St. John the Evangelist

St. John the Evangelist - Patron of Asia Minor - December 27th

St. John was a fisherman in Galilee and was called to be an apostle with his brother, St. James the Greater. Jesus gave these sons of Zebedee the nickname, “sons of thunder.” St. John was the youngest of all the apostles and was dearly loved by our Lord. At the Last Supper, it was John who was permitted to lean his head on the breast of Jesus, and John was the only apostle who stood at the foot of the Cross. The dying Jesus gave the care of His Blessed Mother Mary to this beloved apostle. Turning to Our Lady, He said, “Behold your son.” And then to John, He said, “Behold your mother.” So for the rest of her holy life on earth, the Blessed Mother lived with St. John. He alone had the great privilege of honoring and assisting the all-pure Mother of God.

John wrote one of the four Gospels, in which he shows us that Jesus is truly God. He also wrote the last book in the holy Bible, called the Apocalypse, and three Letters to Christians, which we find in the Bible, too. All his long life, St. John taught Christians to love one another, and he himself practiced great charity. Once when he heard that a young Christian whom he knew and loved had become an outlaw and a robber, he set off at once to find him. Old as he was, the Saint rode into the outlaw territory alone, and was taken prisoner. As soon as the robber saw St. John, he turned away in shame.

“Son,” cried the apostle, “why are you running away from me, your father, an old man without weapons? There is time for repentance. I will answer for you to Jesus Christ. I am ready to lay down my life for you. I am sent by Christ!” The young robber stopped when he heard those words. Suddenly he began to weep. He was won over by the love of St. John. Before he left that city, the beloved Apostle made sure that the young man had become a good member of the Church once more.

When he had grown so old and weak that he had to be carried to church, St. John used to say to his people over and over again, “My little children, love one another.” The Christians once asked him why he said the same thing each time he spoke to them. St. John answered, “Because it is the word of the Lord, and if you keep it, you will be doing enough.”

Today I will try to resemble St. John at least in one of his three great virtues-purity of heart, charity toward all, and love for the Blessed Mother.

St. Thomas, Apostle

St. Thomas, Apostle - Patron of the East Indies - December 21st

Thomas was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. His name in the Syriac language means “twin.” St. Thomas loved Our Lord greatly, even though at first his faith was not very strong. Once when Jesus was going to face danger of being killed, the other apostles tried to keep the Master back. But St. Thomas said to them, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”

When Jesus was captured by his enemies, Thomas lost his courage and ran away with the other apostles. His heart was broken with sorrow at the death of his beloved Lord. Then on Easter Sunday, Jesus appeared to His Apostles after He had risen from the dead. Thomas was not with them at the time, so as soon as he came, the other Apostles told him joyfully, “We have seen the Lord!” They thought Thomas would be filled with happiness, but Thomas did not believe their message.

“Unless I see His hands the print of the nails,” he said, “and put my finger in the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” Eight days later, Jesus appeared to His Apostles again and this time, Thomas was there, too. Christ called him and told him to touch His hands and the wound in His side. Poor St. Thomas! He fell down at the Master’s feet and cried out, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus said, “Because you have seen Me, Thomas, you have believed. Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed.”

After Pentecost, Thomas was strong and firm in the Faith. He went to India to preach the Gospel, and died a martyr there, after making many converts.

Every time we look at the Sacred Host at Mass or Benediction, let us exclaim with faith: “My Lord and my God!”

See here to view the reliquary where St. Thomas' incorrupt finger is held:

http://www.rosaryworkshop.com/ROME-Pilgrimage-Crx.html

St. Andrew, Apostle

St. Andrew, Apostle - Patron of Scotland, of Old Maids, and Fishermen - November 30th

Andrew, like his brother, Simon Peter, was a fisherman. He became a disciple of the great St. John the Baptist, but when John pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” Andrew understood that Jesus was greater. At once he left John to follow the Divine Master.

Jesus knew that Andrew was walking behind him, and turning back, He asked, “What do you seek?” When Andrew answered that he would like to know where Jesus dwelt, Our Lord replied, “Come and see.” Andrew had been only a little time with Jesus when he realized that this was truly the Messias. From then on, he decided to follow Jesus. Andrew was thus the first disciple of Christ.

Next Andrew brought his brother Simon (St. Peter) to Jesus and Jesus received him, too, as His disciple. At first the two brothers continued to carry on their fishing trade and family affairs, but later the Lord called them to stay with Him all the time. He promised to make them fishers of men, and this time they left their nets for good.

