All posts by Vicki Scheenstra

Vicki Scheenstra is a former Catholic Bookstore owner and has been active in Catholic Education.
Faith, Spirituality

Who Does Jesus say that he is?




Jesus Christ

There are many followers of Jesus. Who is he? Each church has their own beliefs about Jesus. Who does Jesus say that he is?

In the gospel of John, Jesus himself tells us who he is. There are seven “I am” sayings of Jesus. Each one gives us insight into the person Jesus himself claims to be.

The seven “I am” sayings are:

1. “I am the Good Shepherd. “Jn (10.11)

2. “I am the gate for the sheep.” Jn (10:7)“I

3. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” Jn (14.6)

4. “I am the vine, you are the branches.” Jn (15.5)

5. “I am the Bread of Life.” Jn. (6:35)

6. “I am the light of the world.” Jn (8:12)

7. “I am the resurrection and the life.” Jn (11.25)

Meditate on the PHOTOS as you read the gospel passages in Jesus own words.

Reflect on all the images Jesus gives us to help us know him better. How can we love Jesus unless we spend time with him and listen to his words?

Seven “I am” sayings; one saying for each day of the week. Spend a week reflecting on the sayings of Jesus.

 

Jesus, The Good Shepherd

I am the Good Shepherd

John 10:11

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away–and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the father. And I lay down my life for the sheep.
I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord, I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”
 
Jesus the Sheepgate

I am the Sheepgate

John 10:1

“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.”

Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

So again Jesus said to them,

“Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
Sacred Heart of Jesus
Public Domain Image
 
I am the Way, the Truth and the Life

John:14

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again

will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.”

Thomas said to him,

“Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?

Jesus said to him,

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Jesus, The Vine and Branches

I am the vine, you are the branches.

John 15:1

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.
I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.
Monstrance
Body and Blood of Jesus Christ

I am the Bread of Life

John 6:22

The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. Then some boats from Teberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus.

When they found him on the other side of the sea they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them.

“Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has st his seal”

Then they said to him,

“What must we do to perform the works of God?”

Jesus answered them,

“This is the work of God that you believe in him whom he has sent.”

So they said to him,

“What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'”

Then Jesus said to them;

“Very truly I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

They said to him,

“Sir give us this bread always.”

Jesus said to them,

“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.”

I am the Light of the World

John 8:12

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying,

” I am the light of the world.Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

Then the Pharisees said to him,

“You are testifying on your own behalf; your testimony is not valid.”

Jesus answered,

“Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid because I know where I have come from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards, I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge my judgment is valid, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. In your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is valid. I testify on my own behalf, and the Father who sent me testifies on my behalf.

Then they said to him,

“Where is your Father?”

Jesus answered,

“You know neither me nor my Father. If you know me, you would know my Father also.”

He spoke these words while he was teaching in the treasury of the temple, but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet com.

I am the Resurrection and the Life

John 11:25

When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and meet him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus,

“Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.”

Jesus said to her,

“Your brother will rise again.”

Martha said to him,

“I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”

Jesus said to her,

“I am the resurrection and the life.Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

She said to him,

“Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”

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Dominican Saints, Faith, patron saints, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Catherine dei Ricci, Feast Day Feb. 13

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St. Catherine dei Ricci 2

The Feast Day of St. Catherine dei Ricci is celebrated on Feb. 13.  She is the patron saint of the sick.

St. Catherine was born in 1522 in Italy. Her baptismal name was Alexandria, however she took the name Catherine when she joined the Dominican Order. As an infant her mother died and she was raised by her godmother. As a child she was known for her love of praying in solitude. She also talked to her guardian angel and learned to pray the rosary. At the age of six her father placed her in a convent in Florence, Italy, where her aunt was the Abbess.

Alexandria joined the Dominican nuns at Prat in Tuscany when she was 14 taking the name of Catherine. By he age of 25 she was the perpetual prioress. She had a great reputation for sanctity. Although they never met, she corresponded to St. Philip Neri, also known as the Apostle of Joy.

St. Catherine had a great devotion to the Passion of Christ. In 1541 she had a heartbreaking vision of the crucifixion which confined her to bed for three weeks finally recovering on Holy Saturday by a vision of St. Mary Magdalene and the risen Jesus. For 12 years she experienced ecstasy every Thursday from noon until Friday at 4 p.m. During the visions she received the stigmata, the wound in the left side and the crown of thorns. She offered her suffering for the Holy souls in Purgatory.

