Saint of the Day – 4 April – Saint Aleth De Montbard De Fontaines of Dijon (1064-1106) Laywoman, Mother of 7 including St Bernard of Clairvaux, St Humbeline of Jully (c1091-c1136) a Benedictine Nun, St Gerard of Clairvaux (Died 1138) Bernard older brother, Blessed Nivard of Clairvaux (c1100-c1150) Bernard’s youngest brother. Born in 1064 in Montbard, Departement de la Côte-d’Or, Bourgogne, France and died on 31 August 1106 (aged 41–42). Patronage – of Dijon, France. Also known as – Aleth of Montbard, Aleth of Zélie, Adelaide…Adèle…Alaysia…Aleidis…Aletta…Alette…Aleydis…Alice…Alix…Aliz…Alyette…Alèthe…Elisabeth…Ethle… In English her name would be Alice. Her Feast today is celebrated on the date of the transfer of her Relics to Clairvaux Monastery in 1250.
Aleth was a daughter of Bernhard I, the local lord of Montbard who came from the French nobility. She received a comprehensive education. At around the age of 16, she married Tezelin de Fontaine, the Castellan at the Castle of Fontaine-lès-Dijon. With him she became the mother of seven children, including Gerhard of Clairvaux , Bernhard of Clairvaux, Nivard of Clairvaux and Humbelina of Jully-sur-Sarce.
Aleth died with a reputation for sainthood at the Castle in Fontaine-lès-Dijon on 31 August 1106. She was buried in the Crypt of the Church of the Monastery of St Benignus in Dijon, next to hhis Tomb.
In 1250 her remains were transferred to the Clairvaux Monastery – in today’s Ville-sous-la-Ferté – near Troyes in France. She was solemnly laid to restby her son. Sadly all these holy Relics were dispersed and lost when the Monastery was attacked and closed during the French Revolution.
St Aleth of Dijon (1064-1106)Laywoman, Mother of St Bernard (of Clairvaux) St Gwerir of Liskeard St Henry of Gheest St Hildebert of Ghent St Peter of Poitiers (c1130-1215) Bishop
St Theodulus of Thessalonica St Theonas of Egypt St Tigernach of Clogher
St Zosimus of Palestine (Died c560) Priest, Monk, Hermit. Priest, Monk, Hermit. As already reported in the legendary life of St Mary of Egypt, St Zosimus, a Monk and Hermit, is the one who discovers St Mary in the desert and gave her Holy Communion shortly before her death. The Roman Martyrology reports: “In Palestine, the Anchorite, St Zosimus, who buried the remains of St Mary of Egypt.” His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/04/saint-of-the-day-4-april-st-zosimus-of-palestine-c-460-c-560-priest-hermit/
Martyred in Cairo François de la Terre de Labour Nicolas of Montecorpino
Martyrs of Thessalonica – 14 Saints: Fourteen Christians who were Martyred together, date unknown. No other information, except the names of 12 of them, has survived – Ingenuus, Julianus, Julius, Matutinus, Orbanus, Palatinus, Paulus, Publius, Quinilianus, Saturninus, Successus, Victor and two whose names have not come down to us. Agathopus the Deacon, Theodulus the Lector.
Saint of the Day – 3 April – Saint Nicetas of Medicion (c760-824) Abbot of Medicion Abbey in Bithynia (in modern Turkey). Born in c760 in Bithynian, Caesarea and died in 824 of natural causes in Constantinople. Also known as – Nicetas of Constantinople, Nicetas the Confessor, Niketas… Nikita… His name is of Greek origin and means “victorious.”
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In the Monastery of Medicion, in the East, the Abbot, St Nicetas, who suffered much for the worship of holy images, in the time of Leo the Armenian.”
Nicetaswas only eight days old when he lost his mother. His father dedicated him to God and, at the age of twelve, he was already the Lector of the Bishop of Caesarea of Bithynia. As a teenager, he entered the Medicion Monastery, on Mount Olympus in Bithynia.
His life of rigour and humility, led his fellow Monks to choose him as their Abbot.. During the persecutions of the Sacred Images, at the time of Emperor Leo V the Armenian, he allowed himself to commune with heretics, after having been exhausted by harsh imprisonment. Repentant, he fled to a secluded place. But to publicly demonstrate his repentance of heart, at the request of Theodore the Studite, he returned to Constantinople. For this action he was arrested and interned at the prison at Cape Akritas, he was locked up there for six years in a dungeon, without light and fed on a little mouldy bread and stale water.
He was finally released on the death of the Emperor but he did not want to reclaim the management of his Monastery and retired to a small estate on the Golden Horn, facing Constantinople. After a few months, he died, exhausted by the suffering and his own austerities. His remains were brought back to his Monastery of Medicion
Several medieval lives of Nicetas exist. The most important of these is the life by Theosterictus, who states that he was a disciple of St Nicetas.
St Benedict of Palermo OFM (1526-1589) Lay Friar of the Order of Friars Minor of the Observance, Confessor, spiritual counsellor, Apostle of the poor and needy, graced with the gift of healing the sick. St Benedict’s gifts for prayer, his love for the Blessed Virgin and the Infant Jesus and the wisdom displayed in his guidance of souls, earned him, a reputation for holiness, throughout Sicily. Following the example of St Francis, Benedict kept seven 40-day fasts throughout the year. He also slept only a few hours each night. His body is incorrupt. Kind and Holy Benedict: https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/03/saint-of-the-day-3-april-st-benedict-of-palermo-ofm-1526-1589-lay-friar/
Blessed Gandulphus of Binasco OFM (c1200-1260)Priest, Friar of the First Order of St Francis. He was a renowned Preacher mainly in Sicily, Hermit, Miracle-worker . He was one of those who entered the Order while the Seraphic Father was still alive and the life he led was one of great self-abnegation. He was Beatified on 10 March 1881 by Pope Leo XIII. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/03/saint-of-the-day-3-april-blessed-gandulphus-of-binasco-ofm-c-1200-1260/
Martyrs of Greece – 4 Saints: A group of young Christian men who protested to City authorities that gifts to temples of pagan gods should be used to feed the poor during a regional famine. When the officials refused, the group went to local temples, broke up the idols and fixtures and gave the gold and silver bits to the poor to use to buy food. The group was imprisoned and executed. The only other thing we know about these Martyrs are the names – Bythonius, Elpideforus, Dius and Galycus. They Died in the 3rd Century at an unknown location in Greece.
Martyrs of Tomi (Romania) – 9 Saints who were Martyred together. We know nothing else about them but the names – Arestus, Benignus, Chrestus, Evagrius, Papo, Patricius, Rufus, Sinnidia and Zosimus. They Died at Tomi, Scythia (modern Constanta, Romania).
Saint of the Day – 2 April – Saint Nizier of Lyon (c513-573) Archbishop of Lyon, He served from 552 or 553 until his death. Nizier was a man of ascetic lifestyle, his care for the poor and his promotion of Church music have since been remembered and praised. Died in 573 of natural causes. Also known as – Nicet, Nicetus, Nicetius, Nicezio, Nikita.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Lyon, St Nizier, renowned for his saintly life and miracles.”
Nizier was born in Burgundy (or Geneva) in 513, into a noble Senatorial family. His father renounced the Bishopric of Geneva. He iwas the nephew of St Sacerdos, Bishop of Lyon and the great-uncle of St Gregory of Tours, who later wrote Nizier’s Vita.
Ordained as a Priest around 543 by St Agricola the Bishop of Chalon-sur-Saône, he was appointed as the Bishop of Lyon on 16 February 552 (or 19 January 553) and thus succeeded his uncle who had requested his appointment of the King.
He presided over a Council in Lyon in 566 of the Provinces of Lyons and Vienne. On this occasion he would have received the title of Archbishop from the Pope.
In his youth he had been healed of a facial tumour through the intercession of Saint Martin of Tours. Having become a Priest, he continued to work with his hands so as not to be dependent on anyone and to be able to support the poor. His nephew, St Gregory of Tours, wrote his biography describing how he served the Church of Lyon for twenty years, with supernatural charity, hastening to forgive everyone. He himself knew how to recognise and regret his sometimes annoying liveliness.
