SAINT of the DAY – Page 43

CARMELITES, DOMINICAN OP, LENT, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY FACE

The Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus, Shrove Tuesday, Mother of Mercy, Notre-Dame de Pellevoisin / Our Lady of Pellevoisin, France (1876) and the Saints for 13 February

Posted on February 13, 2024February 11, 2024 by AnaStpaul

The Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus:
In the 19th Century Jesus expressed His wishes to Sister Mary of St Peter (1816-1848), a Carmelite Nun in Tours, France, that there be an actual Devotion to his Holy Face. Our Lord wanted this in reparation for blasphemies against Him and His Holy Name as well, as for the profanation of Sunday (when people engage unnecessarily in commerce and other such labours and chores on Sunday, a day meant for rest and reflection on God). In August of 1843 He dictated to her the well-known Golden Arrow Prayer. He also gave her Promises for those who would honour His Holy Face.
The first Holy Medal of the Holy Face was given to Ven Pope Pius XII, who approved the Devotion and the Medal. In 1958 he formally declared the Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus as Shrove Tuesday for all Catholics.
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/01/feast-of-the-holy-face/

Shrove Tuesday: Shrove is the past tense of the word Shrive, which means “to hear a confession, assign penance and absolve from sin.”
In the Middle Ages, especially in Northern Europe and England, it became the custom to confess one’s sins on the day before Lent began in order to enter the penitential season in a repentant spirit.

Mother of Mercy, Notre-Dame de Pellevoisin / Our Lady of Pellevoisin, France (1876) – 13 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/13/mother-of-mercy-our-lady-of-pellevoisin-france-1876-and-memorials-of-the-saints-13-february/

St Adolphus of Osnabruk
St Aimo of Meda

Blessed Archangela Girlani O Carm (1460-1494) Virgin, Carmelite Nun, Mystic with the gift of levitation.
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/13/saint-of-the-day-13-february-blessed-archangela-girlani-o-carm-1460-1494/

St Benignus of Todi
Bl Berengar of Assisi
St Castor of Karden

Blessed Jordan of Saxony OP (1190-1237) Religious Priest, Preacher, the Second Master-General of the Order of Preachers, after St Dominic.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/13/saint-of-the-day-13-february-blessed-jordan-of-saxony-o-p-1190-1237/

St Catherine de Ricci OP (1522-1590) Virgin, Tertiary of the Order of Preachers, Mystic, Stigmatist, Ecstatic, Counsellor to many in both secular and spiritual matters, a highly admired Administrator and Advisor,blessed with many mystical charism including visions of Christ, both as a Baby and Adult, bilocation and miracles. Her body is incorrupt.
A Mighty Handmaid:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/13/saint-of-the-day-13-february-saint-catherine-de-ricci-op-1522-1590/

Blessed Christine of Spoleto OSA (1435-1458) Widow, mother, Nun of the Order of Saint Augustine.
About Blessed Christine:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/13/saint-of-the-day-13-february-blessed-christine-of-spoleto-osa-1435-1458/

St Dyfnog
St Ermenilda of Ely
Bl Eustochium of Padua OSB (1444-1469) Virgin

St Fulcran of Lodève (Died 1006) Bishop of Lodève, Reformer, especially within the Clergy and Religious Orders, builder of many Churches, Convents and Hospitals, Apostle of the poor and needy, Miracle-worker.
St Futeran’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/13/saint-of-the-day-13-february-saint-fulcran-of-lodeve-died-1006-bishop/

St Fusca of Ravenna
St Gilbert of Meaux
St Gosbert of Osnabruck
St Guimérra of Carcassone
St Huno

St Julian of Lyon
St Lucinus of Angers
St Marice
St Martinian the Hermit
St Maura of Ravenna
St Modomnoc
St Peter I of Vercelli
St Stephen of Lyons
St Stephen of Rieti (Died c590) Abbot

SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 12 February – St Anthony Kauleas of Constantinople (c829-901) Bishop, Confessor

Posted on February 12, 2024February 8, 2025 by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 12 February – St Anthony Kauleas of Constantinople (c829-901) Bishop, Confessor, Defender of orthodoxy. Anthony was a pious man exercising mortification and penances. He generously endowed monastic foundations and founded or re-founded the Kauleas Monastery with the support of the emperor, who preached at the Church’s dedication. Buried in the Church of his Monastery, Anthony was held responsible for many miracles. Born in c829 near Constantinople and died on 12 February 901 of natural causes.
Also known as – Anthony Cauleas, Antony Cauleas, Antony Kauleas, Antony II of Constantinople, Antonius of Constantinople.

The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Constantinople, St Anthony, a Bishop in the time of the Emperor Leo VI.”

Anthony was born near Constantinople, in a place where his parents had retreated, for fear of iconoclastic persecution. Upon the death of his mother, Anthony, then just twelve years old, entered a Monastery in the Byzantine imperial Capital. There, in the course of time, he became the Abbot with the name of “Anthony II Kaukeas” (having been preceded by Antonio I Cassimatas, 821-837). Anthony’s father too entered Anthony’s Monastery and received the religious Habit directly from his son’s hands.

The Eastern Church was, at that time, in a state of great confusion, after the Emperor had expelled the legitimate Constantinopolitan Bishop, Saint Ignatius and, in 867, had imposed the ingamous Photius on the Episcopal throne. However, in 886, he too was forced to leave the Episcopal Seat probably pushed by the new Emperor Leo VI who wanted to install his younger brother Stephen. Photius did not resist and retired to a Monastery, while the followers of St Ignatius did not recognise the legitimacy of Stephen’s election, as he was Ordained Deacon by Photius himself. In this context, upon Stephen’s death in 893 Anthony was elected as the Bishop of Constantinople.

His work was immediately characterised by multiple efforts aimed at reconciling the two factions, finally managing to persuade the Archbishop, Stiliano Mapas, leader of the Ignatians, to put an end to the schism. It is not historically clear ,whether the intervention of the Bishop of Rome was necessary to resolve the dispute or whether he simply sanctioned the solution already reached by Anthony. The fact is that both Churches, both Rome and Constantinople, recognised “Ignatius, Photius, Stephen and Anthony” as an authentic and valid succession of Bishops of the Byzantine See. Peace was officially stipulated in 899 and Anthony died shortly afterwards, in 901.

Apart from his particular role in the universal history of the Church, as described so far, there is not much further information on Anthony’s life, other than what his contemporaries have passed down — his great spirit of mortification, prayer and penance. He founded a splendid Monastery in which he wanted to be buried which was later renamed in his honour “tou koulea, or tou kyr antoniou.”

MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna del Pilerio, Italy (12th Century), Notre-Dame-de- Argenteuil / Our Lady of Argenteuil, Paris, France (c 500), The Seven Holy Founders and the Saints for 12 February

Posted on February 12, 2024February 10, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Madonna del Pilerio, Italy (12th Century) – 12 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/12/madonna-del-pilerio-our-lady-of-argenteuil-paris-france-and-memorials-of-the-saints-12-february/

Notre-Dame-de- Argenteuil / Our Lady of Argenteuil, Paris, France (c 500) – 12 February: Cathedral of Our Lady of Argenteuil, Paris, built by King Clovis I containing a portion of the Seamless Garment of Christ.
All about this Marian Title:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/12/feast-of-our-lady-of-argenteuil-and-the-seamless-tunic-12-february/

The Seven Holy Founders of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary (the Servites)
Pope Leo XIII Canonised them all on 15 January 1888. After the Canonisation of the Seven Founders, their Feast was inserted in the General Roman Calendar for celebration on 11 February, the anniversary of the granting of canonical approval to the order in 1304. In 1909, 11 February became the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and the Feast of the seven founders was moved to 12 February.
In 1969 the Feast was moved to 17 February.
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/02/17/saints-of-the-day-17-february-the-seven-holy-founders-of-the-servite-order-osm-formation-on-15-august-1233/

St Alexius of Kiev
St Ammonius of Alexandria
Bl Anthony of Saxony
St Anthony Kauleas of Constantinople (c829-901) Bishop

St Benedict of Aniane OSB (747-821) “The Second Benedict,” Monk. Next to St Benedict himself, St.Benedict of Aniane influenced the shape of Benedictine monasticism in the West more than anyone else.
About St Benedict:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/saint-of-the-day-12-february-st-benedict-of-aniane-747-821-the-second-benedict/

Bl Benedict Revelli
St Damian of Africa
St Damian of Rome
St Ethelwald of Lindisfarne

St Eulalia of Barcelona (c 290-c 303) Virgin Martyr
Her Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/12/saint-of-the-day-12-february-saint-eulalia-of-barcelona-c-290-c-303-virgin-and-martyr/

St Gaudentius of Verona (Died c465) Bishop

St Goscelinus of Turin (Died 1053) Abbot
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/12/saint-of-the-day-12-february-saint-goscelinus-of-turin-osb-died-c-1053/

Bl Gregory of Tragurio
Bl Humbeline of Jully
St Julian of Alexandria

St Julian the Hospitaller / St Julian the Poor – Layman
About St Julian:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/02/12/saint-of-the-day-12-february-st-julian-the-hospitaller/
Bl Ladislaus of Hungary
Bl Ludan

St Meletius of Antioch (Died 381) Bishop of Antioch, Confessor.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/12/saint-of-the-day-12-february-saint-meletius-of-antioch-died-381-bishop-of-antioch/

St Modestus of Alexandria
St Modestus of Carthage
St Modestus the Deacon
Bl Nicholas of Hungary
St Sedulius
Bl Thomas of Foligno

Martyrs of Albitina – 46 Saints:
During the persecutions of Diocletian, troops were sent to the churches of Abitina, North Africa on a Sunday morning; they rounded up everyone who had arrived for Mass and took them all to Carthage for interrogation by pro-consul Anulinus. The 46 who proclaimed their Christianity were executed. We know some of their names and stories. They were tortured to death in 304 in prison at Albitina, North Africa.

SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 11 February – St Severinus of Agaunum (Died c507) Abbot

Posted on February 11, 2024February 9, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 11 February – St Severinus of Agaunum (Died c507) Abbot, Miracle-worker, gifted with Prophecy and healing the sick. Born in Burgundy, France and died in c507 at Chateau-Landon in Gatinais, of natural causes whilst travelling towards his Monastery. Patronage – of Agaunum, Switzerland.

The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Chateau-Landon, St Severin, Abbot of the Monastery of Aqaunum, by whose prayers the Christian King Clovis, was deliovered from a long sickness.”

Severinus, of a noble family in Burgundy, was educated in the Catholic faith at a time when the Arian heresy reigned supreme in that region. He forsook the world in his youth and dedicated himself to God in the Monastery of Saint-Maurice-en-Valais at Agaunum, which consisted only of scattered cells until, some time later, the Catholic King, Sigismund, built there the great Abbey of Saint-Maurice.

