Category: ALTAR BOYS, DEACONS, SACRISTANS

Posted in ALTAR BOYS, DEACONS, SACRISTANS, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 17 September – St Satyrus of Milan (c335-c378) Confessor

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Saint of the Day – 17 September – St Satyrus of Milan (c335-c378) Confessor, Layman. Older brother of St Aurelius Ambrose (340-397) Father and Doctor and St Marcellina (c330-c398) Consecrated Virgin. Born as Uranio Satiro, probably in Trier, Germany and died in 378 in Milan of natural causes. Patronages – of Sacristans of the Archdiocese of Milan.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Milan, the departure from this world of St Satyrus, Confessor, whose distinguished merits are mentioned by his brother, St Ambrose.”

Our only sources for Satyrus’ life are two orations delivered by his brother, one on the day of his death and the other, a week later. We know that he was the second of their parents’ three children, born after their sister, Marcellina; this puts his birth somewhere around 335, before his brother’s in 340, at either Trier, where their father reigned as Governor of a Roman Province, or at Rome. Being of the Senatorial Aristocracy, both brothers followed in the path of their father’s career and served as Governors of Roman Provinces but that assigned to Satyrus is unknown.

In 374, when St Ambrose was appointed as the Bishop of Milan, his brother left public office in order to help him with the administration of the Diocese, as well as to care for their sister and the family patrimony. St Ambrose praises him for his chastity in terms that clearly indicate that he was not married.

More than once, these duties required Satyrus to travel to Africa. Like many men of his class and period, whose public responsibilities were difficult to reconcile with the discipline of a Christian life, he long remained a Catechumen. (St Ambrose himself was a Catechumen at the time of his election as Bishop by popular acclamation. The Ambrosian Rite adds a commemoration of his Baptism to the Mass of St Andrew the Apostle on 30 November and keeps his principal Feast only a week later, on the day of his Episcopal Ordination). Ambrose, however, notes the following episode, in proof of his strong faith.

The Shipwreck of St Satyrus, by Giambattista Tiepolo, 1737′
It is kept in the Chapel dedicated to him, where his Relics were formerly kept, also within the Basilica of St Ambrose.

On Satyrus’ return from the last of his African journeys, his ship was wrecked on shoals, just off the coast of either Sicily or Sardinia. Before jumping off the boat, one of his fellow passengers gave him, at his request, a small piece of the Blessed Sacrament, which he then wrapped up in a small cloth and fastened around his neck. St Ambrose attributes his safe deliverance from the sea, to this, noting that Satyrus’ faith in God was so strong that he did not even bother to grab onto one of the planks of the broken vessel. After safely reaching land, he decided to be Baptised. He had, however, evidently already contracted the unknown disease which would take his life shortly thereafter. Having returned to Milan, he died in either 378 or 379 in the arms of his two siblings.

Devotion to St Satyrus is first attested in the 9th Century, when Anspert, Archbishop of Milan, built a small Church dedicated to him, his brother and St Silvester. This was later absorbed into a Church constructed by the Architect Donatello Bramante in 1476-1482 which is still, to this day, known as “St Mary near St Satyrus.” His name first appears in Liturgical books of the Ambrosian Rite in the 10th Century. In view of his role as his brother’s assistant in the administration of the Diocese, he is traditionally honoured in Milan as the Patron Saint of Sacristans.

The original location of St Satyrus’ burial within the Chapel of St Victor.
An inscription which notes the site as the place of his burial, alongside several early Martyrs of the Church of Milan.

The story told above about the shipwreck, forms a large part of the Ambrosian Preface for the Mass of St Satyrus:

“Truly it is worthy… eternal God, unceasingly praising Thy glory and proclaiming Thy greatness in Thy Saints.
Who didst grant Thy blessed Confessor, Satyrus, such an abundance of virtues that he, having become, in many affairs, the colleague of his brother, the glorious Bishop Ambrose, the foremost Doctor and teacher of the Churches, was, for his diligence, deemed a most faithful and excellent champion of Christ, Thy Son.
For while yet in the first service of the Faith, he so distinguished himself that, amid the waves of the sea, when he would have perished miserably by the wreck of his ship, although he was not yet washed by holy Baptism, he still did not lack for trust in Thy help.
Therefore, he placed the Sacrament of the Lord’s Body, enclosed in a cloth, around his neck and did not hesitate, to entrust himself, to the frothing sea, supported by such an oar.
And Thy, most mighty Right Hand which in the waves lifted up Peter, the Prince of the Apostles, lest he drown, with like power also brought this man safe and unharmed to the shore.
This, O Lord, is the working of the fullness of Thy might.
Through the same Christ our Lord.
Through Whom the Angels praise Thy majesty…” (GREGORY DIPIPPO)

Right side Nave of St Ambrose Basilica. Saint Bartholomew and Saint Satyrus baroque-style Chapel. It preserves the Relics of Satyrus.
Posted in ALTAR BOYS, DEACONS, SACRISTANS, GOLDSMITHS, SILVERSMITHS, GILDERS, MINERS, JEWELLERS, CLOCK/WATCH-MAKERS, METAL CRAFTSMEN, PATRONAGE-INFERTILITY & SAFE CHILDBIRTH, PREGNANCY, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 7 April – Saint Hermann Joseph O.Praem (c1150-1241) Priest, “The Boy who Played with Angels” 

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Saint of the Day – 7 April – Saint Hermann Joseph O.Praem (c1150-1241) Priest, Friar of the Order of of Canons Regular of Prémontré (the Norbertines or White Canons), Mystic, a prolific writer on spiritual subjects and the Sacred Scriptures, known as “The Boy who Played with Angels.” From childhood, Hermann had an intense devotion to Our Bless Mother Mary, who herself, assisted him in many ways and throughout his life. This beautiful painting below by Sir Antony van Dyck, shows Mother Mary receiving an apple from Hermann, to give to Baby Jesus. Born im c1150 as Hermann von Steinfeld in Cologne, Germany and died on 7 April 1241 in Hoven, Germany of natural causes. Additional Memorials – 24 May (translation of relics) and 21 May (Diocese of Cologne) and the the Sixth Sunday after Easter at Steinfeld in Cologne. In 1958 Hermann’s status as a Saint of the Church was formally recognised by Pope Pius XII. Patronages – watch and clockmakers, children and young students, Altar boys, Acolytes, Sextons and Sacristans, expectant mothers and safe childbirth. Also known as St Hermann Josef.

Hermann was born in Cologne, the son of Count Lothair of Meer and his wife Blessed Hildegund O.Praem (c1130-1185). His sister was Blessed Hadewych of Meer, also a Norbertine Nun. Although of the nobility, the family was not overly wealthy.

According to the biography by Razo Bonvisinus, a contemporary and Prior of Steinfeld Abbey, at the age of seven, Hermann attended school and very early was known for devotion to the Blessed Virgin. At every available moment he could be found at the Church of St Maria im Kapitol, where he would kneel rapt in prayer to Mary. Bonvisinus says that the boy once presented an apple, saved from his own lunch, to a statue of Jesus Who accepted it. On another occasion, when on a cold day he made his appearance with bare feet, Mary procured him the means of obtaining shoes.

At the age of twelve, he entered the Abbey of the Premonstratensian at Steinfeld. As he was too young to be accepted into the Order, he was sent to study, probably in the Netherlands. Upon his return, he made his vows and was given the Habit and later, the additional name “Joseph.”

As a Novice, he was initially entrusted with the service of the Refectory and later, of the Sacristy. After his Ordination, Hermann was sometimes sent out to perform pastoral duties and was also in frequent demand for the making and repairing of clock – a talent and skill which he enjoyed as a recreation. Hermann became noted for the devotion with which he celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Indeed, he fell into an ecstasy of prayer so often at Mass that his Masses went on “forever.”

As a Monk, Father Hermann retained all the blameless innocence of spirit which had characterised him as a child. He was much loved for his readiness to assist anyone in need and anyone who asked. But while he had practical skills (he was an able mechanic and clock-maker), he was essentially a contemplative.