He fought to put Clerics under sole Ecclesiastical jurisdiction… He was a promoter of Church Music, the ‘friend of concord and peace‘ and revered for his generosity towards the poor of his time.
Nizier was buried in the Church of the Apostles (now St Nizier) at Lyon, where his Tomb is blessedly still preserved and the source of many miracles. Several localities iand Churches n the region have come under his patronage.
St Francis of Paola O.M. (1416-1507) known as “Saint Francis the Fire Handler” – Confessor, Monk and Founder, inspired with the Gift of Prophecy and still called the “Miracle-Worker” Apostle of the poor, Peacemaker. He was an Italian mendicant Friar and the Founder of the Order of Minims. Unlike the majority of founders of men’s religious orders and like his Patron Saint, Francis was never ordained a priest. His Body was Incorrupt until destroyed in the French Revolution. He was Canonised in 1519 by Pope Leo X. St Francis’s Life: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/04/02/saint-of-the-day-2-april-st-francis-of-paola-o-m-1416-1507/
St Abundius of Como Bishop and Confessor St Agnofleda of Maine St Appian of Caesarea (c287-306) Martyr, Layman
St Bronach of Glen-Seichis St Constantine of Scotland St Ebbe the Younger St Eustace of Luxeuil St Gregory of Nicomedia St John Payne
Blessed Leopold of Gaiche OFM Cap (1732-1815) Priest and Friar of the Order of Friars Minor of the Capuchin branch, Missionary Preacher in Italy, called “The Apostle of Umbria.” He became renowned for wearing a crown of thorns. He served in a position of power in the Franciscan Order in the Umbrian region in which he supported strong adherence to the Rule of Saint Francis. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/02/saint-of-the-day-2-april-blessed-leopold-of-gaiche-ofm-cap-1732-1815/
St Lonochilus of Maine St Musa of Rome St Nizier of Lyon (c513-573) Bishop St Rufus of Glendalough St Theodora of Tiria
Martyrs of Africa – 10 Saints: A group of ten Christians Martyred together in Africa, date unknown. We have six of their names – Marcellinus, Procula, Quiriacus, Regina, Satullus and Saturnin but no other information has survived.
Martyrs of Thessalonica – 16 Saints: Sixteen Christians who were Martyred together in Thessalonica in Greece, date unknown. We know nothing else about them but 13 of their names – Agapitus, Agatophus, Cyriacus, Dionysius, Gagus, Julianus, Mastisius, Proculus, Publius, Theodoulus, Urbanus, Valerius and Zonisus.
Saint of the Day – 1 April – Saint Valéry of Leucone (c565-c619) Priest, Abbot, Founder of the Abbey of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, a man of Miracles and Visions. Born around 565 in the Auvergne in France and died on 1 April c619 (?) in Leuconay, today St-Valéry-sur-Somme. Patronages – of horticulturists and gardeners,of Death Row Prisoners,fishermen and of of Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme. Also known as – Valery of Leuconay, Valery of Amiens, Gualaric… Valarico… Valerico… Valerio… Walaric… Walarich… Walarico…Walaricus… Waleric… Walerico… Walericus… Walric… Additional Memorials – 2 April (enshrining of Relics) 21 May (translation of Relics at the Quintinus Basilica) 24 August (translation of Relics at the Bertinus Monastery) 12 December (translation of Relics in Amiens, France).
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Amiens, the Abbot, St Valéry, whose Tomb is made illustrious by frequent miracles.”
Valéry was born in the Auvergne into a peasant family. Nearby was a school for the children of the wealthy citizens and Valéry begged a teacher to teach him the letters which the teacher gladly did. He could soon both read and write and his first project was to write the entire Book of Psalms and with this in his possession, he used the time tending the sheep to memorise all the Psalms
Leaving his family home, finally having convinced his father to allow him to go, he joined the Abbey of Autumo., where apparently an uncle was a Monk, He later moved to the Abbey of Saint-Germain d’Auxerre and finally, the Abbey of Luxeuil under the famous Abbot Columban. At Luxeui,l he exelled and was honoured too for his horticultural skills. His ability to protect his vegetables from insects was regarded as miraculous.
When Theuderic II, King of Burgundy expelled St Columban from his domains, Valéry and a fellow Monk named Waldolanus, left the kingdom to preach the Gospel. He eventually settled down as a Hermit at a place called Leuconay near the mouth of the Somme River. A community of disciples grew up around him.
In 613, Valéry founded a Monastery in Leuconay – today’s St-Valéry-sur-Somme – whose Monks lived according to Columban’s Rule. He converted the population to Christianity by – like St Boniface later in Hesse – having a tree felled which had been worshiped by the pagans. Tradition tells how he cured a lame man, St Blitmund, who became the Abbot of the Monastery after Valéry’s death.
The Monastery was built on the site of the former pagan tree. The village which developed around the Monastery bears our Saint’s name — Saint-Valery-sur-Somme.
Valéry died on 1 April around 619 in Leuconay. Valéry’s Relics were taken to Corbie by Huguenots but were amazingly recovered and returned to Leuconay on 12 December which is a day greatly celebrated.
The Luxeuil Monastery was abolished in 1790 during the French Revolution, the Abbey Church of St-Colomban is now a Parish Church and a school is housed in the Monastery buildings.
Blessed Abraham of Bulgaria Blessed Alexander of Sicily Saint Anastasio Blessed Antonius of Noto Saint Berhard of Amiens Blessed Bernhardin of Noto
Saint Celsus of Armagh (c1080-1129) Archbishop of Armagh, Reformer. He was responsible for the change from lay control of the Church in Ireland, to a Clerical-Episcopal model. Himself a hereditary lay administrator, he decided to seek Priestly Ordination and be embraced celibacy in order that the reform introduced by Pope St Gregory VIII on the Continent, could take effect also in Ireland. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/01/saint-of-the-day-1-april-saint-celsus-of-armagh-c1080-1129-archbishop/
Saint Dodolinus of Vienne Blessed Enrico Alfrieri OFM (1315-1405) Vicar General of the Friar’s Minor Blessed Gerard of Sassoferrato Saint Gilbert de Moray Blessed Giuseppe Girott Blessed Hugh of Bonnevaux
Saint Hugh of Grenoble (1053-1232) Bishop, Reformer, in the foundation of the Carthusian Order, founded a Monastery at Chalais. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Grenoble in Burgundia, in today’s France, St Hugh, Bishop, who worked for the reform of the customs of the clergy and the people and, during his Episcopate, ardently loving solitude, gave St Bruno at the time, his teacher and to his companions, the hermitage of Chartroux, of which he was also the first Abbot. He ruled his Church for about fifty years with the thoughtful example of his charity.” The life of another St Hugh: https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/01/saint-of-the-day-1-april-saint-hugh-of-grenoble-1053-1232/
Saint Jacoba of Rome Blessed John Bretton Saint Leucone of Troyes
Saint Melito Sardis (Died c 180) Early Church Father, Bishop of Sardis (Died c 180), ecclesiastical Writer, Confessor, Apologist, Defender of Christ’s dual nature. Saint Melito is believed to have been martyred around the time he wrote his apology to Marcus Aurelius circa 180. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/01/saint-of-the-day-1-april-st-melito-died-c-180/
Blessed Nicolò of Noto Saint Prudentius of Atina Saint Tewdrig ap Teithfallt Saint Theodora of Rome Saint Valéry of Leucone (c565-c619) Priest, Abbot Saint Venantius of Spalato Blessed Vinebault
Apostles of Picardy – Martyrs: Saint Caidoc Saint Fricor
Martyrs of Thessalonica – 6 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred. We know nothing about them but the names Alexander, Dionysius, Ingenianus, Panterus, Parthenius and Saturninus. Martyred in Thessalonica, Greece, date unknown.
