St. Gertrude the Great

St. Gertrude the Great - Patroness of the West Indies - November 16th


Gertrude entered a Convent in Saxony when she was very young and under the care of St. Mechtildis, she grew to be a very happy and holy nun.


Gertrude was a likeable, intelligent young woman who did very well in Latin studies. In fact, she liked the study of religion less than her other subjects her other subjects at first. But when she was twenty-six, Jesus appeared to her and told her that from now on, she would think only of loving Him and trying to become perfect. Now she began to study the Holy Bible with deep delight and became very learned in our holy religion.


Jesus appeared to St. Gertrude many times. He showed her His own Sacred Heart and twice He let her rest her head on this Heart of His. Because of her great love for Jesus, her divine Spouse, St. Gertrude tried to correct her every fault, not matter how small. She trusted in Him with her whole heart and was full of peace and joy.


St. Gertrude had a great devotion to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and loved to receive Holy Communion often, even though in those days, it was not the custom. She was also very devoted to St. Joseph, and foster-father of Jesus.


St. Gertrude wrote many beautiful prayers, which have been very helpful in teaching many souls. After suffering for about ten years, but always very cheerfully, St. Gertrude went to join the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who had made her His spouse.


I will have a picture of the Sacred Heart enthroned in my bedroom. Also, I will spread devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

St. Gerard Majella

St. Gerard Majella - Patron of Mothers - October 16th

Gerard was born in a little Italian town. Even as a boy, he loved to visit Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. “He would stop in church,” said his mother, “and then forget to come home for dinner.” When Gerard’s father died, the boy was taken out of school and sent to learn to be a tailor. His master was good to him, but the helper in the shop treated him roughly. Later Gerard started out in business for himself. One third of the money he earned he gave to his mother. Another third he gave away to poor people, and the rest he gave as offerings to have Masses said for the poor souls in Purgatory.

St. Gerard had once tried to enter the Capuchin Order, but they thought he looked too weak. Now he asked the Redemptorists to accept him as a brother. They did, but not too eagerly at all. At first they thought he would be useless, but soon they found him to be very humble and eager to do what he was told. While he was a novice, one priest heard him say, as he knelt in front of the altar: “Lord, let me go, I beg You. I have work that I must do!”

God gave St. Gerard marvelous and extraordinary gifts. He could read minds, appear to be in two places at once, cure people, tell what was going on someplace far away, and make animals and nature obey him. Yet Gerard had his sufferings, too. Once, a wicked woman accused the holy brother of committing a mortal sin, and since he did not excuse himself, he was punished by his Superior. He was sent away from everyone else and forbidden to receive Holy Communion. But all the Saint said was: “There is God in Heaven and He will provide.” Later, the evil woman repented and freely confessed that she had lied. Then everyone knew that Gerard was innocent and had said nothing because of his deep humility.

God alone sees my thoughts, word and deeds. I will never worry about what the others say about me. I will remember instead that God will be my Judge one day, and He will reward me if I was good, or punish me if I was bad.

Link to an audio story of St. Gerard Majella by Regina Martyrum Productions:

http://www.angeluspress.org/oscatalog/item/8201/to-heaven-through-the-window

St. Giles

St. Giles - Patron of Cripples, Beggars and Blacksmiths - September 1st

Giles was born in Athens, Greece, and when his parents died, he used the great fortune they left him to help the poor. For this reason and especially because he worked many miracles, Giles found himself a greatly admired young man. He did not want this praise and fame at all. So, to be able to serve God in a hidden life, he left Greece and sailed to France.

There he went to live alone in a dark forest, making his home in a rough cave behind a thick thorn bush. Every day a dear came to give him her milk, and lived contented, safe from the danger of becoming proud at hearing himself praised. But one day, a certain king and his men went hunting in the forest and chased the deer to Giles’ cave. Then they could not see where it disappeared. One of the men shot an arrow into the thorn bush, and when they forced their way in, they discovered Giles sitting wounded by the arrow.