Many people came to witness her ecstasy, even though she did not like the attention it caused. One of her visions was of receiving a ring from the lord as a sign of her espousal to him.

Three popes were known to have asked her for her prayers; Pope Marcellus II, Pope Leo XI and Pope Clement VIII.

St. Catherine is the patron saint of sick people because she cared for the sick while living in the convent. She died after a long illness at the age of 68 in 1590.

“If we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive.”
Quote of St. Teresa of Calcutta; Feast day Sept. 5

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February is the Month of the Passion of the Lord

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Faith, Prayer, Spirituality

Benedictine Spirituality



St. Benedict
St. Benedict

St. Benedict was born in Nursia in 480 to upper class parents. He attended university in Rome. To escape the vice he was surrounded by he fled Rome and spent 3 years in seclusion. After these three years he founded the monasteries he is famous for.

 

St. Benedict is considered the founder of western monasticism. His monasteries were based on the principles in his book The Rule of Benedict. This book begins with this prologue: “Listen carefully, my son, to the masters’ instructions and attend to them with the ear of your heart. (R.B. Prologue)”

 

His rule begins with the word LISTEN! The monasteries have a very strict discipline. They focus on daily personal and liturgical prayer. Singing of the Psalms and reading the Divine Office is practiced daily. Listening to the word of God is the primary focus of their spirituality. Lectio Divino is slow reading and meditation on the scripture. Benedictine spirituality also demands obedience, hospitality, and service.

 

St. Benedict died while standing in prayer before God.

 

The Feast Day of St. Benedict is July 11th. In the Eastern Church it is celebrated on March 14th.
St. Benedict is the patron saint of students and Europe.

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Benedictine Saints, Faith, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Scholastica, Feast Day Feb. 10




St. Scholastica Public Domain Image
St. Scholastica         Patron Saint Against Storms

The Feast Day of St. Scholastica is celebrated on Feb. 10.   St. Scholastica was born in central Italy. She was the twin sister to St. Benedict who founded the Benedictine Order. Their parents were affluent. After Benedict left for the monastery, Scholastica founded a monastery for nuns within five miles of St. Benedict’s monastery. St. Benedict was the spiritual director for her monastery.

Benedict and Scholastica were only able to visit with each other once a year. Because she was not allowed in his monastery, they met in a farmhouse where they visited and discussed spiritual matters. According to the Dialogues of St. Gregory the Great the two saints spent their last day together in prayer and visiting. Benedict refused her request to stay another day, however a thunderstorm arose preventing him from returning home. St. Scholastica claimed the storm was a result of her prayers. He stayed another day visiting through the night, returning to the monastery the next day.  St. Scholastica died three days later in 543. St. Benedict’s brethren brought her body to his monastery. She was buried in the tomb he had prepared for himself.

St. Benedict had a vision of her soul ascending to heaven in the form of a dove. St. Scholastica is the patron saint against storms.

Eternal praise and honor be to you, Lord Jesus Christ, for each and every hour that you endured such great bitterness and anguish on the cross for us sinners.
 Quote of St. Bridget of Sweden; Feast day July 23

 

 February is the Month of the Passion of the Lord

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Faith, Mystic, Poetry, Prayer, Spirituality, Visionary

Praying with the Poetry of the Mystics

St. Francis raphaelgallery.org Public Domain Image
St. Francis
raphaelgallery.org


 

Get to know the mystics! The mystics are saints in the Catholic Church who have had visions and personal experiences with the presence of God in their lives. Many of the Saints have written of their love of God. It can be contagious!

The following five poems are written by mystics of the Catholic Church. They are inspired by their own personal relationship and experience of God. Because their joy could not be kept to themselves, they became radiant lights to the world.

The different types of prayer are petition, intercession, thanksgiving, adoration, praise and glory. Their poetry uses all these types of prayer and can help lead us to a personal relationship with God.

St. Francis was born in Assisi, Italy in 1181. He is known for his love of animals and the suffering. He is the founder of the Franciscan Order. While praying in front of a crucifix, Jesus spoke to him saying, “Francis, rebuild my church!”

St. Teresa of Avila was born in Spain in 1515. She helped reform the Carmelite order. The poem in this collection shares one of her experiences during prayer.

St. Catherine of Siena was born in 1347. She began having visions as a young child pertaining to heaven and hell.

Bernard of Clairvaux was born in 1090 in Burgundy France. He wrote a treatise called Degrees of Humility and Pride which analyzed the human character. He also wrote many hymns.

