The Blessed Eucharist

The Blessed Eucharist

Our Greatest Treasure

by

Fr. Michale Muller, C.S.S.R.

https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/page/shop:flypage_gr/product_id/410/

In "The Blessed Eucharist," Father Michael Muller describes how Christ's love for us moved Him to create this most beautiful Sacrament. He explains why Our Lord veils Himself in the appearance of bread - a garment so humble He is little known, little loved even neglected and insulted. Fr. Muller helps the reader discover what a treasure the Sacrament is, sharing countless compelling accounts of miracles involving the Eucharist, quotations from Scripture and the Saints reflecting the virtues that can be obtained from Communion worthily received and the consequences of an unworthy reception of Our Lord. He instructs the reader on how to best prepare for receiving the Sacrament, and how to properly offer thanksgiving afterwards. "The Blessed Eucharist" awakens a deeper awareness of the incredible gift that God has given us in His Presence in the Eucharist, allowing us to embrace all the wondrous fruits this Sacrament has to offer.

Note from The Saint's Administrator:

This book is so beautiful! This is such a wonderful work that I recommend it to all who wish to increase their devotion to Our Blessed Lord in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar and who wish to know Him better in the Most Blessed Eucharist! This book made me realize how much lack of devotion there is in myself and in the world towards our Savior as He is in the Eucharist. Fr. Muller really helps us to see Our Lord therein and to increase our love for Him in this Holy Sacrament. We forget how much is in the tiny piece of consecrated Host. We forget that it is Our Lord-Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity-and that it isn't just a piece of bread. Think of what we have, we receive Our Lord Jesus Christ, the real gold, the real food on earth for our souls. The only Article (before the Rosary) that can release souls from Purgatory and Who can give us all that we ask for (as long as it is good for our souls). This Sacrament was the sanctification of the Saints and conversion of many souls.

So, I highly recommend this book!

God bless!

Rita, The Saint's Administrator

SHJ31990@yahoo.com

St. Sylvester

St. Sylvester – December 31st

In her liturgy the Church reproduces every phase of the life of her divine Founder.

Scarcely was He born than the Infant-God was persecuted by Herod; the Church while still in her cradle sent to heaven her first martyr in the person of the deacon Stephen, and her first twenty-five Popes met their death as martyrs. On his return from Egypt Jesus grew in age and wisdom at Nazareth where he spent some years in peace; during the pontificate of Sylvester I (314-35), after three hundred years of persecution the Church began to enjoy that freedom which is her greatest boon. She spread throughout the Roman empire and the Council of Nicea (325), under Sylvester’s presidency, which pervades the whole Christmas liturgy. “At the first Council of Nicea”, the Breviary tells us, “the Catholic faith concerning the divinity of Christ was expounded by three hundred and eighteen bishops; Arius and his sect were condemned. At the request of the Fathers of the Council Sylvester again confirmed this Council at a Synod held in Rome at which Arius was condemned afresh.”

St. Sylvester was buried at the cemetery of Priscilla on the via Salaira under a small basilica which he himself had caused to be built.

St. Melania

St. Melania – December 31st

This Saint was the daughter of one of the richest men of Rome. She and her family were Christians, but her father was not willing to let Melania follow her vocation to become a religious. He engaged her to Pinian, the son of the ruler of Rome, and when she was only fourteen, they were married. Melania told her young husband that she would be happy if they could give themselves completely to Jesus. Pinian, however, was like Melania’s father-a good man but very much concerned about pleasing important people and being admired.

After a couple of years, Melania became gravely ill, and her husband promised God that if He would spare her life, he would let her live in the holy way she desired. She got better, but her father made her keep on dressing and behaving like the other great ladies of Rome. Then, he too, fell ill, and as he lay dying, he asked her forgiveness. “Fearing the ridicule of evil tongues,” he said, “I have made you sad by opposing your heavenly vocation.”

Melania’s mother and husband joined her in giving up worldly pleasures. They moved to a country village and made it a center of charity to travelers, poor people, slaves, and even whole families. St. Melania had huge estates all over the empire, left her by her father. Now she sold them and gave the money to churches, monasteries, captives, sick people, pilgrims and everyone who needed help. In two years, she set eight thousand slaves free.

Melania’s husband, too, became so holy and good that wherever they visited people recognized the virtues of this blessed couple. After living in Africa and practicing great mortifications, St. Melania went with her dear ones to the Holy Land. There her beloved husband and mother died. The Saint built a cell for herself near their graves and many disciples came to share her holy life. It was there, in the land of Jesus, that she died peacefully, surrounded by her religious, and saying over and over: “As the Lord willed, so it is done.”

We should obey our parents in all things. But should God call us to be His, and should our parents oppose it, first we must obey God.

St. Anysia

St. Anysia - December 30th

Anysia lived in Thessalonica, an ancient city to which St. Paul himself had first brought the faith of Jesus. Anysia was a Christian and after her parents' death, she used her great fortune to help the poor.

In her day, there was a cruel persecution of Christians in Thessalonica. The Governor Dulcitius was especially determined to stop all Christians from meeting together for Holy Mass. But Anysia started out one day to try to go to a Christian meeting. As she passed a certain gate, called Cassandra, a guard took notice of her. Stepping out in front of her, he demanded to know where she was going. Frightened, Anysia stepped backwards, making the sign of the cross on her forehead.

At that, the soldier grabbed her and shook her roughly. "Who are you?" he shouted. "And where are you going?" Anysia took a deep breath and replied, "I am a servant of Jesus Christ," she said. "And I am going to the Lord's assembly."

"Oh yes?!" sneered the guard. "I will stop that. I will take you to sacrifice to the gods. Today we worship the sun." At the same time, he snatched off the veil that hung over her face. Anysia put up a good struggle, and the pagan grew more and more furious. Finally in a rage, he drew his sword and ran it through her. The Saint fell dead at his feet.

When the persecution ended, the Christians of Thessalonica built a church over the spot where St. Anysia had given her life for Christ.

I will take this Saint's resolution for my own-"Death, but not sin!"

St. Thomas Becket

St. Thomas Becket – December 29th

Thomas was born in London and after his parents died, he went to work in an office. As a young man, he loved hunting and other sports, and nearly lost his life in a roaring mill stream. When Thomas was about twenty-four, he found a position in the household of the Archbishop of Canterbury and began to study to become a priest. He was handsome, very intelligent and so pleasant to talk with that before long, he had become a great favorite of the King himself. People said that the King and Thomas had only one heart and one mind-such close friends were they. When Thomas was thirty-six, King Henry made him his Chancellor.

As Chancellor of England, Thomas had a great household and lived in splendor. Yet he was also very good to the poor, and although he was proud and quick-tempered, he made many mortifications and prayed even during the night. When the Archbishop of Canterbury died, the King wanted the Pope to give Thomas this position, after he had been ordained a priest. But Thomas told him plainly that he did not want to be Archbishop of Canterbury because he knew that at times the King would want him to give him what belongs to the Church. And Thomas realized that since he would have to defend the Church, there would be trouble. “Your affection for me would turn into trouble. “Your affection for me would turn into hatred,” he warned King Henry. The King paid no attention, and Thomas as was made Archbishop.

At first, things went along as well as ever, but all too soon, the King began to demand money which Thomas felt he could not rightly take from the Church. The King grew more and more angry with his former friend, and finally he began to treat him harshly. For a while, Thomas was tempted to give in a bit, but when he realized just how Henry hoped to control the Church, Thomas was very sorry that he had even thought of giving in to the King. He did penance for his weakness, and ever after held firm.

One day, the King, in a fit of anger, said, “Will no one rid me of this pesky archbishop?” Some of his knights took him seriously and went off to murder the Archbishop. They attacked him in his own Cathedral, and he died, saying, “For the name of Jesus and in defense of the Church, I am willing to die!”

All the people of Christendom were horrified at such a crime, and at once King Henry did penance for forty days and then again in public, and once more, after Thomas a Becket was canonized.

Who are my friends? I can recognize the good from the bad by what they say and what they do.

