invitation, and felt the divine will directing them, but the same moment they quitted all things to answer this summons. 1st v. Saint Anna mother of the Most Holy Theotokos; daughter of the priest Matthan and his wife Mary. She was of the tribe of Levi and the lineage of Aaron. According to Tradition, she died peacefully in Jerusalem at age 79, before the Annunciation to the Most Holy Theotokos. martyred at Furcona in southern Italy. 304 St. Cucuphas
A
martyr of Spain, also called Cucufate, Cugat,
Guinefort, or Qaqophas; born in a noble family Scillis, Africa
martyred near Barcelona. Prudentius composed verse in his honor,
the Benedictine abbey of St. Cugat de Valles stands on site of
his martyrdom; also venerated in Paris, where some relics are enshrined.
596 St Magnericus, Bishop Of Trier; brought up in the household of St Nicetius, Bishop of Trier, who gave him the priesthood and made him his confidant St. Magnericus First Frankish bishop of Trier, Germany, friend of St. Gregory of Tours, and an illustrious churchman. He was raised by St. Nicetius of Trier, he accompanied that prelate into exile when King Clotaire I retaliated for Nicetius’ reprimands of the royal court. Magnericus returned to Trier, in 566 named bishop; a great devotion to St. Martin of Tours. He also gave shelter to Bishop Theodore of Marseilles in 585. 851 St. Theodemir Monk martyr of Spain, at Cordoba under Muslim Emir Abd al-Rahman II (r. 822-852), because he would not recant his Christian faith. 1444 Saint Macarius of Zheltovod and Unzha; At 12 he left his parents and accepted monastic tonsure at Nizhni -Novgorod Caves monastery under St Dionysius; extreme strict fast, precise fulfillment of monastic rule; at Yellow Lake organized a monastery Name of the Most Holy Trinity, preached Christianity to surrounding Cheremis and Chuvash peoples, baptizing both Mohammedans and pagans in the lake; on the shores of Lake Unzha he founded a new monastery; granted gift healing, more than 50 people received healing from his relics 1572-1582 The Monk Christopher of Sol'vychegodsk and Koryazhemsk was a student and novice under the Monk Longin, hegumen of the Koryazhemsk monastery. After the death of his teacher, the Monk Christopher dwelt for yet another ten years at the Koryazhemsk monastery, and then he settled along the upper tributaries of the Large Koryazhemka, where he lived in solitude. Saints and Popes mentioned July 26
117 Maurus,
Pantaleemon, and Sergius These 3 martyrs are venerated
at Bisceglia on the Adriatic. Their acta describe Maurus as
a native of Bethlehem, sent by Saint Peter to be Bisceglia's
first bishop. MM (RM)Sts. Joachim
and Anne {Saint Gerontius founded the
Skete of St Anna on Mount Athos this day}
1st v. Erastus of Corinth conversion by Saint Paul; helped in evangelization travelling with Saint Timothy from Ephesus to Macedonia especially at Corinth; believed bishop of Philippi in Macedonia and martyred, although Greek tradition says bishop of Philippi Paneas in Palestine.BM (RM) 110 St. Hyacinth Martyr under Trajan, 140 Holy Virgin Martyr Paraskeva
of Rome only daughter of Christian parents, Agathon
and Politia, from her early years she dedicated herself to
God; spent much of her time in prayer and study of the Holy Scriptures;
After parents
death St Paraskeva
distributed all her inheritance to the poor, consecrated
her virginity to Christ. Emulating holy Apostles, she began
to preach to the pagans about Christ, converting many to Christianity.
160
St.
Pastor A
priest of Rome who is reported to have been the brother
of Pope St. Pius I.531 St. Valens Bishop of Verona, Italy, from 524. He faced the barbarian and heretical groups of that era. 1016 St Simeon The Armenian earned a reputation for miracles, and charity 1018, when Polish king Boleslav seized Kiev, St Moses and companions wound up in Poland as captives 1316 Saint Sava III was Archbishop of Serbia from 1305 -1316. He is also commemorated on August 30. 1594 Bl. John Ingram Martyr of Scotland. He was born in Stoke Edith, Herefordshire, in 1565 , and became a convert at Oxford. After conversion, he went to Reims and Rome and was ordained in 1589. Sent to Scotland in 1592, 1594 Blessed George Swallowell and John Ingram convert to Catholicism, was martyred for his priesthood MM (AC) 1641 Bl. William Ward Martyr of England; of his 33 years on the mission, 20 were passed in one prison or another; an excellent spirit, exceeding zealous in God's service; 1837 Luise
Scheppler Als junges Mädchen kam sie für
ein Haushaltsjahr zu Friedrich Oberlin. Hier erfuhr sie das
ganze Leben als einen einzigen Gottesdienst und entfaltete
ihre Gaben. Sie blieb im Haushalt Oberlins und übernahm
nach dem frühen Tod seiner Ehefrau ihre Aufgaben; Nach
dem Tode Oberlins konnte Luise Scheppler noch 11 Jahre im Steintal
wirken und sein Werk fortführen
1864 Father Jacob
(Netsvetov) of Alaska; enrolled in the Irkutsk Theological
Seminary and placed all his hope in Christ by seeking first
the Kingdom of God (Mt. 6:33); Subdeacon on October 1, 1825;
Holy Priesthood March 4, 1828; Father Jacob yearned to return
to his native Alaska; brought his people to a deep commitment
to their own salvation. Being fully bilingual and bicultural, Father
Jacob was uniquely blessed by God to care for the souls of his fellow
Alaskans; bring the light of Christ to the people of the Yukon; performed
exorcism, converted shamans, baptized thousands, and brought warring
tribes together by his example and preaching.
1946 Saint
Alphonsa Muttathupadathu; "Grains of wheat, when ground
in the mill, turn in to flour. With this flour we make the
wafer of the holy Eucharist. Grapes, when crushed in the wine
press, yield their juice. This juice turns into wine. Similarly,
suffering so crushes us that we turn into better human beings."
-Saint Alphonsa to novices Saints and Popes mentioned July 27
532 St. Ecclesius great compassion Bishop of Ravenna, Italy. He served the see from 521 until his death, building San Vitale there, and is revered because of his great compassion. 759 St. Anthusa Abbess tortured by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine V; Anthusa was originally a hermitess, becoming abbess of the convent near Constantinople. Because of her veneration of sacred images, 916 Ss Clement, Bishop of Ochrid, Equal of the Apostles, Naum, Sava, Gorazd and Angelar were Slavs, disciples of Sts Cyril and Methodius (May 11) These Enlighteners of the Slavs were opposed by German missionaries, who had the support of the Pope and the patronage of the Moravian prince Svyatopolk. 1142 Blessed Berthold of Garsten particularly interesting in view of the period that Berthold's zeal manifested itself especially in hearing confessions, both of his own religious and of lay people; led the ordinary life of a monk, dividing time between prayer,study, and work of the house ; but this life is designed to be a means of sanctity, by it Berthold became a saint: in secret he led a life of great penitence, he never ate meat or fish, and spent hours of his short night in private prayer. People came from far and wide to hear him preach and to ask his blessing; , OSB Abbot (AC) 1350 Blessed Lucy Bufalari, OSA V (AC) Born at Castel Porziano, near Rome; cultus confirmed 1832. sister of Blessed John of Rieti, became Augustinian nun at Amelia & prioress invoked against diabolical possession (Benedictines) 1583 Bl. Rudolf Acquaviva Jesuit martyr sent to India, going to the court of Mogul Akbar near Agra. He became superior of the Salsette mission. Rudolf was martyred at Salsette, near Goa, by Hindus, with four companions, including Alfonso Pacheco 1836 St. Bartholomea Capitanjo Foundress of Italian Sisters of Charity of Lovere with St. Vincenzia Gerosa, she was the guiding light of the congregation. Sisters of Charity of Lovere approved in 1840. 1942 Bl. Titus Brandsma Carmelite martyr; sent to various concentration camps where he demonstrated charity and concern; a Carmelite as a young man, he displayed a dazzling intellect and scholarship, receiving ordination as a priest in 1905 earning a doctorate in philosophy at Rome; taught in Dutch universities, lectured in many countries on Carmelite spirituality and mysticism; served as rector magnificus at the Catholic University of Nijmegen; 1935 became ecclesiastical advisor to Catholic journalists; academic and spiritual studies were printed and widely read. Saints and Popes mentioned July 28
64 St. Nazarius
and Celsus Martyrs supposedly beheaded at Milan during the reign
of Emperor Nero. Their relics, however, were discovered in 395
by St. Ambrose of Milan. Nazarius’ blood was still liquid when
his remains were found.Medioláni natális sanctórum Mártyrum Nazárii, et Celsi púeri, quos Anolínus, sub rábie persecutiónis quæ per Nerónem excitáta est, diu macerátos et afflíctos in cárcere, gládio feríri jussit. At Milan, the birthday of the holy martyrs Nazarius and a boy named Celsus. While the persecution excited by Nero was raging, they were beheaded by Anolinus, after long sufferings and afflictions endured in prison. SS Nazarius and Celsus, St Nazarius's father was a heathen, and an officer in the Roman army. His mother was a zealous Christian, and he was instructed by St Peter, or his disciples. Nazarius out of zeal for the salvation of others left Rome, his native city, and preached the faith in many places with a fervour and disinterestedness becoming a disciple of the apostles. Arriving at Milan he was there beheaded, together with Celsus, a youth whom he took with him to assist him on his travels. These martyrs suffered soon after Nero had raised the first persecution. Their bodies were buried separately in a garden outside the city, where they were discovered and taken up by St Ambrose soon after the year 395. In the tomb of St Nazarius the saint's blood was found as fresh and red as if it had been spilt that day. St Ambrose conveyed the bodies of the two martyrs into the church of the Apostles, which he had just built, and a woman was delivered from an evil spirit in their presence. "Hodegetria", Written by the holy Evangelist Luke within the earthly lifetime of the Most Holy Mother of God The Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God, which in Russian means "Putevoditel'nitsa" or "Way-Guide", According to Church tradition written by the holy Evangelist Luke within the earthly lifetime of the MostHoly Mother of God. Sainted-hierarch Dimitrii of Rostov suggests this image was written at the request of Theophilos, governor of Antioch. From Antioch the holy image transferred to Jerusalem. From there the empress Eudokia, the spouse of Arcadius, gave it at Constantinople to Pulcheria the sister of the emperor, who put the holy icon in the Blakhernai church.
The Greek emperor Constantine IX
Monomachos (1042-1054), -- in 1046 having given his daughter Anna
in marriage to prince Vsevolod Yaroslavich, the son of Yaroslav
the Wise, -- blessed her on her way with this icon. After the death
of prince Vsevolod the icon went to his son Vladimir Monomakh, who
transferred it at the beginning of the XII Century into the Smolensk
cathedral church in honour of the Dormition (Uspenie) of the MostHoly
Mother of God.
From that time the icon received
the title of Smolensk Hodegetria.In the year 1238 at the bespeaking
of the icon, the self-sacrificing Orthodox warrior Merkurii
by night penetrated into the camp of Batu and killed many of
the enemy, in which number was also their most powerful warrior.
Having accepted in the fight a martyr's end, he was enumerated by
the Church to the ranks of the Saints (Comm. 24 November).
In the XIV
Century Smolensk came into the possession of the Lithuanian
princes. 199 Victor I, Pope African by birth, Victor succeeded Saint Eleutherius as pope c. 189 the first to use Latin in the celebration of the liturgy (RM) 417 St. Innocent I Pope, succeeding Pope St. Anastasius I, on December 22, 401; he emphasized papal supremacy, commending the bishops of Africa for referring the decrees of their councils at Carthage and Millevis in 416, condemning Pelagianism, to the Pope for confirmation. It was his confirmation of these decrees that caused Augustine to make a remark that was to echo through the centuries: "Roma locuta, causa finitas" (Rome has spoken, the matter is ended); matters of great importance were to be referred to Rome for settlement. 10th v. Saint Irene of Chrysovalantou daughter of a wealthy family from Cappadocia; abbess ; performed many miracles during her life; levitating as she prayed; apples... "for this gift comes from John in Paradise." 1459 Bl. Anthony della Chiesa Dominican superior; companion of St. Bernardino of Siena; one of the leaders opposing the last of the antipopes, Felix V; known miracle worker with an ability to read the consciences of men and women 1750 Johann Sebastian Bach 1942 St. Leopold
Mandic; Western Christians working for greater dialogue
with Orthodox Christians may be reaping the fruits of Father
Leopold’s prayers; taught patrology, the study of the Church
Fathers, to the clerics of his province for several years, but he
is best known for his work in the confessional, where he sometimes
spent 13-15 hours a day. Several bishops sought out his spiritual
advice; he conversed with
Saint Mary, in ecstasy, several times
Saints and Popes mentioned July 29
80 St. Martha,
Mary and their brother Lazarus close friends of Jesus; St.
Martha said to him, ‘Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you
are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the
world’”St. Lazarus The disciple and friend of Jesus raised from the dead by Jesus; brother of Martha and Mary; resided in Bethany suburb of Jerusalem, Israel 119 St. Serapia A slave and martyr, also called Seraphia; the servant of St. Sabina responsible for the Roman noblewoman’s conversion to Christianity. Both were subsequently beheaded during Emperor hadrian persecutions 260 St. Lucilla & Companions Martyr with Antoninus, Eugene, Flora, Theodore, Aucejas, and 18 other companions 284-305 Theodota The Holy widow martyr with her three young children; natives of the city of Nicea, Bithynia; spiritual friendship with St Anastasia; 3rd v. Callinicus Kallinikos (Καλλίνικος) The Holy Martyr , a native of Cilicia, raised from childhood in the Christian Faith. Grieving that many misguided people would perish for eternity because they worshiped idols, he went through the cities and villages to proclaim Jesus Christ and His teachings to the pagans, and with the Word of God; he converted many to Christianity; God caused a miraculous spring of water to gush forth from a stone. 1030 St. Olaf
son of Harold Grenske, a lord in Norway. Olaf Haraldsson,
often called "the Fat", spent his youth as a pirate. He was
baptized in Rouen, and in 1013, went to England to aid King Ethelred
against the Danes. He returned to Norway in 1015, captured most
of Norway back from the Danes and Swedes, defeated Earl Sweyn at
the battle of Nesjar in 1016, became king. He set about unifying and
Christianizing his realm miracles were reported at his shrine
1099 Blessed
Urban
II Pope, Odo of Lagery studied under Saint Bruno at Rheims,
became archdeacon there, and, about 1070, became a Benedictine
monk at Cluny. Saint Hugh named Odo prior; sent to Rome to assist
Pope Gregory VII's Church reform, became chief adviser; named cardinal-bishop
of Ostia 1078; succeeded Blessed Pope Victor III 1392 Saint Roman of Kirzhachsk a coascetic and student of St Sergius, Igumen of Radonezh 1629 Bl. Mancius of the Holy Cross Martyr of Japan, a Dominican tertiary. An elderly native of Japan, he was burned alive at Omura with Blessed Louis Bertran. He was beatified in 1867 1667 Child Schemamonk Bogolep was the son of a Moscow nobleman Iakov Lukich Ushakov and his wife Katherine the holy child repeatedly appeared to many either in sleep, or awake while walking along the river bank, or coming down the hill. He consoled them, promising that he would be present spiritually with believers. 1861 Bl. John Baptist Lo Martyr of China. Originally a humble servant, he was converted to the Christian faith and slain because he refused to recant When tortured by officials 1861 Bl. Joseph Tshang Martyr of China. a native seminarian who, along with three companions, was beheaded. Pope St. Pius X beatified him in 1909 1861 St. Martha Wang Martyr of Tonkin, Vietnam, who was arrested carrying letters from the imprisoned martyrs, Blesseds Joseph Tshang and Paul Tcheng. She was beheaded with them at Tsingai. Martha was beatified in 1909. 1861 Bl. Paul Tcheng Martyr of China. He was a Catholic seminarian when arrested by Chinese authorities and beheaded at Tsingai. He was beatified in 1909 Saints and Popes mentioned July 30
Apostles
of the Seventy The Holy Silas, Silvanus, Crescens, Epenetus
and Andronicus disciples of the Savior.250 St. Abdon A Persian nobleman who suffered martyrdom with his companion, St. Sennen 251 The Hieromartyr Polychronius, Bishop of Babylon; the presbyters Parmenius, Helimenas, and Chrysotelus; the deacons Luke and Mocius; the holy Persian Martyrs Abdon and Sennen; and the holy martyrs Olympius and Maximus suffered during the third century 258 SS. Maxima, Donatilla & Secunda, Virgin Martyrs, in North Africa 287 St. Valerius & Rufinus Martyrs served as missionaries in Gaul before being martyred at Soissons during the first years of the reign of Emperor Diocletian (r. 284-305). [see June 14] 303 SS. Abdon and Sennen, Martyred Persians; ministering to their fellows and burying the bodies of the martyrs; 304 Julitta The Holy Martyred for the faith; a certain pagan stole all her property; when Julitta turned for relief to the courts, her antagonist reported to the judge she was a Christian, which placed her outside the law's protection. 450 St. Peter Chrysologus A man who vigorously pursues a goal may produce results far beyond his expectations and his intentions. Thus it was with Peter of the Golden Words, as he was called, who as a young man became bishop of Ravenna, the capital of the empire in the West. declared a doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XIII 734 St. Tatwine Archbishop of Canterbury from 731. Probably from Mercia, England, he became a monk at Bredon, and eventually was named archbishop of Canterbury in succession to Brithwald. Respected by St. Bede, he was the author of several works, including a grammar and riddles. 1198 St. Hatebrand Benedictine abbot of Olden Kloaster in Frisia, Netherlands. He was a native of that land and Revived Benedictine monatictine there. 1230 Bd Mannes always had an attraction to the contemplative life; brother was St Dominic, founder of the Friars Preachers; excellent preacher 1259 Saint Tsotne Dadiani, a virtuous military leader and the prince of Egrisi, lived mid 13th century; During that time Georgia languished under the yoke of Mongol oppression. 1504 Bl. Edward Powell English martyr, a councilor to Queen Catherine of Aragon, wife of King Henry VIII. A Welshman, Edward was a canon of Salisbury, England, and a fellow of Odd, noted for treatises opposing Martin Luther He served Queen Catherine of Aragon and opposed the spiritual supremacy of Henry VIII. For this he spent six years in prison before being hanged, 1922 Saint Anatole the Younger longed to be a monk from his youth; even though still a deacon received everyone with love; were always crowds of visitors at his cell; very little sleep, since the people would not leave his cell until late at night; always very kind and ready to help anyone who came to him with problems or sorrows; early 1920s St Anatole was mocked and tormented by soldiers of the Red Army; endured much suffering, but continued to receive visitors; gift of wonderworking Saints and Popes mentioned July 31
Righteous
Joseph
of Arimathea a secret disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ;
As a Sanhedrin member he didn't participate "counsel and deed"
of Jews passing death sentence for Jesus Christ.190 St. Calimerius Martyred bishop of Milan, Italy; Greek educated in Rome; disciple of Pope St. Telesphorus; appointed bishop of Milan, preached in the area, and was called “the Apostle of the Valley of the Pa River.” St. Firmus of Tagaste Bishop tortured for defending the whereabouts of one of his Christian members in hiding. Firmus died while protecting his flock; praised by St. Augustine. St. Democritus Martyr with Secundus and Dionysius in either Africa or Phrygia 300 St. Fabius of Mauritania a Roman soldier martyred for refusing to carry standard bearing emblems of idols 448 Germanus (Germain) of Auxerre; high Roman official before priesthood ordination in 418; consecrated bishop of Auxerre' relations with the church in Britain-429 and 447- succeeded completely eradicating Pelagianism; led the Britons to their great "Alleluia" victory over the Saxons 876 St. Neot Hermit counseler to & relative of King Alfred the Great; monk of Glastonbury, England; ordained before departed to become a hermit in Cornwall 1556 St. Ignatius Of Loyola founder of the Jesuits "Give me only your love and your grace. With this I am rich enough, and I have no more to ask." IgnatiusLoyola.jpg Saints and Popes mentioned August 01 |
May |
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today May 31
512 St. Paschasius
Roman deacon who gave
his support to an antipope during
the reign of Pope Symmachus. Pope St.
Gregory I the Great wrote about him.
1839 St. Thomas Du Vietnamese martyr native entered the Dominicans as a tertiary and aided the Catholic cause in Vietnam until his arrest by authorities. He was tortured and finally beheaded. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. 1795 Layman Ibrahim El-Gohari The Departure of the most honored transscribed religion books and distributed them to the church at his own expense. On this day also of the year 1511 A.M. (1795 A.D.), the great layman Ibrahim El-Gohari, departed. He was born in the eighteenth century, and his parents were poor. His fathers name was Yousef El-Gohari whose trade was making clothing in Kalube. They taught him writing and arithmetic, and he excelled in them. He used to transscribe the religion books, and distribute them to the church at his own expense. He brought the books to Pope John (Youhanna) the Eighteenth, and 107th patriarch of Alexandria Who was enthroned from 1486-1512 A.M. (1769-1796 A.D.) 1314 BD JAMES THE VENETIAN holy friar had many ecstasies, was endowed with the gift of prophecy, and miraculously healed a number of paralytics and other sick persons. Although he suffered for four years from cancer, he never complained, appearing always to be cheerful and calm. cultus was sanctioned for Forli in 1526, for Venice by Pope Paul V, and for the Dominicans by Gregory XV. Pope Anastasius IV enjoined 1160 St. Mechtildis nun and Benedictine abbess mystical gifts and miracles to meet the challenge, she allowed herself to be installed as abbess. At first the young, noblewoman was well received, but when she began to enforce the rule, she met opposition. The bishop came to her assistance and expelled the worst malcontents. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today May 30
189 ST ELEUTHERIUS,
POPE274 St. Felix I Pope from 269-274 Pope Callistus III -- Benedict XV-- May 29, 1431 At Rouen, St. Joan of Arc, virgin, called the Maid of Orleans. After fighting heroically for her fatherland, she was at the end delivered into the hands of the enemies, condemned by an unjust judge, and burned at the stake. The supreme Pontiff Benedict XV placed her name on the canon of the saints. 1431 St. Joan of Arc the patroness of soldiers and of France voices "of St. Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret" told Joan to go to the King of France and help him reconquer his kingdom. Joan’s mother and her two brothers appealed for a reopening of the case, and Pope Callistus III appointed a commission for the purpose. Its labours resulted, on July 7, 1456, in the quashing of the trial and verdict and the complete rehabilitation of the Maid. Over four hundred and fifty years later, on May 26, 1920, she was canonized with all the solemnity of the Church. Pope Benedict XV -- 1401 Blessed Andrew Franchi bishop of Pistoia, an office he filled with distinction and holiness for 23 years good religious and an able administrator served as prior in three convents while still quite young, OP B (AC) Pope Clement X in 1671. 1252 St. Ferdinand III of Castile extremely devoted to the Blessed Virgin Patron of engineers conquered the city of Cordoba from the Moors founded the Cathedral of Burgos University of Salamanca a great administrator and a man of deep faith. He founded hospitals and bishoprics, monasteries, chuches, and cathedrals during his reign. He also compiled and reformed a code of laws which were used until the modern era. Ferdinand rebuilt the Cathedral of Burgos and changed the mosque in Seville into a Cathedral. He was a just ruler, frequently pardoning former offenders to his throne; buried in the habit of his secular Franciscan Order 1085 Pope Leo IX -- St. Gregory VII Hildebrand directed his reformer’s attention, first as counselor to the popes and later (1073-1085) as pope The Gregorian Reform, a milestone in the history of Christ’s Church, was named after this man who tried to extricate the papacy and the whole Church from undue control by civil rulers. Against an unhealthy Church nationalism in some areas, Gregory reasserted the unity of the whole Church based on Christ and expressed in the bishop of Rome, the successor of St. Peter. Pope Leo IX, a reformer, was elected. He brought a young monk named Hildebrand to Rome as his counselor and special representative on important missions. He was to become Gregory VII. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today May 29
Pope Pius XI. -- At Paris, St. Madeleine-Sophie
Barat, foundress of the Congregation
of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart,
who devoted her labours for the Christian education
of girls. She was added to the list of
holy virgins by Pope Pius XI. In the December of 1826, in response to a memorandum drawn up by St Madeleine Sophie and presented by her to Pope Leo XII, the Society of the Sacred Heart received formal approbation. Pope Leo XII in 1826. In 1830 the Society's novitiate at Poitiers was closed by the Revolution, and Madeleine founded a new novitiate in Switzerland. By the time of her death in Paris on May 21, she had opened more than 100 houses and schools in twelve countries. She was canonized in 1925. Her feast is observed on the 29th of May. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today May 28
St Leo
the Great --St. Senator Archbishop of Milan, Italy,
and papal legate
to the Council of Chalcedon 451Medioláni sancti Senatóris Epíscopi,
virtútibus et eruditióne
claríssimi.
At Milan, St. Senator, bishop, who was very well known for his virtues and his learning. 475 ST SENATOR, BISHOP OF MILAN
596;
Pope St Gregory
the Great --
May 27, 2010
St. Augustine of Canterbury (d.
605?) WHEN Pope
St Gregory the Great decided that the
time had come for the evangelization of
Anglo-Saxon England, he chose as missionaries
some thirty or more monks from his monastery
of St Andrew on the Coelian Hill. As their
leader he gave them their own prior, Augustine,
whom St Gregory must have esteemed highly to
have made him responsible for a scheme so dear to
his heart. The party set out from Rome in the year 596;
but no sooner had they arrived in Provence than they
were assailed with warnings about the ferocity of the
Anglo-Saxons and the dangers of the Channel. Greatly
discouraged, they persuaded Augustine to return to
Rome and obtain leave to abandon the enterprise. St
Gregory, however, had received definite assurance
that the English were well disposed towards the Christian
faith; he therefore sent Augustine back to his brethren
with words of encouragement which gave them
heart to proceed on their way. They landed in the
Isle of Thanet in the territory of Ethelbert, king of
Kent. How the missionaries sent messengers to Ethelbert,
how he received them sitting under an oak and listened
to their words, how he made over to them a dwelling-place
in Canterbury with the use of the old church of
St Martin, and how he gave them leave to preach among
his subjects, has been already described on February
25, under the article on St. Ethelbert.
WHEN the Church in the East was threatened with schism or lapse into heresy as the result of the vindication of the monophysite Eutyches and the condemnation of St Flavian by the so-called "Robber Synod", St Leo the Great decided to send legates to Constantinople to urge upon the Emperor Theodosius II the calling of a general council at which the true doctrine of our Lord's two natures should be definitely and decisively enunciated. For this mission men of learning, tact and integrity were required, and the pope chose St Abundius, bishop of Como, and a distinguished priest called Senator as being suitable representatives. By the time these envoys reached Constantinople, Theodosius was dead, but their mission resulted in the summoning of the Council of Chalcedon under the Emperor Marcian. The year after his return to Italy, St Senator attended a synod at Milan in the same capacity of papal legate. Upon the death of St Benignus he succeeded to the bishopric of Milan, which he ruled for three years, dying probably in 475. [{616 Ethelbert of Kent, King Not since conversions of Constantine and Clovis had Christendom known an event so momentous} Pope Pius XI appointed 1050 St. Bernard of Montjoux the heavenly patron not only of those who live in or travel across the Alps, but of all mountain climbers. In 1923 Pope Pius XI, in a Latin letter of singular eloquence, proclaimed St Bernard patron of all Alpinists and mountain climbers; the text is in the Acta Apostolicae Sedis, vol. xv (1923), pp. 437—442. Pope Leo XIII beatified Bl. John Shert Priest English martyr Convert studied at Douai and Rome in 1886. Pope Pius XII -- 1645 St. Mariana the lily of Quito practiced great austerities ate hardly anything slept 3 hours a night for years gift of prophesy performed miracles offered herself publicly as a victim for the sins of the people; canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950.] Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today May 27
526 ST JOHN I, POPE AND
MARTYR A Tuscan by birth, John I joined the Roman clergy while still young and was archdeacon when, after the death of St Hormisdas in 523, he was chosen pope. Italy had been for some thirty years ruled by Theodoric the Goth who, though an Arian by birth and by conviction, treated his Catholic subjects with toleration and even with favour during the greater part of his reign. About this time, however, his policy changed—partly as the result of what he regarded as treasonable correspondence between leading members of the Roman Senate and Constantinople, partly in consequence of severe measures against Arians enacted by the Emperor Justin I. Pope Gregory -- 735 Saint Bede a church historian who
recorded the history of Christianity
in England up to his own time
He was probably born around 673 in Northumbria. We do not know exactly where he was born, but it is likely that it was somewhere near Jarrow. When he was seven, Bede was sent to St Benedict Biscop (January 12) at the monastery of St Peter at Wearmouth to be educated and raised. Then he was sent to the new monastery of St Paul founded at Jarrow in 682, where he remained until his death. There he was guided by the abbot St Ceolfrith (September 25), who succeeded St Benedict in 690, ruling both Wearmouth and Jarrow. My principal authority and aid in this work was the learned and reverend Abbot Albinus; who, educated in the Church of Canterbury by those venerable and learned men, Archbishop Theodore of blessed memory, and the Abbot Hadrian, transmitted to me by Nothhelm, the pious priest of the Church of London, either in writing, or by word of mouth of the same Nothhelm, all that he thought worthy of memory, that had been done in the province of Kent, or the adjacent parts, by the disciples of the blessed Pope Gregory, as he had learned the same either from written records, or the traditions of his ancestors. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today May 26
2nd v. St. Eleutherius, pope and martyr, who converted
to the Christian faith many noble
Romans
Pope Gregory, -- 1258 Blessed Eva of Liege enthusiastic purpose obtain the institution of a feast in honor of the Blessed Pope Pope St. Eleutherius -- St. Dyfan He is also called Deruvianus and Damian Mssioary to the Britons sent by Pope St. Eleutherius when a local Briton king requested missionaries from the pope Urban IV -- Sacrament. --granted by Pope Urban IV At Canterbury in England, St. Augustine, bishop, who was sent there with others by blessed Pope Gregory, and who preached the Gospel of Christ to the English nation. Celebrated for virtues and miracles, he went peacefully to his rest in the Lord. The 28th of May is observed as his feast. Pope Gregory XIII -- 1595 Saint Philip Neri Patron of Rome showed the humorous side of holiness. However, in 1575, new society received formal approbation of Pope Gregory XIII, who afterwards gave to it the ancient church of Sta Maria in Vallicella. Pope Pius XII
-- 1645 In the city of Quito in Ecuador,
St. María
Ana de Jesù de Paredes, a third
order Franciscan, well known for
her austerity and charity towards her neighbour.
Pope Pius XII numbered her in the
book of Virgins.
Pope John Paul II -- 1861 St. John Hoan Martyr of Vietnam a Vietnamese priest beheaded during the anti-Christian persecutions. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. Pope John Paul II -- 1861 St. Matthew Phuong Martyr of Vietnam A native catechist and an ardent Christian Matthew was arrested by government officials for his faith. He was tortured and then beheaded. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today May 25
Assísii, in Umbria, item Translátio sancti Francísci Confessóris, témpore Gregórii Papæ Noni. At Assisi in Umbria, the translation of St. Francis, confessor, in the time of Pope Gregory IX. At Rome, on the Via Nomentana, the birthday of blessed Urban, pope and martyr, by whose exhortation and teaching many persons, among whom were Tiburtius and Valerian, received the faith of Christ and suffered martyrdom for it. He himself endured many afflictions for the Church of God, and was crowned with martyrdom by being beheaded in the persecution of Alexander Severus. Pope Damasusb 384 St. Maximus & Victorinus Pope St Damasus. -- Martyrs of France, brothers sent by Pope Damasus to preach in Gaul. They were martyred by pagans at Evreux. The virtues and learning of Zenobius won him the friendship of St Ambrose of Milan, by whose advice he was called to Rome by Pope St Damasus. Pope Sergius -- Although eagerly sought by kings and other notables, even Pope Sergius, Bede managed to remain in his own monastery till his death. Only once did he leave for a few months in order to teach in the school of the archbishop of York. Bede died in 735 praying his favorite prayer: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As in the beginning, so now, and forever.” 1085 Pope Gregory VII At Salerno, the death of blessed, a most zealous protector and champion of Church liberty. Pope St. Gregory VII (HILDEBRAND). Salérni deposítio beáti Gregórii Séptimi, Papæ et Confessóris, ecclesiásticæ libertátis propugnatóris ac defensóris acérrimi. At Salerno, the death of blessed Pope Gregory VII, a most zealous protector and champion of Church liberty. One of the greatest of the Roman pontiffs and one of the most remarkable men of all times; born between the years 1020 and 1025, at Soana, or Ravacum, in Tuscany; died 25 May, 1085, at Salerno. His name was added to the Roman Martyrology (wherein he is called not Sanctus but Beatus) by Cardinal Baronius, and his feast was given to all the Western church by Pope Benedict XIII in 1728—much to the indignation of Gallican churchmen in France. Pope Pius XI. -- At Paris, St. Madeleine-Sophie Barat, foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, who devoted her labours for the Christian education of girls. She was added to the list of holy virgins by Pope Pius XI. In the December of 1826, in response to a memorandum drawn up by St Madeleine Sophie and presented by her to Pope Leo XII, the Society of the Sacred Heart received formal approbation. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today May 24
624 St Mellitus
of Canterbury Roman abbot 1 of
2nd band of monks sent by Pope Saint
Gregory the Great to England in 601 in the
wake of Saint Augustine; OSB B (RM)
In 604, after three years of mission work in Kent, Mellitus was consecrated the first bishop of the East Saxons, with his see in London. As bishop, St Mellitus of Canterbury travelled to Rome to consult with Pope Saint Boniface IV. While in Rome Mellitus participated in a synod of Italian bishops concerning the life of monks and their relationship to bishops. The decrees of the synod he carried back to England, together with letters from the pope to Archbishop Saint Laurence of Canterbury and King Ethelbert of Kent, who had built the first church of St. Paul in London. Pope Leo IX -- 1089 Blessed Lanfranc of Canterbury; taught law in Pavia, monk, prior archbishop of Canterbury in 1070 Lanfranc's De Sacramento Corporis et Sanguinis Christi became the classic statement of transubstantiation in the Middle Ages OSB B (PC) He became embroiled in the quarrel over the Eucharist with Berengarius and was brought by Pope Leo IX to the Councils of Rome and Vercelli in 1050, where Berengarius was condemned. Benedict XIV and Pius VI.-- 1298 St. Gerard de Lunel Franciscan tertiary who made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land; patron of Monte Santo Patron saint of Monte Santo, near Ancona, Italy, also called Gerius. He was a Franciscan tertiary who made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He died in Monte Santo on his way back from his homeland of France. His cult was approved by popes Benedict XIV and Pius VI. Pope Benedict XIV -- 1622 (Mark Rey) Fidelis of Sigmaringen example of religious devotion and goodness to the poor "the Poor Man's Lawyer." OFM Cap. M (RM) Born in Sigmaringen, Hohenzollern, Germany, in 1577; died at Grüsch, Grisons, Switzerland, on April 24, 1622; canonized by Pope Benedict XIV in 1746. Pope Urban VIII-- 1636 St. John del Prado Franciscan martyr of Morocco zeal attracted attention Islamic authorities thrown into prison in chains patiently endured torture until death Bd John of Prado was beatified in 1728, and he is one of the few beati named in the Roman Martyrology. Bd John’s term of office had just expired and he begged to be sent to the relief of the Christians. Pope Urban VIII accordingly named him missionary apostolic with special powers. Accompanied by Father Matthias and Brother Genesius, he arrived in Morocco and immediately embarked upon the work of ministering to the Christian slaves. Pope Pius XII-- 1837 Anne Mary Taigi; Endowed with the gift of prophecy, she read thoughts and described distant events incorruptible. Born on Noirmoutier Island, Brittany, France, in 1796; died at Angers, France, on April 24, 1868; beatified in 1933; canonized in 1940 by Pope Pius XII. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today May 23
At Norcia, Saints
Eutychius and Florentius, monks, mentioned
by the blessed Pope Gregory.Pope Gregory the Great -- Desiderius was born at Autun, Gaul, and also known as Didier. He became bishop of Vienne. His enforcement of strict clerical discipline, his attachs on simony, and his denunciation of the immorality of Queen Brunhildis' court made him many enemies. He was denounced by the queen for paganism to Pope Gregory the Great who completely exonerated him, but was banished by a synod controlled by Brunhildis. Desiderius returned four years later but was murdered by three followers of King Theodoric, whom he had publicly censured. St. Michael of Synnadawas bishop of Synnada, Phrygia, in modem Turkey. He carried a synodal document from St. Tarasius to Pope St. Leo III in Rome. An enemy of the Iconoclast heretics in the Byzantine Empire, Michael was exiled to Galatia by Emperor Leo V the Armenian. Bd Urban II-- Ivo of Chartres people demanded Ivo for their bishop. He was very unwilling to emerge from his retirement, but Bd Urban II confirmed his election and Ivo set out for Capua, where he was consecrated by the pope, who subsequently checked the endeavours of Richerius, archbishop of Sens, to reinstate Geoffrey. Pope Alexander IV -- St. William of Rochester alleged that William was canonized by Pope Alexander IV in 1256. What is certain is that before this time there was already a shrine of "St William" in Rochester Cathedral, which was a notable centre of popular devotion. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today May 22
Pope
John Paul II -- 1857 St. Michael
Ho-Dinh-Hy native Martyr of Vietnam
arrested for his Christian activitiesA native of Vietnam, he was born to Christian parents and was by profession a wealthy silk trader and superintendent of the royal silk mills. He did not practice the faith until late in life, becoming then protector of the Christian community. He was arrested for his Christian activities, suffering beheading. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 1988. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today May 20
Pope
Martin V --
1444 St. Bernardine
of Siena He was called the "People's
Preacher"
They went so far as to denounce him
to Pope Martin V, who for
a time commanded him to keep silence. However,
an examination of his doctrine and conduct
led to a complete vindication and he
received permission to preach wherever
he liked. The same pope, in 1427, urged
him to accept the bishopric of Siena, but
he refused it, as he afterwards declined the
sees of Ferrara and of Urbino. His excuse was that
if he were confined to one diocese he could no
longer minister to so many souls.
Pope Pius XII -- Bernardino was made the patron saint of advertisers and advertising in 1956 by Pope Pius XII because of his ability to illuminate the Catholic faith to audiences by the use of simple language and telling symbols. He is invoked against hoarseness, which he suffered in his early days of preaching, and is believed to have been cured by a prayer to the Blessed Virgin (White). Pope Alexander VI -- 1501 Blessed Columba of Rieti pious mystics of the third order of Saint Dominic raising of a dead child to life especially devoted to Our Lady modeled after Saint Catherine of Siena to OP Tert. V (AC) when the pope he came to Perugia asked specially to see her, and was so impressed that at a later date he sent his treasurer to consult her on certain secret projects-only to receive reproaches and warnings the details of which were never made public. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today May 19
Born 1215 - D. 1296 St.
Celestine V
Pope -- 1294 St.
Celestine
V Pope Born 1212 The birthday of
St. Peter of Moroni who, while leading the life of an anchoret,
was created Sovereign Pontiff and called Celestine
V. He later abdicated the pontificate, and led a religious
life in solitude, where, renowned for virtues and miracles,
he went to the Lord.Pope Paschal 1 (817—824) Praxedes and Pudentiana stand together first in the list of the virgins whose bodies were transferred from the catacombs to the church of Praxedes by Pope Paschal 1 (817—824). 2nd v. Pudens Roman senator baptized by the Apostles father of the martyr Pudentiana M (RM) 2nd century 160 Pudentiana of Rome titulus Pudentis or ecclesia Pudentiana in Rome her father's palace considered most ancient in world. Pope John XII -- 988 St. Dunstan Kyrie Rex splendens Cantuáriæ, in Anglia, sancti Dunstáni Epíscopi. -- St Dunstan, upon whom he bestowed first the see of Worcester and afterwards that of London. Upon Edwy’s death in 959 the kingdom was reunited under Edgar, and St Dunstan became archbishop of Canterbury. Upon going to Rome to receive the pallium he was appointed by Pope John XII a legate of the Holy See. Pope Innocent XII. -- 1246 Blessed Humiliana de'Cerchi, OFM Tert. (AC) Born in Florence, Italy, in 1220; cultus approved by Pope Innocent XII. 1294 St. Celestine V Pope Born 1212 The birthday of St. Peter of Moroni Born 1215, in the Neapolitan province of Moline; elected at Perugia 5 July, 1294; consecrated and crowned at Aquila, 29 August; abdicated at Naples, 13 Dec., 1294; died in the castle of Fumone, 19 May, 1296. Pope Nicholas IV appointed 1309 Blessed Augustine Novello, became prior general of the Augustinian friars, confessor to the pope, and legate. He spent the last nine years of his life as a hermit OSA (AC) penitentiary to the papal court, and Boniface VIII sent him as legate to Siena Pope Pius XI. -- 1740 St. Theophilus of Corte Franciscan reformer. Born Biagio Arrighi at Corte, Corsica, Italy ordained at Naples, taught at Civitella, and then embarked upon a mission to promote the faith in Corsica and Italy At Fucecchio in Etruria, St. Theophilus of Curte, confessor and priest of the Order of Friars Minor, who was canonized by Pope Pius XI. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today May 18
526 St. Pope
John I Martyr succeeded
persuading Emperor Justin I mitigate
treatment of Arians avoid reprisals
against Catholics in Italy visit
brought reconciliation of Western
and Eastern Churches plagued by a schism
since 482 when Zeno's Henoticon had been
publishedPopes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today May 16
Pope Lucius III -- 1100 Silaus of Lucca Irish monk abbot of Saint Brendan's monastery zealous and charitable bishop B (AC) (also known as Silave, Silanus, Sillaeus, Sillao, Siollan) Born in Ireland; died at Lucca, Italy, in 1100; canonized by Pope Lucius III in 1183; Pope Leo XIII -- 1592 St. Paschal Baylon Franciscan lay brother mystic At Villareal in Spain, St. Paschal of the Order of Friars Minor, confessor. He was a man remarkable for innocence of life and the spirit of penance, whom Pope Leo XIII declared to be the heavenly patron of Eucharistic Congresses and of societies formed to honour the Most Blessed Sacrament. Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI -- { 2013 } Catholic Church In China { article here} 1648 to1930 St. Augustine Zhao Rong and 120 Companions Christianity arrived in China by way of Syria -- 600s. Depending on China's relations with outside world, Christianity for centuries was free to grow or forced to operate secretly. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today May 16
Pope Sixtus II -- At Auxerre, the passion
of St. Peregrinus, first
bishop of that city. He was sent
into France with other clerics by the blessed
Pope Sixtus II, and having accomplished his
work of preaching the Gospel, he was
condemned to capital punishment, and merited for
himself an everlasting crown.Pope Honorius II -- In 1126 St Ubald was chosen bishop of Perugia; but he hid himself so that the deputies from that city could not find him; then he went to Rome, threw himself at the feet of Pope Honorius II and begged that he might be excused. His request was granted but when, two years later, the see of Gubbio fell vacant, the pope himself directed that the clergy should elect Ubald. Pope Innocent IV in the year 1247 -- St. Simon Stock Scapular of Mount Carmel the Virgin Mary appeared to him holding the brown scapular in one hand. Her words were: "Receive, my beloved son, this scapular of thy Order; it is the special sign of my favor, which I have obtained for thee and for thy children of Mount Carmel. We have every reason to believe that about the same time the rule, which was originally drafted for hermits primarily intent upon their own individual perfection, had to be substantially modified now that the members of the order were becoming mendicant friars, busied with preaching and the work of the ministry. This revision was carried through and a preliminary approval was granted by Pope Innocent IV in the year 1247 itself. In 1252 a letter of protection was obtained from the same pontiff to secure them from the molestations of certain of the clergy, for the success of the White Friars had provoked jealousy and hostility in many quarters. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today May 15
Pope
Pius XII --
1719
ST JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE, FOUNDER
OF THE BROTHERS OF THE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS
in 1950
Pope Pius XII declared him the heavenly
patron of all school-teachers.Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today May 14
Pope
Pius XII. -- St. Maria
Dominic Mazzarello
was the first superior general in
1872 when St. John Bosco received approval
from Pope Pius IX. The Salesian Sisters,
as they are called, spread rapidly. By
1900, there were nearly eight hundred foundations.
St. Maria Dominic Mazzarello
died on April 27 at
Nizza Monferrato and was canonized
in 1951 by Pope Pius XII.Pope St. Gregory the Great. -- 6th v St. Boniface Bishop of Ferentino, Italy, renowned for sanctity and miracles from his childhood, commemorated by Pope St. Gregory the Great. Pope St Gregory VII -- 1835 BD MAGDALEN DI CANOSSA, VIRGIN, FOUNDRESS OF THE CANOSSIAN DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY: spent her time giving religious instruction, working in hospitals and looking after children. IN the foothills of the Appenine mountains, some eighteen miles from Parma, stand the few remains of the once mighty castle of Canossa. It was here, while the guest of Matilda, Countess of Tuscany, in the winter of 1076-77, that Pope St Gregory VII received that ostensible submission of Henry IV of Germany whose circumstances have been so much exaggerated and significance misunderstood. And it was the family of this Countess Matilda that seven hundred years later produced Magdalen Gabriela, Marchioness of Canossa, a "valiant woman" of a somewhat different stamp. Pope Pius XI said that "Many are charitable enough to help and even to serve the poor, but few are able deliberately to become poor with the poor", and that that is exactly what Bd Magdalen did. 1835 BD MAGDALEN DI CANOSSA, VIRGIN, FOUNDRESS OF THE CANOSSIAN DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY Pope Pius XII added him to the roll of saints. 1863 Saint Michael Garicoits, priest, combat Jansenism by the custom of frequent communion & introducing Sacred Heart devotions; Society of Priests of the Sacred Heart of Bétharram was approved by the Holy See 14 years after his death Pope Pius XII -- At Nizza Monferrato in Italy, St. Mary Dominica Mazzarello, co-founder of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and renowned for her humility, prudence and charity. She was added to the book of Virgins by Pope Pius XII. Pope Pius IX -- on an autumn evening in 1865 Don Bosco himself with some of his boys came on a holiday excursion to Mornese. The Daughters of Mary Immaculate knelt for his blessing, and Mary Mazzarello said, “I feel that Don Bosco is a saint”. On that saint’s advice, the parish priest,
Don Pestarino, put up a building for a boys’ college in Mornese. But Don
Bosco had been talking with Pope Pius IX about his project for a
congregation of nuns to carry out among girls the educational work that
the Salesians were doing for boys; and it so happened that the bishop of
Acqui, Mgr Sciandra, for good reasons of his own, did not want a college
in Mornese. Accordingly, on
May 29, 1872, the people of Mornese
woke up to find that the new building
was occupied by a community of nuns.
Its nucleus was drawn from among the local
Daughters of Mary Immaculate; Mary Mazzarello,
now thirty-five years old, was the
superioress, and the convent was on the
very site where, years before, she had
had some sort of vision of a building filled
with children being looked after by habited religious.
Thus began the congregation of the Daughters
of Our Lady Help of Christians, sometimes called
Salesian Sisters.
Pope Pius XII. -- She was born near Genoa, Italy, and joined the Pious Union of Mary Immaculate while young. Her institute formed slowly, aided by St. John Bosco, despite her bout with typhoid. St. Maria Dominic Mazzarello was the first superior general in 1872 when St. John Bosco received approval from Pope Pius IX. The Salesian Sisters, as they are called, spread rapidly. By 1900, there were nearly eight hundred foundations. St. Maria Dominic Mazzarello died on April 27 at Nizza Monferrato and was canonized in 1951 by Pope Pius XII. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today; May 13
Pope Clement VIII -- 100 St. Nereus
and Achilleus Martyrs
of the Roman military baptized
by St. Peterwere
beheaded, and their revered remains,
with those of Flavia
Domitilla, were, by order of Pope
Clement VIII, solemnly transferred
the day before this, from the sacristy
of St. Adrian to the church in which
they had been kept in the first place, and which
was now repaired.
Pope St Damasus -- Nereus and Achilleus were pretorian soldiers—as we know from the inscription Pope St Damasus placed on their tomb. The excavations of de Rossi in that catacomb in 1874 resulted in the discovery of their empty tomb in the underground church constructed by Pope St Siricius in 390. All, therefore, that we can with any confidence affirm regarding SS. Nereus and Achilleus is what we can gather from the inscription which Pope Damasus wrote in their honour towards the close of the fourth century. The text is known from the reports of travellers who read it when the slab was still entire, but the broken fragments which de Rossi found in his excavation of the cemetery of Domitilla in the last century are sufficient to identify it beyond possible doubt. Pope Symmachus. -- Pancras was, it is said, in his fourteenth year when he was beheaded for the faith under Diocletian. He was buried in the cemetery of Calepodius, which afterwards took his name, and about the year 500 a basilica was built or rebuilt over his tomb by Pope Symmachus. Pope St Gregory II, St Germanus 732 Germanus of Constantinople patriarch "When we show reverence to representations of Jesus Christ, we do not worship paint laid on wood: we worship the invisible God in spirit and in truth."B (RM) received an answer, still preserved to us, in which the pope expresses his deep appreciation of the patriarch’s vindication of Catholic doctrine and tradition. Pope Leo III -- Through the intervention of Blessed Alcuin (Born in York, England, c. 735; died at Saint Martin's in Tours, France, May 19, 804. Alcuin studied under Saint Edbert at the York cathedral school, was ordained a deacon there, and, in 767), Ethelhard was restored to Canterbury the following year. In 802, Pope Leo III re-established Canterbury to its former status, put aside the idea of moving the metropolitan see to London, and abolished the see of Lichfield. Pope Pius X-- 1429 BD GEMMA OF SOLMONA, VIRGIN Born in Bologna, Italy, in 1322; died there on the Feast of the Ascension, May 13, 1333; cultus confirmed in 1826; named patron of first communicants by Pope Pius X. The second secret was a vision of hell. Pope John Paul II directed the Holy See's Secretary of State to reveal the third secret in 2000; it spoke of a 'bishop in white' who was shot by a group of soldiers who fired bullets and arrows into him. Many people linked this to the assassination attempt against Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square on May 13, 1981. Comment: The message of Fatima is simple: Pray. Pope Boniface IV Pope Gregory IV -- At Rome, in the time of Emperor Phocas, the dedication of the church of St. Mary of the Martyrs, formerly a temple of all the gods, called the Pantheon, which was purified and dedicated by the blessed Pope Boniface IV to the honour of the Blessed Mary ever Virgin, and of all the martyrs. The solemn anniversary of this dedication was later ordered to be kept by Pope Gregory IV as the Feast of All Saints on the 1st of November. Pope Julius-- Bishop Servatus of Tongres (Belgium) hosted Saint Athanasius, when the latter was an exile in the West because of the Arian persecutions. He strenuously defended his friend and the cause of orthodoxy, especially at the council of Sardica (Sofia convoked by the Emperors Constans and Constantius at the urgent entreaty of Pope Julius held most probably in 343). Pope St Gregory the Great-- The work of predilection of St Euthymius was the translation of sacred books from Greek into Iberian, and George the Hagiorite names over sixty for which the Iberian church was indebted to him. Among them were biblical commentaries, writings of St Basil, St Gregory of Nyssa, St Ephrem and St John Damascene, the Institutes of St John Cassian, and the Dialogues of Pope St Gregory the Great. Pope Clement VIII --St Robert Bellarmine taking the leading part on a papal commission appointed by Pope Clement VIII to edit and make ready for publication the new revision of the Vulgate Bible, which had been called for by the Council of Trent. An edition had indeed already been completed during the reign of Sixtus V and under that pope’s immediate supervision, but it contained many errors due to defective scholarship and to a fear of making important alterations in the current text. Paul V, who was elected pope three years later, at once insisted upon retaining Cardinal Bellarmine by his side, and the archbishop accordingly resigned his see. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today; May 12
1055-1057
Pope Victor II
granted
ST
WALTER OF L’ESTERP
special faculties
for dealing with penitents—including
the right to excommunicate
and to restore to communion
so great was his reputation for
converting sinners.Pope St Leo III (795—816) 475 St Mamertius Archbishop of Vienne originator of the penitential practice of abrogation days known for his learning St Mamertus well known in ecclesiastical history is his institution of the penitential processions on what we now call the Rogation Days, the three days preceding the feast of the Ascension. These are the Litaniae Snores, which in the time of Pope St Leo III (795—816) were adopted in Rome itself, Frankish influence, under the Emperor Charlemagne, thus making itself felt throughout the whole of western Christendom. Clement, Pope of Rome 885 885 Sts Cyril and Methodius, Equals Apostles, Slavs Enlighteners discovered relics Clement, Pope 1055-157 Pope Victor II With untiring zeal he combated, like his predecessor, against simony and clerical concubinage. Being well supported by the emperor, he often succeeded where Leo IX had failed. On Pentecost Sunday, June 4, 1055, he held a large synod at Florence, in presence of the emperor and 120 bishops, where former decrees against simony and incontinence were confirmed and several offending bishops deposed. To King Ferdinand of Spain he sent messengers with threats of excommunication if he should continue in his refusal to acknowledge Henry III as Roman Emperor. Ferdinand submitted to the papal demands. Before the emperor returned to Germany he transferred to the pope the duchies of Spoleto and Camerino. Early in 1056 Victor II sent Hildebrand back to France to resume his labours against simony and concubinage, which he had begun under Leo IX. He appointed the archbishops Raimbaud of Arles and Pontius of Aix papal legates to battle against the same vices in Southern France. Pope Victor II -- So great was 1070 St. Walter Augustinian abbot for thirty-eight years of L'Esterp famed as confessor had an ardent zeal for souls: Walter is repeatedly referred to by the chroniclers of that age as a man of outstanding holiness, whose undertakings were marvellously blessed by Heaven reputation for converting sinners that Pope Victor II granted him special faculties for dealing with penitents—including the right to excommunicate and to restore to communion. For the last seven years of his life he was blind, but he continued his activities until his death. Pope Benedict XIV -- In the Prato edition of the Opera Omnia of Pope Benedict XIV, vol. vi (1842), pp. 35—36, will be found a summary of the evidence presented to establish the fact of the immemorial cultus paid to Bd Albert of Bergamo. 1279 Bl Albert of Bergamo Dominican tertiary pious farmer miracle worker to benefit others Pope Pius X -- The decree by which Pope Pius X confirmed 1300 Bl Vivaldus who nursed Bartholomew, leper, for twenty years, OFM Tert. (AC) cultus may be read in the Analecta Ecclesiastica for 1908, p. 145, Pope Gregory XVI -- 1716 St. Francis Jerome famous Jesuit preacher credited with miracles, attributing numerous cures to the intercession of Saint Cyrus (Jan 31) From the outset his preaching attracted huge congregations and was rewarded by such excellent results that he was set to train other missionaries. canonized by Pope Gregory XVI. Pope Pius XII -- 1781 Saint Ignatius of Laconi Capuchin questor for 40 years as a child found daily at church doors before dawn waiting in prayer to be opened levitation in prayer gifts of prophecy and miracles of healing . At Cagliari in Sardinia, St. Ignatius of Laconi, confessor, of the Minor Order of Capuchins, distinguished for his humility, charity and miracles. He was accorded the honour of canonization by Pope Pius XII. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today; May 11
Pope
John Paul II --
He, Father Damen
of Molokai, contracted leprosy
and died in 1899. Pope John Paul II beatified
him in 1995.Pope Callistus -- Caleposius, who was killed with the
sword by order of Emperor Alexander. His body was dragged through
the city and thrown into the Tiber. It was afterwards found and buried
by Pope Callistus.
The consul Palmatius was also beheaded
with his wife, his sons, and forty-two
of both sexes belonging to his household;
likewise the senator Simplicius with
his wife, and sixty-eight of his house;
Felix also with his wife Blanda.
Pope Damasus -- 362 St. Gordian died in Rome a mere boy; Gordian died in Rome in 362, and was described by Pope Damasus as a mere boy. 250 Epimachus Epimachus was a martyr of Alexandria, Egypt, in 250. His relics were brought to Rome, and those of Gordian were placed in his tomb. This cult is now confined to local calendars. Pope Eugenius summoned Antoninus to Rome in order to receive the last sacraments from the holy bishop before dying in his arms on February 23, 1447. Pope Nicholas V -- Because of his reputation for wisdom and ability, Antoninus was often called upon to help in public affairs civil & ecclesiastical. Pope Nicholas V sought his advice on matters of church and state, forbade any appeal to be made to Rome from the archbishop's judgements, and declared that Antonino in his lifetime was as worthy of canonization as the dead Bernardino of Siena (Born in Massa Marittima (near Siena), Tuscany, Italy, on September 8, 1380; died in Aquila, Italy, May 20, 1444;), whom he was about to raise to the altars. Pope Pius II assisted at his funeral, when he was buried in San Marco's church. Pius eulogized Antoninus as one who "conquered avarice and pride, was outstandingly temperate in every way, was a brilliant theologian, and popular preacher." the canonization of Saint Antoninus was decreed by the short-lived Pope Adrian VI (August 31, 1522, to September 14, 1523), whose ideas for church reform were radical and drastic. His body was found uncorrupted in 1559, when it was translated with pomp and solemnity into a chapel richly adorned by the two brothers Salviati Pope John Paul II -- St. Peter Van native catechist Vietnamese
martyr. He
was arrested by authorities
and beheaded. Pope John Paul II canonized
him in 1988.
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today; May 09
Pope Eugenius
IV held Blessed
Nicholas Albergati archbishop
cardinal in the highest esteem; he consulted
him in almost all things, made
him chief penitentiary, and came
to see him frequently when he was ill.1431 1447 Pope Eugenius IV Gabriello Condulmaro, or Condulmerio, b. at Venice, 1388; elected 4 March, 1431; d. at Rome, 23 Feb., 1447. He sprang from a wealthy Venetia family and was a nephew, on the mother's side, of Gregory XII. His personal presence was princely and imposing. He was tall, thin, with a remarkably winning countenance. Coming at an early age into the possession of great wealth, he distributed 20,000 ducats to the poor and, turning his back upon the world, entered the Augustinian monastery of St. George in his native city. At the age of twenty-four he was appointed by his uncle Bishop of Siena; but since the people of that city objected to the rule of a foreigner, he resigned the bishopric and, in 1408, was created Cardinal-Priest of St. Clement. He rendered signal service to Pope Martin V by his labours as legate in Picenum (March of Ancona) and later by quelling a sedition of the Bolognesi. In recognition of his abilities, the conclave, assembled at Rome in the church of the Minerva after the death of Martin V, elected Cardinal Condulmaro to the papacy on the first scrutiny. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today; May 07
Pope St. Sixtus I. -- 193 St. Dionysius Bishop of Vienne, in Dauphine, France, successor of St. Justus 1/of 10 missionaries sent with St. Peregrinus to Gaul, by Pope St. Sixtus I. Pope Gelasius -- 496 St Michael Archangel appeared on Mount Gargano {San Giovanni Rotondo is there} in Apulia, South Italy, in the days of Pope Gelasius to bishop of Siponto 615 Boniface IV, Pope student under Gregory the Great converted Roman temple of gods {Pantheon} into a Christian church dedicated to Our Lady and all saints corresponded with Saint Columba (RM) 618 ST DEUSDEDIT, POPE 685 St Benedict II, Pope Scripture scholar and an expert in sacred chants amended the process to speed approval of papal elections by having the exarch of Ravenna confirm Papal elections patron saint of Europe brought to orthodoxy Macarius, ex-patriarch of Antioch, from Monothelitism, restored Roman churches upheld cause of Saint Wilfred of York Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today; May 07
Pope Pelagius I -- At Rome, the translation of the body of St. Stephen protomartyr, which was brought from Constantinople to Rome by Pope Pelagius I, and laid in the sepulchre of the martyr St. Lawrence in the Agro Verano, where it is honoured with great devotion by the pious faithful. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today; May 06
For it to
be right and good, devotion to
the Mother of God ought to spring
from the heart;
What this most prudent
Virgin said to the servants at
the marriage feast of Cana she addresses
also to us: acts of the body have here neither utility nor value if the acts of the soul have no part in them. Now these latter can only have one object, which is that we should fully carry out what the divine Son of Mary commands. "Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye" (Jn 2:5). Now here is the word of Jesus Christ: "If you would enter into life, keep the commandments" (Mt 19:17). Let them each one fully convince himself of this, that if his piety towards the Blessed Virgin does not hinder him from sinning, or does not move his will to amend an evil life, it is a piety deceptive and lying, wanting as it is in proper effect and its natural fruit. Saint Pius X
Encyclical Letter Ad Diem Illum Laetissimum,
February 2, 1905
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today; May 05
1572
ST
PIUS V. POPE MICHAEL GHISLIERI confessor of the
Order of Preachers1572 ST PIUS V. POPE Sancti
Pii Quinti, ex Ordine Prædicatórum,
Papæ
et Confessóris, qui Kaléndis
mensis hujus obdormívit
in Dómino.Pope St.
Pius V, confessor of the Order of Preachers,
who went to sleep in the Lord on
the 1st of May.
|
Pope
Alexander II
-- Nothing less than a
decree issued by Pope Alexander II
was required
before Robert (1110 Robert
of Molesme one of Cistercian
founders movement a great
reformer OSB Cist. Abbot
RM) and the hermits
could come together again;
the decree appointed him their
superior. But they did not last
long in Collan, since Robert decided
to leave that unhealthy site
for a more salubrious setting in the
forest of Molesmes (c. 1075). Honoured as adviser by nine popes, consulted and venerated by all the sovereigns of western Europe, entrusted with the ultimate control of two hundred monasteries, St Hugh during the sixty years that he was abbot of Cluny raised its prestige to extraordinary heights. Pope Gregory IX -- the year 1234, he (1252 St Peter of Verona inquisitor inspiring sermons martyr accepted into the Dominican Order by St. Dominic) was appointed by Pope Gregory IX as inquisitor of Northern Italy, where many Catharists lived. Peter's preaching attracted large crowds, but as inquisitor he made many enemies. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today; April
30
Eutropius sent by Pope Saint Clement (100) as
first bishop in Saintes evangelized
inhabitants BM (RM)
as grand inquisitor wholeheartedly devoted to the religious life published Roman Catechism revised Roman Breviary and Roman Missal organized Battle of Lepanto Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today; April
28
Pope Clement XI -- 1775 Sancti Pauli a Cruce, Presbyteri et Confessóris; qui Congregatiónis a Cruce et Passióne Dómini nostri Jesu Christi Cross was endowed with extraordinary gifts. He prophesied future events, healed the sick, and even during his lifetime appeared on various occasions in vision to persons far away In 1714 Paul went to Venice in response to the appeal of Pope Clement XI for volunteers to fight in the Venetian army against the Turks Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today; April
27
Pope Innocent XII. -- 1485 Blessed James
of Bitetto heroic humility;
levitate during prayer;
accurately predict
the future; incorrupted
body remains; many miracles
Many miracles were ascribed
to his intercession, and
in the garden at Bitetto there used
to be a juniper tree which he had planted,
the berries of which were said to
possess healing properties. He was beatified
by Pope Innocent XII. The
notice
of James de Bitetto in the Acta Sanctorum, April,
vol. iii, is interesting because this
is one
of the cases in which the Bollandists
have had access to the documents
submitted for the beatification
process, and have been able
to print the evidence of the
various witnesses.
Nazareth is the School
of the Gospel (II)
It is first a lesson
of silence.
Homily of Paul VI
in Nazareth January
5, 1964May the esteem of silence be born in us anew, this admirable and indispensable condition of the spirit, in us who are assailed by so much clamor, noise and shouting in our modern life, so noisy and hyper sensitized. O silence of Nazareth, teach us recollection, interiority, disposition to listen to the good inspirations and words of the true masters; teach us the need and value of preparation, study, meditation, personal and interior life, and prayer that God alone sees in secret. It is a lesson of family life. May Nazareth teach us what a family is, with its communion of love, its austere and simple beauty, its sacred and inviolable character; let us learn from Nazareth how sweet and irreplaceable is the formation one receives within it; let us learn how primordial its role is on the social level. It is a lesson of work. Nazareth, the house of the carpenter's son; it is there that we would like to understand and celebrate the severe and redeeming law of human labor; there, to reestablish the conscience of work's nobility; to remind people that working cannot be an end in itself, but that its freedom and nobility come, in addition to its economic value, from the value that finalize it; how we wish to salute here all the workers of the world and show them their great model, their divine brother, the prophet of all their just causes, Christ Our Lord. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today; April 26
304 Marcellinus Pope M (RM) Pope Saint Gregory VII 860 Paschasius Radbertus abandoned at convent asked to be forgotten simply asks for prayers to God left works dealing with the body and blood of Christ the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist (De Corpore et Sanguine Christe) commentary on Saint Matthew's Gospel (12 volumes) composed treatise on the Virgin defend her perpetual virginity long exposition on Psalm 44 and another on the Lamentations of Jeremiah wrote biographies of 2 abbots -Corbie OSB Abbot (AC) -- Radbertus was buried in Saint John's Chapel. His body was translated into the great church, in 1073, by authority of the Pope Saint Gregory VII. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today; April
25
From that
time Photius's life
891 Photius
career of scholarship
and public service at
the imperial court
legitimate patriarch of Constantinople
Orthodox objection
to doctrine of the Holy Spirit
(Filioque)
is
one of difficulties between
himself and Pope Saint
Nicholas I and his successor
Adrian II, complicated
by the fluctuations of
Byzantine politics--a long, complex,
and often obscure struggle
that is a matter of ecclesiastical
history. It did not end until
879 when, Ignatius being dead,
Pope John VIII recognized
Photius as the legitimate
patriarch of Constantinople and peace
was restored between the churches.Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today; April
24
Pope
St Gregory the Great
despatched to England in 601: 624 St Mellitus
of Canterbury missionary
Archbishop of Canterbury
from 619 Pius XII, Sovereign Pontiff, enrolled among the number of the saints at Angers in France, St. Mary Euphrasia Pelletier, virgin and foundress of the Institute of the Good Shepherd Sisters. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today; April
22
174
Soter,
Pope charity personal kindness
care for persecuted condemned
Montanists (RM)282 The Departure of the Holy Father Anba Maximus The Fifteenth Pope of Alexandria. 296 Saint Caius, Pope Dalmatian M (RM) 167 to 175 Pope Soter and Caius, Saints and Popes They have their feast together on 22 April, on which day they appear in most of the martyrologies, though Notker and a few others give Soter on the 21st and Caius on the 19th or 21st. 536 Pope Agapitus I archdeacon opposed Monophysites Pope (RM) in the opinion of Pope St Gregory I he was “a trumpet of the gospel and a herald of righteousness”. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today; April
21
Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today; April
21
Pope St. Gregory
the Great. -- 599 St. Anastasius
XI Antioch Patriarch
learning holiness comforting
afflicted observed perpetual
silence except for charityIn
593 Anastasius
was restored to his see
by Pope
St. Gregory the Great.
Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today; April
21
Pope Pius XI -- 1163 Blessed Fastred
of Cambron abbot-founder
of Cambron obligation
to poverty OSB Cist.
Abbot (AC)
Being renowned for miracles,
Pope
Pius XI enrolled him among
the number of the saints.
Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today; April
20he kneeled before Jesus, who calmed the storms, and before Mary, the star of the sea." Encyclopedia Maria Vol. IV - Beauchesne 1956.
Popes mentioned
in
articles of Saints today; April 19
1054
Leo
IX "the pilgrim pope"
- reformer deacon a stern
bishop holy man & army
officer Pope (RM)
Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today;
April 18
655 Saint Martin
the Confessor, Pope
of Rome native of the Tuscany
convened Lateran Council
at Rome condemn Monothelite
heresy last martyred Pope
Pope Paschal II, {Pope Paschal II Succeeded Urban II, and reigned from 13 Aug., 1099, till he died at Rome, 21 Jan., 1118. Popes mentioned in articles of Saints April 12
649-655 Pope
St. Martin I
defender of the faith;
buried
in the church of Our
Lady, called Blachernæ,
near Cherson
Last martyred
Pope.Sancti Martíni Primi, Papæ et Mártyris, cujus dies natális sextodécimo Kaléndas Octóbris recensétur. The Feast of St. Martin I, pope and martyr, whose birthday is mentioned on the 16th day of September. Many miracles are related wrought by St Martin in life and after death; Pope St. Martin I of noble birth, great student, commanding intelligence, profound learning, great charity to the poor Saint Martin the Confessor, Pope of Rome native of the Tuscany convened Lateran Council at Rome condemn Monothelite heresy; 655 Martin I, Pope died in the Crimea great intellect and charity the last pope to die a martyr M (RM) Born in Todi in Umbria, Italy; died in the Crimea, September 16, 655; feast day was previously November 12 (November 10 in York); the Eastern Church celebrates his feast on September 20. 336 St. Julius elected Pope to succeed Pope St. Mark on February 6, 337 built several basilicas and churches in Rome declared that Athanasius was the rightful bishop of Alexandria and reinstated him Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
"And to the angel of the Church of Pergamum write: the words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. I know where you live, where the throne of Satan is, and you cleave unto My Name, and have not renounced My faith, even in those days when Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells" (Rev 2:12-13). St. Antipas |
Saints of March 01
mention with Popes
305 St. Paul,
Heraclius, Companions Secundilla and Januaria,
were put to death at Porto Romano 492 ST.
FELIX
III Pope helped to get the Church in
Africa on its feet
977 St. Rudesind Benedictine abbot bishop performing miracles 1367 Bd Roger Le Fort, Archbishop Of Bourges tomb a place of pilgrimage many miracles worked. 1484 Bd Christopher Of Milan the apostle of Liguria great success in evangelizing that part of Italy, Dominican endowed with the gift of prophecy 1796 Bd Peter Rene Roque, Martyr ordained 1782 professor of theology in his native town Vannes refused the Constitutional Oath On being sentenced to death, Father Roque fell on his knees and gave fervent thanks to God guillotined on March 1, 1796 Saints of March 02
mention with Popes
5th / 6th century St. Gilstlian uncle of St. David of Wales monk at Menevia Abbey, called St. David’s. 6th century Martyrs of Campania Christians martyred by the Lombards in Italy 637 St. Fergna abbot of lona, Scotland successor of St. Columba relative of the saint. He is called “the White.” 1201 BD FULCO OF NEUILLY after a serious conversion he set about his priestly duties at Neuilly-sur-Marne with fervour and success; reputed to have a strange knowledge of men’s thoughts and worked innumerable cures upon those who had recourse to him in their infirmities. 1282 St. Agnes of Bohemia thaumaturgist or miracle worker 1365 BD HENRY SUSO preached for thirty-seven years, converting many sinners and working miracles Saints of March 03
mention with Popes
St. Marinus
senator & Asterius Roman soldier Martyrs
at Caesarea Israel250 Alexandríæ pássio sanctórum Cæreális, Púpuli, Caji et Serapiónis. Ibídem commemorátio sanctórum Presbyterórum, Diaconórum et aliórum plurimórum St. Felix Martyr of North Africa with Fortunatus & others Natális sanctórum Mártyrum Macárii, Rufíni, Justi et Theóphili. Item sanctórum mílitum Cleoníci, Eutrópii et Basilísci, qui, in persecutióne Maximiáni, sub Asclepíade Præside, crucis supplício felíciter triumphárunt. 4th v St. Hemiterius and Cheledonius Spanish soldier martyrs in Calahorra 437 St. Camilla Recluse disciple of St. Germanus of Auxerre 1167 ST AELRED, ABBOT OF Rievaulx 1508 Blessed
Jacobinus de'Canepaci Carmelite lay-brother
OC (AC) this good Carmelite lay-brother seems
to have been one of those in which perfection is found
by prayer, austerity and charity
1899 Bl. Mary Angela
Victory over death shone in the gentle
countenance of her face1955 St. Katharine Drexel material and spiritual well-being of black and native Americans Saints of March 04
mention with Popes
254 St. Lucius
I a Roman elected Pope to succeed Pope St.
Cornelius254 Item pássio sanctórum Archelái, Cyrílli et Phótii. St. Caius Palatinus and twenty-seven others who were cast into the sea. 4th v. St. Basil and Companions Martyred bishop with others 4th v. St. Adrian and twenty-three others 475
Saint Gerasimus;
lived in the Thebaid, then wilderness near the Jordan river where he built a monastery
and became renowned for the virtue of his life;
During 5 days no cooked food
was eaten only small amount of dried bread, roots
and water brought from the monastery; Saturdays and
Sundays all monks went to monastery attend Divine Liturgy
receive Holy Communion, then served cooked food and a little
wine at the refectory; work completed during week given to
the abbot. On Sunday, afternoon each monk departed once again
for his solitary cell in the wilderness, taking only a little
bread, roots, a vessel of water and palm branches to weave baskets;
lion for a pet.
1123 St. Peter of Pappacarbone Benedictine bishop leadership, care, and wisdom 1188 BD HUMBERT III OF SAVOY 1310 Blessed Romeo Italian Carmelite lay brother (Romaeus) of Limoges, OC (AC) 1483 St. Casimir born of kings slept little, spending his nights in prayer 1590 BD CHRISTOPHER BALES, MARTYR received his education abroad at the English College in Rome and at the Douai College at Rheims 1877 St. Placide Viel Nun and mother general relief during Franco Prussian War Saints of March 05
mention with Popes
We cannot arrive
at heaven by any other road but that which Christ
held, Who bequeathed His cross to all His elect as their portion and inheritance in this world. Prayer of Saint Casimir, Patron Saint of Lithuania, Poland and Russia Our Lady of the Miracle (Italy, 1440) 138 St. Oliva Martyr she was executed in the last year of the reign of Emperor Hadrian 195 St. Theophilus Bishop of Caesarea (modern Israel) Ad ripam Jordánis, item in Palæstína, sancti Gerásimi, Anachorétæ 203 SS. PERPETUA, FELICITY AND THEIR COMPANIONS, MARTYRS. 423 Eusebius of Cremona build hostel for poor pilgrims, Abbot (AC) 530 St. Kieran The “first born of the saints of Ireland,” 540 St. Carthach Irish bishop, called “the Elder” and Carthage St. Colman of Armagh Disciple of St. Patrick buried by him in Armagh, Ireland 1622 Bl. Dionysius Fugishima Martyr of Japan Japanese-born Jesuit novice 1734 St. John Joseph of the Cross very ascetic prophesy miracles humility religious discipline. Saints of March 06
mention with Popes
Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 06
203 Sts. Perpetua
and Felicity she "couldn't call herself any
other name but Christian".
Saints Perpetua and Felicity, who, on the day following
this, received from the Lord the glorious crown of martyrdom.With the lives of so many early
martyrs shrouded in legend, we are fortunate
to have the record of the courage of Perpetua and Felicity
from the hand of Perpetua herself, her teacher Saturus,
and others who knew them. This account, known as "The Martyrdom
of Perpetua and Felicity," was so popular in the early centuries
that it was read during liturgies.
203 SS. PERPETUA,
FELICITY AND THEIR COMPANIONS, MARTYRSTHE record of the passion of St Perpetua, St Felicity and their companions is one of the greatest hagiological treasures that have come down to us. In the fourth century
these acts were publicly read in the churches
of Africa, and were in fact so highly esteemed that St
Augustine found it necessary to issue a protest against
their being placed on a level with the Holy Scriptures. In
them we have a human document of singularly vivid interest
preserved for us in the actual words of two of the martyrs
themselves. 335 St. Basil
Bishop of Bologna, Italy Pope who was ordained by Pope St. Sylvester. 776 Chrodegang
of Metz B (AC) many of the poor depended
entirely upon his charity Chrodegang himself safely
brought the pope over the Alps. St CHRODEGANG
was born near Liege, and was probably educated at the
abbey of St. Trond. We are told that he spoke his own
tongue and Latin with equal fluency; in appearance he was
singularly prepossessing, and his kindness and gracious manners
endeared him to all. Charles Martel recognized his exceptional
qualities, and chose him as his secretary and referendary.
After the death of Charles, Chrodegang, though still a layman,
was in 742 invested with the bishopric of Metz; he combined
in such an eminent degree sanctity with sagacity that nothing but
good could result from such an appointment, and everywhere the
holy man used his influence for the furtherance of justice and
for the public weal. His biographers extol his almost boundless charity
and his special solicitude for widows and orphans. As ambassador
from Pepin, mayor of the palace, to Pope Stephen
III, Chrodegang was concerned closely with Pepin’s coronation
as king in 754, his defeat of the Lombards in Italy, and the handing
over of the exarchate of Ravenna and other territory to the Holy
See. 1235 Cyril
of Constantinople Carmelite priest teacher
of true sanctity. The unsatisfactory
character of this notice is revealed at once by the fact that while
the Emperors Philip of Swabia and Otto IV must unquestionably be here
referred to, Otto was not the colleague but the opponent and successor
of Philip. Moreover Otto IV died in 1218, while Brocard, the predecessor
of Cyril in the office of prior general of the Carmelites, was still
living at that date. It would serve no good purpose to enter into
any detail regarding the fanciful biography which at a later period
was invented for St Cyril and which still holds its place in the
lessons of the Carmelite Breviary. According to this; Cyril was a
gifted priest of Constantinople who had rendered marvellous services
to the Church in controversy with the Greek Orthodox over the question
of the Filioque, and who had been sent
by the Emperor Manuel Comnenus on an embassy to Pope Alexander III.
In point of fact we know no more about St Cyril than the circumstance
that about the year 1232 he succeeded and secondly that, owing in part to
a most extravagant confusion of his name with that of St Cyril of Alexandria
and St Cyril of Jerusalem, there were attributed to him long after his
death a supposed treatise on the procession of the Holy Ghost, a dissertation
upon the development cf the Carmelite Order, and a much-controverted Oracle
or Prognostic, “solemnly transmitted from Heaven by angelic hands to
St Cyril of Constantinople, the Carmelite”. 1447 St. Colette
distributed her inheritance to poor
holiness spiritual wisdom Superior of all Poor Clare
convents sanctity, ecstacies visions of the Passion,
prophesied. At Ghent in Flanders, St.
Collette, virgin, who at first professed the rule of the Third Order
of St. Francis, and afterwards, by the inspiration
of the Holy Spirit, restored the pristine discipline to
a great number of monasteries of Nuns of the Second Order.
Because she was graced with heavenly virtues, and performed
innumerable miracles, she was inscribed on the roll of saints
by Pope Pius VII. It was in Rome that she died, on May 7, 1728; her reputation of holiness was confirmed by miracles, and in 1952 she was beatified. It was not till some time after her death that Bd Rose’s lay school-teachers were organized as a religious congregation: they are found in America as well as in Italy, for the Venerini Sisters have worked among Italian immigrants since early in the twentieth century. There is a short account of Bd Rose in the decree of beatification, printed in the Acta Apostolicae Sedis, voi. xliv (1952), pp. 405—409. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 07
Carthágine natális
sanctárum Perpétuæ et Felicitátis
Mártyrum308 Adrian and Eubulus of Caesarea duo martyred at Caesarea, Palestine 309 Basil, Ephraim, Eugene, Elpidius, Agathodorus, Aetherius, and Capiton Hieromartyrs 339 St. Paul the Simple “Pride of the Desert,” hermit disciple of St. Anthony read minds cured sick 576 St. Drausinus Bishop of Soissons fostered monastic life shrine visited by St. Thomas Becket before his martyrdom 843 St. Ardo Benedictine abbot from Languedoc accompanied St. Benedict 845 St. Theophylact Bishop of Nicomedia (in modern Turkey) an Asian charitable works and goodness 850 Saint Paul the Confessor bishop of Prusa in the province of Bithynia in Asia Minor 1544 Bl. John Ireland English martyr chaplain to St. Thomas More 1544 Blessed Jermyn Gardiner, martyr for opposing the religious supremacy of King Henry VIII of England 1850 Surety of Sinners Icon of the Mother of God first glorified by miracles at the St Nicholas Odrino men's monastery of the former Orlov gubernia. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 08
260 Pontius
of Carthage Deacon; graphic account of the life
and passion of Saint Cyprian
of CarthageSt. Quintilis Bishop martyr Saint Capitolinus as a fellow-martyr 305 St. Philemon Martyr with Apollonius 311 St. Arian Alexandrian martyr with Theoticus and 3 others governor of Thebes 420 Provinus of Como disciple of Saint Ambrose of Milan 518 St. Beoadh Irish bishop 560 St. Senan of Scattery holiness miracles attracted great crowds to his sermons 648 Felix of Dunwich Burgundian bishop established a school for boys 690 St. Julian of Toledo Archbishop revised the Mozarabic liturgy, and wrote Prognostics, on death 871 Humphrey of Pruem source of strength comfort to people during Norman invasion 1065 St. Duthac Bishop of Ross Scotland venerated for miracles and prophecies 1092 St. Veremundus Benedictine abbot miracle worker deep religious fervor aid to poor defense of the Mozarabic rite 1121 St. Ogmund Bishop of Holar one of the apostles of Iceland 1154 Stephen of Obazine, OSB Cist. Abbot (AC) 1223 St. Vincent Kadlubek Cistercian bishop One of earliest Polish chroniclers St. Rhian Welsh abbot 1550 St. John of God impulsive love embraced anyone in need 1925 Blessed Faustino Miguez a Piarist, almost 50 years dedicated to education Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 09
Abba
Kyrillos the Sixth, the 116th Pope of Alexandria.
368 Caesar von Nazianz der jüngere Bruder von Gregor von Nazianz Arzt am Kaiserhof in Konstantinopel unter den Kaisern Konstantius II. und Julian Apostates 390 St. Pacian Bishop of Barcelona ecclesiastical discipline Baptism, papal supremacy orthodox teachings on penance "My name is Christian, my surname is Catholic." 400 St. Gregory of Nyssa mystic among the three great Cappadocians 705 St. Bosa Bishop of York Benedictine monk praised by St. Bede most unusual merit and sanctity 1440 St. Frances of Rome renowned for her noble family, holy life, and the gift of miracles. 1463 St. Catherine of Bologna experience visions of Christ and Satan, incorrupt healing miracles 1857 Dominic Savio; Bosco wrote Dominic's biography cheerfulness, friendliness, careful observation, & good advice 1971 Abba Kyrillos the Sixth, the 116th Pope of Alexandria. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 10
Abba
Kyrillos the Sixth, the 116th Pope of Alexandria.
A novena is a prayer that is said for nine consecutive days. The purpose is to obtain a special favor from heaven by imploring a particular saint, in this case -Saint Joseph - who is celebrated in the Catholic Church on March 19th. O glorious
Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to
you do we raise our hearts and hands to implore your powerful
intercession in obtaining from the benign Heart of Jesus
all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal
welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special
favor we now implore (..state your petition..). O Guardian
of the Word Incarnate, we have confidence that your prayers on
our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. Amen
335 St. Marcarius
of Jerusalem drafting The Creed Council of Nicaea
in 325 miraculously discovered true Cross with St. Helena
built Church of the Holy Sepulcher483 Simplicius, Pope defended action of Council of Chalcedon against Monophysites. 627 St. Attalas Abbot; miracles; foe of Arians; companion of St. Columban 1380 Blessed John of Vallumbrosa monk Saint Catherine of Siena, who often appeared to him 1615 St. John Ogilvie Calvinist Scottish nobility, converted Jesuit, marytered in Glasgow 1857 St. Dominic Savio heaven is opening just above me; peacemaker, organizer, joined St. John Bosco as a student Commemoration of Anba Marcura, the Bishop. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 11
Abba
Kyrillos the Sixth, the 116th Pope of Alexandria.
Novena
to Saint Joseph Day 3
A novena
is a prayer that is said for nine consecutive days. The
purpose is to obtain a special favor from heaven by imploring
a particular saint, in this case -Saint Joseph - who is celebrated
in the Catholic Church on March 19th.O glorious
Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to you
do we raise our hearts and hands to implore your powerful intercession
in obtaining from the benign Heart of Jesus all the helps
and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare,
particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special favor
we now implore (..state your petition..). O Guardian
of the Word Incarnate, we have confidence that your prayers on
our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. Amen.
258 Sts Victor,
Nicephorus and VictorinusAt Antioch,
the Commemoration of many holy martyrs, some of whom by
order of Emperor Maximian were laid on red hot gridirons,
not to be burned to death, but to continue their suffering a longer
time; others were subjected to different horrible torments, and
won the palm of martyrdom.
568 Saint Anastasia
Patrician of Alexandria lived in Constantinople;
Alexandria founded a small monastery not far from the
city & a remote skete 28 yrs Lord revealed her day of death576 St. Constantine missionary to Scotland under St. Columba and then St. Kentigern 646 Saint Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem From his youth he was distinguished for his piety and his love for classical studies proficient in philosophy of monasticism. 824 St. Aengus 824 ST OENGUS, ABBOT-BISHOP ST OENGUS (or Aengus) sometimes called “the Hagiographer”, is better known as “the Culdee” or “God’s Vassal” a Celtic title which came to be applied to those who practised a particularly rigid observance, especially in the order of divine service, but which was attached specially to him as to one who made an important contribution to the devotional literature of the Church and who lived according to the strictest rule of religion. 1069 St. Aurea famed for her visions and miracles 1069 St. Amunia Mother of St. Aurea 1100 ST AUREA, VIRGIN rewarded by vision of her 3 patron saints who assured her of God’s approval promised her a crown of glory the fame of her penances and miracles spread, her assistance and intercession were eagerly sought 1544 BD. JOHN LARKE, JERMYN GARDINER AND JOHN IRELAND, MARTYRS JOHN LARKE sometimes erroneously described as Sir Thomas More’s chaplain, he was actually rector of Chelsea, the church which Sir Thomas habitually attended when in London, his town house being situated in that parish. 1615 St. John Ogilvie joined the Jesuits entered Scotland tightening of the penal laws caused his arrest refused to apostasize hung there; canonized 1976, becoming first Scottish saint since 1250 1770 St. Teresa Margaret Redi discalced Carmelite remarkable prayer life deeply penitential demeanor Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 12
Novena to Saint Joseph Day 4
A novena is a prayer that is said for nine
consecutive days. The purpose is to obtain a special favor
from heaven by imploring a particular saint, in this case
-Saint Joseph - who is celebrated in the Catholic Church on
March 19th.O glorious
Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to
you do we raise our hearts and hands to implore your powerful
intercession in obtaining from the benign Heart of Jesus
all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal
welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special
favor we now implore (..state your petition..).
O Guardian of the Word Incarnate, we have confidence that your prayers
on our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God.
Amen.
1500 B.C. The Righteous
Phineas,
grandson of the High Priest Aaron (also commemorated today) son of High Priest Eleazar also a priest and zealous in his service. 295 St. Maximilian Martyr refused to enter the Roman army because of his Christian beliefs 303 St. Peter of Nicomedia Martyr 1st victims of last persecution by Roman Empire 303 St. Egdunus Martyr with 7 companions in Nicomedia 604 Saint Gregory Dialogus granted a vision of the Lord Himself; Pope of Rome; inheritance - establish 6 monasteries Ibídem deposítio sancti Innocéntii Primi, Papæ et Confessóris. Ipsíus autem festum quinto Kaléndas Augústi 605 St. Peter the Deacon Papal secretary to Pope St. Gregory I the Great 645 St. Mura McFeredach Irish abbot disciple of St. Columba 951 St. Alphege Bishop prophet credited with helping to restore monasticism to England 1022 Simeon the New Theologian abbot successor to St John the Evangelist and St Gregory of Nazianzus 1109 ST BERNARD OF CAPUA, BISHOP OF CALENO When the see of Foro-Claudio was vacant he was appointed by Pope Victor III 1253 St. Fina "Seraphina"Virgin many miracles through her intercession Gregory appeared to her and said, "Dear child on my festival God will give you rest" 1815 Bl. Joseph Tshang-ta-Pong Martyr of China a catechist put to death for the faith 1940 Bl. Luigi Orine apostle of Mercy servant of poor founder Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 13
600 St. Leander
of Seville bishop introduced the Nicene Creed
at Mass succeeded in persuading many Arian bishops to change
In 583 St Leander went to Constantinople
on an embassy to the emperor, and there he became acquainted
with St Gregory the Great, who had been sent there
as legate by Pope Pelagius II. The two men formed a close
and lasting friendship, and it was at the suggestion of Leander that
Gregory wrote his Morals on the Book of Job.828 St. Nicephorus Patriarch of Constantinople martyr 840 St. Ansovinus Bishop sanctity and miracles confessor of the Frankish Emperor Louis the Pious 1208 Blessed Peter II of Cava "an enemy of all litigation" OSB Abbot 1236 Bl. Agnello of Pisa admitted into Order by St. Francis himself Our Lady’s Rosary and Abundant
Grace March 13 - Our Lady of the Rose (Italy, 1635)
The Rosary, though clearly Marian
in character, is at heart a Christocentric prayer. In the
sobriety of its elements, it has all the depth of the Gospel
message in its entirety, of which it can be said to be a compendium.It is an echo of the prayer of Mary, her perennial Magnificat for the work of the redemptive Incarnation which began in her virginal womb. With the Rosary, the Christian people sit at the school of Mary and are led to contemplate the beauty on the face of Christ and to experience the depths of his love. Through
the Rosary the faithful receive abundant grace, as though from the very
hands of the Mother of the Redeemer.
Excerpt from Pope John Paul II, Apostolic Letter
Rosarium Virginis Mariae, October 16, 2002, #1.
Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 14
67 Forty-Seven
Roman Martyrs
baptized by Saint Peter (RM) 287 Sabinus The Holy Martyr suffered in Egypt in the year . 295 St. Maximilian martyred for conscientious objection IV v Saint Leo bishop martyr BM (RM) 480 Saint Benedict of Nursia founder of Western monasticism gift of foresight and wonderworking 556 Leobinus priest abbot of Brou (Lubin); brought about various reforms, famous for his miracles. He took part in the Fifth Council of Orleans and in the Second Council of Paris B (RM) 660 St. Boniface Curitan ardent zeal for salvation of souls Evangelist to Picts & Scots 741 Eutychius (Eustathius) & Companions Islamic martyrs in Mesopotamia 828 Saint Nicephorus known for his piety zealous defender of the holy Icons 1619 Blessed Dominic Jorjes soldier martyred for providing refuge to Blessed Charles Spinola 1620 Bl. Ambrose Fernandez Portuguese Jesuit Martyr of Japan Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 15
752 Zachary
I, Pope known for his learning & sanctity chosen
pope in 741 to succeed Saint Gregory III (RM)(also known as Zacharias) Born at San Severino, Calabria, Italy; died 752; feast day formerly on March 22; feast day in the East is September 5. 1286 St. Monaldus of Ancona Franciscan martyr with Anthony of Milan and Francis of Fermo missionaries in Armenia 1583 Bl. William Hart Martyr of England ministered to Catholic prisoners in York Prison 1660 St. Louise de Marillac Sisters of Charity caring for sick poor neglected patron saint of social workers 1830 St. Clement Maria Hofbauer Redemptorist preacher reformer devoted to Jesus 1915 BD PLACID RICCARDI, Benedictine monk. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 16
119
The Hieromartyr Alexander,
Bishop of Rome
1st v. St. Aristobulus Martyred disciple of Christ The Sanctity
and the Dignity of the Blessed Virgin
March 16 - Our Lady of the Fountain (Constantinople, A.D. 460) - Palm Sunday I conceive
it impossible... for those who believe the Church to
be one vast body in heaven and on earth, in which every holy
creature of God had its place, and of which prayer is the life,
when once they recognize the sanctity and dignity of the Blessed
Virgin, not to perceive immediately, that her office above is
one of perpetual intercession for the faithful militant, and
that our very relation to her must be that of clients to a patron,
and that, in the eternal enmity which exists between the woman
and the serpent, while the serpent's strength lies in being the
tempter, the weapon of the Second Eve and Mother of God is prayer.
Our Lord
died for those heathens who did not know Him; and His
Mother intercedes for the Christians who do not know her;
and she intercedes according to His will, and, when He wills
to save a particular soul, she at once prays for it. I say,
He wills indeed according to her prayer, but then she prays according
to His will.
The Venerable
John Henry Cardinal Newman (d. 1890)
Excerpt from Certain Difficulties Felt by Anglicans in Catholic Teaching, 1874, LONGMANS, GREEN & CO. 305
Cyriacus
erlitt vermutlich das Martyrium um 305 unter Diokletian.
beheaded
by order of Maximian, together with Largus, Smaragdus, and
twenty others. The
holy martyrs Cyriacus, deacon, Largus, and Smaragdus, with
twenty others who suffered on the 16th of March, during the persecution
of Diocletian and Maximian. Their bodies were buried on
the Salarian Way by the priest John, but were on this day translated
by Pope St. Marcellus to the estate of Lucina, on the Ostian Way. Their feast, however, is kept on the 8th
of August, the day on which these twenty-three martyrs were
exhumed by blessed Pope Marcellus and reverently entombed.
560 St.
Finian
Lobhar Irish abbot disciple of St. Columba
VII v. St. Dentlin Seven-year-old confessor little son of Saint Vincent Madelgar and Saint Waldetrudis 620 St. Abban Abbot Irish missionary Irish prince a contemporary of Saint Patrick 1022 Heribert of Cologne a devoted chief pastor of his flock performed miracles, one of which caused a heavy rainfall The one dissentient was Heribert himself, who declared and honestly believed that he was quite unfitted for the high dignity. From Benevento, whither he was summoned by Otto, he passed on to Rome, and there received the pallium from Pope Silvester II. He then returned to Cologne, which he entered humbly with bare feet on a cold December day, having sent the pallium on before him. It was on Christmas eve that he was consecrated archbishop in the cathedral of St Peter, and from that moment he devoted himself indefatigably to the duties of his high calling. 1177 Blessed John Sordi, OSB BM (AC) (also known as John Cacciafronte). Bd John espoused the cause of Pope Alexander III against Octavian, Cardinal of St Cecilia, who, under the title of Victor IV, claimed to occupy the chair of St Peter. For his zeal in organizing penitential processions and urging the people of Cremona to remain loyal to Alexander, the good abbot was banished by the Emperor Frederic Barbarossa, who favoured the antipope. 1281 Blessed Torello of Poppi, OSB Vall. Hermit (AC). Born in Poppi, Tuscany, Italy, in 1201; cultus confirmed by Benedict XIV. 1286 St. Monaldus of Ancona Franciscan martyr with Anthony of Milan and Francis of Fermo missionaries in Armenia 1589 Bl. John Amias Priest martyr in England 1589 Bl. Robert Dalby English martyr priest convert from the Protestant ministry 1642-49 North American Martyrs (RM) All born in France. The main feast day on the Roman calendar is September 26; however, the Jesuits commemorate six priests (Antony Daniel, Charles Garnier, Gabriel Lalemant, Isaac Jogues, John de Brébeuf, and Noel Chabanel) and two laybrothers (John Lalande and René Goupil) on March 16. 1830 St. Clement Maria Hofbauer Redemptorist preacher reformer devoted to Jesus Clement Maria Hofbauer, C.SS.R. (RM) (ne John Dvorák) Born in Tasswitz, Moravia, December 26, 1751; died in Vienna, Austria, March 15, 1820; canonized in 1909 by Pius X, who named him patron of Vienna in 1914. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 17
Commemoration of Orthodox Christians
departed this life in the hope of resurrection and eternal
life. St.
Joseph
of Arimathea The councillor (Lk 23:50) who, requested
the body of Christ from Pontius Pilate St. Patrick Apostle of Ireland birthday.
461 St. Patrick Apostle of Ireland
a
humble, pious, gentle man feared nothing not death760 St. Paul of Cyprus monk A martyr for the cause of venerating icons 1620 St. Jan Sarkander Martyred converted many Hussites and Bohemian Brethren 1834 Bl. Peter Lieou Martyr of China native gave comfort to Christian prisoners Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 18
The
Fourth Sunday of Lent is dedicated to St John of the Ladder
(Climacus), the author of the work, The Ladder
of Divine Ascent. 251 St. Alexander Bishop Martyr an individual of great mildness, especially in his sermons Augústæ sancti Narcíssi Epíscopi Nicomedíæ sanctórum decem míllium Mártyrum, qui, pro Christi confessióne, gládio percússi sunt 195 Augústæ sancti Narcíssi Epíscopi, qui primus in Rhǽtia Evangélium prædicávit; deínde in Hispániam profectus est, et, cum Gerúndæ multos ad Christi fidem convertísset, ibídem, in persecutióne Diocletiáni Imperatóris, una cum Felíce Diácono, martyrii palmam accépit. See October 29 for feast day At Augsburg, St. Narcissus, bishop, who was the first to preach the Gospel in the Tyrol. Afterwards, setting out for Spain, he converted many to the faith of Christ at Gerona, and there, along with the deacon Felix, he received the palm of martyrdom during the persecution of Diocletian. 304 St. Trophimus & Eucarpius martyrs two pagan soldiers became converts while hunting Christians beheld within a cloud image of Radiant Man and great multitude about Him 386 St. Cyril of Jerusalem Bishop Doctor of the Church seeing poor starving he sold goods of the churches Saint Aninas was born at Chalcedon into a Christian family 588 St. Frediano Irish bishop founded a group of eremetical canons Miraculously a river followed him 978 St. Edward the Martyr miracles reported from his tomb at Shaftesbury 1086 St. Anselm of Lucca Bishop held in high regard for his holiness austerity Biblical knowledge learning 1186 Bl. Christian Abbot of the first Cistercian monastery ever established in Ireland St. Narcissus bishop and Felix, his deacon Martyrs 1455 Blessed Fra Angelico priest artist frescoes unfaded loveliness after 400 years " nothing--painting, statue, sermon, poem, or building--should obstruct one's view of God" 1567 St. Salvatore Franciscan of the Observance specially devoted to our Lady and to St. Paul who appeared to him on several occasions many and severe austerities 1956 Saint Nicholas of Zhicha Ph.D "the Serbian Chrysostom," renowned for his sermons fearless critic of the Nazis survived Dachau establishing orphanages and helping the poor in Serbia taught philosophy, logic, history, foreign languages at the seminary spoke 7 languages. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 19
284
Chrysanthus
and Daria Claudius the Tribune wife Hilaria sons Jason
and Maurus Diodorus the Presbyter ST JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF OUR LADY ST MARY ACCORDING to the Roman Martyrology March 19 is “the [heavenly] birthday of St Joseph, husband of the most Blessed Virgin Mary and confessor, whom the Supreme Pontiff Pius IX, assenting to the desires and prayers of the whole Catholic world, has proclaimed patron of the Universal Church”. In 1621 Pope Gregory XV made St Joseph’s feast a holiday of obligation, and though this has been subsequently abrogated in England and elsewhere there has been no diminution down to our own time in the earnestness and the confidence of his innumerable clients. The number of churches now dedicated in his honour and the many religious congregations both of men and women which bear his name are a striking evidence of the fact. declared patron of the Universal Church by Pope Pius IX in 1870, patron of workers by Pope Benedict XV, patron of social justice by Pope Pius XI; name added to the canon of the Mass by John XXIII in 1962; second feast at Saint Joseph the Worker on May 1. Saint Teresa of Ávila chose him
as the practical saint who should be patron of the Discalced
Carmelite friars and nuns [see her paean, Go to Joseph].
Saint Joseph
is generally pictured as an elderly man holding a flowering
rod with the Christ Child in his arms or led my his hand (this
emblem is also associated with Saint Joseph of Arimathea).
Pope Gregory XV made his feast a day of obligation, but this is not widely observed today. In Quanquam pluries (1889), Pope Leo XIII declared Joseph a model for fathers of families and confirmed that his sanctity was second only the that of the Blessed Virgin. In 1989, Pope John Paul II issued Redemptoris custos (Guardian of the Redeemer) (Attwater, Attwater2, Benedictines, Bentley, Delaney, Encyclopedia, Farmer, Filas, Rondet, White). Marianus the Deacon Holy Martyrs 303 St. Pancharius Roman martyr senator imperial court surrounding co-Emperor Maximian St. Quintius Martyr Apollonius and Leontius (Leontinus) BB MM (RM) 6th v. St. John the Syrian hermit of Pinna abbot of a large monastic colony tree was in full bloom dead of winter 640 St. Leontius Bishop of Saintes, France, and a friend of St. Malo 668 St. Adrian Martyr disciple of St. Landoald after their deaths became renowned for their miracles. 668 St. Landoald Roman priest Missionary to Belgium ne France with deacon Amantius after deaths miracles. St. Gemus Benedictine monk whose relics are enshrined at Hurbach 672 St. Lactali Abbot founder disciple of St. Comgall in Ireland miracles include cures of paralytics and mentally ill 800 Alcmund martyr virtuous prince--humble and generous miracles at his tomb M (AC) 1103 The Smolensk Icon "Tenderness" of the Mother of God 1251 Blessed Andrew de'Gallerani extraordinary penance and charity (AC) 1256 Blessed Clement of Dunblane founded monasteries "labored with zeal to uproot superstition and destroy vice 15th v. Icon_Tenderness_Lubyatovskaya 1521 Saint Innocent of Komel and Vologda wande Luke 15: 1 - 3, 11 - 32 Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 20
783
Blessed Remigius of Strasburg bishop OSB B (AC)Sometimes styled either a saint or a beatae, Remigius was a son of Duke Hugh of Alsace and a nephew of Saint Ottilien. He was educated at Münster Abbey near Colmar, and later was its abbot. In 776, Remigius was consecrated bishop of Strasburg. Pope Leo IX authorized his feast for the abbey of Münster 1287 Blessed Ambrose Sansedoni a miracle when a baby and reported at his tomb; humble; levitated; OP (RM) charged by Bd Pope Gregory X to preach the crusade he obtained a generous response to his appeals. Pope Clement VIII seems to have ordered his name to be inserted in the Roman Martyrology before any formal Canonization or confirmatio cultus had taken place; 1516 Blessed John Baptist Spagnuolo profound counsel Latin verse lines eminent representatives of Christian Humanism in Italy; on the day of his burial, and a number of miracles, ascribed to his intercession, established his cultus immediately after his death. He was beatified in 1885. 1612 Saint Euphrosynus of Blue Jay Lake incorrupt relics "We vowed to live and die in the wilderness. We must be faithful to our word, given before the Lord. In such a case, death results in peace" St Euphrosynus was glorified by the Russian Orthodox Church on June 29, 1912. 1619 Blessed Hippolytus Galantini From age 12 assisted priests in teaching children catechism (AC) He was only twelve years old when he attracted the notice of Archbishop Alexander de’ Medici— afterwards Pope Leo XI—who allowed him to help the priests in instructing children. 1727 Sir Isaac Newton died MARCH 20, devoted more time to the study of Scripture than to science Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 21
547 ST BENEDICT,
ABBOT, PATRIARCH OF WESTERN MONKS
Upon the site of the Appolo temple he built two chapels, and
round about these sanctuaries there rose little by little the
great pile which was destined to become the most famous abbey
the world has ever known, the foundation of which is likely to have
been laid by St Benedict in the year 530 or thereabouts.1289 Blessed John of Parma 1st attempt won back schismatic Greeks died on 2nd attempt 7th general minister Franciscan Order 1481 St. Nicholas von Flüe Hermit Swiss political figure Renowned for his holiness and wisdom; “Bruder Klaus,” he often had the good fortune of contemplating Our Lady receiving frequent visits from her. Saint Nicholas of Flüe (Switzerland, 1417-1487) who received several visions of the Virgin Mary Johann Sebastian Bach was born MARCH 21, 1685; he died in the year 1750. 1949 Saint Seraphim clairvoyance; healing priestly ministry in prison camps angels brought Communion 1858 Saint Benedicta Cambiagio Frassinello profound mystical experience that left her devoted to prayer miraculously cured by St Jerome Emiliani 1949 Saint Seraphim gifts of clairvoyance; healing priestly ministry in prison camps angels brought him Communion Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 22
1599 Righteous Basil
of Mangazea incorrupt Many miracles1st v. St.
Epaphroditus
Apostle sent by St. Paul to the Phillipians
264 Departure of Abba Dionysius the Fourteenth Pope of Alexandria. 362 St. Basil of Ancyra priest in Galatia (Ankara) Martyr for the faith Arianism opponent; God Healed him after torture 5th v. St. Darerca sister of St. Patrick sons became bishops throughout Ireland 484 St. Octavian Martyr of the Vandals under Hunneric 752 Pope St. Zachary 741 - 752 Zachary I, Pope known for his learning & sanctity chosen pope in 741 to succeed Saint Gregory III (RM) 1487 Nicholas of Flüe, Hermit fighting "with a sword in one hand, and a rosary in the other!" often rapt in ecstatic prayer, experiencing visions and revelations as a hermit in almost perpetual prayer for 21.5 yrs, he took no food for the body patron saint of Switzerland. (RM) 1606 St. Nicholas Owen "Little John," 20 yrs build secret hiding places for priests as a lay person 1929 Blessed Dina Bélanger Sisters of Jesus-Marie Rome accomplished pianist woman of infectious joy despite illness Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 23
St Philetus dignitary at court of emperor Hadrian (117-138), a persecutor of Christians 250 St. Nicon and Companions Martyred distinguished Roman soldier monk 361 St. Domitius Martyr with Aquila Esparchius Pelagia & Theodosia at Caesarea in Palestine 460 Gwinear & Comp martyrs miracles contemporary Saint Patrick Maidoc of Fiddown Abbot highly esteemed 484 St. Victorian Carthage Martyr with 4 other miraculously bodies bore no sign of scars or bruises 484 Liberat and Companions (RM) St. Fidelis Martyr of Africa, probably one of the 21-24 companions of St. Felix 5th v. St. Felix African martyr with twenty companions, believed to have been persecuted by Vandals 550 St. Benedict of Campania hermit contemporary of St. Benedict of Nursia and Monte Cassino miraculously escaped burning By a miracle, he was preserved from death, and was liberated unhurt the next day. He lived at the time of St Benedict of Nursia, who was personally acquainted with him. The holy man appears to have died a natural death in 543 or 550, and he may perhaps be identified with a St Benedict whose relics are venerated at Lavello, in the diocese of Venosa, who is also commemorated upon this day. The Dialogues of St Gregory the Great (bk iii, ch. 18) are here
our only authority, but the Roman Martyrology registers the
name of St Benedict the Hermit on this day.
1000
Saint Felix
of Montecassino Many miracles were recorded at his
tomb OSB (AC)1080 Aldemar the Wise, OSB, Abbot popular because of the miracles (AC) 1088 Saint Nikon of the Kiev Caves 1st disciple/fellow-ascetic of St Anthony founder of the Kiev Caves monastery 1606 St. Toribio Alfonso de Mogrovejo Bishop defender of the native Indians in Peru's rights See Also April 27 HERE 1702 St. Joseph Oriol Apostle of Barcelona miracle worker healings & prophet faith, hope, and love of God and neighbor 1914 Blessed Rafqa (Rebecca) Shabaq al-Rayes God's gift to the universal Church from the Maronites revelations by voices, dreams, and visions many miracles V (AC) Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 24
Lazarus Saturday and Palm SundayThe Feast of St. Gabriel Archangel, sent by God to announce the Incarnation of the Divine Word. Saint Artemon
Bishop Apostle Paul established Artemon as 1st
bishop of that city
150 St. Mark
& Timothy Roman martyrs of post-apostolic times mentioned
in a letter by Pope St. Pius I
304 ST IRENAEUS, BISHOP OF SIRMIUM, MARTYR 362 St. Pigmenius Martyr; priest in Rome Emperor Julian the Apostate had him hurled into the Tiber 500 St. Domangard hermit contemporary of St. Patrick 712 717 St. Hildelitha Benedictine abbess supporter of Sts. Bede, Aldhelm, Boniface, visions 13_14th v. Saint Zachariah Faster of the Caves Often saw angels: Demons trembled at mention of his name 1381 St. Catherine of Sweden convent Wadstena desire for self-mortification devotion to spiritual things. The following year, In 1375, she went again to Rome in order to promote the canonization of St. Bridget, and to obtain a new papal confirmation of the order. She secured another confirmation both from Gregory XI (1377) and from Urban VI (1379) but was unable to gain at the time the canonization of her mother, husband, to whom she appears to have been deeply attached. 1396 Walter Hilton von Thurgarton Er studierte besonders die Texte der Mystiker und übersetzte auch mehrere Werke aus dem Lateinischen ins Englische 16th v. Peter of Kazan Holy Martyr newly-baptized Tatar suffered converted to Christianity from Islam 1606 ST TURIBIUS, Archbishop of LIMA To those who tried to twist God’s law to make it accord with their evil practice he would oppose the words of Tertullian: “Christ said, ‘I am the truth’. He did not say, I am the custom’.” The archbishop succeeded in eradicating some of the worst abuses, and he founded numerous churches, religious houses and hospitals; in 1591 he established at Lima the first ecclesiastical seminary in the New World. ST TURIBIUS is, equally with St Rose of Lima, the first known saint of the New World. It is true that he was not born on the American continent, and not canonized until fifty-five years after her; but they lived in the same place at the same time, Turibius died first, and it was he who conferred the sacrament of confirmation on Rose. His memory is held in great veneration throughout Peru, for although he did not plant Christianity in that land he greatly promoted it, and cleansed the Church there from grave abuses which were sapping its vitality and bringing discredit upon its name; his feast is, moreover, observed throughout South America. 18th v. "The Uncut," or "Clouded Mountain" Icon of the Mother of God 1801 BD DIDACUS, or DIEGO, OF CADIZ 1980 Oscar Romero (San Salvador) geboren 1977 zum Erzbischof von San Salvador berufen Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 25
383 St Zosimas
monk Palestinian monastery of CaesareaZosimas monk with Mary of the desert 430 St. Mary of Egypt penitent sent to desert east of Palestine by the Blessed Virgin as a hermitess in absolute solitude for forty-seven years. Having dwelt at the monastery since his childhood, he lived there in asceticism until he reached the age of fifty-three. Then he was disturbed by the thought that he had attained perfection, and needed no one to instruct him. "Is there a monk anywhere who can show me some form of asceticism that I have not attained? Is there anyone who has surpassed me in spiritual sobriety and deeds?" Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, "Zosimas, you have struggled valiantly, as far as this is in the power of man. However, there is no one who is righteous (Rom 3:10). So that you may know how many other ways lead to salvation, leave your native land, like Abraham from the house of his father (Gen 12:1), and go to the monastery by the Jordan." Abba Zosimas immediately left the monastery, and following the angel, he went to the Jordan monastery and settled in it. Here he met Elders who were adept in contemplation, and also in their struggles. Never did anyone utter an idle word. Instead, they sang constantly, and prayed all night long. Abba Zosimas began to imitate the spiritual activity of the holy monks. Thus much time passed, and the holy Forty Day Fast approached. There was a certain custom at the monastery, which was why God had led St Zosimas there. On the First Sunday of Great Lent the igumen served the Divine Liturgy, everyone received the All-Pure Body and Blood of Christ. Afterwards, they went to the trapeza for a small repast, and then assembled once more in church. The monks prayed and made prostrations, asking forgiveness one of another. Then they made a prostration before the igumen and asked his blessing for the struggle that lay before them. During the Psalm "The Lord is my Light and my Savior, whom shall I fear? The Lord is defender of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?" (Ps 26/27:1), they opened the monastery gate and went off into the wilderness. Each took with him as much food as he needed, and went into the desert. When their food ran out, they ate roots and desert plants. The monks crossed the Jordan and scattered in various directions, so that no one might see how another fasted or how they spent their time. The monks returned to the monastery on Palm Sunday, each having his own conscience as a witness of his ascetic struggles. It was a rule of the monastery that no one asked how anyone else had toiled in the desert. Abba Zosimas, according to the
custom of the monastery, went deep into the desert hoping to
find someone living there who could benefit him.
He walked into the wilderness for twenty days and then, when he sang the Psalms of the Sixth Hour and made the usual prayers. Suddenly, to the right of the hill where he stood, he saw a human form. He was afraid, thinking that it might be a demonic apparition. Then he guarded himself with the Sign of the Cross, which removed his fear. He turned to the right and saw a form walking southward. The body was black from the blazing sunlight, and the faded short hair was white like a sheep's fleece. Abba Zosimas rejoiced, since he had not seen any living thing for many days. The desert-dweller saw Zosimas approaching, and attempted to flee from him. Abba Zosimas, forgetting his age and fatigue, quickened his pace. When he was close enough to be heard, he called out, "Why do you flee from me, a sinful old man? Wait for me, for the love of God." The stranger said to him, "Forgive me, Abba Zosimas, but I cannot turn and show my face to you. I am a woman, and as you see, I am naked. If you would grant the request of a sinful woman, throw me your cloak so I might cover my body, and then I can ask for your blessing." Then Abba Zosimas was terrified, realizing that she could not have called him by name unless she possessed spiritual insight. Covered by the cloak, the ascetic turned to Zosimas: "Why do you want to speak with me, a sinful woman? What did you wish to learn from me, you who have not shrunk from such great labors?" Abba Zosimas fell to the ground and asked for her blessing. She also bowed down before him, and for a long time they remained on the ground each asking the other to bless. Finally, the woman ascetic said: "Abba Zosimas, you must bless and pray, since you are honored with the grace of the priesthood. For many years you have stood before the holy altar, offering the Holy Gifts to the Lord." These words frightened St Zosimas even more. With tears he said to her, "O Mother! It is clear that you live with God and are dead to this world. You have called me by name and recognized me as a priest, though you have never seen me before. The grace granted you is apparent, therefore bless me, for the Lord's sake." Yielding finally to his entreaties, she said, "Blessed is God, Who cares for the salvation of men." Abba Zosimas replied, "Amen." Then they rose to their feet. The woman ascetic again said to the Elder, "Why have you come, Father, to me who am a sinner, bereft of every virtue? Apparently, the grace of the Holy Spirit has brought you to do me a service. But tell me first, Abba, how do the Christians live, how is the Church guided?" Abba Zosimas answered her, "By your holy prayers God has granted the Church and us all a lasting peace. But fulfill my unworthy request, Mother, and pray for the whole world and for me a sinner, that my wanderings in the desert may not be useless." The holy ascetic replied, "You, Abba Zosimas, as a priest, ought to pray for me and for all, for you are called to do this. However, since we must be obedient, I will do as you ask. The saint turned toward the East, and raising her eyes to heaven and stretching out her hands, she began to pray in a whisper. She prayed so softly that Abba Zosimas could not hear her words. After a long time, the Elder looked up and saw her standing in the air more than a foot above the ground. Seeing this, Zosimas threw himself down on the ground, weeping and repeating, "Lord, have mercy!" Then he was tempted by a thought. He wondered if she might not be a spirit, and if her prayer could be insincere. At that moment she turned around, lifted him from the ground and said, "Why do your thoughts confuse you, Abba Zosimas? I am not an apparition. I am a sinful and unworthy woman, though I am guarded by holy Baptism." Then she made the Sign of the Cross and said, "May God protect us from the Evil One and his schemes, for fierce is his struggle against us." Seeing and hearing this, the Elder fell at her feet with tears saying, "I beseech you by Christ our God, do not conceal from me who you are and how you came into this desert. Tell me everything, so that the wondrous works of God may be revealed." She replied, "It distresses me, Father, to speak to you about my shameless life. When you hear my story, you might flee from me, as if from a poisonous snake. But I shall tell you everything, Father, concealing nothing. However, I exhort you, cease not to pray for me a sinner, that I may find mercy on the Day of Judgment. 1593 St. James Bird, Blessed English martyr convert at 19 refused Oath of Supremacy 1586 Margaret Clitherow 1/40 martyrs of England convert M (RM) 1732 St. Lucy Filippini Co-foundress of the Italian institute of theMaestre Pie, the Filippine 1927 St. Saint Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 26
Departure
of Lazarus
beloved of the Lord {Coptic} The righteous Lazarus, the
beloved of the Lord Christ, departed. He was the brother of Martha and
Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet
with her hair. When Lazarus fell sick the sisters sent to the Lord
Christ saying: "Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick." When Jesus heard
that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of
God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it." Now Jesus loved
Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when He heard that he was sick, He
stayed two more days in the place where He was " to magnify the miracle."
Then after this He said
to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." The disciples told
Him, "Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going
there again?" Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day?
If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the
light of this world. "But if one walks in the night, he stumbles,
because the light is not in him." These things He said, and after that
He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake
him up." Then His disciples said, "Lord, if he sleeps he will get well."
However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking
about taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus said to them plainly, "Lazarus is
dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe.
Nevertheless let us go to him."Commemoration of the Sts. George the ascetic, Belasius the martyr, and Anba Joseph the bishop.{Coptic} St. Peter with Cassian Marcian Thecla Joyinus Roman martyrs 356 Eutychius of Alexandria subdeacon & Comps against Arianism martyred MM (RM) 7th v. St. Garbhan monastic efforts to preserve knowledge & culture in Ireland 651 St. Braulio Saragossa Bishop teach encourage people extirpate Arian heresy; hagiographer of Spanish saints 809 Saint Ludger Benedictine bishop missionary founded Munster Germany counselor of Charlemagne His gentleness did more to attract Saxons to Christ than armies of Charlemagne At his own request the boy had been sent to Utrecht at an unusually early age by his parents; amongst the memories of his childhood, he cherished the recollection of having once seen the great St Boniface, “when the hair of his head was white and his body decrepit with age”. St Gregory wished to retain him 944 Saint Basil the New many miracles healer gift of discernment After the death of St Theodora, who had attended St Basil, Gregory very much wanted to learn about her life beyond the grave, and he often asked the holy ascetic to reveal this to him. Through the saint's prayers, Gregory saw St Theodora in a dream. She told him how her soul underwent tribulations after death, and how the power of the prayers of St Basil had helped her (The Feast Day of St Theodora of Constantinople is December 30). St Basil died in about the year 944 at the age of 110. The Church calls him Basil the
New to distinguish him from other ascetics of the same name.
1586 St. Margaret of Clitherow convert harbored fugitive priests 1565 Martyrdom of St. Sedhom Bishay in Domiat endured the torture for the Name of the Lord Christ and his martyrdom made the rising of the Cross during the Christian funeral processions openly, it was forbidden before 1615 A.M. { 1899} Departure of St. Basilius, Bishop of Jerusalem {Coptic} 1801 Blessed Didacus of Cadiz Capuchin priest difficulty with his studies able to touch minds hearts of young old rich poor students professors levitated while tireless preaching on love of God Children could see Dove on his shoulder 1908 Blessed Maddalena Caterina Morano Daughters of Mary Help of Christians coordinated catechetical instruction Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 27
749 ST JOHN
DAMASCENE, DOCTOR OF THE Church; last of Greek fathers; first of long line of
Christian Aristotelians; one of 2 Eastern church great poets; the other, St Romanus the Melodist; birth commemorated on May 6. A duplex feast.
his treatise Of the Orthodox Faith is
still to the Eastern schools what the Summa of St Thomas Aquinas
became to the West.830 The Holy Martyr Boyan, Prince of Bulgaria filled with a love of prayer, fasting and contemplation of God. St. Rupert, bishop/confessor, Salzburg in Austria, spread the Gospel wonderful manner in Bavarian /Austrian 1197 BD WILLIAM TEMPIER, BISHOP OF Poitiers; his tomb became a place of pilgrimage, because of the miracles of healing reported wrought there. Seven Priestly Virtues FROM SOLITUDE TO STORYTELLING 1888 Blessed Francis Faà di Bruno; founded Society of St. Zita for maids and domestic servants, expanding to include unmarried mothers, helped establish hostels for elderly and poor; oversaw construction of a Turin church dedicated to memory of Italian soldiers who lost lives in struggle over the Italy's unification Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 28
260 St. Alexander Martyred soldier of Pannonia performing many miracles (Hungary) may be anonymous martyr of Thrace listed on May 13 St. Castor & Dorotheus early persecutions of Tarsus Martyrs in Cilicia 327 JONAS and BARACHISIUS, MARTYRS 4th v. Saint Jonah was one of those martyred with Sts Jonah and Barachisius. 365 SS. MARK, Bishop OF ARETHUSA, AND CYRIL, MARTYR St. Castor & Dorotheus early persecutions of Tarsus Martyrs in Cilicia 440 Pope St. Sixtus III approved Acts of the Council of Ephesus endeavoured to restore peace between Cyril of Alexandria and John of Antioch prominent among the Roman clergy and in correspondence with St. Augustine. he succeeded Pope St Celestine I in 432, restored the Liberian basilica, now called St Mary Major 1476 St Hilarion of Gdov and Pskov Lake; high level of pious and ascetic life 1456 Sancti Joánnis de Capistráno, Sacerdótis ex Ordine Minórum et Confessóris. All these difficulties required adjustment, and Capistran, working in harmony with St Bernardino of Siena, was called upon to bear a large share in this burden. After the general chapter held at Assisi in 1430, St John was appointed to draft the conclusions at which the assembly arrived, and these “Martinian statutes”, as they were called, in virtue of their confirmation by Pope Martin V, are among the most important in the history of the order. 1588 St. James Claxton, Blessed devout Catholic Martyr in England Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 29
455 St. Armogastes
and Companions Martyrs of the Vandals
1195 St. Berthold
Considered by some historians founder of the Carmelite
Order
1195 St. Berthold Considered by some historians founder of the Carmelite Order 1480 Saints moines Marc, Jona et Vassa qui ont fondé le monastère de Pskovo-Pechersk 1885 Blessed Ludovico of Casoria "led by Jesus" established Gray Brothers and Sisters & many institutes for the poor Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 30
Holy Apostles Sosthenes,
Apollos, Cephas, Caesar and Epaphroditus of the Seventy
Paul converted him to Christianity117 St. Quirinus Roman tribune martyr jailer of Pope St. Alexander I 130 SAINT RIEUL EVEQUE D'ARLES ET DE SENLIS conversion des infidèles et l'établissement de la religion cht'élirnne avec plusieurs excellents rnissionnaie'es pour aller en Espagne 250? ST REGULUS, OR RIEUL, BISHOP OF SENLIS 260 St. Regulus 1st bishop of Civitas Silvanectium Gaul companion of St. Denis 304 St. Domninus Martyr with Victor, Achaicus, Palatinus, and Philocalus 303 Saint Euboula, Mother of Martyr Panteleimon (July 27) died peacefully before the martyrdom of her son. Constantinópoli commemorátio sanctórum plurimórum Mártyrum cathólicæ communiónis, 462 St. Mamertinus monk abbot Bishop convert of St. Germanus 649 St. John Climacus Sinai Abbot his book The Climax or Ladder of Perfection; God bestowed upon St John an extraordinary grace of healing the spiritual disorders of souls. 660 St. Zosimus vision of Santa Lucia simple wise man monk abbot bishop of Syracuse famous for care of poor and his educational programs 733 St. Tola Irish bishop in Meath aided the expansion of scholarly studies 788 Patto of Werden abbot many miracles have been attributed OSB B (AC) 1236 Blessed Moricus order of the Cruciferi 5th recruit to join Francis (AC) 1456 St. Peter Regulatus noble family Franciscan reformer severe asceticism levitate ecstasies SEE ALSO MAY 13 1472 Bl. Amadeus IX of Savoy victim of epilepsy known for his charity concern for the poor 1684 Saint Zacharie, évêque de Corinthe, Néomartyr grec 18th v. Saint Sophronius, Bishop of Irkutsk and Wonderworker of all Siberia 1890 St. Leonard Muraildo Priest Founder Congregation of St. Joseph. He was born in Turin, Italy, and was a leader in Catholic social work for social justice like Saints John Bosco Joseph Cafasso Joseph Cottolengo 1943 Blessed Maria Restituta Kafka devotion to socially poor; avid Nazis opponent sentenced to death by Borman Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 31
1700 B.C. Righteous
Joseph
the Handsome son of the Old Testament patriarch Jacob (Gen.
37-50)8th v BC. Amos Prophet 9 brief chapters shepherd of Tekoah (Koa) near Bethlehem, a trimmer of sycamores (RM) Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday 130 St. Balbina Martyr died for her faith was buried on the Appian Way She is invoked against scrofula St. Theodulus Martyr with Anesius & others in Proconsular Africa 251-260 St. Achatius led a devout life and was much revered for his charity 326 Hypatius, Bishop of Gangra Hieromartyr at 1st Ecumenical Council Nicea martyred by schismatics prayed for murderers devout life miracles 361-363 38 Martyrs are also remembered on this day, beheaded by the sword under Julian (361-363) 386 St. Anba Kyrellos (Cyril), Bishop of Jerusalem The Departure of; copticchurch.net 1072 Peter Damian brilliant teacher and writer uncompromising attitude toward worldliness denunciations of simony clerical marriage B Doctor of the Church (RM) 1147 Blessed Guy of Vicogne founded the Premonstratensian abbey of Vicogne O Praem. (AC) 1461 Saint Jonah Metropolitan of Moscow Wonderworker of All Russia miraculous healings at his grave incorrupt relics first Metropolitan consecrated by Russian bishops Isidore the Bulgarian was Metropolitan but became Catholic after attending the Council of Florence (1438) and ousted by Russian heirarchs 1491 BD BONAVENTURE OF FORLI His relics were ultimately conveyed to Venice, where a cultus grew up marked by many miraculous cures. 1595 Robert Southwell Fire, sweetness, purity, and gentleness were features poet Jesuit priest suffered for the faith SJ M 1631 John Donne 1601 das religiöse Gedicht "The Progresse of the Soule" verfaßte die "Divine Poems" (1607). Im "Pseudo-Martyr" (1610) 1631 Zwei Monate vor seinem Tod Predigten unter dem Titel "Death's Duel". 1879 St Innocent Metropolitan of Moscow & Kolomensk proclaimed Gospel in Aleutian islands 6 dialects of tribes on Sitka island among the Kolosh (Tlingit) remote Kamchatka diocese among Koryak, Chukchei, Tungus in Yakutsk region & North America; & in the Amur & the Usuriisk region. |
Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 01
492 ST. FELIX
III Pope helped to get the Church in
Africa on its feet. 492
ST FELIX II (III), POPE 483
- 492
ACCORDING to the Roman Martyrology this Pope Felix was an ancestor (great-great-grandfather) of Pope St Gregory the Great it recalls Gregory’s statement that when his aunt, St Tharsilla, lay dying, Felix appeared in vision and summoned her to Heaven. The martyrology Calls him Felix III, through the long-standing but erroneous numeration of the antipope Felix as Pope St Felix II (see July 29). 549 St. Herculanus Bishop of Perugia, Italy marthred by Ostrogoths. At Perugia, the transferral of the body of St. Herculanus, bishop and martyr, who was beheaded by order of Totila, king of the Goths. Forty days after the decapitation, Pope St. Gregory relates that the head had been rejoined to the body as if it had never been touched by the sword: beheaded by King Totila of the Ostrogoths. He is probably the same Herculanus sent to Perugia from Syria to evangelize the region. 589 ? St. David of Wales missionary priest monk dove lift him high above the people David is the patron saint of Wales and perhaps the most famous of British saints. Ironically, we have little reliable information about him. It is known that he became a priest, engaged in 589 ? St. David of Wales David, cousin of Cadoc and pupil of Illtyd. David is the patron saint of Wales and perhaps the most famous of British saints. Many stories and legends sprang up about David and his Welsh monks. Their austerity was extreme. They worked in silence without the help of animals to till the soil. Their food was limited to bread, vegetables and water. 713 St Swithbert (Suidbert) 1 of band 12 missionaries headed by St Willibrord, started in 690 evangelize Friesland. At Kaiserswerdt, Bishop St. Swidbert, who, in the time of Pope Sergius, preached the Gospel among the Frisians, Batavians, and other Germanic peoples. ST SWITHBERT (Suidbert) was one of a band of twelve missionaries who, headed by St Willibrord, started in 690 to evangelize the pagans of Friesland. A Northumbrian by birth, and brought up as a monk near the Scottish border, Swithbert, like so many other Englishmen of his period, had crossed over to Ireland in search of higher perfection. Here he had come under the direction and influence of St Egbert, who, though long consumed with zeal for the conversion of Lower Germany, had been restrained by divine command when he prepared a ship and was on the point of embarking in person. His place had then been taken by his disciple and devoted friend St Wigbert, but the mission was a complete failure, and after labouring for two years Wigbert returned home. Egbert, however, refused to be discouraged and never slackened in his appeal for volunteers, until he succeeded in collecting and training this second mission which he despatched. By this time the conditions had become much more favourable. The missionaries landed at the mouth of the Rhine and, according to Alcuin, made their way as far as Utrecht, where they set to work to preach and to teach. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 02
6th century Martyrs
of Campania Christians martyred
by the Lombards in Italy.
ST GREGORY THE GREAT in one of his Dialogues
has preserved for us the record of those martyrs under
the Lombards whom we commemorate on this day, who
were in fact contemporaries of his own. It was about the
middle of the sixth century that the Lombards from Scandinavia
and Pomerania, who had already descended upon Austria and
Bavaria, penetrated yet further south into Italy, bringing
ruin and desolation in their train. Not content with material destruction, they attempted in many cases to pervert the Christian population, forcing their pagan rites upon them. In one place they endeavoured to induce forty peasants to eat meat offered to idols when they refused to a man, the invaders killed them all with the sword. In the case of another, party of prisoners, their captors sought to make them join in the worship of their favourite deity, a goat’s head, which they carried in procession and to which they bowed the knee, singing obscene songs in its honour. The greater part of the Christians—about 400 in number—chose rather to die than to flout God thus. 1127 Bl. Charles the Good martyred by black marketeers hording food. Son of King Saint Canute of Denmark. Raised in the court of his maternal grandfather, Robert de Frison, Count of Flanders. Fought in the second Crusade. Succeeded Robert II as count of Flanders. Married into the family of the Duke of Clermont. His rule was a continuous defense of the poor against profiteers of his time, both clerical and lay. Called "the Good" by popular acclamation. Reformed laws to make them more fair, supported the poor, fed the hungry, walked barefoot to Mass each day. Martyred in the church of Saint Donatian at Bruges by Borchard, part of a conspiracy of the rich whom he had offended. He is venerated at Bruges. Born: 1083 Died: beheaded on 2 March 1127; relics at the Cathedral of Bruges Beatified: 1883 by Pope Leo XIII (cultus confirmed) Name Meaning: strong; manly Patronage: counts, Crusaders. 1201 BD FULCO
OF NEUILLY
after a serious
conversion he set about his priestly
duties at Neuilly-sur-Marne with fervour and
success; reputed to
have a strange knowledge of men’s thoughts
and worked innumerable cures upon those who
had recourse to him in their infirmities. All the chroniclers, however, are agreed that Fulco never
flattered and was no respecter of persons. According
to Roger Hoveden it was he who told King Richard Coeur-de-Lion
that unless he married off his three disreputable daughters,
he would certainly come to a bad end. When Richard exclaimed
in a fury that the words proved his censor to be a hypocrite
and an impostor, for he had no daughters, the holy man answered,
“Yes, but indeed you have three daughters, and I will tell you their
names. The first is called Pride, the second Avarice and the third
Lust.” The fame of the French priest’s
missionary labours attracted the notice of Pope
Innocent III, and in the year 1198 he commissioned
Fulco to preach the new Crusade, accounted the Fourth, throughout
the northern part of France. His eloquence had already produced
marvellous effects, and if we may credit his own statement,
as reported by Coggeshall, 200,000 people in the course of three
years had taken the cross at his hands. Fulco was himself
to have joined in the expedition, but before starting
he fell ill and died on March 2, 1201. His tomb
was still venerated at Neuilly-sur-Marne in the eighteenth century.
The cultus formerly paid to him seems never
to have been authoritatively confirmed. Now that she was free, Agnes set about consecrating herself and her possessions wholly to God. Her father had brought the Friars Minor to Prague, probably at her suggestion, and she built or completed a convent for them. With the help of her brother she endowed a great hospital for the poor and brought to it the Knights Hospitallers of the Cross and Star, whose church and monastery still remain in the same place, and the two also built a convent for Poor Clares. The citizens would fain have shared in the work, but the king and his sister preferred to complete it alone. Nevertheless it is said that the workmen, determined to do their part, would often slip away unperceived in the evening in order to avoid being paid. As soon as the convent was ready, St Clare sent five of her religious to start it, and on Whitsunday 1236 Bd Agnes herself received the veil. Her profession made a great impression: she was joined by a hundred girls of good family, and throughout Europe princesses and noble women followed her example and founded or entered convents of Poor Clares. Agnes showed the true spirit of St Francis, ever seeking the lowliest place and the most menial work, and it was with difficulty that she was induced, when nominated by Pope Gregory IX, to accept the dignity of abbess—at least for a time. After much entreaty she obtained for the Poor Ladies of Prague the concession obtained in 1238 by St Clare at San Damiano, namely, permission to resign all revenues and property held in common. The four letters from St Clare to Bd Agnes which have come down to us express her tender affection for her devoted disciple, to whom she also sent, in response to her request for a souvenir, a wooden cross, a flaxen veil and the earthen bowl out of which she drank. Agnes lived to the age of seventy-seven and died on March 2, 1282. Her cultus was confirmed by Pope Pius X; the Friars Minor now keep her feast on June 8, with Bd. Isabel of France and Baptista Varani. She was canonized in 1989 by Pope John Paul II. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 03
803 St.
Anselm
of Nonantola Benedictine abbot
duke. WHEN the Langobard
King Aistulf was reigning in Italy, he was greatly assisted in his military
campaigns by his brother-in-law, Anselm, Duke of Friuli. The duke was
not only a valiant soldier but also an ardent Christian, and founded
first a monastery with a hospital at Fanano in the province of Modena
and then a larger abbey twenty miles further south at Nonantola. Desirous
of consecrating himself entirely to God, he then went to Rome, where he
was clothed with the habit of St Benedict and appointed abbot over the
new community. St.
Anselm also received from Pope
Stephen III permission to remove to
Nonantola the body of Pope St Silvester;
and Langobard King Aistulf enriched the
abbey with gifts and granted it many privileges it became
very celebrated throughout all Italy.
1075 ST GERVINUS,
ABBOT. Pilgrims used to throng the church,
and the abbot sometimes spent nearly the whole day in
hearing confessions. Nor was his zeal confined to his
abbey, for he made excursions through Picardy, Normandy, Aquitaine
and as far as Thuringia, preaching and hearing confessions.
When Pope St Leo IX in 1050
came in person to Rheims to consecrate the church of St Remigius
and to preside over a council, the abbot of Saint-Riquier
accompanied him on his journey back to Rome.So great was the veneration in which he was held that
he was called “the holy abbot” even during his lifetime.
Although, for the last four years of his life, he suffered
from a terrible form of leprosy, he continued to carry on all
his customary duties as before, and he would often bless God
for sending him the trial. On March 3, 1075, when he offered
his last Mass in the little underground church of Notre-Dame
de Ia Voute which he had built, he was so ill that he could scarcely
finish, and had to be carried back to his cell as soon as it was
over.
To his monks who stood round him in consternation he said, “Children, to-day our Blessed Lady has given me my discharge from this life”, and he insisted upon making a public confession of his sins. He then had himself taken back to the church and laid before the altar of St John Baptist, where he died. When his body was then washed, it was noticed that no trace of the leprosy remained. 1167 ST AELRED,
ABBOT OF Rievaulx "He who loves thee, possesses thee and he
possesses thee in proportion as he loves, because thou art
love. This is that abundance with which thy beloved are inebriated,
melting away from themselves, that they may pass into thee by
loving thee.” Besides the
admirable study of St Aelred by Father
Dalgairns (in Newman’s series of Lives of the English
Saints), which may be truly described
as one of the classics of hagiography, a very complete
and up-to-date account of the saint
is provided by F. M. Powicke’s Ailrad of Rievaulx
and his Biographer Walter Daniel (1922).
This writer shows that the life by Walter Daniel, a contemporary
monk of Rievaulx, is the source from which both the
two biographies previously known have been condensed. In
1950 Professor Powicke published Daniel’s biography in
Latin and English, with notes and a long introduction. We also
obtain a good many sidelights upon Aelred’s character from
his own treatises and sermons. All these, with the exception
of his book on the Hexham miracles, will be found printed in
Migne, PL., vol. cxcv. There is a great devotional glow in many
of his ascetical writings, notably in his Speculum
charitatis. He was the author also of several
short biographies— e.g. that of
St Ninian—and of historical and theological tractates. There is
a translation of De spirituali amicitia
by Fr Hugh Talbot, called Christian Friendship.
T. E. Harvey’s St Aelred
of Rievaulx (1932)
is an excellent short book by a Quaker. See also D. Knowles,
The Monastic Order in England (1949), pp.
240—245, 257—266 and passim. Aelred’s
name is variously spelt. In the DNB., for example, he appears
as “Ethelred”, in Powicke and others as “Ailred”. See, further,
the Acta Sanctorum for January 12
and the Dictionnaire de Spiritualité,
vol. i, cc. 225--234.
Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 04
254 St.
Lucius
I a Roman elected Pope to succeed Pope
St. CorneliusAt Rome, on the Appian Way, during the persecution of Valerian, the birthday of St. Lucius, pope and martyr, who was first exiled for the faith of Christ, but being permitted by divine Providence to return to his church, after labouring long against the Novatians, he suffered martyrdom by beheading. His praises have been published by St. Cyprian. 1123 St. Peter of Pappacarbone Benedictine bishop leadership, care, and wisdom. PETER PAPPACARBONE was a native of Salerno in Italy, a nephew of St Alferius, founder of the monastery of Cava, and entered upon the religious life at a very early age under St Leo, the second abbot. He distinguished himself at once by his piety, abstemiousness and love of solitude. At this time the fame of the abbey of Cluny had spread far and wide, and the young monk was so attracted by what he had heard that about 1062 he obtained permission to leave Cava and go to France. When the older monks at Cluny would have sent him to the school to be trained, their abbot, St Hugh, disagreed, saying that Peter might be young in years but that he was a full-grown man in devotion. The abbot’s opinion was abundantly justified, for Peter proved himself well among that household of holy men and he remained there for some six years. He was then recalled to Italy, having been released by St Hugh apparently at the request of the archdeacon of Rome, Hildebrand (who was afterwards Pope St Gregory VII). Under the government of Abbot Peter the monastery flourished amazingly. Not only did numbers of aspirants to the religious life flock to him from all sides, but men and women in the world showered money and lands upon the community, which was enabled to minister far and wide to the sick and the poor. The abbey itself had to be enlarged to admit the new members, and a new church was built, to the dedication of which came Pope Urban II, who had been with St Peter at Cluny and had remained his close friend. The description of this occasion was preserved in the chronicles of Cava, where it is stated that Bd Urban talked freely with the abbot and monks, as though “forgetting that he was pope”. St Peter lived to a great age and died in 1123. 1188 BD HUMBERT III OF SAVOY. Called to rule at his father’s death, he sacrificed a desire for solitude to the task imposed upon him, and though a mere boy when he took up the reins of government he showed himself fully equal to his position, finding it quite possible to reconcile the duty of a secular ruler with that of self-sanctification. When his wife died childless, the count sought in the monastery of Aulps the consolation he needed, and would fain have remained there, but his vassals came to entreat him not to abandon them and to take steps to ensure the succession in his family. Yielding to these representations he again took up the burden and contracted two, if not three, more marriages. By his second wife, Germana of Zahringen, he had a child, Agnes, who was betrothed to John Lackland, afterwards king of England, but both mother and daughter died before the marriage could take place. The time came at last when Count Humbert felt that he was justified in retiring from the world to prepare himself for death. He accordingly withdrew to the Cistercian abbey of Hautecombe, where he gave himself up to the humblest and most austere practices of the religious life. There is good reason to believe that Bd Humbert died peacefully in his Cistercian retreat, where also was buried nearly a century later Bd Boniface of Savoy, who had been archbishop of Canterbury. The cultus of Bd Humbert was approved in 1838 (Gregory XVI 1831-46) 1877 St. Placide Viel Nun and mother general relief during Franco Prussian War. b.1815 in Normandy, France, she joined the Sisters of the Christian Schools in 1833 after meeting St. Marie Madeleine Postel, mother general of the congregation. In 1841 she was appointed assistant general of the sisters, a promotion which earned much resentment from other sisters. Nevertheless, after proving herself, she became mother general of the congregation in 1846 after Marie Madeleine’s passing. With much effort, in 1859 she won final approval of the institute from Pope Pius IX. She was quite active in organizing relief during the Franco Prussian War.. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 05
423 Eusebius
of Cremona build hostel for poor pilgrims,
Abbot (AC).
ST EUSEBIUS of Cremona paid a visit as a young man to
Rome and during his stay made the acquaintance of St Jerome.
There sprang up between the two an intimacy which proved
lifelong, and when Jerome proposed to journey to the Holy
Land Eusebius determined to accompany him. Arrived at Antioch,
they were joined by the widow St Paula and her daughter. St
Eustochium, who accompanied them in their pilgrimages to the
Holy Places and Egypt, before they all settled at Bethlehem.
In view of the large number of poor pilgrims who flocked to
Bethlehem, St Jerome proposed to build a hostel for them; and
it was apparently to collect funds for that purpose that he sent
Eusebius and Paulinian first to Dalmnatia and then to Italy,
where they seem to have sold the property St Eusebius owned at
Cremona as well as that of St Paula in Rome.
Later on, we find St Jerome accusing Rufinus of hiring a monk
to get possession of a letter from St Epiphanius to John of Jerusalem—the
monk having undertaken to make a Latin translation of it for
Eusebius who, though an excellent Latin scholar, knew no Greek.
The details of these protracted controversies are obscure and
not very edifying. It seems that Eusebius was largely responsible
for having eventually induced Pope St Anastasius
to condemn the writings of Origen.610 St. Virgilius of Arles Archbishop many miracle worker. A native of Gascony, France, he studied on the island of Lerins, off the French coast near Cannes, eventually serving as abbot of the monastery there. He Iater was abbot of St. Symphorien in Autun and archbishop of Arles, also serving as apostolic vicar to King Childebert II (r. 575-595). He probably consecrated St. Augustine as archbishop of Canterbury and was responsible for founding churches in Arles. Virgilius was also rebuked by St. Gregory I the Great (r. 590-604) for permitting the forced conversion of Jews. 1734 St. John Joseph of the Cross very ascetic prophesy miracles humility religious discipline. It had been the wish of St John Joseph to remain a deacon in imitation of the Seraphic Father St Francis, but his superiors decided that he should be raised to the priesthood, and on Michaelmas day 1677 he celebrated his first Mass. A month later, when at an unusually early age he was entrusted to hear confessions, it was found that the young priest, who from his purity of heart had grown up ignorant of evil, was endowed with an extraordinary insight and wisdom in the tribunal of penance. About this time he formed the plan of building in the wood near the convent some little hermitages, like those of the early Franciscans, where he and his brethren could spend periods of retirement in even stricter austerity than was possible in the house. He easily obtained the permission of his superiors, and these hermitages became the means of great spiritual advancement. Besides miracles and the gift of prophecy John Joseph was endowed with other supernatural gifts, such as ecstasies, levitation and heavenly visions moreover, during a great part of his life he could read the thoughts of those who came to consult him as clearly as though they had been writtten words. He was canonized in 1839 (Gregory XVI 1831-46). Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 06
203 Sts. Perpetua
and Felicity she "couldn't call herself
any other name but Christian".
Saints Perpetua and Felicity, who, on the day
following this, received from the Lord the glorious
crown of martyrdom.With the lives of so many early
martyrs shrouded in legend, we are fortunate
to have the record of the courage of Perpetua
and Felicity from the hand of Perpetua herself, her
teacher Saturus, and others who knew them. This account,
known as "The Martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicity," was
so popular in the early centuries that it was read during
liturgies.
203 SS. PERPETUA, FELICITY AND THEIR COMPANIONS,
MARTYRSTHE record of the passion of St Perpetua, St Felicity and their companions is one of the greatest hagiological treasures that have come down to us. In the fourth century
these acts were publicly read in the churches
of Africa, and were in fact so highly esteemed
that St Augustine found it necessary to issue a protest
against their being placed on a level with the Holy Scriptures.
In them we have a human document of singularly vivid interest
preserved for us in the actual words of two of the martyrs
themselves. 335 St. Basil
Bishop of Bologna, Italy Pope who was ordained by Pope St. Sylvester. 776 Chrodegang
of Metz B (AC) many of the poor depended
entirely upon his charity Chrodegang himself
safely brought the pope over the Alps. St CHRODEGANG
was born near Liege, and was probably educated
at the abbey of St. Trond. We are told that he spoke
his own tongue and Latin with equal fluency; in appearance
he was singularly prepossessing, and his kindness and gracious
manners endeared him to all. Charles Martel recognized
his exceptional qualities, and chose him as his secretary
and referendary. After the death of Charles, Chrodegang,
though still a layman, was in 742 invested with the bishopric
of Metz; he combined in such an eminent degree sanctity with
sagacity that nothing but good could result from such an appointment,
and everywhere the holy man used his influence for the furtherance
of justice and for the public weal. His biographers extol his
almost boundless charity and his special solicitude for widows
and orphans. As ambassador from Pepin, mayor of the palace,
to Pope Stephen III, Chrodegang was concerned
closely with Pepin’s coronation as king in 754, his defeat
of the Lombards in Italy, and the handing over of the exarchate
of Ravenna and other territory to the Holy See. 1235 Cyril
of Constantinople Carmelite priest
teacher of true sanctity. The
unsatisfactory character of this notice is revealed at once by the fact
that while the Emperors Philip of Swabia and Otto IV must unquestionably
be here referred to, Otto was not the colleague but the opponent and successor
of Philip. Moreover Otto IV died in 1218, while Brocard,
the predecessor of Cyril in the office of prior general of
the Carmelites, was still living at that date. It would serve
no good purpose to enter into any detail regarding the fanciful
biography which at a later period was invented for St Cyril
and which still holds its place in the lessons of the Carmelite
Breviary. According to this; Cyril was a gifted priest of Constantinople
who had rendered marvellous services to the Church in controversy
with the Greek Orthodox over the question of the Filioque, and who had been sent by the Emperor
Manuel Comnenus on an embassy to Pope Alexander III. In
point of fact we know no more about St Cyril than the circumstance that
about the year 1232 he succeeded and secondly that, owing in part to a
most extravagant confusion of his name with that of St Cyril of Alexandria
and St Cyril of Jerusalem, there were attributed to him long after
his death a supposed treatise on the procession of the Holy Ghost, a
dissertation upon the development cf the Carmelite Order, and a much-controverted
Oracle or Prognostic, “solemnly transmitted from Heaven by angelic
hands to St Cyril of Constantinople, the Carmelite”. 1447 St. Colette
distributed her inheritance
to poor holiness spiritual wisdom Superior of
all Poor Clare convents sanctity, ecstacies visions of
the Passion, prophesied. At Ghent in Flanders,
St. Collette, virgin, who at first professed the rule of the Third Order
of St. Francis, and afterwards, by the inspiration
of the Holy Spirit, restored the pristine discipline
to a great number of monasteries of Nuns of the Second
Order. Because she was graced with heavenly
virtues, and performed innumerable miracles, she was inscribed
on the roll of saints by Pope Pius VII. 1728 Blessed Rose
Venerini organize schools in many
parts of Italy a number of miracles were attributed
to her.
Bd Rose had the gift of ready and persuasive
speech, and a real ability to teach and to teach others
to teach, and was not daunted by any difficulty when
the service of God was in question. Her reputation spread,
and in 1692 she was invited by Cardinal Barbarigo to
advise and help in the training of teachers and organizing
of schools in his diocese of Montefiascone. Here she was the
mentor and friend of Lucy Filippini, who became foundress
of an institute of maestre pie and was canonized
in 1930. Rose organized a number of schools in various places,
sometimes in the face of opposition that resorted to force
in unbelievable fashion—the teachers were shot at with bows
and their house fired. Her patience and trust overcame all obstacles,
and in 1713 she made a foundation in Rome that received the
praise of Pope Clement XI himself.
Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 07
Floréntiæ, in Etrúria,
sanctæ Terésiæ
Margarítæ Redi, Vírginis. At Florence in Etruria, St. Teresa
Margaret Redi, virgin, a member of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, of
such admirable purity and simplicity that Pope
Pius XI solemnly enrolled her on the scroll of
holy virgins.843 St. Ardo Benedictine abbot from Languedoc accompanied St. Benedict originally baptized Smaragdus. He became a Benedictine, took the name Ardo, and served under St. Benedict of Aniane. Ardo directed the monastery school at Aniane and accompanied St. Benedict on his journeys. In 814, Ardo became St. Benedict's successor when the abbot was named superior of the Aachen monastery in Germany. Ardo wrote the biography of St. Benedict of Aniane. Although the Bollandists reject the claims of Ardo to be included in the register of saints, Mabillon seeks to prove that he must have been the subject of a definite cultus, because he has his own office in the Aniane Breviary and his relics were publicly venerated. See his Acta Sanctorum O.S.B., vol. iv, pt i, p. 550 where we learn also that Ardo’s head was preserved in a casket of silver-gilt, and his body in a wooden chest “wonderfully carved”. Born at Rocca Secca in the Kingdom of Naples, 1225 or 1227; died at Fossa Nuova. Pope Leo XIII declared him the heavenly patron of all Catholic schools. 1274 St. Thomas Aquinas Philosopher, theologian, doctor of the Church (Angelicus Doctor), patron of Catholic universities, colleges, and schools. 1274 ST THOMAS AQUINAS, DOCTOR OF THE Church THE family of the counts of Aquino was of noble lineage, tracing its descent back for several centuries to the Lombards. St Thomas’s father was a knight, Landulf, and his mother Theodora was of Norman descent. There seems something more northern than southern about Thomas’s physique, his imposing stature, massive build and fresh complexion. He was ill when he was bidden by Pope Gregory X to attend the general council at Lyons for the reunion of the Greek and Latin churches and to bring with him his treatise “Against the Errors of the Greeks”. He became so much worse on the journey that he was taken to the Cistercian abbey of Fossa Nuova near Terracina, where he was lodged in the abbot’s room and waited on by the monks. In compliance with their entreaties he began to expound to them the Canticle of Canticles, but he did not live to finish his exposition. It soon became evident to all that he was dying. After he had made his last confession to Father Reginald of Priverno and received viaticum from the abbot he gave utterance to the famous words, “I am receiving thee, Price of my soul’s redemption all my studies, my vigils and my labours have been for love of thee. I have taught much and written much of the most sacred body of Jesus Christ I have taught and written in the faith of Jesus Christ and of the holy Roman Church, to whose judgement I offer and submit everything.” Two days later his soul passed to God, in the early hours of March 7, 1274, being only about fifty years of age. That same day St Albert, who was then in Cologne, burst into tears in the presence of the community, and exclaimed, “Brother Thomas Aquinas, my son in Christ, the light of the Church, is dead. God has revealed it to me.” Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today March 08
871 Humphrey
of Pruem source of strength comfort to
people during Norman invasion. Bishop
Humphrey of Thérouanne,
who would have
preferred to remain a monk of the Benedictine abbey
of Pruem in the Ardennes, was persuaded by Pope Nicholas
I who thought differently. At the same time he
ruled the abbey of Saint Bertin. He was a source of strength and
comfort to the people during the Norman invasion. He had the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady kept with special splendor in his diocese (Benedictines, Encyclopedia). 1223 St. Vincent Kadlubek Cistercian bishop 1 of earliest Polish chroniclers, also called Vincent of Cracow Born in Carnow, Poland, circa 1150, he studied in France and Italy before receiving appointment as provost of the cathedral of Sandomir (modern Poland). In 1208 he was appointed bishop of Cracow and worked to promote the reforms then being decreed by Pope Innocent III (r. 1198-1216) and to improve the monastic and religious conditions of the diocese. Resigning in 1128, he entered the Cistercians at Jedrzejow Abbey, where he established himself as one of Poland's first chroniclers through his authorship of the Chronicles of the Kings and Princes of Poland. His cult was confirmed in 1764, and he is venerated in Poland as a saint. 1550 St. John of God impulsive love embraced anyone in need. At Granada in Spain, St. John of God, founder of the Order of Brothers Hospitallers, famed for his mercy to the poor, and his contempt of self. Pope Leo XIII appointed him as heavenly patron of the sick and of all hospitals. John of God is the patron of the sick, of hospitals, and of nurses, printers, and booksellers. 1550 ST JOHN OF GOD, FOUNDER OF THE BROTHERS HOSPITALLERS From contact
with licentious companions in the army, he
gradually lost the practice of religion and fell
into grievous excesses. The troop having been disbanded,
he went to Andalusia, where he entered the service of
a woman near Seville as a shepherd. Popes mentioned
in articles
of Saints today March 09
400 St. Gregory
of Nyssa mystic among the three great Cappadocians.
At Nyssa, the death of St. Gregory,
the son of Saints Basil and Emmelia, and the brother of Saints Basil
the Great, bishop, and Peter, bishop of Sebaste,
and Macrina, virgin. His life and his great learning
brought him fame. He was driven from his own city
for having defended the Catholic faith during the reign
of the Arian emperor Valens.Born at Caesarea, Cappadocia, c. 330-335; died c. 395-400. 1440 St. Frances of Rome renowned for her noble family, holy life, and the gift of miracles. THE gentle saint
who was known first to her fellow-citizens
and then to the Church at large as Santa Francesca
Romana, St Frances the Roman, possessed to an extraordinary
degree the power of attracting the love and admiration
of those who came in contact with her. Nor has her charm ended
with her death, for she is still honoured by countless souls
who seek her intercession and pray before her tomb in Santa
Maria Nuova. On her feast day and within its octave, crowds
flock to visit Tor de’ Specchi and the Casa degli Esercizi Pu (the
successor of the old Palazzo Ponziano), the rooms of which are
annually thrown open to the public and every memorial and relic
of the saint exhibited.
She was born
in the Trastevere district of Rome in 1384, at the
beginning of the Great Schism of the West, which was to
cause het much grief as well as adversely to affect the
fortunes of her family. She did not live to see harmony
completely restored. Her parents, Paul Busso and Jacobella
dei Roffredeschi, were of noble birth and ample means, and
the child was brought up in the midst of luxury but in a pious
household. Frances was a precocious little girl, and when she
was eleven she asked her parents to allow her to become a nun,
only to be met by a point-blank refusal. She
died as she finished her vespers. Her last words were: "The
Angel has finished his task; he calls me to follow him." The
cause for her canonization was introduced almost immediately,
but it was not much advanced until the accession of Clement
VIII, who had a great devotion to the saint, but he and
his successor died before this was accomplished. Paul V (Borghese)
decreed her canonisation. Her husband and
children are entombed beneath the pavement of the Ponziani
family chapel (now the sacristy) of the Church of Saint Cecilia.
The walls have scenes from her life. Her skeletal remains, clad
in the habit of the Oblates of the Congregation of Mount Olivet,
which she founded, lie exposed in a glass casket in the church with
her name, coupled with its original designation of Santa Maria Nuovo.
