Category Archives: Featured

Guidance and Surrender; 7 Powerful Prayers from the Saints

During times of confusion, it always helps to turn to a powerful prayer to help us center our thoughts and erase our fears.  The following prayers are powerful tools during these times of need.

If God is your co-pilot…perhaps you should change seats!!!

St. Ignatius Loyola

St. Ignatius of Loyola

Take Lord and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding and my entire will, all I have and call my own.

You have given all to me.  To you,  Lord, I return it.  Everything is Yours  do with it what You will.  Give me only Your love and your grace, that is enough for me.

Bl. Charles de Foucauld

St. Charles de Foucauld

Father, I abandon myself into Your hands, do with me what You will.  Whatever You may do, I thank You.  I am ready for all, I accept all.

Let only Your will be done in me and in all Your creatures.  I wish no mere than this, O Lord.

Into Your hands, I commend my soul.  I offer it to You with all the love of my heart, for I love You, Lord and so need to give myself into Your hands without reserve and with boundless confidence, for You are my Father.

St. John Henry Newman

St. John Henry Newman

O my God, I will put myself without reserve into your hands, Wealth or woe, joy or sorrow, friends or bereavement, honor or humiliation, good report or ill report, comfort or discomfort, Your presence or the hiding of Your countenance, all is good if it comes from You.

You are wisdom and You are love.  What can I desire more?  You have led me in Your counsel, and with glory You received me.  What have I in heaven, and apart from You, what want I upon earth?

My flesh and my heart fail but God is the God of my heart, and my portion forever.

St. Therese of Lisieux…The Little Flower

St. Therese of Lisieux

O my God, I offer You all my actions this day for the intentions and for the glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

I desire to sanctify every beat of my heart, my every thought, my simplest works by uniting them to His infinite merits; and I wish to make reparation for my sins by casting them into the furnace of His merciful love.

Oh my God!  I ask You for myself and for those I hold dear, the grace to fulfill perfectly Your hoiy will, to accept for love of You the joys and sorrows of this passing life, so that we may one day be united together in heaven for all eternity.  Amen

St. Augustine of Hippo

St. Augustine 

Prayer to Holy Spirit

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirity, that my thoughts may all be Holy.

Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work too, may be holy.

Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love only what is holy.

Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.

Guard me, then O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.

Guard me, then O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.

You have created us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.

St. Padre Pio

St. Padre Pio

Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to have You present so that I do not forget You.  You know how easily I abandon You.

Stay with me, Lord, because I am weak, and I need Your strength, so that I my not fall so often.

Stay with me Lord, for You are my Life and without You I am without meaning.  You are the power which sustains me, the unique Joy of my heart.

Stay with me Lord, because at the hour of my death, I want to be with You.

St. John Henry Newman

St. John Henry Newman

Lead Kindly Light

Lead, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom.  Lead Thou me on!

The night is dark and I am far from home, Lead Thou me on!

Keep thou my feet;  I do not ask to see the distant scene; one step is enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor pray’d that Thou shouldst lead me on;  I loved to choose and see my path

but now lead Thou me on!

I loved the garish day and spite of fears; pride ruled my will; remember not my past years.  So long Your power hath blest me, sure it still will lead me on, o’er moor and fe, o’er crag and torrent, till the night is gone; and with the morn those angel faces smile which I have lived long since and lost awhile.

Lead Kindly Light

Candlelight Prayer

Feast Days and Saint of the Day; OCTOBER CALENDAR

St. Francis with Animals

October 1...St. Therese of Lisieux...France…Carmelite…Doctor of the Church…Patron Saint of florists, missionaries, pilots and against tuberculosis

October 2…Feast of the Guardian Angels

October 3…St. Theodore Guerin…France and United States..Patron Saint of the Diocese of Lafayette, Indiana…Sisters of Providence

October 4…St. Francis of Assisi…Italy…Founder of Franciscans…Patron Saint of the environment, peacemakers, and animals.

