St Abundius Blessed Brian Lacey (Died 1591) Lay Martyr BL Bruno of Rommersdorf St Caesarius of Epidamnus St Carpophorus St Deusdedit of Brescia (Died c700) Bishop
St Edmund Gennings St Emérico Martín Rubio St Florentius of Carracedo St Fulgentius of Afflighem St Gemellus of Ancyra St Gonzalo Viñes Masip Bl Guglielmo de Carraria St Guitmarus St Hildemar of Beauvais Bl Jerome Ranuzzi Bl John Mason
St Julia of Merida St Lucerius St Maurus of Rome St Mercury of Lentini St Polydore Plasden Bl Sebastian Montanol Bl Sidney Hodgson St Sindulf of Vienne St Swithun Wells
Martyrs of Alexandria – 3 Saints: A group of Christians murdered for their faith in the persecutions of Galerius Maximian – c 312. The only details that have survived are three of the names – Eugraphus, Hermogenes and Mennas.
Saint of the Day – 9 December – Saint Cyprian (Died c586) Abbot of Perigord, France, Hermit, miracle-worker. Also known as – Cyprien.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Perigord in France, the holy Abbot Cyprian, a man of great sanctity.”
St Gregory of Tours, after calling Cyprian a man “of great sanctity,” says of him: “He has often cured lame hands, restored the use of limbs to paralytics and restored sight to the blind. Three lepers have recovered their health thanks to his anointings. And nowadays it is not uncommon for the sick to be cured by praying with faith, at his Tomb.”
Adonis, who composed the Eulogy following St Gregory, mentions him in his Martyrology on 9 December, certainly arbitrarily; Usuard placed the Feast of the holy Abbot on the same date, as well as the Churches which celebrated his memory.
Further details of Cyprian are given in the Vitae of Saint Amandus and Saint Sorus – according to these texts, three young men from Auvergne, namely Sorus, Amandus and Cyprian, at the time of Clotaire I (511-561) placed themselves under the direction of Savalone, Abbot of the Monastery of Genouillac. After three years they retired to a secluded place but then separated to live in solitude. Sorus (whose name, from then on, meant “hermit” in the Celtic language) retired to Terranova, Amand and Cyprian to places that later took their names (St Amand-de-Coly and St Cyprien, in the Dordogne). Sorus cured the King of Burgundy, Saint Guntram (561-592), of leprosy and, upon his death, was buried by Cyprian and Amand.
According to another source, Cyprian lived at the time of Carterius, the Bishop of Périgord, who participated in the Council of Mâcon in 585 – accepting these chronological data, it must be admitted that Cyprian was a contemporary of St Gregory of Tours but that he died before 587, the year in which the latter began composing the In Gloria Confessorum.
St Michaela Andrusikiewicz St Nectarius of Auvergne
St Peter Fourier CRSA (1565-1640) “The Good Father of Mattaincourt,” Priest, Founder, Reformer, Confessor, Ascetic, Theologian, Teacher, Preacher, Apostle of Prayer, Penance and Charity, Marian devotee. In 1597, together with the Blessed Alix Le Clerc, St Peter founded the Congregation of Notre Dame of Canonesses Regular of St Augustine, who were committed to the free education of children, taking a fourth vow to that goal. St Peter was Beatified on 20 January 1730 by Pope Benedict XIII and Canonised on 27 May 1897 by Pope Leo XIII. “The Good Father of Mattaincourt” : https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/09/saint-of-the-day-9-december-st-peter-fourier-c-r-s-a-1565-1640/
Blessed Mercedarian Fathers – (10 Beati): The memorial of ten Mercedarian Friars who were especially celebrated for their holiness: Arnaldo de Querol • Berengario Pic • Bernardo de Collotorto • Domenico de Ripparia • Giovanni de Mora • Guglielmo Pagesi • Lorenzo da Lorca • Pietro Serra • Raimondo Binezes • Sancio de Vaillo
Martyrs of North Africa – (24 Saints): Twenty-four Christians murdered together in North Africa for their faith. The only details to survive are four of their names – Bassian, Peter, Primitivus and Successus.
Martyrs of Samosata – (7 Saints): Seven Martyrs crucified in 297 in Samosata (an area of modern Turkey) for refusing to perform a pagan rite in celebration of the victory of Emperor Maximian over the Persians. They are – Abibus, Hipparchus, James, Lollian, Paragnus, Philotheus and Romanus. They were crucified in 297 in Samosata (an area in modern Turkey).
Saint of the Day – 8 December – Saint Patapius (7th Century) Hermit, spiritual guide, Miracle-worker. Born in Thebes in Egypt and died in Constantinople. Patronage – against Dropsy (oedema). Also known as – Patapius of Thebes, Patapius of Egypt, Patapios…Patario…Patapius…
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Constantinople, St Patapius, Solitary, renowned for virtues and miracles.”
We have no certain information regarding the exact period of his life; some evidence suggests he had arrived in Constantinople around the time in which two other Egyptians, Bara and Rabula, founded Monasteries there (late 5th, early 6th Century). The Bollandists propose the 7th Century.
St Andrew of Crete (660-740), who lived at a time close to that of Patapius, wrote a Life, a narrative of his miracles. John of Euchaites (11th Century) speaks of an ancient Life, already mentioned by St Andrew of Crete but both authors certainly adhered to tradition in their works, developing above all the hagiographical style.
Patapius, originally from Thebes in Egypt, spent a certain number of years in solitude in the surroundings of this City; then he went to Constantinople, stopping in the Blachernae district, near the City Walls, where he lived for a long time. His fame for sanctity immediately attracted numerous visitors. He cured a blind man, a man with dropsy, a possessed man and a woman suffering from a breast disease. Upon his death, amid popular veneration, he was buried in the Church of St John the Baptist in a nearby Monastery called the Egyptian Monastery, where his body was still venerated at least until the 15th Century.
