Tag Archives: Saint of the Day

Faith, Our Lady, Saint of the Day, Spirituality, Visionary

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Juan Diego, Feast Day December 9

St. Juan Diego

The Feast Day of St. Juan Diego is celebrated on December 9. Juan was born in a ward of Tlayacac in Cuauhtitlan. His birth name was Cuauhtlatzin, which means “The talking eagle”. He was a farmer and a weaver. He is the first indigenous American Saint.

After the arrival of the Franciscans, Juan and his wife, Maria Lucia, converted to the Catholic faith in 1524-1525. Juan was baptized by Father Peter da Gand at the age of 50. He and his wife moved closer to Mexico City to be closer to the Franciscan Catholic Mission.

Juan had a special devotion to the Eucharist. In 1529, several years after his conversion, Maria Lucia died. As a widower, he walked 15 miles three times a week to attend Mass and receive the Eucharist.

One Saturday, on Dec. 9, as he was walking to Mass, a woman’s voice called out to him as he passed Tepeyac Hill. He heard music and saw a cloud encircled by a rainbow. Our Lady appeared to him dressed as an Aztec princess. She told him she was The Virgin Mary and asked him to tell the bishop to build a church on that site. She said to him;

“I vividly desire that a church be built on this site, so that in it I can be present and give my love, compassion, help and defense, for I am your most devoted mother….to hear your laments and to remedy all your miseries, pains, and sufferings.”

When he told the bishop what had happened, the bishop was kind, but skeptical. He requested proof. Before Juan could return to the site, he learned his uncle was dying. On his way to see his uncle, Our Lady appeared to him again, telling him his uncle had been cured. She told Juan to climb to the top of the hill where she had first appeared. When he did this he was shocked to find flowers growing in the frozen earth. He gathered them in his cloak and took them to the bishop. When he opened his cloak, the flowers that fell to the ground were Castilian roses (not native to Mexico). The bishop saw a glowing image of Our Lady imprinted inside Juan’s cloak. This is referred to as The Miracle of the Roses.

Soon after, a church was built at the site. In the seven years following the building of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, six million people converted to the church because of the apparition. Twenty million pilgrims visit the Basilica yearly, second only to St. Peters Basilica in Rome.

An investigation by the Vatican (which included thirty researchers) confirmed that Juan Diego was not a mythical character.

Pope John Paul II praised St. Juan Diego for his simple faith who said to the Virgin Mary,

“I am a nobody, I am a small rope, a tiny ladder, the tail end, a leaf”

Pope John Paul II called him a model of humility.

Our Lady of Guadalupe has been declared the patroness of the Americas.

St. Juan Diego lived the rest of his life as a hermit in a hut near the church, caring for both the church and the first pilgrims. St. Juan Diego died on May 30, 1548.

The Cloak of Juan Diego was framed and is on display at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is still intact, showing no signs of decay after nearly five hundred years.

The Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated on Dec. 12th.

God calls and chooses us in the way we will be most pleasing to Him.

Quote of St. Catherine of Sienna; Feast Day April 29

December is the Month of the Divine Infancy

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Faith, Feast Days, Our Lady, patron saints, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Immaculate Conception of Mary, Feast Day December 8

The Immaculate Conception
by Padre Manuel

The Feast day of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated on Dec. 8 during the season of Advent. The feast day celebrates the belief that Mary was conceived without the stain of original sin. It is often misunderstood as the celebration of the conception of Jesus.

Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception is the Patron Saint of Brazil and the United States.

The feast day became a celebration for the universal church in the 18th century. Pope Pius IX declare;

“The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by Almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin.”

Mary herself confirmed her title to St. Bernadette saying to her;

” I am the Immaculate Conception.”

The largest Marian shrine in the U S. is the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception located in Washington D.C.

Just as Eve was conceived without sin, Mary also was conceived without sin. Mary is considered, ‘the new Eve’.

Rather than disobeying God, Mary said, “Let it be.”

Purer than heaven’s purest angels, brighter than its brightest seraph:

Mary, after her Creator, God, made her and gave her all,

the most perfect of beings, the masterpiece of Infinite Wisdom,

Almighty Power and Eternal Love.

