Saintly Miracle Worker

Today we learn about a saint who gave his life to the priesthood with great zeal and understanding.

St. Joseph of Oriol

Feast Day: March 23
Birth: 1650
Death:  1702
Spain
Poverty

Born into a poor family in Barcelona, Spain.  He studied at the University of Barcelona, receiving the degree of Doctor of Theology in 1964.  He was later ordained a priest in 1976.  His priestly life was remarkable for a spirit of penance, profound humility, and prudence in directing souls.

Joseph made a pilgrimage to Rome on foot in 1686 and was granted a a permanent Church appointment in the church of Nuestra Señora del Pino in Barcelona.

Wanting to experience martyrdom, he began a return visit to Rome in April 1698 to offer himself for the foreign missions, but he fell sick at Marseilles and returned to Barcelona.

God bestowed upon him prophetic and miraculous power. The dying, the blind, the deaf and dumb, the lame, and the paralytic, were instantly cured by his intercession.  He is called the "Miracle Worker of Barcelona"    

He died in 1702 in his beloved Barcelona.

Saintly Educator of Girls

Today's saint lived a life in full obedience to her authority.  God was able to use her obedience to assist in the education of girls in her region.

St. Benedicta Cambiagio Frassinello

Feast day: March 21
Birth: 1791
Death: 1858
Italy

Benedicta grew up in a loving Catholic home.  She was a very devout young girl and always tried to be obedient to her parents and to God's calling.  As she grew into adulthood, she began to have mystical experiences that drew her even closer to God.  She had a great desire to enter a religious life; however, her parents had a strong desire for her to marry.

Out of obedience to her parents, Benedicta married Giovanni Frassinello in 1816. They lived together for two years as man and wife. In 1818, the couple agreed to live together chastely, dedicated to God. At this same time, they took Benedicta's younger sister Martha into their home to nurse her through her final fight with Cancer. When Martha died, in 1825, the two entered religious orders, Benedicta joining the Ursiline Congregation, and Giovanni the order founded by St Jerome Emiliani.

Much to her dismay, Benedicta became ill and was forced to return home within a year.  Soon after her return home, she obtained a miraculous cure through the intercession of Saint Jerome Emiliani (feast day February 8).  With this new energy and zeal for life, she began to devote herself to the education of young girls. She obtained her bishop's approval, and the bishop also requested that Giovanni leave the seminary in order to assist with this work. The two took a vow of perfect chastity into the hands of their bishop, and set out on their joint task.

Unfortunately, just as the school was gaining support terrible rumors began which would destroy all of their hard work.  The community was tainted by these rumors that Benedicta and Giovanni were not living a chaste life.  Benedicta was wise enough to withdraw and leave the school in the hands of the bishop to prevent further distress.

She would live as a nun in Ronco Scrivia.  Eventually, she was able to found the Congregation of the Benedictine Sisters of Providence.  Their focus would be on the education of young girls and full abandonment to God in the living out of their vows.

After correctly predicting the time of her death, Benedicta died peacefully in Ronco Scrivia at her mother house on March 21 1858.

A Martyr and Her Companions

Little is known about today's saint.  However, during a time of persecution, when she could have hid her faith, she choice to speak out and claim her Christianity with courage.

St. Alexandra and companions

Feast day: March 20
Birth: ??
Death: 300
Patron saint of Defender of Humanity

Alexandra was a secret Christian and was martyred for the faith at the order of her husband.  Along with Alexandra were Claudia, Euphrasia, Matrona, Juliana, Euphemia, Theodosia, Derphuta, and her sister.

They were arrested in the city of Amisa (on the coastal region of the Black Sea) during the persecution against Christians.

Under interrogation, they confessed their faith and were subjected to torture. The pagans scourged and beat them with rods, and cut off their breasts. After this, they were suspended and torn with sharp hooks. Finally, the holy virgins were burned alive in a red-hot oven.

The Chosen Provider for Jesus

Our family has a great devotion to today's saint.  We have often asked him to intercede on our behalf, especially when moving, buying and selling homes, looking for work and other times of transitions in our life.  Of the many churches we have known as our parish church over the years, many have been dedicated to St. Joseph as well or the priest was named Joseph. St. Joseph seems to be a part of our lives and we like it that way!

painted by
another mother 2015

St. Joseph

Feast day: March 19

According to an Apocryphal account (uncanonical Gospel) Joseph's birth is 90 BC in Bethlehem and his death is July 20, AD 18 in Nazareth.

Patron of the Universal Church, unborn children, fathers, workers, travelers, immigrants, and a happy death

Everything we know about the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus comes from the Gospels (Matthew and Luke).

• We know he was a carpenter, a working man (Matthew 13:55).
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• He wasn't rich for when he took Jesus to the Temple to be circumcised and Mary to be purified he offered the sacrifice of two turtledoves or a pair of pigeons, allowed only for those who could not afford a lamb (Luke 2:24).
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• His descent from David, the greatest king of Israel is shown in his genealogy (Matthew 1:1-16 and Luke 3:23-38).  Joseph is also greeted by the angel Gabriel as "son of David," a royal title used also for Jesus (Matthew 1:20).
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• We know Joseph was a compassionate, caring man. When he discovered Mary was pregnant after they had been betrothed, he knew the child was not his but was as yet unaware that she was carrying the Son of God. He knew women accused of adultery could be stoned to death, so he resolved to send her away quietly (Matthew 1:19)
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• When the angel came again to tell him that his family was in danger, he immediately left everything he owned, all his family and friends, and fled to a strange country with his young wife and the baby. He waited in Egypt without question until the angel told him it was safe to go back (Matthew 2:13-23).
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• We know Joseph loved Jesus.  When Jesus stayed in the Temple we are told Joseph (along with Mary) searched with great anxiety for three days for him (Luke 2:48). We also know that Joseph treated Jesus as his own son for over and over the people of Nazareth say of Jesus, "Is this not the son of Joseph?" (Luke 4:22)

Since Joseph does not appear in Jesus' public life, at his death, or resurrection, many historians believe Joseph probably had died before Jesus entered public ministry.

It would be nice to know more about Joseph, but the Gospel of Matthew has left us with the most important knowledge of who he was -- "a righteous man" (Matthew 1:18).

The Exiled Bishop of Jerusalem

This is the opening paragraph at one of my website resources on saints for today's saint:

"Make your fold with the sheep; flee from the wolves: depart not from the Church," Cyril admonished catechumens surrounded by heresy. These were prophetic words for Cyril was to be hounded by enemies and heretics for most of his life, and although they could exile him from his diocese he never left his beloved Church.

St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Feast day: March 18
Birth: 315
Death: 386
Jerusalem

We know little about Cyril's early life. Historians estimate he was born about 315 and that he was brought up in Jerusalem.  He most likely came from a caring family and he loved them deeply.  He exhorted catechumens to honor parents "for however much we may repay them, yet we can never be to them what they as parents have been to us."

He was part of a group of men who lived in their own houses in the cities but practiced a life of complete chastity, asceticism, and service.  They were known as the Solitaries.

Soon after he was ordained as a priest, his bishop asked him to be in charge of instructing the catechumens.  Many of his instruction is written and we still have these lessons to enjoy today.  Imagine an attentive pupil of the faith furiously writing notes on Cyril's lectures.  I can see myself doing the same thing...may my notes from my many classes one day be read by others as the only source of our faith!  WOW!

