I have been contemplating the word "deserve" lately. In the last week, a couple of friends have congratulated me on my new car and said, "you deserve this." While I am grateful to know that my friends think so well of me, I would never have thought of it in terms of deserving anything. Yes, I work hard for my money and I have tried to be frugal, pay off bills and save money so that I could afford a new car. But does it then follow that I DESERVE it? Yes, I totally needed a new car -- my old car was in sad shape and was getting to the point of being almost dangerous (and somewhat scary) to drive. Does this mean that I DESERVE a new car? Yes, I absolutely love my new car and am very thrilled that I bought it when I did -- I know this has nothing to do with DESERVING it.
So, what does it mean to deserve something? I have heard it said that GRACE (the free, unmerited gift of God) is getting what you don't deserve and MERCY (Jubilee Year of Mercy, folks!) is NOT getting what you do deserve. I have received innumerable gifts, blessings, graces in my life that I in no way earned or deserved. And I don't like to think of what I do deserve for all my failings (thoughtlessness, anger, pride, vanity -- just to name a few). My heart is just overflowing to think of how much Grace and Mercy I have already received in my life.
This absolutely is not meant to dis the friends who made the comments. I am so filled with gratitude and LOVE just knowing that I have such wonderful people in my life. I absolutely DO NOT deserve to have friends who think so well of me that they are happy for me to have something that they do not and that they actually think that I DESERVE to have it!! That is what I call real LOVE, folks -- and I honestly say that is worth way more than my pretty new car.
Friday, December 11, 2015
Monday, November 30, 2015
St. Juan Diego
For our final Saint of November 2015, I will feature one whose feast day is coming up shortly, St. Juan Diego.
Juan Diego was a native born Mexican. He and his wife were among the first to be baptized after the arrival of the main group of Franciscan Missionaries in Mexico in 1524. Sources say that his wife died two years before the apparitions.
On Dec. 9, 1531, while making his way to the Franciscan Mission station for religious instruction, Juan Diego passed by the hill at Tepeyac and he encountered the Virgin Mary who revealed herself as the ever-virgin Mother of God and instructed him to request the bishop to erect a chapel in her honor. Juan delivered the message, but the bishop told him to come back another day after he had time to reflect on the request. Juan Diego encountered the Blessed Virgin again on his return trip and told her of the failure of his mission. He suggested that she needed to recruit someone of greater importance, but she insisted that it was he that she wanted for the task. Juan agreed to repeat the request, which he did the following day. The bishop asked for a sign to prove that the apparition was truly from heaven. Juan Diego returned immediately to Tepeyac and, encountering the Virgin Mary reported the bishop's request for a sign; she condescended to provide one on the following day (December 11).
By December 11, Juan Diego's uncle had fallen ill and Juan was obliged to attend him. Early the next day he set out to get a priest to hear his uncle's confession and minister to him on his death bed. In order to avoid being delayed by the Virgin, Juan Diego took another route around the hill. The Virgin intercepted him and asked where he was going. Juan Diego explained his mission, and the Virgin gently chided him for not having had recourse to her. In the words which have become the most famous phrase of the Guadalupe event and are inscribed over the main entrance to the Basilica of Guadalupe, she asked: "No estoy yo aqui que soy tu madre?" (Am I not here, I who am your mother?). She assured him that his uncle had recovered and told him to go to the top of the hill and collect the flowers growing there as the sign requested by the bishop. Juan Diego did as he was told. On gaining admission to the bishop in Mexico City later that day, Juan Diego opened his mantle, the flowers poured to the floor, and the bishop saw they had left on the mantle an imprint of the Virgin's image which he immediately venerated.
The image is still venerated to this day in the Basilica that was built on the sight. Juan Diego's feast day is Dec. 9.
Juan Diego was a native born Mexican. He and his wife were among the first to be baptized after the arrival of the main group of Franciscan Missionaries in Mexico in 1524. Sources say that his wife died two years before the apparitions.
On Dec. 9, 1531, while making his way to the Franciscan Mission station for religious instruction, Juan Diego passed by the hill at Tepeyac and he encountered the Virgin Mary who revealed herself as the ever-virgin Mother of God and instructed him to request the bishop to erect a chapel in her honor. Juan delivered the message, but the bishop told him to come back another day after he had time to reflect on the request. Juan Diego encountered the Blessed Virgin again on his return trip and told her of the failure of his mission. He suggested that she needed to recruit someone of greater importance, but she insisted that it was he that she wanted for the task. Juan agreed to repeat the request, which he did the following day. The bishop asked for a sign to prove that the apparition was truly from heaven. Juan Diego returned immediately to Tepeyac and, encountering the Virgin Mary reported the bishop's request for a sign; she condescended to provide one on the following day (December 11).
By December 11, Juan Diego's uncle had fallen ill and Juan was obliged to attend him. Early the next day he set out to get a priest to hear his uncle's confession and minister to him on his death bed. In order to avoid being delayed by the Virgin, Juan Diego took another route around the hill. The Virgin intercepted him and asked where he was going. Juan Diego explained his mission, and the Virgin gently chided him for not having had recourse to her. In the words which have become the most famous phrase of the Guadalupe event and are inscribed over the main entrance to the Basilica of Guadalupe, she asked: "No estoy yo aqui que soy tu madre?" (Am I not here, I who am your mother?). She assured him that his uncle had recovered and told him to go to the top of the hill and collect the flowers growing there as the sign requested by the bishop. Juan Diego did as he was told. On gaining admission to the bishop in Mexico City later that day, Juan Diego opened his mantle, the flowers poured to the floor, and the bishop saw they had left on the mantle an imprint of the Virgin's image which he immediately venerated.
The image is still venerated to this day in the Basilica that was built on the sight. Juan Diego's feast day is Dec. 9.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
St. Don John Bosco
In the Columbus Diocese, we celebrate today's Saint by holding a youth rally for middle-school students in the middle of Winter -- I have had the great pleasure of attending Bosco Bash and had a great time!
St. John Bosco lived in Italy in the 19th century. Born of poor parents, his father died when he was two years old, leaving his mother to raise her two boys. He was a smart boy and enjoyed his studies, but the poverty of his family meant that he often had to abandon his books to work in the fields. His desire for study did not leave him and he was eventually able to enter seminary and become a priest ("Don" is an honorific title used for priests in Italy, similar to us calling a priest "Reverend").
Early in his priesthood, Don John Bosco witnessed the plight of young boys confined in prisons or roaming the streets, exposed to evil influences, with little to anticipate from life except the gallows. His heart went out to these street urchins and he started an Oratory for them. The primary focus of the Oratory was prayer, but he also took the boys on outings, started a band and night schools for the boys who worked in the factories.
Unfortunately, Don Bosco had to give up the rooms he had procured for his Oratory and his efforts to help the youth were plagued with petty annoyances and obstacles. Complaints were lodged that his community was a nuisance owing to the character of the boys he befriended. His perseverance in the face of difficulty led some to believe that he was insane and efforts were made to put him in an asylum.
The Oratory moved several times before finding a permanent location where the night schools resumed. Some of the boys desired to live at the Oratory, and dormitories were built, becoming the first Salesian Home. The municipal authorities came to realize the importance of Don John Bosco's work and he began a fund for the erection of technical schools and workshops without much difficulty. In 1869, fifty priests and teachers who had been assisting him formed a society under a common rule -the Salesian Society. At the time of Don Bosco's death in 1888 there were 250 houses of the Salesian Society in all parts of the world, containing 130,000 children, and from which there annually went out 18,000 finished apprentices. (Info courtesy of NewAdvent.org)
John Bosco's feast day is January 31 (which is why we have Bosco Bash in mid-winter).
St. John Bosco lived in Italy in the 19th century. Born of poor parents, his father died when he was two years old, leaving his mother to raise her two boys. He was a smart boy and enjoyed his studies, but the poverty of his family meant that he often had to abandon his books to work in the fields. His desire for study did not leave him and he was eventually able to enter seminary and become a priest ("Don" is an honorific title used for priests in Italy, similar to us calling a priest "Reverend").
Early in his priesthood, Don John Bosco witnessed the plight of young boys confined in prisons or roaming the streets, exposed to evil influences, with little to anticipate from life except the gallows. His heart went out to these street urchins and he started an Oratory for them. The primary focus of the Oratory was prayer, but he also took the boys on outings, started a band and night schools for the boys who worked in the factories.
Unfortunately, Don Bosco had to give up the rooms he had procured for his Oratory and his efforts to help the youth were plagued with petty annoyances and obstacles. Complaints were lodged that his community was a nuisance owing to the character of the boys he befriended. His perseverance in the face of difficulty led some to believe that he was insane and efforts were made to put him in an asylum.
The Oratory moved several times before finding a permanent location where the night schools resumed. Some of the boys desired to live at the Oratory, and dormitories were built, becoming the first Salesian Home. The municipal authorities came to realize the importance of Don John Bosco's work and he began a fund for the erection of technical schools and workshops without much difficulty. In 1869, fifty priests and teachers who had been assisting him formed a society under a common rule -the Salesian Society. At the time of Don Bosco's death in 1888 there were 250 houses of the Salesian Society in all parts of the world, containing 130,000 children, and from which there annually went out 18,000 finished apprentices. (Info courtesy of NewAdvent.org)
John Bosco's feast day is January 31 (which is why we have Bosco Bash in mid-winter).
