Posted in EMBER DAYS, JESUIT SJ, MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY

Ember Wednesday – Fast and Abstinence, Notre-Dame de Bon-Port / Our Lady of Bon Port/Good Haven, France (1838) and the Saints for 21 February

St Avitus II of Clermont
Bl Claudio di Portaceli
St Daniel of Persia
Bl Eleanora
St Ercongotha
St Felix of Metz
St George of Amastris
St Germanus of Granfield
St Gundebert of Sens

St Pepin of Landen
St Peter Mavimenus
St Randoald of Granfield
Blessed Richard Henkes

St Severian of Scythopolis
St Severus of Syrmium

St Valerius of San Pedro de Montes
St Verda of Persia

Posted in EMBER DAYS, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Vigil of St Thomas, EMBER WEDNESDAY, Apostle, Christmas Novenas – Fifth Day, Notre-Dame de Molène / Our Lady of Molene, France (1075) and the Saints for 20 December

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
THE FIFTH DAY:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/20/christmas-novena-to-the-divine-infant-jesus-by-st-alphonsus-the-fifth-day-20-december/

The Monthly Novena to the Miraculous
Infant Jesus of Prague
THE FIFTH DAY

EMBER WEDNESDAY – Fast and Abstinence
In case you have forgotten about Ember Days as they are not promoted or encouraged since Vatican II, here is a reminder:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/16/today-is-an-ember-day-did-you-remember/

St Attala of Strasbourg
St Bajulus of Rome
St Crescentius of Africa
St Damian of Padua
St Dominic of Brescia

St Eugene of Arabia
St Hoger of Hamburg-Bremen (Died 916) Bishop
Bl John de Molina
St Julius of Gelduba
Bl Lorenzo Company
St Liberatus of Rome
St Macarius of Arabia
St Malou of Hautvillers
St Paul of Latra
Blessed Peter de la Cadireta

St Thomas of Dover
St Ursicinus of Saint-Ursanne (c552-c625) Abbot

Posted in EMBER DAYS, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, THE FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTION

Ember Saturday, Madonna della Lettera / Our Lady of the Letter 1693 and Memorials of the Saints – 3 June

Ember Saturday – Fast and Abstinence
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/16/today-is-an-ember-day-did-you-remember/

First Saturday

Madonna della Lettera / Our Lady of the Letter (Messina, Sicily, Italy) 1693 – Patron of Messina, Palmi (Reggio Calabria) and of Finale (Palermo) – 3 June and 9 January:
HERE :
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/03/the-solemnity-of-corpus-christi-madonna-della-lettera-our-lady-of-the-letter-messina-sicily-italy-1693-and-memorials-of-the-saints-3-june/

St Adam of Guglionesi OSB (c 990-1072) “The Saint of the roving Relics” Abbot, Social Reformer, Peace-maker and may have been a Priest. Hermit.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/03/saint-of-the-day-3-june-saint-adam-of-guglionesi-osb-c-990-1072-the-saint-of-the-roving-relics/

St Albert of Como
St Athanasius of Traiannos
St Auditus of Braga
Bl Beatrice Bicchieri
St Caecilius of Carthage
St Clotilde of France (c475-545) Widow, Mother, Queen, Apostle of the poor and the sick.
St Conus of Lucania
St Cronan the Tanner
St Davinus of Lucca
Bl Diego Oddi
St Gausmarus of Savigny
St Genesius of Clermont
St Glunshallaich
St Hilary of Carcassone
St Isaac of Córdoba

St Juan Grande Román OH (1546-1600) Religious of the Hospitallers of Saint John of God who adopted the name “John the Sinner”
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/03/saint-of-the-day-3-june-st-juan-grande-roman-oh-1546-1600/

St Kevin of Glendalough (c 498-618) Priest, Founder and first Abbot of the Glendalough Monastery in County Wicklow, Ireland, Hermit, Ascetic and Mystic, scholar, Spiritual Adviser, Miracle-worker., he possessed a miraculous affinity with animals and nature.
St Kevin’s Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/03/saint-of-the-day-3-june-saint-kevin-of-glendalough-c-498-618/

St Laurentinus of Arezzo
St Liphardus of Orléans
St Morand of Cluny
St Moses of Arabia
St Oliva of Anagni
St Paula of Nicomedia
St Pergentinus of Arezzo
St Phaolô Vu Van Duong
St Urbicius

Martyrs of Africa – 156 Saints: 156 Christians Martyred together in Africa, date unknown; the only other information to survive are some of their names –
Abidianus• Demetria• Donatus• Gagus• Januaria• Juliana• Nepor• Papocinicus• Quirinus• Quirus.

Martyrs of Byzantium – 5 Saints: A group of Christians, possibly related by marriage, who were Martyred together. They were –
Claudius, Dionysiu, Hypatius, Lucillian, Paul.
They were Martyred in 273 in Byzantium.

Martyrs of Rome – 8 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together. We know nothing else about them but the names –
Amasius, Emerita, Erasmus, Lucianus, Orasus, Satuaucnus, Septiminus• Servulus.
They were Martyred in Rome, Italy, date unknown.

Martyrs of Rome – 85+ Christians Martyred together in Rome, Italy, date unknown. The only details that have survived are some of their names –

Apinus • Apronus • Aurelius • Avidus • Cassianus • Criscens • Cyprus • Domitius • Donata • Donatus • Emeritus • Extricatus • Exuperia • Faustina • Felicitas • Felix • Flavia • Florus • Fortunata • Fortunatus • Fructus • Gagia • Gagus • Gallicia • Gorgonia • Honorata • Januaria • Januarius • Justa • Justus • Libosus • Luca • Lucia • Matrona • Matura • Mesomus • Metuana • Nabor • Neptunalis • Obercus • Paula • Peter • Pompanus • Possemus • Prisca • Procula • Publius • Quintus • Rogatian • Romanus • Rufina • Saturnin • Saturnus • Secundus • Severa • Severus • Sextus • Silvana • Silvanus • Sinereus • Tertula • Titonia • Toga • Urban • Valeria • Veneria • Veranus • Victor • Victoria • Victorinus • Victuria • Victurina • Virianus • Weneria • Zetula.
They were Martyred in Rome date unknown.

