St. Edmund Campion – December 1st
Edmund was a very popular young English student. He was a great speaker and was chosen to deliver a welcoming speech to Queen Elizabeth herself when she visited his college. A group of his fellow students were so attracted by his happy nature and his many talents that they made him their leader. Even the Queen and her chief ministers were fond of this attractive young man.
But Edmund was troubled about his religion. Although he had agreed to become a minister, he kept thinking that the Catholic Church might be the only true Church. He did not hide his feelings, and so the government, which was persecuting Catholics, became very suspicious of him. Edmund knew that he would lose the Queen’s favor and all his chances for a great career if he chose to become a Catholic, but he became a convert anyway.
After he had escaped from England, Edmund studied to become a priest. He entered the Society of Jesus and taught in the college at Prague. When the Holy Father decided to send some Jesuits to England, Father Edmund was one of the first to go. The night before he left, one of his fellow priests felt urged to write over his doorway: “Father Edmund Campion, Martyr.”
Although he knew what danger faced him, the holy priest set out cheerfully. In fact, he had many a laugh because of his disguise as a jewel merchant.
In England, he preached with great success to the poor Catholics who had to meet in secret. Spies of the Queen’s men were everywhere trying to catch him, and he wrote: “I won’t escape their hands much longer. Sometimes I read letters that say ‘Campion has been caught’!”
It was a traitor who finally brought about the Jesuit’s capture. Edmund was visited in jail by the mighty Lords who had been so fond of him, and even perhaps by Queen Elizabeth. But none of their threats or promises could make him give up the Catholic Faith. Nor could tortures break him. And in spite of all his sufferings, he still defended himself and his fellow priests in such a marvelous manner that no one could answer him. Yet the enemies of the Church condemned him anyway.
Before he was put to death, St. Edmund forgave the man who had betrayed him and even helped to save his life.
Like this saint I will be sincere in living up to my faith. After all, I do not want to harm my soul just to please other people…
Showing posts with label Saints-E. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Saints-E. Show all posts
12/1/08
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.
10/26/08
St. Evaristus
St. Evaristus – October 26th
St. Evaristus was the son of Guy, a Jew of Bethlehem who was living in Greece at the time of his son’s birth. Evaristus was brought up in the Jewish religion, and his father was so pleased with the boy’s virtue and knowledge that he sent him to the best teachers.
Evaristus became a Christian when he grew older. So great was his love for his new Faith that he decided to become a priest, too. At Rome, where he labored for souls, everyone grew to admire and love him. So it was that when the Pope was martyred, Evaristus was chosen to take his place. He felt he was completely unworthy to be Pope, but God knew better.
These were times of persecution for the Church. Such bad lies were spread about the Catholic Faith that the Romans thought nothing of putting Christians to death. Every man who became Pope was almost certain to be arrested. For about nine years, St. Evaristus ruled the Church, and his zeal was so great that the number of believers grew larger every day. At last, however, he was captured.
The jailors were amazed to see the joy on the holy man’s face as he was led to prison. St. Evaristus thought himself very privileged to have been found worthy to suffer and die for Jesus. No better gift could have been given him than his martyrdom.
I will live as a true Christian, even when this is hard to do.
St. Evaristus was the son of Guy, a Jew of Bethlehem who was living in Greece at the time of his son’s birth. Evaristus was brought up in the Jewish religion, and his father was so pleased with the boy’s virtue and knowledge that he sent him to the best teachers.
Evaristus became a Christian when he grew older. So great was his love for his new Faith that he decided to become a priest, too. At Rome, where he labored for souls, everyone grew to admire and love him. So it was that when the Pope was martyred, Evaristus was chosen to take his place. He felt he was completely unworthy to be Pope, but God knew better.
These were times of persecution for the Church. Such bad lies were spread about the Catholic Faith that the Romans thought nothing of putting Christians to death. Every man who became Pope was almost certain to be arrested. For about nine years, St. Evaristus ruled the Church, and his zeal was so great that the number of believers grew larger every day. At last, however, he was captured.
The jailors were amazed to see the joy on the holy man’s face as he was led to prison. St. Evaristus thought himself very privileged to have been found worthy to suffer and die for Jesus. No better gift could have been given him than his martyrdom.