St. Augustine was known for his conversion during the fourth century. He became a famous bishop. His poem Beauty ever ancient and so new is well known.

Learning about the spirituality of the saints can help us develop our own prayer life. Meditating on these prayers will change the course of your life.

 

 

St. Francis with Birds Public Domain Image
St. Francis with Birds

Canticle of the Creatures

All Praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have made them, bright, and precious, and fair.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through Brothers wind and air, and fair and stormy, all the weather’s moods, by which you cherish all that you have made.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Water, so useful, humble, precious and pure.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom you brighten up the night. How beautiful is he, how cheerful! Full of power and strength.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth, who sustains us and governs us, and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through those who grant pardon for love of you; through those who endure sickness and trial. Happy are those who endure in peace, by You, Most High, they will be crowned.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Death, from whose embrace no mortal can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those she finds doing your will! The second death can do them no harm.

Praise and bless my Lord, and give him thanks and serve him with great humility.

St. Francis of Assisi

St. Augustine of Hippo by Sandro Botticelli Public Domain Image
St. Augustine of Hippo
by Sandro Botticelli

Beauty so ancient and so new

Late have I loved you, Beauty so ancient and so new, late have I loved you!

Lo, you were within,
but I outside, seeking there for you,

and upon the shapely things you have made
I rushed headlong – I, misshapen.
You were with me, but I was not with you.

They held me back far from you,
those things which would have no being,
were they not in you.

You called, shouted, broke through my deafness;
you flared, blazed, banished my blindness;

you lavished your fragrance, I gasped; and now I pant for you;
I tasted you, and now I hunger and thirst;

you touched me, and I burned for your peace.

St. Augustine

St. Bernard of Clairvaux Public Domain Image
St. Bernard of Clairvaux

O Sacred Head Surrounded

O sacred head, surrounded by crown of piercing thorn!

O bleeding head, so wounded, reviled and put to scorn!

Death’s pallid hue comes over you the glow of life decays, yet angel hosts adore thee and tremble as they gaze.

I see thy strength and vigor all fading in the strife, and death with cruel rigor, bereaving thee of life;

O agony and dying!

O love to sinners free!

Jesus, all grace supplying, O turn thy face on me.

In this thy bitter passion, Good Shepherd, think of me, with thy most sweet compassion, unworthy though I be,

beneath thy cross abiding forever would I rest, in they dear love confiding and with they presence blest.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux

St. Catherine of Siena Public domain Image

Consumed by Grace

I first saw God when I was a child, six years of age.

the cheeks of the sun were pale before Him,

and the earth acted as a shy girl, like me.

Divine light entered my heart from His love
that did never fully wane,

though indeed, dear, I can understand how a person’s
faith can at time flicker,

for what is the mind to do
with something that becomes the mind’s ruin:

a God that consumes us
in His grace.

I have seen what you want;
it is there,

a Beloved of infinite
tenderness.

St. Catherine of Siena

St. Teresa of Avila Public Domain Image
St. Teresa of Avila

 

Laughter came from every brick

Just these two words He spoke changed my life,

Enjoy Me!.

What a burden I thought I was to carry, a crucifix, as did He.

Love once said to me,

“I know a song, would you like to hear it?”

And laughter came from every brick in the street and from every pore in the sky.

After a night of prayer,

He changed my life when He sang,

“Enjoy Me!”

St. Teresa of Avila




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Faith, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Jerome Emiliani




St. Jerome Emiliani

The Feast Day of St. Jerome Emiliani is celebrated on Feb. 9. St. Jerome was born in Venice in 1486.

St. Jerome had an adventurous youth and became a soldier.  Spending time in a dungeon after being captured he turned to a life of prayer and began studying for the priesthood. After his ordination, he devoted his time to works of mercy caring for orphans and the sick. He built three orphanages, a shelter for prostitutes and a hospital. His supporters formed a group which eventually became a religious order called the Clerks Regular of Samasca.

St. Jerome was also entrusted with the organization of the Hospital of the Incurables.  Jerome died in Samasca on Feb. 8, 1537 from the plague after caring for the ill during the epidemic.

God did not tell us to follow Him
because He needed our help,
but because He knew that
loving Him would make us whole.
Quote of St Irenaeus; Feast day June 28
February is the Month of the Passion of the Lord



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Faith, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Josephine Bakhita, Feast Day Feb. 8




St. Josephine Bakhita
St. Josephine Bakhita

The Feast Day of St. Josephine Bakhita is celebrated on Feb. 8.

