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. 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.

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. 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. 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

St. Albert the Great

St. Albert the Great - Patron of Scientists - November 15th

This Saint was born in a castle on the Danube River in Swabia. He went to the University of Padua and there he decided to become a Dominican. His uncle tried to persuade him not to enter, but Albert entered anyway, as God wanted. His father, the Count of Bollstadt, was very angry, and it was thought that might make Albert come out. The young monk was moved to another monastery, however, and his father did not pursue him.

St. Albert loved to study. He especially was interested in natural sciences-physics, geography, biology, and so forth-and of course in the study of religion and the Holy Bible. He used to go out to watch the ways of animals and write down what he saw, just as scientists do today. He wrote a great number of books on these subjects, as also on philosophy, and was a very popular teacher in different schools.

One of St. Albert’s pupils was the great St. Thomas Aquinas, and when Thomas died, St. Albert learned of it directly from God. He had guided St. Thomas in beginning his great works in Philosophy and Theology and he defended his teachings after Thomas died.

As he grew older, St. Albert grew more holy. Before, he had expressed his deep thoughts in his writings. Now he expressed them in tears, in his whole way of living for God.

Two years before his death, St. Albert’s memory failed him and his end came very peacefully while he was sitting in his chair with his fellow Dominicans. St. Albert is the Patron Saint of students and natural sciences.

I will try to force myself to study well, especially my religious subjects.

St. Andrew Avellino

St. Andrew Avellino – November 10th

This Italian priest was a skillful lawyer before he decided to devote himself only to the care of souls. One day he was defending a friend of his in court and he caught himself telling a lie. That evening, as he was reading the Holy Bible, he came upon these words: “The lying mouth kills the soul.” The more the Saint thought about these words, the more he realized that he had not given enough thought to the things of God.

At the age of thirty-five, he joined a Congregation of priests called Theatines. He worked so hard for souls that he soon became Novice Master and then Superior. St. Charles Borromeo had such a high opinion of him that he asked for him at Milan. In the city of Piacenza he converted many noble ladies and inspired many to become Brides of Christ. It is said that St. Andrew “turned the city upside down.”

The Saint lived until he was eighty-nine, even though he suffered terrible pains for fifty years and always found it hard to walk. Yet he had never taken a carriage or slowed down in his work for God. On the last day of his life, he got up as usual to say Mass. He was so weak that he could hardly reach the altar, but he tried anyway. Just as he started Mass, he fell ill for the last time. That afternoon he died peacefully with his brethren all around him.

This saint told one lie, and after he read the Bible, he was very sorry and did much penance. I too will think over the words of the Bible, “The lying mouth kills the soul,” and will try very hard never to tell any lies.

St. Alphonsus Rodriguez

St. Alphonsus Rodriguez – October 30th

This Spanish Saint took over the family business of buying and selling wool when he was twenty-three. Three years later, he got married and God sent him and his wife Mary two children. But many sufferings now came to Alphonsus. Business began to be bad, his little daughter died and then his wife. Now this business man began to think of what God might have in mind for him. He had always been a devout Christian, but from then on, he prayed, did penance, and went to the Sacraments more than he had ever done.

When he was nearly forty, Alphonsus’ son died, too, and despite his great sorrow, he thanked God for having taken the boy out of the danger of sinning. Alphonsus soon asked to be admitted into the Society of Jesus, but he was told he must study first. So he went back to school, this man of forty, with little boys who made fun of him. He had to beg for his food, for he had given his money to the poor. At last, he was accepted as a lay-brother and was made door-keeper at a Jesuit college.

“That brother is not a man-he is an angel!” his Superior said of him years later. Priests who knew him for forty years never heard him say or do anything which could be criticized. His kindness and obedience were known to all. Once, all the chairs in the house, even the ones from the bedrooms, had been used for a forty hours devotion. By mistake, his was not returned until the following year. Yet, because of his humility, Alphonsus had never mentioned the fact to anyone. When he was over seventy and sick, the Superior tested his obedience by saying: “You are to go to the missions of the Indies.” St. Alphonsus went straight out to the college gate to go find out when the next ship was sailing-only to be told to go back to his Superior!

