St. Sylvester – December 31st
In her liturgy the Church reproduces every phase of the life of her divine Founder.
Scarcely was He born than the Infant-God was persecuted by Herod; the Church while still in her cradle sent to heaven her first martyr in the person of the deacon Stephen, and her first twenty-five Popes met their death as martyrs. On his return from Egypt Jesus grew in age and wisdom at Nazareth where he spent some years in peace; during the pontificate of Sylvester I (314-35), after three hundred years of persecution the Church began to enjoy that freedom which is her greatest boon. She spread throughout the Roman empire and the Council of Nicea (325), under Sylvester’s presidency, which pervades the whole Christmas liturgy. “At the first Council of Nicea”, the Breviary tells us, “the Catholic faith concerning the divinity of Christ was expounded by three hundred and eighteen bishops; Arius and his sect were condemned. At the request of the Fathers of the Council Sylvester again confirmed this Council at a Synod held in Rome at which Arius was condemned afresh.”
St. Sylvester was buried at the cemetery of Priscilla on the via Salaira under a small basilica which he himself had caused to be built.
Showing posts with label Saints-S. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Saints-S. Show all posts
12/31/08
12/26/08
St. Stephen
St. Stephen - Patron of Stonemasons - December 26th
Stephen’s name means, “crown,” and he was the first disciple of Jesus to receive the martyr’s crown. Stephen was a deacon in the early Christian Church. The Apostles had found that they needed helpers to look after the care of the widows and the poor. So they ordained seven deacons, and Stephen is the most famous of these.
God worked many miracles through St. Stephen and he spoke with such wisdom and grace that many of his hearers became followers of Jesus. The enemies of the Church of Jesus were furious to see how successful St. Stephen’s preaching was. At last, they laid a plot for him. They could not answer his wise arguments, so they got men to lie about him, saying that he had spoken sinfully against God. St. Stephen faced that great assembly of enemies any fear. In fact, the Holy Bible says that his face looked like the face of an angel.
The Saint spoke about Jesus, showing that He is the Savoir God had promised to send. He scolded his enemies for not having believed in Jesus. At that, they rose up in great anger and shouted at him. But Stephen looked up to heaven and said that he saw the heavens opening and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
His hearers plugged their ears and refused to listen to another word. They dragged St. Stephen outside the city of Jerusalem and stoned him to death. The Saint prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Then he fell to his knees and begged God not to punish his enemies for killing him.
After such an expression of love, the holy martyr went to his heavenly reward.
If you are tempted to take revenge, pray from your heart for the one who had offended you. Jesus said: “Forgive and God will forgive you your faults.”
12/23/08
St. Servulus
St. Servulus – December 23rd
From boyhood, this Saint of Rome had the disease called palsy. All his life, he was helpless. He could not stand or even sit up straight. He could not feed himself or even turn from one side to another.
Every day, his mother and his brother carried him to the great Church of St. Clement. There on the church steps he stayed, and people passing by gave him money. But Servulus was by no means an ordinary beggar. First of all, he never complained about his sufferings or asked for pity. Indeed, he was so cheerful that people were amazed to hear him singing hymns of thanksgiving to God. And any money he had left over after paying for his own needs he would give to people poorer than himself.
St. Servulus’ one great desire was to give God praise and honor. He offered up his constant pain for the love of God. Little by little the Saint saved up enough money to buy himself some books of the Bible. He could not read, but he would ask others to read to him, and he listened so carefully that he learned all the books he had by heart.
After years of living in pain and spiritual joy, Servulus fell ill. As he lay dying, he asked the poor people he had helped to gather round him and sing hymns with him. Then he suddenly cried out, “Listen! Do you hear the marvellous music of heaven?” Right afterwards, he passed away, and his body was buried in St. Clement’s Church, where he had spent his life.
This Saint had a very good heart. What about me? Am I generous?
From boyhood, this Saint of Rome had the disease called palsy. All his life, he was helpless. He could not stand or even sit up straight. He could not feed himself or even turn from one side to another.
Every day, his mother and his brother carried him to the great Church of St. Clement. There on the church steps he stayed, and people passing by gave him money. But Servulus was by no means an ordinary beggar. First of all, he never complained about his sufferings or asked for pity. Indeed, he was so cheerful that people were amazed to hear him singing hymns of thanksgiving to God. And any money he had left over after paying for his own needs he would give to people poorer than himself.
St. Servulus’ one great desire was to give God praise and honor. He offered up his constant pain for the love of God. Little by little the Saint saved up enough money to buy himself some books of the Bible. He could not read, but he would ask others to read to him, and he listened so carefully that he learned all the books he had by heart.
After years of living in pain and spiritual joy, Servulus fell ill. As he lay dying, he asked the poor people he had helped to gather round him and sing hymns with him. Then he suddenly cried out, “Listen! Do you hear the marvellous music of heaven?” Right afterwards, he passed away, and his body was buried in St. Clement’s Church, where he had spent his life.
This Saint had a very good heart. What about me? Am I generous?
