Saint of the Day – 2 August – Blessed Frederic Campisani OFM (c1255-1335) Religious of the Third Order of the Friars Minor and Hermit, Mystic, Miracle-worker, Exorcist. Born in c1255 in Syracuse, Sicily, Italy and died on 2 August 1335 of natural causes. Also known as – Frederico, Frederick.
Federic was born in Syracuse to the noble Campisani family, between 1250 and 1260. Since boyhood, he was attracted to listening to the Word of God and, as soon as he could, he wore the Franciscan Habit as a penitent.
He retired as a solitary hermit in the Maddalena Peninsula, so called by a small Church dedicated to the holy penitent St Mary Magdalene which later became the place where Blessed Federic lived.
With the view of the immense sea, he lived a life full of virtue and full of miracles which occurred through his intercession. It is said that various possessed people were freed from the devil, various illnesses were cured and a dead man was resurrected. Frederic had been granted the gift of prophecy too and many came to him seeking spiritual advice and assistance.
On 2 August 1335, the solitary of the Magdalene fell asleep in the Lord, full of merits and amid the mourning of those who turned to him for help for their body and spirit.
The first canonical process in 1336 was desired by the Bishop of Syracuse, Pietro De Montecateno and in 1761, Bishop Giuseppe Antonio De Requesens ordered the canonical recognition of the the blessed Fredric’s Relics.
The devotion and cult fof Blessed Federic has had ups and downs over the Centuries and has resurfaced in our times, almost as if to show us the path of perfection to be sought in silence, in the immense noise of modern life. But if we manage to create silence around us, the contemplation of nature will return and we will still be able to listen to the Word of God as our Blessed Frederic did from childhood until death..
St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church, Founder of the Redemptorists, Spiritual Writer, Composer, Musician, Artist, Poet, Lawyer, Scholastic Philosopher and Theologian.
St Auspicius of Apt St Betharius of Chartres (Died c623) Bishop St Etheldritha of of Croyland Blessed Frederic Campisani OFM (c1255-1335) Third Order Religious of the Friar s Minor, Hermit, Mystic, Miracle-worker. Bl Gundekar of Eichstätt Bl Joanna of Aza Bl John of Rieti St Maximus of Padua St Pedro de Osma St Plegmund St Rutilius
Saint of the Day – 1 August – St Felix of Gerona (Died c304) Deacon Martyr, Missionary, Preacher and courageous Evangeliser heading directly into the Diocletian persecutions. Born in Carthage in Africa and died by horrific torture at Gerona in Spain. Also known as – Feliu, Felice.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Gerona in Spain, the birthday of the holy Martyr Felix. After enduring various torments, by order of Daciall, he was cut with knives, until he gave his undaunted soul to Christ.”
Felix, originally from Carthage of a noble and rich family. He studied in Caesarea where he was Baptised., During the persecution of the Christians by Diocletianus at the end of the 3rd Century, he left Africa and travelled to Spain with St Cugat, the latter going to Barcelona and Felix to Gerona. (We celebrated St Cugat on 25 July).
There he converted so many heathens that his activities soon attracted the attention of the authorities and he was thrown into prison. As he refused to deny Christ, he was tortured, although he was saved from death by angelic intervention several times.
On one occasion, he was thrown into the sea with a millstone attached to his neck and a gentle breeze guided him back to shore. Eventually, he was flayed alive with iron hooks and died on the same day, in the same year, as his fellow Missionary St Cugat.
The Sarcophagus of the Saint, in St Felix Church, dating from the 4th Century, indicates that by then, the Christian community was entrenched and powerful as the marble, from which it was created is of the finest quality and were worked in Rome.
St Felix Sarcophagus
Spain became a Catholic Nation in 589, when the Spanish King, Recaredo I and all his Court, converted to Christianity. Subsequently, the King travelled to Gerona to offer a Golden Crown at the Tomb of the our Saint.
The Portiuncula Indulgence: An Indulgence which may be gained in any Church so designated by the Bishop, by all the faithful who, after Confession and Holy Communion, visit such Churches between noon of 1 August and midnight of 2 August, or on the Sunday following. The Indulgence is toties quoties and is applicable to the souls in Purgatory.
St Jonatus St Justin of Paris St Kenneth of Wales St Leontius of Perga St Maur St Nemesius of Lisieux Bl Orlando of Vallombrosa St Peregrinus of Modena St Rioch Bl Rudolph St Secundel St Secundus of Palestrina St Sophia St Verus of Vienne
Seven Holy Machabees – 8 Saints: “At Antioch, the Martyrdom of the Seven Holy Brothers, the Machabees and thei mother, who suffered under King Antiochus Epiphanes. Their relics were transferred to Rome and placed in the Church of St Peter in Chains.”
Saints Faith, Hope and Charity: The daughters of Saint Sophia. While still children, they were tortured and Martyred for their faith in the persecutions of Hadrian. They were scourged, thrown into a fire, and then beheaded.
Saint of the Day – 31 July – Revisiting St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) Priest, Confessor, Founder, Theologian, Spiritual Writer, Mystic. Born in 1491 at Loyola, Guipuzcoa, Spain as Inigo Lopez de Loyola and died on 31 July 1556 at Rome, Italy of fever. Also known as- Inigo Lopez de Loyola. The name Ignatius = of fire, igneous, from the Latin
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rome, the birthday of St Ignatius Loyola, Confessor and Founder of the Society of Jesus, renowned for sanctity and miracles and most zealous in propagating the Catholic Religion in all parts of the world.”
The founder of the Jesuits was on his way to military fame and fortune, when a cannon ball shattered his leg. Because there were no books of romance on hand to assist in passing the time, during his convalescence, Ignatius spent the time reading The Golden Legend, a collection of biographies of the Saints and the Life of Christ by Ludolph the Carthusian. His conscience was deeply touched and a long, painful turning to Christ began.
Having seen the Mother of God in a vision, on his recovery he took a vow of chastity, hung his sword before the Altar of the Virgin of Montserrat and donned a pilgrim‘s robes. He remained for almost a year at nearby Manresa, sometimes with the Dominicans, sometimes in a pauper’s Hospice, often in a cave in the hills, praying. After a period of great peace of mind, he went through a harrowing trial of scruples. There was no comfort in anything—prayer, fasting, the Sacraments, penance. At length, his peace of mind returned by the grace of Gpd.
It was during this year of conversion that Ignatius began to write the material which would later become his greatest work, “The Spiritual Exercises.” In 1523, he finally achieved his desire of visiting the Holy Land but could not remain, as he planned because of the hostility of the Turks.
