Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 7 May – St Benedict II (Died 685) Pope and Confessor.

Saint of the Day – 7 May – St Benedict II (Died 685) Pope and Confessor. A very short Reign: his Papacy began on 26 June 684, Papacy ended on 8 May 685 but this short Reign was filled with good and holy works. A learned scholar of Sacred Scripture, a Musician and a most avid employer of the beautiful Catholic Chants. He was a nab if great piety and devotion to the Church of Christ and its faithful.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St Benedict II, Pope and Confessor.

He was a native of Rome and having been brought up from his infancy in the service of the Church, was well skilled in the holy scriptures and in the Ecclesiastical chanting, of which he was a devout admirer. To sing assiduously the divine praises on earth is a kind of novitiate to the state of the blessed in heaven and an employment the most sweet and comfortable to a soul who truly loves God.

Benedict was always humble, meek, patient, mortified, a lover of poverty, and most generous to the poor. Being Ordained Priest, he had a share in the government of the Roman Church under the Pontificates of Agatho and Leo II.

Benedict was elected Oope upon the death of the latter, in 683 but to obtain the Emperor’s consent, it was necessary to wait almost a year, until the return of messengers sent to Constantinople. On which account the Holy See remained vacant and Benedict was only Consecrated on 26 June 684.

St Benedict II had concurred with Pope Agatho in assembling the 6th General Council at Constantinople, in 680. Pope Leo II, had sent the Decrees of the Council to Spain. After his death, St Benedict II pursued the same course and the Spanish Bishops in a Council at Toledo, approved and received the Definition of Faith published by the said Council.

They despatched a copy of their Decree and Confession of Faith with their subscriptions annexed, wherein they acknowledge the Divine and Human Nature of Christ. Pope Benedict, however, observed in their Confession certain obscure expressions, of which he desired a clearer explanation. For this purpose the 15th Council of Toledo was held, in which they were expounded in a sense entirely orthodox to St Benedict II satisfaction.

The Bishops of Rome were anciently chosen by the Clergy and people of Rome, according to the discipline of those times. The Christian Emperors were the head of the people, on which account their consent was required. But whilst they resided in the East, this condition often produced long delays and considerable inconveniences.

Pope Benedict II represented this problem to Constantine and that pious Prince readily passed a law addressed to the Clergy, the faithful and the army at Rome, allowing that the person elected by them should be forthwith Consecrated.

St Pope Benedict II laboured much for the conversion of heretics and in repairing and adorning Churches. He did not complete eleven months in the Pontificate but filled this short term with good works. He died on 5 May 685 and was buried in St Peter’s Basilica.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

 The Apparition of the Holy Cross over Jerusalem, St Stanislaus (1030-1079) Bishop and Martyr and all the Saints for 7 May

The Apparition of the Holy Cross over Jerusalem: The Commemoration of the appearance on 7 May 351, Pentecost that year, of a luminous image of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. It stretched from Mount Golgotha to the Mount of Olives (about two miles / three kilometers), was brighter than the sun, lasted several hours and was seen by the entire City. It led to many conversions and was reported in a letter attributed to Saint Cyril of Jerusalem.

St Stanislaus (1030-1079) Bishop and Martyr, Preacher, – Patron of Cracow, Poland.
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2017/04/11/saint-of-the-day-11-april-st-stanislaus/

St Abba – One of a large group Martyred in Africa.

Blessed Alberto of Bergamo OP (1214-1279) Layman, Widow, Apostle of Charity, Pilgrim, Third Order Dominican. Beatified by Pope Benedict IV in 1748.
His Devoted Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/07/saint-of-the-day-7-may-blessed-alberto-of-bergamo-op-1214-1279/


Bl Antonio de Agramunt
St Augustine of Nicomedia
St Augustus of Nicomedia

St Benedict II (Died 685) Pope and Confessor


St Cerenico of Spoleto
St Domitian of Huy
St Duje

St Flavia Domitilla (1st Century) Virgin Martyr.
The Roman Martyrology states of her today: “At Terracina, in Campania, the birthday of blessed Flavia Domitilla, Virgin and Martyr, niece of the Consul Flavius Clemens. She received the religious veil at the hands of St Clement and in the persecution of Domitian, was exiled with many others to the island of Pontia, where she endured a long Martyrdom for Christ. Taken afterwards to Terracina, she converted many to the faith of Christ by her teaching and miracles. The judge ordered the chamber in which she was, with the virgins Euphrosina and Theodora, to be set on fire and she thus consummated her glorious Martyrdom. She is also mentioned with the holy Martyrs Nereus and Achilleus, on the 12th of this month.”
Her Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/07/saint-of-the-day-7-may-saint-flavia-domitilla-of-terracina-1st-century-virgin-and-martyr/

St Flavius of Nicomedia
Bl Francesco Paleari
Bl Gisela of Ungarn

St John of Beverley (Died 721) Bishop of Hexham and then the Bishop of York, Scholar and Teacher, Apostle of the poor, and the sick Ascetic, Miracle-worker., a great friend of St Bede the Venerable. He founded a Monastery at Beverley, Yorkshire from which the Town developed. Today, it is a vibrant market Town of some 31,000 people. It owes its foundation and growth to Saint John of Beverley. The Beverley Cathedral now stands on the site of St John’s Monastery.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At York, in England, St John, Bishop, renowned for his saintly life and miracles.”
A Wonderful Saint from Yorkshire:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/07/saint-of-the-day-7-may-st-john-of-beverley-died-721-of-the-miraculous-banner/

St Juvenal of Benevento
St Maurelius of Voghenza-Ferrara
St Peter (Died c735) Bishop of Pavia
St Placid (Died c675) Abbot of Autun
St Quadratus of Herbipolis
St Quadratus of Nicomedia

St Serenicus of Hyesmes
St Serenus of Hyesmes
Bl Villanus (Died 1237) Bishop of Gubbio

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 6 May – Saint Benedicta (Died c550) Virgin of Rome.

Saint of the Day – 6 May – Saint Benedicta (Died c550) Virgin of Rome. Also known as Benedetta. St Benedicta was a disciple of St Galla, a wealthy widow of Rome who founded a Convent on Vatican Hill where our Saint spent her holy life of prayer, fasting and assisting the poor and ill. The image below is St Galla on St Peter’s Colonnade/

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St Benedicta, Virgin.

Information about St Benedicta is scant and comes primarily from the writings of Pope Gregory the Great, who describes her as a companion of Saint Galla in the Monastery St Gallo had founded in Rome, near St Peter’s.

Her life, although short, is rich in teachings and examples of faith and devotion.

We know that she was a young Roman virgin who, drawn to religious life, Consecrated herself to God as a virgin. She entered the Monastery founded by Saint Galla.

St Gregory the Great, in his Dialogues, describes her as a woman of great sanctity, devoted to prayer, fasting, and obedience. She was particularly dear to St Galla, who considered her a daughter. St Galla is one of the 140 saints whose images adorn St. Peter’s Square’s Colonnade.

According to tradition, Saint Benedicta died 30 days after the death of her mentor St Galla, as the Apostle Peter had foretold her in a vision. Her death was peaceful and holy, like her life.

St Benedicta is venerated by the Church and her name is inscribed in the Roman Martyrology on this day.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

The Feast of St John the Apostle and Evangelist before the Latin Gate, Santa Maria Della Pace / Our Lady of Peace, Rome (1483) and Memorials of the Saints – 6 May

The Feast of St John the Apostle and Evangelist before the Latin Gate:
The Roman Martyrology states of this Feast today: At Rome, the feast of St John before the Latin Gate. Being bound and brought to Rome from Ephesus by the order of Domitian, he was condemned by the Senate to be cast, near the said gate, into a vessel of boiling oil, from which he came out more healthy nd vigorous than before!
About this wondrous Miracle:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/06/saint-of-the-day-6-may-st-john-the-evangelist-before-the-latin-gate/

LeBrun, Martyrdom of St John Evangelist at Porta Latina 1641f.jpg

St John’s Feast Day here:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/12/27/saint-of-the-day-27-december-st-john-the-apostle-and-evangelist/

Santa Maria Della Pace / Our Lady of Peace in the Church of Our Lady of Peace, Rome (also called Our Lady of Miracles) (1483) – 6 May:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/06/santa-maria-della-pace-our-lady-of-peace-in-the-church-of-our-lady-of-peace-rome-1483-and-memorials-of-the-saints-6-may/

St Acuta

Bl Anthony Middleton

Blessed Bartolomeo Pucci-Franceschi OFM (Died 1330) Priest of the Friars Minor after having been a husband and father of 4. Confessor, Mystic and Miracle-worker.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Montepulciano in Tuscany, blessed Bartolomeo Pucci-Franceschi, Priest of the Order of Minors, who, having left his wife, children and all his possessions for the love of God, became Christ’s poor man.
His Life of Devotion to God:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/06/saint-of-the-day-6-may-blessed-bartolomeo-pucci-franceschi-ofm-died-1330/