Saint of the Day – 31 March – Blessed Daniel of Venice ECMC (1344-1411) Martyr, Husband, Father, Entrepreneur, Politician, Diplomat, Peace-maker, Apostle of the poor, part-time Monk and Hermit. Born in 1344 in Cormons, near Venice, Italy and died on 16 September 1411 at San Mattia di Murano, Venice, Italy by being murdered by thieves. Also known as – Daniel of Murano, Daniel de Ungrispach. He is commemorated by the Camaldolese Hermits of Mount Corona on 20 March. The Church has never confirmed the cult of this “Blessed” but he still legitimately enjoys this title, as he is present in the Calendar of his Religious family and, in 1435, his cult was approved by the local Bishop. He is venerated as a “Martyr of Charity” and his body is preserved Incorrupt.
Daniel was born in the Castle of Cormons, around the year 1344, the eldest son of Nicolaussio d’Ungrispache of Maddalena Savio of Gemona. His was a noble family of Germanic lineage, “very wealthy.” Lords of Cormons, Medea and Foiana, vassals of the Counts of Gorizia, whih had among its members a Bishop of Concordia and one of Trieste. Even today the Coat of Arms of the Municipality of Cormons is inspired by that of Daniel’s family.
When Daniel was sixteen the family moved to Pordenone, where, at around twenty years of age, Daniel married Ursina Ricchieri, a member of the most powerful family in the City. They had a daughter, Lucia, who, in 1384, married the noble Giacomo Spelladi of Treviso. Between 1365 and 1368 Daniel was a prisoner in Verona, perhaps due to unrest and events of war. He endured the ordeal without harbouring resentment. Despite his young age, he was already so well liked by his fellow citizens that they intervened to obtain his release.
Daniel was an upright husband and father, he lived his days as a good Christian. The chronicles describe him: “a noted observer of God’s law, of every religious practice, of singular compassion towards the poor and a great lover of Pious Places.” He successfully engaged in the trade of silk and woollen cloth and cowhides. On the route which took him to Venice, sailing along the Noncello river, he had the opportunity to meet the Camaldolese of the Abbey of San Martin Rotto. The young man was attracted by monastic and hermitic spirituality, typical of the Order founded by St Romuald. The high-ranking position of the family,but certainly alsothe desire to contribute to the public administration in favour of his fellow citizens, also led him to political commitment and so, in 1384, he was appointed “podestà” (a very high Office and authority similar to a Mayor). The position was annual and included representation of the community, both in the Civil and Religious spheres.
Blessed Daniel d’Ungrispach
During his travels to Venice Daniel visited the important Camaldolese Monastery of San Mattia on the island of Murano, where, increasingly attracted by monastic life, he became a family guest.
For nineteen years, while maintaining family, social and work commitments, he constantly frequented the Monastery where he fully breathed the presence of God. He loved reading the Scriptures and the writings of the Fathers of the Church, in particular, Saint Augustine. Then, having even large sums of money at his disposal, he responded generously to the needs of the poor and of the Monastery. He could lead a life suited to his social status but instead, he preferred, day by day, to respond to this deep desire to become united to God, alternating days marked by social commitments with days of prayer, spent alongside his Monk friends. His life was a wonderful synthesis of ‘Ora et labora’ — Husband, Father, Entrepreneur and even Politician, with his gaze always turned towards the Giver of all good.
In 1380 he embarked on the journey to become an oblate of the Camaldolese Congregation which was fully completed on 31 March 1392. From that day he had a cell of his own. He was generous, as mentioned, with hisMmonastery but also with other religious entities, especially Venetian ones, so much so that in 1398 he was appointed procurator of the Church of St Mark!
At the age of fifty, the desire for a hermit’s life prevailed and Daniel renounced the rights, privileges and family assets which were due to him after his father’s death. He left his wife, by mutual agreement and was welcomed into the Monastery of San Mattia to share more fully in the life of the Monks but without the obligation of seclusion. From time to time, he returned to Pordenone and in 1404-1405, he was once again Official of the Municipality and Mayor, probably the Deputy, a sign of the great trust everyone placed in him. He continued to carry out the mercantile profession but also had some diplomatic positions. In 1406 he was among the intermediaries in a serious disagreement between Pordenone and Aquileia. The Mayor and the nobles of the City, including Daniel, were tasked with mediating to obtain forgiveness and peace.
On 16 September 1411 Daniele, while he was in Pordenone, wrote a Last Will naming his wife as universal heir. He arranged to be buried in San Mattia, to which he left bequests and precious books, including a Bible, a Legendary of the Saints, the Sermons of Saint Augustine. A few days later, after returning from work from in Venice, unknown criminals entered his cell at night and strangled him for the purpose of robbery. They were certainly aware of his habits and the money he had with him. The Camaldolese Fathers, struck by such an unjust death, gave him a devout burial in the tomb of the Donà nobles inside the Monastery. He was immediately considered a “Martyr of Charity.”
The Church and Camaldolese Monastery of San Mattia di Murano, between 1804 and 1828. By Giacomo Guardi (1764–1835).
Twenty-four years after his death, in 1435, the body was exhumed and found Incorrupt, “vivid in colour and exuding a very sweet odour, unlike the others found ruined and putrified.” It was placed on an Altar and immediately became a destination for devout pilgrimages. Everyone thought that the Incorrupt body confirmed the holiness which Daniel had displayed in life. The Bishop of Torcello approved the local cult and arranged for an Urn containing the Relics to be displayed in the Church. Graces and miracles followed and Daniel’s fame attracted, in the Centuries to come, faithful from the entire Venetian and surrounding areas. In 1657, Daniel’s Incorrupt body was placed on its own Altar, in a new wooden case, which is still the current one.
In 1810 the Monastery of San Mattia di Murano was suppressed and the Church subsequently destroyed. The body of Blessed Daniel underwent several translations and for a period was preserved in the sacristy of the Basilica della Salute in Venice. In 1857 the remains returned to Murano, the Urn was placed in the external Chapel of the Teacher Sisters of Santa Dorotea, who had opened a school on the island. The Nuns kept a register of the graces obtained by the Blessed, some as late as 1903. The body is today in the Basilica of St Donato, still Incorrupt, covered in a golden robe, a gift for a grace received in 1745. All testimonies of a cult which has never ceased.
Dedicated to his family, involved in public life, active in the mercantile profession, Daniel always had the Word of God as his compass and prayer as his companion. His example is undoubtedly of great relevance in the world we inhabit today. The local memory is set for 31 March, while the Camaldolese commemorates it on 20 March. The “ab immemorabili” recognition of the cult and the official title of Blessed would be highly desirable for this great and holy man.
St Benjamin the Deacon (Died c 424) Deaco and Martyr. Benjamin was executed during a period of persecution of Christians that lasted forty years and through the reign of two Persian kings: Isdegerd I, who died in 421 and his son and successor, Varanes V. King Varanes carried on the persecution with such great fury, that Christians were submitted to the most cruel tortures. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/31/saint-of-the-day-31-march-st-benjamin-the-deacon-died-c-424-martyr/
St Machabeo of Armagh Bl Mary Mamala St Mella of Doire-Melle St Renovatus of Merida
Martyrs of Africa – 4 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith. No details have survived except for of their names – Anesius, Cornelia, Felix and Theodulus. They were martyred in Roman pro-consular Africa.
Saint of the Day – 30 March – Blessed Dodone of Haske O.Praem.(1231) Monk, Hermit, Peace-Maker, Stigmatist. Born in Friesland (in modern Netherlands and died on 30 March 1231 at Haskerdijken, Friesland of injuries sustained when his Hermitage collapsed while Dodone was in prayer inside. Patronage – of Haske, Netherlands.Also known as – Dodone of Hanske, Dodone of Haskerdijken, Dodone of Asch, Dodon… Dodo…
Dodone was born in Friesland, in modern-day Netherlands. After the death of his father, Dodone was compelled into an arranged marriage for the betterment of his family. However, after a few years, he felt a strong calling to devote his life to God and entered the Premonstratensian Abbey of Mariôngaarde (Garden of Mary), located near the town of Hallum in Friesland. Upon entering the Abbey, Dodone’s wife and mother both chose to pursue religious life too, joining a nearby Convent.
Dodone himself spent a period of time practising penance and living in seclusion at Bakkeveen in Friesland. However, his reputation for holiness began to grow and his hermitage soon became a destination for many seeking spiritual guidance and individuals in the hope of miraculous cures.
