Bl Antonio Vallesio St Apollonius of Alexandria Bl Archangelus Piacentini St Bademus St Bede the Younger St Beocca of Chertsey Bl Boniface Zukowski Bl Eberwin of Helfenstein St Ethor of Chertsey St Ezekiel the Prophet
St Malchus of Waterford Bl Marco Mattia Blessed Marcus Fantuzzi OFM (c 1405-1479) Priest
St Miguel de Sanctis O.SS.T (1591-1625) Priest of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives also known as the Trinitarian Order or the Trinitarians, Mystic, Penitent, Ecstatic, Apostle of prayer, mortification, of the poor and the sick, he had a special devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and would fall into ecstatic prayer during the Consecration at Holy Mass, so much so, that he became known as “El Extático”, “The Ecstatic.” Pope Pius IX Canonised Miguel on 8 June 1862. About St Miguel: https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/10/saint-of-the-day-10-april-st-miguel-de-sanctis-o-ss-t-1591-1625/
St Palladius of Auxerre St Paternus the Scot
Martyrs of Carthage – 50 Saints: A group of 50 Christians who were imprisoned in a pen of snakes and scorpions and then Martyred, all during the persecutions of Decius. Only six of their names have come down to us – Africanus, Alessandro, Massimo, Pompeius, Terence and Teodoro. Beheaded in 250 at Carthage.
Martyrs of Georgia: Approximately 6,000 Christian Monks and lay people Martyred in Georgia in 1616 for their faith by a Muslim army led by Shah Abbas I of Persia.
Martyrs of Ostia: A group of criminals who were brought to the faith by Pope Saint Alexander I while he was in prison with them. Drowned by being taken off shore from Ostia, Italy, in a boat which was then scuttled, c 115.
Saint of the Day – 9 April – Saint Hugh of Rouen OSB (Died 730) Bishop of Rouen, Paris and Bayeux, Monk, Abbot of of Jumièges and Fontenelle Abbey, while, simultaneously governing his Diocese. Died on 9 April 730 at Jumieges Abbey, France of natural causes. Also known as – Hugh of Champagne, Hugues..
Hugh was born of a noble family. His father was Duke Drago of Burgundy. His uncle was Charles Martel, Mayor of the Palace. The Mayor of the Palace, at that point in history, was more powerful even than the King of the Franks. And Martel’s son, Pepin III, served as both Mayor of the Palace and as the first Monarch of the Carolingian Dynasty, reigning from 751 to 768. Pepin’s son was Emperor Charlemagne (reigned 768-814).
While he was a still a layman, Hugh was appointed the Abbot of Jumièges Abbey. In 718, he embraced the call to monastic life and entered Jumièges as a Monk.
In 722, the important French City of Rouen had lost their Bishop and Hugh was called upon to take up the role. Hugh left his Monastery and succeeded in managing, not only the role of Archdiocese of Rouen but at the same time, Fontenelle Abbey. Two years, later, Hugh took on two more Diocese — Paris and Bayeux!
Hugh’s pastoral energies must have been nearly inexhaustible!
Finally, as he neared death, Hugh retired to his home Monastery of Jumièges. Hugh died on 9 April,730. His earthly remains were laid to rest at Notre Dame in Paris. Two centuries later, his relics were smuggled away to Belgium to save them from being destroyed by Norman invaders.
St Hugh of Rouen, Abbot and Bishop, who gave of himself tirelessly to care for Christ’s flock—pray for us!
St Brogan St Casilda of Toledo St Concessus the Martyr St Demetrius the Martyr St Dotto St Eupsychius of Cappadocia St Gaucherius St Hedda the Abbot St Heliodorus of Mesopotamia St Hilary the Martyr St Hugh of Rouen OSB (Died 730) Bishop, Monk Bl James of Padua Blessed John of Vespignano
Martyrs of Croyland – 9 Saints: A group of Benedictine Monks Martyred by pagan Danes – Agamund, Askega, Egdred, Elfgete, Grimkeld, Sabinus, Swethin, Theodore and Ulric. Croyland Abbey, England.
Martyrs of Masyla: Massylitan Martyrs Group of Christians Martyred in Masyla in northwest Africa.
Martyrs of Pannonia: Seven Virgin-Martyrs in Sirmium, Pannonia (modern Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia).
Martyrs of Thorney Abbey – 3+ Saints: A group of Hermits, hermitesses and monks who lived in or around Thorney Abbey who were Martyred together during raids by pagan Danes. We know little more than the names of three – Tancred, Torthred and Tova. 869 by raiders at Thorney Abbey, Cambridgeshire, England.
Saint of the Day – 8 April – Blessed Julian of Saint Augustine OFM (c 1550-1606) Lay Brother of the Friars Minor, Hermit, Ascetic, Born in c 1550 as Julián Martinet Gutiérrez at Medinaceli, Diocese of Segovia, Castile, Spain and died on 8 April 1606 at Saint Didacus Friary, Alcalá de Henares, Spain of natural causes. Also known as – Julian Martinet, Fray Julián de Alcalá.
Julian’s father was a French nobleman who, in order to escape from the violent pressure exerted on him by the Calvinists, seeking to make him apostatise from the Catholic Faith, fled to Spain, leaving all his wealth behind. There Julian was born and reared amid unpretentious circumstances but in a very Christian manner. The boy was devoted to piety, his greatest pleasure being to serve the Priests at the Altar.
As a young man, Julian accompanied for some time, a Missionary of the Franciscan Order on his apostolic journeys. This Friar arranged for his admission with the Friars Minor as a lay brother in the Convent of Maria of Salzeda. Julian began his convent life with ardent zeal, he practised such extraordinary acts of mortification that he was considered eccentric and God almighty permitted, as a means of trial, that he was dismissed from the Convent This trial Julian bore with admirable fortitude.
Blessed Julian of Saint Augustine withdrew to a neighbouring mountain, where he built a hut in order to live as a Hermit. Once a day he came to the gate of the Convent from which he had been dismissed, to receive food with the other poor. While waiting for the food to be dispensed, he would instruct the others in the Catechism, and when a poor person one day came clad ina dirty and torn garment, he took off his own garment and gave it to that him
On account of such virtues, the dismissed novice was again received into the Convent, where, after successfully enduring the time of probation, he pronounced his vows. In the zeal that always consumed him, he was impressed with the value of obedience. to such a degree, that he sometimes said that he would rather die than not obey. He constantly wore iron girdles and fasted so strenuously that the physicians declared it was a miracle that he could live and work. While on his rounds to gather alms, he edified everyone by his modest and humble demeanour.
Full of zeal for God and the salvation of souls, he brought many a sinner back to the Church by his exhortations and corrected much that was wrong among the people, who greatly esteemed him. In a special way, he denounced frivolous entertainment. He often exhorted the young people to keep away from such dangerous amusements and many followed his warning. The fires that had been built in the open for the night dances, he stamped out with his bare feet.