Saturday, November 28, 2015
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
Today's Saint was suggested by my sister and is a unique Saint in many ways. Most people who take on a new name upon joining a religious order are known by that religious name when they are canonized as Saints: St. Anthony, St. Junipero, Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, St. John-Paul II, etc. However, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross is better known by her birth name of Edith Stein.
Edith was born on Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of Atonement, the youngest of 11 children of a strictly religious Jewish family. This date had deep symbolic meaning for Edith throughout her life. Her father died when she was little more than 2 years old. Her mother worked hard to raise her large family and instill in the children a faith in God. Despite her mother's efforts, Edith lost her faith in a personal God at a young age. Her faith was replaced by an intense search for the truth.
A very intelligent woman, Edith studied history and psychology in a search to become acquainted with the fundamentals of human existence. She then moved on to the study of phenomenology. She graduated summa cum laude with a doctorate in Philosophy, but her search for the truth found its ultimate satisfaction when she was visiting friends and came across the autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila. This encounter with a Saint changed the course of her life.
Within a few months she was baptized. She had it in mind to join the convent, but her spiritual director advised against it out of consideration for the feelings of her Jewish mother. It was another ten years before she became a Carmelite, taking the name Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. As the Nazi power grew in Germany and anti-Semitism became more and more prevalent, Sr. Benedicta felt a great foreboding. After the destruction and violence of Kristallnacht, the Carmelites moved Sr. Benedicta to a convent in Holland for her protection. Her sister Rosa was also taken into the convent as a portress.
As non-Christian Jews were being deported from Holland, to the horror of Dutch Christians, the Catholic Bishops of Holland also voiced their objections. A very forceful pastoral letter from the Bishops was read from pulpits across the country on July 26, 1942. A week later, the Nazi response came as Catholic Jews and Jewish members of monasteries and convents were arrested. On August 2, Sr. Benedicta and her sister Rosa were taken. They were eventually taken to the concentration camp at Auschwitz, where the two sisters died in the gas chamber on August 9.
Edith Stein's feast day is August 9.
Edith was born on Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of Atonement, the youngest of 11 children of a strictly religious Jewish family. This date had deep symbolic meaning for Edith throughout her life. Her father died when she was little more than 2 years old. Her mother worked hard to raise her large family and instill in the children a faith in God. Despite her mother's efforts, Edith lost her faith in a personal God at a young age. Her faith was replaced by an intense search for the truth.
A very intelligent woman, Edith studied history and psychology in a search to become acquainted with the fundamentals of human existence. She then moved on to the study of phenomenology. She graduated summa cum laude with a doctorate in Philosophy, but her search for the truth found its ultimate satisfaction when she was visiting friends and came across the autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila. This encounter with a Saint changed the course of her life.
Within a few months she was baptized. She had it in mind to join the convent, but her spiritual director advised against it out of consideration for the feelings of her Jewish mother. It was another ten years before she became a Carmelite, taking the name Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. As the Nazi power grew in Germany and anti-Semitism became more and more prevalent, Sr. Benedicta felt a great foreboding. After the destruction and violence of Kristallnacht, the Carmelites moved Sr. Benedicta to a convent in Holland for her protection. Her sister Rosa was also taken into the convent as a portress.
As non-Christian Jews were being deported from Holland, to the horror of Dutch Christians, the Catholic Bishops of Holland also voiced their objections. A very forceful pastoral letter from the Bishops was read from pulpits across the country on July 26, 1942. A week later, the Nazi response came as Catholic Jews and Jewish members of monasteries and convents were arrested. On August 2, Sr. Benedicta and her sister Rosa were taken. They were eventually taken to the concentration camp at Auschwitz, where the two sisters died in the gas chamber on August 9.
Edith Stein's feast day is August 9.
St. Maria Goretti
Our saint for today is for my sister Mary, who out of family togetherness has followed her children in illness. Although there are many, many Saints named Mary, I am choosing one with a different form of the name (primarily because this Saint was one suggested by my cousin).
I had the great blessing last month of venerating St.Maria Goretti's relics when they visited St. Joseph's Cathedral in Columbus. Maria Goretti is the youngest canonized Saint of the Catholic Church, being just 11 years old at her death.
Maria's father had died and her mother supported the family by working in the fields. Maria became a little mother to her younger siblings, caring for them, cooking and cleaning. A 19 year old neighbor boy developed an unhealthy interest in Maria. When she refused his advances, he got angry and stabbed her 14 times. She was taken to the hospital, but the doctors could not save her. On her death bed, Maria forgave her attacker and said that she hoped he would be in heaven with her someday.
Her attacker eventually had a conversion in prison after receiving a vision of Maria. Both he and her mother were present at Maria's canonization Mass - the first time in history that a parent was present for the canonization of their child.
Maria Goretti's feast day is July 6.
I had the great blessing last month of venerating St.Maria Goretti's relics when they visited St. Joseph's Cathedral in Columbus. Maria Goretti is the youngest canonized Saint of the Catholic Church, being just 11 years old at her death.
Maria's father had died and her mother supported the family by working in the fields. Maria became a little mother to her younger siblings, caring for them, cooking and cleaning. A 19 year old neighbor boy developed an unhealthy interest in Maria. When she refused his advances, he got angry and stabbed her 14 times. She was taken to the hospital, but the doctors could not save her. On her death bed, Maria forgave her attacker and said that she hoped he would be in heaven with her someday.
Her attacker eventually had a conversion in prison after receiving a vision of Maria. Both he and her mother were present at Maria's canonization Mass - the first time in history that a parent was present for the canonization of their child.
Maria Goretti's feast day is July 6.
St. Paul the Apostle
Our saint for today is for my nephew, Raiden Paul, who along with the rest of his family has been fighting a stomach bug. I usually don't do posts on the Saints everyone already knows, but because it is for Rai ...
St. Paul was a Jew born in the city of Tarsus and was also a Roman citizen from birth. He studied under the great Rabbi, Gamaliel, and was very learned in the Jewish law and the Scripture.
We often have an image of Paul as a middle aged man with a wrinkled face and a beard, but at the time of his conversion, he was probably only in his early twenties. After his conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul spent much time in prayer and meditation as well as learning from Peter and the other apostles before setting out to evangelize the Gentiles.
Paul wrote a large portion of what we now call the New Testament. Of course, when he was writing, he did not know that his letters would continue to be read in churches for 2000 years. I like the parts of his letters that say things like, "See, I write to you in my own large handwriting!" Gal 6:11 because it really reflects his humanity. Paul's feast day is Jun 29.
St. Paul was a Jew born in the city of Tarsus and was also a Roman citizen from birth. He studied under the great Rabbi, Gamaliel, and was very learned in the Jewish law and the Scripture.
We often have an image of Paul as a middle aged man with a wrinkled face and a beard, but at the time of his conversion, he was probably only in his early twenties. After his conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul spent much time in prayer and meditation as well as learning from Peter and the other apostles before setting out to evangelize the Gentiles.
Paul wrote a large portion of what we now call the New Testament. Of course, when he was writing, he did not know that his letters would continue to be read in churches for 2000 years. I like the parts of his letters that say things like, "See, I write to you in my own large handwriting!" Gal 6:11 because it really reflects his humanity. Paul's feast day is Jun 29.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
St. Anthony of Padua
My plea yesterday for suggestions of saints to feature brought much fruit -- I might have to continue my daily saint posts into December. Today I will offer a prayer to the patron of one of my nephews who is getting over a virus and will not make it to our Thanksgiving feast.
St. Anthony of Padua was born in Portugal, with the name Fernando Martins. When he joined the Franciscan Order, he changed his name to Anthony. He traveled to Morocco to spread the Gospel, but became sick and was returned to Portugal. The ship was blown off course and landed in Sicily instead. Anthony was sent to an hermitage near Tuscany where he recovered from his illness and spent much time in prayer and study.
Anthony developed a reputation as a an eloquent homilist. Word reached Francis of Assisi, to whom Anthony became a good friend. He died when he was only 36 and was canonized less than a year later. Over three hundred years after his death, his body was exhumed. His body was corrupt, but his tongue was incorrupt.
St. Anthony is the patron saint we call on to find lost articles. One of my coworkers called on him when our office lost power today. His feast day is June 13.
St. Anthony of Padua was born in Portugal, with the name Fernando Martins. When he joined the Franciscan Order, he changed his name to Anthony. He traveled to Morocco to spread the Gospel, but became sick and was returned to Portugal. The ship was blown off course and landed in Sicily instead. Anthony was sent to an hermitage near Tuscany where he recovered from his illness and spent much time in prayer and study.
Anthony developed a reputation as a an eloquent homilist. Word reached Francis of Assisi, to whom Anthony became a good friend. He died when he was only 36 and was canonized less than a year later. Over three hundred years after his death, his body was exhumed. His body was corrupt, but his tongue was incorrupt.
