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.

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.

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

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!!

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.

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.

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.

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!)

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."

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)

Day 320 -- Saint Lawrence of Brindisi

Saint Lawrence of Brindisi was born as Julius Caesar Rossi in Brindiso, Italy on July 22, 1559. At an early age, he felt a call to religious life. His dad died when he was 12 years old. He was educated by the Friars Minor Conventuals in Brindisi, then in Venice. He joined the Capucin Friars in 1575 at age 16 and took the name as Brother Lorenzo. He was a brilliant student and studied theology, the Bible, French, German, Greek, Spanish, Syriac, and Hebrew. He was a priest, taught theology, served as a linguist, and military chaplain. He also founded convents in various countries.

He was the chaplain of the army of the Holy Roman Empire in 1601 and he rallied the German princes to fight the Turkish force and was asked the lead the army into battle in Hungary. The only weapon he carried was a crucifix and the Turks were completely defeated. He lead peace missions to Germany and Madrid, Spain. In 1605 he was assigned to evangelize in Germany. He died on July 22, 1619 in Lisbon, Portugal and was buried in the cemetery of the Poor Clares in Villafranca, Spain.

In 1956, the Capuchin Order compiled 15 volumes of his sermons, letters, and writings. He is also a Doctor of the Church.

"O, if we only considered this reality! Namely that God is really present to us when we speak to Him by praying; that He really listens to our prayer, even if we only pray with the heart and mind. And that not only is He present and listens to us, but that He can and desires to willingly comply, and with the greatest pleasure, to our requests."

Day 319 -- Blessed Gregory Lopez

Today's blessed was born in Madrid, Spain and I am SO excited to be there for World Youth Day. With every passing day, I get more and more excited, especially as I talk to my friends about our pilgrimage. Today's blessed is Blessed Gregory Lopez who was born in 1542. He was a court page to King Philip II. He moved to Mexico in 1562 and lived as a hermit with the natives near Zacatecas and the area of modern-day Mexico City. He died there in 1596. Even though I do not know more about him, there seemed to be quite a devotion to him, and his canonization cause began in 1752.

Day 318 -- Saint John Plessington

Saint John Plessington was born around the year 1637 in Lancashire, England to a family who were persecuted for their religious and political beliefs. He was educated by the Jesuits, also in Spain and France. He was ordained on March 25, 1662. He returned to England the following year and ministered to new Catholics, and he hid under the name of William Scarisbrick. He was imprisoned for two months and then executed for the crime of being a priest. He is one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. He died on July 19, 1679 in Boughton, England. He was canonized on October 25, 1970 by Pope Paul VI.


"But I know it will be said that a priest ordained by authority derived from the See of Rome is, by the Law of the Nation, to die as a Traytor, but if that be so what must become of all the Clergymen of the Church of England, for the first Protestant Bishops had their Ordination from those of the Church of Rome, or not at all, as appears by their own writers so that Ordination comes derivatively from those now living." ~Saint John Plessington as he was about to be martyred

Day 317 -- Saint Bruno of Segni

Saint Bruno of Segni was born into Italian nobility in 1049 in Solero. He studied theology at the Benedictine monastery of Saint Pepetuus at Asti. He became a Benedictine and was ordained in 1079 and was assigned to a parish in Siena. He was noted for defending orthodox Church wisdom, his knowledge of Scripture, and his teachings on the Blessed Sacrament. He was the counselor to four popes. He was ordained bishop of Segni in 1080 by Pope Gregory VII. He was a cardinal legate, but he declined the cardinalate. He was the Vatican librarian. In 1095 he retired to a monastic life in Monte Cassino, but was elected abbot in 1107. He received chastisement from the pope for neglecting his duties to help others, and he was ordered back to his diocese, and he fulfilled this position until his death in 1123. he was canonized on September 5, 1183 by Pope Lucius III. He is hte patron of Segni, Italy.