Severinus became the holy Abbot of Saint-Maurice, with its distinct Convents for men and women, all of whom, bore voluntarily, the yoke of penance and celibacy, without solemn vows. The Abbot had governed his community for many years in the exercise of penance and charity, when, in 504, Clovis, the first Christian King of France, who was lying ill of a fever, sent his Chamberlain to conduct the Saint to Court. After his Physicians had, for two years endeavoured, without success, to cure him, Clovis was told that the sick from all parts recovered their health by the prayers of our Saint Severinus. The Abbot, therefore, took leave of his Monks and Nuns and told them he would never see them again in this world.

The Monastery of Saint-Maurice-en-Valais at Agaunum

On his journey he healed Eulalius, Bishop of Nevers, who had been deaf and dumb for some time; he also healed a leper at the gates of Paris. And coming to the Palace, he immediately restored the King to perfect health, by covering him with his own cloak. He cured many other sick persons at the Court and in Paris. The King, in gratitude, distributed large alms to the poor and released all his prisoners.

Saint Severinus, returning toward Agaunum, stopped at Chateau-Landon in Gatinais, where two Priests served God in a solitary Chapel. Foreseeing his imminent death, he asked admittance among them and they received this stranger, whom they soon greatly admired for his sanctity. His death followed shortly after, in 507. This site became the Abbey of Saint Severinus, with a beautiful Church dedicated to him. His Relics were later scattered, when this Church was plundered during the French Revolution.

LENT, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Quinquagesima Sunday, Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and the Saints for 11 February

Posted on February 11, 2024February 9, 2024 by AnaStpaul

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

Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes / Our Lady of Lourdes (11 February and 16 July of 1858) – (Optional Memorial)
Our Lady of Lourdes:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/11/our-lady-of-lourdes-and-memorials-of-the-saints-11-february/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/02/11/the-memorial-of-the-apparitions-of-our-lady-of-lourdes-our-lady-of-the-immaculate-conception-and-the-26th-world-day-of-prayer-for-the-sick/

St Ampelius of Africa
St Ardanus of Tournus
Bl Bartholomew of Olmedo

St Caedmon (Died c680) Monk and the is the earliest English known Poet of Sacred verse,
Biography of St Caedmon:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/11/saint-of-the-day-11-february-st-caedmon-died-c-680/

St Calocerus of Ravenna
St Castrensis of Capua
St Dativus the Senator
Bl Elizabeth Salviati
St Etchen of Clonfad
St Eutropius of Adrianopolis
St Felix the Senator

St Gobnata (6th Century) Abbess, Founder of a Convent and ‘Order’ of Sisters, Miracle-worker, Apostle of the sick. Patronages – of bees, beekeepers.
About St Gobnata or Abigail:

St Pope Gregory II (669-731) Bishop of Rome from 715-731, Pope Gregory was a man of immense intellect and used his talents in negotiating peace in times of war and fought for the truth of the faith against heresies. He was a miracle-worker who placed all his trust in God ‘s Divine Providence.
About “The Defender of Icons”
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/11/saint-of-the-day-11-february-saint-pope-gregory-ii-669-731-defender-of-icons/

St Helwisa
St Jonas of Muchon

St Lazarus of Milan (Died 449) Archbishop of Milan.
About this St Lazarus:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/11/saint-of-the-day-11-february-saint-lazarus-of-milan-died-449-archbishop-of-milan/

St Lucius of Adrianople
St Pedro de Jesús Maldonado-Lucero
St Saturninus of Africa
St Secundus of Puglia
St Severinus of Agaunum (Died c507) Abbot
St Simplicius of Vienne (Died c417) Bishop
St Theodora the Empress

Guardians of the Sacred Scriptures: Also known as – Anonymous Martyrs in Africa – Martyrs of Africa – Martyrs of Numidia – Martyrs of the Sacred Books
A large number of Christians tortured and murdered in Numidia (part of modern Algeria) during the persecutions of Diocletian but whose names and individual lives have not survived. They were ordered to surrender their sacred books to be burned. They refused. Martyrs. c 303 in Numidia.

Martyrs of Africa – 5 Saints: A group of five Christians who were Martyred together; we know nothing else but the names of four of them – Cyriacus, Oecominius, Peleonicus and Zoticus.

SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 10 February – Saint Soteris the Martyr (Died c304) Virgin Martyr

Posted on February 10, 2024February 8, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 10 February – Saint Soteris the Martyr (Died c304) Virgin Martyr. Her name is derived from the Greek and means saviour. Also known as – Soteris of Rome, Soteres.

The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rome, on the Appian Way, St Soteres, Virgin and Martyr, who was descended of a noble race, as St Ambrose testifies but for the love of Christ, set at naught the consular and other dignities of her family. On her refusal to sacrifice to the gods, she was, for a long time, cruelly buffeted. After she had overcome varioys other torments, she was struck with the sword and joyfully went to her heavenly Spouse.”

Soteris was a woman of very great beauty, who, in contrast to the women of her station at that time, dressed modestly and consecrated her virginity to Christ. She was arrested on account of her faith and underwent torture, before being finally beheaded around 304 during the persecutions of Diocletian.

Her remains were buried in the Catacombs of Callixtus along the Appian Way which also contained the remains of Saint Cecilia and many other Martyrs. In the same region, a great Basilica was erected in her honour.

Saint Ambrose has told us that he and his siblings, were descended from St Soteris’ family and he has left us some writings regarding our Saint.

MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Nostra Signora delle Colombe / Our Lady of the Doves (Bologna, Italy), St Scholastica and the Saints for 10 February

Posted on February 10, 2024February 8, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Nostra Signora delle Colombe / Our Lady of the Doves (Bologna, Italy) – 10 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/10/our-lady-of-the-doves-bologna-italy-and-memorials-of-the-saints-10-february/

St Scholastica (c482-547) Virgin Nun.
About this twin of St Benedict:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/02/10/saint-of-the-day-10-february-st-scholastica/

Bl Alexander of Lugo
St Andrew of Bethlehem
St Aponius of Bethlehem

St Austrebertha of Pavilly OSB (630–704) Abbess, Benedictine Nun and Abbess of Pavilly, France, miracle-worker.
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/10/saint-of-the-day-10-february-saint-austrebertha-of-pavilly-osb-630-704/

St Baldegundis
St Baptus of Magnesia
St Charalampias

Blessed Clare Agolanti of Rimini OSC (1282-1346) Married, Widowed, Nun, Penitent, Mystic.
Blessed Clare’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/10/saint-of-the-day-10-february-blessed-clare-agolanti-of-rimini-osc-1282-1346/

St Erluph of Werden

Blessed Hugh of Fosse OPraem (c1093-1164) Priest of the Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré, also known as the Premonstratensians, the Norbertines and the White Canons. Hugh was one of St Norbert’s first disciples and later became the first Abbot of Prémontré. Blessed Hugh was Beatified on 13 July 1927 by Pope Pius XI.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/10/saint-of-the-day-10-february-blessed-hugh-of-fosse-opraem-c1093-1164-priest-abbot/

St Paganus
Bl Paul of Wallachia
Bl Pierre Frémond
St Porfirio
St Prothadius of Besançon
St Salvius of Albelda
St Silvanus of Terracina
St Soteris the Martyr (Died c304) Virgin Martyt
St Troiano of Saintes
St Trumwin of Whitby

St William the Hermit (Died 1157) Hermit, Penitent, Spiritual Director, Miracle-worker, gifted with the charism of Prophecy.
About St William:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/10/saint-of-the-day-10-february-saint-william-the-hermit-died-1157/

Martyred Soldiers in Rome: A group of ten Christian soldiers who were Martyred together for their faith. We know little more about them but four of their names – Amantius, Hyacinth, Irenaeus and Zoticus. • 120 at Rome, Italy. They were buried on the Via Lavicana outside RomeAmantius, Hyacinth, Irenaeus, Zoticus.

SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 9 February – Saint Ansbert of Rouen (Died c695) Bishop

Posted on February 9, 2024February 7, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 9 February – Saint Ansbert of Rouen (Died c695) Bishop of Rouen, Abbot of Fontenelle Abbey, Scholar of renown, Defender and Protector of the poor. Born at Chaussy-sur-Epte, France and died in 695 at Hainaut then in France, now part of modern Belgium, of natural causes,. The Name Amsbert Name means: “the one who shines through God” (Old High German). Also known as – Ansbert of Fontenelle, Ansberto… Aubert… Additional Memorial – 1 March – a collective Feast Day for all the Saints of Fontanelle Abbey.

Ansbert, a member of an important Neustrian family close to the King and was highly educated. He had a significant professional career in the King’s Court and is said to have served as a senior member of the Court of the Merovingian King, Clotaire III. As such, he was both Chancellor and referendary.

In 673, the same year Clotaire died, Ansbert renounced his secular pursuits and became a Monk of the Benedictine order. Six years later, he was elevated to Abbot of his Monastery, the illustrious Fontenelle Abbey. He followed two other Saints in that Office – Wandrigisil, the Abbey’s Founder and first Abbot and Lambert, the second Abbot, who vacated the office when he was named the Bishop of Lyons.

He was Ordained a Priest in Rouen and appointed the third Abbot of his Monastery after Lambert around 677. He held the office until 679. Under his leadership, Fontenelle prospered. His enterprises included a great expansion and refinement of the Abbey’s library and the establishment of local hospitals for the poor.

During his time as Abbot, Ansbert served as the Confessor to King Theodoric III. After several years, in either 683 or 684, Ansbert was appointed as the Archbishop of Rouen following the death Bishop, Saint Ouen. His former mentor, Saint Lambert, performed his Consecration and Ansbert was succeeded as Abbot at Fontenelle by Hildebert (Died 701), who is also venerated as a Saint.

Despite his high office and eminent reputation, Ansbert was removed from the Bishopric around the year 690. By “a false accusation or slanderous lie,” the powerful Chancellor of the Frankish Court, Pepin of Heristal, arranged his dismissal, either because of some kind of political opposition or because Ansbert’s “holy zeal was not well-received” and “his austere life caused offence.” He was sent into exile at the Monastery of Hautmont, where he stayed until his death, sometime between 692 and 695. At some time during that period, Pepin reconsidered his actions and agreed renege and to allow Ansbert to return but sadly Ansbert died before he was able to return to his See.

Window of St Ansbert at the Church of St Quen in Rouen

Ansbert’s body was returned to Fontenelle and buried there . At the beginning of the 8th Century, Abbot Bainus of Fontenelle transferred his Relics to St-Pierre. While fleeing from the Normans, the Relics were moved several times. In 944 they were in Boulogne-sur-Mer , then they were transferred with those fof St Wandregisil to the Abbey of Saint-Pierre-au-Mont-Blandin in Ghent , where they remained up to their destruction by the Protestants in 1578.

St Ansbert’s first Vita or life story was written around 800. A collective day of remembrance for all the many Saints associated with Fontenelle Abbey is celebrated on 1 March. Saint Ansbert’s own annual Feast Day is 9 February on which date he is mentioned in the Roman Martyrology.

