Day by Day with the Saints: 2011

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Day 365 -- Saint Rosalia

I cannot believe that today is the last day to write my saint blog. It has been very good to write everyday for a whole year and share the saints with you. May we always try to emulate them and pray to them when we need help and discernment.

Today, on my last entry, I will write about Saint Rosalia, in honor of my grandmother, Rosale or Rose as she is known. I saw my Grama today, who is 91 and in a nursing home.

Saint Rosalia was born around the year 1130 in Palermo to Sicilian nobility. She was raised in the royal Sicilian court. From when she was a child, she knew she was called to dedicate her life to God. When she was grown, she moved to a cave near her parents' home and lived there for the rest of her life. Tradition says that she was led to the cave by two angels. On the cave wall she wrote “I, Rosalia, daughter of Sinibald, Lord of Roses, and Quisquina, have taken the resolution to live in this cave for the love of my Lord, Jesus Christ.” She remained apart from the world and dedicated her life to prayer and works of penance for the sake of Jesus. She died alone in the cave around the year 1160 of natural causes. She was buried in the cave by workers collapsing it.

In 1625, during the plague, it is said that she appeared in a vision to a hunter near her cave. Her relics were discovered and brought to Palermo and paraded through the street. Three days later, the plague ended, and intercession to Rosalia was credited with saving the city. She is the city's patroness. There are traditional celebrations lasting for days, involving fireworks and parades.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Day 364 -- Pope Saint Gregory the Great

Pope Saint Gregory the Great was born in Rome around the year 540. His mother is also a saint: Saint Silvia of Rome, and he is nephew of Saint Emiliana, and Saint Tarsilla. He is the great-grandson of Pope Saint Felix III. He was educated by the finest teachers in Rome. He was a Benedictine monk and then turned his home into a Benedictine monastery and used his money to build six more. When he said English children being sold in the Roman Forum, he became a missionary to England.

On September 3, 590, he was elected the 64 pope and the first monk to be chosen. He sent Saint Augustine of Canterbury and other monks to evangelize England, and other places including France, Spain, and Africa. He is one of the great four doctors of the Latin Church. He wrote works on the Mass and Divine Office. He died on March 12, 604 in Rome.

He is the patron of masons, against gout, England, singers, students and teachers.

"When Job is said to have feared God, it is rightly related that he also shunned evil. Fear comes first and charity follows later; and when that has happened, the offense which is left behind in the mind is trodden underfoot by the desires of the heart."

Prayer
O God, You look upon Your people with compassion, and rule them with love. Through the intercession of Pope Saint Gregory, give wisdom to the leaders of Your Church that the growth of Your people in holiness and love of You may be the everlasting joy of our pastors. Amen.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Day 363 -- Martyrs of September

The Martyrs of September is a group of 191 martyrs who died in the French Revolution. They were imprisoned in the Abbey of St-Germain-des-Prés, Hôtel des Carmes in the rue de Rennes, Prison de la Force, and Seminaire de Saint-Firmin in Paris. They refused to take the oath to support the civil constitution of the clergy. This placed all priests under the control of the state and had been condemned by the Vatican. They were massacred by a mob on September 2 and September 3, 1792. They were beatified on October 17, 1926 by Pope Pius XI and await canonization.

The compete list is here:

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Day 362 -- Blessed Juliana of Collalto

Blessed Juliana of Collalto was born into nobility in the year 1186 in Treviso, Italy. At the age of 10 she became a Benedictine nun in Salarola. She was friends with Blessed Beatrix of Este. She founded the convent of Saint Biagio and the Cataldo convent in Venice. She also became an abbess. She died on September 1, 1262 in Venice. She was beatified and canonized on May 20, 1753 by Pope Benedict XIV.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Day 361 -- Saint Cyprian of Carthage

Saint Cyprian of Carthage was born around the year 190 in Carthage, North Africa. He was an adult convert to the faith in 246. He was ordained a year later and two years later he became bishop of Carthage. Beginning the following year, he lived in hiding and ministered to his flock because of the persecution of Decius. He was a writer of great importance, only second to Tertullian. He supported Pope Saint Cornelius. In 257, during the persecutions of Valerian he was exiled to Curubis, he was then brought back to Carthage, and then was martyred in 258 on September 14.

"God is one and Christ is one, and his Church is one; one is the faith, and one is the people cemented together by harmony into the strong unity of a body…. If we are the heirs of Christ, let us abide in the peace of Christ; if we are the sons of God, let us be lovers of peace."

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Day 360 -- Saint Narcisa de Jesus Martillo Moran

I learned about today's saint from a friend of mine who went to Ecuador and sent be back a prayer card of Saint Narcisa de Jesus Martillo Moran. She was actually born on my friend's birthday, October 29, 1832 in Guayas, Ecuador. Her family were farmers and her parents died when she was only a child. She moved to Guayaquil and worked as a seamstress for the next 15 years to raise her younger siblings. She lived a single life, helped those who were even poorer than herself, and spent much time in prayer.

In 1868 she moved to Lima, Peru and worked in a convent of Dominican nuns. She never took vows and remained a lay person her whole life, but spent eight hours a day in prayer. She died on December 8, 1869 in Lima of natural causes. Her remains were transferred to Guayaquil in 1955. She was canonized on October 12, 2008.

Reading more about Saint Narcisa de Jesus today, allowed me to pray for my friend who I miss very much.

