St. Julie Billiart

St. Julie Billiart - April 8th

Mary Rose Julie Billiart was a strong, young girl of Belgium. In fact, when she was just seven, she used to explain it to other children less intelligent than she. When her parents became poor, she worked very hard to help support the family. She even went to help support the family. She even went to help with the harvesting in the fields. Yet she always found time to visit the sick, to pray, and to teach the catechism.

However, while she was still a young women, she became very ill and completely paralyzed. Although helpless, St. Julie offered her prayers for the saving of many souls. She was more united to God than ever and she kept on teaching catechism from her sickbed. She gave spiritual advice to everyone who visited her and encouraged all to receive Holy Communion often. Many young girls were inspired by her love for God. So they spent their time and money for good works. With Julie as their leader, they founded the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

Once when a priest gave a mission in the town where Julie was, he asked her to make a novena with him for an intention which he would not tell her. After five days, on the feast of the Sacred Heart, the priest said to her: “Mother, if you have faith, take one step in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.” Mother Billiart, who had been paralyzed for twenty-two years, stood up and was cured!

St. Julie spent the rest of her life training young girls to become sisters and watching over her Congregation. She had to suffer much from those who did not understand her mission, but she always trusted in God. Her favorite words were: “How good is the good God!” He assured her that someday her Congregation of Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur would be very large. And that this is just what happened. Today there are a great many of St. Julie’s Sisters teaching young girls all over the world.

When something is worrying us, such as a test in school or troubles at home, let us often say: “Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee!”

Blessed Herman Joseph

Blessed Herman Joseph - April 7th

Herman’s parents were very poor people who lived in Germany. Because he was so poor, little Herman did not receive much of an education. Yet his great love for our Blessed Mother kept him out of trouble. He grew up under Our Lady’s loving care and he went to her every time he needed something. He liked nothing better than to spend time praying to Mary.

When he entered a monastery, Herman was not too happy at first. This was because he had to work in the kitchen and serve his brothers at table. So much of his time was spent with the pots and pans that poor Herman could not pray to his Blessed Mother for hours any more. One day he complained about it to her and Our Lady came to tell him not to worry. “For every day work,” she said, “you earn a greater reward in Heaven than if you had prayed all day long!” Then Herman was happy. He knew that we please Our Lord and His Mother most when we do our duty in obedience.

Herman received his other name of Joseph in an unusual way. It was given him by the other monks when they saw how much he was like the great St. Joseph, Our Lady’s Spouse. Herman was so humble that he did not think he deserved that name. So our Blessed Mother herself came to tell him to keep this name-Herman Joseph.

After he became a priest, the holy monk celebrated Mass with such love of God that people cried to see him. Even though he was so spiritual, Herman worked, too. In fact, he was a good Mechanic, and went to on monastery of his Order after another to repair clocks. Herman suffered much from sickness and temptations, but he offered it all to Our Lord and never lost his courage.

Our good actions are like letters that need the right address. This means that they will reach God and bring us a reward only if we do them for Him.

St. William the Abbot

St. William the Abbot - April 6th

William was a young boy of Paris who was taught by his good uncle, the Abbot Hugo. When it was time for him to decide what he should become, William prayed to God to help him make the right choice. Then, on his uncle’s advice, he made up his mind to become a priest.

Although William wanted only to do good to everyone, there were some who became his enemies. They were living bad lives, and every time they saw how kind and pure and devout William was, it made them realize how sinful they were. Instead of changing and copying his good example, they tried to get rid of him. They even told the bishop lies so that he would not make William a priest. But the bishop knew what a holy man William really was and he paid no attention to the false accusations. Next his enemies tried to have the Saint sent away, but again God did not let their plan work out. In the end, it was these evil men who were sent away-and by the Pope himself!

St. William and three companions were asked to go to Denmark to convert sinners and pagans and make the Religious there more fervent. The Saint and his companions got a good start, but then everything began to go wrong. They could hardly stand the bitter cold weather and they were very, very poor. Besides that, they did not understand the language, and they had many enemies. Frightened, St. William’s three friends gave up and went home to France. But the Saint remained. To show how pleased He was with St. William’s trust in Him, Our Lord rewarded him with the conversion of all he had come to help. Then for thirty years the holy Abbot lived in peace and fervor with a great many good monks who imitated his virtues and love of god.

When things get hard, let us not be quitters. God always helps those who turn to Him for help.

St. Vincent Ferrer

St. Vincent Ferrer - Patron of Builders - April 5th

A most wonderful Christian hero of Spain was St. Vincent Ferrer. He had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother. Whenever anyone spoke of her, it made him very happy.

When he was eighteen, Vincent entered the Order of St. Dominic. He was a very intelligent man, but because he was also very humble, he never boasted about his intelligence. He was not interested in learning a lot of useless things. After he finished his studies, he read nothing for three years but the Holy Bible, and he knew it by heart.

