Category: SAINT(S) OF THE DAY

MEMORIAL OF SAINT ANTHONY MARY ZACCARIA, PRIEST; SAINT ATHANASIUS THE ATHONITE, ABBOT AND SAINT ZOE OF ROME, MARTYR ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 5TH Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Priest; Saint Athanasius the Athonite, Abbot and
Saint Zoe of Rome, Martyr. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for the sick and dying, especially those suffering from cancer and other terminal diseases. We pray for the poor, the needy and most marginalized, for justice, peace and unity in our families and our world. And we continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world.🙏🏽

SAINT ANTHONY MARY ZACCARIA, PRIEST: St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria (1502 – 1539) is a renowned Priest, preacher and promoter of Eucharistic adoration, he founded the order of priests now known as the Barnabites. St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria was born into an Italian family of nobility in Cremona during 1502. His father Lazzaro died shortly after Anthony’s birth, and his mother Antonietta – though only 18 years old – chose not to marry again, preferring to devote herself to charitable works and her son’s education. Antonietta succeeded in compensating for her son’s loss, and saw to it that he received a solid training, inculcating, in him compassion for the poor and afflicted. St. Anthony took after her in devotion to God and generosity toward the poor. He studied Latin and Greek with tutors in his youth, and was afterward sent to Pavia to study philosophy. He went on to study Medicine at University of Padua and returned home to Cremona at age of twenty-two as a full-fledged physician. Despite his noble background and secular profession, the young doctor had no intention of either marrying or accumulating wealth. But he quickly realized that his vocation consisted in healing souls as well as bodies. While caring for the physical conditions of his patients, he also encouraged them to find spiritual healing through repentance and the sacraments. At the same time, he assisted the dying spiritually, taught catechism to children, and went on to participate in the religious formation of young adults and placed himself completely at the service of everyone. Accordingly, the devoted young man studied Theology but continued to practice Medicine. He eventually decided to withdraw from the practice of medicine, and with the encouragement of his spiritual director he began to study for the priesthood and was ordained a priest at age 26 in 1528. St. Anthony is said to have experienced a miraculous occurrence during his first Mass, being surrounded by a supernatural light and a multitude of angels during the consecration of the Eucharist. Contemporary witnesses marveled at the event, and testified to it after his death.

Church life in Cremona had suffered decline in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The new priest encountered widespread ignorance and religious indifference among laypersons, while many of the clergy were either weak or corrupt. In these dire circumstances, St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria devoted his life to proclaiming the truths of the Gospel both clearly and charitably. Within two years, his eloquent preaching and tireless pastoral care is said to have changed the moral character of the city dramatically. St. Anthony was encouraged to go to Milan where there were greater opportunities for serving his fellowman. In 1530, St. Anthony moved to Milan, where a similar spirit of corruption and religious neglect prevailed. There, he joined the Confraternity of Eternal Wisdom whose purpose was to carry out various works of mercy, St. Anthony and two other zealous priests decided to form a priestly society, the Clerics Regular of St. Paul, a congregation of priests to help regenerate and revive the love of Divine worship and a proper Christian way of life by frequent preaching and faithful administration of the Sacraments. The early members of the Order of Clerks Regular of St. Paul banded with St. Anthony to minister night and day to the people of Milan, who were stricken by wars, plague, and neglect of the clergy. Inspired by the apostle’s life and writings, the order was founded on a vision of humility, asceticism, poverty, and preaching. After the founder’s death, they were entrusted with a prominent church named for St. Barnabas, and became commonly known as the “Barnabites.” The priest with help of Luigia Torelli, Countess of Guastella, founded a community of women religious order called the Angelicals, the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul; with the aim of rescuing fallen women and girls and those in danger of falling into sin; and an organization, the Laity of St. Paul, geared toward the sanctification of those outside the priesthood and religious life. He pioneered the “40 Hours” devotion, involving continuous prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. St. Anthony was a zealous and untiring preacher and completely wore himself out at this work. In 1539, at length, after many labors, he fell grievously sick at Guastalla, and returned to his mother’s house in Cremona and died there amid the tears of his religious and in the embrace of his pious mother, whose approaching death he foretold. He died on July 5, 1539, during the liturgical octave of the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul at thirty-seven, worn out by his many labors. At the hour of his death he was consoled by a vision of the apostles, and prophesied the future growth of his Society. The people began immediately to show their devotion to this saint on account of his great holiness and of his numerous miracles. Nearly three decades after his death, St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria’s body was found to be incorrupt. He was Beatified by Blessed Pope Pius IX in 1849, and his cult was approved by Leo XIII, who solemnly Canonized him on Ascension Day, 1897.

St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria Quote: “We manifest our love for God in our observance of His commandments and in our readiness to obey, even His smallest decree.” 

PRAYER: Lord, grant us, in the spirit of St. Paul the Apostle, to learn the knowledge of Jesus Christ, which surpasses all understanding. Taught by this knowledge, St. Anthony continually preached the word of salvation in Your Church. Amen 🙏🏽

SAINT ATHANASIUS THE ATHONITE, ABBOT: St. Athanasius the Athonite (c. 920 – c. 1003), was a Byzantine monk who in 963 founded the monastic community on the peninsula Mount Athos, which has since evolved into the greatest centre of Eastern Orthodox monasticism – but only after he had overcome the opposition of the hermits who were there first. St. Athanasius, also called Athanasios of Trebizond, was born on c. 920; Trebizond, Byzantine Empire and his parents were from Antioch. He was patronized by Michael Maleinos, he studied at Constantinople and became famous there as Abraham, a fervent preacher who held great authority with Michael’s nephew, Nicephoros Phocas. By the time Phocas ascended the imperial throne, Abraham, ill at ease with the lax morals of the monks living in the capital, changed his name to Athanasios and joined the monks at Mount Kyminas in Bithynia. In 958, he relocated to Mount Athos. He helped defend the hermits, or sketes, there against the Saracens, and also started to incorporate the sketes already there into what would eventually become known as the Great Lavra, which Athanasios built with the financial assistance of Nicephoros. This monastery was dedicated in 963. It is still in use today, and is often referred to by people of the area simply as “Lavra”, or “The Monastery”. Three other foundations followed shortly thereafter, with all three of them remaining in place to the present. Athanasios met with considerable opposition from the hermits already at Mount Athos in the construction of his monasteries. They resented his intrusion and his attempts to bring order and discipline to their lives.

Upon Nicephoros’ death the enemies of Athanasios prevailed and he had to leave Athos for Cyprus, where he lived until the new emperor, John Tzimisces, resumed the patronage of the Great Lavra and bestowed upon the monastery its first charter in 971. Athanasios, spurred by a divine vision, returned at once to Athos as a hegumen (abbot) and introduced a typicon for cenobites, based on those compiled by Theodore Studites and Basil of Caesarea. In the words of Athanasius’s biographer, “Trebizonde witnessed his birth (about 920), Byzantium enabled him to grow spiritually, and Kyminas and Athos rendered him pleasing to God.” He died in c. 1003 at Mount Athos during an accident, killed by a falling masonry, when the cupola of his church collapsed. Upon his death, Athanasios was glorified as a saint. His feast day is July 5.

PRAYER: Lord, amid the things of this world, let us be wholeheartedly committed to heavenly things in imitation of the example of evangelical perfection You have given us in St. Athanasius. Amen🙏🏽

SAINT ZOE OF ROME, MARTYR: St. Zoe of Rome (d. 286 A.D.) lived during the early stages of Emperor Diocletian’s persecution of Christians, around the 280s AD. She was a noble woman in the imperial court of Rome, married to a high Roman court official named Nicostratus during the reign of the infamous Emperor Diocletian. But even that status didn’t save her from Diocletian’s wrath. Something miraculous happened to St. Zoe, for an unknown reason, Zoe couldn’t speak for six years, she suffered from a condition that left her unable to speak; when she met St. Sebastian she fell at his feet so that he would heal her. St. Sebastian made the Sign of the Cross over her, and from that moment her speech miraculously returned,  she began to speak and glorify God. As she was being healed she had a vision of an angel standing next to St. Sebastian holding a book in which was written everything that St. Sebastian preached. Her first words were ones of thanks and praise to God, and many witnesses of the miracle were brought to faith in Christ. St. Zoe and her husband then received baptism at the hands of St. Polycarp, along with many others who had come to believe in Christ through St. Sebastian’s miracles. Of this new group of Christians, St. Zoe was the first to be martyred for her faith.

