Tag Archives: Feast Days

Good Friday Comes Before Easter

March 24, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra Leave a comment

Easter is actually the last day of Holy Week. It is the day celebrated every Sunday by Christians, and is the core of our faith. However, it is important to reflect on the entire meaning of Holy Week.

The Tridium actually begins on Holy Thursday. We remember the institution by Jesus of the Eucharist. At every Mass we repeat the words of Jesus at the Last Supper.

“This is my body. This is my blood.”

We are a Eucharistic people. When we receive the body and blood of Jesus in the Eucharist we become the Body of Christ. We are called to bring Jesus to the world by our actions.

On Good Friday, we remember the actual death and crucifixion of our Lord, Jesus Christ. How is it possible to put God to death? Why did Jesus have to suffer in such a terrible way? Unless we reflect on these questions, we miss an important part of our faith. In Luke 9:23 Jesus says,

“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it.”

Suffering is part of everyone’s life. How we react to suffering determines the quality of our discipleship. Jesus is telling us to be selfless. He then shows us how to suffer. Catholics, meditate on the Stations of the Cross during Good Friday services. This helps us to apply our faith to our daily life.

Good Friday is followed by Easter, truly a glorious and joyful day. The resurrection tells us that Jesus has conquered death. We are redeemed by the suffering, death, and resurrection Jesus Christ.

We celebrate Easter every week, never forgetting the sacrifice Jesus made for us. We must never forget that before he rose, he suffered and died…for us.

The Crucifixion in Art

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Apostle, Faith, Feast Days, featired

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: The Chair of Peter, Feast Day Feb. 22

February 20, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra Leave a comment

The Feast day of the Chair of Peter is celebrated on February 22. On this day we are reminded of the importance of unity in the church. The Lord himself entrusted the church to the authority of St. Peter.

The word Chair comes from the word “Cathedra” which also is the origin of the word Cathedral. A Cathedral is the church of the Bishop of a diocese. The Pope is also known as the “Vicar of Christ”. It is his duty to defend the faith from errors and teach the truth of the faith.

Because of the teaching authority of the Bishop of Rome, the followers of Jesus in the Catholic Church are united in their beliefs. We trust in the Holy Spirit to guide the Holy Father in directing the church. The beliefs of the Catholic Church are Apostolic. They can be traced back to Jesus and the Apostles.

St. Peter served as the leader of the Church from 33-64 A.D. He was crucified upside down in Rome. The Basilica of St. Peter is built over his grave site. When we accept the authority of the Bishop of Rome to teach the faith, we accept the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew 16: 18-19.

“And so I tell you, “You are Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

“Ten thousand difficulties
do not make one doubt.”

Quote of Bl. John Henry Newman

February is the Month of the Passion of the Lord.

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Faith, Martyr, patron saints, Spirituality

Saints From the United States of America

Quote February 15, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra Leave a comment

SAINTS FROM THE UNITED STATES During colonial times, Catholic immigrants coming to the U.S.from Europe settled primarily in the colonies of Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York. Laws protecting religious freedom had not yet been written. Intolerance between religious groups was a common occurrence.

After over fifty years without a bishop, Father John Carroll, a Jesuit, was consecrated bishop and served the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Catholics were a distinct minority at the time. Bishop Carroll estimated the Catholic population in the colonies to be 25,000, or less than one percent of the total population. The church grew rapidly under his guidance.

Today, according to Pew Research there are 75 million Catholics in the United States, approximately 24 percent of the total population.

The colonial Catholics were served by missionaries, both Jesuits and Franciscans.

The following men and women in the U.S. have been proclaimed saints by the Pope. They are considered role models in holiness for Catholics today to turn to for guidance.

There are four steps to becoming a saint in the Catholic Church.

Servant of God…….Formal investigation has begun…………………….82 investigations ongoing
Venerable……………Heroic virtue has been decreed by Pope……….16 from U.S.A.
Blessed……………….First miracle has been confirmed……………………7 from U.S.A.
Saint..………………….Second miracle has been confirmed……………..12 from U.S.A.

The following saints have lived in the United States. Most are immigrants, however two were born in the United States; Kateri Tekakwitha is the first Native American saint and Elizabeth Ann Seton is the first saint from the United States to be canonized.

The Catholic Church teaches that everyone in heaven is a saint. The Church declares certain people to be saints when their holiness is obvious, if they were martyred for the faith and after miracles attributed to them have been investigated.

While there are thousands of declared saints, only the following Americans have received the official title of Saint.

North America Jesuit Martyrs Public Domain Image — North America Jesuit Martyrs

North American Martyrs

In the 1600’s, eight French Jesuit missionaries lost their lives while trying to spread the news of the gospel to the Huron, Iroquois, and Mohawk Indians. Three of them died in what is now New York State, five of them died in what is now Canada.

Isaac Jogues, René Goupil and Jean La Laude died in New York.

John DeBrebeuf, Gabriel Lalemant, Charles Garnier, Anthony Daniel, and Noel Chabanel died in Canada.

St. René Goupit was a Jesuit Lay brother. He was the first to be martyred. He was killed by tomahawk at Osermenon, (Auriesville, NY)) in 1942.

Father Isaac Jogues, a Jesuit priest, was held captive by the Mohawks for thirteen months. He had several fingers cut off his hand. He escaped and returned to France. He later returned to the mission. He was killed by tomahawk by a Mohawk brave in 1946.

St. Jean de La Lande, a Jesuit donné (not a member of the Society, but at their service) tried to retrieve Father Isaac Jogues’ body, but was killed also.

These martyrs were the first saints of North America. The martyrs were canonized by Pope Pius XI on June 29, 1930.

The memorial in the U.S.A is celebrated on Oct. 19. The memorial in Canada is celebrated on September 26.

The martyrs are patron saints of America

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Public Domain Image — St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

St. Francis Xavier Cabrini

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. Francesco Cabrini was born in Lombardi, Italy in 1850. She was one of 13 children, raised on a farm. She attended school in a convent. She wanted to become a nun but was hindered by poor health. She became a teacher, teaching at a girl’s school for six years.

Frances took religious vows in 1877, adding Xavier to her name to honor St. Francis Xavier.

At the request of her bishop she founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart to care for poor children.

At the urging of Pope Leo XIII, she immigrated to the Unites States with six nuns to work with Italian immigrants. She crossed the Atlantic ocean in spite of her great fear of water.

She founded many schools, hospitals, and orphanages in the United States, England, France, Spain and South America. In New York City, St. Frances Cabrini founded Columbus Hospital and Italian Hospital. In the 1980’s they merged into Cabrini Hospital.

In 1909 St. Frances Xavier Cabrini became a naturalized United States citizen. She died from malaria at the age of 67, on December 22, 1917, at Columbus Hospital in Chicago, IL.