On one occasion, Cyril had anticipated a pupil (the same who took care to write notes so diligently?) asking how they would ever be able to remember all the mysteries of the faith.  So Cyril stated:

"But some one will say, If the Divine substance is incomprehensible, why then do you discourse of these things? So then, because I cannot drink up all the river, am I not even to take in moderation what is expedient for me? Because with eyes so constituted as mine I cannot take in all the sun, am I not even to look upon it enough to satisfy my wants? Or again, because I have entered into a great garden, and cannot eat all the supply of fruits, would you have me go away altogether hungry?.. I am attempting now to glorify the Lord, but not to describe him, knowing nevertheless that I shall fall short of glorifying God worthily, yet deeming it a work of piety even to attempt it at all."

Trapped between the two sides of the Arian heresy of the time, Cyril was appointed to the position of bishop upon the death of the previous bishop.  Then add to this a famine that led to mass poverty.  Cyril cared for his flock and sold church property to feed the hungry.  This greatly enraged many who were already distressed by Cyril's actions.

To further bring stress to Cyril's situation, another bishop (Acacius) began to over step his position and jurisdiction, overlapping into Cyril's diocese.  Cyril argued that his authority did not include Jerusalem because Jerusalem was an "apostolic see" -- one of the original sees set up by the apostles. When Cyril did not appear at councils that Acacius called, Acacius accused him of selling church goods to raise money and had him banished.

The situation did not go as Acacius had planned.  The result of the council was the Acacius and the other Arian bishops were condemned. There's no final judgment on Cyril's case but it was probably thrown out when Acacius refused to testify and Cyril returned to Jerusalem.

Unfortunately, Acacius chose to appeal to the emperor and embellished stories of the wrongs that would bring shame to the empire.  Cyril was banished by the emperor and this lasted until a new emperor was in place some years later.

Through his exile, Cyril remained faithful to his diocese and was allowed to return to his position.  When Acacius died, each of the bishops nominated their own replacement for Caesarea. Cyril appointed his nephew Gelasius, which may seem like nepotism, except that all orthodox sources spoke of Gelasius' holiness. A year later both Cyril and Gelasius were driven out of Palestine again as the new emperor's consul reversed the past emperor's ruling.

Eleven years later, Cyril was allowed to go back to find a Jerusalem destroyed by heresy and strife. He was never able to put things completely right. He did attend the Council at Constantinople in 381 where the Nicene Creed and orthodoxy triumphed and Arianism was finally condemned. Cyril received justice at the same Council who cleared him of all previous rumors and commended him for fighting "a good fight in various places against the Arians."

Cyril had eight years of peace in Jerusalem before he died in 386, at about seventy years old.

Saint for the Cat Ladies

Everyone knows this guy...and his feast is celebrated each year by many, even non-Catholics.  I am sure I will one day tell his story on my blog.  Happy St. Patrick's Day to all!

painted by another mother in our saint exchange 2015

However, today I wanted to focus on a not so familiar saint.

St. Gertrude of Nivelles

Feast day: March 17
Birth: 626
Death: 659
Patron Against mice; cats; mental illness; travelers (a funny combination!)
Nobility
France

There seems to be little information about Gertrude's early life.  I found this quote and found it to be very mysterious and obscure...

"...it would be tedious to insert in this account in what line of earthly origin she was descended.  For who living in Europe does not know the loftiness, the names, and the localities of her lineage?"  (anonymous author of her Vita soon after her death)

It seems Gertrude lived among the nobility of early France.  Her family actually moved and traveled with the royal court at times.  Gertrude became introduced to politics during her childhood in the atmosphere of the royal court.

On one occasion, her father held a banquet in honor of the king.  At this feast, the King asked Gertrude if she would like to marry the "son of a duke of the Austrasians.... for the sake of his worldly ambition and mutual alliance." Gertrude declined and "lost her temper and flatly rejected him with an oath, saying that she would have neither him nor any earthly spouse but Christ the Lord." (from Vita)

Her father would like have encouraged this union.  After the king's death in 640, he returned to the east, taking Gertrude with him. Gertrude would not be forced into this strategic marriage as her father died soon after.  Her mother, worried for her daughter's virtue, had Gertrude's head shaved and tonsured.  This ensured her choice to live a consecrated life.  Even after this action, suitors came to their noble home wishing to marry Gertrude and ensure an alliance to this prestigious family.  Her mother than created the Monastery of Nivelles, which finally stopped the constant flow of suitors interested in marrying Gertrude.  Gertrude and her mother both resided in the convent.  However, after they entered the religious life, they suffered, "no small opposition" from the royal family.

In 650, her mother died and Gertrude took over the monastery as abbess.  She was "an intelligent young woman, scholarly and charitable, devoting herself to the sick, elderly, and poor," and as knowing much of the scripture by memory. Gertrude also memorized passages and books on divine law, and she "openly disclosed the hidden mysteries of allegory to her listeners." (from Vita)

Gertrude welcomed foreigners, lay or religious. She especially welcomed Irish monks who, since the sixth century, traveled to evangelize. Among the numerous pilgrims that visited the monastery of Nivelles were the two brothers, Foillan (feast day October 31) and Ultan (feast day May 1), both Irish monks on their way from Rome.  In an addition to Gertrude's story we learn about the life of these saints.

Some time while the abbess, Gertrude began receiving visions while in prayer at the chapel.  The visions were bright beams of light that many believed to represent a "visitation of the True Light."  Miracles were attributed to the intercession of Gertrude while she lived and after her death.

Gertrude is portrayed as leading a devout life until her death. It is possible that after taking the veil in she never left the monastery at Nivelles, thus escaping politics and local affairs. Gertrude is described as "exhausted by a life of charity, fasting and prayer" at the end of her short life.

Gertrude's Vita describes her after relinquishing her role as abbess, spending her time praying intensely and secretly wearing a hair shirt. According to her biographer, Gertrude felt the time of her death approaching, and asked a pilgrim from the Fosses monastery when she would die.  Ultan prophesied that Gertrude would die on March 17, the very next day, and also the feast day of Saint Patrick. Furthermore, Ultan prophesied that "she may pass joyously because blessed Bishop Patrick with the chosen angels of God... are prepared to receive her." True to the prophecy, Gertrude died the next day after praying all night and taking communion.

Many tales that came much later, after her death, associate her with cats and hunter of mice.  It seems that the folklore would go with a young lady who spent her life in a convent, but one never knows how these stories truly begin.

Bishop of the Roman Empire

Well, I am sure there was more than one but during this pivotal time in history, today's saint played an important part.  He has become important in our lives also as his feast happens to fall on our son's birthday!

St. Heribert of Cologne

Feast day: March 162
Birth: 970
Death: 1021
Patron of Rain
Nobility
Germany

Heribert was the son of a count and well educated from youth at the cathedral school of Lorraine.  He was later ordained a priest in 994 at the same cathedral.  Later in the same year, Emperor Otto III appointed him chancellor for Italy and four years later also for Germany, a position which he held until Otto's death in 1002. Heribert accompanied Otto to Rome in 996 and again in 997, and was still in Italy when he was elected Archbishop of Cologne by Pope Sylvester II.

Heribert was present at the time of the emperor's death and was chosen to accompany the royal procession upon the return to Germany.  While returning to Germany with the Emperor's remains and the imperial insignia, he was held captive for some time by the future Henry II, whose candidacy he at first opposed, but whom he served faithfully subsequently.

Heribert served Emperor Henry (feast day July 13) well for the remainder of his life. Heribert built the monastery of Deutz.  He also performed miracles, includ­ing ending a drought. He is thus invoked for rains.

Heribert died in Cologne on March 16, 1021  and was buried at Deutz.

Saint for Large Families

Today's saint would seem perfect for our large crew.  I am now pleased to beg her intercession when our family has difficulties.