12/14/08
St. Spiridion
St. Spiridion – December 14th
This Saint lived on the island of Cypress, in the Mediterranean Sea. He was a shepherd, was married, and had a family. So great was his charity that he was even kind to thieves who tried to steal his sheep.
Later, Spiridion was made bishop of Tremithus on the sea coast of Cypress. His people were poor but they were devout Christians. When Galerius’ persecution began in Cypress, the Saint suffered gloriously. His right eye was put out and he was crippled and sent to work in the mines. Yet he lived through these trials and kept on serving God in joy.
St. Spiridion had had little education. Still he had studied the Holy Bible so much each day that he had gained marvelous wisdom. He was a simple man who spoke plainly and used common words. For this reason, when a famous preacher substituted a fancier word for the term Jesus had used in the Holy Gospel, St. Spiridion objected, “Isn’t the word Our Lord Himself used good enough for you?”
God gave the Saint the power of working miracles. A certain man had asked Spiridion’s daughter to keep a very valuable possession of his where it would be safe. When she died, and the man came for his article, no one knew where it was. So the Saint went to her grave and called her by name. He asked her where she had put the man’s valuable possession. The dead girl explained where she had hidden it, and they found it in that exact spot.
After his own death, the Saint’s relics were highly honored by all the people.
The knowledge of heavenly things is what we should look for. With it we will be happy and will find it easy to please God.
This Saint lived on the island of Cypress, in the Mediterranean Sea. He was a shepherd, was married, and had a family. So great was his charity that he was even kind to thieves who tried to steal his sheep.
Later, Spiridion was made bishop of Tremithus on the sea coast of Cypress. His people were poor but they were devout Christians. When Galerius’ persecution began in Cypress, the Saint suffered gloriously. His right eye was put out and he was crippled and sent to work in the mines. Yet he lived through these trials and kept on serving God in joy.
St. Spiridion had had little education. Still he had studied the Holy Bible so much each day that he had gained marvelous wisdom. He was a simple man who spoke plainly and used common words. For this reason, when a famous preacher substituted a fancier word for the term Jesus had used in the Holy Gospel, St. Spiridion objected, “Isn’t the word Our Lord Himself used good enough for you?”
God gave the Saint the power of working miracles. A certain man had asked Spiridion’s daughter to keep a very valuable possession of his where it would be safe. When she died, and the man came for his article, no one knew where it was. So the Saint went to her grave and called her by name. He asked her where she had put the man’s valuable possession. The dead girl explained where she had hidden it, and they found it in that exact spot.
After his own death, the Saint’s relics were highly honored by all the people.
The knowledge of heavenly things is what we should look for. With it we will be happy and will find it easy to please God.
12/5/08
St. Sabas
St. Sabas – December 5th
Sabas is one of the most famous monks of Palestine. His father was an officer in the army and when he had to go to Alexandria, Egypt, he left his young son with his brother-in-law. Since his aunt treated him badly, young Sabas ran away to another uncle. When an argument arose between the two uncles, Sabas felt very bad because he liked to see people at peace. So he ran away to live in a monastery.
His two uncles felt ashamed of themselves and they told Sabas to come out and they would give him all his property. But by this time Sabas was too happy in the monastery to think of going back to a worldly life. Even though he was the youngest person in the monastery, he was the most fervent.
When he was eighteen, St. Sabas went to Jerusalem to learn to live as a hermit, because he felt inclined to live alone with God. For a while, however, he was advised to live in another monastery there, for he was still young. He obeyed and joyfully did all the heavy work, chopping wood for the fires and carrying the heavy jugs of water.
One day, St. Sabas was sent to Alexandria, Egypt, as a companion to another monk. There he ran into his father and mother! They tried their best to make him come with them and enjoy the same honors his father had won. Not Sabas! He would not even take the money they tried to give him. Finally he accepted three gold pieces, but when he got back to the monastery, he gave them to the Abbot.
At last, he was able to spend four years completely alone, as he desired. But after that, he had to found a monastery for all the disciples who came to him. And before long, he was put in charge of all the monks in Palestine who lived the life he lived.
Even when sent to the Emperor on important affairs for the Church, St. Sabas wore his poor rags, and kept to his hours of prayer. When a disciple claimed that the Emperor might be offended, the Saint answered: “My son, the Emperor does his duty and we must do ours.”
Let us pray to know the Will of God for us, and then let us follow it with generosity.
Sabas is one of the most famous monks of Palestine. His father was an officer in the army and when he had to go to Alexandria, Egypt, he left his young son with his brother-in-law. Since his aunt treated him badly, young Sabas ran away to another uncle. When an argument arose between the two uncles, Sabas felt very bad because he liked to see people at peace. So he ran away to live in a monastery.
His two uncles felt ashamed of themselves and they told Sabas to come out and they would give him all his property. But by this time Sabas was too happy in the monastery to think of going back to a worldly life. Even though he was the youngest person in the monastery, he was the most fervent.