In 1528 he began studying Theology in Barcelona and Alcala in Spain, and Paris, France receiving his degree on 14 March 1534. Ignatius spent the next 11 years in various European Universities, studying with great difficulty, beginning almost as a child. Like many others, his orthodoxy was questioned; Ignatius was twice jailed for brief periods.
In 1534, at the age of 43, he and six others—one of whom was Saint Francis Xavier—vowed to live in poverty and chastity and to go to the Holy Land. If this became impossible, they vowed to offer themselves to the apostolic service of the Pope. The latter became the only choice. During this time he was also Ordained to the Priesthood. In 1537, Ignatius had one of the decisive experiences of his life. He related to his companions that on a certain day, while in prayer, he seemed to see Christ with the Cross on His shoulder and beside Him, the Eternal Father, Who said, “I wish Thee to take this man for Thy servant,” and Jesus took him and said, “My will is that you should serve Us.” On Christmas Day 1538 Ignatius said his first Holy Mass at the Church of St Mary Major in Rome.
Four years later Ignatius made the association permanent. The new Society of Jesus was approved by Pope Paul III and Ignatius was elected to serve as the first General. Ignatius himself, never used the term ‘Jesuit’ which was coined as an insult by his opponents. The Society today uses the term with pride.
When companions were sent on various missions by the Pope, Ignatius remained in Rome, consolidating the new Order, instructing new members but still finding time to found homes for orphans, catechumens and penitents. He founded the Roman College, intended to be the model of all other colleges of the Society.
While General of the Order, Ignatius was frequently ill. In January 1551 he became so ill that he begged his associates, though to no purpose, to accept his resignation as Superior. Despite his condition, he continued to direct the Order until his death in July 1556. Since his days at Manresa, Ignatius had practiced a form of prayer which was later published in The Spiritual Exercises and appears to have rivaled that of the greatest Mystics. Before his death, aged 65, Saint Ignatius was nearly blind.
Ignatius Loyola was Beatified by Pope Paul V on 27 July 1609 and Canonised by Pope Gregory XV on 12 March 1622. His achievements and those of his followers form a Chapter in the history of the Roman Catholic Church that cannot be neglected by those who desire to understand this glorious Church of Christ..
Blessed Giovanni Colombini (1300-1367) Confessor, Layman, Husband and Father, Founder of the Apostolic Clerics of Saint Jerome (the Jesuati), Apostle of the poor and the sick, Penitent, Missionary, Miracle-worker. After many miracles had occurred at his tomb, Pope Gregory XIII inserted Giovanni Colombini’s name in the Roman Martyrology, fixing 31 July for the celebration of his feast His Life https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/31/saint-of-the-day-31-july-blessed-giovanni-colombini-1300-1367/
St Helen of Skofde St Neot
Martyrs of Syria – 350 Saints: 350 monks massacred by heretics for their adherence to orthodox Christianity and the decrees of the Council of Chalcedon. 517 in Syria.
Martyrs of Synnada: 3 Saints Democritus Dionysius the Martyr Secundus
Saint/s of the Day – 30 July – Saint Abdon and Saint Senen (Died c250) Martyrs. Both our Martyrs were born in Persia and died in Rome by tortures and finally beheading around 250 under the persecutions of Emperor Decius. Patronages – against eye diseases, against rickets, against vermin, of barrel and cask makers, of blind children and children in general, of farmers and gardeners, of Arles and the Diocese of Perpignan in France, of Calasparra, in Murcia, Spain. Unfortunately, I can find no English text explaining the reasons for their various Patronages. They would naturally have related to miracles granted by the intercession of Sts Abdon and Senen before or after death. Also known as – Abdo, Abdus and Sennes, Sennis, Zennen. Additional Memorials – 20 March, and the first Sunday of May on some calendars.
The two Saints have been the privileged object of many artistic works in various Churches and Cathedrals, in Italy and around Europe. In addition to the richness of their clothes is shown to indicate their Persian origin. They often wear a royal diadem like the one sometimes attributed to the Three Wise Men who were in fact oriental but the constant presence, is the sword, with which they were beheaded.
Saints Abdó and Senen – Diocesan Museum of the Cathedral of Tarragona – Cataloni, Spain.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rome in the reign of Dec ius, the holy Persian Martyrs, Abdon and Sennen, who were bound with chains, brought to Rome, scourged with leaded whips for the Faith of Christ and then put to the sword.”
The Acts of Abdon and Sennen written for the most part prior to the 9th Century, describe them as Persian nobles, captured and taken to Rome in the 3rd Century, during a Roman army military campaign.
In Rome they converted to Christianity and helped bury the Christian dead. They came to the attention of Emperor Decius who had them taken in chains before the Roman Senate, where they refused to sacrifice to the Roman gods. They were condemned to death and taken to the Amphitheater where the Colossus of Nero stood, between the Flavian Amphitheater and the Temple of Venus, to be devoured by wild beasts. But they miraculously tamed the animals which avoided them. Abdon and Sennen were then beheaded by gladiators. Their bodies were thrown in front of the statue of the Sun, where they remained for three days, until the Deacon, Quirinius, picked them up and hid them in his house, where they remained for a very long time.
St Abdon and St Senen carrying the early Christian martyrs off for burial, Guillaume Courtois
Later, during the reign of the blessed Constantine the Great (reigned 306–337), translated to the Cemetery of Pontianus on the way to Porto, near the gates of Rome. In this Cemetery there is a 6th Century Fresco which depicts them with beards, dressed in tunics, with the Phrygian cap worn by natives of Phrygia. Above the Fresco, a Latin inscription names them unequivocally. In the Fresco, Abdon appears more mature with a short, round beard, while Sennen has a pointed beard and is certainly younger.
Still in the same Cemetery, a terracotta lamp of the 5th Century was found, with the image of a praying figure, covered by a rich Persian cloak with a short, round beard, in which Abdon was immediately identified.
Another Fresco found on a 6th Century Sarcophagus contaning their remains represents them receiving crowns from Christ.
Several Cities, notably Florence and Soissons, claim possession of their bodies but the Acta Sanctorum insist that they rest in the Basilica of San Marco Evangelista al Campidoglio, Rome, having been brought there in 1474 and where there is now an Altar dedicated to them. . The Benedictine Abbey of Sainte-Marie in Arles-sur-Tech, France also claims their Tomb but it does seem that portion of their Relics have been shared in those Cities of which they are Patrons.