Day 316 -- Saint Marcellina

Saint Marcellina was born in modern-day Germany and lived in the 4th century. She was the daughter of the Roman imperial prefect Gaul. She is the sister of Saint Ambrose of Milan and Saint Satyrus. She moved to Rome when she was very young and was raised by her two brothers. She was a Consecrated Virgin, consecrated on Christmas Day 353 in Saint Peter's Basilica. She lived with her mother and in other private homes. She worked with her brother, Ambrose, after he was made bishop of Milan. She was noted for her austerities and her brother told her to relax in her later years. He dedicated his treatise on holy virginity to her. She died around the year 398 of natural causes. She is buried in the crypt under the altar of the Ambrosian Basilica.

Day 315 -- Saint Marie Madeline Postel

Saint Marie Madeline Postel was born on November 28, 1756 in Normandy, France as Julie Postel. She is the aunt of Blessed Placide Viel. She was educated by the Benedictines and at the age of 28 she became the director of a school for girls. The school was closed during the French Revolution, so she used the building to house fugitive priests. At age 52 she became a Franciscan tertiary and took the name Mary Magdalen. At at 61, in 1807, she founded the Poor Daughters of Mercy in Cherbury, France. The daughters are teachers and nurses. At the time of her death, on July 16, 1846 in Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicoste, France, there were 37 houses. She was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1925.

Day 314 -- Saint Bonaventure

Saint Bonaventure, born in 1221 in Tuscany, Italy was healed from a childhood illness through the prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi. He wrote the biography of Saint Francis. At the age of 22, he joined the Order of Friars Minor and studied theology and philosophy in Paris. He was friends with Saint Thomas Aquinas and King Saint Louis IX. He was a doctor of theology. At the age of 35, he was the General of the Franciscan Order. He was Bishop of Albano and then Cardinal. He spoke at the Council of Lyons, but died before its close on July 15, 1274. He is a Doctor of the Church. He was canonized on April 14, 1482 by Pope Sixtus IV.

"A man should turn his full attention to this throne of mercy, and should gaze at him hanging on the cross, full of faith, hope, and charity, devoted, full of wonder and joy, marked by gratitude, and open to praise and jubilation."

Day 313 -- Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

I first learned about Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha years ago, but became reacquired with her through a friend...a friend who had surgery today and I have been praying for. I have also been to Blessed Kateri's birthplace two times where the Shrine of our Lady of the Martyrs is now. It was Tertullian, Church Father from the 2nd century who wrote "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church" implying that the martyrs willing sacrifice of their heroic lives will lead to the conversion of others. Blessed Kateri was born in 1656 in Osserneon (modern day upstate New York) where Saint Isaac Jogues and companions were martyred in 1646.

Blessed Kateri was the daughter of Christian Algonquin mother who was captured by Iroquois and married non-Christian Mohawk chief. She was orphaned during the small epidemic and that left her with a scarred face and impaired eyesight. She converted and was baptized in 1676 by Father Jacques de Lamberville, a Jesuit missionary. She was shunned and abused by her family because of her faith. She escaped and traveled 200 miles to the Christian Native American village of Sault-Sainte-Marie. She took a vow of chastity in 1679. She died on April 17, 1680 in Caughnawaga, Canada. Her grave became a pilgrimage site and a place of miracles. She is the first Native American up for canonization. Her cause started in 1884 and was beatified on June 22, 1980.


Here is a litany to Blessed Kateri.

Prayer for her canonization
O God, who, among the many marvels of Your Grace in the New World, did cause to blossom on the banks of the Mohawk and of the St. Lawrence, the pure and tender Lily, Kateri Tekakwitha, grant we beseech You, the favor we beg through her intercession, that this Young Lover of Jesus and of His Cross may soon be counted among the Saints of Holy Mother Church, and that our hearts may be enkindled with a stronger desire to imitate her innocence and faith. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen. Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us.

