Archangels

Today is the feast of the seven archangels.  Although it is mentioned in the Bible that there are seven archangels around the throne of God (Revelations 8), there are only three angels mentioned by name in the Bible.

St. Michael...from the Hebrew...Who is as God?

His name is a battle cry.  The popularity of this name in the Old Testament appears from the fact that no less than ten persons bearing the name of Michael are mentioned in the sacred books,

As the proper name of one of the great Archangels, the word Michael appears for the first time in the book of the prophet Daniel, where he is called: "Michael, one of the chief princes," and again: "At that time shall Michael rise up, the great prince, who standeth for the children of thy people." (Daniel 10:12-13)

The name "Archangel" is given only to Saint Michael, even though sacred tradition and the liturgy of the Church attribute the same title to Saint Gabriel and Saint Raphael: "When Michael, the archangel, disputing with the devil, contended about the body of Moses, he durst not bring against him the judgment of railing speech, but said: The Lord command thee." (Jude 1:9)

Saint Michael has always been the warrior Angel, fighting first Satan and his demons from the beginning, then, in the course of time, all the enemies of God's own People. He is "the great prince, who standeth for the children of thy people." As of old, so today, Saint Michael is the great defender of the Church of Christ on earth. (Revelation 12:7-12)

As long as God's children are exposed to the attacks of Satan in this world, Saint Michael's battle cry: "Who is like God?" will continue to scare and shatter all the forces of evil, and his powerful intervention in the struggle in behalf of the children of God will never cease.

St. Gabirel...the Hebrew words, Man of God, or Strength of God.

Practically all the missions and manifestations of this Archangel are closely connected with the coming of the Messiah. The most accurate prophecy regarding the time of the coming of Christ was made by Saint Gabriel through the prophet Daniel. (Daniel 9:22-23)

Immediately before the coming of Christ we meet the Archangel Gabriel in the temple of Jerusalem, announcing to Zachary the birth of a son, John the Baptist, the precursor of Christ: "I am Gabriel, who stand before God, and am sent to speak to thee, and to bring thee these good tidings." ((Luke 1:11–20)

The greatest and by far the most joyful message ever committed to an Angel from the beginning of time, was the one brought by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, announcing to her the Incarnation of the Word of God and the birth of Christ, the Savior of mankind. (Luke 1:26–38)

It is very likely that St Gabriel continued to guard over the Holy Family...speaking to Joseph about the Messiah and guiding in the way to Bethlehem, Egypt and back to Nazareth (Matthew 1:18-25).  And also spread the message of the Messiah to the shepherds to unite them in praise with the choir of angels. (Luke 2:9)

Many believe that Gabriel who is "the strength of God" must have been the Angel mentioned in Christ's agony in the garden: "And there appeared to him an Angel from heaven, strengthening him." (Luke 22: 43)  It was fitting that the Angel who had witnessed the Savior's agony, and who had announced His coming to both the Old and New Testament, should also be the first to announce to the world the Savior's Resurrection, His triumph over sin and death on Easter morning: "An Angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and coming rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. And his countenance was as lightning, and his raiment as snow." (Matthew 28:2)

And in the final days, it is believed that the Archangel Gabriel is the one who with a mighty voice will call the dead to life and to judgment: "The Lord himself shall come down from heaven with commandment, and with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead who are in Christ shall rise first." (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17)

St. Raphael, from the Hebrew, means "God heals."

The history of Tobias, revolves around the manifestation of the Archangel Raphael under the assumed name and form of a beautiful young man named Azarias. At the very end of his long mission the Archangel revealed his own identity and his real name, together with the actual purpose of his mission: "And now the Lord hath sent me to heal thee, and to deliver Sara thy son's wife from the devil. For I am the angel Raphael, one of the seven, who stand before the Lord." (Tobit 12: 11-15)

Raphael, the Divine healer, seems to have been at work at Jerusalem, in the days of Christ our Lord, in the pool called Bethsaida by the Sheepgate. In the five porticoes surrounding that pool there was a multitude of sick people, waiting for the action of the Angel upon the water of the pool, an action which cured immediately any person who first descended into the pool: "An Angel of the Lord used to come down at certain times into the pool and the water was moved. And he that went down first into the pool after the motion of the water, was cured of whatever infirmity he had." (John 5:2-15)

The health-giving ministry of Saint Raphael may still be seen in the miraculous cures that have taken place up to our own times in many of the sacred Shrines throughout the Christian world.