The Basilica of St Mark the Evangelist in Rome where Sts Abdon and Senen rest
Bl Antonio di San Pietro Bl Edward Powell St Ermengyth
St Godelieve (c 1049-1070) Flemish Laywoma. Born in c 1049 at Londefort-lez-Boulogne, France and died by murder by being strangled by her mother-in-law’s and husband’s servants on 6 July 1070 at Gistel, Belgium. Patronages – difficult marriages, against abuse and spousal abuse, against throat diseases, in-law problems, for good weather and against storms. Her Life and Sad Death: https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/30/saint-of-the-day-30-july-saint-godelieve-c-1049-1070/
Bl Richard Featherstone St Rufinus of Assisi * St Senen St Tatwine of Canterbury St Terenzio of Imola Bl Thomas Abel St Ursus of Auxerre
Martyrs of Tebourba – 3 Saints: Three girls Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little else about them but the names – Donatilla, Maxima and Secunda. 304 at Tebourba in North Africa.
Saint of the Day – 29 July – Saint Lupus of Troyes (c383-c479) Bishop and Confessor, Defender – defended the City from the devastating fury of the Huns and strenuously fought the rampant heretical climate. He was also a friend of Bishop St Euphronius of Autun (Died c473). Born in Toulouse, Alsace, around 383 and died c479 in Troyes of natural causes. Patronages – against demonic possession, against epilepsy, against paralysis, of Benevento, and San Lupo, Italy and of Troyes, France. Also known as – Leu, Lou, Loup, Lupo.
St Sidonius Apollinaris (c430 – 489) called him “The Father of Fathers and Bishop of Bishops, the Chief of the Gallican Prelates, the Rule of Manners, the Pillar of Truth, the Friend of God and the Intercessor to Him for men.”
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Troyes, in France, St Lupus, Bishop and Confessor who accomopanied the blessed St Germanus to England to combat the Pelagian heresy and by assiduous prayers, defencded the City of Troyes from the fury of Attila, who was debastating all of France.”
Lupus was the son of a wealthy nobleman, Epirocus of Toul. It is believed that Lupus was the brother of St Vincent of Lérins (Died c445) Monk, Ecclesiatical Writer. Having lost his parents when he was an infant, Lupus was brought up by his uncle Alistocus. He was brother-in-law to St Hilary of Arles (c400-449), as he had married one of Hilary’s sisters, Pimeniola. He held a number of estates in Maxima Sequanorum and worked as a lawyer. After six years of marriage, he and his wife parted by mutual consent to dedicate themselves to God’s service.
Lupus sold his estate and gave the money to the poor. He entered Lérins Abbey, a community founded and led by St Honoratus of Arles (c350-c429), where he stayed about a year. In 427 Honoratus was named as the Archbishop of Arles and St Hilary accompanied him to his new See. Lupus then retired to Macon where he came to the attention of St Germanus of Auxerre (c378 – c448) , who appointed him as the Bishop of Troyes. He was reluctant to assume this high and demanding office and at first declined but eventually relented.
In the autumn of 429, the Council of Arles, at the request of the Bishops of Britain, sent Lupus and Germanus to combat Pelagianism. As such, Lupus is remembered in Wales as Bleiddian and appears in early Welsh Literature. He is particularly venerated at Llanblethian in the Vale of Glamorgan.
The two Saints returned to Gaul just after Easter in the spring of 430 having achieved great success in countering and instruction against the Pelagianist heresy.
In 451, hearing of the advancing Huns, after praying for many days, Lupus, dressed in full Episcopal regalia, went to meet Attila at the head of a procession of the Clergy. Attila was so impressed with Lupus that he spared the City. Attila went onto lose the Battle of Châlons. Lupus then encountered an extremely fraught and difficult problem, when Attila asked the Bishop to accompany him and his army afterthe loss at Châlons, believing that Lupus’ presence would spare his army from extermination. Of course, Lupus had to decline. Many doubt the veracity of the account of the Attila incident. However, the historical kernel it contains is that Troyes was spared being sacked by Attila’s army and that its inhabitants considered this a miraculous deliverance by the intercession and bravery of St Lupus!
St Lupus was the Bishop of Troyes for fifty-two years and died at Troyes in c479. His Relics are enshrined in Troyes Cathedral.
His cult in Benevento, Italy and in his own Diocese, dates to at least the 9th-10th Centuries. Already in the 9th Century, there existed in Benevento a Benedictine Abbey named after him, whose Abbots exercised spiritual and temporal jurisdiction over the fortified village of San Lupo (Archdiocese and Province of Benevento). When, in 1450, Pope Nicholas V suppressed the Abbey, its assets and jurisdiction were annexed to the metropolitan Chapter which, since then, has honoured our holy Bishop as its illustrious Patron.
Statue in Troyes
In San Lupo, Italy, our Saint is celebrated from 27-29 July each year with processions, Holy Mass and many festivities.
St Antony St Beatrix of Rome Bl Beatrix of Valfleury St Callinicus of Paphlagonia St Faustinus of Rome St Faustinus of Spello St Felix of Rome St John the Soldier Bl José Calasanz Marqués St Kilian of Inishcaltra St Lek Sirdani
St Lupus of Troyes (c383-c479) Bishop and Confessor Bl Mancius of the Cross St Olaf II St Olaus of Sweden Bl Petrus of Saint Mary St Pjetër Çuni St Prosper of Orleans St Rufo of Rome St Seraphina St Serapia of Syria St Sulian
Saint/s of the Day – 28 July – Saint Nazarius (Died c68) and Saint Celsus (Died c68) Martyrs, Missionaries and disciples of St Peter the Apostle, whose bodies were found by St Ambrose in Milan. Additional Memorial on 10 May of the finding of the Relics by St Ambrose. They were born in Rome and died by beheading in c68 in Milan under Nero. Patronages – the City and Diocese of Carcassone, (et Narbonne) in France; the Cities of Arenzano, Bareggio, Bellano, Collio, Stagno Lombardo, and the Diocese of Trivento, all in Italy.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Milan, the birthday of the holy Martyrs, Nazarius and a boy named Celsus. While the persecution excited by Nero was raging, they were beheaded by Anolinus, after long sufferings and afflictions endured in prison.”
Nazarius’ father was a heathen who held a considerable post in the Roman army. His mother, Perpetua, was a zealous Christian and was instructed by St Peter and his disciples, in the most perfect maxims of our holy Faith. Nazarius embraced ithe Faith with so much ardour that he copied in his life, all the great virtues he saw in his teachers and, out of zeal for the salvation of others, he left Rome, his native City and preached the Faith in many places, with a fervour, thus becoming a disciple of the Apostles.
