Et
álibi
aliórum
plurimórum
sanctórum
Mártyrum
et Confessórum,
atque
sanctárum
Vírginum.
And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins. Пресвятая Богородице спаси нас! (Santíssima Mãe de Deus, salva-nos!) R.
Deo
grátias. R.
Thanks be to God.
2023May, the month of Mary 22,600 lives saved From 2007 to 2021 http://www.haitian-childrens-fund.org/ For the Son of man ... will repay
every man for what he has done.
and most well-known Marian month, officially since 1724; The saints are a “cloud of witnesses over our head”, showing us life of Christian perfection is possible. Our Bartholomew Family Prayer List Joyful Mystery on Monday Saturday Glorius Mystery on Sunday Wednesday Sorrowful Mystery on Friday Tuesday Luminous Mystery on Thursday Veterens of War Acts of the Apostles Nine First Fridays Devotion to the Sacred Heart From the writings of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque How do I start the Five First Saturdays? Mary Mother of GOD 15 Promises of the Virgin Mary to those who recite the Rosary . Mary's Divine Motherhood Called in the Gospel "the Mother of Jesus," Mary is acclaimed by Elizabeth, at the prompting of the Spirit and even before the birth of her son, as "the Mother of my Lord" (Lk 1:43; Jn 2:1; 19:25; cf. Mt 13:55; et al.). In fact, the One whom she conceived as man by the Holy Spirit, who truly became her Son according to the flesh, was none other than the Father's eternal Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Hence the Church confesses that Mary is truly "Mother of God" (Theotokos). Catechism of the Catholic Church 495, quoting the Council of Ephesus (431): DS 251. Let us avoid evil companions, lest by their company we may be drawn to a communion of vice. -- St. Augustine Our Lady of Haut (Hainaut, France, 1267) The Angel of the Eucharist May 7 One day in the autumn of 1916, the shepherds of Fatima took their herd out to graze. After their meal, they went to pray precisely where the Angel appeared to them the first time. While they
recited the prayer that the Angel had taught them (My God, I believe,
I adore, and I love You! I beg pardon of You for those who do not believe,
do not adore, do not hope and do not love You!), their faces to the ground,
a light appeared above their heads. The children saw the Angel again
who this time held a chalice in his left hand; the Host rested above it
with drops of Blood dripping down into the chalice. Leaving the chalice
and the Host suspended in the air, the Angel prostrated himself on the
ground next to the children and repeated this prayer three times: "Most
Holy Trinity, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, I adore You profoundly and offer
You the most Precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present
in all the tabernacles of the earth, in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges,
and indifference with which He Himself is offended. And through the infinite
merits of His Most Sacred Heart and of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
beg of You the conversion of poor sinners."
Then standing
up, the Angel took the chalice and the Host into his hands and gave
Holy Communion to Lucy, and the Blood of the chalice to Jacinta and Francisco,
saying: "Take and drink the Body and the Blood of Jesus Christ, horribly
outraged by ungrateful men. Make up for all their crimes and console your
God." He then prostrated himself one last time with the children and repeated the prayer to the Holy Trinity (above) 3 times. The three small visionaries kept strict silence about the apparitions of the Angel. Why did they behave this way? Sister Lucy stated later: "...because of the painful experience of the apparition of 1915." MULTIMEDIA : Bogoroditse Dyevo Raduisya (Sergei Tolstokulakov) |
May
7 - Feast of Our Lady of Monticino (Italy, 1776) Jesus Will Reign
Through Mary (I)
Saints have said wonderful
things about Mary, the Holy City of God. As they themselves have admitted,
they were never more eloquent and more pleased than when they spoke
of her. However, they maintain that the height of her merits in
God’s glory cannot be perceived; the breadth of her love, which is wider
than the earth cannot be measured; the greatness of the power, which
she wields over even God Himself cannot be conceived; and the depths of
her profound humility and all her virtues and graces, which are like an
abyss cannot be probed. O incomprehensible height! O indescribable
breadth! O immeasurable greatness! O impenetrable abyss! Saint
Louis Grignion de Montfort Treatise on True Devotion to the Virgin
Mary #7
A peasant farmer who followed his pious and industrious father's example. His father taught him many practices of penance and piety that later fructified in a saintly life. At seven, Albert was fasting three days a week, giving the foregone food to the poor. Working at the heavy labor of the fields, Albert learned to see God in all things, and to listen for His voice in all nature. The beauty of the earth was to him a
voice that spoke only of heaven. He grew up pure of heart, discreet,
and humble--to the edification of the entire village. "You give too
much time to prayer and to the poor!" she charged; Albert only replied that
God will return all gifts made to the poor. In testimony to this,
God miraculously restored the meal Albert had given away over his wife's
objections. Finally, softened by Albert's prayers, she ceased her nagging
and became his rival in piety and charity. She died soon after her conversion,
and Albert, being childless, he left his father's farm to make a pilgrimage
to Jerusalem and Rome. Albert always received twice as much in wages
as the other workers did. Though he gave this to the poor and kept nothing
for himself, jealous companions determined to annoy him. Planting pieces
of iron in the field where Albert would be working the next day, they watched
to see him break or dull his scythe. Miraculously, the scythe cut
through iron as it did through the grain, never suffering any harm.
Falling very ill, Albert sent a neighbor
for the priest, but there was a long delay, 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.
|
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. |
Romæ Translátio córporis sancti Stéphani Protomártyris, quod, Pelágio Primo Summo Pontífice, e Constantinópoli ad Urbem allátum atque in sepúlcro sancti Lauréntii Mártyris in agro Veráno pósitum, ibídem magna piórum religióne cólitur. 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. |
Romæ Translátio
córporis sancti Stéphani Protomártyris, quod,
Pelágio Primo Summo Pontífice, e Constantinópoli
ad Urbem allátum atque in sepúlcro sancti Lauréntii
Mártyris in agro Veráno pósitum, ibídem magna
piórum religióne cólitur.
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. |
132 St. Juvenal
of Benevento saint of Narni Italy His shrine is in Benevento. Eódem
die sancti Juvenális Mártyris. On the same
day, St. Juvenal, martyr.
Juvenal of Beneventum M (RM). Juvenal is a saint
of Narni, whose reputed shrine is at Benevento (Benedictines). |
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).
In art, Flavia Domitilla is portrayed as a noblewoman
with her two sisters, Euphrosyna and Theodora (Roeder). Tarracínæ, in Campánia, natális beátæ Fláviæ Domitíllæ, Vírginis et Mártyris, quæ, cum esset fília sanctæ Plautíllæ, soróris sancti Mártyris Flávii Cleméntis Cónsulis, et sacro velámine fuísset a sancto Cleménte Pontífice consecráta, primum, in persecutióne Domitiáni, ob testimónium Christi, in ínsulam Póntiam, cum áliis plúrimis, exsílio deportáta, longum illic martyrium duxit. Novíssime vero, Tarracínam dedúcta, ibi, cum plúrimos doctrína et miráculis ad Christi fidem convertísset. Júdicis jussu incénso cubículo, in quo simul cum suis virgínibus Euphrósyna et Theodóra morabátur, cursum gloriósi martyrii consummávit. Ipsa vero Domitílla, una cum sanctis Martyribus Néreo et Achílleo atque Pancrátio, festíva celebritáte quarto Idus mensis hujus recólitur. 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. Taken afterwards to Terracina, she converted many to the faith of Christ by her teachings and miracles. The judge ordered the room in which she was with the virgins Euphrosina and Theodora, to be set on fire, and she thus completed her glorious martyrdom. She is also mentioned with the holy martyrs Nereus, Achilleus and Pancras, on the 12th day of this month. There are two saints named Flavia Domitilla: one is celebrated on May 12; this one is her niece. The two are sometimes confused. Today's saint was a great-niece of emperors Domitian and Titus, and also of Saint Flavius Clemens. She became a Christian and on refusing to marry a pagan was banished from Rome. She was eventually martyred at Terracina with her foster sisters Euprosyna and Theodora (Benedictines). |
257 St. Quadratus Martyr
imprisoned several years in Nicomedia Nicaea & Apamea Ibídem sancti Quadráti Mártyris, qui, in persecutióne Décii Imperatóris, sæpius ad torménta repetítus, demum, cápite truncátus, martyrium complévit. In the same city, St. Quadratus, martyr, who was frequently tortured in the persecution of Decius, and at last beheaded. He was imprisoned for several years in Nicomedia, Nicaea, and Apamea before being put to death during the persecutions of the Church under Emperor Valerian. Quadratus of Herbipolis M (RM). Prior to his martyrdom at Herbipolis under Valerian, Saint Quadratus suffered in prison for years at Nicomedia, Nicaea, and Apamea (Benedictines). |
300 St. Flavius Martyred bishop of Nicomedia with brothers Augustine
and Augustus Nicomedíæ
sanctórum Mártyrum fratrum Flávii, Augústi
et Augustíni.
At Nicomedia, the holy martyrs Flavius, Augustus and Augustine, all brothers. Flavius was the bishop of that
city. Augustine and Austus were his brothers.
Flavius, Augustus & Augustine MM (RM). Bishop
Flavius of Nicomedia was martyred with his two brothers in his own
see under Diocletian
(Benedictines). |
6th v. Bl. Michael Ulumbijski 1/12 companions of St. John Zedazneli
evangelized Georgia Natives of Syria
Miracle worker.
David_Garej_
Monastery_GeorgiaOne of the twelve companions of St. John Zedazneli of Georgia. They evangelized Georgia in modern Russia. Natives of Syria, they were called “the Fathers of the Church” in the region. Our Holy Father John of Zedazeni and his twelve disciples, Abibus of Nekresi, Anthony of Martqopi, David of Gareji, Zenon of Iqalto, Thaddeus of Stepantsminda, Jesse of Tsilkani, Joseph of Mtskheta, Isidore
of Samtavisi,
Michael of Ulumbo, Pyrrhus of Breti, Stephen of Khirsa, and Shio of Mgvime, were Syrian ascetics and the founding
fathers of Georgian monastic life.
St. John received his spiritual education in Antioch. Early in his youth he was tonsured a monk and withdrew to the wilderness. The Lord, recognizing his humility, diligence in fasting, and devout watchfulness, blessed His faithful servant with the gift of healing the sick and casting out demons. St. John was celebrated for his holy deeds and miracles. Curious crowds would swarm around him, and after some time he found it necessary to withdraw into even deeper seclusion. Syrian ascetics
Taking with him several of his disciples, he chose a remote area, fashioned for himself a cell, and began to labor as a hermit. Once the Most
Holy Theotokos appeared to St. John and told him,
“Take twelve monks and go with them to Georgia,
the nation enlightened by the Equal-to-the-Apostles Nino, and strengthen
the Christian soul of its people.”
Abibus, Anthony, David, Zenon, Thaddeus, Isidore, Joseph, Jesse, Michael, Pyrrhus, Stephen, and Shio. By divine revelation the Georgian king Parsman and Catholicos Evlavios received the good news
that the venerable fathers were in Mesopotamia, on their way to Georgia, and
they hurried to greet them with the proper honors. King Parsman and Catholicos
Evlavios met the holy fathers as they were approaching Mtskheta.
The holy fathers venerated the myrrh-streaming wood of the Living Pillar
and the Robe of Christ at Svetitskhoveli
Cathedral.
From there St. John and his disciples
traveled throughout Georgia, visiting its many holy sites. With the blessing
of Catholicos Evlavios, St. John and his disciples settled on Zedazeni Mountain,
where a pagan temple to the idol Zadeni had previously stood. The monks lived
in wretched cells, eating only plants and praying ceaselessly. Having heard
of the spiritual endeavors of St. John and his disciples, Christian believers
began to flock to Zedazeni Mountain. Many burned with longing for the monastic
life, and some abandoned the world to join the holy fathers at Zedazeni.
In such a way, Zedazeni Mountain was transformed into an abode of hermits.
One night the Most Holy Theotokos appeared again
to St. John and instructed him to send his disciples throughout the
country to preach the Word of God. In the morning, having related
the vision to his disciples, St. John advised them: “Our Lord Jesus
Christ sent us to perform good deeds for this country and its people,
for they are newly planted seeds in the Christian Faith. Therefore, let
us go forth, each in his own direction, to preach the Word of God!”
MTSKHETA_Aragvi_Mtkvari_rivers
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
(Georgian: სვეტიცხოვლის საკათედრო ტაძარი,
Svet'icxovlis Sak'atedro T'aʒari; literally, "the Living
Pillar Cathedral") is a Georgian Orthodox cathedral located in the
historical town of Mtskheta, Georgia, 20 km (12.5 miles) northwest
of the nation's capital of Tbilisi.
(To this day, the beasts of Zedazeni forest have
never disturbed a single soul). Through St. John’s intercessions, a
man mute and paralyzed from his childhood began to speak and walk.
St. John remained at Zedazeni and went about his usual labors in the company of the Deacon Ilia. Zedazeni Mountain was without water, but St. John prayed to God for a spring, and the Lord sent him a healing spring at the mountain’s peak. Through St. John’s holy prayers, a bear that often came to the spring to drink was tamed and became a guard and protector of Zedazeni Monastery. After earnestly serving God for
many years, St. John received a sign that his death was approaching. He called
his disciples, blessed them, bade them farewell, and left them to bury him
in the cave where he had dwelt. After receiving Holy Communion, St. John
beheld the heavens open and the incorporeal powers with the armies of saints
shining forth.
The Lord called St. John to Himself, saying: “I
am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham. Come and I will give
you rest from your labors.” The holy father prayed and gave
up his soul to the Lord. After his repose St. John’s disciples reasoned
among themselves that a dismal cave was unfit to serve as their holy
father’s burial place, and with great reverence they buried his remains
in a church at the foot of the mountain. But suddenly a violent earthquake
shook the ground where they stood. The earth ceased to quake only after
the frightened disciples remembered their shepherd’s will and realized
that the tremors were a sign from God. So the disciples, a priest, and
a deacon uncovered the holy relics and reburied St. John according to
his will. While they were being translated, St. John’s holy relics healed
many sick and demon-possessed people.
