Category: SAINT of the DAY

Posted in LENT 2026, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Ash Wednesday +2025 – Obligatory FAST and ABSTINENCE, Notre-Dame de Laon / Our Lady of Laon, Rheims, France (500), St Simeon of Jerusalem, Martyr, St Bernadette, Virgin and the Saints for 18 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Ash Wednesday +2025 – Obligatory FAST and ABSTINENCE,

Notre-Dame de Laon / Our Lady of Laon, Rheims, France (500), founded by St Remigius – 18 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/18/our-lady-of-laon-rheims-france-500-and-memorials-of-the-saints-18-february/

St Simeon of Jerusalem (Died c 106) Martyr, Bishop of Jerusalem, Cousin of Jesus. Son of Cleopas, was a Jewish Christian leader and the second Bishop of Jerusalem (62 or 70–106).
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/18/saint-of-the-day-18-february-st-simeon-died-c-106-martyr/

St Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879) of Lourdes – Virgin, The Visionary of Lourdes, Consecrated Religious. Born on 7 January 1844 at Lourdes, Hautes-Pyrénées, France and died on 16 April 1879, Nevers, Nièvre, France of natural causes, aged 35. Her Body is incorrupt and is on display in Nevers, France.
She was Canonised on 8 December 1933 by Pope Pius XI.
St Bernadette!
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/04/16/saint-of-the-day-16-april-saint-bernadette-soubirous-1844-1879/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/18/saint-of-the-day-18-february-st-bernadette-soubirous-1844-1879-virgin/

St Esuperia of Vercelli
St Ethelina

St Flavian (Died 449) Martyr, Archbishop of Constantinople, Confessor, Defender of the Christ’s two natures, both divine and human.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/18/saint-of-the-day-18-february-st-flavian-of-constantinople-died-449-martyr/

Blessed John of Fiesole/Fra Angelico OP – The Angelic Friar Giovanni (1387-1455)
The Artist:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/18/saint-of-the-day-18-february-blessed-john-of-fiesole-fra-angelico-o-p-1387-1455/

Saint Angilbert (c750-814) Abbot Saint-Riquier at Centula

St Gertrude Caterina Comensoli

St Helladius (c566-633) Bishop and Confessor, Archbishop of Tiledo for 18 years, Abbot before that, Apostle of the poor and needy. Born in c566 in Toledo, Spain and died there in 632 of natural causes. For his charity towards the poor, he was called “A Sun which Illuminates the Darkness.” Also known as – Eladio, Eladius, Elladio, Heladio.
“A Sun which Illuminates the Darkness.”
https://anastpaul.com/2025/02/18/saint-of-the-day-18-february-st-helladius-c566-633-bishop-and-confessor-a-sun-which-illuminates-the-darkness/

Almsgiving of Saint Helladius (Eladius), oil painting by Francisco Bayeu c1770.

Bl John Pibush – one of the Martyrs of Douai
St Leo of Patera
St Paregorius of Patara
St Sadoth of Seleucia
St Tarasius of Constantinople

St Theotonius OSC (1082-1162) Priest of the Canons Regular, Reformer of religious life in Portugal, Royal Counsellor,, Apostle of the poor, Founder of the Canons Regular of the Holy Cross, now known as “The Crosiers.” He is the first Portuguese Saint.
His Life Story:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/18/saint-of-the-day-18-february-saint-theotinius-1082-1162/

Bl William Harrington

Martyrs of North Africa – 7 Saints: Group of Christians who were Martyred together, date unknown. We know nothing else but seven of their names – Classicus, Fructulus, Lucius, Maximus, Rutulus, Secundinus and Silvanus.
They were born and martyred in North Africa.

Martyrs of Rome – 5 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know nothing else but their names – Alexander, Claudius, Cutias, Maximus and Praepedigna. They were martyred in 295 in Rome, Italy.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 17 February – St Theodulus (Died 309) Martyr of Caesarea

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 17 February – St Theodulus (Died 309) Martyr of Caesarea in Palestine. He confessed Christ with great constancy and love and was granted the grace of dying as his Master had done.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Caesarea in Palestine, Theodulus, an aged man in the service of the Governor, Firmilian, Moved by the example of the Martyrs, he confessed Christ with constancy, was fastened to a cross and thus by a noble victory, merited the Palm of Martyrdom.”

Gero Cross, late 10th Century, Cologne Cathedral, Germany

Theodulus was a member of the household of the governor of Palestine. When the governor learned of Theodulus’s Christianity, he ordered his execution.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 16 February – St Juliana (Died c305) Virgin Martyr of Nicomedia

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 16 February – St Juliana (Died c305) Virgin Martyr of Nicomedia. Patronages – against bodily ills, of the sick, Pedrosa de Río Úrbel, Spain. Also known as – Juliana of Cumae. Additional Feast – 25 February.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Cunae in Campania, the Translation of St Juliana, Virgin and Martyr. Under the Emperor Maximian, she was first severely scourged by her own father, Africanus, then made to suffer many torments by the Prefect, Evilasius, whom she had refused to marry. Later, being thrown into prison, she encountered the evil spirit in a visible manner. Finally, as a fiery furnace and a cauldron of boiling oil could do her no injury, she terminated her Martyrdom by decapitation.”

According to the text of the Passion of Juliana, she was born around 285 in Nicomedia, now Izmit, Turkey. She was the only Christian in her family. Her father, in particular, was a zealous follower of pagan deishe was the only member of her family to follow Christ and her father, Africanus, was a zealous follower of pagan deities.

Being promised in marriage to a pagan named Evilasius, she initially declared that she would marry the City Prefect, only on condition that he converted to Christianity. Evilasius, then, irritated by the young woman’s demands, had her brought before his tribunal. Nothing could change her mind, neither torture nor imprisonment.

After boiling cauldrons of oil and fiery furnace could not harm her, finally, she was sentenced to beheading, thus consummating her Martyrdom. This occurred during the time of Maximian, around 305.

Her Feast today, 16 February was the probably date of the translation (perhaps the second) of the Relics of the holy Virgin Martyr. These would have first been transferred from Nicomedia to Pozzuoli, then at the time of the Lombard invasion (around 568) they were placed in safety in Cumae and from there, in 1207, finally on 25 February they were translated to Naples. This explains the spread of the Saint’s cult throughout the region as well as her presence in the 9th Century marble calendar.

It would certainly be difficult to clarify the problem of partial translations that could justify the claims of numerous Churches in Italy, Spain, Holland and other European Countries to possess Juliana’s Relics.

St Juliana on the North Colonnade of St Peter’s at the Vatican
Posted in DOMINICAN OP, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Quinquagesima Week, Notre-Dame de l’ Epine / Our Lady of the Thorn, , France (1400) and the Saints for 16 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quinquagesima Week

EPSON MFP image

Notre-Dame de l’ Epine / Our Lady of the Thorn, Chalons-sur-Marne, France (1400) – 16 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/16/our-lady-of-the-thorn-chalons-sur-marne-france-1400-and-memorials-of-the-saints-16-february/

St Aganus of Airola

Blessed Bernard Scammacca OP (1430-1487) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, Preacher, Apostle of charity, Mystic, with a gift of prophecy and a great devotion to the Passion of Christ.
About Bl Bernard:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/16/saint-of-the-day-16-february-blessed-bernard-scammacca-o-p-1430-1487/

St Faustinus of Brescia (not the St Faustinus brother of St Jovinus – 15 February).

Blessed Gregory X (1210-1276) Pope Papacy began 1 September 1271 until his death on 10 January 1276.
His Feast was one of those moved in 1969. Today is the date of his celebration.
A Very Interesting Pope:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/10/saint-of-the-day-10-january-blessed-pope-gregory-x-1210-1276/ AND https://anastpaul.com/2025/02/16/saint-of-the-day-16-february-blessed-gregory-x-ofm-1210-1276-pope/

St Honestus of Nimes
St John III of Constantinople

St Julian of Egypt

St Juliana (Died c305) Virgin Martyr of Nicomedia

Blessed Mariano Arciero

St Maruta (Died 415) 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.
His Saintly Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/16/saint-of-the-day-16-february-saint-maruta-died-c-415/

Blessed Nicola Paglia OP (1197-1256) Priest of the Order of Preachers , faithful travelling companion of St Dominic, Superior General (twice). A cultured and far-sighted man, he promoted the study of Sacred Scripture and the compilation of biblical Concordances.
Blessed Nicola’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/16/saint-of-the-day-16-february-blessed-nicola-paglia-op-1197-1256/

Blessed Philippa Mareria OSC (c1195-1236) Nun of the Poor Clares, foundress of the monastery of Franciscan Sisters of Saint Philippa Mareri of the Poor Clares, Penitent.
Her Lifeof Penance:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/16/saint-of-the-day-16-february-blessed-philippa-mareri-osc-c-1195-1236/

Martyrs of Cilicia – 12 Saints: A group of Christians who ministered to other Christians who were condemned to work the mines of Cilicia in the persecutions of Maximus. They were arrested, tortured and martryed by order of the governor Firmilian. They were Daniel, Elias, Isaias, Jeremy, Samuel. The group also includes the three known have been sentenced to the mines – Pamphilus, Paul of Jamnia, Valens of Jerusalem
and those who were exposed as Christians as a result of these murders –
Julian of Cappadocia, Porphyrius of Caesarea, Seleucius of Caesarea, Theodule the Servant. They were Martyred in 309 in Cilicia, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey).