It is believed that after Our Lord ascended into Heaven, St. Andrew went to Greece to preach the Gospel. He is said to have been put to death on a cross, to which he was tied, not nailed. He lived two days in that state of suffering, still preaching to the people who gathered around their beloved Apostle.

Two countries have chosen St. Andrew as their Patron-Russia and Scotland.

When St. Andrew saw the cross on which he was to die, he exclaimed, “O good cross, made beautiful by Christ’s body, you are welcome!” Today I will remember the words of Our Lord: “Whoever does not carry his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”

PRAYER TO OBTAIN FAVORS

HAIL and blessed be the hour and moment in which the son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen.

(It is piously believed that whoever recites this above prayer fifteen times a day from the feast of St. Andrew (30th Nov.) until Christmas will obtain what is asked.)

Imprimatur
†MICHAEL AUGUSTINE, Archbishop of New York
New York, February 6, 1897

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.

St. Luke the Evangelist

St. Luke the Evangelist - Patron of Painters, Glass-Workers, and Doctors - October 18th


Luke was a pagan doctor, a good kind man who came to know Our Lord from the great Apostle Paul. After he had become a Christian, he went everywhere with St. Paul and was a great help to him in spreading the Faith. In the Bible this holy convert is called: “Luke, the beloved physician.”


St. Luke himself is the author of two books in the Bible: “The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke,” and “The Acts of the Apostle.” Although he did not know Jesus while Our Lord was on this earth, he wanted to write about Him for other new converts like himself. So he talked to those who had known Jesus and he wrote down all that they had seen Our Lord do and heard Him say. It is believed that St. Luke learned from the Blessed Virgin Mary herself all about the Angel Gabriel’s appearance to her, the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt, and many other facts we read in his Gospel.


Luke also wrote the story of how the Apostles began to teach the message of Jesus after Our Lord went back to Heaven. It is in his book, “The Acts of the Apostles,” that we learn how the Church began to grow and spread.


St. Luke is the patron saint of doctors and of painters, too, because it is believed that he painted a beautiful picture of our Blessed Mother.


In his Gospel St. Luke wrote especially of the mercy of God for repentant sinners. Today I will read in it the parable of the Lost Sheep.

St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist

St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist - Patron of Bankers and Tax Collectors – September 21st

Matthew was a tax-collector in the city of Capharnaum, where Jesus was living. He was a Jew but he was working for the Romans, who had conquered the Jews. For this reason, his countrymen disliked him. They would not have anything to do with these “publicans”, as tax collectors like Matthew were called.

But Jesus did not feel that way about Matthew. One day, He saw him sitting in his office and He said, “Follow Me.” At once, Matthew got up and left his money and his position to follow Our Lord, Who seemed so holy and king-like. He gave a big supper for Jesus and invited other publicans like himself to meet Jesus and listen to Him teach. When some people criticized Our Lord for eating with sinners, Jesus answered, “They who are well do not need the doctor; the sick do. I have not come to call the just, but sinners to repentance.”

When Jesus went back to Heaven, St. Matthew stayed in Palestine for some time to preach about Our Lord. He also wrote his Gospel, which is the story of Jesus and what He taught. In his Gospel, St. Matthew showed his countrymen that Jesus is the Messias whom the Prophets had said would come to save us.

After preaching the Gospel to many people, Matthew ended his life as a glorious martyr for the Faith.

If my parents ask me to do something, I will obey promptly, without asking them any questions or giving any excuses.

St. Bartholomew, the Apostle

St. Bartholomew, the Apostle - Patron of Plasterers - August 24th

“Bartholomew” was one of the first followers of Jesus. This apostle’s other name was Nathanael. He became a disciple of Jesus when his friend Philip invited him to come and meet Our Lord. Nathanael received high praise from Jesus, who said, as soon as He saw him: “Here is a man in whom there is no guile”. Jesus meant that Nathanael was an honest, sincere man who would never deceive anyone. His one desire was to know the truth.

Nathanael was very surprised to hear those words from Our Lord. “How do You know me?” he asked. “Before Philip called you,” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig-tree.” That was a favorite praying-place, and Nathanael must have realized then that Jesus had read his heart as he prayed. “Master!” he cried, “You are the Son of God, the King of Israel.” And Nathanael became one of Our Lord’s faithful apostles.

Like the other apostles, Nathanael, or Bartholomew, preached the Gospel of Jesus at the risk of his life. He went to India, Armenia and other lands, preaching with great zeal, until he gave his life for the Faith. And so, to the reward of an Apostle, St. Bartholomew added the martyr’s crown.