St. Matilda

Feast day: March 14
Birth:  895
Death: 968
Patron of parents of large families
Germany
Nobility

Matilda's story is told in the perspective of a monk historian (Widukind of Covey) within her life time.  From reading the story, Widukind might have been writing as a kinsman about a family history.

At a young age, Matilda was sent for her education to a nearby convent.  Her namesake and grandmother was the abbess at the convent and influenced her education.  However, in 909 Matilda was betrothed to Henry (the son of a noble and 20 years her senior).  The union was said to enlarge the Saxon dynasty to the west.  Henry was very concerned for his citizens, however, would often stop any insolence with military might.  However, it would be Matilda's desire to take care of their spiritual and physical needs that would win their hearts.

As the eldest surviving son, Henry succeeded his father as Duke of Saxony in 912 and upon the death of King Conrad I was elected King of East Francia (later Germany) in 919. He and Matilda had three sons and two daughters.

After Henry died in 936, Matilda and her son, now King Otto of East Francia, established Quedlinburg Abbey in his memory.  Quedlinburg Abbey was a convent of noble canonesses, where her granddaughter, also named Matilda, became the first abbess in 966.

Matilda spent the remainder of her life settling disputes between her two oldest sons.  She was even exiled at one time because of her actions.  She was said to have spent to much of the treasury on charitable causes.  However, with the urging of her eldest and his wife, she was allowed to return to court.


Throughout her life, Matilda was devoted to prayer and almsgiving.  She founded many religious institutions and convents.  In her last sickness she made her confession to her grandson William, the Archbishop of Mentz (he would die twelve days before her, on his road home). She again made a public confession before the priests and monks, received a second time the last sacraments, and, lying on a sack-cloth, with ashes on her head, died on the 14th of March in 968.

Saint of Suffering

Today's saint is considered a suffering soul.  I believe God gives us these special people to teach us compassion but also to endure our own hardships with joy and hope in God for our future.

St. Seraphina

Feast day: March 12
Birth 1238
Died:  1253
Italy
Poor family

Seraphina was known for her self denial and acts of penance as a young girl. When she was 10 years old, a mysterious illness left this beautiful girl unattractive; her eyes, feet, and hands became deformed and eventually she was paralyzed.  Seraphina was a very helpful child around the family home. She did many of the chores and helped her mother spin and sew.  She was very devoted to the Virgin and went out only to attend Mass.

To add to her sad story, her mother and father both died while she was young.

Seraphina chose to sleep on a wooden pallet, and at some time the wood actually attached to her week body.  She remained on the pallet for the remainder of her life.  Many visitors came to see her and pray with her over the years. They were surprised to receive words of encouragement from a desperately ill young girl who was resigned to the will of God.

Through all of these hardships, she was devoted to St. Gregory the Great.  He came to her in a vision and told her of her death.  She indeed died on the feast of St. Gregory.

When her body was removed from the pallet, the people who were there saw white violets bloom from the wood and smelt a fresh flower fragrance through the entire house. The violets grew on the walls of the town also and still grow there today. For this reason the people of San Gimignano call them “The Saint Fina violets.”

Our Lady of Korea

Although there is not an official apparition attached to this image of Our Lady, she shows the faith of the Korean people and their dedication to the Rosary.

The Korean Catholics obviously have a deep love of Our Lady. During almost 200 years (1590-1790) while Korea was truly a country closed off to the outside world, the prayers which comprise Our Lady's Rosary kept thousands of Korean believers faithful to the teachings of the Church.  The faithful had to continue their efforts to keep the faith through underground churches during this time.

The first Korean contacts with Catholicism came through Korean diplomatic envoys who were regularly sent to China where they met Jesuit priests.  The priests gave them some Catholic books which the envoys took home with them. A group of Korean scholars became interested in the books and began to study the new religion, comparing it with the Neo-Confucianism which was the traditional philosophy in Korea. The study of these writings and the secret baptisms of a few of the Korean nobility in 1592 combined with the power of the Holy Spirit gave rise to a hidden church run entirely by lay people.  The teachings were those of the Catholic Faith, but for almost 200 years, the Church grew without its members ever having seen a priest or receiving the Holy Eucharist.

By the time priests were able to enter Korea in 1790, they were surprised to see that the basic teachings were already understood.  Many of the people who came forward to learn from the priests already knew the basic prayers (Hail Mary and Our Father).

The Catholic community in Korea continued to struggle to openly know the faith with many martyrs. The freedom to practice their religion was not officially granted to Korean Catholics until the 1880s, 100 years after the church was openly presented in the country. In the time in between about 10,000 Catholics were killed in persecutions.

By 2000, there were about 4.5 million Catholics in South Korea, or roughly 9% of the population.

In 1984, Pope John Paul II visited South Korea as the Catholic Church in the country celebrated its bicentennial. During the visit, he canonized 10 French missionaries and 93 Koreans, including the first priest, Kim Tae-gon Andrew (September feast day). It was the first time a canonization ceremony had been held outside the Vatican since the Middle Ages and gave South Korea the fourth highest number of Catholic saints in the world.

I like to think Our Lady of Korea was watching over the country over the years to bring such a miracle to this country.

Our Lady of Korea, pray for us!

Scottish Reformer

A saint of the Counter-Reformation, today's saint did his best to bring the truths of the faith to his home land.

St. John Ogilvie

Feast day: March 10
Birth: 1579
Death: 1615
Scotland
Nobility

John was the eldest son of a respected Calvinist who owned an estate in Scotland.  At the age of 12 years old, he was sent to 'the Continent' for his education.  During this time, he attended a number of Catholic educational establishments, under the Benedictines in Germany and with the Jesuits in Bohemia.  In 1596, John chose to become Catholic.

He joined the Society of Jesus in 1599 and was ordained a priest at Paris in 1610. After ordination he served in Rouen in Normandy where he made repeated entreaties to be sent to Scotland to minister to the few remaining Catholics in the Glasgow area.  At this time it was illegal to be a priest or encourage Catholicism in Scotland.

With little assistance from the few Catholics remaining in Scotland, as they feared for their lives, John went to London and then Paris to find help.  He returned to Scotland in November 1613 disguised as a horse trader named John Watson.  He began to preach in secret, celebrating Mass in private homes.

In October 1614, Ogilvie was discovered and arrested in Glasgow and was imprisoned. He was initially treated well, but after refusing to confess, was tortured by sleep deprivation until he gave the names of some of his accomplices. He then refused to pledge allegiance to King James, and it was for this crime that he was tried.

Found guilty, John was hanged and drawn at Glasgow Cross in March 1615.

Ogilvie's last words were 'If there be here any hidden Catholics, let them pray for me but the prayers of heretics I will not have.' After he was pushed from the stairs, he threw his concealed rosary out into the crowd. According to legend, one of his enemies caught it and subsequently became a devout, lifelong Catholic.

Reluctant Wife

Today's saint chose to follow God's will even though it seemed like the opposite path she should take.  Although this path was difficult, in the end she was given her greatest desire to live out her vocation as a nun.

St. Frances of Rome

Feast day: March 9
Birth: 1384
Death: 1440
Rome
Wealthy nobles

Frances was a very pious young girl. By the time she was 11 years old, she had already decided that she would become a nun.  She was very strong willed and no one would be able to sway her choice.  Unfortunately, her father was just as strong willed.  He told Frances she was far too young to know her mind -- but not too young to be married. He had already promised her in marriage to the son of another wealthy family.

Frances stubbornly prayed to God to prevent the marriage until her confessor pointed out, "Are you crying because you want to do God's will or because you want God to do your will?"