When he was eighteen, St. Sabas went to Jerusalem to learn to live as a hermit, because he felt inclined to live alone with God. For a while, however, he was advised to live in another monastery there, for he was still young. He obeyed and joyfully did all the heavy work, chopping wood for the fires and carrying the heavy jugs of water.
One day, St. Sabas was sent to Alexandria, Egypt, as a companion to another monk. There he ran into his father and mother! They tried their best to make him come with them and enjoy the same honors his father had won. Not Sabas! He would not even take the money they tried to give him. Finally he accepted three gold pieces, but when he got back to the monastery, he gave them to the Abbot.
At last, he was able to spend four years completely alone, as he desired. But after that, he had to found a monastery for all the disciples who came to him. And before long, he was put in charge of all the monks in Palestine who lived the life he lived.
Even when sent to the Emperor on important affairs for the Church, St. Sabas wore his poor rags, and kept to his hours of prayer. When a disciple claimed that the Emperor might be offended, the Saint answered: “My son, the Emperor does his duty and we must do ours.”
Let us pray to know the Will of God for us, and then let us follow it with generosity.
11/13/08
St. Stanislaus Kostka
St. Stanislaus Kostka - Patron of Youth - November 13th
This Polish youth was sent to a Jesuit school at Vienna with his older brother Paul. The two boys were not at all alike, however. Stanislaus had the courage to keep pure and to avoid bad language. He did well in his studies and the other boys admired his devotion at prayer. Paul, instead, was hard on his younger brother because he himself was not leading a good life.
After two years of patiently putting up with Paul’s bullying, Stanislaus became so ill that he was close to death. The man who owned the boarding house in which they lived was an enemy of the Catholic faith and refused to let a priest bring Holy Communion to the sick youth. Stanislaus prayed in desperation and God sent two angels to him with the Blessed Sacrament. Later, the Blessed Mother herself appeared to the Saint to tell him to enter the Society of Jesus. Stanislaus had already thought of that, so he asked to be admitted into the Society. But the Superior at Vienna dared not accept him because Stanislaus’ powerful father would be furious. The boy refused to give up. He stole away secretly and set out on foot to walk all the way to Rome, to ask the Superior General himself. On the way he stopped at the Jesuit house where St. Peter Canisius was superior.
St. Peter tested Stanislaus by setting him to wait on the seminarians at table and to clean their rooms. The holy young man served the students so humbly and respectfully that everyone was amazed.
At Rome, Stanislaus was accepted even though his father had written a very angry letter, telling him that he was following a profession not good enough for a nobleman’s son. But the seventeen-year-old saint answered respectfully that he must follow his vocation. He knew it was a far higher profession than any career his father could give him.
In the Jesuit college at Rome, St. Stanislaus performed every duty cheerfully and well. His face seemed to glow when he entered church, because of his great love for Jesus. But before his year of Novitiate was up, the holy Novice fell sick. No one thought his illness was serious, but the Saint was already thinking of going to Heaven. He told a priest friend that he hoped to be there for the next Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother into Heaven. And so it happened.
Early the morning of August 15th, the Feast of Our Lady’s Assumption, the sick young man whispered that he could see Our Lady coming with angels to take him home to Heaven.
One month after St. Stanislaus’ death, his brother Paul arrived in Rome, intending to force him to return. What was his surprise on finding Stanislaus dead! And what remorse he felt! From that time on, Paul began to live a good life, and he willingly testified to the virtues of his holy brother.
I will ask the Blessed Mother to let me know in which state of life Jesus wants me.
10/28/08
Saints Simon and Jude
Saints Simon and Jude – October 28th
These two Apostles of Our Lord are honored on the same day. St. Simon was called “the Zealous One” because he had so much devotion to the Jewish law before he came to know Jesus. Once he had been called by Our Lord to be an Apostle, he gave his heart and his energy to preaching the Gospel. With the other Apostles, he received the Holy Ghost on the first Pentecost. Then it is believed that he went to Egypt to preach the Faith. Afterwards he went to Persia with the Apostle St. Jude, and the two of them were martyred there.
St. Jude is sometimes called Thaddeus, which means ‘the Brave One.” It was he who asked Our Lord a famous question at the Last Supper. Jesus had said: “He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” And St. Jude wanted to know: “Lord, how is it that You are about to manifest Yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus gave him the answer: “If anyone love Me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our abode with him.”
St. Jude is sometimes called the Saint of “desperate cases.” People pray to him when things seem hopeless, and often God answers their prayers through the intercession of this beloved Apostle.
St. Jude wrote a beautiful letter which is in the Bible. In it he recommends compassion towards those who have gone astray. Let us, too, be merciful to those who have made mistakes, by not condemning them and by keeping quiet about their faults.
These two Apostles of Our Lord are honored on the same day. St. Simon was called “the Zealous One” because he had so much devotion to the Jewish law before he came to know Jesus. Once he had been called by Our Lord to be an Apostle, he gave his heart and his energy to preaching the Gospel. With the other Apostles, he received the Holy Ghost on the first Pentecost. Then it is believed that he went to Egypt to preach the Faith. Afterwards he went to Persia with the Apostle St. Jude, and the two of them were martyred there.