Arriving at Milan, he was there beheaded for Christ, together with Celsus, a youth whom he carried with him to assist him in his holy mission.
These Martyrs suffered soon after Nero had raised the first persecution. Their bodies were buried separately in a garden without the City, where they were discovered and exhumed by St Ambrose, in 395. In the Tomb of St Nazarius, a phial of the Saint’s blood was found as fresh and red as if it had been spilt that day. The faithful stained their handkerchiefs with some drops and also formed a paste, a portion of which Relic St Ambrose sent to St Gaudentius, Bishop of Brescia. St Ambrose also sent some of the 2 Saints’ Relics to St Paulinus of Nola, who received them, with great respect, as a most valuable gift, as he testifies.
St Ambrose conveyed the bodies of the two Martyrs into the new Church of the Apostles which he had just built. A woman was delivered of an evil spirit in their presence.
Sts Nazarius and Celsus are venerated along with Popes Victor I (Died c100) Martyr and Innocent I (Died 417) Confessor, today, 28 July.
St Pope Innocent I (Died 417) Confessor. Papal Ascension 402 until his death on 12 March 417, He defended the exiled Saint John Chrysostom and consulted with the Bishops of Africa concerning the Pelagian controversy, confirming the decisions of the African synods. The Catholic priest-scholar Johann Peter Kirsch, 1500 years later, described Innocent as “a very energetic and highly gifted individual …who fulfilled admirably the duties of his office.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/28/saint-of-the-day-28-july-saint-pope-innocent-i-died-417/
St Acacius of Miletus St Arduinus of Trepino St Botwid of Sudermannland St Camelian of Troyes Bl Christodoulos St Eustathius of Galatia St Irene of Cappadocia Bl John Soreth St Longinus of Satala St Lucidius of Aquara St Lyutius *St Nazarius and St Celsus(Died c68) Martyrs, Missionaries and disciples of St Peter the Apostle
St Nicanor the Deacon St Parmenas the Deacon St Peregrinus St Prochorus the Deacon
Saint of the Day – 27 July – Blessed Lucia Bufalari of Amelia OSA (Died 1350) Virgin, Augustinian Oblate Prioress, Mystic, Miracle-worker Born in the early 14th Century at Castel Porziano near Rome, Italy and died on 27 July 1350 at the Augustinian Convent in Amelia, Italy of natural causes. Lucia was the sister of Blessed Giovanni or John of Rieti OSA (c1318-2362) who also joined the Augustinians (Feast Day on 1 August). PatronageS – against demonic possession, particularly of children. Also known as – Lucy of Amelia, Lucia. Her body is Incorrupt.
Little is known of her life, save that she gained the reputation for great holiness and prudence as an Augustinian Third Order Nun at Amelia.
We know that later she became the Pprioress of her community. She died young, on 27 July 1350.
Following her death, the people of Amelia acclaimed her as a Saint. Her Incorrupt Body is preserved at the former Augustinian Church of Amelia. Her cultus was confirmed on 3 August 1832 by Pope Gregory XVI.
In 1925, Blessed Lucia’s Relics were re-enshrined in the Church of Saint Monica and in 2011 they were translated and enshrined under the Altar of the Parish Church in Amelia when the Convent closed. Many miracles occurred there, especially in regard to children believed to be demonically possessed.
St Aetherius of Auxerre St Anthusa of Constantinople St Arethas St Aurelius of Cordoba St Benno of Osnabruck (c 1020-1088) Bishop Bl Berthold of Garsten
St Ecclesius of Ravenna St Felix of Cordoba St Galactorio of Lescar St George of Cordoba St Hermippus St Hermocrates St Hermolaus St Juliana of Mataró St Lillian of Cordoba Blessed Lucy Bufalari of Amelia OSA (Died 1350) Virgin, Augustinian Oblate Prioress. Her body is incorrupt. St Luican
Blessed Maria Magdalena Martinengo OSC Cap (1687-1737) Nun of the Order of the Capuchin Poor Clares, Mystic with a great devotion to the Passion of Christ. She had a great horror of sin and devoted much time to contemplating death, and the Divine Judgement. The recognition of two miracles attributed to her direct intercession allowed for Pope Leo XIII to preside over her Beatification on 3 June 1900. Her Story: https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/27/saint-of-the-day-27-july-blessed-maria-magdalena-martinengo-osc-cap-1687-1737/
Bl Rudolf Aquaviva S.J. Bl Robert Sutton St Semproniana of Mataró St Sergius of Bisceglia Bl William Davies Bl Zacarías Abadía Buesa
Martyrs of Nicomedia – 3 Saints: Three Christians Martyred together. The only other information to survive are their names – Felix, Jucunda and Julia. Nicomedia, Asia Minor.
Seven Sleepers of Ephesus: A group of seven young Christian men who hid in a cave in hopes of avoiding the persecution of Decius in the year 250. Found and arrested, they were ordered by the pro-consul in Ephesus to renounce their faith; they refused and were sentenced to die. Legend says that they were walled up in their hiding cave, guarded by the dog Al Rakim; when the cave wall was breached in 479 – they all woke up! It is likely that the youths were tortured to death in various ways and buried in the cave. The resurrection story confusion came from the phrase “went to sleep in the Lord” which was used to describe the death of Christians and 479 is when their relics were discovered. Their names were Constantinus, Dionysius, Joannes, Malchus, Martinianus, Maximianus and Serapion. They were martyred in 250 in Ephesus (in modern Turkey); tradition says that they were walled up in a cave to suffocate but other records indicate that they were tortured to death in various ways. Their relics discovered in 479 and translated to Marseilles, France and enshrined in a large stone coffin.
St Benigno of Malcestine Bl Camilla Gentili St Charus of Malcestine Bl Edward Thwing Bl Élisabeth-Thérèse de Consolin St Erastus Bl Évangéliste of Verona St Exuperia the Martyr Bl George Swallowell St Gérontios St Gothalm St Hyacinth Bl Hugh of Sassoferrato Bl Jacques Netsetov Bl John Ingram St Joris Bl Marie-Claire du Bac Bl Marie-Madeleine Justamond Bl Marie-Marguerite Bonnet St Olympius the Tribune
Saint of the Day – 26 July – Saint Austindus of Auch (c1000-1068) Archbishop of Auch in Aquitaine, France, Reformer of the faithful, Defender of the Church and Restorer and Builder of Churches. He is the actual Founder of the Auchs Cathedral which was completed during the reign of 3 of his successors. Born in c1000 in Bordeaux, France and died in 1068 at Auch, Aquitaine of natural causes. Also known as – Ostent, Austinde. Additional Memorial – 25 September (Archdiocese of Auch, France.