St Anastasia of Pomerania St Anthusa of Afric St Casari of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
St Eucharius of Trier (Died 3rd Century) the First Bishop of Trier, Germany, Date and place of birth are unknown but Eucharius is believed to have been of Italian origin. Additional Memorial in Limburg, Germany of the 3 Bishops sent by St Peter, occurs on 11 September. – The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Treves, St Eucharius, disciple of the blessed Apostle Peter and the first Bishop of that City.” His Holy Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/08/saint-of-the-day-8-december-saint-eucharius-of-trier-died-3rd-century-bishop/
St Gunthildis St Macarius of Alexandria St Patapius (7th Century) Hermit
St Romaric (Died 653) Married French noble layman, Abbot, Founder of the renowned Remiremont double Monastery in north-eastern France. Died in 653 of natural causes. He was Canonised on 3 December 1049 by Pope Leo IX. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In the Monastery of Luxeuil, St Romericus, Abbot, who left the highest station at the Court of King Theodebert, renounced the world and surpassed all others in the observance of monastic discipline.” About St Romaric: https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/08/saint-of-the-day-8-december-saint-romaric-died-653-abbot/
St Sophronius of Cyprus(6th Century) Bishop of the Island of Cyprus, off the coast of Greece, Apostle of widows and orphans, the poor and needy. It is believe, by his name which Greek meaning is ‘the wise‘, that he was of noble Greek origin. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Cyprus, the holy Bishop Sophronius, who was a devoted protector of orphans and widows and a friend to the poor and the opporessed.” His Fervent Life: https://anastpaul.com/2024/12/08/saint-of-the-day-8-december-saint-sophronius-of-cyprus-6th-century-bishop/
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Saint of the Day – 7 December – Saint Geretranus (6th Century) Bishop of Bayeux in Normandy, France. Also known as – Gérétran, Geretrandno, Geretrand.
In the chronology of Bishops, Geretranus is listed eleventh after Leudovald, mentioned after 614 and before Saint Ragnobert, mentioned before 627.
Geretranus is only mentioned in the ancient Episcopal catalogues and we know absolutely nothing about him, his life and his Episcopate.
It should be noted that the Episcopal catalogues of Bayeux from the 12th and 13th Centuries are reliable and historically documented but they only begin with Bishop Hugh of Ivry, who lived at the of the advent of the 1th Century and died in 1049.
Regarding the early Bishops, the catalogues are incomplete, although they present a series of 14 Saintly Bishops, most of whom are derived from hagiographical and liturgical traditions.
In local Martyrologies, Geretranus’ Feast Day was set on 7 December but according to some, even that date does not correspond to ab authentic date i.e. of his death, given that on that day the Bishop St Gerbold (Died c691) was celebrated, who governed the Diocese after some years of Geretranus. However St Gerbold’s Feast is actually now on 5 December due to the conflict with St Ambrose on 7 December.
Saint of the Day – 6 December – Saint Polychronius (4th Century) Priest Martyr. Defender of the True Faith against heresy, in particular Arianism. Died by being murdered bu members of this cult.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “The same day, St Polychronius, Priest who, in the time of the Emperor Constantius, was attacked by the Arians and put to death while at the Altar celebrating Holy Mass.”
Maybe St Gregory the Wonderworker
A Priest who attended the Council of Nicaea and opposed the Arians.
For this public action he was assassinated by Arian extremists during the reign of Emperor Constantine II while celebrating Holy Mass.
Saint of the Day – 5 December – Saint Nicetius (c513-c566) Bishop of Trier (formerly Treves), a most zealous shepherd, travelling extensively and preaching with tireless teaching. A courageous Reformer and Defender of the Church against all heresies and all forms of immoral living. Nicetius was one of the most important Bishops of his era. Born into a Gallo-Roman family in the latter 5th Century in Auvergne, France and died in c566 at his See in Trier. Also known as – Nicetus, Nicezio, Nizier, or Niketius. Additional Feast – 1 October in Trier.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Treves, St Nicetius, Bishop, a man of great sanctity.”
From a young age, Nicetius displayed a deep religious devotion and was drawn towards a life of piety and service to God. He entered monastic life at Limoges and quickly distinguished himself by his dedication and holiness.
His reputation reached the ears of King Theodoric I, who held Nicetius in high regard for his virtue and wisdom. Impressed by his qualities, King Theodoric supported Nicetius in his pursuit of the Episcopacy. In 532, Nicetius was Consecrated as the Bishop of Trier, Gaul which is part of modern Germany. He inherited a Diocese which had become indifferent towards the Faith and he immediately began to bring about much-needed reforms and revitalisation. One of his first acts as Bishop was to rebuild the Cathedral, a symbol of his commitment to restoring the prominence of Christianity in the area.
Nicetius was a tireless advocate for the Faith and he dedicated himself to preaching and teaching to reawaken the love of God among the people. He travelled extensively throughout his Diocese, delivering daily sermons and exhorting, both commoners and aristocracy, to live virtuous lives in accordance with Christian principles.
His fearless denunciations of immorality were evident in his excommunication of King Clotaire I, who was known for his immoral conduct. This courageous act resulted in his exile from his own Diocese.
Throughout his life, Nicetius attended several important Councilss, including those held in Clermont in 535, Orleans in 549, Toul in 550 and Paris in 555. At these Councils, he played a key role in formulating Decrees and defending the orthodox Faith against various heresies, most notably Monophysitism.
In addition to his role as a reformer and defender of the Faith, Nicetius also focused on the internal affairs of his See. He undertook efforts to restore discipline among the Clergy and promote holiness and genuine devotion. His reforms were successful in rejuvenating the spiritual life of the Clergy in his Diocese.