St Benedicta (Died c550) Virgin of Rome
St Colman Mac Ui Cluasigh of Cork
St Colman of Loch Eichin
St Dominic Savio

St Edbert (Died 698) Bishop of Lindisfarne Island, Monk at the Monastery there, succeeding St Cuthbert in 688, a renowned Scriptural Scholar, he administered the See of Lindisfarne Island for 10 years and became too, a man remembered for his great virtue and especially for his wonderful charity to the poor, needy and ill.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In England, St Eadbert, Bishop of Lindisfarne, eminent for doctrine and piety.”
His Zealous Service:

https://anastpaul.com/2025/05/06/saint-of-the-day-6-may-st-edbert-died-698-bishop-of-lindisfarne-island/

Bl Edward Jones
St Evodius of Antioch

St Heliodorus
Bl Henryk Kaczorowski
St James of Numidia
St Justus of Vienne
Bl Kazimierz Gostynski
St Lucius of Cyrene

St Marianus of Lambesa
Bl Peter de Tornamira
St Petronax of Monte Cassino
St Protogenes of Syria
Bl Prudence Castori
St Theodotus of Kyrenia
St Venerius of Milan
St Venustus of Africa
St Venustus of Milan
Bl William Tandi

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 5 May – Saint Eulogius (Died c387) Bishop and Confessor of Edessa

Saint of the Day – 5 May – Saint Eulogius (Died c387) Bishop and Confessor of Edessa, Syria. By his zeal and love for the true Faith, St Eulogius firstly as a Priest defended the faithful from the Arians. For his troubles he and a fellow Priest working with him, were both exiled but finally after the death of the persecuting Emperor Valens, returned to Edessa where he became its worthy amd zealous shephdeerd.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Edessa in Syria, St Eulogius, Bishop and Confessor.”

During the persecution of the Semi-Arians led by Emperor Valens (364-378) against Catholics, Barses, the Bishop of Edessa, was sent into exile. To protect, lead and succour the faithful, 2 Priests of the See, Eulogius and Protogenes, assumed the role of their Bishop.

But soon they too, after resisting the Prefect Modestus, were exiled to Antinoe, the Capital City of the Thebaid. Upon the death of Valens, the persecution having ended, St Eulogius returned to Edessa and was appointed and Consecrated as the Bishop in succession to Barses, who had died in March 378 according to the Chronicle of Edessa.

This information has come to us through St Theodoret’s ‘Ecclesiastical History.’

St Eulogius was Consecrat by St Eusebius of Samosata. St Eulogius participated in the Second Ecumenical Council in Constantinople in 381. It is also known that Eulogius Consecrated his fellow Priest, Protogenes, as the Bishop of Harran.

According to the Chronicle of Edessa, St Eulogius died on Good Friday 387 and was succeeded by Cyrus.
In the Roman Martyrology,St Eulogius is commemorated today, 5 May. Among the various ancient Syriac Martyrologies, only the 9th
Century calendar of the Monastery of Qennesrin, mentions St Eulogius as the Bishop of Edessa on 21 June.

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Nuestra Señora de Europa / Our Lady of Europe, Gibraltar (1492), St Pius V OP (1504-1573) Pope and Confessor, The Conversion of Saint Augustine (354-430) and Memorials of the Saints – 5 May

St Pius V OP (1504-1573) changed in 1969 this Feast which had been celebrated on this day of his birth into Heaven since 1713.
Bishop of Rome, Ruler of the Papal States, Pope of the Council of Trent, the Counter-Reformation, the Battle of Lepanto, the Holy Rosary and the Pope who declared St Thomas Aquinas as a Doctor of the Church (Optional Memorial)
The Roman Martyrology states of St Pius V today: “At Rome, Pope St Pius V, of the Order of Preachers, who laboured zealously and successfully for the re-establishment of Ecclesiastical discipline, the extirpation of heresies, the destruction of the enemies of the Christian name and, governed the Catholic Church by holy laws and the example of a saintly lfe.”
His Most Arfdent Life of Grace:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/30/saint-of-the-day-saint-pope-pius-v-1504-1572/
Lepanto by G K Chesterton:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/30/lepanto-30-april/

Nuestra Señora de Europa / Our Lady of Europe, Gibraltar (1492) – 5 May:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/05/nuestra-senora-de-europa-our-lady-of-europe-gibraltar-1492-and-memorials-of-the-saints-5-may/

The Conversion of Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430)
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/05/saint-of-the-day-5-may-feast-of-the-conversion-of-st-augustine-354-430/
ALSO HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/28/the-memorial-of-saint-augustine-servant-of-god-28-august/

St Angelus O.Carm (1185-1220) Priest, Martyr, Hermit, Mystic, Reformer, Thaumaturge, Missionary, convert from Judaism and a professed Priest of the Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel – The 800th Anniversary of his death – 5 MAY 2020..
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/05/saint-of-the-day-5-may-the-800th-anniversary-of-the-martyrdom-of-saint-angelus-of-jerusalem-o-carm-1185-1220-priest-martyr/

St Avertinus of Tours
Bl Benvenuto Mareni
St Britto of Trier

St Crescentiana
St Echa of Crayke
St Eulogius (Died c387) Bishop and Confessor of Edessa

St Euthymius of Alexandria
St Geruntius of Milan
St Godehard of Hildesheim
Bl Grzegorz Boleslaw Frackowiak

St Hilary (c400-449) Bishop of Arles, Monk, learned Scholar and Writer, Reformer and although extremely gentle and kind, Hilary was also a strict leader of his flock, Miracle-worker. Born in c 400 at Lorraine, France and died in 449 of natural causes.
The Roman Martyrology states: “At Arles in France, the blessed Bishop Hilary, noted for his great learning and holiness.”
His Holy Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/05/saint-of-the-day-5-may-saint-hilary-of-arles-c-400-449-hilary-of-holy-memory/

St Hydroc
St Irenaeus of Thessalonica
St Irenes of Thessalonica
Bl John Haile
St Jovinian of Auxerre
St Jutta Kulmsee
St Leo of Africo
St Maurontius of Douai

St Maximus (Died c350) Bishop of Jerusalem and Confessor, Defender of the Faith. He was the third Maximus to become the Bishop of the See of Jerusalem.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Jerusalem, the Bishop and confessor, whom the Caesar, Maximian Galerius, condemned to work in the mines, after having plucked out one of his eyes and branded him on the foot with a redhot iron.”
His Zealous Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2025/05/05/saint-of-the-day-5-may-st-maximus-died-c350-bishop-of-jerusalem-and-confessor/

St Nectarius of Vienne
St Nicetas (Died c449) Bishop of Vienne

St Peregrinus of Thessalonica
St Sacerdos of Limoges
St Sacerdos of Saguntum
St Silvanus of Rome
St Theodore of Bologna
St Waldrada of Metz

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOMINICAN OP, OUR Cross, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 4 May – ‘…The only true stairway to Paradis …’

Quote/s of the Day – 4 May – The Feast of St Monica (322-387) Mother of St Augustine – 1 Timothy 5:3-10, Luke 7:11-16

Son, nothing in this world now affords me delight.
I do not know what there is now for me to do
or why I am still here,
all my hopes in this world being now fulfilled.”

Saint Monica,
on the conversion
of St Augustine

Our Lord and Saviour lifted up His Voice
and said with incomparable majesty:
“Let all men know that Grace comes after tribulation.
Let them know that without the burden of afflictions,
it is impossible to reach the height of Gace.
Let them know,
that the gifts of Grace increase,
as the struggles increase.
Let men take care not to stray and be deceived.
This is the only true stairway to Paradise
and without the cross,
they can find no road to climb to Heaven
.”

