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.
Showing posts with label Kings/Queens/Soldiers/etc.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kings/Queens/Soldiers/etc.. Show all posts
12/29/08
12/16/08
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.
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.
12/7/08
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.
12/5/08
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.
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.
11/20/08
St. Edmund the Martyr
St. Edmund the Martyr – November 20th
Edmund was an English prince who became king when he was only fourteen. Yet his high position did not make him proud or conceited. Instead, he took as his model the holy King David and tried to serve God as well as David did. In fact, Edmund even learned all David’s Psalms by heart. The Psalms are beautiful hymns of praise to God contained in the Holy Bible.
King Edmund governed wisely, showing kindness to all his subjects. When the Danish barbarians invaded his land, he fought them bravely, even though their army was much larger than his. At last, he was captured.
The barbarian leader offered to spare Edmund’s life if he would agree to certain terms. But since these terms were opposed to his country and his religion, the king refused. He declared he would never purchase his life by offending God and his people. In anger, the pagan chief condemned this Christian hero to death.
St. Edmund was tied to a tree and then cruelly whipped. The holy king took it all patiently, invoking the Name of Jesus. Next, his torturers shot arrows into every part of his body. They were careful not to hit any vital organ, so that the poor martyr would suffer longer before dying. At last, he was dragged down from the tree and beheaded.
Devotion to St. Edmund the martyr became very popular in England, and many churches were dedicated in his honor.
From this saint let us learn loyalty to God and to our country, and be good Christians and good citizens.
Edmund was an English prince who became king when he was only fourteen. Yet his high position did not make him proud or conceited. Instead, he took as his model the holy King David and tried to serve God as well as David did. In fact, Edmund even learned all David’s Psalms by heart. The Psalms are beautiful hymns of praise to God contained in the Holy Bible.
King Edmund governed wisely, showing kindness to all his subjects. When the Danish barbarians invaded his land, he fought them bravely, even though their army was much larger than his. At last, he was captured.
The barbarian leader offered to spare Edmund’s life if he would agree to certain terms. But since these terms were opposed to his country and his religion, the king refused. He declared he would never purchase his life by offending God and his people. In anger, the pagan chief condemned this Christian hero to death.
St. Edmund was tied to a tree and then cruelly whipped. The holy king took it all patiently, invoking the Name of Jesus. Next, his torturers shot arrows into every part of his body. They were careful not to hit any vital organ, so that the poor martyr would suffer longer before dying. At last, he was dragged down from the tree and beheaded.
Devotion to St. Edmund the martyr became very popular in England, and many churches were dedicated in his honor.
From this saint let us learn loyalty to God and to our country, and be good Christians and good citizens.
11/19/08
St. Elizabeth of Hungary
St. Elizabeth of Hungary – Patroness of Third Order Members – November 19th
This daughter of the King of Hungary was married to Louis, the ruler of Thuringia, while she was very young. She was a beautiful bride who dearly loved her handsome husband, and Louis returned her affection with all his heart. God sent them three children and they were as happy as can be for six years.
Then St. Elizabeth’s sorrows began. Louis died of the plague, and she was so heart-broken that she cried: “The world is dead to me and all that is joyous in the world!” Louis’ relatives had never liked Elizabeth because she had given so much food away to the poor. While Louis was alive, they had not been able to do anything, but now they could and they did. Within a short time, this beautiful, gentle princess and her three children were sent away from the castle and suffered hunger and cold. Yet Elizabeth did not complain at her terrible sufferings. Instead she blessed God and prayed with great fervor, just as she had done in her years of joy.
Elizabeth’s relatives came to her rescue and she and her children had a home once more. Her uncle wanted her to marry again, for she was still very young and attractive. But the Saint had determined to give herself to God, imitating the poverty of St. Francis. She went to live in a poor cottage and spent the last few years of her life serving the sick and the poor. She would even go fishing to try to gain more money for her beloved poor, and when she was sick herself, she still spun wool for them.
St. Elizabeth was only twenty-four when she died. On her death bed, she was heard to sing softly. She had great confidence that Jesus would take her to Himself.
Today I want to take everything from the hands of God. If He sends me joys, I will thank Him. If He asks me to suffer a little, I will offer it up for His love.
This daughter of the King of Hungary was married to Louis, the ruler of Thuringia, while she was very young. She was a beautiful bride who dearly loved her handsome husband, and Louis returned her affection with all his heart. God sent them three children and they were as happy as can be for six years.
Then St. Elizabeth’s sorrows began. Louis died of the plague, and she was so heart-broken that she cried: “The world is dead to me and all that is joyous in the world!” Louis’ relatives had never liked Elizabeth because she had given so much food away to the poor. While Louis was alive, they had not been able to do anything, but now they could and they did. Within a short time, this beautiful, gentle princess and her three children were sent away from the castle and suffered hunger and cold. Yet Elizabeth did not complain at her terrible sufferings. Instead she blessed God and prayed with great fervor, just as she had done in her years of joy.