A true son of St Francis, he loved holy poverty and practised it so rigorously that he did not even wish to have his own cell. The nights he passed in prayer in the Church, or he rested a bit in some corner of the Friary. During his fervent prayers he was often favoured with visions. In spite of this, he always remained so humble, that he considered himself the greatest sinner and accepted all acts of contempt as deserved treatment.
Blessed Julian of Saint Augustine closed his holy life in the Convent of Alcala on the 8th of April, 1606. At once the people began publicly to venerate him and Philip III, King of Spain at that time, urged his Beatification. The proceedings were, however, often interrupted until the jubilee year of 1825, when Pope Leo XII inscribed him solemnly among the Blessed.
Friday of Passion Week, the Fifth Week in Lent +2022
Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows THE FEAST DAY OF THE SEVEN DOLORS IS TRADITIONALLY THE FRIDAY OF PASSION WEEK, WHICH IS THE FRIDAY BEFORE GOOD FRIDAY, OR ON 15 SEPTEMBER.
St Dionysius of Corinth Bl Domingo Iturrate Zubero Bl Gonzalo Mercador St Herodion of Patras Blessed Julian of Saint Augustine (OFM c 1550-1606) Lay Brother
Bl Libania of Busano St Phlegon of Hyrcania St Redemptus of Ferentini
Martyrs of Africa – 3 Saints: A group of African Martyrs whose name appears on ancient lists but about whom nothing is known but their names – Januarius, Macaria and Maxima.
Martyrs of Antioch – 4 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith. We know little more than their names – Diogene, Macario, Massimo and Timothy. They died in Antioch, Syria.
Martyrs of Seoul – 5 Saints: A group laymen who were Martyred together in the apostolic vicariate of Korea. • Augustinus Jeong Yak-jong • Franciscus Xaverius Hong Gyo-man • Ioannes Choe Chang-hyeon • Lucas Hong Nak-min • Thomas Choe Pil-gong They died on 8 April 1801 at the Small West Gate, Seoul, South Korea
Saint of the Day – 7 April – Saint Henry Walpole SJ (1558–1595) Priest of the Society of Jesus, Martyr, Confessor, Poet, Lawyer. Born at Docking, Norfolk, in 1558 and died on 7 April 1595, aged 37, at York for refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy, by being hung, drawn and quatered.
Twenty-three-year-old Henry Walpole had attended the debates which St Edmund Campion held with the Anglican hierarchy and was among the bystanders at the execution of Fr Edmund Campion, when drops of the latter’s blood sprinkled his clothes. This moved Henry so deeply, his heart and soul were rent in suffering with St Edmund and he felt convinced that God was calling him to follow in St Edmund’s footsteps.
Henry was born at Docking, near Sandringham, Norfolk, the eldest son of Christopher Walpole, by Margery, heiress of Richard Beckham of Narford. He studied at the Norwich grammar school and later at Peterhouse, Cambridge, before moving to study law at Gray’s Inn, London.
But he was so inspired by Fr Campion’s Martyrdom, that he decided to give up law to become a Priest. At this time, Henry wrote a little book of poetry, honouring St Edmund Campion which was secretly printed and circulated in London. The authorities sought to discover the parties involved. The Printer, Henry’s friend, named Valenger, was fined and suffered the loss of his ears but did not betray Walpole, who was, nonetheless, under suspicion. Walpole fled London for his father’s home in Norfolk and from there, escaped to France.
He entered the English College at Rheims, in France in July, 1582 before going to the English College in Rome and entered the Society of Jesus on 4 February 1584. He completed his studies at Scots College at Pont-a-Mousson, France and was Ordained in Paris on 17 December 1588. He took up his first assignment as Chaplain to the English Catholic refugees serving in the Spanish army in the Low Countries.
Henry was imprisoned for a year in 1589 after he was captured by the Calvinists and then worked at the English Seminary in Valladolid, Spain. In 1593, he travelled to see King Philip II of Spain to obtain permission to found St Omers, now Stonyhurst College in Lancashire, England and thus leave his duties in Spain.
As England’s southern ports were closed because of plague, Fr Walpole, together with his youngest brother, Thomas and an English soldier secured passage on a French vessel going to Scotland and then travelled to Yorkshire where the group separated. While resting at an inn that night, Fr Walpole was unexpectedly arrested on suspicion of being a Priest, being betrayed by a Scottish prisoner who who was paid for denouncing Henry. Fr Walpole’s capture was sorely felt by the Jesuits in England for they had hoped he could continue St Robert Southwell’s work after the latter had been imprisoned.
During his first interrogation Henry only admitted that he was a Jesuit Priest and that he had come to convert the English. He was transferred to York Castle and for three months, he was permitted to leave prison to discuss theology with Protestant visitors before he was transferred to the Salt Tower in the infamous Tower of London into the hands of the notorious Priest-Torturer Richard Topcliffe , who was hoping to extract information from him. regarding hiding Priests and Recusant Catholics.
Fr Walpole remained faithful and did not reveal anything despite being tortured brutally on the rack and was suspended by his wrists for hours over a period of one year to prevent premature death.
In the spring of 1595 he was sent back to York for trial, where he was joined by Blessed Alexander Rawlins, who was also awaiting trial. Both were tried on 3 April on the charge of being Catholic Priests. Henry, as a former lawyer, argued that the law only applied to Priests who had not given themselves up to officials within three days of arrival. He, himself, had been arrested less than a day after landing in England, therefore, he argued that he had not violated the law. The judges demanded that he take the Oath of Supremacy, acknowledging the Queen Elizabeth’s complete authority in religion. He refused to do so and was convicted of high treason. Both he and bL Rawlins were found guilty and condemned and on 7 April 1595 they were hanged, drawn and quartered. bL Rawlins died first; Walpole was allowed to hang until he was dead.
Henry was Beatified on 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI and Canonised in 1970, as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, who are celebrated collectively on 4 May.
While incarcerated in the Salt Tower, Fr Henry Walpole carved his name in the plaster along with those of Saints Peter, Paul, Jerome,
Today, the gruesome Tower of London, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a tourist destination. However, its name for most, especially for Catholics, denotes imprisonment, horrific torture and the most crueldeaths. That was not its initial purpose. It was built to show the wealth and power of William the Conquerer. In actuality, few met their deaths within its walls but it did serve as a prison and a very dark torture chamber for many. Among those imprisoned and tortured in the Tower was our Saint today, St Henry Walpole.
The gruesome Tower of London
On the second floor of the Salt Tower’s walls, are many carvings done by these Martyred men. In fact, St Henry carved his name in the wall as seen above. But another carving by one of our Martyrs, is extremely moving. This carving is an outline of a foot with a wound — a Foot of Jesus Christ pierced by iron nails to suspend Him on the Cross for our salvation. This image was common among these Priests. It was a source of courage and consolation as they awaited their own deaths in imitation of their Lord, their Saviour and their God. This image is regarded as a type of relic and those who visit sense its sorrowful holiness and pray before it in veneration.