Reluctantly, Frances agreed to the marriage.  Her future husband Lorenzo Ponziani was noble, wealthy, a good person and he really cared for her.  Had the wedding taken place quickly, it might have been easier for Frances.  However, her mother insisted on elaborate parties that would last for weeks before the wedding.  This strain led Frances to a breakdown.

After several months in bed, she finally decided to follow God's will for her future.  She would accept what after decision God presented her.  Her recovery was immediate and complete. Lorenzo became even more devoted to her after this -- he was even a little in awe of her because of what she'd been through.

Once married, Frances continued to struggle, now under the expectations of her mother-in-law.  Frances was expected to have gatherings in her home.  It would be through the friendship of her sister-in-law (Vannozza) that Frances would find her way.  Together they would attend to their place in society but also have their time of pious prayer.  Although it was not fashionable, the two spiritual friends went to mass together, visited prisons, served in hospitals and set up a secret chapel in an abandoned tower of their palace where they prayed together.

Soon after Frances gave birth to their first born, her mother-in-law passed away.  To her surprise, Frances was chosen (at the age of 16 years old) to run the large household of her extended family.

After two more children were born to her, a flood brought disease and famine to Rome. Frances gave orders that no one asking for alms would be turned away and she and Vannozza went out to the poor with corn, wine, oil and clothing. Her father-in-law, furious that she was giving away their supplies during a famine, took the keys of the granary and wine cellar away from her.  Without a way to provide for the poor, the two noblewomen went out to the streets to beg instead.

Finally Frances was so desperate for food to give to the poor she went to the now empty corn loft and sifted through the straw searching for a few leftover kernels of corn. After she left Lorenzo came in and was stunned to find the previously empty granary filled with yellow corn. Frances drew wine out of their one cask until one day her father in law went down and found it empty. Everyone screamed at Frances. After saying a prayer, she led them to cellar, turned the spigot on the empty cask, and out flowed the most wonderful wine. After these events, her husband and father-in-law began to trust in her ability to care for others and still provide for their family.

Then Civil war came to Rome.  There was confusion and disorder throughout the city.  Lorenzo was seriously wounded and his brother was arrested.  Their only solution to rescue him was to allow their eldest son to be held hostage.  When Frances heard this she grabbed Battista by the hand and fled. On the street, she ran into her spiritual adviser who told her she was choosing the wrong way and ordered her to trust God.  Her son was given to the authorities and she ran to the church to pray for the safety of her son.  It would only be a short time before he was safely returned to her.

Soon after, he was kidnapped a second time and taken to Naples.  However this time, it likely saved his life as a plague swept through the city.  In fact, Frances would lose her younger son to this plague.  Instead of breaking down under this pressure, Frances chose to clear her home of debris and create a hospital.

A year later, Frances was sent a vision from her son and he told her that she would lose her daughter as well.  However, God would send her a special guardian angel to protect her for the remainder of her life.

After the war, her husband and son returned home.  This was a difficult time in their lives as they recovered from the damage to their mental and physical state of being.  Frances was their to help them recover.

With Lorenzo's support and respect, Frances started a lay order of women attached to the Benedictines called the Oblates of Mary. The women lived in the world but pledged to offer themselves to God and serve the poor. Eventually they bought a house where the widowed members could live in community.

Frances nursed Lorenzo until he died. His last words to her were, "I feel as if my whole life has been one beautiful dream of purest happiness. God has given me so much in your love." After his death, Frances moved into the house with the other Oblates and was made superior. At 52 she had the life she dreamed of when she was eleven. She had been right in discerning her original vocation -- she just had the timing wrong. God had had other plans for her in between.

Frances died four years later. Her last words were "The angel has finished his task -- he beckons me to follow him."

Impulsive Saint

Today's saint began his life ready to follow every impulse of his heart.  He is much like all of us...yet he learned to rein in his desires and bring himself closer to God.

St. John of God

Feast day: March 8
Birth: 1495
Death: 1550
Patron of Booksellers, Firefighters, printers, heart patients, hospitals
Spain

At eight years old, John heard a visiting priest speak of adventures that were waiting in the New World.  That very night he ran away from home to travel with the priest and never saw his parents again.  He and the priest would beg for their daily needs, until John fell sick and then a kind landowner took him in and adopted him.  John would work in the fields tending their flocks until he was 27. Feeling pressure to marry the manager's daughter, whom he loved as a sister, John took off to join the Spanish army in the war against France.

He spent most of his years as a soldier gambling, drinking, and pillaging.  One day, he was thrown from a horse he had stolen near enemy lines.  He feared for his life and that moment promised to change his life.  When he returned he kept his spur of the moment vow, made a confession, and immediately changed his life.

This new lifestyle did not match those of the other soldiers and he soon found that he was resented for his holy ways.  Not only did John live this way, but he expected his friends to change as well.  They retaliated by tricking him into leaving his post to help someone in need.  This almost led to his death for disobedience, but he was instead beaten and thrown out of the military.

He begged his way back to his foster-home where he worked as a shepherd until he heard of a new war with Moslems invading Europe. Off he went but after the war was over, he decided to try to find his real parents. To his grief he discovered both had died in his absence.

When he was 38 years old, John decided that he wanted to assist Christians who were being ransomed.  Along the way, he met a noble family who were being exiled and chose to become their servant.  He was able to keep them alive on their rough journey.  Most importantly, he saw the cruelty of those who claimed to be Christian.  However, he was advised by a priest to not blame the Church.  John returned to Spain and  tried to seek renewal in his shaken faith.

While working at the shipyards, he enjoyed reading books in his spare time.  This led him to quit his work and become a book peddler.  Unfortunately, after hearing a sermon on penance, John became extremely distressed and tore up any books that were not religious, sold everything else that he had and began his self prescribed penance on the streets.  Some of his friends took him to a hospital in hopes that he would be given assistance.  It would not be until his dear friend, John of Avila, came to visit him that he was removed from the cruelty of the hospital.

With a desire to show better treatment for the sick and poor, John decided to open his own hospital.   Immediately critics tried to close him down saying he was pampering troublemakers. His answer to this criticism always was that he knew of only one bad character in the hospital and that was himself.

His impulsive behavior was often scorned.  He would often steal to feed the hungry.  He would buy clothing for others even when he did not have the funds.  However, one day his impulsive choice allowed him to save many people from a burning hospital building.  When he had rescued all of the patients, he returned to the building to save any supplies he could.  In this effort, he was in the building when it collapsed.  He miraculously emerged from the wreckage.

John died after making another impulsive decision to save a drowning boy.  He was unable to save the boy and ended up with pneumonia.  He died on his birthday at the age of 55 years old.

Saintly Mothers of Martyrdom

Today we celebrate the double feast day for two mothers who were the ultimate example of faith, hope and charity.  They gave their lives as an example for other Christians, including their newborn infants.

Sts Perpetua and Felicity

Feast day: March 7
Died:  203
Perpetua is patron of — Cattle, death of children, martyrs
Felicity is patron of — Death of children; martyrs; sterility; widows

One of the few stories of early martyrdom recorded for us is told for today's saints.  Not just a story written by hearsay but by the hand  of the one martyred and then completed by an eyewitness.

In the year 203, Vibia Perpetua made the decision to become a Christian, although she knew it could mean her death during Septimus' persecution. Her surviving brother (another brother had died when he was seven) followed her leadership and became a catechumen as well.

Perpetua was a young mother of a little baby boy, but she refused to turn back in her love for God.  We know she was married, but since her husband is never mentioned, many historians assume she was a widow.

Her father begged her to not follow her faith.  Pointing to a water jug, she asked her father, "See that pot lying there? Can you call it by any other name than what it is?"