In 1931, her body was exhumed, found partially incorrupt, and is now enshrined under glass in the altar at St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in Manhattan.

The National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini was dedicated in 1955. It is located in Chicago at Lincoln Park. Chicago is the city where she primarily lived, worked and died.

The feast day of St. Frances Cabrini is celebrated on November 13th.

St. Frances Cabrini was beatified on Nov. 13, by Pope Pius XI. St. Frances Cabrini was canonized on July 7, 1946 by Pope Pius XII.

St. Frances Cabrini is the patron saint of immigrants. orphans and against malaria.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is the first native born American to be canonized a saint.

Elizabeth was born on Aug. 28, 1774 in New York City. She was raised in the Episcopal Church. At the early age of 3 her mother died. At the age of 19 she married William Seton, a wealthy businessman.

Within four years, she suffered the death of her father in-law which left William in charge, not only of his father’s business but the seven half-brothers and sisters as well. The business failed, forcing bankruptcy.

William became ill with tuberculosis. In an attempt to find a cure they moved to Italy. He died while living in Italy. Elizabeth grew very close to God. She accepted and embraced the will of God. Elizabeth eventually was led into the Catholic church. She had a strong devotion to the Virgin Mary.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton established the first free Catholic school in America. On March 25, 1809 she took a vow of poverty, chastity, and obedience. She became the founder of the Sisters of Charity, which followed the rules written by St. Vincent de Paul for the Daughters of Charity in France. She became Mother Seton.

Her final years were spent leading and developing the new congregation. The sisters opened free schools and orphanages along the East Coast.

Elizabeth. died in 1821 of tuberculosis at age 46.

Pope John XXIII canonized her as St. Elizabeth Ann Seton on Sept. 14, 1975. He stated, “In a house that was very small, but with ample space for charity, she sowed a seed in America.”

The feast day of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is celebrated on Jan. 4.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is the patron saint of in-law troubles and loss of children.

St. John Newman Public Domain Image — St. John Newman
Public Domain Image

St. John Neumann

St. John Neumann was born in Bohemia in 1811. Due to the shortage of priests in the colonies, he traveled to New York to be ordained a priest and worked in an isolated parish.

Father John eventually joined the Redemptorists who were dedicated to helping the poor and abandoned. In 1852, he was appointed Bishop of Philadelphia. He increased the number of Catholic schools from two to a hundred.

His desire to hear confessions led him to learn at least six languages. He knew Spanish, English, French, Italian, Dutch and Gaelic.

Bishop Neumann died at the age of 48 on Jan. 5, 1860.

After his death the National Shrine of St. John Neumann was constructed at the Parish of St. Peter the Apostle in Philadelphia. Our Lady of the Angels College, founded by the Congregation of Franciscan Sisters he had founded renamed the College Neumann College. It was later given University status.

St. John Neumann was beatified on Oct. 13, 1963 by Pope Paul VI.

St. John Neumann was canonized on June 19, 1977 by Pope Paul VI.

The feast day of St. John Neumann is celebrated on Jan. 5, the day of his death.

St. John Neumann is the patron saint of Catholic education.

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

St. Rose was born in Grenoble, France in 1769. She was drawn to the contemplative life. During the French revolution she spent her time nursing prisoners. She soon joined the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

During Eucharistic Adoration she experienced a vision where she was serving God in the New World. Twelve years later , at the age of 49, she moved to the United States. She was sent to the Louisiana Territory.

In Louisiana, she opened the first free school west of the Missouri River. By 1828 she had founded six houses. She worked among the Potawatomie Indians who named her Quah-kak-ka-num-ad, “Woman-Who-Prays-Always”.

St. Rose died at the age of 83 at St. Charles, Missouri on November 18, 1852.

St. Rose was Beatified by Pope Pius XII in 1940.

St. Rose was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1988.

The feast day of St. Rose is celebrated on November 18.

St. Rose is the patron saint of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Missouri

St. Theodore Guerin

St. Theodore Guérin’s birth name was Anne Thérése. She was born on Oct. 2, 1798 in Etables, France. Her father served in Napoleon’s navy. At the young age of 15 her father was murdered by bandits while traveling home for a visit.

Anne Thérése turned to God in the difficult years following his death. At the age of 25 she entered the Sisters of Providence to serve the poor, sick and dying. Anne Thérése became Sister Theodore. She was asked to lead a small missionary band of Sisters to the United States in Indiana.

Mother Théodore accepted the mission in spite of her fragile health. She could only consume soft, bland food and liquid. She traveled to the Unites States with five other sisters. After surviving a violent storm at sea in the trip Mother Théodore wrote the following:

“What strength the soul draws from prayer! In the midst of a storm, how sweet is the calm it finds in the heart of Jesus. But what comfort is there for those who do not pray?”

Mother Théodore established schools in Indiana and Illinois. She is described as saintly by people who knew her.

Sixteen years after coming to the United States she died. She is buried in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in St. Mary of the Woods, Indiana.

St. Théodore Guérin was beatified on Oct. 25, 1998 by Pope John Paul II.

St. Théodore Guérin was canonized on Oct. 15, 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI.

The feast day of Théodore Guérin is celebrated on October 3.

St. Théodore Guérin is the patron saint of the Diocese of Lafayette, Indiana.

St. Katharine Drexel Public Domain Image — St. Katharine Drexel
Public Domain Image

St. Katherine Drexel

St. Katerine Drexel was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Nov. 26, 1858. She was the child of wealthy parents who taught her to be generous.

Katherine became a Sister in 1889 at the age of 31. She founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Black and Native American people. She dedicated her life and great wealth to this work.

She helped to open the first mission school for Indians in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Other schools soon followed. She then founded Xavier University in New Orleans.

St. Katherine Drexel is the second recognized American born saint.

Katherine Drexel was beatified on Nov. 2, 1988 by Pope John Paul II.

St. Katherine Drexel was canonized on Oct. 1, 2000 by Pope John Paul II.

We celebrate the feast day of St. Katherine Drexel on March 3.

St. Katherine Drexel is the patron saint of philanthropists and racial justice.

St. Kateri Tekakwitha

St. Kateri is the first Native American saint. She was born in 1656 to the daughter of a Mohawk warrior and a Catholic Alqonquin.

When Kateri was four years old smallpox attacked her family. Her mother and little brother died from the disease. Kateri’s face was scarred by the disease and she became partially blind. Her two Aunts and an Uncle adopted her.

On Easter, 1676, Kateri was baptized by Jesuit missionary Father Jacques de Lambertville at the age of 20. She was devoted to prayer, penitential practices and the care of the sick and aged in Caughnawaga near Montreal. Her relics are now enshrined in Caughnawaga..

Because of her conversion, she incurred hostility from her tribe. She went to a new Christian colony in Indianan, Canada. She was devoted to the Eucharist and to “Christ crucified.” She spent much time praying before the Blessed Sacrament. Her motto was…

“Who can tell me what is most pleasing to God that I may do it?”

