St. Benedict the Moor - Patron of Missions - April 4th
St. Benedict’s forefathers were brought in chains from Africa to Sicily. His parents were Negro slaves on a farm. Benedict spent his youth working on this farm.
When he was eighteen, Benedict was given his freedom. He always helped the poor with whatever money he had. This led the people to call him “il Santo Moro”-the Holy Negro.
But there were also jealous people who made fun of Benedict. They insulted him because his parents had been slaves. One day, a holy man was passing by and heard these men insulting Benedict. Turning to them, he said: “You make fun of this poor black man, but before long he will be famous.”
Soon Benedict joined a group of hermits and was so virtuous that they chose him as their leader. When the Pope advised all hermits to join monasteries, Benedict became a Franciscan brother. He was made the cook in his monastery, but he also went out to visit the sick people and prisoners. He comforted everyone in trouble and worked many miracles for the people of the surrounding villages.
When he was elected Superior, he guided the Community for three years with great wisdom, even though he could not read or write. They wanted to reelect him, but Benedict was so humble that he said he was not fir to remain in such a high office.
His brothers had to give in to his humble request, so they made him Assistant Superior. He was asked to teach all the young men who joined the community how to become good Franciscans. Even though he could not read, Benedict could explain the Bible and the catechism in a wonderful way, because of his great love for God.
After several years, Benedict asked if he might become cook again. When he was given permission, he went peacefully and happily back to his kitchen. There he spent the rest of his life, serving others with works of charity and prayer.
Let us remind ourselves that if so many become saints, we can become saints, too. It is up to us! To become saints, we do not need to have special qualities. So let us start now.
4/3/08
St. Richard of Chichester
St. Richard of Chichester - April 3rd
St. Richard was born in England. He and his brother were left orphans when Richard was very young. His brother owned some farms and Richard gave up his studies to help him save them from going to ruin. He did so well that his grateful brother wanted to give the farms to him, but Richard did not accept them. He also refused to marry, because he wanted to study. He went to Oxford University, and when he was thirty-eight, he was appointed chancellor of that University. Later, St. Edmund, who was Archbishop of Canterbury, made him Chancellor of his diocese. When St. Edmund died, St. Richard went to the monastery of the Dominican Friars in France and was ordained a priest.
He was consecrated Bishop of Chichester, England, and that is why he is called Richard of Chichester. The King at this time was not very good. Because he wanted someone else to be bishop of Chichester, he made St. Richard suffer much. Yet the good Saint always helped those who offended him. He must have often remembered the words of Jesus: “Love your enemy.”
As bishop, St. Richard did his duties well. He was always charitable and kind to sinners who were sorry. However, when he had to be stern, he was. He was not afraid of what might happen to him.
When St. Richard became ill, he foretold his death, because God had let him know the exact place and time when he would die. Many miracles took place at the Saint’s grave.
As a farmer, as a chancellor, as a priest and bishop, St. Richard did everything well. We shall try our very best to do our work at home and at school as well as we can, for the love of Jesus.
St. Richard was born in England. He and his brother were left orphans when Richard was very young. His brother owned some farms and Richard gave up his studies to help him save them from going to ruin. He did so well that his grateful brother wanted to give the farms to him, but Richard did not accept them. He also refused to marry, because he wanted to study. He went to Oxford University, and when he was thirty-eight, he was appointed chancellor of that University. Later, St. Edmund, who was Archbishop of Canterbury, made him Chancellor of his diocese. When St. Edmund died, St. Richard went to the monastery of the Dominican Friars in France and was ordained a priest.
He was consecrated Bishop of Chichester, England, and that is why he is called Richard of Chichester. The King at this time was not very good. Because he wanted someone else to be bishop of Chichester, he made St. Richard suffer much. Yet the good Saint always helped those who offended him. He must have often remembered the words of Jesus: “Love your enemy.”
As bishop, St. Richard did his duties well. He was always charitable and kind to sinners who were sorry. However, when he had to be stern, he was. He was not afraid of what might happen to him.
When St. Richard became ill, he foretold his death, because God had let him know the exact place and time when he would die. Many miracles took place at the Saint’s grave.