In the 10th century, during the time of Catholicos Clement (908–923), a church in honor of St. John the Baptist was built on the south side of St. John’s cave. The holy father’s grave is located near the altar of this church. Abibus of Nekresi The Holy Martyr was consecrated bishop of Nekresi at the
request of Parsman VI, King of Kartli, and Catholicos Evlavios. Filled
with holy zeal, Bishop Abibus converted many pagans to the Christian
Faith. In the 6th century the Persians forced many Georgians to deny
Christ and worship fire in accordance with their own custom. When St.
Abibus poured water on their altar of sacrifice to extinguish the “holy
fire,” the enraged Persians beat him cruelly, then stoned him to death.
By order of the marzban (Persian viceroy), the holy relics of Martyr Abibus
remained for three days under the open sky. But to the marzban’s great
amazement, neither beast nor bird would touch them. On the fourth night,
monks from Rechi Monastery arrived and translated the holy relics to Samtavisi
Monastery for proper burial. Later, by order of Stepanoz (600–619), the
rightful ruler of Kartli, the holy relics of St. Abibus were translated again,
to Samtavro Monastery in Mtskheta, and buried in the sanctuary under the
altar table.
Svetitskhoveli_Cathedral
Anthony
of Martqopi St. always
carried with him an icon of the Savior “Not-Made-By-Hands” which he had
brought from Edessa in Asia Minor. A lover of solitude, St. Anthony settled
in Lonoati Gorge, but the many curious Christians, drawn by his prayers
and miracles, disturbed his seclusion. So the holy father built a monastery
for his faithful followers, withdrew in reclusion beyond the Alazani
River, and later settled on Akriani Mountain. In his new hermitage,
he ate mostly plants and the bark of trees, and God sent a bear to bring
him food. Later St. Anthony erected a pillar at the top of the mountain
and dwelt upon it for eighteen years. The venerable father received a
sign from God when his death was imminent, and at the moment of his repose
he was kneeling in prayer before the icon of the Savior. His disciples
carried his holy relics down from the pillar and buried them in the monastery
he had founded, in front of the icon of the Mother of God.
David
of Gareji St. first settled in the outskirts
of Tbilisi, the new capital of Georgia.
David_Gareji Monastery Through his wondrous preaching,
St. David converted many fire-worshippers and brought people of many
creeds to the Christian Faith. One day the fire-worshippers took revenge:
they bribed a pregnant woman to agree to their scheme and accuse St.
David of adultery. But the wonder-worker St. David touched his staff to
the woman’s womb and said, “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I command
you, infant, tell us who your real father is!” The infant uttered the name
of his true father from inside his mother’s womb. The crowd of bystanders
was outraged and began to stone the pagan slanderers.
Deeply disturbed by the rioting and unable to
stop the bloodshed, St. David departed with his disciple Lukiane.
Lukiane Sts. David and Lukiane
settled in the Gareji Wilderness in southeastern Georgia. The Lord
provided them with food in abundance: every day, except Wednesdays and
Fridays, a herd of deer came to visit them. Lukiane milked the animals,
and when David made the sign of the Cross over the milk, it was miraculously
transformed into cheese. News of the wonders performed by the holy fathers
spread quickly, and soon the Gareji Wilderness became a refuge for the
many Christians who hungered to lead a true ascetic life.
Dodo After some time a pious monk called
Dodo came from Ninotsminda, a village in eastern Georgia, and, having
received a blessing from his spiritual father, established the Monastery
of the Most Holy Theotokos on the eastern side of the Gareji mountains.
Since that time the eastern range has been called “Dodo’s Range.”
David St. went to Jerusalem on pilgrimage, but when he arrived there, he suddenly judged himself unworthy and dared not enter the gates of the city. He prayed fervently before the city gates, then, in his profound humility, chose three stones to take with him as treasures and departed. That same night an angel appeared to Patriarch Elias of Jerusalem and told him that a monk named David, who had arrived from Georgia, was taking away all the grace of the Holy Land. The patriarch’s messengers found St. David and seized from him two of the stones. The third stone he carried back to Gareji Monastery. Having served the Lord his whole life, through much suffering and many tribulations, the God-pleasing St. David reposed peacefully and was buried at David-Gareji Monastery. Jesse of Tsilkani St. was consecrated bishop of Tsilkani by Catholicos Evlavios, at the suggestion of St. John of Zedazeni. The holy father preached to many crowds and converted many unbelievers. Before long, many followers had gathered around him. St. Jesse, like St. John’s other disciples, was endowed with the ability to work miracles. St. Isidore Once St. John decided to test the faith of his disciples, and he required each of them to perform a miracle. When it was St. Isidore’s turn, he descended to the Ksani River, crossed over it, then touched his staff to the water and cried out, “In the name of the Lord, I command you to follow me!” Immediately the river began to flow in the opposite direction, and it followed every move of the venerable father’s staff. St. Isidore led the river to Tsilkani Monastery. Having witnessed this miracle, many people were converted to the true Faith. St. Isidore received a sign from heaven when his repose was near. He partook of the Holy Gifts and prayerfully gave up his soul to God. St. Isidore is buried in the Tsilkani Church of the Most Holy Theotokos. Kartli_Alaverdi_Monastery Joseph of Alaverdi St. always carried with him a cross that had been formed from the wood of the Life-giving Cross of our Savior. With the blessing of his teacher, St. Joseph preached the Gospel of Christ throughout the region of Kartli in eastern Georgia and later settled in the Alaverdi wilderness. Once St. Joseph encountered a pagan nobleman and preached to him the Word of God. Deeply inspired by Fr. Joseph’s grace-filled preaching, the nobleman founded a monastery in Alaverdi. Villagers from the surrounding region heard about the holy father’s great spiritual feats, and many of them left the world to labor with him. The number of ascetics in the region began to increase steadily from that time. When his long and labor-filled life was drawing to an end, St. Joseph appointed a new abbot for the monastery and reposed peacefully in the Lord. To this day many miracles have taken place over his grave at Alaverdi Monastery. Shio_mgvime_Monastery
Shio of Mgvime (of the cave) From his youth St. was a disciple of St. John of Zedazeni, and he followed him to Georgia. St. Shio settled in Sarkineti, a region northwest of Mtskheta. The Most Holy Theotokos blessed the monk, and he carried out his labors in accordance with her revelations. A dove would bring food to the blessed father, and St. Evagre (at that time the ruler of Tsikhedidi) witnessed this miracle one day while hunting in the area. Deeply inspired by his unceasing labors, the prince left the world to become St. Shio’s disciple. It was not long before St. Shio’s wilderness was filled with people who longed for the ascetic life. St. Shio founded a monastery in Sarkineti, gathered nearly two thousand monks to labor there with him, and instructed them in a strict ascetic life. Having performed countless miracles, St. Shio finally vowed to God that he would spend the remainder of his life in a well that he had dug for himself. He appointed Evagre abbot of the monastery and went into reclusion at the bottom of the well. There he spent fifteen years and reposed peacefully in the Lord. St. Shio’s holy relics are buried in that well, and to this day many miracles have taken place over his grave. Pyrrhus of Breti St. , called the “Divine Image of Repentance,” founded a monastery in Breti, on the bank of the Jvaristsqali River. His holy relics are buried in the church at that monastery. Isidore of Samtavisi St. preached the Christian Faith in Kartli
for many years, in accordance with his teacher’s instruction. On the
eastern bank of the Rekhula River, he
founded Samtavisi Monastery
of the Icon of the Savior “Not-Made-By-Hands.”
He reposed and was buried at that monastery.
Thaddeus of Stepantsminda St. first preached in Mtskheta, and later he founded a monastery at the foot of Zedazeni Mountain. After St. John’s repose, St. Thaddeus continued to preach throughout Kartli and erected many new churches. Among them, the Church of the Protomartyr Stephen in Urbnisi is a glorious example. Near the end of his life St. Thaddeus withdrew to a cave at Tsleva Mountain not far from the city of Kaspi. He reposed peacefully and is buried in that place. Stephen of Khirsa St. and his companions preached throughout the region of Kakheti in eastern Georgia. Later St. Stephen founded Khirsa Monastery near Kharnabuji Castle. He is buried in the sanctuary of the Church of the Protomartyr Stephen at Khirsa. Zenon of Iqalto St. preached the Christian Faith in northern Kakheti and founded Iqalto Monastery. He reposed peacefully, after accomplishing many good works on behalf of the true Faith. St. Zenon is buried at Iqalto in the Church of the Icon of the Savior “Not-Made-By-Hands.” Michael of Ulumbo St. preached the Christian Faith in northern Kartli and Ossetia. He founded a monastery in the Ulumbo (named after Mt. Olympus (in old Georgian Mt. Olympus is known as Mt. Ulumbo), a center of monasticism in Bythinia, Asia Minor.) area, where his wonder-working relics were later buried. Many Georgian children have been
raised at the monasteries founded by the Thirteen Syrian Fathers.
For centuries the
Divine grace of the holy ascetics has spread among the Georgian people
and throughout their land. These monasteries and the holy fathers who
founded them continue to protect the Georgian people against all manner
of sin and unbelief. Today most of the population of Georgia practices
Orthodox Christianity of the Georgian Orthodox Church (83.9%). The religious
minorities are: Muslim (9.9%); Armenian Apostolic (3.9%); Roman Catholic
(0.8%). 0.8% of those recorded in the 2002 census declared themselves
to be adherents of other religions and 0.7% declared no religion at all.
Georgia is one of the oldest Christian countries: it is considered to be an appendage of Holy Virgin. Here Christianity was first preached by the Apostles Andrew and Simon Canaanite. According to the belief the tomb of Simon Canaanite is located in Western Georgia, by the Black Sea, in the ancient site of Nicopsia. In the beginning of the 4th century
AD, St. Nino of Capadoccia brought
Christianity to Georgia. In the 30s (328) of the 4th century (337)
during the reign of King Mirian the Christianity was declared as the
official religion.
Georgian Orthodox Church gained its autocephaly in the 5th century during the reign of Vakhtang Gorgasali. The Bible was also translated in Georgian in the 5th century. From around the 6th century the Church of Egrisi (Lasika) was headed by a metropolitan whose see was in Phases; he was a hierarch subordinated to the Patriarch of Constantinople. In the latter half of the 9th century, the West Georgian Church broke away from the Constantinople and placed itself under the Catholicos with the see at Mtskheta. The Catholicos of Kartli was proclaimed the head of the Georgian Church, ranking as the sixth patriarch in the world’s pentarchy. The Georgian Church has always played an important role in strengthening the national consciousness of the people. But at the same time religious fanatism has always been alien to it. The church is tolerant to other confessions, and this has been attested by its peaceful coexistence with Catholic, Judean, Armenian-Gregorian, German-Lutheran and Muslim congregations. However Georgian church has remained
faithful to the Orthodox traditions.
|
357 May
7th, Commemoration of the
Appearing of the Precious Cross over Jerusalem SerbianOrthodoxChurch.net In the time of the Emperor Constantius, St Constantine's son, and Patriarch Cyril of Jerusalem, the Precious Cross appeared one day at nine o'clock in the morning above Golgotha, and spread as far as the Mount of Olives. This Cross was brighter than the sun and more beautiful than the loveliest rainbow. The whole people-believers and unbelievers - left their work and watched this heavenly sign in fear and wonder. Many unbelievers were converted to faith in Christ, and also many Arians abandoned their wicked heresy and returned to Orthodoxy. Patriarch Cyril wrote a letter to the Emperor Constantius about this sign, the Emperor himself being inclined towards Arianism. This took place on May 7th, 357. Thus was it demonstrated by this means that the Christian faith does not lie in the worldly theorising of the sensual understanding of men, but in the power of God, shown forth through wonders and signs without number (See also Homily for March 19th). |
560 St. Domitian Bishop
of Maastricht Netherland, called “the Apostle of the Valley of
the Meuse’ of Belgium and France known for goodness aided poor during
severe famine refutation of heresies 560 ST DOMITIAN, BISHOP OF Maestricht THE principal patron of Huy on the Meuse is St Domitian, whose relics still repose in a beautiful medieval reliquary in the church of our Lady. A native of France, the saint was elected bishop of Tongres, but his episcopal seat was afterwards removed to Maestricht. At the Synod of Orleans in 549 he distinguished himself for the skilful manner in which he refuted the doctrines of heretics. He evangelized the Meuse valley, converting numerous pagans, besides building churches and hospices in his diocese. When, towards the close of a severe famine, the well-to-do were ceasing to relieve their poorer neighbours lest they themselves should suffer from shortage, the holy bishop made an eloquent and successful appeal to their generosity, rebuking their lack of faith and prophesying a plentiful harvest. Tradition attributes to St Domitian the slaying of a terrible monster, which was causing great distress by poisoning the drinking-water of Huy; a procession still takes place to the place beside a spring where the saint overcame this real or metaphorical dragon.He attended the Synod of Orleans in France , and was known for his goodness. Domitian aided the poor during a severe famine. His relics are enshrined in Huy. The formal
biographies of St Domitian printed in the Acta Sanctorum,
May, vol. ii, are all very late. A few notices in the Gesta
Ep. Leodiensium (see Pertz, MGH., Scriptores, vol.
vii, p. 178, and vol. xxv, pp. 26—27) are more reliable. See also Duchesne,
Fastes Épiscopaux, vol. iii, p. 189.