At the age of 23 Kateri died on Wednesday of Holy Week, at approximately 3 p.m. Within fifteen minutes after her death, her face, which was marked by smallpox, was healed and became beautiful. Father Cholone called others to see what had happened.

Miraculous cures at the Sault Mission were frequent that year (1682) and attributed to Kateri. She appeared to many people after her death, always carrying a cross.

She was beatified (declared Blessed) by Pope John Paul II in 1980 and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI at Saint Peter’s Basilica on October 21, 2012.

We celebrate St. Kateri‘s feast day on July 14. She was known as “the Lily of the Mohawks”.

St. Kateri Takakwitha is the patron saint of the environment.

St. Damien of Molokai Public Domain Image — St. Damien of Molokai
Public Domain Image

St. Damien de Veuster

St. Damien of Molokai was born Joseph de Veuster on Jan. 3, 1840 in Tremelo, Belgium. He was raised on a farm. He chose the name Damien when he joined the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Damien was still in minor orders when he volunteered to go to Hawaii. Two months after his arrival in Hawaii, he was ordained a priest on May 24, 1864.

The Hawaiin King Kamehameha IV created an isolated settlement on the island of Molakai to deal with the public health crisis. Many people were dying of influenza, syphilis and leprosy. Father Damien wished to minister to the sick so he asked his Bishop to send him to Molokai knowing the risk of death.

When he arrived in Molokai, there were 600 lepers for him to minister to. He built the Parish Church of St. Philomena for the people to learn the Catholic faith. He restored personal pride and dignity to people who needed hope. He provided care and comfort for sixteen years. working as a priest, doctor and builder. He built houses, a school and an orphanage. Not only did he dress their ulcers, he also built over 600 coffins and dug graves.

Father Damien said ” My greatest pleasure is to go there (the cemetery) to say my beads, and meditate on that unending happiness which so may of them are already enjoying.”.

In 1885, Father Damien contracted leprosy. In his final years, he enlarged his orphanages and sought help. St. Marianne Cope came with her sisters to help him while he was ill. She reassured him she would carry on his work.

Father Damien died at the age of 49 on April 15, 1889.

The feast day of Father Damien is celebrated on May 10.

Father Damien was beatified by Pope John Paul II on June 4, 1195.

St. Damien was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on Oct. 11, 2009.

St. Damien is known as “The Apostle of the Lepers.”

St. Damien of Molokai is the patron saint of Hawaii, leprosy and the outcast.

St. Marianne Cope

St. Marianne Cope was the first Franciscan woman from North America to become a saint.

The birth name of St. Marianne Cope was Barbara Koob (now officially Cope) She was born on Jan 23, 1838 in SE Hessen, West Germany. She was one of ten children. Her father was a farmer. The family moved to the United States one year after her birth.

Her vocation to the religious life was delayed by the necessity to support her family when her father became ill. At the age of 25, Barbara entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Syracuse, New York. She received her religious habit and the name of Sister Marianne. She served as a teacher and principal in several elementary schools in New York. She also helped establish two of the first hospitals in central NY. In 1870, she became a nurse administrator at St. Joseph’s in Syracuse, NY.

In 1882, a priest requested help managing hospitals and schools in Hawaii; primarily working with leprosy patients. She responded to his letter with the following words.

“I am hungry for the work and I wish with all my heart to be one of the chosen ones, whose privilege it will be to sacrifice themselves for the salvation of the souls of the poor Islanders…I am not afraid of any disease, hence, It would be my greatest delight to minister to the abandoned lepers.”

Along with six other sisters of St. Francis, she arrived in Honolulu in Nov. 1833. Mother Marianne was the supervisor as they managed Kakóako Branch Hospital on Oahu which treated 200 leprosy patients. They began by thoroughly cleaning the hospital. They also opened a home for the healthy daughters of the patients who were ill.

Mother Marianne met Fr. Damien (now St. Damien…the Apostle to Lepers) in January 1884 while he was still healthy.

In 1887 the new government in charge of Hawaii closed the Hospital. In 1888, she went to Kalaupapa several months before the death of St. Damien. She reassured him she would provide care for the patients at the Boy’s Home at Kalawao on the Island of Molokai.

Three Sisters ran the Bishop Home for boys and girls.

Mother Marianne died in Hawaii of natural cause on August 9, 1918 and is buried on the grounds of Bishop Home.

The Saint Marianne Cope Shrine and Museum was built to honor her memory.

Mother Marianne was beatified on May 14, 2005 by Pope Benedict XVI.

St. Marianne Cope was canonized on Oct 21, 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI.

The feast day of St. Marianne Cope is celebrated on January 23.

St. Marianne Cope is the patron saint of outcasts.

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Faith, patron saints, Spirituality

Twenty Five Popular Patron Saints For Men To Consider As Their Confirmation Name

Quote January 30, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra 2 Comments

Easter is just around the corner! Students of Catholicism are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. At the Easter vigil adults coming into the Catholic faith will be baptized, receive their first communion and be confirmed.

The list below is twenty five male patron saints which men might be interested in as they choose their patron saint for confirmation.

Young Catholics will receive the sacrament during the Easter season, when the Bishop of their diocese visits their parish.

The sacrament of confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation. First is baptism which is often received shortly after birth. Second is Communion or Eucharist, which received at age of reason, usually seven or eight years of age. The third is confirmation. The age for confirmation is decided upon by the Bishop of the Diocese and can range from age of reason to high school.

When confirmed, the person is “sealed with the Holy Spirit”. The sacrament makes the person a full member of the Catholic Church. It’s history goes back to Pentecost, the birthday of the Church. On Pentecost the Apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and their confusion was lifted. The Apostles received gifts from the Holy Spirit. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are the following: 1.Wisdom, 2.Understanding, 3. Counsel, 4. Courage 5.Knowledge 6. Reverence, 7. Wonder and awe. Not everyone receives the same gifts.

The fruits of the Holy Spirit come when we make use of the gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are the following: 1. Charity 2. Joy 3. Peace 4. Patience 5. Kindness 6. Goodness 7. Generosity 8. Gentleness 9. Faithfulness 10. Modesty 11. Self-control 12 Chastity

The person being confirmed chooses a patron saint. The name of the saint is the name the bishop will use when he anoints him/her and lays hands in prayer on them. The saint is to be a role model and guide for the person throughout their life. In good times and bad, we ask our patron saint to pray with us and for us.

Are you searching for a patron saint?

The following twenty five saints should be considered as you choose your patron saint.

St. Andrew the Apostle

Feast day: Nov. 30

Patron of fishermen

Apostle and martyr

St. Andrew was the brother to Simon Peter. They were both fishermen. Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist and the first apostle to be called by Jesus. When Andrew asked Jesus where he lived Jesus responded “Come and See.” Andrew then told Simon Peter about Jesus saying “We have found the Messiah!”

