SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY – JULY 29TH

MEMORIAL OF SAINTS MARTHA, MARY AND LAZARUS; SAINTS SIMPLICIUS, FAUSTINUS AND BEATRICE, MARTYRS; SAINT OLAF II OF NORWAY, KING AND MARTYR; SAINT WILLIAM PINCHON, BISHOP; SAINT LUPUS OF TROYES, BISHOP ~ FEAST DAY – JULY 29TH: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus; Saints Simplicius, Faustinus & Beatrice, Martyrs; Saint Olaf II of Norway, King & Martyr; Saint William Pinchon, Bishop; and Saint Lupus of Troyes, Bishop. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for all families, for peace, love and unity in our families and our world. We pray for homemakers, and maids, for the sick and dying, especially those suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases. We pray for those going through difficulties especially during these challenging times, for the poor, the needy, widows, and orphans. We pray for Christian leaders, rulers, and bishops that they may lead with courage, wisdom, and justice. We also pray for all travelers and we continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, for persecuted christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world.🙏🏾 

SAINTS MARTHA, MARY AND LAZARUS: On January 26, 2021, Pope Francis ordered the inscription of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus into the General Roman Calendar, to replace the existing celebration of Saint Martha alone. The Feast day of Saints  Martha, Mary and Lazarus will be celebrated each year as an Obligatory Memorial on July 29, which means it must be observed. Pope Francis approved the memorial for Martha, Mary and Lazarus after “considering the important evangelical witness they offered in welcoming the Lord Jesus into their home, in listening to Him attentively, (and) in believing that He is the resurrection and the life.” For many centuries, the Church’s liturgy taught that the “Mary” of Bethany and the “Mary” of Magdala were one and the same, with the “composite Mary” feast day on July 22. The liturgical reforms after the Second Vatican Council, however, specifically identified the memorial of July 22 as that of Saint Mary Magdalene, leaving unresolved whether she is, or is not, the same person as Mary of Bethany. In 2021 Pope Francis resolved this question, at least liturgically. The memorial of July 29, until 2021 dedicated exclusively to Saint Martha, was expanded to include Mary and Lazarus as well. So the memorials of July 22 (Mary Magdalene) and July 29 celebrate two distinct Marys. Mary of Bethany is not Mary of Magdala. While Scripture scholars are now closer to separating Mary Magdalen from Mary of Bethany, the true identity of Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus is still not solidly known.

Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus were three siblings who resided in the town of Bethany, just outside of Jerusalem. Having lived during the time of Jesus Christ, they have personally experienced the goodness of the Son of God. Saints Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus were evidently close friends of Jesus. He came to their home simply as a welcomed guest. The sisters felt free to call on Jesus at their brother’s death, even though a return to Judea at that time seemed to spell almost certain death. In the household of Bethany, the Lord Jesus experienced the family spirit and friendship of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, and for this reason the Gospel of John states that He loved them,” it said. “Martha generously offered Him hospitality, Mary listened attentively to His words and Lazarus promptly emerged from the tomb at the command of the one who humiliated death.” Martha would serve the Lord faithfully when He was a guest in her home, once busying herself so much with her work that she neglected to spend time enjoying His presence, for which she earned a gentle rebuke from Our Lord Jesus when she complained about Mary not helping with the cooking when He came to visit (Luke 10: 38-42). Martha had great faith in Christ, especially evidenced in her belief that He could raise her brother Lazarus from the dead. In the Gospels we read that St. Martha testified that Jesus was the Son of God even before His Passion and Resurrection. It is also recorded that Martha served Jesus at supper six days before the Passover. (John 12: 1-2). According to tradition, after the Ascension of Jesus into heaven, St. Martha gathered a group of women together to live, pray, and do penance in common, one of the early Christian houses of consecrated women. According to legend, after our Lord’s Ascension St. Martha traveled to France with her brother Lazarus and sister, Mary. Martha, Mary and Lazarus evangelised Provence. Lazarus became a missionary to Gaul, and became the first bishop of Marseilles, France, and a martyr in the persecutions of Domitian. The Order of Lazarists founded by St Vincent de Paul took its name from the church in Paris dedicated to Saint Lazare. Chichester Cathedral has an 11th century sculpture depicting the Raising of Lazarus. In 1187, the alleged relics of St. Martha were discovered at Tarascon, France, and placed in a magnificent crypt in the collegiate church there. Saint Martha is a Patron Saint of cooks; housewives; domestic servants; homemakers; restaurant servers; innkeepers; laundry workers; maids; servants; servers; single laywomen; travellers; hotel-keepers; manservants. St. Lazarus Patron Saint of Gravediggers. Together, Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus are Patron Saints of Siblings.