Jesus likes people who are honest, like St. Bartholomew. Even though Bartholomew had his opinions, he was not stubborn at all. So Jesus praised him, gave him the grace of faith and the vocation to be an apostle.

St. Peter in Chains

St. Peter in Chains - August 1st

To please the enemies of the Christians, King Herod Agrippa had put St. James to death, and now he planned to do the same to St. Peter, the Head of the Church. Once he had him in prison, he set a heavy guard about him to make sure he would not escape. But all the Christians of Jerusalem were begging the Lord to save St. Peter, and their prayers were answered.

The night before he was to be condemned, St. Peter was peacefully sleeping in his prison cell between his two guards bound tightly by two chains. He was unafraid of death and ready to do God’s will. Suddenly an angel appeared and tapped him on the side to awaken him. He told him to get up at once, put on his cloak and his sandals and follow him. At the same moment, both the chains fell from his hands! Out the two went, past two sets of guards, and the angel led St. Peter out to the street. Then he disappeared. Up to then, Peter had thought he might be dreaming, but now he knew that God had really sent an angel to free him! What joy and gratitude filled his heart!

At once, the Apostle went to the home of Mary, St. Mark’s mother, where many Christians were praying for his safety. He knocked at the door and a young women named Rhoda came to ask who it was, without opening the door. When she heard St. Peter’s voice, she ran joyfully to tell the others. They, however, could not believe the news. “It must be his angel,” they said, when she kept insisting. Meanwhile St. Peter knocked again. At last they let him in, and their happiness was immense when they saw it was truly St. Peter himself! He told them how the angel had freed him, and all together they blessed and thanked the Lord.

Our Lord never abandons those who serve Him, even though sometimes He permits them to be persecuted. God also listens to the prayers that good people offer for those who are suffering.

Photos courtesy of Anthony De Piante http://depianteinrome.blogspot.com/

St. James the Greater

St. James the Greater - Patron of Spain, of Chile, of Pilgrims and of Manual Laborers - July 25th

James was a fisherman like his father Zebedee and his brother John. He was on his father’s boat mending his nets when Our Lord passed by and called him and John to become fishers of men. At once they left their father and their boats to follow Jesus.

James, with St. Peter and St. John, was a special companion of Our Lord. With them, he was permitted to see what the other Apostles did not see. He was there when Our Lord raised the daughter of Jarius to life. He was taken up the mountain to see Jesus shining like the sun with His robes white as snow. He was allowed to stay with Our Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane on the Holy Thursday night when He sweat blood.

St. James was an impulsive, outspoken man, who wanted Jesus to send fire down on the villages which did not receive Our Lord. But he had great faith in Jesus, and he learned to become humble and meek. To him was given the honor of being the first Apostle to die for Our Lord. The Holy Bible tell us that King Herod Agrippa had St. James put to death by the sword.

The judge who was suppose to condemn the Apostle was so moved by St. James’ faith in Jesus that right than and there he declared himself to be a Christian. For that, he, too, was condemned to death to be beheaded. As he walked beside St. James to his execution, he begged the Apostle to forgive him for arresting him. St. James turned and embraced him. “Peace be to you!” he said, and kissed him. And they died for Jesus together.

Jesus loves and chooses who are generous and ready to say “yes”.

The Martyrdom of St. Paul

The Martyrdom of St. Paul - June 30th

St. Paul is the great Apostle who first persecuted the Christians and then was converted. At the time of his conversion, Jesus had said: I will show him how much he must suffer for Me.”

St. Paul loved Jesus Crucified very much-so much that he became living copy of Our Divine Savior. All his life, during his many missionary trips, St. Paul met troubles and went through dangers of every kind. He was whipped, stoned, shipwrecked, and lost at sea. Many, many times, he was hungry, thirsty, and cold.

Yet, he always trusted in God. He never stopped preaching. “The love of Jesus presses me onward,” he said. In reward, God gave him great comfort and in every suffering.

When St. Paul found out that the Emperor Nero had begun a terrible persecution in Rome, he hurried back to Rome to comfort and encourage the Christians. The thought of the danger did not stop him. Before long, however, he and St. Peter were also put in prison and condemned. They were led out to execution together. As they walked along, these two great heroes of Christ encouraged each other.

At a certain point they were separated. St. Peter was crucified on Vatican Hill, and St. Paul was taken and beheaded near the place where his Basilica now stands. With what faith St. Paul bowed his head to accept the blow! From prison he had written: “Behold, the time of my deliverance is at hand. I have fought the good fight. I have kept the Faith. And there is laid up for me a crown, which the Lord will give me and to all those who love and serve Him.”

When we have some trouble or little cross, let us think of St. Paul, and let us pray to him for patience and more love of God.