Elizabeth’s relatives came to her rescue and she and her children had a home once more. Her uncle wanted her to marry again, for she was still very young and attractive. But the Saint had determined to give herself to God, imitating the poverty of St. Francis. She went to live in a poor cottage and spent the last few years of her life serving the sick and the poor. She would even go fishing to try to gain more money for her beloved poor, and when she was sick herself, she still spun wool for them.
St. Elizabeth was only twenty-four when she died. On her death bed, she was heard to sing softly. She had great confidence that Jesus would take her to Himself.
Today I want to take everything from the hands of God. If He sends me joys, I will thank Him. If He asks me to suffer a little, I will offer it up for His love.
11/11/08
St. Martin of Tours
St. Martin of Tours – November 11th
This soldier saint entered the Roman army in Italy when he was only fifteen. Although his parents were pagans, he began to study the Christian religion. Those who study the Christian religion are called catechumens until they are baptized.
One very cold winter day, Martin and his comrades came upon a poor beggar at the gate of the city of Amiens. The man’s only clothes were nothing but rags and he was shaking with cold. The other soldiers passed him by, but Martin felt that it was up to him to help the beggar. Having nothing with him, he drew his sword and cut his long cloak in half. Some laughed at his funny appearance as he gave one half to the beggar, but other felt ashamed of their own selfishness. That night, Our Lord Jesus Christ, wearing the half of the cloak that Martin had given away, appeared to him!
“Martin, still a catechumen, has covered me with this garment,” Jesus said. Right after this wonderful event, St. Martin went to be baptized.
A few years later, the Saint left the army and became a disciple of St. Hilary, the Bishop of Poitiers, France. Because of his strong opposition to the Arian heretics in various cities, Martin had to go into exile. But he was happy to live in the wilderness with other monks, and when the people of Tours asked for him as their bishop, he refused. The people would not give up, however. They got him to come to the city to visit a sick person, and once he was there, they took him to the Church!
As Bishop of Tours, St. Martin did all he could to rid France of paganism. He prayed, he worked, he preached everywhere.
Our Lord let Martin know when his death was near. As soon as his followers heard of it, they began to weep and to beg him not to leave them. So the Saint prayed: “Lord, if Your people need me yet, I will not refuse the work. Your will be done.” He was still laboring for the Divine Master in a far-off part of his diocese when death finally came.
St. Martin’s tomb became one of the most famous shrines in a Europe.
I will try to imitate the charity of St. Martin.
11/9/08
St. Theodore Tiro
St. Theodore Tiro – November 9th
Theodore was a new soldier in the Roman army when he was called on to die for the Faith. Although he was young, he knew how to keep his soul pure, and he considered the devil as his only real enemy.
When his legion had camped for the winter in the country of Pontus, all the soldiers were taking part in services to the pagan gods. Since he was a Christian and knew that these gods did not exist, he refused to join his comrades.
“How dare you profess a religion which the emperor punishes with death?” demanded the governor, when Theodore was arrested. Without hesitation, the young soldier answered, “I do not know your gods. Jesus Christ, the only son of God, is my God. If you take my answer as an offense, cut off my tongue. Every part of my body is ready for the sacrifice when God calls for this sacrifice.”
The pagan judges let Theodore go this time, but he was arrested later on for setting fire to a pagan temple. The judges first tried to win him with kindness. When that treatment did not work, they tried frightening him by describing the tortures he would go through. In the end, they did turn him over to the torturers.
When the suffering soldier was led back into prison, Angels came to comfort him. After he had been examined three times, he was finally condemned to death by fire. A beautiful church was later built to enshrine his ashes, and people began going to it in great crowds to pray to the martyr.
Neither fear nor beautiful promises should ever stop us from being faithful to God.
Theodore was a new soldier in the Roman army when he was called on to die for the Faith. Although he was young, he knew how to keep his soul pure, and he considered the devil as his only real enemy.
When his legion had camped for the winter in the country of Pontus, all the soldiers were taking part in services to the pagan gods. Since he was a Christian and knew that these gods did not exist, he refused to join his comrades.
“How dare you profess a religion which the emperor punishes with death?” demanded the governor, when Theodore was arrested. Without hesitation, the young soldier answered, “I do not know your gods. Jesus Christ, the only son of God, is my God. If you take my answer as an offense, cut off my tongue. Every part of my body is ready for the sacrifice when God calls for this sacrifice.”
The pagan judges let Theodore go this time, but he was arrested later on for setting fire to a pagan temple. The judges first tried to win him with kindness. When that treatment did not work, they tried frightening him by describing the tortures he would go through. In the end, they did turn him over to the torturers.
When the suffering soldier was led back into prison, Angels came to comfort him. After he had been examined three times, he was finally condemned to death by fire. A beautiful church was later built to enshrine his ashes, and people began going to it in great crowds to pray to the martyr.
Neither fear nor beautiful promises should ever stop us from being faithful to God.
10/19/08
Sts. Varus and Cleopatra
Sts. Varus and Cleopatra – October 19th
Varus was an Egyptian soldier who brought food to seven holy monks who had been put in prison for their Faith. When one of them died, the fearless Christian soldier took his place in prison. St. Varus was cruelly tortured because he would not give up his belief in Christ, and finally he died a martyr.