His confreres jokingly called him “Joseph” for his attention to the Madonna and Child. Typically, he declared himself unworthy to be called after the father of the Holy Family. But Our Lady took a fancy to the name and in a vision, put upon his finger a wedding ring to confirm that he was her spiritual spouse. On the basis of this vision, Hermann added “Joseph” to his other name.

The Mystical Marriage of St Hermann Joseph by Jean-Guillaume Carlier

He was also active in pastoral care outside the Monastery, especially in the female monasteries in the region, as both his mother (after her widowhood) and his sister had become Norbertine Nuns.

Hermann was characterised by his child-like devotion to Mary. Late in his life, he had, under his charge, the spiritual welfare of the Cistercian Nuns at Hoven whom he served as Chaplain. There he died and was buried in their cloister.

Countless miracles were reported at his tomb – the blind were cured, physical ailments were cured and even demons fled those who were possessed and were brought to Herman’s tomb. Hermann Joseph received visits from expectant women who asked his intercession for a safe delivery. The patronage of expectant mothers has been handed down since the 17th century in the use of “touch relics”, such as brooches and clasps, which were left on the Reliquary or tomb and retrieved later and then fastened to their clothing, in the hope of a happy and safe childbirth, through the intercession of the Saint. We presume that Hermann’s prayers, both during life and after, had proved efficacious in these matters.

His body was later transferred back to Steinfeld Monastery, where his marble tomb and large picture may be seen to the present day. By custom apples are left at his tomb – in the image below the large picture (as posted above by Sir Antony van Dyck) as well as an apple, can be seen. Portions of his Relics are at Cologne and at Antwerp. His grave in Steinfeld is a pilgrimage destination – in the Middle Ages, especially by mothers, in modern times, by children and students. The Hermann Joseph Festival is held at Steinfeld on the Sixth Sunday after Easter, every year.

Posted in ALTAR BOYS, DEACONS, SACRISTANS, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARTYRS, Of Catholic Education, Students, Schools, Colleges etc, PATRONAGE - ORPHANS,ABANDONED CHILDREN

Saint of the Day – 28 December – The Holy Innocents.

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Saint of the Day – 28 December – The Holy Innocents. Patronages – • against ambition•against jealousy• altar servers•babies•children• children’s choir• choir boys• orphans• students.

The Feast of the Holy Innocents
By Father Francis Xavier Weninger SJ (1805-1888)

Peter Paul Rubens: The Virgin and Child surrounded by the Holy Innocents

By the Holy Innocents, who are honoured as Martyrs today by the Catholic Church, we understand those happy infants, who, by the command of King Herod, were put to death, for no other cause, than that the new-born King of the Jews might be deprived of life.

When Christ was born, Herod, well known for his cruelty, reigned at Jerusalem. He was not of the Jewish nation but a foreigner and was, therefore, hated by the Jews. Herod knew this well; hence, he feared that they would dethrone him and he had several illustrious persons executed, whom he suspected of aspiring to the throne.

Meanwhile, it happened, that the three Magi or Kings from the East came to Jerusalem, to find and adore the new-born King, Who had been announced to them by a star. They doubted not that they would learn more of Him in the capital of Judea and they, therefore, asked without hesitation: “Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to adore Him.”

This question seemed very strange to the Jews and the news of it spread through the whole City, until it reached the King. His fear can hardly be described, for he already believed his crown and sceptre lost. To escape the danger in which he supposed himself, he called the chief priests and scribes together,and inquired of them, where the Messiah should be born. They answered: “In Bethlehem, according to the Prophets.” Satisfied with this answer, Herod had the three wise men brought to court and speaking very confidentially with them, he asked diligently when and where the star had appeared to them. After this, he advised them to go to Bethlehem and inquire after the new-born Child and when they had found and adored Him, to return and inform Herod, as he wished to go and adore the Child too. These words of the king, who was not less cunning than cruel, were only a deceit, as he had already resolved to kill the new-born Babe.

Meanwhile, the Magi followed the advice of the king and, guided by the star, which again appeared to them when they had left Jerusalem, went to Bethlehem, found and adored the Divine Child and offered gold, frankincense and myrrh, as we read in Holy Writ. Having finished their devotion, they intended, in accordance with king Herod’s wish, to bring him word that they had happily found the Child. An Angel, however, appeared to them in their sleep and admonished them not to return to Jerusalem but to go into their own country by another way which they accordingly did.

The Massacre of the Innocents / Angelo Visconti

When Herod perceived that they had deluded him, it was too late and his rage was boundless. Hearing of what had taken place in the temple, at the Purification of Mary that the venerable Simeon had pronounced a Child which he had taken into his arms, the true Messiah, the Herod’s heart was filled with inexpressible fear and anxiety. The danger in which he was, as he imagined, of losing his crown, left him no peace day or night. He secretly gave orders to search for this Child but all was of no avail, He could not be found.

After long pondering how he might escape the danger, his unbounded ambition led him to an act of cruelty unprecedented in history. He determined to murder all the male children, in and around Bethlehem, who were not over two years of age, as he thought that thus, he could not fail to take the life of the Child so dangerous to him. This fearful design was executed amidst the despairing shrieks of the parents, especially the mothers.

How many children were thus inhumanly slaughtered is not known but the number must have been very large. Yet, the tyrant gained not his end for, the Divine Child was already in security. The Gospel tells us that an Angel appeared during the night to St Joseph, saying to him: “Arise, take the Child and His Mother and fly into Egypt and remain there until I tell thee. For, it will come to pass that Herod will seek the Child to destroy Him.” St Joseph delayed not to obey, and fled, the same night, with the Child and His Mother, into the land indicated to the Angel.

Guido Reni: Massacre of the Innocents

As this had happened before Herod executed his cruel determination, God thus frustrated the plot. Herod soon after, received his just punishment. Several terrible maladies suddenly seized him, as Josephus, the Jewish historian, relates. An internal fever consumed him and all his limbs were covered with abominable ulcers, breeding vermin. His feet were swollen, his neck, shoulders and arms drawn together, and his breast so burdened, that the unfortunate man could hardly breathe, while his whole body exhaled, so offensive an odour, that neither he nor others, could endure it. Hence, in despair, he frequently cried for a knife or a sword that he might end his own life. In this miserable condition, he ceased not his cruelties and only five days before his death, he had his son, Antipater, put to death.

As he had good reason to believe that the entire people would rejoice at his death, he wished at least, to take to the grave, the thought that many should grieve, if not for him, at least for their friends and relatives. Hence, he had the chief men of the nobility imprisoned and gave orders to his sister Salome that, as soon as he had closed his eyes, they were all to be murdered. This order, however, was not executed by Salome, who justly loathed its cruelty. In this lamentable condition, the cruel tyrant ended his life but began one in eternity, whose pains and torments were still more unendurable and from which he cannot hope ever to be released!

While the innocent children massacred by him, rejoice for all eternity in the glories of Heaven, giving humble thanks to God for having thus admitted them into His presence. The Catholic Church has always honoured them as Martyrs; because, although not confessing Christ with their lips, as many thousands of others have done, yet, they confessed Him with their death, by losing their lives for His sake. Amen.

Posted in ALTAR BOYS, DEACONS, SACRISTANS, BREWERS, CHEFS and/or BAKERS, CONFECTIONERS, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 10 August – St Lawrence (Died 258) Martyr “Keeper of the Treasures of he Church.”

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Saint of the Day – 10 August – St Lawrence (Died 258) Martyr “Keeper of the Treasures of he Church.”

St Lawrence, Martyr
By Fr Francis Xavier Weninger SJ (1805-1888)


The many and high encomiums [praises] which were paid to St Lawrence by the most ancient and illustrious of the holy Fathers of the Church, St Augustine, St Ambrose, St Leo I, St Maximus and St Peter Chrysologus, are the surest sign that this Saint has always been considered one of the most famous Martyrs, who gave their blood for Christ.

