St Agrecius of Trier St Andrew of Trier St Berno of Cluny St Designatus of Maastricht St Elian of Brittany St Enogatus of Aleth St Erbin of Cornwall St Glaphyra St Gumesindus of Córdoba St Hermylus St Hildemar of Arrouaise Bl Ida of Argensolles Bl Ivetta of Huy Widow, Mother, Recluse, Mystic
Saint of the Day – 12 January – Blessed Bernard of Corleone OFM Cap (1605-1667) Lay Brother of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, previously a Cobbler. Born on 6 February 1605 at Corleone, Palermo, Sicily as Filippo Latino and died on 12 January 1667 at Palermo, Sicily. Patronages – Mafia victims, expectant mothers. Also known as – Bernardo de Corleone, Brother Bernardo, Filippo Latino, Philipi Latini. He was Beatified on 15 May 1768 by Pope Clement XIII.
Bernard was born in Corleone in the Province of Palermo, in Sicily, Italy. He was the third of six children of Leonardo and Francesca Latini. The family lived in modest circumstances but they never lacked the essentials. The Town of Corleone received its name, “Lionheart” for its heroism during the uprising against the French occupation in 1282 which is known in history. as “The Sicilian Vesper.”
The family house was commonly known as Casa di Santi (House of the Saints) because of the charity of the father and the kindness of all the children. Filippo’s father was a Tanner and he himself, became a Cobbler by profession. But he had another passion, namely the sword and he was considered the best duelist in all of Sicily.
After competing in a duel, he had wounded a man named Vito Canino, so severely that he would be permanently disabled, forcing him to flee from the authorities and seeking Ecclesiastical asylum in the Church of the Capuchins in Palermo. He was safe there, because in the 17th Century, the Church’s right of asylum still applied – no-one could be arrested in a holy place, being a “City of Refuge” (Numbers 35:11-28).
In the silence of the Church, Bernard began to meditate on his life and his past sins and he was graced and penetrated with a deepe sense of self-knowledge and self-dislike, realising that he had not obeyed or loved God. With remorseful tears, he asked God for forgiveness and decided to live the rest of his life in repentance and penance. He left Corleone and went to Caltanisetta, where in 1632, he joined the Capuchins as a Lay Brother with the Religious name “Bernard.”
The only thing he longed for was to grow in spiritual perfection and the way there was humility and penance. The strict rule of lathe Order was not enough for him, so he imposed extreme penance on himself to atone for his past sins. He slepton the floor and never for more than three hours at a time. Even the poor Monastery meals he considered as gluttony.
But his graces were as great as his penances. He never learned to read and write, yet he reached the highest spiritual heights. In time, he could read people’s hearts and became renowned for his many miracles. His intercession was also instrumental in miraculous cures of animals.
Bernard lived a simple life, working as a cook, bering transferred from one Monastery to another, in the Province. We know that he spent his last fifteen years in Palermo itself. Exhausted by pmortifications, he sought refuge at the Tabernacle, where he prayed continually. There, he became ill on the Feast of The Epiphany on 6 January 1667 and he died on 12 January 1667, barely 62 years old. Before the funeral, his tunic had to be changed a total of nine times because all had been torn to pieces by the faithful who wanted to secure a Relic.
Bl Bartholomew Alvarez Bl Bernardo de Plano St Biccianus Blessed Bernard of Corleone OFM Cap (1605-1667) Lay Brother of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin
St Caesaria of Arles St Caroticus Bl Emmanuel d’Abreu St Eutropius St Ferreolus of Grenoble Bishop Martyr Bl John Gaspard Cratz St John of Ravenna Bl Lucia of Valcaldara St Martinian of Belozersk St Peter of Abessala St Probus of Verona St Quinctus the Soldier St Satyrus
St Tatiana of Rome (Died c 226) Virgin, Martyr. Patronage – students, school children. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome in the time of the Emperor Alexander, St Tatiana, Martyr who was torn with iron hooks and combs, thrown to the beasts and cast into the fire but, having received no injury, was beheaded and thus, went to Heaven.” Her Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/12/saint-of-the-day-12-january-saint-tatiana-of-rome-died-c-226-virgin-martyr/
St Tigrius St Victorian of Asana Bl Vincent da Cunha
Martyrs of Africa – 44 Saints: A group of 44 Christian soldiers murdered together for their faith in Africa. The only details that survive are four of their names – Castulus, Modestus, Rogatus and Zoticus.
Martyrs of Ephesus – 42 Saints: Forty-two Monks Martyred at a Monastery in Ephesus (modern Turkey) during the persecutions of the Iconoclast Byzantine Emperor Constantine V. Their names have not come down to us. Martyred c 762.
Martyrs of Iona – 38 Saints: Thirty-eight Monks Martyred in Iona, Ireland. Their names have not come down to us. They were Martyred in 750 at Iona, Ireland.
Saint of the Day – 11 January – St Leucius of Brindisi (Died c180) Bishop, Confessor, Missionary. Born in Eastern Europe and died in c180 in Brindisi, Italy of natural causes. Patronages – of Atessa, the City of Brindisi and the Archdiocese of Brindisi-Ostuni, all in Italy. Also known as – Leucio.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Brindisi, the holy saint Leucius, Bishop and Confessor.”
St Leucius was the first Bishop of Brindisi,who founded the Diocese of Brindisi in 165. A second Bishop of the same name is also honoured as a Saint but he lived in the 5th Century and was Martyred – this latter was mentioned by St Gregory the Great.
Not much is known of Leucius’ early life, although it is believed that he was born in Eastern Europe, to Eudecius and Euphrodisia and was given the name of Eupressius at birth. The young Eupressius was educated and spent the formative years of his life in Alexandria, Egypt.
Following the death of his mother, he entered monastic life. A heavenly vision, during a memoria of the Virgin, would change his name from Eupressius to Leucius (this name means bright, pure as the light). Having already been Ordained a Bishop, Leucius wished to undertake a Missionary Apostolate in Brindisi, to liberate the pagans. Leucius left Alexandria for Brindisi, which at the time was one of the largest ports of the Mediterranean, in the southern part of Italy.
Leucius first became renowned when many pagans in Apulia heard him preaching the Gospel during a drought. He claimed that if they had faith in his message, the rains would come. After the rains fell, the pagans were immediately converted to Chris. Soon after, he became the first Bishop of Brindisi and proceeded to build the Churches of St Mary’s and St John the Baptist.
However, the honour of the Mother of God, however, it is more likely that the Bishop of Brindisi of the 5th Century, was the one who built a Church in honour of the Blessed Virgin. After all, that custom became the norm only after the Blessed Virgin Mary was proclaimed as the Mother of God at the Council of Ephesus in 431. Immediately afterwards, Santa Maria Maggiore was built in Rome. From that moment, every City built a St Mary’s Church as if for battle. It is, therefore, logical that the roots of the St Mary’s Church in Brindisi, dates from the 4th Century rather than the 2nd.
The later part of his life is unknown but according to tradition, he suffered martyrdom in the year 180 but this is not acknowledged in the Martyrology. Soon after his death his remains were returned to Brindisi, there they remained until the Lombard invasion of 768, when they were moved to Trani, then to the capital of the Duchy of Benevento and finally to the Basilica Cathedral of Brindisi, see below.
St Pope Hyginus (Died 142) Papal Ascension c 138. It is believed he was a Martyr for Christ and suffered during the persecution of Antoninus, although our ancient sources do not confirm this. Tradition holds that during his Papacy he determined the various prerogatives of the clergy and defined the grades of the ecclesiastical hierarchy. Hyginus also instituted Godparents at Baptism to assist the baptised during their Christian life. In addition, he decreed, that all Churches be Consecrated. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/11/saint-of-the-day-11-january-saint-pope-hyginus-died-142/
St Boadin of Ireland St Breandan of Ireland (the name is not an error) St Eithne St Fedelemia St Honorata of Pavia St Leucius of Alexandria (Died 5th Century) Bishop Martyr
St Leucius of Brindisi )Died c180) Bishop Confessor
St Liberata of Pavia St Lucius the Soldier St Luminosa of Pavia St Mark the Soldier St Michael of Klopsk St Palaemon St Paldo St Peter Balsam St Peter of Alexandria St Peter of Anea St Peter the Soldier
Saint of the Day – 10 January – St Pope Agatho (Died 681) Bishop of Rome from 27 June 678 (at this time over 100 years old) until his death on 10 January 681. Born in Sicily of Greek parentage, probably in Palermo of which City he is the Patron. Known for his affability and charity, on account of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he has been styled as “Thaumaturgus or Wonderworker.” Also known as – Agathon, Agatone, Agathonius.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, the Pope, St Agatho, who terminated a liferemarkable for sanctity and learning by a holy death.”