Saint Nicetius of Trier died in around 566. He was buried in the Church of Saint Maximin in Trier, Germany, where his Tomb became a site of veneration by the faithful. Although no specific Patronages have been attributed to him, Saint Nicetius remains an exemplary figure of moral courage, piety and zeal for the Church of Christ. His legacy as a reformer and revitaliser of the Church lives on, inspiring generations of believers to strive for holiness and the preservation of Christian obedience and the principles of sanctity. He was recognised as a Saint by the Catholic Church before the formal process of Canonisation was established.
Blessed Bartholomew Fanti O.Carm. (c 1428-1495) Carmelite Priest, renowned Preacher of Mantua . Humble and gentle, Bartholomew gave an example to everyone of a life of prayer, of loving kindness and generosity to all and of faithful service to the Lord. He was remembered and revered, even during his life, for his great love ot the Blessed Sacrament, which was the source and the summit of his apostolic life, together with his love and devotion to the Virgin Mother. His Beatification received the Papal approval of Pope Pius X on 18 March 1909. Gentle Bartholomew: https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/05/saint-of-the-day-5-december-blessed-bartholomew-fanti-o-carm-c-1443-1495/
St Basilissa of Øhren St Bassus of Lucera St Bassus of Nice St Cawrdaf of Fferreg St Christina of Markyate St Consolata of Genoa St Crispina St Cyrinus of Salerno – Bishop. Martyr. No other information has surived.
St Gratus Bl Giovanni Gradenigo St Justinian St Martiniano of Pecco St Nicetius (c513-c566) Bishop of Trier St Pelinus of Confinium
Martyrs of Thagura – 12 Saints: A group of twelve African Christians who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. The only details about them that have survived are five of their names – Crispin, Felix, Gratus, Juliua and Potamia. They died in 302 in Thagura, Numidia
Saint of the Day – 4 December – St Meletus (4th Century) Bishop of Pontus, Scholar and learned Bishop of great sanctity. Pontus is a region within Anatolia on the southern coast of the Black Sea, located in the modern-day eastern Black Sea region of Turkey … Also known as – Meletiu, Melitiusi, Melezio.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Pontus, blessed St Meletus, Bishop and Confessor, who, joined to an eminent gift of knowledge, the more distinguished glory of fortitude and integrity of life.”
After praising the Martyr Saint Pamphilus, St Eusebius, in his Historia Ecclesiastica, adds: “Among the men of rare qualities who are of our time, (i.e. of the 4th Century) we know Pierius, an Alexandrian Priest and Meletus, Bishop of the Churches of Pontus.”
After pausing to praise Pierius, he continues: “Meletus—called *Attic Honey by men of learning—answered the ideal of the erudite in every field of doctrine. One could not sufficiently admire the force of his eloquence. Perhaps some will say this was a natural gift in him but who was superior to him in terms of the sum of his experience and the breadth of his erudition? Even at a single test you would have had to admit that in all disciplines based on reasoning he was the most able and eloquent. The sanctity of his life, moreover, was not inferior to his other qualities. I learned to know him for 7 years, when during the persecution, he had withdrawn to the regions of Palestine.”
It was necessary to cite this in full, as it is the principal source which, through such a laudatory portrait, introduces us to this Prelate.
According to Philostorgius, Meletus was the Bishop of Sevastopol. However, one can hardly give credence to this author’s assertions when he places Meletus in the Arian sect. This could not be reconciled with the praise given to him by both St Athanasius of Alexandria and St Basil of Caesarea.
Usuard is the first to include him in his, Martyrology, with a eulogy taken from St Eusebius on the arbitrary date of 4 December. P. Galesini, influenced by Usuard, introduced Meletus on this same day. G Meulen (Molano) takes up the eulgy of Usuard that Baronius reproduced almost verbatim in the Roman Martyrology.
*Attic Honey used as an analogy referring to a rare Greek Honey crafted from by the bees from fine herbs and flowers.
St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450) “Golden Words” Confessor,, Father & Doctor of the Church – Bishop of Ravenna, Italy. Today we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Peter Chrysologus, a fifth-century Italian Bishop known for testifying courageously to Christ’s full humanity and divinity during a period of the heresy called “Monophysite.” The saint’s title, Chrysologus, signifies “golden speech” in Greek. Named as a Doctor of the Church in 1729 by Pope Benedict XIII., he is distinguished as the “Doctor of Homilies” for the concise but theologically rich reflections he delivered during his time as the Bishop of Ravenna. 176 of his sermons have survived – it is the strength of these beautiful explanations of the Incarnation, the Creed, the place of Mary and John the Baptist in the great plan of salvation, Mary’s perpetual Virginity, the penitential value of Lent, Christ’s Eucharistic presence and the Primacy of St Peter and his successors in the Church. FEAST DAY: 4 December (General Roman Calendar 1729-1969) https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/30/saint-of-the-day-30-july-st-peter-chrysologus-c-400-450-golden-words/
Bl Francis Galvez St Heraclas of Alexandria Bl Jerome de Angelis St John the Wonder Worker
St Maruthas (Died c415) Bishop, Confessor, Theologian, Writer, honoured in the Syrian Rite Church as a Doctor of the Church. He was a friend of Saint John Chrysostom and acted as an Ambassador between the East Roman Emperor and the Persian Emperor. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In the kingdom of Persia, St Maruta, Bishop, who, having restored peace for the Church, presided over the Council of Seleucia, restored the Churches of God which had collapsed during the persecution of King Sabor and placed the relics of the Martyrs of Persia in the City Seat of the Bishop, since then called Martiropoli.” Feast Day seems to have fallen victim to the changes made byy VII. His Holy Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/16/saint-of-the-day-16-february-saint-maruta-died-c-415/
Saint of the Day – 3 December – St Lucius, King and Bishop (Died c200) Patronages of Liechtenstein, the City and Diocese of Chur, Switzerland, Llandaff, Wales, the Diocese of Vaduz, Liechtenstein. Also known as – Lucius Curiensis, Luzi, Luzius…Lucius of Chur, … of Coire … of Briton.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Coire, in Switzerland, St Lucius, King of the Britons, who was the first of those Kings who received the faith of Christ, in the time of Pope Eleutherius.”
