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.
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 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. (Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles: January 4).
Commemorátio
sanctórum Herodiónis, Asyncriti et Phlegóntis, de
quibus scribit beátus Paulus Apóstolus in Epístola
ad Romános.
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.
When the holy Apostle Peter was crucified (+ c. 67), St Herodion and St
Olympos were beheaded by the sword at the same time.
The holy Apostle Agabus was endowed with the gift of
prophecy. He
predicted (Acts 11:27-28) the famine during the reign of the emperor
Claudius (41-52), and foretold the suffering of the Apostle Paul at
Jerusalem (Acts 21:11). St Agabus preached in many lands, and converted
many pagans to Christ.
St Rufus, whom the holy Apostle Paul mentions in the Epistle
to the
Romans (Rom. 16:11-15), was bishop of the Greek city of Thebes.
St Asyncritus (Rom. 16:14) was bishop in Hyrcania (Asia Minor).
St Phlegon was bishop in
the
city of Marathon (Thrace).
St Hermes was bishop in Dalmatia (there is another Apostle
of the
Seventy by the name of Hermas, who was bishop in the Thracian city of
Philippopolis).
All these disciples for their
intrepid service to Christ underwent fierce sufferings and were found
worthy of a martyr's crown.
Saints Herodion (Rodion), Agabus
(Ahab), Asinkritos, Rufus, Phlegontos and Hermas are among the Seventy
Disciples, chosen by Christ and sent by Him to preach (Sobor-Assemblage
of Seventy Disciples -- Comm. 4 January).
The Disciple Rufus (Ruphus), to whom the holy Apostle Paul gives
greeting in the Epistle to the Romans (Rom. 16: 11-15), was bishop of
the Greek city of Thebes. The Disciple Asincritos (Rom. 16: 14) -- was
bishop in Hyrcania (Asia Minor). The Disciple Phlegontos -- bishop in
the city of Marathon (Thrace).
The Disciple Hermas -- bishop in Dalmatia (there is yet another
Disciple from the Seventy by the name of Hermas, who occupied a
cathedra-seat in the Thracian city of Philippopolis).
All these disciples for
their
intrepid service to Christ underwent fierce sufferings and were found
worthy of a martyr's crown.
Herodion, Agabus, Asynkritos, Hermas, Phlegontos und Rufus Orthodoxe
Kirche: 8. April Orthodoxe Kirche: Herodion - 28. März
Agabus (auch Ahab) wird in Apg. 11,28 und 21,10 als Prophet aus
Judäa beschrieben, der (Apg. 21, 11) die Verhaftung des Paulus
prophezeit. Agabus wirkte nach der Überlieferung in vielen
Ländern.
Asynkritos wird in Röm 16, 14 genannt. Er war Bischof in Hyrcania
(Kleinasien)
Hermas (auch Hermias) wird ebenfalls in Röm 16, 14 genannt. Er war
Bischof von Dalmatien.
Herodion (auch Rodion) war ein Verwandter des Apostels Paulus (genannt
in Röm. 16, 11) und begleitete diesen und Petrus auf mehreren
Reisen. Er wurde von ihnen zum Bischof von Patara ernannt. Hier wurde
er von Heiden und Juden gesteinigt und mit einem Messerstich
tödlich verletzt; seine Wunden heilten aber und er konnte weiter
wirken. Als Petrus gekreuzigt wurde, wurde Herodion zusammen mit
Olympos geköpft.
Phlegontos wird in Röm 16, 14 genannt. Er war Bischof von Marathon
(Thrakien).
Rufus (auch Ruphus) wird in Röm. 16, 13 von Paulus genannt. Nach
Mark. 15, 21 war er ein Sohn des Simon von Cyrene.. Er war Bischof von
Theben.
Diese Apostel haben nach der Überlieferung alle - zu verschiedenen
Zeiten - den Märtyrertod erlitten.
Herodion, Asyncritus & Phlegon MM (RM) 1st century. Bishop Herodion
of Patras, a kinsman of Saint Paul (Romans 16:11), was martyred with
Bishop Asyncritus of Marathon and Bishop Phlegon of Hyrcania, both
mentioned by the Apostle, at the instigation of the Jews (Benedictines).