Once every hundred years it is opened to reclothe her body in a
fresh habit. This is her father Paolo di Bussi's church.1463 St. Catherine of Bologna experience visions of Christ and Satan, incorrupt healing miracles. At Bologna, St. Catherine, virgin, of the Second Order of St. Francis, illustrious for the holiness of her life. Her body is greatly honoured in that city. Already some years earlier the little community governed by Lucy Mascaroni had embraced the strict Rule of St Clare and had removed to a more suitable building, but it was felt by St Catherine and the more austere sisters that the full regularity of the convent could not be obtained until it should become enclosed. The inhabitants of Ferrara, however, long resisted this innovation, and it was mainly through the prayers and efforts of St Catherine that enclosure was conceded, and finally sanctioned by Pope Nicholas V. Catherine was then appointed superioress of a new convent of strict observance at Bologna, and although she shrank from the office and would have preferred to remain in Ferrara, she received a divine intimation that she was to go and made no further protest. She and the religious who accompanied her were received at Bologna by two cardinals, by the senate and magistrates, and by the entire population, and there they established the convent of Corpus Christi. Despite the strictness of the enclosure, the fame of the sanctity and healing powers of St Catherine, as well as her gifts of prophecy, attracted so many would-be postulants that room could not be found for them all. 1857 Dominic Savio; Bosco wrote Dominic's biography cheerfulness, friendliness, careful observation, & good advice. THE year 1950 saw the canonization of a twelve-year-old girl, Mary Goretti, as a martyr and the beatification of a fifteen-year-old boy, Dominic Savio, as a confessor. The Church has raised several child martyrs to her altars, but the case of Dominic Savio seems to be unique. He was canonized in 1954. He was born at Riva in Piedmont in 1842, the son .of a peasant, and grew up with the desire to be a priest. When St John Bosco began to make provision for training youths as clergy to help him in his work for neglected boys at Turin, Dominic’s parish-priest recommended him. An interview took place, at which Don Bosco was most deeply impressed by the evidence of grace in the boy’s soul, and in October 1854, when he was twelve, Dominic became a student at the Oratory of St Francis de Sales in Turin. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 10
Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 11
646 Saint
Sophronius,
Patriarch of Jerusalem From his youth he was
distinguished for his piety and his love for classical
studies proficient in philosophy of monasticism. Born in Damascus
around 560. From his youth he was distinguished for his
piety and his love for classical studies. He was especially
proficient in philosophy, and so he was known as Sophronius
the Wise. The future hierarch, however, sought the true philosophy of monasticism, and conversations with the desert-dwellers. No sooner was he established in his see than he assembled all the bishops of his patriarchate to condemn monothelite teaching, and composed a synodal letter to explain and state the Catholic doctrine on the subject contested. This letter, which was afterwards confirmed in the sixth general council, was sent by St Sophronius to Pope Honorius and to Sergius, Patriarch of Constantinople, who had persuaded Honorius to write evasively on this question as to one or two wills in Christ. It seems evident that Honorius never professed to pronounce upon the matter in dispute, but his silence was ill-timed, as it gave the appearance of conniving at heresy. Sophronius, seeing that the emperor and many Eastern prelates were fighting against the truth, felt that it was his duty to defend it with greater zeal than ever. He took his suffragan Stephen, Bishop of Dor, to Mount Calvary, and there adjured him by Christ who was crucified on that spot, and by the account he would have to render at the last day, “to go to the Apostolic See, where are the foundations of holy doctrine, and not to cease to pray till those in authority there should examine and condemn the novelty”. Stephen obeyed and remained in Rome for ten years, until he saw the monothelite heresy condemned by Pope St Martin I at the Council of the Lateran in 649. THIS Bd Christopher of Milan must not be confused with a Dominican of the same name and place who is commemorated on March 1. 1485 BD CHRISTOPHER MACASSOLI. Christopher Macassoli entered the Franciscan Order at an early age. Love of poverty, great purity of heart and complete trust in God were his distinguishing characteristics. As a priest he converted many by his preaching and example. At Vigevano he helped to enlarge the friary in which he lived, and thousands of people flocked to receive his counsel and to ask his intercession with God. He died in 1485 and Pope Leo XIII in 1890 confirmed the local cultus which had been unbroken since his death. We are told that the little chapel of St Bernardino at Vigevano, where his remains repose in a tomb built into the wall, is covered with votive offerings made by the faithful in acknowledgment of miraculous answers to prayer. 1770 St. Teresa Margaret Redi discalced Carmelite nun remarkable prayer life and a deeply penitential demeanor. The devotion paid to her, especially in the city of Florence, has been attended with many miracles. Anna Maria Redi was a native of Florence, Italy. She entered the Carmelites in 1765 and took the name Sister Teresa Margaret. She died at the age of twenty-three, but in the very brief time of her life in the cloister, she displayed a remarkable prayer life and a deeply penitential demeanor. She was canonized in 1934 by Pope Pius XI (r. 1922-1939). Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 12
1500
B.C. The Righteous Phineas,
grandson of the High Priest Aaron (also commemorated
today) son of High Priest Eleazar also a priest and
zealous in his service. When
the Israelites, after the holy Prophet Moses (September
4) led them out of Egypt, were already near the Promised Land,
their neighbors the Moabites and Midianites were overcome
by fear and envy. Not trusting in their own strength, they summoned
the magician Balaam to put a curse on the Israelites. The
Lord revealed His will to Balaam, and Balaam refused to curse
the People of God, seeing that God was pleased to bless them
(Num. 24:1).
Then the Moabites drew the Israelites
into the worship of Baal-Peor. God punished
the Jews for their apostasy, and they died by the
thousands from a plague. Many, beholding
the wrath of God, came to their senses and repented.
At this time a certain man named
Zimri, of the tribe of the Simeon, "brought
his brother a Midianite woman in the sight of Moses
and in the sight of all the congregation of the children
of Israel, and they wept at the door of the tabernacle
of witness" (Num. 25:6).
The
high priesthood, in accord with God's promise, continued
also with his posterity. St Phineas died at an advanced
age around 1500 B.C.Phineas, filled with wrath, went into Zimri's tent and killed both him and the Midianite woman with a spear. "And the Lord said to Moses, 'Phineas... has caused My wrath against the children of Israel to cease, when I was exceedingly jealous among them.... Behold, I give him a covenant of peace, and he and his descendants shall have a perpetual covenant of priesthood, because he was zealous for his God, and made atonement for the children of Israel'" (Num. 25:10-13). After this, at the command of God, Phineas went at the head of the Israelite army against the Moabites and brought chastisement upon them for their impiety and treachery. After the death of the High Priest Eleazar, St Phineas was unanimously chosen as High Priest. According to Tradition, the Apostles Peter and John were preaching in Lydda (later called Diospolis) near Jerusalem. There they built a church dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos, then went to Jerusalem and asked her to come and sanctify the church by her presence. She sent them back to Lydda and said, "Go in peace, and I shall be there with you." Arriving at Lydda, they found an icon of the Virgin imprinted in color on the wall of the church (some sources say the image was on a pillar). Then the Mother of God appeared and rejoiced at the number of people who had gathered there. She blessed the icon and gave it the power to work miracles. This icon was not made by the hand of man, but by a divine power. Julian the Apostate (reigned 361-363) heard about the icon and tried to eradicate it. Masons with sharp tools chipped away at the image, but the paint and lines just seemed to penetrate deeper into the stone. Those whom the emperor had sent were unable to destroy the icon. As word of this miracle spread, millions of people came to venerate the icon. 604 Saint Gregory
Dialogus granted a vision of the Lord Himself;
Pope of Rome; inheritance - establish 6 monasteries. At Rome, St. Gregory,
pope and eminent doctor of the Church, who on account
of his illustrious deeds and the conversion of the English
to the faith of Christ, was surnamed the Great, and called
the Apostle of England.
Born in Rome around
the year 540. His grandfather was Pope
Felix, and his mother
Sylvia (November 4) and aunts Tarsilla and Emiliana
were also numbered among the saints by the Roman Church.
Having received a most excellent secular education,
he attained high government positions.
Ibídem deposítio sancti Innocéntii Primi, Papæ et Confessóris. Ipsíus autem festum quinto Kaléndas Augústi. In the same place, the death of St. Innocent I, pope and confessor. His feast is celebrated on the 28th of July. 1022 Simeon the New Theologian abbot successor to Saint John the Evangelist and Saint Gregory of Nazianzus. St Simeon the Pious recommended to the young man the writings of St Mark the Ascetic (March 5) and other spiritual writers. He read these books attentively and tried to put into practice what he read. Three points made by St Mark in his work "On the Spiritual Law" (see Vol. I of the English PHILOKALIA) particularly impressed him. First, you should listen to your conscience and do what it tells you if you wish your soul to be healed (PHILOKALIA, p. 115). Second, only by fulfilling the commandments can one obtain the activity of the Holy Spirit. Thirdly, one who prays only with the body and without spiritual knowledge is like the blind man who cried out, "Son of David, have mercy upon me (Luke 18:38) (PHILOKALIA, p. 111). When the blind man received his sight, however, he called Christ the Son of God (John 9:38). 1109 ST BERNARD OF CAPUA, BISHOP OF CALENO. ST BERNARD OF CAPUA, of whose antecedents and early life no records are available, became chaplain and adviser to Duke Richard II, son of Prince Jordan of Capua. He gained the confidence of his patron so entirely that it was said that Richard would undertake nothing without first consulting his confessor. When the see of Foro-Claudio was vacant he was appointed by Pope Victor III, and he soon began to consider removing his episcopal seat. Foro-Claudio was in an exposed place— not easily defended—on the high-road between Rome and Naples, whereas at a short distance off, in a far better position, stood Caleno. The change was accordingly made. On Monte Massico hard [probably “nearby”] by lay the body of the hermit St Marcius (Martin), mention of whom is made in the Dialogues of St Gregory; and Arachis, Duke of Benevento, came with a great retinue intending to remove the body and to take it to Benevento. Mass was celebrated for them in the presence of the relics, but suddenly there came an earthquake, and the duke, interpreting this as a warning that it was not God’s will that the body should leave the neighbourhood, returned home. Then St Bernard and his priests went up to the mountain, and having brought the precious treasure to their new cathedral enclosed it in the altar. 1253 St. Fina "Seraphina"Virgin many miracles through her intercession Gregory appeared to her and said, "Dear child on my festival God will give you rest" 1253 St. Fina "Seraphina"Virgin many miracles through her intercession Gregory appeared to her and said, "Dear child on my festival God will give you rest" She was known for her self denial and acts of penance as a young girl. A mysterious illness left this beautiful girl unattractive; her eyes, feet, and hands became deformed and eventually Seraphina was paralyzed. Her mother and father both died while she was young. She was devoted to St. Gregory the Great. She died on the feast of St. Gregory, exactly as she had been warned by Gregory in a dream. Seraphina was a very helpful child around the family home. She did many of the chores and helped her mother spin and sew. 1319 Blessed Justina Bezzoli Diseases and sufferings of many kinds were cured through the prayers of Bd Justina, and still more wonderful miracles of healing were wrought after her death. JUSTINA OF Arezzo, whose name in the world appears to have been Francuccia Bizzoli, was only thirteen years old when she entered the Benedictine convent of St Mark in Arezzo. When the nuns overflowed into the convent of All Saints she accompanied them and continued to live there for many years, ever advancing in the paths of holiness. Then she left the convent with the permission of her superiors and made her way to a cell near Civitella, where she joined a holy anchoress called Lucia. This cell was so narrow and low that they could not both stand upright in it. When Lucia fell ill, Justina nursed her day and night for over a year without giving up any of her devotions and austerities. After Lucia’s death Justina remained all alone in the cell, in spite of the wolves that howled around and leaped on to the roof, until she developed a painful affection of the eyes which ended in total blindness. She was then taken from the hermitage back to Arezzo, where she and several other sisters lived in great self-abnegation and from midnight to midday served God in unbroken prayer. Diseases and sufferings of many kinds were cured through the prayers of Bd Justina, and still more wonderful miracles of healing were wrought after her death. She died in 1319 and her cultus was approved in 1890 (Leo XIII 1878-1903). 1922 Blessed Angela Salawa served Christ and Christ’s little ones with all her strength ; b. 1881 Angela Born in Siepraw, near Kraków, Poland, she was the 11th child of Bartlomiej and Ewa Salawa. In 1897, she moved to Kraków where her older sister Therese lived. Angela immediately began to gather together and instruct young women domestic workers. During World War I, she helped prisoners of war without regard for their nationality or religion. The writings of Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross were a great comfort to her. Angela gave great service in caring for soldiers wounded in World War I. After 1918 her health did not permit her to exercise her customary apostolate. Addressing herself to Christ, she wrote in her diary, "I want you to be adored as much as you were destroyed." In another place, she wrote, "Lord, I live by your will. I shall die when you desire; save me because you can." At her 1991 beatification in Kraków, Pope John Paul II said: "It is in this city that she worked, that she suffered and that her holiness came to maturity. While connected to the spirituality of St. Francis, she showed an extraordinary responsiveness to the action of the Holy Spirit" (L'Osservatore Romano, volume 34, number 4, 1991). 1940 Bl. Luigi Orine apostle of Mercy servant of poor founder He founded the Sons of Divine Providence, the Little Missionary Sisters of Charity, the Blind Sacramentive Sisters, and the Hermits of St.Albert. In 1936, Don Orione, as he was called, opened a House of Providence in Cardiff. Wales. He died at San Remo, Italy, on March 12, and was beatified in 1980. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 13
600 St.
Leander
of Seville bishop introduced the Nicene
Creed at Mass succeeded in persuading many Arian bishops
to change . The next time
you recite the Nicene Creed at Mass, think of today’s saint.
For it was Leander of Seville who, as bishop, introduced the
practice in the sixth century. He saw it as a way to help reinforce
the faith of his people and as an antidote against the heresy
of Arianism, which denied the divinity of Christ. By the end of his life, Leander had helped Christianity flourish in Spain at a time of political and religious upheaval. He was instrumental in converting the two sons Hermenegild and Reccared of the Arian Visigothic King Leovigild. This action earned him the kings's wrath and exile to Constantinople, where he met and became close friends of the Papal Legate, the future Pope Gregory the Great. It was Leander who suggested that Gregory write the famous commentary on the Book of Job called the Moralia. In 583 St Leander went to Constantinople on an embassy to the emperor, and there he became acquainted with St Gregory the Great, who had been sent there as legate by Pope Pelagius II. The two men formed a close and lasting friendship, and it was at the suggestion of Leander that Gregory wrote his Morals on the Book of Job. 828 St. Nicephorus Patriarch of Constantinople martyr. At Constantinople, the transferral of the body of St. Nicephorus, bishop of that city, and confessor. The body was returned from the island of Propontis in the Proconnesus, where his death occurred on the 5th of June while in exile for his reverence of sacred images. He was buried with honour by Bishop Methodius in the Church of the Holy Apostles on this the anniversary day of his exile. THE father of St Nicephorus was secretary and commissioner to the Emperor Constantine Copronymus, but when that tyrant declared himself a persecutor of the orthodox faith, his minister maintained the honour due to holy images with so much zeal that he was stripped of his dignities, scourged, tortured and banished. Young Nicephorus grew up with his father’s example before him to encourage him in boldly confessing his faith, while an excellent education developed his exceptional abilities. After Constantine VI and Irene had restored the use of sacred pictures and images, Nicephorus was introduced to their notice and by his sterling qualities obtained their favour. He distinguished himself by his opposition to the Iconoclasts and was secretary to the Second Council of Nicaea, as well as imperial commissioner. The new patriarch ere long still further antagonized the hostile rigorists. At the request of the emperor, Nicephorus, with the consent of a small synod of bishops, pardoned and reinstated in office a priest called Joseph, who had been deposed and exiled for celebrating a marriage between the Emperor Constantine VI and Theodota during the lifetime of the lawful Empress Mary. No doubt he acted in this way to avoid worse evils, but the party which was headed by St Theodore Studites refused to have any dealings or even to be in communion with the patriarch and with those who supported what they called the “Adulterine Heresy”: they went so far as to appeal to the pope. St Leo III sent them an encouraging reply but, being imperfectly informed about the whole matter and having received no communications from Archbishop Nicephorus, he took no further action. After a time, however, a reconciliation was brought about between the patriarch and St Theodore (who meanwhile had been imprisoned and his monks dispersed). It was not until then that Nicephorus sent to the pope a letter announcing his appointment to the see of Constantinople, with an apology and a rather lame excuse for his delay in making the customary notification. At the same time, in view of attacks that had been made upon his orthodoxy, he added a lengthy confession of faith and promised that in future he would give due notice at Rome of any important questions that might arise. 1236 Bl. Agnello of Pisa admitted into Order by St. Francis himself. It was the winter of 1224, and they must have suffered great discomfort, especially as their ordinary fare was bread and a little beer, which was so thick that it had to be diluted before they could swallow it. Nothing, however, damped their spirits, and their simple piety, cheerfulness and enthusiasm soon won them many friends. They were able to produce a commendatory letter from Pope Honorius III, so that the archbishop of Canterbury, Stephen Langton, in announcing their arrival, said, “Some religious have come to me calling themselves Penitents of the Order of Assisi, but I call them of the Order of the Apostles”: By this name they were at first known in England, and when some of them were to be ordained acolytes at Canterbury four months after landing, the archdeacon, in bidding the candidates come forward, said, “Draw near, ye brothers of the Order of the Apostles”. The founder of the English Franciscan province, Blessed Agnello, was admitted into the Order by St. Francis himself on the occasion of his sojourn in Pisa. He was sent to the Friary in Paris, of which he became the guardian, and in 1224, St. Francis appointed him to found an English province; at the time he was only a deacon. Eight others were selected to accompany him. True to the precepts of St. Francis, they had no money, and the monks of Fecamp paid their passage over to Dover. They made Canterbury their first stopping place, while Richard of Ingworth, Richard of Devon and two of the Italians went on to London to see where they could settle. It was the winter of 1224, and they must have suffered great discomfort, especially as their ordinary fare was bread and a little beer, which was so thick that it had to be diluted before they could swallow it. Nothing, however, dampened their spirits, and their simple piety, cheerfulness and enthusiasm soon won them many friends. They were able to produce a commendatory letter from Pope Honorius III, so that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Steven Langton, in announcing their arrival, said, "Some religious have come to me calling themselves penitents of the Order of Assisi, but I called them of the Order of the Apostles." Pope Leo XIII declared Agnellus' beatification in 1882. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 14
67 Forty-Seven Roman Martyrs
baptized by Saint Peter (RM). Also at Rome, the birthday of forty-seven holy
martyrs who were baptized by the apostle St.
Peter while in the Mamertine Prison with St. Paul
his fellow apostle. After an imprisonment of nine
months, they all fell by the sword of Nero for their generous
confession of faith.According to an unreliable account, these 47 martyrs were baptized by Saint Peter and suffered under Nero that same day. The details entered into the Roman Martyrology are from the Acts of Saints Processus and Martinian (Benedictines). legend makes them the keepers of the prison of Sts. Peter and Paul. VI v St. Diaconus Martyred deacon in Marsi by the Lombards for the faith. Martyrs of Valeria (RM) 6th century. The entry in the Roman Martyrology reads: "In the province of Valeria, the birthday of two holy monks, whom the Lombards slew by hanging them on a tree: and there, although dead, they were heard even by their enemies singing psalms." The story is taken from the Dialogues (IV, 21) of Saint Gregory the Great (Benedictines). 1254 Blessed Arnold of Padua martyr bound in chains patiently for eight years. It is recorded of him that he solemnly expressed his conviction that God had sent into the world three teachers to enlighten the Universal Church—first Paul the Apostle, then later on Augustine, and now in these last days Brother Thomas. In 1302 Bd James was appointed archbishop of Benevento by Pope Boniface VIII, but only a few months later the same pontiff translated him to the archiepiscopal see of Naples, in which office he won the veneration of all by his virtue and his learning. His death in 1308 was followed by many spontaneous manifestations of the ardour with which his memory was cherished by his flock, and the cultus then begun was confirmed in 1911. 1308 Blessed James of Capocci Augustinian friar. VITERBO was the birthplace of James Capocci, who entered the Augustinian Order at an early age. Giving great promise of eminence both in piety and learning he was sent to make his higher studies at the University of Paris, where he attended the lectures of his illustrious fellow Augustinian, Aegidius Romanus, who had been the pupil of St Thomas Aquinas and was an enthusiastic upholder of the teaching of the Angelic Doctor. After returning for a while to Italy and acting as theological instructor to his own brethren, Capocci was sent to make a second stay in Paris, where he took his doctor’s degree, and thereupon lectured in that city and subsequently at Naples. It is recorded of him that he solemnly expressed his conviction that God had sent into the world three teachers to enlighten the Universal Church—first Paul the Apostle, then later on Augustine, and now in these last days Brother Thomas. In 1302 Bd James was appointed archbishop of Benevento by Pope Boniface VIII, but only a few months later the same pontiff translated him to the archiepiscopal see of Naples, in which office he won the veneration of all by his virtue and his learning. His death in 1308 was followed by many spontaneous manifestations of the ardour with which his memory was cherished by his flock, and the cultus then begun was confirmed in 1911. 1619 Blessed Dominic Jorjes soldier martyred for providing refuge to Blessed Charles Spinola . Born at Aguilar de Sousa, Portugal; died at Nagasaki, Japan, on November 18, 1619; beatified in 1819 (Pius IX 1846--1878 ). Dominic began life as a soldier and settled in Japan. There he provided refuge to Blessed Charles Spinola. For this reason he was burnt alive at Nagasaki (Benedictines). 1620 Bl. Ambrose Fernandez Portuguese Jesuit Martyr of Japan. Blessed Ambrose Fernandez, SJ M (AC) Born at Sisto, Portugal, 1551; died in Omura, Japan, 1620; beatified in 1867 Pius IX 1846--1878. Ambrose went to Japan to seek his fortune, but soon found that God was his portion and cup. He entered the Jesuits as a lay-brother in 1577, and died in the horrible prison of Suzota (Omura) of apoplexy at the age of 69 (Benedictines). Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 15
571 Probus
of Rieti Saints Juvenal and Eleutherius
appeared to him in a vision. At Rieti, the bishop St. Probus, at whose death
the martyrs Juvenal and Eleutherius were present.
Saint Gregory the Great describes the deathbed scene of Saint Probus, bishop of Rieti, Italy, during which Saints Juvenal and Eleutherius appeared to him in a vision (Benedictines). 752 Zachary I, Pope known for his learning & sanctity chosen pope in 741 to succeed Saint Gregory III (RM). DETAILS of the early life of St Zachary are lacking, but he is known to have been born at San Severino of a Greek family settled in Calabria, and he is believed to have been one of the deacons of the Roman church. Upon the death of St Gregory III, he was unanimously elected pope. No better selection could have been made: a man of learning and of great personal holiness, he joined a conciliatory spirit to far-sighted wisdom, and was able to cope with the grave problems which confronted him upon his accession. The position of Rome was one of much peril. The Lombards were again preparing to invade Roman territory, when the new pope decided to treat directly with their ruler, and went himself to Terni to visit him. He was received with respect, and his personality produced such an impression that Liutprand returned all the territory that had been taken from the Romans in the preceding thirty years. Moreover he made a twenty years’ treaty and released all his prisoners. 1583 Bl. William Hart Martyr of England ministered to Catholic prisoners in York Prison Blessed William Hart M (AC) Born in Wells, England; died at York, 1583; beatified in 1886. William, a Protestant, was educated at Lincoln College, Oxford. After his conversion to Catholicism, he studied for the priesthood at Douai, Rheims, and Rome. THIS martyr, born at Wells in Somerset, went to Lincoln College, Oxford, and there came under the influence of D Bridgewater, who, on account of his Catholic principles, soon after resigned the rectorship and took refuge in Douai. Hart followed his example, and though a delicate man, ‘suffering at times paroxysms of pain from the stone, he faced with “marvellous cheerfulness” the many hardships entailed by his life as a refugee. After teaching at Rheims he passed on to Rome, and being there ordained priest, returned to the English mission and laboured in Yorkshire. He was particularly remarkable for his joyous spirit and for his courage and charity in visiting those Catholics who were imprisoned in York Castle. He returned to England following his ordination in 1581. Betrayed by an apostate in the house of Saint Margaret Clitherow (Benedictines). 1660 St. Louise de Marillac Sisters of Charity caring for sick poor neglected patron saint of social workers. Not long before the death of her husband, Louisa made a vow not to marry again but to devote herself wholly to the service of God, and this was followed a little later by a strange spiritual illumination in which she felt her misgivings dispelled and was given to understand that there was a great work which she was called to do in the future under the guidance of a director to whom she had never yet spoken. Her husband’s state of health had long been hopeless. He died in 1625, but before this she had already made the acquaintance of “M. Vincent”, as the holy priest known to us now as St Vincent de Paul was then called, and he, though showing reluctance at first, consented eventually to act as her confessor. St Vincent was at this time organizing his “Confraternities of Charity”, with the object of remedying the appalling misery and ignorance which he had found existing among the peasantry in country districts. With his wonderful tact and zeal he was soon able to count upon the assistance of a number of ladies (whom he styled Dames de Charité), and associations were formed in many centres which undoubtedly effected a great deal of good. . St Vincent himself kept an eye on Michael, and was satisfied that the young man was a thoroughly good fellow, but with not much stability of character. He had no vocation for the priesthood, as his mother had hoped, but he married and seems to have led a good and edifying life to the end. He came,with his wife and child to visit his mother on her deathbed and she blessed them tenderly. It was the year i66o, and St Vincent was himself eighty years old and very infirm. She would have given much to see this beloved father once more, but that consolation was denied her. Nevertheless her soul was at peace, her life’s work had been marvellously blessed, and she uncomplainingly made the sacrifice, telling those around her that she was happy to have still this one deprivation left which she could offer to God. The burden of what, in those last days, she said to her grieving sisters was always this: “Be diligent in serving the poor . . . love the poor, honour them, my children, as you would honour Christ Himself.” St Louisa de Marillac died on March 15, 1660, and St Vincent followed her only six months later. She was canonized in 1934. 1830 St. Clement Maria Hofbauer Redemptorist preacher reformer devoted to Jesus. At Vienna in Austria, St. Clement Mary Hofbauer, a priest of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, renowned for his great devotion in promoting the glory of God and the salvation of souls, and in extending that order. He was canonized by Pope Pius X. Even as a child the boy longed to become a priest, but poverty stood in the way, and, at the age of fifteen, he was apprenticed to a baker. Later he was employed in the bakery of the Premonstratensian monastery at Bruck, where his self-sacrifice during a time of famine won him the favour of the abbot, who allowed him to follow the classes of the Latin school attached to the abbey. After the abbot’s death, the young man lived as a solitary, until the Emperor Joseph’s edict against hermitages obliged him to take up his old trade again, this time in Vienna. From that city he twice made pilgrimages to Rome, in company with his friend Peter Kunzmann, and on the second occasion they obtained permission from Bishop Chiaramonti of Tivoli (Pope Pius VII) to settle as hermits in his diocese. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 16
305 Cyriacus
erlitt vermutlich das Martyrium um 305 unter
Diokletian. At Rome the martyrdom of the deacon
St. Cyriacus, who, after a long imprisonment, had
melted pitch poured over him, was stretched on the rack,
had his limbs pulled with ropes, was beaten with clubs,
and finally was beheaded by order of Maximian, together with
Largus, Smaragdus, and twenty others. Their feast, however,
is kept on the 8th of August, the day on which these twenty-three
martyrs were exhumed by blessed Pope Marcellus and reverently
entombed. On August 8 Pope St Marcellus I ( 308-309) translated the
bodies to a burial-place, which received the name of Cyriacus,
on the road to Ostia.1022 Heribert of Cologne a devoted chief pastor of his flock performed miracles, one of which caused a heavy rainfall. The one dissentient was Heribert himself, who declared and honestly believed that he was quite unfitted for the high dignity. From Benevento, whither he was summoned by Otto, he passed on to Rome, and there received the pallium from Pope Silvester II. He then returned to Cologne, which he entered humbly with bare feet on a cold December day, having sent the pallium on before him. It was on Christmas eve that he was consecrated archbishop in the cathedral of St Peter, and from that moment he devoted himself indefatigably to the duties of his high calling. State affairs were never allowed to hinder him from preaching, from relieving the sick and needy, and from acting as peacemaker throughout his diocese. He did not despise the outward splendour which his position required, but under his gold-embroidered vesture he always wore a hair-shirt. The more the business of the world pressed upon him, the more strenuously did he strive to nourish the spiritual life within. 1177 Blessed John Sordi, OSB BM (AC) (also known as John Cacciafronte). JOHN was a native of Cremona and a member of the family of Sordi or Surdi; the name of Cacciafronte, by which he was generally known, was that of his stepfather, who wished the boy to adopt it. At the age of fifteen John was made a canon of Cremona, but the following year he entered the Benedictine abbey of St Laurence. Eight years later he became prior of St Victor and in 1155 he was recalled to be abbot of St Laurence. It was said by the monks that obedience was no hardship under his rule, for he was the first to practise what he enforced, and he made the spiritual and temporal welfare of the community his constant care. Bd John espoused the cause of Pope Alexander III against Octavian, Cardinal of St Cecilia, who, under the title of Victor IV, claimed to occupy the chair of St Peter. For his zeal in organizing penitential processions and urging the people of Cremona to remain loyal to Alexander, the good abbot was banished by the Emperor Frederic Barbarossa, who favoured the antipope. He lived for several years the life of a solitary in Mantuan territory and was then called upon to fill the bishopric of Mantua. He continued to practise great austerity, his food, clothing and furniture being of the plainest, and he daily fed the poor at his own table. He did much to remedy abuses and kept a strict watch over church property, although he was so indifferent to his own possessions and position that he wrote to urge the pope to reinstate Bishop Graziodorus, his predecessor, who had abandoned Mantua to follow the antipope, but who had afterwards repented. The Holy See acceded to his request and John resigned Mantua, but was soon given the see of Vicenza, where he became as popular as he had been in Mantua. 1281 Blessed Torello of Poppi, OSB Vall. Hermit (AC). Born in Poppi, Tuscany, Italy, in 1201; cultus confirmed by Benedict XIV (1740-1758). Although Saint Torello led a dissolute life in bad company, he experienced a sudden conversion. After repenting he received the habit of a recluse from the Vallumbrosan abbot of San Fedele. He lived as an austere recluse, walled up in his cell near Poppi, for 60 years. Both Vallumbrosans and Franciscans claim him. It seems certain that he was, at any rate, a Vallumbrosan oblate (Attwater2, Benedictines). 1642-49 North American Martyrs (RM) All born in France. In the territory of Canada, Saints John de Brébeuf, Gabriel Lalemant, Anthony Daniel, Charles Garnier, and Noel Chabanel, priests of the Society of Jesus, who in the mission of the Hurons, on this and other days, after many labours and most cruel torments, bravely underwent death for Christ. died 1642-49; canonized in 1930. The main feast day on the Roman calendar is September 26; however, the Jesuits commemorate six priests (Antony Daniel, Charles Garnier, Gabriel Lalemant, Isaac Jogues, John de Brébeuf, and Noel Chabanel) and two laybrothers (John Lalande and René Goupil) on March 16. They were working among the Hurons when they met their deaths at the hands of the Iroquois, the mortal enemies of the Hurons. The Iroquois were animated by bitter hatred of the missionaries, whom they subjected to indescribable tortures before putting them to death. Further information and biographies of each are presented for their main feast (Attwater, Benedictines, Parkman, Wynne). 1830 St. Clement Maria Hofbauer Redemptorist preacher reformer devoted to Jesus. died 1642-49; canonized in 1930. The main feast day on the Roman calendar is September 26; however, the Jesuits commemorate six priests (Antony Daniel, Charles Garnier, Gabriel Lalemant, Isaac Jogues, John de Brébeuf, and Noel Chabanel) and two laybrothers (John Lalande and René Goupil) on March 16. They were working among the Hurons when they met their deaths at the hands of the Iroquois, the mortal enemies of the Hurons. The Iroquois were animated by bitter hatred of the missionaries, whom they subjected to indescribable tortures before putting them to death. Further information and biographies of each are presented for their main feast (Attwater, Benedictines, Parkman, Wynne). Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 17
251 St. Alexander
Bishop Martyr an individual of great mildness,
especially in his sermons.
At Caesarea in Palestine, the birthday of the
blessed Bishop Alexander, who, from his own city in Cappadocia, where
he was bishop, coming to Jerusalem to visit the holy places, took
upon himself, by divine revelation, the government of that church
in place of the aged Narcissus. Sometime afterwards, when he
had become venerable by his age and gray hair, he was led to Caesarea
and shut up in prison, where he completed his martyrdom for the
confession of Christ during the persecution of Decius.St. Irenaeus of Lyons, writing in the latter quarter of the second century, reckons him as the fifth pope in succession from the Apostles, though he says nothing of his martyrdom. His pontificate is variously dated by critics, e. g. 106-115 (Duchesne) or 109-116 (Lightfoot). In Christian antiquity he was credited with a pontificate of about ten years (Eusebius, Hist. Eccl. IV, i,) and there is no reason to doubt that he was on the "catalogue of bishops" drawn up at Rome by Hegesippus (Eusebius, IV, xxii, 3) before the death of Pope Eleutherius (c. 189). According to a tradition extant in the Roman Church at the end of the fifth century, and recorded in the Liber Pontificalis he suffered a martyr's death by decapitation on the Via Nomentana in Rome, 3 May. The same tradition declares him to have been a Roman by birth and to have ruled the Church in the reign of Trajan (98-117). It likewise attributes to him, but scarcely with accuracy, the insertion in the canon of the Qui Pridie, or words commemorative of the institution of the Eucharist, such being certainly primitive and original in the Mass. He is also said to have introduced the use of blessing water mixed with salt for the purification of Christian homes from evil influences (constituit aquam sparsionis cum sale benedici in habitaculis hominum). Duchesne (Lib. Pont., I, 127) calls attention to the persistence of this early Roman custom by way of a blessing in the Gelasian Sacramentary that recalls very forcibly the actual Asperges prayer at the beginning of Mass. In 1855, a semi-subterranean cemetery of the holy martyrs Sts. Alexander, Eventulus, and Theodulus was discovered near Rome, at the spot where the above mentioned tradition declares the Pope to have been martyred. According to some archaeologists, this Alexander is identical with the Pope, and this ancient and important tomb marks the actual site of the Pope's martyrdom. Duchesne, however (op. cit., I, xci-ii) denies the identity of the martyr and the pope, while admitting that the confusion of both personages is of ancient date, probably anterior to the beginning of the sixth century when the Liber Pontificalis was first compiled [Dufourcq, Gesta Martyrum Romains (Paris, 1900), 210-211]. The difficulties raised in recent times by Richard Lipsius (Chronologie der römischen Bischofe, Kiel, 1869) and Adolph Harnack (Die Zeit des Ignatius u. die Chronologie der antiochenischen Bischofe, 1878) concerning the earliest successors of St. Peter are ably discussed and answered by F. S. (Cardinal Francesco Segna) in his "De successione priorum Romanorum Pontificum" (Rome 1897); with moderation and learning by Bishop Lightfoot, in his "Apostolic Fathers: St. Clement ' (London, 1890) I, 201-345- especially by Duchesne in the introduction to his edition of the "Liber Pontificalis" (Paris, 1886) I, i-xlviii and lxviii-lxxiii. The letters ascribed to Alexander I by PseudoIsidore may be seen in P. G., V, 1057 sq., and in Hinschius, "Decretales Pseudo-Isidorianae" (Leipzig, 1863) 94-105. His remains are said to have been transferred to Freising in Bavaria in 834 (Dummler, Poetae Latini Aevi Carolini, Berlin, 1884, II, 120). His so-called "Acts" are not genuine, and were compiled at a much later date (Tillemont, Mem. II, 590 sqq; Dufourcq, op. cit., 210-211). 386 St. Cyril of Jerusalem Bishop Doctor of the Church seeing poor starving he sold goods of the churches. At Jerusalem, St. Cyril, bishop, {Confessor and Doctor of the Church} who suffered many injuries from the Arians for the faith. Often exiled from his church, he at length rested in peace with a great reputation for sanctity. A magnificent testimony of the purity of his faith is given by the first ecumenical Council of Constantinople in a letter to Pope Damasus. 588 St. Frediano Irish bishop founded a group of eremetical canons Miraculously a river followed him. At Lucca in Tuscany, the birthday of the holy bishop Fridian, who was illustrious by the power of working miracles. also called Frigidanus and Frigidian.
He was reportedly a prince of Ireland who went
on a pilgrimage to Rome and settled into a hermitage
on Mount Pisano, near Lucca. The pope (Pelagius II 520-590)
made him bishop of Lucca, but his see was attacked by Lombards.
Frediano is believed to have founded a group of eremetical canons
who merged with those of St. John Lateran in 1507. ST FRIGIDIAN, or Frediano as he is called in Italy,
was an Irishman by birth or by extraction. He is said to have been
the son of a king of Ulster and to have been educated in Ireland,
where he was raised to the priesthood. Irish writers have tried
to identify him with St Finnian of Moville, but St Frediano lived
for over twenty-eight years in Lucca and died there, whereas Finnian
ended his days in Ireland, where he had spent the greater part
of his life. On a pilgrimage to Italy Frediano visited Lucca, and
was so greatly attracted by the hermitages on Monte Pisano that
he decided to settle there himself as an anchorite. His repute
for sanctity caused him to be chosen for the bishopric of Lucca; it required,
however, the intervention of Pope John II ( 533-535 )to induce Frediano
to give up his life of solitude.
1086 St. Anselm of Lucca Bishop held in high regard for his holiness austerity Biblical knowledge learning. IT was in 1036 that St Anselm was born in Mantua, and in 1073 his uncle, Pope Alexander II ( 1061-1073 ), nominated him to the bishopric of Lucca, left vacant by his own elevation to the chair of St Peter, and sent him to Germany to receive from the Emperor Henry IV the crozier and the ring— in accordance with the regrettable custom of the time. Anselm, however, was so strongly convinced that the secular power had no authority to confer ecclesiastical dignities that he could not bring himself to accept investiture from the emperor and returned to Italy without it. Only after he had been consecrated by Alexander’s successor, Pope St Gregory VII (1073-1085), did he consent to accept from Henry the crozier and the ring, and even then he felt scruples of conscience on the subject. These doubts led him to leave his diocese and to withdraw to a congregation of Cluniac monks at Polirone. A dignitary of such high-minded views could ill be spared, and Pope Gregory recalled him from his retirement and sent him back to Lucca to resume the government of his diocese. Zealous with regard to discipline, he strove to enforce among his canons the common life enjoined by the decree of Pope St Leo IX (1049-1054). In acute discordance with the edifying example accredited to them above in our notice of St Frediano, the canons refused to obey, although they were placed under an interdict by the pope and afterwards excommunicated. Countess Matilda of Tuscany undertook to expel them, but they raised a revolt and, being supported by the Emperor Henry, drove the bishop out of the city in 1079. We read that he was a man of great learning, and had made a special study of the Bible and of its commentators if questioned on the meaning of any passage of Holy Scripture—a great part of which he knew by heart—he could cite at once the explanations given by all the great fathers of the Church. Amongst his writings may be mentioned an important collection of canons and a commentary on the Psalms which he began at the request of the Countess Matilda, but which he did not live to complete. The holy bishop died in his native town of Mantua, and the city has since adopted him as its principal patron saint. 1567 St. Salvatore Franciscan of the Observance specially devoted to our Lady and to St. Paul who appeared to him on several occasions many and severe austerities. At Cagliari in Sardinia, St. Salvatore of Orte, confessor, a member of the Order of Friars Minor, who was numbered among the heavenly saints by Pope Pius XI (1922-1939 ), because he was graced with every virtue and had been given by God the gift of performing outstanding miracles. Saint Salvator of Horta (Salvador d'Horta, Salvatore da Horta) (1520—March 18, 1567) is a Catalan saint. His feast day is celebrated on March 18. He was born in Santa Coloma de Farners, near Girona (Catalonia), and worked as a shepherd and shoemaker. Franciscan lay brother at Barcelona and worked as a cook, beggar, and porter at the friary of Horta. Salvator acquired a reputation as a healer, and his cell became a destination for sick pilgrims. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 19
March 19 - Feast of Saint Joseph,
Husband of the Virgin Mary Blessings on Saint
Joseph!Blessings on you, loving heart of Mary, for all the affection that you have for great Saint Joseph! Blessings
on your noble heart forever, Saint Joseph, for all
the love that it held and will hold eternally for Jesus
and Mary, for all the care that it provided for the needs
of the Son and the Mother and for all the pains and anguish that
it suffered for their sufferings, contempt and ill treatment, which
it saw them receiving on behalf of ungrateful people!
Great Saint Joseph, we offer our
hearts to you; bind them to yours, and to Jesus’ and Mary’s.
Beg them to make this union inviolable and eternal. Saint John Eudes All that is known about Joseph
is found in the Gospels (primarily Matthew 1-2, but also in Luke 1-2).
Matthew broadly represents Joseph's viewpoint, while the Infancy narratives
in Luke seem to come from Mary's.
Saint Joseph bore the responsibilities of a father
perfectly. A dream told him that King Herod planned to kill
the infant Jesus. Descended from the royal line of David, Saint Joseph was the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who defended her good name, and foster father and protector of the God Who made him, yet Who wished to be known throughout His life as the son of Joseph. He saw to Jesus's education and taught him his trade of carpentry or building. Joseph's disappointment upon learning of Mary's pregnancy was said to be assuaged by an angelic vision, and he was the recipient of two more visions: one telling him to seek refuge in Egypt to escape Herod's persecution, and the second, to return to Palestine. Joseph took Mary and Jesus
away by night to Egypt and thus saved the life of the Savior. He kept
the child hidden from Herod's son in case he, too, would have harmed
Jesus.
He shared
Mary's anxieties for her son when Jesus was presumed
lost, after their visit to the Temple when he was 12. Joseph was with Mary in the
stable at Bethlehem when Jesus was born. He was looking after the mother
and child when the shepherds and the Magi came to
worship him. He took Mary and Jesus to Jerusalem to present
him to God in the Temple.
After this no more is heard
of Joseph in the New Testament except in Luke 4:22, where he is named as
the father of Jesus. He is not mentioned as being present at the crucifixion,
a fact that persuaded many artists to portray him
as an old man who had presumably died by the time Jesus
was in his early thirties. The few Biblical particulars give
an impression of a just, kind, dignified and level-headed man,
prompt in action but self-effacing. The apocryphal Protoevangelium
of James holds that he was an old man when Jesus was born, but
this appears unlikely when one considers the fact that he reared
Jesus and fulfilled the family duties.
Carmelite breviaries from 1480 commemorate his feast,
as does the Roman breviary of 1482 and the Roman Missal of 1505.
Pauly Fongemie Special veneration to Joseph began in the East, where the apocryphal History of Joseph the Carpenter enjoyed great popularity in the fifth to seventh centuries. It led to devotion from the 17th century to Joseph by all those desiring a happy death because the History tells that Joseph was afraid of death and filled with self-reproach, but was comforted by the words of Mary and Jesus, who promised protection and life to all who do good in the name of Joseph. Martyrology entries in the West date from the 8th century (Rheinau) and slightly later Irish martyrologies. The 9th-century Irish metrical hymn Félire of Saint Aengus mentions a commemoration, but it was not until the 15th century that veneration of Saint Joseph became widespread in the West, when his feast was introduced into the Roman Calendar in 1479. The notion of Joseph as the
foster-father of Jesus fired the imagination of the medieval Church. Saint
John Chrysostom pointed to the anxieties of Joseph as a pattern of the
trials of all Christians--relieved as they are by God's intervention.
Saints Vincent Ferrer (d. 1419),
Bridget of Sweden (d. 1373), and Bernardino of Siena (d. 1444) all propagated
his devotion, partially in reaction against Medieval mystery plays,
in which he is the channel for comic relief.
In the
15th century the French churchman Jean Gerson wrote
twelve poems in his honor. Saint Teresa of Ávila chose him
as the practical saint who should be patron of the
Discalced Carmelite friars and nuns [see her paean,
Go to Joseph].
Saint Joseph is generally pictured as an elderly man
holding a flowering rod with the Christ Child in his arms or
led my his hand (this emblem is also associated with Saint Joseph
of Arimathea). Pope Gregory XV made his feast a day of obligation, but this is not widely observed today. In Quanquam pluries (1889), Pope Leo XIII declared Joseph a model for fathers of families and confirmed that his sanctity was second only the that of the Blessed Virgin. In 1989, Pope John Paul II issued Redemptoris custos (Guardian of the Redeemer) (Attwater, Attwater2, Benedictines, Bentley, Delaney, Encyclopedia, Farmer, Filas, Rondet, White). 640 St. Leontius Bishop of Saintes, France, and a friend of St. Malo. At Ghent in Flanders, Saints Landoald, a Roman priest, and the deacon Amantius, who were sent to preach the Gospel by Pope St. Martin. They faithfully fulfilled this apostolic appointment, and after their deaths became renowned for their miracles. 668 St. Landoald Roman priest Missionary to Belgium ne France with deacon Amantius after deaths miracles. FOR the life of St Landoald and his companions we have only a very untrustworthy biography written in 981, three hundred years after their death, to replace their original acts said to have been lost in 954. When St Amand decided to resign the see of Maestricht, in order to resume work as a missionary bishop in the provinces which are now Holland and Belgium, he went to Rome to obtain the pope’s sanction. St Martin I not only signified his warm approval, but selected several companions to assist him in his labours. Of these the principal was Landoald, a priest of the Roman church who came of a Lombard family and was filled with missionary zeal. A deacon, St Amantius, and nine other persons completed the party, which included St Adeltrudis, St Bavo’s daughter, and St Vindiciana, Landoald’s sister. They reached the territory between the Meuse and the Scheldt, and here Landoald remained, at the request of St Remaclus. He found a wide scope for his energies in the huge diocese of Maestricht, the country having been only partly evangelized and the people still addicted to gross superstitions and vices. 1256 Blessed Clement of Dunblane founded monasteries "labored with zeal to uproot superstition and destroy vice. Clement was Scottish by birth, and having met Saint Dominic at the University of Paris and being received into the order, he was vocal and active in bringing the friars to his homeland. Tradition holds that the Scottish king, Alexander II, in Paris on a diplomatic mission, made a personal appeal to Saint Dominic for missionaries. It is an historical fact that this monarch was their first benefactor when the mission band at last arrived, shortly after Dominic's death. The priory in the lovely, seaside town of Ayr was founded in 1230, and seven other large houses soon followed. There is record of transactions with the rulers of the region at this time, and, a few years later, King Robert Bruce granted the Dominicans the privilege of grinding their grain at his mill. Clement was appointed bishop of Dunblane in 1233, by Pope Gregory IX, a devoted friend of Saint Dominic. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 20
In Judǽa natális sancti
Jóachim,
patris immaculátæ Vírginis
Genitrícis Dei Maríæ, Confessóris. In Judea, St. Joachim, the father
of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.
His feast day is on the 16th of August.1st v. St. Archippus Bishop and companion of St. Paul. In Asia, the birthday of St. Archippus, fellow-labourer of the apostle St. Paul, who is mentioned by him in his epistles to Philemon and the Colossians. who called him "my fellow soldier." Archippus is believed to have been the first bishop of Colossne. Archippus of Colossi (RM) 1st century. Traditionally, Saint Archippus is considered the first bishop of Colossae. Saint Paul calls Archippus 'my fellow- soldier' (Philem. 2) and admonished him, "Remember the service that the Lord wants you to do and try to carry it out" (Col. 4:17) (Benedictines, Delaney). 66 The Holy Martyr Photina (Svetlana) the Samaritan Woman, her sons Victor (named Photinus) and Joses; and her sisters Anatola, Phota, Photis, Paraskeva, Kyriake; Nero's daughter Domnina; and the Martyr Sebastian. On the same day, the Saints Photina, a Samaritan, and her sons Joseph and Victor; also, Sebastian, a military officer, Anatolius, and Photius; Photides, Parasceves, and Cyriaca, sisters, all of whom were put to death for the confession of the faith. ACCORDING to the Roman Martyrology, “Photina the Samaritan woman, Joseph and Victor her sons, the army officer Sebastian, Anatolius, Photius, the sisters Photis, Parasceve and Cyriaca, all confessed Christ and attained martyrdom”. The story which is preserved by the Greeks is purely legendary. It asserts that Photina was the Samaritan woman whom our Lord talked with at the well. After preaching the gospel in various places she went to Carthage, where she died after suffering three years’ imprisonment for the faith. St Victor, an officer in the imperial army, was made governor in Gaul and converted St Sebastian. The martyrs were brought to Rome, where some of them were burned over a slow fire and then flayed, whilst the rest were beheaded after being horribly tortured. A Spanish legend states that St Photina converted and baptized Domnina (who was Nero’s daughter) with one hundred of her servants.
783 Blessed Remigius of Strasburg bishop OSB B (AC). Sometimes styled either a saint or a beatae, Remigius was a son of Duke Hugh of Alsace and a nephew of Saint Ottilien. He was educated at Münster Abbey near Colmar, and later was its abbot. In 776, Remigius was consecrated bishop of Strasburg. Pope Leo IX authorized his feast for the abbey of Münster (Benedictines). 1287
Blessed Ambrose
Sansedoni a miracle when a baby and reported
at his tomb; humble; levitated; OP (RM). Like many other Italian saints, men and
women, the eloquent friar did not confine his energies to
spiritual exhortations, but was called upon to take part in
important public affairs. By his persuasive words he managed
to reconcile the prince electors, who in their private quarrels
were on the eve of kindling civil war. He arrested a new heresy
in Bohemia which was causing strange disorder, and when charged
by Bd Pope Gregory X to preach the crusade he obtained
a generous response to his appeals. Twice did he reconcile with
the Holy See the people of Siena, who, having taken the part of Manfred,
the bastard son of Frederic II, had been placed under an interdict.
Several writers assert that when Ambrose entered the consistory
to plead for his fellow-townsmen, his face was illuminated with
so supernatural a light that the pope exclaimed, “Father Ambrose,
you need not explain your mission; I grant whatever you wish”. In spite of all the important missions with which he was
entrusted, and of the, success which attended his efforts, Ambrose ever
remained singularly humble. Princes and popes held him in the utmost esteem, partly for his scholarship and partly for the tact he displayed in dealing with delicate negotiations. When away from his convent and in secular surroundings never did he abate any of the rules of his order or depart from that poverty to which he had pledged himself; on several occasions he was visited with illness when a little relaxation would have been permissible, yet he continued all his customary mortifications and practices of devotion in spite of ill-health. 1619 Blessed Hippolytus Galantini From age 12 assisted priests in teaching children catechism (AC). HIPPOLYTUS GALANTINI was one of those who have attained to great holiness amid the cares of a secular life. The son of a worthy Florentine silk-weaver, he learnt and followed his father’s trade, by which he earned his living. He was only twelve years old when he attracted the notice of Archbishop Alexander de’ Medici— afterwards Pope Leo XI—who allowed him to help the priests in instructing children. He would fain have entered a religious order, but was debarred by ill-health, and adopted in his father’s house a rule of life which was a counterpart of that of the cloister. By fasts, scourgings and long night-watches he obtained complete mastery over rebellious nature, and acquired a spiritual discernment which more than compensated for his lack of secular education. Without influence, without money and without book-learning Hippolytus succeeded in founding a secular institute devoted to teaching the main principles of religion and Christian duty to ignorant children of both sexes and even to uninstructed adults. For his associates he composed a rule about the year 1602, and his example inspired others all over Italy to imitate his work. The Institute of Christian Doctrine was the name given to the congregation thus founded, but they were popularly known as the “Vanchetoni”. Hippolytus had only reached the age of fifty-five when he was seized with a painful and serious illness which proved fatal. His sufferings were alleviated by celestial visions, and he passed away whilst kissing a picture of his crucified Lord. His name is still greatly venerated in Tuscany and among the Franciscans, who reckon him as one of their tertiaries. He was beatified in 1824.Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 21
90 St. Birillus Bishop ordained by St. Peter the Apostle At Catania, St. Birillus, who was consecrated bishop by St. Peter. After converting many gentiles to the faith, he died in extreme old age. He became the bishop of Catania, Sicily, remaining in his see for many years. Brillus of Catania accompanied from Antioch Saint Peter B (RM) (also known as Birillus) Saint Brillus is reputed to have accompanied from Antioch Saint Peter, who consecrated him bishop of Catania, Sicily. He died in extreme old age (Benedictines, Encyclopedia). Saint Cyril Bishop of Catania disciple of Saint Peter wonderworker He was born in Antioch and a disciple of the Apostle Peter (June 29, January 16), who installed him as Bishop of Catania in Sicily. St Cyril wisely guided his flock; he was pious, and the Lord granted him the gift of wonderworking. By his prayer the bitter water in a certain spring lost its bitterness and became drinkable. This miracle converted many pagans to Christianity. St Cyril died in old age and was buried in Sicily. 188 St. Demetrius the Twelfth Pope of Alexandria The Commemoration of the revealing of the virginity of Philemon & Domninus preached the Good News in various parts of Italy MM On this day also the church celebrates the commemoration of the revealing of the virginity of St. Demetrius the Twelfth Pope of Alexandria. The angel of the Lord appeared to St. Julian, the Eleventh Pope, before his departure and said: "You are going to the Lord Christ, the one who will bring you tomorrow a cluster of grapes, is the one fit to be a Patriarch after you." On the morrow, this saint came with a cluster of grapes, Abba Julian held him and told the people: "This is your Patriarch after me," and told them what the angel told him. After the departure of Abba Julian they took him and ordained him Patriarch on the 9th day of Baramhat (March 4th., 188 A.D.) and he was married. Since no married Patriarch ever before this father been enthroned over the See of Alexandria, satan entered the hearts of the laity and made them talk and grumble against the Patriarch and the one who recommended him. The angel of God appeared to St. Demetrius and told him about that and ordered him to remove the doubt from their hearts by revealing to them his relation with his wife. When St. Demetrius refused, the angel told him: "It is not meet that you save your self alone and let others be perished because of you. But because you are a shepherd you should fight to save your people also". 547 ST BENEDICT, ABBOT, PATRIARCH OF WESTERN MONKS Upon the site of the Appolo temple he built two chapels, and round about these sanctuaries there rose little by little the great pile which was destined to become the most famous abbey the world has ever known, the foundation of which is likely to have been laid by St Benedict in the year 530 or thereabouts. At Monte Cassino, the birthday of the holy abbot St. Benedict, who restored and wonderfully extended the monastic discipline in the West, where it had almost been destroyed. His life, brilliant in virtues and miracles, was written by Pope St. Gregory. 1289 Blessed John of Parma 1st attempt won back schismatic Greeks died on 2nd attempt 7th general minister Franciscan Order b. 1209 The seventh general minister of the Franciscan Order, John was known for his attempts to bring back the earlier spirit of the Order after the death of St. Francis of Assisi. He was born in Parma, Italy, in 1209. It was when he was a young philosophy professor known for his piety and learning that God called him to bid good-bye to the world he was used to and enter the new world of the Franciscan Order. After his profession John was sent to Paris to complete his theological studies. Ordained to the priesthood, he was appointed to teach theology at Bologna, then Naples and finally Rome. In 1245, Pope Innocent IV called a general council in the city of Lyons, France. Crescentius, the Franciscan minister general at the time, was ailing and unable to attend. In his place he sent Father John, who made a deep impression on the Church leaders gathered there. Two years later, when the same pope presided at the election of a minister general of the Franciscans, he remembered Father John well and held him up as the man best qualified for the office. And so, in 1247, John of Parma was elected to be minister general. The surviving disciples of St. Francis rejoiced in his election, expecting a return to the spirit of poverty and humility of the early days of the Order. And they were not disappointed. As general of the Order John traveled on foot, accompanied by one or two companions, to practically all of the Franciscan convents in existence. Sometimes he would arrive and not be recognized, remaining there for a number of days to test the true spirit of the brothers. 1481 St. Nicholas von Flüe Hermit Swiss political figure Renowned for his holiness and wisdom; “Bruder Klaus,” he often had the good fortune of contemplating Our Lady and of receiving frequent visits from her. In the village of Ranft, near Sachseln in Switzerland, St. Nicholas of Flue, a family man who became an anchoret, famed for his most ardent penitence and contempt for the world, and known by the Swiss as the father of the fatherland. He was numbered among the saints by Pope Pius XII. Born near Sachseln, Canton Obwalden, Switzerland, he took his name from the Flueli river which flowed near his birthplace. The son of a peasant couple, he married and had ten children by his wife, Dorothea Wissling, and fought heroically in the forces of the canton against Zurich in 1439. After serving as magistrate and highly respected councilor, he refused the office of governor several times and, in 1467, at the age of fifty and with the consent of his wife and family, he embraced the life of a hermit, giving up all thought of political activity. Nicholas took up residence in a small cell at Ranft, supposedly surviving for his final nineteen years entirely without food except for the Holy Eucharist. Renowned for his holiness and wisdom, he was regularly visited by civic leaders, powerful personages, and simple men and women with a variety of needs. Through Nicholas’ labors, he helped bring about the inclusion of Fribourg and Soleure in the Swiss Confederation in 1481, thus preventing the eruption of a potentially bloody civil war. One of the most famous religious figures in Swiss history, he was known affectionately as “Bruder Klaus,” and was much venerated in Switzerland. He was formally canonized in 1947. He is considered the patron saint of Switzerland. Saint Nicholas of Flüe
(Switzerland, 1417-1487) who received several visions
of the Virgin Mary
You are my refuge—why would you push me away? One day the tempter pressured Nicholas
of Flue more strongly than usual while he was in deep
torment.
Nicolas turned to Mary in prayer: "Hail, O Mother of all purity, virgin undefiled,
Mother of all mercy and Mother of our Savior; I come to beg you to intercede
for a poor sinner with your Divine Son, that he would grant me his holy grace.
The enemy relentlessly pursues me and attacks me. You once crushed the serpent's
head by giving birth to our Savior—help me to overcome his wiles and deceptions.
You are my refuge—why would you push me away? ...
After this outpouring of his heart,
full of confidence in the powerful protection of the queen
of heaven, the fervent hermit stood up, energized with new
courage, and his temptation was overcome. Afterwards, he related
that he never invoked Mary in vain, and that he always visibly
felt the effects of her protection. It is even said that he often
had the good fortune of contemplating Our Lady and of receiving
frequent visits from her. ...www.medaille-miraculeuse.fr
No, O gracious Virgin! You will come to
my rescue and the enemy will be defeated."
1858 Saint Benedicta Cambiagio Frassinello profound mystical experience that left her devoted to prayer miraculously cured by St Jerome Emiliani Also known as Benedetta Cambiagio Frassinello; Benedikta Frassinello; Benedetta Cambiagio Canonized 19 May 2002 by Pope John Paul II. Daughter of Giuseppe and Francesca Cambiagio,
she grew up in Pavia, Italy. At the age of 20 she
had a profound mystical experience that left her devoted
to prayer and desiring a religious life. However, to go
along with her family's wishes, she married Giovanni Battista
Frassinella on 7 February 1816. The couple had a normal married
life for two years, but Giovanni, impressed with Benedicta's
holiness and desire for religious life, agreed to live continently.
The two took care of Benedicta's little sister Maria until the
girl's death from intestinal cancer in 1825.
Giovanni then
joined the Somaschan Fathers, Benedicta became an Ursuline
nun. In 1826 ill health forced Benedicta
to return home to Pavia. There she began to work
with young women in the area. The work sent so well that
her husband Giovanni was assigned to help. The schools
continued to grow and prosper, and Benedicta was appointed
Promoter of Public Instruction in Pavia. However, no matter how
chastely they lived, Benedicta and Giovanni's unusual relationship
drew gossip and criticism from civil and Church authorities. To
insure that she did not get in the way of the work, in 1838 Benedicta
turned her work over to the bishop of Pavia, and withdrew to live as
a nun at Ronco Scrivia.
Not content to withdraw from the
world, Benedicta began all over.
With five companions,
she founded the Congregation of the Benedictine Sisters
of Providence dedicated to teaching, and opened another
school. Living alone, the local authorities found no causes
for gossip, and Benedicta spent her remaining years in prayer and
service. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 22
1st v. St. Epaphroditus
Apostle sent by St. Paul to the Phillipians. St
Terracina, St. Epaphroditus, a disciple of the apostles,
who was consecrated bishop of that city by the blessed apostle
Peter. He is believed to be the
first bishop of Philippi, Macedonia, Andriacia, in
Lycia, and Terracina, Italy.
Three saints of that name are
recorded in the earliest lists, all among the seventy-two disciples of Christ.
Blessed Epaphroditus B
(RM)
More likely, there is
one saint named Epaphroditus venerated in 3 different locations (Benedictines,
Delaney). Epaphroditus is mentioned with affection and esteem by Saint Paul (Phil. 2:25-30): "With regard to Epaphroditus, my brother and co-worker and fellow soldier, your messenger and minister in my need, I consider it necessary to send him to you. For he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was ill. He was indeed ill, close to death; but God had mercy on him, not just on him but also on me, so that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. I send him therefore with the greater eagerness, so that, on seeing him, you may rejoice again, and I may have less anxiety. Welcome him then in the Lord with all joy and hold such people in esteem, because for the sake of the work of Christ he came close to death, risking his life to make up for those services to me that you could not perform (NAB)." He is traditionally considered the first bishop of Philippi, Macedonia. Both Andriacia in Lycia and Terracina in Italy also list an Epaphroditus as their first bishop. These three are said to have been among the 72 disciples commissioned by Christ (Luke 10).
On this day (March 8th, 264 A.D.) the great father Abba Dionysius, the
fourteenth Pope of Alexandria, departed. His parents
were stare worshippers of the Sun (Sabians) and they put
emphasis on teaching him all the knowledge of that sect.
One day a Christian old woman passed by him, who had with her some pages of a book containing an Epistle of St. Paul the apostle and offered it to him to buy it. When he read it he found in it strange sayings and unusual knowledge. He asked her: "For how much will you sell it?" She said: "For one dinar of gold." He gave her three dinars and asked her to find the rest of the pages of the book and he was willing to pay her double. She went and brought him more pages. Having read them through he found the book to be still incomplete, he asked her to search for the rest of the book. She told him: "I found these quires among my father's books. If you want to acquire the complete book, go to the church and there you can find it." He went and asked one of the priests to show him what is called the Epistles of Paul. He gave it to him, read it, and memorized it. Then he went to St. Demetrius the twelfth Pope, who taught and instructed him in the facts of the Christian faith then baptized him. He became well rehearsed in the doctrine and knowledge of the church, and Anba Demetrius appointed him a teacher for the people. When Anba Demetrius departed and Anba Heraclas (Yaroklas) was enthroned, he appointed him as a deputy to judge among the believers and entrusted him to administer the affairs of the patriarchate. When St. Heraclas departed, all the people agreed to appoint this father Patriarch. He was enthroned on the first of Tubah (December 28th, 246 A.D.) during the reign of Emperor Philip who was a lover of the Christians, and he shepherded his flock with the best of care, nevertheless, he suffered much tribulations. When Decius rose up against Philip and killed him, and reigned in his place, he incited persecution against the Christians. Decius slew many of the patriarchs, bishops, and believers. This father endured much suffering during that time. Decius died and Gallus reigned after him, and persecution quieted down during his reign. When Gallus died and Valerian reigned in his place, he renewed the persecution severely against the Christians, and his men seized Abba Dionysius and imprisoned him. They asked him to worship the idols but he refused saying: "We worship God the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit the One God." They threatened him, killed few men in front of him to terrify him but he was not afraid. They banished him and shortly after, they brought him back and told him: "We have been informed that you consecrate the offering secretly by yourself." He replied: "We do not forsake our prayers day or night" then he turned to the people present around him and told them: "Go and pray and if I am away from you in the body, I shall be with you in spirit." The governor became raged and returned him to exile. When Sapor king of Persia overcame Emperor Valerian and seized him, his son Gallienus, who was wise and gentle, took over the empire. He released all the believers who were in prison and brought back those who were in exile. He wrote to the Patriarch and the bishops a letter to assure their safety in opening the churches. In the days of this father, certain people arose in the Arabian countries saying: "That the soul dies with the body, and on the day of Resurrection, it shall be raised up with it." He gathered against them a council and anathematized them. When Paul of Samosata denied the Son, a Council assembled against him in Antioch, this Saint was not able to attend for his age. He wrote a letter to the council, rich with wisdom, explained in it the corruptive opinion of this heretic, and stated the true Orthodox belief. He finished his good strife, and departed in a good old age on (March 8th, 264 A.D.), having sat on the Apostolic Throne seventeen years, two month and ten days.
May his prayers be with us. Amen.
752 Pope St.
Zachary 741 - 752 Zachary
I, Pope known for his learning & sanctity chosen
pope in 741 to succeed Saint Gregory III (RM). Reigned 741-52. Year
of birth unknown; died in March, 752. Zachary sprang
from a Greek family living in Calabria; his father, according
to the "Liber Pontificalis",
was called Polichronius. Most probably
he was a deacon of the Roman Church and as such signed the
decrees of the Roman council of 732. After the burial of his
predecessor Pope Gregory III on 29 November, 741,
he was immediately and unanimously elected pope and consecrated
and enthroned on 5 December. His biographer in the "Liber
Pontificalis" describes him as a man of gentle and conciliatory
character who was charitable towards the clergy and people.
As a fact the new pope always showed himself to be shrewd and conciliatory
in his actions and thus his undertakings were very successful.
Zachary was very zealous in the restoration of the churches of Rome to which he made costly gifts. He also restored the Lateran palace and established several large domains as the settled landed possessions (domus cultoe) of the Roman Church. The pope translated to the Church of St. George in Velabro the head of the martyr St. George which was found during the repairs of the decayed Lateran Palace. He was very benevolent to the poor, to whom alms were given regularly from the papal palace. When merchants from Venice bought slaves at Rome in order to sell them again to the Saracens in Africa, the pope bought all the slaves, so that Christians should not become the property of heathens. Thus in a troubled era Zachary proved himself to be an excellent, capable, vigorous, and charitable successor of Peter. He also carried on theological studies and made a translation of the Dialogues of Gregory the Great into Greek, which was largely circulated in the East. After his death Zachary was buried in St. Peters. 1282 St. Benvenutus Scotivoli Franciscan archdeacon bishop. ST BENVENUTO Scotivoli was born at Ancona and intended for the law, which he studied at Bologna, but feeling that God called him to labour for souls he was ordained to the priesthood. By Pope Alexander IV he was appointed archdeacon of Ancona, besides being made administrator of the diocese of Osimo. The seat of the bishopric had been removed from that town to Recanati, because the people of Osimo had espoused the cause of the Emperor Frederick II against the Holy See, but Benvenuto succeeded in the difficult task of reconciling the city with the papacy. The episcopal chair was then restored to Osimo, of which in 1264 he was nominated bishop by Alexander’s successor, Urban, and he was also appointed governor of the Marches of Ancona. Before his consecration Benvenuto was admitted into the Franciscan Order, and during the remaining eighteen years of his life he continued to wear his Minorite habit, which was long preserved at Osimo with his relics. It had ever been his earnest desire to imitate St Francis,. and as he felt death approaching, he asked to be carried into the church and laid on the bare ground that he might die like the Seraphic Father. Whilst the psalms were being intoned by the clergy round him, he passed away to his eternal rest. 1282 St. Benvenutus Scotivoli Franciscan archdeacon bishop. VERY little seems to be known of the Augustinian hermit Hugolino Zefferini of Cortona. When Father Papebroch the Bollandist wrote to a high authority of the Augustinian Order to obtain information, a courteous reply was returned to the effect that the archives of their house in Cortona had unfortunately perished in a conflagration, and that a manuscript life of the holy man which they had once possessed had either been lost or stolen. All they could send was a seventeenth-century engraving which contained representations of a certain number of miracles alleged to have been wrought in connection with the relics of the beatus. One of the most surprising of these had reference to a lily which, growing out of the corpse of the deceased thirty years after his burial, effected the cure of a woman who was blind. Other traditions stated that when the first lily had been thoughtlessly plucked, two other lilies grew out of the wounds of the hermit’s incorrupt body. From the conflicting accounts given it is not even clear whether Bd Hugolino belonged to Cortona or to Mantua, and whether he lived in the fourteenth century or in the fifteenth. It seems, however, to be certain that his relics were preserved and venerated at Cortona, and the cultus paid to him there was approved by Pope Pius VII in 1804. 1487 Nicholas of Flüe, Hermit fighting "with a sword in one hand, and a rosary in the other!" often rapt in ecstatic prayer, experiencing visions and revelations as a hermit in almost perpetual prayer for 21.5 yrs, he took no food for the body patron saint of Switzerland. (RM) (also known as Bruder Klaus) Born at Flüeli near Sachseln, Obwalden (Unterwalden), Switzerland, March 21, 1417; died at Ranft, Switzerland, March 21, 1487; cultus approved in 1669; canonized 1947; feast day formerly March 21; feast day in Switzerland is September 25. In 1917 the
fifth centenary of the birth of “ Bruder Klaus” was
celebrated throughout Switzerland with quite remarkable
enthusiasm. Perhaps the most valuable result of the interest
thus awakened was the publication of a great historical monograph
by Robert Durrer, a scholar with an unrivalled knowledge of the
archives of his country. In these two quarto volumes, entitled
Bruder Klaus, which together total
some 1350 pages, will be found all the available material bearing
on the life of Nicholas von Flue. The collection includes two early
sketches of the career of Bruder Klaus, one by Albrecht von Bonstetten,
the other by Heinrich von Gundelfingen, but these are supplemented
by a mass of documentary evidence derived from ancient records and
other sources. A comprehensive nineteenth century biography is that
of J. Ming, Der selige Bruder Nikolaus von
Flue, and others have since been written by A. Baumberger,
F. X. Wetzel and J. T. de Belloc, in Italian by F. Andina (1945), and
in French by A. Andrey (1941) and C. Journet (1947). See also the Acta Sanctorum, March, vol. iii, and the
Kirchenlexikon, vol. ix, pp. 316-319.
1606 St. Nicholas
Owen "Little John," 20 yrs build secret hiding places
for priests as a lay person. Nicholas Owen M
(RM) Born in Oxford, England; died in the Tower of London, 1606; beatified
in 1929; canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as one of
the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales; feast day formerly March
12. Saint Nicholas was probably the most important person in the preservation of Catholicism in England during the period of the penal laws against the faith. He was a carpenter or builder, who saved the lives of countless Jesuit priests in England for two decades by constructing hiding places for them in mansions throughout the country. He became a Jesuit lay brother in 1580, was arrested in 1594 with Father John Gerard, and despite prolonged torture would not give the names of any of his Catholic colleagues; he was released on the payment of a ransom by a wealthy Catholic. 1929 Blessed Dina Bélanger Sisters of Jesus-Marie Rome accomplished pianist woman of infectious joy despite illness. (also known as Marie Sainte-Cecile of Rome) Born in Québec, Canada, 1897; beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1993. When Dina joined the Sisters of Jesus-Marie in Rome (founded by Saint Claudine Thevenet), she took the name Marie Sainte-Cecile of Rome to honor the patron of musicians because she was herself an accomplished pianist. During the course of her life as a sister, her devotion to the Blessed Sacrament transformed her into a woman of infectious joy despite illness. Her autobiography was published in Québec in 1984 (Catholic World News, May 1, 1997). Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 23
Frequent and daily Communion is greatly desired by our Lord and the Church. Pope St. Pius X A meditation
during the Great Fast...
“It is necessary most of all for one who is fasting
to curb anger,
1250-1350(?) Blessed Peter
Ghisengi many miracles were reported at his tomb.
(also known as Peter of Gubbio) Born at Gubbio,
Umbria, Italy; died c. 1250-1350(?); cultus confirmed
by Pope Pius IX. Blessed Peter was a scion of the
distinguished Ghisleni family. He became an Augustinian hermit
and later the provincial of his congregation. He is venerated at
Gubbio, where his relics rest and where many miracles were reported
at his tomb (Attwater2, Benedictines).to accustom himself to meekness and condescension, to have a contrite heart, to repulse impure thoughts and desires, to examine his conscience, to put his mind to the test and to verify what good has been done by us in this or any other week, and which deficiency we have corrected in ourselves in the present week. This is true fasting.” – Saint John Chrysostom 1606 St. Toribio Alfonso de Mogrovejo Bishop defender of the native Indians in Peru's rights. Together with Rose of Lima, Turibius is the first known saint of the New World, serving the Lord in Peru, South America, for 26 years. Turibius Mongrovejo B (RM) (also known as Toribio of Turribius of Lima) Born in Mayorga, León, Spain, on November 16, 1538; died at Santa (Sana) near Lima, Peru, on March 26 (or 23), 1606; beatified by Pope Innocent XI on June 28, 1679; canonized by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726; feast day formerly on April 27. Turibius (Toribio) Alphonsus was the son of Don Luis Alfonso de Mogrovejo and Dona Ana de Robles y Moran. Although he was devoted from a young age, he had no plans to become a priest. He studied at Valladolid and Salamanca, and was such a successful student that he became a professor of law at the University of Salamanca. In February 1571, although he was still a layman, King Philip II appointed him the chief judge of the ecclesiastical court of the Inquisition at Granada. In 1580, when the authorities required an archbishop of strong character to work to convert the Peruvians of Lima, they selected Turibius. He was horrified by this decision, and he presented the canons forbidding the promotion of laymen to Church offices to support his contention. He was overruled, however, was ordained priest, consecrated bishop, and arrived in Lima, Peru, on May 24, 1581. The saint proved to be a wise selection because he was a most zealous shepherd of souls. Upon his arrival he was confronted with an enormous diocese of 18,000 square-miles--his first visitation took him seven years--and one in which the Spanish were guilty of mistreatment of the native population. Undaunted he began his work, traversing his entire diocese three times, generally on foot because there were no roads, defenseless, and often alone, exposed to tempests, torrents, deserts, wild beasts, tropical heat, and fevers. He himself baptized and confirmed nearly a million souls. He continuously studied the various Indian dialects to assist in converting the native population. Among his flock were Saint Rose of Lima, whom he befriended and confirmed, Saint Francis Solanus, Saint Martin de Porres, and Saint John Massias. He founded many churches, religious houses, and hospitals, and, in 1591, founded the first American seminary in Lima. He also assembled 13 diocesan synods. His favorite topic when preaching was: "Time is not our own and we must give a strict accounting of it." He himself baptized and confirmed nearly a million souls. He continuously studied the various Indian dialects to assist in converting the native population. Among his flock were Saint Rose of Lima, whom he befriended and confirmed, Saint Francis Solanus, Saint Martin de Porres, and Saint John Massias. He founded many churches, religious houses, and hospitals, and, in 1591, founded the first American seminary in Lima. He also assembled 13 diocesan synods. His favorite topic when preaching was: "Time is not our own and we must give a strict accounting of it." 1702 St. Joseph Oriol Apostle of Barcelona miracle worker healings & prophet faith, hope, and love of God and neighbor. At Barcelona in Spain, the priest St. Joseph Oriol, pastor of the church of St. Mary of the Kings, famous for every virtue, especially mortification of the body, his rule of poverty, and his love towards the poor and the sick. Because he was known for his miracles both in life and after death, who lived on bread and water for twenty-six years. He was born at Barcelona, Spain. A priest and doctor of theology, he was a canon of Santa Maria del Pino. In 1686, he made a pilgrimage on foot to Rome. A beloved figure in Barcelona, Joseph was also a famed confessor, miracle worker, and prophet. Pope Pius X (1903-1814) placed his name in the number of the saints. 1914 Blessed Rafqa (Rebecca) Shabaq al-Rayes God's gift to the universal Church from the Maronites revelations by voices, dreams, and visions many miracles V (AC). (also known as Rafka, Rebecca, Pierina, or Boutrosiya) Born in Hemlaya, Lebanon, June 29, 1832; died October 23, 1914; beatified November 17, 1985 St John Paul II 1978- 2005 Too often we forget that there are other rites within the Catholic Church beyond the Roman Rite. Blessed Rafqa (Rebecca) is God's gift to the universal Church from the Maronites, which hale from Lebanon. Raqfa, like the bride in the Song of Songs, listened to her Beloved's call: "Come from Lebanon, my promised bride, Come from Lebanon, come on your way. Look down from the heights of Amanus, From the crests of Senir and Hermon, The haunt of lions, The mountains of leopards. The scent of your garments Is like the scent of Lebanon. She is a garden enclosed, My sister, my promised bride; a garden enclosed A sealed fountain Fountain of the garden, Well of living water, Streams flowing down from Lebanon!" [vv. 4:1-15]. Pierina (Petronilla), the only child Mourad Saber Shabaq al-Rayes and his wife Rafqa Gemayel, was named after Saint Peter on whose feast she was born in the land of the Canaanites and Phoenicians. This blind seer, known as the "Little Flower of Lebanon," the "Purple Rose," and the "Silent, Humble Nun," related the story of her life to her mother superior months before her death. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 24
1381 St. Catherine
of Sweden head of Wadstena convent of desire for
self-mortification life: devotion to spiritual things. In 1374, in obedience
to St. Bridget's wish, Catherine brought back her mother's
body to Sweden for burial at Wadstena, of which foundation
she now became the head. It was the motherhouse of the Brigittine
Order, also called the Order of St. Saviour. Catherine managed
the convent with great skill and made the life there one in
harmony with the principles laid down by its founder.
When this sorrowful division
appeared she showed herself, like St. Catherine of
Siena, a steadfast adherent of the part of the Roman Pope,
Urban
VI, in whose favour
she testified before a judicial commission. The following year she went again to Rome in order to promote the canonization of St. Bridget, and to obtain a new papal confirmation of the order. She secured another confirmation both from Gregory XI (1377) and from Urban VI (1379) but was unable to gain at the time the canonization of her mother, husband, to whom she appears to have been deeply attached. But remain in Rome she did, though not without moments of great unhappiness: “I lead a wretched life, caged up here like an animal, while the others go and nourish their souls at church. My brothers and sisters in Sweden can serve God in peace”; for owing to the disorders of the city her mother, when she went out, made Catherine stop at home indoors. In the circumstances it may be reasonably supposed that her dream of our Lady reproaching her for her discontent was a product of nervous depression, though poor Catherine took it very seriously. Bridget, however, believed it to be revealed to her that her daughter’s husband was about to die, as indeed he did before the year was out; and Catherine then seems to have lost all desire to go back to Sweden. Gregory XI (1377) Urban VI (1379) confusion caused by the Schism delayed the process. Catherine stayed five years in Italy and then returned home, bearing a special letter of commendation from the pope. Not long after her arrival in Sweden she was taken ill and died. In 1484 Innocent VIII (1492) gave permission for her veneration as a saint and her feast was assigned to 22 March in the Roman martyrology. 1510 St. Catherine of Genoa she and husband dedicated themselves to works of charity. 1510 St Catherine (Caterinetta) of Genoa, Widow; blood from her stigmata gave off exceptional heat; "He
who purifies himself from his faults in the present
life, satisfies with a penny a debt of a thousand ducats;
and he who waits until the other life to discharge his debts,
consents to pay a thousand ducats for that which he might before
have paid with a penny." Saint
Catherine, Treatise on purgatory.
(RM)
Génuæ sanctæ Catharínæ
Víduæ, contémptu mundi et caritáte
in Deum insígnis.In Genoa, St. Catherine, a widow, renowned for her contempt of the world and her love of God. Born in Genoa, Italy, 1447; died there, September 14, 1510; beatified in 1737 and equipollently canonized by Pope Benedict XIV (1758) a few years later (others say she was canonized in 1737); feast day formerly on March 22. "We should not wish for anything but what comes to us from moment to moment," Saint Catherine told her spiritual children, "exercising ourselves none the less for good. For he who would not thus exercise himself, and await what God sends, would tempt God. When we have done what good we can, let us accept all that happens to us by Our Lord's ordinance, and let us unite ourselves to it by our will. Who tastes what it is to rest in union with God will seem to himself to have won to Paradise even in this life." 1606 ST TURIBIUS, Archbishop of LIMA To those who tried to twist God’s law to make it accord with their evil practice he would oppose the words of Tertullian: “Christ said, ‘I am the truth’. He did not say, I am the custom’.” The archbishop succeeded in eradicating some of the worst abuses, and he founded numerous churches, religious houses and hospitals; in 1591 he established at Lima the first ecclesiastical seminary in the New World. Among those St Turibius confirmed, as well as St Rose, are said to have been Bd Martin Porres and Bd John Massias. From 1590 he had the help of another great missionary, the Franciscan St Francis Solano, whose denunciations of the wickedness of Lima so alarmed the people that the viceroy had to call on the archbishop to calm them. The charities of St Turibius were large, and he had feeling for the sensitive pride of the Spaniards in his flock. He knew that many were shy of making their poverty or other needs known, that they did not like to accept public charity or help from those they knew: so he did all he could to assist them privately, without their knowing from whom their benefactions came. St Turibius was in his sixty-eighth year when he fell ill at Pacasmayo, far to the north of Lima. Working to the last, he struggled as far as Santa, where he realized the end was at hand. He made his will, giving his personal belongings to his servants and all the rest of his property for the benefit of the poor. He asked to be carried into the church to receive viaticum, and was then brought back to bed and anointed. While those about him sang the psalm, “I was glad when they said unto me, We will go into the house of the Lord”, St Turibius died on March 23, 1606. In 1726 (Benedict XIV 1724 - 1758) he was canonized. 1801 BD DIDACUS, or DIEGO, OF CADIZ. Bd DIDACUS JOSEPH OF CADIZ was popularly called “the apostle of the Holy Trinity”, because of his devotion to the mystery of the Three Divine Persons and the ingenuity with which he contrived to make the theological dogma of the Blessed Trinity the subject of his eloquent and most fruitful sermons. It is related that in preaching about the love of God, there were occasions when Father Diego was raised supernaturally into the air so that he required assistance to regain the floor of the pulpit. Sometimes the largest churches could not contain the crowds who flocked to hear him, and he would preach in a square or in the streets, whilst the crowds stood for hours entranced. At the close of his sermons he had to be protected from the people, who tried to tear pieces from his habit as relics. Popularity, however, could not injure one so humble as Bd Diego: slights and insults might serve, he thought, as a very inadequate expiation for his sins. He shunned all presents, and, if obliged to accept them, he immediately distributed them to the poor: money he absolutely refused. Immediately his death became known in 1801 he was acclaimed as a saint, and Pope Leo XIII proclaimed his beatification in 1894. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 25
767 The Departure
Of The Saint
Anba Khail (Mikhail) The Forty Sixth Pope Of The
See Of St. Mark. (Coptic). On this
day of the year 483 A.M. (March 12th, 767 A.D.) the holy father
Anba Khail (Mikhail), the forty six Pope of the See Of St. Mark,
departed. This father was a monk in the monastery of St. Macarius
and he was knowledgeable and ascetic. When Pope Theodorus the
forty fifth Patriarch, his predecessor, departed the bishops
of Lower Egypt (Delta) and the priests of Alexandria gathered
in the church of Anba Shenouda in Cairo.1586 Margaret Clitherow 1/40 martyrs of England convert M (RM). Born in York, England, c. 1556; died there 1586; beatified in 1929; canonized in 1970 by Pope Paul VI as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales; feast day formerly April 2. WE are fortunate in possessing ample information about Margaret Clitherow, thanks to the biography written by her confessor, Father John Mush, supplemented by details from other contemporary documents. In York we can still see the guildhall in which she was tried, the castle in which she was imprisoned, the house in the Little Shambles which is the reputed home of her married life, and the room with the dormer window at the Black Swan inn, which tradition points out as the place which she hired as a Mass-house, when her own private chapel was considered unsafe. To her husband she had sent her hat “in sign of her loving duty to him as to her head”, and to her twelve-year-old daughter Agnes her shoes and stockings to signify that she should follow in her steps. The little girl became a nun at Louvain, whilst two of the martyr’s sons were afterwards priests. One of Margaret Clitherow’s hands is preserved in a reliquary at the Bar Convent, York. At Montefiascone, St. Lucia Filippini, founder of the Institute of Pious Teachers, from whose surname they are known as Filippines. Having merited greatly by the Christian education of girls and women, especially of the poor, Pope Pius XI enrolled her among the holy virgins Also listed as Lucia, she was born in Tuscany, Italy. With Rosa Venerini, Lucy started training schoolmistresses at Monte Fiascone. The institute evolved from this work. Lucy was canonized in 1930. No pupil could have shown more aptitude than St Lucy. Her modesty, her charity, her intense conviction of the value of the things of the spirit, together with her courage and her practical common sense, won all hearts. The work prospered amazingly. New schools for girls and educational centres multiplied in all directions, and in 1707, at the express desire of Pope Clement XI (1700-1711), she came to Rome and there founded the first school of the Maestre Pie in the Via delle Chiavi d’Oro. She was only able to remain in the city a little more than six months, her duties calling her elsewhere, but the children came in crowds which far exceeded the accommodation which could be provided for them, and Lucy before she left was known to half the district as the Maestra santa (the holy schoolmistress). Like Rose Venerini, she had a great gift of easy and convincing speech. Unfortunately her strength was not equal to the strain that was put on it. She became seriously ill in 1726, and in spite of medical care in Rome itself was never able to regain her normal health, dying a most holy death on March 25, 1732, the day she had herself predicted. St Lucy Filippini was canonized in 1930. 1927 St. Saint Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas. She founded the oldest Marian religious institute of women in the Arab East Born in Jerusalem in a Christian Palestinian family on October 4, 1843, Saint Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas died on March 25, 1927 in Ein Karem. She was canonized by Pope Francis on May 17, 2015, on the Feast of the Ascension. Saint Marie-Alphonsine entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Apparition as a postulant at the age of 14. Following repeated visions of Our Lady, she and Father Joseph Tannous Yammin founded a congregation for local women in 1880 called the Rosary Sisters, or the Congregation of the Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of Jerusalem, the oldest Marian religious institute of women in the Arab East. Archbishop Fouad Twal, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem was impressed by the Marian piety of this nun who spent her life working in education of Arab Christians and the poor. Today the Rosary Sisters have 250 members and are present in the Holy Land, Jordan, Lebanon, Cairo (Egypt), Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Rome. In Lebanon, the Rosary Sisters have ten convents and they also run a hospital in Gemmayze. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 26
400
Felix
of Trier generosity to the poor virtuous (Trèves)
miracles reported at
his tomb.
ST FELIX was consecrated bishop of Trier in
386 and took part in a synod held in his episcopal city at
which St Martin was also present. He was a most holy man and extremely
liberal to the poor. He built a monastery and a church which
he dedicated to our Lady and the Theban Martyrs and in which
he placed the alleged relics of the advance-guard of the Theban Legion—Thyrses
the General and nine others. Because he had been elected by those
who were said to have compassed the death of Priscillian, St Ambrose
and Pope St Siricius refused to hold ecclesiastical
communion with St Felix, and it was probably for this reason that
he resigned his see in 398 and retired to the monastery he had built,
which was subsequently called after St Paulinus. He died an edifying
death and many miracles were reported as having taken place at his
tomb. Sulpicius Severus speaks of him with much respect.651 St. Braulio Saragossa Bishop teach encourage people extirpate Arian heresy; hagiographer of Spanish saints. AT the college founded in Seville by St Isidore, one of the more promising of the alumni was a boy of noble birth called Braulio, who grew up to be so eminent a scholar that Isidore regarded him as a friend and disciple rather than a pupil, and used to send him his own writings to correct and revise. Braulio prepared for the priesthood and was ordained, and when in 631 the see of Saragossa became vacant at the death of his brother Bishop John, the neighbouring prelates assembled to elect a successor and their choice fell upon Braulio. They are said to have been assisted in their selection by the appearance of a globe of fire which rested above Braulio’s head, whilst a voice pronounced the words, “Behold my servant whom I have chosen and upon whom my spirit rests”. He took part in the fourth Council of Toledo, which was presided over by his friend and master St Isidore, and also in the fifth and sixth. The last-named assembly charged him to write an answer to Pope Honorius I, who had accused the Spanish bishops of negligence in the fulfilment of their duties. His defence was dignified and convincing. The good bishop’s duties did not prevent his constant ministrations in his cathedral church and in that of our Lady “del Pilar”, where he spent many hours of the day and night in prayer. Luxury of all kinds he abhorred: his garments were rough and plain, his food simple and his life austere. An eloquent preacher and a keen controversialist, he could carry conviction by his telling arguments and absolute sincerity. His liberality to the poor was only matched by his tender care of all his flock. The close of his life was saddened by failing eyesight—a heavy trial to anyone, but especially to a scholar. As his end drew near, he realized that he was dying, and the last day of his life was spent in the recitation of psalms. According to a legend, which, however, appears to be comparatively modern, heavenly music resounded in the chamber of death, and a voice was heard to say, “Rise, my friend, and come away!” The saint, as though waking from sleep, replied with his last breath, “I come, Lord : I am ready!” Of St Braulio’s writings, we
have a Life of St Emilian with a poem in his honour, forty-four letters,
which were discovered at Leon in the eighteenth century and shed great light
on Visigothic Spain, and an eulogy of St Isidore, as well as a catalogue
of his works. He is said to have completed some writings which St Isidore
lelt unfinished, and he is almost certainly the author of the Acts of the
Martyrs of Saragossa. St Braulio is the patron of Aragon and one of the most
famous of the Spanish saints.
1801 Blessed
Didacus of Cadiz Capuchin priest difficulty with his
studies able to touch minds hearts of young old rich
poor students professors levitated while tireless preaching
on love of God Children could see Dove on his shoulder. Bd DIDACUS JOSEPH OF CADIZ was popularly called “the apostle of the Holy Trinity”, because of his devotion to the mystery of the Three Divine Persons and the ingenuity with which he contrived to make the theological dogma of the Blessed Trinity the subject of his eloquent and most fruitful sermons. It is related that in preaching about the love of God, there were occasions when Father Diego was raised supernaturally into the air so that he required assistance to regain the floor of the pulpit. Sometimes the largest churches could not contain the crowds who flocked to hear him, and he would preach in a square or in the streets, whilst the crowds stood for hours entranced. At the close of his sermons he had to be protected from the people, who tried to tear pieces from his habit as relics. Popularity, however, could not injure one so humble as Bd Diego: slights and insults might serve, he thought, as a very inadequate expiation for his sins. He shunned all presents, and, if obliged to accept them, he immediately distributed them to the poor: money he absolutely refused. Immediately his death became known in 1801 he was acclaimed as a saint, and Pope Leo XIII proclaimed his beatification in 1894. Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 27
At Norcia, Abbot St. Spes, a man of
extraordinary patience, whose soul at its departure from
this life (as Pope St. Gregory relates) was seen by all his brethren
to ascend to heaven in the shape of a dove. (RM)Though totally blind for forty years, Saint Spes, abbot of Campi in central Italy, regained his eyesight 15 days before his death Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 28
440
Pope St. Sixtus
III approved
Acts of the Council of Ephesus endeavoured to restore peace
between Cyril of Alexandria and John of Antioch prominent among the Roman clergy and in correspondence
with St. Augustine. Consecrated 31 July,
432; d. 440. Previous to his accession he was prominent among the
Roman clergy and in correspondence with St. Augustine. He reigned during
the Nestorian and Pelagian controversies, and it was probably owing
to his conciliatory disposition that he was falsely accused of leanings
towards these heresies. As pope he approved the Acts of the Council of
Ephesus and endeavoured to restore peace between Cyril of Alexandria and
John of Antioch. In the Pelagian controversy he frustrated the attempt of
Julian of Eclanum to be readmitted to communion with the Catholic Church.He defended the pope's right of supremacy over Illyricum against the local bishops and the ambitious designs of Proclus of Constantinople. At Rome he restored the Basilica of Liberius, now known as St. Mary Major, enlarged the Basilica of St. Lawrence-Without-the-Walls, and obtained precious gifts from the Emperor Valentinian III for St. Peter's and the Lateran Basilica. The work which asserts that the consul Bassus accused him of crime is a forgery. He is the author of eight letters (in P.L., L, 583 sqq.), but he did not write the works "On Riches", "On False Teachers", and "On Chastity" ("De divitiis", "De malis doctoribus", "De castitate") attributed to him. His feast is kept on 28 March. Sixtus was one of the principal clergy of the Roman church before his pontificate, and when he succeeded Pope St Celestine I in 432 St Prosper of Aquitaine wrote that, “We trust in the protection of the Lord, and that what He has done for us in Innocent, Zosimus, Boniface and Celestine He will do also in Sixtus; and as they guarded the flock against declared and openly professed wolves, so he may drive off the hidden ones”, referring to the teachers of Semi-Pelagianism. He was not disappointed; but St Sixtus was of a peace-loving nature and conciliatory in his policy, so that some of the hot-heads of orthodoxy were dissatisfied and did not scruple to accuse the pope of Pelagian and Nestorian leanings. Among other
buildings in the City, St Sixtus III restored the Liberian
basilica, now called St Mary Major, and in it he set up
this noble inscription “0 Virgin Mary, I, Sixtus, have dedicated
a new temple to thee, an offering worthy of the womb that brought
to us salvation. Thou, a maiden knowing not man, didst
bear and bring forth our Salvation.
Behold! These martyrs, witnesses to Him who was the fruit of thy
womb, bear to thee their crowns of victory, and beneath their feet
lie the instruments of their passion—sword, flame, wild beast, water
and cruel poison: one crown alike awaits these divers deaths.”
Over the arch of the apse can still be read the words in mosaic:
“Sixtus the bishop for the people of God.”
This pope consecrated a number of churches, and the dedications of two of them are feasts universal in the Western church, St Peter ad Vincula (August 1) and St Mary Major (August 5). 513 Spes of Campi Abbot regained eyesight 15 days before death 40 yrs blind. At Norcia, Abbot St. Spes, a man of extraordinary patience, whose soul at its departure from this life (as Pope St. Gregory relates) was seen by all his brethren to ascend to heaven in the shape of a dove. (RM) Though totally blind for forty years, Saint Spes, abbot of Campi in central Italy, regained his eyesight 15 days before his death (Attwater2, Benedictines). 1346 St. Venturino
of Bergamo Dominican preacher; missionary; crusader.
A native of Bergamo, Italy, he joined the Dominicans
in 1319 and soon distinguished himself as a brilliant preacher,
attracting huge crowds throughout northern Italy. Pleased
with his ability to reach large numbers of believers, he announced
in 1335 his intention to go on a pilgrimage to Rome. When
Pope Benedict XII (r. 1334-1342) learned of the pilgrimage,
he feared Venturino might be planning to crown himself pope,
and so forbade the friar to proceed. This decree was joined
by one issued by the Dominicans themselves at the Chapter in London
(1335). Ignorant of these bans, Venturino proceeded to Rome
and then to Avignon where he was arrested and imprisoned until
1343.
He is also known for
helping to organize a crusade, at the behest of Pope
Clement VI (r. 1342-1352), against the Turks who were then
menacing Europe.1456 Sancti Joánnis de Capistráno, Sacerdótis ex Ordine Minórum et Confessór. The Observant reform which had been initiated in the middle of the fourteenth century still found itself hampered in many ways by the administration of superiors general who held a different standard of perfection, and on the other hand there had also been exaggerations in the direction of much greater austerity culminating eventually in the heretical teachings of the Fraticelli. All these difficulties required adjustment, and Capistran, working in harmony with St Bernardino of Siena, was called upon to bear a large share in this burden. After the general chapter held at Assisi in 1430, St John was appointed to draft the conclusions at which the assembly arrived, and these “Martinian statutes”, as they were called, in virtue of their confirmation by Pope Martin V, are among the most important in the history of the order. It was the
capture of Constantinople by the Turks which brought
this spiritual campaign to an end. Capistran was called
upon to rally the defenders of the West and to preach a crusade
against the infidel. His earlier efforts in Bavaria, and even
in Austria, met with little response, and early in 1456
the situation became desperate. The Turks were advancing
to lay siege to Belgrade, and the saint, who by this time had
made his way into Hungary, taking counsel with the great general Hunyady,
saw clearly that they would have to depend in the main upon local
effort. St John wore himself out in preaching and exhorting the Hungarian
people in order to raise an army that could meet the threatened danger,
and himself led to Belgrade the troops he had been able to recruit.
Very soon the Turks were in position and the siege began. Animated
by the prayers and the heroic example in the field of Capistran, and
wisely guided by the military experience of Hunyady, the garrison in
the end gained an overwhelming victory. The siege was abandoned,
and western Europe for the time was saved. But the infection bred by
thousands of corpses which lay unburied round the city cost the life
first of all of Hunyady, and then a month or two later of Capistran
himself, worn out by years of toil and of austerities and by the strain
of the siege. He died most peacefully at Villach on October 23, 1456,
and was canonized in 1724. His feast
was in 1890 made general for all the Western church, and was then
transferred to March 28.
Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 29
1885 Blessed Ludovico
of Casoria "led by Jesus" established Gray Brothers
and Sisters & many institutes for the poor. To help continue
these works of mercy, in 1859 he established the Gray Brothers,
a religious community composed of men who formerly belonged
to the Secular Franciscan Order. Three years later he founded
the Gray Sisters of St. Elizabeth for the same purpose. Toward the beginning of his final, nine-year illness, Ludovico wrote a spiritual testament which described faith as "light in the darkness, help in sickness, blessing in tribulations, paradise in the crucifixion and life amid death." The local work for his beatification began within five months of Ludovico’s death. He was beatified in 1993 (John Paul II 1978-2005). Comment: Saintly people are not protected from suffering, but with God’s help they learn how to develop compassion from it. In the face of great suffering, we move either toward compassion or indifference. Saintly men and women show us the path toward compassion. Quote: Ludovico’s spiritual testament begins: "The Lord called me to himself with a most tender love, and with an infinite charity he led and directed me along the path of my life." Popes mentioned
in articles of Saints
today March 30
10th v. B.C. Holy Prophet Joad came from
Samaria prophesied healer disobeyed command given him by
the Lordduring the tenth century before Christ (See 1/3
Kings 13). The prophet was sent by the Lord from Judea to Bethel to denounce
the Israelite king Jereboam for polluting his nation with
idol worship.
660 St. Zosimus
vision of Santa Lucia simple wise man monk abbot
bishop of Syracuse famous for care of poor and his educational
programs. For thirty
years he lived almost forgotten. Then the abbot of Santa
Lucia died, and there was great uncertainty and discussion over
the choice of a successor. Finally the monks went in a body
to the bishop of Syracuse and begged him to make the appointment
for them. The prelate, after scrutinizing them all, asked if there
was no other monk belonging to the convent. Thereupon they remembered
Brother Zosimus, whom they had left to mind the shrine and to answer
the door. He was sent for, and no sooner had the bishop set eyes
upon him than he exclaimed, “Behold him whom the Lord hath chosen”.
So Zosimus was appointed abbot, and a few days later the bishop
ordained him a priest. His biographer says that he ruled the monastery
of Santa Lucia with such wisdom, love and prudence that he surpassed
all his predecessors and all his successors. When the see of Syracuse
fell vacant in 649, the people elected Zosimus, who, however, did
not wish to be raised to the dignity, whilst the clergy chose a priest
called Vanerius, a vain and ambitious man. Appeal was made to
Pope Theodore, who decided for Zosimus and consecrated
him. In his episcopate the holy man was remarkable for his zeal in
teaching the people and for his liberality to the poor; but it
is difficult to judge of the historical value of the anecdotes which
purport to have been recorded by a contemporary biographer. At
the age of nearly ninety St Zosimus died, about the year 660.The Lord commanded the prophet, "Eat no bread, and drink no water, and do not return by the way you came" (1/3 Kings 13:9). The prophet Joad appeared to King Jereboam and prophesied to him concerning the wrath of the Lord. When the king tried to gesture with his hand to seize the prophet, his hand suddenly withered. The king entreated the prophet to pray to the Lord that his hand would be healed. By Joad's prayer he received healing. Deceived by the false prophet Emba of Bethel, Joad disobeyed the command given him by the Lord. The older man lied and told Joad that an angel had commanded him to bring him to his home and feed him. Because of his disobedience, the prophet Joad was killed by a lion. His body did not rest with his fathers, but was buried near the abode of the false prophet who led him astray. 117 St. Quirinus Roman tribune martyr jailer of Pope St. Alexander I. At Rome, on the Appian Way, the martyrdom of the tribune blessed Quirinus, who had been baptized with all his household by Pope St. Alexander when he was imprisoned in their house. Under Emperor Adrian, he was delivered to the judge Aurelian, and because he persevered in the confession of faith, his tongue was torn out, he was stretched on the rack, his hands and feet were cut off, and the sword completed his course of martyrdom. invoked
against earache, epilepsy, foot and bone troubles, fistula,
gout, and lameness
According to the legendary
Acts of Sts.
Alexander and St Balbina, he was reportedly the
jailer of Pope St. Alexander I, being converted with his
daughter, St.
Balbina.
649 St. John Climacus
Sinai Abbot his book The Climax or Ladder of Perfection;
God bestowed upon St John an extraordinary grace of healing
the spiritual disorders of souls. THE Ladder (Klimax)
to Paradise was a book which was immensely popular in the
middle ages and won for its author, John the Scholastic, the
name “ Climacus “ by which he is generally known. The saint’s
origin is hidden in obscurity, but he was possibly a native of
Palestine and is said to have been a disciple of St Gregory Nazianzen.
At the age of sixteen he joined the monks settled on Mount Sinai.
After four years spent in testing his virtue, the young novice was
professed, and was placed under the direction of a holy man called Martyrius.
Under the guidance of his spiritual father, he left the monastery and
took up his residence in a hermitage nearby—apparently to enable him
to check a tendency to waste time in idle conversation. He tells us
himself that, under the direction of a prudent guide, he succeeded in
shunning rocks which he could not have escaped if he had presumed to
steer alone. So perfect was his submission that he made it a rule never
to contradict anyone, or to contest any statement made by those who visited
him in his solitude. After the death of Martyrius, when St John was
thirty-five years of age, he embraced the completely eremitical life
at Thole—a lonely spot, but sufficiently near to a church to enable
him, with the other hermits and monks of the region, to assist on Saturdays
and Sundays at the divine office and the celebration of the holy mysteries.
In this retirement the holy man spent forty years, advancing ever more
and more in the way of perfection. He read the Bible assiduously, as well
as the fathers, and was one of the most learned of the desert saints,
but his whole aim was to conceal his talents and to hide the extraordinary
graces with which the Holy Ghost had enriched his soul. In his determination
to avoid singularity he partook of all that was allowed to the monks of
Egypt, but he ate so sparingly that it was a case of tasting rather than
of eating. His biographer records with admiration that so intense was his
compunction that his eyes seemed like two fountains which never ceased to
flow, and that in the cavern to which he was wont to retire for prayer the
rocks used to resound with his moans and lamentations.
Quirinus was buried in the Catacomb of Praetextatus on the Via Appia, and his name was listed in the Martyrologium Hieronymianum, as well as the Itineraries to the graves of the Roman martyrs. His relics were given by Pope Leo IX to his sister Gepa, abbess of Neuss in 1050 and were placed in the Church of St. Quirinus in Neuss. With this inner fire went a consuming love that burned in the heart of Saint Francis and his friars, that sent Dominic and his preachers out of their churches into the hills and highways, and that in a thousand monasteries set up Christian communities to care for the welfare of the people. 1202 Blessed Joachim of Fiore Cistercian visionary prophet adopted ascetic early in life great piety and simplicity. He was a prolific ascetical writer. His commentary on the Book of Revelation gave his the title "the Prophet" by which he was described by Dante: "the Calabrian abbot Joachim, endowed with prophetic spirit" (Paradiso, XII). Thus Joachim was among the enthusiasts, who turned for inspiration to the Bible. Unfortunately, after his death the Franciscan Spirituals used his books to uphold their heretical tendencies. Nevertheless, Joachim has always been given the title of beatus, because, as a mystic and a prophet, he refreshed the life of the Church (Benedictines, Encyclopedia, Gill). 1456 St. Peter Regulatus noble family Franciscan reformer severe asceticism levitate ecstasies SEE ALSO MAY 13 . At Aquileria in Spain, the confessor St. Peter Regulatus, priest of the Order of Friars Minor. He was born in Valladolid, and restored the regular discipline in the Spanish monasteries. Pope Benedict XIV placed him on the roll of saints. b. 1390 Also Peter Regalado, Franciscan reformer. Peter was born at Valladolid, Spain, to a noble family, and entered the Franciscan Order in his native city at the age of thirteen. After several years, he transferred to a far more austere monastery at Tribulos, where he became known for his severe asceticism as well as his abilities to levitate and enter into ecstasies. A success as abbot, he gave himself over to bringing needed reforms to the monastery and to promoting reforms in other Franciscan houses. For his zeal in adhering to the rules of the community he was designated Regulatus. Leonardo Murialdo, Priest (AC) Born in Turin, Italy, in 1828; died 1900; beatified in 1963; canonized in 1970 by Pope Paul VI; the Salesians celebrate his feast on May 18. Saint Leonard was a prophet: Conservative Catholics in his time condemned him as a "socialist" because he advocated for an eight-hour workday in 1885. His work for social justice placed him squarely in line with other luminaries of his time: Saints John Bosco, Joseph Cafasso, and Joseph Cottolengo. 1890 St. Leonard Muraildo Priest Founder Congregation of St. Joseph. He was born in Turin, Italy, and was a leader in Catholic social work for social justice like Saints John Bosco Joseph Cafasso Joseph Cottolengo. Saint Leonard was ordained in 1851, and then devoted himself to the education of working-class boys at the Oratory of Saint Louis, fostered by John Bosco. After a short time at Saint-Sulpice in Paris in 1865, he was rector of a Christian college of further education and technical training in Turin. He founded the Congregation of Saint Joseph to ensure the continuation of his work with young apprentices. He also promoted the Catholic Workers' Movement through the newspaper La voce dell'Operaio and the monthly La buona Stampa. He also established a national federation to improve the standards of the press in Italy. At a goodly age, he died peacefully in his hometown and was buried in the Church of Santa Barbara there. At his canonization, the pope stressed that he was honored both for his personal holiness and for the social activities inspired by his virtue (Benedictines, Farmer). Popes. and other
important Saints mentioned
in articles
of Saints today March 31
8th v BC. Amos
Prophet 9 brief chapters.
At Thecua in Palestine, the holy prophet Amos, whom the priest Amasias
frequently had scourged. Ozias, that priest's son, pierced his head
at the temples with an iron spike. Being carried half dead to his
own country, he died there, and was buried with his family.
One of the minor prophets of the Old Testament, Amos wrote only nine brief chapters, far less than a man who writes adventure stories; far less than a journalist who scribbles each day, far less than a columnist who writes each week, far less than many of us do on this list. Some say he wrote the nine chapters in a brief hour: "Return
to the land of Judah, and there eat your bread and prophesy!"
He was just a shepherd
of Tekoah (Koa) near Bethlehem, a trimmer of sycamores,
"a herdsman plucking wild figs" (Amos 7:13). Yet God seized
him and told him to go and prophesy; and his words have endured
for thousands of years.
"The
Lord roared from Sion and made His voice heard in Jerusalem."
This
is an amazing thing: that an unlettered man, 800 years before
Christ, should write down (or better, have written down for him)
certain sayings that the world has never been able to lose or
destroy. The Roman Martyrology says that he was "transfixed with
an iron bar through the temples." He was buried in his native place
(Benedictines, Encyclopedia).251-260 St. Achatius led a devout life and was much revered for his charity. 3rd v. ST ACACIUS, OR Achatius, BISHOP This Acacius has been claimed as a bishop of Antioch in Pisidia by some and of Melitene in Armenia Minor by others; a third view is that he was not a bishop at all. But a report of his trial has been preserved, in a document of which the Greek original is lost. According to this, Acacius was the great support of the Christians of Antioch, and as such was haled before the consular agent Martian. He declared that Christians were loyal subjects of the emperor, who prayed for him regularly, but when invited to an act of worship of the same emperor he refused. Thereupon ensued a discussion between Martian and Acacius which ranged over the seraphim, Greco-Roman mythology, the Incarnation, Dalmatian morals, the nature of God and the religion of the Kataphrygians. When ordered to accompany the officer to sacrifice in the temple of Jupiter and Juno, Acacius replied, “I cannot sacrifice to someone who is buried in the isle of Crete. Or has he come to life again?” Then Martian made an accusation of magic and wanted to know where were the magicians who helped him; and to Acacius’s rejoinder that all came from God and that magic was hateful to Christians he objected that they must be magicians, because they had invented a religion. “You make your own gods and are afraid of them; “we destroy them”, responded Acacius. “When there are no masons, or the masons have no stone, then you have no gods. We stand in awe of our God—but we did not make Him; He made us; for He is Master. And He loves us, for He is Father; and in His goodness He has snatched us from everlasting death.” Finally Acacius was required to disclose the names of other Christians, on pain of death, and he would not. “I am on trial and you ask for names. If you cannot overcome me alone, do you suppose you would be successful with the others You want names—all right: I am called Acacius, and I have been surnamed Agathangelus [‘good angel ‘]. “Do what you like.” Acacius was then returned to prison and the proceedings of the examination forwarded to the emperor, Decius, who, we are told, could not forbear to smile when reading them. The upshot was that Martian was promoted to the legation of Pamphylia and Acacius received the imperial pardon, an interesting and unusual circumstance put to death for the faith, which may account for his never having received any cultus in the West; but his name figures in Eastern calendars on March 31 and other dates. The acta disputationis (appropriately so called) are in Acta Sanctorum for March, vol. iii, and in Ruinart. Father
Delehaye assigns them to his third category of such documents, viz. an embroidery of an otherwise reliable document:
see his Les Passions des Martyrs. See also Allard, Histoire des Persecutions, vol. ii; and J. Weber, De actis S. Achatii (1913) but cf. the
unfavourable judgement passed on Weber’s dissertation by Delehaye in Analecta Bollandiana, vol. xxxiii (1914), pp. 346—347.
1072 Peter
Damian
brilliant teacher and writer uncompromising attitude
toward worldliness denunciations of simony clerical marriage
B Doctor of the Church (RM).
1072 St. Peter Damian stern figure to recall men in
a lax age from the error of their ways Favéntiæ, in Æmília, natális sancti Petri Damiáni, Cardinális atque Epíscopi Ostiénsis et Confessóris, ex Ordine Camaldulénsi, doctrína et sanctitáte célebris, quem Leo Papa Duodécimus Doctórem universális Ecclésiæ declarávit. Ipsíus autem festum sequénti die celebrátur. Sancti Petri Damiáni, ex Ordine Camaldulénsi, Cardinális et Epíscopi Ostiénsis, Confessóris et Ecclésiæ Doctóris, qui evolávit in cælum prídie hujus diéi. St. Peter Damian, a Camaldolese monk, cardinal bishop of Ostia, confessor and doctor of the Church, who died on the 22nd of February. The parents of this brilliant teacher and writer died shortly after his birth. Peter's elder brother used the young lad as an unpaid servant until another brother, Damian, found Peter tending pigs and rescued him, sending him to be educated at Faenza and Parma. This brother was a priest and Peter took his Christian name--Damian--as his own surname. Peter Damian responded readily to his teachers and became proficient enough in grammar, rhetoric, and law that he later taught at Ravenna. He began to practice austerities by himself, gave liberal alms, seldom went without some poor persons at his table, and took pleasure in serving them with his own hands. But he longed to do more for his Lord. The Lord answered his prayer by sending two religious of Fonte Avellana to visit his home. They told him much about their way of life. So, at age 34 (1035) he became a Benedictine monk at Fonte Avellana, a monastery founded 20 years earlier by Blessed Rudolph. The brothers of Fonte Avellana lived as hermits in bare cells, utterly disciplined and given to constant study of the Bible. Their regimen was so austere that, for a time, Peter's health broke down. Nevertheless, Peter became a model monk who occupied himself by studying Scripture and patristic theology, and transcribing manuscripts. He was elected prior of this small, poor community in 1043. Others were attracted to imitate his life, and Peter founded five more religious houses for them. He became famous for his uncompromising attitude toward worldliness and denunciations of simony and clerical marriage. In 1057, Peter was named cardinal-bishop of Ostia by Pope Stephen IX. His fame spread as he took a leading role in the Gregorian Reform. In 1059, he participated in the Lateran synod that proclaimed the right of the cardinals alone to elect future bishops of Rome. After a brief time as bishop, with the permission of Pope Alexander II (which previously had been denied by Nicholas II) and under the condition that he continue to serve the Holy See as needed, Peter returned to his cell. There he wrote unceasingly, on purgatory, the Eucharist, and other theological and ascetical topics, but he also wrote poetry. While his Latin verse is among the very best of the Middle Ages, especially that in honor of Pope Saint Gregory (died 604), which begins "Anglorum iam Apostolus," Peter Damian never considered his learning something of which to boast. What counted, he said, was to worship God, not to write about Him. What use was it to construct a grammatically correct sentence containing the word 'God,' if you could not pray to him properly. Peter died at Faenza on route back to from Ravenna, which he had just reconciled with the Holy See. His vita was written by his disciple John of Lodi. Although he was never formally canonized, local cults arose at his death, and, in 1828, Pope Leo XII extended his feast to the Universal Church (Attwater, Benedictines, Bentley, Blum, Delaney, Encyclopedia, Farmer, Gill, Walsh, White). 1461 Saint Jonah Metropolitan of Moscow Wonderworker of All Russia miraculous healings at his grave incorrupt relics first Metropolitan consecrated by Russian bishops Isidore the Bulgarian was Metropolitan but became Catholic after attending the Council of Florence (1438) and ousted by Russian heirarchs. Isidore the Bulgarian was Metropolitan but became Catholic after attending the Council of Florence (1438) and ousted by Russian heirarchs. Born in the city of Galich into a pious Christian family. The father of the future saint was named Theodore. The youth received monastic tonsure in one of the Galich monasteries when he was only twelve years old. From there, he transferred to the Moscow Simonov monastery, where he fulfilled various obediences for many years. Once, St Photius, Metropolitan of Moscow (May 27 and July 2), visited the Simonov monastery. After the Molieben[Molieben (from Church Slavonic Mol'ba - prayer, supplication) is a short liturgical service usually centered on a particular need or occasion: the new year, a journey, an illness, an act of thanksgiving, etc. It may be addressed to Christ, the Mother of God, or to saints. Its general structure is that of Matins, and it can be served either by request of the faithful or by decision of the parish Priest. The Church asks us to "pray without ceasing" - Prayer is the life of the Church and the life of each one of us, members of the Church. And because Christ came to redeem and to sanctify the totality of our life, no part of that life, no human need, no occasion is excluded from the Church's prayer. The Molieben, thus, is the extension of the Church's prayer, of Christ's redeeming grace to all aspects and realities of our life. "...knock and it will be opened to you." --we are called constantly to knock at the doors of God's mercy and our faith assures us that God hears us and is with us.], he blessed the archimandrite and brethren, and also wished to bless those monks who were fulfilling their obediences in the monastery. When he came to the bakery, he saw St Jonah sleeping, exhausted from his work. The fingers of the saint's right hand were positioned in a gesture of blessing. St Photius said not to wake him. He blessed the sleeping monk and predicted to those present that this monk would be a great hierarch of the Russian Church, and would guide many on the way to salvation. The prediction of St Photius was fulfilled. Several years later, St Jonah was made Bishop of Ryazan and Murom. St Photius died in 1431. Five years after his death,
St Jonah was chosen Metropolitan of All Russia for his virtuous
and holy life. The newly-elected Metropolitan journeyed to
Constantinople in order to be confirmed as Metropolitan by
Patriarch
Joseph II (1416-1439). Shortly before this
the nefarious Isidore, a Bulgarian, had already been established as Metropolitan.
Spending a short time at Kiev and Moscow, Isidore journeyed
to the Council of Florence (1438), where he embraced Catholicism.
A Council of Russian hierarchs
and clergy deposed Metropolitan Isidore, and he was compelled
to flee secretly to Rome (where he died in 1462). St Jonah
was unanimously chosen Metropolitan of All Russia. He was consecrated
by Russian hierarchs in Moscow, with the blessing of Patriarch
Gregory III (1445-1450) of Constantinople.
This
was the first time that Russian bishops consecrated their
own Metropolitan.
St Jonah became Metropolitan
on December 15, 1448. With archpastoral zeal he led his
flock to virtue and piety, spreading the Orthodox Faith by
word and by deed. Despite his lofty position, he continued with
his monastic struggles as before.
1491
BD
BONAVENTURE OF FORLI His relics were ultimately conveyed
to Venice, where a cultus
grew up marked by many miraculous cures. BD Bonaventure
TORNIELLI was born at Forli and was a man of good family. He does not seem
to have entered the Order of Servites until 1448, when he
was thirty-seven years old, but his fervour and austerity
of life rapidly enabled him to make up for lost time. After his
ordination he prepared himself for apostolic work by a year of
retirement, and then began to preach with wonderful eloquence
and success. He was especially commissioned by Pope Sixtus
IV to undertake this apostolic mission, and throughout the
papal states, Tuscany and the Venetian province his sermons were productive
of a notable reformation of life. Towards the close of 1488 he was
elected vicar general of his order, an office in which he gave proof
of great administrative ability and charity. But he still continued
his missionary work, and he had just finished preaching the Lent
at Udine when on Maundy Thursday 1491 God called him to Himself,
worn out by age and the hardships of the life he had been leading. His
relics were ultimately conveyed to Venice, where a cultus grew
up marked by many miraculous cures. This cultus
was confirmed in 1911.In 1451 the Tatars unexpectedly advanced on Moscow; they burned the surrounding area and prepared for an assault on the city. Metropolitan Jonah led a procession along the walls of the city, tearfully entreating God to save the city and the people. Seeing the dying monk Anthony of the Chudov monastery, who was noted for his virtuous life, St Jonah said, "My son and brother Anthony! Pray to the Merciful God and the All-Pure Mother of God for the deliverance of the city and for all Orthodox Christians." The humble Anthony replied, "Great hierarch! We give thanks to God and to His All-Pure Mother. She has heard your prayer and has prayed to Her Son. The city and all Orthodox Christians will be saved through your prayers. The enemy will soon take flight. The Lord has ordained that I alone am to be killed by the enemy." Just as the Elder said this, an enemy arrow struck him. The prediction of Elder Anthony was made on July 2, on the Feast of the Placing of the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos. Confusion broke out among the Tatars, and they fled in fear and terror. In his courtyard, St Jonah built a church in honor of the Placing of the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos, to commemorate the deliverance of Moscow from the enemy. Born at Horsham Saint Faith's, Norfolk, England, in 1561 or 1562; died at Tyburn, London, England, February 21, 1595; beatified in 1929; canonized on October 25, 1970, by Pope Paul VI as one of the 40 representative martyrs of England and Wales. 1595 Robert Southwell Fire, sweetness, purity, and gentleness were features poet Jesuit priest suffered for the faith SJ M. The Church has been built on the blood of martyrs--the living stones. Before there were cathedrals, there were the catacombs; since then objects of value have been piled about our altars, but the most precious is contained beneath each altar in the mandatory "tomb"--the shrine with the relics of a martyr--and upon the tomb the chalice with the precious Blood of Christ. We would do well to recall the many previous Masses that were celebrated in haste and secrecy--for us, like the martyrs, each Mass might be the viaticum. Receive the Source of Life with joy, attention, and thanksgiving. When King Henry VIII could not induce his wife, Catherine of Aragon, to allow their marriage to be declared invalid because she was his brother's widow, Henry declared himself head of the Church in England. He persuaded the Parliament to declare that it was high treason for anyone to deny Henry's right to this title. On this account monasteries were closed and Church property confiscated--both real and monetary, including the innumerable foundations designed to maintain schools for the people, who were largely illiterate. A long procession of saints and beati were executed under Henry VIII.
1879 St Innocent
Metropolitan of Moscow & Kolomensk proclaimed
Gospel in Aleutian islands 6 dialects of tribes on Sitka island among the Kolosh
(Tlingit) remote Kamchatka diocese among Koryak, Chukchei,
Tungus in Yakutsk region & North America; & in the Amur
& the Usuriisk region.
< "GO THEREFORE MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS BAPTISING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT". He was born in the village of Anginsk in the Irkutsk diocese. The Apostle of America and Siberia proclaimed the Gospel "even to the ends of the earth": in the Aleutian islands (from 1823), in the six dialects of the local tribes on the island of Sitka (from 1834), among the Kolosh (Tlingit); in the remotest settlements of the extensive Kamchatka diocese (from 1853); among the Koryak, Chukchei, Tungus in the Yakutsk region (from 1853) and North America (in 1857); in the Amur and the Usuriisk region (from 1860). Having spent a large part of his life in journeys, St Innocent translated a Catechism and the Gospel into the Aleut language. In 1833, he wrote in this language one of the finest works of Orthodox missionary activity INDICATION OF
THE WAY TO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
In 1859, the Yakut first heard
the Word of God and divine services in their native language. Twice
(in 1860 and 1861) St Innocent met with St Nicholas the Apostle to
Japan (February 3),
sharing with him his spiritual experience.A remarkable preacher, St Innocent said, "Whoever abounds
in faith and love, can have mouth and wisdom, and the heart
cannot resist their serving it."
Having begun his apostolic work
as a parish priest, St Innocent completed it as Metropolitan of
Moscow (January 5, 1868 - March 31, 1879). He obeyed the will of
God all his life, and he left behind a theme for the sermon to
be preached at his funeral: "The steps of a man are rightly ordered
by the Lord" (Ps 36/37:23).St Innocent is also commemorated on October 5 (Synaxis of the Moscow Hierarchs) and on October 6 (his glorification). |
Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
01
<Prophet_Nahum.jpg Sancti Nahum Prophétæ, in Bégabar quiescéntis. The prophet Nahum, who was buried in Bagabar. 137 Castritian of Milan governed the see of Milan for 42 years St. Ananias Martyr for the faith Arbela, Persia or Erbel, Assyria St. Lucius Roman martyr with Candida, Cassian, and Rogatus 283 St. Diodorus & Marianus Roman martyrs with many companions St. Natalia Martyr of Nicomedia 303 St. Olympiades Martyr at Almeria ,Italy 304 St. Ansanus Martyr patron of Siena "the Baptizer." 347 St. Ursicinus Bishop Brescia Council of Sardica 347 588 St. Agericus Bishop miracle worker patron of the poor Verdun 6th v. ST TUDWAL, BISHOP 7th v. St. Grwst A Welsh saint 640 St. Eligius priest generous in spirit Patron of metalworkers a considerable number of miracles 660 ST ELIGIUS, OR ELOI, BISHOP OF NOYON 792 Righteous Philaret the Merciful of Amnia in Asia Minor whose name means "lover of virtue," was famed for his love for the poor. Theoseba said to her husband, "You have no pity on us, you merciless man, but don't you feel sorry for the cow? You have separated her from her calf." The saint praised his wife, and agreed that it was not right to separate the cow and the calf. Therefore, he called the poor man to whom he had given the calf and told him to take the cow as well. 13th v. Blessed Christian of Perugia one of the first disciples of Saint Dominic 1283 Blessed John of Vercelli sixth master general of the Dominicans tireless energy and his commitment to simplicity 1345 BD GERARD CAGNOLI cult to this follower of St Francis confirmed 1908; simplicity and devotion admiration of all; many miracles healing before little shrine of his patron St Louis; assisted cooking by angel; levitating 1539 Bl. John Beche abbot Martyr England 1539 friend of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More; abbot of Coichester Abbey; A Benedictine, he received a doctorate from Oxford in 1515 . He took the Oath of Supremacy in 1534 , but then saw his own abbey being plundered; deaths of Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More horrified him as well. When he refuted King Henry VIII’s right to suppress the English monasteries, he was arrested for treason and hanged, drawn, and quartered at Colchester; beatified in 1895. 1586 Bl. Richard Langley English martyr member of gentry sheltered priests. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
02
December
3December 2
- 650 bc The Holy Prophet Habakkuk (Abbacum) 8th of the Twelve Minor Prophets foresaw destruction of Jerusalem Temple, the Babylonian Captivity and later return of captives 250 Martyr Myrope of Chios; myrrh from Hermione relics, daughter of the holy Apostle Philip, healed the sick; St Isidore appeared surrounded by angels; St Myrope surrendered soul to God Greek Calendar Martyr Abibus the New. St. Ioannicius of Devich, monk. Venerable Joannicius of Devic "One must pass through solitude and dwell in it to receive God’s grace. It is there that one empties oneself, that one drives before oneself all that is not God, and that one completely empties this little house of our soul to leave room for God alone. Charles de Foucald, founder of the Little Brothers and Sisters of Jesus. 250 Martyr Myrope of Chios; myrrh from Hermione relics, daughter of the holy Apostle Philip, healed the sick; St Isidore appeared surrounded by angels & St Myrope surrendered soul to God 259 St. Pontian Martyr of Rome 3rd v. Saint Evasius (Italian: Sant'Evasio) 4th v. St. Bibiana Virgin Martyr 4th v. Sts. John & others of Egypt thebaid Heraclemon, Andrew, &Theophilus of Egypt Also 12 June 406 St. Chromatius Bishop Pope Synod of Aquileia condemned Arianism 381praised by St. Jerome ST. CHROMATIUS INVITES US TO ENTER INTO CONTACT WITH GOD 600 St Jesse (Ise), Bishop of Tsilkan in Georgia born Antioch Syria great gifts of prayer wonderworking moved a river 1176 Saint Athanasius,
hermit of the Near Caves of Kiev contemporary
of archimandrite St Polycarp miracles; relics
are in the Near Caves 1314 St Stephen Urosh, King of Serbia faithful to Lord provided for widows orphans pacified quarrels maintained peace charitable to poor defended downtrodden 1381 Saint John [Jan] of Ruysbroeck, priest † First Prior of Groenendaal and Mystic 1741 Blessed Rafal Chylinski Franciscan In Sanciáno, Sinárum ínsula, item natális sancti Francísci Xavérii, Sacerdótis e Societáte Jesu et Confessóris, Indiárum Apóstoli, géntium conversióne, donis et miráculis clari; qui plenus méritis et labóribus obdormívit in Dómino. Ipsum beátum virum Pius Décimus, Póntifex Máximus, cæléstem sodalitáti et óperi Propagándæ Fídei Protectórem elégit atque constítuit; Pius vero Papa Undécimus peculiárem ómnibus Missiónibus Patrónum dedit et confirmávit. Ejus autem festívitas, jussu Alexándri Papæ Séptimi, sequénti die celebrátur. In Sanchan, an island of China, the birthday of St. Francis Xavier, priest of the Society of Jesus, confessor and Apostle of the Indies. He was renowned for his conversion of the heathen, his gifts and miracles, and he was filled with merits and good works when he fell asleep in the Lord. Pope Pius X chose and appointed him the heavenly protector of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and of the work for the same object. Pope Pius XI confirmed this and appointed him the special patron of all the Foreign Missions. His feast, by decree of Pope Alexander VII, is kept on the following day. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
03
Our Lady of Victories Basilica Since 1927, one of the seven minor basilicas of the French capital. 626 bc Prophet Zephaniah (Tsephan-yah) means "Yahweh hides") eliminate idol-worship prophesied calamities to come for people of Judea and Gaza, Ascalon, Crete, and against Moabites, Ammonites Ninevites contemporary of Prophet Jeremiah Sophonias "the Lord is my secret" Prophet Jeremiah and Prophetess Oldama contemporary with 1552 St. Francis Xavier 4 miracles post mortem; Many people rank him—after St. Paul, the Apostle—as the greatest missionary of all time. Francis was canonized by Pope Gregory XV in 1622. He was named the patron of the Propagation of the Faith in 1910 and patron of the missions in 1927. 200 St. Lucius Ruler of Britain who wrote to Pope St. Eleutherius for missionaries St. Agricola Martyr of Pannonia Claudius, a tribune, and Hilaria, his wife, with Jason and Maur, their sons, and seventy soldiers 298 St. Cassian of Tangiers Martyr patron of modern stenographers Claudius, Crispin, Magina, John, and Stephen Saints Ambicus, Victor, and Julius 300 St Galganus Senis, in Túscia, sancti Galgáni Eremítæ. At Siena in Tuscany, St. Galganus, hermit. 558 St John the Silent of St Sabbas Monastery many miracles St John performed during this time in the desert discern secret thoughts of people healed sick and possessed 650 St. Birinus The "Apostle of Wessex." 666 St. Eloque Benedictine abbot, disciple 741 St. Attalia Benedictine abbess and niece of St. Odilia 749 St. John of Damascus poet "Doctor of Christian Art." 3 treatises on Veneration of Images 794 ST SOLA an Englishman who, following St Boniface into Germany, became his disciple and was ordained priest by him. 860 St. Abbo Bishop abbot of Auxerre 1409 Venerable Sava the Abbot of Zvenigorod model of simplicity and humility miraculous curative power issuing from the grave numerous appearances Disciple of the Venerable Sergius of Radonezh 1552 St. Francis Xavier 4 miracles post mortem 1678 Bl. Edward Coleman English martyr Titus Oates Plot 1760 Monkmartyr Cosmas of St Anne Skete, Mt Athos refused to convert to Islam St George of Cernica and Caldarushani revive monastic life there according to the Athonite Typikon leading the Caldarushani Monastery Athonite-Paisian hesychastic tradition; the holy Hieromartyr Theodore, Archbishop of Alexandria; our devout Father Theodoulos, Eparch of Constantinople; our devout Father John the Hesychast, Bishop of Colonia; Saints Agapios, Seleucus, and Mamas; our devout Father Theodoulos the Cyprian; the holy Hieromartyr Gabriel; the holy New Martyr Angelìs of Chios; the devout Sava the Abbot of Zvenigorod, Disciple of the devout Sergios of Radonezh; Saint George of Cernica and Caldarushani; Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
04
217 St. Clement of Alexandria Confessor teacher of Origen "there is not sufficient reason for ever inserting his name in the Roman Martyrology." 295 St. Meletius Bishop of Pontus, modern Turkey friend of Eusebius 3rd v. Theodore, Bishop of Alexandria Hieromartyr fiery preacher, powerful of word and church activity <4th v. Great martyr BARBARA at Heliopolis, Syria; By night prayed fervently and the Savior Himself appeared healed her wounds the Lord sent angel who covered nakedness of the holy martyrs with a splendid robe. 415 St. Maruthas Bishop of Maiferkat Syria wrote hymns a friend of St. John Chrysostom 429 St. Felix of Bologna disciple of St. Ambrose 5th bishop of Bologna 450 ST PETER CHRYSOLOGUS, ARCHBISHOP OF RAVENNA, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH 7th v. St. Ada Abbess and dedicated virgin 614 St. Bertoara Abbess of Notre-Dame-de Sales, in Bourges December 4 - Saint
John
Damascene^ (+ 753)
8th v. Saint
John,
Bishop of Polybotum in Phrygia denouncer
of heresy and impiety of Emperor Leo the Isaurian
1009 St. Osmund Bishop of Salisbury helped compile Domesday Book 1075 St. Anno Archbishop, reformer 1133 St. Bernard degli Uberti Cardinal papal legate of the noble Uberti family 1505 Saint Gennadius, Archbishop of Novgorod "dignified, intelligent, virtuous and learned in the Holy Scripture." first complete codex of Holy Scripture in Slavonic "the Gennadius Bible," 1601 The Hieromonk Seraphim Bishop of the Phanar and Neochorion martyred refusal to accept Islam 1623 St. Francis Galvez Franciscan Japan Martyr 1861 St. Theophane Venard Vietnam Martyr 1937 Glorification of the Priestmartyr Alexander Hotovitzky constructed the architecturally remarkable and majestic St Nicholas Cathedral in New York Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
05
302 St. Julius martyrs w/Potamia Felix Crispin Gratus & companions 304 St. Dalmatius Bishop martyr of Monza Lombardy 304 St. Crispina Martyr praised by St. Augustine 361 St. Pelinus martyr St. Anastasius turned himself in joyfully received martyrdom relics were glorified by many miracles late 4th v. Saints Karion and his son Zachariah whom the Holy Spirit Descended upon in Scetis in Egypt lower Thebaid 532 St. Sabas (Sava) one of the founders of Eastern monasticism Many miracles took place through his prayers healings of the sick and the demoniacs 750 St. John the Wonder-Worker Bishop of Polybatum Phrygia 780 St. Basilissa Benedictine abbess Trier 1109 St. Gerald Abbott of Moissac influence people for good 1181 St. Galagnus Hermit of Siena, Italy 1280 Holy Monastic Martyrs of Karyes were martyred by the Latins who came with fire and sword onto Mount Athos devastated Church of the Protaton only basilica on the Holy Mountain, built in 965 1391
BD NICHOLAS
OF SIBENIK, MARTYR; Franciscan friars. The last-named
were particularly successful, and among their foremost
missioners was Bd Nicholas, who laboured for twenty years
in Bosnia. At the end of that time he was sent to the Franciscan
mission in Palestine, where he was thrown into prison and
afterwards hacked to pieces, with three other friars, for publicly
preaching to the Mohammedans.
1490 Saint Philotheus
of Karyes lived an ascetic life on Athos in
the cell of Iagari near Karyes granted clairvoyance1495 BD BARTHOLOMEW OF MANTUA; he showed himself a preacher of great power, with a burning devotion to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament: it was by anointing with oil taken from the lamp burning before the Most Holy that Bd Bartholomew brought about several among his miracles of healing; Bd Baptist Spagnuolo; Baptist speaks of him as a “most holy guide and spiritual master”. 1500 Saint Nectarius of Mount Athos holy relics uncovered four years later exuding wondrous fragrance 1563 Saint Gurias 1st Archbishop of Kazan pious humble and gentle igumen 9 years of St Joseph of Volokolamsk monastery received the great schema from St Barsanuphius incorrupt 30 yrs 1612 St. John Almond; “One hour overtaketh another...and though never so long at last cometh death. And yet not death; for death is the gate of life unto us whereby we enter into everlasting blessedness. And life is death to those who do not provide for death, for they are ever tossed and troubled with vexations, miseries, and wickedness. To use this life well is the pathway through death to everlasting life.” 1/40 Martyrs of England and Wales St. Nicholas Tavigli Franciscan martyr of Jerusalem “The saints must be honored as friends of Christ and children and heirs of God, as John the theologian and evangelist says: ‘But as many as received him, he gave them the power to be made the sons of God....’ Let us carefully observe the manner of life of all the apostles, martyrs, ascetics and just men who announced the coming of the Lord. And let us emulate their faith, charity, hope, zeal, life, patience under suffering, and perseverance unto death, so that we may also share their crowns of glory” Exposition of the Orthodox Faith Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
06
"The West as well
as the East acclaims and glorifies him. Wherever there
are people, in the country and the town, in the villages,
in the isles, in the furthest parts of the earth, his name
is revered and churches are built in his honor. Images of him
are set up, panegyrics preached and festivals celebrated. All
Christians, young and old, men and women, boys and girls,
reverence his memory and call upon his protection. And his favors,
which know no limit of time and continue from age to age, are
poured out over all the earth; the Scythians know them, as do the
Indians and the barbarians, the Africans as well as the Italians."
anonymous of Saint Nicolas
He has promised to help those who remember his parents, Theophanes and Nonna. 350. St. Nicholas Bishop of Myra Council of Nicaea condemned Arianism; doweried 3 little girls; released falsily condemned men; saw the devil get on the ship, intending to sink it and kill all the passengers; calmed waves of the sea by his prayers; mortally injured sailor restored to health; 4th v. St. Polychronius A priest martyr Council of Nicaea opposed Arians St. James the Mangled (Sawn) The Martyrdom of appeared to devoted monks with many martyrs of Persia {Coptic Orthodox} 406 St. Asella Virgin hermitess, called "a flower of the Lord" by St. Jerome 484 St. Dionysia son Majoricus African catholics St. Majoricus Martyred son of St. Dionysia 558 St. Abraham of Kratia Bishop hermit Syria who faced the trials and upheavals of his era 1300 St. Peter Pascual Bishop, preacher extensively to promote the Christian faith in Islamic communities and sought ransom captives native of Valencia Spain 1305 Saint Maximus successor of Metropolitan Cyril III of Kiev (1243-1280) Greek by birth arrived in Rus then suffering under the Mongol (Tatar) Yoke, in 1283 as Metropolitan Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
07
283 St. Eutychian or Eutychianus Pope 275.01.04 to 283.12.07; Pope #27 St. Polycarp and Theodore Martyrs at Antioch 304 The Holy Martyr Athenodorus Miracles accompanied the martyrdom of the saint, which converted many of the pagans to the Christian Faith 4th v. Bld Agatho, soldier prevented people from mocking bodies of martyrs 397 St. Ambrose sent to Milan as Roman governor chosen bishop; while catechumen Granted gift of wonderworking, healed many from sickness 5th v. St. Anianas fifth Bishop of Chartres, France 484 St. Servus executed by Arian Vandals then masters of Africa 1134 Urban, Bishop of Llandaff first bishop of South East Wales 1554 Saint Nilus of Stolobnoye strict ascetic life incessant struggle against snares of the devil took on the appearance of reptiles and wild beasts; miracles 1556 Saint Anthony of Siya distributed his goods to the poor and as a wanderer came to the Pachomiev wilderness monastery at the River Kena. St Pachomius tonsured him with the name Anthony 1888 St. Maria Giuseppe Rossello Foundress Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
08
Concéptio Immaculáta gloriósæ semper Vírginis Genitrícis Dei Maríæ, quam fuísse præservátam, singulári Dei privilégio, ab omni originális culpæ labe immúnem, Pius Nonus, Póntifex Máximus, hac ipsa recurrénte die, solémniter definívit. The Immaculate Conception of the glorious and ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God. On this day, Pius IX solemnly declared her to have been by a singular privilege of God preserved from all stain of original sin. Immaculate_Conception_Pius_IX.jpg
In 1854 Pius IX {pope 1846-1878)} gave the infallible statement:
Feast of the Immaculate Conception arose in the Eastern Church in the 7th v. came to the West in the 8th. 283 Pope St. Eutychianus January, 275, until 7 December, 283 the last pope buried in the catacombs of St. Callixtus Anthusa The Holy Martyr wife of a Roman official martyred for refusing Arianism 490 The Holy Martyrs of Africa 62 Clergy 300 Laypeople By a miraculous Divine power they continued to preach an to oppose the Arian heresy 653 St. Romaric monk Merovingian nobleman St. Macarius Martyr of Alexandria, Egypt 7th v. Saint Patapius was born at Thebes into a pious Christian family gift of healing, began to help all the needy holy relics are found incorrupt to the present day Patapius especially revered in the Eastern Churches. Saint Cyril of Chelma Hill Enlightener of the Chudian People luminous ascetic life and kindly preaching moved many to accept holy Baptism St Sophronius In Cyprus, the holy bishop , who was a devoted protéctor of orphans and widows, and a helper of the poor and oppressed. St Nemesis, a deacon, his daughter Lucina At Rome, the finding of the holy martyrs Nemesis, a deacon, his daughter Lucina, a virgin, Symphronius, Olympius the tribune and his wife Exuperia and his son Theodulus, whose commemoration is made on the 25th of August. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
09
December 9
December 9 – First apparitions of Our Lady
of Guadalupe (Mexico, 1531)
– Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin (1474-1548) The day Our Lady of Guadalupe gave Juan
Diego proof
Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin
was born in 1474 in Cuautlitlán, a district of
Mexico City. He was baptized at the age of 50 by the first
Franciscan priests that arrived in Mexico.December 9, 1531, as Juan Diego was on
his way to church, the Virgin Mary appeared to him
on Tepeyac Hill, outside of what is now Mexico City. She
urged him to go to the bishop and request the construction
of a shrine on the site, promising to give graces to those who
invoked her there.
The shrine, now
called Our Lady of Guadalupe, draws crowds from all over
the world. But at the time, the bishop did not believe Juan
Diego and asked for proof. On December 12th, Juan Diego returned
to Tepeyac and there, the Virgin told him to climb to the top
of the hill and gather flowers.Although it was winter, he found some roses that the Virgin then arranged for him in the fold of his tilma or cloak, telling him to take them to the bishop. When he opened his tilma, the flowers scattered on the floor, leaving an imprint of her image the way she looked when she appeared on Tepeyac Hill. Juan Diego was canonized on July 31, 2002, by Pope John Paul II. Holy Prophetess Hannah dwelt in marriage with Elkanah son she named Samuel (which means "Asked from God") St Anna mother of the Virgin Mary The youngest daughter of the priest Nathan from Bethlehem, descended from the tribe of Levi. Anna maried St Joachim (September 9, who was a native of Galilee St. Restitutus, bishop and martyr At Carthage, on whose feast St. Augustine delivered a discourse to the people in which he set forth his praises. Item in Africa sanctórum Mártyrum Petri, Succéssi, Bassiáni, Primitívi et aliórum vigínti. Peter, Successus, Bassian, Primitivus, and twenty others. Also in Africa, the holy martyrs St Syrus of Pavia You'll recognize St. Syrus in art as a bishop enthroned between two deacons; sometimes with St. Juventius BM (RM) 375 St. Gorgonia daughter of St. Gregory Nazianzus the Elder & St. Nonna 586 St. Cyprian A hermit near Perigueux. France, whose life and miracles were recorded by St. Gregory of Tours. 912 Saint Stephen the New Light over fifty years he constantly increased his ascetic efforts St. Valeria Maiden converted to Christianity by St. Martial of Limoges and martyr. The "Unexpected Joy" Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos 1548 St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin On December 9, 1531 passed Tepeyac Hill, he heard music and saw a glowing cloud encircled by a rainbow. A woman's voice called him to the top of the hill: first indigenous American saint 1742 St. Francis Fasani Franciscan mystic. 1610 St. John Roberts Benedictine 1/40 Martyrs of England and Wales 1640 St. Peter Fourier Founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame December 10
No my dear
children, we need never fear that the Mass hinders us in the fulfillment
of our temporal affairs; it is altogether the other
way around. We may be sure that all will go better
and that even our business will succeed better than if
we have the misfortune not to assist at Mass. -- St. John Vianney
741 Pope Saint
Gregory III ( 731-741) protected images of Jesus Mary & the saints1169 The Novgorod Icon of the Mother of God 1591 THE LONDON MARTYRS OF 1591 <741 Pope Saint Gregory III ( 731-741) protected images of Jesus Mary & the saints 310
314 Miltiades or Melchiades, pope and martyr>
Sancti Melchíadis,
Papæ et Mártyris, cujus dies natális recensétur
tértio Idus Januárii.St. Melchiades, pope and martyr, whose birthday mentioned on 11 January. During Gregory's reign, toleration was granted to Christians by Constantine; labelled a martyr due to his sufferings during the persecution of Maximian. Pope Miltiades, or Melchiades, decreed absolutely forbiding Christians to fast on Sundays or Thursdays, "because these days were observed by the heathen as a holy fast". This reason is remarkable; it comes most likely from the author of the "Liber Pontificalis" who with this alleged decree traces back a Roman custom of his own time to an ordinance of Miltiades. The "Liber Pontificalis" is probably no less arbitrary in crediting this pope with a decree to the effect that the Oblation consecrated at the Solemn Mass of the pope (by which is meant the Eucharistic Bread) should be taken to different churches in Rome. Such a custom actually existed in Rome. Pope Clement VIII 1592-1605 Pope Pius XI on December 15, 1929 one hundred and thirty-six martyrs declared blessed by. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
11
December 11
"He who walking on the
sea could calm the bitter waves, who gives life to
the dying seeds of the earth; he who was able to loose
the mortal chains of death, and after three days' darkness
could bring again to the upper world the brother for his sister
Martha: he, I believe, will make Damasus rise
again from the dust"384 Pope Saint Damasus I commissioned Saint Jerome translate Scriptures in Latin Saint Abba Hor, the Monk Departure of: Raised child from the dead; Coptic 1289 BD PETER OF SIENA; a high degree of contemplative prayer and received spiritual graces, difficult to hide, so that many knew his holiness. Priests and theologians equally with laybrothers and fellow workmen valued his opinion and advice, but not at all by himself: It is commonly held that the “Pier Pettinagno”, the efficacy of whose prayers is made known by Dante in the Purgatorio, canto xiii, line 128, was no other than this beatus. 1910 Lars Olsen Skrefsrud; Mission in Stavanger nicht als Schüler aufnahm, ging er zu der Berliner Mission und wurde von ihr 1863 zu den Santals in Westbengalen entsandt, Skrefsrud arbeitete hier mit dem dänischen Missionar Hans Peter Børresen zusammen; 1869 wurde die erste Missionsstation erbaut, danach richtete Skrefsrud in der Provinz 30 Schulen ein, in denen auch praktisches Wissen vermittelt wurde. Er entwickelte eine Schriftsprache und übersetzte die Bibel Evangelische Kirche: 11. Dezember 384 Pope Saint Damasus I commissioned Saint Jerome translate Scriptures in Latin 4th v. St. Eutychius Martyr of Spain at Merida or Cadiz, also called Oye. The details of his martyrdom are lost. Saint Abba Hor, the Monk Departure of: Raised child from the dead; Coptic 420 St. Sabinus Bishop of Piacenza renowned for miracles. 493 Saint Daniel the Stylite mother Martha dedicate him to the Lord named at 5 by igumen monastery at 12 ascetic 32 yrs then stylite 33 years could see future & gift of words Emperor Leo I, built a series of pillars with a platform on top for him, and Daniel was ordained there by St. Gennadius 6th v. St. Cian A Welsh hermit believed to have been a servant of St. Peris. 1289 BD PETER OF SIENA; Bd Peter attained to a high degree of contemplative prayer and received spiritual graces, which it was difficult to hide, so that many knew his holiness. Priests and theologians equally with laybrothers and fellow workmen valued his opinion and advice, but not at all by himself: It is commonly held that the “Pier Pettinagno”, the efficacy of whose prayers is made known by Dante in the Purgatorio, canto xiii, line 128, was no other than this beatus. 1455 BD JEROME RANUZZI; a scholar and contemplative; doctorate in theology, and was afterwards ordained priest and employed as professor in various houses-of-studies of his order in Italy; devotion of the people was so great and miracles so numerous that his body, instead of being buried in the conventual graveyard, was at once enshrined above an altar in the church of the Servites at Sant’ Angelo 1910 Lars Olsen Skrefsrud; Mission in Stavanger nicht als Schüler aufnahm, ging er zu der Berliner Mission und wurde von ihr 1863 zu den Santals in Westbengalen entsandt, Skrefsrud arbeitete hier mit dem dänischen Missionar Hans Peter Børresen zusammen; 1869 wurde die erste Missionsstation erbaut, danach richtete Skrefsrud in der Provinz 30 Schulen ein, in denen auch praktisches Wissen vermittelt wurde. Er entwickelte eine Schriftsprache und übersetzte die Bibel Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
12
The results of the examination of the sources show convergence on the essentials. At the beginning of the Spanish presence in Mexico and precisely in the Anahuac Valley, after a dramatic conquest and divisions in the "Nahuatl" political world, a church was built in a place of religious significance to the indigenous community: the hills of Tepeyac. This church was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary with the title of "Guadalupe", and coincides only in name with the one in Spain. (...) 250 St. Alexander & Martyrs companion of St. Epimachus divine revelation condemned to be eaten by wild beasts, but they did not harm him 275 Synetus {means "man of reason"} The Holy Martyr reader in the Roman Church under Pope Sixtus II 347 Saint Spyridon
Bishop of Tremithus miracle worker Through his
prayer, drought was replaced by abundant rains, and incessant
rains were replaced by fair weather the sick healed and demons
cast out gave away most of his shepherding and farming items; raised
dead; miracle of breaking idol; life of miracles;
360 St. Abra
Consecrated virgin, the daughter of St.
Hilary of Poitiers 549 St. Finian of Clonard The “Teacher of the Irish Saints.” 659 St. Colman of Glendalough An abbot mentioned in the Irish calendars 90 St. Agatha Nun and missionary aide to St. Boniface 9th v. John, Abbot of Zedazeni Monastery murdered by Muslims 1154 St. Vicelin Missionary and bishop Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
13
284 St. Philip's Fast Nativity + Martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius, and Orestes at Sebaste 304 St Lucy of Syracuse Virgin-martyr VM (RM) 305 Ss Eustratius Auxentius Eugene Mardarius Orestes The Holy Martyrs in Armenia (5) 669 St. Autbert Bishop of Canbrai-Arras, France A patron of monasteries 669 St. Jodoc (Josse) Confessor honoree by miracles both before and after his death 8th v.St. Einhildis & Roswinda Benedictine Nuns monastery of Hohenburg, in Alsace 720 St. Otilie, virgin born blind, rejected by Lord Adalric, reared by abesses, baptized at 12 by Saint Erhard of Regensburg (Bishop of Bavaria) and immediately gained her sight. 10th v. St Arsenius of Latros many miracles even after death 1130 St. Elizabeth Rose abbesse foundress convent of Sainte Marie du Rozoy 13th v. Saint Mardarius, Hermit of the Kiev Caves 1562 Blessed John Marinoni joined Saint Cajetan founder of Theatines 8-10th c. St. Arsenius of Latros Venerable Nicodemus of Romania 1659 St. Gabriel, patriarch of Serbia 1671
BD ANTONY
GRASSI; he possessed the gift of reading consciences,
not merely in generalities but in specific actions of which
he could have no natural knowledge; As he grew older his prescience,
both of the future and of events at a distance, increased, and were
frequently used both for consolation and warning in his dealings with
the many who came to him.
1837 Venerable Herman
of Alaska, Wonderworker of All America1857 St. Innocent, bishop of Cherson 1896 St. Gabriel, bishop of Imeretia Georgia 1920 New Hieromartyr Alexander priest and Martyr John 1937 New Hieromartyrs Vladimir, Alexander, Jacob priests 1938 New Hieromartyr Nicolos priest 1941 New Hieromartyr Emilian priest Father Alexander Schmemann: In Memoriam: Father Alexander's vision shaped the structure and life of the Orthodox Church in America as well as St. Vladimir's Seminary. His works informed and infuriated, transformed and influenced the life of the whole Orthodox community in America and beyond. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
14
251
SS
Thyrsus, Leucius and Callinicus The Holy
Martyrs miracle involving St Thyrsus
250 St. Heron Egyptian martyr with Arseinus Dioscorus Isidore 270 St Spiridion Bishop and Confessor of our Order 283 St. Justus & Abundius Martyrs of Spain 286 SS Philemon, Apollonius, Arianus and Theotychus Martyrs suffered for Faith in Egypt, at the city of Antinoë 290 St. Pompeius Bishop of Pavia St. Jucundus & companion martyrs St. Drusus Martyr with Zosimus and Theodore in Syria 378 St. Viator Bishop Bergamo Italy 1315
Bd Bonaventure
Buonaccorsi; a leader of the Ghibellines and
notorious as a desperate character. This Bonaventure was
so moved by St Philip’s exhortations to peace and concord that he
went to him and accused himself of being a prominent fomenter of
disorder and a cause of much misery and injustice. So penitent
was he that he asked to be admitted among the Servite friars;
even in his lifetime he was
known as il Beato, and miracles were reported both before
and after his death
1591 St.
John of the Cross Carmelite St Teresa of Avila
asked him to help1583 Bd Nicholas Factor; His raptures, miracles and visions were so frequent that St Louis Bertrand said he lived more in Heaven than on earth, and among many examples of supernatural knowledge was an announcement of the victory of Lepanto the day after the battle. 1707 Saint Hilarion, Metropolitan of Suzdal and Yuriev found the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God 1922-1939 Pope Pius XI Ambrogio Damiano Achille Ratti declared St John of the Crux a doctor of the universal Church (1857 - 1939) Italian scholar & pope He issued the encyclical Quas Primas establishing the feast of Christ the King, and took as his papal motto "Christ's peace in Christ's kingdom". Pius XI fought the two ascendant ideologies of communism and fascism. Onetime librarian & mountain climber; reorganized Vatican archives. Nevertheless, Pius XI was hardly a withdrawn and bookish figure. A man of stature, he possessed an iron will and did not hesitate to assert his position. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
15
At Rome, the holy martyrs Irenaeus, Anthony, Theodore, Saturninus, Victor, and seventeen others who suffered for Christ in the persecution of Valerian. {Valerian overthrew the emperor and assumed power in 253. Four years later, he launched a persecution of Christians. Several high profile Christian leaders and several Roman bureaucrats fell in the purge. Pope Sixtus II and Bishop Cyprian of Carthage fell to the Roman axe. Saint Lawrence also perished in the pogrom. Gallienus ended the purge in 260. The empire ignored Christians for the next couple decades before Diocletian’s reign brought one of the worst persecutions in history. 4th V. St Nino,
Virgin; miracle worker of Georgia; helped conversion
of Georgia in reign of Constatine; Uncertainty surrounds
the beginnings of Christianity in the former kingdom of
Georgia (Iberia), but the story of the beginning of its evangelization
told by Rufinus is accepted—and improved on—by Georgians
themselves and generally in the East.
457 St. Valerian
martyred Bishop of Abbenza (modern Africa)
1771 BD MARY MARGARET D’YoUvILLE (née Dufrost de Lajemmerais). Born at Varennes near Montreal, 1701; left a widow in 1722, she devoted herself to hospital work and in 1738 founded the Grey Nuns of Canada. She died on 23 December 1771 and was beatified in 1959. 1855 St Mary Di Rosa, Virgin; acquired an unusual knowledge of theology; co- Foundress of The Handmaids of Charity of Brescia; anticipating Florence Nightingale by several years, the Handmaids of Charity ministered to the souls and bodies of the wounded on the battlefields. In the following year came the terrible “Ten Days of Brescia”. Paula and her sisters were at the disposal of all sufferers without distinction, but some disorderly troops made an attempt on the hospital. Paula, supported by half-a-dozen sisters, went to the front door to meet them: they carried a great crucifix, with a lighted candle on either side. The soldiers wavered, halted, and slunk away. And the crucifix (still preserved at Brescia) was carried from sick-bed to sick-bed that each occupant might give it a grateful kiss. 1876 Blessed Mary Frances Schervier; 1844 she became a Secular Franciscan; she and four companions established a religious community devoted to caring for the poor. In 1851 the Sisters of the Poor of St. Francis (a variant of the original name) were approved by the local bishop; the community soon spread. The first U.S. foundation was made in 1858; helped her sisters nurse soldiers wounded in the Civil War. 1900 BD LEONARD MURIALDO. A secular priest, born at Turin in 1828. He devoted his life to the welfare of young people and of manual workers, establishing the first “family house” in Italy for young working men. He founded the Society of St Joseph in Turin, where he died in 1900. He was beatified in 1963. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
16
- 500 b.c. The Holy Prophet Haggai prophesied the Messiah would appear in this Temple persuaded people build 2nd Jerusalem Temple Sunday of the Holy Forefathers ancestors of Christ according to the flesh, who lived before the Law and under the Law, especially the Patriarch Abraham, to whom God said "In thy seed shall all of the nations of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 12:3, 22:18). 250 St. Albina Martyr at a tender age a young witness for Christ 3rd v. Marinus The Martyr soldier Caesarea of Palestine refused to swear the customary oath invoking the pagan gods, or to offer sacrifice to idols 305 St. Valentine Martyr with group including Navalis Concordius Agricola Ss Ananias, Azarias, and Misael buried in a cave in Babylon 371 ST EUSEBIUS, BISHOP OF VERCELLI united the monastic discipline with the clerical 389 St. Irenion of Gaza (Palestinian, bishop) first church built in Gaza 5th-6th v. St. Beoc Irish monastic founder many holy virgins In Africa 999 ST
ADELAIDE,
WIDOW; regent Throughout her life she had shown herself
generous and forgiving to enemies, and amenable to the
wise guidance in turn of St Adalbert of Magdeburg, St Majolus
and St Odilo of Cluny, who called her “a marvel of beauty and
grace”. She founded and restored monasteries of monks and nuns,
and was urgent for the conversion of the Slavs, whose movements
on the eastern frontier troubled her closing years before she
finally returned to Burgundy.