A saintly Christian woman named Cleopatra secretly obtained the body of the soldier-martyr and hid it in a bundle of wool. In this manner she brought it out of Egypt and back to her home in Palestine. There many people came to visit the Saint’s tomb. Cleopatra had a son named John, and when he was about to go into the army, she decided to have a big church built to honor the relics of St. Varus. At the same time, she asked him to pray for her son.
When the beautiful church was ready, she and John brought the martyr’s remains to the new shrine. But that very night, John became sick and died! Poor mother! She had her dead son carried into the church and laid in front of the altar, sobbing as though her heart would break. She stayed there, begging God to bring her son back to life, until the next night. She even spoke angry words to St. Varus, whom she had honored so much before. At last, she was so tired out by her weeping that she fell fast asleep. And in a dream she saw St. Varus leading John by the hand. They both looked so gloriously happy that St. Cleopatra could not say a word.
“Have I forgotten all the love you showed me?” St. Varus said to her. “You asked for health and success for your son, and look! He is safe forevermore!” The good woman felt contented now. Then she was told to lay John’s body there in the church and to wait awhile until they came for her. She spent seven years in prayer and penance, until at last God called her to share the glory of St. Varus and her son.
Let us pray to these saints to make us brave and patient amid the troubles of life.
Varus was an Egyptian soldier who brought food to seven holy monks who had been put in prison for their Faith. When one of them died, the fearless Christian soldier took his place in prison. St. Varus was cruelly tortured because he would not give up his belief in Christ, and finally he died a martyr.
A saintly Christian woman named Cleopatra secretly obtained the body of the soldier-martyr and hid it in a bundle of wool. In this manner she brought it out of Egypt and back to her home in Palestine. There many people came to visit the Saint’s tomb. Cleopatra had a son named John, and when he was about to go into the army, she decided to have a big church built to honor the relics of St. Varus. At the same time, she asked him to pray for her son.
When the beautiful church was ready, she and John brought the martyr’s remains to the new shrine. But that very night, John became sick and died! Poor mother! She had her dead son carried into the church and laid in front of the altar, sobbing as though her heart would break. She stayed there, begging God to bring her son back to life, until the next night. She even spoke angry words to St. Varus, whom she had honored so much before. At last, she was so tired out by her weeping that she fell fast asleep. And in a dream she saw St. Varus leading John by the hand. They both looked so gloriously happy that St. Cleopatra could not say a word.
“Have I forgotten all the love you showed me?” St. Varus said to her. “You asked for health and success for your son, and look! He is safe forevermore!” The good woman felt contented now. Then she was told to lay John’s body there in the church and to wait awhile until they came for her. She spent seven years in prayer and penance, until at last God called her to share the glory of St. Varus and her son.
Let us pray to these saints to make us brave and patient amid the troubles of life.
10/13/08
St. Edward
St. Edward – October 13th
King St. Edward was one of the best loved of all the English Kings. Because of enemies in his own country, he had to live in Normandy from the age of ten until his fortieth year. However, when he came back to rule, all the people welcomed him with great joy.
St. Edward was a tall, well-built man, but he was never too healthy. Still he was able to rule his country well and keep peace most of the time because he trusted in God and held firm when necessary. He was a gentle, kind man who never spoke strongly, even to the meanest of persons. To poor people and foreigners, he showed special charity, and he helped monks in every way he could. It was his justice to everyone and his love for God’s Church that made St. Edward so popular with the English people. They would cheer him as he rode out hunting, which was his favorite sport. Yet they all knew that even if he was out for days at a time, he would always get to Mass every morning.
Although he was a King with great power, St. Edward showed his honesty by the way he kept his word-to God and to men. While he was still living in Normandy, he had made a promise to God that if his family would see better times, he would go on a pilgrimage to St. Peter’s tomb in Rome. After he was made King, he wanted to keep his vow. But the nobles knew that there would be no one to keep the peace among the war-like peoples in the land. So, although they admired his devotion, they did not want him to go. The whole matter was brought to the Pope, St. Leo IX, who decided that the King could stay home but was to give to the poor the money he would have spent on the trip. He also was to build or repair a monastery in honor of St. Peter. Obediently, St. Edward carried out the Pope’s decision and he was buried in the marvelous abbey he rebuilt.
For love of charity and peace, I will never say an unkind word to anyone. Like this holy king, I, too, will speak kindly with everyone.
King St. Edward was one of the best loved of all the English Kings. Because of enemies in his own country, he had to live in Normandy from the age of ten until his fortieth year. However, when he came back to rule, all the people welcomed him with great joy.
St. Edward was a tall, well-built man, but he was never too healthy. Still he was able to rule his country well and keep peace most of the time because he trusted in God and held firm when necessary. He was a gentle, kind man who never spoke strongly, even to the meanest of persons. To poor people and foreigners, he showed special charity, and he helped monks in every way he could. It was his justice to everyone and his love for God’s Church that made St. Edward so popular with the English people. They would cheer him as he rode out hunting, which was his favorite sport. Yet they all knew that even if he was out for days at a time, he would always get to Mass every morning.