During his time at Bakkeveen, Dodone also dedicated himself to preaching to the Frisians, urging them to renounce their ongoing vengeful feuds and vendettas. He tirelessly worked to assist those who had been injured in the conflicts, offering support and encouraging forgiveness and reconciliation among the people.
In his later years, Dodone chose to retire and live in solitude as a prayerful Hermit at Haskerdijken, another Town in Friesland. It was there, on 30 March 1231 that a tragic incident occurred while Dodone was engrossed in prayer inside his Hermitage. The structure collapsed, resulting in fatal injuries to Dodone.
Immediately following his death, the Stigmata appeared on his body. The grave of Blessed Dodone became a site of veneration and in honour of his memory, the Church and Premonstratensian House of Our Lady of Rosendaal, were constructed over his final resting place. Pilgrims began to flock to the Shrine, seeking holy consolation and miraculous cures. Many reportedmiracles and blessings attributed to Dodone’s intercession.
Although Dodone has not been officially Beatified, the faithful continue to regard him as a Saint and pray for his intercession. His life stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to God and his tireless efforts to bring peace and reconcilation to the fractured community of the Frisians during his time.
Blessed Amadeus of Savoy (1435-1472) IXth Duke of Savoy, nicknamed “the Happy,” was the Duke of Savoy, from 1465 to 1472, Apostle of the poor and ill, a pious, humble and gentle ruler. Amadeus was a particular protector of Franciscan Friars and endowed other religious houses, as well as homes for the care of the poor and suffering. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/30/saint-of-the-day-30-march-blessed-amadeus-of-savoy-1435-1472/
St Clinius of Pontecorvo (Died c1030) Abbot St Cronan Mochua St Damiano St Domnino of Thessalonica Blessed Dodone of Haske O.Praem.(1231) Monk, Hermit, Stigmatist St Fergus of Downpatrick St Irene of Rome
St Leonard Murialdo St Mamertinus of Auxerre St Osburga of Coventry St Pastor of Orléans St Patto of Werden St Quirinus the Jailer
St Peter Regalatus OFM (1320-1456) Priest, Friar of the Friars Minor, Superior, gifted with bi-location, prophecy and Miracle working. He was Canonised on 29 June 1746 by Pope Benedict XIV. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Aguilera in Castile in Spain, Saint Peter Regalado of Valladolid, Priest of the Order of Minors, who was distinguished for humility and rigour of penance and built two cells, in which only twelve Friars could live in solitude.” About this zealous Saint: https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/30/saint-of-the-day-30-march-saint-peter-regalatus-ofm-1320-1456/
St Regulus of Scotland St Regulus of Senlis St Secundus of Asti St Tola St Zosimus of Syracuse
Martyrs of Constantinople: 4th Century Christians who were exiled, branded on the forehead, imprisoned, tortured, impoverished and murdered during the multi-year persecutions of the Arian Emperor Constantius. They were Martyred between 351 and 359 in Constantinople.
Saint of the Day – 29 March – Saint William Tempier of Poitiers OSA (Died 1197) the 12th Bishop of Poitiers, “William the Strong” Canon Regular of the Augustinian Order. He is remembered as a man of great courage and virile patience in the exercise of his Office in defending the rights of and the property of the Church. Born probably in Poitiers and died on 29 March 1197 in his Diocese of natural causes. Patronages – against haemorrhages and any blood ailments. Also known as – “William the Strong” William of Poitiers, Guillermo
It is not known when and where he was born, although it is believed to be in Poitiers, France. As a young man Willian entered the Augustinian Canons where he practiced the life of virtue such that he was called to lead the Canonry of St Hilary in Poitiers.
In 1183, at the request of the Clergy and people alike, he was chosen to be the Bishop of Poitiers.
He shepherded his flock by his powerful word and stirring example and strove to defend the rights of the Church which were under frequent attack.
We know little more about St William but, for Centuries, his Feast has been celebratei on 29 March and is recorded as such in various Martyrologies.
He is remembered above all for the courage shown in defending the rights and properties of his Diocese, this is also stated in a document from 1185 which indicates William as a defender against the persecutors of the Diocese. And again in 1191 he is referred to as “William the Strong.”
After thirteen years of an intense Episcopate, he died on 29 March 1197 and was buried in the Church of St Cyprian. Bishop William Tempier,, who in life had been strongly opposed by the notables of the Diocese, was honoured as a Saint in death, which indicates that beyond the energy expressed in conducting the administrative and als, the political life of the Diocese, in the pastoral field, he was a great and holy Bishop, attentive to the spiritual life of the faithful, to whom he was an upright example.
The people of Poitiers went to his tomb to be cured, in particular of haemorrhages and any blood ailments.
Tre Ore (The Three Hours Devotion) The Three Hours’ Agony on Good Friday from Noon until 3 o’clock to commemorate the three hours of Christ’s Hanging at the Cross. It includes sermons on the Seven Last Words from the Cross and usually occurs between Noon and 3PM, the latter being the time when Jesus Died on the Cross and the time the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion begins. In 1815, Pope Pius VII decreed a plenary indulgence to those who practice this devotion on Good Friday.
It is a fine tradition to keep silent from Noon to 3:00 PM today.
St Eustasius of Luxeuil (c560–c626),Abbot, Disciple of St Columban, Abbot of Luxeuil Monastery, (after its Founder, St Columbanus) Missionary and Founder of another Monastery in Bavaria, Miracle-worker. Patronages – against blindness and eye diseases, of all illness and sick people. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/29/saint-of-the-day-29-march-st-eustasius-of-luxeuil-c560-c626/
St Mark of Arethusa St Masculas of Africa St Pastor of Nicomedia St Saturus of Africa St Simplicius of Monte Cassino St Victorinus of Nicomedia St William Tempier of Poitiers OSA (Died 1197) Bishop
Martyrs of Nicomedia: Seven Christians who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know nothing else about them but the names of two – Pastor and Victorinus.
Saint of the Day – 28 March – Saint Hesychius of Jerusalem (Died c450) Priest, Exegete, Scholar, Monk, Hermit, Writer. He is not to be confused with Bishop, St Hesychius of Jerusalem, who lived a little time after our Saint today and was a contemporary of St Gregory the Great (540-604).
Hesychius, according to a 9th Century calendar of Saints, was born and educated in Jerusalem, became a Monk and Hermit and was later Ordained a Priest by the Bishop of Jerusalem.
St Cyril of Scythopolis was a 5th Century Greek Monk and Hagiographer who wrote of seven Palestinian Abbots. Although these are remarkable for their richness of detail, there is little distinction between history and tradition. In his Vita of Saint Euthymius, he says that Hesychius was one of the group who came from Jerusalem in 429 to be present at the Consecration of the Monastery Church in Laura which was built by St Euthymius. Hesychius is described as a learned Priest and Teacher in the Church in Jerusalem. He was, therefore, well known to his contemporaries and it was natural for them to see him in the bishop’s company.
Hesychius lived under three Bishops, John, Praylius and Juvenal and he would have met and known Saints Jerome, Cyril of Alexandria, Melania the Younger and Peter the Iberian. Unlike them, however, there is very little trace of the polemical in his own writings. Bishop John of Jerusalem, who seems to have been a righteous person, was reluctant to condemn a heretic until he had heard what he had to say in his defence. He seems to have invited Pelagius to Jerusalem, but there is nothing about it in Hesychius’ writings – nor anything about the Arian controversies which tore the Church apart between the Councils of Nicaea (325) and Constantinople (381).
Like Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Hesychius concentrated his interest in Scripture but within the framework of the Liturgy which allowed him to develop its themes and equipped him with its vocabulary. He avoids exegetical trivia or personal digressions. He explains – “Scripture is perfect wisdom, starting point and point of arrival, to which our whole existence should be adapted.”
His Easter sermons were probably delivered in the Martyrium, the open room in Constantine’s Basilica believed to be the site of the Crucifixion. They fittingly hailed the Cross, the instrument of victory for the Resurrected Christ, whose Resurrection is a guarantee of our own. He makes interesting references to the Easter cCndle, to Christ as the Light which was placed on the lamppost of the Cross. Christ is also the herald of the Resurrection, where he is revealed as both God and Man.