Posted in EMBER DAYS, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Pentecost Friday, Ember Day, Madonna delle Lacrime / Madonna of the Tears, Italy (1511) and Memorials of the Saints – 2 June

Pentecost Friday

Ember Friday of Fast and Abstinence
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/16/today-is-an-ember-day-did-you-remember/

Madonna delle Lacrime / Madonna of the Tears, Ponte Nossa, Bergamo, Lombardy, Italy (1511) – 2 June:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/02/madonna-delle-lacrime-madonna-of-the-tears-ponte-nossa-bergamo-lombardy-italy-1511-2-june/

St Marcellinus Priest Martyr
St Peter the Exorcist Exorcist Martyr
(Martyred in 304)

Their Blessed Lives and Deaths:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/02/saints-of-the-day-sts-marcellinus-and-peter-the-exorcist/

St Ada of Ethiopia
St Adalgis of Thiérarche
St Armin of Egypt
St Barbarinus
St Blandina the Slave
St Bodfan of Wales
St Daminh Ninh
Bl Demetrios of Philadelphia
St Dorotheus of Rome

St Erasmus (Died c 303) Martyr – also known as Saint Elmo – Bishop of Formiae, Campagna, Italy. St Erasmus or Elmo is also one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and the Saint from whom comes the famous miracle of “Saint Elmo’s fire.”
His Holy Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/02/saint-of-the-day-2-june-st-erasmus-died-c-303-martyr/

St Eugene I (Died 657) Bishop of Rome elected on 10 Augugust 654, and died at Rome on 2 June 657 of natural causes, aged just 42.
St Evasius
Bl Giovanni de Barthulono

St Guido of Acqui (c 1004-1070) Bishop of Acqu in north-west Italy from 1034 until his death, zealous Reformer both in the lives of his clergy and his people. He built the Cathedral of Acqui amongst other religious buildings, including a Convent for Nuns. He donated his personal inheritance to the upkeep of the Diocese, the poor and for his building projects.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/02/saint-of-the-day-2-june-saint-guido-of-acqui-c-1004-1070-patron-saint-against-famine/

St Honorata
St Humatus
St John de Ortega
St Joseph Tien

St Nicholas Peregrinus the Pilgrim (1075-1094) Confessor
His Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/02/saint-of-the-day-2-june-saint-nicholas-peregrinus-the-pilgrim-1075-1094/

St Photinus of Lyons
St Rogate
Bl Sadoc of Sandomierz
St Stephen of Sweden

Martyrs of Lyons and Vienne: A group of 48 Christians from the areas of Vienne and Lyon, France, who were attacked by a pagan mob, arrested and tried for their faith, and murdered in the persecutions of Marcus Aurelius. A letter describing their fate, possibly written by Saint Irenaeus of Lyons, was sent to the churches in the Middle East. Only a few names and details of their lives have survived; some of them have separate entries on this date –

  • Alexander of Vienne
  • Attalus of Pergamos
  • Biblis of Lyons
  • Blandina the Slave
  • Cominus of Lugdunum
  • Epagathus of Lugdunum
  • Maturus the Novice
  • Photinus of Lyons
  • Ponticus of Lugdunum
  • Sanctius of Vienne
  • Vettius of Lugdunum
    They were martyred in assorted ways on on various during 177.

Martyrs of Sandomierz: A group of 49 Dominicans, some of whom received the habit from Saint Dominic de Guzman himself. They worked separately and together to bring the faith and establish the Dominican Order in Poland, basing their operations in and around Sandomierz. In 1260 they were all Martyred by the Tartars as they were singing the Salve Regina at Compline; the custom of singing the Salve Regina at the deathbed of Dominicans, stems from this incident. We know a few details about a few of the martyrs, but most survive only as names –

  • Zadok• Andrea, chaplain• James, novice master• Malachi, convent preacher
  • Paul, vicar• Peter, guardian of the garden• Simone, penitentiaryfriars
  • Abel, Barnabas, Bartholomew, Clemente, Elia, John, Luke, Matthew, Philip
    deacons• Giuseppe, Joachim, Stefanosub-deacons• Abraham, Basil, Moses, Taddeoclerics• Aaron, Benedict, David, Dominico, Mattia, Mauro, Michele, Onofrio, Timothyprofessed students• Christopher, Donato, Feliciano, Gervasio, Gordian, John, Mark, Medardo, Valentinonovices• Daniele, Isaiah, Macario, Raffaele, Tobialay brothers• Cyril, tailor• Jeremiah, shoemaker
  • Thomas, organist
    They were Martyred in 1260 at Sandomierz, Poland and Beatified on 18 October 1807 by Pope Pius VII (cultus confirmation).
Posted in EMBER DAYS, MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, QUEENSHIP of MARY, SAINT of the DAY

Pentecost Wednesday, Ember Day of Fast and Abstinence, The Queenship of Mary and Memorials of the Saints – 31 May

Pentecost Wednesday

Ember Day of Fast and Abstinence:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/16/today-is-an-ember-day-did-you-remember/

The Queenship of Mary – 31 May:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/31/the-queenship-of-mary-and-memorials-of-the-saints-31-may/

St Alexander of Auvergne

St Camilla Battista da Varano OSC (1458-1524) Virgin, Italian Princess, Poor Clare Nun and Abbess, Mystic, Spiritual Writer, Stigmatist. Both Saint Philip Neri and St Alphonsus Liguori recorded their admiration for her. On 8 April 1821 Pope Leo XIII approved the acts of the process for her Canonisation. She was Beatified by Pope Gregory XVI on 7 April 1843, following recognition of her long-standing public cult. On 4 February 1893 her writings were also approved. On 17 October 2010 Pope Benedict XVI Canonised her, along with five others.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/31/saint-of-the-day-31-may-saint-camilla-battista-da-varano-osc-1458-1524/

St Crescentian of Sassari
St Donatian of Cirta
St Felice of Nicosia
St Galla of Auvergne
St Hermias of Comana

Blessed James Salomoni OP (1231-1314) Priest of the Order of Preachers, “Father of the Poor,” “Apostle of the Afflicted,” Miracle-worker graced with the ability to cure sickness. Patronages – cancer patients, of the sick.
He died on 31 May 1314, in his eighty-third year. His relics now lie in the Basilica of Sts John and Paul in Venice. Devotion to Blessed James has been approved and encouraged by several Popes. In 1526 he was officiallt Beatified by Pope Clement VII
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/31/saint-of-the-day-31-may-blessed-james-salomoni-op-1231-1314-apostle-of-the-afflicted/

St Juan Moya Collado
Bl Kasper Gerarz
St Lupicinus of Verona
St Mancus of Cornwall
Bl Mariano of Roccacasale
St Mechtildis of Edelstetten
St Myrbad of Cornwall
Bl Nicholaus of Vangadizza
Bl Nicholaus of Vaucelles
St Nowa Mawaggali
St Paschasius of Rome
St Petronilla of Rome (1st Century) Virgin Martyr
St Silvio of Toulouse
Bl Vitalis of Assisi
St Winnow of Cornwall

Martyrs of Aquileia – 3 Saints: Three young members of the imperial Roman nobility and who were raised in a palace and had Saint Protus of Aquileia as tutor and catechist. To escape the persecutions of Diocletian, the family sold their property and moved to Aquileia, Italy. However, the authorities there quickly ordered them to sacrifice to idols; they refused. Martyrs all – Cantianilla, Cantian and Cantius. They were beheaded in 304 at Aquae-Gradatae (modern San-Cantiano) just outside Aquileia, Italy.