He was born of Christian parents, in the middle of the Third Century, at Osca, a City in Aragon. His father’s name was Orentius, his mother’s, Patientia, both are honoured as Saints. Such parents gave a holy education to their son. He early evinced, on all occasions, an especial love for God, a fearless constancy in the true faith and a watchful care over the preservation of his purity. While yet young in years, he went to Rome and won, by his blameless life, the highest regard of all who came in contact with him. Pope Xystus or Sixtus Ordained him Deacon. His functions were to serve the Pope at the Altar, to take charge of the treasures of the church and to distribute the revenues which were destined for the maintenance of the sextons and the poor.

A terrible persecution of the Christians took place at the period of which we speak. Pope Sixtus was seized and thrown into the Mamertine prison. Lawrence seeing him, from a distance, dragged along, ran towards him and bitterly weeping, said: “Father, where are you going without your son? Holy Pontiff, where are you hastening without your deacon? You have never been wont to offer the Holy Sacrifice without me, your servant. In what have I displeased you, O my Father? Have you found me unworthy of you and of your sacred service? Prove me now and see if you have chosen a fit servant in trusting me with the dispensing of the Blood of Christ!” This and more said the Saint, desiring to suffer with St Sixtus for the Lord’s sake. The holy Pope replied: “I do not leave you, my son but you will have to suffer a great trial. We being old, have not much to endure but you, strong in your youth, must gain a more glorious victory over the tyrant. Do not weep. In three days, you will follow me. Go now and take care of the Treasures of the Church that are in your keeping.”

Lawrence, comforted by the prophecy of the holy Pope, went immediately and secured the sacred vessels of the Altar and the vestments of the Priests, distributed among the poor the money which had been collected for them, visited the Christians assembled in different houses and subterranean vaults, exhorted all to constancy and employed the whole night in deeds of charity and humility. The following day, when the Pope was being led away to execution, the holy Levite approached him again, saying: “Holy Father, do not leave me; for, the treasures which you committed to my care, are all distributed.” The Pope comforted the Saint as he had done the day before and was led away and ended his life by the sword.

Meanwhile, some of the soldiers, having heard Lawrence speak of treasures, informed the Emperor Valerian of the fact, and that tyrant, as avaricious as he was cruel, had Lawrenc apprehended and gave him, in charge of Hippolytus, an officer, who placed him in a prison where several malefactors were kept. One of these, Lucilius, had wept so much during his imprisonment, that he had become blind. St Lawrence, pitying him, advised him to embrace the Christian faith and be baptised, as by that, his sight would be restored. Lucilius followed his advice and soon after Baptism, his sight returned. Hippolytus, touched by the grace of God at this miracle, was converted with his whole household. The next day, the Emperor commanded that Lawrence should be brought to him.

The valiant Confessor of Christ rejoiced at this message and said to Hippolytus: “Let us go, for two glorious crowns are prepared for you and me.” The Emperor asked him who he was, whence he came and where he had concealed the Treasures of the Church. The first and second questions Lawrence fearlessly answered, saying: “I am a Christian, born in Spain.” To the third, he made answer, that if the Emperor would allow him a little time, he would gather the Treasures and show them to him. Delighted at this, the Emperor willingly granted him the desired time but ordered Hippolytus, not to leave his side for a moment, lest he should escape.

The Saint assembled all the poor he could find and leading them to the tyrant, said: “Behold, these are the Treasures of our Church.” The Emperor, regarding this as an insult, was greatly enraged and swore by the gods to be revenged. He gave Lawrence over to the prefect with the command to torture him in the most painful manner, if he refused to worship the idols.
The prefect, who was as cruel as the Emperor himself, ordered his brutes to tear off the Saint’s clothes and to lash him, like a vile slave, till his whole body was a mass of blood and wounds. After this, he displayed a great many instruments of torture, with the menace that they would be used upon him, if he longer refused to worship the gods. Lawrence looked unconcernedly upon them and said: “They cannot frighten me. I have long desired to suffer for the sake of Christ. Your idols are not worthy to be worshipped, they are no gods and I will never sacrifice to them.”

Hardly had these words passed his lips, when the holy man was stretched upon the rack, then raised high in the air and his whole body whipped with scourges on the ends of which were fastened iron stars or spurs. After this, they applied lighted torches to his mangled body. The Martyr’s constancy could not be shaken. Turning his eyes heavenward, he only asked for strength to endure.

… Early on the next day, the prefect ordered the executioners to make an iron bed in the form of a gridiron, put live coals under it, stretch and bind the Saint upon it and slowly roast him. The command was fulfilled to the great horror of all present. The Saint, however, lay as quietly on the red hot gridiron as if it had been a bed of roses, only saying at intervals: “Receive, O Lord, this burnt-offering as an agreeable fragrance.” His countenance beamed with heavenly joy and the Christians, who were present, said that a divine light had surrounded him and his body exuded a sweet fragrance.

After having been burned thus a long time, he turned his eyes towards the prefect and said: “I am sufficiently roasted on one side, turn me over and eat my flesh.” How the tyrant received these words can easily be imagined. The Saint, however, continued to be cheerful and filled with divine consolation. He praised God and thanked Him for the grace vouchsafed him to die for his faith.

At last, with his eyes raised to Heaven, he gave his heroic soul into the hands of his Redeemer, on the 10th of August, 258. Many of the heathens, who were present, were converted by this glorious Martyrdom to the Faith of Christ.

Posted in ALTAR BOYS, DEACONS, SACRISTANS, JESUIT SJ, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Saint of the Day – 13 August – Saint John Berchmans SJ (1599-1621)

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Saint of the Day – 13 August – Saint John Berchmans SJ (1599-1621) Jesuit Novice – born Jan Berchmans on 13 March 1599 at Driest, Brabant, Belgium and died on 13 August 1621 at Rome, Italy of natural causes.   Patronages – Altar Servers, Jesuit novices and students. He had a special devotion to God’s Mother and to him is owed the Little Rosary of the Immaculate Conception.st john berchmans sj.jpg

Born in 1599 in Diest, a town of northern Belgium near Brussels and Louvain, this angelic young Saint was the oldest of five children.   Two of his three brothers became priests and his father, after the death of John’s mother when he was eleven years old, entered religion and became a Canon of Saint Sulpice.

John was a brilliant student from his most tender years, manifesting also a piety which far exceeded the ordinary.   Beginning at the age of seven, he studied for three years at the local communal school with an excellent professor.   And then his father, wanting to protect the sacerdotal vocation already evident in his son, confided him to a Canon of Diest who lodged students aspiring to the ecclesiastical vocation.   After three years in that residence, the family’s financial situation had declined owing to the long illness of the mother and John was told he would have to return and learn a trade.   He pleaded to be allowed to continue his studies.   And his aunts, who were nuns, found a solution through their chaplain, he proposed to take John into his service and lodge him.St. John Berchmans.jpg

Saint John was ordinarily first in his classes at the large school, a sort of minor seminary, even when he had to double his efforts in order to rejoin his fellow students, all of excellent talent, who sometimes had preceded him for a year or more in an assigned discipline.   He often questioned his Superiors as to what was the most perfect thing to say or do in the various circumstances in which he found himself.   Such was the humility which caused the young to advance without ceasing on the road to heaven. Later he continued his studies at Malines, also not distant from Diest, under the tutelage of another ecclesiastic, who assigned to him the supervision of three young boys of a noble family.   In all that John did he sought perfection and he never encountered anything but the highest favour for his services, wherever he was placed.

He found his vocation through his acquaintance with the Jesuits of that city and manifested his determination to pursue his course, although his father and family opposed it for a time.   It had been decided that he would continue his studies at the Jesuit novitiate of Malines, with about 70 other novices.  Jean_Berchmans_(1599-1621) With another young aspirant, he was waiting in the parlour to be introduced, when he saw in the garden a coadjutor Brother turning over the ground in the garden.   He proposed to his companion to go and help him, saying:  Could we begin our religious life better than with an act of humility and charity?   And with no hesitation, both went to offer their assistance.   How many young persons in that situation would have thought of such an offer?   This incident reveals the profound charity and interior peace which characterised this young religious at all times.