“Who are you and what are you doing here?” demanded the King. St. Giles told them the story of his life, and when they heard it, they asked his forgiveness. The King sent his doctors to take care of the Saint’s wound. Although Giles begged to be left alone, the King felt such veneration for him that he came often to see him. Giles never would accept the King’s gifts but finally he agreed to let the King build a large monastery there, and Giles became its first abbot.

This monastery became so famous that a whole town grew up there and it was called St.Giles. When the Saint died, his grave at the monastery became a great shrine where many, many people came on pilgrimage.

The greatest virtues of St. Giles were humility and charity. The more we are generous with our brothers, sisters and companions, the more Our Lord will be generous with us.

St. Germanus of Auxerre

St. Germanus of Auxerre - August 3rd

This Saint was born in Gaul, which is now France. He studied in Rome and became such a good lawyer that he was made a governor back in his own country.

Germanus had a great love for hunting. He was a Christian, but he used to become so excited on the hunt that he would use the same superstitious practices the pagans did. Yet when the Bishop of Auxerre, St. Amator, died, it was none other than Germanus who was chosen to take his place after he had become a priest and a bishop. Germanus seemed an entirely different person. He gave away everything he owned and lived in humble poverty. One of his favorite good deeds was to serve poor people, while he himself did much penance.

St. Germanus can be called an apostle of Britain, too, because the Pope sent him to save the Christians there from a heresy. By his teaching and miracles, he won the people back o the true Faith and then he started schools of religion so that they would not be fooled again by false teachings.

A famous event in the life of St. Germanus was what is called the “Alleluia battle.” When enemies of the people of Britain were attacking, the leaders of the small British army asked the Saint to come to their camp to protect them by his prayers. Germanus came and spent his time winning converts and persuading the Christian soldiers to do penance. All the men celebrated Easter very fervently and the new converts received baptism in a little church made of green branches twisted together. After Easter came the amazing battle without bloodshed! St. Germanus led his men into a valley between two high mountains, and told them to shout whatever he shouted at his signal. Then as soon as the enemy drew near, he shouted “Alleluia” three times, and all the men repeated it. The echo from the mountains made such a mighty roar that the enemy thought the British army must be huge, and in great fear, they threw down their weapons and ran away!

To keep our faith free from false teaching, we must study our religion with all our heart and pray for a strong faith. We must live good lives, read only good books and magazines, and go around only with good companions.

St. Boris and Gleb

St. Boris and Gleb - July 24th

These two brothers were sons of St. Vladimir of Kiev, the first Christian prince in Russia. Their father had had many wives before he was converted, but afterwards he had lived as Jesus teaches us in the Gospel. Boris and Gleb were his sons by his Christian wife Anne, and they were true Christians themselves.

In order to have more power when King Vladimir died, his oldest son planned to kill both Boris and Gleb. Boris was warned as he was coming back with his soldiers from a battle against some wandering tribes. His men at once prepared to defend Boris from his brother, but he would not permit it, “it is better for me to die alone,” he said, “than to be the occasion of death to many.” So he sent them away and sat down to wait. During the night, he thought about the martyrs who had been put to death by their own close relatives, and he thought of how empty everything on earth is except good deeds, true love, and true religion. When in the morning, his brother’s hired murderers arrived and began striking him with spears, Boris did nothing but call down peace on them.

St. Gleb was killed soon after. The wicked older brother invited him to come to his palace for a friendly visit. As he was sailing down the river Gleb’s boat was boarded by fierce, armed men. He was terrified at first and begged them not to kill him. Yet he would not defend himself by fighting-not even when he saw that they were determined to kill him. Instead, St. Gleb quietly prepared himself to die. “I am being killed,” he said, “and for what I do not know. But you know, Lord. And I know You said that for Your name’s sake brother would bring death to brother.”