She was also greatly devoted to St. Peter the Apostle. Diocletian’s henchmen found her praying at his tomb one day and arrested her. She was martyred by being hung from a tree branch by her hair, with a fire lit underneath her feet. St. Zoe died of asphyxiation (not by burning to death). After her death her body was thrown into the Tiber River. Apparently, the symbolism of the Tiber was lost on Diocletian and his henchmen as “swimming the Tiber” is an analogy for converting to Catholicism and being thrown in the Tiber is a symbol of baptism. St. Zoe then appeared in a vision to St. Sebastian, who was in prison awaiting his execution, to tell him of her martyrdom and subsequent glory. St. Zoe of Rome’s feast day is July 5th.

[Worthy of note: in Greek, zoë means life, as does bios. However! Bios refers to the biological life or physical and modal life. Zoë, on the other hand, refers to the spiritual life or a sense of transcendence. When Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” the word for life used was zoë.]

Saint Zoe of Rome, Martyr ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT ELIZABETH OF PORTUGAL, RELIGIOUS; SAINT BERTHA OF ARTOIS, WIDOW, ABBESS; SAINT ULRIC OF AUGSBURG, BISHOP AND BLESSED PIER GIORGIO FRASSATI ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 4TH Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, Religious; Saint Bertha of Artois, Widow, Abbess; Saint Ulric of Augsburg, Bishop and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for the sick and dying, especially those suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases. We pray for all expectant mothers, for difficult marriages, for the poor, the needy and most marginalized, for justice, peace and unity in our families and our world. And we continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, for persecuted christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world.🙏🏽

SAINT ELIZABETH OF PORTUGAL, RELIGIOUS: St. Elizabeth of Portugal was a Spanish princess, whose parents were Peter III, King of Aragon and Constance of Sicily, Queen of Aragon. She came into the world at the royal palace in Saragossa in 1271, and received the name of Elizabeth after her great-aunt, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, who several years before had been canonized by Pope Gregory IX in 1235. Their lives were similar in some important ways: both of them were married at very young ages, they sought to live the precepts of the Gospel despite their status as royalty, and finished their lives as members of the Third Order of St. Francis. St. Elizabeth’s grandfather, James I, who then occupied the throne of Aragon, took charge of her education, but he died before she was six years of age. Her early years were spent in the most extraordinary pieta and at the age of twelve she was given in marriage to King Denis (Dionysius), King of Portugal who was 20 at the time. She was very beautiful and very lovable. They were blessed with two children, a daughter, Constance of Portugal (Constantia) and a son, Alfonso IV of Portugal, however, king Denise fathered an additional seven children with other women. Her husband left her free to practice her devotions, and she lived on the throne with the virtue and regularity of a Religious. She was very devout, and went to Mass every day. St. Elizabeth was a holy wife, but although her husband was fond of her at first, he soon began to cause her great suffering. Though a good ruler, King Denis was faithfully devoted to his country, known as the “Worker King” because of his diligence. Unfortunately, he generally failed to live out the same faithfulness toward his wife, he did not imitate his wife’s love of prayer and other virtues. In fact, his sins of impurity gave great scandle to the people. St. Elizabeth was upset about her husband’s sinful ways, less because he was unfaithful but more so as he was offending God. She prayed with great devotion and did many penance on her husband’s behalf to win him back. Eventually, her prayer, patience and gentleness bore fruit and she succeeded in converting her husband, who had been leading a licentious life and he asked forgiveness of her. Many members of the king’s court likewise embraced or accepted various forms of immorality, and it would have been easy for the young queen to fall into these vices herself. But Elizabeth remained intent on doing God’s will with a humble and charitable attitude. Rather than using her status as queen to pursue her own satisfaction, she sought to advance Christ’s reign on earth. Like her namesake and great-aunt St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Elizabeth of Portugal was a devoted patroness and personal friend of the poor and sick, and she compelled the women who served her at court to care for them as well. The queen’s bishop testified that she had a custom of secretly inviting lepers, whom she would bathe and clothe, even though the law of the land barred them from approaching the castle.

St. Elizabeth’s virtue also had to pass through the crucible of suffering. Her commitment to the Gospel also became evident when she intervened to prevent civil war in the kingdom on two occasions. Saint Elizabeth helped her country avoid war during the 13th and 14th centuries. One of the keenest pangs she endured came from the revolt of her son, Alfonso, the only son of king Denis and St. Elizabeth, he resented the king’s indulgent treatment of one of his illegitimate sons, to the point that the father and son gathered together rival armies that were on the brink of open war in 1323. On this occasion, St. Elizabeth placed herself between the two opposing armies, insisting that Denis and Alfonso come to terms and make peace with one another. The King, however, soon acknowledged his error and made amends, and the saintly woman succeeded in effecting a reconciliation between father and son. In 1336, the last year of her life, she intervened in a similar manner to prevent her son from waging war against the King of Castile for his poor treatment of Alfonso’s own daughter. King Denis died in 1325 and his son Alfonso succeeded him. After the death of her husband, St. Elizabeth became a  Franciscan, she took the habit of the Third Order of St. Francis and retired to a convent of Poor Clares, she had established some years before devoting her life to the poor, the sick and the most marginalized. Hearing that her son, Alphonsus IV, King of Portugal, had gone to war with her grandson, Alfonso XI, King of Castile, she set out on a journey to reconcile them and succeeded. This was the Saint’s last act of mercy, for having arrived at Estremoz, on the frontiers of Castile where her son was, she fell ill. After receiving the Last Sacraments, she died on July 4, 1336. The testimony of miracles accomplished through her intercession, after her death in 1336, contributed to her canonization by Pope Urban VIII in 1625. Charity to the poor was one of her characteristic virtues, and her works for the good of her fellowmen knew no bounds. Because St. Elizabeth was faithful to daily Mass, she found strength to carry her many great crosses. We should try our best to make it a habit to go to Mass daily. St. Elizabeth is the Patron Saint of  brides; charitable societies; against jealousy; charitable workers; charity workers; charitiesm; Coimbra, Portugal; difficult marriages; falsely accused people; invoked in time of war; peace; queens; tertiaries; victims of adultery; victims of jealousy; victims of unfaithfulness; widows.

PRAYER: God, Author of peace and Lover of charity, You endowed St. Elizabeth with the wondrous grace of bringing dissidents together. Through her intercession enable us to practice works of peace so that we may be called children of God. Amen. Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, Religious ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

SAINT BERTHA OF ARTOIS, WIDOW, ABBESS: St. Bertha (644-723) was born in France in the year 644, was the daughter of Count Rigobert, who served in the court of Clovis II, and Ursanna, daughter of the king of Kent in England. In the twentieth year of her age this beautiful and pious maiden was married to the cousin of the king, the noble Sigfried, who determined to advance with his spouse along the paths of Christian perfection. They were blessed with five daughters, of whom two died in infancy; two others, Gertrude and Deotila, are canonized Saints like their mother. After several years of the most harmonious union, Sigfried died in 672, and Saint Bertha took the veil in a monastery which by divine instructions she built at Blangy in the district of Artois, France, a little distance from Hesdin. The monastery was solemnly consecrated in January of the year 682, and the holy widow endowed it with her terrains. Her daughters Gertrude and Deotila, greatly impressed by their mother’s act, soon followed her example.

St. Bertha was persecuted by Roger, or Rotgar, a young lord of the court of King Thierry III, who was furious over her refusal to give him Gertrude, already a professed religious, in marriage. He endeavored to slander her mother as being opposed to the succession of Thierry and involved with the English royalty in a conspiracy. The King sent for the Abbess to defend her cause, not sure that such conduct could be attributed to this holy woman. He took her in fact under his protection, and the persecution was halted. On her return to Blangy, St. Bertha had three churches built, to honor Saint Omer, Saint Vaast, and Saint Martin of Tours, and completed the construction of her convent. And then, after establishing the Rule of Saint Benedict and a regular observance in her community, she named Saint Deotila to replace her as abbess, and retired to a solitary cell to spend the remainder of her days in prayer. At the age of 79, having already buried her two daughters Deotila and Emma, she left Gertrude as Abbess in the monastery of Blangy, and died peacefully in the year 723.