As a novice he taught catechism to the children in the regions around Malines.   He made his instructions so lively and interesting that the country folk preferred his lessons to the ordinary sermons.   The children became attached to him and in a troop would conduct him back to the novitiate, where he distributed holy pictures, medals and rosaries to them.   At the end of his novitiate in 1619 he was destined to go to Rome to begin serious application to philosophy but his superiors decided to send him home for a few days first.   A shock awaited him at the train station of Malines, where he was expecting to meet his father, he had died a week earlier.   John was given time to take the dispositions necessary to provide for the younger brothers and sister.   When he departed, it was apparently with a premonition that he would perhaps never see them again, for he said in a letter to the Canon of Diest with whom he had dwelt, to tell the younger ones for him –  “Increase in piety, in fear of God and in knowledge. Adieu.”

With a fellow novice he began the two months’ journey on foot to Rome, by way of Paris, Lyons and Loreto, where the two assisted at the Christmas Midnight Mass.   Both of these two young Jesuits would die within three years’ time, his companion in a matter of several months.   John had time during these three years to give unceasing proofs of his already perfected sanctity, nothing that he did was left to chance but entrusted to the intercession of his Heavenly Mother, to whom his devotion continued to increase day by day.  img-Saint-John-Berchmans.jpg

He made an extraordinary effort during an intense heat wave in the summer of 1621, participating splendidly in a debate, which took place at a certain distance from the Jesuit residence, despite the fact he did not feel well.   Two days later he was felled by a fever, which continued implacably to mine his already slight resistance, and he died in August of that year, after one week of illness.   The story of his last days is touching indeed, in a residence of several hundred priests and students, there was none who did not follow with anxiety and compassion the progress of his illness.   When the infirmarian told his patient that he should probably receive Communion the next morning — an exception to the rule prescribing it for Sundays only, in those times — John said, In Viaticum? and received a sad affirmative answer.   He himself was transported with joy and embraced the Brother, the latter broke into tears.   A priest who knew John well went to him the next morning and asked him if there was anything troubling or saddening him and John replied, Absolutely nothing.

He asked that his mattress be placed on the floor and knelt to receive his Lord, when the Father Rector pronounced the words of the Ritual –  Receive, Brother, in viaticum, the Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ, all in attendance wept.   Their angelic, ever joyous and affectionate young novice was called to leave them, no clearer tribute than their tears could have been offered to the reality of his sanctity, his participation in the effusive goodness of the divine nature.

Devotion to his memory spread rapidly in Belgium, already in 1624 twelve engraving establishments of Anvers had published his portrait.   He was Canonised in 1888 by Pope Leo XIII, at the same time as two other Jesuits who lived during the first century of that Society’s existence, so fruitful in sanctity — Peter Claver and Alphonsus Rodriguez. … (Saint Jean Berchmans, by Hippolyte Delehaye, SJ (J. Gabalda – Paris, 1922)

heart st john berchmans.jpg
St John Berchman’s Heart

At the time of Berchmans’s death, his heart was returned to his homeland in Belgium where it is kept in a silver reliquary on a side altar in the church at Leuven (Louvain).

There is a very old post about St John Berchman’s here:  https://anastpaul.com/2016/11/26/saint-of-the-day-november-26/

Posted in ALTAR BOYS, DEACONS, SACRISTANS, CHRISTMASTIDE!, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, Of Catholic Education, Students, Schools, Colleges etc, PATRONAGE - ORPHANS,ABANDONED CHILDREN, SAINT of the DAY

Saints of the Day – Feast of the Holy Innocents: Martyrs – 28 December – 4th Day of the Christmas Octave

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Saints of the Day – Feast of the Holy Innocents: Martyrs – 28 December – 4th Day of the Christmas Octave.   Patronages – • against ambition•against jealousy• altar servers•babies•children• children’s choir• choir boys• foundlings• students. 

“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”

902px-Nicolas_Poussin_-_Le_massacre_des_Innocents_-_Google_Art_Project
Nicolas Poussin – The Massacre of the Innocents

During this octave of Christmas the Church celebrates the memory of the small children of the neighbourhood of Bethlehem put to death by Herod.

Sacrificed by a wicked monarch, these innocent lives bear witness to Christ who was persecuted from the time of His birth by a world which would not receive Him.   It is Christ Himself who is at stake in this mass-murder of the children, already the choice, for or against Him, is put clearly before men.   But the persecutors are powerless, for Christ came to perform a work of salvation that nothing can prevent, when He fell into the hands of His enemies at the time chosen by God, it was to redeem the world by His own Blood.holy-innocents-rachel-weeping

Our Christmas joy is tempered today by a feeling of sadness.   But the Church looks principally to the glory of the children, of these innocent victims, whom she shows us in heaven following the Lamb wherever He goes.

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Nicholas Poussin – The Holy Innocents

One of the most cherished carols of the Christmas season is often presented as a melody without lyrics.   For this reason, the tune is familiar but the words of the carol are not. The carol of which I am referring to is known as the Coventry Carol, which originates in a 16th century “mystery play” called the Pageant of the Shearman and Tailors.   The play and the song concern the massacre of the young children of Bethlehem at the command of King Herod, a story that is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.   The Coventry Carol is a lament that is imagined in the play to have been sung by the mothers whose children have been murdered by Herod’s cruelty, it combines the sound of their weeping with the gentle cadences of a lullaby:

Lullay thou little tiny child,
Bye, bye lully lullay.

O sisters, too how may we do,
For to preserve this day;
This poor youngling for whom we sing,
Bye bye lully lullay.

Herod the King, in his raging
Charged he hath this day;
His men of might in his own sight
All young children to slay.

Then woe is me, poor child for thee
And ever mourn and say;
For thy parting, no say nor sing
Bye bye lully lullay

The Holy Innocents saved the Child Jesus from death by King Herod, by the shedding of their own blood.   The Holy Innocents are the special patrons of small children, who can please the Christ Child by being obedient and helpful to parents and by sharing their toys and loving their siblings and playmates.

The feast of the Holy Innocents is an excellent time for parents to inaugurate the custom of blessing their children.   From the Ritual comes the form which we use on solemn occasions, such as First Communion.   But parents can simply sign a cross on the child’s forehead with the right thumb dipped in holy water and say:  “May God bless you and may He be the Guardian of your heart and mind—the Father, + Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.”

For more information here:  https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/28/saints-of-the-day-feast-of-the-holy-innocents-28-december-4th-day-of-the-christmas-octave/

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Duccio di Buoninsegna – Slaughter of the Innocents
Posted in ALTAR BOYS, DEACONS, SACRISTANS, CHRISTMASTIDE!, Of BUILDERS, CONSTRUCTION WORKERS, PATRONAGE - HEADACHES, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 26 December – St Stephen, the ProtoMartyr (c 05-c 34) – 26 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 26 December – St Stephen, the ProtoMartyr (c 05-c 34) – 26 December the Second Day in the Octave of Christmas2nd snip st stephen

“As the number of disciples continued to grow, the Greek-speaking Christians complained about the Hebrew-speaking Christians, saying that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.   So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.’   The proposal was acceptable to the whole community, so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 6:1-5).ststephen11

Acts of the Apostles says that Stephen was a man filled with grace and power, who worked great wonders among the people.   Certain Jews, members of the Synagogue of Roman Freedmen, debated with Stephen but proved no match for the wisdom and spirit with which he spoke.   They persuaded others to make the charge of blasphemy against him.   He was seized and carried before the Sanhedrin.