St. Anthony is the patron saint we call on to find lost articles. One of my coworkers called on him when our office lost power today. His feast day is June 13.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Pope St. Linus
I was having difficulty choosing a saint for today (still welcoming suggestions for this final week of November), so I will pick a name from TV -- see if you can guess what I'm watching.
Pope St. Linus was the second Bishop of Rome - the second Pope, succeeding Peter in about 67 AD. The earliest witness to Linus's status as bishop was Irenaeus, who in about the year 180 wrote, "The blessed apostles, then, having founded and built up the Church, committed into the hands of Linus the office of the episcopate." Irenaeus identifies Linus with the associate of Paul by the same name mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:21.
Little is known of Linus' life. According to the Liber Pontificalis (The Book of the Popes written centuries later), Linus was an Italian born in Volterra in the Tuscany region. His father's name was recorded as Herculanus. The Apostolic Constitutions name his mother as Claudia. He served as Pope for about 9 years.
His feast day is September 23.
Pope St. Linus was the second Bishop of Rome - the second Pope, succeeding Peter in about 67 AD. The earliest witness to Linus's status as bishop was Irenaeus, who in about the year 180 wrote, "The blessed apostles, then, having founded and built up the Church, committed into the hands of Linus the office of the episcopate." Irenaeus identifies Linus with the associate of Paul by the same name mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:21.
Little is known of Linus' life. According to the Liber Pontificalis (The Book of the Popes written centuries later), Linus was an Italian born in Volterra in the Tuscany region. His father's name was recorded as Herculanus. The Apostolic Constitutions name his mother as Claudia. He served as Pope for about 9 years.
His feast day is September 23.
Monday, November 23, 2015
St. John Baptist de la Salle
Today's Saint is the patron saint of teachers (for my sister, Donna, who is a teacher). Here is someone to intercede for you in your difficult situation.
St. John Baptist de la Salle was born in France in the 1600's. He was the eldest of 10 children, which probably gave him some insight into the education of children. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1678. He was known for his work with the poor and was also very involved in education. He founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and formed teacher colleges. He was one of the first to emphasize classroom teaching over individual instruction. He also began teaching in the vernacular instead of Latin.
His educational innovations include Sunday courses for working young men, one of the first institutions in France for the care of delinquents, technical schools, and secondary schools for modern languages, arts, and sciences. De La Salle's work quickly spread through France and, after his death, continued to spread across the globe. Today there are streets all over the world named after de la Salle, generally due to the location of a Christian Brothers School. Also there are many educational institutes that bear his name - including La Salle University in Philadelphia.
His feast day is April 7.
St. John Baptist de la Salle was born in France in the 1600's. He was the eldest of 10 children, which probably gave him some insight into the education of children. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1678. He was known for his work with the poor and was also very involved in education. He founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and formed teacher colleges. He was one of the first to emphasize classroom teaching over individual instruction. He also began teaching in the vernacular instead of Latin.
His educational innovations include Sunday courses for working young men, one of the first institutions in France for the care of delinquents, technical schools, and secondary schools for modern languages, arts, and sciences. De La Salle's work quickly spread through France and, after his death, continued to spread across the globe. Today there are streets all over the world named after de la Salle, generally due to the location of a Christian Brothers School. Also there are many educational institutes that bear his name - including La Salle University in Philadelphia.
His feast day is April 7.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
St. Kateri Tekakwitha
Today's Saint story is a special gift for my little niece, Nora Kateri, who is very ill. Nora was baptized on October 21, 2012, the same day that St. Kateri Tekakwitha was canonized.
Tekakwitha was born to a Christian Algonquin mother and a Mohawk father who followed his tribe's traditional religion. Her native name translates to "She who bumps into things." She was orphaned at the age of 4 when a smallpox epidemic took the lives of her parents and infant brother. Tekakwitha also had suffered the disease and was left with smallpox scars and poor eyesight. She was adopted and raised by her uncle, chief of the Turtle Clan.
The Mohawk had a turbulent relationship with the French and their Jesuit missionaries. The Jesuits established a mission with the Mohawk, so Tekakwitha had some exposure to Christianity, but her uncle discouraged her from having much to do with them. By the time she was 17, her aunts began to be concerned about her lack of interest in marriage. Although she was punished with ridicule, harsh workloads and threats, she continued to resist marriage.
When she was 18, Tekakwitha meet Jesuit Father Jacques de Lamberville and told him of her desire to become a Christian. He began to teach her the catechism. She was baptized on Easter Sunday 1676 and given the name Catherine for St. Catherine of Sienna. Kateri is the Mohawk form of the name. She remained in her village another 6 months, but the other Mohawk were suspicious of her conversion and accused her of sorcery. De Lamberville encouraged her to move to the Christian Indian village of Kahnawake. There she spent the last 2 1/2 years of her life as a consecrated virgin, attending mass and vespers every dayand caring for the sick and the aged.
St. Kateri's feast day is July 14.
Tekakwitha was born to a Christian Algonquin mother and a Mohawk father who followed his tribe's traditional religion. Her native name translates to "She who bumps into things." She was orphaned at the age of 4 when a smallpox epidemic took the lives of her parents and infant brother. Tekakwitha also had suffered the disease and was left with smallpox scars and poor eyesight. She was adopted and raised by her uncle, chief of the Turtle Clan.
The Mohawk had a turbulent relationship with the French and their Jesuit missionaries. The Jesuits established a mission with the Mohawk, so Tekakwitha had some exposure to Christianity, but her uncle discouraged her from having much to do with them. By the time she was 17, her aunts began to be concerned about her lack of interest in marriage. Although she was punished with ridicule, harsh workloads and threats, she continued to resist marriage.
When she was 18, Tekakwitha meet Jesuit Father Jacques de Lamberville and told him of her desire to become a Christian. He began to teach her the catechism. She was baptized on Easter Sunday 1676 and given the name Catherine for St. Catherine of Sienna. Kateri is the Mohawk form of the name. She remained in her village another 6 months, but the other Mohawk were suspicious of her conversion and accused her of sorcery. De Lamberville encouraged her to move to the Christian Indian village of Kahnawake. There she spent the last 2 1/2 years of her life as a consecrated virgin, attending mass and vespers every dayand caring for the sick and the aged.
St. Kateri's feast day is July 14.
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin
So if you are keeping track of saint stories (and I'm not sure if I can even keep up), I think I am still behind by one. Today I will give you two to make up the difference.
Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin are the only married couple to be canonized together. Louis Martin was a watch maker by trade. He had wanted to enter a Monastery, but he did not have the required education in the humanities. When he tried to make up the lack, an illness forced him to give up his studies, so he returned to watch making.
Maria Azelia (Zelie) also had a desire to enter religious life. However, when she applied to enter join the Daughters of Charity, the superior said that it was not the will of God that she enter the congregation. After this disappointment, Zelie studied lace making so that she would not be a burden on her parents.
As Zelie was walking one day, her path of a young man whose appearance and deportment made a great impression on her. She heard an interior voice say, "This is the husband I have destined for you." The two became acquainted and three months later they were married. The two originally planned to have a celibate marriage, living as brother and sister. After 10 months of living in a pure, chaste Josephite marriage, a good confessor convinced them to change their way of life. What a gift to the world this advice was!
The couple's marital mutual self-giving love gave life to 9 children, 5 of whom lived to adulthood. Four of their daughters (including St. Terese of the Child Jesus) became Carmelite Nuns. Their third daughter, Leonie, became a Visitation Nun.
Their joint feast day is July 12.
Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin are the only married couple to be canonized together. Louis Martin was a watch maker by trade. He had wanted to enter a Monastery, but he did not have the required education in the humanities. When he tried to make up the lack, an illness forced him to give up his studies, so he returned to watch making.
Maria Azelia (Zelie) also had a desire to enter religious life. However, when she applied to enter join the Daughters of Charity, the superior said that it was not the will of God that she enter the congregation. After this disappointment, Zelie studied lace making so that she would not be a burden on her parents.
As Zelie was walking one day, her path of a young man whose appearance and deportment made a great impression on her. She heard an interior voice say, "This is the husband I have destined for you." The two became acquainted and three months later they were married. The two originally planned to have a celibate marriage, living as brother and sister. After 10 months of living in a pure, chaste Josephite marriage, a good confessor convinced them to change their way of life. What a gift to the world this advice was!
The couple's marital mutual self-giving love gave life to 9 children, 5 of whom lived to adulthood. Four of their daughters (including St. Terese of the Child Jesus) became Carmelite Nuns. Their third daughter, Leonie, became a Visitation Nun.
Their joint feast day is July 12.
St. Joan of Arc
I meant to post this last Sunday, but my internet was down. This one is for the French as they struggle through another difficult period of their History.
St. Joan of Arc is the patroness of France. Her story is quite compelling. She was a typical, uneducated peasant girl who started having visions at the age of 13 of St. Michael, St. Catherine and St. Margaret. Her visitors gave her a message that she was supposed to drive the English from France. She was also told to bring the Dauphin, Charles VII, to Reims for his coronation. Of course few people believed that this young girl had been visited by saints and angels, so accomplishing this mission seemed doomed from the start.