PRAYER: Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, your family life of faith provides a model of unity to all siblings. May all brothers and sisters rise above mundane family tensions and disagreements and unite around things eternal and transcendent. Amen 🙏🏾

SAINTS SIMPLICIUS, FAUSTINUS AND BEATRICE, MARTYRS: The brothers Simplicius and Faustinus and their sister, Beatrice, gave their lives for Christ at Rome, A.D. 304. Saints Simplicius and Faustinus, denounced as Christians to the persecutors, were put to death at Rome under Emperor Diocletian in 304 A.D. The two brothers were cruelly tormented, and at length beheaded at Rome in the persecution of Diocletian, in the year 304. From the bridge called the pons aemilius, which spanned the Tiber River over Tiber Island, the bodies of the two brothers were tossed into the waters below. Their sister Beatrice took up their bodies out of the Tiber and gave them burial. She concealed herself for seven months in the house of a virtuous widow called Lucina, with whom she spent her time, night and day in fervent prayer, and in the exercise of other good works. It was not long before Beatrice met the same fate as her brothers. She was denounced as a Christian, imprisoned and, despite the threats she received, persevered in the faith. She was discovered and impeached by a pagan kinsman, who designed to possess himself of her estate, which was contiguous to his own; she resolutely protested to the judge that she would never adore gods of wood and stone, and was strangled by his order in prison the following night. Lucina buried her body near her brothers on the side of the highway to Porto, in the cemetery called Ad Ursum Pileatum. Pope Leo II translated their relics into a Church at Rome dedicated in their names which he built to the honor of these Martyrs in the city, they now lie in that of St. Mary Major.

The catacomb called “Generosa” was on the via Portuense, and the three saints came to be known as the martyres portuenses. Of particular note in the catacomb is the fresco with Byzantine characteristics, which was discovered there, called Coronatio Martyrum, dating back to the 6th century. In it are depicted five characters: in the center Christ who offers the crown of martyrdom to Simplicius, flanked by Beatrice, while on the left are the figures of Faustinus, with the palm of martyrdom in his hand, and of Rufus. Later, the relics of Saint Beatrice and her brothers were brought to the Oratory of the Church of Saint Bibiana around 682 by Pope Leo II. Pope Urban VIII then later decided that the ancient church was to be restored by the hand of Bernini. The latter brought down the Oratory and the marble arch was carried to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. Some of her relics are found in other parts of Europe, the most significant in Germany. The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration have relics purported to be those of Saint Beatrice at their monastery in Clyde, Missouri, where a wax effigy of the saint lies in a glass case. Saint Simplicius is the patron saint of Lauterbach and one of the patrons pf the city of Fulda. Images of Simplicius can be found on monuments, house facades and as a work of art throughout Lauterbach.

PRAYER: O Lord, all Christian nations joyfully unite today to celebrate the feast of your martyrs Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus, and Beatrice. Grant that the faithful may rejoice in it through all eternity and share the triumph of Your saints which they commemorate. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever…. Amen 🙏🏾

SAINT OLAF II OF NORWAY, KING AND MARTYR: St. Olaf II (995–1030), also known as Olaf Haraldsson, was born into the Norwegian royal family and became one of the most influential Christian rulers in the history of Scandinavia. As a young man, he traveled widely throughout Europe as a Viking warrior and military commander. During his travels, he encountered the Christian faith more deeply and was baptized in Rouen, France. Upon returning to Norway, Olaf became king in 1015 and dedicated his reign to uniting the country under Christianity and establishing lasting peace among rival chieftains. He built churches, encouraged the education of clergy, promoted Christian marriage and morality, and introduced laws based on Christian principles that transformed Norwegian society.