In his speech, Stephen recalled God’s guidance through Israel’s history, as well as Israel’s idolatry and disobedience.   He then claimed that his persecutors were showing this same spirit. “…you always oppose the holy Spirit; you are just like your ancestors” (Acts 7:51b).st stephen martyr

Stephen’s speech brought anger from the crowd.   “But he, filled with the holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’ …They threw him out of the city and began to stone him. …As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ …’Lord, do not hold this sin against them’” (Acts 7:55-56, 58a, 59, 60b).st stephen snip

More about St Stephen here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/26/saint-of-the-day-st-stephen-the-first-martyr-26-december-the-second-day-in-the-octave-of-christmas/SOD-1226-SaintStephen-790x480

Posted in ALTAR BOYS, DEACONS, SACRISTANS, BREWERS, BRIDES and GROOMS, ENGAGED COUPLES, Of BACHELORS, Of BANKERS, Of BEGGARS, the POOR, against POVERTY, Of Catholic Education, Students, Schools, Colleges etc, Of FISHERMEN, FISHMONGERS, Of GARDENERS, Horticulturists, Farmers, Of LAWYERS & CANON Lawyers, Attorneys, Solicitors, Barristers, Notaries, Para-Legals, Of PHARMACISTS / CHEMISTS, Of TRAVELLERS / MOTORISTS, PATRONAGE - HAPPY MARRIAGES, of MARRIED COUPLES, PATRONAGE - ORPHANS,ABANDONED CHILDREN, PATRONAGE - PENITENTS, PATRONAGE - PRISONERS, PATRONAGE - VINTNERS, WINE-FARMERS, PATRONAGE-INFERTILITY & SAFE CHILDBIRTH, SAILORS, MARINERS, NAVIGATORS, SAINT of the DAY, Spinsters - Single LAYWOMEN

Saint of the Day – 6 December – St Nicholas (270-343) Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 6 December – St Nicholas (270-343) Bishop

The absence of the “hard facts” of history is not necessarily an obstacle to the popularity of saints, as the devotion to Saint Nicholas shows.   Both the Eastern and Western Churches honour him and it is claimed that after the Blessed Virgin, he is the saint most pictured by Christian artists.   And yet historically, we can pinpoint only the fact that Nicholas was the fourth-century bishop of Myra, a city in Lycia, a province of Asia Minor.st nicholas - Jaroslav_Čermák_(1831_-_1878)_-_Sv._Mikuláš.jpg

As with many of the saints, however, we are able to capture the relationship which Nicholas had with God through the admiration which Christians have had for him—an admiration expressed in the colourful stories which have been told and retold through the centuries.

Perhaps the best-known story about Nicholas concerns his charity toward a poor man who was unable to provide dowries for his three daughters of marriageable age.   Rather than see them forced into prostitution, Nicholas secretly tossed a bag of gold through the poor man’s window on three separate occasions, thus enabling the daughters to be married.   Over the centuries, this particular legend evolved into the custom of gift-giving on the saint’s feast.

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Fra Angelico’s St Nicholas donating the dowries

In the English-speaking countries, Saint Nicholas became, by a twist of the tongue, Santa Claus—further expanding the example of generosity portrayed by this holy bishop.saint-nicholas4st nicholas - glass

Posted in ALTAR BOYS, DEACONS, SACRISTANS, Of First COMMUNICANTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY MASS

Saint of the Day – 15 August – St Tarcisius (3rd century) Martyr of the Eucharist

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Saint of the Day – 15 August – St Tarcisius (3rd century) Martyr of the Eucharist – Patronages – Altarboys, First Holy Communicants.beautiful statue - tarcisiusalex falguiere - tarcisius

Here is Pope Benedict’s story of St Tarcisius from his Homily at the General Audience for the International Pilgrimage of Altar Servers on  4 August 2010

“How many of you there are!   While flying over St Peter’s Square in the helicopter I saw all the colours and the joy filling this Square!   Thus not only do you create a festive atmosphere in the Square but you also fill my heart with joy!   Thank you!   The statue of St Tarcisius has come to us after a long pilgrimage.   In September 2008 it was unveiled in Switzerland in the presence of 8000 altar servers, some of you were certainly present. From Switzerland it travelled through Luxembourg on the way to Hungary.   Let us greet it festively today, glad at being able to become better acquainted with this figure of the early Church.   Later, as Bishop Gächter told us, the statue will be taken to the Catacombs of St Calixtus, where St Tarcius was buried.   The hope that I express to all is that this place, namely the Catacombs of St Calixtus and this statue, may become a reference point for altar servers, boys and girls, and for all who wish to follow Jesus more closely through the priestly, religious or missionary life.   May they all be able to look at this strong and courageous boy and renew their commitment to friendship with the Lord, to learn to live with Him always, following the path He points out to us with His word and the witness of so many Saints and Martyrs whose brothers and sisters we have become through Baptism.Tarsitius -figure in the altar of the church of S_ Lorenzo fuori le mura in Rometarcissius statue grave

Who was St Tarcisius?   We do not have much information about him.   We are dealing with the early centuries of the Church’s history or, to be more precise, with the third century.

It is said that he was a boy who came regularly to the Catacombs of St Calixtus here in Rome and took his special Christian duties very seriously.   He had great love for the Eucharist and various hints lead us to conclude that he was presumably an acolyte, that is, an altar server.

Those were years in which the Emperor Valerian was harshly persecuting Christians who were forced to meet secretly in private houses or, at times, also in the Catacombs, to hear the word of God, to pray and to celebrate Holy Mass.   Even the custom of taking the Eucharist to prisoners and the sick became increasingly dangerous.   One day, when, as was his habit, the priest asked who was prepared to take the Eucharist to the other brothers and sisters who were waiting for it, young Tarcisius stood up and said:  “send me!”.   This boy seemed too young for such a demanding service!   “My youth”, Tarcisius said, “will be the best shield for the Eucharist”.st tarcisius martyr of the eucharist Convinced, the priest entrusted to him the precious Bread, saying:  “Tarcisius, remember that a heavenly treasure has been entrusted to your weak hands.   Avoid crowded streets and do not forget that holy things must never be thrown to dogs nor pearls to pigs.   Will you guard the Sacred Mysteries faithfully and safely?”.   “I would die”, Tarcisio answered with determination, “rather than let go of them”.

As he went on his way he met some friends who approached him and asked him to join them.   As pagans they became suspicious and insistent at his refusal and realised he was clasping something to his breast that he appeared to be protecting.   They tried to prize it away from him but in vain.  The struggle became ever fiercer, especially when they realised that Tarcisius was a Christian.    They kicked him, they threw stones at him but he did not surrender.   While Tarcisius was dying a Pretorian guard called Quadratus, who had also, secretly, become a Christian, carried him to the priest.   Tarcisius was already dead when they arrived but was still clutching to his breast a small linen bag containing the Eucharist.   He was buried straight away in the Catacombs of St Calixtus.st tarcisius martyr of the eucharist 2st tarcisius martyr of the eucharist 3st tarcisisus martyr of the eucharist 4_1280 st tarcisisus martyr of the eucharist 5_1280st tarcisisus martyr of the eucharist 6_1280st tarcisisus martyr of the eucharist 7_1280st tarcisisus martyr of the eucharist 8_1280

Pope Damasus had an inscription carved on St Tarcisius’ grave, it says that the boy died in 257.     The Roman Martyrology fixed the date as 15 August and in the same Martyrology a beautiful oral tradition is also recorded.   It claims that the Most Blessed Sacrament was not found on St Tarcisius’ body, either in his hands or his clothing.  It explains that the consecrated Host which the little Martyr had defended with his life, had become flesh of his flesh thereby forming, together with his body, a single immaculate Host offered to God.

Dear altar servers, St Tarcisius’ testimony and this beautiful tradition teach us the deep love and great veneration that we must have for the Eucharist:  it is a precious good, a treasure of incomparable value, it is the Bread of life, it is Jesus Himself who becomes our nourishment, support and strength on our daily journey and on the open road that leads to eternal life.   The Eucharist is the greatest gift that Jesus bequeathed to us.”

Posted in ALTAR BOYS, DEACONS, SACRISTANS, CHRISTMASTIDE!, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, Of Catholic Education, Students, Schools, Colleges etc, PATRONAGE - ORPHANS,ABANDONED CHILDREN, QUOTES on SUFFERING, SAINT of the DAY

Saints of the Day – Feast of the Holy Innocents – 28 December – 4th Day of the Christmas Octave

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Saints of the Day – Feast of the Holy Innocents – 28 December – 4th Day of the Christmas Octave – Patronages – • against ambition•against jealousy• altar servers•babies•children• children’s choir• choir boys• foundlings• students.   The Massacre of the Innocents is the biblical account of infanticide by Herod the Great, the Roman-appointed King of the Jews.   According to the Gospel of Matthew, Herod ordered the execution of all young male children in the vicinity of Bethlehem, so as to avoid the loss of his throne to a newborn King of the Jews whose birth had been announced to him by the Magi.   In typical Matthean style, it is understood as the fulfilment of an Old Testament prophecy:

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying,  A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping,  Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted because her children are no more.’