Saint Bertha of Artois, Widow, Abbess ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

SAINT ULRIC OF AUGSBURG, BISHOP: St. Ulric (890-973) was born in 890 at Kyburg, Zurich, Switzerland as the son of Count Hucpald and Thetbirga. He was related to the dukes of Alamannia and the imperial family of the Ottos. He was a sickly child, but as a boy was educated at the monastic school of Saint Gall and proved to be an excellent student. He also served as chamberlain to his uncle, Blessed Adalbero, bishop of Augsburg and later ordained him. The young man was wise in the ways of God and carried out his duties with utmost reverence and great prudence. He was zealous at prayer, diligent in study, and magnanimous toward the poor. Aware of the fragile character of chastity, he shunned every hint of danger, saying: “Take away the fuel, and you take away the fire.” He was ordained as Bishop of Augsburg on December 28, 923. During his time as bishop, he built churches, visited from parish to parish, worked with the sick in hospitals and provided for the instruction, relief, and comfort his flock—working long hours and praying unceasingly. He set a good example for his priests to follow, and brought relics from Rome. He made a visitation of his diocese annually and held synods of the clergy semi-annually. His good works paid off in the form of improved moral and social conditions for both the clergy and laity.

In 955, the Magyars plundered Germany and once again attacked Augsburg. This time, however, they were stopped and hurled back. Due to St. Ulric’s courage, his leadership, and his ability to organize the resistance, Augsburg held firm until Emperor Otto arrived and the people attributed this triumph to the prayers of their holy Bishop who had continued in prayer for his flock, like Moses on the mountain. On August 10, 955, a battle was fought in Lechfeld, and the invaders were finally defeated. Some legends say that St. Ulric actually fought in the battle, but that was impossible.

After 48 years as bishop, an ill and exhausted Ulric resigned his seat, and handed the diocese over to his nephew-a move which had the blessing of the emporer, but which the Synod of Ingelheim ruled uncanonical, and they charged and tried the aging bishop for nepotism. St. Ulric apologized, did penance, and was forgiven, the message of which reached him on his death bed. St. Ulric died on July 4, 973 at Augsburg, Germany of natural causes. He was buried in the Church of Saint Afra. A letter circulated for a while that indicated St. Ulric did not support priestly celibacy, seeing it as an unnecessary burden. However, this was later proven a forgery, and St. Ulric had certainly enforced the discipline upon himself as well as his clergy. St. Ulric was the first saint to be canonized by a Pope, which led to the formal process that continues today. Legend has it that pregnant women who drank from his chalice had easy deliveries, and thus developed his patronage of pregnant women and easy births. The touch of his pastoral cross was used to heal people bitten by rabid dogs. Miracles recorded at his tomb influenced Pope John XV to canonize St. Ulric on February 3, 993. He’s Patron Saint against birth complications, against faintness, against fever, against mice and moles (except those in holes); diocese of Augsburg, Germany; happy death, weavers, San Dorligo della Valle, Creazzo, Italy.

PRAYER: God, You willed that St. Ulric, Your Bishop, should shine forth with pastoral solicitude and compassion for the poor. Help us who celebrate his merits to imitate his charity. Amen. Saint Ulric of Augsburg, Bishop ~ Pray for us🙏🏽

BLESSED PIER GIORGIO FRASSATI: Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925) was born in Turin, Italy, to a wealthy and prominent Italian family on on April 6, 1901. He was a handsome, vibrant, joyful, courageous, devout Catholic and athletic youth with an adventurous spirit and a strong zest for life. He loved mountain climbing, the theater, opera, and literature. He also had a deep spiritual life and a strong devotion to the Holy Eucharist and the Virgin Mary, even while his piety provoked criticism from his parents. He challenged his friends to a life of virtue, leading them in spiritual exercises such as daily Mass and the rosary. He joined the Saint Vincent de Paul Society in 1918 and became a Lay Dominican in 1922. He was also politically active in resisting fascism and communism; he took part in public  demonstrations and joined religious-political organizations such as the Catholic Students Federation and Catholic Action. He also spent much time caring for the sick and poor to a heroic degree, yet his parents punished him when they caught him giving away his money and possessions. While ministering to the sick he contracted polio and died just six days later at the age of 24. His family, thinking he suffered from a mild sickness, did not realize the seriousness of his condition until it was too late. At his funeral his parents were shocked to find thousands of the city’s poor, whom their son had helped in some way, arrive to pay their respects. He died too soon at just 24 but has since become the model for lay people – and future popes! – all over the world. He’s a saint for the modern world, and especially for the young people of our time.

These are 12 amazing facts of his short but very intense life: 1. Despite being raised by agnostic parents, Pier Giorgio’s inclinations to help others manifested in his childhood. Once as a child, he answered the door to find a mother begging with her son who was shoeless. He took off his own shoes and gave them to the child; 2. At an early age, Pier Giorgio joined the Marian Sodality and the Apostleship of Prayer, and obtained permission to receive daily Communion, which was rare at the time. 3. At the same time, Pier Giorgio was known among his friends as “Il Terrore” (“the Terror”) due to his fondness for practical jokes. 4. At 17, he joined the St. Vincent de Paul Society and dedicated much of his spare time to take care of the poor, the homeless, the sick and the demobilized servicemen returning from World War I. 5. In 1919, he joined the Catholic Student Foundation and the Popular Party, whose principles were based in the Social Doctrine of the Church. He strongly opposed the rise of Fascist leader Benito Mussolini and was jailed in Rome after joining the protest of the Catholic Workers’ Association. 6. Pier Giorgio would be notable for giving literally everything he had to the poor. He would even use his bus fare for charity and then run home to be on time for meals. 7. An avid and accomplished mountain-climber, he saw many parallels between Catholic life and his favorite pastime. He would regularly organize trips into the mountains with occasions for prayers and conversations about faith on the way up or down from the summit. 8. After what would become his final climb he wrote a simple note on a photograph: “Verso L’Alto” (“To the Heights”)–a phrase that has become a popular Catholic motto. 9. At 24, Pier Giorgio became very ill with polio. Some of his friends believed that he contracted the disease from the people in the slums of Turin. In his last days, he whispered the names of people who still needed assistance to his family and friends who gathered at his bedside. He died on July 4, 1925 (aged 24) at Turin, Kingdom of Italy. Bl. Pier Giorgio’s mortal remains were found incorrupt in 1981 and were transferred from the family tomb in the cemetery of Pollone to the Cathedral of Turin. 10. Frassati was declared “Blessed” on May 29, 1990 by Pope St. John Paul II, who called him a “Man of the Eight Beatitudes” and a “joyful apostle of Christ.” A year before, after visiting his tomb, Pope John Paul II revealed that he also had felt in his own youth “the beneficial influence of his example.” He left the world rather young,” he said, “but he made a mark upon our entire century.” 11. In her biography of her brother, Pier Giorgio’s sister, Luciana wrote that “he represented the finest in Christian youth: pure, happy, enthusiastic about everything that is good and beautiful.” 12. Pier Giorgio’s popularity is big among young people, especially in America. Many apostolates have been created with his name and he is currently regarded as the Catholic patron of Students (mainly because he wasn’t good at school), Young Catholics, Mountaineers, Youth groups, Catholic Action, Dominican tertiaries (he became one), and World Youth Day. According to the website dedicated to him by the USCCB, for years he has been “a significant global patron for youth and young adults – and has a special place in the hearts of young people across the United States as well. Pope St. John Paul II declared him a patron for World Youth Days and deemed him the “Man of the Eight Beatitudes” as he exemplified those blessings in his everyday life” at his beatification on May 20, 1990 at Saint Peter’s Square, Vatican City. His feast day is July 4th.

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati ~ Pray for us🙏🏽

FEAST OF SAINT THOMAS, APOSTLE AND MARTYR; SAINT LEO II, POPE AND SAINT HELIODORUS OF ALTINUM, BISHOP ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 3RD Today, we celebrate the Feast of Saint  Thomas, Apostle and Martyr; Saint Leo II, Pope and Saint Heliodorus of Altinum, Bishop. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for the sick and dying, especially those suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases and eye diseases. We pray for all architects and construction workers. We pray for the poor and needy, for justice, peace and unity in our families and our world. And we continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, for persecuted christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world.🙏🏽

SAINT THOMAS, APOSTLE AND MARTYR: St. Thomas also called Didymus (twin) was a Jew and one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus according to the New Testament.  St. Thomas is commonly known as “Doubting Thomas” because he doubted Jesus’ resurrection when first told of it; later, he confessed his faith on seeing Jesus’ crucifixion wounds. He has become for the Church one of the first witnesses to her faith. St. Thomas was a dedicated but impetuous follower of Christ. When Jesus said that He was returning to Judea to visit His sick friend Lazarus, St. Thomas immediately exhorted the other Apostles to accompany Him on the trip, which involved certain danger and possible death because of the mounting hostility of the authorities,, he immediately said to the other apostles, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him” (Jn 11: 16).  At the Last Supper, when Christ told His Apostles that He was going to prepare a place for them to which they also might come because they knew both the place and the way, St. Thomas pleaded that they did not understand and received the beautiful assurance that Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. But St. Thomas is best known for his role in verifying the Resurrection of His Master. St. Thomas’s unwillingness to believe that the other Apostles had seen their Risen Lord on the first Easter Sunday merit for him the title of “doubting Thomas”.  Denying their story, he told them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I will not believe” (Jn 20:25). Eight days later, on Christ’s second apparition, St. Thomas was gently rebuked for his skepticism and furnished with the evidence he had demanded— Christ appeared and said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” At this, St. Thomas became convinced and exclaimed: “My Lord and my God!” thus making a public Profession of Faith in the Divinity of Jesus. St. Thomas is also mentioned as being present at another Resurrection appearance of Jesus—at Lake Tiberias when a miraculous catch of fish occurred.