After the resurrection, St. Andrew preached in Greece.

St. Andrew was martyred by crucifixion.

St. Anthony of Padua

Feast day: June 13

Patron of lost items and missing persons

Doctor of the Church

St. Anthony was born in Portugal in 1195. He joined the Augustinian Order. Later he joined the Franciscan Order at age 26. He is called “The hammer of the Heretics.” His preaching was simple and easy to understand. The Infant child Jesus miraculously appeared to him.

St. Anthony was canonized less than one year after his death in 1231.

St. Augustine of Hippo

Feast day: Aug. 28

Patron of Brewers

Father of the Church

St. Augustine was the patron of brewers because of his lifestyle which included loose living and parties. His mother was St. Monica, who prayed for him for many years. He finally converted after reading a passage of scripture which said, “put away all impurity and live in imitation of Jesus.” This passage helped him to decide to return to the faith.

He was baptized by St. Ambrose. Eventually, he became the Bishop of Hippo. He is know for the poem “Too late have I loved You.”

In the year 430, he fell ill. He spent his last days in prayer, dying on Aug. 28.

St. Bernard Clairvaux Public Domain Image — St. Bernard Clairvaux

St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Feast day: Aug. 20

Doctor of the Church

Patron saint of mountaineers, The Alps

St. Bernard was born in Burgundy, France. After his mother’s death he entered the Cistercian Order. He founded a monastery known as the Abbey of Clairvaux. He was the Abbot. He refused offers to become a bishop. In 1128, he participated in the Council of Troyes. He was known for fighting against heresies.

In 1139, he assisted in the Second Council of the Lateran. He encouraged Lectio Divina and contemplation on scripture.

St. Dominic

Feast day: Aug 8

Patron of Astronomers

Founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans)

St. Dominic was born in 1170 into a wealthy family at Calaruega, Spain. As a priest he preached against the Albigensianism heresy. He also helped to reform the Cistercians.

He organized the Order of Preachers, known as the Dominican Order. They were traveling preachers who practiced a life of prayer and penance.

St. Dominic spread the Marian devotion of praying the Rosary.

St. Dominic died on Aug. 6

St. Francis of Assisi

Feast day: Oct. 4

Patron of environment and animals

Founder of The Franciscan Order

St. Francis was born in Assisi, Italy in 1181 into a wealthy family. He lived a wild life when young, becoming a soldier. However, God appeared to him in a dream telling him to go home.

Later, in prayer, God said “Francis, repair my church.” Francis took this literally, and began to repair the church buildings which were falling down. Eventually, it led Francis to leave his family, founding the Franciscan Order. Franciscans took a vow of poverty and served the sick and poor.

St. Francis loved animals and nature. Birds and wild animals had no fear of him. He also composed music.

St. Francis died in 1226.

St. Gregory the Great

Feast day: Sept. 3

Patron saint of students, teachers, musicians

Doctor of the Church

St. Gregory became a prefect of Rome before the age of 30. The pope chose him to be one of his seven deacons. At age 50 he was elected pope. He is know for reforming the liturgy. The Gregorian chant is attributed to St. Gregory.

Pope Gregory became a Benedictine monk living in his own home. He founded six monasteries after five years in office. He also re-energized the missionary work of the church.

Pope Gregory died in 604. He was declared a saint by popular acclamation.

St. Jerome

Feast day: Sept. 30

Patron of librarians, students, and orphans

Doctor of the Church

St. Jerome was born in 342 in Aquileio. He is the most educated of the Church Fathers. He was baptized by Pope Liberius in 360.

Wanting a religious library, he copied St. Hilary’s books. He is most famous for his translation of the Bible from Hebrew into Latin (the vulgate). He also wrote many commentaries on scripture. He was a priest, confessor, theologian and historian.

St. Jerome died near Bethlehem on Sept. 30, 420.

In art he is shown as one of the four church fathers (Augustine of Hippo, Ambrose, Pope Gregory the Great and Jerome).

St. John the Baptist

Feast day: June 24

Patron of prosperity, baptism and conversion

Cousin to Jesus

John the Baptist was the cousin to Jesus. He was the son of Elizabeth, who miraculously conceived in her old age. Zechariah was his father.

At age 30 John began to preach in Jordan against evil behavior. He called everyone to penance and baptism, saying the Kingdom of Heaven is close at hand. He baptized large crowds of people. Eventually, he baptized Jesus, saying. “It is I who need baptism from You.”

It is John who identified Jesus as “The Lamb of God”.

John the Baptist is considered the last of the Old Testament prophets.

John was beheaded at the request of the daughter of the king on June 24th.

St. John the Evangelist

Feast day: Dec. 27

Patron of Book sellers, printers, art dealers

Apostle

St. John was a Galilean, born to Zebedee. His mother was Salome. He was the Brother to St. James the Greater. John and James were known as “the sons of thunder.” St. John is also known as “The beloved disciple” and “The Apostle of Charity”.

John was with Jesus at the marriage feast of Cana. He was given the honor of sitting next to Jesus at the Last Supper. He was also with Jesus during all of his suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and at the crucifixion. He was the only Apostle who stood with the holy women at the foot of the cross.

Jesus spoke about him from the cross, saying “Woman, behold thy son”. John took Mary the mother of Jesus into his home after Jesus’ death and cared for her.

St. John was the first Apostle to recognize Jesus when he appeared to them on the shore.

St. John worked in Jerusalem and at Ephesus after the death of Jesus, living in Asia Minor. He wrote the fourth Gospel, three Epistles, and possibly the Book of Revelation.

St. John of the Cross

Feast day: Dec. 14

Patron saint of poets, mystics, and contemplatives

Doctor of the Church

John of the Cross was born in Spain in 1542. After the death of his father he attended a school for orphans. His mother kept the family together inspite of being homeless. At the age of 14 he took a job caring for hospital patients who suffered mental and terminal illnesses. From poverty and suffering John found beauty and happiness not in the world but in God.

St. John joined the Carmelite Order. He met and became a friend to St. Teresa of Avila. She asked him to help him reform the order. Threatened by the change John envisioned, he was captured and imprisoned by members of his own order, being locked in a small room and beaten regularly. After nine months he escaped, taking only his mystical poetry with him. This poetry includes The Dark Night of the Soul.

St. John of the Cross died in 1591.

St. Joseph

Feast day March 19, May 1

Patron of fathers, a happy death, workers, foster children

Foster father of Jesus

Husband to the Blessed Virgin

Joseph was engaged to be married to Mary, when she was found with child. He was going to divorce her quietly to avoid scandal, however an angel appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do no be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Mat: 1: 20-21

Joseph immediately took Mary as his wife.