St. Jude is sometimes called Thaddeus, which means ‘the Brave One.” It was he who asked Our Lord a famous question at the Last Supper. Jesus had said: “He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” And St. Jude wanted to know: “Lord, how is it that You are about to manifest Yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus gave him the answer: “If anyone love Me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our abode with him.”
St. Jude is sometimes called the Saint of “desperate cases.” People pray to him when things seem hopeless, and often God answers their prayers through the intercession of this beloved Apostle.
St. Jude wrote a beautiful letter which is in the Bible. In it he recommends compassion towards those who have gone astray. Let us, too, be merciful to those who have made mistakes, by not condemning them and by keeping quiet about their faults.
9/25/08
St. Sergius of Radonezh
St. Sergius of Radonezh – September 25th
This famous Russian saint was given the name of Bartholomew when he was baptized. He was not as bright as his two brothers, but with God’s help, he learned to read and write, which made him very happy, because he greatly desired to be able to read the Holy Bible. Bartholomew’s parents were nobles, but while he was still a boy, the family had to flee from enemies and go to work as peasants. After his parents died, he and his brother Stephen went off to live as hermits. They built a little church of trees they had cut down, and had it dedicated to the Most Holy Trinity.
When his brother went to Moscow to enter a monastery, Bartholomew lived alone, but he received the habit of a monk and took the name, Sergius. He was a big, husky young man strong enough to stand the biting cold and fierce winds of his forest home. He was happy praying to God and loving Him with all his heart. He called fire and light his companions, and even made friends with bears!
Before too long, other young men came to share St. Sergius’ holy life. They asked him to be their abbot and he did. He was ordained a priest and ruled his monastery very wisely. Once when some of the monks together with his own brother Stephen-who had come back-disagreed with Sergius, he went away in order to keep peace. Four years later, when he was asked to return, the monks were so happy to see him that they kissed his hands, his feet and even his robe. Powerful rulers often went to ask St. Sergius’ advice, and he became so famous that he was asked to become bishop of the greatest Russian diocese, but he was too humble to accept. When the Prince of Moscow was not sure whether he should try to fight the terrible pagan Tartars, the Saint said, “Do not fear, sir. Go forward with faith against the foe. God will be with you.” And the Russians were victorious!
It was not great learning that made people trust St. Sergius and love him. It was his confidence in God and his desire to help everybody.
I will follow the example of this Saint. When someone disagrees with me and starts an argument, I will keep still. In this way both of us will be at peace.
This famous Russian saint was given the name of Bartholomew when he was baptized. He was not as bright as his two brothers, but with God’s help, he learned to read and write, which made him very happy, because he greatly desired to be able to read the Holy Bible. Bartholomew’s parents were nobles, but while he was still a boy, the family had to flee from enemies and go to work as peasants. After his parents died, he and his brother Stephen went off to live as hermits. They built a little church of trees they had cut down, and had it dedicated to the Most Holy Trinity.
When his brother went to Moscow to enter a monastery, Bartholomew lived alone, but he received the habit of a monk and took the name, Sergius. He was a big, husky young man strong enough to stand the biting cold and fierce winds of his forest home. He was happy praying to God and loving Him with all his heart. He called fire and light his companions, and even made friends with bears!
Before too long, other young men came to share St. Sergius’ holy life. They asked him to be their abbot and he did. He was ordained a priest and ruled his monastery very wisely. Once when some of the monks together with his own brother Stephen-who had come back-disagreed with Sergius, he went away in order to keep peace. Four years later, when he was asked to return, the monks were so happy to see him that they kissed his hands, his feet and even his robe. Powerful rulers often went to ask St. Sergius’ advice, and he became so famous that he was asked to become bishop of the greatest Russian diocese, but he was too humble to accept. When the Prince of Moscow was not sure whether he should try to fight the terrible pagan Tartars, the Saint said, “Do not fear, sir. Go forward with faith against the foe. God will be with you.” And the Russians were victorious!
It was not great learning that made people trust St. Sergius and love him. It was his confidence in God and his desire to help everybody.
I will follow the example of this Saint. When someone disagrees with me and starts an argument, I will keep still. In this way both of us will be at peace.
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.
9/2/08
St. Stephen of Hungary
St. Stephen of Hungary - Patron of Hungary - September 2nd
This Saint’s name was Vaik, but when he became a Christian at the age of ten, he was given the name of Stephen. At the same time, his father, the Duke of Hungary, and many nobles also became Christians. However, when Stephen himself became King, the country was still quite pagan and the people violent and fierce. So he set himself to establish the Church solidly in Hungary, and he was very successful.
The secret of St. Stephen’s amazing success in making his people Christian was his great devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. He placed his whole kingdom under her protection and built a magnificent church in her honor.
Stephen was a strong, fearless ruler who punished criminals and made his laws obeyed, but he was also very gentle and kind to the poor, very humble, and anxious to avoid wars as much as he could. He loved to give gifts of money to beggars without letting them know who he was.