Although he was a King with great power, St. Edward showed his honesty by the way he kept his word-to God and to men. While he was still living in Normandy, he had made a promise to God that if his family would see better times, he would go on a pilgrimage to St. Peter’s tomb in Rome. After he was made King, he wanted to keep his vow. But the nobles knew that there would be no one to keep the peace among the war-like peoples in the land. So, although they admired his devotion, they did not want him to go. The whole matter was brought to the Pope, St. Leo IX, who decided that the King could stay home but was to give to the poor the money he would have spent on the trip. He also was to build or repair a monastery in honor of St. Peter. Obediently, St. Edward carried out the Pope’s decision and he was buried in the marvelous abbey he rebuilt.
For love of charity and peace, I will never say an unkind word to anyone. Like this holy king, I, too, will speak kindly with everyone.
10/10/08
St. Francis Borgia
St. Francis Borgia - Patron of Portugal - October 10th
Francis was a young nobleman at the court of the King of Spain. He became a Duke when he was only thirty-three and lived a happy, peaceful life with his wife Eleanor and their eight children. But unlike so many other powerful nobles, Francis was a perfect Christian gentleman, a true man of God, and his great joy was to receive Holy Communion often.
This happy life ended when his beloved wife died. Just a few years later, Francis did something that astonished all the nobles of Spain: he gave up his dukedom to his son Charles and became a Jesuit priest. So many people came to his first Mass that they had to set up an altar out doors. But his superior tested him by treating him in exactly the opposite way he had been used to all his forty-one years of life. He who had once had been a duke had to help the cook, carrying wood for the fire and sweeping the kitchen. When he served the food to the priests and brothers, he had to kneel down in front of them all and beg them to forgive him for being so clumsy! Still he never once complained or grumbled. The only time he became angry was when anyone treated him with respect, as if he were still a duke.
Once a doctor who had to take care of a painful wound Francis had gotten said to him: “I am afraid, my lord, that I have to hurt your grace.” The Saint answered that he would not hurt him more than he was right then by calling him “my lord” and “your grace.”
It was not too long before the humble priest accomplished wonderful works for God’s glory as he preached everywhere and advised many important people. He spread the Society of Jesus all over Spain and in Portugal. When he was made Superior General of the Jesuits, he sent missionaries all over the world. Under his guidance, the Jesuits grew to be a very great help to the Church in many lands.
Through all such success, St. Francis Borgia remained completely humble.
How did this Spanish nobleman learn such humility, after so long being honored as a great man in the world? By reflecting often on the humiliations of Our Lord and strongly willing to imitate Him.
9/29/08
Blessed Charles of Blois
Blessed Charles of Blois – September 29th
Charles was a French prince who would have liked to be a Franciscan friar, but spent most of his life on the battlefield. He was a nephew of King Philip VI of France, and when he was seventeen, he married Joan of Brittany. But there was another man who claimed he should be Duke of Brittany, instead of Charles. That is how all the fighting began, and it lasted his whole life.
Blessed Charles hated wars, for he saw how much suffering they bring. Once he offered to settle the whole matter by fighting alone against his rival, but the wars went on. The holy prince did all he could to help the wounded after every battle and to take care of the poor people in the towns he conquered. Barefoot he made pilgrimages and he built religious houses where monks and nuns would pray for him and for the soldiers who were killed in battle. Once, he held up a big battle in order to go to Mass first. One of his officers was angry at that, but Blessed Charles answered, “We can always get towns and castles. If we lose them, God will help us get them back again. But we cannot afford to miss Mass.”
Even while in prison for nine years in London, Charles won the admiration of his jailers because of his calm patience and his spirit of prayer. When he was set free, he went back to fight for his land again, and was finally killed on the battlefield. So many miracles took place at his tomb that the people of Brittany began calling him a saint right away.
Do I easily find excuses to miss Mass? How do I assist at Mass? Let us often remember the example of this Saint, who even held up a big battle in order to go to Mass first.
Charles was a French prince who would have liked to be a Franciscan friar, but spent most of his life on the battlefield. He was a nephew of King Philip VI of France, and when he was seventeen, he married Joan of Brittany. But there was another man who claimed he should be Duke of Brittany, instead of Charles. That is how all the fighting began, and it lasted his whole life.
Blessed Charles hated wars, for he saw how much suffering they bring. Once he offered to settle the whole matter by fighting alone against his rival, but the wars went on. The holy prince did all he could to help the wounded after every battle and to take care of the poor people in the towns he conquered. Barefoot he made pilgrimages and he built religious houses where monks and nuns would pray for him and for the soldiers who were killed in battle. Once, he held up a big battle in order to go to Mass first. One of his officers was angry at that, but Blessed Charles answered, “We can always get towns and castles. If we lose them, God will help us get them back again. But we cannot afford to miss Mass.”
Even while in prison for nine years in London, Charles won the admiration of his jailers because of his calm patience and his spirit of prayer. When he was set free, he went back to fight for his land again, and was finally killed on the battlefield. So many miracles took place at his tomb that the people of Brittany began calling him a saint right away.