Martyrs of Gerona – 29 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in Gerona, Catalonia, Spain, date unknown. No details about them have survived but the names – • Agapia• Amelia• Castula• Cicilia• Donatus• Firmus• Fortunata• Gaullenus• Germanus• Honorius• Istialus• Justus• Lautica• Lupus

  • Maxima• Paulica• Rogate• Rogatus• Silvanus• Tecla• Teleforus• Tertula• Tertus• Victoria• Victurinus• Victurus

Martyrs of the Via Aurelia – 4 Saints: Four Christians Martyred together. No information about them has survived except their names – Justa, Lupus, Tertulla and Thecla. The martyrdom occurred in 69 on the Via Aurelia near Rome, Italy.

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, EMBER DAYS, FRANCISCAN OFM, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

EMBER FRIDAY – FAST AND ABSTINENCE, First Friday, Notre-Dame des Anges de Toulouse / Our Lady of the Angels of Toulouse, France (1212) and Memorials of the Saints – 3 March

EMBER FRIDAY – FAST AND ABSTINENCE

FIRST FRIDAY

Notre-Dame des Anges de Toulouse / Our Lady of the Angels of Toulouse, France (1212) – 3 March:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/03/our-lady-of-angels-of-toulouse-france-1212-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

St Anselm of Nonantola
St Arthelais of Benevento
Blessed Benedetto Sinigardi da Arezzo OFM (1190-1282) Friar of the Order of Friars Minor, who received the Habit directly from St Francis of Assisi. Although rarely mentioned, Blessed Benedetto is the Author of the Angelus!
St Calupan
St Camilla
St Cele-Christ

St Cunegundes (c 975-1040) Empress of the Holy Roman Empire, Nun, she took a vow of Virginity before her marriage, which, after a miracle was upheld by her husband, the King (also a Saint). Founder of Monasteries and Churches, Nun in one of her Convents, Apostle of Charity. Born in c 975 and died in 1040 of natural causes.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/03/saint-of-the-day-3-march-st-cunegundes-c-975-1040/

St Foila
Bl Frederick of Hallum
St Gervinus
Bl Innocent of Berzo
Bl Jacobinus de’ Canepaci
St Lamalisse
St Non

Blessed Pietro de Geremia OP (1381-1452) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preaches, renowned and brilliant Preacher, Miracle-worker. In addition to his many miracles and conversions of sinners, he founded the University of Catania and assisted in the establishment of several Dominican Monasteries.
His Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/03/saint-of-the-day-3-march-blessed-pietro-de-geremia-op-1381-1452-dominican-priest/

Bl Pierre-René Rogue
St Sacer
St Teresa Eustochio Verzeri
St Titian of Brescia
St Winwallus of Landévennec

40 Martyrs in North Africa – A group of Christians Martyred together in North Africa, date unknown. No details have survived, but we know these names – Antonius, Artilaus, Asclipius, Astexius, Basil, Bosimus, Carissimus, Castus, Celedonius, Claudianus, Cyricus, Donata, Emeritus, Emeterius, Euticus, Felix, Fortunatus, Frunumius, Gajola, Georgius, Gorgonius, Hemeterus, Isicus, Janula, Julius, Luciola, Luciolus, Marcia, Marinus, Meterus, Nicephorus, Papias, Photius, Risinnius, Sabianus, Savinianus and Solus

Martyrs of Pontus – 3+ Saints – A large group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Emperor Maximian Galerius and governor Ascleopiodato. We have some details on three of them – Basiliscus, Cleonicus and Eutropius. 308 in Pontus (in modern Turkey)
Martyrs of Caesarea;
Asterius
Marinus

Martyrs of Calahorra:
Cheledonius
Emeterius

Martyrs of Gondar, Ethiopia:
Bl Antonio Francesco Marzorati
Bl Johannes Laurentius Weiss
Bl Michele Pío Fasol

Posted in EMBER DAYS, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY

EMBER WEDNESDAY – Fast and Abstinence, Madonna Della Croce, “Holy Mary of the Cross,” Crema, Italy (1490), St David of Wales (c542-c601) and Memorials of the Saints – 1 March

EMBER WEDNESDAY – Fast and Abstinence
In case you have forgotten about Ember Days as they are not promoted or encouraged since Vatican II, here is a reminder:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/16/today-is-an-ember-day-did-you-remember/

Devotion for March – St Joseph

Madonna Della Croce, “Holy Mary of the Cross,” Crema, Italy (1490) – 1 March:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/01/our-lady-della-croce-holy-mary-of-the-cross-crema-italy-1490/

St David of Wales (c542-c601) Bishop, Prince, Monk, Confessor, Missionary, Founder of Monasteries. Uncle of King Arthur. David studied under Saint Paul Aurelian. Worked with Saint Columbanus, Saint Gildas the Wise and Saint Finnigan. He was officially Canonised in 1120 by Pope Callistus II.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2017/03/01/saint-of-the-day-1-march-st-david-of-wales/

St Abdalong of Marseilles
St Adrian of Numidia
St Agapios of Vatopedi
St Agnes Cao Guiying

St Albinus of Angers (469-549) Bishop, Confessor, Monk, Abbot, miracle-worker.
His Life

https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/01/saint-of-the-day-1-march-saint-albinus-of-angers-469-549-bishop/

St Albinus of Vercelli
St Amandus of Boixe
St Antonina of Bithynia
Bl Aurelia of Wirberg
Bl Bonavita of Lugo
St Bono of Cagliari
Bl Christopher of Milan
Bl Claudius Gabriel Faber
St Domnina of Syria
St Domnina of Syria
St Donatus of Carthage
St Eudocia of Heliopolis
St Felix III, Pope
Bl George Biandrate
Bl Giovanna Maria Bonomo
Bl Gonzalo de Ubeda
St Hermes of Numidia
St Jared the Patriarch
St Leo of Rouen
St Leolucas of Corleone OBas (c815-c915) Abbot of the Basilian Order

St Lupercus
St Marnock
St Monan
Bl Pietro Ernandez
Bl Roger Lefort
St Rudesind
St Seth the Patriarch
St Simplicius of Bourges
St Siviard
St Swithbert
St Venerius of Eichstätt

Martyrs of Africa – A group of 13 Christians executed together for their faith in Africa. The only details about them to survive are ten names – Abundantius, Adrastus, Agapius, Charisius, Donatilla, Donatus, Fortunus, Leo, Nicephorus and Polocronius. c290

Martyrs of Antwerp – A group of Christians Martyred together, buried together and whose Relics were transferred and enshrined together. We know nothing else but their names – Benignus, Donatus, Felician, Fidelis, Filemon, Herculanus, Julius, Justus, Maximus, Pelagius, Pius, Primus, Procopius and Silvius. Died in the 2nd Century in Rome. They are buried in the St Callistus Catacombs and their relics were enshirned in the Jesuit Church in Antwerp on 28 February 1600.