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Posted in SAINT of the DAY, St PAUL!, The WORD

Saint of the Day – 15 February – St Onesimus the Slave (Died c90) Bishop, Martyr, Disciple of St Paul the Apostle.

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 15 February – St Onesimus the Slave (Died c90) Bishop, Martyr, Disciple of St Paul the Apostle.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “The birthday of the blessed Onesimus, concerning whom the Apostle Paul wrote to Philemon, He made him the Bishop of Ephesus after St Timothy and committed to him the Office of Preacher. Being led a prisoner to Rome and stoned to death for the Faith in Christ, he was buried in that City but his body was afterwards carried to the place where he had been the Bishop.”

Onesimus, in Greek, means “useful or beneficial.“ The Saint thus named lived in Phrygia (Asia Minor) as a slave to the Christian Philemon, a friend and disciple of the Apostle St Paul.

But then Onesimus escaped (perhaps even robbed his master) and woe betide him if he were caught – he might then be sentenced to a lifetime of forced labour, with the letter “F” (Fugitivus) branded on his forehead.
After days and days of walking, hiding and terror, finally, he sought refuge with St Paul in Rome. The Apostle was held captive under military custody in a house, almost always chained to a soldier but free to receive visitors. Here Onesimus found ready refuge, tried to make himself useful in daily matters and listened to St Paul’s conversations with so many people; the man in chains called everyone to ente“into the glorious freedom of the children of God.”

St Paul teaching St Onesimus

And he called Onesimus too, of course, who one day too was converted and able to call himself a Christian, treated by Paul as a son “begotten in chains.” Then the Apostle sent him back to his former master, Philemon.

To Philemon, St Paul wrotes a concise and lively letter in his own hand, clarifying a crucial point – Onesimus, having escaped as a slave, now returns as a “dear brother, first to me but how much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.” Others think of abolishing slavery with laws; Paul erases it from the heart of man in the name of Christ. And if the former slave had robbed Philemon, the Apostle promptly guarantees: “I will pay!”

Onesimus left to return to his master Philemon, with Tychicus, Paul’s most faithful collaborator, who carries his letters to the Christians of Ephesus and Colossae. And so St Paul introduces him to his fellow Colossians: “With Tychicus will come Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will inform you of all things concerning this place.”

Thus the former slave has already become a collaborator in the apostolate. Then he certainly found Philemon, giving him the letter, which hase reached us in the New Testament.

St Philemon rreceives the ‘prodigal’ St Onesimus

“[10] I beseech thee for my son, whom I have begotten in my bands, Onesimus, [11] who hath been heretofore unprofitable to thee but now is profitable, both to me and thee, [12] whom I have sent back to thee. And do thou receive him as my own bowels. [13] Whom I would have retained with me that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bands of the Gospel [14] but without thy counsel I would do nothing that thy good deed might not be as it were of necessity but voluntary. [15] For perhaps he, therefore, departed for a season from thee that thou mightest receive him again for ever,
[16] not now as a servant but instead of a servant, a most dear brother, especially to me but how much more to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord?”
[Philemon 1:10-16]

Posted in LENT 2026, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Quinquagesima Sunday, Immaculate Heart of Mary: Refuge of Sinner, Notre-Dame de Paris / Our Lady of Paris, France (522), St Faustinus & St Jovinus (Died c 120) Martyrs and the Saints for 15 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quinquagesima Sunday:
This Season is seventeen (17) days long and includes the three Sundays before Ash Wednesday.
The length of the Season never changes but the start date is dependent upon the movable date of Easter, which can fall between 22 March-25 April.
For many early Christians Quinquagesima marked the time after which meat was forbidden. In many places, this Sunday and the next two days, were used to prepare for Lent by a good Confession; hence in England, we find the names Shrove Sunday and Shrovetide. Shrove is a form of the English word “shrive,” which means – to obtain absolution for one’s sins by way of Confession and doing penance..
As the days before Lent were frequently spent in merry-making, Pope Benedict XIV by the Constitution “Inter Cetera” (1 January 1748) introduced a Forty Hours’ Devotion to keep the faithful from dangerous amusements and to make some reparation for sins committed.
Quinquagesima also means, the time between Easter and Pentecost, or from the Saturday after Easter to the Sunday after Pentecost; it is then called Quinquagesima Paschae paschalis, or laetitae.

Immaculate Heart of Mary: Refuge of Sinner
Listed in the Missal as a Feastday in some place.
What does this Feastday mean?
The Heart of Mary is the divinely-appointed Refuge of Sinners.
“O God,” exclaims St Alphonsus, “how great shall be the remorse of the damned Christian in thinking that, during life, he could have saved his soul with so much facility by invoking the intercession of this Mother of mercy; that he had not done so and that, there shall be no more time to do it.”
“Perhaps,” says St Bonaventure, “we are in doubt as to whether Our Lady will hear us when we address our prayers to her. No, Mary does not refuse and never has refused pity and aid, to any sinner who has invoked her intercession.”

Notre-Dame de Paris / Our Lady of Paris, France (522) – 15 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/15/our-lady-of-paris-france-522-and-memorials-of-the-saints-15-february/

St Agape of Terni

Blessed Angelus de Scarpetti OSA (Died c 1306) Religious of the Order of the Hermits of St Augustine, Missionary, miracle-worker.
His Blessed Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/15/saint-of-the-day-15-february-blessed-angelus-de-scarpetti-osa-died-c-1306/

St Berach of Kilbarry
St Craton
St Decorosus of Capua
St Dochow
St Druthmar of Corvey
St Eusebius of Asehia
St Farannan of Iona

St Faustinus AND St Jovinus (Died c 120) Martyrs, Priest and Deacon respectively. Brothers. Both Evangelists, Preachers. Born at Brescia, Lombardy, Italy and the two brothers died together. They was thrown to the lions but the animals refused to touch them. Then beheaded in 120 at Brescia, Italy.

St Faustus of Monte Cassino

St Georgia (6th Century) Virgin nd Recluse.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Clermont in Auvergne, St Georgia Virgin.”
Holy Georgia:
https://anastpaul.com/2025/02/15/saint-of-the-day-15-february-st-georgia-6th-century-virgin-recluse/

St Joseph of Antioch

St Onesimus the Slave (Died c90) Bishop and Martyr, Disciple of St Paul the Amosite

St Quinidius of Vaison

St Sigfrid of Sweden (Died 11th Century) “Apostle of Sweden,” Bishop, Missionary, Miracle-worker.
About St Sigfrid:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/15/saint-of-the-day-15-february-saint-sigfrid-of-sweden-died-11th-century-apostle-of-sweden/

St Severus of Abruzzi

St Walfrid/Galfrido (Died c765) Abbot. Born in 8th Century Pisa, Italy and died on 15 February 765 at Palazuollo, Italy of natural causes.
His Penitential Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/15/saint-of-the-day-15-february-saint-walfrid-galfrido-della-gherardesca-died-c765-abbot/

Martyrs of Antioch: 5 Saints:
A group of Christians murdered together. We know the names of five of them – Agapev, Baralo, Isicio, Joseph and Zosimus.

Martyrs of Passae:
Castulus
Lucius
Magnus
Saturninus

Martyrs of Sweden:
Sigfrid
Sunaman
Unaman
Winaman

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 28 December – Saint Domnion (Died c395) Priest

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 28 December – Saint Domnion (Died c395) Priest of Rome, assistant to St Jerome and being highly regarded for his work in sourcing and locating ancient writingsand in facuilitating the publication of St Jerome’s finished work. Also known as Dominius, Dominio.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St Domnion, Priest.”

Saints Jerome and Augustine – By Alonso Coello

The contemporaries of our Saint Doimnion, Saints Jerome and Augustine speak of him n glowing terms.

He published the Sacred Scriptures which St Jerome had just translated into Latin (the Vulgate).

Domnion is also known for his care of Pilgrimss and his fight against the moral decay of Rome.