1000 + St. Nicholas
Chrysoberges Patriarch of Constantinople1012 In Hibérnia sancti Beáni Epíscopi. In Ireland, St. Bean, bishop. 1151 Bl. Raynald de Bar Cistercian abbot 1st collection Cistercian statutes 1496 BD SEBASTIAN OF BRESCIA all Genoa came to his tomb, whereat many miracles were reported. 1542 Saint Sophia the Nun, "the holy Righteous Princess the wonderworker, who dwelt at the Protection monastery." several miraculous healings at her grave 1717 BD MARY OF TURIN, VIRGIN miraculous abbess “Obedience wills what God wills" 1916 Blessed Honoratus Kozminski; received Capuchin habit and new name; 4 years later he was ordained; 1855 helped Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska establish the Felician Sisters; Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
17
December 17 – The First Church Dedicated to Mary (Rome, Italy)
The Basilica of Our Lady in Trastevere
is one of the oldest churches in Rome. It was built in
the Trastevere district by Pope Callistus I (217-222). The
location was probably one of the first places of Christian
worship officially open to the public.Our Lady and an Oil Spring According to a legend handed down by Eusebius of Caesarea, an oil spring allegedly appeared there in 38 B.C., and was interpreted by the Jewish population living in that area as a sign announcing the coming of the Messiah (in Hebrew, messiah means “anointed with oil”). In 340, Pope Julius I (337-352) rebuilt and enlarged the basilica. Today it is one of the twenty-five original parishes of Rome. It was dedicated to Our Lady probably at the time of the Council of Ephesus in 431. Although the inscription on the episcopal chair states that it is the first church dedicated to the Mother of God, it is not the oldest Marian church in the city: Saint Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore) is the oldest one, since it was dedicated to Our Lady from the time it was built, in the 4th century. 167-164 bc Daniel The Holy Prophet is the fourth of the major prophets. St. Ignatius, bishop and martyr, translation of who, third after blessed Apostle Peter, governed Church of Antioch 779 ST STURMI, ABBOT first German Benedictine monk; mission work in Westphalia founded monastery favourite of St Boniface 822 St. Eigil Benedictine abbot restored community 9th v. Saint Daniel the Confessor refused the Saracens' demand that he renounce Christ 1170 St. Wivina Benedictine abbess built a convent 1213 St. John of Matha John ransomed captives feast, by decree of Pope Innocent XI, is observed on February 8th 1624 Saint Dionysius of Zakynthos Bishop of Aegina gift of working miracles 1814 Paisius The holy New Martyr igumen of the Annunciation monastery in Trnava near Cacak, Serbia 1815 Avakum (Habakkuk) The holy New Martyr preferred death than deny Christ Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
18
from him 107 St. Rufus and Zosimus Martyrs of Antioch 250 St. Moses Martyr of Africa 255 St. Quintus African group of martyrs St. Theotimus & Basilian martyrs put to death at Laodicea 287 Sebastian The Holy Martyr miracle worker steadfast faith given to wavering Christians 287 Victurus Victor, Victorinus, Adjutor, Quartus, 30 others Loreto_house.jpg
Also in Africa, the holy martyrs318 Martyr Eubotius at Cyzicus 634 Saint Modestus
Archbishop of Jerusalem restored devastated
Christian shrines the Sepulchre of the Lord by
Popes and Saints mentioned
this Month December 19Persian ruler Chosroes 1496 Saint Daniel the Hesychast, great wonderworker monastics instructor 1500 Saint Sebastian of Sokhota, Poshekhonye Monastery (Vologda) founded Transfiguration of the Lord monastery 1642 Saint Simeon of Verkhoturye led beggars life worked many miracles after death 1671 Blessed Anthony Grassi devotion to Our Lady of Loreto; outstanding confessor gift of reading consciences & future 1838 St. Paul My Vietnamese martyr convert to Catholicism 1838 St. Peter Truat Vietnamese martyr fellow catechist with Peter Duong Sebastian Martyr at Rome and his companions: Martyrs Nicostratus, Zoe, Castorius, Tranquillinus, Marcellinus, Mark, Claudius, 1496 Saint Daniel the Hesychast, great wonderworker monastics instructor 1500 Saint Sebastian of Sokhota, Poshekhonye Monastery (Vologda) founded Transfiguration of the Lord monastery 1642 Saint Simeon of Verkhoturye led beggars life worked many miracles after death 1671 Blessed Anthony Grassi devotion to Our Lady of Loreto; outstanding confessor gift of reading consciences & future 1838 St. Paul My Vietnamese martyr convert to Catholicism 1838 St. Peter Truat Vietnamese martyr fellow catechist with Peter Duong Sebastian Martyr at Rome and his companions: Martyrs Nicostratus, Zoe, Castorius, Tranquillinus, Marcellinus, Mark, Claudius, <<1937 Thaddeus (Uspensky), archbishop of Tver executed in 1937 New Hieromartyr December 19
(late 14th - early
11th v) The Silence Of St. Joseph In A World Full Of Noise 401 Anastasius I, Pope condemnation of Origen Saint Jerome helped him in his own way Saints Augustine and Paulinus of Nola praised his model of sanctity (RM) 552 Saint Gregory Bishop of Homer (Omirits) possessed gifts healing wonderworking even in youth. 1205 Blessed William of Fenoli Carthusian lay-brother many miracles both during his life and after his death 1839 St. Francis Xavier Mau Martyr of Vietnam 1839 Bl. Francis Man Dominican 1839 St. Thomas De & Companions Vietnamese martyrs 1839 St. Augustine Moi martyr of Vietnam Dominican tertiary 250 Timothy of Africa burnt alive in Africa under Decius M (RM) 290 Boniface The Holy Martyr unharmed by boiling tin & tar relics glorified by numerous miracles Saint Aglaida (Aglae see Saint Boniface) St. Darius Martyr with Zosimus Paul Secundus Nicea 303 Cyriacus and Companions martyred at Nicomedia MM (RM) 307 St. Meuris & Thea Martyred virgins from Gaza 308 Elias, Probus and Ares The Martyrs natives of Egypt heedless of safety cared for Christians locked up in prison 3rd v. St. Fausta mother of St. Anastasia - Sirmium Serbia 401 Anastasius I, Pope condemnation of Origen Saint Jerome helped him in his own way Saints Augustine and Paulinus of Nola praised his model of sanctity (RM) 6th v. The Relocation of the Body of St. Severus, Patriarch of Antioch. 790 St. Ribert Revered abbot of the monastery of Saint Oyend 1122 St. Bernard Valeara patron of Teramo 1153 Blessed Macarius of Würzburg first abbot of Saint James monastery, OSB Abbot (AC) 1370 Blessed Pope Urban V deeply spiritual Benedictine monk canon lawyer reformer 1839 St. Francis Xavier Mau Martyr of Vietnam 1839 Bl. Francis Man Dominican 1839 St. Thomas De & Companions Vietnamese martyrs 1839 St. Augustine Moi martyr of Vietnam Dominican tertiary Avitus (Adjutus) of Micy, Abbot (RM) Romæ sanctæ Faustæ, quæ fuit mater sanctæ Anastásiæ, ac nobilitáte et pietáte éxstitit insígnis. At Rome, St. Fausta, mother of St. Anastasia, renowned for her noble birth and her holiness. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
20
Vigília sancti Thomæ Apóstoli.
The Vigil of St. Thomas, Apostle.
Hieromartyr St Ignatius was a disciple of the Apostle John the Theologian, together with St Polycarp of Smyrna. As Bishop of Antioch, St Ignatius was zealous and spared no effort to build up the church of Christ. To him is attributed the practice of antiphonal singing (by two choirs) during church services. He had seen a vision of the angels in heaven alternately singing praises to God, and divided his church choir to follow this example. In the time of persecution he was a source of strength to the souls of his flock, and was eager to suffer for Christ. After this the lions were released and tore him to pieces, leaving only his heart and a few bones. Tradition says that on his way to execution, St Ignatius unceasingly repeated the name of Jesus Christ. When they asked him why he was doing this, St Ignatius answered that this Name was written in his heart, and that he confessed with his lips Him Whom he always carried within. When the saint was devoured by the lions, his heart was not touched. When they cut open the heart,
the pagans saw an inscription in gold letters: "Jesus Christ." After his
execution St Ignatius appeared to many of the faithful in their sleep to
comfort them, and some saw him at prayer for the city of Rome.
Hearing of the saint's
great courage, Trajan thought well of him and stopped the
persecution against the Christians. The relics of St Ignatius
were transferred to Antioch (January 29), and on February 1,
637 were returned to Rome and placed in the church of San Clemente.362 Eugene and Macarius priests scourged MM banished put to the sword under Julian the Apostate 625 St. Ursicinus Irish missionary and disciple of St. Columbanus 1073 Blessed Gundisalvus (Gonzalo) of Silos, OSB (AC) 1073
St. Dominic
of Silos Benedictine abbot defender of the faith many
miracles were recorded of Dominic it was said
that there were no diseases known to man not been cured by his prayers 1338 Saint Daniel of Serbia gift of wonderworking and healing built Ascension of the Lord at Dechani finest Christian monuments in Serbia 1839 St. Peter Thi Vietnamese martyr native of Vietnam 1908
St John
of Kronstadt performed more miracles than almost
any other saint, with the possible exception of St
Nicholas. Through his prayers he healed the sick, gave hope to the hopeless, and brought sinners to repentance. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
21
No matter how good food
is, if poison is mixed with it, it may cause the death of him
who eats it. So it is with conversation. A single bad word, an
evil action, an unbecoming joke, is often enough to harm one or
more young listeners, and may later cause them to lose God's grace.
-- St John Bosco
1st v. ST THOMAS, APOSTLE (72 A.D. feast day kept by Malabar and Syria) 253 St. Themistoeles martyred With companion Dioscorus St. Honoratus of Bishop of Toulouse 300 St. Severinus Bishop of Trier 303 St. Glycerius Martyred priest of Nicomedia 609 St. Anastasius II Patriarch of Antioch successor of Anastasius St. John Vincent Benedictine bishop and hermit Bl. Adrian Dominican martyr + 27 companions in Dalmatia 1597 St. Peter Canisius Jesuit founded colleges; delegate to Council of Trent; first issue of the Catechism 1839 St. Andrew Dung Lac native Vietnamese martyr St. John & Festus Martyrs of Tuscany He who wishes
to love God does not truly love Him if he has not an ardent
and constant desire to suffer for His sake.
-- St. Aloysius GonzagaDecember 21 – Our Lady of Saint Acheul (Amiens, France) Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
22
Forefeast
of the Nativity of the Lord begins on December 20.
From now on, most of the liturgical hymns will be concerned
with the birth of the Savior.
303 St. Zeno Martyred soldier at Nicomedia (modern Turkey) 188 to 231 St. Demetrius Bishop of Alexandria; Martyr with Honoratus and Florus St. Demetrius Martyr with Honoratus and Florus 4th v. Anastasia the Deliverer from Potions, The Great Martyr fed, doctored and often ransomed captives distribute her property to the poor and suffering 540 St. Barsanuphius Martyrd by muslims; monk in the early days of the Islamic era in Egypt; Coptic St. Abracius (Apraxios); from upper Egypt became a monk in one of the monasteries when he was 20; Coptic St. Misaeal (Misayil), the Anchorite; Consecration of the Church; Coptic 866 St. Hunger Bishop of Utrecht 982 St. Amaswinthus Abbot 44 yrs in Andalusia 1136 Bd Jutta of Diessenberg, Virgin; led life of a recluse next to the monastery founded by St Disibod on the Diessenberg; the “noble woman” to whom was confided care of St Hildegard, when a child, Jutta who first taught her Latin, to read and to sing; many startling miracles 1210 Bd Adam of Loccum; St Mary laid her hand on his head, and when he had done as he was told his complaint was cured never to return. “It is clear that there is nothing more efficacious and no remedy more sure than the medicine of the Blessed Virgin”, observes the novice in the Dialogue. To which the monk replies: “And no wonder. For it was she who brought to us the medicine of the whole human race, as it is written, ‘Let the earth bring forth the living creature’, that is to say, let Mary bring forth the man Christ.” Bd Adam told other marvels to Caesarius, but these were not written down for our delectation and improvement. 1306 Blessed Jacopone da Todi wrote Stabat Mater dolorosa -- The sorrowful mother stood 1899 Dwight Lyman Moody; Evangelische Kirche: 1856 nach Chicago begann dort evangelistisch zu arbeiten; 1889 eröffnete er ein Bibelinstitut in Chicago 1917 St. Frances Cabrini, virgin, foundress Congregation of Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, At Chicago Leo XIII {1878-1903} said, “Not to the East, but to the West”, to St Francis Cabrini. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
23
Sunday
of the Holy Fathers Sunday before the Nativity of the
Lord (December 18-24)
250 St. Theodulus
Martyr with Saturninus on Crete and still revered
there303 St. Migdonius & Mardonius Martyred officials of the Roman court 304 St. Victoria sister Anatolia guard martyred 4th v. Saint Paul, Bishop of Neocaesarea First Ecmenical Council at Nicea 6th v. St. Servulus beggar in Rome palsy thanked God all his life 679 St. Dagobert II Martyred king of Austrasia son of King Sigebert II 890 St. Vintila Benedictine monk hermit great holiness 910 Saint Nahum Cyril and Methodius disciple wonderworker man of prayer translate Scriptures Greek to Slavonic 1164 Bd Hartman, Bishop of Brixen; canon; highly respected by the Emperors Conrad III and Frederick I 1193
St Thorlac,
Bishop Of Skalholt; daily rule of life, which began with
the singing of the Credo, Pater noster, and a hymn directly
he awoke; he recited a third of the psalter every day, and had
an especial devotion to the titular saints of the churches in which
he ministered; formed
a community of canons regular, of which he was abbot;
14th v. Saint Theoctistus,
Archbishop of Novgorod14thv. Saints Niphon, Bishop of Cyprus devils often attacked overcame with the help of God received from God gift to discern evil spirits and defeat them, also saw departure of the soul after death. 1464 BD MARGARET OF SAVOY, WIDOW; took the habit of the third order of St Dominic and with other ladies formed a community at Alba. This retired life of prayer, study and charitable works lasted for some twenty-five years; Pope Eugenius IV gave permission for the tertiary sisters to become nuns, in the same place and under the rule of Bd Margaret. During the last sixteen years of her life ecstasies and miracles are alleged in abundance, among them a vision of our Lord offering her three arrows, labelled respectively Sickness, Slander and Persecution 1473 St. John of Kanty professor of sacred Scripture pius generous humble care for the poor 1550 St. Nicholas Factor Franciscan preacher native of Valencia Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
24
December 24
(800
bc) 2 Samuel 7:1-5,
8-12, 14, 16; Psalms
89:2-5, 27, 29;
Luke 1:67-79; Mary in the Midst of Israel's Waiting (XIII)
581 St. Tarsilla
saw heaven; at the hour of her death she saw Jesus
coming to her; niece of Pope St. Felix IV "A virgin shall conceive, and bear a son" (Is 7:14) 1898 Charbel
Makhlouf the Maronite, Hermit After death many favors and miracles through
his intercession in heaven.
4th v. St. Gregory, Patriarch of the Armenians Departure of; cast into a pit fifteen years for the faith; Let us keep our eyes fixed on the New Jerusalem, where death will be no more. 1898 Charbel Makhlouf the Maronite, Hermit Adam and Eve (SS) 246 St. Lucian African martyr confessor at Carthage 304 ST GREGORY OF SPOLETO, MARTYR Antiochíæ natális sanctárum
Vírginum quadragínta, quæ, in Deciána
persecutióne, per divérsa torménta martyrium
consummárunt. At Antioch, the birthday of forty holy
virgins who suffered martyrdom by divers torments in the Decian
persecution.
404 St. Delphinus
Bishop of Bordeaux Paulinus corresponded with St. Ambrose attended Synod
of Saragossa, 380 3rd v. The Holy Martyr Eugenia; She and her companions were baptized by Bishop Elias (July 14), who learned about her in a vision. He blessed her to pursue asceticism at the monastery disguised as the monk Eugene; By her ascetic labors, St Eugenia acquired the gift of healing. 4th v. St. Gregory, Patriarch of the Armenians Departure of; cast into a pit fifteen years for the faith; 581 St. Tarsilla saw heaven; at the hour of her death she saw Jesus coming to her; niece of Pope St. Felix IV 550 St. Emiliana of Rome saintly life, visions V (RM) aunt of St. Gregory the Great 754 St. Adela Abbess foundress disciple of St. Boniface 1473 St. John Cantius distributed to the poor all the money/clothes he had slept little on the floor, ate very sparingly, total abstainer from meat 1865 BD PAULA CERIOLI, WIDOW, Foundress OF THE INSTITUTE OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF BERGAMO 1898 Charbel Makhlouf Maronite, Hermit After death many favors and miracles through his intercession in heaven. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
25
304 St. Anastasia III Martyr honor commerated 2nd Mass Christmas Roman Canon of Mass SSt. Eugenia martyr Delehaye in his Etude sur le légendier romain (1936), pp. 175—186, commented exhaustively, both here and in his CMH. shows there is solid ground for believing St Eugenia an authentic Roman martyr. 715 St. Adalsindis Benedictine nun from a sainted family 800 St. Alburga Abbess foundress princess in Wessex 1256 Natalis of St. Peter Nolasco founder of the Mercedarians. 1306 BD JACOPONE OF TODI 1628 Bl. Michael Nakashima native Jesuit martyr of Japan hid priests. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
26
Ibídem, via Appia, deposítio sancti Dionysii Papæ, qui, multis pro Ecclésia impénsis labóribus, fídei documéntis clarus effúlsit. Likewise at Rome, on the Appian Way, the death of Pope St. Denis, who sustained many labours for the Church, and was renowned for his doctrinal writings. 400 St. Zeno (d.c. 400) + Bishop of Gaza Israel 417 St. Zosimus Pope A Greek 6th v. St. Amaethlu Founder and hermit 6th century St. Theodore the Sacrist in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome 7th v. Our Holy Father Constantine of Synnada; famed for his fasting and for his many miracles; 9th v. Euthymius, Bishop of SardisThe Hieromartyr; martyred denounced the Iconoclast heresy 10th v. St. Luke the Stylite Commemoration of the Departure of and the Relocation of His Holy Relics. 1649 St. Neol Chabanel Priest one of North American Martyrs 1896 St. Vincentia Maria Lopez Y Vicuna Virgin 1938 Saint Isaac II (Bobrikov) died as a martyr on December 26 Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
27
St. John the Apostle St. John the Evangelist 104 John the Divine, (RM) 282 St. Maximus Patriarch of Alexandria 400 St. Fabiola opened a hospice for poor pilgrims at Porto 410 ST NICARETE, VIRGIN; belonged to a good family of Nicomedia and left home to live in Constantinople, where she devoted herself to good works. She is said to have successfully treated St John Chrysostom when he was ill; 686 Saint Theodore, Archbishop of Constantinople 841 St. Theodore bishop of Nicaea and Theophanes (martyred) brothers monks supported icons 1133 Blessed Hesso (Esso) of Beinwil, OSB, Abbot (AC) 1156 Blessed Walto of Wessobrünn his goodness and ability to work miracles OSB, Abbot (AC) 1273 Blessed Adelheidis of Tennenbach, OSB Cist. V (PC) 1348 Blessed Bonaventure Tolomei died while tending to his plague-stricken fellow citizen OP 1539 John Stone 1/40 Martyrs of England and Wales, OSA Priest M (RM) Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
28
250 St. Troadius Martyr crucifixion NeoCaesarea, Pontus Turkey 368 ST THEODORE THE SANCTIFIED, ABBOT many miracles 450 St. Romulus and Conindrus Missionaries bishops 1st on Isle of Man 488 St. Maughold Irish bishop converted by St. Patrick 490 {570} St. Anthony the Hermit renowned for his miracles & spirituality 520 ST ANTONY OF LÉRINS St. Castor Martyr Africa with Victor and Rogatian 1622 28 December St. Francis de Sales he died at Lyons, France; bishop of Geneva and confessor. Pope Pius IX decreed him a doctor of the universal Church, and Pope Pius XI constituted him the heavenly patron of all Catholic writers who explain, promote, or defend Christian doctrine by publishing journals or other writings in the vernacular. Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
29
10th century
BC; David, King of Judah and Israel Prophet (RM)
1st c. St. Trophimus Missionary companion of St. Paul St. Crescens, bishop and martyr disciple of St. Paul the Apostle and was the first bishop of Vienne in France 280 St. Trophimus of Arles Bishop sent from Rome with St. Denis, 1/6 prelates France 485 Saint Marcellus, Monastery igumen Council of Chalcedon gift of clairvoyance 485 ST MARCELLUS AKIMETES, ABBOT continued the Divine Office day and night without interruption 596 Ebrulf of Ouche Abbot Merovingian courtier several small houses founded (RM) 664 St. Aileran Monk biographer scholar 706 St. Ebrulf Abbot founder wife separated, each entering a religious house 815 Saint Thaddeus the Confessor a disciple of Theodore the Studite disciple defender holy icons 11th c. Saints Mark the Grave-Digger, Theophilus and John; in Kiev Caves; Paterikon 1031 Girald of Fontenelle, OSB, Abbot (AC) 1156 Blessed Peter de Montboissier Peace great virtue poet theological writer of distinction, defended Jews OSB Abbot 1170 Thomas Becket (of Canterbury) BM (RM) St. Thomas Becket (1118-1170) Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
30
274 St. Felix I Pope from 269-274 Aquilæ, in Vestínis,
sancti Rainérii Epíscopi.
At Aquila, in Abruzzi, St. Rainer, bishop.
303 St. Sabinus
bishop Martyr with and companions cured a blind
child304 St. Anysia Martyr of Greece wealthy woman of Salonika aided poor 4th v. St Philetairus of Nicomedia The Holy Martyr twice suffered torture for Christ: under Diocletian (284-305) and under Maximian (305-311); sentenced to exile on Prokonnesos, one of the islands of the Sea of Marmora. On the journey, he performed many miracles and destroyed a heathen temple with its idols. 4th v. Zoticus The Hieromartyr; Protector of Orphans, an illustrious and rich Roman in service of St Constantine the Great (306-337); St Constantine's son, Constantius (337-361), an adherent of the Arian heresy martyrd the saint 407 St. Anysius Bishop successor of St. Ascolus in see of Salonika St. Eugene, bishop and confessor At Milan 717 St. Egwin English noble bishop of Worcester England 692 A vision of Mary; Following his burial many miracles were attributed to him: The blind could see, the deaf could hear, the sick were healed. 1077 St. Raynerius Bishop of Aquila Abruzzi Italy 1156 Blessed Peter de Montboissier Peace great virtue poet theological writer of distinction, defended Jews OSB Abbot SEE DECEMBER 29 1748 Bl. John Alcober Dominican martyr in China 20 yrs St. Mansuetus Martyr of Egypt, with 10 others by heretic Monophysites Popes and Saints mentioned this Month December
31
Holy Prophet-King David Holy Apostle James
270
St. Hermes
martyr 273 St. Columba of Sens Spanish martyr noble descent 335 St. Sylvester Pope (25 yrs) council of Arles and Nice 390 Sts. Sabinian & Potentian Martyrs bishops of Sens 1014 BD ISRAEL tomb famous miracles venerated as saint by canons regular of the Lateran and diocese of Limoges 1070 St. Offa Abbess Benedictine convent of St. Peter’s 11th v. Venerable Mother Sabiana, Abbess of Samtskhe Convent 1640 St. John
Francis Regis Society of Jesus priest; confessor; man of great
love & patience securing souls' salvation; miracle worker; Mention must
be made of the fact that a visit made in 1804 to the blessed
remains of the Apostle of Vivarais was the beginning of the vocation
of the Blessed Curé of
Ars, Jean-Baptiste Vianney, whom the Church has raised
in his turn to her altars. "Everything
good that I have done", he said when dying, "I owe to him"
1660 Saint Cyriacus
of Bisericani is one of Romania's greatest ascetics |
Mother of God
Mary the Mother of
Jesus Miracles
100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 |
Popes of the Catholic ChurchUbi Petrus, ibi ecclesia, et ubi ecclesia vita eternaPeter 42-67 • Linus 67-79 • Anacletus 79-92 • Clement I 92-101 • Evaristus 101-105 • Alexander I 105-115 • Sixtus I 115-125 • Telesphorus 125-136 • Hyginus 136-140 • Pius I 140-155 • Anicetus 155-166 • Soter 166-175 • Eleuterus175-189 • Victor I 189-199 • Zephyrinus 199-217 • Callixtus I 218-223 • Urban I • Pontian 230-235 • Anterus • Fabian 236-250 • St Cornelius 251-253 • Lucius I • Stephen I 254-247• Sixtus II 257-258 • St. Dionysius 259-268 • St. Felix I 269-274 • Eutychian 275 -283 • Caius 283-296 • Marcellinus • Marcellus I 308-309
• Eusebius • Miltiades 311-314
Silvester
I 314-335 • Mark 336• Julius I • Liberius 352 to his
death in 366 • Damasus 366-374 I • Siricius 384 -399 •
Anastasius I • Innocent I 401-417
• St. Zosimus 417-418
• Boniface I 418-422 • Celestine I 422-432 • Sixtus III 432-440 • Leo I 400 – 10 November 461 • Hilarius 461-468 • Simplicius • Felix III 483-492 • Gelasius I 492-496
• Anastasius II 496-498 • Symmachus 498-514 • Hormisdas • John I 523-526 • Felix IV 526-530• Boniface II • John II 533-535 • Agapetus I 535-536 • St. Silverius 536-537 • Vigilius 537-555 • Pelagius I • John III • Benedict I • Pelagius
II • Gregory I 590-604 • Sabinian • Boniface III • Boniface IV 608-615• Adeodatus I 615-618 • Boniface V • Honorius I • Severinus • John
IV 640-642• Theodore I • Martin I
649-655 • Eugene I • Vitalian
• Adeodatus II • Donus • Agatho • St. Leo II 682-683 • Benedict II 684-685• John V 685-686 • Conon • Sergius I 687-701• John VI • John VII • Sisinnius • Constantine
• Gregory II 715-731 • Gregory III • Zachary 741-752
• Stephen
II • Paul I • Stephen III • Adrian I • Leo III 795-816 • Stephen IV • Paschal I 817-824 • Eugene II • Valentine • Gregory IV • Sergius
II • Leo IV • Benedict III • Nicholas I
820-867 • Adrian II
• John VIII • Marinus I • St. Adrian III
St. Adrian III 884-885 • Stephen V • Formosus • Boniface VI • Stephen
VI • Romanus • Theodore II • John IX • Benedict
IV • Leo V • Sergius III • Anastasius III • Lando
• John X • Leo VI • Stephen VII • John XI • Leo VII •
Stephen VIII • Marinus II • Agapetus II • John XII • Leo VIII
• Benedict V • John XIII • Benedict VI • Benedict VII • John
XIV • John XV • Gregory V • Silvester II • John XVII • John XVIII
• Sergius IV • Benedict VIII • John XIX • Benedict IX • Silvester
III • Benedict IX • Gregory VI • Clement II • Benedict IX
• Damasus II • Leo IX 1049-1054 • Victor II 1055-157
• Stephen IX • Nicholas II
1058 1061 • Alexander II 1061-1073
• Gregory VII 1073-1085 • Victor III 1086-1087 • Bl Urban II 1088-1099• Paschal II 1099-1118• Gelasius II • Callixtus II • Honorius II •
Innocent II • Celestine II • Lucius II • Eugene III • Anastasius IV • Adrian
IV 1154-1059 • Alexander III 1159-81• Lucius III • Urban III • Gregory VIII • Clement
III • Celestine III 1191-1198 • Innocent
III 1198 - 1216 • Honorius III 1216 1227 • Gregory IX 1227-1241 • Celestine IV • Innocent IV 1243-1254
• Alexander IV • Urban IV
1261-64 • Clement IV • Gregory
X 1271-1276
• Innocent V
1276 • Adrian V • John XXI • Nicholas
III • Martin IV • Honorius IV • Nicholas IV 1288-1292
• Celestine V 1294
• Boniface VIII • Benedict
XI 1304 • Clement V • John XXII • Benedict
XII • Clement VI • Innocent VI • Urban V 1310;
died at Avignon, 19 Dec., 1370
Bl. Urban V
1362-1370 • Gregory XI 1370-78 • Urban VI 1378-89 • Boniface IX 1389-1404 • Innocent VII • Gregory XII • Martin V
1368; died at Rome, 20 Feb., 1431• Eugene IV 1431
1447 • Nicholas V • Callixtus III • Pius
II • Paul II • Sixtus IV 1471-1481 • Innocent VIII • Alexander VI • Pius III
• Julius II • Leo X • Adrian VI • Clement VII 1523-1534
• Paul III 1534-1549
• Julius III • Marcellus II • Paul
IV • Pius IV 1499-1565
• St Pius V 1566-1572 • Gregory
XIII 1572-1585• Sixtus V • Urban VII • Gregory XIV • Innocent
IX • Clement VIII 1592-1605 •
Leo XI 1605 • Paul V 1605-1621 • Gregory
XV • Urban VIII 1623-1644• Innocent X 1644-1655• Alexander VII 1655-1667• Clement IX 1667-1669 • Clement X • Bl. Innocent XI 1676-1689 • Alexander VIII • Innocent XII • Clement
XI 1700-1721 • Innocent XIII • Benedict XIII • Clement
XII 1730-1740 •
Benedict XIV 1740-1758
• Clement XIII 1758-69 • • Pius VII • Leo XII 1823-1829
• Pius VIII • Gregory XVI 1831-46 • Pius IX 1846--1878 • Leo
XIII 1878-1903 • Pius
X 1903-1914• Benedict
XV 1914-1922 • Pius XI 1922-1939 • Pius XII 1939-1958
• St John
XXIII 1958-1963 • Paul VI 1963 to 1978 • John Paul 1978 • St John Paul II 1978 - 2005 • Benedict XVI 2005 - 2013 • Francis 2013 -
|
St. Albert 11/15 St. Alphonsus Liguori 8/1 St.
Ambrose 12/7 St. Anselm 4/21 St. Anthony of Padua 6/13
St. Athanasius 5/2 St. Augustine 8/28 St. Basil 1/2 St. Bede,
the Venerable 5/25 St. Bernard of Clairvaux 8/20 St. Bonaventure
7/15 St. Catherine of Siena 4/29 St. Cyril of Alexandria
6/27 St. Cyril of Jerusalem 3/18 St. Ephraem 6/9 St.
Francis de Sales 1/24 St. Gregory Nazianzus 1/2 St. Gregory
the Great 9/3 St. Hilary of Poitiers 1/13 St. Isidore 4/4 St.
Jerome 9/30 St. John Chrysostom 9/13 St. John Damascene
12/4 St. John of the Cross 12/14 St. Lawrence of Brindisi 7/21
St. Leo the Great 11/10 St. Peter Canisius 12/21 St. Peter Chrysologus
7/30 St. Peter Damian 2/21 St. Robert Bellarmine 9/17 St. Teresa
of Avila 10/15 St. Therese of Lisieux 10/1 St. Thomas Aquinas
1/28 |
91 St. Anacletus
Romæ sancti Anacléti, Papæ et
Mártyris, qui, post sanctum Cleméntem Ecclésiam
Dei regens, eam glorióso martyrio decorávit. At Rome, St. Anacletus, pope and martyr, who governed the Church of God after St. Clement, and shed lustre upon it by a glorious martyrdom. Pope St. Anacletus The second successor of St. Peter. |
92-101 Pope St. Clement
I the first of the "Apostolic Fathers".
|
98-107 St. Evaristus
Pope Evaristus; came of a Hellenic family, and was the
son of a Bethlehem Jew; laid to rest in Vaticano, near the tomb
of St. Peter; succeeded Clement
in the episcopate of the Roman Church |
105-116 Pope St. Alexander I Roman by birth ruled the Church in reign of Trajan (98-117). attributes to him, but scarcely with accuracy, insertion in the canon of the Qui Pridie, or words commemorative of the institution of the Eucharist, such being certainly primitive and original in the Mass. He is also said to have introduced the use of blessing water mixed with salt for the purification of Christian homes from evil influences (constituit aquam sparsionis cum sale benedici in habitaculis hominum). Duchesne (Lib. Pont., I, 127) calls attention to the persistence of this early Roman custom by way of a blessing in the Gelasian Sacramentary that recalls very forcibly the actual Asperges prayer at the beginning of Mass. |
127 Sixtus
I 115-125 , Pope survived as pope for
about 10 years before being killed by the Roman authorities
M (RM) Romæ natális beáti Xysti Primi, Papæ et Mártyris; qui, tempóribus Hadriáni Imperatóris, summa cum laude rexit Ecclésiam, ac demum, sub Antoníno Pio, ut sibi Christum lucrifáceret, libénter mortem sustínuit temporálem. At Rome, the birthday of blessed Pope Sixtus the First, martyr, who ruled the Church with distinction during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, and finally in the reign of Antoninus Pius he gladly accepted temporal death in order to gain Christ for himself. (also known as Xystus) |
125-136
pope St.
Telesphorus St. Telesphorus was the seventh Roman bishop in succession from the Apostles, Martyr |
140-155 ST
PIUS I, POPE AND MARTYR succeeded St
Hyginus in the see of Peter, and the Liber Pontificalis
states that he was the son of one Rufinus and a native
of Aquileia Romæ sancti Pii Primi, Papæ et Mártyris; qui martyrio coronátus est in persecutióne Marci Aurélii Antoníni. At Rome, Pope Pius I, who was crowned with martyrdom in the persecution of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus. This Pius succeeded
St Hyginus in the see of Peter, and the
Liber Pontificalis states that he was the son
of one Rufinus and a native of Aquileia; some authorities
add further that he was a brother of that Hernias who
wrote the famous work called The Shepherd: if the account of
himself given by the author of this book be not a pious fiction,
and if his relationship to the pope be true, then St Pius will
have been likewise born a slave.
During his pontificate the Roman church was troubled by the allied heresies of the Valentinians and Marcionites; Pius accordingly had energetically to oppose these heresies, and in these controversies the true faith had a great champion in the Jewish convert St Justin Martyr, who was in Rome at that time. St Pius ordained twelve bishops and eighteen priests and is said to have turned the Baths of Novatus into a place for worship. That he is venerated liturgically as a martyr seems to be due to Cardinal Baronius: there is no early reference to his martyrdom. Nearly all that is known concerning St Pius will be found in the text and notes of Mgr. Duchesne's edition of the Liber Pontificalis, vol. i, pp. 132 seq., and in his Histoire ancienne de I'Eglise, vol. i, pp. 236 seq. For the historical situation cf. G. Bardy, "L'Eglise romaine sous Le pontificat de S. Anicet" in Recherches de science rellgieuse, vol. xvii (1927), pp. 481-511. |
155-166
St. Anicetus pope a Syrian from Emesa actively
opposed Marcionism and Gnosticism Pope St. Anicetus
The Roman Pontiff who succeeded Pius towards the year 157, and reigned till about 168. According to Duchesne (Origins) the confusion of dates about this period is such that more exact verification is impossible. While Anicetus was Pope, St. Polycarp, then in extreme old age, came to confer with him (160-162) about the Paschal controversy; Polycarp and others in the East celebrating the feast on the fourteenth of the month of Nisan, no matter on what day of the week it fell; whereas in Rome it was always observed on Sunday, and the day of the Lord's death on Friday. The matter was discussed but nothing was decided. According to Eusebius: "Polycarp could not persuade the Pope, nor the Pope, Polycarp. The controversy was not ended but the bonds of charity were not broken"; the Pope permitting the aged saint to celebrate on the day he had been accustomed to in the Church of Smyrna. Hegesippus, the first Christian historian whose writings are of great value, because he lived so near the time of the Apostles, also came to Rome at this time. His visit is recorded by most ecclesiastical authors as noteworthy, inasmuch as it calls attention to the fact that many illustrious men repaired to Rome at that period, thus emphasizing very early the supreme dignity and authority of the Roman Pontiffs. Marcion, Marcellinus, Valentine, and Cordo were also at Rome, disturbing the Church by their Manichæism. Anicetus suffered martyrdom in 161, but the dates vary between 16, 17, and 20 April. |
167 to 175 Pope Soter
fragment of an interesting letter addressed to him by St. Dionysius of Corinth, who writes: "From the beginning it has been your custom to do good to all the brethren in many ways, and to send alms to many churches in every city, refreshing the poverty of those who sent requests, or giving aid to the brethren in the mines, by the alms which you have had the habit of giving from old, Romans keeping up the traditional custom of the Romans; which your blessed Bishop Soter has not only preserved, but has even increased, by providing the abundance which he has sent to the saints, and by further consoling with blessed words with brethren who came to him, as a loving father his children." |
189 -199 Victor
I, Pope African by birth, Victor succeeded
Saint Eleutherius as pope c. 189 the first to
use Latin in the celebration of the liturgy Until
Victor's time, Rome celebrated the Mass in Greek. Pope Victor
changed the language to Latin, which was used in his native
North Africa. According to Jerome, he was the first Christian
author to write about theology in Latin. Latin masses, however,
did not become universal until the latter half of the fourth
century.[(RM)
Probably an African by birth,
Victor succeeded Saint Eleutherius as pope
c. 189. During his pontificate Victor was embroiled
in a dispute with a group of Christians from the province
of Asia who were in Rome. They celebrated Easter on a date
of their own choosing. Victor threatened Asiatics with
excommunication in a Roman synod. He was also faced with
the arrival of Theodotus from Constantinople and his teaching
that Christ was only a man endowed with supernatural powers
by the Holy Spirit. He is reputed to have been the first to
use Latin in the celebration of the liturgy. It is not certain
that he died a martyr's death (Benedictines, Delaney, Encyclopedia).
|
217 Pope Saint Zephyrinus
was pope from 199-217 Pope Saint
Zephyrinus was pope from 199 .
He was a Roman who had ruled as head bishop for close to 20 years, and was elected to the Papacy upon the death of the previous pope, Victor. Zephyrinus was succeeded, upon his death on December 20, 217, by his principal advisor, Callixtus. Pope St. Zephyrinus (Reigned 198-217). |
Pope St Callistus (Calixtus)
I 218 - 223 If we knew more of St. Callistus from Catholic sources, he would probably appear as one of the greatest of the popes. |
230 Pope Saint
Pontian or Pontianus, was pope from July 21, to September 28, 235 ST PONTIAN, POPE AND MARTYR PONTIAN, who is said to have
been Roman, followed St Urban I as bishop
of Rome about the year 230. The only known event
of his pontificate is the synod held at Rome that confirmed
the condemnation already pronounced at Alexandria of
certain doctrines attributed to Origen. At the beginning
of the persecution by the Emperor Maximinus the pope was exiled
to Sardinia, an island described as nociva, "unhealthy“, whereby
perhaps the mines were meant; here he resigned his office.
How much longer he lived and the manner of his death are not known:
traditionally life was beaten out of him with sticks. Some years
later Pope St Fabian translated his body to the cemetery of
St Callistus in Rome, where in 1909 his original epitaph was found:
PONTIANOC EPICK MPT, the last word having been added later.
|
236, Pope Saint
Fabian succeeded Saint Antheros governed
as bishop of Rome 14 peaceful years; Died 250. On January 10, his martyrdom
under Decius. He was a layman, who, according
to Eusebius, was chosen because a dove flew in through
a window during the election and settled on his head.
This 'sign' united the votes of the clergy and people for this layman and stranger. |
253 Pope Cornelius; predecessor, Fabian, put to death by Decius, 250. March, 251 persecution slackened, owing to absence of the emperor, (two rivals had arisen); 16 bishops at Rome elected Cornelius against his will was; "What fortitude in his acceptance of the episcopate, what strength of mind, what firmness of faith, that he took his seat intrepid in the sacerdotal chair, at a time when the tyrant in his hatred of bishops was making unspeakable threats, when he heard with far more patience that a rival prince was arising against him, than that a bishop of God was appointed at Rome" (Cyprian, Ep. lv, 24). Is he not, asks St. Cyprian, to be numbered among the glorious confessors and martyrs who sat so long awaiting the sword or the cross or the stake and every other torture? |
254-257 Pope St. Stephen I; defence of the validity of heretical baptism against the mistaken opinion of St. Cyprian and other bishops of Africa and Asia; In his days the vestments worn by the clergy at Mass and other church services did not differ in shape or material from those ordinarily worn by the laity. Stephen, however, is said by the "Liber Pontificalis" to have ordained that the vestments which had been used for ecclesiastical purposes were not to be employed for daily wear; An assembly of African bishops which he convoked renewed the condemnation of Basilides and Martial, and exhorted the people to enter into communion with their successors. At the same time they were at pains to point out that Stephen had acted as he had done because "situated at a distance, and ignorant of the true facts of the case" he had been deceived by Basilides. Anxious to preserve the tradition of his predecessors in matters of practical charity, as well as of faith, Stephen, we are told, relieved in their necessities "all the provinces of Syria and Arabia". |
258 Pope
St. Sixtus II Elected 31 Aug., 257,
martyred at Rome, 6 Aug., 258 Sixtus was
more conciliatory than his predecessor, Stephen
I, who had broken off relations witih Cyprian over the
question of whether Lapsed Christians should be re-baptized
before being allowed back into the Church. Sixtus was
willing to let bishops decide what to do in their own areas
of control and accepted the existence of both practices.
|
259-268 St.
Dionysius of
Alexandria (Bishop from 247-8 to 264-5.)
|
275 283
Pope St. Eutychianus
January, 275, until 7 December,
283 the last pope buried in the catacombs of St.
Callixtus He succeeded Pope Felix
I a few days after the latter's death, and governed the
Church from January, 275, until 7 December, 283. We know
no details of his pontificate. The rite for blessing the produce
of the fields, ascribed to him by the "Liber Pontificalis",
undoubtedly belongs to a later period. The statement also that
he promulgated rules for the burial of martyrs and buried many
of them with his own hands, has but slight claim to acceptance,
since after the death of Aurelian (275) the Church enjoyed a long
respite from persecution. It is highly probable that Eutychianus
died not die a martyr. The fourth-century Roman Calendar mentions
him (8 December) in the "Depositio Episcoporum", but not in its
list of martyrs. His remains were placed in the papal chapel in
the Catacomb of Callistus. When this famous crypt was discovered
the fragments of the epitaph of Eutychianus were found, i.e.
his name (in Greek letters): EUTYCHIANOS EPIS(KOPOS). His feast
is celebrated on 8 December.
|
283, to 22 April, 296 Pope Caius lived in the time of peace before the last great persecution. |
308-309 Pope
St. Marcellus I; a clear historical tradition in support
of his declaration that the ecclesiastical administration
in Rome was reorganized by this pope after the great
persecution; 308-309 Pope St. Marcellus I Romæ, via Salária, natális sancti Marcélli Primi, Papæ et Mártyris; qui, ob cathólicæ fídei confessiónem, jubénte Maxéntio tyránno, primo cæsus est fústibus, deínde ad servítium animálium cum custódia pública deputátus, et ibídem, serviéndo indútus amíctu cilícino, defúnctus est. At Rome, on the Salarian Way, the birthday of Pope St. Marcellus I, a martyr for the confession of the Catholic faith. By command of the tyrant Maxentius he was beaten with clubs, then sent to take care of animals, with a guard to watch him. In this servile office, dressed in haircloth, he departed this life. |
Eusebius 309 or 310 short reign
four months, from 18 April to 17 August,
309 or 310 baptized The Emperor
Constantine; a martyr, and in his epitaph Pope
Damasus honours Eusebius with this title. His feast
is yet celebrated on 26 September. Successor of Marcellus, 309 or 310. |
314 Pope
St. Miltiades { also written
Melchiades), a native of Africa} 310 or 311 .Miltiades caused the remains
of his predecessor, Eusebius, to be brought
back from Sicily to Rome, and had them interred
in a crypt in the Catacombs of St. Callistus. In the
following year the pope witnessed the final triumph of the
Cross, through the defeat of Maxentius, and the entry into
Rome of the Emperor Constantine (now converted to Christianity),
after the victory at the Milvian Bridge (27 October, 312).
Later the emperor presented the Roman Church with the Lateran
Palace, which then became the residence of the pope, and
consequently also the seat of the seat of the central administration
of the Roman Church. The basilica which adjoined the palace or
was afterwards built there became the principal church of
Rome.
|
335 St.
Sylvester
Pope (25 yrs) council of Arles and Nice
stand aside and let events take their course, when asserting one’s authority would only lead to useless tension and strife. Sylvester_I_and_Constantine.jpg |
336 Pope St. Mark; Constantine the Great's letter, which summoned a conference of bishops for the investigation of the Donatist dispute, is directed to Pope Miltiades and one Mark (Eusebius, Church History X.5). This Mark was evidently a member of the Roman clergy, either priest or first deacon, and is perhaps identical with the pope. The date of Mark's election (18 Jan., 336) is given in the Liberian Catalogue of popes (Duchesne, "Liber Pontificalis", I, 9), and is historically certain; so is the day of his death (7 Oct.), which is specified in the same way in the "Depositio episcoporum" of Philocalus's "Chronography", the first edition of which appeared also in 336. |
336 St. Julius elected Pope to succeed Pope St. Mark on February 6, 337 built several basilicas and churches in Rome declared that Athanasius was the rightful bishop of Alexandria and reinstated him |
366-384
Pope
Saint Damasus I 384 Pope
Saint Damasus I Dec 11 commissioned
Saint Jerome translate Scriptures in Latin. At Rome, St. Damasus,
pope and confessor, condemned the heresiarch Apollinaris, and restored to
his See Peter, bishop of Alexandria, who had been driven from it. He
also discovered the bodies of many holy martyrs and composed verses in their
honour.
|
384-399
Pope St. Siricius;
lector then Roman Church deacon during Liberius (352-66) pontificate; After death of Damasus, Siricius unanimously
elected successor. Pope Benedict XIV added the name of St Siricius
to the Roman Martyrology, with the statement that he was “distinguished for
his learning, piety and zeal for religion, condemning various heretics and
strengthening ecclesiastical discipline by very salutary decrees”.
A letter, questions asked on 15 different points
concerning baptism, penance, church discipline,
and the celibacy of the clergy, came to Rome
addressed to Pope Damasus by Bishop Himerius of Tarragona,
Spain. Siricius answered this letter on 10 February,
385, and gave decisions, exercising full consciousness his
supreme power of authority in the Church (Coustant, "Epist.
Rom. Pont.", 625 sq.). This letter of Siricius is of special
importance because it is the oldest completely preserved papal
decretal (edict for the authoritative decision of questions of
discipline and canon law). In all his decrees the pope
speaks with the consciousness of his supreme ecclesiastical
authority and of his pastoral care over all the churches.
Siricius was also obliged to take a stand against heretical movements;
Jovinian & 8 followers
condemned /excluded from communion with the Church;
Bishop Bonosus of Sardica
(390), accused of errors in the Trinity dogma & false doctrine that Mary was
not always a virgin; He sharply condemned episcopal accusers
of Priscillian because of that execution; took severe measures against Manichæans
at Rome; In the
East Siricius interposed to settle the Meletian schism
at Antioch; At Rome Siricius with basilica over the grave
of St. Paul on Via Ostiensis rebuilt by the emperor as a
basilica of five aisles during pontificate of Siricius dedicated
by in him 390; Siricius's name is still to be found on a pillar not destroyed
in the fire of 1823, and now stands in the
vestibule of the side entrance to the transept.
|
399-401 Anastasius
I, Pope condemnation of Origen
Saint Jerome helped him in his own way Saints Augustine and Paulinus of Nola praised his model of sanctity |
401-417 St. Innocent I 401-417 |
St. Zosimus
417-418 |
418-422
St. Boniface
I Boniface ardently supported St.
Augustine in combating Pelagianism. Having received
two Pelagian letters calumniating Augustine, he sent them
to him. In recognition of this solicitude Augustine dedicated
to Boniface his rejoinder contained in "Contra duas Epistolas
Pelagianoruin Libri quatuor". |
422-432 Celestine
I Pope treatise against semi-Pelagianism
Romæ sancti Cælestíni Papæ Primi, qui damnávit Constantinopolitánum Epíscopum Nestórium, Pelagiúmque fugávit; cujus étiam auctoritáte universális sancta Synodus Ephesína advérsus eúndem Nestórium celebráta est. At Rome, Pope St. Celestine I, who had condemned Nestorius, bishop of Constantinople, and put Pelagius to flight. By his command the holy universal Council of Ephesus was also held against the same Nestorius.(RM) |
432 - 440 Pope Saint
Sixtus III was pope from July 31, 432
to August 18
440 ST SIXTUS, OR XYSTUS,
III, POPE St. Leo the First, pope and confessor,
who was surnamed the Great. His birthday falls
on the 10th of November. In the Latin Church the feast day of the great pope is held on 11 April, and in the Eastern Church on 18 February. Leo's pontificate, next to that of St. Gregory I, is the most significant and important in Christian antiquity. Sixtus was one of the principal clergy of the Roman church before his pontificate, and when he succeeded Pope St Celestine I in 432 St Prosper of Aquitaine wrote that, “We trust in the protection of the Lord, and that what He has done for us in Innocent, Zosimus, Boniface and Celestine He will do also in Sixtus; and as they guarded the flock against declared and openly professed wolves, so he may drive off the hidden ones”, referring to the teachers of Semi-Pelagianism. He was not disappointed; but St Sixtus was of a peace-loving nature and conciliatory in his policy, so that some of the hot-heads of orthodoxy were dissatisfied and did not scruple to accuse the pope of Pelagian and Nestorian leanings. Among other buildings in the City,
St Sixtus III restored the Liberian basilica,
now called St Mary Major, and in it he set up
this noble inscription “0 Virgin Mary, I, Sixtus, have
dedicated a new temple to thee, an offering worthy of the
womb that brought to us salvation. Thou, a maiden knowing
not man, didst bear and bring forth our Salvation. Behold! These martyrs,
witnesses to Him who was the fruit of thy womb, bear to
thee their crowns of victory, and beneath their feet lie
the instruments of their passion—sword, flame, wild beast,
water and cruel poison: one crown alike awaits these divers
deaths.” Over the arch of the apse can still be read the words
in mosaic: “Sixtus the bishop for the people of God.”
|
440-461
Sancti
Leónis Papæ Primi, cognoménto
Magni, Confessóris et Ecclésiæ
Doctóris, cujus dies natális
recólitur quarto Idus Novémbris. 29 September 440 to his death on 10 November 461 |
468 St.
Hilarius 461-468 St. Hilary,
Pope from 461-468 guardian of Church
unity sent decree to Eastern bishops validating
decisions of General Councils Nicaea Ephesus and
Chalcedon. Hilary consolidated the Church in Sandi,
Africa, and Gaul. 468 St. Hilary, Pope from 461-468
guardian of Church unity sent decree to Eastern bishops
validating decisions of General Councils Nicaea Ephesus
and Chalcedon. Hilary consolidated the Church in Sandi,
Africa, and Gaul Rom
æ sancti Hílari,
Papæ et Confessóris.
At Rome, St. Hilary, pope and confessor.
|
483 -
492 492 ST. FELIX
III Pope helped to get the Church in
Africa on its feet |
492 496
Pope
St. Gelasius I feast Nov 21 conspicuous for his spirit of prayer, penance,
and study. He took great delight in the company
of monks, and was a true father to the poor. Pope Anastasius II 496-498 A native of Rome, elected 24 Nov., 496; d. 16 Nov., 498. His congratulatory letter to Clovis, on the occasion of the latter's conversion is now deemed a forgery of the seventeenth century (J. Kavet, Bibl. de l ec. des Chartres, 1885, XLVI, 258-59). He insisted in the removal from the diptychs of the name of Acacius, Patriarch of Constantinople, but recognized the validity of his sacramental acts, an attitude that displeased the Romans. He also condemned Traducianism. |
498-514 Pope St. Symmachus. In the city of Rome, according to the "Liber pontificalis", the pope took severe measures against the Manichæans, ordered the burning of their books, and expelled them from the city. He erected or restored and adorned various churches. Thus he built a Church of St. Andrew near St. Peter's, a Basilica of St. Agnes on the Via Aurelia, adorned the Church of St. Peter's, completely rebuilt the Basilica of Sts. Sylvester and Martinus, and made improvements over the Catacomb of the Jordani on the Via Salaria. He built episcopal houses (episcopia) to the right and left of the parvis of St. Peter's. These buildings were evidently connected with the residence of the pope for several years near St. Peter's during the disorders of the Laurentian schism. He also built asylums for the poor near the three churches of St. Peter, St. Paul, and St. Laurence that were outside the city walls. The pope contributed large sums for the support of the Catholic bishops of Africa who were persecuted by the rulers of the Arian Vandals. He also aided the inhabitants of the provinces of upper Italy who suffered so sorely from the invasion of the barbarians. After his death he was buried at St. Peter's. Symmachus is venerated in the Roman Church as a saint. |
523-526 Pope St. John I inherited the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ. Italy had been ruled for 30 years by an emperor who espoused the heresy, though he treated the empire’s Catholics with toleration. His policy changed at about the time the young John was elected pope. |
526-530
Pope
St. Felix IV; On 18 May, 526, Pope John I died
in prison at Ravenna, a victim of the angry suspicions
of Theodoric, the Arian king of the Goths. When, through
the powerful influence of this ruler, the cardinal-priest,
Felix of Samnium, son of Castorius, was brought forward in
Rome as John's successor, the clergy and laity yielded to
the wish of the Gothic king and chose Felix pope. He was consecrated
Bishop of Rome 12 July, 526, and took advantage of the favor
he enjoyed at the court of Theodoric to further the interests
of the Roman Church, discharging the duties of his office in
a most worthy manner. Felix also took part in the so-called Semipelagian
conflict in Southern Gaul concerning the nature and efficiency
of grace. He sent to the bishops of those parts a series
of "Capitula", regarding grace and free will, compiled from Scripture
and the Fathers. These capitula were published as canons at
the Synod of Orange (529). In addition Felix approved the work of
Caesarius of Arles against Faustus of Riez on grace and free will
(De gratia et libero arbitrio).
|
533-535 John II first who changed his name on being raised to the papacy "Johannes surnamed Mercurius" (2 Jan., 533). John always remained on good terms with Athalaric, who referred to his tribunal all actions brought against the Roman clergy. Justinian also showed his good will to the See of Rome in John's person. He sent him his profession of faith and many valuable presents. |
536
Pope Agapitus
I archdeacon opposed Monophysites Pope
(RM) Constantinópoli sancti Agapíti Papæ Primi, cujus sánctitas a beáto Gregório Magno commendátur. Ipsíus autem corpus, póstea Romam relátum, in Vaticáno cónditum est. At Constantinople, Pope St. Agapitus the First, whose sanctity was praised by St. Gregory the Great. His body was afterwards taken to Rome and buried in the Vatican. |
535-537 Silverius
Pope son of Pope Saint Hormisdas
died a martyr's death after less than two years
in office M (RM) |
537-555 Pope Vigilius |
590-604 Pope St.
Gregory I ("the Great")
Doctor of the Church; born at Rome about 540; died 12 March 604. Gregory is certainly one of the most notable figures in Ecclesiastical History. He has exercised in many respects a momentous influence on the doctrine, the organization, and the discipline of the Catholic Church. To him we must look for an explanation of the religious situation of the Middle Ages; indeed, if no account were taken of his work, the evolution of the form of medieval Christianity would be almost inexplicable. And further, in so far as the modern Catholic system is a legitimate development of medieval Catholicism, of this too Gregory may not unreasonably be termed the Father. Almost all the leading principles of the later Catholicism are found, at any rate in germ, in Gregory the Great. (F.H. Dudden, "Gregory the Great", 1, p. v). He is also known as Gregory Dialogus (the Dialogist) in Eastern Orthodoxy because of the Dialogues he wrote. He was the first of the Popes from a monastic background. Gregory is a Doctor of the Church and one of the four great Latin Fathers of the Church (the others being Ambrose, Augustine, and Jerome). Of all popes, Gregory I had the most influence on the early medieval church. |
St. Boniface IV 608-615 25 May converted Pantheon into a Christian Church, the temple by Agrippa to Jupiter the Avenger, to Venus, and to Mars consecrated by the pope to the Virgin Mary and all the Martyrs. (Hence the title S. Maria Rotunda.) the first instance at Rome of a pagan temple into a place of Christian worship. |
615 618 Pope St. Deusdedit (Adeodatus I). Date of birth unknown; consecrated pope, 19 October (13 November), 615; d. 8 November (3 December), 618; He was born in Rome, the son of a subdeacon. He is the first priest to be elected pope since John II in 533. He was a priest for 40 years prior and represents the second wave of anti-Gregorian challenge to the papacy, the first being that of Sabinian. He reversed the practice of his predecessor, Boniface IV, of filling the papal adminstative ranks with monks by recalling the clergy to such positions and by ordaining some 14 priests (the first ordinations in Rome since Pope Saint Gregory). distinguished for his charity and zeal. He encouraged and supported the clergy, who were impoverished in consequence of the political troubles of the time; and when his diocese was visited by a violent earthquake and the terrible scourge of leprosy he set an heroic example by his efforts to relieve the suffering. The few decretals ascribed to him are unauthenticated. One dating from his reign is still preserved, the obverse of which represents the Good Shepherd in the midst of His sheep, with the letters Alpha and Omega underneath, while the reverse bears the inscription: Deusdedit Papæ. His feast occurs 8 November. Pope Saint Adeodatus I or Deodatus I (which is Given by God in Latin, also called Deusdedit, which is God Has Given; both are now considered variants of the same name) (died November 8, 618) was pope from 615 to 618. According to tradition, he was the first pope to use lead seals (bullae) on papal documents, which in time came to be called "papal bulls". One bulla dating from his reign is still preserved, the obverse of which represents the Good Shepherd in the midst of His sheep, with the letters Alpha and Omega underneath, while the reverse bears the inscription: Deusdedit Papæ. |
625-638 Pope Honorius
Character and work of Honorius Pope Honorius was much respected and died with an untarnished reputation. Few popes did more for the restoration and beautifying of churches of Rome, and he has left us his portrait in the apsidal mosaic of Sant Agnese fueri le mura. He cared also for the temporal needs of the Romans by repairing the aqueduct of Trajan. His extant letters show him engaged in much business. He supported the Lombard King Adalwald, who had been set aside as mad by an Arian rival. He succeeded, to some extent, with the emperor's assistance, in reuniting the schismatic metropolitan See of Aquileia to the Roman Church. He wrote to stir up the zeal of the bishops of Spain, and St. Braulio of Saragossa replied. His connexion with the British Isles is of interest. He sent St. Birinus to convert the West Saxons. In 634 he gave the pallium to St. Paulinus of York, as well as to Honorius of Canterbury, and he wrote a letter to King Edwin of Northumbria, which Bede has preserved. In 630 he urged the Irish bishops to keep Easter with the rest of Christendom, in consequence of which the Council of Magh Lene (Old Leighlin) was held; the Irish testified to their traditional devotion to the See of Peter, and sent a deputation to Rome "as children to their mother". On the return of these envoys, all Southern Ireland adopted the Roman use (633). |
640-642
Pope
John IV Saint Venantius a Dalmatian
bishop whose body was brought to the Lateran at
Spalato by Pope John IV in 641 In the Latin Church the feast day of the great pope is held on 11 April, and in the Eastern Church on 18 February. While still only pope-elect, John, with the other rulers of the Roman Church, wrote to the clergy of the North of Ireland to tell them of the mistakes they were making with regard to the time of keeping Easter, and exhorting them to be on their guard against the Pelagian heresy. About the same time he condemned Monothelism. Emperor Heraclius immediately disowned the Monothelite document known as the "Ecthesis". To Heraclius' son, Constantine III, John addressed his apology for Pope Honorius I, in which he deprecated the attempt to connect the name of Honorius with Monothelism. Honorius, he declared, in speaking of one will in Jesus, only meant to assert that there were not two contrary wills in Him. |
655 Pope St.
Martin I of noble birth, great student,
commanding intelligence, profound learning, great charity
to the poor Saint Martin
the Confessor, Pope of Rome native of the Tuscany convened
Lateran Council at Rome condemn Monothelite heresy
last martyred Pope. |
681
Pope St. Agatho 678-681
a
holy death, concluded a life remarkable
for sanctity and learning. Romæ sancti Agathónis Papæ, qui, sanctitáte et doctrína conspícuus, quiévit in pace. At Rome, Pope St. Agatho, who, by a holy death, concluded a life remarkable for sanctity and learning. 681 ST AGATHO, POPE AGATHO, a Sicilian Greek
by birth, was remarkable for his benevolence
and an engaging sweetness of temper. He had been
married and engaged in secular pursuits for twenty years
before he became a monk at Palermo; and was treasurer of
the Church at Rome when he succeeded Donus in the pontificate
in 678. He presided by his three legates at the sixth general
council (the third of Constantinople) in 680 against the
monothelite heresy, which he confuted in a learned letter by
the tradition of the apostolic church of Rome “acknowledged”, says
he, “by
the whole
Catholic Church to be the mother and mistress
of all churches, and to derive her superior authority
from St Peter, the prince of the apostles, to whom Christ
committed His whole flock, with a promise that his faith
should never fail”. This epistle was approved as a rule of
faith by the same council, which declared, “Peter spoke
by Agatho”.
|
683 Pope St. Leo II At Rome, in the Vatican basilica, to whom God miraculously restored his eyes and his tongue after they had been torn out by impious men. June 12 |
684-685 Pope
St. Benedict II distinguished knowledge
of the Scriptures and by his singing, and as a
priest was remarkable for his humility, love of the poor,
and generosity; Many of the churches of Rome were restored
by him; and its clergy, its deaconries for the care of the
poor, and its lay sacristans all benefited by his liberality. |
685-686 Pope John V; energy, learning, and moderation are highly praised by his biographer generosity showed itself in his liberal donations. |
687 to 701 Pope
Saint Sergius I; On April 10, 689, Sergius I baptised King
Caedwalla of Wessex in Rome. He also
ordained Saint Willibrord
as bishop of the Frisians, and the Liber Pontificalis
states he also ordained Berhtwald as Archbishop of Canterbury.
Pope Saint Sergius I (c. 650
– September 8, 701) was pope from 687 to
701. Selected to end a schism between Antipope
Paschal and Antipope Theodore, Sergius I ended the last
disputed sede vacante
of the Byzantine Papacy.
His papacy was dominated by his response to the Quinisext Council, whose canons he refused to accept. As a result of the dispute Justinian II ordered Sergius I's abduction (as his predecessor Constans II had done with Pope Martin I), but with the assistance of the exarch of Ravenna, Sergius I was able to avoid trial in Constantinople. Early life Sergius I came from an Antiochene Syrian family which had settled at Palermo in Sicily. Sergius left Sicily and arrived in Rome during the pontificate of Pope Adeodatus. A fellow Sicilian Pope Leo II ordained him cardinal-priest of Santa Susanna on June 27, 683 and he rose through the ranks of the clergy. He remained cardinal-priest of S. Susanna until his selection as pope. |
Popes in the 8th Century {off site} |
poor, and its lay sacristans all benefited by his liberality |
715 731 Gregory II, Perhaps the greatest of the great popes who occupied the chair of Peter during the eighth century; 89th Pope educated at the Lateran restore clerical discipline, fought heresies helped restore and rebuild churches (including Saint Paul-Outside-the-Walls), hospitals, and monasteries, including Monte Cassino under Petrona outstanding concern of pontificate -difficulties with Emperor Leo III the Isaurian |
731-741 Pope St. Gregory III; Nov 28: held two synods in Rome (731) in which the image-breaking heresy was condemned. By way of a practical protest against the emperor's action he made it a point of paying special honour to images and relics, giving particular attention to the subject of St. Peter's; Gregory III extended to St. Boniface the same support and encouragement which had been afforded him by Gregory II. "Strengthened exceedingly by the help of the affection of the Apostolic See", the saint joyfully continued his glorious work for the conversion of Germany. About 737 Boniface came to Rome for the third time to give an account of his stewardship, and to enjoy the pope's "life-giving conversation", At Gregory's order the monk and great traveller, St. Willibald, went to assist his cousin St. Boniface in his labours; got help from Charles Martel against the Lombards. |
741 -
752 Zachary
I, Pope known for his learning &
sanctity chosen pope in 741 to succeed Saint Gregory
III a peace-maker
and judged no man without a hearing. Zachary was also responsible for restoring Montecassino under Saint Petronax and
himself consecrated its abbey church in
748. The saint was known for aiding poor,
provided refuge to nuns driven from Constantinople by
iconoclasts, ransomed slaves from Venetians, forbade selling
of Christian slaves to Moors of Africa, translated
Saint Gregory the Great's Dialogues into Greek. Since "Zacharias
embraced and cherished all people like a father and a good
shepherd, and never allowed even the smallest injustice to
happen to anyone," was venerated as a saint immediately after
death
|
795-816 Leo III The large sums of money which Charlemagne gave to the papal treasury enabled Leo to become an efficient helper of the poor and a patron of art, and to renovate the churches, not only of Rome, but even of Ravenna. He employed the imperishable art of mosaic not merely to portray the political relationship between Charlemagne and himself, but chiefly to decorate the churches, especially his titular church of St. Susanna. Up to the end of the sixteenth century a figure of Leo in mosaic was to be seen in that ancient church; after Michael I came to the Byzantine throne, he ratified the treaty between him and Charlemagne which was to secure peace for East and West; |
817 St. Paschal I elected as the 94th pope on the day Pope Stephen IV (V) died, January 25, 817 unsuccessful in attempts to end the iconoclast heresy of Emperor Leo V, encouraged SS. Nicephorous and Theodore Studites in Constantinople to resist iconoclasm, and gave refuge to the many Greek monks who fled to Rome to escape persecution from the iconoclasts. |
820 867
Pope
St. Nicholas I; Nov 13; One of the great popes of the Middle Ages,
who exerted decisive influence upon the historical
development of the papacy and its position among the
Christian nations of Western Europe; At Rome, Nicholas rebuilt and endowed
several churches, and constantly sought to encourage religious
life. His own personal life was guided by a spirit of earnest Christian asceticism and profound piety. He was very highly esteemed by the citizens of Rome, as he was by his contemporaries generally; and after death was regarded as a saint. |
885 St.
Adrian
III Pope worked to mitigate the rigors of a famine in Rome: Miracles
Here |
John XII reigned 955-64 a coarse, immoral man, whose life was such that the Lateran was spoken of as a brothel, and the moral corruption in Rome became the subject of general odium. War and the chase were more congenial to this pope than church government. |
1048 1054 Leo IX "the pilgrim pope" reformer deacon a stern bishop holy man & army officer attempted stopping the schism (RM) During 20 years as prelate of Toul, known as stern bishop, disciplined lax priests brought order into the monasteries of his diocese. He took his spiritual advisor, Hildebrand (later Pope Saint Gregory VII), with him to Rome. What he had done formerly on a small scale he attempted to apply to the whole Church. First began earnest reform of curia. Leo combatted simony, enforced celibacy among clergy, encouraged development of chant and liturgy, condemned Berengarius, strove to prevent schism between Eastern and Western churches engineered by Emperor Michael Coerularius. Tirelessly travelled throughout western Europe to enforce reforms, became known as the pilgrim pope. Wherever he went he called together bishops and clergy in councils, inspiring them follow his lead. |
1055-157 Pope Victor II With untiring zeal he combated, like his predecessor, against simony and clerical concubinage. Being well supported by the emperor, he often succeeded where Leo IX had failed. On Pentecost Sunday, June 4, 1055, he held a large synod at Florence, in presence of the emperor and 120 bishops, where former decrees against simony and incontinence were confirmed and several offending bishops deposed. To King Ferdinand of Spain he sent messengers with threats of excommunication if he should continue in his refusal to acknowledge Henry III as Roman Emperor. Ferdinand submitted to the papal demands. Before the emperor returned to Germany he transferred to the pope the duchies of Spoleto and Camerino. Early in 1056 Victor II sent Hildebrand back to France to resume his labours against simony and concubinage, which he had begun under Leo IX. He appointed the archbishops Raimbaud of Arles and Pontius of Aix papal legates to battle against the same vices in Southern France. |
1058
1061 Pope
Nicholas II The papal electoral decree was issued
in Pope Nicholas II’s bull, In nominee Domini
on April 13, 1059, and was renewed in 1061. Simony,
the purchase or sale of sacred or spiritual things, was
halted, and the entire voting process was revised so that
only cardinal-bishops (not simply cardinals) would have the
right to vote with further affirmation of the Roman clergy
and laity. The pope should normally be a member of the Roman clergy but in case of necessity could come from outside Rome. (Pope Nicholas II was French clergy.) The election, if possible, was to be held at Rome, but it could be held elsewhere. The pope-elect would exercise full authority even if he was incapable of reaching Rome. The synod also legislated against clerical marriage and concubinage as well as prohibiting lay investiture. Pope Nicholas II, a reformer named Cardinal Hildebrand, future Pope Gregory VII reform’s greatest champion, Archdeacon of the Roman Church. |
1061-1073
Alexander
II Anselm of Lucca, leader of the reform
party especially in the Milanese
territory, where he was born at Baggio, of noble parentage.
Together
with Hildebrand, he had imbibed in Cluny
(q.v.) the zeal for reformation. The first theatre
of his activity was Milan, where he was one of the founders
of the Pataria, and lent to that great agitation against
simony and clerical incontinency the weight of his eloquence
and noble birth. The device of silencing him, contrived
by Archbishop Guido and other episcopal foes of reform in Lombardy,
viz. sending him to the court of the Emperor Henry III,
had the contrary effect of enabling him to spread the propaganda
in Germany. In 1057 the Emperor appointed him to the bishopric
of Lucca. With increased prestige, he reappeared twice in Milan
as legate of the Holy See, in 1057 in the company of Hildebrand,
and in 1059 with St. Peter Damiani. Under the able generalship of
this saintly triumvirate the reform forces were held well in hand, in
preparation for the inevitable conflict. The decree of Nicholas II
(1059) by which the right of papal elections was virtually vested in
the College of Cardinals, formed the issue to be fought and decided at
the next vacancy of the Apostolic Throne. The death of Pope Nicholas
two years later found both parties in battle array. The candidate of the
Hildebrandists, endorsed by the cardinals, was the Bishop of Lucca --
the other side put forward the name of Cadalus, Bishop of Parma, a protector
and example of the prevailing vices of the age. The cardinals met in
legal form and elected Anselm, who took the name of Alexander II. Before
proceeding to his enthronization, the Sacred College notified the
German Court of their action. The Germans were considered to have
forfeited the privilege of confirming the election reserved to
their king with studied vagueness in the decree of Nicholas II,
when they contemptuously dismissed the ambassador of the cardinals
without a hearing. Foreseeing a civil war, the cardinals on 30 September
completed the election by the ceremony of enthronization. Meanwhile
a deputation of the Roman nobles, who were enraged at their elimination
as a dominant factor in the papal elections, joined by deputies
of the unreformed episcopate of Lombardy, had proceeded to the
German Court with a request for the royal sanction to a new election.
The Empress Agnes, as regent for her ten-year-old son, Henry IV,
convoked an assembly of lay and clerical magnates at Basle; and here,
without any legal right, and without the presence of a single cardinal,
the Bishop of Parma was declared Pope, and took the name of Honorius
II (28 October). In the contest which ensued, Pope Alexander was supported
by the consciousness of the sanctity of his cause, by public opinion
clamouring for reform, by the aid of the allied Normans of southern Italy,
and by the benevolence of Beatrice and Matilda of Tuscany. Even in Germany
things took a favourable turn for him, when Anno of Cologne seized the
regency, and the repentant Empress withdrew to a convent. In a new diet,
at Augsburg (Oct., 1062), it was decided that Burchard, Bishop of Halberstadt
should proceed to Rome and, after investigating the election of Alexander
on the spot, make a report to a later assemblage of the bishops of Germany
and Italy. Burchard's report was entirely in favour of Alexander. The
latter defended his cause with eloquence and spirit in a council held
at Mantua, at Pentecost, 1064 (C. Wile, Benzos Panegyricus, Marburg, 1856),
and was formally recognized as legitimate Pope.
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1073-1085 Pope St. Gregory VII; One of the greatest of the Roman pontiffs
and one of the most remarkable men of all times
(HILDEBRAND);
Pope Saint Gregory VII (c. 1020/1025 – May 25, 1085), born Hildebrand of Soana (Italian: Ildebrando di Soana), was pope from April 22, 1073, until his death. One of the great reforming popes, he is perhaps best known for the part he played in the Investiture Controversy, his dispute with Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor affirming the primacy of the papal authority and the new canon law governing the election of the pope by the college of cardinals. He was at the forefront of both evolutionary developments in the relationship between the Emperor and the papacy during the years before becoming pope. He was beatified by Gregory XIII in 1584, and canonized in 1728 by Benedict XIII as Pope St. Gregory VII. He twice excommunicated Henry IV, who in the end appointed the Antipope Clement III to oppose him in the hardball political power struggles between church and Empire. Hailed as one of the greatest of the Roman pontiffs and one of the most remarkable men of all times, Gregory was contrastingly described by the atheist anti-Catholic English writer Joseph McCabe as "a rough and violent peasant, enlisting his brute strength in the service of the monastic ideal which he embraced." The tenth century, the saddest, perhaps, in Christian annals, characterized by the vivid remark of Baronius that Christ was as if asleep in the vessel of the Church. At the time of Leo IX's election in 1049, according to the testimony of St. Bruno, Bishop of Sengi, the whole world lay in wickedness, holiness had disappeared, justice had perished and truth had been buried; Simon Magus lording it over the Church, whose bishops and priests were given to luxury and fornication" (Vita S. Leonis PP. IX in Watterich, Pont. Roman, Vitae, I, 96). St. Peter Damian, the fiercest censor of his age, unrolls a frightful picture of the decay of clerical morality in the lurid pages of his "Liber Gomorrhianus" (Book of Gomorrha). Though allowance must no doubt be made for the writer's exaggerated and rhetorical style--a style common to all moral censors-- yet the evidence derived from other sources justifies us in believing that the corruption was widespread. In writing to his venerated friend, Abbot Hugh of Cluny (Jan., 1075), Gregory himself laments the unhappy state of the Church in the following terms: "The Eastern Church has fallen away from the Faith and is now assailed on every side by infidels. Wherever I turn my eyes--to the west, to the north, or to the south--I find everywhere bishops who have obtained their office in an irregular way, whose lives and conversation are strangely at variance with their sacred calling; who go through their duties not for the love of Christ but from motives of worldly gain. There are no longer princes who set God's honour before their own selfish ends, or who allow justice to stand in the way of their ambition... With
admirable discernment, Gregory began his
great work of purifying the Church by a reformation
of the clergy. At his first Lenten Synod (March, 1074)
he enacted the following decrees: That clerics who
had obtained any grade or office of sacred orders by payment
should cease to minister in the Church. That no one who
had purchased any church should retain it, and that no one
for the future should be permitted to buy or sell ecclesiastical
rights. That all who were guilty of incontinence should cease
to exercise their sacred ministry. That the people should reject
the ministrations of clerics who failed to obey these injunctions.
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1086-1087 Pope Blessed Victor III; enter the monastery of S. Sophia at Benevento where he received the name of Desiderius; the greatest of all the abbots of Monte Cassino with the exception of the founder, and as such won for himself "imperishable fame" (Gregorovius); Peter the Deacon gives (op. cit., III, 63) a list of some seventy books which Desiderius caused to be copied at Monte Cassino; they include works of Sts. Augustine, Ambrose, Bede, Basil, Jerome, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Cassian, the registers of Popes Feliz and Leo, the histories of Josephus, Paul Warnfrid, Jordanus, and Gregory of Tours, the "Institutes" and "Novels" of Justinian, the works of Terence, Virgil, and Seneca, Cicero's "De natura deorum", and Ovid's "Fasti"; Undoubtedly the chief importance of Desiderius in papal history lies in his influence with the Normans, an influence which he was able repeatedly to exert in favour of the Holy See; refused the Papacy several times due to his ill health. |
1088-1099 Pope Bl. Urban II Under St. Bruno (afterwards founder of the Carthusians) Otho studied at Reims, where he later became canon and archdeacon. About 1070 he retired to Cluny and was professed there under the great abbot St. Hugh. After holding the office of prior he was sent by St. Hugh to Rome as one of the monks asked for by Gregory VII, and he was of great assistance to Gregory in the difficult task of reforming the Church. In 1078 he became Cardinal Bishop of Ostia and Gregory's chief adviser and helper. During the years 1082 to 1085 he was legate in France and Germany. While returning to Rome in 1083 he was made prisoner by the Emperor Henry IV, but was soon liberated. Whilst in Saxony (1084-5) he filled many of the vacant sees with men faithful to Gregory and deposed those whom the pope had condemned. He held a great synod at Quedlinburg in Saxony in which the antipope Guibert of Ravenna and his adherents were anathematized by name. Victor III had already been elected when Otho returned to Rome in 1085. Otho appears to have opposed Victor at first, not through any animosity or want of good will, but because he judged it better, at so critical a time, that Victor should resign the honour he was unwilling to retain. After Victor's death a summons was sent to as many bishops of the Gregorian party as possible to attend a meeting at Terracina. It was made known at this meeting that Otho had been suggested by Gregory and Victor as their successor. Accordingly, on 12 March, 1088, he was unanimously elected, taking the title of Urban II. |
Pope Paschal II Succeeded Urban II, and reigned from 13 Aug., 1099, till he died at Rome, 21 Jan., 1118. He gave his approval to the new orders of Cîteaux and Fontevrauld. On his numerous journeys he brought the papacy into direct contact with the people and dedicated a large number of churches. If it was not given to him to solve the problem of Investitures, he cleared the way for his more fortunate successor. |
1145-1153
Bd
Eugenius III, Pope Cistercian monk at Clairvaux;
he took in religion the name of Bernard, his
great namesake being his superior at Clairvaux
1145-1153 EUGENIUS III. (Bernardo Paganelli), pope from the 15th of February 1145 to the 8th of July 1153, a native of Pisa, was abbot of the Cistercian monastery of St Anastasius at Rome when suddenly elected to succeed Lucius II. His friend and instructor, Bernard of Clairvaux, the most influential ecclesiastic of the time, remonstrated against his election on account of his "innocence and simplicity," but Bernard soon acquiesced and continued to be the mainstay of the papacy throughout Eugenius's pontificate. Eugene is said to have gained the affection of the people by his affability and generosity. He died at Tivoli, whither he had gone to avoid the summer heats, and was buried in front of the high altar in St. Peters, Rome. St. Bernard followed him to the grave (20 Aug.). "The unassuming but astute pupil of St. Bernard", says Gregorovius, "had always continued to wear the coarse habit of Clairvaux beneath the purple; the stoic virtues of monasticism accompanied him through his stormy career, and invested him with that power of passive resistance which has always remained the most effectual weapon of the popes." St. Antoninus pronounces Eugene III "one of the greatest and most afflicted of the popes". Pius IX by a decreed of 28 Dec., 1872, approved the cult which from time immemorial the Pisans have rendered to their countryman, and ordered him to be honoured with Mass and Office ritu duplici on the anniversary of his death |
1159-81
Pope
Alexander III; In the estimation of
Rome, Italy, and Christendom, Alexander III's
epitaph expresses the truth, when it calls him "the Light
of the Clergy, the Ornament of the Church, the Father of his
City and of the World." |
1198 - 1216 Pope Innocent III; One of the greatest popes of the Middle Ages; a learned theologian; one of the greatest jurists of his time; held various ecclesiastical offices during short reigns of Lucius III, Urban III, Gregory VIII, and Clement III; re-established papal authority in Rome; scarcely a country in Europe over which Innocent III did not in some way or other assert supremacy he claimed for the papacy; During his reign two great founders of the mendicant orders, St. Dominic and St. Francis, laid before him their scheme of reforming the world. Innocent was not blind to the vices of luxury and indolence which had infected many of the clergy and part of the laity. In Dominic and Francis he recognized two mighty adversaries of these vices and he sanctioned their projects with words of encouragement. He wrote "De quadripartita specie nuptiarum" (P. L., CCXVII, 923-968), an exposition of the fourfold marriage bond, namely, between man and wife, between Christ and the Church, between God and the just soul, between the Word and human nature - - entirely based on passages from Holy Scripture. |
1216-1227
Honorius
III he set his mind on the achievement
of two great things, the recovery of the Holy Land
in the Fifth Crusade and a spiritual reform of the entire
Church; but quite in contrast with Innocent III he sought
these achievements by kindness and indulgence rather
than by force and severity. |
1227-1241
Pope
Gregory IX During the thirteen years
and four months of his pontificate he created about
fourteen cardinals, many of whom were members of religious
orders. The best known among them are Sinibald of
Fiesco, a learned canonist, who afterwards ascended the papal
throne as Innocent IV; Raynald of Segni, a nephew of Gregory
IX, who succeeded Innocent IV as Alexander IV; Otto of Montferrat,
who spent over three years (1237-1240) as papal legate in
England; Jacob of Vitry, an author, confessor of St. Mary of
Oignies, whose life he wrote (Acta SS., June, IV, 636-66); St.
Francis Nonatus; and the learned and pious Englishman, Robert of
Somercote, who, it is said, would have succeeded Gregory IX on the
papal throne had he not died during the conclave (26 Sept., 1241).
Gregory IX was also a man of learning, which he encouraged in various
ways. He bestowed many privileges on the University of Paris, his
Alma Mater, but also watched carefully over its professors,
whom he warned repeatedly against the growing tendency of subjecting
theology to philosophy by making the truth of the mysteries of faith
dependent on philosophical proofs. He also possesses the great merit
of having again made Aristotelianism the basis of scholastic philosophy,
after the Physics of Aristotle had been prohibited in 1210; and his
Metaphysics in 1215. The prohibition of Aristotle was meant only
for the perverted Latin translation of his works and their Averroistic
commentaries. Gregory IX commissioned William of Auvergne and other learned
men to purge the works of Aristotle of their errors and thus made them
again accessible to students. Among the greatest achievements of Gregory
IX must be counted the collection of papal decretals, a work with which
he entrusted Raymond of Pennaforte and which was completed in 1234
(see DECRETALS).
(UGOLINO, Count of Segni
19-Mar-1227 to 22-Aug-1241). 1227- 1241 Pope Gregory IX He sent monks to Constantinople to negotiate with the Greeks for church unity, but without result. He canonized Saints Elizabeth of Thuringia, Dominic, Anthony of Padua and Francis of Assisi. He permitted free study of the Aristotelian writings, and issued (1234), through his chaplain, Raymond of Pennaforte, an important new compilation of decretals which he prescribed in the bull Rex Pacificus should be the standard textbook in canon law at the universities of Bologna and Paris. Gregory was famed for his learning and eloquence, his blameless life, and his great strength of character. |
Council of Lyons 1243 1254 Innocent IV (Sinibaldo de' Fieschi) In England, Innocent IV made his power felt by protecting Henry III against the lay as well as the ecclesiastical nobility. But here and in other countries many just complaints arose against him on account of the excessive taxes which he imposed upon the people. In Austria, he confirmed Ottocar, the son of King Wenzel, as duke, in 1252, and mediated between him and King Béla of Hungary in 1254. In Portugal, he appointed Alfonso III administrator of the kingdom, because the people were disgusted at the immorality and the tyranny of his father, Sancho III. He favoured the missions in Prussia, Russia, Armenia, and Mongolia, but owing to his continual warfare with Frederick II and his successors he neglected the internal affairs of the Church and allowed many abuses, provided they served to strengthen his position against the Hohenstaufen. He approved the rule of the Sylvestrines on 27 June, 1247, and that of the Poor Clares on 9 August, 1253. The following saints were canonized by him: Edmund Rich, Archbishop of Canterbury, on 16 December, 1246; William, Bishop of St-Brieuc, in 1247; Peter of Verona; Dominican inquisitor and martyr, in 1253; Stanislaus, Bishop of Cracow, in the same year. He is the author of "Apparatus in quinque libros decretalium", which was first published at Strasburg in 1477, and afterwards reprinted; it is considered the best commentary on the Decretals of Gregory IX. The registers of Innocent IV were edited by Elie Berger in four volumes (Paris, 1881-98) and his letters, 762 in number, by Rodenberg in "Mon. Germ. Epp. sæculi XIII", II (1887), 1-568. |
1276
Teobaldo Visconti Pope St. Gregory
X 1210-1276; 1283 BD JOHN
OF VERCELLI Immediately
on his election to the see of Rome, Bd Gregory
X imposed on John of Vercelli and his friars the task
of again pacifying the quarrelling states of Italy, and three
years later he was ordered to draw up a schema for the second
ecumenical Council of Lyons. At the council he met Jerome of
Ascoli (afterwards Pope
Nicholas IV), who had succeeded St Bonaventure
as minister general of the Franciscans, and the two addressed
a joint letter to the whole body of friars. Later on
they were sent together by the Holy See to mediate between Philip
III of France and Alfonso X of Castile, continuing the work of
peace-maker, in which John excelled. |
1277 Peter
of Tarentaise -a simple, humble friar
Blessed Pope Innocent V masterly tutelage of Saint
Albert the Great visited on foot all Dominican houses
under his care sent to Paris to replace Thomas Aquinas at the
University of Paris succeeded solving questions of Greek schism
establishing short-lived truce OP Pope (RM) 1277 Blessed Pope Innocent V; Peter of Tarentaise -a simple, humble friarmasterly tutelage of Saint Albert the Great visited on foot all Dominican houses under his care sent to Paris to replace Thomas Aquinas at the University of Paris succeeded solving questions of Greek schism establishing short-lived truce OP Pope (RM) |
1288-92 Jerome
Masci of Ascoli Pope
Nicholas IV second ecumenical Council
of Lyons; 1st Fransciscan Pope; In 1291
John of Monte Corvino (1247-1328) left Tabriz as
a legate of Pope Nicholas IV to the court of Kublai Khan.
An Italian merchant, a Dominican friar and John traveled
to western India where the Dominican died. When John and the
Italian merchant arrived in China in 1294, Kublai Khan had recently
died. Pope Nicholas IV (Lisciano, near Ascoli Piceno, September 30, 1227 – April 4, 1292), born Girolamo Masci, was Pope from February 22, 1288 to April 4, 1292. A Franciscan monk, he had been legate to the Greeks under Pope Gregory X (1271–76) in 1272, succeeded Bonaventure as general of his order in 1274, was made Cardinal Priest of Santa Prassede and Latin Patriarch of Constantinople by Pope Nicholas III (1277–80), Cardinal Bishop of Palestina by Pope Martin IV (1281–85), and succeeded Pope Honorius IV (1285–87) after a ten-months' vacancy in the papacy. |
1294 Pope St. Celestine V The birthday of St. Peter of Moroni who, while leading the life of an anchoret, was created Sovereign Pontiff and called Celestine V. He later abdicated the pontificate, and led a religious life in solitude, where, renowned for virtues and miracles, he went to the Lord. |
1304 Blessed Benedict XI Servites were solemnly approved by Blessed Benedict XI February 17 1304 Blessed Benedict XI, OP Pope he had "a vast store of knowledge, a prodigious memory, a penetrating genius, and (that) everything about him endeared him to all." In 1295, he received the degree of master of theology As papal legate Nicholas travelled to Hungary to try to settle a civil war there He worked to reconcile warring parties in Europe and the Church and to increase spirituality. His reign, short though it was, was noted for its leniency and kindness Many miracles were performed at his tomb, and there were several cures even before his burial (RM) |
1305-1314, Pope
Clement V Pope Clement V approved an Office of the Holy Name for the Franciscans.
|
1320 Pope John XXII |
1389-1404
Pope Boniface IX; He lacked good theological
training and skill in the conduct of curial business,
but was by nature tactful and prudent. His firm
charater and mild manner did much to restore respect for the
papacy in the countries of his own obedience (Germany,
England, Hungary, Poland, and the greater part of Italy);
In the course of his reign Boniface extinguished the
municipal independence of Rome and established the supremacy
of the pope. He secured the final adhesion of the Romans
(1398) by fortifying anew the Castle of Sant' Angelo,
the bridges, and other points of vantage. He also took over
the port of Ostia from its cardinal-bishop. In the Papal
States Boniface gradually regained control of the chief strongholds
and cities, and is the true founder of these States as they
appear in the fifteenth century. Owing to the faithlessness and
violence of the Romans he resided frequently at Perugia, Assisi,
and elsewhere. Clement VII, the Avignon pope, died 16 September,
1394. Boniface had excommunicated him shortly after his own election,
and in turn had been excommunicated by Clement. In 1392 Boniface attempted,
but in vain, to enter into closer relations with Clement for the
re-establishment of ecclesiastical unity, whereupon Boniface reasserted
with vigour his own legitimacy. Clement was succeeded at Avignon,
28 September, 1394, by Cardinal Pedro de Luna, as Benedict
XIII. Suffice it to say here that Boniface always claimed to be the
true pope, and at all times rejected the proposal to abdicate even
when it was supported by the principal members of his own obedience,
e.g. Richard II of England (1396), the Diet of Frankfort (1397), and
King Wenceslaus of Germany (Reims, 1398); Contemporary and later chroniclers
praise the political virtues of Boniface, also the purity of his
life, and the grandeur of his spirit. |
Benedictine monk canon lawyer reformer Guillaume de Grimoard |
1417
- 1431 Pope
Martin V; Nov 28 his journey to Rome, where
he arrived on 28 September, 1420. He at once set to work, establishing
order and restoring the dilapidated churches, palaces, bridges,
and other public structures. For this reconstruction he engaged
some famous masters of the Tuscan school, and thus laid the foundation
for the Roman Renaissance. When practically a new Rome had risen
from the ruins of the old, the pope turned his attention to the
rest of the Papal States, which during the schism had become an
incoherent mass of independent cities and provinces. After the death
of Braccio di Montone in June 1424, Perugia, Assisi, Todi and Jesi
freely submitted to the papal territory. Bologna again revolted in
1428, but returned to the papal allegiance in the following year. In
these activities, Martin V was greatly assisted by his kindred, the
Colonna family, whom he overwhelmed with important civil and ecclesiastical
offices. In his case, however, the charge of nepotism loses some of
its odiousness, for, when, he came to Rome, he was a landless ruler
and could look for support to no one except his relatives.
|
Pope Eugene IV (1383 – 25 February
1447), born Gabriele Condulmer, was pope from 3 March 1431
until his death. He was born in Venice to a rich merchant
family |
1445-1457
Nicholas V A name never to be mentioned without reverence
by every lover of letters; Council of Florence -- his familiarity
with Patristic and Scholastic theology gave
him a prominent place in the discussions with the Greek
bishops; works on which
he especially set his heart were the rebuilding of the Leonine
City, the Vatican, and the Basilica of St. Peter; Vatican Palace. Indeed it was he who first
made it the worthy residence of the popes. Some of his constructions still remain, notably the left side of the court of St. Damasus and the chapel of San Lorenzo, decorated with Fra Angelico's frescoes; The crowning glory of his pontificate was the foundation of the Vatican Library; His devotion to art and literature did not prevent him from the performance of his duties as Head of the Church. By the Concordat of Vienna (1448) he secured the recognition of the papal rights concerning bishoprics and benefices. He also brought about the submission of the last of the antipopes, Felix V, and the dissolution of the Synod of Basle (1449). In accordance with his general principle of impressing the popular mind by outward and visible signs, he proclaimed a Jubilee which was the fitting symbol of the cessation of the schism and the restoration of the authority of the popes (1450). Nicholas was small in stature and weakly in constitution. His features were clear-cut; his complexion pale; his eyes dark and piercing. In disposition he was lively and impetuous. A scholar rather than a man of action, he underrated difficulties, and was impatient when he was not instantly understood and obeyed. At the same time he was obliging and cheerful, and readily granted audience to his subjects. He was a man of sincere piety, simple and temperate in his habits, He was entirely free from the bane of nepotism, and exercised great care in the choice of cardinals. We may truly say that the lofty aims, the scholarly and artistic tastes, and the noble generosity of Nicholas form one of the brightest pages in the history of the popes. |
1455 - 1458 Pope Callistus III Alfonso de Borja (Italian Borgia) remarkable for his mortified life, his firmness of purpose, and prudence in face of serious difficulties; proclaimed innocence of the Maid of Orléans; chiefly concerned with the organization of Christian Europe against the invasion of the Turks. Callistus III must ever be regarded as a man of lofty ideals, of boundless courage, energy, and perseverance. He realized the dangers which then confronted Europe, and made every effort to unite its Christian princes for the defence of their own countries; if he failed, the blame must fall not on the pope, but on those who refused to hearken to his counsels. |
Pope Pius II, born Enea Silvio Piccolomini
(Latin Aeneas Sylvius ; 18 October 1405 – 14 August
1464) was Pope from 19 August 1458 until his death in
1464 |
Sixtus IV 1471-1481
Pope Sixtus IV (Latin: Xystus IV; 21 July 1414
– 12 August 1484), born Francesco della Rovere, was Pope
from 9 August 1471 to his death in 1484. His accomplishments
as pope included building the Sistine Chapel; the group of
artists that he brought together introduced the Early Renaissance
into Rome with the first masterpieces of the city's new artistic
age. He also established the Vatican Archives. Sixtus furthered
the agenda of the Spanish Inquisition and annulled the decrees of
the Council of Constance. He was famed for his nepotism and was personally
involved in the infamous Pazzi Conspiracy. The tomb of stands apart as the most beautiful work in the collection. Made for Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere (1471-1481) by Florentine sculptor Antonio Pollaiuolo, this 14- by 7-foot floor tomb in bronze is one of the most ambitious burial projects in the history of art. The bronze effigy of the Pope rests on a raised bier flanked by allegorical personifications of the virtues. The platform in turn, lies atop a supported decorated with the liberal arts, the first time they were showed in a funerary monument. The recently restored monument occupies a whole room with a balcony so visitors can climb up and view the astonishing tomb from above. It becomes easy to see how the nephew of Sixtus, Pope Julius II, could dream of the grand tomb planned by Michelang elo, three stories high and covered with 40 sculptures, but never completed. |
1523-1534 Clement VII (GIULIO DE’ MEDICI) |
1534 1549 Pope Paul III; contemporaries praise his proficiency in all the learning of the Renaissance, especially in his mastery of classical Latin and Italian; He wore the purple for over forty years, passing through the several gradations, until he became Dean of the Sacred College. In accordance with the abuses of his time, he accumulated a number of opulent benefices, and spent his immense revenue with a generosity which won for him the praises of artists and the affection of the Roman populace. His native ability and diplomatic skill, acquired by long experience, made him tower above his colleagues in the Sacred College, even as his Palazzo Farnese excelled in magnificence all the other palaces of Rome. That he continued to grow in favour under pontiffs so different in character as the Borgia, Rovera, and Medici popes is a sufficient proof of his tact. |
Pope Paul IV 1555 -- 1559 (GIOVANNI
PIETRO CARAFFA ). Born near Benevento, 28
June, 1476; elected 23 May, 1555; died
18 Aug., 1559. The Caraffa were one
of the most illustrious of the noble families
of Naples, and had given distinguished scions
to Church and State. The name of Cardinal Oliviero Caraffa
recurs frequently in the history of the papacy during the
days of the Renaissance. One of the great cardinal's merits
was that of superintending the training of his young relative,
Giovanni
Pietro, whom he introduced to the papal Court in 1494,
and in whose favour he resigned the See of Chieti (in Latin,
Theate), from which word he was thenceforward known as Theatinus.
Leo X sent him on an embassy to England and retained him for
some years as nuncio in Spain. His residence in Spain served to accentuate
that detestation of Spanish rule in his native land which
characterized his public policy during his pontificate.
From early childhood he led a blameless life; and that longing
for asceticism which had prompted him to seek admission
into the Dominican and the Camaldolese Orders asserted itself
in 1524 when he persuaded Clement VII, though with difficulty,
to accept the resignation of his benefices and permit him to enter
the congregation of clerics regular founded by St. Cajetan,
but popularly named "Theatines", after Caraffa, their first general.
|
1559-1565
Pope
Pius IV (31 March 1499 – 9 December 1565),
born Giovanni Angelo Medici, was Pope from
1559 to 1565. He is notable for presiding over the culmination
of the Council of Trent. On 18 January 1562 the council
of Trent, which had been suspended by Pope
Julius III, was opened for the third time. Great
skill and caution were necessary to effect a settlement
of the questions before it, inasmuch as the three principal
nations taking part in it, though at issue with regard
to their own special demands, were prepared to unite their
forces against the demands of Rome. Pius IV, however, aided by
Moroni and Charles Borromeo, proved himself equal to the emergency,
and by judicious management – and concession – brought the council
to a termination satisfactory to the disputants and favourable
to the pontifical authority. Its definitions and decrees were
confirmed by a papal bull dated 26 January 1564; and, though they
were received with certain limitations by France and Spain, the
famous Creed of Pius IV, or Tridentine Creed, became an authoritative
expression of the Catholic faith. The more marked manifestations
of stringency during his pontificate appear to have been prompted rather
than spontaneous, his personal character inclining him to moderation
and ease.
|
1566-1572 St
Pius V
1566-1572 Pope St. Pius V (MICHELE GHISLERI). Pope Pius V made this Missal mandatory throughout the Latin rite of the Catholic Church, except where a Mass liturgy dating from before 1370 was in use . He worked incessantly to unite the Christian princes against the hereditary enemy, the Turks. In the first year of his pontificate he had ordered a solemn jubilee, exhorting the faithful to penance and almsgiving to obtain the victory from God. He supported the Knights of Malta, sent money for the fortification of the free towns of Italy, furnished monthly contributions to the Christians of Hungary, and endeavoured especially to bring Maximilian, Philip II, and Charles I together for the defence of Christendom. |
1572-1585
Pope Gregory XIII (January 7, 1502 –
April 10, 1585), born Ugo Boncompagni; No other act of Gregory has gained for
him a more lasting fame than reform of the Julian
calendar completed introduced 1578. Closely connected
with the reform of the calendar is the emendation of the
Roman martyrology ordered by Gregory 1580.
In a brief, dated 14 January, 1584, Gregory XIII ordered that
the new martyrology should supersede all others. Another
great literary achievement of Gregory XIII is an official
Roman edition of the Corpus juris canonici. Shortly after
the conclusion of the Council of Trent, Pius IV appointed
a committee to bring out a critical edition of the Decree of Gratian;
increased to 35 (correctores Romani) by Pius V 1566. Gregory
XIII a member from the beginning; finally completed in 1582.
In the Briefs "Cum pro munere", dated 1 July, 1580, and "Emendationem",
dated 2 June, 1582, Gregory ordered that henceforth only
the emended official text was to be used and that in the future
no other text should be printed. Perhaps one of the happiest events during his pontificate was his arrival at Rome of four Japanese ambassadors on 22 March, 1585. They had been sent by the converted kings of Bungo, Arima, and Omura, in Japan, to thank the pope for the fatherly care he had shown their country by sending them Jesuit missionaries who had taught them the religion of Christ. |
1585-1590 Pope Sixtus V a Minorite: The talented young priest gained a high reputation as a preacher. At Rome, where in 1552 he preached the Lenten sermons in the Church of Santi Apostoli, his successful preaching gained for him the friendship of very influential men, such as Cardinal Carpi, the protector of his order; the Cardinals Caraffa and Ghislieri, both of whom became popes; St. Philip Neri and St. Ignatius. |
1592-1605
Pope
Clement VIII St. Philip Neri, for thirty years
was his confessor; To
him we owe the institution of the Forty Hours'
Devotion. He founded at Rome the Collegio Clementino for the
education of the sons of the richer classes, and augmented
the number of national colleges in Rome by opening the
Collegio Scozzese for the training of missionaries to
Scotland. The "Bullarium Romanum" contains many important
constitutions of Clement, notably one denouncing duelling
and one providing for the inviolability of the States of the
Church.
(IPPOLITO ALDOBRANDINI).He issued revised editions of the Vulgate (1598), the Breviary, the Missal, also the "Cæremoniale", and the "Pontificale". His remains repose in Santa Maria Maggiore, where the Borghesi, who succeed the Aldobrandini in the female line, erected a gorgeous monument to his memory. On February 27, 1601, Bd Mark Barkworth, who had been the originator and leader of the Benedictine movement among the English students at Valladolid, was martyred at Tyburn. Thereupon petitions were presented to the Holy See that the English monks might be free to go on the mission, and on December 5, 1602, Pope Clement VIII granted this faculty to those of both the Valladolid and Cassinese congregations |
1605-1621
Pope
Paul V; a canonist of marked ability;
watched vigilantly
over the interests of the Church in every nation.
Paul V was no more free from
nepotism than the other pontiffs of that century.
But if he seemed to show too many favours to his relatives,
it must be said that they were capable men of blameless
lives, and devoted their large revenues to the embellishment
of Rome. Paul had the honour of putting the finishing touches
to St. Peter's, which had been building for a century. He enriched
the Vatican Library, was fond of art, and encouraged Guido
Reni. He canonized St. Charles Borromeo and St. Frances of Rome.
He beatified Sts. Ignatius Loyola, Francis Xavier, Philip
Neri, Theresa the Carmelite, Louis Bertrand, Thomas of Villanova,
and Isidore of Madrid. During his pontificate a large number
of new institutes for education and charity added new lustre
to religion. His remains were placed in the magnificent Borghese
chapel in St. Mary Major's, where his monument is universally
admired.
(CAMILLO BORGHESE).
|
1623-1644 Pope
Urban VIII
to 1644. |
1644-1655
Pope
Innocent X |
1655-1667
Alexander VII;
Fabio Chigi, At
Münster Barbarigo became acquainted with
the apostolic nuncio, Fabio Chigi,
who was so favourably impressed with him that,
after he had been raised to the papal throne as Alexander VII, he showed the
young Venetian many tokens of his esteem and became
his strong Supporter. In 1657 he nominated him to the
bishopric of Bergamo, in 1660 he created him a cardinal, and
in 1664 he transferred him to the bishopric of Padua. February 13, 1599 – May 22, 1667, born Fabio Chigi, was Pope from April 7, 1655 until his death. |
1667-1669 Pope Clement IX; elected to the papacy by the unanimous Sacred College vote; idol of the Romans erudition application to business, his extreme charity, and his affability towards great and small; 2 days/week occupied confessional in St. Peter's church heard any one who wished to confess; frequently visited hospitals, lavish in alms to the poor; he did little or nothing to advance or enrich his family; aversion to notoriety, refused to permit his name to be placed on the buildings erected during his reign; declared blessed, Rose of Lima, first American saint, solemnly canonized S. Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi and St. Peter of Alcantara; death of the beloved pontiff was long lamented by Romans, who considered him, if not the greatest, at least the most amiable of the popes. |
Nicholas
Boccasino, the future Pope
Benedict XI |
1689 Bl. Innocent
XI Benedetto Odescalchi (Sept. 21, 1676 - Aug 12, 1689) Innocent XI was beatified Oct. 7, 1956, his feast day is August 13. |
1700 1721 Pope Clement XI Giovanni Francesco was sent to Rome in his 11th year to prosecute studies at the Roman College. He made rapid progress; known as an author at 18, translating from the Greek into elegant Latin. He attracted the notice of the patroness of Roman literati, Queen Christina of Sweden, who before he became of age enrolled him in her exclusive Accademia. With equal ardour and success, he applied himself to the profounder branches, theology and law, and was created doctor of canon and civil law. So brilliant an intellect, joined with stainless morals and piety, secured for him a rapid advancement at the papal court. At the age of twenty-eight he was made a prelate, and governed successively Rieti, Sabina, and Orvieto, everywhere acceptable on account of his reputation for justice and prudence. Recalled to Rome, he was appointed Vicar of St. Peter's, and on the death of Cardinal Slusio succeeded to the important position of Secretary of Papal Briefs, which he held for thirteen years, and for which his command of classical latinity singularly fitted him. On 13 February, 1690, he was created cardinal-deacon and later Cardinal-Priest of the Title of San Silvestro, and was ordained to the priesthood. |
1724 Pope Innocent XIII 1655 1724 Most Holy Name of Jesus extended this feast to the entire Church In 1721, Declared Isidore of Spain Doctor in 1711 |
1724-1730
Pope
Benedict XIII placed St John of the
Crux on the list of the saints; In government of his diocese, Cardinal
Orsini unremitting in labours and zeal; visited
even the most remote hamlets and was not less watchful over
temporal than over spiritual things; provided needs
of the people, repaired churches held a diocesan synod, the
decrees of which he published; In 1680, when Innocent XI
transferred him to Cesena, he left to the people of Siponto
a memorial of his apostolic activity, his devotion to the poor
and his constant preaching brought about a thorough-going
reformation among both clergy and people. Seeing on his frequent
journeys the condition of the churches in even the poorest parishes,
he neglected none and by the promulgation of strict rules, he
abolished all known abuses; This long delay weighed heavily on the soul
of Orsini, who commenced a novena of prayers to his patron,
St. Philip Neri, that the election of a new pope might be no longer
delayed. Before the novena was finished he saw with terror
that he himself would be chosen, and, reluctant to accept a position
which filled him with dread, he sought by all means in his power
to prevent his election. Against his oft repeated protestations
he was chosen 29 May, 1724, and even after the final vote was taken
he refused to yield, arguing that his age, his physical weakness,
his incapacity, and a resolution which he made never to become pope,
should exempt him from such a grave responsibility. He yielded only
when it was made clear to him that grave dangers were to be feared
if the conclave should be reopened. So with tears, and obeying the
command of the general of his order, he allowed himself to be proclaimed
pope; His first concern
as pope was to enforce rigidly ecclesiastical discipline. He issued
several decrees on ecclesiastical dress and was unsparing in his
efforts to abolish any semblance of luxury or worldly pomp among the
cardinals; Benedict's
theological writings were published in three volumes (Ravenna,
1728). |
1730-1740
Pope Clement
XII (LORENZO CORSINI). Born at Florence, 7 April, 1652; elected 12 July,
1730; died at Rome 6 February, 1740. The
pontificate of the saintly Orsini pope, Benedict
XIII, from the standpoint of the spiritual interests
of the Church, had left nothing to be desired. He had,
however, given over temporal concerns into the hands
of rapacious ministers; hence the finances of the Holy See
were in bad condition; there was an increasing deficit, and
the papal subjects were in a state of exasperation. It was no
easy task to select a man who possessed all the qualities demanded
by the emergency. After deliberating for four months, the
Sacred College united on Cardinal Corsini, the best possible
choice, were it not for his seventy-eight years and his failing
eyesight.
|
1740-1758 Pope
Benedict XIV is best known to history as a student
and a scholar. Though by no means a genius, his enormous
application coupled with more than ordinary cleverness
of mind made him one of the most erudite men of his time
and gave him the distinction of being perhaps the greatest
scholar among the popes. His character was many-sided,
and his range of interests large. His devotion to science and
the serious investigation of historical problems did not
interfere with his purely literary studies. "I have been reproached",
he once said, "because of my familiarity with Tasso and Dante
and Ariosto, but they are a necessity to me in order to give
energy to my thought and life to my style." This devotion to the arts
and sciences brought Lambertini throughout his whole life into
close and friendly contact with the most famous authors and scholars
of his time. Montfaucon, whom he knew in Rome, said of him, "Young
as he is, he has two souls: one for science, the other for society."
This last characterization did not interfere with his restless
activity in any of the many important positions which he was
called on to fill, nor did it diminish his marvellous capacity
for the most arduous work.
(PROSPERO LORENZO
LAMBERTINI.) |
1758-1769 Pope Clement XIII; Oct 20; the Jansenist Abbé Clément, a grudging witness, tells us that "he was called the saint (by his people), and was an exemplary man who, notwithstanding the immense revenues of his diocese and his private estate, was always without money owing to the lavishness of his alms-deeds, and would give away even his linen" |
1775 1799 Pope
Pius VI; Born at Cesena, 27 December,
1717; elected 15 February, 1775; died at Valence, France,
29 Aug., 1799. He was of a noble but impoverished family,
and was educated at the Jesuit College of Cesena and
studied law at Ferrara. After a diplomatic mission to Naples,
he was appointed papal secretary and canon of St. Peter's
in 1755. Clement XIII appointed him treasurer of the Roman
Church in 1766, and Clement XIV made him a cardinal in 1775.
He then retired to the Abbey of Subiaco, of which he was commendatory
abbot, until his election as Pius VI. the French
took Rome on 10 Feb., 1798, and proclaimed the Roman Republic
on 15 Feb. Because the pope refused to submit, he was forcibly
taken from Rome on the night of 20 Feb., and brought first to
Siena and then to Florence. At the end of March, 1799, though
seriously ill, he was hurried to Parma, Piacenza, Turin, then
over the Alps to Briançon and Grenoble, and finally
to Valence, where he succumbed to his sufferings before he
could be brought further. (GIOVANNI ANGELICO BRASCHI). |
1823-1829 Pope Leo
XII |
Pope Pius VIII |
1846--1878
Pius IX (Giovanni
Maria Mastai-Ferretti, devotion to Mary led him to favor the Proclamation
of the Immaculate Conception (December
8, 1854)
|
20 February, 1878;
20 July, 1903;
Pope
Leo XIII Gioacchino Vincenzo Raffaele
Luigi Pecci doctorate of theology; Civilization owes much to Leo for his stand
on the social question. The ecclesiastical sciences found a generous patron
in Pope Leo. Even among the Copts his efforts at reunion made headway. Under
Leo the Catholic Faith made great progress;
With regard to the Kingdom of Italy, Leo XIII
maintained Pius IX's attitude of protest; in Portugal
the Government ceased to support the Goan schism, and
in 1886 a concordat was drawn up. The United States at all times attracted the attention and admiration of Pope Leo. Throughout his entire pontificate he was able to keep on good terms with France; 1872 he introduced the government standards for studies of the secondary schools and colleges. Bishop of Perugia; 1843, appointed nuncio to Brussels. |
Pius_X_1903_14.jpg 1914 St. Pius X "I was born poor, I have lived in poverty, and I wish to die poor" On June 2, 1835, Giuseppe Melchiorre
Sarto saw the light of earth at Riesi,
Province of Treviso, in Venice; on August 20,
1914, he saw the light of heaven; and on May 29, 1954, he who had become the two
hundred fifty-ninth pope was canonized St. Pius X.
(Italian "Pope of the Blessed Sacrament," reigned 1903-1914)Two
of the most outstanding accomplishments of this
saintly Pope were the inauguration of the liturgical
renewal and the restoration
of frequent communion from childhood.
He also waged an unwavering war against the heresy
and evils of Modernism, gave great impetus to biblical
studies, and brought about the codification of Canon Law.
His overriding concern was to renew all things in Christ.
Above all, his holiness shown
forth conspicuously. From St. Pius X we
learn again that "the folly of the Cross", simplicity
of life, and humility of heart are still the highest
wisdom and the indispensable conditions of a perfect Christian
life, for they are the very source of all apostolic fruitfulness.
His
last will and testament bears the striking sentence: "I was born poor, I have lived in
poverty, and I wish to die poor." Europe was
plunged into World War I. Pius had foreseen it, but it
killed him. “This is the last affliction the Lord will visit
on me. I would gladly give my life to save my poor children from
this ghastly scourge.” He died a few weeks after the WWI began.
|
1914
- 1922 Benedict
XV Benedict was first a pope
struggling for peace. Benedict
XV's reign was an overture to the reigns of Pius XI and Pius XII.
Much that they achieved was initiated by him. But it was a muted
overture. The first four years and two months of his reign were the
years of the First World War. After the armistice Benedict reigned
for three years and two months, a period which was one of exhaustion and
then slow recovery from the carnage which had wasted so much of Europe..
James della Chiesa born 1854 |
Between 1846 and 1903, the Church experienced its two longest pontificates in history at that time. Together Pius IX and Leo XIII ruled for fifty-seven years. In 1914, the Cardinals choose Della Chiesa at the age of sixty, indicating their desire for another long-lasting pontificate at the outbreak of World War One, which he labelled “the suicide of civilized Europe”. The war and its consequences were the main focus of Della Chiesa. He declared the neutrality of the Holy See and attempted from that perspective to mediate peace in 1916 and 1917. Both sides rejected his initiatives. German Protestants rejected any “Papal Peace” as insulting. French politician Georges Clemenceau regarded the Vatican initiative as anti-French. Having failed with diplomatic initiatives, the Pope focused on humanitarian efforts to lessen the impacts of the war, such as attending prisoners of war, the exchange of wounded soldiers and food deliveries to needy populations in Europe. After the war, he repaired the
difficult relations with France, which re-established
relations with the Vatican in 1921. During
his pontificate, relations with Italy improved as
well, as the Pope now permitted Catholic politicians led
by Don Luigi Sturzo to participate in national Italian politics.
Benedict issued in 1917 the first ever Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church, the creation of which he had prepared with Pietro Gasparri and Eugenio Pacelli during the pontificate of Pius X. The new Canon law is considered to have stimulated religious life and activities throughout the Church. He named the Pietro Gasparri to be his Cardinal Secretary of State and personally consecrated Nuncio Eugenio Pacelli on May 13, 1917 as Archbishop on the very day of the Marian apparitions in Fatima. World War One created great damages for Catholic missions throughout the world. Benedict revitalized these activities, asking in Maximum Illud Catholics throughout the world to participate. His last concern was the emerging persecution of the Church in the Soviet Union and the famine there after the revolution. Less than seven years in office, Pope Benedict XV died on January 22, 1922. With his diplomatic skills and his openness towards the modern world, "he gained respect for himself and the papacy" Pietro Cardinal Gasparri Ph.D (May 5, 1852 – November 18, 1934) was a Roman Catholic archbishop, diplomat and politician in the Roman Curia and signatory of the Lateran Pacts.Born in Capovallazza di Ussita, province of Macerata, Gasparri served as the Apostolic delegate to Peru from 1898 to 1901, when he became a member of the Curia and returned to Rome. He was called to Rome in 1904
to take the post of Secretary for the Commission
for the Codification of Canon Law, in which he
spent the next 13 years in seclusion, digesting volumes
of decrees and studies compiled over centuries to create
the first definitive legal text in the history of Catholicism.
The size of his accomplishment is seen when the work he
gets done in 13 years on his own takes a team of canonists
24 years to simply revise.
He was made a Cardinal-Priest of S. Bernardo alle Terme in 1907, and served as the Cardinal Secretary of State from 1914 to 1930, when he retired to be succeeded by Eugenio Cardinal Pacelli the future Pope Pius XII. From 1916 until his death he was Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church, and Cardinal Pacelli also succeeded him in that position. He played a significant role in the codification of canon law, heading the effort that produced the Code of Canon Law of 1917. Beginning in 1929, he also played a significant early role in the codification of Eastern Catholic canon law. |
1922-1939
Pope
Pius XI Ambrogio Damiano Achille Ratti
declared St John of the Crux a
doctor
of the universal Church (1857 - 1939) Italian scholar & pope.
He issued the encyclical Quas Primas establishing the feast of
Christ the King, and took as his papal motto "Christ's peace in Christ's
kingdom". Pius XI fought the 2 ascendant ideologies of communism
and fascism. Onetime librarian/ mountain climber; reorganized archives.
Nevertheless, Pius XI was hardly a withdrawn and bookish figure. A
man of stature, he possessed an iron will and did not hesitate to
assert his position. Maria Soledad Micaela
Desmaisieres y Lopez de Dicastillo, often called Madre Sacramento because
she founded a religious Order of Sisters consecrated especially to the
Blessed Sacrament was beatified in 1925 and canonized
on March 4, 1934 by Pope Pius XI He canonized important saints including Albertus Magnus, Thomas More, Petrus Canisius, Konrad von Parzham and Don Bosco. He beatified and canonized Thérèse de Lisieux, for whom he held special reverence. He created the feast Christ the King in response to Mussolini's earthly dictatorship. St. Jane Antide Thouret Foundress Daughters of Charity a school for poor girls which later became the Daughters of Charity. She was canonized by Pope Pius XI. |
1939-1958
Pope Pius XII; 260th Pius XII wrote, "I have seen the 'miracle of
the sun,'
this
is the pure truth." four times; "4 p.m. on Oct. 30, 1950", again on "the 31st
of October and Nov. 1, the day of the definition
of the dogma of the Assumption, and then again
Nov. 8, then after that, no more. Occurred during his, "habitual walk in the Vatican
Gardens, reading and studying," having arrived to
the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, "toward the top of
the hill […] I was awestruck by a phenomenon that before
now I had never seen. The sun, which was still quite high,
looked like a pale, opaque sphere, entirely surrounded
by a luminous circle," he recounted. And one could look at
the sun, "without the slightest bother. There was a very light
little cloud in front of it." The Holy Father's note
goes on to describe "the opaque sphere" that "moved outward slightly,
either spinning, or moving from left to right and vice versa.
But within the sphere, you could see marked movements with
total clarity and without interruption."
Pius
XII is one of only two popes (along with
Pope Pius IX) to have invoked ex cathedra papal
infallibility by defining the dogma of the Assumption
of Mary, as proclaimed in the Apostolic constitution Munificentissimus
Deus. The magisterium includes almost 1,000 addresses
and radio broadcasts. His forty-one encyclicals, include
Mystici Corporis, the Church as the Body of Christ; Mediator
Dei on liturgy reform; Humani Generis on the Church's position
on theology and evolution. He eliminated the Italian majority
in the College of Cardinals with the Grand Consistory in 1946.
His canonisation process is in progress.Cardinal Bertone: Pius
XII Was Friend of Humanity
Recalls His Efforts in Favor of Peace MONTEFIASCONE, Italy, DEC. 23, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI's secretary of state says Pope Pius XII was a "sincere friend of humanity and a faithful servant of the Church" who is today unjustly vilified. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone said this Sunday at an event marking the conclusion of the anniversary of the Pontiff's death, Oct. 9 1958. The prelate dedicated his homily to the figure of this Pope and his efforts to promote peace during the Second World War, not only invoking an end to the violence, but also working for it, specifically "giving refuge to Jews who fled the Nazi fury." Just days before Christmas, the cardinal recalled another very different Christmas -- that of 1942 when the Pontiff delivered a radio message making an urgent appeal for peace. "In [the message], he indicated to the world the five essential points for constructing peace on solid bases in a new society: recognition and protection of the rights and dignity of the human person, the centrality of the family, the dignity of work and just salaries, legal security through a just legal system, and a concept of the state at the service of the person," Cardinal Bertone noted. But, he said, Pius XII "did not limit himself to proclaiming the need for peace, but rather he brought about a recognized and intense charitable activity in favor of the families affected by the tragic military events." In the same way, Cardinal Bertone added, "when the persecution against the Jews was unleashed, he gave precise and urgent orders to Catholic institutions in Rome so that they would open their doors to men, women and children, who were saved thanks to the courage and sensitivity of the Pope and the Church." |
1963 Pope_John_XXIII (1958 - 1963) |
1978 Pope Paul VI
Mantini Giovanni Battista Montini,
who was Bishop of Rome from 1963 to 1978
Pope Paul VI canonized Oliver Plunkett in 1975. |
Pope St. Clement
I Pope Clement I (called CLEMENS ROMANUS to distinguish him from the Alexandrian), is the first of the successors of St. Peter of whom anything definite is known, and he is the first of the "Apostolic Fathers". His feast is celebrated 23 November. He has left one genuine writing, a letter to the Church of Corinth, and many others have been attributed to him. III. THE EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS The Church of Corinth had been led by a few violent spirits into a sedition against its rulers. No appeal seems to have been made to Rome, but a letter was sent in the name of the Church of Rome by St. Clement to restore peace and unity. He begins by explaining that his delay in writing has been caused by the sudden calamities which, one after another, had just been falling upon the Roman Church. The reference is clearly to the persecution of Domitian. The former high reputation of the Corinthian Church is recalled, its piety and hospitality, its obedience and discipline. Jealousy had caused the divisions; it was jealousy that led Cain, Esau, etc., into sin, it was jealousy to which Peter and Paul and multitudes with them fell victims. The Corinthians are urged to repent after the example of the Patriarchs, and to be humble like Christ himself. Let them observe order, as all creation does. A curious passage on the Resurrection is somewhat of an interruption in the sequence: all creation proves the Resurrection, and so does the phoenix, which every five hundred years consumes itself, that its offspring may arise out of its ashes (23-6). Let us, Clement continues, forsake evil and approach God with purity, clinging to His blessing, which the Patriarchs so richly obtained, for the Lord will quickly come with His rewards, let us look to Jesus Christ, our High-Priest, above the angels at the right hand of the Father (36). Discipline and subordination are necessary as in an army and in the human body, while arrogance is absurd for man is nothing. The Apostles foresaw feuds, and provided for a succession of bishops and deacons; such, therefore cannot be removed at pleasure. The just have always been persecuted. Read St. Paul's first epistle to you, how he condemns party spirit. It is shocking that a few should disgrace the Church of Corinth. Let us beg for pardon- nothing is more beautiful than charity; it was shown by Christ when He gave His Flesh for our flesh, His Soul-for our souls; by living in this love, we shall be in the number of the saved through Jesus Christ, by Whom is glory to God for ever and ever, Amen (58). But if any disobey, he is in great danger; but we will pray that the Creator may preserve the number of His elect in the whole world.--Here follows a beautiful Eucharistic prayer (59-61). The conclusion follows: "We have said enough, on the necessity of repentance, unity, peace, for we have been speaking to the faithful, who have deeply studied the Scriptures, and will understand the examples pointed out, and will follow them. We shall indeed be happy if you obey. We have sent two venerable messengers, to show how great is our anxiety for peace among you" (62-4). "Finally may the all-seeing God and Master of Spirits and Lord of all flesh, who chose the Lord Jesus Christ and us through Him for a peculiar people, grant unto every soul that is called after His excellent and holy Name faith, fear, peace, patience, long-suffering, temperance, chastity, and soberness, that they may be well-pleasing unto His Name through our High Priest and Guardian. Jesus Christ, through whom unto Him be glory and majesty, might and honour, both now and for ever and ever, Amen. Now send ye back speedily unto us our messengers Claudius Ephebus and Valerius Bito, together with Fortunatus also, in peace and with joy, to the end that they may the more quickly report the peace and concord which is prayed for and earnestly desired by us, that we also may the more speedily rejoice over your good order. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and with all men in all places who have been called by God and through Him, through whom is glory and honour, power and greatness and eternal dominion, unto Him, from the ages past and for ever and ever. Amen." (64-5.) The style of the Epistle is earnest and simple, restrained and dignified, and sometimes eloquent. The Greek is correct, though not classical. The quotations from the Old Testament are long and numerous. The version of the Septuagint used by Clement inclines in places towards that which appears in the New Testament, yet presents sufficient evidence of independence; his readings are often with A, but are less often opposed to B than are those in the New Testament; occasionally he is found against the Septuagint with Theodotion or even Aquila (see H. B. Swete, Introd. to the 0. T. in Greek, Cambridge 1900). The New Testament he never quotes verbally. Sayings of Christ are now and then given, but not in the words of the Gospels. It cannot be proved, therefore, that he used any one of the Synoptic Gospels. He mentions St. Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians, and appears to imply a second. He knows Romans and Titus, and apparently cites several other of St. Paul's Epistles. But Hebrews is most often employed of all New Testament books. James, probably, and I Peter, perhaps, are referred to. (See the lists of citations in Funk and Lightfoot, Westcott, Introductions to Holy Scripture, such as those of Cornely, Zahn, etc., and "The New Test. in the Apost. Fathers", by a Committee of the Oxford Society of Hist. Theology, Oxford, 1906.) The tone of authority with which the letter speaks is noteworthy, especially in the later part (56, 58, etc.): "But if certain persons should be disobedient unto the words spoken by Him through us let them understand that they will entangle themselves in no slight transgression and danger; but we shall be guiltless of this sin" (59). "It may, perhaps, seem strange", writes Bishop Lightfoot, "to describe this noble remonstrance as the first step towards papal domination. And yet undoubtedly this is the case." (I, 70.) |
91 Romæ
sancti Anacléti, Papæ et Mártyris,
qui, post sanctum Cleméntem Ecclésiam
Dei regens, eam glorióso martyrio decorávit. At Rome, St. Anacletus, pope and martyr, who governed the Church of God after St. Clement, and shed lustre upon it by a glorious martyrdom. Pope St. Anacletus The second successor of St. Peter. Whether he was the same as Cletus, who is also called Anencletus as well as Anacletus, has been the subject of endless discussion. Irenaeus, Eusebius, Augustine, Optatus, use both names indifferently as of one person. Tertullian omits him altogether. To add to the confusion, the order is different. Thus Irenaeus has Linus, Anacletus, Clement; whereas Augustine and Optatus put Clement before Anacletus. On the other hand, the "Catalogus Liberianus", the "Carmen contra Marcionem" and the "Liber Pontificalis", all most respectable for their antiquity, make Cletus and Anacletus distinct from each other; while the "Catalogus Felicianus" even sets the latter down as a Greek, the former as a Roman. Among the moderns, Hergenröther (Hist. de l'église, I 542, note) pronounces for their identity. So also the Bollandist De Smedt (Dissert. vii, 1). Döllinger (Christenth. u K., 315) declares that "they are, without doubt, the same person"and that "the 'Catalogue of Liberius' merits little confidence before 230." Duchesne, "Origines chretiennes", ranges himself on that side also but Jungmann (Dissert. Hist. Eccl., I, 123) leaves the question in doubt. The chronology is, of course, in consequence of all this, very undetermined, but Duchesne, in his "Origines", says "we are far from the day when the years, months, and days of the Pontifical Catalogue can be given with any guarantee of exactness. But is it necessary to be exact about popes of whom we know so little? We can accept the list of Irenaeus -- Linus, Anacletus, Clement, Evaristus, Alexander, Xystus, Telesphorus, Hyginus, Pius, and Anicetus. Anicetus reigned certainly in 154. That is all we can say with assurance about primitive pontifical chronology." That he ordained a certain number of priests is nearly all we have of positive record about him, but we know he died a martyr, perhaps about 91. |
98-107 Evaristus Pope St. Evaristus; Evaristus came of a Hellenic family, and was
the son of a Bethlehem Jew; laid to
rest in Vaticano, near the tomb of St. Peter; succeeded Clement in the episcopate of the Roman
Church Date of birth unknown; died about 107. In the Liberian Catalogue his name is given as Aristus. In papal catalogues of the second century used by Irenaeus and Hippolytus, he appears as the fourth successor of St. Peter, immediately after St Clement. The same lists allow him eight years of reign, covering the end of the first and the beginning of the second century (from about 98 or 99 to about 106 or 107). The earliest historical sources offer no authentic data about him. In his "Ecclesiastical History" Eusebius says merely that he succeeded Clement in the episcopate of the Roman Church which fact was already known from St. Irenæus. This order of succession is undoubtedly correct. The "Liber Pontificalis" says that Evaristus came of a Hellenic family, and was the son of a Bethlehem Jew. It also attributes to him the allotment of definite churches as tituli to the Roman presbyters, and the division of the city into seven diaconias or deaconries; in this statement, however, the "Liber Pontificalis" arbitrarily refers to the time of Evaristus a later institution of the Roman Church. More trustworthy is the assertion of the "Liber Pontificalis" that he was laid to rest in Vaticano, near the tomb of St. Peter. The martyrdom of Evaristus, though traditional, is not historically proven. His feast occurs 26 Oct. The two decretals ascribed to him by Pseudo-Isidore are forged. 107 ST EVARISTUS, Pope AND MARTYR ST EVARISTUS succeeded St Clement in the see of Rome in the reign of Trajan and governed the Church about eight years, being the fourth successor of St Peter. The Liber Pontificalis says that he was the son of a Hellenic Jew of Bethlehem, and, certainly incorrectly, that he divided Rome into several “titles” or parishes, assigning a priest to each and appointed seven deacons for the city. He is usually accorded the title of martyr, but his martyrdom is not proved; it is probable that St Evaristus was buried near St Peter’s tomb in the Vatican. There is a notice
in the Acta Sanctorum,
October, vol. xi, but the text and notes
of Duchesne’s edition of the Liber Pontificalis
tell us nearly all there is to be known.
See, however, an interesting comment by Father von Nostiz-Rieneck
on the “Brevierlektionen der Päpate Evaristos
und Alexander I” in the Zeitschrift für
Katholische Theologie, vol. xxix (1905), pp.
159—165.
|
105-116 Pope St. Alexander
I Roman by birth ruled the Church in reign
of Trajan (98-117). attributes to him, but
scarcely with accuracy, insertion in the canon of the
Qui Pridie, or words commemorative of the institution
of the Eucharist, such being certainly primitive
and original in the Mass. He is also said to have introduced
the use of blessing water mixed with salt for the purification
of Christian homes from evil influences (constituit aquam sparsionis
cum sale benedici in habitaculis hominum). Duchesne
(Lib. Pont., I, 127) calls attention to the persistence
of this early Roman custom by way of a blessing in the Gelasian
Sacramentary that recalls very forcibly the actual Asperges
prayer at the beginning of Mass. St. Irenaeus of Lyons, writing in the latter quarter of the second century, reckons him as the fifth pope in succession from the Apostles, though he says nothing of his martyrdom. His pontificate is variously dated by critics, e.g. 106-115 (Duchesne) or 109-116 (Lightfoot). In Christian antiquity he was credited with a pontificate of about ten years (Eusebius, Hist. Eccl. IV, i,) and there is no reason to doubt that he was on the "catalogue of bishops" drawn up at Rome by Hegesippus (Eusebius, IV, xxii, 3) before the death of Pope Eleutherius (c. 189). According to a tradition extant in the Roman Church at the end of the fifth century, and recorded in the Liber Pontificalis he suffered a martyr's death by decapitation on the Via Nomentana in Rome, 3 May. The same tradition declares him to have been a Roman by birth and to have ruled the Church in the reign of Trajan (98-117). It likewise attributes to him, but scarcely with accuracy, the insertion in the canon of the Qui Pridie, or words commemorative of the institution of the Eucharist, such being certainly primitive and original in the Mass. He is also said to have introduced the use of blessing water mixed with salt for the purification of Christian homes from evil influences (constituit aquam sparsionis cum sale benedici in habitaculis hominum). Duchesne (Lib. Pont., I, 127) calls attention to the persistence of this early Roman custom by way of a blessing in the Gelasian Sacramentary that recalls very forcibly the actual Asperges prayer at the beginning of Mass. In 1855, a semi-subterranean cemetery of the holy martyrs Sts. Alexander, Eventulus, and Theodulus was discovered near Rome, at the spot where the above mentioned tradition declares the Pope martydom. According to some archaeologists, this Alexander is identical with the Pope, and this ancient and important tomb marks the actual site of the Pope's martyrdom. Duchesne, however (op. cit., I, xci-ii) denies the identity of the martyr and the pope, while admitting that the confusion of both personages is of ancient date, probably anterior to the beginning of the sixth century when the Liber Pontificalis was first compiled [Dufourcq, Gesta Martyrum Romains (Paris, 1900), 210-211]. The difficulties raised in recent
times by Richard Lipsius (Chronologie der römischen
Bischofe, Kiel, 1869) and Adolph Harnack (Die Zeit des Ignatius u. die Chronologie
der antiochenischen Bischofe, 1878) concerning the earliest
successors of St. Peter are ably discussed and answered by F.S.
(Cardinal Francesco Segna) in his "De successione priorum Romanorum Pontificum"
(Rome 1897); with moderation and learning by Bishop Lightfoot, in
his "Apostolic Fathers: St. Clement"
(London, 1890) I, 201-345- especially by Duchesne in the introduction
to his edition of the "Liber Pontificalis"
(Paris, 1886) I, i-xlviii and lxviii-lxxiii. The letters ascribed
to Alexander I by Pseudo-Isidore may be seen in P.G., V, 1057 sq.,
and in Hinschius, "Decretales Pseudo-Isidorianae"
(Leipzig, 1863) 94-105. His remains are said to have been transferred
to Freising in Bavaria in 834 (Dummler, Poetae Latini Aevi Carolini, Berlin,
1884, II, 120). His so-called "Acts" are not genuine,
and were compiled at a much later date (Tillemont, Mem.
II, 590 sqq; Dufourcq, op. cit., 210-211).
|
127 Sixtus I, Pope
survived as pope for about 10 years before
being killed by the Roman authorities M (RM) Romæ natális beáti Xysti Primi, Papæ et Mártyris; qui, tempóribus Hadriáni Imperatóris, summa cum laude rexit Ecclésiam, ac demum, sub Antoníno Pio, ut sibi Christum lucrifáceret, libénter mortem sustínuit temporálem. At Rome, the birthday of blessed Pope Sixtus the First, martyr, who ruled the Church with distinction during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, and finally in the reign of Antoninus Pius he gladly accepted temporal death in order to gain Christ for himself. (also known as Xystus) Born at Rome; After the death of Pope Alexander I, when the emperor Trajan ruled the Roman Empire, it was virtually certain that anyone who succeeded the pope would suffer martyrdom, for this was an age when Christians were savagely persecuted. Sixtus I took the office c. 117 knowing this, and survived as pope for about 10 years before being killed by the Roman authorities. As well as displaying great bravery, Sixtus I must have been much concerned with the liturgy of the church as the Liber Pontificalis details three ordinances. It anachronistically says that at the Eucharist when the priests came to the words 'Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might; heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest,' Sixtus decreed that all the people in the church should join in as well. (Unfortunately, this cannot be true because the Sanctus was not added to the liturgy until a much later date: it was not included in the Mass of Hippolytus. Therefore, it is unclear how accurate the balance of the entry is.) It relates that he issued a decree that only the clergy should touch the sacred vessels and that bishops called to Rome should not be received back by their diocese unless they present Apostolic papers. The Roman Martyrology says that
Sixtus I was killed by the pagan Romans
in the year 127 under Antonius the Pious, but
there are no acta (Attwater2,
Benedictines, Bentley, Delaney, Encyclopedia).
|
125-136
pope St. Telesphorus Romæ sancti Telésphori, Papæ et Mártyris; qui, sub Antoníno Pio, post multos labóres, pro Christi confessióne, illústre martyrium duxit. At Rome, in the time of Antoninus Pius, pope St. Telesphorus, who, after many sufferings for the confession of Christ, underwent a glorious martyrdom. Pope St. Telesphorus (Lived about 125-136.) St. Telesphorus was the seventh
Roman bishop in succession from the Apostles,
and, according to the testimony of St. Irenæus
(Adv. hæreses, III, iii, 3), suffered a glorious
martyrdom. Eusebius (Hist.
eccl., IV, vii, xiv) places the beginning
of his pontificate in the twelfth of Hadrian's reign (128-129),
his death in the first year of the reign of Antoninus Pius
(138-139). These statements, however, should be compared with
Lightfoot, "The Apostolic Fathers",
I (London, 1899), 201 sq., section on "Early Roman Successions",
and Harnack, "Geschlichte
der alchristl. Literatur", pt. II, "Die Chronologie", I (Leipzing,
1879), 70 sq. In the fragment of the letter of Irenæus
of Lyons to Pope Victor concerning the celebration
of Easter (Eusebius, "Hist. eccl.,"
V, xxiv), Telesphorus is mentioned as one of the Roman
bishops who always celebrated Easter on Sunday,
without, however, abandoning church fellowship with those
communities that did not follow this custom. None of the
statements in the "Liber pontificalis"
and other authorities of a later date as to liturgical
and other decisions of this pope are genuine.
In the Roman Martyrology his
feast is given under 5 January; the Greek Church celebrates it on 22 February.
|
140-155
ST PIUS I, POPE AND MARTYR Romæ sancti Pii Primi, Papæ et Mártyris; qui martyrio coronátus est in persecutióne Marci Aurélii Antoníni. At Rome, Pope Pius I, who was crowned with martyrdom in the persecution of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus. ST PIUS I, POPE AND MARTYR This Pius succeeded St Hyginus in the see of Peter, and the Liber Pontificalis states that he was the son of one Rufinus and a native of Aquileia; some authorities add further that he was a brother of that Hernias who wrote the famous work called The Shepherd: if the account of himself given by the author of this book be not a pious fiction, and if his relationship to the pope be true, then St Pius will have been likewise born a slave. During his pontificate the Roman church was troubled by the allied heresies of the Valentinians and Marcionites; Pius accordingly had energetically to oppose these heresies, and in these controversies the true faith had a great champion in the Jewish convert St Justin Martyr, who was in Rome at that time. St Pius ordained twelve bishops and eighteen priests and is said to have turned the Baths of Novatus into a place for worship. That he is venerated liturgically as a martyr seems to be due to Cardinal Baronius: there is no early reference
to his martyrdom. Nearly all that
is known concerning St Pius will be found in the
text and notes of Mgr. Duchesne's edition of the
Liber Pontificalis,
vol. i, pp. 132 seq., and in his Histoire ancienne de I'Eglise,
vol. i, pp. 236 seq. For the historical situation cf. G. Bardy, "L'Eglise romaine sous
Le pontificat de S. Anicet" in Recherches de science rellgieuse,
vol. xvii (1927), pp. 481-511.
Pope St. Pius IDate of birth unknown; pope
from about 140 to about 154. According to the earliest list of the popes,
given by Irenaeus ("Adv. haer.", II, xxxi; cf. Eusebius, "Hist. eccl.", V, vi), Pius was the ninth
successor of St. Peter. The dates given
in the Liberian Catalogue for his pontificate
(146-61) rest on a false calculation of earlier chroniclers,
and cannot be accepted. The only chronological datum
we possess is supplied by the year of St. Polycarp of Smyrna's
death, which may be referred with great certainty to 155-6.
On his visit to Rome in the year before his death Polycarp
found Anicetus, the successor of Pius, bishop there; consequently,
the death of Pius must have occurred about 154. The "Liber Pontificalis" (ed. Duchesne,
I, 132) says the father of Pius was Rufinus, and makes
him a native of Aquileia; this is, however, probably a conjecture
of the author, who had heard of Rufinus of Aquileia (end of
fourth century). From a notice in the "Liberian Catalogue"
(in Duchesne, "Liber Pontificalis",
I, 5), which is confirmed by the Muratorian Fragment
(ed. Preuschen, "Analecta", I,
Tübingen, 1910), we learn that a brother of this
pope, Hermas by name, published "The Shepherd" (see HERMAS).
If the information which the author gives concerning his personal
conditions and station (first a slave, then a freedman) were historical,
we should know more about the origin of the pope, his brother.
It is very possible that the story which Hermas relates of himself
is a fiction.
During the pontificate of Pius the Roman Church was visited by various heretics, who sought to propagate their false doctrine among the faithful of the capital. The Gnostic Valentinus, who had made his appearance under Pope Hyginus, continued to sow his heresy, apparently not without success. The Gnostic Cerdon was also active in Rome at this period, during which Marcion arrived in the capital (see MARCIONITES). Excluded from communion by Pius, the latter founded his heretical body (Irenaeus, "Adv. haer.", III, iii). But Catholic teachers also visited the Roman Church, the most important being St. Justin, who expounded the Christian teachings during the pontificate of Pius and that of his successor. A great activity thus marks the Christian community in Rome, which stands clearly conspicuous as the centre of the Church. The "Liber Pontificalis" (ed. cit.) speaks of a decision of this pope to the effect that Jewish converts to Christianity should be admitted and baptized. What this means we do not know; doubtless the author of the "Liber Pontificalis", here as frequently, refers to the pope a decree valid in the Church of his own time. A later legend refers the foundation of the two churches, the titulus Pudentis (ecclesia Pudentiana) and the titulus Praxedis, to the time of this pope, who is also supposed to have built a baptistry near the former and to have exercised episcopal functions there (Acta SS., IV May, 299 sqq.; cf. de Rossi, "Musaici delle chiese di Roma: S. Pudenziana, S. Prassede"). The story, however, can lay no claim to historical credibility. These two churches came into existence in the fourth century, although it is not impossible that they replaced Christian houses, in which the faithful of Rome assembled for Divine service before the time of Constantine; the legend, however, should not be alleged as proof of this fact. In many later writings (e.g. the "Liber Pontificalis") the "Pastor" or "Shepherd" in the work of Hermas is erroneously accepted as the name of the author, and, since a Roman priest Pastor is assigned an important role in the foundation of these churches, it is quite possible that the writer of the legend was similarly misled, and consequently interwove Pope Pius into his legendary narrative (see PRAXEDES AND PUDENTIANA). Two letters written to Bishop Justus of Vienne (P.L., V, 1125 sq.; Jaffé, "Regesta", I, 2nd ed., pp. 7 sq.), ascribed to Pius, are not authentic. The feast of St. Pius I is celebrated on 11 July. |
167 to 175 Pope Soter
and Caius, Saints and Popes They have their feast together on 22 April, on which day they appear in most of the martyrologies, though Notker and a few others give Soter on the 21st and Caius on the 19th or 21st. Soter was pope for eight years,
c. 167 to 175 (Harnack prefers 166-174).
We possess a fragment of an interesting letter
addressed to him by St. Dionysius of Corinth, who writes:
"From the beginning it has been your custom to do good to
all the brethren in many ways, and to send alms to many churches
in every city, refreshing the poverty of those who sent
requests, or giving aid to the brethren in the mines, by
the alms which you have had the habit of giving from old, Romans
keeping up the traditional custom of the Romans; which your
blessed Bishop Soter has not only preserved, but has even increased,
by providing the abundance which he has sent to the saints,
and by further consoling with blessed words with brethren
who came to him, as a loving father his children." "Today,
therefore, we have kept the holy Lord's day, on which we have
read your letter, which we shall always have to read and be admonished,
even as the former letter which was written to us by the ministry
of Clement." (Eusebius, Hist. Eccl., IV, xxiv.) The letter which
Soter had written in the name of his church is lost, though Harnack
and others have attempted to identify it with the so-called "Second
Epistle of Clement" (see CLEMENT OF ROME). The reverence for the
pope's paternal letter is to be noticed. The traditional generosity
of the Roman Church is again referred to by St. Dionysius of Alexandria
to Pope Dionysius in the middle of the third century, and Eusebius
says it still continued in his time. Nothing further is known of this
pope.
According to the Roman Martyrology, St.
Sotor was martyred on April 22 on the Appian Way in Rome.
He is buried in the church of St. Sixtus; in the cemetery
of St. Callistus, there is a cella (a memorial chapel) dedicated
to his memory. |
199
Victor I, Pope African by birth, Victor
succeeded Saint Eleutherius as pope c. 189 the first
to use Latin in the celebration of the liturgy (RM) Probably an African by birth,
Victor succeeded Saint Eleutherius as pope
c. 189. During his pontificate Victor was embroiled
in a dispute with a group of Christians from the province
of Asia who were in Rome. They celebrated Easter on a date
of their own choosing. Victor threatened the Asiatics
with excommunication in a Roman synod. He was also
faced with the arrival of Theodotus from Constantinople and
his teaching that Christ was only a man endowed with supernatural
powers by the Holy Spirit. He is reputed to have been the
first to use Latin in the celebration of the liturgy. It is
not certain that he died a martyr's death (Benedictines, Delaney,
Encyclopedia).
Victor I, Pope was a native of Africa, succeeded St Eleutherius in the pontificate about the year 189. Those virtues which had prepared him for that dignity made him a true successor of the Apostles, and he vigorously grappled with the difficulties of the times. Among these was a group of Asiatic Christians at Rome who insisted on celebrating Easter on a date that accorded with their own traditions, even if a week-day. Certain Asiatic bishops interfered to support them, and were threatened by the pope with excommunication. St Irenaeus of Lyons and others protested against this severity, pointing out that differences of disciplinary custom had not hitherto been allowed to compromise Christian brotherhood. The protest appears to have been successful; but St Victor naturally insisted on maintaining uniformity of observance in his own province without being meddled with by bishops from outside it. Other troubles were caused by the arrival in Rome from Byzantium of a man called Theodotus, a leather-merchant, who taught that Jesus Christ was only a supernaturally endowed man. Pope St Victor died before the persecution of Septimius Severus began, and there is no good reason to suppose he was martyred; but his energy and zeal exposed him to persecutions for which alone he might deserve the honours of a martyr which are accorded him liturgically. This pope is named in the canon of the Ambrosian Mass, he is said by St Jerome to have been the lint in Rome to celebrate the Mysteries in Latin, and he was formerly held in special veneration in Scotland, being fabled to have sent missionaries thither. The little we know of St Victor
comes mainly from Eusebius and the Liber Pontificalis. It is the latter
authority describes him as a martyr. See
also the Acta Sanctorum,
July, vol. vi, and Duchesne. History of the Early Church,
vol. i, cap. 16
|
283, to 22 April, 296 Pope
Caius lived in the time of peace before the last
great persecution. He
was pope for twelve years, four months, and seven
days, from 17 December, 283, to 22 April, 296, according
to the Liberian catalogue (Harnack, Chronol., I, 155, after
Lipsius and Lightfoot); Eusebius is wrong in giving him
fifteen years. He is mentioned in the fourth-century "Depositio
Episcoporum" (therefore not as a martyr): X kl maii Caii
in Callisti. He was buried in the chapel of the popes
in that cemetary. Nothing whatever is known of his life.
He lived in the time of peace
before the last great persecution.
|
217 Pope Saint Zephyrinus
was pope from 199 . He was a Roman who had ruled as head bishop for close to 20 years, and was elected to the Papacy upon the death of the previous pope, Victor. Zephyrinus was succeeded, upon his death on December 20, 217, by his principal advisor, Callixtus. Pope St. Zephyrinus (Reigned 198-217). Date of birth unknown; died 20 Dec., 217. After the death of Pope Victor in 198, Zephyrinus was elected his successor and consecrated. The pope is described by Hippolytus in the "Philosophymena" (IX, xi) as a simple man without education. This is evidently to be understood as meaning that Zephyrinus had not taken the higher studies and had devoted himself to the practical administration of the Church and not to theological learning. Immediately after his elevation to the Roman See, Zephyrinus called to Rome the confessor Callistus, who lived at Antium and who had received a monthly pension from Pope Victor, and intrusted him with the oversight of the coemeterium. It is evident that shortly before this the Roman Christian community had, under Victor, become the owner of a common place of burial on the Via Appia, and Zephyrinus now placed Callistus over this cemetery which was given the name of Callistus. Undoubtedly Callistus was also made a deacon of the Roman Church by Zephyrinus. He was the confidential counsellor of the pope, whom he succeeded. The positions of the Christians, which had remained favourable in the first years of the government of Emperor Septimus Severus (193-211), grew constantly worse, and in 202 or 203 the edict of persecution appeared which forbade conversion to Christianity under the severest penalties. Nothing is known as to the execution of the edict in Rome itself nor of the martyrs of the Roman Church in this era. More, however, is certain concerning the internal disputes in the Roman Church over the doctrine of the Trinity. The adherents of the heretical teacher Theodotus the Tanner had been excommunicated with their leader by Pope Victor. They formed an independent heretical community at Rome which was ruled by another Theodotus, the Money Changer, and Aselepodotus. These men persuaded a confessor of Rome named Natalis, who had acknowledged his faith without wavering before the heathen judge and had suffered torture, to permit himself to be made the bishop of the sect for a monthly payment of 170 denarii. Natalis, however, received many warnings in dreams. At first he paid no attention to these visions, but on one occasion he believed that he had been severely tortured by angels and now he began to ponder the matter. Early in the morning he put on a penitential garment, covered himself with ashes, and threw himself with tears at the feet of Zephyrinus. He confessed his wrong-doing and begged to be received again into the communion of the Church, which was finally granted him (Eusebius, "Hist. eccl.", V, xxxii). In the same era the adherents of Montanus also worked with great energy at Rome. The Montanist Proculus (or Proclus) published a work in defense of the new prophecies. A refutation of Proclus in the form of a dialogue was written by a learned and rigidly orthodox Roman Christian named Caius, wherein he refers to the grave of St. Peter on the Vatican Hill and of St. Paul on the Via Ostiensis. Caius rejects the Apocalypse of St. John, which he regards as a work of the heretic Cerinthus. In opposition to Caius, Hippolytus wrote his "Capita contra Caium" (cf. Eusebius, "Hist. eccl.", III, xxviii; VI, xx). Hippolytus was the most important theologian among the Roman presbyters of this era. He was an avowed adherent of the doctrine of the Divine Logos. He taught that the Divine Logos became man in Christ, that the Logos differs in every thing from God, that he is the mediary between God and the world of creatures. This doctrine in the form in which it was set forth by Hippolytus and his school aroused many doubts, and another theological school appeared in opposition to it. This latter school was represented at Rome in this era by Cleomenes and particularly by Sabellius. These men were rigid opponents of the Theodotians, but were not willing to acknowledge the incarnation of the Logos, and emphasized above all the absolute unity (monarchia) of God. They explained the Incarnation of Christ in the sense that this was another manifestation (modus) of God in His union with human nature. Consequently they were called Modalists or Patripassians, as according to them it was not the Son of God but the Father Who had been crucified. The Christian common people held firmly, above all, to the Unity of God and at the same time to the true Godhead of Jesus Christ. Originally no distrust of this doctrine was felt among them. Pope Zephyrinus did not interpose authoritatively in the dispute between the two schools. The heresy of the Modalists was not at first clearly evident, and the doctrine of Hippolytus offered many difficulties as regards the tradition of the Church. Zephyrinus said simply that he acknowledged only one God, and this was the Lord Jesus Christ, but it was the Son, not the Father, Who had died. This was the doctrine of the tradition of the Church. Hippolytus urged that the pope should approve of a distinct dogma which represented the Person of Christ as actually different from that of the Father and condemned the opposing views of the Monarchians and Patripassians. However, Zephyrinus would not consent to this. The result was that Hippolytus grew constantly more irritated and angry against he pope and particularly against the deacon Callistus whom, as the councillor of the pope, he made responsible for the position of the latter. When after the death of Zephyrinus Callistus was elected Roman bishop, Hippolytus withdrew from the Church with his scholars, caused a schism, and made himself a rival bishop. Zephyrinus was buried in a separate
sepulchral chamber over the cemetery of
Calistus on the Via Appia (cf. Wilpert, "Die papstgruber und die Suciliengruft
in der Katakombe des hl. Kallistus", Freiburg,
1909, 91 sqq.). The "Liber
Pontificalis" attributes two Decrees to Zephyrinus;
one on the ordination of the clergy and the other on
the Eucharistic Liturgy in the title churches of Rome.
The author of the biography has ascribed these Decrees to
the pope arbitrarily and without historical basis.
|
Pope Callistus (Calixtus)
I 218 - 223
(Written by most Latins, Augustine, Optatus, etc. CALLIXTUS or CALIXTUS). Martyr, died c. 223. His contemporary, Julius Africanus, gives the date of his accession as the first (or second?) year of Elagabalus, i.e., 218 or 219. Eusebius and the Liberian catalogue agree in giving him five years of episcopate. His Acts are spurious, but he is the earliest pope found the fourth-century "Depositio Martirum", and this is good evidence that he was really a martyr, although he lived in a time of peace under Alexander Severus, whose mother was a Christian. We learn from the "Historiae Augustae" that a spot on which he had built an oratory was claimed by the tavern-keepers, popinarii, but the emperor decided that the worship of any god was better than a tavern. This is said to have been the origin of Sta. Maria in Trastevere, which was built, according to the Liberian catalogue, by Pope Julius, . In fact the Church of St. Callistus is close by, containing a well into which legend says his body was thrown, and this is probably the church he built, rather than the more famous basilica. He was buried in the cemetery of Calepodius on the Aurelian Way, and his anniversary is given by the "Depositio Martirum" (Callisti in viâ Aureliâ miliario III) and by the subsequent martyrologies on 14 October, on which day his feast is still kept. His relics were translated in the ninth century to Sta. Maria in Trastevere. Our chief knowledge of this
pope is from his bitter enemies, Tertullian and the antipope who wrote the
"Philosophumena", no doubt Hippolytus. Their calumnies are probably based
on facts. According to the "Philosophumena" (c. ix) Callistus was the slave
of Carpophorus, a Christian of the household of Caesar. His master entrusted
large sums of money to Callistus, with which he started a bank in which brethren
and widows lodged money, all of which Callistus lost. He took to flight.
Carpophorus followed him to Portus, where Callistus had embarked on a ship.
Seeing his master approach in a boat, the slave jumped into the sea, but
was prevented from drowning himself, dragged ashore, and consigned to the
punishment reserved for slaves, the pistrinum, or hand-mill. The brethren,
believing that he still had money in his name, begged that he might be released.
But he had nothing, so he again courted death by insulting the Jews at their
synagogue. The Jews haled him before the prefect Fuscianus. Carpophorus declared
that Callistus was not to be looked upon as a Christian, but he was thought
to be trying to save his slave, and Callistus was sent to the mines in Sardinia.
Some time after this, Marcia, the mistress
of Commodus, sent for Pope Victor and asked if
there were any martyrs in Sardinia. He gave her the
list, without including Callistus. Marcia sent a eunuch
who was a priest (or "old man") to release the prisoners.
Callistus fell at his feet, and persuaded him to take him
also. Victor was annoyed; but being a compassionate man,
he kept silence. However, he sent Callistus to Antium with
a monthly allowance. When Zephyrinus became pope, Callistus
was recalled and set over the cemetery belonging to the Church,
not a private catacomb; it has ever since borne Callistus's
name. He obtained great influence over the ignorant, illiterate,
and grasping Zephyrinus by bribes. We are not told how it came
about that the runaway slave (now free by Roman law from his
master, who had lost his rights when Callistus was condemned
to penal servitude to the State) became archdeacon and then pope.
Döllinger and De Rossi have demolished this contemporary scandal. To begin with, Hippolytus does not say that Callistus by his own fault lost the money deposited with him. He evidently jumped from the vessel rather to escape than to commit suicide. That Carpophorus, a Christian, should commit a Christian slave to the horrible punishment of the pistrinum does not speak well for the master's character. The intercession of the Christians for Callistus is in his favour. It is absurd to suppose that he courted death by attacking a synagogue; it is clear that he asked the Jewish money-lenders to repay what they owed him, and at some risk to himself. The declaration of Carpophorus that Callistus was no Christian was scandalous and untrue. Hippolytus himself shows that it was as a Christian that Callistus was sent to the mines, and therefore as a confessor, and that it was as a Christian that he was released. If Pope Victor granted Callistus a monthly pension, he need not suppose that he regretted his release. It is unlikely that Zephyrinus was ignorant and base. Callistus could hardly have raised himself so high without considerable talents, and the vindictive spirit exhibited by Hippolytus and his defective theology explain why Zephyrinus placed his confidence rather in Callistus than in the learned disciple of Irenaeus. The orthodoxy of Callistus is
challenged by both Hippolytus and Tertullian
on the ground that in a famous edict he granted
Communion after due penance to those who had committed
adultery and fornication. It is clear that Callistus based
his decree on the power of binding and loosing granted to
Peter, to his successors, and to all in communion with
them: "As to thy decision", cries the Montanist Tertullian,
"I ask, whence dost thou usurp this right of the Church? If
it is because the Lord said to Peter: Upon this rock I will build
My Church, I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven',
or whatsoever though bindest or loosest on earth shall be
bound or loosed in heaven', that thou presumest that this
power of binding and loosing has been handed down to thee also,
that is to every Church in communion with Peter's (ad omnem
ecclesiam Petri propinquam, i.e. Petri ecclesiae propinquam),
who art thou that destroyest and alterest the manifest intention
of the Lord, who conferred this on Peter personally and
alone?" (De Pudicitia, xxi.) The edict was an order to the
whole Church (ib., i): "I hear that an edict has been published,
and a peremptory one; the bishop of bishops, which means the
Pontifex Maximus, proclaims: I remit the crimes of adultery
and fornication to those who have done penance." Doubtless Hippolytus
and Tertullian were upholding a supposed custom of earlier
times, and the pope in decreeing a relaxation was regarded as enacting
a new law. On this point it is unnecessary to justify Callistus.
Other complaints of Hippolytus are that Callistus did not put converts
from heresy to public penance for sins committed outside the
Church (this mildness was customary in St. Augustine's time); that
he had received into his "school" (i.e. The Catholic Church) those
whom Hippolytus had excommunicated from "The Church" (i.e., his
own sect); that he declared that a mortal sin was not ("always",
we may supply) a sufficient reason for deposing a bishop. Tertullian
(De Exhort. Castitatis,
vii) speaks with reprobation of bishops who had been married
more than once, and Hippolytus charges Callistus with being
the first to allow this, against St. Paul's rule. But in the East
marriages before baptism were not counted, and in any case the law
is one from which the pope can dispense if necessity arise. Again
Callistus allowed the lower clergy to marry, and permitted noble ladies
to marry low persons and slaves, which by the Roman law was forbidden;
he had thus given occasion for infanticide. Here again Callistus
was rightly insisting on the distinction between the ecclesiastical
law of marriage and the civil law, which later ages have always taught..
Hippolytus also declared that rebaptizing (of heretics) was performed
first in Callistus's day, but he does not state that Callistus
was answerable for this. On the whole, then, it is clear that the
Catholic church sides with Callistus against the schismatic
Hippolytus and the heretic Tertullian. Not a word is said against
the character of Callistus since his promotion, nor against the
validity of his election.
Hippolytus, however, regards Callistus as a heretic. Now Hippolytus's own Christology is most imperfect, and he tells us that Callistus accused him of Ditheism. It is not to be wondered at, then, if he calls Callistus the inventor of a kind of modified Sabellianism. In reality it is certain that Zephyrinus and Callistus condemned various Monarchians and Sabellius himself, as well as the opposite error of Hippolytus. This is enough to suggest that Callistus held the Catholic Faith. And in fact it cannot be denied that the Church of Rome must have held a Trinitarian doctrine not far from that taught by Callistus's elder contemporary Tertullian and by his much younger contemporary Novatian--a doctrine which was not so explicitly taught in the greater part of the East for a long period afterwards. The accusations of Hippolytus speak for the sure tradition of the Roman Church and for its perfect orthodoxy and moderation. If we knew more of St. Callistus from Catholic sources, he would probably appear as one of the greatest of the popes. |
236-250, Pope Saint Fabian succeeded Saint Antheros governed
as bishop of Rome 14 peaceful years Died 250. On January 10, his martyrdom under
Decius. He was a layman, who, according to Eusebius, was chosen because a
dove flew in through a window during the election and settled on his head.
This 'sign' united the votes of the clergy and people for this layman and
stranger.
Pope St. Fabian (FABIANUS) Pope (236-250), the extraordinary circumstances of whose election is related by Eusebius (Hist. Eccl., VI, 29). After the death of Anterus he had come to Rome, with some others, from his farm and was in the city when the new election began. While the names of several illustrious and noble persons were being considered, a dove suddenly descended upon the head of Fabian, of whom no one had even thought. To the assembled brethren the sight recalled the Gospel scene of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Saviour of mankind, and so, divinely inspired, as it were, they chose Fabian with joyous unanimity and placed him in the Chair of Peter. During his reign of fourteen years
there was a lull in the storm of persecution.