The Holy Innocents

The Holy Innocents – December 28th

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the Wise Men came from the East to worship Him. They went to Herod, the King, to ask him where they might find the new-born King of the Jews, the Savior. Herod was a cruel, clever tyrant, and when he heard these Wise Men speak of a newborn King, he began to worry about losing his throne. But he did not let the Wise Men know what he was thinking. He called in the chief priests and asked them where the Bible says the Messias was to be born. They answered that the Messias was to be born in Bethlehem.

“Go and find out about this child,” the wicked King said to the Wise Men. “When you have found out where He is, come and tell me, that I, too, may go and worship Him.” The Wise Men went on their way, and they found Jesus, the Messias, with Mary and Joseph. When they had adored Him and given Him their gifts, they were warned in their sleep not to go back to Herod. And an angel came to tell St. Joseph to take Mary and Baby Jesus into Egypt. In this way, God spoiled the murderous plans of Herod concerning the Divine Child.

When Herod realized that the Wise Men had not come back to him, he became furious. Already, he was an evil, violent man, and now the fear of losing his throne made him worse. He sent his soldiers to kill the boy babies of Bethlehem, in the hope of killing the Messias, too! The soldiers carried out the bloody order, and there was great sorrow in the little town of Bethlehem, as mothers wept over their murdered babies.

These little children are honored today by the Church as martyrs. They are called the Holy Innocents.

Let us always respect little children. They are innocent and pleasing to God. Let us never do or say anything which could give bad example to them.

St. John the Evangelist

St. John the Evangelist - Patron of Asia Minor - December 27th

St. John was a fisherman in Galilee and was called to be an apostle with his brother, St. James the Greater. Jesus gave these sons of Zebedee the nickname, “sons of thunder.” St. John was the youngest of all the apostles and was dearly loved by our Lord. At the Last Supper, it was John who was permitted to lean his head on the breast of Jesus, and John was the only apostle who stood at the foot of the Cross. The dying Jesus gave the care of His Blessed Mother Mary to this beloved apostle. Turning to Our Lady, He said, “Behold your son.” And then to John, He said, “Behold your mother.” So for the rest of her holy life on earth, the Blessed Mother lived with St. John. He alone had the great privilege of honoring and assisting the all-pure Mother of God.

John wrote one of the four Gospels, in which he shows us that Jesus is truly God. He also wrote the last book in the holy Bible, called the Apocalypse, and three Letters to Christians, which we find in the Bible, too. All his long life, St. John taught Christians to love one another, and he himself practiced great charity. Once when he heard that a young Christian whom he knew and loved had become an outlaw and a robber, he set off at once to find him. Old as he was, the Saint rode into the outlaw territory alone, and was taken prisoner. As soon as the robber saw St. John, he turned away in shame.

“Son,” cried the apostle, “why are you running away from me, your father, an old man without weapons? There is time for repentance. I will answer for you to Jesus Christ. I am ready to lay down my life for you. I am sent by Christ!” The young robber stopped when he heard those words. Suddenly he began to weep. He was won over by the love of St. John. Before he left that city, the beloved Apostle made sure that the young man had become a good member of the Church once more.

When he had grown so old and weak that he had to be carried to church, St. John used to say to his people over and over again, “My little children, love one another.” The Christians once asked him why he said the same thing each time he spoke to them. St. John answered, “Because it is the word of the Lord, and if you keep it, you will be doing enough.”

Today I will try to resemble St. John at least in one of his three great virtues-purity of heart, charity toward all, and love for the Blessed Mother.

St. Stephen

St. Stephen - Patron of Stonemasons - December 26th

Stephen’s name means, “crown,” and he was the first disciple of Jesus to receive the martyr’s crown. Stephen was a deacon in the early Christian Church. The Apostles had found that they needed helpers to look after the care of the widows and the poor. So they ordained seven deacons, and Stephen is the most famous of these.

God worked many miracles through St. Stephen and he spoke with such wisdom and grace that many of his hearers became followers of Jesus. The enemies of the Church of Jesus were furious to see how successful St. Stephen’s preaching was. At last, they laid a plot for him. They could not answer his wise arguments, so they got men to lie about him, saying that he had spoken sinfully against God. St. Stephen faced that great assembly of enemies any fear. In fact, the Holy Bible says that his face looked like the face of an angel.

The Saint spoke about Jesus, showing that He is the Savoir God had promised to send. He scolded his enemies for not having believed in Jesus. At that, they rose up in great anger and shouted at him. But Stephen looked up to heaven and said that he saw the heavens opening and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

His hearers plugged their ears and refused to listen to another word. They dragged St. Stephen outside the city of Jerusalem and stoned him to death. The Saint prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Then he fell to his knees and begged God not to punish his enemies for killing him.

After such an expression of love, the holy martyr went to his heavenly reward.

If you are tempted to take revenge, pray from your heart for the one who had offended you. Jesus said: “Forgive and God will forgive you your faults.”

St. Anastasia

St. Anastasia – December 25th

This second Christmas Station dates from the 6th century, when there was on the Palatine at Rome a Byzantine governor with a court Eastern functionaries; their nearest church was St. Anastasia’s. Besides, this saint (mentioned in the Canon of the Mass, second list) was an oriental virgin and martyr, burnt alive at Sirmium (the present Mitrowitza in Yugoslavia) one 25th December, during the persecution of Diocletian (beginning of the 4th century). The Byzantine court obtained from the Pope that, between the Night-Mass at St Mary Major, and the Day-Mass (then at St. Peter’s) he should celebrate at dawn a Mass in honour of St. Anastasia, on her “dies natalis” and in her church.

When Rome ceased to belong to the Byzantine empire, this Station remained, but the text of the Mass was altered into a second Nativity-Mass, keeping only the commemoration of St. Anastasia.

After this Mass at dawn, the Pope, instead of going to St Peter’s for the third Station, returned to St Mary Major, because the distance was shorter.

The Child whom the liturgy makes us greet with gladness, lying in the crib, is in reality He who should in truth be called “Wonderful, God, the Prince of peace, the Father of the world to come: of whose reign there shall be no end” (Inroit). He is the Man-God who comes to transform our human life and, by allowing us to partake of His divine life, to make us “heirs of life everlasting” (that is the note running through the whole of this Mass). The dawn which the Church calls on us to greet this morning is, therefore, the dawn of that day of salvation which, begun on earth, stretches out into eternity and never comes to a close.

Let us make haste to go with the shepherds to whom almighty God showed forth the Incarnation of His Son (Gospel), to adore at the altar, our manger, the Word born from all eternity of His heavenly Father, born of Mary upon earth, and who should be born increasingly by grace in our hearts, while we await the time when He will cause us to be born into His glorious life in heaven.

Christmas, the Birthday of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Christmas, the Birthday of Our Lord Jesus Christ

– December 25th

When the time had come in which the Son of God was to become man for love of us, His mother Mary and St. Joseph had to leave this home in Nazareth and go to Bethlehem. The reason for this journey was that the Roman Emperor wanted to count the number of his subjects, and so every Jewish family had to go to the city of their ancestors. Since Mary and Joseph belonged to the royal family of David, they had to go to David’s city of Bethlehem. The Emperor had made the law, but it served to fulfill God’s plan, for in the Holy Bible, it was written that the Savoir was to be born in Bethlehem.


It was a slow, hard journey for our Blessed Mother over the mountainous country to Bethlehem, but she knew she was doing God’s will and she was happy thinking of her Divine Son soon to be born. When Mary and Joseph reached Bethlehem, they found that there was no place for them to stay. At last, they had to go into a cave, where the breath of an ox and a donkey kept them warm. There in that rough stable, the Son of God was born on Christmas Day. His Blessed Mother wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger. Our Lord chose to be born in such poverty so that we would learn not to desire riches and comforts.


The very night in which Jesus was born, God sent His angels to announce His Birth. The angels were not sent to the Emperor or the King, nor even to the learned doctors and chief priests. They were sent to poor, humble shepherds who were watching their flocks on the hillside near Bethlehem. As soon as they heard the angels’ message, these good, simple men hurried to adore the Savior of the world. Then they went home giving praise and glory to God.


