Day 57 -- Saint Foillan of Fosses

There were not too many saints on the calendar today, so I have chosen Saint Foillan of Fosses. Here is another example of a saint who knew or related to other saints. He lived in the 7th century in Ireland. His two brothers are also saints, Fursey of Peronne and Ultan of Peronne and it with them that he traveled with them from Ireland to England around 630 as missionaries and build a monastery near Yarmouth. He became an abbot of the community. A war broke around 650 and the house was destroyed and his brothers were killed, captured, or dispersed. Foillan ransomed back his brothers and collected the surviving relics and books and traveled to France. He and his brothers were welcomed and their evangelization was encouraged by King Clovis II. He went to Belgium and founded a monastery there too for the Diocese of Fosses around 653. The monastery was founded on land donated by Saint Itta of Nivelles and Saint Gertrude of Nivelles. He served as the abbot there as well. He became known as a popular preacher. He was murdered with three companions on the road by bandits as he was traveling on Church business. His remains were found 3 months later and was buried there. He is often considered a martyr. His other brother Saint Ultan took over as abbot of Fosses.

He is the patron of dentists, children's nurses, surgeons, and the Diocese of Fosses, Belgium.

Day 56 -- Saint Alonso Rodriguez

There were a few saints I read about today that I thought about writing, but the one thing that drew me to want to write about Saint Alonso Rodriguez was that he worked for 46 years as a porter and doorkeeper at the Jesuit college in Mallorca, Spain. Mallorca is where my beloved Cursillo was born.

One could say that Alonso had a late vocation to religious life, but then God calls us and accepts us when we are ready, which is something I am trying to remember and believe. I have to live my life and no one else's. There is a prayer I try to read every day and it says: "What is excellent for someone else may well not be good for me."

At age 26 he married Mary Suarez and he tried to run the family woolen business after his dad died, but the business suffered and only 1 of their 3 children survived past infancy. Then his wife died then his mother. He sold the business and moved in with his sisters and they helped raise his son.

Soon his son also died and it was then that he decided to follow his call to religious life. He tried to join the Jesuits, but since he did not have the education they required he was refused. He attended the College of Barcelona, but could not complete the work. He performed many self-sacrifices and at age 60 he was ordered to sleep in a bed instead of a chair, bench or floor like he was. Then at the recommendation of Jesuit Father Luis Santander, Alonso became a Jesuit lay brother and began his studies on January 31, 1571. He was friend and roommate of Saint Peter Claver and it was Alonso who advised Peter to request missionary work in South America. Alonso took his final vows at the age of 54.

He had some writings of random thoughts, journal entries, illustrations, and other spiritual reflections that they were published under the tile of Spiritual Works of Blessed Alonso Rodriguez in Barcelona in 1885. He died on October 31, 1617 at age 85 in Mallora of natural causes and it is on this island where his relics remain. He is the patron saint of the island. I would love to one day visit there and see the hometown of Cursillo founder, Eduardo Bonnin. He was canonized in September 1888 along with Saint Peter Claver.

As love is paid for in love, I must imitate Him, sharing in spirit all His sufferings. I must consider how much I owe Him and what He has done for me.

Day 55 -- Saint Gaetano Errico

"Let us kindle the love of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in the hearts of all people."

Here is another example of a saint who is from Italy, and Naples where my great-grandmother, Nana, was from. She was the greatest influence over our family in terms of food. And my brother gets is musical talent from her. She played the keyboard, and when she lived with us for 6 months when I was in 7th grade I remember Michael and her playing duets.

Saint Gaetano Errico was born in Naples on October 19, 1791 to Pasquale and Marie; he was one of 9 children. He was a good child and ready to help his father at the pasta factory or help his mother with his younger siblings. At age 14 he felt called to the priesthood and since he was so young he was turned away from the Capuchins and Redemptorists. He, at age 16, then turned to a diocesan seminary in Naples, and walked 5 miles to class each day, and was ordained at at 23 on September 23, 1815.

For 20 years he was a teacher and a parish priest at Saint Cosmas and Damien Parish. He was known for his devotion to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and ministry to the sick. He made annual retreats to the Redemptorist house in Pagani and it was during one of these retreats in 1818 that Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori appeared to him in a vision and he told Gaetano that God wanted him to build a new church and found a religious order. Initially the locals were strongly supported this effort, but once the work and fund-raising had to start it faded and the church was not dedicated and blessed until December 9, 1830. Our Lady of Sorrows at Secondigliano has become one of Italy's most popular pilgrimage spots.

Near the church, Gaetano built a small house for himself a lay brother who took care of the church and this was the beginning of the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. They received local approval on March 14, 1836, approval by the Bishops on June 30, 1838, and papal approval by Blessed Pope Pius IX on August 7, 1846. Gaetano served as the first Superior General. He died of natural causes in his hometown of Secondigliano in Naples on October 29, 1860. He was canonized on October 12, 2008 by Pope Benedict XVI.

He story reminds me of me (well only a small part!). I am 31 and have lived in my hometown my whole life so far and I really do not think I would ever move too far from my hometown. I have "bloomed where I was planted."

Day 54 -- Saint Jude Thaddeus

"But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit."

Jude 1:20

How many times have we prayed to Saint Jude Thaddeus for a special intercession? He is considered the saint of "desperate cases" and "lost causes."

