Sunday within the Octave of the Ascension, Apparition of Our Lady to Saint Catherine of Alexandria (4th Century) and Memorials of the Saints – 16 May

Sunday within the Octave of the Ascension+2021

Apparition of Our Lady to Saint Catherine of Alexandria (4th Century) – 16 May:

The Abbot Orsini wrote: “Apparition of Our Lady to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, whose body was discovered on the 13th of this month, on Mount Sinai, in consequence of a revelation which the Queen of heaven gave of it.”

Saint Catherine of Alexandria, also known as Saint Catherine of the Wheel, is a Saint, Virgin, and Martyr. She was the beautiful daughter of King Costus and Queen Sabinella of Alexandria, who at a young age decided to remain a virgin until and unless, she should meet someone who exceeded her in status and political position, as well as beauty, intelligence and wealth. She decided upon Christ, who reigns over us all, for “His beauty is more radiant than the shining of the sun, His wisdom governs all creation and His riches are spread throughout all the world.”
While yet a teenager, Saint Catherine received a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Her Divine Son Jesus Christ. In this vision, the Mother of God gave Catherine to her Son in a mystical marriage. Mystical marriage is in some senses, very similar to a marriage ceremony, as Christ presents the chosen soul with a ring that is often invisible to others and often there are Saints and Angels present. There have been well over 70 documented mystical marriages of Saints and ,although the action is mysterious and not well understood, it appears, that Christ gives special attention to these Saints. Saint Teresa explained, that it was the highest state a soul could achieve in this life, and represents a transforming and constant union with the Blessed Trinity.

Saint Catherine was Martyred by the Roman Emperor Maxentius when she refused his proposal of marriage. Again, according to tradition, her body was taken by Angels to Mount Sinai where a Church and Monastery were built in her honour. Saint Catherine’s relics were rediscovered about the year 800. Her hair was still growing and there was a continuous stream of oil coming from her body that was found to have miraculous properties. King Saint Edward was said to have collected some of that oil and taken it back to his kingdom.

Saint Catherine, along with Saint Margaret, were the two Saints who spoke to encourage Saint Joan of Arc in her mission.

St Abdas of Cascar
Bl Adam of Adami
Bl Adam of San Sabine

St Andrew Bobola SJ (1591-1657) Priest of the Order of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), Missionary, known as the Apostle of Lithuania and the “Hunter of Souls.”
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/05/16/saint-of-the-day-16-may-st-andrew-bobola-sj/

St Annobert of Séez
St Aquilinus of Isauria

St Brendan the Navigator (c 484–c 577) Priest, Abbot, founder of many Monasteries also known as “of Clonfert,” “the Voyager,” “the Anchorite” and “the Bold” is one of the early Irish Monastic Saints. and one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland.
His wonderful life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/16/saint-of-the-day-16-may-st-brendan-the-navigator-c-484-c-577/

St Carantac
St Carantoc
St Diocletian of Osimo
St Felix of Uzalis
St Fidolus of Aumont
St Fiorenzo of Osimo
St Fort of Bordeaux
St Francoveus
St Gennadius of Uzalis
St Germerius of Toulouse
St Hilary of Pavia
St Honorius of Amiens (Died 653) Bishop
Bl Louis of Mercy

St Margaret of Cortona TOSF (1247-1297) “The Mary Magdalene of the Franciscan Order,” Third Order Franciscan, Penitent, Mystic, Founder of a Third Order Francisca Apostalate the “Le Poverelle” (Italian for “The Little Poor Ones”).
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/16/saint-of-the-day-16-may-saint-margaret-of-cortona-tosf-1247-1297/

(This is a very good homily – listen if you can).

St Maxima of Fréjus
Bl Michal Wozniak
St Peregrinus of Auxerre
St Peregrinus of Terni
St Possidius (c 370-c 440)
St Primael of Quimper

St Simon Stock OCD (1165-1265) Religious Monk, Visionary, Mystic, Marian devotee, early Prior General of the Carmelite religious order.
About St Simon:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/16/saint-of-the-day-16-may-st-simon-stock-1165-1265/

St Ubaldus Baldassini
St Victorian of Isauria
Bl Valdimir Ghika
—
Martyrs of Saint Sabas: A group of monks, whose names have not come down to us, who were massacred by Moors at the monastery of Saint Sabas in Palestine.