Martyrs of the Salarian Way – A group of 260 Christians who, for their faith, were condemned to road work on the Salarian Way in Rome, Italy during the persecutions of Claudius II. When they were no longer needed for work, they were publicly murdered in the amphitheatre. Martyrs. c 269 in Rome.

Martyrs Under Alexander – A large but unspecified number of Christians Martyred in the persecutions of Emperor Alexander Severus and the praefect Ulpian who saw any non-state religion to be a dangerous treason. c 219.

Posted in EMBER DAYS, SAINT of the DAY

Ember Friday, Day One of the Christmas Novena and Memorials of the Saints – 16 December

Ember Friday – Fasting and Abstinence

CHRISTMAS NOVENA TO THE DIVINE INFANT – DAY ONE

St Eusebius of Vercelli (c 283-371) Bishop, Confessor, Founder of monasticism in his region
His Feast Day is celebrated today but was moved after Vatican II to 2 August (General Roman Calendar 1729–1969).
St Eusebius Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/02/saint-of-the-day-2-august-saint-eusebius-of-vercelli-c-283-371/

St Adelaide of Burgundy (c 931-999) Holy Roman Empress, Widow, Foundress of monasteries and Apostle of Charity. St Adelaid was Canonised in 1097 by Pope Urban II.
About St Adelaide:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/16/saint-of-the-day-16-december-st-adelaide-of-italy-burgundy-c-931-999/

St Adelard of Cysoing

St Ado of Vienne (Died 875) Archbishop of Vienne from 850 until his death, Writer, Reformer.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/16/saint-of-the-day-16-december-saint-ado-of-vienne-died-875/

Bl Adolphus of Tunis
Bl Arnaldo of Tunis
St Albina of Caesarea
St Ananias
St Azarias
St Beanus (Died c 1012) Bishop
St Beoc
St Dominic Dosso
Bl Elizabeth of Saint Francis

St Everard of Friuli (c 815-867) Duke, Count, Soldier, Founder of Churches and a Monastery. In contrast to his soldiering life, St Everard was a peacemaker, a humble and loving Master with a social conscience, striving always to free serfs, wherever possible or at least to free them from their burdens and assisting the poor and needy in all their deprivations.
His Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/16/saint-of-the-day-16-december-saint-everard-of-friuli-c-815-867/

Haggai the Prophet
St Irenion
Bl James of Tunis
St Jean Wauthier
St Macarius of Collesano

Blessed Mary of the Angels Fontanella OCD (1661-1717) “The Fragrant Rose of Turin,” Discalced Carmelite, Mystic, Stigmatist, Marian devotee and client of St Joseph, Prioress, Spiritual director. At the instigation of King Vittorio, the holy nun’s Cause for Canonisation was started just a few years after the death of Sr Maria. Pope Pius IX declared her a Blessed on 25 April 1865
Blessed Mary’s life:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/16/saint-of-the-day-16-december-blessed-mary-of-the-angels-fontanella-ocd-1661-1717-the-fragrant-rose-of-turin/

St Misael
St Nicholas Chrysoberges
Bl Raynald de Bar

Blessed Sebastian Maggi OP (1414–1496) Priest of the Order of Preachers, Confessor. He was Beatified on 15 April 1760 by Pope Clement XIII. His body is incorrupt.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/16/saint-of-the-day-16-december-blessed-sebastian-maggi-op-1414-1496/

Martyred Women of North-West Africa: A large group of women Martyred in the persecutions of Hunneric, Arian King of the Vandals. 482 in North-West Africa.

Martyrs of Ravenna – 4 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together. Four names and no other information has survived – Agricola, Concordius, Navalis and Valentine. c 305 at Ravenna, Italy.

Posted in EMBER DAYS, MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY

Ember Saturday, Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes / Our Lady of Mercy / Our Lady of Ransom, Barcelona, Spain (1218), Our Lady of Walsingham / Virgin of the Sea (1061) and Memorials of the Saints – 24 September

Ember Saturday – Fast and Abstinence:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/16/today-is-an-ember-day-did-you-remember/

Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes / Our Lady of Mercy / Our Lady of Ransom, Barcelona, Spain (1218) – 1 August, 10 August – The Founding of the Mercedarian Order and 24 September:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/24/our-lady-of-mercy-our-lady-of-ransom-our-lady-of-walsingham-virgin-of-the-sea-24-september-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

Our Lady of Walsingham / Virgin of the Sea (1061) – 24 September:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/24/our-lady-of-walsingham-virgin-of-the-sea-1061-marian-feasts-and-memorials-of-the-saints-24-september/

St Anathalon of Milan
St Andochius of Autun
St Chuniald
Bl Colomba Matylda Gabriel
St Coprio
St Erinhard
St Felix of Autun

St Gerard Sagredo OSB (980-1046) Bishop and Martyr, “The Apostle of Hungary,” Venetian nobleman, Benedictine monk, Prior of San Giorgio, Missionary to Hungary, Adviser to King Saint Stephen, Tutor to Prince Saint Emeric, Hermit, Bishop of Csanád, Writer, Reformer
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/24/saint-of-the-day-24-september-saint-gerard-sagredo-osb-980-1046-bishop-and-martyr-the-apostle-of-hungary/

St Geremarus
St Gislar
St Isarnus of Toulouse
St Lupus of Lyons

St Pacificus of Severino OFM (1653-1721) Priest, Franciscan Friar, Mystic, Miracle-worker, Missionary, Superior of the Friary of San Severino and joyful sufferer for Christ. He was Beatified on 4 August 1786 by Pope Pius VI and Canonised on 26 May 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI.
About St Pacificus:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/24/saint-of-the-day-24-september-saint-pacificus-of-severino-ofm-1653-1721/

St Paphnutius of Egypt
St Rusticus (Died 446) Bishop of Clermont
St Rupert of Salzburg Bishop, “Apostle to the Bavarians”

St Terence of Persaro (c 210-c 247) Martyr Layman, Soldier.
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/24/saint-of-the-day-24-september-saint-terence-of-persaro-c-210-c-247-martyr/

St Thyrsus of Autun
St Ysarn of Saint Victor

Martyrs of Chalcedon – (49 Saints): Forty-nine Christian choir singers of the Church in Chalcedon in Asia Minor who were Martyred together in their persecutions of Diocletian in 304.