The great Patriarchs and Prophets of the Old Testament had been comforted by the thought that someday the Savior would come into the world. Now that He had come, all good men rejoiced. Christ came for all of us. The Bible says: “God so loved the world that He sent His only-begotten Son.” If those who lived in the hope of His coming were happy, how much more ought we to rejoice! We have His teachings, His Church, and Jesus Himself on our altars. Christmas is the time when we realize more than ever how much God loves us!


Today I will offer myself to Baby Jesus with all my heart.



The Birth of Jesus

Now it came to pass in those days, that a decree went forth from Caesar Augustus that a census of the whole world should be taken. This first census took place while Cyrinus was governor of Syria. And all were going, each to his own town, to register.

And Joseph also went to Galilee out of the town of Nazareth into Judea to the town of David, which is called Bethlehem – because he was of the house and family of David – to register, together with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child. And it came to pass while they were there, that the days for her to be delivered were fulfilled. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.




The Shepherds at the Crib


And there were shepherds in the same district living in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them and the glory of God shone round about them, and they feared exceedingly.


And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which shall be to all the people; for today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, who is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign to you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of good will.”


And it came to pass, when the angels had departed from them into heaven, that the shepherds were saying to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”


So they went with haste, and they found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. And when they had seen, they understood what had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard marvelled at the things told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept in mind all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken to them.
-Luke 2:1-20

Blessed Paula Cerioli

Blessed Paula Cerioli – December 24th

Paula’s name before she became a nun was Constance. She was the last of sixteen children born to an Italian countess. When Constance was only nineteen, her parents arranged a marriage for her with a rich man who was sixty years old! He was a good man, but a bit odd and quite unattractive. The poor girl could have been miserable all her life, but instead, she made the best of things, and drew closer and closer to Jesus. She counted on His help always.

Constance’s husband died nineteen years later, and she was left with a great fortune. Something her parish priest happened to say made her decide to devote her time and money to poor children and orphans. At once she took two orphans into her great mansion, and her work had started.

Other ladies joined her and they took the vows of a nun. The new community was called the Sisters of the Holy Family. Constance tool the name, Sister Paula. Some years afterwards, a group of men formed themselves into a community of brothers to help Sister Paula in taking care of orphan boys.

Sister Paula especially wanted to train farm children so that they would know how to farm the land well and not suffer poverty. She knew they would all probably spend their lives on farms and she wanted them to be happy in this way of life.

Sister Paula was always very devoted to the Holy Family, and God gave her the grace of dying peacefully one Christmas Eve.

Since I cannot offer much to help poor children, I will be very kind to them.

St. Servulus

St. Servulus – December 23rd

From boyhood, this Saint of Rome had the disease called palsy. All his life, he was helpless. He could not stand or even sit up straight. He could not feed himself or even turn from one side to another.

Every day, his mother and his brother carried him to the great Church of St. Clement. There on the church steps he stayed, and people passing by gave him money. But Servulus was by no means an ordinary beggar. First of all, he never complained about his sufferings or asked for pity. Indeed, he was so cheerful that people were amazed to hear him singing hymns of thanksgiving to God. And any money he had left over after paying for his own needs he would give to people poorer than himself.

St. Servulus’ one great desire was to give God praise and honor. He offered up his constant pain for the love of God. Little by little the Saint saved up enough money to buy himself some books of the Bible. He could not read, but he would ask others to read to him, and he listened so carefully that he learned all the books he had by heart.

After years of living in pain and spiritual joy, Servulus fell ill. As he lay dying, he asked the poor people he had helped to gather round him and sing hymns with him. Then he suddenly cried out, “Listen! Do you hear the marvellous music of heaven?” Right afterwards, he passed away, and his body was buried in St. Clement’s Church, where he had spent his life.

This Saint had a very good heart. What about me? Am I generous?

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini – Patroness of Immigrants and Emigrants - December 22nd

When Frances was a child growing up in Italy, she used to dream about being a missionary to China. She would send paper boats down a stream pretending that they were ships taking missionaries to China. And she began giving up candy because in China, she wouldn’t be able to have any.

But when she grew up, Frances was not accepted into the two convents which she asked to join because her health was not too good. She taught school until a priest asked her to help out in a small home for orphans. Things were very hard for Frances here, because of the very queer lady who ran the house. Yet Frances stuck to the work, and some other generous women joined her. Together they took vows. At last the Bishop told Frances to begin her own Congregation of missionary nuns, and without hesitating, Frances started at once. Her Congregation is called the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. Before long, it began to grow, first in Italy and then in many other countries.

Frances, whom everyone called Mother Cabrini, had always had her heart set on going to China. But it seemed that God wanted her to come to America. When the Pope himself told her, “Go West, not East,” the matter was settled. St. Frances Xavier Cabrini came to the United States, and became an American citizen. She came especially to help the poor people who had come from Italy to make their home in America. She was a real mother and friend to these immigrants.

Mother Cabrini and her sisters had a very hard time in the beginning. The Archbishop of New York even told them that since things had not worked out as they had hoped, they perhaps should go back to Italy. But Mother Cabrini answered firmly, “No, Your Excellency. The Pope sent me here and here I must stay.” The Archbishop admired her pioneer spirit, and so she and her Sisters began their great work for God. Schools, hospitals, and homes for children were opened up in different states, and as the years passed, Mother Cabrini made many trips to spread her Congregation and its works. There were always difficulties, but she put all her trust in the Sacred heart. “It is He Who is doing everything, not us,” she would say.

Forty-nine years after she died, Mother Cabrini was canonized. She is the first American citizen to be made a Saint.

Where did this sickly woman get the strength to do all she did? In prayer. We, too, will find the courage we need in nothing else but in prayer.

St. Thomas, Apostle

St. Thomas, Apostle - Patron of the East Indies - December 21st

Thomas was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. His name in the Syriac language means “twin.” St. Thomas loved Our Lord greatly, even though at first his faith was not very strong. Once when Jesus was going to face danger of being killed, the other apostles tried to keep the Master back. But St. Thomas said to them, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”

When Jesus was captured by his enemies, Thomas lost his courage and ran away with the other apostles. His heart was broken with sorrow at the death of his beloved Lord. Then on Easter Sunday, Jesus appeared to His Apostles after He had risen from the dead. Thomas was not with them at the time, so as soon as he came, the other Apostles told him joyfully, “We have seen the Lord!” They thought Thomas would be filled with happiness, but Thomas did not believe their message.

“Unless I see His hands the print of the nails,” he said, “and put my finger in the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” Eight days later, Jesus appeared to His Apostles again and this time, Thomas was there, too. Christ called him and told him to touch His hands and the wound in His side. Poor St. Thomas! He fell down at the Master’s feet and cried out, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus said, “Because you have seen Me, Thomas, you have believed. Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed.”

After Pentecost, Thomas was strong and firm in the Faith. He went to India to preach the Gospel, and died a martyr there, after making many converts.

Every time we look at the Sacred Host at Mass or Benediction, let us exclaim with faith: “My Lord and my God!”

See here to view the reliquary where St. Thomas' incorrupt finger is held:

http://www.rosaryworkshop.com/ROME-Pilgrimage-Crx.html

St. Dominic of Silos

St. Dominic of Silos – December 20th

Dominic was a Spanish shepherd boy. In the many hours he spent alone with his sheep at the bottom of the Pyrenees Mountains, he learned to love prayer. Soon he became a monk and a very good one. Dominic was elected prior of his monastery and brought about many changes for the better. One day, however, King Garcia III of Navarre claimed that some of the monastery’s possessions were his. St. Dominic refused to give them to the King, for he did not think it was right to give the King what belonged to the Church.