As a farmer, as a chancellor, as a priest and bishop, St. Richard did everything well. We shall try our very best to do our work at home and at school as well as we can, for the love of Jesus.
4/2/08
St. Francis of Paola
St. Francis of Paola - Patron of Seamen - April 2nd
St. Francis was born in the tiny village of Paola in Italy. His parents were poor but very humble and holy. They had prayed to St. Francis of Assisi for a son, and when he was born, they named him Francis in honor of the great Saint of Assisi. The boy went to a school taught by the Franciscan priests and there he grew in knowledge and virtue.
When he was fifteen, with his parents' permission, he went off to live in a cave, because he wanted to serve God alone. When he was twenty, other young men joined him. Out of charity, St. Francis left his cave and built a church and a monastery for them. He called this new order of religious the "Minims." "Minims" means "the least of all."
Everyone loved St. Francis. He prayed for them all and worked miracles. He always told his followers that they must be kind and humble, and do much penance. He himself was the best example of humility and charity. Once someone visited the Saint and insulted him to his face. When he was finished, Francis quietly picked up some hot coals from the fireplace and closed his hands tightly around them without being burned at all! "Come, warm yourself," he said it his accuser kindly. "You are shivering because you need a little charity." At such a miracle, the visitor changed his mind about Francis. From then on, he admired his greatly.
The King of France, who had not lived a very good life, called for St. Francis when he was dying. Just the thought of dying made him shake with fear! He wanted Francis to work a miracle to cure him, but the Saint told him he had come to prepare him to die a holy death. The King had a change of heart and accepted God's will. He died in the arms of the Saint, after preparing his soul well.
St. Francis died at the age of ninety-one. He spent the last three months of his life alone preparing to appear before Jesus, since he knew when he was going to die.
God loves and blesses those who are humble. Let us not show off or look for praise.
St. Francis was born in the tiny village of Paola in Italy. His parents were poor but very humble and holy. They had prayed to St. Francis of Assisi for a son, and when he was born, they named him Francis in honor of the great Saint of Assisi. The boy went to a school taught by the Franciscan priests and there he grew in knowledge and virtue.
When he was fifteen, with his parents' permission, he went off to live in a cave, because he wanted to serve God alone. When he was twenty, other young men joined him. Out of charity, St. Francis left his cave and built a church and a monastery for them. He called this new order of religious the "Minims." "Minims" means "the least of all."
Everyone loved St. Francis. He prayed for them all and worked miracles. He always told his followers that they must be kind and humble, and do much penance. He himself was the best example of humility and charity. Once someone visited the Saint and insulted him to his face. When he was finished, Francis quietly picked up some hot coals from the fireplace and closed his hands tightly around them without being burned at all! "Come, warm yourself," he said it his accuser kindly. "You are shivering because you need a little charity." At such a miracle, the visitor changed his mind about Francis. From then on, he admired his greatly.
The King of France, who had not lived a very good life, called for St. Francis when he was dying. Just the thought of dying made him shake with fear! He wanted Francis to work a miracle to cure him, but the Saint told him he had come to prepare him to die a holy death. The King had a change of heart and accepted God's will. He died in the arms of the Saint, after preparing his soul well.
St. Francis died at the age of ninety-one. He spent the last three months of his life alone preparing to appear before Jesus, since he knew when he was going to die.
God loves and blesses those who are humble. Let us not show off or look for praise.
4/1/08
St. Hugh of Grenoble
St. Hugh of Grenoble - April 1st
St. Hugh was born in France. He grew to be tall and handsome, gentle courteous, but very shy. Although he always wanted to go off to live alone God, he was so intelligent that he was given important positions. After he was ordained a priest, he was made a canon of the Cathedral of Valance, and next was chosen Bishop of Grenoble.
As Bishop, Hugh began at once to correct evil ways of living practiced by many people of his diocese. He made wise plans, but that was not all he did. To draw God’s mercy down upon his people, St. Hugh prayed with his whole heart and did hard penances. In a short time, his wicked people became very virtuous and pious.