Only a few years after their death, the people of Russia began going on pilgrimages to the tomb of the two brothers and miracles took place. Saints Boris and Gleb are called martyrs, because they accepted death as Christ did, without defending themselves.

If anyone hurts our feelings today, we will be patient and forgiving.

St. Germaine of Pibrac

St. Germaine of Pibrac - June 15th

Pibrac is the little village in France where Germaine was born and spent her life. In fact, her right hand was deformed and helpless. Her father paid little attention to her, and her stepmother did not want her around her own healthy children. So Germaine slept with the sheep in the barn, even in cold weather. She dressed in rags and was laughed at by other children. When she came home at night with the flock of sheep she had tended in the fields, her stepmother often screamed at her and beat her.

Yet this poor girl learned to talk with God and to remember that He was with her all the time. She always managed to get to Mass and she received Holy Communion as often as she could. Her sheep she would leave in care of her Guardian Angel, and never once did one wander away from the staff she planted in the ground.

Germaine often gathered young children around her to teach them their faith and fill their hearts with God’s love. She tried her best to help the poor, too. She shared with beggars the little bit of food she was given to eat. One winter day, her stepmother accused her of stealing bread and chased her with a stick. But what fell from Germaine’s apron was not the expected bread. It was summer flowers!

By now people no longer made fun of Germaine. In fact, they loved and admired her. She could have begun to live in her father’s house, but she chose to keep sleeping in the barn. Then, one morning, when she was twenty-two, she was found dead on her straw bed. Her life of great suffering was over and God worked miracles to show that she was a Saint.

The main virtue of this Saint was patience, she carried her big cross well, because she went to Holy Communion often. In our little sufferings, let us turn to Our Lord in Holy Communion and ask His help.

St. Gregory VII

St. Gregory VII – May 25th

This Pope’s name was Hildebrand and he was born in Italy. His uncle was the superior of a monastery in Rome and there the young boy was sent to be educated. Later, Hildebrand became a Benedictine monk in France, but soon he was called back to Rome. There he held very important positions under several Popes until he himself was made Pope.

For twenty-five years he had refused to let himself be elected. But when Pope Alexandra II died, all the Cardinals made up their minds to elect Hildebrand Pope. With one voice they dried out, "Hildbrand is the elect of St. Peter!" "They carried me to the throne," wrote the Saint afterwards, "and my protests did no good. For filled my heart and darkness was all around me."

These were truly dark times for the Catholic Church, because the kings and emperors were naming the men they wanted to be the Bishops and Cardinals and even Popes. Many of these were not very good men and so they gave bad example. The first thing Pope St. Gregory did was to pray for days. Then he asked others to pray with him, because he knew that without prayer, nothing can be done. Afterwards, he began to act to make the clergy better and to keep the civil rulers out of the affairs of the Church. This was a very difficult work because the rulers were all against any change. However, some gave in. But the Emperor Henry IV of Germany caused Pope Gregory great sufferings. He was a young man, sinful, and greedy for gold. He would not stop trying to run the affairs of the Church, and he even sent his men to capture the Pope. But the people of Rome rescued the Saint from prison, and Gregory put the Emperor out of the Church. Henry set up another man as Pope. Of course this man was not the real Pope, but Henry tired to make people think he was. Then, once again the Emperor sent his armies to capture the Saint. Gregory was obliged to leave Rome. He retired to Salerno, where he died. His last words were, "I have loved justice and hated evil. That is why I am dying in exile."

Let us learn from this great Saint that the first thing to do in our difficulties is to pray.

St. Gregory Nazianzen

St. Gregory Nazianzen - May 9th

Gregory was born in Cappodocia. His parents were Saints: St. Nonna and St. Gregory the Elder. As soon as he was born, his mother took him to church to off her to God. At the same time, to sanctify his hands, she touched them to the Holy Bible. As soon as he was old enough, he was given the Bible to read and meditate on. Gregory was sent to the best schools and he studied hard.