This decision greatly angered the King and he ordered the Saint to leave his kingdom. Dominic and his monks were given a friendly welcome by another King, Ferdinand I of Castile. Ferdinand told them they could have an old monastery called St. Sebastian at Silos. This monastery was located in a lonely spot and was very run-down. But with Dominic as the abbot, it soon began to take on a new look. In fact, he made it one of the best known monasteries in all Spain.

St. Dominic worked many miracles to cure all kinds of sicknesses.

Many years after his death, Dominic appeared to a wife and mother, Blessed Joan of Aza. He told her that God would send her another son. When that son was born, Joan gratefully named him Dominic. And this son became the great St. Dominic, founder of the Dominican Order.

What can I do to help the Church? Even small offerings and service are of great help in the divine work of saving souls.

Blessed Urban the V

Blessed Urban the V – December 19th

Blessed Urban’s name before he became Pope was William de Grimoard. He was born in France and became a Benedictine monk. After being given many high positions, he was elected Pope.

At this time, the Popes lived in a city called Avignon, but Urban made up his mind to go to Rome, because that is where the Pope should live. The Pope is the Bishop of Rome, and Urban knew that his place was there in Rome. There were many difficulties, and people in France objected to his going, but Urban did what he felt was right.

The people of Rome were overjoyed to have the Pope back, and especially such a holy man as was Urban V. He set about at once to repair the great churches of Rome, to help the poor, and to make the people fervent and devout again. The Emperor Charles V showed great respect to the Holy Father, too.

But Urban had a great many problems, and he was getting sicker and weaker all the time. Many of his Cardinals kept urging him to go back to Avignon, and at last he gave in. As he prepared to leave Rome, the people of the city begged him to stay. He was very sad and moved, but he left, anyway. About three months later, he died.

It was wrong for Urban to leave Rome, but aside from this weakness, he was a very holy and good man. He did much for the Church, for schools and universities, and for the people. He was called “a light of the world and a way of truth.”

Let us pray for our Holy Father the Pope: “Lord, cover with Thy protection our Holy Father the Pope; be his light, his strength, his consolation.”

St. Flannan

St. Flannan – December 18th

Flannan was the son of an Irish chieftain named Turlough. He was educated by the monks and also learned from them all manner of farming chores. When he was a grown man, Flannan decided to make a pilgrimage to Rome.

In Rome, Pope John IV made him a bishop, for he recognized the wisdom and holiness of this man. When St. Flannan returned to Ireland, all the people of his region, Killaloe, came to meet him. They were eager to learn the instructions the Saint had brought back from the Holy Roman See.

St. Flannan taught his people so well that even his father, the chieftain Turlough, decided to become a monk. The old man went to St. Colman to be instructed in the life of a monk. At the same time, he asked for a blessing for his family, since three of his sons had been killed. The Saint predicted: “From you shall seven kings spring.” And so it happened.

St. Flannan was afraid that since he was one of the family, he, too, might be made king. So he prayed to become ugly, and his face was soon covered with big scars and rashes. Thus he could be sure that he could devote himself entirely to the service of God and his people.

The honors, riches and pleasures of this world last only a short time. The happiness and glory of Heaven, instead, lasts forever. Let us often think of this, as the Saints did, and we too, shall become saints.

St. Olympias

St. Olympias – December 17th

This Saint belonged to a great family of Constantinople and when she was left an orphan, she was given into the care of a wonderful Christian woman. Olympias had inherited a large fortune and was both sweet and attractive. So her uncle found it easy to marry her to Nebridius, a man who had been governor of Constantinople. St. Gregory of Nazianzen apologized for not being able to attend the wedding, and sent a poem full of good advice for Olympias.

Nebridius died very soon afterwards, however, and the Emperor urged Olympias to marry again. She answered: “Had God wished me to remain a wife, He would not have taken Nebridius away.” And she refused to marry again. St. Gregory called her “the glory of the widows in the Eastern Church.”

With a number of other pious ladies, Olympias gave herself to works of charity. She dressed plainly, prayed much, and gave her money away to everyone. Finally St. John Chrysostom had to tell her to be careful in giving away her goods. “You must not encourage laziness of those who live upon you without necessity,” he said. “It is like throwing your money into the sea.”

When St. John Chrysostom became Archbishop of Constantinople, he guided St. Olympias and her disciples in their works. A home for orphans and a chapel were opened, and help given to great numbers of people.

Among St. Olympias’ friends were five other saints, but her own bishop, St. John Chrysostom, was her dearest guide and when he was exiled, she was deeply grieved. She then had to suffer persecution and her community of widows and maiden were forced to stop their charitable works. Besides this, she was in poor health and was being criticized and even exiled. Yet St. John wrote to her: “I cannot stop calling you blessed. The patience and dignity with which you have borne your sorrows, your prudence, wisdom and charity have won you great glory and reward.”

St. Olympias died when she was about forty. Some one described her as “a wonderful woman, like a precious vase filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Let us make sure to have a good guide in our spiritual work, so that we will be certain of spending our lives in the best possible way.

St. Adelaide

St. Adelaide – December 16th

At the age of sixteen, this Burgundian princess was married to King Lothair. Three years later her husband died, and the ruler who is believed to have poisoned him tried to get Adelaide to be his wife. She absolutely refused. In anger, he treated her with great cruelty and locked her up in a castle on a lake.

Adelaide was saved when King Otto the Great of Germany conquered this ruler. Although she was twenty years younger than he, Otto married the lovely Adelaide on Christmas Day. When he took his new Queen back home, the German people loved her at once. She was as gentle and gracious as she was pretty. God sent five children to the royal couple, and they lived happily for twenty-two years.

When Otto died, Adelaide’s oldest son became the ruler. This son, Otto the Second, was good, but too quick to act without thinking. So it happened that he turned against his own mother and she left the palace. In her great sorrow, she appealed to the abbot, St. Majolus, and he made Otto feel sorry for what he had done. Adelaide met her son in Italy and the King begged her forgiveness on his knees. She in turn prayed for her son, sending offerings to the great shrine of St. Martin of Tours.

In her old age, St. Adelaide was called on to rule the country while her grandson was still a child. She founded many monasteries and convents and worked to convert the Slavs.

All her life, this saintly empress had obeyed the advice of holy men and had ever been willing to forgive those who had hurt her. St. Odilo of Cluny called her a “marvel of beauty and grace.”

In His goodness God gives us all some things to suffer here on earth. If we accept them with patience, He will reward us later with a beautiful place in Heaven.

St. Nino

St. Nino – December 15th

Nino was a Christian maiden who was captured and carried off to Iberia as a slave. In that pagan country, her goodness and purity made a great impression on the people. Noticing how much she prayed, they asked her about her religion. The simple answer she gave them was that she adored Jesus Christ as God.

God chose this pure, devout slave-girl to bring Christianity to Iberia. One day, a mother brought her sick child to Nino, asking her to suggest a cure. The Saint wrapped the baby in her old cloak and told the mother that Jesus Christ can cure the worst cases of sickness. Then she handed the child back and the mother saw that it was completely cured.

The Queen of Iberia learned of this miracle, and since she herself was sick, she went to the Saint. When she, too, was healed, she tried to thank the Christian girl, but Nino said: “It is Christ’s work, not mine. And He is the Son of God who made the world.”

The Queen let the King know the whole story of her cure, and she repeated what the slave-girl had said about Jesus Christ. Shortly after this, the King got lost in a fog while out hunting. Then he remembered what his wife had told him and he said that if Jesus Christ would lead him safely home, he would believe in Him. At once, the fog lifted, and the King was true to his promise.

St. Nino taught the King and Queen the truths of Christianity, and she was given permission to teach people. Meanwhile the King began building a Christian Church. Then he sent messengers to the Christian Emperor Constantine to tell him of his conversion and to ask for bishops and priests.

So it was that a poor slave brought a whole country into the Church.

If we are humble, God will use us to do much good.

St. Spiridion

St. Spiridion – December 14th

This Saint lived on the island of Cypress, in the Mediterranean Sea. He was a shepherd, was married, and had a family. So great was his charity that he was even kind to thieves who tried to steal his sheep.