I will live as a true Christian, even when this is hard to do.
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.
9/19/08
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. 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. Emily de Rodat
St. Emily de Rodat – September 19th
Emily was a lively little French girl who sometimes had temper tantrums, but still was very devout. A cousin who once tried to kiss her received a hard slap. Yet when she was a young lady of sixteen, she began to cut short her prayers and think more of having fun and carefree times. For one year, she was like this, and felt restless and bored. Then she began to see that only God could make her happy and never again did she change her mind.
For a number of years, Emily was not sure what kind of a nun she should be. But in her twenty-eighth year, she suddenly decided her mission would be to teach poor children. She began with the help of other young women, and soon the Congregation of the Holy Family had been founded. Like all holy Foundresses, Emily had to face many sufferings and trials, but her Congregation grew steadily. When some people told lies about her and others wrote insulting letters to her, the Saint used these occasions to humble herself. She would answer respectfully and gently, and when one of the Sisters was upset at that, Mother Emily said, “Don’t you know that we are the scum of the earth, and that anyone can trample on us?”
As a young girl, she had once been quite proud of herself, but now she paid so little attention to her appearance that at times, she looked ridiculous! Although St. Emily was a strong woman, she was also a very cheerful soul. “Keep your enthusiasm, and be brave,” she once wrote to a postulant. “Put all your trust in God, and preserve a holy cheer.” This she herself did through her every trial and suffering.
I will never shorten my prayers, and I will keep my mind on them, so God will hear me and bless me in my life.
Emily was a lively little French girl who sometimes had temper tantrums, but still was very devout. A cousin who once tried to kiss her received a hard slap. Yet when she was a young lady of sixteen, she began to cut short her prayers and think more of having fun and carefree times. For one year, she was like this, and felt restless and bored. Then she began to see that only God could make her happy and never again did she change her mind.
For a number of years, Emily was not sure what kind of a nun she should be. But in her twenty-eighth year, she suddenly decided her mission would be to teach poor children. She began with the help of other young women, and soon the Congregation of the Holy Family had been founded. Like all holy Foundresses, Emily had to face many sufferings and trials, but her Congregation grew steadily. When some people told lies about her and others wrote insulting letters to her, the Saint used these occasions to humble herself. She would answer respectfully and gently, and when one of the Sisters was upset at that, Mother Emily said, “Don’t you know that we are the scum of the earth, and that anyone can trample on us?”
As a young girl, she had once been quite proud of herself, but now she paid so little attention to her appearance that at times, she looked ridiculous! Although St. Emily was a strong woman, she was also a very cheerful soul. “Keep your enthusiasm, and be brave,” she once wrote to a postulant. “Put all your trust in God, and preserve a holy cheer.” This she herself did through her every trial and suffering.
I will never shorten my prayers, and I will keep my mind on them, so God will hear me and bless me in my life.
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.”
9/13/08
St. Eulogius
St. Eulogius - September 13th
This Saint was born in Syria and became a monk while he was still young. In his time, there had been so much trouble with heresies that people everywhere were confused and many had begun to lead sinful lives as a result. But Eulogius did not follow the bad example he saw around him. He shone like a bright light in the darkness because of his humility, his love of prayer, and his devoted study of the Bible and the teachings of the Church.
Eulogius had the good fortune to work for God with three other Saints. First, St. Anastasius of Antioch called him to that city to become a priest there. Then he came to know St. Eutychius of Constantinople and was a great help to him in conquering heresy. Next Eulogius was made the Bishop of Alexandria, and about two years afterwards, he became great friends with St. Gregory the Great, who later became Pope.
The two Saints wrote letters to each other, and in one of them, the humble Eulogius asked the holy Pope to check his sermon before he published it. St. Gregory approved it, saying, “I find nothing in your writings that is not admirable.”
Not too long after this beloved friend and father died, St. Eulogius, too, passed to receive the reward of his life spent for God’s Church.
If I have to suffer ridicule from any of my companions for trying to be good, I will take it. No matter the cost, I want to please God.