During his long life, the Saint had to conquer very strong temptations, besides physical pains. Even as he lay dying, he spent a half hour in terrible agony. Then, just before he died, he was filled with peace and joy. He kissed his crucifix, looked lovingly at his brothers, and died with the name of Jesus on his lips.

Saints became saints because they were humble. Jesus said that to enter Heaven we must become humble. Today I will imitate this saint by taking the last place and doing humble work cheerfully.

St. Allucio

St. Allucio – October 23rd

This Italian Saint was a simple shepherd and herdsman who took great interest in an almshouse nearby. An almshouse was a “poor house” for those who could not support themselves. Allucio’s kind heart was moved to pity for these poor people and he did everything he could to help them. This was his way of showing his love for God.

Although he was just a shepherd, the Saint was put in charge of the almshouse, because the officials knew how much good he would do there. And they were not disappointed either. St. Allucio made so many improvements that it almost seemed a new place entirely. Next, the Saint noticed how badly some shelters were needed at places where people had to cross rivers, and at mountain passes. He saw to it that many were built and he put generous young men to run them for the benefit of all travelers. Later these good men were called Brothers of St. Allucio.

It seemed as if the Saint felt he could never do enough to make the world a better place to live in. He took care of still more projects such as building a bridge over a big river. He made peace, too, between two cities about to fight each other.

St. Allucio might have tended to his sheep and let other people face their own problems. But those who love God never do that. He made other peoples’ troubles his own and in this way, he grew very dear to God.

I will be ready when I see a need. I will help, even at the cost of sacrifice.

St. Januarius and His Companions

St. Januarius and His Companions – September 19

St. Januarius, bishop of Benevento, was beheaded at Pozzuoli near Naples at the beginning of the 4th century. Among his companions in martyrdom the Roman martyrology names Socius, Proculus, Eutychius and Acutius. The fame of St. Januarius rests chiefly on the miracle of the liquefaction of his blood, which still occurs in the cathedral of Naples. The dry blood, coagulated in a dark lump, is kept in a glass phial; when this is placed near the martyr’s head, the blood becomes liquid, increasing in weight and volume, and takes on the bright red colour of fresh blood, while its surface bubbles so that it is said to boil. This phenomenon takes place three times a year: during nine days festival beginning on the first Sunday of May; during the octave of his feast from September 19 to 26; and on December 16.

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.

St. Aidan

St. Aidan – August 31st

Aidan was an Irish monk who lived at the great monastery of Iona, which St. Columba had founded. One day the King of the northern part of England, St. Oswald, asked for the missionaries to preach to his pagan people. The first one to go soon came back complaining that the English were rude, stubborn and wild. “It seems to me,” said St. Aidan, “that you have been too harsh with those people.” He then explained that, as St. Paul says, first easy teachings are to be given, and then when the people have grown stronger on the word of God, they can start to do the more perfect things of God’s holy law.

When the monks heard such wise words, they turned to Aidan and said that he should be the one to go to Northern England to preach the Gospel. The humble, devout monk was well received by King St. Oswald, who used to translate Aidan’s sermons until the Saint learned English better. St. Aidan traveled all over, always on foot, preaching and helping the people. He did so much good and was so loved by the people that after thirty years, any monk or priest who came into a village was greeted with great joy by all the villagers.

On the Island of Lindisfarne, St. Aidan built a great monastery, from which so many Saints were to come that Lindisfarne became known as the Holy Island. Little by little the influence of these zealous missionaries changed Northern England into a civilized Christian land.

The secret to be friendly with everyone is to be kind to all.