Later, Spiridion was made bishop of Tremithus on the sea coast of Cypress. His people were poor but they were devout Christians. When Galerius’ persecution began in Cypress, the Saint suffered gloriously. His right eye was put out and he was crippled and sent to work in the mines. Yet he lived through these trials and kept on serving God in joy.

St. Spiridion had had little education. Still he had studied the Holy Bible so much each day that he had gained marvelous wisdom. He was a simple man who spoke plainly and used common words. For this reason, when a famous preacher substituted a fancier word for the term Jesus had used in the Holy Gospel, St. Spiridion objected, “Isn’t the word Our Lord Himself used good enough for you?”

God gave the Saint the power of working miracles. A certain man had asked Spiridion’s daughter to keep a very valuable possession of his where it would be safe. When she died, and the man came for his article, no one knew where it was. So the Saint went to her grave and called her by name. He asked her where she had put the man’s valuable possession. The dead girl explained where she had hidden it, and they found it in that exact spot.

After his own death, the Saint’s relics were highly honored by all the people.

The knowledge of heavenly things is what we should look for. With it we will be happy and will find it easy to please God.

St. Lucy

St. Lucy - Patroness of Those With Eye Trouble - December 13th

This beloved Saint lived in Syracuse in Sicily. She was the daughter of very noble and rich parents. Her father died while she was still young, and Lucy secretly promised Jesus that she would never marry so that she could be His alone.

Now Lucy was a lovely girl, with beautiful eyes. More than one young noble set his heart on her, and her mother urged her to marry one whom she had chosen for Lucy. But the Christian maiden would not consent. Then she formed a plan to win her mother. She knew her mother was suffering from hemorrages, so she convinced her to go to the shrine of St. Agatha and pray for her recovery. Lucy went along with her and together they prayed. When God heard their prayers and cured her mother, Lucy told her of her vow to be Christ’s bride. Her mother left her free to follow her vocation, out of gratitude for her cure.

But the young pagan to whom she had promised Lucy was furious at losing out. In his bitter anger, he accused her of being a Christian and threatened her with torture, but she was even willing to lose both her eyes rather than belong to anyone but Jesus. Many statues show us St. Lucy holding her lovely eyes in the palm of her hand. To reward her for her heroic love, Jesus worked a miracle and gave her back her eyes, more beautiful than ever.

The pagan judge tried to send the Saint to a house of sinful women in the hope that she might be tempted to give up Christ. But when they tried to carry her away, God made her body so heavy that they could not budge her! In the end, she became a martyr for Jesus, being killed by a knife blow.

Today I will conquer every temptation with a little prayer.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Our Lady of Guadalupe*

– December 12th

On December 9th, A.D. 1531, the Blessed Virgin appeared on one of the hills of the Guadalupe range, Tepeyac Hill, to Juan Diego, a Mexican Indian. Our Lady told him to build a chapel in her honor on the place of her apparition, and left him with a picture of herself impressed upon his mantle, and caused a miraculous spring to arise, in the waters of which many people were cured. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most celebrated places of pilgrimage in the New World.

*The faithful who shall devoutly visit a church where the picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe is exposed, can gain: Indulgence of 300 days, once a day.-Indulgence of 7 years on the 12th of each month.-Plenary, on the Feast of the Motherhood of our Blessed Virgin Mary, on the last Sunday after Pentecost and on the 12th of December, when they shall confess and receive Holy Communion and shall pray for the intentions of His Holiness.

St. Finnian

St. Finnian – December 12th

Finnian is one of the famous Irish saints who lived in the period after St. Patrick. He visited Wales and from St. Cadoc, he learned to have great respect for the life of monks. When he got back to Ireland, Finnian established monasteries, schools and churches. His greatest monastery was at Clonard, and that is why he is called St. Finnian of Clonard.

To this monastery came many disciples to learn from the Saint. About three thousand were instructed by him in religion and in other subjects. St. Finnian came to be called “Teacher of the Saints of Ireland.” He was especially famous for his knowledge of the Holy Bible. In fact, the monastery of Clonard was known for its studies of Sacred Scripture.

St. Finnian was not satisfied with teaching those who came to him at Clonard. He also went out on preaching missions. He had a surprising gift for softening the hearts of opposing tribal chiefs. At times God worked miracles through him, too.

This Saint had a good Irish sense of humor. Once, he met an old pagan who prided himself on being a magician. “Where did you get your magic art?” asked Finnian. “Find out for yourself,” answered the proud pagan. “All right,” said the Saint. “Tell me where the place of my resurrection is.” “In Heaven,” said the pagan. “Try again,” answered Finnian. “Tell where I will rise from.” The magician answered again, “Heaven.” “Try once more,” said St. Finnian as he rose from his chair. Then the pagan realized he was being teased. “It is from where you are sitting!” he cried out, and St. Finnian went away laughing.

The Saint died from yellow fever, at a time when this disease was killing many. He offered his life for the Irish, his countrymen, and they have always been very devoted to him.

All Saints worked hard, prayed much, and loved everybody. Many even had a good sense of humor. However, they never hurt anyone. Neither will I make remarks or tell jokes which might hurt somebody.

Blessed Franco Grotti

Blessed Franco Grotti – December 11th

Franco was born in the town of Grotti near Siena, Italy. He grew to be a lazy, nasty-tempered teenager who would not obey anyone. When his father died, Franco became worse than ever. He spent all his time and all his money in sinful acts and in gambling. Then he got into serious trouble, and to avoid being brought to trial on a murder charge, he joined up with a band of raiders.

In the company of these outlaws, Franco became a first-class criminal. He lived so wickedly that by the time half his life was over, he had ruined his health.

Franco Grotti was fifty years old when he suddenly became blind, and this event made him start examining himself. He began to think about what life is, and he took a good look at the kind of man he had become. Sorrow filled his heart. He made a good confession of his whole life and then set out on a long, hard trip to the Shrine of St. James in Spain. There his blindness was cured, but Franco by now was a completely different man who never again would go back to his evil ways.

One day, while he was praying in a Carmelite church, our Blessed Mother came to tell him that he must do penance and make up for the terrible scandal he had given to the people of Siena by his great sins. At once, Franco began going through the streets dressed like a penitent and whipping himself. By now he was sixty-five, but he still humbly begged the Carmelite monks to accept him into their order. They told him to try again in five years, because they were afraid to accept him. Who could forget what a terrible man he had been! But Franco did not give up, and at last they let him enter as a lay-brother.

Blessed Franco lived ten more years. That was time enough for him to give such wonderful examples of fervent penance that all the monks and people were amazed. He even received the grace of heavenly visions and of working miracles. Devotion to him began right after he died.

So how good God is! He is so patient and so merciful that as soon as a sinner turns to Him and sincerely asks for pardon, God fills that soul with blessings and graces.

St. John Roberts

St. John Roberts – December 10th

John was born in Wales, and although he was not a Catholic, he was taught by an elderly priest. So, as he said later, at heart he was always a Catholic. John went to Oxford University in England for a while, but then he took a trip to France to have a good time. As it turned out, this trip brought him more than just fun, for in Paris he found great happiness in joining the Catholic Church.

John lost no time after this in taking steps to become a priest. . He went to an English college in Spain and then became a Benedictine monk. His great dream of going back to England came true three years later when he and another monk were given permission to set out for that land. Although they entered England wearing plumed hats and swords at their sides, they were soon arrested for being priests and sent out of the country.

St. John Roberts went back to England again and worked day and night to keep the Faith alive under Queen Elizabeth’s terrible persecution of Catholics. Over and over again he was captured, put in prison, exiles, and always he came back. The last time Father John was arrested was as he was finishing Mass, and this time there was no escape.

When asked, he declared he was a priest and a monk and that he had come to England to work for the salvation of souls. “Were I to live longer,” he added, “I would continue to do what I have been doing.” St. John was given a fake trial and condemned to death.

