Blessed Franco Grotti

Blessed Franco Grotti – December 11th

Franco was born in the town of Grotti near Siena, Italy. He grew to be a lazy, nasty-tempered teenager who would not obey anyone. When his father died, Franco became worse than ever. He spent all his time and all his money in sinful acts and in gambling. Then he got into serious trouble, and to avoid being brought to trial on a murder charge, he joined up with a band of raiders.

In the company of these outlaws, Franco became a first-class criminal. He lived so wickedly that by the time half his life was over, he had ruined his health.

Franco Grotti was fifty years old when he suddenly became blind, and this event made him start examining himself. He began to think about what life is, and he took a good look at the kind of man he had become. Sorrow filled his heart. He made a good confession of his whole life and then set out on a long, hard trip to the Shrine of St. James in Spain. There his blindness was cured, but Franco by now was a completely different man who never again would go back to his evil ways.

One day, while he was praying in a Carmelite church, our Blessed Mother came to tell him that he must do penance and make up for the terrible scandal he had given to the people of Siena by his great sins. At once, Franco began going through the streets dressed like a penitent and whipping himself. By now he was sixty-five, but he still humbly begged the Carmelite monks to accept him into their order. They told him to try again in five years, because they were afraid to accept him. Who could forget what a terrible man he had been! But Franco did not give up, and at last they let him enter as a lay-brother.

Blessed Franco lived ten more years. That was time enough for him to give such wonderful examples of fervent penance that all the monks and people were amazed. He even received the grace of heavenly visions and of working miracles. Devotion to him began right after he died.

So how good God is! He is so patient and so merciful that as soon as a sinner turns to Him and sincerely asks for pardon, God fills that soul with blessings and graces.

St. John Roberts

St. John Roberts – December 10th

John was born in Wales, and although he was not a Catholic, he was taught by an elderly priest. So, as he said later, at heart he was always a Catholic. John went to Oxford University in England for a while, but then he took a trip to France to have a good time. As it turned out, this trip brought him more than just fun, for in Paris he found great happiness in joining the Catholic Church.

John lost no time after this in taking steps to become a priest. . He went to an English college in Spain and then became a Benedictine monk. His great dream of going back to England came true three years later when he and another monk were given permission to set out for that land. Although they entered England wearing plumed hats and swords at their sides, they were soon arrested for being priests and sent out of the country.

St. John Roberts went back to England again and worked day and night to keep the Faith alive under Queen Elizabeth’s terrible persecution of Catholics. Over and over again he was captured, put in prison, exiles, and always he came back. The last time Father John was arrested was as he was finishing Mass, and this time there was no escape.

When asked, he declared he was a priest and a monk and that he had come to England to work for the salvation of souls. “Were I to live longer,” he added, “I would continue to do what I have been doing.” St. John was given a fake trial and condemned to death.

The night before he and another Catholic were to be hanged, a good Spanish lady arranged for them to be brought into the company of eighteen other prisoners who were also suffering for Christ’s sake. During their supper together, St. John was full of joy. Then he thought perhaps he should not show so much happiness. “Do you think I may be giving bad example by my joy?” he asked his hostess. “No, certainly not,” she replied. “You could not do anything better than to let everyone see the cheerful courage you have as you are about to die for Christ.” Then she insisted on washing the feet of the martyrs, to show her respect for them.

The next day, St. John was hanged, and the crowds were so attracted by the personality of this young priest that they did not let the executioners make him suffer.

Today I will say an “Our Father” for Missionaries, pausing especially on the words: “Thy Kingdom come.”

St. Peter Fourier

St. Peter Fourier – December 9th

Peter was born in France and was educated by the Jesuits. He did very well in school, and when he graduated, he opened a little school of his own. He was not satisfied with his life though, and so he entered the Congregation of the Canons Regular of St. Augustine.

For thirty years, St. Peter was a parish priest in a village where many lived bad lives. He worked and prayed for his people and started several holy associations for the men, women, and young girls.

St. Peter was especially concerned for the children. He started a Congregation of nuns to teach poor children in free schools. The Saint himself taught the nuns how to handle the children and what to teach them. He wanted to make sure that the students learned to make bills and write correct letters so that they could obtain good jobs when they finished their schooling.