According to the Legendary Life, Lucius went from England to Rhaetia in the 2nd Century where he became a missionaryand Bishop and Hermit.
It states that he was Martyred there around 200, (although the Roman Martyrology does not accord him this title), by the pagan Governor.
Since ancient times, it was believed that the Saint died on December. A Monastery was soon built over his Tomb. The Reliquary Crypt from the Merovingian era has survived to this day.
Cult evidence dates to the 8th Century and extended to the Diocese of the King Bishop of Chur which also included Tyrol and to the neighbouring Diocese of Constance and Sion. Recent research shows that the Saint later lived as a Hermit on the Luziensteig but nothing else is known. Relics of the saint are found in many Churches of the Diocese of Chur and in several Monasteries.
St Ethernan St Hilaria the Martyr St Jason the Martyr St John of Africa St Lucius, King (Died c200) St Lucy the Chaste St Magina of Africa St Mamas St Marcos García Rodríguez St Maurus the Martyr
St Seleucus St Stephen of Africa St Theodore of Alexandria St Theodulus of Edessa St Veranus St Zephaniah the Prophet
Martyrs of Nicomedia: Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian – Ambicus, Julius and Victor. c 303 in Nicomedia, Bithynia (modern Izmit, Turkey).
Saint of the Day – 2 December – Saint Robert (Died 1185) O.Cist. Abbot of the Cistercian Monastery at Matallana, in Valladolid, Spain. Possibly born in Champagne, France and died at his Monastery in Spain. Patronages – against locusts, against vermin, of Champagne, France.
The Cistercian Order celebrates St Robert on 2 December but historians of the Order have handed down very little information about him.
It is not known when he was born but in 1175 he was already a Cistercian Monk at the Monastery of La Creste in Burgundy; a historic region of France, which was the seat of the monastic reforms of the Cluniacs and the Cistercians.
St Bernard
In 1175 he left his Monastery with some Monks and went to found a new one in Matallana, about 25 km from present-day Valladolid in Spain, placing it under the protection of King Alfonso VIII of Castile (1155-1214), known as the Noble.
We do not know the precise date of his death but he died ten years after arriving in Matallana, in 1185 and his remains were placed in the High Altar of the Monastery Church, built with great munificence by Queen Beatrice, wife of King St Ferdinand III of Castile (1199-1252) and the Abbess of the Monastery of Las Huelgas (Burgos), Doña Berenguela. This deposition is certainly a testament to the life of a founder which, in those times, was already a title of sanctity, as well as a man of God and a worthy Abbot and leader of his Cistercian Monks.
His Relics are currently venerated in the Parish Church of Matallana where, it is said many miracles have occurred at his Shrine. He has been invoked as a protector against rural disasters, particularly against locusts.
St Robert O.Cist. (Died 1185) Abbot atMatallana, Spain St Silvanus (Died c450) Bishop of Troas, Phrygia.
Greek Martyrs of Rome – 9 Saints: Several Greek Christians Martyred in the persecutions of Valerian – Adria, Aurelia, Eusebius, Hippolytus, Marcellus, Mary Martana, Maximus, Neon and Paulina. They were martyred by various means between 254 and 259 in Rome, Italy and are buried in the Callistus catacombs, Rome.
Martyrs of Africa – 4 Saints: Four Christians Martyred in Africa in the persecutions of Arian Vandals – Januarius, Securus, Severus and Victorinus.
Saint of the Day – 1 December – Saint Ursicinus (Died c347) Bishop of Brescia, Lombardy, Italy, powerful Defender of the Faith against heresy, particularly Arianism. Also known as – Ursaci, Ursicino. Additional Memorial – 20 April as one of the Saints of Diocese of Brescia.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Brescia, St Ursicinus, Bishop.”
Ursicinus was the Bishop of Brescia who lived between the 3rd and 4th Centuries. In the list of Bishops, he is listed 5th or 6th, after Saint Apollonius and before Saint Faustinus.
Ursicinus is the first bishop of Brescia to whom a chronologically correct date can be assigned. Indeed, St Hilary of Poitiers, in listing the Prelates present at the Council of Sardica which took place between the end of 343 and the beginning of 344, documents his participation with the signature “Ursacinus ab Italia de Brixia.” This presence was also confirmed by St Athanasius, who noted the Bishop’s support for orthodoxy against Arian doctrine.
This signature sparked a controversy over the name of the Brescian Prelate, who, according to Guerrini, should have been called Ursacius and not Ursicinus. But the name Ursicinus has prevailed since ancient records attested in Rampertus’ Sermon and in calendars prior to the 16th Century.
We have no further information about Saint Ursicinus’ leadership of the Brescia Diocese.
He was buried in the Church of Sant’Apollonio, located outside the City Walls. In 1517, when the Venetians demolished the Church, his Relics were transferred to the Church of San Giuseppe, inside the City, and placed under the Altar of San Rocco, where they remain today, in a marble antependium beneath the Altar.
The highly raised apse, resting above a clearly visible crypt, is dedicated to San Rocco and was frescoed in the 18th Century by Sante Cattaneo Artist of the monochromes of San Rocco and Ursicinus, Co-Patrons of the Church.