When she was sixteen-years-old, she asked her relative, Durand Lassois, to take her to Vaucouleurs, where she petitioned Robert de Baudricourt, the garrison commander, for permission to visit the French Royal Court in Chinon. Baudricout scoffed at first, but when Joan predicted a military reversal at the Battle of Rouvray near Orléans, which were confirmed several days later by a messenger's report, he came to believe in her voices.
When she arrived in the Royal Court, she met in a private conference with Charles VII and won his trust. He sent her to lift the siege of Orleans which had already gone on for five months. This teenager with no military training lifted the siege in only 9 days. After the Orléans victory, Joan was able to persuade Charles VII to allow her to march into other battles to reclaim cities, each of which ended in victory.
In May 1430, Joan was captured by the Burgundian faction, which was allied with the English, and was handed over to the English. She was put on trial for a variety of charges, including heresy and witchcraft. The presiding judge was an unscrupulous man who was loyal to the English and harbored a personal grudge against Joan. He assembled a panel of 5 bishops, 3 abbots, 7 physicians, 48 doctors of theology, 42 doctors of canon and civil law, and 55 priests, lay brothers and clerics - all loyal to himself. Joan was not permitted a lawyer, she could not call witnesses on her own behalf and did not receive counsel on the difficult points of law and theology brought up during the trial. Despite this, she held her own against all these expert men of the church for several weeks before being convicted on the trumped up charges. She was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431.
Twenty-five years later, a Papal investigation cleared Joan of all charges. Her feast day is May 30.
St. Joan of Arc is the patroness of France. Her story is quite compelling. She was a typical, uneducated peasant girl who started having visions at the age of 13 of St. Michael, St. Catherine and St. Margaret. Her visitors gave her a message that she was supposed to drive the English from France. She was also told to bring the Dauphin, Charles VII, to Reims for his coronation. Of course few people believed that this young girl had been visited by saints and angels, so accomplishing this mission seemed doomed from the start.
When she was sixteen-years-old, she asked her relative, Durand Lassois, to take her to Vaucouleurs, where she petitioned Robert de Baudricourt, the garrison commander, for permission to visit the French Royal Court in Chinon. Baudricout scoffed at first, but when Joan predicted a military reversal at the Battle of Rouvray near Orléans, which were confirmed several days later by a messenger's report, he came to believe in her voices.
When she arrived in the Royal Court, she met in a private conference with Charles VII and won his trust. He sent her to lift the siege of Orleans which had already gone on for five months. This teenager with no military training lifted the siege in only 9 days. After the Orléans victory, Joan was able to persuade Charles VII to allow her to march into other battles to reclaim cities, each of which ended in victory.
In May 1430, Joan was captured by the Burgundian faction, which was allied with the English, and was handed over to the English. She was put on trial for a variety of charges, including heresy and witchcraft. The presiding judge was an unscrupulous man who was loyal to the English and harbored a personal grudge against Joan. He assembled a panel of 5 bishops, 3 abbots, 7 physicians, 48 doctors of theology, 42 doctors of canon and civil law, and 55 priests, lay brothers and clerics - all loyal to himself. Joan was not permitted a lawyer, she could not call witnesses on her own behalf and did not receive counsel on the difficult points of law and theology brought up during the trial. Despite this, she held her own against all these expert men of the church for several weeks before being convicted on the trumped up charges. She was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431.
Twenty-five years later, a Papal investigation cleared Joan of all charges. Her feast day is May 30.
St. Jerome
Did you know that this is National Bible Week? (I probably should have mentioned it earlier in the week wink emoticon .) In honor of this fact, our saint for today is St. Jerome, patron of Bible Study.
St. Jerome was a Latin scholar who in about 366 became secretary to the newly elected pope, St. Damasus. It was Damasus' dream to produce a new translation of the Bible - one based on the original Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. The Pope believed his new secretary was the man fo...r the job.
St. Jerome was a Latin scholar who in about 366 became secretary to the newly elected pope, St. Damasus. It was Damasus' dream to produce a new translation of the Bible - one based on the original Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. The Pope believed his new secretary was the man fo...r the job.
During the next 3 years, Jerome produced beautiful, accurate translations of the Psalms, the gospels, the epistles and Revelation. To improve the then current translation of the Old Testament, Jerome studied Hebrew. It took Jerome twenty-six years to complete his translation. This so-called "Vulgate" became the official text of the Latin Church and was recognized as such by the Council of Trent. Even today, after some revision, Jerome's Latin translation is still the "official" Latin Bible used by the Catholic Church.
Jerome's feast day is Sept 30.
Jerome's feast day is Sept 30.
St. Junipero Serra
I think my posts this November have leaned a little to the feminine, so tonight's post will feature a male Saint. I have chosen our newest American Saint, Junipero Serra.
Junipero was born in 1713 on the island of Majorca off the Mediterranean coast of Spain and was baptized as Miquel Joseph Serra. He entered the novitiate of the Franciscan order just before his 17th birthday. He was given the religious name of Junipero in honor of Brother Juniper who had been among the fi...rst Franciscans. Junipero was ordained a priest in 1737 and three years later earned an ecclesiastical license to teach philosophy at the Convento de San Francisco.
Junipero was born in 1713 on the island of Majorca off the Mediterranean coast of Spain and was baptized as Miquel Joseph Serra. He entered the novitiate of the Franciscan order just before his 17th birthday. He was given the religious name of Junipero in honor of Brother Juniper who had been among the fi...rst Franciscans. Junipero was ordained a priest in 1737 and three years later earned an ecclesiastical license to teach philosophy at the Convento de San Francisco.
He could have been assured a prestigious career as a priest and scholar had he stayed in Majorca, but he felt a call to serve as a missionary in pagan lands. He arrived in New Spain (Mexico) in 1749. During the trek from the coast to Mexico City (he refused the horse offered by royal officials), Serra's left foot swelled up and a burning itch tormented him. He attributed the swelling to a mosquito bite. He scratched his foot and leg to excess, trying to relieve the itch and the next morning his leg was raw and bleeding. The wound plagued him the rest of his life.
Despite the wound, Serra spent most of the rest of his life working among the native populations and bringing them the Gospel. He founded 21 missions in what is now California -- places that we still recognize by name today including San Luis Obispo, San Juan Capistrano, San Francisco and Santa Clara. Most of the time he still traveled by foot. The missions were primarily designed to bring the Catholic faith to the native peoples.
His feast day is July 1.
Despite the wound, Serra spent most of the rest of his life working among the native populations and bringing them the Gospel. He founded 21 missions in what is now California -- places that we still recognize by name today including San Luis Obispo, San Juan Capistrano, San Francisco and Santa Clara. Most of the time he still traveled by foot. The missions were primarily designed to bring the Catholic faith to the native peoples.
His feast day is July 1.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Bl. Laura Vicuna
I was talking with one of my sisters about the patron saints of our nieces and nephews and she asked about St. Laura. There are actually two saints by the name of Laura -- and one Blessed. Today, I want to tell you about Blessed Laura Vicuna.
Laura was born in 1891, the first child of Senora Mercedes and Jose Domingo Vicuna. Shortly after the birth of her younger sister, her father died. Her mother found work at a large 'hacienda" owned by an Argentine "gaucho", Sr. Manuel Mora. Sr. Mora's support allowed Mercedes to enroll the girls in a school run by Salesian Sisters, but this support came with pressure from the Senor for her to become his mistress.
At school, Laura discovered God and His love. She wished her mother would know Him better. She often prayed for her mother before the tabernacle. Her mother was indeed in trouble. In a moment of stress and discouragement, she had given in to the demands of Sr. Mora.
Deeply believing that love is stronger than death, Laura prayed to the Lord, "I offer you my life for that of my mother." After making this prayer, Laura became ill, becoming weaker with each passing day; she was wasting away. God had accepted her offer. Her mother remained by her bedside day and night until her death on January 22, 1904.
Laura's feast day is January 22.
Laura was born in 1891, the first child of Senora Mercedes and Jose Domingo Vicuna. Shortly after the birth of her younger sister, her father died. Her mother found work at a large 'hacienda" owned by an Argentine "gaucho", Sr. Manuel Mora. Sr. Mora's support allowed Mercedes to enroll the girls in a school run by Salesian Sisters, but this support came with pressure from the Senor for her to become his mistress.
At school, Laura discovered God and His love. She wished her mother would know Him better. She often prayed for her mother before the tabernacle. Her mother was indeed in trouble. In a moment of stress and discouragement, she had given in to the demands of Sr. Mora.
Deeply believing that love is stronger than death, Laura prayed to the Lord, "I offer you my life for that of my mother." After making this prayer, Laura became ill, becoming weaker with each passing day; she was wasting away. God had accepted her offer. Her mother remained by her bedside day and night until her death on January 22, 1904.
Laura's feast day is January 22.
St. Isidore of Seville
I had actually promised someone another saint today, but since I will not get my computer back until tomorrow, today's saint is St. Isidore of Seville, patron of the internet.