The Cloister and courtyard of Fontanelle Abbey

MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Notre-Dame-des-Cloches / Our Lady of the Bells, Cathedral of Saintes, France, St Cyril of Alexandria and the Saints for 9 February

Posted on February 9, 2024February 8, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Notre-Dame-des-Cloches / Our Lady of the Bells, Cathedral of Saintes, France – 9 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/09/our-lady-of-the-bells-cathedral-of-saintes-france-and-memorials-of-the-saints-9-february/

St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) “The Pillar of Faith” & “Seal of all the Fathers,”, Bishop, Confessor, Father and Doctor, Doctor Incarnationis (Doctor of the Incarnation) Added by Pope Leo XIII in 1883.
St Cyril’s Feast Day is today 9 February (1882–1969 – moved after Vatican II to 27 June).
https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/27/saint-of-the-day-27-june-st-cyril-of-alexandria-doctor-father-of-the-church-the-pillar-of-faith-seal-of-all-the-fathers-doctor-incarnationis-doctor-of-the-incarnation/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/09/saint-of-the-day-9-february-st-cyril-of-alexandria-376-444-bshop-confessor-father-and-doctor-of-the-church/

St Apollonia of Alexandria (Died c249) Virgin Martyr, Deaconess.
St Apollonia’s Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/09/saint-of-the-day-9-february-st-apollonia-of-alexandria-died-c-249/

St Scholastica Novena – The LAST DAY:
CLICK on the LINK BELOW:
St Scholastica Novena

St Alexander of Rome
St Alexander of Soli
St Alto of Altomünster
St Ammon of Membressa
St Ammonius of Soli
St Ansbert of Rouen (Died c695) Bishop
St Attracta of Killaraght
St Brachio of Auvergne
St Cuaran the Wise
St Didymus of Membressa
St Donatus the Deacon
St Eingan of Llanengan
St Emilian of Membressa
Bl Erizzo
Bl Francisco Sanchez Marquez
Bl Godeschalk of Želiv
St Lassa of Membressa
Bl Marianus Scotus
St Maro
St Nebridius of Egara
St Nicephorus of Antioch
St Poëmus of Membressa
St Primus the Deacon

St Raynald of Nocera (c1150-1217) Bishop of Nocera, Umbria, Italy, Hermit, Monk, Abbot. His body is incorrupt.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Nocera Umbra, St. Rainaldo, Bishop, formerly a Camaldolese Monk of Fonte Avellana, who, while carrying out the Episcopal office, firmly preserved the habits of monastic life.”
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/09/saint-of-the-day-9-february-saint-raynald-of-nocera-c-1150-1217/

St Romanus the Wonder Worker
St Ronan of Lismore
St Sabino of Abellinum

St Sabinus of Canosa (c461–566) Bishop, Confessor, Benedictine Monk, Papal Legate, miracle-worker, graced with the charism of prophecy, Defender of the Faith against heretics, friend of Saint Benedict of Nursia, builder of Churches and Monasteries, following the Benedictine discipline of Ora et labora.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/09/saint-of-the-day-9-february-saint-sabinus-of-canosa-c-461-566-bishop/

St Teilo of Llandaff

Martyrs of Alexandria: An unknown number of Christians who were massacred inthe 4th Century Alexandria, Egypt by Arian heretics for adhering to the true Faith.

Martyrs of Membressa: A group of 44 Christians Martyred together. We know little else about them some names – Ammon, Didymus, Emilian, Lassa, Poemus
They were Martyred in Membressa in Africa.

POETRY, SAINT of the DAY, The SIGN of the CROSS

Quote of the Day – 8 February – The Mantle of St John de Matha – A Legend of “The Red, White and Blue”

Posted on February 8, 2024February 7, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Quote of the Day – 8 February –St John of Matha O.SS.T (1160-1213) Confessor, Priest, Founder of The Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives

Excerpt from
The Mantle of St John de Matha
A Legend of “The Red, White and Blue”
(1154–1864)
By John Greenleaf Whittier (1807–1892).

A STRONG and mighty Angel,
Calm, terrible and bright,
The Cross in blended red and blue
Upon his mantle white!

Two captives by him kneeling,
Each on his broken chain,
Sang praise to God who raiseth
The dead to life again?

Dropping his Cross-wrought mantle,
“Wear this” the Angel said;
“Take thou, O Freedom’s Priest, its sign,—
The white, the blue and red.”

Then rose up John de Matha
In the strength the Lord Christ gave,
And begged through all the land of France
The ransom of the slave.

The gates of tower and castle
Before him open flew,
The drawbridge at his coming fell,
The door-bolt backward drew.

For all men owned his errand
And paid his righteous tax;
And the hearts of lord and peasant
Were in his hands as wax.

At last, outbound from Tunis,
His bark her anchor weighed,
Freighted with seven-score Christian souls
Whose ransom he had paid!

SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 8 February – Saint Stephen of Muret (c1046-1124) Abbot

Posted on February 8, 2024February 6, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 8 February – Saint Stephen of Muret (c1046-1124) Abbot, Founder of the Abbey of Grandmont (the Mother House) and the Order of Grandmont. Born in c1046 at Thiers, Auvergne, France and died on 8 February 1124 at his Monastery in Muret, France of natural causes. St Stephen was Canonised in 1189 by Pope Clement III. Also known as – Stephen of Grandmont, Stephen of Thiers, Étienne de…

The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Muret, near Limoges, the birthday of the Abbot, St Stephen, Founder of the Order of Grandmont, celebrated for his virtues and miracles.”

The early life of Stephen, a native of Thiers, France, is uncertain due to historical inaccuracies in the medieval biography of the Saint. We do know that he was born of a noble family, being the son of the the Viscount of Thiers and that he was educated in Italy possibly by Milo, the Archbishop of Benevento for a certain time.

After returning to France and finding his parents had died, Stephen undertook the consecrated life as a Hermit. Having built a small Hermitage in the forests of Muret, Stephen vowed himself to God thus:
“I, Stephen, renounce the devil and all his pomps
and offer myself to God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
the one true God in three Persons.”

He also prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary, declaring:
“Holy Mary, Mother of God,
I commend my body, soul,and senses to thou Son and to thee.”

Thereafter, Stephen spent the next forty-eight years of his life in this wilderness, devoting himself to prayer and penitential self-denial. When on one occasion two Papal Legates visited him, they inquired as to whether he was a Monk, a Hermit, or a Canon. He replied, “I am a sinner.”

Other men intending to imitate Stephen came to join him, so that the Hermitage of Muret grew into a monastic community and a new Religious Congregation which would later be known as the Order of Grandmont.

Although Stephen certainly established the Order of Grandmont, a religious order of “extreme austerity and poverty,” he did little for his disciples except offer them the example of his holy life and it was not until after his death that the Order was firmly established.

St Stephen’s Relics are preserved in the Parish Church of St Sylvestre, Canton of Laurière. below we see the Reliquary housing St Stephen’s head. In 1167, he was initially honoured by Bishop Gerald II of Limoges and formally Canonised by Pope Clement III in 1189.

MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Abbey of Notre-Dame du Lys / Our Lady of the Lily, Melun, France (13th Century), St John of Matha and the Saints for 8 February

Posted on February 8, 2024February 8, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Abbey of Notre-Dame du Lys / Our Lady of the Lily, Melun, France (13th Century) – 8 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/08/abbey-of-our-lady-of-the-lily-melun-france-13th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-8-february/

St John of Matha O.SS.T (1160-1213) – Priest, Founder of The Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives, also known as the Order of the Most Holy Trinity or the Trinitarians,
Feast day is today – moved in 1969 to 17 December.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-st-john-of-matha-o-ss-t-1160-1213/

St Scholastica Novena
CLICK on the LINK BELOW:
St Scholastica Novena

St Cuthman of Steyning (Died 8th Century) Hermit, builder of Churches, Miracle-worker.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/08/saint-of-the-day-8-february-saint-cuthman-of-steyning-died-8th-century/

St Cyriacus of Rome
St Dionysus of Armenia
St Elfleda of Whitby
St Emilian of Armenia
St Giacuto
St Gisela
St Honoratus of Milan
St Inventius of Pavia
Bl Jacoba de Settesoli
St Kigwe
St Laureatus of Rome
St Lucius of Rome
St Meingold
St Mlada of Prague
St Nicetius of Besançon
St Oncho of Clonmore
St Paul of Rome

St Paul of Verdun (c576-c648) Bishop of Verdun, in the Lorraine region of France from 630 until his death., Abbot. The Roman Martyrology states: “At Verdun in France, St Paulus, Bishop renowned for miracles.”
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/08/saint-of-the-day-8-february-st-paul-of-verdun-c-576-c-648/

Blessed Pietro Igneus OSB Vall. (c1020 – 1089) Cardinal Bishop of Albano, Reformer – particularly against simony, Papal Legate and peace-maker.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/08/saint-of-the-day-8-february-blessed-pietro-igneus-osb-vall-c-1020-1089-cardinal-bishop/

St Sebastian of Armenia
St Stephen of Muret (c1046-1124) Abbot

Martyrs of Constantinople: Community of 5th Century Monks at the Monastery of Saint Dius at Constantinople. Imprisoned and Martyred for loyalty to the Vatican during the Acacian Schism. 485 in Constantinople.

Martyrs of Persia: An unknown number of Christians murdered in early 6th-century Persia. Legend says that so many miracles occurred through the intercession of these Martyrs that the King decreed an end to the persecution of Christians.

GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 7 February – St Romuald

Posted on February 7, 2024February 6, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 7 February – St Romuald, Abbot (c951-1027)

“Sit in the cell as in paradise;
cast all memory of the world behind you;
cautiously watching your thoughts,
as a good fisher watches the fish.”

“Above all, place yourself
in the presence of God
with fear and trembling …”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/07/quote-s-of-the-day-7-february-st-romuald-2/

St Romuald (c951-1027)

JESUIT SJ, SAINT of the DAY

Saint/s of the Day – 7 February – Blessed Jacques or James Salès SJ (1556-1593) Priest Martyr and Blessed William Saultemouche SJ (1555-1593) Martyr, Lay Brother.

Posted on February 7, 2024February 5, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Saint/s of the Day – 7 February – Blessed Jacques or James Salès SJ (1556-1593) Priest Martyr of the Society of Jesus and Blessed William or Guillaume Saultemouche SJ (1555-1593) Martyr, Jesuit Lay Brother. These two young Jesuits died on 6 February 1593, Fr Jacques aged 26 was shot in the back by the protestants and Brother William was stabbed repeatedly until he died, all the while holding the dead body of Fr Jacques. Pope Pius XI Beatified the two Martyrs of the Blessed Sacrament on 6 June 1926.

Jacques Salès and William Saultemouche were Martyred for their defence of belief in the Real Presence in the Most Holy Eucharist during a conflict with Huguenots (French Calvinists) during the height of France’s War of Religion.