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117-138 The
Holy Martyr
Pausilippus martyred for the faith prayed fervently that the Lord grant
him a quick death Lord granted it
 Suffered
under the emperor Hadrian (117-138). Denunced by
the pagans, he was brought to trial before the emperor and staunchly
declared himself a Christian. They beat him with iron rods and
handed over to the governor named Precius, who for a long time
attempted to make the martyr offer sacrifice to idols. The martyr
remained steadfast, and finally the governor gave orders to fetter him
and execute him.
Along the way, St Pausilippus prayed fervently that the Lord
would
spare him from the hand of the executioner and grant him a quick death.
The Lord heard him.
The martyr, beaten up and weak, was suddenly filled with
such strength
that he shattered the iron fetters [These were thrown behind him} and
freed himself.
Tossing them aside, St Pausilippus thought to escape, but he
died as he
fled.
170 St. Dionysius of
Corinth Bishop of Corinth, Greece, famed for his letters commemorated
the martyrdom of Sts. Peter and Paul.
Bishop of Corinth, Greece, famed for his letters. He is
described in
Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History. One of Dionysius’ letters
commemorated the martyrdom of Sts. Peter and Paul.
161-192 Apud
Corínthum
beáti Dionysii Epíscopi, qui eruditióne et
grátia, quam hábuit in verbo Dei, non solum suæ
civitátis et provínciæ pópulos, sed et
aliárum provinciárum et úrbium Epíscopos
epístolis erudívit; Romanósque Pontífices
ádeo cóluit, ut eórum epístolas
públice légere in Ecclésia diébus
Domínicis consuéverit. Cláruit autem
tempóribus Marci Antoníni Veri et Lúcii
Aurélii Cómmodi.
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.
He lived in the time of
Marcus
Antoninus Verus{161-166} [161-180--Marcus Aurelius] and Lucius
Aurelius Commodus{180-192}.
Dionysius of Corinth B
(RM); feast
day in the Greek Church is November 20 or 29.
Bishop Dionysius of Corinth was an outstanding leader of the Church in
the second century, as well as an eloquent preacher. He is now best
remembered as an ecclesiastical writer with which he attempted to
instruct, exhort, and comfort those at a distance. Several of his
letters to various churches are still extant. Especially noteworthy is
that in which he records the martyrdom of SS. Peter and Paul in Rome.
He says that after initiating the faith at Corinth, the Apostles both
went to Italy, and there sealed their testimony with their blood.
The Church historian Eusebius mentions several of his instructive
letters to other churches. One extends thanks to the church of Rome,
under the pontificate of Saint Soter, for the traditional alms received
from them. He writes: "From the beginning, it is your custom to bestow
your alms in all places, and to furnish subsistence to many churches.
You send relief to the needy, especially to those who work in the
mines; in which you follow the example of your fathers. Your blessed
bishop Soter is so far from degenerating from your ancestors in that
respect, that he goes beyond them; not to mention the comfort and
advice he, with the bowels of a tender father towards his children,
affords all that come to him. On this day we celebrated together the
Lord's day, and read your letter, as we do that which was heretofore
written to us by Clement." He means that they read these letters of
instruction in the church after the reading of the holy Scriptures, and
the celebration of the divine mysteries.
In another place Dionysius complains about the rampant heresies that
sprang from the adoption of pagan philosophical principles, rather than
from any perverse interpretation of the scriptures. Dionysius point out
the source of the heretical errors and the philosophical sect from
which each heresy arose.
The Greeks honor Saint Dionysius as a martyr because he suffered much
for the faith, though he seems to have died in peace; while the Latin
Church styles him a confessor. Pope Innocent III translated his relics
to Saint Denys Abbey near Paris, where the monks believed him to be
Dionysius the Areopagite (Benedictines, Husenbeth).
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306 St.
Aedesius
Martyred brother of St. Apphian publicly rebuked Roman officials
placing Christian virgins in brothels
Alexandríæ sancti Ædésii Mártyris,
qui, sub Maximiáno Galério Imperatóre, cum esset
beáti Apphiáni frater, et ímpium Júdicem,
quod Deo dicátas Vírgines lenónibus
tráderet, palam argúeret, idcírco, a
milítibus tentus sævissimísque afféctus
supplíciis, in mare demérsus est pro Christo
Dómino.