Hesychius has been described as an “almost anonymous testimony to the Christian tradition,” such was his modesty and lack of self-aggrandisement. Furthermore, due to the accidents and coincidences of history, only a fraction of his works have been preserved. Saint Basil tells us that Hesychius wrote a commentary on the entire Scriptures but only the commentaries on Leviticus and the Psalms have been preserved. In addition to these, he has left meditations on Job, a few sermons on the Presentation of the Lord, some fragments on the Prophets and some sermons on the Virgin Mary, whose eternal virginity and perfect purity he praises: “You have guarded the integrity of the temple [of your body]; you have kept your tabernacle free from all sin, so that the Father becomes your guest, the Holy Ghost overshadows you and the Only-begotten Son Incarnate is born of you.” These works open up for us a unified view of Scripture which goes in the direction of and finds its culmination in the person of Christ: “The Mystery of the Incarnation goes from the beginning into the perspective of the first creation.”
His Eucharistic teaching is, like Cyril of Alexandria, strongly realistic: “A person can, through ignorance, perceive the Mystery and yet not be aware of how powerful and awe-inspiring it is and, without realising that it is, in truth ,[Christ’s] Body and Blood.” The Eucharist is a sacrifice, identical to that on the Cross: “He was sacrificed beforehand by His own Hands in the Mystical meal where He took the Bread and broke it and then, on the Cross, when He was nailed to the tree, ” nevertheless, “if it had not been hung on the Cross, we would never have understood the Mystical Body of Christ.” Not only do we eat the Body of Christ but, we eat the same “memory of His suffering ” that encourages us to identify ourselves with that suffering. Christ is present to transform us through our inner absorption of His whole Being, Divine Word and Sacrificial Lamb. The whole Christian life is, in reality, nothing but God’s grace which triggers our personal fidelity: “Keep yourselves free from sin so that you may daily partake of the mystical meal; in doing so, our bodies become the Body of Christ!”
Saint Hesychius may have lived long enough to experience the Council of Chalcedon in 451 but he probably died around the year 450 (other sources say about 433). His memorial day is today, 28 March.
St John of Capistrano OFM (1386-1456) Priest and Friar of the Friars Minor, Confessor and Preacher. Famous as a Preacher, Theologian and Inquisitor, trained Lawyer, he earned himself the nickname ‘the Soldier Saint’ when in 1456 at age 70 he led a Crusade against the invading Ottoman Empire at the Siege of Belgrade. He was Beatified on 19 December 1650 by Pope Innocent X and Canonised on 16 October 1690 by Pope Alexander VIII. Feast Day moved from 28 March in 1969. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2017/10/23/saint-of-the-day-23-october-st-john-capistrano-ofm-1386-1456-the-soldier-saint/
St Cyril the Deacon St Dorotheus of Tarsus St Gundelindis of Niedermünster
St Guntramnus (c532-592) King of the Kingdom of Orléans and Burgundy from 561 until his death in 592, Confessor, Apostle of the needs of the Church and of the poor and sick, Penitent. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Chalons in France, the demise of St Gontran King, who devoted himself to exercises of piety, renounced the pomps of the world and bestowed his treasures on the Church and the poor,” https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/28/saint-of-the-day-28-march-saint-guntramnus-died-597/
St Hesychius of Jerusalem (Died c450) Priest, Exegete. He is not to be confused with Bishop St Hesychius of Jerusalem, a contemporary of St Gregory the Great.
Saint of the Day – 27 March – Saint John Damascene (675-749) Confessor, Father & Doctor of the Church – Priest, Monk, Theologian, Writer, Defender of Iconography, Poet, a Polymath and more. Patronages – Pharmacists, Artists, Theologians and Theology Students.
John Damascene, was a Monk and Theologian, whose writings were crucially important in staunchly defending the value of visual art in communicating the Christian faith and in the acquisition and growth of devotion, piety and the worship of God alone..
John was born into an Arabic Christian family, around the year 675 in Damascus, in present-day Syria, ASas the son of Mansur, the Representative of the Christians to the Court of the Muslim Caliph. In the period following the Muslim Caliphs conquering of the City, most of the Christians who had lived in Damascus were either displaced, or forced to convert. John’s family, however, had worked with the Muslim rulers once they captured the City and John’s father had a position in the Court of the Caliphate, thus their family had been allowed to remain Christian. John’s father ensured that his son received the best education possible, providing his son with a Christian Monk as a tutor. The brilliant young John became a scholar of astronomy, mathematics, classical Greek and Arabic texts.
Some sources claim that John himself became the Chief Administrator of the Caliph’s Court. Eventually, however, John, hearing the call of Christ, resigned his life at the Court and made his way to Jerusalem, to become a Priest and Monk at the Monastery of Mar Saba, outside Jerusalem.
Wheile John was establishing himself at Mar Saba, a great debate, known as the Iconoclastic Controversy, continued to divide the Church. Emperor Leo III issued an Edict forbidding the use of images. John wrote vehemently in favour of the use of images and encouraged lay Christians to continue using them, in defiance of the Emperor’s edict. John’s treatises are beautiful defences of an Incarnation Theology and of the importance of the imagination in developing faith in Christ.
John wrote that art is appropriate for depicting a God Who became human: “I do not draw an image of the immortal Godhead, I paint the visible flesh of God, for it is impossible to represent a spirit, how much more God Who gives breath to the spirit. When the Invisible One becomes visible in the flesh, you may then draw a likeness of His form.” Indeed, “I do not worship matter,” wrote John, “I worship the God of matter, Who became matter for my sake. Do not despise matter, for it is not despicable.”
John continues to discuss the human imagination, “the mind, which is set upon getting beyond corporeal things, is incapable of doing it. For the invisible things of God, since the creation of the world, are made visible through images.” The imagination reaches towards God but needs faith, needs grace, to receive the image of God’s own self which God brings to the human being. And images are important for igniting the imagination, for “Image speaks to the sight, as words to the ear, it brings understanding.”
In 787, at the Second Council of Nicaea, forty years after John’s death in 749, John’s writings were essential arguments which were used, when the Iconoclastic Controversy was finally settled in favour of the Iconophiles—those who advocated the use of Sacred Images in Christian life.
St John Damascene at the Faculty of Theology, at the Convent of St Simplician in Milan
John wrote and adapted many Scriptural texts for musical use in the Liturgy —these texts still survive and are frequently used.
Known as the last of the Greek Fathers, John Damascene was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1890 by Pope Leo XIII for his orthodox works and especially for his defence of Sacred Art.
St John of Damascus, saint who defended art’s power to move the heart and mind, to God—pray for us!
Martyrs of Bardiaboch: A group of Christians who were arrested, tortured and executed together for their faith during the persecutions of Persian King Shapur II. Martyrs. – Abibus, Helias, Lazarus, Mares, Maruthas, Narses, Sabas, Sembeeth and Zanitas. 27 March 326 at Bardiaboch, Persia.
Saint of the Day – 26 March – St Eutychius of Alexandria (Died 356) Sub-Deacon Martyr. Died during Lent in 356, from his wounds and exhaustion, while on the road to the mines in Egypt.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Alexandria, the holy Martyrs, Eutychius and others, who died by the sword for the Catholic Faith, in the time of Constantius, uinder the Arian bishop, George.”
He was martyred in this City at the time of Emperor Constantius, in Lent of 356, when George, an Arian bishop, usurper of the Alexandrian See, assisted by soldiers, caused a violent resurgence of persecution against Catholics.
Saint Athanasius narrates how, after the week of Easter until the Octave of Pentecost, through the work of the Arians, virgins were imprisoned, Bishops were chained, the homes of widows and orphans were stripped, Catholics kidnapped at night.
Among them the Arians also kidnapped Eutichius, a Sub-Deacon, who was providing excellent service to the Church of Alexandria and, with whips made of bull skin, they flogged him so harshly that he was left dying; nor did they allow his wounds to be treated, so that when they condemned him to the horrible mines of Phoeno, the Martyr could not reach them because, torn by the pain of his wounds, he died along the way.