Saint Jude is differentiated from Judas Iscariot the betrayer of Jesus by adding Thaddeus after his name. He was the son of Cleophas who died a martyr, and Mary who stood at the foot of the cross and anointed Jesus' body after his death. Jude was the brother of Saint James the Lesser. He was the nephew of Mary and Joseph. Saint Jude may have been a fisherman. He was one of Jesus' apostles. Saint Jude wrote the epistle named for him. He preached in Syria, Mesopotamia, and Persia.

The tradition for his patronage of lost causes came from the confusion between him and Judas Iscariot for not understanding the difference between the two names, they didn't pray to Jude's help and devotion to him became something of a lost cause.

His name, Thaddeus, means sweetness or gentleness of character. He was beaten to death with a club and then beheaded postmortem in the 1st century. His relics are at Saint Peter's Basilica, and two towns in France.


PRAYER
St. Jude, glorious Apostle, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor has caused you to be forgotten by many, but the true Church invokes you universally as the Patron of things despaired of; pray for me, that finally I may receive the consolations and the succor of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly (here make your request), and that I may bless God with the Elect throughout Eternity. Amen.

Day 53 --Blessed Bartholomew of Vicenza

I think of all the saints who have known or met saints in their lifetime. I think how awesome could that be if I could meet a saint. That could have happened to me a couple weeks ago when I went to a retreat day with Fr. Benedict Groeschel. I pray the Lord make me into the person so I can be a saint and Jesus to someone today.

Blessed Bartholomew of Vicenza received his Dominican habit right from Saint Dominic himself at age 20. He was a notable preacher and became bishop of Limassol, Cyprus in 1253. Three years later he became bishop of Vincenza and he worked as a peace maker. It was there that he founded a military order whose purpose was to keep civil peace in towns throughout Italy. He was friend to King Louis IX. He was such a noted preached that he preached at the second translation of the relics of Saint Dominic in 1267. He died in 1270 at age 70 and was beatified in 1793 and he still has not been canonized.

Day 52 -- Blessed Damian dei Fulcheri

Here is a story of how Mary can help all of us. Over the past few years I have been trying to come closer to Mary, knowing that she is our Mother and she can bring our cares to her Son.

Damian dei Fulcheri was born into Italian nobility and was kidnapped as an infant by a mentally ill man. His parents prayed to Mary for help and the rescuers were led to a hiding place by a mysterious light. Baby Damian was found unharmed and returned to his parents.

Later in life he joined the Dominicans at Savona, Italy and was ordained a priest. He became known as a famous preacher throughout all of Italy and had hundreds of people convert to Catholicism during his missions. He was known as a miracle worker during his lifetime and there are reported miracles at his tomb. Almost immediately after his death, he became object of popular devotion. He died in 1484 at Modena, Italy of natural causes.

PRAYER
God of truth, for the salvation of the faithful you endowed Blessed Damian with wondrous virtues and powers of speech. Through his prayers may we hear your word with an open heart and hold fast to it with patience. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Day 51 -- Forty Martyrs of England and Wales

Faith questions and disputes arose between the pope and King Henry VIII in the 16th century. The British Isles became mixed with political questions and they were settled with torture and murder of loyal Catholics. In 1970, the Vatican selected 40 martyrs -- men and women, lay and religious -- to represent the full group of about 300 people who died for their faith and allegiance to the Church between 1535 and 1679. Each of the 40 have their own feast day, but they are remembered as a group today.

There are 3 Carthusians, 1 Brigittine, 1 Augustinian, 10 Jesuits, 3 Benedictines, 1 Friar Observant, 1 Franciscan, 13 Clergy, 4 laymen, and 3 laywomen.

It from this dispute and that Catholics could not practice their faith openly the song "The 12 Days of Christmas" was born. The song was an original love song, but the words were changed to Catholic teaching to help children with the catechism.

One partridge in a pear tree -- Jesus Christ.

Two turtle doves -- the Old and New Testaments.

Three French hens -- faith, hope and love.

Four calling birds -- the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Five golden rings -- the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

Six geese a-laying -- the six days of creation.

Seven swans a-swimming -- the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: piety, understanding, fortitude, wisdom, awe, counsel, knowledge

Eight maids a-milking -- the eight beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing -- the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

Ten lords a-leaping -- the ten commandments.

Eleven pipers piping -- the eleven faithful disciples.

Twelve drummers drumming -- the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

Day 50 -- Blessed Luigi Guanella

"The altar points our way to heaven."

What I have been noticing about so many saints come from poor, but pious families and did proud and noble things for their towns, countries, and the Catholic Church.

Blessed Luigi Guanella is no different. He was born on December 9, 1842 in Italy. He was the 9th of 13 children. Luigi entered the seminary at age 12 and he was ordained on May 26, 1866. He worked with Saint John Bosco for 3 years to care for homeless children. He opened a school for the poor in Traona, Italy while he was assigned as a parish priest. Unfortunately, the anti-Catholic Masons forced it closed in 1881.

So then in that same year, he founded an orphanage and nursing home. In 1886 they outgrew the facility and they moved the home to a larger building and named it Little House of Divine Providence. It was there that he also founded the Daughters of Saint Mary of Providence to minister to the residents. They received papal approval in 1917 and today have over 1,200 Sisters working in over 100 homes. In 1908 Luigi founded a men's congregation, the Servants of Charity and they received papal approval 1928 and today they have 500 brothers in over 50 homes. He was an advisor to Pope Saint Pius X and Blessed Andrea Carlo Ferrari.