At Alexandria,
in the time
of Emperor Maximian Galerius, the martyr St. Aedesius, brother of the
blessed Apphian. Because he publicly reproved the wicked judge
who delivered to corruptors virgins consecrated to God, he was arrested
by the soldiers, exposed to the most severe torments, and thrown into
the sea for the sake of Christ our Lord.
Martyr and brother of St. Apphian. Aedesius, a Christian of some note
in Caesarea, now part of modern Israel, witnessed the persecution of
Christians, the result of Emperor Diocletian's policies. He publicly
rebuked the local Roman officials who were placing Christian virgins in
brothels as part of the persecutions. Arrested, Aedesius was tortured
and then drowned.
Aedesius of Alexandria M (RM) (also known as Edese, Edesius) Born in
Lycia; died at Alexandria, Egypt, on April 8, c. 306. Aedesius's laus
in the Roman Martyrology states: "At Alexandria, the memory of Saint
Aedesius, martyr, a brother of Blessed Apphian, who, under Maximian
Galerius the emperor, openly withstood an impious judge because he
handed over to pimps virgins consecrated to God." The Church historian
Eusebius (De Martyr. Pales., ch. 5) and Aedesius's Chaldaic acta give
us further details. According to these, he was a philosopher, who
continued to wear the cloak after his conversion to Christianity.
Perhaps because of his standing among the educated, he seems to have
had no qualms about professing his faith before magistrates.
Apparently, he was imprisoned several times and had been condemned to
work in the mines of Palestine. Upon his release, he sought refuge in
Egypt, but found the persecution was more virulent there under the
Prefect Hierocles. Aedesius, particularly offended by the enslavement
and prostitution of consecrated virgins, boldly presented himself
before the governor. He was seized by the soldiery, afflicted with most
cruel punishments, and drowned in the sea for the Lord Christ
(Benedictines, Encyclopedia, Husenbeth).
This is obviously a very confused story; Roeder has entries under both
Aedesius and Edese, which appear to be the same. In art, Saint Aedesius
is shown shipwrecked with his brother Saint Frumentius [sic]. Saint
Edese has his legs wrapped in oiled linen before he is burned to death
(Roeder). The first appears to be more in line with the story recorded
in the Roman Martyrology.
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St. Concessa A
martyr venerated in Carthage.
Carthágine sanctæ Concéssæ
Mártyris. At
Carthage, the
martyr St. Concessa.
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St.
Januarius, Maxima,
and Macaria 3 African martyrs who were executed in an uncertian year
during the Roman persecutions.
In Africa sanctórum Mártyrum Januárii,
Máximæ et Macáriæ.
In Africa, the
holy
martyrs Januarius, Maxima, and Macaria.
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422 Kallistus
I.
Er verwaltete die Begräbnisstätten an der Via Appa, die heute
Kalixtus-Katakomben heißen
Katholische Kirche: 14. Oktober Kallistus (Calixtus)
wurde um 180
geboren und um 200 Sklave eines Christen. Er stammte vielleicht aus dem
Trastevere in Rom. Über seine Herkunft ist nichts weiter bekannt.
Er gelangte dann nach Rom und wurde hier Diakon des Papstes Zephyrinus.
Er verwaltete die Begräbnisstätten an der Via Appa, die heute
Kalixtus-Katakomben heißen. Als Zephyrinus 217 starb, wurde
Kallistus zu seinem Nachfolger gewählt. Die Wahl eines ehemaligen
Sklaven stieß aber auf den Widerstand konservativer Kreise, die
Hippolyt zum Papst wählten. Damit kam es 217 zum ersten Schisma in
der Papstgeschichte. Hippolyt bekämpfte Kallistus mit allen
Mitteln, selbst Verleumdungen und Hetzkampagnen. Kallistus ließ
sich aber in seinem Kurs nicht beirren, er war einer der aktivsten
Päpste in der frühen Christenheit. So erlaubte er
Eheschließungen hochgestellter Römerinnen mit Sklaven,
führte die Kirchenmalerei und Fastentage ein.
Kallistus starb 422 und
wurde am
14.10. beigesetzt. Spätere Berichte über sein Martyrium sind
legendarisch.
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432
Saint Celestine, Pope
of Rome (422-432) zealous champion of Orthodoxy virtuous life authority
as a theologian 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.