St. Josephine was born to a wealthy Sudanese family in southern Sudan in 1869. At the young age of seven she was kidnapped and sold into slavery. Josephine was given the name ‘Bakhita’ which means ‘fortunate’. She suffered greatly, being beaten and sold multiple times. Eventually, an Italian consul named Callisto Legnani bought her. He treated her kindly, but after two years he took her with him to Italy and gave her to a friend, named Augusto Michieli. She worked as a nanny for him and met the Canossian sisters who taught at his daughter’s school. She was drawn to the Catholic faith and was baptized in 1890 taking the name Josephine.

When the Michieli’s wished to return to Africa, Josephine refused to go with them. The case went to court where it was determined that because slavery was illegal in Italy,  Josephine was a free woman. Free to do as she wanted after years of slavery, Josephine entered the Institute of St. Magdalene of Canossa in 1893, making her profession 3 years later. For 45 years she supported the community by cooking, sewing, embroidery and being the doorkeeper.

When it became apparent that Bakhita had a great heart for the missions of Africa, her Superior asked her to visit convents to speak about her experiences, to prepare young sisters for missionary work in Africa, and raise funds for the missions. In her later years, she was confined to a wheelchair due to arthritis. She also suffered from bronchitis and pneumonia, however, she was always known for her holiness and cheerful spirit. One of her quotes is:

“The suffering caused by illness is more meritorious than any self inflicted mortification.”

St. Josephine Bakhita died in 1947. She was canonized on Oct. 1, 2000 by Pope John Paul II.

Be good, love the Lord,
pray for those who do not know Him.
What a grace it is to know God!
Quote of St. Josephine Bakhita
February is the Month of the Passion of the Lord
Faith, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Luke the Younger, Feast Day Feb. 7




public domain image
St. Luke the Younger   public domain image

The Feast Day of St. Luke the Younger is celebrated on Feb. 7.

St. Luke the Younger was born on the Greek Island of Aegina. He was the third of seven children. His father was a farmer.

As a child St. Luke was very generous, often giving his own food to the hungry. After the death of his father he decided to be a hermit. His mother objected and he left home to find a monastery. Mistaken as a runaway slave he was captured and imprisoned.

After his release from prison, St. Luke joined a monastery in Athens only to be sent home after he claimed to have had a vision in which his mother was asking for help.  His mother no longer objected to his desire to live the life of a religious. He built his own hermitage in Thessaly, Greece. It was known as the Soterion, the place of healing.

St. Luke was known for his holiness and the many miracles attributed to him

Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.
Quote of St. Basil; Feast day January 2
February is the Month of the Passion of the Lord

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Faith, Jesuit Saints, Martyr, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Paul Miki & Companions, Feast Day Feb. 6




St. Paul Miki & Companions
The Feast Day of St. Paul Miki & Companions is celebrated on Feb. 6.   Paul Miki’s family converted to the Catholic faith when he was five years old. He was educated by the Jesuits, joining their order when he was 22.

St. Paul Miki  helped to educate the Buddhists about Christianity.   St. Francis Xavier led a group of Jesuit missionaries into Japan during the 16 century. Over 200, 000 Japanese natives converted to the faith. Religious persecution began as a result. Many churches were destroyed forcing secrecy. In spite of the persecution 100,000 more converted to Christianity.

In 1593 Franciscan missionaries joined the Jesuits in their missionary work. During this tense time, a Spanish ship was seized off the Japanese coast and found to have artillery on it. The imperial minister Toyotomi Hideyoshi responded by sentencing 26 Catholics to death.  Six were foreign Franciscans, several were lay Catholics and several were children. The most well known missionaries were associated with the Jesuits; Paul Miki, who was studying to be a priest, John of Goto, a catechist preparing to enter the Jesuits and James Kesai who was a lay Jesuit brother. They were sentenced to die by crucifixion and lancing after being marched 600 miles to the city of Nagasaki.

Pope Pius IV canonized the Martyrs of Nagasaki in 1862.

After Christ’s example, I forgive my persecutors.  I do not hate them.  I ask God to have pity on all and I hope my blood will fall on my fellow man as a fruitful rain.
Quote of St. Paul Miki before he died in 1597.
February is the Month of the Passion of the Lord

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Apostle, Faith, Featured, Quiz

How Much Do You Know About The Apostles?

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Pentecost Public Domain Image
Pentecost
Public Domain Image

Apostle means “one who is sent”. Jesus chose twelve Apostles. He sent them into the world to spread the “good news”. The following quiz will tell you how much you know about them.