He worked in the United States with Italian immigrants in 1912 and the following year he founded the Confraternity of Saint Joseph. The mission was to pray for the dying and today they have 10 million members. He never technically retired and in his older age he wrote meditations and inspirational works. In 1915, just months before his death, he went into the fields to minister to those who had been harmed by recent earthquakes in the area. He died on October 24, 1915 after complications from a stroke on September 27, 1915. He was beatified on October 25, 1964 by Pope Paul VI in Rome.

There are so many quotes from Blessed Luigi. Here are a few that I really liked:
Prayer is lifting our minds and hearts to God.
Only a fool or a madman lives without a goal.
The Eucharist is the treasury of God's love.
A day without Holy Communion is like a day without the sun.
Live only for God whose son died for you.


PRAYER
O Blessed Luigi Guanella, apostle of charity who spread the treasures of your heart to the poor and suffering, whom you dearly loved, in a world filled with hatred and selfishness, obtain for us from Divine Providence an ever increasing love of God and our neighbor. Obtain for us also the favor we are now asking for, and the grace of final perseverance. Amen.

Knowing that Blessed Luigi helped Italian immigrants is what made me want to read and write about him. My family came here from Italy and yesterday I went to Ellis Island. It was very moving and I can only imagine what my family members thought when they came over here and if they hit any obstacles. My Grama was only 20 days old when her family arrived here.

Day 49 -- Blessed Arnold Reche

Blessed Arnold Reche grew up in a poor family in a small village. He was born on September 2, 1838 and his birth name was Nicholas-Jules. He was one of 9 children. His father was extremely religious he Arnold grew up with strong values and a fear of sin. He was the only serious student in his catechism class and then he taught the younger children. His mother on the other hand, suffered from depression because of their impoverished situation.

When Nicholas became a young adult though he moved into a secular lifestyle. But his aunt convinced him to make some life changes and he attended classes by the Brothers of the Christian Schools. He returned to a live of active and intense prayer. He joined the LaSalle Brothers in 1862 and he took the name Brother Arnold. He made his final vows in 1871.

He treated the wounded in the Frano-Prussian War. He was a teacher, an outsandning teacher of the Christian doctrine. He then became the novice director, but with that move out of the classroom he felt like a failure. He died on October 23, 1890 after a cerebral hemorrhage. His grave site is known for its miracles. The Cause for his canonization began in 1938. He was beatified on November 1, 1987 and waiting for canonization.

"Granted, it is sometimes difficult to resist evil and remain virtuous. But with the grace of God that we obtain from prayer we can do anything. All we have to do is to will it."

Day 48 -- Saint Mary Salome

Today's saint goes back to the beginning of the Church. Saint Mary Salome was the wife of Zebedee who we hear of in Scripture. They were the parents of Saint John the Apostle and Saint James the Greater. She may also have been a cousin of Mary, the mother of Jesus. She is one of the "three Mary's" who were the women who ministered to Jesus during his ministry and she may have even accompanied him on his travels. She asked Jesus for her sons to have their place in the Kingdom of God. Jesus responds that only the Father can assign places in the Kingdom. Her sons have to follow in the footsteps of Christ and his example of humility and sacrifice to earn places there. She was there at the death of Jesus and she witnessed his resurrection. Saint Mark mentions Mary Salome as of the women who came to anoint the body of Jesus the morning of the resurrection. Legend says that after Jesus' resurrection she went to Veroli, Italy and spent the rest of her days there spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. She is the patron of that city. Her name, Salome, means peace and prosperity.

Day 47 -- Blessed Charles of Austria

"I strive always in all things to understand as clearly as possible and follow the will of God, and this in the most perfect way."

Even though we honor the life of Charles of Austria today, I think his life story also shows the love, perseverance, and care that his wife, Princess Zita showed. She mourned and dressed in black for rest of her life as a widow...67 years.

Charles was born into royalty, received a strong Catholic education, and developed a strong devotion to the Eucharist and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A nun (who had the stigmata) prophesied that he would be the victim of attacks and great suffering. She was right. There was a group of people who were specifically assigned to pray for him at all times and after his death this same group formed the League of Prayer for Emperor Charles for the Peace of the Peoples. This group became ecclesiastically recognized as a prayer group in 1963.

He married Princess Zita of Bourbon and Parma on October 21, 1911 and they had 8 children in 10 years. The day after they were married he said to his new bride: "Now, we must help each other to get to Heaven." When Emperor Francis Joseph died in 1916, Charles became Emperor of Austria and crowned king of Hungary on December 30, 1916. With this crown, Charles saw it as a way to implement Christian charity and social reform. His life's motto was "I strive always in all things to understand as clearly as possible and follow the will of God, and this in the most perfect way." He worked for peace, to end World War I, and was the only leader to support Pope Benedict XV's peace effort. After the war he was exiled to Switzerland in March 1919 and in 1921 he tried to return to power. He and his family were eventually exiled to the island of Madeira in Portugal. They spend their time there in prayerful poverty. "I can't go on much longer... Thy will be done... Yes... Yes... As you will it... Jesus!" These were the words he muttered days before his death while praying before a crucifix held by his wife. And his last words were to his wife: "I will love you forever." He died on April 1, 1922 of pneumonia. He was beatified on October 3, 2004 by Pope John Paul II and awaits canonization. There was a said miracle of a woman who was cured from breast cancer.