After Pentecost, St. Thomas is traditionally believed to have evangelize and preached the Gospel to the Parthians, Persians and Medes, until he reached India, carrying the faith to the Malabar coast, which still boast a large native population calling themselves “Christians of St. Thomas”. He capped his life by shedding his blood for his Master, speared to death at a place called Calamine, where he evangelised and was eventually martyred in 72 A.D. He converted many to Christ, worked miracles, and established the Church in the East. One tradition holds that on his way to India he met and baptized the Three Wise Men of the Nativity who first venerated Jesus at Bethlehem. St. Thomas is also remembered for being a skilled carpenter, and according to Indian tradition he built the first churches in India with his own hands. Due to his main work and martyrdom to India, he is also called the “Apostle of India.”  In his general audience on September 27, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI spoke of St. Thomas, explaining that we can learn from his doubts, which show us “that Jesus can now be recognised by his wounds rather than by his face.” “The Apostle Thomas’ case is important to us for at least three reasons,” said the Pope.  “First, because it comforts us in our insecurity; second, because it shows us that every doubt can lead to an outcome brighter than any uncertainty; and, lastly, because the words that Jesus addressed to him remind us of the true meaning of mature faith and encourage us to persevere, despite the difficulty, along our journey of adhesion to him.” He’s the Patron Saint of architects; against doubt; blind people; builders; construction workers; Malaysia; Indonesia; East Indies; geometricians; India; masons; Pakistan; people in doubt; Sri Lanka; stone masons; stonecutters; Singapore; surveyors; theologians. His feast day is July 3rd.

PRAYER: PRAYER: Grant, almighty God, that we may glory in the Feast of the blessed Apostle Thomas, so that we may always be sustained by his intercession and, believing, may have life in the name of Jesus Christ your Son, whom Thomas acknowledged as the Lord. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever… Amen🙏🏽

SAINT LEO II, POPE: Pope Saint Leo II (611-683) was the bishop of Rome from August 17, 682 to his death on June 28, 683. He was one of the last Popes of the early Middle Ages. The pontificate of this great Pope was very brief (682-683)  but very fruitful, since in the ten months of his reign he accomplished good works which have caused his name to be blessed by all succeeding generations. His short pontificate marked by his translation of sections of the acts of the Sixth Ecumenical Council of Constantinople from Greek to Latin so bishops and kings in Western churches could understand them. He also called out Pope Honorius for not opposing the long-running Monothelite heresy, the belief that Jesus Christ had two natures but only one will. St. Leo II also perfected the melodies of the Gregorian chant for the Psalms and composed some new hymns.

Born in the seventh century in Sicily, St. Leo II had been a Canon Regular, that is, an ecclesiastical dignitary who resided in his bishop’s palace, was charged with recitation of the Office in the cathedral, and was relied upon to serve as the auxiliary of the Ordinary. Saint Leo was a devout student of Holy Scripture, and was well versed in the Greek as well as the Latin language. In his day grave difficulties frequently arose between the Holy See and the emperors of Constantinople, whose representatives at Ravenna tried to control the bishops of that see; the latter had been striving to become autonomous. Saint Leo published a decree ordering that in the future no bishop of Ravenna could enter into function before being consecrated for that office at Rome, by the Roman Pontiff.

He built three churches in Rome, to honor Saint Paul the Apostle, Saint Sebastian, and Saint George. Saint Leo was highly gifted in the domain of music, and he renovated the Gregorian literature or library, then in a state of confusion; he also composed new hymns, still conserved by the Church. He took special care of widows and orphans and the poor in general, relieving their sufferings with a truly apostolic charity. Saint Leo confirmed the Acts of the Sixth Ecumenical Council which his predecessor had convoked at Constantinople against the Monothelite heresy, and translated its acts into Latin for the benefit of the Occidentals. When he died in June of 683, his death was deeply regretted by all the faithful. He was interred according to established custom in the church of Saint Peter. He is ordinarily pictured embracing a beggar or holding a book of music.

Saint Leo II, Pope ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

SAINT HELIODORUS OF ALTINUM, BISHOP: St. Heliodorus (332-390), also known as Heliodorus of Altino and Eliodoro. A soldier in his youth. Close friend and financial supporter of Saint Jerome, and helped with the logistics of the translation of the Vulgate Bible. Followed Jerome to the east, but declined the life of a desert hermit.  Bishop of Altinum, a small town near Venice, Italy which has since disappeared. Fierce opponent of Arianism.

Saint Heliodorus was born in 332 AD in Croatia, Dalmatia, a Roman Province northeast of the Adriatic Sea, which was also the native land of Saint Jerome. He ended up working in Altinum, Italy. He soon Stoughton out that great Doctor, not only to follow his advice in matters relating to Christian perfection, but also to profit by his deep learning. The life of a recluse held great attractions for him, but to enter a monastery it would have been necessary to leave his spiritual master and director, a sacrifice he was not prepared to make. He therefore remained in the world, though not part of it, and following the example of the holy anchorites, passed his time in prayer and devout reading. He accompanied Saint Jerome on his voyage to the Holy Land, visiting the various churches of the Orient, and remained with him for a time, but a desire to revisit his native land and to see his parents once more drew him back to Dalmatia. Saint Jerome tried to persuade him to remain with him, and Heliodorus was intending to return, as soon as he had fulfilled the duties he owed his parents.

Finding his absence had grown prolonged, and fearing that love for his family and attachment to worldly things might lure him from his vocation, Saint Jerome wrote him an earnest letter. He exhorted his good disciple to break entirely with the world and to consecrate himself to the service of God. But the Lord, who disposes all things, had a mission of activity reserved for His servant. After the death of his mother, Heliodorus went to Italy and soon was remarked for his eminent piety. He was made Bishop of Altino, and became one of the most distinguished prelates of an age fruitful in great men. He sustained the Catholic faith against the Arian heresy, assisting at the Council of Aquilea in northeastern Italy, called for that purpose in 381. Saint Jerome never forgot his former student, and in one of his letters testifies that he was a bishop who lived in his episcopal dignity with as much fervor and regularity as in a monastery. Saint Heliodorus died about the year 390 A.D. of natural causes.

St. Heliodorus, Bishop of Altinum ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT BERNARDINO REALINO, PRIEST; SAINTS PROCESSUS AND MARTINIAN, MARTYRS; SAINT SWITHIN (SWITHUN), BISHOP AND SAINT OTTO OF BAMBERG, BISHOP: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Bernardino Realino, Priest; Saints Processus & Martinian, Martyrs; Saint Swithin (Swithun), Bishop and Saint Otto of Bamberg, Bishop. Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for the sick and dying, especially those suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases. We pray for the poor and needy, for justice, peace and unity in our families and our world. And we continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, for persecuted christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world.🙏🏽

SAINT BERNARDINO REALINO, PRIEST: St. Bernardino Realino (1530–1616) was born in Capri, Italy to a noble family in 1530. After receiving a thorough and devout Christian education at the hands of his mother, he went on to study medicine at the University of Bologna, but after three years he switched to law and received his doctorate in 1563. He grew into an accomplished “Renaissance Man” of his day. He had a successful career as an attorney and judge, and served as the mayor of three cities. Word of his learning, dedication, and legal brilliance spread rapidly, and in 1554 he was summoned to Naples to assume the position of auditor and lieutenant general.

At the age of 34 he completed an eight-day retreat with Jesuit priests, and during this time he discerned a call to the religious life. He entered the Jesuit order and was ordained a priest in 1567. As a priest he preached, taught, and visited the sick and poor in the areas of Naples and Lecce. He was much loved and venerated by the people he ministered to, especially because of the miracles he performed. It was commonly believed among the people that he was a living saint. Even public scandal and civil strife were calmed due to his holy influence. While he was on his death bed, the city leaders of Lecce came to request of him that he become the official patron saint of their city once he entered heaven. He is often referred to as the “Apostle of Lecce” for his commitment to the poor, the sick and for his preaching abilities. He died in 1616 with the names of Jesus and Mary on his lips. After St. Bernardino’s death, vials of his blood were kept for veneration, which were observed to liquefy and exhibit unusual phenomena for more than a century. St. Bernardino Realino’s feast day is July 2nd. 