Domitian of Huy B (AC). Bishop Domitian of Maestricht (or Tongres), was the apostle of the Meuse Valley. At the synod of Orléans in 549, he distinguished himself by his refutation of heresies. His relics are venerated at Huy (Benedictines, Coulson). |
600 St. Liudhard Bishop
chaplain to Queen Bertha daughter of King Charibert of Paris 602 ST LIUDHARD, BISHOP See C. Plummer’s
note in his edition of Bede’s Historia Ecclesiastica,
vol. ii, p. 42 Stanton, Menology, pp.
51—52 and 200—201 C. J. Destombes, Vies des Saints des dioceses
de Cambrai et d’Arras, vol. i, pp. 158 seq.
St Liphard, under the name of Liefardus, was represented in the
old paintings in the English College, Rome.
France. When Bertha went to England to marry King
Ethelbert of Kent, Liudhard accompanied her. He played an important
role in King Ethelbert’s conversion and Baptism by St. Augustine of Canterbury. Liudhard,
also called Liphard and Letard, was buried at Canterbury.Liudhard of Canterbury B (AC) (also known as Letard). Frankish Saint Liudhard was chaplain to Queen Bertha of Kent, daughter of King Charibert of Paris, who agreed to marry the pagan King Ethelbert on the condition that she be free to practice her religion and bring her bishop with her. Liudhard was that bishop. He is said to have played an important part in the conversion of the king to Christianity; however, there are no letters extant from the prolific writer Pope Saint Gregory to him. There is one (dated to 601) to Queen Bertha, which reproaches her for her failure to achieve her husband's conversion. Liudhard restored an ancient Romano-British church for her at Canterbury. He was buried in the abbey of SS. Peter and Paul (now Saint Augustine's) in Canterbury. In the 11th century, Goselin wrote a short vita of Liudhard, but seems to have confused him with Saint Liephard, whose feast is kept at Cambrai and who is called "archbishop of Canterbury and martyr." Liudhard was neither (Benedictines, Coulson, Farmer). |
669 St. Serenidus
& Serenus Benedictine hermits known for his miracles, including
ending a plague and a drought 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. On the site of the present
town of Château Gontier, in the diocese of Angers, and subsequently
in the forest of Charnie, near the village of Saulges in Maine, they
led a life of extreme self-abnegation as solitaries. But, desirous
though they were of remaining lost to the world, the fame of their sanctity
began to attract visitors, who disturbed their solitude. So strongly
did Serenicus feel the call to greater seclusion that he bade farewell
to his brother, from whom he had never previously been parted, and struck
out into the unknown region of Hyesmes, accompanied by a child whom he
had baptized and who would not leave him. On a spot surrounded by boulders,
situated over the river Sarthe and approached only by a narrow path, he
determined to make his abode. He was soon to discover that
solitude was not for him. Disciples gathered round, and he became the
head of a large community of monks, whom he taught to recite the full
psalmody, consisting of the complete Roman use in addition to all the
Benedictine offices. He continued to rule over the monastery he had founded
until his death which occurred when he was very old, about the year 669. They were members of a noble family in Spoleto who entered the Benedictines and became hermits in France, in the Charnie Forest. Serenus remained a hermit until his death and was known for his miracles, including ending a plague and a drought. Serenicus eventually served as head of the community of followers who had gathered under his spiritual guidance near the Sarthe River, following the Benedictine rule. The not very
convincing narrative, compiled seemingly in the eighth century, which
is here summarized, has been printed by the Bollandists and in Mabillon,
Acta Sanctorum O.S.B., vol. ii, pp. 572—578.
Serenicus and Serenus, OSB (AC) Born in Spoleto, Italy; Serenicus and Serenus were brothers born into a patrician family. They received the Benedictine habit in Rome at the tomb of the apostles, which was then in Benedictine custody. Later they settled in France as hermits near the Sarthe River, where Serenus spent the rest of his life. Serenicus, however, became abbot of a community of over 140 disciples upon whom he imposed the Benedictine Rule and other Roman practices (Benedictines, Coulson). |
675 St. Placid Benedictine
Abbot in Autun Placid of Autun, OSB Abbot (AC) (also known as Placidus, Plait) Died c. 675. Saint Placid was the abbot of the basilica monastery of Saint Symphorian (beheaded by sword on 22 August 178 Son of Senator Faustus and Blessed Augusta. Convert Christian) in Autun (Benedictines). |
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. Eboráci, in Anglia, sancti Joánnis
Epíscopi, vita et miráculis clari.
721 ST JOHN OF BEVERLEY, BISHOP OF YORKAt York in England, St. John, bishop, renowned for a saintly life and miracles. 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.
His exceptional abilities marked
him out for preferment, and after the death of St Eata he was appointed bishop
of Hexham. Whatever time he could spare from the duties of his office he
devoted to heavenly contemplation, retiring for that purpose at stated periods
to a cell beside the church of St Michael beyond the Tyne, near Hexham.
Often he would be accompanied by some poor person, whom he would serve, and
once he took with him a youth who seems to have suffered from a loathsome
form of ringworm and who had never been able to speak. The bishop taught
him to say “Géa”—the Anglo-Saxon equivalent for “Yes”. From this beginning
he led him on to pronounce the letters of the alphabet and then to enunciate
syllables and words. In this manner the youth gradually acquired the use
of speech and was at the same time cured of the malady which disfigured
him. The Ecclesiastical History of Bede is our most reliable source of
information. More than three centuries later Folcard, a monk of St Bertin
then resident in England, wrote a life of John of Beverley, followed
by a long series of miracles. This, together with other documents, has
been edited by Canon Raine for the Rolls Series in The Historians
of the Church of York, vol. i. See also Raine’s two volumes on Hexham
in the Surtees Society publications. Entries in the calendars (for which
consult Stanton’s Menology, p. 201) give evidence of a widespread
cultus of St John of Beverley from an early
date. Stanton (p. 676) speaks of the discovery of certain relics as
late as the year 1664. There is a charming reference to the saint in Dame
Julian’s Revelations, ch. 38.
John was born at Harpham, Yorkshire,
England. He studied under Adrian at St. Theodore's School in Kent,
and on his returen to his native land, became a monk at Whitby. He was
named bishop of Hexham in 687 and then transferred to York as metropolitan
in 705, succeeding St. Bosa.
John was known for his holiness, his preference for the contemplative life, and his miracles, many of which are recounted in Bede's Ecclesiastical History, the author of which he had ordained. In ill health, John resigned the bishopric of York in 717 and retired to Beverly Abbey, which he had founded, and remained there until his death on May 7. His shrine was for centuries one of the most popular pilgrim centers in England. He was canonized by Pope Benedict IX in 1037. John of Beverley, OSB B (RM) Born in Harpham (Humberside), Yorkshire, England; died at Beverley, England, May 7, 721; canonized in 1037; feast of translation, October 25. Saint John trained for the priesthood and monastic life in Kent under the direction of SS. Adrian(Born in Africa; died at Canterbury, England, January 9, 710) and Theodore (b. in 759; d. on the Peninsula of Tryphon, near the promontory Akrita on 11 November, 826), but returned to Yorkshire upon completing his studies to become a monk at Whitby Abbey, which was then under the rule of Saint Hilda(Born in Northumbria in 614; died at Whitby in 680). John founded a monastery in Humberside, England, on the site of a small church dedicated to Saint John the Evangelist, where he asked to be buried. In 687, after the death of Saint Eata (Died c. 686. It is impossible to write about Eata, the 7th century English saint, without going back to Saint Aidan ( Born in Ireland; died 651), and from Saint Aidan to Saint Paulinus of York ( Born c. 584; died at Rochester, England, 644. In 601), and from Saint Paulinus to Saint Augustine (Austin) of Canterbury ( Born probably in Italy, c. 996; died at Novara, Lombardy, Italy, c. 1081), and from Saint Augustine to Saint Gregory the Great(born at Rome about 540; died 12 March 604) who began this chain reaction. Nor should we forget the Venerable 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). without whose Ecclesiastical History we would never have heard of Saint Eata, nor Saint Cuthbert (Born in Northumbria, England (?) or Ireland, c. 634; died on Inner Farne in March 20, 687), who was Eata's close friend), John he was consecrated bishop of Hexham. He is said to have shown special care for the poor and the handicapped. Whatever time he could spare from his episcopal duties he spent in contemplation. At regular seasons, especially during Lent, he retired to pray in a cell by the church of Saint Michael beyond the Tyne, near Hexham. He would take with him some poor person, whom he would serve during his retirement. He was transferred York as archbishop
upon the death of Saint Bosa
in 705,(Died 686. Saint Bosa
Benedictine monk at Whitby, England, under Saint Hilda.) and Saint Wilfrid (Born in Ripon, Northumbria,
634; died at Oundle, in 709) succeeded him at Hexham as part of the
final settlement of the latter's long dispute with the Northumbrian
kings.
He continued his practice of
periodic retirement for spiritual refreshment. His chosen retreat was
an abbey that he had built at Beverley, then a forest. Not until old
age had worn him out did he resign his office to Saint Wilfrid the Younger (Died at Ripon
in 744. Saint Wilfrid was one of the five future bishops who were educated
by Saint Hilda at Whitby) in order to spend the last four years of his
life in the peace of his beloved abbey at Beverley.
According to the Venerable Bede in Ecclesiastical History, who was ordained both deacon and priest by John when he was bishop of Hexham, John of Beverley possessed the gift of healing. He cured a youth of dumbness, even though the boy had never utter a single word. (The boy was apparently bald from a terrible scalp disease also.) On the second Sunday of Lent, John made the sign of the cross upon the youth's tongue, and loosed it. Bede tells of how the saint patiently taught the boy the alphabet. He taught him to say "gea," which signifies in Saxon "Yea"; then the letters of the alphabet, and afterwards syllables. Thus the youth miraculously obtained his speech. Moreover, by the saint's blessing and the remedies prescribed by a physician whom he employed, his head was entirely healed, and became covered with hair. Bede also records that John cured a noblewoman of a pain so grievous that she had been unable to move for three weeks. Several people who seemed in immediate danger of death were saved by his prayers. In addition to his own eye-witness accounts, Bede tells us of cures witnessed by Abbot Bercthun of Beverley and Abbot Herebald of Tinmouth. After the saint's death, such miracles continued around his shrine, which became a famous pilgrimage site. The Bollandist Henschenius devoted four books to the miracles wrought at the holy bishop's shrine. So many were drawn there that the magnificent Beverley Minster was built, which rivals some of England's great cathedral churches. Alcuin also records miracles worked at John's intercession. (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, became its head. Under his direction it became a well-known center of learning.) For example, King Athelstan invoked John's intercession for victory against the Scots. In 1307, his relics were translated -- the occasion of a vita written by Folcard. Some of the sweet-smelling relics were discovered in September 1664, when a grave was being dug, in a lead box within a vault of freestone. These relics had been hidden in the beginning of the reign of king Edward VI. It was not just miracles that led to John's canonization. He led a life of remarkable holiness. Other devotees include Blessed Julian of Norwich(Born c. 1342; died in Norwich, England, c. 1423; she has never actually been beatified), King Henry V (who attributed the victory of Agincourt to his intercession), and Saint John Fisher(Born at Beverley, Yorkshire, England, 1469; died on Tower Hill, London, on June 22, 1535;), who was born at Beverley (Benedictines, Bentley, Farmer, Gill, Husenbeth, Walsh). |
735 St. Peter
of Pavia Bishop during the reign of the Lombard king Liutprand Papíæ sancti Petri Epíscopi.
At Pavia, Bishop St. Peter.
Little is known of Peter beyond the fact that
he was a Lombard who served as bishop of Pavia during the reign of
the Lombard king Liutprand. Peter was a relative of Liutprand. Peter of Pavia B (RM). Bishop Peter briefly governed the see of Pavia during the reign of his kinsman, King Luitprand of the Lombards (Benedictines). |
1070 Blessed Frederick
of Hirschau sent with twelve of his comrades to restore discipline
OSB Abbot (AC) Born in Swabia, Germany; died at Ebersberg, c. 1070. Frederick, a monk of Einsiedeln, Switzerland, was sent with twelve of his comrades to restore discipline at Hirschau in 1066. Of course, their intervention was not appreciated by many. Frederick was calumniated leading to his deposition in 1069 by the count of Calw, who owned Hirschau (Benedictines). |
1079 ST STANISLAUS, Bishop
of Cracow, Martyr Sancti Stanislái, Epíscopi Cracoviénsis et Mártyris, qui sequénti die, corónam martyrii consecútus est. St. Stanislas, bishop of Cracow and martyr, who received the crown of martyrdom on the day following this. THE cultist
of St Stanislaus is widespread in Poland—especially in his episcopal
city of Cracow, which honours him as principal patron and preserves
the greater part of his relics in the cathedral. His biography, written
some four hundred years after his death, by St Casimir’s tutor, the historian
John Dlugosz, seems to be an uncritical compilation from various earlier
writings and from oral tradition, for it contains several conflicting
statements, besides a certain amount of matter which is obviously purely
legendary. Stanislaus Szczepanowski was
born on July 26, 1030, at Szczepanow. He came of noble parents, who
bad been childless for many years until this son was vouchsafed
to them in answer to prayer. They devoted him from his birth to the service
of God, and encouraged in every way the piety which he evinced from early
childhood. He was educated at Gnesen and afterwards, we are told, “at
the University of Paris”, which at that time had not yet come into existence.
Eventually he was ordained priest by Lampert Zula, bishop of Cracow,
who gave him a canonry in the cathedral and subsequently appointed him
his preacher and archdeacon. The eloquence of the young priest and his
saintly example brought about a great reformation of morals amongst his
penitents—clergy as well as laity flocking to him from all quarters for
spiritual advice. Bishop Lampert wished to resign the episcopal office in
his favour, but Stanislaus refused to consider the suggestion. However, upon
Lampert’s death, he could not resist the will of the people seconded by an
order from Pope Alexander II, and he was consecrated bishop in 1072.