October 5…St. Faustina...Poland…Apostle of Mercy…Visionary

October 6…St. Bruno...Germany…Founder of Carthursian Order

October 7…Feast of the Most Holy Rosary...Devotion begun by St. Dominic

October 8…Bl. Ambrose of Sienna...Dominican…Peacemaker

October 9…St. Denis & Companions...Italy…Bishop of Paris…Martyr…Patron Saint of France and against headaches

October 10…Bl. Mary Angela...Poland…Congregation of the Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice

October 11…St. John XXIII...Italy…Bishop of Rome…Franciscan

October 12…Bl. Maria Teresa …Fasce…Italy…Augustinian

October 13…Bl. Alexandrina Mariada Costa...Portugal… Patron Saint of the bedridden and paralyzed.

October 14…St. Callistus I...Bishop of Rome…Martyr

October 15…St. Teresa of Avila...Spain…Carmelite mystic…Patron Saint against headache

October 16…St. Margaret Mary…France…Apostle of the Sacred Heart…

October 17…St. Ignatius of Antioch…Bishop of Antioch…Church Father…Martyr

October 18…St. Luke…Disciple of Jesus…Patron Saint of physicians and surgeons

October 19…St. Laura of Cordoba…Spain…Widow and Martyr

October 20…St. Paul of the Cross...Republic of Genoa…Founder of Passionist Order…

October 21…St. Gaspar of Bufalo…Rome…Missionaries of the Most Precious Blood

October 22…St.  John Paul II…Poland…Bishop of Rome…Patron Saint of youth.

October 23…St John of Capistrano...Franciscan…Patron Saint of chaplains, military chaplains and judges.

October 24…St. Anthony Mary Claret...Archbishop of Canary Islands…Patron Saint of educators, the Catholic Press and weavers

October 25…St. John Roberts…England…Benedictine…Martyr…Founder of Claretians…Archbishop of Canary Islands

October 26…Bl. Bonaventura of Poternza…Italy…Franciscan

October 27...St. Frumentius…Lebenon…Bishop of Axsom…Ethiopia

October 28…St. Simon & St. Jude...Apostles…Martyrs..Patron Saint of impossible causes.

October 29...Bl. Maria Restituta...Austria…Franciscan Sister…Martyr

October 30…St. Alphonsus Rodriguez...Spain…Jesuit Brother

October 31…St. Quintin…Italy…Missionary…Martyr

St. Simon and St. Jude

 

Feast Days and Saint of the Day; MAY CALENDAR

The Holy Family

May 1…...St. Joseph the Worker…Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary…Patron saint of carpenters and families.

May 2…..St. Athanasius...Doctor of  the Church..Egypt…Bishop

May 3……St.s Philip and James...Apostles…Martyrs…St. Philip is patron saint of bakers…St. James is patron saint of pharmacists.

May 4…..St. Florian...Patron saint of firemen…Austria….Martyr

May 5…..Bl. Caterina Cittadini...Ursuline Sister…Italy

May 6…..St. Francis de Laval…Bishop in France

May 7…..St. Rose Venerini...Italy…Venerini Sisters

May 8…..Bl. Julian of Norwich…Benedictine

May 9……St. Pachomius...hermit…Egypt

May 10…..St. Damien of Molokai…Hawaii…U.S.A…Patron of leprosy and outcasts

May 11…..Carthusian Martyrs

May 12…..St.Leopold...Capucian Franciscan…Italy

May 13…..Our Lady of Fatima...Portugal

May 14…..St. Matthias...Apostle who replaced Judas…Martyr… patron saint of carpenters and alcoholics

May 15…..St. Isidore the Farmer…Patron saint of farmers…Spain

May 16…...St. Simon Stock...Carmelite Friar…Europe

May 17.;….St. Paschal Baylon...Franciscan…Spain

May 18……St. John I...Bishop of Rome…Martyr

May 19…..St. Ivo...France…Patron saint of lawyers, widows, and orphans…Third Order Franciscan

May 20…..St. Bernadine of Siena.…Italy…Franciscan

May 21……St. Eugene de Mazened...Francve…Missionary Oblate…patron saint of dysfunctional families