As to non-Catholic children, he told his nuns, “Treat them kindly and lovingly. Do not let the other children tease them. Do not speak harshly of their religion, but rather show how good and reasonable our Faith is when you speak to the whole class.”

St. Peter was made the Superior of his Congregation, but he spent the last four years of his life doing what he liked best-teaching the children of the poor in a free school he had opened.

When I feel to grumble because I cannot have something I would like, I will think of the many children who have much less than I.

The Immaculate Conception

The Immaculate Conception

– December 8th

Adam and Eve were our first parents, and because they offended God by sinning grievously, every baby born into the world has original sin on his soul. We are all children of Adam, and so we all inherit his sin, which is called original sin.

But the Blessed Virgin Mary was given the marvelous privilege of being conceived without original sin. Our Lady was to crush the devil’s head, as God told Adam and Eve, and so, not for one second was the Evil One to have any power over Mary! There was never the slightest stain of sin in our all-beautiful Mother. That is why on of the Church’s favorite hymns to Mary is: “You are all-beautiful, O Mary, and there is no stain of sin in you!”


This great privilege of Our Lady is called her Immaculate Conception. It was given her because she was to be God’s own Mother. Four years after Pope Pius IX proclaimed to the whole world that there was no doubt at all that Mary was conceived without sin, she appeared to Bernadette at Lourdes. When Bernadette asked the lovely Lady from Heaven who she was, Mary joined her hands and, humbly raising her eyes toward the skies, she said, “I am the Immaculate Conception.”


I will be devoted to the Immaculate Conception. To obtain her protection, I will acquire the beautiful habit of reciting three Hail Marys every morning and night.

St. Ambrose

St. Ambrose - Patron of Candle-Makers and Candle-Sellers - December 7th

Ambrose was the son of the Roman governor of Gaul. When his father died, his mother took her family back to Rome. She and her daughter, St. Marcellina, brought Ambrose up well. He became an outstanding lawyer and was then made Governor of Milan and the territory around it.

But by a strange event, Ambrose the Governor became Ambrose the bishop. In those days the people used to suggest to the Pope the name of the one they would like as bishop. To Ambrose’s great surprise, the people of Milan chose him! He tried to escape, but it seemed to be God’s will, so he became a priest and then Bishop of Milan.

St. Ambrose was not only a perfect model and father to his people, but also resisted all evil with amazing courage. He faced an attacking army and convinced the leader to turn back.

When the great Emperor Theodosius came from the East to save Italy from the invaders, he urged all his officers to respect the Bishop of Milan. Yet when this Emperor committed a great sin, Ambrose did not hesitate to scold him and to make him do public penance. The Emperor did not become furious and take revenge. He realized that the Saint was right and very humbly he publicly made penance for his great sin. Another time Ambrose told him that he must not stay in the sanctuary of the church, since this is the right of the sacred ministers only. The Emperor apologized and took his place outside with the other people. Ambrose had shown the world that no mere man, even if he is the ruler of an empire, is higher than the Church.

People were afraid of what would happen to Italy when Ambrose died, and when he fell sick, they begged him to pray for a longer life. The Saint replied, “I have not behaved myself among you in such a way that I should be ashamed to live longer; nor am I afraid to die, for we have a good Master.” He died on Good Friday after praying with his arms stretched out in the form of a cross for several hours.

We should always show respect and reverence for Priests. They are God’s ministers.

St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas - Patron of Children, of Russia and Greece - December 6th

Nicholas is the great patron of children and of Christmas giving. The word “Santa Claus” is a short form of “Saint Nicholas.” He was born in Asia Minor, and after his parents died, he gave all his money to charity. Once a certain poor man was about to abandon his daughters to a life of sin because they did not have the money for a dowry. St. Nicholas heard about his problem, so at night, he threw a bag of gold in the man’s window. This was for the second daughter, and the grateful father kept watch to find out who was being so good to him. When St. Nicholas came a third time, the man recognized him and thanked him over and over again.

Later St. Nicholas became Bishop. He had great love for justice, and once he saved three men who had been falsely condemned to death. He then turned to their accuser and made him admit that he had been offered money to get rid of the three men.

St. Nicholas died in Myra, and a great basilica was built over his tomb. Many churches were dedicated in his name, and when his relics were brought to Bari in Italy, this city became a favorite shrine for pilgrims from all over Europe. He is also the patron of sailors, of prisoners, and with St. Andrew, the Patron of Russia.