I have researched the archangels for many years and gathered this information in many places (mainly EWTN and other Catholic websites)  I take little credit for the words above other than compiling them into an easy to read format.  I love this feast day and rightly so as I consider St. Michael to be a joint patron with my dear husband.  We have always felt a special connection to this archangel...praying to him for protection and guidance often.  I know that if I should wake up for even a few seconds in the night, a quick prayer to St Michael is said for myself and my loved ones.  The other arch angels are joined in this special day as we celebrate the joy that will come one day when we are united with the arch angels before God.

St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St Raphael and to the other archangels...Pray for us!

Our Lady in the Soup Kitchen

Yesterday (sorry for the delayed post) we celebrated two feasts days...Our Lady Star of the Sea and St. Vincent de Paul.  My guess is these two work well together in love of the community is the main theme of the day.  Even the Mass readings (not connected as it was a Sunday liturgy) seemed to bring about the message of giving to neighbor (James 5:1-6).

I had the joy of painting these two pegs for the occasion.  I also made an extra Lady for the priest at our monthly pilgrimage into San Francisco.

So...some may ask...Why another feast day for Mary?  Here is the scoop...

Mary’s title “Star of the Sea” is thought to derive from the prophet Elijah's account in 1 Kings 18:41-45 which refers to a little cloud appearing above the sea as a sign of hope that rain would soon come to water the parched earth. The idea of Mary our Mother being a guiding star for People of the Sea has led to special devotion to Our Lady, Star of the Sea in many coastal and fishing communities.  Just as seafarers have traditionally depended on the stars for navigation, so they trust in the protection and guidance of Our Lady Star of the Sea.  I think we should be able to do the same in our own journey to Christ as it can be just as tumultuous as the sea.

Along with this feast, is the recognition of St. Vincent de Paul.  When our little guy was born, we named him after this saint as we thought it was his fest day.  It turned out to be another saintly Vincent who we have come to love but it is still nice to recognize Vincent de Paul as one of his patrons.


Feast day: September 27
Birth: 1580
Death: 1660
Patron saint of charitable societies
French
Born of poor parents in a village of France
Priest of the Capuchin Order in 1910

To assist in the cost of schooling and not be a burden to his parents, he tutored other students.  In 1596, he went to the University of Toulouse for theological studies, and there he was ordained priest in 1600.

In 1605, on a voyage by sea, he fell into the hands of African pirates and was carried as a slave to Tunis. His captivity lasted about two years, until he was able to escape. After a brief visit to Rome he returned to France, where he became a chaplain for a noble family.

He then began preaching in missionary style throughout the area, specifically in poverty-stricken regions.  He helped all in spite of age, race, or creed.  His only desire was to help the poor with their basic needs.  He formed an order for men (Congregation of the Mission, or the "Vincentians") and later for women (Daughters of Charity) to assist in this mission.

He died at the age of 80 in 1660.  He was canonized in 1737.  He was renowned for his compassion, humility, and generosity and is known as the "Great Apostle of Charity".  His mission continues today in most Catholic parishes under a group given his name...the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

A Man of Humility

Although I did not paint this wonderful saint doll (Another mom through a saint exchange created him last spring.), I wanted to give St Pius of Pietrelcina recognition on his feast day.

We know him as Padre Pio and he is a modern day saint that many of our parents might remember from their childhood memories.

Feast day: September 23
Birth: 1887
Death: 1968
Patron patron saint of the unborn
Italian
Parents were peasant farmers, very faithful and attended Mass daily
Priest of the Capuchin Order in 1910

Padre Pio was a devout child (Francesco was his given name) who knew from a young age that we was called to the priesthood.  They attended daily Mass, prayed the Rosary nightly, and abstained from meat three days a week in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Although Francesco's parents and grandparents were illiterate, they memorized the scriptures and narrated Bible stories to their children. His mother said that Francesco was able to see and speak with Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and his guardian angel.

Because his parents saw the need for his education, his father worked in America for three years in order to pay for his schooling. .He entered the novitiate at 16 years old.  He was honored to fulfill this calling and begin his life serving God.  

In 1918, he was prying before the crucifix and was given a vision of the Passion of Christ where upon he was given the gift of the stigmata.  He would spend the rest of his life with this understanding of the sufferings of Jesus through his wounds.  Many who entered into his presence said that they could smell the perfume of flowers emitting from these wounds.