Athanasius, with a style that reveals the immediate and horrified witness, narrates many other infamies and atrocities committed by the Arians, especially at the instigation of George, who had unduly replaced him as and who was then massacred by the crowd. Eutychius is mentioned on 26 March in the Roman Martyrology:
St Braulio (590-651) Bishop of Saragossa, Spain, Monk, Confessor, Reformer, Scholar, Advisor, Writer, eloquent Preacher, Apostle of Charity. Saint Braulio was friend and disciple to Saint Isidore of Seville (560-636) Doctor of the Church ) and a prolific writer of letters, hymns, martyrologies, hagiographies and history. He fought against heresy and provided both strength and encouragement in the faith to his congregation. Biography: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/03/26/saint-of-the-day-26-march-braulio-590-651/
St Desiderius of Pistoia St Eutychius of Alexandria (Died 356) Sub-Deacon, Martyr St Felicitas of Padua St Felix of Trier (c 386–c 399) Bishop St Garbhan St Govan
St Ludger (c742-809) Bishop, Missionary, Founder, Abbot, Writer. Following in the footsteps of the English Missionary St Boniface, St Ludger, who was a native Netherlander, brought the faith to the people of Frisia in Holland and the Saxons of north-west Germany. He founded the Werden Abbey and was the first Bishop of Münster in Westphalia, Germany. About St Ludger: https://anastpaul.com/2019/03/26/saint-of-the-day-26-march-st-ludger-c-742-809/
St Maxima the Martyr St Mochelloc of Kilmallock (Died c639) Abbot at Kilmallock, Ireland. No other information has survived. Also known as – Celloch, Cellog, Motalogus, Mottelog. St Montanus the Martyr St Sabino of Anatolia St Sincheall the Elder (5th-6th Century) On 25 June is the commemoration of a County Offaly Saint, Sincheall of Killeigh. There is a Saint of this name associated with the household of Saint Patrick who is commemorated today. He is distinguished as Sincheall the Elder and may have been related to the St Sincheall of Killeigh. The Irish Calendars preserve this distinction and the two separate Feast Days. We have no further information of today’s St Sincheall the Elder.
St Wereka (Died c370) Martyr – Part of a Congregation burned to death in their Church, somewhere in the Balkans in south-eastern Europe. No other information has survived.
Martyrs of Rome – 5 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together. The only details to survive are the names – Cassian, Jovinus, Marcian, Peter and Thecla. Rome, Italy, date unknown.
Saint of the Day – 25 March – Blessed Placido Riccardi OSB (1844-1915). Priest and Friar of the Order of St Benedict. He founded a branch thereof known as the Cassinese Congregation, a reform of the standard way of life of the Monasteries. Born on 24 June 1844 as Tommaso Riccardi in Trevi, Umbria, Italy and died aged 70 in Rome, on 25 March 1915. PATRONAGES – against Malaria, against all bodily illnesses. Also known as – Tommaso Riccardi, Thomas Riccardi. He was Beatified on 5 Dercember 1954 by Pope Pius XII.
Tommaso Riccardi was born in Trevi on 24 June 1844 to Francesco and Maria Stella Paoletti, the third of ten children. He was Baptised in the nearby Church of St Emilian and, as soon as he was reborn with Baptism, he was placed on the Altar of Our Lady of Sorrows, in an act of consecration.
In 1853 he entered the Lucarini College where he distinguished himself as attested by numerous mentions and medals, awarded to him. In 1862, when the Lucarini College was closed for political reasons, he placed himself under the spiritual direction of Don Ludovico Pieri, a holy Priest from Trevia, spiritual father and inspiration of Blessed Pietro Bonilli. In 1865, in the the act of resigning from Pieri to continue his studies in Rome, the latter prophesied his future vocation but Tommaso made a gesture of rebellion and, throwing the hat he was holding in his hand, to the ground and stepping on it, exclaimed: “If this vocation comes to me, I drown!”
Just a year later, 1866, after a pilgrimage to Loreto and a course of spiritual exercises, he knocked on the door of the Abbey of St Paul. Admitted to the Novitiate on 5 January 1867 with the name of Placido, he was Ordained Subdeacon on 2 April 1870 and Deacon on 224 September 1870.
Called up for Military Service, he took a few days to finish his exams but was immediately declared a deserter because of this delay! Having arrived in Spoleto to plead his case, since in the meantime, the Piedmontese government which also dominated Rome, had decreed an amnesty, it was discovered that his case did not fall within it and, therefore, he was arrested at the Fonti del Clitunno, while returning to Trevi. Transferred to Florence, he was tried and sentenced to one year’s imprisonment, then pardoned and sent to the Regiment in Pisa but, after medical tests, declared unfit, he was discharged on 27 January 1871. On 7 February he returned to St Paul’s where, on 10 March he made his Solemn Profession and on 25 March he was Ordained a Priest.
At The Beatification in St Peter’s Square
He held various positions: Deputy Master of Students, Master of Novices, Abbey Vicar of the Benedictines of St Magno in Amelia in two different periods. In 1994, while he was leaving the Amelia Monastery to return to Rome due to his poor health, a Nun wrote about him as follows: “Don Placido left leaving everyone in the deepest pain. Austere with himself but all charity for us, especially the sick. His charity also extended to the poor in Amelia. His virtues have aroused the admiration of the whole City!”
But the apotheosis of the humiliation and triumph of Don Placido’s sanctity occurred in Farfa, where he was sent to try to save what could be saved. The glorious Abbey, already powerful in the time of the Lombards, was reduced to miserable conditions. Overwhelmed by the latest political events and its assets passed to private individuals, the Abbot’s residence itself was absolutely uninhabitable! Don Placido turned his attention to the people, generally poor shepherds who came to him after Sunday Mass. In their extreme need, they were helped spiritually and materially. In his prodigality Don Placido regretted that he no longer even had his own personal effects to donate to the poor, since those he possessed were rejected several times because they were too poor. It is said that he also provided suggestions and medicinal remedies described in the ancient codes.
Farfa Abbey
In 1912, after almost twenty years of staying in Farfa, his body, which had always been in poor health, further weakened by a life of penance and deprivation, was so weakened he contracted Malaria and the holy man had to be brought back to Rome. He lived for another two and a half years, assisted by his disciple and friend Don Idelfonso Schuster, later Cardina, Bishop of Milan and his Biographer.
He passed away on the evening of 25 March 1915 and the following day, when his body was transported to the Basilica, the bells rang out without assistance.
In 1925 the body was moved to Farfa Monastery and in 1928 the process of Canonisation began band in the 1950s Pope Pius XII proclaimed him Blessed. .
On 5 December 2008, a day of study was dedicated to the Blessed. In Trevi the road which goes from Piazza del Comune up towards the Church of St Emilian, where our Saint was Baptised and which was since named after him, passing in front of his house, where a plaque was placed. The large square behind the Basilica of St Paul in Rome also bears his name and in Milan, a central street, parallel to Via Palmanova.
THIS IS THE HOUSE WHERE HE WAS BORN, ON 24 JUNE 1844 AND HE LIVED, FOR MANY YEARS, TOMMASO RICCARDI. WITH THE NAME OF PLACIDO ETERNATED IN THE LIGHT OF THE ALTARS FOR HIS VIRTUES – GLORIFYING SELF AND HOMELAND
FELLOW CITIZENS IN THE YEAR 1955 CELEBRATING HIS BEATIFICATION
St Dula the Slave Bl Everard of Nellenburg Bl Herman of Zahringen St Hermenlandus (Died Priest, Abbot St Humbert of Pelagius Bl James Bird St Kennocha of Fife
St Lucia Filippini (1672-1732) Virgin, Religious Sister, Founder. On 22 June 1930, Lucia Filippini was declared a Saint of the Church by Pope Pius XI and her Statue was given the last available niche in the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome. Her statue can be seen in the first upper niche from the main entrance on the left (south) side of the nave of St Peter’s. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/25/saint-of-the-day-25-march-st-lucia-filippini-1672-1732/
St Matrona of Barcelona St Matrona of Thessaloniki St Mona of Milan St Nicodemus of Mammola St Pelagius of Laodicea Bishop Blessed Placido Riccardi OSB (1844-1915. Priest and Friar of the Order of St Benedict. He was Beatified on 5 Dercember 1954 by Pope Pius XII.