God our Father, through the gift of Blessed Emperor Charles You have given us an example to follow. In extremely difficult times he performed his burdensome tasks without ever losing his faith. He always followed Your Son, the true King. He led a humble life, sincerely loving the poor and giving himself heart and soul to the search for peace. Even when his life was in danger he trusted in You, putting his life in Your hands. Almighty and Merciful God, by the intercession of Blessed Emperor Charles, we pray that You may give us his unconditional faith to support us in our most difficult situations, and the courage to always follow the example of Your only Son. Open our hearts to the poor, and strengthen our commitment for peace within our families and among all peoples. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Day 46 -- Saint Maria Bertilla Boscardin

"I am not able to do anything. I am a poor goose. Will you teach me what I must do? I want to become a saint."

It is amazing how God works in our lives and in the lives of our saints. Anna Francesca Boscardin was poor into a poor family on October 6, 1888 and her father even said that he was a violently abusive drunk (he testified this during her beatification). Anna received little eduction and was simple and innocent. She worked as a house servant and then joined the Sisters of Saint Dorothy, Daughters of the Sacred Heart at Vincenza, Italy in 1904 and she took the name Maria Bertilla. She worked in the convent's kitchen and laundry and then she was trained as a nurse in 1907. She was assigned to the hospital in Treviso which was run by her Order. At first she worked in the children's ward and became a favorite becuase of her simple and gentle way with the kids. During World War I she also worked with wounded Italian soldiers and she stayed with the patients in 1917 while the area was being bombed. Maria Bertilla's reputation grew and her supervisor grew angry and reassigned her to the hospital laundry. However the congregations mother general heard of this move and vindictive treatment and transfers her back to nursing and made her the supervisor of the children's ward in 1919. She died of cancer on October 20, 1922 in Treviso. It has been reported that there were many healing miracles at her tomb. She was canonized on May 11, 1961 by Pope John XXIII. The crowd included many family members many of her former patients.

"Let us become saints too," whispered Sister Bertilla to her companions, "but saints in heaven and not on altars."

Day 45 -- North American Martyrs

Two years ago ago I was fortunate to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of the Martyrs two times. Sr. Alejandra invited me to go with her community when they celebrated 3 years in CT and then I was able to go back when the DREs made a pilgrimage there. Going with Sr. Ale and the Fraternas was one of my favorite days ever...even thought it was SO cold and it was only November!! The Shrine is nestled on a beautiful 400 acres in upstate NY and the coliseum holds 10,000 people.

"Blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church."

Tertullian wrote this in the 2nd century because the lives of the martyrs are a source of inspiration for Christians. The martyrs willing sacrifice of their lives leads to the conversion of others. These martyrs died there, but 10 years after the death of St. Isaac Jogues, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha was born there.

Including Isaac Jogues, the others who were martyred there between 1642 and 1649 were: Saints Antoine Daniel, Charles Garnier, Gabriel Lalemant, Jean de Brebeuf, Jean de la Lande, Noel Chabanel, and Rene Goupil. They were each killed during ward when the Iroquois attached the Huron. They were canonized by Pope Pius XI on June 29, 1930.


PRAYER
O Almighty God, by whose grace and power your holy martyrs Antony Daniel, Charles Garnier, Gabriel Lalemant, Isaac Jogues, John de Brebeuf, John Lalande, Noel Chabanel, and Rene Goupil triumphed over suffering and were faithful even to death: Grant us, who now remember them in thanksgiving, to be so faithful in our witness to you in this world, that we may receive with them the crown of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Day 44 -- Saint Luke

We have all heard of today's saint...Saint Luke. He wrote the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles. He was born to Greek, pagan parents, and he was maybe a slave. He is one of the earliest converts to Christianity. Besides writing the Gospel of Luke and Acts, he was also a physician and most likely traveled as a ship's doctor. Legend also says that he was a painter and painted portraits of Jesus and Mary, but none of them have ever been correctly identified as his. He met Saint Paul and evangelized in Greece and Rome with Saint Paul. The Gospel according to Luke is based on a lot of the teachings and writings of Saint Paul, which includes interviews with early Christians and his own experiences. The Acts of the Apostles is about the history of the early Church.

The name Luke means bearer of light. Each of the four evangelists are represented with an image and he is represented by an ox or calf. He is the patron saint of many occupations, including physicians, artists, surgeons, unmarried men, and notaries.

One of my favorite quotes that I now have comes from Acts of the Apostles, 1:8: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth." This was the theme of World Youth Day 2008 when I went to Australia. That was, to say the least, an incredible pilgrimage. I had never experienced anything like that. In the past two years I have grown in my relationship with the Lord and have gotten to know Him better, and that is wonderful and I look forward to what the Lord will bring into my life tomorrow.


PRAYER
Most charming and saintly Physician, you were animated by the heavenly Spirit of love. In faithfully detailing the humanity of Jesus, you also showed his divinity and his genuine compassion for all human beings. Inspire our physicians with your professionalism and with the divine compassion for their patients. Enable them to cure the ills of both body and spirit that afflict so many in our day. Amen.

Day 43 -- Saint Ignatius of Antioch

I cannot imagine what it would even be like to be thrown to wild animals and eaten alive. I was at the Coliseum in Rome in 2003 and thought of that very thing--how many Christians died for Jesus. Who knows, without their faith and trust, I may not be Catholic today.

Saint Ignatius of Antioch was one of thousands of people who were thrown to the lions because of our Christianity. He was a convert from paganism to Christianity. He was born around 50, legend says he was the infant that Jesus took into his arms in Mark 9. But that cannot be since we know Jesus died around 33.