St Austindus Bust and Relics in his Shrine at Auch Cathedral
Austindus became a Benedictine Monk at Saint Orens’ Abbey in Auch, then Abbot of the Monastery. He was elected as the Archbishop of Auch, shortly after the middle of the 11th Century, in place of Raymond Copa who was deposed for simony.
St Orens Abbey
A builder, he erected a Chapter House with Cloister, began a new Cathedral between 1064 and 1069. It was finally completed and consecrated in 1121. Austindus founded the Town of Nogaro and its Collegiate Church dedicated to St Nicholas. “It was Saint-Austindus, Archbishop of Auch, who founded the Town on land sold to him by Guillaume Raymond Nogaro. He wanted to hold his Councils there. Austindus had a Church built dedicated to Saint Nicholas which he Consecrated in 1060 in the midst of a large crowd of people, lords and dignitaries who had come from all over Gascony. He very quickly equipped it with a Collegiate Church and established a College of Canons and Canonesses there.” ( History of the Town – Nogaro in Armagnac)
A reformer, he had the Rule of Cluny adopted, reinstated the abolished Bishoprics of Gascony, and directed Councils and Synods.
A defender, the struggles between the Frankish Princes and the Princes of Armagnac and Gascony, had repercussions on the rights of the Church which Austindus had to defend against the encroachments of the lords. We have his signature and notes on this matter, during a Council in Jacca in Spain. But this fight against lay usurpers forced him to take refuge in Rheims for two years. He returned to his Diocese and died shortly after a Synod, in 1068.
St Nicholas Church in the Town of Nogaro both Town and Church founded and built by St Austindus
Quote/s of the Day – 25 July – The Feast of St James the Greater, Apostle and Martyr and of St Christopher (died c 251) One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers
A Prayer to St James “Santiago”
O brave Apostle, Santiago the first to drink the Chalice of suffering after the example of Christ, Who had shed His Blood for thee, obtain from Him, I beseech thee, the grace that I may not fear, to drink of the Chalice, of pain and suffering but may patiently bear, all which the Hand of my God offers me, that I may, one day, be worthy to enjoy, in thy society, the joy of Heaven. Amen
The Christopher Prayer, Make Us True Christ-Bearers Anonymous
Father, grant that we may be, bearers of Christ Jesus, Thy Son. Allow us to fill, the world around us, with Thy Light. Strengthen us, by Thy Holy Ghost, to carry out our mission of living and following the path of Jesus, our Lord. Help us to understand, that by Thy grace our gifts are Thy blessings, to be shared with others. Fill us with Thy Spirit of love to give glory to Thee in loving all and preaching by our love. Nourish in us the desire to go forth as the bearers of Thy Son fearless and gentle, loving and merciful. Make us true Christ-Bearers, that in seeing us, only He is visible. Amen.
The “fourteen Angels” of the lost children’s prayer in the Composer, Engelbert Humperdinck’s (1854-1921) (not the popular Welsh singer) fairy opera, ‘Hansel and Gretel’, are the Fourteen Holy Helpers. The English words are familiar and very beautiful:
When at night, I go to sleep, Fourteen angels, watch do keep, Two my head are guarding, Two my feet are guiding; Two upon my right hand, Two upon my left hand. Two who warmly cover Two who o’er me hover, Two to whom ’tis given To guide my steps to Heaven.
Saint of the Day – 25 July – St Cugat del Valles (Died c304) Lay Martyr, Preacher, Evangeliser, Miracle-worker. Born in North Africa and died by beheading in 304 near Barcelona, Spain. Pstronages – of hunchbacks, petty thieves, of the City of St Cugat del Valles in Spain. Also known as – Cobad, Cocoba, Cocobas, Cophan, Cougat, Covade, Cucao, Cucufa, Cucufas, Cucufat, Cucufate, Cucuphas, Cucuphat, Culgat, Guinefort, Gulnefort, Qaqophas, Qoqofas, Quiquefat, Quiquenfat. At Barcelona he is called Saint Cugat, at Ruel, near Paris, Saint Quiquenfat, in some other parts of France, Saint Guinefort. Additional Memorials – 27 July – in Barcelona to avoid a clash with today’s Feast of St James, 16 February (translation of relics to Léberan), 25 August (translation of relics to Saint-Denis).
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Barcelona in Spain, during the persecution of Diocletian and under the Governor Darian, the birthday of the holy Martyr Cucuphas. After overcoming many torments, he was struck with the sword and thus went triumphantly to Heaven.”
Saint Cugat is one of the most venerated Saints in Spain but all that history has preserved of him is contained in a poem by the renowned Aurelius Prudentius (a Latin Christian poet of Spanish origin, (c348 – c413) ) who dedicates this short expression to him: “Barcelona will rise from the famous Cucufate.”
There is no certainty about the time of his Martyrdom, which. however. occurred during the persecution of Diocletian (243-313) and is placed at the beginning of the 4th Century. An anonymous author compiled the ‘Acts’ of the Martyrdom in the 8th Century but does not present historical elements.
Cugat and Felix, originally from Scillium in Africa, both noble and rich, having learned of the persecutions which had begun in the eastern provinces, fled to the West.
But when they landed in Barcelona, they realised that persecution was imminent there too, so as Christians they offered their goods to the poor, dedicating themselves to works of mercy and the spread of the Christian Gospel.
St Cugat del Valles Monastery and Church
Felix moved to Gerona in Catalonia, while Cugat remained in Barcelona, dedicating himself openly to preaching, which was accompanied by numerous miracles. He was arrested by order of the Proconsul Galerius and was tortured so savagely that his intestines were exposed, while he invoked the Lord God. The ‘Passio’ continues, saying that the twelve soldiers who tortured him were blinded by a flash of fire, while Galerius was burned together with the idols. Cugat.however, suddenly found himself completely unharmed.
In place of Galerius, Maximian, inflicting various and unheard of torments but again, miraculously he was Cugat suffered no injury. Then an Officer of the Prefect Dacianus, a certain Rufinus, intervened and had him beheaded.