St Rose of Lima (1586-1617)

Late Have I Loved Thee!
By St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

Late have I loved Thee,
Beauty ever ancient and ever new,
late have I loved Thee!
Lo, Thou were within
but I outside,
seeking there for Thee
and upon the shapely things
Thou hast made
I rushed headlong – I, misshapen.
Thou wast with me
but I was tnot with Thee.
They held me back far from Thee,
those things which would have no being,
were they not in Thee.
Thou called, shouted,
broke through my deafness.
Thou flared, blazed,
banished my blindness.
Thou lavished Thy fragrance,
I gasped
and now I pant for Thee.
I tasted Thee
and now I hunger and thirst.
Thou touched me
and I burned for Thy peace.
Amen

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Notre-Dame de Gray, Gray, Haute-Saône, Franche-Comté, France / Our Lady of Gray (1400s) and Memorials of the Saints – 4 May

Notre-Dame de Gray / Our Lady of Gray, Gray, Haute-Saône, Franche-Comté, France 1400s) – 4 May:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/04/notre-dame-de-gray-gray-haute-saone-franche-comte-france-1400s-and-memorials-of-the-saints-4-may/

St Monica (322-387) – Mother of St Augustine (354-430) Great Father and Doctor of the Church,, Widow, Religious Lay Woman.
Feast Day – 4 May (pre-1969 General Roman Calendar
St Monica’s Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2017/08/27/saint-of-the-day-27-august-st-monica-of-hippo/

St Albian of Albée
Bl Angela Bartolomea dei Ranzi
Bl Angela Isabella dei Ranzi
St Antonia of Constantinople
St Antonina of Nicaea
St Antonia of Nicomedia
St Antonius of Rocher
St Arbeo of Freising
St Augustine Webster
St Cunegund of Regensburg
St Curcodomus of Auxerre
St Cyriacus of Ancona
St Enéour
St Ethelred of Bardney
St Florian of Lorch
Bl Hilsindis

Blessed Jean-Martin Moyë (1730-1793) French Priest, Missionary to China, Founder of the Sisters of the Congregation of Divine Providence – the first expression of consecrated life among the women of China. Writer, Teacher, Innovator, Evangelist. Beatified on 21 November 1954 by Pope Pius XII.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/04/saint-of-the-day-4-may-blessed-jean-martin-moye-1730-1793/

St Judas Cyriacus

Blessed Ladislas OFM Cap (c1440-1505) “The Apostle of Lithuania,” Priest of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, zealous and tireless Evangelist, renowned Preacher, Poet and Hymnist, disciple of St Bernardine of Siena and his Apostolate of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and a devotee of the Passio of Christ. Ladislas served his Order in various capacities which included both a Doorkeeper and as its Provincial! He travelled across Poland to evangelise and was a noted preacher.
His Zealous Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/04/saint-of-the-day-4-may-blessed-ladislas-of-gielniow-ofm-cap-c-1440-1505/

St Luca da Toro

Bl Marco Ongaro of Conegliano OFM
Bl Margareta Kratz
Bl Michal Giedroyc
St Nepotian of Altino
Bl Paolino Bigazzini
St Paulinus of Cologne
St Paulinus of Senigallia
St Pelagia of Tarsus
St Porphyrius of Camerino Rino

Blessed Richard Reynolds OSsS (c 1492-1535) Martyr, Monk of the Bridgettine Order (the Order of the Most Holy Saviour (Ordo Sanctissimi Salvatoris; abbreviated OSsS). St Richard was the first to refuse the oath of supremacy of the King over the Church and the Pope. Beatified on 29 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/04/saint-of-the-day-4-may-st-richard-reynolds-osss-c-1492-1535-martyr-the-first-man-to-refuse-the-oath/

St Robert Lawrence
St Silvanus of Gaza

Blessed Tommaso da Olera OFM Cap (1563-1631) Lay Brother of the the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, Spiritual Advisor, Confessor, Apostle of Charity, Writer, Mystic, Penitent and Ascetic.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/04/saint-of-the-day-4-may-blessed-tommaso-da-olera-ofm-cap-1563-1631/

St Venerius (Died 408) Bishop of Milan

Carthusian Martyrs of England: A group of Carthusian Monks who were hanged, drawn and quartered between 19 June 1535 and 20 September 1537 for refusing to acknowledge the English royalty as head of the Church:
• Blessed Humphrey Middlemore
• Blessed James Walworth
• Blessed John Davy
• Blessed John Rochester
• Blessed Richard Bere
• Blessed Robert Salt
• Blessed Sebastian Newdigate
• Blessed Thomas Green
• Blessed Thomas Johnson
• Blessed Thomas Redyng
• Blessed Thomas Scryven
• Blessed Walter Pierson
• Blessed William Exmew
• Blessed William Greenwood
• Blessed William Horne
• Saint Augustine Webster
• Saint John Houghton
• Saint Robert Lawrence

Martyrs of Cirta: Also known as
• Martyrs of Cirtha
• Martyrs of Tzirta

A group of clergy and laity Martyred together in Cirta, Numidia (in modern Tunisia) in the persecutions of Valerian. They were – Agapius, Antonia, Emilian, Secundinus and Tertula, along with a woman and her twin children whose names have not come down to us.

Martyrs of Novellara: A Bishop and several his flock who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian and whose relics were kept and enshrined together. We know nothing else about them but the names – Apollo, Bono, Cassiano, Castoro, Damiano, Dionisio, Leonida, Lucilla, Poliano, Tecla, Teodora and Vespasiano. They were Martyred on 26 March 303. Their relics were enshrined in the parish of Saint Stephen in Novellara, Italy in 1603.

Posted in franciscan OFM, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 3 May – Blessed Zachariah (Died c1249) OFM Friar

Saint of the Day – 3 May – Blessed Zachariah (Died c1249) OFM Friar of the Friars Minor of St Francis. Zachary was highly revered for his virtues and miracles, Also known as Zachary.

Zachariah had been welcomed into the Order by Saint Francis himself and had been sent to Spain to preach among the Moors.

His fame for sanctity grew rapidly, so much so that Queen Sancha and the Portuguese people venerated him and drew inspiration from his example to live a more modest life.

His remains, initially buried in the main Chapel of the Convent of Santa Caterina in Alemquer, were later placed under the Altar of the same Chapel and, in 1562, enshrined to the right of the Altar, visible through a gilded grate.

His memory is commemorated in the Franciscan Martyrology on 3 May with the approximate date of death being 1249.

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, franciscan OFM, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, THE FEAST of the FINDING OF THE HOLY CROSS, Virgen de la Carrasca / Our Lady of Carrasca, Bordón, Teruel, Aragón, Spain (1212) and Memorials of the Saints – 3 May

EASTER IV

THE FEAST of the FINDING OF THE HOLY CROSS
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/03/the-feast-of-the-finding-of-the-holy-cross-3-may/

Virgen de la Carrasca / Our Lady of Carrasca, Bordón, Teruel, Aragón, Spain (1212) – 3 May, Commemorated on First Monday of May:

In 1212, a herder found an image of the Virgin in a holm oak (carrasca) in the rocky countryside of Aragón in Spaon. There are several stories about what happened then, all of them ending with a Shrine in Bordón. Templars carried the Statue to Castellote, 12 miles north but the next day the image was back in the oak, the Virgin made those carrying her to Castellote keep turning toward Bordón and springs arose at each turn.

The original Statue

In the place where it was found, a hermitage was built to house it, which would later be replaced by the building that today is the Parish Church of Bordón, built in 1306 by the Templar Order (The Order was dissolved by Pope Clement V in 1312 ).

Although its exterior hardly stands out, its interior is magical and fascinating, a place full of mystery. In one of the Chapels inside, the Templar novices who previously made a pilgrimage on foot from Castellote, capital of the Templar Commandery, performed initiation rites to become Knights of the Order.

In the 18th century, the interior of the Church was covered with marvellous frescoes, which have been recently restored. Unfortunately, the venerated carving of the Black Virgin of the Carrasca was lost during the Civil War, along with another very famous Romanesque carving with a reputation for miraculously calming storms, the Virgin of the Spider, only a series of photographs being preserved, which allowed the making a replica.

Replica Statue

On the first Monday in May, the faithful from the three towns to the south—Tronchón, Olocau del Rey and Mirambel—conduct a processional pilgrimage to the Virgin de la Carrasca. They have done this “from time immemorial,” according to a document of 1390 in the Parish archives of Tronchón.

St Adalsindis of Bèze
Bl Adam of Cantalupo in Sabina
St Ahmed the Calligrapher
St Aldwine of Peartney
St Pope Alexander I
St Alexander of Constantinople
Bl Alexander of Foigny
St Alexander of Rome
St Alexander Vincioli

St Ansfrid (c940-1010) Bishop of Utrecht, Count of Huy and the sword-bearer and Knight for Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor.
His Holy Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/03/saint-of-the-day-3-may-saint-ansfrid-of-utrecht-c-940-1010/

St Antonina of Constantinople
St Diodorus the Deacon

St Theodolus of Rome
St Timothy of Antinoe
St Uguccio
Blessed Zachariah (Died c1249) OFM Friar of the Friars Minor of St Francis

Martyrs of Antinoe:
Maura
Timothy

Martyrs of Rome:
Alexander
Eventius
Theodolus

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 2 May – St Secundus the 1st Bishop of Avila,

Saint of the Day – 2 May – St Secundus the 1st Bishop of Avila, Spain of which City he is the Patron. Some sources regard him as a Martyr although the Roman Martyrology does not. Also known as – Secundius, or Secundius of Abula, Secundinus.

Isidro Villoldo: St Secundinus is called by Christ, 1547, painting in the Chapel dedicated to St Secundus in the Cathedral of Ávila

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Avila, in Spain, St Secundus, Bishop, who is also mentioned with others on the 15th of this month.” The Martyrology on the 15th states “ … Consecrated Bishops by the holy Apostles in Rome and sent to S[ain to preach the word of God. When they had evangelised various Cities and brought innumerable multitudes under the yoke of Christ, they rested in peace in varioys parts of that Countyr … Secundus in Avila …”

Isidro Villoldo: St Secundinus preaching to the people, 1547, Artwork in the Chapel dedicated to St Secundus in the Cathedral of Ávila

According to tradition, St Secundus was the 1st Bishop of Abula, now Avila and was cCnsecrated Bishop by Peter and Paul in Rome and sent as a missionary to Spain, where he died after his successful ministry.