Saint Ignatius succeeded Saint Peter as Bishop of Antioch and he served during the persecution of Domitian and Trajan and it was then that he was taken to Rome and killed around 108. On the journey, which took about two months, he wrote letters to the churches under his care. He was the first person to use the term "Catholic Church." His relics are at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome.

I am writing to all the churches to let it be known that I will gladly die for God if only you do not stand in my way. I plead with you: show me no untimely kindness. Let me be food for the wild beasts, for they are my way to God. I am God’s wheat and bread. Pray to Christ for me that the animals will be the means of making me a sacrificial victim for God. No earthly pleasures, no kingdoms of this world can benefit me in any way. I prefer death in Christ Jesus to power over the farthest limits of the earth. He who died in place of us is the one object of my quest. He who rose for our sakes is my one desire. The prince of this world is determined to lay hold of me and to undermine my will which is intent on God. Let none of you here help him; instead show yourselves on my side, which is also God’s side. Believe instead what I am now writing to you. For though I am alive as I write to you, still my real desire is to die. My love of this life has been crucified, and there is no yearning in my for any earthly thing. Rather within me is the living water which says deep inside me: “Come to the Father.” I no longer take pleasure in perishable food or in the delights of this world I want only God’s bread, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ, formed from the seed of David, and for drink I crave his blood, which is love that cannot perish. Pray for me that I may obtain my desire. I have not written to you as a mere man would, but as one who knows the mind of God. - from a letter to the Romans from Saint Ignatius of Antioch

Day 42 -- Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

"Look at this Heart which has loved men so much, and yet men do not want to love Me in return. Through you My divine Heart wishes to spread its love everywhere on earth."

from Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque’s vision of Jesus

I have heard about Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque for my whole life since we have a parish in Shelton which bears her name, but I didn't know much about her life until today.

Saint Margaret Mary was born on July 22, 1647 in Burgundy, France. She was healed from a crippling disorder from a vision of Blessed Virgin Mary and becuase of this she vowed to give her life to God. She joined the Order of the Visitation in 1671 after she received a vision of Christ fresh from the scourging. in 1675 she received a revelation from our Lord which included the 12 promises to her and to those who practiced a true devotion to his Sacred Heart (see below). She died of natural causes on October 17, 1690 of natural causes and her body is incorrupt. She was canonized on May 13, 1920 by Pope Benedict XV. She is the patron saint against polio and polio patients, so she reminds me of my Grampa, who I miss very much.

The Twelve Promises of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary for those devoted to His Sacred Heart:

• I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
• I will establish peace in their families.
• I will console them in all their troubles.
• They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of their death.
• I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.
• Sinners shall find in My Heart the source of an infinite ocean of mercy.
• Tepid souls shall become fervent.
• Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.
• I will bless the homes where an image of My Heart shall be exposed and honored.
• I will give to priests the power of touching the most hardened hearts.
• Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be effaced.
• The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under my displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.

- from Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque’s vision of Jesus

Day 41 -- Saint Teresa of Avila

"Let nothing trouble you, let nothing make you afraid. All things pass away. God never changes. Patience obtains everything. God alone is enough."

When I think of Saint Teresa of Avila I think of this saying. I have this as a bookmark in my Bible. She is probably most known for helping to reform her Order because she thought it was too lax. Saint Teresa is a patron saint of Spain so I am happy to learn more about her as she is one of the patrons for WYD 2011. St. Therese of Lisieux was named after her and Mother Teresa too her name from Saint Therese, but spelled her name as the original Saint Teresa. Three remarkable women who are worthy to know about their lives.

Saint Teresa was born at Avila, Castile, Spain on March 28, 1515 as Teresa Sanchez Cepeda Davila y Ahumada. She died in the arms of her secretary and close friend Blessed Anne of Saint Bartholomew on October 4, 1582. Her body is also incorrupt and her heart shows signs of Transverberation (piercing of the heart). She was canonized by Pope Gregory XV on March 12, 1622 and was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church on September 27, 1970 by Pope Paul VI.

Saint Teresa is a lead writer on mental prayer and mystical theology. In all her writings about mysticism she deals with her personal experiences. Her definition was used in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: "Contemplative prayer [oración mental] in my opinion is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us." One of her best known works is Interior Castle. Saint Teresa reported visions of Jesus and Mary. She was a strong believer in the power of holy water and she used it to repel evil and temptations with much success.

"We shall never succeed in knowing ourselves unless we seek to know God: let us think of His greatness and then come back to our own baseness; by looking at His purity we shall see our foulness; by meditating upon His humility, we shall see how far we are from being humble."

"We need no wings to go in search of Him, but have only to look upon Him present within us."

Day 40 -- Blessed Marie Poussepin

Blessed Marie Poussepin was the daughter of a stocking manufacturer, she was raised in a pious household and educated by her mother and the local parish priest. When her mother died when she was 22 she took charge of raising her younger siblings. Her father died several years later and she took over the family business. She modernize it and previous work done all by hand, she learned the machines and trained her employees and set up the first support network of benefits for them. In her late 30s she joined the Dominican tertiaries and her brother Charles took over the business. She began caring for people in her home and became affiliated with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. In 1695 she moved to Sainville, France and founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity. The community received legal recognition in 1724 and diocesan approval in 1738 and they still continue their good works today. She died in 1744 and was beatified in 1991. She is awaiting canonization.

Blessed Marie reminds me that everything is in the Lord's timing. I often think I should have my life all planned out by now, and I don't and then I have to remind myself that it is in the Lord's timing and I need to be patient with the plan He has for my life. For now, I am really enjoying my life with my great family and friends and awesome Cursillo community!