He proved himself a zealous apostle, indefatigable in preaching, strict in
maintaining discipline, and regular in his visitations. His house was always
crowded with the poor, and he kept a list of widows and other distressed persons
to whom he systematically distributed gifts. Poland at that epoch was ruled
by Boleslaus II, a prince whose finer qualities were completely eclipsed
by his unbridled lust and savage cruelty. Stanislaus alone ventured
to beard the tyrant and to remonstrate with him at the scandal his conduct
was causing. At first the king endeavoured to vindicate his behaviour,
but when pressed more closely he made some show of repentance. The good
effects of the admonition, however, soon wore off: Boleslaus relapsed
into his evil ways. There were acts of rapacity and political injustice
which brought him into conflict with the bishop and at length he perpetrated
an outrage which caused general indignation. A certain nobleman had a
wife who was very beautiful. Upon this
lady Boleslaus cast lustful eyes, and when she repelled his advances he
caused her to be carried off by force and lodged in his palace. The Polish
nobles called upon the archbishop of Gnesen and the court prelates to expostulate
with the monarch. Fear of offending the king closed their lips, and the
people openly accused them of conniving at the crime. St Stanislaus, when
appealed to, had no such hesitation; he went again to Boleslaus and rebuked
him for his sin. He closed his exhortation by reminding the prince that
if he persisted in his evil courses he would bring upon himself the censure
of the Church, with the sentence of excommunication. The threat roused the king
to fury. He declared that a man who could address his sovereign in
such terms was more fit to be a swineherd than a shepherd of souls, and
cut short the interview with threats. He first had recourse to slander—if
we may believe a story related by the saint’s later historians. St Stanislaus,
we are told, had bought some land for the Church from a certain Peter,
who died soon after the transaction. It was suggested to the deceased
man’s nephews that they should claim back the land on pretence that it
had not been paid for. The case came up before Boleslaus: no witnesses
for the defence were allowed to be heard and the verdict seemed a foregone
conclusion, when, in answer to a dramatic appeal from St Stanislaus, the
dead man appeared before the court in his grave-clothes and vindicated
the bishop. If we can credit this story we are further asked to believe
that the marvel produced no permanent change of heart in Boleslaus, whose
barbarity had only increased with time. At last, finding all remonstrance
useless, Stanislaus launched against him a formal sentence of excommunication.
The tyrant professed to disregard the ban, but when he entered the
cathedral of Cracow he found that the services were at once suspended
by order of the bishop. Furious with rage, he pursued the saint to the
little chapel of St Michael outside the city, where he was celebrating
Mass, and ordered some of his guards to enter and slay him. The men,
however, returned, saying that they could not kill the saint as he was
surrounded by a heavenly light. Upbraiding them for cowardice, the king
himself entered the building and dispatched the bishop with his own hand.
The guards then cut the body into pieces and scattered them abroad to be
devoured by beasts of prey. Protected, it is said, by eagles, the sacred
relics were rescued three days later by the cathedral canons and privately
buried at the door of the chapel in which Stanislaus had been slain. The above summarizes the story
of the martyrdom of St Stanislaus as it is commonly told, Considerable
discussion was caused in Poland by the publication in 1904 of an historical
work by Professor Wojchiechowski in the course of which he maintained
that Stanislaus had been guilty of treason, had plotted to dethrone his
sovereign, and had therefore rightly been put to death. To this charge
Professor Miodonski and others replied with vigour. But there seems
no doubt that there were some political considerations behind the murder
of St Stanislaus, though the whole business is very uncertain and obscure.
It is not true that the action of Boleslaus led to an immediate rising of
the people which drove him from Poland; but it certainly hastened his fall
from power. Pope St Gregory VII laid the country under an interdict,
and nearly two centuries later, in 1253, St Stanislaus was canonized by
Pope Innocent IV. The long life of St Stanislaus by John Dlugosz is printed in the Acta Sanctorum, May, vol. ii. Two shorter but earlier biographies have since been discovered and published. For details see Poncelet, BHL., nn. 7832—7842. The action of Pope St Gregory VII has been studied in the seventh volume of Gfrorer’s Kirchengeschichte, pp. 557 seq. Cf. also SS. SERENICUS AND SERENUS (c. A.D. 669 AND 680) the Cambridge History of Poland, vol. i (1950). Polish biographies of the saint are numerous, but little seems to have been written in other languages. |
1237 St. Villanus Benedictine
bishop Born in Gubbio, Italy, Villanus entered the Benedictine monastery of Fonte-Avellana, receiving elevation in 1206 to the office of bishop of Gubbio. Villanus of Gubbio, OSB B (AC) Born in Gubbio, Italy; Saint Villanus became a monk at Fontavellana and, in 1206, was consecrated bishop of Gubbio (Benedictines). |
1279 Blessed Albert
of Bergamo, OP Tert. (AC) peasant farmer who followed his pious and
industrious father's example many practices of penance and piety (also
known as Albert d'Ogna or Albert the Farmer)
Born in Valle d'Ogna (near Bergamo), Italy, in 1214; died in Cremona, Italy, May 7, 1279; cultus approved 1748; feast day formerly May 11. 1279 Bl. Albert of Bergamo Dominican tertiary pious farmer miracle worker to benefit others 1279 BD ALBERT OF BERGAMO BD ALBERT OF BERGAMO was a peasant farmer who lived an exemplary life amongst his neighbours in the Valle d’Ogna and became a Dominican tertiary. Though married he had no children, and he had much to bear from a shrewish wife, as well as from other relations who resented his liberality to the poor. In later life he went on pilgrimages to Rome and Jerusalem and is said to have visited Compostela eight times, always supporting himself on the way by the work of his hands. Eventually he settled in Cremona, where he became closely associated with another holy man, Bd Homobonus, and where he died in the year 1279. He was famous in Cremona for his miracles. Some of the wonders which he is said to have worked in his lifetime are certainly of a very remarkable and unusual character. For example, in the Short Lives of Dominican Saints, edited by Fr John Proctor, o.p., we read: “One day he was carrying a barrel of wine to the house of a poor woman, when it accidentally slipped from his shoulder and broke to pieces on the road. ‘King of Glory, come to my assistance’, exclaimed the holy man, according to his wont in all difficulties. Then he gathered up the broken pieces of wood, adjusted them in their proper places, and collected the spilt wine in his hands so that not a drop was lost.” 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.
The documents submitted at that time were printed for the Congregation
of Rites, and the decree of confirmation is dated May 9, 1748. See also
the Année Dominicaine (1891), pp. 375—385. A short notice
of Bd Albert will also be found in the Acta Sanctorum, May,
vol. ii.
Albert "the Farmer" was a peasant farmer who followed
his pious and industrious father's example. His father taught him many
practices of penance and piety that later fructified in a saintly life.
At seven, Albert was fasting three days a week, giving the foregone
food to the poor. Working at the heavy labor of the fields, Albert learned
to see God in all things, and to listen for His voice in all nature. The
beauty of the earth was to him a voice that spoke only of heaven. He
grew up pure of heart, discreet, and humble--to the edification of the
entire village.Albert married while still quite young. At first his wife made no objection to the generosity and self-denial for which he was known. When his father died, however, she made haste to criticize his every act and word, and made his home almost unbearable with her shrewish scolding. "You give too much time to prayer and to the poor!" she charged; Albert only replied that God will return all gifts made to the poor. In testimony to this, God miraculously restored the meal Albert had given away over his wife's objections. Finally, softened by Albert's prayers, she ceased her nagging and became his rival in piety and charity. She died soon after her conversion, and Albert, being childless, he left his father's farm to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and Rome. Stopping at Cremona, Italy, at harvest time, Albert went to work in the fields. He soon earned the name of "the diligent worker." His guardian angel worked beside him in the fields, and, therefore, twice the work was accomplished that might be expected of one man. Weighing in his grain at the end of the day, Albert always received twice as much in wages as the other workers did. Though he gave this to the poor and kept nothing for himself, jealous companions determined to annoy him. Planting pieces of iron in the field where Albert would be working the next day, they watched to see him break or dull his scythe. Miraculously, the scythe cut through iron as it did through the grain, never suffering any harm. In Cremona Albert's poverty was also a witness to a group of heretics there who boasted of their own poverty. In all, Albert visited Rome nine times, Santiago de Compostela eight times, and Jerusalem once. He worked his way, giving to the poor every penny he could spare. His pilgrimages were almost unbroken prayer; he walked along singing hymns and chanting Psalms, or conversing on things of God with the people he met along the way. Appalled at the suffering of pilgrims who fell ill far from home and the penniless, Albert determined to build a hospital for their use. This he actually accomplished by his prayers and diligent work. 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). In art, Saint Albert is a farm laborer cutting through a stone with a scythe. He may shown be shown (1) when a dove brings him the viaticum, or (2) with a dove, Host, and censer near him (Roeder). Albert is the patron of bakers and day-laborers, and is venerated in Cremona, Bergamo, and Ogna (Roeder). |
1728 Blessed 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
1728 BD ROSE VENERINI, VIRGIN 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. Blessed 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 use to gather the women and girls of the neighborhood 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 preschool for girls in Viterbo: it soon became a success. Blessed 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. 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 until sometime after her death that Blessed 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, vol. xliv (1952), pp.
405—409.
Blessed Rosa Venerini V (AC) Born at Viterbo, Italy, 1656; died at Rome, 1728; beatified 1952. Rosa Venerini, daughter of a physician, devoted her life to educating school mistresses. She was joined in this work by Saint Lucy Filippini(Born in Corneto or Tarquinia, Tuscany, Italy, January 13, 1672; died at Montefiascone, Italy, on March 25, 1732) at the request of Cardinal Barbarigo. She organized schools in many parts of Italy, and recruited and trained teachers who, after Rose's death, were formed into a religious congregation (Attwater2). May 7, 2007 Blessed Rose Venerini
(1656-1728)
Rose was born at Viterbo in Italy, the daughter of a doctor. Following the death of her fiancé she entered a convent, but soon returned home to care for her newly widowed mother. Meanwhile, Rose invited the women of the neighborhood to recite the rosary in her home, forming a sort of sodality with them. As she looked to her future, Rose, under the spiritual guidance of a Jesuit priest, became convinced that she was called to become a teacher in the world rather than a contemplative nun in a convent. Clearly, she made the right choice: She was a born teacher, and the free school for girls she opened in 1685 was well received. S oon the cardinal invited her to oversee the training of teachers and the administration of schools in his Diocese of Montefiascone. As Rose's reputation grew, she was called upon to organize schools in many parts of Italy, including Rome. Her disposition was right for the task as well, for Rose often met considerable opposition but was never deterred. She died in Rome in 1728, where a number of miracles were attributed to her. She was beatified in 1952. The sodality, or group of women she had invited to prayer, was ultimately given the rank of a religious congregation. Today, the so-called Venerini Sisters can be found in the United States and elsewhere, working among Italian immigrants. Comment: Whatever state of life God calls us to, we bring with us an assortment of experiences, interests and gifts—however small they seem to us. Rose’s life stands as a reminder that all we are is meant to be put to service wherever we find ourselves. |
1902 Blessed 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. In Genoa he established a residential school to train young women without families, who were in danger of starvation or falling into prostitution because they had no support. In 1876, he founded the Institute of Sisters of the Immaculata to run this and other residential centers he had established. In addition to this work of charity, in 1874, Father Agostino was appointed chaplain of the provincial orphanage. While continuing this work for 22 years, he also served as prison chaplain, wherein he cared particularly for those condemned to death (L'Osservatore Romano). |
1909
Father Alexis Toth 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
Our holy Father Alexis, the defender of the Orthodox Faith and zealous worker in the Lord's vineyard, was born in Austro-Hungary on March 18, 1854 into a poor Carpatho-Russian family. Like many others in the Austro-Hungarian empire, the Toths were Eastern Rite Catholics. Alexis' father and brother were priests and his uncle was a bishop in the Uniate church. He received an excellent education and knew several languages (Carpatho-Russian, Hungarian, Russian, German, Latin, and a reading knowledge of Greek). He married Rosalie Mihalich, a priest's daughter, and was ordained on April 18, 1878 to serve as second priest in a Uniate parish. His wife died soon afterwards, followed by their only child - losses which the saint endured with the patience of Job. In May, 1879, Fr Alexis was appointed secretary to the Bishop of Presov and also Administrator of the Diocesan Administration. He was also entrusted with the directorship of an orphanage. At Presov Seminary, Father Toth taught Church History and Canon Law, which served him well in his later life in America. St Alexis did not serve long as a professor or an administrator, for the Lord had a different future planned for him. In October, 1889 he was appointed to serve as pastor of a Uniate parish in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Like another Abraham, he left his country and his relatives to fulfill the will of God (Gen 12:1). Upon his arrival in America, Father Alexis presented himself to the local Roman Catholic diocesan authority, Archbishop John Ireland, since there was no Uniate bishop in America at that time. Archbishop Ireland belonged to the party of American Catholics who favored the "Americanization" of all Roman Catholics. His vision for the future was founded on a common faith, customs, and the use of the English language for everything except liturgical celebrations. Naturally, ethnic parishes and non-Latin rite clergy did not fit into this vision. Thus, when Father Toth came to present his credentials, Archbishop Ireland greeted him with open hostility. He refused to recognize him as a legitimate Catholic priest or to grant permission for him to serve in his diocese. As a historian and professor of Canon Law, Father Toth knew his rights under the terms of the Unia and would not accept Archbishop Ireland's unjust decisions. In October of 1890, there was a meeting of eight of the ten Uniate priests in America at Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania under the chairmanship of Father Toth. By this time the American bishops had written to Rome demanding the recall to Europe of all Uniate priests in America, fearing that Uniate priests and parishes would hinder the assimilation of immigrants into American culture. Uniate bishops in Europe refused to listen to the priests' pleas for help. Archbishop Ireland sent a letter
to his parishes ordering their members not to attend Father Toth's
parish nor to accept any priestly ministrations from him. Expecting
imminent deportation, Father Toth explained the situation to his parishioners
and suggested it might be best for him to leave and return to Europe.