It is believed that Abula is the present-day Abla, not Ávila even though Avila has him as its Patron Saint.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

FIRST SATURDAY, Nuestra Señora de Oviedo / Our Lady of Oviedo, Spain (711), St Athanasius (c295-373) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church and the Saints – 2 May

FIRST SATURDAY

Nuestra Señora de Oviedo / Our Lady of Oviedo, Spain (711) – 2 May:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/02/the-fifth-sunday-of-easter-nuestra-senora-de-oviedo-our-lady-of-oviedo-spain-711-and-memorials-of-the-saints-2-may/

St Athanasius (c295-373) – Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church, “Father of Orthodoxy,” Bishop of Alexandria, Defender of the true faith, throughout his life he opposed the Arian heresy. By denying the Godhead of the Word, the Arians turned Christ into a mere man, only higher in grace than others in the eyes of God.   St Athanasius took part in the Council of Nicea in 325 and until the end remained a champion of the faith, as it was defined by the Council.   In him, the Church venerates one of her Great Fathers and Doctors.   He was subjected to persecutions for upholding the true teaching concerning the person of Christ and was sent into exile from his See no less than five times.   He died at Alexandria in 373 after an Episcopate of forty-six years.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/02/saint-of-the-day-2-may-st-athanasius-c295-373-father-and-doctor-of-the-church-father-of-orthodoxy/

St Antoninus OP (1389-1459) “Antoninus the Counsellor,” Dominican Bishop, Confessor.
Although today is the date of his death, his feast day is actually kept on the 10th of this month.
His Ardent Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/02/saint-of-the-day-2-may-saint-antoninus-of-florence-op-1389-1459-antoninus-the-counsellor/

Bl Bernard of Seville
St Bertinus the Younger
Bl Boleslas Strzelecki
Bl Conrad of Seldenbüren
St Cyriacus of Pamphylia
St Eugenius of Africa
St Exsuperius of Pamphylia
St Felix of Seville

St Florentius of Algeria (Died c 485) Bishop, Confessor. His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/02/saint-of-the-day-2-may-st-florentius-of-algeria-died-c-485-b/

St Gennys of Cornwall
St Germanus of Normandy (Died c 460)
St Gluvias
St Guistano of Sardinia

St Joseph Luu
St Longinus of Africa
St Neachtain of Cill-Uinche
St Secundus (1st Century) Bishop of Avila, Spain


St Theodulus of Pamphylia
St Ultan of Péronne
St Vindemialis of Africa
St Waldebert of Luxeuil

St Wiborada OSB (Died 926) Martyr, Virgin, Benedictine Nun, Anchorite,ascetic, gifted with the charism of prophecy and miracles
Her Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/02/saint-of-the-day-2-may-saint-wiborada-of-saint-gallen-osb-died-926-martyr/

Bl William Tirry

St Zoe of Pamphylia (Died 127) Martyr, Laywoman, Wife and Mother.
Her Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/02/saint-of-the-day-2-may-saint-st-zoe-of-pamphylia-died-127-martyr/

Martyrs of Alexandria – 4 Saints: A group of Christians Marytred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little more than their names – Celestine, Germanus, Neopolus and Saturninus. 304 in Alexandria, Egyp

Martyrs of Africa:
Eugenius
Longinus
Vindemialis

Posted in EPILEPSY, Of Pscychologists, Pscychiatrists and mental health workers, Of mental disorders and patients, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 1 May – Saint Amator (344-418) Bishop and Confessor of Auxerre,

Saint of the Day – 1 May – Saint Amator (344-418) Bishop and Confessor of Auxerre, France, the Bishop of Auxerre from 388 until his death on 1 May 418. A married man who lived in complete chastity with his wife Martha, he was granted the grace of Miracles and expelling demons. A tireless shepherd, he worked to totally eradicate paganism from his region. Patronages of Auxerre, agaubst Epilepsy, of the mentally ill. Also known as – Amatore, Amatre, Amatus, Amadour.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Auxerre, St Amator, Bishop and Confessor.

According to his Life, contained in a 9th Century manuscript but believed to have been written in the 7th Century by a Monk, Stephen Africanus, Amator was born in Auxerre in 344 of a wealthy merchant family and was educated by St Valerian, the City’s Bishop.

Although married by his parents’ will to the noble and wealthy Martha of the City of Langres, he lived with her in perfect chastity and became a Deacon.

St Amator performed many miracles and expelled the demons which inhabited the ruins surrounding the City. Upon the death of Helladius, St Valerian’s successor, he was elected as the Bishop and carried out his ministry with determination, eradicating the last traces of paganism from his See and miraculously overcoming the resistance of a certain Rutilius to cede his lands for the construction of the new Cathedral, dedicated to St Stephen the First Martyr.

A journey to Antioch to acquire the Relics of Saints Cyrus and Julitta and the selection of St Germanus, his successor, as Deacon and then Bishop, complete the picture of a zealous and far-sighted shepherd.

St Amator’s death on 1 May 418, after 30 years of Episcopate, gave rise to a cult which rapidly pread to Catalonia where Charlemagne sent a Relic of St Amator. The ancient Church, built over his Tomb in Rhe was destroyed during the Revolution and some of his Relics were dispersed.

Reliquary of St Amator

St Amator is invoked above all as a healer of the mentally ill and of epileptics, who would lie on his Tomb seeking his intercession in prayer.

Shrine of St Amator
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, PAPAL DECREE, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

“The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” First Friday, St Philip the Apostle, St James the Lesser Apostle, St Joseph the Worker, Maria Santissima di Giubino, Siciliy / Madonna of Giubino, Sicily (1655) and the Saints – 1 May

“The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

First Friday

St James the Lesser Apostle
St Philip the Apostle
Sts James and Philip:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/03/3-may-feast-of-sts-philip-and-james-apostles-and-martyrs/

St Joseph the Worker, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
About this Memorial, which was established by Pope Pius XII in 1955:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/01/memorial-of-st-joseph-the-worker-1-may/
AND here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/05/01/saint-of-the-day-1-may-st-joseph-the-worker/

Maria Santissima di Giubino, Siciliy / Madonna of Giubino, Sicily (1655) – 1 May:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/01/madonna-of-giubino-sicily-1655-and-memorials-of-the-saints-1-may/

St Aceolus of Amiens
St Acius of Amiens
St Aldebrandus of Fossombrone
St Amator (344-418) Bishop and Confessor of Auxerre
St Ambrose of Ferentino
St Andeolus of Smyrna
Bl Arigius of Gap
St Arnold of Hiltensweiler
St Asaph of Llanelwy
St Augustine Schöffler

St Benedict of Szkalka OSB (Died 1012) Monk and Hermit

St Bertha of Avenay
St Bertha of Kent

St Brieuc (c 420-c 510)Welsh Bishop Monk and Missionary to Brittany, Miracle-worker, Apostle of the poor. Brieuc was the Founder and first Abbot of a Monastery near Treguier, Brittany, which grew into the town called Saint-Brieuc.
His Fervent Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/01/saint-of-the-day-1-may-st-brieuc-of-brittany-c-420-c-510/

St Ceallach of Killala
St Cominus of Catania
Evermarus of Rousson
Bl Felim O’Hara
St Grata of Bergamo
St Isidora of Egypt
St Jeremiah the Prophet
St John-Louis Bonnard
Bl Klymentii Sheptytskyi
St Marculf
St Orentius of Auch
St Orentius of Loret
St Patientia of Loret

St Peregrine Laziosi OSM (1260-1345) The “Angel of Good Counsel,” Priest of the Servite Order (The Order of Servants of Mary), Apostle of the poor and the sick, Miracle-worker, Spiritual Advisor.  Patronages – against cancer, against breast cancer, against open sores, against skin diseases, AIDS patients, sick people, Diocese of Forli-Bertinoro, Italy, City of Forli, Italy.   St Peregrine’s body is Incorrupt.
Beautiful St Peregrine:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/01/saint-of-the-day-1-may-saint-peregrine-laziosi-osm-1260-1345-today-is-the-675th-anniversary-of-his-death/

Bl Petronilla of Moncel

St Richard Pampuri OH (1897-1930) aged 33 – Italian Religious of the Hospitallers of St John of God, Medical Doctor, Founder of the Band of Pius X (a Youth movement) which he dedicated to the medical care of poor people, Third Order Franciscan. He was an outstanding lover of the Holy Eucharist in Adoration and an avid Marian devotee, as well as living out his short but faith-filled life in total charity to all the needy and poor.
His Zealous Service:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/01/saint-of-the-day-1-may-saint-richard-pampuri-oh-1897-1930/

St Romanus of Baghdad

St Sigismund (Died 524) King of the Burgundians and Martyr, Reforemer, Penitent, Apostle of the needy and the poor.
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/01/saint-of-the-day-1-may-st-sigismund-of-burgundy-died-524-king-and-martyr/

St Theodard of Narbonne
St Thorette
St Torquatus of Guadix
Blessed Vivald of Gimignano

Martyrs of Amiens:
Aceolus
Acius

Martyrs of Loret:
Orentius
Patientia

Martyrs of Vietnam:
Augustine Schöffler
John-Louis Bonnard

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 30 April – St Donatus (4th Century) Bishop

Saint of the Day – 30 April – St Donatus (4th Century) Bishop of Evraea in modern Albania, Miracle-worker. Renowned for his great sancity and many miracles.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Eurea in Epirus, St Donatus, a Bishop, who was eminent for sanctity in the time of the Emperor Theodosius.