Do I easily find excuses to miss Mass? How do I assist at Mass? Let us often remember the example of this Saint, who even held up a big battle in order to go to Mass first.
9/28/08
St. Wenceslaus of Bohemia
St. Wenceslaus of Bohemia - Patron of Czechoslovakia - September 28th
As a boy, this prince was brought up by his saintly grandmother, Ludmila. When his father died, his mother took over the rule of Bohemia. She was an evil woman, who tried to destroy Christianity in the land. And she was jealous of the great love and respect her oldest son had for his holy grandmother, St. Ludmila. St. Wenceslaus was urged by his grandmother to take the throne away from his mother, to save the Christian Church in Bohemia. In great anger, Wenceslaus’ mother and her wicked friends had St. Ludmila killed. But the people were disgusted with the evil woman, and they made St. Wenceslaus their ruler.
Wenceslaus was a wise, kind ruler, who loved peace. Yet he was strong and just. He had a great devotion to Holy Mass. Once, because he stopped for Mass, he was the last prince to arrive at an important meeting of the German Emperor and other rulers. They were offended at being kept waiting, and decided to show it by not speaking to him when he arrived. But no sooner had Wenceslaus stepped into the hall than they all changed their minds and showed him great love and respect instead. They could not help but admire him for his great love of God.
St. Wenceslaus knew that his brother Boleslaus was jealous of his power. He had been warned that his life was in danger. Yet he accepted Boleslaus’ invitation to a banquet and treated his brother as kindly as ever. Early the next morning, he was on his way to Mass as usual when his brother came up to him and struck him. The two brothers struggled until wicked friends of Boleslaus ran up and killed Wenceslaus. His last words as he fell were, “Brother, may God forgive you!”
At once the people of Bohemia began to go in great crowds to the young prince’s grave, for they knew he was a Saint.
St. Wenceslaus was noted for his habit of prayer. Prayer gave him the strength he needed to perform his very difficult duties towards his country and to forgive his own brother.
As a boy, this prince was brought up by his saintly grandmother, Ludmila. When his father died, his mother took over the rule of Bohemia. She was an evil woman, who tried to destroy Christianity in the land. And she was jealous of the great love and respect her oldest son had for his holy grandmother, St. Ludmila. St. Wenceslaus was urged by his grandmother to take the throne away from his mother, to save the Christian Church in Bohemia. In great anger, Wenceslaus’ mother and her wicked friends had St. Ludmila killed. But the people were disgusted with the evil woman, and they made St. Wenceslaus their ruler.
Wenceslaus was a wise, kind ruler, who loved peace. Yet he was strong and just. He had a great devotion to Holy Mass. Once, because he stopped for Mass, he was the last prince to arrive at an important meeting of the German Emperor and other rulers. They were offended at being kept waiting, and decided to show it by not speaking to him when he arrived. But no sooner had Wenceslaus stepped into the hall than they all changed their minds and showed him great love and respect instead. They could not help but admire him for his great love of God.
St. Wenceslaus knew that his brother Boleslaus was jealous of his power. He had been warned that his life was in danger. Yet he accepted Boleslaus’ invitation to a banquet and treated his brother as kindly as ever. Early the next morning, he was on his way to Mass as usual when his brother came up to him and struck him. The two brothers struggled until wicked friends of Boleslaus ran up and killed Wenceslaus. His last words as he fell were, “Brother, may God forgive you!”
At once the people of Bohemia began to go in great crowds to the young prince’s grave, for they knew he was a Saint.
St. Wenceslaus was noted for his habit of prayer. Prayer gave him the strength he needed to perform his very difficult duties towards his country and to forgive his own brother.
9/16/08
St. Edith of Wilton
St. Edith of Wilton – September 16th
Edith was the daughter of the English King, Edgar. She was taken by her good mother to a convent, there to be brought up and educated. When she was not yet fifteen, her father the king, came to visit her. It was the day she was to become a professed as a nun, but he wanted to see is she really knew what she was doing. In front of the altar, therefore, he ordered rich gold and silver jewels to be laid down on a carpet. Nearby, Edith’s mother stood holding a nun’s veil and the book of psalms. The young girl had to make her choice while all present prayed to God to show her what life to choose. Yet no one was surprised when Edith chose religious life, for they knew how much she loved God.
St. Edith could have become the Abbess of any one of three convents, but she chose to stay in the convent where her holy mother was the Superior. There she served her sisters without any thought that she was a princess. When her father and brother died, the nobles wanted Edith to leave the convent and become their queen, but she again chose to keep living in humble work and obedience rather than wear a crown.
The Saint died a joyful death when she was only twenty-two.
Let us say this little prayer, “Dear Lord, I offer myself to You. Do with me what You wish.”
Edith was the daughter of the English King, Edgar. She was taken by her good mother to a convent, there to be brought up and educated. When she was not yet fifteen, her father the king, came to visit her. It was the day she was to become a professed as a nun, but he wanted to see is she really knew what she was doing. In front of the altar, therefore, he ordered rich gold and silver jewels to be laid down on a carpet. Nearby, Edith’s mother stood holding a nun’s veil and the book of psalms. The young girl had to make her choice while all present prayed to God to show her what life to choose. Yet no one was surprised when Edith chose religious life, for they knew how much she loved God.