Once, however, while he was giving these gifts in disguise, a crowd of rough beggars knocked him down, struck him, pulled his hair and his bread, and stole his purse. St. Stephen took this insult humbly and even happily. Turning his thoughts to the Blessed Mother, he said: “See, Queen of Heaven, how your soldiers have treated him whom you made King. If they were enemies of the Faith, I would know what to do with them. But since they are your Son’s subjects, I will take this joyfully and thank you for it.” In fact, the holy King made a resolution then and there to give more than ever to the beggars.
I, too, will make a resolution now: always forgive injuries, and even repay with acts of kindness those who offend me.
6/17/08
Sts. Teresa and Sanchia
Sts. Teresa and Sanchia - June 17th
These two sisters were daughters of the King of Portugal. Teresa was the older one. She married King Alfonso IX of Spain and became the mother of several children. But this marriage was not valid and it was wrong for Teresa to stay as his wife. Because she loved the king dearly, it was very hard for her to leave him. Yet, she did not want to disobey God’s law, and finally she went back to Portugal.
On her own land, Teresa built a large convent for Cistercian nuns. She herself shared their life fully, even though she did not stay there all the time, for she had to take care of her other property.
Her sister, St. Sanchia, never married. She, too, founded a convent on her land and devoted herself to good works. When she visited her beloved sister, Teresa, and saw what holy life the Cistercian nuns led, she changed her convent into a convent of the Cistercian Order and joined it herself. After Sanchia’s death, St. Teresa took her body back to her own convent. Then, when she had settled quarrels between her children and the Kind of Alfonso’s second wife, she took the veil of a nun in her convent. For almost twenty years, she lived as a very fervent sister. When she died, she was buried beside St. Sanchia.
If we ever make a promise to do something wrong, let us make sure we do not keep it. We cannot offend God to please someone else.
These two sisters were daughters of the King of Portugal. Teresa was the older one. She married King Alfonso IX of Spain and became the mother of several children. But this marriage was not valid and it was wrong for Teresa to stay as his wife. Because she loved the king dearly, it was very hard for her to leave him. Yet, she did not want to disobey God’s law, and finally she went back to Portugal.
On her own land, Teresa built a large convent for Cistercian nuns. She herself shared their life fully, even though she did not stay there all the time, for she had to take care of her other property.
Her sister, St. Sanchia, never married. She, too, founded a convent on her land and devoted herself to good works. When she visited her beloved sister, Teresa, and saw what holy life the Cistercian nuns led, she changed her convent into a convent of the Cistercian Order and joined it herself. After Sanchia’s death, St. Teresa took her body back to her own convent. Then, when she had settled quarrels between her children and the Kind of Alfonso’s second wife, she took the veil of a nun in her convent. For almost twenty years, she lived as a very fervent sister. When she died, she was buried beside St. Sanchia.
If we ever make a promise to do something wrong, let us make sure we do not keep it. We cannot offend God to please someone else.
5/7/08
St. Stanislaus
St. Stanislaus - Patron of Poland - May 7th
St. Stanislaus was born in Poland. His parents had prayed for thirty years for a child, and at his birth, they offered him to God in gratitude. When he grew up, he studied in Paris. After his parents died, he gave all their wealth to the poor. Then he became a priest, and later on he was made a bishop.
As bishop, Stanislaus won the love of all, because of the way he took care of poor people, of widows and orphans. Often he served them himself.
The King of Poland at that time was Boleslaus II. He was so cruel and so impure that all the people were disgusted. Stanislaus first corrected him privately. The king seemed sorry, but soon started again and he committed more shameful sins. The Bishop then had to put him out of the Church. Boleslaus flew into a rage at that. To get revenge, he ordered two of his guards to kill St. Stanislaus. Three times they tired and failed. Then the king himself, in mad rage, rushed in and murdered St. Stanislaus right in the chapel, as he was saying Mass.
God worked many miracles after his death, and all the people called him a martyr.
When we are corrected for doing wrong, let us accept the correction humbly and let us put into practice the good advice we are given.
4/22/08
Sts. Soter and Caius
Sts. Soter and Caius - April 22nd
St. Soter was Pope long ago, in the times of the Roman Emperors. He was a real father to all Christians. He gave much help to those who had been condemned to work in dangerous mines because they would not give up their faith. These brave Christians had little to eat and were not allowed to rest hardly at all. Other Christians were chained in prisons. Good Pope Soter did everything he possibly could to comfort and help them.
St. Soter also helped churches that were far away from Rome. This holy Pope was a great preacher. All the Christians loved to listen to him explain our religion, because he spoke so beautifully. He inspired them with new courage to die for Christ rather than sacrifice to false gods. After ten years as Pope, St. Soter himself gave his life for Jesus.