St Donatus is venerated as a Saint for his outstanding sanctity and miracles.

Although the details of his life are confused with those of Saint Donatus of Arezzo in Italy. His fame as a Miracle-worker is attested by Sozomen, who recounts his victory over a dragon which terrorized the region and his miraculous creation of a spring.

St Donaturs is celebrated on 30 April in the Roman Martyrology and his cult spread widely across in many regions and over many Centuries, with Emperor Justinian dedicating two fortresses to him.

Donatus died around 387 and became the Patron Saint of ancient Epirus. It is said that his Relics were brought to the Convent of Our Lady on the Island of Murano, near Venice.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Heilige Maria van Afrika / Notre Dame d’Afrique / Our Lady of Africa , Algiers (1876), The Glorious St Catherine of Siena and many more Glorious Saints including “The Light of London”- 30 April 2023

Onze Liewe-Vrouw van Afrika / Heilige Maria van Afrika / Notre Dame d’Afrique / Our Lady of Africa , Algiers (1876) (Feast) – 30 April:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/30/onze-liewe-vrouw-van-afrika-heilige-maria-van-afrika-notre-dame-dafrique-our-lady-of-africa-algiers-1876-and-memorials-of-the-saints-30-april/

St Catherine of Siena OP (1347-1380) Virgin, Dominican Tertiary, Stigmatist, Mystic, Scholastic Philosopher and Theologian, Writer, Reformer, Adviser, Mediator,. She was Canonised in July 1461 by Pope Pius II.
Wonderful St Catherine:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/04/29/saint-of-the-day-29-april-st-catherine-of-siena-1347-1380-doctor-of-the-church/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/30/saint-of-the-day-30-april-st-catherine-of-siena-op-1347-1380-virgin/

St Adjutor of Vernon
St Aimo of Savigny
St Amator of Córdoba
St Aphrodisius of Alexandria

Blessed Benedict Passionei OFM Cap (1560– 1625) Priest of the Order of the Friars Minor of St Francis, Capuchin, Missionary, Apostle of the poor, renowned Preacher, Doctor of civil and canon law. He was Beatified on 10 February 1867 by Pope Pius IX.
Blessed Benedict’s Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/30/saint-of-the-day-30-april-blessed-benedict-passionei-of-urbino-ofm-cap-1560-1625/

St Cynwl
St Dedë Plani
St Diodoro of Aphrodisias
St Donatus (4th Century) Bishop of Evraea in modern Albania

St Erconwald (Died c693) Bishop, Monk, Abbot, Confessor, “The Light of London”
About this “The Light of London”:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/30/saint-of-the-day-30-april-saint-erconwald-of-london-died-c-693-the-light-of-london/

St Eutropius of Saintes
St Forannan
St Genistus of Limoges

St Gualfardus (1070-1127) Monk, Hermit, Miracle-worker of Augsburg.
The Roman Martyrology states today: “In Verona, Saint Gualfardo, who, a saddler from Germany, after many years spent in solitude, was welcomed in this City by the Monks of San Salvatore.”
His Holy Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/30/saint-of-the-day-30-april-saint-gualfardus-of-augsburg-1070-1127/

Bl Hildegard the Empress
St Lawrence of Novara
St Louis of Córdoba
St Mariano of Acerenza
St Maximus of Ephesus
St Mercurialis of Forlì
St Peter of Córdoba
St Pomponius of Naples
St Quirinus of Rome
St Rodopiano of Aphrodisias
St Sophia of Fermo
St Swithbert the Younger
Bl Ventura of Spello

Martyrs of Montpellier: A group of 70 Mercedarian Friars, led by Blessed Luigi Puell, who were Martyred by Huguenots for trying to bring people back to the Catholic Church. They were Martyred in 1567 in Montpellier, France.

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CHRIST the LIGHT, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, POETRY, SAINT of the DAY

Quote of the Day –29 April – Saint Thomas Aquinas in Eulogy for St Peter Martyr

Quote of the Day –29 April – St Peter Martyr / of Verona OP (1205–1252) Martyr, Priest

Saint Thomas Aquinas, Dominican, in Eulogy
for Saint Peter Martyr, Dominican

Here silent is Christ’s Herald;
Here quenched, the People’s Light;
Here lies the Martyred Champion
Who fought Faith’s holy fight.

The voice the sheep heard gladly,
The light they loved to see
He fell beneath the weapons
Of graceless Cathari.

The Saviour crowns His Soldier;
His praise the people psalm.
The Faith he kept adorns him
With Martyr’s fadeless palm.

His praise new marvels utter,
New light he spreads abroad
And now the whole wide city
Knows well the path to God.

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Doctor of the Church

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 29 April – Saint Paulinus (Died c545) Bishop and Confessor of Brescia

Saint of the Day – 29 April – Saint Paulinus (Died c545) Bishop and Confessor of Brescia in Italy. St Paulinus served his flock and the Church at Brescia for 21 years.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Brescia, St Paulinus, Bishop and Confessor.

St Paulinus was Consecrated as the Bishop of Brescia in 524, thus making his service as the shepherd of his See for 21 years until his death in around 545.

Little is known of his life, although he is presumed to have been a zealous defender of both his flock and the Church, both its doctrine against heresies and its physical presence in the region.

St Paulinus’ Relics are enshrined and venerated in the Church of San Pietro in Oliveto which is the old Cathedral of the See.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

The Octave Day of the Patronage of St Joseph, Madonna del Sangue / The Bleeding Madonna in Re, Piedmont, Italy (1494), St Peter Martyr, St Joseph Benedict Cottolengo (1786-1842) and more wonderful Saints – 29 April

The OCTAVE DAY of the PATRONAGE of ST JOSEPH

Madonna del Sangue / The Bleeding Madonna in Re, Piedmont, Italy (1494) – 29 April:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/29/madonna-del-sangue-the-bleeding-madonna-in-re-piedmont-italy-1494-and-memorials-of-the-saints-29-april/

St Peter Martyr/ of Verona OP (1205–1252) Martyr, Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, , a celebrated Preacher, Miracle-worker, Marian devotee. He served as Inquisitor in Lombardy, was murdered by an assassin and was Canonised 11 months after his death, making his the fastest Canonisation in history.
His Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/29/saint-of-the-day-29-april-st-peter-of-verona-op-1205-1252/

St Joseph Benedict Cottolengo (1786-1842) – Priest, Founder, Confessor, Apostle of Charity. Known as “The Labourer of Divine Providence.” St Joseph was Canonised on 19 March 1934 by Pope Pius XI.
Thie lovely Saint:

https://anastpaul.com/2018/04/30/saint-of-the-day-30-april-st-joseph-benedict-cottolengo-1786-1842-an-intense-day-of-love/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/29/saint-of-the-day-29-april-st-joseph-benedict-cottolengo-1786-1842/

Abbots of Cluny: A feast that recognises the great and saintly early Abbots of Cluny Abbey:

  • Saint Aymardus of Cluny
  • Saint Berno of Cluny
  • Saint Hugh of Cluny
  • Saint Mayeul
  • Saint Odilo of Cluny
  • Saint Odo of Cluny
  • Saint Peter the Venerable

St Ava of Denain
St Daniel of Gerona
St Dichu
St Endellion of Tregony
St Fiachan of Lismore

St Hugh of Cluny (1024-1109) St Hugh the Great, Priest and Royal Prince, Abbot of Cluny from 1049 until his death., Founder-builder of numerous Monasteries, Convents , Hospitals and the biggest Church in Europe (the Abbey Church at C luny) prior to the building of St Peter’s, apostle of the poor, the sick, the marginalised by the feudal system, ecclesiastical Reformer, holy father to his Monks and servant to all who needed him,. He was one of the most influential leaders of the monastic orders from the Middle Ages.
St Hugh the Great:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/29/saint-of-the-day-29-april-st-hugh-of-cluny-1024-1109-st-hugh-the-great/

St Gundebert of Gumber
St Juan Vargas
St Paulinus (Died c545) Bishop and Confessor of Brescia
Bl Robert Gruthuysen
St Senan of Wales

St Severus of Naples (Died 409) Bishop of Naples for 46 years, Confessor, friend of St Ambrose, constructor of four Basilicas and the first Baptistry in the West.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Naples, St Severus, Bishop, loved by St Ambrose, as a brother and, by his Church ,as a father.