St Procopius St Quirinus of Rome Bl Tommaso of Costacciaro
262 Martyrs of Rome: A group 262 Christians Martyred together in Rome. We know nothing else about them, not even their names.
Saint of the Day – 24 March – Blessed Bertrada of Laon (c726-783) Married to King Pepin the Short. Queen of the Franks. Mother of Blessed Charlemagne. Bertrada was known to instil piety and devotion in her Court, following strict schedules of prayer and Liturgical celebrations for her family and for the Court generally. Born in c726 at Laon, France and died on 12 July 783 of natural causes at Choisy-au-Bac, Francia. Patronage – of Spinners. Also known as – Bertrada the Pius, Bertrada la Pia, Bertha… Berta…
We know nothing definite about Bertrada’s exact origins. According to some, she was the daughter of Charibert, Count of Laon, while others would even consider her the daughter of an Emperor of Constantinople. However, it is well known that the Frankish Kings cared little about the more or less illustrious origins of their wives and no-one has ever taken the trouble to discover where Queen Bertha probably came from, given that even ancient heroic poetry and various legends, left the question aside.
In 741, she married Pepin the Short, the son of Charles Martel, the Frankish Chancellor. However, Pepin and Bertrada’s union was not canonically sanctioned until 749, after the birth of Charlemagne. Besides Charlemagne, Bertrada and Pepin are known to have had seven further children, of whom 3 were sons. One of their daughters, Gisela, became a nun at Chelles Abbey.
In 751, Pepin and Bertrada became King and Queen of the Franks, following Pepin’s successful coup against the Frankish Merovingian monarchs. Pepin was crowned in June 754 and Bertrada, Charlemagne, and Carloman were blessed by Pope Stephen II. (See the wonderful painting below by François Dubois.
After Pepin’s death in 768, Bertrada lost her title as Queen of the Franks. Charlemagne and Carloman inherited the two halves of Pepin’s Kingdom. Bertrada stayed at the Charlemagne’s Court and often tried to stop arguments between the two brothers. It is reported that her relationship with her sons was excellent, especially with Charlemagne. Historians say that the great Emperor had a respectful tenderness towards his mother and that he listened to her advice with a certain deference and trust.
In 771, Bertrada retired from the Court after Carloman’s death to live in Choisy-au-Bac, where Charlemagne had set aside a Royal house for her. Choisy-au-Bac was favourable because of its history of being the home and burial place of several Royals.
Bertrada died on 12 July 783 and was buried in Saint-Denis, where her Tomb, restored by the French King Saint Louis IX, bears the only inscription “Berta, Mater Caroli Magni.” The cult of her as Beatification has a purely local character.
The Archangel Saint Gabriel The Feast of Saint Gabriel was included by Pope Benedict XV in the General Roman Calendar in 1921, for celebration on 24 March. The Archangel Saint Gabriel’s name means “the Power of God” He appeared to the Prophet Daniel (Dan 8:16; 9:21), to the priest Zachary to announce the forthcoming birth of Saint John the Baptist (Luke 1:11, 19) and, most importantly, to the Blessed Virgin Mary to announce the birth of Our Saviour (Luke 1:26). St Gabriel! https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/24/saint-of-the-day-24-march-the-archangel-saint-gabriel/
St Agapitus of Synnada (Died 3rd Century) Bishop of Synnada, Phrygia, in Asia Minor. Its site is now occupied by the modern Turkish Town of Suhut. We have no further information on the life of St Agapitus..
St Bernulf of Mondov Bl Bertha de’Alberti of Cavriglia Blessed Bertrada of Laon (c726-783) Married to King Pepin the Short. Queen of the Franks. Mother of Blessed Charlemagne. St Caimin of Lough Derg St Cairlon of Cashel
St Latinus of Brescia St Macartan of Clogher St Mark of Rome St Pigmenius of Rome St Romulus of North Africa St Secundus of North Africa St Seleucus of Syria St Severo of Catania St Timothy of Rome
Martyrs of Africa – 9 Saints: A group of Christians murdered for their faith in Africa, date unknown. The only details about their that survive are the names – Aprilis, Autus, Catula, Coliondola, Joseph, Rogatus, Salitor, Saturninus and Victorinus. .
Martyrs of Caesarea – 6 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little else but six of their names – Agapius, Alexander, Dionysius, Pausis, Romulus and Timolaus. They were martyred by beheading in 303 at Caesarea, Palestine.
Saint of the Day – 23 March – Saint Ethelwald of Farne (Died 699) Priest, Monk and Hermit. Died on the Island of Inner Farne in 699. Also known as – Ethelwald the Hermit, Aethelwold… Ethelwold … Edelwald… He should not be confused with his near contemporary, Saint Ethelwald the Bishop of Lindisfarne who died in 740).
Inner Farne Island
Little is known about our Saint, apart from that which is recorded in the writings of the Venerable St Bede.
Ethelwald, a holy Priest and Monk of Ripon Monastery, in North Yorkshire, England, being desirous of some solitude, he succeeded to the tiny Hermitage of Saint Cuthbert on the lonely Island of Inner Farne, after the latter’s death in 687.
The Hermitage and Chapel on Inner Farne Isle
The best-known miracle of Ethelwald, related by St Bede, records how the future Abbot Guthrid visited him on Farne with two Lindisfarne Monks and, on his journey home, was saved from shipwreck by the Saint’s prayers. St Bede wrote through the lips of Abbot Guthrid:
“I came,” says he, “to the Island of Fame, with two others of the brethren, desiring to speak with the most reverend Father, Ethelwald. Having been refreshed with his discourse and asked for his blessing, as we were returning home, behold on a sudden, when we were in the midst of the sea, the fair weather, in which we were sailing, was broken and there arose so great and terrible a tempest that neither sails, nor oars, were of any use to us, nor had we anything to expect but death.
After long struggling with the wind and waves to no effect, at last we looked back to see whether it was possible, by any means, at least to return to the Island whence we came but we found that we were, on all sides alike, cut off by the storm and there was no hope of escape by our own efforts.
But looking further, we perceived, on the Island of Fame, our Father Ethelwald, beloved of God, come out of his retreat to watch our course, for, hearing the noise of the tempest and raging sea, he had come forth to see what would become of us. When he beheld us in distress and despair, he bowed his knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in prayer for our life and safety and, as he finished his prayer, he calmed the swelling water, in such sort that the fierceness of the storm ceased on all sides and fair winds attended us over a smooth sea to the very shore. When we had landed and had pulled up our small vessel from the waves, the storm, which had ceased a short time for our sake, presently returned and raged furiously during the whole day, so that it plainly appeared that the brief interval of calm had been granted by Heaven, in answer to the prayers of the man of God, to the end that we might escape.”
The man of God remained on the Isle of Inner Fame for twelve years and died there. Upon his death, his body was translated to Lindisfarne and laid next to those of Saints Cuthbert and Edbert. Later his Relics were carried from place to place with those of St Cuthbert until they were settled in Durham Cathedral. Many miracles were attributed by St Florence of Worcester to the intercession of Saint Ethelwald
This is St Cuthbert’s Tombstone and St Ethelwald is presumably nearby
St Benedict of Campagna St Crescentius of Carthage St Ethelwald of Farne (Died 699) Priest, Monk and Hermit St Felix the Martyr St Felix of Monte Cassino St Fergus of Duleek St Fidelis the Martyr St Frumentius of Hadrumetum St Gwinear
St Julian the Confessor St Liberatus of Carthage St Maidoc of Fiddown St Nicon of Sicily
St Ottone Frangipane (1040-1127) Layman, military Knight, Pilgrim, Ascetic, Hermit, Miracle-worker both during life and after his death. Founder of a Pilgrim’s Hospice in Ariano which later became a huge Hospital. Born in 1040 in Rome, Italy and died on 23 March 1127 in Ariano Irpino, Italy of natural causes. His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/23/saint-of-the-day-23-march-st-ottone-frangipane-1040-1127/
Daughters of Feradhach: They are mentioned in early calendars and martyrologies but no information about them has survived.