Posted in EMBER DAYS, MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY

EMBER fRIDAY, Nuestra Senora de Valvanera / Our Lady of Valvanera, La Rioja, Spain (9th Century) and Memorials of the Saints

Ember Friday – Fast & AbstinenceIn case you have forgotten about Ember Days as they are not promoted or encouraged since Vatican II, here is a reminder:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/16/today-is-an-ember-day-did-you-remember/

Nuestra Senora de Valvanera / Our Lady of Valvanera, La Rioja, Spain (9th Century) – 23 September:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/23/nuestra-senora-de-valvanera-our-lady-of-valvanera-la-rioja-spain-9th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-23-september/

St Pope Linus (c 10 – c 76) Successor to St Peter. Papacy lasted from c 67 to his death. Among those to have held the position of pope, Peter, Linus and Clement are specifically mentioned in the New Testament. Linus is mentioned in the closing greeting of the Second Epistle to Timothy as being with Paul in Rome near the end of Paul’s life.
About St Pope Linus:

https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/23/saint-of-the-day-23-september-st-pope-linus-c-10-c-76-successor-to-st-peter/

St Thecla (1st century) Virgin Martyr, Disciple of St Paul.
Her Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/23/saint-of-the-day-23-september-st-thecla-1st-century-virgin-and-martyr/

St Alfonso Burgos

St Adamnan of Iona/Eunan of Iona (c 628-704) Relative of Saint Columban. Monk at Drunhome, Donegal, Ireland. Abbot of Iona in 679. President-general of all the Columban houses in Ireland. Hagiographer and Spiritual Writer, Poet, Statesman, Canon Lawyer. Canonised on 11 July 1898 by Pope Leo XIII (cultus confirmed).
His Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/23/saint-of-the-day-23-september-saint-adamnan-of-iona-or-st-eunan-of-iona-c-628-704/

St Cissa of Northumbria
St Constantius of Ancona
Bl Francisco de Paula Victor
Bl Guy of Durnes
Bl Helen Duglioli
St Peter Acontanto
St Polyxena
St Sosius (275-305) Confessor, Deacon and Martyr
Bl William Way
St Xantippa

Martyrs of Syracuse – (4 Saints): Group of Christians deported from Syracuse, Sicily by invading Saracens and sent to North Africa where they were tortured and executed for their faith. Martyrs. The names that have survived are Andrew, Antony, John and Peter. c900

Padre Pio/ Pius of Pietrelcina OFM Cap (1887-1968) Priest, Franciscan Capuchin Friar, Stigmatist, Mystic, Confessor.
Biography here:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/23/saint-of-the-day-23-september-st-pio-of-pietrelcina-o-f-m-cap/

Posted in EMBER DAYS, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Ember Wednesday, Feast of St Matthew, Beata Vergine del Tresto / The Blessed Virgin of Tresto, Ospedaletto Euganeo, Italy (1468) and Memorials of the Saints – 21 September

Ember Wednesday – Fast and Abstinence
In case you have forgotten about Ember Days as they are not promoted or encouraged since Vatican II, here is a reminder:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/16/today-is-an-ember-day-did-you-remember/

St Matthew – Apostle and Evangelist (Feast)
About St Matthew here:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/21/feast-of-st-matthew-apostle-and-evangelist/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/21/saint-of-the-day-21-september-the-feast-of-st-matthew-apostle-and-evangelist-2/
AND:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/21/saint-of-the-day-21-september-the-feast-of-st-matthew-apostle-and-evangelist/

Beata Vergine del Tresto / The Blessed Virgin of Tresto, Ospedaletto Euganeo, Italy (1468) – 21September:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/21/feast-of-st-matthew-apostle-and-evangelist-beata-vergine-del-tresto-the-blessed-virgin-of-tresto-ospedaletto-euganeo-italy-1468-and-memorials-of-the-saints-21-september/

St Alexander of the Via Claudia
Bl Diego Hompanera París
St Eusebius of Phoenicia
St Francisco Pastor Garrido
St Gerulph
St Herminio García Pampliega
St Iphigenia
St Isaac of Cyprus
Bl Jacinto Martínez Ayuela
St Jonah the Prophet
Bl José María Azurmendi Mugarza
Bl Josep Vila Barri
St Landelino of Ettenheim
Bl Manuel Torró García

Blessed Mark Scalabrini of Modena OP (c 1420-1498) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, Prior, miracle-worker. Blessed Mark was Beatified on 10 September 1857 by Pope Pius IX.
Biograohy:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/21/saint-of-the-day-21-september-blessed-mark-scalabrini-of-modena-op-c-1420-1498/

St Maura of Troyes
St Meletius of Cyprus
Bl Nicolás de Mier Francisco
St Pamphilus of Rome
Bl Vicente Galbis Gironés
Bl Vicente Pelufo Orts

Martyrs of Gaza – 3 Saints: Three brothers, Eusebius, Nestulus and Zeno, who were seized, dragged through the street, beaten and murdered by a pagan mob celebrating the renunciation of Christianity by Julian the Apostate. They were burned to death in 362 on a village garbage heap in Gaza, Palestine.

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, EMBER DAYS, FATHERS of the Church, INDULGENCES, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 11 June – The Touch of His Hands!

One Minute Reflection – 11 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart” – Ember Saturday of Pentecost and the Feast of St Barnabas, Apostle and Martyr – Romans 5:1-5, Luke 4:38-44.

At that time, Jesus rose from the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a great fever and they besought Him for her.” – Luke 4:38

REFLECTION – “Jesus laid His Hands upon the sick, one by one and freed them from their malady. He demonstrated that the Holy Flesh, which He had made His Own and endowed with Godlike power, possessed the active presence of the Might of the Word. He intended us to learn, that, although the Only-begotten Word of God became like us, yet He is, nonetheless, God. He wants us to know, that He is easily able, even by His Own Flesh, to accomplish all things. His Body was the instrument by which He performed miracles.

Jesus, then, entered Peter’s house, where a woman was lying stretched upon a bed, exhausted with a violent fever . As God, He might have said, “Put away the disease, arise” but He adopted a different course of action. As a proof that His Own Flesh possessed the power of healing because it is the Flesh of God, He touched her hand. “Immediately,” it says, “the fever left her.” Let us, therefore, also receive Jesus. When He has entered into us and we have received Him into mind and heart, then, He will quench the fever of unbefitting pleasures. He will raise us up and make us strong, even in spiritual things, so that we might serve Him by performing those things which please Him. But observe again, I ask, how great is the usefulness of the touch of His Holy Flesh . For it both drives away diseases of various kinds and a crowd of demons,and overthrows the power of the devil. It heals a very great multitude of people in one moment of time. Although He was able to perform these miracles by a word and the preference of His Will, yet, to teach us something useful, He also lays His Hands upon the sick. For it was necessary, most necessary, for us to learn that the Holy Flesh which He had made His Own, was endowed with the activity of the Power of the Word, by His having implanted in it, a Godlike Might. Let it then take hold of us, or rather let us take hold of it by the mystical “giving of thanks.” May we do this, so that it might free us also, from the sicknesses of the soul and from the assault and violence of demons. ” – St Gregory the Great (540-604) Popr, Father, Doctor of the Church (Commentary on Luke, Homily 12)

PRAYER – O God, Who gladden us by the merits and intercession of blessed Barnabas, Thy Apostle, mercifully grant that we, who ask Thee favours through him, may obtain them by the gift of Thy grace. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
All praise, honour and glory to the divine Heart of JESUS. 50 Days Indulgence, Once a day, Raccolta, 168 Pope Leo XIII, 13 June 1901.