Saint Bernardino Realino, Priest ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

SAINTS PROCESSUS AND MARTINIAN, MARTYRS: Sts. Processus and Martinian were imperial soldiers, pagans and they served as guards at the Mamertine prison in Rome. State criminals were held in this prison, among them some Christians. Watching the Christian prisoners and listening to their preaching, Sts. Processus and Martinian gradually came to the knowledge of the Savior. According to legend, the Holy Martyrs Processus and Martinian, having been assigned the task of guarding St. Peter and St. Paul in the Mamertine prison in Rome, when they were arrested by the Romans, fell under the spell of his preaching and were converted. The apostles converted their jailers after a spring flowed miraculously in the prison. St. Peter then baptized them in the miraculous waters. After they accepted holy Baptism from the apostle, they released the Apostle from prison.

After being baptized, the jailer Paulinus learned about this, and he demanded that Sts. Processus and Martinian renounce Christ. But they fearlessly confessed Christ, and they spat at the golden statue of Jupiter. Paulinus ordered that they be slapped on the face, and then seeing the resolute stance of the holy martyrs, he subjected them to torture. The martyrs were beaten with iron rods, scorched with fire, and finally, thrown into prison. A certain illustrious and pious woman by the name of Lucina visited them in prison and gave them help and encouragement. The torturer Paulinus was soon punished by God. He fell blind and died three days later. The son of Paulinus went to the city ruler demanding that the martyrs be put to death. Saints Processus and Martinian were finally beheaded by order of the emperor Nero (+ ca. 67). After their martyrdom with St. Paul, a sympathizer called Lucina buried them in her own cemetery. Their bodies were buried in the catacombs of St. Agatha, on the Via Aurelia, where they remained until Paschal I (817-824) removed them for safekeeping to the Vatican basilica. Transplanted to St. Peter’s, the cult of Processus and Martinian flourished. Today their tomb is in the south transept of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Reflection: Wherever you find yourself, even at the end of your life, you can still convert and save a soul. May God’s grace sustain us. Amen.

Sts. Processus and Martinian, Martyrs ~ Pray for us. Amen🙏🏽

SAINT SWITHIN (SWITHUN), BISHOP: St. Swithin (also known as St. Swithun) was born in Wessex, England and was educated at the old monastery, Winchester, where he was ordained. St Swithun died in 862 as bishop of Winchester. He was a secular clerk with something of a reputation for virtue and learning. He was attached to the West Saxon court and was one of King Egbert’s principal advisers. He became Chaplain to King Egbert of the West Saxons, who appointed him tutor of his son, Ethelwulf,  the father of Alfred the Great, to educate; and to him must go some of the credit for the strongly religious tone of the West Saxon court under Ethelwulf and his sons.

St. Swithun was consecrated bishop of Winchester, England in 852, when Ethelwulf succeeded his father as king. As bishop was something of a builder, Swithun built several churches and was known for his humility and his aid to the poor and needy. He may also have been one of the first contributors to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. A number of agreeably humble miracles were attributed to him – he was said to have restored a basket of eggs dropped by an old market woman when crossing a bridge. His great reputation for sanctity is, however, largely owing to the cult which sprang up at Winchester a hundred years after his death, in the time of St Ethelwold and the monastic reformation, when his body was translated. His shrine was splendid, but when it was looted by Henry VIII in 1538 its gold and jewels were found to be false. When he died he was buried at his own request in the churchyard, in order that the passers-by would walk over his grave and the rain fall upon it. It is always said that if it rains on his feast day, it will rain for forty days after, but it is not known how St. Swithun came to be associated with the weather. Similar stories are told of SS Medard, Gervase and Protase in France.

His holiness was made known by miracles. He died on July 2, but “St. Swithin’s Day” is held on July 15 in England, the day his relics were transferred. He is another of the “weather saints” — if it rains on July 15, it will rain forty more days. If no rain, it will be fair for forty more days, as the old rhyme says: St. Swithin’s day if thou dost rain, For forty days it will remain, St. Swithin’s day if thou be fair, For forty days ‘twill rain nae mair. This weather patronage traces back to July 15, 871 when the monks were translating his body (relics) from the outdoor grave to an indoor shrine in the Cathedral. The saint apparently did not approve, as it rained for 40 days afterward. St. Swithin is the Patron Saint of drought relief; Stavenger, England; Winchester, England.

St. Swithin (St. Swithun), Bishop ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

SAINT OTTO OF BAMBERG, BISHOP: St. Otto of Bamberg (1060 – 1139) was German missionary and papal legate who converted much of medieval Pomerania to Christianity. He was the bishop of Bamberg from 1102 until his death, an indefatigable evengelizer, and the apostle of the Pomeranians. He was born in 1060 in Swabia, Mistelbach, Germany of noble rank and ordained a priest sometime before the age of 30. He joined the service of Emperor Henry IV in  1090 and became his chancellor in 1101. He served Henry IV and his successor, Henry V, loyally, but he disaproved of the latter’s disgraceful treatment of Pope Paschal.

Otto was consecrated a bishop on May 13, 1106, and set to work founding new monasteries, reforming existing ones, building schools and churches, and completing the construction of the cathedral.  He lived a poor and simple life, and was called the “Father of the monks” for the concern he showed toward religious orders. In 1122 Otto was commissioned by the Polish Duke Boleslaw III to convert Pomerania to Christianity, and he set about this mission in 1124. He traveled across Pomerania twice, and won over the people with his holiness, quiet generosity, and gentle, inspiring sermons. The conversion of Pomerania was his greatest apostolic work. He baptized over 22,000 people and established 11 churches. Many miracles were attributed to him throughout his two journeys, and many more after his death. He died on June 30, 1139, Bamberg, Germany and was Canonized in 1189, Rome by  Pope Clement III.

Saint Otto of Bamberg, Bishop ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

FEAST OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST; MEMORIAL OF SAINT JUNIPERO SERRA, PRIEST; SAINT OLIVER PLUNKETT,  BISHOP AND MARTYR; SAINT GAL, BISHOP OF CLERMONT AND BLESSED ANTONIO ROSMINI, PRIEST ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 1ST: Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We also celebrate the Memorial of Saint Junipero Serra, Priest; Saint Oliver Plunkett, Bishop, Martyr; Saint Gal, Bishop of Clermont and Blessed Antonio Rosmini, Priest. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, we humbly pray for the sick and dying, especially those suffering from cancer and other terminal diseases. We pray for the poor and needy, for justice, peace and unity in our families and our world. And we continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, for persecuted christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world.🙏🏽

FEAST OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST: During the month of July, we celebrate the Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, the Redeemer. Supreme homage is given to the Sacred Blood. As we adore the Sacred Heart, because it is the Heart of Jesus, who is God, so we adore the Most Precious Blood. It is the blood of Christ, the Lamb of God, which cleanses us from sin—therefore the Church developed a devotion to Jesus’ physical blood and its mystical power, just as it did for His Sacred Heart from which His blood poured out on the Cross. The Precious Blood of Jesus courses through the Church spiritually, giving eternal life to the Body of Christ through the sacraments. The Blood of Jesus is the fountain of salvation. Each drop that flowed from the wounds of the Saviour is a pledge of man’s eternal salvation. All races of the earth have been ransomed, and all individuals, who will allow the saving power of the Sacred Blood to be applied to their soul, are heirs of heaven. St. John Chrysostom calls the Precious Blood the saviour of souls; St. Thomas Aquinas, the key to heaven’s treasures; St. Ambrose, pure gold of ineffable worth; St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, a magnet of souls and pledge of eternal life. The sins of mankind, in their number, in their offense to the Supreme Being, in the effects on transgressors, are immense; yet, the Precious Blood of Jesus is not frightened by numbers, it has in Itself the power to appease an angered God and to heal wounded creatures.