At the famous school of Athens in Greece, he met a wonderful student, Basil, who became St. Basil! These two very close friends spent years happily studying together. They respected everyone, but they never went with anyone who did not behave as he should. In the midst of many dangers, they kept themselves pure.

Later, they both became priests and then bishops. Gregory was such a wonderful preacher that great crowds, and even heretics and pagans, came to hear him. They clapped loud and long after his speeches, and this he did not like, because, although he was very learned, he was also very humble.

While he was Bishop of Constantinople, Gregory converted many heretics with his sermons. Because of this, the heretics persecuted him and even tried to take away his life. A young man offered to carry out this murder, but at the last minute, he felt great remorse and threw himself at the Saint’s feet. With great sorrow he confessed his evil intention. The Saint forgave him at once and won him with his gentleness. This was, in fact, his motto: “Let us show our enemies what we have learned at the feet of Jesus. We must overcome them by gentleness.”

Let us do our best never to be the cause of fights or arguments. And let us be kind and patient when other start trouble.

St. George

St. George - Patron of England and of Soldiers - April 23rd

Pictures of St. George usually show him killing a dragon to rescue a beautiful lady. The dragon stands for wickedness. The lady stands for God’s holy truth. St. George was a brave martyr who was victorious over the devil.

He was a soldier in the army of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, and he was one of the Emperor’s favorite soldiers. Now Diocletian was a pagan and a bitter enemy of the Christians. He put to death every Christian he could find. George was a brave Christian, a real soldier of Christ. Without fear, he went to the Emperor and sternly scolded him for being so cruel. Then he gave up his position in the Roman army. For this he was tortured in many terrible ways and finally beheaded.

So boldly daring and so cheerful was St. George in declaring his Faith and dying for it that Christians felt courage when they heard about it. Many songs and poems were written about this martyr. Soldiers, especially, have always been devoted to him.

We all have some “dragon” we have to conquer. It might be pride or anger or laziness or greediness or something else. Let us make sure we fight against these “dragons,” with God’s help. Then we can call ourselves real soldiers of Christ.

St. Gabriel, Archangel

St. Gabriel, Archangel - Patron of Radio, Television, Telephone, and Mail Workers - March 24th


Gabriel is one of the three glorious Archangels, whom we honor and to whom we pray.


It was St. Gabriel who appeared to the Blessed Mother and told her she was to be the mother of God. God chose him for this very special mission.


In the Holy Bible we read of his appearances on the earth. In each of his visits to men, St. Gabriel gives us wonderful examples of charity and humility. He came to tell the Prophet Daniel when Jesus would be born, and he spoke to him with great courtesy and kindness. When he appeared to Zachary to tell him he was to be the father of St. John the Baptist, he showed his humility. He did not even say who he was until just before he disappeared.


And when Gabriel announced to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she was to be the Mother of God, he was very respectful and reverent. With loving devotion, he greeted her and have her God’s message. What great joy it was for him to announce to the Queen of Heaven and earth the coming of Jesus!


Devoutly and respectfully we will say three Hail Mary’s to the Blessed Mother every morning and night.

St. Gregory the Great

St. Gregory the Great - Patron of England and Teachers - March 12th


St. Gregory was born in Rome of noble parents. His father was a senator and his mother was a saint, St. Celia. Gregory studied philosophy and while still young, became Governor of Rome.


When his father died, he turned his large house into a monastery. For several years he lived as a good and holy monk. Then Pope Pelagius made him one of the seven deacons of Rome, and when the Pope died, Gregory himself was chosen to take his place. The humble Saint did not want that honor at all. He was so holy and wise, however, that everyone knew he would be a good Pope. Gregory even tried to disguise himself and hide in a cave, but he was found and consecrated Pope, anyway.


For fourteen years he ruled the Church. He was one of the greatest Popes the Church has ever had, even though he always was a sickly man. St. Gregory wrote many books and preached to the people constantly. He cared for people all over the world. Indeed, he considered himself everyone’s servant. He was the first Pope to use the title “Servant of the servants of God.” Now, all the Popes use this title.