To enter Heaven we must keep our soul without sin, or have washed clean again by sorrow and confession.

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.

St. Peter Chrysologus

St. Peter Chrysologus – December 4th


Peter was born in Italy and was educated by the Bishop of his own city. Even as a young boy, Peter understood that a man is truly great only if he can control his passions and put on the spirit of Christ.


When he grew up, St. Peter was made the Archbishop of Ravenna, and he worked hard to wipe out the paganism still practiced in his diocese.


It is as a preacher that St. Peter became famous. Indeed, “Chrysologus” means “golden word.” Yet his sermons were all short, because he was afraid to tire his hearers. Besides that, these sermons are not especially unusually unusual or beautiful in style. But St. Peter’s message was more valuable than gold, and he preached with such enthusiasm and fire that people listened to him breathlessly.


In his sermons, St. Peter urged everyone to receive Jesus often in Holy Communion, so that the Body of the Lord might be the daily food for their souls.


This good Archbishop also worked for the unity of all the members of the Catholic Church. He tried to prevent heresies and to keep peace.


For his wonderful sermons, so rich in teaching, Pope Benedict XIII made St. Peter a Doctor of the Church.


I will pray for preachers and I will listen to the Sunday sermon with attention.

St. Francis Xavier

St. Francis Xavier - Patron of Foreign Missions, of the Apostleship of Prayer, of Borneo, Australia, New Zealand and China - December 3rd

This great missionary was born at Xavier Castle in Spain and went to the University of Paris when he was eighteen. Here he met St. Ignatius Loyola, who was about to start the Society of Jesus. St. Ignatius tried to get Francis to join him, but at first the happy-go-lucky young man would not think of it. St. Ignatius often repeated to him the words of Jesus: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” At last, Francis saw clearly that his place in life was among the Jesuits.

When he was thirty-four, St. Ignatius sent him as a missionary to the East Indies. The King of Portugal wanted to give him presents and a servant, but Francis answered, “The best way to acquire true dignity is to wash one’s own clothes and boil one’s own pot.”

During the course of his amazing career in Goa, India, Japan and other land of the East, St. Francis made thousands of converts. In fact, he baptized such great crowds that his arms were so weak he could hardly lift them. He gathered the little children about him and taught them about Our Lord. Then he made little “lay apostles” out of them, telling them to spread the Faith they had learned.

There was nothing St. Francis wouldn’t do to help souls. Once he faced a fierce band of raiders, alone, with no weapon but his Crucifix. They backed up and did not attack his Christian tribes. The Saint also brought many bad-living Christians to repentance, by his gentle, polite ways and by his prayers.

In the midst of his painful journeys and great labors, the Saint was full of a special joy coming from God. Sometimes he had to cry out: “Enough, O Lord, enough! My heart cannot hold any more of this tremendous joy!”

It had long been St. Francis’ great longing to get into China, into which no foreigner was permitted. At last, the arrangements were made, but the great missionary fell ill and died almost alone on an island off the Chinese coast.

This great saint stood out for three virtues: a great wish to bring souls to the Heart of Jesus; a heroic obedience; and a great spirit of sacrifice. Today I will ask myself what I can do for the missions.

St. Bibiana

St. Bibiana - December 2nd

Bibiana's father Flavian had been prefect of the city of Rome. He and his wife were such fervent Christians that when the Emperor Julian left the Catholic Faith and began persecuting it, Flavian was arrested. He was branded on the face with a hot iron and then exiled.

After he died, his good wife Dafrosa was also made a prisoner in her own house on account of her good Christian life. Then she, too, was put to death.

Left alone with her sister, Demetria, Bibiana gave herself to confident prayer. Everything they had was taken from them, and then the two of them were brought to court. Poor Demetria dropped dead at the judge's feet! Bibiana was handed over to a sinful woman, who was supposed to make the holy young girl as evil as she was.

This woman tried by sweet words and many clever tricks to make Bibiana fall, but the Saint could not be moved. She was brought back to court and beaten, yet she held to her faith and purity as strongly as ever.

St. Bibiana was put to death by being beaten with leaden scourges, and her holy body was left to the mercy of fierce dogs. The dogs, however, did not touch it, and a priest buried it at night beside her mother and sister.

To remain pure in the midst of temptations we have to pray, make sacrifices and mortify our senses.