But still Hugh wanted to be a monk. He resigned as bishop and entered a monastery. There he was so fervent in all that he did, and so humble, too, that he became a prefect model of every virtue. Yet it was not God’s will for Hugh to be a monk. After one year, the Pope commanded him to become the Bishop of Grenoble again. Right away, St. Hugh obeyed. He knew it was more important to please God than to please himself.
For forty years, the good Bishop was sick nearly all the time. Yet he forced himself to keep working, because he wanted to do his duty. He suffered from terrible temptations, too. But he fought them and prayed and never gave in to sin.
When the will of our parents and teachers is different from what we would like, we will drop our plans at once and obey.
3/31/08
Blessed Amadeus
Blessed Amadeus - March 31st
Amadeus was a Duke of the region called Savoy in Italy. He grew up in a palace where many people were leading worldly lives, but he kept himself good. His secret for avoiding sin was to receive the sacraments often, to pray and read good books, especially the Gospel. Even after Amadeus became the ruler himself, he always began his day by reading a holy book. He especially loved to think about the sufferings of Jesus. Then he would assist at Holy Mass so devoutly that everyone who saw him felt a desire to be close to God, too. Next he would take care of all the matters that a ruler has to decide upon. He was so just and fair and kind that no king anywhere was loved more then Amadeus.
The Saint and his holy wife, Yolanda, found great happiness in making others happy. Amadeus often went himself to serve the poor people with his own hands. He said that he enjoyed that more than anything else.
Once he was told that he should not give so much away to the poor. Instead he ought to use that money to build forts to protect his lands. Do you know what Duke Amadeus answered to that? He said: "The best forts are the loving hearts of my people."
Though kind and gentle, on the battlefield Amadeus showed himself a very brave soldier. And he was a good father, raising his children to love and obey God.
The best way to get our younger brothers and sisters to obey us is to win their love. And they will love us if we are always kind and fair with them.
Amadeus was a Duke of the region called Savoy in Italy. He grew up in a palace where many people were leading worldly lives, but he kept himself good. His secret for avoiding sin was to receive the sacraments often, to pray and read good books, especially the Gospel. Even after Amadeus became the ruler himself, he always began his day by reading a holy book. He especially loved to think about the sufferings of Jesus. Then he would assist at Holy Mass so devoutly that everyone who saw him felt a desire to be close to God, too. Next he would take care of all the matters that a ruler has to decide upon. He was so just and fair and kind that no king anywhere was loved more then Amadeus.
The Saint and his holy wife, Yolanda, found great happiness in making others happy. Amadeus often went himself to serve the poor people with his own hands. He said that he enjoyed that more than anything else.
Once he was told that he should not give so much away to the poor. Instead he ought to use that money to build forts to protect his lands. Do you know what Duke Amadeus answered to that? He said: "The best forts are the loving hearts of my people."
Though kind and gentle, on the battlefield Amadeus showed himself a very brave soldier. And he was a good father, raising his children to love and obey God.
The best way to get our younger brothers and sisters to obey us is to win their love. And they will love us if we are always kind and fair with them.
3/30/08
St. John Climacus
St. John Climacus - March 30th
St. John was an intelligent teenager who did very well in school. He could have become a famous teacher, but he decided to serve God with his whole heart. He went to a monastery and tried very hard to get rid of his defects. Then he went to live for forty years by himself and spent all his time praying and reading the lives of the saints. At first, St. John was very badly tempted by the devil. The devil is always furious when people decide to give themselves completely to God. John felt all kinds of bad passions trying to make him give in and sin.. But he put all his trust in Jesus and prayed harder than ever. So the temptations never made him fall into sin. In fact, he only grew holier. he became so close to God that many heard of his holiness and went to ask him for advise.
God gave St. John a wonderful gift.This was the gift of bringing peace to people who were upset and tempted. Once there came to him a man who was having terrible temptations. He asked St. John to help him and told him how hard it was for him to fight these temptations. St. John invited him to pray with him to God. After they had prayed, peace filled the poor man's soul and he was never again troubled with those temptations.
When the Saint was seventy-four years old, he was chose Abbot of Mt. Sinai and Superior of all the monks and hermits in the country. Another abbot asked St. John, before his death, to write the rules which he had lived by all his life, so that others could follow his example. With great humility St. John wrote the book called The Climax of Perfection. And that is why he is called "Climacus".