"No," they said. "Let's go to the Russian bishop. Why should we always
submit ourselves to foreigners?" It was decided to write to the Russian
consul in San Francisco in order to ask for the name and address of the
Russian bishop.
The example of St Alexis and his parish in returning
to Orthodoxy was an encouragement to hundreds of other Uniates. Ivan Mlinar went to San Francisco to make initial contact with Bishop Vladimir; then in February, 1891 Father Toth and his church warden, Paul Podany, also made the journey. Subsequently, Bishop Vladimir came to Minneapolis and on March 25, 1891 received Father Toth and 361 parishioners into the Orthodox Church of their ancestors. The parishioners regarded this event as a new Triumph of Orthodoxy, crying out with joy: "Glory to God for His great mercy!" This initiative came from the people themselves, and was not the result of any coercion from outsiders. The Russian Orthodox Church was unaware of the existence of these Slavic Uniate immigrants to America, but responded positively to their petition to be reunited to the Orthodox Church. The ever-memorable one was like
a candle upon a candlestick giving light to others (Mt.5:15), and his
flock may be likened to the leaven mixed with meal which leavened the
whole (Mt.13:33). Through his fearless preaching he uprooted the tares
which had sprung up in the wheat of true doctrine, and exposed the false
teachings which had led his people astray. Although he did not hesitate
to point out errors in the doctrines of other denominations, he was careful
to warn his flock against intolerance.
His writings and sermons are
filled with admonitions to respect other people and to refrain from attacking
their faith.
While it is true that he made
some strong comments, especially in his private correspondence with
the church administration, it must be remembered that this was done while
defending the Orthodox Church and the American Mission from unfounded
accusations by people who used much harsher language than Father Toth.
His opponents may be characterized by intolerance, rude behaviour, unethical
methods and threats against him and his parishioners. Yet, when Father
Alexis was offended or deceived by other people he forgave them, and he
would often ask his bishop to forgive his omissions and mistakes.
So he bore the tribulation, slander, and physical
attacks with patience and spiritual joy, reminding us that "godliness
is stronger than all" (Wisdom of Solomon 10:12). In the midst of great hardships, this herald of godly theology and sound doctrine poured forth an inexhaustible stream of Orthodox writings for new converts, and gave practical advice on how to live in an Orthodox manner. For example, his article "How We should Live in America" stresses the importance of education, cleanliness, sobriety, and the presence of children in church on Sundays and Holy Days. Although the Minneapolis parish was received into the Orthodox Church in March, 1891, it was not until July, 1892 that the Holy Synod of Russia recognized and accepted the parish into the Diocese of Alaska and the Aleutians. This resolution reached America only in October, 1892. During that time there was a climate of religious and ethnic hostility against the new converts. Father Alexis was accused of selling out his own Carpatho-Russian people and his religion to the "Muscovites" for financial gain. In reality he did not receive any financial support for a long time, for his parish was very poor. Until his priestly salary began to arrive from Russia, the righteous one was obliged to work in a bakery in order to support himself. Even though his funds were meager, he did not neglect to give alms to the poor and needy. He shared his money with other clergy worse off than himself, and contributed to the building of churches and to the education of seminarians in Minneapolis. He was not anxious about his life (Mt.6:25), what he would eat or drink or wear. Trusting in God to take care of him, St Alexis followed the admonition of Our Savior to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Mt.6:33). Bishops Vladimir, Nicholas, St
Tikhon, and Platon recognized the special gifts of Father Toth, so they often
sent him forth to preach and teach wherever there were people of Slavic background.
Even though he was aware of his shortcomings and inadequacies, yet he was
obedient to the instructions of the bishops. He did not hesitate or make
excuses, but went immediately to fulfill his mission. St Alexis visited
many Uniate parishes, explaining the differences between Orthodoxy, Protestantism,
Roman Catholicism and Uniatism, stressing that the true way to salvation
is in Orthodoxy.
Any future growth or success may truly be regarded
as the result of Father Toth's apostolic labors. Like Josiah, "he behaved himself uprightly in the conversion of his people" (Sir 49:2). He was instrumental in the formation or return of seventeen parishes, planting a vineyard of Christ in America, and increasing its fruitful yield many times over. By 1909, the time of his blessed repose, many thousands of Carpatho-Russian and Galician Uniates had returned to Orthodoxy. This was a major event in the history of the North American Mission, which would continue to shape the future of Orthodoxy in this country for many generations to come. Who can tell of the saint's spiritual
struggles? Who can speak of the prayers which his pious soul poured forth
unto God? He did not make a public display of his piety, but prayed to God
in secret with all modesty, with contrition and inward tears. God, Who sees
everything done in secret, openly rewarded the saint (Mt.6:6). It is inconceivable
that St Alexis could have accomplished his apostolic labors unless God had
blessed and strengthened him for such work. Today the Church continues to
reap the fruits of his teaching and preaching.
Father Toth's efforts did not go unrecognized
in his own lifetime. He received a jeweled miter from
the Holy Synod, as well as the Order of St Vladimir
and the Order of St Anna
from Czar Nicholas II for distinguished service and devotion to God and
country. In 1907, he was considered as a candidate for the episcopal
office.
He declined this honor, however, humbly pointing
out that this responsibility should be given to a younger, healthier
man. At the end of 1908, St Alexis'
health began to decline due to a complication of illneses. He went
to the seashore in southern New Jersey in an attempt to regain his health,
but soon returned to Wilkes-Barre, where he was confined to bed for two
months. The righteous one reposed on Friday, May 7, 1909 (April 24 on
the Old Calendar), the feast of Sts
Sava and Alexius the Hermit of the Kiev Caves. St Alexis' love and
concern for his spiritual children did not cease with his death. Before
closing the account of his life, it would be most appropriate to reveal
but one example of his heavenly intercession:
In January, 1993 a certain man prayed to St Alexis to help him obtain information about his son from whom he had been separated for twenty-eight years. Placing his confidence in the saint's boldness before God, he awaited an answer to his prayer. The very next day the man's son telephoned him. It seems the young man was in church when he was suddenly filled with an overwhelming desire to contact his father. He had been taken to another state by his mother, and she changed his name when he was a child. This is why his father was unable to locate him. Having learned from his mother that his father was an Orthodox Christian, he was able with the help of an Orthodox priest to obtain his father's phone number in a distant city. As a result of that telephone call, the young man later visited his father, who rejoiced to see what sort of man his son had become. The father gave thanks to God and to St Alexis for reuniting him with his son. St Alexis was a true man of God
who guided many Carpatho-Russian and Galician immigrants through the dark
confusion of religious challenges in the New World and back to the unity of
the Orthodox Church through his grace-filled words and by his holy example.
In his last will and testament St Alexis commended his soul to God's
mercy, asking forgiveness from everyone and forgiving everybody.
His holy relics now rest at St Tikhon Monastery
in South Canaan, Pennsylvania where the faithful may come to venerate
them and to entreat St Alexis' intercessions on their behalf. |
Sancti Stanislái,
Epíscopi Cracoviénsis et Mártyris, qui sequénti
die, corónam martyrii consecútus est.
St. Stanislas, bishop of Cracow and martyr, who received the crown of martyrdom on the day following this. Cracóviæ, in Polónia, natális sancti Stanislái, Epíscopi et Mártyris, qui a Bolesláo, ímpio Rege, necátus est. Ipsíus autem festum prídie hujus diéi celebrátur. At Cracow in Poland, the birthday of St. Stanislas, bishop and martyr, who was slain by the wicked King Boleslas. His feast was celebrated on this previous day. |
THE
PSALTER OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN
MARY PSALM 347
I will praise thee, O Lady, with my whole heart: because by thee I have experienced the clemency of Jesus Christ. Hear, O Lady, my words and prayers: and in the sight of angels I will sing praise to thee. In whatever day thou shalt invoke me, hear me: and multiply thy power in my soul. Let all tribes and tongues praise thee: because by thee salvation is restored to us. From all trouble save thy servants: and make them live under thy protection and peace. Let every spirit praise Our Lady Rejoice, ye Heavens, and be glad, O Earth: because Mary will console her servants and will have mercy on her poor. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost as it was in the beginning and will always be. 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. Grant 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. Catholic saints are holy people and human people who lived extraordinary lives. Each saint the Church honors responded to God's invitation to use his or her unique gifts. God calls each one of us to be a saint in order to get into heaven: only saints are allowed into heaven. The more "extravagant" graces are bestowed NOT for the benefit of the recipients so much as FOR the benefit of others. There
are over 10,000 named saints beati
from history
and Roman Martyology Orthodox sources Patron_Saints.html Widowed_Saints html Indulgences The Catholic Church in China LINKS: Marian Shrines India Marian Shrine Lourdes of the East Lourdes 1858 China Marian shrines 1995 Kenya national Marian shrine Loreto, Italy Marian Apparitions (over 2000) Quang Tri Vietnam La Vang 1798 Links to Related MarianWebsites Angels and Archangels Saints Visions of Heaven and Hell Widowed Saints html Doctors_of_the_Church Acts_Of_The_Apostles Roman Catholic Popes Purgatory Uniates Chalcedon |
|
Mary the
Mother
of
Jesus
Miracles_BC Lay Saints
Miraculous_Icons
Miraculous_Medal_Novena
Patron
Saints
Miracles by Century 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2000 Miracles 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 Lay Saints |
|
The
great
psalm
of
the
Passion,
Chapter
22,
whose first
verse
“My
God, my
God, why
hast
thou forsaken
me?”
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. |
|
Pope
Benedict
XVI
to
The
Catholic
Church
In China
{whole
article
here}
2000 years of the Catholic Church
in China The saints “a cloud of witnesses over our head”, showing us life of Christian perfection is possible. Join us on CatholicVote.org. Be part of a new
movement
committed
to
using
powerful
media
projects
to
create
a
Culture
of Life.
We can
help
shape
the
movement
and have
a voice
in its
future.
Check
it
out at
www.CatholicVote.org
3. Do daily spiritual reading for at least 15 minutes, if a half hour is not possible. 4. Say the rosary every day. 5. Also daily, if at all possible, visit the Blessed Sacrament; toward evening, meditate on the Passion of Christ for a half hour, 6. Conclude the day with evening prayer & an examination of conscience over all the faults & sins of the day. 7. Every month make a review of the month in confession. 8. Choose a special patron every month & imitate that patron in some special virtue. 9. Precede every great feast with a novena that is nine days of devotion. 10. Try to begin & end every activity with a Hail Mary My God, I believe, I adore, I trust and I love
Thee.
I beg
pardon
for those
who do
not believe,
do
not adore,
do not
O most Holy trinity, Father, Son
and Holy Spirit, I adore Thee profoundly.
I offer Thee the most
precious
Body,
Blood,
Soul
and
Divinity
of
Jesus
Christ,
present
in all
the Tabernacles
of
the world, in reparation
for the
outrages,
sacrileges
and
indifference
by
which
He is
offended,
and by the
infite
merits
of the
Sacred
Heart
of Jesus
and
the Immaculate
Heart
of Mary.
I beg the conversion of poor sinners, Fatima Prayer, Angel of Peace
The
voice
of the
Father
is heard,
the Son
enters
the
water,
and the
Holy
Spirit
appears
in the
form of
a dove.
THE
spirit
and
example
of the
world
imperceptibly
instil
the error
into
the minds
of many
that
there
is a kind
of middle
way of going
to
Heaven;
and
so, because
the world
does
not
live up
to the gospel,
they bring
the
gospel
down
to the
level of
the world.
It is
not by this
example
that
we are
to measure
the
Christian
rule,
but
words
and life
of Christ.
All His followers
are commanded
to labour
to
become
perfect
even
as our heavenly
Father
is
perfect,
and
to bear
His image
in our hearts
that we
may be His
children.
We
are obliged
by
the gospel
to die
to ourselves
by fighting
self-love
in our hearts,
by
the mastery
of our
passions,
by
taking on
the spirit
of our
Lord.
These
are
the
conditions
under
which
Christ
makes
His promises
and numbers
us
among
His children,
as is
manifest
from
His
words
which
the apostles
have
left
us in their
inspired
writings.
Here
is no distinction
made
or foreseen
between
the
apostles
or
clergy
or religious
and secular
persons.
The former,
indeed,
take
upon themselves
certain
stricter
obligations,
as a means
of accomplishing
these ends
more
perfectly;
but the
law of
holiness
and
of disengagement
of
the heart
from
the world
is general
and binds
all
the followers
of Christ.
|
|
God loves variety.
He doesn't
mass-produce
his
saints.
Every
saint
is
unique
each
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 not bound by our own ideas and preferences. Grant 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. Catholic saints are holy people and human people who lived extraordinary lives. Each saint the Church honors
responded
to God's
invitation
to
use his
or her
unique
gifts.
|
|
The 15 Promises of the Virgin Mary to those who recite
the Rosary
)
Revealed
to
St. Dominic
and
Blessed
Alan)
1. Whoever
shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary, shall receive
signal graces. 2.
I promise
my special protection
and the greatest graces
to all those who shall recite the
Rosary. 3.
The Rosary shall
be a powerful armor against
hell, it will destroy vice,
decrease sin, and defeat
heresies. 4.
It will cause virtue and
good works to flourish; it will
obtain for souls the abundant mercy
of God; it will withdraw the hearts
of people from the love of the
world and its vanities, and will
lift them to the desire of eternal things.
Oh, that soul would sanctify
them by this means. 5.
The soul that recommends
itself to me by the recitation of
the Rosary shall not perish. 6.