His body was collected by the Christians and buried on 25 July of an unspecified year and place. But, in the middle of the 8th Century, the Abbot of St Denis near Paris, St Fulrad (Died784), managed to obtain the Relics of St Cugat, taking them to the Priory of Lièvre in Alsace (France) where they were placed, in the cell of St Fulrad. In 835 the Relics or a part thereof, were brought to St Denis by order of the Abbot Ilduinus and placed in the crypt of the Abbey Church.
In the early years of the 9th Century, the famous Benedictine Abbey of St Cugat del Vallés arose near Barcelona in a place called Octavian. In 1079, the Relics of an unknown Martyr were recognised as those of St Cugat, as only the head of the Martyr killed in Barcelona had been taken to France.
St Cugat’s Monastery C;oister
Several Churches are dedicated to him both in Spain and in France The various Martyrologies including the Roman celebrate him on 25 July. But, in Barcelona, St Cugat is celebrated on 27 July to avoide the ovvious clash with the celebration of St James the Apostle.
In the Museum of Catalanese Art in Barcelona, there is a painting by the Artist Ajna Brù, which depicts the very dramatic and violent scene of the beheading of St Cugat, with a large knife, giving particular emphasis to the perfidious and evil expression of the executioner – see the image above.
Bl Antonio of Olmedo St Bantu of Trier St Beatus of Trier St Cugat del Valles (Died c304) Lay Martyr St Ebrulfus St Fagildo of Santiago St Felix of Furcona St Florentius of Furcona St Glodesind of Metz
St Mordeyren St Nissen of Wexford St Olympiad of Constantinople St Paul of Palestine
Blessed Pietro Corradini OFM (1435–1490) Priest of the Franciscan Friars Minor, Confessor, Preacher, Spiritual Director. Pietro and a great devotion to the Holy Mother and constantly taught love of her. Fr Pietro served in several leadership positions within his Order. The Beatification process commenced not too long after Fr Pietro’s death and culminated on 10 August 1760 after Pope Clement XIII issued a formal decree that approved Corradini’s local ‘cultus’ thus naming him Blessed. A Special Child of Mary: https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/25/saint-of-the-day-25-july-blessed-pietro-corradini-ofm-1435-1490-priest/
St Theodemir of Cordoba
Martyrs of Caesarea – 3 Saints: Three Christians Martyred together in the pesecutions of emperor Maximilian and governor Firmilian – Paul, Tea and Valentina. 309 in Caesarea, Palestine.
Martyrs of Cuncolim, Goa, south western India– 20 Saints: On 15 July 1583 the group met at the Church of Orlim and hiked to Cuncolim to erect a Cross and choose land for a new Church. Local anti-Christian Hindu pagans, seeing the unarmed Christians, gathered their weapons and marched on them. One of the Parishioners, a Portuguese emigre named Gonçalo Rodrigues, carried a firearm but Father Alphonsus Pacheco stopped him from using it. The Hindu pagans, numbering at least 500, then fell upon them and killed them all without mercy. They were – • Alphonsus Pacheco • Alphonsus the altar boy • Anthony Francis • Dominic of Cuncolim • Francis Aranha • Francis Rodrigues • Gonçalo Rodrigues • Paul da Costa • Peter Berno • Rudolph Acquaviva • ten other native Christian converts whose names have not come down to us They were Martyred on Monday 25 July 1583 at the village of Cuncolim, district of Salcete, territory of Goa, India. They were Beatified on 30 April 1893 by Pope Leo XIII.
Quote/s of the Day – 24 July – St Francisco Solano OFM (1549 – 1610) “The Wonder Worker of the New World”
“How is it, my Lord Jesus, that Thou wast Crucified while I have Thy servants to care for me; Thou wast naked, while I am clothed; Thou wast struck with blows and crowned with thorns, while I have everything I need to satisfy my wants and give me consolation?”
“It is true that I am going to Heaven but on the strength of Christ’s Passion and Death; for myself, I am the greatest of sinners. But I will be a good friend to you when I reach my home in Heaven.”
“God chose Francis Solano to be the hope and edification of all Peru. the example and glory of Lima, the splendour of the Seraphic Order!”
From the Funeral Oration in 1610
St Francisco Solano OFM (1549 – 1610) “The Wonder Worker of the New World
Saint of the Day – 24 July – Saint Ursicinus (Died c380) Bishop of Sens in France and Confessor, a powerful opponent of the Arians.
The Roman Martyrology mentions him today: “At Sens, St Ursicinus, Bishop and Confessor.”
Unknown Bishop Saint
During Ursicinus’ Ep[iscopate, the heresy of Arianism had gained significant ground within Sens and its surrounding regions. Recognising the danger it posed to his flock, Ursicinus vehemently opposed this heresy, engaging in debates and sermons to combat its spread. Through his charismatic preaching and unwavering commitment to the truth, Ursicinus was able to convince many of the error of Arianism and restore orthodoxy within the region.
St Ursicinus dies of natural causes in around 380 and is celebrated today, 24 July.
St Aliprandus of Pavia St Antinogenes of Merida St Aquilina the Martyr St Arnulf of Gruyere Bl Balduino of Rieti St Boris of Kiev St Capito
St Christina Mirabilis/the Astonishing (1150-1224) Virgin, mendicant, Penitent, Mystic. St Christina the Astonishing has been recognised as a Saint since the 12th century. She was placed in the calendar of the saints by at least two bishops of the Catholic Church in two different centuries (17th & 19th Her Amazing Life: https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/24/saint-of-the-day-24-july-saint-christina-mirabilis-1150-1224/
St Cyriacus of Ziganeus St Declan of Ardmore Bl Diego Martinez Bl Donatus of Urbino
Saint of the Day – 23 July – Saint Romula of Rome (Died c580) Virgin, Recluse, Ascetic
Romula lived with St Redempta as a Recluse near the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome. Redempta had been trained as a Nun by St Herundo in Palestine. These three formed a small community in Rome and they earned the praise of the Pope, St Gregory I the Great. Romula became ill and was paralysed for the last years of her life.
St Gregory wrote:
“At the time when I went to the Monastery, there was an old woman named Redempta who wore a Nun’s dress and lived by the Church of Mary here in the City. She was a disciple of the Herundo who is said to have lived as a hermit on the mountain near Preneste. Now this Redempta had two disciples in Nun’s garb, one named Romula and the other, who is still living, of whom I do not remember her name, although I would recognise her. So the three lived together in the same house, rich in Godliness but poor in this world’s goods.