St. Isidore died in 636, so obviously he never surfed the Web. But in his time, he compiled a twenty- volume encyclopedia of all existing knowledge. It was a breathtaking achievement, a tribute not only to his own wide ranging intellect but also to his hopes for the future. The web is about collecting, preserving and disseminating knowledge - precisely what Isidore accomplished in his life. His feast day is Apr 4. (Quoted from This Saint's for You!) |
Sts. Perpetua ans Felicity
Since I am still behind by a day due to computer issues, today we will do a pair of Saints to get caught back up.
The names of Sts. Perpetua and Felicity are very familiar to Catholics. They are included in the litany of Saints in Eucharistic Prayer I at Mass. However, many do not know much about these ladies beyond their names.
Perpetua and Felicity lived at the turn of the third century in the Roman Provence of Africa, in the city of Carthage. Perpetua wad a young, well-born, well-educated mother of an infant; Felicity was a pregnant slave. The two women were rounded up with other recent Christian converts during a period of persecution. Perpetua's pagan father tried to get her to renounce her faith in order to save her life, but she held her ground knowing this would mean martyrdom.
Felicity, eight months pregnant at the time the Christians were sentenced to death, was more concerned about being allowed martyrdom than about her delivery. Roman law prohibited the execution of pregnant women (even the Romans recognized the rights of the unborn). Two days before the scheduled execution, Felicity gave birth to a daughter, freeing her to receive the martyr's crown.
My favorite part of the story is that we know all this because Perpetua kept a diary. Hers is the oldest surviving writing by a Christian woman.
Their feast day is March 7.
The names of Sts. Perpetua and Felicity are very familiar to Catholics. They are included in the litany of Saints in Eucharistic Prayer I at Mass. However, many do not know much about these ladies beyond their names.
Perpetua and Felicity lived at the turn of the third century in the Roman Provence of Africa, in the city of Carthage. Perpetua wad a young, well-born, well-educated mother of an infant; Felicity was a pregnant slave. The two women were rounded up with other recent Christian converts during a period of persecution. Perpetua's pagan father tried to get her to renounce her faith in order to save her life, but she held her ground knowing this would mean martyrdom.
Felicity, eight months pregnant at the time the Christians were sentenced to death, was more concerned about being allowed martyrdom than about her delivery. Roman law prohibited the execution of pregnant women (even the Romans recognized the rights of the unborn). Two days before the scheduled execution, Felicity gave birth to a daughter, freeing her to receive the martyr's crown.
My favorite part of the story is that we know all this because Perpetua kept a diary. Hers is the oldest surviving writing by a Christian woman.
Their feast day is March 7.
St. Cajetan
Today we have a saint for someone I know who is looking for a job. St. Cajetan is the patron of workers, gamblers, job seekers and the unemployed. I don't know why.
In 1523, the Church was in sad shape. Some responded by splitting the church (protestant reformation). Cajetan responded differently. He founded an oratory in his home town where he promoted spiritual life and care for the poor and s...ick, not only with his words but with heroic example.
He joined with other clergy who felt as he did. They didn't want to split from the church, but to restore it. They formed an order based on the lives of the apostles. They focused on moral lives, sacred studies, preaching and pastoral care, helping the sick etc. They persevered in the face of open opposition of clergy and laity who didn't want to reform.
St. Cajetan's feast day is August 7.
In 1523, the Church was in sad shape. Some responded by splitting the church (protestant reformation). Cajetan responded differently. He founded an oratory in his home town where he promoted spiritual life and care for the poor and s...ick, not only with his words but with heroic example.
He joined with other clergy who felt as he did. They didn't want to split from the church, but to restore it. They formed an order based on the lives of the apostles. They focused on moral lives, sacred studies, preaching and pastoral care, helping the sick etc. They persevered in the face of open opposition of clergy and laity who didn't want to reform.
St. Cajetan's feast day is August 7.
Apologies
For the few (if any) that read this blog, I apologize for my recent lapse in posts. I have had computer problems. I will post a few saint stories so that we start to catch up.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
St. George
Happy Veteran's Day. In Honor of all those who serve, our saint for today is St. George.
There have been a lot of soldier saints, but none of them have the same fame as St. George. Many stories have been attached to George, but the best known is the story of the dragon. It is the age-old story of a beast that terrorizes the people. Whole armies have gone up against the fierce creature, without success. The monster ate two sheep each day and when mutton was scarce, lots were drawn and maidens were sent instead of sheep. In rides our hero. Hearing of the dragon on a day that a princess was going to be eaten, he crossed himself, rode into battle against the beast and killed it with a single blow of his lance. Contrary to the fairy tale ending of the hero marrying the princess, this story ends with George giving a wonderful sermon and converting the Princess, the King and all the people of the realm.
Of course, this is all legend built up around a popular Saint and Martyr. The fragments of information about St. George don't even say that he was a soldier. His patronage of soldiers comes mainly from this legend and the Byzantine army's adopting him as their patron. When Crusaders from Western Europe passed through the Byzantine Empire and heard about this well loved local Saint, they adopted him as their patron as well.
His feast day is April 23.
There have been a lot of soldier saints, but none of them have the same fame as St. George. Many stories have been attached to George, but the best known is the story of the dragon. It is the age-old story of a beast that terrorizes the people. Whole armies have gone up against the fierce creature, without success. The monster ate two sheep each day and when mutton was scarce, lots were drawn and maidens were sent instead of sheep. In rides our hero. Hearing of the dragon on a day that a princess was going to be eaten, he crossed himself, rode into battle against the beast and killed it with a single blow of his lance. Contrary to the fairy tale ending of the hero marrying the princess, this story ends with George giving a wonderful sermon and converting the Princess, the King and all the people of the realm.
Of course, this is all legend built up around a popular Saint and Martyr. The fragments of information about St. George don't even say that he was a soldier. His patronage of soldiers comes mainly from this legend and the Byzantine army's adopting him as their patron. When Crusaders from Western Europe passed through the Byzantine Empire and heard about this well loved local Saint, they adopted him as their patron as well.
His feast day is April 23.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Blessed Marie-Clementine Anwarite Nengapeta
In relating stories of Saints, I like to cover the whole range of the Canon - including all eras and races where the faith has spread. Our Blessed for today brings us into Africa and the 20th century.
Blessed Marie Clementine Anwarite Nengapeta was born in Wamba (D.R. Congo) in 1939 (a contemporary of many of my readers). Her birth name, Nengapeta, means "riches deceive." Her parents were both heathens, but she was baptized in 1945 on the same day as her mother and two older sisters - she was given the name Alphonsine.
When her sister Leontine Anwarite took Nengapeta Alphonsine to register her for school, the Sister that took the registration mixed up her name and recorded it as Alphonsine Anwarite, effectively wiping out her birth name. This did not seem to have any negative impact on the child as she aspired to be a nun from a young age. Although her mother was against her becoming a nun, she ran away to the convent, taking her vows in 1959 and taking the religious name Sister Marie-Clementine.
In 1964, rebellion broke out. The rebels opposed westerners but also indigenous monks and nuns because they suspected them of being in cahoots with foreigners. On November 29, 1964, they arrived at the convent and loaded all 46 nuns onto a truck. Sister Marie-Clementine was separated from the other Sisters and the Chieftain attempted to rob her of her consecrated virginity. Marie-Clementine resisted and the chieftain murdered her in cold blood. She died on December 1, 1964.
She was beatified by Pope St. John-Paul on Aug. 15, 1985.
Blessed Marie Clementine Anwarite Nengapeta was born in Wamba (D.R. Congo) in 1939 (a contemporary of many of my readers). Her birth name, Nengapeta, means "riches deceive." Her parents were both heathens, but she was baptized in 1945 on the same day as her mother and two older sisters - she was given the name Alphonsine.
When her sister Leontine Anwarite took Nengapeta Alphonsine to register her for school, the Sister that took the registration mixed up her name and recorded it as Alphonsine Anwarite, effectively wiping out her birth name. This did not seem to have any negative impact on the child as she aspired to be a nun from a young age. Although her mother was against her becoming a nun, she ran away to the convent, taking her vows in 1959 and taking the religious name Sister Marie-Clementine.
In 1964, rebellion broke out. The rebels opposed westerners but also indigenous monks and nuns because they suspected them of being in cahoots with foreigners. On November 29, 1964, they arrived at the convent and loaded all 46 nuns onto a truck. Sister Marie-Clementine was separated from the other Sisters and the Chieftain attempted to rob her of her consecrated virginity. Marie-Clementine resisted and the chieftain murdered her in cold blood. She died on December 1, 1964.
She was beatified by Pope St. John-Paul on Aug. 15, 1985.
Monday, November 9, 2015
St. Rafqa Ar-Rayyes
Our Saint for today is one that I've picked for my own patronage - see if you can guess why.
St. Rafqa Ar-Rayyes was canonized June 10, 2001. Her name is the Arabic form of Rebecca. She was born in Lebanon in 1832 and was baptized Butrusiyyah (Petra, the feminine form of Peter). She lost her mother at the age of seven and at 14, her father and step-mother wanted to marry her off, but they could not agree on the choice of suitor. The young girl prayed for guidance and chose to give her life to Jesus.
She joined the Mariamette Sisters and upon taking the habit took the name Sister Anissa (Agnes). In 1860, Sr. Anissa was sent to Dier El-Qamar to teach catechism. The town became the site of civil unrest and on one occasions she reportedly saved a child from murder by hiding him under her robes.