Day 312 -- Saint Teresa of the Andes

I first heard about Saint Teresa of the Andes when a friend traveled to Chile and sent me a prayer card back. Saint Teresa was born on July 13, 1900 in Santiago, Chile as Juanita Fernandez Solar. She was born to an upper class family and she was devoted to Christ. She was influenced greatly by Saint Therese de Lisieux. She entered the monastery of the Discalced Carmelite nuns of Los Andes on May 7, 1919 and was given the name of Teresa of Jesus. She died only a year later of typhus on April 12, 1920 in the convent of Los Andes. She is the first Chilean and first member of the Teresian Carmel in Latin America to be beatified. She is a model and patron for young people. She was beatified in Santiago, Chile in 1987 and her brother Luis was in attendance. She was canonized on March 21, 1993.

"Be disposed to follow Jesus wherever He wants. He chose poverty, humiliations, the cross. Will I not also receive these gifts since He created me, preserves me in life and has freed me from Hell? Still better, He has suffered for thirty years all kinds of pain in order to finally die on the cross as the most foul of men, and I would not want to suffer anything for His love?"

Day 311 -- Saint Veronica

Saint Veronica is the woman remembered for wiping Jesus' face with a towel on the road to Golgotha. During the 6th Station of the Cross we remember this act. When she wiped his face, the image of Christ remained on the towel. The relic has become her symbol.

She is the patron of laundry workers and photographers.

One of the Stations I have was written by Pope Benedict XVI and it says this:
"Lord, grand us restless hearts, hearts that seek your face. Keep us from the blindness of heart that sees only the surface of things. Give us the simplicity and purity which allow us to recognize your presence in the world. Impress your face on our hearts. May we encounter you along the way and show your image to the world."

Day 310 -- Saint Benedict of Nursia

Today we remember one of the greatest saints, Saint Benedict of Nursia is the Father of Western Monasticism. He, and his twin sister, Saint Scholastica, were born around the year 480 in Narsia, Italy. They were born into Roman nobility. He studied in Rome, but was dismayed by the lack of discipline by his fellow students. He fled to the mountains to live as a hermit in a cave for three years. He founded the monastery in Monte Cassino and it was here the he wrote the Rule for his order. His discipline was so strict that some monks tried to poison him (nice, Christian people). He returned to the cave, but still attracted followers and eventually established twelve monasteries. At one point there were over 40,000 monasteries guided by the Benedictine Rule. The summary of the Rule is "pray and work." He died on March 21, 547 of a fever while in prayer. He was buried beneath the high altar in the same tomb as his sister, Saint Scholastica. He was canonized in 1220 by Pope Honorius III.

He is the patron of many things including: farmers, monks, school children, and against gall stones. Coincidentally enough, it was four years ago today that I had my gall bladder removed. I thank Saint Benedict for the successful surgery. I also thank my dad for being there for me, on his birthday, too!

Prayer by Saint Benedict for the Gifts to Seek God and Live in Him
Father, in your goodness grant me the intellect to comprehend you, the perception to discern you, and the reason to appreciate you. In your kindness endow me with the diligence to look for you, the wisdom to discover you, and the spirit to apprehend you. In your graciousness bestow on me a heart to contemplate you, ears to hear you, eyes to see you, and a tongue to speak of you. In your mercy confer on me a conversation pleasing to you, the patience to wait for you, and the perseverance to long for you. Grant me a perfect end - your holy presence. Amen.

"Prayer ought to be short and pure, unless it be prolonged by the inspiration of Divine grace."

Day 309 -- Saint Martialis

Saint Martialis was only 7 years old when he died. He was born around the year 158 to Roman nobility and the son of Saint Felicitas. He is one of the Seven Holy Brothers. His father died when he was young and he was martyred at the age of 7 in the year 165 with the rest of his family during the persecutions of Emperor Antoninus.

He is the patron saint of Calabria, Italy and Torricella, Italy. Here is the story of why he is the patron of Torricella:

"In the 19th century, there was a serious drought in the area of Torricella. One day, two men from the town were wandering through a nearby shop that specialized in statues of saints. The men fell to debating on what saint or beati could best intervene for the town to end the drought. One of the men's cape was suddenly caught on the extended arm of a statue of Marziale. They took this as a sign, and Marziale became the patron of Torricella."