Agatho was originally a Benedictine Monk at St Hermes in Palermo and there is good authority that he was more than 100 years old when, in 678, he ascended the Papal Chair asthe successor to Pope Donus.
Shortly after Agatho became the Supreme Pontiff, Saint Wilfred, Archbishop of York, who had been unjustly and uncanonically deposed from his See by Theodore of Canterbury, arrived in Rome to invoke the authority of the Holy See on his behalf. At a Synod which Pope Agatho convoked in the Lateran to investigate the affair, Wilfred was restored to his See.
The main event of Agatho’s Pontificate remains however, the Sixth Ecumenical Council, held in Constantinople in 680, at which the Papal Legates presided and which practically ended the Monothelite heresy. Before the Decrees of the Council arrived in Rome for the approval of the Pope, Agatho had died on 10 January 681 and was laid to rest in St Peter’s Old Basilica.
His memory is still wonderfully celebrated in Greece.
Artwork and Shrine of St Agatho at Lipari Cathedral in Sicily
Saint of the Day – 9 January – Saint Marcellinus of Ancona (Died c577) the Fifth Bishop of Ancona, Italy.Born in Ancona and died there on 9 January in c577 of natural causes. Patronages – against fire (a raging fire ceased by St Marcellinus waving his prayer book at it; the book survived the fire with only slight damage; afterwards, people who touched it, while praying, were cured of ailments), of Ancona, Italy. Also known as – Marcellin, Marcellino.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Ancona, St Marcellinus, Bishop, who, according to St Gregory the Great, miraculously delivered that City from destruction by fire.”
Marcellinus, of the noble family of Boccamaiori, became the Fifth Bishop of Ancona in 539. At that time, the Church of Santo Stefano acted as the Cathedral. According to a Vita of the Saint, instead of being proud of the high office which had been entrusted to him, Marcellinus mortified himself with fasting and continual penance which he offered to God, together with vigils, prayers and works of charity.
In his Dialogues, St Gregory the Great (540-604) called him “a man of venerable virtue” and recalled the miracle when he extinguished a fire which was devastating Ancona.
In the Istoria d’Ancona, written in the first half of the 19th Century by Abbot Antonio Leoni, who drew upon a number of ancient sources, we read what happened when the fire “untreated at first” was fuelled by the wind. The City’s inhabitants implored the help of their Bishop who, after raising his eyes to Hea in prayer, was carried on a chair (he had difficulty walking due to a severe attack of gout) to the point where the fire was most threatening. There, he held out and read from the Evangeliary containing the passages of the synoptic Gospels, with notes relating to the Liturgical use of Ancona. The Evangeliary was partly scorched by a sudden upsurge of the flames which, however, went out the instant the Saint suddenly shut the book, to everyone’s gratitude.
A portion of the Evangeliary which was damaged
The Evangeliary of Saint Marcellinus, on the eve of the Saint’s Feast, is carried in procession through the City’s streets and is still kept in the Diocesan Museum of Ancona, after being restored in the 20th Century. Sick people who touched it regained health; the son of a noble family remained unharmed in the midst of a fire into which the devil had thrown him, out of envy at the veneration shown to Marcellinus by the youth; a fire in a village near Ancona immediately ceased when the prayer book was brought there.
Early 1300s Statue of St Marcellinus
The first Cathedral in Ancona is commemorated by an inscription on the Primary School which is now built on this site.
St Marcellinus’ Relics , circa 1756, in the Crypt of Ancona Cathedral
St Peter of Sebaste (c340-c391) Bishop of Sebaste in Lesser Armenia. Member of the glorious family of Saints – He was the younger brother of Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, the famous Christian Hermit Naucratius and Macrina the Younger and a close friend of Gregory of Nazianzen, all Saints. Of course, Basil and Gregory of Nazianzen are both Doctors too. St Pete‘r’s Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/09/saint-of-the-day-9-january-st-peter-of-sebaste-c-340-c-391-bishop/
St Marcellinus of Ancona (Died c577) Bishop St Marciana Bl Martinus In Eon-min St Maurontius St Nearchus St Paschasia of Dijon St Philip Berruyer St Polyeucte
Martyrs of Africa – 21 Saints: A group of 21 Christians murdered together for their faith in the persecutions of Decius. The only details to survive are 14 of their names – Artaxes, Epictetus, Felicitas, Felix, Fortunatus, Jucundus, Pictus, Quietus, Quinctus, Rusticus, Secundus, Sillus, Vincent and Vitalis. They were Martyred in c 250.
Martyrs of Antioch – 6 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together during the persecutions of Diocletian – Anastasius, Anthony, Basilissa, Celsus, Julian and Marcionilla.
Saint of the Day – 8 January – Saint Albert of Cashel (Died c600) Bishop(?), Missionary. Born in England and died in 800 at Regensburg, Germany of natural causes. Patronages – against arthritis, of Cashel, Ireland, the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly, Ireland. Also known as – Albert of Regensburg, Alberto. The name ‘Albert’ means “shining through nobility” (From the Old High German). Canonised on 19 June 1902 by Pope Leo XIII.
Traditionally held to be an Englishman who worked in Ireland and then Bavaria in modern Germany, together with St Erhard of Regensburg who died in the 7th Century and is believed to have been Albert’s brother.
Albert worked mainly around the City of Cashel, in Ireland and itraditionally held to have been the Bishop of that City and today he is reverred as the City’s and the Diocesan Patron Saint. There is a chronilogical error regarding Albert’s life in that the Diocese of Cashel was only founded in 1111.
In a legendary 12th Century Vita, he is called “natione Anglus, conversatione Angelicus – by race an Angle, in manners an Angel!”
Our Saint and St Erhard of Regensburg, evangelised and went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land together. They separated when Albert went to Ireland and Erhard remain in Regensburg. According to tradition, Albert became Archbishop of Cashel in County Tipperary in Ireland. Out of longing for his brother Erhard, Albert finally returned to Regensburg, where Erhard had since died. Albert prostrated himself crying at his grave in what was then the Niedermünster Monastery. Albert died soon after and his grave is next to Erhard ‘s.
Albert was Canonised by the confirmation of his cult on 19 June 1902 (the group “Albert , Asicus and Carthagus – Bishops, and their 22 Irish companions”) by Pope Leo XIII. His memorial day is 8 January in the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly but 19 January is also mentioned. He is celebrated all over Ireland. It is recorded that Albert suffered from arthritis, hence his patronage of this illness.
St Albert’s Reliquary in the Church of the Niedermünster Monastery in Regensburg.
St Abo of Tblisi St Albert of Cashel (Died c600) Bishop
St Apollinaris the Apologist (Died 2nd Century) Confessor, Defender of the True Faith against heretics, Writer, renowned Scholar. Bishop, Apologist. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Hierapolis in Phrygia, in today’s Turkey, Saint Apollinaris, Bishop, who shone under the Emperor Marcus Aurelius for doctrine and holiness.” A Courageous and Zealous Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/08/saint-of-the-day-8-january-saint-apollinaris-the-apologist-died-2nd-century/
St Athelm of Canterbury St Atticus of Constantinople St Carterius of Caesarea Bl Edward Waterson St Ergnad of Ulster St Erhard of Regensburg St Eugenian of Autun St Garibaldus of Regensburg St Gudule of Brussels St Helladius St Julian of Beauvais St Lucian of Beauvais St Maximian of Beauvais St Maximus of Pavia Bl Nathalan of Aberdeen St Patiens of Metz St Pega of Peakirk
St Severinus of Noricum (c 410-482) Abbot, Hermit, Missionary, the “Apostle to Noricum” (Noricum is the Latin name for the Celtic Kingdom or Federation of Tribes which included most of modern Austria and part of Slovenia). He established Monasteries and refuge centres for those stricken by war. Severinus was graced with the gifts of prophecy and miracles. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/08/saint-of-the-day-8-january-saint-severinus-of-noricum-c-410-482-the-apostle-to-noricum/
St Theophilus the Martyr St Thorfinn St Wulsin of Sherborne
Martyrs of Greece – 9 Saints: A group of Christians honoured in Greece as Martyrs, but we have no details about their lives or deaths – Euctus, Flix, Januarius, Lucius, Palladius, Piscus, Rusticus, Secundus and Timotheus
Martyrs of Terni – 4 Saints: A group of Christian soldiers in the imperial Roman army. Executed during the persecutions of Emperor Claudius. Martyrs. – Carbonanus, Claudius, Planus and Tibudianus. They were martyred in 270 in Terni, Italy.