Whoever shall recite the
Rosary devoutly, applying themselves
to the consideration of its Sacred
Mysteries shall never be conquered by
misfortune. God will not chastise
them in His justice, they shall
not perish by an unprovided death;
if they be just, they 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
recite the Rosary shall have during their
life and at their death the light of God
and the plentitude 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.
I shall aid all those who propagate
the Holy Rosary 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
children, and brothers and sisters
of my only Son, Jesus Christ. 15.
Devotion to my Rosary
is a great sign of predestination.
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|
His Holiness Aram I, current (2013)
Catholicos of Cilicia of Armenians,
whose
See
is located
in Lebanese
town
of Antelias.
The Catholicosate
was founded
in Sis,
capital
of Cilicia,
in the year
1441
following
the move
of the
Catholicosate
of All Armenians
back
to its
original
See of Etchmiadzin
in Armenia.
The
Catholicosate
of Cilicia
enjoyed
local
jurisdiction,
though
spiritually
subject
to the
authority
of
Etchmiadzin.
In
1921 the
See was transferred
to
Aleppo
in Syria,
and in
1930 to
Antelias.
Its
jurisdiction
currently
extends
to
Syria,
Cyprus,
Iran
and
Greece. |
|
Aramaic dialect of Edessa, now known as Syriac
The exact date of the introduction
of Christianity
into
Edessa
{Armenian
Ourhaï
in Arabic
Er
Roha,
commonly
Orfa
or Urfa,
its present
name}
is
not known.
It
is certain,
however,
that
the Christian
community
was at first
made up
from
the Jewish
population
of the
city.
According
to an
ancient
legend,
King
Abgar
V, Ushana,
was
converted
by
Addai,
who
was one of
the seventy-two
disciples.
In fact,
however,
the first
King
of Edessa
to embrace
the Christian
Faith
was
Abgar
IX (c.
206) becoming
official
kingdom
religion.
Christian
council
held
at
Edessa
early
as 197
(Eusebius,
Hist.
Ecc7V,xxiii).
In 201 the city was devastated
by
a great
flood,
and the
Christian
church
was
destroyed
(“Chronicon
Edessenum”,
ad.
an. 201).
In 232 the relics of the
Apostle St. Thomas were
brought from India,
on which
occasion
his
Syriac
Acts
were
written.
Under Roman domination martyrs suffered at Edessa: Sts. Scharbîl and Barsamya, under Decius; Sts. Gûrja, Schâmôna, Habib, and others under Diocletian. In the meanwhile Christian
priests from Edessa evangelized Eastern Mesopotamia and Persia, established
the first Churches
in the kingdom of the Sassanides.
Atillâtiâ,
Bishop of
Edessa,
assisted
at
the Council
of
Nicæa
(325).
The
“Peregrinatio
Silviæ”
(or Etheriæ)
(ed.
Gamurrini,
Rome,
1887,
62 sqq.)
gives
an
account
of
the many
sanctuaries
at
Edessa
about
388.
Although Hebrew had been
the
language
of the
ancient
Israelite
kingdom,
after
their
return
from
Exile
the Jews
turned
more
and
more
to Aramaic,
using
it for
parts
of the
books
of Ezra
and Daniel
in the
Bible.
By the
time
of
Jesus,
Aramaic
was the
main
language
of Palestine,
and
quite
a number
of
texts
from
the Dead
Sea
Scrolls
are
also written
in Aramaic.
Aramaic
continued
to
be
an important
language
for
Jews,
alongside
Hebrew,
and
parts
of the
Talmud
are written
in it.
After Arab conquests of
the seventh century, Arabic quickly replaced Aramaic as the main language
of those who converted
to Islam, although
in out of the way places,
Aramaic continued as a vernacular
language of Muslims.
Aramaic, however, enjoyed
its greatest
success
in
Christianity.
Although
the
New Testament
wins
written
in
Greek,
Christianity
had come
into
existence
in an Aramaic-speaking
milieu,
and it
was the
Aramaic
dialect
of Edessa,
now known
as Syriac,
that became
the literary
language
of
a large number
of Christians
living
in the
eastern
provinces
of the Roman
Empire
and in the
Persian
Empire,
further
east.
Over
the course
of the
centuries
the influence
of the Syriac
Churches
spread
eastwards
to
China
(in Xian,
in western
China,
a
Chinese-Syriac
inscription
dated
781
is
still
to be seen);
to southern
India
where
the state
of Kerala
can
boast
more
Christians
of
Syriac
liturgical
tradition
than
anywhere
else
in the
world.
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. Imam Hussein died in the 680 A.D. battle fought on the plains outside Karbala, a city in modern Iraq that's home to the saint's shrine. The battle over a dispute about the leadership of the Muslim faith following Muhammad's death in 632 A.D. It is the defining event in Islam's split into Sunni and Shiite branches. The occasion is the source of an enduring moral lesson. "He sacrificed his blood to teach us not to give in to corruption, coercion, or use of force and to seek honor and justice." According to Shiite beliefs, Hussein and companions were denied water by enemies who controlled the nearby Euphrates. Streets get partially covered with blood from slaughter of hundreds of cows and sheep. Volunteers cook the meat and feed it to the poor. Hussein's martyrdom recounted through a rich body of prose, poetry and song remains an inspirational example of sacrifice to many Shiites, 10 percent of the world's estimated 1.3 billion Muslims. |
|
Meeting
of the
Saints
walis
(saints
of
Allah) Great men covet to embrace
martyrdom
for
a cause
and principle.
So
was
the
case
with
Hazrat
Ali.
He
could
have
made
a compromise
with
the evil
forces
of
his time
and,
as a result,
could
have led a very comfortable,
easy
and
luxurious
life.
But
he was
not a
person
who
would
succumb
to such
temptations.
His
upbringing,
his education
and
his training
in
the lap
of the
holy Prophet
made him
refuse
such
an offer.Rabia Al-Basri (717–801 C.E.) She was first to set forth the doctrine of mystical love and who is widely considered to be the most important of the early Sufi poets. An elderly Shia pointed out that during his pre-Partition childhood it was quite common to find pictures and portraits of Shia icons in Imambaras across the country. Shah Abdul Latif: The Exalted Sufi Master born 1690 in a Syed family; died 1754. In ancient times, Sindh housed the exemplary Indus Valley Civilisation with Moenjo Daro as its capital, and now, it is the land of a culture which evolved from the teachings of eminent Sufi saints. Pakistan is home to the mortal remains of many Sufi saints, the exalted among them being Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, a practitioner of the real Islam, philosopher, poet, musicologist and preacher. He presented his teaching through poetry and music - both instruments sublime - and commands a very large following, not only among Muslims but also among Hindus and Christians. Sindh culture: The Shah is synonymous with Sindh. He is the very fountainhead of Sindh's culture. His message remains as fresh as that of any present day poet, and the people of Sindh find solace from his writings. He did indeed think for Sindh. One of his prayers, in exquisite Sindhi, translates thus: “Oh God, may ever You on Sindh bestow abundance rare! Beloved! All the world let share Thy grace, and fruitful be.” Shia Ali al-Hadi, died 868 and son Hassan al-Askari 874. These saints are the 10th and 11th of Shia's 12 most revered Imams. Baba Farid Sufi 1398 miracle, Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki renowned Muslim Sufi saint scholar miracles 569 A.H. [1173 C.E.] hermit gave to poor, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti greatest mystic of his time born 533 Hijri (1138-39 A.D.), Hazrat Ghuas-e Azam, Hazrat Bu Ali Sharif, and Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Sufi Saint Hazrath Khwaja Syed Mohammed Badshah Quadri Chisty Yamani Quadeer (RA) 1236-1325 welcomed people of all faiths & all walks of life. |
|
801 Rabi'a
al-'Adawiyya
Sufi
One
of
the
most
famous
Islamic
mystics
(b. 717). This 8th century saint was an early Sufi who had a profound influence on later Sufis, who in turn deeply influenced the European mystical love and troubadour traditions. Rabi'a was a woman of Basra, a seaport in southern Iraq. She was born around 717 and died in 801 (185-186). Her biographer, the great medieval poet Attar, tells us that she was "on fire with love and longing" and that men accepted her "as a second spotless Mary" (186). She was, he continues, “an unquestioned authority to her contemporaries" (218). Rabi'a began her ascetic life in a small desert cell near Basra, where she lost herself in prayer and went straight to God for teaching. As far as is known, she never studied under any master or spiritual director. She was one of the first of the Sufis to teach that Love alone was the guide on the mystic path (222). A later Sufi taught that there were two classes of "true believers": one class sought a master as an intermediary between them and God -- unless they could see the footsteps of the Prophet on the path before them, they would not accept the path as valid. The second class “...did not look before them for the footprint of any of God's creatures, for they had removed all thought of what He had created from their hearts, and concerned themselves solely with God. (218) Rabi'a was of this second kind. She felt no reverence even for the House of God in Mecca: "It is the Lord of the house Whom I need; what have I to do with the house?" (219) One lovely spring morning a friend asked her to come outside to see the works of God. She replied, "Come you inside that you may behold their Maker. Contemplation of the Maker has turned me aside from what He has made" (219). During an illness, a friend asked this woman if she desired anything. "...[H]ow can you ask me such a question as 'What do I desire?' I swear by the glory of God that for twelve years I have desired fresh dates, and you know that in Basra dates are plentiful, and I have not yet tasted them. I am a servant (of God), and what has a servant to do with desire?" (162) When a male friend once suggested she should pray for relief from a debilitating illness, she said, "O Sufyan, do you not know Who it is that wills this suffering for me? Is it not God Who wills it? When you know this, why do you bid me ask for what is contrary to His will? It is not well to oppose one's Beloved." (221) She was an ascetic. It was her custom to pray all night, sleep briefly just before dawn, and then rise again just as dawn "tinged the sky with gold" (187). She lived in celibacy and poverty, having renounced the world. A friend visited her in old age and found that all she owned were a reed mat, screen, a pottery jug, and a bed of felt which doubled as her prayer-rug (186), for where she prayed all night, she also slept briefly in the pre-dawn chill. Once her friends offered to get her a servant; she replied, "I should be ashamed to ask for the things of this world from Him to Whom the world belongs, and how should I ask for them from those to whom it does not belong?" (186-7) A wealthy merchant once wanted to give her a purse of gold. She refused it, saying that God, who sustains even those who dishonor Him, would surely sustain her, "whose soul is overflowing with love" for Him. And she added an ethical concern as well: "...How should I take the wealth of someone of whom I do not know whether he acquired it lawfully or not?" (187) She taught that repentance was a gift from God because no one could repent unless God had already accepted him and given him this gift of repentance. She taught that sinners must fear the punishment they deserved for their sins, but she also offered such sinners far more hope of Paradise than most other ascetics did. For herself, she held to a higher ideal, worshipping God neither from fear of Hell nor from hope of Paradise, for she saw such self-interest as unworthy of God's servants; emotions like fear and hope were like veils -- i.e., hindrances to the vision of God Himself. The story is told that once a number of Sufis saw her hurrying on her way with water in one hand and a burning torch in the other. When they asked her to explain, she said: "I am going to light a fire in Paradise and to pour water on to Hell, so that both veils may vanish altogether from before the pilgrims and their purpose may be sure..." (187-188) She was once asked where she came from. "From that other world," she said. "And where are you going?" she was asked. "To that other world," she replied (219). She taught that the spirit originated with God in "that other world" and had to return to Him in the end. Yet if the soul were sufficiently purified, even on earth, it could look upon God unveiled in all His glory and unite with him in love. In this quest, logic and reason were powerless. Instead, she speaks of the "eye" of her heart which alone could apprehend Him and His mysteries (220). Above all, she was a lover, a bhakti, like one of Krishna’s Goptis in the Hindu tradition. Her hours of prayer were not so much devoted to intercession as to communion with her Beloved. Through this communion, she could discover His will for her. Many of her prayers have come down to us: "I have made Thee the Companion of my heart, But my body is available for those who seek its company, And my body is friendly towards its guests, But the Beloved of my heart is the Guest of my soul." [224] |
|
To Save
A Life is Earthly; Saving A Soul is Eternal Donation
by mail, please send check or money order to:
Catholic Television Network Supported entirely by donations from viewers help spread the Eternal Word, online Here
Colombia
was
among
the
countries
Mother
Angelica
visited.
In Bogotá, a Salesian priest - Father Juan Pablo Rodriguez - brought Mother and the nuns to the Sanctuary of the Divine Infant Jesus to attend Mass. After Mass, Father Juan Pablo took them into a small Shrine which housed the miraculous statue of the Child Jesus. Mother Angelica stood praying at the side of the statue when suddenly the miraculous image came alive and turned towards her. Then the Child Jesus spoke with the voice of a young boy: “Build Me a Temple and I will help those who help you.” Thus began a great adventure that would eventually result in the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, a Temple dedicated to the Divine Child Jesus, a place of refuge for all. Use this link to read a remarkable story about The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament Father Reardon, Editor of The Catholic
Bulletin
for
14 years Lover of the poor;
“A very Holy Man of
God.”
Monsignor
Reardon
Protonotarius
Apostolicus Pastor 42 years BASILICA OF SAINT MARY Minneapolis MN America's First Basilica Largest Nave in the World
August 7, 1907-ground broke for the foundation
by Archbishop
Ireland-laying cornerstone May 31, 1908
Brief History of our Beloved Holy Priest Here and his published books of Catholic History in North America Reardon, J.M. Archbishop Ireland; Prelate, Patriot, Publicist, 1838-1918. A Memoir (St. Paul; 1919); George Anthony Belcourt Pioneer Catholic Missionary of the Northwest 1803-1874 (1955); The Catholic Church IN THE DIOCESE OF ST. PAUL from earliest origin to centennial achievement 1362-1950 (1952); The Church of Saint Mary of Saint Paul 1875-1922; (1932) The Vikings in the American Heartland; The Catholic Total Abstinence Society in Minnesota; James Michael Reardon
Born in
Nova
Scotia,
1872;
Priest, ordained by Bishop
Ireland;
Affiliations
and
Indulgences
Litany of Loretto in Stained glass
windows
here.