The cult of Saint Ursicinus is attested in the 7 Liturgical Calendars of the 11th-15th Centuries and in the 3 Litanic orders, one of which dates to the 9th Century and is contained in a codex of the Monastery of San Salvatore. Currently, the feast of Saint Ursicinus has been absorbed into the single memorial of the Brescian Saints on 20 April. In the various Martyrologies, Saint Ursicinus is remembered and celebrated on 1 December.
St Agericus of Verdun St Agnofleta St Alexander Briant St Ambon of Rome St Ananias of Arbela St Ansanus the Baptizer Bl Antony Bonfadini St Candida of Rome St Candres of Maestricht St Cassian of Rome
St Latinus of Rome St Leontius of Fréjus St Lucius of Rome St Marianus St Marina of Rome St Martinus St Nahum the Prophet St Natalia of Nicomedia St Olympiades St Proculus of Narni St Resignatus of Maastricht Bl Richard Langley St Rogatus of Rome St Simon of Cyrene St Superatus of Rome St Ursicinus (Died c347) Bishop of Brescia
Martyrs of Oxford University: A joint commemoration of all the men who studied at one of the colleges of Oxford University and who were later Martyred for their loyalty to the Catholic Church during the official persecutions in the Protestant Reformation in England under Elizabeth I. They are: Blessed Edward James • Blessed Edward Powell • Blessed Edward Stransham • Blessed George Napper • Blessed George Nichols • Blessed Hugh More • Blessed Humphrey Pritchard • Blessed James Bell • Blessed James Fenn • Blessed John Bodey • Blessed John Cornelius • Blessed John Forest • Blessed John Ingram • Blessed John Mason • Blessed John Munden • Blessed John Shert • Blessed John Slade • Blessed John Storey • Blessed Lawrence Richardson • Blessed Mark Barkworth • Blessed Richard Bere • Blessed Richard Rolle de Hampole • Blessed Richard Sergeant • Blessed Richard Thirkeld • Blessed Richard Yaxley • Blessed Robert Anderton • Blessed Robert Nutter • Blessed Robert Widmerpool • Blessed Stephen Rowsham • Blessed Thomas Belson • Blessed Thomas Cottam • Blessed Thomas Pilcher • Blessed Thomas Plumtree • Blessed Thomas Reynolds • Blessed William Filby • Blessed William Hart • Blessed William Hartley • Saint Alexander Briant • Saint Cuthbert Mayne • Saint Edmund Campion • Saint John Boste • Saint John of Bridlington • Saint John Roberts • Saint Ralph Sherwin • Saint Thomas Garnet • Saint Thomas More.
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Saint of the Day – 30 November – Saint Constantius (5th Century) Confessor of Rome.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St Constantius, Confessor, who strongly opposed the Pelagians and by enduring many injuries from them, gained a place among holy Confessors.”
Nothing is known of the background or detail of this Saint, so much so that it appears uncertain whether he was a Priest or a Layman.
However, he was certainly a Confessor of Christ by his vehement and ardent defence against the heresy of the Pelagians.
He is proudly listed in the Roman Martyrology for today and has gained the auspicious title of Confessor.
Today, 31 years ago, 30 November 1993, the late Bishop Daniel L Dolan was Consecrated as a Bishop. Remembering this zealous and loving Shepherd and praying for his eternal rest.
St Abraham of Persia St Anders of Slagelse Bl Andrew of Antioch Bl Arnold of Gemblours
St Castulus of Rome (c288) Martyr, married to Saint Irene of Rome (the woman who assisted St Sebastian after he had been wounded by the Imperial archers) and father of 2 children, Military Officer and he was the Chamberlain (or officer, valet) of Emperor Diocletian. His Feast day was moved to 26 March in 1969. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/26/saint-of-the-day-26-march-saint-castulus-of-rome-died-c-288-martyr/
St Constantius (5th Century) Confessor of Rome St Crider of Cornwall
Bl Joscius Roseus St Justina of Constantinople St Mahanes the Persian St Maura of Constantinople St Merola of Antioch St Mirocles of Milan St Sapor St Simeon of Persia St Trojan St Tudwal of Tréguier Bl William de Paulo Zosimus the Wonder Worker
Martyrs of Saxony – 6 Saints: Missionaries who worked with Saint Willehad of Bremen. Martyrs. – Attroban, Benjamin, Emmingen, Folkard, Gerwald and Grisold. They were martyred on 30 November 782 at River Weser, Lawer Saxony, Germany.
Saint of the Day – 29 November – Saint Hardoin (Died 650) Bishop of St Pol de-Leon, in Brittany, France. Born in the British Isles and died in c650 in his Diocese in Brittany. Patronages – Landerneau, France and of sailors (this latter patronage due to the tradition that St Hardoin travelled to Brittany in a stone boat from the British Isles). Also known as – Hardouin… Harduinus…Hoardon… Hoardonus…Hoarzon… and more.
In Landerneau, the Town of which he is the Patron Saint, a 17th Century Statue depicts Hardoin dressed as a Bishop, with Miter and Crozier, in the act of blessing.
Landerneau – Place de l’Église Saint-Houardon
The Episcopal Registers of the Diocese were completed much after his time and are, therefore, unreliable but in the 17th Century, there was no hesitation in specifying that Hardoin was the 8th Bishop of Léon, “elected in the year 635 under Pope Honorius I, Emperor Heraclius and King Hoël III of Brittany” and that he “died in the year 650.”
He did not have the honour of having his ‘Vita’ recorded and appears only in the legendary and recent Vitae of St Herveus and St Goeznoveus. In the first, Hardoin, protector and friend of St Herveus, labouriously and slowly leads the blind bard to the Council of Breton Bishops gathered on the summit of Menez Bré, to condemn the famous tyrant Conomor, who had killed his wife, St Tryphina and his son, St Tremor.
St Hardoin left and St Goeznoveus.