Fascinating fact:
The City of Naples has more than 50 official Patron Saints, although its principal Patron is the Martyr Bishop, Saint Januarius.(Died c 304). 
His life here: https://anastpaul.com/2017/09/19/saint-of-the-day-19-september-st-januarius/
St Severus is one of those 50 and the full list is contained in his biography, below.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/29/saint-of-the-day-29-april-saint-severus-of-naples-died-409/

St Theoger
St Torpes of Pisa
St Tychicus
St Wilfrid the Younger

Martyrs of Cirta: A group of Clergy and Laity Martyred together in Cirta, Numidia (in modern Tunisia) in the persecutions of Valerian. They were – Agapius, Antonia, Emilian, Secundinus and Tertula, along with a woman and her twin children whose names have not come down to us.

Martyrs of Corfu: A gang of thieves who converted while in prison, brought to the Faith by Saint Jason and Saint Sosipater who had been imprisoned for evangelising. When the gang announced their new Faith, they were Martyred together. They were – Euphrasius, Faustianus, Insischolus, Januarius, Mammius, Marsalius and Saturninus. They were boiled in oil and pitch in the 2nd century on the Island of Corcyra (modern Corfu, Greece.
Also known as: Martyrs of Corcyra, Seven Holy Thieves, Seven Holy Robbers, Seven Robber Saints.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, Hail MARY!, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, OUR Cross, QUEENSHIP of MARY, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, ROSARY QUOTES, SAINT of the DAY, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY CROSS, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 28 April – The Feast of St Paul of the Cross and St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort

Quote/s of the Day – 28 April – The Feast of  St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775) Confessor, Found and St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)

Happy the soul which detaches itself
from its own pleasure,
from its own will,
from its own understanding.
A sublime lesson is this
and God will teach it,
to all those who place their happiness
in the Cross of Jesus Christ.

Whatever may happen to us,
we ought not to be disturbed.
Let us calmly and quietly say:
‘the Will of God be done’–
let us leave all to God –
the Lord be blessed forever –
what He Wills,
I will, in time and in eternity.

St Paul of the Cross CP (1604-1775)

[Jesus] is our only Master, Who must teach us;
our only Lord, on Whom we must depend;
our only Head, to Whom alone we should belong;
our only Model, Whom we should imitate;
our only Physician, Who must heal us;
our only Shepherd, Who must feed us;
our only Way, Who must lead us;
our only Truth, Whom we must believe;
our only Life, Who must be our life
and our sole sufficiency in all things
that, in Him, we may have all in All.
Except the Name of Jesus,
there is no other name given under Heaven,
whereby we must be saved
and apart from Jesus Christ,
God has given us no other foundation of our salvation,
our perfection and our glory! 

Never will anyone
who says his Rosary everyday,
be led astray.
This is a statement
that I would gladly sign
with my blood.

Hail Mary, Queen of Our Hearts, Our Mother
Prayer in Honour of Mary
By St Louis Marie de Montfort (1673-1716)

Hail Mary,
Daughter of God the Father!
Hail Mary,
Mother of God the Son!
Hail Mary,
Spouse of the Holy Spirit!
Hail Mary,
Temple of the Most Holy Trinity!
Hail Mary, our mistress,
our wealth, our mystic rose.
Queen of our hearts, our Mother,
our life, our sweetness
and our dearest hope!
We are all Thine
and all we have is thine.
O Virgin, blessed above all things,
may thy soul be in us,
to magnify the Lord,
may thy spirit be in us,
to rejoice in God.
Place thyself, O faithful Virgin,
as a seal upon our hearts,
that in thee and through thee,
we may be found faithful to God.
Grant, most gracious Virgin,
that we may be numbered
among those, whom thou art
pleased to love, to teach and to guide,
to favour and to protect, as thy children.
Grant that with the help of thy love,
we may despise all earthly consolations
and cling to heavenly things,
until through the Holy Spirit,
thy faithful spouse and through thee,
His faithful spouse,
Jesus Christ, Thy Son, be formed within us
for the glory of the Father.
Amen

St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 28 April – Saint Pamphilus (Died c700) Bishop of Sulmona-Valva,

Saint of the Day – 28 April – Saint Pamphilus (Died c700) Bishop of Sulmona-Valva, Italy, a man of great chairty, especially to the poor and needy, a zealous shepherd to his sheep and a faithful missionary of the Gospel of Christ, also a prodiguous Miracle-worker. Patronage – the Cities of Scerni, Spoltore and Sulmona , Italy, the Diocese of Sulmona-Valva, Italy,. Also known as – Panfilo, … of Solmona-Valva, … of Sulmona.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Pelino, in Abruzzo, St Pamphilus, Bishop of Valva, illustrious for his charity towards the poor and the gift of miracles. His body was buried at Solmona.

Born in the 7th Century in Abruzzo near the village of Pacile, located 988 metres above sea level on the Mitra hill. Pamphilus was the son of a pagan who rejected and despised him when he converted to Christ.

In 682Pamphilus was elected as the Bishop of Sulmona-Valva. He is described as a very generous and kind soul and committed to the spread of the Gospel particularly among the Lombards

He died in Corfinio a City within his See near the Basilica of San Pelino da Brindisi Co-Cathedral of the of See of Sulmona-Valva.

He was immediately venerated by the faithful and buried outside the walls in a field on which the Cathedral of San Panfilo was later built. His Relics rest in a Sarcophagus in the Crypt of the new 18th Century Cathedral.

He is the Patron Saint of the City of Ocre, Scerni , Spoltore and Sulmona , where there are Churches dedicated to him.

One of Pamphilus many miracles is recorded as follows: his father ordered him to climb onto a cart and descend from Pacile down the steep descent to the valley below. At that point the mountain descent was impossible to navigage in a car. Instead, the wheels of the cart were sunk into the rock, so that Pamphilus could slowly descend into the valley. The tracks of the oxen and the grooves produced by the wheels can be seen on the mountaside still today!

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 27 April – Saint Tertullian (Died c490) Bishop and Confessor of Bologna

Saint of the Day – 27 April – Saint Tertullian (Died c490) Bishop and Confessor of Bologna Italy.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Bologna, St Tertullian, Bishop and Confessor.”

sS Peter’s Cathedral in Bologna

St Tertullian was the 8th Bishop of Bologna in Italy.

We have not received any information of his Ecclesiastical or his personal history except the approximate date of his death and the fact that he served during the time of the collapse of the Roman Empire.

He was called to protect the Church within his See from the harsh conditions ensuing from the tumultuous times which he fulfilled with zeal and faithful courage thus earning the triumphant title of Confessor.

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, franciscan OFM, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 25 April – St Stephen (Died c471) Bishop Martyr of Antioch, Defender of the Truth and the Church of Christ. Born in Antioch and died their by drowing. Bishop of Antioch from 451 to 471. The image below is St Stepehn the Fiorst Martyr with the Palm of Martyrdom.

La Moreneta / Our Lady of Montserrat, Spain (718) – 27 April:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/27/la-moreneta-our-lady-of-montserrat-spain-718-and-memorials-of-the-saints-27-april/

St Peter Canisius SJ (1521-1597) – Known as “The Hammer of Protestantism,” “Second Apostle of Germany” – Confessor, Doctor of the Church, Dutch Priest of the Society of Jesus, Reformer, Teacher, Writer, Apostle of Charity. Patronages – Catholic Press, Germany, Catechists. The restoration of the Catholic Church in Germany after the Protestant Reformation is largely attributed to the work there of the Society of Jesus, which he led.
“Peter Canisius was the first publisher, the first author, the first editor of the Society of Jesus. By now, Jesuits have followed in his footsteps to the tune of having published in 400 years, thousands of books. From the time of Canisius, and his name is first in the bibliography of Jesuit writers, from Peter Canisius to the end of the l9th century, that is to 1900, there are about twenty volumes of bibliography, each volume about two inches thick, stands about eighteen inches high, filled just with authors and titles, thousands and thousands and thousands, no other religious institute in the Church publishes as much as members of the Society. It was all started by Peter Canisius.” (Ven Servan of God Fr John A Hardon SJ)
His Feast day is 27 April (General Roman Calendar, 1926–1969.

Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-st-peter-canisius-s-j-1521-1397-doctor-of-the-church/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-st-peter-canisius-s-j-1521-1397-the-second-apostle-of-germany-doctor-of-the-church/

St Turibius of Mogrovejo (1538-1606) ArchBishop of Lima, Peru, Confessor, Lawyer, Missionary, Preacher, Reformer, Professor,
His Feast Day is today. It was moved to 23 March in 1969.
This wonderful Spanish Saint:

https://anastpaul.com/2018/03/23/saint-of-the-day-23-march-st-turibius-of-mogrovejo-1538-1606/

St Adelelmus of Le Mans
St Asicus of Elphin
St Castor of Tarsus
St Enoder
St Floribert of Liege

Blessed Jakov Varingez OFM (c1400–1496) Croatian professed religious of the Order of Friars Minor, Apostle of charity, Mystic with a great devotion to the Cross of Christ, Marian devotee, he was noted as a miracle worker and levitated. He was Beatified on 29 December 1700 by Pope Clement XIH. His body is incorrupt.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/27/saint-of-the-day-27-april-blessed-jakov-varingez-ofm-c-1400-1496/

St John (c770-c835) Priest, Abbot, Defender of Sacred images.
His Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/27/saint-of-the-day-27-april-saint-john-of-kathara-c770-c835-priest-abbot/

St Liberalis of Treviso
St Maughold

Blessed Osanna OP (1493-1565) Virgin, Mystic and Anchoress, Tertiary of the Order of St Dominic, spiritual guide. Her cultus was confirmed on 27 December 1927 by Pope Pius XI and he officially Beatified her in 1934.
Blessed Osanna’s Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/27/saint-of-the-day-27-april-blessed-osanna-of-cattaro-op-1493-1565-v/

St Peter Armengol OdeM (c1238-1304) “The Martyr who Wasn’t,” “The Unconquerable Martyr of Jesus Christ,” “The Gangster Saint,”Spanish Priest of the Mercedarian Friars, Penitent, Mystic. Beatified on 28 March 1686, by Pope Innocent XI and Canonised on 8 April 1687, by the same Pope. His body was incorrupt until it was destroyed during the horrors of the Spanish Civil War.
A Miraculous Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/27/saint-of-the-day-27-april-saint-peter-armengol-odem-c-1238-1304-the-martyr-who-wasnt/

St Pollio of Cybalae
St Simeon of Jerusalem
St Stephen of Tarsus
St Tertullian (Died c490-) Bishop and Confessor of Bologna
St Theophilus of Brescia
St Winewald of Beverley

St Zita of Lucca (1212-1272) Virgin, Laywoman, Apostle of the Poor. – Her reputation was such that Dante in the Inferno referred to the City of Luccam, her birthplace and home, as “Santa Zita.” Patronages – housewives, butlers, housemaid, domestic servants (proclaimed by Pope Pius XII), housemaid, eys, manservants, people ridiculed for their piety, rape victims, servers, single laywomen, waiters, Lucca, Italy. Her body is incorrupt.
Lovely St Zita:.
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/04/27/saint-of-the-day-27-april-st-zita-of-lucca/

Martyrs of Nicomedia: A group of Christians murdered together for their faith. In most cases all we have are their names – Dioscurus, Evanthia, Felicia, Felix, Germana, Germelina, Johannes, Julius, Laetissima, Nikeforus, Papias, Serapion and Victorinus. They died at Nicomedia, Bithynia, Asia Minor (modern Izmit, Turkey).

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 26 April – Saint Lucidius (4th Century) Bishop of Verona

Saint of the Day – 26 April – Saint Lucidius (4th Century) Bishop of Verona in Italy. A holy and Zealous shepherd particularly dedicated to teaching the Faith to his flock.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Verona, St Lucidius, Bishop.”

Verona Basilica of St Stephen

We have little knowledge of our Saint’s life and history or his personal life.

Ecclesiastical records do however reveal that he is revered for his holiness and learning, devoting himself in a tirelessly to study and prayer, in order to be the better fitted to instruct his flock.

Lucidius’ Relics are enshrined in the Basilica of Saint Stephen in Verona where he is venerated and honoured particularly on his Feast today.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

EASTER III, Our Lady of Genazzano (1467) / Our Lady of Good Counsel, Saints Cletus and Marcellinus, Popes and Martyrs, Remembering Bishop Daniel Dolan (1951-2022) and the Saints for 26 April

EASTER III – The THIRD SUNDAY of EASTER

Our Lady of Genazzano (1467) / Our Lady of Good Counsel – 26 April:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/26/our-lady-of-genazzano-1467-our-lady-of-good-counsel-and-memorials-of-the-saints-26-april/

REST in PEACE – The Second Anniversary
of the +Death of Bishop Daniel L Dolan+

St Pope Cletus (c25-c89) The 3rd Bishop of Rome and Martyr
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/04/26/saint-of-the-day-26-april-st-pope-cletus/

St Pope Marcellinus (Died 304) Martyr, Bishop of Rome from 30 June 296 to his death in 304.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “
In the same City [Rome], in the time of Maximian, St Marcellinus, Pope and Martyr, who was beheaded for the Faith of Christ, with Claudius, Cyrinus and Antoninus. So great was the persecution at this time that, within a month, seventeen thousand Christians were crowned with Martyrdom.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/26/saint-of-the-day-26-april-saint-pope-marcellinus-died-304-martyr/

Bl Alda of Siena
St Antoninus of Rome
St Basileus of Amasea (Died c319) Martyr Bishop

St Clarence of Venice (12th Century) Bishop and Confessor, a diligent and committed Apostle of the poor, the sick, the outcasts, founding Hospitals and Schools for their care. Clarence was renowned for his great wisdom, piety and humility and his exceptional administrative abilities and for his many miracles.
His Ardent Life of Grace:

https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/26/saint-of-the-day-26-april-st-clarence-of-venice-12th-century-bishop-and-confessor/

St Claudius of Rome
St Cyrinus of Rome
St Exuerantia Virgin of Troyes. Her relics are venerated in Troyes, France. No other information has survived.
Bl Gregory of Besians
St Lucidius (4th Century) Bishop of Verona in Italy

St Paschasius Radbertus (785–865) Monk, Spiritual writer
His life:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/26/saint-of-the-day-26-april-saint-paschasius-radbertus-785-865/

St Pelligrino of Foggia

St Peter of Braga (Died c 50) Bishop and Martyr.
The Roman Martyrology states: “At Braga, Portugal, St Peter, Martyr, the first Bishop of that City.”
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/26/saint-of-the-day-26-april-saint-peter-of-braga-died-c-60-martyr/

St Primitive of Gabi

St Richarius (c560-645) Priest and Confessor of Celles
St Richarius’ Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/26/saint-of-the-day-26-april-st-richarius-of-celles-c-560-645/

St Trudpert of Munstertal
St William of Foggia Hermit

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 25 April – St Stephen (Died c471) Bishop Martyr of Antioch,

Saint of the Day – 25 April – St Stephen (Died c471) Bishop Martyr of Antioch, Defender of the Truth and the Church of Christ. Born in Antioch and died their by drowing. Bishop of Antioch from 451 to 471. The image below is St Stepehn the Fiorst Martyr with the Palm of Martyrdom.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Antioch, St Stephen, Bishop and Martyr, who suffered much from the heretics opposed to the Council of Chalcedon and was precipitated into the River Orontes in the time of the Emperor Zeno.”

Information about Stephen’s birth and youth is fragmentary. We know that he was born in Antioch in Syria, at the time an important cultural and religious centre, into a fervent Christian family.

His theological education likely took place in Antioch itself, where he distinguished himself by his intellectual acumen and profound knowledge of the Scriptures.

In 451, Stephen was Consecrated as the Bishop of Antioch, succeeding Maximus II. His Episcopate coincided with a period of Ecclesiastical turmoil, marked by the Monophysite heresy which divided the Church.

Stephen firmly supported the orthodox doctrine, defined at the Council of Chalcedon in 451 which condemned Monophysitism and affirmed the dual natures of Christ, human and divine.

His theological positions attracted opposition from Monophysite heretics, who persecuted him bitterly. Stephen faced slander, violence and even exile. In 471, under Emperor Zeno, who favoured Monophysitism, his suffering reached its peak and he was arrested, tortured and finally thrown into the Orontes River, where he died by drowning.

Saint Stephen is venerated as a Martyr and his liturgical Feast is celebrated on today.