He died in c395 and he is remembered today, 28 Dece,ber/

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

The Holy Innocents, Notre-Dame de Pontoise / Our Lady of Pontoise, France (13th Century) and Memorials of the Saints – 28 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The Holy Innocents
About:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/28/saints-of-the-day-feast-of-the-holy-innocents-28-december-4th-day-of-the-christmas-octave/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/28/saints-of-the-day-feast-of-the-holy-innocents-martyrs-28-december-4th-day-of-the-christmas-octave/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/28/saint-of-the-day-28-december-the-holy-innocents/

Guido Reni: Massacre of the Innocents

Notre-Dame de Pontoise / Our Lady of Pontoise, France (13th Century) – 28 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/28/the-fourth-day-of-the-octave-of-christmas-feast-of-the-holy-innocents-notre-dame-de-pontoise-our-lady-of-pontoise-france-12th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-28-december/

St Anthony of Lérins (c428-c520) Monk, Hermit, Miracle-worker. The Roman Martyrology states: “Commemoration of Saint Anthony, a Monk, who, a man distinguished by grace and preparation, after having led a solitary life, retired, by now an old man in the Monastery of Lérins in Provence, where he piously fell asleep in the Lord.”
His Fervent Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/28/saint-of-the-day-28-december-saint-anthony-of-lerins-c-428-c-520/

BL Claudia Weinhardt
St Conindrus
St Domitian the Deacon
St Domnion (Died c395) Priest of Rome
St Eutychius
Bl Gregory of Cahors
St Iolande of Rome

Blessed Johannes Riedgasse O.Praem. (Died 1600) Abbot, Priest and Friar of the Premonstratensians or Norbertines.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/28/saint-of-the-day-28-december-blessed-johannes-riedgasse-o-praem-died-1600-abbot/

Blessed Matthia de Nazzarei OSC (1253-1319) Virgin, Nun of the Poor Clares, Abbess, gifted with the charism of miracles and prophecy. Beatified on 27 July 1765 by Pope Clement XIII. Her body is incorrupt.
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/28/saint-of-the-day-28-december-blessed-matthia-de-nazzarei-osc-1253-1319/

Bl Nicolas Mello
Bl Hermann of Heidelberg
Bl Otto of Heidelberg
St Romulus
St Simon the Myroblite
St Theonas of Alexandria
St Theodore of Tabenna
St Troadius of Pontus

Martyrs of Africa – 3 Saints: Three Christians murdered together in Africa for their faith. The only details to survive are their names – Castor, Rogatian and Victor.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 26 December – Saint Theodore the Sacristan (Died c560)

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 26 December – Saint Theodore the Sacristan (Died c560).
Also known as – Theodorus.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St Theodore, Sacristan of St Peter’s Church, who is mentioned by the blessed Pope, St Gregory.”

St Peter

That which is known of Theodore’s life comes from St Gregory the Great’s Dialogues, where he appears in Book III, Chapter 24. There, St Gregory records that Theodore once rose very early in the morning in order to tend the lamps which hung at the door of the Basilica. He was upon a ladder refilling the oil, when Saint Peter appeared to him vested in a white stole. The saint asked him, “Theodore, why have you risen so early?” a nd immediately disappeared. Theodore was struck by great anxiety and in his shock was unable to arise from his bed for the next several days.

St Gregory goes on, saying that the apparition was a sign of Saint Peter’s favour towards Theodore: “The blessed Apostle wished to show those who served him that whatever they did for his honour, he always and unceasingly observed it, for the recompense of their reward.”

When the interlocutor of the Dialogues, Peter the Deacon, questions why Theodore would have been shocked by having seen Saint Peter, St Gregory replies with a citation from Scripture in which the Prophet Daniel is likewise shocked into illness by a troubling vision: “And I Daniel languished, and was sick for some days: […] and I was astonished at the vision and there was none that could interpret it” (Daniel 8:27).

St Gregory mentions Theodore alongside another saintly Sacristan of St Peter’s, St Abundius.

Theodore died in c560. His body is believed to have been laid to rest in the Basilica where he served, although the precise location is not known.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

St Stephen the ProtoMartyr, Madonna della Acheropita / Our Lady of Rossano, Italy (1140) and Feasts of the Saints – 26 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Within the Octave of Christmas

St Stephen the ProtoMartyr (c 05-c 34) The Second Day in the Christmas Octave
St Stephen’s Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/26/saint-of-the-day-st-stephen-the-first-martyr-26-december-the-second-day-in-the-octave-of-christmas/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/26/saint-of-the-day-26-december-st-stephen-the-protomartyr-c-05-c-34-26-december/

Madonna della Acheropita, Maria Santissima Acheropita / Our Lady of Acheropita, Rossano, Italy (1140) – 26 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/26/st-stephen-the-protomartyr-c-05-c-34-feast-the-second-day-in-the-christmas-octave-madonna-della-acheropita-maria-santissima-acheropita-our-lady-of-acheropita-rossano-italy-1140-and-memoria/

St Abadiu of Antinoë
St Amaethlu of Anglesey
St Archelaus of Mesopotamia
Bl Daniel of Villiers

St Pope Dionysius (Died 268) Bishop of Rome from 22 July 259 to his death on 26 December 268. According to early Church records, Dionysius was the first Pope not Martyred for his Faith.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/26/saint-of-the-day-26-december-st-pope-dionysius-died-268/

St Euthymius of Sardis
St Evaristo

Blessed Giovanni Orsini (1333-1411) Cardinal Archbishop of Turin for forty-seven year! Reformer both socially and within the Church, Apostle of the poor and needy, carer of Monasteries Convents and the Religious who inhabited them. No images of this holy man have been found. The Shrine pictured below, is described in the last paragraph and resides at the Cathedral in Turin.
The Life of a True Shepherd:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/26/saint-of-the-day-26-december-blessed-giovanni-orsini-1333-1411-cardinal-archbishop/

Bl Jean of Hainaut
St Margaret of Hohenfels
Bl Marinus of Rome
Bl Paganus of Lecco
Bl Pierre Boffet
St Tathai of Wales
St Theodore the Sacristan (Died c560)
St Zeno of Gaza

St Pope Zosimus (Died 418) Bishop of Rome from 18 March 417 to his death on 26 December 418, Confessor. Greek by birth, his short Pontificate was characterised by serious conflicts with the Bishops of Gaul and those of Africa.
St Zosimus’ Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/26/saint-of-the-day-saint-pope-zosimus-died-418/

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 25 December – Saint Eugenia (Died c258) Virgin Martyr of Rome.

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 25 December – Saint Eugenia (Died c258) Virgin Martyr of Rome. Born in Rome and died there by being martyred. Also known as – Eugenia of Alexandria.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, in the Cemetery of Apronian, St Eugenia, virgin. In the time of the Emperor Gallienus, after working many miracles and gathering to Christ, troops of sacred virgins and after long combats under Nicetius, Prefect of the City, she was finally put to the sword.”

Eugenia was the daughter of the Roman nobleman Philip, who, by order of the Emperor Commodus, was appointed as the Prefect of Alexandria in Egypt, a post he accepted and travelled to that City with his entire family.

In Alexandria, Eugenia refused marriage to Aquilius, the Consul’s son and, aided by the eunuchs Saints Protus and Hyacinthus, her guardians, she secretly entered a Monastery, then an all-male Monastery, dressed as a man.

Her family believed her missing and grieved her possible death. In the Monastery, disguised and under the name of Eugenius, she distinguished herself by exceptional virtues, for which the Monks elected her their Abbot.

A noble matron, Melanthia, attracted by Eugenia’s reputation for sanctity, wanted to meet the Abbot but fell in love with her, unaware that she was a woman.

Rejected, Melanthia, filled with hatred, denounced the Abbot for immoral advances. A trial began during which Eugenia’s true identity was revealed, to the great joy of the family, who immediately converted to Christianity.
Her father, Philip, distinguished himself for helping the poor, to the point that the Alexandrians appointed him as the Bishop of the City. The new Prefect had him killed because he was a Christian.

The rest of the family then returned to Rome, where Eugenia’s mother, Claudia, established a shelter for widows and Eugenia assisted her and by her great virtue and piety attraced many disciples. Among them, a certain Bassilla, a relative of the Emperor Gallienus, was entrusted to the Saints Protus and Hyacinthus for a Christian education. Bassilla then, disiring to consecrate her virginity to the Lord rejected marriage. But her betrothed, Pompeius, took reveng by denouncing everyone to the Emperor, who had Bassilla, Protus and Hyacinthus killed and then, on 25 December, Eugenia too. Her mother, Claudia followed shortly thereafter.

Eugenia is certainly a Roman Martyr and her Tomb is near that of Protus Hycianth and Bassilla. A Basilica was built over her Tomb and she is depicted in mosaics in Ravenna, Naples and in Greece.