Saint of the Day – 7 January – Saint Lucian of Antioch (Died 312) Confessor, Priest, Martyr, Teacher, Theologian, Writer, Founder of the renowned School of Antioch. Born in Samosata. Syria in the 2nd Century and died after many tortures by the sword in 312 at Nicomedia, Bithynia (modern Izmid, Turkey). Also known as – Lucian of Drepana, Lucian of Nicomedië, Lucian of Nicomedia, Lucian the Martyr, Lucian of Samosata, Luciano… Lucianus… Lucian means ‘the shining one‘ (Latin).
The Roman Martyrology reads: “The birthday of the blessed Lucian. a Priest of the Church of Antioch and Martyr, who was distinguished for his learning and eloquence. He suffered at Nicomedia for the confession of Christ, in the persecution of Galerius Maximian and was buried at Helenopolis, in Bithynia. His praises have been proclaimed by St John Chrysostom.”
Fresco in the Cathedral in Segni. Italy
Lucian came from a respected family, was educated in Edessa – today’s Sanlıurfa – and then worked as a Priest and teacher in Antioch – today’s Antakya/Hatay. He founded the famous Antiochene school – it used literal, grammatical-historical explanations to interpret Scripture which was in contrast to the allegorical interpretation of the Scriptures taught in Alexandria and, therefore, had a reputation for rationalism.
After the condemnation of Bishop Paul of Samosata in 268 and his teaching that Jesus Christ was a normal human being, Lucian, although not subscribing to this view, also found himself increasingly in opposition to the official teaching and soon no longer belonged to the community in Antioch. Arius, the founder of Arianism , was then one of Lucian’s students, whose followers initially called themselves Syllukianists after Lucian – (meaning: “like-minded with Lucian”).
It seems Lucian corrected his errors and in 285 made peace with the Church and was re-admitted into full communion with the community of Antioch
Lucian was in Nicomedia (today Izmid in Turkey), when Emperor Diocletian’s persecutions broke out and he was imprisoned there for nine years. Twice he was interrogated, when he defended himself ably and refused to deny Christ. In the winter of 311/312 Lucian was brought before Emperor Maximinus Daza, where he presumably suffered Martyrdom after making a profession of his faith. His speech before the Emperor has been preserved but its authenticity is disputed. He was either starved to death, or more likely, killed by sword in 312. His body was taken to Drepanum, which was nearby. Emperor Constantine renamed it Helenopolis in memory of his mother – today’s Hersek -.
According to St Jerome’s testimony, a summary of the Sacred Scriptures published by Lucian was used for a long time, from Constantinople – today’s Istanbul – to Antioch. A surviving creed written by Lucian, according to which Jesus Christ was not Consubstantial but only Consubstantial with God, was also widespread. Lucian’s life story, written in the middle of the 4th Century, comes from Arian representatives.
A Greek Icon of St Lucian
Lucian’s grave in Drepanon – today’s Hersek – was first venerated by the followers of Arianism but by the end of the 4th Century, Lucian was included in the Church’s list of Saints.
St John Chrysostom gave him an Eulogy, St Eusebius of Caesarea praised him as a Priest of the community in Antioch who was excellent in all his conduct and as a very excellent man in every respect, of a strict way of life and well versed in the Sacred sciences . St Helena had a Church built in his honour in Antioch which was probably Consecrated on 15 October. In the Russian Orthodox Church, Lucian is incorrectly referred to as a Bishop because of his importance.
Canonisation: – As early as the end of the 4th Century, Lucian was included in the list of Saints despite his earlier critical relationship with the official Church.
Bl Albert of Siena St Aldric of Le Mans Bl Ambrose Fernandez St Anastasius of Sens St Brannock of Braunton St Candida of Greece St Cedd St Clerus of Antioch St Crispin I of Pavia St Cronan Beg St Emilian of Saujon St Felix of Heraclea St Giuliano of Gozzano (c350-c391) Deacon, Missionary St Januarius of Heraclea St Julian of Cagliari St Kentigerna St Lucian of Antioch (Died 312) Confessor, Priest, Martyr
St Pallada of Greece St Polyeuctus of Melitene St Reinhold of Cologne St Spolicostus of Greece St Theodore of Egypt St Tillo of Solignac
St Valentine of Passau (Died 475) Bishop in Passau in the Rhaetia region, Switzerland, an area in the border region of modern Italy, Austria and Switzerland, Monk, Abbot, Missionary, Hermit, Miracle-worker. Died on 7 January 475 at Mais, Tyrol, Austria of natural causes. Patronages – against convulsions, against cramps/stomach pain, against epilepsy, against gout, against plague/epidemics, against demonic possession, of cattle diseases, of pilgrims, poor people, City and Diocese of Passau. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/07/saint-of-the-day-7january-st-valentine-of-passau-died-475-bishop/
St Virginia of Ste-Verge Bl Wittikund of Westphalia
Saints of the Day – 6 January – Saint Caspar, Saint Melchior and Saint Balthasar, (1st Century) otherwise known as the Three Wise Men/Kings or the Magi – they were all Martyrs. Patronages – against epilepsy/of epileptics, against thunder, furriers, motorists, pilgrims, playing card manufacturers, sawmill workers, travellers, travelling merchants, Cologne, Germany, Saxony. Additional Memorials – 23 July (translation of Relics); 24 July (Cologne, Germany where their Relics lie).
“And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary His Mother and falling down they adored Him and opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:11
The Three Kings brought Jesus Gold — to show that He was a King; Frankincense to honour Him as God and Myrrh to greet Him as man. These Kings first saw the Star which led them to Bethlehem, on the previous 25 March — the day and at the moment, on which Jesus was conceived in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Ghost.
It took the Magi nine months and twelve days to reach Bethlehem, guided by the Star. The Star left them when they were in Jerusalem. But it shone again after the Kings left Jerusalem and led them to the cave of Bethlehem.
Our Lady let each of the Kings hold Jesus in his arms. They were given some of His baby clothes to bring back to the East by way of Relics. The Kings returned to the East, to Persia and later were Baptised there by Saint Thomas the Apostle, in the year 40.
All three of the Kings were Martyred for the Catholic Faith. Their names are now and should always be called, Saint Caspar, Saint Melchior and Saint Balthasar. The bodies of Saint Gaspar, Saint Melchior and Saint Balthasar were first brought to Constantinople and then to Milan and in the 12th Century they were placed in the Cathedral of Cologne, in Germany, where they are venerated with much love by the Catholics of all the world.
Around the year 1200, the Cologne Cathedral Chapter commissioned the creation of this Golden Shrine to house the bones of the Magi.
These Relics which were brought from Milan to Cologne in 1164 by ArchbishopRainald of Dassel, remain there to this day.
The precious Reliquary is decorated with gems, intaglios and cameos. The sides of the Shrine feature images of the Prophets and the Apostles, seated beneath rows of arches while the front-facing end, depicts three manifestations of Christ; the adoration of the Magi on the left, the Baptism in the Jordan on the right and the Last Judgement – above.
For centuries, pilgrims have come from all over Europe and the world, to venerate the Relics in the Shrine.