The Mariamette Sisters were dependent on the Jesuits and when the latter were driven out of Lebanon, the community of Nuns was dissolved. God told Sister Anissa, "You will remain a nun." And she heard the voices of saints directing her to enter the Lebanese Maronite Order. She obeyed. Here she received a new religious name - Rafqa (which had been her mother's name).
In October 1885, Sister Rafqa made an unusual request of Jesus, asking to share in his suffering. Her prayer was answered and she was afflicted by various illnesses, eventually becoming completely disabled and blind. She bore everything with patience and in union with our crucified Lord and His Sorrowful Mother.
Her Feast day is March 23.
St. Rafqa Ar-Rayyes was canonized June 10, 2001. Her name is the Arabic form of Rebecca. She was born in Lebanon in 1832 and was baptized Butrusiyyah (Petra, the feminine form of Peter). She lost her mother at the age of seven and at 14, her father and step-mother wanted to marry her off, but they could not agree on the choice of suitor. The young girl prayed for guidance and chose to give her life to Jesus.
She joined the Mariamette Sisters and upon taking the habit took the name Sister Anissa (Agnes). In 1860, Sr. Anissa was sent to Dier El-Qamar to teach catechism. The town became the site of civil unrest and on one occasions she reportedly saved a child from murder by hiding him under her robes.
The Mariamette Sisters were dependent on the Jesuits and when the latter were driven out of Lebanon, the community of Nuns was dissolved. God told Sister Anissa, "You will remain a nun." And she heard the voices of saints directing her to enter the Lebanese Maronite Order. She obeyed. Here she received a new religious name - Rafqa (which had been her mother's name).
In October 1885, Sister Rafqa made an unusual request of Jesus, asking to share in his suffering. Her prayer was answered and she was afflicted by various illnesses, eventually becoming completely disabled and blind. She bore everything with patience and in union with our crucified Lord and His Sorrowful Mother.
Her Feast day is March 23.
Sunday, November 8, 2015
St. Balderic
Today's saint is courtesy of an inquiry from Peg. I could not find a patron saint of baldness, but I did find several with "bald" as part of their name. The one most likely referred to by your Priest is St. Balderic.
St. Balderic is another 7th century Saint. He and his sister, St. Bova, were children of children of Sigebert I, King of Austrasia (an area that is now Eastern France and Western Germany). He became the Abbot-Founder of a convent at Reims and Montfaucon Abbey in France. He lead a life of prayer and penance and was venerated as a Saint after his death.
St. Balderic's feast day is October 16.
St. Balderic is another 7th century Saint. He and his sister, St. Bova, were children of children of Sigebert I, King of Austrasia (an area that is now Eastern France and Western Germany). He became the Abbot-Founder of a convent at Reims and Montfaucon Abbey in France. He lead a life of prayer and penance and was venerated as a Saint after his death.
St. Balderic's feast day is October 16.
Saturday, November 7, 2015
St. Teresa of Avila
At the suggestion of my friend Becky, today's story is about St. Teresa of Avila.
St. Teresa is well known for her sanctity, her reform of the Carmelite Order and her mystical experiences -- sometimes in prayer her body would actually leave the ground. However, she did not start out holy and it took her a very long time to reach this point.
As a young girl, Teresa loved romance novels. As a teenager, she cared only about boys, flirting, clothes and rebelling. At the age of 16, her father sent her to a convent because he thought she was out of control. When the time came for her to make a choice whether to stay in the convent or leave for marriage, she chose to stay because she thought that a convent was the only safe place for someone as sinful as she was.
In the convent, Teresa started to learn and practice mental prayer, but there were too many distractions for her to make progress in her spiritual life. She found it too easy to slip into a worldly life and ignore God. After nearly dying of malaria, she almost stopped praying altogether.
It was at the age of 41 that a priest convinced her to return to prayer. This is when her mystical experiences began during her times of prayer. Two years later, she became determined to found a new convent that went back to the basics of a contemplative order: a simple life of poverty devoted to prayer, and at 51 she decided to reform her order. She faced much opposition from her brothers and sisters in religious life, but Teresa looked on these difficulties as good publicity. Soon she had postulants clamoring to get into her reform convents. Many people thought about what she said and wanted to learn about prayer from her. Soon her ideas about prayer swept not only through Spain but all of Europe.
Her feast day is Oct 15.
St. Teresa is well known for her sanctity, her reform of the Carmelite Order and her mystical experiences -- sometimes in prayer her body would actually leave the ground. However, she did not start out holy and it took her a very long time to reach this point.
As a young girl, Teresa loved romance novels. As a teenager, she cared only about boys, flirting, clothes and rebelling. At the age of 16, her father sent her to a convent because he thought she was out of control. When the time came for her to make a choice whether to stay in the convent or leave for marriage, she chose to stay because she thought that a convent was the only safe place for someone as sinful as she was.
In the convent, Teresa started to learn and practice mental prayer, but there were too many distractions for her to make progress in her spiritual life. She found it too easy to slip into a worldly life and ignore God. After nearly dying of malaria, she almost stopped praying altogether.
It was at the age of 41 that a priest convinced her to return to prayer. This is when her mystical experiences began during her times of prayer. Two years later, she became determined to found a new convent that went back to the basics of a contemplative order: a simple life of poverty devoted to prayer, and at 51 she decided to reform her order. She faced much opposition from her brothers and sisters in religious life, but Teresa looked on these difficulties as good publicity. Soon she had postulants clamoring to get into her reform convents. Many people thought about what she said and wanted to learn about prayer from her. Soon her ideas about prayer swept not only through Spain but all of Europe.
Her feast day is Oct 15.
St. Eligius of Noyon
Sorry that I missed posting a Saint story yesterday -- believe me, it was a really long day! So this is for yesterday -- and for Natasha.
St. Eligius of Noyon is the patron saint of mechanics and car repair. St. Eligius lived in the 7th century. He was an extremely skillful metalsmith and was Master of the mint under King Clotaire II in Paris, France; and a trusted advisor to the King. He was known for his piety and honesty and was also known for being generous to the poor, ransoming slaves and building churches.
Eligius was ordained Bishop in 640. He was friend and counselor to many of his contemporaries who later were named Saints. As Bishop he brought many to faith by his example of charity and he also encouraged devotion to the Saints and their relics.
He was traditionally known as the patron of smiths, metal workers and craftsmen because of his metal working skill. As cars replaced horses and garages replaced smithies, St. Eligius' patronage evolved to include mechanics and gas station attendants. His feast day is December 1.
St. Eligius of Noyon is the patron saint of mechanics and car repair. St. Eligius lived in the 7th century. He was an extremely skillful metalsmith and was Master of the mint under King Clotaire II in Paris, France; and a trusted advisor to the King. He was known for his piety and honesty and was also known for being generous to the poor, ransoming slaves and building churches.
Eligius was ordained Bishop in 640. He was friend and counselor to many of his contemporaries who later were named Saints. As Bishop he brought many to faith by his example of charity and he also encouraged devotion to the Saints and their relics.
He was traditionally known as the patron of smiths, metal workers and craftsmen because of his metal working skill. As cars replaced horses and garages replaced smithies, St. Eligius' patronage evolved to include mechanics and gas station attendants. His feast day is December 1.
Thursday, November 5, 2015
St. Terese of Lisieux
Our Saint for today is courtesy of a request from my cousin Amy Williams.
St. Therese of Lisieux was born in 1873, the youngest daughter of Saint Marie-Azelie and Saint Louis Martin (the only married Saints to be canonized together). She was a very precocious, high-strung child. Her mother died when she was barely 4 1/2, which she later saw as a turning point in her life.
As one by one, her older sisters entered into religious life, Therese also desired to become a Carmelite Nun. She even went so far as to directly petition the Pope for permission to enter the convent at a young age - which was eventually granted when she was only 15.
She lived a quiet, obscure life in the cloister - during her brief life, no one outside her community had heard of her. Her Superior, who was also her sister, had her write her autobiography, which was published after her death from tuberculosis at the age of 24. This autobiography, "Story of a Soul", brought her hidden life to the world's attention. She is known for her "little way" to holiness as well as for her promise to spend her heaven doing good on earth, saying the prayers she answered would fall "like a shower of roses."
Among other things, she is the patroness of missionaries, florists, gardeners, tuberculosis and Alaska (go figure). Her feast day is October 1.
St. Therese of Lisieux was born in 1873, the youngest daughter of Saint Marie-Azelie and Saint Louis Martin (the only married Saints to be canonized together). She was a very precocious, high-strung child. Her mother died when she was barely 4 1/2, which she later saw as a turning point in her life.
As one by one, her older sisters entered into religious life, Therese also desired to become a Carmelite Nun. She even went so far as to directly petition the Pope for permission to enter the convent at a young age - which was eventually granted when she was only 15.
She lived a quiet, obscure life in the cloister - during her brief life, no one outside her community had heard of her. Her Superior, who was also her sister, had her write her autobiography, which was published after her death from tuberculosis at the age of 24. This autobiography, "Story of a Soul", brought her hidden life to the world's attention. She is known for her "little way" to holiness as well as for her promise to spend her heaven doing good on earth, saying the prayers she answered would fall "like a shower of roses."