This Saint was born in Syria and became a monk while he was still young. In his time, there had been so much trouble with heresies that people everywhere were confused and many had begun to lead sinful lives as a result. But Eulogius did not follow the bad example he saw around him. He shone like a bright light in the darkness because of his humility, his love of prayer, and his devoted study of the Bible and the teachings of the Church.
Eulogius had the good fortune to work for God with three other Saints. First, St. Anastasius of Antioch called him to that city to become a priest there. Then he came to know St. Eutychius of Constantinople and was a great help to him in conquering heresy. Next Eulogius was made the Bishop of Alexandria, and about two years afterwards, he became great friends with St. Gregory the Great, who later became Pope.
The two Saints wrote letters to each other, and in one of them, the humble Eulogius asked the holy Pope to check his sermon before he published it. St. Gregory approved it, saying, “I find nothing in your writings that is not admirable.”
Not too long after this beloved friend and father died, St. Eulogius, too, passed to receive the reward of his life spent for God’s Church.
If I have to suffer ridicule from any of my companions for trying to be good, I will take it. No matter the cost, I want to please God.
8/26/08
St. Elizabeth Bichier
St. Elizabeth Bichier - August 26th
As a little girl, Elizabeth’s favorite game was building castles in the sand. Many years later, this holy Frenchwomen had to take charge of building many convents for the Order of nuns she founded. “I guess building was meant to be my business,” she joked, “since I started it so young!”
During the time of the French Revolution, Elizabeth’s family would have lost everything they owned because the republicans were taking property from the nobles. But this daring young lady of nineteen studied law in order to fight their case in court. When she won and saved her family from ruin, the village shoemaker exclaimed: “All you have to do now is marry a good republican!” Elizabeth, however, had no intention of marrying anyone-republican or noble! On the back of a picture of Our Lady, she had written: “I dedicate and consecrate myself to Jesus and Mary forever.”
With the help of St. Andrew Fournet, she started her Order of Sisters called the Daughters of the Cross, to teach children and to take care of the sick. St. Elizabeth would face any danger to help people. Once she found a tramp lying sick in a barn. She brought him to the convent hospital and did all she could for him until he died. The next morning the police chief came to tell her she could be arrested for sheltering a man believed to be a criminal. Elizabeth was unafraid. “I only did what you yourself would have done, sir,” she said. “I found this poor sick man, I took care of him until he died. I am ready to tell the judge just what happened.” Of course, the Saint’s honesty and charity won her so much respect and admiration that no one thought of criticizing what she did.
Let us learn from this Saint to do things for God alone. What people might think of us, should never stop us from doing our duties.
As a little girl, Elizabeth’s favorite game was building castles in the sand. Many years later, this holy Frenchwomen had to take charge of building many convents for the Order of nuns she founded. “I guess building was meant to be my business,” she joked, “since I started it so young!”
During the time of the French Revolution, Elizabeth’s family would have lost everything they owned because the republicans were taking property from the nobles. But this daring young lady of nineteen studied law in order to fight their case in court. When she won and saved her family from ruin, the village shoemaker exclaimed: “All you have to do now is marry a good republican!” Elizabeth, however, had no intention of marrying anyone-republican or noble! On the back of a picture of Our Lady, she had written: “I dedicate and consecrate myself to Jesus and Mary forever.”
With the help of St. Andrew Fournet, she started her Order of Sisters called the Daughters of the Cross, to teach children and to take care of the sick. St. Elizabeth would face any danger to help people. Once she found a tramp lying sick in a barn. She brought him to the convent hospital and did all she could for him until he died. The next morning the police chief came to tell her she could be arrested for sheltering a man believed to be a criminal. Elizabeth was unafraid. “I only did what you yourself would have done, sir,” she said. “I found this poor sick man, I took care of him until he died. I am ready to tell the judge just what happened.” Of course, the Saint’s honesty and charity won her so much respect and admiration that no one thought of criticizing what she did.
Let us learn from this Saint to do things for God alone. What people might think of us, should never stop us from doing our duties.
7/30/08
Blessed Everard Hanse
Blessed Everard Hanse - July 30th
Everard was born in England of a non-Catholic family. He went to the University of Cambridge, and became a minister. As a preacher he was very popular, and he was quite proud of his success. Everard’s brother William, who had become a Catholic, tried to bring him into the Church, but Everard did not seem to want to listen. However, a serious sickness made him look deep into his own heart, and his brother’s words began to take effect. He sent for William and was received into the Church.