To such a being we cannot reasonably suppose that

a perfection was denied her which had been already

gratuitously bestowed on inferior creatures;

on the angelic spirits.

Quote of St. John N. Newmann; Feast Day January 5

The Immaculate Conception in Art

December is the Month of the Divine Infancy.

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Doctor of the Church, patron saints, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Ambrose, Feast Day December 7

The Feast Day of St. Ambrose is celebrated on December 7. He was the Bishop of Milan and proclaimed a Doctor and Father of the Church. St. Ambrose is the patron saint of bee keepers and students.

St. Ambrose was born in the year 339. He studied in Rome, Italy becoming a lawyer. He was in the process of converting to Catholicism when a great dispute arose after the death of the Bishop of Milan. It was Ambrose who intervened and maintained order. Everyone was so impressed that they requested him as their next bishop even though he he was only a cathecumen (student) and not yet baptized. Resisting at first, eventually Ambrose agreed. He was baptized and eight days later on Dec. 7, 374 he was consecrated the Bishop of Milan at the age of 35.

As bishop he immediately gave his money to the poor. He was known for his fight against paganism and Arianism ( the belief that Jesus Christ did not have a divine nature). He was instrumental in the conversion and baptism of St. Augustine. The title “Honey tongued Doctor” was given to him because of his speaking skills. Because of his title he became the patron saint of bee keepers.

St. Ambrose died of natural causes on April 14, 397.

“True repentance

is to cease to sin.”

Quote of St. Ambrose

December is the Month of the Divine Infancy

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Christmas, Faith, patron saints, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Nicholas, Feast Day December 6

The Feast Day of St. Nicholas is celebrated on December 6

. He is the patron saint of children, sailors, and bakers. He served as the Bishop of Myra.

St. Nicholas was born in the fourth century in Patara in Lycia, which is a province of Asia Minor. Many churches have been built in his honor. His parents were wealthy but it It is believed he was orphaned at a young age. As a young man he decided to devote his inheritance to charities. After returning from a pilgrimage to Palestine and Egypt he was ordained the Bishop of Myra. He was imprisoned during the Diocletian persecution and released when Constantine came into power.

St. Nicholas was known for his kindness and generosity. He found many opportunities to give away his wealth. One of the stories told about St. Nicholas was that he helped a man who had lost all his money. This man had three daughters to support. In an attempt to save the daughters from prostitution, St. Nicholas, in the dark of night, threw bags of gold coins into their home. The coins landed in their shoes and stockings which were by the fire drying. This is the reason children today put out stockings for Santa Claus at Christmas.

St. Nicholas is also known as Sinterklass in the Dutch culture. Many stories have evolved around the generosity of St. Nicholas. There is a tradition that he enjoyed giving gifts to children in secret. The stories inspired many of the traditions surrounding Santa Claus. The clothing Santa Claus wears is similar to that of a bishop.

St. Nicholas died on December 6, 346.

“The habit of seeing things in the light of faith

lifts us above the mists and the mire of the world.”

Quote of Bl. Charles de Foucauld , Feast Day December 1

December is the Month of the Divine Infancy

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Faith, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Sabas, Feast Day December 5

The Feast Day of St. Sabas is celebrated on December 5. He was a priest and monk. St. Sabas was born at Mutalaska, Cappadocia. His father was an army officer. He was raised by an uncle whose wife mistreated him.

At the age of eight Sabas ran away to another uncle, only to run away again later when a dispute arose. He went to live in a monastery. At the age of 30, he became a hermit. St. Euthymius was his advisor. When Euthymius died, he lived alone in the desert for four years.

Although he loved solitude, disciples were drawn to him, eventually numbering 150 monks. A priest was requested and he accepted ordination in 491. His followers were from Egypt and Armenia. They built several hospitals.

St. Sabas lived to over 90 years of age. He is considered one of the founders of Eastern Monasticism.

Everywhere and forever

we are in God’s hands.