Coelestin I. Orthodoxe und Katholische Kirche: 8. April
Coelestin war zunächst Diakon in Rom und wurde 422 zum Bischof von
Rom gewählt. Er kämpfte mit Cyrill von Alexandria gegen die
Nestorianer und exkommunizierte Nestorius nach dem Konzil von Ephesus
(431). Coelestin legte die Lehre von Maria der Gottgebärerin
(Theotokos) für die westliche Kirche fest. Coelestin starb 433.
Sein Festtag wurde auch am 4. und 6. April begangen.
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440 St.
Amantius
Bishop of Como, Italy. Amantius succeeded St. Provinus and was much
revered.
Apud Comum sancti Amántii, Epíscopi et Confessóris.
At Como, St. Amantius, bishop and
confessor.
Amantius of Como B (RM).
Bishop
Amantius succeeded Saint Provinus in the see of Como, Italy, where he
is still highly (Benedictines).
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494 St. Perpetuus
Bishop
of Rours enforced clerical discipline and regulated feast days rebuilt
the basilica of St. Martin
Turónis, in
Gállia, sancti Perpétui
Epíscopi, admirándæ sanctitátis viri.
At
Tours in France, the holy bishop
Perpetuus, a man of great sanctity.
Bishop of Rours
from about 464. He enforced clerical
discipline and regulated feast days. Perpetuus also rebuilt the
basilica of St. Martin. A will attributed to him is known now by
scholars to have been a forgery composed in the seventeenth century.
Perpetuus of Tours B (RM) Died December 30, 490, or April 8,
491.
Perpetuus, born of a senatorial family, became bishop of Tours c. 460.
He dedicated the revenues of his estates to the relief of those in
need. The poor, it is recorded, were his heirs (though apparently this
will was a 17th century forgery): he left them pastures, groves,
vineyards, houses, gardens, water-mills, gold, silver, and his clothing.
He also venerated his great predecessor Saint Martin, the
soldier who
had sliced his cloak in two and given half to a beggar. Martin was
buried in a basilica in Tours and Perpetuus rebuilt and enlarged this
fine building to house the countless pilgrims who flocked to his tomb.
One hundred twenty years later, Saint Gregory of Tours
mentions that
Perpetuus decreed that all the people in his diocese should fast on
Wednesdays and Fridays, save at a few church festivals. He also
declared several Mondays in the Christian year as fasts, particularly
in the time that became Advent. So great was Perptuus's influence that
these fasts were still being observed in the diocese of Tours over a
century after his death. And so powerful was his memory that, 13
centuries after his death, some unknown forgers drew up a fake will for
the saint, declaring: "You, my dearly beloved brothers, my crown, my
joy, that is to say, Christ's poor, needy, beggars, sick, widows, and
orphans, you I hereby name and decree to be my heirs." Though the will
was a fake, the true spirit of Saint Perpetuus shines through it
(Benedictines, Bentley, Husenbeth).
In art, Saint Perpetuus is a
bishop directing the building of a church. Sometimes the sick may be
shown being healed at his tomb or as his relics are carried in
procession (Roeder).
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586 St.
Redemptus Bishop of Ferentini, near Rome, Italy. He is known mainly
because of his friend Pope St. Gregory I the Great who wrote of his
holiness.
Ferentíni, in Hérnicis, sancti Redémpti
Epíscopi, cujus méminit beátus Gregórius
Papa.
At Ferentino in Campania, Bishop
St.
Redemptus, who was mentioned by Pope St. Gregory.
Redemptus of Ferentino B (RM). Bishop Redemptus of Ferentino
(Hernicis), a town south of Rome, was a friend of Saint Gregory the
Great, who bears witness to his sanctity (Benedictines).
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690 Julian von
Toledo
Erzbischof In seiner Amtszeit leitete er 4 nationale Synoden
förderte den mozarabischen Ritus und verfaßte mehrere
theologische Werke
Orthodoxe und Katholische Kirche: 8. März
Julian wurde um 652 geboren. Er war Mönch unter Eugenius von
Toledo (Gedenktag 13.11.) und wurde sein Nachfolger als Abt im Kloster
und 680 als Erzbischof von Toledo. In seiner Amtszeit leitete er 4
nationale Synoden. Das Erzbistum Toledo wurde 681 den anderen
spanischen Bistümern und 683 den südgallischen Bistümern
übergeordnet. Julian förderte den mozarabischen Ritus und
verfaßte mehrere theologische Werke, darunter die erste
systematische Abhandlung über die Eschatologie (die Lehre von den
letzten Dingen). Julian starb am 8.3.690.