It is very wise to keep a good book in our room and read it a little bit each day.
3/29/08
Sts. Jonas, Barachisius and their Companions
Sts. Jonas, Barachisius and their Companions - March 29th
King Sapor of Persia hated the Christians and he persecuted them cruelly. He destroyed their churches and monasteries. Two brothers named Jonas and Barachisius heard of the persecutions and of the many Christians who had been put to death.
They decided to go to help them and to encourage them to remain faithful to Christ. Jonas and Barachisius knew that they, too, might be captured. But that did not stop them . Their hearts were too full of love of others to have room for a thought of themselves.
When at last these holy brothers were taken prisoner, they were told that if they did not worship the sun, and the moon, and the fire and water, they would be tortured and put to death. Of course, they refused to worship anything or anyone except the one true God. They had to suffer greatly, but they prayed and kept thinking of how Our Lord suffered for love of them.
Jonas was placed in a frozen pond and left there a whole night. His wicked tormentors came next morning and asked him if he had had a miserable night. St. Jonas answered that it was the most pleasant night he had ever had because he was suffering for Christ! Many other tortures these saints had to endure, but they accepted all of them willingly and finally were put to death. They gladly gave up their lives for Jesus.
When we have some little pain, are we brave enough to offer it up to Jesus in secret? Or do we have to let everyone know how much it hurts us?
King Sapor of Persia hated the Christians and he persecuted them cruelly. He destroyed their churches and monasteries. Two brothers named Jonas and Barachisius heard of the persecutions and of the many Christians who had been put to death.
They decided to go to help them and to encourage them to remain faithful to Christ. Jonas and Barachisius knew that they, too, might be captured. But that did not stop them . Their hearts were too full of love of others to have room for a thought of themselves.
When at last these holy brothers were taken prisoner, they were told that if they did not worship the sun, and the moon, and the fire and water, they would be tortured and put to death. Of course, they refused to worship anything or anyone except the one true God. They had to suffer greatly, but they prayed and kept thinking of how Our Lord suffered for love of them.
Jonas was placed in a frozen pond and left there a whole night. His wicked tormentors came next morning and asked him if he had had a miserable night. St. Jonas answered that it was the most pleasant night he had ever had because he was suffering for Christ! Many other tortures these saints had to endure, but they accepted all of them willingly and finally were put to death. They gladly gave up their lives for Jesus.
When we have some little pain, are we brave enough to offer it up to Jesus in secret? Or do we have to let everyone know how much it hurts us?
3/28/08
St. John Capistrano
St. John Capistrano - March 28th
St. John Capistrano was born in Italy. He was a lawyer and Governor of Perugia. When enemies of the city threw John into prison, he started to think about what he was doing with his life. In the meantime, his wife died. John began to realize that the only thing that really mattered was to save his soul. So when he was set free by a miracle, he entered the Franciscan monastery. He was thirty years old at the time. He did much penance. For many years he ate not meat at all, except when he was sick. He slept only three or four hours at night and his bed was a hard board.
After he was made a priest, John was sent out to preach. He and St. Bernardine of Siena spread devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus everywhere. John preached all over Europe for forty years, and all who heard his sermons were moved to love and serve Our Lord better.
The greatest moment in the life of this Saint came at the tremendous battle of Belgrade. The Turks had made up their minds to conquer all Europe and wipe out the Church of Jesus. The Pope sent St. John to all the Christian Kings of Europe to beg them to unite to fight the mighty Turkish army. The Kings obeyed this poor, barefoot monk who stirred up their love of God and their courage with his fiery words. But even though a big army of Christians came to fight Mohammed II and hit Turks, it looked as though they would lose, for the enemy army was much bigger. Then it was that the Saint himself, though he was seventy years old, ran to the front lines and encouraged the men to keep fighting. Holding his crucifix up high, this thin, small old man kept crying, “Victory, Jesus, victory!” And the Christian soldiers felt full of more courage than ever. They fought until the enemy ran away in great fear!
Just one person can do great things, if he is on God’s side. Let us make up our mind always to be on Our Lord’s side and stand up for what is right.