Everard became a priest after studying in France. Then, although he knew he was risking his life, he went back to England, where the Catholics were being persecuted. Just three months later, he was arrested. When he declared that he believed the Pope was the Head of the Church and that he wished all men could believe the Catholic Faith, as he did, he was condemned to death.
From prison, Blessed Everard wrote to his brother: “I cannot tell you how contented I am. This dignity (of being a martyr) is too high for a sinner, but God is merciful. The day and hour of my birth to eternal life are near.” At the place of execution he begged all Catholics to pray for him and with him! Even as he was suffering, he murmured, “O happy day!”
Let us learn from this glorious Martyr how to take little pains for the love of God, without complaining.
Everard was born in England of a non-Catholic family. He went to the University of Cambridge, and became a minister. As a preacher he was very popular, and he was quite proud of his success. Everard’s brother William, who had become a Catholic, tried to bring him into the Church, but Everard did not seem to want to listen. However, a serious sickness made him look deep into his own heart, and his brother’s words began to take effect. He sent for William and was received into the Church.
Everard became a priest after studying in France. Then, although he knew he was risking his life, he went back to England, where the Catholics were being persecuted. Just three months later, he was arrested. When he declared that he believed the Pope was the Head of the Church and that he wished all men could believe the Catholic Faith, as he did, he was condemned to death.
From prison, Blessed Everard wrote to his brother: “I cannot tell you how contented I am. This dignity (of being a martyr) is too high for a sinner, but God is merciful. The day and hour of my birth to eternal life are near.” At the place of execution he begged all Catholics to pray for him and with him! Even as he was suffering, he murmured, “O happy day!”
Let us learn from this glorious Martyr how to take little pains for the love of God, without complaining.
7/8/08
St. Elizabeth of Portugal
St. Elizabeth of Portugal - Patroness of Peacemakers - July 8th
Elizabeth was a Spanish princess who was given in marriage to King Denis of Portugal at the age of twelve. She was very beautiful and very lovable. She was also very devout, and went to Mass every day. Elizabeth was a holy wife, but although her husband was fond of her at first, he soon began to cause her great suffering. Though a good ruler, he did not imitate his wife’s love of prayer and other virtues. In fact, his sins to impurity gave great scandal to the people.
Later, to make matters worse, the King believed a lie told about Elizabeth and one of her pages by another pages, who was jealous of his companion. In great anger the King ordered the one he believed guilty to be sent to a lime-burner. The lime-burner was commanded to throw into his furnace the first page who came. The good page set out obediently, not knowing death was waiting for him. On his way he stopped for Mass, since he had the habit of going daily. The first Mass had begun, so he stayed for a second one. In the meantime, the King sent the wicked page to the lime-burner to find out if the wicked page had been killed. And so it was this page who was thrown into the furnace! When the King, learned what had happened, he realized that God had saved the good page, punished the liar, and proven Queen Elizabeth to be innocent.
This amazing event helped greatly to make the King live better. He apologized to his wife in front of everyone and began to have great respect for her. In his last sickness, she never left his side, except for Mass, until he died a holy death. St. Elizabeth lived for eleven years more, doing even greater charity and penance. She was a wonderful model of kindness toward the poor and a successful peacemaker between members of her own family and between nations.
Because St. Elizabeth was faithful to daily Mass, she found strength to carry her many great crosses. And because her page was faithful to daily Mass, he escaped death. Let us, too, try our best to make it a habit to go to Mass daily.
6/18/08
St. Ephrem
St. Ephrem - June 18th
Ephrem was born in Mesopotamia. He was not baptized until he was eighteen, but right afterwards he could think of nothing but leading a holy life. The thought of appearing before God after death to be judged made him tremble and he wanted to prepare for that judgment by living well. He was naturally quick to become angry, but he gained such a control over himself that people thought of him as a very calm man.