The angel appeared to Joseph a second time. This time he was told his family was in danger. They fled to Egypt where they stayed until the angel told him it was safe to return.

Joseph worked as a carpenter. He was the foster father of Jesus, loving him and providing for him and Mary. Jesus, Mary and Joseph are referred to as “The Holy Family”.

We celebrate two feast days for St. Joseph. The first is on March 19; Feast day of St. Joseph, husband of Mary. The second feast day is May 1; Feast day of St. Joseph the worker.

St. Joseph is the patron for a happy death because tradition tells us that he died with Jesus and Mary at his side.

St. Jude Thaddius Public Domain Image — St. Jude Thaddius

St. Jude Thaddaeus

Feast day: Oct. 28

Patron of desperate causes

Apostle and martyr

St. Jude was an apostle of Jesus. He was brother to St. James the Less. He is not the same person as Judas who betrayed our Lord.

St. Jude is the author of an epistle in the Bible. Because he stressed the need to persevere during difficult times, he is considered the patron of desperate causes.

Tradition tells us that he suffered martyrdom along with the apostle Simon the Zealot in Beirut, a province of Syria. In art he is shown with an ax which was used in his execution.

St. Justin Martyr

Feast day: June 1

Patron of philosophers

Martyr

Father of the Church

St. Justin Martyr lived from 100-165. He was born a Gentile at Flavia, Neapolis. He converted to Christianity and defended the faith in Asia Minor and Rome. He wrote two “Apologies”. These were attempts to explain the faith. His first Apology is one of the earliest records teaching the meaning of the Eucharist.

St. Justin was a student of philosophy. After his conversion, he continued to debate philosophy publicly with his fellow students. A rival philosopher turned Justin in to authorities because of his faith. He was put on trial and then executed. He was beheaded in the year 165.

St. Justin Martyr is considered a Father of the Church.

St. Luke

Feast day: Oct. 18

Patron of physicians and surgeons

Author of the Gospel of Luke and The Acts of the Apostles

St. Luke was a gentile who spoke Greek. He followed Paul after the Resurrection of Jesus. He accompanied Paul to Macedonia. When Paul was imprisoned, St. Luke stayed near him.

St. Luke was born at Antioch in Spain. He is referred to as a physician by St. Paul, St. Jerome and St. Irenaeus. He is referred to as “the beloved physician” by Paul in Col. 4:14.

The Gospel of Luke focuses on God’s mercy and forgiveness of sinners. Only in the Gospel of Luke does the story of the Prodigal Son appear.

St. Mark the Evangelist

Feast day: April 25

Patron of attorneys, prisoners, notaries

Martyr

St. Mark was a disciple of Jesus who traveled with St. Paul. He accompanied Paul and Barnabus on their missionary journey.

St. Mark wrote the second gospel when Romans requested that he write down the teachings of St. Peter. Tradition says that he was present at the Miracle of Cana when Jesus turned the water into wine.

Tradition also tells us he was martyred in the year 68 by being dragged through the street with a rope around his neck.

He is portrayed as a lion because his Gospel begins with John the Baptist crying “Make ready the way of the Lord”.

The relics of St. Mark are in Venice.

St. Matthew

Feast day: Sept. 21

Apostle

Patron saint of bankers and accountants

Martyr

St. Matthew was one of the twelve called to be an Apostle. He was a tax collector before Jesus called him to follow him. He is also known as ‘Levi”.

The Gospel of Mathew was written in Aramaic which the Hebrew tongue. The Gospel of Mathew has the most parables of the Gospels. It also has the Beatitudes which are in the Sermon on the Mount. Tradition tells us that he worked in Ethiopia.

Tradition tells us that St. Matthew died a martyrs death, being killed with an ax.

St. Michael the Archangel

Feast day: Sept. 29

Archangel

Patron of police, paratroopers, mariners, sickness

The name Michael means “Who is like God.” St. Michael is the leader of the good angels. He is considered a warrior angel. In the Book of Revelations it is St. Michael who is the leader during the final battle between good and evil at the end of time.

St. Michael the Archangel is the patron of police because of his battle against evil. St. Michael defend me in battle is a popular Catholic prayer.

St. Michael has appeared in three places: the cave of St. Michael in Italy, Mont St. Michel in France and The Grotto of St. Michael in Mexico.

St. Patrick

Feast day: March 17

Patron of Ireland, slaves

St. Patrick was born in Kilpatrick, Scotland, in 387. 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 became a priest, then a Bishop. As Bishop he was sent back to Ireland. Many people converted under his guidance. He is known for using the shamrock to explain the Trinity.

He died in Saul, where he built his first church, on March 17, 461.

St. Paul

Feast day: June 29

Apostle

Martyr

Author of 14 Epistles

Patron of converts, authors, writers, publishers

St. Paul is known as the Apostle of the Gentiles. He is also known as Saul of Tarsus. Before his conversion, he was persecuting Christians. In the Book of Acts his conversion story is told. Paul hears a voice saying “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Paul replies, “Who are you, Lord?” “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up enter the city and you will be told what to do.” Acts 9: 4-6

After this experience Paul was baptized, and he began preaching that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. He fled Damascus returning to see Peter. Paul traveled on several missionary journeys, accompanied by Barnabus.

He was imprisoned in Caesarea and then in Rome, being kept in chains. After his release he went to Spain. He was imprisoned again and beheaded in the year 67.

St. Paul wrote 14 Epistles which have greatly influenced the Christian faith.

St. Peregrine Laziosi

Feast day: May 1

Patron of cancer victims

St. Peregrine was born to wealthy parents in Forli, Italy in 1260. He was active in politics when he was young, being a member of the anti-papal party. After striking St. Philip Benizi in the face at an uprising he repented and converted to Catholicism.

St. Peregrine received a vision of the Virgin Mary, after which he followed her instructions to join the Servites, observing silence and solitude.

He was afflicted with a tumor on his leg which the doctors wanted to amputate. He spent the night before the operation in prayer. The following morning he was completely cured and the tumor was gone. The miracle became well known.

St. Peregrine died at the age of 85.

St. Peter

Feast day: June 29

Patron of fishermen

Apostle and martyr

Peter’s name at birth was Simon. He was from Bethsaida and the brother to St. Andrew. Both Simon and Peter were fishermen. It was Andrew who told Simon that he had found the Messiah. Jesus then called Simon to follow him.

Jesus gave Simon the name of Peter which means “rock”. When Peter acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah, the son of the living God, Jesus said to him, “You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

St. Peter is always listed as the first of the Apostles in all of the New Testament accounts. Peter, along with James and John were present at the transfiguration, the raising of Jairus’ daughter and the Agony in the Garden.

At the crucifixion Peter denied Jesus three times.

When Jesus appeared to Peter after the Resurrection, he told Peter three times “feed my sheep”.

After the Resurrection, Peter appointed the replacement of Judas. He preached to the Gentiles.