Saint Narcisa de Jesus, pray for all laywomen in the Church!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Day 359 -- Saint John the Baptist

Today we remember the death of Saint John the Baptist. It is interesting to note that he, Jesus, and Mary are the only people who the Catholic Church remember birthdays too. John the Baptist was the cousin of Jesus. He was the son of Zachary who was a priest, and Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron. When Zachary was ministering in the Temple, an angel brought him the news that Elizabeth would bear a child in her old age. Zachary doubted and was unable to speak until after John was born.

John was a prophet and began his ministry around the age of 27 by heralding the name of Jesus Christ. He lived off of locusts and wild honey. He preached a message of repentance to the people of Jerusalem. He baptized Jesus.

He was imprisoned by King Herod and died as a victim of the vengeance of a jealous woman around the year 30. He was beheaded and his head was brought to her on a platter. He was buried in Samaria and his relics are in Rome and Amiens (France).

Here is the account of his death:
Mark 6:17-29
Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison
on account of Herodias,
the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married.
John had said to Herod,
“It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
Herodias harbored a grudge against him
and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so.
Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man,
and kept him in custody.
When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed,
yet he liked to listen to him.
She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday,
gave a banquet for his courtiers,
his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee.
Herodias’ own daughter came in
and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests.
The king said to the girl,
“Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.”
He even swore many things to her,
“I will grant you whatever you ask of me,
even to half of my kingdom.”
She went out and said to her mother,
“What shall I ask for?”
She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.”
The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request,
“I want you to give me at once
on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”
The king was deeply distressed,
but because of his oaths and the guests
he did not wish to break his word to her.
So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders
to bring back his head.
He went off and beheaded him in the prison.
He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl.
The girl in turn gave it to her mother.
When his disciples heard about it,
they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Day 358 -- Saint Augustine of Hippo

"I will suggest a means whereby you can praise God all day long, if you wish. Whatever you do, do it well, and you have praised God."

Today we remember a saint who I should pray to every day and for my mission at work. Saint Augustine of Hippo is the patron saint of the Diocese of Bridgeport. Saint Augustine was born on November 13, 354 in Numidia, North Africa as Aurelius Augustinus. His father was a pagan who converted on his death bed and his mother is Saint Monica who was a devout Christian. He was raised Christian, but lost his faith as a youth and then led a wild life. From the ages of 15 to 30 he lived with a woman and fathered a son named Adeotadus, which means gift of God. He investigated and experimented with several philosophies.

After the prayers of his mother and Saint Ambrose of Milan for many years, he converted and Ambrose baptized him. After his mother died, he returned to Africa, sold his property and gave the proceeds to the poor and founded a monastery. He became a monk, priest, preacher and then bishop of Hippo in 396. He founded religious communities and fought against heresies. He is a Doctor of the Church. One of his famous line (which is also my screensaver at work) is "Our hearts were made for You, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in You." He died on August 28, 430 in Hippo.

Saint Augustine's famous books include Confessions and City of God.

Below are some of Saint Augustine's famous prayers:

Prayer to Holy Spirit
Breathe in me O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy; Act in me O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy; Draw my heart O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy; Strengthen me O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy; Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen.

Act of Hope
For your mercies' sake, O Lord my God, tell me what you are to me. Say to my soul: "I am your salvation." So speak that I may hear, O Lord; my heart is listening; open it that it may hear you, and say to my soul: "I am your salvation." After hearing this word, may I come in haste to take hold of you. Hide not your face from me. Let me see your face even if I die, lest I die with longing to see it. The house of my soul is too small to receive you; let it be enlarged by you. It is all in ruins; do you repair it. There are thing in it - I confess and I know - that must offend your sight. But who shall cleanse it? Or to what others besides you shall I cry out? From my secret sins cleanse me, O Lord, and from those of others spare your servant. Amen.

Prayer to Seek God Continually
O Lord my God, I believe in you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Insofar as I can, insofar as you have given me the power, I have sought you. I became weary and I labored.

O Lord my God, my sole hope, help me to believe and never to cease seeking you. Grant that I may always and ardently seek out your countenance. Give me the strength to seek you, for you help me to find you and you have more and more given me the hope of finding you.

Here I am before you with my firmness and my infirmity. Preserve the first and heal the second.

Here I am before you with my strength and my ignorance. Where you have opened the door to me, welcome me at the entrance; where you have closed the door to me, open to my cry; enable me to remember you, to understand you, and to love you. Amen.

Prayer to Our Lady, Mother of Mercy
Blessed Virgin Mary, who can worthily repay you with praise and thanks for having rescued a fallen world by your generous consent! Receive our gratitude, and by your prayers obtain the pardon of our sins. Take our prayers into the sanctuary of heaven and enable them to make our peace with God.

Holy Mary, help the miserable, strengthen the discouraged, comfort the sorrowful, pray for your people, plead for the clergy, intercede for all women consecrated to God. May all who venerate you feel now your help and protection. Be ready to help us when we pray, and bring back to us the answers to our prayers. Make it your continual concern to pray for the people of God, for you were blessed by God and were made worthy to bear the Redeemer of the world, who lives and reigns forever. Amen.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Day 357 -- Saint Poemen

Saint Poemen was a leader of his day. He was the leader of a group of hermits in the desert of Skete in Egypt. They lived in abandoned ruins of a pagan temple. He was noted for his strong discipline. He permitted he and his brothers to sleep only 4 hours a day. They spent the rest of time doing chores, praying, and studying He urged frequent Communion for everyone. He was known for his wise sayings. Some are below.

The beginning of evil is the lack of vigilance.

Silence is not a virtue when charity calls for speech.

A living faith consists of thinking little of self, and showing consideration for others.

Teach your heart to guard that which your tongue teaches.

Do not lay open your conscience to anyone whom you do not trust in your heart.