St. Caius was Pope about one hundred years later. He, too, lived in times of persecution and he did all he could to prepare his good people to keep the Faith at any sacrifice. In order to be of more help to his people, he lived eight years in underground rooms, called catacombs. These were cemeteries where the Christians often met in secret to pray and receive the Sacraments. This was their hiding place from the cruel pagan soldiers, who would kill them if they caught them.
St. Caius was Pope for twelve years. Then, he, too, was put to death for the Faith.
Today people in different parts of the world are persecuted because they are good Christians. Let us offer our prayers and sacrifices that they may keep up their courage.
4/17/08
St. Stephen Harding
St. Stephen Harding - April 17th
Stephen was a rich young Englishman who always looked cheerful and calm. He was a good student and learned about literature but especially about how to pray well. Once Stephen and a friend set out for Rome as pious pilgrims. They walked along in silence, thinking about God and praying to themselves. They only spoke when they prayed together.
When they returned, Stephen joined a very poor and holy community of monks. Their abbot was another saint, St. Robert. For a while he served God joyfully, but then the monks in that monastery did not want to live such a hard life any more. So St. Robert and St. Stephen, with twenty other fervent monks, went to start a new monastery in a wilderness in France called Citeaux. Here they lived a life of work and great poverty-to imitate the poverty of Jesus. They kept silence very strictly and were very devout and humble.
When St. Stephen became Superior, he had many troubles. There was so little food that he was forced to go out and beg from door to door. Then over half of the monks fell sick and died. It looked as though the community would come to an end, but St. Stephen prayed with faith. And his prayer was rewarded. God sent to this Cisterian monastery the great St. Bernard with thirty other gentlemen.
When he lay dying, St. Stephen heard those around him whispering that he had nothing to fear. Had he not led a virtuous life of hard labor and love of God? But St. Stephen told them that he was afraid he had not been good enough. That shows us how humble this great saint was.
We cannot get to Heaven only by praying. We have to work, too. That means we have to do every one of our duties without being lazy.
Stephen was a rich young Englishman who always looked cheerful and calm. He was a good student and learned about literature but especially about how to pray well. Once Stephen and a friend set out for Rome as pious pilgrims. They walked along in silence, thinking about God and praying to themselves. They only spoke when they prayed together.
When they returned, Stephen joined a very poor and holy community of monks. Their abbot was another saint, St. Robert. For a while he served God joyfully, but then the monks in that monastery did not want to live such a hard life any more. So St. Robert and St. Stephen, with twenty other fervent monks, went to start a new monastery in a wilderness in France called Citeaux. Here they lived a life of work and great poverty-to imitate the poverty of Jesus. They kept silence very strictly and were very devout and humble.
When St. Stephen became Superior, he had many troubles. There was so little food that he was forced to go out and beg from door to door. Then over half of the monks fell sick and died. It looked as though the community would come to an end, but St. Stephen prayed with faith. And his prayer was rewarded. God sent to this Cisterian monastery the great St. Bernard with thirty other gentlemen.
When he lay dying, St. Stephen heard those around him whispering that he had nothing to fear. Had he not led a virtuous life of hard labor and love of God? But St. Stephen told them that he was afraid he had not been good enough. That shows us how humble this great saint was.
We cannot get to Heaven only by praying. We have to work, too. That means we have to do every one of our duties without being lazy.
4/12/08
St. Sabas the Goth
St. Sabas the Goth - April 12th
A tribe of barbarians called Goths had come down into Europe and conquered many lands. Some of the Goths became Christians, and one of these was St. Sabas.
From the time he joined the Church as a young boy, he grew in goodness and humility.
The King of the Goths began a terrible persecution of all the Christians among his subjects. Although Sabas made no secret of his Christian faith, he was not taken prisoner during the first year of the persecution. The next year, the King’s men came to St. Sabas’ town looking for Christians. Some of the people of the town decided to swear that there were no Christians there. But St. Sabas would not stand for that. Without fear he stepped up to the officers and said, “Let no man swear for me. I am a Christian.”
The persecutors asked the people how rich St. Sabas was. When they found out that he was just a poor, simple fellow, they did not think it worthwhile to bother with him, so they let him go.
The third year, the persecution of the Christians was worse than ever. This time St. Sabas was thrown into a river and held down with a pole until he died.
Just before he was put to death, St. Sabas joyfully said to the soldiers, “I see what you cannot see. There are people on the other side of the river ready to receive me into the glory of Heaven.”
When we find it hard to do our duty, let us think of the reward God will give us.
A tribe of barbarians called Goths had come down into Europe and conquered many lands. Some of the Goths became Christians, and one of these was St. Sabas.
From the time he joined the Church as a young boy, he grew in goodness and humility.
The King of the Goths began a terrible persecution of all the Christians among his subjects. Although Sabas made no secret of his Christian faith, he was not taken prisoner during the first year of the persecution. The next year, the King’s men came to St. Sabas’ town looking for Christians. Some of the people of the town decided to swear that there were no Christians there. But St. Sabas would not stand for that. Without fear he stepped up to the officers and said, “Let no man swear for me. I am a Christian.”