Romula surpassed her fellow sister Redempta, by her great merits – admirably patient and perfectly obedient, she observed silence and was untiring in prayer. But now. it is often the case that those who are considered perfect by their fellow human beings, still have something imperfect about them, in the Creator’s eyes. (In the same way as when we, ignorant men, look at an unfinished sculpture and praise it as finished, while the artist, who probably hears our praise, improves it further by further polishing.) Romula was stricken with the disease which the Doctors call by its Greek name, paralysis.
For many years she was bedridden and almost completely deprived of the use of her limbs. But this trial did not make her impatient! The injury to her limbs only increased her virtues; she gave herself so much more to prayer that she was unable to do anything else.
One night she called out to Redempta, who was, as I said, like a mother to her two disciples: “Mother, come! Mother, come!” and she, Redempta, stood up with the other disciple. What then happened, they both told to many and I heard it too – as they stood by her bed in the middle of the night, a light from Heaven suddenly filled the whole cell. The sight was so overwhelming that they were struck with awe and (as they afterwards related) completely paralysed too.
They heard the sound of many people entering and touching the cell door, they felt the crowd coming in but said that, from fear and from the overwhelming character of the light, they could not see – their eyes were, as if closed to both. After the shining light followed a wonderful fragrance which was supposed to take away their fear of the brilliant light but, when they could not manage this last, Romula began, in a loving voice, to comfort her Superior Redempta, with the words: “Fear not, Mother, I will not die yet.” She said this repeatedly and the light faded but the sweet smell remained.
It remained too, on the second and third day. On the fourth night she again called her Superior, who came – she asked for Holy Communion and received it. Redempta and the other disciple had not yet left the Infirmary when suddenly, two choirs appeared in the square outside the cell, singing David’s Psalms. Their gender, they later said, they could hear from the voices – the men intoned and the women answered. And while this heavenly Liturgy took place outside the cell, Romula’s holy soul was separated from her body. As she was led up to Heaven, the Psalm sounded fainter and fainter as the soul rose higher and higher, then both ithe soul and the good fragrance were gone.”
Bl Juan de Luca Bl Juan de Montesinos Bl Leonard da Recanati Bl Mariano Brandi
St Phocas the Gardener (Died c303) Layman Martyr, Apostle of the poor and needy. Died by beheading c 303 in Sinope, Pontus (in modern Turkey). Patronages – against insect bites, against poisoning, against snake bites, agricultural workers, farm workers, farmers, field hands, boatmen, mariners, sailors, watermen, gardeners, husbandmen, market-gardeners. https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/23/saint-of-the-day-23-july-st-phocas-the-gardener-died-c-303-martyr/
St Primitiva of Rome St Rasyphus of Macé St Rasyphus of Rome St Ravennus of Macé *St Redempta of Rome + *St Romula of Rome + (Died c580) Virgin Recluse St Severus of Bizye St Theophilus of Rome St Trophimus of Rome St Valerian of Cimiez
Saint of the Day – 22 July – Saint Cyril of Antioch (Died c306) Bishop Martyr. Unknown birth date and location but we believe that he was a local of Antioch. He died most probably of ill-treatment and starvation, in the mines in Pannopia which is in tbe modern eastern European regions of Hungary, Sovalie etc. (He is not to be confused with St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) the Doctor of the Church).
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Antioch, the holy Bishop Cyril. who was distinguished for learning and holiness.”
Ancient Greek Icon of Jesus
In the Episcopal lists of Antioch, our Saint appears after Timaeus, that is, he would have been elected around 279-80.
Nothing is known about Cyril’s Episcopate, except that he may have admitted to Ecclesiastical communion, the Priest Lucian, previously condemned for his relations with Paul of Samosata, who had been the Bishop of Antioch until 268 when he was deposted and excommunicated for the heresy of monarchianism (rejection of the Holy Trinity), of which he was the originator.
Lucian of Antioch – 985 in the Vatican Library, Rome
Most likely, upon the publication of the second edict of Diocletian in spring 303 which prescribed the arrest of all Church leaders, Cyril was arrested and sent to the minas in Pannonia. A passage from the Acts of the Four Crowned Saints can be interpreted in this sense.
His death occurred in exile around 306. Together with Cyril, a Martyr named Andrew is commemorated in the Martyrology of Hieronymia. This is an authentic Martyr who is remembered, always together with Cyril, in the list of Martyrs of Antioch, found in the sermon attributed to St Eusebius of Caesarea.
St Baudry of Montfaucon St Claudius Marius Victorinus of Saussaye St Cyril of Antioch (Died c306) Bishop, Martyr St Dabius St John Lloyd
St Joseph of Palestine (Died c 356) Layman, Convert from Judaism, a contemporary of Emperor Constantine, a Rabbinical scholar, member of the Sanhedrin and a disciple of Hillel II. Following his conversion, Emperor Constantine gave him the rank of Count, appointed him as supervisor of the Churches in Palestine and gave him permission to build Churches in the Galilee. Patronages – converts, guardians. A Very Interesting Saint: https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/22/saint-of-the-day-22-july-st-joseph-of-palestine-died-c-356/
St Lewine St Maria Wang Lishi St Meneleus of Ménat St Movean of Inis-Coosery St Pancharius of Besancon Bl Paolo de Lara
Martyrs of Marula/Massylis: – 3 Saints: Three Christians Martyred together. We know nothing else about them but the names – Ajabosus, Andrew and Elian. They were martyred in Massylis (Marula), Numidia (in modern Algeria).
Martyrs of Massilitani: A group of Christians Martyred together in northern Africa. Saint Augustine of Hippo wrote about them.
Saint of the Day – 21 July – Saint Eternus of Evreux (Died c653) Bishop Martyr. Eternus was the 9th Bishop of Evreux in Normandy, France. Also known as – Éterne, Aeternus, Ethernus, Detherus, Æternus. Additional Memorial – 15 July (on some calendars).
We have almost no records except in the chronology of the Diocese of Evreux. I do find this strange seeing as there are so many versions of his name – why then is there almost zero available information about his life and Martyrdom. The beautiful Statue is situate in the Church of Our Lady in Lyons.
In the notes of the Notary Thézard de Luzarches, dating from 1880, it is specified that in 653, Saint Eternus, the Bishop of Evreux, had gone to implore the assistance of King Clovis II and on his (perhaps return) journey had been Martyred.
A Chapel had been built on the site of the his Martyrdom and dedicated to his memory. Below is Evreux Cathedral.