To throw yourself before God, not to measure your progress, to leave behind all self-will; these are the instruments for the work of the soul.

If you are silent, you will possess peace wherever you live.

"The nature of water is soft, and the nature of stone is hard; but if a bottle is hung above the stone, allowing the water to fall down drop by drop, it wears away the stone. So it is with the Word of God: it is soft and our heart is hard, but the man who hears the Word of God often opens his heart to the fear of God."

Friday, August 26, 2011

Day 356 -- Blessed Mary of Jesus Crucified

Blessed Mary of Jesus Crucified was born as Mary Baouardy on January 5, 1846 in Palestine to Greek Melchite Catholic parents. Twelve of her thirteen brothers died in infancy and her birth was an answer to a prayer to Our Lady. Her parents died when Mary was only 2 years old and she was raised by her uncle. She was betrothed in an arranged married at the age of 13, but refused to go along with it and insisted on a religious life. As a punishment, her uncle hired her our as a servant and made sure she had the lowest of jobs. Mary met a Muslim friend who tried to convert her from Christianity. On September 8, 1858 she convinced him that she would never abandon her faith and he cut her throat and left her in an alley. She lived, an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary treated her wound, and left her uncle's house forever.

In 1860 she moved in with the Sisters of Saint Joseph, but they would not let her join their house because of supernatural events that began. In 1867 she was taken in by a sister in Pau and became a lay sister. Later she entered the cloister and took the name Mary of Jesus Crucified and made her final profession on November 21, 1871.

She received the stigmata, was known to levitate, had the gift of prophecy, and other things. She helped found the missionary Carmel in India and went to France in 1872. She built a Carmelite monastery in Bethlehem in 1875. She was known for her devotion to the Holy Spirit and even sent words to Pope Pius IX that the Holy Spirit was not emphasized enough in the seminaries. She died on August 26, 1878 in Bethlehem of gangrene following an injury at the construction of the Bethlehem monastery. She was beatified on November 13, 1983 and awaits canonization.

"The proud person is like a grain of wheat thrown into water: it swells, it gets big. Expose that grain to the fire: it dries up, it burns. The humble soul is like a grain of wheat thrown into the earth: it descends, it hides itself, it disappears, it dies but to revive in heaven."

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Day 355 -- Saint Vincent

I chose today's saint for the obvious reason that my dad and him share the same name. Thereis not much known about Saint Vincent other than that he was martyred with Saint Pontian, Saint Eusbius, and Saint Peregrinus under the persecution of Emperor Commodus. They died in the year 192 in Rome. They were buried in the catacombs in Rome, where I have been.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Day 354-- Saint Bartholomew the Apostle

Saint Bartholomew the Apostle was one of the Twelve Apostles and was a close friend of Saint Philip--his name is mentioned with Philip's in the Gospels. It was Philip who brought Saint Bartholomew to Jesus. He may have preached in Asia Minor, Ethiopia, India, and Armenia. He died a martyr in Armenia. They really do have patron saints for everything becuase he is the patron saint of Florentine cheese merchants!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Day 353 -- Saint Rose of Lima

"Lord, increase my sufferings, and with them increase Your love in my heart."

Today on the day I end my pilgrimage to Portugal and Spain for WYD, we remember one of the patron saints of WYD 2011: Saint Rose of Lima. She was born in Lima, Peru as Isabel on April 20, 1586 to Spanish immigrants to the New World. She was a beautiful girl and devoted daughter. She was very devoted to her vow of chastity that she used pepper and lye to run her complexion so she would not be attractive. She lived and meditated in a garden, growing vegetables and embroidered items to sell to support her family and the poor. In 1606 she became a Dominican tertiary. She was a mystic and a visionary and received the invisible stigmata. She is the founder of social work in Peru. She had a great devotion to Saint Catherine of Siena. She died on August 24, 1617 in Lima or natural causes. She was canonized in 1671. She is the first saint born in the Americas.

She is the patron of florists, gardeners, needle workers, Lima, Peru, and WORLD YOUTH DAY 2011!!

"Apart from the cross there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven."

Monday, August 22, 2011

Day 352 -- Blessed Richard Kirkman

Blessed Richard Kirkman was born in Yorkshire, England and studied in France and was ordained there in 1579. He returned to England to minister to covert Catholics. He was arrested near Wakefield in 1582 for treason for not accepting the Queen as head of the Church. He died a martyr in 1582 in York, England.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Day 351 -- Our Lady of Knock

The apparition of Our Lady of Knock occurred on Thursday, August 21, 1879 at 8pm and was approved by Archbishop Thomas Gilmartin, in the Archdiocese of Tuam, Ireland in 1936. Our Lady, Saint Joseph, and Saint John the Evangelist appeared in a blaze of light at Saint John the Baptist Church in Knock. They appeared to float about two feet off the ground and would move toward the visionaries. Mary was clothed in white with a brilliant crown on her head. She was praying with her eyes and hands raised to heaven. Saint Joseph wore white robes and stood on Mary's right and was turned toward her in respect. Saint John was dressed in white and stood on Mary's left and resembled a bishop, with a small mitre. He appeared to be preaching with an open book in his left hand. Behind them was a plain altar with a cross and lamb and adoring angels. The apparition was witnessed by 15 people. Healings were reported and now it is a major pilgrimage destination.