The number of infants killed is not stated.   The Holy Innocents, although Jewish, have been claimed as martyrs for Christianity and the Feast of the Holy Innocents has long been celebrated.holy-innocents-day-4-christmasholy-innocents2016

Taken from THE LITURGICAL YEAR, Christmas II, by Abbot Dom Guéranger.
1 A.D.

THE feast of the beloved Disciple, St John is followed by that of the Holy Innocents.   The Crib of Jesus, where we have already met and venerated the Prince of Martyrs and the Eagle of Patmos, has today standing round it a lovely choir of little Children, clad in snow-white robes and holding green branches in their hands.   The Divine Babe smiles upon them:  He is their King and these Innocents are smiling upon the Church of God. Courage and Fidelity first led us to the Crib;  Innocence now comes and bids us tarry there.

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François-Joseph Navez, The massacre of the innocents, 1824

Herod intended to include the Son of God amongst the murdered Babes of Bethlehem. The Daughters of Rachel wept over their little ones and the land streamed with blood but the Tyrant’s policy can do no more, it cannot reach Jesus and its whole plot ends in recruiting an immense army of Martyrs for Heaven.   These Children were not capable of knowing what an honour it was for them to be made victims for the sake of the Saviour of the world but the very first instant after their immolation, all was revealed to them, they had gone through this world without knowing it and now that they know it, they possess an infinitely better.   God showed here the riches of His mercy, He asks of them but a momentary suffering and that over, they wake up in Abraham’s Bosom, no further trial awaits them, they are in spotless innocence and the glory due to a soldier who died to save the life of his Prince belongs eternally to them.

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Guido Reni, Massacre of the Innocents

They died for Jesus’ sake, therefore, their death was a real Martyrdom and the Church calls them by the beautiful name of the Flowers of the Martyrs because of their tender age and their innocence.   Justly then does the ecclesiastical Cycle bring them before us today, immediately after the two valiant Champions of Christ, Stephen and John.   The connection of these three Feasts is thus admirably explained by St Bernard- “In St Stephen, we have both the act and the desire of Martyrdom;   in St John, we have but the desire;   in the Holy Innocents, we have but the act. . . . Will anyone doubt whether a crown was given to these Innocents? . . . If you ask me what merit could they have that God should crown them?   Let me ask you what was the fault for which Herod slew them?   What! is the mercy of Jesus less than the cruelty of Herod and whilst Herod could put these Babes to death, who had done him no injury, Jesus may not crown them for dying for Him?”santos-inocentes-2holy-innocents-matteo-di-giovanni600px-Matteo_di_Giovanni_002

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Giotto, Massacre of the Innocents

Stephen, therefore, is a Martyr by a Martyrdom of which men can judge, for he gave this evident proof of his sufferings being felt and accepted, that, at the very moment of his death, his solicitude both for his own soul and for those of his persecutors increased;  the pangs of his bodily passion were less intense than the affection of his soul’s compassion, which made him weep more for their sins than for his own wounds.   John was a Martyr, by a Martyrdom which only Angels could see, for the proofs of his sacrifice being spiritual, only spiritual creatures could ken them.   But the Innocents were Martyrs, to none other eye save Thine, O God!   Man could find no merit,  Angel could find no merit, the extraordinary prerogative of Thy grace is the more boldly brought out.   From the mouth of the Infants and the Sucklings Thou hast perfected praise.   The praise the Angels give Thee is- Glory be to God in the highest and peace on earth to men of good will it is a magnificent praise, but I make bold to say that it is not perfect till He cometh Who will say:   “Suffer little Children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven.”

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Rubens, Massacre of the Innocents,
Posted in ALTAR BOYS, DEACONS, SACRISTANS, CHRISTMASTIDE!, Of BUILDERS, CONSTRUCTION WORKERS, PATRONAGE - HEADACHES, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – St Stephen, The First Martyr (c 05-c 34) – 26 December – The Second Day in the Octave of Christmas

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Saint of the Day – St Stephen, The First Martyr (c 05-c 34) – 26 December – Deacon, Preacher.   the name “Stephen” – Stéphanos, meaning “wreath, crown” and by extension “reward, honour,” often given as a title rather than as a name.   Patronages – against headaches, of brick layers, casket makers, coffin makers, deacons, altar servers, horses,  masons, stone masons, Metz, France, Diocese of• Owensboro, Kentucky, Archdiocese of Toulouse, France, 92 cities.   Attributes – stones, dalmatic, censer, miniature church, Gospel Book, martyr’s palm frond.

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St Stephen – Fra Angelico
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St Stephen was according to the Acts of the Apostles a deacon in the early church at Jerusalem who aroused the enmity of members of various synagogues by his teachings. Accused of blasphemy, at his trial he made a long speech denouncing the Jewish authorities who were sitting in judgement against him and was then stoned to death.   His martyrdom was witnessed by Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee who would later himself become a follower of Jesus and known as Paul the Apostle.

The only primary source for information about Stephen is the New Testament book of the Acts of the Apostles.   Stephen is mentioned in Acts 6 as one of the Greek-speaking Hellenistic Jews selected to participate as a deacon in the early Church by the eleven – before the twelfth was elected.

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Luis de Morales  (1509–1586)

“Good King Wenceslaus went out, on the Feast of Stephen”.   This is the Feast of St Stephen, the day after Christmas, when we commemorate the first disciple to die for Jesus.

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Carlo Crivelli

In the Acts of the Apostles, St Luke praises St Stephen as “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit,” who “did great wonders and signs among the people” during the earliest days of the Church.   Luke’s history of the period also includes the moving scene of Stephen’s death – witnessed by St Paul before his conversion – at the hands of those who refused to accept Jesus as the Jewish Messiah.   Stephen himself was a Jew who most likely came to believe in Jesus during the Lord’s ministry on earth.   He may have been among the 70 disciples whom Christ sent out as missionaries, who preached the coming of God’s kingdom while travelling with almost no possessions.   This spirit of detachment from material things continued in the early Church, in which St Luke says believers “had all things in common” and “would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.”   But such radical charity ran up against the cultural conflict between Jews and Gentiles, when a group of Greek widows felt neglected in their needs as compared to those of a Jewish background.

Stephen’s reputation for holiness led the Apostles to choose him, along with six other men, to assist them in an official and unique way as this dispute arose.   Through the sacramental power given to them by Christ, the Apostles ordained the seven men as deacons and set them to work helping the widows.

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Jean Fouquet Etienne Chevalier with St Stephen (detail of Stephen)

As a deacon, Stephen also preached about Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament law and prophets.   Unable to refute his message, some members of local synagogues brought him before their religious authorities, charging him with seeking to destroy their traditions.   Stephen responded with a discourse recorded in the seventh chapter of the Acts of the Apostles.   He described Israel’s resistance to God’s grace in the past and accused the present religious authorities of “opposing the Holy Spirit” and rejecting the Messiah.

Before he was put to death, Stephen had a vision of Christ in glory. “Look,” he told the court, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”  

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St Stephen – Domenico Ghirlandaio

The council, however, dragged the deacon away and stoned him to death.   “While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,’ records St. Luke in Acts 7.   “Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’   When he had said this, he fell asleep.”