Along with this gift, he was also allowed the ability of bilocation.  However, his greatest gift he enjoyed was that of reading the hearts of the penitents who came to him in confession.  He would often spend up to 18 hours a day in the confessional in order to lead the people to God's mercy and grace.

He spent most of his life in illness with little complaint.  Even though he was sick, the need for military chaplains led him to service in the Italian military during World War I.  He was sent home due to his illness after a few months.  He worked hard to bring peace to those in need through the sacraments as well as the building of a hospital.  

He was often scrutinized because of his stigmata as well as his popularity.  He was even asked to stop the administering of the Mass because of the crowds who came to him.  He remained a humble obedient servant through all of his life.  He died at the age of 81 years old in 1968.  Upon his death the long lasting stigmata was completely healed and all outward signs removed.

I learned that he is considered the patron saint of the unborn...very interesting since we also began a new fall campaign to pray for the end to abortion...40 Days for Life!  Here is an interesting story to explain this recognition.

He was canonized by Pope Saint John Paul II in 2002.  He had often said, "After my death I will do more. My real mission will begin after my death."

"The Devil is like a mad dog tied by a chain. Beyond the length of the chain he cannot catch hold of anyone. And you, therefore, keep your distance. If you get too close you will be caught. Remember, the Devil has only one door with which to enter into our soul: our will. There are no secret or hidden doors. No sin is a true sin if we have not willfully consented. ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina

We have always found Padre Pio to be a great prayer warrior for our family.  One of our favorite things he is known to say about the rosary...“Bring me my weapon”– which he would exclaim when he knew it was time for prayer.  

Our little saint dolls are now becoming a regular "decoration" for the altar at our daily Mass.  I am so glad to have Father enjoy these saints as much as we do.

We also enjoyed a special dessert tonight..."Capuchin" Trifle!  A yummy play on words to enjoy a delicious coffee flavored pudding, cake and whipped cream!  

St Padre Pio, pray for us!

Defender of the Faith

Today's saint is considered a defender of the faith as he spent much of his ministry writing documents to refute the Protestant Reformation.

Today is the feast day of St. Robert Bellarmine.

Feast Day:  September 17
Patron against epilepsy
Birth: 1542
Death: 1621
Italian
Noble parents (however little money) were highly religious and dedicated to a faithful life
Priest of the Jesuit Order in 1560

Bellarmine was appointed to the chair of controversial theology at the Roman College and a Cardinal in 1598.  He was the spiritual father of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, helped St. Francis de Sales obtain formal approval of the Visitation Order, and opposed severe action in the case of Galileo (which was unfortunately delayed due to Galileo.)  He was a prolific writer and many of his writing are still reviewed today.  He is especially known for his ability to systematically review controversial teachings and find ways to refute the errors.

Bellarmine retired after a short time as bishop to a Jesuit college in Rome.  This is where he died in 1621.

Bellarmine was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1930; the following year he was declared a Doctor of the Church. His remains, in a cardinal's red robes, are displayed behind glass under a side altar in the Church of Saint Ignatius, the chapel of the Roman College, next to the body of his student, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, as he himself had wished.

"When we appeal to the throne of grace we do so through Mary, honoring God by honoring His Mother, imitating Him by exalting her, touching the most responsive chord in the sacred heart of Christ with the sweet name of Mary."

Double Saint Day!

I just love it when there are two saints that worked together so closely that the Church joins them together in one feast day!  That is what we have today.

Pope Saint Cornelius and Saint Cyprian were close friends who worked together to fight heresy.  In this case a heresy that would lead to the first anti-pope who believed that those who rejected the faith (apostates) could not repent and be forgiven.

After much debate and joining of forces with another rivaling sect, led to confusion within Rome.  Pope Cornelius called the bishops together (synod) in hopes of resolving these issues.

Later the persecution of the Christians by Emperor Gallus led to his exile.  However, he died on route in the year 251.

During this time, his friend Cyprian was the bishop of Carthage.  He assisted in teaching the need for repentance for apostates.  He encouraged the apostates to come forward and rededicate themselves to Christ.  They did not need to be baptized again because there was only one baptism needed to become a child of God.