Today while in Madrid with the Holy Father, I will be praying to Our Lady, whom I have grown close to over the past year, to continue reveal our Heavenly Father's Plan for my life and to have the courage to life it.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Day 350 -- Blessed James Bell

Blessed James Bell grew up in England in the 1500s when people had to conform to the rules of the state church under Queen Elizabeth, which he did, but eventually returned to his Catholic faith. He was a priest and was educated at Oxford. On April 20, 1584 with Blessed John Finch, they were hanged in Lancaster, England. He was beatified in 1929.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Day 349 -- Saint Louis of Toulouse

Saint Louis of Toulouse is the patron of Valencia, Spain and I will be there as part of our World Youth Day pilgrimage on August 22. Saint Louis was born to nobility in February 1274 in Nocera, Italy. He was the great-nephew of Saint Louis IX and Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. He grew up in modern day France. He spent seven years as a hostage for his father in Barcelona and Tarragona Spain. He was ordained at the age of 23 and was a Friar Minor. He was bishop of Toulouse, France for the last six months of his life. He died on August 19, 1297. He was canonized in 1317.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Day 348 -- Saint Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga

"I am happy, Lord."

I first learned of Saint Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga when a friend went to Chile and she brought a rosary I made her out of red, white, and blue twine. Those are the same colors as the Chilean flag and she said the kids loved the rosary. Saint Hurtado was born on January 22, 1901 in Vina del Mar, Chile. His father died when he was only four years old and he grew up in poverty. He was educated in the Jesuit College in Santiago. He felt a call early in life to religious life and entered the Jesuit novitiate in 1923 and was ordained ten years later. He taught religion and trained teachers, led retreats for young men and worked in the poor areas of the city. In 1944 he became the chaplain of Catholic Action. In 1947 he founded the Chilean Trade Union Association. He died of pancreatic cancer on August 18, 1952 in Santiago. He was canonized on October 23, 2005 by Pope Benedict XVI.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Day 347 -- Saint Juliana

Saint Juliana was sister of Saint Paul and was martyred with him under the persecutions of Aurelian in Ptolemais, Palestine.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Day 346 -- Blessed Angelus Agostini Mazzinghi

Blessed Angelus Agostini Mazzinghi was born in 1377 in Florence, Italy. He was a Carmelite priest and a theology professor. He was the first member of the reformed observance of Our Lady of the Wood. He was the Prior of many houses. He was a noted preached. He retired to the Carmelite house in Florence and spent his last years in prayer. He died on August 17, 1438 in Florence. He was beatified on March 7, 1761.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Day 345 -- Blessed Claudio Granzotto

Blessed Claudio Granzotto was born on August 23, 1900 in Treviso, Italy as the youngest of nine children in a peasant family family. His father died when Claudio was nine years old. He was drafted into the Italian army at age 15 and served for three years. He was a sculptor and graduated with honors from the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice in 1929. In 1933 he became professed as a brother in the Order of Friars Minor. He was known for his life of prayer, work with the poor, and his artistic skills. He died on August 15, 1947 in Padua of a brain tumor. He was beatified on November 20, 1994 in Rome.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Day 344 -- Saint Maximilian Kolbe

Today we remember another victim of the Holocaust: Saint Maximilian Kolbe. He was born as Raymond Kolbe on January 7, 1894 to a poor Catholic family in Russia. His parents were lay tertiaries and worked at home as weavers. His father was hanged by the Russians as a traitor. His mother became a Benedictine nun and his brother Alphonse became a priest. He was known as a mischievous child, but around the age 12 the time of his First Communion, he received a vision of the Virgin Mary which changed his life.

He entered the Franciscan junior seminary in Poland in 1907 and in 1910 became a novice at the age of 16. He tool the name Maximilian and made first vows on September 5, 1911 and final vows on November 1, 1914. On October 16, 1917 he and six friends founded Immaculata Movement (Militia Immaculatae, Crusade of Mary Immaculate) which was devoted to the conversion of sinners and spread the Miraculous Medal. He got tuberculosis which nearly killed him, but left him in frail health the rest of his life. He was ordained on April 28, 1918. He received a Doctorate of Theology in 1922 and his insights on Marian theology were influenced in Vatican II.

He did much work in Poland in teaching and published a magazine: Knight of the Immaculate. He went to Japan in 1930 with four brother, penniless and knowing no Japanese. He founded a monastery in 1931. Because of his poor health, he returned to Poland in 1936 and in 1938 started a radio station. The following year, the monastery housed 800 men.

On September 19, 1939 he was arrested with several of his brothers. On May 28, 1941, he was transferred to Auschwitz and branded a prisoner 16670. He was abused by the guards, but he remained calm and dedicated to the faith. After one beating, he was left for dead, but the prisoners managed to get him to the camp hospital where he spent his recovery hearing confession. When he went back to the camp, he celebrated Mass and delivered communion from smuggled bread and wine.

In July 1941, there was an escape from the camp and in retribution it was required that ten men be slaughtered for each escaped prisoner. Francis Gajowniczek was married and had young children and was chosen to die. Maximilian volunteered to take his place and he died as he had wished--in service. He died on August 14, 1941 by lethal carbonic acid after three weeks of starvation and dehydration. His body was burned in the ovens and his ashes were scattered. He was canonized on October 10, 1982 by Pope John Paul II. He is declared a martyr of charity since he volunteered to died.