Returning from the Council, Herveus asked Hardoin to pray to God that he too might contemplate the wonders of eaven, despite his blind eyes. After three days of fasting and prayer, both saw the heavens open and they contemplated the Choirs of Angels and Saints, whom St Herveus recognised as they passed by, to the sound of an enchanting melody. When they intoned the canticle Cantemus Domino, Heaven closed again, but Hardoin struggled to return to earth. When he became ill, he summoned Abbot St Goeznoveus to assist him and administer the last Sacraments and chose him as his successor.
While it is not possible to document anything about the Episcopate and the era of Hardoin, it must be recognised that the cult is ancient and that he is invoked in the ancient Breton Litanies of the 9th Century under the names of Hoierdonus and Hoardonus.
All Saints of the Seraphic Order (Franciscan): the Church celebrates the many Franciscan Saints who followed in the footsteps of St Francis. It is a special day for all Franciscans to celebrate the Feast of ‘All the Saints of the Seraphic Order.’ Also on this day in 1223, the final Rule of life for Franciscan Friars was approved. To commemorate this and all the saintly examples produced in the Franciscan Order, on this day all the Saints of the Seraphic order are remembered at Franciscan Churches throughout the world.
St Hardoin (Died 650) Bishop of St Pol de-Leon, in Brittany, France. St Illuminata Virgin of Todi, Italy. Venerated in her home town, but her biography has been lost. St James of Saroug Bl Jutta of Heiligenthal St Paphnutius of Heracleopolis St Paramon St Philomenus of Ancyra St Radbod of Utrecht
St Saturninus of Rome (Died c304) + Priest and Martyrand St Sisinius of Rome (Died c304) + Deacon and Martyr The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rome, on the Salarian road, the birthday of the holy Martyr Saturninus, an aged man and the Deacon Sisinius, in the time of the Emperor Maximian. After a long imprisonment, they were, by order of the Prefect of the City, placed on the rack, distended with ropes, scourged with rods and whips garnished with metal, then exposed to the flames, taken down from the rack and beheaded.” Their Lives and Deaths: https://anastpaul.com/2023/11/29/saint-s-of-the-day-29-november-saint-saturninus-of-rome-priest-martyr-and-saint-sisinius-of-rome-deacon-martyr-died-c304/
Saint of the Day – 28 November – Saint Stephen the Younger (c713-764) Abbot Martyr, Defender of Sacred Images, Born in c713 in Constantinople and died there in 764 by being scourged, stoned and dragged to death through the streets. Patronage – coin collectors, numismatists, smelters.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Constantinople in the time of Constantine Copronymus, the holy Martyrs, Stephen the Younger, Basil, Peter, Andrew and their companions, numbering 339 Monks who were subjected to various torments for the veneration of holy images and confirmed the Catholic truth with the shedding of their blood.”
The ‘Life’ of this Monk was written around the year 809 by his namesake, the Deacon Stephen of Constantinople. The holy Abbot Stephen the Younger, was born in 713-715 in Constantinople, ancient Byzantium. As a young man, he initially placed himself under the guidance of a Hermit but then, choosing the religious life, entered the Monastery of Mount Auxentius in Bithynia, near Chalcedon. Here, he later became its Abbot.
He lived in this Monastery for ymany ears, devoted to prayer and as a copyist, the meritorious work of the Monks who copied ancient texts. At that time, the Eastern Emperor Constantine V Copronymus (718-775) was ruling, son of Leo III the Isaurian (675-741), the Emperor who, in 726, had initiated the religious policy against the veneration of images. This iconoclastic movement continued with his son Constantine V, who waged a fierce struggle, especially against the Monks, even convening the Council of Hiera, in 753 which condemned the defenders of the cult of sacred images.
Our Saint, the Abbot Stephen, openly opposed the decrees of this Council convened by the Emperor and not by the Pope, decrees which would later be disavowed with the approval of the veneration of images at the subsequent Second Council of Nicaea in 787.
Meanwhile, Constantine V Copronymus, in June 762, enjoined the Abbot of Mount Auxentius, to respect and adhere to the canons promulgated at Hiera; when he refused, he was taken to the Monastery of Chrysopolis near Constantinople and from there sent into exile on the Island of Proconnesus, allowing his mother and sister to join him.
After a year, in 763, he was brought back to Constantinople, where more than 300 Monks had been imprisoned for their devotion to the veneration of sacred images. Then, after another year of constant harassment and insults, on 28 November 764, Abbot Stephen was killed by Palace Officials during celebrations for Empress Eudoxia but without any order from the Emperor.
His Relics are recorded in various Churches and Monasteries during the 13th–15th Centuries. His body was deposited either at the Lips Monastery or the cemetary of St Stephen the Protomartyr, in Constantininople and his right hand was at the Pantokrator Monastery.
Bl Calimerius of Montechiaro St Fionnchu of Bangor
St Pope Gregory III (Died 741) Bishop of Rome 11 February 731 until his death on 28 November 741. (His Feast was moved to 10 December in 1969), The Roman Martyrology states: “At Rome, the blessed Pope Gregory III, who departed for Heaven with a reputation for great sanctity and miracles.“ His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/28/saint-of-the-day-28-november-saint-pope-gregory-iii-died-741/
St James of the Marches OFM Conv. (1391-1476) Priest of the Friars Minor Conventional, Confessor, brilliant Preacher, Penitent, Reformer, Writer, Papal legate, Inquisitor, founder of several monasteries in Bohemia, Hungary and Austria. St James was Canonised on 10 December 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII. His body is Incorrupt. About St James: https://anastpaul.com/2019/11/28/saint-of-the-day-28-november-saint-james-of-the-marches-ofm-1391-1476/
St Papius St Quieta of Dijon St Rufus St Simeon the Logothete
St Sosthenes (1st Century) Bishop, Martyr, Jewish Ruler in Corinth, Converted by St Pauland became his disciple, who is mentioned by him in his First Epistle to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 1:1–2) and by St Luke in Acts 18:12–17. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Corinth, the birthday of St Sosthenes, disciple of the blessed Apostle Paul, who is mentioned by that Apostle in his first Epistle to the Corinthians. He was chief of the synagogue when converted to Christ and, as a glorious beginning, consecrated the first fruits of his faith by being scourged in the presence of the Proconsul, Gallio.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/11/28/saint-of-the-day-28-november-st-sosthenes-1st-century-bishop/
St Stephen the Younger (c713-764) Abbot Martyr
Bl Theodora of Rossano
Martyrs of Constantinople – 8 Saints: A group of over 300 Christians Martyred during the persecutions of the Iconoclast Emperors. We have a lot of information on Saint Stephen the Younger but for the others we have nothing but seven of their names – Andrew, Auxentius, Basil, Gregor, John, Peter and Stefan. They were scourged, stoned and/or dragged to death through the streets of Constantinople in 764.