Jacques, who already as a child, showed extraordinary piety. His devotion to the Holy Eucharist and regular participation in the Holy Mass, gained him the favour and patronage of the local Priest. He attended the Jesuit school at Billom from 1568-1572 and developed a strong devotion to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. He wanted to join the Jesuits but felt that he was needed at home, since he was his parents’ only son. He moved to Paris to study at Clermont College and found his desire to join the Society stronger than ever. His father, finally gave him permission and he entered the Novitiate at Verdun in 1573.

In 1585, his studies led the young Jesuit to become a Teacher of Theology, at Pont-à-Mousson. He wanted to be a Missionary and wrote Father General, Claudio Acquaviva, to be accepted anywhere America, China or Japan. The response was negative; Father General reminded to him that France itself was a mission territory, given the conflict between Catholics and Huguenots.

Father Salés determined to devote himself to confronting the errors of Huguenots. He remained teaching at the University and gave some missions in nearby towns, including Metz which was a fervent centre of Calvinism. Calvinists sometimes joined the Catholics at his lectures and tried to interrupt the Jesuit Preacher by heckling him. Nevertheless, Salés was successful in confirming Catholics in their faith.

In 1590 Fr Jacques was sent to Tournon to take the Chair of ‘controversial’ Theology. Here, he was responsible for devising a plan of studies to treat the theological issues that divided Catholics and Protestants, showing the truth of Catholicism and responding to the objections of the Protestants. He continued travelling around to give missions and wrote several booklets to aid people in understanding orthodox theology — one of these booklets explained the Holy ucharist.

His final mission came in 1593. The Baron of Montréal had regularly requested a Jesuit to give the Advent and Lenten series of sermons in Aubenas, a Town which the Catholics had regained control of from the Huguenots. The Baron wanted someone who could refute the Calvinist ministers, who were becoming more bold in their attacks on Catholics. Fr Jacques was picked for the mission and accompanying him was Brother William Saultemouche who had served as porter at Pont-à-Mousson and was known for his simplicity and gentle character.

Fr Jacques opened his sermons in Aubenas on 29 November, explaining Catholic belief, without insulting or denigrating the Protestants. He moved onto other Towns in the area after he finished in Aubenas but then returned to Aubenas, with BrotherWilliam on 5 February 1593 because the tension between Catholics and Huguenots was growing more serious.

That evening the Jesuit Teacher was visiting a Calvinist family when he heard the sound of a mob outside so he rushed to the Catholic Church where he found Brother William. They prayed for awhile and then returned to their residence. Early the next morning three soldiers forced their way into the Jesuit residence and found the two Jesuits at prayer. They were taken to Huguenot headquarters and were examined by a few Calvinist ministers who tried, unsuccessfully, to get the Jesuits to deny their faith. Frustrated by their intransigence, the minister in charge of the interrogation decided that the Jesuit Priest must be killed. Soldiers took Fr Jacques outside where they met Brother William who insisted on accompanying his companion. In the square outside the headquarters, Fr Jacques was asked one last time to deny his belief in Christ’s Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament. When he refused, he was shot in the back and fell to the ground. A soldier then drove the bayonet of his rifle through his chest. Brother Saultemouche folded his arms around the Priest and was stabbed by a sword until he too was dead. The Calvinists then had the bodies of the two Jesuits dragged through the streets of Aubenas.

Six days later the bodies were dumped into the ruins of an old Church which was used as a dump. That night two Catholics came and retrieved the bodies and buried them in a nearby garden, where, however, the Calvinists continued to offend them with outrageous acts at their tomb!

After two years, they were exhumed and handed over to Madame de Chaussy, who had requested them and which she then donated to the Church of the new Jesuit College of Aubenas. In 1898, the Relics were moved to the Chapel of Saint-Claire, built on the site of the Martyrdom (I believe that beautiful window above is located there). Praise be to God!

INCORRUPTIBLES, JESUIT SJ, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Our Lady of Avesnières, Laval, France (11th Century), Our Lady of Grace, or Our Lady of the Bowed Head, Rome (1610), St Romuald (c 951-1027) Abbot and Memorials of the Saints – 7 February

Posted on February 7, 2024February 5, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Notre-Dame d’Avesniéres, Laval / Our Lady of Avesnières, Laval, France (11th Century) – 7 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/07/notre-dame-davesnieres-laval-our-lady-of-avesnieres-laval-france-11th-century-nostra-signora-delle-grazie-our-lady-of-grace-or-our-lady-of-the-bowed-head-rome-1610-and-memorial/

Nostra Signora delle Grazie, Nostra Signora del Capo chino / Our Lady of Grace, or Our Lady of the Bowed Head, Rome (1610) – 7 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/07/sexagesima-sunday-our-lady-of-grace-or-our-lady-of-the-bowed-head-rome-1610-and-memorials-of-the-saints-7-february/

St Romuald (c 951-1027) Monk, Abbot, Ascetic, Founder of the Camaldolese Order and a major figure in the Eleventh-Century “Renaissance of eremitical asceticism.”
His Feast Day is today and was thus from 1595. It was changed to 19 June in 1969 after Vatican II. St Romuald’s body is incorrupt.
St Romuald’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/19/saint-of-the-day-19-june-st-romuald-c-951-1027/

St Scholastica Novena – THE SEVENTH DAYA:
CLICK THE LINK BELOW:
St Scholastica Novena

St Adaucus of Phrygia
St Amulwinus of Lobbes
St Anatolius of Cahors
Bl Anselmo Polanco
Bl Anthony of Stroncone

St Augulus
St Chrysolius of Armenia
St Fidelis of Merida
Blessed Jacques Salès SJ (1556-1593) + Priest Martyr
St John of Triora
St Juliana of Bologna

St Lorenzo Maiorano (Died 545) Bishop of Siponto, Italy, Miracle-worker gifted with Prophecy and visions. Collaborator with St Michael in the Apparition at Gargano, known as “The Defender of the People.” St Lorenzo is also called the “Patron saint of Foreigners” by the citizens of Siponto, having been a foreigner himself.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/07/saint-of-the-day-7-february-saint-lorenzo-maiorano-died-545-bishop/

St Luke the Younger

Blessed Mary of Providence/Eugénie Smet HHS (1825-1871) Nun and Founder of the Society of the Helpers of the Holy Souls. Her apostolate has spread throughout the world – now in 24 countries and continues to minister to the Souls in the Body of Christ — both those on earth and those who have departed this world. Beatified in Rome on 26 May 1957 by Pope Pius XII.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/07/saint-of-the-day-7-february-blessed-mary-of-providence-hhs-1825-1871/

St Maximus of Nola
St Meldon of Péronne
St Moses the Hermit Bishop
St Parthenius of Lampsacus

St Richard the King Pilgrim (Died c 722) Layman, Prince, Pilgrim.
A Loving and Gentle Ruler and Father of Saints Willibald (Bishop of Eichstadt), Winnibald (Abbot of Heidesheim) and Walburga. (Virgin, Nun).
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/07/saint-of-the-day-7-february-saint-richard-the-king-pilgrim-died-c-722/

Left to right – St Willibald, St Wuna, St Richard, St Walburga, St Winnibald

Bl Rizziero of Muccia
St Theodore (Died Early 4th Century) Martyr, Soldier

Bl essed Thomas Sherwood (1551–1578) Layman, Martyr of the English Persecution under Elizabeth I (c. 1552–1579). Beatified on 29 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/02/07/saint-of-the-day-7-february-bl-thomas-sherwood/

St Tressan of Mareuil
Blessed William Saultemouche SJ (1555-1593) + Martyr, Jesuit Lay Brother

AUGUSTINIANS OSA, NAPLES, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 6 February – Blessed Angelus of Furci OSA (1246-1327) Priest and Friar

Posted on February 6, 2024February 4, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 6 February – Blessed Angelus of Furci OSA (1246-1327) Priest and Friar of the Order of Augustinian Hermits, Theologian, renowned Preacher, Provincial Superior. Born in 1246 at Furci, in the Abruzzi region, Diocese of Chieti, Italy and died on 6 February 1327 at the Augustinian Convent in Naples, Italy of natural causes. Patronages – of Furci, one of the more than 50 Patrons of Naples,. Additional Memorial – 13 September on some calendars (translation of Relics?). Beatified on 20 December 1888 by Pope Leo XIII (cult confirmed). Also known as Angelo, Angel.

Angelus was born in Furci in Abruzzo , Italy in 1246 to wealthy parents, who, being childless, obtained the blessing of this child through the intercession of St Michael the Archangel. These devout folks, had gone on a pious pilgrimage to St Michael’s Sanctuary, above the cave at Gargano where St Michael had appeared. At Baptism he received the name Angelus which he later retained in religion.

Educated to a high and exemplary standard by his parents, Angelus was later entrusted to a maternal uncle, the Benedictine Abbot of Cornaclano, near Furci, with whom he made rapid progress, both in science and in sanctity. When his uncle died, Angelus returned to Furci.

After his father also died shortly afterwards in 1266, he went to Vasto, where he joined the Augustinians, where he completed his required studies and rose to the Priesthood. Around the age of twenty-five he was sent to study at the Sorbonne in Paris, where he remained for five years.

After his return to Italy, he taught in various Convents of his Order, until he was assigned to the Augustinian Convent in Naples, from where he never moved again until his death. He distinguished himself as a Theologian andPreacher – indeed, historians attribute to him, a commentary on St Matthew’s Gospel – a collection of sermons which sadly today we have lost.

In 1287 Angelus was elected Superior of the Neapolitan Province. Later he refused the Bishoprics of Acerra and Melfi. He died in Naples in the Convent of St Agostino alla Zecca on 6 February 1327 and was buried there. The people, who already venerated him as a saint when he was alive, began to recommend themselves to him, obtaining favours and graces. He was later included among the Patron Saints of Naples and celebrated on 6 February and 13 September. There is also great devotion towards him in Furci, where his sacred body was transferred in August 1808. On 20 December 1888 Pope Leo XIII approved its cult ab immemorial.

MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

“Sedes Sapientia” – Heilige Maagd Maria van Leuven / Our Lady of Louvain, Belgium (1444, St Scholastica Novena – The SIXTH DAY, St Titus Bishop Confessor, St Dorothy Virgin Martyr and the Saints for 6 February

Posted on February 6, 2024February 4, 2024 by AnaStpaul

“Sedes Sapientia” – Heilige Maagd Maria van Leuven / Our Lady of Louvain, Belgium (1444) – 6 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/06/our-lady-of-louvain-belgium-1444-sedes-sapientia-and-memorials-of-the-saints-6-february/

Nicolaas de Bruyne, 1442, Leuven, Pieterskerk

St Titus (First Century-c96) Bishop, Confessor, Disciple of St Paul, Missionary, Peacemaker, Teacher, Administrator, Friend – Patron of Crete. The New Testament does not record his death.
Wonderful St Titus
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/06/saint-of-the-day-6-february-st-titus-died-c96-bishop-confessor/

St Dorothy of Caesarea (c279/290-311) Virgin Martyr
The Life and Death of St Dorothy:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/06/saint-of-the-day-6-february-st-dorothy-of-caesarea-died-311-virgin-martyr/

St Scholastica Novena – The SIXTH DAY:
CLICK LINK BELOW
St Scholastica Novena

St Amand of Maastricht (c 584-c 679) “The Apostle of Belgium”. Bishop of Tongeren-Maastricht and one of the great Missionaries of Flanders (Belgium), Monk, Abbot, Papal Missionary Bishop and Advisor, Miracle-worker, Founder of numerous Monasteries which became known for their hospitality to pilgrims. And another Saint Patron for eye diseases. amongst many other patronages.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/06/saint-of-the-day-6-february-saint-amand-of-maastricht-c-584-c-679-bishop-the-apostle-of-belgium/

Saint Pedro Bautista Blásquez y Blásquez OFM (1542-1597) Priest Martyr
and the 26 Martyrs of Japan – Died by Crucifixion on 5 February 1597. Canonised on 8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX.

St Amand of Moissac
St Amand of Nantes
St Andrew of Elnone
Blessed Angelus of Furci OSA (1246-1327) Priest and Friar of the Order of Augustinian Hermits
St Antholian of Auvergne
St Brinolfo Algotsson
Cassius of Auvergne
Bl Diego de Azevedo
St Ethelburga of Wessex
Bl Francesca of Gubbio
St Gerald of Ostia
St Gonsalo Garcia OFM
St Guarinus
St Guethenoc
St Hildegund
St Ina of Wessex
St Jacut
St Liminius of Auvergne
St Maximus of Aurvergne
St Mel of Ardagh
St Melchu of Armagh
St Mun of Lough Ree
St Relindis of Eyck
St Revocata
St Saturninus
St Tanco of Werden
St Theophilus
St Theophilus the Lawyer

St Vaast of Arras (c 453-539 or 540) Bishop – The First Bishop of Arras, France , Hermit, Ascetic, Miracle-worker, Advisor to King Clovis. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Arras in Belgian Gaul, today in France, Saint Vedastus, Bishop, who, sent by Saint Remigius Bishop of Rheims to the devastated City, catechised King Clovis, re-established the Church and held it for about forty years and brought to an end, the need of work for evangelisation among the previously still pagan peoples of the region.” St Vaast is another Patron of eye diseases, problems and blindness.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/06/saint-of-the-day-6-february-saint-vaast-of-arras-c-453-539-or-540/

St Victorinus of Auvergne

Martyrs of Emesa: At Emesa in Phrenicia, in the time of the Emperor Maximian, St Silvanus, the Bishop, who after having governed that Church for forty years, was delivered to the beasts with two other Christians and, having his limbs all mangled, received the Palm of Martyrdom. The other two are recorded as St Luke the Deacon and St Mucius the Lector.

GOLDSMITHS, SILVERSMITHS, GILDERS, MINERS, JEWELLERS, CLOCK/WATCH-MAKERS, METAL CRAFTSMEN, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 5 February – Saint Genuinus of Sabion (Died c605) Bishop

Posted on February 5, 2024February 3, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 5 February – Saint Genuinus of Sabion (Died c605) Bishop , Miracle-worker. Born in the 6th Century probably in Rome and died in c605 in Sabiona, Italy of natural causes. Patronages – of the Mines and of Miners, the Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone, Italy, the City and Diocese of Brixen, Italy. Also known as – Genuino, Ingenium, Ingenuin, Ingenuino, Ingenuinus, Ingwin, Jenewein. Additional Memorial – 13 May (translation of Relics).

Genuinus was the Bishop of Sabion in South Tyrol, a small Town which has since disappeared, the area being incorporated into a larger City – Brixen. It was located at Klausen near present-day Bressanone (then Brixen)in northern Italy. At the time, the Diocese belonged to the Archdiocese of Aquileia and only in 798 was it transferred to Salzburg.

Genuinus attended the synod of Marano in 588.

Genuinus died around 605. At the beginning of the 6th Century, South Tyrol suffered greatly from attacks by Lombards and Bajuvars and, therefore, some assume that he died as a Martyr, while others seem to think that he died in exile.

In 1141, the blessed Bishop Hartmann of Brixen (1090-1164) transferred his Relics to the High Altar of the Cathedral of Brixen together with the Relics of one of his successors, Saint Albinus (Died 1005), who was Bishop of Brixen. They are both remembered today, 5 February. A translation festival is also celebrated in Brixen on 13 May. St Genuinus is portrayed as a Bishop, most often together with his successor, St Albinus. Even the Roman Martyrology links them in one sentence: “At Brixen, the Bishops Genuinus and Albinus, whose lives were illustrious for holiness and miracles.”

The Relics of St Genuinus and St Albinus under the High Altar of the Cathedral of Brixen

MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Dedication of the first Church of Our Lady, by St Peter – Tortosa, Italy, St Agatha, Virgin Martyr, St Philip of Jesus, Martyr, St Scholastica Novena – The FIFTH DAY and Saints for 5 February

Posted on February 5, 2024February 3, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Dedication of the first Church of Our Lady, by St Peter – Tortosa, Italy – 5 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/05/dedication-of-the-first-church-of-our-lady-by-st-peter-tortosa-and-memorials-of-the-saints-5-february/

St Agatha (c 231- c 251) Virgin Martyr
Her Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/05/saint-of-the-day-st-agatha-c-231-c-251-virgin-and-martyr/

St Philip of Jesus (1572-1597) Martyr
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/05/saint-of-the-day-5-february-st-philip-of-jesus-1572-1597/

St Scholastica Novena – The FIFTH DAY:
CLICK LINK BELOW
St Scholastica Novena

St Adelaide of Guelders (c970–1015) Abbess, Apostle of Charity, Miracle-worker, Reformer, Counsellor to the Archbishop of Cologne.
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/05/saint-of-the-day-5-february-st-adelaide-of-guelders-c-970-1015/

St Agatha Hildegard of Carinthia
St Agricola of Tongres

St Albinus of Brixen (Died 1005) Bishop of Brixen, Advisor to both Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire.
The Roman Martyrology: states: “In Bressanone (Brixen) in South Tyrol, commemoration of St Albuino, Bishop, who transferred the Episcopal Chair from Sabion to this seat.”
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/05/saint-of-the-day-5-february-saint-albinus-of-brixen-died-1005/

St Anthony of Athens

St Avitus of Vienne (c450-c518) Bishop of Vienne, Poet, Confessor and Defender of the Mysteries of the Faith against heretics, writer.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/05/saint-of-the-day-5-february-saint-avitus-of-vienne-c-450-c-518-bishop/

St Bertulph c640-c705) Priest, Abbot, Miracle-worker, Founder of a Monastery in Renty, France.
Miraculous St Bertulph:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/05/saint-of-the-day-5-february-saint-bertulph-c640-c705-priest-abbot/

St Buo of Ireland
St Calamanda of Calaf
St Dominica of Shapwick
St Fingen of Metz
Bl Françoise Mézière
St Gabriel de Duisco
St Genuinus of Sabion (Died c605) Bishop
St Indract
St Isidore of Alexandria
St Jesús Méndez-Montoya
Bl John Morosini
St Kichi Franciscus
St Modestus of Carinthia

Bl Primo Andrés Lanas
St Saba the Younger
St Vodoaldus of Soissons

Martyrs of Pontus: An unknown number of Christians who were tortured and martyred in assorted painful ways in the region of Pontus (in modern Turkey) during the persecutions of Maximian.

The Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan: 26 Saints – the First Martyrs of Japan. Martyred on 5 February 1597 by Crucifixion, also known as Pedro Bautista Blasquez y Blasquez and 22 companions, along with Paulus Miki and 2 companions, were Beatified on 14 September 1627 by Pope Urban VIII, and Canonised on 8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX.

SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 4 February – Saint Gilbert of Limerick (c1070–1145) Bishop

Posted on February 4, 2024February 2, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 4 February – Saint Gilbert of Limerick (c1070–1145) Bishop, Canon Lawyer, Papal Legate to Ireland appointed by the Papacy of Pope Paschal II in c1106 and also then appointed as the Bishop of Limerick, Scholar and Philsopher, Church Reformer, Unknown date or place of birth and died in Bangor, Ireland in 1145 of natural causes. Also known as – Gille, Gillebertus, Gilla, Gilli.

“For the early Irish Lent began on the Sunday after Ash Wednesday. Gilbert of Limerick (†1145) insisted on Ash Wednesday.” This injunction was part of the programme of Church Reform which took place in the 12th Century, reform in which St Gilbert of Limerick was deeply involved.

We know very little about Gilbert’s private history and personal life. He refers to himself both as Gille and Gillebertus. It is not even clear whether he was of Irish or Norse extraction. Is is suggests that his family roots are almost certainly in the Hibero-Norse City of Limerick, Ireland but his choice to retire to Bangor, Co. Down where he died may refer to Bangor as his birthplace.

The first record we have of Gilbert is a letter which he sent in 1106, as the Bishop of Limerick, to St Anselm, at that time the Archbishop of Canterbury, sending a gift of pearls and congratulating him on “the victory of your labours in subduing the indomitable minds of the Normans.” St Anselm’s reply states that the two “have known each other and delighted in friendship, since our time in Normandy.”` This may suggest our Gilbert had been a pupil of St Anselm in north-eastern France.

The balance of evidence suggests that Gilbert was a Papal Legate for almost all his time as the Bishop of Limerick and that he headed the Synod of Raith Bressail in 1111. According to St Bernard of Clairvaux, he was the first to be a Legate “per universam Hiberniam — throughout all Ireland.”

The Synod of Raith Bressail , in 1111,was the second aimed at reforming the Irish Church and the first to include the whole country. The first, held in Cashel in 1101, legislated against the purchase of Church positions and regulated the relationship of Church and State, of marriage laws and, of clerical celibacy.

The Synod of Raith Bressail went further, instituting for the first time, a full system of Diocese in Ireland in a hierarchy subject to a Primate of all Ireland and, through him, to the See of St Peter in Rome and the Sovereign Pontiff. This was the greatest change in the Irish Church since the 5th Century. A document, the Acta, from this Synod, gives further circumstantial evidence for Gilbert’s own origin in Limerick – Limerick is given as a model Diocese (with “St Mary’s Church” as its Cathedral Church) in a level of detail, suggesting local knowledge.
Gilbert records in his treatise ‘De Statu Ecclesiae’ that many Irish Bishops and Priests requested he explain the hierarchy he advocated.

With Saint Malchus of Waterford and Ceallach of Armagh, he helped reorganise the Church in Ireland, replacing monastic rule with that by the Bishops and Diocesan structure and advocating for a uniform Liturgy.