"I asked the Mother of God what was to become of me. Then she came to me holding two crowns, one white, the other red. She asked if I was willing to accept either of these crowns. The white one meant that I should persevere in purity, and the red that I should become a martyr. I said that I would accept them both."
-Saint Maximilian Kolbe

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Day 343 -- Blessed Jose Tàpies y Sirvant

Blessed Jose Tàpies y Sirvant was born on March 15, 1869 in Lleida, Spain. He was a priest in the Diocese of Urgell, Spain. He was martyred in the Spanish Civil War on August 13, 1936. He was beatified on October 29, 2005.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Day 342 -- Saint Hilaria of Augsburg

Saint Hilaria of Augsburg was the mother of Saint Afra of Augsburg. While she was visiting the tomb of her daughter with friends, she was seized by authorities and martyred by being burned alive around the year 304.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Day 341 -- Saint Clare of Assisi

Saint Clare of Assisi was born on July 16, 1194 in Assisi; her father was a count and her mother the countess is Blessed Orsolana. Her name means bright. Saint Clare heard Saint Francis of Assisi preach in the streets and Clare confided in him of her desire to live for God and they became close friends. With her cousin Pacifica, they ran away in the night and entered religious life.

She founded the Order of the Poor Ladies (Poor Clares) at San Damiano and led it for 40 years. When the Franciscans established themselves throughout Europe, there were also the Poor Clares. They depended solely on alms and had complete trust in God to provide. Eventually Clare's mother and sisters joined the order and there are still thousands of members living lives of silence and prayer. She was very humble, merciful and kind. She would get up in the middle of the night and tuck her sisters in who had kicked off their blankets.

She is the patron of television because when she was too ill to attend Mass, an image of the Mass would display on her cell wall. She died on August 11, 1253 and canonized on September 26, 1255. She is also the patron against eye diseases, for good weather, goldsmiths, and laundry workers.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Day 340 -- Blessed Hugh of Montaigu

Blessed Hugh of Montaigu was the nephew of Saint Hugh of Cluny who was his teacher and spiritual director. He became a Benedictine monk in Cluny Abbey in France and then bishop of Auxerre, France in 1096. He died in 1136.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Day 339 -- Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

I first heard about Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross from a co-workers who does a powerful presentation on the 20th century martyrs and from her friend who wrote her doctoral dissertation and authored a book about her. Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross was born as Edith Stein on October 12, 1891 in Germany (now Poland) as the youngest of seven children in a Jewish family. By the age of 13 she lost faith in Judaism. She was a brilliant student and philosopher. She earned her doctorate in philosophy at the age of 25. She was a witness to Catholicism by a friend which lead her to reach the catechism and she "read herself into the faith." She converted and was baptized in Germany on January 1, 1922. She became a Carmelite nun in 1934 and took the name Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. She was a teacher and lecturer.

Jews and Catholics were smuggled out of Germany and went to the Netherlands with her sister Rose, also a convert to Catholicism. But they were captured and sent to Auschwitz where they died on August 9, 1942. She was canonized on October 11, 1998.

I have also been fascinated by Holocaust and felt so much compassion for the victims. In my reading in High School public school, of course I never came across this brilliant nun, who was one of the smartest women in the country who died as a number in the consecration camps. May God bless the Jewish people.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Day 338 -- Saint Mary MacKillop

As I begin to journey to my second World Youth Day, we remember the only saint of Australia, where I attended my first WYD in 2008. Traveling "Down Under" was an amazing journey and I hold all the memories in my heart, and I am looking forward to the next two weeks traveling to Portugal and Spain.

Saint Mary MacKillop was the oldest child to poor Scottish emigrants to Australia. She was born on January 15, 1842 in Melbourne as Maria Ellen MacKillop. Mary was educated in private schools and by her father. She helped support her family by working as a nursery governess and store clerk. She became a teacher and established a "Seminary for Young Ladies” in her home. She was known for her work in their parish, and always turning to prayer before making a decision.

She felt the call to religious life, but felt obligated to teach and support her family. But there was a scandal in the school caused by jealously and it gave her reason to leave without guilt. She and her sister moved and opened a Catholic school for the poor. She co-founded the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1866. It was Australia's first religious order with a mission of educating poor children in remote areas. Soon Mother Mary had 17 schools under her care.

Her independence and social ideas concerned the Church authorities and she was ordered to surrender the control of the school and her Order and she refused and was excommunicated in 1871. She was crushed, but never blamed the Church and prayed that some good would come from it. In 1872 her bishop apologized and returned her to full communion with the Church.

She visited Pope Blessed IX the following year and traveled to England, Ireland, and Scotland to seek funds for the schools. She worked for the rest of her life improving the education for the poor. Her order continues to do its good work in Austrailia, New Zealand, and Peru (I'd like to find out how they go there!) She died following a stroke on August 8, 1909 in Sydney. Her relics are in the Mother of God Chapel in Sydney. She was canonized in 2010.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Day 337 -- Saint Donatus of Besancon

Saint Donatus of Besancon was a Benedictine monk in France and was Bishop of Besancon in 624. He was noted as a monastic reformer. He founded Saint Paul Abbey in Beasancon. He wrote a Rule for Virgins that combines parts of the Benedictine and Columban Rules. He died around the year 660. He is patron of Cerepiccola, Italy.

"If we wish to suggest anything to powerful men, we do not presume except with humility and reverence. How much more should we not make supplication to the Lord God of the universe with all humility and purity of devotion? Not in a torrent of words do we hope to be heard, but in purity of heart and tearful compunction. And so prayers should be brief and pure unless they are stretched out under strong inspirational affect from Divine Grace."

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Day 336 -- Saint Justus

Saint Justus was the brother of Saint Pastor who was only a teenager when he made a public proclamation of his Christianity which got him arrested by the orders of the Governor of Spain. He was scourged thinking he would retract, but he refused. He died a martyr at the age of 13 in the year 304.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Day 335 -- Our Lady of the Snow

Whenever I hear of Our Lady of the Snow, I think of my former boss and friend who used to pray to Our Lady of the Snow for a snowstorm to cancel work for the day. It worked often for us! I made sure I emailed her today to wish her a happy feast day.