Prayer for the Intercession of the Three Kings, Saint Caspar, Saint Melchior and Saint Balthasar (By Cologne Cathedral)
Lord and God Thou created us for a lifelong journey to Thee. Each one of us takes a different path, over mountains and through valleys, through joy and sorrow and need. May the Three Holy Kings guide us in our wanderings, as their faith, knowledge and determination guided them through many perils on their journey to Thee. They saw Thee, knelt before Thee, offered up their gifts and paid homage to Thee, They were filled with the joy of finding Thee!
Lord and God, We thank Thee for granting us the freedom to seek and find Thee, our life’s goal! Grant us the faith, strength and trust we need, to follow in the path of the Three Kings. Give us courage when we are at risk of taking easier but false paths, Let us experience the joy of being with Thee at the end of our journey, so that we may be eternally surrounded by Thy Love. We ask this, through Jesus Christ our Lord. the destination of every pilgrimage. Amen!
(An Imprimatur has been granted for this publication – Cologne Cathedral)
The Epiphany of the Lord Epiphany celebrates the visit of the three Kings or iMagi (Wise Men) to the Christ Child, signifying the extension of salvation to the Gentiles. The date of Epiphany, one of the oldest Christian Feasts, is 6 January, the 12th day after Christmas. However, in some countries, the celebration of Epiphany is transferred to the Sunday which falls between 2 January and 8 January (inclusive). Greece, Ireland, Italy and Poland continue to observe Epiphany on 6 January as do some Dioceses throughout the world. Because Epiphany is one of the most important Feasts, it is a Holy Day of Obligation.
St Charles of Sezze OFM (1613-1670) Stigmatist, Friar, of the Friars Minor, Mystic, Writer, Advisor. His Beatification was celebrated in 1882 while Pope Pius XII approved his Canonisation in 1958 but the Pope died before he could Canonise the Friar so his successor, Pope John XXIII did so on 12 April 1959. His body is incorrupt. About St Charles: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/01/06/saint-of-the-day-6-january-st-charles-of-sezze-o-f-m-1613-1670/
St Demetrius of Philadelphia St Diman Dubh of Connor St Edeyrn St Eigrad St Erminold of Prüfening
St Julian of Antinoë St Julius Bl Luc of Roucy Bl Macarius the Scot St Macra of Rheims St Merinus St Nilammon of Geris (Died c404) Hermit St Petran of Landévennec
St Pia of Quedlinburg St Pompejanus Bl Raymond de Blanes St Schotin St Wiltrudis of Bergen
Martyrs in Africa: Unknown number of Christian men and women who were Martyred in the persecutions of Septimus Severus. They were burned to death c 210.
Martyrs of Sirmium – 8 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith. The only surviving details are the names of eight of them – Anastasius VIII, Florianus, Florus, Jucundus, Peter, Ratites, Tatia and Tilis. They were martyred in the 4th century at Syrmium, Pannonia (modern Sremska Mitrovica, Vojvodina, Serbia).
Twelve Apostles – Saints of Ireland: Twelve 6th Century Irish Monks who studied under Saint Finian at Clonard Abbey and then spread the Faith throughout Ireland. Each has his own commemoration but on this day, they and their good works are considered and celebrated together. Although Saint Finian is sometimes included, most ancient writers list them as –
Saint of the Day – 5 January –S aint Syncletica (c320-c400) Virgin, Anchorite, Mystic, Spiritual Guide, Abbess in the Sketic Desert? Name means: “the chosen one” (From the Greek). Syncletica was born around 320 in Alexandria in Egypt and died there of natural causes in around 400. Patronages – against bodily ills, against loss of parents, against temptations, of the ill, of single laywomen. Also known as – Sincletica.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “St Syncletica, whose noble deeds have been recorded by St Athanasius.”
According to tradition, Syncletica came from a rich and pious family and is reputed to have been very beautiful. From childhood, however, Syncletica was drawn to a life of holiness and piety. She rejected several marriage proposals for she wished to lead a virtuous life devoted to her heavenly Spouse alone.
After the death of her parents, she distributed her inheritance to the poor and with her younger blind sister, Syncletica abandoned the life of the City withdrawing into a cave as a Recluse. Her holy life soon gained the attention of locals and, gradually, many women joined her to live as her disciples in Christ, teaching them the ascetic way of life.
She was mystically gifted. At the end of their lives, the tempter asked God for permission to test them – just as he had done with Job. Syncletica was tormented by many sufferings but despite her old age, she remained steadfast in her faith and asceticism until she died at the age of 84.
About 40 sayings have been preserved of and about Syncletica. Her life story probably dates to the 5th Century.
We are exposed to many temptations in life. Syncletica advises how we should deal with them:
“The devil’s snares are common. If he cannot dissuade the soul through poverty, then he brings wealth as a lure. If he cannot do anything through disgrace, then he withholds praise and honour from her. If he has to accept defeat through health, he makes the body sick. If he cannot deceive with his desires, then he tries to bring about a change through unwanted efforts. He brings about certain very serious illnesses if he is allowed to, in order to darken the love of God in those who become faint-hearted. Then the body is worn out by the most violent fever and is harassed by unbearable thirst. If you, as a sinner, have to endure this, then remember the coming punishment and the eternal fire and the torments inflicted by the Judge and do not be discouraged because of the present. Rejoice that God has visited you, and have that sweet word on your tongue – God has chastened me but has not delivered me to death (Psalm 117:18). You were like iron but with fire you burnt away the rust but if you, as a righteous person, fall into sickness, you will progress from greatness to greaterness. You are gold but through fire you become even more proven.
An Angel has been appointed to you for the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7). Be happy! See who you have become like! For you were worthy of the lot of St Paul . … In such exercises let us form our souls. Because we see the enemy before our eyes!” (Compiled by Abbot em. Dr Emmeram Kränkl OSB Benedictine Abbey Schäftlarn – for the Katholische SonntagsZeitung).
Fresco in the Chapel at St Thodosios’ Tomb in the Monastery of Agiou Theodosiou tou Neou near Agia Triada near Argos
Bl Alacrinus of Casamari St Apollinaris Syncletica St Cera of Kilkeary Bl Convoyon of Redon St Deogratias of Carthage (Died 457) Bishop St Dorotheus the Younger
St Kiara St Lomer of Corbion Bl Marcelina Darowska Bl Paula of Tuscany Bl Pietro Bonilli St Simeon Stylites St Syncletica (c320-c400) Virgin, Anchorite, Mystic St Talida of Antinoë
Martyrs of Africa – 14 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in Africa, date unknown, exact location unknown. We know nothing more than their names – Acutus, Anastasia, Candidus, Coelifloria, Felix, Honorius, Januaria, Jucundus, Lucianus, Marcus, Petrus, Secundus, Severus and Telesphorus.
Martyrs of Sais: A group of Christians Martyred for their faith but about whom no details have survived. They were Martyred by drowning near Sais, Egypt.
Martyrs of Upper Egypt: There were many Martyrs who suffered in the persecutions of Diocletian in the Thebaid region. Though we know these atrocities occurred, to the point that witnesses claim the torturers and executioners were exhausted by the work, we do not know the names of the saints and we honour them as a group. Many were beheaded and or burned alive in 303 in Upper Egypt.
Saint of the Day – 4 January – Saint Rigobert of Rheims (Died c743) Archbishop of Rheims, a Benedictine Monk and later Abbot of the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Orbais who subsequently succeeded Saint Rieul as the Bishop of Rheims in 695. Born in the late 6th Century in Ribemont southeast of Saint-Quentin and north of Rheims, in the present-day Aisne in Picardy, in northern France and died on 4 January c743 in Gernicourt, in the Aisne in France. Patronage – against toothache. Also known as – Gobert, Rigobertus, Robert. Additional Memorial – 14 June (translation of Relics). the name Rigobert – means: “the rich, shiny one” (From Old High German).
Rigobert was the son of Constantine of an old Ripuarian family, the first Lord (Châtelain) of Ribemont and of the House of Portian. We do not know his mother’s name, only that she was a Frank from the territory of Porçain at the mouth of the river Somme. Noticing that their son had a strong inclination towards piety, the parents sent him to the Monastery of Orbais in the Champagne-Ardenne region of northeastern France which had been founded in 680 by their nephew, Saint Bishop Regulus of Rheims . There, Rigobert received his first education in the Monastery school.