Day 39 -- Blessed Alexandrina Maria da Costa

I had heard of people who had the gift of inedia (the abstinence from all nourishment for long periods of time). There are a few saints who have been able to exist for months or even years without any food, only Holy Communion. The saints who had this charism were:

• Blessed Alexandrina Maria da Costa
• Blessed Alphais of Cudot
• Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich
• Saint Mary Ann de Padedes
• Saint Nicholas of Flue

The saint that we will learn about today is Blessed Alexandrina Maria da Costa. She was born on March 30, 1904 in Balasar, Oporto, Portugal. At age 14, on Holy Saturday she jumped out of a window and fell 4 meters to escape a rapist. She was injured from the fall and was left paralyzed and bed-ridden for the rest of her life. Slowly she realized that suffering was her vocation; the more she understood this was her vocation the more willing to embrace it. She became a member of the Salesian Cooperators. In 1935 she asked the pope to consecrate the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and this was done on October 30, 1942 (another person who talked to the pope!). She was a mystic and a visionary and it was the in the last 13 years of her life that she had the gift of inedia. At one point she weighed only 73 pounds. She died on October 13, 1955 in her hometown of natural causes. Her last words were, "I am happy because I am going to see Jesus."

She was venerated on January 12, 1996 by Pope John II and was beatified by him on April 25, 2004. She is awaiting canonization.

There is a Alexandrina Society in Ireland to spread the knowledge of her life and teachings. The society has 4 aims:

1. To spread devotion to Alexandrina and make her known
2. To pray for the conversion of sinners
3. To pray for Priests and acknowledge any favors received
4. To pray for members' intention

All these "saints" who I have been writing about how many of them are "awaiting" canonization? And how many people who have lived heroic lives and died and will never be recognized as "saints"? Are any of these people in your life? And do you let them know they are your "saints"?


"Do not risk losing Jesus for all eternity, for he is so good. Enough with sin. Love Jesus, love him!"

Day 38 -- Saint Fiace

With today's saint I am reminded of my trip to Ireland in 2003. That was such a great trip and we saw so much of the beautiful country. I have so many memories of those 3 weeks. As I think back on it, it was a trip that really helped me step out of my comfort zone and do things on my own and really started my love for traveling. Plus I had a great traveling partner!

Saint Fiace was the only child of his parents. He was born in 415 in Ireland, he converted to Catholicism, and ordained by Saint Patrick and was then named a missionary bishop by Saint Patrick. When I was in Ireland I went to the Hill of Tara where it is said that Saint Patrick preached and converted many people. Saint Fiace founded churches and monasteries of Domnach-Fiech and Sletty. During Lent he always went on a severe fast. He was also a poet and may have been the author of the earliest biography of Saint Patrick which was written in Irish. Saint Fiace suffered in pain for many years prior to his death in 520, but continued to travel right up to his death.

Day 37 -- Pope Blessed John XXIII

"If we look upon the dignity of the human person in the light of divinely revealed truth, we cannot help but esteem it far more highly; for men are redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, they are by grace the children and friends of God and heirs of eternal glory."

Usually the Church marks the feast day of a saint on the day he/she died, so I am actually not sure how the feast day of someone blessed gets his/her feast day. Today we celebrate one such person: Pope John XXIII who was born in Bergamo, Italy as Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli on November 25, 1881 to an Italian peasant family. As I've said before one of my dreams/wishes is to meet the pope...any pope. I just don't know how that will ever happen!

Pope John XXIII was educated in his hometown and then the Pontifical Roman Seminary. He was ordained on August 10, 1904. Right after his ordination, he was the secretary to the bishop of Bergamo for 10 years. It was during that time that he wrote the basis for his five-volume biography of Saint Charles Borromeo. He served in World War I in the medical corps and as a chaplain. After the war he became archbishop of a few cities and papal nuncio and he was made a cardinal on January 12, 1953. On October 28, 1958 he was elected the 261st pope.

He was pope for about 4 years and one of the many things he wanted to stress was pastoral duties of himself and other bishops and priests. He worked for social reforms for the poor, orphans, workers, and outcasts. He worked to build relationships between Catholics and Protestants, Greek Orthodox, Church of England, and Shinto. He wrote a few encyclicals and one of them was Mater et Magistra which advocated social reform; it was published on July 14, 1961. He also worked to save refugees, mostly Jewish people, during the Holocaust.

During his papacy he doubled the number of cardinals, by making the College the largest in history. One of the most historic events of the Catholic Church's history was begun by Pope John XXIII. On January 25, 1959 he announced his intent to call a council together to consider ways to renew the Church in the modern world. The highest point of his papacy was calling the Second Vatican Council which started on October 11, 1962. (Hey maybe this is why today is his feast day!) There are 16 documents that are part of Vatican II.

During his pontificate he beatified 2 women: Elena Guerra and Elizabeth Ann Seton. He also canonized 5 people: Anthony Mary Pucci, Charles of Sezze, Juan de Ribera, Maria Bertilla Boscardin, and Martin de Porres. He also founded 2 Dioceses, both in the USA: Baton Rouge (LA) and San Angelo (TX). There is a more complete biography of his life on the Vatican's website.

When his body was dug up in 2001, it was found incorruptible even though he had been dead for 37 years. "It was as if he died yesterday," said Virgilio Cardinal Noe, who witnessed the opening of the Pontiff’s tomb.