Our Lady of the Snow commemorated the dedication of the Saint Mary Major Basilica in Rome. This was one of my favorite places I visited when I was in Rome. This church was originally built by Pope Liberius. When it was restored by Pope Sixtus III it was dedicated to Our Lady.

On the night of August 5, snow fell on the Esquiline Hill where the church, hence the feast day Our Lady of the Snow.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Day 334 -- Saint John Marie Vianney

It is reported that Saint John Marie Vianney heard confessions for up to 12 hours a day. He was born to a farm family on May 8, 1786 in Lyons, France. He was ordained in 1815, but it took many years, as he was not a good student and was terrible in Latin. He visited his parishioners, especially the sick and the poor, and spent days in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. He did penance for his parishioners, and he lead by example. He was tormented by evil spirits, especially in the middle of the night, and he only got 2-3 hours of sleep each night. Many flocked to hear him preach and to have their confessions heard by him. By 1855, there were 20,000 pilgrims to Ars. He was a parish priest for 40 years. He is the patron saint of all priests, worldwide. He died on August 4, 1859 in Ars, France of natural causes. He was canonized in 1925.

Twin Fountains of Fruitfulness

Blessed Virgin, pray that God may give to His Church today
many more priests after His own Heart.
Pray for all the priests under Saint John Vianney’s patronage,
that they may be worthy representatives
of Christ the Good Shepherd.

May they wholeheartedly devote themselves
to prayer and penance;
be examples of humility and poverty;
shining models of holiness;
tireless and powerful preachers of the Word of God;
zealous dispensers of God's grace in the Sacraments.

May their loving devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist
and to you, Mary, His mother
be the Twin Fountains of fruitfulness for their ministry.

Amen.

"I tell you that you have less to suffer in following the Cross than in serving the world and its pleasures."

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Day 333 -- Saint Aspren of Naples

Today we remember a saint from my family's hometown...Saint Aspren of Naples. He was a convert to Catholicism and brought to the faith by Saint Candida the Elder. He also knew Saint Peter the Apostle. He was the first bishop of Naples and is the patron of Naples. My family has been watching some old home videos, and I can't wait to see one of Nana...from Naples and one of the best bakers I remember.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Day 332 -- Saint Peter Julian Eymard

Saint Peter Julian Eymard was born February 4, 1811 in La Mure, France and died on Augst 1, 1868. He was canonized in 1962.

He grew up in a poor family during the anti-Catholic aftermath of the French Revolution. He ended the priesthood against his family's wishes, but he had to leave because of an illness, and his health never completed recovered. He was able to return and was ordained on July 20, 1834. He joined the Marist Fathers in 1839. He was friends with Saint John Marie Vianney. He was the provincial supervisor in 1845. He had a very strong Marian devotion and travelled to the Marian Shrines in France. He organized lay societies under the direction of the Marists and preached and taught and worked for Eucharistic devotion. In 1856 he founded a new religious society called the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament and the lay Servants of the Blessed Sacrament in 1858. He experienced setbacks, but always persevered.
[Saint Peter Julian Eymund]

The Our Father paraphrased by Saint Peter Julian Eymard

Our Father Who art in Heaven
In the heaven of the Eucharist, to You Who are seated on the throne of grace and love, be benediction, and honor, and power and glory for ever and ever!

Hallowed be Your Name
first in myself, through the spirit of Your humility, obedience, and charity. May I in all humility and zeal make You known, loved and adored by all men in the Holy Eucharist.

Thy Kingdom come
Thy Eucharistic kingdom. Rule forever over us for Your greater glory through the power of Your love, the triumph of Your virtues and the grace of a Eucharistic vocation in my state as a layman. Grant me the grace of Your love so that I may be able to effectively extend Your Eucharistic kingdom everywhere and realize the desire You expressed: 'I have come to cast fire on the earth; and what will I, but that it be kindled!' O that I might be the incendiaries of this heavenly fire!

Thy Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven
Grant me the grace to find all my joy in wanting You alone, in desiring You alone and in thinking of You alone. Grant that by denying myself, I may find light and life in obeying Your good, acceptable and perfect Will. I will what You will. I will it because You will it. I will it as You will it. I will it as long as You will it. Keep my thoughts and desires purely from You, for You and in You.

Give us this day our daily bread
You are our Eucharistic Lord and You alone will be my food and clothing, my riches and glory, my remedy in illness and my protection against all evil. You will be all things to me.

And forgive us our trespasses
Forgive me Jesus, for I am sorry for all my sins just as they stand in Your eyes.

As we forgive those who trespass against us
For anyone who has offended me in any way, with my whole heart I forgive them and desire for them the gifts of Your love.

And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil
Deliver me Jesus, from the demon of pride, impurity, discord and complacency. Deliver me from the cares and worries of life so that with a pure heart and a free mind I may joyfully spend my life and devote all that I am and all that I have in the service of You my Eucharistic Lord.

Amen
In You, O Lord Jesus, have I hoped; let me not be confounded forever. You alone are good. You alone are powerful. You alone are eternal. To You alone be honor and glory, love and thanksgiving forever and ever.

"How kind is our Sacramental Jesus! He welcomes you at any hour of the day or night. His Love never knows rest. He is always most gentle towards you. When you visit Him, He forgets your sins and speaks only of His joy, His tenderness, and His Love. By the reception He gives to you, one would think He has need of you to make Him happy."

Monday, August 1, 2011

Day 331 -- Saints Faith, Hope, Charity and Sophia

Saints Faith, Hope, Charity were the daughters of Saint Sophia. They were tortured and martyred for their faith at young ages for the persecutions of Hadrain.