St. Peter

St. Peter - June 29th

Peter, the first Pope and the prince of the Apostles, was a fisherman when Jesus invited him to follow Him, saying: “I will make you a fisher of men.” Peter was a simple man who sometimes acted without thinking, but he was generous, honest and very much attached to Our Lord.

This great Apostle’s name was Simon, but Jesus Himself changed it to Peter, which means “rock.” “You are Peter,” Jesus said, “and on this rock I shall build my Church.”


Because he did not pray for strength, he became afraid when Our Lord was arrested. It was then that he committed the sin of denying Our Lord three times, but he repented, and wept over his sin the rest of his life. Jesus forgave Peter and, after His Resurrection, asked him three times: “Do you love Me? Poor Peter! “Lord,” he said, “You know all things. You know I love You.” Then Our Lord said: “Feed My lambs and My Sheep.” He was telling Peter to rule over the whole Church, and after Our Lord went back to Heaven, Peter was the leader of all the Christians.


He went to Rome to live and converted many pagans. When a great persecution began, the Christians begged St. Peter to leave Rome and save himself. He started out, but on the road, he met Our Lord coming in. “Lord, where are you going?” Peter asked. And Jesus answered, “I am coming to be crucified a second time.” Then St. Peter turned around and went back, for he knew that the vision meant he was the one who was to die on the cross. He was taken prisoner and condemned to death by crucifixion. St. Peter asked to be crucified with his head downward, because he said he was not worthy to suffer as Jesus had.


If we have fallen into sin, we should not get discouraged. We should imitate St. Peter by being sorry and loving Jesus more than ever before.

St. John Before the Latin Gate

St. John Before the Latin Gate - May 6th

St. John was the youngest of the Apostles. Jesus loved him with a special love because he was a virgin. He was the only Apostle who stood right near the cross when Our Lord was crucified.


By the year 95, St. John was the only Apostle still alive. All the others had been martyred. He was known and loved by all Christians for his great virtues.


At last, St. john, too, was arrested in the city of Ephesus during the terrible persecution of Christians ordered by the Emperor Domitian. He was taken to Rome and brought before the cruel Emperor. Even though the Saint was so old, the Emperor felt no pity for him. He commanded St. John to be whipped and then thrown into a pot of boiling oil. The Apostle’s face lit up with great joy when he heard the order. He wanted with all his heart to suffer for Jesus, Who died for us. And he was anxious to see his beloved Master again in Heaven.


But God worked a miracle to save St. John from the burning oil. It did not hurt him at all; in fact, when he was taken out, he looked better and stronger than when he was put in!


More furious than ever, the Emperor sent St. John into exile on the island of Patmos.


This St. John was the brother of the Apostle St. James. One day Our Lord had asked them if they could drink the same cup of sufferings he was going to drink. The two Apostles boldly declared they were ready to suffer anything for Him. Then Our Lord told them they would indeed suffer much for His sake. And so it came about, because both of them underwent martyrdom.


Those who keep themselves pure are especially loved and blessed by God.

Sts. Philip and James

Sts. Philip and James - May 1st

Philip was one of Jesus’ first Apostles. Our Lord found him and said, “Follow me.” Philip was so happy to be with Jesus that he wanted to share his happiness with his friend, Nathaniel. “We have found Him of whom Moses and the prophets wrote. He is Jesus of Nazareth,” he told Nathaniel.

Nathaniel was not at all excited. Nazareth was just a little village, not a big city like Jerusalem. So Nathaniel said, “Can any good come out of Nazareth?” But Philip did not become angry at his friend’s answer. He just said, “Come and see.” Nathaniel went to see Jesus, and after he had spoken with Him, he, too, became a zealous follower of the Lord.

St. James was also one of the twelve apostles. He was a cousin of Our Lord. After Jesus ascended into Heaven, James became Bishop of Jerusalem and the people thought so much of him that they called him, “James the Just,” which means “James the Holy One.” In all his prayers, he kept begging God to forgive the people. Even when the enemies of Jesus were putting him to death for preaching about Our Lord, St. James asked God to pardon them.

It does no good to become angry if others make fun of us. We will win them little by little if we are patient and keep praying.