Quote of Bl. Theodore Romzha; Feast Day Nov. 1

December is the Month of the Divine Infancy

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Doctor of the Church, Faith, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. John Damascene, Feast day December 4

The Feast Day of St. John Damascene is celebrated on December 4. He was a monk and priest. St. John Damascene has been given the title Doctor of the Church.

St. John grew up under Muslim rule in Damascus, born to Christian parents in 690 . He is known for his arguments defending sacred art, especially icons.

During the 720’s religious art became very controversial and was forbidden by Emperor Leo. John argued in favor of religious art, stating that Christians did not worship images but through them they worshiped God and honored the memory of the Saint. His arguments made him an enemy of the emperor who had a letter forged in John’s name offering to betray the Muslim government of Damascus. Because of the forgery, John’s hand was cut off. However, the saints biography states that through the intervention of the Virgin Mary his hand was miraculously healed. After convincing the ruler of his innocence, John decided to become a monk. Eventually he was ordained a priest.

St. John is also known for his poetry and his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Our Lady is rest for those who work,

consolation for those who weep,

medicine for the sick,

a harbour for those assailed by tempests,

pardon for sinners,

sweet relief for the sad,

succor for those who implore.

Quote of St. John Damascene

December is the Month of the Divine Infancy

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Faith, Incorruptible, Jesuit Saints, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Francis Xavier, Feast Day Dec. 3

Preaching St. Francis Xavier
By Carlone Gesu

The Feast Day of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated on December 3. He is the patron saint of foreign missions and the co-founder of the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits.

St. Francis Xavier was born in the Kingdom of Navarre (now part of Spain). He was born in the Basque area, on April 7, 1506. He studied at the University of Paris.

When he met Ignatius of Loyola, they became friends and Francis became a student of St. Ignatius. He then became a co- founder of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), with Ignatius. With St. Ignatius, he was ordained a priest in 1537. In 1956 Francis left Paris to join Ignatius in Venice. The Society was recognized by the Pope in 1540.

Francis preached in India, Japan, Borneo, and Moluccas. Over a period of ten years, he baptized roughly 30,000 people to Christianity. He is said to have converted more people to Christianity than anyone other than St. Paul.

In 1552 he set out for China landing on the Island of Shangchuan.. He died from a fever before he reached the mainland while waiting to be taken to China. He was first buried on a beach at Shangchuan Island. His incorrupt body was taken from the island in 1553 and temporarily buried in St. Paul’s Church in Portuguese, Malacca.

St. Francis Xavier was known as the “Apostle of the Indias.”

The Novena of Grace was a popular devotion to Francis Xavier and typically prayed for nine days before Dec. 3.

“I love You, not because You have the power to give heaven or hell,

but simply because You are You…my kin and my God.”

Quote of St. Francis Xavier]

St. Francis Xavier in Art

December is the Month of the Divine Infancy

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Martyr, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Bibiana, Feast Day Dec. 2

St. Bibiana

The Feast Day of St. Bibiana is celebrated on December 2. She was a virgin and a martyr in the year 361.

St. Bibiana was born in Rome. Her father was a knight, whose name was Flavian. Her mother’s name was Dafrosa. When Apronianus was named the Governor of Rome he persecuted the Christians mercilessly. Flavian was arrested and tortured. He fled into exile where he died from his wounds. Bibiana’s mother, Dafrosa, was beheaded.

Bibiana and her sister Demetria were robbed of all their possessions leaving them in poverty. They did however, stay in their house, spending much time in prayer.

They were summoned by Apronianus. Demetria confessed her Faith and then fell dead at the governors feet. Bibiana was given to a woman named Rufina who tortured her unsuccessfully. Apronianus ordered her to be tied to a pillar and beaten with scourges laden with lead plummets until she died. St. Bibiana endured the torture with joy until her death.

Two days later, a priest buried her next to her mother and sister. A church was built over her grave.

I believe Lord but let me believe more firmly.

I hope Lord but let me hope more surely.

I love, Lord, but let me love more warmly.

I repent Lord but let me repent more deeply.