St. Augustine

St. Augustine - Patron of Theologians, Printers and Brewers - August 28th

This famous son of St. Monica was born in Africa and spent many years of his life in wicked living and false beliefs. Though he was one of the most intelligent men who ever lived and though he had been brought up a Christian, his sins of impurity and his pride darkened his mind so much that he could not see or understand the divine truth any more.

Through the prayers of his holy mother and the marvelous preaching of St. Ambrose, Augustine finally became convinced that Christianity was the one true religion. Yet he did not become a Christian then, because he thought he could never live a pure life. One day, however, he heard about two men who had suddenly been converted on reading the life of St. Antony, and he felt terribly ashamed of himself. “What are we doing?” he cried to his friend Alipius. “Unlearned people are taking Heaven by force, while we, with all our knowledge, are so cowardly that we keep rolling around in the mud of our sins!”

Full of bitter sorrow, Augustine flung himself out into the garden and cried out to God, “How long more, O Lord? Why does not this hour put an end to my sins?” Just then he heard a child singing, “Take up and read!” Thinking that God intended him to hear those words, he picked up the book of the Letters of St. Paul, and read the first passage his gaze fell on. It was just what Augustine needed for in it St. Paul says to put away all impurity and to live in imitation of Jesus. That did it! From then on, Augustine began a new life.

He was baptized, became a priest, a bishop, a famous Catholic writer, Founder of religious priests, and one of the greatest Saints that ever lived. He became very devout and charitable, too. On the wall of his room he had the following sentence written in large letters: “Here we do not speak evil of anyone.” St. Augustine overcame strong heresies, practiced great poverty and supported the poor, preached very often, and prayed with great fervor right up until his death. “Too late have I loved You!” he once cried to God, but with his holy life he certainly made up for the sins he committed before his conversion.

Thinking over the lives of the Saints, we should tell ourselves, “Can you not do what these men and women did?” Certainly we can, if we pray and strengthen our will.

St. Athanasia

St. Athanasia - August 14th

St. Athanasia was born on an island near Greece. She married a young army officer, but only sixteen days after the wedding, her husband was killed in a battle. After this, the young widow realized more than ever how quickly everything on earth passes. She began to want God alone, yet because her parents desired it, Athanasia married again. Together she and her good husband helped the poor and the sick.

On Sundays, the Saint used to gather her neighbors in her house and read them a piece from the Holy Bible. Afterwards she would explain it to them in her own words. She wanted everyone to share her love for God’s word.

When Athanasia’s husband left with her permission to become a monk, she changed her house into a convent and became Abbess of the nuns who joined her. For a while they stayed there in the middle of that noisy town and practiced very great penance. Then a wise Abbot advised them to move to a quieter spot. There, so many women joined them that they had to add on to their buildings. And St. Athanasia became so well known that the Empress Theodora called her to court to be her adviser. Then Saint fell sick very shortly after she went back to her convent, but she kept working and praying as usual, until at last she gave her nuns her blessing and died.

Let us love the virtue of purity and the things of God. These will give us true happiness, not the passing joys of this world….

St. Alexander the Coalman

St. Alexander the Coalman - August 11th

When the city of Comana in Asia Minor had so many Christians that a bishop was needed, St. Gregory the Wonder-Worker came to take charge of choosing one. Many different men were suggested to him, especially one very important and wealthy, but St. Gregory did not choose any of these.

"The Apostles were poor, ordinary men," he said. At that, someone asked sarcastically, "Very well, then. Why don't you pick Alexander the Charcoal-burner?" St. Gregory did not forget those words, even though they had been said so scornfully. He sent Alexander, and the coal trader came all covered with dirt and dressed in rags. His appearance did not fool the Saint for he realized that Alexander was really a wise man. he took him aside and asked him who he actually was. Alexander told him that he had been a noble, educated man who had given away everything he owned so that he could be poor like Christ.

All the people were amazed when St. Gregory chose Alexander to be bishop. But when they learned what kind of wise, holy man Alexander really was, they were very happy to have him for their bishop.