The persecutors asked the people how rich St. Sabas was. When they found out that he was just a poor, simple fellow, they did not think it worthwhile to bother with him, so they let him go.
The third year, the persecution of the Christians was worse than ever. This time St. Sabas was thrown into a river and held down with a pole until he died.
Just before he was put to death, St. Sabas joyfully said to the soldiers, “I see what you cannot see. There are people on the other side of the river ready to receive me into the glory of Heaven.”
When we find it hard to do our duty, let us think of the reward God will give us.
3/10/08
Forty Martyrs of Sebaste
Forty Martyrs of Sebaste – March 10th
Under the Emperor Licinius, these martyrs suffered at Sebaste in Armenia. When all the soldiers of their legion were commanded to offer sacrifice to the gods, these forty heroes bravely refused. They said they would willingly die for their country but they would never commit the sin of offering sacrifice to false gods. In punishment, they were stripped of their clothes and lowered into a little pond. It was winter time and very cold. They were to be left there all night to freeze to death. "It will be a terrible night," they exclaimed, ""but it will win us a happy eternity!"
The pagans kept trying to persuade them to give up their faith in the true God. If they would, they could jump into a warm bath prepared nearby. At last, one soldier gave in to the temptation. But no sooner did he enter the warm bath than he died!
A pagan guard had a vision right then of blessed spirits descending from heaven with thirty-nine crowns. He was converted himself, and casting of his clothes, he joined the other thirty-nine. So the number of forty martyrs was complete again, and the Church honors these brave heroes of Christ as saints.
Let us admire the courage of these soldiers and learn from them how to bear without complaining the heat or the cold.
Under the Emperor Licinius, these martyrs suffered at Sebaste in Armenia. When all the soldiers of their legion were commanded to offer sacrifice to the gods, these forty heroes bravely refused. They said they would willingly die for their country but they would never commit the sin of offering sacrifice to false gods. In punishment, they were stripped of their clothes and lowered into a little pond. It was winter time and very cold. They were to be left there all night to freeze to death. "It will be a terrible night," they exclaimed, ""but it will win us a happy eternity!"
The pagans kept trying to persuade them to give up their faith in the true God. If they would, they could jump into a warm bath prepared nearby. At last, one soldier gave in to the temptation. But no sooner did he enter the warm bath than he died!
A pagan guard had a vision right then of blessed spirits descending from heaven with thirty-nine crowns. He was converted himself, and casting of his clothes, he joined the other thirty-nine. So the number of forty martyrs was complete again, and the Church honors these brave heroes of Christ as saints.
Let us admire the courage of these soldiers and learn from them how to bear without complaining the heat or the cold.
3/2/08
St. Simplicius
St. Simplicius - March 2nd
St. Simplicius was a Pope. In his day great numbers of the people had many wrong ideas about the Christian faith and many, many others were pagans. St. Simplicius was alone in trying to correct these evils but since he was both learned and holy he never gave up. More than by words, he taught with the example of his holy life and always he corrected others with charity and humility. Yet his good, fatherly heart had to suffer very much because some Christians stubbornly held on to their wrong opinions. Then with great sorrow, St. Simplicius had to put them out of the Church.
He was Pope for fifteen years and eleven months. Then Our Lord called him to receive the reward of his labors.
Let us be grateful to those who correct us, even when it hurts, because they are the ones who love us.
St. Simplicius was a Pope. In his day great numbers of the people had many wrong ideas about the Christian faith and many, many others were pagans. St. Simplicius was alone in trying to correct these evils but since he was both learned and holy he never gave up. More than by words, he taught with the example of his holy life and always he corrected others with charity and humility. Yet his good, fatherly heart had to suffer very much because some Christians stubbornly held on to their wrong opinions. Then with great sorrow, St. Simplicius had to put them out of the Church.
He was Pope for fifteen years and eleven months. Then Our Lord called him to receive the reward of his labors.
Let us be grateful to those who correct us, even when it hurts, because they are the ones who love us.
2/23/08
St. Serenus
St. Serenus - February 23rd
St. Serenus was a Greek who left all his belongings and went to Yugoslavia to live a holy life. He lived alone and grew just enough fruit and vegetables to live on.
One night he awoke to hear someone in his garden. Getting up to find out who it was, he saw a women and asked her what she was doing. She answered that she liked to walk in his garden.
But St. Serenus knew that she was a bad women and he told her to leave. The lady was very angry when she left. She went to her husband, who was one of the Emperor Maximian’s guards. She told him that Serenus had insulted her.
Her husband believed the lie and wrote to the governor of the land to punish Serenus.
When the governor called Serenus, he found out that it was really the women who was evil. Not Serenus. Just as the Saint was about to be freed, someone said to the governor that such a holy man might be a Christian. At that time, the Christians were being persecuted. The governor asked Serenus if he were a Christian. Serenus was happy to declare his faith in Jesus and to have the privilege of dying a martyr.
If we have any friends who are not good, we will not go with them any more. It is better to be alone than to be with bad companions.