Posted in ROGATION DAYS, SAINT of the DAY

St Mark the Evangelist, Rogation Day – The Greater Litanies and the Saints for 25 April

St Mark the Evangelist – Also known as John Mark (Born 1st Century – Martyred 25 April 68 at Alexandria, Egypt) – St Marks is symbolised by the Winged Lion.
St Mark:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/04/25/saint-of-the-day-25-april-st-mark-the-evangelist/
And:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/04/25/saint-of-the-day-25-april-st-mark-the-evangelist-solemnity/

Rogation Day – The Greater Litanies
(Sometimes called “St Mark’s Procession”):
The procession for the Greater Litanies is held on St Mark’s day, 25 April that, for the Rogations, or Lesser Litanies, may be recited on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before Ascension day.
About Rogation Days HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/23/virgen-de-gracia-virgin-of-grace-aes-puente-viesgo-pas-miera-cantabria-spain-1575-and-memorials-of-the-saints-23-may/

St Agathopodes of Antioch

St Anianus (Died c 86) 2nd Bishop of Alexandria, after St Mark and succeeding him. Consecrated by St Mark and disciple of St Mark. He was Ordained by St Mark and was also the first convert Mark won for Christ in the region, in c 48.
As St Mark was entering Rakotis, a suburb of Alexandria, the strap of his sandal broke. He found a cobbler, St Anianus, to repair it. While he was working on the sandal, the awl slipped in Anianus’ hand, piercing it. Anianus cried ‘“He is ho Theos” (“God is one”) in response to the pain. Mark took the opportunity to preach the Gospel of Christ to him, at the same time.

https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/25/saint-of-the-day-25-april-st-anianus-of-alexandria-died-c-86-sucessor-and-disciple-of-st-mark-the-evangelist/

Blessed Boniface (Died 1243) Bishop of Valperga, Italy. Distinguished by his love for the poor and his great humility -his spiritual depth and holiness of life, made him very popular, even among the simplest people.
This Holy Boniface:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/25/saint-of-the-day-25-april-blessed-boniface-of-valperga-died-1243-bishop/

St Callista of Syracuse
St Clarentius of Vienne
St Erminus of Lobbes (Died 737) Bishop and Confessor
St Evodius of Syracuse

Saint Franca Visalta O.Cist. (1170-1218) Virgin Abbess in Piacenza and Pittolo, Foundress of a Cistercian Convent.
Her Holy Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/25/saint-of-the-day-25-april-saint-franca-visalta-o-cist-1170-1218-virgin-abbess/

St Heribaldus of Auxerre
St Hermogenes of Syracuse
St Kebius
St Macaille
St Macedonius
St Mario Borzaga
St Pasicrate of Mesia
St Phaebadius of Agen
St Philo of Antioch
St Robert of Syracuse
Bl Robert Anderton
St Stephen (Died c471) Bishop Martyr of Antioch
St Valenzio of Mesia
Bl William Marsden

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 24 April – Saint Gregory (Died c394) Bishop and Confessor of Elvira

Saint of the Day – 24 April – Saint Gregory (Died c394) Bishop and Confessor of Elvira (near modern Granada) in Spain, Defender of the True Faith against heresies, an writer of extremely elegant and exegetical literary and doctrinal ability, many of his writings and sermons have come down to us. Also known as – Gregory Baeticus.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Elvira in Spain, St Gregory, Bishop and Confessor.”

Unknown Spanish Bishop

St Gregory was the first known Bishop of Elvira (Illiberis) near Granada. He was a great defender of the Council of Nicaea and preached against Hosius of Cordova during the disputes on the formulas of Sirmium (357).

He is said to have died around 394. His status in the history of Bishops has been greatly enhanced following research which discovered or identified his writings, often handed down under different names.

Gregory was a writer of great literary and doctrinal skill and his influence is clearly traceable in later writers such as Apringius of Beja, Saint Isidore of Seville, Beatus of Liebàna, etc. His sermons reflect great pastoral zeal and profound piety which lead him to emphasise spiritual and moral themes. St Gregory’s devotion to the humanity of Christ is distinguished.

In 961, his Feast appeared for the first time in the Calendar of Cordoba and Usuard, after his journey to Spain, introduced it into his Martyrology; on the same date (24 April) he is commemorated in the Roman Martyrology.

Posted in franciscan OFM, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Nostra Signora di Bonaria / Our Lady of Bonaria, Island of Sardinia (1370), , Nuestra Señora de Luján / Our Lady of Luján in Buenos Aires, St Fidelis of Sigmaringen and all the Saints for 24 April

Day 3 Within the Octave of the Patronage of St Joseph

Nostra Signora di Bonaria / Our Lady of Bonaria, Island of Sardinia (1370) – 24 April: In 1908, Pope Pius X, declared Our Lady of Bonaria the Patron of Sardinia.
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/24/our-lady-of-bonaria-island-of-sardinia-1370-our-lady-of-lujan-in-buenos-aires-and-memorials-of-the-saints-24-april/

Nuestra Señora de Luján / Our Lady of Luján in Buenos Aires – 24 April:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/24/our-lady-of-bonaria-island-of-sardinia-1370-our-lady-of-lujan-in-buenos-aires-and-memorials-of-the-saints-24-april/

St Fidelis of Sigmaringen OFM Cap (1577-1622) Priest of the Capuchins of the Friar’s Minor and Martyr, Lawyer, Philosopher, Teacher, Apostle of Eucharistic Adoration and charity
Known as “The Poor Man’s Lawyer”
St Fidelis was Beatified on 24 March 1729 by Pope Benedict XIII and Canonised on 29 June 1746, Rome by Pope Benedic
t XIV
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/04/24/saint-of-the-day-24-april-st-fidelis-of-sigmaringen/

St Alexander of Lyon
St Anthimos of Nicomedia
St Authairius of La Ferté
St Bova of Rheims
St Deodatus of Blois
St Diarmaid of Armagh
St Doda of Rheims
St Dyfnan of Anglesey

St Egbert (c639-c729) Confessor, Priest, Monk, Reformer, Missionary, Teacher.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “On the Island of Iona in Scotland, Saint Egbert, Priest and Monk, who worked with dedication for the evangelisation of many regions of Europe and, now, advanced in years, reconciled the Monks of Iona, with the use Roman of the Paschal Rectum, celebrating his eternal Easter, immediately after having officiated its Solemnity.
His Fervent Life of Service:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/24/saint-of-the-day-24-april-st-egbert-c639-c729-confessor-priest/

St Eusebius of Lydda
St Gregory (Died c394) Bishop and Confessor of Elvira in Spain
St Honorius of Brescia Bishop

St Ives of Huntingdonshire (6th-7th Century) Bishop, Missionary. Born in the 6th Century in Persia and died in Huntingdonshire (now Cambridgeshire) England
His Apostolic Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/24/saint-of-the-day-23-april-st-ives-of-huntingdonshire-6th-7th-century-bishop/

St Leontius of Lydda
St Longinus of Lydda

St Mary Euphrasia Pelletier (1796-1868) Nun, Foundress of the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd. Patronages – Good Shepherd Sisters, travellers.
On 11 December 1897, Pope Leo XIII declared her “Venerable.” She was Beatified on 30 April 1933 and Canonised on 2 May 1940 by V
enerable Pope Pius XII.
About St Mary E
uphrasia:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/04/24/saint-of-the-day-24-april-st-mary-euphrasia-pelletier-1796-1868/

St Mellitus of Canterbury (Died 624) Bishop of London and the Third Archbishop of Canterbury, Missionary.
His Zealous Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/24/saint-of-the-day-24-april-saint-mellitus-of-canterbury-died-624/

St William Firmatus (1026–1103) Priest, Pilgrim Hermit, Physician, Miracle-worker. He had a great infinity with and love for, all animals, who were tame and docile in his hands.
His Holy Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/24/saint-of-the-day-23-april-saint-william-firmatus-1026-1103/

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 23 April – Saint Marolus (Died 423) Bishop and Confessor of Milan.

Saint of the Day – 23 April – Saint Marolus (Died 423) Bishop and Confessor of Milan. A learned and erudite man of deep charity and ascetric and penential devotions. His fasting and penances he presented as a means of assisting his flock. He zealously taught and guided them and ensured he assisted by all means possible, those in need, thus earninmg the title of ‘Apostle of Charity’ Born and raised in Mesopotanua and died in Milan, Italy. Also known as – Marole, Marolo.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Milan, St Marolus, Bishop and Confessor.

Today, in Milan especially, the Ambrosian Church celebrates the memory of Saint Marolus, the 14th Bishop of Milan, who distinguished the 5th Century by his example of erudition and sanctity.

His Eastern origins are shrouded in mystery, as his name itself suggests which refers to a marine etymology (“one who comes from the sea” or “dweller on the coast”).

St Ennodius (c473-521), a Milanese Deacon and later Bishop of Pavia, in his “Life of Saint Marolus” describes him as a native of the region of Babylon, a land “kissed by the Tigris” and among the first “illuminated” by the Gospel and the blood of Martyrs.

Perhaps to escape the persecutions of Shapur II, St Marolus took refuge in Antioch in Syria and, later, in Rome, where he befriended Pope Innocent I.

His reputation as a cultured and zealous man preceded him to Milan, where in 408, he was Consecrated as the Bishop of that great City.

St Ennodius paints a vivid portrait of his Episcopate, emphasising Marolus’ attention to his pastoral mission, his tireless commitment and his dedication to fasting and penance as instruments of intercession for his flock. His apostolic zeal was combined with a profound charity for the poor, so much so that, Ennodius states: “He was ardent in his provision for the poor.”

His charitable works proved providential in a period marked by barbarian invasions, particularly of the Visigoths. As a testament to his concern for the vulnerable, Marolus promoted the construction of a a place of welcome for the needy.

After his death in 423, Saint Marolus’ body was buried in the Basilica of San Nazaro in Milan, where it remains to this day. His memory is highly preserved by the Ambrosian Church, which venerates him as a model of a learned and saintly Bishop, capable of combining doctrine with charity, a love of culture with dedication to his beloved sheep.