St. Alexander made a fine teacher of the faith and leader of his people. St. Gregory of Nyssa praised him as a great bishop. When persecution came, Alexander gave his life for the faith. He was put to death by fire. So it was that the poor coalman won fame as a Saint and a martyr.

Jesus taught us: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." One is poor in spirit when he is not too eager for money for a comfortable life, but works hard, is honest and satisfied with his condition in life. This good person will have a rich place in Heaven.

St. Alphonsus de Liguori

St. Alphonsus de Liguori - August 2nd

Alphonsus was born in Italy and did so well in his studies that when he was still a teen-ager, he was given his degree in law and became a famous lawyer. He enjoyed going to stage shows for a while, but only for the music. To make sure he would not sin, he used to take off his glasses as soon as the show began. Since he was near-sighted, he could see nothing of the bad shows and just enjoyed the music!

A mistake he made in court convinced Alphonsus of what he had already thought-he should give up his law practice and become a priest. His father tried to persuade him not to do it, but Alphonsus laid his sword on our Lady’s alter to show that he was giving up the world for God. His life as a priest was full of activity. He preached, he wrote many books, he started his congregation of priests called Redemptorists, he guided souls, he wrote hymns and even found time to paint pictures.

St. Alphonsus took a vow never to waste time and he kept it until he died, at the age of ninety-one. That is how he was able to write about sixty books, although he was always busy and often very sick. Sometimes his head ached so badly that he would hold a piece of cold marble against it and keep on writing.

Although he was naturally inclined to act quickly from anger to pride, St. Alphonsus kept strict control over himself and acted only and always for God. He had become so humble that when the Pope made him bishop, he handed the announcement back to the messengers who had brought it, saying, “Please do not come back again to call me ‘Most Illustrious Lord.’ That would kill me!” But the Pope would not take “no” for an answer and made him a bishop. St. Alphonsus sent many preachers all over his diocese, which was in a bad condition, and he told them to give simple sermons. “I never preached a sermon that the simplest old women in the church could not understand,” he said.

When he was very old, crippled, deaf, and almost blind, the Saint had to suffer terrible disappointments and temptations. But he had great devotion to the Blessed Mother, as we know from his famous book called the Glories of Mary, and the trial were followed by great peace, joy and a holy death.

Let us increase our devotion to the Blessed Mother. St. Alphonsus write, “Whoever has devotion to Mary will save his soul; whoever has a great devotion to Mary will become a saint.”

Some good books of and by St. Alphonsus de Liguori:

St. Alphonsus Liguori

By: Rev. D. F.Miller & Rev. L. X. Aubin - https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/page/shop:flypage_gr/product_id/275/

Uniformity with God's Will

By: St. Alphonsus Liguori

https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/page/shop:flypage_gr/product_id/113/

The Way of the Cross - Liguori

By: St. Alphonsus Liguori

https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/page/shop:flypage_gr/product_id/267/

St. Anne

St. Anne - Patroness of Canada, of Cabinet-Makers and of Housewives - July 26th

St. Anne is the grandmother of Our Lord and the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She and her husband, St. Joachim, had spent their lives in worshipping God and doing good, but they had one great sorrow: God had not sent them any children. For years and years, Anne begged the Lord to give her a child, and she promised to consecrate it to Him if He would. When she was already old, God answered her prayer in a far better way than she could ever have dreamed.

For the child born to St. Anne was the Immaculate Virgin Mary, the holiest of all women, the one who was to become the Mother of God. Anne took tender care of little Mary for a few years and then gave her to the service of God, as she had promised she would.

After Mary had gone to live in the holy Temple at Jerusalem, St. Anne continued her life of prayer until God called her to Heaven. Knowing what a great Saint she is, Christians have always been devoted to St. Anne, and have built beautiful churches in her honor. Perhaps one of the most famous is the shrine of St. Anne de Beaupre in Canada, where great crowds go to ask her help in their sufferings.