Drawing on a wall of the Salt Tower, representing the Wound in Christ’s Foot
St Albert of Tournai Bl Alexander Rawlins St Brenach of Carn-Engyle St Calliopus of Pompeiopolis Bl Cristoforo Amerio St Cyriaca of Nicomedia St Donatus of North Africa
St Epiphanius the Martyr St Finian of Kinnitty St George the Younger St Gibardus of Luxeuil St Goran St Guainerth St Hegesippus of Jerusalem St Henry Walpole SJ (1558–1595) Priest Martyr
St Peleusius of Alexandria St Peter Nguyen Van Luu Bl Ralph Ashley St Rufinus the Martyr St Saturninus of Verona Bl Ursuline of Parma
Martyrs of Pentapolis – 4 Saints: A Bishop, Deacon and two Lectors at Pentapolis, Lybia who for their faith were tortured, had their tongues cut out, and were left for dead. They survived and each died years later of natural causes; however, because they were willing to die and because there were attempts to kill them, they are considered martyrs. We know little else except their names – Ammonius, Irenaeus, Serapion and Theodore c 310 at Pentapolis, Lybia.
Martyrs of Sinope – 200 Saints: 200 Christian soldiers Martyred together for their faith. We don’t even have their names. They were martyred in Sinope, Pontus, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey).
Saints of the Day – 6 April – A Hundred and Twenty Martyrs of Hadiab (Died 345) (or Hadiabena) in Persia. These one hundred and twenty Martyrs suffered at Seleucia, in the year of Christ 345.
MASTER of the Lyversberg Passion Lyversberg Passion (detail)
From their genuine Acts in Syriac:
“In the fifth year of our persecution, say the Acts, Sapor being at Seleucia, caused to be apprehended, in the neighbouring places, one hundred and twenty Christians, of which nine were Virgins, consecrated to God; the others were Priests, Deacons, or of the inferior Clergy.
They lay six months in filthy stinking dungeons, till the end of winter: during all which space Jazdundocta, a very rich virtuous lady of Arbela, the Capital City of Hadiab supported them by her charities, not admitting of a partner in that good work. During this interval, they were often tortured but always courageously answered the president that they would never adore the sun, a mere creature for God and begged He would finish speedily their triumph by death, which would free them from dangers and insults.
Jazdundocta, hearing from the Court one day, that they were to suffer the next morning, flew to the prison, gave to everyone of them, a fine white long robe, as to chosen spouses of the Heavenly Bridegroom; prepared for them a sumptuous supper, served and waited on them herself at table, gave them wholesome exhortations and read the Holy Scriptures to them. They were surprised at her behaviour but could not prevail on her to tell them the reason. The next morning, she returned to the prison and told them she had been informed ,that that was the happy morning in which they were to receive their crown and be joined to the blessed spirits. She earnestly recommended herself to their prayers for the pardon of her sins and that she might meet them at the last day and live eternally with them.
Soon after, the King’s order for their immediate execution was brought to the prison. As they went out of it Jazdundocta met them at the door, fell at their feet, took hold of their hands and kissed them. The guards hastened them on, with great precipitation, to the place of execution;,where the Judge who presided at their tortures ,asked them again if any of them would adore the sun and receive a pardon. They answered ,that their countenance must show him they met death with joy and regarded this world with contempt and being perfectly assured of receiving an immortal crown in the Kingdom of Heaven. He then dictated the sentence of death, whereupon, their heads were struck off.
Jazdundocta, in the dusk of the evening, brought out of the City two undertakers, or embalmers for each body, caused them to wrap the bodies in fine linen,and carry them in coffins, for fear of the Magians, to a place at a considerable distance from the Town, where she buried them in deep graves, with monuments, five and five in a grave. They were of the Province called Hadiab, which contained the greatest part of the ancient Assyria and was in a manner, peopled by Christians.
Helena, Queen of the Hadiabenians, seems to have embraced Christianity in the second Century. Her son Izates and his successors, promoted the Faith, so that Sozomen say, the Country was almost entirely Christian.
These one hundred and twenty Martyrs suffered at Seleucia, in the year of Christ 345, of King Sapor the thirty-sixth, and the sixth of his great persecution, on the 6th day of the moon of April, which was the 21st of that month. They are mentioned in the Roman Martyrology on the 6th.” – From Lives of the Saints by Father Alben Butler.
A Hundred and Twenty Martyrs of Hadiab, or Hadiabena, in Persia
St Agrarius the Martyr St Amand of Grisalba St Berthanc of Kirkwall St Brychan of Brycheiniog Bl Catherine of Pallanza St Diogenes of Philippi St Elstan of Abingdon St Galla of Rome St Gennard St Irenaeus of Sirmium Bl Jan Franciszek Czartoryski St Marcellinus the Martyr
St Phaolô Lê Bao Tinh St Philaret of Calabria Bl Pierina Morosini St Platonides of Ashkelon St Prudentius of Troyes St Pope Sixtus I St Timothy of Philippi St Ulched St Urban of Peñalba St William of Eskilsoe St Winebald
Martyrs of Sirmium : 7 Saints – A group of fourth century Martyrs at Sirmium, Pannonia (modern Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia). We know little more than seven of their names – Florentius, Geminianus, Moderata, Romana, Rufina, Saturus and Secundus.
Martyred in the Spanish Civil War: Bl Enric Gispert Domenech Bl Josep Gomis Martorell
Quote/s of the Day – 5 April – Tuesday in Passion Week – and the Memorial of St Vincent Ferrer OP (1350-1419)
“Whatever you do, think NOT of yourself but OF God.”
“Once humility is acquired, charity will come to life like a burning flame devouring the corruption of vice and filling the heart so full, that there is no place for vanity.”…
“A vain question deserves nothing but silence. So learn to be silent for a time; you will edify your brethren and silence will teach you, to speak when the hour is come.”
Saint of the Day – 5 April – Saint Derferl Gadarn (c 566-660) Welsh Prince, Solodier, Monk, Abbot, Missionary, Local legend holds, that he was a warrior of King Arthur. Born c 566 in Wales died 6 April 660 at Ynys Enlli, Bardsey, Wales of natural causes. Also known as – Cadarn, “Dervel the Mighty,” Gdarn, Terbillius, Turville.
Derferl was born a Prince, the son of King Hywel Mawr; grandson of Hoel I Mawr the Great. brother of Saint Tudwal and the brother of Saint Arthfael.
Derferl is said to have been a noted warrior in medieval Welsh poetry. Tudur Penllyn wrote:
“Derferl in war, he would work his spear wondrously, steel covering is the garment, brave is the appearance.”
Derferl the soldier, whose skill was celebrated the bards of his day, fought in the Battle of Camlan in 537. After the mighty Battle, Derferl is unanimously held in Welsh tradition, to have been visited by grace and received a conversion experience as mighty as his arms of war had been.