Today, her Relics rest in the Roman Church of the Holy Apostles. Her name is of Greek origin and means ‘well-born.‘

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Christmas Day! The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ and Feasts of the Saints – 25 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Day! Naturally a Holy Day of Obligation.
Celebration of the Anniversary of the Birth of Our Lord. In the earliest days of the Church there was no such Feast, the Saviour’s Birth was commemorated with the Epiphany by the Greek and other Eastern Churches. First mention of the Feast, then kept on 20 May, was made by St Clement of Alexandria in c200. In c300, the Latin Church began to observe 25 December, although there is no certainty that Our Lord was born on that day.
Today, Priests have the privilege of saying three Masses, at midnight, daybreak and morning. This was originally reserved to the Holy Father alone – beginning about the 4th Century he celebrated a midnight Mass in the St Saviour’s Lateran Basilica (in which the Manger of Bethlehem is preserved), a second in the Church of Saint Anastasia, whose Feast comes on 25 December and a third at the St Peter’s Vatican Basilica.
Many peculiar customs of the day are the outcome of the pagan celebrations of the January calendar. The Christmas tree, of which the first known mention was made in 1605 at Strasbourg, was introduced into France and England in 1840.
The Feast is a Holy Day of Obligation, preceded by the preparatory season of Advent and by a special Vigil – should it fall on a Friday it abrogates the law of abstinence. Of course, Christmas attracts an Octave, when this wonderful Mystery and Miracle is celebrated for eight days. How glorious and grateful we are, Deo Gratias!
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/25/the-solemnity-of-the-nativity-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-25-december-2/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/25/the-solemnity-of-the-nativity-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-25-december/
AND:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/25/25-december-the-solemnity-of-the-birth-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-2/

St Adalsindis of Hamay
St Alburga of Wilton

St Anastasia (Died 304) Widow, Martyr of Sirmium (modern Serbia). She is one of seven women who, along with Blessed Virgin Mary, are commemorated by name in the Roman Canon of the Mass.
Her Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/12/25/saint-of-the-day-25-december-saint-anastasia-of-sirmium-died-304-widow-martyr/

Bl Artale
St Basilée of the Via Latina

Blessed Bentivoglio de Bonis OFM (1188-1232) Confessor, Priest and Friar of the Friars’ Minor of St Francis, Noted preachers, Miracle worker and visionary. One of Saint Francis of Assisi’s earliest disciples and one of first Franciscans.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/25/saint-of-the-day-25-december-blessed-bentivoglio-de-bonis-ofm-1188-1232-confessor-priest/

Bl Diego de Aro
St Eugenia (Died c258) Virgin Martyr of Rome

St Fulk (c1155-1231) Bishop of Toulouse, France, a fierce and untiring Defender of the Faith against heresies, Musician, Composer and Lyricist, Poet, Born in c1155 at Genoa, Italy and died in 1231 in Toulouse of natural causes.
A Talented and Zealous Shepherd:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/25/saint-of-the-day-25-december-saint-fulk-of-toulouse-c1155-1231-bishop/

Blessed Jacopone da Todi OFM (1230-1306) Priest and Friar of the Order of the Friars Minor, Author of the “Stabat Mater,” Confessor, Hymnist, Poet, Musician, Mystic, Lawyer. He is the Author of the famous Latin Hymn, The Stabat Mater among others.
Wonderfully talented Blessed Jacopone:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/25/saint-of-the-day-25-december-blessed-jacopone-da-todi-ofm-1230-1306/

St Jovin of the Via Latina
Bl Matthew of Albano
Bl Michael Nakashima Saburoemon
Bl Nera

Blessed Peter the Venerable (c1092–1156) The Eighth Abbot of Cluny, Reformer, Scholar and Writer, Poet. He was Beatified in 1862 by Pope Pius IX.
About Blessed Peter:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/25/saint-of-the-day-25-december-blessed-peter-the-venerable-c%e2%80%891092-1156/

St Romulus of Berry

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 24 December – St Euthymius (Died c303) Martyr

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 24 December – St Euthymius (Died c303) Martyr of Nicomedia in Asia Minor.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Nicomedia, during the persecution of Diocletian, St Euthymius, Martyr, who encouraged and inspired many before him to hold firmly to their Faith during tortures. Being pierced with a sword, he followed them to share their Crowns.” [The image below is St Ste[hen the 1st Martyr].

During the verocious persecutions of Diocletian, Euthymius encouraged Christians to display firm and courageous witness to their faith in Christ and ensured their holy Christian burial to Martyrs.

For this he was in turn arrested and executed for his enduring and loving faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The NATIVITY of JESUS

The Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, The final day of the Christmas Novenas and Feast Days of the Saints 

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The Vigil of the Nativity oL Our Lord Jesus Christ
Midnight Mass is the first Liturgy of Christmastide which is celebrated on the night of Christmas Eve, traditionally beginning at midnight when Christmas Eve gives way to Christmas Day. This popular Christmas custom is a jubilant celebration of the Mass in honour of the Nativity of Jesus Christ.

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus
By St Alphonsus,
THE NINTH DAY

The Miraculous Monthly Novena to the
Infant Jesus of Prague
The Ninth Day

All the Holy Ancestors of Christ – A commemoration of all the holy ancestors of Jesus Christ.
MORE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/24/24-december-vigil-of-the-nativity-of-the-lord-mass-at-midnight-and-memorials-of-the-saints-24-december/

St Caran of Scotland

St Delphinus (Died 403) the 2nd Bishop of Bordeaux, Defender of the True Faith, friend of St Ambrose and St Venerius of Milan. He was also instrumental in the conversion of the great St Paulinus of Nola, becoming his spiritual father and teacher.
Holy and Learned St Delphinus:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/24/saint-of-the-day-24-december-saint-delphinus-of-bordeaux-died-403-bishop/

St Euthymius (Died c303) Martyr of Nicomedia

St Gregory (Died c304) Priest Martyr. Died in Spoleto, Italy after many tortures.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Spoleto, the holy Priest, Gregory. In the time of the Emperors Diocletian and Maximian, he was first beaten with rough clubs and then, after being exposed on the gridiron and improised, was struck on the knees with iron carding instrucments, burned on the sides with firebrands and finally, beheaded.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/12/24/saint-of-the-day-24-december-saint-gregory-of-spoleto-died-c304-priest-martyr/

St Hanno OSB (Died 978) Bishop of Worms from 950 until his death.
St Hanno:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/24/saint-of-the-day-24-december-saint-hanno-of-worms-osb-died-978/

St Irmina (Died c716) Virgin Princess, Nun, Abbess, Founder and Co-founder of 2 Monasteries, benefactress of St Willibrord, the great Missionary Saint of Germany. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Trier in Austrasia, in Germany, Saint Irmina, Abbess of the Monastery of Öhren, who, a virgin consecrated to God, gave Saint Willibrord a small Monastery she founded in her villa in Echternach and was a generous giver of her goods.”
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/24/saint-of-the-day-24-december-saint-irmina-of-oehren-died-c-716/

St Mochua of Timahoe

St Trasilla (6th Century) Virgin, Aunt of Saint Pope Gregory the Great (540-604)
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, the birthday of the holy Virgin, Trasilla, Aunt of St Gregory, Pope, who writs of her that at the hour of her death, she saw Jesus coming to her.”
St Trasilla’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/24/saint-of-the-day-24-december-st-trasilla-sixth-century-virgin/

Blessed Mercedarian Brother:
Blessed Dionysius Roneo
Blessed Philip Claro
Blessed Giulio Pons
Blessed Peter of Valladolid

Blessed Mercedarian Sisters:
Blessed Anna Maria Prieto
Blessed Anna de Arrano
Blessed Orsola de Larisgoizia
Blessed Maguna Mary
Blessed Margaret
Blessed Mary of the Assumption Sarria

Martyred Maidens of Antioch – 40 Saints: A group of forty Virgins Martyred in the persecutions of Decius. None of their names have come down to us. They were martyred in 250 in Antioch, Syria.

Martyrs of Tripoli – 6 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together, date unknown. The only details that have survived are six of the names – Drusus, Lucian, Metrobius, Paul, Theotimus and Zenobius. They were martyred in Tripoli, Libya.

Posted in INCORRUPTIBLES, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day –23 December – Saint Victoria (Died c250) Virgin Martyr

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day –23 December – Saint Victoria (Died c250) Virgin Martyr of Rome. Born in Rome and died there by being stabbed through the heart. Many believe her body is incorrupt but I can find no conclusive evidence.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, the holy virgin Victoria, a Martyr in the persecution of Emperor Decius. She had been promised in marriage to a pagan names Eugene but because she refused to marry him and to offer sacrifices to idols and because, by working many miracles, she brought many to the service of God, she was at the request of her betrothed, stabbed in the heart with a sword by the executioner.”