Peter died in Rome during the reign of Nero. He was crucified upside down because he declared himself unworthy to die in the same manner as the Lord.

St. Sebastian

Feast day: Jan. 20

Martyr

Patron of archers, athletes and soldiers

St. Sebastian was born in Gaul. He became a soldier in the Roman army. Sebastian converted many people to the christian faith. He is also known for curing a deaf mute.

St. Sebastian was named captain of the guards. When they learned he was Christian, he was ordered executed. He was shot with arrows and left to die. The widow of St. Castulas found him still alive and nursed him back to health. Soon after, he was beaten to death on the Emperors orders.

St. Sebastian is considered the patron saint of athletes because of his physical endurance and energetic way of defending the faith.

St. Thomas the Apostle

Feast day: July 3

Patron of architects

Apostle and Martyr

St. Thomas was born into a Jewish family. Jesus called him to be one of the twelve disciples.

He is most remembered for not believing that Jesus had risen from the dead, saying “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in his side I will not believe. John 20: 25

Jesus appeared to Thomas a week later saying “Peace be with you. Put your finger here and see my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered “My Lord and my God!”

St. Thomas is remembered as Doubting Thomas.

After Pentecost, Thomas was sent to evangelize the Parthians, Medes, Persians, and India.

St. Thomas was speared to death at Calamine.

St. Vincent de Paul

Feast day: Sept. 27

Patron of Charitable Societies

St. Vincent was born in 1581 to poor parents in Gascony, France. His first school was led by Franciscans. He was ordained a priest in 1600 after studying at the University of Toulousse.

St. Vincent was captured by pirates while he was at sea. They held him prisoner for two years. He escaped, going to Rome and then returning to France.

St. Vincent founded the Sister of Charity who served the poor through corporal and spiritual works of mercy. He then founded the Vincentians. Their mission was to serve the poor in smaller towns and villages. He also conducted retreats for clergy and established seminaries.

St. Vincent died at the age of 80.

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Carmelite Saints, Faith, Spirituality

The Spirituality and Prayers of St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Gallery January 30, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra Leave a comment

Thérèse was born in Alencon, France in 1873. She suffered from the death of her mother, due to breast cancer, at the age of four. Her family then moved to Lisieux. At a young age she wished to follow her sisters, Pauline and Marie, into the convent but was denied due to her age. However, in 1888 she entered the Carmel of Lisieux. On Sept. 8, 1890 she made her religious profession as a Carmelite.

Because of her love and prayers for the missions St.Thérèse is the patron saint of missions. She is also the patron saint of gardeners and florists. Thérèse of Lisieux was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church. She is the youngest Doctor of the Church.

St. Thérèse is also known as the Little Flower. She saw herself as a flower in the garden of God. Calling herself “the little flower of Jesus” she wanted to give glory to God by just being herself among all the other flowers in Gods garden.

The health of St. Thérèse was poor. She suffered grief when her father died and also contracted tuberculosis. She suffered much pain but offered her suffering for ‘the poor sinners’. Her great desire was to save souls. “My mission…to make God loved….will begin after my death”, she said. “I will spend my heaven doing good on earth. I will let fall a shower of roses.” She also said, “I want to suffer and even rejoice for love, for this is my way of scattering flowers. Never a flower shall find but its petals shall be scattered for you, and all the while I will sing, yes sing, even when gathering my roses in the midst of thorns, and the longer and sharper the thorns may be, the sweeter shall be my song!”

The following quote shows her spirituality:

“The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word and the doing of the least action for love.”

Her spirituality is known as “The little way”. She trusted in Jesus to make her holy and focused on doing small deeds daily rather than great deeds.

Her autobiography “The Story of a Soul” has led many pilgrims to her ‘little way’.

St. Thérèse was only 24 when she died of tuberculosis. After her death she was canonized a saint on May 17, 1925 by Pope Pius XI. Pope John Paul II declared her a doctor of the Church in 1997. Her writings have led many souls closer to God.

The following prayers were written by St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

St. Therese of Lisieux Public Domain Image — St. Therese of Lisieux

**PRAYER OF ST. THERESE OF LISIEUX**

Yes, all is well when we seek only the will of Jesus!

All my strength lies in prayer and sacrifice. They are my invincible weapons, and I know, by experience that they can soften the heart as much as words.

More than ever, I understand that the smallest events of our life are conducted by God; He is the One who makes us desire and who grants our desires.

A MORNING PRAYER

O my God! I offer Thee all my actions of 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 Its infinite merits; and I wish to make reparation for my sins by casting them into the furnace of Its Merciful Love.

O my God! I ask of Thee for myself and for those whom I hold dear, the grace to fulfill perfectly Thy Holy Will, to accept for love of Thee the joys and sorrows of this passing life, so that we may one day be united together in heaven for all Eternity.

Amen.

MY SONG OF TODAY

Oh, how I love thee, Jesus! My soul aspires to Thee. And yet for one day only my simple prayer I pray!

Come reign within my heart, smile tenderly on me.

Today, dear Lord, today.

St. Thérèse

MAY TODAY THERE BE PEACE

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, praise, and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

St. Thérèse

PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL CHILDHOOD

Lord, give me the open heart of a child. Let me come trustingly to you, not afraid to ask for your love.

.Deliver me from the belief that I am self-sufficient. Show me my need of you.

Give me the grace to reach out to you, Lord give me a child’s’ simplicity and a sense of wonder.

May my enthusiasm for you never die. Let me hasten to converse with you in the intimacy of prayer. Give me discernment to realize there is no detail of my life too tiny for your concern.

Help me to perceive your glory in the helplessness of the cross.

Son of God, who for my sake, took on the dependency of childhood, help me to accept the readiness of the Father’s grace.

Amen

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Carmelite Saints, Faith, Feast Days, patron saints

Twenty Five Popular Patron Saints Women May Select For Their Confirmation Name

January 29, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra 2 Comments

Confirmation season is here! During the Easter season Catholics and students preparing to come into the church will receive the sacrament of confirmation. They are searching for the patron saint who will be their role model and guide during their pilgrimage on earth.

When we receive the Rite of Confirmation, we are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. The symbols of the Holy Spirit are tongues of fire, a dove, and the wind.

The Catholic Church believes in the Communion of Saints. Each baptized person is a member of this communion, the living and the dead. The saints are considered the Church Triumphant. The pilgrims on earth are considered the Church Militant (still defending the faith). We ask our patron saint to pray with us and for us as we face the trials on earth. The more prayer to God on our behalf the better!

During the rite of Confirmation, the Bishop prays over the candidate calling them by the name they have chosen as their confirmation name.He also anoints them with the oil of chrism. When a person is confirmed they receive the grace of the Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit, Come!

Are you searching for a patron saint?

The following twenty five popular female patron saints should be considered as you search for your role model and patron saint.