Posted in EMBER DAYS, MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

St Barnabas the Apostle, Ember Saturday, Our Lady of Mantara / Our Lady of ‘Awaiting’, Lebanon (1721) and Memorials of the Saints – 11 June

Ember Saturday – Fast and Abstinence

St Barnabas the Apostle (Martyred in c 61 at Salamis)
St Barnabas!
https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/11/saint-of-the-day-11-june-st-barnabas-apostle-son-of-encouragement/
AND:

https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/11/saint-of-the-day-st-barnabas-the-apostle-11-june/

Our Lady of Mantara / Our Lady of ‘Awaiting’, Maghdouché, Sidon, South Governorate, Lebanon (1721) – 11 June, 8 September:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/11/st-barnabas-apostle-and-martyr-our-lady-of-mantara-our-lady-of-awaiting-maghdouche-sidon-south-governorate-lebano-1721-and-memorials-of-the-saints-11-june/

St Blitharius of Seganne

Blessed Helen of Poland (c 1235-1298) Princess, Widow, Mother, Nun and Abbess of the Poor Clares, Apostle of the poor, the needy and the sick.
Her Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/11/saint-of-the-day-11-june-blessed-helen-of-poland-c-1235-1298/

St Herebald of Bretagne
Bl Hugh of Marchiennes

Blessed Ignazio Shoukrallah Maloyan ICPB (1869-1915) Bishop and Martyr
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/11/saint-of-the-day-11-june-blessed-ignazio-maloyan-icpb-1869-1915-bishop-and-martyr/

Bl Jean de Bracq

Bl Kasper of Grimbergen
St Maximus of Naples
St Parisius ECMC (c 1160-1267) Priest and Monk of the Camaldolese Hermits of Mount Corona.
St Paula Frasinetti
St Riagail of Bangor
Bl Stephen Bandelli OP
St Tochumra of Kilmore
St Tochumra of Tuam

Martyrs of Tavira – 7 Beati: Members of the Knights of Santiago de Castilla. During the re-conquest of the Iberian peninsula from the Muslims by Christian forces, in a period of truce between the armies, the group was allowed to leave the Portuguese camp to hunt. Near Tavira, Portugal, he and his companions were ambushed and killed by a Muslim force. Making a reprisal attack, the Portuguese army took the city of Tavira. The murdered knights were considered to be martyrs as they died in an action defending the faith. They were –
• Blessed Alvarus Garcia
• Blessed Beltrão de Caia
• Blessed Damião Vaz
• Blessed Estêvão Vasques
• Blessed Garcia Roiz
• Blessed Mendus Valle
• Blessed Pedro Rodrigues
They were martyred in 1242 outside Tavira, Faro, Portugal. Their relics are enshrined under the altar of Saint Barnabas in the Church of Our Lady, Queen of the Angels (modern Santa Maria do Castelo) in Tavria

Mercedarian Martyrs of Damietta: Three Mercedarian lay knights who worked to ransom Christians enslaved by Muslims. During the 7th Crusade, a plague swept through the Christian army and these knights volunteered to work with the sick. During this work they were captured by Muslims and ordered to convert to Islam; they refused. They were tortured, taken to Damietta, Egypt where they were murdered for their faith. They were thrown from a tower in the mid-13th century in Damietta, Egypt.

Posted in EMBER DAYS, MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY

Ember Wednesday, Notre-Dame du Dimanche/ Our Lady of Sunday, Saint-Bauzille-de-la-Sylve, l’Hérault, France (1873) and Memorials of the Saints – 8 June

Ember Wednesday – Fast & Abstinence

Notre-Dame du Dimanche/ Our Lady of Sunday, Saint-Bauzille-de-la-Sylve, l’Hérault, France (1873) – 8 June:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/08/notre-dame-du-dimanche-our-lady-of-sunday-saint-bauzille-de-la-sylve-lherault-france-1873-and-memorials-of-the-saints-8-june/

St Anne Mary Taigi
St Bron of Cassel
St Calliope
St Clodulf of Metz
Bl Engelbert of Schäftlarn
St Eustadiola of Moyen-Moutier
St Fortunato of Fano
St Gildard of Rouen (c 456-c 545 Bishop, Confessor * Twin Brother of St Medard below
Bl Giorgio Porta
Bl Giselbert of Cappenberg
St Heraclius of Sens
Bl István Sándor

St Jacques Berthieu SJ (1838-1896) Martyr, Priest, Missionary known as the “Martyr of Madagascar”
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/08/saint-of-the-day-8-june-st-jacques-berthieu-sj/

Bl John Davy OC (Died 1537) Deacon Martyr
Bl essedJohn Rainuzzi
Bl Maddallena of the Conception
Bl Mariam Thresia Chiramel Mankidiyan
St Maximinus of Aix

St Medard (c 456-545) Bishop and Convessor * Twin Brother of St Gildard above
About this iluustrious Saint:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/08/saint-of-the-day-8-june-saint-medard-c-456-545-bishop/
The Roman Martyrology states of St Medard and his twin brother, St Gildard, today: “At Soissons, in France, the birthday of St Medard, Bishop of Novon, whose life and precios death are illustrated by glorious miracles – at Rouen, St Gildard, Bishop, twin brother of St Medard,who was born with his brother on the same day, Consecrated Bishops at the same time and being taken away from this life, also on the same day, they entered Heaven together!”

St Melania the Elder
St Muirchu
St Pacificus of Cerano
Bl Peter de Amer
Bl Robert of Frassinoro
St Sallustian
St Syra of Troyes
St Victorinus of Camerino

St William of York (Died 1154) Archbishop of York, Monk
St William’s Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/08/saint-of-the-day-8-june-saint-william-of-york-died-1154/

Posted in EMBER DAYS, LENT, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Wednesday of the First Week of Lent – an Ember Day, Notre-Dame de Savigny / Our Lady of Savigny, France (1112) and Memorials of the Saints – 9 March

Wednesday of the First Week of Lent +2022

Ember Wednesday – Fast and Partial Abstinence
In case you have forgotten about Ember Days as they are not promoted or encouraged since Vatican II, here is a reminder:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/16/today-is-an-ember-day-did-you-remember/

Notre-Dame de Savigny / Our Lady of Savigny, France (1112) – 9 March:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/09/our-lady-of-savigny-france-1112-and-memorials-of-the-saints-9-march/

St Frances of Rome Obl.S.B. (1384-1440) Wife, Mother, Mystic, Organiser of charitable services and a Benedictine Obtale who founded a religious community of Oblates, who share a common life without religious vows (Memorial)
Biography:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/03/09/saint-of-the-day-9-march-st-frances-of-rome/

St.Dominic Savio (1842-1857) Student of Saint John Bosco.