May 22……St. Rita of Cascia...Italy…Augustinian…patron saint of impossible causes, abuse victims and widows

May 23…..St. John Baptist Rossi…Italy…Priest

May 24…..St. Joanna...friend and follower of Jesus

May 25…..St. Bede...England…Doctor of the Church

May 26…..St. Phillip Neri...Founder of Priests of the Oratory…Italy

May 27…..St. Augustine of Canterbury...Rome…England…Benedictine

May 28…..St. Germanus...Bishop of Paris

May 29…..St. Bona of Pisa…..Italy…patron saint of flight attendants, travelers, pilgrims and travel guides.

May 30..…St. Joan of Arc...France…Martyr

May 31……Feast of the Visitation... Mary and Martha

Prayers for Peace and Healing

 

 

Prayer for Peace and Healing

Advent Wreath

May I be at Peace

May my heart remain open.

May I be aware of my true nature.

May I be healed.

May I be a source of healing for others.

May I dwell in the

Breath of God.

St. Teresa of Avila

 

 

O Blessed Jesus,

give stillness of soul in You.

Let Your mighty calmness reign in me.

Rule me, O King of Gentleness, King of Peace.

St. Teresa of Avila

And I saw a river over which every soul must pass to reach the Kingdom of Heaven, and the name of that river was suffering.and then I saw a boat which carried souls across the river, and the name of that boat was Love.

St. John of the Cross

 

May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you.;

May you be content knowing you are a child of God.

Let this presence settle into your bones and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, prais and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

St. Therese de Lisieux

 

Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

St. Francis

 

Prayer for Peace of Mind

Fortify me with the grace of Your Holy Spirit and give Your peace to my soul that I may be free from all needless anxiety, solicitude and worry.

Help me to desire always that which is pleasing and acceptable to You so that Your will may be my will.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

Sacred Heart of Jesus,

I pray for Your healing touch upon my body, mind and spirit.
I beg You to remove any fear or anxiety.
Fill me with the Peace that You alone can give.
I place myself completely in Your hands.

O my Lord Jesus, trusting in Your care and love for me, may my recovery be swift, my strength be renewed, and my health restored.

I lift up all my afflictions in Your hands, Lord, for You are the Divine Healer with Divine Mercy.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in You.
Amen.

Feast Days and Saint of the Day; APRIL CALENDAR

St.Bernadette of Lourdes

 

  1. Bl. Anacleto Gonzalez Florez…Mexico…Martyr…1(888-1927)
  2. St. Francis of Paola...Italy…Hermits of St. Francis…(1416-1507)
  3. Sts. Irene, Agape and Chionia…Sisters…Martyrs
  4. St. Isidore of Seville...Spain…Bishop…Doctor of the Church…(d.636)
  5. St. Vincent Ferrer...Spain…Dominican…d.1819
  6. Bl. Michel Ru...Italy…Salesian
  7. St. John Baptist de la Salle...Patron of Teachers…France…d. 1719
  8. St. Julia Billiart...Sisters of Notre Dame…France…d. 1816
  9. St. Mary of Cleophas...Friend and follower of Jesus
  10. St. Michael de Sanctis...Patron saint of cancer;…Spain…d 1625
  11. St. Marguerite of ‘Youville…Canada…Grey Nuns…d. 1771
  12. St. Teresa of Los Andes... Chili…Carmelite…d. 1920
  13. St. Martin I...Bishop of Rome…Martyr…d. 655
  14. St. Lydwina....Holland…Patron saint of ice skaters and chronically ill…d.1433
  15. St. Paternus...Ireland…Bihop…550
  16. St. Bernadette of Lourdes…Visionary…France…d. 1879…Incorrupt
  17. St. Stephen Harding...Cistercian…England (d.1134)
  18. Bl. Marie of the Incarnation...Widow and Carmelita…France d. 1618
  19. St. Elphege...Archbishop of Canterbury…Benedictine…Martyr (954-1012)
  20. St. Agnes of Montepulciano...Dominican Nun…italy…(1268-1317)
  21. St. Anslem...Doctor of the Church…Archbishop of Canterbury…Benedictine (1033-1109)
  22. Bl. Maria Gabriella...Trappestine Nun…Italy (1914-1939)
  23. St. Giles of Assisi...Italy…Franciscan…d. 1262
  24. St. Mary Pelletier...France (1796-1868)
  25. St. Mark the Evangelist…Apostle & Martyr …patron saint of lawyers and notaries (d.68)
  26. St. Cletus…Bishop of Rome…Martyr…d. 92
  27. St. Zita...Italy…Patron of maidservants and housewives…d.  1271
  28. St. Louis de Montfort...France…Dominican…d. 1716
  29. St. Catherine of Siena...Dominican Nun…Patron saint against fire, illness and miscarriage…Doctor of the Church (1347-1380)
  30. St. Marie de l’Incarnation...France…d. 1762