Martyrs of Caesarea – 5 Saints: A group of five Christians who protested public games which were dedicated to pagan gods. Martyred in the persecutions Julian the Apostate. The only details we know about them are their names – Aquila, Domitius, Eparchius, Pelagia and Theodosia. They were martyred in 361 in Caesarea, Palestine.
Saint of the Day – 22 March – Blessed Lukarda of Oberweimar O.Cist (c1275-1309) Virgin, German Cistercian Nun, Mystic, Miracle-worker. She was gifted with visions and the Stigmata of the Wounds of Our Lord. Born in c1275, probably in Erfurt, Germany and died on 22 March (Palm Sunday) 1309 at the Oberweimar Abbey, Weimar, Thuringia (in modern Germany) of natural causes, aged 33. Also known as – Lukarda of Erfurt, Lukardis… Lucardis… Lutgarda… Her name means — “the protector of the people” (Old High German).
Lukarda was born in 1275 or 1276 near Erfurt in Germany. At the age of twelve, she entered the Cistercians of Oberweimar Abbey, near modern-day Weimar.
Although she herself was not physically strong she was placed in the Infirmary of the Monastery to care for the ill and those even less healthy than herself. Lukarda dedicated herself with great assiduity to the needs of all the ailing patients.
Lukarda, afflicted by numerous sufferings which she endured with great patience and firmness of mind, was comforted by the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist. She was deeply devoted to the Passion of Our Lord. Once, during a vision of the Saviour, the image of His Wounds were imprinted on her body and it was announced to her that she would only live for thirty-three years.
She had the gift of miracles, so much so that, through her intercession many people were cured of their sufferings and illnesses. Two blind men regained their sight when clothes stained by the blood of Saint Lukarda’s Stigmata were placed over there eyes.
She died on 22 March 1309 and was buried in the side Chapel of Oberweimar Abbey Church (see below). After her death she was immediately honoured with her own cult and was invoked by many who obtained extraordinary graces and cures through Lukarda’s intercession. She has been remembered and celebrated in Weimar on her Feast day, the Anniversary of her death for Centuries until the protestants sought to disrupt and prevent such devotions.
Church of St Peter and Paul of the former Cistercian Monastery in Oberweimar
Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows THE FEAST DAY OF THE SEVEN DOLORS IS TRADITIONALLY THE FRIDAY OF PASSION WEEK, WHICH IS THE FRIDAY BEFORE GOOD FRIDAY, AND ON 15 SEPTEMBER.
St Callinica of Galatia St Catherine of Sweden St Darerca of Ireland St Deghitche
St Epaphroditus of Terracina (1st Century) First Bishop of Terracina, Italy, Missionary, Evangelist, Disciple of the Apostles, Friend and Envoy of St Paul Apostle. St Hippolytus’ list of the Seventy Disciples includes “Epaphroditus, Bishop of Andriace.” The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Terracina, St Epaphroditus, a disciple of the Apostles, who was Consecrated Bishop of that City by the blessed Apostle Peter.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/22/saint-of-the-day-22-march-saint-epaphroditus-of-terracina-1st-century/
Saint of the Day – 21 March – Saint Lupicinus of Condat (Died c480) Abbot, previously a Widower, then a Hermit and then founding two Monasteries which became cornerstones of monastic, social and political stability under his administration. Born probably somewhere in the region of the Jura Mountains in France and died at his Monastery there in c480. Also known as – Lupicinus of Lauconne, Lupicinus of Jura, Lupicin… Lupicino… St Lupinus’ Body was certainly incorrupt until the 1700s. I am not sure whether it was protected from the evils destruction of the French Revolution.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In the territory of Lyons, the Abbot St Lupicinus, whose life was resplendent with the lustre of holiness and miracles.”
Lupicinus, was a man of adamantine faith and austere spirit. After the death of his beloved wife, Lupicinus joined his brother Romanus, a Hermit dedicated to contemplative solitude living in the Jura Mountains, a short distance north of the Western Alps and mainly demarcating a long part of the French–Swiss border.
Together, the two brothers took the first steps towards a monastic destiny of great importance in the region, founding two Monasteries: Condat, later known as Saint-Oyend (another sibling brother, the youngest, who is actually called St Eugendus) and Saint-Claude and Lauconne, later called Saint-Lupicin. Both brothers led the monastic communities with dedication but Lupicinus stood out for his ascetic rigour and iron discipline, applying the monastic rule with severity and intransigence, both in the governance of the community and in the recruitment of new members.
The Monastery Church of St Lupicinus
Upon Romanus’ death, Lupicinus assumed the unified leadership of the two Monasteries, becoming a point of reference, not only for religious life but also for the protection of the surrounding populations. In particular, he distinguished himself as a staunch defender of Count Agrippinus against the aims of the Burgundian King, demonstrating not only spiritual but also political mettle.
His earthly parable ended in 480, leaving an indelible legacy. The memory of Lupicinus and his brother Romanus was handed down by a biography written by a Condat Monk shortly after the death of St Oyend, their fellow Monk. Although the veracity of this document has been questioned by some scholars, others, have recognised its historical value. A further biography, by St Gregory of Tours, offers a less detailed but still, significant account.
St Lupinus Relics were transflated on 3 July of an unspecified year, shortly after his death. A reconnaissance carried out in 1689 miraculously revealed the intact body, strengthening the cult of the Saint. Until the French Revolution, on 6 June each year, the Relics were solemnly transported from the Church of St Lupinus to that of the Chapter of Saint-Claude, in a procession of great popular devotion. The date of celebration of St Lupicinus was set for 21 March and then confirmed by the Roman Martyrology. Together with his brothers Sts Romano and Oyend, he is venerated as a Benedictine Saint, although the Monasteries he founded predated the Rule of Saint Benedict which was adopted at a later time.
In the lives of the first Abbots of Condat, it is mentioned that the Monastery which was built by St Romanus of timber, being consumed by fire, the young brother, St Eugendus, rebuilt it of stone and also that he built a handsome Church in honour of Sts Peter, Paul and Andrew.
St John of Valence (Died 1146) Bishop, Founder of the Abbey of Bonnevaux, Monk, Abbot, Apostle of the poor, Social Reformer. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Valence in the territory of Vienne in France, St John, Bishop, who, at first Abbot of Bonnevaux, suffered many adversities for the defence of justice and with charity took care of the peasants, the poor and the merchants ruined by debts.” His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/21/saint-of-the-day-21-march-saint-john-of-valence-died-1146/
Bl Lucia of Verona (1514-1574) Laywoman, Apostle of the Sick
St Lupicinus of Condat (Died c480) brother of St Romanus (Died c460)both Abbots at Condat Monastery. St Romanus is venerated on 28 February,
St Nicholas of Flue (1417-1487) Swiss Hermit and Ascetic who is the Patron Saint of Switzerland. He is sometimes invoked as Brother Klaus. A husband and father, a Mystic, a Writer, farmer, military leader, Member of the assembly, Councillor, Judge, he was respected as a man of complete moral integrity. He was Canonised on 15 May 1947 by Pope Pius XII. About St Nicholas: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/03/21/saint-of-the-day-21-march-st-nicholas-of-flue-1417-1487/St Nicholas of Flue (1417-1487)
St Serapion the Scolastic (Died c 354-370) Bishop of Thmuis, near Diospolis in the Nile delta of Egypt, Monk and Hermit, Confessor, brilliant Scholar of great learning, Theologian, Writer, a companion to St Anthony, the Desert and a close friend of St Athanasius and gave support to him against the heretic Arians in Egypt, for which action he was exiled. St Serapion’s Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/21/saint-of-the-day-21-march-saint-serapion-the-scolastic-died-c-354-370-bishop/
St Philemon of Rome Bl Santuccia Terrebotti
Martyrs of Alexandria: A large but unknown number of Catholics massacred in several Churches during Good Friday services in Alexandria, Egypt by Arian heretics during the persecutions of Constantius and Philagrio. They were Martyred on Good Friday in 342 in Alexandria, Egypt.
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