Ephrem became a hermit in a cave near the city of Edessa in Syria. His clothes were just patched rags and he ate only enough to keep alive. His chief work all this time was the writing of spiritual books. So holy and beautiful are these books that St. Ephrem is given the title of “Doctor of the Church.”
He often went to preach in Edessa, and people cried when he spoke about God’s judgment. Because he thought he was a great sinner, he wept all his life for the slight sins he had committed as a child. When St. Bazil met him and asked if he were Ephrem, the famous servant of Jesus, St. Ephrem said, “I am Ephrem who walks unworthily on the way of salvation.” Then he asked and received from St. Bazil much advice on how to live his spiritual life in the best way possible.
St. Ehprem is also called the “Harp of the Holy Ghost,” Because he wrote many beautiful hymns. These hymns were very popular and as people sang them, they learned much about the Faith. In this way, too, Ephrem saved them from falling into heresy.
So humble was this Saint that in his last sickness, he said to his friends: “When I die, treat my body without any respect, in order to show what I am.”
We, too, will be judged after our death. But if we think of our judgment now, we will prepare for it with a good life.
3/13/08
St. Euphrasia
St. Euphrasia - March 13th
St. Euphrasia was born of a saintly and noble parents. Her father died when she was only five years old. Her mother, who is also named St. Euphrasia, took her to Egypt. There they lived in a large house near a convent of good and holy nuns.
Euphrasia begged her mother to let her serve God in the convent in which the holy nuns lived. Her good mother cried with joy. Soon afterwards, she took the child to the convent and put her in the care of the Abbess. The Abbess asked Euphrasia if she would be able to leave behind all her riches and comforts. She asked the girl is she thought she could live a life of sacrifice for Jesus. The young girl answered right away that she would be happy to do anything, as long as she could stay in the house of God. So the Abbess accepted her.
When her mother died, the Emperor reminded Euphrasia that her parents had promised her in marriage to a rich young senator. Of course Euphrasia wanted to belong to no one but Jesus. So she wrote a respectful letter to the Emperor. In it she said: “I belong to Jesus, and I cannot give myself to anyone else. My only desire is that the world should forget about me completely. I humbly beg Your Majesty to take all the riches my parents left me and give them to the poor. I ask Your Majesty to free all the slaves of my family and to cancel all the debts people own me.”
The Emperor thought her letter was so beautiful that he read it out loud to all the senators. Then he did everything she had asked.
For her generosity, God showered Euphrasia with special favors and graces. On her part, she thought only of becoming a saint. And she succeeded. The devil tempted her very much, especially with temptations of impurity, but Euphrasia prayed harder than ever. She made even more sacrifices than usual. That is why she was always victorious over the devil. She grew holier every day until God called her home to Heaven.
It is all right to be happy with the nice clothes and many good things we have. But we should never forget that all these things are nothing compared to what we shall have in Heaven-if we live as Jesus wants us to live.
St. Euphrasia was born of a saintly and noble parents. Her father died when she was only five years old. Her mother, who is also named St. Euphrasia, took her to Egypt. There they lived in a large house near a convent of good and holy nuns.
Euphrasia begged her mother to let her serve God in the convent in which the holy nuns lived. Her good mother cried with joy. Soon afterwards, she took the child to the convent and put her in the care of the Abbess. The Abbess asked Euphrasia if she would be able to leave behind all her riches and comforts. She asked the girl is she thought she could live a life of sacrifice for Jesus. The young girl answered right away that she would be happy to do anything, as long as she could stay in the house of God. So the Abbess accepted her.
When her mother died, the Emperor reminded Euphrasia that her parents had promised her in marriage to a rich young senator. Of course Euphrasia wanted to belong to no one but Jesus. So she wrote a respectful letter to the Emperor. In it she said: “I belong to Jesus, and I cannot give myself to anyone else. My only desire is that the world should forget about me completely. I humbly beg Your Majesty to take all the riches my parents left me and give them to the poor. I ask Your Majesty to free all the slaves of my family and to cancel all the debts people own me.”
The Emperor thought her letter was so beautiful that he read it out loud to all the senators. Then he did everything she had asked.
For her generosity, God showered Euphrasia with special favors and graces. On her part, she thought only of becoming a saint. And she succeeded. The devil tempted her very much, especially with temptations of impurity, but Euphrasia prayed harder than ever. She made even more sacrifices than usual. That is why she was always victorious over the devil. She grew holier every day until God called her home to Heaven.