St. Edith could have become the Abbess of any one of three convents, but she chose to stay in the convent where her holy mother was the Superior. There she served her sisters without any thought that she was a princess. When her father and brother died, the nobles wanted Edith to leave the convent and become their queen, but she again chose to keep living in humble work and obedience rather than wear a crown.
The Saint died a joyful death when she was only twenty-two.
Let us say this little prayer, “Dear Lord, I offer myself to You. Do with me what You wish.”
9/11/08
Blessed Louis of Thuringia
Blessed Louis of Thuringia – September 11th
This German prince married St. Elizabeth of Hungary when he was twenty-one and she was just fourteen. The marriage had been arranged for them by their parents, as was the custom in those days. But they both loved God, and He gave them a great love for each other. So it was that they were very happy together, and their joy increased when God sent them three children. The youngest child of these holy rulers is Blessed Gertrude.
Louis helped his wife in her many works of charity to the poor, and joined her in devout prayer. Time after time, the people saw their handsome prince and his lovely wife helping the poor. But once, Elizabeth went so far as to bring a leper into their castle and nursed him in their bed! For a moment, when Louis saw that, he was angry. Then, suddenly, instead of the leper, he saw our crucified Lord lying there! After that proof of how much Jesus appreciated Elizabeth’s charity, Louis had a hospital for lepers built.
One long, bitter cold winter, Louis had to be away from his land and when he returned, Elizabeth’s joy overflowed. After she had lovingly kissed him, Louis asked how the people had gotten through the hard winter. “I gave to God what was His,” answered his holy wife, “and God had kept for us what was ours.”
The next year, Louis left on a Crusade to free the Holy Land from the Moslems. But on the way, he caught malaria, and soon was dying.
Because he had always lived in close union with Our Lord, the brave ruler felt no fear of death. He died in great peace, after receiving the Last Sacraments. And he also had a beautiful vision of white doves coming to bring his soul to Heaven.
Today I will look for every occasion I can find to do something good to my family, friends and neighbors.
This German prince married St. Elizabeth of Hungary when he was twenty-one and she was just fourteen. The marriage had been arranged for them by their parents, as was the custom in those days. But they both loved God, and He gave them a great love for each other. So it was that they were very happy together, and their joy increased when God sent them three children. The youngest child of these holy rulers is Blessed Gertrude.
Louis helped his wife in her many works of charity to the poor, and joined her in devout prayer. Time after time, the people saw their handsome prince and his lovely wife helping the poor. But once, Elizabeth went so far as to bring a leper into their castle and nursed him in their bed! For a moment, when Louis saw that, he was angry. Then, suddenly, instead of the leper, he saw our crucified Lord lying there! After that proof of how much Jesus appreciated Elizabeth’s charity, Louis had a hospital for lepers built.
One long, bitter cold winter, Louis had to be away from his land and when he returned, Elizabeth’s joy overflowed. After she had lovingly kissed him, Louis asked how the people had gotten through the hard winter. “I gave to God what was His,” answered his holy wife, “and God had kept for us what was ours.”
The next year, Louis left on a Crusade to free the Holy Land from the Moslems. But on the way, he caught malaria, and soon was dying.
Because he had always lived in close union with Our Lord, the brave ruler felt no fear of death. He died in great peace, after receiving the Last Sacraments. And he also had a beautiful vision of white doves coming to bring his soul to Heaven.
Today I will look for every occasion I can find to do something good to my family, friends and neighbors.
9/6/08
St. Alexander
St. Alexander – September 6th
Alexander was born in Egypt and became a soldier in the famous Theban Legion of the Roman army. The emperor had great confidence in these faithful warriors whose very appearance struck fear into the hearts of enemies. Alexander was a high officer, in charge of the four hundred men who were the first to charge in every battle.
When the Emperor called the Theban Legion to Rome before sending them to Gaul, they venerated the tombs of the martyrs, for they were all Christians. Then they received Confirmation from the Pope and left to fight. But at a certain point on the march, the command was given to worship the pagan gods. The whole Legion protested that although they were loyal soldiers of the Emperor, they were servants of the true God first of all. When they absolutely refused to offer sacrifice, they were all put to death. Alexander and a few others, however were saved by God, and escaped.
Several times Alexander was caught, put in prison and then managed to escape. His courage in refusing to adore the false gods and even breaking these idols was amazing. At last, he reached the city Bergamo in Italy and worked without stopping until he made it a Christian city. He preached so beautifully that the people cried: “We reject the false gods and want to serve the everlasting God whom Alexander adores!”
Before he was put to death as a martyr, the Saint could say: “My Lord Jesus, You told me to conquer this city for You and I did. Now my work is over. I am coming to You to receive the crown of justice.”
Thinking over the great sacrifices that these holy soldiers made for love of God, today I will offer at least a little mortification.