St Antony of Froidemont

St Bosa of York OSB (Died c 705) Fourth Bishop of York, Benedictine Monk, ecclesiastical reformer St Bosa was highly regarded by the Venerable St Bede who praised his humility and sanctity.
About St Bosa:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/09/saint-of-the-day-9-march-saint-bosa-of-york-osb-died-c-705-bishop/

St Candidus

St Catherine of Bologna OSC (1413-1463) Nun of the Poor Clares.
St Catherine’s Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/03/09/saint-of-the-day-9-march-st-catherine-of-bologna-osc-1413-1463/

St Constantine of Cornwall
St Cyrion
St Mary of Seyne

St Pacian of Barcelona (c 310–391) Bishop and Father of the Church.
St Pacian’s Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/09/saint-of-the-day-9-march-saint-pacian-of-barcelona-c-310-391-bishop-and-father-of-the-church/

Martyrs of Korea: – Ioannes Baptista Chon Chang-un, Petrus Ch’oe Hyong

Posted in ADVENT, EMBER DAYS, MARIAN TITLES, NOVENAS, SAINT of the DAY

Christmas Novena to the Christ Child – Day Three, Ember Saturday, Our Lady of Expectation and Memorials of the Saints – 18 December

Christmas Novena to the Christ Child – Day Three:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/18/christmas-novena-to-the-christ-child-day-three-18-december-3/

EMBER SATURDAY
Fast and Partial Abstinence

Our Lady of the Expectation – This Feast originated in Spain. When the Feast of the Annunciation (25 March) was transferred to 18 December because of the regulation forbidding Feasts in Lent, it remained on this date after the Annunciation was again celebrated on its original date. It impressed on the faithful, the sentiments of the Blessed Virgin as the time of her delivery approached.

More about the Feast here:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/18/the-feast-of-our-lady-of-expectation-18-december/

St Auxentius of MopsueStia
St Basilian of Laodicea
St Bodagisil of Aquitaine
St Desiderius of Fontenelle
Bl Eugenio Cernuda Febrero
St Flannán of Killaloe (7the Century) Bishop, Abbot, Missionary.

St Gatian of Tours (c 251-301) The founding Bishop of the See of Tours, Missionary..
About St Gatian:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/18/saint-of-the-day-18-december-saint-gatian-of-tours-c-251-301/

Blessed Giulia Valle (1847-1916) Nun
About Blessed Giulia:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/saint-of-the-day-18-december-bl-giulia-nemesia-valle-1847-1916/

St Malachi the Prophet
St Mawnan of Cornwall
Bl Miguel San Román Fernández
St Phaolô Nguyen Van My
St Phêrô Truong Van Ðuong
St Phêrô Vu Van Truat
Bl Philip of Ratzeburg
St Rufus of Philippi
St Samthann of Clonbroney
St Theotimus of Laodicea

St Winebald OSB (c 701-761) Benedictine Priest, Abbot, Confessor, Missionary, Founder of many Monasteries, disciple of St Boniface.
St Winebald’s Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/18/saint-of-the-day-18-december-saint-winebald-osb-c-701-761/

St Zosimus of Philippi

Martyrs of Northwest Africa – 42 saints:
Mercedarian Redeemers – 6 beati – These are a group of Mercedarian friars who worked together, under the leadership of Saint Peter de Amer, to ransom (e.g., redeem) prisoners and minister to them after.

Posted in EMBER DAYS, MARIAN TITLES, NOVENAS, SAINT of the DAY

Christmas Novena, Ember Day, Madonna del Terremoto (Madonna del Carmine) / Our Lady of the Earthquake, Paterno, Potenza, Basilicata, Italy (1857) and Memorials of the Saints – 17 December

DAY TWO of the CHRISTMAS NOVENAhttps://anastpaul.com/2018/12/17/christmas-novena-to-the-christ-child-day-two-17-december-3/

EMBER FRIDAY

Madonna del Terremoto (Madonna del Carmine) / Our Lady of the Earthquake, Paterno, Potenza, Basilicata, Italy (1857) – 17 December. (As Patron-Our Lady of Carmel – 26 July):

In the evening of 16 December 1857 a terrible earthquake struck the population of Basilicata and neighbouring regions. In the entire area, the earthquake wreaked havoc devastating the region.
The next day, the residents of Paterno began to pray and they processed with the Statue of the Madonna del Carmine, Out Lady of Carmel, who is the Patron of the Town.
As soon as the procession reached the devastated area where the destroyed buildings and carts containing the bodies of the dead stood, Our Lady turned her face and her eyes shed blood.
This miraculous event is commemorated every year on 17 December with a procession and Holy Mass.

St Briarch of Bourbriac

St John of Matha O.SS.T (1160-1213) Priest, Founder of The Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives, also known as the Trinitarians, Confessor.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-st-john-of-matha-o-ss-t-1160-1213/

St Josep/José Manyanet y Vives (1833-1901) Priest and Founder of of the Sons of the Holy Family and the Missionary Daughters of the Holy Family.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-st-josep-manyanet-y-vives-1833-1901/

St Judicaël
St Lazarus of Bethany (1st Century) Bishop, Martyr, Missionary

BL Mariano Alarcón Ruiz
Bl Mathilde Téllez Robles
St Maxentiolus
St Modestus of Jerusalem

St Olympias of Constantinople (c 361-365 – 408) Childless Widow, Diaconess, friend of St John Chrysostom, Apostle of charity and Founder of a Convent, hospital and an orphanage, Defender of the true faith.
About St Olympias:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-st-olympias-of-constantinople-c-361-365-408/

Bl Peter of Spain

St Sturmi of Fulda OSB (c 705-779) Priest, Monk, Missionary, disciple of Saint Boniface and Founder and first Abbot of the Benedictine Monastery and Abbey of Fulda. Known as “The Apostle of the Saxons,” “The Apostle of Germany.”
About St Sturmi:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-saint-sturmi-of-fulda-c-705-779/

St Tydecho
St Wivina
St Yolanda

Martyrs of Eleutheropolis – (60+ Martyrs-Beati): Approximately 60 Christian soldiers in the imperial Roman army of emperor Heraclius; they were murdered as a group for their faith by invading Saracen Muslims. We know the names of two of them – Calaoicus and Florian. 638 in Eleutheropolis (Beit Jibrin), Palestine.