Little is known of his pontificate. The "Liber
Pontificalis" says that he divided Rome into seven
districts, each supervised by a deacon, and appointed
seven subdeacons, to collect, in conjunction with other notaries,
the "acta" of the martyrs, i.e. the reports of the court-proceedings
on the occasion of their trials (cf. Eus., VI, 43). There is
a tradition that he instituted the four minor orders. Under him
considerable work was done in the catacombs. He caused the body
of Pope St. Pontianus to be exhumed, in Sardinia, and transferred
to the catacomb of St. Callistus at Rome. Later accounts, more or
less trustworthy, attribute to him the consecration (245) of seven
bishops as missionaries to Gaul, among them St. Denys of Paris
(Greg. of Tours, Hist. Francor.,
I, 28, 31). St. Cyprian mentions (Ep., 59) the condemnation
by Fabian for heresy of a certain Privatus (Bishop of Lambaesa)
in Africa. The famous Origen did not hesitate to defend, before
Fabian, the orthodoxy of his teaching (Eus. Hist. Eccl., VI, 34). Fabian
died a martyr (20 Jan., 250) at the beginning of the Decian persecution,
and was buried in the Crypt of the Popes in the catacomb
of St. Callistus, where in recent times (1850) De Rossi discovered
his Greek epitaph (Roma Sotterranea
II, 59): "Fabian, bishop and martyr." The decretals
ascribed to him in Pseudo-Isidore are apocryphal.
|
235 Pope Saint Pontian
or Pontianus, was pope from July 21, 230
to September 28. ST PONTIAN, POPE AND MARTYR PONTIAN, who is said to have
been Roman, followed St Urban I as bishop
of Rome about the year 230. The only known event
of his pontificate is the synod held at Rome that confirmed
the condemnation already pronounced at Alexandria of
certain doctrines attributed to Origen. At the beginning
of the persecution by the Emperor Maximinus the pope was exiled
to Sardinia, an island described as nociva, "unhealthy“, whereby
perhaps the mines were meant; here he resigned his office.
How much longer he lived and the manner of his death are not known:
traditionally life was beaten out of him with sticks. Some years
later Pope St Fabian translated his body to the cemetery of
St Callistus in Rome, where in 1909 his original epitaph was found:
PONTIANOC EPICK MPT, the last word having been added later,
In the fourth-century Depositio
Martyrum the name of St Pontian is coupled
with that of Hippolytus, and August 13 is the day
assigned for the commemoration: Idus Aug. Ypoliti in
Tiburtina et Pontiani in Callisti.” Fr Delehaye has discussed
the whole matter very fully in his CMH, pp. 439—440. See also
Marucchi in Nuovo Bullettino
for 1909, pp. 35—50 Wilpert, Die Papstgraber und die Caciliengruft
(1909), pp. 17—I8 and E. Caspar, Geschichte des Papsttums, vol. 1(1930),
pp. 44 seq.
Pope
St. PontianDates of birth and death unknown. The "Liber Pontificalis" (ed. Duchesne, I, 145) gives Rome as his native city and calls his father Calpurnius. With him begins the brief chronicle of the Roman bishops of the third century, of which the author of the Liberian Catalogue of the popes made use in the fourth century and which gives more exact data for the lives of the popes. According to this account Pontian was made pope 21 July, 230, and reigned until 235. The schism of Hippolytus continued during his episcopate; towards the end of his pontificate there was a reconciliation between the schismatic party and its leader with the Roman bishop. After the condemnation of Origen at Alexandria (231-2), a synod was held at Rome, according to Jerome (Epist. XXXII, iv) and Rufinus (Apol. contra Hieron., II, xx), which concurred in the decisions of the Alexandrian synod against Origen; without doubt this synod was held by Pontian (Hefele, Konziliengeschichte, 2nd ed., I, 106 sq.). In 235 in the reign of Maximinus the Thracian began a persecution directed chiefly against the heads of the Church. One of its first victims was Pontian, who with Hippolytus was banished to the unhealthy island of Sardinia. To make the election of a new pope possible, Pontian resigned 28 Sept., 235, the Liberian Catalogue says "discinctus est". Consequently Anteros was elected in his stead. Shortly before this or soon afterwards Hippolytus, who had been banished with Pontian, became reconciled to the Roman Church, and with this the schism he had caused came to an end. How much longer Pontian endured the sufferings of exile and harsh treatment in the Sardinian mines is unknown. According to old and no longer existing Acts of martyrs, used by the author of the "Liber Pontificalis", he died in consequence of the privations and inhuman treatment he had to bear. Pope Fabian (236-50) had the remains of Pontian and Hippolytus brought to Rome at a later date and Pontian was buried on 13 August in the papal crypt of the Catacomb of Callistus. In 1909 the original epitaph was found in the crypt of St. Cecilia, near the papal crypt. The epitaph, agreeing with the other known epitaphs of the papal crypt, reads: PONTIANOS, EPISK. MARTUR (Pontianus, Bishop, Martyr). The word mártur was added later and is written in ligature [cf. Wilpert, "Die Papstgräber und die Cäciliengruft in der Katakombe des hl. Kalixtus" (Freiburg, 1909), 1 sq., 17 sq., Plate III]. He is placed under 13 Aug. in the list of the "Depositiones martyrum" in the chronographia of 354. The Roman Martyrology gives his feast on 19 Nov. |
253 Pope Cornelius; predecessor, Fabian, put to death by Decius,
250. March, 251 persecution slackened, owing to absence of the emperor, (two
rivals had arisen); 16 bishops at Rome elected Cornelius against his will was; "What
fortitude in his acceptance of the episcopate,
what strength of mind, what firmness of faith,
that he took his seat intrepid in the sacerdotal chair,
at a time when the tyrant in his hatred of bishops was
making unspeakable threats, when he heard with far more
patience that a rival prince was arising against him, than
that a bishop of God was appointed at Rome" (Cyprian, Ep. lv, 24). Is he not, asks St. Cyprian, to be numbered
among the glorious confessors and martyrs who
sat so long awaiting the sword or the cross or the
stake and every other torture? Cornelius Martyr (251 to 253). We may accept the statement of the Liberian catalogue that he reigned two years, three months, and ten days, for Lipsius, Lightfoot, and Harnack have shown that this list is a first-rate authority for this date. His predecessor, Fabian, was put to death by Decius, 20 January, 250. About the beginning of March, 251 the persecution slackened, owing to the absence of the emperor, against whom two rivals had arisen. It was possible to assemble sixteen bishops at Rome, and Cornelius was elected though against his will (Cyprian, Ep. lv, 24), "by the judgment of God and of Christ, by the testimony of almost all the clergy, by the vote of the people then present, by the consent of aged priests and of good men, at a time when no one had been made before him, when the place of Fabian, that is the place of Peter, and the step of the sacerdotal chair were vacant". "What fortitude in his acceptance of the episcopate, what strength of mind, what firmness of faith, that he took his seat intrepid in the sacerdotal chair, at a time when the tyrant in his hatred of bishops was making unspeakable threats, when he heard with far more patience that a rival prince was arising against him, than that a bishop of God was appointed at Rome" (ibid., 9). Is he not, asks St. Cyprian, to be numbered among the glorious confessors and martyrs who sat so long awaiting the sword or the cross or the stake and every other torture? A few weeks later the Roman priest Novatian made himself antipope, and the whole Christian world was convulsed by the schism at Rome. But the adhesion of St. Cyprian secured to Cornelius the hundred bishops of Africa, and the influence of St. Dionysius the Great, Bishop of Alexandria, brought the East within a few months to a right decision. In Italy itself the pope got together a synod of sixty bishops. (See NOVATIAN.) Fabius, Bishop of Antioch, seems to have wavered. Three letters to him from Cornelius were known to Eusebius, who gives extracts from one of them (Hist. Eccl., VI, xliii), in which the pope details the faults in Novatian's election and conduct with considerable bitterness. We incidentally learn that in the Roman Church there were forty-six priests, seven deacons, seven subdeacons, forty-two acolytes, fifty-two ostiarii, and over one thousand five hundred widows and persons in distress. From this Burnet estimated the number of Christians in Rome at fifty thousand, so also Gibbon; but Benson and Harnack think this figure possibly too large. Pope Fabian had made seven regions; it appears that each had one deacon, one subdeacon and six acolytes. Of the letters of Cornelius to Cyprian two have come down to us, together with nine from Cyprian to the pope. Mgr. Merrati has shown that in the true text the letters of Cornelius are in the colloquial "vulgar-Latin" of the day, and not in the more classical style affected by the ex-orator Cyprian and the learned philosopher Novatian. Cornelius sanctioned the milder measures proposed by St. Cyprian and accepted by his Carthaginian council of 251 for the restoration to communion, after varying forms of penance, of those who had fallen during the Decian persecution (see CYPRIAN). Beginning 252 a new persecution suddenly broke out. Cornelius was exiled to Centumcellæ (Civita Vecchia). There were no defections among the Roman Christians; all were confessors. The pope "led his brethren in confession", writes Cyprian (Ep. lx, ad Com.), with a manifest reference to the confession of St. Peter. "With one heart and one voice the whole Roman Church confessed. Then was seen, dearest Brother, that faith which the blessed Apostle praised in you (Romans 1:8); even then he foresaw in spirit your glorious fortitude and firm strength." In June Cornelius died a martyr, as St. Cyprian repeatedly calls him. The Liberian catalogue has ibi cum gloriâ dormicionem accepit, and this may mean that he died of the rigours of his banishment, though later accounts say that he was beheaded. St. Jerome says that Cornelius and Cyprian suffered on the same day in different years, and his careless statement has been generally followed. The feast of St. Cyprian was in fact kept at Rome at the tomb of Cornelius, for the fourth century "Depositio Martirum" has "XVIII kl octob Cypriani Africæ Romæ celebratur in Callisti". St. Cornelius was not buried in the chapel of the popes, but in an adjoining catacomb, perhaps that of a branch of the noble Cornelii. His inscription is in Latin: CORNELIUS *MARTYR* whereas those of Fabian and Lucius are in Greek (Northcote and Brownlow, "Roma sotteranea", I, vi). His feast is kept with that of St. Cyprian on 14 September, possibly the day of his translation from Centumcellæ to the catacombs. |
254-257 Pope St. Stephen
I; defence of the validity
of heretical baptism against the mistaken opinion of St.
Cyprian and other bishops of Africa and Asia; In his days the vestments worn by the
clergy at Mass and other church services did not differ
in shape or material from those ordinarily worn by the laity.
Stephen, however, is said by the "Liber Pontificalis" to
have ordained that the vestments which had been used for ecclesiastical
purposes were not to be employed for daily wear; An assembly of African bishops which
he convoked renewed the condemnation of Basilides and Martial,
and exhorted the people to enter into communion with their
successors. At the same time they were at pains to point
out that Stephen had acted as he had done because "situated at
a distance, and ignorant of the true facts of the case" he had
been deceived by Basilides. Anxious to preserve the tradition
of his predecessors in matters of practical charity, as well as
of faith, Stephen, we are told, relieved in their necessities "all
the provinces of Syria and Arabia". Although there is some doubt as to the dates connected with the pontificate of Stephen, it is generally believed that he was consecrated 12 May, 254, and that he died 2 August, 257. According to the most ancient catalogues, he was a Roman by birth, and the son of Jovius, and there is no reason to doubt the assertion of the "Liber Pontificalis" that Lucius I, when about to be martyred, made over the care of the Church to his archdeacon Stephen (254). Most of what we know regarding Pope Stephen is connected directly or indirectly with the severe teachings of the heretic Novatus. Concerning his most important work, his defence of the validity of heretical baptism against the mistaken opinion of St. Cyprian and other bishops of Africa and Asia, there is no need to speak now, as the history of this important controversy will be found under BAPTISM and SAINT CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE. Suffice it here to call attention
to certain newly discovered letters on
the subject by St. Dionysius of Alexandria ("Eng. Hist. Rev.", Jan., 1910,
111 sq.), and to note, with the late Archbishop Benson
of Canterbury, that Stephen "triumphed, and in him the
Church of Rome triumphed, as she deserved" [E.W. Benson,
"Cyprian, His Life, His Times,
His Works", VIII (London), 1897, 3].
In the early part of his pontificate
Stephen was frequently urged by Faustinus, Bishop
of Lyons, to take action against Marcian, Bishop of Arles,
who, attaching himself to doctrines of Novatus, denied
communion to the penitent lapsi. For some reason unknown
to us Stephen did not move. The bishops of Gaul accordingly
turned to Cyprian, and begged him to write to the pope. This
the saint did in a letter which is our sole source of information
regarding this affair (Epp.
lxix, lxviii). The Bishop of Carthage entreats Stephen
to imitate his martyred predecessors, and to instruct the
bishops of Gaul to condemn Marcian, and to elect another bishop
in his stead. As no more is said by St. Cyprian on this affair,
it is supposed that the pope acted in accordance with his wishes,
and that Marcian was deposed. The case of the Spanish bishops Martial and Basilides also brought Stephen in connection with St. Cyprian. As libellatici they had been condemned by bishops of their province for denying the Faith. At first they acknowledged their guilt, but afterwards appealed to Rome, and, deceived by their story, Stephen exerted himself to secure their restoration. Accordingly some of their fellow bishops took their part, but the others laid the case before St. Cyprian. An assembly of African bishops which he convoked renewed the condemnation of Basilides and Martial, and exhorted the people to enter into communion with their successors. At the same time they were at pains to point out that Stephen had acted as he had done because "situated at a distance, and ignorant of the true facts of the case" he had been deceived by Basilides. Anxious to preserve the tradition of his predecessors in matters of practical charity, as well as of faith, Stephen, we are told, relieved in their necessities "all the provinces of Syria and Arabia". In his days the vestments worn by the clergy at Mass and other church services did not differ in shape or material from those ordinarily worn by the laity. Stephen, however, is said by the "Liber Pontificalis" to have ordained that the vestments which had been used for ecclesiastical purposes were not to be employed for daily wear. The same authority adds that he finished his pontificate by martyrdom, but the evidence for this is generally regarded as doubtful. He was buried in the cemetery of St. Calixtus, whence his body was transferred by Paul I to a monastery which he had founded in his honour. |
255 St. Venantius Bishop
martyr prelate serving Dalmatia, Croatia Eódem die sancti Venántii, Epíscopi
et Mártyris.
The same day, St. Venantius, bishop and
martyr.
Executed during the persecutions of the
Church by the Roman Empire. His relics were translated from Split (Spalato), Dalmatia, to the Lateran Basilica in Rome under Pope John IV (r. 640-642). Venantius of Spalato BM (RM). Saint Venantius was a Dalmatian bishop whose body was brought to the Lateran at Spalato by Pope John IV in 641 (Benedictines). |
258 Pope
St. Sixtus II Elected 31 Aug., 257, martyred
at Rome, 6 Aug., 258
(XYSTUS). During the pontificate of his predecessor, St. Stephen, a sharp dispute had arisen between Rome and the African and Asiatic Churches, concerning the rebaptism of heretics, which had threatened to end in a complete rupture between Rome and the Churches of Africa and Asia Minor (see SAINT CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE). Sixtus II, whom Pontius (Vita Cyprian, cap. xiv) styles a good and peaceful priest (bonus et pacificus sacerdos), was more conciliatory than St. Stephen and restored friendly relations with these Churches, though, like his predecessor, he upheld the Roman usage of not rebaptizing heretics. His origin is unknown. The "Liber Pontificalis" says that he was a Greek by birth, but this is probably a mistake, originating from the false assumption that he was identical with a Greek philosopher of the same name, who was the author of the so-called "Sentences" of Xystus. Shortly before the pontificate of Sixtus II the Emperor Valerian issued his first edict of persecution, which made it binding upon the Christians to participate in the national cult of the pagan gods and forbade them to assemble in the cemeteries, threatening with exile or death whomsoever was found to disobey the order. In some way or other, Sixtus II managed to perform his functions as chief pastor of the Christians without being molested by those who were charged with the execution of the imperial edict. But during the first days of August, 258, the emperor issued a new and far more cruel edict against the Christians, the import of which has been preserved in a letter of St. Cyprian to Successus, the Bishop of Abbir Germaniciana (Ep. lxxx). It ordered bishops, priests, and deacons to be summarily put to death ("episcopi et presbyteri et diacones incontinenti animadvertantur"). Sixtus II was one of the first to fall a victim to this imperial enactment ("Xistum in cimiterio animadversum sciatis VIII. id. Augusti et cum eo diacones quattuor"—Cyprian, Ep. lxxx). In order to escape the vigilance of the imperial officers he assembled his flock on 6 August at one of the less-known cemeteries, that of Prætextatus, on the left side of the Appian Way, nearly opposite the cemetery of St. Callistus. While seated on his chair in the act of addressing his flock he was suddenly apprehended by a band of soldiers. There is some doubt whether he was beheaded forthwith, or was first brought before a tribunal to receive his sentence and then led back to the cemetery for execution. The latter opinion seems to be the more probable. The inscription which
Pope Damasus (366-84) placed on his tomb
in the cemetery of St. Callistus may be interpreted
in either sense. The entire inscription is to be found
in the works of St. Damasus (P.L., XIII, 383-4, where it
is wrongly supposed to be an epitaph for Pope Stephen
I), and a few fragments of it were discovered at the
tomb itself by de Rossi (Inscr.
Christ., II, 108). The "Liber Pontificalis" mentions
that he was led away to offer sacrifice to the gods
("ductus ut sacrificaret demoniis"—I,
155). St. Cyprian states in the above-named letter,
which was written at the latest one month after
the martyrdom of Sixtus, that "the prefects of the City
were daily urging the persecution in order that, if any were
brought before them, they might be punished and their property
confiscated". The pathetic meeting between St. Sixtus II and
St. Lawrence, as the former was being led to execution, of which
mention is made in the unauthentic "Acts of St. Lawrence"
as well as by St. Ambrose (Officiorum,
lib. I, c. xli, and lib. II, c. xxviii) and the
poet Prudentius (Peristephanon, II), is probably a mere legend.
Entirely contrary to truth is the statement of Prudentius (ibid.,
lines 23-26) that Sixtus II suffered martyrdom on the cross,
unless by an unnatural trope the poet uses the specific word cross
("Jam Xystus adfixus cruci")
for martyrdom in general, as Duchesne and Allard (see below)
suggest. Four deacons, Januarius, Vincentius, Magnus, and
Stephanus, were apprehended with Sixtus and beheaded with
him at the same cemetery. Two other deacons, Felicissimus and
Agapitus, suffered martyrdom on the same day. The feast of St.
Sixtus II and these six deacons is celebrated on 6 August, the day
of their martyrdom. The remains of Sixtus were transferred by the
Christians to the papal crypt in the neighbouring cemetery of St.
Callistus. Behind his tomb was enshrined the bloodstained chair on
which he had been beheaded. An oratory (Oratorium Xysti) was erected above
the cemetery of St. Prætextatus, at the spot where he was
martyred, and was still visited by pilgrims of the seventh and the
eighth century.
For some time Sixtus II was believed
to be the author of the so-called "Sentences", or "Ring of Sixtus", originally written
by a Pythagorean philosopher and in the second
century revised by a Christian. This error arose
because in his introduction to a Latin translation of
these "Sentences". Rufinus ascribes them to Sixtus of Rome,
bishop and martyr. It is certain that Pope Sixtus II is not
their author (see Conybeare, "The Ring of Pope Xystus now
first rendered into English, with an historical and critical
commentary", London, 1910). Harnack (Texte und Untersuchungen zur altchrist.
Literatur, XIII, XX) ascribes to him the treatise
"Ad Novatianum", but
his opinion has been generally rejected (see Rombold
in "Theol. Quartalschrift",
LXXII, Tübingen, 1900). Some of his letters are
printed in P.L., V, 79-100. A newly discovered letter was published
by Conybeare in "English Hist. Review",
London, 1910.
|
264-5 Dionysius
of Alexandria (Bishop from 247-8 to 264-5.)
Called "the Great" by Eusebius, St. Basil, and others, was undoubtedly, after St. Cyprian, the most eminent bishop of the third century. Like St. Cyprian he was less a great theologian than a great administrator. Like St. Cyprian his writings usually took the form of letters. Both saints were converts from paganism; both were engaged in the controversies as to the restoration of those who had lapsed in the Decian persecution, about Novatian, and with regard to the iteration of heretical baptism; both corresponded with the popes of their day. Yet it is curious that neither mentions the name of the other. A single letter of Dionysius has been preserved in Greek canon law. For the rest we are dependent on the many citations by Eusebius, and, for one phase, to the works of his great successor St. Athanasius. Dionysius was an old man when
he died, so that his birth will fall about
190, or earlier. He is said to have been of distinguished
parentage. He became a Christian when still young.
At a later period, when he was warned by a priest of the
danger he ran in studying the books of heretics, a vision–so
he informs us–assured him that he was capable of proving
all things, and that this faculty had in fact been the cause
of his conversion. He studied under Origen. The latter was banished
by Demetrius about 231, and Heraclas took his place at the head
of the catechetical school. On the death of Demetrius very soon
afterwards, Heraclas became bishop, and Dionysius took the headship
of the famous school. It is thought that he retained this office
even when he himself had succeeded Heraclas as bishop. In the
last year of Philip, 249, although the emperor himself was reported
to be a Christian, a riot at Alexandria, roused by a popular prophet
and poet, had all the effect of a severe persecution. It is described
by Dionysius in a letter to Fabius of Antioch. The mob first seized
an old man named Metras, beat him with clubs when he would not deny
his faith, pierced his eyes and face with reeds, dragged him out of
the city, and stoned him. Then a woman named Quinta, who would not sacrifice,
was drawn along the rough pavement by the feet, dashed against millstones,
scourged, and finally stoned in the same suburb. The houses of the
faithful were plundered. Not one, so far as the bishop knew, apostatized.
The aged virgin, Apollonia, after her teeth had been knocked out, sprang
of her own accord into the fire prepared for her rather than utter blasphemies.
Serapion had all his limbs broken, and was dashed down from the upper
story of his own house. It was impossible for any Christian to go into
the streets, even at night, for the mob was shouting that all who would
not blaspheme should be burnt. The riot was stopped by the civil war,
but the new Emperor Decius instituted a legal persecution in January,
250. St. Cyprian describes how at Carthage the Christians rushed
to sacrifice, or at least to obtain false certificates of having
done so. Similarly Dionysius tells us that at Alexandria many conformed
through fear, others on account of official position, or persuaded
by friends; some pale and trembling at their act, others boldly asserting
that they had never been Christians. Some endured imprisonment for
a time; others abjured only at the sight of tortures; others held out
until the tortures conquered their resolution. But there were noble
instances of constancy. Julian and Kronion were scourged through
the city on camels, and then burnt to death. A soldier, Besas, who
protected them from the insults of the people, was beheaded. Macar,
a Libyan, was burnt alive. Epimachus and Alexander, after long imprisonment
and many tortures, were also burnt, with four women. The virgin Ammomarion
also was long tortured. The aged Mercuria and Dionysia, a mother
of many children, suffered by the sword. Heron, Ater, and Isidore,
Egyptians, after many tortures were given to the flames. A boy of fifteen,
Dioscorus, who stood firm under torture, was dismissed by the judge
for very shame. Nemesion was tortured and scourged, and then burnt
between two robbers. A number of soldiers, and with them an old man
named Ingenuus, made indignant signs to one who was on his trial and
about to apostatize. When called to order they cried out that they were
Christians with such boldness that the governor and his assessors were
taken aback; they suffered a glorious martyrdom. Numbers were martyred
in the cities and villages. A steward named Ischyrion was pierced through
the stomach by his master with a large stake because he refused to sacrifice.
Many fled, wandered in the deserts and the mountains, and were cut off
by hunger, thirst, cold, sickness, robbers, or wild beasts. A bishop
named Chæremon escaped with his s&úmbios (wife?) to
the Arabian mountain, and was no more heard of. Many were carried off
as slaves by the Saracens and some of these were later ransomed for large
sums.
Some of the lapsed had been readmitted to Christian fellowship by the martyrs. Dionysius urged upon Fabius, Bishop of Antioch, who was inclined to join Novatian, that it was right to respect this judgment delivered by blessed martyrs "now seated with Christ, and sharers in His Kingdom and assessors in His judgment". He adds the story of an old man, Serapion, who after a long and blameless life had sacrificed, and could obtain absolution from no one. On his death-bed he sent his grandson to fetch a priest. The priest was ill, but he gave a particle of the Eucharist to the child, telling him to moisten it and place it in the old man's mouth. Serapion received it with joy, and immediately expired. Sabinus, the prefect, sent a frumentarius (detective) to search for Dionysius directly the decree was published; he looked everywhere but in Dionysius's own house, where the saint had quietly remained. On the fourth day he was inspired to depart, and he left at night, with his domestics and certain brethren. But it seems that he was soon made prisoner, for soldiers escorted the whole party to Taposiris in the Mareotis. A certain Timotheus, who had not been taken with the others, informed a passing countryman, who carried the news to a wedding-feast he was attending. All instantly rose up and rushed to release the bishop. The soldiers took to flight, leaving their prisoners on their uncushioned litters. Dionysius, believing his rescuers to be robbers, held out his clothes to them, retaining only his tunic. They urged him to rise and fly. He begged them to leave him, declaring that they might as well cut off his head at once, as the soldiers would shortly do so. He let himself down on the ground on his back; but they seized him by the hands and feet and dragged him away, carrying him out of the little town, and setting him on an ass without a saddle. With two companions, Gaius and Peter, he remained in a desert place in Libya until the persecution ceased in 251. The whole Christian world was then thrown into confusion by the news that Novatian claimed the Bishopric of Rome in opposition to Pope Cornelius. Dionysius at once took the side of the latter, and it was largely by his influence that the whole East, after much disturbance, was brought in a few months into unity and harmony. Novatian wrote to him for support. His curt reply has been preserved entire: Novatian can easily prove the truth of his protestation that he was consecrated against his will by voluntarily retiring; he ought to have suffered martyrdom rather than divide the Church of God; indeed it would have been a particularly glorious martyrdom on behalf of the whole Church (such is the importance attached by Dionysius to a schism at Rome); if he can even now persuade his party to make peace, the past will be forgotten; if not, let him save his own soul. St. Dionysius also wrote many letters on this question to Rome and to the East; some of these were treatises on penance. He took a somewhat milder view than Cyprian, for he gave greater weight to the "indulgences" granted by the martyrs, and refused forgiveness in the hour of death to none. After the persecution the pestilence. Dionysius describes it more graphically than does St. Cyprian, and he reminds us of Thucydides and Defoe. The heathen thrust away their sick, fled from their own relatives, threw bodies half dead into the streets; yet they suffered more than the Christians, whose heroic acts of mercy are recounted by their bishop. Many priests, deacons, and persons of merit died from succouring others, and this death, writes Dionysius, was in no way inferior to martyrdom. The baptismal controversy spread from Africa throughout the East. Dionysius was far from teaching, like Cyprian, that baptism by a heretic rather befouls than cleanses; but he was impressed by the opinion of many bishops and some councils that repetition of such a baptism was necessary, and it appears that he besought Pope Stephen not to break off communion with the Churches of Asia on this account. He also wrote on the subject to Dionysius of Rome, who was not yet pope, and to a Roman named Philemon, both of whom had written to him. We know seven letters from him on the subject, two being addressed to Pope Sixtus II. In one of these he asks advice in the case of a man who had received baptism a long time before from heretics, and now declared that it had been improperly performed. Dionysius had refused to renew the sacrament after the man had so many years received the Holy Eucharist; he asks the pope's opinion. In this case it is clear that the difficulty was in the nature of the ceremonies used, not in the mere fact of their having been performed by heretics. We gather than Dionysius himself followed the Roman custom, either by the tradition of his Church, or else out of obedience to the decree of Stephen. In 253 Origen died; he had not been at Alexandria for many years. But Dionysius had not forgotten his old master, and wrote a letter in his praise to Theotecnus of Cæsarea. An Egyptian bishop, Nepos, taught
the Chiliastic error that there would be
a reign of Christ upon earth for a thousand years,
a period of corporal delights; he founded this doctrine
upon the Apocalypse in a book entitled "Refutation
of the Allegorizers". It was only after the death of Nepos
that Dionysius found himself obliged to write two books
"On the Promises" to counteract this error. He treats
Nepos with great respect, but rejects his doctrine, as indeed
the Church has since done, though it was taught by Papias,
Justin, Irenæus, Victorinus of Pettau, and others. The diocese
proper to Alexandria was still very large (though Heraclas
is said to have instituted new bishoprics), and the Arsinoite
nome formed a part of it. Here the error was very prevalent, and
St. Dionysius went in person to the villages, called together the
priests and teachers, and for three days instructed them, refuting
the arguments they drew from the book of Nepos. He was much edified
by the docile spirit and love of truth which he found. At length
Korakion, who had introduced the book and the doctrine, declared
himself convinced. The chief interest of the incident is not in
the picture it gives of ancient Church life and of the wisdom and
gentleness of the bishop, but in the remarkable disquisition, which
Dionysius appends, on the authenticity of the Apocalypse. It is a
very striking piece of "higher criticism", and for clearness and
moderation, keenness and insight, is hardly to be surpassed. Some
of the brethren, he tells us, in their zeal against Chiliastic error,
repudiated the Apocalypse altogether, and took it chapter by chapter
to ridicule it, attributing the authorship of it to Cerinthus (as
we know the Roman Gaius did some years earlier). Dionysius treats it
with reverence, and declares it to be full of hidden mysteries, and
doubtless really by a man called John. (In a passage now lost, he showed
that the book must be understood allegorically.) But he found it hard
to believe that the writer could be the son of Zebedee, the author of
the Gospel and of the Catholic Epistle, on account of the great contrast
of character, style and "what is called working out". He shows that the
one writer calls himself John, whereas the other only refers to himself
by some periphrasis. He adds the famous remark, that "it is said that
there are two tombs in Ephesus, both of which are called that of John".
He demonstrates the close likeness between the Gospel and the Epistle,
and points out the wholly different vocabulary of the Apocalypse; the
latter is full of solecisms and barbarisms, while the former are in good
Greek. This acute criticism was unfortunate, in that it was largely the
cause of the frequent rejection of the Apocalypse in the Greek-speaking
Churches, even as late as the Middle Ages. Dionysius's arguments
appeared unanswerable to the liberal critics of the nineteenth century.
Lately the swing of the pendulum has brought many, guided by Bousset,
Harnack, and others, to be impressed rather by the undeniable points
of contact between the Gospel and the Apocalypse, than by the differences
of style (which can be explained by a different scribe and interpreter,
since the author of both books was certainly a Jew), so that even
Loisy admits that the opinion of the numerous and learned conservative
scholars "no longer appears impossible". But it should be noted that
the modern critics have added nothing to the judicious remarks of the
third-century patriarch.
The Emperor Valerian, whose
accession was in 253, did not persecute until 257. In that year St. Cyprian
was banished to Curubis, and St. Dionysius to Kephro in the Mareotis, after
being tried together with one priest and two deacons before Æmilianus,
the prefect of Egypt. He himself relates the firm answers he made to the
prefect, writing to defend himself against a certain Germanus, who had accused
him of a disgraceful flight. Cyprian suffered in 258, but Dionysius was spared,
and returned to Alexandria directly sentence against original--> when
toleration was decreed by Gallienus in 260. But not to peace, for in 261-2
the city was in a state of tumult little less dangerous than a persecution.
The great thoroughfare which traversed the town was impassable. The bishop
had to communicate with his flock by letter, as though they were in different
countries. It was easier, he writes, to pass from East to West, than from
Alexandria to Alexandria. Famine and pestilence raged anew. The inhabitants
of what was still the second city of the world had decreased so that the
males between fourteen and eighty were now scarcely so numerous as those
between forty and seventy had been not many years before. A controversy arose
in the latter years of Dionysius of which the half-Arian Eusebius has been
careful to make no mention. All we know is from St. Athanasius. Some bishops
of the Pentapolis of Upper Libya fell into Sabellianism and denied the distinctness
of the Three Persons of the Blessed Trinity. Dionysius wrote some four letters
to condemn their error, and sent copies to Pope Sixtus II (257-8). But he
himself fell, so far as words go, into the opposite error, for he said the
Son is a poíema (something made) and distinct in substance, xénos
kat’ oùsian, from the Father, even as is the husbandman from the vine,
or a shipbuilder from a ship. These words were seized upon by the Arians
of the fourth century as plain Arianism. But Athanasius defended Dionysius
by telaling the sequel of the history. Certain brethren of Alexandria, being
offended at the words of their bishop, betook themselves to Rome to Pope
St. Dionysius (259- 268), who wrote a letter, in which he declared that to
teach that the Son was made or was a creature was an impiety equal, though
contrary, to that of Sabellius. He also wrote to his namesake of Alexandria
informing him of the accusation brought against him. The latter immediately
composed books entitled "Refutation" and "Apology"; in these he explicitly
declared that there never was a time when God was not Father, that Christ
always was, being Word and Wisdom and Power, and coeternal, even as brightness
is not posterior to the light from which it proceeds. He teaches the "Trinity
in Unity and the Unity in Trinity"; he clearly implies the equality and eternal
procession of the Holy Ghost. In these last points he is more explicit than
St. Athanasius himself is elsewhere, while in the use of the word consubstantial,
‘omoo&úsios, he anticipates Nicæa, for he bitterly complains
of the calumny that he had rejected the expression. But however he himself
and his advocate Athanasius may attempt to explain away his earlier expressions,
it is clear that he had been incorrect in thought as well as in words, and
that he did not at first grasp the true doctrine with the necessary distinctness.
The letter of the pope was evidently explicit and must have been the cause
of the Alexandrian's clearer vision. The pope, as Athanasius points out,
gave a formal condemnation of Arianism long before that heresy emerged. When
we consider the vagueness and incorrectness in the fourth century of even
the supporters of orthodoxy in the East, the decision of the Apostolic See
will seem a marvellous testimony to the doctrine of the Fathers as to the
unfailing faith of Rome.
We find Dionysius issuing yearly, like the later bishops of Alexandria, festal letters announcing the date of Easter and dealing with various matters. When the heresy of Paul of Samosata, Bishop of Antioch, began to trouble the East, Dionysius wrote to the Church of Antioch on the subject, as he was obliged to decline the invitation to attend a synod there, on the score of his age and infirmities. He died soon afterwards. St. Dionysius is in the Roman Martyrology on 17 Nov., but he is also intended, with the companions of his flight in the Decian persecution, by the mistaken notice on 3 Oct.: Dionysius, Faustus, Gaius, Peter, and Paul, Martyrs(!). The same error is found in Greek menologies. |
283 Pope St. Eutychianus January, 275, until 7 December, 283 Romæ beáti Eutychiáni Papæ, qui per divérsa loca trecéntos quadragínta duos Mártyres manu sua sepelívit; quibus et ipse deínde sociátus, sub Numeriáno Imperatóre, martyrio coronátus est, et in cœmetério Callísti sepúltus. At Rome, blessed Eutychian, pope, who with his own hand buried three hundred and forty-two martyrs in various places. He himself was joined with them, crowned with martyrdom under Emperor Numerian, and was buried in the cemetery of Callistus. 283 Pope St. Eutychianus January, 275, until 7 December, 283 the last pope buried in the catacombs of St. Callixtus He succeeded Pope Felix I a few days after the latter's death, and governed the Church from January, 275, until 7 December, 283. We know no details of his pontificate. The rite for blessing the produce of the fields, ascribed to him by the "Liber Pontificalis", undoubtedly belongs to a later period. The statement also that he promulgated rules for the burial of martyrs and buried many of them with his own hands, has but slight claim to acceptance, since after the death of Aurelian (275) the Church enjoyed a long respite from persecution. It is highly probable that Eutychianus died not die a martyr. The fourth-century Roman Calendar mentions him (8 December) in the "Depositio Episcoporum", but not in its list of martyrs. His remains were placed in the papal chapel in the Catacomb of Callistus. When this famous crypt was discovered the fragments of the epitaph of Eutychianus were found, i.e. his name (in Greek letters): EUTYCHIANOS EPIS(KOPOS). His feast is celebrated on 8 December. |
308-309 Pope St. Marcellus
I; a clear historical tradition
in support of his declaration that the ecclesiastical
administration in Rome was reorganized by this
pope after the great persecution; His date of birth unknown; elected pope in May or June, 308; died in 309. For some time after the death of Marcellinus in 304 the Diocletian persecution continued with unabated severity. After the abdication of Diocletian in 305, and the accession in Rome of Maxentius to the throne of the Caesars in October of the following year, the Christians of the capital again enjoyed comparative peace. Nevertheless, nearly two years passed before a new Bishop of Rome was elected. Then in 308, according to the "Catalogus Liberianus", Pope Marcellus first entered on his office: "Fuit temporibus Maxenti a cons. X et Maximiano usque post consulatum X et septimum" ("Liber Pontificalis", ed. Duchesne, I, 6-7). This abbreviated notice is to be read: "A cons. Maximiano Herculio X et Maximiano Galerio VII [308] usque post cons. Maxim. Herc. X et Maxim. Galer. VII [309]" (cf. de Rossi, "Inscriptiones christ. urbis Romæ", I, 30). At Rome, Marcellus found the Church in the greatest confusion. The meeting-places and some of the burial-places of the faithful had been confiscated, and the ordinary life and activity of the Church was interrupted. Added to this were the dissensions within the Church itself, caused by the large number of weaker members who had fallen away during the long period of active persecution and later, under the leadership of an apostate, violently demanded that they should be readmitted to communion without doing penance. According to the "Liber Pontificalis" Marcellus divided the territorial administration of the Church into twenty-five districts (tituli), appointing over each a presbyter, who saw to the preparation of the catechumens for baptism and directed the performance of public penances. The presbyter was also made responsible for the burial of the dead and for the celebrations commemorating the deaths of the martyrs. The pope also had a new burial-place, the Cœmeterium Novellœ on the Via Salaria (opposite the Catacomb of St. Priscilla), laid out. The "Liber Pontificalis" (ed. Duchesne, I, 164) says: "Hic fecit cymiterium Novellae via Salaria et XXV titulos in urbe Roma constituit quasi diœcesis propter baptismum et pœnitentiam multorum qui convertebantur ex paganis et propter sepulturas martyrum". At the beginning of the seventh century there were probably twenty-five titular churches in Rome; even granting that, perhaps, the compiler of the "Liber Pontificalis" referred this number to the time of Marcellus, there is still a clear historical tradition in support of his declaration that the ecclesiastical administration in Rome was reorganized by this pope after the great persecution. The work of the pope was, however, quickly interrupted by the controversies to which the question of the readmittance of the lapsi into the Church gave rise. As to this, we gather some light from the poetic tribute composed by Damasus in memory of his predecessor and placed over his grave (De Rossi, "Inscr. christ. urbis Romæ", II, 62, 103, 138; cf. Idem, "Roma sotterranea", II, 204-5). Damasus relates that the truth-loving leader of the Roman Church was looked upon as a wicked enemy by all the lapsed, because he insisted that they should perform the prescribed penance for their guilt. As a result serious conflicts arose, some of which ended in bloodshed, and every bond of peace was broken. At the head of this band of the unfaithful and rebellious stood an apostate who had denied the Faith even before the outbreak of persecution. The tyrannical Maxentius had the pope seized and sent into exile. This took place at the end of 308 or the beginning of 309 according to the passages cited above from the "Catalogus Liberianus", which gives the length of the pontificate as no more than one year, six (or seven) months, and twenty days. Marcellus died shortly after leaving Rome, and was venerated as a saint. His feast-day was 16 January, according to the "Depositio episcoporum" of the "Chronography" of 354 and every other Roman authority. Nevertheless, it is not known whether this is the date of his death or that of the burial of his remains, after these had been brought back from the unknown quarter to which he had been exiled. He was buried in the catacomb of St. Priscilla where his grave is mentioned by the itineraries to the graves of the Roman martyrs as existing in the basilica of St. Silvester (De Rossi, "Roma sotterranea", I, 176) A fifth-century "Passio Marcelli", which is included in the legendary account of the martyrdom of St. Cyriacus (cf. Acta Sanct., Jan., II, 369) and is followed by the "Liber Pontificalis", gives a different account of the end of Marcellus. According to this version, the pope was required by Maxentius, who was enraged at his reorganization of the Church, to lay aside his episcopal dignity and make an offering to the gods. On his refusal, he was condemned to work as a slave at a station on the public highway (catabulum). At the end of nine months he was set free by the clergy; but a matron named Lucina having had her house on the Via Lata consecrated by him as "titulus Marcelli" he was again condemned to the work of attending to the horses brought into the station, in which menial occupation he died. All this is probably legendary, the reference to the restoration of ecclesiastical activity by Marcellus alone having an historical basis. The tradition related in the verses of Damasus seems much more worthy of belief. The feast of St. Marcellus, whose name is to this day borne by the church at Rome mentioned in the above legend, is still celebrated on 16 January. There still remains to be mentioned Mommsen's peculiar view that Marcellus was not really a bishop, but a simple Roman presbyter to whom was committed the ecclesiastical administration during the latter part of the period of vacancy of the papal chair. According to this view, 16 January was really the date of Marcellunus's death, the next occupant of the chair being Eusebius (Neues Archiv, 1896, XXI, 350-3). This hypothesis has, however, found no support. |
Eusebius 309 or 310 short reign
four months, from 18 April to 17 August,
309 or 310 baptized The Emperor Constantine; a
martyr,
and in his epitaph Pope Damasus honours Eusebius
with this title. His feast is yet celebrated on 26 September. Successor of Marcellus, 309 or 310. His reign was short. The Liberian Catalogue gives its duration as only four months, from 18 April to 17 August, 309 or 310. We learn some details of his career from an epitaph for his tomb which Pope Damasus ordered. This epitaph had come down to us through ancient transcripts. A few fragments of the original, together with a sixth-century marble copy made to replace the original, after its destruction were found by De Rossi in the Papal Chapel, in the catacombs of Callistus. It appears from this epitaph that the grave internal dissentions caused in the Roman Church by the readmittance of the apostates (lapsi) during the persecution of Diocletian, and which had already arisen under Marcellus, continued under Eusebius. The latter maintained the attitude of the Roman Church, adopted after the Decian persecutions (250-51), that the apostates should not be forever debarred from ecclesiastical communion, but on the other hand, should be readmitted only after doing proper penance (Eusebius miseros docuit sua crimina flere). This view was opposed by a faction of Christians in Rome under the leadership of one Heraclius. Whether the latter and his partisans advocated a more rigorous (Novationist) or a more lenient interpretation of the law has not been ascertained. The latter, however, is by far more probable in the hypothesis that Heraclius was the chief of a party made up of apostates and their followers, who demanded immediate restoration to the body of the Church. Damasus characterizes in very strong terms the conflict which ensued (seditcio, cœdes, bellum, discordia, lites). It is likely that Heraclius and his supporters sought to compel by force their admittance to divine worship, which was resented by the faithful gathered in Rome about Eusebius. In consequence both Eusebius and Heraclius were exiled by Emperor Maxentius. Eusebius, in particular, was deported to Sicily, where he died soon after. Miltiades ascended the papal throne, 2 July, 311. The body of his predecessor was brought back to Rome, probably in 311, and 26 September (according to the "Depositio Episcoporum" in the chronographer of 354) was placed in a separate cubiculum of the Catacomb of Callistus. His firm defense of ecclesiastical discipline and the banishment which he suffered therefor caused him to be venerated as a martyr, and in his epitaph Pope Damasus honours Eusebius with this title. His feast is yet celebrated on 26 September. |
314 Pope St. Miltiades { also
written Melchiades), a native of Africa} 310 or 311; died 10 or 11 January, 314
The year of his birth
is not known; he was elected pope in either 310 or 311; died 10 or 11 January,
314.
After the banishment of Pope Eusebius, the
Roman See was vacant for some time, probably because
of the complications which has arisen on account of
the apostates (lapsi), and which were not cleared up by
the banishment of Eusebius and Heraclius. On 2 July, 310
or 311, Miltiadea (the name is also written Melchiades), a
native of Africa, was elevated to the papacy. There is some
uncertainty as to the exact year, as the "Liberian Catalogue
of the Popes" (Duchesne, "Liber Pontificalis", I, 9) gives
2 July, 311, as the date of the consecration of the new pope
(ex die VI non. iul. a cons. Maximiliano VIII solo, quod fuit
mense septembri Volusiano et Rufino); but in contradiction to
this the death of the pope is said to have occurred on 2 January,
314, and the duration of the pontificate is given as three
years, six months and eight days; possibly owing to the mistake
of a copyist, we ought to read "ann. II" instead of "ann. III";
and therefore the year of his elevation to the papacy was most probably
311. About this time (311 or 310), an edict of toleration signed by the Emperors Galerius, Licinius, and Constantine, put an end to the great persecution of the Christians, and they were permitted to live as such, and also to reconstruct their places of religious worship (Eusebius, "Hist. Eccl.", VIII, xvii; Lactantius, "De mortibus persecutorum", xxxiv). Only in those countries of the Orient which were under the sway of Maximinus Daia did the Christians continue to be persecuted. The emperor now gave Pope Miltiades in Rome the right to receive back, through the prefect of the city, all ecclesiastical buildings and possessions which had been confiscated during the persecutions. The two Roman deacons, Strato and Cassianus, were ordered by the pope to discuss this matter with the prefect, and to take over the church properties (Augustinus, "Breviculus collationis cum Donatistis", iii, 34); it thus became possible to reorganize thoroughly the ecclesiastical administration and the religious life of the Christians in Rome. Miltiades caused
the remains of his predecessor, Eusebius,
to be brought back from Sicily to Rome, and had
them interred in a crypt in the Catacombs of St. Callistus.
In the following year the pope witnessed the final triumph
of the Cross, through the defeat of Maxentius, and the entry
into Rome of the Emperor Constantine (now converted to
Christianity), after the victory at the Milvian Bridge
(27 October, 312). Later the emperor presented the Roman
Church with the Lateran Palace, which then became the residence of
the pope, and consequently also the seat of the seat of the
central administration of the Roman Church. The basilica which
adjoined the palace or was afterwards built there became the
principal church of Rome. In 313 the Donatists came to Constantine
with a request to nominate bishops from Gaul as judges in the
controversy of the African episcopate regarding the consecration
in Carthage of the two bishops, Cæcilian and Majorinus.
Constantine wrote about this to Miltiades, and also to Marcus,
requesting the pope with three bishops from Gaul to give a hearing
in Rome, to Cæcilian and his opponent, and to decide the case.
On 2 October, 313, there assembled in the Lateran Palace, under
the presidency of Miltiades, a synod of eighteen bishops from Gaul
and Italy, which, after thoroughly considring the Donatist controversy
for three days, decided in favor of Cæcilian, whose election
and consecration as Bishop of Carthage was declared to be legitimate.
In the biography of Miltiades, in the "Liber Pontificalis", it
is stated that at the time Manichæans were found in Rome;
this was quite possible as Manichæism began to be spread in
the West in the fourth century. The same source attributes to this
pope a decree which absolutely forbade the Christians to fast on Sundays
or on Thursdays, "because these days were observed by the heathen as
a holy fast". This reason is remarkable; it comes most likely from
the author of the "Liber Pontificalis" who with this alleged decree
traces back a Roman custom of his own time to an ordinance of Miltiades.
The "Liber Pontificalis" is probably no less arbitrary in crediting
this pope with a decree to the effect that the Oblation consecrated
at the Solemn Mass of the pope (by which is meant the Eucharistic Bread)
should be taken to the different churches in Rome. Such a custom actually
existed in Rome (Duchesne, "Christian Worship," London, 1903, 185);
but there is nothing definite to show that it was introduced byMiltiades,
as the "Liber Pontificalis" asserts.
After his death, on 10 or 11 January (the Liberian Catalogue" give it as III id. jan.; the "Depositio Episcoporum" as IIII id. jan.), 314, Miltiades was laid to rest in the Catacomb of St. Callistus and he was venerated as a saint. De Rossi regards as highly probably his [this] location of this pope's burial-chamber (Roma Sotterranea, II, 188 sq.). His feast was celebrated in the fourth century, on 10 January, according to the "Martyrologium Hieronymianum". In the present "Roman Martyrology" it occurs on 10 December. |
336 Pope St. Mark; Constantine the Great's letter, which summoned
a conference of bishops for the investigation
of the Donatist dispute, is directed to Pope Miltiades
and one Mark (Eusebius, Church History X.5). This
Mark was evidently a member of the Roman clergy, either
priest or first deacon, and is perhaps identical with the
pope. The date of Mark's election (18 Jan., 336) is given
in the Liberian Catalogue of popes (Duchesne, "Liber
Pontificalis", I, 9), and is historically certain; so is the
day of his death (7 Oct.), which is specified in the same way
in the "Depositio episcoporum" of Philocalus's "Chronography",
the first edition of which appeared also in 336. Date of birth unknown; consecrated 18 Jan., 336; d. 7 Oct., 336. After the death of Pope Sylvester, Mark was raised to the Roman episcopal chair as his successor. The "Liber Pontificalis" says that he was a Roman, and that his father's name was Priscus. Constantine the Great's letter, which summoned a conference of bishops for the investigation of the Donatist dispute, is directed to Pope Miltiades and one Mark (Eusebius, Church History X.5). This Mark was evidently a member of the Roman clergy, either priest or first deacon, and is perhaps identical with the pope. The date of Mark's election (18 Jan., 336) is given in the Liberian Catalogue of popes (Duchesne, "Liber Pontificalis", I, 9), and is historically certain; so is the day of his death (7 Oct.), which is specified in the same way in the "Depositio episcoporum" of Philocalus's "Chronography", the first edition of which appeared also in 336. Concerning an interposition of the pope in the Arian troubles, which were then so actively affecting the Church in the East, nothing has been handed down. An alleged letter of his to St. Athanasius is a later forgery. Two constitutions are attributed to Mark by the author of the "Liber Pontificalis" (ed. Duchesne, I, 20). According to the one, he invested the Bishop of Ostia with the pallium, and ordained that this bishop was to consecrate the Bishop of Rome. It is certain that, towards the end of the fourth century, the Bishop of Ostia did bestow the episcopal consecration upon the newly-elected pope; Augustine expressly bears witness to this (Breviarium Collationis, III, 16). It is indeed possible that Mark had confirmed this privilege by a constitution, which does not preclude the fact that the Bishop of Ostia before this time usually consecrated the new pope. As for the bestowal of the pallium, the account cannot be established from sources of the fourth century, since the oldest memorials which show this badge, belong to the fifth and sixth centuries, and the oldest written mention of a pope bestowing the pallium dates from the sixth century (cf. Grisar, "Das römische Pallium und die altesten liturgischen Schärpen", in "Festschrift des deutschen Campo Santo in Rom", Freiburg im Br., 1897, 83-114). The "Liber Pontificalis" remarks further of Marcus: "Et constitutum de omni ecclesia ordinavit"; but we do not know which constitution this refers to. The building of two basilicas is attributed to this pope by the author of the "Liber Pontificalis". One of these was built within the city in the region "juxta Pallacinis"; it is the present church of San Marco, which however received its present external shape by later alterations. It is mentioned in the fifth century as a Roman title church, so that its foundation may without difficulty be attributed to St. Mark. The other was outside the city; it was a cemetery church, which the pope got built over the Catacomb of Balbina, between the Via Appia and the Via Ardeatina (cf. de Rossi, "Roma sotterranea", III, 8-13; "Bullettino di arch. crist.", 1867, 1 sqq.; Wilpert, "Topographische Studien uber die christlichen Monumente der Appia und der Ardeatina", in "Rom. Quartalschrift", 1901, 32-49). The pope obtained from Emperor Constantine gifts of land and liturgical furniture for both basilicas. Mark was buried in the Catacomb of Balbina, where he had built the cemetery church. His grave is expressly mentioned there by the itineraries of the seventh century (de Rossi, "Roma sotterranea", I, 180-1). The feast of the deceased pope was given on 7 Oct. in the old Roman calendar of feasts, which was inserted in the "Martyrologium Hieronymianum"; it is still kept on the same date. In an ancient manuscript a laudatory poem is preserved (unfortunately in a mutilated text), which Pope Damasus had composed on a Saint Marcus (de Rossi, "Inscriptiones christ. urbis Romae.", II, 108; Ihm, "Damasi epigrammata", Leipzig, 1895, 17, no. 11). De Rossi refers this to Pope Mark, but Duchesne (loc. cit., 204), is unable to accept this view. Since the contents of the poem are of an entirely general nature, without any particularly characteristic feature from the life of Pope Mark, the question is not of great importance. |
336 St. Julius elected
Pope to succeed Pope St. Mark on February
6, 337 built several basilicas and churches in
Rome declared that Athanasius was the rightful bishop
of Alexandria and reinstated him
(337-352 ). The immediate successor of Pope Silvester, Arcus, ruled the Roman Church for only a very short period — from 18 January to 7 October, 336 — and after his death the papal chair remained vacant for four months. What occasioned this comparatively long vacancy is unknown. On 6 Feb., 337, Julius, son of Rustics and a native of Rome, was elected pope. His pontificate is chiefly celebrated for his judicious and firm intervention in the Arian controversies, about which we have abundant sources of information. After the death of Constantine the Great (22 May, 337), his son Constantine II, Governor of Gaul, permitted the exiled Athanasius to return to his See of Alexandria (see ATHANASIUS). The Arians in Egypt, however, set up a rival bishop in the person of Pistus, and sent an embassy to Julius asking him to admit Pistus into communion with Rome, and delivering to the pope the decisions of the Council of Tyre (335) to prove that Athanasius had been validly deposed. On his side Athanasius likewise sent envoys to Rome to deliver to Julius a synodal letter of the Egyptian bishops, containing a complete justification of their patriarch. On the arrival of the Athanasian envoys in Rome, Macarius, the head of the Arian representatives, left the city; the two remaining Arian envoys, with the Athanasian deputies, were summoned by Pope Julius. The Arian envoys now begged the pope to assemble a great synod before which both parties should present their case for decision. Julius convened the synod at
Rome, having dispatched two envoys to bear
a letter of invitation to the Eastern bishops.
Under the leadership of Eusebius, who had been raised
from Nicomedia to the See of Constantinople, the Arian
bishops had meanwhile held a council at Antioch, and elected
George of Cappadocia Bishop of Alexandria in the place
of Pistus. George was intruded forcibly into his see, and
Athanasius, being again exiled, made his way to Rome. Many
other Eastern bishops removed by the Arian party, among them Marcellus
of Ancyra, also came to Rome. In a letter couched in haughty
terms, however, the Arian bishops of the party of Eusebius refused
to attend the synod summoned by Julius. The synod was held in the autumn
of 340 or 341, under the presidency of the pope, in the titular church
of the presbyter Vitus. After a detailed examination of the documents,
Athanasius and Marcellus of Ancyra, who had made a satisfactory
profession of faith, were exonerated and re-established in
their episcopal rights. Pope Julius communicated this decision
in a very notable and able letter to the bishops of the Eusebian
party. In this letter he justifies his proceedings in the case,
defends in detail his action in reinstating Athanasius, and animadverts
strongly on the non-appearance of the Eastern bishops at the
council, the convening of which they themselves had suggested.
Even if Athanasius and his companions were somewhat to blame, the
letter runs, the Alexandrian Church should first have written to
the pope. "Can you be ignorant," writes the pope, "that this is the
custom, that we should be written to first, so that from here what
is just may be defined" (Julii ep. ad Antiochenos, c. xxii). After
his victory over his brother Constantine II, Emperor Constans was
ruler over the greater part of the Empire. He was entirely orthodox
in his views, and, at the request of the pope and other Western bishops,
interceded with his brother Constantius, Emperor of the East, in favour
of the bishops who had been deposed and persecuted by the Arian
party. Both rulers agreed that there should be convened a general
council of the Western and Eastern bishops at Sardica, the principal
city of the Province of Dacia Mediterranea (the modern Sofia).
It took place in the autumn of 342 or 343, Julius sending as his representatives
the priests Archidamus and Philoxenus and the deacon Leo. Although
the Eastern bishops of the Arian party did not join in the council,
but held their assembly separate and then departed, the synod nevertheless
accomplished its task. Through the important canons iii, iv, and v
(vii in the Latin text) of this council, the procedure against accused
bishops was more exactly regulated, and the manner of the papal intervention
in the condemnation of bishops was definitely established.
At the close of its transactions the synod communicated its decisions to the pope in a dutiful letter. Notwithstanding the reaffirmation of his innocence by the Synod of Sardica, St. Athanasius was not restored to his see by Emperor Constantius until after the death of George, the rival Bishop of Alexandria, in 346. Pope Julius took this occasion to write a letter, which is still extant, to the priests, deacons, and the faithful of Alexandria, to congratulate them on the return of their great pastor. The two bishops Ursacius of Singidunum and Valens of Mursia, who, on account of their Arianism, had been deposed by the Council of Sardica, now made a formal recantation of their error to Julius, who, having summoned them to an audience and received a signed confession of faith, restored to them their episcopal sees. Concerning the inner life of the Roman Church during the pontificate of Julius we have no exact information; all agree, however, that there was a rapid increase in the number of the faithful in Rome, where Julius had two new basilicas erected: the titular church of Julius (now S. Maria in Trastevere) and the Basilica Julia (now the Church of the Twelve Apostles). Beside these he built three churches over cemeteries outside the walls of Rome: one on the road to Porto, a second on the Via Aurelia, and a third on the Via Flaminia at the tomb of the martyr St. Valentine. The ruins of the last-mentioned have been discovered. The veneration of the faithful for the tombs of the martyrs continued to spread rapidly. Under the pontificate of Julius, if not earlier, catalogues of feast-days of saints came into use — the Roman feast-calendar of Philocalus dates from the year 336. |
335 St. Sylvester
Pope (25 yrs) council of Aries and Nicea
stand aside and let events take their course,
when asserting one’s authority would only lead to useless
tension and strife.
St. Sylvester, born in Rome, was ordained by Pope St. Marcellinus during the peace that preceded the persecutions of Diocletian. He passed through those days of terror, witnessed the abdication of Diocletian and Maximian, and saw the triumph of Constantine in the year 312. Two years later he succeeded St. Melchiades as Bishop of Rome. In the same year, he sent four legates to represent him at the great Council of the Western Church, held at Aries. He confirmed it's decision and imparted them to the Church. The Council of Nicea was assembled during his reign, in the year 325, but not being able to assist at it in person, on account of his great age, he sent his legates, who headed the list of subscribers to its decrees, preceding the Patriarchs of Alexandria and Antioch. St. Sylvester was Pope for twenty-four
years and eleven months.
When you think of this pope,
you think of the Edict
of Milan, the emergence of the Church from
the catacombs, the building of the great basilicas,
Saint John Lateran, Saint Peter’s and others,
the Council of Nicaea
and other critical events.
But for the most part, these events
were planned or brought about by Emperor Constantine.
A great store of legends has
grown up around the man who was pope at
this most important time, little can be established
historically. We know for sure that his papacy lasted
from 314 until his death in 335.
Reading between the lines of
history, we are assured that only a very
strong and wise man could have preserved the essential
independence of the Church in the face of the overpowering
figure of the Emperor Constantine. The bishops in general
remained loyal to the Holy See and at times expressed apologies
to Sylvester for undertaking important ecclesiastical
projects at the urging of Constantine.
Comment: It takes deep
humility and courage in the face of criticism
for a leader to stand aside and let events take
their course, when asserting one’s authority would
only lead to useless tension and strife.
Sylvester teaches a valuable lesson
for Church leaders, politicians, parents and others in authority.
|
366 384 Pope Saint
Damasus I commissioned Saint Jerome translate
Scriptures in Latin
All lovers of Scripture have reason to celebrate this day. Damasus was the pope who commissioned Saint Jerome to translate the Scriptures into Latin, the Vulgate version of the Bible. Pope Saint Damasus I (RM) December 11 Pope St. Damasus I tt=21 Born about 304; died 11 December, 384. His father, Antonius, was probably a Spaniards; the name of his mother, Laurentia, was not known until quite recently. Damasus seems to have been born at Rome; it is certain that he grew up there in the service of the church of the martyr St. Laurence. He was elected pope in October, 366, by a large majority, but a number of over-zealous adherents of the deceased Liberius rejected him, chose the deacon Ursinus (or Ursicinus), had the latter irregularly consecrated, and resorted to much violence and bloodshed in order to seat him in the Chair of Peter. Many details of this scandalous conflict are related in the highly prejudiced "Libellus Precum" (P.L., XIII, 83-107), a petition to the civil authority on the part of Faustinus and Marcellinus, two anti-Damasan presbyters (cf. also Ammianus Marcellinus, Rer. Gest., XXVII, c. iii). Valentinian recognized Damasus and banished (367) Ursinus to Cologne, whence he was later allowed to return to Milan, but was forbidden to come to Rome or its vicinity. The party of the antipope (later at Milan an adherent of the Arians and to the end a contentious pretender) did not cease to persecute Damasus. An accusation of adultery was laid against him (378) in the imperial court, but he was exonerated by Emperor Gratian himself (Mansi, Coll. Conc., III, 628) and soon after by a Roman synod of forty-four bishops (Liber Pontificalis, ed. Duchesne, s.v.; Mansi, op. cit., III, 419) which also excommunicated his accusers. Damasus defended with vigour the Catholic Faith in a time of dire and varied perils. In two Roman synods (368 and 369) he condemned Apollinarianism and Macedonianism; he also sent his legates to the Council of Constantinople (381), convoked against the aforesaid heresies. In the Roman synod of 369 (or 370) Auxentius, the Arian Bishop of Milan, was excommunicated; he held the see, however, until his death, in 374, made way for St. Ambrose. The heretic Priscillian, condemned by the Council of Saragossa (380) appealed to Damasus, but in vain. It was Damasus who induced Saint Jerome to undertake his famous revision of the earlier Latin versions of the Bible (see VULGATE). St. Jerome was also his confidential secretary for some time (Ep. cxxiii, n. 10). An important canon of the New Testament was proclaimed by him in the Roman synod of 374. The Eastern Church, in the person of St. Basil of Cæsarea, besought earnestly the aid and encouragement of Damasus against triumphant Arianism; the pope, however, cherished some degree of suspicion against the great Cappadocian Doctor. In the matter of the Meletian Schism at Antioch, Damasus, with Athanasius and Peter of Alexandria, sympathized with the party of Paulinus as more sincerely representative of Nicene orthodoxy; on the death of Meletius he sought to secure the succession for Paulinus and to exclude Flavian (Socrates, Church History V.15). He sustained the appeal of the Christian senators to Emperor Gratian for the removal of the altar of Victory from the Senate House (Ambrose, Ep. xvii, n. 10), and lived to welcome the famous edict of Theodosius I, "De fide Catholica" (27 Feb., 380), which proclaimed as the religion of the Roman State that doctrine which St. Peter had preached to the Romans and of which Damasus was supreme head (Cod. Theod., XVI, 1, 2). When, in 379, Illyricum was detached from the Western Empire, Damasus hastened to safeguard the authority of the Roman Church by the appointment of a vicar Apostolic in the person of Ascholius, Bishop of Thessalonica; this was the origin of the important papal vicariate long attached to that see. The primacy of the Apostolic See, variously favoured in the time of Damasus by imperial acts and edicts, was strenuously maintained by this pope; among his notable utterances on this subject is the assertion (Mansi, Coll. Conc., VIII, 158) that the ecclesiastical supremacy of the Roman Church was based, not on the decrees of councils, but on the very words of Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:18). The increased prestige of the early papal decretals, habitually attributed to the reign of Siricius (384-99), not improbably belongs to the reign of Damasus ("Canones Romanorum ad Gallos"; Babut, "La plus ancienne décrétale", Paris, 1904). This development of the papal office, especially in the West, brought with it a great increase of external grandeur. This secular splendour, however, affected disadvantageously many members of the Roman clergy, whose worldly aims and life, bitterly reproved by St. Jerome, provoked (29 July, 370) and edict of Emperor Valentinian addressed to the pope, forbidding ecclesiastics and monks (later also bishops and nuns) to pursue widows and orphans in the hope of obtaining from them gifts and legacies. The pope caused the law to be observed strictly. Damasus restored his own church (now San Lorenzo in Damaso) and provided for the proper housing of the archives of the Roman Church (see VATICAN ARCHIVES). He built in the basilica of St. Sebastian on the Appian Way the (yet visible) marble monument known as the "Platonia" (Platona, marble pavement) in honour of the temporary transfer to that place (258) of the bodies of Sts. Peter and Paul, and decorated it with an important historical inscription (see Northcote and Brownlow, Roma Sotterranea). He also built on the Via Ardeatina, between the cemeteries of Callistus and Domitilla, a basilicula, or small church, the ruins of which were discovered in 1902 and 1903, and in which, according to the "Liber Pontificalis", the pope was buried with his mother and sister. On this occasion the discoverer, Monsignor Wilpert, found also the epitaph of the pope's mother, from which it was learned not only that her name was Laurentia, but also that she had lived the sixty years of her widowhood in the special service of God, and died in her eighty-ninth year, having seen the fourth generation of her descendants. Damasus built at the Vatican a baptistery in honour of St. Peter and set up therein one of his artistic inscriptions (Carmen xxxvi), still preserved in the Vatican crypts. This subterranean region he drained in order that the bodies buried there (juxta sepulcrum beati Petri) might not be affected by stagnant or overflowing water. His extraordinary devotion to the Roman martyrs is now well known, owing particularly to the labours of Giovanni Battista De Rossi. For a good account of his architectural restoration of the catacombs and the unique artistic characters (Damasan Letters) in which his friend Furius Dionysius Filocalus executed the epitaphs composed by Damasus, see Northcote and Brownlow, "Roma Sotterranea" (2nd ed., London, 1878-79). The dogmatic content of the Damasan epitaphs (tituli) is important (Northcote, Epitaphs of the Catacombs, London, 1878). He composed also a number of brief epigrammata on various martyrs and saints and some hymns, or Carmina, likewise brief. St. Jerome says (Ep. xxii, 22) that Damasus wrote on virginity, both in prose and in verse, but no such work has been preserved. For the few letters of Damasus (some of them spurious) that have survived, see P.L., XIII, 347-76, and Jaffé, "Reg. Rom. Pontif." (Leipzig, 1885), nn. 232-254. Born c. 304; died in Rome in 384. In short, St. Damasus was a pope whose authority was challenged but who had great literary taste. Damasus appears to have been born in Rome--the son of a priest of Spanish extraction. He never married but became a deacon in the Spanish church of St. Laurence, where his father served. When Pope Liberius died in 366,
Damasus, then about 60, was chosen bishop
of Rome. His election was highly contested, and
a minority elected an antipope, Ursinus, whom they supported
with violence. The opposition was put down by great cruelty
by the civil authorities, and Ursinus was exiled by
Emperor Valentinian. The opposition was not put down
immediately, however, and as late as 378, a synod cleared
Damasus of a charge of incontinence cast against him by his
opponents.
He enforced Valentinian's edict of 370 forbidding gifts by widows and orphans to bishops. He was also a vigorous opponent of Arianism, Apollinarianism, and other heresies. He sent legates to the Council of Constantinople in 381, which accepted papal teaching, again condemned Arianism, and denounced the view of Macedonius that the Holy Spirit is not divine. The place of the Church was stabilized when, in 380, orthodox Christianity was recognized by the emperors Gratian and Theodosius I as the religion of the Roman state. Damasus also devoted much effort to gathering the relics and resting places of Roman martyrs, and to restoring the sacred catacombs, and to drawing up instructions for their care. He composed many beautiful epitaphs--many of which still exist--for the tombs of the martyrs and encouraged pilgrimages to the tombs. Unfortunately, these epitaphs have little historical value because the true histories of many Roman martyrs were already lost or nearly forgotten by that time. He had placed in the papal crypt of the cemetery of St. Callistus a general epitaph that ends, "I, Damasus, wished to be buried here, but I feared to offend the ashes of these holy ones." He was buried with his mother and sister at a small church he had built on the Via Ardeatina. By far the most influential action of Damasus was his patronage of Saint Jerome. He commissioned Jerome to write his Biblical commentaries and to revise the Latin text of the Bible, which yielded the Vulgate version of the Bible. St. Jerome, who served as his secretary for a time, called him "an incomparable man." (Elsewhere I read that St. Jerome left Rome when Damasus was elected in preference to himself--Jerome was too irascible to be pope.) As a biblical scholar, Damasus published the canon of the Holy Scripture, specifying the authentic books of the Bible as decreed by a council in Rome in 374. He also saw to the collection and housing of papal archives (Attwater, Benedictines, Delaney, Encyclopedia, White). In art St. Damasus is a pope holding a ring. Sometimes he is shown with St. Jerome; or restoring sacred buildings (Roeder). Or, he may hold a screen with "Gloria Patri," etc., upon it; or be shown with a church door behind him (White). St. Damasus is the patron saint of archaeologists (White). |
384-399 Pope St. Siricius; lector then Roman Church deacon during Liberius (352-66) pontificate; After death of Damasus, Siricius unanimously
elected successor: A letter, questions
asked on 15 different points concerning baptism, penance, church discipline,
and the celibacy of the clergy, came to Rome addressed to Pope Damasus by
Bishop Himerius of Tarragona, Spain. Siricius answered this letter on 10
February, 385, and gave decisions, exercising full consciousness his supreme
power of authority in the Church (Coustant, "Epist. Rom. Pont.", 625 sq.).
This letter of Siricius is of special importance because it is the oldest
completely preserved papal decretal (edict for the authoritative decision
of questions of discipline and canon law). In all decrees the
pope speaks with consciousness of his supreme ecclesiastical authority and
his pastoral care over all the churches. Siricius was obliged to take
stand against heretical movements; Jovinian
& 8 followers condemned /excluded from communion with the Church; Bishop Bonosus of Sardica (390), accused of errors
in the Trinity
dogma & false doctrine that Mary was not
always a virgin; He sharply
condemned episcopal accusers of Priscillian because
of that execution; took severe measures against Manichæans
at Rome; In the
East Siricius interposed to settle the Meletian schism
at Antioch; At Rome Siricius with basilica over the
grave of St. Paul on Via Ostiensis rebuilt by the emperor as
a basilica of five aisles during pontificate of Siricius
dedicated by in him 390; Siricius's name is still to be found on a pillar not destroyed
in the fire of 1823, and now stands in the vestibule
of the side entrance to the transept. Born about 334; died 26 November, 399, Siricius was a native of Rome; his father's name was Tiburtius. Siricius entered the service of the Church at an early age and, according to the testimony of the inscription on his grave, was lector and then deacon of the Roman Church during the pontificate of Liberius (352-66). After the death of Damasus, Siricius was unanimously elected his successor (December, 384) and consecrated bishop probably on 17 December. Ursinus, who had been a rival to Damasus (366), was alive and still maintained his claims. However, the Emperor Valentinian III, in a letter to Pinian (23 Feb., 385), gave his consent to the election that had been held and praised the piety of the newly-elected bishop; consequently no difficulties arose. Immediately upon his elevation Siricius had occasion to assert his primacy over the universal Church. A letter, in which questions were asked on fifteen different points concerning baptism, penance, church discipline, and the celibacy of the clergy, came to Rome addressed to Pope Damasus by Bishop Himerius of Tarragona, Spain. Siricius answered this letter on 10 February, 385, and gave the decisions as to the matters in question, exercising with full consciousness his supreme power of authority in the Church (Coustant, "Epist. Rom. Pont.", 625 sq.). This letter of Siricius is of special importance because it is the oldest completely preserved papal decretal (edict for the authoritative decision of questions of discipline and canon law). It is, however, certain that before this earlier popes had also issued such decretals, for Siricius himself in his letter mentions "general decrees" of Liberius that the latter had sent to the provinces; but these earlier ones have not been preserved. At the same time the pope directed Himerius to make known his decrees to the neighbouring provinces, so that they should also be observed there. This pope had very much at heart the maintenance of Church discipline and the observance of canons by the clergy and laity. A Roman synod of 6 January, 386, at which eighty bishops were present, reaffirmed in nine canons the laws of the Church on various points of discipline (consecration of bishops, celibacy, etc.). The decisions of the council were communicated by the pope to the bishops of North Africa and probably in the same manner to others who had not attended the synod, with the command to act in accordance with them. Another letter which was sent to various churches dealt with the election of worthy bishops and priests. A synodal letter to the Gallican bishops, ascribed by Coustant and others to Siricius, is assigned to Pope Innocent I by other historians (P.L., XIII, 1179 sq.). In all his decrees the pope speaks with the consciousness of his supreme ecclesiastical authority and of his pastoral care over all the churches. Siricius was also obliged to
take a stand against heretical movements.
A Roman monk Jovinian came forward as an
opponent of fasts, good works, and the higher merit of celibate
life. He found some adherents among the monks and nuns
of Rome. About 390-392 the pope held a synod at Rome, at
which Jovinian and eight of his followers were condemned and
excluded from communion with the Church. The decision was sent
to St. Ambrose, the great Bishop of Milan and a friend of Siricius.
Ambrose now held a synod of the bishops of upper Italy which,
as the letter says, in agreement with his decision also condemned
the heretics.Other heretics including Bishop Bonosus of Sardica (390), who was also accused of errors in the dogma of the Trinity, maintained the false doctrine that Mary was not always a virgin. Siricius and Ambrose opposed Bonosus and his adherents and refuted their false views. The pope then left further proceedings against Bonosus to the Bishop of Thessalonica and the other Illyrian bishops. Like his predecessor Damasus, Siricius also took part in the Priscillian controversy. He sharply condemned episcopal accusers of Priscillian, who brought the matter before the secular court and prevailed upon the usurper Maximus to condemn to death and execute Priscillian and followers. Maximus sought to justify his action by sending to the pope the proceedings in the case. Siricius, however, excommunicated Bishop Felix of Trier who supported Ithacius, accuser of Priscillian, and in whose city the execution took place. The pope addressed a letter to Spanish bishops in which he stated conditions under which converted Priscillians were to be restored to communion with the Church. According to the life in the "Liber Pontificalis" (ed. Duchesne, I, 216), Siricius also took severe measures against Manichæans at Rome. However, as Duchesne remarks (loc. cit., notes) it cannot be assumed from the writings of the converted Augustine, who was a Manichæan when he went to Rome (383), that Siricius took any particular steps against them: Augustine would certainly have commented on this if such had been the case. The mention in the "Liber Pontificalis" belongs properly to the life of Pope Leo I. Neither is it probable, as Langen thinks (Gesch. der röm. Kirche, I, 633), that Priscillians are to be understood by this mention of Manichæans, although probably Priscillians were at times called Manichæans in the writings of that age. Western emperors, including Honorius and Valentinian III, issued laws against Manichæans, whom they declared to be political offenders, and took severe action against the members of this sect (Codex Theodosian, XVI, V, various laws). In the East Siricius interposed to settle the Meletian schism at Antioch; this schism had continued notwithstanding the death in 381 of Meletius at the Council of Constantinople. The followers of Meletius elected Flavian as his successor, while the adherents of Bishop Paulinus, after the death of this bishop (388), elected Evagrius. Evagrius died in 392 and through Flavian's management no successor was elected. By the mediation of St. John Chrysostom and Theophilus of Alexandria an embassy, led by Bishop Acacius of Beroea, was sent to Rome to persuade Siricius to recognize Flavian and to readmit him to communion with the Church. At Rome the name of Siricius is particularly connected with the basilica over the grave of St. Paul on the Via Ostiensis which was rebuilt by the emperor as a basilica of five aisles during the pontificate of Siricius and was dedicated by the pope in 390. The name of Siricius is still to be found on one of the pillars that was not destroyed in the fire of 1823, and which now stands in the vestibule of the side entrance to the transept. Two of his contemporaries describe the character of Siricius disparagingly. Paulinus of Nola, who on his visit to Rome in 395 was treated in a guarded manner by the pope, speaks of the urbici papæ superba discretio, the haughty policy of the Roman bishop (Epist., V, 14). This action of the pope is, however, explained by the fact that there had been irregularities in the election and consecration of Paulinus (Buse, "Paulin von Nola", I, 193). Jerome, for his part, speaks of the "lack of judgment" of Siricius (Epist., cxxvii, 9) on account of the latter's treatment of Rufinus of Aquileia, to whom the pope had given a letter when Rufinus left Rome in 398, which showed that he was in communion with the Church. The reason, however, does not justify the judgment which Jerome expressed against the pope; moreover, Jerome in his polemical writings often exceeds the limits of propriety. All that is known of the labours of Siricius refutes the criticism of the caustic hermit of Bethlehem. The "Liber Pontificalis" gives an incorrect date for his death; he was buried in the cæmeterium of Priscilla on the Via Salaria. The text of the inscription on his grave is known (De Rossi, "Inscriptiones christ. urbis Romæ", II, 102, 138). His feast is celebrated on 26 November. His name was inserted in the Roman Martyrology by Benedict XIV. |
401 Anastasius I, Pope condemnation of
Origen Saint Jerome helped him in his own
way Saints Augustine and Paulinus of Nola praised
his model of sanctity (RM) Born in Rome; died there in 401. Anastasius, the son of Maximus, was elected pope on November 27, 399, and ruled the Church for two years. His pontificate was marked by his condemnation of Origen in order to stop the errors of those who followed and expanded upon Origen's teachings, his urging the African bishops to continue their opposition to Donatism, and his personal holiness and piety. Saint Jerome helped him in his own way, and Saints Augustine and Paulinus of Nola praised his model of sanctity. It is from Pope Anastasius that priests have the instruction to read the Gospels standing and bowing their heads. The laus in the Roman Martyrology reads: "At Rome, the death of Pope Saint Anastasius I, a man of extreme poverty and apostolic solicitude. Saint Jerome in his writings saith that Rome did not deserve to possess him for long. . . ." (Benedictines, Delaney, Encyclopedia). |
417 St.
Innocent I 401-417
Date of birth unknown; died 12 March, 417. Before his elevation to the Chair of Peter, very little is known concerning the life of this energetic pope, so zealous for the welfare of the whole Church. According to the "Liber Pontificalis" he was a native of Albano; his father was called Innocentius. He grew up among the Roman clergy and in the service of the Roman Church. After the death of Anastasius (Dec., 401) he was unanimously chosen Bishop of Rome by the clergy and people. Not much has come down to us concerning his ecclesiastical activities in Rome. Nevertheless one or two instances of his zeal for the purity of the Catholic Faith and for church discipline are well attested. He took several churches in Rome from the Novatians (Socrates, Hist. Eccl., VII, ii) and caused the Photinian Marcus to be banished from the city. A drastic decree, which the Emperor Honorius issued from Rome (22 Feb., 407) against the Manicheans, the Montanists, and the Priscillianists (Codex Theodosianus, XVI, 5, 40), was very probably not issued without his concurrence. Through the munificence of Vestina, a rich Roman matron, Innocent was enabled to build and richly endow a church dedicated to Sts. Gervasius and Protasius; this was the old Titulus Vestin&#aelig; which still stands under the name of San Vitale. The siege and capture of Rome by the Goths under Alaric (408-10) occurred in his pontificate. When, at the time of the first siege, the barbarian leader had declared that he would withdraw only on condition that the Romans should arrange a peace favourable to him, an embassy of the Romans went to Honorius, at Ravenna, to try, if possible, to make peace between him and the Goths. Pope Innocent also joined this embassy. But all his endeavours to bring about peace failed. The Goths then recommenced the siege of Rome, so that the pope and the envoys were not able to return to the city, which was taken and sacked in 410. From the beginning of his pontificate, Innocent often acted as head of the whole Church, both East and West. In his letter to Archbishop
Anysius of Thessalonica, in which he informed the latter of his own election
to the See of Rome, he also confirmed the privileges which had been bestowed
upon the archbishop by previous popes. When Eastern Illyria fell to the Eastern
Empire (379) Pope Damasus had asserted
and preserved the ancient rights of the papacy
in those parts, and his successor Siricius had bestowed
on the Archbishop of Thessalonica the privilege of confirming
and consecrating the bishops of Eastern Illyria. These
prerogatives were renewed by Innocent (Ep. i), and by a
later letter (Ep. xiii, 17 June, 412) the pope entrusted the
supreme administration of the dioceses of Eastern Illyria to Archbishop
Rufus of Thessalonica, as representative of the Holy See.
By this means the papal vicariate of Illyria was put on a sound
basis, and the archbishops of Thessalonica became vicars
of the popes. On 15 Feb., 404, Innocent sent an important decretal
to Bishop Victricius of Rouen (Ep. ii), who had laid before
the pope a list of disciplinary matters for decision. The points at
issue concerned the consecration of bishops, admissions into the
ranks of the clergy, the disputes of clerics, whereby important
matters (caus&#aelig; majores) were to be brought from the
episcopal tribunal to the Apostolic See, also the ordinations
of the clergy, celibacy, the reception of converted Novatians
or Donatists into the Church, monks, and nuns. In general, the
pope indicated the discipline of the Roman Church as being the
norm for the other bishops to follow. Innocent directed a similar
decretal to the Spanish bishops (Ep. iii) among whom difficulties had
arisen, especially regarding the Priscillianist bishops. The pope regulated
this matter and at the same time settled other questions of ecclesiastical
discipline.
Similar letters, disciplinary
in content, or decisions of important cases,
were sent to Bishop Exuperius of Toulouse (Ep.
vi), to the bishops of Macedonia (Ep. xvii), to Decentius,
Bishop of Gubbio (Ep. xxv), to Felix, Bishop of Nocera
(Ep. xxxviii). Innocent also addressed shorter letters
to several other bishops, among them a letter to two British
bishops, Maximus and Severus, in which he decided that those
priests who, while priests, had begotten children should be
dismissed from their sacred office (Ep. xxxix). Envoys were
sent by the Synod of Carthage (404) to the Bishop of Rome, or
the bishop of the city where the emperor was staying, in order to
provide for severer treatment of the Montanists. The envoys
came to Rome, and Pope Innocent obtained from the Emperor Honorius
a strong decree against those African sectaries, by which many
adherents of Montanism were induced to be reconciled with the
Church. The Christian East also claimed a share of the pope's energy.
St. John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, who was persecuted
by the Empress Eudoxia and the Alexandrian patriarch Theophilus,
threw himself on the protection of Innocent. Theophilus had already
informed the latter of the deposition of John, following on
the illegal Synod of the Oak (ad quercum). But the pope did not
recognize the sentence of the synod, summoned Theophilus to a new
synod at Rome, consoled the exiled Patriarch of Byzantium, and
wrote a letter to the clergy and people of Constantinople in which
he animadverted severely on their conduct towards their bishop
(John), and announced his intention of calling a general synod,
at which the matter would be sifted and decided. Thessalonica was
suggested as the place of assembly. The pope informed Honorius, Emperor
of the West, of these proceedings, whereupon the latter wrote three
letters to his brother, the Eastern Emperor Arcadius, and besought
Arcadius to summon the Eastern bishops to a synod at Thessalonica,
before which the Patriarch Theophilus was to appear. The messengers
who brought these three letters were ill received, Arcadius being quite
favourable to Theophilus. In spite of the efforts of the pope and the
Western emperor, the synod never took place. Innocent remained in correspondence
with the exiled John; when, from his place of banishment the latter
thanked him for his kind solicitude, the pope answered with another
comforting letter, which the exiled bishop received only a short time
before his death (407) (Epp. xi, xii). The pope did not recognize Arsacius
and Atticus, who had been raised to the See of Constantinople instead
of the unlawfully deposed John.
After John's death, Innocent
desired that the name of the deceased patriarch
should be restored to the diptychs, but it was
not until after Theophilus was dead (412) that Atticus
yielded. The pope obtained from many other Eastern bishops
a similar recognition of the wrong done to St. John Chrysostom.
The schism at Antioch, dating from the Arian conflicts,
was finally settled in Innocent's time. Alexander, Patriarch
of Antioch, succeeded, about 413-15, in gaining over
to his cause the adherents of the former Bishop Eustathius;
he also received into the ranks of his clergy the followers
of Paulinus, who had fled to Italy and had been ordained there.
Innocent informed Alexander of these proceedings, and as Alexander
restored the name of John Chrysostom to the diptychs, the
pope entered into communion with the Antiochene patriarch,
and wrote him two letters, one in the name of a Roman synod
of twenty Italian bishops, and one in his own name (Epp. xix
and xx). Acacius, Bishop of Ber&#aelig;a, one of the most
zealous opponents of Chrysostom, had sought to obtain re-admittance
to communion with the Roman Church through the aforesaid
Alexander of Antioch. The pope informed him, though Alexander, of
the conditions under which he would resume communion with him
(Ep. xxi). In a later letter Innocent decided several questions
of church discipline (Ep. xxiv).
The pope also informed the Macedonian
bishop Maximian and the priest Bonifatius,
who had interceded with him for the recognition
of Atticus, Patriarch of Constantinople, of the conditions,
which were similar to those required of the above-mentioned
Patriarch of Antioch (Epp. xxii and xxiii). In
the Origenist and Pelagian controversies, also, the
pope's authority was invoked from several quarters. St.
Jerome and the nuns of Bethlehem were attacked in their convents
by brutal followers of Pelagius, a deacon was killed, and
a part of the buildings was set on fire. John, Bishop of Jerusalem,
who was on bad terms with Jerome, owing to the Origenist
controversy, did nothing to prevent these outrages. Through
Aurelius, Bishop of Carthage, Innocent sent St. Jerome a letter
of condolence, in which he informed him that he would employ
the influence of the Holy See to repress such crimes; and if Jerome
would give the names of the guilty ones, he would proceed further
in the matter. The pope at once wrote an earnest letter of exhortation
to the Bishop of Jerusalem, and reproached him with negligence
of his pastoral duty. The pope was also compelled to take part in
the Pelagian controversy. In 415, on the proposal of Orosius, the Synod
of Jerusalem brought the matter of the orthodoxy of Pelagius before
the Holy See. The synod of Eastern bishops held at Diospolis (Dec., 415),
which had been deceived by Pelagius with regard to his actual teaching
and had acquitted him, approached Innocent on behalf of the heretic.
On the report of Orosius concerning the proceedings at Diospolis,
the African bishops assembled in synod at Carthage, in 416, and confirmed
the condemnation which had been pronounced in 411 against C&#aelig;lestius,
who shared the views of Pelagius. The bishops of Numidia did likewise
in the same year in the Synod of Mileve. Both synods reported their transactions
to the pope and asked him to confirm their decisions. Soon after this,
five African bishops, among them St. Augustine, wrote a personal letter
to Innocent regarding their own position in the matter of Pelagianism.
Innocent in his reply praised the African bishops, because, mindful of
the authority of the Apostolic See, they had appealed to the Chair
of Peter; he rejected the teachings of Pelagius and confirmed the decisions
drawn up by the African Synods (Epp. xxvii-xxxiii). The decisions
of the Synod of Diospolis were rejected by the pope. Pelagius now sent
a confession of faith to Innocent, which, however, was only delivered
to his successor, for Innocent died before the document reached the
Holy See. He was buried in a basilica above the catacomb of Pontianus,
and was venerated as a saint. He was a very energetic and active
man, and a highly gifted ruler, who fulfilled admirably the duties
of his office.
|
417-418 St. Zosimus Pope A Greek Item Romæ sancti Zósimi, Papæ
et Confessóris.
In the same city, St. Zosimus, pope and
confessor.
he succeeded Pope St. Innocent I (r. 401-417)
on March 18, 417. He devoted most of his brief reign
to advancing the cause of papal supremacy, albeit with very
little success. While personally blameless in his private life, Zosimus did have a tactless and hasty personality, so much so that he found himself embroiled in various clashes with prelates throughout the Church. In fact he died while preparing to excommunicate a group of troublesome clerics. Zosimus wrote Episiola Thactaria, condemning Pelagianism. Since he was much disliked in Rome, his passing on December 27 brought celebrations in the streets. |
432 Celestine I Pope treatise against semi-Pelagianism
(RM) Born in Campania, Italy; died at Rome, July 27, 432; feast day formerly on July 27 and/or August 1. Saint Celestine was a deacon in Rome when he was elected pope on September 20, 422, to succeed Saint Boniface. He was a staunch supporter of Saint Germanus of Auxerre in the fight against Pelagianism, and a friend of Saint Augustine with whom he corresponded, and which demonstrates that the bishop of Rome was the central authority even at that early date. Augustine exhorts Celestine not to fall under the spell of Bishop Antony of Fussala, who had been convicted by a council at Numidia of tyranny and violence against his flock. Augustine was particularly concerned because he had originally nominated Antony for episcopal consecration. Antony appealed to Celestine's predecessor, who, unaware of the decision of the synod, pressed for Antony's reinstatement. The matter was not fully settled at Boniface's death, but at Augustine's urging, Celestine deposed the unseemly prelate. Celestine also wrote to the bishops of Vienne and Narbonne in Gaul to correct several abuses, and ordered, among other things, that absolution should never be refused to the dying who sincerely asked for it. He stated that repentance does not depend on timing but rather on the heart. In the beginning of this letter he says: "By no limits of place
is my pastoral vigilance confined: it extends
itself to all places where Christ is adored."
After receiving two artful
letters from Patriarch Nestorius of Constantinople,
and further information from Patriarch Saint Cyril of Alexandria
regarding the errors proposed by the first, Celestine
convened a council in Rome, in 430, to condemn Nestorianism.
He threatened Nestorius with excommunication if he
did not desist from his heretical teaching. In 431, Celestine sent three legates to and appointed Cyril president of the General Council of Ephesus, which formally condemned the heresy. Saint Prosper of Aquitaine recorded that, acting on Saint Palladius's suggestion, Celestine sent Saint Germanus of Auxerre to Britain in 429 to deal with Pelagianism there. He also wrote a treatise against semi-Pelagianism and, in 431, sent Palladius to Ireland to evangelize that people. Some scholars think that Celestine may also have sent Patrick there, but this is unlikely. Saint Celestine was buried in the cemetery of Priscilla in a tomb decorated with paintings representing the Council of Ephesus. Later his relics were translated into the church of Saint Praxedes. His ancient original epitaph testifies that he was an excellent bishop, honored and beloved of every one, who for the sanctity of his life now enjoys the sight of Jesus Christ, and the eternal honors of the saints; however, very little is known of person named Celestine (Attwater, Benedictines, Delaney, Husenbeth). In art, Saint Celestine is a pope with a dove, dragon, and flame (Roeder). Pope Saint Celestine I was pope from 422 until April 6, 432. Celestine I was a Roman and was supposed to have been a near relative of the Roman Emperor Valentinian III. Nothing is known of his early history except that his father's name was Priscus. He is said to have lived for a time at Milan with St. Ambrose. The first notice, however, concerning him that is known is in a document of Pope Innocent I, in the year 416, where he is spoken of as Celestine the Deacon. Various portions of the liturgy are attributed to him, but without any certainty on the subject. Though he did not attend personally, he sent delegates to the Council of Ephesus in which the Nestorians were condemned, in 431. Four letters written by him on that occasion, all dated March 15, 431, together with a few others, to the African bishops, to those of Illyria, of Thessalonica, and of Narbonne, are extant in retranslations from the Greek, the Latin originals having been lost. St. Celestine actively persecuted the Pelagians, and was zealous for orthodoxy. He sent Palladius to Ireland to serve as a bishop in 431. Bishop Patricius (Saint Patrick) continued this missionary work. Pope Celestine raged against the Novatians in Rome, imprisoning their bishop, and forbidding their worship. He was zealous in refusing to tolerate the smallest innovation on the constitutions of his predecessors, and is recognized by the Church as a saint. St. Celestine died on April 6, 432. He was buried in the cemetery of St. Priscilla in the Via Salaria, but his body, subsequently moved, now lies in the Basilica di Santa Prassede. |
440 Pope Saint Sixtus
III was pope from July 31, 432 to August
18 . The name of Sixtus is often connected with a great building boom in Rome: Santa Sabina on the Aventine Hill was dedicated during his pontificate and he built Santa Maria Maggiore, whose dedication to Mary the Mother of God reflected his acceptance of the Ecumenical council of Ephesus which closed in 431. At that council the debate over Christ's human and divine natures turned on whether Mary could be called the "Mother of Jesus" as a human only or the "Mother of Christ" as both God and Man. The council gave her the Greek title Theotokos ("God-bearer"), and the dedication of the large church in Rome is a response to that. Prior to being made pope Sixtus
was a patron of Pelagius, who was later
condemned as a heretic. [1]
He also maintained the
rights of the pope over Illyria and the position of
the archbishop of Thessalonica as head of the Illyrian
church.One of his main concerns was in restoring peace between Cyril of Alexandria and the Syrians. Pope St. Sixtus III (XYSTUS). Consecrated 31 July, 432; d. 440. Previous to his accession he was prominent among the Roman clergy and in correspondence with St. Augustine. He reigned during the Nestorian and Pelagian controversies, and it was probably owing to his conciliatory disposition that he was falsely accused of leanings towards these heresies. As pope he approved the Acts of the Council of Ephesus and endeavoured to restore peace between Cyril of Alexandria and John of Antioch. In the Pelagian controversy he frustrated the attempt of Julian of Eclanum to be readmitted to communion with the Catholic Church. He defended the pope's right of supremacy over Illyricum against the local bishops and the ambitious designs of Proclus of Constantinople. At Rome he restored the Basilica of Liberius, now known as St. Mary Major, enlarged the Basilica of St. Lawrence-Without-the-Walls, and obtained precious gifts from the Emperor Valentinian III for St. Peter's and the Lateran Basilica. The work which asserts that the consul Bassus accused him of crime is a forgery. He is the author of eight letters (in P.L., L, 583 sqq.), but he did not write the works "On Riches", "On False Teachers", and "On Chastity" ("De divitiis", "De malis doctoribus", "De castitate") attributed to him. His feast is kept on 28 March. |
440 Sancti
Leónis Papæ Primi, cognoménto
Magni, Confessóris et Ecclésiæ
Doctóris, cujus dies natális recólitur
quarto Idus Novémbris.
St. Leo the First, pope and confessor, who
was surnamed the Great. His birthday falls on
the 10th of November. In the Latin Church the
feast day of the great pope is held on
11 April, and in the Eastern Church on 18 February.
Leo's pontificate, next to that of St. Gregory
I, is the most significant and important in Christian
antiquity. At a time when the Church was
experiencing the greatest obstacles to
her progress in consequence of the hastening
disintegration of the Western Empire, while the Orient
was profoundly agitated over dogmatic controversies,
this great pope, with far-seeing sagacity and powerful hand,
guided the destiny of the Roman and Universal Church. According
to the "Liber
Pontificalis" (ed. Mommsen, I, 101
sqq., ed. Duchesne, I, 238 sqq.), Leo was a native
of Tuscany and his father's name was Quintianus. Our
earliest certain historical information about Leo reveals
him a deacon of the Roman Church under Pope Celestine I (422-32).
Even during this period he was known outside of Rome, and had some
relations with Gaul, since Cassianus in 430 or 431 wrote at Leo's
suggestion his work "De
Incarnatione Domini contra Nestorium"
(Migne, P.L., L, 9 sqq.), prefacing it with a letter
of dedication to Leo. About this time Cyril of Alexandria
appealed to Rome against the pretensions of Bishop Juvenal
of Jerusalem. From an assertion of Leo's in a letter of
later date (ep. cxvi, ed. Ballerini, I, 1212; II, 1528), it
is not very clear whether Cyril wrote to him in the capacity
of Roman deacon, or to Pope Celestine. During the pontificate
of Sixtus III (422-40), Leo was sent to Gaul by Emperor Valentinian
III to settle a dispute and bring about a reconciliation between
Aëtius, the chief military commander of the province, and
the chief magistrate, Albinus. This commission is a proof of
the great confidence placed in the clever and able deacon by the
Imperial Court. Sixtus III died on 19 August, 440, while Leo was
in Gaul, and the latter was chosen his successor.
Returning to Rome, Leo was consecrated
on 29 September of the same year, and governed the
Roman Church for the next twenty-one years. |
468
St. Hilary, Pope from 461-468 guardian of Church unity sent
decree to Eastern bishops validating decisions of General Councils
Nicaea Ephesus and Chalcedon. Hilary consolidated the Church
in Sandi, Africa, and Gaul Rom
æ sancti Hílari,
Papæ et Confessóris.
At Rome, St. Hilary, pope and confessor.
He was born in Sardinia, Italy, and was
a papal legate to the Robber Council of Ephesus
in 449, barely escaping with his life from
this affair. Hilary was used by Pope St. Leo I the Great
on many assignments. When Leo died, Hilary was elected pope
and consecrated on November 19, 461. He worked diligently
to strengthen the Church in France and Spain, calling
councils in 462 and 465. Hilary also rebuilt many Roman
churches and erected the chapel of St. John Lateran. He also
publicly rebuked Emperor Anthemius in St. Peter’s for supporting
the Macedonian heresy and sent a decree to the Eastern bishops
validating the decisions of the General Councils of Nicaea, Ephesus,
and Chalcedon. Hilary consolidated the Church in Sandi, Africa,
and Gaul. He died in Rome on February 28.Pope Saint Hilarus [Also spelled HILARIUS] Elected 461; the date of his
death is given as 28 Feb., 468. After the
death of Leo I, an archdeacon named Hilarus, a
native of Sardinia, according to the "Liber Pontificalis",
was chosen to succeed him, and in all probability received
consecration on 19 November, 461. Together with Julius,
Bishop of Puteoli, Hilarus acted as legate of Leo I at
the "Robber Synod" of Ephesus in 449. There he fought vigorously
for the rights of the Roman See and opposed the condemnation
of Flavian of Constantinople (see FLAVIAN, SAINT). He was therefore
exposed to the violence of Dioscurus of Alexandria, and saved
himself by flight. In one of his letters to the Empress Pulcheria,
found in a collection of letters of Leo I ("Leonis I Epistolae",
num. xlvi., in P.L., LIV, 837 sq.), Hilarus apologizes for
not delivering to her the pope's letter after the synod; but owing
to Dioscurus, who tried to hinder his going either to Rome or to
Constantinople, he had great difficulty in making his escape in
order to bring to the pontiff the news of the result of the council.
His pontificate was marked by the same vigorous policy as that of
his great predecessor. Church affairs in Gaul and Spain claimed his
special attention. Owing to political disorganization in both countries,
it was important to safeguard the hierarchy by strengthening church
government. Hermes, a former archdeacon of Narbonne, had illegally
acquired the bishopric of that town. Two Gallican prelates were
dispatched to Rome to lay before the pope this and other matters
concerning the Church in Gaul. A Roman synod held on 19 November,
462, passed judgment upon these matters, and Hilarus made known the
following decisions in an Encyclical sent to the provincial bishops
of Vienne, Lyons, Narbonne, and the Alps: Hermes was to remain Titular
Bishop of Narbonne, but his episcopal faculties were withheld. A
synod was to be convened yearly by the Bishop of Arles, for those
of the provincial bishops who were able to attend; but all important
matters were to be submitted to the Apostolic See. No bishop could
leave his diocese without a written permission from the metropolitan;
in case such permission be withheld he could appeal to the Bishop of
Arles. Respecting the parishes (paroeciae) claimed by Leontius of Arles
as belonging to his jurisdiction, the Gallican bishops could decide,
after an investigation. Church property could not be alienated until
a synod had examined into the cause of sale.
Shortly after this the pope found himself involved in another diocesan quarrel. In 463 Mamertus of Vienne had consecrated a Bishop of Die, although this Church, by a decree of Leo I, belonged to the metropolitan Diocese of Arles. When Hilarus heard of it he deputed Leontius of Arles to summon a great synod of the bishops of several provinces to investigate the matter. The synod took place and, on the strength of the report given him by Bishop Antonius, he issued an edict dated 25 February, 464, in which Bishop Veranus was commissioned to warn Mamertus that, if in the future he did not refrain from irregular ordinations, his faculties would be withdrawn. Consequently the consecration of the Bishop of Die must be sanctioned by Leontius of Arles. Thus the primatial privileges of the See of Arles were upheld as Leo I had defined them. At the same time the bishops were admonished not to overstep their boundaries, and to assemble in a yearly synod presided over by the Bishop of Arles. The metropolitan rights of the See of Embrun also over the dioceses of the Maritime Alps were protected against the encroachments of a certain Bishop Auxanius, particularly in connection with the two Churches of Nice and Cimiez. In Spain, Silvanus, Bishop of Calahorra, had, by his episcopal ordinations, violated the church laws. Both the Metropolitan Ascanius and the bishops of the Province of Tarragona made complaint of this to the pope and asked for his decision. Before an answer came to their petition, the same bishops had recourse to the Holy See for an entirely different matter. Before his death Nundinarius, Bishop of Barcelona, expressed a wish that Irenaeus might be chosen his successor, although he had himself made Irenaeus bishop of another see. The request was granted, a Synod of Tarragona confirming the nomination of Irenaeus, after which the bishops sought the pope's approval. The Roman synod of 19 Nov., 465, took the matters up and settled them. This is the oldest Roman synod whose original records have been handed down to us. It was held in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. After an address of the pope, and the reading of the Spanish letters, the synod decided that the church laws must not be tampered with. In addition to this Hilarus sent a letter to the bishops of Tarragona, declaring that no consecration was valid without the sanction of the Metropolitan Ascanius; and no bishop was permitted to be transferred from one diocese to another, so that some one else must be chosen for Barcelona in place of Irenaeus. The bishops consecrated by Silvanus would be recognized if they had been appointed to vacant sees, and otherwise met the requirements of the Church. The "Liber Pontificalis" mentions an Encyclical that Hilarus sent to the East, to confirm the Oecumenical Councils of Nicaea, Ephesus, and Chalcedon, and the dogmatic letter of Leo I to Flavian, but the sources at our disposal furnish us no further information. In Rome Hilarus worked zealously for the integrity of the Faith. The Emperor Anthemius had a favourite named Philotheus, who was a believer in the Macedonian heresy and attended meetings in Rome for the promulgation of this doctrine, 476. On one of the emperor's visits to St. Peter's, the pope openly called him to account for his favourite's conduct, exhorting him by the grave of St. Peter to promise that he would do all in his power to check the evil. Hilarus erected several churches and other buildings in Rome. Two oratories in the baptistery of the Lateran, one in honour of St. John the Baptist, the other of St. John the Apostle, are due to him. After his flight from the "Robber Synod" of Ephesus, Hilarus had hidden himself in the crypt of St. John the Apostle, and he attributed his deliverance to the intercession of the Apostle. Over the ancient doors of the oratory this inscription is still to be seen: "To St. John the Evangelist, the liberator of Bishop Hilarus, a Servant of Christ". He also erected a chapel of the Holy Cross in the baptistery, a convent, two public baths, and libraries near the Church of St. Laurence Outside the Walls. He built another convent within the city walls. The "Liber Pontificalis" mentions many votive offerings made by Hilarus in the different churches. He died after a pontificate of six years, three months, and ten days. He was buried in the church of
St. Laurence Outside the Walls. His feast
day is celebrated on 17 November.
|
492 ST. FELIX III Pope helped to get the Church in Africa on its feet 483 - 492 St. Felix II has the extraordinary
distinction of being not only a pope and
saint himself, but the great-grandfather of
another pope and saint, Gregory the Great. Felix had been
married, but his wife had died before he became a priest.
He was a member of an old Roman family of senatorial rank.
No sooner was he elected pope
than Felix faced the vexing problem posed
by Emperor Zeno's ill-considered attempt to
unify the East by compromise. One of the evils which result
from politicians meddling in church matters is the tendency
to make a deal. And that is just what Zeno did. Alarmed by
the hold that the Monophysites had on Egypt and Syria, Zeno
issued his famous Henoticon (act of union) and ordered all to
subscribe to it. This Henoticon was a creed drawn up by Acacius, the
hitherto orthodox patriarch of Constantinople, and Peter, the Monophysite
patriarch of Alexandria. It was orthodox in what it said,
but implicitly it condoned the Monophysite heresy by omitting
the decision of the Council of Chalcedon and the letter of
Pope Leo to Flavian. Like so many compromises it pleased few.
The more ardent Monophysites refused to follow their leader,
Peter, and Pope Felix denounced it. With true spiritual independence,
he warned the Emperor not to interfere in theological matters
and "to allow the Catholic Church to govern itself by its own
laws."
Pope Felix sent legates to Constantinople
to summon Acacius to Rome, but to his dismay
the Pope discovered that his legates had approved
the election of the Monophysite Peter as patriarch
of Alexandria and had communicated with heretics--in short,
had sold him out. Felix held a synod at Rome in 484 at which
he excommunicated the untrustworthy legates. He also excommunicated
Acacius, but the patriarch remained stubborn. Thus
started the Acacian schism in which Constantinople was
officially separated from the Roman Church over the Henoticon.
Even after Acacius died, the schism dragged on until the next
century.
In the last years of this pontificate Theodoric led his Ostrogoths into Italy to defeat Odovakar and take over the rule of Italy--all in the name of Emperor Zeno. Though an Arian, Theodoric treated the Church well. It was different in Africa, where in the early years of his reign Felix heard anguished cries for help from the hapless Catholics. Hunneric, the Arian Vandal, ruthlessly harried the poor African Catholics. Pope Felix got Emperor Zeno to bring his influence to bear on the fierce Vandal, but this accomplished little. After Hunneric died, the persecution slackened, and the Pope then helped to get the Church in Africa on its feet. He followed the usual papal policy of mildness towards weak brethren who had given way in the storm. Pope St. Felix died March 1,
492. He is buried in St. Paul's on the Ostian Way.
See Duchesne's edition of the Liber pontificalis, vol. i, pp. 252-253; DCB., vol. ii, pp. 482-485, s.v. Felix III; and works of general ecclesiastical history. |
492-496 Pope St. Gelasius I feast Nov 21 conspicuous for his spirit of prayer, penance,
and study. He took great delight in the
company of monks, and was a true father to the
poor Died at Rome, 19 Nov., 496. Gelasius, as he himself states in his letter to the Emperor Anastasius (Ep. xii, n. 1), was Romanus natus. The assertion of the "Liber Pontificalis" that he was natione Afer is consequently taken by many to mean that he was of African origin, though Roman born. Others, however, interpreting natione Afer as "African by birth", explain Romanus natus as "born a Roman citizen". Before his election as pope, 1 March, 492, Gelasius had been much employed by his predecessor, Felix II (or III), especially in drawing up ecclesiastical documents, which has led some scholars to confuse the writings of the two pontiffs. On his election to the papacy, Gelasius at once showed his strength of character and his lofty conception of his position by his firmness in dealing with the adherents of Acacius (see ACACIUS, PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE). Despite all the efforts of the otherwise orthodox patriarch, Euphemius of Constantinople, and the threats and wiles by which the Emperor Anastasius tried to obtain recognition from the Apostolic See, Gelasius, though hard-pressed by difficulties at home, would make no peace that compromised in the slightest degree the rights and honor of the Chair of Peter. The constancy with which he combated the pretensions, lay and ecclesiastical, of the New Rome; the resoluteness with which he refused to allow the civil or temporal pre-eminence of a city to determine its ecclesiastical rank; the unfailing courage with which he defended the rights of the "second" and the "third" sees, Alexandria and Antioch, are some of the most striking features of his pontificate. It has been well said that nowhere at this period can be found stronger arguments for the primacy of Peter's See than in the works and writings of Gelasius. He is never tired of repeating that Rome owes its ecclesiastical princedom not to an oecumenical synod nor to any temporal importance it may have possessed, but to the Divine institution of Christ Himself, Who conferred the primacy over the whole Church upon Peter and his successors. (Cf. especially his letters to Eastern bishops and the decretal on the canonical and apocryphal books.) In his dealing with the emperor he is at one with the great medieval pontiffs. "There are two powers by which chiefly this world is ruled: the sacred authority of the priesthood and the authority of kings. And of these the authority of the priests is so much the weightier, as they must render before the tribunal of God an account even for the kings of men." Gelasius's pontificate was too short to effect the complete submission and reconciliation of the ambitious Church of Byzantium. Not until Hormisdas (514-23) did the contest end in the return of the East to its old allegiance. Troubles abroad were not the only occasions to draw out the energy and strength of Gelasius. The Lupercalia, a superstitious and somewhat licentious vestige of paganism at Rome, was finally abolished by the pope after a long contest. Gelasius's letter to Andromachus, the senator, covers the main lines of the controversy. A stanch upholder of the old traditions, Gelasius nevertheless knew when to make exceptions or modifications, such as his decree obliging the reception of the Holy Eucharist under both kinds. This was done as the only effective way of detecting the Manichæans, who, though present in Rome in large numbers, sought to divert attention from their hidden propaganda by feigning Catholicism. As they held wine to be impure and essentially sinful, they would refuse the chalice and thus be recognized. Later, with the change of conditions, the old normal method of receiving Holy Communion under the form of bread alone returned into vogue. To Gelasius we owe the ordinations on the ember days (Ep. xv), as well as the enforcement of the fourfold division of all ecclesiastical revenues, whether income from estates or voluntary donations of the faithful, one portion for the poor, another for the support of the churches and the splendour of Divine service, a third for the bishop, and the fourth for the minor clergy. Though some writers ascribe the origin of this division of church funds to Gelasius, still the pontiff speaks of it (Ep. xiv, n. 27) as dudum rationabiliter decretum, having been for some time in force. Indeed, Pope Simplicius (475, Ep. i, n. 2) imposed the obligation of restitution to the poor and the Church upon a certain bishop who had failed in this duty; consequently it must have been already regarded as at least a custom of the Church. Not content with one enunciation of this charitable obligation, Gelasius frequently inculcates it in his writings to bishops. For a long time the fixing of the Canon of the Scriptures was attributed to Gelasius, but it seems now more probably the work of Damasus (367-85). As Gelasius, however, in a Roman synod (494), published his celebrated catalogue of the authentic writings of the Fathers, together with a list of apocryphal and interpolated works, as well as the proscribed books of the heretics (Ep. xlii), it was but natural to prefix to this catalogue the Canon of the Scriptures as determined by the earlier Pontiff, and thus in the course of time the Canon itself came to be ascribed to Gelasius. In his zeal for the beauty and majesty of Divine service, Gelasius composed many hymns, prefaces, and collects, and arranged a standard Mass-book, though the Missal that has commonly gone by his name, the "Sacramentarium Gelasianum", belongs properly to the next century. How much of it is the work of Gelasius is still a moot question. Though pope but for four years and a half, he exerted a deep influence on the development of church polity, of the liturgy and ecclesiastical discipline. A large number of his decrees have been incorporated into the Canon Law. In his private life Gelasius was above all conspicuous for his spirit of prayer, penance, and study. He took great delight in the company of monks, and was a true father to the poor, dying empty-handed as a result of his lavish charity. Dionysius Exiguus in a letter to his friend, the priest Julian (P.L., LXVII, 231), gives a glowing account of Gelasius as he appeared to his contemporaries. As a writer Gelasius takes high rank for his period. His style is vigorous and elegant, though occasionally, obscure. Comparatively little of his literary work has come down to us, though he is said to have been the most prolific writer of all the pontiffs of the first five centuries. There are extant forty-two letters and fragments of forty-nine others, besides six treatises, of which three are concerned with the Acacian schism, one with the heresy of the Pelagians, another with the errors of Nestorius and Eutyches, while the sixth is directed against the senator Andromachus and the advocates of the Lupercalia. The best edition is that of Thiel. The feast of St. Gelasius is kept on 21 Nov., the anniversary of his interment, though many writers give this as the day of his death. |
Pope Anastasius II 496-498
A native of Rome, elected 24 Nov., 496; d. 16 Nov., 498. His congratulatory letter to Clovis, on the occasion of the latter's conversion is now deemed a forgery of the seventeenth century (J. Kavet, Bibl. de l ec. des Chartres, 1885, XLVI, 258-59). He insisted in the removal from the diptychs of the name of Acacius, Patriarch of Constantinople, but recognized the validity of his sacramental acts, an attitude that displeased the Romans. He also condemned Traducianism. |
498-514 Pope St. Symmachus In the city of Rome, according to the "Liber
pontificalis", the pope took severe measures against the Manichæans,
ordered the burning of their books, and expelled them from the city. He erected
or restored and adorned various churches. Thus he built a Church of St. Andrew
near St. Peter's, a Basilica of St. Agnes on the Via Aurelia, adorned the
Church of St. Peter's, completely rebuilt the Basilica of Sts. Sylvester
and Martinus, and made improvements over the Catacomb of the Jordani on the
Via Salaria. He built episcopal houses (episcopia) to the right and left
of the parvis of St. Peter's. These buildings were evidently connected with
the residence of the pope for several years near St. Peter's during the disorders
of the Laurentian schism. He also built asylums for the poor near the three
churches of St. Peter, St. Paul, and St. Laurence that were outside the city
walls. The pope contributed large sums for the support of the Catholic bishops
of Africa who were persecuted by the rulers of the Arian Vandals. He also
aided the inhabitants of the provinces of upper Italy who suffered so sorely
from the invasion of the barbarians. After his death he was buried at St.
Peter's. Symmachus is venerated in the Roman Church as a saint. Date of birth unknown; d. 19, July, 514. According to the "Liber pontificalis" (ed. Duchesne, I, 260) he was a native of Sardinia and his father was named Fortunatus. Symmachus was baptized at Rome (Thiel, "Epist. pont. rom.", I, 702), entered the ranks of the clergy of Rome, and was ordained deacon. Directly after the death of Pope Anastasius II, Symmachus was elected his successor by a majority of the Roman clergy at the Lateran Basilica on 22 November, 498. The election was approved by a part of the Roman senate and he was at once consecrated Bishop of Rome. Later on the same day a minority of the clergy who were friendly to the Byzantines and were supported by a party in the Senate met in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and elected the Roman archpresbyter Laurentius as antipope. According to Theodorus Lector (P.G., LXXXVI, 193), the Laurentian party was aided with money supplied chiefly by the rich Senator Festus, who hoped that Laurentius would be influenced by this to sign the "Henotikon", the edict of faith of the Emperor Zeno. The other authorities do not speak of such motives, which are very probable, and the testimony of Theodorus can very readily be accepted. Both parties, however, agreed that the two candidates should appear at Ravenna before the Gothic king Theodoric, the ruler of Italy, and abide by his decision. Theodoric pronouncing in favour of Symmachus on the ground that he was elected first and by the majority of the clergy, Laurentius submitted to the decision. At a synod held at Rome on 1 March, 499, the Acts of which have been preserved, Symmachus, who was now universally acknowledged, bestowed on Laurentius the Diocese of Nocera in Campania. The synod ordained that any Roman cleric who sought to gain votes for a successor to the papacy during the lifetime of the pope, or who called conferences and held consultations for that purpose, should be deposed. King Theodoric was given a vote of thanks by acclamation for his unpartisan decision. When the king came to Rome in the following year he had a brilliant reception both from the pope and the people. However, the Byzantine party, headed by the two senators Festus and Probinus, did not abandon its hostility and hope of overthrowing the pope and gaining the papal see for Laurentius. The opportunity occurred in the following year, 501. Pope Symmachus celebrated Easter on 25 March, following the old Roman cycle, while the Byzantines and others observed the feast on 22 April, according to a new reckoning. The Laurentian party appealed to King Theodoric against the pope, making other accusations besides this digression in the celebration of Easter. Theodoric summoned the pope and Symmachus set out to meet him. At Rimini Symmachus learned the contents of the indictment and, refusing to acknowledge the king as his judge, returned home. The opposing party now accused him of squandering the property of the Church and other matters. It gained in strength and occupied the Lateran palace, so that the pope was obliged to live near the Church of St. Peter outside the city walls. His opponents requested the king to call a synod for the investigation of the accusations and to appoint a visitor for Rome. Symmachus agreed to the calling of a synod, but he and his adherents protested against the sending of a visitor. Theodoric, however, sent as visitor Bishop Peter of Altinum in upper Italy, who was to administer the Roman Church in the place of the accused pope. Peter came to Rome and, contrary to the commands of king, allowed himself to be won over by the adherents of Laurentius, so that Theodoric at a later date dismissed him. Not long after Easter, between May and July, 502, the synod met in the basilica of Julius (Santa Maria in Trastevere). The pope declared before the synod that it had been called with his consent and that he was ready to answer the accusations before it, if the visitor were removed and he were re-established as the administrator of the Church. To this the majority of the bishops agreed and sent an embassy to the king to demand the execution of these conditions. Theodoric, however, refused, and demanded, first of all, an investigation of the accusations against the pope. A second session of the synod was held, therefore, on 1 September, 502, in the Sessorian basilica (Santa Croce in Gerusalemme), and the minority had the indictment made by the Laurentian party read aloud. Symmachus desired to go from St. Peter's to the synod in order to defend himself, but on the way there he was attacked by his opponents and maltreated, and, escaping only with great difficulty, returned to St. Peter's; several priests who were with him were killed or severely wounded. The Goths sent by Theodoric promised him a reliable escort but the pope now refused to appear before the synod, although invited three times. Consequently the assembled bishops declared at the third session, held about the middle of September, they could not pass judgment upon the pope, because he had appeared twice before his judges, and because there was no precedent showing that an occupant of the Roman See had been subjected to the judgment of other bishops. They called upon the opposing clergy to submit to the pope, and requested the king to permit the bishops to return to their dioceses. All these steps were in vain; the majority of the clergy and people sided indeed with Symmachus, but a minority of the clergy and a majority of the Senators were at that time partizans of Laurentius. A fourth session, therefore, was held on 23 October, 502, called the "Synodus Palmaris" (Palmary synod) either from the place where it was held (ad Palmata, Palma), or because it was the most important session (palmaris). At this session it was decided that on account of the reasons given earlier the decision must be left to the judgment of God; Symmachus was to be regarded as free from all the crimes of which he was accused, and therefore entitled to the full exercise of his episcopal office; the whole property of the church was to be transferred to him; whoever returned to his obedience should escape punishment, but whoever undertook ecclesiastical functions at Rome without papal permission was to be regarded as a schismatic. The decision was signed by seventy-five bishops, among them the bishops of Milan and Ravenna. Many bishops now returned to their dioceses. The majority, however, met with the Roman priests in St. Peter's for a fifth session under the presidency of Symmachus on 6 November, 502. The edict issued by the prefect Basilius, in 483, regulating the administration of the possessions of the Church was declared invalid and Symmachus issued a new edict respecting the administration of this property, and especially in regard to its sale. King Theodoric, not satisfied with the decision of the synod, although the great majority of the Italian episcopate was on the side of the rightful pope, did nothing to carry out the new ordinances. Consequently the opposition called its candidate Laurentius again to Rome. He resided in the Lateran palace, which was in the hands of his adherents, while Symmachus retained the house of the bishop (episcopium) near St. Peter's. The division continued for four years, during which both parties carried on a furious quarrel at Rome. Laurentius had his portrait added to the series of popes in the Church of Saint Paul Without the Walls. However, certain prominent persons exerted their influence in favour of Symmachus, as Bishop Avitus of Vienne, who, at the request of the Gallican bishops, addressed an urgent letter to the Senate on behalf of the rightful pope and for the restoration of unity. Symmachus gradually won over a number of adherents of the opposition. The greatest factor in the healing of the schism was the interposition of Deacon Dioscurus of Alexandria, who had come to Rome. He was commissioned by Symmachus to go to Theodoric, and won the king over to the side of the rightful pope. Apparently political motives were involved, as the king wished to take action against the Laurentian party, which inclined to Constantinople. He commanded Senator Festus, the head of the hostile party, to return all Roman churches to Symmachus. Laurentius having lost many adherents among the senators the king's command was executed without difficulty. The antipope, obliged to leave Rome, retired to a farm belonging to his protector Festus. Only a small party still held to Laurentius and refused to recognize Symmachus as Bishop of Rome; but it was insignificant and was reconciled later to Hormisdas, the successor of Symmachus. During the schism a number of polemical writings appeared, as from the party of Laurentius the treatise "Contra Synodum absolutionis incongruae", to which Deacon Ennodius replied in "Libellus adversus eos qui contra Synodum scribere praseumpserunt" ("Mon. Germ. Hist.: Auct. ant.", VII, 48 sq.). While the author of the life of Symmachus in the completely preserved text of the "Liber pontificalis" is very favourable to the pope, the writer of another continuation of the papal biographies supports the cause of Laurentius ("Fragment Laurentine", ed. Duchesne in "Liber pontificalis", I, 44-46). During the dispute the adherents of Symmachus drew up four apocryphal writings called the "Symmachian Forgeries"; these were: "Gesta synodi Sinuessanae de Marcellino"; "Constitutum Silvestri", "Gesta Liberii"; "Gesta de purgatione Xysti et Polychronii accusatione". These four works are to be found in Coustant, "Epist. rom. pontif." (Paris, 1721), appendix, 29 sq.; cf. Duchesne, "Liber pontificalis", I, introduction, CXXXIII sq.: "Histoire littéraire des apocryphes symmachiens". The object of these forgeries was to produce alleged instances from earlier times to support the whole procedure of the adherents of Symmachus, and, in particular, the position that the Roman bishop could not be judged by any court composed of other bishops. Still these forgeries are not the first documents to maintain this latter tenet. Symmachus zealously defended the supporters of orthodoxy during the disorders of the Acacian schism. He defends, although without success, the opponents of the "Henotikon" in a letter to Emperor Anastasius I (491-518). At a later date many of the persecuted oriental bishops addressed themselves to the pope to whom they sent a confession of faith. Shortly after 506 the emperor sent him a letter full of invectives, to which the pope sent a firm answer, maintaining forcibly the rights and liberty of the Church (Thiel, "Epist. rom. pont.", I, 700 sq.). In a letter of 8 October, 512, addressed to the bishops of Illyria, the pope warned the clergy of that province not to hold communion with heretics. Soon after the beginning of his pontificate Symmachus interposed in the quarrel between the Archbishops of Arles and Vienne as to the boundaries of their respective territories. He annulled the edict issued by Anastasius II in favour of the Archbishop of Vienne and later (6 November, 513) confirmed the metropolitan rights of archbishop Caesarius of Arles, as these had been fixed by Leo I. Moreover, he granted Caesarius the privilege of wearing the pallium, the first-known instance of such a grant by the Holy See to a bishop outside of Italy. In a letter of 11 June, 514, he appointed Caesarius to represent the interests of the Church both in Gaul and Spain, to hold synods of the bishops in certain cases, to give letters of recommendation to clergy who journeyed to Rome. More important matters were to be laid before the Holy See. In the city of Rome, according to the "Liber pontificalis", the pope took severe measures against the Manichæans, ordered the burning of their books, and expelled them from the city. He erected or restored and adorned various churches. Thus he built a Church of St. Andrew near St. Peter's, a Basilica of St. Agnes on the Via Aurelia, adorned the Church of St. Peter's, completely rebuilt the Basilica of Sts. Sylvester and Martinus, and made improvements over the Catacomb of the Jordani on the Via Salaria. He built episcopal houses (episcopia) to the right and left of the parvis of St. Peter's. These buildings were evidently connected with the residence of the pope for several years near St. Peter's during the disorders of the Laurentian schism. He also built asylums for the poor near the three churches of St. Peter, St. Paul, and St. Laurence that were outside the city walls. The pope contributed large sums for the support of the Catholic bishops of Africa who were persecuted by the rulers of the Arian Vandals. He also aided the inhabitants of the provinces of upper Italy who suffered so sorely from the invasion of the barbarians. After his death he was buried at St. Peter's. Symmachus is venerated in the Roman Church as a saint. |
523-526 Pope St. John I
inherited the Arian heresy, which denied
the divinity of Christ. Italy had been ruled
for 30 years by an emperor who espoused the heresy, though
he treated the empire’s Catholics with toleration. His
policy changed at about the time the young John was elected pope. When the eastern emperor began imposing severe measures on the Arians of his area, the western emperor forced John to head a delegation to the East to soften the measures against the heretics. Little is known of the manner or outcome of the negotiations—designed to secure continued toleration of Catholics in the West. When John returned to Rome, he found the emperor had begun to suspect his friendship with his eastern rival. On his way home, John was imprisoned when he reached Ravenna because the emperor suspected a conspiracy against his throne. Shortly after his imprisonment, John died, apparently from the treatment he had received. Comment: We cannot choose the issues for which we have to suffer and perhaps die. John I suffered because of a power-conscious emperor. Jesus suffered because of the suspicions of those who were threatened by his freedom, openness and powerlessness. “If you find that the world hates you, know it has hated me before you.” Quote: “Martyrdom makes disciples like their Master, who willingly accepted death for the salvation of the world, and through it they are made like him by the shedding of blood. Therefore, the Church considers it the highest gift and supreme test of love. And while it is given to few, all however must be prepared to confess Christ before humanity and to follow him along the way of the cross amid the persecutions which the Church never lacks” (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, 42, Austin Flannery translation). Pope St. John I Died at Ravenna on 18 or 19 May (according to the most popular calculation), 526. A Tuscan by birth and the son of Constantius, he was, after an interregnum of seven days, elected on 13 August, 523, and occupied the Apostolic see for two years, nine months, and seven days. We know nothing of the matter of his administration, for his Bullarium contains only the two letters addressed to an Archbishop Zacharias and to the bishops of Italy respectively, and it is very certain that both are apocryphal. We possess information -- though unfortunately very vague -- only about his journey to Constantinople, a journey which appears to have had results of great importance, and which was the cause of his death. The Emperor Justin, in his zeal for orthodoxy, had issued in 523 a severe decree against the Arians, compelling them, among other things, to surrender to the Catholics the churches which they occupied. Theodoric, King of the Ostrogoths and of Italy, the ardent defender of Arianism, keenly resented these measures directed against his coreligionists in the Orient, and was moreover highly displeased at seeing the progress of a mutual understanding between the Latin and Greek Churches, such as might favour certain secret dealings between the Roman senators and the Byzantine Court, aiming at the re-establishment of the imperial authority in Italy. To bring pressure to bear upon the emperor, and force him to moderate his policy of repression in regard to the heretics, Theodoric sent to him early in 525 an embassy composed of Roman senators, of which he obliged the pope to assume the direction, and imposed on the latter the task of securing a withdrawal of the Edict of 523 and -- if we are to believe "Anonymous Valesianus" -- of even urging the emperor to facilitate the return to Arianism of the Arians who had been converted. There has been much discussion as to the part played by John I in this affair. The sources which enable us to study the subject are far from explicit and may be reduced to four in number: "Anonymous Valesianus", already cited; the "Liber Pontificalis"; Gregory of Tours's "Liber in gloria martyrum"; and the "Liber Pontificalis Ecclesiæ Ravennatis". But it is beyond question that the pope could only counsel Justin to use gentleness and discretion towards the Arians; his position as head of the Church prevented his inviting the emperor to favour heresy. That this analysis of the situation is correct is evident from the reception which the pope was accorded in the East -- a reception which certainly would not have been kindly, had the Roman ambassadors opposed the emperor and this Catholic subjects in their struggle waged against the Arian sect. The inhabitants of Constantinople went out in throngs to meet John. The Emperor Justin on meeting him prostrated himself, and, some time afterwards, he had himself crowned by the pope. All the patriarchs of the East made haste to manifest their communion in the Faith with the supreme pontiff; only Timothy of Alexandria, who had shown himself hostile to the Council of Chalcedon, held aloof. Finally, the pope, exercising his right of precedence over Epiphanius, Patriarch of Constantinople, solemnly officiated at St. Sophia in the Latin Rite on Easter Day, 19 April, 526. Immediately afterwards he made his way back to the West. If this brilliant reception of John I by the emperor, the clergy, and the faithful of the Orient proves that he had not been wanting in his task as supreme pastor of the Church, the strongly contrasting behaviour of Theodoric towards him on his return is no less evident proof. This monarch, enraged at seeing the national party reviving in Italy, had just stained his hands with the murder of Boethius, the great philosopher, and of Symmachus his father-in-law. He was exasperated against the pope, whose embassy had obtained a success very different from that which he, Theodoric, desired and whom, moreover, he suspected of favouring the defenders of the ancient liberty of Rome. As soon as John, returning from the East, had landed in Italy, Theodoric caused him to be arrested and incarcerated at Ravenna. Worn out by the fatigues of the journey, and subjected to severe privations, John soon died in prison. His body was transported to Rome and buried in the Basilica of St. Peter. In his epitaph there is no allusion to his historical role. The Latin Church has placed him among its martyrs, and commemorates him on 27 May, the ninth lesson in the Roman Breviary for that date being consecrated to him. |
526-530 Pope St. Felix IV; On 18 May, 526, Pope John I died in prison at
Ravenna, a victim of the angry suspicions
of Theodoric, the Arian king of the Goths. When,
through the powerful influence of this ruler, the cardinal-priest,
Felix of Samnium, son of Castorius, was brought forward
in Rome as John's successor, the clergy and laity yielded
to the wish of the Gothic king and chose Felix pope. He
was consecrated Bishop of Rome 12 July, 526, and took advantage
of the favor he enjoyed at the court of Theodoric to further
the interests of the Roman Church, discharging the duties
of his office in a most worthy manner. Felix
also took part in the so-called Semipelagian
conflict in Southern Gaul concerning the nature and efficiency
of grace. He sent to the bishops of those parts a series of
"Capitula", regarding grace and free will, compiled from
Scripture and the Fathers. These capitula were published as
canons at the Synod of Orange (529). In addition Felix approved
the work of Caesarius of Arles against Faustus of Riez on grace
and free will (De gratia et libero arbitrio). On 18 May, 526, Pope John I died in prison at Ravenna, a victim of the angry suspicions of Theodoric, the Arian king of the Goths. When, through the powerful influence of this ruler, the cardinal-priest, Felix of Samnium, son of Castorius, was brought forward in Rome as John's successor, the clergy and laity yielded to the wish of the Gothic king and chose Felix pope. He was consecrated Bishop of Rome 12 July, 526, and took advantage of the favor he enjoyed at the court of Theodoric to further the interests of the Roman Church, discharging the duties of his office in a most worthy manner. On 30 August, 526, Theodoric died, and, his grandson Athalaric being a minor, the government was conducted by Athalaric's mother Amalasuntha, daughter of Theodoric and favorably disposed towards the Catholics. To the new ruler the Roman clergy addressed a complaint on the usurpation of their privileges by the civil power. A royal edict, drawn up by Cassiodorus in terms of the deepest respect for the papal authority, confirmed the ancient custom that every civil or criminal charge of a layman against a cleric should be submitted to the pope, or to an ecclesiastical court appointed by him. A fine of ten pounds of gold was imposed as a punishment for the violation of this order, and the money thus obtained was to be distributed amongst the poor by the pope (Cassiodorus, "Variae", VIII, n. 24, ed. Mommsen, "Mon. Germ. Hist.: Auctores antiquiss.", XII, 255) The pope received as a gift from Amalasuntha two ancient edifices in the Roman Forem, the Temple of Romulus, son of the Emperor Maxentius, and the adjoining Templum sacroe urbis, the Roman land registry office. The pope converted the buildings into the Church of SS. Cosmas and Damian, which still exists and in the apse of which is preserved the large and magnificent mosaic executed by order of Felix, the figure of the pope, however, being a later restoration (see COSMAS AND DAMIAN). Felix also took part in the so-called Semipelagian conflict in Southern Gaul concerning the nature and efficiency of grace. He sent to the bishops of those parts a series of "Capitula", regarding grace and free will, compiled from Scripture and the Fathers. These capitula were published as canons at the Synod of Orange (529). In addition Felix approved the work of Caesarius of Arles against Faustus of Riez on grace and free will (De gratia et libero arbitrio). Rendered anxious by the political dissensions of the Romans, many of whom stood for the interests of Byzantium, while others supported Gothic Rule, Felix IV, when he fell seriously ill in the year 530, wished to ensure the peace of the Roman Church by naming his successor. Having given over to Archdeacon Boniface his pallium, he made it known publicly that he had chosen Boniface to succeed him, and that he had apprised the court of Ravenna of his action ("Neues Archiv", XI, 1886, 367; Duchesne, "Liber Pontificalis", I, 282, note 4). Felix IV died soon afterwards, but in the papal election which followed his wishes were disregarded (see BONIFACE II). The feast of Felix IV is celebrated on 30 January. The day of his death is uncertain, but it was probably towards the end of September, 530. |
533-535 John II first who changed his name on being raised to the papacy "Johannes surnamed Mercurius" (2 Jan., 533). John always remained on good terms with Athalaric, who referred to his tribunal all actions brought against the Roman clergy. Justinian also showed his good will to the See of Rome in John's person. He sent him his profession of faith and many valuable presents. The date of the birth of this pope is not
known. He was a Roman and the son of Projectus;
if not born in the second region (Coelimontium)
he had at least been a priest of St. Clement's Basilica
on the slope of Mons Coelius. He seems to have been the first
who changed his name on being raised to the papacy (2 Jan.,
533). The basilica of St. Clement still retains several
memorials of "Johannes surnamed Mercurius". Presbyter Mercurius
is found on a fragment of an ancient ciborium, and several of
the marble slabs which enclose the schola cantorum bear upon
them, in the style of the sixth century, the monogram of Johannes.
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536-37 Pope St. Silverius Dates of birth and death unknown. He was the son of Pope Hormisdas who had been married before becoming one of the higher clergy. Silverius entered the service of the Church and was subdeacon at Rome when Pope Agapetus died at Constantinople, 22 April, 536. The Empress Theodora, who favoured the Monophysites sought to bring about the election as pope of the Roman deacon Vigilius who was then at Constantinople and had given her the desired guarantees as to the Monophysites. However, Theodatus, King of the Ostrogoths, who wished to prevent the election of a pope connected with Constantinople, forestalled her, and by his influence the subdeacon Silverius was chosen. The election of a subdeacon as Bishop of Rome was unusual. Consequently, it is easy to understand that, as the author of the first part of the life of Silverius in the "Liber pontificalis" (ed. Duchesne, I, 210) relates, a strong opposition to it appeared among the clergy. This, however, was suppressed by Theodatus so that, finally, after Silverius had been consecrated bishop (probably on 8 June, 536) all the Roman presbyters gave their consent in writing to his elevation. The assertion made by the author just mentioned that Silverius secured the intervention of Theodatus by payment of money is unwarranted, and is to be explained by the writer's hostile opinion of the pope and the Goths. The author of the second part of the life in the "Liber pontificalis" is favourably inclined to Silverius. The pontificate of this pope belongs to an unsettled, disorderly period and he himself fell a victim to the intrigues of the Byzantine Court. After Silverius had become pope the Empress Theodora sought to win him for the Monophysites. She desired especially to have him enter into communion with the Monophysite Patriarch of Constantinople, Anthimus, who had been excommunicated and deposed by Agapetus, and with Severus of Antioch. However, the pope committed himself to nothing and Theodora now resolved to overthrow him and to gain the papal see for Vigilius. Troublous times befell Rome during the struggle that broke out in Italy between the Ostrogoths and the Byzantines after the death of Amalasuntha, daughter of Theodoric the Great. The Ostrogothic king, Vitiges, who ascended the throne in August, 536, besieged the city. The churches over the catacombs outside of the city were devastated, the graves of the martyrs in the catacombs themselves were broken open and desecrated. In December, 536, the Byzantine general Belisarius garrisoned Rome and was received by the pope in a friendly and courteous manner. Theodora sought to use Belisarius for the carrying out of her plan to depose Silverius and to put in his place the Roman deacon Vigilius, formerly apocrisary at Constantinople, who had now gone to Italy. Antonina, wife of Belisarius, influenced her husband to act as Theodora desired. By means of a forged letter the pope was accused of a treasonable agreement with the Gothic king who was besieging Rome. It was asserted that Silverius had offered the king to leave one of the city gates secretly open so as to permit the Goths to enter. Silverius was consequently arrested in March, 537, roughly stripped of his episcopal dress, given the clothing of a monk and carried off to exile in the East. Vigilius was consecrated Bishop of Rome in his stead. Silverius was taken to Lycia where he was went to reside at Patara. The Bishop of Patara very soon discovered that the exiled pope was innocent. He journeyed to Constantinople and was able to lay before the Emperor Justinian such proofs of the innocence of the exile that the emperor wrote to Belisarius commanding a new investigation of the matter. Should it turn out that the letter concerning the alleged plot in favour of the Goths was forged, Silverius should be placed once more in possession of the papal see. At the same time the emperor allowed Silverius to return to Italy, and the latter soon entered the country, apparently at Naples. However, Vigilius arranged to take charge of his unlawfully deposed predecessor. He evidently acted in agreement with the Empress Theodora and was aided by Antonina, the wife of Belisarius. Silverius was taken to the Island of Palmaria in the Tyrrhenian Sea and kept their in close confinement. Here he died in consequence of the privations and harsh treatment he endured. The year of his death is unknown, but he probably did not live long after reaching Palmaria. He was buried on the island, according to the testimony of the "Liber pontificalis" on 20 June; his remains were never taken from Palmaria. According to the same witness he was invoked after death by the believers who visited his grave. In later times he was venerated as a saint. The earliest proof of this is given by a list of saints of the eleventh century (Mélanges d'archéologie et d'histoire, 1893, 169). The "Martyrologium" of Peter de Natalibus of the fourteenth century also contains his feast, which is recorded in the present Roman Martyrology on 20 June. [Editor's note: According to the Liber Pontificalis, Pope St. Silverius was exiled not to Palmaria, but rather to the Island of Palmarola, a much smaller and more desolate island near Ponza, Italy, in the Bay of Naples.] |
537-555 Pope Vigilius date of birth unknown; died at Syracuse, 7 June 555. He belonged to a distinguished Roman family; his father Johannes is called consul in the Liber pontificalis (ed. Duchesne, I, 298), having received that title from the emperor. Reparatus, a brother of Vigilius, was a senator (Procopius, De bello gothico, I, 26). Vigilius entered the service of the Roman Church and was a deacon in 531, in which year the Roman clergy agreed to a Decree empowering the pope to determine the succession to the Papal See. Vigilius was chosen by Boniface II as his successor, and presented to the clergy assembled in St. Peter's. The opposition to such a procedure led Boniface in the following year to withdraw his designation of a successor and to burn the Decree respecting it. The second successor of Boniface, Agapetus I (535-36), appointed Vigilius papal representative (Apocrisiary) at Constantinople; Vigilius thus came to the Eastern capital. Empress Theodora sought to win him as a confederate, to revenge the deposition of the Monophysite Patriarch Anthimus of Constantinople by Agapetus and also to gain aid for her efforts in behalf of the Monophysites. Vigilius is said to have agreed to the plans of the intriguing empress who promised him the Papal See and a large sum of money (700 pounds of gold). After Agapetus's death on 22 April, 536, Vigilius return to Rome equipped with letters from the imperial Court and with money. Meanwhile Silverius had been made pope through the influence of the King of the Goths. Soon after this the Byzantine commander Belisarius garrisoned the city of Rome, which was, however, besieged again by the Goths. Vigilius gave Belisarius the letters from the Court of Constantinople, which recommended Vigilius himself for the Papal See. False accusations now led Belisarius to depose Silverius. Owing to the pressure exerted by the Byzantine commander, Vigilius was elected pope in place of Silverius and consecrated and enthroned on 29 March, 537. Vigilius brought it about that the unjustly deposed Silverius was put into his keeping where the late pope soon died from the harsh treatment he received. After the death of this predecessor Vigilius was recognized as pope by all the Roman clergy. Much in these accusations against Vigilius appears to be exaggerated, but the manner of his elevation to the See of Rome was not regular. Empress Theodora, however, saw that she had been deceived. For after the latter had attained the object of his ambition and been made pope he maintained the same position as his predecessor against the Monophysites and the deposed Anthimus. It is true that there is an alleged letter from the pope to the deposed Monophysite patriarchs, Anthimus, Severus, and Theodosius, in which the pope agrees with the views of the Monophysites. This letter, however, is not regarded as genuine by most investigators and bears all the marks of forgery (cf. Duchesne in Revue des quest. histor. (1884), II, 373; Chamard, ibid., I (1885), 557; Grisar in Analecta romana, I, 55 sqq.; Savio in Civilta catt., II (1910), 413-422]. The pope did not restore Anthimus to his office. It was not until the year 540 that Vigilius felt himself obliged to take a stand in regard to Monophysitism which he did in two letters sent to Constantinople. One of the letters is addressed to Emperor Justinian, the other to the Patriarch Menas. In both letters the pope supports positively the Synods of Ephesus and Chalcedon, also the decisions of his predecessor Leo I, and throughout approves of the deposition of the Patriarch Anthimus. Several other letters written by the pope in the first years of his pontificate, that have been preserved, give information respecting his interposition in the ecclesiastical affairs of various countries. On 6 March, 538, he wrote to Bishop Caesarius of Arles concerning the penance of the Austrasian King Theodobert on account of his marriage with his brother's widow. On 29 June, 538, a decretal was sent to Bishop Profuturus of Braga containing decisions on various questions of church discipline. Bishop Auxanius and his successor, Aurelian of Arles, entered into communication with the pope respecting the granting of the pallium as a mark of the dignity and powers of a papal legate for Gaul; the pope sent suitable letters to the two bishops. In the meantime new dogmatic difficulties had been developing at Constantinople that were to give the pope many hours of bitterness. In 543 Emperor Justinian issued a decree which condemned the various heresies of Origen; this decree was sent for signature both to the Oriental patriarchs and to Vigilius (cf. ORIGEN AND ORIGENISM). In order to draw Justinian's thoughts from Origenism, Theodore Askidas, Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, called his attention to the fact that the condemnation of various representatives of the Antiochene school, who had championed Nestorianism, would make union with the Monophysites much easier. The emperor, who laid much stress upon winning over the Monophysites, agreed to this, and in 543 or 44 he issued a new edict condemning the Three Chapters (see CONSTANTINOPLE, COUNCILS OF). The Oriental patriarchs and bishops signed the condemnation of these Three Chapters. In Western Europe, however, the procedure was considered unjustifiable and dangerous, because it was feared that it would detract from the importance of the Council of Chalcedon. Vigilius refused to acknowledge the imperial edict and was called to Constantinople by Justinian, in order to settle the matter there with a synod. According to the Liber pontificalis on 20 November, while the pope was celebrating the feast of St. Cecilia in the Church of St. Cecilia in Trastevere, and before the service was fully ended, he was ordered by the imperial official Anthimus to start at once on the journey to Constantinople. The pope was taken immediately to a ship that waited in the Tiber, in order to be carried to the eastern capital, while a part of the populace cursed the pope and threw stones at the ship. Rome was now besieged by the Goths under Totila and the inhabitants fell into the greatest misery. Vigilius sent ships with grain to Rome but these were captured by the enemy. If the story related by the Liber pontificalis is essentially correct, the pope probably left Rome on 22 November, 545. He remained for a long time in Sicily, and reached Constantinople about the end of 546 or in January, 547. Vigilius sought to persuade the emperor to send aid to the inhabitants of Rome and Italy who were so hard pressed by the Goths. Justinian's chief interest, however, was in the matter of the Three Chapters, and as Vigilius was not ready to make concessions of this point and wavered frequently in his measures, he had much to suffer. The change in his position is to be explained by the fact that the condemnation of the writings mentioned was justifiable essentially, yet appeared inopportune and would lead to disastrous controversies with Western Europe. Finally, Vigilius acknowledged in a letter of 8 Dec., 553, to the Patriarch Eutychius the decisions of the Synod of Constantinople and declared his judgment in detail in a Constitution of 26 February, 554. Thus at the end of a sorrowful residence of eight years at Constantinople the pope was able, after coming to an understanding with the emperor, to start on his return to Rome in the spring of 555. While on the journey he died at Syracuse. His body was brought to Rome and buried in the Basilica of Sylvester over the Catacomb of Priscilla on the Via Salaria. |
536 Pope Agapitus
I archdeacon opposed Monophysites Pope
(RM) Constantinópoli sancti Agapíti Papæ Primi, cujus sánctitas a beáto Gregório Magno commendátur. Ipsíus autem corpus, póstea Romam relátum, in Vaticáno cónditum est. At Constantinople, Pope St. Agapitus the First, whose sanctity was praised by St. Gregory the Great. His body was afterwards taken to Rome and buried in the Vatican. Died in Constantinople on April
22, 536. The Roman Agapitus, son of a murdered
priest named Gordian, was archdeacon of the
Roman clergy and an old man when elected pope on May
13, 535. As pope he showed great vigor in opposing the Monophysites.
He died while on a mission for the Ostrogoth King Theodahad
to convince Justinian to forego a threatened invasion of
Italy. Agapitus was unsuccessful, but while there he convinced
Justinian to remove Patriarch Anthimus, a Monophysite, and
replace him with Mennas, whom Agapitus consecrated. His body
was taken back to Rome on September 20, on which date a second
feast is celebrated in the Roman Martyrology. Like many other
Italian saints on the period, he owes his cultus to the devotion
of Saint Gregory the Great (Benedictines, Delaney).
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590-604 Pope St. Gregory
I ("the Great") Doctor of the Church; born at Rome about 540; died 12 March 604. Gregory I. FROM BIRTH TO 574 Gregory's father was Gordianus,
a wealthy patrician, probably of the famous
gens Amicia, who owned large estates in Sicily
and a mansion on the Caelian Hill in Rome, the ruins
of which, apparently in a wonderful state of preservation,
still await excavation beneath the Church of St. Andrew
and St. Gregory. His mother Silvia appears also to have
been of good family, but very little is known of her life. She
is honoured as a saint, her feast being kept on 3 November. Portraits
of Gordianus and Silvia were painted by Gregory's order, in
the atrium of St. Andrew's monastery, and a pleasing description
of these may be found in John the Deacon (Vita, IV, lxxxiii).
Besides his mother, two of Gregory's aunts have been canonised, Gordianus's two sisters, Tarsilla and Æmiliana, so that John the Deacon speaks of his education as being that of a saint among saints. Of his early years we know nothing beyond what the history of the period tells us. Between the years 546 and 552 Rome was first captured by the Goths under Totila, and then abandoned by them; next it was garrisoned by Belisarius, and besieged in vain by the Goths, who took it again, however, after the recall of Belisarius, only to lose it once more to Narses. Gregory's mind and memory were both exceptionally receptive, and it is to the effect produced on him by these disasters that we must attribute the tinge of sadness which pervades his writings and especially his clear expectation of a speedy end to the world. Of his education, we have no details. Gregory of Tours tells us that in grammar, rhetoric and dialectic he was so skilful as to be thought second to none in all Rome, and it seems certain also that he must have gone through a course of legal studies. Not least among the educating influences was the religious atmosphere of his home. He loved to meditate on the Scriptures and to listen attentively to the conversations of his elders, so that he was "devoted to God from his youth up". His rank and prospects pointed him out naturally for a public career, and he doubtless held some of the subordinate offices wherein a young patrician embarked on public life. That he acquitted himself well in these appears certain, since we find him about the year 573, when little more than thirty years old, filling the important office of prefect of the city of Rome. At that date the brilliant post was shorn of much of its old magnificence, and its responsibilities were reduced; still it remained the highest civil dignity in the city, and it was only after long prayer and inward struggle that Gregory decided to abandon everything and become a monk. This event took place most probably in 574. His decision once taken, he devoted himself to the work and austerities of his new life with all the natural energy of his character. His Sicilian estates were given up to found six monasteries there, and his home on the Caelian Hill was converted into another under the patronage of St. Andrew. Here he himself took the cowl, so that "he who had been wont to go about the city clad in the trabea and aglow with silk and jewels, now clad in a worthless garment served the altar of the Lord" (Gregory of Tours, X, i). II. AS MONK AND ABBOT (C. 574-590) There has been much discussion
as to whether Gregory and his fellow-monks
at St. Andrew's followed the Rule of St. Benedict.
Baronius and others on his authority have denied this,
while it has been asserted as strongly by Mabillon and
the Bollandists, who, in the preface to the life of St.
Augustine (26 May), retract the opinion expressed earlier
in the preface to St. Gregory's life (12 March). The controversy
is important only in view of the question as to the form of
monasticism introduced by St. Augustine into England, and
it may be said that Baronius's view is now practically abandoned.
For about three years Gregory lived in retirement in the monastery of St. Andrew, a period to which he often refers as the happiest portion of his life. His great austerities during this time are recorded by the biographers, and probably caused the weak health from which he constantly suffered in later life. However, he was soon drawn out of his seclusion, when, in 578, the pope ordained him, much against his will, as one of the seven deacons (regionarii) of Rome. The period was one of acute crisis. The Lombards were advancing rapidly towards the city, and the only chance of safety seemed to be in obtaining help from the Emperor Tiberius at Byzantium. Pope Pelagius II accordingly dispatched a special embassy to Tiberius, and sent Gregory along with it as his apocrisiarius, or permanent ambassador to the Court of Byzantium. The date of this new appointment seems to have been the spring of 579, and it lasted apparently for about six years. Nothing could have been more uncongenial to Gregory than the worldly atmosphere of the brilliant Byzantine Court, and to counteract its dangerous influence he followed the monastic life so far as circumstances permitted. This was made easier by the fact that several of his brethren from St. Andrew's accompanied him to Constantinople. With them he prayed and studied the Scriptures, one result of which remains in his "Morals", or series of lectures on the Book of Job, composed during this period at the request of St. Leander of Seville, whose acquaintance Gregory made during his stay in Constantinople. Much attention was attracted to Gregory by his controversy with Eutychius, Patriarch of Constantinople, concerning the Resurrection. Eutychius had published a treatise on the subject maintaining that the risen bodies of the elect would be "impalpable, more light than air". To this view Gregory objected the palpability of Christ's risen body. The dispute became prolonged and bitter, till at length the emperor intervened, both combatants being summoned to a private audience, where they stated their views. The emperor decided that Gregory was in the right, and ordered Eutychius's book to the burned. The strain of the struggle had been so great that both fell ill. Gregory recovered, but the patriarch succumbed, recanting his error on his death bed. Mention should be made of the
curious fact that, although Gregory's sojourn
at Constantinople lasted for six years, he
seems never to have mastered even the rudiments of Greek.
Possibly he found that the use of an interpreter had its
advantages, but he often complains of the incapacity of those
employed for this purpose. It must be owned that, so far as
obtaining help for Rome was concerned, Gregory's stay at Constantinople
was a failure. However, his period as ambassador taught
him very plainly a lesson which was to bear great fruit later
on when he ruled in Rome as pope. This was the important fact that
no help was any longer to be looked for from Byzantium, with the
corollary that, if Rome and Italy were to be saved at all, it could
only be by vigorous independent action of the powers on the spot.
Humanly speaking, it is to the fact that Gregory had acquired this
conviction that his later line of action with all its momentous consequences
is due.
In the year 586, or possibly 585, he was recalled to Rome, and with the greatest joy returned to St. Andrew's, of which he became abbot soon afterwards. The monastery grew famous under his energetic rule, producing many monks who won renown later, and many vivid pictures of this period may be found in the "Dialogues". Gregory gave much of his time to lecturing on the Holy Scripture and is recorded to have expounded to his monks the Heptateuch, Books of Kings, the Prophets, the Book of Proverbs, and the Canticle of Canticles. Notes of these lectures were taken at the time by a young student named Claudius, but when transcribed were found by Gregory to contain so many errors that he insisted on their being given to him for correction and revision. Apparently this was never done, for the existing fragments of such works attributed to Gregory are almost certainly spurious. At this period, however, one important literary enterprise was certainly completed. This was the revision and publication of the "Magna Moralia", or lectures on the Book of Job, undertaken in Constantinople at the request of St. Leander. In one of his letters (Ep., V, liii) Gregory gives an interesting account of the origin of this work. To this period most probably should be assigned the famous incident of Gregory's meeting with the English youths in the Forum. The first mention of the event is in the Whitby life (c, ix), and the whole story seems to be an English tradition. It is worth notice, therefore, that in the St. Gall manuscript the Angles do not appear as slave boys exposed for sale, but as men visiting Rome of their own free will, whom Gregory expressed a desire to see. It is Venerable Bede (Hist. Eccl., II, i) who first makes them slaves. In consequence of this meeting
Gregory was so fixed with desire to convert
the Angles that he obtained permission from Pelagius
II to go in person to Britain with some of his fellow-monks
as missionaries. The Romans, however, were greatly incensed
at the pope's act. With angry words they demanded Gregory's
recall, and messengers were at once dispatched to bring him
back to Rome, if necessary by force. These men caught up with
the little band of missionaries on the third day after their
departure, and at once returned with them, Gregory offering
no opposition, since he had received what appeared to him as
a sign from heaven that his enterprise should be abandoned.
The strong feeling of the Roman populace that Gregory must not be allowed to leave Rome is a sufficient proof of the position he now held there. He was in fact the chief adviser and assistant of Pelagius II, towards whom he seems to have acted very much in the capacity of secretary (see the letter of the Bishop of Ravenna to Gregory, Epp., III, lxvi, "Sedem apostolicam, quam antae moribus nunc etiam honore debito gubernatis"). In this capacity, probably in 586, Gregory wrote his important letter to the schismatical bishops of Istria who had separated from communion with the Church on the question of the Three Chapters (Epp., Appendix, III, iii). This document, which is almost a treatise in length, is an admirable example of Gregory's skill, but it failed to produce any more effort than Pelagius's two previous letters had, and the schism continued. The year 589 was one of widespread disaster throughout all the empire. In Italy there was an unprecedented inundation. Farms and houses were carried away by the floods. The Tiber overflowed its banks, destroying numerous buildings, among them the granaries of the Church with all the store of corn. Pestilence followed on the floods, and Rome became a very city of the dead. Business was at a standstill, and the streets were deserted save for the wagons which bore forth countless corpses for burial in common pits beyond the city walls. Then, in February, 590, as if to fill the cup of misery to the brim, Pelagius II died. The choice of a successor lay with the clergy and people of Rome, and without any hesitation they elected Gregory, Abbot of St. Andrew's. In spite of their unanimity Gregory shrank from the dignity thus offered him. He knew, no doubt, that its acceptance meant a final good-bye to the cloister life he loved, and so he not only refused to accede to the prayers of his fellow citizens but also wrote personally to the Emperor Maurice, begging him with all earnestness not to confirm the election. Germanus, prefect of the city, suppressed this letter, however, and sent instead of it the formal schedule of the election. In the interval while awaiting the emperor's reply the business of the vacant see was transacted by Gregory, in commission with two or three other high officials. As the plague still continued unabated, Gregory called upon the people to join in a vast sevenfold procession which was to start from each of the seven regions of the city and meet at the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin, all praying the while for pardon and the withdrawal of the pestilence. This was accordingly done, and the memory of the event is still preserved by the name "Sant' Angelo" given to the mausoleum of Hadrian from the legend that the Archangel St. Michael was seen upon its summit in the act of sheathing his sword as a sign that the plague was over. At length, after six months
of waiting, came the emperor's confirmation of Gregory's election. The saint
was terrified at the news and even meditated
flight. He was seized, however, carried to the
Basilica of St. Peter, and there consecrated pope on
3 September, 590. The story that Gregory actually fled the
city and remained hidden in a forest for three days, when
his whereabouts was revealed by a supernatural light, seems
to be pure invention. It appears for the first time in the
Whitby life (c. vii), and is directly contrary to the words
of his contemporary, Gregory of Tours (Hist. Franc., X, i). Still
he never ceased to regret his elevation, and his later writings
contain numberless expressions of strong feeling on this point.
III. AS POPE (590-604) Fourteen years of life remained to Gregory, and into these he crowded work enough to have exhausted the energies of a lifetime. What makes his achievement more wonderful is his constant ill-health. He suffered almost continually from indigestion and, at intervals, from attacks of slow fever, while for the last half of his pontificate he was a martyr to gout. In spite of these infirmities, which increased steadily, his biographer, Paul the Deacon, tells us "he never rested" (Vita, XV). His work as pope is of so varied a nature that it will be best to take it in sections, although this destroys any exact chronological sequence. At the very outset of his pontificate Gregory published his "Liber pastoralis curae", or book on the office of a bishop, in which he lays down clearly the lines he considers it his duty to follow. The work, which regards the bishop pre-eminently as the physician of souls, is divided into four parts. He points out in the first that only one skilled already as a physician of the soul is fitted to undertake the "supreme rule" of the episcopate. In the second he describes how the bishop's life should be ordered from a spiritual point of view; in the third, how he ought to teach and admonish those under him, and in the fourth how, in spite of his good works, he ought to bear in mind his own weakness, since the better his work the greater the danger of falling through self-confidence. This little work is the key to Gregory's life as pope, for what he preached he practiced. Moreover, it remained for centuries the textbook of the Catholic episcopate, so that by its influence the ideal of the great pope has moulded the character of the Church, and his spirit has spread into all lands. In the case of
St Benedict Joseph several volumes of beatification documents are accessible
at the British Museum. They were printed
between 1820 and 1840 and anyone who examines
them will find that the circumstances of the saint’s unusual
career were subjected to very rigorous scrutiny and criticism.
There are many biographies. One of the best is that in
German by N. Heim. There are others in French by Desnoyers
(2 vols.), E. Rosière, and F. Audiger (1906), Canon
Gaquëre (1906), and P. Doyere (1948); that in the series “Les Saints”
cannot be recommended without reserves.
An account of Labre was translated into English
so soon as 1785 by the Rev. Mr James Barnard, vicar general
of the London district; the latest biography in English
is by A. de la Gorce (tr. It. Sheed, 1952).