It was in this academy that he learned the science of the Saints and he was formed for the exercise of the most heroic virtues. When he reached the prescribed age, he took his vows as a Benedictine Monk. He observed the Rule of Saint Benedict so accurately that he, still very young, could be an example even to older Monks. He prayed incessantly and never spoke unnecessarily and he combined an extraordinary prudence and wisdom with great kindness, so that he easily won the hearts of those with whom he conversed. During this time he was Ordained to the Priesthood and his good qualities led to him being entrusted with ever greater tasks and he eventually ascended to the leadership of the Monastery of Orbais as the Abbot, an Office he retained until 695.
He was very close to the head of the Royal House, Pipin of Herstal and under his protection, the young Priest quickly made a career. Rigobert Baptised Pipin’s illegitimate son with his concubine Alpaida, Charles Martell (689-741), the later powerful Frankish Chancellor (716 -741), the actual ruler of the Franks (other sources say that he was Charles Martell’s Godfather at Baptism).
In 695, Rigobert was named the 27th Bishop of Rheims after Saint Regulus, who was his cousin. By virtue of his Office as the Bishop of Rheims, he anointed the Kings. Through wise decrees and strict justice, he brought the Diocese into a very good condition.
Pipin of Herstal ruled the Frankish Kingdom as Chancellor in the Palace during the reigns of Clovis IV, Kildebert III and Dagobert III, all of whom were Kings of the entire Frankish Kingdom. He was a close friend of the Bishop. One day he came to a country house in the village of Gernicourt near Rheims, to go hunting. With his usual courtesy, Rigobert sent him some refreshments and he came to greet the Bishop.
Pipin, wishing to repay this generosity with a substantial donation, so he urged the Bishop to tell him what he desired for himself and for his Church, assuring him that it would be the most significant proof of friendship he could give him. To satisfy the Duke, the Bishop asked about the house where he was then which was not of great value but entirely to his taste. Pipin gave him the house and said that besides this he gave him as much land as he could walk about during his afternoon rest. The Bishop accepted the gift and immediately drew up the boundaries by walking around this house. Everyone soon saw that in asking for this place, the Bishop had no intention of getting rich because as soon as he became the owner of the property, he gave it to his Church to be part of Diocesan assets and income used for the Bishop’s maintenance.
Rigobert’s most important program was to reform the Clergy. To this end he re-established the rules of his predecessors as regards the discipline of the Clergy and he restored the Chapter of the Cathedral, one of the best ordered then in the Frankish Kingdom.
Little is otherwise known about Rigobert’s time as Bishop but he is said to have lived in a room above the City gate. When he was in his room, he used to pray by a window overlooking the City’s Basilica Saint-Remi. But wanting access to a closer Church to pray, he had a passage excavated through the tower of a Church that was next to the City gate, thus gaining easy access via a ladder.
Once he had been given a live goose to take home and make dinner out of. Rigobert placed the bird in the arms of a servant who followed him. Along the way, while Rigobert was reciting the Office prayers, the bird tore itself free and flew away. The boy, grieved deeply over this accident but Rigobert comforted him and exhorted him to trust in God. When Rigobert resumed his prayers, the goose flew back to them. Thereafter, the Bishop kept the bird as a pet. The goose used to go with him to the Church, where it patiently waited outside while Rigobert celebrated Mass at an Altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary. – which Altar, he received in his exile after requesting it from the usurper bishop.
Rigobert’s zeal for the temporal part of God’s house was nothing compared to that which he had for the spiritual part. He was another Paul, who in his extensive charity cared for all believers. He was everything to them all and this conduct was admired by all and it was one of the chief reasons why Pipin was so strongly convinced of the extraordinary merits of this great man. He wanted his son Charles Martell to become a child of God through his service and he entrusted his son to him for education, in the hope that one day he would succeed in gaining the same respect and devotion for the Bishop which he himself had. But the father’s good intentions were not fulfilled by the son and he, whom the father had honoured was later persecuted by the son.
When Pipin died the King replaced him with a man named Raginfrid causing Charles Martell to arm himself in anger believing the position of Chancellor should have been his as son of Pipin. In the decisive phase, Rigobert hesitated to side with Charles Martell and wanted to remain neutral. He remained faithful to the King as his legitimate senior and although he had very great obligations to Pipin, as he had Baptised and raised his son, he preferred to heed his conscience.
When KCharles Martell appeared at the gates of Rheims under the pretence of saying his prayers in the Church of Notre-Dame, Rigobert refused him entry, telling him that since he and his steward were fighting the government of Austrasia, he would not open the City’s gates for other than the one whom heaven declared victorious. Charles Martell was so offended that he decided to get rid of the troublesome Bishop.
After a victorious battle in the power struggle, Charles Martell deposed the King and Rigobert as Bishop of Rheims without any Ecclesiastical judgment and on his own authority appointed his replacement. Rigobert was exiled to Gascony – there he spent the first part of his exile, waiting for the storm to subside, or whether his banishment would last for life. But later he went to the Monastery at Orbais not far from Rheims, where he resumed the monastic life.
To Rigobert it was a great suffering to see that his people had to endure a wolf instead of a true shepherd but apart from that, he found great joy in being relieved of a burden which had always seemed formidable. After various machinations of the usurper bishop Milo to attract Rigobert back to Rheims by uncanonical means, Rigobert refusing his offers finally returned to live on his country estate at Gernicourt which he had received from Pipin. There he lived poor, lonely and hated by the state’s leadership but highly respected by his people. He often visited the Blessed Virgin in her holy house and confided his troubles to her and he asked her for the grace to suffer without complaint until he died. From there, he entered the Churches of Saint-Maurice and Saint-Remy and other places of devotion in the City, especially where the Relics of holy Martyrs were kept.
St Rigobert on the corner on the facade of Rheims Cathedral
Rigobert spent the day in these exercises of piety before returning in the evening to his solitude, until our Lord, who had purified him through a long series of trials, drew him home to crown his patience. The various sources do not agree on what year he died, one says 773, others 749 or 745 but a larger number say, with greater probability that he died on 4 January 743. The Episcopal list in Rheims says that he died in 733.
Bishop Rigobert was given a grand funeral with great honours. All the Priests and people of Rheims were present at the funeral, and his remains were buried in the Church of Saint-Pierre at Gernicourt which he himself had founded, to the right of the High Altar. Many miracles soon happened there, such as three lame people being healed, a blind woman regaining her sight there and several other sick people coming home in perfect health. Several times during the night a light was seen on his grave and at the same time, singing could be heard, so magnificent that it was easy to understand that they were performed by the Angels. An Monk who had an inflammation in his cheek, sent a candle to burn before the holy Bishop’s Relics and he immediately recovered and found himself able to go and pay his respects to the mighty physician. Our Saint is especially invoked against toothache.
In 896, after many translations, St Rigobert’s Relics finally were sent to the new Church of Saint-Denis outside the City, where they were kept and venerated until The French Revolution. Parts of the Relics later came to Paris.
St Angela of Foligno TOSF (1248-1309) known as the “Mistress of Theologians” – Wife, Mother, Widow, Religious, Mystic, Writer, Third Order Franciscan, Foundress of a religious community, which refused to become an enclosed religious order, so that it might continue her vision of caring for those in need. It is still active today. About St Angela: https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/04/saint-of-the-day-4-january-saint-angela-of-foligno-tosf-1248-1309/
St Celsus of Trier Bl Chiara de Ugarte St Chroman St Dafrosa of Acquapendente
St Ferreolus of Uzès St Gaius of Moesia
St Gregory of Langres (Died 539) Bishop of Langres and Dijon, Count and Governor, Father of 2 Sons and Widower, before being appointed as the Bishop of Langres, Ascetic, Miracle-worker. Great-grandfather of St Gregory of Tours. He ordered the translation of the Relics of Saint Benignus and built the Church and the Abbey of Saint-Benignus of Dijon. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/04/saint-of-the-day-4-january-saint-gregory-of-langres-died-539-bishop/
St Hermes of Moesia St Libentius of Hamburg Bl Louis de Halles St Mavilus of Adrumetum St Neophytos St Neopista of Rome St Oringa of the Cross Bl Palumbus of Subiaco
Martyrs of Africa – 7 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of the Arian Vandal king Hunneric. Saint Bede wrote about them. – Aquilinus, Eugene, Geminus, Marcian, Quintus, Theodotus and Tryphon. In 484 in North Africa.