Answer the following questions to test your knowledge about the Apostles. The answers are at the end of the list.

1   Which Apostle had a mother-in-law who was cured by Jesus?

2.  Which Apostles were known as “Sons of Thunder”?

3.  Which Apostle was shipwrecked?

4.  Which Apostle lived the longest, dying a natural death?

5.  To which Apostle did Jesus say “Do not doubt but believe?”

6.  Which Apostle was a tax collector?

7.  Who was the brother of Simon Peter?

8.  Which Apostle betrayed Jesus?

9.  Which Apostle said, “This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders.  It has become the  cornerstone.”

10.  Which Apostle tried to walk on water?

11.  Which Apostles witnessed the Transfiguration?

12.  On what day did the Holy Spirit descend upon the Apostles?

13.  To whom did Jesus say, “Here is your mother?”

14.  Which Apostle was present at the foot of the cross?

15.  Which Apostle received the keys to the kingdom of heaven?

16.  Which Apostle was blind for three days?

17.  Which Apostle was chosen to replace the traitor?

18.  To which Apostle did Jesus say, “Get behind me, Satan!”

19.  Who is referred to as “The Beloved Disciple?”

20.  Which Apostle was not present when Jesus first appeared to the other Apostles?

21.  Which Apostle is mentioned the most in the gospels?

22.  Who denied Jesus three times?

23.  Which three apostles fell asleep while Jesus was praying in the garden?

24.  To whom did Jesus say, “Feed my sheep?”

25.  Can you name the twelve Apostles present at the Last Supper?

 
St. Andrew the Apostle Public Domain Image
St. Andrew the Apostle
Public Domain Image

St. Andrew, Apostle and Martyr

St. Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter. They were both fishermen and followers of John the Baptist when they were called to follow Jesus.

After the resurrection, St. Andrew preached in Greece. He was put to death on an X shaped cross to which he was tied, not nailed. He lived two days, still preaching to those around him.

He is the patron saint of fishermen and two countries; Russia and Scotland.

The feast day of St. Andrew is celebrated on Nov. 30.

 
The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew by Joseph de Ribera Public Domain Image
The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew by Joseph de Ribera
Public Domain Image

St. Bartholomew, Apostle and Martyr

St. Bartholomew was born in Galilee. Bartholomew was one of the original twelve Apostles and present at the Last Supper. He was also known as Nathanael. He witnessed the Ascension.

After the resurrection, Bartholomew preached in India, Ethiopia and Asia Minor. He was flayed and beheaded by King Astyages.

St. Bartholomew is the patron saint against neurological diseases and leather workers.

The feast day of St. Bartholomew is celebrated on Aug. 24.


St. James the Greater by Alonso Cano

 
St. James the Greater, Apostle and Martyr 

St. James the Greater, Apostle and Martyr

St. James the Greater was one of the original twelve apostles. James the Greater was the brother to St. John the Apostle and a cousin to Jesus. He followed John the Baptist before following Jesus. He was a fisherman. He was present at the Last Supper. The two brothers. James and John were called the ‘Sons of Thunder”.

St. James preached in Samaria Judea and Spain after the resurrection. He was the first Apostle to be martyred. He was stabbed with a sword by King Heron Agrippa at Jerusalem.

St. James the Greater is the patron saint of arthritis sufferers, pharmacists and veterinarians.

The feast day of St James the Greater is celebrated on July 25.

 
St. James the Lesser Public Domain Image
St. James the Lesser
Public Domain Image

St. James the Lesser

St. James the Lesser was one of the original twelve apostles. The title Lesser probably meant he was younger than James the Greater. James was a cousin of Jesus and brother to St. Jude Thaddeus.

St James the Lesser was the first Bishop of Jerusalem. He was known for his devotion to the poor. He was beaten to death with a club while praying for his attackers.

St.James the Lesser is the patron saint of fullers and pharmacists.

The feast day of St. James the Lesser is celebrated on May 3.

 

St. John the Evangelist Public Domain Image
St. John the Evangelist

St. John the Evangelist

St. John the Evangelist was the Son of Zebedee and Salome. He was the brother to James the Greater. The two brothers were called the “Sons of Thunder. They were both fishermen. John was a followers of John the Baptist before he was called by Jesus.

Peter, James and John were the only witnesses of the raising of Jairus daughter (Mark 5:37), the Transfiguration and the Agony of the Garden.