Victoria was a Christian noblewoman. She, was forced into an arranged betroyal to a pagan nobleman. Desiring to devote and consecrate herself entirely to God rather than marry, she refused all connections with any man.

Upon this refusal, her suitor denounced her as Christians to the authorities under the persecution of Roman Emperor Decius. Victoria was seized and put under house arrest in order to break her courageous resistance and faith and convince her to marry. Instead of weakening, her faith in Christ, by His grace, became more resolute.

While under house arrest she sold all of her belongings, gave the proceeds to the poor and inspired and converted many young virgins as well as the servants and guards to Christianity.

This so infuriated her rejected suitor, Eugene, he demanded immediate death by stabbing. She was stabbed through the heart. Below is her body in her Shrine in Rome.

St Victoria’s Shrine
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Notre-Dame de Ardilliers / Our Lady of Ardilliers (1454), Day 8 Christmas Novenas and Feasts of the Saints – 23 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus
By St Alphonsus
THE EIGHTH DAY

The Monthly Novena to the
Miraculous Infant of Prague
The Eighth Day

Notre-Dame de Ardilliers de Saumur / Our Lady of Ardilliers, Saumur, Anjou, France (1454) – 23 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/23/notre-dame-de-ardilliers-de-saumur-our-lady-of-ardilliers-saumur-anjou-france-1454-and-memorials-of-the-saints-23-december/

St Besa (5th Century) Abbot, a wise, compassionate and effective administrator, shepherd of the surrounding peoples Besa was the Senior Abbot of more than one double Monastery in the desert region of Thebes in Egypt.
St Besa’s Devoted Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-saint-besa-of-egypt-5th-century-abbot/

Unknown Monks

St Bincema
St Dagobert II of Austrasia


St Frithbert (Died 766) Bishop of Hexham, England. He serving his Diocese for 32 years and administering Lindisfarne.
His Life of Grace:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-saint-frithbert-of-hexham-died-766-bishop/

Blessed Hartmann OSA (c1090-1164) Bishop of Brixen, Italy and Friar of the Hermits of St Augustine, Reformer of the Clergy, Advisor and Confessor to the Holy Roman Emperor, Leopold I, Miracle-worker.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-bl-essed-hartmann-osa-c-1090-1164-bishop/

St Ivo (c1040-1115) Bishop of Chartres, France from 1090 until his death, Confessor, Reformer, Defender of the Faith, Lawyer, Canon Lawyer, Teacher and Theologian, Writer. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Chartres in France, Saint Ivo, Bishop, who re-established the Order of the Canons and did much work and wrote to promote harmony between the clergy and the civil powers and for the good of the Church.”
Ardent Holy Ivo:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-saint-ivo-of-chartres-c-1040-1115/

St John Cirita
St John Stone
St Mardonius of Rome
St Mazota of Abernethy
St Migdonius of Rome

Blessed Nicolás Factor-Estaña OFM (1520-1583) Priest of the Order of Friars Minor, Painter, Preacher, Ascestic, Spiritual Director.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-blessed-nicolas-factor-estana-ofm-1520-1583/

St Servulus (Died c590) Beggar, paralysed by Palsy from birth. Saint Servulus was a perfect model of submission to the Divine Will; it would be difficult to offer a more consoling example to persons afflicted by poverty, illnesses and the other miseries of life. It is Saint Gregory the Great who narrates for us his edifying tale.
St Servulus’ Life of devotion:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-saint-servulus-died-c-590/

Martyrs of Crete – 10 Saints: A group of ten Christians who died in the persecutions of Decius. They were – Agathopus • Basilides • Cleomenes • Eunician • Euporus • Evaristus • Gelasius • Saturninus • Theodulus • Zeticus They were martyred in 250 on the island of Crete.

St Victoria (Died c250) Virgin Martyr of Rome

Posted in "Follow Me", GOD ALONE!, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SACRED HEART QUOTES, SAINT of the DAY, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 22 December – St Frances Xavier Cabrini

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 22 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Feast Day of St Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917)

“I trust in Thee, my Jesus.
I place my poor soul
in Thy Hands –
mould me according
to Thy Divine Will.”

“Work in me, oh adorable Heart of Jesus
because Thou knowest well,
how incapable I am of doing perfectly
everything which Thou wishes of me.”

“My God, Thou hast created me for Thyself
and I must serve Thee with all my being.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/22/quote-s-of-the-day-22-december-st-frances-xavier-cabrini/

St Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917)

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 22 December – Saint Ischyrion (Died c250) Martyr

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 22 December – Saint Ischyrion (Died c250) Martyr of Alexandria, Officier of the Imperial Army in Egypt. Also known as – Ischirione

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Alexandria, the holy Martyr, Ischyrion. Because he despised all the cruelties they made him suffer to force him to sacrifice to idols, they transpierced his bowels with a sharp pointed stake and thus put him to death.”

Ischyrion was a subordinate Officer serving under a Magistrate in Egypt. His master commanded him to offer sacrifice to the idols and because he refused to commit that sacrilege, reproached him in the most abusive and threatening language.

Giving way to passion and superstition, the Commanding Officer at length worked himself up to such a degree of frenzy as to run a stake into the entrails of the meek servant of Christ, who by his patient constancy attained to the glory of Martyrdom.

Reflection: It is not a man’s terrestrial condition but his virtue which can make him truly great and truly happy. However lowly a person’s station or circumstances may be, the road to both greatness and happiness, is open to him. And, there is not a servant or slave, whom God will not sustain, if he is enflamed with the laudable ambition of arriving at the summit of Christian perfection. (Rev Fr Alban Butler).

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

St Thomas, Apostle; Christmas Novenas,; Notre-Dame de Chartres / Our Lady of Chartres / The Chartres Pilgrimage) (1935) and the Saints for 22 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The Feast of St Thomas, Apostle of Christ, Martyr
His Feast was moved to 3 July in 1969
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/03/saint-of-the-day-feast-of-st-thomas-apostle-of-christ/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/03/feast-of-st-thomas-apostle-of-christ-martyr-3-july/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/03/saint-of-the-day-3-july-st-thomas-the-apostle-of-christ/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-feast-of-st-thomas-apostle-of-christ-martyr/

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

The Monthly Novena to the
Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague
The Seventh Day

Notre-Dame de Chartres / Our Lady of Chartres, (Pèlerinage de Chartres / The Chartres Pilgrimage) Mother of Youth (1935): also known as the Pilgrimage of Christendom, has been gathering thousands of people on the Solemnity of Pentecost for a three-day trek from the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris to the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Chartres:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/22/notre-dame-de-chartres-our-lady-of-chartres-pelerinage-de-chartres-the-chartres-pilgrimage-mother-of-youth-1935-and-memorials-of-the-saints-22-december/

St Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917) – Italian-American Religious Sister, who founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She was the first naturalised citizen of the United States to be Canonised on 7 July 1946 by Pope Pius XII.
Holy St Frances:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-st-frances-xavier-cabrini-m-s-c-1850-1917/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-st-frances-xavier-cabrini-1850-1917-virgin/

St Abban of New Ross
Bl Adam of Saxony
St Amaswinthus of Málaga
St Athernaise of Fife
St Bertheid of Münster
St Chaeremon of Nilopolis

St Flavian (Died 363) Martyr Layman, Prefect of Imperial Rome, Husband of Saint Dafrosa, Father of Saint Bibiana and Saint Demetria. The Roman Martyrology states: “At Rome, ex-Prefect, who, under Julian the Apostate, was condemned to be branded for Christ and banished to Aquae Taurinae, where he gave up his soul to God in prayer.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-saint-flavian-of-acquapendente-died-363-martyr/

St Honoratus (3rd Century) Bishop the 2nd Bishop of Toulouse, France.
His Devoted Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-saint-honoratus-of-toulouse-3rd-century-bishop/

St Hungerus Frisus (Died 866) Bishop of Utrecht
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-saint-hungerus-frisus-of-utrecht-died-866/

Painting by Fra Angelico

St Ischyrion (Died c250) Martyr of Alexandria

Blessed Jutta OSB (c1084-1136) Nun of the Benedictine Order, Foundress and Abbess, Spiritual Director (most notably of St Hildegard of Bingen), Mystic, miracle worker.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-blessed-jutta-of-disibodenberg-osb-c-1084-1136/

Bl Ottone of Toulouse

Blessed Thomas Holland SJ (1600-1642) Priest of the Society of Jesus and Martyr. of England and Wales. With eyes closed in prayer, Fr Holland looked at a Priest secretly in the crowd and received absolution. After he was hanged, his body was beheaded and quartered and exposed on London Bridge. Fr Holland was only forty-two years of age and a Jesuit for eighteen years. Pope Pius XI Beatified him on 15 December 1929.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-blessed-thomas-holland-sj-1600-1642-priest-and-martyr-his-faith-was-his-crime/

St Zeno of Nicomedia (Died c303) Martyr, Roman Commander.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Nicomedia, St Zeno, soldier, who derided Diocletian for sacrificing to Ceres, wherefore, he had his jawbone fractured, his teeth plucked out and his head struck off.”
St Zeno’s Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-saint-zeno-of-nicomedia-died-303-martyr/

Martyrs of Ostia – 3 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together. The only details about them to survive are three names – Demetrius, Florus and Honoratus. They were martyred at Ostia, Italy.