The Precious Blood is a cleansing bath. Unlike all other blood, which stains, the Blood of Jesus washes clean and white. According to the words of St. John, in the Apocalypse, the Angels wonder, and the question is asked: These that are clothed in white robes, who are they? The Lord answers: These are they that have washed their robes, and have made them white in the Blood of the Lamb. For no other reason did the Precious Blood flow but to regain for the souls of men the beautiful dress of innocence, and , once regained, to preserve it throughout life and into eternity. The Blood of the Saviour is a well of consolation for troubled hearts. Can anyone, confidingly, look at the Sacred Blood trickling down from the Cross without taking courage to carry on, in spite of the difficulties which are the common lot of all? One glance at the Cross must be able to drive away fear. And, another, must be able to instill trust in Him who did not rest until the last drop, mingled with water, flowed out of an opened Heart. He, who was willing to do so much for men, must be willing to overlook and forget the frailties which they deeply regret; He must be willing to come to their assistance when harassed, to defend them when tempted, to comfort them when afflicted. The Blood of Jesus must be for Christians what the north-star is to sailors. Would that men on earth honored the Precious Blood in the manner in which they who are in heaven give honor and praise and thanksgiving! They proclaim that It purchased the glory which they enjoy. Without It, they would have remained slaves of Satan and outcasts from the eternal mansions of God. Let us profess that we owe to the Sacred Blood of Jesus all that we have in this life, and that to It we shall owe all that we shall enjoy in a better and eternal life! Many saints had a devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus, especially St. Catherine of Siena. Devotion to the Precious Blood spread widely through the preaching of Saint Gaspar del Bufalo, who was a 19th-century priest and the founder of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. This devotion was later approved and recommended by the Holy See. Pope Pius IX instituted this celebration in 1849 and it has since been observed around the world for centuries. The feast day offers a great opportunity for us to reflect on what the blood of Jesus means for us in our personal lives and walk of faith. The feast day of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus is July 1st. This feast recalls the various titles of the Redeemer.

Precious Blood of our Savior, the life-giving spring made ever open by the redeeming Cross! You wash away the stains of the whole world and in the Church, Paradise regained, you bring forth flowers of sanctity.🙏🏽

SAINT JUNIPERO SERRA, PRIEST: St. Junipero Serra (1713 – 1784), born Miguel José Serra in 1713 on the Spanish island of Majorca on November 24, 1713, to a farming family and he was baptized the same day he was born, and was later sent to be educated by the Franciscans. In 1730 he joined the Franciscans and was ordained to the priesthood in 1737. When he entered the Franciscan order at the age of 17, he took the name of Junipero, who was a friend of St. Francis and one of his first followers. St. Junipero was considered brilliant by his peers; he was well-trained in Philosophy and Theology, and taught at the University of Padua until 1749. In 1750, at the age of 37, he traveled to the New World and began ministering to the people of Mexico City. St. Junipero landed in Mexico City on January 1, 1750, and spent the rest of his life working for the conversation of the peoples of the New World. In 1768 he moved north and began working in the Californian missions. Father Serra took over the missions of the Jesuits (who had been wrongly expelled by the government) in the Mexican province of Lower California and Upper California (modern California). As a result of his tireless missionary efforts, this indefatigable worker, the holy man is largely responsible for the foundation and spread of Catholicism along the Western coast of the United States when it was still mission territory —as testified by the many Californian cities with Spanish Christian names. He founded the first nine of twenty-one Catholic missions that spread along the California coast. He converted thousands of Native American Indians to the Christian faith and taught them new and sound methods of agriculture, animal husbandry, cattle raising, arts and crafts – craftsmanship. St. Junipero was a dedicated religious and missionary. He was imbued with a penitential spirit and activities.

On August 28, 1784, worn out by his apostolic labors, Father Serra was called to his eternal rest. He died from tuberculosis at the age of 71, and he is buried at the church of San Carlos Borromeo in Carmel, California. The Native Americans he ministered wept at his death out of their love for him. St. Junipero Serra was beatified by Pope St. John Paul II on September 25, 1988 and canonized in September 23, 2015, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C., by Pope Francis, the first canonization Mass to ever take place on American soil. His statue, representing the State of California, is in National Statuary Hall. He’s referred to as the apostle and founder of California. His personal motto was, “Always go forward, never turn back.” He is Patron Saint of vocations to Church ministry. His feast day is July 1st.

PRAYER: Almighty, eternal God, You dedicated the joy of this day to the glorification Blessed Junipero. Mercifully grant that we may strive to retain and complete by our works that faith which he continually proclaimed with insatiable zeal. Amen🙏🏽

SAINT OLIVER PLUNKETT, BISHOP AND MARTYR: St. Oliver Plunkett (1625 – 1681) was the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. He maintained his duties in Ireland in the face of English persecution and was eventually arrested and tried for treason in London and martyred. St. Plunkett was born on November 1, 1625 into an influential Anglo-Norman family at Loughcrew, near Oldcastle, Co Meath, Ireland, related to several aristocratic families. In 1647, he went to the Irish College in Rome to study for the priesthood and was ordained a priest in 1654. The arrival of Cromwell in Ireland in 1649 initiated the massacre and persecution of Catholics. Cromwell left in 1650 but his legacy was enacted in anti-Catholic legislation. During the 1650s, Catholics were expelled from Dublin and landowners were dispossessed. Catholic priests were outlawed and those who continued to administer the sacraments were hanged or transported to the West Indies. To avoid persecution, Plunket petitioned to remain in Rome, and in 1657 became a professor of theology. When anti-Catholicism eased, Plunket returned to Ireland. In 1657 he became archbishop of Armagh. He set about reorganizing the ravaged Church, and built schools both for the young and for clergy whom he found ‘ignorant in moral theology and controversies’. He tackled drunkenness among the clergy, writing ‘Let us remove this defect from an Irish priest, and he will be a saint.’ In 1670, he summoned an episcopal conference in Dublin, and later held numerous synods in his own arch diocese. However, he had a long standing difference with the archbishop of Dublin, Peter Talbot, over their rival claims to be primate of Ireland. He also antagonized the Franciscans, particularly when he favored the Dominicans in a property dispute.

With the onset of new persecution in 1673, St. Plunket went into hiding, refusing a government edict to register at a seaport and await passage into exile. In 1678, the so-called Popish Plot concocted in England by Titus Oates led to further anti-Catholicism. Archbishop Talbot was arrested, and St. Plunket again went into hiding. The privy council in London was told he had plotted a French invasion. In December 1679, St. Plunket was imprisoned in Dublin Castle, where he gave absolution to the dying Talbot. Taken to London, he was found guilty in June 1681 of high treason on perjured evidence from two disaffected Franciscans. On 1 July 1, 1681, St. Plunket became the last Catholic martyr in England when he was hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn. He became the first Irish martyr to be formally canonised and the last Roman Catholic to be martyred for the faith at Tyburn in England. Saint Oliver Plunkett was beatified in 1920 and canonised in 1975, the first new Irish saint for almost seven hundred years. He’s the Patron Saint of Archdiocese of Armagh, Ireland.

Saint Oliver Plunkett, Bishop and Martyr ~ Pray for us🙏🏽

SAINT GAL, BISHOP OF CLERMONT: Saint Gal, Bishop of Clermont (489 – 553) was born at Clermont in Auvergne, about the year 489. His father was of the first families of that province, and his mother a descendant of the celebrated Roman martyr Vettius Apagatus, who suffered at Lyons for the faith of Christ. They both took special care of the education of their son, and when he reached a suitable age proposed to have him marry the daughter of a senator. The Saint, who had taken a resolution to consecrate himself to God, left his father’s house and went to the monastery of Cournon near the city of Clermont. He earnestly prayed to be admitted there among the monks, and having soon afterwards obtained the consent of his parents, with joy he renounced all worldly vanities to embrace religious poverty.

His virtues distinguished him and recommended him to Quintianus, bishop of Clermont, who taught him theology and was his spiritual director; he then promoted him to Holy Orders. When the bishop died in 527, Saint Gal was appointed to succeed him. In this new character his humility, charity, zeal, and above all his patience in bearing injuries, were conspicuous. Once when struck on the head by a brutal man, Saint Gal did not reveal the slightest emotion of anger or resentment, and by this meekness disarmed his attacker’s rage.Saint Gal participated in the important Council of Clermont in 535; six years later he took part in the Fourth Council of Orleans. He died in the year 553 after an illness which, by the sufferings it occasioned him, manifested once more his remarkable patience. After singing the Psalm Miserere, and another in thanksgiving, he gave up his holy soul to God. Many miracles occurred at his tomb; he is invoked especially against fevers.