He entered the religious life, initially as a wandering Hermit and then he entered the Monastery at Llantwit in Wales. Later he became the Abbot of Ynys Enlli, Bardsey Island, succeeding his cousin St Cadfan. Derferl evangelised the surrounding areas as a Missionary. The Monastery at Llandderfel in Gwynedd, which is named after him is also said to have been founded and established by Derferl.
He died on 6 April 660 at Ynys Enlli, Bardsey, Wales of natural causes. His relics were interred at Llanderfel, Merionethshire, Wales but were destroyed by order of Oliver Cromwell, by order of Henry VIII.
For centuries Derfel was venerated at the Churches of Llanfihangel Llantarnam, which claimed one of his relics and Llandderfel, which featured a wooden Statue. He was an object of pilgrimage at these sites. Derferl was depicted as a warrior in full armour riding a horse rather than as a Monk. The Llandderfel Statue was removed and dismantled by order of Thomas Cromwell during the English Reformation and used to burn a Catholic Priest, and Martyr, Blessed John Forest, at Smithfield in London. This was held to be a fulfilment of a prophecy that the image would burn down a forest. Part of the Statue survives to the present day at Llandderfel.
St Pausilippus Bl Peter Cerdan St Theodore the Martyr
Martyrs of Lesbos: 5 Saints: Five young Christian women Martyred together for their faith. We don’t even know their names. island of Lesbos, Greece.
Martyrs of North-West Africa: Large group of Christians murdered while celebrating Easter Mass during the persecutions of Genseric, the Arian king of the Vandals. They were Martyred in 459 at Arbal (in modern Algeria).
Martyrs of Seleucia: 120 Saints :One-hundred and eleven (111) men and nine (9) women who, because they were Christians, were dragged to Seleucia and Martyred for refusing to worship the sun or fire or other pagan idols during the persecutions of King Shapur II. They were burned alive in 344 in Seleucia, Persia.
Quote/s of the Day – 4 April – The Memorial of St Isidore of Seville (c 560-636) Father & Doctor of the Church
“… Every excess brings, not health but danger.”
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
“War with vices but peace, with individuals.”
“The more you devote yourself, to study of the sacred utterances, the richer will be your understanding of them, just as the more the soil is tilled,, the richer is the harvest.”
St Isidore of Seville (c 560-636) Father & Doctor of the Church
Saint of the Day – 4 April – Saint Peter of Poitiers (c 1130-1215) Bishop, Scholastic Theologian, Writer, Peacemaker. Born at Poitiers or in its neighbourhood about 1130 and died in Paris in 1215.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Poitiers in Aquitaine, France, St Peter, Bishop, who favoured the birth of the Order of Fontevrault.”
Peter studied at the University of Paris, where he became Professor of Theology and lectured for thirty-eight years. In 1169 he succeeded Peter Comestor in the Chair of Scholastic Theology. His lectures were so brilliant as to inspire the enmity of Gauthier de St-Victor, one of the bitterest opponents of Scholasticism, who ranked him with Gilbert de la Porrée, Abelard and Peter Lombard in the pamphlet wherein he tries to throw ridicule on the four doctors, under the name of the “Four Labyrinths of France.”
Appointed as Chancellor of the Church of Paris ,Peter displayed great zeal on behalf of poor students and to supply their want of text-books, which were very expensive, he had a kind of synopsis engraved on the walls of the classrooms for their assistance.
In 1182, Peter was appointed Bishop of Poitiers, where he remained until his death in 1215. In 1191 he was appointed by Pope Celestine III to settle a dispute between the Abbeys of St-Eloi and St-Victor. He was a constant correspondent of Pope Celestine III and Pope Innocent III. Peter publicly denounced the sacrilegious tyranny and license of Philip I and William VI, Count of Poitiers and Duke of Aquitaine. and supported Bl Robert d’Arbriselle fin the foundation of the Fontrevault Abbey. In 1193 he succeeded Hilduin as Chancellor of Notre Dame.
He wrote commentaries, still unedited, on Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and the Psalms. A chronological and genealogical abridgment of the Bible is also attributed to him. In his magnum opus, Sententiarum libri quinque, published before 1170, he applied the dialectical method to theology.
St Theodulus of Thessalonica St Theonas of Egypt St Tigernach of Clogher St Zosimus of Palestine
Martyred in Cairo François de la Terre de Labour Nicolas of Montecorpino
Martyrs of Thessalonica – 14 Saints: Fourteen Christians who were Martyred together, date unknown. No other information, except the names of 12 of them, has survived – Ingenuus, Julianus, Julius, Matutinus, Orbanus, Palatinus, Paulus, Publius, Quinilianus, Saturninus, Successus, Victor and two whose names have not come down to us. Agathopus the Deacon, Theodulus the Lector.
Saint of the Day – 3 April – Blessed Gandulphus of Binasco OFM (c 1200-1260) Priest and Friar of the Friars Minor of St Francis, renowned Preacher mainly in Sicily, Hermit, Miracle-worker . He was one of those who entered the Order while the Seraphic Father was still alive and the life he led was one of great self-abnegation. Born in c 1200 at Binasco, Lombardy, Italy and died on Holy Saturday 3 April 1260 at the San Nicolò Hospital in Polizzi Generosa, Sicily, Italy of natural causes. Patronage – Polizzi Generosa, Italy (chosen by citizens and confirmed in 1320). Also known as – Gandulphus Sacchi, Gandulphus of Polizzi, Generosa, Gandulphus of Polizzo, Gandolf, Gandolfo, Gandulf. Additional Memorial – relics processed in Polizzi Generosa, Italy on the 3rd Sunday of September.
Gandulphus was born to the nobility, a member of the wealthy and powerful Sacchi family in Binasco (near Milan). He joined the Franciscans while Saint Francis was still alive and made his final vows and was Ordained to the Priesthood in c 1224.
In 1256, he founded the Franciscan convent at Termini Imerese, Italy.
Gandulphus spent the majority of his life in Sicily, preaching the Gospel throughout the region. Many miracles were worked by his intercession. In 1260, a young mute man was cured outside Polizzi Generosa, Italy, which led to his preaching having great effect on the local people, so much so, that after his death, the people requested that he become the Patron Saint of their City, which was granted and confirmed in 1320.
Gandulphus became alarmed at hearing himself highly commended, which induced him to embrace the solitary life, lest he should be tempted to vainglory. With one companion, Brother Pascal, he left the Friary at Palermo and set out for the wild district in which he had determined to settle. Afterwards, from time to time, he would emerge from his retreat to evangelise the people of the neighbouring districts, upon whom his discourses and miracles made a profound impression. Once while he was preaching at Polizzi, the sparrows chattered so loudly that the congregation could not hear the sermon. Gandulphus appealed to the birds to be quiet and we are told that they kept silence until the conclusion of the sermon. On that occasion the holy man told the people that he was addressing them for the last time and in fact, immediately upon his return to the hospital of St Nicholas, where he was staying, he was seized with fever,and died on Holy Saturday as he had foretold, in 1260.