Alexander was born in Egypt and became a soldier in the famous Theban Legion of the Roman army. The emperor had great confidence in these faithful warriors whose very appearance struck fear into the hearts of enemies. Alexander was a high officer, in charge of the four hundred men who were the first to charge in every battle.
When the Emperor called the Theban Legion to Rome before sending them to Gaul, they venerated the tombs of the martyrs, for they were all Christians. Then they received Confirmation from the Pope and left to fight. But at a certain point on the march, the command was given to worship the pagan gods. The whole Legion protested that although they were loyal soldiers of the Emperor, they were servants of the true God first of all. When they absolutely refused to offer sacrifice, they were all put to death. Alexander and a few others, however were saved by God, and escaped.
Several times Alexander was caught, put in prison and then managed to escape. His courage in refusing to adore the false gods and even breaking these idols was amazing. At last, he reached the city Bergamo in Italy and worked without stopping until he made it a Christian city. He preached so beautifully that the people cried: “We reject the false gods and want to serve the everlasting God whom Alexander adores!”
Before he was put to death as a martyr, the Saint could say: “My Lord Jesus, You told me to conquer this city for You and I did. Now my work is over. I am coming to You to receive the crown of justice.”
Thinking over the great sacrifices that these holy soldiers made for love of God, today I will offer at least a little mortification.
9/2/08
St. Stephen of Hungary
St. Stephen of Hungary - Patron of Hungary - September 2nd
This Saint’s name was Vaik, but when he became a Christian at the age of ten, he was given the name of Stephen. At the same time, his father, the Duke of Hungary, and many nobles also became Christians. However, when Stephen himself became King, the country was still quite pagan and the people violent and fierce. So he set himself to establish the Church solidly in Hungary, and he was very successful.
The secret of St. Stephen’s amazing success in making his people Christian was his great devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. He placed his whole kingdom under her protection and built a magnificent church in her honor.
Stephen was a strong, fearless ruler who punished criminals and made his laws obeyed, but he was also very gentle and kind to the poor, very humble, and anxious to avoid wars as much as he could. He loved to give gifts of money to beggars without letting them know who he was.
Once, however, while he was giving these gifts in disguise, a crowd of rough beggars knocked him down, struck him, pulled his hair and his bread, and stole his purse. St. Stephen took this insult humbly and even happily. Turning his thoughts to the Blessed Mother, he said: “See, Queen of Heaven, how your soldiers have treated him whom you made King. If they were enemies of the Faith, I would know what to do with them. But since they are your Son’s subjects, I will take this joyfully and thank you for it.” In fact, the holy King made a resolution then and there to give more than ever to the beggars.
I, too, will make a resolution now: always forgive injuries, and even repay with acts of kindness those who offend me.
8/25/08
St. Louis of France
St. Louis of France - Patron of Thrid Order Members and of Barbers - August 25th
When this Prince was still small, his good mother, Queen Blanche, hugged him tightly and told him, “I love you, my dear son, as much as a mother can love her child, but I would rather see you dead at my feet than ever have you commit a mortal sin.” Louis never forgot those words so often repeated by his mother and he became one of the holiest rulers the world has ever known.
Once he asked a good friend which he would prefer, to be a leper or to have committed a mortal sin. The man said, “I would rather commit thirty sins than be a leper!” King Louis replied sadly, “This is a wild, foolish answer. When a man dies, all his sicknesses end, but mortal sin is a terrible disease which does not end with death. If you love me, I beg you to choose any suffering rather than give in to mortal sin!”
Busy as he was, the King found time for two daily Masses and for several hours of prayer.
An enemy of all injustice, of all impure entertainments and swearing, St. Louis ruled his people with such wisdom, charity and fairness that even foreign kings asked him to settle their disagreements. To his wife and eleven children he was a good husband and father, and as long as his mother lived, he showed her every respect.
St. Louis was a Crusader, too, who twice led an army against the Turks to protect the Christians in the Holy Land. The first time, he was taken prisoner, but even in jail, he behaved as a true Christian knight, unafraid and noble in all his ways. He was freed and returned to take care of his kingdom in France, yet as soon as he could, he started back to fight the enemies of Faith again. On the way, however, this greatly-loved King fell sick and died. A few hours before he breathed his last, he prayed, “Lord, I will enter into Your house, worship in Your holy temple, and give glory to your name.”
I will think of the many prayers of King St. Louis, and I will promise to offer Our Lord every morning my whole day.
When this Prince was still small, his good mother, Queen Blanche, hugged him tightly and told him, “I love you, my dear son, as much as a mother can love her child, but I would rather see you dead at my feet than ever have you commit a mortal sin.” Louis never forgot those words so often repeated by his mother and he became one of the holiest rulers the world has ever known.
Once he asked a good friend which he would prefer, to be a leper or to have committed a mortal sin. The man said, “I would rather commit thirty sins than be a leper!” King Louis replied sadly, “This is a wild, foolish answer. When a man dies, all his sicknesses end, but mortal sin is a terrible disease which does not end with death. If you love me, I beg you to choose any suffering rather than give in to mortal sin!”
Busy as he was, the King found time for two daily Masses and for several hours of prayer.