St. Agatha

St. Agatha was born in Sicily, She is the patron saint of breast cancer. She was imprisoned and then tortured for her faith. During the torture, her breasts were amputated. In an apparition of St. Peter, she was healed. St. Agatha was a martyr for the faith. The feast day of St. Agatha is celebrated on Feb. 5.

St. Anne

The feast day of St. Anne is July 26. She is the grandmother of Jesus and the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She is the patron saint of mothers and grandmothers. St. Anne was married to St. Joachim. Tradition tells us they were both wealthy and pious.

St. Bernadette

The feast day of St. Bernadette is April 16. She is the patron saint of bodily ills and orphans. While young, Bernadette suffered from digestive problems and asthma. Because of ill health Bernadette received the sacrament of the sick at least three times. St. Bernadette had a vision of the Virgin Mary when very young. At Lourdes France, she was told to dig in the mud by Our Lady. A spring appeared which resulted in many healings.

St. Catherine Laboure’

St. Catherine Laboure’ is a visionary and the patron saint of the Miraculous Medal. She was born on May 2, 1806 in France. The Virgin Mary appeared to her three times instructing her to have the medal made. The medal was eventually made and credited with many miracles. The medal became known as The Miraculous Medal. St. Catherine Leboure’s feast day is celebrated on Nov. 28.

St. Catherine of Siena

St. Catherine of Siena is the patron of firefighters. She was born in Siena, Italy in 1347. At the age of six she began having mystical experiences. She often saw gaurdian angels. She became a Dominican tertiary at the age of 16 after having visions of Christ, Mary and the saints. She is considered a great writer. Some of her ecstasies included falling into fire unharmed. This is why she is the patron of firefighters. She received the stigmata (the wounds of Christ) and her body was found to be in-corrupt. St. Catherine’s feast day is celebrated on April 29.

St. Cecelia

St. Cecelia is the patron saint of musicians. She was born in Rome. After seeing an angel praying at the side of his wife, Cecelia’s husband converted to the faith. St. Cecelia was arrested and martyred for her faith. An attempt to suffocate her failed after which she was beheaded. She is the patron of musicians because she heard music in her heart on her wedding day. St. Cecelia’s feast day is celebrated on Nov. 22.

St. Clare of Assisi

St. Clare is the patron saint of eye disease and communications. She was born in Assisi, Italy in 1194. After hearing St. Francis of Assisi preach on Palm Sunday, she joined the Franciscans. The women following St. Francis became known as “The Poor Clares”. They lived an enclosed life of prayer, away from the world and serving the sick. St. Clare’s feast day is Aug. 11.

St. Edith Stein

St. Edith Stein was also known as St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. She is the patron saint of loss of parents and converts.. She was the youngest of a large Jewish family. In 1922 she was baptized into the Catholic Faith. When the Nazis conquered Holland she was arrested along with her sister and sent to Auschwitz. St. Edith Stein was sent to the gas chambers and died a martyr at the age of 51 in 1942. Her feast day is celebrated on Aug. 9.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is the patron saint of in-law troubles and loss of children. She grew up in New York City and married William Seton. Within four years, she suffered the death of her father in-law which left William in charge. His business failed forcing bankruptcy. They moved to Italy to help his health. He died of tuberculosis in Italy. Elizabeth grew close to God. She became Catholic and had a devotion to the Virgin Mary. She established the first Catholic school in America. On March 25, 1809 she took a vow of poverty, chastity, and obedience. She became Mother Seton. Elizabeth. died in 1821 of tuberculosis at age 46. The feast day of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is celebrated on Jan. 4.

St. Elizabeth of Hungary

St. Elizabeth of Hungary is the patron saint of widows , the homeless and young brides.
She was the daughter of the King of Hungary and married at age 14 to Louis of Thuring. Deeply in love, her husband died in the crusades after six years of marriage. Her in-laws disliked her generosity and threw her out of the palace. St. Elizabeth of Hungary served the poor and the sick. In 1218 she joined the Secular Franciscan Order and worked in a hospital she founded in honor of St. Francis. She died at the age of 23 in 123l. The feast day of St.Elizabeth of Hungary is celebrated on Nov. 17.

St. Faustina

St. Faustina is the patron saint of Divine Mercy. She was born in Poland in 1905. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy whose mission is the poor and education. She took the name Sister Maria Faustina. She received a message from our Lord to spread the message of his mercy to the world. She wrote about the mercy of God in her Diary which is now published. Divine Mercy is now celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. Sister Faustina died in Oct. 1938. The feast day of St. Faustina is celebrated on Oct. 5.

St. Jane Frances de Chantal

St. Jane Frances de Chantal is the patron saint of forgotten people and widows. She was born in Dijon, France in 1572. She married the Baron de Chantal (Christophe) at the age of 20. They had four children before he was killed in a hunting accident. With the aid of St. Frances de Sales, Jane founded the Visitation Order. She wrote many letters of spiritual direction. She died in 1641 at 69 years old. We celebrate the feast day of St. Jane Frances de Chantal on Aug. 12.

St. Joan of Arc

St. Joan of Arc was born in 1412 in France. She is the patron saint of soldiers and France. While very young she heard messages from St. Michael, St. Catherine and St. Margaret. They told her to go to the King of France and help him reconquer his kingdom. The 17 year old girl was given a small army with which she achieved success. She was captured and sold to the English. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431. We celebrate her feast day on May 30.

St. Kateri Tekakwitha

St. Kateri Takakwitha is the patron saint of the environment. She is the first Native American saint. She was born in 1656 to the daughter of a Mohawk warrior and a Catholic Alqonquin. Father Jacques de Lambertville, a Jesuit missionary baptized her. She was devoted to prayer and penitenial practices. She also cared for the sick and aged. At the age of four her mother and brother died of smallpox. Kateri’s face was scarred by the disease and she became almost blind. St. Kateri died during Holy Week. Within 15 minutes of death her face was healed of its scars. She appeared to many people after her death, always carrying a cross. We celebrate St. Kateri’s feast day on July 14.

St. Margaret Mary

St. Margaret Mary is the patron saint of polio victims. She was born in 1647 in Burgundy, France. She was bedridden for five years as a child with rheumatic fever. She had a devotion to the Eucharist. Refusing marriage, she entered the Visitation convent. St. Margaret Mary was a visionary. She had visions of Christ which instructed her to spread the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Eventually the devotion was officially approved. We celebrate the feast day of St. Margaret Mary on Oct. 17.

St. Maria Goretti

St. Maria Goretti is the patron saint of rape victims, youth and purity. She was born in Italy on Oct. 16, 1890 to a farm worker. Her father died of malaria leaving her mother struggling to feed her children. At the age of 12 she was attacked by an 18 year old neighbor who tried to rape her. When she resisted he stabbed her. Before she died a martyr in the hospital, she forgave him. However, he was sentenced to 30 years. He was unrepentant until he had a dream. Maria appeared to him and gave him flowers. It changed him forever. When he left prison, he attended the canonization of St. Maria Goretti in St. Peter’s Square. St. Maria Goretti’s feast day is celebrated on July 6.