Her father answered, "Of course not." Perpetua responded, "Neither can I call myself by any other name than what I am -- a Christian."

This answer so upset her father that he attacked her. Perpetua reports that after that incident she was glad to be separated from him for a few days -- even though that separation was the result of her arrest and imprisonment.

Perpetua was arrested with four other catechumens including two slaves Felicity and Revocatus, and Saturninus and Secundulus. Their catechist, Saturus, had already been imprisoned before them.

She was baptized before taken to prison. Perpetua was known for her gift of "the Lord's speech" and receiving messages from God. She tells us that at the time of her baptism she was told to pray for nothing but endurance in the face of her trials.

Although the prison cell was crowded and dark, but in the midst of all this horror her most excruciating pain came from being separated from her baby.

The young slave, Felicity was even worse off, as Felicity suffered the stifling heat, overcrowding, and rough handling while being eight months pregnant.

After paying the guards, the group was moved to better conditions, and Perpetua had visits from her mother and brother.  They were also able to bring her son to her.  When she received permission for her baby to stay with her "my prison suddenly became a palace for me." Once more her father came to her, begging her to give in, kissing her hands, and throwing himself at her feet. She told him, "We lie not in our own power but in the power of God."

When the group was sent before the judge, Perpetua's father pleaded for her release in such a way that even the judge took pity on her situation.  All she must do to be released was renounce her faith.  when she stood fast, she was sentenced with the others to be thrown to the wild beasts in the arena. Her father was so furious that he refused to send her baby back to Perpetua.  Perpetua considered it a miracle that her breasts did not become inflamed from lack of nursing.

Meanwhile Felicity was also in torment. It was against the law for pregnant women to be executed. To kill a child in the womb was shedding innocent and sacred blood. Felicity was afraid that she would not give birth before the day set for their martyrdom and her companions would go on their journey without her. Her friends also didn't want to leave so "good a comrade" behind.

Two days before the execution, Felicity went into a painful labor. The guards made fun of her, insulting her by saying, "If you think you suffer now, how will stand it when you face the wild beasts?" Felicity answered them calmly, "Now I'm the one who is suffering, but in the arena Another will be in me suffering for me because I will be suffering for him." She gave birth to a healthy girl who was adopted and raised by one of the Christian women of Carthage.

On the day of their martyrdom, the guards began to treat the group harshly and refused to let them clean themselves.  Perpetua immediately spoke up, "We're supposed to die in honor of Ceasar's birthday. Wouldn't it look better for you if we looked better?" The officer blushed with shame at her reproach and started to treat them better.

There was a feast the day before the games so that the crowd could see the martyrs and make fun of them. But the martyrs turned this all around by laughing at the crowd for not being Christians and exhorting them to follow their example.

The four new Christians and their teacher went to the arena (the fifth, Secundulus, had died in prison) with joy and calm. Perpetua in usual high spirits met the eyes of everyone along the way. We are told she walked with "shining steps as the true wife of Christ, the darling of God."

When those at the arena tried to force Perpetua and the rest to dress in robes dedicated to their gods, Perpetua challenged her executioners. "We came to die out of our own free will so we wouldn't lose our freedom to worship our God. We gave you our lives so that we wouldn't have to worship your gods." She and the others were allowed to keep their clothes.

The men were attacked by bears, leopards, and wild boars. The women were stripped to face a rabid heifer. When the crowd, however, saw the two young women, one of whom had obviously just given birth, they were horrified and the women were removed and clothed again. Perpetua and Felicity were thrown back into the arena so roughly that they were bruised and hurt. Perpetua, though confused and distracted, still was thinking of others and went to help Felicity up. The two of them stood side by side as all five martyrs had their throats cut.

Perpetua's last words were to her brother: "Stand fast in the faith and love one another."

Nun of Reform

Today's saint lived her adult life making the order she choice the best it could be.  It makes one think that we should do the same in our own lives.  Look to what is needed to make the best of what we are given even better and closer to what God desires.

St. Colette

Feast day: March 6
Birth: 1380
Death: 1447
France

Although she was raised in comfort by her parents, Colette would be orphaned by the time she was seventeen years old.

Colette soon distributed her inheritance to the poor and became a Franciscan tertiary.  She  lived at Corby as a solitary. She soon became well known for her holiness and spiritual wisdom, but left her cell in 1406 in response to a dream directing her to reform the Poor Clares.

Despite great opposition, she persisted in her efforts. She founded seventeen convents with the reformed rule, along with several older convents. She was known for her sanctity, ecstasies, and visions of the Passion.  She also prophesied her own death in her convent at Ghent, Belgium. A branch of the Poor Clares is still known as the Collettines.

Saintly Royal Youth

A young saint of royalty who lived his life full of piety in spite of the desire of those around him to do otherwise.

St Casimir of Poland

Feast day: March 4
Birth: 1458
Death: 1483
Patron of Lithuania, Poland, youth
Nobility

Born into a royal family, when Casimir was still young he became second in line to the throne. However, he became known for his piousness, devotion to God, and generosity towards the sick and poor.

Unfortunately, Casimir became ill (most likely with tuberculosis) and died at the age of 25.

Prayers of intercession to Casimir began almost immediately after his death, and many miracles were attributed to these prayers for assistance.

The first miracle attributed to Casimir was his appearance before the Lithuanian army during the Siege of Polotsk in 1518. Casimir showed where Lithuanian troops could safely cross the Daugava River and relieve the city, besieged by the army of the Grand Duchy of Moscow.

A Saint for the Minorities

Today's saint knew that SOMEONE needed to help the natives and blacks in America, but it took a visit to the pope to find out that SOMEONE was her!  Her story is a great example of how we should think about what God is calling us to do for others.

St. Katharine Drexel

Feast day: March 3
Born:  1858
Death: 1955
Philadelphia
Wealthy

Katharine lived a privileged life surrounded by a loving family, in spite of the fact that her mother died shortly after her birth.  She and her sister would live with her aunt and uncle until their father remarried.  Katharine was actually quite sheltered from the ways of the world into adulthood.  However, she was also very gentle and kind to all and loved God above all else.

Private tutors educated the girls at their home. They toured parts of the United States and Europe with their parents.  Twice weekly, the Drexel family distributed food, clothing and rent assistance from their family home.  When Katherine learned the needs of the Native Americans and Blacks in America through stories her father would read to her, she began sending money to assist them.  She would later visit some of the Western states and see their needs first hand.  This visit brought her greater resolve to find the help they needed.

When Katharine wrote to lifelong family friend, Father James O'Connor, about her desire to join a contemplative order, he suggested, “Wait a while longer....... Wait and pray.”

In 1886, soon after their father's death and still mourning his loss, the girls set out for a European trip.   In January 1887, the sisters were received in a private audience by Pope Leo XIII. They asked him for missionaries to staff some Indian missions that they had been financing. To their surprise, the Pope suggested that Katharine become a missionary herself.  She entered the Sisters of Mercy Convent in Pittsburgh in May 1889 to begin her six-month postulancy. Her decision rocked Philadelphia social circles.  How could a wealthy heiress do such a thing?

In 1891, Katharine founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Black and Native American peoples, whose members would work for the betterment of those they were called to serve.  There were many who do not see her cause as a good thing and tried to dissuade her.  When they broke ground on their new convent, a stick of dynamite was placed at the foundation.

In 1894, Mother Drexel took part in opening the first mission school for Indians, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Other schools quickly followed - for Native Americans west of the Mississippi River, and for the blacks in the southern part of the United States. In 1915 she also founded Xavier University in New Orleans.

From the age of 33 until her death in 1955, she dedicated her life and a fortune of 20 million dollars to this work.  At her death there were more than 500 Sisters teaching in 63 schools throughout the country.