Day 308 -- Blessed Mary of Jesus Crucified

Today on my mom's birthday, I wanted to pick a special saint, someone special like her. There were a bunch of saints today, July 9, and even one man from Chicago, the first African-American priest in the USA whose cause for canonization is opening: Father Augustus Tolton.

But today we are going to learn about a courageous and busy woman from Croatia, named Blessed Mary of Jesus Crucified...courageous and busy, just like my Mom. Blessed Mary of Jesus Crucified was born as Maria Petkovic on December 10, 1892 in Blato, Korcula Island, Croatia. She was sixth of eleven children and was raised in a wealthy family known for their charity to the poor. She was educated in public schools and then was educated in the School of Domestic Science run by the Servants of Charity. She made her First Holy Communion in 1905 at age 13.

She joined the Daughters of Mary a year later in 1906, as she felt a very serious call to religious life and at age 21 she made a private vow of chastity. She was the president of the 300 member Daughters of Mercy for ten years from 1909 to 1919. She as a member of the Good Shepherd Association, which was a group of 20 young women who visited the sick and help children prepare for their First Communion. When she was 19 years old in 1911 her father died and she helped raise her younger siblings. In 1915 she founded the Society of Catholic Mothers in 1915. She led a group of 200 Franciscan tertiaries in 1917 and began working in the Servants of Charity soup kitchen. All her work in Blato made her well-loved and well-known and she promised the citizens she would stay there to help them.

On March 25, 1919, she and her friend Marija Telenta joined the Sisters of Charity. In May, the superior died and the Italian sisters were forces to leave the country and Blessed Mary, Marija, and two other Croatian sisters were left to handle the work in that area. Blessed Mary was put in charge and requested that the sisters follow the Rule of the Third Order Franciscans. Even though they were few in numbers, they opened a child-care facility and an orphanage.

On August 25, 1920, Blessed Mary wrote the first constitution of a new order and on October 4, 1920 founded the Congregation of the Daughters of Mercy and took the name of Blessed Mary of Jesus Crucified. She was the Superior General of the Congregation for over 30 years and helped to found 46 communities of her order which served in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, seminaries, and parishes. Her health started to fail and she was left partially paralyzed in the last three years of her life. She died on July 9, 1966. She was beatified on June 6, 2003 and awaits canonization.

"Love infinitely the most sweet Lord Jesus Christ; do everything for Him alone and spend your life in works of mercy and of love."

Day 307 -- Saint Maria Chaira

"Always forward!"
~her motto and dying words

Saint Maria Chaira was born on January 9, 1872 as Clelia Nanette in Italy. As a girl, she was known a high-spirited, joyful, pretty, energetic, and impulsive. Her parents wanted her to have a more social life and hoped that she would marry, but she declined and worked at home and took a private vow of chastity. At age 18 she asked permission to enter religious life, but her parents vehemently opposed it. However, with her brother's help, she joined the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary on January 24, 1892 and took the name of Chiara (Clare). She was a missionary to China. She died young during a crackdown on foreign missionaries. She is one of the Martyrs of Shanxi and Martyrs of China. She was beheaded on July 9, 1900 in Taiyuanfu, China and was canonized on October 1, 2000 in Rome.

Day 306 -- Saint Ethelburga

Saint Ethelburga was the daughter of the king of East Angles. As a child, she lived in a Gaelic convent under the direction of Saint Burgundofara and it was here that she would live the rest of her life. She was known in the community for her adherence to the Rule of their order. In the mid-seventh century, sh was chosen abbess. She ruled with wisdom until her death in the year 644 in Faremoutier, France. Saint Tortgith of Barking was one of the nuns in her order. When he body was exhumed seven years after her death, it was found incorrupt.

DAy 305 -- Saint Maria Goretti

I first heard about Saint Maria Goretti on my Cursillo weekend in November 2003. She was our table saint. I remember all four of us candidates at my table having a closeness to hear after we heard her story, mine most obvious is that my middle name is Maria and I am Italian.