Quote of St. Antony Claret; Feast Day October 24

December is the Month of the Divine Infancy

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Martyr, patron saints, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Charles de Foucauld, Feast Day Dec. 1

Bl. Charles de Foucauld — St. Charles de Foucauld

The Feast Day of St. Charles de Foucauld is celebrated on December 1. He is the patron saint of diocesan priests. He was a hermit, priest and martyr.

St. Charles de Foucauld was born in Strasbourg, France on Sept. 25, 1858. His father was in the military. Orphaned at the age of six, he and his sister Marie were raised by their grandfather. Charles joined the military, becoming an officer. When his grandfather died, Charles lost his faith. During his period of doubt he repeatedly prayed,

“My God, if you exist, let me come to know you.”

Charles was discharged from the military for misconduct. At the age of 28, he regained his faith. After a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, he decided to become a Trappist monk. He spent seven years as a Trappist monk, first in France and then in Syria. After deciding this was no longer God’s will, he was released from his vows. He became a servant for a convent of Poor Clares and began studying for the priesthood. He was ordained in 1901 at the age of 43. He wished to work with the poor and abandoned. In an attempt to begin a religious order he wrote a Rule for it to follow. However, he found few followers.

On Dec. 1, 1916, he was killed by a band of marauders who surrounded his house. Twenty years after his death religious orders began to form following his rule. The Little Brothers of Jesus, Little Sisters of the Sacred Heart and the Little Sisters of Jesus all follow the Rule written by Bl. Charles de Foucauld. An Association of diocesan priest known as Jesus Caritas also follow the spirituality of Bl. Charles de Foucauld.

St. Charles de Foucauld was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2005. He was canonized on May 15, by Pope Francis. St. Charles de Foucauld is the patron saint of diocesan priests.

Let us pray a great deal for the conversion of sinners,

since it was above all for them that Our Lord worked

and suffered and prayed.

Quote of Bl. Charles de Focauld

December is the Month of the Divine Infancy

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Apostle, Faith, Martyr, patron saints

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Andrew the Apostle, Feast Day Nov. 30

The Crucifixion of St. Andrew the Apostle by Mattia Preti — The Crucifixion of St. Andrew the Apostle
by Mattia Preti

The Feast Day of St. Andrew the Apostle is celebrated on November 30. He is the patron saint of fishermen. St. Andrew was the first of the twelve Apostles to be called by Jesus.

Mark 1:16-20 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little further, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

St. Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter. He was a fisherman and a follower of St. John the Baptist. When he heard the call of Jesus, he immediately left everything and followed Him.

After the ascension of Jesus to heaven, Andrew went to Greece to preach the gospel. In the year 70 he became a martyr. He was put to death on a cross to which he was tied, not nailed. It was a cross in the form of an X, which is now called “St. Andrew’s Cross”. He lived for two days, suffering, yet still preaching the gospel.

Three countries have chosen St. Andrew as their patron: Russia, Scotland and Greece. He is also the patron of fishermen.

St. Andrew’s relics are kept at the Basilica of St. Andrew in Patras, Greece.

“How blind man is when he refuses to open his heart to the light of faith!”

Quote of St. Bernadette, Feast Day April 16

St. Andrew The Apostle In Art.

November is the Month of the Holy Soul

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Carmelite Saints, Martyr

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Bl. Denis of the Nativity, Feast Day Nov. 29

Bl. Denis of the Nativity and Bl. Redemptus of the Cross Public Domain Image — Bl. Denis of the Nativity and Bl. Redemptus of the Cross

Bl. Denis of the Nativity on the left

The Feast Day of St. Denis of the Nativity is celebrated on November 29. He was a Carmelite priest and a martyr.

Peter Berthelot was born on December 12, 1600 in Calvados, France. He became a sailor at the age of twelve, traveling to Spain, England and America. In 1619 he traveled to India where he was a cosmographer and first pilot of the Kings of France and Portugal. In 1635 he met his spiritual counselor Father Philip of the Most Trinity and decided to join the Discalced Carmelites. He chose the name Denis of the Nativity when he made his profession on Dec. 25, 1636. He was given the gift of contemplation and known for his holiness.