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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
Walter Gautier was born in Picardy, France, in the eleventh
century. A
well-educated individual, he became a professor of philosophy and
rhetoric. Later, he entered the Benedictine abbey of Rebais-en-Brie.
When King Philip I appointed Walter as the first abbot of a new
monastery at Pontoise, Walter reminded Philip that God was the one who
conferred such honors, not the king. Seeking solitude, he fled Pontoise
on two occasions, but both times he was forced to return. Walter then
went to Rome to ask Pope Gregory VII
for release from his position so that he could follow a life of
solitude. However, the Pope told Walter to use the talents God had
given him, and thus Walter resigned himself to staying at Pontoise.
When he spoke out against simony and the evil lives of the
secular
clergy, this caused great outrage, and on one occasion he was beaten
and thrown into prison. After his release, Walter continued to live a
life of mortification, spending entire nights in prayer. After
establishing the foundation of a convent in honor of Mary at
Bertaucourt, Walter died on Good Friday in the year 1095.
Walter of Pontoise, OSB
Abbot (AC) Born in Andainville, Picardy,
France, c. 1030; died 1099.
The Bible says that the road to holiness is narrow but it
doesn't tell
you that the road is straight or clear. Sometimes we need to find our
way to God as though following a path through a forest. Sometimes the
sun pokes through but often we walk in darkness, not quite knowing
whether the destination is near or far. We grope. We trip over debris
from dead trees or overgrown vines. We must continue to trust that God
is leading us to Himself.
Saint Walter followed a meandering path. He enjoyed his
studies and
became a professor of rhetoric and philosophy, for which he won
success, honor, and praise. But he wasn't happy because he wasn't sure
that he was on the right road to God. So, he entered the Benedictine
monastery of Rebais-en-Brie (diocese of Meaux) with enthusiasm, where
he practiced the most severe austerities in the hopes of escaping
worldly applause. Each day until his death, Walter added some new
practice of penance to his former austerities to remind himself of the
obligation of continually advancing in spirit towards God.
At Rebais he found a peasant rotting in the abbey prison.
Walter found
it inconceivable that one could be kept in a monastery by bonds other
than those of love. One night he gave the peasant the key to his
fields. In the morning Walter faced the abbot's wrath, an inquisition,
confession, and punishment.
After several years in Rebais (1060), Walter was made abbot
of a new
monastery near Pointoise, which is now called Saint Martin's. King
Philip I personally made the investiture, handing him the Cross. The
king considered it a bond to him, but Walter coldly placed his hand not
under but over the hand of the king, saying: "It is not from you, but
from God that I accept the governance of this abbey." Shock and
surprise were the rather normal result, how could a man give God
precedence over that of an earthly potentate?
Once again Walter enjoyed success, honors, and praise. In
order to
escape from the accolades, he left his cloister and walked to Cluny,
where there were hundreds of monks among whom he could be anonymous.
Or, at least, that's what he believed. Unfortunately, he was quickly
recognized and compelled to return to Pointoise.
Once again he questioned whether he was on the road to God
or the road
to perdition. What if God wanted him elsewhere? He tested himself to
see if his new vocation was that of a hermit and determined that it was.
One night, Walter, who had
gotten into the habit of making escapes,
climbed over the abbey wall. He took the road to Touraine to cover his
tracks from those who were bound to seek him. In his hermitage, Walter
thought he had found heaven on earth. Of course, terrestrial paradises
never last for long. Soon the monks of Pointoise found him on an island
in the Loire, and led him back to the abbey.
Walter must have been a very lovable character if, each time
he
disappeared, his monks would seek him out until they discovered him.
They must have thought he had a very odd way of practicing stability,
but they would not have changed their wandering abbot because he left
them only in order to search for God.