When his body was enshrined, the watchers declared that during the night there had flown into the Church a number of swallows, who had separated into groups and had sung, in alternating choirs, a Te Deum of their own.
Gandulphus’ preaching and miracles ,had such a profound effect on the Sicilians who still, to this day, have a great veneration for him. His relics were re-enshrined in a marble ark in 1482 and then translated in 1549 in a Reliquary covered in silver leaf. On 10 March 1881 Pope Leo XIII confirmed his cultus.
Bl Alexandrina di Letto St Attala of Taormina St Benatius of Kilcooley St Benignus of Tomi St Burgundofara St Chrestus St Comman St Evagrius of Tomi Bl Francisco Solís Pedrajas Blessed Gandulphus of Binasco OFM (c 1200-1260)Priest, Friar of the First Order of St Francis and became a Franciscan during St Francis’ lifetime..
Martyred in England Robert Middleton Thurstan Hunt Martyred in the Mexican Revulution José Luciano Ezequiel Huerta-Gutiérrez José Salvador Huerta-Gutiérrez
Martyr in Thessalonica Agatho Casia Eutychia Philippa
Quote/s of the Day – 2 April – The Memorial of St Francis of Paola OM (1416-1507)
“Fix your minds on the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Inflamed with love for us, He came down from Heaven to redeem us. For our sake, He endured every torment of body and soul and shrank from no bodily pain. He, Himself, gave us an example of perfect patience and love. We, then, are to be patient, in adversity!”
“See to it that you refrain from harsh words. But if you do speak them, do not be ashamed to apply the remedy from the same lips, that inflicted the wounds.”
“The recollection of an injury, is . . . a rusty arrow and poison for the soul.”
One Minute Reflection – 2 April – Saturday of the Fourth Week in Lent – Isaias 49:8-15, John 8:12-20 and the Memorial of St Francis of Paola OM (1416-1507)
“You know neither Me nor My Father. If you knew Me, you would then know My Father also.” – John 8:19
REFLECTION – “[Christ speaks:] I became useless to those who knew Me not because I shall hide Myself, from those who possessed Me not. And I will be with those who love Me. All my persecutors have died and they, who trusted in Me, sought Me because I am living! I arose and am with them and will speak by their mouths. For they have rejected those who persecute them and I threw over them, the yoke of My love. Like the arm of the bridegroom over the bride (cf Sg 2,6), so is My yoke over those who know Me. And as the bridal feast is spread out by the bridal pair’s home, So is My love, by those who believe in Me.
I was not rejected, although I was considered to be so and I did not perish, although they thought it of Me. Sheol saw Me and was shattered and Death ejected Me and many with Me. I have been vinegar and bitterness to it and I went down with it as far as its depth. Death was released because it was not able to endure My Face.
And I made a congregation of living, among his dead (1P 3,19; 4,6) and I spoke with them, by living lips; in order that My word may not fail. And those who had died ran toward Me and they cried out and said, “Son of God, have pity on us. And deal with us according to Your kindness and bring us out from the chains of darkness. And open for us, the door by which we may go forth to You, for we perceive, that our death does not approach You. May we also be saved with You because You are our Saviour.”
Then I heard their voice and placed their faith in My Heart. And I placed My Name upon their forehead (Rv 14,1) because they are free and they are Mine! – Odes of Solomon (Hebrew Christian text from the beginning of the 2nd century) N° 42
PRAYER – O God, the greatness of the humble, Who raised blessed Francis, Your Confessor, to the glory of Your Saints, grant, we beseech You, that, by his merits and our imitation of his life, we may happily attain the rewards promised to the humble. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Saint of the Day – 2 April – Blessed Leopold of Gaiche OFM Cap (1732-1815) Priest and Friar of the Order of Friars Minor of the Capuchin branch, Missionary Preacher in Italy, called “The Apostle of Umbria.” He became renowned for wearing a crown of thorns. He served in a position of power in the Franciscan Order in the Umbrian region in which he supported strong adherence to the Rule of Saint Francis. Born as Giovanni Croci on 30 October 1732 in Gaiche di Piegaro, Perugia, Italy and died on 2 April 1815 , aged 82, in Monteluco, Perugia, Italy of natural causes.
Giovanni Croci was born on 30 October 1732 to poor farmers and he lived a pious life which he learned from his devout parents. Giovanni worked as a shepherd as a child. He studied with his Parish Priest, learning both secular and divine lessons.
It was a shining moment for Giovanni’s parent,s when he announced his intention to become a Capuchin Friar. In 1752, he entered the Franciscan Convent in his hometown and assumed the religious name of “Leopold” upon admittance, taking the habit for the first time in the Convent of Saint Bartholomew in Cibottola. Leopold was Ordained to the Priesthood in 1757 after completing his Novitiate. He was regarded as an excellent student and a pious follower of the Rule.. He received his Ordination from the Bishop of Terni Cosimo.
In 1768, after his Profession and Ordination, Leopold was appointed as an “Apostolic Missionary” and for ten yeas, travelled across multiple the region from Diocese to Diocese, preaching the Gospel. As his guide, Leopold adopted the methods of St Leonard of Port Maurice. In 1772, 4 years after commencing his apostolate, Leopold was appointed as the “Chief Missionary” of the Order.
Leopold kept a journal of his travels and work, in which he recorded, that he preached 330 Missions with each lasting an average of two weeks and he also led a total of 40 Lenten Retreats. He restored the Devotion of the Via Crucis in many areas where it had fallen into obscurity or had been suppressed during the times of various political persecutions.
In 1781, Leopold was appointed as the Provincial General of the Order in the Umbrian region. His tenure was noted for his strong insistence on the careful study and application of the Rule of Saint Francis of Assisi.
In 1788 he chose Monteluco near Spoleto, as the site of a Monastery, he wished to build. The Monastery of Saint Francis was built and Leopold remained there as part of an ongoing spiritual retreat of strict observance. In 1809 he climbed a mountain in a protest against the invasion of the Italian nation, led by Napoleon Bonaparte and planted a tree representing justice and liberty but, the invasion forced him to leave the Convent, which was subsequently closed down. , He was briefly imprisoned for his refusal to be part of the Napoleonic Republic.’s laws and excesses. He began to preach once more following the European Restoration not long after.
He travelled to Rome in 1814, where he met with Pope Pius VII and in a private audience when he requested the Pope’s assistance in restoring the Monteluco Convent. Once that was done he returned and spent the remainder of his life there.
During a sermon for Christmas in 1814 Leopold was taken ill and died a few months later, on 2 April 1815 of that illness and was buried in the Church of Saint Francis in Spoleto. His tomb immediately became the site of miracles.
The process of Beatification opened in Spoleto in 1844 under Pope Gregory XVI . Upon the recognition of his model life of heroic virtue, he was proclaimed to be Venerable on 13 February 1855 after Pope Pius IX granted his approval.
The acceptance of two miracles attributed to his intercession allowed for Pope Leo XIII to celebrate his Beatification on 12 March 1893.