Martyrs of Rome – 3 Saints: Three Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Julian the Apostate for refusing to renounce Christianity as ordered. – Benedicta, Priscillianus and Priscus. In 362 in Rome, Italy.
Saint of the Day – 3 January – Saint Daniel of Padua (Died 168) Deacon Martyr, Missionary, Evangeliser. Born in Italy, tradition says that he was originally a Jew but was converted by Saint Prosdocimus (Died c100), the first Bishop of Padua, who he assisted in evangelising north-eastern Italy. He was Ordained a Deacon and helped the Bishop preach the Gospel. Patronages – of lost articles, the blind and of eye diseases, prisoners, women whose husbands are away from home at war and he is considered the Patron Saint of Treviso and is also one of four Patron Saints of Padua, along with Saints Anthony of Padua, Prosdocimus and Justina of Padua. Also known as – Daniele, Danilo. Additional Memorial – 17 February on some calenders.
Bronze sculpture detail of Daniel of Padua on the doors of the Basilica of St Anthony
According to tradition, Daniel was Martyred in the year 168 under Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180), nailed to a table. However, it is more likely that he died in the early 4th Century in the persecutions under the Emperor Diocletian (284-305). The Roman Martyrology gives no further information.
Bronze sculpture of Daniel of Padua on the doors of the Basilica of St Anthony
The traditions about Daniel were forgotten but his remains were discovered many Centuries later. According to the legend, the core of which seems certain, the Martyr appeared to a blind man in Tuscia and invited him to receive the grace of sight in the oratory of St Prosdocimus in Padua, where Daniel’s tomb lay, completely ignored. The miraculous cure was followed by a diligent search, which led to the discovery of a marble sarcophagus. The Martyr lay there, as on the day he was killed. The body, lying on a wooden slab and covered with a slab of marble, had been pierced by many long nails. An inscription said: “Hic corpus Danielis martyris et levitae quiescit – This is the body of Daniel, Martyr and Deacon.”
Bronze sculpture of Daniel of Padua on the doors of the Basilica of St Anthony
Bishop Uldericus was present at the first identification and, on 3 January 1076 he had the sarcophagus solemnly processed into the new Cathedral of Santa Maria within the City walls. To appease the opposition of the Monks of Santa Justina and the local population of the place, he built a Chapel dedicated to St Daniel on the site where the Parish Church of the same name now stands – the Statue depicted below is situate on the facade. The Martyr’s remains lay under the High Altar in the Cathedral until in 1592 when they were moved to the crypt in the new Cathedral.
In 1953, the sarcophagus was placed in another Chapel and then Daniel’s original sarcophagus was freed from the marble and bronze which had hidden it. It was the same one in which the Martyr had been found, an old Roman sarcophagus of Carrara marble which had had the old pagan decoration removed, probably at the time it was discovered.
Church of the Monastery of St Daniel in Monte near Abano Terme
Daniel is celebrated in the Diocese of Padua, as a Patron Saint, on 3 January the date of the first translation. This day is also in the general Roman Martyrology, while the day in the edition for the Regular Canons was 17 February.
Daniel is depicted in art as a Deacon wearing a Dalmatic, holding a towel and wash basin. He is also often depicted with a Church or City model and a banner. He is invoked by wives with men away at war. He is also invoked in cases of imprisonment, the blind and eye disorders and lost articles.
Jacopo da Montagnana – Saints Daniel of Padua and Louis of Toulouse
St Florentius of Vienne St Florentius of Vienne the Martyr St Gordius of Cappadocia St Imbenia (Died c300) Virgin, Martyr St Lucian of Lentini St Melorius St Peter of Palestine
St Peter Balsam St Primus of Cyzicus St Salvator of Belluno St Theogenes of Cyzicus St Theonas St Theopemptus of Nicomedia St WenogStl William Vives St Zosimus of Cilicia
Martyrs of Africa – 12 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in Africa, date unknown, exact location unknown. We know nothing more than their names – Acuta, Candidus, Constantius, Eugenia, Firmus, Hilarinus, Lucida, Martial, Poenica, Possessor, Rogatianus and Statutianus.
Martyrs of Tomi – 7 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together, date unknown. We know nothing more than their names – Claudon, Diogenius, Eugene, Eugentus, Pinna, Rhodes and Rhodo. They were martyred at Tomi, Exinius Pontus, Moesia (modern Constanta, Romania).
Saint of the Day – 2 January – Blessed Stephana de Quinzanis OP (1457-1530) Virgin, Dominican Tertiary, Mystic, Stigmatist, Stephana was particularly devoted to the Passion of our Lord and bore the Stigmata of His Passion. At the same time, she experienced spiritual aridity, as well as doubts and temptations. Stephana was well known for her service to the poor. Born in 1457 in Orzinuovi near Brescia in Italy and died on 2 January 1530 in Soncino near Crema in Italy. Also known as – Stefana Quinzani, Stephanie de Quinzanis. Patronage – of Theologians, Beatified on 14 December 1740 by Pope Benedict XIV (cultus confirmed). Her Body is interred at the Church of the Convent of the Dominican Tertiary Sisters Soncino, Cremona, Italy which Stephana had founded and some of her Relics are enshrined in her hometown Parish of .Orzinuovi.
She was born in 1457 in Brescia, Italy, to Lorenzo de Quinzanis and his wife, who were a poor and pious couple. Her father became a member of the Third Order of St Dominic while Stephana was very young. While accompanying him on visits to the Dominican Monastery in nearby Soncino, she met the stigmatist Friar, Blessed Matthew Carrieri, who instructed her in the Catechism.
Bl Matthew told her that she would be his spiritual heiress, a statement she did not understand for many years. She began receiving visions of Dominican Saints from age seven, at which point she made vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. In 1464, Christ appeared to her, accompanied bythe Blessed Virgin Mary and Saints Dominic, Thomas Aquinas and Catherine of Siena, presenting her with a wedding ring, signifying her mystical marriage. Bl Matthew Carrieri died when Stephana was 14 years old and soon after he appeared to her in a vision and she herself received the Stigmata.
Stephana started to work as a servant but she continued in her formation in the Third Order and at age 15, made her profession at the Dominican Priory in Soncino. Her devotion to the poor and sick led her to found a community of Third Order Sisters there. She served as its first Prioress.
Her counsel was sought by many, including St Angela Merici, Foundress of the Ursulines, also Bl Augustine Fangi, as well as her fellow Dominican tertiary and mystic, Bl Osanna of Mantua. In 1497, Stephana participated in various stages of the Passion of Jesus Christ which was attested to by 21 witnesses in a still extant account, written in the vernacular and entitled “Relazione dell’Estasi della Passione – Report of the Ecstasy of the Passion.” Sources state that although Stephana was “plain” she had magnificent hair. Grudging herself this one beauty, she pulled it out by the roots.
Bl Stephana in ecstasy, bust on the Altar dedicated to her, in the Parish Church in Orzinuovi. The Sculphture was created in 1930 by Enrico Biondi
Stephana had a particularly intense devotion to Saint Thomas Aquinas. In fact, to overcome the temptation of thoughts against purity, she once threw herself upon a cartload of thorns in imitation of the Doctor Angelicus. Exhausted from this penance, she prayed to Saint Thomas and, was girded by Angels, as St Thomas had been mystically girded with a cord, which they tied so tightly around her waist that she cried out in pain.
Although she had no formal theological training, she could discuss mystical theology at the most profound level. She is considered a patron saint for theologians. Stephana could read the hearts and minds of the people around her and had the gift of prophesy and of curing illnesses. She lived in a nearly continuous fast. She accurately predicted the date of her own death which occurred from natural causes on 2 January 1530.
Stephana’s tomb became a pilgrimage site almost immediately. Her intercession was often felt in the Convent she had founded, where the Sisters obtained both material and spiritual help through her intercession.
Her cult was popularised by the Dominicans Bartholomeo of Mantua and Battista of Salò but their Latin Vitae (Lives of the Blessed), have been lost and only a later Italian version which combined the two texts has survived.