Mother Drexel was canonized on October 1, 2000, one of only a few American saints and the second American-born saint. Canonization occurred after the Vatican determined that two-year-old Amy Wall had been miraculously healed of nerve deafness in both ears through Katharine Drexel's intercession in 1994.

The Vatican cited fourfold aspects of her legacy:

• a love of the Eucharist and perspective on the unity of all peoples;
• courage and initiative in addressing social inequality among minorities - one hundred years before such concern aroused public interest in the United States;
• her belief in quality education for all and efforts to achieve it;
• and selfless service, including the donation of her inheritance, for the victims of injustice.

“The patient and humble endurance of the cross—whatever nature it may be—is the highest work we have to do.” “Oh, how far I am at 84 years of age from being an image of Jesus in his sacred life on earth!” (St. Katharine Drexel)

Mother of the Poor

Today's saint lived a simple life of prayer, giving most of her time to meditation on the mysteries of the Rosary.  After denial to participate in the orders of her day due to health, she formed a small group of women in prayer to form a new order,

St. Angela of the Cross

Feast day: March 2
Birth: 1846
Death: 1932
Spain
Peasant

Angela was born on 30 January 1846 in Seville, Spain to a poor family who worked in the local convent of the Trinitarian Fathers.  Angela was greatly influenced by the teaching and example of her pious parents, and was taught from an early age how to pray the Rosary. She could often be found in the parish church praying. In their home, a simple altar was erected in honor of the Virgin Mary during the month of May, where the family would recite the Rosary and give special honor to Our Lady.

Angela had little formal education, beginning work as a young girl. She would work in a shoe shop, however, her boss and teacher of shoe repair, Antonia Maldonado, was a holy woman.  Every day the employees prayed the Rosary together and read the lives of the saints.  Angela was 16 years old when she met Fr José Torres Padilla, a priest known for "forming saints." and was put under his direction.

At the age of 19, Angela asked to enter the Discalced Carmelites in Santa Cruz but was refused admission because of her bad health. Instead, following the advice of Fr Torres, she began caring for destitute cholera patients, which was quickly spreading amongst the poor.

In 1868, Angela tried to enter the Daughters of Charity of Seville. Although her health was still frail, she was admitted. The sisters tried to improve her health and sent her to Cuenca and Valencia, but to no avail. She left the Daughters of Charity during the novitiate and returned home to continue working in the shoeshop.

In 1873 she received the call from God that would mark the beginning of her "new mission". During prayer, Angela saw an empty cross standing directly in front of the one upon which Jesus was hanging. She understood immediately that God was asking her to hang from the empty cross, to be "poor with the poor in order to bring them to Christ".

Angela continued to work in the shoe shop, but under obedience to Fr Torres she dedicated her free time to writing a detailed spiritual diary that revealed the style and ideals of life she was being called to live.

In 1875 three other women joined Angela, beginning community life together in a room they rented in Seville. From that day on, they began their visits and gave assistance to the poor, day and night.  These Sisters of the Company of the Cross, under the guidance of Angela, named "Mother Angela of the Cross", lived a contemplative life when they were not among the poor, dedicating themselves to prayer and silence. Mother Angela saw the sisters as "angels", called to help and love the poor and sick in their homes who otherwise would have been abandoned.

While Mother Angela was alive, another 23 convents were established, serving the poor by their example of charity, poverty and humility. In fact, Mother Angela herself was known by all as "Mother of the Poor".

Mother Angela of the Cross died on 2 March 1932 in Seville.

Clarity on the Teaching of Original Sin

One might wonder why a patron of another country would be important to us today.  Read the life of today's saint to understand the connection to the Church is universal.

St. David of Wales

Feast day: March 1
Born:  500
Death:  589
Patron of Wales

Some histories show that David was the son of the king of South Wales.  However, little is known of his childhood.

David became renowned as a teacher and preacher, founding monastic settlements and churches throughout Wales.  Around 550, he attended the Synod of Brefi, where his eloquence in opposing Pelagianism (Pelagianism is the belief that original sin did not taint human nature and that mortal will is still capable of choosing good or evil without special Divine aid.) caused his fellow monks to elect him primate of the region. The Monastic Rule of David prescribed that monks had to pull the plow themselves without drought animals, must drink only water and eat only bread with salt and herbs, and spend the evenings in prayer, reading and writing. No personal possessions were allowed: even to say "my book" was considered an offence. He lived a simple life and practiced asceticism, teaching his followers to refrain from eating meat and drinking beer.

His best-known miracle is said to have taken place when he was preaching in the middle of a large crowd at the Synod of Brefi: the village of Llanddewi Brefi stands on the spot where the ground on which he stood is reputed to have risen up to form a small hill. A white dove, which became his emblem, was seen settling on his shoulder. David is said to have denounced Pelagianism during this incident and he was declared archbishop by popular acclaim.

As the bishop of the region, David presided over the synod of Caerleon (the "Synod of Victory") around 569.  This synod is known for the further response to Pelagianism.  David's direction at this synod led to an important and decisive teaching on this subject for the Church.

He continued in his last see many years; and having founded several monasteries, and been the spiritual father of many saints, both British and Irish, died about the year 589, in a very advanced age.

Guardian of Church Unity

Today's saint was a 5th century pope who liked to make things happen even if it caused "trouble" for those around him.  One must understand that this was a time when those who wanted authority were trying to place the ideas of man before the ways of God.  In bringing the Truth and establishing a Church only recently allowed without persecution was a volatile time.  However, in the end he unified the Church.

Pope St. Hilary

Feast day: February 28
Born: ??
Death: 468
Italy
Pope (461-468)

Little is known of the youth of Pope Hilary; however, he was born in Sardinia, Italy.  Later in life he became a papal legate for Pope Dioscorus I and was sent to the Robber Council of Ephesus in 449, a scandalous council that tried to usurp the authority of the pope.  Hilary barely escaping with his life from this affair.

Pope St. Leo I the Great also used Hilary for several papal assignments. When Leo died, Hilary was elected pope and consecrated in 461. He worked diligently to strengthen the Church in France and Spain, calling councils in 462 and 465. Hilary also rebuilt many Roman churches and erected the chapel of St. John Lateran.

Hilary also publicly rebuked Emperor Anthemius in St. Peter's for supporting the Macedonian heresy and sent a decree to the Eastern bishops validating the decisions of the General Councils of Nicaea, Ephesus, and Chalcedon. Hilary consolidated the Church in Sandi, Africa, and Gaul.

He died in Rome on February 28, 468.

A Severe Yet Pious Saint

Today's saint was very strict with his outward signs of penance, and expected much from those around him as well.  God might not expect such harshness in life at all times, but we can learn from this pious man for the times (like this Lenten season) when it is needed.

St Peter Damian

Feast day: February 21
Birth: 1007
Death: 1072
Doctor of the Church
Italy

Peter Damian had a difficult childhood, as his parents both died when he was young and he was left to be raised by harsh siblings.  One brother treated him as if he were his slave.  He was expected to take care of the pigs, which is a difficult and dangerous job for a young child.  He was then sent to live with his brother, a priest, who felt pity for his young sibling.  He was finally educated and cared for in a loving way.

He grew in his faith and learning with ease under this care.  He also became very pious in his outward signs of penance.  He gave most of what he had to the poor and spent most of his time in fasting and prayer.  He soon thought about leaving his entire world behind to live the life of a hermit.  However, it was at this time the monastery had a visit from two Benedictine monks.