Posted in EMBER DAYS, MARIAN TITLES, QUOTES on FASTING, SAINT of the DAY

Nuestra Señora de Monguí / Our Lady of Mongui, Monguí, Boyacá, Colombia (16th Century), Memorials of the Saints and an Ember Day – 15 December

Octave Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Ember Wednesday – Fast and Partial Abstinence
In case you have forgotten about Ember Days as they are not promoted or encouraged since Vatican II, here is a reminder:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/16/today-is-an-ember-day-did-you-remember/

Nuestra Señora de Monguí / Our Lady of Mongui, Monguí, Boyacá, Colombia (16th Century) – 15 December:

Highly venerated, the Virgin of Monguí, is the Patroness of Boyacá. When King Charles I of Spain retired from his throne, he went to the Monastery of Yuste in the Spanish Province of Cáceres to prepare for death. He went into the Monastery looking for painted works of the Virgin Mary to send to the New World, in order to express gratitude to indigenous leaders for their loyalty to the Spanish Crown. 
In 1558, King Philip II, his son and successor, sent two paintings: one of St Martín which was to be presented to the leader of Monguí and another of the Holy Family, for Sogamoso. Although the works were marked, there was confusion and the destinations were reversed. Given the error, the inhabitants of Sogamoso protested and asked for the exchange. But the pictures inexplicably returned to the same places and the exchange, through divine intervention, could, therefore, not be accomplished. All agreed that this was a miraculous occurence and the great devotion to the Blessed Virgin began to grow. This painting still includes its original frame, a rare but fortunate occurrence and the fine gold-leaf embellishments.
It is because of miraculous events like these, among others, that the Virgin Mary is present in the history of Boyacá and its inhabitants feel entrusted to her protection. Between 1694 and 1760, the present Church was built to house the image and still draws thousands of pilgrims to its Shrine each year. The Church has been elevated to the status of a Basilica.

Blessed Karl Steeb (1773 – 1856) Priest. Blessed Karl founded the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy in support of the needy and the sick of which he is the Patron.
The Story of Blessed Karl:

https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/15/saint-of-the-day-15-december-blessed-karl-steeb-1773-1856/

St Margaret of Fontana
Bl Maria della Pace

Blessed Maria Vittoria De Fornari Strata (1562–1617) Widow, Nun, Foundress of the Order of the Annunciation – or Blue Nuns, of which she is the Patron.
Her Lifestory:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/15/saint-of-the-day-15-december-blessed-maria-vittoria-de-fornari-1562-1617/

Blessed Marino of Cava OSB (1146-1170) Monk, Abbot

St Mary Crocifissa di Rosa (1813–1855) Religious, Foundress of the Handmaids of Charity/Sisters of Charity.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2016/12/15/saint-of-the-day-15-december/

St Maximinus of Micy
St Offa of Essex
Bl Pau Gracia Sánchez
St Paul of Latros
Bl Ramón Eirin Mayo
St Silvia of Constantinople
St Urbicus
St Valerian of Abbenza
Blessed Victoria Strata (1562-1617) Widow,

St Virginia Centurione Bracelli (1587-1651) Religious, Founder of the Sisters of Our Lady of Refuge in Mount Cavalry.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/15/saint-of-the-day-15-december-st-virginia-centurione-bracelli-1587-1651/

Martyrs of Drina – (5 beati): Also known as
• Daughters of Divine Charity of Drina
• Drina Martyrs
Five members of the Daughters of Divine Charity who were martyred while fighting off Chetnik rapists. They were –
Jozefa Bojanc
Jozefa Fabjan
Karoline Anna Leidenix
Kata Ivanisevic
Terezija Banja
Their martyrdom occured in December 1941 in Gorazde, Bosansko-Podrinjski, Bosnia-Herzegovina
They were Beatified on 24 September 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI.

Martyrs of North Africa – (7 saints): A group of Christians martyred together for their faith in North Africa. The only details about them that survive are their names – Caelian, Candidus, Faustinus, Fortunatus, Januarius, Lucius and Mark.

Martyrs of Rome – (22 saints): A group of 22 Christians martyred together in the persecutions of Valerian. The only details we have are five of their names – Antonius, Irenaeus, Saturnin, Theodorus and Victor. c 258 in Rome, Italy.

Posted in ADVENT, EMBER DAYS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC

Today is an Ember Day – did you remember?

What Are Ember Days?

On Rogation and Ember Days, the Church is accustomed to entreat the Lord for the various needs of humanity, especially for the fruits of the earth and for human labour and to give thanks to Him publicly.
Four times a year, approximately three months apart, near the beginning of each season of the solar cycle (winter, spring, summer and autumn), the Church sets aside three days (a total of twelve days in a year) to ask for blessings upon mankind and to pray in gratitude for the blessings of nature, particularly those used by the Church in her Liturgy, such as olives, grape, and wheat. This is also a time set apart to thank God for the Sacraments and pray for Priests, particularly those who were being ordained. These days are marked with prayer, fasting and abstinence and stress spiritual renewal.

The word “Ember” actually comes from the Latin phrase, Quatuor Tempora, meaning four times.

This is an ancient tradition of the Church. St Pope Leo the Great, in the 5th century, mentioned the Ember Day Fasts, pointing to these fasts as stemming from Old Testament and Apostolic tradition.

Ember Days are still a vital part of the Church’s tradition.

The traditional dates for the Ember days are the Wednesday, Friday and Saturday:

After St. Lucy’s feast day, 13 December
After the First Sunday of Lent
After Pentecost (this would be during the traditional octave of Pentecost)
After the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, 14 September

These times are spent fasting and partially abstaining in penance and prayer, with the intentions of thanking God for the gifts He gives us in nature and beseeching Him for the discipline to use them in moderation. The fasts, known as “Jejunia quatuor temporum,” or “the fast of the four seasons,” are rooted in Old Testament practices of fasting four times a year:

Zacharias 8:19:
Thus saith the Lord of hosts: The fast of the fourth month and the fast of the fifth and the fast of the seventh and the fast of the tenth shall be to the house of Juda, joy and gladness, and great solemnities: only love ye truth and peace.

This painting is called “Seasons” and is by St Hildegard von Bingen OSB (1098-1179) – Doctor of the Church

Why Wednesday, Friday and Saturday?

Because Ember Days are of ancient tradition, there are Station Churches attached to the Ember Days, each with a different focus on each day of ember week.

All four Ember Wednesdays were celebrated in the station church St Mary Major. Wednesday was traditionally devoted to our Lady and in imitation of her it was a day of reflection and spiritual orientation.
All four Ember Fridays take place in the stational church of the Basilica of the Apostles. Father Pius Parsch says: “Ember Friday is the liturgy’s ‘Yom Kippur.’” Friday recalls Christ’s passion and death and emphasises conversion and penance.
All the Ember Saturdays take place in the stational church of St Peter in the Vatican. Saturday is a preview of Easter and it marks the renewal of our baptismal covenant.

When Are Ember Days In 2020:

Lenten /Spring Ember Days – March: 4, 6 and 7

Summer Ember Days – June 3, 5 and 6

Autumn Ember Days: September 16, 18 and 19

Advent Ember Days: December 16, 18 and 19