It is all right to be happy with the nice clothes and many good things we have. But we should never forget that all these things are nothing compared to what we shall have in Heaven-if we live as Jesus wants us to live.
3/11/08
St. Eulogius of Spain
St. Eulogius of Spain - March 11th
St. Eulogius belonged to a very famous family of Spain. He was educated by wonderful Christian teachers. While he learned his lessons, he also learned from their example to be virtuous. Even when he grew up, he kept on studying. When he finished he knew many things. He knew much about the Holy Bible. But best of all, he was a man full of a desire to bring God’s message to everyone. As a priest, he became himself the head of a famous school. Everyone admired and loved St. Eulogius because he was humble, kind and very close to God.
At this time the Mohammedans were ruling Spain. They were terrible enemies of Christianity. At first they tried to make the people give up their Faith. When the people refused, the Mohammedans began to put them to death.
Eulogius and his Bishop were put in prison along with many other good Christians. In the prison, Eulogius read the Holy Bible out loud all the time to the other prisoners. In this way he filled them with great courage. They did not feel afraid to die for Our Lord. During this time, St. Eulogius also wrote a book encouraging Christians to die rather than give up their holy Faith.
The Saint himself wanted to be a martyr more than anything else. Instead, he was let out of prison. As soon as he was free, St. Eulogius began to preach and he converted many.
The Mohammedans were so angry with Eulogius that they arrested him again. In front of the judge, he bravely declared that Jesus is God. When they condemned him to death, Eulogius thanked God! Very willingly he offered up his life for Jesus.
We are all proud of our country’s war heroes, and we dream of doing the great deeds they did. Let us be very proud of the heroes of our Faith, too, and try to be like them.
St. Eulogius belonged to a very famous family of Spain. He was educated by wonderful Christian teachers. While he learned his lessons, he also learned from their example to be virtuous. Even when he grew up, he kept on studying. When he finished he knew many things. He knew much about the Holy Bible. But best of all, he was a man full of a desire to bring God’s message to everyone. As a priest, he became himself the head of a famous school. Everyone admired and loved St. Eulogius because he was humble, kind and very close to God.
At this time the Mohammedans were ruling Spain. They were terrible enemies of Christianity. At first they tried to make the people give up their Faith. When the people refused, the Mohammedans began to put them to death.
Eulogius and his Bishop were put in prison along with many other good Christians. In the prison, Eulogius read the Holy Bible out loud all the time to the other prisoners. In this way he filled them with great courage. They did not feel afraid to die for Our Lord. During this time, St. Eulogius also wrote a book encouraging Christians to die rather than give up their holy Faith.
The Saint himself wanted to be a martyr more than anything else. Instead, he was let out of prison. As soon as he was free, St. Eulogius began to preach and he converted many.
The Mohammedans were so angry with Eulogius that they arrested him again. In front of the judge, he bravely declared that Jesus is God. When they condemned him to death, Eulogius thanked God! Very willingly he offered up his life for Jesus.
We are all proud of our country’s war heroes, and we dream of doing the great deeds they did. Let us be very proud of the heroes of our Faith, too, and try to be like them.
3/1/08
St. Eudocia
St. Eudocia - March 1st
Eudocia was a very beautiful young women who loved rich clothes and jewels. People called her the most beautiful women of her times. She lived a carefree, sinful life in her rich house in Egypt. One night she awoke because the sound of singing was coming from the next house. After the singing stopped, she heard the same voice reading aloud about what sinners suffer in hell, and what the Saints enjoy in Heaven. Eudocia was so frightened that she could not sleep any more. The next morning she found out that the strange voice was a monk’s. He was the guest of her neighbor and had gotten up at night, as he always did, to praise God and pray. She asked him to explain to her what he had read. When she began to cry over her sins, the holy monk told her not to be discouraged. He told her to start leading a good life from then on.
Eudocia was taught all about the Christian religion and was then baptized. Right afterwards she freed all her slaves. She encouraged them to become Christians, too. No more did she care for money and left her rich house. From then on, she became a model Christian because of the great virtue she practiced.