He immediately left to enter into their order.  He lived a life of great prayer and devotion, as well as the study of Scripture and Church teachings.  This was quite intense that grew more as he had little desire for sleep during this time.  This devotion was seen by all the monks as a sign of great piety and the abbot even chose him as his successor upon his death.  Peter Damian only agreed to this authority out of obedience to his authority.

In 1043, Peter assumed the direction of that holy family, which he governed with great wisdom and piety. He also founded five other hermitages.  Under his direction, many saintly men came forward to inspire others in the faith.

In 1057, he was again faced with the chose to be obedient when Pope Stephen IX chose to make him a Cardinal-bishop.  When not making his diocese better, he was begging the pope for his retirement!  He wrote many letters and articles during this time, especially to calling on the clergy to live more pious lives.  He also fought simony with great vigor, upheld clerical celibacy and supported a severely ascetical life for monks.

He spent the remainder of his life back in his hermitage style cell at the monastery.  He would only be pulled away by obedience to the pope as his papal legate.  It was after one of these trips that Peter Damian returned to the monastery sick with a fever.  He died surrounded by his fellow monks at his side.

“...Let us faithfully transmit to posterity the example of virtue which we have received from our forefathers” (St. Peter Damian).

Saintly Siblings

Today's saints are the youngest to be beatified who were not martyrs of the faith.  Although there connection the Our Lady of Fatima (feast on May 13) is well known, it is their saintly young lives that we will discuss on their feast day.

Feast day:  February 20

Blessed Jacinta Marto 

Born:  1910
Died:  1920

Blessed Francisco Marto 

Born:  1908
Died:  1919

Patrons of bodily ills; captives; people ridiculed for their piety; prisoners; sick people
Portugal
Peasant family

The children of Fatima were like most of their peers, as they had little schooling and spent most of their time caring for their family's herd of sheep.  Jacinta and Francisco were often joined by their cousin, Lúcia dos Santos.

According to Lúcia's memoirs, "Francisco had a placid disposition, was somewhat musically inclined, and liked to be by himself to think. Jacinta was affectionate if a bit spoiled, and emotionally labile. She had a sweet singing voice and a gift for dancing."

However, on May 13, 1917, their lives would be forever changed.  While in the fields, the Virgin Mary appeared to them in a vision and simply asked them to pray.  All three children gave up music and dancing after the visions began, believing that these and other recreational activities led to occasions of sin.

Francisco would spend most of his time alone in silent prayer.  He told Lucia and Jacinta that he felt he needed "to console Jesus for the sins of the world."  He would also perform acts of self-mortification in the hopes that his suffering offered up with Jesus' suffering would relieve the world of sin.

After a vision of hell, Jacinta became increasingly determined to pray for the poor sinners entrenched in sin throughout the world.  She also began acts of self-mortification that she offered up for the sins of the world.

All of the children spent their days in prayer, especially devoted to the Rosary.  The visions continued for several months and the children were faithful in their accounts of the visions in spite of ridicule and punishments.

In 1918, the two siblings would become victims of the terrible influenza epidemic that spread throughout Europe.  At some time in October of 1918, it is said that Mary came to the children and told them that she would take them to heaven soon.  In spite of their illness, both children refused to give up their daily walk to Mass.  They would offer up their pain for the sinners of the world.  When not at Mass, they would pray before the Eucharist for hours.

Francisco was the first of the children to succumb to the illness on April 4, 1919 at his home, refusing to go to the hospital.  Jacinta, on the other hand was sent to multiple hospitals in the hopes for her healing.  She would even endure a terrible surgery to relieve the liquid in her lungs.  This surgery was that removed some of her ribs was done without being anesthetized because her heart was so weak.  She suffered terribly throughout all of these procedures but offered this pain for the lost souls of the world.  On February 20, 1920, Jacinta died alone in her hospital room.  The day before she had begged for Last Rites but the hopeful priest had told her that he would come back the next day.

Prior to her death, Jacinta spoke to Lucia about their efforts:

"When you are to say this, don't go and hide. Tell everybody that God grants us graces through the Immaculate Heart of Mary; that people are to ask her for them; and that the Heart of Jesus wants the Immaculate Heart of Mary to be venerated at his side. Tell them also to pray to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for peace, since God entrusted it to her."

Jacinta had a desire to organize others in prayer through a group that would come to be known as the Alliance of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.  It would not be until later that Lucia would write the biography of Jacinta, and we would find out that she had had several visions of Mary outside of the group messages.  Many of these visions were related to a pope who would lead the world in a devotion to the Immaculate Heart and who would also suffer for sinners of the world.

After the death of Francisco and Jacinta, a petition for canonization was rejected by Pope Pius XI because they were too young to understand the heroic virtues associated with saints.  I believe the Church was just not prepared to understand their heroics.  It would not be until 1979 when their names would be re-examined for canonization by Pope John Paul II.  Over 300 bishops wrote letters in hopes for these children to be recognized as they were "admired and attracted people to the way of sanctity. Favors were received through their intercession.”

It is believed that these sibling saints will be fully canonized in 2017 on the centennial anniversary of the visions.

Another Saint Conrad

Today's saint had to give up everything because of a mistake he made, but instead of living a life of sorrow he gave his life to prayer.

St. Conrad of Piacenza

Feast Day: February 19
Birth:  1290
Death:  1350
Patron of those with hernias
Italy
Nobility

Conrad was given all that he needed growing up in a Italian noble home.  When he was of age, he married the daughter of a nobleman.  They were happily married and led a life of virtue.

One day on a hunting trip, Conrad made the error of flushing out the game by having a fire set in a field.  This fire led to great damage to property and an innocent man was arrested.  Just before the peasant was to be put to death, Conrad spoke up and confessed his crime.  He paid for all damages to the property, selling nearly all he owned in order to raise the cash.

Soon after this event, Conrad and his wife chose to separate, she to the convent of the Sisters of Poor Clare and he to a group of Franciscan hermits.

Although Conrad desired a life of solitude, many came to him especially after finding out he had the gift of healing.  He then fled to a more remote location and here lived for the remainder of his life.

One story is told about a visit to Conrad from the bishop.  Upon arriving at Conrad's cell after the strenuous journey, the bishop asked if Conrad had anything to offer a visitor.  Conrad entered his cell and miraculously returned to the bishop with freshly baked cakes!

There are also many stories that recount that he was often surrounded by birds and other wild animals.

Conrad died of natural causes and over 100 years later in 1485 his body was found to be incorrupt.

Founders of the Servants of Mary

Today is actually the day we remember all of the founding fathers of the Servite Order.  The Servite Order is a community instituted for the special purpose of cultivating the spirit of penance and contemplating the passion of Christ and Mary's Seven Sorrows.  In 1233, God called seven men from the nobility of Florence who met and prayed together. The Blessed Mother appeared to each of them individually and urged them to begin a more perfect life. Disregarding birth and wealth, in sackcloth under shabby and well-worn clothing they withdrew to a small building in the country.  Among these men was today's saint.

St. Alexis Falconieri

Feast day: February 17
Birth: 1200

Death: 1310
Patron of the city of Orvieto (Italy)
Italy
Wealthy merchant

Alexis was born into a wealthy family and although he had all that he wanted, he was a humble child that grew in humility as a man.  Alexis joined the Laudesi, a pious confraternity of the Blessed Virgin, and there met the six future companions of his life of sanctity.