While Cornelius was sent to exile for his actions, Cyprian would be sentenced to death and was beheaded under the rule of Valerian

Our Lady of Seven Sorrows

Today is a feast day that we can all understand.  Even as Christians, we have sorrows that we must bear in this life.  The sorrow of a mother seems to be a deep pain.  Watching the suffering of a child is very hard, especially when we have no control over the cause.  Mary is the perfect example of a life of sorrow in spite of having God dwell with in her and around her.

This feast day represents her sorrows in life and dates back to the 12th century promoted by the orders of Cistercians and the Servites.  The entire Church began contemplating the meaning of Mary's sorrows on various feast days throughout the years; however, in 1913 Pope Pius X set the feast for this day.

When looking at her life in the Bible readings, we can often relate to her sorrows because of events in our own lives.  This was Mary's way to a spiritual martyrdom-suffering along side her son and showing repentance among the evils of this world.  Let us remember to also seek her guidance in how to respond to these sorrows.  She always turned closer to God in these moments.

The fulfillment of all the prophecies of old, come true in the suffering servant.  Mary was told that she would be "pierced by a sword" (Luke 2:34-35).  She "pondered these things in her heart" (Luke 2:19) at this moment and throughout her life ending with her at the foot of the Cross on which Jesus hung and continuing until her own dormition.

These are the traditional seven sorrows:

• The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)
• The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
• Loss of the Child Jesus for three days (Luke 2:41-50) 
• Mary meets Jesus on his way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31; John 19:17)
• Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25-30)
• The body of Jesus being taken from the Cross (Psalm 130; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:31-37)
• The burial of Jesus (Isaiah 53:8; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Mark 15:40-47)

Golden Mouthed Saint

This saint has always been one of interest to me.  I was glad to add him to our collection this week.

Today is the feast day of St. John Chrysostom

Feast Day:  September 13
Patron against epilepsy
Birth: 344
Death: 407
Originally from Antioch
Pagan parents although his father died soon after birth
See of Constantinople
Died on the way to his place of exile in Pythius

John's early schooling was under a pagan orator of the day.  However, once he found his calling used his experience to proclaim the message as a reader of the Word.  At one point he was an anchorite but due to poor health returned to the city to spread the message of the Gospel.

As he became more publicly known throughout the region he was asked to take on the role of See of Constantinople.  He refused to live the lavish life of past leaders.  He also reformed the clergy which was unpopular.  He then began supporting monks who were destroying pagan symbols in the area.

He was sent into exile but died on the way.  John came to be venerated as a saint soon after his death.

"No one can harm the man who does himself no wrong."

Slave to the Slaves

I began my peg doll journey back in March of this year.  I did not know how much I was going to enjoy this project until the details of my canvas came to life before me and now I cannot get enough of these meaningful little dolls.

I was asked recently if I had a blog for my creations.  The thought never crossed my mind but since it has become such an important part of our family journey to grow closer to the saints, I decided I would try to at least recognize the saints on their feast days...at least the little saints I have created.

Today is the first of these tributes....a saint I have enjoyed learning about through stories my children learn in their schooling.

Peter Claver
Feast Day:  September 9th
Patron of negro missions
Birth: 1580
Death: 1654
Originally from Verdu, Catalonia, Spain
Peasant upbringing
Jesuit priest and missionary

Peter would arrive in the islands of Cartagena (modern Colombia) and was disgusted by what he saw.  Thousands of slaves came into the country daily and their well being was sorely overlooked as they were considered sub-human.

Eventually, he began renouncing the slave trade all together and ministered to their basic needs.  He would be known for taking care of their physical and spiritual needs...baptizing as many as possible and teaching them about the hope that could be found in Jesus Christ.  He would actually enter the slave ships upon their arrival in the harbor and give them whatever he was able as they were usually starving and quite ill.  Many of their companions would not even make it so far on the journey dying at sea and being thrown overboard with little recognition.

Peter fought for better conditions for these slaves until his death on the island where he served.  After working through multiple plagues, actively administering to the needs of the sick, he succumbed to the sickness.

Claver was beatified by Pope Pius IX on September 21, 1851. Along with his friend and spiritual mentor, Alphonsus Rodríguez, he was canonized by Leo XIII on January 15, 1888.

"We must speak to them with our hands by giving, before we try to speak to them with our lips."

Our little peg doll was humbly made the day before his feast day.  We were able to attend Mass on his feast day and the children showed it to Father on his way to the altar.  He immediately snatched the doll from their hands and placed him on the altar.  What a especially blessed 'saint' we have to enjoy.