As a Canon Lawyer, Gilbert was working in the Paris tradition which was founded on law based on custom, rather than the compilation and reconciliation of texts as practised by the (later) Gratian. As such his style is very different, “exhortatory rather than prescriptive, encouraging rather than demanding” – very different from what we would regard as a legal text today. The law was based on a common vision of life; an inportant aspect of it was the rights and duties owed to a lord.

The Treatise itself is a commentary on a diagram (the image below) in which the hierarchical structure of the Church is shown as a pyramid, made up of further interlocking pyramids. The Pope is at the apex, balanced by the Emperor and Noah at the other two points. The pyramids below balance the Archbishop with the Duke, then the Bishop, with the Count and finally the Priest with the soldier. 15

In 1115, Gilbert is recorded as being present at the Consecration of a new Bishop of St David’s in Westminster. In 1129, St Bernard of Clairvaux records that Gilbert, along with Maek Isu of Lismore prevailed on St Malachy to accept the vacant See of Armagh and that, in 1140, Malachy became the Papal Legate due to the retirement of St Gilbert having become unwell in his old age.

Gille’s death, his only mention in the Irish annals, is recorded in 1145 in Bangor Co. Down. The ‘De Statu Ecclesiae‘ survived in two manuscripts and a prologue to it, ‘De Uso Ecclesiastico’ in three. The two parts were published by Archbishop James Ussher in 1632.

CARMELITES, franciscan OFM, JESUIT SJ, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

SEXAGESIMA SUNDAY, St Scholastica Novena – The FOURTH DAY, Nostra Signora del Fuoco / Our Lady of the Fire, Forli, Italy (1428), St Andrew Corsini and the Saints for 4 February

Posted on February 4, 2024February 2, 2024 by AnaStpaul

SEXAGESIMA SUNDAY: (Latin – Sexagesima, sixtieth) is the eighth Sunday before Easter and the second before Lent. The Ordo Romanus, St Alcuin and others, count the Sexagesima from this day to Wednesday after Easter. The name was already known to the Fourth Council of Orléans in 541. To the Latins it is also known as “Exsurge” from the beginning of the Introit. The station was at Saint Paul’s Outside the Walls of Rome and hence, the oratio calls upon the Doctor of the Gentiles. The Epistle is from Paul, 2 Corinthians 11 and 12, describing his suffering and labours for the Church. The Gospel (Luke 8) relates the falling of the seed on good and on bad ground, while the Lessons of the first Nocturn continue the history of man’s iniquity and speak of Noah and of the Deluge.

St Scholastica Novena – The FOURTH DAY:
CLICK LINK BELOW
St Scholastica Novena

Nostra Signora del Fuoco / Our Lady of the Fire, Forli, Italy (1428) – 4 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/04/our-lady-of-fire-forli-italy-1428-and-memorials-of-the-saints-4-february/

St Andrew Corsini O.Carm (1302-1373) Bishop of Fiesole from 1349 until his death,Confessor, known as the “Apostle of Florence,” Carmelite Friar, Penitent, Apostle of the poor, Peacemaker, Papal Legate.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-saint-andrew-corsini-o-carm-1302-1373-bishop/

St Aventinus of Troyes (Died c538) Priest, Almoner and Administrator of the funds for the See of Troyes, Hermit, Miracle-worker, gifted with a great affinity with animals, who came to him for help when ill or hurt.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-saint-aventinus-of-troyes-died-c538-priest-hermit/

Bl Dionisio de Vilaregut
St Donatus of Fossombrone
St Eutychius of Rome
St Filoromus of Alexandria
St Firmus of Genoa
Bl Frederick of Hallum
St Gelasius of Fossombrone
St Geminus of Fossombrone
St Gilbert of Limerick (c1070–1145) Bishop

St Gilbert of Sempringham (c1083-1189) Confessor, Priest, Founder of the Gilbertine Order, Founder of 13 Monasteries and Churches, schools, homes and hostels for the sick and orphanages, Miracle-worker. He was Canonised in 1202 by Pope Innocent III.
His Zealous Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-st-gilbert-of-sempringham-c-1083-1189/

St Isidore of Pelusium

St Jane de Valois O.Ann.M and TOSF (1464-1505) Princess, Queen, Founder, Religious Sister, Mystic, Teacher. Founded the monastic Order of the Sisters of the Annunciation of Mary. From this Order later sprang the religious congregation of the Apostolic Sisters of the Annunciation, founded in 1787 to teach the children of the poor. She was Canonised on 28 May 1950 by Pope Pius XII.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-saint-jane-of-valois-o-ann-m-1464-1505/

St John de Britto SJ (1647-1693) Martyr, Priest, Missionary to India, Confessor, Preacher. Canonised on 22 June 1947 by Pope Pius XII.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-st-john-de-britto-sj-1647-1693-martyr/

St John of Irenopolis
Bl John Speed

St Joseph of Leonissa OFM (Cap) (1556-1612) Friar of the Capuchin Franciscans, Missionary Preacher, Confessor. He was Canonised on 29 June 1746 by Pope Benedict XIV.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-st-joseph-of-leonissa/

St Liephard of Cambrai
St Magnus of Fossombrone
St Modan
St Nicholas Studites
St Nithard
St Obitius
St Phileas of Alexandria

Blessed Rabanus Maurus OSB (776-856) Archbishop, Monk, Abbot,Theologian, Poet, Writer, Teacher, Encyclopedist, “The Teacher of Germany.”
Blessed Rabanus’ Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-saint-rabanus-maurus-osb-776-856/

St Themoius
St Theophilus the Penitent
St Vincent of Troyes
St Vulgis of Lobbes

Jesuit Martyrs of Japan: A collective memorial of all members of the Jesuits who have died as Martyrs for the faith in Japan.

Martyrs of Perga – 4 Saints: A group of shepherds Martyred in the persecutions of Decius. The only details we have about them are the names – Claudian, Conon, Diodorus and Papias. They were Martyred in c 250 in Perga, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey).

EYES - Diseases, of the BLIND, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 3 February – Saint Lawrence the Illuminator (Died 576) Bishop

Posted on February 3, 2024February 1, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 3 February – Saint Lawrence the Illuminator (Died 576) Bishop, Peacemaker – graced with the charism of granting clarity of understanding to both sides of disagreeing parties, Founded the Farfa Monastery where he died. Born in Syria and died in 576 at the Monastery at Farfa, Italy, of natural causes. Patronages – against eye diseases and blindness, of the blind – both bodily and spiritual cases. Also known as – Lawrence of Spoleto, Laurence …

Lawrence was driven into exile from Antioch, in 514, with 300 faithful during the persecution by the Monophysite patriarch, Severus of Antioch.

He was Ordained to the Priesthood in Rome and sent to preach in Umbria, where he founded a Monastery near Spoleto. He was elected as the Bishop of Spoleto and served as its prelate for 20 years. He then resigned and retired to the famous Monastery of Farfa in the Sabine Hills near Rome which he had founded.

Saint Lawrence was renowned as a peacemaker who helped the parties to see the situation from the other side. It is said that he attained the surname “the Illuminator” because he had a special gift for curing blindness – both physical and spiritual .

JESUIT SJ, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

First Saturday, St Scholastica Novena – The THIRD DAY, Our Lady of Saideneida, Damascus, Nuestra Señora / The Virgin of Suyapa, Honduras (c1747) St Blaise and the Saints for 3 February

Posted on February 3, 2024February 2, 2024 by AnaStpaul

First Saturday and Our Lady’s Saturday

St Scholastica Novena – The THIRD DAY:
CLICK LINK BELOW
St Scholastica Novena

St Blaise (Died c316) Martyr Bishop of Sebaste, Armenia, Physician, Miracle-worker.
St Blaise is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers – https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/25/thought-for-the-day-25-july-the-memorial-of-st-christopher-died-c-251-one-of-the-fourteen-holy-helpers/
All about St Blaise:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/03/saint-of-the-day-st-blaise-died-c-316-martyr/

Our Lady of Saideneida, Damascus – 3 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/03/feast-of-our-lady-of-saideneida-damascus-and-memorials-of-the-saints-3-february/

Nuestra Señora de Suyapa / Our Lady of Suyapa OR Virgen de Suyapa / The Virgin of Suyapa, Honduras (c1747) Patron of Honduras, Central America and The Orden de los Caballeros de Suyapa – 3 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/03/our-lady-of-saideneida-damascus-nuestra-senora-de-suyapa-our-lady-of-suyapa-honduras-c1747-st-blaise-died-c316-martyr-bishop-and-memorials-of-the-saints-3-february/

St Anatolius of Salins

St Ansgar OSB (801-865) “Apostle of the North”, Bishop
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/03/saint-of-the-day-3-february-saint-ansgar-osb-801-865-apostle-of-the-north/

St Anna the Prophetess
St Berlinda of Meerbeke
St Blasius of Armentarius
St Blasius of Oreto
St Caellainn
St Celerinus of Carthage
St Clerina of Carthage
St Deodatus of Lagny
St Eutichio
St Evantius of Vienne
St Felix of Africa
St Felix of Lyons

St Hadelin of Chelle (Died c690) Priest, Monk, Hermit, Founder of Monasteries, Miracle-worker.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/03/saint-of-the-day-3-february-saint-hadelin-of-chelles-c617-c690/

Bl Helinand of Pronleroy
St Hippolytus of Africa
St Ia of Cornwall
St Ignatius of Africa

Blessed John Nelson SJ (1535-1578) Martyr, Priest of the Society of Jesus. Martyred during the reign of Elizabeth I. He was Beatified on 29 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/03/saint-of-the-day-3-february-blessed-john-nelson-sj-1535-1578-priest-martyr/

St Laurentius of Carthage
St Lawrence the Illuminator ) Died 576) Bishop
St Leonius of Poitiers
St Liafdag
St Lupicinus of Lyon
St Margaret of England
St Oliver of Ancona
St Philip of Vienne
St Remedius of Gap
St Sempronius of Africa
St Tigrides
St Werburga of Bardney
St Werburga of Chester

Benedictine Martyrs: A collective memorial of all members of the Benedictine Order who have died as Martyrs for the Faith.

SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 2 February – St Jeanne de Lestonnac ODN (1556-1640) Widow, Founder

Posted on February 2, 2024January 31, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 2 February – St Jeanne de Lestonnac ODN (1556-1640) Widow, Mother, Founder of the The Sisters of the Company of Mary, Our Lady ODN (Latin: Ordinis Dominae Nostrae). Born on 27 December 1556 at Bordeaux, France and died on 2 February 1640 of natural causes. Patronages – of widows, abuse victims. Also known as – Jane de Lestonnac, Joan de Lestonnac, Joanne. Additional Memorial – 15 May on some Calendars.

Jeanne was born in Bordeaux in 1556 to Richard de Lestonnac, a member of the Parlement of Bordeaux and Jeanne Eyquem, the sister of the noted philosopher, Michel Eyquem de Montaigne. She grew up in a time where the conflict between the Protestants and the defenders of the Catholic Faith was at its height. This was evident in her own family. While her mother became an enthusiastic Calvinist and tried to persuade her to convert, her father and her uncle Montaigne, adhered to the Catholic Faith and were her support in withstanding her own mother’s influence. Jeanner remained a devoted Catholic.