Faith was 12. Hope was 10. Charity was 9.

Their mother, Saint Sophia was a legendary mother. Three days after the death of her daughters, Sophia died peacefully while praying at their tomb. Since her name means wisdom, and her daughters were names for the virtues, some writers believe she is a personification of an allegory.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Day 330 -- Saint Ignatius of Loyola

Today we have another patron of World Youth Day 2011, who has done a lot for the lives of Catholics around the world and down through the centuries: Saint Ignatius of Loyola. He was born in 1491 in Loyola, Spain as Inigo Lopez de Loyola. He was born to Spanish nobility and the youngest of 12 children. He received a military education and was a soldier and entered the army in 1517. He was wounded in the leg by a cannonball on May 20, 1521. This injury left him partially crippled for life. During his recuperation the only books he read were The Golden Legend, which is a collection of biographies of the saints and the Life of Christ. These books and the time in contemplation, changed him.

With his recovery, he took a vow of chastity, hung his sword before the altar of the Virgin of Montserrat and wore pilgrim's clothes. He lived in a cave for two years and contemplated the way to life a Christian life. He made a pilgrimage to Rome and the Holy Land in 1523, and worked to convert Muslims. He began studying theology in Barcelona and Alcala, and Paris, France in 1528. He received his degree in 1534. His prayers, visions, and insights led to the formation of the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus on August 15, 1534 and it received papal approval in 1541. He and his friends, including Saint Francis Xavier formed the core group of the Society. He never used the term Jesuit, that was only coined as an insult by his opponents, but today they use that term with pride. Today the Jesuits have over 500 universities and college, 30,000 members, and educate over 200,000 students each year. Saint Ignatius traveled Europe and then his health suffered later in life and was nearly blind at the time of his death on July 31, 1556 in Rome. He was canonized on March 12, 1622.

I think I will be adding this prayer to my personal prayers for WYD as one from a patron of the event.

Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds hide me.
Separated from Thee let me never be.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
At the hour of death, call me.
And close to Thee bid me.
That with Thy saints I may be
Praising Thee, forever and ever. Amen.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Day 329 -- Blessed Richard Featherstone

Blessed Richard Featherstone was educated at Cambridge and was the tutor to the princess. He was was an archdeacon in Brecknock. He was the Chaplain to Queen Catherine of Aragon, wife to King Henry VIII. He defended Catherine and Saint Richard was found guilty of treason. He was martyred with Blessed Thomas Abel and Blessed Edward Powell. They died on July 30, 1540 in Smithfield, England. He was beatified on December 29, 1886 and awaits canonization.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Day 328 -- Saint Martha

Today we celebrate a saint who I think I act like sometimes, Saint Martha. In my office, I have a image of Martha and her sister Mary with Jesus. She reminds me that even though I do lots of things, that I have to be more like Mary, and sit at the feet of Jesus and just be and remember that the Lord wants to teach me lots of things, and I can learn more when I am still and in his presence. I love the time that I can have in adoration with our Lord. I am blessed to have a friend who meets me every Monday afternoon for adoration, and as we go more and more, the time goes by faster, and I look forward to being there and going often. It is like being with a friend--when you make a good friend you want to spend so much time with that person to develop that relationship. I am so blessed that I have a friend like that in my life and I also have my friend in Jesus.

Saint Martha lived in the first century and died around the year 80. She was also the sister of Lazarus who Jesus raised from the dead. Saint Martha, may even have been part of an early mission to France. It is remarkable to think of the early saints travelling to places where we can visit still today.

She is the patron of cooks, butlers, innkeepers, and single laywomen (I am so happy to find my patron saint!).

Martha and Mary were sisters, related not only by blood but also by religious aspirations. They stayed close to our Lord and both served him harmoniously when he was among them. Martha welcomed him as travelers are welcomed. But in her case, the maidservant received her Lord, the creature her Creator, to serve him bodily food while she was to be fed by the Spirit. No one of you should say, “Blessed are they who have deserved to receive Christ into their homes!” Do not grieve or complain that you were born in a time when you can no longer see God in the flesh. He did not in fact take this privilege from you. As he says, “Whatever you have done to the least of my brothers, you did to me.” - from a sermon by Saint Augustine

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Day 327 -- Saint Melchor García Sampedro

Saint Melchor García Sampedro was born on April 26, 1821 in San Pedro de Arroyo, Spain. He was ordained a Dominican priest on May 29, 1847. He was a vicar apostle of Central Tonking, Viet Nam on April 15, 1853. He died on July 28, 1858 and is one of the Martyrs of Vietnam. He was canonized on June 19, 1988. Again, I wanted to pick another saint from Spain, as when I travel there next month for World Youth Day, I want all their prayers, as I know the Lord is going to do great things in my life. I also pray to all these saints to help me with the heat of Spain in August!!
[Blessed Melchor García Sampedro]

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Day 326 -- Blessed Alphonsus Pacheco

Blessed Alphonsus Pacheco was born around the year 1551 in Catalonia. He joined the Jesuits on September 8, 1567 and in 1574 he arrived in Goa, India as a missionary priest. He went to Portugal and worked in the village of Cuncolim. He was martyred with Blessed Rudolph Acquaviva, Blessed Anthony Francis, Blessed Francis Aranaha, and Blessed Peter Berno, as the martyrs of Cuncolim. They died on July 25, 1583 near Goa. He was buried at the church of Our Lady of the Snows. He was beatified on April 16, 1893.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Day 325 -- Saints Anne and Joachim

Today we remember Saints Anne and Joachim, the grandparents of Jesus, the parents of Mary. That must have been a big responsibility! As I grow closer in my relationship to Mary, I know more about her parents.