St. Gregory took special, loving care of poor people and strangers. Every day he used to feed them a good dinner. Once the Lord Himself came, dressed like one of the Saint’s poor guests. This Jesus did to show St. Gregory how pleased He was with his charity.


Once, when Gregory was still a monk, he saw some blonde boys up for sale in the slave market of Rome. He asked where they were from and was told that they were from England. The Saint felt a great desire to go to England to bring the Faith to those pagans. When he became Pope, one of the first things he did was to send some of his best monks to convert the English to Christ.


The last years of this holy Pope’s life were filled with terrible sufferings, yet he continued working for his beloved Church until the very end.


Every morning let us make the resolution to do at least one good deed of charity during the day.

St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows

St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows - Patron of Clerics and Youth - February 27th


This lovable Saint was born at Assisi and received the name Francis at Baptism, in honor of the great St. Francis of Assisi. His mother died when he was only four. Francis’ father sent for a governess to raise him and the other children.


Francis grew to be a very handsome, likeable boy, who was the most popular dancer at all the parties. He really loved to have fun, but he was a good boy and even while having good times, he felt bored. He felt in his heart a strong desire for the things of God. Twice when he became so sick that he nearly died, he promised Our Lady that if she obtained his cure, he would become a religious. He did get better both times, but he did not keep his promise.


One day, afterwards, as he looked at a picture of the Sorrowful Mother being carried in a procession, it seemed to him that the Blessed Mother looked at him. At the same time, he felt something like a voice in his heart telling him: “Francis, the world is not for you any more.”


That did it. Francis entered the Passionist monastery. He was only eighteen. The name he took was Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother.


Gabriel’s three great loves were the Passion of Our Lord, the Blessed Sacrament and our Sorrowful Mother.


He practiced two virtues in a special way: humility and obedience. In just six years, Gabriel became a saint.


We should not think only of having good times. God made us for Heaven. So we should often think of the great joys awaiting us there, if we live a life pleasing to God.

St. Gerard Majella

St. Gerard Majella - Patron of Childbirth - February 17th

As a young boy, Gerard showed his love for Jesus by doing all he could to help the poor. He went to work so that he would have money to buy them food and clothes. Once he gave a beggar a brand new suit he himself really needed.

Gerard dearly loved Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Virgin Mary. He wanted to become a religious to serve them all his life. But he had a very hard time trying to enter a religious life, because he was sickly. Besides that, his mother and his sisters absolutely did not want him to go. Still he kept trying. At last he was accepted as a brother in the Redemptorist Order.

“Let me do it! I am the youngest,” Brother Gerard would say whenever there was hard lowly work to be done. Everyone loved and admired this good, humble brother.

“I want only what God wants for me,” St. Gerard often exclaimed. And he was happy when he had something to suffer for Jesus.

Whoever is called to become a priest, a brother, or a sister should trust in God and follow his vocation, no matter how hard a time he has.

St. Genevieve

St. Genevieve - Patroness of Paris - January 3rd

St. Genevieve was born in Paris. While still very young, she desired to devote her life to Jesus. After her parents died, Genevieve went to live with her grandmother, where she led a life of prayer and performed works of charity. Genevieve was so pleasing to God that He gave her the power to know the future and to perform miracles.

When the people of Paris were going to run away from a terrible army coming to attack them, Genevieve encouraged them to trust in God. She said that if they did penance, they would be saved. The people did what she said, and the fierce army of Huns suddenly turned back. They did not attack the city at all.

St. Genevieve’s life was one of heroic charity and obedience to God’s holy will. At the age of eighty-nine, she died in an act of strong and pure love of God. Happily she went to meet Jesus, her Spouse, whom she had served faithfully in life.

One of the best ways for us to help our country is to pray for their leaders, that God may guide them for the good of us all.