Among other things, she is the patroness of missionaries, florists, gardeners, tuberculosis and Alaska (go figure). Her feast day is October 1.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
St. Hope
Theresa, I did a post on St. Bernadette two years ago (see 11/12/13). Because of the enormous number of Saints in our Cannon, I will not do repeats, but I have another Saint for you and Hope.
St. Hope is largely legendary. She is reported to be one of the daughters of St. Sophia (sister of Faith and Charity). She was Tortured and martyred for her faith at the age of ten in the persecutions of Hadrian. Her feast day is August 1.
St. Hope is largely legendary. She is reported to be one of the daughters of St. Sophia (sister of Faith and Charity). She was Tortured and martyred for her faith at the age of ten in the persecutions of Hadrian. Her feast day is August 1.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
St. Christina
For Christina:
St. Christina was the daughter of a rich and powerful magistrate. Her father, who was a heathen, had several golden idols. Christina destroyed the idols and gave the pieces to the poor. This infuriated her father who then began to persecute his daughter. He had her whipped with rods and thrown into prison. When her faith was still not shaken, he then had her flesh torn by iron hooks and fastened her to a rack beneath which a fire was kindled. But God watched over her and turned the flames back onto the onlookers. She was then thrown into a lake with a heavy rock tied around her neck, but she was saved by an angel and even outlived her father. The judge who succeeded her father continued to torture Christina - she was thrown into a burning furnace, thrown into a pit of serpents, had her tongue cut out and was pierced by arrows, earning her martyr's crown. Her feast day is July 24.
St. Christina was the daughter of a rich and powerful magistrate. Her father, who was a heathen, had several golden idols. Christina destroyed the idols and gave the pieces to the poor. This infuriated her father who then began to persecute his daughter. He had her whipped with rods and thrown into prison. When her faith was still not shaken, he then had her flesh torn by iron hooks and fastened her to a rack beneath which a fire was kindled. But God watched over her and turned the flames back onto the onlookers. She was then thrown into a lake with a heavy rock tied around her neck, but she was saved by an angel and even outlived her father. The judge who succeeded her father continued to torture Christina - she was thrown into a burning furnace, thrown into a pit of serpents, had her tongue cut out and was pierced by arrows, earning her martyr's crown. Her feast day is July 24.
St Lambert
Thank you for all the Saint suggestions in response to my last post. I will start with a suggestion from my cousin Lambert.
Saint Lambert was a native of Maestricht. His father intrusted his education to the holy Bishop St. Theodard, and on that good man being assassinated, Lambert was chosen his successor. A revolution overturned the kingdom and Lambert was banished from his see on account of his devotion to his sovereign. He took refuge in a monastery, where he observed the rule as stringently as the lowest novice.
The martyrdom of St. Lambert seems to be obscured by legend since I found several different versions. However, it appears that he was martyred for defending the sanctity of marriage. His feast day is September 17.
Saint Lambert was a native of Maestricht. His father intrusted his education to the holy Bishop St. Theodard, and on that good man being assassinated, Lambert was chosen his successor. A revolution overturned the kingdom and Lambert was banished from his see on account of his devotion to his sovereign. He took refuge in a monastery, where he observed the rule as stringently as the lowest novice.
The martyrdom of St. Lambert seems to be obscured by legend since I found several different versions. However, it appears that he was martyred for defending the sanctity of marriage. His feast day is September 17.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
All Saints Day / St. Jerome Hermosilla
Happy Feast of All Saints! If you have been my FB friend for a year or more, you know that I celebrate All Saints Day for the full month of November (actually, I celebrate year round, but only subject you to it for 30 days!). If you have a favorite Saint or Blessed of the Catholic Church that you would like to hear about, let me know - or if you just want to know "Who is the patron Saint of _____?" I will try to honor all requests -- and I already have a couple that I will get to over the next few days.
For today, however, I got to thinking about all the poor Saints and Blesseds who never get their Feast Day honored on the Liturgical Calendar because they are always trumped by a major Solemnity such as All Saints. According to Catholic Online (catholic.org), one of my primary sources, there are no less than 25 Saints and Blesseds whose Feast Day is November 1, so they have to share their day with all the saints. One of these is St. Jerome Hermosilla.
St. Jerome was born in La Calzada, in old Castile. He joined the Dominicans and was sent first to Manila where he was ordained to the priesthood in 1828. He was then sent as a missionary to Vietnam. The Catholic Church was devastated by rebellion and persecution in the late 18th century, but it had revived by the time of St. Jerome Hermosilla in the 19th century. However, Converts began to be harassed without official edicts in the late 1820s, by local governments. In 1831 the emperor passed new laws on regulations for religious groupings in Viet Nam, and Catholicism was then officially prohibited. Both Missionaries and converts suffered persecution and martyrdom throughout the next 10 years until the emperor's death in 1841. However, some persecution still continued after the new emperor took office. Catholic villages were forced to build shrines to the state cult.
St. Jerome survived this period of persecution. He was eventually Consecrated a bishop and succeeding St. Ignatius Delgado as vicar apostolic, Jerome was arrested by Vietnamese authorities and was horribly tortured and then beheaded. He was canonized by St. John Paul in 1988 along with thousands of other Vietnamese martyrs.
For today, however, I got to thinking about all the poor Saints and Blesseds who never get their Feast Day honored on the Liturgical Calendar because they are always trumped by a major Solemnity such as All Saints. According to Catholic Online (catholic.org), one of my primary sources, there are no less than 25 Saints and Blesseds whose Feast Day is November 1, so they have to share their day with all the saints. One of these is St. Jerome Hermosilla.
St. Jerome was born in La Calzada, in old Castile. He joined the Dominicans and was sent first to Manila where he was ordained to the priesthood in 1828. He was then sent as a missionary to Vietnam. The Catholic Church was devastated by rebellion and persecution in the late 18th century, but it had revived by the time of St. Jerome Hermosilla in the 19th century. However, Converts began to be harassed without official edicts in the late 1820s, by local governments. In 1831 the emperor passed new laws on regulations for religious groupings in Viet Nam, and Catholicism was then officially prohibited. Both Missionaries and converts suffered persecution and martyrdom throughout the next 10 years until the emperor's death in 1841. However, some persecution still continued after the new emperor took office. Catholic villages were forced to build shrines to the state cult.
St. Jerome survived this period of persecution. He was eventually Consecrated a bishop and succeeding St. Ignatius Delgado as vicar apostolic, Jerome was arrested by Vietnamese authorities and was horribly tortured and then beheaded. He was canonized by St. John Paul in 1988 along with thousands of other Vietnamese martyrs.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Communing with Grandma
Through the week, my television fast has not been too much of a challenge. I have had someplace to go most evenings and even when I am home, I can find things to occupy myself for the few hours before bed time. The weekends are harder. Sometimes I wonder what single women who lived alone did in the days before television and radio. I know that their housekeeping chores took much longer than mine do (and their houses were likely much cleaner), but after the chores were done, what did those spinster schoolmarms living out on the plains miles from anyone do in their silent shanties?
Today was a particular challenge. I went to Mass and breakfast as usual this morning, but have not seen or spoken with anyone since then. I had planned to attend Vespers and Benediction at Church this afternoon, but it was cancelled due to the winter storm . . . which also kept me from going out anywhere else. I passed much of the day without much temptation to turn on the tube, but it gets harder toward evening. I had already walked on the treadmill, finished the Sunday paper and one of the book I was reading, spent an excessive amount of time on the internet (primarily listening to Contemporary Christian Artists on YouTube) and did Evening Prayer (since I missed Vespers), so I was ready for something new to do.
One of my breakfast companions, after hearing that I'm going to play games with my siblings next week, asked if I knew how to play Solitaire. She has it on her tablet and cannot figure it out. Of course I know how to play Solitaire, but I don't know how to explain the game without a deck of cards or the computer version in front of me.
This evening when I was thinking of what to do, I remembered the conversation and found a deck of cards. I used to know several solitaire games, but I don't know that I remember them. Actually, my parents - particularly Dad - are the only people that I know that still play solitaire on a regular basis with actual cards. It's a lost art. I played for an hour and while I was shuffling and dealing out the cards, I remembered Grandma Meyer. Widowed in her 50s, she lived alone for many years. Although I know that she had a TV, I'm sure she was not addicted to it as I have been. I remember Dad telling me once how many games of solitaire she knew (although I don't remember the exact number, I'm sure that it was six or more). I know that this was one way that she passed her time and kept her mind sharp. I know that the games I was taught as a child were ones that she knew and played as well.
As I played tonight, I talked a little with Grandma -- I don't remember her very well. I was about 12 when she died. But I know that she was a wonderful Mom and Grandma, a great cook and a lovely, devout woman. I hope that I have inherited some of that from her.