The night before he and another Catholic were to be hanged, a good Spanish lady arranged for them to be brought into the company of eighteen other prisoners who were also suffering for Christ’s sake. During their supper together, St. John was full of joy. Then he thought perhaps he should not show so much happiness. “Do you think I may be giving bad example by my joy?” he asked his hostess. “No, certainly not,” she replied. “You could not do anything better than to let everyone see the cheerful courage you have as you are about to die for Christ.” Then she insisted on washing the feet of the martyrs, to show her respect for them.

The next day, St. John was hanged, and the crowds were so attracted by the personality of this young priest that they did not let the executioners make him suffer.

Today I will say an “Our Father” for Missionaries, pausing especially on the words: “Thy Kingdom come.”

St. Peter Fourier

St. Peter Fourier – December 9th

Peter was born in France and was educated by the Jesuits. He did very well in school, and when he graduated, he opened a little school of his own. He was not satisfied with his life though, and so he entered the Congregation of the Canons Regular of St. Augustine.

For thirty years, St. Peter was a parish priest in a village where many lived bad lives. He worked and prayed for his people and started several holy associations for the men, women, and young girls.

St. Peter was especially concerned for the children. He started a Congregation of nuns to teach poor children in free schools. The Saint himself taught the nuns how to handle the children and what to teach them. He wanted to make sure that the students learned to make bills and write correct letters so that they could obtain good jobs when they finished their schooling.

As to non-Catholic children, he told his nuns, “Treat them kindly and lovingly. Do not let the other children tease them. Do not speak harshly of their religion, but rather show how good and reasonable our Faith is when you speak to the whole class.”

St. Peter was made the Superior of his Congregation, but he spent the last four years of his life doing what he liked best-teaching the children of the poor in a free school he had opened.

When I feel to grumble because I cannot have something I would like, I will think of the many children who have much less than I.

The Immaculate Conception

The Immaculate Conception

– December 8th

Adam and Eve were our first parents, and because they offended God by sinning grievously, every baby born into the world has original sin on his soul. We are all children of Adam, and so we all inherit his sin, which is called original sin.

But the Blessed Virgin Mary was given the marvelous privilege of being conceived without original sin. Our Lady was to crush the devil’s head, as God told Adam and Eve, and so, not for one second was the Evil One to have any power over Mary! There was never the slightest stain of sin in our all-beautiful Mother. That is why on of the Church’s favorite hymns to Mary is: “You are all-beautiful, O Mary, and there is no stain of sin in you!”


This great privilege of Our Lady is called her Immaculate Conception. It was given her because she was to be God’s own Mother. Four years after Pope Pius IX proclaimed to the whole world that there was no doubt at all that Mary was conceived without sin, she appeared to Bernadette at Lourdes. When Bernadette asked the lovely Lady from Heaven who she was, Mary joined her hands and, humbly raising her eyes toward the skies, she said, “I am the Immaculate Conception.”


I will be devoted to the Immaculate Conception. To obtain her protection, I will acquire the beautiful habit of reciting three Hail Marys every morning and night.

St. Ambrose

St. Ambrose - Patron of Candle-Makers and Candle-Sellers - December 7th

Ambrose was the son of the Roman governor of Gaul. When his father died, his mother took her family back to Rome. She and her daughter, St. Marcellina, brought Ambrose up well. He became an outstanding lawyer and was then made Governor of Milan and the territory around it.

But by a strange event, Ambrose the Governor became Ambrose the bishop. In those days the people used to suggest to the Pope the name of the one they would like as bishop. To Ambrose’s great surprise, the people of Milan chose him! He tried to escape, but it seemed to be God’s will, so he became a priest and then Bishop of Milan.

St. Ambrose was not only a perfect model and father to his people, but also resisted all evil with amazing courage. He faced an attacking army and convinced the leader to turn back.

When the great Emperor Theodosius came from the East to save Italy from the invaders, he urged all his officers to respect the Bishop of Milan. Yet when this Emperor committed a great sin, Ambrose did not hesitate to scold him and to make him do public penance. The Emperor did not become furious and take revenge. He realized that the Saint was right and very humbly he publicly made penance for his great sin. Another time Ambrose told him that he must not stay in the sanctuary of the church, since this is the right of the sacred ministers only. The Emperor apologized and took his place outside with the other people. Ambrose had shown the world that no mere man, even if he is the ruler of an empire, is higher than the Church.

People were afraid of what would happen to Italy when Ambrose died, and when he fell sick, they begged him to pray for a longer life. The Saint replied, “I have not behaved myself among you in such a way that I should be ashamed to live longer; nor am I afraid to die, for we have a good Master.” He died on Good Friday after praying with his arms stretched out in the form of a cross for several hours.

We should always show respect and reverence for Priests. They are God’s ministers.

St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas - Patron of Children, of Russia and Greece - December 6th

Nicholas is the great patron of children and of Christmas giving. The word “Santa Claus” is a short form of “Saint Nicholas.” He was born in Asia Minor, and after his parents died, he gave all his money to charity. Once a certain poor man was about to abandon his daughters to a life of sin because they did not have the money for a dowry. St. Nicholas heard about his problem, so at night, he threw a bag of gold in the man’s window. This was for the second daughter, and the grateful father kept watch to find out who was being so good to him. When St. Nicholas came a third time, the man recognized him and thanked him over and over again.

Later St. Nicholas became Bishop. He had great love for justice, and once he saved three men who had been falsely condemned to death. He then turned to their accuser and made him admit that he had been offered money to get rid of the three men.

St. Nicholas died in Myra, and a great basilica was built over his tomb. Many churches were dedicated in his name, and when his relics were brought to Bari in Italy, this city became a favorite shrine for pilgrims from all over Europe. He is also the patron of sailors, of prisoners, and with St. Andrew, the Patron of Russia.

To enter Heaven we must keep our soul without sin, or have washed clean again by sorrow and confession.

St. Sabas

St. Sabas – December 5th


Sabas is one of the most famous monks of Palestine. His father was an officer in the army and when he had to go to Alexandria, Egypt, he left his young son with his brother-in-law. Since his aunt treated him badly, young Sabas ran away to another uncle. When an argument arose between the two uncles, Sabas felt very bad because he liked to see people at peace. So he ran away to live in a monastery.


His two uncles felt ashamed of themselves and they told Sabas to come out and they would give him all his property. But by this time Sabas was too happy in the monastery to think of going back to a worldly life. Even though he was the youngest person in the monastery, he was the most fervent.


When he was eighteen, St. Sabas went to Jerusalem to learn to live as a hermit, because he felt inclined to live alone with God. For a while, however, he was advised to live in another monastery there, for he was still young. He obeyed and joyfully did all the heavy work, chopping wood for the fires and carrying the heavy jugs of water.


One day, St. Sabas was sent to Alexandria, Egypt, as a companion to another monk. There he ran into his father and mother! They tried their best to make him come with them and enjoy the same honors his father had won. Not Sabas! He would not even take the money they tried to give him. Finally he accepted three gold pieces, but when he got back to the monastery, he gave them to the Abbot.


At last, he was able to spend four years completely alone, as he desired. But after that, he had to found a monastery for all the disciples who came to him. And before long, he was put in charge of all the monks in Palestine who lived the life he lived.


Even when sent to the Emperor on important affairs for the Church, St. Sabas wore his poor rags, and kept to his hours of prayer. When a disciple claimed that the Emperor might be offended, the Saint answered: “My son, the Emperor does his duty and we must do ours.”


Let us pray to know the Will of God for us, and then let us follow it with generosity.

St. Peter Chrysologus

St. Peter Chrysologus – December 4th


Peter was born in Italy and was educated by the Bishop of his own city. Even as a young boy, Peter understood that a man is truly great only if he can control his passions and put on the spirit of Christ.


When he grew up, St. Peter was made the Archbishop of Ravenna, and he worked hard to wipe out the paganism still practiced in his diocese.


It is as a preacher that St. Peter became famous. Indeed, “Chrysologus” means “golden word.” Yet his sermons were all short, because he was afraid to tire his hearers. Besides that, these sermons are not especially unusually unusual or beautiful in style. But St. Peter’s message was more valuable than gold, and he preached with such enthusiasm and fire that people listened to him breathlessly.