St. Martha

St. Martha is the patron saint of housewives, domestic workers and cooks. She lived in Bethany at the time of Jesus. She was a devoted follower and had a sister named Mary. Martha is most known for the story in the gospel Luke 10:38-42 which tells us the story of Jesus being a guest in their home. She is busy in the kitchen while Mary is sitting listening to Jesus. When Martha goes to Jesus complaining “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” Jesus responded by saying “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” We celebrate the feast day of St. Martha on July 29.

St. Mary Magdalene

St. Mary Magdalene is the patron saint of penitent women. She was a devoted disciple of Jesus. Jesus cast out seven demons from her. Because of the sorrow she had for her sins she anointed Christ with her tears and dried His feet with her hair. Mary Magdalene was present at the crucifixion of Jesus. She is the one who discovered His body missing from the tomb. She is honored by being the first person to whom Christ appeared to after His Resurrection. She reported seeing Him by exclaiming to the other disciples. “I have seen the Lord!”

The feast day of St. Mary Magdalene is celebrated on July 22.

Mary, Mother of God

Mary is the Mother of God. She is also considered the Queen of Saints because Jesus is our King.. She is the spiritual mother of all of us. Mary is the patron saint of all of humanity, mothers, the suffering and families.

The Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary telling her she would have a child. He said, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” He continued saying, “Fear not, Mary for you have found grace with God. Behold you shall conceive in your womb and shall bring forth a son and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever and of his kingdom there will be no end. Mary responded, “How can this be?” The angel answered “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child will be holy. He will be called Son of God and now your relative Elizabeth in her old age has conceived a son and is in her sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing is impossible. with God.” Mary responded, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word.” Then the angel departed.

We celebrate many feast days to honor Mary. The feast day of Mary, the Mother of God is celebrated on January 1st.

St. Monica

St. Monica is the patron saint of mothers, alcoholism and troubled marriages. She was born in Africa in 331. Married to an abusive alcoholic pagan, they had three children. St. Augustine was her son. He left the church when young to live a wild life. Monica prayed constantly for his return to the faith. Eventually, he returned to the faith becoming a priest, then a Bishop. St. Monica’s husband converted to the faith before he died. St. Monica’s feast day is celebrated on Aug 27,celebrated on Aug 27,

St. Rita

St. Rita is the patron saint of impossible cases. When she was young she desired to enter the convent. However a marriage was arranged. Her husband was violent and abusive. After twenty years of marriage her husband was stabbed to death. Her two sons also died leaving Rita alone in the world. She joined an Augustinian convent at Cacia Umbria. After praying, “Please let me suffer like you Divine Savior.” Rita was wounded by a thorn on her forehead. It would not heal and caused her to suffer until her death on May 22, 1457.

The feast day of St. Rita is May 22.

St. Teresa of Avila

St. Teresa of Avila is the patron saint of headache sufferers. She was born in Spain in 1515. Her mother died when she was 14. Her father placed her in a convent to protect her from the world. She struggled to balance her love of God with her need for friends and fun. She eventually joined the Carmelite Order. She was a mystic and a poet and an author. She is considered a Doctor of the Church Her feast day is celebrated on Oct. 15.

Bl. Teresa of Calcutta Public Domain Image — Bl. Teresa of Calcutta
Public Domain Image

St. Teresa of Calcutta

St. Teresa of Calcutta is the patron saint of World Youth Day, the poorest of the poor, and the dying. She joined the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known as the Sisters of Loreto. Born in Skopje, her birth name was Agnes Ganxha Bojaxhiu. She became Sister Mary Teresa after St. Therese of Lisieux. In 1946, she had a “call within a call”. She heard Jesus say “Come be My light”. She formed the Missionaries of Charity and served the sick and dying in Calcutta, India. Mother Teresa became known to the world as a living saint. She died on Sept. 5, which is the day we celebrate her feast day.

St. Thérèse of Lisiuex

St. Thérèse of Lisiuex is the patron saint of missions. She is also a Doctor of the Church. She was born in 1873 in France. St. Thérèse became known as the “Little Flower” because of her statement, “The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word and the doing of the least action for love.” Her spirituality is known as “The little way”. She believed in trusting Jesus to make her holy and relying on small sacrifices instead of great deeds to find holiness. She is the author of “The Story of a Soul”. The feast day of St. Thérèse is celebrated on Oct. 1.

St. Veronica

St. Veronica is the patron saint of photographers. Little is known about Veronica. She was a follower of Jesus and present during his crucifixion. While Jesus carried the cross, she was moved with compassion. She knelt in front of Jesus and used her veil to wipe his face clean. Her kindness is commemorated on the sixth station of the cross prayed by the church. The soldiers pushed Veronica away and she later discovered the imprint of Christ’s face on her veil. It is believed that Veronica left her veil in the care of Pope Clement I, the successor to St. Peter. St. Veronica’s feast day is celebrated on July 12

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SAINTS FROM THE UNITED STATES During colonial times, Catholic immigrants coming to the U.S.from Europe settled primarily in the colonies of Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York. Laws protecting religious freedom had not yet been written. Intolerance between religious groups was a common occurrence.

North American Martyrs

St. Francis Xavier Cabrini

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

St. John Neumann

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

St. Theodore Guerin

St. Katherine Drexel

St. Kateri Tekakwitha

St. Damien de Veuster

St. Marianne Cope

St. Andrew the Apostle

St. Anthony of Padua

St. Augustine of Hippo

St. Bernard of Clairvaux

St. Dominic

St. Francis of Assisi

St. Gregory the Great

St. Jerome

St. John the Baptist

St. John the Evangelist

St. John of the Cross

St. Joseph

St. Jude Thaddaeus

St. Justin Martyr

St. Luke

St. Mark the Evangelist

St. Matthew

St. Michael the Archangel

St. Patrick

St. Paul

St. Peregrine Laziosi

St. Peter

St. Sebastian

St. Thomas the Apostle

St. Vincent de Paul

St. Agatha

St. Anne

St. Bernadette

St. Catherine Laboure’

St. Catherine of Siena

St. Cecelia

St. Clare of Assisi

St. Edith Stein

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

St. Elizabeth of Hungary

St. Faustina

St. Jane Frances de Chantal

St. Joan of Arc

St. Kateri Tekakwitha

St. Margaret Mary

St. Maria Goretti

St. Martha

St. Mary Magdalene

Mary, Mother of God

St. Monica

St. Rita

St. Teresa of Avila

St. Teresa of Calcutta

St. Thérèse of Lisiuex

St. Veronica

Discovering the Spirituality of Catholicism