First Vincent taught at different colleges. Then he became a great preacher. For twenty years he preached all through Spain and France. Many people were converted by listening to him. Among them were Moslems, pagans and heretics. Although there were no microphones in those days, his voice could be heard from great distance. Everywhere he went, orphanages and hospitals were established, but Vincent remained as humble as ever.

St. Vincent counted on God to make his preaching successful. That is why he prayed before every sermon. But one time, when he knew that a very important person was going to listen to him, he worked harder than usual on his sermon and did not pray. This sermon which he had prepared so carefully did not affect the nobleman much at all. God let that happen to teach Vincent not to count on himself. Another time, this same important person came to listen to the Saint preach, but the Saint did not know it. He prayed and counted on God, as usual. This time the nobleman was greatly impressed by what he heard. When Vincent was told, he said: “In the first sermon it was Vincent who preached. In the second sermon, it was Jesus Christ.”

Let us never brag about our good marks or any other success that comes our way. God will keep helping us all our lives if we pray to Him and not count only on ourselves.

St. Benedict the Moor

St. Benedict the Moor - Patron of Missions - April 4th

St. Benedict’s forefathers were brought in chains from Africa to Sicily. His parents were Negro slaves on a farm. Benedict spent his youth working on this farm.

When he was eighteen, Benedict was given his freedom. He always helped the poor with whatever money he had. This led the people to call him “il Santo Moro”-the Holy Negro.

But there were also jealous people who made fun of Benedict. They insulted him because his parents had been slaves. One day, a holy man was passing by and heard these men insulting Benedict. Turning to them, he said: “You make fun of this poor black man, but before long he will be famous.”

Soon Benedict joined a group of hermits and was so virtuous that they chose him as their leader. When the Pope advised all hermits to join monasteries, Benedict became a Franciscan brother. He was made the cook in his monastery, but he also went out to visit the sick people and prisoners. He comforted everyone in trouble and worked many miracles for the people of the surrounding villages.

When he was elected Superior, he guided the Community for three years with great wisdom, even though he could not read or write. They wanted to reelect him, but Benedict was so humble that he said he was not fir to remain in such a high office.

His brothers had to give in to his humble request, so they made him Assistant Superior. He was asked to teach all the young men who joined the community how to become good Franciscans. Even though he could not read, Benedict could explain the Bible and the catechism in a wonderful way, because of his great love for God.

After several years, Benedict asked if he might become cook again. When he was given permission, he went peacefully and happily back to his kitchen. There he spent the rest of his life, serving others with works of charity and prayer.

Let us remind ourselves that if so many become saints, we can become saints, too. It is up to us! To become saints, we do not need to have special qualities. So let us start now.

St. Richard of Chichester

St. Richard of Chichester - April 3rd

St. Richard was born in England. He and his brother were left orphans when Richard was very young. His brother owned some farms and Richard gave up his studies to help him save them from going to ruin. He did so well that his grateful brother wanted to give the farms to him, but Richard did not accept them. He also refused to marry, because he wanted to study. He went to Oxford University, and when he was thirty-eight, he was appointed chancellor of that University. Later, St. Edmund, who was Archbishop of Canterbury, made him Chancellor of his diocese. When St. Edmund died, St. Richard went to the monastery of the Dominican Friars in France and was ordained a priest.

He was consecrated Bishop of Chichester, England, and that is why he is called Richard of Chichester. The King at this time was not very good. Because he wanted someone else to be bishop of Chichester, he made St. Richard suffer much. Yet the good Saint always helped those who offended him. He must have often remembered the words of Jesus: “Love your enemy.”

As bishop, St. Richard did his duties well. He was always charitable and kind to sinners who were sorry. However, when he had to be stern, he was. He was not afraid of what might happen to him.

When St. Richard became ill, he foretold his death, because God had let him know the exact place and time when he would die. Many miracles took place at the Saint’s grave.

As a farmer, as a chancellor, as a priest and bishop, St. Richard did everything well. We shall try our very best to do our work at home and at school as well as we can, for the love of Jesus.

St. Francis of Paola

St. Francis of Paola - Patron of Seamen - April 2nd

St. Francis was born in the tiny village of Paola in Italy. His parents were poor but very humble and holy. They had prayed to St. Francis of Assisi for a son, and when he was born, they named him Francis in honor of the great Saint of Assisi. The boy went to a school taught by the Franciscan priests and there he grew in knowledge and virtue.

When he was fifteen, with his parents' permission, he went off to live in a cave, because he wanted to serve God alone. When he was twenty, other young men joined him. Out of charity, St. Francis left his cave and built a church and a monastery for them. He called this new order of religious the "Minims." "Minims" means "the least of all."