St. Serenus was a Greek who left all his belongings and went to Yugoslavia to live a holy life. He lived alone and grew just enough fruit and vegetables to live on.
One night he awoke to hear someone in his garden. Getting up to find out who it was, he saw a women and asked her what she was doing. She answered that she liked to walk in his garden.
But St. Serenus knew that she was a bad women and he told her to leave. The lady was very angry when she left. She went to her husband, who was one of the Emperor Maximian’s guards. She told him that Serenus had insulted her.
Her husband believed the lie and wrote to the governor of the land to punish Serenus.
When the governor called Serenus, he found out that it was really the women who was evil. Not Serenus. Just as the Saint was about to be freed, someone said to the governor that such a holy man might be a Christian. At that time, the Christians were being persecuted. The governor asked Serenus if he were a Christian. Serenus was happy to declare his faith in Jesus and to have the privilege of dying a martyr.
If we have any friends who are not good, we will not go with them any more. It is better to be alone than to be with bad companions.
2/12/08
Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order
Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order - February 12th
These seven Saints were all young men who lived in Florence, Italy. They had joined a Confraternity in honor of the Blessed Virgin because of their great devotion to her.
On the feast of the Assumption, while they were all deep in prayer, the Blessed Mother appeared to them and inspired them to leave the world and to live alone with God.
After several years of living by themselves, they went to the Bishop to ask for a rule of life. The Bishop told them that the matter was one which needed much prayer. The monks then went back to pray and ask Our Lady to let them know what to do. Mary appeared to them carrying a black habit. At her side was an angel bearing a scroll with the words “Servants of Mary” written on it. In the vision, the Blessed Mother said that she had chosen then to be her servants and to wear the black habit.
These seven wonderful men helped each other to love and serve God better. Together they became great Saints.
Many young men came to join these holy Founders. They were known as Servants of Mary, or Servites.
Like these seven Saints, let us love our Blessed Mother and ask her to help us in every need.
These seven Saints were all young men who lived in Florence, Italy. They had joined a Confraternity in honor of the Blessed Virgin because of their great devotion to her.
On the feast of the Assumption, while they were all deep in prayer, the Blessed Mother appeared to them and inspired them to leave the world and to live alone with God.
After several years of living by themselves, they went to the Bishop to ask for a rule of life. The Bishop told them that the matter was one which needed much prayer. The monks then went back to pray and ask Our Lady to let them know what to do. Mary appeared to them carrying a black habit. At her side was an angel bearing a scroll with the words “Servants of Mary” written on it. In the vision, the Blessed Mother said that she had chosen then to be her servants and to wear the black habit.
These seven wonderful men helped each other to love and serve God better. Together they became great Saints.
Many young men came to join these holy Founders. They were known as Servants of Mary, or Servites.
Like these seven Saints, let us love our Blessed Mother and ask her to help us in every need.
2/10/08
St. Scholastica
St. Scholastica - Patroness against Convulsions in Children - February 10th
Scholastica was the twin sister of St. Benedict. For many years, her parents had begged God to send them children. When at last Benedict and Scholastica were born, their good mother did all she could to make them Saints.
Scholastica was a friendly, intelligent girl who promised herself to Jesus when she was still very young. Her parents died, she went to visit her holy brother. He had built a big monastery and was the leader of many good monks.
St. Benedict was very good to his holy sister. When he found out that she and other young women wanted to become religious, he helped her start her convent.
Once a year, St. Benedict came to visit her for one day. On one of his visits, when he was ready to leave the convent, Scholastica begged him to stay longer. Benedict said he could not, but Scholastica knew that soon she would die. So she bowed her head and prayed with all her heart. No sooner had she lifted her head than such a storm arose that Benedict was unable to leave. He stayed and they talked all through the night about the goodness of God and the happiness of the Saints in Heaven. Three days later, when St. Benedict was praying in his monastery, he saw the beautiful soul of his sister Scholastica going up to Heaven in the form of a dove.
Like this saintly brother and sister, let us love one another at home and be of good example to each other.
Scholastica was the twin sister of St. Benedict. For many years, her parents had begged God to send them children. When at last Benedict and Scholastica were born, their good mother did all she could to make them Saints.
Scholastica was a friendly, intelligent girl who promised herself to Jesus when she was still very young. Her parents died, she went to visit her holy brother. He had built a big monastery and was the leader of many good monks.
St. Benedict was very good to his holy sister. When he found out that she and other young women wanted to become religious, he helped her start her convent.
Once a year, St. Benedict came to visit her for one day. On one of his visits, when he was ready to leave the convent, Scholastica begged him to stay longer. Benedict said he could not, but Scholastica knew that soon she would die. So she bowed her head and prayed with all her heart. No sooner had she lifted her head than such a storm arose that Benedict was unable to leave. He stayed and they talked all through the night about the goodness of God and the happiness of the Saints in Heaven. Three days later, when St. Benedict was praying in his monastery, he saw the beautiful soul of his sister Scholastica going up to Heaven in the form of a dove.
Like this saintly brother and sister, let us love one another at home and be of good example to each other.
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