Martyrs of Rhaitu – 43 Saints: 43 Monks Martyred by Blemmyes, in Raíthu, Egypt, date unknown.

Martyrs of Via Lavicana – 30 Saints: A group of 30 Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. Died in c 303 in Rome, Italy and were buried between two bay trees on the Via Lavicana outside Rome.

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Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 21 December – St Baudacarius (Died 650) Monk

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 21 December – St Baudacarius (Died 650) Monk at the Monastery of St Columban in Bobbio, Provincia di Piacenza, Emilia-Romagna, Italy, Miracle-worker. Also known as – Baudachariu.

Bobbio Monastery

Baudacarius lived during the time of Abbot St Bertulf (Died 640) and was one of the 25 Monks whose Relics are venerated in the Crypt of the Basilica of St Columban.

Jonah, his cotemporary, recounts that, as he was the guardian of the Monastery’s vineyards and was unable to keep away the birds and other animals which were damaging the vines, 30 of his fellow Monks were sent to help him. One day, to feed them all, he multiplied the only loaf of bread he had.

Baudacarius died around 650; his Relics were transferred on 16 March 1482. He is remembered on 21 December and 31 October in Bobbio.

St Columban’s Tomb at Bobbio Cathedral
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

ADVENT IV, Novenas, Notre-Dame de Saint-Acheul / Our Lady of Saint Acheul, Amiens, France (4th Century) and Memorials of the Saints – 21 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

ADVENT IV (St Thomas will be celebrated tomorrow)

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus
By St Alphonsus – THE SIXTH DAY

The Monthly Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague
The Sixth Day

Notre-Dame de Saint-Acheul / Our Lady of Saint Acheul, Amiens, France, founded by Saint Firmin, Bishop (4th Century) – 21 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/21/feast-of-st-thomas-apostle-of-christ-christmas-novena-to-the-christ-child-day-six-notre-dame-de-saint-acheul-our-lady-of-saint-acheul-amiens-france-4th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

Bl Adrian of Dalmatia

St Anastasius II (Died 609) Bishop of Antioch and Martyr, Confessor, Defender of the Faith.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-saint-anastasius-ii-of-antioch/

St Baudacarius (Died 650) Monk in Bobbio, Italy
St Beornwald (8th Century) Priest of Bampton, England. No further information has survived.
Bl Bezela of Göda

Blessed Daniel of the Annunciation OdeM Mercedarian Friar. Daniel was a Mercedarian Friar at the Monastery of Santa Maria della Pace in Naples, Italy. He was a staunch defender of the freedom of the Church from state control and of his Order.(13th Century?)
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-blessed-daniel-of-the-annunciation-odem/

St Dioscorus

Blessed Dominic Spadafora OP (1450-1521) Dominican Priest, renowned Preacher and Evangelist. His body is incorrupt.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-blessed-dominic-spadafora-op-1450-1521/

St Festus of Tuscany
St Glycerius of Nicomedia
St James of Valencia O.deM. (Died 1362) Martyr
St John of Tuscany
St John Vincent

St Severin (Died c300) Bishop of Trèves, Confessor, Defender of the Faith, Missionary and Apostle to the Germans in the lower Moselle region.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/10/15/saint-of-the-day-15-october-saint-severus-of-trier-died-c455-bishop-and-confessor/

Bl Sibrand of Marigård
St Themistocles of Lycia

Blessed Tommaso Vitali OSM (1425-1490) Priest and Friar of the Order of the Servants of Mary (the Servites), a renowned and highly effective Preacher and patient spiritual guide.
The Life of a True Shepherd:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-blessed-tommaso-vitali-osm-1425-1490-priest/

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 20 December – St Paul (Died c956) Abbot

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 20 December – St Paul (Died c956) Abbot, Hermit on Mount Latrus near the City of Miletus in Caria (now western Turkey). Born in Pergamon in modern Turkey and died in Samos, Greece in 956 .

van Staveren, Jan Adriaensz.; A Hermit at Prayer

Paul spent most of his religious life as a Hermit on Mount Latrus. He later founded a Monastery there and became its Abbot. He is regarded as the spiritual father of many Monks.

Paul generally avoided the powerful and preferred the company of the humble and meek who sought him out for spiritual counsel but he received letters from Tsar Peter I of Bulgaria and wrote to the Emperor urging the removal of Manichaeans heretics from the territories.

Paul was indefatigable in the exercise of holy prayer and having no other desire than to gain Heaven, laboured seriously to subdue his body by mortification. He never lay himself down to sleep but only leaned his head against a stone or tree. No unprofitable word was ever heard from his mouth and the sight of the fire, which put him in mind of hell, drew tears from his eyes without intermission whenever he was employed in the kitchen.

Towards the end of his life he drew up rules for his Monastery. On the 6th of December in 956, foreseeing his death draw near, he came down from his cell, said Holy Mass earlier than usual, then took to his bed, being seized with a violent fever. He spent his last moments in prayer and in repeating tender instructions to his Monks until his happy death.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

VIGIL OF ST THOMAS, APOSTLE

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

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

The Monthly Novena to the Miraculous
Infant Jesus of Prague
The Fifth Day

Notre-Dame de Bon Retour à Île-Molène / Our Lady of Molene, France (1075) – 20 December
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/20/notre-dame-de-bon-retour-a-ile-molene-our-lady-of-molene-france-1075-christmas-novena-day-five-and-memorials-of-the-saints-20-december/

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

St Dominic de Silos OSB (1000-1073) Abbot. He was a Spanish Monk, to whom the Abbey of Santo Domingo de Silos, where he served as the Abbot, is dedicated. The mother of the better-known Saint Dominic de Guzmán, the Blessed Joan of Aza, prayed at his Shrine before she was able to conceive the son she named for him. That son would grow up to found the Dominican Order. Dominic’s special patronage thus became connected with pregnancy and until the establishment of the Second Spanish Republic in 1931, his abbatial crozier was used to bless the queens of Spain and was placed by their beds when they were in labour.
His Namesake is more Renowned than he is:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/20/saint-of-the-day-20-december-st-dominic-de-silos-o-s-b-c1000-1073/

St Eugene of Arabia

St Hoger (Died 916) Bishop of Hamburg-Bremen in Saxony, modern Germany. Hoger was a Reformer and strict disciplinarian of the Clergy.
About St Hoger:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/12/20/saint-of-the-day-20-december-st-hoger-died-916-bishop/

Bl John de Molina
St Julius of Gelduba
Bl Lorenzo Company
St Liberatus of Rome
St Macarius of Arabia
St Malou Priest at Hautvillers, Marne, France. No other information has survived.
St Paul (Died c956) Hermit of Latra, Greece
Blessed Peter de la Cadireta

Blessed Peter Massalenus (1375-1453) Monk, Mystic
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/20/saint-of-the-day-20-december-blessed-peter-massalenus-1375-1453-monk/

St Philogonius (Died 324) Bishop of Antioch, Widower, Lawyer. Defender of the true Faith against Arianism, in fact, he was one of the first to publicly denounce the heresy, Defender of the people against persecution, Ascetic.
His Courageous Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/20/saint-of-the-day-20-december-saint-philogonius-of-antioch-died-324/

St Thomas of Dover

St Ursicinus of Saint-Ursanne (c552-c625) Abbot, Hermit, disciple of St Columban (543-615).  Born in c552 in either France or Ireland and died on 20 December in c625 near modern St-Ursanne, Jura, Switzerland of natural causes. Patronages – against stiff neck, Besançon in France, in Switzerland – Basel, Saint-Ursanne.
A Saint Patron against a Stiff Neck!:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/20/saint-of-the-day-20-december-saint-ursicinus-of-saint-ursanne-c552-c625-abbot/

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 19 December – St Avitus (Died c530) Abbot

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 19 December – St Avitus (Died c530) Abbot of Saint-Mesmin de Micy Abbey near Orleans and later at his own Monastery now called St Avy of Chateau-dun. St Avitus was renowned for demonstrating the grace of prophecy. Also known as – Adjutus, Avit, Avy. Additional Memorial – 17 June on some calendars.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Orleans, St Avitus, an Abbot renowned for the spirit of prophecy.”