Maria was born on October 16, 1890 in Ancona, Italy. She was a beautiful pious farm girl and one of six children. Soon after the family moved to Ferriere di Conca her father died of malaria and the family moved again to the farm in Serenelli. When Maria was 11 years old, in 1902, she was attacked by Alessandro the 19 year old farm hand. He tried to rape her and she fought and yelled that it was a sin and he would go to hell. He tried to choke her and he stabbed her 14 times. She was in the hospital for two days, she forgave her attacker, and asked God's forgiveness of him. She died on July 6, 1902 holding a crucifix and a medal of the Virgin Mary. She is considered a martyr in the Church.

While he was in prison Alessandro had a vision of Maria. He saw a garden where a young girl, dressed in white was gathering lilies. She smiled and came near him and encouraged him to accept the lilies. As he took each one, they transformed into a still white flame. Then Maria disappeared. This vision led to Alessandro's conversion and he later testified at her cause for beatification.

Another remarkable story is that when he was let out of prison, the first place he went to was Maria's mother's house. It was Christmas Eve and he asked for forgiveness. She forgave Alessandro and they had Christmas Eve dinner together. I think her mother should be up for canonization for her model of reconciliation.

Maria was canonized on June 24, 1950 by Pope Pius XII. The ceremony was attended by 250,000, the largest crowd ever for a canonization. The crowd also included her mother. This is the only time a parent has been present to witness the canonization of a child.

Maria is the patron of many things: against poverty, against the death of parents, children and young people (especially girls), poor people, and rape victims.

Maria is a model of purity and chastity that many young people today can emulate.

There is also a movie on her life, in Italian, and it is beautiful. I have seen it two times.

PRAYER Charming Saint, and true child of Mary, Mother of Jesus, you were so young but already so strong in resisting a cruel tempter and preferring to die a martyr. How greatly we need today - when chastity is often discarded - more models and intercessors like you! Multiply faithful Children of Mary for her glory and that of her Son. Amen.

PRAYER Saint Maria Goretti, strengthened by God's grace, you did not hesitate, even at the age of eleven, to sacrifice life itself to defend your virginal purity. Look graciously on the unhappy human race that has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation. Teach us all, and especially our youth, the courage and promptness that will help us avoid anything that could offend Jesus. Obtain for me a great horror of sin, so that I may live a holy life on earth and win eternal glory in heaven. Amen.

Day 304 -- Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria

Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria, was born in 1502 in Lombardy, Italy and at only 2 years old his father died and his mother was only 18 years old and devoted herself to her son. He studied medicine and received his doctorate at age 22. He worked as a physician to the poor until he felt a call to religious life. He left his inheritance to his mother and worked as a catechist and was ordained at age 26. He established congregations of the Society of Clerics of Saint Paul for men religious and Angelics of Saint Paul for nuns. These groups helped reform the morals of the faithful and encouraged frequent reception of Communion. While on a mission, he became ill, and died on July 5, 1539 at his mother's house in Lombardy. It is said that in his last moments, he had a vision of Saint Paul. I think of his mother and what she had to endure in her lifetime. Saint Anthony's body was found incorrupt in 1566. He was canonized on May 27, 1897.

By learning about Saint Anthony, I am reminded of our Cursillo Ultreya tonight. The witness speaker gave a whole's life's witness and talked about loosing his brother when he was 15 years old. Even though I didn't "echo", in his talk I kept hearing God has a plan for each of us and we are all here for a purpose.

"That which God commands seems difficult and a burden. The way is rough; you draw back; you have no desire to follow it. Yet do so and you will attain glory."

Day 303 -- Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

I first heard about Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati in 2008 because he was one of the patrons of World Youth Day that year. He was born to a rich and politically influential family on April 6, 1901 in Turin, Italy. His mother was a painter and his father was the founder and editor of a liberal newspaper. He also became the Italian ambassador to Germany.