At the age of 17 she married Gaston de Montferrant, with whom she had seven children, three of whom died in infancy. She was married for 24 years when her husband died. This marked the beginning of a very painful period in her life, with the further loss, within seven months, of her father, uncle and eldest son.

Copy of a Portrait of an 18-year old woman, attributed to Pieter Pourbus, 1574, in the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, possibly St Jeanne de Lestonnac (1556-1640).

Following her husband’s death, Jeanne, at the age of 46 and with her children now grown, turned to a contemplative life and entered the Cistercian Monastery in Toulouse, where she was given the religious name of “Jeanne of Saint Bernard.” She found great peace and satisfaction in the monastic life but, after six months, she became very ill and had to leave the Monastery. She then went to live on her estate La Mothe Lusié to recover her health and where she adopted the lifestyle of a secular Sister, performing many acts of charity, including food and alms distribution and Jeanne regularly met with young women of her social class, to pray and discuss religious questions. She sought for models of Catholic women to be her guides and cultivated an interest in the lives of St Scholastica, St Clare of Assisi, St Catherine of Siena and St Teresa of Avila.

A few years later, in 1605, an epidemic of the Plague erupted in Bordeaux. At risk to her own life, Jeanne returned to her native City to help care for the sick and suffering in the slums and poorest regions of Bordeaux.

Jeanne’s brother, a Jesuit attached to the college in Bordeaux, arranged a meeting between his sister and two Jesuit Priests – Jean de Bordes and François de Raymond. The Jesuits asked her to serve as founder of a new teaching order for young women. They encouraged her to establish for girls, in terms of formal education, what they were doing for boys. The three decided upon a cloistered community to follow the Benedictine Rule, modified to allow Sisters to teach. The group gained the approval of Pope Paul V in 1607. The community took the name of the Compagnie de Notre-Dame.

An old priory was purchased near the Château Trompette but moved in September 1610, to a larger old Monastery on Rue du Hâ. They were well-received and financially supported by the City’s elite. The first five members of the new Order took their religious vows on 10 December 1610. The community established its first school for girls in Bordeaux. Foundations proceeded in Beziers, Périgueux and Toulouse through Jeanne’s personal connections, as well as her connections with the Jesuits and Bordelaise political elite. By the time she died in 1640, 30 Houses existed in France that is roughly one new foundation per year for 30 years.

Two of her daughters and at least one granddaughter had now joined the Order. Revised Rules and Constitutions for the congregation were drawn up in 1638. Joeanne was now over 80 and her health was beginning to fail. She spent her last years in seclusion as she prepared for death. But in her last years she was highly honoured by her Order. She died peacefully on 2 February 1640 in Bordeaux, aged 84, just after the sisters had renewed their vows on the Feast of the Purification of Our Lady. Her body is said to have been as healthy and emitted a sweet smell for several days afterwards. She was buried in the Cemetery of the Convent in Rue du Ha.

St Jeanne was Beatified on 23 December 1900 by Pope Leo XIII and was CanoniSed on 15 May 1949 by Pope Pius XII. As of 2016, her religious order has over 1,450 Sisters found in 27 Countries throughout Europe, Africa, North America and South America.

AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOMINICAN OP, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN TITLES, NOVENAS, SAINT of the DAY

First Friday, Feast of the Purification of Our Lady – Candlemas Day, St Scholastica Novena – The SECOND DAY and Memorials of the Saints – 2 February

Posted on February 2, 2024February 1, 2024 by AnaStpaul

First Friday

Feast of the Purification of Our Lady – Candlemas Day
About:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/02/feast-of-the-purification-of-our-lady-the-presentation-of-our-lord-in-the-temple-candlemas-day-2-february/
AND:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/02/feast-of-the-presentation-of-the-lord-2-february/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/02/feast-of-the-presentation-of-the-lord-in-the-temple-2-february/

Our Lady of the Candles – Nuestra Señora de la Purificación y la Candelaria, is a Marian title and image venerated by Filipino Catholics. The image, which is enshrined on the balcony of Jaro Cathedral, is known as the Patroness of Jaro District of Iloilo City and the whole of the Western Visayas.
The Feast Day of Our Lady of the Candles is on Candlemas (2 February) and is celebrated in Iloilo City with a Solemn Pontifical Mass presided by the Archbishop of Jaro.

St Scholastica Novena – The SECOND DAY:
CLICK LINK BELOW
St Scholastica Novena

St Adalbald of Ostrevant
St Adeloga of Kitzingen
St Agathodoros of Tyana
St Apronian the Executioner
Bl Bernard of Corbara
St Bruno of Ebsdorf
St Candidus the Martyr
St Columbanus of Ghent
St Cornelius the Centurion
St Felician the Martyr
St Feock
St Firmus of Rome
St Flosculus of Orléans
St Fortunatus the Martyr
St Hilarus the Martyr
St Jeanne de Lestonnac (1556-1640) Widow, Mother, Founder

St Lawrence of Canterbury (Died 2 February 619) The Second Archbishop of Canterbury, the successor of St Augustine of Canterbury from 604 until his death in 619, but he was Consecrated as Archbishop by his predecessor, St Augustine, during Augustine’s lifetime, to ensure continuity in the office, Benedictine Monk, Missionary. He was a member of the Gregorian mission sent from Italy to England to Christianise the Anglo-Saxons.
About St Lawrence:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/02/saint-of-the-day-2-february-saint-lawrence-of-canterbury-died-619/

Blessed Luigi Giuseppe Bellesini OSA (1774-1840) Priest and Friar of the Hermits of St Augustine, teacher, mentor to the youth, Parish Priest, guardian of the poor and sick.
Such a Wonderful Saint:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/02/saint-of-the-day-2-february-blessed-stephen-luigi-giuseppe-bellesini-osa-1774-1840-priest/

St Marquard of Hildesheim
St Mun

Blessed Peter Cambiano OP (1320-1365) Martyr, Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, Confessor, renowned Preacher calling many to conversion by his holy zeal and the power of his words. Martyred by heretics. Beatified on 4 December 1856 by Pope Pius IX.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/02/saint-of-the-day-2-february-blessed-peter-cambiano-op-1320-1365/

St Rogatus the Martyr
St Saturninus the Martyr
St Sicharia of Orleans
St Simon of Cassia Fidati
St Theodoric of Ninden
St Victoria the Martyr

SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 25 January – Saint Bretannion of Tomi (Died c380) Bishop, Confessor

Posted on January 25, 2024January 23, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 25 January – Saint Bretannion of Tomi (Died c380) Bishop, Confessor, Defender of the Faith against heresy. Born of Cappadocian origin, he occupied the See of Tomi from 360 until his death in c380 of natural causes. Also known as – Brittany, Vetranio, Vetranius, Bretannione.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Tomi in Scythia, St Bretannion, Bishop, who by his great sanctity and his zeal for the Catholic Faith, shone in the Church under the Arian Emperor Valens,. whom he opposed with fortitude.”

Bretannion lived in the 4th Century and was the Bishop of Tomi, today’s Constance in Romania, on the shores of the Black Sea.

According to the renowned Roman Lawyer and Historian, Sozomen (c400-c450), around the year 368, during the Roman campaign against the Goths in the Danube regions, Emperor Valens stopped in Tomi and spoke to the people gathered in front of the Cathedral to persuade them to betray theTrue Faith proclaimed by the Council of Nicaea.

In fact, it seems that this Emperor had made a personal decision to visit all the Diocese of the Empire, to convince all the faithful to embrace the Arian cause. Bishop Bretannion, however, placed himself at the head of the Clergy and the people of Tomi and all together they moved away from the Church where Emperor Valens was carrying out his heretical propaganda in favour of Arianism.

For this gesture the holy shepherd was exiled but thanks to the protest of the faithful and the fear of sedition in the border territory, the Emperor was induced to revoke the punishment against the Bishop.

Bretannion sent the body of the famous Martyr, Saint Sheba the Goth, who died in Romanian territory, to Saint Basil the Great of Caesarea, accompanying it with a letter from faithful Goths, aimed at illustrating the ‘Passio’ of the Saint, attributed to St Ulfilas “Apostle of the Goths”(c311-c380) but certainly written by Bretanion himself. It was accompanied by a personal letter to St Basil, to which St Basil replied thanking him.

Contradictory reports have been handed down regarding the possible participation in the Council of Constantinople, convened in 381. According to some sources, in fact, Tomi was represented, not by Bretannion, who had probably already died but, by the Bishop Gerontius whom we presume was his successor..

Cardinal Cesare Baronio, in compiling the Martyrologium Romanum, seems to have arbitrarily chosen the date of the commemoration of our Saint Bretannion as 25 January.

CARMELITES, MYSTICS, SAINT of the DAY, St PAUL!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Feast of the Conversion of St Paul, Apostle and the Saints for 25 January

Posted on January 25, 2024January 23, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Feast of the Conversion of St Paul, Apostle – 25 January:
The Church is to have one more Apostle – an Apostle for the Gentiles – and he is to be the fruit of the Martyrdom and prayer of St Stephen.
https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/25/feast-of-the-conversion-of-st-paul-apostle-25-january/
AND:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/01/25/feast-of-the-conversion-of-st-paul-25-january/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/25/feast-of-the-conversion-of-st-paul-25-january-2/

St Agape the Martyr
St Agileus of Carthage
St Amarinus of Clermont
St Ananias of Damascus

Blessed Antonio Migliorati OSA (1355-1450) Priest and Friar of the Order of St Augustine, Missionary Preacher, Confessor, Mystc. His body is incorrupt.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/25/saint-of-the-day-24-january-blessed-antonio-migliorati-osa-1355-1450/

St Apollo of Heliopolis
St Artemas of Pozzuoli
St Auxentius of Epirus
St Bretannion of Tomi (Died c380) Bisho, Confessor
St Donatus the Martyr
St Dwynwen (Died c460) Virgin Princess, Nun.
St Eochod of Galloway
St Joel of Pulsano
St Juventinus of Antioch
St Maximinus of Antioch
St Palaemon

St Poppo of Stavelot (977-1048) Abbot, Reformer, Ascetic. He became one of the best known Abbots of Stavelot and was one of the first recorded Flemish pilgrims to the Holy Land.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/25/saint-of-the-day-25-january-saint-poppo-of-stavelot-977-1048/

St Praejectus (625–676) Bishop, Martyr. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Clermont-Ferrand in the Aquitaine region, in France, Saints Preietto, Bishop and Amarino, man of God, both killed by the notables of the City.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/25/saint-of-the-day-25-january-saint-praejectus-625-676/

St Publius of Zeugma
St Racho of Autun
St Sabinus the Martyr

JESUIT SJ, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 24 January – Blessed William Ireland SJ (1636-1679) Priest Martyr

Posted on January 24, 2024January 22, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 24 January – Blessed William Ireland SJ (1636-1679) Priest Martyr. Born in 1636 in Lincolnshire, England and died by hanging on 24 January 1679 at Tyburn, London, England. Also known as – William Ironmonger, William Iremonger. He was Beatified on 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI.