Martyrs of North Africa – 13 Saints: A group of thirteen Clerics killed or exiled in the persecutions of Arian Vandals in North Africa – Crescens, Crescentian, Cresconius, Eustace, Felix, Florentian, Habetdeum, Hortulanus, Mansuetus, Papinianus, Quodvultdeus, Urban and Valerian.
Martyrs of Tiberiopolis – 14 Saints: A group of fourteen Christian Laymen, Deacons, Priests and Bishops who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Julian the Apostate – Basil, Chariton, Comasios, Daniel, Etymasius, Hierotheos, John, Nicephorus, Peter, Sergius, Socrates, Theodore, Thomas and Timothy. 361 at Tiberiopolis, Phyrgia (in modern Turkey)
Saint of the Day – 27 November – Saint Severin the Hermit (Died c540) Monk and Hermit. Also known as – Severinus.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Paris, the departure from this world of St Severin, Monk and Solitary.”
St Severin window in the Church dedicated to him in Paris and built above his Hermitage. See the full window below with Jesus and the children and St Severin top left
Severin of Paris, was a devout Monk who became a Hermit living at the site of the Saint-Severin Church in the 6th Century and died in about 540.
One of his disciples was Saint Cloud, a Merovingian Prince who left the Royal Court to become a Monk and Hermit.
After the death of Severin, a Chapel was erected on the site of his cell, believed to be near the Oratory of Saint Martin in the present Church. This Chapel was destroyed during the Norman invasions in the 9th Century, then rebuilt in the Romanesque style in the 11th Century.
The current building which is situate in the Latin Quarter of Paris, on the lively tourist Street, Rue Saint-Séverin. It was constructed beginning in 1230, then, after a fire, rebuilt and enlarged in the 15th to 17th Centuries in the Flamboyant Gothic style. It is the Parish Church for students at the University of Paris and is one of the oldest Churches which remains standing on the Left Bank.
Engraving by Thomas Shotter Boys, St Severin, Paris, 1839
Two of the most famous conversions due to the Miraculous medal was that of Fr Alphonse Ratisbonne NDS (1814-1884), an anti-Catholic Jewish banker and Claude Newman (1923-1944). Fr Alphonse Ratisbonne received a vision of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. After his conversion, he became a Priest and worked for the conversion of the Jewish people.
St Acacius of Sebaste St Acharius of Noyon St Apollinaris of Monte Cassino St Barlaam
Blessed Bernardine of Fossa OFM (1420-1503) Priest, Friar of the Friars Minor, Missionary in Italy and a renowned Preacher, noted Historian, Lawyer, Ascetical Writer, rising within the Order to important positions. His cult was later confirmed by the Beatification of Pope Leo XII on 26 March 1828. The Roman Martyrology states: “At L’Aquila, blessed Bernardino da Fossa (Giovanni) Amici, Priest of the Order of Minors, who preached the Catholic Faith in many Provinces of Italy.“ A Faithful Imitator of his Namesake, St Bernardine of Siena: https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/27/saint-of-the-day-27-november-blessed-bernardine-of-fossa-ofm-1420-1503/
St Bilhild of Altmünster St Eusician St Facundus St Fergus the Pict St Gallgo of Wales St Gregory of Sinai St Gulstan St Hirenarchus of Sebaste St James Intercisus St John Angeloptes
St Maximus (Died 460) Bishop of Riez , Confessor, Abbot, Hermit, zealous and highly efficient leader, Miracle-worker. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Riez, in France, St Maximus, Bishop and Confessor, who, from his tender years, was endowed with every grace and virtue. Being first the Superior of the Monastery of Lérins and afterwards, Bishop of the Church of Riez, he was celebrated for the working of miracles and prodigies.” His Life of Love: https://anastpaul.com/2023/11/27/saint-of-the-day-27-november-saint-maximus-of-riez-died-460-bishop-confessor/
High Altar, Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) Salzburg, Austria. Saint Rupert is depicted atop the altar carrying a barrel of salt in his left hand and a bishop’s crozier in his right. Saint Virgil is also represented atop the altar, opposite Saint Rupert.
Martyrs of Antioch – 3 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith. Little information has survived except for their names – Auxilius, Basileus and Saturninus.
Martyrs of Nagasaki – 11 Beati: A group of eleven Christians Martyred together for their faith during a period of official persecution in Japan. They are: Blessed Alexius Nakamura Blessed Antonius Kimura Blessed Bartholomaeus Seki Blessed Ioannes Iwanaga Blessed Ioannes Motoyama Blessed Leo Nakanishi Blessed Matthias Kozasa Blessed Matthias Nakano Blessed Michaël Takeshita Blessed Romanus Motoyama Myotaro Blessed Thomas Koteda Kyumi They were Martyred on 27 November 1619 in Nagasaki, Japan and Beatified on 7 May 1867 by Pope Pius IX.