Micy Abbey: drawing by Louis Boudan, 1707

Avitus was a native of Orleans and retiring into Auvergne, took the monastic habit together with St Calais in the Abbey of Menat, at that time very small; though afterwards enriched by Queen Brunehault and by St Boner, the Bishop of Clermont.

The two Saints soon after returned to Micy, a famous Abbey situated on the Loiret, a league and a half below Orleans. It was founded towards the end of the reign of Clovis I. by St Euspicius a holy Priest and his nephew, St Maximin, or Mesmin, whose name this Monastery, which is now of the Cistercian order bears.

Many call St Maximin the 1st Abbot, others St Euspicius the 1st, St Maximin the 2nd and St Avitus the 3rd. But our Saint and St Calais, did not remain very long at Mici, although St Maximin gave them a gracious reception.

In quest of a closer union with God, Avitus, who had succeeded St Maximin, soon after resigned the Abbacy, as Lethuld, a learned Monk of Micy, assures us and, with St Calais lived as Hermits in the territory now called Dunois, on the frontiers of la Perche.

Others joining them, St Calais retired into a forest in Maine and King Clotaire built a Church and Monastery for St Avitus and his companions. This is at present a Carmelite Nunnery called St Avy of Chateau-dun and is situated on the Loire at the foot of the hill on which the Town of Chateau-dun is built, in the Diocese of Chartres.

Three famous Monks, Leobin, afterwards Bishop of Chartres, Euphronius and Rusticus, attended our Saint to his happy death which happened about the year 530. His body was carried up the Loire to Orleans and buried with great pomp in that City. A Church was built over his Tomb which still subsists and his Feast is kept in Orleans, Paris and in other places.

Some distinguish St Avitus Abbot of Micy from the Abbot of Chateau-dun but all circumstances show that it was the same holy man who retired from Mici into the territory of Chateau-dun. See the life of St Avitus published by Henschenius in 1701 and also the New Paris Breviary on the 17th of June.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Ember Friday, Nuestra Señora de Toledo (The Chasuble of St Ildephonsus) (657), Christmas Novenas and Memorials of the Saints – 19 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

EMBER FRIDAY – FAST & ABSTINENCE

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus By St Alphonsus –
THE FOURTH DAY

The Monthly Novena to the Miraculous Infant of Prague
The Fourth Day

Nuestra Señora de Toledo (La Casulla de Santo Ildephonsus) / Our Lady of Toledo, Spain (The Chasuble of St Ildephonsus) (657) – 19 December:
This miraculous story here:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/19/the-fourth-sunday-of-advent-christmas-novena-to-the-christ-child-day-four-nuestra-senora-de-toledo-our-lady-of-toledo-spain-the-chasuble-of-st-ildephonsus-657-and-memorials-of-the-s/

Blessed Pope Urban V (1310-1370) Bishop of Rome from 28 September 1362 to his death in 1370, Priest, Benedictine Monk, Abbot, Canon lawyer, brilliant scholar, teacher.
About Blessed Pope Urban:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/19/saint-of-the-day-19-december-blessed-pope-urban-v-1310-1370/

St Adelaide (c1014-1091) Countess, Married Laywoman, mother of 5, widowed 3 times. Born in c1014 in Turin, Italy and died on 19 December 1091 also in Italy. Adelaide made donations to the Monasteries of Turin, founded the Monastery of Santa Maria at Pinerolo and received communication from many leading Ecclesiastical dignitaries of the day. She also furthered the processes of reform within the Church hierarchy.
Her Devoted Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/19/saint-of-the-day-19-december-saint-adelaide-of-susa-c1014-1091-widow/

St Avius (Died c530) Abbot of Saint-Mesmin de Micy Abbey near Orleans
Bl Berengar of Banares

St Berardo Valeara OSB (c1050-1122) Bishop of Teramo, Italy, Priest, Benedictine Monk at Monte Cassino, Reformer, Evangelist, Apostle of Charity and Peace.
His life:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/19/saint-of-the-day-st-berardo-valeara-of-teramo-osb-c-1050-1122/

St Boniface of Cilicia
Bl Cecilia of Ferrara
St Fausta of Sirmium

St Gregory (c455-c540) Bishop and Confessor of Auxerre, France, who reigned as the Bishop of that Diocese for nearly 13 years.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Auxerre, St Gregory, Bishop and Confessor.”
His Life of Service:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/12/19/saint-of-the-day-19-december-saint-gregory-of-auxerre-c455-c540-bishop-and-confessor/

St Jaume Boguñá Casanovas
St Johannes Gogniat
St Josep Albareda Ramoneda

St Manirus (c 700-824) Confessor, Bishop, Missionary. Manirus is venerated as one of the Apostles of northern Scotland.
His Life of Fervour:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/19/saint-of-the-day-19-december-saint-manirus-of-scotland-c-700-824-confessor-bishop/

St Meuris of Alexandria
St Nemesius of Alexandria
St Ribert of Saint-Oyend
St Thea of Alexandria
St Timothy the Deacon

Blessed William O.Cart. (1065-1120) Carthusian Monk, Hermit, Miracle-worker. Beatified on 29 March 1860 by Pope Pius IX (cultus confirmation).
His Pious Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/19/saint-of-the-day-19-december-blessed-william-of-fenoli-o-cart-1065-1120/

Blessed Mercedarian Fathers – (6 Beati): A group of Mercedarian Friars noted for their dedication to the Order’s Rule, for their continuous prayer life and their personal piety.
Blessed Bartolomeo of Podio
Blessed Giovanni of Verdera
Blessed Guglielmo de Gallinaris
Blessed Guglielmo of Prunera
Blessed Pietro of Benevento
Blessed Pietro of Gualba

Martyrs of Nicaea – (4 Saints): A group of Christians Martyred together. The only surviving details are four of their names – Darius, Paul, Secundus and Zosimus. They were martyred at Nicaea, Bithynia (modern Izmit, Turkey).

Martyrs of Nicomedia – 5 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little more than the names of five – Anastasius, Cyriacus, Paulillus, Secundus and Syndimius. They were martyred in 303 at Nicomedia, Asia Minor.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 18 December – Saint Desiderius (8th Century) Monk of Fontenelle i

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Saint of the Day – 18 December – Saint Desiderius (8th Century) Monk of Fontenelle in Normandy, France and a disciple of its Founder, St Wandrille. Also known as – Desideratus.

Illumination of Fontanelle, perhaps showing St Wandrille,the King and perhaps St Desiderius

The Abbey of Saint Wandrille of Fontenelle, located in Normandy, was founded in 667 by Saint Wandrille, who built it on land obtained through the intercession of his friend St Auden, Archbishop of Rouen.

We have some information about Desiderius in the text on the life of Saint Auden. This text recounts that Desideratus was the son of Saint Waning, the Founder of Fécamp Monastery, who, when he was an official at the Royal Court of Clotaire III, assisted Saint Wandrille in the construction of the Monastery of Fontanelle.

The young Desiderius was entrusted to the Founder of the Monastery of Fontanelle and became his disciple.
Desiderius was commemorated with his own cult in Fontanelle.

We do not know the year in which he died, while there is an historical trace of the translation of his Relics to Ghent in modern Belgium which took place in the year 859.

The remembrance of Saint Desideriud was fixed on his Feast Day, set for 18 December.

St Wandrille (c 605–668) Priest, Monk, Abbot:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/22/saint-of-the-day-22-july-st-wandrille-of-fontenelle-c-605-668/

The ruins of Fontanelle
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Novenas- Day Three, Our Lady of the Expectation and the Saints celebrated on 18 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Lady of the Expectation – This Feast originated in Spain. When the Feast of the Annunciation (25 March) was transferred to 18 December because of the regulation forbidding Feasts in Lent, it remained on this date after the Annunciation was again celebrated on its original date. It impressed on the faithful, the sentiments of the Blessed Virgin as the time of her delivery approached.
More about the Feast here:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/18/the-feast-of-our-lady-of-expectation-18-december/

Christmas Novena to the Christ Child – Day Three: THE THIRD DAY

The Monthly Novena to the Infant of Prague – LINK : The Third Day

St Auxentius (Died c 321) Bishop of Mopsuestia, Southern Turkey, ex-Office in the Roman Army.
A Shepherd’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/18/saint-of-the-day-18-december-saint-auxentius-of-mopsuetia-died-c-321-bishop/

St Basilian of Laodicea
St Bodagisil (Died c588) Abbot of Aquitaine
St Desiderius (8th Century) Monk of Fontenelle Monastery

St Flannán (7the Century) Bishop of Killaloe , Abbot, Missionary to the Hebrides Islands, renowned for his preaching.
His Zealous Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/18/saint-of-the-day-18-december-saint-flannan-of-killaloe-7th-century/

St Flavitus (Died 630) Priest, Hermit, Miracle-worker:
His Life of Mortifications and Holiness:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/18/saint-of-the-day-18-december-st-flavitus-died-630-priest-hermit/

St Gatian of Tours (c251-301) The founding Bishop of the See of Tours, Missionary..
St Gatian’s Mission:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/18/saint-of-the-day-18-december-saint-gatian-of-tours-c-251-301/


St Mawnan of Cornwall – He is included in various calendars in the British Isles. A Town in the County of Cornwall is named in his memory. No reliable information about his life has survived.
St Rufus of Philippi +

St Samthann (Died 739) Virgin, Founder Abbess of the Monastery she had founded, Clonbroney. Born in Ireland and died at her Convent Clonbroney in 739.
Her Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/12/18/saint-of-the-day-18-december-saint-samthann-died-739-virgin-abbess/

St Theotimus of Laodicea– Martyr. No further information has survived.