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Bernardo Cavillino
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Stoning of Saint Stephen, altarpiece of San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice, by Jacopo & Domenico Tintoretto
Posted in ADVENT, Against STORMS, EARTHQUAKES, THUNDER & LIGHTENING, FIRES, DROUGHT / NATURAL DISASTERS, ALTAR BOYS, DEACONS, SACRISTANS, BREWERS, BRIDES and GROOMS, CHEFS and/or BAKERS, CONFECTIONERS, MORNING Prayers, Of BACHELORS, Of BANKERS, Of BEGGARS, the POOR, against POVERTY, Of Catholic Education, Students, Schools, Colleges etc, Of FISHERMEN, FISHMONGERS, Of GARDENERS, Horticulturists, Farmers, Of LAWYERS & CANON Lawyers, Attorneys, Solicitors, Barristers, Notaries, Para-Legals, Of PHARMACISTS / CHEMISTS, Of TRAVELLERS / MOTORISTS, ON the SAINTS, PATRONAGE - HAPPY MARRIAGES, of MARRIED COUPLES, PATRONAGE - ORPHANS,ABANDONED CHILDREN, PATRONAGE - PENITENTS, PATRONAGE - PRISONERS, PATRONAGE - VINTNERS, WINE-FARMERS, PATRONAGE-INFERTILITY & SAFE CHILDBIRTH, SAILORS, MARINERS, NAVIGATORS, SAINT of the DAY, Spinsters - Single LAYWOMEN

Saint of the Day – 6 December – St Nicholas (270-343)

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 6 December – St Nicholas (270-343)  Confessor, Bishop, Miracle-Worker, Apostle of Charity.   Also known as – • Nicholas of Bari• Nicholas of Lpnenskij • Nicholas of Lipno • Nicholas of Sarajskij • Nicholas the Miracle Worker • Klaus, Mikulas, Nikolai, Nicolaas, Nicolas, Niklaas, Niklas. Nikolaus, Santa Claus.   st nicholas header

Patronages -• against fire • against imprisonment • against robberies • against robbers • against storms at sea • against sterility • against thefts • altar servers • archers • boys • brides • captives • children • choir boys • happy marriages • lawsuits lost unjustly • lovers • maidens • penitent murderers • newlyweds • paupers • pilgrims • poor people • prisoners • scholars • schoolchildren, students • penitent thieves • travellers • unmarried girls • apothecaries • bakers • bankers • barrel makers • boatmen • boot blacks • brewers • butchers • button makers • candle makers • chair makers • cloth shearers • coopers • dock workers • educators • farm workers, farmers • firefighters • fish mongers • fishermen • grain merchants • grocers • grooms • hoteliers • innkeepers • judges • lace merchants • lawyers • linen merchants • longshoremen • mariners • merchants • millers • notaries • parish clerks • pawnbrokers • perfumeries • perfumers • poets • ribbon weavers • sailors • ship owners • shoe shiners • soldiers • spice merchants • spinners • stone masons • tape weavers  • toy makers • vintners • watermen • weavers • Greek Catholic Church in America • Greek Catholic Union • Varangian Guard • Germany • Greece • Russia • 3 Diocese • 78 Cities.

Attributes – • anchor • bishop calming a storm • bishop holding three bags of gold • bishop holding three balls • bishop with three children • bishop with three children in a tub at his feet • purse • ship • three bags of gold • three balls • three golden balls on a book • boy in a boat.   Saint Nicholas’ reputation evolved among the faithful, as was common for early Christian saints and his legendary habit of secret gift-giving gave rise to the traditional model of Santa Claus through Sinterklaas.   St Nicholas was generous to the poor and special protector of the innocent and wronged.   Many stories grew up around him prior to his becoming associated with Santa Claus.

Some examples of the Miracles of St Nicholas and the reasons for various Patronages:

• Upon hearing that a local man had fallen on such hard times that he was planning to sell his daughters into prostitution, Nicholas went by night to the house and threw three bags of gold in through the window, saving the girls from an evil life.   These three bags, gold generously given in time of trouble, became the three golden balls that indicate a pawn broker’s shop.

• He raised to life three young boys who had been murdered and pickled in a barrel of brine to hide the crime.   These stories led to his patronage of children in general and of barrel-makers besides.

• Induced some thieves to return their plunder.   This explains his protection against theft and robbery and his patronage of them – he’s not helping them steal but to repent and change.   In the past, thieves have been known as Saint Nicholas’ clerks or Knights of Saint Nicholas.

• During a voyage to the Holy Lands, a fierce storm blew up, threatening the ship.   He prayed about it and the storm calmed – hence the patronage of sailors and those like dockworkers who work on the sea.

St Nicholas died in 346 at Myra, Lycia (in modern Turkey) of natural causes and his  relics are believed to be at Bari, Italy.bari-shrine3-detail

Here is the story of St Nicholas by Prosper Dom Gueranger:

Nicholas was born in the celebrated city of Patara, in the province of Lycia.   His birth was the fruit of his parents’ prayers.  Evidences of his great future holiness were given from his very cradle.   For when he was an infant, he would only take his food once on Wednesdays and Fridays and then not till evening but on all other days he frequently took the breast:  he kept up this custom of fasting during the rest of his life.

Having lost his parents when he was a boy, he gave all his goods to the poor.   Of his Christian kindheartedness there is the following noble example.   One of his fellow-citizens had three daughters but being too poor to obtain them an honourable marriage, he was minded to abandon them to a life of prostitution.   Nicholas having learned of the case, went to the house during the night and threw in by the window a sum of money sufficient for the dower of one of the daughters;  he did the same a second and a third time and thus the three were married to respectable men.

Having given himself wholly to the service of God, he set out for Palestine, that he might visit and venerate the holy places.   During this pilgrimage, which he made by sea, he foretold to the mariners, on embarking, though the heavens were then serene and the sea tranquil, that they would be overtaken by a frightful storm.   In a very short time, the storm arose.   All were in the most imminent danger, when he quelled it by his prayers.

His pilgrimage ended, he returned home, giving to all men example of the greatest sanctity.   He went, by an inspiration from God, to Myra, the Metropolis of Lycia,which had just lost its Bishop by death and the Bishops of the province had come together for the purpose of electing a successor.   Whilst they were holding council for the election, they were told by a revelation from heaven, that they should choose him who, on the morrow, should be the first to enter the church, his name being Nicholas.   Accordingly, the requisite observations were made, when they found Nicholas to be waiting at the church door:  they took him and, to the incredible delight of all, made him the Bishop of Myra.

During his episcopate, he never flagged in the virtues looked for in a bishop;  chastity, which indeed he had always preserved, gravity, assiduity in prayer, watchings, abstinence, generosity and hospitality, meekness in exhortation, severity in reproving. He befriended widows and orphans by money, by advice and by every service in his power.   So zealous a defender was he of all who suffered oppression, that, on one occasion, three Tribunes having been condemned by the Emperor Constantine, who had been deceived by calumny and having heard of the miracles wrought by Nicholas, they recommended themselves to his prayers, though he was living at a very great distance from that place:   the saint appeared to Constantine and angrily looking upon him, obtained from the terrified Emperor their deliverance.

Having, contrary to the edict of Dioclesian and Maximian, preached in Myra the truth of the Christian faith, he was taken up by the servants of the two Emperors.  He was taken off to a great distance and thrown into prison, where he remained until Constantine, having become Emperor, ordered his rescue and the Saint returned to Myra.   Shortly afterwards, he repaired to the Council which was being held at Nicaea:  there he took part with the three hundred and eighteen Fathers in condemning the Arian heresy (Tradition has it that he became so angry with the heretic Arius during the Council that he struck him in the face).St Nicholas of Myra slapping Arius at the Council of Nicaea.

Scarcely had he returned to his See than he was taken with the sickness of which he soon died.   Looking up to heaven and seeing Angels coming to meet him, he began the Psalm, In thee, O Lord, have I hoped and having come to those words, Into your hands I commend my spirit, his soul took its flight to the heavenly country.   His body, having been translated to Bari in Apulia, is the object of universal veneration.