Nave
Sacristy
and Residence
Here
Member -- St. Paul Seminary
faculty.
Sanctuary spaces between them filled with grilles of hand-forged wrought iron the life of our Blessed Lady After the crucifixon Apostle statues Replicas of those in St John Lateran--Christendom's
earliest
Basilica.
Ordered by Rome's first Christian Emperor, Constantine the Great, Popes' cathedral and official residence first millennium of Christian history. The only replicas ever made: in order from
west
to east
{1932}.
Saints Simon (saw),
Bartholomew
(knife),
James
the
Lesser
(book),
John
(eagle),
Andrew
(transverse
cross),
Peter
keys),
Paul
(sword), James
the Greater (staff), Thomas (carpenter's
square),
Philip
(serpent),
Matthew
(book),
and Jude
sword
It Makes No Sense Not To Believe In GOD |
|
THE BLESSED
MOTHER
AND
ISLAM
By Father
John
Corapi.
June 19, Trinity Sunday, 1991: Ordained Catholic Priest under
Pope
John
Paul
II;
By Father John Corapithen 2,000,000 miles delivering the Gospel to millions, and continues to do so. THE BLESSED MOTHER AND ISLAM By Father John Corapi.
June 19, Trinity Sunday, 1991: Ordained Catholic Priest under
Pope
John
Paul
II;
By Father John Corapithen 2,000,000 miles delivering the Gospel to millions, and continues to do so.
Among
the
most
important
titles
we have in
the
Catholic
Church
for
the Blessed
Virgin
Mary
are Our
Lady
of Victory
and
Our
Lady of
the Rosary.
These
titles
can be
traced
back to one
of the
most decisive
times
in the history
of
the world
and Christendom.
The
Battle
of Lepanto
took
place on
October
7 (date
of feast
of Our Lady
of Rosary),
1571.
This proved
to be the most
crucial
battle
for the Christian
forces against
the radical
Muslim
navy of Turkey.
Pope Pius
V led
a procession
around
St.
Peter’s
Square
in Vatican
City praying
the
Rosary.
He showed
true pastoral
leadership
in
recognizing
the
danger posed
to Christendom
by the radical
Muslim forces,
and
in using
the means
necessary
to defeat
it. Spiritual
battles
require spiritual
weapons,
and this more
than anything
was a battle
that had
its origins
in the spiritual
order—a
true battle
between
good and
evil. Today we have a similar spiritual battle in progress—a battle between the forces of good and evil, light and darkness, truth and lies, life and death. If we do not soon stop the genocide of abortion in the United States, we shall run the course of all those that prove by their actions that they are enemies of God—total collapse, economic, social, and national. The moral demise of a nation results in the ultimate demise of a nation. God is not a disinterested spectator to the affairs of man. Life begins at conception. This is an unalterable formal teaching of the Catholic Church. If you do not accept this you are a heretic in plain English. A single abortion is homicide. The more than 48,000,000 abortions since Roe v. Wade in the United States constitute genocide by definition. The group singled out for death—unwanted, unborn children. No other issue, not all other issues taken together, can constitute a proportionate reason for voting for candidates that intend to preserve and defend this holocaust of innocent human life that is abortion. 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. These are not ordinary times and this is not business as usual. We are at a crossroads in human history and the time for Catholics and all Christians to act is now. All evil can ultimately be traced to its origin, which is moral evil. All of the political action, peace talks, international peacekeeping forces, etc. will avail nothing if the underlying sickness is not addressed. This is sin. One person at a time hearts and minds must be moved from evil to good, from lies to truth, from violence to peace. Islam, an Arabic word that has often been defined as “to make peace,” seems like a living contradiction today. Islam is a religion of peace. As we celebrate the birthday of Our Lady, I am proposing that each one of us pray the Rosary for peace. Prayer is what must precede all other activity if that activity is to have any chance of success. Pray for peace, pray the Rosary every day without fail. There is a great love for Mary among Muslim people. It is not a coincidence that a little village named Fatima is where God chose to have His Mother appear in the twentieth century. Our Lady’s name appears no less than thirty times in the Koran. No other woman’s name is mentioned, not even that of Mohammed’s daughter, Fatima. In the Koran Our Lady is described as “Virgin, ever Virgin.” Archbishop Fulton Sheen prophetically spoke of the resurgence of Islam in our day. He said it would be through the Blessed Virgin Mary that Islam would be converted. We must pray for this to happen quickly if we are to avert a horrible time of suffering for this poor, sinful world. Turn to our Mother in this time of great peril. Pray the Rosary every day. Then, and only then will there be peace, when the hearts and minds of men are changed from the inside.
|
|
Father John Corapi
goes to the heart of the contemporary world's
many woes
and
wars,
whether
the
wars
in Afghanistan,
Iraq,
Lebanon,
Somalia,
or the
Congo,
or
the natural
disasters
that seem
to
be increasing
every
year,
the moral
and spiritual
war
is at the
basis
of everything.
“Our
battle
is not
against
human
forces,”
St. Paul
asserts,
“but against
principalities
and
powers,
against
the world
rulers
of
this present
darkness...”
(Ephesians
6:12).
The “War to end all wars” is the moral and spiritual combat that rages in the hearts and minds of human beings. The outcome of that unseen fight largely determines how the battle in the realm of the seen unfolds. The title talk, “With the Moon Under Her Feet,” is taken from the twelfth chapter of the Book of Revelation, and deals with the current threat to the world from radical Islam, and the Blessed Virgin Mary's role in the ultimate victory that will result in the conversion of Islam. Few Catholics are aware of the connection between Islam, Fatima, and Guadalupe. Presented in Father Corapi's straight-forward style, you will be both inspired and educated by him. About Father John Corapi. Father Corapi is a Catholic
priest
.
The pillars of father's
preaching
are
basically:
Love
for
and
a
relationship
with
the
Blessed
Virgin
Mary
Leading a vibrant and loving relationship with Jesus Christ Great love and reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist from Holy Mass to adoration of the Blessed Sacrament An uncompromising love for and obedience to the Holy Father and the teaching of the Magisterium of the Church God Bless
you
on your journey
Father
John
Corapi
|
|
Records on life of Father Flanagan, founder of Boys Town, presented at Vatican Jul 23, 2019 - 03:01 am .- The cause for canonization of Servant of God Edward Flanagan, the priest who founded Nebraska's Boys Town community for orphans and other boys, advanced Monday with the presentation of a summary of records on his life. Archbishop Fulton Sheen to be beatified Jul 6, 2019 - 04:00 am .- Pope Francis approved the miracle attributed to Archbishop Fulton Sheen Friday, making possible the American television catechist's beatification. Brooklyn diocese advances sainthood cause of local priest Jun 25, 2019 - 03:01 am .- The Bishop of Brooklyn accepted last week the findings of a nine-year diocesan investigation into the life of Monsignor Bernard John Quinn, known for fighting bigotry and serving the African American population, as part of his cause for canonization. Fr. Augustus Tolton, former African American slave, advances toward sainthood Jun 12, 2019 - 05:03 am .- Fr. Augustus Tolton advanced along the path to sainthood Wednesday, making the runaway slave-turned-priest one step closer to being the first black American saint. Pope Francis will beatify these martyred Greek-Catholic bishops in Romania May 30, 2019 - 03:01 pm .- On Sunday in Blaj, Pope Francis will beatify seven Greek-Catholic bishops of Romania who were killed by the communist regime between 1950 and 1970. Woman who served Brazil’s poorest to be canonized May 14, 2019 - 06:53 am .- Pope Francis Tuesday gave his approval for eight sainthood causes to proceed, including that of Bl. Dulce Lopes Pontes, a 20th-century religious sister who served Brazil’s poor. Seven 20th-century Romanian bishops declared martyrs Mar 19, 2019 - 12:01 pm .- Pope Francis declared Tuesday the martyrdom of seven Greek-Catholic bishops killed by the communist regime in Romania in the mid-20th century. Pope advances sainthood causes of 17 women Jan 15, 2019 - 11:12 am .- Pope Francis approved Tuesday the next step in the canonization causes of 17 women from four countries, including the martyrdom of 14 religious sisters killed in Spain at the start of the Spanish Civil War. Nineteen Algerian martyrs beatified Dec 10, 2018 - 03:08 pm .- Bishop Pierre Claverie and his 18 companions, who were martyred in Algeria between 1994 and 1996, were beatified Saturday during a Mass in Oran. The Algerian martyrs shed their blood for Christ, pope says Dec 7, 2018 - 10:02 am .- Ahead of the beatification Saturday of Bishop Pierre Claverie and his 18 companions, who were martyred in Algeria between 1994 and 1996, Pope Francis said martyrs have a special place in the Church. Algerian martyrs are models for the Church, archbishop says Nov 16, 2018 - 03:01 am .- Archbishop Paul Desfarges of Algiers has said that Bishop Pierre Claverie and his 18 companions, who were martyred in Algeria between 1994 and 1996, are “models for our lives as disciples today and tomorrow.” Francesco Spinelli to be canonized after healing of a newborn in DR Congo Oct 9, 2018 - 05:01 pm .- Among those being canonized on Sunday are Fr. Franceso Spinelli, a diocesan priest through whose intercession a newborn was saved from death in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Algerian martyrs to be beatified in December Sep 14, 2018 - 06:01 pm .- The Algerian bishops' conference has announced that the beatification of Bishop Pierre Claverie and his 18 companions, who were martyred in the country between 1994 and 1996, will be held Dec. 8. Now a cardinal, Giovanni Angelo Becciu heads to congregation for saints' causes Jun 28, 2018 - 11:41 am .- Newly-minted Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu will resign from his post as substitute of the Secretariat of State tomorrow, in anticipation of his appointment as prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints later this summer. Pope Francis creates new path to beatification under ‘offering of life’ Jul 11, 2017 - 06:22 am .- On Tuesday Pope Francis declared a new category of Christian life suitable for consideration of beatification called “offering of life” – in which a person has died prematurely through an offering of their life for love of God and neighbor. Twentieth century Polish nurse among causes advancing toward sainthood Jul 7, 2017 - 06:14 am .- Pope Francis on Friday approved a miracle attributed to the intercession of the Venerable Hanna Chrzanowska, a Polish nurse and nursing instructor who died from cancer in 1973, paving the way for her beatification. Sainthood causes advance, including layman who resisted fascism Jun 17, 2017 - 09:22 am .- Pope Francis on Friday recognized the heroic virtue of six persons on the path to canonization, as well as the martyrdom of an Italian man who died from injuries of a beating he received while imprisoned in a concentration camp for resisting fascism. Solanus Casey, Cardinal Van Thuan among those advanced toward sainthood May 4, 2017 - 10:47 am .- Pope Francis on Thursday approved decrees of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints advancing the causes for canonization of 12 individuals, including the American-born Capuchin Solanus Casey and the Vietnamese cardinal Francis Xavier Nguen Van Thuan. Pope clears way for canonization of Fatima visionaries Mar 23, 2017 - 06:44 am .- On Thursday Pope Francis approved the second and final miracle needed to canonize Blessed Francisco and Jacinta Marto, two of the shepherd children who witnessed the Fatima Marian apparitions. Surgeon and father among sainthood causes moving forward Feb 27, 2017 - 11:03 am .- Pope Francis recognized on Monday the heroic virtue of eight persons on the path to canonization, including an Italian surgeon and father of eight who suffered from several painful diseases throughout his life. Records on life of Father Flanagan, founder of Boys Town, presented at Vatican Jul 23, 2019 - 03:01 am .- The cause for canonization of Servant of God Edward Flanagan, the priest who founded Nebraska's Boys Town community for orphans and other boys, advanced Monday with the presentation of a summary of records on his life. Archbishop Fulton Sheen to be beatified Jul 6, 2019 - 04:00 am .- Pope Francis approved the miracle attributed to Archbishop Fulton Sheen Friday, making possible the American television catechist's beatification. Brooklyn diocese advances sainthood cause of local priest Jun 25, 2019 - 03:01 am .- The Bishop of Brooklyn accepted last week the findings of a nine-year diocesan investigation into the life of Monsignor Bernard John Quinn, known for fighting bigotry and serving the African American population, as part of his cause for canonization. Fr. Augustus Tolton, former African American slave, advances toward sainthood Jun 12, 2019 - 05:03 am .- Fr. Augustus Tolton advanced along the path to sainthood Wednesday, making the runaway slave-turned-priest one step closer to being the first black American saint. Pope Francis will beatify these martyred Greek-Catholic bishops in Romania May 30, 2019 - 03:01 pm .- On Sunday in Blaj, Pope Francis will beatify seven Greek-Catholic bishops of Romania who were killed by the communist regime between 1950 and 1970. Woman who served Brazil’s poorest to be canonized May 14, 2019 - 06:53 am .- Pope Francis Tuesday gave his approval for eight sainthood causes to proceed, including that of Bl. Dulce Lopes Pontes, a 20th-century religious sister who served Brazil’s poor. Seven 20th-century Romanian bishops declared martyrs Mar 19, 2019 - 12:01 pm .- Pope Francis declared Tuesday the martyrdom of seven Greek-Catholic bishops killed by the communist regime in Romania in the mid-20th century. Pope advances sainthood causes of 17 women Jan 15, 2019 - 11:12 am .- Pope Francis approved Tuesday the next step in the canonization causes of 17 women from four countries, including the martyrdom of 14 religious sisters killed in Spain at the start of the Spanish Civil War. Nineteen Algerian martyrs beatified Dec 10, 2018 - 03:08 pm .- Bishop Pierre Claverie and his 18 companions, who were martyred in Algeria between 1994 and 1996, were beatified Saturday during a Mass in Oran. The Algerian martyrs shed their blood for Christ, pope says Dec 7, 2018 - 10:02 am .