Eudocia went off to live alone and serve Jesus with prayer and penance. She ended her life by gaining the crown of martyrdom during the Emperor Trajan’s persecution of the Christians.
When we make the resolution to become better, the devil tries to make us break it. Let us never listen to him. Instead, we must pray and go to Confession and Communion often. Then we will be strong enough to overcome every temptation.
Eudocia was a very beautiful young women who loved rich clothes and jewels. People called her the most beautiful women of her times. She lived a carefree, sinful life in her rich house in Egypt. One night she awoke because the sound of singing was coming from the next house. After the singing stopped, she heard the same voice reading aloud about what sinners suffer in hell, and what the Saints enjoy in Heaven. Eudocia was so frightened that she could not sleep any more. The next morning she found out that the strange voice was a monk’s. He was the guest of her neighbor and had gotten up at night, as he always did, to praise God and pray. She asked him to explain to her what he had read. When she began to cry over her sins, the holy monk told her not to be discouraged. He told her to start leading a good life from then on.
Eudocia was taught all about the Christian religion and was then baptized. Right afterwards she freed all her slaves. She encouraged them to become Christians, too. No more did she care for money and left her rich house. From then on, she became a model Christian because of the great virtue she practiced.
Eudocia went off to live alone and serve Jesus with prayer and penance. She ended her life by gaining the crown of martyrdom during the Emperor Trajan’s persecution of the Christians.
When we make the resolution to become better, the devil tries to make us break it. Let us never listen to him. Instead, we must pray and go to Confession and Communion often. Then we will be strong enough to overcome every temptation.
2/20/08
St. Eucherius
St. Eucherius - February 20th
St. Eucherius was born at Orleans, France. Every day his mother would offer him to God, and he was given a very good education. A sentence from the letters of St. Paul made a big change in him. The sentence was: “This world, as we see it, is passing away.” It made him realize that our lives on this earth are very short and that Heaven and Hell last forever. He decided then and there to earn the joys of Heaven by living for God alone.
So Eucherius left his rich home and entered the Benedictine Abbey. There he spent seven years in close union with God.
After the death of his uncle, the Bishop of Orleans, he was chosen to take his place as Bishop. Eucherius was then only twenty-five and he was very humble. He did not want to leave his beloved Abbey. With tears, he begged to be allowed to remain alone with God in the monastery. But finally, he gave in for love of obedience. Eucherius became a holy, wise Bishop and did much good to his priests and to his people.
Charles Martel, who was Mayor of the Palace, used to take some of the Church’s money to use for war. Because Bishop Eucherius told him that was wrong, Charles had him taken prisoner.
But the governor in whose charge he put him was so moved by Eucherius’ meekness toward his enemies that some time later, he sent him back to a monastery.
Here, the Saint spent all his time in prayer until his death.
Let us, too, remember what St. Paul says: “This world is passing away,” and try to think more of Heaven.
St. Eucherius was born at Orleans, France. Every day his mother would offer him to God, and he was given a very good education. A sentence from the letters of St. Paul made a big change in him. The sentence was: “This world, as we see it, is passing away.” It made him realize that our lives on this earth are very short and that Heaven and Hell last forever. He decided then and there to earn the joys of Heaven by living for God alone.
So Eucherius left his rich home and entered the Benedictine Abbey. There he spent seven years in close union with God.
After the death of his uncle, the Bishop of Orleans, he was chosen to take his place as Bishop. Eucherius was then only twenty-five and he was very humble. He did not want to leave his beloved Abbey. With tears, he begged to be allowed to remain alone with God in the monastery. But finally, he gave in for love of obedience. Eucherius became a holy, wise Bishop and did much good to his priests and to his people.
Charles Martel, who was Mayor of the Palace, used to take some of the Church’s money to use for war. Because Bishop Eucherius told him that was wrong, Charles had him taken prisoner.
But the governor in whose charge he put him was so moved by Eucherius’ meekness toward his enemies that some time later, he sent him back to a monastery.
Here, the Saint spent all his time in prayer until his death.
Let us, too, remember what St. Paul says: “This world is passing away,” and try to think more of Heaven.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)