The saintly abbot still wanted to flee the admiration of his
fellows,
but he knew that his monks would eventually catch up with him wherever
he roamed. Then he had a brilliant idea: He would make his journey ad
limina. He would return his cross to the holy father and at long last
he would be free to seek God in his own way. He left for Rome, planning
never to return to Pointoise.
God had different plans for Walter. In Rome, he explained
his situation
to Pope Gregory VII but the saintly pope refused Walter's plea.
"Turn back, Father Abbot. From
now on you must walk along the roads of the cloister and not along the
grand highways of the world."
Was Walter disappointed?
He was radiant. For the pope had spoken, and
the pope was the spokesman for Jesus Christ. Thus, Jesus had shown him
the way. And because, ever since his novitiate, he had searched for God
with all his soul and all his heart and even with all his legs, he was
given to understand that the image of our life that God fashions is
infinitely preferable to the image that we fashion for ourselves.
When we understand that--and when that knowledge sinks from
our head
into our heart--then there's nothing else to do save go to heaven.
Which Walter did on Good Friday in 1099. After diligent scrutiny the
bishops of Rouen, Paris, and Senlis declared several miracles wrought
at his tomb authentic and translated his relics on May 4. Abbot Walter
Montague moved them again in 1655, and richly decorated his chapel. His
life was written by a disciple (Benedictines, Encyclopedia, Husenbeth).
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 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
A monk of the Kiev Caves Monastry, where he struggled in
asceticism.
In imitation of the Holy Fathers, he uprooted the passions
through
fasting, vigil, and prayer, and adorned himself with every virtue. He
was chosen as Bishop of Novgorod when Bishop John retired to a
monastery after twenty-five years of episcopal service. St Niphon was
consecrated bishop in Kiev by Metropolitan Michael and other hierarchs.
St Niphon embraced his archpastoral duties with great zeal,
strengthening his flock in the Orthodox Faith, and striving to prevent
them from becoming separated from the Church, which is the same as
being separated from Christ Himself. The saint was also zealous
in building and repairing churches. He built a new stone church in the center of Novgorod,
dedicating it to the Most Holy Theotokos. He repaired the roof
of the church of Holy Wisdom (Christ,
the Wisdom of God), and adorned the interior with icons.
When war broke out between Novgorod and Kiev, St Niphon
showed himself
to be a peacemaker. Meeting with the leaders of both sides, he was able
to pacify them and avert the war. In the same way, he always tried to
settle arguments and to reconcile those who were at enmity.
He instructed his flock in the law of God, preaching to
them,
reproving, rebuking, and exhorting them patiently and with sound
doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2) so
that they might obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with
eternal glory (2 Timothy 2:10).
When the people of Novgorod drove away their prince,
Vsevolod, they
invited Prince Svyatslav to govern them. The new prince wanted to enter
into a marriage which was against the Church canons. Not only did St
Niphon refuse to perform the ceremony, he also told his clergy to
regard this betrothal as unlawful. Prince Svyatoslav brought priests in
from elsewhere to perform the wedding, and the holy hierarch was not
afraid to denounce his behavior. After the death of Metropolitan
Michael of Kiev, the Great Prince Isaiaslav wished to have the
schemamonk Clement succeed him. However, he wanted to have Clement
consecrated without the blessing of the Patriarch of Constantinople.
At a council of bishops, St Niphon declared that he would
not approve
the consecration without the permission of the Patriarch of
Constantinople.
He
reminded the other bishops that this was contrary to the tradition of
the Russian Church, for Russia had
received the Orthodox Faith from Constantinople.
Starting in 1448, however, the Russian Church began to elect its own
primate without seeking confirmation from Constantinople.
The uncanonical
consecration took place despite the objections of St
Niphon. Metropolitan Clement tried to force the saint to serve the
Divine Liturgy with him, but he refused. He called Clement a wolf
rather than a shepherd, for he had unjustly assumed an office which he
did not deserve. St Niphon refused to serve with Clement, or to
commemorate him during the services.
In his fury, Clement would not permit St Niphon to return to
Novgorod.
Instead, he had the saint held under house arrest at the Kiev Caves
Monastery. When Isaiaslav was defeated by Prince George, St Niphon
returned to Novgorod, where the people welcomed him with great joy.
The Patriarch of
Constantinople sent a
letter praising St Niphon for his steadfast defense of church
teachings.