O Mary, 
your name has been on my lips 
and in my heart from my early infancy. 
When I was a child 
I learned to love you as a Mother, 
turn to you in danger, 
and trust your intercession. 
You see in my heart the desire to know the truth, 
to practice virtue, 
to be prudent and just, 
strong and patient, 
a brother to all.

O Mary, 
help me to keep to my purpose of living 
as a faithful disciple of Jesus, 
for the building up of the Christian society 
and the joy of the holy Catholic Church. 
I greet you, Mother, 
morning and evening; 
I pray to you as I go on my way; 
from you I hope for the inspiration 
and encouragement that will enable me 
to fulfill the sacred promises 
of my earthly vocation, 
give glory to God, 
and win eternal salvation. 
O Mary! 
Like you in Bethlehem and on Golgotha, 
I too wish to stay always close to Jesus. 
He is the eternal King of all ages and all peoples.

Amen.

Day 36 -- Saint Francis Borgia

Have you ever felt like you wanted to do something but just didn't know when it was the right time? I think maybe that is how today's saint may have felt. I know I feel like that sometimes, and I just don't know when I say yes to certain things.

Saint Francis Borgia had 8 children and after his wife died he wanted to join the Jesuits. He waited until his children were grown and he left his estate to his eldest son. He joined the Order in 1548 and was ordained in 1551; he was a great preacher. He went on missions to Portugal, Florida (USA), Spain, and Peru. He was a friend and advisor of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. In 15665 he was elected general of the Society and he edited the rules, founded novitiates, created the Roman province, founded the Society in Poland, and established colleges in France. He worked closely with Pope Pius V and Saint Charles Borromeo to further the renaissance of Catholicism.

He was born in 1510 as Francisco de Borja y Aragon in Italy and he is related to Pope Alexander VI. He is the patron saint against earthquakes. He died on September 30, 1572 in Italy. He was canonized in 1671 by Pope Clement X and in 1901 his relics were transferred to the Jesuit church in Madrid.


QUOTE
"We must perform all our works in God and refer them to his glory so that they will be permanent and stable. Everyone - whether kings, nobles, tradesmen or peasants - must do all things for the glory of God and under the inspiration of Christ’s example."

Day 35 -- Saint Louis Bertrand

"For words without works never have power to touch or change hearts."

310 days until World Youth Day! I am getting excited! One of the patron saints of WYD is Teresa of Avila and today's saint Louis Bertrand was friends with Teresa and helped her reform her order. Louis was also a relative Saint Vincent Ferrer (they were baptized in the same baptismal font 150 years apart!). Saint Louis was a deeply religious child and joined the Dominicans in 1544 at age 18. He was ordained three years later by St Thomas of Villanova. He was a preacher and master of the novices for 30 years while he worked with plague victims. He was a missionary to Central and South America and the Caribbean. He survived being attack with poison when he thought he would be martyred. It was reported that he converted over 15,000 people and had the gift of tongues (he only spoke Spanish, but when he spoke to the natives in the Americas they were able to understand him). After working in the Americas for seven years he returned to Spain and reported on the bad actions of the Spaniards in the region and he was reassigned to preachings and training the novices in Valencia, Spain. He died in Valencia on October 9, 1581. He was canonized by Pope Clement X on April 12, 1671.


PRAYER

Almighty and merciful God, You filled the heart of St. Louis Bertrand, the patron of novitiates and formation personnel with a zeal of preaching through good deeds and words. Enkindle in us the virtues of humility and patience so we too may obediently do your will faithfully. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, the perfect example of obedience, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever.

Day 34 -- Blessed Ambrose Sansedoni of Siena

I was born with a "candy cane" shaped foot. My brother was born with an extra thumb. I am glad my parents didn't send us away to be cared for by a nurse like today's saint Ambrose Sansedoni of Siena. He was born badly deformed. The nurse said that the only time he was peaceful was when he was in St. Mary Magdalene Church, the local Dominican church, especially when he was near the altar and relics. Legend has it that the nurse covered his face with a scarf and a pilgrim said, "Do no cover that child's face. He will one day be the glory of this city." A few days later the young boy suddenly stretched out his twisted limbs and said the name of "Jesus" and all deformity left him.

He was a pious child and at age 2 when given the choice of two of his father's books (his father was a book illuminator) and he chose the one about the saints. From age 7 he recited daily the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin. And he loved working with the poor, abandoned and sick. He told his family and friends that he wanted to join the preaching friars and they tried to talk him out of it, but Ambrose heard the call and joined the Dominicans in Siena in 1237 on his 17th birthday. He studied in Paris and Cologne with Saint Thomas Aquinas and Pope Blessed Innocent V under Saint Albert the Great. He then taught in Cologne and devoted himself to preaching. He evangelized in Germany, France and Italy. He was a mystic with a deep contemplative prayer life. He received visions and was known to levitate when preaching.

It is sad that everything he wrote and preached--which had to be good--was once saved, but now no longer exists.


PRAYER
Merciful God, may this feast of Blessed Ambrose bring joy to the Church, that she may be strengthened with spiritual help and be made worthy to enjoy everlasting happiness. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
General Calendar of the Order of Preachers

Day 33 -- Saint Justina of Padua

What prayers do you pray? What is your prayer life like? Do you like rote prayer? Do you meditate? Do you spend time in adoration or with the Blessed Sacrament? Do you pray the rosary? I like many of the above, especially the Mass and spending time with Jesus in a quiet Church. Today we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary and I hope and pray I can come to love the rosary more. I did just buy a CD with of Our Lady of Guadalupe Rosary by Dana and Msgr. Chavez and I really like it thus far.