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Thomas Aquinas, Feast Day January 28




St. Thomas Aquinas

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Thomas Aquinas,

Feast Day January 28

The feast day of St. Thomas Aquinas is celebrated on Jan. 28.  He is the patron saint of students and universities and a Doctor of the Church.    He was ordained as a Dominican Priest.

St. Thomas was born in Roccasecca, Sicily in 1225. His parents were from Italian nobility. St. Thomas was well educated. He was raised in a Benedictine monastery at Monte Casino. He finished his studies at Naples.

Against his families wishes he joined the Dominicans, also known as the Order of Preachers and was ordained a priest.  His brothers followed careers in the military. In an attempt to end his desires to become a Dominican, his brothers hired a prostitute to seduce him. According to legend, two angels appeared to Thomas to strengthen him and increase his determination to remain celibate. He thus became known as the “Angelic Doctor”.

While he was still a student, St. Thomas was given the nickname “the dumb ox” due to his large size and silent nature. However, he was actually quite gifted and intelligent. He is considered one of the most influential theologians in the history of the Church.

After he was ordained a priest, Pope Urban IV called him to Rome where he was appointed to teach. St. Thomas turned down an offer from Pope Clement IV to be the Archbishop of Naples.

St. Thomas published many books. He also wrote many hymns which are still sung today. One of St. Thomas most famous works, Summas Theologica was never completed. He fell ill and died before he could finish it in 1274.

St. Thomas was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius V.   He is the patron saint of students and universities.

O Lord my God, make me submissive without protest,
poor without discouragement, chaste without regret,
patient without complaint, humble without posturing,
cheerful without frivolity, mature without gloom,
and quick witted without flippancy.

Quote of St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Thomas Aquinas

January is the Month of the Holy Name.

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Patrick, Feast Day March 17

St. Patrick
St. Patrick

The feast day of St. Patrick is celebrated on March 17. St. Patrick is the patron saint of slaves, Ireland and snakes.

St. Patrick was born in Kilpatrick, Scotland, in 387. His parents were Romans, living in Britain. At age 14 he was captured by a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave. As a slave, he tended to the sheep. He turned to God in prayer. His prayer “The Breastplate of St. Patrick” is well known.

Patrick was a slave until the age of 20. He received guidance in a dream. He was led to sailors who took him to Britain. In another dream, the people of Ireland asked him to return. He was reunited with his parents

St. Patrick studied to become a priest. He was ordained a priest by St. Germanus who was the bishop he studied under. He was ordained a priest, then a Bishop. As Bishop he was sent back to Ireland. Many people converted under his guidance. St. Patrick is known for using the shamrock to explain the Trinity. He served as the Bishop of Ireland for forty years. Many miracles are attributed to St. Patrick.

St. Patrick wroteThe Confession of St. Patrick” which tells about his passionate faith and the trials he experienced. St. Patrick died in Saul, where he built his first church, on March 17, 461

 

The Breastplate of St. Patrick

Christ be behind me, Christ be before me,
Christ be beside me…King of my heart.
Christ be within me, Christ be below me,
Christ be above me…never to part.
Christ on my right hand, Christ on my left hand,
Christ all around me…shield in the strife.
Christ in my sitting, Christ in my sleeping,
Christ in my rising…light of my life.