The current postulator of the cause is Father Giovangiuseppe Califano OFM.
St Francis of Paola O.M. (1416-1507) known as “Saint Francis the Fire Handler” – Monk and Founder, inspired with the Gift of Prophecy and still called the “Miracle-Worker” Apostle of the poor, Peacemaker. He was an Italian mendicant Friar and the Founder of the Order of Minims. Unlike the majority of founders of men’s religious orders and like his Patron Saint, Francis was never ordained a priest. His Body was Incorrupt until destroyed in the French Revolution. (Memorial) St Francis’s Life: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/04/02/saint-of-the-day-2-april-st-francis-of-paola-o-m-1416-1507/
St Abundius of Como St Agnofleda of Maine St Appian of Caesarea St Bronach of Glen-Seichis St Constantine of Scotland St Ðaminh Tuoc Bl Diego Luis de San Vitores-Alonso St Ebbe the Younger St Eustace of Luxeuil St Gregory of Nicomedia St John Payne Blessed Leopold of Gaiche OFM Cap (1732-1815) Priest St Lonochilus of Maine St Musa of Rome Bl Mykolai Charnetsky St Nicetius of Lyon
Martyrs of Africa – 10 Saints: A group of ten Christians Martyred together in Africa, date unknown. We have six of their names – Marcellinus, Procula, Quiriacus, Regina, Satullus and Saturnin but no other information has survived.
Martyrs of Thessalonica – 16 Saints: Sixteen Christians who were Martyred together in Thessalonica in Greece, date unknown. We know nothing else about them but 13 of their names – Agapitus, Agatophus, Cyriacus, Dionysius, Gagus, Julianus, Mastisius, Proculus, Publius, Theodoulus, Urbanus, Valerius and Zonisus.
Saint of the Day – 1 April – Saint Hugh of Grenoble (1053-1232) Bishop, Reformer, in the foundation of the Carthusian Order, founded a Monastery at Chalais. Born in 1053 at Chateauneuf, Dauphiné, France and died on 1 April 1132 in Grenoble, France of natural causes. Patronages – against headaches, of Grenoble, France. Also known as – Hugh of Châteauneuf, Ugo, Hughes. Additional Memorial – 22 April (Carthusians).
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Grenoble in Burgundia, in today’s France, St Hugh, Bishop, who worked for the reform of the customs of the clergy and the people and, during his Episcopate, ardently loving solitude, gave St Bruno at the time, his teacher and to his companions, the hermitage of Chartroux, of which he was also the first Abbot. He ruled his Church for about fifty years with the thoughtful example of his charity.”
Hugh was born at Châteauneuf-sur-Isère, County of Albon., as the son of a soldier named Odilo, a man known for his Christian life,and who later became a Cistercian Monk; his mother was known for her life of prayer and alms-giving. Hugh was the uncle of Saint Hugh of Bonnevaux, who is also celebrated today. He showed piety and theological facility from a young age. and was an exceptional student in all his studies. While still a layman, Hugh was made a Canon of Valence. His piety was such ,that it was said of him, that he only knew one woman by sight.
At the Council of Avignon in 1080, he was elected Bishop of Grenoble, although he was not yet ordained. The See of Grenoble had fallen into a very poor state and Hugh was selected to be its Gregorian renovator. Conducted by a papal legate to Rome, Hugh was Ordained by Pope Gregory VII himself. Upon his return, he immediately set to the task of reforming the abuses in his new Diocese. When he had not succeeded, to his satisfaction, in countering abuse and fostering devotion after two years, he tried to resign his bishopric and enter the Benedictine Monastery at Cluny. However, the Pope ordered him to continue his Episcopal work.
For the rest of the 11th century, his Episcopate was marked by strife with Count Guigues III of Albon over the possession of Ecclesiastic lands. Hugh alleged that the Count had usurped the lands from the Bishopric of Grenoble with the help of Bishop Mallen of Grenoble. Only in 1099. an accord was finally reached between Hugh and Count Guigues The Count agreed to cede the disputed territories while Hugh admitted to the Count’s temporal authority within the vicinity of Grenoble.
Hugh was also instrumental in the foundation of the Carthusian Order. He received Bruno of Cologne, his own teacher and six of his companions in 1084, after seeing them under a banner of seven stars in a vision. Hugh installed the seven in a snowy and rocky Alpine location called Chartreuse. They founded a Monastery and devoted their lives to prayer and study, being often visited by Hugh, who was reported to have adopted much of their way of life. Hugh also founded the nearby Monastery at Chalais, which grew into an independent order.
St Hugh (right) on a stained glass window in Grenoble Cathedral, St Bruno is on the left.
St Hugh served his See for 52 years, although he had earnestly solicited Pope Innocent II for leave to resign his bishopric, that he might die in solitude but was never able to obtain his request. For the last forty years of his life, he was afflicted with almost continual headaches and pains in the stomach God was pleased to purify his soul by a lingering illness before He called him to Himself.
Some time before his death ,his memory became vague and cloudy for everything but his prayers; the psalter and the Lord’s Prayer, which he recited with great devotion, almost without intermission and he was said to have repeated the latter, three hundred times in one night. Being told that so constant an attention would increase his fever he said, “It is quite otherwise; by prayer I always find myself stronger.”
Hugh was Canonised on 22 April 1134 by Pope Innocent II, only two years after his death. During the French Wars of Religion the Huguenots burned his body.
Painting from the Carthusian cloister of Nuestra Señora de las Cuevas a Triana by Francisco de Zurbarán. The scene depicts Saint Hugh in the Carthusian Monastery.
Blessed Abraham of Bulgaria Blessed Alexander of Sicily Saint Anastasio Blessed Antonius of Noto Saint Berhard of Amiens Blessed Bernhardin of Noto Saint Celsus of Armagh Saint Dodolinus of Vienne Blessed Gerard of Sassoferrato Saint Gilbert de Moray Blessed Giuseppe Girotti Blessed Hugh of Bonnevaux Saint Hugh of Grenoble (1053-1232) Bishop, Saint Jacoba of Rome Blessed John Bretton Saint Leucone of Troyes
Saint Melito Sardis (Died c 180) Early Church Father, Bishop of Sardis (Died c 180), ecclesiastical Writer, Confessor, Apologist, Defender of Christ’s dual nature. Saint Melito is believed to have been martyred around the time he wrote his apology to Marcus Aurelius circa 180. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/01/saint-of-the-day-1-april-st-melito-died-c-180/
Blessed Nicolò of Noto Saint Prudentius of Atina Saint Tewdrig ap Teithfallt Saint Theodora of Rome Saint Valery of Leucone Saint Venantius of Spalato Blessed Vinebault Blessed Zofia Czeska-Maciejowska
Apostles of Picardy – Martyrs: Saint Caidoc Saint Fricor –
Martyrs of Dalmatia and Istria – 9 Saints: A group of Christians Martyrs who died at various locations in Dalamtia and Istria (in modern Croatia, whose relics were later taken to Rome, Italy, and who are remembered together. We know the names Anastasio, Antiochiano, Asterius, Gaiano, Mauro, Paoliniano, Septimius, Telio and Venantius. Died • on the Adriatic coast of modern Croatia • relics translated to Rome, Italy
Martyrs of Thessalonica – 6 saints: A group of Christians martyred. We know nothing about them but the names Alexander, Dionysius, Ingenianus, Panterus, Parthenius and Saturninus. Died Thessalonica, Greece, date unknown
Martyred Sisters of Thessalonica: Saint Agape Saint Chionia
Martyred in Alexandria: Saint Stephen Saint Victor
Martyred in Armenia: Saint Irenaeus Saint Quintian
Martyred in Heraclea: Saint Castus Saint Victor
Martyred in the Mexican Revolution Blessed Anacleto González Flores Blessed Jorge Vargas González Blessed Luis Padilla Gómez Blessed Ramón Vargas González
Saint of the Day – 31 March – Blessed Jane of Toulouse O.Carm. (Died 1286?) possibly the first Carmelite Tertiary or a fully professed Nun and it is believed, that she received the Veil from the hands of St Simon Stock (died 1265). Born at Toulouse, France and died perhaps in1286 of natural causes. Also known as – Jeanne, Joan, Johanna.