In his sermons, St. Peter urged everyone to receive Jesus often in Holy Communion, so that the Body of the Lord might be the daily food for their souls.


This good Archbishop also worked for the unity of all the members of the Catholic Church. He tried to prevent heresies and to keep peace.


For his wonderful sermons, so rich in teaching, Pope Benedict XIII made St. Peter a Doctor of the Church.


I will pray for preachers and I will listen to the Sunday sermon with attention.

St. Francis Xavier

St. Francis Xavier - Patron of Foreign Missions, of the Apostleship of Prayer, of Borneo, Australia, New Zealand and China - December 3rd

This great missionary was born at Xavier Castle in Spain and went to the University of Paris when he was eighteen. Here he met St. Ignatius Loyola, who was about to start the Society of Jesus. St. Ignatius tried to get Francis to join him, but at first the happy-go-lucky young man would not think of it. St. Ignatius often repeated to him the words of Jesus: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” At last, Francis saw clearly that his place in life was among the Jesuits.

When he was thirty-four, St. Ignatius sent him as a missionary to the East Indies. The King of Portugal wanted to give him presents and a servant, but Francis answered, “The best way to acquire true dignity is to wash one’s own clothes and boil one’s own pot.”

During the course of his amazing career in Goa, India, Japan and other land of the East, St. Francis made thousands of converts. In fact, he baptized such great crowds that his arms were so weak he could hardly lift them. He gathered the little children about him and taught them about Our Lord. Then he made little “lay apostles” out of them, telling them to spread the Faith they had learned.

There was nothing St. Francis wouldn’t do to help souls. Once he faced a fierce band of raiders, alone, with no weapon but his Crucifix. They backed up and did not attack his Christian tribes. The Saint also brought many bad-living Christians to repentance, by his gentle, polite ways and by his prayers.

In the midst of his painful journeys and great labors, the Saint was full of a special joy coming from God. Sometimes he had to cry out: “Enough, O Lord, enough! My heart cannot hold any more of this tremendous joy!”

It had long been St. Francis’ great longing to get into China, into which no foreigner was permitted. At last, the arrangements were made, but the great missionary fell ill and died almost alone on an island off the Chinese coast.

This great saint stood out for three virtues: a great wish to bring souls to the Heart of Jesus; a heroic obedience; and a great spirit of sacrifice. Today I will ask myself what I can do for the missions.

St. Bibiana

St. Bibiana - December 2nd

Bibiana's father Flavian had been prefect of the city of Rome. He and his wife were such fervent Christians that when the Emperor Julian left the Catholic Faith and began persecuting it, Flavian was arrested. He was branded on the face with a hot iron and then exiled.

After he died, his good wife Dafrosa was also made a prisoner in her own house on account of her good Christian life. Then she, too, was put to death.

Left alone with her sister, Demetria, Bibiana gave herself to confident prayer. Everything they had was taken from them, and then the two of them were brought to court. Poor Demetria dropped dead at the judge's feet! Bibiana was handed over to a sinful woman, who was supposed to make the holy young girl as evil as she was.

This woman tried by sweet words and many clever tricks to make Bibiana fall, but the Saint could not be moved. She was brought back to court and beaten, yet she held to her faith and purity as strongly as ever.

St. Bibiana was put to death by being beaten with leaden scourges, and her holy body was left to the mercy of fierce dogs. The dogs, however, did not touch it, and a priest buried it at night beside her mother and sister.

To remain pure in the midst of temptations we have to pray, make sacrifices and mortify our senses.

St. Edmund Campion

St. Edmund Campion – December 1st

Edmund was a very popular young English student. He was a great speaker and was chosen to deliver a welcoming speech to Queen Elizabeth herself when she visited his college. A group of his fellow students were so attracted by his happy nature and his many talents that they made him their leader. Even the Queen and her chief ministers were fond of this attractive young man.

But Edmund was troubled about his religion. Although he had agreed to become a minister, he kept thinking that the Catholic Church might be the only true Church. He did not hide his feelings, and so the government, which was persecuting Catholics, became very suspicious of him. Edmund knew that he would lose the Queen’s favor and all his chances for a great career if he chose to become a Catholic, but he became a convert anyway.

After he had escaped from England, Edmund studied to become a priest. He entered the Society of Jesus and taught in the college at Prague. When the Holy Father decided to send some Jesuits to England, Father Edmund was one of the first to go. The night before he left, one of his fellow priests felt urged to write over his doorway: “Father Edmund Campion, Martyr.”

Although he knew what danger faced him, the holy priest set out cheerfully. In fact, he had many a laugh because of his disguise as a jewel merchant.

In England, he preached with great success to the poor Catholics who had to meet in secret. Spies of the Queen’s men were everywhere trying to catch him, and he wrote: “I won’t escape their hands much longer. Sometimes I read letters that say ‘Campion has been caught’!”

It was a traitor who finally brought about the Jesuit’s capture. Edmund was visited in jail by the mighty Lords who had been so fond of him, and even perhaps by Queen Elizabeth. But none of their threats or promises could make him give up the Catholic Faith. Nor could tortures break him. And in spite of all his sufferings, he still defended himself and his fellow priests in such a marvelous manner that no one could answer him. Yet the enemies of the Church condemned him anyway.

Before he was put to death, St. Edmund forgave the man who had betrayed him and even helped to save his life.

Like this saint I will be sincere in living up to my faith. After all, I do not want to harm my soul just to please other people…

St. Andrew, Apostle

St. Andrew, Apostle - Patron of Scotland, of Old Maids, and Fishermen - November 30th

Andrew, like his brother, Simon Peter, was a fisherman. He became a disciple of the great St. John the Baptist, but when John pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” Andrew understood that Jesus was greater. At once he left John to follow the Divine Master.

Jesus knew that Andrew was walking behind him, and turning back, He asked, “What do you seek?” When Andrew answered that he would like to know where Jesus dwelt, Our Lord replied, “Come and see.” Andrew had been only a little time with Jesus when he realized that this was truly the Messias. From then on, he decided to follow Jesus. Andrew was thus the first disciple of Christ.

Next Andrew brought his brother Simon (St. Peter) to Jesus and Jesus received him, too, as His disciple. At first the two brothers continued to carry on their fishing trade and family affairs, but later the Lord called them to stay with Him all the time. He promised to make them fishers of men, and this time they left their nets for good.

It is believed that after Our Lord ascended into Heaven, St. Andrew went to Greece to preach the Gospel. He is said to have been put to death on a cross, to which he was tied, not nailed. He lived two days in that state of suffering, still preaching to the people who gathered around their beloved Apostle.

Two countries have chosen St. Andrew as their Patron-Russia and Scotland.

When St. Andrew saw the cross on which he was to die, he exclaimed, “O good cross, made beautiful by Christ’s body, you are welcome!” Today I will remember the words of Our Lord: “Whoever does not carry his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”

PRAYER TO OBTAIN FAVORS

HAIL and blessed be the hour and moment in which the son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen.

(It is piously believed that whoever recites this above prayer fifteen times a day from the feast of St. Andrew (30th Nov.) until Christmas will obtain what is asked.)

Imprimatur
†MICHAEL AUGUSTINE, Archbishop of New York
New York, February 6, 1897

Bl. Francis Anthony of Lucera

Bl. Francis Anthony of Lucera – November 29th

This Saint, who was nicknamed Johnnie as a child, was the son of an Italian farmer. His father died before he was ten, but his mother’s second husband was good to him and sent him to be educated by the Franciscans.

When he was fifteen, the lad asked to be admitted to the Order. Brother Francis Anthony did very well in all his studies, and after becoming a priest, he became famous as a preacher and teacher. He also was elected Superior and he tried to make all the monks as holy as he was.

Bl. Francis Anthony had a special interest in prisoners. The prisons of his day were terrible places, and he did his best to help the poor prisoners in every way. His love went out to everyone in need. It was he who began the custom of collecting gifts at Christmas time for poor families. In Lucera, the city in which he spent his life, it was said: “If you want to see St. Francis of Assisi, just look at Father Francis Anthony!”