St. Anne is a great saint because even though it cost her great pain, she gave Mary to God. If you feel the divine call, pray to St. Anne. She will help you to follow it, despite many difficulties.

St. Alexis

St. Alexis - Patron of Pilgrims and Beggars - July 17th

Alexis was the only son of a rich Roman senator. From his good Christian parents, he learned great charity for the poor and it made him very happy to give help to beggars. Alexis wanted to give up his wealth and honors but his parents had chosen a rich bride for him. Because it was their will, he married her. Yet right on his wedding day, he obtained her permission to leave her for God. Then, in disguise, he traveled to Syria in the East and lived in great poverty near a church of Our Lady.

One day, after seventeen years, a picture of our Blessed Mother spoke to tell the people that this beggar was very holy. She called him “the man of God.” Alexis became famous, and that was the last thing he wanted, so he fled back to Rome. He came as a beggar to his own home. His parents did not recognize him, but they were very kind to all poor people and so they let him stay there. In a corner under the stairs, Alexis lived for seventeen years. He used to go out only to pray in church and to teach little children about God. The servants were often very mean to him, and though he could have ended all these sufferings just by telling his father who he was, he chose to say nothing. What great courage and strength of will that took!

After Alexis died, his family found a note on his body which told them who he was and how he had lived his life of penance, from the day of his wedding until then, for the love of God.

If God asks you to leave your dear ones for Him, generously obey the call of our heavenly Father.

St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria

St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria - July 5th

Anthony was born in Italy. While he was still young, his father died, but his good mother raised his carefully. She encouraged him in the special love he felt for the sufferings of poor people, and sent him to the University of Padua to become a doctor. Anthony was only twenty-two when he graduated.

The young doctor was very successful, yet he did not feel satisfied with his work. He wanted to become a priest. He began to study theology while still continuing to care for the sick, to comfort and inspire the dying. He used all his spare moments to read and meditate on the Epistles of St. Paul. He had read the life of the great Apostle many time, and had given much thought to his virtues. Now he was burning with a strong desire to become a saint and to save souls.

So, after he was ordained a priest, St. Anthony Mary moved to the great city of Milan, to be able to help many more people. He also founded a Congregation of priests under the protection of St. Paul. In imitation of the Apostle, he and his priests preached everywhere, in churches or streets. They repeated the words and sentences of the Letters of St. Paul, explaining them with easy words, and their sermons were very successful.

Later, St. Anthony directed the founding of a Congregation for women devoted to saving girls from lives of sin. The Saint had a great love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and it was he who began the holy practice of the Forty Hours Devotion.

St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria used to say, “I have never asked St. Paul for a grace without having received it.” In imitation of him, let us ask St. Paul for the grace we need the most.

St. Audrey (or Etheldreda)

St. Audrey (or Etheldreda) - June 23rd

St. Audrey was born in England. Her three sisters are also saints. She wanted to be a bride of Christ, but her parents wanted her to marry. Although she gave in to their wishes, she and her husband lived together as brother and sister. Three years later, he died, and Audrey went to live a quiet life of prayer on the island he had given her.

After five years, the saint’s relatives demanded that she marry again, and once more, Audrey gave in. Her second husband was young, and they, too, lived as brother and sister. Audrey spent all her time doing works of mercy. However, when her husband became older and was a powerful king, he wanted her to live as a wife and a queen. She replied that she belonged only to God. He tired hard to make her change her mind, but in the end, he let her become a nun.

Back on her own island, St. Audrey founded a convent and was a very holy superior. Instead of wearing the linen clothes worn by other noble women, she chose rough wool robes for herself. She slept only a few hours and prayed the rest of the night. St. Audrey died at the exact time she said she would, and her body was put into a plain wooden coffin, as she had wanted.

Let us admire this Saint who could have enjoyed all the pleasures of the world and instead gave them all up to make sure she would gain the pleasures of Heaven.