But the saint who I would like to talk about today is Justina of Padua. There is not much known about her, but she is the patron of Padua and there is a basilica named after her. As a young woman she took a private vow of chastity and devotion to God. Some medieval documents describe her as a disciple of Saint Peter the Apostle, but that is impossible since she was martyred in the year 304. The only thing I could think of is that she was a disciple of St. Peter the way we are all disciples of Jesus.

In art, she is sometimes depicted as a nun, but she never was and some artists may have her confused with Saint Scholastica (twin sister to Saint Benedict). And there are many depictions of Justina of Padua and one is a young woman with a unicorn (which I had no idea that it symbolizes virginity).

Day 32 -- Saint Bruno

What's in a name? What does your name say about you? Do you have a devotion to a particular saint? Does a saint bear your name? Today's saint has meaning for me--not for who he was so much (even though his life was very fascinating), but for his name...Saint Bruno. As many of you know, one of my good friends bears that same last name. Time and time again I am overwhelmed at our friendship and how quickly it grew. We could spend hours together (and we do) just talking about...anything and everything!

"Stat crux dum volvitur orbis"
"The Cross is steady while the world is turning"

Saint Bruno was born in Cologne, Germany 1030. He was educated in Paris and was ordained in 1055 and taught theology--one of his students was Pope Blessed Urban II. He followed a vision he received and went to a secluded hermitage where he could spend the rest of his life becoming closer to God. He wrote several commentaries on the Psalms and on Saint Paul's epistles. He was never formally canonized because of the Carthusians' unwillingness towards public honors, but Pope Leo X granted the Carthusians permission to celebrate his feast in 1514, and his name was placed on the Roman calendar in 1623.

With the help of Saint Hugh of Gernoble, he founded what became the first house of Carthusiam Order where he and his brothers supported themselves as manuscript copyists. They roughly followed the rule of Saint Benedict. They embraced a life of poverty and prayer. There are monks and nuns. They observe an almost perpetual silence and complete abstinence from meat, with a fast once a week on bread and water. There are 25 houses around the world. Some countries include the United States, Spain, Italy, England, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. There are 370 monks and 75 nuns. Their order is the only one in the Church which has not gone through a period of reform becuase it never needed one -- it is the strictest orders in the Church and still follows Bruno's life of prayer.


Here is a YouTube documentary about the life of the Carthusians. And here is another video about the life of Saint Bruno.


Prayer to Saint Bruno
O glorious patriarch, holy Father Bruno, look down upon us with those eyes of kindness that so often won men’s hearts. Day and night as of old, thou dost hear in heaven’s court the voices of thy sons upon earth joined in God’s praises, linked with the angel choirs.

Sweet Father, if our voices may reach that Throne of Majesty, we ourselves are not yet come there. Guard and guide us on that heavenward road thou hast trod before us. Thou knowest its dangers; thou knowest our weakness. Be our helper that we may keep unquenched that fire of fervor which thou didst light up so long ago. Then shall we be thy crown of glory both here and hereafter. Amen.

"Oh, Lord, my God, I thank you for Saint Bruno and for my dear friend whom You have put into my life to show me Your love and peace and kindness."

Day 31 -- Saint Faustina Kowalska

"Do what You will with me, O Jesus; I will adore You in everything.
May Your will be done in me, O my Lord and my God, and I will praise Your infinite mercy."

I believe I first began to like the Divine Mercy Chaplet (video) on a Cursillo weekend when it was Divine Mercy Sunday and we sang it together. I particularly like the sung version.

The Divine Mercy Chaplet came out of a message that Saint Faustina Kowalska received from Jesus in the 1930s to spread his message of mercy throughout the world. Jesus asked that a picture of him be painted with the inscription "Jesus, I Trust in You." She commissioned this painting in 1935 which shows a red and white light shinning from Christ's Sacred Heart.

Apostles of Divine Mercy is a movement of priests, religious and lay people who were inspired by Saint Faustina's experiences to spread Jesus' message of the mystery of Divine Mercy. It was approved in 1996 by the Archdiocese of Krakow and is now in 29 countries.

Saint Faustina was born on August 25, 1905 in Glogowiec, Poland as Elena Kowalska. I had no idea she was so young...she died on October 5, 1938 of tuberculosis in Krakow. She was canonized by Pope John II on April 30, 2000.

She was rejected by several religious orders and finally became a nun in the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy on August 1, 1925. She changed her name to Sister Maria Faustina of the Most Blessed Sacrament. The Order cares for and educates troubled young women. She had a deep mystical interior life and began to have visions, receive revelations, and experienced the hidden stigmata. She wrote down her mystical experience in a diary and it runs about 700 pages. It was written phonetically, without quotation marks or punctuation, and the first translation it was noted as heresy, but then another translation was order by Pope John II when he became Archbishop of Krakow and the work was proclaimed as God's love. It was published as Divine Mercy in My Soul.

A few years ago my Cursillo group and I went to the Divine Mercy Shrine in MA. It was a wonderful day to spend together in prayer. And this year, Pope Benedict XVI granted a plenary indulgence for pilgrimages who visit the Shrine this year.

"My sanctity and perfection consist in the close union of my will with the will of God. God never violates our free will. It is up to us whether we want to receive God's grace or not. It is up to us whether we will cooperate with it or waste it." (Diary, 1107)