Saint Gal, Bishop of Clermont ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

BLESSED ANTONIO ROSMINI, PRIEST: Bl. Antonio Francesco Davide Ambrogio Rosmini-Serbati, an Italian Roman Catholic priest and philosopher. He founded the Rosminians, officially the Institute of Charity or Societas a charitate nuncupata, pioneered the concept of social justice, and was a key figure in Italian Liberal Catholicism. Bl. Antonio was born on March 24, 1797 to Pier Modesto and Giovanna dei Conti Formenti di Riva at Rovereto, Austrian Tyrol (modern Trent, Italy), a very “Italian” town although part of the Austrian Empire since 1509. He was baptized the following day and received his early education locally. In 1816 he enrolled at the University of Padua, Italy, where he received doctorates in theology and canon law. After his studies he returned to Rovereto to prepare for Holy Orders. In February 1820 he accompanied his sister, Margherita, to Verona where the Marquess Maddalena of Canossa (now Blessed) had founded a religious institute. During the visit Maddalena invited him to found a male religious institute as a twin to her own institute. While the young man politely declined, her invitation in time proved prophetic. Bl. Antonio was ordained a priest on 21 April 1821 at Chioggia, Italy. In 1823 he travelled to Rome with the Patriarch of Venice, who arranged an audience for him with Pope Pius VII. In that audience the Pontiff encouraged him to undertake the reform of philosophy.

In 1826 he went to Milan to continue his research and publish the results of his philosophical studies. He wrote on many subjects, including the origin of ideas and certitude, the nature of the human soul, ethics, the relationship between Church and State, the philosophy of law, metaphysics, grace, original sin, the sacraments and education. On Ash Wednesday, 20 February 1828, Fr Rosmini withdrew to write the Constitutions of the budding Institute of Charity, in which he incorporated the principle of passivity (to be concerned with one’s personal sanctification until God’s will manifests itself to undertake some external work of charity) and the principle of impartiality (to free one of any personal preference in assuming a work of charity). To assure himself of God’s will in his philosophical and foundational work, Rosmini went to Rome a second time, in November 1828, and there received Pope Leo XII’s support. On 15 May 1829 he met with the new Pope, Pius VIII, who confirmed his double mission as philosopher and founder.
During this visit to Rome, Fr Rosmini published “Maxims of Christian Perfection” and “Origin of Ideas”, winning the admiration of many scholars. By 1832 the Institute of Charity had spread to Northern Italy and by 1835 it reached England, where the community enjoyed substantial growth. In England the Rosminians are credited with introducing the use of the Roman collar and cassock and the practice of wearing the religious habit in public. They were known for preaching missions, the practice of the Forty Hours, May devotions, the use of the scapular, novena celebrations, public processions and the blessing of throats on the feast of St Blaise. Pope Gregory XVI approved the Constitutions of the Institute of Charity on 20 December 1838. On 25 March 1839 vows were taken by 20 Italian and 6 British priests. On 20 September 1839 Fr Rosmini was appointed provost general for life. This happy period of growth and apostolic success, however, was tempered by opposition to his intellectual and philosophical writings from 1826 until his death.

Primarily his “Treatise on Moral Conscience” (1839) led to a sharp, 15-year controversy which required more than one Papal injunction to silence the “Rosminian Question”. Another important, controversial work was “The Five Wounds of the Church” (1832). Fr Rosmini found himself wedged between the obligation to renew Catholic philosophy and finding his works on the Index. But his obedience to the Church was admirable: “In everything, I want to base myself on the authority of the Church, and I want the whole world to know that I adhere to this authority alone” (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, “Note on the Force of the Doctrinal Decrees”, L’Osservatore Romano English edition [ORE], 25 July 2001, p. 9). To close the issue definitively, the Pontiff submitted all Rosmini’s works to examination by the Congregation of the Index. On 3 July 1854, it was decreed: “All the works of Antonio Rosmini-Serbati that have recently been examined are to be dismissed, and this examination in no way detracts from the good name of the author, nor of the religious Society founded by him, nor from his life and singular merits towards the Church” (R. Malone, “Historical Overview of the Rosmini Case”, ORE, 25 July 2001, p. 10). Less than a year after this Decree, Fr Antonio Rosmini died on 1 July 1855 at Stresa, Italy, at age 58 on the feast day of the Precious Blood of JESUS. Found on his bedside cabinet was a worn-out booklet of personal prayers entitled, “Jesu Christi Passio”, containing some devotions to the Precious Blood of Jesus given to him by St. Magdalene of Canossa in the distant 1821. He had written on it, as a reminder to himself: “The Commemorations in honour of the most precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ are to be recited daily, so that our own blood may be offered to the heavenly Father in union with that of Jesus”.

Blessed Antonio Francesco Davide Ambrogio Rosmini-Serbati, Priest ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOSEMARIA ESCRIVA, PRIEST; SAINTS JOHN AND PAUL, MARTYRS; SAINT ANTHELM, BISHOP; SAINT PELAGIUS OF CÓRDOBA, MARTYR AND BLESSED JACQUES GHAZIR HADDAD, PRIEST ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 26TH Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Josemaría Escrivá, Priest; Saints John and Paul, Martyrs; Saint Anthelm, Bishop; Saint Pelagius of Córdoba and Blessed Jacques Ghazir Haddad. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for the sick and dying, especially those suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases. We pray for the poor and needy, for justice, peace and unity in our families and our world. And we continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world, especially those suffering from political and religious unrest. May God protect us all and keep united in peace, love and faith… Amen 🙏🏽

SAINT JOSEMARIA ESCRIVA, PRIEST: St. Josemaria Escriva (1902-1975) was born in 1902 at Barbastro Spain, one of six children of a devout Catholic family. Growing up, he observed his parents faithfully endure painful family trials (the death of three of their young children and devastating financial setbacks) and this had a profound effect on his own faith. As a teenager he discovered his vocation to the priesthood when he saw the path of footprints in the snow left by a barefoot Carmelite friar. He then experienced a radical conversion: he gave up his intended career as an architect and entered the seminary. He spent most of his life studying and teaching in universities, earning a doctorate in civil law and theology.

Saint Josemaria Escriva’s was ordained in Saragossa in 1925 and by divine inspiration and lasting impact lies in the foundation of Opus Dei (“The Work of God”), an organization of laity and priests dedicated to the universal call of holiness and the belief that ordinary, daily life is an authentic path to sanctity. This foundation opened a new way for the faithful to sanctify themselves in the midst of the world. Today Opus Dei has over 80,000 members worldwide. His famous written work is The Way, a collection of spiritual and pastoral reflections on the gospels and their application to everyday life. On June 26, 1975, after glancing at an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe in his office in Rome, St. Josemaría died suddenly of  zed arrest. He was canonized a saint on October 6, 2002 by Pope John Paul II.  

St. Josemaria Escriva, Priest ~ Pray for us🙏🏽

SAINTS JOHN AND PAUL, MARTYRS: Saints John and Paul (d. 362 A.D.) were two blood brothers, who encouraged each other to remain faithful in their sufferings and were  martyred for the Catholic faith in their own home. Sts. John and Paul were officers of the Roman army in the days of Constantine the Great. Sts. John and Paul were imperial officers of high repute. They served in the house of Princess Constance (Constantia) daughter of Constantine,  who was consecrated to God; their virtues and services to her father rendered them very dear to her. They would soon glorify God by a great moral victory; after despising the honors of the world, they triumphed by their martyrdom over its threats and torments. After a successful career of soldiering, Constantine the Great entrusted Saints John and Paul with the protection of his daughter, Constantia. With the aid of the liberality of the Christian princess, they were practicing many works of charity and mercy, until the deaths of both Constantine and Constance.

Upon the death of Constantine in 337 and his bequeathal of a formidable inheritance, Saints John and Paul retired to private life, built a house on the Caelian Hill, led exemplary Christian lives of charity and prayer, and prospered under the reign of Constantine II. In A.D. 361, Julian the Apostate ascended to the imperial throne. From his youth, Julian had exhibited strong pagan tendencies, and during his reign, he reestablished many pagan practices, persecuted the Church, and challenged the authority of bishops throughout the empire. The Christian brothers saw many wicked men prosper in their impiety, but were not dazzled by their example. They considered that worldly prosperity accompanied by impunity in sin is the most dreadful of all judgments, indicating reprobation. And history reveals how false and short-lived was the glittering prosperity of Julian. In the summer of 362, he called Saints John and Paul back to military service in his court. Their acquiescence to Julian’s request would have meant a denial of their Catholic faith, since court officials were required to offer incense to false pagan gods. Saints John and Paul recoiled at the thought of apostasy. Their refusal enraged Julian who accused them of impiety, a capital crime. Certain that Julian would order their deaths, Saints John and Paul charitably dispersed their earthly possessions to the poor of Rome.