William was the eldest son of William Ireland of Crofton Hall, Yorkshire, by his wife, Barbara, a daughter of Ralph Eure, 3rd Baron Eure of Washingborough, Lincolnshire. He had several sisters, to whom he remained close, and who worked tirelessly to prove his innocence After he was falsely accused of conspiring to murder King Charles II during the Popish Plot conspiracy and hysteria,

He was educated at the English College at St Omer in France and was admitted to the Society of Jesus at the age 19 at Watten, Belgium. He studied Theology in Liege and in 1667, aged 31, was Ordained a Priest. For 10 years William was the Confessor to the Poor Clares at Gravelines in Northern France, waiting to return to England.

In 1677, when he finally succeeded, entering his country as William Ironmonger, (William Iremonger) he had only been working as Procurator of his Order (responsible for finances) for a year, when he already became the first victim of the nefarious conspiracy hatched by Titus Oates.

The apostate and perverted Titus Oates, was an Anglican Minister, who hated all Catholics and most particularly, he harboured a deeply vicious hatred towards the Society of Jesus. Together with another Minister, Israel Tonge, he invented the plot which the English Jesuits had supposedly planned wherein the assassination of King Charles II, the fall of the Government and its official religion and the re-establishment of Catholicism. This fictional tale caused an uproar and a new furious persecution against Catholics.

Among the first victims was Fr William, who was arrested together with Fr John Fenwick and William’s assistant, Mr John Grove. They were locked up in Newgate Prison and secured with heavy shackles which embedded itself into the bare flesh of their legs. On 17 December 1678, after three months in the horrors of the most notorious Prison in England, they were finally tried, along with Fr Thomas Whitbread and Thomas Pickering, a Benedictine Brother.
At the trial, Titus Oates claimed to have witnessed a meeting of the Jesuits in April of that year and heard the Jesuits plotting to kill the King. He claimed that William, Fr Fenwick and John Grove were at the meeting and the Frs Whitbread and Pickering were to carry out the plan. They allegedly tried to carry out the murder but Fr Pickering’s gun allegedly failed three times. Another witness largely confirmed these statements.

Fr William, however, proved that at the time when he was supposed to be walking around the Royal Palace, he was in fact in the Midlands and in the north of Wales. As evidence to the contrary, Oates bribed a maid who claimed to have seen him in London at the time. On these trumped-up charges and blatant lies, William, John Grove and Fr Pickering were found guilty of high treason and sentenced to be hanged,drawn and quartered.

The execution was postponed by Royal Order for one month because the King, Charles II, himself did not believe that the Jesuits were involved in a conspiracy against him. Oates, however, procured and bribed, several more so-called witnesses of dubious repute, after which the King, fearing the wrath of the people, allowed the execution of the sentence.

William and John Grove were taken to Tyburn on 24 January 1679. The mob pelted them with stones and verbal abuse as they were led to the gallows. The King, who had already stated privately that they were innocent, as a special act of clemency, ordered that they be allowed to hang until they were dead, thus sparing them the usual horrors of drawing and quartering whilst still alive. They were hanged,and when they died, they were taken down so that they could be drawn and dismembered.

A Playing Card Game (horror) of the Popish Plot!

FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

St Timothy (1st Century) Disciple of St Paul, Bishop and Martyr and the Saints for 24 January

Posted on January 24, 2024January 22, 2024 by AnaStpaul

St Timothy (1st Century) Disciple of St Paul, Bishop and Martyr
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/24/saint-of-the-day-24-january-saint-timothy-died-c-97/

St Artemius of Clermont
St Bartlomiej Osypiuk
St Bertrand of Saint Quentin
St Exuperantius of Cingoli

St Felician of Foligno (c158-c 250) Bishop and Martyr, Confessor.
St Felician’s Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/24/saint-of-the-day-24-january-saint-felician-of-foligno-c-158-c-250-martyr/

St Filip Geryluk
St Guasacht
Bl John Grove
St Julian Sabas the Elder
St Macedonius Kritophagos

Blessed Marcolino Amanni of Forli OP (1317-1397) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, the Dominicans, Mystic, Assistant Prior and Procurator of his Convent. He was confirmed as a saint on 9 May 1750 by Pope Benedict XIV.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/24/saint-of-the-day-24-january-blessed-marcolino-amanni-of-forli-op-1317-1397/

Blessed Paola Gambara Costa TOSF (1463-1515) a Countess and member of the Third Order of St Francis, Laywoman, Mother, Widow, Apostle of the poor and sick. Her cult was confirmed by Beatification on 14 August 1845 by Pope Gregory XVI.
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/24/saint-of-the-day-24-january-blessed-paola-gambara-costa-tosf-1463-1515/

St Projectus
St Sabinian of Troyes
St Suranus of Sora
St Thyrsus
Bl essed William Ireland SJ (1636-1679) Priest Martyr

Martyrs of Asia Minor – 4 Saints: A group of ChristiansMmartyred together for their faith. The only details to survive are four of their names – Eugene, Mardonius, Metellus and Musonius. They were burned at the stake in Asia Minor.

Martyrs of Antioch:
Babylas
Epolonius
Prilidian
Urban

DOMINICAN OP, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 23 January – St Raymond of Peñafort OP (1175-1275) Confessor

Posted on January 23, 2024January 21, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 23 January – St Raymond of Peñafort OP (1175-1275) Confessor, “Father of Canon Law” Dominican Priest, Co-Founder of the Mercedarian Friars with St Peter Nolasco, Miracle-Worker – born on 1175 at Peñafort, Catalonia, Spain and died on 6 January 1275 at Barcelona, Spain of natural causes. Raymond compiled the Decretals of St Gregory IX (Reign 1227-1241), a collection of Canonical Laws which remained a major part of Church Law until the 1917 Code of Canon Law abrogated it. Patronages – Lawyers, Canon Lawyers, Medical Record Librarians, Barcelona, Spain, Navarre, Spain. Also known as – Ramon de Penyafort, Raymond of Rochefort. … of Penyafort, Raymund.
https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/07/saint-of-the-day-st-raymond-of-penafort-op-1175-1275-father-of-canon-law/

St Raymond of Peñafort OP (1175-1275)
By Fr Francis Xavier Weninger SJ (1805-1888)

“Raymond, sprung from the noble race of Peñafort, was born at Barcelona, in Catalonia, Spain, in the year 1175. Even in early childhood. his only delight was in prayer and study and, when but a mere youth, he was so advanced in learning, as to be deservedly appointed to instruct others. Subsequently, he devoted himself to Canon and Civil Law and soon excelled amongst the most celebrated Jurists of his time.

At Bologna he lectured publicly and gratuitously. At this time, Berengarius, Bishop of Barcelona, happening to pass through Bologna and hearing of Raymond’s wide-spread fame, persuaded him to return to his native land, where he first installed him as Canon, subsequently, however, as Provost. Nor did the Bishop hesitate to consult him in his most important affairs.

At the age of forty-four Raymond entered the Order of St Dominic, in which he soon acquired a great reputation for learning and piety. Pope Gregory IX, called him to Rome and chose him for his Spiritual Guide and Confessor, of which duties he acquitted himself with remarkable modesty and frankness. Observing that many poor people visited the Papal Palace, in whose fate no-one seemed to interest themself, Raymond imposed upon the Pope, as a penance, the duty of better providing for Christ’s poor. The Pope, who tells this anecdote himself, loved Raymond the more and valued him the more highly on this account, carefully regulating his manner of life, according to the instructions of the Saint.

As some reward for his many services, the Holy Father wished to appoint him to the Bishopric of Taragona but Raymond, steadfastly refused the proffered dignity, only begging to be dismissed from the Papal Court. In fact, his physicians had already decided that, if he wished to recover from a malady with which he was afflicted, he must seek his native air. Once more restored to his old home, he resumed his primitive fervour, in which he ever persevered. He wrote various instructions for the use of his neighbour, to whose eternal salvation he entirely devoted himself.

In the foundation of the Order for the Redemption of Captives, he took no little part; for he too, like St. Peter Nolasco, was admonished, in an apparition of Our Lady, to interest himself in its cause. He compiled Rules for those who wished to enter the Order, received St Peter as its first member, afterwards appointing him, with permission of the Holy See, its first General. In 1238, Raymond himself was elected the 3rd General but hastened, after three years, to resign, preferring the quiet of the cloister, devoted to prayer, the writing of edifying books and other such holy and useful occupations. He was looked upon by all, as a model of Christian perfection,but he excelled especially in a wonderful humility, an obliging condescension to the poor and a most childlike devotion to the Virgin Mother.

Many and remarkable are the miracles recorded of him but the following, which is the most known, may suffice here. James the First, King of Arragon, had chosen Raymond for his Confessor and desired him to favour him with his company on a journey to the Island of Majorca. But the King, incited by an unholy love for a certain woman, clandestinely conveyed her with him. Raymond had repeatedly and with holy zeal conjured the King to dismiss her and James had even promised to comply with the holy man’s request but upon their arrival at Majorca the Saint, soon perceiving that the King had broken his promise, went up to him and thus addressed him: “Your Majesty must either dismiss this person, or I shall be obliged to set sail for Barcelona to return to my cloister.” The King, growing angry at this reproof, gave strict orders that no-one should give passage to Raymond, should he wish to return to Spain. The holy man, unconscious of the intrigues of the King, hastened to the sea-coast, where a vessel lay ready to sail. He sought for admission in vain, the Officers showed him the Royal Mandate in Raymond’s regard.

Full of confidence in God, the Saint stepped upon a huge rock which stretched far into the sea. After making the Sign of the Cross, he spread his cloak upon the water and mounted the same, as if it were a seaworthy vessel. In vain did he press a fellow-Religious to join him, who had followed him to the coast but who now stood stupefied at this manner of sailing. Raymond did not allow himself to be shaken in his purpose by the fright of his companion but, placing his staff upright on his cloak and gathering up the folds in front in the manner of a sail, he glided off, to the most profound astonishment of all present! He arrived safely in Barcelona within six hours after his departure, the distance being 160 miles. In the presence of a large concourse of people, he stepped ashore, and, throwing his perfectly dry cloak over his shoulders, he hurried to his Monastery.

There, he lived for some time in great sanctity and, when he had almost reached his hundreth year, he slept quietly in the Lord, full of virtues and merits.” Below is St Raymon’d Tomb and Shrine in Barcelona Cathedral.

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St Romuald (c951-1027)

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St Raymond of Peñafort OP (1175-1275)By Fr Francis Xavier Weninger SJ (1805-1888)

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St Raymond of Peñafort OP (1175-1275)
By Fr Francis Xavier Weninger SJ (1805-1888)