An enemy of all injustice, of all impure entertainments and swearing, St. Louis ruled his people with such wisdom, charity and fairness that even foreign kings asked him to settle their disagreements. To his wife and eleven children he was a good husband and father, and as long as his mother lived, he showed her every respect.
St. Louis was a Crusader, too, who twice led an army against the Turks to protect the Christians in the Holy Land. The first time, he was taken prisoner, but even in jail, he behaved as a true Christian knight, unafraid and noble in all his ways. He was freed and returned to take care of his kingdom in France, yet as soon as he could, he started back to fight the enemies of Faith again. On the way, however, this greatly-loved King fell sick and died. A few hours before he breathed his last, he prayed, “Lord, I will enter into Your house, worship in Your holy temple, and give glory to your name.”
I will think of the many prayers of King St. Louis, and I will promise to offer Our Lord every morning my whole day.
8/18/08
St. Helena
St. Helena - August 18th
This Saint was the mother of the great Roman Emperor Constantine. She was about sixty-three years old when she became a Christian, but she began at once to make up for the time she had lost as a pagan. While her convert son labored to make the Catholic Church glorious with his gifts of buildings and his laws, Helena gave such wonderful examples of piety, humility and charity that she made all who saw her love the Christian Faith more.
When she was eighty years old, St. Helena traveled to Jerusalem to take charge in building a marvelous church on Mt. Calvary and to try to find the true cross on which Jesus had died. On the trip she gave away great sums of money to cities, to prisoners, to soldiers, to widows, to all kinds of people. Although she was Empress of the great Roman Empire, she had such respect for Sisters that she would visit their convents to serve them and wait on them with her own hands.
On Mt. Calvary, while the foundations for the church were being dug, the sacred cross was discovered. What joy this discovery brought to St. Helena, who devoutly venerated it! The Saint spent her last days in Jerusalem praying in the churches and decorating them beautifully to the honor of God. When she died, her holy remains were brought back to Rome.
I will be proud to make the Sign of the Cross in public and to proclaim myself a follower of Jesus Christ.
8/13/08
St. Radegund
St. Radegund - August 13th
This German princess was taken prisoner when she was only twelve years old by the French King Clotaire. She grew up to be such a charming young women that the King married her. As Queen, she loved to take care of the sick and poor captives. She began a hospital for lepers and tenderly waited on them herself. A friend who saw her kiss the lepers’ sores scolded her, saying, “No one will dare kiss you after this!” St. Radegund was not the least worried about that. “If you don’t want to kiss me,” she answered, “I really do not mind a bit!”
King Clotaire caused his good wife much suffering before he finally let her live for God alone. At first he loved her, but all too soon, he began to speak to her in a mean, scornful way, and to give his attentions to other women. Finally, he even murdered St. Radegund’s beloved brother, and it was then that she left the court. The bishop St. Medard was a bit afraid to give her the veil of a nun when she asked for it, because he knew what a violent man the King was. But St. Radegund would not take no for an answer. “If you will not consecrate me, you fear man more than God,” she said, and at that, St. Medard gave in. King Clotaire once asked St. Radegund to forgive him and pray for him, but his repentance did not last long. He took many wives and committed terrible murders before he died. However, he did leave the Saint in peace and even helped support her convent.
St. Radegund and her nuns not only prayed and did penance but they also spent time studying every day and they worked for peace between rulers. When the Saint died, St. Gregory of Tours wrote: “We went to the convent and found her lying in her coffin, her face shinning with a brightness greater than the beauty of lilies and roses.”
Let us learn from the example of this saint to do our Christian duty all the time, without worrying about what people may say.
This German princess was taken prisoner when she was only twelve years old by the French King Clotaire. She grew up to be such a charming young women that the King married her. As Queen, she loved to take care of the sick and poor captives. She began a hospital for lepers and tenderly waited on them herself. A friend who saw her kiss the lepers’ sores scolded her, saying, “No one will dare kiss you after this!” St. Radegund was not the least worried about that. “If you don’t want to kiss me,” she answered, “I really do not mind a bit!”
King Clotaire caused his good wife much suffering before he finally let her live for God alone. At first he loved her, but all too soon, he began to speak to her in a mean, scornful way, and to give his attentions to other women. Finally, he even murdered St. Radegund’s beloved brother, and it was then that she left the court. The bishop St. Medard was a bit afraid to give her the veil of a nun when she asked for it, because he knew what a violent man the King was. But St. Radegund would not take no for an answer. “If you will not consecrate me, you fear man more than God,” she said, and at that, St. Medard gave in. King Clotaire once asked St. Radegund to forgive him and pray for him, but his repentance did not last long. He took many wives and committed terrible murders before he died. However, he did leave the Saint in peace and even helped support her convent.
St. Radegund and her nuns not only prayed and did penance but they also spent time studying every day and they worked for peace between rulers. When the Saint died, St. Gregory of Tours wrote: “We went to the convent and found her lying in her coffin, her face shinning with a brightness greater than the beauty of lilies and roses.”
Let us learn from the example of this saint to do our Christian duty all the time, without worrying about what people may say.
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