The Feast of the Infant Jesus of Prague the 16th Century wax-coated wooden Statue of the Child Jesus, holding a globus cruciger (the Orb and Cross) with the right hand being raised in benediction, is of Spanish origin and is just under half a metre in height. It is now located in the Discalced Carmelite Church of Our Lady of Victories in Malá Strana, Prague, Czech Republic, see the Church at the bottom (one where I have been immensely blessed to attend Holy Mass before the Infant each day for a week some years ago). The Statue is venerated on 2 January, on 14 January and on the first Sunday of May. Our Wonderful Infant: https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/02/saint-of-the-day-2-january-feast-of-the-infant-jesus-of-prague/
Bl Airaldus of Maurienne St Alverius of Agaunum St Asclepius of Limoges St Aspasius of Auch St Baudimius of Auvergne St Blidulf of Bobbio St Dietmar of Prague (Died 982) Bishop St Hortulana of Assisi St Isidore of Antioch St Isidore of Nitri St John Camillus the Good St Macarius of Rome
St Mark the Mute St Maximus of Vienne St Munchin of Limerick Bl Odino of Rot St Paracodius of Vienne St Sebastian of Agaunum St Seiriol Blessed Stephana de Quinzanis OP (1457-1530) Virgin, Dominican Tertiary, Mystic, Stigmatist Bl Sylvester of Troina St Telesphorus, Pope St Theodota St Theopistus St Vincentian of Tulle St Viance of Anjou
Many Martyrs Who Suffered in Rome: There were many Martyrs who suffered in the persecutions of Diocletian for refusing to surrender the holy books. Though we know these atrocities occurred, we do not know the names of the Saints and we honour them as a group. c 303 in Rome, Italy.
Martyrs of Antioch – 5 Saints: A group of Christian soldiers Martyred together for their faith. We know the names of five – Albanus, Macarius, Possessor, Starus and Stratonicus. They were born in Greece and were Martyred in Antioch (modern Antakya, Turkey).
Many Martyrs of Britain: The Christians of Britain appear to have escaped unharmed in the earlier persecutions which afflicted the Church but the cruel edicts of Diocletian were enforced in every corner of the Roman Empire and the faithful inhabitants of this land, whether native Britons or Roman colonists, were called upon to furnish their full number of holy Martyrs and Confessors. The names of few are on record but the British historian, Saint Gildas, after relating the Martyrdom of Saint Alban, tells us, that many others were seized, some put to the most unheard-of tortures and others immediately executed, while not a few hid themselves in forests and the caves of the earth, where they endured a prolonged death until God called them to their reward. The same writer attributes it to the subsequent invasion of the English, then a pagan people, that the recollection of the places, sanctified by these Martyrdoms, has been lost and so little honour paid to their memory. It may be added, that, according to one tradition, a thousand of these Christians were overtaken in their flight near Lichfield and cruelly massacred and that the name of Lichfield, or Field of the Dead, is derived from them.
Martyrs of Ethiopia – 3 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith. We know the names of three – Auriga, Claudia and Rutile.
Martyrs of Jerusalem – 2 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith. We know the names of two – Stephen and Vitalis.
Martyrs of Lichfield: Many Christians suffered at Lichfield (aka Lyke-field, meaning field of dead bodies), England in the persecutions of Diocletian. Though we know these atrocities occurred, we do not know the names of the Saints and we honour them as a group. Their Martyrdom occurred in 304 at Lichfield, England.
Martyrs of Piacenza: A group of Christians who died together for their faith in the persecutions of Diocletian. No details about them have survived. They were Martyred on the site of Church of Madonna di Campagna, Piacenza, Italy.
Martyrs of Puy – 4 Saints: Missionaries, sent by Saint Fronto of Périgueux to the area of Puy, France. Tortured and Martyred by local pagans. We know the names – Frontasius, Severinus, Severian and Silanus. They were beheaded in Puy (modern Puy-en-Velay), France and buried together in the Church of Notre Dame, Puy-en-Velay by Saint Fronto, their bodies laid out to form a cross.
Martyrs of Syrmium – 7 Saints: Group of Christians Martyred together, date unknown. We know the names of seven – Acutus, Artaxus, Eugenda, Maximianus, Timothy, Tobias and Vitus – but very little else. This occurred in the 3rd or 4th century at Syrmium, Pannonia (modern Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia).
Martyrs of Tomi – 3 Saints: Three brothers, all Christian soldiers, in the Imperial Roman army and all three Martyred in the persecutions of Emperor Licinius Licinianus. We know their names – Argeus, Marcellinus and Narcissus – but little else. They were Martyred in 320 at Tomi, Exinius Pontus, Moesia (modern Constanta, Romania).
Saint of the Day – 1 January – Saint Justin of Chieti (Died c540) the First Bishop of Chieti, Italy, Miracle-worker. Patron of the City and Archdiocese of Chieti-Vasto, Abruzzo, Italy.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Chieti, in Abruzzo, the birthday of St Justin, Bishop of that City, illustrious for holiness of life and miracles.”
Saint Justin is considered, by ancient tradition, to be the evangeliser of the City of Chieti, as well as its first Bishop, despite many uncertainties regarding the period in which he lived. In fact, there is no historical documentation from which to draw detailed information about his life. Only in the 15th Century did some of his “passios” appear, largely modelled on those of the Saints of the same name which end up confusing him with a Saint from Siponto who suffered Martyrdom in Abruzzo in the 3rd Century, together with his family.
However, it is certain that the Cathedral of Chieti was instead dedicated to the holy Bishop Justin at least since the 9th Century. In fact, the first documents on the Church which have come down to us, date to this era. Very probably, this mysterious Bishop ruled the Diocese of Chieti during the troubled period of the barbarian invasions and the spread of the Arian heresy, that is, around the end of the 4th Century.
At this historical juncture, faced with the dissolution of the state institutions of Italy at the time, the people began to rally around the shepherds, chosen from among the most charismatic figures of the Christian world. In fact, there are quite a few Italian Cities which venerate their Bishops of that period, as Saints.
Most of our Saint’s relics are still venerated today in an urn, placed in the crypt of the Theatine Cathedral. The object of a particular and ancient veneration, is the Holy Arm, to which popular devotion attributed numerous miracles, including that of 593 in which the Holy Arm, carried in procession by the Theatines, repelled an invasion of locusts which threatened the crops in the surroundings farms.
Saint Justin was once celebrated today, 1 January, then, in 1616, his feast was moved to 14 January and finally moved to 11 May. However,, the Roman Martyrology still commemorates him on the original date – 1 January.
The Circumcision of the Lord (Holy Day): “At that time, after eight days were accomplished that the Child should be circumcised; His Name was called Jesus, which was called by the Angel, before He was conceived in the womb.” – Luke 2:21 Excerpt from the Catechism of the Council of Trent, (Part IV – “Hallowed be Thy Name“”) https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/01/1-january-feast-of-the-circumcision-of-the-lord/
Titular Feast of the Society of Jesus – But now celebrated on the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, which is tomorrow 2 January
Bl Adalbero of Liege St Baglan of Wales St Basil of Aix Bl Bonannus of Roio St Brogan St Buonfiglio Monaldi Bl Catherine de Solaguti St Clarus of Vallis Regia St Clarus of Vienne St Colman mac Rónán St Colman Muillin of Derrykeighan St Concordius of Arles St Connat St Cuan St Demet of Plozévet St Elvan St Eugendus of Condat St Euphrosyne of Alexandria St Fanchea of Rossory St Felix of Bourges St Frodobert of Troyes
St Gisela of Rosstreppe St Gregory Nazianzen the Elder Bl Hugolinus of Gualdo Cattaneo Bl Jean-Baptiste Lego Bl Jean of Saint-Just-en-Chaussée St Justin of Chieti (Died c540) Bishop St Maelrhys St Magnus the Martyr St Mydwyn
St Odilo of Cluny OSB (962-1049) “Archangel of the Monks,” Priest, Monk, 5th Abbot of Clun, Reformer, Apostle of the poor and needy, Marian devotee and promoter of prayer for the Souls in Purgatory. He established All Souls’ Day (on 2 November) in Cluny and its Monasteries as the annual commemoration to pray for all the faithful departed. The practice was soon adopted throughout the whole Church. St Odilo’s Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/01/saint-of-the-day-1-january-saint-odilo-of-cluny-osb-962-1049-the-archangel-of-the-monks/
St Odilo of Stavelot St Peter of Atroa (773–837) Abbpt St Peter of Temissis St Sciath of Ardskeagh St Severino Gallo St Telemachus St Thaumastus of Mainz St Theodotus St Tyfrydog Bl Valentin Paquay St William of Dijon St Zedislava Berka OP (c 1220-1252) Married Laywoman and Mother, Tertiary of the Order of Preachers. Canonised by St Pius X on 28 August 1907.