He also sent Metropolitan Constantine to Rus in order to depose
Metropolitan Clement, and to assume the see of Kiev himself. St Niphon
prepared to journey to Kiev to meet Metropolitan Clement.
St Niphon again took up
residence in the Kiev Caves Monastery, where he
became ill. Thirteen days before his death, he revealed to the brethren
that he had had a wondrous dream. St Theodosius (May 3) appeared to him
and announced his imminet departure from this world.
St Niphon reposed in peace on
April 8, 1156. Now he stands before the throne of God, interceding for
us before the All-Holy Trinity, to Whom be all glory, honor, and
worship forever.
|
1291 Blessed
Clement
of Saint Elpidio considered the second founder of the
Augustinians OSA (AC)
Born in Osimo; cultus approved in 1572. Clement, the hermit
friar of
Saint Augustine, was chosen general of the order in 1270. In that
position, he drew up its constitutions, where were approved in 1287.
For this reason he is
considered
the second founder of the Augustinians (Benedictines).
|
 14th v. Saint
Rufus
the Obedient, Hermit of the Caves
Lived at the Kiev Caves monastery during the fourteenth
century.
He was distinguished for his obedience and glorified as a
lover of
labor and fasting.
He was buried in the Far Caves. He is celebrated a second
time
on August 28, the Synaxis { amidst the Sobor-Assemblage of
the Monks }
of the Fathers of the Far Caves.
1606 Blessed
Julian
of Saint Augustine Dominican Order as a lay-brother at Santorcaz, OFM
(AC)
Born at Medinaceli (diocese of Segovia), Castile, Spain;
beatified in
1825. Julian was rejected twice before finally gaining admittance to
the Dominican Order as a lay-brother at Santorcaz. He accompanied the
Franciscan preachers on their missions. It was his custom to ring the
bell through the streets to summon people to the sermon (Benedictines).
1669 The Holy Martyr John the Shipmaster
(Naukleros) suffered a psychological sickness martyr in the city of Koe.
One time, when he was found in an unconscious state, the
Turks made
over him the rite of conversion to their religion. Coming to his
senses, the saint angrily threw from his head the symbol of Islam --
the turban. He bitterly bewailed the indignity that had occurred and
continued to live as a Christian. The Turks then threw the martyr into
prison. Neither lecturings, nor beatings, nor threats could bend the
will of the saint, and he repeatedly replied: "I believe in the Lord
Jesus Christ and I refuse your faith". After many torments they burnt
the martyr in the city of Koe on 8 April 1669. © 2001 by
translator Fr. S. Janos
|
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
St. Julie (Julia) Billiart was born in 1751 and died in
1816. As a
child, playing "school" was Julie's favorite game. When she was
sixteen, to help support her family, she began to teach "for real". She
sat on a haystack during the noon recess and told the biblical parables
to the workers. Julie carried on this mission of teaching throughout
her life, and the Congregation she founded continues her work.
Julie was the fifth of seven children. She attended a little
one room
school in Cuvilly. She enjoyed all of her studies, but she was
particularly attracted to the religion lessons taught by the parish
priest. Recognizing something "special" in Julie, the priest secretly
allowed her to make her First Communion at the age of nine, when the
normal age at that time, was thirteen. She learned to make short mental
prayers and to develop a great love for Jesus in the Eucharist.
A murder attempt on her father shocked her nervous system
badly. A
period of extremely poor heath for Julie began, and was to last for
thirty years. For twenty-two of these years she was completely
paralyzed. All of her sufferings and pain she offered up to God.
When the French Revolution broke out, Julie offered her home
as a
hiding place for loyal priests. Because of this, Julie became a hunted
prey. Five times in three years she was forced to flee in secret to
avoid compromising her friends who were hiding her.
At this time she was privileged to receive a vision. She saw
her
crucified Lord surrounded by a large group of religious women dressed
in a habit she had never seen before. An inner voice told her that
these would be her daughters and that she would begin an institute for
the Christian education of young girls. She and a rich young woman
founded the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. At Amiens, the two women
and a few companions began living a religious life in 1803. In 1804,
Julie was miraculously cured of her illness and walked for the first
time in twenty-two years. In 1805, Julie and three companions made
their profession and took their final vows. She was elected as Mother
General of the young Congregation.