St Praxedes (Died c165) Virgin Laywoman. Patronage – single laywoman. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rome, the holy virgin, Praxedes, who was brought up in all chastity and in the knowledge of the Divine law. Assiduously attending to watching, prayer and fasting, she rest in Christ and was buried near her sister St Pudentiana and family, on the Salarian Road.” A Devout and Holy Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/07/21/saint-of-the-day-21-july-st-praxedes-died-c165-virgin/
St Barhadbescialas St Benignus of Moyenmoutier Bl Claudius of Avignon St Claudius of Troyes St Corona of Marceille Bl Daniel Molini St Eleutherius of Marseille St Eternus of Evreux (Died c653) Bishop Martyr Bl Gabriel Pergaud St Iosephus Wang Yumei St John of Edessa St John of Moyenmoutier Bl Juan de Las Varillas Bl Juan de Zambrana St Jucundinus of Troyes St Julia of Troyes St Justus of Troyes Bl Parthenius of Thessaly
Martyrs of Africa – 6 Saints: Six Christians who were Martyred together. We know no other details about them but the names – Emilian, Hugal, Motanus, Saphus, Stercorius and Victor. They were martyred in an unknown location in Africa, date unknown.
Quote/s of the Day – 20 July – St Jerome Emiliani (1486–1537) Confessor
“For God, … does not work in those who refuse to place all their confidence and hope in Him alone. But He does impart the fullness of His love upon those who possess a deep faith and hope; for them He does great things!”
“God wishes to test you, like gold in the furnace. The dross is consumed by the fire but the pure gold remains and its value increases. It is in this manner, that God acts with His good servant, who puts his hope in Him and remains unshaken in times of distress. God raises him up and, in return for the things, he has left out of love for God, He repays him a hundredfold in this life and with eternal life hereafter. If then, you remain constant in faith, in the face of trial, the Lord will give you peace and rest for a time in this world and forever in the next.”
Saint of the Day – 20 July – St Elias the Prophet (Elias from the Greek) lived during the reign of King Ahab (9th Century BC), according to the Books of Kings. The spelling ‘Elijah’ is from the Hebrew. Patronages – for rain, against drought, coachmen, Air Forces, civil aeronautics, Romanian Air Force, the Carmelite Order, Mount Carmel, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Melkite Greek Catholic Archeparchy of Akka, Haifa, Israel, in Italy: Buonabitacolo, Malito, Peschici.
Ludovico Carracci (1555–1619) The TGransfiguration with Moses and Elias
The Roman Martyrology states: “On Mount Carmel, the holy Prophet Elias.”
Born in Thisbe in the 9th Century BC, at the time of King Ahab, he dedicated his life to turning the people away from the worship of idols and bringing them back to the one true God, consistent with the name given to him – Elias in fact means: “The Lord is my God”.
Precursor of Saint John the Baptist: A virtuous and austere man, he wore a camel-hide cloak over a simple apron tied around his hips, thus prefiguring St John the Baptist eight centuries in advance. Elias was gifted with the heart of a warrior and a refined intellect, he combined in his soul, the burning fire of faith and zeal for the Lord, so much so, that St John Chrysostom defined him as “an angel of the earth and a man of Heaven.” Centuries later, the Church presented him as a model of Christian life and passion for God.
The Clash with the Followers of Baal: A striking example of Elias’ prophetic power can be read in the first Book of Kings, chapter 18 which tells how, at the time of King Ahab, Israel succombing to the seduction of idolatry: in fact, they worshipped Baal because they believed he brought rain and, therefore, fertility to the fields, livestock and mankind. Precisely to unmask this lying belief, Elias gathered the people on Mount Carmel and put before a choice – follow the Lord or follow Baal. The Prophet invited over 400 idolaters to a confrontation – each one would prepare a sacrifice and each woulf pray to their own god, so that he would reveal himself. The one who responded unequivocally, was the Lord, “God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel,” Who burned the offering for the sacrifice prepared by Elias on an altar made of twelve stones, “according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to which the Lord had given the name of Israel.” Thus the hearts of the people were converted, faced with the evidence of the Truth. Baal, however, remains silent and powerless because – and this is Elijah’s teaching – “the true adoration of God is to give oneself to God and to men, the true adoration is love.”
Elias’ offering is consumed by fire from Heaven
The Encounter with the Lord on Mount Horeb: A new test, however, awaits the Prophet he, who has fought for the faith, must escape the wrath of Queen Jezebel, Ahab’s idolatrous wife, who wishes him to be removed permanently. Exhausted and frightened, Elias asks God that he might be taken out of this life and abandons himself to an uninterrupted sleep. But an Angel wakes him and orders him to climb Mount Horeb to meet the Lord. Elias obeys – he walks for 40 days and 40 nights to reach the destination, in a journey which is the metaphor of the pilgrimage and purification of the heart, ascending towards the experience of God.
The Sonorous Silence: As prefigured, the encounter with the Lord occurs but not in a human sensational way – God reveals himself, in fact, in the form of a light breeze. It is a “thread of a sonorous silence” – which exhorts Elias not to be discouraged and to retrace his steps to complete his mission. And the prophet, covering his face as a sign of adoration and humility, obeys God’s call because he understands its value – that of testing, obedience and perseverance. Once again, therefore, Elias challenges Ahab and Jezebel, who had usurped a farmer’s land, prophesying terrible misfortunes to them, until he induces them to repent. The Prophet also alleviates the suffering and misery of a widow, feeding her and healing her son who is on the brink of death. Once his mission was accomplished, Elias disappeared, ascending to Heaven on a Chariot of Fire and entering the infinity of that God, Whom he had served with such passion. His cloak remained on earth, destined for the disciple Elisha as a sign of investiture.
St Elias and the widow
Prophetic Zeal: Today the religious Order of the Hermits of Mount Carmel (The Carmelites) recalls this great Prophet in its Shield-shaped Coat of Arms – it depicts an arm holding a flaming sword and a ribbon with the words “Zelo zelatus sum pro Domino Deo exercitum”, or “full of zeal for the God of hosts”.
Carmelite Coat of Arms
Elias, along with Elisha and Samuel, is one of the greatest Prophets of Ion (distinct from the writing Prophets, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel, who have left anonymous writings of the Sacred Books) and his mission was to incite the people to be faithful to the One True God, without being seduced by the influence of the idolatrous and licentious cult of Canaan.
The work of spiritual rebuilding, so laboriously begun, was carried forward with complete success by his disciple, Elisha, to whom he communicated the Divine call while he was in the fields behind the plough, throwing his cloak over his shoulders. Elisha was also the only witness to the mysterious end of Elias’s earthly sojourn which occurred around 850 BC.
AnaStpaul 
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