Breton Missionaries to Britain: Martyred Soldiers of Rome: Thirty soldiers martyred in Rome as a group during the persecutions of Diocletian. We do not even known their names. They were Martyred c 304 at Rome, Italy.
Martyrs of Africa – 8 Saints: Eight Christians Martyred together in Africa, date unknown. The only details we have are four of their names – Argyrus, Felix, Narcissus and Victor.
Saint of the Day – 31 December – Saint Zoticus of Constantinople (Died c350) Priest, known as “The Feeder of Orphans,” possibly a Martyr. Patronages – of the poor and of orphans. Nickname: “Orphanotrophos” the one who feeds orphans. Name means: Z: the man full of life (Greek) and O: the orphan carer (Greek).
Originally from Rome, he journeyed to Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey) when it became the capital city of the Empire under Constantine the Great (r. 324-337). There he founded a hospital for the poor and defended orthodox Christianity before the pro-Arian Emperor Constantius II (r. 641-668).
Some traditions declare him a Martyr due to the above defiance of the Arian Enmperor but the Roman Martyrology does not define him as a Martyr. It says: “The same day, St Zoticus, Roman Priest, who went to Constantinople and took upon himself the care of orphans.”
Zoticus is revered as the founder of Byzantium ‘s first Orphanage
Bl Dominic de Cubells St Donatus of Rome St Eustadius of Bourges St Festus of Valencia St Gelasius of Palestine Bl Giuseppina Nicoli St Hermes the Exorcist
St Offa of Benevento St Peter of Subiaco St Pinian St Potentian of Sens St Sabinian of Sens St Theophylact of Ohrid St Walembert of Cambrai St Wisinto of Kremsmünster St Zeno of Rome St Zoticus of Constantinople (Died c350) Priest
Martyrs of Catania – 10 Saints: A group of early Christians Martyred together, date unknown. The only other information to survive are ten of their names – Attalus, Cornelius, Fabian, Flos, Minervinus, Pontian, Quintian, Sextus, Simplician and Stephen. They were martyred in Catania, Sicily, Italy.
Martyrs of Rome – 10 Saints: A group of Roman women Martyred in an early persecution, date unknown. We known the names of ten of them – Dominanda, Donata, Hilaria, Nominanda, Paolina, Paulina, Rogata, Rustica, Saturnina and Serotina. Their relics were enshrined in the catacombs of Via Salaria, Rome, Italy.
Saint of the Day – 30 December – Saint Raoul of Vaucelles O.Cist. (Died 1152) Cistercian Priest, Abbot and Founder of Vaucelles Abbey under the instruction of St Bernard (1090-1153) the Doctor of Clairvaux. Born in Sussex, England and died in 1152 of natural causes at the Monastery which he had founded in France. Also known as – Radulphe, Ralph, Raul. There are sadly no available images of our Saint.
Cistercian Monks
The Abbey, whose foundation was desired by St Bernard himself, included within its walls, the largest Cistercian Abbey Church in the world, is located in the Municipality of Rues-des-Vignes, was suppressed along with all other Catholic Churches, Monasteries and Convents) during the French Revolution.
Saint Raoul, who is believed to have been born in Merston, Sussex in England, was a Priest, who had been entrusted with a Parish in his own Country. Returning from a trip to Italy, Raoul stopped at the Clairvaux Abbey, and was fortunate enough to meet St Bernard along with the Monks of his community.
Raoul became deeply enthusiastic about this way of living his religious calling and he decided not to return to England and asked to become a Novice in that very Monastery.
In 1132, shortly after having pronounced his vows, he was sent by St Bernard together St Richard (Died 1169 – Feast day 28 January), another English Priest who had followed him in entering the Order,and with other Monk, to found the Abbey of Vaucelles, in the Diocese of Cambrai. Raoul was the main protagonist in the construction of the Abbey, whose Church was Consecrated in 1149 by Samson, the Bishop of Reims.
Cistercians at work in a detail from the Life of St Bernard
Saint Raoul was considered a model for his Monks as he personally trained them with the word and with the example of an upright religious life. He also had the temporal well-being of the Abbey under his care and at heart, so much so, that during his governance, the community began to prosper rapidly.
The story of the miracle of the endless wheat is also handed down about our Saint. During a severe famine, Raoul managed to guarantee the subsistence of a large number of poor people. And even when the grain diminished rapidly and he was advised to be prudent in his donations, he replied that as long as there was grain in the Monastery, he would feed all the unfortunate people who came along and, if the grain was not enough, he would also feed the hungry with the livestock of the Abbey.
We know that when he died, after twenty years of his Abbacy, his community was made up of over two hundred Monks.
Saint Raoul was buried in the chapter hall of the Monastery. After the Lateran Council, his body together with that of St Richard the second Abbot and that of Nicholas the third Abbot, was moved to the cloister near the door of the Abbey by Abbot Adelgo, who governed the fate of the Monastery between 1166 and 1181.
The Feast day for St Raoul, in the Cistercian Menologium, was set for today, 30 December.
St Anysia of Thessalonica St Anysius of Thessalonica
St Egwin of Worcester OSB (Died 717) Bishop of Worcester, England, Benedictine Monk, Reformer and Penitent, miracle-worker. Egwin was devout and lived for God from his youth. His biographers say, that king, clergy and the faithful, all united in demanding Egwin’s elevation to Bishop. About St Egwin: https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/30/saint-of-the-day-30-december-saint-egwin-of-worcester-osb-died-717/
St Elias of Conques St Eugene of Milan St Geremarus
St Hermes of Moesia St Jucundus of Aosta St Liberius of Ravenna
Blessed Margherita Colonna (c1255-1284) Virgin, Nun, Mystic, Apostle of the poor. Beatified on 17 September 1847 by Pope Pius IX. The Roman Martyrology states: “At Palestrina in Lazio, Blessed Margherita Colonna, Virgin, who preferred poverty for Christ to the riches and pleasures of the world, which she served by professing the Rule of St Clare.” Her Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/30/saint-of-the-day-30-december-blessed-margherita-colonna-c-1255-1284/
St Perpetuus of Tours St Raoul of Vaucelles O.Cist. (Died 1152) Abbot
St Richard of Wedinghausen St Ruggero of Canne St Sebastian of Esztergom
Martyrs of Alexandria – 5 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred in the unrest caused by Monophysite heretics. We know the names for five of them – Appian, Donatus, Honorius, Mansuetus and Severus. They were martyred in c 483 at Alexandria, Egypt.
Martyrs of Oia – 6 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together, date unknown. The only details to have survived are the names – Cletus, Florentius, Papinianus, Paul, Serenusa and Stephen. They were martyred in Oia, Greece.
Martyrs of Spoleto – 4 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred in the persecutions of DioSletian – Exuperantius, Marcellus, Sabinus and Venustian. They were martyred in 303 in Spoleto, Italy.
Quote/s of the Day – 29 December – St Thomas à Becket (1118-1170) Martyr, Archbishop of Canterbury
“Who shall resist Anti-Christ when he comes, if we show such patience towards the vices and crimes of his precursors? By such leniency, we encourage kings to become tyrants and tempt them to withdraw every privilege and all jurisdiction from the Churches!”
“My hopes are laid up within my own bosom, for he is not alone, with whom the Lord is; when he falls, he shall not be dashed to pieces, for the Lord sustains him in His Hand!”
“The more I loved the King, he more I opposed his injustice until his brow fell lowering upon me. He heaped calumny after calumny on my head and I chose to be driven out, rather than to subscribe.”
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