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For St Nicholas traditional biscuits see here:  https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2016/12/06/st-nicholas-6-december/

Posted in ALTAR BOYS, DEACONS, SACRISTANS, BREWERS, CHEFS and/or BAKERS, CONFECTIONERS, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 10 August – St Lawrence of Rome (Died 258) – Martyr

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 10 August – St Lawrence of Rome (Died 258) – Martyr and Deacon (Archdeacon – distributor of alms and “Keeper of the Treasures of the Church”) Born at Huesca, Spain –  cooked to death on a gridiron on 10 August 258). St Lawrence was one of the seven Deacons of the City of Rome, under Saint Pope Sixtus II who were martyred in the persecution of the Christians by decree of the Roman Emperor Valerian ordered in 258.    His remains were  buried in the cemetery of Saint Cyriaca on the road to Tivoli, Italy.   His tomb was opened by Pelagius to inter the body of Saint Stephen the Martyr and his mummified head removed to the Quirinal Chapel.   The gridiron believed to have been his deathbed is in San Lorenzo in Lucina and his garments in Our Lady’s Chapel in the Lateran Palace.   Patronages – against fire, against lumbago, of archives, archivists, armories, armourers, brewers, butchers, chefs, cooks, comedians, comediennes, cutlers, deacons, glaziers, laundry workers, librarians, libraries, paupers, the poor, restauranteurs, schoolchildren, students, seminarians, stained glass workers, tanners, vine growers, vintners, wine makers, Ceylon, Sri Lanka, 38 cities and dioceses.

ST LAWRENCE

Saint Lawrence was chief of the seven Roman deacons of Pope Sixtus II who had been his mentor in Spain and taken him to Rome and ordained him as Deacon there, after he had been called to the Holy Office.   In 258, Emperor Valerian increased his persecutions of the Christians.   One day when Pope Sixtus II was in the cemetery of Saint Calistus celebrating Mass accompanied by some members of his clergy, he was arrested.   Along with him, the other six Roman deacons were arrested.   As the soldiers took the Pontiff to be put to death, Lawrence followed him in anguish crying out:  “Where are you going, my father, without your son? Where are you going, Holy Pontiff, without your deacon?   Isn’t it the custom to offer the sacrifice with an assistant?   Let me prove I am worthy of the choice you made when you entrusted me with the distribution of the Blood of Our Lord.” 

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St Pope Sixtus II with the St Lawrence

The Pope replied to Saint Lawrence:  “I am not leaving you, my son.  They are lenient on old men, not the youth. A greater combat is reserved for you.  You will follow me in three days.” With the Pontiff’s execution, Lawrence was the highest ranking church authority left in Rome.

Saint Lawrence was brought before Cornelius Secularis, prefect of Rome under the Emperor Valerian, who, according to Dom Prosper Guéranger in his Liturgical Year:  “aimed at ruining the Christians by prohibiting their assemblies, putting their chief men to death, and confiscating their property.”   Saint Lawrence asked for a short delay, so he could gather these riches for the prefect and true to the promise of Pope Sixtus, returned three days after the pontiff’s death to hand them over.   However, heeding Pope Sixtus II’s final words, Lawrence used his three days to distribute the material wealth of the Church to the poor, before the Roman authorities could lay their hands on it.

When the archdeacon returned, instead of bringing vessels of gold and silver, he brought the poor of the city, saying, “Behold, these choice pearls, these sparkling gems that adorn the temple, these sacred virgins, I mean, and these widows who refuse second marriage…. Behold then, all our riches.”   In response to his boldness, Cornelius ordered the scourging and torture of Saint Lawrence upon the rack.

st lawrence arrested

From the Liturgical Year:
“…Lawrence was taken down from the rack about midday.   In his prison, however, he took no rest but wounded and bleeding as he was, he baptised the converts won to Christ by the sight of his courageous suffering.   He confirmed their faith and fired their souls with a martyr’s intrepidity.   When the evening hour summoned Rome to its pleasures, the prefect recalled the executioners to their work, for a few hours’ rest had sufficiently restored their energy to enable them to satisfy his cruelty.” 

Surrounded by this ill-favoured company, the prefect thus addressed the valiant deacon:  ‘Sacrifice to the gods, or else the whole night long shall be witness of your torments.’ ‘My night has no darkness,’answered Laurence, ‘and all things are full of light to me.’   They struck him on the mouth with stone, but he smiled and said, ‘I give Thee thanks, O Christ.’

Then an iron bed or gridiron with three bars was brought in and the saint was stripped of his garments and extended upon it while burning coals were placed beneath it.   As they were holding him down with iron fork, Lawrence said ‘I offer myself as a sacrifice to God for an odour of sweetness.’   The executioners continually stirred up the fire and brought fresh coals, while they still held him down with their forks.   Then the saint said:  ‘Learn, unhappy man, how great is the power of my God; for your burning coals give me refreshment but they will be your eternal punishment. I call Thee, O Lord, to witness:  when I was accused, I did not deny Thee;  when I was questioned, I confessed Thee, O Christ; on the red-hot coals I gave Thee thanks.’   And with his countenance radiant with heavenly beauty, he continued:  ‘Yea, I give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesus Christ, for that Thou hast deigned to strengthen me.’ He then raised his eyes to his judge and said:  ‘See, this side is well roasted; turn me on the other and eat.’ Then, continuing his canticle of praise to God [he said]:  ‘I give Thee thanks, O Lord, that I have merited to enter into Thy dwelling place.’

As he was on the point of death, he remembered the Church.  The thought of the eternal Rome gave him fresh strength and he breathed forth this ecstatic prayer:  ‘O Christ, only God, O Splendour, O Power of the Father, O Maker of heaven and earth and builder of this city’s walls!   Thou has placed Rome’s sceptre high over all;  Thou hast willed to subject the world to it, in order to unite under one law the nations which differ in manners, customs, language, genius, and sacrifice.   Behold the whole human race has submitted to its empire and all discord and dissensions disappear in its unity.   Remember thy purpose:  Thou didst will to bind the immense universe together into one Christian Kingdom.   O Christ, for the sake of Thy Romans, make this city Christian;  for to it Thou gavest the charge of leading all the rest to sacred unity.  All its members in every place are united – a very type of Thy Kingdom;  the conquered universe has bowed before it.  Oh! may its royal head bowed in turn! Send Thy Gabriel and bid him heal the blindness of the sons of Iulus, that they may know the true God.   I see a prince who is to come – an Emperor who is a servant of God.   He will not suffer Rome to remain a slave; he will close the temples and fasten them with bolts forever.’

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Martyrdom of St Lawrence - Titian
Jusepe de Ribera Spanish 1591–1652
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Thus he prayed and with these last words, he breathed forth his soul.   Some noble Romans who had been conquered to Christ by the martyr’s admirable boldness, removed his body:  the love of the most high God had suddenly filled their hearts and dispelled their former errors.   From that day, the worship of the infamous gods grew cold;  few people went now to the temples but hastened to the altars of Christ.   Thus Lawrence, going unarmed to the battle, had wounded the enemy with his own sword.”

The burned body of Saint Lawrence was carried away by converted Roman Senators who buried him in a grotto in the Verano field, near Tivoli.   On this day, the reliquary containing his burnt head is displayed in the Vatican for veneration.   His feast spread throughout Italy and northern Africa after his martyrdom—and even Saint Augustine of Hippo wrote a beautiful sermon on St Lawrence’s life, connecting his “treasures of the Church” to martyrdom and the Holy Eucharist.   Emperor Constantine built a beautiful basilica in Lawrence’s honour.   Saint Lawrence is especially honoured in the city of Rome, where he is one of the city’s patrons.   There are several churches in Rome dedicated to him, including San Lorenzo in Panisperna, traditionally identified as the place of his execution.  The gridiron on which he was grilled is venerated there today.

... Relic of St Lawrence of Rome by Lawrence OP
Grill of St. Lawrence
High altar
San Lorenzo 2
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Since the Perseid Meteor Shower typically occurs every year in mid-August, on or near Saint Lawrence’s feast day, some refer to the shower as the “Burning Tears of Saint Lawrence.”   Saint Lawrence, for his care and love of the poor, is considered their patron.   For having saved the treasures of the Church—including its documents, he is recognized as the patron saint of librarians.   For his courage in being grilled to death, he is also the patron saint of cooks and kitchen workers.

St Lawrence pray for us all!