(1) Life and Work in Rome
As pope Gregory still lived with monastic simplicity. One of his first acts was to banish all the lay attendants, pages, etc., from the Lateran palace, and substitute clerics in their place. There was now no magister militum living in Rome, so the control even of military matters fell to the pope. The inroads of the Lombards had filled the city with a multitude of indigent refugees, for whose support Gregory made provision, using for this purpose the existing machinery of the ecclesiastical districts, each of which had its deaconry or "office of alms". The corn thus distributed came chiefly from Sicily and was supplied by the estates of the Church. The temporal needs of his people being thus provided for, Gregory did not neglect their spiritual wants, and a large number of his sermons have come down to us. It was he who instituted the "stations" still observed and noted in the Roman Missal. He met the clergy and people at some church previously agreed upon, and all together went in procession to the church of the station, where Mass was celebrated and the pope preached. These sermons, which drew immense crowds, are mostly simple, popular expositions of Scripture. Chiefly remarkable is the preacher's mastery of the Bible, which he quotes unceasingly, and his regular use of anecdote to illustrate the point in hand, in which respect he paves the way for the popular preachers of the Middle Ages. In July, 595, Gregory held his first synod in St. Peter's, which consisted almost wholly of the bishops of the suburbicarian sees and the priests of the Roman titular churches. Six decrees dealing with ecclesiastical discipline were passed, some of them merely confirming changes already made by the pope on his own authority. Much controversy still exists as to the exact extent of Gregory's reforms of the Roman Liturgy. All admit that he did make the following modifications in the pre-existing practice: In the Canon of the Mass he inserted the words "diesque nostros in tua pace disponas, atque ab aeterna damnatione nos eripi, et in electorum tuorum jubras grege numerari"; he ordered the Pater Noster to be recited in the Canon before the breaking of the Host; he provided that the Alleluia should be chanted after the Gradual out of paschal time, to which period, apparently, the Roman use had previously confined it; he prohibited the use of the chasuble by subdeacons assisting at Mass; he forbade deacons to perform any of the musical portions of the Mass other than singing the Gospel. Beyond these and some few minor points it seems impossible to conclude with certainty what changes Gregory did make. As to the much-disputed question of the Gregorian Sacramentary and the almost more difficult point of his relation to the plain song or chant of the Church, for Gregory's connection with which matters the earliest authority seems to be John the Deacon (Vita, II, vi, Xvii), see GREGORIAN CHANT; SACRAMENTARY. There is no lack of evidence,
however, to illustrate Gregory's activity
as manager of the patrimony of St. Peter. By his
day the estates of the Church had reached vast dimensions.
Varying estimates place their total area at from 1300
to 1800 square miles, and there seems no reason for supposing
this to be an exaggeration, while the income arising therefrom
was probably not less than $1,500,000 a year. The land
lay in many places — Campania, Africa, Sicily, and elsewhere
— and, as their landlord, Gregory displayed a skill in finance
and estate management which excites our admiration no less
than it did the surprise of his tenants and agents, who suddenly
found that they had a new master who was not to be deceived or cheated.
The management of each patrimony was carried out by a number of agents of varying grades and duties under an official called the rector or defensor of the patrimony. Previously the rectors had usually been laymen, but Gregory established the custom of appointing ecclesiastics to the post. In doing this he probably had in view the many extra duties of an ecclesiastical nature which he called upon them to undertake. Thus examples may be found of such rectors being commissioned to undertake the filling up of vacant sees, holding of local synods, taking action against heretics, providing for the maintenance of churches and monasteries, rectifying abuses in the churches of their district, with the enforcing of ecclesiastical discipline and even the reproof and correction of local bishops. Still Gregory never allowed the rectors to interfere in such matters on their own responsibility. In the minutiae of estate management nothing was too small for Gregory's personal notice, from the exact number of sextarii in a modius of corn, or how many solidi went to one golden pound, to the use of false weights by certain minor agents. He finds time to write instructions on every detail and leaves no complaint unattended to, even from the humblest of his multitude of tenants. Throughout the large number of letters which deal with the management of the patrimony, the pope's determination to secure a scrupulously righteous administration is evident. As bishop, he is the trustee of God and St. Peter, and his agents must show that they realize this by their conduct. Consequently, under his able management the estates of the Church increased steadily in value, the tenants were contented, and the revenues paid in with unprecedented regularity. The only fault ever laid at his door in this matter is that, by his boundless charities, he emptied his treasury. But this, if a fault at all, was a natural consequence of his view that he was the administrator of the property of the poor, for whom he could never do enough. (2) Relations with the Suburbicarian
Churches
As patriarchs of the West the popes exercise a special jurisdiction over and above their universal primacy as successors of St. Peter; and among Western churches, this jurisdiction extends in a most intimate manner over the churches of Italy and the isles adjacent. On the mainland much of this territory was in the hands of the Lombards, with whose Arian clergy Gregory was, of course, not in communion. Whenever opportunity offered, however, he was careful to provide for the needs of the faithful in these parts, frequently uniting them to some neighboring diocese, when they were too few to occupy the energies of a bishop. On the islands, of which Sicily was by far the most important, the pre-existing church system was maintained. Gregory appointed a vicar, usually the metropolitan of the province, who exercised a general supervision over the whole church. He also insisted strongly on the holding of local synods as ordered by the Council of Nicaea, and letters of his exist addressed to bishops in Sicily, Sardinia, and Gaul reminding them of their duties in this respect. The supreme instance of Gregory's intervention in the affairs of these dioceses occurs in the case of Sardinia, where the behaviour of Januarius the half-witted, aged Metropolitan of Cagliari, had reduced the church to a state of semi-chaos. A large number of letters relate to the reforms instituted by the pope (Epp., II, xlvii; III, xxxvi; IV, ix,xxiii-xxvii, xxix; V, ii; IX, i, xi, ccii-cciv; XIV, ii). His care over the election of a new bishop whenever a vacancy occurs is shown in many cases, and if, after his examination of the elect, which is always a searching one, he finds him unfitted for the post, he has no hesitation in rejecting him and commanding another to be chosen (Epp., I, lv, lvi; VII, xxxviii; X, vii). With regard to discipline the pope was specially strict in enforcing the Church's laws as to the celibacy of the clergy (Epp., I, xlii, 1; IV. v, xxvi, xxxiv; VII, i; IX, cx, ccxviii; X, xix; XI, lvi a; XIII, xxxviii, xxxix); the exemption of clerics from lay tribunals (Epp., I, xxxix a; VI, xi, IX, liii, lxxvi, lxxix; X, iv; XI, xxxii; XIII, 1); and the deprivation of all ecclesiastics guilty of criminal or scandalous offences (Epp., I, xviii, xlii; III, xlix; IV, xxvi; V, v, xvii, xviii; VII, xxxix; VIII, xxiv; IX, xxv; XII, iii, x, xi; XIV, ii). He was also inflexible with regard to the proper application of church revenues, insisting that others should be as strict as he was in disposing of these funds for their proper ends (Epp., I, x, lxiv; II, xx-xxii; III, xxii; IV, xi; V, xii, xlviii; VIII, vii; XI, xxii, lvi a; XIII, xlvi; XIV, ii). (3) Relations with Other Churches
With regard to the other Western Churches limits of space prevent any detailed account of Gregory's dealings, but the following quotation, all the more valuable as coming from a Protestant authority, indicates very clearly the line he followed herein: "In his dealings with the Churches of the West, Gregory acted invariably on the assumption that all were subject to the jurisdiction of the Roman See. Of the rights claimed or exercised by his predecessors he would not abate one tittle; on the contrary, he did everything in his power to maintain, strengthen, and extend what he regarded as the just prerogatives of the papacy. It is true that he respected the privileges of the Western metropolitans, and disapproved of unnecessary interference within the sphere of their jurisdiction canonically exercised... But of his general principle there can be no doubt whatever" (Dudden, I, 475). In view of later developments Gregory's dealings with the Oriental Churches, and with Constantinople in particular, have a special importance. There cannot be the smallest doubt that Gregory claimed for the Apostolic See, and for himself as pope, a primacy not of honor, but of supreme authority over the Church Universal. In Epp., XIII, l, he speaks of "the Apostolic See, which is the head of all Churches", and in Epp., V, cliv, he says: "I, albeit unworthy, have been set up in command of the Church." As successor of St. Peter, the pope had received from God a primacy over all Churches (Epp., II, xlvi; III, xxx; V, xxxvii; VII, xxxvii). His approval it was which gave force to the decrees of councils or synods (Epp., IX, clvi), and his authority could annul them (Epp., V, xxxix, xli, xliv). To him appeals might be made even against other patriarchs, and by him bishops were judged and corrected if need were (Epp., II, l; III, lii, lxiii; IX, xxvi, xxvii). This position naturally made it impossible for him to permit the use of the title Ecumenical Bishop assumed by the Patriarch of Constantinople, John the Faster, at a synod held in 588. Gregory protested, and a long controversy followed, the question still at issue when the pope died. A discussion of this controversy is needless here, but it is important as showing how completely Gregory regarded the Eastern patriarchs as being subject to himself; "As regards the Church of Constantinople," he writes in Epp., IX, xxvi, "who can doubt that it is subject to the Apostolic See? Why, both our most religious lord the emperor, and our brother the Bishop of Constantinople continually acknowledge it." At the same time the pope was most careful not to interfere with the canonical rights of the other patriarchs and bishops. With the other Oriental patriarchs his relations were most cordial, as appears from his letters to the patriarchs of Antioch and Alexandria. (4) Relations with the Lombards and the Franks Gregory's consecration as pope preceded by a few days only the death of Authari, King of the Lombards, whose queen, the famous Theodelinde, then married Agilulf, Duke of Turin, a warlike and energetic prince. With Agilulf and the Dukes Ariulf of Spoleto and Arichis of Benevento, Gregory soon had to deal, as, when difficulties arose, Romanus, the exarch, or representative, of the emperor, preferred to remain in sulky inactivity at Ravenna. It soon became clear that, if
any successful resistance was to be made
against the Lombards, it must be by the pope's
own exertions. How keenly he felt the difficulty and
danger of his position appears in some of the earliest
letters (Epp., I, iii, viii, xxx); but no actual hostilities
began till the summer of 592, when the pope received a
threatening letter from Ariulf of Spoleto, which was followed
almost immediately by the appearance of that chief before the
walls of Rome. At the same time Arichis of Benevento advanced
on Naples, which happened at the moment to have no bishop
nor any officer of high rank in command of the garrison. Gregory
at once took the surprising step of appointing a tribune on his
own authority to take command of the city (Epp., II, xxxiv), and,
when no notice of this strong action was taken by the imperial authorities,
the pope conceived the idea of himself arranging a separate peace
with the Lombards (Epp., II, xlv). No details of this peace have come
down to us, but it seems certain that it was actually concluded (Epp.,
V, xxxvi). Dr. Hodgkin (Italy and her Invaders, v, 366) pronounces
Gregory's action herein to have been wise and statesmanlike, but,
at the same time, undoubtedly ultra vires, being quite beyond any
legal competency then possessed by the pope, who thus "made a memorable
stride towards complete independence".
Gregory's independent action had the effect of rousing up Romanus the exarch. Wholly ignoring the papal peace, he gathered all his troops, attacked and regained Perugia, and then marched to Rome, where he was received with imperial honours. The next spring, however, he quitted the city and took away its garrison with him, so that both pope and citizens were now more exasperated against him than before. Moreover, the exarch's campaign had roused the Northern Lombards, and King Agilulf marched on Rome, arriving there probably some time in June, 593. The terror aroused by his advance is still mirrored for us in Gregory's homilies on the Prophet Ezechiel, which were delivered at this time. The siege of the city was soon abandoned, however, and Agilulf retired. The continuator of Prosper (Mon. Germ. SS. Antiq., IX, 339) relates that Agilulf met the pope in person on the steps of the Basilica of St. Peter, which was then outside the city walls, and "being melted by Gregory's prayers and greatly moved by the wisdom and religious gravity of this great man, he broke up the siege of the city"; but, in view of the silence both of Gregory himself and of Paul the Deacon on the point, the story seems scarcely probable. In Epp., V, xxxix, Gregory refers to himself as "the paymaster of the Lombards", and most likely a large payment from the papal treasury was the chief inducement to raise the siege. The pope's great desire now was to secure a lasting peace with the Lombards, which could only be achieved by a proper arrangement between the imperial authorities and the Lombard chiefs. On Queen Theodelinde, a Catholic and a personal friend, Gregory placed all his hopes. The exarch, however, looked at the whole affair in another light, and, when a whole year was passed in fruitless negotiations, Gregory began once again to mediate a private treaty. Accordingly, in May, 595, the pope wrote to a friend at Ravenna a letter (Epp., V, xxxiv) threatening to make peace with Agilulf even without the consent of the Exarch Romanus. This threat was speedily reported to Constantinople, where the exarch was in high favour, and the Emperor Maurice at once sent off to Gregory a violent letter, now lost, accusing him of being both a traitor and a fool. This letter Gregory received in June, 595. Luckily, the pope's answer has been preserved to us (Epp., V, xxxvi). It must be read in its entirety to be appreciated fully; probably very few emperors, if any, have ever received such a letter from a subject. Still, in spite of his scathing reply, Gregory seems to have realized that independent action could not secure what he wished, and we hear no more about a separate peace. Gregory's relations with the
Exarch Romanus became continually more
and more strained until the latter's death in
the year 596 or early in 597. The new exarch, Callinicus,
was a man of far greater ability and well disposed towards
the pope, whose hopes now revived. The official peace negotiations
were pushed on, and, in spite of delays, the articles were
at length signed in 599, to Gregory's great joy. This peace
lasted two years, but in 601 the war broke out again through
an aggressive act on the part of Callinicus, who was recalled two
years later, when his successor, Smaragdus, again made a
peace with the Lombards which endured until after Gregory's
death.
Two points stand out for special notice in Gregory's dealings with the Lombards: first, his determination that, in spite of the apathy of the imperial authorities, Rome should not pass into the hands of some half-civilized Lombard duke and so sink into insignificance and decay; second, his independent action in appointing governors to cities, providing munitions of war, giving instructions to generals, sending ambassadors to the Lombard king, and even negotiating a peace without the exarch's aid. Whatever the theory may have been, there is no doubt about the fact that, besides his spiritual jurisdiction, Gregory actually exercised no small amount of temporal power. Of Gregory's relations with the Franks there is no need to write at length, as the intercourse he established with the Frankish kings practically lapsed at his death, and was not renewed for about a hundred years. On the other hand he exercised a great influence on Frankish monasticism, which he did much to strengthen and reshape, so that the work done by the monasteries in civilizing the wild Franks may be attributed ultimately to the first monk-pope. (5) Relations with the Imperial Government The reign of Gregory the Great marks an epoch in papal history, and this is specially the case in respect to his attitude towards the imperial Government centered at Constantinople. Gregory seems to have looked upon Church and State as co-operating to form a united whole, which acted in two distinct spheres, ecclesiastical and secular. Over this commonwealth were the pope and the emperor, each supreme in his own department, care being taken to keep these as far as possible distinct and independent. The latter point was the difficulty. Gregory definitely held that it was a duty of the secular ruler to protect the Church and preserve the "peace of the faith" (Mor., XXXI, viii), and so he is often found to call in the aid of the secular arm, not merely to suppress schism, heresy, or idolatry, but even to enforce discipline among monks and clergy (Epp., I, lxxii; II, xxix; III, lix; IV, vii, xxxii; V, xxxii; VIII, iv; XI, xii, xxxvii; XIII, xxxvi). If the emperor interfered in church matters the pope's policy was to acquiesce if possible, unless obedience was sinful, according to the principle laid down in Epp. XI, xxix; "Quod ipse [se imperator] fecerit, si canonicum est, sequimur; si vero canonicum non est, in quantum sine peccato nostro, portamus." In taking this line Gregory was undoubtedly influenced by his deep reverence for the emperor, whom he regarded as the representative of God in all things secular, and must still be treated with all possible respect, even when he encroached on the borders of the papal authority. On his side, although he certainly
regarded himself as "superior in place
and rank" to the exarch (Epp., II, xiv), Gregory
objected strongly to the interference of ecclesiastical
authorities in matters secular. As supreme guardian
of Christian justice, the pope was always ready to intercede
for, or protect anyone who suffered unjust treatment
(Epp., I, xxxv, xxxvi, xlvii, lix; III, v; V, xxxviii;
IX, iv, xlvi, lv, cxiii, clxxxii; XI, iv), but at the same time
he used the utmost tact in approaching the imperial officials.
In Epp., I, xxxix a, he explains for the benefit of his Sicilian
agent the precise attitude to be adopted in such matters.
Still, in conjunction with all this deference, Gregory retained a spirit of independence which enabled him, when he considered it necessary, to address even the emperor in terms of startling directness. Space makes it impossible to do more than refer to the famous letters to the Emperor Phocas on his usurpation and the allusions in them to the murdered Emperor Maurice (Epp., XIII, xxxiv, xli, xlii). Every kind of judgement has been passed upon Gregory for writing these letters, but the question remains a difficult one. Probably the pope's conduct herein was due to two things: first, his ignorance of the way in which Phocus had reached the throne; and second, his view that the emperor was God's representative on earth, and therefore deserving of all possible respect in his official capacity, his personal character not coming into the question at all. It should be noted, also, that he avoids any direct flattery towards the new emperor, merely using the exaggerated phrases of respect then customary, and expressing the high hopes he entertains of the new regime. Moreover, his allusions to Maurice refer to the sufferings of the people under his government, and do not reflect on the dead emperor himself. Had the empire been sound instead of in a hopelessly rotten state when Gregory became pope, it is hard to say how his views might have worked out in practice. As it was, his line of strong independence, his efficiency, and his courage carried all before them, and when he died there was no longer any question as to who was the first power in Italy. (6) Missionary Work
Gregory's zeal for the conversion of the heathen, and in particular of the Angles, has been mentioned already, and there is no need to dwell at length on the latter subject, as it has been fully treated under SAINT AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY. In justice to the great pope, however, it must be added that he lost no opportunity for the exercise of his missionary zeal, making every effort to root out paganism in Gaul, Donatism in Africa, and the Schism of the Three Chapters in North Italy and Istria. In his treatment of heretics, schismatics, and pagans his method was to try every means — persuasions, exhortations, threats — before resorting to force; but, if gentler treatment failed, he had no hesitation in accordance with the ideas of his age, in resorting to compulsion, and invoking the aid of the secular arm therein. It is curious, therefore, to find him acting as a champion and protector of the Jews. In Epp., I, xiv, he expressly deprecates the compulsory baptism of Jews, and many instances appear in which he insists on their right to liberty of action, so far as the law permitted, both in civil affairs and in the worship of the synagogue (Epp., I, xxxiv; II, vi; VIII, xxv; IX, xxxviii, cxcv; XIII, xv). He was equally strong, however, in preventing the Jews from exceeding the rights granted to them by the imperial law, especially with regard to the ownership by them of Christian slaves (Epp., II, vi; III, xxxvii; IV, ix, xxi; VI, xxix; VII, xxi; VIII, xxi; IX, civ, ccxiii, ccxv). We shall probably be right, therefore, in attributing Gregory's protection of the Jews to his respect for law and justice, rather than to any ideas of toleration differing from those current at the time. (7) Gregory and Monasticism Although the first monk to become pope, Gregory was in no sense an original contributor to monastic ideals or practice. He took monasticism as he found it established by St. Benedict, and his efforts and influence were given to strengthening and enforcing the prescriptions of that greatest of monastic legislators. His position did indeed tend to modify St. Benedict's work by drawing it into a closer connection with the organization with the organization of the Church, and with the papacy in particular, but this was not deliberately aimed at by Gregory. Rather he was himself convinced that the monastic system had a very special value for the Church, and so he did everything in his power to diffuse and propagate it. His own property was consecrated to this end, he urged many wealthy people to establish or support monasteries, and he used the revenues of the patrimony for the same purpose. He was relentless in correcting abuses and enforcing discipline, the letters on such matters being far too numerous for mention here, and the points on which he insists most are precisely those, such as stability and poverty, on which St. Benedict's recent legislation had laid special stress. Twice only do we find anything like direct legislation by the pope. The first point is that of the age at which a nun might be made abbess, which he fixes at "not less than sixty years" (Epp., IV, xi),. The second is his lengthening of the period of novitiate. St. Benedict had prescribed at least one year (Reg. Ben., lviii); Gregory (Epp., X, ix) orders two years, with special precautions in the case of slaves who wished to become monks. More important was his line
of action in the difficult question of the relation between monks and their
bishop. There is plenty of evidence to show that many bishops took advantage
of their position to oppress and burden the monasteries in their diocese,
with the result that the monks appealed to the pope for protection. Gregory,
while always upholding the spiritual jurisdiction of the bishop, was firm
in support of the monks against any illegal aggression. All attempts on the
part of a bishop to assume new powers over the monks in his diocese were
condemned, while at times the pope issued documents, called Privilegia,
in which he definitely set forth certain points on which the monks were exempt
from episcopal control (Epp., V, xlix; VII, xii; VIII, xvii; XII, xi, xii,
xiii). This action on Gregory's part undoubtedly began the long progress
by which the monastic bodies have come to be under the direct control of
the Holy See.
It should be mentioned that in Gregory's day the current view was that ecclesiastical work, such as the cure of souls, preaching, administering the sacraments, etc., was not compatible with the monastic state, and in this view the pope concurred. On the other hand a passage in Epp., XII, iv, where he directs that a certain layman "should be tonsured either as a monk or a subdeacon", would suggest that the pope held the monastic state as in some way equivalent to the ecclesiastical; for his ultimate intention in this case was to promote the layman in question to the episcopate. (8) Death, Canonization, Relics, Emblem The last years of Gregory's life were filled with every kind of suffering. His mind, naturally serious, was filled with despondent forebodings, and his continued bodily pains were increased and intensified. His "sole consolation was the hope that death would come quickly" (Epp., XIII, xxvi). The end came on 12 March, 604, and on the same day his body was laid to rest in front of the sacristy in the portico of St. Peter's Basilica. Since then the relics have been moved several times, the most recent translation being that by Paul V in 1606, when they were placed in the chapel of Clement V near the entrance of the modern sacristy. There is some evidence that the body was taken to Soissons in France in the year 826, but probably only some large relic is meant. Venerable Bede (Hist. Eccl., II, i) gives the epitaph placed on his tomb which contains the famous phrase referring to Gregory as consul Dei. His canonization by popular acclamation followed at once on his death, and survived a reaction against his memory which seems to have occurred soon afterwards. In art the great pope is usually
shown in full pontifical robes with the
tiara and double cross. A dove is his special
emblem, in allusion to the well-known story recorded by
Peter the Deacon (Vita, xxviii), who tells that when the
pope was dictating his homilies on Ezechiel a veil was drawn
between his secretary and himself. As, however, the pope remained
silent for long periods at a time, the servant made a hole in
the curtain and, looking through, beheld a dove seated upon Gregory's
head with its beak between his lips. When the dove withdrew its
beak the holy pontiff spoke and the secretary took down his words;
but when he became silent the servant again applied his eye to the
hole and saw the dove had replaced its beak between his lips. The
miracles attributed to Gregory are very many, but space forbids
even the barest catalogue of them.
(9) Conclusion It is beyond the scope of this notice to attempt any elaborate estimate of the work, influence, and character of Pope Gregory the Great, but some short focusing of the features given above is only just. First of all, perhaps, it will be best to clear the ground by admitting frankly what Gregory was not. He was not a man of profound learning, not a philosopher, not a conversationalist, hardly even a theologian in the constructive sense of the term. He was a trained Roman lawyer and administrator, a monk, a missionary, a preacher, above all a physician of souls and a leader of men. His great claim to remembrance lies in the fact that he is the real father of the medieval papacy (Milman). With regard to things spiritual, he impressed upon men's minds to a degree unprecedented the fact that the See of Peter was the one supreme, decisive authority in the Catholic Church. During his pontificate, he established close relations between the Church of Rome and those of Spain, Gaul, Africa, and Illyricum, while his influence in Britain was such that he is justly called the Apostle of the English. In the Eastern Churches, too, the papal authority was exercised with a frequency unusual before his time, and we find no less an authority than the Patriarch of Alexandria submitting himself humbly to the pope's "commands". The system of appeals to Rome was firmly established, and the pope is found to veto or confirm the decrees of synods, to annul the decisions of patriarchs, and inflict punishment on ecclesiastical dignitaries precisely as he thinks right. Nor is his work less noteworthy in its effect on the temporal position of the papacy. Seizing the opportunity which circumstances offered, he made himself in Italy a power stronger than emperor or exarch, and established a political influence which dominated the peninsula for centuries. From this time forth the varied populations of Italy looked to the pope for guidance, and Rome as the papal capital continued to be the centre of the Christian world. Gregory's work as a theologian
and Doctor of the Church is less notable.
In the history of dogmatic development he is
important as summing up the teaching of the earlier
Fathers and consolidating it into a harmonious whole, rather
than as introducing new developments, new methods, new solutions
of difficult questions. It was precisely because of this
that his writings became to a great extent the compendium theologiae
or textbook of the Middle Ages, a position for which his
work in popularizing his great predecessors fitted him well.
Achievements so varied have won for Gregory the title of
"the Great", but perhaps, among our English-speaking races,
he is honoured most of all as the pope who loved the bright-faced
Angles, and taught them first to sing the Angels' song.
HIS WRITINGS Genuine, Doubtful, Spurious
Of the writings commonly attributed to Gregory the following are now admitted as genuine on all hands: "Moralium Libri XXXV"; "Regulae Pastoralis Liber"; "Dialogorum Libri IV"; "Homiliarum in Ezechielem Prophetam Libri II"; "Homiliarum in Evangelia Libri II"; "Epistolarum Libri XIV". The following are almost certainly spurious: "In Librum Primum Regum Variarum Expositionum Libri VI"; "expositio super Cantica Canticorum"; "Expositio in VII Psalmos Poenitentiales"; "Concordia Quorundam Testimoniorum S. Scripturae". Besides the above there are attributed to Gregory certain liturgical hymns, the Gregorian Sacramentary, and the Antiphonary. (See ANTIPHONARY; SACRAMENTARY.) Works of Gregory; complete or partial editions; translations, recensions, etc. "Opera S. Gregorii Magni" (Editio princeps, Paris, 1518); ed. P. Tossianensis (6 vols., Rome, 1588-03); ed. P. Goussainville (3 vols., Paris, 1675); ed. Cong. S. Mauri (Sainte-Marthe) (4 vols., Paris, 1705); the last-named re-edited with additions by J. B. Gallicioli (17 vols., Venice, 1768-76) and reprinted in Migne, P.L., LXXV-LXXIX. "Epistolae", ed. P. Ewald and L. M. Hartmann in "Mon. Germ. Hist.: Epist.", I, II (Berlin, 1891-99); this is the authoritative edition of the text of the Epistles (all references given above are to this edition); Jaffe, "Regesta Pontif," (2nd ed., Rome, 1885), I, 143-219; II, 738; Turchi, "S. Greg. M. Epp. Selectae" (Rome, 1907); P. Ewald, "Studien zur Ausgabe des Registers Gregors I." in "Neues Archiv", III, 433-625; L.M. Hartmann in "Neues Archiv", XV, 411, 529; XVII, 493; Th. Mommsen in "Neues Archiv", XVII, 189; English translation: J. Barmby, "Selected Epistles" in "Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers", 2nd Series, XII, XIII (Oxford and New York, 1895, 1898), "Regula Pastoralis Curae", ed. E. W. Westhoff (Munster, 1860); ed. H. Hurter, S.J., in "SS. Patr. Opuse. Select.", XX; ed. A.M. Micheletti (Tournai, 1904); ed. B. Sauter (Freiburg, 1904); English translations: "King Alfred's West Saxon Version of Gregory's Pastoral Care", ed. H. Sweet (London, 1871); "The Book of Pastoral Care" (tr. J. Barmby) in "Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers", 2nd Series, XII (Oxford and New York, 1895). "Dialogorum Libri IV": very many editions of the whole work have appeared, and also of Bk. II, "Of the Life and Miracles of St. Benedict", separately; an old English translation has been reprinted by H. Coleridge, S.J., (London, 1874); L. Wiese, "Die Sprache der Dialoge" (Halle, 1900); H. Delehaye, "S. Gregoirele Grand dans Phagiographie Grecque" in "Analecta Bolland." (1904), 449-54; B. Sauter, "Der heilige Vater Benediktus nach St. Gregor dem Grossen" (Freiburg, 1904). "Hom. XL in Evangelia", ed. H. Hurter in "SS. Patrum Opusc. Select.", series II, Tom. VI (Innsbruck, 1892). G. Pfeilschifter Gregors der Gr." (Munich, 1900). "Magna Moralia", Eng. tr. in "Library of the Fathers" (4 vols., Oxford, 1844); Prunner, "Gnade und Sunde nach Gregors expositio in Job" (Eichstätt, 1855). Publication information Written by G. Roger Huddleston. Transcribed by Janet van Heyst. Dedicated to the Cistercian Fathers from the University of Dallas The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume VI. Published 1909. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat, September 1, 1909. Remy Lafort, Censor. Imprimatur. +John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York Bibliography
(2) Special. (a) The Patrimony.
— ORSI, Della origine del dominio temporate e della
sovranita del Rom. Pontif. (2nd ed., Rome, 1754); BORGIA,
Istoria del dominio temporale della Sede Apostolica
nelle due Sicilie (Rome, 1789); MUZZARELLI, Dominio temporale
del Papa (Rome, 1789); SUGENHEIM, Gesch. der Entstehung
und Ausbildung des Kirchenstaates (Leipzig, 1854);
SCHARPFF, Die Entstchung des Kirchenstaates (Freiburg im
Br., 1860); GRISAR, Ein Rundgang durch die Patrimonien des hl.
Stuhls i, J. 600, in Zeitschr, Kuth, Theol., I, 321; SCHWARZLOSE,
Die Patrimonien d. rom. K. (Berlin, 1887); MOMMSEN, Die Bewirtschaftung
der Kirchenguter unter Papst Gregor I, in Zeitsch, f. Socialund,
Wirtschaftsgesch., I, 43; DOIZE, Deux etudes sur l'administration
temporelle du Pape Gregoire le Grand (Paris, 1904). (b) Primacy
and Relations with other Churches. — PFAFF, Dissertatio de titulo
l'atriarchoe (Ecumenici (Tübingen, 1735); ORTLIEB, Essai
sur le systeme eccles, de Gregoire le Grand (Strasburg, 1872);
PINGAUD, La politique de S. Gregoire (Paris, 1872); LORENZ, Papstwahl
und Kaisertum (Berlin, 1874), 23; CRIVELLUCCI, Storia della relazioni
tra lo Stato e la Chiesa (Bologna, 1885), II, 301; GORRES, Papsi
Gregor der Grosse und Kaiser Phocas in Zeitsche, fur wissenschaftliche
Theol., CLIV, 592-602. (c) Relations with Lombards and Franks.
— BERNARDI, I Longobardi e S. Gregorio M. (Milan, 1843); Troya,
Storia d'Italia del medio evo, IV: Codice diplomatico longobardo
dal 568 al 774 (Naples, 1852); DIEHL, Etudes sur l'administration
byzantine dans l'Exarchat de Ravenne (Paris, 1888); HARTMANN, Unters,
z. Gesch. d. byzant, Verwaltung in Italien (Leipzig, 1889); LAMPE,
Qui fuerint Gregorii M. p. temporibus in imperii byzantini parte
occident, exarchi (Berlin, 1892); PERRY, The Franks (London, 1857);
KELLERT, Pope Gregory the Great and his Relations with Gaul (Cambridge,
1889); GRISAR, Rom. u. d. frankische Kirche vorneehmlich im 6. Jahr.
in Zeitschr. kath. Theol., 14. (d) Monasticism and Missionary Work.
— MABILLON, Dissertatio de monastica vita Gregorii Papoe (Paris,
1676); BUTLER, Was St. Augustine of Canterbury a Benedictine? in
Downside Review, III, 45-61, 223-240; GRUTZMACHER, Die Bedeutung
Benedikts von Nursia und seiner Regel in der Gesch. des Monchtums
(Berlin, 1892); CUTTS, Augustine of Canterbury (London, 1895);
GRAY, The Origin and Early History of Christianity in Britain
(London, 1897); BRIGHT, Chapters on Early English Church History
(Oxford, 1897); BENEDETTI, S. Gregorio Magno e la schiavitu (Rome,
1904). (e) Writings. — ALZOO, Lehrb. der Patrologie (Freiburg
im Br., 1876); HARNACK, Lehrb. der Dogmengeschichte, III (Freiburg
im Br., 1890); LOOFS, Leits. zum Studium der Dogmengeschichte
(Halle, 1893); SEEBERG, Lehrb. der Dogmengeschichte, II (Leipzig,
1898); BARDENHEWER, Patrology, tr. SHAHAN (Freiburg im Br., 1908).CHIEF SOURCES.—First of all come the writings of Gregory himself, of which a full account is given above, the most important from a biographical point of view being the fourteen books of his Letters and the four books of Dialogues. The other early authorities are ST. GREGORY OF TOURS (d. 594 or 595), Historia Francorum, Bk. X, and the Liber Pontificalis, both practically contemporary. To the seventh century belong ST. ISIDORE OF SEVILLE. De Viris Illustribus, XL, and ST. ILDEPHONSUS OF TOLEDO, De Viris Illustribus, I. Next come the Vita Antiquissima, by an anonymous monk of Whitby, written probably about 713, and of special interest as representing an essentially English tradition in regard to the saint; THE VEN. BEDE, Hist. Eccles., II, whose work was finished in 731; PAUL THE DEACON, who compiled a short Vita Gregorii Magni between 770 and 780, which may be supplemented from the same writers more famous work Historia Longobardorum; lastly JOHN THE DEACON, who, at the request of John VIII (872-882), produced his Vita Gregorii in answer to the complaint that no history of the saint had yet been produced in Rome. Besides these direct authorities considerable light on the period of St. Gregory's life may be gathered from the works of various contemporary chroniclers and historians. WORKS ON GREGORY. — (1) General. — GREGORY OF TOURS, Historia Francorum, X, i, in P.L., LXXI; the best edition of this is by ARNDT AND KRUSCH in Mon. Germ. Hist.; Script. Rerum Meroving., I; Liber Pontificatis, ed. DUCHESNE (Paris, 1884), I, 312; ISIDORE OF SEVILLE, De Vir. Illustr., I, ibid.,XCVII; Vita It. Papae Gregorii M. (MS> Gallen, 567), written by a monk of Whitby, ed. GASQUET (Westminster, 1904): see also on same work EWALD, Die alteste Biographie Gregors I in Historische Aufsatze dem Andenken an G. Waitz gewidmet (Hanover,1886), 17-54; VEN. BEDE, Hist. Eccles., I, xxiii-xxxiii; II, i-iii; V, xxv; in P. L., XCV; PAUL THE DEACON, Vita Gregorii M. in P.L.,LXXV; IDEM, De Gestis Longobard., III, 24; IV, 5; In P.L., XCV; JOHN THE DEACON, Vita Gregorii M., ibid., LXXV; Acta SS., 12 March; VAN DEN ZYPE, S. Gregorius Magnus (Ypres, 1610); SAINTE_MARTHE, Histoire de S. Gregoire (Rouen, 1677); MAIMBOURG, Histoire du pontificat de S. Gregoire (Paris, 1687); BONUCCI, Istoria del B. Gregorio (Rome, 1711); WIETROWSKY, Hist. de gestis praecipuis in pontificatu S. Gregorii M. (Prague, 1726-30); POZZO, Istoria della vita di S. Gregorio M. (Rome, 1758); MARGGRAF, De Gregorii I. M. Vita (Berlin, 1844); BIANCHI-GIOVINI, Pontificato di S. Gregorio (Milan, 1844); LAU, Gregor I, der Grosse (Leipzig, 1845); PFAHLER, Gregor der Grosse (Frankfort, 1852); LUZARCHE, Vie du Pape Gregoire le Grand (Tours, 1857); ROMALTE, Vie de S. Gregoire (Limoges, 1862); PAGNON, Gregoire le Grand et son epoque (Rouen, 1869); BELMONTE, Gregorio M. e il suo tempo (Florence, 1871); BOHRINGER, Die Vater des Papsiiums, Leo I und Gregor I (Stuttgart, 1879): MAGGIO, Prolegomeni alla storia di Gregorio il Grande (Prato, 1879); BARMBY, Gregory the Great (London, 1879; reissue, 1892); CLAUSIER, S. Gregoire (Paris, 1886); BOUSMANN, Gregor I, der Grosse (Paderborn, 1890); WOLFSGRUBER, Gregor der Grosse (Saulgau, 1890); SNOW, St. Gregory, his Work and his Spirit (London, 1892); GRISAR, Roma alta fine del mondo antico (Rome, 1899), Pt. III; IDEM, San Gregorio Magno (Rome, 1904); DUDDEN, Gregory the Great, his Place in History and in Thought (2 vols.,London, 1905); CAPELLO, Gregorio I e il suo pontificuto (Saluzzo, 1904); CEILLIER, Histoire general des auteurs ecclesiastique, XI, 420-587; MILMAN, History of Latin Christianity, Bk. III, vii; MONTALEMBERT, Monks of the West, tr. Bk. v; GREGOROVIUS, Rome in the Middle Ages, tr., II, 16-103; HODGKIN, Italy and her Invaders, V, vii-ix; GATTA, Un parallelo storico (Marco Aurelio, Gregorio Magno) (Milan, 1901); MANN, Lives of the Popes in the Early Middle Ages (London, 1902), I, 1-250. |
St. Boniface IV
608-615 25 May converted Pantheon into a Christian Church,
the temple by Agrippa to Jupiter the Avenger, to Venus, and to Mars
consecrated by the pope to the Virgin Mary
and all the Martyrs. (Hence the title S. Maria Rotunda.)
the first instance at Rome of a pagan temple into a place
of Christian worship. Son of John, a physician, a Marsian from the province and town of Valeria; he succeeded Boniface III after a vacancy of over nine months; consecrated 25 August, 608; d. 8 May, 615 (Duchesne); or, 15 September, 608-25 May, 615 (Jaffé). In the time of Pope St. Gregory the Great he was a deacon of the Roman Church and held the position of dispensator, i.e., the first official in connexion with the administration of the patrimonies. Boniface obtained leave from the Emperor Phocas to convert the Pantheon into a Christian Church, and on 13 May, 609 (?) the temple erected by Agrippa to Jupiter the Avenger, to Venus, and to Mars was consecrated by the pope to the Virgin Mary and all the Martyrs. (Hence the title S. Maria Rotunda.) It was the first instance at Rome of the transformation of a pagan temple into a place of Christian worship. Twenty-eight cartloads of sacred bones were said to have been removed from the Catacombs and placed in a porphyry basin beneath the high altar. During the pontificate of Boniface, Mellitus, the first Bishop of London, went to Rome "to consult the pope on important matters relative to the newly established English Church" (Bede, H. E., II, iv). Whilst in Rome he assisted at a council then being held concerning certain questions on "the life and monastic peace of monks", and, on his departure, took with him to England the decree of the council together with letters from the pope to Lawrence, Archbishop of Canterbury, and to all the clergy, to King Ethelbert, and to all the English people "concerning what was to be observed by the Church of England". The decrees of the council now extant are spurious. The letter to Ethelbert (in William of Malmesbury, De Gest. Pont., I, 1464, ed Migne) is considered spurious by Hefele (Conciliengeschichte, III, 66), questionable by Haddan and Stubbs (Councils, III, 65), and genuine by Jaffé [Regest. RR. PP., 1988 (1548)]. Between 612-615, St. Columban, then living at Bobbio in Italy, was persuaded by Agilulf, King of the Lombards, to address a letter on the condemnation of the "Three Chapters" to Boniface IV, which is remarkable at once for its expressions of exaggerated deference and its tone of excessive sharpness. In it he tells the pope that he is charged with heresy (for accepting the Fifth Council, i.e. Constantinople, 553), and exhorts him to summon a council and prove his orthodoxy. But the letter of the impetuous Celt, who failed to grasp the import of the theological problem involved in the "Three Chapters", seems not to have disturbed in the least his relation with the Holy See, and it would be wrong to suppose that Columban regarded himself as independent of the pope's authority. During the pontificate of Boniface there was much distress in Rome owing to famine, pestilence, and inundations. The pontiff died in monastic retirement (he had converted his own house into a monastery) and was buried in the portico of St. Peter's. His remains were three times removed in the tenth or eleventh century, at the close of the thirteenth under Boniface VIII, and to the new St. Peter's on 21 October, 1603. For the earlier inscription on his tomb see Duchesne; for the later, Groisar, "Analecta Romana", I, 193. Boniface IV is commemorated as a saint in the Roman Martyrology on 25 May. Bibliography; Liber Pontificalis (ed.DUCHESNE), I, 317; JAFFÉ, Regesta RR. PP. (2nd ed.), I, 220; Acta et Epistolæ in MANSI, X, 501; PAUL THE DEACON, Hist. Longobard., IV, 36 (37); GASQUET, A Short History of the Catholic Church in England (London, 1903), 19; HUNT, A History of the English Church from its Formation to the Norman Conquest (London, 1901), 42; MANN, Lives of the Popes, I, 268-279; VON REUMONT, Gesch. der Stadt Rom (Berlin, 1867), II, 156, 165; GREGOROVIUS, II, 104; LANGEN, 501. |
625-638 Pope Honorius Character and work of Honorius Pope Honorius was much respected and died with an untarnished reputation. Few popes did more for the restoration and beautifying of churches of Rome, and he has left us his portrait in the apsidal mosaic of Sant Agnese fueri le mura. He cared also for the temporal needs of the Romans by repairing the aqueduct of Trajan. His extant letters show him engaged in much business. He supported the Lombard King Adalwald, who had been set aside as mad by an Arian rival. He succeeded, to some extent, with the emperor's assistance, in reuniting the schismatic metropolitan See of Aquileia to the Roman Church. He wrote to stir up the zeal of the bishops of Spain, and St. Braulio of Saragossa replied. His connexion with the British Isles is of interest. He sent St. Birinus to convert the West Saxons. In 634 he gave the pallium to St. Paulinus of York, as well as to Honorius of Canterbury, and he wrote a letter to King Edwin of Northumbria, which Bede has preserved. In 630 he urged the Irish bishops to keep Easter with the rest of Christendom, in consequence of which the Council of Magh Lene (Old Leighlin) was held; the Irish testified to their traditional devotion to the See of Peter, and sent a deputation to Rome "as children to their mother". On the return of these envoys, all Southern Ireland adopted the Roman use (633). |
Pope
John IV (r. 640-642) Saint Venantius was a Dalmatian bishop whose
body was brought to the Lateran at Spalato by Pope John IV in 641.
While still only pope-elect, John, with the
other rulers of the Roman Church, wrote to the clergy
of the North of Ireland to tell them of the mistakes
they were making with regard to the time of keeping Easter,
and exhorting them to be on their guard against the Pelagian
heresy. About the same time he condemned Monothelism. Emperor
Heraclius immediately disowned the Monothelite document known
as the "Ecthesis". To Heraclius' son, Constantine III, John
addressed his apology for Pope Honorius I, in which he deprecated
the attempt to connect the name of Honorius with Monothelism. Honorius, he declared, in speaking of one will in Jesus, only meant to assert that there were not two contrary wills in Him. Pope John IV (died October 12, 642) was elected pope, after a four-month sede vacante, December 24, 640. Pope John was a native of Dalmatia
(probably in the town of Salona). He was
the son of the scholasticus (advocate) Venantius.
At the time of his election he was archdeacon of the
Roman Church, an important role in governing the see. As John's
consecration (on December 24) followed very soon after
his election, it is supposed that the papal elections were being
confirmed by the Exarch of Ravenna rather than by the Emperor
in Constantinople.
Troubles in his native land,
caused by invasions of Slavs, directed
John's attention there. To alleviate the distress
of the inhabitants, John sent the abbot Martin into Dalmatia
and Istria with large sums of money for the redemption
of captives. As the ruined churches could not be rebuilt,
the relics of some of the more important Dalmatian saints were
brought to Rome. John erected an oratory in their honour which
still stands. It was adorned by the pope with mosaics depicting
John himself holding in his hands a model of his oratory. John
endeavoured there by to convert the Slavs in Dalmatia and Istria
to Christianity. Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus says that
Porga, duke of the Dalmatian Croats, who had been invited into
Dalmatia by Heraclius, sent to an Emperor Heraclius for Christian
teachers. It is supposed that the emperor to whom this message
was sent was Emperor Heraclius himself, and that he sent to
Pope John IV.
While still only pope-elect, John, with the other rulers of the Roman Church, wrote to the clergy of the North of Ireland to tell them of the mistakes they were making with regard to the time of keeping Easter, and exhorting them to be on their guard against the Pelagian heresy. About the same time he condemned Monothelism. Emperor Heraclius immediately disowned the Monothelite document known as the "Ecthesis". To Heraclius' son, Constantine III, John addressed his apology for Pope Honorius I, in which he deprecated the attempt to connect the name of Honorius with Monothelism. Honorius, he declared, in speaking of one will in Jesus, only meant to assert that there were not two contrary wills in Him. John was buried in the Basilica
of St. Peter.
|
655 Pope St. Martin I of noble birth, great student, commanding intelligence,
profound learning, great charity to the
poor Saint Martin the Confessor,
Pope of Rome native of the Tuscany convened
Lateran Council at Rome condemn Monothelite heresy
last martyred Pope
Martyr, born at Todi on the Tiber, son of Fabricius; elected Pope at Rome, 21 July, 649, to succeed Theodore I; died at Cherson in the present peninsulas of Krym, 16 Sept., 655, after a reign of 6 years, one month and twenty six days, having ordained eleven priests, five deacons and thirty-three bishops. 5 July is the date commonly given for his election, but 21 July (given by Lobkowitz, "Statistik der Papste" Freiburg, 1905) seems to correspond better with the date of his death and reign (Duchesne "Lib. Pont.", I, 336); his feast is on 12 November.The Greeks honor him on 13 April and 15 September, the Muscovites on 14 April. In the hymns of the Office the Greeks style him infallibilis fidei magister because he was the successor of St. Peter in the See of Rome (Nilles, "Calendarium Manuale", Innsbruck, 1896, I, 336). Martin, one of the noblest figures
in a long line of Roman pontiffs (Hodgkin,
"Italy", VI, 268) was, according to his biographer
Theodore (Mai, "Spicil. Rom.", IV 293) of noble birth,
a great student, of commanding intelligence, of profound
learning, and of great charity to the poor. Piazza, II
45 7 states that he belonged to the order of St. Basil. He
governed the Church at a time when the leaders of the Monothelite
heresy, supported by the emperor, were making most strenuous
efforts to spread their tenets in the East and West. Pope
Theodore had sent Martin as apocrysiary to Constantinople to
make arrangements for canonical deposition of the heretical
patriarch, Pyrrhus. After his election, Martin had himself
consecrated without waiting for the imperial confirmation, and
soon called a council in the Lateran at which one hundred and five
bishops met. Five sessions were held on 5, 8, 17, 119 and 31 Oct.,
649 (Hefele, "Conciliengeschichte", III, 190). The "Ecthesis" of
Heraclius and the "Typus" of Constans II were rejected; nominal
excommunication was passed against Sergius, Pyrrus, and Paul of
Constantinople, Cyrus of Alexandria and Theodore of Phran in Arabia;
twenty canons were enacted defining the Catholic doctrine on the
two wills of Christ. The decrees signed by the pope and the assembled
bishops were sent to the other bishops and the faithful of the world
together with an encyclical of Martin. The Acts with a Greek translation
were also sent to the Emperor Constans II.
The pope appointed John, Bishop
of Philadelphia, as his vicar in the East
with necessary instructions and full authority
. Bishop Paul of Thessalonica refused to recall his
heretical letters previously sent to Rome and added others,—he
was, therefore, formally excommunicated and deposed.
The Patriarch of Constantinople, Paul, had urged the emperor
to use drastic means to force the pope and the Western Bishops
at least to subscribe to the "Typus". The emperor sent Olympius
as exarch to Italy, where he arrived while the council was still
in session. Olympius tried to create a faction among the fathers
to favor the views of the emperor, but without success. Then
upon pretense of reconciliation he wished to receive Holy Communion
from the hands of the pontiff with the intention of slaying
him. But Divine Providence protected the pope, and Olympius
left Rome to fight against the Saracens in Sicily and died there.
Constans II thwarted in his plans, sent as exarch Theodore Calliopas
with orders to bring Martin to Constantinople. Calliopas arrived
in Rome, 15 June, 653, and, entering the Lateran Basilica two days
later, informed the clergy that Martin had been deposed as an unworthy
intruder, that he must be brought to Constantinople and that another
was to be chosen in his place. The pope, wishing to avoid the shedding
of human blood, forbade resistance and declared himself willing to be
brought before the emperor. The saintly prisoner, accompanied by only
a few attendants, and suffering much from bodily ailments and privations,
arrived at Constantinople on 17 Sept., 653 or 654, having landed
nowhere except the island of Naxos. The letters of the pope seem
to indicate he was kept at Naxos for a year. Jaffe, n. 1608, and
Ewald, n 2079, consider the annum fecimus an interpolation and would
allow only a very short stop at Naxos, which granted the pope an opportunity
to enjoy a bath. Duchesne, "Lib. Pont.", I, 336 can see no reason
for abandoning the original account; Hefele,"Conciliengeschichte"
III, 212, held the same view (see "Zeitschr. für Kath. Theol.",
1892, XVI, 375).
From Abydos messengers were
sent to the imperial city to announce the arrival of the prisoner who was
branded as a heretic and rebel, an enemy of God and of the State. Upon his
arrival in Constantinople Martin was left for several hours on deck exposed
to the jests and insults of a curious crowd of spectators. Towards evening
he was brought to a prison called Prandearia and kept in close and cruel
confinement for ninety-three days, suffering from hunger, cold and thirst.
All this did not break his energy and on 19 December he was brought before
the assembled senate where the imperial treasurer acted as judge. Various
political charges were made, but the true and only charge was the pope's
refusal to sign the "Typus". He was then carried to an open space in full
view of the emperor and of a large crowd of people. These were asked to pass
anathema upon the pope to which but few responded. Numberless indignities
were heaped upon him, he was stripped of nearly all his clothing, loaded
with chains, dragged through the streets of the city and then again thrown
into the prison of Diomede, where he remained for eighty five days. Perhaps
influenced by the death of Paul, Patriarch of Constantinople, Constans did
not sentence the pope to death, but to exile. He was put on board a ship,
26 March, 654 (655) and arrived at his destination on 15 May. Cherson was
at the time suffering from a great famine. The venerable pontiff here passed
the remaining days of his life. He was buried in the church of Our Lady,
called Blachernæ, near Cherson, and many miracles are related as wrought
by St Martin in life and after death. The greater part of his relics are
said to have been transferred to Rome, where they repose in the church of
San Martino ai Monti. Of his letters seventeen are extant in P.L., LXXXVII,
119.
|
681 Pope St. Agatho 678-681
a holy death, concluded
a life remarkable for sanctity and learning. Romæ sancti Agathónis Papæ, qui, sanctitáte et doctrína conspícuus, quiévit in pace. At Rome, Pope St. Agatho, who, by a holy death, concluded a life remarkable for sanctity and learning. 681 ST AGATHO, POPE AGATHO, a Sicilian Greek by birth, was remarkable for his benevolence and an engaging sweetness of temper. He had been married and engaged in secular pursuits for twenty years before he became a monk at Palermo; and was treasurer of the Church at Rome when he succeeded Donus in the pontificate in 678. He presided by his three legates at the sixth general council (the third of Constantinople) in 680 against the monothelite heresy, which he confuted in a learned letter by the tradition of the apostolic church of Rome “acknowledged”, says he, “by the whole Catholic Church to be the mother and mistress of all churches, and to derive her superior authority from St Peter, the prince of the apostles, to whom Christ committed His whole flock, with a promise that his faith should never fail”. This epistle was approved as a rule of faith by the same council, which declared, “Peter spoke by Agatho”. This pope restored St Wilfrid to the
see of York, and granted privileges to several
English monasteries. A terrible plague, which
devastated Rome at this period may have been at least,
the indirect cause of his own death, which occurred in 681. St Agatho lived in troubled times.
The reason he alleges in excusing the bad
Greek of the legates whom he sent to Constantinople
was that the graces of speech could not be cultivated
amidst the incursions of barbarians, whilst with much difficulty
they earned their daily subsistence by manual labour; “but
we preserve”, said he with simplicity of heart, “the faith which
our fathers have handed down to us”. The bishops, his legates,
say the same thing: “Our countries are harassed by the fury
of barbarous nations. We live in the midst of battles, raids and
devastations: our lives pass in continual alarms, and we subsist
by the labour of our hands.” Pope Agatho himself had died before
the council concluded its sessions. |
683 Pope St. Leo II eyes tongue restored June
12 [Note:
The feast of Saint Leo II was formerly observed
on 3 July with the rank of a semi-double.] This pope, who is called by his contemporary biographer
both just and learned, is commemorated as a saint
in the Roman Martyrology on 28 June. Pope St. Leo II, to whom God miraculously restored his eyes and his tongue after they had been torn out by impious men. He succeeded St. Agatho as Pope in 681 and confirmed the findings of the sixth general council which had condemned Monotheism. Pope St. Leo II Pope (682-83), date of birth unknown; d. 28 June, 683. He was a Sicilian, and son of one Paul. Though elected pope a few days after the death of St. Agatho (10 January, 681), he was not consecrated till after the lapse of a year and seven months (17 Aug., 682). Under Leo's predecessor St. Agatho, negotiations had been opened between the Holy See and Emperor Constantine Pogonatus concerning the relations of the Byzantine Court to papal elections. Constantine had already promised Agatho to abolish or reduce the tax which for about a century the popes had had to pay to the imperial treasury on the occasion of their consecration, and under Leo's successor he made other changes in what had hitherto been required of the Roman Church at the time of a papal election. In all probability, therefore, it was continued correspondence on this matter which caused the delay of the imperial confirmation of Leo's election, and hence the long postponement of his consecration. The most important act accomplished by Leo in his short pontificate was his confirmation of the acts of the Sixth Oecumenical Council (680-1). This council had been held in Constantinople against the Monothelites, and presided over by legates of Pope Agatho. After Leo notified the emperor that decrees of the council had been confirmed by him, he proceeded to make them known to the nations of the West. The letters which he sent for this end to the king and to the bishops and nobles of Spain have come down to us. In them he explained what the council had effected, and he called upon the bishops to subscribe to its decrees. At the same time he was at pains to make it clear that in condemning his predecessor Honorius I, he did so, not because he taught heresy, but because he was not active enough in opposing it. In accordance with the papal mandate, a synod was held at Toledo (684) in which the Council of Constantinople was accepted. The fact that Ravenna had long been the residence of the emperors or of their representatives, the exarchs, had awakened the ambition of its archbishops. They aspired to the privileges of patriarchs and desired to be autocephalous, i.e. free from the direct jurisdiction of the pope, considered as their primate. As they could not succeed in inducing the popes to agree to their wishes, they attempted to secure their accomplishment by an imperial decree recognizing them as autocephalous. But this did not prove sufficient to enable the archbishops to effect their purpose, and Leo obtained from Constantine Pogonatus the revocation of the edict of Constans. On his side, however, Leo abolished the tax which the archbishops had been accustomed to pay when they received the pallium. And though he insisted that the archbishops-elect must come to Rome to be consecrated, he consented to the arrangement that they should not be obliged to remain in Rome more than eight days at the time of their consecration, and that, while they were not to be bound to come again to Rome themselves in order to offer their homage to the pope, they were each year to send a delegate to do so in their name. Perhaps because he feared the Lombards might again ravage the catacombs, Leo transferred thence many of the relics of the martyrs into a church which he built to receive them. |
684 Pope St. Benedict
II distinguished knowledge of the Scriptures
and by his singing, and as a priest was remarkable
for his humility, love of the poor, and generosity;
Many of the churches of Rome were restored by him; and its
clergy, its deaconries for the care of the poor, and its
lay sacristans all benefited by his liberality Date of birth unknown; died 8 May, 685; was a Roman, and the son of John. Sent when young to the schola cantorum, he distinguished himself by his knowledge of the Scriptures and by his singing, and as a priest was remarkable for his humility, love of the poor, and generosity. He became pope 26 June, 684, after an interval of over eleven months. To abridge the vacancies of the Holy See which followed the deaths of the popes, he obtained from the Emperor Constantine Pogonatus a decree which either abolished imperial confirmations altogether or made them obtainable from the exarch in Italy [cf. "Liber Diurnus RR. PP.", ed. Sickel (Vienna, 1889), and Duchesne's criticism, "Le Liber Diurnus" (Paris, 1891)]. He adopted Constantine's two sons by receiving locks of their hair sent him by the emperor. To help to suppress Monothelitism, he endeavoured to secure the subscriptions of the Spanish bishops to the decrees of the Sixth General Council (see ep. in P.L., XCVI, 423), and to bring about the submission to them of Macarius, ex-Bishop of Antioch. He was one of the popes who favoured the cause of St. Wilfred of York (Eddius, "Vita Wilfridi", ed. Raine in "Historians of York", I, 62 sqq. Cf. Raine, "Lives of the Archbishops of York", I, 55 sqq.). Many of the churches of Rome were restored by him; and its clergy, its deaconries for the care of the poor, and its lay sacristans all benefited by his liberality. He was buried in St. Peter's. |
Pope John V (685-686) energy, learning, and moderation are highly
praised by his biographer generosity
showed itself in his liberal donations. A Syrian whose father was one Cyriacus; when he was born is not known; d. 2 August, 686. As a deacon he was one of those who represented the Apostolic See at the Sixth Oecumenical Council. He returned to Rome in July, 682, with the official documents of the synod. He obtained such favour in the eyes of the Emperor Constantine Pogonatus that the latter lessened the taxes which had been imposed on the papal patrimonies in Sicily and Calabria, and generally reduced the fiscal burdens from which the Church suffered. John's energy, learning, and moderation are highly praised by his biographer. It was no doubt the possession of these virtues which caused him to be elected pope in the basilica of St. John Lateran. The necessity of waiting for the imperial confirmation of papal elections having been abolished by Constantine Pognatus, John was straightway conducted to the Lateran palace as pope. He was consecrated about 23 July, 685, and reigned for a little more than a year. From the days of St. Gregory the Great, the Archbishop of Cagliari in Sardinia enjoyed certain metropolitan powers. Although the right of consecrating the bishops of the island was not one of his privileges, Citonatus of Cagliari proceeded to lay hands on the bishop-elect of Turris Libisonis. John, however, definitively declared the See of Turris directly subject to the Holy See. John's generosity showed itself in his liberal donations. In his short pontificate he distributed 1900 solidi to the clergy and to the deaconries for the poor. After a long illness, he died on 2 August, 686, and was buried in St. Peter's. John V, knew Cosmas and St John of Damascus well by reputation and wished to have them amongst his clergy. First he took Cosmas and made him bishop of Majuma, and afterwards he ordained John priest and brought him to Jerusalem. |
687 to 701
Pope Saint Sergius
I; On April
10, 689, Sergius I baptised King Caedwalla of Wessex
in Rome. He also ordained Saint Willibrord as bishop of the
Frisians, and the Liber Pontificalis states he also
ordained Berhtwald as Archbishop of Canterbury.
Pope Saint Sergius I (c. 650
– September 8, 701) was pope from 687 to
701. Selected to end a schism between Antipope
Paschal and Antipope Theodore, Sergius I ended the last
disputed sede vacante
of the Byzantine Papacy.
His papacy was dominated by his response to the Quinisext Council, whose canons he refused to accept. As a result of the dispute Justinian II ordered Sergius I's abduction (as his predecessor Constans II had done with Pope Martin I), but with the assistance of the exarch of Ravenna, Sergius I was able to avoid trial in Constantinople. Early life Sergius I came from an Antiochene Syrian family which had settled at Palermo in Sicily. Sergius left Sicily and arrived in Rome during the pontificate of Pope Adeodatus. A fellow Sicilian Pope Leo II ordained him cardinal-priest of Santa Susanna on June 27, 683 and he rose through the ranks of the clergy. He remained cardinal-priest of S. Susanna until his selection as pope. Election Sergius I owed his election as Pope Conon's successor to skillful intrigues against Antipope Paschal and Antipope Theodore, the other candidates. The two armed factions entered open combat before Sergius I was chosen by a group of judges, soldiers, clergy, and citizens. Sergius I was brought to the Palatine imperial palace and then the Lateran. The “numerical superiority” of this new faction forced Theodore from the patriarchium, whereafter he acknowledged Sergius I as pope. Paschal remained unconvinced, and while pretending to accept Sergius, sent messengers to the exarch of Ravenna John Platyn promising gold in exchange for military support. The exarch arrived, demanded the gold, and looted Old St. Peter's Basilica, but departed after Sergius I's consecration. Paschal was eventually confined to a monastery on charges of witchcraft. Sergius I was consecrated on December 15, 687, ending the last disputed sede vacante of the Byzantine Papacy. Papacy (687–701) On April 10, 689, Sergius I baptised King Caedwalla of Wessex in Rome. He also ordained Saint Willibrord as bishop of the Frisians, and the Liber Pontificalis states he also ordained Berhtwald as Archbishop of Canterbury. Sergius founded the diaconie of S. Maria in Via Lata, on the Corso from the Porta Flaminia to Capitoline Hill, encompassing a quarter of the city which developed in the eighth century. He also “restored and embellished” the Eastern church of SS. Cosmas and Damian. Response to the Quinisext Council Sergius I did not attend the Quinisext Council of 692, but sent legates (including his apocrisiarius and suffragan Basil, the bishop of Gortyna in Crete), who ended up subscribing to the canons as “holding the place of the entire synod of the Holy Roman Church”. Sergius I himself rejected certain canons of the Council, although he continued to support political unity with Constantinople. It is unknown exactly which canons Sergius I objected to, but he declared that he would “rather die than consent to erroneous novelties”. Sergius I's objections, however, did not extend to the anathemization of his predecessor, Pope Honorius I, who at the time was also condemned in Western formulas. The canon which declared Constantinople equal in privileges but second in honor to Rome was also probably not the point of contention as it differed little from the pronouncements of earlier councils. However, the Quinisext Council did approve all eighty-five of the Apostolic Canons, while Sergius I would only have supported the first fifty. The bulk of the resistance probably stemmed from varying doctrines and practices between east and west; for example, Roman deacons were prohibited from living with their wives after ordination, Roman priests were prohibited from having married twice prior to ordination, and Roman Christians were prohibited from fasting on the Saturdays of Great Lent and allowed to consume animal blood. These and other practices differed from the Trullan canons. In a symbolically important step, Sergius I declared support for the chant “Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us” at the breaking of the Host during Mass, and restored the damaged facade mosaic in St. Peter's atrium that depicted the Worship of the Lamb; the depiction of Christ as lamb had been prohibited by the Council. The Agnus Dei would have been chanted in both Greek and Latin during this period, in the same manner as the other liturgical changes of Sergius I. Sergius I himself composed a litany in Greek (extant in the Athelstan Psalter to be recited on the feast of all saints.) Enraged, Emperor Justinian II dispatched his magistrianus, also named Sergius, to Rome to arrest bishop John of Portus, the chief papal legate to the Third Council of Constantinople and Boniface, the papal counselor. The two high ranking officials were brought to Constantinople as a warning to the pope. Eventually, Justinian II ordered Sergius I's arrest and abduction to Constantinople by his notoriously violent bodyguard protospatharios Zacharias. However, the militia of the exarch of Ravenna and the Duchy of Pentapolis frustrated the attempt. Zacharias nearly lost his own life in an attempt to arrest Sergius I. Rather than seizing upon the anti-Byzantine sentiment, Sergius I did his best to quell the uprising. Sergius died on September 8,
701. He was succeeded by John VI.
|
731
Gregory II, 89th Pope educated at the Lateran restore clerical
discipline, fought heresies helped restore
and rebuild churches (including Saint Paul-Outside-the-Walls),
hospitals, and monasteries, including Monte Cassino
under Petrona The outstanding concern of his pontificate
was his difficulties with Emperor Leo III the Isaurian
(RM) Born in Rome, Italy; sometimes celebrated also on February 13. The 89th pope, Saint Gregory, became involved in church affairs in his youth, was educated at the Lateran, became a subdeacon under Pope Saint Sergius, served as treasurer and librarian of the Church under four popes, and became widely known for his learning and wisdom. In 710, now a deacon, he distinguished himself in his replies to Emperor Justinian when he accompanied Pope Constantine to Constantinople to oppose the Council of Trullo canon that had declared the patriarchate of Constantinople independent of Rome and helped to secure Justinian's acknowledgment of papal supremacy. On May 19, 715, Gregory was elected pope to succeed Constantine, put into effect a program to restore clerical discipline, fought heresies, began to rebuild the walls around Rome as a defense against the Saracens, and helped restore and rebuild churches (including Saint Paul-Outside-the-Walls), hospitals, and monasteries, including Monte Cassino under Petronax, which had been destroyed by Lombards about 150 years previously. He sent missionaries into Germany, among them Saint Corbinian and Saint Boniface in 719, whom he consecrated bishop. He also helped Saint Nothelm in his researches in the papal archives to provide material for Saint Bede's Ecclesiastical history. Gregory also received the Wessex king Ina, who became a monk in Rome in 726. An old tradition makes Gregory a Benedictine monk, and his office figured for centuries in several Benedictine Propria. The outstanding concern of his pontificate was his difficulties with Emperor Leo III the Isaurian. Gregory opposed Leo's illegal taxation on the Italians, and counseled against the planned revolt of Italy against Byzantium and the election of an emperor in opposition to Leo. He also demanded that Leo stop interfering with church matters, vigorously opposed iconoclasm supported by the emperor, and severely rebuked him at a synod in Rome in 727. Gregory also supported Germanus, patriarch of Constantinople, against Leo. Gregory's relations with the Lombards who were intent upon conquering Italy were friendly mainly due to his influence with their leader, Liutprand (Benedictines, Delaney, Encyclopedia, Farmer). |
731-741 Pope St. Gregory III; held two synods in Rome (731) in which the image-breaking
heresy was condemned. By way of a practical
protest against the emperor's action he made
it a point of paying special honour to images and relics,
giving particular attention to the subject of St. Peter's;
Gregory III extended
to St. Boniface the same support and encouragement which had
been afforded him by Gregory II. "Strengthened exceedingly
by the help of the affection of the Apostolic See", the saint
joyfully continued his glorious work for the conversion
of Germany. About 737 Boniface came to Rome for the third time
to give an account of his stewardship, and to enjoy the pope's
"life-giving conversation", At Gregory's order the monk and
great traveller, St. Willibald, went to assist his cousin St.
Boniface in his labours; got help from Charles Martel against
the Lombards. Pope St. Gregory III was the son of a Syrian named John. The date of his birth is not known. His reputation for learning and virtue was so great that the Romans elected him pope by acclamation, when he was accompanying the funeral procession of his predecessor, 11 February, 731. As he was not consecrated for more than a month after his election, it is presumed that he waited for the confirmation of his election by the exarch at Ravenna. In the matter of Iconoclasm, he followed the policy of his predecessor. He sent legates and letters to remonstrate with the persecuting emperor, Leo III, and held two synods in Rome (731) in which the image-breaking heresy was condemned. By way of a practical protest against the emperor's action he made it a point of paying special honour to images and relics, giving particular attention to the subject of St. Peter's. Fragments of inscriptions, to be seen in the crypts of the Vatican basilica, bear witness to this day of an oratory he built therein, and of the special prayers he ordered to be there recited. Leo, whose sole answer to the arguments and apologies for image worship which were addressed to him from both East and West, was force, seized the papal patrimonies in Calabria and Sicily, or wherever he had any power in Italy, and transferred to the patriarch of Constantinople the ecclesiastical jurisdiction which the popes had previously exercised both there, and throughout the ancient Prefecture of Illyricum. Gregory III confirmed the decision of his predecessors as to the respective rights of the Patriarchs of Aquileia and Grado, and sent the pallium to Antoninus of Grado. In granting it also to Egbert of York, he was only following out the arrangements of St. Gregory I who had laid it down that York was to have metropolitical rights in the North of England, as Canterbury had to have them in the South. Both Tatwine and Nothelm of Canterbury received the pallium in succession from Gregory III (731 and 736). At his request Gregory III extended to St. Boniface the same support and encouragement which had been afforded him by Gregory II. "Strengthened exceedingly by the help of the affection of the Apostolic See", the saint joyfully continued his glorious work for the conversion of Germany. About 737 Boniface came to Rome for the third time to give an account of his stewardship, and to enjoy the pope's "life-giving conversation", At Gregory's order the monk and great traveller, St. Willibald, went to assist his cousin St. Boniface in his labours. The close of Gregory's reign was troubled by the Lombards. Realizing the ambition which animated Liutprand, Gregory completed the restoration of the walls of Rome which had been begun by his predecessors, and bought back Gallese, a stronghold on the Flaminian Way, from Transamund, Duke of Spoleto, which helped to keep open the communications between Rome and Ravenna. In 739, Liutprand was again in arms. His troops ravaged the exarchate, and he himself marched south to bring to subjection his vassals, the Dukes of Spoleto and Benevento, and the Duchy of Rome. Transamund fled to Rome, and Gregory implored the aid of the great Frankish chief, Charles Martel. At length ambassadors from the viceroy (subregulus) of the Franks appeared in Rome (739). Their arrival, or the summer heats, brought a momentary peace. But in the following year, Liutprand again took the field. This time the Romans left their walls, and helped Transamund to recover Spoleto. When, however, he had recovered his duchy, he would not or could not comply with Gregory's request, and endeavour to recover for the pope "the four cities of the Roman duchy which had been lost for his sake." In the midst of all these wars and rumours of war, Gregory died, and was buried in the oratory of our Lady which he had himself built in St. Peter's. He died in 741, but whether in November or December is not certain. It is however, on 28 November that he is commemorated in the Roman martyrology. |
741-752 Zachary I, Pope known for his learning
& sanctity chosen pope in 741 to succeed
Saint Gregory III (RM) (also known as Zacharias) Born at San Severino, Calabria, Italy; died 752; feast day formerly on March 22; feast day in the East is September 5. Pope Zachary I came from a Greek
family in Calabria. He became a deacon
in Rome, known for his learning and sanctity,
and was chosen pope in 741 to succeed Saint Gregory III.
His holiness was so great that, instead of seeking revenge,
he heaped benefits on those who had persecuted him before
his promotion to the pontificate.
When King Liutprand of the Lombards
was about to invade Roman lands at Terni
because of the rebellion of the dukes of Spoleto
and Benevento, Zachary risked his own life in order
to meet with the barbarian. Through persuasion Zachary won
the freedom of all prisoners of war and the Roman territory
Liutprand had occupied during 30 years was returned.
It is said that the Lombards were
moved to tears at the devotion with which they heard him say Mass.
Zachary achieved a great deal with the Lombards
by negotiation, leading to peace between the Lombards
and the Greek Empire. In fact, he gave the Benedictine
habit to Saint Ratchis, king of the Lombards. By contrast,
Zachary's successor had to enter into the defensive alliance
with the Frankish Pepin the Short, which had the ambiguously
felicitous result of leading to the revival of the Western
Empire and led also to the protective domination of the
emperor over the Roman Church which for centuries determined
the course of Western history.Another time, he dissuaded Liutprand from invading Ravenna. This Papal-Frankish alliance was prepared for by Pope Zachary's acquiescence in the deposition of the Merovingian puppet-kings and through his anointing of Pepin, who had been mayor of the palace, in 751 by the hand of his legate, Boniface at Soissons. As a result of the iconoclastic movement, religious and political relations with Byzantium, which were noticeable weakened in these disturbances, grew ever looser. Zachary denounced the iconoclastic
policy of Emperor Constantine Copronymus.
On the other hand, the Church
made vast strides in the realm of the Franks,
above all in Germany, through the work of reorganization
and the missionary zeal of Saint Boniface, whom
he consecrated archbishop of Mainz. Zachary assisted the
labors of the Apostle of the Germans in every way. Two interesting
letters of the pope to Boniface have survived, which give
the impression of a man of great vigor and deep sympathy.
He told Boniface to suspend polygamous and murderous priests,
to abolish superstitious practices even if these were practiced
at Rome, and to recognize the baptisms of those whose Latin
was extremely inaccurate (the intention was there to do what
the Church intends, even though the form was defective). At
his synod of 745, he condemned the heretics Clement and Adalbert
who had caused Boniface a good deal of grief.
On the other hand, Boniface was
proven to be all too human on another occasion.
He wrote to Zachary against
an Irish priest named Virgilius, saying that he sowed the seeds of discord
between him and Duke Odilo of Bavaria, and erroneously taught that there
were other men under the earth, another sun and moon, and another world.
Pope Zachary answered, that if he taught such an error he ought to be deposed.
This cannot be understood as a condemnation of the doctrine of Antipodes
(that the earth is round), as some have mistaken. Rather, there was a heresy
that maintained there was another race of men, who did not descend from Adam,
and were not redeemed by Christ. Nor did Zachary pronounce any sentence in
the case: for in the same letter he ordered that Virgilius should be sent
to Rome so that this doctrine might be examined. It seems that he cleared
himself, for we find this same priest soon after made bishop of Salzburg,
Austria, and, in 1233, formally canonized as Saint Virgilius. It seems that
the friction between the two saints was probably a result of jurisdictional
conflicts and the tension between Roman and Celtic liturgical customs.
In any case, Pope Zachary was
a peace-maker and judged no man without
a hearing.
Zachary was also responsible
for restoring
Montecassino under Saint Petronax and himself
consecrated its abbey church in 748. The saint
was known for aiding the poor, provided refuge to nuns
driven from Constantinople by the iconoclasts, ransomed
slaves from the Venetians, forbade the selling of Christian
slaves to the Moors of Africa, and translated Saint Gregory
the Great's Dialogues into Greek. Since "Zacharias embraced
and cherished all people like a father and a good shepherd,
and never allowed even the smallest injustice to happen to anyone,"
he was venerated as a saint immediately after his death (Attwater,
Benedictines, Delaney, Farmer, Husenbeth, Schamoni).
Saint Zacharias is depicted making
peace with King Luitprand. Sometimes he
may have a dove and olive branch over him (do not
confuse him with Saint Silvester (Roeder).
|
757-67
Pope Paul I: Paul
showed great activity and zeal in encouraging religious
life at Rome. He turned his paternal home into a monastery,
and near it built the church of San Silvestro in Capite.
The founding of this church led to his holding a synod
at Rome in 761. To this church and other churches of Rome, Paul transferred bones of numerous martyrs from the decayed sanctuaries in the catacombs devastated by Lombards in 756. He transferred the relics of St. Petronilla from the catacomb of St. Domitilla to a chapel in St. Peter's erected by his predecessor for this purpose. The legend of St. Petronilla caused her at that era to be regarded as a daughter of St. Peter, and as such she became the special Roman patroness of the Frankish rulers. Paul also built an oratory of the Blessed Virgin in St. Peter's, and a church in honour of the Apostles on the Via Sacra beyond the Roman Forum. He died near the church of San Paolo fuori le mura, where he had gone during the heat of summer. He was buried in this church, but after three months his body was transferred to St. Peter's. The "Liber Pontificalis" also praises the Christian charity and benevolence of the pope which he united with firmness. Paul is venerated as a saint. His feast is celebrated on the twenty-eighth of June. Date of birth unknown; died at Rome, 28 June, 767. He was a brother of Stephen II. They had been educated for the priesthood at the Lateran palace. Stephen entrusted his brother, who approved of the pope's course in respect to King Pepin, with many important ecclesiastical affairs, among others with the restoration to the Roman States of the cities which had been seized by the Lombard Kings Aistulf and Desiderius; these cities Desiderius promised to give up. While Paul was with his dying brother at the Lateran, a party of the Romans gathered in the house of Archdeacon Theophylact in order to secure the latter's succession to the papal see. However, immediately after the burial of Stephen (died 26 April, 757), Paul was elected by a large majority, and received episcopal consecration on the twenty-ninth of May. Paul continued his predecessor's policy towards the Frankish king, Pepin, and thereby continued the papal supremacy over Rome and the districts of central Italy in opposition to the efforts of the Lombards and the Eastern Empire. Pepin sent a letter to the Roman people, exhorting them to remain steadfast to St. Peter. In the reply sent by the senate and the people of Rome to the Frankish king, the latter was urged to complete the enlargement of the Roman province which he had wrested from the barbarians, and to persevere in the work he had begun. In 758 a daughter was born to Pepin, and the king sent the pope the cloth used at the baptism as a present, renewing in this way the papal sponsorship. Paul returned thanks and informed Pepin of the hostile action of Desiderius, who had failed to deliver the cities of Imola, Osimo, Ancona, and Bologna to Rome, and had also devastated the Pentapolis on his expedition against the rebellious Dukes of Spoleto and Benevento. The two duchies were conquered and annexed by Desiderius (758). Pope Paul I was pope from May 29, 757- June 28, 767. He first appears as a Roman deacon and was frequently employed by his brother, Pope Stephen II, in negotiations with the Lombard kings. After Stephen's death (April 26, 757) Paul prevailed over a faction that wanted to place the Archdeacon Theophylact on the Holy See and was chosen his brother's successor by the majority that wished a continuation of the late pope's policy. The new pope's reign was dominated by his relations with the Frankish and Lombard kings and with the Eastern emperor. He adopted an independent tone in informing the exarch in Ravenna of his election, but wrote to Pepin that the Frankish alliance should be maintained unimpaired, being forced to this course by the attitude of the Lombard king, Desiderius. The latter held the cities of Imola, Osimo, Bologna, and Ancona, which were claimed by Rome, and in 758 seized upon the duchies of Spoleto and Benevento. The same year he visited Rome and compelled Paul to write to Pepin asking him to concede all the Lombard claims except that to Imola; another letter of exactly opposite tenor was sent by the same messenger. Pepin found it advisable to maintain good relations with Desiderius, and Paul accomplished nothing by his double-dealing. Later, however, Pepin gave the pope some support and acted as arbiter between the Roman and Lombard claims. In 765 papal privileges were restored in Beneventine and Tuscan territory and partially in Spoleto. Meanwhile, the alienation from Byzantium grew greater. Several times, especially in 759, Paul feared that the Greek emperor would send an armament against Rome; and he lived in continual dread lest Byzantine machinations turn the Frankish influence in favor of the Lombards. This was actually attempted, but Pepin held to his original Italian policy. Paul died June 28, 767. At Benevento Desiderius had a conference with the Greek ambassador Georgios, and agreed on mutual alliance of Byzantines and Lombards in central Italy. On his way home Desiderius came to Rome, and when the pope demanded the return of the aforesaid cities, he refused to comply. He promised to give back Imola, but on condition that the pope should persuade Pepin to send back the Lombard hostages whom the Frankish king had carried off, some time before, at the time of his second victory over the Lombard King Aistulf. If Paul would not do this, Desiderius threatened to go to war with him. The pope was in great straits. He found it difficult even to get the Frankish king informed of his position. He gave two letters to Bishop George of Ostia and the Roman priest Stephen, his ambassadors to Pepin, who made the journey with the Frankish messenger Ruodpertus. In the one letter that was to secure the envoys a safe passage through Lombard territory, he agreed to the demands of Desiderius and begged Pepin to accede to the wishes of the Lombards by making a treaty of peace and returning the hostages. At the same time the envoys were to give the Frankish king a second secret letter, in which the pope communicated to him the latest occurrences, informed him of the agreement of Desiderius with the Byzantines for the conquest of Ravenna, and implored Pepin to come to the aid of the pope, to punish the Lombard king, and to force him to yield the towns retained by him. Towards the close of 759 another envoy was sent to Pepin. Early in 760 two Frankish envoys, Bishop Remidius of Rouen, brother to Pepin, and Duke Antschar, came to Desiderius, who promised to return its patrimony to the Roman Church in April, and also to yield the towns demanded by the pope. But he again refused to carry out his promises, dallied, and even forced his way into Roman territory. Once more Paul implored the Frankish king's help. The position of affairs was made even more threatening by Byzantine action. Georgios had gone from southern Italy to the court of Pepin and had here won over a papal envoy, Marinus. With all his efforts Georgios could not move Pepin. In 760 a report spread through Italy that a large Byzantine fleet was under sail for Rome and the Frankish kingdom. Later it was reported that the Byzantines intended to send an army to Rome and Ravenna. The Archbishop Sergius of Ravenna received a letter from the Byzantine emperor, in which the latter sought to obtain the voluntary submission of the inhabitants of Ravenna. The same attempt was also made in Venice. Sergius sent the letter of the emperor to the pope, and the pope notified Pepin. In case of a war with the Eastern Empire it was important to make sure of the support of the Lombards, consequently Pepin desired to come to an agreement with Desiderius. Thereupon the Lombard king showed more complaisance in the question of the Roman patrimony included in the Lombard territory, and when he visited Rome in 765, the boundary disputes between him and the pope were arranged. The Frankish king now directed Desiderius to aid the pope in recovering the Roman patrimony in the regions in southern Italy under Byzantine rule, and to support the ecclesiastical rights of the pope against the bishops of these districts. Paul's opposition to the schemes of the Emperor Constantine Copronymus had no real political basis. The pope's aim was to defend ecclesiastical orthodoxy regarding the doctrine of the Trinity and the veneration of images against the Eastern emperor. Paul repeatedly dispatched legates and letters in regard to the veneration of images to the emperor at Byzantium. Constantine sent envoys to western Europe who in coming to King Pepin did not disguise their intention to negotiate with him concerning dogmatic questions, also about the submission of the Exarchate of Ravenna to Byzantine suzerainty. Papal legates also came to Pepin in regard to these matters. On their return the legates were able to reassure the pope as to the views of the Frankish ruler, who kept two of the papal envoys, Bishop George and the priest Peter, near him. In 767 a Frankish synod was held at Gentilly, near Paris, at which the Church doctrines concerning the Trinity and the veneration of images were maintained. Paul showed great activity and zeal in encouraging religious life at Rome. He turned his paternal home into a monastery, and near it built the church of San Silvestro in Capite. The founding of this church led to his holding a synod at Rome in 761. To this church and other churches of Rome, Paul transferred bones of numerous martyrs from the decayed sanctuaries in the catacombs devastated by Lombards in 756. He transferred the relics of St. Petronilla from the catacomb of St. Domitilla to a chapel in St. Peter's erected by his predecessor for this purpose. The legend of St. Petronilla caused her at that era to be regarded as a daughter of St. Peter, and as such she became the special Roman patroness of the Frankish rulers. Paul also built an oratory of the Blessed Virgin in St. Peter's, and a church in honour of the Apostles on the Via Sacra beyond the Roman Forum. He died near the church of San Paolo fuori le mura, where he had gone during the heat of summer. He was buried in this church, but after three months his body was transferred to St. Peter's. The "Liber Pontificalis" also praises the Christian charity and benevolence of the pope which he united with firmness. Paul is venerated as a saint. His feast is celebrated on the twenty-eighth of June. |
795-816
Leo III The large
sums of money which Charlemagne gave to the papal
treasury
enabled
Leo to become an efficient helper of the poor and
a patron of art, and to renovate the churches, not
only of Rome, but even of Ravenna. He employed the
imperishable art of mosaic not merely to portray the political
relationship between Charlemagne and himself, but chiefly
to decorate the churches, especially his titular church of
St. Susanna. Up to the end of the sixteenth century a figure
of Leo in mosaic was to be seen in that ancient church. ; after Michael I came to the Byzantine throne,
he ratified the treaty between him and Charlemagne
which was to secure peace for East and West;
Date of birth unknown; died
816. He was elected on the very day his predecessor was buried (26 Dec.,
795), and consecrated on the following day. It is quite possible that this
haste may have been due to a desire on the part of the Romans to anticipate
any interference of the Franks with their freedom of election. Leo was a
Roman, the son of Atyuppius and Elizabeth. At the time of his election he
was Cardinal-Priest of St. Susanna, and seemingly also vestiarius, or chief
of the pontifical treasury, or wardrobe. With the letter informing Charlemagne
that he had been unanimously elected pope, Leo sent him the keys of the confession
of St. Peter, and the standard of the city. This he did to show that he regarded
the Frankish king as the protector of the
Holy See. In return he received from Charlemagne
letters of congratulation and a great part of the treasure
which the king had captured from the Avars. The acquisition
of this wealth was one of the causes which enabled
Leo to be such a great benefactor to the churches and charitable
institutions of Rome.
Prompted by jealousy or ambition,
or by feelings of hatred and revenge, a
number of the relatives of Pope Adrian I formed
a plot to render Leo unfit to hold his sacred office.
On the occasion of the procession of the Greater Litanies
(25 April, 799), when the pope was making his way towards
the Flaminian Gate, he was suddenly attacked by a body of
armed men. He was dashed to the ground, and an effort was
made to root out his tongue and tear out his eyes. After he had been
left for a time bleeding in the street, he was hurried off at night
to the monastery of St. Erasmus on the Cœlian. There, in what seemed
quite a miraculous manner, he recovered the full use of his eyes and
tongue. Escaping from the monastery, he betook himself to Charlemagne,
accompanied by many of the Romans. He was received by the Frankish king
with the greatest honour at Paderborn, although his enemies had filled
the king's ears with malicious accusations against him. After a few
months' stay in Germany, the Frankish monarch caused him to be escorted
back to Rome, where he was received with every demonstration of
joy by the whole populace, natives and foreigners. The pope's enemies
were then tried by Charlemagne's envoys and, being unable to establish
either Leo's guilt or their own innocence, were sent as prisoners
to France (Frankland). In the following year (800) Charlemagne himself
came to Rome, and the pope and his accusers were brought face to
face. The assembled bishops declared that they had no right to judge
the pope; but Leo of his own free will, in order, as he said, to dissipate
any suspicions in men's minds, declared on oath that he was wholly
guiltless of the charges which had been brought against him. At
his special request the death sentence which had been passed upon
his principal enemies was commuted into a sentence of exile.
A few days later, Leo and Charlemagne
again met. It was on Christmas Day in St.
Peter's. After the Gospel had been sung, the
pope approached Charlemagne, who was kneeling before
the Confession of St. Peter, and placed a crown upon his head.
The assembled multitude at once made the basilica ring with
the shout: "To Charles, the most pious Augustus, crowned by
God, to our great and pacific emperor life and victory!" By this
act was revived the Empire in the West, and, in theory, at least,
the world was declared by the Church subject to one temporal head,
as Christ had made it subject to one spiritual head. It was understood
that the first duty of the new emperor was to be the protector
of the Roman Church and of Christendom against the heathen. With
a view to combining the East and West under the effective rule
of Charlemagne, Leo strove to further the project of a marriage
between him and the Eastern empress Irene. Her deposition,
however (801), prevented the realization of this excellent plan.
Some three years after the departure of Charlemagne from Rome (801),
Leo again crossed the Alps to see him (804). According to some he
went to discuss with the emperor the division of his territories
between his sons. At any rate, two years later, he was invited to give
his assent to the emperor's provisions for the said partition.
Equally while acting in harmony with the pope, Charlemagne combatted
the heresy of Adoptionism which had arisen in Spain; but he
went somewhat further than his spiritual guide when he wished to
bring about the general insertion of the Filioque in the Nicene Creed.
The two were, however, acting together when Salzburg was made the
metropolitical city for Bavaria, and when Fortunatus of Grado was
compensated for the loss of his see of Grado by the gift of that of
Pola. The joint action of the pope and the emperor was felt even in England.
Through it Eardulf of Northumbria recovered his kingdom, and the dispute
between Eanbald, Archbishop of York, and Wulfred, Archbishop of Canterbury,
was regulated.
Leo had, however, many relations
with England solely on his own account.
By his command the synod of Beccanceld (or Clovesho,
803), condemned the appointing of laymen as superiors
of monasteries. In accordance with the wishes of Ethelheard,
Archbishop of Canterbury, Leo excommunicated Eadbert
Praen for seizing the throne of Kent, and withdrew the pallium
which had been granted to Litchfield, authorizing the restoration
of the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the See of Canterbury
"just as St. Gregory the Apostle and Master of the nation
of the English had arranged it". Leo was also called upon to
intervene in the quarrels between Archbishop Wulfred and Cenulf,
King of Mercia. Very little is known of the real causes of the misunderstandings
between them, but, whoever was the more to blame, the archbishop
seems to have had the more to suffer. The king appears to have
induced the pope to suspend him from the exercise of his episcopal
functions, and to keep the kingdom under a kind of interdict
for a period of six years. Till the hour of his death (822), greed
of gold caused Cenulf to continue his persecution of the archbishop.
It also caused him to persecute the monastery of Abingdon, and
it was not until he had received from its abbot a large sum of money
that, acting, as he declared, at the request of "the lord Apostolic
and most glorious Pope Leo", he decreed the inviolability of the
monastery.
During the pontificate of Leo,
the Church of Constantinople was in a state
of unrest. The monks, who at this period were
flourishing under the guidance of such men as St. Theodore
the Studite, were suspicious of what they conceived
to be the lax principles of their patriarch Tarasius,
and were in vigorous opposition to the evil conduct of
their emperor Constantine VI. To be free to marry Theodota,
their sovereign had divorced his wife Maria. Though Tarasius
condemned the conduct of Constantine, still, to avoid greater
evils, he refused, to the profound disgust of the monks, to
excommunicate him. For their condemnation of his new marriage
Constantine punished the monks with imprisonment and exile. In their
distress the monks turned for help to Leo, as they did when they were
maltreated for opposing the arbitrary reinstatement of the priest
whom Tarasius had degraded for marrying Constantine to Theodota.
The pope replied, not merely with words of praise and encouragement,
but also by the dispatch of rich presents; and, after Michael
I came to the Byzantine throne, he ratified the treaty between
him and Charlemagne which was to secure peace for East and West.
Not only in the last mentioned
transaction, but in all matters of importance,
did the pope and the Frankish emperor act in
concert. It was on Charlemagne's advice that, to ward
off the savage raids of the Saracens, Leo maintained a
fleet, and caused his coast line to be regularly patrolled
by his ships of war. But because he did not feel competent
to keep the Moslem pirates out of Corsica, he entrusted
the guarding of it to the emperor. Supported by Charlemagne,
he was able to recover some of the patrimonies of the Roman
Church in the neighbourhood of Gaeta, and again to administer
them through his rectors. But when the great emperor died (28
Jan., 814), evil times once more broke on Leo. Af fresh conspiracy
was formed against him, but on this occasion the pope was apprised
of it before it came to a head. He caused the chief conspirators
to be seized and executed. No sooner had this plot been crushed
than a number of nobles of the Campagna rose in arms and plundered
the country. They were preparing to march on Rome itself, when
they were overpowered by the Duke of Spoleto, acting under the
orders of the King of Italy (Langobardia). The large sums of
money which Charlemagne gave to the papal treasury enabled Leo
to become an efficient helper of the poor and a patron of art,
and to renovate the churches, not only of Rome, but even of
Ravenna. He employed the imperishable art of mosaic not merely to
portray the political relationship between Charlemagne and himself,
but chiefly to decorate the churches, especially his titular
church of St. Susanna. Up to the end of the sixteenth century a figure
of Leo in mosaic was to be seen in that ancient church.
Leo III was buried in St. Peter's
(12 June, 816), where his relics are to
be found along with those of Sts. Leo I, Leo II,
and Leo IV. He was canonized in 1673. The silver denarii
of Leo III still extant bear the name of the Frankish emperor
upon them as well as that of Leo, showing thereby the emperor
as the protector of the Church, and overlord of the city of Rome.
|
824
St. Paschal elected as the 94th pope on the day Pope Stephen IV (V)
died, January 25, 817 unsuccessful
in attempts to end the iconoclast heresy of Emperor
Leo V, encouraged SS. Nicephorous and Theodore Studites
in Constantinople to resist iconoclasm, and gave refuge
to the many Greek monks who fled to Rome to escape persecution
from the iconoclasts. 14 May
Pope Paschal I (817-824) The date of his birth is unknown; he died in April, May, or June, 824. He was the son of a Roman named Bonosus. While still young he joined the Roman clergy and was taken into the papal patriarchate (Lateran Palace) where he was instructed in the Divine Service and the Holy Scripture. Leo III having appointed him superior of the monastery of St. Stephen near the Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican, he took care of the pilgrims who came to Rome. On the death of Stephen IV (24 January, 817) Paschal was unanimously chosen as his successor. On the following day he was consecrated and enthroned. He entered into relations with Emperor Louis, sending him several ambassadors in rapid succession. In 817 he received from the emperor a document, "Pactum Ludovicianum", confirming the rights and possessions of the Holy See. This document with later amendments is still extant (cf. especially Sickel, "Das Privileg Ottos I für die römische Kirche", Innsbruck, 1883, 50 sqq., 174 sqq.). Paschal remained on friendly terms with the Frankish nobility and sent a special legation with rich gifts to the marriage of King Lothair I, son of Emperor Louis. In spring, 823, Lothair went to Rome and on 5 April he was solemnly crowned emperor by Paschal. Although the pope himself opposed the sovereignty of the Frankish emperors over Rome and Roman territory, high officials in the papal palace, especially Primicerius Theodore and his son-in-law Leo Nomenculator, were at the head of the party which supported the Franks, and advocated the supremacy of the emperor. Shortly after the departure of King Lothair in 823, both these officials were blinded and killed by the pope's servants. Paschal himself was accused of being the originator of this deed, but he cleared himself of suspicion by an oath. The ambassadors sent to Rome by Emperor Louis to investigate the affair could not punish the perpetrators, as the pope declared the murdered officials guilty of treason. Paschal supported new missionary expeditions which went out from the Frankish Empire. He sent a letter of introduction to Bishop Halitgar of Cambria, and appointed Archbishop Ebo of Rheims as papal legate to the pagan countries in Northern Europe. In 814 under Leo the Armenian, the Iconoclastic controversy broke out with renewed violence in the Byzantine Empire. Theodore of Studium, the great champion of orthodoxy, wrote repeatedly to Pope Paschal, who encouraged him to persevere. At the same time Theodosius of Constantinople, unlawfully made patriarch by Emperor Leo, sent a legation to the pope. The latter, however, remained loyal to the cause of Theodore of Studium, and dispatched legates to Leo to win him from the Iconoclasts, but without success. Numerous monks who had been driven out of Greece by Leo came to Rome where the pope received them kindly, assigning them places in the newly-erected monasteries, such as St. Praxedis, St. Cecilia, Sts. Sergius and Bacchus, near the Lateran Palace. Paschal was very active in completing, restoring, and beautifying churches and monasteries. The basilicas of St. Praxedis, St. Cecilia, and S. Maria in Dominica were completely rebuilt by him. The mosaics, which at that time ornamented the apses of these three churches as well as the chapel of St. Zeno in St. Praxedis, demonstrate today the deterioration of this art. In St. Peter's he erected chapels and altars, in which the remains of martyrs from the Roman catacombs, especially those of Sts. Processus and Marinianus, were placed. He also placed the relics of many Roman martyrs in the church of St. Praxedis where their names are still legible. The discovery of the relies of St. Cecilia and companions, and their translation to the new church of St. Cecilia in Trastevere, are well described in "Liber Pontificalis" (cf. Kirsch, "Die hl. Cäcilia in der römischen Kirche des Altertums", Paderborn, 1910). He made great improvements in the choir of the church of S. Maria Maggiore. Paschal was interred in the church of St. Praxedis, and is honoured as a saint on 14 May. Paschal was the son of Bonosus, a Roman. He studied at the Lateran, was named head of St. Stephen's monastery, which housed pilgrims to Rome, and was elected Pope to succeed Pope Stephen IV (V) on the day Stephen died, January 25, 817. Emperor Louis the Pious agreed to respect papal jurisdiction, but when Louis' son Lothair I came to Rome in 823 to be consecrated king, he broke the pact by presiding at a trial involving a group of nobles opposing the Pope. When the two papal officials who had testified for the nobles were found blinded and murdered, Paschal was accused of the crime. He denied any complicity but refused to surrender the murderers, who were members of his household, declaring that the two dead officials were traitors and the secular authorities had no jurisdiction in the case. The result was the Constitution of Lothair, severely restricting papal judicial and police powers in Italy. Paschal was unsuccessful in attempts to end the iconoclast heresy of Emperor Leo V, encouraged SS. Nicephorous and Theodore Studites in Constantinople to resist iconoclasm, and gave refuge to the many Greek monks who fled to Rome to escape persecution from the iconoclasts. Paschal built and redecorated many churches in Rome and transferred many relics from the catacombs to churches in the city. Although listed in the Roman Martyrology, he has never been formally canonized. Paschal I, OSB, Pope (RM) Died 824; feast day formerly May 14. Saint Pascal, son of the Roman Bonosus, studied at the Lateran and was named abbot of Saint Stephen's monastery, which housed pilgrims to Rome. He was elected as the 94th pope on the day Pope Stephen IV (V) died, January 25, 817. Emperor Louis the Pious agreed to respect papal jurisdiction, but when Louis's son Lothair I came to Rome in 823 to be consecrated king, he broke the pact by presiding at a trial involving a group of nobles opposing the pope. When two papal officials who had testified for the nobles were found blinded and murdered, Paschal was accused of the crime. Paschal denied any complicity but refused to surrender the murderers, who were members of his household, declaring that the two dead officials were traitors and the secular authorities had no jurisdiction in the case. The result was the Constitution of Lothair, severely restricting papal jurisdiction and police powers in Italy. Paschal loved religious art even though he lived at a time when many people in the Eastern churches were breaking up sacred pictures in the belief that these were idolatrous images. Fanatics would even murder those who supported the use of fine art to decorate Christian churches and foster spirit of worship. Though he was unsuccessful in
ending the iconoclast heresy of Emperor
Leo V, Pascal did his best to help Eastern Christians
who were fighting to stop this destruction of great religious
art. He sent his aides to try to secure the release of
Abbot Theodore the Studite,
who had been imprisoned for defending sacred icons, and
encouraged Saint Nicephorus.
And Paschal gave shelter to many Greek monks
who had fled from the east in fear of those who were
destroying what they held to be precious aids to the Christian
life.
Paschal also supported missionary activities
in Denmark. Although Paschal is listed in the Roman
Martyrology, he has never been formally canonized (Benedictines,
Bentley, Delaney, Encyclopedia, Schamoni).While Pascal did not succeed in ending this strife, the influence of Eastern artists can be seen in the work done between 817 and 824 (while he was pope) to embellish Rome. Pascal, for instance, rebuilt the Roman church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, and made it into a fitting shrine for the bones of Saint Cecilia. This church has been considerably rebuilt since then, but another church in Rome, Santa Maria in Domnica, remains substantially as it was after Pascal had restored it and shows his deeply held beliefs. |
820 867
Pope St. Nicholas I;
One of the great popes of
the Middle Ages, who exerted decisive influence
upon the historical development of the papacy and its
position among the Christian nations of Western Europe;
At Rome, Nicholas rebuilt
and endowed several churches, and constantly sought to
encourage religious life. His own personal life was guided
by a spirit of earnest Christian asceticism and profound
piety. He was very highly esteemed by the citizens of Rome, as
he was by his contemporaries generally; and after death was regarded as a saint.
Born at Rome, date unknown; died 13 November, 867. He was of a distinguished family, being the son of the Defensor Theodore, and received an excellent training. Already distinguished for his piety, benevolence, ability, knowledge, and eloquence, he entered, at an early age, the service of the Church, was made subdeacon by Pope Sergius II (844-47), and deacon by Leo IV (847-55). After Benedict's death (7 April, 858) the Emperor Louis II, who was in the neighbourhood of Rome, came into the city to exert his influence upon the election. On 24 April Nicholas was elected pope, and on the same day was consecrated and enthroned in St. Peter's in the presence of the emperor. Three days after, he gave a farewell banquet to the emperor, and afterward, accompanied by the Roman nobility, visited him in his camp before the city, on which occasion the emperor came to meet the pope and led his horse for some distance. Christianity in Western Europe was then in a most melancholy condition. The empire of Charlemagne had fallen to pieces, Christian territory was threatened both from the north and the east, and Christendom seemed on the brink of anarchy. Christian morality was despised; many bishops were worldly and unworthy of their office. There was danger of a universal decline of the higher civilization. Pope Nicholas appeared as a conscientious representative of the Roman Primacy in the Church. He was filled with a high conception of his mission for the vindication of Christian morality, the defence of God's law against powerful bishops. Archbishop John of Ravenna oppressed the inhabitants of the papal territory, treated his suffragan bishops with violence, made unjust demands upon them for money, and illegally imprisoned priests. He also forged documents to support his claims against the Roman See and maltreated the papal legates. As the warnings of the pope were without result, and the archbishop ignored a thrice-repeated summons to appear before the papal tribunal, he was excommunicated. Having first visited the Emperor Louis at Pavia, the archbishop repaired, with two imperial delegates, to Rome, where Nicholas cited him before the Roman synod assembled in the autumn of 860. Upon this John fled from Rome. Going in person to Ravenna, the pope then investigated and equitably regulated everything. Again appealing to the emperor, the archbishop was recommended by him to submit to the pope, which he did at the Roman Synod of November, 861. Later on, however, he entered into a pact with the excommunicated Archbishops of Trier and Cologne, was himself again excommunicated, and once more forced to make his submission to the pope. Another conflict arose between Nicholas and Archbishop Hincmar of Reims: this concerned the prerogatives of the papacy. Bishop Rothad of Soissons had appealed to the pope against the decision of the Synod of Soissons, of 861, which had deposed him; Hincmar opposed the appeal to the pope, but eventually had to acknowledge the right of the papacy to take cognizance of important legal causes (causæ majores) and pass independent judgment upon them. A further dispute broke out between Hincmar and the pope as to the elevation of the cleric Wulfad to the archiepiscopal See of Bourges, but here, again, Hincmar finally submitted to the decrees of the Apostolic See, and the Frankish synods passed corresponding ordinances. Nicholas showed the same zeal in other efforts to maintain ecclesiastical discipline, especially as to the marriage laws. Ingiltrud, wife of Count Boso, had left her husband for a paramour; Nicholas commanded the bishops in the dominions of Charles the Bold to excommunicate her unless she returned to her husband. As she paid no attention to the summons to appear before the Synod of Milan in 860, she was put under the ban. The pope was also involved in a desperate struggle with Lothair II of Lorraine over the inviolability of marriage. Lothair had abandoned his lawful wife Theutberga to marry Waldrada. At the Synod of Aachen, 28 April, 862, the bishops of Lorraine, unmindful of their duty, approved of this illicit union. At the Synod of Metz, June, 863, the papal legates, bribed by the king, assented to the Aachen decision, and condemned the absent Theutberga. Upon this the pope brought the matter before his own tribunal. The two archbishops, Günther of Cologne and Thietgaud of Trier, who had come to Rome as delegates, were summoned before the Lateran Synod of October, 863, when the pope condemned and deposed them as well as John of Ravenna and Hagano of Bergamo. The Emperor Louis II took up the cause of the deposed bishops, while King Lothair advanced upon Rome with an army and laid siege to the city, so that the pope was confined for two days in St. Peter's without food. Yet Nicholas did not waver in his determination; the emperor, after being reconciled with the pope, withdrew from Rome and commanded the Archbishops of Trier and Cologne to return to their homes. Nicholas never ceased from his efforts to bring about a reconciliation between Lothair and his lawful wife, but without effect. Another matrimonial case in which Nicholas interposed was that of Judith, daughter of Charles the Bold, who had married Baldwin, Count of Flanders, without her father's consent. Frankish bishops had excommunicated Judith, and Hincmar of Reims had taken sides against her, but Nicholas urged leniency, in order to protect freedom of marriage. In many other ecclesiastical matters, also, he issued letters and decisions, and he took active measures against bishops who were neglectful of their duties. In the matter of the emperor and the patriarchs of Constantinople Nicholas showed himself the Divinely appointed ruler of the Church. In violation of ecclesiastical law, the Patriarch Ignatius was deposed in 857 and Photius illegally raised to the patriarchal see. In a letter addressed (8 May, 862) to the patriarchs of the East, Nicholas called upon them and all their bishops to refuse recognition to Photius, and at a Roman synod held in April, 863, he excommunicated Photius. He also encouraged the missionary activity of the Church. He sanctioned the union of the Sees of Bremen and Hamburg, and confirmed to St. Anschar, Archbishop of Bremen, and his successors the office of papal legate to the Danes, Swedes, and Slavs. Bulgaria having been converted by Greek missionaries, its ruler, Prince Boris, in August, 863, sent an embassy to the pope with one hundred and six questions on the teaching and discipline of the Church. Nicholas answered these inquiries exhaustively in the celebrated "Responsa Nicolai ad consulta Bulgarorum" (Mansi, "Coll. Conc.", XV, 401 sqq.). The letter shows how keen was his desire to foster the principles of an earnest Christian life in this newly-converted people. At the same time he sent an embassy to Prince Boris, charged to use their personal efforts to attain the pope's object. Nevertheless, Boris finally joined the Eastern Church. At Rome, Nicholas rebuilt and endowed several churches, and constantly sought to encourage religious life. His own personal life was guided by a spirit of earnest Christian asceticism and profound piety. He was very highly esteemed by the citizens of Rome, as he was by his contemporaries generally (cf. Regino, "Chronicon", ad an. 868, in "Mon. Germ. Hist." Script.", I, 579), and after death was regarded as a saint. A much discussed question and one that is important in judging the position taken by this pope is, whether he made use of the forged pseudo-Isidorian papal decretals. After exhaustive investigation, Schrörs has decided that the pope was neither acquainted with the pseudo-Isidorian collection in its entire extent, nor did he make use of its individual parts; that he had perhaps a general knowledge of the false decretals, but did not base his view of the law upon them, and that he owed his knowledge of them solely to documents which came to him from the Frankish Empire [Schrörs, "Papst Nikolaus I. und Pseudo-Isidor" in "Historisches Jahrbuch", XXV (1904), 1 sqq.; Idem, "Die pseudoisidorische 'Exceptio spolii' bei Papst Nikolaus I" in "Historisches Jahrbuch", XXVI (1905), 275 sqq.]. |
885 St.
Adrian III Pope worked to mitigate the
rigors of a famine in Rome Little is known of Adrian III or his pontificate and why he is venerated as a saint, though it is known he worked to mitigate the rigors of a famine in Rome. Of Roman descent, he was elected Pope probably on May 17, 884, opposed the aristocratic faction in Rome led by Formosus, Bishop of Porto, and George of the Aventine, a member of the Formosun group and notorious for several murders he committed. He died early in September or on July 8 near Modena while on the way to a diet in Worms, Germany, at the invitation of Emperor Charles the Fat, probably to settle the question of Charles' succession. Pope St. Adrian III, of Roman extraction, was elected in the beginning of the year 884, and died near Modena in the summer of the following year, while on his way to the diet summoned by Charles the Fat to determine the succession to the Empire. He was buried in the monastery of Nonantula, where his memory has ever since been held in local veneration. By decree of Pope Leo XIII the clergy of Rome and Modena celebrate his Mass and office ritu duplici on 7 September. |
John XII reigned
955-64 a coarse,
immoral man, whose life was such that the Lateran was
spoken of as a brothel, and the moral corruption in Rome
became the subject of general odium. War and the chase were
more congenial to this pope than church government. The younger Alberic, after the downfall of his mother, Marozia (932), was absolute ruler at Rome. Before his death he administered an oath (954) to the Roman nobles in St. Peter's, that on the next vacancy of the papal chair his only son, Octavius, should be elected pope. After the death of the reigning pontiff, Agapetus II, Octavius, then eighteen years of age, was actually chosen his successor on 16 December, 955, and took the name of John. The temporal and spiritual authority in Rome were thus again united in one person — a coarse, immoral man, whose life was such that the Lateran was spoken of as a brothel, and the moral corruption in Rome became the subject of general odium. War and the chase were more congenial to this pope than church government. He was defeated in the war against Duke Pandulf of Capua, and at the same time the Ecclesiastical States were occupied by Berengarius, King of Italy, and his son Adalbert. In this dilemma the pope had recourse to the German king, Otto I, who then appeared in Italy at the head of a powerful army. Berengarius, however, did not risk an encounter, but retired to the fortified castles. On 31 January, 962, Otto reached Rome. He took an oath to recognize John as pope and ruler of Rome; to issue no decrees without the pope's consent; and, in case of his delivering the command in Italy to any one else, to exact from such person an oath to defend to the utmost of his ability the pope and the patrimony of St. Peter. The pope on his part swore to keep faith with Otto and to conclude no alliance with Berengarius and Adalbert. On 2 February, 962, Otto was solemnly crowned emperor by the pope. On the twelfth a Roman synod took place, at which John, at Otto's desire, founded the Archbishopric of Magdeburg and the Bishopric of Morseburg, bestowed the pallium on the Archbishops of Salzburg and Trier, and confirmed the appointment of Rother as Bishop of Verona. The next day, the emperor issued a decree, the famous Diploma Ottonianum, in which he confirmed the Roman Church in its possessions, particularly those granted by Pepin and Charlemagne, and provided at the same time that in future the popes should be elected in canonical form, though their consecration was to take place only after the necessary pledges had been given to the emperor or his ambassadors. The authenticity of the contents of this much-discussed document is certain, even should the extant document be only a duplicate of the original (Sickel, "Das Privilegium Ottos I, für die römische Kirche", Innsbruck, 1883). On 14 February the emperor marched out of Rome with his army to resume the war against Berengarius and Adalbert. The pope now quickly changed his mind, while Otto on his part urged the imperial authority to excessive limits. John began secret negotiations with Adalbert, son of Berengarius, and sent envoys with letters to Hungary and to Constantinople for the purpose of inciting a war against Otto. They were, however, seized by the imperial soldiers, and the emperor thus learned of the pope's treachery. John now sent an embassy to Otto to propitiate the latter, and at the same time to explain the pope's grievance, which was that the emperor had received for himself the oath of allegiance from those cities of the Ecclesiastical States, which he had reconquered from Berengarius. Otto sent an embassy to refute this accusation. At the same time Adalbert came in person to Rome, and was ceremoniously received by the pope. The faction of the Roman nobles which sympathized with the emperor now broke into revolt against John. Otto appeared for the second time in Rome (2 November, 963), while John and Adalbert fled to Tivoli. In the emperor's entourage was Liutprand, Bishop of Cremona, who thus describes the occurrences as an eyewitness. Otto now probably renewed and extended the settlement formerly effected, by obtaining from the nobles a promise on oath not to elect or consecrate a pope without the consent of the emperor. On 6 November a synod composed of fifty Italian and German bishops was convened in St. Peter's; John was accused of sacrilege, simony, perjury, murder, adultery, and incest, and was summoned in writing to defend himself. Refusing to recognize the synod, John pronounced sentence of excommunication (ferendæ sententia) against all participators in the assembly, should they elect in his stead another pope. The emperor now came forward to accuse John of having broken the agreement ratified by oath, betrayed him, and called in Adalbert. With the imperial consent the synod deposed John on 4 December, and elected to replace him the protoscriniarius Leo, yet a layman. The latter received all the orders uncanonically without the proper intervals (interstitia), and was crowned pope as Leo VIII. This proceeding was aginst the canons of the Church, and the enthroning of Leo was almost universally regarded as invalid. Most of the imperial troops now departing from Rome, John's adherents rose against the emperor, but were suppressed on 3 January, 964, with bloodshed. Nevertheless, at Leo's request, Otto released the hundred hostages whom he had called for, and marched from Rome to meet Adalbert in the field. A new insurrection broke out in the city against the imperial party; Leo VIII fled, while John XII re-entered Rome, and took bloody vengeance on the leaders of the opposite party. Cardinal-Deacon John had his right hand struck off, Bishop Otgar of Speyer was scourged, a high palatine official lost nose and ears. On 26 February, 964, John held a synod in St. Peter's in which the decrees of the synod of 6 November were repealed; Leo VIII and all who had elected him were excommunicated; his ordination was pronounced invalid; and Bishop Sico of Ostia, who had consecrated him, was deprived forever of his dignities. The emperor, left free to act after his defeat of Berengarius, was preparing to re-enter Rome, when the pope's death changed the situation. John died on 14 May, 964, eight days after he had been, according to rumour, stricken by paralysis in the act of adultery. Luitprand relates that on that occasion the devil dealt him a blow on the temple in consequence of which he died. |
1048 1054 Leo IX "the pilgrim pope" reformer
deacon a stern bishop holy man & army officer attempted stopping the
schism (RM) During 20
years as prelate of Toul, known as stern bishop, disciplined lax priests
brought order into the monasteries of his diocese. He took his spiritual
advisor, Hildebrand (later Pope Saint Gregory VII), with him to Rome. What he had done formerly on a small scale he
attempted to apply to the whole Church.
First began earnest reform of curia. Leo combatted
simony, enforced celibacy among clergy, encouraged
development of chant and liturgy, condemned Berengarius,
strove to prevent schism between Eastern and Western
churches engineered by Emperor Michael Coerularius. Tirelessly
travelled throughout western Europe to enforce reforms,
became known as the pilgrim pope. Wherever he went he called together
bishops and clergy in councils, inspiring them follow his
lead.
Romæ sancti Leónis Papæ Noni, virtútum et miraculórum laude insígnis. At Rome, Pope St. Leo IX, illustrious for his virtues and his miracles. Born in Alsace, France, in 1002; died in Rome, April 19, 1054; canonized in 1087. Pope Leo, baptized Bruno, curiously combined the life of a holy man with that of an army officer. He was a deacon when Emperor Conrad II, his cousin, invaded Italy. In spite of his holy orders, Bruno readily joined the emperor's army and fought valiantly. While still a deacon and a soldier, Bruno was chosen to be bishop of Toul in 1026 when he was visiting there. During his 20 years as prelate of Toul, he was known as a stern bishop, who disciplined lax priests and brought order into the monasteries of his diocese. Then in 1048 he was elected pope. He took his spiritual advisor, Hildebrand (later Pope Saint Gregory VII), with him to Rome. What he had done formerly on a small scale he attempted to apply to the whole Church. First he began in earnest to reform the curia. Leo combatted simony, enforced celibacy among clergy, encouraged development of chant and liturgy, condemned Berengarius, and strove to prevent the schism between the Eastern and Western churches that was being engineered by Emperor Michael Coerularius. Then, he tirelessly travelled throughout western Europe to enforce his reforms, and became known as the pilgrim pope. Wherever he went he called together bishops and clergy in councils, inspiring them follow his lead. Leo IX decided to consolidate
the material position of the papacy by
adding parts of southern Italy to his territories,
but this proved to be his undoing. The Normans invaded
these new territories; the warrior pope himself led an
army in their defense- -an action that caused even Saint Peter Damian (1001dr
of Church 1072) to criticize him. Unfortunately,
too, the Normans defeated him. Pope Leo IX was captured at
Civitella and imprisoned at Benevento. Although his
captors declared themselves to be the pope's loyal subjects,
they did not release Leo for several months.
In prison Leo began to learn Greek, in an attempt to understand better the teachings of the Eastern Church, which was now split from Rome. But his health was failing. On his release, the pope ordered his bed to be placed in Saint Peter's Basilica next to a coffin. There he died (Benedictines, Bentley, Encyclopedia). |
1055-157 Pope Victor II
With untiring zeal he combated,
like his predecessor, against simony and clerical
concubinage. Being well supported by the emperor, he
often succeeded where Leo IX had failed. On Pentecost Sunday,
June 4, 1055, he held a large synod at Florence, in presence
of the emperor and 120 bishops, where former decrees against
simony and incontinence were confirmed and several offending
bishops deposed. To King Ferdinand of Spain he sent messengers
with threats of excommunication if he should continue in
his refusal to acknowledge Henry III as Roman Emperor. Ferdinand
submitted to the papal demands. Before the emperor returned to
Germany he transferred to the pope the duchies of Spoleto and Camerino.
Early in 1056 Victor II sent Hildebrand back to France to resume
his labours against simony and concubinage, which he had begun
under Leo IX. He appointed the archbishops Raimbaud of Arles and
Pontius of Aix papal legates to battle against the same vices in
Southern France. Born about 1018; died at Arezzo, 28 July, 1057. The papal catalogues make him a native of the Bavarian Nordgau, while most German sources designate Swabia as his birthplace. His parents were Count Hartwig and Countess Baliza; the Emperor Henry III recognized him as a collateral kinsman, and he was a nephew of Bishop Gebhard III of Ratisbon, who at the court Diet of Goslar presented him (Christmas Day, 1042) to Henry III as a candidate for the episcopal see of Eichstätt. The emperor hesitated at first because Gebhard was only twenty-four years old, but, on the advice of the aged Archbishop Bardo of Mainz, he finally consented to invest him with this important see. Gebhard proved to be a good bishop and a prudent statesman. He was in the emperor's retinue when the latter was crowned at Rome in 1046; he took part in the synod presided over by Leo IX at Mainz in October, 1049, and in the consultations between the pope and the emperor at Ratisbon and Bamberg in 1052. By this time he had become the most influential councillor of Henry III. It was upon his advice that in 1053 a German army, which was on its way to join Leo IX in his war against the Normans, was recalled, an advice which he is said to have regretted when he was pope (Leo Marsicanus in his "Chronaicon Casinense", II, 89, in P.L., CLXXIII, 692). Early in the same year he became regent of Bavaria for the three year old Henry IV. In this capacity he had occasion to prove his loyalty towards the emperor by defending the rights of the empire against the deposed Duke Conrad, the counts of Scheyern, and his own uncle, Bishop Gebhard of Ratisbon. After the death of Leo IX (19 April, 1054) Cardinal-subdeacon Hildebrand came to the emperor at the head of a Roman legation with the urgent request to designate Gebhard as pope. At the Diet of Mainz, in September, 1054, the emperor granted this request, but Gebhard refused to accept the papal dignity. At a court Diet held at Ratisbon in March, 1055, he finally accepted the papacy, but only on condition that the emperor restored to the Apostolic See all the possessions that had been taken from it. The emperor consented to this condition and Gebhard accompanied Hildebrand to Rome, where he was formally elected and solemnly enthroned on Maundy Thrusday, 13 April, 1055, taking the name of Victor II. Even as pope he retained the Diocese of Eichstätt. Victor II was a worthy successor of Leo IX. With untiring zeal he combated, like his predecessor, against simony and clerical concubinage. Being well supported by the emperor, he often succeeded where Leo IX had failed. On Pentecost Sunday, June 4, 1055, he held a large synod at Florence, in presence of the emperor and 120 bishops, where former decrees against simony and incontinence were confirmed and several offending bishops deposed. To King Ferdinand of Spain he sent messengers with threats of excommunication if he should continue in his refusal to acknowledge Henry III as Roman Emperor. Ferdinand submitted to the papal demands. Before the emperor returned to Germany he transferred to the pope the duchies of Spoleto and Camerino. Early in 1056 Victor II sent Hildebrand back to France to resume his labours against simony and concubinage, which he had begun under Leo IX. He appointed the archbishops Raimbaud of Arles and Pontius of Aix papal legates to battle against the same vices in Southern France. Late in the summer of the same year he accepted the urgent invitation of the emperor to come to Germany, arriving at Goslar on 8 September. He accompanied Henry III to Botfeld in the Hartz Mountains where on 5 October he witnessed the untimely death of the emperor. Before his death, the emperor entrusted his six-year-old successor, Henry IV, and the regency of the kingdom to the pope. On 28 October, after burying the emperor in the cathedral at Speyer, he secured the imperial succession of Henry IV by having him solemnly enthroned at Aachen. He still further strengthened the position of the boy-king by recommending him to the loyalty of the princes at the imperial Diet which he convened atCologne early in December, and at the court Diet of Ratisbon on Christmas Day. Leaving the regency of Germany in the hands of Agnes mother of Henry IV, Victor returned to Rome in February, 1057, where he presided over a council at the Lateran on 18 April. On 14 June he created Frederick, whom he had a month previously helped to the abbacy of Monte Cassino, Cardinal-priest of San Crisogono thus gaining the friendship of the powerful Duke Godfrey of Lorraine, a brother of the new cardinal. He then went to Tuscany, where he settled (23 July) a jurisdictional dispute between the palace of St. Donatus near Arezzo; five days later he died. His attendance wished to bring his remains to the cathedral at Eichstätt for burial. On their way thither, the remains were forcibly taken from them by some citizens fo Ravena and buried there in the Church of Santa Maria Rotonda, the burial place of Theodoric the Great. |
1058 1061 Pope
Nicholas II The papal electoral decree was
issued in Pope Nicholas II’s bull, In nominee Domini
on April 13, 1059, and was renewed in 1061. Simony,
the purchase or sale of sacred or spiritual things, was halted,
and the entire voting process was revised so that only cardinal-bishops
(not simply cardinals) would have the right to vote with
further affirmation of the Roman clergy and laity. The
pope should normally be a member of the Roman clergy but in
case of necessity could come from outside Rome. (Pope Nicholas
II was French clergy.) The election, if possible, was to be
held at Rome, but it could be held elsewhere. The pope-elect
would exercise full authority even if he was incapable of reaching
Rome. The synod also legislated against clerical marriage and
concubinage as well as prohibiting lay investiture. Pope
Nicholas II was a reformer and named Cardinal Hildebrand, the future
Pope Gregory VII and reform’s greatest champion, as Archdeacon
of the Roman Church. (GERHARD OF BURGUNDY) Cardinal Gerard was born about 980 at Chevron in the Savoy province of France and was installed on January 24, 1059, as Pope Nicholas II coronate successor to Pope Stephen IX. Pope Nicholas II was a reform prelate and set controls for the election and conduct of popes by assembling a synod of 113 bishops on April 13, 1059, whose first order of business was to declare the election of Pope Benedict X unconstitutional. Pope Nicholas II died in Florence on July 27, 1061, and was buried in the Cathedral of Santa Reparata, now the Duomo. Nicholas was born at Chevron, in what is now Savoy; elected at Siena, December, 1058; died at Florence 19 or 27 July, 1061. Like his predecessor, Stephen X, he was canon at Liège. In 1046 he became Bishop of Florence, where he restored the canonical life among the clergy of numerous churches. As soon as the news of the death of Stephen X at Florence reached Rome (4 April, 1058). the Tusculan party appointed a successor in the person of John Mincius, Bishop of Velletri, under the name of Benedict X. His elevation, due to violence and corruption, was contrary to the specific orders of Stephen X that, at his death, no choice of a successor was to be made until Hildebrand's return from Germany. Several cardinals protested against the irregular proceedings, but they were compelled to flee from Rome. Hildebrand was returning from his mission when the news of these events reached him. He interrupted his journey at Florence, and after agreeing with Duke Godfrey of Lorraine-Tuscany upon Bishop Gerhard for elevation to the papacy, he won over part of the Roman population to the support of his candidate. An embassy dispatched to the imperial court secured the confirmation of the choice by the Empress Agnes. At Hildebrand's invitation, the cardinals met in December, 1058, at Siena and elected Gerhard who assumed the name of Nicholas II. On his way to Rome the new pope held at Sutri a well-attended synod at which, in the presence of Duke Godfrey and the imperial chancellor, Guibert of Parma, he pronounced deposition against Benedict X. The latter was driven from the city in January, 1059, and the solemn coronation of Nicholas took place on the twenty-fourth of the same month. A cultured and stainless man, the new pontiff had about him capable advisers, but to meet the danger still threatening from Benedict X and his armed supporters, Nicholas empowered Hildebrand to enter into negotiations with the Normans of southern Italy. The papal envoy recognized Count Richard of Aversa as Prince of Capua and received in return Norman troops which enabled the papacy to carry on hostilities against Benedict in the Campagna. This campaign did not result in the decisive overthrow of the opposition party, but it enabled Nicholas to undertake in the early part of 1059 a pastoral visitation to Spoleto, Farfa, and Osimo. During this journey he raised Abbot Desiderius of Monte Cassino to the dignity of cardinal-priest and appointed him legate to Campania, Benevento, Apulia, and Calabria. Early in his pontificate he had sent St. Peter Damiani and Bishop Anselm of Lucca as his legates to Milan, where a married and simoniacal clergy had recently given rise to a reform-party known as the "Pataria". A synod for the restoration of ecclesiastical discipline was held under the presidency of these envoys who, in spite of a tumultuous uprising which endangered their lives, succeeded in obtaining from Archbishop Guido and the Milanese clergy a solemn repudiation of simony and concubinage. One of the most pressing needs of the time was the reform of papal elections. It was right that they should be freed from the nefarious influence of the Roman factions and the secular control of the emperor, hitherto less disastrous but always objectionable. To this end Nicholas II held in the Lateran at Easter, 1059 a synod attended by one hundred and thirteen bishops and famous for its law concerning papal elections. Efforts to determine the authentic text of this decree caused considerable controversy in the nineteenth century. That the discussions did not result in a consensus of opinion on the matter need not surprise, if it be remembered that thirty years after the publication of the decree complaints were heard regarding the divergency in the text. We possess today a papal and an imperial recension and the sense of the law may be stated substantially as follows: (1) At the death of the pope, the cardinal-bishops are to confer among themselves concerning a candidate, and, after they have agreed upon a name, they and the other cardinals are to proceed to the election. The remainder of the clergy and the laity enjoy the right of acclaiming their choice. (2) A member of the Roman clergy is to be chosen, except that where a qualified candidate cannot be found in the Roman Church, an ecclesiastic from another diocese may be elected. (3) The election is to be held at Rome, except that when a free choice is impossible there, it may take place elsewhere. (4) If war or other circumstances prevent the solemn enthronization of the new pope in St. Peter's Chair, he shall nevertheless enjoy the exercise of full Apostolic authority. (5) Due regard is to be had for the right of confirmation or recognition conceded to King Henry, and the same deference is to be shown to his successors, who have been granted personally a like privilege. These stipulations constituted indeed a new law, but they were also intended as an implicit approbation of the procedure followed at the election of Nicholas II. As to the imperial right of confirmation, it became a mere personal privilege granted by the Roman See. The same synod prohibited simoniacal ordinations, lay investiture, and assistance at the Mass of a priest living in notorious concubinage. The rules governing the life of canons and nuns which were published at the diet of Aix-la-Chapelle (817) were abolished, because they allowed private property and such abundant food that, as the bishops indignantly exclaimed, they were adapted to sailors and intemperate matrons rather than to clerics and nuns. Berengarius of Tours, whose views opposed to the doctrine of Christ's real presence in the Eucharist, had repeatedly been condemned, also appeared at the Council and was compelled to sign a formula of abjuration. At the end of June, 1059, Nicholas proceeded to Monte Cassino and thence to Melfi, the capital of Norman Apulia, where he held an important synod and concluded the famous alliance with the Normans (July-August, 1059). Duke Robert Guiscard was invested with the sovereignty of Apulia, Calabria, and Sicily in case he should reconquer it from the Saracens; he bound himself, in return, to pay an annual tribute, to hold his lands as the pope's vassal, and to protect the Roman See, its possessions, and the freedom of papal elections. A similar agreement was concluded with Prince Richard of Capua. After holding a synod at Benevento Nicholas returned to Rome with a Norman army which reconquered Præneste, Tusculum, and Numentanum for the Holy See and forced Benedict X to capitulate at Galeria (autumn of 1059). Hildebrand, the soul of the pontificate, was now created archdeacon. In order to secure the general acceptance of the laws enacted at the synod of 1059, Cardinal Stephen, in the latter part of that year, was sent to France where he presided over the synods of Vienne (31 January, 1060) and Tours (17 February, 1060). The decree which introduced a new method of papal election had caused great dissatisfaction in Germany, because it reduced the imperial right of confirmation to the precarious condition of a personal privilege granted at will; but, assured of Norman protection, Nicholas could fearlessly renew the decree at the Lateran synod held in 1060. After this council Cardinal Stephen, who had accomplished his mission to France, appeared as papal legate in Germany. For five days he vainly solicited an audience at court and then returned to Rome. His fruitless mission was followed by a German synod which annulled all the ordinances of Nicholas II and pronounced his deposition. The pope's answer was a repetition of the decree concerning elections at the synod of 1061, at which the condemnation of simony and concubinage among the clergy was likewise renewed. He lies buried in the church of St. Reparata at Florence of which city he had remained bishop even after his elevation to the papal throne. His pontificate, though of short duration, was marked by events fraught with momentous and far-reaching consequences. |
1061-1073 Alexander II Anselm of Lucca, a leader of the
reform party Anselm of Lucca, recognized as one
of the leaders of the reform party, especially
in the Milanese territory, where he was
born at Baggio, of noble parentage.
Together with Hildebrand, he had imbibed in Cluny (q.v.) the zeal for reformation. The first theatre of his activity was Milan, where he was one of the founders of the Pataria, and lent to that great agitation against simony and clerical incontinency the weight of his eloquence and noble birth. The device of silencing him, contrived by Archbishop Guido and other episcopal foes of reform in Lombardy, viz. sending him to the court of the Emperor Henry III, had the contrary effect of enabling him to spread the propaganda in Germany. In 1057 the Emperor appointed him to the bishopric of Lucca. With increased prestige, he reappeared twice in Milan as legate of the Holy See, in 1057 in the company of Hildebrand, and in 1059 with St. Peter Damiani. Under the able generalship of this saintly triumvirate the reform forces were held well in hand, in preparation for the inevitable conflict. The decree of Nicholas II (1059) by which the right of papal elections was virtually vested in the College of Cardinals, formed the issue to be fought and decided at the next vacancy of the Apostolic Throne. The death of Pope Nicholas two years later found both parties in battle array. The candidate of the Hildebrandists, endorsed by the cardinals, was the Bishop of Lucca -- the other side put forward the name of Cadalus, Bishop of Parma, a protector and example of the prevailing vices of the age. The cardinals met in legal form and elected Anselm, who took the name of Alexander II. Before proceeding to his enthronization, the Sacred College notified the German Court of their action. The Germans were considered to have forfeited the privilege of confirming the election reserved to their king with studied vagueness in the decree of Nicholas II, when they contemptuously dismissed the ambassador of the cardinals without a hearing. Foreseeing a civil war, the cardinals on 30 September completed the election by the ceremony of enthronization. Meanwhile a deputation of the Roman nobles, who were enraged at their elimination as a dominant factor in the papal elections, joined by deputies of the unreformed episcopate of Lombardy, had proceeded to the German Court with a request for the royal sanction to a new election. The Empress Agnes, as regent for her ten-year-old son, Henry IV, convoked an assembly of lay and clerical magnates at Basle; and here, without any legal right, and without the presence of a single cardinal, the Bishop of Parma was declared Pope, and took the name of Honorius II (28 October). In the contest which ensued, Pope Alexander was supported by the consciousness of the sanctity of his cause, by public opinion clamouring for reform, by the aid of the allied Normans of southern Italy, and by the benevolence of Beatrice and Matilda of Tuscany. Even in Germany things took a favourable turn for him, when Anno of Cologne seized the regency, and the repentant Empress withdrew to a convent. In a new diet, at Augsburg (Oct., 1062), it was decided that Burchard, Bishop of Halberstadt should proceed to Rome and, after investigating the election of Alexander on the spot, make a report to a later assemblage of the bishops of Germany and Italy. Burchard's report was entirely in favour of Alexander. The latter defended his cause with eloquence and spirit in a council held at Mantua, at Pentecost, 1064 (C. Wile, Benzos Panegyricus, Marburg, 1856), and was formally recognized as legitimate Pope. His rival was excommunicated,
but kept up the contest with dwindling
prospects till his death in l 072. During the
darkest hours of the schism Alexander and his chancellor,
Cardinal Hildebrand, never for a moment relaxed their
hold upon the reins of government. In striking contrast
to his helplessness amidst the Roman factions is his
lofty attitude towards the potentates lay and clerical,
of Europe. Under banners blessed by him Roger advanced to the
conquest of Sicily, and William to the conquest of England.
His Regesta fill eleven pages of Jaffe (Regesta Rom. Pontif.,
2d ed., 4, nos. 445, 4770). He was omnipresent, through his
legates, Punishing simoniacal bishops and incontinent clerics.
He did not spare even his protector, Anno of Cologne whom he
twice summoned to Rome, once in 1068 to do penance, barefoot,
for holding relations with the antipope, and again in 1070
to purge himself of the charge of simony. A similar discipline
was administered to Sigfried of Mainz, Hermann of Bamberg,
and Werner of Strasburg. In his name his legate, St. Peter Damiani,
at the Diet of Frankfurt in 1089, under threat of excommunication
and exclusion from the imperial throne, deterred Henry IV from
the project of divorcing his queen, Bertha of Turin, though
instigated thereto by several German bishops. His completest
triumph was that of compelling Bishop Charles of Constance
and Abbot Robert of Reichenau to return to the King the croziers
and rings they had obtained through simony. One serious quarrel
with Henry was left to be decided by his successor. In 1069 the
Pope had rejected as a simonist the subdeacon Godfrey, whom
Henry had appointed Archbishop of Milan -- Henry failing to acquiesce,
the Pope confirmed Atto, the choice of the reform party. Upon
the king's ordering his appointee to be consecrated, Alexander fulminated
an anathema against the royal advisers. The death of the Pope,
21 April, 1073, left Hildebrand, his faithful chancellor, heir
to his triumphs and difficulties. Alexander deserved well of the English
Church by elevating his ancient teacher, Lanfranc of Bec, to the
See of Canterbury and appointing him Primate of England.
|
1073-1085 Pope St. Gregory VII; One of the greatest of the Roman pontiffs and
one of the most remarkable men of all times (HILDEBRAND); born between the years 1020 and 1025, at Soana, or Ravacum, in Tuscany; died 25 May, 1085, at Salerno. The tenth century, the saddest, perhaps, in Christian annals, characterized by the vivid remark of Baronius that Christ was as if asleep in the vessel of the Church. At the time of Leo IX's election in 1049, according to the testimony of St. Bruno, Bishop of Sengi, the whole world lay in wickedness, holiness had disappeared, justice had perished and truth had been buried; Simon Magus lording it over the Church, whose bishops and priests were given to luxury and fornication" (Vita S. Leonis PP. IX in Watterich, Pont. Roman, Vitae, I, 96). St. Peter Damian, the fiercest censor of his age, unrolls a frightful picture of the decay of clerical morality in the lurid pages of his "Liber Gomorrhianus" (Book of Gomorrha). Though allowance must no doubt be made for the writer's exaggerated and rhetorical style--a style common to all moral censors-- yet the evidence derived from other sources justifies us in believing that the corruption was widespread. In writing to his venerated friend, Abbot Hugh of Cluny (Jan., 1075), Gregory himself laments the unhappy state of the Church in the following terms: "The Eastern Church has fallen away from the Faith and is now assailed on every side by infidels. Wherever I turn my eyes--to the west, to the north, or to the south--I find everywhere bishops who have obtained their office in an irregular way, whose lives and conversation are strangely at variance with their sacred calling; who go through their duties not for the love of Christ but from motives of worldly gain. There are no longer princes who set God's honour before their own selfish ends, or who allow justice to stand in the way of their ambition... With admirable discernment, Gregory began his great work of purifying the Church by a reformation of the clergy. At his first Lenten Synod (March, 1074) he enacted the following decrees: That clerics who had obtained any grade or office of sacred orders by payment should cease to minister in the Church. That no one who had purchased any church should retain it, and that no one for the future should be permitted to buy or sell ecclesiastical rights. That all who were guilty of incontinence should cease to exercise their sacred ministry. That the people should reject the ministrations of clerics who failed to obey these injunctions. The early years of his life are involved in considerable obscurity. His name, Hildebrand (Hellebrand)--signifying to those of his contemporaries that loved him "a bright flame", to those that hated him "a brand of hell"--would indicate some Lombard connection of his family, though at a later time, it probably also suggested the fabled descent from the noble family of the Aldobrandini. That he was of humble origin--vir de plebe, as he is styled in the letter of a contemporary abbot--can scarcely be doubted. His father Bonizo is said by some chroniclers to have been a carpenter, by others a peasant, the evidence in either case being very slender; the name of his mother is unrecorded. At a tender age he came to Rome to be educated in the monastery of Santa Maria on the Aventine Hill, over which his maternal uncle Laurentius presided as abbot. The austere spirit of Cluny pervaded this Roman cloister, and it is not unlikely that here the youthful Hildebrand first imbibed those lofty principles of Church reform of which he was afterwards to become the most fearless exponent. Early in life he made his religious profession as a Benedictine monk at Rome (not in Cluny); the house of his profession, however, and the year of his entrance into the order, both remain undetermined. As a cleric in minor orders he entered the service of John Gratian, Archpriest of San Giovanni by the Latin Gate, and on Gratian's elevation to the papacy as Gregory VI, became his chaplain. In 1046 he followed his papal patron across the Alps into exile, remaining with Gregory at Cologne until the death of the deposed pontiff in 1047, when he withdrew to Cluny. Here he resided for more than a year. At Besançon, in January, 1049, he met Bruno, Bishop of Toul, the pontiff-elect recently chosen at Worms under the title of Leo IX, and returned with him to Rome, though not before Bruno, who had been nominated merely by the emperor, had expressed the intention of submitting to the formal choice of the Roman clergy and people. Created a cardinal-subdeacon, shortly after Leo's accession, and appointed administrator of the Patrimony of St. Peter's, Hildebrand at once gave evidence of that extraordinary faculty for administration which later characterized his government of the Church Universal. Under his energetic and capable direction the property of the Church, which latterly had been diverted into the hands of the Roman nobility and the Normans, was largely recovered, and the revenues of the Holy See, whose treasury had been depleted, speedily augmented. By Leo IX he was also appointed propositus or promisor (not abbot) of the monastery of St. Paul extra Muros. The unchecked violence of the lawless bands of the Champagne had brought great destitution upon this venerable establishment. Monastic discipline was so impaired that the monks were attended in their refectory by women; and the sacred edifices were so neglected that the sheep and cattle freely roamed in and out through the broken doors. By rigorous reforms and a wise administration Hildebrand succeeded in restoring the ancient rule of the abbey with the austere observance of earlier times; and he continued throughout life to manifest the deepest attachment for the famous house which his energy had reclaimed from ruin and decay. In 1054 he was sent to France as papal legate to examine the cause of Berengarius. While still in Tours he learned of the death of Leo IX, and on hastening back to Rome he found that the clergy and people were eager to elect him, the most trusted friend and counsellor of Leo, as the successor. This proposal of the Romans was, however, resisted by Hildebrand, who set out for Germany at the head of an embassy to implore a nomination from the emperor. The negotiations, which lasted about eleven months, ultimately resulted in the selection of Hildebrand's candidate, Gebhard, Bishop of Eichstadt, who was consecrated at Rome, 13 April, 1055, under the name of Victor II. During the reign of this pontiff, the cardinal-subdeacon steadily maintained, and even increased the ascendancy which by his commanding genius he had acquired during the pontificate of Leo IX. Near the close of the year 1057 he went once more to Germany to reconcile the Empress-regent Agnes and her court to the (merely) canonical election of Pope Stephen X (1057-1058). His mission was not yet accomplished when Stephen died at Florence, and although the dying pope had forbidden the people to appoint a successor before Hildebrand returned, the Tusculan faction seized the opportunity to set up a member of the Crescentian family, John Mincius, Bishop of Velletri, under the title of Benedict X. With masterly skill Hildebrand succeeded in defeating the schemes of the hostile party, and secured the election of Gerard, Bishop of Florence, a Burgundian by birth, who assumed the name of Nicholas II (1059-1061). The two most important transactions of this pontificate--the celebrated decree of election, by which the power of choosing the pope was vested in the college of cardinals, and the alliance with the Normans, secured by the Treaty of Meifi, 1059--were in large measure the achievement of Hildebrand, whose power and influence had now become supreme in Rome. It was perhaps inevitable that the issues raised by the new decree of election should not be decided without a conflict, and with the passing away of Nicholas II in 1061, that conflict came. But when it was ended, after a schism enduring for some years, the imperial party with its antipope Cadalous had been discomfited, and Anselm of Baggio, the candidate of Hildebrand and the reform party, successfully enthroned in the Lateran Palace as Alexander II. By Nicholas II, in 1059, Hildebrand had been raised to the dignity and office of Archdeacon of the Holy Roman Church, and Alexander II now made him Chancellor of the Apostolic See. On 21 April, 1073, Alexander II died. The time at length had come when Hildebrand, who for more than twenty years had been the most prominent figure in the Church, who had been chiefly instrumental in the selection of her rulers, who had inspired and given purpose to her policy, and who had been steadily developing and realizing, by successive acts, her sovereignty and purity, should assume in his own person the majesty and responsibility of that exalted power which his genius had so long directed. On the day following the death of Alexander II, as the obsequies of the deceased pontiff were being performed in the Lateran basilica, there arose, of a sudden, a loud outcry from the whole multitude of clergy and people: "Let Hildebrand be pope!" "Blessed Peter has chosen Hildebrand the Archdeacon!" All remonstrances on the part of the archdeacon were vain, his protestations fruitless. Later, on the same day, Hildebrand was conducted to the church of San Pietro in Vincoli, and there elected in legal form by the assembled cardinals, with the due consent of the Roman clergy and amid the repeated acclamations of the people. That this extraordinary outburst on the part of the clergy and people in favour of Hildebrand could have been the result of some preconcerted arrangements, as is sometimes alleged, does not appear likely. Hildebrand was clearly the man of the hour, his austere virtue commanded respect, his genius admiration; and the prompitude and unanimity with which he was chosen would indicate, rather, a general recognition of his fitness for the high office. In the decree of election those who had chosen him as pontiff proclaimed him "a devout man, a man mighty in human and divine knowledge, a distinguished lover of equity and justice, a man firm in adversity and temperate in prosperity, a man, according to the saying of the Apostle, of good behaviour, blameless, modest, sober, chaste, given to hospitality, and one that ruleth well his own house; a man from his childhood generously brought up in the bosom of this Mother Church, and for the merit of his life already raised to the archidiaconal dignity". "We choose then", they said to the people, "our Archdeacon Hildebrand to be pope and successor to the Apostle, and to bear henceforward and forever the name of Gregory" (22 April, 1073), Mansi, "Conciliorum Collectio", XX, 60. The decree of Nicholas II having expressly, if vaguely acknowledged the right of the emperor to have some voice in papal elections, Hildebrand deferred the ceremony of his consecration until he had received the royal sanction. In sending the formal announcement of his elevation to Henry IV of Germany, he took occasion to indicate frankly the attitude, which, as sovereign pontiff, he was prepared to assume in dealing with the Christian princes, and, with a note of grave personal warning besought the king not to bestow his approval. The German bishops, apprehensive of the severity with which such a man as Hildebrand would carry out the decrees of reform, endeavoured to prevent the king from assenting to the election; but upon the favourable report of Count Eberhard of Nettenburg, who had been dispatched to Rome to assert the rights of the crown, Henry gave his approval (it proved to be the last instance in history of a papal election being ratified by an emperor), and the new pope, in the meanwhile ordained to the priesthood, was solemnly consecrated on the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, 29 June, 1073. In assuming the name of Gregory VII, Hildebrand not only honoured the memory and character of his earliest patron, Gregory VI, but also proclaimed to the world the legitimacy of that pontiff's title. From the letters which Gregory addressed to his friends shortly after his election, imploring their intercession with heaven in his behalf, and begging their sympathy and support, it is abundantly evident that he assumed the burden of the pontificate, which had been thrust on him, only with the strongest reluctance, and not without a great struggle of mind. To Desiderius, Abbot of Monte Cassino, he speaks of his elevation in terms of terror, giving utterance to the words of the Psalmist: "I am come into deep waters, so that the floods run over me"; "Fearlessness and trembling are come upon me, and darkness hath covered me." And in view of the appalling nature of the task that lay before him (of its difficulties no one indeed had a clearer perception than he), it cannot appear strange that even his intrepid spirit was for the moment overwhelmed. For at the time of Gregory's elevation to the papacy the Christian world was in a deplorable condition. During the desolating era of transition--that terrible period of warfare and rapine, violence, and corruption in high places, which followed immediately upon the dissolution of the Carlovingian Empire, a period when society in Europe and all existing institutions seemed doomed to utter destruction and ruin--the Church had not been able to escape from the general debasement. The tenth century, the saddest, perhaps, in Christian annals, characterized by the vivid remark of Baronius that Christ was as if asleep in the vessel of the Church. At the time of Leo IX's election in 1049, according to the testimony of St. Bruno, Bishop of Sengi, the whole world lay in wickedness, holiness had disappeared, justice had perished and truth had been buried; Simon Magus lording it over the Church, whose bishops and priests were given to luxury and fornication" (Vita S. Leonis PP. IX in Watterich, Pont. Roman, Vitae, I, 96). St. Peter Damian, the fiercest censor of his age, unrolls a frightful picture of the decay of clerical morality in the lurid pages of his "Liber Gomorrhianus" (Book of Gomorrha). Though allowance must no doubt be made for the writer's exaggerated and rhetorical style--a style common to all moral censors-- yet the evidence derived from other sources justifies us in believing that the corruption was widespread. In writing to his venerated friend, Abbot Hugh of Cluny (Jan., 1075), Gregory himself laments the unhappy state of the Church in the following terms: "The Eastern Church has fallen away from the Faith and is now assailed on every side by infidels. Wherever I turn my eyes--to the west, to the north, or to the south--I find everywhere bishops who have obtained their office in an irregular way, whose lives and conversation are strangely at variance with their sacred calling; who go through their duties not for the love of Christ but from motives of worldly gain. There are no longer princes who set God's honour before their own selfish ends, or who allow justice to stand in the way of their ambition...And those among whom I live--Romans, Lombards, and Normans--are, as I have often told them, worse than Jews or Pagans" (Greg. VII, Registr., 1.II, ep. xlix). But whatever the personal feelings and anxieties of Gregory may have been in taking up the burden of the papacy at a time when scandals and abuses were everywhere pressing into view, the fearless pontiff felt not a moment's hesitation as to the performance of his duty in carrying out the work of reform already begun by his predecessors. Once securely established on the Apostolic throne, Gregory made every effort to stamp out of the Church the two consuming evils of the age, simony and clerical incontinency, and, with characteristic energy and vigor, laboured unceasingly for the assertion of those lofty principles with which he firmly believed the welfare of Christ's Church and the regeneration of society itself to be inseparably bound up. His first care, naturally, was to secure his own position in Rome. For this purpose he made a journey into Southern Italy, a few months after his election, and concluded treaties with Landolfo of Benevento, Richard of Capun, and Gisolfo of Salerno, by which these princes engaged themselves to defend the person of the pope and the property of the Holy See, and never to invest anyone with a church benefice without the papal sanction. The Norman leader, Robert Guiscard, however, maintained a suspicious attitude towards the pope, and at the Lenten Synod (1075) Gregory solemnly excommunicated him for his sacrilegious invasion of the territory of the Holy See (Capun and Benevento). During the year 1074 the pope's mind was also greatly occupied by the project of an expedition to the East for the deliverance of the Oriental Christians from the oppression of the Seljuk Turks. To promote the cause of a crusade, and to effect, if possible, a reunion between the Eastern and the Western Church--hopes of which had been held out by the Emperor Michael VIII in his letter to Gregory in 1073--the pontiff sent the Patriarch of Venice to Constantinople as his envoy. He wrote to the Christian princes, urging them to rally the hosts of Western Christendom for the defense of the Christian East; and in March, 1074, addressed a circular letter to all the faithful, exhorting them to come to the rescue of their Eastern brethren. But the project met with much indifference and even opposition; and as Gregory himself soon became involved in complications elsewhere, which demanded all his energies, he was prevented from giving effect to his intentions, and the expedition came to naught. With the youthful monarch of Germany Gregory's relations in the beginning of his pontificate were of a pacific nature. Henry, who was at the time hard pressed by the Saxons, had written to the pope (Sept., 1073) in a tone of humble deference, acknowledging his past misconduct, and expressing regret for his numerous misdeeds--his invasion of the property of the Church, his simoniacal promotions of unworthy persons, his negligence in punishing offenders; he promised amendment for the future, professed submission to the Roman See in language more gentle and lowly than had ever been used by any of his predecessors to the pontiffs of Rome, and expressed the hope that the royal power and the sacerdotal, bound together by the necessity of mutual assistance, might henceforth remain indissolubly united. But the passionate and headstrong king did not long abide by these sentiments. With admirable discernment, Gregory began his great work of purifying the Church by a reformation of the clergy. At his first Lenten Synod (March, 1074) he enacted the following decrees: That clerics who had obtained any grade or office of sacred orders by payment should cease to minister in the Church. That no one who had purchased any church should retain it, and that no one for the future should be permitted to buy or sell ecclesiastical rights. That all who were guilty of incontinence should cease to exercise their sacred ministry. That the people should reject the ministrations of clerics who failed to obey these injunctions. Similar decrees had indeed been passed by previous popes and councils. Clement II, Leo IX, Nicholas II, and Alexander II had renewed the ancient laws of discipline, and made determined efforts to have them enforced. But they met with vigorous resistance, and were but partially successful. The promulgation of Gregory's measures now, however, called forth a most violent storm of opposition throughout Italy, Germany, and France. And the reason for this opposition on the part of the vast throng of immoral and simoniacal clerics is not far to seek. Much of the reform thus far accomplished had been brought about mainly through the efforts of Gregory; all countries had felt the force of his will, the power of his dominant personality. His character, therefore, was a sufficient guarantee that his legislation would not be suffered to remain a dead letter. In Germany, particularly, the enactments of Gregory aroused a feeling of intense indignation. The whole body of the married clergy offered the most resolute resistance, and declared that the canon enjoining celibacy was wholly unwarranted in Scripture. In support of their position they appealed to the words of the Apostle Paul, I Cor., vii,2, and 9: "It is better to marry than to be burnt"; and I Tim., iii, 2: "It behooveth therefore a bishop to be blameless, the husband of one wife." They cited the words of Christ, Matt., xix, 11: "All men take not this word, but they to whom it is given"; and, recurred to the address of the Egyptian Bishop Paphnutius at the Council of Nice. At Nuremberg they informed the papal legate that they would rather renounce their priesthood than their wives, and that he for whom men were not good enough might go seek angels to preside over the Churches. Siegfried, Archbishop of Mainz and Primate of Germany, when forced to promulgate the decrees, attempted to temporize, and allowed his clergy six months of delay for consideration. The order, of course, remained ineffectual after the lapse of that period, and at a synod held at Erfurt in October, 1074, he could accomplish nothing. Altmann, the energetic Bishop of Passau, nearly lost his life in publishing the measures, but adhered firmly to the instructions of the pontiff. The greater number of bishops received their instructions with manifest indifference, and some openly defied the pope. Otto of Constance, who had before tolerated the marriage of his clergy, now formally sanctioned it. In France the excitement was scarcely less vehement than in Germany. A council at Paris, in 1074, condemned the Roman decrees, as implying that the validity of the sacraments depended on the sanctity of the minister, and declared them intolerable and irrational. John, Archbishop of Rouen, while endeavouring to enforce the canon of celibacy at a provincial synod, was stoned and had to flee for his life. Walter, Abbot of Pontoise, who attempted to defend the papal enactments, was imprisoned and threatened with death. At the Council of Burgos, in Spain, the papal legate was insulted and his dignity outraged. But the zeal of Gregory knew no abatement. He followed up his decrees by sending legates into all quarters, fully empowered to depose immoral and simoniacal ecclesiastics. It was clear that the causes of the simony and of the incontinence amongst the clergy were closely allied, and that the spread of the latter could be effectually checked only by the eradication of the former. Henry IV had failed to translate into action the promises made in his penitent letter to the new pontiff. On the subjugation of the Saxons and Thuringians, he deposed the Saxon bishops, and replaced them by his own creatures. In 1075 a synod held at Rome excommunicated "any person, even if he were emperor or king, who should confer an investiture in connection with any ecclesiastical office", and Gregory recognizing the futility of milder measures, deposed the simoniacal prelates appointed by Henry, anathematized several of the imperial counsellors, and cited the emperor himself to appear at Rome in 1076 to answer for his conduct before a council. To this Henry retorted by convening a meeting of his supporters at Worms on 23 January 1076. This diet naturally defended Henry against all the papal charges, accused the pontiff of most heinous crimes, and declared him deposed. Theses decisions were approved a few weeks later by two synods of Lombard bishops at Piacenza and Pavia respectively, and a messenger, bearing a most offensive personal letter from Henry, was dispatched with this reply to the pope. Gregory hesitated no longer: recognizing that the Christian Faith must be preserved and the flood of immorality stemmed at all costs, and seeing that the conflict was forced upon him by the emperor's schism and the violation of his solemn promises, he excommunicated Henry and all his ecclesiastical supporters, and released his subjects from their oath of allegiance in accordance with the usual political procedures of the age. Henry's position was now precarious. At first he was encouraged by his creatures to resist, but his friends, including his abettors among the episcopate, began to abandon him, and the Saxons revolted once more, demanding a new king. At a meeting of the German lords, spiritual and temporal, held at Tibur in October, 1076, the election of a new emperor was canvassed. On learning through the papal legate of Gregory's desire that the crown should be reserved for Henry if possible, the assembly contented itself with calling upon the emperor to abstain for the time being from all administration of public affairs and avoid the company of those who had been excommunicated, but declared his crown forfeited if he were not reconciled with the pope within a year. It was further agreed to invite Gregory to a council at Augsburg in the following February, at which Henry was summoned to present himself. Abandoned by his own partisans and fearing for his throne, Henry fled secretly with his wife and child and a single servant to Gregory to tender his submission. He crossed the Alps in the depth of one of the severest winters on record. On reaching Italy, the Italians flocked around him promising aid and assistance in his quarrel with the pope, but Henry spurned their offers. Gregory was already on his way to Augsburg, and, fearing treachery, retired to the castle of Canossa. Thither Henry followed him, but the pontiff, mindful of his former faithlessness, treated him with extreme severity. Stripped of his royal robes, and clad as a penitent, Henry had to come barefooted mid ice and snow, and crave for admission to the presence of the pope. All day he remained at the door of the citadel, fasting and exposed to the inclemency of the wintry weather, but was refused admission. A second and a third day he thus humiliated and disciplined himself, and finally on 28 January, 1077, he was received by the pontiff and absolved from censure, but only on condition that he would appear at the proposed council and submit himself to its decision. Henry then returned to Germany, but his severe lesson failed to effect any radical improvement in his conduct. Disgusted by his inconsistencies and dishonesty, the German princes on 15 March, 1077, elected Rudolph of Swabia to succeed him. Gregory wished to remain neutral, and even strove to effect a compromise between the opposing parties. Both, however, were dissatisfied, and prevented the proposed council from being held. Henry's conduct toward the pope was meanwhile characterized by the greatest duplicity, and, when he went so far as to threaten to set up an antipope, Gregory renewed in 1080 the sentence of excommunication against him. At Brixen in June, 1080, the king and his feudatory bishops, supported by the Lombards, carried their threat into effect, and selected Gilbert, the excommunicated simoniacal Archbishop of Ravenna, as pope under the title of Clement III. Rudolph of Swabia having fallen mortally wounded at the battle of Mersburg in 1080. Henry could concentrate all his forces against Gregory. In 1081 he marched on Rome, but failed to force his way into the city, which he finally accomplished only in 1084. Gregory thereupon retired into the exile of Sant' Angelo, and refused to entertain Henry's overtures, although the latter promised to hand over Guibert as a prisoner, if the sovereign pontiff would only consent to crown him emperor. Gregory, however, insisted as a necessary preliminary that Henry should appear before a council and do penance. The emperor, while pretending to submit to these terms, tried hard to prevent the meeting of the bishops. A small number however assembled, and, in accordance with their wishes, Gregory again excommunicated Henry. The latter on receipt of this news again entered Rome on 21 March, 1084. Guibert was consecrated pope, and then crowned Henry emperor. However, Robert Guiscard, Duke of Normandy, with whom Gregory had formed an alliance, was already marching on the city, and Henry, learning of his advance, fled towards Citta Castellana. The pontiff was liberated, but, the people becoming incensed by the excesses of his Norman allies, he was compelled to leave Rome. Disappointed and sorrowing he withdrew to Monte Cassino, and later to the castle of Salerno by the sea, where he died in the following year. Three days before his death he withdrew all the censures of excommunication that he had pronounced, except those against the two chief offenders--Henry and Guibert. His last words were: "I have loved justice and hated iniquity, therefore I die in exile." His body was interred in the church of Saint Matthew at Salerno. He was beatified by Gregory XIII in 1584, and canonized in 1728 by Benedict XIII. His writings treat mainly of the principles and practice of Church government. They may be found under the title "Gregorii VII registri sive epistolarum libri" in Mansi, "Sacrorum Conciliorum nova et amplissima collectio" (Florence, 1759) and "S. Gregorii VII epistolae et diplomata" by Horoy (Paris, 1877). |
1086-1087 Pope Blessed Victor III; enter the monastery of S. Sophia at Benevento
where he received the name of Desiderius;
the greatest of all the abbots
of Monte Cassino with the exception of
the founder, and as such won for himself "imperishable
fame" (Gregorovius); Peter the Deacon gives (op. cit.,
III, 63) a list of some seventy books which Desiderius
caused to be copied at Monte Cassino; they include works
of Sts. Augustine, Ambrose, Bede, Basil, Jerome, Gregory
of Nazianzus, and Cassian, the registers of Popes Feliz
and Leo, the histories of Josephus, Paul Warnfrid, Jordanus,
and Gregory of Tours, the "Institutes" and "Novels" of Justinian,
the works of Terence, Virgil, and Seneca, Cicero's "De
natura deorum", and Ovid's "Fasti"; Undoubtedly the chief importance of Desiderius
in papal history lies in his influence with the Normans,
an influence which he was able repeatedly to exert in
favour of the Holy See; refused the Papacy several times due
to his ill health. Desiderius had been appointed papal vicar for Campania, Apulia, Calabria, and the Principality of Beneventum with special powers for the reform of monasteries; so great was his reputation with the Holy See that he "was allowed by the Roman Pontiff to appoint Bishops and Abbots from among his brethren in whatever churches or monasteries he desired of those which had been widowed of their patron" (DAUFERIUS or DAUFAR). Born in 1026 or 1027 of a non-regnant branch of the Lombard dukes of Benevento; died in Rome, 16 Sept., 1087. Being an only son his desire to embrace the monastic state was strenuously opposed by both his parents. After his father's death in battle with the Normans, 1047, he fled from the marriage which had been arranged for him and though brought back by force, eventually after a second flight to Cava obtained permission to enter the monastery of S. Sophia at Benevento where he received the name of Desiderius. The life at S. Sophia was not strict enough for the young monk who betook himself first to the island monastery of Tremite in the Adriatic and in 1053 to some hermits at Majella in the Abruzzi. About this time he was brought to the notice of St. Leo IX and it is probable that the pope employed him at Benevento to negotiate peace with the Normans after the fatal battle of Civitate. Somewhat later Desiderius attached himself to the Court of Victor II at Florence and there met two monks of Monte Cassino, with whom he returned to their monastery in 1055. He joined the community, and was shortly afterwards appointed superior of the dependent house at Capua. In 1057 Stephen IX (X) who had retained the abbacy of Monte Cassino came thither and at Christmas, believing himself to be dying, ordered the monks to elect a new abbot. Their choice fell on Desiderius. The pope recovered, and, desiring to retain the abbacy during his lifetime, appointed the abbot-designate legate for Constantinople. It was at Bari, when about to sail for the East, that the news of the pope's death reached Desiderius. Having obtained a safe-conduct from Robert Guiscard, the Norman Count (later Duke) of Apulia, he returned to his monastery and was duly istalled by Cardinal Humbert on Easter Day, 1058. A year later he was ordained cardinal-priest of the title of S. Cecilia and received the abbatial blessing. Desiderius was the greatest of all the abbots of Monte Cassino with the exception of the founder, and as such won for himself "imperishable fame" (Gregorovius). He rebuilt the church and conventual buildings, established schools of art and re-established monastic discipline so that there were 200 monks in the monastery in his day (see MONTE CASSINO). On 1 Oct., 1071, the new and magnificent Basilica of Monte Cassino was consecrated by Alexander II. Desiderius's great reputation brough to the abbey many gifts and exemptions. The money was sepnt on church ornaments of which the most notable were a great golden altar front from Constantinople, adorned with gems and enamels and "nearly all the church ornaments of Victor II which had been pawned here and there throughout the city" [Chron. Cass., III, 18 (20)]. The bronze and silver doors of the Cassinese Basilica which Desiderius erected remain, and in the Church of S. Angelo in Formis near Capua some of the frescoes executed by his orders may still be seen. Peter the Deacon gives (op. cit., III, 63) a list of some seventy books which Desiderius caused to be copied at Monte Cassino; they include works of Sts. Augustine, Ambrose, Bede, Basil, Jerome, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Cassian, the registers of Popes Feliz and Leo, the histories of Josephus, Paul Warnfrid, Jordanus, and Gregory of Tours, the "Institutes" and "Novels" of Justinian, the works of Terence, Virgil, and Seneca, Cicero's "De natura deorum", and Ovid's "Fasti". Desiderius had been appointed papal vicar for Campania, Apulia, Calabria, and the Principality of Beneventum with special powers for the reform of monasteries; so great was his reputation with the Holy See that he "was allowed by the Roman Pontiff to appoint Bishops and Abbots from among his brethren in whatever churches or monasteries he desired of those which had been widowed of their patron" (Chron. Cas., III, 34). Within two years of the consecration of the Cassinese Basilica, Pope Alexander died and was succeeded by Hildebrand. Undoubtedly the chief importance of Desiderius in papal history lies in his influence with the Normans, an influence which he was able repeatedly to exert in favour of the Holy See. Already in 1059 he had persuaded Robert Guiscard and Richard of Capua to become vassals of St. Peter for their newly conquered territories: now Gregory VII immediately after his election sent for him to give an account of the state of Norman Italy and entrusted him with the negotiation of an interview with Robert Guiscard on 2 Aug., 1073, at Benevento. In 1074 and 1075 he acted as intermediary, probably as Gregory's agent, between the Norman princes themselves, and even when the latter were at open war with the pope, they still maintained the best relations with Monte Cassino (end of 1076). At the end of 1080 it was Desiderius who obtained Norman troops for Gregory. In 1082 he visited the emperor at Albano, while the troops of the Imperialist antipope were harassing the pope from Tivoli. In 1083 the peace-loving abbot joined Hugh of Cluny in an attempt to reconcile pope and emperor, and his proceedings seem to have aroused some suspicion in Gregory's entourage. In 1084 when Rome was in Henry's hands and the pope besieged in Sant' Angelo, Desiderius announced the approach of Guiscard's army to both emperor and pope. Though certainly a strong partisan of the Hildebrandine reform the gentler Desiderius belonged to the moderate party and could not always see eye to eye with Gregory in his most intransigent proceedings. Yet when the latter lay dying at Salerno (25 May, 1085) the Abbot of Monte Cassino was one of those whom he named as fittest to succeed him. Desiderius was by no means willing to assume the mantle of Gregory VII, experience had taught him that his power and utility lay in being a middleman, yet at a time when the Church was surrounded by powerful enemies his influence with the Normans made him the most obvious candidate. The Romans had expelled the antipope from the city, and hither Desiderius hastened to consult with the cardinals on the approaching election; finding, however, that they were bent on forcing the papal dignity upon him he fled to Monte Cassino, where he busied himself in exhorting the Normans and Lombards to rally to the support of the Holy See. When autumn came Desiderius accompanied the Norman army in its march towards Rome, but becoming aware of the plot which was on foot between the cardinals and the Norman princes to force the tiara upon him, he would not enter Rome unless they swore to abandon their design; this they refused to do, and the election was postponed. At about Easter (Chron. Cass., III, 66) the bishops and cardinals assembled at Rome summoned Desiderius and the cardinals who were with him at Monte Cassino to come to Rome to treat concerning the election. On 23 May a great meeting was held in the deaconry of St. Lucy, and Desiderius was again importuned to accept the papacy but persisted in his refusal, threatening to return to his monastery in case of violence. Next day, the feast of Pentecost, very early in the morning the same scene was repeated. The consul Cencius now suggested the election of Odo, Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia (afterwards Urban II); this was rejected by some of the cardinals on the grounds that translation of a bishop was contrary to the canons. The assembly now lost all patience; Desiderius was seized and dragged to the Church of St. Lucy where he was forcibly vested in the red cope and given the name of Victor (24 May, 1086). The church had been without a head for twelve months all but a day. Four days later pope and cardinals had to flee from Rome before the imperial prefect of the city, and at Terracina, in spite of all protests, Victor laid aside the papal insignia and once more retired to Monte Cassino where he remained nearly a whole year. In the middle of Lent, 1087, a council of cardinals and bishops was held at Capua at which the pope-elect assisted as "Papal vicar of those parts" (letter of Hugh of Lyons) together with the Norman princes, Cencius the Consul, and the Roman nobles; here Victor finally yielded and "by the assumption of the cross and purple confirmed the past election" (Chron. Cass., III, 68). How much his obstinacy had irritated some of the prelates is evidenced in the letter of Hugh of Lyons preserved by Hugh of Flavigny (Mon. Germ. Hist.: Script. VIII, 466-8). After celebrating Easter in his monastery Victor proceeded to Rome, and when the Normans had driven the soldiers of the Antipope Clement III (Guibert of Ravenna) out of St. Peter's, was there consecrated and enthroned (9 May, 1087). He only remained eight days in Rome and then returned to Monte Cassino. Before May was out he was once more in Rome in answer to a summons for the Countess Matilda, whose troops held the Leonine City and Trastevere, but when at the end of June the antipope once more gained possession of St. Peter's, Victor again retired to his abbey. In August a council was held at Benevento, at which he renewed the excommunication of the antipope, the condemnation of lay-investiture, and anathematised Hugh of Lyons and Richard, Abbot of Marseilles. When the council had lasted three days Victor became seriously ill and retired to Monte Cassino to die. He had himself carried into the chapter-house, issued various decrees for the benefit of the abbey, appointed with the consent of the monks the prior, Cardinal Oderisius, to succeed him in the Abbacy, just as he himself had been appointed by Stephen IX (X), and proposed Odo of Ostia to the assembled cardinals and bishops as the next pope. He died 16 Sept., 1087, and was buried in the tomb he had prepared for himself in the chapter-house. In the sixteenth century his body was removed to the church, and again translated in 1890. The cultus of Blessed Victor seems to have begun not later than the pontificate of Anastasius IV, about 60 years after his death (Acta SS. Loc. cit.). In 1727 the Abbot of Monte Cassino obtained from Benedict III permission to keep his feast (Tosti, I, 393). Pope Victor III is a far less impressive figure in history than Desiderius the great Abbot of Monte Cassino, but there is abundant evidence that it was largely his failing health that made him so reluctant to accept the great position which was thrust upon him. Ordericus tells us that he was taken ill when saying the first Mass after his consecration, so that during his papacy "he hardly got through a single Mass", vix una tantum missa perfunctus (P.L., CLXXXVIII, p. 578). On 5 Aug., 1087, when Victor was holding the Council at Benevento, an army consisting of Roman, Genoese, Pisan, and Amalfitan troops sent by him to Africa under the Banner of St. Peter captured the town of El Mahadia, and forced the Mohammedan ruler of Tunis to promise tribute to the Holy See and to free all Christian slaves. This event may perhaps be considered as the beginning of the Crusades. The only literary work of Victor which we possess is his "Dialogues" on the miracles wrought by St. Benedict and other saints at Monte Cassino. There is also a letter to the bishops of Sardinia to which country he had sent monks while still Abbot of Monte Cassino. In his "De Viris illustribus Casinensibus", Peter the Deacon ascribes to him the composition of a "Cantus ad B. Maurum" and letters to Philip of France and Hugh of Cluny which no longer exist. |
1088-1099 Pope Bl. Urban II Under St. Bruno (afterwards founder of the Carthusians)
Otho studied at Reims, where he later became
canon and archdeacon. About 1070 he retired
to Cluny and was professed there under the great abbot
St. Hugh. After holding the office of prior he was sent
by St. Hugh to Rome as one of the monks asked for by Gregory
VII, and he was of great assistance to Gregory in the
difficult task of reforming the Church. In 1078 he became
Cardinal Bishop of Ostia and Gregory's chief adviser and helper.