According to the most reliable biography, that of the Carmelite John Bale, who visited Toulouse in 1527, Joan was of a noble family of the kingdom of Navarre. Because of her devotion to Our Lady, she wished to live as a recluse near the Carmelite Convent of Toulouse, where she led a life of great austerity. She loved to speak about heavenly things with the young Friars and prayed much for them, which was to their great spiritual benefit.
IThere is doubt concerning the dates of her life but it does not appear that she lived much before the 15th Century because she does not appear on the lists of Carmelite saints of the second half of the 14th Century nor on the list of the Saints of the Order by John Grossi (died 1437), a member of the Carmelite Province of Toulouse.
Jane is often called a Tertiary or even Nun, however, it is not impossible that she professed the Carmelite rule, as did other pious ladies of that time.
After her death,, many miracles were attributed to her by the faithful. Bernard du Rosier, Archbishop of Toulouse from 1452 until 1474. He had Jane’s body exhumed and placed in an urn, in a worthy place in a Chapel of the Carmelite Church of the City and,on that occasion, he granted an indulgence of forty days to ail who would visited the remains. Gailhard de Ruppe, provincial of Toulouse, gave the panegyric. An antiphon, with verse and oration, in honour of the blessed is also known. According to Bale, the General Chapter of the Carmelites, held at Naples in 1510, treated of the Canonisation of Jane.
Examinations of the remains were held in 1616, 1656 and 1688. In 1656 it was noted that an arm and the right hand were missing, they had been carried into Spain by the Prior General, Henry Silvio, during a visit to the Convent. And in 1688 the left hand and some teeth were also missing.
After the French revolution, during the demolition of the Carmelite Church at Toulouse in 1805, the remains of the blessed were found in a wall, together with the document of the examination of 1688 and some prayers that the blessed reputedly recited on a regular basis. The body was carried into the metropolitan Church of St Stephen and buried in the Chapel of St Vincent de Paul. Then, in 1893, for the occasion of her Beatification, it was again exhumed and placed in an reliquary. Joan was Beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1895.
In a fresco of the late 15th Century (1472) in the Carmelite Church of St Felix del Benaco in Brescia, Italy, the blessed appears in the white veil of a Carmelite tertiary. An engraving made about 1620, at the order of Gaspard Rinkens, Prior of the Anvers Carmel, represents her as a Carmelite Nun gazing at the Crucifix which she holds in her hands and this is how she is generally represented today.
St Abda St Acacius Agathangelos of Melitene St Agigulf St Aldo of Hasnon St Balbina of Rome
St Benjamin the Deacon (Died c 424) Deaco and Martyr. Benjamin was executed during a period of persecution of Christians that lasted forty years and through the reign of two Persian kings: Isdegerd I, who died in 421 and his son and successor, Varanes V. King Varanes carried on the persecution with such great fury, that Christians were submitted to the most cruel tortures. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/31/saint-of-the-day-31-march-st-benjamin-the-deacon-died-c-424-martyr/
Bl Guy of Vicogne Blessed Jane of Toulouse O.Carm. (Died 1286?)possibly the first Carmelite Tertiary or a fully professed Nun. St Machabeo of Armagh Bl Mary Mamala St Mella of Doire-Melle Bl Natalia Tulasiewicz St Renovatus of Merida
Martyrs of Africa – 4 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith. No details have survived except for of their names – Anesius, Cornelia, Felix and Theodulus. They were martyred in Roman pro-consular Africa.
Saint of the Day – 30 March – Saint Peter Regalatus OFM (1320-1456) Priest, Friar of the Friars Minor, Superior, gifted with bi-location, prophecy and miracle working. Born in 1390 at Valladolid, Spain and died on 30 March 1456 at Aguilera, Spain of natural causes. Patronage – Valladolid, Spain. Also known as – Pedro de Regalado, Pedro Regalado, Peter Regalati, Peter Regulatus. Additional Memorial – 13 May – translation of his relics. His body is incorrupt.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Aguilera in Castile in Spain, Saint Peter Regalado of Valladolid, Priest of the Order of Minors, who was distinguished for humility and rigour of penance and built two cells, in which only twelve Friars could live in solitude.”
Peter was born in 1390 in Valladolid in Spain to a noble family of Jewish descent. He soon lost his father. At the age of ten years, Peter begged to be admitted into the Conventual Franciscans, which favour was granted him three years later and at the age of thirteen, his mother granting her permission to enter the Franciscan Monastery in his hometown. He had no other ambition than to lead a life of prayer and penance, considering his mother’s visits nothing more than a useless distraction.
Peter was conquered by the ideals of Peter da Villacreces, committed to re-establishing in the Iberian peninsula the original observance of the Franciscan Rule and from 1404 he followed him to he newly founded convent at Aguilera, where he found the solitude, poverty and the climate of prayer, he had so longed for. The young Lope de Salinas y Salazar also joined them. Lope was then called to hold the office of Vicar in Castile, with jurisdiction over the Convents of Burgos and founded another sixteen hermitages before his death.
In 1414 Peter da Villacreces had to participate in the Council of Constance, where he obtained the approval of the reform he had undertaken and left our saint in charge of .Aguilera, Both Peters, then in 1422, took part in the Provincial Chapter but here Peter da Villacreces died and Peter Regalatus was definitively entrusted with the guidance of the Monastery of Aguilera,
In 1426 he went to Burgos in order to recommend to his old friend Lope, not to abandon the reforming work undertaken by their common master. In the way traced by the latter, Peter had found his desire for holiness satisfied. He was in fact neither a founder nor a reformer but a simple ascetic and contemplative. He lived in conditions of penance and extreme poverty but his care for his brothers in need and his love for the sick became proverbial. With the gift of tears, his affectionate nature was manifested and likewise his burning love for God was proven. He performed several miracles on the banks of the Duero and, with irony it is said, that his work did not consist in much more.