Everyone loved St. Francis. He prayed for them all and worked miracles. He always told his followers that they must be kind and humble, and do much penance. He himself was the best example of humility and charity. Once someone visited the Saint and insulted him to his face. When he was finished, Francis quietly picked up some hot coals from the fireplace and closed his hands tightly around them without being burned at all! "Come, warm yourself," he said it his accuser kindly. "You are shivering because you need a little charity." At such a miracle, the visitor changed his mind about Francis. From then on, he admired his greatly.

The King of France, who had not lived a very good life, called for St. Francis when he was dying. Just the thought of dying made him shake with fear! He wanted Francis to work a miracle to cure him, but the Saint told him he had come to prepare him to die a holy death. The King had a change of heart and accepted God's will. He died in the arms of the Saint, after preparing his soul well.

St. Francis died at the age of ninety-one. He spent the last three months of his life alone preparing to appear before Jesus, since he knew when he was going to die.

God loves and blesses those who are humble. Let us not show off or look for praise.

St. Hugh of Grenoble

St. Hugh of Grenoble - April 1st

St. Hugh was born in France. He grew to be tall and handsome, gentle courteous, but very shy. Although he always wanted to go off to live alone God, he was so intelligent that he was given important positions. After he was ordained a priest, he was made a canon of the Cathedral of Valance, and next was chosen Bishop of Grenoble.

As Bishop, Hugh began at once to correct evil ways of living practiced by many people of his diocese. He made wise plans, but that was not all he did. To draw God’s mercy down upon his people, St. Hugh prayed with his whole heart and did hard penances. In a short time, his wicked people became very virtuous and pious.

But still Hugh wanted to be a monk. He resigned as bishop and entered a monastery. There he was so fervent in all that he did, and so humble, too, that he became a prefect model of every virtue. Yet it was not God’s will for Hugh to be a monk. After one year, the Pope commanded him to become the Bishop of Grenoble again. Right away, St. Hugh obeyed. He knew it was more important to please God than to please himself.

For forty years, the good Bishop was sick nearly all the time. Yet he forced himself to keep working, because he wanted to do his duty. He suffered from terrible temptations, too. But he fought them and prayed and never gave in to sin.

When the will of our parents and teachers is different from what we would like, we will drop our plans at once and obey.

Blessed Amadeus

Blessed Amadeus - March 31st

Amadeus was a Duke of the region called Savoy in Italy. He grew up in a palace where many people were leading worldly lives, but he kept himself good. His secret for avoiding sin was to receive the sacraments often, to pray and read good books, especially the Gospel. Even after Amadeus became the ruler himself, he always began his day by reading a holy book. He especially loved to think about the sufferings of Jesus. Then he would assist at Holy Mass so devoutly that everyone who saw him felt a desire to be close to God, too. Next he would take care of all the matters that a ruler has to decide upon. He was so just and fair and kind that no king anywhere was loved more then Amadeus.

The Saint and his holy wife, Yolanda, found great happiness in making others happy. Amadeus often went himself to serve the poor people with his own hands. He said that he enjoyed that more than anything else.

Once he was told that he should not give so much away to the poor. Instead he ought to use that money to build forts to protect his lands. Do you know what Duke Amadeus answered to that? He said: "The best forts are the loving hearts of my people."

Though kind and gentle, on the battlefield Amadeus showed himself a very brave soldier. And he was a good father, raising his children to love and obey God.

The best way to get our younger brothers and sisters to obey us is to win their love. And they will love us if we are always kind and fair with them.

St. John Climacus

St. John Climacus - March 30th

St. John was an intelligent teenager who did very well in school. He could have become a famous teacher, but he decided to serve God with his whole heart. He went to a monastery and tried very hard to get rid of his defects. Then he went to live for forty years by himself and spent all his time praying and reading the lives of the saints. At first, St. John was very badly tempted by the devil. The devil is always furious when people decide to give themselves completely to God. John felt all kinds of bad passions trying to make him give in and sin.. But he put all his trust in Jesus and prayed harder than ever. So the temptations never made him fall into sin. In fact, he only grew holier. he became so close to God that many heard of his holiness and went to ask him for advise.

God gave St. John a wonderful gift.This was the gift of bringing peace to people who were upset and tempted. Once there came to him a man who was having terrible temptations. He asked St. John to help him and told him how hard it was for him to fight these temptations. St. John invited him to pray with him to God. After they had prayed, peace filled the poor man's soul and he was never again troubled with those temptations.

When the Saint was seventy-four years old, he was chose Abbot of Mt. Sinai and Superior of all the monks and hermits in the country. Another abbot asked St. John, before his death, to write the rules which he had lived by all his life, so that others could follow his example. With great humility St. John wrote the book called The Climax of Perfection. And that is why he is called "Climacus".

It is very wise to keep a good book in our room and read it a little bit each day.