(may be sung to Morning has Broken)

 

 

March is the Month of St. Joseph

 

St. Patrick in Art

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Thomas the Apostle, Feast Day July 3




 

St. Thomas the Apostle Public Domain Image
St. Thomas the Apostle

 

The feast day of St. Thomas the Apostle is celebrated on July 3. Thomas was also called Didymus which means twin. St. Thomas is the patron saint of India and architects.

Thomas the Apostle was known for questioning things. He was not afraid to ask questions or state his disbelief. Jesus treated him with love and compassion.

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 saidPeace 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.

 

My Lord and my God!

Quote of St. Thomas the Apostle

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July is the Month of the Most Precious BloodSave

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Elisha, Feast Day June 14




St. Elisha Public Domain Image
St. Elisha

The Feast day of St. Elisha is celebrated on June 14.   St. Elisha was a prophet in the ninth century.  His Hebrew name means “God is Salvation”.

St. Elisha was called to follow the prophet Elijah, his mentor, when Elijah cast his mantle on him indicating that he was to be his successor.  As Elijah ascended into heaven in a fiery chariot, Elisha asked for a double portion of St. Elijah’s spirit.  The spirit he received enabled him  to protect the faith.

St. Elisha was known for many miracles.  He divided the waters of Jordan.  He made the water from the Jericho Spring fit to drink.  He saved a poor widow from death by increasing the oil in her vessel.  He raised a child back to life after death.  He healed a Syrian officer from leprosy by having him bathe in the Jordan seven times.

St. Elisha continued the devotion begun by Elijah to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.  He is considered a patron saint of the Carmelite Order.  According to tradition, Elijah had a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  The title of Mary “Star of the Sea” is believed go have originated with this vision.

St. Elisha died from old age at Samaria.

 

What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?

Quote of St. Ignatius of Loyola; Feast day July 31

 

June is the Month of the Sacred Heart

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Erasmus (St. Elmo), Feast Day June 2




Martyrdom of St. Erasmos Public Domain Image
Martyrdom of St. Erasmus

 

The feast day of St. Erasmus (also known as St. Elmo), is celebrated on June 2. He is the patron saint of sailors and against intestinal troubles.

St. Erasmus lived in Italy. He is also known as St. Elmo. He served as the Bishop of Formiae, Campagna, Italy and was martyred during the persecutions of Christians by Diocletan.

Trying to flee the persecutions St. Elmo fled to Mt. Lebanon and lived in solitude for a time. When he was found, he was tortured and imprisoned. Because he refused to deny his faith he was scourged and cast into boiling oil, sulfur and pitch. He was miraculously saved from harm. According to legend and angel led him to freedom.

After escaping prison he converted many with his preaching and miracles. A second time he was captured, imprisoned and tortured. Again, an angel led him to freedom.  During his torture he had hot iron hooks struck into his intestines. He survived these wounds which is why he is invoked for intestinal problems.

St. Elmo is also the patron saint of sailors. A blue light appears at mastheads before and after a storm; the seamen took it as a sign of St. Erasmus’s protection. This became known as St. Elmo’s Fire.

St. Elmo died was martyred in 303. He was tortured and disemboweled.

St. Elmo is considered one of the 14 Helpers. These fourteen saints are considered very effective in their ability to intercede in times of trouble, especially matters of health.

 

Nothing unites us so intimately

to the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ

as does the cross.

Quote of St. Margaret Mary; Feast day October 17

June is the Month of the Sacred Heart.

 

Which person in the Trinity do you find it easiest to pray to?




 
 Many of our formal prayers end with the Glory Be prayer. I asked my friends which person in the Trinity they found it easier to turn to, and who they found it difficult to turn to in prayer. There is no wrong answer! After reflecting, I realized that during my prayer journey (my pilgrimage) I have come to know each of the persons in the Trinity in a more personal way.

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How Much Do You Know About The Apostles?




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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