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.
Julia (Julie) Billiart V
(RM) Born in Cuvilly (near Beauvais), Picardy,
France, on July 12, 1751; died on April 8, 1816; beatified in 1906;
canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1969.
Julia, baptized Marie Rose Julia Billiart, was born to
prosperous
peasant farmers who also owned a small shop in Cuvilly. Early in life
she evinced an interest in religion and helping the sick and the poor.
At 14, she took a vow of chastity and dedicated herself to the service
and instruction of the poor.
She was paralyzed by shock when someone shot a gun at her
father, while
she was sitting next to him. Thereafter, she was an invalid for 22
years. Although she was in pain, this malady gave her the luxury of
spending more time in prayer.
In 1790, the curé of Cuvilly was replaced by a priest
who had
taken the oath prescribed by the revolutionary authorities, and Julia
rallied the people to boycott him. She also helped find safe houses for
fugitive priests, and for this reason was taken to Compiegne, where she
had to change addresses often for her safety.
A friend brought her to Amiens to the house of Viscount Blin
de Bourdon
after the Reign of Terror. There she met Frances Blin de Bourdon,
Viscountess de Gézaincourt, who became her friend and worked
with her. Daily the viscountess and a small group of pious women
gathered in Julia's sickroom for the sacrifice of the Mass. Throughout
the French Revolution (1794-1804), Julia encourage the group in their
works of charity. Heightened persecution forced Julia and Frances to
move to a house belonging to the Doria family at Bettencourt, where,
with a group of women, they conducted catechetical classes for the
villages.
At Bettencourt Julia met Father Joseph Varin, who was
convinced that
the saint was meant to achieve great works. When Frances and Julia
returned to Amiens, they laid the foundations of the Institute of Notre
Dame, whose objects were to see to the religious instruction of poor
children, the Christian education of girls of all classes, and the
training of religious teachers. They also opened an orphanage.
The rules of the institute were somewhat innovative,
requiring the
abolition of the distinction between choir and lay sisters. At a
mission held by the Fathers of the Faith of Amiens in 1804, the
teaching of women was given to the Sisters of Notre Dame. At the end of
the mission, Father Enfantin asked Julia to join him in a novena
without telling her why, and on the fifth day, the feast of the Sacred
Heart, he ordered her to walk. After 22 years as an invalid, at the age
of 44, she got up and realized that she was cured.
Now fully functional, she
worked to extend the new foundation and to
assist at missions conducted by the Fathers of the Faith in other
towns. She did this until the work was halted by the government. The
educational work continued, however, and convents were opened at Namur,
Ghent, and Tournai.
Unfortunately, Father Varin's post of confessor to the
sisters was
filled by a young priest who estranged Julia from the bishop of Amiens,
and the bishop pressed for her withdrawal from his diocese in 1809. She
moved the mother house to Namur, joined by nearly all the sisters,
where she was well received by the bishop.
Soon she was vindicated and invited to return to Amiens, but
since it
was too difficult to restore the foundation there, Namur became the
motherhouse. As of 1816, it was clear that Julia's health was failing
rapidly. While repeating the Magnificat, she died. By the time of her
death 15 convents had been established (Benedictines, Delaney,
Encyclopedia, Gill, Walsh, White).
|
The Spanish Icon of the
Most
Holy Theotokos, which is one of the Panachranta type, depicts the
Mother of God seated upon a throne.
|
Saints of this Day April 08 Sexto Idus Aprílis.
St_Rufus_Apostle_St_Celestine_Pope_of_Rome_St_Agabos
This icon portrays
three scenes:
"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."
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). 
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)
Quote: Pope
Paul
VI’s 1969 
Benedict XVI
met with Aram I Catholicos of Cilicia,
the highest authority of the Orthodox Church. The
Pope remembered the martyrs of the Armenian Church and the Armenian
genocide, without explicitly mentioning it, and denounced the
persecution of Christians in modern times. Benedict
XVI
As
we watch the
spectacle of the world
seeming to self-destruct before our eyes, we can’t help but be saddened
and even frightened by so much evil run rampant. Iraq, Lebanon,
Afghanistan, Somalia, North Korea—It is all a disaster of epic
proportions displayed in living color on our television screens.