Although some accepted Christianity willingly, others opposed his reforms, leading to political unrest. Eventually, Olaf was forced into exile after losing his throne. In 1030, believing God had called him to restore Christian leadership in Norway, he returned with a small army. He was killed during the Battle of Stiklestad on July 29, 1030, and was immediately honored by many as a martyr who died defending the Christian faith. Numerous miracles were reported at his tomb after his death. Only one year later, Bishop Grimketel declared him a saint, making him Norway’s national patron. Today, St. Olaf is remembered as the great Christian King of Norway whose life united courageous leadership with unwavering faith in Christ. Saint Olaf II is the Patron Saint of Norway, kings, difficult marriages, and carved woodworkers.

PRAYER: Lord God, You raised up Saint Olaf to bring the light of the Gospel to his nation and to govern with justice and Christian courage. Grant that leaders of nations today may seek Your truth, promote peace, and protect the faith of Your people. Through Christ our Lord. Amen 🙏🏾

SAINT WILLIAM PINCHON, BISHOP: St. William Pinchon (c.1084–1154) was born into a noble family in Brittany, France. From an early age, he preferred prayer, study, and service to worldly honors. After completing his theological studies, he became a priest whose holiness, wisdom, and charity quickly became known throughout the region. In 1220 he was appointed Bishop of Saint-Brieuc, where he faithfully guided both clergy and laity with compassion, humility, and unwavering devotion to Christ.
Bishop William was especially devoted to caring for the poor, widows, orphans, and those suffering from illness. He frequently shared the resources of the Church with those in greatest need. He courageously defended the rights and freedom of the Church when conflicts arose between ecclesiastical authority and civil rulers. Despite opposition, he remained peaceful and charitable toward his adversaries. He encouraged frequent prayer, faithful participation in the sacraments, and holy living among his people, always leading more by personal example than by words alone. His episcopal ministry was marked by simplicity, generosity, justice, and deep pastoral concern for every soul entrusted to his care. Following his death in 1154, many miracles were attributed to his intercession, and he was later canonized by Pope Innocent IV as a model bishop and faithful shepherd.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, in Saint William Pinchon You gave Your Church a shepherd filled with charity for the poor and courage in defending the faith. Grant that our bishops and pastors may lead with the same humility, generous spirit, and devotion to those most in need. Amen 🙏🏾

SAINT LUPUS OF TROYES, BISHOP: St. Lupus (c.383–479) was born into a noble family in Gaul (modern-day France). Before becoming a bishop, he was married, but with the mutual consent of his wife, they embraced lives of consecrated continence dedicated entirely to God. Seeking a life of holiness, Lupus entered the famous Abbey of Lérins, where he devoted himself to prayer, fasting, Scripture, and monastic discipline. Around 427, he was chosen Bishop of Troyes despite his reluctance, recognizing the office as a call to humble service rather than personal honor.

During his fifty-two years as bishop, he became renowned for his wisdom, holiness, compassion, and fearless defense of his flock during times of war, famine, and political instability. One of the most famous events of his life occurred in 451 when Attila the Hun approached Troyes. Tradition holds that Bishop Lupus courageously met Attila, whose army spared the city through God’s providence and the saint’s prayers. Throughout his ministry he devoted himself to preaching the Gospel, reconciling enemies, caring for the poor, encouraging priests, and strengthening the faith of his people. His life became a shining example of pastoral leadership rooted in humility, courage, prayer, and complete trust in God’s providence. St. Lupus died around 479 after more than five decades as bishop. He remains one of the most beloved bishops of the early Church and is honored throughout France for his courageous witness.

PRAYER: O God, who gave Saint Lupus of Troyes the courage to protect his people in times of great danger and war, grant us through his intercession the strength to trust in Your providence during our own trials and the grace to be peacemakers in our world. Through Christ our Lord. Amen 🙏🏾