During the years 1082 to 1085 he was legate in France and
Germany. While returning to Rome in 1083 he was made prisoner
by the Emperor Henry IV, but was soon liberated. Whilst in Saxony
(1084-5) he filled many of the vacant sees with men faithful to
Gregory and deposed those whom the pope had condemned. He held a
great synod at Quedlinburg in Saxony in which the antipope Guibert
of Ravenna and his adherents were anathematized by name. Victor
III had already been elected when Otho returned to Rome in 1085.
Otho appears to have opposed Victor at first, not through any animosity
or want of good will, but because he judged it better, at so critical
a time, that Victor should resign the honour he was unwilling to retain.
After Victor's death a summons was sent to as many bishops of the
Gregorian party as possible to attend a meeting at Terracina. It
was made known at this meeting that Otho had been suggested by Gregory
and Victor as their successor. Accordingly, on 12 March, 1088, he
was unanimously elected, taking the title of Urban II. (Otho, Otto or Odo of Lagery), , born of a knightly family, at Châtillon-sur-Marne in the province of Champagne, about 1042; died 29 July, 1099. Under St. Bruno (afterwards founder of the Carthusians) Otho studied at Reims, where he later became canon and archdeacon. About 1070 he retired to Cluny and was professed there under the great abbot St. Hugh. After holding the office of prior he was sent by St. Hugh to Rome as one of the monks asked for by Gregory VII, and he was of great assistance to Gregory in the difficult task of reforming the Church. In 1078 he became Cardinal Bishop of Ostia and Gregory's chief adviser and helper. During the years 1082 to 1085 he was legate in France and Germany. While returning to Rome in 1083 he was made prisoner by the Emperor Henry IV, but was soon liberated. Whilst in Saxony (1084-5) he filled many of the vacant sees with men faithful to Gregory and deposed those whom the pope had condemned. He held a great synod at Quedlinburg in Saxony in which the antipope Guibert of Ravenna and his adherents were anathematized by name. Victor III had already been elected when Otho returned to Rome in 1085. Otho appears to have opposed Victor at first, not through any animosity or want of good will, but because he judged it better, at so critical a time, that Victor should resign the honour he was unwilling to retain. After Victor's death a summons was sent to as many bishops of the Gregorian party as possible to attend a meeting at Terracina. It was made known at this meeting that Otho had been suggested by Gregory and Victor as their successor. Accordingly, on 12 March, 1088, he was unanimously elected, taking the title of Urban II. His first act was to proclaim his election to the world, and to exhort the princes and bishops who had been loyal to Gregory to continue in their allegiance: he declared his intention of following the policy and example of his great predecessor--"all that he rejected, I reject, what he condemned I condemn, what he loved I embrace, what he considered as Catholic, I confirm and approve". It was a difficult task which confronted the new pope. To enter Rome was impossible. The Normans, on whom together with Matilda he could alone rely, were engaged in civil war. Roger and Bohemund had to be reconciled before anything could be done, and to effect this the pope set out for Sicily. He met Roger at Troina, but history is silent as to what took place between them. The year following, however, saw peace between the two princes, and Urban's first entry into Rome in November, 1088, is said by some to have been made possible by Norman troops. His plight in Rome was truly pitiable; the whole city practically was in the hands of the antipope, and Urban had to take refuge on the Island of St. Bartholomew, the approach being guarded by Pierleone, who had turned the theatre of Marcellus on the left bank of the river into a fortress. Nor was the outlook in Germany calculated to hold out hopes of the triumph of the papal party; its stoutest adherents in the episcopate had died, and Henry was steadily gaining ground. From amidst the poverty and want of his wretched island, Urban launched sentence of excommunication against emperor and antipope alike. Guibert retorted by holding a synod in St. Peter's before which he cited Urban to appear. The troops of pope and antipope met in a desperate encounter which lasted three days; Guibert was driven from the city, and Urban entered St. Peter's in triumph. He was now determined to unite his partisans in Italy and Germany. The Countess Matilda had lost her first husband, Godfrey of Lorraine. She was now well advanced in years, but this did not prevent her marriage with Count Welf of Bavaria, a youth of eighteen, whose father, Duke of Welf IV of Bavaria, was in arms against Henry. Urban now turned his steps southwards again. In the autumn of 1089 seventy bishops met him in synod at Melfi, where decrees against simony and clerical marriage were promulgated. In December he turned back to Rome, but not before he had effected a lasting peace between Roger and Bohemund, and had received their full allegiance. The fickle Romans had again renounced him on the news of Henry's success against Matilda in north Italy, and had summoned Guibert back to the city. The latter celebrated Christmas in St. Peter's whilst Urban anathematized him from without the walls. For three years Urban was compelled to wander an exile about southern Italy. He spent the time holding councils and improving the character of ecclesiastical discipline. Meanwhile Henry at last suffered a check from Matilda's forces at Canossa, the same fortress which had witnessed his humiliation before Gregory. His son Conrad, appalled, it is said, at his father's depravity, and refusing to become his partner in sin, fled to the faction of Matilda and Welf. The Lombard League--Milan, Lodi, Piacenza, and Cremona--welcomed him and he was crowned king in Milan, the centre of the imperial power in Italy. The way was now clear for Urban's entry into Rome, but still the partisans of Guibert held the strong places of the city. This time the pope took up his residence in the fortress of the Frangipani, a family which had remained faithful to him and which was entrenched under the Palatine near the Church of Sta. Maria Nuova. His condition was piteous, for he had to depend on charity and was already deeply in debt. A French abbot, Gregory of Vendôme, hearing of Urban's plight, hurried to Rome "that he might become a sharer of his sufferings and labour and relieve his want". In return for this he was created Cardinal Deacon of Sta. Prisca. Shortly before Easter, 1094, the governor of the Lateran palace offered to surrender it to Urban on payment of a large sum of money. This money Gregory of Vendôme supplied by selling certain possessions of his monastery; Urban entered the Lateran in time for the Paschal solemnity, and sat for the first time on the papal throne just six years after his election at Terracina. But it was no time for tarrying long in Rome. Henry's cause was steadily growing weaker, and Urban hurried north to hold a council at Piacenza in the interests of peace and reform. The unfortunate Praxedis, Henry's second wife, had suffered wrongs which were now the common property of Christendom. Her cause was heard, Henry not even attempting to defend himself. She was publicly declared innocent and absolved from any censure. Then the case of Philip of France, who had repudiated his wife Bertha and espoused Bertrada, the wife of Fulk of Anjou, was dealt with. Several bishops had recognized the union, but Archbishop Hugh of Lyons had had the courage to excommunicate Philip for adultery. Both king and archbishop were summoned to the council, and both failed to appear. Philip was granted a further respite, but Hugh was suspended from his office. At this council Urban was able to broach the subject of the Crusades. The Eastern Emperor, Alexius I, had sent an embassy to the pope asking for help against the Seljuk Turks who were a serious menace to the Empire of Constantinople. Urban succeeded in inducing many of those present to promise to help Alexius, but no definite step was taken by Urban till a few months later, when he summoned the most famous of his councils, that at Clermont in Auvergne. The council met in November, 1095; thirteen archbishops, two hundred and twenty-five bishops, and over ninety abbots answered the pope's summons. The synod met in the Church of Notre-Dame du Port and began by reiterating the Gregorian Decrees against simony, investiture, and clerical marriage. The sentence, which for some months had been threatening Philip of France, was now launched against him, and he was excommunicated for adultery. Then the burning question of the East was discussed. Urban's reception in France had been most enthusiastic, and enthusiasm for the Crusade had spread as the pope journeyed on from Italy. Thousands of nobles and knights had met together for the council. It was decided that an army of horse and foot should march to rescue Jerusalem and the Churches of Asia from the Saracens. A plenary indulgence was granted to all who should undertake the journey pro sola devotione, and further to help the movement, the Truce of God was extended, and the property of those who had taken the cross was to be looked upon as sacred. Those who were unfitted for the expedition were forbidden to undertake it, and the faithful were exhorted to take the advice of their bishops and priests before starting. Coming forth from the church the pope addressed the immense multitude. He used his wonderful gifts of eloquence to the utmost, depicting the captivity of the Sacred City where Christ had suffered and died--"Let them turn their weapons dripping with the blood of their brothers against the enemy of the Christian Faith. Let them--oppressors of orphans and widows, murderers and violaters of churches, robbers of the property of others, vultures drawn by the scent of battle--let them hasten, if they love their souls, under their captain Christ to the rescue of Sion." When the pope ceased to speak a mighty shout of Deus lo volt rose from the throng. His most sanguine hopes had not anticipated such enthusiasm as now prevailed. He was urged repeatedly to lead the Crusade in person, but he appointed Ademar, Bishop of Le Puy, in his stead, and leaving Clermont travelled from city to city in France preaching the Crusade. Letters were sent to bishops who had been unable to attend the council, and preachers were sent all over Europe to arouse enthusiasm. In every possible way Urban encouraged people to take the cross, and he did not easily dispense from their obligations those who had once bound themselves to undertake the expedition. In March, 1096, the pope held a synod at Tours and confirmed the excommunication of the French king, which certain members of the French episcopate had endeavoured to remove. In July, 1096, the king, having dismissed Bertrada, was absolved by Urban in a synod held at Nîmes, but having relapsed, he was again excommunicated by the pope's legate in 1097. Some of the greater prelates of France had now to be brought to subjection to the pope, amongst them being the Archbishop of Vienne, who had refused to abide by the papal decision regarding the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Grenoble, and the Archbishop of Sens, who had declined to recognize the Archbishop of Lyons as papal legate. After a triumphal progress through France, Urban returned to Italy. On his way to Rome he met the crusading princes at Lucca, and bestowed the banner of St. Peter upon Hugh of Vermandois. It is said by some that this crusading host enabled Urban to enter Rome, which at this time was again held by the antipope. If this was so, the entry appears, according to the statement of an eyewitness to have been effected without fighting. No doubt the presence of well-disciplined troops, under the most distinguished knights of Christendom, struck terror into the wild partisans of Guibert. But Urban's final triumph over the "imbecile" was now assured. Northern and central Italy were in the power of Matilda and Conrad, and Henry was at last forced to leave Italy. A council was held in the Lateran in 1097, and before the end of the year Urban was able to go south again to solicit help from the Normans to enable him to regain the Castle of S. Angelo. The castle capitulated in August, 1098. He was now enabled to enjoy a brief period of repose after a life of incessant activity and fierce strife, which had brought exile and want. His friendship with the Normans was strengthened by the appointment of Count Roger as papal legate in Sicily, where the Church had been almost swept away by the Saracens; the antipope was within his Archbishopric of Ravenna, and Henry's power, though strengthened by Count Welf, who had forsaken Matilda, was not strong enough to be any longer a serious menace. In October, 1098, the pope held a council at Bari with the intention of reconciling the Greeks and Latins on the question of the filioque; one hundred and eighty bishops attended, amongst whom was St. Anselm of Canterbury, who had fled to Urban to lay before him his complaints against the Red King. The close of November saw the pope again in Rome; it was his final return to the city. Here he held his last council in April, 1099. Once more he raised his eloquent voice on behalf of the Crusades, and many responded to his call. On 15 July, 1099, Jerusalem fell before the attack of the crusaders, but Urban did not live to hear the news. He died in the house of Pierleone which had so often given him shelter. His remains could not be buried in the Lateran because of Guibert's followers who were still in the city, but were conveyed to the crypt of St. Peter's where they were interred close to the tomb of Adrian I. Guibert of Nogent asserts that miracles were wrought at the tomb of Urban, who appears as a saint in many of the Martyrologies. Thus there seems to have been a cult of Urban II from the time of his death, though the feast (29 July) has never been extended to the Universal Church. Amongst the figures painted in the apse of the oratory built by Calixtus II in the Lateran Palace is that of Urban II with the words sanctus Urbanus secundus beneath it. The head is crowned by a square nimbus, and the pope is represented at the feet of Our Lady. The formal act of beatification did not take place till the pontificate of Leo XIII. The cause was introduced by Mgr Langenieux, Archbishop of Reims, in 1878, and after it had gone through the various stages the decision was given by Leo XIII on 14 July, 1881. |
Pope Paschal II Succeeded Urban II, and reigned from 13 Aug.,
1099, till he died at Rome, 21 Jan., 1118.
He gave his approval to the new orders of Cîteaux
and Fontevrauld. On his numerous journeys he brought
the papacy into direct contact with the people and dedicated
a large number of churches. If it was not given to him
to solve the problem of Investitures, he cleared the way for
his more fortunate successor. Born in central Italy, he was received at an early age as a monk in Cluny. In his twentieth year he was sent on business of the monastery to Rome, and was retained at the papal court by Gregory VII, and made Cardinal-Priest of St. Clement's church. It was in this church that the conclave met after the death of Pope Urban, and Cardinal Rainerius was the unanimous choice of the sacred college. He protested vigorously against his election, maintaining, with some justice, that his monastic training had not fitted him to deal with the weighty problems which confronted the papacy in that troublous age. His protestations were disregarded by his colleagues, and he was consecrated the following day in St. Peter's. Once pope, he betrayed no further hesitation and wielded the sceptre with a firm and prudent grasp. The main lines of his policy had been laid by the master minds of Gregory and Urban, in whose footsteps he faithfully followed, while the unusual length of his pontificate, joined to a great amiability of character, made his reign an important factor in the development of the medieval papal dominion. Urban II had lived to witness the complete success of his wonderful movement for the liberation of the Holy Land and the defence of Christendom. He had died a fortnight after Jerusalem fell into the hands of the crusaders. To continue the work inaugurated by Urban remained the fixed policy of the Holy See for many generations. Paschal laboured vigorously by synods and journeys through Italy and France to keep alive the crusading spirit. Of more vital importance was the Investiture Conflict. It was fortunate that the antipope, Guibert (Clement III), died a few months after the elevation of Paschal. Three other antipopes, Theodoric (1100), Aleric (1102), and Maginulf, who took the name of Sylvester IV (1105), were offered by the imperialistic faction; but the schism was practically ended. Two of these pretendants were sent by Paschal to do penance in monasteries; the third had little or no following. Henry IV, broken by his previous conflicts, had no desire to renew the struggle. He obstinately refused to abjure his claim to imperial investitures, and, consequently, was again excommunicated, and died at Liège, 7 Aug., 1106. His death and the accession of his son were of dubious advantage to the papal cause; for although he had posed as the champion of the Church, he soon showed himself as unwilling as his father had been to relinquish any of the pretensions of the crown. Since the pope continued to denounce and anathematize lay investitures in the synods over which he presided, the chief of which were at Guastalla (1106) and Troyes (1107), and since Henry persisted in bestowing benefices at pleasure, the friendly relations between the two powers soon became strained. Paschal decided to change his proposed journey to Germany, and proceeded to France, where he was received enthusiastically by King Philip (who did penance for his adultery and was reconciled to the Church) and by the French people. Henry resented the discussion of a German question on foreign soil, though the question of Investitures was one of universal interest; and he threatened to cut the knot with his sword, as soon as circumstances permitted his going to Rome to receive the imperial crown. In August, 1110, he crossed the Alps with a well-organized army, and, what emphasized the entrance of a new factor in medieval politics, accompanied by a band of imperialistic lawyers, one of whom, David, was of Celtic origin. Crushing out opposition on his way through the peninsula, Henry sent an embassy to arrange with the pontiff the preliminaries of his coronation. The outcome was embodied in the Concordat of Sutri. Before receiving the imperial crown, Henry was to abjure all claims to investitures, whilst the pope undertook to compel the prelates and abbots of the empire to restore all the temporal rights and privileges which they held from the crown. When the compact was made public in St. Peter's on the date assigned for the coronation, 12 Feb., 1111, there arose a fierce tumult led by the prelates who by one stroke of the pen had been degraded from the estate of princes of the empire to beggary. The indignation was the more intense, because the rights of the Roman See had been secured from a similar confiscation. After fruitless wrangling and three days of rioting, Henry carried the pope and his cardinals into captivity. Abandoned as he was by everyone, Paschal, after two months of imprisonment, yielded to the king that right of investiture against which so many heroes had contended. Henry's violence rebounded upon himself. All Christendom united in anathematizing him. The voices raised to condemn the faint-heartedness of Paschal were drowned by the universal denunciation of his oppressor. Paschal humbly acknowledged his weakness, but refused to break the promise he had made not to inflict any censure upon Henry for his violence. It was unfortunate for Paschal's memory that he should be so closely associated with the episode of Sutri. As head of the Church, he developed a far-reaching activity. He maintained discipline in every corner of Europe. The greatest champions of religion, men like St. Anselm of Canterbury, looked up to him with reverence. He gave his approval to the new orders of Cîteaux and Fontevrauld. On his numerous journeys he brought the papacy into direct contact with the people and dedicated a large number of churches. If it was not given to him to solve the problem of Investitures, he cleared the way for his more fortunate successor. |
1109 Pope Clement XI canonized and included
among the Doctors of the Church 1109 Anselm of Canterbury Doctor of
the Church OSB B, Doctor (RM) in 1720. Born in Aosta, Piedmont, Italy, c. 1033; died at Canterbury, England, on Holy Wednesday, April 21, ; canonized and included among the Doctors of the Church by Pope Clement XI in 1720. |
Pope Adrian IV (1 September, 1159) |
1159-81 Pope Alexander III; In the estimation
of Rome, Italy, and Christendom, Alexander III's
epitaph expresses the truth, when it calls him "the Light
of the Clergy, the Ornament of the Church, the Father
of his City and of the World." Pope from 1159-81 (Orlando Bandinelli), born of a distinguished Sienese family; died 3 August, 1181. As professor in Bologna he acquired a great reputation as a canonist, which he increased by the publication of his commentary on the "Decretum" of Gratian, popularly known as "Summa Magistri Rolandi." Called to Rome by Eugene III in the year 1150, his advancement was rapid. He was created Cardinal Deacon, then Cardinal Priest of the title of St. Mark, and Papal Chancellor. He was the trusted adviser of Adrian IV and was regarded as the soul of the party of independence among the cardinals, which sought to escape the German yoke by alliance with the Normans of Naples. For openly asserting before Barbarossa at the Diet of Besançon (1157) that the imperial dignity was a papal beneficium (in the general sense of favour, not feudal sense of fief), he incurred the wrath of the German princes, and would have fallen on the spot under the battle-axe of his life-long foe, Otto of Wittelsbach had Frederick not intervened. For the purpose of securing a submissive pontiff at the next vacancy, the Emperor despatched into Italy two able emissaries who were to work upon the weaknesses and fears of the cardinals and the Romans, the aforesaid Otto and the Archbishop-elect of Cologne, Rainald von Dassel, whose anti-Papal attitude was largely owing to the fact that the Holy See refused to confirm his appointment. The fruits of their activity became patent after the death of Pope Adrian IV (1 September, 1159). Of the twenty-two cardinals assembled, 7 September, to elect a successor all but three voted for Orlando. The contention made later, that the imperialist cardinals numbered nine, may be explained by the surmise that in the earlier ballotings six of the faithful cardinals voted for a less prominent and obnoxious candidate. In opposition to Cardinal Orlando, who took the immortal name of Alexander III, the three imperialist members chose one of their number, Cardinal Octavian, who assumed the title of Victor IV. A mob hired by the Count of Wittelsbach broke up the conclave. Alexander retreated towards the Norman south and was consecrated and crowned, 20 September, at the little Volscian town of Nympha. Octavian's consecration took place 4 October, at the monastery of Farfa. The Emperor now interposed to settle a disturbance entirely caused by his own agents, and summoned both claimants before a packed assembly at Pavia. He betrayed his animus by addressing Octavian as Victor IV and the true Pope as Cardinal Orlando. Pope Alexander refused to submit his clear right to this iniquitous tribunal, which, as was foreseen, declared for the usurper (11 February, 1160). Alexander promptly responded, from the ill-fated Anagni, by solemnly excommunicating the Emperor and releasing his subjects from their oaths of allegiance. The ensuing schism, far more disastrous to the Empire than to the Papacy, lasted for seventeen years and ended after the battle of Legnano (1176) with the unconditional surrender of the haughty Barbarossa in Venice, 1177. (See FREDERICK I.) The childish legend that the Pope placed his foot on the neck of the prostrate Emperor has done valiant service to Protestant tradition since the days of Luther. [See the dissertation of George Remus, Nuremberg, 1625; Lyons, 1728; and Gosselin, "The Power of the Pope during the Middle Ages" (tr. London, 1853) II, 133.] Alexander's enforced exile (1162-65) in France contributed greatly to enhance the dignity of the papacy, never so popular as when in distress. It also brought him into direct contact with the most powerful monarch of the West, Henry II of England. The cautious manner in which he defended the rights of the Church during the quarrel between the two impetuous Normans, King Henry and St. Thomas Becket, though many a time exciting the displeasure of both contestants, and often since denounced as "shifty", was the strategy of an able commander who, by marches and countermarches succeeds in keeping the field against overwhelming odds. It is no disparagement of the Martyr of Canterbury to say that the Pope equalled him in firmness and excelled him in the arts of diplomacy. After Becket's murder the Pope succeeded, without actual recourse to ban or interdict, in obtaining from the penitent monarch every right for which the martyr had fought and bled. To crown and seal the triumph of religion, Alexander convoked and presided over the Third Lateran Council (Eleventh Ecumenical), in 1179. Surrounded by over 300 bishops, the much-tried Pontiff issued many salutary decrees, notably the ordinance which vested the exclusive right of papal elections in a two-thirds vote of the cardinals. Throughout all the vicissitudes of his chequered career Alexander remained a canonist. A glance at the Decretals shows that, as an ecclesiastical legislator, he was scarcely second to Innocent III. Worn out by trials, he died at Civita Castellana. When we are told that "the Romans" pursued his remains with curses and stones, the remembrance of a similar scene at the burial of Pius IX teaches us what value to attach to such a demonstration. In the estimation of Rome, Italy, and Christendom, Alexander III's epitaph expresses the truth, when it calls him "the Light of the Clergy, the Ornament of the Church, the Father of his City and of the World." He was friendly to the new academical movement that led to the establishment of the great medieval universities. His own reputation as a teacher and a canonist has been greatly enhanced through the discovery by Father Denifle in the public library of Nuremberg of the "Sententiae Rolandi Bononiensis," edited (Freiburg, 1891) by Father Ambrosius Gietl. The collection of his letters (Jaffé, Regesta RR. Pontif., Nos. 10,584-14,424) was enriched by Löwenfeld's publication of many hitherto unknown (Epistolae Pontif. Rom. ineditae, Leipzig, 1885). Even Voltaire regards him as the man who in medieval times deserved best from the human race, for abolishing slavery, for overcoming the violence of the Emperor Barbarossa, for compelling Henry II of England to ask pardon for the murder of Thomas Becket, for restoring to men their rights, and giving splendour to many cities. |
1227- 1241 Pope
Gregory IX He sent monks to Constantinople
to negotiate with the Greeks for church unity,
but without result. He canonized Saints Elizabeth of
Thuringia, Dominic, Anthony of Padua and Francis of Assisi.
He permitted free study of the Aristotelian writings, and
issued (1234), through his chaplain, Raymond of Pennaforte,
an important new compilation of decretals which he prescribed
in the bull Rex Pacificus should be the standard textbook in
canon law at the universities of Bologna and Paris. Gregory was
famed for his learning and eloquence, his blameless life,
and his great strength of character. (UGOLINO, Count of Segni 19-Mar-1227 to 22-Aug-1241). Born about 1145, at Anagni in the Campagna; died 22 August, 1241, at Rome. He received his education at the Universities of Paris and Bologna. After the accession of Innocent III to the papal throne, Ugolino, who was a nephew of Innocent III, was successively appointed papal chaplain, Archpriest of St. Peter's, and Cardinal-Deacon of Saint' Eustachio in 1198. In May, 1206, he succeeded Octavian as Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia and Velletri. A year later he and Cardinal Brancaleone were sent as papal legates to Germany to mediate between Philip of Swabia and Otto of Brunswick, both of whom laid claim to the German throne subsequent to the death of Henry VI. By order of the pope the legates freed Philip from the ban which he had incurred under Pope Celestine III on account of invading the Pontifical States. Though the legates were unable to induce Otto of Brunswick to give up his claims to the throne, they succeeded in effecting a truce between the two claimants and returned to Rome in 1208 to treat with the pope concerning their future procedure. On their way back to Germany early in June, 1208, they were apprised at Verona that Philip had been murdered, and again returned to Rome. Early in January, 1209, they again proceeded to Germany with instructions to induce the princes to acknowledge Otto of Brunswick as king. They were successful in their mission and returned to Rome in June of the same year. After the death of Pope Innocent III, 16 July, 1216, Ugolino was instrumental in the election of Pope Honorius III on 18 July. In order to hasten the choice the College of Cardinals had agreed to an election by compromise and empowered Cardinals Ugolino and Guido of Preneste to appoint the new pope. In January, 1217, Honorius III made Ugolino plenipotentiary legate for Lombardy and Tuscia, and entrusted him with preaching the crusade in those territories. In this capacity he became a successful mediator between Pisa and Genoa, in 1217, between Milan and Cremona in 1218, and between Bologna and Pistoia in 1219. At the coronation of Frederick II in Rome, 22 November, 1220, the emperor took the cross from Ugolino and made the vow to embark for the Holy Land in August, 1221. On 14 March, 1221, Pope Honorius commissioned Ugolino to preach the crusade also in Central and Upper Italy. After the death of Pope Honorius III (18 March, 1227), the cardinals again agreed upon an election by compromise and empowered three of their number, among whom were Ugolino and Conrad of Urach, to elect the new pope. At first Conrad of Urach was elected, but he refused the tiara lest it might appear that he had elected himself. Hereupon the cardinals unanimously elected Ugolino on 19 March, 1227, and he reluctantly accepted the high honour, taking the name of Gregory IX. Though he was already far advanced in age (being more than eighty years old), he was still full of energy. The important diplomatic positions which Gregory IX had held before he became pope had acquainted him thoroughly with the political situation of Europe, and especially with the guileful and dishonest tactics of Emperor Frederick II. Three days after his installation he sternly ordered the emperor at last to fulfill his long delayed vow to embark for the Holy Land. Apparently obedient to the papal mandate, Frederick II set sail from Brindial on 8 September, 1227, but returned three days later under the plea that the Landgrave of Thuringia, who was accompanying him, was on the point of death, and that he himself was seriously ill. Gregory IX, knowing that Frederick II had on eight or nine previous occasions postponed his departure for the East, distrusted the emperor's sincerity, and on 20 September, 1227, placed him under the ban of the Church. He tried to justify his severe measures towards the emperor in a Brief to the Christian princes, while, on the other hand, the emperor addressed a manifesto to the princes in which he condemns the actions of the pope in very bitter terms. The imperial manifesto was read publicly on the steps of the Capitol in Rome, whereupon the imperial party in Rome, under the leadership of the Frangipam, stirred up an insurrection, so that when the pope published the emperor's excommunication in the basilica of St. Peter, 23 March, 1228, he was openly insulted and threatened by a Ghibelline mob, and fled first to Viterbo, and then to Perugia. In order to prove to the Christian world that the pope was too hasty in placing him under the ban, the emperor resolved to proceed to the Holy Land and embarked from Brindial with a small army on 28 June, 1228, having previously asked the blessing of Gregory IX upon his enterprise. The pope, however, denying that an excommunicated emperor had a right to undertake a holy war, not only refused his blessing, but put him under the ban a second time and released the crusaders from their oath of allegiance to him. While in the Holy Land the emperor, seeing that he could accomplish nothing as long as he was under the ban, changed his tactics toward the pope. He now acknowledged the justice of his excommunication and began to take steps towards a reconciliation. Gregory IX distrusted the advances of the emperor, especially since Rainald, the imperial Governor of Spoleto, had invaded the Pontifical States during the emperor's absence. But the papal anathema did not have the effect which Gregory IX had hoped for. In Germany only one bishop, Berthold of Strasburg, published the Bull of excommunication, and nearly all the princes and bishops remained faithful to the emperor. Cardinal Otto of San Nicolo, whom Gregory IX had sent to Germany to publish the emperor's excommunication, was entirely unsuccessful, because Frederick's son Henry, his representative in Germany, forbade the bishops and abbots to appear at the synods which the cardinal attempted to convene. Equally futile were Gregory's efforts to put Duke Otto of Brunswick on the German throne. In June, 1229, Frederick II returned from the Holy Land, routed the papal army which Gregory IX had sent to invade Sicily, and made new overtures of peace to the pope. Gregory IX, who had been a fugitive at Perugia since 1228, returned to Rome in February, 1230, upon the urgent request of the Romans, who connected an overwhelming flood of the Tiber with their harsh treatment of the pontiff. He now opened negotiations with Hermann of Salza, the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order, whom the emperor had sent as his representative. On 20 July, 1230, a treaty was concluded at San Germano between the pope and the emperor, by force of which that part of the Pontifical States which was occupied by imperial troops and the papal possessions in Sicily were restored to the pope. After the ban was removed from the emperor by Cardinals John of Sabina and Thomas of Capua in the imperial camp near Ceperano on 28 August, 1230, pope and emperor met at Anagni and completed their reconciliation during the first three days of September. The peace concluded between the pope and the emperor was, however, to be only temporary. The papacy as conceived by Gregory IX and the empire as conceived by Frederick II could not exist together in peace. The emperor aimed at supreme temporal power with which the pope should have no right to interfere. At least in Italy he tried to establish a rule of absolutism by suppressing all municipal liberty and holding the cities in subjection by a revived sort of feudalism. The pope, on the other hand, citing the example of Constantine, who exchanged Rome for Constantinople in deference to the pope, thought that the pope should be the supreme ruler in Italy and by force of his spiritual authority over the whole Christian world the papacy should in all things hold the supremacy over the empire. For a time the emperor assisted the pope in suppressing a few minor revolts in the Pontifical States, as was stipulated in the conditions of peace. Soon, however, he began again to disturb the peace by impeding the liberty of the Church in Sicily and by making war upon Lombardy. The freedom of the Lombard cities was a strong and necessary bulwark for the safety of the Pontifical States and it was only natural that the pope should use all his influence to protect these cities against the imperial designs. As arbiter between the emperor and the Lombard cities the pope had a few times decided in favour of the latter. The emperor, therefore, no longer desired the services of the pope as mediator and began open hostilities against the Lombard League. He gained a signal victory at Cortenuova on 27 November, 1237. To save Lombardy from the despotic rule of the emperor and to protect the Pontifical States, the pope entered into an alliance with the Tuscans, Umbrians, and Lombards to impede the imperial progress. The continuous victories of the emperor spurred his pride to further action. He declared his intention to unite with the empire not only Lombardy and Tuscany, but also the Patrimony of St. Peter and practically the whole of Italy. On 12 March, 1239, the pope again excommunicated the emperor and another disasterous struggle between the papacy and the empire ensued. Henceforth the pope was convinced that as long as Frederick was emperor there was no possibility of peace between the papacy and the empire, and he left nothing undone to bring about his disposition. He ordered a crusade to be preached against him in Germany, instructed his Germna legate Albert of Behaim, the Archdeacon of Passau, to urge the election of a new king upon the princes, and to place under the ban all those that continued to side with the excommunicated emperor. Despite papal anathemas many bishops and princes remained loyal to the emperor who, encouraged by his large following, decided to humiliate the pope by making himself master of the Pontifical States. In this great distress the pope ordered all bishops to assemble in Rome for a general council at Easter (31 March), 1241. But the emperor prevented the meeting of the council by forbidding the bishops to travel to Rome and by capturing all those that undertook the journey despite his prohibition. He himself marched towards Rome with an army and lay encamped near the city, when Gregory IX suddenly died at the age of almost one hundred years. The mendicant orders which began to shed great lustre over the Christian Church in the first half of the thirteenth century found a devoted friend and liberal patron in Gregory IX. In them he saw an excellent means for counteracting by voluntary poverty the love of luxury and splendour which was possessing many ecclesiastics; a powerful weapon for suppressing heresy within the Church; and an army of brave soldiers of Christ who were ready to preach His Gospel to the pagans even at the risk of their life. When still Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia, Gregory IX would often don the dress of St. Francis, walk about barefoot with the saint and his disciples, and talk of holy things. Saint Francis loved him as his father and in a prophetic spirit addressed him at times as "the bishop of the whole world and the father of all nations". Upon the special request of Saint Francis, Pope Honorius III appointed him protector of the order in 1220. He was also a devoted friend of St. Dominic and promoted the interests of his order in many ways. At the death of St. Dominic he held the funeral services and buried the saint at Bologna in 1221. St. Clare and her order stood likewise under the protection of Gregory IX, as is attested by the convents he founded for the order in Rome, Lombardy, and Tuscia. However, despite his great liberality towards the rising mendicant orders he did not neglect the older ones. On 28 June, 1227, he approved the old privileges of the Camaldolese, in the same year he introduced the Premonstratensians into Livonia and Courland, and on 6 April, 1229, he gave new statutes to the Carmelites. He financially and otherwise assisted the Cistercians and the Teutonic Order in the Christianization of Prussia and the neighboring countries of the North. On 17 January, 1235, he approved the Order of Our Lady of Mercy for the redemption of captives. With the help of the religious orders he planned the conversion of Asia and Africa and sent missionaries out of their ranks to Tunis, Morocco, and other places, where not a few suffered martyrdom. He also did much to alleviate the hard lot of the Christians in the Holy Land, and would have done still more, if his plans to recover the Holy Land for the Christians had not been frustrated by the indifference of Frederick II. The calendar of saints was enriched with some of the most popular names by Gregory IX. On 16 July, 1228, he canonized St. Francis of Assisi, and on the next day he laid the cornerstone of the church and monastery which were erected in honour of the saint. He took part in the composition of the Office of St. Francis and also wrote some hymns in his honour. It was also at his command that Thomas of Celano wrote a biography of the saint (latest and best edition by d'Alencon, Rome, 1906). On 30 May, 1232, he canonized St. Anthony of Padua, at Spoleto; on 10 June, 1233, St. Virgil, Bishop of Salzburg and Apostle of Carinthia; on 8 July, 1234, St. Dominic, at Rieti; and on 27 May, 1235, St. Elizabeth of Thuringia, at Perugia. Gregory IX was very severe towards heretics, who in those times were universally looked upon as traitors and punished accordingly. Upon the request of King Louis IX of France, he sent Cardinal Romanus as legate to assist the king in his crusade against the Albigenses. At the synod which the papal legate convened at Toulouse in November, 1229, it was decreed that all heretics and their abettors should be delivered to the nobles and magistrates for their due punishment, which, in case of obstinacy, was usually death. When in 1224 Frederick II ordered that heretics in Lombardy should be burnt at the stake, Gregory IX, who was then papal legate for Lombardy, approved and published the imperial law. During his enforced absence from Rome (1228-1231) the heretics remained unmolested and became very numerous in the city. In February, 1231, therefore, the pope enacted a law for Rome that heretics condemned by an ecclesiastical court should be delivered to the secular power to receive their "due punishment". This "due punishment" was death by fire for the obstinate and imprisonment for life for the penitent. In pursuance of this law a number of Patarini were arrested in Rome in 1231, the obstinate were burned at the stake, the others were imprisoned in the Benedictine monasteries of Monte Cassino and Cava (Ryccardus de S. Germano, ad annum 1231, in Mon. Germ. SS., XIX, 363). It must not be thought, however, that Gregory IX dealt more severely with heretics than other rulers did. Death by fire was the common punishment for heretics and traitors in those times. Up to the time of Gregory IX, the duty of searching out heretics belonged to the bishops in their respective dioceses. The so-called Monastic Inquisition was established by Gregory IX, who in his Bulls of 13, 20, and 22 April, 1233, appointed the Dominicans as the official inquisitors for all dioceses of France (Ripoil and Bremond, "Bullarium Ordinia Fratrum Praedicatorum", Rome, 1729, I, 47). For a time Gregory IX lived in hope that he might effect a reunion of the Latin and Greek Churches. Germanos, Patriarch of Constantinople, after a conversation on the religious differences between the Greeks and the Latins, which he had with some Franciscans at Nice, in 1232, addressed a letter to Gregory IX, in which he acknowledged the papal primacy, but complained of the persecution of the Greeks by the Latins. Gregory IX sent him a cordial answer and commissioned four learned monks (two Franciscans and two Dominicans) to treat with the patriarch concerning the reunion. The papal messengers were kindly received both by the Emperor Vatatzes and by Germanos, but the patriarchs said that he could make no concessions on matters of faith without the consent of the Patriarchs of Jersusalem, Antioch, and Alexandria. A synod of the patriarchs was held at Nympha in Bithynia, to which the papal messengers were invited. But the Greeks stubbornly adhered to their doctrine concerning the procession of the Holy Ghost and asserted that the Latins could not validly consecrate unleavened bread. Thus Gregory IX failed, like many other popes before and after him, in his efforts to reunite the two Churches. In 1237 the Patriarch of the Syrian Monophysites and many of his bishops and monks renounced their heresy and submitted to the pope (Raynaldus ad annum 1237, n. 87 sq.), but their conversion was only temporary. During the thirteen years and four months of his pontificate he created about fourteen cardinals, many of whom were members of religious orders. The best known among them are Sinibald of Fiesco, a learned canonist, who afterwards ascended the papal throne as Innocent IV; Raynald of Segni, a nephew of Gregory IX, who succeeded Innocent IV as Alexander IV; Otto of Montferrat, who spent over three years (1237-1240) as papal legate in England; Jacob of Vitry, an author, confessor of St. Mary of Oignies, whose life he wrote (Acta SS., June, IV, 636-66); St. Francis Nonatus; and the learned and pious Englishman, Robert of Somercote, who, it is said, would have succeeded Gregory IX on the papal throne had he not died during the conclave (26 Sept., 1241). Gregory IX was also a man of learning, which he encouraged in various ways. He bestowed many privileges on the University of Paris, his Alma Mater, but also watched carefully over its professors, whom he warned repeatedly against the growing tendency of subjecting theology to philosophy by making the truth of the mysteries of faith dependent on philosophical proofs. He also possesses the great merit of having again made Aristotelianism the basis of scholastic philosophy, after the Physics of Aristotle had been prohibited in 1210; and his Metaphysics in 1215. The prohibition of Aristotle was meant only for the perverted Latin translation of his works and their Averroistic commentaries. Gregory IX commissioned William of Auvergne and other learned men to purge the works of Aristotle of their errors and thus made them again accessible to students. Among the greatest achievements of Gregory IX must be counted the collection of papal decretals, a work with which he entrusted Raymond of Pennaforte and which was completed in 1234 (see DECRETALS). The numerous letters of Gregory IX were first collected and published by Pamelius (Antwerp, 1572). Rodenburg edited 485 letters of Gregory IX, selected by Perts from the papal registers of the thirteenth century, and published them in "Mon. Germ. Epist. Rom. Pontif." (Berlin, 1883), I, 261-728. Lucian Auvray began (Paris, 1890) to edit "Les Registres de Gregoire IX, recueil des bulles de ce pape, publiées ou analysées d'après les manuscrits originaux du Vatican", of which the eleventh fasccle appeared in 1908. |
1216-1227 Honorius III his extreme
kindness had endeared himself to the hearts
of all;
Like his famous predecessor Innocent III, he set his mind on the achievement of two great things, the recovery of the Holy Land in the Fifth Crusade and a spiritual reform of the entire Church; but quite in contrast with Innocent III he sought these achievements by kindness and indulgence rather than by force and severity. On July 18, 1216, nineteen cardinals assembled at Perugia (where Innocent III had died two days previously) with the purpose of electing a new Pope. The troubled state of affairs in Italy, the threatening attitude of the Tatars, and the fear of a schism induced the cardinals to agree to an election by compromise. Cardinals Ugolino of Ostia (afterwards Pope Gregory IX) and Guido of Praeneste were empowered to appoint the new Pope. Their choice fell upon Cencio Savelli, who accepted the tiara with reluctance and took the name of Honorius III. He was consecrated at Perugia on July 24th, was crowned at Rome 31 August, and took possession of the Lateran 3 September 1216. The Roman people were greatly elated at the election, for Honorius III was himself a Roman and by his extreme kindness had endeared himself to the hearts of all. Like his famous predecessor Innocent III, he set his mind on the achievement of two great things, the recovery of the Holy Land in the Fifth Crusade and a spiritual reform of the entire Church; but quite in contrast with Innocent III he sought these achievements by kindness and indulgence rather than by force and severity. |
1227-1241 Pope Gregory IX
During the thirteen years and four months
of his pontificate he created about fourteen
cardinals, many of whom were members of religious orders.
The best known among them are Sinibald of Fiesco, a
learned canonist, who afterwards ascended the papal throne
as Innocent IV; Raynald of Segni, a nephew of Gregory IX,
who succeeded Innocent IV as Alexander IV; Otto of Montferrat,
who spent over three years (1237-1240) as papal legate in
England; Jacob of Vitry, an author, confessor of St. Mary of
Oignies, whose life he wrote (Acta SS., June, IV, 636-66); St.
Francis Nonatus; and the learned and pious Englishman, Robert
of Somercote, who, it is said, would have succeeded Gregory IX
on the papal throne had he not died during the conclave (26 Sept.,
1241). Gregory IX was also a man of learning, which he encouraged
in various ways. He bestowed many privileges on the University
of Paris, his Alma Mater, but also watched carefully over its professors,
whom he warned repeatedly against the growing tendency of
subjecting theology to philosophy by making the truth of the
mysteries of faith dependent on philosophical proofs. He also
possesses the great merit of having again made Aristotelianism
the basis of scholastic philosophy, after the Physics of
Aristotle had been prohibited in 1210; and his Metaphysics
in 1215. The prohibition of Aristotle was meant only for the
perverted Latin translation of his works and their Averroistic
commentaries. Gregory IX commissioned William of Auvergne
and other learned men to purge the works of Aristotle of their
errors and thus made them again accessible to students. Among
the greatest achievements of Gregory IX must be counted the collection
of papal decretals, a work with which he entrusted Raymond of
Pennaforte and which was completed in 1234 (see DECRETALS).
(UGOLINO, Count of Segni). Born about 1145, at Anagni in the Campagna; died 22 August, 1241, at Rome. He received his education at the Universities of Paris and Bologna. After the accession of Innocent III to the papal throne, Ugolino, who was a nephew of Innocent III, was successively appointed papal chaplain, Archpriest of St. Peter's, and Cardinal-Deacon of Saint' Eustachio in 1198. In May, 1206, he succeeded Octavian as Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia and Velletri. A year later he and Cardinal Brancaleone were sent as papal legates to Germany to mediate between Philip of Swabia and Otto of Brunswick, both of whom laid claim to the German throne subsequent to the death of Henry VI. By order of the pope the legates freed Philip from the ban which he had incurred under Pope Celestine III on account of invading the Pontifical States. Though the legates were unable to induce Otto of Brunswick to give up his claims to the throne, they succeeded in effecting a truce between the two claimants and returned to Rome in 1208 to treat with the pope concerning their future procedure. On their way back to Germany early in June, 1208, they were apprised at Verona that Philip had been murdered, and again returned to Rome. Early in January, 1209, they again proceeded to Germany with instructions to induce the princes to acknowledge Otto of Brunswick as king. They were successful in their mission and returned to Rome in June of the same year. After the death of Pope Innocent III, 16 July, 1216, Ugolino was instrumental in the election of Pope Honorius III on 18 July. In order to hasten the choice the College of Cardinals had agreed to an election by compromise and empowered Cardinals Ugolino and Guido of Preneste to appoint the new pope. In January, 1217, Honorius III made Ugolino plenipotentiary legate for Lombardy and Tuscia, and entrusted him with preaching the crusade in those territories. In this capacity he became a successful mediator between Pisa and Genoa, in 1217, between Milan and Cremona in 1218, and between Bologna and Pistoia in 1219. At the coronation of Frederick II in Rome, 22 November, 1220, the emperor took the cross from Ugolino and made the vow to embark for the Holy Land in August, 1221. On 14 March, 1221, Pope Honorius commissioned Ugolino to preach the crusade also in Central and Upper Italy. After the death of Pope Honorius III (18 March, 1227), the cardinals again agreed upon an election by compromise and empowered three of their number, among whom were Ugolino and Conrad of Urach, to elect the new pope. At first Conrad of Urach was elected, but he refused the tiara lest it might appear that he had elected himself. Hereupon the cardinals unanimously elected Ugolino on 19 March, 1227, and he reluctantly accepted the high honour, taking the name of Gregory IX. Though he was already far advanced in age (being more than eighty years old), he was still full of energy. The important diplomatic positions which Gregory IX had held before he became pope had acquainted him thoroughly with the political situation of Europe, and especially with the guileful and dishonest tactics of Emperor Frederick II. Three days after his installation he sternly ordered the emperor at last to fulfill his long delayed vow to embark for the Holy Land. Apparently obedient to the papal mandate, Frederick II set sail from Brindial on 8 September, 1227, but returned three days later under the plea that the Landgrave of Thuringia, who was accompanying him, was on the point of death, and that he himself was seriously ill. Gregory IX, knowing that Frederick II had on eight or nine previous occasions postponed his departure for the East, distrusted the emperor's sincerity, and on 20 September, 1227, placed him under the ban of the Church. He tried to justify his severe measures towards the emperor in a Brief to the Christian princes, while, on the other hand, the emperor addressed a manifesto to the princes in which he condemns the actions of the pope in very bitter terms. The imperial manifesto was read publicly on the steps of the Capitol in Rome, whereupon the imperial party in Rome, under the leadership of the Frangipam, stirred up an insurrection, so that when the pope published the emperor's excommunication in the basilica of St. Peter, 23 March, 1228, he was openly insulted and threatened by a Ghibelline mob, and fled first to Viterbo, and then to Perugia. In order to prove to the Christian world that the pope was too hasty in placing him under the ban, the emperor resolved to proceed to the Holy Land and embarked from Brindial with a small army on 28 June, 1228, having previously asked the blessing of Gregory IX upon his enterprise. The pope, however, denying that an excommunicated emperor had a right to undertake a holy war, not only refused his blessing, but put him under the ban a second time and released the crusaders from their oath of allegiance to him. While in the Holy Land the emperor, seeing that he could accomplish nothing as long as he was under the ban, changed his tactics toward the pope. He now acknowledged the justice of his excommunication and began to take steps towards a reconciliation. Gregory IX distrusted the advances of the emperor, especially since Rainald, the imperial Governor of Spoleto, had invaded the Pontifical States during the emperor's absence. But the papal anathema did not have the effect which Gregory IX had hoped for. In Germany only one bishop, Berthold of Strasburg, published the Bull of excommunication, and nearly all the princes and bishops remained faithful to the emperor. Cardinal Otto of San Nicolo, whom Gregory IX had sent to Germany to publish the emperor's excommunication, was entirely unsuccessful, because Frederick's son Henry, his representative in Germany, forbade the bishops and abbots to appear at the synods which the cardinal attempted to convene. Equally futile were Gregory's efforts to put Duke Otto of Brunswick on the German throne. In June, 1229, Frederick II returned from the Holy Land, routed the papal army which Gregory IX had sent to invade Sicily, and made new overtures of peace to the pope. Gregory IX, who had been a fugitive at Perugia since 1228, returned to Rome in February, 1230, upon the urgent request of the Romans, who connected an overwhelming flood of the Tiber with their harsh treatment of the pontiff. He now opened negotiations with Hermann of Salza, the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order, whom the emperor had sent as his representative. On 20 July, 1230, a treaty was concluded at San Germano between the pope and the emperor, by force of which that part of the Pontifical States which was occupied by imperial troops and the papal possessions in Sicily were restored to the pope. After the ban was removed from the emperor by Cardinals John of Sabina and Thomas of Capua in the imperial camp near Ceperano on 28 August, 1230, pope and emperor met at Anagni and completed their reconciliation during the first three days of September. The peace concluded between the pope and the emperor was, however, to be only temporary. The papacy as conceived by Gregory IX and the empire as conceived by Frederick II could not exist together in peace. The emperor aimed at supreme temporal power with which the pope should have no right to interfere. At least in Italy he tried to establish a rule of absolutism by suppressing all municipal liberty and holding the cities in subjection by a revived sort of feudalism. The pope, on the other hand, citing the example of Constantine, who exchanged Rome for Constantinople in deference to the pope, thought that the pope should be the supreme ruler in Italy and by force of his spiritual authority over the whole Christian world the papacy should in all things hold the supremacy over the empire. For a time the emperor assisted the pope in suppressing a few minor revolts in the Pontifical States, as was stipulated in the conditions of peace. Soon, however, he began again to disturb the peace by impeding the liberty of the Church in Sicily and by making war upon Lombardy. The freedom of the Lombard cities was a strong and necessary bulwark for the safety of the Pontifical States and it was only natural that the pope should use all his influence to protect these cities against the imperial designs. As arbiter between the emperor and the Lombard cities the pope had a few times decided in favour of the latter. The emperor, therefore, no longer desired the services of the pope as mediator and began open hostilities against the Lombard League. He gained a signal victory at Cortenuova on 27 November, 1237. To save Lombardy from the despotic rule of the emperor and to protect the Pontifical States, the pope entered into an alliance with the Tuscans, Umbrians, and Lombards to impede the imperial progress. The continuous victories of the emperor spurred his pride to further action. He declared his intention to unite with the empire not only Lombardy and Tuscany, but also the Patrimony of St. Peter and practically the whole of Italy. On 12 March, 1239, the pope again excommunicated the emperor and another disasterous struggle between the papacy and the empire ensued. Henceforth the pope was convinced that as long as Frederick was emperor there was no possibility of peace between the papacy and the empire, and he left nothing undone to bring about his disposition. He ordered a crusade to be preached against him in Germany, instructed his Germna legate Albert of Behaim, the Archdeacon of Passau, to urge the election of a new king upon the princes, and to place under the ban all those that continued to side with the excommunicated emperor. Despite papal anathemas many bishops and princes remained loyal to the emperor who, encouraged by his large following, decided to humiliate the pope by making himself master of the Pontifical States. In this great distress the pope ordered all bishops to assemble in Rome for a general council at Easter (31 March), 1241. But the emperor prevented the meeting of the council by forbidding the bishops to travel to Rome and by capturing all those that undertook the journey despite his prohibition. He himself marched towards Rome with an army and lay encamped near the city, when Gregory IX suddenly died at the age of almost one hundred years. The mendicant orders which began to shed great lustre over the Christian Church in the first half of the thirteenth century found a devoted friend and liberal patron in Gregory IX. In them he saw an excellent means for counteracting by voluntary poverty the love of luxury and splendour which was possessing many ecclesiastics; a powerful weapon for suppressing heresy within the Church; and an army of brave soldiers of Christ who were ready to preach His Gospel to the pagans even at the risk of their life. When still Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia, Gregory IX would often don the dress of St. Francis, walk about barefoot with the saint and his disciples, and talk of holy things. Saint Francis loved him as his father and in a prophetic spirit addressed him at times as "the bishop of the whole world and the father of all nations". Upon the special request of Saint Francis, Pope Honorius III appointed him protector of the order in 1220. He was also a devoted friend of St. Dominic and promoted the interests of his order in many ways. At the death of St. Dominic he held the funeral services and buried the saint at Bologna in 1221. St. Clare and her order stood likewise under the protection of Gregory IX, as is attested by the convents he founded for the order in Rome, Lombardy, and Tuscia. However, despite his great liberality towards the rising mendicant orders he did not neglect the older ones. On 28 June, 1227, he approved the old privileges of the Camaldolese, in the same year he introduced the Premonstratensians into Livonia and Courland, and on 6 April, 1229, he gave new statutes to the Carmelites. He financially and otherwise assisted the Cistercians and the Teutonic Order in the Christianization of Prussia and the neighboring countries of the North. On 17 January, 1235, he approved the Order of Our Lady of Mercy for the redemption of captives. With the help of the religious orders he planned the conversion of Asia and Africa and sent missionaries out of their ranks to Tunis, Morocco, and other places, where not a few suffered martyrdom. He also did much to alleviate the hard lot of the Christians in the Holy Land, and would have done still more, if his plans to recover the Holy Land for the Christians had not been frustrated by the indifference of Frederick II. The calendar of saints was enriched with some of the most popular names by Gregory IX. On 16 July, 1228, he canonized St. Francis of Assisi, and on the next day he laid the cornerstone of the church and monastery which were erected in honour of the saint. He took part in the composition of the Office of St. Francis and also wrote some hymns in his honour. It was also at his command that Thomas of Celano wrote a biography of the saint (latest and best edition by d'Alencon, Rome, 1906). On 30 May, 1232, he canonized St. Anthony of Padua, at Spoleto; on 10 June, 1233, St. Virgil, Bishop of Salzburg and Apostle of Carinthia; on 8 July, 1234, St. Dominic, at Rieti; and on 27 May, 1235, St. Elizabeth of Thuringia, at Perugia. Gregory IX was very severe towards heretics, who in those times were universally looked upon as traitors and punished accordingly. Upon the request of King Louis IX of France, he sent Cardinal Romanus as legate to assist the king in his crusade against the Albigenses. At the synod which the papal legate convened at Toulouse in November, 1229, it was decreed that all heretics and their abettors should be delivered to the nobles and magistrates for their due punishment, which, in case of obstinacy, was usually death. When in 1224 Frederick II ordered that heretics in Lombardy should be burnt at the stake, Gregory IX, who was then papal legate for Lombardy, approved and published the imperial law. During his enforced absence from Rome (1228-1231) the heretics remained unmolested and became very numerous in the city. In February, 1231, therefore, the pope enacted a law for Rome that heretics condemned by an ecclesiastical court should be delivered to the secular power to receive their "due punishment". This "due punishment" was death by fire for the obstinate and imprisonment for life for the penitent. In pursuance of this law a number of Patarini were arrested in Rome in 1231, the obstinate were burned at the stake, the others were imprisoned in the Benedictine monasteries of Monte Cassino and Cava (Ryccardus de S. Germano, ad annum 1231, in Mon. Germ. SS., XIX, 363). It must not be thought, however, that Gregory IX dealt more severely with heretics than other rulers did. Death by fire was the common punishment for heretics and traitors in those times. Up to the time of Gregory IX, the duty of searching out heretics belonged to the bishops in their respective dioceses. The so-called Monastic Inquisition was established by Gregory IX, who in his Bulls of 13, 20, and 22 April, 1233, appointed the Dominicans as the official inquisitors for all dioceses of France (Ripoil and Bremond, "Bullarium Ordinia Fratrum Praedicatorum", Rome, 1729, I, 47). For a time Gregory IX lived in hope that he might effect a reunion of the Latin and Greek Churches. Germanos, Patriarch of Constantinople, after a conversation on the religious differences between the Greeks and the Latins, which he had with some Franciscans at Nice, in 1232, addressed a letter to Gregory IX, in which he acknowledged the papal primacy, but complained of the persecution of the Greeks by the Latins. Gregory IX sent him a cordial answer and commissioned four learned monks (two Franciscans and two Dominicans) to treat with the patriarch concerning the reunion. The papal messengers were kindly received both by the Emperor Vatatzes and by Germanos, but the patriarchs said that he could make no concessions on matters of faith without the consent of the Patriarchs of Jersusalem, Antioch, and Alexandria. A synod of the patriarchs was held at Nympha in Bithynia, to which the papal messengers were invited. But the Greeks stubbornly adhered to their doctrine concerning the procession of the Holy Ghost and asserted that the Latins could not validly consecrate unleavened bread. Thus Gregory IX failed, like many other popes before and after him, in his efforts to reunite the two Churches. In 1237 the Patriarch of the Syrian Monophysites and many of his bishops and monks renounced their heresy and submitted to the pope (Raynaldus ad annum 1237, n. 87 sq.), but their conversion was only temporary. During the thirteen years and four months of his pontificate he created about fourteen cardinals, many of whom were members of religious orders. The best known among them are Sinibald of Fiesco, a learned canonist, who afterwards ascended the papal throne as Innocent IV; Raynald of Segni, a nephew of Gregory IX, who succeeded Innocent IV as Alexander IV; Otto of Montferrat, who spent over three years (1237-1240) as papal legate in England; Jacob of Vitry, an author, confessor of St. Mary of Oignies, whose life he wrote (Acta SS., June, IV, 636-66); St. Francis Nonatus; and the learned and pious Englishman, Robert of Somercote, who, it is said, would have succeeded Gregory IX on the papal throne had he not died during the conclave (26 Sept., 1241). Gregory IX was also a man of learning, which he encouraged in various ways. He bestowed many privileges on the University of Paris, his Alma Mater, but also watched carefully over its professors, whom he warned repeatedly against the growing tendency of subjecting theology to philosophy by making the truth of the mysteries of faith dependent on philosophical proofs. He also possesses the great merit of having again made Aristotelianism the basis of scholastic philosophy, after the Physics of Aristotle had been prohibited in 1210; and his Metaphysics in 1215. The prohibition of Aristotle was meant only for the perverted Latin translation of his works and their Averroistic commentaries. Gregory IX commissioned William of Auvergne and other learned men to purge the works of Aristotle of their errors and thus made them again accessible to students. Among the greatest achievements of Gregory IX must be counted the collection of papal decretals, a work with which he entrusted Raymond of Pennaforte and which was completed in 1234 (see DECRETALS). The numerous letters of Gregory IX were first collected and published by Pamelius (Antwerp, 1572). Rodenburg edited 485 letters of Gregory IX, selected by Perts from the papal registers of the thirteenth century, and published them in "Mon. Germ. Epist. Rom. Pontif." (Berlin, 1883), I, 261-728. Lucian Auvray began (Paris, 1890) to edit "Les Registres de Gregoire IX, recueil des bulles de ce pape, publiées ou analysées d'après les manuscrits originaux du Vatican", of which the eleventh fasccle appeared in 1908. |
1277 Peter of Tarentaise
-a simple, humble friar Blessed Pope Innocent
V masterly tutelage of Saint Albert the Great
visited on foot all Dominican houses under his care sent
to Paris to replace Thomas Aquinas at the University of
Paris succeeded solving questions of Greek schism establishing
short-lived truce OP Pope (RM)
The next year Peter was appointed
cardinal-archbishop of Ostia, Italy, while still
administering the see of Lyons. With the great Franciscan,
Saint Bonaventure,
assumed much of the labor of the Council of Lyons to which Saint Thomas was hastening at the time
of his death. To the problems of clerical
reform and the healing of the Greek schism the two
gifted friars devoted their finest talents.Romæ beáti Innocéntii Papæ Quinti, ex Ordine Prædicatórum, Confessóris, qui ad tuéndam Ecclésiæ libertátem et Christianórum concórdiam suávi prudéntia adlaborávit. Cultum autem, ei exhíbitum, Leo Décimus tértius, Póntifex Máximus, ratum hábuit et confirmávit. At Rome, blessed Pope Innocent V, who laboured with mildness and prudence to maintain liberty for the Church and harmony among the Christians. The veneration paid to him was approved and confirmed by Pope Leo XIII. Born in Tarentaise-en-Forez, Burgundy, France, in 1245; died in Rome, June 22, 1277; cultus confirmed by Pope Leo XIII in 1898. Peter of Tarentaise was barely 10 years old when he was admitted to the Dominican Order by Blessed Jordan of Saxony as a boy-novice and sent to Paris to study. Like Saint Thomas Aquinas, Blessed Ambrose of Siena, and other luminaries of the 13th century, he fell under the masterly tutelage of Saint Albert the Great. He received his master's degree in theology in 1259, then he taught for some years in Paris, where he contributed a great deal to the order's reputation for learning. He wrote a number of commentaries on Scripture and the Commentary on the Sentences of Peter Lombard, but he devoted most of his time to the classroom. He soon became famous as a preacher and theologian, and in 1259, with a committee including his friend Thomas Aquinas, composed a plan of study that is still the basis of Dominican teaching. At age 37, Peter began the long years of responsibility in the various offices he was to hold in his lifetime as prior provincial of France. He visited on foot all Dominican houses under his care, and was then sent to Paris to replace Saint Thomas Aquinas at the University of Paris. Twice provincial, he was chosen archbishop of Lyons in 1272 and administered the affairs of the diocese for some time, though he was never actually consecrated for that see. Before the council was over,
Bonaventure died, and Peter of Tarentaise preached the funeral panegyric.
In January 1276, Peter was
with Blessed Pope Gregory
X when the latter died at Arezzo. The
conclave was held in the following month. On January
21, 1276, Peter of Tarentaise received every vote except
his own. With a sad heart, he left the seclusion of his
religious home to ascend the Fisherman's Throne as Pope
Innocent V.The reign of the new pope, which promised so much to a harassed people, was to be very brief. But, imbued with the spirit of the early apostles, he crowded a lifetime into the short space given him. He instigated a new crusade against the Saracens and began reforms in the matter of regular observance. He actually succeeded in solving many of the questions of the Greek schism and in establishing a short-lived truce. He struggled to reconcile the Guelphs and Ghibellines, restored peace between Pisa and Lucca, and acted as mediator between Rudolph of Hapsburg and Charles of Anjou. He restored the custom of personally assisting at choral functions with the canons of the Lateran, and he inspired all with the love that animated his heart. Had the measures begun by Innocent V had time to be fully realized, he might have accomplished great good for the Church; he did at least open the way for those who were to follow him. Death stopped the hand of the zealous pope when he had reigned only five months. Like his friends Saint Thomas and Saint Bonaventure, he was untouched by the honors and dignity with which he had been favored, and death found him exactly what he had been for more than 40 years--a simple, humble friar (Benedictines, Delaney, Dorcy). Pope Bl. Innocent V (PETRUS A TARENTASIA) Born in Tarentaise, towards 1225; elected at Arezzo, 21 January, 1276; died at Rome, 22 June, 1276. Tarentaise on the upper Isère in south-eastern France was certainly his native province, and the town of Champagny was in all probability his birthplace. At the age of sixteen he joined the Dominican Order. After completing his education, at the University of Paris, where he graduated as master in sacred theology in 1259, he won distinction as a professor in that institution, and is known as "the most famous doctor", "Doctor famosissimus" For some time provincial of his order in France, he became Archbishop of Lyons in 1272 and Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia in 1273. He played a prominent part at the Second Ecumenical Council of Lyons (1274), in which he delivered two discourses to the assembled fathers and also pronounced the funeral oration on St. Bonaventure. Elected as successor to Gregory X, whose intimate adviser he was, he assumed the name of Innocent V and was the first Dominican pope. His policy was peaceable. He sought to reconcile Guelphs and Ghibellines in Italy, restored peace between Pisa and Lucca, and mediated between Rudolph of Hapsburg and Charles of Anjou. He likewise endeavoured to consolidate the union of the Greeks with Rome concluded at the Council of Lyons. He is the author of several works dealing with philosophy, theology and canon law, some of which are still unpublished. The principal among them is his "Commentary on the Sentences of Peter Lombard" (Toulouse, 1652). Four philosophical treatises: "De unitate formæ", "De materia c&#aelig;li", "De æternitate mundi", "De intellectu et voluntate", are also due to his pen. A commentary on the Pauline Epistles frequently published under the name of Nicholas of Gorran (Cologne, 1478) is claimed for him by some critics. |
1210-1276 Pope St.Gregory
X enlisted
the help of John and his fellow Dominicans
in helping to pacify the States of Italy that were
quarreling with one another. Teobaldo Visconti, archdeacon of Liege, who, however, was not a cardinal himself nor even a priest. Beatified 12-Sep-1713 Born 1210; died 10 January,
1276. The death of Pope Clement IV (29 November, 1268) left the Holy See
vacant for almost three years. The cardinals assembled at Viterbo were divided
into two camps, the one French and the other Italian. Neither of these parties
could poll the two-thirds majority vote,
nor was either willing to give way to the other
for the election of a candidate to the papacy. In the
summer of 1270 the head and burgesses of the town of Viterbo,
hoping to force a vote, resorted to the expedient of confining
the cardinals within the episcopal palace, where even
their daily allowance of food was later on curtailed. A compromise
was finally arrived at through the combined efforts of the French
and Sicilian kings.
The Sacred College, which then consisted of fifteen cardinals, designated six of their body to agree upon and cast a final vote in the matter. These six delegates met, and on 1 September, 1271, united their ballots in choice of Teobaldo Visconti, archdeacon of Liege, who, however, was not a cardinal himself nor even a priest. The new pontiff was a native of Piacenza and had been at one time in the service of Cardinal Jacopo of Palestrina, had become archdeacon of Liege, and accompanied Cardinal Ottoboni on his mission to England, and at the time of his election happened to be in Ptolemais (Acre), with Prince Edward of England, on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Receiving a summons from the cardinals to return immediately, he began his homeward journey on 19 November, 1271, and arrived at Viterbo on 12 February, 1272. He declared his acceptance of the dignity and took the name of Gregory X. |
1145-1153
EUGENIUS III. (Bernardo Paganelli), pope
from the 15th of February 1145 to the 8th of July
1153, a native of Pisa, was abbot of the Cistercian
monastery of St Anastasius at Rome when suddenly elected
to succeed Lucius II.
His friend and instructor, Bernard of Clairvaux, the most influential ecclesiastic of the time, remonstrated against his election on account of his "innocence and simplicity," but Bernard soon acquiesced and continued to be the mainstay of the papacy throughout Eugenius's pontificate. Eugene is said to have gained the affection of the people by his affability and generosity. He died at Tivoli, whither he had gone to avoid the summer heats, and was buried in front of the high altar in St. Peters, Rome. St. Bernard followed him to the grave (20 Aug.). "The unassuming but astute pupil of St. Bernard", says Gregorovius, "had always continued to wear the coarse habit of Clairvaux beneath the purple; the stoic virtues of monasticism accompanied him through his stormy career, and invested him with that power of passive resistance which has always remained the most effectual weapon of the popes." St. Antoninus pronounces Eugene III "one of the greatest and most afflicted of the popes". Pius IX by a decreed of 28 Dec., 1872, approved the cult which from time immemorial the Pisans have rendered to their countryman, and ordered him to be honoured with Mass and Office ritu duplici on the anniversary of his death It was to Eugenius that Bernard addressed his famous work De consideratione. Immediately after his election, the Roman senators demanded the pope's renunciation of temporal power. He refused and fled to Farfa, where he was consecrated on the 17th of February. By treaty of December 1145 he recognized the republic under his suzerainty, substituted a papal prefect for the "patrician" and returned to Rome. The celebrated schismatic, Arnold of Brescia, however, put himself again at the head of the party opposed to the temporal power of the papacy, re-established the patricianate, and forced the pope to leave Rome. Eugenius had already, on hearing of the fall of Edessa, addressed a letter to Louis VII. of France (December 1145), announcing the Second Crusade and granting plenary indulgence under the usual conditions to those who would take the cross; and in January 1147 he journeyed to France to further preparations for the holy war and to seek aid in the constant feuds at Rome. After holding synods at Paris, Reims and Trier, he returned to Italy in June 1148 and took up his residence at Viterbo. The following month he excommunicated Arnold of Brescia in a synod at Cremona, and thenceforth devoted most of his energies to the recovery of his see. As the result of negotiations between Frederick Barbarossa and the Romans, Eugenius was finally enabled to return to Rome in December 1152, but died in the following July. He was succeeded by Anastasius IV. Eugenius retained the stoic virtues of monasticism throughout his stormy career, and was deeply reverenced for his personal character. His tomb in St Peter's acquired fame for miraculous cures, and he was pronounced blessed by Pius IX. in 1872. The chief sources for the career of Eugenius III. are his letters in J. P. Migne, Patrol. Lat., vols. 106, 180, 182, and in Bibliotheque de l'Ecole des Charles, vol. 57 (Paris, 1896); the life by Cardinal Boso in J. M. Watterich, Pontif. Roman. vitae, vol. 2; and the life by John of Salisbury in Monumenta Germaniae historica. Scriptores, vol. 20. See J. Langen, Geschichte der
riimischen Kirche von Gregor VII. bis Innocenz
III. (Bonn, 1893); F. Gregorovius, Rome in the
Middle Ages, vol. 4, trans. by Mrs G. W. Hamilton (London,
1900-1902); K. J. von Hefele, Conciliengeschichte, Bd.
5, 2nd ed.; Jaffe-Wattenbach, Regesta pontif. Roman. (1885-1888);
M. Jocham, Geschichte des Lebens u. der Verehrung
des seligen Papstes Eugen III. (Augsburg, 1873); G. Sainaci,
Vita del beato Eugenio III (Pisa, 1868); J. Jastrow and G.
Winter, Deutsche Geschichte im Zeitalter der Hohenstaufen,
i. (Stuttgart, 1897); C. Neumann, Bernhard von Clairvaux u. die
Anfdnge der zweiten Kreuzzuges (Heidelberg, 1882); B. Kugler,
Analekten zur Geschichte des zweiten Kreuzzugs (Tubingen, 1878, 1883).
(C. H. HA.)
Pope Blessed Eugene III Bernardo Pignatelli, born in the neighbourhood of Pisa, elected 15 Feb., 1145; d. at Tivoli, 8 July, 1153. On the very day that Pope Lucius II succumbed, either to illness or wounds, the Sacred College, foreseeing that the Roman populace would make a determined effort to force the new pontiff to abdicate his temporal power and swear allegiance to the Senatus Populusque Romanus, hastily buried the deceased pope in the Lateran and withdrew to the remote cloister of St. Cæsarius on the Appian Way. Here, for reasons unascertained, they sought a candidate outside their body, and unanimously chose the Cistercian monk, Bernard of Pisa, abbot of the monastery of Tre Fontane, on the site of St. Paul's martyrdom. He was enthroned as Eugene III without delay in St. John Lateran, and since residence in the rebellious city was impossible, the pope and his cardinals fled to the country. Their rendezvous was the monastery of Farfa, where Eugene received the episcopal consecration. The city of Viterbo, the hospitable refuge of so many of the afflicted medieval popes, opened its gates to welcome him; and thither he proceeded to await developments. Though powerless in face of the Roman mob, he was assured by embassies from all the European powers that he possessed the sympathy and affectionate homage of the entire Christian world. Concerning the parentage, birth-place, and even the original name of Eugene, each of his biographers has advanced a different opinion. All that can be affirmed as certain is that he was of the noble family of Pignatelli, and whether he received the name of Bernardo in baptism or only upon entering religion, must remain uncertain. He was educated in Pisa, and after his ordination was made a canon of the cathedral. Later he held the office of vice-dominus or steward of the temporalities of the diocese. In 1130 he came under the magnetic influence of St. Bernard of Clairvaux; five years later when the saint returned home from the Synod of Pisa, the vice dominus accompanied him as a novice. In course of time he was employed by his order on several important affiars; and lastly was sent with a colony of monks to repeople the ancient Abbey of Farfa; but Innocent II placed them instead at the Tre Fontane. St. Bernard received the intelligence
of the elevation of his disciple with astonishment
and pleasure, and gave expression to his feelings
in a paternal letter addressed to the new pope,
in which occurs the famous passage so often quoted by
reformers, true and false: "Who will grant me to see, before
I die, the Church of God as in the days of old when the Apostles
let down their nets for a draught, not of silver and gold, but
of souls?" The saint, moreover, proceeded to compose in his
few moments of leisure that admirable handbook for popes called
"De Consideratione". Whilst Eugene sojourned at Viterbo,
Arnold of Brescia, who had been condemned by the Council of
1139 to exile from Italy, ventured to return at the beginning
of the new pontificate and threw himself on the clemency of the
pope. Believing in the sincerity of his repentance, Eugene absolved
him and enjoined on him as penance fasting and a visit to the tombs
of the Apostles. If the veteran demagogue entered Rome in a penitential
mood, the sight of democracy based on his own principles soon caused
him to revert to his former self. He placed himself at the head
of the movement, and his incendiary philippics against the bishops,
cardinals, and even the ascetic pontiff who treated him with extreme
lenity, worked his hearers into such fury that Rome resembled a
city captured by barbarians. The palaces of the cardinals and of
such of the nobility as held with the pope were razed to the ground;
churches and monasteries were pillaged; St. Peter's church was turned
into an arsenal; and pious pilgrims were plundered and maltreated.
But the storm was too violent to last. Only an idiot could fail to understand that medieval Rome without he pope had no means of subsistence. A strong party was formed in Rome and the vicinity consisting of the principal families and their adherents, in the interests of order and the papacy, and the democrats were induced to listen to words of moderation. A treaty was entered into with Eugene by which the Senate was preserved but subject to the papal sovereignty and swearing allegiance to the supreme pontiff. The senators were to be chosen annually by popular election and in a committee of their body the executive power was lodged. The pope and the senate should have separate courts, and an appeal could be made from the decisions of either court to the other. By virtue of this treaty Eugene made a solemn entry into Rome a few days before Christmas, and was greeted by the fickle populace with boundless enthusiasm. But the dual system of government proved unworkable. The Romans demanded the destruction of Tivoli. This town had been faithful to Eugene during the rebellion of the Romans and merited his protection. He therefore refused to permit it to be destroyed. The Romans growing more and more turbulent, he retired to Castel S. Angelo, thence to Viterbo, and finally crossed the Alps, early in 1146. Problems lay before the pope of vastly greater importance than the maintenance of order in Rome. The Christian principalities in Palestine and Syria were threatened with extinction. The fall of Edessa (1144) had aroused consternation throughout the West, and already from Viterbo Eugene had addressed a stirring appeal to the chivalry of Europe to hasten to the defence of the Holy Places. St. Bernard was commissioned to preach the Second Crusade, and he acquitted himself of the task with such success that within a couple of years two magnificent armies, commanded by the King of the Romans and the King of France, were on their way to Palestine. That the Second Crusade was a wretched failure cannot be ascribed to the saint or the pope; but it is one of those phenomena so frequently met with in the history of the papacy, that a pope who was made to subdue a handful of rebellious subjects could hurl all Europe against the Saracens. Eugene spent three busy and fruitful years in France, intent on the propagation of the Faith, the correction of errors and abuses, and the maintenance of discipline. He sent Cardinal Breakspear (afterwards Adrian IV) as legate to Scandinavia; he entered into relations with the Orientals with a view to reunion; he proceeded with vigour against the nascent Manichean heresies. In several synods (Paris, 1147, Trier, 1148), notably in the great Synod of Reims (1148), canons were enacted regarding the dress and conduct of the clergy. To ensure the strict execution of these canons, the bishops who should neglect to enforce them were threatened with suspension. Eugene was inexorable in punishing the unworthy. He deposed the metropolitans of York and Mainz, and he for a cause which St. Bernard thought not sufficiently grave, he withdrew the pallium from the Archbishop of Reims. But if the saintly pontiff could at times be severe, this was not his natural disposition. "Never", wrote Ven. Peter of
Cluny to St. Bernard, "have I found a truer
friend, a sincerer brother, a purer father.
His ear is ever ready to hear, his tongue is swift and
mighty to advise. Nor does he comport himself as one's
superior, but rather as an equal or an inferior… I have
never made him a request which he has not either granted,
or so refused that I could not reasonably complain." On
the occasion of a visit which he paid to Clairvaux, his former
companions discovered to their joy that "he who externally
shone in the pontifical robes remained in his heart an observant
monk".
The prolonged sojourn of the pope in France was of great advantage to the French Church in many ways and enhanced the prestige of the papacy. Eugene also encouraged the new intellectual movement to which Peter Lombard had given a strong impulse. With the aid of Cardinal Pullus, his chancellor, who had established the University of Oxford on a lasting basis, he reduced the schools of theology and philosophy to better form. He encouraged Gratian in his herculean task of arranging the Decretals, and we owe to him various useful regulations bearing on academic degrees. In the spring of 1148, the pope returned by easy stages to Italy. On 7 July, he met the Italian bishops at Cremona, promulgated the canons of Reims for Italy, and solemnly excommunicated Arnold of Brescia, who still reigned over the Roman mob. Eugene, having brought with him considerable financial aid, began to gather his vassals and advanced to Viterbo and thence to Tusculum. Here he was visited by King Louis of France, whom he reconciled to his queen, Eleanor. With the assistance of Roger of Sicily, he forced his way into Rome (1149), and celebrated Christmas in the Lateran. His stay was not of long duration. During the next three years the Roman court wandered in exile through the Campagna while both sides looked for the intervention of Conrad of Germany, offering him the imperial crown. Aroused by the earnest exhortations of St. Bernard, Conrad finally decided to descend into Italy and put an end to the anarchy in Rome. Death overtook him in the midst of his preparations on 15 Feb., 1152, leaving the task to his more energetic nephew, Frederick Barbarossa. The envoys of Eugene having concluded with Frederick at Constance, in the spring of 1153, a treaty favourable to the interests of the Church and the empire, the more moderate of the Romans, seeing that the days of democracy were numbered, joined with the nobles in putting down the Arnoldists, and the pontiff was enabled to spend his concluding days in peace. Eugene is said to have gained the affection of the people by his affability and generosity. He died at Tivoli, whither he had gone to avoid the summer heats, and was buried in front of the high altar in St. Peters, Rome. St. Bernard followed him to the grave (20 Aug.). "The unassuming but astute pupil of St. Bernard", says Gregorovius, "had always continued to wear the coarse habit of Clairvaux beneath the purple; the stoic virtues of monasticism accompanied him through his stormy career, and invested him with that power of passive resistance which has always remained the most effectual weapon of the popes." St. Antoninus pronounces Eugene III "one of the greatest and most afflicted of the popes". Pius IX by a decreed of 28 Dec., 1872, approved the cult which from time immemorial the Pisans have rendered to their countryman, and ordered him to be honoured with Mass and Office ritu duplici on the anniversary of his death. |
1216
Pope Innocent III;
One of the greatest popes of
the Middle Ages; a learned theologian and one of the
greatest jurists of his time; held various ecclesiastical offices during the
short reigns of Lucius III, Urban III, Gregory VIII, and Clement
III; re-established
the papal authority in Rome; scarcely a country in Europe over which
Innocent III did not in some way or other assert the supremacy
which he claimed for the papacy; During his reign two great founders of the
mendicant orders, St. Dominic and St. Francis,
laid before him their scheme of reforming the world.
Innocent was not blind to the vices of luxury and indolence
which had infected many of the clergy and part of the laity.
In Dominic and Francis he recognized two mighty adversaries
of these vices and he sanctioned their projects with words
of encouragement. He also wrote "De quadripartita
specie nuptiarum" (P. L., CCXVII, 923-968), an exposition
of the fourfold marriage bond, namely, between man
and wife, between Christ and the Church, between God
and the just soul, between the Word and human nature - - entirely
based on passages from Holy Scripture. (Lotario de' Conti) One of the greatest popes of the Middle Ages, son of Count Trasimund of Segni and nephew of Clement III, born 1160 or 1161 at Anagni, and died 16 June, 1216, at Perugia. He received his early education at Rome, studied theology at Paris, jurisprudence at Bologna, and became a learned theologian and one of the greatest jurists of his time. Shortly after the death of Alexander III (30 Aug., 1181) Lotario returned to Rome and held various ecclesiastical offices during the short reigns of Lucius III, Urban III, Gregory VIII, and Clement III. Pope Gregory VIII ordained him subdeacon, and Clement III created him Cardinal-Deacon of St. George in Velabro and Sts. Sergius and Bacchus, in 1190. Later he became Cardinal-Priest of St. Pudentiana. During the pontificate of Celestine III (1191-1198), a member of the House of the Orsini, enemies of the counts of Segni, he lived in retirement, probably at Anagni, devoting himself chiefly to meditation and literary pursuits. Celestine III died 8 January, 1198. Previous to his death he had urged the College of Cardinals to elect Giovanni di Colonna as his successor; but Lotario de' Conti was elected pope, at Rome, on the very day on which Celestine III died. He accepted the tiara with reluctance and took the name of Innocent III. At the time of his accession to the papacy he was only thirty-seven years of age. The imperial throne had become vacant by the death of Henry VI in 1197, and no successor had as yet been elected. The tactful and energetic pope made good use of the opportunity offered him by this vacancy for the restoration of the papal power in Rome and in the States of the Church. The Prefect of Rome, who reigned over the city as the emperor's representative, and the senator who stood for the communal rights and privileges of Rome, swore allegiance to Innocent. When he had thus re-established the papal authority in Rome, he availed himself of every opportunity to put in practice his grand concept of the papacy. Italy was tired of being ruled by a host of German adventurers, and the pope experienced little difficulty in extending his political power over the peninsula. First he sent two cardinal legates to Markwuld to demand the restoration of the Romagna and the March of Ancona to the Church. Upon his evasive answer he was excommunicated by the legates and driven away by the papal troops. In like manner the Duchy of Spoleto and the Districts of Assisi and Sora were wrested from the German knight, Conrad von Uerslingen. The league which had been formed among the cities of Tuscany was ratified by the pope after it acknowledged him as suzerain. Death of the Emperor Henry VI left his four-year old child, Frederick II, King of Sicily. The emperor's widow Constance, who ruled over Sicily for her little son, was unable to cope singly against the Norman barons of the Sicilian Kingdom, who resented the German rule and refused to acknowledge the child-king. She appealed to Innocent III to save the Sicilian throne for her child. The pope made use of this opportunity to reassert papal suzerainty over Sicily, and acknowledged Frederick II as king only after Constance had surrendered certain privileges contained in the so-called Four Chapters, which William I had previously extorted from Adrian IV. The pope then solemnly invested Frederick II as King of Sicily in a Bull issued about the middle of November, 1198. Before the Bull reached Sicily Constance had died, but before her death she had appointed Innocent as guardian of the orphan-king. With the greatest fidelity the pope watched over the welfare of his ward during the nine years of his minority. Even the enemies of the papacy admit that Innocent was an unselfish guardian of the young king and that no one else could have ruled for him more ably and conscientiously. To protect the inexperienced king against his enemies, he induced him in 1209 to marry Constance, the widow of King Emeric of Hungary. Conditions in Germany were extremely favourable for the application of Innocent's idea concerning the relation between the papacy and the empire. After the death of Henry VI a double election had ensued. The Ghibellines had elected Philip of Swabia on 6 March, 1198, while the Guelfs had elected Otto IV, son of Henry the Lion and nephew of King Richard of England, in April of the same year. The former was crowned at Mainz on 8 September, 1198, the latter at Aachen on 12 July, 1198. Immediately upon his accession to the papal throne Innocent sent the Bishop of Sutri and the Abbot of Sant' Anastasio as legates to Germany, with instructions to free Philip of Swabia from the ban which he had incurred under Celestine III, on condition that he would bring about the liberation of the imprisoned Queen Sibyl of Sicily and restore the territory which he had taken from the Church when he was Duke of Tuscany. When the legates arrived in Germany, Philip had already been elected king. Yielding to the wishes of Philip, the Bishop of Sutri secretly freed him from the ban upon his mere promise to fulfil the proposed conditions. After the coronation Philip sent the legates back to Rome with letters requesting the pope's ratification of his election; but Innocent was dissatisfied with the action of the Bishop of Sutri and refused to ratify the election. Otto IV also sent legates to the pope after his coronation at Aachen, but before the pope took any action, the two claimants of the German throne began to assert their claims by force of arms. Though the pope did not openly side with either of them, it was apparent that his sympathy was with Otto IV. Offended at what they considered an unjust interference on the part of the pope, the adherents of Philip sent a letter to him in which they protested against his interference in the imperial affairs of Germany. In his answer Innocent stated that he had no intention of encroaching upon the rights of the princes, but insisted upon the rights of the Church in this matter. He emphasized especially that the conferring of the imperial crown belonged to the pope alone. In 1201 the pope openly espoused the side of Otto IV. On 3 July, 1201, the papal legate, Cardinal-Bishop Guido of Palestrina, announced to the people, in the cathedral of Cologne, that Otto IV had been approved by the pope as Roman king and threatened with excommunication all those who refused to acknowledge him. Innocent III made clear to the German princes by the Decree "Venerabilem" which he addressed to the Duke of Zähringen in May, 1202, in what relation he considered the empire to stand to the papacy. This decretal, which has become famous, was afterwards embodied in the "Corpus Juris Canonici". It is found in Baluze, "Registrum Innocentii III super negotio Romani Imperii", no. lxii, and is reprinted in P. L., CCXVI, 1065-7. The following are the chief points of the decretal: The German princes have the right
to elect the king, who is afterwards to
become emperor.
This right was given them by
the Apostolic See when it transferred the imperial dignity from the Greeks
to the Germans in the person of Charlemagne.
The right to investigate and decide whether a king thus elected is worthy of the imperial dignity belongs to the pope, whose office it is to anoint, consecrate, and crown him; otherwise it might happen that the pope would be obliged to anoint, consecrate, and Crown a king who was excommunicated, a heretic, or a pagan. If the pope finds that the king who has been elected by the princes is unworthy of the imperial dignity, the princes must elect a new king or, if they refuse, the pope will confer the imperial dignity upon another king; for the Church stands in need of a patron and defender. In case of a double election
the pope must exhort the princes to come to an agreement. If after a due
interval they have not reached an agreement they must ask the pope to arbitrate,
failing which, he must of his own accord and by virtue of his office decide
in favour of one of the claimants. The pope's decision need not be based
on the greater or less legality of either election, but on the qualifications
of the claimants.
Innocent's exposition of his
theory concerning the relation between the papacy and
the empire was accepted by many princes, as is apparent
from the sudden increase of Otto's adherents subsequent
to the issue of the decretal. If after 1203 the majority of
the princes began again to side with Philip, it was the
fault of Otto himself, who was very irritable and often offended
his best friends. Innocent, reversing his decision, declared
in favour of Philip in 1207, and sent the Cardinals Ugolino of
Ostia and Leo of Santa Croce to Germany with instructions to endeavour
to induce Otto to renounce his claims to the throne and with powers
to free Philip from the ban. The murder of King Philip by Otto
of Wittelsbach, 21 June, 1208, entirely changed conditions in Germany.
At the Diet of Frankfort, 11 November, 1208, Otto was acknowledged
as king by all the princes, and the pope invited him to Rome to receive
the imperial crown. He was crowned emperor in the Basilica of St.
Peter at Rome, 4 October, 1209. Before his coronation he had solemnly
promised to leave the Church in the peaceful possession of Spoleto,
Ancona, and the gift of Countess Matilda; to assist the pope in the exercise
of his suzerainty over Sicily; to grant freedom of ecclesiastical
elections; unlimited right of appeal to the pope and the exclusive competency
of the hierarchy in spiritual matters; he had, moreover renounced the
"regalia" and the jus spolii, i.e., the right to the revenues of vacant
sees and the seizure of the estates of intestate ecclesiastics. He
also promised to assist the hierarchy in the extirpation of heresy.
But scarcely had he been crowned emperor when he seized Ancons, Spoleto,
the bequest of Matilda, and other property of the Church, giving it
in vassalage to some of his friends. He also united with the enemies
of Frederick II and invaded the Kingdom of Sicily with the purpose of
wresting it from the youthful king and from the suzerainty of the pope.When Otto did not listen to the remonstrances of Innocent, he excommunicated him, 18 November, 1210, and solemnly proclaimed his excommunication at a Roman synod held on 31 March, 1211. The pope now began to treat with King Philip Augustus of France and with the German princes, with the result that most princes renounced the excommunicated emperor and elected in his place the youthful Frederick II of Sicily, at the Diet of Nuremberg in September, 1211. The election was repeated in presence of a representative of the pope and of Philip Augustus of France at the Diet of Frankfort, 2 December, 1212. After making practically the same promises to the pope which Otto IV had made previously, and, in addition, taking the solemn oath never to unite Sicily with the empire, his election was ratified by Innocent and he was crowned at Aachen on 12 July, 1215. The deposed emperor Otto IV hastened to Germany immediately upon the election of Frederick II, but received little support from the princes. In alliance with John of England he made war upon Philip of France, but was defeated in the battle of Bouvines, 27 July, 1214. Then he lost all influence in Germany and died on 19 May, 1218, leaving the pope's creature, Frederick II, the undisputed emperor. When Innocent ascended the papal throne a cruel war was being waged between Philip Augustus of France and Richard of England. The pope considered it his duty, as the supreme ruler of the Christian world, to put an end to all hostilities among Christian princes. Shortly after his accession he sent Cardinal Peter of Capua to France with instructions to threaten both kings with interdict if they would not within two months conclude peace or at least agree upon a truce of five years. In January, 1198, the two kings met between Vernon and Andely and a truce of five years was agreed upon. The same legate was instructed by the pope to threaten Philip Augustus with interdict over the whole of France if within a month he would not be reconciled with his lawful wife, Ingeburga of Denmark, whom he had rejected and in whose stead he had taken Agnes, daughter of the Duke of Meran. When Philip took no heed of the pope's warning Innocent carried out his threat and on 12 December, 1199, laid the whole of France under interdict. For nine months the king remained stubborn, but when the barons and the people began to rise in rebellion against him he finally discarded his concubine and the interdict was lifted on 7 September, 1200. It was not, however, until 1213 that the pope succeeded in bringing about a final reconciliation between the king and his lawful wife Ingeburga. Innocent also had an opportunity to assert the papal rights in England. After the death of Archbishop Hubert of Canterbury, in 1205, a number of the younger monks of Christ Church assembled secretly at night and elected their sub-prior, Reginald, as archbishop. This election was made without the concurrence of the bishop and without the authority of the king. Reginald was asked not to divulge his election until he had received the papal approbation. But on his way to Rome the vain monk assumed the title of archbishop-elect, and thus the episcopal body of the province of Canterbury was apprised of the secret election. The bishops at once sent Peter of Anglesham as their representative to Pope Innocent to protest against the uncanonical proceedings of the monks of Christ Church. The monks also were highly incensed at Reginald because, contrary to his promise, he had divulged his election. They proceeded to a second election, and on 11 December, 1205, cast their votes for the royal favourite, John de Grey, whom the king had recommended to their suffrages. The controversy between the monks of Christ Church and the bishops concerning the right of electing the Archbishop of Canterbury, Innocent decided in favour of the monks, but in the present case he pronounced both elections invalid; that of Reginald because it had been made uncanonically and clandestinely, that of John de Grey because it had occurred before the invalidity of the former was proclaimed by the pope. Not even King John, who offered Innocent 3000 marks if he would decide in favour of de Grey, could alter the pope's decision. Innocent summoned those monks of Canterbury who were in Rome to proceed to a new election and recommended to their choice Stephen Langton, an Englishman, whom the pope had called to Rome from the rectorship of the University of Paris, in order to create him cardinal. He was duly elected by the monks and the pope himself consecrated him archbishop at Viterbo on 17 June, 1207. Innocent informed King John of the election of Langton and asked him to accept the new archbishop. The king, however, had set his mind on his favourite, John de Grey, and flatly refused to allow Langton to come to England in the capacity of Archbishop of Canterbury. He, moreover, wreaked his vengeance on the monks of Christ Church by driving them from their monastery and taking possession of their property. Innocent now placed the entire kingdom under interdict which was proclaimed on 24 March, 1208. When this proved of no avail and the king committed acts of cruelty against the clergy, the pope declared him excommunicated in 1209, and formally deposed him in 1212. He entrusted King Philip of France with the execution of the sentence. When Philip threatened to invade England and the feudal lords and the clergy began to forsake King John, the latter made his submission to Pandulph, whom Innocent had sent as legate to England. He promised to acknowledge Langton as Archbishop of Canterbury, to allow the exiled bishops and priests to return to England and to make compensation for the losses which the clergy had sustained. He went still further, and on 13 May, 1213, probably of his own initiative, surrendered the English kingdom through Pandulph into the hands of the pope to be returned to him as a fief. The document of the surrender states that henceforth the kings of England were to rule as vassals of the pope and to pay an annual tribute of 1000 marks to the See of Rome. On 20 July, 1213, the king was solemnly freed from the ban at Winchester and after the clergy had been reimbursed for its losses the interdict was lifted from England on 29 June, 1214. It appears that many of the barons were not pleased with the surrender of England into the hands of the pope. They also resented the king's continuous trespasses upon their liberties and his many acts of injustice in the government of the people. They finally had recourse to violence and forced him to yield to their demands by affixing his seal to the Magna Charta. Innocent could not as suzerain of England allow a contract which imposed such serious obligations upon his vassal to be made without his consent. His legate Pandulph had repeatedly praised King John to the pope as a wise ruler and loyal vassal of the Holy See. The pope, therefore, declared the Great Charter null and void, not because it gave too many liberties to the barons and the people, but because it had been obtained by violence. There was scarcely a country in Europe over which Innocent III did not in some way or other assert the supremacy which he claimed for the papacy. He excommunicated Alfonso IX of Leon, for marrying a near relative, Berengaria, daughter of Alfonso VIII, contrary to the laws of the Church, and effected their separation in 1204. For similar reasons he annulled, in 1208, the marriage of the crown-prince, Alfonso of Portugal, with Urraca, daughter of Alfonso of Castile. From Pedro II of Aragon he received that kingdom in vassalage and crowned him king at Rome in 1204. He prepared a crusade against the Moors and lived to see their power broken in Spain at the battle of Navas de Tolosa, in 1212. He protected the people of Norway against their tyrannical king, Sverri, and after the king's death arbitrated between the two claimants to the Norwegian throne. He mediated between King Emeric of Hungary and his rebellious brother Andrew, sent royal crown and sceptre to King Johannitius of Bulgaria and had his legate crown him king at Tirnovo, in 1204; he restored ecclesiastical discipline in Poland; arbitrated between the two claimants to the royal crown of Sweden; made partly successful attempts to reunite the Greek with the Latin Church and extended his beneficent influence practically over the whole Christian world. Like many preceding popes, Innocent had at heart the recovery of the Holy Land, and for this end undertook the Fourth Crusade. Venetians pledged themselves to transport the entire Christian army and to furnish the fleet with provisions for nine months, for 85,000 marks. When the crusaders were unable to pay the sum, the Venetians proposed to bear the financial expenses themselves on condition that the crusaders would first assist them in the conquest of the city of Zara. The crusaders yielded to their demands and the fleet started down the Adriatic on 8 October, 1202. Zara had scarcely been reduced when Alexius Comnenus arrived at the camp of the crusaders and pleaded for their help to replace his father, Isaac Angelus, on the throne of Constantinople from which he had been deposed by his cruel brother Alexius. In return he promised to reunite the Greek with the Latin Church, to add 10,000 soldiers to the ranks of the crusaders, and to contribute money and provisions to the crusade. Venetians, who saw their own commercial advantage in the taking of Constantinople, induced crusaders to yield to the prayers of Alexius, and Constantinople was taken by them in 1204. Isaac Angelus was restored to his throne but soon replaced by a usurper. Crusaders took Constantinople a second time on 12 April, 1204, and after a horrible pillage, Baldwin, Count of Flanders, was proclaimed emperor and the Greek Church was united with the Latin. The reunion, as well as the Latin empire in the East, did not last longer than two generations. When Pope Innocent learned that the Venetians had diverted the crusaders from their purpose of conquering the Holy Land he expressed his great dissatisfaction first at their conquest of Zara, and when they proceeded towards Constantinople he solemnly protested and finally excommunicated Venetians who had caused the digression of the crusaders from their original purpose. Since, however, he could not undo what had been accomplished he did his utmost to destroy the Greek schism and latinize the Eastern Empire. Innocent was also a zealous protector of the true Faith and a strenuous opponent of heresy. His chief activity was turned against the Albigenses who had become so numerous and aggressive that they were no longer satisfied with being adherents of heretical doctrines but even endeavoured to spread their heresy by force. They were especially numerous in a few cities of Northern an in Southern France. During the first year of his pontificate Innocent sent the two Cistercian monks Rainer and Guido to the Albigenses in France to preach to them the true Faith and dispute with them on controverted topics of religion. The two Cistercian missionaries were soon followed by Diego, Bishop of Osma, then by St. Dominic and the two papal legates. Peter of Castelnau and Raoul. When, however, these peaceful missionaries were ridiculed and despised by the Albigenses, and the papal legate Castelnau was assassinated in 1208, Innocent resorted to force. He ordered the bishops of Southern France to put under interdict the participants in the murder and all the towns that gave shelter to them. He was especially incensed against Count Raymond of Toulouse who had previously been excommunicated by the murdered legate and whom, for good reasons, the pope suspected as the instigator of the murder. The count protested his innocence and submitted to the pope, probably out of cowardice, but the pope placed no further trust in him. He called upon France to raise an army for the suppression of the Albigenses. Under the leadership of Simon of Montfort a cruel campaign ensued against the Albigenses which, despite the protest of Innocent, soon turned into a war of conquest (see ALBIGENSES). The culminating point in the glorious reign of Innocent was his convocation of the Fourth Lateran Council, which he solemnly opened on 15 November, 1215. It was by far the most important council of the Middle Ages. Besides deciding on a general crusade to the Holy Land, it issued seventy reformatory decrees, the first of which was a creed (Firmiter credimus), against the Albigenses and Waldenses, in which the term "transubstantiation" received its first ecclesiastical sanction. The labours of Innocent in the inner government of the Church appear to be of a very subordinate character when they are put beside his great politico-ecclesiastical achievements which brought the papacy to the zenith of its power. Still they are worthy of memory and have contributed their share to the glory of his pontificate. During his reign the two great founders of the mendicant orders, St. Dominic and St. Francis, laid before him their scheme of reforming the world. Innocent was not blind to the vices of luxury and indolence which had infected many of the clergy and part of the laity. In Dominic and Francis he recognized two mighty adversaries of these vices and he sanctioned their projects with words of encouragement. The lesser religious orders which he approved are the Hospitallers of the Holy Ghost on 23 April, 1198, the Trinitarians on 17 December, 1198, and the Humiliati, in June, 1201. In 1209 he commissioned the Cistercian monk, Christian, afterwards bishop, with the conversion of the heathen Prussians. At Rome he built the famous hospital Santo Spirito in Sassia, which became the model of all future city hospitals and exists to the present time (see Walsh, "The Popes and Science", New York, 1908, p. 249-258; and the article HOSPITALS). The following saints were canonized by Innocent: Homobonus, a merchant of Cremona, on 12 January, 1199; the Empress Cunegond, on 3 March, 1200; William, Duke of Aquitaine in 1202; Wulstan, Bishop of York, on 14 May, 1203; Procopius, abbot at Prague, on 2 June, 1204; and Guibert, the founder of the monastery at Gembloux, in 1211. Innocent died at Perugia, while travelling through Italy in the interests of the crusade which had been decided upon at the Lateran Council. He was buried in the cathedral of Perugia where his body remained until Leo XIII, a great admirer of Innocent, had it transferred to the Lateran in December, 1891. Innocent is also the author of various literary works reprinted in P. L., CCXIV-CCXVIII, where may also be found his numerous extant epistles and decretals, and the historically important "Registrum Innocentii III super negotio imperii". His first work, "De contemptu mundi, sive de miseria conditionis humanæ libri III" (P. L., CCXVII, 701-746) was written while he lived in retirement during the pontificate of Celestine III. It is an ascetical treatise and gives evidence of Innocent's deep piety and knowledge of men. Concerning it see Reinlein "Papst Innocenz der dritte und seine Schrift 'De contemptu mundi" (Erlangen, 1871). His treatise "De sacro altaris mysterio libri VI" (P. L., CCXVII, 773-916) is of great liturgical value, because it represents the Roman Mass as it was at the time of Innocent. See Franz, "Die Messe im deutschen Mittelalter" (Freiburg, 1902), 453-457. It was printed repeatedly, and translated into German by Hurter (Schaffhausen, 1845). He also wrote "De quadripartita specie nuptiarum" (P. L., CCXVII, 923-968), an exposition of the fourfold marriage bond, namely, between man and wife, between Christ and the Church, between God and the just soul, between the Word and human nature - - entirely based on passages from Holy Scripture. "Commentarius in septem psalmos pœnitentiales" (P. L., CCXVII, 967-1130) is of doubtful authorship. Among his seventy-nine sermons (ibidem, 314-691) is the famous one on the text "Desiderio desideravi" (Luke 22:15), which he delivered at the Fourth Lateran Council. |
1243
1254 Innocent IV (Sinibaldo de' Fieschi) In England, Innocent IV made his power felt by
protecting Henry III against the lay as
well as the ecclesiastical nobility. But here
and in other countries many just complaints arose against
him on account of the excessive taxes which he imposed upon
the people. In Austria, he confirmed Ottocar, the son of King
Wenzel, as duke, in 1252, and mediated between him and King
Béla of Hungary in 1254. In Portugal, he appointed
Alfonso III administrator of the kingdom, because the people were
disgusted at the immorality and the tyranny of his father, Sancho
III. He favoured the missions in Prussia, Russia, Armenia, and
Mongolia, but owing to his continual warfare with Frederick II
and his successors he neglected the internal affairs of the Church
and allowed many abuses, provided they served to strengthen his
position against the Hohenstaufen. He approved the rule of the
Sylvestrines on 27 June, 1247, and that of the Poor Clares on
9 August, 1253. The following saints were canonized by him: Edmund
Rich, Archbishop of Canterbury, on 16 December, 1246; William,
Bishop of St-Brieuc, in 1247; Peter of Verona; Dominican inquisitor
and martyr, in 1253; Stanislaus, Bishop of Cracow, in the same
year. He is the author of "Apparatus in quinque libros decretalium",
which was first published at Strasburg in 1477, and afterwards
reprinted; it is considered the best commentary on the Decretals
of Gregory IX. The registers of Innocent IV were edited by Elie Berger
in four volumes (Paris, 1881-98) and his letters, 762 in number,
by Rodenberg in "Mon. Germ. Epp. sæculi XIII", II (1887), 1-568.
Count of Lavagna, born at Genoa, date unknown; died at Naples, 7 December, 1254. He was educated at Parma and Bologna. For some time he taught canon law at Bologna, then he became canon at Parma and in 1226 is mentioned as auditor of the Roman Curia. On 23 September,1227, he was created Cardinal-Priest of San Lorenzo in Lucina; on 28 July, 1228, vice-chancellor of Rome; and in 1235 Bishop of Albenga and legate in Northern Italy. When Celestine IV died after a short reign of sixteen days, the excommunicated emperor, Frederick II, was in possession of the States of the Church around Rome and attempted to intimidate the cardinals into electing a pope to his own liking. The cardinals fled to Anagni and cast their votes for Sinibaldo de Fiesehi, who ascended the papal throne as Innocent IV on 25 June, 1243, after an interregnum of 1 year, 7 months, and 15 days. Innocent IV had previously been a friend of Frederick II. Immediately after the election the emperor sent messengers with congratulations and overtures of peace. The pope was desirous of peace, but he knew from the experience of Gregory IX how little trust could be put in the emperor's promises. He refused to receive the latter's messengers, because, like the emperor himself, they were under the ban of the Church. But two months later he sent Peter, Archbishop of Rouen, William of Modena, who had resigned his episcopal office, and Abbot William of St. Facundus as legates to the emperor at Melfi with instructions to ask him to release the prelates whom he had captured while on their way to the council which Gregory IX had intended to hold at Rome. The legates were furthermore instructed to find out what satisfaction the emperor was willing to make for the injuries which he had inflicted upon the Church and which caused Gregory IX to put him under the ban. Should the emperor deny that he had done any wrong to the Church, or even assert that the injustice had been done on the side of the Church, the legates were to propose that the decision should be left to a council of kings, prelates, and temporal princes. Frederick entered into an agreement with Innocent on 31 March, 1244. He promised to yield to the demands of the Curia in all essential points, viz., to restore the States of the Church, to release the prelates, and to grant amnesty to the allies of the pope. His insincerity became apparent when he secretly incited various tumults in Rome and refused to release the imprisoned prelates. Feeling himself hindered in his freedom of action on account of the emperor's military preponderance, and fearing for his personal safety, the pope decided to leave Italy. At his request the Genoese sent him a fleet which arrived at Civitavecchia while the pope was in Sutri. As soon as he was notified of its arrival, he left Sutri in disguise during the night of 27-28 June and hastened over the mountains to Civitavecchia, whence the fleet brought him to Genoa. In October he went to Burgundy, and in December to Lyons, where he took up his abode during the following six years. He at once made preparations for a general council, which on 3 January, 1245, he proclaimed for 24 June of the same year. Innocent had nothing to fear in France and proceeded with great severity against the emperor. At the Council of Lyons the emperor was represented by Thaddeus of Suessa, who offered new concessions if his master were freed from the ban; but Innocent rejected them, and having brought new accusations against the emperor during the second session, on 5 July, solemnly deposed him at the third session, on 17 July. He now ordered the princes of Germany to proceed to the election of a new king, and sent Philip of Ferrara as legate to Germany to bring about the election of Henry Raspe, Landgrave of Thuringia. The pope's candidate was elected on 22 May, 1246, at Veitshochheim on the Main. Most of the princes, however, had abstained from voting and he never found general recognition. The same may be said of the incapable William of Holland, whom the papal party elected after Henry Raspe died on 17 February, 1247. But Innocent IV was determined upon the destruction of Frederick II and repeatedly asserted that no Hohenstaufen would ever again be emperor. All attempts of St. Louis IX of France to bring about peace were of no avail. In 1249 the pope ordered a crusade to be preached against Frederick II, and after the emperor's death (13 December, 1250), he continued the struggle against Conrad IV and Manfred with unrelenting severity. On 19 April, 1251, Innocent IV set out for Italy and entered Rome in October, 1253. The crown of Sicily devolved upon the Holy See at the deposition of Frederick II. Innocent had previously offered it to Richard of Cornwall, brother of Henry III of England. Upon his refusal, he tried Charles of Anjou and Edmund, son of Henry III of England. But after some negotiation they also refused owing to the difficulty of dislodging Conrad IV and Manfred who held Sicily by force of arms. After the death of Conrad IV, 20 May, 1264, the pope finally recognized the hereditary claims of Conrad's two-year-old son Conradin. Manfred also submitted, and Innocent made his solemn entry into Naples, 27 October, 1254, but Manfred soon revolted and defeated the papal troops at Foggia (2 Dec., 1254). In England, Innocent IV made his power felt by protecting Henry III against the lay as well as the ecclesiastical nobility. But here and in other countries many just complaints arose against him on account of the excessive taxes which he imposed upon the people. In Austria, he confirmed Ottocar, the son of King Wenzel, as duke, in 1252, and mediated between him and King Béla of Hungary in 1254. In Portugal, he appointed Alfonso III administrator of the kingdom, because the people were disgusted at the immorality and the tyranny of his father, Sancho III. He favoured the missions in Prussia, Russia, Armenia, and Mongolia, but owing to his continual warfare with Frederick II and his successors he neglected the internal affairs of the Church and allowed many abuses, provided they served to strengthen his position against the Hohenstaufen. He approved the rule of the Sylvestrines on 27 June, 1247, and that of the Poor Clares on 9 August, 1253. The following saints were canonized by him: Edmund Rich, Archbishop of Canterbury, on 16 December, 1246; William, Bishop of St-Brieuc, in 1247; Peter of Verona; Dominican inquisitor and martyr, in 1253; Stanislaus, Bishop of Cracow, in the same year. He is the author of "Apparatus in quinque libros decretalium", which was first published at Strasburg in 1477, and afterwards reprinted; it is considered the best commentary on the Decretals of Gregory IX. The registers of Innocent IV were edited by Elie Berger in four volumes (Paris, 1881-98) and his letters, 762 in number, by Rodenberg in "Mon. Germ. Epp. sæculi XIII", II (1887), 1-568. |
1283 BD JOHN OF VERCELLI Gregory X,
born Tebaldo Visconti, Roman Catholic Pope from the 1st of September 1271,
to the 10th of January 1276, THIS John was born near Vercelli about the year 1205, but he is not first certainly heard of till forty years later, when he was prior of the Dominicans at Vercelli and a marked man for his abilities and character. After filling various offices and missions he was elected sixth master general of the Order of Preachers in 1264, an office which he held with great distinction for nineteen years. John was rather short of stature—in his first letter to his brethren he refers to himself as a “poor little man”—and so amiable of expression that he is said to have required of his socius that he should be of a severe and awe-inspiring countenance. But he made up for lack of size by sufficiency of energy and was tireless in his visitation and correction of the Dominican houses up and down Europe; nor would he on these journeys dispense himself from the fasts either of the Church or of his order. 1283 BD JOHN OF VERCELLI Immediately on his election to the see of Rome, Bd Gregory X imposed on John of Vercelli and his friars the task of again pacifying the quarrelling states of Italy, and three years later he was ordered to draw up a schema for the second ecumenical Council of Lyons. At the council he met Jerome of Ascoli (afterwards Pope Nicholas IV), who had succeeded St Bonaventure as minister general of the Franciscans, and the two addressed a joint letter to the whole body of friars. Later on they were sent together by the Holy See to mediate between Philip III of France and Alfonso X of Castile, continuing the work of peace-maker, in which John excelled. Bd John of Vercelli was one of the early propagators of devotion to the name of Jesus, which the Council of Lyons prescribed in reparation for Albigensian blasphemies. Bd Gregory X selected John particularly, as head of a great body of preachers, to spread this devotion, and the master general at once addressed all his provincial priors accordingly. It was decided that there should be an altar of the Holy Name in every Dominican church and that confraternities against blasphemy and profanity should be formed. In 1278 Bd John sent a visitor into England, where some friars had been attacking the teaching of St Thomas Aquinas, then lately dead, whom John had reappointed to the chair of theology at Paris after the refusal of St Albert the Great. Two years later John came himself to Oxford, where a general chapter was held. Like Humbert of Romans, his predecessor, he refused episcopacy and a curial office at Rome; but he was induced to withdraw his resignation of the generalate, which he retained until his death at Montpellier on November 30, 1283. The cultus of Bd John of Vercelli was approved in 1903. Gregory X, born Tebaldo Visconti, Roman Catholic Pope from the 1st of September 1271, to the 10th of January 1276, was born at Piacenza in 1208, studied for the church, and became archdeacon of Liege. The eighteen cardinals who met to elect a successor to Pope Clement IV were divided into French and Italian factions, which wrangled over the election for nearly three years in the midst of great popular excitement, until finally, stirred by the eloquence of St. Bonaventura, the Franciscan monk, they entrusted the choice to six electors, who hit on Visconti, at that time accompanying Edward of England on the crusade. He returned to Rome and was ordained priest on the 19th of March 1272, and consecrated on the 27th. He at once summoned the fourteenth general council of the Catholic Church, which met at Lyons in 1274, with an attendance of some 1600 prelates, for the purpose of considering the eastern schism, the condition of the Holy Land, and the abuses in the church. The Greeks were persuaded, thanks to St. Bonaventura, to consent to a union with Rome for the time being, and Rudolph of Habsburg renounced at the council all imperial rights in the States of the Church. The most celebrated among the many reform decrees issued by Gregory was the constitution determining for the first time the form of conclave at papal elections, which in large measure has remained ever since the law of the church. Gregory was on his way to Rome to crown Rudolph and send him out on a great crusade in company with the kings of England, France, Aragon and Sicily, when he died at Arezzo on the 10th of January 1276. He was a nobleman, fond of peace and actuated by the consciousness of a great mission. He has been honored as a saint by the inhabitants of Arezzo and Piacenza. His successor in the papacy was Pope Innocent V. Roman Catholic Pope 1-Sep-1271
to 10-Jan-1276 Beatified 12-Sep-1713
|
1227 1292 Jerome Masci
of Ascoli Pope Nicholas IV 1288-92 second
ecumenical Council of Lyons Pope Nicholas IV (Lisciano,
near Ascoli Piceno, September 30, 1227 – April 4, 1292), born Girolamo Masci, was Pope from February
22, 1288 to April 4, 1292. A Franciscan
monk, he had been legate to the Greeks under Pope
Gregory X (1271–76) in 1272, succeeded Bonaventure as
general of his order in 1274, was made Cardinal Priest of
Santa Prassede and Latin Patriarch of Constantinople by
Pope Nicholas III (1277–80), Cardinal Bishop of Palestina
by Pope Martin IV (1281–85), and succeeded Pope Honorius
IV (1285–87) after a ten-months' vacancy in the papacy.
He was a pious, peace-loving monk with no ambition save for the Church, the crusades and the extirpation of heresy. He steered a middle course between the factions at Rome, and sought a settlement of the Sicilian question. In May 1289 he crowned King Charles II of Naples and Sicily (1285–1309) after the latter had expressly recognized papal suzerainty, and in February 1291 concluded a treaty with Alfonso III of Aragon (1285–91) and Philip IV of France (1285–1314) looking toward the expulsion of James II of Aragon (1285–96) from Sicily. The loss of Acre in 1291 stirred Nicholas IV to renewed enthusiasm for a crusade. He sent missionaries, among them the celebrated Franciscan missionary, John of Monte Corvino, to labour among the Bulgarians, Ethiopians, Tatars and Chinese. Nicholas IV issued an important constitution on July 18, 1289, which granted to the cardinals one-half of all income accruing to the Roman see and a share in the financial management, and thereby paved the way for that independence of the College of Cardinals which, in the following century, was to be of detriment to the papacy. Nicholas IV died in the palace
which he had built beside Basilica di Santa
Maria Maggiore.
1283 BD JOHN OF VERCELLI THIS John was born near Vercelli about the year 1205, but he is not first certainly heard of till forty years later, when he was prior of the Dominicans at Vercelli and a marked man for his abilities and character. After filling various offices and missions he was elected sixth master general of the Order of Preachers in 1264, an office which he held with great distinction for nineteen years. John was rather short of stature—in his first letter to his brethren he refers to himself as a “poor little man”—and so amiable of expression that he is said to have required of his socius that he should be of a severe and awe-inspiring countenance. But he made up for lack of size by sufficiency of energy and was tireless in his visitation and correction of the Dominican houses up and down Europe; nor would he on these journeys dispense himself from the fasts either of the Church or of his order. Immediately on his election to the see of Rome, Bd Gregory X imposed on John of Vercelli and his friars the task of again pacifying the quarrelling states of Italy, and three years later he was ordered to draw up a schema for the second ecumenical Council of Lyons. At the council he met Jerome of Ascoli (afterwards Pope Nicholas IV), who had succeeded St Bonaventure as minister general of the Franciscans, and the two addressed a joint letter to the whole body of friars. Later on they were sent together by the Holy See to mediate between Philip III of France and Alfonso X of Castile, continuing the work of peace-maker, in which John excelled. Nicholas IV After the death of Honorius IV, the folly of abrogating Gregory X's election regulations was starkly evident. For almost a year the cardinals wrangled, quite unable to come to a decision. Finally they elected Jerome of Ascoli, but it took a week and a repeated election to convince the Franciscan cardinal that he should accept. On February 22, 1288, Jerome accepted and took the name Nicholas IV. Jerome Masci was born on September 30, 1227 at Lisciano, near Ascoli. Although his parents were lowly folk, he formed a strong friendship with a noble boy named Conrad. The two became Franciscans and studied together at Assisi. At Perugia they received their doctorate in theology. Both went to Rome to teach theology, and then their paths separated. Conrad went to Africa to preach
to the infidel; Jerome to Dalmatia to serve
as minister provincial of Slavonia.
Sent by Gregory X to Constantinople to prepare
the way for the reunion of the churches at Lyons,
Jerome accomplished his mission work with distinction.
He was elected minister general of the Franciscan
order in 1274 to succeed St. Bonaventure.Nicholas III made him cardinal priest and sent him on a peace mission to France, where he was joined by his old friend, Conrad. Martin IV made him cardinal-bishop of Praeneste, and there he worked until his election to the papacy. One of his first moves as pope was to call Conrad from Paris to make him a cardinal, but his old friend died. Nicholas IV, as might be expected of a Franciscan, was intensely interested in missionary projects. He sent the famous Franciscan John of Montecorvino to follow the tracks of Marco Polo and preach Christianity in far-off China. He corresponded with Mongols, Bulgarians, and Tartars. Nicholas was also interested in art, and he made Rome quite a center for artists and architects. He has been called the Maecenas of his age. He did much to foster universities, helping those already existing and granting charters to new foundations. The reluctance of Nicholas to accept the heavy duty of ruling the Church may have been due to real self-knowledge. Good, kind, holy, Nicholas was not a successful ruler. He seems to have been too narrow in his views, too slow in transacting business, and too little gifted with a sense of the practical. The papal states, so well ruled by Honorius IV, were soon in an uproar. The Pope was accused of favoring the Colonna family and the Franciscans. In his relations with Sicily, Nicholas persisted in an intransigent attitude towards the Aragonese. Indeed, he even annulled a treaty which Edward I had negotiated between Charles of Salerno, the rightful king, and James of Aragon, who actually held the island. At a time when all efforts should have been centered on saving the Holy Land, Nicholas was urging the French to attack Aragon. His policy, on the verge of success, crashed in ruin when James of Sicily succeeded his brother as king of Aragon. The fall of Acre in 1291 caused Nicholas at long last to go all out for a crusade. Earnestly he urged Philip of France and Edward of England to take the cross. He called a council to arrange matters for 1293, but on Good Friday, April 4, 1292, Pope Nicholas IV died. November 29, 2007 Servant of God John of Monte Corvino (1247-1328) At a time when the Church was heavily embroiled in nationalistic rivalries within Europe, it was also reaching across Asia to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Mongols. John of Monte Corvino went to China about the same time Marco Polo was returning. John was a soldier, judge and doctor before he became a friar. Prior to going to Tabriz, Persia (present-day Iran), in 1278, he was well known for his preaching and teaching. In 1291 John of Monte Corvino (1247-1328) left Tabriz as a legate of Pope Nicholas IV to the court of Kublai Khan. An Italian merchant, a Dominican friar and John traveled to western India where the Dominican died. When John and the Italian merchant arrived in China in 1294, Kublai Khan had recently died. Nestorian Christians, successors to the dissidents of the fifth-century Council of Ephesus’ teaching on Jesus Christ, had been in China since the seventh century. John converted some of them and also some of the Chinese, including Prince George from Tenduk, northwest of Beijing. Prince George named his son after this holy friar. John established his headquarters in Khanbalik (now Beijing), where he built two churches; his was the first resident Catholic mission in the country. By 1304 he had translated the Psalms and the New Testament into the Tatar language. Responding to two letters from John, Pope Clement V named John Archbishop of Khanbalik in 1307 and consecrated seven friars as bishops of neighboring dioceses. One of the seven never left Europe. Three others died along the way to China; the remaining three bishops and the friars who accompanied them arrived there in 1308. When John died in 1328, he was mourned by Christians and non-Christians. His tomb quickly became a place of pilgrimage. In 1368, Christianity was banished from China when the Mongols were expelled and the Ming dynasty began. John’s cause has been introduced in Rome. Comment: When John of Monte Corvino went to China, he represented the Church’s desire to preach the gospel to a new culture and to be enriched by it. The travels of Pope John Paul II have demonstrated the universality of the Good News and the urgent need to continue the challenging work of helping the Good News take root in a variety of cultural situations. Quote: In 1975, Pope Paul VI wrote, "The Church evangelizes when she seeks to convert, solely through the divine power of the Message she proclaims, both the personal and collective consciences of people, the activities in which they engage, and the lives and concrete milieus which are theirs" (Evangelization in the Modern World, #18). |
1277 Peter of Tarentaise
-a simple, humble friar Blessed Pope Innocent
V masterly tutelage of Saint Albert the Great
visited on foot all Dominican houses under his care sent
to Paris to replace Thomas Aquinas at the University of
Paris succeeded solving questions of Greek schism establishing
short-lived truce OP Pope (RM)
Romæ beáti Innocéntii Papæ Quinti, ex Ordine Prædicatórum, Confessóris, qui ad tuéndam Ecclésiæ libertátem et Christianórum concórdiam suávi prudéntia adlaborávit. Cultum autem, ei exhíbitum, Leo Décimus tértius, Póntifex Máximus, ratum hábuit et confirmávit. At Rome, blessed Pope Innocent V, who laboured with mildness and prudence to maintain liberty for the Church and harmony among the Christians. The veneration paid to him was approved and confirmed by Pope Leo XIII. Born in Tarentaise-en-Forez, Burgundy, France, in 1245; died in Rome, June 22, 1277; cultus confirmed by Pope Leo XIII in 1898. Peter of Tarentaise was barely 10 years old when he was admitted to the Dominican Order by Blessed Jordan of Saxony as a boy-novice and sent to Paris to study. Like Saint Thomas Aquinas, Blessed Ambrose of Siena, and other luminaries of the 13th century, he fell under the masterly tutelage of Saint Albert the Great. He received his master's degree in theology in 1259, then he taught for some years in Paris, where he contributed a great deal to the order's reputation for learning. He wrote a number of commentaries on Scripture and the Commentary on the Sentences of Peter Lombard, but he devoted most of his time to the classroom. He soon became famous as a preacher and theologian, and in 1259, with a committee including his friend Thomas Aquinas, composed a plan of study that is still the basis of Dominican teaching. At age 37, Peter began the long years of responsibility in the various offices he was to hold in his lifetime as prior provincial of France. He visited on foot all Dominican houses under his care, and was then sent to Paris to replace Saint Thomas Aquinas at the University of Paris. Twice provincial, he was chosen archbishop of Lyons in 1272 and administered the affairs of the diocese for some time, though he was never actually consecrated for that see. The next year Peter was appointed cardinal-archbishop of Ostia, Italy, while still administering the see of Lyons. With the great Franciscan, Saint Bonaventure, assumed much of the labor of the Council of Lyons to which Saint Thomas was hastening at the time of his death. To the problems of clerical reform and the healing of the Greek schism the two gifted friars devoted their finest talents. Before the council was over, Bonaventure died, and Peter of Tarentaise preached the funeral panegyric. In January 1276, Peter was with Blessed Pope Gregory X when the latter died at Arezzo. The conclave was held in the following month. On January 21, 1276, Peter of Tarentaise received every vote except his own. With a sad heart, he left the seclusion of his religious home to ascend the Fisherman's Throne as Pope Innocent V. The reign of the new pope, which
promised so much to a harassed people,
was to be very brief. But, imbued with the spirit
of the early apostles, he crowded a lifetime into the
short space given him.
He instigated a new crusade against the Saracens and began reforms in the matter of regular observance. He actually succeeded in solving many of the questions of the Greek schism and in establishing a short-lived truce. He struggled to reconcile the Guelphs and Ghibellines, restored peace between Pisa and Lucca, and acted as mediator between Rudolph of Hapsburg and Charles of Anjou. He restored the custom of personally assisting at choral functions with the canons of the Lateran, and he inspired all with the love that animated his heart. Had the measures begun by Innocent V had time to be fully realized, he might have accomplished great good for the Church; he did at least open the way for those who were to follow him. Death stopped the hand of the zealous pope when he had reigned only five months. Like his friends Saint Thomas and Saint Bonaventure, he was untouched by the honors and dignity with which he had been favored, and death found him exactly what he had been for more than 40 years--a simple, humble friar (Benedictines, Delaney, Dorcy). Pope Bl. Innocent V (PETRUS A TARENTASIA) Born in Tarentaise, towards 1225; elected at Arezzo, 21 January, 1276; died at Rome, 22 June, 1276. Tarentaise on the upper Isère in south-eastern France was certainly his native province, and the town of Champagny was in all probability his birthplace. At the age of sixteen he joined the Dominican Order. After completing his education, at the University of Paris, where he graduated as master in sacred theology in 1259, he won distinction as a professor in that institution, and is known as "the most famous doctor", "Doctor famosissimus" For some time provincial of his order in France, he became Archbishop of Lyons in 1272 and Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia in 1273. He played a prominent part at the Second Ecumenical Council of Lyons (1274), in which he delivered two discourses to the assembled fathers and also pronounced the funeral oration on St. Bonaventure. Elected as successor to Gregory X, whose intimate adviser he was, he assumed the name of Innocent V and was the first Dominican pope. His policy was peaceable. He sought to reconcile Guelphs and Ghibellines in Italy, restored peace between Pisa and Lucca, and mediated between Rudolph of Hapsburg and Charles of Anjou. He likewise endeavoured to consolidate the union of the Greeks with Rome concluded at the Council of Lyons. He is the author of several works dealing with philosophy, theology and canon law, some of which are still unpublished. The principal among them is his "Commentary on the Sentences of Peter Lombard" (Toulouse, 1652). Four philosophical treatises: "De unitate formæ", "De materia c&#aelig;li", "De æternitate mundi", "De intellectu et voluntate", are also due to his pen. A commentary on the Pauline Epistles frequently published under the name of Nicholas of Gorran (Cologne, 1478) is claimed for him by some critics. |
Pope St. Celestine V
The birthday of St. Peter
of Moroni who, while leading the life of an anchoret,
was created Sovereign Pontiff and called Celestine V.
He later abdicated the pontificate, and led a religious
life in solitude, where, renowned for virtues and miracles,
he went to the Lord. (PIETRO DI MURRONE.) Born 1215 - D. 1296 St. Celestine V Pope Natalis sancti Petri de Moróno, Confessóris, qui ex Anachoréta Summus Póntifex creátus, dictus est Cælestínus Quintus. Sed Pontificátu se póstmodum abdicávit, et in solitúdine religiósam vitam agens, virtútibus et miráculis clarus, migrávit ad Dóminum. The birthday of St. Peter of Moroni who, while leading the life of an anchoret, was created Sovereign Pontiff and called Celestine V. He later abdicated the pontificate, and led a religious life in solitude, where, renowned for virtues and miracles, he went to the Lord. When the father of this Italian saint died, his good mother brought up her twelve children well, even though they were very poor. "Oh, if I could only have the joy of seeing one of you become a saint!" she use to say. Once when she asked as usual, "which one of you is going to become a saint?" little Peter (who was to become Pope Celestine) answered with all his heart, "Me, mama! I'll become a saint!" And he did. When he was twenty, Peter became a hermit and spent his days praying and reading the Holy Bible. If he was not praying or reading, he would copy books or do some hard work so that the devil would not find him doing nothing, and tempt him. Because other hermits kept coming to him and begging him to guide them, he started a new Order. Peter was an old monk, eighty-four years of age when he was made Pope. It came about in a very unusual way. For two years, there had been no Pope, because the Cardinals could not decide whom to choose. St. Peter sent them a message to decide quickly, for God was not pleased at the long delay. Then and there, they chose the holy old hermit himself! Poor Peter wept when he heard the news, but he sorrowfully accepted and took the name Celestine V. He was Pope only about five months. Because he was so humble and simple, everyone took advantage of him. He could not say "no" to anyone, and soon matters were in great confusion. At last, the Saint decided that he had better give up his position as Pope. He did so and then threw himself at the feet of the Cardinals for not having been capable of governing the Church. What an impression his humility made on all of them! St. Celestine hoped to live in one of his monasteries in peace. But the new Pope thought it would be safer to keep him where wicked people could not take advantage of him. The saint was put in a cell and died there. Yet he was cheerful and close to God. "You wanted a cell, Peter," he would repeat to himself, "and a cell you have." Peter Morrone, Pope, Hermit (RM) (also known as Peter Celestine V) Born at Isernia in the Abruzzi, Italy, c. 1210-1214; died near Anagni, on May 19, 1296; canonized in 1313 by Pope Clement V. Peter was the 11th of 12 children of a peasant family. He became a hermit at age 20, but left his cell to study for the priesthood and was ordained in Rome. Later he professed himself as a Benedictine monk at Faizola in 1246. Then, in 1251, he was permitted to return to the solitary life on Monte Morrone in the Abruzzi hills near Sulmona. His holiness attracted large crowds around him. After five years, he retired with two companions to Monte Majella in quest of greater solitude but was persuaded to go back to Monte Morrone, where he lived for many years as the head of a group of hermits that he organized first into a community and later into a monastery with a strict rule. In 1274, he received approval of his order of monks, the Celestines. In 1287, Morone began the construction of Santa Maria di Collemaggio Basilica in Aquila. After the death of Pope Nicholas IV over two years passed without any agreement on a successor, until on July 5, 1294, the cardinals gathered in Perugia despairingly sought to end the deadlock by electing a 'stop-gap': their choice fell on the 84-year-old Peter of Morrone. (One source says that Peter reputedly threatened the cardinals with the wrath of God if they did not elect a new pope at once.) Peter was shocked by the cardinals' choice. Despite his grave misgivings he submitted, taking the name of Celestine, and was consecrated bishop of Rome at Aquila on August 29, 1294. The results were disastrous because Celestine was unfitted for the papal office in every respect except his holiness. In his simplicity, otherworldliness, and naivete he made the most elementary blunders; he became the innocent tool of the politics of King Charles II of Naples. Heartbroken at his failure, miserable in his new surroundings, and overwhelmed by the burden of the office he had not sought and was incapable of filling, he abdicated his office before a consistory of cardinals at Naples on December 13 the same year. He had been pope for less than five months. A few days later the stern and rigid Cardinal Gaetani was elected as Boniface VIII in his place. Boniface feared that the popularity of his holy predecessor might lead some plotters to attempt to use Celestine for their own ends, put him back on the papal throne, and cause a further split in Christendom. The old man tried to slip away to the mountains or across the seas, but he was found and at Boniface's orders shut up in narrow quarters at the castle of Fumone, near Anagni. Saint Celestine said, "I wanted nothing in the world but a cell, and a cell they have given me." Ten months later he died, and was buried at Aquila, the most pathetic figure in the history of the papacy (Attwater, Ayscough, Benedictines, Delaney). In art, Saint Peter Celestine is depicted as a pope with a dove at his ear and the devil trying to disturb him. He is the patron of bookbinders (Roeder). Born 1215, in the Neapolitan province of Moline; elected at Perugia 5 July, 1294; consecrated and crowned at Aquila, 29 August; abdicated at Naples, 13 Dec., 1294; died in the castle of Fumone, 19 May, 1296. He was of humble parentage, became a Benedictine at the age of seventeen, and was eventually ordained priest at Rome. His love of solitude led him first into the wilderness of Monte Morone in the Abruzzi, whence his surname, and later into the wilder recesses of Mt. Majella. He took for his model the Baptist. His hair-cloth was roughened with knots; a chain of iron encompassed his emaciated frame; he fasted every day except Sunday; each year he kept four Lents, passing three of them on bread and water; the entire day and a great part of the night he consecrated to prayer and labour. As generally happens in the case of saintly anchorites, Peter's desire for solitude was not destined to be gratified. Many kindred spirits gathered about him eager to imitate his rule of life, and before his death there were thirty- six monasteries, numbering 600 religious, bearing his papal name (Celestini). The order was approved, as a branch of the Benedictines, by Urban IV, in 1264. This congregation of (Benedictine) Celestines must not be confounded with other (Franciscan) Celestines, extreme Spirituals whom Pope Celestine permitted (1294) to live as hermits according to the Rule of St. Francis, but were pendent of the Franciscan superiors. In gratitude they called themselves after the pope (Pauperes eremitæ Domini Celestine), but were dissolved and dispersed (1302) by Boniface VIII, whose legitimacy the Spirituals contested [Heimbucher, Orden und Kongregationen (2nd ed. Paderborn, 1907); I, 280; II, 360]. In 1284, Pietro, weary of the cares of government, appointed a certain Robert as his vicar and plunged again into the depths of the wilderness. It would be well if some Catholic scholar would devote some time to a thorough investigation of his relations to the extreme spiritual party of that age; for though it is certain that the pious hermit did not approve of the heretical tenets held by the leaders, it is equally true that the fanatics, during his life and after his death, made copious use of his name. In July, 1294, his pious exercises were suddently interrupted by a scene unparalleled in ecclesiastical history. Three eminent dignitaries, accompanied by an immense multitude of monks and laymen, ascended the mountain, announced that Pietro had been chosen pope by unanimous vote of the Sacred College and humbly begged him to accept the honour. Two years and three months had elapsed since the death of Nicholas IV (4 Apr., 1292) without much prospect that the conclave at Perugia would unite upon a candidate. Of the twelve Cardinals who composed the Sacred College six were Romans, four Italians and two French. The factious spirit of Guelph and Ghibelline, which was then epidemic in Italy, divided the conclave, as well as the city of Rome, into two hostile parties of the Orsini and the Colonna, neither of which could outvote the other. A personal visit to Perugia, in the spring of 1294, of Charles II of Naples, who needed the papal authority in order to regain Sicily, only exasperated the affair, hot words being exchanged betrween the Angevin monarch and Cardinal Gaetani, at that time the intellectual leader of the Colonna, later, as Pope Boniface VIII, their bitter enemy. When the situation seemed hopeless, Cardinal Latino Orsini admonished the fathers that God had revealed to a saintly hermit that if the cardinals did not perform their duty within four months, He would visit the Church with severe chastisement. All knew that he referred to Pietro di Murrone. The proposition was seized upon by the exhausted conclave and the election was made unanimous. Pietro heard of his elevation with tears; but, after a brief prayer, obeyed what seemed the clear voice of God, commanding him to sacrifice his personal inclination on the altar of the public welfare. Flight was impossible, even if he contemplated it; for no sooner did the news of this extraordinary event spread abroad than multitudes (numbered at 200,000) flocked about him. His elevation was particularly welcome to the Spirituals, who saw in it the realization of current prophecies that the reign of the Holy Spirit ruling through the monks was at hand; and they proclaimed him the first legitimate pope since Constantine's donation of wealth and worldly power to "the first rich father" (Inferno, Canto XIX). King Charles of Naples, hearing of the election of his subject, hastened with his son Charles Martel, titular King of Hungary, ostensibly to present his homage to the new pope, in reality to take the simple old man into honourable custody. Had Charles known how to preserve moderation in exploiting his good luck, this windfall might have brought him incalculable benefits; as it was, he ruined everything by excessive greed. In reply to the request of the cardinals, that he should come to Perugia to be crowned, Pietro, at the instigation of Charles, summoned the Sacred College to meet him at Aquila, a frontier town of the Kingdom of Naples. Reluctantly they came, and one by one, Gaetani being the last to appear. Seated on an humble ass, the rope held by two monarchs, the new pontiff proceeded to Aquila, and, although only three of the cardinals had arrived, the king ordered him to be crowned, a ceremony which had to be repeated in traditional form some days later, the only instance of a double papal coronation. Cardinal Latino was so grief-stricken at the course which affairs were evidently taking that he fell sick and died. Pietro took the name of Celestine V. Urged by the cardinals to cross over into the States of the Church, Celestine, again at the behest of the king, ordered the entire Curia to repair to Naples. It is wonderful how many serious mistakes the simple old man crowded into five short months. We have no full register of them, because his official acts were annulled by his successor. On the 18th of September he created twelve new cardinals, seven of whom were French, and the rest, with one possible exception, Neapolitans, thus paving the road to Avignon and the Great Schism. Ten days later he embittered the cardinals by renewing the rigorous law of Gregory X, regulating the conclave, which Adrian V had suspended. He is said to have appointed a young son of Charles to the important See of Lyons, but no trace of such appointment appears in Gams or Eubel. At Monte Cassino on his way to Naples, he strove to force the Celestine hermit-rule on the monks; they humoured him while he was with them. At Benevento he created the bishop of the city a cardinal, without observing any of the traditional forms. Meanwhile he scattered privileges and offices with a lavish hand. Refusing no one, he was found to have granted the same place or benefice to three or four rival suitors; he also granted favours in blank. In consequence, the affairs of the Curia fell into extreme disorder. Arrived in Naples, he took up his abode in a single apartment of the Castel Nuovo, and on the approach of Advent had a little cell built on the model of his beloved hut in the Abruzzi. But he was ill at ease. Affairs of State took up time that ought to be devoted to exercises of piety. He feared that his soul was in danger. The thought of abdication seems to have occurred simultaneously to the pope and to his discontented cardinals, whom he rarely consulted. That the idea originated with Cardinal Gaetani the latter vigorously denied, and maintained that he originally opposed it. But the serious canonical doubt arose: Can a pope resign? As he has no superior on earth, who is authorized to accept his resignation? The solution of the question was reserved to the trained canonist, Cardinal Gaetani, who, basing his conclusion on common sense and the Church's right to self-preservation, decided affirmatively. It is interesting to notice how curtly, when he became Boniface VIII, he dispatches the delicate subject on which the validity of his claim to the papacy depended. In the "Liber Sextus" I, vii, 1, he issued the following decree: "Whereas some curious persons, arguing on things of no great expediency, and rashly seeking, against the teaching of the Apostle, to know more than it is meet to know, have seemed, with little forethought, to raise an anxious doubt, whether the Roman Pontiff, especially when he recognizes himself incapable of ruling the Universal Church and of bearing the burden of the Supreme Pontificate, can validly renounce the papacy, and its burden and honour: Pope Celestine V, Our predecessor, whilst still presiding over the government of the aforesaid Church, wishing to cut off all the matter for hesitation on the subject, having deliberated with his brethren, the Cardinals of the Roman Church, of whom We were one, with the concordant counsel and assent of Us and of them all, by Apostolic authority established and decreed, that the Roman Pontiff may freely resign. We, therefore, lest it should happen that in course of time this enactment should fall into oblivion, and the aforesaid doubt should revive the discussion, have placed it among other constitutions ad perpetuam rei memoriam by the advice of our brethren." When the report spread that Celestine contemplated resigning, the excitement in Naples was intense. King Charles, whose arbitrary course had brought things to this crisis, organized a determined opposition. A huge procession of the clergy and monks surrounded the castle, and with tears and prayers implored the pope to continue his rule. Celestine, whose mind was not yet clear on the subject, returned an evasive answer, whereupon the multitude chanted the Te Deum and withdrew. A week later (13 December) Celestine's resolution was irrevocably fixed; summoning the cardinals on that day, he read the constitution mentioned by Boniface in the "Liber Sextus", announced his resignation, and proclaimed the cardinals free to proceed to a new election. After the lapse of the nine days enjoined by the legislation of Gregory X, the cardinals entered the conclave, and the next day Benedetto Gaetani was proclaimed Pope as Boniface VIII. After revoking many of the provisions made by Celestine, Boniface brought his predecessor, now in the dress of a humble hermit, with him on the road to Rome. He was forced to retain him in custody, lest an inimical use should be made of the simple old man. Celestine yearned for his cell in the Abruzzi, managed to effect his escape at San Germano, and to the great joy of his monks reappeared among them at Majella. Boniface ordered his arrest; but Celestine evaded his pursuers for several months by wandering through the woods and mountains. Finally, he attempted to cross the Adriatic to Greece; but, driven back by a tempest, and captured at the foot of Mt. Gargano, he was delivered into the hands of Boniface, who confined him closely in a narrow room in the tower of the castle of Fumone near Anagni (Analecta Bollandiana, 1897, XVI, 429-30). Here, after nine months passed in fasting and prayer, closely watched but attended by two of his own religious, though rudely treated by the guards, he ended his extraordinary career in his eighty-first year. That Boniface treated him harshly, and finally cruelly murdered him, is a calumny. Some years after his canonization by Clement V in 1313, his remains were transferred from Ferentino to the church of his order at Aquila, where they are still the object of great veneration. His feast is celebrated on 19 May. |
1304 Blessed Benedict
XI, OP Pope he had "a vast store of knowledge,
a prodigious memory, a penetrating genius, and
(that) everything about him endeared him to all." In
1295, he received the degree of master of theology As papal
legate Nicholas travelled to Hungary to try to settle a
civil war there He worked to reconcile warring parties in
Europe and the Church and to increase spirituality. His reign,
short though it was, was noted for its leniency and kindness
Many miracles were performed at his tomb, and there were several
cures even before his burial (RM)
Bd Benedict XI, Pope Nicholas
Boccasini was born at Treviso in the year
1240. He was educated there and at Venice, where
at seventeen years of age he took the habit of St Dominic.
In 1268 he was appointed professor and preacher at Venice
and Bologna, where he fruitfully communicated to others those
spiritual riches which he had treasured up in silence and retirement,
while always advancing in the way of perfection himself.
He composed a volume of sermons, and wrote commentaries
on the Holy Scriptures, which are still extant. He
was chosen prior provincial of his order for Lombardy and, in
1296, elected ninth master general of the whole Order of Preachers.
Two years later Brother Nicholas was created cardinal and
soon after bishop of Ostia, and he went as legate a latere to Hungary to endeavour
to compose the differences which divided that nation; he had
some temporary success, for his learning, prudence and selflessness
everywhere gained respect: but his services were urgently
required in Rome.
Trouble had long been brewing
between the Holy See and King Philip of
France, who had been heavily taxing ecclesiastical
persons and property to help carry on his war with England;
the king entered into an alliance with the Colonna cardinals
against Pope Boniface VIII who, the French king having
circulated a forged document in the place of his statement of
the pope's prerogatives, in 1302 issued the famous bull
"Unam sanctam", in which, inter
alia, the relationship between the spiritual
and temporal powers were set out.
In the following year Philip appealed to a general council to judge the pope on a number of astounding charges, as infamous as they were false, preferred by the royal councillor William of Nogaret and a knight, William du Plessis.* [* These gentlemen were experts in such work, and later played a similar part in the arraignment of the Knights Templars on terrifying charges.] A storm was raised against Boniface, who withdrew to Anagni, deserted by all who should have supported him, excepting only the cardinal-bishop of Sabina and the cardinal-bishop of Ostia, Nicholas Boccasini. With their advice and assistance Boniface acted with vigour and promptness, and prepared a bull of excommunication against Philip. But the very day before its promulgation Nogaret and the Ghibelline leader, Sciarra Colonna, broke into the papal residence with a rabble of hired troopers and seized the person of the pontiff, on September 7. Three days later he was released by the citizens of Anagni, returned to Rome, and on October 11 he died. To such a troubled heritage
did Cardinal Nicholas Boccasini succeed,
for within a fortnight he was elected to the apostolic
chair, and took the name of Benedict. He set
himself straightway to deal with the situation, with the
confidence engendered by trust and submission to God
and unimpeachable personal upright- ness : but his
pontificate was too short for him to do more than take the first
steps towards restoring peace; Bd Benedict's policy was
one of conciliation without compromising the memory of his
predecessor. He favoured the mendicant friars, and
all three cardinals created by him were Dominicans; two, moreover,
were Englishmen: William Makiesfield of Canterbury, who
died at Louvain before he heard of his elevation, and Walter
Winterburn of Salisbury.
In his private life Benedict continued the mortifications and penances of a friar, and abated none of his humility and moderation; when his mother came to see him at the papal court and dressed herself up for the occasion, he refused to see her until she had changed into the simple clothes which she ordinarily wore. But he only ruled for eight months and a few days, in which short space, as the Roman Martyrology says, he "wonderfully promoted the peace of the Church, the restoration of discipline, and the increase of religion"; he died suddenly at Perugia on July 7, 1304. His cultus was confirmed in 1736. Various short lives of Blessed
Benedict are mentioned in BHL., nn. 1090-1094,
including a notice by Bernard Guy incorporated
in the Liber Pontificalis,
vol. ii, pp. 471-472. See also Mortier,
Maitre, Généraux OP., vol. ii; H. Finke, Aus, den Tagen Bonifax VIII (1902); the Regesta of Benedict,
edited by C. Grandjean; and A. Ferrero,
B. Benedetto XI (1934).
Born in Treviso, Italy, 1240; died in Perugia,
Italy, April 25, 1304; beatified by Pope Clement XII
in 1736. Nicholas Boccasini was born into a poor family
of which we know little else, though there are several
different traditions concerning it. One claims that his father
was a poor shepherd. Another that he was an impoverished
nobleman. Whichever he was, he died when Nicholas was very small,
and the little boy was put in the care of an uncle, a priest
at Treviso.The child proved to be very intelligent, so his uncle had him trained in Latin and other clerical subjects. When Nicholas was ten, his uncle got him a position as tutor to some noble children. He followed this vocation until he was old enough to enter the Dominican community at Venice in 1254. Here, and in various parts of Italy, Nicholas spent the next 14 years, completing his education. It is quite probable that he had Saint Thomas Aquinas for one of his teachers. Nicholas was pre-eminently a teacher at Venice and Bologna. He did his work well according to several sources, including a testimonial from Saint Antoninus, who said that he had "a vast store of knowledge, a prodigious memory, a penetrating genius, and (that) everything about him endeared him to all." In 1295, he received the degree of master of theology. The administrative career of Nicholas Boccasini began with his election as prior general of Lombardy and then as the ninth master general of the Order of Preachers in 1296. His work in this office came to the notice of the pope, who, after Nicholas had completed a delicate piece of diplomacy in Flanders, appointed him cardinal in 1298. The Dominicans hurried to Rome
to protest that he should not be given
the dignity of a cardinal, only to receive from
the pope the mystifying prophecy that God had reserved
an even heavier burden for Nicholas. As papal legate Nicholas
travelled to Hungary to try to settle a civil war there.
His action was particularly odious in an
age when the papal power had not yet been separated completely
from temporal concerns.Boniface VIII did not always agree with the man he had appointed cardinal-bishop of Ostia and dean of the sacred college. But they respected one another, and in the tragic affair that was shaping up with Philip the Fair of France, Cardinal Boccasini was to be one of only two cardinals who defended the Holy Father, even to the point of offering his life. Philip the Fair, like several other monarchs, discovered that his interests clashed with those of the papacy. The French monarch, who bitterly
hated Boniface, besieged the pope in the
Castle of Anagni, where he had taken refuge, and
demanded that he resign the papacy. His soldiers even
broke into the house and were met by the pope, dressed in
full pontifical vestments and attended by two cardinals,
one of whom was Cardinal Boccasini. For a short time it
looked as though the soldiers, led by Philip's councilor William
Nogaret, might kill all three of them, but they refrained from
such a terrible crime and finally withdrew after Nicholas
rallied the papal forces and rescued Boniface from Anagni.