Tradition says that Saint Anne was elderly when Mary was born and that she was their only child. It is believed that Anne gave Mary to the service of the Temple when she was only three years old. The name Anne means "gracious one." There are many shrines devoted to Mary and she is the patron of many things, including a diocese (Norwich) in CT. She is also the patron of miners, grandparents, carpenters, and pregnant women. Today, I will pray to Saint Anne for my grandmother, who is 91 and in a nursing home.

Saint Joachim was the elderly father of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandfather of Jesus. Tradition says that while he was away from home, he and Anne both received messages from an angel that she was pregnant. He is the patron of grandfathers, someone in my life I miss very much and I look forward to the day when I will hear him call me his "dolly" again.

Prayer to Saint Anne
Good Saint Anne, you were especially favored by God to be the mother of the most holy Virgin Mary, the Mother of our Savior. By your power with your most pure daughter and with her divine Son, kindly obtain for us the grace and the favor we now seek. Please secure for us also forgiveness of our past sins, the strength to perform faithfully our daily duties and the help we need to persevere in the love of Jesus and Mary. Amen.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Day 324-- Saint James the Greater

Saint James the Greater was the son of Zebedee and Salome and the brother of Saint John the Apostle. He may also have been Jesus' cousin. He is called "greater" because he became and apostle before James the Lesser. He is also called "Son of Thunder." He was a disciple of John the Baptist and was a fisherman by trade. When Christ called him, he left everything to follow him. He was present during most of Jesus' recorded miracles. He preached in Samaria, Judea, and Spain. He was the first apostle to be martyred.

His relics are in Compostela, Spain (where I will be going soon!!) and it is a popular devotion spot for pilgrims. He is the patron of pilgrims. Here is a website about the Camino.

Saint James died by King Herod in the year 44 in Jerusalem.

I will now be praying to him for my mom, as he is also the patron against rheumatoid arthritis.

Prayer to Saint James
O Glorious Saint James, because of your fervor and generosity Jesus chose you to witness his glory on the Mount and his agony in the Garden. Obtain for us strength and consolation in the unending struggles of this life. Help us to follow Christ constantly and generously, to be victors over all our difficulties, and to receive the crown of glory in heaven. Amen.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Day 323 -- Maria Angeles of Saint Joseph, Maria Pilar of Saint Francis Borgia, & Teresa of the Child Jesus Saint John of the Cross

Today we remember three of the first martyrs of the Spanish Civil War which was from 1936 to 1939.
Blessed Maria Angeles of Saint Joseph was born on March 6, 1905 in Getafe, Spain.
Blessed Maria Pilar of Saint Francis Borgia was born on December 30, 1877 in Tarazona, Spain.
Blessed Teresa of the Child Jesus Saint John of the Cross was born on March 5, 1909 in Mochales, Spain.
They were all Discalced Carmelites in the monastery in Guadalajara, Spain. They all died together on the streets on July 24, 1936. They were beatified on March 29, 1987. The last words of Blessed Teresa of the Child Jesus were "Viva Christo Rey!" (Long Live Christ the King!)

[Blessed Maria Pilar of Saint Francis Borgia]

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Day 322 -- Saint Bridget of Sweden

Saint Bridget of Sweden was born in either 1302 or 1303 in Uppsala, Sweden as the daughter of the governor. He father was one of the greatest landowners in the country and her mother was known for her piety. Her family were descendants of the Swedish royal house. Her mother died around 1315 and she was raised by her aunt. When she was around 7 years old, she started receiving visions of the Crucifixions. At age 13 she married Prince Ulfo in an arranged marriage. She was the mother of 8 children, including Saint Catherine of Sweden. She was the chief lady-in-waiting to the Queen.

After her husband died in 1344, she made a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, Spain and pursued religious life, in which she was harassed by other in the court. She eventually renounced her title as princess and became a Franciscan tertiary. She received visions and they became very popular in the Middle Ages.

She founded the Order of the Most Holy Savior (Bridgettines) in Vadstena, Sweden in 1346 and received confirmation in 1370. There are a few houses today, one in CT that I will get to visit one day. She made more pilgrimage to Rome and the Holy Land. She encouraged everyone she met to meditate on the passion of Christ Crucified. She died on July 23, 1373 in Rome. She was buried in Vadstena the Swedish convent she founded. She was canonized on October 7, 1391.

Here you can find the Fifteen Prayers of Saint Bridget.

"The world would have peace if only men of politics would follow the Gospels."

Friday, July 22, 2011

Day 321 -- Saint Mary Magdalene

I think Saint Mary Magdalene has gotten a bad wrap for the past 2,000 years that she is the unnamed prostitute in the Gospel, but really we do not have much factual evidence about her life. She lived in the first century and she was a friend and follower of Jesus. She anointed Jesus and washed his feet with her hair. She was the first one who was seen by the Risen Christ. When Jesus called her by name it was then that she recognized him. When the Lord calls you by name, will you come?

It is said that she went to Ephesus with the Blessed Mother and lived the rest of her life there. The Greek say her relics were transferred to Constantinople in 886 where they are today, the French tradition varies.

She is the patron of many things including: women; Anguiano, Spain; the contemplative life; converts; hairdressers; pharmacists.

We should reflect on Mary Magdalene's attitude and the great love she felt for Christ; for though the disciples had left the tomb, she remained.... And so it happened that the woman who stayed behind to seek Christ was the only one to see him. For perseverance is essential to any good deed, as the voice of truth tell us: "Whoever perseveres to the end will be saved." - Pope St. Gregory the Great (from a sermon on St. Mary Magdalene)