John and Peter were sent to the city to make preparations for the Last Supper. John become known as ‘The Beloved Disciple’.

John was the only Apostle to remain close to Jesus during the crucifixion. Jesus told him “This is your mother”. while hanging on the cross.  (John 19: 27)

After Pentecost, John traveled with Peter and was put in prison. He preached with Peter in Samaria, Palestine and Asia Minor.

The fourth Gospel and the Book of Revelations is attributed to St. John the Evangelist.

St. John the Evangelist lived the longest of the Apostles, dying a natural death.

St. John the Evangelist is the patron saint of writers, editors and publishers.

The feast day of St. John the Evangelist is celebrated on Dec. 27.

St. Judas Iscariot Apostle and Traitor Public Domain Image
St. Judas Iscariot
Apostle and Traitor

Judas Iscariot, Apostle and Traitor

Judas Iscariot was called by Jesus to be one of the original twelve Apostles. He was present at the Last Supper. Judas went to the chief priest and said, “What will you give me if I betray him to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver. During the last supper Jesus said “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”  And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” He answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me”

When Judas saw that Jesus was condemned he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders He said  “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they said “What is that to us? See to it yourself.”   Throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple he departed; and he went and hanged himself. (Mat 27:4-5)

St. Jude Thaddeus Apostle and Martyr Public Domain Image
St. Jude Thaddeus
Apostle and Martyr

St. Jude Thaddeus, Apostle and Martyr

St. Jude was one of the original twelve Apostles. He was the son of Cleohas, who died a martyr and Mary who stood at the foot of the cross. He was the brother of St. James the Lesser. and a cousin to Jesus. He was a fisherman. He was present at the Last Supper. He is not to be confused with Judas Iscariot, who was a traitor.

After the resurrection St. Jude preached in Syria and Persia with St. Simon. He was a healer and an exorcist. He was beaten to death with a club then beheaded in Persia. His relics are at St. Peter’s Basilica, in Rome.

St. Jude is known as the patron saint of impossible causes.

The feast day of St. Jude Thaddeus is celebrated on Oct. 28.

St. Mathias Public Domain Image
St. Mathias

St. Mathias, Apostle and Martyr

St. Mathias was not one of the original twelve Apostles. He was not present at the Last Supper.

After the suicide by hanging of Judas Iscariot, the Apostles decided to choose either Mathias or Joseph called Barsabbas to replace Judas Iscariot. They prayed, saying. “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Acts (1:24) They drew lots and chose Mathias to replace him.

Mathias preached in Judea, Egypt and Ethiopia. Stories of his martyrdom vary. It is believed he was stoned and beheaded.

St. Mathias is the patron saint against alcoholism and smallpox. He is also the patron of carpenters.

The feast day of St. Mathias is celebrated on May 14.

St. Matthew and the Angel Public Domain Image
St. Matthew and the Angel

St. Mathew, Apostle and Martyr

St. Mathew was one of the original twelve apostles. He was also known as Levi. He was present at the Last Supper and the Ascension of Our Lord. Before following Jesus, he was a tax collector.

St. Matthew is the author of the first Gospel. After the resurrection he preached to the Hebrews, probably in Ethiopia, Persia and Syria for 15 years. During this time he also wrote his Gospel in Aramaic.

Reports of his martyrdom vary a great deal. It is not certain if he was burned, stoned or beheaded.

St. Matthew is the patron saint of bankers.

The Feast day of St. Matthew is celebrated on Sept. 21.

St. Paul the Apostle Public Domain Image
St. Paul the Apostle

St. Paul, Apostle of the GentilesSt.

St. Paul was not one of the original twelve Apostles. He persecuted the early Christians. He was present at the stoning of St. Stephen, the first martyr. On the road to Damascus, he was struck by a heavenly light. He heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” He asked “Who are you Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city and you will be told what you are to do.” (Acts 9:4-6)

After three days of blindness, scales fell off his eyes. He joined the Apostles becoming known as the Apostle to the Gentiles.

St. Paul wrote many of the books in the New Testament. He was instrumental in the Council of Jerusalem His missionary journeys took him many places: Asia Minor, Macedonia, Jerusalem and Europe.

St. Paul suffered many hardships including three shipwrecks. (2 Cor. 111:20-32)

St. Paul died a martyr. He was beheaded in Rome in the year 65.

St. Paul is the patron saint of writers, publishers, musicians and evangelists.

The Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul is celebrated Jan 25.