As a missionary, he and his companion Redemptus left for Goa in 1638 where they were taken prisoner. They were tortured in an attempt to force their conversion to Islam. During his captivity, Denis helped others by sacrificing his needs. He always had encouraging words and set a strong example.

Both Denis and Redemptus were condemned to die. He was killed by a sword that split his head in two.

Both Carmelites were beatified on June 10, 1908, by Pope Leo XIII.

Prayer is a mighty weapon,

an unfailing treasure,

a wealth which is never expended,

a harbor that is always calm.

Quote of St. John Chrysostom; Feast Day September 13

November is the Month of the Holy Souls

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Faith, Incorruptible, Our Lady, Saint of the Day, Spirituality, Visionary

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Catherine Laboure, Feast Day November 28

The Feast day of St. Catherine Laboure is celebrated on November 28. She is the visionary who began the devotion to the miraculous medal.

Catherine Laboure was born on May 2, 1806 in Paris, France. Her father was a successful farmer. She was the ninth of eleven children. Her mother died when she was only nine years old. After the funeral service, Catherine went to her room and gave a kiss to a statue of Mary, saying;

“Now, dear Lady, you are my mother.”

Catherine was called “Zoe” by those who knew her, because her birthday was on the feast day of St. Zoe.

After having a dream about St. Vincent de Paul, at a young age, she joined the Daughters of Charity founded by him. She is known as a Marian visionary because of the apparitions which she reported of Mary appearing to her.

On July 18, the first apparition occurred. Catherine saw a lady seated in the sanctuary. She approached her and was instructed how she was to act during times of trial, pointing to the altar for consolation. Mary told her,

“”Sorrows will come upon France; the throne will be overthrown.”

A week later the French revolution began in Paris.

On Nov. 27, the lady showed St. Catherine the Medal of the Immaculate Conception, now known as the “Miraculous Medal” She gave Catherine the mission of having the medal made and to spread devotion to it.

Catherine reported the visions to her spiritual director, Father Aladal. Forty-five years later, she spoke fully to her supervisors about the apparitions.

The miraculous medal which Mary showed to Catherine was oval showing Mary standing on a globe crushing the head of the serpent. (the devil). Around the image of Mary were the words:

“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”

Mary’s hands were showering a cascade of brilliant rays upon the world.

On the reverse side of the medal was a cross, the symbol of Christ’s redeeming Sacrifice on Mount Calvary for the salvation of the world. The cross was intertwined with the letter “M”.

The “M” stands for both Mary and for Mother and was to be surrounded by twelve stars. The two hearts are the Sacred Heart of Jesus encircled by a crown of thorns and the Immaculate of Mary, pierce by a sword. The Flames symbolize the burning love of Jesus and Mother Mary.

Mary told Catherine,

“All who wear them will receive great graces.”

After two years of investigation Father Aladal went to the archbishop with the request. The request was approved.

St. Catherine served humbly, not wishing to be known as a visionary. It was only after 46 years of service that she informed her Sister Superior that she was the Sister Mary had appeared to. At Catherine’s death, on December 31, 1876, at the age of 70, few people knew of her visions. She preferred a silent life, spending her time caring for the aged and sick.

Stories of many miracles and cures caused the devotion to spread rapidly.

In 1922 the body of St. Catherine was exhumed. It was found to be incorrupt. Her body is encased in glass in the chapel in Paris near where Our Lady appeared to her.

St. Catherine’s feast day is celebrated on Nov. 28, the day after the apparition. She is the patron saint of seniors and sick people.

Lord, I am here. Tell me what you would have me do.

If He gives me some task I am content and I thank Him.

If he gives me nothing, I still thank Him

Since I do not deserve to receive anything more than that,

and then I tell God everything that is in my heart.

I tell him about my pains and my joys, and then I listen.

If you listen, God will also speak to you.

For with the good Lord, you have to both speak and listen.

God always speaks to you when you approach him plainly and simply.

Quote of St. Catherine Laboure

November is the Month of the Holy Souls

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