In 1427 at Medina del Campo Peter attended the Concordia, a meeting of the followers of Peter Villacreces, the Reformer, where it was decided to remain united with the Conventual Friars. From 1442 he became Vicar of the Villacrecians and, therefore, the third successor of the Founder.. Finally, in 1456, hearing his death approaching, he decided to leave for Burgos to ask Lope, in vain, to accept the Vicariate of the Villacrecians. He died in Aguilera on 30 March 1456.
Statue at Valladolid
It was not long before numerous miracles occurred at his tomb and thirty-six years later, when he was exhumed to transfer his remains to the Church, his body was found incorrupt. He was Beatified on 11 March 1684 by Pope Innocent XI and on 29 June in 1746, Pope Benedict XIV Canonised PeterRegalatus of Valladolid by enrolling him in the register of Saints. Italian and Spanish iconography usually portrays the saint in the act of distributing bread to the poor, calling their gaze to the Crucifix.
Blessed Amadeus of Savoy (1435-1472) IXth Duke of Savoy, nicknamed “the Happy,” was the Duke of Savoy, from 1465 to 1472, apostle of the poor and ill, a pious, humble and gentle ruler. Amadeus was a particular protector of Franciscan Friars and endowed other religious houses, as well as homes for the care of the poor and suffering. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/30/saint-of-the-day-30-march-blessed-amadeus-of-savoy-1435-1472/
St Clinius of Pontecorvo St Cronan Mochua St Damiano St Domnino of Thessalonica St Fergus of Downpatrick St Irene of Rome Bl Joachim of Fiore
Bl Maria Restituta Kafka St Osburga of Coventry St Pastor of Orléans St Patto of Werden St Quirinus the Jailer St Peter Regalatus OFM (1320-1456) Priest, Friar of the Friars Minor.
St Regulus of Scotland St Regulus of Senlis St Secundus of Asti St Tola St Zozimus of Syracuse
Martyrs of Constantinople: Fourth-century Christians who were exiled, branded on the forehead, imprisoned, tortured, impoverished and murdered during the multi-year persecutions of the Arian Emperor Constantius. They were martyred between 351 and 359 in Constantinople.
Martyrs of Korea: Marie-Nicolas-Antoine Daveluy Iosephus Chang Chu-gi Lucas Hwang Sok-tu Martin-Luc Huin Pierre Aumaître
Saint of the Day – 29 March – Saint Eustachio of Naples (3rd Century) the Seventh Bishop of Naples. Died in the mid-3rd-Century in Naples, Italy of natural causes, Also known as – Eustasio, Eustatius. Additional Memorial – 10 May in Naples.
The Roman Martyology states: “In Naples, commemoration of Saint Eustasio, Bishop.”
In the list of Bishops of the Archdiocese og Naples, Eustachio is included in Seventh place, after St Agrippino and before St Efebo.
We know very little, only that he lived in the first half of the third century and before 343, the year in which the ninth Bishop, Fortunatus is historically ocumented.
According to the Catalogus, Eustachio governed the Diocese for seventeen years during the Pontificates of Pope Anterus and Pope Fabian.
It is reported that his remains were transferred, in the 9th century, to the main Altar of the Church of Santa Maria in Portanova.
The urn containing the body of Eustachio was found in 1616 and Archbishop Decio Carafa decided to extend the cult to the entire Diocese.
In the month of September of the year 1884, the canonical recognition of the relics was carried out and after this, on 18 December 1884, Pope Leo XIII confirmed the cult paid ab immemorial, to Saint Eustachio.
St Mark of Arethusa St Masculas of Africa St Pastor of Nicomedia St Saturus of Africa St Simplicius of Monte Cassino St Victorinus of Nicomedia St William Tempier
Martyrs of Nicomedia: Seven Christians who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know nothing else about them but the names of two – Pastor and Victorinus.
Saint of the Day – 28 March – Saint Guntramnus (Died 597) King of the Kingdom of Orléans and Burgundy from 561 until his death in 592, Confessor, Apostle of the needs of the Church and of the poor and sick, Penitent. Born in c 532 in Soissons, France and died on 28 March 592 (aged 59–60) at Chalon-sur-Saône, France. Patronages – of divorced people, guardians, reformed murderers. Also known as – Contran, Gontram, Gontran, Gontrano, Gontranno, Gunthrammus, Gunthramnus, Guntram, Guntrammo.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Chalons in France, the demise of St Gontran King, who devoted himself to exercises of piety, renounced the pomps of the world and bestowed his trasures on the Church and the poor.”
Guntramnus was the son of King Clotaire and grandson of Clovis I and St Clotilda but was raised without the Faith. Being the second son, while his brothers Charibert reigned at Paris and Sigebert in Austrasia, residing at Metz, he was crowned King of Orleans and Burgundy in 561, making Challons on the Saone, his Capital. When compelled to take up arms against his ambitious brothers and the Lombards, he made no other use of his victories, under the conduct of a brave general called Mommol, than to give peace to his dominions.
He protected his nephews against the practices of the wicked Dowager Queen, Brunehault of Sigebert and Fredegonde of Chilperic, the firebrands of France. He divorced his wife, Mercatrude; some time later she became seriously ill and when her physician could not cure her, he had the doctor murdered. These crimes are laid to his charge but upon his conversion to Christianity, he was so overcome with remorse for the acts of his prior life,that by tears of repentance., he sought to rmake reparation for his sins.
He governed his Kingdom, studying rather to promote the temporal happiness of others than his own, a stranger to the passions of pride, jealousy and ambition and making piety the only rule of his policy.
The prosperity of his reign, both in peace and war, condemns those who think that human policy cannot be modelled by the maxims of the Gospel, whereas nothing can render a government more flourishing.
He always treated the Priests of the Church with respect and veneration, regarding them as his fathers and honouring and consulting them as his masters. He was the protector of the oppressed and the tender parent of his subjects, whom he treated as his children. He poured out his treasures among them with a holy profusion, especially in the time of a pestilence and famine. He gave the greatest attention to the care of the sick.
He fasted, prayed, wept and offered himself to God night and day, as a victim ready to be sacrificed on the altar of his justice, to avert his indignation, which he believed he himself had provoked and drawn down upon his innocent people.
He was a severe punisher of crimes in his officers and others and, by many wholesome regulations, restrained the barbarous licentiousness of his troops but no man was more ready to forgive offences against his own person. He contented himself with imprisoning a man who, through the instigation of Queen Fredegonde, had attempted to stab him and he spared another assassin sent by the same wicked woman because he had taken shelter in a Church.
This good King died on the 28th of March, in 592, having reigned thirty-one years and some months. He was buried in the Church of Saint Marcellus, which he had founded.
The Huguenots scattered his relics in the sixteenth century, only his skull escaped their fury and is now kept there in a silver case.
AnaStpaul 
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