He was a pious teenager, an average student, outstanding athlete and loved to mountain climb. He was tutored at home with his younger sister Luciana. After high school he studied mineralogy in an engineering program. He worked with Catholic groups like Apostleship of Prayer and the Company of the Most Blessed Sacrament that ministered to the poor and promoted Eucharistic adoration, Marian devotion, and chastity. He was also involved in Catholic Action and other groups like that. On May 28, 1922, he enrolled as a Dominican tertiary and took the name as Girolamo (Jerome). He was devoted to the teachings of Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Thomas Aquinas. He spent a lot of his fortune on the needy and he visited the sick. It was doing this ministry that he contracted the disease that killed him. He died on July 4, 1925 in Turin of polio. He was buried in the family cemetery in Pollone, Italy. His body was found incorrupt when it was moved to the Cathedral of Turin in 1981. He was beatified on May 20, 1990 and awaits canonization.

"To live without faith, without a patrimony to defend, without a steady struggle for truth, that is not living, but existing."

Day 302 -- Saint Thomas the Apostle

"My Lord and My God!"

Saint Thomas the Apostle is probably best remembered for doubting the resurrection even though he was ready to die with Christ when he went to Jerusalem. After the resurrection, Thomas wanted to see and touch Jesus' wounds, which Jesus allowed. He preached in Parthia, Persia, and India. He followed God's will and he began new Churches in many areas. He baptized people. His symbol is a builder's square and there are a few stories to explain that, but here is one:

• represents building a strong spiritual foundation as he had complete faith in Christ
  

He died by being stabbed with a spear around the year 72 while in prayer on a hill in Mylapur, India. His relics were moved to Mesopotamia, and in the 13th century they were moved to Ortona, Italy. He is the patron against doubt, against, blindness, theologians, and masons.

Scripture tells us that after Thomas put his hands in Jesus' wounds he exclaimed "My Lord and my God." We have the opportunity at every Mass to repeat those same words. After the consecration, we can bow our heads and repeat those same words, showing that we believe in Christ's true presence in the Eucharist.

PRAYER
O Glorious Saint Thomas, your grief for Jesus was such that it would not let you believe he had risen unless you actually saw him and touched his wounds. But your love for Jesus was equally great and it led you to give up your life for him. Pray for us that we may grieve for our sins which were the cause of Christ's sufferings. Help us to spend ourselves in his service and so earn the title of "blessed" which Jesus applied to those who would believe in him without seeing him. Amen.

Day 301 -- Saint Bernadine Realino

Saint Bernadine Realino was born to Italian nobility on December 1, 1530 in Modena. He studied law and medicine in Bologna and received his law degree in 1556. He became the mayor of Felizzano and was a judge and tax collector. He was also the mayor of Cassine and Castelleone.

After going on a retreat, he became a Jesuit in 1564 and was ordained in 1567. He was the novice master in Naples. He then founded a college in Lecce. He had a great concern for charity and people loved him for that. There was an interesting miracle attributed to him. It is said that a small pitcher of wine never fully emptied until everyone present had enough. On his death bed, he whispered the names of Jesus and Mary. He died on July 2, 1616 in Lecce. He was canonized on June 22, 1947 by Pope Pius XII. He is the patron of Lecce, Italy.

DAy 300 -- Blessed Nazju Falzon

Blessed Nazju Falzon was born on July 1, 1813 in Malta. His father was a judge and his maternal grandfather was a judge as well. He and his three brothers became lawyers and two of his brothers entered the priesthood. He received minor orders at age 15 and earned a degree in theology but did not feel worthy of the priesthood, even though his bishop encouraged him, but he never took the final step of being ordained. He taught catechism to children and helped the poorer children. He worked with British soldiers and sailors on Malta. They were a rough bunch of people, but when he found men interested in the faith he brought them to him home for services. When more and more men were interested he moved to a Jesuit Church in Malta. He wrote The Comfort of the Christian Soul and converted hundreds. He died on the island of Malta on July 1, 1865 of cancer. He was beatified on May 9, 2001. The beatification miracle was the disappearance of cancer to a 64 year old man in 1981.

"All good consists in the love of God and the love of God consists in doing his will."