Saint of the Day – 26 November – St Amator (3rd Century) Bishop of Autun, France. Also known as – Amatore, Amatoris.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Autun, St Amator, Bishop.”
The Last Judgement at Autun Cathedral
St Jerome’s Martyrology commigrates ‘the death of Saint Amatoris Bishop’ in Autun on 26 November and the same ‘death of Saint Amatoris Bishop’ in Auxerre on 1 May. Since the word ‘Bishop‘ is omitted in the Epternacense Codex in the commemoration of 26 November and the Martyrology appears misleading, the Bollandists, in their commentary on the Roman Martyrology, express the opinion that Amator, the Bishop of Autun, never existed and the Diocese was erroneously inserted instead of Auxerre. Baronius also shows little belief in the existence of this Bishop of Autun. Furthermore, the records of his correspondence with Pope Silverius (536-537) is legendary.
St Leonard of Port Maurice OFM (1676-1751) Confessor, Priest and Friar of the Friars Minor, Preacher – in particular Parish Mission, Ascetic Writer, Spiritual Director. St Leonard founded many pious apostolates, societies and confraternities and exerted himself to spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Perpetual Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Passion of Christ. He was among the few to insist that the concept of the Immaculate Conception of Mary be defined as a Dogma of the Faith. He was Beatified on 19 June 1796 by Pope Pius VI and Canonised on 29 June 1867 by Pope Pius IX. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/27/saint-of-the-day-27-november-st-leonard-of-port-maurice-ofm-1676-1751/
Blessed Delphina of Glandèves TOSF (1283-1360) Virgin, Virgin Laywoman, Married in Chastity to St Elzear (below) Widow, Recluse, Apostle of the Poor and needy. Sometimes regarded as ‘Saint’ – the anniversary of her death and birthday into Heaven is today, 28 November. After the Vatican II Council, her Feast day was moved to 27 September: Blessed Delphina’s Chaste Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/27/saint-of-the-day-27-september-saint-delphina-tosf-1283-1360-virgin/
St Egelwine of Athelney St Ida of Cologne St James the Hermit St Magnance of Ste-Magnance St Marcellus of Nicomedia St Martin of Arades St Nicon of Sparta
Blessed Pontius of Faucigny (c1100-c1178) Abbot, Founder and the 1st Abbot of the Monastery of Faucigny. At a very young age he entered the Abbey of the Canons Regular of Abondance, of which he revised the Constitutions, harmonising them with the original Augustinian Rule. His Holy Life: https://anastpaul.com/2024/11/24/saint-of-the-day-24-november-saint-protasius-died-c352-bishop/
St Sabaudus of Trier
St Siricius, Pope (c334-399) Confessor, Bishop of Rome from December 384, Confessor, Defender of the Faith against heresies, Reformer of clerical discipline, Born in Rome and died there of natural causes aged around 64. In response to inquiries from Bishop Himerius of Tarragona, Siricius issued the Directa Decretal, containing Decrees of Baptism, Church discipline and other matters. His are the oldest completely preserved Papal Decrees. He is sometimes said to have been the first Bishop of Rome to call himself “Pope or Papa” – the word derived from the Greek, Papa, meaning Father. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St Siricius, Pope and Confessor, celebrated for his learning, piety and zeal for religion, who condemned various heretics and published salutary laws concerning Ecclesiastical discipline.” A True Shepherd.: https://anastpaul.com/2023/11/26/saint-of-the-day-26-november-st-pope-siricius-c334-399-confessor/
St Stylinus St Vacz – 11th Century Hermit in Visegrád, Hungary. No further information is available.
Martyrs of Alexandria – 650+- Saints: A group of approximately 650 Christian Priests, Bishops and Laity Martyred together in the persecution of Maximian Galerius. We have the names and a few details only seven of them – Ammonius, Didius, Faustus, Hesychius, Pachomius, Phileas and Theodore. The were born in Egypt and were martyred there in c 311 in Alexandria, Egypt.
Martyrs of Capua – 7 Saints: A group of seven Christians Martyred together. The only details about them to survive are the names – Ammonius, Cassianus, Felicissimus, Nicander, Romana, Saturnin and Serenus. They were martyred in Capua, Campania, Italy, date unknown.
Martyrs of Nicomedia – 6 Saints: A group of six Christians Martyred by Arians. Few details have survived except their names – Marcellus, Melisus, Numerius, Peter, Serenusa and Victorinus. Martyred in 349 in Nicomedia, Bithynia, Asia Minor (modern Izmit, Turkey).
Blessed Gabriel Ferretti OFM (1385-1456) Priest, Friar of the Order of Friars Minor, Provincial Superior, Mystic. renowned missionary Preacher. He was zealous in the restoration and establishment of new Convents. He was an ancestor to both Cardinal Gabriele Ferretti and Pope Pius IX, having been descended from a long noble lineage. Patronage – Ancona. His body is incorrupt. He was Beatified on 19 September 1753 by Pope Benedict XIV. Zealous and Devoted Gabriel: https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/09/saint-of-the-day-9-november-blessed-gabriel-ferretti-ofm-1385-1456/
Blessed George Napper (1550-1610) Priest Martyr Beatified by Pope Pius XI on 15 December 1929
St Pabo St Sopatra St Theodore Stratelates St Ursinus (Died c280) Bishop and Confessor of Bourges St Vitonus of Verdun
Martyrs of Constantinople – 3 Saints: A group of ten Christians who tried to defend an image of Jesus over the Brazen Gate of Constantinople from an attack by Iconoclasts during the persecutions of Emperor Leo the Isaurian. The group of was seized by soldiers, condemned by judges for opposing the emperor, and Martyred. The only details that have survived are three of their names – Julian, Marcian and Maria. They were martyred in 730 at Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey).
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