- Ahead of the beatification Saturday of Bishop Pierre Claverie and his 18 companions, who were martyred in Algeria between 1994 and 1996, Pope Francis said martyrs have a special place in the Church. Algerian martyrs are models for the Church, archbishop says Nov 16, 2018 - 03:01 am .- Archbishop Paul Desfarges of Algiers has said that Bishop Pierre Claverie and his 18 companions, who were martyred in Algeria between 1994 and 1996, are “models for our lives as disciples today and tomorrow.” Francesco Spinelli to be canonized after healing of a newborn in DR Congo Oct 9, 2018 - 05:01 pm .- Among those being canonized on Sunday are Fr. Franceso Spinelli, a diocesan priest through whose intercession a newborn was saved from death in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Algerian martyrs to be beatified in December Sep 14, 2018 - 06:01 pm .- The Algerian bishops' conference has announced that the beatification of Bishop Pierre Claverie and his 18 companions, who were martyred in the country between 1994 and 1996, will be held Dec. 8. Now a cardinal, Giovanni Angelo Becciu heads to congregation for saints' causes Jun 28, 2018 - 11:41 am .- Newly-minted Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu will resign from his post as substitute of the Secretariat of State tomorrow, in anticipation of his appointment as prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints later this summer. Pope Francis creates new path to beatification under ‘offering of life’ Jul 11, 2017 - 06:22 am .- On Tuesday Pope Francis declared a new category of Christian life suitable for consideration of beatification called “offering of life” – in which a person has died prematurely through an offering of their life for love of God and neighbor. Twentieth century Polish nurse among causes advancing toward sainthood Jul 7, 2017 - 06:14 am .- Pope Francis on Friday approved a miracle attributed to the intercession of the Venerable Hanna Chrzanowska, a Polish nurse and nursing instructor who died from cancer in 1973, paving the way for her beatification. Sainthood causes advance, including layman who resisted fascism Jun 17, 2017 - 09:22 am .- Pope Francis on Friday recognized the heroic virtue of six persons on the path to canonization, as well as the martyrdom of an Italian man who died from injuries of a beating he received while imprisoned in a concentration camp for resisting fascism. Solanus Casey, Cardinal Van Thuan among those advanced toward sainthood May 4, 2017 - 10:47 am .- Pope Francis on Thursday approved decrees of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints advancing the causes for canonization of 12 individuals, including the American-born Capuchin Solanus Casey and the Vietnamese cardinal Francis Xavier Nguen Van Thuan. Pope clears way for canonization of Fatima visionaries Mar 23, 2017 - 06:44 am .- On Thursday Pope Francis approved the second and final miracle needed to canonize Blessed Francisco and Jacinta Marto, two of the shepherd children who witnessed the Fatima Marian apparitions. Surgeon and father among sainthood causes moving forward Feb 27, 2017 - 11:03 am .- Pope Francis recognized on Monday the heroic virtue of eight persons on the path to canonization, including an Italian surgeon and father of eight who suffered from several painful diseases throughout his life. |
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8
Martyrs
Move Closer
to
Sainthood
8 July, 2016
Posted by ZENIT Staff on 8 July, 2016 The angel appears to Saint Monica This morning, Pope Francis received Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. During the audience, he authorized the promulgation of decrees concerning the following causes: *** MIRACLES: Miracle attributed to the intercession of the Venerable Servant of God Luis Antonio Rosa Ormières, priest and founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Guardian Angel; born July 4, 1809 and died on Jan. 16, 1890 MARTYRDOM: Servants of God Antonio Arribas Hortigüela and 6 Companions, Missionaries of the Sacred Heart; killed in hatred of the Faith, Sept. 29, 1936 Servant of God Josef Mayr-Nusser, a layman; killed in hatred of the Faith, Feb. 24, 1945 HEROIC VIRTUE: Servant of God Alfonse Gallegos of the Order of Augustinian Recollects, Titular Bishop of Sasabe, auxiliary of Sacramento; born Feb. 20, 1931 and died Oct. 6, 1991 Servant of God Rafael Sánchez García, diocesan priest; born June 14, 1911 and died on Aug. 8, 1973 Servant of God Andrés García Acosta, professed layman of the Order of Friars Minor; born Jan. 10, 1800 and died Jan. 14, 1853 Servant of God Joseph Marchetti, professed priest of the Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Charles; born Oct. 3, 1869 and died Dec. 14, 1896 Servant of God Giacomo Viale, professed priest of the Order of Friars Minor, pastor of Bordighera; born Feb. 28, 1830 and died April 16, 1912 Servant of God Maria Pia of the Cross (née Maddalena Notari), foundress of the Congregation of Crucified Sisters Adorers of the Eucharist; born Dec. 2, 1847 and died on July 1, 1919 |
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Sunday,
November
23
2014 Six
to Be Canonized
on Feast
of Christ
the
King. On the List Are Lay Founder of a Hospital and Eastern Catholic Religious VATICAN CITY, June 12, 2014 (Zenit.org) - Today, the Vatican announced that during the celebration of the feast of Christ the King on Sunday, November 23, an ordinary public consistory will be held for the canonization of the following six blesseds, who include a lay founder of a hospital for the poor, founders of religious orders, and two members of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, an Eastern Catholic Church in full communion with the Holy See: -Giovanni Antonio Farina (1803-1888), an Italian bishop who founded the Institute of the Sisters Teachers of Saint Dorothy, Daughters of the Sacred Hearts -Kuriakose Elias Chavara (1805-1871), a Syro-Malabar priest in India who founded the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate -Ludovico of Casoria (1814-1885), an Italian Franciscan priest who founded the Gray Sisters of St. Elizabeth -Nicola Saggio (Nicola da Longobardi, 1650-1709), an Italian oblate of the Order of Minims -Euphrasia Eluvathingal (1877-1952), an Indian Carmelite of the Syro-Malabar Church -Amato Ronconi (1238-1304), an Italian, Third Order Franciscan who founded a hospital for poor pilgrims |
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CAUSES
OF SAINTS
July
2015. Pope Recognizes Heroic Virtues of Ukrainian Archbishop Recognition Brings Metropolitan Archbishop Andrey Sheptytsky Closer to Beatification By Junno Arocho Esteves Rome, July 17, 2015 (ZENIT.org) Pope Francis recognized the heroic virtues of Ukrainian Greek Catholic Archbishop Andrey Sheptytsky. According to a communique released by the Holy See Press Office, the Holy Father met this morning with Cardinal Angelo Amato, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The Pope also recognized the heroic virtues of several religious/lay men and women from Italy, Spain, France & Mexico. Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky is considered to be one of the most influential 20th century figures in the history of the Ukrainian Church. Enthroned as Metropolitan of Lviv in 1901, Archbishop Sheptytsky was arrested shortly after the outbreak of World War I in 1914 by the Russians. After his imprisonment in several prisons in Russia and the Ukraine, the Archbishop was released in 1918. The Ukrainian Greek Catholic prelate was also an ardent supporter of the Jewish community in Ukraine, going so far as to learn Hebrew to better communicate with them. He also was a vocal protestor against atrocities committed by the Nazis, evidenced in his pastoral letter, "Thou Shalt Not Kill." He was also known to harbor thousands of Jews in his residence and in Greek Catholic monasteries. Following his death in 1944, his cause for canonization was opened in 1958. * * * The Holy Father authorized the Congregation to promulgate the following decrees regarding the heroic virtues of: - Servant of God Andrey Sheptytsky, O.S.B.M., major archbishop of Leopolis of the Ukrainians, metropolitan of Halyc (1865-1944); - Servant of God Giuseppe Carraro, Bishop of Verona, Italy (1899-1980); - Servant of God Agustin Ramirez Barba, Mexican diocesan priest and founder of the Servants of the Lord of Mercy (1881-1967); - Servant of God Simpliciano della Nativita (ne Aniello Francesco Saverio Maresca), Italian professed priest of the Order of Friars Minor, founder of the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Hearts (1827-1898); - Servant of God Maria del Refugio Aguilar y Torres del Cancino, Mexican founder of the Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament (1866-1937); - Servant of God Marie-Charlotte Dupouy Bordes (Marie-Teresa), French professed religious of the Society of the Religious of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (1873-1953); - Servant of God Elisa Miceli, Italian founder of the Rural Catechist Sisters of the Sacred Heart (1904-1976); - Servant of God Isabel Mendez Herrero (Isabel of Mary Immaculate), Spanish professed nun of the Servants of St. Joseph (1924-1953) |
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October
01,
2015
Vatican
City, Pope
Authorizes
following
Decrees (ZENIT.org) By Staff Reporter Polish Layperson Recognized as Servant of God Pope Authorizes Decrees Pope Francis on Wednesday authorised the Congregation for Saints' Causes to promulgate the following decrees: MARTYRDOM - Servant of God Valentin Palencia Marquina, Spanish diocesan priest, killed in hatred of the faith in Suances, Spain in 1937; HEROIC VIRTUES - Servant of God Giovanni Folci, Italian diocesan priest and founder of the Opera Divin Prigioniero (1890-1963); - Servant of God Franciszek Blachnicki, Polish diocesan priest (1921-1987); - Servant of God Jose Rivera Ramirez, Spanish diocesan priest (1925-1991); - Servant of God Juan Manuel Martín del Campo, Mexican diocesan priest (1917-1996); - Servant of God Antonio Filomeno Maria Losito, Italian professed priest of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (1838-1917); - Servant of God Maria Benedetta Giuseppa Frey (nee Ersilia Penelope), Italian professed nun of the Cistercian Order (1836-1913); - Servant of God Hanna Chrzanowska, Polish layperson, Oblate of the Ursulines of St. Benedict (1902-1973). |
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March
06
2016 MIRACLES
authorised the
Congregation
to promulgate
the following
decrees:
Pope Francis received in a private audience Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, during which he authorised the Congregation to promulgate the following decrees: MIRACLES – Blessed Manuel González García, bishop of Palencia, Spain, founder of the Eucharistic Missionaries of Nazareth (1877-1940); – Blessed Elisabeth of the Trinity (née Elisabeth Catez), French professed religious of the Order of Discalced Carmelites (1880-1906); – Venerable Servant of God Marie-Eugène of the Child Jesus (né Henri Grialou), French professed priest of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, founder of the Secular Institute “Notre-Dame de Vie” (1894-1967); – Venerable Servant of God María Antonia of St. Joseph (née María Antonio de Paz y Figueroa), Argentine founder of the Beaterio of the Spiritual Exercise of Buenos Aires (1730-1799); HEROIC VIRTUE – Servant of God Stefano Ferrando, Italian professed priest of the Salesians, bishop of Shillong, India, founder of the Congregation of Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (1895-1978); – Servant of God Enrico Battista Stanislao Verjus, Italian professed priest of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, coadjutor of the apostolic vicariate of New Guinea (1860-1892); – Servant of God Giovanni Battista Quilici, Italian diocesan priest, founder of the Congregation of the Daughters of the Crucified (1791-1844); – Servant of God Bernardo Mattio, Italian diocesan priest (1845-1914); – Servant of God Quirico Pignalberi, Italian professed priest of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual (1891-1982); – Servant of God Teodora Campostrini, Italian founder of the Minim Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Sorrows (1788-1860); – Servant of God Bianca Piccolomini Clementini, Italian founder of the Company of St. Angela Merici di Siena (1875-1959); – Servant of God María Nieves of the Holy Family (née María Nieves Sánchez y Fernández), Spanish professed religious of the Daughters of Mary of the Pious Schools (1900-1978). April 26 2016 MIRACLES authorised the Congregation to promulgate the following decrees: Here is the full list of decrees approved by the Pope: MIRACLES – Blessed Alfonso Maria Fusco, diocesan priest and founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist (1839-1910); – Venerable Servant of God John Sullivan, professed priest of the Society of Jesus (1861-1933); MARTYRDOM – Servants of God Nikolle Vinçenc Prennushi, O.F.M., archbishop of Durres, Albania, and 37 companions killed between 1945 and 1974; – Servants of God José Antón Gómez and three companions of the Benedictines of Madrid, Spain, killed 1936; HEROIC VIRTUES – Servant of God Thomas Choe Yang-Eop, diocesan priest (1821-1861); – Servant of God Sosio Del Prete (né Vincenzo), professed priest of the Order of Friars Minor, founder of the Congregation of the Little Servants of Christ the King (1885-1952); – Servant of God Wenanty Katarzyniec (né Jósef), professed priest of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual (1889-1921); – Servant of God Maria Consiglia of the Holy Spirity (née Emilia Pasqualina Addatis), founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Addolorata, Servants of Mary (1845-1900); – Servant of God Maria of the Incarnation (née Caterina Carrasco Tenorio), founder of the Congregation of the Franciscan Tertiary Sisters of the Flock of Mary (1840-1917); – Servant of God , founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Family of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1851-1923); – Servant of God Ilia Corsaro, founder of the Congregation of the Little Missionaries of the Eucharist (1897-1977); – Servant of God Maria Montserrat Grases García, layperson of the Personal Prelature of the Holy Cross and Opus Dei (1941-1959). |
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LINKS: Marian Apparitions (over 2000) India Marian Shrine Lourdes of the East Lourdes Feb 11- July 16, Loreto, Italy 1858 China Marian shrines May 23, 1995 Zarvintisya Ukraine Lourdes Kenya national Marian shrine Quang Tri Vietnam La Vang 1798 Links to Related Marian Websites Angels and Archangels Doctors_of_the_Church Acts_Apostles Roman Catholic Popes Purgatory Uniates, PSALTER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 347 2023 |