Today is also the Feast of St. Joseph, Patron of Workmen

To read the short story about St. Joseph, look for him on March 19, or click, or copy and paste the following link into your web browser:

http://thesaintsstories.blogspot.com/2008/07/st-joseph-patron-of-universal-church.html

St. Mark the Evangelist

St. Mark the Evangelist - Patron of Notaries - April 25th

Mark lived in Palestine at the time of Our Lord. He was a relative of St. Barnabas. While still a young man, he went with the great Apostles Paul and Barnabas on a missionary journey to bring the teachings of Christ to new lands. Before it was over, though, he grew discouraged and went back home to Jerusalem. Later, he was much braver, and he became a beloved disciple of St. Peter, the first Pope. With St. Peter, he went to Rome. Here St. Peter preached about Jesus to the Romans. The people asked St. Mark to write down everything St. Peter said, and he did. This book is called the Gospel of St. Mark.

It is a life of Christ told by St. Peter himself and it gives us many little details that are not in the other Gospels.

Mark was consecrated a bishop and sent to Egypt. There he converted many people. After a life of sufferings serenely endured for the glory of God, he went through a long and very painful martyrdom.

His wicked enemies tied his feet with rope and dragged him through the streets for a whole day. The ground was stained with St. Mark’s blood, but he was happy for the chance to suffer for Jesus. That night in prison, Jesus Himself came to comfort and strengthen St. Mark. The next day his enemies dragged him on the ground again until he died of his many wounds.

St. Mark’s relics were later brought to Venice and today they are venerated in the beautiful Basilica of St. Mark.

There is no book in the world more important than the Holy Gospels. The wisest and holiest of men have always loved to read them over and over again. Let us, too, make sure we have a copy of the Holy Gospels and that we read them.

St. Matthias the Apostle

St. Matthias the Apostle - February 24th


St. Matthias was one of Our Lord’s seventy-two disciples. He was good and pure as a boy and as a young man. So when he met Jesus, he was attracted to Him and followed Him.


He was with Our Lord during His whole public life.


After Jesus had gone back to Heaven, the eleven Apostles met together to choose another to take the place of Judas the traitor. They prayed to God to show them whom He had chosen. Then they cast lots and Matthias was the was the one chosen. He received the Holy Ghost with the other Apostles.


St. Matthias was a very good Apostle and preached the Word of God to many people. At last the enemies of Jesus grew furious to see how people listened to Matthias that they put him to death. The Martyr thanked Jesus for letting him die for Him, and then he prayed for his enemies.


Matthias had lived a very holy life and Jesus welcomed his faithful Apostle into the joys of Heaven.


Every morning, let us ask Jesus to give us the grace of living and dying faithful to Him.

The Conversion of St. Paul

The Conversion of St. Paul - January 25th


Paul was first called Saul. As a young man, he was a very bright student of the Hebrew religion. When he grew older, he persecuted the followers of Jesus in Jerusalem because he did not know Jesus was God. It was he who held the robes of men who stoned to death the first martyr, St. Stephen. But one day when he was one his way to hunt down more Christians in the city of Damascus, a great light suddenly shone all around him. As he fell from his horse, he heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecuted Me?”


And Saul asked, “Who art thou, Lord?”


Our Lord answered, “I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goad.


Afraid and trembling, Saul said, “Lord, what will you have me do?”


At that moment, Saul became a great lover of Jesus. After his baptism, he thought only of making everyone know and love the Lord Jesus, our Savior.


We know Saul by his Roman name of Paul. He is the great Apostle who travelled all over the world, preaching about Jesus and converting millions of people in one city after another.


He worked and suffered, and his enemies tried to take his life many times. Yet nothing could stop him from bringing souls to Christ. When he was old and tried, he was once again put in prison and sentenced to die. Still St. Paul was happy to suffer for Christ.


This great apostle wrote fourteen marvelous letters to Christians. They are in the Holy Bible. These letters, called Epistles, are read almost every morning at Holy Mass.


God asks us, too, to love Jesus very much. Do we often tell Our Lord that we love Him?

Chair of St. Peter at Rome

Chair of St. Peter at Rome - January 18th

St. Peter was the Prince of the Apostles and the first Pope. After Jesus went back to Heaven, St. Peter preached the Gospel and ruled the Church, as Jesus had told him to do. At first, he labored in Jerusalem and in Antioch, two big cities of the East. Later, he went to preach the Gospels in Rome. Rome, the great capital of the world, was a wicked pagan city. But there, with the help of God, St. Peter soon brought many souls to Jesus.

The Feast of St. Peter's Chair at Rome reminds us of the great Church St. Peter founded in that city. St Peter was martyred for the faith, but down through the ages there has always been a Bishop of Rome. He is the Pope and he rules the whole Church, as St. Peter did, in the name of Jesus. We call the successor of St. Peter the Holy Father.

We love and honor the Pope because he takes the place of Jesus on earth. Let us always pray for our Holy Father, that God may give him strength, light and consolation.