Today was a particular challenge. I went to Mass and breakfast as usual this morning, but have not seen or spoken with anyone since then. I had planned to attend Vespers and Benediction at Church this afternoon, but it was cancelled due to the winter storm . . . which also kept me from going out anywhere else. I passed much of the day without much temptation to turn on the tube, but it gets harder toward evening. I had already walked on the treadmill, finished the Sunday paper and one of the book I was reading, spent an excessive amount of time on the internet (primarily listening to Contemporary Christian Artists on YouTube) and did Evening Prayer (since I missed Vespers), so I was ready for something new to do.
One of my breakfast companions, after hearing that I'm going to play games with my siblings next week, asked if I knew how to play Solitaire. She has it on her tablet and cannot figure it out. Of course I know how to play Solitaire, but I don't know how to explain the game without a deck of cards or the computer version in front of me.
This evening when I was thinking of what to do, I remembered the conversation and found a deck of cards. I used to know several solitaire games, but I don't know that I remember them. Actually, my parents - particularly Dad - are the only people that I know that still play solitaire on a regular basis with actual cards. It's a lost art. I played for an hour and while I was shuffling and dealing out the cards, I remembered Grandma Meyer. Widowed in her 50s, she lived alone for many years. Although I know that she had a TV, I'm sure she was not addicted to it as I have been. I remember Dad telling me once how many games of solitaire she knew (although I don't remember the exact number, I'm sure that it was six or more). I know that this was one way that she passed her time and kept her mind sharp. I know that the games I was taught as a child were ones that she knew and played as well.
As I played tonight, I talked a little with Grandma -- I don't remember her very well. I was about 12 when she died. But I know that she was a wonderful Mom and Grandma, a great cook and a lovely, devout woman. I hope that I have inherited some of that from her.
Friday, February 20, 2015
Into the COLD!
I took a day off work today. Yesterday, as I was leaving work, my lead was congratulating me about being able to stay inside and spend the whole day in my pajamas. Unfortunately, that is not happening, m friend.
I schedule a personal day the Friday before the Catholic Women's Conference so that I can get my Saturday chores and errands done and not have to worry about them after spending a long day at the conference. Thus, I was out in the cold more today than I would have been had I gone to work.
I got groceries, had my taxes done (not a banner tax year for me, but still on the plus side of things!), went to the Post Office to buy stamps, dropped off my recycling and went to Dollar General (forgot to get cat litter at the grocery) . . . in the midst of the errand running, I also discovered that I was low on gas. And when I say "low on gas" I mean very low . . . my gas gauge in my car no longer works, so I usually discover that I am low when the "idiot" light comes on. With the tank that low (and temps even lower), I don't dare park anywhere for any length of time or I will have a frozen fuel line. So this day off also found me jumping up and down beside my car, urging the pump to pump faster while it filled my tank . . . not quite thawed out yet.
I have also promised a couple of friends that I would meet them at the Fish Fry at church tonight - followed by Stations of the Cross. I could call and back out, but that would be cowardly and rude, so I will brave the outdoors again in just a couple hours.
I know winter cannot and will not last forever. But right now, I can hardly remember what it feels like to be too hot.
I schedule a personal day the Friday before the Catholic Women's Conference so that I can get my Saturday chores and errands done and not have to worry about them after spending a long day at the conference. Thus, I was out in the cold more today than I would have been had I gone to work.
I got groceries, had my taxes done (not a banner tax year for me, but still on the plus side of things!), went to the Post Office to buy stamps, dropped off my recycling and went to Dollar General (forgot to get cat litter at the grocery) . . . in the midst of the errand running, I also discovered that I was low on gas. And when I say "low on gas" I mean very low . . . my gas gauge in my car no longer works, so I usually discover that I am low when the "idiot" light comes on. With the tank that low (and temps even lower), I don't dare park anywhere for any length of time or I will have a frozen fuel line. So this day off also found me jumping up and down beside my car, urging the pump to pump faster while it filled my tank . . . not quite thawed out yet.
I have also promised a couple of friends that I would meet them at the Fish Fry at church tonight - followed by Stations of the Cross. I could call and back out, but that would be cowardly and rude, so I will brave the outdoors again in just a couple hours.
I know winter cannot and will not last forever. But right now, I can hardly remember what it feels like to be too hot.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Into the Wilderness
Welcome to Lent 2015. We observe Lent for 40 days because that is the symbolic time period of God forming his people. The Israelites were in the desert for 40 years in preparation to enter the promised land (Dt 8:2), Moses fasted and prayed for 40 days to prepare to meet the Lord and receive the commandments (Ex 24:18), Jesus went into the desert and fasted for 40 days before starting his ministry (Mk 1:13) . . . . etc. So welcome to the wilderness.
This does not mean that we have to all go out and become hermits until Easter. We live in the world and have our obligations. But we do need to separate ourselves in some way from the everyday demands on our lives so that we can find a quiet space in which we can be formed by God in preparation for the Resurrection. I am already beginning to wonder if I have found more quiet than I had bargained for.
I gave up TV for Lent.
Actually, I am just curtailing my TV watching for Lent . . . limiting myself to just the morning news so that I know what to wear and if I need to leave for work earlier than usual (weather and traffic, in other words). I have actually done this before, but that year I was gone to some meeting or event almost every weeknight, so I really didn't give up much. This winter, I have cut back on many of my outside activities (some by design, others just didn't pan out) and have been home in the evenings more than not. So, day 1, and I already don't know what to do with myself.
Of course, that is not strictly true. Having thought about this Lenten discipline for several weeks now, I do have some ideas of how I will better use my time while not watching TV . . . I just expected somehow to ease into these activities - not to try to do them all on Ash Wednesday. My plan? I will read more (done some of that), pray (done some of that), journal (started), craft and start Spring Cleaning. As it is almost 9:00, I think I will leave off the crafting and cleaning for another day. I think I will try also to dovetail blogging in with the journaling . . . we'll see which (if either) I can actually keep up with. I don't have a good track record with either.
This does not mean that we have to all go out and become hermits until Easter. We live in the world and have our obligations. But we do need to separate ourselves in some way from the everyday demands on our lives so that we can find a quiet space in which we can be formed by God in preparation for the Resurrection. I am already beginning to wonder if I have found more quiet than I had bargained for.
I gave up TV for Lent.
Actually, I am just curtailing my TV watching for Lent . . . limiting myself to just the morning news so that I know what to wear and if I need to leave for work earlier than usual (weather and traffic, in other words). I have actually done this before, but that year I was gone to some meeting or event almost every weeknight, so I really didn't give up much. This winter, I have cut back on many of my outside activities (some by design, others just didn't pan out) and have been home in the evenings more than not. So, day 1, and I already don't know what to do with myself.
Of course, that is not strictly true. Having thought about this Lenten discipline for several weeks now, I do have some ideas of how I will better use my time while not watching TV . . . I just expected somehow to ease into these activities - not to try to do them all on Ash Wednesday. My plan? I will read more (done some of that), pray (done some of that), journal (started), craft and start Spring Cleaning. As it is almost 9:00, I think I will leave off the crafting and cleaning for another day. I think I will try also to dovetail blogging in with the journaling . . . we'll see which (if either) I can actually keep up with. I don't have a good track record with either.
Friday, January 9, 2015
A birthday essay
Back in my early 30's, this often resulted in a time of depression for me (well, more often than not, really). I saw myself going nowhere in my life -- barely getting by financially, dead end job, little social life and no romance. Year after year, I reflected on a past year of no accomplishment and looked forward to a year of little prospect. I pretty much dreaded January and just held on until Ash Wednesday, when (oddly enough) I somehow felt was really a fresh start.
Strange how our outlook changes over time. Again in my life I have been alone for many years. There is minimal expectation of advancement at work and my finances are something I would rather not think about. But my perspective on life is vastly different. As I approached the turning of the year (both on the universal calendar and my own), I have been excited. I can count at least half a dozen people I know today as friends that I hadn't even met a year ago. There are also as many friends (if not more) that I am closer to today than I was last year. I look forward to another year of friendships and sharing my faith, hope and love with the people that God has put in my life.
Even in the dark days of dreading the onset of a new year, I never gave up celebrating my birthday and always welcomed the good wishes that came my way. I don't know if you have seen it, but I know several people who do not celebrate their own birthdays at all. I don't mean those who deny that they have had as many birthdays as they actually have -- the ones who are perpetually 29. No, these people (sadly enough, mostly women) not only do not acknowledge their age, but deny the option to age because they deny that there was a date in history when they were born - and they get mad (or at least disgruntled) if anyone else mentions such a possibility.
I find this so sad. We have come to a place in our culture where we worship youth to such an extent that people try (vainly) to stay forever young by never having a birthday. They miss out on the primary reason that we celebrate birthdays. We don't celebrate because of the number (think how odd it would sound if we celebrated Christmas by saying, "Happy two thousand fourteenth birthday Jesus!"). We celebrate birthdays as a recognition that the person having the birthday is valued simply for the fact that they ARE. Any other time that you are celebrated, your are celebrated for what you have done (graduation, promotion, championship, etc.). On your birthday, we celebrate you just because God thought that you would be a very good idea -- and we think so too! That is worth celebrating no matter your age, income, marital status, health, productivity, or any thing else that may be seen as worth while to others.
I am worth celebrating -- Happy Birthday to me!
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