He worked to reconcile warring parties
in Europe and the Church and to increase spirituality.
His reign, short though it was, was noted for its leniency
and kindness.Cardinal Boccasini set about the difficult task of swinging public opinion to the favor of the pope. Successful at this, he stood sorrowfully by when the pontiff died, broken-hearted by his treatment at the hands of the French soldiers. On October 22, 1303, at the conclave following the death of Boniface, the prophesied burden fell upon the shoulders of the cardinal-bishop of Ostia, who took the name Benedict XI. The reign of Benedict XI was too short to give him time to work out any of his excellent plans for settling the troubles of the Church. Most of his reign was taken up with undoing the damage done by Philip the Fair. He lifted the interdict on the French people that had been laid down by his predecessor and made an uneasy peace with Philip. There are few personal anecdotes
regarding Benedict, but at least one worth
telling. Once, during his pontificate, his mother
came to the papal court to see him. The court attendants
decided that she was too poorly dressed to appear in the
presence of the Holy Father, so they dressed her up in unaccustomed
finery before allowing her to see her son. Benedict, sensing
what had happened, told them he did not recognize this wealthy
woman, and he asked them where was the little widow, pious and
poorly dressed, whom he loved so dearly.
Benedict XI died suddenly in 1304. He had continued to the end with his religious observances and penances. Some people believed that he had been poisoned, but there has never been any evidence that this was the case. Many miracles were performed at his tomb, and there were several cures even before his burial (Benedictines, Delaney, Dorcy). In art, Pope Benedict wears
a Dominican habit and papal tiara, while holding the keys. He is venerated
in Perugia (Roeder).
1304 Blessed Benedict
XI Servites were solemnly approved by Blessed
Benedict XI
As always, the hermits prayed for light, and again Our Lady appeared to them. On Good Friday, April 13, 1240, their mission was further defined in what they believed to be a vision of the Blessed Virgin, who they understood to say, "You will found a new order and you will be my witnesses throughout the world. This is your name: Servants of Mary. This is your rule: that of Saint Augustine. And here is your distinctive sign: The Black scapular, in memory of my sufferings." She held in her hand the black habit, while an angel bore a scroll inscribed with the title "Servants of Mary." From that time they became known as Servites (or 'the Servants of Mary') because they meditated especially on the sorrows in the life of the mother of God. They were clothed in the habit by their bishop, took new names in religion, and all except Saint Alexis, who in his humility begged to be excused, were ordained as priests. So many joined the Servites that new groups were set up in neighboring Tuscan cities, such as Siena, Pistoia, Arezzo, Carfaggio, and Lucca. In 1250, to commemorate the appearance of the Angel Gabriel to Mary, the seven founders built the superb church of Santissima Annunziata in Florence, which is still served by their order. The Servites were recognized in 1259 by the papal legate Raniero Cardinal Capocci and solemnly approved by Blessed Benedict XI in 1304. It has since spread into many parts of the world and continues to attract men and women, devoted to the Blessed Virgin. Many of their houses are dedicated to the education of children and the care of the poor and sick. The Servites fostered the devotion known as the Seven Sorrows of Mary, a development of the late medieval devotion to Our Lady of Pity, which offers a counterpart to the older one of the Seven Joys of Mary. |
Pope Bl. Urban V Bl. Urban
V 1362-1370 Guillaume de Grimoard
Guillaume de Grimoard, born at Grisac in Languedoc, 1310; died at Avignon, 19 December, 1370. Born of a knightly family, he was educated at Montpellier and Toulouse, and became a Benedictine monk at the little priory of Chirac near his home. A Bull of 1363 informs us that he was professed at the great Abbey of St. Victor at Marseilles, where he imbibed his characteristic love for the Order of St. Benedict; even as pope he wore its habit. He was ordained at Chirac, and after a further course of theology and canon law at the universities of Toulouse, Montpellier, Paris, and Avignon, he received the doctorate in 1342. He was one of the greatest canonists of his day; was professor of canon law at Montpellier, and also taught at Toulouse, Paris, and Avignon; he acted successively as vicar-general of the Dioceses of Clermont and Uzès, was at an unknown date (before 1342) affiliated to Cluny, became prior of Notre-Dame du Pré (a priory dependent on St. Germain d'Auxerre), and in 1352 was named abbot of that famous house by Clement VI. With this date begins his diplomatic career. His first mission was to Giovanni Visconti, Archbishop and despot of Milan, and this he carried out successfully; in 1354 and 1360 he was employed on the affairs of the Holy See in Italy; in 1361 he was appointed by Innocent VI to the Abbacy of St. Victor at Marseilles, but in 1362 was once more dispatched to Italy, this time on an embassy to Joanna of Naples. It was while engaged on this business that the abbot heard of his election to the papacy. Innocent VI had died on 12 Sept. The choice of one who was not a cardinal was due to jealousies within the Sacred College, which made the election of any one of its members almost impossible. Guillaume de Grimoard was chosen for his virtue and learning, and for his skill in practical affairs of government and diplomacy. He arrived at Marseilles on 28 Oct., entered Avignon three days later, and was consecrated on 6 November, taking the name of Urban because, as he said, "all the popes who had borne the name had been saints". The general satisfaction which this election aroused was voiced by Petrarch, who wrote to the pope, "It is God alone who has chosen you". On 20 November King John of
France visited Avignon; his main purpose was to obtain the hand of Joanna
of Naples, ward of the Holy See, for his son Philip, Duke of Touraine. In
a letter of 7 November Urban had already approved her project of marriage
with King James of Majorca, a king without a kingdom; by so doing the pope
safeguarded his own independence at Avignon, which would have been gravely
imperilled had the marriage of Joanna, who was also Countess of Provence,
united to the Crown of France the country surrounding the little papal principality.
The letter written by Urban to Joanna on 29 Nov., urging the marriage with
Philip, was probably meant rather to appease the French king than to persuade
the recipient. The betrothal of the Queen of Naples to James of Majorca was
signed on 14 Dec. The enormous ransom of 3,000,000 gold crowns, due to Edward
III of England from John of France by the treaty of Bretigny, was still in
great part unpaid, and John now sought permission to levy a tithe on the
revenues of the French clergy. Urban refused this request as well as another
for the nomination of four cardinals chosen by the king. John also desired
to intervene between the pope and Barnabò Visconti, tyrant of Milan.
He was again refused, and when Barnabò failed to appear within the
three months allowed by his citation, the pope excommunicated him (3 March,
1363). In April of the same year Visconti was defeated before Bologna. Peace
was concluded in March, 1364; Barnabò restored the castles seized
by him, while Urban withdrew the excommunication and undertook to pay half
a million gold florins.
1370
Blessed Pope Urban V deeply spiritual Benedictine monk canon lawyer
reformer b.1310
The Benedictine pope was a lover of peace, and much of his diplomacy was directed to the pacification of Italy and France. Both countries were overrun by mercenary bands known as the "Free Companies", and the pope made many efforts to secure their dispersal or departure. His excommunication was disregarded and the companies refused to join the distant King of Hungary in his battles with the Turks although the Emperor Charles IV, who came to Avignon in May, 1365, guaranteed the expenses of their journey and offered them the revenues of his kingdom of Bohemia for three years. War now broke out between Pedro the Cruel of Navarre and his brother Henry of Trastamare. Pedro was excommunicated for his cruelties and persecutions of the clergy, and Bertrand Duguesclin, the victor of Cocherel, led the companies into Navarre; yet they visited Avignon on their way and wrung blackmail from the pope. The Spanish war was quickly ended, and Urban returned to his fomer plan of employing the companies against the Turk. The Count of Savoy was to have led them to the assistance of the King of Cyprus and the Eastern Empire, but this scheme too was a failure. Urban's efforts were equally fruitless in Italy, where the whole land was overrun with bands led by such famous condottieri as the German Count of Landau and the Englishman Sir John Hawkwood. In 1365, after the failure of a scheme to unite Florence, Pisa, and the Italian communes against them, the pope commissioned Albornoz to persuade these companies to join the King of Hungary. In 1366 he solemnly excommunicated them, forbade their employment, and called on the emperor and all the powers of Christendom to unite for their extirpation. All was in vain, for though a league of Italian cities was formed in September of that year, it was disolved about fifteen months later owing to Florentine jealousy of the emperor. In 1362, the man elected pope declined the office. When the cardinals could not find another person among them for that important office, they turned to a relative stranger: the holy person we honor today. The new Pope Urban V proved a wise choice. A Benedictine monk and canon lawyer, he was deeply spiritual and brilliant. He lived simply and modestly, which did not always earn him friends among clergymen who had become used to comfort and privilege. Still, he pressed for reform and saw to the restoration of churches and monasteries. Except for a brief period he spent most of his eight years as pope living away from Rome at Avignon, seat of the papacy from 1309 until shortly after his death. He came close but was not able to achieve one of his biggest goals—reuniting the Eastern and Western churches. As pope, Urban continued to follow the Benedictine Rule. Shortly before his death in 1370 he asked to be moved from the papal palace to the nearby home of his brother so he could say goodbye to the ordinary people he had so often helped. Blessed Urban V OSB, Pope (RM) Born in Grisac, Languedoc, France, 1310; died in Avignon, France, December 19, 1370; cultus confirmed by Pope Pius IX on March 10, 1870. William (Guillaume) de Grimoard, later Pope Urban V, was born in a chateau and given his name by his godfather Elzear de Sabran. His mother, Amphelise de Montferrand, remarked: "My son, I don't understand you! . . . But God does." William had a most distinguished academic career, both studying philosophy, letters and law at Montpellier and Toulouse, and teaching canon law at four universities: Montpellier, Toulouse, Avignon, and Paris. The Benedictines pleased him. He entered the Chirac abbey and followed his vocation, which included ordination as a priest. His serious smile won all hearts; his diplomas opened doors. He was vicar general at Clermont and Uzés. Pope Clement VI appointed him abbot of St. Germain, Auxerre, in 1352, and nine years later Pope Innocent VI appointed him abbot of St. Victor, Marseilles, and legate to Queen Joanna of Naples. He retained such fond memories of St. Victor's that he asked to be buried there. Popes Clement VI and Innocent VI used his services as a diplomat. The latter sent him all over as papal legate to obtain the submission of the Italian cities and the little republics that had so clamorously broken loose and, in the disorder of temporal authority, more and more contested the authority of the Holy See. William succeeded, not by the ruses of diplomats or severity, but by negotiations and candor. He had no enemies. On September 28, 1362, he was on a papal mission to Naples when he learned that Innocent VI had died and that he himself had been elected pope, though he was not a cardinal. Together with his new name Urban, he took on his new mission without any pomp for he had a horror of all display. He prayed the way everyone prayed. He ate and died as the common folk. He immediately began to reform the Church. Because his studies had served him well, he came to the aid of students with all his might, creating thousands of scholarships, reforming or creating new universities. He said, "The first sin of Christians is their ignorance." He restored churches and monasteries that had fallen into disorder. He made peace with Barnabo Visconti in 1364, though he was unsuccessful in his attempts to suppress the marauding condottieri in France and Italy. Through Peter de Lusignan, Urban temporarily occupied Alexandria in 1365, but his crusade against the Turks did not succeed. For 50 years the papacy had been based at Avignon but in 1366 Urban decided to bring back the papacy to Rome. Unfortunately, the French court and cardinals opposed this move. Once in Rome, he set about restoring the dilapidated city, tightening clerical discipline, and reviving religion. The Emperor Charles IV was won over to a new treaty with the papacy. After Urban crowned Charles' consort German Empress, Charles agreed to respect the rights of the Church in Germany. Because the split church seemed to him a permanent injury to Jesus Christ, he made advances to the Christians of the East. Even the Greek emperor, John V Palaeologus, was reconciled to Rome, in an attempt to heal the deep rift between the Eastern and Western Church. It is sad that the emperor was unable to win over the hearts of his people to reconcile with Rome. But many princes remained hostile. Because he knew how to live modestly, Urban demanded the same of his entourage. Because he did not value money, he made no economies and condemned the clergy who made profit and business from their positions. If the goodness of Pope Urban has any defect, it is that he didn't hide it under his hat. He did everything in all innocence. Though he was pope, he remained a monk and continued to follow the Benedictine Rule. The condottieri, led by Barnabo Visconti, were once again his implacable enemies. The Perugians rose against him. The leaders of France threatened the stability of the Church. Sadly, Urban left Rome on September 5, 1370, and returned to Avignon, despite the prediction of Saint Bridget that he would die an early death if he left Rome. He died less than four months later. On Tuesday Urban had a premonition that he would not finish his mission and that he was not the man to reconcile the French and the British. He made them remove him from the Papal Palace at Avignon to his brother's house at the foot of the hill. He did not want to die in fine sheets. He had all the door to the street opened, for many of the people whom he used to help wanted to say goodbye to him (Benedictines, Bentley, Delaney, Encyclopedia). |
1389-1404 Pope Boniface IX; He lacked good theological training and skill
in the conduct of curial business, but
was by nature tactful and prudent. His firm
charater and mild manner did much to restore respect for
the papacy in the countries of his own obedience (Germany,
England, Hungary, Poland, and the greater part of Italy);
In the course of his reign
Boniface extinguished the municipal independence
of Rome and established the supremacy of the pope.
He secured the final adhesion of the Romans (1398) by fortifying
anew the Castle of Sant' Angelo, the bridges, and other
points of vantage. He also took over the port of Ostia from its
cardinal-bishop. In the Papal States Boniface gradually regained
control of the chief strongholds and cities, and is the true
founder of these States as they appear in the fifteenth century.
Owing to the faithlessness and violence of the Romans he resided
frequently at Perugia, Assisi, and elsewhere. Clement VII,
the Avignon pope, died 16 September, 1394. Boniface had excommunicated
him shortly after his own election, and in turn had been
excommunicated by Clement. In 1392 Boniface attempted, but
in vain, to enter into closer relations with Clement for the re-establishment
of ecclesiastical unity, whereupon Boniface reasserted with
vigour his own legitimacy. Clement was succeeded at Avignon,
28 September, 1394, by Cardinal Pedro de Luna, as Benedict XIII.
Suffice it to say here that Boniface always claimed to be the true
pope, and at all times rejected the proposal to abdicate even when
it was supported by the principal members of his own obedience,
e.g. Richard II of England (1396), the Diet of Frankfort (1397),
and King Wenceslaus of Germany (Reims, 1398); Contemporary and later chroniclers praise
the political virtues of Boniface, also the purity of
his life, and the grandeur of his spirit. Elected at Rome, 2 November, 1389, as successor of the Roman Pope, Urban VI; d. there, 1 October, 1404. Piero (Perino, Pietro) Tomacelli came of an ancient but impoverished baronial family of Naples. He lacked good theological training and skill in the conduct of curial business, but was by nature tactful and prudent. His firm charater and mild manner did much to restore respect for the papacy in the countries of his own obedience (Germany, England, Hungary, Poland, and the greater part of Italy). The Avignon Pope, Clement VII, had just crowned (1 November, 1389) as King of Naples the French prince, Louis of Anjou. Boniface took up the cause of the youthful Ladislaus, heir of Charles III of Naples and Margaret of Durazzo, had him crowned King of Naples at Gaeta (29 May, 1390), and for the next decade aided him efficiently to expel the Angevin forces from Italy. In the course of his reign Boniface extinguished the municipal independence of Rome and established the supremacy of the pope. He secured the final adhesion of the Romans (1398) by fortifying anew the Castle of Sant' Angelo, the bridges, and other points of vantage. He also took over the port of Ostia from its cardinal-bishop. In the Papal States Boniface gradually regained control of the chief strongholds and cities, and is the true founder of these States as they appear in the fifteenth century. Owing to the faithlessness and violence of the Romans he resided frequently at Perugia, Assisi, and elsewhere. Clement VII, the Avignon pope, died 16 September, 1394. Boniface had excommunicated him shortly after his own election, and in turn had been excommunicated by Clement. In 1392 Boniface attempted, but in vain, to enter into closer relations with Clement for the re-establishment of ecclesiastical unity, whereupon Boniface reasserted with vigour his own legitimacy. Clement was succeeded at Avignon, 28 September, 1394, by Cardinal Pedro de Luna, as Benedict XIII. Suffice it to say here that Boniface always claimed to be the true pope, and at all times rejected the proposal to abdicate even when it was supported by the principal members of his own obedience, e.g. Richard II of England (1396), the Diet of Frankfort (1397), and King Wenceslaus of Germany (Reims, 1398). During the reign of Boniface two jubilees were celebrated at Rome. The first took place in 1396, in compliance with an ordinance of his predecessor Urban VI, and was largely frequented from Germany, Hungary, Poland, Bohemia, and England. Several cities of Germany obtained the privileges of the jubilee, but the preaching of the indulgences gave rise to abuses and to impositions on the part of unaccredited agents of the pope, so that he was obliged to proceed against them with severity. The jubilee of 1400 drew to Rome great crowds of pilgrims, particularly from France. In spite of a disastrous plague Boniface remained at his post. In the latter part of 1399 bands of penitents, known as the Bianchi, or Albati (White Penitents), arose, especially in Provence and Italy. They went in procession from city to city, clad in white garments, with faces hooded, only the eyes being left uncovered, and wearing on their backs a red cross. For a while their penitential enthusiasm had some good results. After they had satisfied their spiritual ardour at Rome, Boniface gradually discountenanced these wandering crowds, an easy prey of agitators and conspirators, and finally dissolved them. In England the anti-papal virulence of Wycliff increased the opposition of both Crown and clergy to the methods of Boniface in the granting of such English benefices as fell vacant in the Roman Curia through the death or promotion of the incumbent. The Parliament confirmed and extended more than once the statutes of Provisors and Præmunire, of Edward III. Boniface protested vigorously, particularly in 1391, but in the end found himself unable to execute his grants without the king's consent and sanction. "Thus ended", says Lingard (ad. an. 1393), "this long and angry controversy entirely to the advantage of the Crown." Nevertheless, at the Synod of London (1396), the English Church condemned the anti-papal teachings of Wyclif, and in 1398 the University of Oxford, consulted by Richard II, issued in favour of Boniface an influential document, while in 1390 and again in 1393 the spiritual peers upheld the right of the pope to excommunicate even those who obeyed the statutes of Provisors. In Germany the electors had deposed at Rhense (20 August, 1400) the unworthy Wenceslaus, King of the Romans, and had chosen in his place Rupert, Duke of Bavaria and Rhenish Count Palatine. In 1403 Boniface abandoned his uncertain attitude towards both, approved the deposition of Wenceslaus as done by papal authority, and recognized the election of Rupert. In 1398 and 1399 Boniface appealed to Christian Europe in favour of Emperor Emmanuel, threatened at Constantinople by Sultan Bajazet. St. Bridget of Sweden was canonized by Boniface, 7 October, 1391. The universities of Ferrara (1391) and Fermo (1398) owe him their origin, and that of Erfurt its confirmation (1392). In 1404 Benedict XIII sent the last of his embassies to Boniface, who received the agents of Benedict 29 September, but the interview ended unfavourably. The pope, highly irritated, took to his bed with an attack of gravel, and died after an illness of two days. Contemporary and later chroniclers praise the political virtues of Boniface, also the purity of his life, and the grandeur of his spirit. Some, like Dietrich of Niem, charge him with an inordinate love of money, dishonest traffic in benefices, the sale of dispensations, etc. But Dietrich is no impartial writer and is blamed by Reynaldus for being bitter and unjust (acertus et iniquis). In his gossipy pages one misses a proper appreciation of the difficulties that surrounded Boniface—local sources of revenue lost in the long absence of the papacy from Rome, foreign revenue diminished by the schism, extraordinary expenses for the restoration of papal Rome and the reconquest of the Papal States, the constant wars necessitated by French ambition, the inheritance of the financial methods of Avignon, and the obligation of conciliating supporters in and out of Italy. Boniface sought nothing for himself and died poor. He is also charged with nepotism and he certainly provided generously for his mother, brothers, and nephews. It may be said, however, that in the semi-anarchic conditions of the time good government depended upon such personal support as a temporal ruler could gather and retain, i.e. could reward, while fidelity was best secured by close domestic ties. Boniface was the first pope to introduce the form of revenue known as annates perpetuæ, or reservation of one-half the first year's fruits of every benefice granted in the Roman Court, this in addition to other traditional expenses. It must be remembered that at this time the cardinals claimed a large part of these revenues, so that the Curia was perhaps more responsible than the pope for new financial methods destined in the next century to arouse bitter feelings against Rome, particularly in Germany. |
1417 - 1431 Pope
Martin V; his journey to Rome, where
he arrived on 28 September, 1420. He at once set to work, establishing
order and restoring the dilapidated churches, palaces,
bridges, and other public structures. For this reconstruction
he engaged some famous masters of the Tuscan school,
and thus laid the foundation for the Roman Renaissance.
When practically a new Rome had risen from the ruins of the
old, the pope turned his attention to the rest of the Papal
States, which during the schism had become an incoherent mass
of independent cities and provinces. After the death of Braccio
di Montone in June 1424, Perugia, Assisi, Todi and Jesi freely submitted
to the papal territory. Bologna again revolted in 1428, but returned
to the papal allegiance in the following year. In these activities,
Martin V was greatly assisted by his kindred, the Colonna family,
whom he overwhelmed with important civil and ecclesiastical
offices. In his case, however, the charge of nepotism loses some
of its odiousness, for, when, he came to Rome, he was a landless
ruler and could look for support to no one except his relatives. (Oddone Colonna) Born at Genazzano in the Campagna
di Roma, 1368; died at Rome, 20 Feb., 1431.
He studied at the University of Perugia,
became prothonotary Apostolic under Urban VI, papal
auditor and nuncio at various Italian courts under Boniface
IX, and was administrator of the Diocese of Palestrina
from 15 December 1401, to 1405, and from 18 to 23 September,
1412. On 12 June, 1402 he was made Cardinal Deacon of San
Giorgio in Velabro. He deserted the lawful pope, Gregory XII, was
present at the council of Pisa, and took part in the election
of the antipopes Alexander V and John XXIII. At the Council of Constance
he was, after a conclave of three days, unanimously elected pope
on on 11 November, 1417 by the representatives of the five nations
(Germany, France, Italy, Spain and England) and took the name Martin
V in honor of the saint of Tours whose feast fell on the day of his
election. Being then only subdeacon, he was ordained deacon on
12, and priest on 13, and was consecrated bishop on 14 November.
On 21 November he was crowned pope in the great court of the episcopal
palace of Constance. (Concerning his further activity at the council
see COUNCIL OF CONSTANCE.) The influential family of the Colonnas had already given twenty-seven cardinals to the church, but Martin V was the first to ascend the papal throne. He was in the full vigor of life being only forty-one. Of simple and unassuming manners and stainless character, he possessed a great knowledge of canon law, was pledged to no party, and had numerous other good qualities. He seemed the right man to rule the Church which had passed through the most critical period in its history — the so called Western Schism. The antipopes, John XXIII and Benedict XIII were still recalcitrant. The former, however, submitted to Martin at Florence on 23 June, 1419, and was made Dean of the Sacred College and Cardinal-Bishop of Frascati. The latter remained stubborn to the end, but had little following. His successor Clement VIII submitted to Martin V in 1429, while another successor to Benedict XIII, who had been elected by only one cardinal and styled himself Benedict XIV, was excommunicated by Martin V, and thereafter had only a few supporters (see WESTERN SCHISM). On 22 April, 1418 Martin V dissolved the council but remained in Constance, concluding separate concordats with Germany (Mansi, "Sacrorun Conc. Nova et ampl. Coll" XXVII, 1189-93), France (ibid.,1184-9) England (ibid., 1193-5), Spain (Colección completa de concordatos españoles", Madrid, 1862, 9 sq.). A separate concordat was probably made also with Italy, though some believe it identical with the concordat with Spain. King Sigismund of Germany used every effort to induce Martin V to reside in a German city while France begged him to come to Avignon, but, rejecting all offers he set out for Rome on 16 May, 1418. The sad state of Rome, however, made it impossible at that time to re-establish the papal throne there. The city was wellnigh in ruins, famine and sickness had decimated its inhabitants, and the few people that still lived there were on the verge of starvation. Martin V therefore, proceeded slowly on his way thither, stopping for some time at Berne, Geneva, Mantua and Florence. While sojourning in the two last-named cities, he gained the support of Queen Joanna of Naples, who was in possession of Rome and Naples, by consenting to recognize her as Queen of Naples, and to permit her coronation by Cardinal Legate Morosini on 28 October, 1419. She ordered her general Sforza Attendolo, to evacuate Rome on 6 March, 1419 and granted important fiefs in her kingdom to the pope's two brothers, Giordano and Lorenzo. With the help of the Florentines, Martin also came to an understanding with the famous condottiere Bracco di Montone, who had gained mastery over half of central Italy. The pope allowed him to retain Perugia, Assisi, Todi and Jesi as vicar of the church, whereupon Bracci restored all his other conquests, and in July 1420, compelled Bologna to submit to the pope. Martin was now able to continue on his journey to Rome, where he arrived on 28 September, 1420. He at once set to work, establishing order and restoring the dilapidated churches, palaces, bridges, and other public structures. For this reconstruction he engaged some famous masters of the Tuscan school, and thus laid the foundation for the Roman Renaissance. When practically a new Rome had risen from the ruins of the old, the pope turned his attention to the rest of the Papal States, which during the schism had become an incoherent mass of independent cities and provinces. After the death of Braccio di Montone in June 1424, Perugia, Assisi, Todi and Jesi freely submitted to the papal territory. Bologna again revolted in 1428, but returned to the papal allegiance in the following year. In these activities, Martin V was greatly assisted by his kindred, the Colonna family, whom he overwhelmed with important civil and ecclesiastical offices. In his case, however, the charge of nepotism loses some of its odiousness, for, when, he came to Rome, he was a landless ruler and could look for support to no one except his relatives. The tendency which some of the cardinals had manifested at the Council of Constance to substitute constitutional for monarchial government in the Church and to make the pope subject to a General Council, was firmly and successfully opposed by Martin V. The council had decided that a new council should be convened every five years. Accordingly, Martin convened a council, which opened at Pavia in April 1423, but had to be transferred to Siena in June in consequence of the plague. He used the small attendance and the disagreement of the cardinals as a pretext to dissolve it again on 26 February, 1424, but agreed to summon a new council in Basel within seven years. He died, however, before this convened, though he had previously appointed Cardinal Giuliano Cesarini as president of the council with powers to transfer and, if necessary suspend it. Though Martin V allowed adjustment of the temporal affairs of the Church to draw his attention from the more important duty of reforming the papal court and the clergy, still the sorry condition of Rome and of the Papal States at his accession palliate this neglect. He did not entirely overlook the inner reform of the Church; especially during the early part of his pontificate, he made some attempts at reforming the clergy at St. Peter's and abolishing the most crying abuses of the Curia. In a Bull issued on 16, March 1425, he made some excellent provisions for a thorough reform but the Bull apparently remained a dead letter. (This Bull is printed in Döllinger, "Beiträge sur politischen kirchlichen and Kulturgeschichte der sechs lletxten Jahrhunderte",II, Raisbon,1863, pp335-44.) He also opposed the secular encroachments upon the rights of the Church in France by issuing a Constitution (13 April 142), which greatly limited the Gallican liberties in that part of France which was subject to King Henry VI of England, and by entering a new concordat with King Charles VII of France in August, 1426 (see Valois,"Concordats antérieurs a celui de François I, Pontificat de Martin V" in "Revue des questions historiques", LXXVII, Paris, 1905, pp.376-427). Against the Hussites in Bohemia he ordered a crusade, and negotiated with Constantinople in behalf of a reunion of the Greek with the Latin Church. His bulls, diplomas, letters, etc. are printed in Mansai, "Sacrorum Conc. Et amp., Coll.," XXVII-XXVIII. |
1431 1447 Pope Eugenius IV Gabriello Condulmaro, or Condulmerio, b. at
Venice, 1388; elected 4 March, 1431; d. at
Rome, 23 Feb., 1447. He sprang from a wealthy Venetia
family and was a nephew, on the mother's side, of Gregory
XII. His personal presence was princely and imposing.
He was tall, thin, with a remarkably winning countenance.
Coming at an early age into the possession of great wealth, he
distributed 20,000 ducats to the poor and, turning his back
upon the world, entered the Augustinian monastery of St. George
in his native city. At the age of twenty-four he was appointed
by his uncle Bishop of Siena; but since the people of that city
objected to the rule of a foreigner, he resigned the bishopric
and, in 1408, was created Cardinal-Priest of St. Clement.
He rendered signal service to Pope Martin V by his labours
as legate in Picenum (March of Ancona) and later by quelling
a sedition of the Bolognesi. In recognition of his abilities,
the conclave, assembled at Rome in the church of the Minerva after
the death of Martin V, elected Cardinal Condulmaro to the papacy
on the first scrutiny. He assumed the name of Eugene IV, possibly anticipating a stormy pontificate similar to that of Eugene III. Stormy, in fact, his reign was destined to be; and it cannot be denied that many of his troubles were owing to his own want of tact, which alienated all parties from him. By the terms of thecapitulation which he signed before election and afterwards confirmed by a Bull, Eugene secured to the cardinals one-half of all the revenues of the Church, and promised to consult with them on all questions of importance relating to the spiritual and temporal concerns of the Church and the Papal States. He was crowned at St. Peter's, 11 March, 1431. Eugene continued on the throne his simple routine of monastic life and gave great edification by his regularity and unfeigned piety. But his hatred of nepotism, the solitary defect of his great predecessor, led him into a fierce and sanguinary conflict with the house of Colonna, which would have resulted disastrously for the pope, had not Florence, Venice, and Naples come to his aid. A peace was patched up by virtue of which the Colonnesi surrendered their castles and paid an indemnity of 75,000 ducats. Scarcely was this danger averted when Eugene became involved in a far more serious struggle, destined to trouble his entire pontificate. Martin V had convoked the Council of Basle which opened with scant attendance 23 July, 1431. Distrusting the spirit which was reigning at the council, Eugene, by a Bull dated 18 Dec., 1431, dissolved it, to meet eighteen months later in Bologna. There is no doubt that this exercise of the papal prerogative would sooner or later have become imperative; but it seems unwise to have resorted to it before the council had taken any overt steps in the wrong direction. It alienated public opinion, and gave colour to the charge that the Curia was opposed to any measures of reform. The prelates at Basle refused to separate, and issued an encyclical to all the faithful in which they proclaimed their determination to continue their labours. In this course they had the assurance of support from all the secular powers, and on 15 Feb., 1432, they reasserted the Gallican doctrine of the superiority of the council to the pope (see COUNCIL OF CONSTANCE). All efforts to induce Eugene to recall his Bull of dissolution having failed, the council, on 29 April, formally summoned the pope and his cardinals to appear at Basle within three months, or to be punished for contumacy. The schism which now seemed inevitable was for the time averted by the exertions of Sigismund, who had come to Rome to receive the imperial crown, 31 May, 1433. The pope recalled the Bull and acknowledged the council as æcumenical, 15 Dec., 1433. In the following May, 1434, a revolution, fomented by the pope's enemies, broke out in Rome. Eugene, in the garb of a monk, and pelted with stones, escaped down the Tiber to Ostia, whence the friendly Florentines conducted him to their city and received him with an ovation. He took up his residence in the Dominican convent of Santa Maria Novella, and sent Vitelleschi, the militant Bishop of Recanati, to restore order in the States of the Church. The prolonged sojourn of the Roman Court in Florence, then the centre of the literary activity of its age, gave a strong impetus to the Humanistic movement. During his stay in the Tuscan capital, Eugene consecrated the beautiful cathedral, just then finished by Brunelleschi. Meanwhile, the rupture between the Holy See and the revolutionists at Basle, now completely controlled by the radical party under the leadership of Cardinal d'Allemand, of Arles, became complete. This time our sympathies are entirely on the side of the pontiff, for the proceedings of the little coterie which assumed the name of authority of a general council were utterly subversive of the Divine constitution of the Church. By abolishing all sources of papal revenue and restricting in every way the papal prerogative, they sought to reduce the head of the Church to a mere shadow. Eugene answered with a dignified appeal to the European powers. The struggle came to a crisis in the matter of the negotiations for union with the Greeks. The majority at Basle were in favour of holding a council in France or Savoy. But geography was against them. Italy was much more convenient for the Greeks; and they declared for the pope. This so provoked the radical party at Basle that on 3 July, 1437, they issued a monitum against Eugene, heaping all sorts of accusations upon him. In reply the pope published (18 Sept.) a Bull in which he transferred the council to Ferrara. Though the council declared the Bull invalid, and threatened the pope with deposition, yet the Bull dealt a deadly blow to the adversaries of papal supremacy. The better disposed leaders, notably Cardinals Cesarini and Cusa, left them and repaired to Ferrara, where the council convened by Eugene opened, 8 Jan., 1438, under the presidency of Cardinal Albergati. The deliberations with the Greeks lasted for over a year, and were concluded at Florence, 5 July, 1439, by the Decree of Union. Though the union was not permanent, it vastly enhanced the prestige of the papacy. The union with the Greeks was followed by that of the Armenians, 22 Nov., 1439, the Jacobites, 1443, and the Nestorians, 1445. Eugene exerted himself to the utmost in rousing the nations of Europe to resist the advances of the Turks. A powerful array was formed in Hungary, and a fleet was despatched to the Hellespont. The first successes of the Christians were followed, in 1444, by the crushing defeat at Varna. In the mean time, the dwindling conventicle at Basle proceeded on the path of schism. On 24 Jan., 1438, Eugene was pronounced suspended, and this step was followed by his deposition on 25 June, 1439, on the charge of heretical conduct towards a general council. To crown their infamy, the sectaries, now reduced to one cardinal and eleven bishops, elected an antipope, Duke Amadeus of Savoy, as Felix V. But Christendom, having recently experienced the horrors of a schism, repudiated the revolutionary step, and, before his death, Eugene had the happiness of seeing the entire Christian world, at least in theory, obedient to the Holy See. The decrees of Florence have since been the solid basis of the spiritual authority of the papacy. Eugene secured his position in Italy by a treaty, 6 July, 1443, with Alfonso of Aragon, whom he confirmed as monarch of Naples, and after an exile of nearly ten years he made a triumphant entry into Rome, on 28 Sept., 1443. He devoted his remaining years to the amelioration of the sad condition of Rome, and to the consolidation of his spiritual authority among the nations of Europe. He was unsuccessful in his efforts to induce the French court to cancel the anti-papal Pragmatic Sanction of Bourges (7 July, 1438), but, by prudent compromises and the skill of Æneas Silvius, he gained a marked success in Germany. On the eve of his death he signed (5, 7 Feb., 1447) with the German nation the so-called Frankfort, or Princes', Concordat, a series of four Bulls, in which, after long hesitancy and against the advice of many cardinals, he recognized, not without diplomatic reserve, the persistent German contentions for a new council in a German city, the mandatory decree of Constance (Frequens) on the frequency of such councils, also its authority (and that of other general councils), but after the manner of his predecessors, from whom he declared that he did not intend to differ. On the same day he issued another document, the so-called "Bulla Salvatoria", in which he asserted that notwithstanding these concessions, made in his last illness when unable to examine them with more care, he did not intend to do aught contrary to the teachings of the Fathers, or the rights and authority of the Apostolic See (Hergenröther-Kirsch, II, 941-2). See PIUS II; GREGORY OF HEIMBURG. |
1445-1457 Nicholas V A name never to be mentioned without reverence
by every lover of letters; Council of Florence -- his familiarity
with Patristic and Scholastic theology gave
him a prominent place in the discussions with the Greek
bishops; works on which
he especially set his heart were the rebuilding of the Leonine
City, the Vatican, and the Basilica of St. Peter; Vatican Palace. Indeed it was he who first
made it the worthy residence of the popes. Some of his constructions
still remain, notably the left side of the court of St. Damasus and
the chapel of San Lorenzo, decorated with Fra Angelico's
frescoes; The crowning
glory of his pontificate was the foundation of the Vatican
Library; His devotion to art and literature
did not prevent him from the performance of his duties
as Head of the Church. By the Concordat of Vienna (1448)
he secured the recognition of the papal rights concerning
bishoprics and benefices. He also brought about the submission
of the last of the antipopes, Felix V, and the dissolution
of the Synod of Basle (1449). In accordance with his general
principle of impressing the popular mind by outward and visible
signs, he proclaimed a Jubilee which was the fitting symbol of
the cessation of the schism and the restoration of the authority
of the popes (1450). Nicholas was small in stature and weakly
in constitution. His features were clear-cut; his complexion
pale; his eyes dark and piercing. In disposition he was lively and
impetuous. A scholar rather than a man of action, he underrated
difficulties, and was impatient when he was not instantly understood
and obeyed. At the same time he was obliging and cheerful, and readily
granted audience to his subjects. He was a man of sincere piety,
simple and temperate in his habits, He was entirely free from the
bane of nepotism, and exercised great care in the choice of
cardinals. We may truly say that the lofty aims, the scholarly
and artistic tastes, and the noble generosity of Nicholas form
one of the brightest pages in the history of the popes. Born at Sarzana in Liguria, 15 November, 1397; died in Rome, 24-5 March, 1455. While still a youth he lost his father, a poor but skilful physician, and was thereby prevented from completing his studies at Bologna. He became tutor in the families of the Strozzi and Albizzi at Florence, where he made the acquaintance of the leading Humanist scholars of the day. In 1419 he returned to Bologna, and three years later took his degree as master of theology. The saintly bishop of Bologna, Niccolò Albergati, now took him into his service. For more than twenty years Parentucelli was the bishop's factotum, and in that capacity was enabled to indulge his passion for building and that of collecting books. Unlike many bibliophiles he was as well acquainted with the matter contained within his volumes as with their bindings and value. Some of them are still preserved, and contain many marginal notes in his beautiful writing. His knowledge was of the encyclopedic character not unusual at a time when the learned undertook to argue de omni re scibili. His mind, however, was receptive rather than productive. Nevertheless, he could make good use of what he had studied, as was shown at the Council of Florence where his familiarity with Patristic and Scholastic theology gave him a prominent place in the discussions with the Greek bishops. He accompanied Albergati in various legatine missions, notably to France, and was always watchful for rare and beautiful books. Eugene IV wished to attach such a brilliant scholar to his own person; but Parentucelli remained faithful to his patron. On the death of the latter he was appointed to succeed him in the See of Bologna, but was unable to take possession owing to the troubled state of the city. This led to his being entrusted by Pope Eugene with important diplomatic missions in Italy and Germany, which he carried out with such success that he obtained as his reward a cardinal's hat (Dec., 1446). Early next year (23 Feb.) Eugene died, and Parentucelli was elected in his place, taking as his name Nicholas in memory of his obligations to Niccolò Albergati (6 March, 1447). As soon as the new pontiff was firmly seated on his throne, it was felt that a new spirit had come into the papacy. Now that there was no longer any danger of a fresh outbreak of schism and the Council of Constance had lost all influence, Nicholas could devote himself to the accomplishment of objects which were the aim of his life and had been the means of raising him to his present exalted position. He designed to make Rome the site of splendid monuments, the home of literature and art, the bulwark of the papacy, and the worthy capital of the Christian world. His first care was to strengthen the fortifications, and restore the churches in which the stations were held. Next he took in hand the cleansing and paving of the streets. Rome, once famous for the number and magnificence of its aqueducts, had become almost entirely dependent for its water supply on the Tiber and onwells and cisterns. The "Aqua Virgo", originally constructed by Agrippa, was restored by Nicholas, and is to this day the most prized by the Romans, under the name of "Acqua Trevi". But the works on which he especially set his heart were the rebuilding of the Leonine City, the Vatican, and the Basilica of St. Peter. On this spot, as in a centre, the glories of the papacy were to be focused. We cannot here enter into a description of the noble designs which he entertained (see Pastor, "History of the Popes", II, 173 sqq., Eng. tr.). The basilica, the palace, and the fortress of the popes are not now what he would have made them; but their actual splendours are due in no small measure to the lofty aspirations of Nicholas V. He has been severely censured for pulling down a portion of the old St. Peter's and planning the destruction of the remainder. He defended his action on the ground that the buildings were on the verge of ruin (Müntz, Les Arts à la Cour des Papes", p. 118); but the almost equally ancient Basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura was preserved by judicious restorations until it was destroyed by fire in 1823. The pontiff's veneration for antiquity may have yielded to his desire to construct an edifice more in harmony with the classical taste of the Renaissance school, of which he himself was so ardent an adherent. Nothing but praise, however, can be given to him for his work in the Vatican Palace. Indeed it was he who first made it the worthy residence of the popes. Some of his constructions still remain, notably the left side of the court of St. Damasus and the chapel of San Lorenzo, decorated with Fra Angelico's frescoes. Though a patron of art in all its branches, it was literature that obtained his highest favours. His lifelong love of books and his delight in the company of scholars could now be gratified to the full. His immediate predecessors had held the Humanists in suspicion; Nicholas welcomed them to the Vatican as friends. Carried away by his enthusiasm for the New Learning, he overlooked any irregularities in their morals or opinions. He accepted the dedication of a work by Poggio, in which Eugene was assailed as a hypocrite; Valla, the Voltaire of the Renaissance, was made an Apostolic notary. In spite of the demands on his resources for building purposes, he was always generous to deserving scholars. If any of them modestly declined his bounty, he would say: "Do not refuse; you will not always have a Nicholas among you." He set up a vast establishment in the Vatican for translating the Greek classics, so that all might become familiar with at least the matter of these masterpieces. "No department of literature owes so much to him as history. By him were introduced to the knowledge of western Europe two great and unrivalled models of historical composition, the work of Herodotus and the work of Thucydides. By him, too, our ancestors were first made acquainted with the graceful and lucid simplicity of Xenophon and with the manly good sense of Polybius" (Macaulay, Speech at Glasgow University). The crowning glory of his pontificate was the foundation of the Vatican Library. No lay sovereigns had such opportunities of collecting books as the popes. Nicholas's agents ransacked the monasteries and palaces of every country in Europe. Precious manuscripts, which would have been eaten by the moths or would have found their way to the furnace, were rescued from their ignorant owners and sumptuously housed in the Vatican. In this way he accumulated five thousand volumes at a cost of more than forty thousand scudi. "It was his greatest joy to walk about his library arranging the books and glancing through their pages, admiring the handsome bindings, and taking pleasure in contemplating his own arms stamped on those that had been dedicated to him, and dwelling in thought on the gratitude that future generations of scholars would entertain towards their benefactor. Thus he is to be seen depicted in one of the halls of theVatican library, employed in settling his books" (Voigt, quoted by Pastor, II, 213). His devotion to art and literature did not prevent him from the performance of his duties as Head of the Church. By the Concordat of Vienna (1448) he secured the recognition of the papal rights concerning bishoprics and benefices. He also brought about the submission of the last of the antipopes, Felix V, and the dissolution of the Synod of Basle (1449). In accordance with his general principle of impressing the popular mind by outward and visible signs, he proclaimed a Jubilee which was the fitting symbol of the cessation of the schism and the restoration of the authority of the popes (1450). Vast multitudes flocked to Rome in the first part of the year; but when the hot weather began, the plague which had been ravaging the countries north of the Alps wroughtfearful havoc among the pilgrims. Nicholas was seized with a panic; he hurried away from the doomed city and fled from castle to castle in the hope of escaping infection. As soon as the pestilence abated he returned to Rome, and received the visits of many German princes and prelates who had long been upholders of the decrees of Constance and Basle. But another terrible calamity marred the general rejoicings. More than two hundred pilgrims lost their lives in a crush which occurred on the bridge of Sant' Angelo a few days before Christmas. Nicholas erected two chapels at the entrance of the bridge where Mass was to be said daily for the repose of the souls of the victims. On this occasion, as in previous Jubilees, vast sums of money found their way into the treasury of the Church, thus enabling the pontiff to carry out his designs for the promotion of art and learning, and the support of the poor. As the Jubilee was the proof that Rome was the centre towards which all Christendom was drawn, so at its conclusion Nicholas sent forth his legates into the different countries to assert his authority and to bring about the reform of abuses. Cardinal D'Estouteville was sent to France; Cardinal Nicholas of Cusa, one of the most devout and learned men of his day, was sent to North Germany and England; and the heroic Franciscan, St. John Capistran, to South Germany. They held provincial and other synods and assemblies of the regular clergy, in which wholesome decrees were made. Nicholas of Cusa and St. John preached the word in season and out of season, thereby producing wonderful conversions among both clergy and laity. If they did not succeed in destroying the germs of the Protestant revolt, they certainly postponed for a while the evil and narrowed the sphere of its influence. It should be noted that Cusa never reached England, and that D'Estouteville initiated the process for the rehabilitation of Bl. Joan of Arc. The restored authority of the Holy See was further manifested by the coronation of Frederick III as Sovereign of the Holy Roman Empire, the first of the House of Habsburg raised to that dignity, and the last of the emperors crowned in Rome (1452). Meantime the pontiff's own subjects caused him great anxiety. Stefano Porcaro, an able scholar and politician, who had enjoyed the favour of Martin V and Eugene IV, made several attempts to set up a republic in Rome. Twice he was pardoned and pensioned by the generous Nicholas, who would not sacrifice such an ornament of the New Learning. At last he was seized on the eve of a third plot, and condemned to death (Jan., 1453). A deep gloom now settled down on the pontiff. His magnificent designs for the glory of Rome and his mild government of his subjects had not been able to quell the spirit of rebellion. He began to collect troops and never stirred abroad without a strong guard. His health, too, began to suffer seriously, though he was by no means an old man. And before the conspiracy was thoroughly stamped out a fresh blow struck him from which he never recovered. We have seen what a prominent part Parentucelli had taken in the Council of Florence. The submission of the Greek bishops had not been sincere. On their return to Constantinople most of them openly rejected the decrees of the council and declared for the continuance of the schism. Eugene IV vainly endeavoured to stir up the Western nations against the ever-advancing Turks. Some help was given by the Republics of Venice and Genoa; but Hungary and Poland, more nearly menaced, supplied the bulk of the forces. A victory at Nish (1443) had been followed by two terrible defeats (Varna, 1444, and Kosovo, 1449). The whole of the Balkan peninsula, except Constantinople, was now at the mercy of the infidels. The emperor, Constantine XII, sent messages to Rome imploring the pope to summon the Christian peoples to his aid. Nicholas sternly reminded him of the promises made at Florence, and insisted that the terms of the union should be observed. Nevertheless the fear that the Turks would attack Italy, if they succeeded in capturing the bulwark of the east, induced the pontiff to take some action — especially as the emperor professed his readiness to accept the decrees of the council. In May, 1452, Cardinal Isidore, an enthusiastic Greek patriot, was sent as legate to Constantinople. A solemn function in honour of the union was celebrated on 12 Dec., 1452, with prayers for the pope and for the patriarch, Gregorius. But the clergy and the populace cursed the Uniates and boasted that they would rather submit to the turban of the Turk than to the tiara of the Roman Pontiff. After many obstacles and delays a force of ten papal galleys and a number of vessels furnished by Naples, Genoa, and Venice set sail for the East, but before they reached their destination the imperial city had fallen and the Emperor Constantine was no more (29 May, 1453). Whatever may have been the dilatoriness of Nicholas up to this point — and it must be acknowledged that he had good reason for not helping the Greeks — he now lost no time. He addressed a Bull of Crusade to the whole of Christendom. Every sort of inducement, spiritual and temporal, was held out to those who should take part in the holy war. Princes were exhorted to sink their differences and to unite against the common foe. But the days of chivalry were gone: most of the nations took no notice of the appeal; some of them, such as Genoa and Venice, even solicited the friendship of the infidels. The gloom which had settled upon Nicholas after Porcaro's conspiracy grew deeper as he realized that his warning voice had been unheeded. Gout, fever, and other maladies warned him that his end was at hand. Summoning the cardinals around him, he delivered to them the famous discourse in which he set before them the objects for which he had laboured, and enumerated with pardonable pride the noble works which he had accomplished (Pastor, II, 311). He died on the night between 24 and 25 of March, 1455, and was laid in St. Peter's by the side of Eugene IV. His splendid tomb was taken down by Paul V, and removed to the crypt, where some portions of it may still be seen. His epitaph, the last by which any pope was commemorated, was written by Æneas Sylvius, afterwards Pius II. Nicholas was small in stature and weakly in constitution. His features were clear-cut; his complexion pale; his eyes dark and piercing. In disposition he was lively and impetuous. A scholar rather than a man of action, he underrated difficulties, and was impatient when he was not instantly understood and obeyed. At the same time he was obliging and cheerful, and readily granted audience to his subjects. He was a man of sincere piety, simple and temperate in his habits, He was entirely free from the bane of nepotism, and exercised great care in the choice of cardinals. We may truly say that the lofty aims, the scholarly and artistic tastes, and the noble generosity of Nicholas form one of the brightest pages in the history of the popes. |
1455 - 1458 Pope Callistus
III Alfonso de Borja (Italian Borgia) remarkable for his
mortified life, his firmness of purpose, and prudence in face of serious
difficulties; proclaimed innocence of the Maid of Orléans;
chiefly concerned with the organization
of Christian Europe against the invasion of the
Turks. Callistus III must ever be regarded
as a man of lofty ideals, of boundless courage, energy,
and perseverance. He realized the dangers which then confronted
Europe, and made every effort to unite its Christian
princes for the defence of their own countries; if he failed,
the blame must fall not on the pope, but on those who refused
to hearken to his counsels.
Born near Valencia
in Spain, 31 December, 1378; died at Rome,
6 August, 1458. Alfonso de Borja (Italian Borgia),
as he was known before he became pope, came of a noble
family, and having finished his studies espoused the cause
of the antipope Benedict XIII, and received from the latter
the title of canon. When Alfonso V of Aragon resolved to withdraw
from the Schism and place himself and his kingdom under
the jurisdiction of Martin V, Alfonso Borgia acted the part
of mediator with Benedict's successor, Clement VIII, and induced
the latter to submit to the lawful pope. Martin V appointed
Borgia Bishop of Valencia (1429), and in 1444 Eugene IV made
him cardinal. In both offices he was remarkable for his mortified
life, his firmness of purpose, and his prudence in face of serious
difficulties. Already popular opinion had marked him as a candidate
for the papacy.
On the 25th of March,
1455, Nicholas V died, and Alfonso Borgia
was elected (8 April) and assumed the name of
Callistus III. As pope he was chiefly concerned with
the organization of Christian Europe against the invasion
of the Turks. Constantinople had been captured by Mohammed
II (1453), and though Pope Nicholas V had made every effort
nothing had been done to stay the victorious march of the
forces of Islam. Already, as cardinal, Callistus had manifested
a special interest in this work, and on his election he set
himself to carry out the programme which he had already planned.
Nuncios were dispatched to all the countries of Europe to beseech
the princes to forget for a time their national jealousies
and to join once more in a final effort to check the danger of a
Turkish invasion. Missionaries were sent to England, France, Germany,
Hungary, Portugal, and Aragon to preach the Crusade, to secure
volunteers for active service in the wars, to collect the taxes
necessary for the support of those in the field, and to engage the
prayers of the faithful for the success of the enterprise. It was
by order of Callistus III that the bells were rung at midday to remind
the faithful that they should pray for the welfare of the crusaders.
But the princes of Europe were
slow in responding to the call of the pope.
In Germany, Frederick III, through hatred
of Ladislaus of Hungary, was unwilling to join a movement
from which Hungary was certain to derive an immediate
advantage, while the bishops and electors were opposed
to the collection of the papal tax imposed in favour of the
crusaders. England and France were at war and refused to allow their forces to be weakened by participation in the plans of Callistus III. Genoa did organize a fleet and dispatch it against the Turks, but only to lay herself open to attack by Aragon, while Portugal, disheartened by lack of success, withdrew the fleet that it had already dispatched. Fortunately for
Europe, the efforts of the pope were not
entirely in vain. The crusading forces led by
Hunyady, and inspired by the zeal and courage of the papal
legate Carvajal and St. John Capistran, met the Turks
at Belgrade (22 July, 1456) and inflicted upon them one of
the worst defeats they underwent during their long conflict
with Christian Europe. The pope had longed for such a success
in the hope that it might encourage the princes of Europe to
respond to his call for assistance. The news of the victory
was duly announced to the courts by special messengers of the
pope, but warm congratulations were the only reply. Unfortunately,
too, shortly after his victory over Mohammed II at Belgrade,
Hunyady himself died of a fever, and it seemed as if no Christian
general could be found equal to the task of saving Europe.
In the next year of this pontificate renewed efforts were made to enlist the co-operation of Germany. The pope endeavoured to make
peace between Frederick III and Ladislaus
of Hungary, but during the negotiations Ladislaus
died (1457), after a reign of seven years, and his death
was the occasion of renewed disputes between the three
great representatives of the House of Hapsburg, Frederick
III, Albrecht VI, and Sigismund of Tyrol.
In Albania alone was
found a leader, Scanderbeg, who had steadily resisted the invasion of the
Turks, and against whom all the powers of Mohammed were unavailing. Callistus
III summoned (1457) another assembly of the princes of Europe to devise measures
against the inroads of Mohammed. But again
his efforts were unavailing. In France, the
Dauphin was in favour of the proposals of Callistus,
but the king refused to join in the enterprise, and the clergy
were so discontented with the levy of the crusading
tax that in many provinces they refused to pay, and appealed
to a general council. Similar sentiments of distrust and
resentment were felt by the clergy and the prince-electors
of the German Empire. England, on account of the war against the
allied powers, France and Scotland, was unwilling to embark
in any new expedition.
The war between
Aragon and Genoa continued, while, as usual,
Venice was more anxious to promote her own commerce
than to take part in the destruction of the Turkish
fleet. In Bohemia disputes raged about the succession to
the throne, and even when an assembly of the nobles declared
in favour of George Von Podiebrad, he was too much concerned
in trying to reconcile his Catholic and Utraquist subjects,
and to secure an understanding with Frederick III, to permit himself
to join in the Crusade.
Hungary, too, was distracted
by the disputes between the rival claimants
to the throne. William of Saxony and Casimir
of Poland, in the names of their wives, put forward
pretensions, but found little or no support from the people
of Hungary. A national assembly held at Pesth chose as king
Matthias Hunyady, a son of the conqueror of Belgrade, but
the rival parties refused to submit to this choice. At last
(1459) they proceeded to the election of Frederick III.
The result of so many disputes was that the countries most closely affected by the Turkish danger were unable to do anything, and though the younger Hunyady was anxious to follow in the footsteps of his father, and to join in the imperial plans for a general crusade, he was too much occupied with provisions against internal disorder and the pretensions of Frederick III to be able to lend any real assistance. Scanderbeg was
still in the field, but with the small forces at his command he could at
most hope to defend his country, Albania, against attack. The pope was involved
in new disputes after the death of Alfonso V of Aragon. According to the
arrangements made, the latter's brother was to succeed him in Aragon and
Sicily, while his son Ferdinand, previously recognized as legitimate by Callistus
III, was to have Naples. But the pope refused to acknowledge Ferdinand's
claim to Naples and, as feudal lord of the territory, asserted for himself
the power of disposing of it as he wished. This dispute prevented him from
continuing the work of organizing the Crusade and alienated from the cause
the powerful family of Aragon.
Moreover, it injured
the reputation of Callistus III, as it
gave more colour to the charges of nepotism which
were even then freely levelled against him. He had already
raised to the cardinalate two
of his nephews, one of whom, the youthful Rodrigo,
was later to become Pope Alexander VI; he bestowed
upon a third the governorship of the Castle of Sant' Angelo
and the title of Duke of Spoleto. Many asserted that his opposition
to Ferdinand of Aragon was due to his desire of securing
Naples for the worthless Duke of Spoleto. In this way the
early part of 1458 was spent, and during the last few months
of his life even Callistus himself had begun to clearly realize
that the work to which he had devoted his pontificate had
proved a failure, and that on other shoulders must devolve the
task of driving back the Turk.
His reign is also
remarkable for the revision of the trial
of Joan of Arc, which was carried out by direction
of the pope, and according to which the sentence of the
first court was quashed, and the innocence of the Maid of
Orléans proclaimed. He also had the honour of placing
the name of Osmund, Bishop of Salisbury, on the list of canonized
saints. The energies of Callistus were too much directed
towards the campaign against the Turks to permit him to devote
so much attention to the literary revival of the time as did
some of his predecessors, especially Nicholas V, and this neglect
of the Humanists made some of them his enemies; yet he seems to
have spent a considerable sum of money in securing some valuable additions
to the treasures of the Vatican.
Callistus III must
ever be regarded as a man of lofty ideals,
of boundless courage, energy, and perseverance.
He realized the dangers which then confronted Europe,
and made every effort to unite its Christian princes for
the defence of their own countries; if he failed, the
blame must fall not on the pope, but on those who refused
to hearken to his counsels. It is unfortunate that a character,
otherwise straightforward and unsullied, should have been
damaged by contemporary charges of nepotism and avarice. He
left, at his death, a rather remarkable sum of money. His letters
are to be found in Raynaldus, "Annales Eccl." from 1455 to
1458; see also Harduin, "Concilia", IX, 1375-78, D'Achéry,
"Spicilegium", III (Paris ed. 796-804), and "Magn. Bullar.
Rom." (Lyons, 1692), I, 279-82.
|
1481 Sixtus IV The
tomb of stands apart as the most beautiful work
in the collection. Made for Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere
(1471-1481) by Florentine sculptor Antonio Pollaiuolo,
this 14- by 7-foot floor tomb in bronze is one of the most
ambitious burial projects in the history of art. The bronze effigy of the Pope rests on a raised bier flanked by allegorical personifications of the virtues. The platform in turn, lies atop a supported decorated with the liberal arts, the first time they were showed in a funerary monument. The recently restored monument occupies a whole room with a balcony so visitors can climb up and view the astonishing tomb from above. It becomes easy to see how the nephew of Sixtus, Pope Julius II, could dream of the grand tomb planned by Michelangelo, three stories high and covered with 40 sculptures, but never completed. Pope Sixtus Francesco was born to a family of modest means from Liguria, Italy, the son of Leonardo della Rovere and Luchina Monleoni. He was born in Celle Ligure, a town near Savona. As a young man Della Rovere joined the Franciscan Order, an unlikely choice for a political career, and his intellectual qualities were revealed while he was studying philosophy and theology at the University of Pavia. He went on to lecture at Padua and many other Italian universities. In 1464, Della Rovere was elected Minister General of the Franciscan order at the age of 50. In 1467, he was appointed Cardinal by Pope Paul II with the titular church being the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli. Before his papal election, Cardinal della Rovere was renowned for his unworldliness and had even written learned treatises entitled On the Blood of Christ and On the Power of God. His pious reputation was one of the deciding factors that prompted the College of Cardinals to elect him pope upon the unexpected death of Paul II at the age of fifty-four. Pope Sixtus IV (Latin: Xystus IV; 21 July 1414 – 12 August 1484), born Francesco della Rovere, was Pope from 9 August 1471 to his death in 1484. His accomplishments as pope included building the Sistine Chapel; the group of artists that he brought together introduced the Early Renaissance into Rome with the first masterpieces of the city's new artistic age. He also established the Vatican Archives. Sixtus furthered the agenda of the Spanish Inquisition and annulled the decrees of the Council of Constance. He was famed for his nepotism and was personally involved in the infamous Pazzi Conspiracy. |
1523-1534
Clement VII (GIULIO DE’ MEDICI). Giulio, in the words
of a modern historian, was "learned, clever,
respectable and industrious, though he had
little enterprise and less decision";
Born 1478; died 25 September, 1534. Giulio de' Medici was born a few months after the death of his father, Giuliano, who was slain at Florence in the disturbances which followed the Pazzi conspiracy. Although his parents had not been properly married, they had, it was alleged, been betrothed per sponsalia de presenti, and Giulio, in virtue of a well-known principle of canon law, was subsequently declared legitimate. The youth was educated by his uncle, Lorenzo the Magnificent. He was made a Knight of Rhodes and Grand Prior of Capua, and, upon the election of his cousin Giovanni de' Medici to the papacy as Leo X, he at once became a person of great consequence. On 28 September, 1513, he was made cardinal, and he had the credit of being the prime mover of the papal policy during the whole of Leo's pontificate. He was one of the most favoured candidates in the protracted conclave which resulted in the election of Adrian VI; neither did the Cardinal de' Medici, in spite of his close connection with the luxurious regime of Leo X, altogether lose influence under his austere successor. Giulio, in the words of a modern historian, was "learned, clever, respectable and industrious, though he had little enterprise and less decision" (Armstrong, Charles V, I, 166). After Adrian's death (14 September, 1523) the Cardinal de' Medici was eventually chosen pope, 18 November, 1523, and his election was hailed at Rome with enthusiastic rejoicing. But the temper of the Roman people was only one element in the complex problem which Clement VII had to face. The whole political and religious situation was one of extreme delicacy, and it may be doubted if there was one man in ten thousand who would have succeeded by natural tact and human prudence in guiding the Bark of Peter through such tempestuous waters. Clement was certainly not such a man. He had unfortunately been brought up in all the bad traditions of Italian diplomacy, and over and above this a certain fatal irresolution of character seemed to impel him, when any decision had been arrived at, to hark back upon the course agreed on and to try to make terms with the other side. The early years of his pontificate
were occupied with the negotiations which
culminated in the League of Cognac. When Clement
was crowned, Francis I and the Emperor Charles V were
at war. Charles had supported Clement's candidature and
hoped much from his friendship with the Medici, but barely
a year had elapsed after his election before the new pope
concluded a secret treaty with France. The pitched battle which
was fought between Francis and the imperial commanders at Pavia
in February, 1525, ending in the defeat and captivity of the French
king, put into Charles' hands the means of avenging himself. Still
he used his victory with moderation. The terms of the Treaty of
Madrid (14 January, 1526) were not really extravagant, but Francis
seems to have signed with the deliberate intention of breaking
his promises, though confirmed by the most solemn of oaths. That
Clement, instead of accepting Charles' overtures, should have made
himself a party to the French king's perfidy and should have organized
a league with France, Venice, and Florence, signed at Cognac, 22
May, 1526, must certainly have been regarded by the emperor as almost
unpardonable provocation. No doubt Clement was moved by genuine
patriotism in his distrust of imperial influence in Italy and especially
by anxiety for his native Florence. Moreover, he chafed under dictation
which seemed to him to threaten the freedom of the Church. But
though he probably feared that the bonds might be drawn tighter,
it is hard to see that he had at that time any serious ground of complaint.
We cannot be much surprised at what followed. Charles' envoys, obtaining
no satisfaction from the pope, allied themselves with the disaffected
Colonna who had been raiding the papal territory. These last peretended
reconciliation until the papal commanders were lulled into a sense
of security. Then the Colonna made a sudden attack upon Rome and
shut up Clement in the Castle of Sant’ Angelo while their followers
plundered the Vatican (20 September, 1526). Charles disavowed the
action of the Colonna but took advantage of the situation created by
their success. A period of vacillation followed. At one time Clement
concluded a truce with the emperor, at another he turned again despairingly
to the League, at another, under the encouragement of a slight
success, he broke off negotiations with the imperial representatives
and resumed active hostilities, and then again, still later,
he signed a truce with Charles for eight months, promising the
immediate payment of an indemnity of 60,000 ducats.
In the mean time the German
mercenaries in the north of Italy were fast being reduced to the last extremities
for lack of provisions and pay. On hearing of the indemnity of 60,000 ducats
they threatened mutiny, and the imperial commissioners extracted from the
pope the payment of 100,000 ducats instead of the sum first agreed upon.
But the sacrifice was ineffectual. It seems probable that the Landsknechte,
a very large proportion of whom were Lutherans, had really got completely
out of hand, and that they practically forced the Constable Bourbon, now
in supreme command, to lead them against Rome. On the 5th of May they reached
the walls, which, owing to the pope's confidence in the truce he had concluded,
were almost undefended. Clement had barely time to take refuge in the Castle
of Sant’ Angelo, and for eight days the "Sack of Rome" continued amid horrors
almost unexampled in the history of war.
"The Lutherans", says an impartial authority,
"rejoiced to burn and to defile what all the world had
adored. Churches were desecrated, women, even the religious,
violated, ambassadors pillaged, cardinals put to ransom,
ecclesiastical dignitaries and ceremonies made a mockery,
and the soldiers fought among themselves for the spoil" (Leathes
in "Camb. Mod. History", II, 55). It seems probable that Charles
V was really not implicated in the horrors which then took
place. Still he had no objection against the pope bearing the
full consequences of his shifty diplomacy, and he allowed him to
remain a virtual prisoner in the Castle of Sant’ Angelo for more
than seven months. Clement's pliability had already given offence
to the other members of the League, and his appeals were not responded
to very warmly. Besides this, he was sorely in need of the imperial
support both to make head against the Lutherans in Germany and to
reinstate the Medici in the government of Florence from which they
had been driven out. The combined effect of these various considerations
and of the failure of the French attempts upon Naples was to throw
Clement into the emperor's arms. After a sojourn in Orvieto and
Viterbo, Clement returned to Rome, and there, before the end of
July, 1529, terms favourable to the Holy See were definitely arranged
with Charles. The seal was set upon the compact by the meeting of
the emperor and the pope at Bologna, where, on 24 February, 1530,
Charles was solemnly crowned. By whatever motives the pontiff was swayed,
this settlement certainly had the effect of restoring to Italy a
much-needed peace.
Meanwhile events, the momentous
consequence of which were not then fully
foreseen, had been taking place in England. Henry
VIII, tired of Queen Catherine, by whom he had no heir
to the throne, but only one surviving daughter, Mary, and
passionately enamoured of Anne Boleyn, had made known
to Wolsey in May, 1527, that he wished to be divorced. He
pretended that his conscience was uneasy at the marriage contracted
under papal dispensation with his brother's widow. As his first
act was to solicit from the Holy See contingently upon the granting
of the divorce, a dispensation from the impediment of affinity
in the first degree (an impediment which stood between him and
any legal marriage with Anne on account of his previous carnal
intercourse with Anne's sister Mary), the scruple of conscience
cannot have been very sincere. Moreover, as Queen Catherine solemnly
swore that the marriage between herself and Henry's elder brother
Arthur had never been consummated, there had consequently never
been any real affinity between her and Henry but only the impedimentum
publicæ honestatis. The king's impatience, however, was
such that, without giving his full confidence to Wolsey, he sent
his envoy, Knight, at once to Rome to treat with the pope about getting
the marriage annulled. Knight found the pope a prisoner in Sant’
Angelo and could do little until he visited Clement, after his escape,
at Orvieto. Clement was anxious to gratify Henry, and he did not make
much difficulty about the contingent dispensation from affinity, judging,
no doubt, that, as it would only take effect when the marriage with Catherine
was concelled, it was of no practical consequence. On being
pressed, however, to issue a commission to Wolsey to try the divorce
case, he made a more determined stand, and Cardinal Pucci, to whom
was submitted a draft instrument for the purpose, declared that
such a document would reflect discredit upon all concerned. A second
mission to Rome organized by Wolsey, and consisting of Gardiner
and Foxe, was at first not much more successful. A commission was indeed
granted and taken back to England by Foxe, but it was safeguarded in
ways which rendered it practically innocuous. The bullying attitude
which Gardiner adopted towards the pope seems to have passed all limits
of decency, but Wolsey, fearful of losing the royal favour, egged him
on to new exertions and implored him to obtain at any cost a "decretal
commission". This was an instrument which decided the points of law
beforehand, secure from appeal, and left only the issue of fact to be
determined in England. Against this Clement seems honestly to have
striven, but he at last yielded so far as to issue a secret commission
to Cardinal Wolsey and Cardinal Campeggio jointly to try the case
in England. The commission was to be shown to no one, and was never
to leave Compeggio's hands. We do not know its exact terms; but if
it followed the drafts prepared in England for the purpose, it pronounced
that the Bull of dispensation granted by Julius for the marriage
of Henry with his deceased brother's wife must be declared obreptitious
and consequently void, if the commissioners found that the motives
alleged by Julius were insufficient and contrary to the facts.
For example, it had been pretended that the dispensation was necessary
to cement the friendship between England and Spain, also that the
young Henry himself desired the marriage, etc.
Camapeggio reached England by
the end of September, 1528, but the proceedings
of the legatine court were at once brought to
a standstill by the production of a second dispensation
granted by Pope Julius in the form of a Brief. This had
a double importance. Clement's commission empowered Wolsey
and Campeggio to pronounce upon the sufficiency of
the motives alleged in a certain specified document, viz.,
the Bull; but the Brief was not contemplated by, and lay outside,
their commission. Moreover, the Brief did not limit the
motives for granting the dispensation to certain specified allegations,
but spoke of "aliis causis animam nostram moventibus". The
production of the Brief, now commonly admitted to be quite authentic,
though the king's party declared it a forgery, arrested
the proceedings of the commission for eight months, and in the
end, under pressure from Charles V, to whom his Aunt Catherine
had vehemently appealed for support as well as to the pope,
the cause was revoked to Rome. There can be no doubt that Clement
showed much weakness in the concessions he had made to the English
demands; but it must also be remembered, first, that in the decision
of this point of law, the technical grounds for treating the
dispensation as obreptitious were in themselves serious and,
secondly, that in committing the honour of the Holy See
to Campeggio's keeping, Clement had known that he had to do with
a man of exceptionally high principle.
How far the pope was influenced
by Charles V in his resistance, it is difficult
to say; but it is clear that his own sense of
justice disposed him entirely in favour of Queen Catherine.
Henry in consequence shifted his ground, and showed how
deep was the rift which separated him from the Holy See,
by now urging that a marriage with a deceased husband's
brother lay beyond the papal powers of dispensation.
Clement retaliated by pronouncing censure against those
who threatened to have the king's divorce suit decided by an
English tribunal, and forbade Henry to proceed to a new marriage
before a decision was given in Rome.
The king on his side (1531) extorted a vast sum of money from the English clergy upon the pretext that the penalties of præmunire had been incurred by them through their recognition of the papal legate, and soon afterwards he prevailed upon Parliament to prohibit under certain conditions the payment of annates to Rome. Other developments followed. The death of Archbishop Warham (22 August, 1532) allowed Henry to press for the institution of Cranmer as Archbishop of Canterbury, and through the intervention of the King of France this was conceded, the pallium being granted to him by Clement. Almost immediately after his consecration Cranmer proceeded to pronounce judgment upon the divorce, while Henry had previously contracted a secret marriage with Anne Boleyn, which marriage Cranmer, in May, 1533, declared to be valid. Anne Boleyn was consequently crowned on June the 1st. Meanwhile the Commons had forbidden all appeals to Rome and exacted the penalties of præmunire against all who introduced papal Bulls into England. It was only then that Clement at last took the step of launching a sentence of excommunication against the king, declaring at the same time Cranmer's pretended decree of divorce to be invalid and the marriage with Anne Boleyn null and void. The papal nuncio was withdrawn from England and diplomatic relations with Rome broken off. Henry appealed from the pope to a general council, and in January, 1534, the Parliament pressed on further legislation abolishing all ecclesiastical dependence on Rome. But it was only in March, 1534, that the papal tribunal finally pronounced its verdict upon the original issue raised by the king and declared the marriage between Henry and Catherine to be unquestionably valid. Clement has been much blamed for this delay and for his various concessions in the matter of the divorce; indeed he has been accused of losing England to the Catholic Faith on account of the encouragement thus given to Henry, but it is extremely doubtful whether a firmer attitude would have had a more beneficial result. The king was determined to effect his purpose, and Clement had sufficient principle not to yield the one vital point upon which all turned. With regard to Germany, though Clement never broke away from his friendship with Charles V, which was cemented by the coronation at Bologna in 1530, he never lent to the emperor that cordial co-operation which could alone have coped with a situation the extreme difficulty and danger of which Clement probably never understood. In particular, the pope seems to have had a horror of the idea of convoking a general council, foreseeing, no doubt, grave difficulties with France in any such attempt. Things were not improved when Henry, through his envoy Bonner, who found Clement visiting the French king at Marseilles, lodged his appeal to a future general council on the divorce question. In the more ecclesiastical aspects
of his pontificate Clement was free from
reproach. Two Franciscan reforms, that of the
Capuchins and that of the Recollects, found in him a sufficiently
sympathetic patron. He was genuinely in earnest over
the crusade against the Turks, and he gave much encouragement
to foreign missions. As a patron of art, he was much hampered
by the sack of Rome and the other disastrous events of
his pontificate. But he was keenly interested in such matters,
and according to Benvenuto Cellini he had excellent taste. By
the commission given to the last-named artist for the famous
cope-clasp of which we hear so much in the autobiography, he
became the founder of Benvenuto's fortunes. (See CELLINI, BENVENUTO.)
Clement also continued to be the patron of Raphael and of
Michelangelo, whose great fresco of the Last Judgment in the
Sistine Chapel was undertaken by his orders.
In their verdict upon the character of Pope Clement VII almost all historians are agreed. He was an Italian prince, a de’ Medici, and a diplomat first, and a spiritual ruler afterwards. His intelligence was of a high order, though his diplomacy was feeble and irresolute. On the other hand, his private life was free from reproach, and he had many excellent impulses, but despite good intention, all qualities of heroism and greatness must emphatically be denied him. |
1534
1549 Pope Paul III; v contemporaries praise his proficiency in all
the learning of the Renaissance, especially
in his mastery of classical Latin and Italian;
He wore the purple for
over forty years, passing through the several gradations,
until he became Dean of the Sacred College.
In accordance with the
abuses of his time, he accumulated a number of opulent
benefices, and spent his immense revenue with a generosity
which won for him the praises of artists and the affection
of the Roman populace. His native ability and diplomatic
skill, acquired by long experience, made him tower
above his colleagues in the Sacred College, even as
his Palazzo Farnese excelled in magnificence all the other
palaces of Rome. That he continued to grow in favour under
pontiffs so different in character as the Borgia, Rovera,
and Medici popes is a sufficient proof of his tact.
(ALESSANDRO FARNESE). Born at Rome or Canino, 29 Feb., 1468; elected, 12 Oct., 1534; died at Rome, 10 Nov., 1549. The Farnese were an ancient Roman family whose possessions clustered about the Lake at Bolsena. Although counted among the Roman aristocrats, they first appear in history associated with Viterbo and Orvieto. Among the witnesses to the Treaty of Venice between Barbarossa and the pope, we find the signature of a Farnese as Rector of Orvieto; a Farnese bishop consecrated the cathedral there. During the interminable feuds which distracted the peninsula, the Farnese were consistently Guelph. The grandfather of the future pontiff was commander-in-chief of the papal troops under Eugenius IV; his oldest son perished in the battle of Fornuovo; the second, Pier Luigi, married Giovannella Gaetani, sister to the Lord of Sermoneta. Among their children were the beautiful Giulia, who married an Orsini, and Alessandro, later Paul III. Alessandro received the best education that his age could offer; first at Rome, where he had Pomponio Leto for a tutor; later at Florence in the palace of Lorenzo the Magnificent, where he formed his friendship with the future Leo X, six years his junior. His contemporaries praise his proficiency in all the learning of the Renaissance, especially in his mastery of classical Latin and Italian. With such advantages of birth and talent, his advancement in the ecclesiastical career was assured and rapid. On 20 Sept., 1493 (Eubel), he was created by Alexander VI cardinal-deacon with the title SS. Cosmas and Damian. He wore the purple for over forty years, passing through the several gradations, until he became Dean of the Sacred College. In accordance with the abuses of his time, he accumulated a number of opulent benefices, and spent his immense revenue with a generosity which won for him the praises of artists and the affection of the Roman populace. His native ability and diplomatic skill, acquired by long experience, made him tower above his colleagues in the Sacred College, even as his Palazzo Farnese excelled in magnificence all the other palaces of Rome. That he continued to grow in favour under pontiffs so different in character as the Borgia, Rovera, and Medici popes is a sufficient proof of his tact. He had already on two previous occasions, come within measurable distance of the tiara, when the conclave of 1534, almost without the formality of a ballot, proclaimed him successor to Clement VII. It was creditable to his reputation and to the good will of the cardinals, that the factions which divided the Sacred College were concordant in electing him. He was universally recognized as the man of the hour, and the piety and zeal, which had characterized him after he was ordained priest, caused men to overlook the extravagance of his earlier years. The Roman people rejoiced at the election to the tiara of the first citizen of their city since Martin V. Paul III was crowned 3 Nov., and lost no time in setting about the most needed reforms. No one, who has once studied his portrait by Titian, is likely to forget the wonderful expression of countenance of that worn-out, emaciated form. Those piercing little eyes, and that peculiar attitude of one ready to bound or to shrink, tell the story of a veteran diplomat who was not to be deceived or taken off guard. His extreme caution, and the difficulty of binding him down to a defininte obligation, drew from Pasquino the facetious remark that the third Paul was a "Vas dilationis." The elevation to the cardinalate of his grandsons, Alessandro Farnese, aged fourteen, and Guido Ascanio Sforza, aged sixteen, displeased the reform party and drew a protest from the emperor, but this was forgiven, when shortly after, he introduced into the Sacred College men of the calibre of Reginald Pole, Contanini, Sadoleto, and Caraffa. Soon after his elevation, 2 June, 1536, Paul III summoned a general council to meet at Mantua in the following May; but the opposition of the Protestant princes and the refusal of the Duke of Mantua to assume the responsibility of maintaining order frustrated the project. He issued a new bull, convoking a council at Vicenza, 1 May, 1538; the chief obstacle was the renewed enmity of Charles V and Francis I. The aged pontiff induced them to hold a conference with him at Nizza and conclude a ten years' truce. As a token of good will, a granddaughter of Paul was married to a French prince, and the emperor gave his daughter, Margaret, to Ottavio, the son of Pier Luigi, founder of the Farnese dynasty of Parma. Many causes contributed to delay the opening of the general council. The extension of power which a re-united Germany would place in the hands of Charles was so intolerable to Francis I, that he, who persecuted heresy in his own realm with such cruelty that the pope appealed to him to mitigate his violence, became the sworn ally of the Smalcaldic League, encouraging them to reject all overtures to reconciliation. Charles himself was in no slight measure to blame, for, notwithstanding his desire for the assembling of a council, he was led into the belief that the religious differences of Germany might be settled by conferences between the two parties. These conferences, like all such attempts to settle differences outside of the normal court of the Church, led to a waste of time, and did far more harm than good. Charles had a false idea of the office of a general council. In his desire to unite all parties, he sought for vague formulæ to which all could subscribe, a relapse into the mistakes of the Byzantine emperors. A council of the Church, on the other hand, must formulate the Faith with such precision that no heretic can subscribe to it. It took some years to convince the emperor and his mediating advisors that Catholicism and Protestantism are as opposite as light and darkness. Meanwhile Paul III set about the reform of the papal court with a vigour which paved the way for the disciplinary canons of Trent. He appointed commissions to report abuses of every kind; he reformed the Apostolic Camera, the tribunal of the Rota, the Penitentiaria, and the Chancery. He enhanced the prestige of the papacy by doing single-handed what his predecessors had reserved to the action of a council. In the constantly recurring quarrels between Francis and Charles, Paul III preserved a strict neutrality, notwithstanding that Charles urged him to support the empire and subject Francis to the censures of the Church. Paul's attitude as a patriotic Italian would have been sufficient to prevent him from allowing the emperor to be sole arbiter of Italy. It was as much for the purpose of securing the integrity of the papal dominions, as for the exaltation of his family, that Paul extorted from Charles and his reluctant cardinals the erection of Piacenza and Parma into a duchy for his son, Pier Luigi. A feud arose with Gonzaga, the imperial Governor of Milan, which ended later in the assassination of Pier Luigi and the permanent alienation of Piacenza from the Papal States. When the Treaty of Crespi (18 Sept., 1544) ended the disastrous wars between Charles and Francis, Paul energetically took up the project of convening a general council. Meanwhile it developed that the emperor had formed a programme of his own, quite at variance in some important points with the pope's. Since the Protestants repudiated a council presided over by the Roman pontiff, Charles was resolved to reduce the princes to obedience by force of arms. To this Paul did not object, and promised to aid him with three hundred thousand ducats and twenty thousand infantry; but he wisely added the proviso, that Charles should enter into no separate treaties with the heretics and make no agreement prejudicial to the Faith or to the rights of the Holy See. Charles now contended that the council should be prorogued, until victory had decided in favour of the Catholics. Furthermore, foreseeing that the struggle with the preachers of heresy would be more stubborn than the conflict with the princes, he urged the pontiff to avoid making dogmas of faith for the present and confine the labours of the council to the enforcement of discipline. To neither of these proposals could the pope agree. Finally, after endless difficulties (13 Dec., 1545) the Council of Trent held its first session. In seven sessions, the last 3 March, 1547, the Fathers intrepidly faced the most important questions of faith and discipline. Without listening to the threats and expostulations of the imperial party, they formulated for all time the Catholic doctrine on the Scriptures, original sin, justification, and the Sacraments. The work of the council was half ended, when the outbreak of the plague in Trent caused an adjournment to Bologna. Pope Paul was not the instigator of the removal of the council; he simply acquiesced in the decision of the Fathers. Fifteen prelates, devoted to the emperor, refused to leave Trent. Charles demanded the return of the council to German territory, but the deliberations of the council continued in Bologna, until finally, 21 April, the pope, in order to avert a schism, prorogued the council indefinitely. The wisdom of the council's energetic action, in establishing thus early the fundamental truths of the Catholic creed, became soon evident, when the emperor and his semi-Protestant advisers inflicted upon Germany their Interim religion, which was despised by both parties. Pope Paul, who had given the emperor essential aid in the Smalcaldic war, resented his dabbling in theology, and their estrangement continued until the death of the pontiff. Paul's end came rather suddenly. After the assassination of Pier Luigi, he had struggled to retain Piacenza and Parma for the Church and had deprived Ottavio, Pier Luigi's son and Charles's son-in-law, of these duchies. Ottavio, relying on the emperor's benevolence, refused obedience; it broke the old man's heart, when he learned that his favourite grandson, Cardinal Farnese, was a party to the transaction. He fell into a violent fever and died at the Quirinal, at the age of eighty-two. He lies buried in St. Peter's in the tomb designed by Michelangelo and erected by Guglielmo della Porta. Not all the popes repose in monuments corresponding to their importance in the history of the Church; but few will be disposed to contest the right of Farnese to rest directly under Peter's chair. He had his faults; but they injured no one but himself. The fifteen years of his pontificate saw the complete restoration of Catholic faith and piety. He was succeeded by many saintly pontiffs, but not one of them possessed all his commanding virtues. In Rome his name is written all over the city he renovated. The Pauline chapel, Michelangelo's work in the Sistine, the streets of Rome, which he straightened and broadened, the numerous objects of art associated with the name of Farnese, all speak eloquently of the remarkable personality of the pontiff who turned the tide in favour of religion. If to this we add the favour accorded by Paul to the new religious orders then appearing, the Capuchins, Barnabites, Theatines, Jesuits, Ursulines, and many others, we are forced to confess that his reign was one of the most fruitful in the annals of the Church. |
Pope
Paul IV 1555 -- 1559
(GIOVANNI PIETRO CARAFFA ).
Born near Benevento, 28 June, 1476; elected 23 May, 1555; died 18 Aug., 1559. The Caraffa were one of the most illustrious of the noble families of Naples, and had given distinguished scions to Church and State. The name of Cardinal Oliviero Caraffa recurs frequently in the history of the papacy during the days of the Renaissance. One of the great cardinal's merits was that of superintending the training of his young relative, Giovanni Pietro, whom he introduced to the papal Court in 1494, and in whose favour he resigned the See of Chieti (in Latin, Theate), from which word he was thenceforward known as Theatinus. Leo X sent him on an embassy to England and retained him for some years as nuncio in Spain. His residence in Spain served to accentuate that detestation of Spanish rule in his native land which characterized his public policy during his pontificate. From early childhood he led a blameless life; and that longing for asceticism which had prompted him to seek admission into the Dominican and the Camaldolese Orders asserted itself in 1524 when he persuaded Clement VII, though with difficulty, to accept the resignation of his benefices and permit him to enter the congregation of clerics regular founded by St. Cajetan, but popularly named "Theatines", after Caraffa, their first general. The young congregation suffered more than its share during the sack of Rome in 1527, and its few members retired to Venice. But the sharp intellect of Paul III had perceived the importance of the institute in his projected reform of the clergy, and he summoned the Theatines back to Rome. Caraffa was placed by the pontiff on the committee named to outline the project of reform of the papal Court; and on 22 Dec., 1536 he was created cardinal with the title of San Pancrazio. Later he was made Archbishop of Naples; but, owing to the emperor's distrust and fear of him, it was only with difficulty he could maintain his episcopal rights. Although Caraffa was highly educated and surpassed most of his contemporaries in the knowledge of Greek and Hebrew, still he remained throughout medieval in life and thought. His favourite author was St. Thomas Aquinas. The few opuscula which he found time to write were Scholastic in character. For the party of Pole, Contarini, and Morone he had the most heartfelt detestation; and his elevation boded them no happiness. Caraffa was the head and front of every effort made by Paul III in the interest of reform. He reorganized the Inquisition in Italy on papal lines and for a generation was the terror of misbelievers. How so austere a person could be chosen pope was a mystery to everyone, especially to himself. "I have never conferred a favour on a human being", he said. It is most likely that the octogenarian would have refused the dignity, were it not that the emperor's agent, Cardinal Mendoza, had pronounced decidedly that Charles would not permit Caraffa to be pope. This was to challenge every principle for which the aged cardinal had stood during his long career. He was elected in spite of the emperor, and for four years held aloft the banner of the independence of Italy. Historians seem to be unjust towards Paul IV. That unbending Italian patriot, born whilst Italy was "a lyre with four strings", Naples, Rome, Florence, and Venice, was certainly justified in using the prestige of the papacy to preserve some relics of liberty for his native country. The Austrian and Spanish Habsburgers treated Paul IV with studied contempt, and thus forced him to enter an alliance with France. Neither in the matter of the succession to the empire nor in the conclusion of the religious peace were the interests of the Holy See consulted in the slightest degree. Paul IV elevated to the cardinalate his nephew Carlo Caraffa, a man utterly unworthy and without any ecclesiastical training, and enriched other relatives with benefices and estates taken from those who favoured the Spaniards. At the end of the unfortunate war with Philip II the aged pope lost faith in his nephews and banished them from the Court. Still more disastrous were his relations with England, which had been reconciled to Rome by Mary, and Cardinal Pole. Paul IV refused to sanction Pole's settlement in regard to the confiscated goods of the Church, and demanded restitution. Pole himself was relieved by the pontiff of his legatine office and ordered to come to Rome to stand before the Inquisition. Upon the death of Mary and Pole, he rejected Elizabeth's claim to the crown, on the ground that she was of illegitimate birth. His activity was more fruitful in the spiritual concerns of the Church. He could boast that no day passed without seeing a new decree of reform. He made the Inquisition a powerful engine of government, and was no respector of persons. The great Cardinal Morone was brought before the tribunal on suspicion of heresy and committed to prison. Paul established the hierarchy in the Netherlands and in the Orient. The pontificate of Paul IV was a great disappointment. He who at the beginning was honoured by a public statue, lived to see it thrown down and mutilated by the hostile populace. He was buried in St. Peter's 19 Aug., 1559, and was later transferred to S. Maria sopra Minerva. |
1559-1565 Pope Pius IV
(31 March 1499 – 9 December 1565), born
Giovanni Angelo Medici, was Pope from 1559 to
1565. He is notable for presiding over the culmination
of the Council of Trent. Giovanni Angelo Medici was born of humble parentage in Milan, distantly related to the Medicis of Florence. His early career connects itself in some measure with the rise of his elder brother, Gian Giacomo Medici, from the position of a mere bravo to that of Marchese di Marignano. After studying at Bologna and acquiring a reputation as a jurist, he went in 1527 to Rome, and as the favourite of Pope Paul III was rapidly promoted to the governorship of several towns, the archbishopric of Ragusa, the vice-legateship of Bologna, and in April 1549, to the cardinalate. On the death of Pope Paul IV, he was elected Pope Pius IV on 25 December 1559, and installed on 6 January 1560. His first public acts of importance were to grant a general pardon to the participators in the riot which had closed the previous pontificate, and to bring to trial the nephews of his predecessor, of whom Cardinal Carlo Carafa was strangled, and Duke Giovanni Carafa of Paliano, with his nearest connections, beheaded. A portrait of Pope Pius IV (Giovanni Angelo Medici). B. 31 March, 1499, at Milan; elected 26 December, 1559; d. in Rome 9 Dec., 1565. The Medici of Milan lived in humble circumstances and the proud Florentine house of the same name claimed no kindred with them until Cardinal Medici was seated on the papal throne. His father Bernardino had settled in Milan and gained his livelihood by farming the taxes. Bernardino had two enterprising sons, both able to rise in the world by different roads. The oldest, Giangiacomo, became a soldier of fortune and after an adventurous career received from the emperor the title of Marchese di Marignano. He commanded the imperial troops who conquered Siena. Giovanni Angelo was as successful with his books as his brother with his sword. He made his studies first at Pavia, then at Bologna, devoting himself to philosophy, medicine, and law, in the last mentioned branch taking the degree of doctor. He gained some reputation as a jurist. In his twenty-eighth year he determined to embrace the ecclesiastical state and seek his fortune in Rome. He arrived in the Eternal City, 26 Dec., 1527, just thirty-two years to a day before his election to the papacy. From Clement VII he obtained the office of prothonotary, and by his intelligence, industry, and trustworthiness commended himself to Paul III who entertained the greatest confidence in his integrity and ability and employed him in the governorship of many cities of the papal states. In the last year of Paul III's reign, Medici, whose brother had married an Orsini, sister to the pope's daughter-in-law, was created cardinal-priest with the title of S. Pudenziana. Julius III made him legate in Romagna and commander of the papal troops. The antipathy of Paul IV was rather to his advantage than otherwise; for in the reaction which followed the death of that morose pontiff all eyes finally settled on the man who in every respect was Paul's opposite. The conclave dragged along for over three months, when it was obvious that neither the French nor the Spanish-Austrian faction could win the election. Then, mainly through the exertions of Cardinal Farnese, the conclave by acclamation pronounced in favour of Medici. He was crowned 6 Jan., 1560, and took the name of Pius IV. His first official act was to grant an amnesty to those who had outraged the memory of his predecessor, Paul IV; but he refused clemency to Pompeio Colonna, who had murdered his mother-in-law. "God forbid", he said, "that I should begin my pontificate with condoning a parricide." The enmity of Spain and the popular detestation of the Caraffas caused him to open a process against the relatives of Paul IV, as a result of which Cardinal Carlo Caraffa and his brother, to whom Paul had given the Duchy of Paliano, were condemned and executed. The sentence was afterwards declared unjust by St. Pius V and the memory of the victims vindicated and their estates restored. Cardinal Morone and other dignitaries whom Paul had imprisoned for suspicion of heresy were released. Pius IV now devoted his undivided attention to the completion of the labours of the Council of Trent. He was luckier than his predecessors in the youth whom he created cardinal-nephew. This was St. Charles Borromeo, the glory of Milan and of the Universal Church in the sixteenth century. Pius had the satisfaction of seeing the close of the long-continued council and the triumph of the papacy over the antipapal tendencies which at times asserted themselves. His name is immortally connected with the "Profession of Faith", which must be sworn to by everyone holding an ecclesiastical office. The few years which remained to him after the close of the council were devoted to much needed improvements in Rome and the papal states. Unfortunately for his popularity, these works could not be perfected without the imposition of additional taxes. Amid the numerous embellishments with which his name is connected, one of the most useful was the founding of the pontifical printing-office for the issuing of books in all languages. He procured the necessary type and placed the institution under the able superintendence of Paul Minutius. In addition to the heavy expenses incurred in the fortification and embellishment of Rome, Pius was under obligation to contribute many hundred thousands of scudi to the support of the war against the Turks in Hungary. The mildness of Pius IV in dealing with suspects of heresy, so different from the rigour of his predecessor, made many suspect his own orthodoxy. A fanatic named Benedetto Ascolti, "inspired by his guardian angel", made an attempt upon his life. A more formidable foe, the Roman fever, carried him off 9 Dec., 1565, with St. Philip Neri and St. Charles Borromeo at his pillow. He was buried first in St. Peter's, but 4 June, 1583, his remains were transferred to Michelangelo's great church of S. Maria degli Angeli, one of Pius's most magnificent structures. "Pius IV", says the fearless Muratori, "had faults (who is without them?); but they are as nothing compared with his many virtues. His memory shall ever remain in benediction for having brought to a glorious termination the Council of Trent; for having reformed all the Roman tribunals; for having maintained order and plenty in his dominion; for having promoted to the cardinalate men of great merit and rare literary ability; finally, for having avoided excess of love for his kindred, and enriched Rome by the building of so many fine edifices." On 18 January 1562 the council of Trent, which had been suspended by Pope Julius III, was opened for the third time. Great skill and caution were necessary to effect a settlement of the questions before it, inasmuch as the three principal nations taking part in it, though at issue with regard to their own special demands, were prepared to unite their forces against the demands of Rome. Pius IV, however, aided by Moroni and Charles Borromeo, proved himself equal to the emergency, and by judicious management – and concession – brought the council to a termination satisfactory to the disputants and favourable to the pontifical authority. Its definitions and decrees were confirmed by a papal bull dated 26 January 1564; and, though they were received with certain limitations by France and Spain, the famous Creed of Pius IV, or Tridentine Creed, became an authoritative expression of the Catholic faith. The more marked manifestations of stringency during his pontificate appear to have been prompted rather than spontaneous, his personal character inclining him to moderation and ease. Thus, a warning, issued in 1564, summoning Jeanne d'Albret, the Queen of Navarre, before the Inquisition on a charge of Calvinism, was withdrawn by him in deference to the indignant protest of Charles IX of France. In the same year he published a bull granting the use of the cup to the laity of Austria and Bohemia. One of his strongest passions appears to have been that of building, which somewhat strained his resources in contributing to the adornment of Rome (including the new Porta Pia and Via Pia, named after him, and the northern extension (Addizione) of the rione of Borgo), and in carrying on the work of restoration, erection, and fortification in various parts of the ecclesiastical states. Saint Charles Borromeo, Pius IV's cardinal-nephewOn the other hands, others bemoaned the austere Roman culture during this papacy; Giorgio Vasari in 1567 spoke of a time when the grandeurs of this place reduced by stinginess of living, dullness of dress, and simplicity in so many things; Rome is fallen into much misery, and if it is true that Christ loved poverty and the City wishes to follow in his steps she will quickly become beggarly...".[1] A conspiracy against Pius IV, headed by Benedetto Accolti, the son of a cardinal, was discovered and crushed in 1565. Pius IV was a nepotist. Among the relatives he favoured, the main figure is that of Carlo Borromeo. Under his reign Michelangelo re-built the basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli (in the Diocletian's Baths) and the eponymous Villa Pia, now known as Casina Pio IV and headquarters of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, was designed by Pirro Ligorio in the Vatican Gardens. He died on 9 December 1565, and was buried in Santa Maria degli Angeli. His successor was Pius V. He is generally believed to be the first pope to have died leaving in pectore cardinals unpublished. |
1566-1572 Pope St. Pius V (MICHELE
GHISLERI).
Pope Pius V made this Missal mandatory throughout the Latin rite of the Catholic Church, except where a Mass liturgy dating from before 1370 was in use . He worked incessantly to unite the Christian princes against the hereditary enemy, the Turks. In the first year of his pontificate he had ordered a solemn jubilee, exhorting the faithful to penance and almsgiving to obtain the victory from God. He supported the Knights of Malta, sent money for the fortification of the free towns of Italy, furnished monthly contributions to the Christians of Hungary, and endeavoured especially to bring Maximilian, Philip II, and Charles I together for the defence of Christendom. Born at Bosco, near Alexandria,
Lombardy, 17 Jan., 1504 elected 7 Jan.,
1566; died 1 May, 1572. Being of a poor though noble
family his lot would have been to follow a trade, but
he was taken in by the Dominicans of Voghera, where he received
a good education and was trained in the way of solid and austere
piety. He entered the order, was ordained in 1528, and
taught theology and philosophy for sixteen years. In the
meantime he was master of novices and was on several occasions
elected prior of different houses of his order in which he strove
to develop the practice of the monastic virtues and spread the
spirit of the holy founder. He himself was an example to all. He
fasted, did penance, passed long hours of the night in meditation
and prayer, traveled on foot without a cloak in deep silence, or
only speaking to his companions of the things of God. In 1556
he was made Bishop of Sutri by Paul IV. His zeal against heresy
caused him to be selected as inquisitor of the faith in Milan and
Lombardy, and in 1557 Paul II made him a cardinal and named him inquisitor
general for all Christendom. In 1559 he was transferred to Mondovì,
where he restored the purity of faith and discipline, gravely impaired
by the wars of Piedmont. Frequently called to Rome, he displayed
his unflinching zeal in all the affairs on which he was consulted.
Thus he offered an insurmountable opposition to Pius IV when the latter
wished to admit Ferdinand de' Medici, then only thirteen years old,
into the Sacred College. Again it was he who defeated the project
of Maximilian II, Emperor of Germany, to abolish ecclesiastical celibacy.
On the death of Pius IV, he was, despite his tears and entreaties,
elected pope, to the great joy of the whole Church.
He began his pontificate by giving large alms to the poor, instead of distributing his bounty at haphazard like his predecessors. As pontiff he practiced the virtues he had displayed as a monk and a bishop. His piety was not diminished, and, in spite of the heavy labours and anxieties of his office, he made at least two meditations a day on bended knees in presence of the Blessed Sacrament. In his charity he visited the hospitals, and sat by the bedside of the sick, consoling them and preparing them to die. He washed the feet of the poor, and embraced the lepers. It is related that an English nobleman was converted on seeing him kiss the feet of a beggar covered with ulcers. He was very austere and banished luxury from his court, raised the standard of morality, laboured with his intimate friend, St. Charles Borromeo, to reform the clergy, obliged his bishops to reside in their dioceses, and the cardinals to lead lives of simplicity and piety. He diminished public scandals by relegating prostitutes to distant quarters, and he forbade bull fights. He enforced the observance of the discipline of the Council of Trent, reformed the Cistercians, and supported the missions of the New World. In the Bull "In Coena Domini" he proclaimed the traditional principles of the Roman Church and the supremacy of the Holy See over the civil power. But the great thought and the
constant preoccupation of his pontificate
seems to have been the struggle against the Protestants
and the Turks. In Germany he supported the Catholics
oppressed by the heretical princes. In France he encouraged
the League by his counsels and with pecuniary aid. In the
Low Countries he supported Spain. In England, finally, he excommunicated
Elizabeth, embraced the cause of Mary Stuart, and wrote
to console her in prison. In the ardour of his faith he did
not hesitate to display severity against the dissidents when necessary,
and to give a new impulse to the activity of the Inquisition,
for which he has been blamed by certain historians who have exaggerated
his conduct. Despite all representations on his behalf he condemned
the writings of Baius, who ended by submitting.
He worked incessantly to unite the Christian princes against the hereditary enemy, the Turks. In the first year of his pontificate he had ordered a solemn jubilee, exhorting the faithful to penance and almsgiving to obtain the victory from God. He supported the Knights of Malta, sent money for the fortification of the free towns of Italy, furnished monthly contributions to the Christians of Hungary, and endeavoured especially to bring Maximilian, Philip II, and Charles I together for the defence of Christendom. In 1567 for the same purpose he collected from all convents one-tenth of their revenues. In 1570 when Solyman II attacked Cyprus, threatening all Christianity in the West, he never rested till he united the forces of Venice, Spain, and the Holy See. He sent his blessing to Don John of Austria, the commander-in-chief of the expedition, recommending him to leave behind all soldiers of evil life, and promising him the victory if he did so. He ordered public prayers, and increased his own supplications to heaven. On the day of the Battle of Lepanto, 7 Oct., 1571, he was working with the cardinals, when, suddenly, interrupting his work opening the window and looking at the sky, he cried out, "A truce to business; our great task at present is to thank God for the victory which He has just given the Christian army". He burst into tears when he heard of the victory, which dealt the Turkish power a blow from which it never recovered. In memory of this triumph he instituted for the first Sunday of October the feast of the Rosary, and added to the Litany of Loreto the supplication "Help of Christians". He was hoping to put an end to the power of Islam by forming a general alliance of the Italian cities Poland, France, and all Christian Europe, and had begun negotiations for this purpose when he died of gravel, repeating "O Lord, increase my sufferings and my patience!" He left the memory of a rare virtue and an unfailing and inflexible integrity. He was beatified by Clement X in 1672, and canonized by Clement XI in 1712. |
1572-1585 Pope Gregory XIII;
No other act of Gregory has
gained for him a more lasting fame than reform of the
Julian calendar completed introduced 1578. Closely connected
with the reform of the calendar is the emendation of the
Roman martyrology ordered by Gregory 1580. In a
brief, dated 14 January, 1584, Gregory XIII ordered that the
new martyrology should supersede all others. Another great literary
achievement of Gregory XIII is an official Roman edition of
the Corpus juris canonici. Shortly after the conclusion of the
Council of Trent, Pius IV appointed a committee to bring out a critical
edition of the Decree of Gratian; increased to 35 (correctores
Romani) by Pius V 1566. Gregory XIII a member from the beginning; finally
completed in 1582. In the Briefs "Cum pro munere", dated 1 July,
1580, and "Emendationem", dated 2 June, 1582, Gregory ordered
that henceforth only the emended official text was to be used
and that in the future no other text should be printed.
Perhaps one of the happiest
events during his pontificate was his arrival at Rome of four
Japanese ambassadors on 22 March, 1585. They had been sent by the
converted kings of Bungo, Arima, and Omura, in Japan, to thank the
pope for the fatherly care he had shown their country by sending them
Jesuit missionaries who had taught them the religion of Christ.
(UGO BUONCOMPAGNI). Born at Bologna, 7 Jan., 1502; died at Rome, 10 April, 1585. He studied jurisprudence at the University of Bologna, from which he was graduated at an early age as doctor of canon and of civil law. Later, he taught jurisprudence at the same university, and had among his pupils the famous future cardinals, Alessandro Farnese, Cristoforo Madruzzi, Otto Truchsess von Waldburg, Reginald Pole, Carlo Borromeo, and Stanislaus Hosius. In 1539 he came to Rome at the request of Cardinal Parizzio, and Paul III appointed him judge of the Capitol, papal abbreviator, and referendary of both signatures. In 1545 the same pope sent him to the Council of Trent as one of his jurists. On his return to Rome he held various offices in the Roman Curia under Julius III (1550-1555), who also appointed him prolegate of the Campagna in 1555. Under Paul IV (1555-1559) he accompanied Cardinal Alfonso Caraffa on a papal mission to Philip II in Flanders, and upon his return was appointed Bishop of Viesti in 1558. Up to this time he had not been ordained a priest. In 1559 the newly-elected pope, Pius IV, sent him as his confidential deputy to the Council of Trent, where he remained till its conclusion in 1563. Shortly after his return to Rome, the same pope created him Cardinal Priest of San Sisto in 1564, and sent him as legate to Spain to investigate the case of Archbishop Bartolomé Carranza of Toledo, who had been suspected of heresy and imprisoned by the Inquisition. While in Spain he was appointed secretary of papal Briefs, and after the election of Pius V, 7 Jan., 1566, he returned to Rome to enter upon his new office. After the death of Pius V on 1 May, 1572, Ugo Buoncompagni was elected pope on 13 May, 1572, chiefly through the influence of Cardinal Antoine* Granvella, and took the name of Gregory XIII. At his election to the papal throne he had already completed his seventieth year, but was still strong and full of energy. His youth was not stainless. While still at Bologna, a son, named Giacomo, was born to him of an unmarried woman. Even after entering the clerical state he was worldly-minded and fond of display. But from the time he became pope he followed in the footsteps of his holy predecessor, and was thoroughly imbued with the consciousness of the great responsibility connected with his exalted position. His election was greeted with joy by the Roman people, as well as by the foreign rulers. Emperor Maximilian II, the kings of France, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Poland, the Italian and other princes sent their representatives to Rome to tender their obedience to the newly-elected pontiff. At the first consistory he ordered the Constitution of Pius V, which forbade the alienation of church property, to be read publicly, and pledged himself to carry into execution the decrees of the Council of Trent. He at once appointed a committee of cardinals, consisting of Borromeo, Paleotti, Aldobrandini, and Arezzo, with instructions to find out and abolish all ecclesiastical abuses; decided that the cardinals who were at the head of dioceses were not exempt from the Tridentine decree of episcopal residence; designated a committee of cardinals to complete the Index of Forbidden Books, and appointed one day in each week for a public audience during which everyone had access to him. In order that only the most worthy persons might be vested with ecclesiastical dignities, he kept a list of commendable men in and out of Rome, on which he noted their virtues and faults that came to his notice. The same care he exercised in the appointment of cardinals. Thirty-four cardinals were appointed during his pontificate, and in their appointment he always had the had the welfare of the Church in view. He cannot be charged with nepotism. Two of his nephews, Filippo Buoncompagni and Filippo Vastavillano, he created cardinals because he considered them worthy of the dignity; but when a third one aspired after the purple, he did not even grant him an audience. His son Giacomo he appointed castellan of St. Angelo and gonfalonier of the Church, but refused him every higher dignity, although Venice enrolled him among its nobili and the King of Spain appointed him general of his army. Like his holy predecessor, Gregory XIII spared no efforts to further an expedition against the Turks. With this purpose in view he sent special legates to Spain, France, Germany, Poland, and other countries, but the discord of the Christian princes among themselves, the peace concluded by the Venetians with the Turks, and the treaty effected by Spain with the Sultan, frustrated all his exertions in this direction. For stemming the tide of Protestantism, which already had wrested entire nations from the bosom of the Church, Gregory XIII knew of no better means than a thorough training of the candidates for holy priesthood in Catholic philosophy and theology. He founded numerous colleges and seminaries at Rome and other suitable places and put most of them under the direction of the Jesuits. At least twenty-three such institutions of learning owe their existence or survival to the munificence of Gregory XIII. The first of these institutions that enjoyed the pope's liberality was the German College at Rome, which for lack of funds was in danger of being abandoned. In a Bull dated 6 August, 1573, he ordered that no less than one hundred students at a time from Germany and its northern borderland should be educated in the German College, and that it should have an annual income of 10,000 ducats, to be paid, as far as necessary, out of the papal treasury. In 1574 he gave the church and the palace of Sant' Apollinare to the institution, and in 1580 united the Hungarian college with it. The following Roman colleges were founded by Gregory XIII: the Greek college on 13 Jan., 1577; the college for neophytes, i.e. converted Jews and infidels, in 1577; the English college on 1 May, 1579; the Maronite college on 27 June, 1584. For the international Jesuit college (Collegium Romanum) he built in 1582 the large edifice known as the Collegio Romano which was occupied by the faculty and students of the Collegium Romanum (Gregorian University) until the Piedmontese Government declared it national property and expelled the Jesuits in 1870. Outside of Rome the following colleges were either founded or liberally endowed by Gregory XIII: the English college at Douai, the Scotch college at Pont-à-Mousson, the papal seminaries at Graz, Vienna, Olmutz, Prague, Colosvar, Fulda, Augsburg, Dillingen, Braunsberg, Milan, Loreto, Fribourg in Switzerland, and three schools in Japan. In these schools numerous missionaries were trained for the various countries where Protestantism had been made the state religion and for the missions among the pagans in China, India, and Japan. Thus Gregory XIII at least partly restored the old faith in England and the northern countries of Europe, supplied the Catholics in those countries with their necessary priests, and introduced Christianity into the pagan countries of Eastern Asia. Perhaps one of the happiest events during his pontificate was his arrival at Rome of four Japanese ambassadors on 22 March, 1585. They had been sent by the converted kings of Bungo, Arima, and Omura, in Japan, to thank the pope for the fatherly care he had shown their country by sending them Jesuit missionaries who had taught them the religion of Christ. In order to safeguard the Catholic religion in Germany, he instituted a special Congregation of Cardinals for German affairs, the so-called Congregatio Germanica, which lasted from 1573-1578. To remain informed of the Catholic situation in that country and keep in closer contact with its rulers, he erected resident nunciatures at Vienna in 1581 and at Cologne in 1582. By his Bull "Provisionis nostrae" of 29 Jan., 1579, he confirmed the acts of his predecessor Pius V, condemning the errors of Baius, and at the same time he commissioned the Jesuit, Francis of Toledo, to demand the abjuration of Baius. In the religious orders Gregory XIII recognized a great power for the conversion of pagans, the repression of heresy and the maintenance of the Catholic religion. He was especially friendly towards the Jesuits, whose rapid spread during the pontificate was greatly due to his encouragement and financial assistance. Neither did he neglect the other orders. He approved the Congregation of the Oratory in 1574, the Barnabites in 1579, and the Discaleed Carmalites in 1580. The Premonstratensians he honoured by canonizing their founder, St. Norbert, in 1582. Gregory XIII spared no efforts to restore the Catholic Faith in the countries that had become Protestant. In 1574 he sent the Polish Jesuit Warsiewicz to John III of Sweden in order to convert him to Catholicity. Being then unsuccessful, he sent another Jesuit, the Norwegian Lawrence Nielssen in 1576, who succeeded in converting the king on 6 May, 1578. The king, however, soon turned Protestant again from political motives. In 1581, Gregory XIII dispatched the Jesuit Antonio Possevino as nuncio to Russia, to mediate between Tsar Ivan IV and King Bathory of Poland. He not only brought about an amicable settlement between the two rulers, but also obtained for the Catholics of Russia the right to practice their religion openly. Gregory's efforts to procure religious liberty for the Catholics of England were without avail. The world knows of the atrocities committed by Queen Elizabeth on many Catholic missionaries and laymen. No blame, therefore, attaches to Gregory XIII for trying to depose the queen by force of arms. As early as 1578 he sent Thomas Stukeley with a ship and an army of 800 men to Ireland, but the treacherous Stukeley joined his forces with those of King Sebastian of Portugal against Emperor Abdulmelek of Morocco. Another papal expedition which sailed to Ireland in 1579 under the command of James Fitzmaurice, accompanied by Nicholas Sanders as papal nuncio, was equally unsuccessful. Gregory XIII had nothing whatever to do with the plot of Henry, Duke of Guise, and his brother, Charles, Duke of Mayenne, to assassinate the queen, and most probably knew nothing whatever about it (see Bellesheim, "Wilhelm Cardinal Allen", Mainz, 1885, p. 144). Some historians have severely criticized Gregory XIII for ordering that the horrible massacre of the Huguenots on St. Bartholomew's Day in 1572 be celebrated in Rome by a "Te Deum" and other marks of rejoicing. In defence of Gregory XIII it must be stated that he had nothing whatever to do with the massacre itself, and that he as well as Salviati, his nuncio in Paris, were kept in ignorance concerning the intended slaughter. The pope indeed participated in the Roman festivities, but he was probably not acquainted with the circumstances of the Parisian horrors and, like other European rulers, had been informed that the Huguenots had been detected in a conspiracy to kill the king and the whole royal family, and had been thus punished for their treacherous designs. But even if Gregory XIII was aware of all the circumstances of the massacre (which has never been proven), it must be borne in mind that he did not rejoice at the bloodshed, but at the suppression of a political and religious rebellion. That Gregory XIII did not approve of the massacre, but detested the cruel act and shed tears when he was apprised of it, is expressly stated even by the apostate Gregario Leti in his "Vita di Sisto V" (Cologne, 1706), I, 431-4, anad by Beautome, a contemporary of Gregory XIII, in his "Vie de M. l'Amiral de Chastillon" (Complete works, The Hague, 1740, VIII, 196). The medal which Gregory XIII had struck in memory of the event bears his effigy on the obverse, which ion the reverse under the legend Vgonotiorum Strages (overthrow of the Huguenots) stands an angel with cross and drawn sword, killing the Huguenots. No other act of Gregory XIII has gained for him a more lasting fame than his reform of the Julian calendar which was completed and introduced into most Catholic countries in 1578. Closely connected with the reform of the calendar is the emendation of the Roman martyrology which was ordered by Gregory XIII in the autumn of 1580. The emendation was to consist chiefly in the restoration of the original text of Usuard's martyrology, which was in common use at the time of Gregory XIII. He entrusted the learned Cardinal Sirleto with the difficult undertaking. The cardinal formed a committee, consisting of ten members, who assisted him in the work. The first edition of the new martyrology, which came out in 1582, was full of typographical errors; likewise the second edition of 1583. Both editions were suppressed by Gregory XIII, and in January, 1584, appeared a third and better edition under the title of "Martyrologium Romanum Gregorii XIII jussu editum" (Rome, 1583). In a brief, dated 14 January, 1584, Gregory XIII ordered that the new martyrology should supersede all others. Another great literary achievement of Gregory XIII is an official Roman edition of the Corpus juris canonici. Shortly after the conclusion of the Council of Trent, Pius IV had appointed a committee which was to bring out a critical edition of the Decree of Gratian. The committee was increased to thirty-five members (correctores Romani) by Pius V in 1566. Gregory XIII had been a member of it from the beginning. The work was finally completed in 1582. In the Briefs "Cum pro munere", dated 1 July, 1580, and "Emendationem", dated 2 June, 1582, Gregory XIII ordered that henceforth only the emended official text was to be used and that in the future no other text should be printed. It has already been mentioned that Gregory XIII spent large sums for the erection of colleges and seminaries. No expense appeared too high to him, if only it was made for the benefit of the Catholic religion. For the education of poor candidates for the priesthood he spent two million sendi during his pontificate, and for the good of Catholicity he sent large sums of money to Malta, Austria, England, France, Spain, and the Netherlands. In Rome he built the magnificent Gregorian chapel in the church of St. Peter, and the Quirinal palace in 1580; a capacious granary in the Thermae of Diocletian in 1575, and fountains at the Piazza Navona, the Piazza del Pantheon, and the Piazza del Popolo. In recognition of his many improvements in Rome the senate and the people erected a statue in his honour on the Capitoline Hill, when he was still living. The large sums of money spent in this manner necessarily reduced the papal treasury. Acting on the advice of Bonfigliuoto, the secretary of the Camera, he confiscated various baronial estates and castles, because some forgotten feudal liabilities to the papal treasury had not been paid, or because their present owners were not the rightful heirs. The barons were in continual fear lest some of their property would be wrested from them in this way. The result was that the aristocracy hated the papal government, and incited the peasantry to do the same. The papal influence over the aristocracy being thus weakened, the barons of the Romagna made war against each other, and a period of bloodshed ensued which Gregory XIII was helpless to prevent. Moreover, the imposition of port charges at Aneona and the levy of import taxes on Venetian goods by the papal government, crippled commerce to a considerable extent. The banditti who infested the Campagna were protected by the barons and the peasantry and became daily more bold. They were headed by young men of noble families, such as Alfonso Piccolomim, Roberto Malatesta, and others. Rome itself was filled with these outlaws, and the papal officers were always and everywhere in danger of life. Gregory was helpless against these lawless bands. Their suppression was finally effected by his rigorous successor, Sixtus V. |
1585-1590
Pope Sixtus V a Minorite:
The talented young priest
gained a high reputation as a preacher. At Rome, where
in 1552 he preached the Lenten sermons in the Church of Santi
Apostoli, his successful preaching gained for him the friendship
of very influential men, such as Cardinal Carpi, the protector
of his order; the Cardinals Caraffa and Ghislieri, both of
whom became popes; St. Philip Neri and St. Ignatius. Born at Grottamare near Montalto, 13 December, 1521; elected 24 April, 1585; crowned 1 May, 1585; died in the Quirinal, 27 August, 1590. He belonged to a Dalmatian family which in the middle of the preceding century had fled to Italy from the Turks who were devastating Illyria and threatened to invade Dalmatia. His father was a gardener and it is said of Felice that, when a boy, he was a swineherd. At the age of nine he came to the Minorite convent at Montalto, where his uncle, Fra Salvatore, was a friar. Here he became a novice at the age of twelve. He was educated at Montalto, Ferrara, and Bologna and was ordained at Siena in 1547. The talented young priest gained a high reputation as a preacher. At Rome, where in 1552 he preached the Lenten sermons in the Church of Santi Apostoli, his successful preaching gained for him the friendship of very influential men, such as Cardinal Carpi, the protector of his order; the Cardinals Caraffa and Ghislieri, both of whom became popes; St. Philip Neri and St. Ignatius. He was successively appointed rector of his convent at Siena in 1550, of San Lorenzo at Naples in 1553, and of the convent of the Frari at Venice in 1556. A year later Pius IV appointed him also counselor to the Inquisition at Venice. His zeal and severity in the capacity of inquisitor displeased the Venetian Government, which demanded and obtained his recall in 1560. Having returned to Rome he was made counsellor to the Holy Office, professor at the Sapienza, and general procurator and vicar Apostolic of his order. In 1565 Pius IV designated him to accompany to Spain Cardinal Buoncompagni (afterwards Gregory XIII), who was to investigate a charge of heresy against Archbishop Carranza of Toledo. From this time dates the antipathy between Peretti and Buoncompagni, which declared itself more openly during the latter's pontificate (1572-85). Upon his return to Rome in 1566 Pius V created him Bishop of Sant' Agata dei Goti in the Kingdom of Naples and later chose him as his confessor. On 17 May, 1570, the same pope created him cardinal-priest with the titular Church of S. Simeone, which he afterwards exchanged for that of S. Girolamo dei Schiavoni. In 1571 he was transferred to the See of Fermo. He was popularly known as the Cardinal di Montalto. During the pontificate of Gregory XIII he withdrew from public affairs, devoting himself to study and to the collection of works of art, as far as his scanty means permitted. During this time he edited the works of St. Ambrose (Rome, 1579-1585) and erected a villa (now Villa Massimi) on the Esquiline. Gregory XIII died on 10 April 1585, and after a conclave of four days Peretti was elected pope by "adoration" on 24 April, 1585. He took the name Sixtus V in memory of Sixtus IV, who had also been a Minorite. The legend that he entered the conclave on crutches, feigning the infirmities of old age, and upon his election exultantly thrust aside his crutches and appeared full of life and vigour has long been exploded; it may, however, have been invented as a symbol of his forced inactivity during the reign of Gregory XIII and the remarkable energy which he displayed during the five years of his pontificate. He was a born ruler and especially suited to stem the tide of disorder and lawlessness which had broken out towards the end of the reign of Gregory XIII. Having obtained the co-operation of the neighbouring states, he exterminated, often with excessive cruelty, the system of brigandage which had reached immense proportions and terrorized the whole of Italy. The number of bandits in and about Rome at the death of Gregory XIII has been variously estimated at from twelve to twenty-seven thousand, and in little more than two years after the accession of Sixtus V the Papal States had become the most secure country in Europe. Of almost equal importance with the extermination of the bandits was, in the opinion of Sixtus V, the rearrangement of the papal finances. At his accession the papal exchequer was empty. Acting on his favourite principle that riches as well as severity are necessary for good government, he used every available means to replenish the state treasury. So successful was he in the accumulation of money that, despite his enormous expenditures for public buildings, he had shortly before his death deposited in the Castello di Sant' Angelo three million scudi in gold and one million six hundred thousand in silver. He did not consider that in the long run so much dead capital withdrawn from circulation was certain to impoverish the country and deal the death-blow to commerce and industry. To obtain such vast sums he economized everywhere, except in works of architecture; increased the number of salable public offices; imposed more taxes and extended the monti, or public loans, that had been instituted by Clement VII. Though extremely economical in other ways, Sixtus V spent immense sums in erection of public works. He built the Lateran Palace; completed the Quirinal; restored the Church of Santa Sabina on the Aventine; rebuilt the Church and Hospice of San Girolamo dei Schiavoni; enlarged and improved the Sapienza; founded the hospice for the poor near the Ponte Sisto; built and richly ornamented the Chapel of the Cradle in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore; completed the cupola of St. Peter's; raised the obelisks of the Vatican, of Santa Maria Maggiore, of the Lateran, and of Santa Maria del Popolo; restored the columns of Trajan and of Antoninus Pius, placing the statue of St. Peter on the former and that of St. Paul on the latter; erected the Vatican Library with its adjoining printing-office and that wing of the Vatican Palace which is inhabited by the pope; built many magnificent streets; erected various monasteries; and supplied Rome with water, the "Acqua Felice", which he brought to the city over a distance of twenty miles, partly under ground, partly on elevated aqueducts. AtBologna he founded the Collegio Montalto for fifty students from the March of Ancona. Far-reaching were the reforms which Sixtus V introduced in the management of ecclesiastical affairs. On 3 Dec., 1586, he issued the Bull "Postquam verus", fixing the number of cardinals at seventy, namely, six cardinal-bishops, fifty cardinal-priests, and fourteen cardinal-deacons. Before his pontificate, ecclesiastical business was generally discharged by the pope in consistory with the cardinals. There were, indeed, a few permanent cardinalitial congregations, but the sphere of their competency was very limited. In his Bull "Immensa aeterni Dei", of 11 February, 1588, he established fifteen permanent congregations, some of which were concerned with spiritual, others with temporal affairs. They were the Congregations: (1) of the Inquisition; (2) of the Segnatura; (3) for the Establishment of Churches; (4) of Rites and Ceremonies; (5) of the Index of Forbidden Books; (6) of the Council of Trent (7); of the Regulars; (8) of the Bishops; (9) of the Vatican Press; (10) of the Annona, for the provisioning of Rome and the provinces; (11) of the Navy; (12) of the Public Welfare; (13) of the Sapienza; (14) of Roads, Bridges, and Waters; (15) of State Consultations. These congregations lessened the work of the pope, without in any way limiting his authority. The final decision belonged to the pope. In the creation of cardinals Sixtus V was, as a rule, guided by their good qualities. The only suspicion of nepotism with which he might be reproached was giving the purple to his fourteen-year-old grand-nephew Alessandro, who, however did honour to the Sacred College and never wielded an undue influence. In 1588 he issued from the Vatican Press an edition of the Septuagint revised according to a Vatican manuscript His edition of the Vulgate, printed shortly before his death, was withdrawn from circulation on account of its many errors, corrected, and reissued in 1592 (see ROBERT BELLARMINE). Though a friend of the Jesuits, he objected to some of their rules and especially to the title "Society of Jesus". He was on the point of changing these when death overtook him. A statue which had been erected in his honour on the Capitol during his lifetime was torn down by the rabble immediately upon his death. (For his relations with the various temporal rulers and his attempts to stem the tide of Protestantism, see THE COUNTER-REFORMATION). |
1592-1605 Pope Clement
VIII St. Philip Neri, for thirty
years was his confessor; To him we owe the institution of the
Forty Hours' Devotion. He founded at Rome the Collegio
Clementino for the education of the sons of the richer
classes, and augmented the number of national colleges
in Rome by opening the Collegio Scozzese for the training
of missionaries to Scotland. The "Bullarium Romanum" contains
many important constitutions of Clement, notably one denouncing
duelling and one providing for the inviolability of
the States of the Church. He issued revised editions of the
Vulgate (1598), the Breviary, the Missal, also the "Cæremoniale",
and the "Pontificale". His remains repose in Santa Maria Maggiore,
where the Borghesi, who succeed the Aldobrandini in the
female line, erected a gorgeous monument to his memory.
(IPPOLITO ALDOBRANDINI). Born at Fano, March, 1536, of a distinguished Florentine family; died at Rome, 5 March, 1605. He was elected pope 30 January, 1592, after a stormy conclave graphically described by Ranke (Geschichte der römischen Päpste, 9th ed., II, 150 sqq.). In his youth he made excellent progress in jurisprudence under the direction of his father, an able jurist. Through the stages of consistorial advocate, auditor of the Rota and the Datary, he was advanced in 1585 to the dignity of Cardinal-Priest of the Title of St. Pancratius and was made grand penitentiary. He won the friendship of the Hapsburgs by his successful efforts, during a legation to Poland, to obtain the release of the imprisoned Archduke Maximilian, the defeated claimant to the Polish throne. During the conclave of 1592 he was the unwilling candidate of the compact minority of cardinals who were determined to deliver the Holy See from the prepotency of Philip II of Spain. His election was greeted with boundless enthusiasm by the Italians and by all who knew his character. He possessed all qualifications needed in the Vicar of Christ. Blameless in morals from childhood, he had at an early period placed himself under the direction of St. Philip Neri, who for thirty years was his confessor. Upon Clement's elevation to the papacy, the aged saint gave over this important office to Baronius, whom the pope, notwithstanding his reluctance, created a cardinal, and to whom he made his confession every evening. The fervour with which he said his daily Mass filled all present with devotion. His long association with the Apostle of Rome caused him to imbibe the saint's spirit so thoroughly, that in him St. Philip himself might be said to have ascended the papal chair. Though vast political problems clamoured for solution, the pope first turned his attention to the more important spiritual interests of the Church. He made a personal visitation of all the churches and educational and charitable institutions of Rome, everywhere eliminating abuses and enforcing discipline. To him we owe the institution of the Forty Hours' Devotion. He founded at Rome the Collegio Clementino for the education of the sons of the richer classes, and augmented the number of national colleges in Rome by opening the Collegio Scozzese for the training of missionaries to Scotland. The "Bullarium Romanum" contains many important constitutions of Clement, notably one denouncing duelling and one providing for the inviolability of the States of the Church. He issued revised editions of the Vulgate (1598), the Breviary, the Missal, also the "Cæremoniale", and the "Pontificale". The complicated situation in France presented no insuperable difficulties to two consummate statesmen like Henry of Navarre and Clement VIII. It was clear to Henry that, notwithstanding his victories, he could not peacefully retain the French Crown without adopting the Catholic Faith. He abjured Calvinism 25 July, 1593. It was equally clear to Pope Clement that it was his duty to brave the selfish hostility of Spain by acknowledging the legitimate claims of Henry, as soon as he convinced himself that the latter's conversion was something more than a political manoeuvre. In the autumn of 1595 he solemnly absolved Henry IV, thus putting an end to the thirty years' religious war in France and winning a powerful ally in his struggle to achieve the independence of Italy and of the Holy See. Henry's friendship was of essential importance to the pope two years later, when Alfonso II, Duke of Ferrara, died childless (27 Oct., 1597), and Pope Clement resolved to bring the stronghold of the Este dynasty under the immediate jurisdiction of the Church. Though Spain and the empire encouraged Alfonso's illegitimate cousin, Cesare d'Este, to withstand the pope, they were deterred from giving him aid by Henry's threats, and the papal army entered Ferrara almost unopposed. In 1598 Pope Clement won still more credit for the papacy by bringing about a definite treaty of peace between Spain and France in the Treaty of Vervins and between France and Savoy. He also lent valuable assistance in men and money to the emperor in his contest with the Turks in Hungary. He was as merciless as Sixtus V in crushing out brigandage and in punishing the lawlessness of the Roman nobility. He did not even spare the youthful patricide Beatrice Cenci, over whom so many tears have been shed. (Bertolotti, Francesco Cenci e la sua famiglia, Florence, 1879.) On 17 Feb., 1600, the apostate Giordano Bruno was burned at the stake on the Piazza dei Fiori. The jubilee of 1600 was a brilliant witness to the glories of the renovated papacy, three million pilgrims visiting the holy places. In 1595 was held the Synod of Brest, in Lithuania, by which a great part of the Ruthenian clergy and people were reunited to Rome (Likowski, Union zu Brest, 1094). Although Clement, in spite of constant fasting, was tortured with gout in feet and hands, his capacity for work was unlimited, and his powerful intellect grasped all the needs of the Church throughout the world. He entered personally into the minutest detail of every subject which came before him, e.g., in the divorce between Henry IV and Margaret of Valois, yet more in the great controversy on grace between the Jesuits and the Dominicans (see BAÑEZ, MOLINA). He was present at all the sessions of the Congregatio de auxiliis (q.v.), but wisely refrained from issuing a final decree on the question. Clement VIII died in his seventieth years after a pontificate of thirteen years. His remains repose in Santa Maria Maggiore, where the Borghesi, who succeed the Aldobrandini in the female line, erected a gorgeous monument to his memory. |
1605 Pope
Leo XI; an intimate friend
of St. Philip Neri with whom he spent much time
in spiritual conversation and whose advice he
sought in all important matters. When Alessandro
was Tuscan ambassador at the court of Pius V Philip predicted
his election to the papacy. He had such an aversion for nepotism that
he firmly refused the request. When his confessor urged
him to grant it, he dismissed him and sent for another confessor
to prepare him for death. (ALESSANDRO OTTAVIANO DE' MEDICI). Born at Florence in 1535; died at Rome 27 April, 1605, on the twenty-seventh day after his election to the papacy. His mother, Francesca Salviati, was a daughter of Giacomo Salviati and Lucrezia Medici, the latter being a sister of Leo X. From his boyhood he led a life of piety and always had an earnest desire to enter the ecclesiastical state, but could not obtain his mother's consent. After her death he was ordained priest and somewhat later Grand Duke Cosimo of Tuscany sent him as ambassador to Pius V, a position which he held for fifteen years. Gregory XIII made him Bishop of Pistoia in 1573, Archbishop of Florence in 1574, and cardinal in 1583. Clement VIII sent him, in 1596, as legate to France where he did good service for the Church in repressing the Huguenot influence at the court of Henry IV, and helping to restore the Catholic religion. On his return to Italy he was appointed prefect of the Congregation of Bishops and Regulars. In 1600 he became Bishop of the suburbicarian Diocese of Albano, whence he was transferred to Palestrina in 1602. Alessandro was an intimate friend of St. Philip Neri with whom he spent much time in spiritual conversation and whose advice he sought in all important matters. When Alessandro was Tuscan ambassador at the court of Pius V Philip predicted his election to the papacy. On 14 March, 1605, eleven days after the death of Clement VIII, sixty-two cardinals entered the conclave. Prominent among the candidates for the papacy were the great historian Baronius and the famous Jesuit controversialist Bellarmine. But Aldobrandini, the leader of the Italian party among the cardinals, made common cause with the French party and brought about the election of Alessandro against the express wish of King Philip III of Spain. King Henry IV of France, who had learned to esteem Alessandro when papal legate at his court, and whose wife, Maria de' Medici was related to Alessandro, is said to have spent 300,000 écus in the promotion of Alessandro's candidacy. On 1 April, 1605, Alessandro ascended the papal throne as Leo XI, being then seventy years of age. He took sick immediately after his coronation. During his sickness he was importuned by many members of the Curia and by a few ambassadors from foreign courts to confer the cardinalate on one of his grandnephews, whom he had himself educated and whom he loved dearly, but he had such an aversion for nepotism that he firmly refused the request. When his confessor urged him to grant it, he dismissed him and sent for another confessor to prepare him for death. |
1605-1621 Pope Paul V;
a canonist of marked ability;
watched vigilantly over
the interests of the Church in every nation. Paul V was no more free from nepotism than
the other pontiffs of that century. But if he
seemed to show too many favours to his relatives, it
must be said that they were capable men of blameless lives,
and devoted their large revenues to the embellishment of Rome.
Paul had the honour of putting the finishing touches to St.
Peter's, which had been building for a century. He enriched
the Vatican Library, was fond of art, and encouraged Guido
Reni. He canonized St. Charles Borromeo and St. Frances of Rome.
He beatified Sts. Ignatius Loyola, Francis Xavier, Philip
Neri, Theresa the Carmelite, Louis Bertrand, Thomas of Villanova,
and Isidore of Madrid. During his pontificate a large number
of new institutes for education and charity added new lustre
to religion. His remains were placed in the magnificent Borghese
chapel in St. Mary Major's, where his monument is universally
admired. (CAMILLO BORGHESE). Born at Rome, 17 Sept., 1550; elected 16 May, 1605; died 28 Jan., 1621. Although proud to call himself, as we read on the façade of St. Peter's and on his epitaph, a Roman, Borghese was descended from a noble family of Siena which held important positions in that city, and claimed St. Catherine for a relative. Their removal to Rome was caused by the endless disturbances which made life in Siena unbearable. Camillo was carefully trained in jurisprudence at Perugia and Padua, and became a canonist of marked ability. He rose in the ecclesiastical career steadily, if not rapidly; in 1596 he was made cardinal by Clement VIII, and became Cardinal-Vicar of Rome. He held aloof from all parties and factions, devoting all his spare time to his law-books. In consequence, on the death of Leo XI, all eyes were centred on him, and he ascended the papal throne without engagement or obligation of any sort. His legal training was soon visible in all his words and actions. He knew nothing of compromises, and proceeded to rule the Church not from the standpoint of diplomacy but from the decretals. He conceived it his duty to maintain inviolate every right and claim advanced by his predecessors. This made his character at times assume a very stern and uncompromising aspect. His first public act was to send home to their sees the prelates and even the cardinals who were sojourning at Rome upon one or other pretext. The Council of Trent had declared it a grave sin for a bishop to be an absentee. That he was engaged in Rome doing the business of the Holy See made no difference. Paul was soon involved in controversy with various cities of Italy on matters concerning ecclesiastical jurisdiction and the relations between Church and State. The bitterest quarrel was with the proud Republic of Venice, which refused to acknowledge the exemption of the clergy from the jurisdiction of the civil courts and passed two laws obnoxious to the Roman Curia, the first forbidding the alienation of real property in favour of the clergy, the second demanding approval of the civil power for the building of new churches. Paul demanded the repeal of these anti-clerical ordinances, and insisted that two clerics who had been committed to prison should be surrendered to the ecclesiastical court. The dispute became daily more bitter and gradually developed into a broad discussion of the relative position of the Church and State. What gave the quarrel a European importance was the ability of the champions who entered the field on either side. For the claims of the Church stood Cardinals Baronius and Bellarmine; the cause of Venice was defended by the Servite Paolo Sarpi, a man of wonderful literary skill and a sworn enemy of the Roman Court. On 17 April, 1600, the pope pronounced sentence of excommunication against the doge, Senate, and Government collectively. He allowed a very short space for submission, after which he imposed an interdict on the city. The clergy had now to take sides for or against the pope. With the exception of the Jesuits, the Theatines, and the Capuchins, who were immediately expelled, the entire body of secular and regular clergy held with the Government and continued to hold services, notwithstanding the interdict. The festival of Corpus Christi was celebrated with unusual splendour, and Sarpi said Mass for the first time in years. The schism lasted about a year; and peace was patched up through the mediation of France and Spain. The Republic refused to repeal the obnoxious laws openly, but promised "to conduct itself with its accustomed piety". With these obscure words the pope was forced to be content; he removed the censures 22 March, 1607. The Theatines and Capuchins were permitted to return; an exception was made against the Jesuits. The pope watched vigilantly over the interests of the Church in every nation. On 9 July, 1606, he wrote a friendly letter to James I of England to congratulate him on his accession to the throne, and referred with grief to the plot recently made against the life of the monarch. But he prays him not to make the innocent Catholics suffer for the crime of a few. He promises to exhort all the Catholics of the realm to be submissive and loyal to their sovereign in all things not opposed to the honour of God. Unfortunately the oath of allegiance James demanded of his subjects contained clauses to which no Catholic could in conscience subscribe. It was solemnly condemned in two Briefs, 22 Sept., 1606, and 23 Aug., 1607. This condemnation occasioned the bitter dissension between the party of the archpriest George Blackwell and the Catholics who submitted to the decision of the Holy See. In Austria the efforts of the pope were directed to healing the disputes among the Catholics and to giving moral and material aid to the Catholic Union. He survived the battle of Prague, which put an end to the short reign of the Calvinistic "winter-king". Paul V was no more free from nepotism than the other pontiffs of that century. But if he seemed to show too many favours to his relatives, it must be said that they were capable men of blameless lives, and devoted their large revenues to the embellishment of Rome. Paul had the honour of putting the finishing touches to St. Peter's, which had been building for a century. He enriched the Vatican Library, was fond of art, and encouraged Guido Reni. He canonized St. Charles Borromeo and St. Frances of Rome. He beatified Sts. Ignatius Loyola, Francis Xavier, Philip Neri, Theresa the Carmelite, Louis Bertrand, Thomas of Villanova, and Isidore of Madrid. During his pontificate a large number of new institutes for education and charity added new lustre to religion. His remains were placed in the magnificent Borghese chapel in St. Mary Major's, where his monument is universally admired. |
1667-1669
Pope Clement IX; elected to the papacy by the
unanimous Sacred
College vote; idol of the Romans erudition application to
business, his extreme charity, and his affability towards great and small;
2 days/week occupied confessional in
St. Peter's church heard any one who wished to confess;
frequently visited hospitals, lavish in alms to the poor;
he did little or nothing to advance or enrich his family;
aversion to notoriety, refused to permit his name to be placed
on the buildings erected during his reign; declared blessed,
Rose of Lima, first American saint, solemnly canonized S. Maria
Maddalena dei Pazzi and St. Peter of Alcantara; death of the beloved pontiff was long
lamented by Romans, who considered him, if not the greatest,
at least the most amiable of the popes. (GIULIO ROSPIGLIOSI) Born 28 January, 1600, at Pistoja, of an ancient family originally from Lombardy; elected 20 June, 1667; d. at Rome, 9 December, 1669. He made a brilliant course of studies at the Roman Seminary, and the University of Pisa, where he received the doctorate in his twenty-third year and was made professor of philosophy. His talents and virtuous life brought him rapid promotion in the Roman Court at a period when Tuscan influence under Tuscan pontiffs was everywhere predominant. He enjoyed the special favour of Urban VIII, like himself fond of literature and poetry, and was made titular Archbishop of Tarsus and sent as nuncio to the Spanish Court. He lived in retirement during the pontificate of Innocent X, who disliked the Barberini and their adherents, was recalled to office by Alexander VII, appointed by him secretary of state and Cardinal-Priest of the Title of San Sisto (1657). Ten years later, one month after the death of Alexander, Cardinal Rospigliosi was elected to the papacy by the unanimous vote of the Sacred College. He was the idol of the Romans, not so much for his erudition and application to business, as for his extreme charity and his affability towards great and small. He increased the goodwill of his subjects by buying off the monopolist who had secured the macinato, or privilege of selling grain, and as his predecessor had collected the money for the purpose, Clement had the decree published in the name of Alexander VII. Two days each week he occupied a confessional in St. Peter's church and heard any one who wished to confess to him. He frequently visited the hospitals, and was lavish in his alms to the poor. In an age of nepotism, he did little or nothing to advance or enrich his family. In his aversion to notoriety, he refused to permit his name to be placed on the buildings erected during his reign. On 15 April, 1668, he declared blessed, Rose of Lima, the first American saint. On 28 April, 1669, he solemnly canonized S. Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi and St. Peter of Alcantara. He reorganized the Church in Portugal, after that nation had achieved its independence from Spain. By a mild compromise in the affair of French Jansenism, known as the Clementine Peace, (Pax Clementina), he procured a lull in the storm, which, unfortunately, owing to the insincerity of the sectaries, was but temporary. He brought about, as arbiter, the Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle between France and Spain, and gravely admonished Louis XIV against the aggressive career upon which he was setting forth. By strict economy he brought the papal finances into good order, and was able to furnish material aid to Venice for the defence of Crete, then besieged by the Turks. Had the European powers listened to his exhortations, that important island would not have been lost to Christendom. The news of its fall, after a gallant resistance of twenty years, hastened the pope's death. He died after a pontificate of two years, five months, and nineteen days. He ordered his remains to be buried under the pavement of Santa Maria Maggiore, with the simple inscription Clementis IX, Cineres, but his successor, Clement X, erected in his honour the sumptuous monument which stands at the right-hand side of the nave, near the door. The death of the beloved pontiff was long lamented by the Romans, who considered him, if not the greatest, at least the most amiable of the popes. |
1689 Bl. Innocent XI Benedetto Odescalchi (Sept. 21, 1676 - Aug 12, 1689) Innocent XI was beatified Oct. 7, 1956, his feast day is August 13. From: 'St. Peter's - Guide to
the Basilica and Square'
On the left, towards the central nave, is the funeral Monument of Innocent XI (1676-1689), the work of the French sculptor Pierre Etienne Monnot. The Pontiff, making a solemn, oratorical gesture, is seated on the throne set above a sarcophagus, in giallo antico marble. A bas-relief on the urn of John Sobieski, shows the Victory over the Turks in Vienna in 1683. From: 'St. Peter's Basilica - A Virtual Tour' by Our Sunday Visitor Facing it is the Monument to Innocent XI, executed by P. E. Monnot who, inspired equally by Algardi and Bernini, created a work with a harmonious compositional unity. The bas-relief shows the Liberation of Vienna from the Turks in 1683 thanks to Sobiesky, which undoubtedly was a decisive episode in the history of Europe. The two metal lions sustaining the black marble urn overlaid with bronze refer to the arms of the Odescalchi family to which the Pope belonged. He is solemnly represented above as if talking to the people. The two allegorical figures do not represent, as is often repeated, Religion and Justice but rather, as rightly indicated by R. U. Montini in his "Tombs of the Popes" (1957), Faith and Fortitude, symbolizing the Christian virtues shown by the Pope in his struggle against the Turks, with prayer, diplomacy and huge financial aid, though a donation of 5 million florins. Other Sources Innocent XI was elected pope on Sept. 21, 1676, against the opposition of King Louis XIV of France, who proved to be an enemy of ecclesiastical privileges during Innocent's pontificate. He inherited an insolvent papal treasury but averted bankruptcy through wise taxation, rigid economizing, and financial support from Catholic powers. Innocent aided the war against the Turks by subsidizing King John III of Poland and the Holy Roman emperor Leopold I in a campaign that led to the relief of Vienna (1683) from the Turkish siege. In doctrinal matters, Innocent sympathized somewhat with the Jansenists, followers of a nonorthodox ecclesiastical movement created by Bishop Cornelius Jansen of Ypres, which opposed Louis's religious policies. Although a friend of Miguel de Molinos, the Spanish mystic and proponent of the doctrine of Christian perfection known as Quietism, Innocent allowed Molinos to be arrested by the papal police and tried for personal immorality and heresy. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, and Innocent condemned his propositions in 1687. Innocent is considered the outstanding pope of the 17th century, largely because of his high moral character. In a time of frequent papal corruption he was free from nepotism and his integrity was unquestioned. He was beatified by Pope Pius XII on October 7, 1956. |
1700
1721 Pope Clement XI Giovanni Francesco was sent to Rome in his 11th
year to prosecute studies at the Roman College.
He made rapid progress; known as an author at
18, translating from the Greek into elegant Latin.
He attracted the notice of the patroness of Roman literati,
Queen Christina of Sweden, who before he became of age
enrolled him in her exclusive Accademia. With equal ardour
and success, he applied himself to the profounder branches,
theology and law, and was created doctor of canon and civil
law. So brilliant an intellect, joined with stainless morals
and piety, secured for him a rapid advancement at the papal
court. At the age of twenty-eight he was made a prelate, and
governed successively Rieti, Sabina, and Orvieto, everywhere
acceptable on account of his reputation for justice and prudence.
Recalled to Rome, he was appointed Vicar of St. Peter's, and
on the death of Cardinal Slusio succeeded to the important position
of Secretary of Papal Briefs, which he held for thirteen years,
and for which his command of classical latinity singularly fitted
him. On 13 February, 1690, he was created cardinal-deacon and later
Cardinal-Priest of the Title of San Silvestro, and was ordained
to the priesthood. Soon after his accession, the War of Spanish Succession broke out. Despite initially holding an ambiguous neutrality, Clement was later forced to name Charles, Archduke of Austria, as King of Spain, since the imperial army had conquered much of northern Italy and was threatening Rome itself (January 1709). By the Treaty of Utrecht that concluded the War, the Papal States lost their suzerainty over the Farnese Duchy of Parma and Piacenza in favour of Austria, and lost Comacchio as well. It was a blow from which the declining prestige of the Papal States would never recover. In 1713 the bull Unigenitus was published. The bull greatly disturbed the peace of the Gallican (French) church. It condemned 101 propositions from the works of Quesnel as heretical and as identical with propositions already condemned in the writings of Jansen. The resistance of many French ecclesiastics and the refusal of the French parlements to register the bull led to controversies extending through the greater part of the 18th century. Because the local governments did not officially receive the bull, it was not, technically, in force in those areas – an example of the interference of states in religious affairs common before the 20th century. Another important decision of Clement XI was in regard to the Chinese Rites controversy: the Jesuit missionaries were forbidden to take part in honors paid to Confucius or the ancestors of the Emperors of China, which Clement XI identified as "idolatrous and barbaric", and to accommodate Christian language to pagan ideas under plea of conciliating the heathen. Clement
XI died at Rome in 1721 and was buried in
the pavement of St. Peter's Basilica.
Personally, Clement was
one of the few popes to avoid nepotism. His nephew Annibale was
elected cardinal, but only through personal merit.As a builder, Clement had a famous sundial added in the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri and had an obelisk erected in the Piazza del Pantheon and a river port built on the Tiber River. He established a committee, overseen by his favorite artists, Carlo Maratta and Carlo Fontana, to commission statuary of the apostles to complete the decoration of San Giovanni in Laterano. He also founded a painting and sculpting academy in the Campidoglio. He also enriched the Vatican library with numerous Oriental codexes and patronaged the first archaeological excavations in the Roman catacombs. In his native Urbino he restored numerous edifices and founded a public library. (GIOVANNI FRANCESCO ALBANI). Born at Urbino, 23 July, 1649; elected 23 November, 1700; died at Rome 19 March, 1721. The Albani were a noble Umbrian family. Under Urban VIII the grandfather of the future pope had held for thirteen years the honourable office of Senator of Rome. An uncle, Annibale Albani, was a distinguished scholar and was Prefect of the Vatican Library. Giovanni Francesco was sent to Rome in his eleventh year to prosecute his studies at the Roman College. He made rapid progress and was known as an author at the age of eighteen, translating from the Greek into elegant Latin. He attracted the notice of the patroness of Roman literati, Queen Christina of Sweden, who before he became of age enrolled him in her exclusive Accademia. With equal ardour and success, he applied himself to the profounder branches, theology and law, and was created doctor of canon and civil law. So brilliant an intellect, joined with stainless morals and piety, secured for him a rapid advancement at the papal court. At the age of twenty-eight he was made a prelate, and governed successively Rieti, Sabina, and Orvieto, everywhere acceptable on account of his reputation for justice and prudence. Recalled to Rome, he was appointed Vicar of St. Peter's, and on the death of Cardinal Slusio succeeded to the important position of Secretary of Papal Briefs, which he held for thirteen years, and for which his command of classical latinity singularly fitted him. On 13 February, 1690, he was created cardinal-deacon and later Cardinal-Priest of the Title of San Silvestro, and was ordained to the priesthood. The conclave of 1700 would have terminated speedily with the election of Cardinal Mariscotti, had not the veto of France rendered the choice of that able cardinal impossible. After deliberating for forty-six days, the Sacred College united in selecting Cardinal Albani, whose virtues and ability overbalanced the objection that he was only fifty-one years old. Three days were spent in the effort to overcome his reluctance to accept a dignity the heavy burden of which none knew better than the experienced curialist (Galland in Hist. Jahrbuch, 1882, III, 208 sqq.). The period was critical for Europe and the papacy. During the conclave Charles II, the last of the Spanish Hapsburgs, had died childless, leaving his vast dominions a prey to French and Austrian ambition. His will, making Philip of Anjou, grandson of Louis XIV, sole heir to the Spanish Empire, was contested by the Emperor Leopold, who claimed Spain for his second son Charles. The late king, before making this will, had consulted Pope Innocent XII, and Cardinal Albani had been one of the three cardinals to whom the pontiff had entrusted the case and who advised him to pronounce secretly in its favour. This was at the time unknown to the emperor, else Austria would have vetoed the election of Albani. The latter was finally persuaded that it was his duty to obey the call from Heaven; on 30 November he was consecrated bishop, and on 8 December solemnly enthroned in the Vatican. The enthusiasm with which his elevation was greeted throughout the world is the best evidence of his worth. Even Protestants received the intelligence with joy and the city of Nuremberg struck a medal in his honour. The sincere Catholic reformers greeted his accession as the death-knell of nepotism; for, though he had many relatives, it was known that he had instigated and written the severe condemnation of that abuse issued by his predecessor. As pontiff, he did not belie his principles. He bestowed the offices of his court upon the most worthy subjects and ordered his brother to keep at a distance and refrain from adopting any new title or interfering in matters of state. In the government of the States of the Church, Clement was a capable administrator. He provided diligently for the needs of his subjects, was extremely charitable to the poor, bettered the condition of the prisons, and secured food for the populace in time of scarcity. He won the good will of artists by prohibiting the exportation of ancient masterpieces, and of scientists by commissioning Bianchini to lay down on the pavement of Sta Maria degli Angioli the meridian of Rome, known as the Clementina. His capacity for work was prodigious. He slept but little and ate so sparingly that a few pence per day sufficed for his table. Every day he confessed and celebrated Mass. He entered minutely into the details of every measure which came before him, and with his own hand prepared the numerous allocutions, Briefs, and constitutions afterwards collected and published. He also found time to preach his beautiful homilies and was frequently to be seen in the confessional. Though his powerful frame more than once sank under the weight of his labours and cares, he continued to keep rigorously the fasts of the Church, and generally allowed himself but the shortest possible respite from his labours. In his efforts to establish peace among the powers of Europe and to uphold the rights of the Church, he met with scant success; for the eighteenth century was eminently the age of selfishness and infidelity. One of his first public acts was to protest against the assumption (1701) by the Elector of Brandenburg of the title of King of Prussia. The pope's action, though often derided and misinterpreted, was natural enough, not only because the bestowal of royal titles had always been regarded as the privilege of the Holy See, but also because Prussia belonged by ancient right to the ecclesiastico-military institute known as the Teutonic Order. In the troubles excited by the rivalry of France and the Empire for the Spanish succession, Pope Clement resolved to maintain a neutral attitude; but this was found to be impossible. When, therefore, the Bourbon was crowned in Madrid as Philip V, amid the universal acclamations of the Spaniards, the pope acquiesced and acknowledged the validity of his title. This embittered the morose Emperor Leopold, and the relations between Austria and the Holy See became so strained that the pope did not conceal his satisfaction when the French and Bavarian troops began that march on Vienna which ended so disastrously on the field of Blenheim. Marlborough's victory, followed by Prince Eugene's successful campaign in Piedmont, placed Italy at the mercy of the Austrians. Leopold died in 1705 and was succeeded by his oldest son Joseph, a worthy precursor of Joseph II. A contest immediately began on the question known as Jus primarum precum, involving the right of the crown to appoint to vacant benefices. The victorious Austrians, now masters of Northern Italy, invaded the Papal States, took possession of Piacenza and Parma, annexed Comacchio and besieged Ferrara. Clement at first offered a spirited resistance, but, abandoned by all, could not hope for success, and when a strong detachment of Protestant troops under the command of the Prince of Hesse-Cassel reached Bologna, fearing a repetition of the fearful scenes of 1527, he finally gave way (15 Jan., 1709), acknowledged the Archduke Charles as King of Spain "without detriment to the rights of another", and promised him the investiture of Naples. Though the Bourbon monarchs had done nothing to aid the pope in his unequal struggle, both Louis and Philip became very indignant and retaliated by every means in their power (see LOUIS XIV). In the negotiations preceding the Peace of Utrecht (1713) the rights of the pope were studiously neglected; his nuncio was not accorded a hearing; his dominions were parcelled out to suit the convenience of either party. Sicily was given to Victor Amadeus II of Savoy, with whom from the first days of his pontificate Clement was involved in quarrels on the subjects of ecclesiastical immunities and appointments to vacant benefices. The new king now undertook to revive the so-called Monarchia Sicula, an ancient but much-disputed and abused privilege of pontifical origin which practically excluded the pope from any authority over the church in Sicily. When Clement answered with bann and interdict, all the clergy, about 3000 in number, who remained loyal to the Holy See were banished the island, and the pope was forced to give them food and shelter. The interdict was not raised till 1718, when Spain regained possession, but the old controversy was repeatedly resumed under the Bourbons. Through the machinations of Cardinal Alberoni, Parma and Piacenza were granted to a Spanish Infante without regard to the papal overlordship. It was some consolation to the much-tried pope that Augustus of Saxony, King of Poland, returned to the Church. Clement laboured hard to restore harmony in Poland, but without success. The Turks had taken advantage of the dissensions among the Christians to invade Europe by land and sea. Clement proclaimed a jubilee, sent money and ships to the assistance of the Venetians, and granted a tithe on all benefices to the Emperor Charles VI. When Prince Eugene won the great battle of Temesvár, which put an end to the Turkish danger, no slight share of the credit was given by the Christian world to the pope and the Holy Rosary. Clement sent the great commander a blessed hat and sword. The fleet which Philip V of Spain had raised at the instigation of the pope, and with subsidies levied on church revenues, was diverted by Alberoni to the conquest of Sardinia; and though Clement showed his indignation by demanding the dismissal of the minister, and beginning a process against him, he had much to do to convince the emperor that he was not privy to the treacherous transaction. He gave a generous hospitality to the exiled son of James II of England, James Edward Stuart, and helped him to obtain the hand of Clementina, John Sobieski's accomplished granddaughter, mother of Charles Edward. Clement's pastoral vigilance was felt in every corner of the earth. He organized the Church in the Philippine Islands and sent missionaries to every distant spot. He erected Lisbon into a patriarchate, 7 December, 1716. He enriched the Vatican Library with the manuscript treasures gathered at the expense of the pope by Joseph Simeon Assemani in his researches throughout Egypt and Syria. In the unfortunate controversy between the Dominican and the Jesuit missionaries in China concerning the permissibility of certain rites and customs, Clement decided in favour of the former. When the Jansenists provoked a new collision with the Church under the leadership of Quesnel, Pope Clement issued his two memorable Constitutions, "Vineam Domini", 16 July, 1705, and "Unigenitus", 10 September, 1713 (see UNIGENITUS; VINEAM DOMINI; JANSENISM). Clement XI made the feast of the Conception of the B.V.M. a Holy Day of obligation, and canonized Pius V, Andrew of Avellino, Felix of Cantalice, and Catherine of Bologna. This great and saintly pontiff died appropriately on the feast of St. Joseph, for whom he entertained a particular devotion, and in whose honour he composed the special Office found in the Breviary. His remains rest in St. Peter's. His official acts, letters, and Briefs, also his homilies, were collected and published by his nephew, Cardinal Annibale Albani (2 vols., Rome, 1722-24). |
1730-1740
Pope Clement XII (LORENZO CORSINI). Born at Florence, 7 April, 1652; elected 12 July, 1730; died at Rome 6 February, 1740. The pontificate of the saintly Orsini pope, Benedict XIII, from the standpoint of the spiritual interests of the Church, had left nothing to be desired. He had, however, given over temporal concerns into the hands of rapacious ministers; hence the finances of the Holy See were in bad condition; there was an increasing deficit, and the papal subjects were in a state of exasperation. It was no easy task to select a man who possessed all the qualities demanded by the emergency. After deliberating for four months, the Sacred College united on Cardinal Corsini, the best possible choice, were it not for his seventy-eight years and his failing eyesight. A Corsini by the father's side and by the mother's a Strozzi, the best blood of Florence coursed through his veins. Innumerable were the members of his house who had risen to high positions in Church and State, but its chief ornament was St. Andrew Corsini, the canonized Bishop of Fiesole. Lorenzo made a brilliant course of studies, first in the Roman College, then at the University of Pisa, where, after five years, he received the degree of Doctor of Laws. Returning to Rome, he applied himself to the practice of law under the able direction of his uncle, Cardinal Neri Corsini, a ma of the highest culture. After the death of his uncle and his father, in 1685, Lorenzo, now thirty-three years old, resigned his right of primogeniture and entered the ecclesiastical state. From Innocent XI he purchased, according to the custom of the time, for 30,000 scudi (dollars) a position of prelatial rank, and devoted his wealth and leisure to the enlargement of the library bequeathed to him by his uncle. In 1691 he was made titular Archbishop of Nicomedia and chosen nuncio to Vienna. He did not proceed to the imperial court, because Leopold advanced the novel claim, which Pope Alexander VIII refused to admit, of selecting a nuncio from a list of three names to be furnished by the pope. In 1696 Corsini was appointed to the arduous office of treasurer-general and governor of Castle Sant' Angelo. His good fortune increased during the pontificate of Clement XI, who employed his talents in affairs demanding tact and prudence. On 17 May, 1706, he was created Cardinal-Deacon of the Title of Santa Susanna, retaining the office of papal treasurer. He was attached to several of the most important congregations and was made protector of a score of religious institutions. He advanced still further under Benedict XIII, who assigned him to the Congregation of the Holy Office and made him prefect of the judicial tribunal known as the Segnatura di Giustizia. He was successively Cardinal-Priest of S. Pietro in Vincoli and Cardinal-Bishop of Frascati. He had thus held with universal applause all the important offices of the Roman Court, and it is not surprising that his elevation to the papacy filled the Romans with joy. In token of gratitude to his benefactor, Clement XI, and as a pledge that he would make that great pontiff his model, he assumed the title of Clement XII. Unfortunately he lacked the important qualities of youth and physical strength. The infirmities of old age bore heavily upon him. In the second year of his pontificate he became totally blind; in his later years he was compelled to keep his bed, from which he gave audiences and transacted affairs of state. Notwithstanding his physical decrepitude, he displayed a wonderful activity. He demanded restitution of ill-gotten goods from the ministers who had abused the confidence of his predecessor. The chief culprit, Cardinal Coscia, was mulcted in a heavy sum and sentenced to ten years' imprisonment. Clement surrounded himself with capable officials, and won the affection of his subjects by lightening their burdens, encouraging manufacture and the arts, and infusing a modern spirit into the laws relating to commerce. The public lottery, which had been suppressed by the severe morality of Benedict XIII, was revived by Clement, and poured into his treasury an annual sum amounting to nearly a half million of scudi (dollars), enabling him to undertake the extensive buildings which distinguish his reign. He began the majestic façade of St. John Lateran and built in that basilica the magnificent chapel of St. Andrew Corsini. He restored the Arch of Constantine and built the governmental palace of the Consulta on the Quirinal. He purchased from Cardinal Albani for 60,000 scudi the fine collection of statues, inscriptions, etc. with which he adorned the gallery of the Capitol. He paved the streets of Rome and the roads leading from the city, and widened the Corso. He began the great Fontana di Trevi, one of the noted ornaments of Rome. In order to facilitate the reunion of the Greeks, Clement XII founded at Ullano, in Calabria, the Corsini College for Greek students. With a similar intent he called to Rome Greek-Melchite monks of Mt. Lebanon, and assigned to them the ancient church of Santa Maria in Domnica. He dispatched Joseph Simeon Assemani to the East for the twofold purpose of continuing his search for manuscripts and presiding as legate over a national council of Maronites. We make no attempt to enumerate all the operations which this wonderful blind-stricken old man directed from his bed of sickness. His name is associated in Rome with the foundation and embellishment of institutions of all sorts. The people of Ancona hold him in well-deserved veneration and have erected on the public square a statue in his honour. He gave them a port which excited the envy of Venice, and built a highway that gave them easy access to the interior. He drained the marshes of the Chiana near Lake Trasimeno by leading the waters through a ditch fourteen miles long into the Tiber. He disavowed the arbitrary action of his legate, Cardinal Alberoni, in seizing San Marino, and restored the independence of that miniature republic. His activity in the spiritual concerns of the Church was equally pronounced. His efforts were directed towards raising the prevalent low tone of morality and securing discipline, especially in the cloisters. He issued the first papal decree against the Freemasons (1738). He fostered the new Congregation of the Passionists and gave to his fellow-Tuscan, St. Paul of the Cross, the church and monastery of Sts. John and Paul, with the beautiful garden overlooking the Colosseum. He canonized Sts. Vincent de Paul, John Francis Regis, Catherine Fieschi Adorni, Juliana Falconieri, and approved the cult of St. Gertrude. He proceeded with vigour against the French Jansenists and had the happiness to receive the submission of the Maurists to the Constitution Unigenitus. Through the efforts of his missionaries in Egypt 10,000 Copts, with their patriarch, returned to the unity of the Church. Clement persuaded the Armenian patriarch to remove from the diptychs the anathema against the Council of Chalcedon and St. Leo I. In his dealings with the powers of Europe, he managed by a union of firmness and moderation to preserve or restore harmony; but he was unable to maintain the rights of the Holy See over the Duchies of Parma and Piacenza. It was a consequence of his blindness that he should surround himself with trusted relatives; but he advanced them only as they proved their worth, and did little for his family except to purchase and enlarge the palace built in Trastevere for the Riarii, and now known as the Palazzo Corsini (purchased in 1884 by the Italian Government, and now the seat of the Regia Accademia dei Lincei). In 1754, his nephew, Cardinal Neri Corsini, founded there the famous Corsini Library, which in 1905 included about 70,000 books and pamphlets, 2288 incunabula or works printed in the first fifty or sixty years after the discovery of printing, 2511 manuscripts, and 600 autographs. Retaining his extraordinary faculties and his cheerful resignation to the end, he died in the Quirinal in his eighty-eighth year. His remains were transferred to his magnificent tomb in the Lateran, 20 July, 1742. |
1724-1739
Pope Benedict XIII; In government of his diocese, Cardinal
Orsini unremitting in labours and zeal; visited even
the most remote hamlets and was not less watchful over
temporal than over spiritual things; provided needs of
the people, repaired churches held a diocesan synod, the
decrees of which he published; In 1680, when Innocent XI transferred
him to Cesena, he left to the people of Siponto a memorial of
his apostolic activity, his devotion to the poor and his constant
preaching brought about a thorough-going reformation among
both clergy and people. Seeing on his frequent journeys the
condition of the churches in even the poorest parishes, he
neglected none and by the promulgation of strict rules, he abolished
all known abuses; This
long delay weighed heavily on the soul of Orsini, who commenced
a novena of prayers to his patron, St. Philip Neri, that the election
of a new pope might be no longer delayed. Before the novena
was finished he saw with terror that he himself would be chosen,
and, reluctant to accept a position which filled him with dread, he
sought by all means in his power to prevent his election. Against
his oft repeated protestations he was chosen 29 May, 1724, and even
after the final vote was taken he refused to yield, arguing that
his age, his physical weakness, his incapacity, and a resolution which
he made never to become pope, should exempt him from such a grave
responsibility. He yielded only when it was made clear to him that
grave dangers were to be feared if the conclave should be reopened.