St. John Capistrano was born in Italy. He was a lawyer and Governor of Perugia. When enemies of the city threw John into prison, he started to think about what he was doing with his life. In the meantime, his wife died. John began to realize that the only thing that really mattered was to save his soul. So when he was set free by a miracle, he entered the Franciscan monastery. He was thirty years old at the time. He did much penance. For many years he ate not meat at all, except when he was sick. He slept only three or four hours at night and his bed was a hard board.
After he was made a priest, John was sent out to preach. He and St. Bernardine of Siena spread devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus everywhere. John preached all over Europe for forty years, and all who heard his sermons were moved to love and serve Our Lord better.
The greatest moment in the life of this Saint came at the tremendous battle of Belgrade. The Turks had made up their minds to conquer all Europe and wipe out the Church of Jesus. The Pope sent St. John to all the Christian Kings of Europe to beg them to unite to fight the mighty Turkish army. The Kings obeyed this poor, barefoot monk who stirred up their love of God and their courage with his fiery words. But even though a big army of Christians came to fight Mohammed II and hit Turks, it looked as though they would lose, for the enemy army was much bigger. Then it was that the Saint himself, though he was seventy years old, ran to the front lines and encouraged the men to keep fighting. Holding his crucifix up high, this thin, small old man kept crying, “Victory, Jesus, victory!” And the Christian soldiers felt full of more courage than ever. They fought until the enemy ran away in great fear!
Just one person can do great things, if he is on God’s side. Let us make up our mind always to be on Our Lord’s side and stand up for what is right.
3/27/08
St. John Damascene
St. John Damascene – March 27th
St. John was born in the city of Damascus of a good Christian family. When his father died, he became the Governor of Damascus. At this time, the Emperor Leo made the law forbidding Christians to have statues or pictures of Our Lord and the Saints. St. John Damascene knew the Emperor was wrong and he joined with many others to defend this practice of the Christians. The Pope himself asked John to keep telling people that it is a good thing to have statues and holy pictures. They make us thing of Our Lord, our Blessed Mother and the Saints. But the Emperor would not give in to the Holy Father, and he again forbade statues to be put in public places. St. John bravely wrote three letters, telling the Emperor to give up his wrong ideas.
The Emperor became so furious that he wanted revenge. The Saint was condemned to have his right hand cut off, but the Blessed Mother attached it to his arm again in answer to his prayer.
This miracle made John decide to resign as Governor, give away all his money to the poor and become a monk. He kept on writing marvellous books to defend the Catholic religion, and at the monastery. One day he even went to sell baskets in the streets of Damascus. Many of those who had known him before were mean enough to laugh at him. Here was the man who had once been the great Governor of the city now selling baskets that nobody wanted to buy! Imagine how St. John must have suffered! Yet he thought of Jesus, the Son of God, Who wanted to be born in a stable, and then he felt happy to imitate Our Lord’s humility.
At the end of a long life full of merits, St. John died a peaceful, happy death.
Do we have nice pictures or statues of Our Lord, the Blessed Mother, and the Saints? Let us look at them often. They will remind us to pray to them an ask their help.
St. John was born in the city of Damascus of a good Christian family. When his father died, he became the Governor of Damascus. At this time, the Emperor Leo made the law forbidding Christians to have statues or pictures of Our Lord and the Saints. St. John Damascene knew the Emperor was wrong and he joined with many others to defend this practice of the Christians. The Pope himself asked John to keep telling people that it is a good thing to have statues and holy pictures. They make us thing of Our Lord, our Blessed Mother and the Saints. But the Emperor would not give in to the Holy Father, and he again forbade statues to be put in public places. St. John bravely wrote three letters, telling the Emperor to give up his wrong ideas.
The Emperor became so furious that he wanted revenge. The Saint was condemned to have his right hand cut off, but the Blessed Mother attached it to his arm again in answer to his prayer.
This miracle made John decide to resign as Governor, give away all his money to the poor and become a monk. He kept on writing marvellous books to defend the Catholic religion, and at the monastery. One day he even went to sell baskets in the streets of Damascus. Many of those who had known him before were mean enough to laugh at him. Here was the man who had once been the great Governor of the city now selling baskets that nobody wanted to buy! Imagine how St. John must have suffered! Yet he thought of Jesus, the Son of God, Who wanted to be born in a stable, and then he felt happy to imitate Our Lord’s humility.