St Winebald OSB (c701-761) Benedictine Priest, Abbot, Confessor, Missionary, Founder of many Monasteries, disciple of St Boniface.
St Winebald’s Fervent Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/18/saint-of-the-day-18-december-saint-winebald-osb-c-701-761/

St Zosimus of Philippi+

Mercedarians Redeemers – Also known as “Blessed Redentori.”
A group of Mercedarian Friars who worked together, under the leadership of Saint Peter de Amer, to ransom prisoners and minister to them after.
Blessed Bernardo de Pratis
Blessed Giacomo de Lara
Blessed Louis Gasco
Blessed Peter de Quesada
Blessed Peter of Barcelona
Blessed William de Quadres

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

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 17 December – Saint Yolanda (c1231-c1283) OP Virgin,

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 17 December – Saint Yolanda (c1231-c1283) OP Virgin, Nun of the Order of Preachers, the daughter of the Count of Vianden. Also known as – Yolande, Iolanda, … of Vianden.

Yolanda life is famously recorded in the epic poem “Yolanda von Vianden” written by Friar Hermann of Veldenz OP which is one of only two works we have from him, the other being a prose account Vita of her life.

This poem recounts how, as a young girl, she wished to
become a Nun but her parents wished her to make a good marriage. Indeed, her mother had hoped to arrange a marriage to the noble Walram of Monschau, in order to consolidate the influence of the Counts of Vianden, especially in their relations with the Counts of Luxembourg.

In 1245, when Yolanda was 14, her mother, the Marchioness Marguerite of Courteney, brought Yolanda along as her companion on a visit to the Dominican Monastery of Marienthal, where Yolanda unexpectedly fled into the protection of its cloister and gained admission as a Novice.

A year later, in 1236, her mother returned, now with the armed support of several noblemen, threatening to destroy the Monastery unless Yolanda agreed to leave. The girl was thus persuaded to return to Vianden where her parents once again attempted to change her wishes by keeping her in Vianden Castle. But Yolanda did not waver. If anything, she became more steadfast and reinforced in her views through discussions with well-known Dominican Friars such as Walter von Meisemburg and St. Albertus Magnus.

Finally, even her mother relented and agreed that Yolanda should return to Marienthal. Entering a life of prayer and charity, Yolanda developed in her monastic life through the years and, in 1258, was eventually elected the Monastery’s Prioress. She remained there until hr death 25 years later in c1283. Her mother also joined the Monastery after the death of her husband during a Crusade (1252).

There is little remaining evidence of the life of Yolanda apart from a skull, said to be hers which is displayed at the Church of the Trinitarians in Vianden. As the monastery was closed in the 18th Century, there is no trace of her there today.

Yolanda’s steadfast resolve to leave the riches and privileges of the nobility in favouur of an austere and devout life in a monastery was as sensational as it was inspiring. ,no doubt explains why Friar Hermann was inspired to write her life story and why she has become such a revered Saint, above all, for Luxembourgish women.

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

Ember Wednesday, Our Lady of the Earthquake, Basilicata, Italy (1857), Novenas, St Lazarus and Feasts of the Saints – 17 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus
By St Alphonsus – The Second Day:
LINK HERE:
THE SECOND DAY

The Monthly Novena to the Infant of Prague
LINK to The Second Day: The Second Day

Madonna del Terremoto (Madonna del Carmine) / Our Lady of the Earthquake, Paterno, Potenza, Basilicata, Italy (1857) – 17 December. (As Patron-Our Lady of Carmel – 26 July):
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/17/christmas-novena-ember-day-madonna-del-terremoto-madonna-del-carmine-our-lady-of-the-earthquake-paterno-potenza-basilicata-italy-1857-and-memorials-of-the-saints-17-december/

St Lazarus of Bethany (1st Century) Friend and Disciple of Jesus, raised to life by Jesus after having been in his tomb for 4 days, brother of Sts Martha and Mary of Bethany, Bishop of Marseilles, France, Missionary. Died by being beheaded in the 1st century in a cave near Marseilles, France. Sources differ on whether or not St Lazarus suffered Martyrdom for Christ.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-saint-lazarus-of-bethany-1st-century-friend-amd-disciple-of-jesus/
https://youtu.be/2lKQxnddtc0?list=PL5_ax08Z6UX_mLioFoTdw7kxsvLEwe9s5

St Begga of Ardenne (c613-693) Widow, Mother of 3 children, Founder of Churches and a Monastery of which she became the first Abbess. Patronages – Ardenne, against stuttering and of stutterers.
he Roman Martyrology reads: “At Ardenne, at the Seven Churches, St Begga Widow, sister of St Gertrude of Nivelles.”
St Begga’s Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-saint-begga-of-ardenne-c613-693-widow/

St Briarch (Died 627) Abbot, Priest, Missionary, Founder of the Monastery of Bourbriac from which a village grew (Briarch Village), Hermit. Patronages – against epilepsy, against mental illness, against headaches.
Zealous St Briarch:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-st-briarch-died-627-abbot-priest/

St Judicaël
St Maxentiolus
St Modestus of Jerusalem

St Olympias (c361-365 – 408) Childless Widow, Deaconess in Constantinople, friend of St John Chrysostom, Apostle of charity and Founder of a Convent, hospital and an orphanage, Defender of the true faith.
About St Olympias:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-st-olympias-of-constantinople-c-361-365-408/

Bl Peter of Spain

St Sturmi OSB (c705-779) Abbot, Priest, Monk, Missionary, disciple of Saint Boniface and Founder and first Abbot of the Benedictine Monastery and Abbey of Fulda. Known as “The Apostle of the Saxons,” “The Apostle of Germany.”
About St Sturmi:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-saint-sturmi-of-fulda-c-705-779/

St Tydecho

St Wivina (1103-c 1170) Virgin, Abbess
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-saint-wivina-1103-c-1170-virgin-abbess/

St Yolanda (c1231-c1283) OP Virgin, Nun of the Order of Preachers

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

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 16 December – St Macarius (Died 1005) Abbot

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 16 December – St Macarius (Died 1005) Abbot of Collesano, Ascetic, spiritual guide, a man of great humility and charity, miracle-worker. Born of Italian and Greek heritage in the 9th Century.

Macarius’ life is linked to that of his father, Christopher and his brother, Saba. Christopher, having taken refuge in the Monastery of San Filippo d’Agira at the foot of Mount Etna, received the Habit from the Abbot Nicephorus, who authorised him to lead a Hermit’s life in the forest of San Michele di Crisma. There he was joined by his wife Cali and his sons Saba and Macario, who all took the monastic Habit.

A severe famine which struck Sicily in 940-941, forced them to take refuge in Calabria; disembarking at Cessaniti, near Nicotera, they wandered through the mountains and woods until they reached the famous Monastic of Mercurio, on the north-western border of Calabria with Lucania.

Here they founded the two Monasteries of San Michele Arcangelo and San Stefano Protomartyr. They then went on a pilgrimage to Rome to venerate the tombs of the Apostles and, on their return, stopped at the Monastery of San Lorenzo, near Latiniano, where Christopher died, followed shortly thereafter by Cali, who was head of a community of women.

The two brothers, Saba and Macarius, took charge of the various Monasteries of Mercurion, encouraging the Monks to persevere in their vocation and not to be discouraged by the constant Saracen raids.

Upon Saba’s death in 995, Macarius succeeded him in the direction of the Monasteries scattered throughout Mercurion and Latiniano.

The biographer testifies to the prudence with which he governed, his profound humility and, above all, his great purity. To these virtues he combined the exercise of that excessive corporal rigour which characterised the Italo-Greek Monks of the time.

He performed many miracles, causing his cell to become a destination for pilgrims of all kinds.

His life ended ten years after that of his brother, on 16 December 1005. St Macarius is remembered on this day by both the Roman and Greek Monks.