Julian sought to murder them, but he feared public outcry, for the Saints were extremely popular. Thus, the Emperor dispatched Terentianus, an officer of his court, with a murderous objective to their home. When he entered, he found Saints John and Paul at prayer. When they rejected Terentianus’ order to offer sacrifice to Jupiter, he ordered them, on Julian’s prior instruction, beheaded on the night of June 26, 362 in their own home. Then Terentianus buried their bodies in the house and spread the rumor that Julian had sent Saints John and Paul into exile. It did not take long for the truth to be known. A certain person, praying in the house, was granted a vision, wherein he saw, and loudly proclaimed, the details of the heinous crime. Many were converted thereafter, including Terentianus himself. One year later to the day of the martyrdom of Saints John and Paul, on June 26, 363, Julian the Apostate, was felled by an arrow while campaigning in Mesopotamia. He died with the words “Vicisit Galilaee” (“Thou hast conquered, Galilean”). Since the fifth century, the names of Saints John and Paul have been included in the Roman Canon of the Mass. The Basilica of Saints John and Paul sits atop the Caelian Hill, one of the seven hills of ancient Rome. The basilica is built over the home of Saints John and Paul, where they were murdered. Saints John and Paul’s feast day is celebrated on June 26, the date of their martyrdom.

Saints John and Paul, Martyrs ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

SAINT ANTHELM, BISHOP: St. Anthelm (1107-1177) was a prior of the Carthusian Grand Chartreuse  and bishop of Belley. St. Anthelm, rightfully regarded as the greatest ecclesiastic of his age, was born about 1107 in Savoy of a noble family, who educated him for the Church. After ordination he was made provost and secretary of the province of Geneva and increased the earning of his diocese by astute management. Up to that time, he was a high-minded young priest, hospitable and generous, but, as his background might suggest, primarily interested in the things of the world. However, Anthelm’s outlook changed drastically as a result of a change visit to the Carthusian monastery at Portes. So at the age of thirty St. Anthelm resigned his ecclesiastical benefice, left the world, and donned the habit of St. Bruno. Two years later (1139), he became Prior of the motherhouse of his Order, the Grande Charteuse, which soon began to flourish under his direction. He increased the number and the fervor of those in the community, repaired its buildings, and brought the other monasteries into relation with it. In the process he also became the first Master General of the Order.

In 1152, St. Anthelm retired Portes, looking forward to a life of solitude. But God had other plans for him. He was appointed Prior of Portes and succeeded in reforming that monastery as well. Two years later he returned to the Grande Charteuse bit still was denied solitude. In 1159, a schism occurred in the Church between the supporters of the canonically elected Pope, Alexander III, and a rival put forward by the powerful Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. St. Anthelm supported the true Pope by a strong and vociferous campaign that resulted in the Pope’s triumph and in the appointment of Anthelm as Bishop of Belley.

Prevailed upon to accept the Episcopacy, St. Anthelm applied himself to it in characteristic fashion, showing himself to be a brilliant administrator, dedicated reformer, and fearless battler for truth. He did not even hesitate to reprove the Pope when in 1175 the latter lifted the excommunication that the Saint had imposed on Count Hubert of Marienne for glaring misdeeds. Shortly afterward, the Pope commissioned St. Anthelm to go to England and try to reconcile king Henry II and St. Thomas Becket; but he was prevented from going by his death, which took place on June 26, 1177. St. Anthelm established a community for women solitaries. The good bishop spent his last years tending to the lepers and the poor. He was distributing food in a famine when he was felled by fever. As St. Anthelm lay dying, he was visited by Humbert who sought his forgiveness. Miracles are said to have occurred at his tomb, one being that, as he was lowered into the tomb, a lamp lit only for great festivals kindled spontaneously.

PRAYER: God, You made Your Bishop St. Anthelm an outstanding minister of Your Church by his prayer and pastoral zeal. Through his prayers grant that Your faithful flock may always find pastors after Your heart and salutary pastures. Amen 🙏🏽

SAINT PELAGIUS OF CÓRDOBA, MARTYR: St. Pelagius of Córdoba (c. 912–925 A.D.) was a Christian thirteen year old boy, a teenager who died as a martyr in Córdoba in southern Spain around 925 AD for refusing to denounce his faith and convert to Islam and rejecting Homosexuality. He chose death rather than submission to the sexual advances or the false religion of the Muslim Caliph of Córdoba. 10th century Cordoba was the most powerful and glorious time in the world for the muslim caliphates and they boasted the largest mosque outside of the Caaba in Mecca.

St. Pelagius of Córdoba was born in 912 AD, Crecente, Spain. Pelagius means ”dweller by the sea” and in Spain he is known as San pelayo. St. Pelagius, as a ten year old boy, was taken hostage by the Moors of Cordoba during a rampage in a Christian town. He was in captivity for three years and nobody had made any attempt to ransom him. The Emir of Cordoba offered him his freedom if he would convert to Islam. St. Pelagius refused to convert to Islam and rejected having sex with a Muslim pasha due to his Christian faith. For this he was tortured and killed. He was scourged and had his arms and legs cut off and he was finally beheaded. He is said to have endured six hours of constant excruciating pain until he died. St. Pelagius died on June 26, 925 AD, Córdoba, Spain and was buried at Sacramental de San Ginés y San Luis. Due to his martyrdom he is regarded as a saint for men and women struggling with same-sex attraction as well as holy purity, hence in art he is depicted with a lily, a symbol of chastity. He’s the Patron Saint of abandoned people, torture victims, Castro Urdiales, Spain. Saint Pelagius is venerated in Leon, Cordoba, and Oviedo, where his relics have been kept since they were transferred there in 985. His Feast Day is June 26th.

Saint Pelagius of Córdoba, Martyr ~ Pray for us🙏🏽

BLESSED JACQUES GHAZIR HADDAD, PRIEST: Bl. Jacques Ghazir Haddad (1875-1954), recently beatified was Founder of the Franciscan Sisters of the Holy Cross. As a Capuchin Missionary, he traveled through the mountains preaching and teaching the people to pray. The last twenty-three years of his life were devoted to the apostolate of charity and care of the most abandoned. Thousands of poor people found in care of his Sisters of the Cross comfort and reason to hope. Fr Jacques Ghazir Haddad was born on February 1, 1875, in Ghazir, in the heart of Lebanon, the third of five children. He attended school in Ghazir and then the College de la Sageese in Beirut, where he studied Arabic, French and Syriac. In 1892 he went to Alexandria, Egypt, to teach Arabic at the Christian Brothers’ College, and there he felt the call to the priesthood. He entered the Capuchin Convent in Khashbau the next year. He was ordained a priest on November 1, 1901 in Beirut, Lebanon. As an itinerant preacher from 1903 to 1914 he walked all over Lebanon proclaiming the Word of God and was given the name “the Apostle of Lebanon”. He was also seen preaching in Syria, Palestine, Iraq and Turkey.

In 1919 he bought a piece of land on the hill of Jall-Eddib, north of Beirut, where he built a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Sea. Nearby he erected a great Cross. Fr Jacques was tireless, he would help anyone in need following in the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi. In 1920, to assist him in this mission to help the sick and the poor, he founded the Franciscan Sisters of the Holy Cross of Lebanon. The modest work of Fr Jacques aroused the people’s admiration, many poor and sick people began to go to the “Cross” and Fr Jacques would welcome them all. In 1950 the “Cross” became exclusively a psychiatric hospital, one of the most modern in the Near East. The movement of charity began to spread throughout Lebanon and Fr Jacques and his Sisters multiplied their works of social assistance. In 1933 he opened the House of the Sacred Heart in Deir el-Kamar, a girls’ orphanage, which later became an asylum for the chronically ill. In 1948 he opened the Hospital of Our Lady for the aged, the chronically ill and the paralyzed. In 1949 St Joseph’s Hospital became one of the most important medical centres of the capital. It was followed in 1950 by St Anthony’s House in Beirut for beggars and vagabonds whom the police found on the streets and Providence House for homeless girls. Even though Fr Jacques was very busy with the hospital mission, he and his Sisters carried on the important work of education and opened several schools as well as an orphanage for 200 girls.

Fr Jacques was worn out by vigils, fatigue and travel. Although he suffered from numerous illnesses, became almost completely blind and was stricken with leukemia, he did not stop blessing God and working. He was lucid to the end, his last hours were an uninterrupted series of prayers invoking the Cross and the Virgin Mary until he died on 26 June 1954 in Lebanon. His cause for Beatification was introduced in February 1979; on February 24, 1979, His Holiness Pope John Paul II signed the Decree of Introduction of the Cause for Beatification. On Sunday, June 22, 2008, he was beatified during a special Mass in Beirut by Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, C.M.F., Prefect of Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Since Bl. Haddad’s death additional hospitals have opened to assist those injured during the war and to assist the Kabr-Chemoun region where medical services were scarce.

Blessed Jacques Ghazir Haddad, Priest ~ Pray for us🙏🏽