The Feast of Sts. Peter and St. Paul is celebrated June 29

He died a martyr. His feast day is June 29.

 
St. Peter by Rubens Apostle and Martyr Public Domain Image
St. Peter by Rubens
Apostle and Martyr
Public Domain Image

St. Peter, Apostle and Martyr

St. Peter was one of the original twelve Apostles. His name was Simon and he is the brother of Andrew. They were fishermen until Jesus.called them saying, “Come and I will make you fishers of men.”

When Jesus asked the Apostles who they believed he was, Peter said “You are the Messiah, the son of the Living God.” Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”(Matt 1515-19)

He is also known as Simon Peter. St. Peter was married and Jesus healed his mother-in-law who was suffering from a high fever. (Matt 8:14)

St. Peter  is mentioned the most often in the Bible and considered the leader of the Apostles. His name is mention 182 times in the Bible.

When Jesus foretells his death, Peter responds by saying “God forbid it Lord! This must never happen to you.” But Jesus turned to Peter saying “Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” (Matt 17: 23)

After asking Peter if he loved him Jesus told him “Feed my Sheep.” three times. (John 23:17)

Peter denied Jesus three time during the crucifixion, repenting afterwards. (Matt. 26:69)

St. Peter was crucified upside down in Rome.

St. Peter is the patron saint of fishermen.

The Feast day of Sts. Peter and Paul is celebrated on June 29.

St. Philip the Apostle Public Domain Image
St. Philip the Apostle

St. Philip, Apostle and Martyr

St. Philip was one of the original apostles. He was born in Bethsaida, Galilee and a follower of John the Baptist. He was present at the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. He was also present at the Last Supper.

After the resurrection Philip preached in Greece and Syria.

St. Philip died a martyr. He was crucified upside down at Hiorapolis under Emperor Domitian.

St. Philip is the patron saint of cooks and bakers.

The feast day of St. Philip is celebrated on May 3.

St. Simon the Zealot Public Domain Image
St. Simon the Zealot

St. Simon the Zealot, Apostle and Martyr

St. Simon was one of the original twelve Apostles. He was present at the Last Supper.

St. Simon was the second Bishop of Jerusalem. He preached in Egypt and Persia with St. Jude where both suffered martyrdom.

There are two stories of his death. The first has him dying by crucifixion in Samaria. The second has him sawed in half in Persia.

St. Simon is the  patron saint of tanners.

The feast day of St. Simon is celebrated on Oct. 28.

Doubting Thomas by Caravaggio Apostle and Martry Public Domain Image
Doubting Thomas by Caravaggio
Apostle and Martyr

St. Thomas, Apostle and Martyr

St. Thomas was also known as “Doubting Thomas”.   After the resurrection Jesus appeared to the Apostles. Thomas was not there and did not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. When Jesus later appeared to him he said “Peace be with you. Do not doubt but believe.” (John 21:24)

St. Thomas also asked Jesus “How can we follow you, when we know not where you are going?” Jesus responded, “I am the way, the truth and the life. Whoever follows me will live forever.”

Thomas was one of the original twelve apostles. He was present at the Last Supper. He was also present when Jesus had the Apostles lower their nets and they miraculously caught many fish.

After the resurrection, St. Thomas was sent to evangelize the Parthians, the Persians and India. He is believed to have built the first church in India.

St. Thomas died a martyr’s death when at Calamine in India he was speared to death while praying.

St. Thomas is the patron saint of architects and the blind. The feast day of St. Thomas is July 3.

The Last Supper by DaVinci Public Domain Image
The Last Supper by DaVinci

The Last Supper

All twelve Apostles whom Jesus chose were with him at the Last Supper.

Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James, and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon,who was called the Zealot, and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. (Luke 6:12-16)

 
Pentecost Public Domain Image
Pentecost
Public Domain Image

Pentecost

When the day of Pentecost had come they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 1:104)

The answers to the questions are the following:

1.    The Apostle Peter was married. Jesus healed his mother-in-law.(Matt 8:14)

2.    The Sons of Thunder were James the Greater and John the Evangelist

3.     St. Paul was shipwrecked three times.(2 Cor. 11:20-32)

4.     St.John the Evangelist lived the longest, dying a natural death.

5.    St. Thomas, also known as ‘Doubting Thomas’ was told’“Do not doubt but believe” by Jesus.(John  21:24)

6.    St. Mathew was a tax collector.

7.    St. Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter.

8.    Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.(Matt. 26:47)