At the end of a long life full of merits, St. John died a peaceful, happy death.
Do we have nice pictures or statues of Our Lord, the Blessed Mother, and the Saints? Let us look at them often. They will remind us to pray to them an ask their help.
3/26/08
St. Ludger
St. Ludger - March 26th
St. Ludger was born in Northern Europe. Since his parents were nobles, he was given a very good education. When he was just fourteen, he asked his parents to send him to the great monastery school of Utrecht. There he saw St. Boniface and always treasured the memory of the great Saint. Another Saint named Gregory was his teacher and he found Ludger a very attentive and eager pupil.
After he had studied hard many years, he was made a priest. Now Ludger began to travel far and wide preaching to the people. He was very happy to share all that he had learned about God with everyone who listened to him. Many pagans were converted. Many Christians began to live much better lives. And St. Ludger built churches and monasteries everywhere.
Ludger worked very hard and made much progress. Then, suddenly the Saxons, a group of barbarians, attacked his land and drove all the priest out! It seemed as though all the Saint’s work would be lost. But Ludger did not give up. He first found a safe place for his disciples and then went to Rome to ask the Holy Father what he what he should do.
For over three years, Ludger lived in the Benedictine monastery as a good, holy monk. But he did not forget his poor people at home. As soon as he could get back into his country, Ludger returned and continued his work. He labored very hard and converted many of the pagan Saxons.
When he was made a bishop, Ludger gave even more good example by his great kindness and piety. Once, jealous men spoke against him to King Charlemagne, and the King ordered him to come to court to defend himself. Ludger went obediently. The next day when the King sent for him, Ludger said he would come as soon as he had finished his prayers. King Charlemagne was very angry at first. But St. Ludger explained that although he had great respect for the King, he knew God came first. “Your Majesty will not be angry with me,” he said, “for you yourself have told me always to put God first.” At such a wise answer, the King realized that Ludger was very holy and from then on, he admired and loved him very much.
St. Ludger died on Passion Sunday. He performed his duties in the service of God even on the day he died.
Let us appreciate the good education our parents are giving us. Some day we will be happy to be able to use all that we have learned.
St. Ludger was born in Northern Europe. Since his parents were nobles, he was given a very good education. When he was just fourteen, he asked his parents to send him to the great monastery school of Utrecht. There he saw St. Boniface and always treasured the memory of the great Saint. Another Saint named Gregory was his teacher and he found Ludger a very attentive and eager pupil.
After he had studied hard many years, he was made a priest. Now Ludger began to travel far and wide preaching to the people. He was very happy to share all that he had learned about God with everyone who listened to him. Many pagans were converted. Many Christians began to live much better lives. And St. Ludger built churches and monasteries everywhere.
Ludger worked very hard and made much progress. Then, suddenly the Saxons, a group of barbarians, attacked his land and drove all the priest out! It seemed as though all the Saint’s work would be lost. But Ludger did not give up. He first found a safe place for his disciples and then went to Rome to ask the Holy Father what he what he should do.
For over three years, Ludger lived in the Benedictine monastery as a good, holy monk. But he did not forget his poor people at home. As soon as he could get back into his country, Ludger returned and continued his work. He labored very hard and converted many of the pagan Saxons.
When he was made a bishop, Ludger gave even more good example by his great kindness and piety. Once, jealous men spoke against him to King Charlemagne, and the King ordered him to come to court to defend himself. Ludger went obediently. The next day when the King sent for him, Ludger said he would come as soon as he had finished his prayers. King Charlemagne was very angry at first. But St. Ludger explained that although he had great respect for the King, he knew God came first. “Your Majesty will not be angry with me,” he said, “for you yourself have told me always to put God first.” At such a wise answer, the King realized that Ludger was very holy and from then on, he admired and loved him very much.
St. Ludger died on Passion Sunday. He performed his duties in the service of God even on the day he died.
Let us appreciate the good education our parents are giving us. Some day we will be happy to be able to use all that we have learned.
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