So with tears, and obeying the command of the general of his order,
he allowed himself to be proclaimed pope; His first concern as pope was to enforce
rigidly ecclesiastical discipline. He issued several decrees
on ecclesiastical dress and was unsparing in his efforts to abolish
any semblance of luxury or worldly pomp among the cardinals;
Benedict's theological writings
were published in three volumes (Ravenna, 1728). (PIETRO FRANCESCO ORSINI) Born 2 February, 1649; died 23 February, 1730. Being a son of Ferdinando Orsini and Giovanna Frangipani of Tolpha, he belonged to the archducal family of Orsini-Gravina. From early youth he exhibited a decided liking for the Order of St. Dominic, and at the age of sixteen during a visit to Venice he entered the Dominican novitiate against the will of his parents, though he was the eldest son and heir to the title and estates of his childless uncle the Duke of Bracciano. Their appeal to Clement IX was fruitless; the pope not only approved the purpose of the young novice, but even shortened his novitiate by half in order to free him from the importunities of his relatives. As student and novice, the young prince was a model of humility and zeal, and devoted himself to the acquisition of ecclesiastical learning. At the age of twenty-one he was promoted to a professorship. On 22 February, 1672, he was elevated to the cardinalate by his relative Clement X. He protested strenuously against the honour, but was compelled to accept it under the vow of obedience by the General of the Dominicans, at the insistence of the pope. As cardinal he adhered strictly to the observance of the rule of his order, and never laid aside his habit. In 1675 having the choice between the Archbishopric of Salerno and that of Manfredonia (Siponto) he chose the latter because it was a poor diocese and required great exercise of pastoral zeal. His virtuous life not only overcame the opposition made by his relatives when he became a monk, but exercised such a salutary influence that in time his mother, his sister, and two of his nieces embraced the religious life in the Third Order of St. Dominic. During the conclave that followed the death of Clement X (1676), he was one of the band of cardinals known as the zelanti who had agreed that no considerations of worldly prudence would influence them in the choice of a new pope. In the government of his diocese, Cardinal Orsini was unremitting in his labours and zeal. He visited even the most remote hamlets and was not less watchful over temporal than over spiritual things. He provided for the needs of the people, repaired churches and held a diocesan synod, the decrees of which he published. In 1680, when Innocent XI transferred him to Cesena, he left to the people of Siponto a memorial of his apostolic activity, his devotion to the poor and his constant preaching brought about a thorough-going reformation among both clergy and people. Seeing on his frequent journeys the condition of the churches in even the poorest parishes, he neglected none and by the promulgation of strict rules, he abolished all known abuses. In 1686, a serious illness, attributed by his physicians to the climate, caused his transfer to Benevento, where he remained for thirty-eight years or until he was elected pope. During this long period he seldom left his diocese. Each year he made an episcopal visitation to every parish. Whenever necessary, he built or renovated churches. He built hospitals and strove incessantly for the alleviation of the sufferings of the poor. Twice during his episcopate (5 June, 1688, and 14 March, 1702) Benevento was visited by earthquakes and on these occasions his courage, his active charity in behalf of the stricken inhabitants, and his energy in the reconstruction of the city, won for him the title of the "Second Founder" of Benevento. He held two provincial synods, the first in 1693 attended by eighteen bishops, the second in 1698, with an attendance of twenty, the acts of which were approved at Rome. The only reproach made against his administration is that his simplicity and child-like confidence exposed him to the wiles of some unscrupulous persons who abused his confidence. Cardinal Orsini had already taken part in four conclaves, when Innocent XIII died in March, 1724; and in all he had acted in the spirit of the zelanti. The conclave at which he was himself chosen assembled on 20 March; two months afterwards (25 May) no choice had been made. This long delay weighed heavily on the soul of Orsini, who commenced a novena of prayers to his patron, St. Philip Neri, that the election of a new pope might be no longer delayed. Before the novena was finished he saw with terror that he himself would be chosen, and, reluctant to accept a position which filled him with dread, he sought by all means in his power to prevent his election. Against his oft repeated protestations he was chosen 29 May, 1724, and even after the final vote was taken he refused to yield, arguing that his age, his physical weakness, his incapacity, and a resolution which he made never to become pope, should exempt him from such a grave responsibility. He yielded only when it was made clear to him that grave dangers were to be feared if the conclave should be reopened. So with tears, and obeying the command of the general of his order, he allowed himself to be proclaimed pope. In honour of Benedict XI, a member of the Dominican Order, he took the name of Benedict XIV, which he shortly changed to Benedict XIII as Peter de Luna who had previously borne the name (1394-1423) was a schismatic. His first concern as pope was to enforce rigidly ecclesiastical discipline. He issued several decrees on ecclesiastical dress and was unsparing in his efforts to abolish any semblance of luxury or worldly pomp among the cardinals. During the Jubilee of 1725, he discharged personally the duties of Grand Penitentiary, and is said to have seriously considered the revival of public penances for certain grave offences. In order to encourage the foundation of diocesan seminaries, he organized a special commission (Congregatio Seminariorum). At a provincial Roman Lateran synod held in 1725, he required an unqualified acceptance of the Bull Unigenitus and through his efforts Cardinal de Noailles, Archbishop of Paris, was led to accept it in 1728. During his pontificate Benedict retained the Archbishopric of Benevento which he administered by a vicar-general and which he twice visited (1727, 1729). In diplomatic matters and in his relations with foreign powers Benedict did not exhibit the vigour and conservatism which marked his administration in religious matters. His love of peace led him to attempt a settlement of the dispute in regard to the ecclesiastical privileges of the Kings of Naples (Monarchia Sicula) by a revocation of the constitution of Clement XI (1715) and by granting to the King of Naples (and Sicily) and his successors the right to appoint a spiritual judge in ecclesiastical affairs, reserving, however, the most important cases to the Holy See. The quarrel with Victor Amadeus of Savoy was compounded by giving to the king the right of patronage over the churches and monasteries in his dominions, without, however, conceding any claim to the incomes from vacant benefices. Towards John V, King of Portugal, the pope exhibited extraordinary firmness in refusing a claim based on the privileges held by other courts to propose candidates for the cardinalate. This was in consequence of the protests made by the cardinals against the election of Vincenzo Biechi, Nuncio to Lisbon. In retaliation John recalled all Portuguese residents in Rome, forbade all communication with the Roman Curia, and attempted to prevent the sending of the customary alms from Portugal to Rome; he also interfered with applications for dispensations from matrimonial impediments. At many courts of Europe grave offense was taken by the extension (1728) to the Universal Church of the Office of Gregory VII containing an account of the excommunication and deposition of Henry IV, which to Gallicans and Protestants seemed offensive. Although full justice can scarcely be done to the virtuous life and the fatherly zeal for the interests of religion of Benedict, his pontificate lost much of its lustre because of his misplaced confidence in Cardinal Nicolò Coscia, who had been his coadjutor at Benevento. The pope was ignorant of the peculations and venality of his favourite, whose greed did much to diminish the prestige of the Holy See, and against whom a popular uprising took place on the pope's death, resulting in ten years' imprisonment for this unworthy cardinal. Benedict's theological writings were published in three volumes (Ravenna, 1728). |
1740-1758 Pope Benedict XIV Benedict XIV is best known to history as a student
and a scholar. Though by no means a genius,
his enormous application coupled with more
than ordinary cleverness of mind made him one of the
most erudite men of his time and gave him the distinction
of being perhaps the greatest scholar among the popes.
His character was many-sided, and his range of interests
large. His devotion to science and the serious investigation
of historical problems did not interfere with his purely
literary studies. "I have been reproached", he once said,
"because of my familiarity with Tasso and Dante and Ariosto,
but they are a necessity to me in order to give energy to my
thought and life to my style." This devotion to the arts and
sciences brought Lambertini throughout his whole life into
close and friendly contact with the most famous authors and scholars
of his time. Montfaucon, whom he knew in Rome, said of him,
"Young as he is, he has two souls: one for science, the other for
society." This last characterization did not interfere with
his restless activity in any of the many important positions which
he was called on to fill, nor did it diminish his marvellous
capacity for the most arduous work. (PROSPERO LORENZO LAMBERTINI.) Son of Marcello Lambertini and Lucretia Bulgarini, b. at Bologna 31 March, 1675; d. 3 May, 1758. His early education was received from tutors. At the age of thirteen he went to the Collegium Clementianum in Rome where he studied rhetoric, philosophy, and theology. St. Thomas Aquinas was his favourite author, but the bent of his own mind was towards historical and legal studies in which latter he excelled, as well in civil as in ecclesiastical law. In 1694, though only nineteen, he received the degree of Doctor of Theology and Doctor Utriusque Juris (canon and civil law). On the death of Innocent XII he was made consistorial advocate by Clement XI, and shortly afterwards Consultor of the Holy Office. In 1708 he was appointed Promotor of the Faith; in 1712 canon theologian at the Vatican and assessor of the Congregation of Rites; in 1713 he was named domestic prelate; in 1718 secretary of the Congregation of the Council; and in 1725 titular Bishop of Theodosia. He was made Bishop of Ancona in 1727 and cardinal 30 April, 1728. He was transferred to the Archbishopric of Bologna in April, 1731, in succession to Lorenzo Corsini who had become pope as Clement XII. Benedict XIV is best known to history as a student and a scholar. Though by no means a genius, his enormous application coupled with more than ordinary cleverness of mind made him one of the most erudite men of his time and gave him the distinction of being perhaps the greatest scholar among the popes. His character was many-sided, and his range of interests large. His devotion to science and the serious investigation of historical problems did not interfere with his purely literary studies. "I have been reproached", he once said, "because of my familiarity with Tasso and Dante and Ariosto, but they are a necessity to me in order to give energy to my thought and life to my style." This devotion to the arts and sciences brought Lambertini throughout his whole life into close and friendly contact with the most famous authors and scholars of his time. Montfaucon, whom he knew in Rome, said of him, "Young as he is, he has two souls: one for science, the other for society." This last characterization did not interfere with his restless activity in any of the many important positions which he was called on to fill, nor did it diminish his marvellous capacity for the most arduous work. The zeal and energy which Lambertini carried to this office infused new life into all his subjects. He himself explained his assiduity by saying that he looked on the episcopate not as an honour, but as an opportunity to do good. His administration was exemplary: he visited all parts of his diocese, held synods, incited the people to piety by word and example, and supervised the affairs of his diocese so thoroughly that nothing needing change or correction escaped him. His humility and vast learning were a source of inspiration and strength to his clergy, and his broad firm grasp of public affairs and public questions gave him a position of unique influence among rulers and people. In his opinion the foundation of success in episcopal administration was thorough harmony between bishop and clergy, and this he succeeded in obtaining. Because of his wonderful gifts and his extraordinary success as Bishop of Ancona, Pope Benedict XIII wished to transfer him to some position of greater responsibility affording a wider field for the display of his powers and activity, but he replied in his usual jocose vein that no change of place could make him other than he was, cheerful, joyous, and the friend of the pope. When he was transferred to Bologna in 1731 his energies and activities seemed to redouble. He became all things to all men and is said to have never allowed anyone to leave his presence dissatisfied or in anger, and without being strengthened and refreshed by his wisdom, advice, or admonitions. His efforts were largely directed to the improvement of clerical education in his diocese. He reformed the programme of studies in his seminary and drew up a new curriculum in which special stress was laid on the study of Sacred Scripture and patrology. When Clement XII died (6 February, 1740) the fame of Lambertini was at its highest. Through intrigues of various kinds the conclave which commenced on 17 February lasted for six months. It was composed of fifty-four cardinals of whom forty-six were Italians, three French, four Spanish, and one German. These were split into several parties. One was composed of those who had been appointed by Clement XI, Innocent XIII, and Benedict XIII; another of those appointed by Clement XII who were known as the new college. The long, tedious session and the intense heat did not improve the temper of the cardinals; after six months of fruitless effort and constant intrigue, the election seemed no nearer than in the beginning. Various expedients were suggested, such as the withdrawal of the names of the leading candidates and the substitution of others, but without avail. After several plans had been tried to end the deadlock, Lambertini, whose name had been proposed as a compromise, addressed the conclave, saying: "If you wish to elect a saint, choose Gotti; a statesman, Aldobrandini; an honest man, elect me." These words spoken as much perhaps in jest as in earnest helped to end the difficulty. Lambertini was chosen and took the name of Benedict XIV in honour of his friend and patron Benedict XIII. As pope, Lambertini was no less energetic, brave, and unassuming than before his election. His great learning placed him in a position to deal successfully with ecclesiastical situations that needed reformation, and the broad Christian spirit which animated his dealings with foreign powers removed the pressure and hostility of even Protestant courts and rulers. He was undoubtedly liberal in his political dealings, though he never lost sight of the essential interests of the Church and religion. Public policy To go to the extreme limit of concession and conciliation seems to have been the principle that dominated all Benedict's actions in his negotiations with governments and rulers, so much so, indeed, that he has not escaped criticism even from those within the Church as being too prone to settle difficulties by making concessions or compromises. However his actions may be judged, whatever may be thought of his motives, it cannot be denied that he aimed constantly at peace and that few causes of friction remained after the close of his administration. Moreover, in estimating the value and effect of his concessions, it is seen that in nearly every case he strengthened the moral influence of the papacy even though some rights of patronage or other material interests were abandoned. Nor was his influence less potent among Protestant than Catholic rulers; the universal esteem in which he was held throughout the world meant much in an epoch, the close of which was to witness the disruption of many time-honoured institutions, social and political as well as religious. An enumeration of his principal dealings with the heads of states will show that Benedict wisely abandoned, in most cases, the shadow of temporal authority to maintain the substance of spiritual supremacy. The King of Portugal received the right of patronage over all the sees and abbeys in his kingdom (1740) and was further favoured with the title of Rex Fidelissimus (1748). In the matter of church revenues and the allotment of ecclesiastical benefices Spain was also treated very generously. In 1741 permission was granted to tax the income of the clergy, and in 1753 the Government received the right of nomination to nearly all the Spanish benefices; in 1754 an agreement was ratified by which the revenues from all the benefices in Spain and in the American colonies were paid into the government treasury to carry on the war against the African pirates. The King of Sardinia received the title of Vicar of the Holy See which carried with it the right of nomination to all the ecclesiastical benefices in his dominions and the income of the pontifical fiefs in lieu of which a yearly indemnity of one thousand ducats was to be paid. Through the mediation of the pope a tribunal was established in Naples consisting of an equal number of clerical and lay members presided over by an ecclesiastic, which formed the final court for the trial of ecclesiastical cases. As mediator between the Kinghts of Malta and the King of Naples the pope brought a long standing controversy to a happy termination. By the Encyclical "Ex omnibus christiani orbis" (16 October, 1756), the bitter controversy regarding the question of admitting to the sacraments persons who would not accept the Bull "Unigenitus" was brought to a close. While insisting on the authority of the "Unigenitus" and pointing out that it was the duty of all the faithful to accept it with veneration, the pope decrees that only those persons should be excluded from the sacraments whose opposition to the pontifical constitution was public and notorious, and who therefore should be regarded as public enemies. The title of King of Prussia, taken in 1701 by the Elector of Brandenburg, was recognized by Benedict against the vigorous opposition of many members of the Curia. He was referred to as the sage par excellence by Maria Theresa, and received many encomiums from the sultan to whom he playfully referred in his writings as the "Good Turk". At the close of his pontificate the only question of importance in the foreign relations of the Holy See which had not been successfully settled was that concerning the Patriarchate of Aquileia over which the Republic of Venice and the emperor claimed control. Benedict decided that the rights of the patriarchate should be divided between the Archbishopric of Görz, in Austria, and that of Udine in the Venetian States. This decision was regarded as unjust by Venice, which in retaliation decreed that no Bull, Brief, or communication of the Holy See should be promulgated within the jurisdiction of the Republic without the supervision and approval of the Government. Temporal and spiritual ruler As temporal sovereign Benedict governed the States of the Church with wisdom and moderation and introduced many reforms for the purpose of diminishing abuses and promoting the happiness and prosperity of the people. With a view to replenishing the treasury which had been exhausted by the extravagance of some of his predecessors, especially that of Benedict XIII under the influence of Cardinal Coscia, and because of the enormous outlay for public buildings under Clement XII, he made no promotions to the Sacred College for four years. Measures were set on foot to reform the nobility, a new regional division of the city was introduced for the purpose of greater administrative efficiency, agriculture was fostered and encouraged by the introduction of new and improved methods, commerce was promoted, and luxury restrained, while the practice of usury, against which he published the Encyclical Vix Pervenit (1745), was almost entirely suppressed. Benedict abandoned none of the claims of his predecessors, but the liberal use of his powers had no other aim than the promotion of the arts of peace and industry. How serious the problem was is best seen from his own words: "The pope orders, the cardinals do not obey, and the people do as they please." In purely spiritual and religious matters the influence of Benedict left a lasting impress on the entire Church and its administration. His Bulls and Encyclicals, which have played such an important part in defining and clarifying obscure and difficult points of ecclesiastical law, were learned treatises full of wisdom and scholarship. The vexed question of mixed marriages, unions between Catholics and Protestants, demanded settlement in consequence of the increasing frequency with which they occurred. Much of the bitterness of the Reformation time had passed away and Protestants sought to have their marriages with Catholics solemnized with ceremonies equal to those when both parties were Catholics. Though the doctrine prevailed in Rome that the contracting parties were the real ministers of the Sacrament of Matrimony, no general unanimity prevailed among theologians on this point. Without derogating in the least from this theory, Benedict in reply to the questions from bishops in many places, especially in Holland and Poland, decreed by the Bull "Magnæ nobis admirationis" (29 June, 1748) that mixed marriages were allowable only under certain well-defined conditions, the principal of which was that children born of those marriages should be brought up in the Catholic Faith, but that such marriages while tolerated, should never be performed with the ceremonies that imply formal ecclesiastical approval. Relations with eastern Churches Under the skilful hand of Benedict a formal union was consummated with some of the Eastern Churches. The frequent attempts of the Greek Melchite Patriarchs of Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem to obtain recognition from the Holy See did not for a long time result in any definite union, because of dissatisfaction on the part of the popes with the formulation of the Oriental creeds. In 1744, Benedict XIV sent the pallium to Seraphin Tanas whom he acknowledged as Patriarch of the Greek Melchites of Antioch. The conflicts in the Maronite Church, after the deposition of Jacob II, which seriously threatened its unity were settled in a national council (1736), the decrees of which were approved by Benedict. On 18 March, 1751, he renewed the prohibitions of Clement XII against the Freemasons, and though very few governments regarded the suppression of this society as demanding decisive action on their part, laws were at once passed by Spain and Naples, and in 1757 by Milan. The controversy in regard to Chinese and Malabar customs, or the system of accommodation to heathenism which some missionaries had permitted their converts to practice, and by which it was said that pagan ideas and pagan practices had been grafted on Christianity, was terminated by Benedict XIV who issued two Bulls on the subject, and required the missionaries to take an oath that such abuses would not be tolerated in the future. The Bull "Ex quo singulari", in regard to the abuses in China, was published 11 July, 1742; that in regard to Malabar, "Omnium sollicitudinum", 12 September, 1744. (See CHINA, INDIA.) Because of the manner in which church festivals had been multiplied, Benedict strove to diminish them. This he did in Spain in 1742, in Sicily and Tuscany in 1748, and later in Sardinia, Austria, and the Papal States. Such a move met with much opposition from many cardinals. Benedict silenced their reproaches by saying that fewer feasts observed in a more Christian manner would contribute more to the glory of religion. Liturgical reforms In liturgical matters Benedict XIV was extremely conservative. He viewed with grief the profound changes which had been introduced into the Roman Calendar since the time of Pius V. The increase in the number of Feasts of Saints and the multiplication of offices with the rank of Duplex had superseded the old ferial and dominical offices, and throughout his entire pontificate he set himself determinedly against the introduction of any new offices in the Breviary, a policy which he adhered to so strictly that the only change it underwent during his administration was that Leo the Great received the title of Doctor. So profoundly impressed was he with the necessity of a thorough revision of the Breviary which would eliminate those portions with which the critical sense of the eighteenth century found fault that he commissioned the Jesuit, Fabio Danzetto, to prepare a report on the subject. This report in four volumes of notes was of such a sweeping character that it is said to have caused Benedict to desist from his project. The plan of reforming the Roman Martyrology was, however, carried to a successful issue, and a new edition was published by his authority in Rome in 1748. The same is true of the "Cæremoniale Episcoporum", which Benedict XIII undertook to reform and which Benedict XIV published (1752) in the now usual form. The classical work of Benedict on liturgical matters is his "De Servorum Dei Beatificatione et de Beatorum Canonizatione" which still regulates the process of beatification and canonization. Other important liturgical writings of Benedict deal with the sacrifice of the Mass and the feasts of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin, and some saints. Besides these he published numerous works on the rites of the Greeks and Orientals; Bulls and Briefs on the celebration of the octave of the Holy Apostles, against the use of superstitious images, on the blessing of the pallium, against profane music in churches, on the golden rose, etc. In order that the clergy should not be deficient in ecclesiastical and historical science, and that they might not lack opportunity to profit by the intellectual progress of the period, he founded at Rome four academies for the study of Roman antiquities, Christian antiquities, the history of the Church and the councils, and the history of canon law and liturgy. He also established a Christian museum, and commissioned Joseph Assemani to prepare a catalogue of the manuscripts in the Vatican Library, which he enriched by the purchase of the Ottobonian Library containing 3,300 manuscripts of unique value and importance. He founded chairs of chemistry and mathematics in the Roman university known as the Sapienza, and many others for painting, sculpture, etc., at other schools. Over all these foundations he exercised the closest supervision; he also found time to carry out many schemes for the building and adornment of churches in Rome. The fact that Benedict never raised a Jesuit to the cardinalate is attributed to his hostility to the Society; on the other hand, it must be noted that it was to a Jesuit, Emmanuel Azevedo, that he committed the complete edition of his works (1747-51). He had been long urged by his friends Cardinals Passionei and Archinto to order a thorough reformation of that body, but it was not until the last year of his life that any decisive action was taken. On 1 April, 1758, he issued a Brief by which Cardinal Saldanha was commissioned to inspect all the colleges and houses of the Society in Portugal, and to undertake a reform of the same, but this authority was withdrawn by his successor, Clement XIII. Benedict XIV sought recreation in the society of learned men and artists, among whom he shone as a wit and a scholar. Gay, lively, and talkative, his conversation at times amazed, if it did not shock, the staid sensibilities of some of the dignified courtiers who came in contact with him. Mild and gracious in his demeanour to all who approached him, the pope was at times lacking neither in energy nor spirit. On one occasion a violent scene took place in which the pope expressed in a most decided manner his disapproval of the tactics of the French court. Choiseul, the French ambassador, called at the Vatican to request that the appointment of Cardinal Archinto to succeed Cardinal Valenti as Secretary of State be deferred until after some matters in which the French king was interested were decided. Choiseul himself gives an account of this scene (Letters, p. 169), without, however, relating all the details. The conversation was more lively than Choiseul reported, and from the "Mémoires" of the Baron de Besonval (p. 106) we learn that when the pope had grown tired of the importunities of Choiseul he seized him by the arm and pushing him into his own seat said: "Be pope yourself" (Fa el Papa). Choiseul replied: "No, Holy Father, let us each do his part. You continue to be pope and I shall be ambassador." This brusqueness, however, was not usual with Benedict. He could be gay as well as serious. The Abbate Galiani once presented him with a collection of minerals saying: Dic ut lapides isti panes fiant (Command that these stones be made bread), and the hint was not lost. The miracle requested was performed and the abbé received a pension. To his subjects Benedict was an idol. If they complained at times that he wrote too much and governed them too little, they all agreed that he spoke well and wittily, and his jokes and bon mots were the delight of Rome. Cares of state, after his elevation to the pontificate prevented him from devoting himself as much as he would have wished to his studies of former days; but he never lacked intellectual stimulus. He surrounded himself with such men as Quirini, Garampi, Borgia, Muratori, and carried on an active correspondence with scholars of many shades of opinion. His intellectual pre-eminence was not only a source of pride to Catholics, but formed a strong bond with many not of the Faith. Voltaire dedicated to him his "Mahomet" with the words: "Au chef de la véritable religion un écrit contre le fondateur d'une religion fausse et barbare". On another occasion he composed for a portrait of the pope the following distich: Lambertinus hic est, Romæ decus, et pater orbis Qui mundum scriptis docuit, virtutibus ornat. (This is Lambertini, the pride of Rome, the father of the world, who teaches that world by his writings and honours by his virtues.) The distich caused discussion regarding the quantity of "hic", but the pope defended the prosody of Voltaire who confirmed his opinion by a quotation from Virgil which he said ought to be the epitaph of Benedict. Great as a man, a scholar, an administrator, and a priest, Benedict's claim to immortality rests principally on his admirable ecclesiastical writings. The most important of them, besides those already mentioned, are: "Institutiones Ecclesiasticæ", written in Italian, but translated into Latin by P. Ildephonsus a S. Carolo; it is a collection of 107 documents, principally pastoral letters, letters to bishops and others, independent treatises, instructions, etc., all of which are really scientific dissertations on subjects connected with church law or the care of souls; the classical work "De Synodo Dioecesanâ", published after his elevation to the papacy, an adaptation to diocesan administration of the general ecclesiastical law; this book is called by Schulte, because of its influence, one of the most important, if not the most important, modern work in canon law; "Casus Conscientiæ de mandato Prosp. Lambertini Archiep. Bonon propositi et resoluti", valuable for the lawyer as well as the confessor; "Bullarum Benedicti XIV", which contains the legislation of his pontificate, many of its documents being scientific treatises. He also compiled a "Thesaurus Resolutionum Sacræ Congregationis Concilii", the first attempt at a scientific presentation of the "Praxis" of the Roman Congregations. A complete edition of his works appeared at Rome (1747-51) in twelve folio volumes, by Emmanuel Azevedo, S.J., who also translated into Latin the Italian documents. A better and more complete edition is that of Venice, 1788. The latest and most serviceable (Prato, 1844) is in seventeen volumes. Some letters of Benedict were published by Kraus: "Briefe Benedicts XIV an den Canonicus Pier Francesco Peggi in Bologna (1729-1758) nebst Benedicts Diarium des Conclaves von 1740" (2d ed., Freiburg, 1888). Cf. Batiffol, "Inventaire des lettres inédites du Pape Bénoit XIV" (Paris, 1894); R. De Martinis, "Acta Benedicti XIV"; (Naples, 1884, passim). In 1904 Heiner edited three hitherto unpublished treatises of Benedict XIV on rites, the feasts of the Apostles, and the Sacraments. Sources The best account of the writings of Benedict and the sources for his life are contained in the above-mentioned work of KRAUS. See also GUARNACCHI, Vitæ et res gestæ Romanor. Pontif. et Card. a Clem. X usque ad Clem XI (Rome, 1857); NOVAES, Storia de' Sommi Pontefici (Rome, 1822); RANKE, Die röm. Päpste in den letzten vier Jahrh. (Leipzig, ed. 1900); Vie du Pape Bened. XIV (Paris, 1783); GRÖNE, Papst-Geschichte (Ratisbon, 1875), II. For a long account of the Curia and the character of the cardinals in the time of Benedict XIV, see CHOISEUL, Lettres et Mémoires inédites, publiées par Maurice Boutry (Paris, 1895). On Benedict as a canonist see SCHULTE, Gesch. der Quellen und Litt. des can. Rechts (Stuttgart, 1880), III, 503 sqq. |
1758-1769 Pope
Clement XIII; the Jansenist Abbé Clément,
a grudging witness, tells us that "he was called the saint
(by his people), and was an exemplary man who, notwithstanding
the immense revenues of his diocese and his private estate, was
always without money owing to the lavishness of his alms-deeds,
and would give away even his linen" (CARLO DELLA TORRE REZZONICO). Born at Venice, 7 March, 1693; died at Rome, 2 February, 1769. He was educated by the Jesuits at Bologna, took his degrees in law at Padua, and in 1716 was ppointed at Rome referendary of the two departments known as the "Signatura Justitiæ" and the "Signatura Gratiæ". He was made governor of Rieti in 1716, of Fano in 1721, and Auditor of the Rota for Venice in 1725. In 1737 he was made cardinal-deacon, and in 1743 Bishop of Padua, where he distinguished himself by his zeal for the formation and sanctification of his clergy, to promote which he held a synod in 1746, and published a very remarkable pastoral on the priestly state. His personal life was in keeping with his teaching, and the Jansenist Abbé Clément, a grudging witness, tells us that "he was called the saint (by his people), and was an exemplary man who, notwithstanding the immense revenues of his diocese and his private estate, was always without money owing to the lavishness of his alms-deeds, and would give away even his linen". In 1747 he became cardinal-priest, and on 6 July, 1758, he was elected pope to succeed Benedict XIV. It was with tears that he submitted to the will of the electors, for he gauged well the force and direction of the storm which was gathering on the political horizon. Regalism and Jansenism were the traditional enemies of the Holy See in its government of the Church, but a still more formidable foe was rising into power and using the other two as its instruments. This was the party of Voltaire and the Encyclopedists, the "Philosophers" as they liked to call themselves. They were men of talent and highly educated, and by means of these gifts had drawn over to themselves many admirers and adherents from among the ruling classes, with the result that by the time of Clement XIII, they had their representatives in power in the Portugese and in all the five Bourbon Courts. Their enmity was radically against the Christian religion itself, as putting a restraint on their licence of thought and action. In their private correspondence they called it the Infâme (the infamous one), and looked forward to its speedy extinction through the success of their policy; but they felt that in their relations with the public, and especially with the sovereigns, it was necessary to feign some kind of Catholic belief. In planning this war against the Church, they were agreed that the first step must be the destruction of the Jesuits. "When we have destroyed the Jesuits", wrote Voltaire to Helvétius in 1761, "we shall have easy work with the Infâme." And their method was to persuade the sovereigns that the Jesuits were the chief obstacle to their Regalist pretensions, and thereby a danger to the peace of their realms; and to support this view by the diffusion of defamatory literature, likewise by inviting the co-operation of those who, whilst blind to the character of their ulterior ends, stood with them for doctrinal or other reasons in their antipathy to the Society of Jesus. Such was the political situation with which Clement XIII saw himself confronted when he began his pontificate. |
1775 1799 Pope
Pius VI; Born at Cesena, 27 December,
1717; elected 15 February, 1775; died at Valence, France,
29 Aug., 1799. He was of a noble but impoverished family,
and was educated at the Jesuit College of Cesena and
studied law at Ferrara. After a diplomatic mission to Naples,
he was appointed papal secretary and canon of St. Peter's
in 1755. Clement XIII appointed him treasurer of the Roman
Church in 1766, and Clement XIV made him a cardinal in 1775.
He then retired to the Abbey of Subiaco, of which he was commendatory
abbot, until his election as Pius VI. the French
took Rome on 10 Feb., 1798, and proclaimed the Roman Republic
on 15 Feb. Because the pope refused to submit, he was forcibly
taken from Rome on the night of 20 Feb., and brought first to Siena
and then to Florence. At the end of March, 1799, though seriously
ill, he was hurried to Parma, Piacenza, Turin, then over the Alps
to Briançon and Grenoble, and finally to Valence, where
he succumbed to his sufferings before he could be brought further.
(GIOVANNI ANGELICO BRASCHI). Spain, Portugal, and France had at first combined to prevent his election, because he was believed to be a friend of the Jesuits; he was well disposed towards the order, but he dared not revoke the Bull of their suppression. Still he ordered the liberation of their general, Ricci, a prisoner in the Castle of Sant’ Angelo in Rome, but the general died before the decree of liberation arrived. Upon the request of Frederick II of Prussia he permitted the Jesuits to retain their schools in Prussia; while in Russia, he permitted an uninterrupted continuation of the order. Soon after his accession he took steps to root out the Gallican idea of papal supremacy which had been spread in Germany by Hontheim (see FEBRONIANISM. Joseph II forbade Austrian bishops to apply to Rome for faculties of any kind, and suppressed innumerable monasteries. Pius VI resolved to go to Vienna; he left Rome on 27 Feb., 1782, and arrived in Vienna on 22 March. The emperor received him respectfully, though the minister, Kaunitz, neglected even the ordinary rules of etiquette. The pope remained at Vienna until 22 April, 1782. All that he obtained from the emperor was the promise that his ecclesiastical reforms would not contain any violation of Catholic dogmas, or compromise the dignity of the pope. The emperor accompanied the pope on his return as far as the Monastery of Mariabrunn, and suppressed this monastery a few hours after the pope had left it. Scarcely had the pope reached Rome when he again saw himself compelled to protest against the emperor's unjustifiable confiscation of ecclesiastical property. But when Joseph II filled the vacant See of Milan of his own authority, Pius solemnly protested, and it was probably at this occasion that he threatened the emperor with excommunication. On 23 Dec., 1783, the emperor unexpectedly came to Rome to return the papal visit. He was determined to continue his ecclesiastical reforms, and made known to the Spanish diplomat, Azara, his project of separating the German Church entirely from Rome. The latter, however, dissuaded him from taking this fatal step. To avoid worse things, the pope granted him the right of nominating the bishops in the Duchies of Milan and Mantua, in a concordat dated 20 Jan., 1784 (see Nussi, "Conventiones de rebus ecclesiasticis et civilibus inter S. Sedem et civilem potestatem", Mainz, 1870, 138-9). Joseph's example was followed in Tuscany by his brother, the Grand Duke Leopold II and Bishop Scipio Ricci of Pistoia. Here the antipapal reforms culminated in the Synod of Pistoia in 1786, where the doctrines of Jansenius and Quesnel were sanctioned, and the papal supremacy was eliminated. In his Bull "Auctorem fidei" of 28 Aug., 1794, the pope condemned the acts, and in particular eighty-five propositions of this synod. In Germany the three ecclesiastical Electors of Mainz, Trier, and Cologne, and the Archbishop of Salzburg attempted to curtail papal authority by convening a congress at Ems (q.v.). With Portugal the papal relations became very friendly after the accession of Maria I in 1777, and a satisfactory concordat was concluded in 1778 (Nussi, loc. cit., 138-39). In Spain, Sardinia, and Venice the Governments to a great extent followed in the footsteps of Joseph II. But the most sweeping anti-ecclesiastical reforms were carried out in the Two Sicilies. Ferdinand IV refused the exequatur to all papal briefs that were obtained without the royal permission, and claimed the right to nominate all ecclesiastical beneficiaries. Pius VI refused to accept the bishops that were nominated by the king and, as a result, there were in 1784 thirty vacant sees in the Kingdom of Naples alone, which number had increased to sixty in 1798. The king, moreover, refused to acknowledge the papal suzerainty which had existed for eight hundred years. The pope repeatedly made overtures, but the king persisted in nominating to all the vacant sees. In April, 1791, when more than half the sees in the Kingdom of Naples were vacant, a temporary compromise was reached and in that year sixty-two vacant sees were filled (Rinieri, loc. cit., infra). In response to the application
of the clergy of the United States, the
Bull of April, 1788, erected the See of Baltimore.
Pius VI put the papal finances on a firmer
basis; drained the marshy lands near Città
della Pieve, Perugia, Spoleto, and Trevi; deepened the
harbours of Porto d'Anzio and Terracina; added a new sacristy
to the Basilica of St. Peter; completed the Musee Pio-Clementino,
and enriched it with many costly pieces of art; restored
the Via Appia; and drained the greater part of the Pontine
Marshes. After the French Revolution, Pius rejected the "Constitution civile du clergé" on 13 March, 1791, suspended the priests that accepted it, provided as well as he could for the banished clergy and protested against the execution of Louis XVI. France retaliated by annexing the small papal territories of Avignon and Venaissin. The pope's co-operation with the Allies against the French Republic, and the murder of the French attaché, Basseville, at Rome, brought on by his own fault, led to Napoleon's attack on the Papal States. At the Truce of Bologna (25 June, 1796) Napoleon dictated the terms: twenty-one million francs, the release of all political criminals, free access of French ships into the papal harbours, the occupation of the Romagna by French troops etc. At the Peace of Tolentino (19 Feb., 1797) Pius VI was compelled to surrender Avignon, Venaissin, Ferrara, Bologna, and the Romagna; and to pay fifteen million francs and give up numerous costly works of art and manuscripts. In an attempt to revolutionize Rome the French General Duphot was shot and killed, whereupon the French took Rome on 10 Feb., 1798, and proclaimed the Roman Republic on 15 Feb. Because the pope refused to submit, he was forcibly taken from Rome on the night of 20 Feb., and brought first to Siena and then to Florence. At the end of March, 1799, though seriously ill, he was hurried to Parma, Piacenza, Turin, then over the Alps to Briançon and Grenoble, and finally to Valence, where he succumbed to his sufferings before he could be brought further. He was first buried at Valence, but the remains were transferred to St. Peter's in Rome on 17 Feb., 1802 (see NAPOLEON I). His statue in a kneeling position by Canova was placed in the Basilica of St. Peter before the crypt of the Prince of the Apostles. |
Pope Gregory XVI 1831-1846 (MAURO, or BARTOLOMEO ALBERTO CAPPELLARI). Born at Belluno, then in the Venetian territory, 8 September, 1765; died at Rome, 9 June, 1846. His father, Giovanni Battista, and his mother, Giulia Cesa-Pagani, were both of the minor nobility of the district and the families of both had in former times been prominent in the service of the state. When eighteen, Bartolomeo gave evidence of a religious vocation, and after some opposition on the part of his relations, was clothed in 1783 as a novice in the Camaldolese monastery of San Michele di Murano, taking the name Mauro. Here, three years later, he was solemnly professed, and was ordained priest in 1787. The young monk soon showed signs of unusual intellectual gifts. He devoted himself to the study of philosophy and theology, and was set to teach these to the juniors at San Michele. In 1790 he was appointed censor librorum for his order, as well as for the Holy Office at Venice. Five years later he was sent to Rome, where he lived at first in a small house (since destroyed) in the Piazza Veneta, afterwards in the great monastery of San Gregorio on the Coelian Hill. The times were not favourable to the papacy. In 1798 took place the scandalous abduction of Pius VI by General Berthier, at Napoleon's orders, and in the following year the death of the pope in exile at Valence. It was this very year, 1799, that Dom Mauro chose for the publication of his book, "Il trionfo della Santa Sede", upholding papal infallibility and the temporal sovereignty. The work, according to Gregory himself, did not attract great attention till after he had become pope, yet it attained three editions and was translated into several languages. In 1800 Cardinal Chiaramonti was elected pope at Venice, and took the name of Pius VII, and returned to Rome the same year. Early in that year Dom Mauro had been nominated Abbot Vicar of San Gregorio, and in 1805 the pope appointed him abbot of that ancient house. He retired to Venice to rest, but returned in 1807 as procurator general, only to be driven out in the following year, when General Miollis repeated on the person of Pius VII the outrage of Berthier on Pius VI. Dom Mauro returned to Venice, but San Michele was closed as a monastery the next year by the emperor's orders. In spite of this the religious remained, in secular habit, at the monastery, and Dom Mauro taught philosophy to the students of the Camaldolese college at Murano. But, in 1813, the college was transferred to the Camaldolese convent of Ognissanti at Padua, Venice being too disturbed and inimical. The following year Napoleon fell from power, Pius VII returned to Rome, and Dom Mauro was at once summoned thither. In rapid succession the learned Camaldolese was appointed consultor of various Congregations, examiner of bishops, and again Abbot of San Gregorio. Twice he was offered a bishopric and twice he refused. It was considered certain that he would become a cardinal, and it caused general surprise when, in 1823, Pius VII chose in his stead the geographer, Dom Placisdo Zurla (also a Camaldolese). In that year the pope died, and Cardinal della Genga, who took the name of Leo XII, was elected. On 21 March, 1825, the new pope created Dom Mauro cardinal in petto, and the creation was published the following year. Cappillaria became Cardinal of San Callisto and Prefect of the Congregation of Propaganda. It was in this office that he successfully arranged a concordat between the Belgian Catholics and King William of Holland in 1827, between the Armenian Catholics and the Ottoman Empire in 1829. On St. George's Day of the latter year Cardinal Capillaria had the joy of learning that Catholic Emancipation had become a fact in the British Isles. On 10 February, 1829, Leo XII died, and Pius VIII, broken by the revolutions in France and in the Netherlands, followed him to the grave on 1 December, 1830. A fortnight later the conclave began. It lasted for seven weeks. At one time Cardinal Giustiniani appeared likely to secure the requisite number of votes, but Spain interposed with a veto. At last the various parties came to an agreement, and on the Feast of the Purification, Cardinal Capillaria was elected by thirty-one votes out of forty-five. He took the name of Gregory XVI, in honour of Gregory XV, the founder of Propaganda. Hardly was the new pope elected when the Revolution, which for some time had been smouldering throughout Italy, broke into flame in the Papal States. Already on 2 February the Duke of Modena had warned Cardinal Albani that the conclave must come to a speedy decision, as a revolution was imminent. The next day the duke caused the house of his erstwhile friend, Ciro Menotti, at Modena, to be surrounded, and arrested him and several of his fellow conspirators. At once a revolt broke out at Reggio, and the duke fled to Mantua, taking the prisoners with him. The disturbance spread with prearranged rapidity. On 4 February Bologna revolted, drove the pro-legate out of the town, and by the eighth had hoisted the tricolour instead of the papal flag. Within a fortnight nearly the whole of the Papal States had repudiated the sovereignty of the pope, and on the nineteenth Cardinal Benvenuti, who was sent to quell the rebellion, became a prisoner of the "Provisional Government". Even in Rome itself a rising projected for 12 February was only averted by the ready action of Cardinal Bernetti, the new secretary of state. In these conditions, the papal forces being obviously unable to cope with the situation, Gregory decided to appeal to Austria for help. It was immediately forthcoming. On 25 February a strong Austrian force started for Bologna, and the "Provisional Government" soon fled to Ancona. Within a month the whole movement had collapsed, and on 27 March Cardinal Benvenuti was released by the rebel leaders, on the understanding that an amnesty should be granted by the pope. The cardinal's action, however, was without authority and was not endorsed, either by the papal government or by the Austrian general. But the rebellion, for the moment, was crushed, and after an abortive attempt to seize Spoleto, from which they were dissuaded by Archbishop Mastai-Ferretti, all the leaders who were able to do so fled the country. On 3 April the pope was able to assert that order was re-established. In the same month, the representatives of the five powers, Austria, Russia, France, Prussia and England, met in Rome to consider the question of the "Reform of the Papal States". On 21 May they issued a joint Memorandum urging on the papal government reforms in the judiciary, the introduction of laymen into the administration, popular election of the communal and municipal councils, the administration of the finances by a skilled body selected largely from the laity. Gregory undertook to carry out such of these proposed reforms as he deemed practicable, but on two points he was determined not to yield: he would never admit the principle of popular election to the councils, and he would never permit the establishment of a council of State, composed of laymen, parallel to the Sacred College. By a succession of edicts, dated 5 July, 5 October, and 5 and 21 November, a comprehensive scheme of reform of the administration and of the judiciary was set afoot. The delegations were to be divided into a complex hierarchy of central, provincial and communal governments. At the head of each of these bodies respectively was to be a pro-legate, a governor or a mayor, representing the pope, and assisted by, and (in financial matters) controlled by, a council who was selected, out of a triple-elected list, by the government. All these bodies were to keep the pope informed as to the wished and requirements of his subjects. The reform of the judiciary, as regards civil litigation, was even more thorough. An end was put to the confusing multiplicity of tribunals (in Rome no less than twelve out of the fifteen conflicting jurisdictions, including that of the arbitrary uditore santissimo, were abolished), and three hierarchies, composed each of three civil courts, one for Bologna and the legations, one for Romagna and the Marches, and one for Rome, were established. In each of these the agreement of any two courts inhibited further appeal, and most of the courts were to be composed largely of laymen skilled in the law. The criminal courts were not so radically reformed, but even in these an end was made of the vexatious and often tyrannous secrecy and irregularity that had hitherto prevailed. All these reforms, however, despite their extent, were far from satisfying the aims of the revolutionary party. The Austrian troops were withdrawn on 15 July, 1831, but by December much of the Papal States was again in revolt. Papal troops were dispatched to the aid of the legations, but the only result was the concentration of 2000 revolutionists at Cesena. Cardinal Albani, who had been appointed commissioner-extraordinary of the legations, appealed on his own authority for aid to the Austrian General Radetsky, who at once sent troops. These forces joined the papal troops at Cesena, attacked and defeated the rebels, and by the end of January had taken triumphant possession of Bologna. This time France intervened, and as a protest against the Austrian occupation, seized and held Ancona, in sheer violation of international law. The pope and Bernetti protested energetically and even Prussia and Russia disapproved of this act, but though, after long negotiations, the French commander was ordered to restrain the outrages of the revolutionists in Ancona, the French troops were not withdrawn from that city until the final departure of the Austrians from the Papal States in 1838. The rebellion, however, was quelled and no further serious outbreak occurred for thirteen years. But, amidst all these disturbances in his own kingdom, Gregory had not been free from anxieties for the Faith and the Universal Church. The revolutions in France and the Netherlands had created a difficult situation: the pope had been expected by the one party to condemn the change, by the other to accept it. In August, 1831, he issued the Brief, "Sollicitudo Ecclesiarum", in which he reiterated the statements of former Pontiffs as to the independence of the Church and its refusal to be entangled in dynastic politics. In November of the same year, the Abbé de Lamennais and his companions came to Rome to submit to the pope the questions in dispute between the French episcopate and the directors of "L'Avenir". Gregory received them kindly, but caused them to be given more than one hint that the result of their appeal would not be favourable, and that they would be wise not to press for a decision. In spite, however, of the representations of Lacordaire, Lamennais persisted, with the result that, on the feast of the Assumption, 1832, the pope issued the Encyclical "Mirari vos", in which were condemned, not only the policy of "L'Avenir", but also many of the moral and social doctrines that were then put forward by most of the revolutionary schools. The Encyclical, which certainly cannot be considered favourable to ideas that have since become the commonplaces of secular politics, aroused a storm of criticism throughout Europe. It is well to remember, however, that some of its adversaries have not read it with great attention, and it has been sometimes criticized for statements that are not to be found in the text. Two years after its publication, the pope found it necessary to issue a further Encyclical, "Singulari nos", in which he condemned the "Paroles d'un croyant", the reply of Lamennais to "Mirari vos". But it was not only in France that errors had to be met. In Germany the followers of Hermes were condemned by the Apostolic Letter, "Dum acerbissima", of 26 September, 1835. And in 1844, near the end of his reign, he issued the Encyclical, "Inter praecipuas machinationes", against the unscrupulous anti-Catholic propaganda in Italy of the London Bible Society and the New York Christian Alliance, which then, as now, were chiefly successful in transforming ignorant Italian Catholics into crudely anti-clerical free-thinkers. While he was engaged in combating the libertarian movements of current European thought, Gregory was obliged also to struggle with the rulers of States for justice and toleration for the Catholic Church in their realms. In Portugal the accession of Queen Maria da Gloria was the occasion of an outburst of anti-clerical legislation. The nuncio at Lisbon was commanded to leave the capital and the nunciature was suppressed. All ecclesiastical privileges were abolished, bishoprics filled by the ex-king, Dom Miguel, were declared vacant, religious houses were suppressed. The pope protested in consistory, but his protest only led to severer measures, and no efforts on his part were successful until 1841, when the growing popular uneasiness forced the queen to come to terms. In Spain, too, the regent, Queen Maria Cristina, was able, during the minority of her daughter, Queen Isabella, to carry out an anti-clerical programme. In 1835 the religious orders were suppressed. Then the secular clergy were attacked: twenty-two dioceses were left without bishops, Jansenist priests were admitted to the committee appointed to "reform the Church", the salaries of the priests were confiscated. In 1840 bishops were driven from their sees, and when the nuncio protested against arbitrary acts of the government in power, he was conducted to the frontier. Peace was not restored to the Church in Spain till after Gregory's death. In Prussia, at the very commencement of his reign, the question of mixed marriages was causing trouble. Pius VIII had dealt with these in a Brief of 28 March, 1830. This, however, did not satisfy the Prussian Government, and von Bunsen, the Prussian ambassador, exhausted every means, honest and dishonest, of bringing about a modification of the Catholic policy. The Archbishop of Cologne and the Bishops of Paderborn, Munster, and Trier were induced, in 1834, to enter into a convention not to put into execution the papal legislation. But the archbishop died the following year, and his successor, von Droste zu Vischering, was a man of very different calibre. In 1836 the Bishop of Trier, feeling his end approach, revealed the whole plot to the pope. Events moved quickly. The new Archbishop of Cologne announced his intention of obeying the Holy See, and was in consequence imprisoned by the Prussian Government. His arrest caused general indignation throughout Europe, and Prussia endeavoured to justify its action by inventing charges against the prelate. Nobody, however, believed the official story, and the Archbishop of Gnesen and Posen, who had imitated the courageous example of his brother of Cologne, was also imprisoned. But his arbitrary action aroused the indignation of German Catholics, and when King Frederick William III died in 1840 his successor was more ready to come to terms. In the end Archbishop Droste zu Vischering was given a coadjutor, and retired to Rome; the Archbishop of Gnesen was released unconditionally and the question at issue was quickly allowed to be decided in favour of the Catholic doctrine. But no such success was possible in Poland and France. In the former unhappy country the Catholic religion was, then as now, inextricably united with the nationalist aspirations. As a consequence the whole force of the Russian autocracy was employed to crush it. With monstrous cruelty the Ruthenian Uniats were driven or cajoled into the Orthodox communion, the heroic nuns of Minsk were tortured and enslaved, more than 160 priests were deported to Siberia. The Catholics of the Latin rite were no better treated, bishops being imprisoned and prelates deported. Gregory protested in vain, and in 1845, when the Emperor Nicholas visited him in Rome, rebuked the autocrat for his tyranny. We are told that the Czar made promises of reform in his treatment of the Church, but, as might have been expected, nothing was done. In France, the success of the Catholic revival had been so great that the anti-clericals were infuriated. Pressure was brought to bear upon the Government to obtain the suppression of the Jesuits, always the first to be attacked. M. Guizot sent to Rome Pellegrino Rossi, a former leader of the revolutionary party in Switzerland, to negotiate directly with Cardinal Lambruschini, who had replaced Bernetti in 1836 as secretary of state. But Gregory and Lambruschini were both firmly opposed to any attack on the society. Rossi, therefore, turned his attention to Father Roothan, the General of the Jesuits, and through the Congregation of Ecclesiastical Affairs, was successful in obtaining a letter to the French provincials advising that the novitiates and other houses should be gradually diminished or abandoned. The reign of Gregory was drawing to its close. In August, 1841, with the intention of entering into closer relations with his people, he undertook a tour throughout some of the provinces. He travelled through Umbria to Loreto, thence to Ancona, and on to Fabriano, where he visited the relics of St. Romuald, the founder of the Camaldolese. He returned by Assisi, Viterbo and Orvieto, reaching Rome by the beginning of October. The progress had cost 2,000,000 francs, but it is very doubtful whether it had the intended result. Cardinal Lambruschini, to whom the pope as he grew older confided more and more of the actual direction of state affairs, was even more arbitrary and less accessible to modern political doctrines than Bernetti; the discontent grew and threatened. In 1843 there were attempts at revolt in Romagna and Umbria, which were suppressed with relentless severity by the special legates, Cardinals Vannicelli and Massimo. In September, 1845, the city of Rimini was again captured by a revolutionary force, which, however, was obliged to retire and seek safety in Tuscany. But the impassioned appeals of Niccolini, of Gioberti, of Farini, of d'Azeglio, were spread throughout Italy and all Europe, and the fear was only too well founded that the Papal States could not long outlast Gregory XVI. On 20 May, 1846, he felt himself failing, and ordered Cretineau-Joly to write the history of the secret societies, against which he had struggled vainly. A few days later the pope was taken ill with erysipelas in the face. At first the attack was not thought to be serious, but on 31 May his strength suddenly failed, and it was seen that the end was near. He died early on 9 June, with but two attendants near him. His tomb, by Amici, is in St. Peter's. Gregory XVI has been treated with but scant respect by later historians, but he has by no means deserved their contempt. It is true that in political questions he showed himself almost as opposed as his immediate predecessors to even a minimum of democratic progress. But in this he was but similar to most rulers of his time, England itself, as Bernetti sarcastically remarked, being ready enough to suggest to others reforms it would not try at home. Gregory believed in autocracy, and neither his inclinations nor his experience was such as to make him favourable to increased political freedom. Probably the policy of his predecessors had made it very difficult for any but a very strong pope to oppose the growing revolution by efficient reforms. In any case both his temperament and his policy were such that he left to his successor an almost impossible task. But Gregory was by no means an obscurantist. His interest in art and all forms of learning is attested by the founding of the Etruscan and Egyptian museums at the Vatican, and of the Christian museum at the Lateran; by the encouragement given to men like Cardinals Mai and Mezzofanti, and to Visconti, Salvi, Marchi, Wiseman, Hurter, Rohrbacher, and Guéranger; by the lavish aid given to the rebuilding of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls and of Santa Maria degli Angioli, at Assisi; by researches encouraged in the Roman Forum and in the catacombs. His care for the social welfare of his people is seen in the tunnelling of Monte Catillo to prevent the devastation of Tivoli by the floods of the river Anio, in the establishment of steamboats at Ostia, of a decimal coinage in the Roman States, of a bureau of statistics at Rome, in the lightening of various imposts and the re-purchase of the appanage of Eugene Beauharnais, in the foundation of public baths and hospitals and orphanages. During his reign the losses of the Church in Europe were more than balanced by her gains in the rest of the world. Gregory sent missionaries to Abyssinia, to India, to China, to Polynesia, to the North American Indians. He doubled the number of Vicars-Apostolic in England, he increased greatly the number of bishops in the United States. During his reign five saints were canonized, thirty-three servants of God declared Blessed, many new orders were founded or supported, the devotion of the faithful to the Immaculate Mother of God increased. In private as in public life, Gregory was noted for his piety, his kindliness, his simplicity, his firm friendship. He was not, perhaps, a great pope, or fully able to cope with the complicated problems of his time, but to his devotion, his munificence, and his labours Rome and the Universal Church are indebted for many benefits. |
1963 to 1978 Pope Paul
VI Mantini. The head, considered
one of the treasures of Saint Peter's, was given to Pope Pius II by the despot Thomas
Palaeologus in 1461, but was returned to Constantinople
by Pope Paul VI.
Benedict XVI Pays Tribute to Paul VI Says He Was a Prudent Helmsman VATICAN CITY, MARCH 5, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI paid tribute to Pope Paul VI, saying he was a protagonist in a difficult historical period. The Holy Father said this on Saturday, when receiving members of the Paul VI Institute, a Brescia, Italy-based organization which collects documentation and promotes the thought of Giovanni Battista Montini, who was Bishop of Rome from 1963 to 1978. Benedict XVI mentioned some personal memories of this Pope, who appointed him archbishop of Munich in March 1977 and elevated him to cardinal three months later. "He was called by divine providence to pilot Peter's boat during a historical period characterized by many challenges and problems," Benedict XVI said.
Paul VI was the first modern Pope to journey
to the Holy Land, on the occasion of the historic
meeting with Patriarch Athenagoras I in Jerusalem in
January 1964, nine centuries after the schism between the
Churches of the East and West.
That visit "had a clear symbolic meaning" and "indicated to the Church that the path of its mission consists in reiterating the footsteps of Christ," the German Pope said in his tribute. He added: "The secret of the pastoral action carried out by Paul VI with tireless dedication, adopting on occasions difficult and unpopular decisions," lies in his love of Christ and his total dedication to Jesus, as well as in "a missionary tension nourished by the sincere desire for dialogue with humanity." In the period after the Second Vatican Council, which Paul VI closed, he "did not let himself be conditioned by misunderstandings and criticisms, though at times he had to endure suffering and violent attacks," Benedict XVI said, "but in all circumstances he was a firm and prudent helmsman of Peter's boat." The Paul VI Institute arose in 1979. In addition to archives, it has a 30,000-volume library, including 10,000 books from Paul VI's personal library. |
1338 Nicholas Boccasino, the future Pope Benedict
XI Blessed James Benfatti a master in theology
and a holy priest OP B (AC)
(also known as James of Mantua) Born in Mantua, Italy; died there; cultus confirmed 1859 by Pope Pius IX. James Benefatti, bishop of Mantua, was a famous man in his time; it is unfortunate that he is so little known in ours. James entered the Dominican convent in his home town about 1290. He was both a master in theology and a holy priest. These qualities brought him to the attention of his brother Dominican, Nicholas Boccasino, the future Pope Benedict XI. As cardinal, Nicholas chose the young Dominican from Mantua for his companion. He employed him in various offices in Rome and recommended him to other high-ranking prelates. Consequently, James found himself kept busy in diplomatic offices by several popes--Benedict XI and John XXII among them. For 18 years after being consecrated
(1303) bishop of Mantua by
Pope John XXII in 1320,
James occupied the see and accomplished great
good among the people, meriting his title
of "Father of the Poor." He rebuilt and refurnished
the cathedral and worked many miracles among his flock. At
his death in 1338, many remarkable miracles occurred, and
he was called "Blessed James" by people who were grateful for
his intercession. Nearly 150 years after his death, when repairs
were being made in the church where he was buried, an accident
opened his tomb, and people were startled to find that his body
was completely incorrupt. Again in 1604, the same phenomenon was
noted (Attwater 2, Benedictines, Dorcy).
Nicholas Boccasini Born at Treviso, Italy, 1240; died at Perugia, 7 July, 1304. He entered the Dominican Order at the age of fourteen. After fourteen years of study, he became lector of theology, which office he filled for several years. In 1296 he was elected Master General of the Order. As at this time hostility to Boniface VIII was becoming more pronounced, the new general issued an ordinance forbidding his subjects to favour in any way the opponents of the reigning pontiff; he also enjoined on them to defend in their sermons, when opportune, the legitimacy of the election of Boniface. This loyalty of Boccasini, which remained unshaken to the end, was recognized by Boniface, who showed him many marks of favour and confidence. Thus with the two cardinal-legates, the Dominican General formed the important embassy, the purpose of which was the concluding of an armistice between Edward I of England and Philip IV of France, then at war with each other. In the year 1298 Boccasini was elevated to the cardinalate; he was afterwards appointed Bishop of Ostia and Dean of the Sacred College. As at that time Hungary was rent by civil war, the cardinal-bishop was sent thither by the Holy See as legate a latere to labour for the restoration of peace. At the time of the return of the legate to Rome, the famous contest of Boniface VIII with Philip the Fair had reached its height. When, in 1303, the enemies of the pope had made themselves masters of the sacred palace, of all the cardinals and prelates only the two Cardinal-Bishops of Ostia and Sabina remained at the side of the venerable Pontiff to defend him from the violence of William of Nogaret and Sciarra Colonna. A month after this scene of violence, Boniface having died, Boccasini was unanimously elected Pope, 22 October, taking the name of Benedict XI. The principal event of his pontificate was the restoration of peace with the French court. Immediately after his election Philip sent three ambassadors to the pope bearing the royal letter of congratulation. The king, while professing his obedience and devotion, recommended to the benevolence of the pope the Kingdom and Church of France. Benedict, judging a policy of indulgence to be necessary for the restoration of peace with the French court, absolved Philip and his subjects from the censures they had incurred and restored the king and kingdom to the rights and privileges of which they had been deprived by Boniface. The Colonna cardinals were also absolved from their censures, but not reinstated in their former dignities. This policy of leniency Benedict carried out without compromising the dignity of the Holy See or the memory of Boniface VIII. Nogaret and Sciarra Colonna and those implicated in the outrage of Anagni were declared excommunicated and summoned to appear before the pontifical tribunal. After a brief pontificate of eight months, Benedict died suddenly at Perugia. It was suspected, not altogether without reason, that his sudden death was caused by poisoning through the agency of William of Nogaret. Benedict XI was beatified in the year 1773. His feast is celebrated at Rome and throughout the Dominican Order on the 7th of July. He is the author of a volume of sermons and commentaries on a part of the Gospel of St. Matthew, on the Psalms, the Book of Job, and the Apocalypse. |
1559-1565 Pope Pius
IV (31 March 1499 – 9 December 1565), born Giovanni
Angelo Medici, was Pope from 1559 to 1565. He is notable
for presiding over the culmination of the Council of
Trent. |
1572 to 1585 Pope Gregory XIII (January 7, 1502 – April
10, 1585), born Ugo Boncompagni. Early biography Youth He was born in Bologna, where
he studied law and graduated in 1530. Afterwards,
he taught jurisprudence for some years; his
students included notable figures such as Alexander
Farnese, Reginald Pole and Charles Borromeo.
Career before Papacy At the age of thirty-six he was summoned to Rome by Pope Paul III (1534–1549), under whom he held successive appointments as first judge of the capital, abbreviator, and vice-chancellor of the Campagna; by Pope Paul IV (1555–1559) he was attached as datarius to the suite of Cardinal Carafa; and by Pope Pius IV (1559–1565) he was created cardinal priest and sent to the council of Trent. He also served as a legate to Philip II of Spain (1556–1598), being sent by the Pope to investigate the Cardinal of Toledo. It was here that he formed a lasting and close relationship with the Spanish King, which was to become a very important during his foreign policy as Pope. Election as Pope Upon the death of Pope Pius V (1566–1572), the conclave chose Cardinal Boncompagni, who assumed the name of Gregory XIII, in homage to the great reforming Pope, Gregory I (590–604), surnamed the Great. It was a very brief conclave, lasting less than 24 hours, presumed by many historians to have been due to the influence and backing of the Spanish King. His character seemed to be perfect for the needs of the church at the time. Unlike some of his predecessors, Gregory XIII was to lead a faultless personal life, becoming a model for his simplicity of life. Additionally, his legal brilliance and management abilities meant that he was able to respond and deal with the major problems quickly and decisively, although not always successfully. Pontificate Reform of
the Church
Once in the chair of Saint Peter, Gregory XIII's rather worldly concerns became secondary and he dedicated himself to reform of the Catholic Church. He committed himself to putting into practice the recommendations of the Council of Trent. He allowed no exceptions for cardinals to the rule that bishops must take up residence in their sees, and designated a committee to update the Index of Forbidden Books. A new and greatly improved edition of the Corpus juris canonici was also due to his concerned patronage. In a time of considerable centralisation of power, Gregory XIII abolished the Cardinals Consistories, replacing them with Colleges, and appointing specific tasks for these colleges to work on. He was renowned for having a
fierce independence; with the few confidants
noting there were interventions that were not
always welcomed nor advice sought for.
The power of the papacy increased
under him, whereas the influence and power
of the Cardinals substantially decreased.
Formation of clergy and promotion
of the arts and sciences
A central part of the strategy of Gregory XIII's reform was to apply the recommendations of Trent. He was a liberal patron of the recently formed Society of Jesus throughout Europe, for which he founded many new colleges. The Roman College, of the Jesuits, grew substantially under his patronage, and became the most important centre of learning in Europe for a time, a University of the Nations. It is now named the Pontifical Gregorian University. Pope Gregory XIII also founded
numerous seminaries for training priests,
beginning with the German College at Rome, and
put them in the charge of the Jesuits.
In 1575 he gave official status
to the Congregation of the Oratory a community
of priests without vows, dedicated to prayer
and preaching (founded by Saint Filippo Neri).
The Gregorian Calendar
Gregory XIII is best known for his reformation of the calendar, producing the Gregorian calendar with the aid of Jesuit priest/astronomer Christopher Clavius. The reason for the reform is that the average length of the year in the Julian Calendar was too long, and the date of the actual Vernal Equinox had slowly slipped to March 10, whereas the computus (calculation) of the Easter date of Easter still followed the traditional date of March 21. This was rectified by following the observations of Clavius and Johannes Kepler, and the calendar was changed when Pope Gregory XIII decreed that the day after October 4, 1582 would be October 15, 1582. He issued the papal bull Inter gravissimas to promulgate the new calendar on February 24, 1582. On October 15, 1582, this calendar
replaced the Julian calendar,
in use since 45 BC, and has become universally used today. The switchover was bitterly
opposed by much of the populace, who feared it was an attempt by landlords
to cheat them out of a week and a half's rent. However, the Catholic countries
of Spain, Portugal, Poland, and Italy complied. France, the Protestant Netherlands
and various Catholic states in Germany
and Switzerland (both countries were religiously
split) followed suit within a year or two, and Hungary
followed in 1587.
Because of the Pope's decree, the reform of the Julian calendar came to be known as the Gregorian calendar. However, the rest of Europe did not follow suit for more than a century. The Protestant German countries adopted the Gregorian reform in 1700. By this time, the calendar trailed the seasons by 11 days. Great Britain (and its American colonies) finally followed suit in 1752, and Wednesday, September 2, 1752 was immediately followed by Thursday, September 14, 1752. This traumatic change resulted in widespread riots with the populace demanding that the eleven days be given back. The Gregorian Calendar was not
accepted in eastern christiandom for several
hundred years, and then only as the civil calendar.
The Gregorian Calendar was instituted in Russia by
the communists in 1917,
and the last Eastern Orthodox country to accept the calendar was Greece in 1923. While some Eastern Orthodox
national churches have accepted the Gregorian Calendar dates for "fixed"
feasts (feasts that occur on the same date every year), the dates of all
movable feasts (such as Easter) are still calculated in the Eastern Orthodox
Churches by reference to the Julian Calendar.
Foreign policy Though he expressed the conventional fears of the danger from the Turks, Gregory XIII's attentions were more consistently directed to the dangers from the Protestants. He encouraged the plans of Phillip II to dethrone Elizabeth I of England (1558–1603) thus succeeded in developing an atmosphere of subversion and imminent danger among English Protestants, who looked on any Roman Catholic as a potential traitor. In 1578, to further the plans of exiled English and Irish catholics such as Nicholas Sanders William Cardinal Allen and James Fitzmaurice Fitzgerald, Gregory outfitted adventurer Thomas Stukeley with a ship and an army of 800 men to land in Ireland to aid the Desmond Rebellions of Fitzmaurice. To his dismay Stukeley joined his forces with those of King Sebastian of Portugal against Emperor Abdul Malik of Morocco instead. Another papal expedition sailed to Ireland in 1579 under the command of Fitzmaurice, accompanied by Sanders as papal legate. The resulting Second Desmond Rebellion was equally unsuccessful. Gregory XIII had no connection with the plot of Henry, Duke of Guise, and his brother, Charles, Duke of Mayenne, to assassinate Elizabeth I in 1582, and most probably knew nothing about it beforehand. A shameful moment for the Papacy
was the Massacre of Hugeonots in France,
although it is commonly held that the Pope was
ignorant of this at the time. He celebrated the St.
Bartholomew's Day Massacres in 1572 with a Te Deum and a
commemorative medal, with his portrait and on the obverse a chastising
angel, sword in hand and the legend UGONOTTORUM STRAGES
("Huguenots slaughtered") Note 53.
Such was the position of matters at the
time of Gregory XIII's death, which took place on April
10, 1585.Cultural patronage In Rome Gregory XIII built the magnificent Gregorian chapel in the Basilica of St. Peter, and extended the Quirinal Palace in 1580. He also turned the Baths of Diocletian into a granary in 1575. He appointed his illegitimate son Giacomo[1], born to his mistress at Bologna before his papacy, castellan of St. Angelo and gonfalonier of the Church; Venice, anxious to please, enrolled him among its nobles. Philip II of Spain appointed him general in his army. Gregory also helped his son to become a powerful feudatary through the acquisition of the Duchy of Sora, on the border between the Papal States and te Kingdom of Naples. In order to raise funds for these and similar objects, he confiscated a large proportion of the houses and properties throughout the states of the Church – a measure which enriched his treasury, indeed, for a time, but by alienating the great body of the nobility and gentry, revived old factions, created new ones, and ultimately plunged his temporal dominions into a state bordering upon anarchy. Gregory XIII was succeeded by
Pope Sixtus V (1585–1590).
The oldest Papal tiara still in existence dates from the reign of Gregory XIII. |
1305-1314, Pope Clement
V approved an Office of the Holy Name for the Franciscans. Pope Clement V (BERTRAND DE
GOT.)
Born at Villandraut in Gascony, France, 1264; died at Roquemaure, 20 April, 1314. He was elected, 5 June, 1305, at Perugia as successor to Benedict XI, after a conclave of eleven months, the great length of which was owing to the French and Italian factions among the cardinals. Ten of the fifteen (mostly Italian) cardinals voting elected him. Giovanni Villani's story (Hist. Florent., VIII, 80, in Muratori, SS. RR. Ital., XIII, 417; cf. Raynald, Ann. Eccl., 1305, 2-4) of a decisive influence of Philip the Fair, and the new pope's secret conference with and abject concessions to that king in the forest of Saint-Jean-d'Angély, is quite unhistorical; on the other hand, the cardinals were willing to please the powerful French king whom the late Benedict XI had been obliged to placate by notable concessions, and it is not improbable that some kind of a mutual understanding was reached by the king and the future pope. As Archbishop of Bordeaux, Bertrand de Got was actually a subject of the King of England, but from early youth he had been a personal friend of Philip the Fair. Nevertheless, he had remained faithful to Boniface VIII. The new pope came from a distinguished family. An elder brother had been Archbishop of Lyons, and died (1297) as Cardinal-Bishop of Albano and papal legate in France. Bertrand studied the arts at Toulouse and canon and civil law at Orléans and Bologna. He had been successively canon at Bordeaux, vicar-general of the Archbishop of Lyons (his aforesaid brother), papal chaplain, Bishop of Comminges under Boniface VIII, and eventually Archbishop of Bordeaux, then a difficult office because of the persistent conflict between England and France for the possession of Normandy. The cardinals besought him to come to Perugia and go thence to Rome for his coronation, but he ordered them to repair to Lyons, where he was crowned (14 November, 1305) in presence of Philip the Fair and with great pomp. During the usual public procession the pope was thrown from his horse by a falling wall; one of his brothers was killed on that occasion, also the aged Cardinal Matteo Orsini who had taken part in twelve conclaves and seen thirteen popes. The most precious jewel in the papal tiara (a carbuncle) was lost that day, an incident prophetically interpreted by German and Italian historians, and the next day another brother was slain in a quarrel between servants of the new pope and retainers of the cardinals. For some time (1305-1309), Pope Clement resided at different places in France (Bordeaux, Poitiers, Toulouse), but finally took up his residence at Avignon, then a fief of Naples, though within the County of Venaissin that since 1228 acknowledged the pope as overlord (in 1348 Clement VI purchased Avignon for 80,000 gold gulden from Joanna of Naples). Strong affection for his native France and an equally influential fear of the quasi-anarchical conditions of Italy, and in particular of the States of the Church and the city of Rome, led him to this fateful decision, whereby he exposed himself to the domination of a civil ruler (Philip the Fair), whose immediate aims were a universal French monarchy and a solemn humiliation of Pope Boniface VIII in return for the latter's courageous resistance to Philip's cunning, violence, and usurpations (Hergenröther). Born at Villandraut in Gascony, France, 1264; died at Roquemaure, 20 April, 1314. He was elected, 5 June, 1305, at Perugia as successor to Benedict XI, after a conclave of eleven months, the great length of which was owing to the French and Italian factions among the cardinals. Ten of the fifteen (mostly Italian) cardinals voting elected him. Giovanni Villani's story (Hist. Florent., VIII, 80, in Muratori, SS. RR. Ital., XIII, 417; cf. Raynald, Ann. Eccl., 1305, 2-4) of a decisive influence of Philip the Fair, and the new pope's secret conference with and abject concessions to that king in the forest of Saint-Jean-d'Angély, is quite unhistorical; on the other hand, the cardinals were willing to please the powerful French king whom the late Benedict XI had been obliged to placate by notable concessions, and it is not improbable that some kind of a mutual understanding was reached by the king and the future pope. As Archbishop of Bordeaux, Bertrand de Got was actually a subject of the King of England, but from early youth he had been a personal friend of Philip the Fair. Nevertheless, he had remained faithful to Boniface VIII. The new pope came from a distinguished family. An elder brother had been Archbishop of Lyons, and died (1297) as Cardinal-Bishop of Albano and papal legate in France. Bertrand studied the arts at Toulouse and canon and civil law at Orléans and Bologna. He had been successively canon at Bordeaux, vicar-general of the Archbishop of Lyons (his aforesaid brother), papal chaplain, Bishop of Comminges under Boniface VIII, and eventually Archbishop of Bordeaux, then a difficult office because of the persistent conflict between England and France for the possession of Normandy. The cardinals besought him to come to Perugia and go thence to Rome for his coronation, but he ordered them to repair to Lyons, where he was crowned (14 November, 1305) in presence of Philip the Fair and with great pomp. During the usual public procession the pope was thrown from his horse by a falling wall; one of his brothers was killed on that occasion, also the aged Cardinal Matteo Orsini who had taken part in twelve conclaves and seen thirteen popes. The most precious jewel in the papal tiara (a carbuncle) was lost that day, an incident prophetically interpreted by German and Italian historians, and the next day another brother was slain in a quarrel between servants of the new pope and retainers of the cardinals. For some time (1305-1309), Pope Clement resided at different places in France (Bordeaux, Poitiers, Toulouse), but finally took up his residence at Avignon, then a fief of Naples, though within the County of Venaissin that since 1228 acknowledged the pope as overlord (in 1348 Clement VI purchased Avignon for 80,000 gold gulden from Joanna of Naples). Strong affection for his native France and an equally influential fear of the quasi-anarchical conditions of Italy, and in particular of the States of the Church and the city of Rome, led him to this fateful decision, whereby he exposed himself to the domination of a civil ruler (Philip the Fair), whose immediate aims were a universal French monarchy and a solemn humiliation of Pope Boniface VIII in return for the latter's courageous resistance to Philip's cunning, violence, and usurpations (Hergenröther). |
1623 to 1644 Pope
Urban VIII (April 1568 – July 29, 1644), born
Maffeo Barberini, was Pope from 1623 to 1644.
He was born in 1568 to an important Florentine family. Through the influence of an uncle, who had become apostolic protonotary, he, while still a young man, received various promotions from Sixtus V and Gregory XIV. By Clement VIII he was himself made protonotary and nuncio to the French court; Paul V also employed him in a similar capacity, afterwards raising him to the cardinalate and making him the papal legate to Bologna. On 6 August 1623, he was chosen successor to Gregory XV. His pontificate, covering as
it did twenty-one years of the Thirty Years'
War, was an eventful one, and the ultimate result
of that great struggle was largely determined by
Urban's policy, which was aimed less at the restoration
of Catholicism in Europe than at such an adjustment
of the balance of parties as might best favour his own independence
and strength as a temporal power in Italy. In 1626 the duchy
of Urbino was incorporated into the papal dominions, and in
1627 when the direct male line of the Gonzagas in Mantua became
extinct, he favoured the succession of the Duke of Nevers against
the claims of the Habsburgs, whose preponderance he dreaded.
He was the last Pope to extend the papal territory, and fortified Castelfranco Emilia on the Mantuan frontier. In Rome he greatly strengthened the castle of Sant'Angelo. For the purpose of making cannon and Vatican decoration, massive tubular girders of bronze were pillaged from the portico of that rare intact surviving temple from Roman empire, the Pantheon, leading to a famous quote quod non fecerunt barbari, fecerunt Barberini, "what the barbarians did not do, the Barberini did." He also established an arsenal in the Vatican, as well as an arms factory at Tivoli, and fortifying the harbour of Civitavecchia. It was during his pontificate that Galileo was summoned to Rome in 1633 to recant his beliefs. On the other hand, he expended vast papal funds to bring polymaths like Athanasius Kircher to Rome, and patronized art on a grand scale, including painters Nicolas Poussin and Claude Lorrain, architects Bernini and Borromini who helped build the Palazzo Barberini, the college of the Propaganda, the Fontana del Tritone in Piazza Barberini, the Vatican cathedra and other prominent structures in the city. Pietro da Cortona embellished the gran salon of his family palace with an apotheotic allegory of the triumph of the Barberini. Coat of Arms of Pope Urban VIII Styles of Pope Urban VII Reference style His Holiness Spoken style Your Holiness Religious style Holy Father Posthumous style none He was the last to practice nepotism on a grand scale: various members of his family were enormously enriched by him, so that it seemed to contemporaries as if he were establishing a Barberini dynasty. He canonized Elizabeth of Portugal and Andrew Corsini and issued the Papal bull of canonization for Ignatius Loyola and Francis Xavier, who had been canonized by his predecessor, Gregory XV. Urban VIII was a clever writer of Latin verse, and a collection of Scriptural paraphrases as well as original hymns of his composition has been frequently reprinted. His death (July 29, 1644) is said to have been hastened by chagrin at the result of the First War of Castro, a war he had undertaken against Odoardo Farnese, the Duke of Parma. Because of the costs incurred by the city of Rome to finance this war, Urban VIII became immensely unpopular. On his death, the bust of Urban that lay beside the Conservator’s Palace on the Capitoline Hill was rapidly destroyed by an enraged crowd, and only a quick-thinking priest saved the sculpture of Urban belonging to the Jesuits from a similar fate.[1] He was succeeded by Innocent X. |
1644-1655 Pope Innocent X (Giambattista Pamfili) Born at Rome, 6 May, 1574; died there, 7 January, 1655. His parents were Camillo Pamfili and Flaminia de Bubalis. The Pamfili resided originally at Gubbio, in Umbria, but came to Rome during the pontificate of Innocent VIII. The young man studied jurisprudence at the Collegio Romano and graduated as bachelor of laws at the age of twenty. Soon afterwards Clement VIII appointed him consistorial advocate and auditor of the Rota. Gregory XV made him nuncio at Naples. Urban VIII sent him as datary with the cardinal legate, Francesco Barberini, to France and Spain, then appointed him titular Latin Patriarch of Antioch, and nuncio at Madrid. He was created Cardinal-Priest of Sant' Eusebio on 30 August, 1626, though he did not assume the purple until 19 November, 1629. He was a member of the congregations of the Council of Trent, the Inquisition, and Jurisdiction and Immunity. On 9 August, 1644, a conclave was held at Rome for the election of a successor to Urban VIII. The conclave was a stormy one. The French faction had agreed to give their vote to no candidate who was friendly towards Spain. Cardinal Firenzola, the Spanish candidate was, therefore, rejected, being a known enemy of Cardinal Mazarin, prime minister of France. Fearing the election of an avowed enemy of France, the French party finally agreed with the Spanish party upon Pamfili, although his sympathy for Spain was well known. On 15 September he was elected, and ascended the papal throne as Innocent X. Soon after his accession, Innocent found it necessary to take legal action against the Barberini for misappropriation of public moneys. To escape punishment Antonio and Francesco Barberini fled to Paris, where they found a powerful protector in Mazarin. Innocent confiscated their property, and on 19 February, 1646, issued a Bull ordaining that all cardinals who had left or should leave the Ecclesiastical States without papal permission and should not return within six months, should be deprived of their ecclesiastical benefices and eventually of the cardinalate itself. The French Parliament declared the papal ordinances null and void, but the pope did not yield until Mazarin prepared to send troops to Italy to invade the Ecclesiastical States. Henceforth the papal policy towards France became more friendly, and somewhat later the Barberini were rehabilitated. But when in 1652 Cardinal Retz was arrested by Mazarin, Innocent solemnly protested against this act of violence committed against a cardinal, and protected Retz after his escape in 1654. In Italy Innocent had occasion to assert his authority as suzerain over Duke Ranuccio II of Parma who refused to redeem the bonds (monti) of the Farnesi from the Roman creditors, as had been stipulated in the Treaty of Venice on 31 March, 1644. The duke, moreover, refused to recognize Cristoforo Guarda, whom the pope had appointed Bishop of Castro. When, therefore, the new bishop was murdered while on his way to take possession of his see, Innocent held Ranuccio responsible for the crime. The pope took possession of Castro, razed it to the ground and transferred the episcopal see to Acquapendente. The duke was forced to resign the administration of his district to the pope, who undertook to satisfy the creditors. The papal relations with Venice, which had been highly strained during the pontificate of Urban VIII, became very friendly during Innocent's reign. Innocent aided the Venetians financially against the Turks in the struggle for Candia, while the Venetians on their part allowed Innocent free scope in filling the vacant episcopal sees in their territory, a right which they had previously claimed for themselves. In Portugal the popular insurrection of 1640 had led to the secession of that country from Spain, and to the election of Juan IV of Braganza as King of Portugal. Both Urban VIII and Innocent X, in deference to Spain, refused to acknowledge the new king and withheld their approbation from the bishops nominated by him. Thus it happened that towards the end of Innocent's pontificate there was only one bishop in the whole of Portugal. On 26 November, 1648, Innocent issued the famous Bull "Zelo domus Dei", in which he declares as null and void those articles of the Peace of Westphalia which were detrimental to the Catholic religion. In his Bull "Cum occasione", issued on 31 May, 1653. he condemned five propositions taken from the "Augustinus" of Jansenius, thus giving the impulse to the great Jansenist controversy in France. Innocent X was a lover of justice and his life was blameless; he was, however, often irresolute and suspicious. The great blemish in his pontificate was his dependence on Donna Olimpia Maidalchini, the wife of his deceased brother. For a short time her influence had to yield to that of the youthful Camillo Astalli, a distant relative of the pope, whom Innocent raised to the cardinalate. But the pope seemed to be unable to get along without her, and at her instance Astalli was deprived of the purple and removed from the Vatican. The accusation, made by Gualdus (Leti) in his "Vita di Donna Olimpia Maidalchini" (1666), that Innocent's relation to her was immoral, has been rejected as slanderous by all reputable historians. |
Pope Innocent XIII
1655 1724 Most Holy Name of Jesus, extended
this feast to the entire Church In 1721, Born at Rome, 13 May, 1655; died at the same place, 7 March, 1724 In a world of fiercely guarded corporate names and logos, it should be easy to understand this feast. The letters IHS are an abbreviation of Jesous, the Greek name for Jesus. Although St. Paul might claim credit for promoting devotion to the Holy Name because Paul wrote in Philippians that God the Father gave Christ Jesus “that name that is above every name” (see 2:9), this devotion became popular because of 12th-century Cistercian monks and nuns but especially through the preaching of St. Bernardine of Siena, a 15th-century Franciscan. Bernardine used devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus as a way of overcoming bitter and often bloody class struggles and family rivalries or vendettas in Italian city-states. The devotion grew, partly because of Franciscan and Dominican preachers. It spread even more widely after the Jesuits began promoting it in the 16th century. Isidore of Seville B, Doctor (RM) Born at Cartagena, Spain, c. 560; died in Seville, Spain, in April 4, 636; canonized by Pope Clement VIII in 1598; and declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Innocent XIII in 1722. |
1730-1740
Pope Clement XII (LORENZO CORSINI). Born at Florence, 7 April, 1652; elected 12 July, 1730; died at Rome 6 February, 1740. The pontificate of the saintly Orsini pope, Benedict XIII, from the standpoint of the spiritual interests of the Church, had left nothing to be desired. He had, however, given over temporal concerns into the hands of rapacious ministers; hence the finances of the Holy See were in bad condition; there was an increasing deficit, and the papal subjects were in a state of exasperation. It was no easy task to select a man who possessed all the qualities demanded by the emergency. After deliberating for four months, the Sacred College united on Cardinal Corsini, the best possible choice, were it not for his seventy-eight years and his failing eyesight. A Corsini by the father's side and by the mother's a Strozzi, the best blood of Florence coursed through his veins. Innumerable were the members of his house who had risen to high positions in Church and State, but its chief ornament was St. Andrew Corsini, the canonized Bishop of Fiesole. Lorenzo made a brilliant course of studies, first in the Roman College, then at the University of Pisa, where, after five years, he received the degree of Doctor of Laws. Returning to Rome, he applied himself to the practice of law under the able direction of his uncle, Cardinal Neri Corsini, a ma of the highest culture. After the death of his uncle and his father, in 1685, Lorenzo, now thirty-three years old, resigned his right of primogeniture and entered the ecclesiastical state. From Innocent XI he purchased, according to the custom of the time, for 30,000 scudi (dollars) a position of prelatial rank, and devoted his wealth and leisure to the enlargement of the library bequeathed to him by his uncle. In 1691 he was made titular Archbishop of Nicomedia and chosen nuncio to Vienna. He did not proceed to the imperial court, because Leopold advanced the novel claim, which Pope Alexander VIII refused to admit, of selecting a nuncio from a list of three names to be furnished by the pope. In 1696 Corsini was appointed to the arduous office of treasurer-general and governor of Castle Sant' Angelo. His good fortune increased during the pontificate of Clement XI, who employed his talents in affairs demanding tact and prudence. On 17 May, 1706, he was created Cardinal-Deacon of the Title of Santa Susanna, retaining the office of papal treasurer. He was attached to several of the most important congregations and was made protector of a score of religious institutions. He advanced still further under Benedict XIII, who assigned him to the Congregation of the Holy Office and made him prefect of the judicial tribunal known as the Segnatura di Giustizia. He was successively Cardinal-Priest of S. Pietro in Vincoli and Cardinal-Bishop of Frascati. He had thus held with universal applause all the important offices of the Roman Court, and it is not surprising that his elevation to the papacy filled the Romans with joy. In token of gratitude to his benefactor, Clement XI, and as a pledge that he would make that great pontiff his model, he assumed the title of Clement XII. Unfortunately he lacked the important qualities of youth and physical strength. The infirmities of old age bore heavily upon him. In the second year of his pontificate he became totally blind; in his later years he was compelled to keep his bed, from which he gave audiences and transacted affairs of state. Notwithstanding his physical decrepitude, he displayed a wonderful activity. He demanded restitution of ill-gotten goods from the ministers who had abused the confidence of his predecessor. The chief culprit, Cardinal Coscia, was mulcted in a heavy sum and sentenced to ten years' imprisonment. Clement surrounded himself with capable officials, and won the affection of his subjects by lightening their burdens, encouraging manufacture and the arts, and infusing a modern spirit into the laws relating to commerce. The public lottery, which had been suppressed by the severe morality of Benedict XIII, was revived by Clement, and poured into his treasury an annual sum amounting to nearly a half million of scudi (dollars), enabling him to undertake the extensive buildings which distinguish his reign. He began the majestic façade of St. John Lateran and built in that basilica the magnificent chapel of St. Andrew Corsini. He restored the Arch of Constantine and built the governmental palace of the Consulta on the Quirinal. He purchased from Cardinal Albani for 60,000 scudi the fine collection of statues, inscriptions, etc. with which he adorned the gallery of the Capitol. He paved the streets of Rome and the roads leading from the city, and widened the Corso. He began the great Fontana di Trevi, one of the noted ornaments of Rome. In order to facilitate the reunion of the Greeks, Clement XII founded at Ullano, in Calabria, the Corsini College for Greek students. With a similar intent he called to Rome Greek-Melchite monks of Mt. Lebanon, and assigned to them the ancient church of Santa Maria in Domnica. He dispatched Joseph Simeon Assemani to the East for the twofold purpose of continuing his search for manuscripts and presiding as legate over a national council of Maronites. We make no attempt to enumerate all the operations which this wonderful blind-stricken old man directed from his bed of sickness. His name is associated in Rome with the foundation and embellishment of institutions of all sorts. The people of Ancona hold him in well-deserved veneration and have erected on the public square a statue in his honour. He gave them a port which excited the envy of Venice, and built a highway that gave them easy access to the interior. He drained the marshes of the Chiana near Lake Trasimeno by leading the waters through a ditch fourteen miles long into the Tiber. He disavowed the arbitrary action of his legate, Cardinal Alberoni, in seizing San Marino, and restored the independence of that miniature republic. His activity in the spiritual concerns of the Church was equally pronounced. His efforts were directed towards raising the prevalent low tone of morality and securing discipline, especially in the cloisters. He issued the first papal decree against the Freemasons (1738). He fostered the new Congregation of the Passionists and gave to his fellow-Tuscan, St. Paul of the Cross, the church and monastery of Sts. John and Paul, with the beautiful garden overlooking the Colosseum. He canonized Sts. Vincent de Paul, John Francis Regis, Catherine Fieschi Adorni, Juliana Falconieri, and approved the cult of St. Gertrude. He proceeded with vigour against the French Jansenists and had the happiness to receive the submission of the Maurists to the Constitution Unigenitus. Through the efforts of his missionaries in Egypt 10,000 Copts, with their patriarch, returned to the unity of the Church. Clement persuaded the Armenian patriarch to remove from the diptychs the anathema against the Council of Chalcedon and St. Leo I. In his dealings with the powers of Europe, he managed by a union of firmness and moderation to preserve or restore harmony; but he was unable to maintain the rights of the Holy See over the Duchies of Parma and Piacenza. It was a consequence of his blindness that he should surround himself with trusted relatives; but he advanced them only as they proved their worth, and did little for his family except to purchase and enlarge the palace built in Trastevere for the Riarii, and now known as the Palazzo Corsini (purchased in 1884 by the Italian Government, and now the seat of the Regia Accademia dei Lincei). In 1754, his nephew, Cardinal Neri Corsini, founded there the famous Corsini Library, which in 1905 included about 70,000 books and pamphlets, 2288 incunabula or works printed in the first fifty or sixty years after the discovery of printing, 2511 manuscripts, and 600 autographs. Retaining his extraordinary faculties and his cheerful resignation to the end, he died in the Quirinal in his eighty-eighth year. His remains were transferred to his magnificent tomb in the Lateran, 20 July, 1742. |
Pope Pius VIII
1589 St. Bendict the Black Franciscan lay brother superior obscure and humble cook holiness reputation for miracles patron of African-Americans in the United States Canonized 24 May 1807 by |
1823-1829
Pope Leo XII (ANNIBALE FRANCESCO CLEMENTE MELCHIORE GIROLAMO NICOLA DELLA GENGA) Born at the Castello della Genga in the territory of Spoleto, 22 August, 1760; died in Rome, 10 February, 1829. His father's family had been ennobled by Leo XI in 1605; his mother was Maria Luisa Periberti of Fabriano. They had a large family, seven sons and three daughters, of which Annibale was the fifth son and sixth child. At the age of thirteen he was placed in the Collegio Campana of Osimo, whence he was transferred, in 1778, to the Collegio Piceno in Rome and shortly afterwards to the Accademia dei Nobili Ecclesiastici. He was ordained subdeacon four years later, and deacon in 1783. Two months later he was ordained priest, dispensation being obtained for the defect of age, as he was only twenty-three. He was of handsome person and engaging manners and, soon after his ordination, attracted the notice of Pius VII, who was visiting the Accademia, and by him was raised to the prelature as cameriere segreto. In 1790 he was chosen to deliver in the Sixtine Chapel the oration on the death of the Emperor Joseph II and accomplished his difficult task to the admiration of all hearers, without offending the susceptibilities of Austria or compromising the authority of the Holy See. In 1792 he became a canon of the Vatican church, and the following year was consecrated titular Archbishop of Tyre and sent as nuncio to Lucerne. Thence he was transferred to the nunciature at Cologne in 1794, a post which he occupied with great success for eleven years. In 1895 he was accredited as nuncio extraordinary to the Diet of Ratisbon by Pius VII in order that he might deal with the difficulties between the German Church and its Prussian rulers. Returning to Rome to confer with Consalvi on these matters, he learnt that Napoleon desired the substitution of another nuncio more devoted to his interest., in the person of Bernier, Bishop of Orléans. Pius VII, however, was firm and Della Genga returned to Munich. In 1798 he went with Cardinal Caprara to Paris with the object of arranging some agreement between the Holy See and Napoleon I. He was received, however, but coldly, and the negotiations soon came to nothing. Della Genga returned to Rome where he witnessed the indignities offered to Pius VII by the French. He returned in dismay to the Abbey of Monticelli, which had been granted to him in commendam for life by Pope Pius VI. Here he spent his time teaching his choir of peasants to play the organ and to sing plain-chant. Expecting to end his days there, he built in the abbey church the tombs of his mother and himself. But in 1814, with the fall of Napoleon, Pius VII returned to Rome and Mgr Della Genga was sent to Paris as envoy extraordinary to convey the pope's congratulations to King Louis XVIII. Consalvi, however, who was accredited to all the sovereigns then at Paris, strongly resented this mission, which he held to be a slight to himself. Louis XVIII endeavoured to smooth over matters, but the powerful Secretary of State had his way, and Della Genga returned to Rome, whence he again retired to Monticelli. Here he remained for two years, when Pius VII created him cardinal of Santa Maria in Trastevere and appointed him Bishop of Sinigaglia. But his ill-health necessitated residence in the healthy air of Spoleto and he never entered his diocese, which he resigned two years later. In 1820, his health being improved, he was made Vicar of Rome, arch-priest of the Liberian Basilica and prefect of several congregations. Three years later, on 20 August, Pius VII died; and on 2 September the conclave opened at the Quirinal. It lasted for twenty-six days. At first the most prominent candidates were Cardinal Severoli, the representative of the Zelanti, and Cardinal Castiglioni (afterwards Pius VIII), the representative of the moderate party. Castiglioni was the candidate most desired by the great Catholic powers, but, in spite of their wishes Severoli's influence grew daily and by the morning of 21 September, he had received as many as twenty-six votes. As this meant that he would probably be elected at the next scrutiny, Cardinal Albani, who represented Austria at the conclave, informed his colleagues that the election of Cardinal Severoli would not be acceptable to the emperor and pronounced a formal veto. The Zelanti were furious, but, at Severoli's suggestion, transferred their support to Della Genga, and before the powers realized what was happening, triumphantly elected him by thirty-four votes on the morning of 28 September. At first, however, the pope-elect was unwilling to accept the office. With tears he reminded the cardinals of his ill-health. "You are electing a dead man", he said, but, when they insisted that it was his duty to accept, he gave way and gracefully assuring Cardinal Castiglioni that he some day was to be Pius VIII, announced his own intention of taking the style of Leo XII. Immediately after his election he appointed Della Somaglia, an octogenarian, Secretary of State, an act significant of the policy of the new reign. Leo was crowned on 5 October. His first measures were some not very successful attempts to repress the brigandage and license then prevalent in Maritima and the Campagna, and the publication of an ordinance that confined again to their Ghettoes the Jews, who had moved into the city during the period of the Revolution. These measures are typical of the temper and policy of Leo XII. There is something pathetic in the contrast between the intelligence and masterly energy displayed by him as ruler of the Church and the inefficiency of his policy as ruler of the Papal States. In face of the new social and political order, he undertook the defence of ancient custom and accepted institutions; he had little insight into the hopes and visions of those who were then pioneers of the greater liberty that had become inevitable. Stern attempts were made to purify the Curia and to control the crowd of inefficient and venal officials that composed its staff. Indifferentism and the Protestant proselytism of the period were combated; the devotion of the Catholic world was estimated by the jubilee of 1825, in spite of the opposition of timid and reactionary prelates or sovereigns; the persecution of the Catholics in the Netherlands was met and overcome, and the movement for the emancipation of the Catholics in the British Isles was managed and encouraged till success was assured. Popular discontent with the government of the Papal States was met by the severities of Cardinal Rivarola. The legitimist cause in France and in Spain, though marked in both countries by the misuse of religion as an instrument of political reaction, was supported, even when (as in the suppression of the Jesuit schools in France, and the vacancy of Mexican sees owing to the claims of Spain over her former colonies) the representatives of that cause showed themselves indifferent or opposed to the interests of the Faith. Consalvi was consulted and admired by the pope, who, both in this case and that of the treasurer Cristaldi, showed himself too magnanimous to allow personal grievances to weigh against the appreciation of merit, but the cardinal's death in 1824 prevented the contribution of his wisdom to the councils of the Holy See. The Collegio Romano was restored to the efficient hands of the Jesuits in 1824; the Free-masons and other secret societies were condemned in 1825; the Vatican printing press was restored and the Vatican Library enriched; scholars like Zurla, Martucci, and Champollion were encouraged; much was done towards the rebuilding of St. Paul's and the restoration of the seemliness of worship. But Leo's health was too frail to support his unremitting devotion to the affairs of the Church. Even in December, 1823, he had nearly died, and recovered only as by a miracle, through the prayers of the venerable Bishop of Marittima, Vincenzo Strambi, whose life was offered to God and accepted in the stead of the pope's. On 5 February, 1829, after a private audience with Cardinal Bernetti, who had replaced Somaglia as Secretary of State in 1828, he was suddenly taken ill and seemed himself to know that his end was near. On the eighth he asked for and received the Viaticum and was anointed. On the evening of the ninth he lapsed into unconsciousness and on the morning of the tenth he died. He had a noble character, a passion for order and efficiency, but he lacked insight into, and sympathy with, the temporal developments of his period. His rule was unpopular in Rome and in the Papal States, and by various measures of his reign he diminished greatly for his successors their chances of solving the new problems that confronted them. |
1846
1878 Pius IX (Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti,
1792-1878) devotion to Mary led him
to favor the proclamation of the immaculate conception
(December 8, 1854)
Pius IX (Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti, 1792-1878) The longest-reigning pope, who played an important part in 19th century Italian and European developments, shaping the character of the Catholic church and the papacy prior to Vatican II, was born into a family of the lower nobility in Senigallia. His studies at the College of Volterre in Tuscany were interrupted by an attack of epilepsy, and were later resumed at the Roman College. He was ordained in 1819. His first assignment as a priest was at the Roman orphanage of Tata Giovanni, where he remained until 1823. From 1823 to 1825 he took part in a papal mission to Chile and Peru, and upon his return to Rome served as the director of the hospice of San Michele. Archbishop of Spoleto from 1827 to 1832, he became bishop of Imola in 1832, and was made a cardinal by Gregory XVI in 1840. During the conclave of 1846 he was elected to succeed Gregory, assuming the name Pius in honor of Pius VII, who also had been bishop of Imola. 1456 Blessed Gabriel Ferretti the scion of the counts Ferretti OFM (AC) Pope
Pius IX (Mastai-Ferretti) belonged to another
branch of Bd Gabriel's family.
BD GABRIEL OF ANCONA ST JAMES DELLA Marca, whose feast is kept on the 28th of this month, was instructed by Pope Callistus III to draw up an account of the life of this holy Franciscan. Unfortunately the document could not be found when his cultus came up for confirmation in 1753, and particulars of his career are few. He belonged to the Ferretti of Ancona and became a friar minor of the Observance when he was eighteen. He was a missioner for fifteen years in the March of Ancona, where he was conspicuous by his holiness and miracles, and was then appointed guardian of the Observants in his native town, It is said that he greatly encouraged among his young friars the use of the devotion called the Franciscan or Seraphic Crown, a rosary in honour of the joys of our Lady, and that her approval of this was marvelously demonstrated. On one occasion Bd Gabriel was reported to St James for some small dereliction of duty. St James, looking rather to the quality of the doer than the smallness of the fault, ordered him to accuse and discipline himself before his community. This Gabriel did cheerfully, and sent a sugar-loaf and a carpet for his church to St James as a token of goodwill. He died at Ancona on November 12, 1456. Pope Pius IX (Mastai-Ferretti) belonged to another branch of Bd Gabriel's family. Most of the older collections of Franciscan lives provide some account of Bd Gabriel for example, we find a tolerably full notice in Mazzara, Leggendarlo Francescano (i68o), vol. ii, pt 2, pp. 425-427. In particular a certain authority attaches to the information furnished by Wadding, Annales Ordinis Minoruin, vol. xii, nn. 206-214. Short sketches were published separately by V. M. Ferretti in ~ and by S. Melchiori in 1846. See also Leon, Aurdole Seraphique (Eng. trans.), vol. iv, pp. 61-66. Born in Ancona, Italy, 1385; cultus confirmed in 1753. Gabriel was the scion of the counts Ferretti. He became a Friar Minor at Ancona, and eventually provincial of Piceno in the Marches (Benedictines). Blessed Gabriel is represented as a Franciscan with a book on the ground before him, and a pool containing ducks. The Virgin and Child in glory appear in the heavens. Venerated at Ancona and the Marches (Roeder). Pius IX, who appreciated the need for reform, was immediately perceived as the patriotic pope prophesied by Gioberti in his Primato morale e civile deoli Italiani (1843). He confirmed this opinion by appointing Cardinal Gizzi, considered a leading liberal, as his secretary of state, and his July 16 amnesty of political prisoners, which won the heart of most Italians. A new press law in 1846 permitted the publication of liberal and national sentiments, and in 1847 Pius announced the formation of a consultative chamber or consulta to advise him on administrative and political matters. In June 1847 he instituted a council of ministers that was permitted to discuss the most important questions of state. Although Pius hesitated granting a civic guard, which would place arms in the hands of the people, he relented at the end of 1847, leading Cardinal Gizzi to resign. In January 1848, when Rome received word that Ferdinand II of Naples, in response to a revolutionary outburst, had granted his people a constitution, Pius was petitioned to do the same. On March 10, the pope, hoping to prevent a similar upheaval in the Papal States, announced the formation of a liberal ministry presided over by Cardinal Antonelli. Four days later the Roman constitution was published, creating two deliberate councils for the formation of law. To safeguard the position of the church, the councils were prohibited from discussing the diplomatic-religious relations of the Holy See or limiting its rights. Shortly after the constitution
of the Papal States was made public, Rom
e received word of the revolution in Vienna,
the flight of Metternich, the revolution against the Habsburg
control in Milan and Venice and the opening of a war
of national liberation, spearheaded by Charles Albert of
Piedmont-Sardinia. Pius was called upon to join the crusade against
Austria, but hesitated, fearing a German schism. In his
allocution of April 29, 1848, he announced that as common father
of all Catholics, he could not prevent his subjects from entering
the conflict as volunteers. The reaction to the Pope's pacific
policy, which was contrary to that of his constitutional ministry,
provoked unrest, and in mid-November 1848 a revolution in Rome.
The imposition of a radical, anti-Austrian ministry led
Pius to flee his capital for the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, the
evening of November 24 and subsequently call for the intervention
of the Catholic powers to crush the Roman Republic formed early
in 1849.
Although Cardinal Giacomo Antonelli orchestrated the Pope's successful flight from Rome and the diplomacy that led to the Papal restoration, he executed but did not initiate the anti-national, illiberal police pursued by Rome after 1849. This policy was inspired by Pius. The events of 1848 turned the pope against the constitutionalism and led him to question his earlier reformism. Subconsciously he deemed his pre-revolutionary flirtation with liberalism partly responsible for the revolutionary outbreak of 1848 in Italy, and warned of the grave consequences risked by ecclesiastics who sought the approval of the masses. The pontiff admitted that initially he was deceived by the agitation that called for reform and legitimate change. But having provided all the concessions he should have granted, he found himself confronted with demonstrations and demands for more. The cycle came to an end, Pius explained, when the revolutionaries wanted him to play the part of an aggressor; he refused, and was forced to flee from his state. During his exile, after long prayer he had come to see the basic incompatibility between constitutionalism and the governance of the church. The reformist pope of 1846-1848 turned into the conservative of the second restoration. Following his return to Rome in 1850, Pius IX, who had abandoned liberalism and resisted secularization, refused to negotiate on the issue of the temporal power, which he deemed essential for the preservation of the church. Offended by what he perceived as an anticlerical campaign on the part of the Turin government, he refused to negotiate with the Piedmontese, and after 1861, would not recognize the Kingdom of Italy. A priest first and a prince second, Pius left diplomatic and political affairs following the restoration in the hands of his secretary of state, Antonelli, as he focussed on ecclesiastical matters. Pius reestablished the hierarchy in England in 1850 and that in the Netherlands in 1853, while his devotion to Mary led him to favor the proclamation of the immaculate conception (December 8, 1854). In April 1855 Pius Antonelli and more than 100 seminarians escaped injury when the floor in the Convent of Sant' Agnese collapsed. Pius was convinced that this miraculous event was due to the intervention of the holy mother. To show his gratitude, in 1857 the pope visited her shrine at Loreto. Determined to safeguard the church against the war he believed was being waged against religion, Pius favored neoscholasticism and centralization. In 1864 he issued the encyclical Quanta cura to which was appended the "syllabus of errors" which denounced the notion that the temporal power should be abolished, while condemning liberalism, nationalism and the separation of church and state. The pope's counteroffensive was continued by the calling of the Vatican Council, which culminated in the declaration of papal infallibility, July 18, 1870. Frank J. Coppa Bibliography Coppa, Frank J. "Pessimism and Traditionalism in the Personality and Policies of Pio Nono," Journal of Italian History, II (Autumn, 1979), 209-217. Coppa, Frank J. Pope Pius IX: Crusader in a Secular Age. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1979. Demarco, Domenico. Pio IX e la rivoluzione romana del 1848. Modena: Societa Tipografica Modenese, 1947. Hales, E.E.Y. Pio Nono: A Study in European Politics and Religion in the Nineteenth Century. Garden City: Doubleday and Co., 1954. Martina, Giacomo. Pio IX (1846-1850) and Pio IX (1851-1866). Rome: Università Gregoriana Editrice, 1974, 1986. |
Pope Leo XIII
Gioacchino Vincenzo Raffaele
Luigi Pecci 20 February, 1878; 20 July, 1903; doctorate
of theology; Civilization owes much to Leo
for his stand on the social question. Civilization owes
much to Leo for his stand on the social question. The ecclesiastical
sciences found a generous patron in Pope Leo. Even among
the Copts his efforts at reunion made headway. Under Leo the
Catholic Faith made great progress; With regard to the
Kingdom of Italy, Leo XIII maintained Pius IX's attitude
of protest; In Portugal the Government ceased to support
the Goan schism, and in 1886 a concordat was drawn up.
The United States at all times attracted the attention and
admiration of Pope Leo. Throughout his entire pontificate
he was able to keep on good terms with France; 1872 also
he introduced the government standards for studies of the secondary
schools and colleges. Bishop of Perugia; 1843,
appointed nuncio to Brussels.
Born 2 March, 1810, at Carpineto;
elected pope 20 February, 1878; died 20
July, 1903, at Rome. Gioacchino Vincenzo Raffaele
Luigi was the sixth of the seven sons of Count Lodovico
Pecci and his wife Anna Prosperi-Buzi. There was some
doubt as to the nobility of the Pecci family, and when
the young Gioacchino sought admission to the Accademia dei
Nobili in Rome he met with a certain opposition, whereupon
he wrote the history of his family, showing that the Pecci
of Carpineto were a branch of the Pecci of Siena, obliged to
emigrate to the Papal States in the first half of the sixteenth
century, under Clement VII,
because they had sided with the Medici.
At the age of eight,
together with his brother Giuseppe, aged
ten, he was sent to study at the new Jesuit school
in Viterbo, the present seminary. He remained there
six years (1818-24), and gained that classical facility
in the use of Latin and Italian afterwards justly admired
in his official writings and his poems. Much credit for
this is due to his teacher, Padre Leonardo Garibaldi. When,
in 1824, the Collegio Romano was given back to the Jesuits,
Gioacchino and his brother Giuseppe entered as students of humanities
and rhetoric. At the end of his rhetoric course Gioacchino was
chosen to deliver the address in Latin, and selected as his subject,
"The Contrast between Pagan and Christian Rome". Not less successful
was his three years' course of philosophy and natural sciences.
He remained yet
uncertain as to his calling, though it
had been the wish of his mother that he should
embrace the ecclesiastical state. Like many other young
Romans of the period who aimed at a public career, he
took up meanwhile the study of theology as well as canon
and civil law. Among his professors were the famous theologian
Perrone and the scripturist Patrizi. In 1832 he obtained
the doctorate of theology, whereupon, after the difficulties
referred to above, he asked and obtained admission to the
Academy of Noble Ecclesiastics, and entered upon the study
of canon and civil law at the Sapienza University. Thanks
to his talents, and to the protection of Cardinals Sala and Pacca,
he was appointed domestic prelate by Gregory XVI in January, 1837,
while still in minor orders, and in March of that year was
made "referendario della Segnatura", which office he soon exchanged
for one in the Congregazione del Buon Governo, or Ministry of
the Interior for the Pontifical States, of which his protector
Cardinal Sala was at that time prefect.
During the cholera epidemic in Rome he ably assisted Cardinal Sala in his duties as overseer of all the city hospitals. His zeal and ability convinced Cardinal Sala that Pecci was fitted for larger responsibilities, and he again urged him to enter the priesthood, hinting in addition that before long he might be promoted to a post where the priesthood would be necessary. Yielding to these solicitations, he was ordained priest 31 Dec., 1837, by Cardinal Odeschalchi, Vicar of Rome, in the chapel of St. Stanislaus on the Quirinal. The post hinted at by Cardinal Sala was that of Delegate or civil Governor of Benevento, a city subject to the Holy See but situated in the heart of the Kingdom of Naples. Its condition was very unsatisfactory; the brigands of the Neapolitan territory infested the country in great numbers, survivals of the Napoleonic Wars and the guerrilla of the Sanfedisti. Gregory XVI thought a young and energetic delegate necessary. Cardinal Lambruschini, secretary of state, and Cardinal Sala suggested the name of Mgr. Pecci, who set out for Benevento 2 February, 1838. On his recovery from an attack of typhoid fever, he set to work to stamp out brigandage, and soon his vigilance, indomitable purpose, and fearless treatment of the nobles who protected the brigands and smugglers, pacified the whole province. Aided by the nuncio at Naples, Mgr. di Pietro, the youthful delegate drew up an agreement with the Naples police for united action against brigands. He also turned his attention to the roads and highways, and arranged for a more just distribution of taxes and duties, until then the same as those imposed by the invading French, and, though exorbitant, exacted with the greatest rigour. Meanwhile the Holy See and Naples were discussing the exchange of Benevento for a stretch of Neapolitan territory bordering on the Papal States. When Mgr. Pecci heard of this he memorialized the Holy See so strongly against it that the negotiations were broken off. The results obtained
in three years by the delegate at Benevento
led Gregory XVI to entrust another delegation
to him where a strong personality was required, though
for very different reasons. He was first destined for
Spoleto, but on 17 July, 1841, he was sent to Perugia, a
hotbed of the anti-papal revolutionary party. For three
years he improved the material conditions of his territory
and introduced a more expeditious and economical administration
of justice. He also began a savings bank to assist small
tradesmen and farmers with loans at a low rate of interest,
reformed educational methods, and was otherwise active for
the common welfare.
In January, 1843,
he was appointed nuncio to Brussels, as
successor of Mgr. Fornari, appointed nuncio
at Paris. On 19 Feb., he was consecrated titular Archbishop
of Damiata by Cardinal Lambruschini, and set out for
his post. On his arrival he found rather critical conditions.
The school question was warmly debated between the Catholic
majority and the Liberal minority. He encouraged the bishops
and the laity in their struggle for Catholic schools, yet
he was able to win the good will of the Court, not only of
the pious Queen Louise, but also of King Leopold I, strongly Liberal
in his views.
The new nuncio succeeded in uniting the Catholics, and to him is owing the idea of a Belgian college in Rome (1844). He made a journey (1845) through Rhenish Prussia (Cologne, Mainz, Trier), and owing to his vigilance the schismatic agitation of the priest Ronge, on the occasion of the exposition of the Holy Coat of Trier in 1844, did not affect Belgium. Meanwhile the See of Perugia became vacant, and Gregory XVI, moved by the wishes of the Perugians and the needs of that city and district, appointed Mgr. Pecci Bishop of Perugia, retaining however the title of archbishop. With a very flattering
autograph letter from King Leopold, Mgr.
Pecci left Brussels to spend a month in London
and another in Paris. This brought him in touch with
both courts, and afforded him opportunities for meeting many
eminent men, among others Wiseman, afterwards cardinal.
Rich in experience and in new ideas, and with greatly broadened views, he returned to Rome on 26 May, 1846, where he found the pope on his deathbed, so that he was unable to report to him. He made his solemn entry into Perugia 27 July, 1846, where he remained for thirty-two years. Gregory XVI had intended to make him a cardinal, but his death and the events that troubled the opening years of the pontificate of Pius IX postponed this honour until 19 December, 1853. Pius IX desired to have him near his person, and repeatedly offered him a suburbicarian see, but Mgr. Pecci preferred Perugia, and perhaps was not in accord with Cardinal Antonelli. It is certainly untrue that Pius IX designedly left him in Perugia, much more untrue that he did so because Pecci's views were liberalistic and conciliatory. As Bishop of Perugia he sought chiefly to inculcate piety and knowledge of the truths of Faith. He insisted that his priests should preach, and should catechise not only the young but the grown up; and for this purpose he wished one hour in the afternoon set apart on Sundays and feast days, thus forestalling one of the regulations laid down by Pius X in 1905 for the whole Church. He brought out a new edition of the diocesan catechism (1856), and for his clergy he wrote a practical guide for the exercise of the ministry (1857). He provided frequently for retreats and missions. After the Piedmontese occupation and the suppression of the religious orders the number of priests was greatly diminished; to remedy this lack of ecclesiastical ministers, he established an association of diocesan missionaries ready to go wherever sent (1875). He sought to create a learned and virtuous clergy, and for this purpose spent much care on the material, moral, and scientific equipment of his seminary, which he called the apple of his eye. Between 1846 and 1850 he enlarged its buildings at considerable personal sacrifice, secured excellent professors, presided at examinations, and himself gave occasional instruction. He introduced the study of the philosophy and theology of St. Thomas, and in 1872 established an "Accademia di S. Tommaso", which he had planned as far back as 1858. In 1872 also he
introduced the government standards for
studies of the secondary schools and colleges.
When the funds of the seminary were converted into state
bonds, its revenues were seriously affected, and this
entailed new sacrifices on the bishop. With the exception
of a few troublesome priests who relied on the protection
of the new government, the discipline of the clergy was excellent.
For the assistance of many priests impoverished by the confiscation of church funds, he instituted in 1873 the Society of S. Gioacchino, and for charitable works generally, conferences of St. Vincent de Paul. He remodelled many educational institutions for the young and began others, for the care of which he invited from Belgium nuns of the Sacred Heart and Brothers of Mercy. During his episcopate thirty-six new churches were built in the diocese. His charity and foresight worked marvels during the famine of 1854, consequent on the earthquake which had laid waste a large part of Umbria. Throughout the political troubles of the period, he was a strong supporter of the temporal power of the Holy See, but he was careful to avoid anything that might give the new government pretext for further annoyances. Shortly after his
arrival in Perugia there occurred a popular
commotion which his personal intervention succceeded
in appeasing. In 1849, when bands of Garibaldians
expelled from Rome were infesting the Umbrian hills, the
Austrians under Prince Liechtenstein hastened to occupy
Perugia, but Mgr. Pecci, realizing that this foreign occupation
would only increase the irritation of the inhabitants, set
out for the Austrian camp and succeeded in saving the town
from occupation. In 1859 a few outlaws set up in Perugia
a provisional government; when the cardinal heard that, few as
they were, they were preparing to resist the pontifical troops
advancing under Colonel Schmidt he wrote a generous letter to try
and dissuade them from their mad purpose and to avoid a useless
shedding of blood. Unfortunately they spurned his advice, and the
result was the so-called "Massacre of Perugia" (20 June).
In February, 1860, he wrote a pastoral letter on the necessity of the temporal power of the Holy See; but on 14 September of that year Perugia and Umbria were annexed to Piedmont. In vain he besought General Fanti not to bombard the town; and during the first years that followed the annexation he wrote, either in his own name or in the name of the bishops of Umbria, eighteen protests against the various laws and regulations of the new Government on ecclesiastical matters: against civil marriage, the suppression of the religious orders and the inhuman cruelty of their oppressors, the "Placet" and "Exequatur" in ecclesiastical nominations, military service for ecclesiastics, and the confiscation of church property. But withal he was so cautious and prudent, in spite of his outspokenness, that he was never in serious difficulties with the civil power. Only once was he brought before
the courts, and then he was acquitted.
In August, 1877,
on the death of Cardinal de Angelis, Pius IX appointed him camerlengo,
so that he was obliged to reside in Rome. Pope Pius died 7 February, 1878,
and during his closing years the Liberal
press had often insinuated that the Italian Government
should take a hand in the conclave and occupy the
Vatican. However the Russo-Turkish War and the sudden death
of Victor Emmanuel II (9 January, 1878) distracted the attention
of the Government, the conclave proceeded as usual, and
after the three scrutinies Cardinal Pecci was elected
by forty-four votes out of sixty-one
Shortly before this he had written an inspiring pastoral to his flock on the Church and civilization. Ecclesiastical affairs were in a difficult and tangled state. Pius IX, it is true, had won for the papacy the love and veneration of Christendom, and even the admiration of its adversaries. But, though inwardly strengthened, its relations with the civil powers had either ceased or were far from cordial. But the fine diplomatic tact of Leo succeeded in staving off ruptures, in smoothing over difficulties, and in establishing good relations with almost all the powers. Throughout
his entire pontificate he was able to keep
on good terms with France, and he pledged himself
to its Government that he would call on all Catholics
to accept the Republic. But in spite of his efforts very
few monarchists listened to him, and towards the end of
his life he beheld the coming failure of his French policy,
though he was spared the pain of witnessing the final catastrophe
which not even he could have averted.
It was to Leo that France owed her alliance with Russia; in this way he offset the Triple Alliance, hoped to ward off impending conflicts, and expected friendly assistance for the solution of the Roman question. With Germany he was more fortunate. On the very day of his election, when notifying the emperor of the event, he expressed the hope of seeing relations with the German Government re-established, and, though the emperor's reply was coldly civil, the ice was broken. Soon Bismarck, unable to govern with the Liberals, to win whose favour he had started the Kulturkampf, found he needed the Centre Party, or Catholics, and was willing to come to terms. As early as 1878 negotiations began at Kissingen between Bismarck and Aloisi-Masella, the nuncio to Munich; they were carried a step farther at Venice between the nuncio Jacobini and Prince von Reuss; soon after this some of the Prussian laws against the Church were relaxed. From about 1883 bishops began to be appointed to various sees, and some of the exiled bishops were allowed to return. By 1884 diplomatic relations were renewed, and in 1887 a modus vivendi between Church and State was brought about. Bismarck proposed that Pope Leo should arbitrate between Germany and Spain. The good feeling with Germany found expression in the three visits paid Leo by William II (1888, 1893, and 1903), whose father also, when crown prince (1883) had visited the Vatican. As a sort of quid pro quo Bismarck thought the pope ought to use his authority to prevent the Catholics from opposing some of his political schemes. Only once did Leo interfere in a parliamentary question, and then his advice was followed. In 1880 relations with the Belgian Government were again broken off à propos of the school question, on the pretext that the pope was lending himself to duplicity, encouraging the bishops to resist, and pretending to the Government that he was urging moderation. As a matter of fact, the suppression of the Belgian embassy to the Vatican had been settled on before the school question arose. In 1883 the new Catholic Government restored it. During Pope Leo's pontificate the condition of the Church in Switzerland improved somewhat, especially in the Ficino, in Aargau, and in Basle. In Russia Soloviev's attempt on Alexander II (14 April, 1879) and the silver jubilee of that czar's reign (1888) gave the pope an opportunity to attempt a rapprochement. But it was not until after Alexander III came to the throne (1883) that an agreement was reached, by which a few episcopal sees were tolerated and some of the more stringent laws against the Catholic clergy slightly relaxed. But when in 1884, Leo consented to present to the czar a petition from the Ruthenian Catholics against the oppression they had to suffer, the persecution only increased in bitterness. In the last year of Alexander III (May, 1894) diplomatic relations were re-established. On the day of his election, Leo had expressed to this emperor the wish to see diplomatic relations restored; Alexander, like William, though more warmly, answered in a non-committal manner. In the meantime Leo was careful to exhort the Poles under Russian domination to be loyal subjects. Among acts of Leo
XIII that affected the English-speaking
world may be mentioned: for England, the elevation
of John Henry Newman to the cardinalate (1879), the
"Romanos Pontifices" of 1881 concerning the relations
of the hierarchy and the regular clergy, the beatification
(1886) of fifty English martyrs, the celebration of the
thirteenth centenary of St. Gregory the Great, Apostle of
England (1891), the Encyclicals "Ad Anglos" of 1895, on the
return to Catholic unity, and the "Apostolicæ
Curæ" of 1896, on the non-validity of the Anglican
orders.
He restored the Scotch hierarchy in 1878, and in 1898 addressed to the Scotch a very touching letter. In English India Pope Leo established the hierarchy in 1886, and regulated there long-standing conflicts with the Portugese authorities. In 1903 King Edward VII paid him a visit at the Vatican. The Irish Church experienced his pastoral solicitude on many occasions. His letter to Archbishop McCabe of Dublin (1881), the elevation of the same prelate to the cardinalate in 1882, the calling of the Irish bishops to Rome in 1885, the decree of the Holy Office (13 April, 1888) on the plan of campaign and boycotting, and the subsequent Encyclical of 24 June, 1888, to the Irish hierarchy represent in part his fatherly concern for the Irish people, however diverse the feelings they aroused at the height of the land agitation. The United States
at all times attracted the attention and
admiration of Pope Leo.
He confimed the decrees of the Third Plenary
Council of Baltimore (1884), and raised to the cardinalate
Archbishop Gibbons of that city (1886). His favourable
action (1888), at the instance of Cardinal Gibbons, towards
the Knights of Labour won him general approval. In 1889 he
sent a papal delegate, Monsignor Satolli, to represent him at
Washington on the occasion of the foundation of the Catholic
University of America. The Apostolic Delegation at Washington
was founded in 1892; in the same year appeared his Encyclical on
Christopher Columbus. In 1893 he participated in the Chicago Exposition
held to commemorate the fourth centenary of the discovery of America;
this he did by the loan of valuable relics, and by sending Monsignor
Satolli to represent him. In 1895 he addressed to the hierarchy
of the United States his memorable Encyclical "Longinqua Oceani
Spatia"; in 1898 appeared his letter "Testem Benevolentiæ"
to Cardinal Gibbons on "Americanism"; and in 1902 his admirable letter
to the American hierarchy in response to their congratulations on
his pontifical jubilee. In Canada he confirmed the agreement made with the Province of Quebec (1889) for the settlement of the Jesuit Estates question, and in 1897 sent Monsignor Merry del Val to treat in his name with the Government concerning the obnoxious Manitoba School Law. His name will also long be held in benediction in South America for the First Plenary Council of Latin America held at Rome (1899), and for his noble Encyclical to the bishops of Brazil on the abolition of slavery (1888). In Portugal the
Government ceased to support the Goan schism,
and in 1886 a concordat was drawn up. Concordats
with Montenegro (1886) and Colombia (1887) followed.
The Sultan of Turkey, the Shah of Persia, the Emperors
of Japan and of China (1885), and the Negus of Abyssinia,
Menelik, sent him royal gifts and received gifts from him
in return. His charitable intervention with the negus in
favour of the Italians taken prisoners at the unlucky battle
of Adna (1898) failed owing to the attitude taken by those
who ought to have been most grateful. He was not successful
in establishing direct diplomatic relations with the Sublime
Porte and with China, owing to the jealousy of France and her
fear of losing the protectorate over Christians.
During the negotiations concerning church property in the Philippines, Mr. Taft, later President of the United States, had an opportunity of admiring the pope's great qualities, as he himself declared on a memorable occasion. With regard to
the Kingdom of Italy, Leo XIII maintained Pius IX's attitude of protest,
thus confirming the ideas he had expressed in his pastoral of 1860. He desired
complete independence for the Holy See,
and consequently its restoration as a real sovereignty.
Repeatedly, when distressing incidents took place
in Rome, he sent notes to the various governments pointing
out the intolerable position in which the Holy See was
placed through its subjection to a hostile power. For
the same reason he upheld the "Non expedit", or prohibition
against Italian Catholics taking part in political elections.
His idea was that once the Catholics abstained from voting,
the subversive elements in the country would get the upper hand
and the Italian Government be obliged to come to terms with
the Holy See. Events proved he was mistaken, and the idea was abandoned
by Pius X. At one time, however, "officious" negotiations were
kept up between the Holy See and the Italian Government through the
agency of Monsignor Carini, Prefect of the Vatican Library and
a great friend of Crispi. But it is not known on what lines they were
conducted. On Crispi's part there could have been no question of
ceding any territory to the Holy See. France, moreover, then irritated
against Italy because of the Triple Alliance, and fearing that
any rapprochement between the Vatican and the Quirinal would
serve to increase her rival's prestige, interfered and forced
Leo to break off the aforesaid negotiations by threatening to renew
hostilities against the Church in France. The death of Monsignor
Carini shortly after this (25 June, 1895) gave rise to the senseless
rumour that he had been poisoned.
Pope Leo was no less active concerning the interior life of the Church. To increase the piety of the faithful, he recommended in 1882 the Third Order of St. Francis, whose rules in 1883 he wisely modified; he instituted the feast of the Holy Family, and desired societies in its honour to be founded everywhere (1892); many of his encyclicals preach the benefits of the Rosary; and he favoured greatly devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Under Leo the Catholic
Faith made great progress; during his pontificate
two hundred and forty-eight episcopal or archiepiscopal
sees were created, and forty-eight vicariates
or prefectures Apostolic.
Catholics of Oriental rites were objects of special attention; he had the good fortune to see the end of the schism which arose in 1870 between the Uniat Armenians and ended in 1879 by the conversion of Mgr. Kupelian and other schismatical bishops. He founded a college at Rome for Armenian ecclesiastical students (1884), and by dividing the college of S. Atanasio he was able to give the Ruthenians a college of their own; already in 1882 he had reformed the Ruthenian Order of St. Basil; for the Chaldeans he founded at Mossul a seminary of which the Dominicans have charge. In a memorable encyclical of 1897 he appealed to all the schismatics of the East, inviting them to return to the Universal Church, and laying down rules for governing the relations between the various rites in countries of mixed rites. Even among the Copts his efforts
at reunion made headway.
The ecclesiastical sciences found
a generous patron in Pope Leo.
His Encyclical "Æterni
Patris" (1880) recommended the study of Scholastic
philosophy, especially that of St. Thomas Aquinas, but
he did not advise a servile study. In Rome he established
the Apollinare College, a higher institute for the Latin,
Greek, and Italian classics. At his suggestion a Bohemian
college was founded at Rome. At Anagni he founded and entrusted
to the Jesuits a college for all the dioceses of the Roman
Campagna, on which are modelled the provincial or "regional"
seminaries desired by Pius X. Historical scholars are indebted to him for the opening of the Vatican Archives (1883), on which occasion he published a splendid encyclical on the importance of historical studies, in which he declares that the Church has nothing to fear from historical truth. For the administration of the Vatican Archives and Library he called on eminent scholars (Hergenröther, Denifle, Ehrle; repeatedly he tried to obtain Janssen, but the latter declined, as he was eager to finish his "History of the German People"). For the convenience of students of the archives and the library he established a consulting library. The Vatican Observatory is also one of the glories of Pope Leo XIII. To excite Catholic students to rival non-Catholics in the study of the Scriptures, and at the same time to guide their studies, he published the "Providentissimus Deus" (1893), which won the admiration even of Protestants, and in 1902 he appointed a Biblical Commission. Also, to guard against the dangers of the new style of apologetics founded on Kantism and now known as Modernism, he warned in 1899 the French clergy (Encycl. "Au Milieu"), and before that, in a Brief addressed to Cardinal Gibbons, he pointed out the dangers of certain doctrines to which had been given the name of "Americanism" (22 Jan., 1899). In the Brief "Apostolicæ Curæ"(1896) he definitively decided against the validity of Anglican Orders. In several other memorable encyclicals he treated of the most serious questions affecting modern society. They are models of classical style, clearness of statement, and convincing logic. The most important are: "Arcanum divinæ sapientiæ" (1880) on Christian marriage; "Diuturnum illlud" (1881), and "Immortale Dei" (1885) on Christianity as the foundation of political life; "Sapientiæ christianæ" (1890) on the duties of a Christian citizen; "Libertas" (1888) on the real meaning of liberty; "Humanum genus" (1884) against Freemasonry (he also issued other documents bearing on this subject). Civilization owes much to Leo
for his stand on the social question.
As early as 1878, in
his encyclical on the equality of all men, he attacked
the fundamental error of Socialism. The Encyclical "Rerum
novarum" (18 May, 1891) set forth with profound erudition
the Christian principles bearing on the relations between
capital and labour, and it gave a vigorous impulse to the social
movement along Christian lines. In Italy, especially, an intense,
well-organized movement began; but gradually dissensions
broke out, some leaning too much towards Socialism and giving to
the words "Christian Democracy" a political meaning, while others
erred by going to the opposite extreme. In 1901 appeared the Encyclical
"Graves de Communi", destined to settle the controverted points.
The "Catholic Action" movement in Italy was recognized, and to
the "Opera dei Congressi" was added a second group that took for
its watchword economic-social action. Unfortunately this latter
did not last long, and Pius X had to create a new party which
has not yet overcome its internal difficulties. Under Leo the religious orders
developed wonderfully.
New orders were founded, older ones
increased, and in a short time made up for the losses
occasioned by the unjust spoliation they had been subjected
to. Along every line of religious and educational activity
they have proved no small factor in the awakening and strengthening
of the Christian life of the whole country. For their better
guidance wise constitutions were issued; reforms were made;
orders such as the Franciscans and Cistercians, which in times
past had divided off into sections, were once more united; and
the Benedictines were given an abbot-primate, who resides at
St. Anselm's College, founded in Rome under the auspices of Pope
Leo (1883). Rules were laid down concerning members of religious
orders who became secularized. In canon law Pope
Leo made no radical change, yet no part
of it escaped his vigilance, and opportune modifications
were made as the needs of the times required. On
the whole his pontificate of twenty-five years was certainly,
in external success, one of the most brilliant. It is
true the general peace between nations favoured it. The
people were tired of that anticlericalism which had led governments
to forget their real purpose, i.e. the well-being of the governed;
and, on the other hand, prudent statesmen feared excessive
catering to the elements subversive of society. Leo himself used
every endeavour to avoid friction. His three jubilees (the golden
jubilees of his priesthood and of his episcopate, and the silver
jubilee of his pontificate) showed how wide was the popular sympathy
for him. Moreover, his appearance either at Vatican receptions
or in St. Peter's was always a signal for outbursts of enthusiasm.
Leo was far from robust in health, but the methodical regularity
of his life stood him in good stead. He was a tireless worker,
and always exacted more than ordinary effort from those who
worked with him. The conditions of the Holy See did not permit
him to do much for art, but he renewed the apse of the Lateran Basilica,
rebuilt its presbytery, and in the Vatican caused a few halls
to be painted.
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1914 St.
Pius X "I was born poor, I have lived in
poverty, and I wish to die poor" On June 2, 1835, Giuseppe Melchiorre
Sarto saw the light of earth at Riesi,
Province of Treviso, in Venice; on August 20,
1914, he saw the light of heaven; and on May 29, 1954, he who had become the two
hundred fifty-ninth pope was canonized St. Pius X.
(Italian "Pope of the Blessed Sacrament," reigned 1903-1914)Two
of the most outstanding accomplishments of this
saintly Pope were the inauguration of the liturgical
renewal and the restoration
of frequent communion from childhood.
He also waged an unwavering war against the heresy
and evils of Modernism, gave great impetus to biblical
studies, and brought about the codification of Canon Law.
His overriding concern was to renew all things in Christ.
Above all, his holiness shown forth conspicuously. From St. Pius X we learn again that "the folly of the Cross", simplicity of life, and humility of heart are still the highest wisdom and the indispensable conditions of a perfect Christian life, for they are the very source of all apostolic fruitfulness. Pope Pius X is perhaps best
remembered for his encouragement of the frequent reception of Holy Communion,
especially by children. The second of 10 children in a poor Italian family,
Joseph Sarto became Pius X at 68, one of the twentieth century’s greatest
popes. Ever mindful of his humble origin, he stated, “I was born poor, I
lived poor, I will die poor.” He was embarrassed by some of the pomp of the
papal court. “Look how they have dressed me up,” he said
in tears to an old friend. To another, “It is a penance to be forced to accept
all these practices. They lead me around surrounded by soldiers like Jesus
when he was seized in Gethsemani.”
Interested in politics, he encouraged Italian Catholics to become more politically involved. One of his first papal acts was to end the supposed right of governments to interfere by veto in papal elections—a practice that reduced the freedom of the conclave which elected him. In 1905, when France renounced its agreement with the Holy See and threatened confiscation of Church property if governmental control of Church affairs were not granted, Pius X courageously rejected the demand. While he did not author a famous social encyclical as his predecessor had done, he denounced the ill treatment of the Indians on the plantations of Peru, sent a relief commission to Messina after an earthquake and sheltered refugees at his own expense. On the eleventh anniversary
of his election as pope, Europe was plunged into World War I. Pius had foreseen
it, but it killed him. “This is the last
affliction the Lord will visit on me. I would
gladly give my life to save my poor children from this
ghastly scourge.” He died a few weeks after the WWI began.
Comment: His humble background was
no obstacle in relating to a personal God and to people
whom he loved genuinely. He gained his strength, his
gentleness and warmth for people from the source of all gifts,
the Spirit of Jesus. In contrast, we often feel embarrassed
by our backgrounds. Shame makes us prefer to remain aloof
from people whom we perceive as superior. If we are in a superior
position, on the other hand, we often ignore simpler people.
Yet we, too, have to help “restore all things in Christ,” especially
the wounded people of God. Quote: Describing Pius X, a
historian wrote that he was “a man of God who knew the unhappiness of the
world and the hardships of life, and in the greatness of his heart wanted
to comfort everyone.”
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1914 - 1922 Benedict
XV Benedict
was first a pope struggling for peace. Benedict XV's reign was an overture
to the reigns of Pius XI and Pius XII. Much that they
achieved was initiated by him. But it was a muted overture.
The first four years and two months of his reign were the years
of the First World War. After the armistice Benedict reigned
for three years and two months, a period which was one of exhaustion
and then slow recovery from the carnage which had wasted so much
of Europe..
James della Chiesa born 1854 Pope Benedict XV (Latin: Benedictus PP. XV), (Italian: Benedetto XV), (November 21, 1854 – January 22, 1922), born Giacomo Paolo Giovanni Battista della Chiesa, reigned as Pope from September 3, 1914 to January 22, 1922; he succeeded Pope Pius X (1903–14). Early life The last of the "noble papal family" popes, Giacomo della Chiesa was born at Pegli, a suburb of Genoa, Italy, the son of marchese Giuseppe della Chiesa and his wife marchesa Giovanna Migliorati. He acquired a doctorate of law in 1875, after which he studied for the priesthood. He was ordained priest on December 21, 1878. Shortly after ordination, he began studies at the training school for the Vatican diplomatic service, in which he would spend most of his career. Once he had entered the diplomatic service, Mariano Cardinal Rampolla was a friend and patron, employing him as a secretary on being posted to Madrid and subsequently on being appointed Cardinal Secretary of State. During these years Della Chiesa helped negotiate the resolution of a dispute between Germany and Spain over the Caroline Islands as well as organising relief during a cholera epidemic. When Rampolla left his post with the election of Pope Pius X, and was succeeded by Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val, Della Chiesa was retained in his post. But Della Chiesa's association with Rampolla, the architect of Pope Leo XIII's (1878–1903) foreign policy, made his position in the Secretariat of State under the new pontificate (with its more strongly uncompromising foreign policy) somewhat uncomfortable. He was soon moved out of the diplomatic service, on 18 December 1907 becoming Archbishop of Bologna. On 25 May 1914 Della Chiesa was created a cardinal, becoming Cardinal Priest of the titulus Ss. Quattuor Coronatorum. In this capacity, on the outbreak of World War I (1914–18) – with the papacy vacant upon Pius X's death on 20 August 1914 – he made a speech on the Church's position and duties, emphasising the need for neutrality and promoting peace and the easing of suffering. The conclave opened at the end of August 1914. The war would clearly be the dominant issue of the new pontificate, so the cardinals' priority was to choose a man with great diplomatic experience. Thus on 3 September 1914 Della Chiesa, despite having been a Cardinal only three months, was elected Pope, taking the name of Benedict XV. Pontificate Benedict XV's pontificate was dominated by World War I, which he termed "the suicide of Europe", and its turbulent aftermath. Benedict's first encyclical extended a heartfelt plea for an end to hostilities. His early call for a Christmas truce in 1914 was ignored. The Pope organized significant humanitarian efforts (establishing a Vatican bureau, for instance, to help prisoners of war from all nations contact their families) and made many unsuccessful attempts to negotiate peace, but these pleas for a negotiated peace made him unpopular, even in Catholic countries like Italy, among many supporters of the war who were determined to accept nothing less than total victory. His best known intervention was the seven-point Papal Peace proposal of August 1917, demanding a cessation of hostilities, a reduction of armaments, guaranteed freedom of the seas, and international arbitration. Only Woodrow Wilson responded directly, declaring that a declaration of peace was premature; in Europe each side saw him as biased in favour of the other and were unwilling to accept the terms he proposed. This resentment contributed to the exclusion of the Vatican from the Paris Peace conference of 1919 (although it was also part of a historical pattern of political and diplomatic marginalization of the papacy after the loss of the papal states); despite this, he wrote an encyclical pleading for international reconciliation, Pacem, Dei Munus Pulcherrimum. There is a statue in Saint Peter's Basilica of the Pontiff absorbed in prayer, kneeling on a tomb which commemorates a fallen soldier of the war, which he described as a "useless massacre". Benedict was first a pope struggling
for peace. He was elected, 3 September,
1914, by a consistory which included cardinals
who were citizens of the contending powers, because
he favored neither side. A native of Genoa, an aristocrat,
with a lawyer's training, he had had curial and diplomatic
experience, being secretary at one time to Cardinal Rampolla.
Unusually small of stature, myopic and ailing in appearance,
with distinguished manners but matter-of-fact and precise,
without much geniality or charm, this pope never attained
to the same degree of popularity among the faithful as did
his predecessor and his three successors. He was, however,
the soul of generosity and was loved for his kindness by
his entourage and all who knew him well. As Archbishop of
Bologna, soon after war broke out, he said: "I should regret
if any of my clergy should take sides in this conflict. It is desirable
that we pray for the cessation of the war without dictating to
Almighty God in what way it should end". So the cardinals picked
on one who would stand apart. But he did not simply stand apart; he
worked for peace, a true precursor of Pius XI and particularly Pius
XII.
Five days after his election he spoke of his determination to do what he could to bring peace, and his first encyclical on 1 November, 1914 was concerned with this subject. Before Christmas he tried to persuade the belligerents to revive the Truce of God for the feast day. In 1915 he made another appeal. He expounded the principles which govern moral decisions about war. In August 1917 he circulated definite peace proposals to all the belligerents. These were rejected, both sides being now determined on an "absolute victory". Relations between the Italian government and the Vatican improved during the war, an assurance being given that diplomatic representatives to the Vatican of powers with whom Italy was at war might remain there. But the pope preferred them to reside in Switzerland. Benedict's foundation of a bureau for the exchange of wounded prisoners and the discovery of the missing was widely appreciated, and led to an increase in the number of states with representatives at the Vatican – Italy's absence from them was one factor leading to the wish of the Italian government to solve the Roman Question in the following reign. When circulating his peace proposals in 1917, the pope had referred to King Victor Emmanuel III and this was the first formal recognition of the monarchy given by the Vatican. Pius X had partially relaxed the prohibition against Catholics taking part in elections in Italy either as voters or as candidates. Benedict went much further and encouraged the Sicilian priest Don Luigi Sturzo to form his Partito Popolare. It was not intended simply as a Catholic party–but it was organized by Catholics with a social conscience, and many joined it simply because they were themselves pious Catholics. The Church had yet to learn the full modern practice of a strict separation of the Church's moral and ecclesiastical authority from the public aspect of the political, economic and cultural activities of individual Catholics, except where these are grossly scandalous or sinful. For the moment it was at least a step forward that the whole political sphere in Italy was no longer taboo. Benedict was in the line of
social awareness stretching from Leo XIII to Pius XI and Pius XII. In March
1920 he wrote to the Bishop of Bergamo: "Let no member of the clergy suppose
that activity of this kind is something foreign to his priestly ministry
because the field in which it is exercised is economic. It is precisely in
this field that the eternal salvation of souls is imperiled".
Benedict was inclined to be friendly toward the Orthodox Churches and had a special concern for the Eastern Catholic rites, which was taken up by his successors, so that a visitor to Rome in the last two decades would often find the liturgy of one of the Eastern rites being celebrated, with special reverence, in one of the Roman churches, sometimes one of the basilicas. He founded the Oriental Institute and the new curial congregation, the Congregation for Eastern Rites. This was part of Benedict's general concern for missions everywhere. The world was on the verge of that material unification, in respect of communication, which we take for granted today. Benedict recognized the implications and wrote his mission encyclical Maximum Illud, from which both Pius XI and Pius XII quoted in their own mission encyclicals. Benedict promulgated the new code of canon law largely prepared during the reign of Pius X. He canonized Joan of Arc, which was an occasion for re-establishing friendly relations with France. The bitter problems of action francaise he left to his successor. The war years and their aftermath were no time for promulgating the findings of Pius X which he himself had withheld. Benedict maintained, in principle, his predecessor's attitude to Modernism, but greatly softened its application. He himself was at one time suspected of heresy by the anti-Modernist extremists and he now discouraged the intransigence of the attitude known as "integralism". Possibly Benedict's most important act was to remove Msgr. Achilles Ratti from the position of prefect of the Vatican Library in 1918, and sent him as his personal representative to Poland. Without this, Msgr. Ratti would probably not have been elected pope four years later. Msgr. Ratti, aged sixty-one and a historian of repute, had spent all his professional life in libraries, being prefect of the Ambrosian Library at Milan before going to the Vatican. He had cultivated in his spare time a number of pastoral works, but he was first a scholar of a practical kind and a librarian with an international reputation. With exceptional insight Benedict, who met him often in his position at the Vatican Library, divined his remarkable gifts. There followed for Msgr. Ratti three grueling years in Poland, independent for the first time for over a century; here Msgr. Ratti was on several occasions in imminent physical danger. In 1921 he was promoted to be Archbishop of Milan where he was at Benedict's death on 22 January, 1922. A similar example of Benedict's perception is his selecting Eugenio Pacelli to organize the prisoner-of-war work at the Vatican, and subsequently sending him as nuncio to Munich. Two future popes owed their vital experiences in Poland and in Germany to Benedict's eye for talent. |
1922-1939
Pope Pius XI (1857 - 1939) Italian scholar & pope
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1939-1958
Pope Pius XII; 260th Pius XII wrote, "I have seen the 'miracle of
the sun,' this is the pure truth."
four times; "4 p.m. on Oct. 30, 1950", again on "the 31st
of October and Nov. 1, the day of the definition
of the dogma of the Assumption, and then again
Nov. 8, then after that, no more. Occurred during his, "habitual walk in the Vatican
Gardens, reading and studying," having arrived
to the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, "toward the top
of the hill […] I was awestruck by a phenomenon that before
now I had never seen. The sun, which was still quite
high, looked like a pale, opaque sphere, entirely surrounded
by a luminous circle," he recounted. And one could look
at the sun, "without the slightest bother. There was a
very light little cloud in front of it." The Holy Father's
note goes on to describe "the opaque sphere" that "moved outward
slightly, either spinning, or moving from left to right and
vice versa. But within the sphere, you could see marked movements
with total clarity and without interruption." Pius XII is one of only two popes (along with Pope Pius IX) to have invoked ex cathedra papal infallibility by defining the dogma of the Assumption of Mary, as proclaimed in the Apostolic constitution Munificentissimus Deus. The magisterium includes almost 1,000 addresses and radio broadcasts. His forty-one encyclicals, include Mystici Corporis, the Church as the Body of Christ; Mediator Dei on liturgy reform; Humani Generis on the Church's position on theology and evolution. He eliminated the Italian majority in the College of Cardinals with the Grand Consistory in 1946. His canonisation process is in progress. (Latin: Pius PP. XII), born Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli (March 2, 1876 – October 9, 1958), reigned as the 260th pope, head of the Roman Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City, from March 2, 1939 until his death in 1958. Before election to the papacy, Pacelli served as secretary of the Department of Extraordinary Ecclesiastical Affairs, papal nuncio and Cardinal Secretary of State, in which he worked to conclude treaties with European and Latin-American nations, most notably the Reichskonkordat with Germany. His leadership of the Catholic Church during World War II remains the subject of continued historical controversy. After the war, Pius XII contributed to the rebuilding of Europe, and advocated peace and reconciliation, including lenient policies toward vanquished nations and the unification of Europe. The Church, flourishing in the West, experienced severe persecution and mass deportations of Catholic clergy in the East. In light of his protests, and his involvement in the Italian elections of 1948, he became known as a staunch but pragmatic opponent of Communism. He signed thirty concordats and diplomatic treaties. Pius XII is one of only two popes (along with Pope Pius IX) to have invoked ex cathedra papal infallibility by defining the dogma of the Assumption of Mary, as proclaimed in the Apostolic constitution Munificentissimus Deus. The magisterium includes almost 1,000 addresses and radio broadcasts. His forty-one encyclicals, include Mystici Corporis, the Church as the Body of Christ; Mediator Dei on liturgy reform; Humani Generis on the Church's position on theology and evolution. He eliminated the Italian majority in the College of Cardinals with the Grand Consistory in 1946. His canonisation process is in progress. Pius XII Saw "Miracle of the Sun" Handwritten Note Reveals Pope's Experience By Antonio Gaspari ROME, NOV. 4, 2008 (Zenit.org) According to his own testimony, the Pope who declared the dogma of the Assumption saw the "miracle of the sun" four times. This information is confirmed by a handwritten, unpublished note from Pope Pius XII, which is part of the "Pius XII: The Man and the Pontificate" display. The display opened in the Vatican to the public today and will run through Jan. 6. A commissioner of the display and a Vatican reporter for the Italian daily Il Giornale, Andrea Tornielli, explained to ZENIT that the note was found in the Pacelli family archives. It describes the "miracle of the sun," an episode that until today had only been affirmed by the indirect testimony of Cardinal Federico Tedeschini (1873-1959), who recounted in a homily that the Holy Father had seen the miracle. Pius XII wrote, "I have seen the 'miracle of the sun,' this is the pure truth." The miracle of the sun is most known as the episode that occurred in Fatima, Portugal, on Oct. 13, 1917. According to the Fatima visionaries, Mary had said there would be a miracle that day so that people would come to believe. Thousands had gathered at the site of the visions, and the sun "danced," reportedly drying instantaneously the rain-soaked land and spectators. Confirming the dogma Pius XII's note says that he saw the miracle in the year he was to proclaim the dogma of the Assumption, 1950, while he walked in the Vatican Gardens. He saw the phenomenon various times, considering it a confirmation of his plan to declare the dogma. The papal note says that at 4 p.m. on Oct. 30, 1950, during his "habitual walk in the Vatican Gardens, reading and studying," having arrived to the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, "toward the top of the hill […] I was awestruck by a phenomenon that before now I had never seen. The sun, which was still quite high, looked like a pale, opaque sphere, entirely surrounded by a luminous circle," he recounted. And one could look at the sun, "without the slightest bother. There was a very light little cloud in front of it." The Holy Father's note goes on to describe "the opaque sphere" that "moved outward slightly, either spinning, or moving from left to right and vice versa. But within the sphere, you could see marked movements with total clarity and without interruption." Pius XII said he saw the same phenomenon "the 31st of October and Nov. 1, the day of the definition of the dogma of the Assumption, and then again Nov. 8, and after that, no more." The Pope acknowled ged that on other days at about the same hour, he tried to see if the phenomenon would be repeated, "but in vain -- I couldn't fix my gaze [on the sun] for even an instant; my eyes would be dazzled." Pius XII spoke about the incident with a few cardinals and close collaborators, such that Sister Pascalina Lehnert, the nun in charge of the papal apartments, declared that "Pius XII was very convinced of the reality of the extraordinary phenomenon, which he had seen on four occasions." Son of Our Lady Tornielli told ZENIT that there was always a close link between the life of Eugenio Pacelli and the mystery of the Virgin Mary. "Since childhood," he said, "Eugenio Pacelli was devoted [to Our Lady] and was registered in the Congregation of the Assumption, which had a chapel close to the Church of Jesus. A devotion that seemed prophetic, since he would be precisely the one to declare the dogma of the Assumpt ion in 1950." The future Pope celebrated his first Mass on April 3, 1899, at the altar of the icon of Mary "Salus Populi Romani" in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. "And then," Tornielli continued, "Eugenio Pacelli received episcopal ordination from Pope Benedict XV in the Sistine Chapel on May 13, 1917, the day of the first apparition of the Virgin of Fatima." As Pope, in 1940, he approved the Fatima apparitions, and in 1942, consecrated the entire world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. As well, Pius XII often spoke with Sister Lucia, the visionary of Fatima, and he asked her to transcribe the messages she received from the Virgin. He thus became the first Pope to know the "third secret of Fatima," which Pope John Paul II would later make public. |
St. John XXIII Israeli
Parliament Convenes Special Meeting to Pay Tribute Late Pontiff to Be Praised for Saving Jewish Lives From Holocaust, Improving Catholic-Jewish Relations JERUSALEM, May 13, 2014 (Zenit.org) - The Israeli Parliament is today holding a special meeting to pay tribute to Pope St,. John XXIII in recognition of his humanitarian activities during the Holocaust and his contribution to promoting interreligious dialogue. The event at the Knesset, under the auspices of its Speaker, Yuli Edelstein, will be attended by members of the Raoul Wallenberg Foundation, political, scholar and religious figures. In the 1940s, while serving as apostolic delegate in Istanbul, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli helped save the lives of thousands of European Jews persecuted by the Nazis. His decision to convene the Second Vatican Council led to the declaration Nostra Aetate which had a significant impact on improving the Church’s relations with Jews. Speakers at today’s event include the Church historian and specialist in John XXIII, Professor Alberto Melloni, and several members of the parliament will give short speeches to evoke the figure and deeds of the newly canonized pontiff. Cardinal Loris Capovilla, personal secretary to Pope John XXIII, has also sent a letter of support through the Wallenberg Foundation, an organization that researches Holocaust rescuers and advocates for their recognition. In 2013 Cardinal Capovilla received the Raoul Wallenberg Centennial Medal and he is a founder member of the Angelo Roncalli Committee, presented in 2000 at the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations. Besides issuing stamps in his honor and the identification of public spaces with his name, the Wallenberg Foundation has published a voluminous scientific dossier supporting the application for recognition of Roncalli as “Righteous Among the Nations.” In 2003, the foundation presented a commemorative postcard of Angelo Roncalli at the Apostolic Nunciature in Buenos Aires. Two years later, the organisation invited Cardinal Walter Kasper, former President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, and of the Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, to bless the kindergarten room “Angelo Roncalli” in Argentina. |
John Paul |
St John Paul II |
Benedict XVI Matthias is faithful
to Jesus to the end, almost compensating for Judas'
betrayal.Pope Benedict reflects on the election of Matthias
and offers a lesson for us in the Church today: "While there
is no lack of unworthy and traitorous Christians in the Church,
it is up to each of us to counterbalance the evil done by
them with our clear witness to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior"
(Benedict XVI, 18 October 2006). |
Francis |
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