9.   Peter while preaching said, “This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders.  It has become the cornerstone.” (Acts 4:11)

10.  Peter tried to walk on water but faltered. (Mat: 14:28)

11.   The Transfiguration was witnessed by Peter, John and James.

12.  The Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles on Pentecost.

13.  Jesus said “This is your mother” to St. John the Evangelist while he hung from the cross.(John 19:26)

14.  St. John the Evangelist was the only Apostle who stayed near Jesus during the crucifixion.

15.   St. Peter was given the ‘keys to the kingdom of heaven‘.(Matt 16:16)

16.   St. Paul was blind for three days after seeing a light from heaven and hearing a voice asking in Hebrew,

                 “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 26:12)

17.   St. Mathias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot. (Acts 1:12)

18.   Jesus was talking to Simon Peter when he said “Get behind me, Satan!” (Matt 16:21)

19.   St. John the Evangelist was known as ‘The beloved disciple’.

20.   When Jesus first appeared to the Apostles, Thomas was absent.   He did not believe Jesus had risen. (John 21:24)

21.    St. Peter is mentioned 93 times in the Gospels; 63 times in the remainder of the New Testament.

John is second, being mentioned 100 times in the Gospels and 30 in the remainder of the New Testament.

22.   St. Peter denied Jesus three times during the crucifixion.(Matt 26:69)

23.   While praying in the garden, Peter, James and John fell asleep. (Matt 26:36)

24.    Jesus told Peter“Feed my Sheep.” three times. (John 21:17)

25.   The original Twelve Apostles are the following:

  1. St. Andrew
  2. St. Bartholomew
  3. St. James the Greater
  4. St. James the Lesser
  5. St. John the Evangelist
  6. Judas Iscariot
  7. St. Jude Thaddeus
  8. St. Mathew
  9. St. Peter
  10. St. Philip
  11. St. Simon the Zealot
  12. St. Thomas

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Carmelite Saints, Faith, patron saints, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Andrew Corsini, Feast Day Feb. 4

St. Andrew Corsini

The Feast Day of St. Andrew Corsini is celebrated on Feb. 4.  St. Andrew Corsini is the patron saint against riots and disorder.

St. Andrew Corsini was one of twelve children. He was born in Florence, Italy on Nov. 30, 1302 to a powerful family. Although he lived a wild life, his mother influenced his conversion. He decided to become a Carmelite priest. In 1349 he was named Bishop of Fiesole. It was a position he resisted at first but served for twelve hears.  Pope Urban V sent him to Bologna to settle disputes between the nobles and common people. It was a successful mission.

Bishop Corsini served the poor with compassion. He preached love and harmony. As much as was possible he lived the life of a Carmelite. He was known for reforming the clergy, stressing the need for the priest to be educated properly. He also insisted that the priest reside in their parish. Many church buildings were restored by the Bishop including the cathedral.

St. Andrew Corsini died on Jan. 6, 1374. There were reports of many miracles of healing and conversion during his lifetime. He was canonized by Pope Urban VIII on April 29, 1629.

St. Andrew Corsini 2

Prayer is … a mine which is never exhausted …
It is the root, the fountain,
the mother of a thousand blessings.
Quote of St. John Chrysostom; Feast day September 13
February is the Month of the Passion of Our Lord

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Faith, Feast Days

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Presentation of the Lord, Feast Day Feb. 2




The Presentation of the Lord

The Feast day of the Presentation of the Lord is celebrated on Feb. 2. It has been celebrated since the fourth century.

According to Jewish law parents were required to offer a sacrifice for their first male child forty days after his birth. Usually the sacrifice was a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons. On the same day the mother would be ritually purified. The Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph were observing this requirement. Simeon was a devout and just man. When Jesus was presented in the temple, he embraced the child and prayed the Canticle of Simeon. (Luke 2:22).

After it was decided to celebrate the birth of Jesus on Dec. 25, the Feast of the Presentation was celebrated on Feb. 2, which was 40 days later. It is also known as the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin and Candlemas.

Candlemas refers to the custom which arose of blessing candles on this feast day. The Canticle of Simeon is sung during a procession after the blessing occurs. This custom still occurs in some European countries.

The Canticle of Simeon
Now, Master, You can dismiss your servant in peace;
You have fulfilled Your word.
For my eyes have witnessed Your saving deed
displayed for all the peoples to see:
A revealing light to the Gentiles,
the glory of Your people Israel.
February is the Month of the Passion of the Lord

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