Bl. Francis Anthony had a great devotion to our Blessed Mother and he loved to pay special honor to her Immaculate Conception. It was at the beginning of the solemn novena for the Feast that he died. Some time before, when he was in good health, he had said he would die soon. He had even suggested to a priest-friend that he come along. This good priest replied a bit excitedly, “Listen, Father, if you want to die, that is your affair, but I’m in no hurry!” What did the Saint reply? “We must both make this journey,” he said, “I first and you afterwards.” And that is just what happened. The good priest lived only two months after Bl. Francis Anthony passed to his eternal reward.

The Saints were not afraid to die because they often thought of Heaven. Today I too will do everything for Heaven.

St. Catherine Laboure

St. Catherine Laboure – November 28th

Zoe Laboure was the daughter of a French farmer, and she was the only one of her large family who did not go to school. She could not read or write at all. Her mother died while she was still very young, and Zoe had to run the house when her older sister became a nun.

Zoe, too, would have liked to enter the convent when she was in her early teens, but had to wait until she was twenty-four. She became a Sister of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul and took the name of Catherine.

Shortly after she finished her period of training as a postulant, Sister Catherine began to receive the special privilege of seeing the Blessed Mother. One night, she was awakened from sleep by a “shining child” who led her to the chapel. There Our Lady came to talk to her. The Blessed Mother, in another vision, showed herself standing on a globe with streams of light coming from her hands. Underneath were the words: “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who turn to thee!” Sister Catherine was told that a medal was to be made of this picture of Our Lady and that all who wore it would receive many graces from God through His Mother’s prayers.

Sister Catherine told her confessor and he later told the bishop. So it was that the medal which we call the miraculous medal was made, and soon many, many people all over the world were wearing it. Yet no one in the convent knew that humble Sister Catherine was the one to whom Our Lady had appeared! She spent the remaining forty-five years of her life answering the door, looking after the hens that provided the nuns with eggs, and taking care of old and sick people. She was happy to keep her special privilege hidden, for she was only interested in serving God as best she could.

I will wear the Miraculous Medal and often repeat the ejaculation: “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who turn to thee!”

St. James Intercisus

St. James Intercisus – November 27th

James was a Persian who was a great favorite of the King Yezdigerd I. When this king began to persecute Christians, James did not have the courage to confess his faith. He was too afraid to lose the King’s friendship. So he gave up his faith or at least pretended to.

James’ wife and mother were broken-hearted. When the King died, they wrote a strong letter warning him to change his ways. This letter had its effect on James. He had been a coward, but at heart, he was still good. Now he began to stay away from court and to blame himself openly for having given up his faith.

The new King sent for him, but this time, James hid nothing, “I am a Christian,” he said. The King accused him of being ungrateful for all the honors his father, King Yezdigerd, had given him. “And where is your father now?” St. James calmly answered.

The angry King threatened to put the Saint to a terrible death, but he replied, “May I die the death of the just!”

The King and his council condemned James to die only after all his limbs should be cut off. But his fears had gone, and he said, “This death which appears so dreadful is very little for the purchase of eternal life.” Then he told the executioners, “Begin your work.” Each time a finger was cut off, he rejoiced and thanked God, praying: “Savior of Christians, receive a branch of the tree.” He kept declaring his faith that his body would one day rise in glory.

This great saint martyr was called “Intercisus”, which means “hacked-to-pieces” in memory of his heroic death.

When we make mistakes and our parents or teachers correct us, let us listen to them. They correct us because they love us. This saint became a saint because when his mother corrected him strongly, he blamed himself and started a new life immediately.

St. John Berchmans

St. John Berchmans – Patron of Youth and Altar Boys – November 26th

This Belgian Saint once said, “If I do not become a saint when I am young, I shall become one.” In fact, he did indeed die at the early age of twenty-two-and he had, without any doubt, reached his goal of sanctity.

As a child, John stayed very close to his sick mother, but still, he liked to join with his playmates in putting on plays about stories from the Bible. He was especially good at playing the part of David defending the innocent Susanna. By the time he was thirteen, he wanted to begin studying for the priesthood, but his good father, a shoemaker, needed his help in supporting the family. However, he finally decided to let John become a servant in the household of a priest, from where he could go to classes in the seminary.

Three years later, John Berchmans entered the Society of Jesus. He studied hard, enthusiastically acted out parts in holy plays, and above all, prayed fervently. He made a motto: “Have great care for little things,” and he lived up to it. For St. John Berchmans never performed any great, heroic deeds. But he did every little thing well, from waiting on table to copying down notes on his studies.

When he fell sick, no doctor could discover what illness he had, yet he knew he was going to die. He was very cheerful as always. When the doctor ordered that his forehead be bathed with wine, John joked: “It’s lucky that such an expensive sickness is not going to last long!” Miracles took place at his funeral, and people at once began to call him a Saint.

This saint can be a model for every youngster. He was a good son, a diligent student, a modest and pure boy. To be all this, in fact, to become a saint, John worked hard and prayed, especially to the Blessed Mother.

St. Catherine of Alexandria

St. Catherine of Alexandria – Patroness of Philosophers, Jurists, Teachers, Students, and Wheel-Makers – November 25th

Catherine was the daughter of a wealthy pagan family of Alexandria, Egypt. She was a very beautiful girl whose great interest was in learning. She loved to study deep questions of philosophy and religion, and one day she began to read about Christianity. Soon she became a Christian herself.

St. Catherine was only eighteen when the Emperor Maxentius began persecuting the Christians. Fearlessly, the lovely young Christian maiden went to tell him what she thought of his cruelty. When he spoke of the pagan gods, she very plainly showed him that they were false. Maxentius could not answer her arguments, so, he sent for fifty of his best pagan philosophers. Once again, it was Catherine who proved the truth of her religion, and all fifty of those philosophers were convinced that she was right! In great fury, Maxentius had them all killed. Next, he himself tried to win her by offering her a queen’s crown. When Catherine absolutely refused it, he had her beaten and thrown into prison.

While Maxentius was away at camp, his wife and an officer were very curious to hear this amazing Christian girl speak. They went to her cell, and the result was that they and two hundred soldiers of the guard were converted. For this, they were all put to death, and Catherine was placed on a wheel full of spikes to be tortured to death. But the wheel snapped in two miraculously and the spikes flew off, killing many pagans.

Finally, St. Catherine was beheaded. She has always been the patroness of Christian philosophers.

To be able to resist the evil around us, we must know our Religion well.

St. John of the Cross

St. John of the Cross – November 24th

John was born in Spain and was the son of a poor weaver. He went to school for poor children and became a servant to the director of a hospital. For seven years, John worked as a servant while also studying at a Jesuit college. Even as a youth, he liked to do penance, and when he was twenty-one, his love of God prompted him to enter the Carmelite Order.

With St. Teresa of Avila, St. John was chosen by God to bring a new spirit of fervor among religious. But his life was full of trials. Although he succeeded in opening new monasteries where his holy way of life was practiced, he himself was criticized and even thrown into prison. He was beaten and made to suffer terribly by his enemies. At one time, too, he had fierce temptations. God seemed to have left him alone, and he suffered greatly.

Yet when these storms of trouble passed, the Lord rewarded his faithful servant by giving him deep peace and joy of heart. John was very close to his God. In fact, the Blessed Mother herself showed John how to escape from his prison cell!

St. John had a marvellous way with sinners. Once when a beautiful but sinful woman tried to make him do wrong, he talked to her so well that she was led to change her life. Another lady, instead, had such a sharp temper that she was nicknamed “the terrible.” Yet St. John knew how to calm her down by his kind manners.

Every time he could, this Saint chose what would bring him the most suffering. He prayed God to let him suffer every day for love of Jesus, and in reward, Our Lord revealed Himself to St. John in a special way.

St. John is famous for his spiritual books which show us how to grow close to God.

Today, if I have something to suffer, I will be patient.