In August of 1233, he was graced with a vision of the Virgin Mary who encouraged him to a life more deeply served in prayer.  His fellow companions also received similar visions.  The seven soon afterwards founded the Order of the Servites. Alexis at once abandoned all, and retired to La Camarzia, a house on the outskirts of the town.  Before long they found themselves with constant visitors from Florence that they decided to withdraw to the wild and deserted slopes of Monte Senario, where they built a simple church and hermitage and lived a life of almost incredible austerity.  They also refused other men as they felt theirs was a special calling.  However, the bishop and then a cardinal came to offer advice to them.  The cardinal warned, "You treat yourselves in a manner bordering on barbarity: and you seem more desirous of dying to time than of living for eternity. Take heed: the enemy of souls often hides himself under the appearance of an angel of light . . . Hearken to the counsels of your superiors."

By the wish of the bishop, all except St. Alexis, were fully professed and ordained priests. Alexis often traveled the same area where he once lived a wealthy life, but now he was in clothes of the beggar to ask for alms.  Alexis was so humble that he considered himself unworthy to become a priest and lived his life as a lay brother within the order.  It would not be until 1304, over sixty years after its foundation, that it received the explicit and formal approval from the pope.

Alesix died in one of the monasteries established during his life time.  He was the last of the Servite Order founders and the only one to see the order formally recognized.

Other leaders of the Servites:

Buonfiglio Monaldo (died January 1, 1261)
Benedict dell' Antella (died August 20, 1268)
Bartholomew Amidei (died February 12, 1266)
Ricovero Uguccione (died May 3, 1282)
Gerardino Sostegni (May 3, 1282)
John Buonagiunta (died 1256)

A Saint that led to a Chain of Events

Little is known about today's saint but enough to know that he gave up everything by his works of mercy.  God does not ask us to give up our lives to death every day but he does ask us to give of ourselves through works of mercy (corporal and spiritual).

St. Samuel of Cilicia

Feast day:  February 16
Born:  ??
Died:  309
Egypt

Samuel (along with others) visited Christians condemned to work in the mines of Cilicia during an emperor persecution.  There desire was to comfort them in their suffering due to their harsh conditions.

Upon one of their visits, they were apprehended at the gates of Caesarea in Palestine, and they were brought before the governor (Firmilian).  They were quickly accused of being Christians. They were all tortured and then beheaded.

This led to the following chain of events that further shows the strength of the early Christians.  A servant (Porphyry) demanded that the bodies be buried, and he was also tortured and then burned to death when it was found that he was a Christian.  Then Seleucus, who witnessed this martyrdom and applauded Porphyry's constancy in the face of this terrible death.  He was then arrested by the soldiers involved in the execution, brought before the governor, and was beheaded at the governor's order.

We might not know details of any of these martyrs before their persecution, but we do know that they must have had extreme faith in God to make this choice to be a witness.  May we take the time to consider what we might do when we see others persecuted today.

Do You Know the Real St. Valentine?

Today we remember the saintly bishop who gave up his life for the witness to others.  I know most will only think of cupids and lovely hearts, roses and candy; however, I like to remember the man who truly showed love for others.  More important, I like to think that the stories told of Valentine are about the love that only God can show us.

Painted by another mother during Lent of 2015

St. Valentine


Feast day: February 14
Born: ??
Death: 269
Patron of Love, Young People, Happy Marriages
Rome

Although little is known about today's saint, there are many stories that hold to the common thread of true love which can only be given through the grace of God.

One common story about Valentine is that in one point of his life, as the former Bishop, he was on house arrest with Judge Asterius. While discussing religion and faith with the Judge, Valentine pledged the validity of Jesus. The judge immediately put Valentine and his faith to the test.  St. Valentine was presented with the judge's blind daughter and told to restore her sight. If he succeeded, the judge vowed to do anything for Valentine. Placing his hands onto her eyes, Valentine restored the child's vision.  Judge Asterius was humbled and obeyed Valentine's requests. Asterius broke all the idols around his house, fasted for three days and became baptized, along with his family and entire 44 member household. The now faithful judge then freed all of his Christian inmates.

St. Valentine was later martyred during Emperor Claudius' reign. The story tells that Valentine was imprisoned for marrying Christian couples and aiding Christians being persecuted in Rome. Both acts were considered serious crimes.  While imprisoned he continued to correspond to Asterius' daughter about the faith.  A relationship between the saint and emperor began to grow, until Valentine attempted to convince Claudius of Christianity. Claudius became enraged and sentenced Valentine to death, commanding him to renounce his faith or be beaten with clubs and beheaded.  Valentine refused to renounce his faith and was executed in 269.  On the day of his execution, he left a note signed, "Your Valentine." for the blind girl he had cured.

The romantic nature of Valentine's Day may have derived during the Middle Ages, when it was believed that birds paired couples in mid-February.

For our family we traditionally make a wonderful meal that has come to be known as Valentine Linguine.  So delicious and simple but enjoyed by the entire family!  Then we share one way that we love each person at the table.

Saintly Queen of England

Today's saint had the comforts of royalty but after her husband died she took on the vows of chastity and poverty.  She proved that having it "all" is not always enough.

St. Ermengild

Feast day: February 13
Born: ??
Death: 703
England
Royalty

Ermengild did not just marry into royalty, but was born into a royal family with a father who was king of Erconbert, King of Kent, and her mother was Queen Sexburga, who is also considered a saint.  She then married King Wulfhere of Mercia, who was a pagan.  She brought her husband into the Faith and through her zeal and piety influenced him to spread Christianity in his kingdom.  She helped spread the faith in Mercia until her husband's death in 675.

Ermengild also bore the king two children – St. Werburga, who entered the religious life, and Coenrad, who became King of Mercia (704-709) and later a monk at Rome.

Upon the death of her husband, Ermengild became a nun and eventually took on the role of abbess at the convent.  Little is known of her death, which occurred on February 13, 703.

Healing Waters from Our Lady

Today we celebrate the love of our Mother in heaven and the joy of a young girl (St. Bernadette feast day in April) in meeting her at the waters of Lourdes.

Painted by another mother
summer 2015

Our Lady of Lourdes 

Feast Day: February 11
Patron: Bodily ills.

The many miracles which have been performed through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin at Lourdes prompted the Church to institute a special commemorative feast, the "Apparition of the Immaculate Virgin Mary." The Office gives the historical background. Four years after the promulgation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception (1854), the Blessed Virgin appeared a number of times to a very poor and holy girl named Bernadette. The actual spot was in a grotto on the bank of the Gave River near Lourdes.

The Immaculate Conception had a youthful appearance and was clothed in a pure white gown and mantle, with an azure blue girdle. A golden rose adorned each of her bare feet. On her first apparition, February 11, 1858, the Blessed Virgin bade the girl make the sign of the Cross piously and say the rosary with her. Bernadette saw her take the rosary that was hanging from her arms into her hands.

With childlike simplicity Bernadette once sprinkled holy water on the vision, fearing that it was a deception of the evil spirit; but the Blessed Virgin smiled pleasantly, and her face became even more lovely. The third time Mary appeared she invited the girl to come to the grotto daily for two weeks. Now she frequently spoke to Bernadette. On one occasion she ordered her to tell the ecclesiastical authorities to build a church on the spot and to organize processions. Bernadette also was told to drink and wash at the spring still hidden under the sand.

Finally on the feast of the Annunciation, the beautiful Lady announced her name, "I am the Immaculate Conception."

The report of cures occurring at the grotto spread quickly and the more it spread, the greater the number of Christians who visited the hallowed place. The publicity given these miraculous events on the one hand and the seeming sincerity and innocence of the girl on the other made it necessary for the bishop of Tarbes to institute a judicial inquiry. Four years later he declared the apparitions to be supernatural and permitted the public veneration of the Immaculate Conception in the grotto. Soon a chapel was erected, and since that time countless pilgrims come every year to Lourdes to fulfill promises or to beg graces.

— Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch.