St Joseph de Veuster SS.CC. (1840-1889) – St Damian of Molokai “The Martyr of Molokai,” Priest of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Missionary – known as “Martyr of Molokai”, “Martyr of Charity”, “Apostle to the Lepers” – Patron of lepers. (Optional Memorial) St Damian’s life: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/05/10/10-may-the-memorial-of-st-damian-de-veuster-de-molokai/
St Alphius of Lentini Bl Amalarius of Metz Bl Antonio of Norcia St Aurelian of Limoges Bl Beatrix d’Este the Elder St Blanda of Rome St Calepodius of Rome
Bl Nicholas Albergati St Palmatius of Rome St Philadelphus of Lentini St Quartus of Capua St Quintus of Capua St Simplicius of Rome St Solange of Bourges St Thecla Bl William of Pontnoise
One Minute Reflection – 9 May – The Memorial of St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390) Bishop, Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church – Sirach 39:6-14, Matthew 5:13-19
“You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:14
REFLECTION – “I shall always love and reverence the Apostles sent by Christ and their successors, in sowing the seed of the Gospel, those zealous and tireless co-operators in propagating the Word, who may justly say of themselves: Let a man so account of us as the ministers of Christ and the dispensers of the mysteries of God. For Christ, like a most watchful and most faithful householder, wished that the Gospel lamp should be lighted by such ministers and delegates, with fire sent down from Heaven and once lighted, should not be put under a measure but set upon a candlestick, so that it may spread its brightness far and wide and put to flight, all darkness and error, rife among both Jews and Gentiles.
Now it is not enough for the Gospel teacher to be a brilliant speaker in the eyes of the people; he must also be as a voice crying in the desert and endeavour, by his eloquence, to help many to lead good lives, lest, if he omit his duty of speaking, he be called the dumb dog that is not able to bark, spoken of by the prophet. Yes, he should also burn, in such a way, that, equipped with good works and love, he may adorn his evangelical office and follow the leadership of Paul. He indeed was not satisfied with bidding the Bishop of the Ephesians: This command and teach: conduct thyself in work as a good soldier of Christ Jesus but he unflaggingly preached the Gospel to friend and foe alike and, said with a good conscience to the Bishops gathered at Ephesus: You know how I have kept back nothing that was for your good but have declared it to you and taught you in public and from house to house, urging Jews and Gentiles to turn to God in repentance and to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Such should be the shepherd in the Church who, like Paul, becomes all things to all men, so that the sick may find healing in him; the sad, joy; the desperate, hope; the ignorant, instruction; those in doubt, advice; the penitent, forgiveness and comfort and finally, everyone, whatever is necessary for salvation. And so Christ, when He wished to appoint the chief teachers of the world and of the Church, did not limit Himself to saying to His disciples: You are the light of the world but also added these words: A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a measure but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all who are in the house. Those churchmen err, who imagine that it is by brilliant preaching, rather than by holiness of and all-embracing love, they fulfil their office.” – St Peter Canisius SJ (1521-1597) Doctor of the Church (Sermon excerpt).
PRAYER – O God, Who gave to Your people, blessed Gregory, as a minister of salvation, grant, we beseech You, that we, who cherished him on earth as a teacher of life, may be found worthy to have him as an intercessor in Heaven. 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 – 9 May – St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390) Archbishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church, Confessor, Theologian, Philosopher, Orator, Poet, Writer, he is remembered as the “Trinitarian Theologian.” He is widely considered one of the most accomplished rhetorical stylist of the patristic age. Along with his great friends and colleagues, the brothers St Basil the Great and St Gregory of Nyssa, he is known as one of the Cappadocian Fathers. The Cappadocia region, in modern-day Turkey, was an early site of Christian activity, with several missions by St Paul in this region. The Cappadocians advanced the development of early Christian theology, for example the doctrine of the Trinity and are highly respected as “Great” Fathers of the Church.
The Roman Martyrology states of him today: “At Naziazus, the birthday of St Gregory, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, surnamed “The Theologian” because of his remarkable knowledge of divinity. At Constantinople, he restored the Catholic Faith, which was fast waning and repressed the rising heresies.”
St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390) Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church By Fr Francis Xavier Weninger, SJ (1805-1888)
St Gregory who, on account of his great knowledge in Sacred science, is surnamed the Theologian, was born at Nazianzum, in the year c 300. His father, whose name was also Gregory, his mother, Nonna, his brother Caesarius and Gorgonia, his sister, are all honoured as Saints. At Athens, where St. Gregory devoted himself to study, he became acquainted with St Basil the Great, who had made his home there with the same intention. They became most intimate friends, as both were virtuous and diligent. They secluded themselves from all frivolous young men, shunned gaming, idleness, and other vices of youth, cultivating only piety and knowledge. They knew of only two roads, one of which led to school, the other to Church.
After having finished his studies, Basil returned to his home but Gregory remained and studied eloquence, in which he was, in after years, unsurpassed. At that time also, Julian studied at Athens, who afterwards became Emperor and was called the Apostate. In regard to the manners and behaviour of this prince, Gregory said at that time; “Oh what a monster the Roman Empire nourishes in its bosom!” At the same time he predicted, that if Julian should ever wear the imperial crown, he would become the great enemy and persecutor of Christendom, which unhappily became true.
After several years, Gregory left Athens and returned to his native place. One day, while studying, he was overtaken by sleep and it appeared to him that he saw two beautiful virgins, who came as if wishing to speak to him. He asked who they were and what they desired. “One of us,” they answered, “is chastity, the other wisdom.God has sent us to be your friends and remain constantly with you.” His life proved that this vision was no empty dream. Gregory preserved his chastity inviolable and was endowed by the Almighty with such wisdom, that on account of it, he became celebrated throughout the whole world. Great men, among whom was St Jerome, often travelled many miles to hear him speak.
Having been Ordained Priest, he went secretly toBasil, who had retired to the desert of Pontus. There they lived in the greatest harmon, but, at the same time, in the greatest rigour occupied only in prayer and in studying the holy Scriptures.
After the lapse of some years, Gregory returned again to his home, to bring back to the True Faith, his father who, not out of wickedness,but out of simplicity and ignorance, had been deluded by the Arians. Gregory happily extricated him from his error …
Meanwhile Basil became Bishop of Caesarea and most earnestly requested Gregory to take the small bishopric of Sasima, as the far spreading heresy demanded a strong opposition. Gregory allowed himself to be prevailed upon and accepted the See. When, however, another one came who asserted that the office was his, he gave place to him and retired. They wished him afterwards to take charge of the church at Nazianzum but he arranged matters in such a manner, that they chose someone else.
He, however, did not succeed so well in Constantinople. He had gone thither to oppose the heretics, who had filled the whole city with their poison, to defend the Catholic faith and teach its doctrines to the people. After he had laboured there some time with great success, Peter, Bishop of Alexandria, nominated him Bishop of Constantinople and Gregory was obliged to take this heavy burden. All his thoughts were now directed to exterminate heresy and to restore the ancient prestige of the Church.
The Catholics had, at that time, only one Church where they assembled, the heretics having taken possession of all the others. Gregory, however, so brought it about that the newly chosen Emperor Theodosius came himself to Constantinople and gave the Cathedral back to the Catholics, although the heretics opposed it with all their power. This enraged the latter to such a degree that they hired a villain to assassinate the Bishop. The Saint was sick in bed when the murderer came under the pretext of visiting him. As he, however, was alone with him and, therefore, had every opportunity of committing the crime, God suddenly changed his heart, and falling at the feet of the Saint, he confessed his wicked intention and asked forgiveness. The Saint said; “May God, Who protected me, forgive you. I ask you nothing but that you forsake your heresy.”
Much more had he to suffer from the heretics but it in no wise slackened his zeal. The Catholics also gave him just cause of complaint.
Among the Bishops assembled in Council, a dispute arose, concerning the validity of Gregory’s election. The Saint represented to them, that he had not in any manner sought the office but that it had been forced upon him against his desire. Perceiving, however, that all were not satisfied with his explanation and fearing that the peace of the Church might be materially endangered, to the detriment of the whole Christian community, he arose and addressed the assemblage in the following manner:
“Dear colleagues and joint-shepherds of the flock of Christ, it would be very unbecoming to your dignity, should you, whose office it is to exhort others to peace, become disunited among yourselves. Am I the cause of your discord? Behold, I am not better than the prophet Jonas; cast me, therefore, into the sea and the tempest will be calmed. Although I am innocent of your charges, I will suffer without a murmur, that unanimity may be restored among you.”
after having thus spoken calmly and sweetly, he took leave of all present and went to the Emperor, whom he acquainted with his resolution to leave Constantinople. The Emperor, at first refused his consent but the Saint knew so well how to represent to him his reasons, that he at last gave him the desired permission.
He immediately made all the necessary preparations for his departure but once more ascended the pulpit of his Episcopal Church and in a last discourse, took leave of all the assembled faithful, as also of all the other Churches, hospitals and asylums of the city. To those who had frequently complained of his sermons because he unhesitatingly denounced their vices, he said: “Now joyfully clap your hands and cry that the bad, talkative tongue will cease to strike you; yes, it will cease but the hand still remains and pen and ink must in future sustain the combat.” Finally, he admonished them all to lead a Christian life and concluded his sermon with these words: “I exhort you, my dear children, to keep my instructions in your hearts. May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, remain with you all. Amen!“
How deeply affected all his hearers were, was plainly perceived by their tears and their emotion. Well had they reason to be grieved, for they had possessed in Gregory a most tender father for their needy widows and orphans, an invincible protector of their faith, a teacher whom God had gifted with unusual wisdom, a careful, never weary pastor and almost perfect model of all virtue. They tried in every possible way to prevent his leaving but he was not to be persuaded to change his resolution but went on board the ship, which was ready to set sail and returned to his home.
On his arrival, he settled himself upon his parental estate, with the intention of then passing the remainder of his life in solitude and in the exercise of virtue.
This intention he carried out and prayers and devout meditation were his greatest comfort, until, failing health owing to excessive labour, besides old age and sickness, kept him for the greater part of the time in bed. Sometimes, however, he took the pen in hand and wrote several works to confute the doctrine of the heretics and to strengthen and confirm the Catholics. God permitted that the holy man, who had lived until now so piously and pure a life, should endure most fearful temptations from the Evil One. Constant calling on God, austere fasting, prayers, reading devout books and severe study, were the weapons he used against the enemy of man and he always conquered. The Most High also permitted that some men, envious and devoid of conscience, should calumniate the Saint everywhere and even falsely accuse him of some great crimes, to the Bishop of Tianea. The holy man was not angry but, while defending his honour, prayed God to bestow His grace upon his enemies and to pardon them.
Omitting much that might still be related of this great Saint, I will only mention one instance of his solicitude to avoid sin and to do penance. He thought that he had spoken in a certain affair more than was necessary and punished himself by remaining forty days without uttering a single word to anyone!
At length he expired happily, in the 90th year of his age, having laboured and suffered much for the honour of the Almighty and the protection of the True Church. Praise be to God!Amen.
Martyrs of Persia: 310 Christians murdered together for their faith in Persia. No details about them have survived.
20 Mercedarian Martyrs of Riscala: 20 Mercedarian friars who were murdered by Huguenot heretics for refusing to denounce their faith. 16th century at the Santa Maria convent at Riscala, France.
Saint of the Day – 8 May – St Victor Maurus the Moor (Died c 303) Martyr, Layman, Confessor, ex-Soldier. Born in the 3rd Century in Mauretania, Africa and died by beheading in c 303 at Milan. Patronages – Asigliano, Italy, Balangero, Italy, Borghetto, Italy, Canale, Italy, Caselle Torinese, Italy, Feletto, Italy, Odolengo, Italy, Quagliuzzo, Italy, Rho, Italy, San Vittore Olona, Italy. Varese, Italy, Verbania, Italy. Also known as – Victor the Moor, Viktor; Vittore; Vittorio.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Milan, the birthday of the holy Martyr Victor, a Moor. He became a Christian in his youth and served as a soldier in the imperial army. When Maximian wished to force him to offer sacrifice to idols, he persevered with the greatest fortitude in the confession of the Lord. Being first beaten with rods but without experiencing any pain, through the protection of God and then, having melted lead, poured over him, which did him no injury whatever. He at length terminated the career of his glorious Martyrdom by being beheaded.”
Victor, born into a Christian family, was a soldier in the Roman Praetorian Guard under Maximian. In the “Acts,” which date to the 8th Century, it is said that Victor refused to continue his military service. Dragged to the Hippodrome of the Circus in the presence of Maximian Herculean and his adviser Anulinus, he refused to betray his beliefs, despite the torments to which he was subjected. Whipped and imprisoned, after an almost miraculous escape, he was again captured. He was dragged into a nearby elm wood and decapitated.
His bones were later buried at an ancient Basilica on the site of a former Roman mausoleum. They were later moved to the Oratory of San Vittore in Ciel d’Oro, originally a free-standing Chapel, commissioned by Bishop Maternus to hold the relics of Saint Victor. It is now part of the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, built by St Ambrose, as the Bishop of Milan, and initially called the “Basilica Martyrum.”. Victor’s cause was promoted by St Ambrose.
St Gregory of Tours claimed miracles occurred at Victor’s grave. In 1576, Bishop St Charles Borromeo had the relics returned to the rebuilt San Vittore al Corpo. Forensic examinations conducted in 2018 indicated a male in his mid-twenties, with clear signs of decapitation.
Numerous Churches have been dedicated to him in the City of Milan itself and throughout the Diocese of Milan and its neighbouring towns.
St Acacius of Byzantium Bl Aloysius Luis Rabata St Amatus Ronconi Bl Angelo of Massaccio St Arsenio of Mount Scete St Benedict II, Pope
St Boniface IV, Pope (c 550-615) Bishop of Rome from 608 until his death, Deacon, assistant and disciple of St Pope Gregory the Great, Papal Treasurer under Pope Gregory. In other words, he was the first official in connection with the administration of papal property. he converted the Pantheon into a Church. This was the first pagan temple in Rome to be transformed. On 13 May 609, the Pantheon was consecrated to the Blessed Virgin and all the Christian Martyrs. Boniface ordered 28 cartloads of bones from the Catacombs to be reburied under the high Altar of the new Church.
St Ida of Nivelles St Martin of Saujon St Metrone of Verona St Odrian of Waterford St Otger of Utrecht St Peter of Besançon Bl Pietro de Alos Bl Raymond of Toulouse Bl Teresa Demjanovich Bl Ulrika Fransiska Nisch St Victor Maurus the Moor (Died c 303) Martyr, Layman, ex-Soldier. St Wiro of Utrecht
Saint of the Day – 7 May – St John of Beverley (Died 721) Bishop of Hexham and then the Bishop of York, Scholar and Teacher, Apostle of the poor, and the sick Ascetic, Miracle-worker., a great friend of St Bede the Venerable. He founded a Monastery at Beverley, Yorkshire from which the Town developed. Today, it is a vibrant market Town of some 31,000 people. It owes its foundation and growth to Saint John of Beverley. The Beverley Cathedral now stands on the site of St John’s Monastery. Born at Harpham, Yorkshire, England and died on 7 May 721 at Inderawood Abbey, England of natural causes. Patronage – City of Beverley, Yorkshire and the Diocese of Middlesbrough, England. Also known as – John of York. Additional Memorial – 25 October (translation of relics). John was Canonised in 1037 by Pope Benedict IX.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At York, in England, St John, Bishop, renowned for his saintly life and miracles.”
John was born in Harpham, a Yorkshire village, in the seventh century and was educated in Kent by the Abbot St Adrian at the school founded by St Theodore. He returned to Yorkshire and entered the double Abbey of Whitby, then under the rule of the Abbess Hilda.
His abilities marked him out for preferment and he was appointed Bishop of Hexham after the death of St Eata. John was diligent in visitation, considerate towards the poor and attentive to the training of students, whom he maintained under his personal charge. He spent whatever time he could spare from his Episcopal duties in solitude, often retiring for set periods to a cell beside the Church of St Michael beyond the River Tyne, near Hexham.
He was kind to the sick – including a dumb youth with a horrific skin disorder who he both taught to speak and cured and the poor, whom he would seek out in order to serve and assist them in all their needs. On the death of St Bosa of York, St John was appointed Bishop of York.
St Bede the Venerable, who received Holy Orders from our Saint when Bishop of Hexham, refers to him at some length in his Ecclesiastical History, providing testimony of his sanctity and of miracles he performed, attested to by eye-witness accounts of the Abbots of Beverley and of Tynemouth.
As Bishop of York, St John desired to maintain his practice of contemplation in solitude and chose for his retreat, the Abbey he had built at Beverley, then nothing more than a forest in the east of the county.
In 717, tired by old age and the demands of his office, he relinquished his Episcopal See to St Wilfrid the Younger and he retired to Beverley to spend the last four years of his life in prayer.
He died on 7 May 721 and was Canonised in 1037. Many miracles are ascribed to John, whose pupils were numerous and devoted to him. The popularity of his cult was a major factor in the prosperity of Beverley during the Middle Ages. He was celebrated for his scholarship, as well as for his virtues. Around 1066, Folcard was commissioned to write a Life of John. An account of John’s miracles was written by William Ketel in the 11th or 12th Century which contains the first mention of King Æthelstan’s visit to Beverley.
The destruction of his Shrine in Beverley marked the disappearance of any record of its contents. But in 1664 a vault beneath the floor of Beverley Cathedral was discovered, with a leaden cask bearing an inscription stating that it contained the relics of the Saint. The relics remain under the floor, covered by a marble slab.
“Few native Saints enjoyed a greater reputation in Catholic England than St John of Beverley,” asserts Butler’s Lives of the Saints.
His Shrine was indeed one of the most popular places of pilgrimage before the Reformation and St John Fisher, who was born in Beverley and the Blessed Julian of Norwich too, were both devoted to him. They were not the only ones. The learned St Alcuin had an extraordinary a devotion to the Anglo-Saxon Saint St Alcuin celebrated miracles attributed to his intercession, in verse.
The earliest existing mention of John’s Banner is when the Wessex King Athelstan ascribed to him his victory over joint Scottish and Viking forces at the Battle of Brunanburh (possibly Bromborough, Wirral) in 937. Then in 1138 when Thurstan incorporated it into the standard which gave its name to the Battle of the Standard. By 1266 it was accepted, that when levies were made in Yorkshire for the Royal army, it was sufficient for Beverley to send one man with the banner of John. In 1415 King Henry V credited the miraculous intervention of St John for the English defeat of superior French forces at Agincourt – because the battle was fought on the Feast of the Translation of his relics in 1037 and under the Banner of St John of Beverley.
King Edward I visited the Beverley Cathedral in 1296, 1297 and 1300 on his way north to fight with the Scottish he took the St John’s Banner with him to aid him. Edward II, Edward II, and Henry IV also used the Banner in military campaigns.
Henry ordered his Feast to be kept throughout England and named St John as a Patron of the Royal Household. He and his Queen visited his Shrine in Beverley on pilgrimage in 1420.
A little over a century later, however, the Shrine was in ruins, destroyed by King Henry VIII in 1541 during the Reformation.
The Apparition of the Holy Cross over Jerusalem: The Commemoration of the appearance on 7 May 351, Pentecost that year, of a luminous image of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. It stretched from Mount Golgotha to the Mount of Olives (about two miles / three kilometers), was brighter than the sun, lasted several hours and was seen by the entire City. It led to many conversions and was reported in a letter attributed to Saint Cyril of Jerusalem.
Bl Agnellus of Pisa OFM (c 1195-1236) Bl Antonio de Agramunt St Augustine of Nicomedia St Augustus of Nicomedia St Cerenico of Spoleto St Domitian of Huy St Duje
St Flavia Domitilla of Terracina (1st Century) Virgin Martyr. The Roman Martyrology states of her today: “At Terracina, in Campania, the birthday of blessed Flavia Domitilla, Virgin and Martyr, niece of the Consul Flavius Clemens. She received the religious veil at the hands of St Clement and in the persecution of Domitian, was exiled with many others to the island of Pontia, where she endured a long Martyrdom for Christ. Taken afterwards to Terracina, she converted many to the faith of Christ by her teaching and miracles. The judge ordered the chamber in which she was, with the virgins Euphrosina and Theodora, to be set on fire and she thus consummated her glorious Martyrdom. She is also mentioned with the holy Martyrs Nereus and Achilleus, on the 12th of this month.” Her Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/07/saint-of-the-day-7-may-saint-flavia-domitilla-of-terracina-1st-century-virgin-and-martyr/
St Flavius of Nicomedia Bl Francesco Paleari Bl Gisela of Ungarn Bl Jan Eugeniusz Bajewski St John of Beverley (Died 721) Bishop St Juvenal of Benevento St Maurelius of Voghenza-Ferrara Bl Miqael of Ulompo St Peter of Pavia St Placid of Autun St Quadratus of Herbipolis St Quadratus of Nicomedia
Saint of the Day – 6 May – Blessed Bartolomeo Pucci-Franceschi OFM (Died 1330) Priest and Friar of the Friars Minor after having been a husband and father of 4. Confessor, Mystic and Miracle-worker. Born latter 13th century in Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy and died on 6 May 1330 in Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy of natural causes.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Montepulciano in Tuscany, blessed Bartolomeo Pucci-Franceschi, Priest of the Order of Minors, who, having left his wife, children and all his possessions for the love of God, became Christ’s poor man.”
Bartolomeo was born in Montepulciano in the second half of the 13th century. From a noble family, he married the daughter of Captain Tommaso del Pecora, Millia, with whom he had four children. In 1290, when his children reached the age of majority, Bartholomew and his wife, were able to embrace the religious vocation. Bartolomeo joined the Order of Minors of the City Convent of St Francis
From rich he became poor, for love of Christ and if many admired him he had to bear the contempt of those who considered him a madman. The humble Franciscan led the rest of his life between prayers, visions of the Madonna and angels. Considered by his fellow citizens as a chosen soul, he worked miracles while still alive.
Fra Bartolomeo died, as a very old, on 6 May 1330 in Montepulciano and was buried in the Church of the Convent. The relics were then transferred, in 1930, to the Church of St Augustine. On 24 June 1880, Pope Leo XIII confirmed his cult from immemorial times.
The example of Blessed Bartholomew is singular, in fact he reconciled, during his life, the different vocations of man: as a spouse, as a parent and as a religious consecrated to God.
Feast of St John the Apostle and Evangelist before the Latin Gate: The Roman Martyrology states of this Feast today: At Rome, the feast of St John before the Latin Gate. Being bound and brought to Rome from Ephesus by the order of Domitian, he was condemned by the Senate to be cast, near the said gate, into a vessel of boiling oil, from which he came out more healthy nd vigorous than before! About this wondrous Miracle: https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/06/saint-of-the-day-6-may-st-john-the-evangelist-before-the-latin-gate/
Bl Anthony Middleton Blessed Bartolomeo Pucci-Franceschi OFM (Died 1330) Priest of the Friars Minor after having been a husband and father of 4. Confessor, Mystic and Miracle-worker.
St Benedicta of Rome St Colman Mac Ui Cluasigh of Cork St Colman of Loch Eichin St Dominic Savio St Edbert of Lindisfarne Bl Edward Jones St Evodius of Antioch
St Marianus of Lambesa Bl Peter de Tornamira St Petronax of Monte Cassino St Protogenes of Syria Bl Prudence Castori St Theodotus of Kyrenia St Venerius of Milan St Venustus of Africa St Venustus of Milan Bl William Tandi
Saint of the Day – 5 May – Saint Hilary of Arles (c 400-449) Archbishop of Arles, Convert, Monk, learned Scholar and Writer, Reformer and although extremely gentle and kind, Hilary was also a strict leader of his flock, Miracle-worker. Born in c 400 at Lorraine, France and died in 449 of natural causes. Also known as – Hilarius, Ilario.
The Roman Martyrology states: “At Arles in France, the blessed Bishop Hilary, noted for his great learning and holiness.”
Hilary was born during the year c 400, most likely in the present-day French region of Loraine. He came from a wealthy pagan background and received a traditional aristocratic education in philosophy and rhetoric, which he expected to put to use in a secular career.
One of Hilary’s relatives, St Honoratus, had founded a Monastery in Lerins and given his life to the service of the Church. Honoratus was deeply concerned for Hilary’s salvation and urged him, with tear,s to abandon worldly pursuits for the sake of following Christ.
“On one side,” Hilary later recalled, “I saw the Lord calling me; on the other, the world offering me its seducing charms and pleasures. How often did I embrace and reject, will and not will, the same thing!”
“But in the end Jesus Christ triumphed in me. And three days after Honoratus had left me, the mercy of God, solicited by his prayers, subdued my rebellious soul.”
Hilary returned to his relative, humbling himself as Honoratus’ disciple and embracing his life of prayer, asceticism and Scripture study. He sold his property, gave the proceeds to the poor and wholeheartedly embraced the monastic life of the community in Lerins.
In 426, Honoratus became the Archbishop of Arles. Hilary initially followed him as a secretary but soon returned to the Monastery at Lerins. Honoratus, however, insisted on having the assistance of his relative and disciple and travelled to Lerins himself to retrieve him.
When Honoratus died in 429, Hilary again attempted to leave Arles and return to his Monastery. But the faithful of the City sent out a search party and had him brought back, so that he could be Consecrated as Honoratus’ successor.
Although he was not yet 30 years old, the new Archbishop was well-prepared by his years in religious life and the time spent assisting his predecessor. As Archbishop, he maintained the simplicity of a Monk. He owned few possessions, put the poor ahead of himself, and continued to do manual labour. Hilary was known for his kindness and charity vur the Archbishop was also remembered for publicly rebuking a government official who brought shame on the Church. And, he warned lukewarm Catholics that they would “not get out of hell, if you are once unhappily fallen into its dungeons.”
Following the example of St Augustine, he organised his Cathedral clergy into a “congregation,” devoting a great part of their time to social exercises and asceticism.
Hilary helped to establish Monasteries in his Diocese and strengthened the discipline and orthodoxy of the local Church through a series of Councils. He sold Church property in order to pay the ransoms of those who had been kidnapped and is said to have worked miracles during his lifetime.
St Hilary of Arles died on 5 May, 449. Although his life was marked by some canonical disputes with Pope St Leo I, the Pope himself praised the late Archbishop of Arles in a letter to his successor, honouring him as “Hilary of holy memory” and introduced his name into the Roman Martyrology.
During his lifetime, Hilary had a great reputation for learning and eloquence as well as for piety. His extant works (The Life of St Honorius and Metrum in Genesin) compare favourably with any similar literary productions of that period. A poem, De providentia, usually included among the writings of Prosper of Aquitaine, is actually believed to have been the work of St Hilary of Arles.
St Pius V OP (1504-1573) changed in 1969 this feast which had been celebrated on this day of his birth into Heaven since 1713. Bishop of Rome, Ruler of the Papal States, Pope of the Council of Trent, the Counter-Reformation, the Battle of Lepanto, the Holy Rosary and the Pope who declared St Thomas Aquinas as a Doctor of the Church (Optional Memorial) The Roman Martyrology states of St Pius V today: “At Rome, Pope St Pius V, of the Order of Preachers, who laboured zealously and successfully for the re-establishment of Ecclesiastical discipline, the extirpation of heresies, the destruction of the enemies of the Christian name and, governed the Catholic Church by holy laws and the example of a saintly lfe.” His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/30/saint-of-the-day-saint-pope-pius-v-1504-1572/ Lepanto by G K Chesterton: https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/30/lepanto-30-april/
St Crescentiana St Echa of Crayke St Eulogius of Edessa St Euthymius of Alexandria St Geruntius of Milan St Godehard of Hildesheim Bl Grzegorz Boleslaw Frackowiak St Hilary of Arles (c 400-449) Bishop
St Hydroc St Irenaeus of Thessalonica St Irenes of Thessalonica Bl John Haile St Jovinian of Auxerre St Jutta Kulmsee St Leo of Africo St Maurontius of Douai St Maximus of Jerusalem St Nectarius of Vienne St Nicetas of Vienne
Saint of the Day – 4 May – St Richard Reynolds OSsS (c 1492-1535) Martyr, Monk of the Bridgettine Order (the Order of the Most Holy Saviour (Ordo Sanctissimi Salvatoris – abbreviated OSsS). St Richard was the first man to refuse the oath of supremacy of the King over the Church and the Pope. Born IN 1492 in Devon, England and died by being hanged, drawn and quartered on 4 May 1535 at Tyburn, London, England. Additional Memorial – 25 October of one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. Patronages – of St Richard Reynolds Catholic College in Twickenham. The College is the federation of St Richard Reynolds Catholic High School and the new St Richard Reynolds Catholic Primary School. Beatified on 29 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII (cultus confirmed) and Canonised on 4 May 1970 by Pope Paul VI (Decree of Martyrdom).
Richard Reynolds was a Bridgettine Monk of the Syon Abbey, founded in Twickenham by Henry V. He was born in Devon in C 1492, educated at Corpus Christi, Cambridge, and joined the Bridgettine Abbey in 1513. Cardinal Pole is quoted as saying that Reynolds was the only English Monk well-versed in the three principal languages of Latin, Greek and Hebrew.
Dom Hamilton is of the opinion that as Reynolds was the most renowned spiritual counselor of the Syon community, he would have likely been consulted by Elizabeth Barton, the Holy Maid of Kent, who had been executed at Tyburn almost a year prior for speaking out against the King’s marriage to Anne Boleyn. Richard had previously arranged a meeting between Elizabeth Barton and St Thomas More. It was his connection to Barton that particularly compromised Richard in the view of the Crown officers.
Richard was arrested and imprisoned in the Tower around the middle of April 1535, along with the Carthusian Priors John Houghton, Robert Lawrence and Augustine Webster (a monk of Sheen Priory in Richmond). All four were tried for the denial of the royal supremacy of Henry VIII.
Against Reynolds, there was the additional charge of attempting to dissuade people from submitting to the King’s authority over the Church. A witness claimed that Richard had stated, that the “Dowager Princess” (Queen Catherine of Aragorn) was the true Queen. Richard denied that he had declared an opinion against the King, except in confession, as compelled thereto. The practice of suborning penitents to accuse their confessors was another evil method of arresting and subjecting Catholics to deny their Faith.
Syon Abbey
All four were executed on 4 May 1535 by drawing and quartering at Tyburn Tree in London, after being dragged through the streets. Also Martyred with them on that day, was Blessed John Haile the Parish Priest of Isleworth . The quarters of the body of St. Richard – the first man to refuse the oath – were chopped to pieces and hung in different parts of London.
Virgen de la Carrasca / Our Lady of Carrasca, Bordón, Teruel, Aragón, Spain (1212) – 3 May, Commemorated on First Monday of May:
In 1212, a herder found an image of the Virgin in a holm oak (carrasca) in the rocky countryside of Aragón in Spaon. There are several stories about what happened then, all of them ending with a Shrine in Bordón. Templars carried the Statue to Castellote, 12 miles north but the next day the image was back in the oak, the Virgin made those carrying her to Castellote keep turning toward Bordón and springs arose at each turn.
The original Statue
In the place where it was found, a hermitage was built to house it, which would later be replaced by the building that today is the Parish Church of Bordón, built in 1306 by the Templar Order (The Order was dissolved by Pope Clement V in 1312 ).
Although its exterior hardly stands out, its interior is magical and fascinating, a place full of mystery. In one of the Chapels inside, the Templar novices who previously made a pilgrimage on foot from Castellote, capital of the Templar Commandery, performed initiation rites to become Knights of the Order.
In the 18th century, the interior of the Church was covered with marvellous frescoes, which have been recently restored. Unfortunately, the venerated carving of the Black Virgin of the Carrasca was lost during the Civil War, along with another very famous Romanesque carving with a reputation for miraculously calming storms, the Virgin of the Spider, only a series of photographs being preserved, which allowed the making a replica.
Replica Statue
On the first Monday in May, the faithful from the three towns to the south—Tronchón, Olocau del Rey and Mirambel—conduct a processional pilgrimage to the Virgin de la Carrasca. They have done this “from time immemorial,” according to a document of 1390 in the Parish archives of Tronchón.
St Adalsindis of Bèze Bl Adam of Cantalupo in Sabina St Ahmed the Calligrapher St Aldwine of Peartney St Pope Alexander I St Alexander of Constantinople Bl Alexander of Foigny St Alexander of Rome Bl Alexander Vincioli
St Ethelwin of Lindsey St Eventius of Rome St Fumac St Gabriel Gowdel St Juvenal of Narni Bl Maria Leonia Paradis St Maura of Antinoe St Peter of Argos St Philip of Zell Bl Ramon Oromí Sullà St Rhodopianus the Deacon St Scannal of Cell-Coleraine Bl Sostenaeus
One Minute Reflection – 2 May – The Memorial of St Athanasius (297-373) Bishop, Confessor, Father & Doctor of the Church – 2 Corinthians 4:5-14, Matthew 10:23-28
“What you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.” … Matthew 10:27
REFLECTION – “It is not I who undertook this work but, it is Christ the Lord Who commanded me to come to be with these Irish pagans for the rest of my life, if the Lord shall Will it and shield me from every evil … But I do not trust myself “as long as I am in this mortal body” (2 Pt 1:13; Rm 7:24) … I did not lead a perfect life like other believers but I confess to my Lord and do not blush in His sight because I am not lying, from the time when I came to know Him in my youth, the love of God and fear of Him increased in me and right up until now, by God’s favour, “I have kept the faith” (2 Tm 4:7).
What is more, let anyone laugh and taunt if he so wishes. I am not keeping silent, nor am I hiding “the signs and wonders” (Dn 6:27) that were shown to me by the Lord many years before they happened, He who knew everything, even before the beginning of time. Thus, I should give thanks unceasingly to God, who has frequently forgiven my folly and my negligence, in more than one instance and has never been angry with me, who am placed as His helper, though I did not easily assent to what had been revealed to me, as the Spirit was urging. The Lord “took pity” on me “thousands upon thousands” of times, (Ex 20:6) because He saw within me, that I was prepared to serve Him. … Many were trying to prevent this mission, they were talking among themselves behind my back and saying, “Why is this fellow throwing himself into danger among enemies who do not know God?” Not from malice did they say this, as I myself can testify, they perceived my rusticity. And I was not quick to recognise the grace that was then in me, I now know, that I should have done so earlier.
Now I have put it frankly to my brothers and co-workers, who have believed me because of what “I have proclaimed and still proclaim” (2 Co 13:2) to strengthen and reinforce your faith. I wish only, that you too, would make greater and better efforts. This will be my pride, for “a wise son makes a proud father.” (Pr 10:1)” … St Patrick (c 385-461) (The Confessions,# 43-47)
PRAYER – Hear, we beseech You, O Lord, our prayers which we offer You on the feast of blessed Athanasius, Your Bishop and Confessor and absolve us from all our sins by the merits and prayers of him, who had the grace to serve You worthily. 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 May – St Florentius of Algeria (Died c 485) Bishop, Confessor. Also known as – Fiorenzo.
Florentius was a fifth Century North African Bishop. He was Bishop of Simminensis, 30 km east of Carthage in Roman North Africa.
Florentius suffered persecution at the hand of the Arian Vandal King Huneric for his leading role in the Council of Carthage of 484 where he supported, the Catholic position, rejecting Arianism. He was appointed as envoy from the Council, to Emperor Honorius and Emperor Theodosius but, for this important role, he was exiled to Corsica and forced to hard labour.
In Corsica, he continued his apostolic work until his death, evangelising and defending the True Faith. Some records now report his death by beheading and others that he died of natural causes induced by hard labour.
According to tradition, he was initially buried in the Town in Corsica, which bears his name – San Fiorenzo.
In 760 the Bishop of Treviso, Titian, through a vision, discovered his relics and translated them to his City, placing them in the Church of St John the Baptist in Treviso, Italy.
Currently his remains are on display to the public veneration in the Cathedral of Treviso.
St Athanasius (c 295-373) – Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church, “Father of Orthodoxy,” Bishop of Alexandria, Defender of the true faith, throughout his life he opposed the Arian heresy. By denying the Godhead of the Word, the Arians turned Christ into a mere man, only higher in grace than others in the eyes of God. St Athanasius took part in the Council of Nicea in 325 and until the end remained a champion of the faith, as it was defined by the Council. In him, the Church venerates one of her Great Fathers and Doctors. He was subjected to persecutions for upholding the true teaching concerning the person of Christ and was sent into exile from his See no less than five times. He died at Alexandria in 373 after an Episcopate of forty-six years. Biography: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/02/saint-of-the-day-2-may-st-athanasius-c295-373-father-and-doctor-of-the-church-father-of-orthodoxy/
Bl Bernard of Seville St Bertinus the Younger Bl Boleslas Strzelecki Bl Conrad of Seldenbüren St Cyriacus of Pamphylia St Eugenius of Africa St Exsuperius of Pamphylia St Felix of Seville St Florentius of Algeria (Died c 485) Bishop St Gennys of Cornwall St Germanus of Normandy (Died c 460) St Gluvias St Guistano of Sardinia
St Joseph Luu Bl Juan de Verdegallo St Longinus of Africa St Neachtain of Cill-Uinche St Theodulus of Pamphylia St Ultan of Péronne St Vindemialis of Africa St Waldebert of Luxeuil
Martyrs of Alexandria – 4 Saints: A group of Christians Marytred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little more than their names – Celestine, Germanus, Neopolus and Saturninus. 304 in Alexandria, Egyp
Saint of the Day – 1 May or the Second Sunday of Easter – St Brieuc of Brittany (c 420-c 510) Welsh Bishop, Monk, Abbot and Missionary to Brittany, Miracle-worker, Apostle of the poor. Brieuc was the Founder and first Abbot of a Monastery near Treguier, Brittany, which grew into the town called Saint-Brieuc. He is also one of the Seven Founder Saints of Brittany. Born in c 420 at Dyfed, Cardiganshire, Wales and died in c 510 at Saint-Brieuc-des-Vaux, France of natural causes. Patronages – purse makers (from the legendary size of his alms-giving), Saint-Brieuc-des-Vaux, France. Also known as – Breock, Briach, Brieg, Brigomalos, Brimael, Brioc, Brioch, Briock, Brioco, Briocus, Briog, Briomaglus, Bru, Bryan. Additional Memorials – 30 April (Scotland), 18 October (translation of relics).
Brieuc is called a Bishop in an inscription in marble at his Shrine built in 1210,but it is not certain that he was a Bishop; more likely he was an Abbot because no evidence is recorded in the See, which dates only to 844. Still, it is possible that he had been a Bishop and an Abbot before records were properly kept in Brittany.
Very little is known about Brieuc’s early life. His 9th century Acta states that he came from Ceredigion in Wales, where the Church at Llandyfriog was originally dedicated to him. He received his education in Ireland and then studied under St Germanus of Auxerre. He is believed to have spent time at Rothesay on the Isle of Bute in Scotland, where a Church was dedicated to him and his name was commemorated in the annual St Bruix Fair. He most likely returned to France early in 431, accompanied by Saint Illtud.
In 480, he settled in Armorica, France and founded a Monastery at Landebaeron. He then travelled to Upper Brittany where he established an Oratory at St Brieuc-des-Vaux, where he became the Abbot of a Monastery which he had founded.
The first Oratory built by St Brieuc
Brieuc died in his own Monastery at St. Brieuc-des-Vaux and was interred in his Cathedral Church, dedicated to Saint Stephen.
His Acta cites numerous miracles, especially his cure of Count Riguel, who gave the Saint his own Palace of Champ-du-Rouvre, as also the entire attached manorial estates. He is represented as treading on a dragon or presented with a column of fire as seen at his Ordination.
In old age, St Brieuc is said to have been travelling in a cart, singing hymns together with a group of Monks walking alongside, when suddenly they were surrounded by a pack of wolves. His companions fled but Brieuc confronted the beasts fearlessly with the Sign of the Cross offered in benediction and they knelt before him humbly and seemed to pray with him. The Statue below depicts this scene and is kept in the Cathedral.
Statue of Saint-Brieuc by Elie le Goff dated 1891.
Saint Brieuc’s relics were moved to the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus of Angers in 865, and again, in a more solemn manner, on 31 July 1166. However, in 1210, a portion of the relics were restored to St Brieuc Cathedral, where the saint’s ring is also preserved.
In honour of Saint Brieuc’s link between Ceredigion and Brittany, the Town of St Brieuc has been twinned with Aberystwyth and a road, Boulevard St Brieuc, is located in the Town.
Note:The Seven Founder Saints of Brittany are: Paol Aoreliann in Saint-Pol-de-Léon, Tudwal in Tréguier, Brieuc in Saint-Brieuc, Maloù in Saint-Malo, Samsun of Dol in Dol-de-Bretagne, Padarn in Vannes, Kaourintin in Quimper.
St Aceolus of Amiens St Acius of Amiens St Aldebrandus of Fossombrone St Amator of Auxerre St Ambrose of Ferentino St Andeolus of Smyrna Bl Arigius of Gap St Arnold of Hiltensweiler St Asaph of Llanelwy St Augustine Schöffler
St Benedict of Szkalka OSB (Died 1012) Monk and Hermit
St Bertha of Avenay St Bertha of Kent St Brieuc of Brittany (c 420-c 510)Welsh Bishop Monk and Missionary to Brittany. St Ceallach of Killala St Cominus of Catania Evermarus of Rousson Bl Felim O’Hara St Grata of Bergamo St Isidora of Egypt St Jeremiah the Prophet St John-Louis Bonnard Bl Klymentii Sheptytskyi St Marculf St Orentius of Auch St Orentius of Loret St Patientia of Loret
St Peregrine Laziosi OSM (1260-1345) The “Angel of Good Counsel,” Priest of the Servite Order (The Order of Servants of Mary), Apostle of the poor and the sick, Miracle-worker, Spiritual Advisor. Patronages – against cancer, against breast cancer, against open sores, against skin diseases, AIDS patients, sick people, Diocese of Forli-Bertinoro, Italy, City of Forli, Italy. St Peregrine’s body is Incorrupt. Beautiful St Peregrine: https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/01/saint-of-the-day-1-may-saint-peregrine-laziosi-osm-1260-1345-today-is-the-675th-anniversary-of-his-death/
Bl Petronilla of Moncel
St Richard Pampuri OH (1897-1930) aged 33 – Italian Religious of the Hospitallers of St John of God, Medical Doctor, Founder of the Band of Pius X (a Youth movement) which he dedicated to the medical care of poor people, Third Order Franciscan. He was an outstanding lover of the Holy Eucharist in Adoration and an avid Marian devotee, as well as living out his short but faith-filled life in total charity to all the needy and poor. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/01/saint-of-the-day-1-may-saint-richard-pampuri-oh-1897-1930/
Saint of the Day – 30 April – Saint Gualfardus of Augsburg (1070-1127) Hermit, Monk, Miracle-worker. Born in 1070 at Augsburg, Germany and died on 30 April 1127 at San Salvatore Priory, Verona, Italy of natural causes. Patronages – harness makers, saddlers. Also known as – Gualfardus of Verona, Gualfardo of … Wolfhard of… (Germanic version of his name). Additional Memorials – 1 May in Verona and 27 October (translation of relics).
The Roman Martyrology states today: “In Verona, Saint Gualfardo, who, a saddler from Germany, after many years spent in solitude, was welcomed in this City by the Monks of San Salvatore.”
St Gualfardus by I Brint (1620)
A saddle-maker by trade, Gualfardus, obeying his inner desire for a life entirely dedicated to God, after spending some time in Verona, withdrew into solitude, in a nearby place. known as all’Adige.
Following the example of St Romuald, Founder of the Camaldolese Order of Hermits, at Mount Corona, Gualfardus spent twenty years in hiding in this solitary place, in prayer to God. Then some boatmen, who were sailing on the river discovered him and it wasn’t long before others sought him out, thus forcing him to move to Verona to the Church of St Peter.
After a while, he passed to the Church of the Blessed Trinity outside the city walls and was finally received with great joy as an oblate by the Camaldolese Monks of St Salvatore di Corteregia in Verona. There, Gualfardus remained for ten years until his death.
Gualfardus reached the highest degrees of contemplation and holiness, with incessant prayer, night vigils, fasts, penances; all interwoven with serenity, modesty and prudence, which reflected peace and intimate union with God.
A contemporary Monk, who was the author of his first ‘Vita,’ described the fervour with which Gualfardus conversed with the faithful and with the Camaldolese Monks and the many miracles obtained by Gualfardus both in life and after his death.
He died in the Convent of Verona on 30 April 1127. The Veronese celebrate his feast on 1 May, as protector of saddlers, while the Camaldolese Order and the Roman Martyrology remember him on 30 April, the anniversary of his birth into heaven.
St Lawrence of Novara St Louis of Córdoba St Mariano of Acerenza St Maximus of Ephesus St Mercurialis of Forlì St Peter of Córdoba St Pomponius of Naples St Quirinus of Rome St Rodopiano of Aphrodisias St Sophia of Fermo St Swithbert the Younger Bl Ventura of Spello Bl William Southerne
Martyrs of Montpellier: A group of 70 Mercedarian Friars, led by Blessed Luigi Puell, who were Martyred by Huguenots for trying to bring people back to the Catholic Church. They were Martyred in 1567 in Montpellier, France.
One Minute Reflection – 29 April – The Memorial of St Peter Martyr of Verona OP (1205–1252) Martyr, Priest – 2 Timothy 2:8-10; 3:10-12, John 15:1-7
“I am the vine, you the branches; he who abides in me and I in him, the same bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5
REFLECTION –“The Lord calls Himself, the vine and those united to Him, branches, in order to teach us how much we shall benefit from our union with Him and how important it is for us to remain in His love. By receiving the Holy Spirit, Who is the bond of union between us and Christ our Saviour, those who are joined to Him, as branches are to a vine, share in His own nature.
On the part of those who come to the vine, their union with Him depends upon a deliberate act of the will; on His part, the union is effected by grace. Because we had goodwill, we made the act of faith that brought us to Christ,and received from Him, the dignity of adoptive sonship which made us His own kinsmen, according to the words of Saint Paul: – He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
The prophet Isaiah calls Christ the foundation because, it is upon Him that we as living and spiritual stone, are built into a holy priesthood to be a dwelling place for God in the Spirit. Upon no other foundation than Christ, can this temple be built. Here Christ is teaching the same truth by calling Himself the vine, since the vine is the parent of its branches and provides their nourishment.
From Christ and in Christ, we have been reborn through the Spirit, in order to bear the fruit of life; not the fruit of our old, sinful life but the fruit of a new life, founded upon our faith in Him and our love for Him. Like branches growing from a vine, we now draw our life from Christ and we cling to His holy commandment in order to preserve this life. Eager to safeguard the blessing of our noble birth, we are careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit Who dwells in us and Who makes us aware of God’s presence in us.
Let the wisdom of John teach us how we live in Christ and Christ lives in us – The proof that we are living in Him and He is living in us, is that He has given us a share in His Spirit. Just as the trunk of the vine gives its own natural properties to each of its branches, so, by bestowing on them the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, the Only-Begotten Son of the Father, gives Christians a certain kinship with Himself and with God the Father because they have been united to Him by faith and determination to do His will in all things. He helps them to grow in love and reverence for God and teaches them to discern right from wrong and to act with integrity.” – St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Archbishop of Alexandria, Father and Doctor of the Church (An excerpt from: Commentary on the Gospel of John).
PRAYER – Saint Thomas Aquinas in Eulogy for Saint Peter the Martyr Here silent is Christ’s Herald; Here quenched, the People’s Light; Here lies the Martyred Champion Who fought Faith’s holy fight.
The voice the sheep heard gladly, The light they loved to see He fell beneath the weapons Of graceless Cathari.
The Saviour crowns His Soldier; His praise the people psalm. The Faith he kept adorns him With Martyr’s fadeless palm.
His praise new marvels utter, New light he spreads abroad And now the whole wide city Knows well the path to God.
Saint of the Day – 29 April – Saint Severus of Naples (Died 409) Bishop of Naples for 46 years, Confessor, friend of St Ambrose, constructor of four Basilicas and the first Baptistry in the West. Died in 409 of natural causes. Patronages – Naples and St Severus in Foggis, Italy.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Naples, St Severus, Bishop, loved by St Ambrose, as a brother and, by his Church ,as a father.”
In the catalogue of the Neapolitan Bishops, Severus is shown in twelfth place. Practically nothing is known of his life prior to his Episcopal appointment. Severus completed his Episcopate from February 363 to 29 April 409, therefore, a few decades after the freedom of worship decreed by Emperor St Constantine to Christians (313). It was certainly a period in which the two religions, pagan and Christian, were forced to coexist and the regurgitation of paganism was frequent.
His work took place after these pagan returns and the violent attacks of the Arian heretics. The Church of Naples, with its enlightened guide, flourished in the True Faith of Christianity – Severus brought back to the City , the remains of his predecessor, St Maximus (4th century), who had died in exile in the East, during the Arian persecution. It must be said,that St Maximus was the tenth Bishop of Naples and Severus ,the twelfth, therefore, between the two, there was the Arian usurper Zosimus, who probably returned, during his six years as Bishop, to the True Faith and was, therefore, considered the 11th legitimate Bishop.
Several ancient documents confirm, that he won esteem and affection, not only of Christians,but also of pagans. He was a friend of St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan, who had the opportunity to meet him during the Plenary Council of Campania, held in 392 in Capua.
The foundations of four Basilicas are attributed to him, one of which, adorned with marble and precious mosaics, was dedicated to the Saviour. Of this ancient Basilica later called St George Major, only the apse remains. The construction of the famous Baptistery of Naples is unanimously also attributed to Severus, about thirty years earlier than that erected at the Lateran by Sixtus III (432-440) and, therefore, is the oldest in the West. The Baptistery is currently leaning against the Basilica of Santa Restituta in the Cathedral of Naples. It is inspired by eastern canons, with mosaics considered to be the most precious among those that have come down to us.
Statues of Saint Severinus and Saint Severus (right), carried during a procession at San Severo.
Outside the City walls, Severus had a cemetery Basilica built a short distance from the Basilica of St Fortunato, where he had the relics of Bishop St Maximus interred and those of St Januarius. From this Basilica, the relics of both Saints were translated, towards the middle of the 9th Century, to an oratory of the urban Basilica of St Severus. St Severus himself too was buried in this Basilica outside the walls and in 1310 translated to the High Altar of the Cathedral of Naples
The Saint is also the Patron Saint of the City and Diocese of St Severus, in the Province of Foggia.
Fascinating fact: The City of Naples has more than 50 official Patron Saints, although its principal Patron is the Martyr Bishop Saint Januarius.(Died c 304). His life here: https://anastpaul.com/2017/09/19/saint-of-the-day-19-september-st-januarius/ Co-patrons of Naples and years of designation: Saint Januarius (305) Saint Thomas Aquinas (1605) Saint Andrew Avellino (1622) Saint Patricia (1625) Saint Francis of Paola (1625) Saint Dominic (1641) Saint James of the Marches (1647) Saint Anthony of Padua (1650) Saint Francis Xavier (1654) Saint Theresa of Avila (1664) Saint Philip Neri (1668) Saint Cajetan (1671) Saint Agnellus of Naples (1671) Saint Severus of Naples (1673) Saint Agrippinus of Naples (1673) Saint Aspren (1673) Saint Euphebius (1673) Saint Athanasius of Naples (1673) Saint Nicholas of Bari (1675) Saint Gregory the Illuminator (1676) Saint Claire of Assisi (1689) Saint Blaise (1690) Saint Peter of Verona (1690) Saint Joseph (1690) Saint Michael (1691) Saint Francis of Assisi (1691) Saint Maria Maddalena de’ Pazzi (1692) Saint John the Baptist (1695) Saint Francis Borgia (1695) Saint Candida the Elder (1699) Saint Mary of Egypt (1699) Saint Anthony Abbot (1707) Saint Ignatius Loyola (1751) Saint Mary Magdalene (1757) Saint Irene (1760) Saint Emidius (1760) Archangel Raphael (1797) Saint Anne (1805) Saint Aloysius Gonzaga (1835) Saint Augustine (1835) Saint Vincent Ferrer (1838) Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1840) Saint Francis Caracciolo (1843) Saint John Joseph of the Cross (1845) Saint Pascal Baylon (1845) Saint Francis Jerome (1845) Saint Roch (1856) Saint Joachim (1895) Saint Mary Frances of the Five Wounds of Jesus (1901) Saint Lucy (1903) Saint Gertrude the Great (1927) Saint Rita of Cascia (1928)
Madonna del Sangue / The Bleeding Madonna in Re, Piedmont, Italy (1494) – 29 April:
Without doubt this is one of the most important places of worship in the whole of Piedmont – the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sangue in Re stands imposing and majestic on the skyline of the Vigezzo Valley. It owes its origin to the blood shed from a fresco of the Madonna del Latte (the Nursing Madonna) originally painted on the façade of the small Church of San Maurizio.
On 29 April 1494, a group of young people met in front of the Church to play a traditional village game, piodella, which consisted of throwing a flat stone against a wooden cylinder on which a coin was placed. One of them, particularly unlucky in the game, became angry and threw his stone at the Church, striking the portrait of Our Lady. The following morning the fresco of the Madonna began to bleed from her forehead. The blood continued to flow abundantly for about 20 days and many sick and infirm inhabitants of the valley, after strengthening their devotion to the Madonna were healed, thanks to miracles, which were officially recognised by the civil and religious authorities of the time.
In 1606 the construction of a larger Church began, completed in 1628 but the influx of pilgrims from all over Italy and neighbouring Switzerland, required an even larger structure. In 1894, four hundred years after the miracle, it was thus decided to build a new Sanctuary. Work on the Sanctuary began only in 1922 and the Consecration took place on 5 August 1958.
The celebration of the miracle takes place every year from 29 April to 1sMay, with a heart-felt and well-attended pilgrimage on foot.
St Peter Martyr/ of Verona OP (1205–1252) Martyr, Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, , a celebrated Preacher, miracle-worker, Marian devotee. He served as Inquisitor in Lombardy, was killed by an assassin and was Canonised 11 months after his death, making his the fastest Canonisation in history. His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/29/saint-of-the-day-29-april-st-peter-of-verona-op-1205-1252/
Abbots of Cluny: A feast that recognises the great and saintly early abbots of Cluny Abbey: • Saint Aymardus of Cluny • Saint Berno of Cluny • Saint Hugh of Cluny • Saint Mayeul • Saint Odilo of Cluny • Saint Odo of Cluny • Saint Peter the Venerable
St Antonius Kim Song-u St Ava of Denain St Daniel of Gerona St Dichu St Endellion of Tregony St Fiachan of Lismore
St Hugh of Cluny (1024-1109) St Hugh the Great, Priest, Abbot of Cluny from 1049 until his death., founder-builder of numerous Monasteries, Convents , Hospitals and the biggest Church in Europe prior to the building of St Peter’s, apostle of the poor, the sick, the marginalised by the feudal system, ecclesiastical Reformer, holy father to his Monks and servant to all who needed him,. He was one of the most influential leaders of the monastic orders from the Middle Ages. St Hugh the Great: https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/29/saint-of-the-day-29-april-st-hugh-of-cluny-1024-1109-st-hugh-the-great/
Bl Robert Gruthuysen St Senan of Wales St Severus of Naples (Died 409) Bishop St Theoger St Torpes of Pisa St Tychicus St Wilfrid the Younger
Martyrs of Cirta: A group of clergy and laity Martyred together in Cirta, Numidia (in modern Tunisia) in the persecutions of Valerian. They were – Agapius, Antonia, Emilian, Secundinus and Tertula, along with a woman and her twin children whose names have not come down to us.
Martyrs of Corfu: A gang of thieves who converted while in prison, brought to the faith by Saint Jason and Saint Sosipater who had been imprisoned for evangelising. When the gang announced their new faith, they were Martyred together. They were – Euphrasius, Faustianus, Insischolus, Januarius, Mammius, Marsalius and Saturninus. They were boiled in oil and pitch in the 2nd century on the Island of Corcyra (modern Corfu, Greece. Also known as: • Martyrs of Corcyra • Seven Holy Thieves • Seven Holy Robbers • Seven Robber Saints
Saint of the Day – 28 April – Blessed Luchesius TOSF (c 1180 – 1260) Married Layman, Apostle of the poor and the sick, the first Franciscan Tertiary, Penitent. Born as Luchesius Modestini at Poggibonsi, Umbria, Italy and died in 1260 at Poggibonsi, Umbria, Italy of natural causes. Patronages – death of children, lost vocations, of Poggibonsi, Italy. Also known as – Lucchese, Luchesio, Luchesius of Poggibonsi. Beatified in 1273 by Pope Gregory X (cultus confirmed).
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Poggibonsi in Tuscany, the blessed Lucchese, who, at first greedy for profit and then converted, wore the habit of the Third Order of Penitents of St Frances, sold his goods and distributed them to the poor, serving God and neighbour in poverty and humility, according to the spirit of the Gospel.”
A contemporary of Saint Francis, Luchesius Modestini was born around 1180 in a small village in Tuscany. In his early life he was a soldier. He was stationed at one point in Poggibonsi, a small but thriving town between Florence and Siena. When he abandoned his military career, he settled there and married a local woman named Buona.
Luchesius became a merchant, selling provisions to the many pilgrims travelling the Via Francigena, the main highway from the north to Rome, who passed through the town. He became very successful and also engaged in moneylending. Both he and his wife, gained the reputation as grasping, unfeeling people.
In his early 30s, Luchesius underwent a religious conversion and began to reach out to help the poor of the area. His wife followed his example and the two of them began to think about separating in order to devote themselves to God in religious life. Saint Francis visited Poggibonsi shortly afterward and the couple approached him for advice. Perhaps at his recommendation, they decided to remain together as a married couple and persevere in their life as penitents living in the world.
According to tradition, Francis clothed them with the habit, thus making them the first people to become lay Franciscan penitents. They retained only a small piece of farmland for themselves and devoted the rest of their lives to sharing what they had with the poor and needy.
Dedicated to penance and prayer, he frequently approached the Sacraments and spread the perfume of his holiness in the village and its surroundings, confirmed, even in life, by the gift of miracles. He was assiduous in listening to and meditating on the Word of God, in being present at the Liturgy and in all the fraternal and community celebrations,. Luchesius was dedicated to all sorts of penances, in silence, in detachment from things and from the world, in humility, in patience and in enduring crosses and temporal miseries.
Thus he spent the rest of his life loving God, the poor and the sick and spreading the sweet perfume of Christ everywhere through his goodness and mercy.
As they grew older, according to tradition, when Buonadonna saw her elderly husband failing, she begged him not to die before her; shortly after, she fell victim to a fever and they died the same day, 28 April 1260. They were buried in the Franciscan Church , which was later dedicated to him (see below)and a popular cult began immediately, which was officially recognised by the Church in 1274.
St Benedict of the Bridge St Cronan of Roscrea St Cyril of Turov Bl Gerard of Bourgogne Bl Hanna Helena Chrzanowska OSB (1902-1973) Bl Józef Cebula Blessed Luchesius TOSF (c1180 – 1260) Layman – The first Franciscan Tertiary
Quote/s of the Day – 27 April – The Memorial of St Peter Canisius SJ (1521-1597) Doctor of the Church
“Better that only a few Catholics should be left, staunch and sincere in their religion, than that they should, remaining many, desire as it were, to be in collusion with the Church’s enemies and in conformity with the open foes of our faith.”
Prayer of a Catechist to Jesus, Lover of Children
O Jesus, Friend of children, Who from Thy most tender years did grow visibly in wisdom and in grace before God and men. Who at the age of twelve, was seated in the Temple, in the midst of the doctors, listening to them attentively, humbly asking them questions and exciting their admiration by the prudence and wisdom of Thy discourse. Who didst receive, so willingly, the children, blessing them and saying to Thy disciples: Let them come to Me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven. Inspire me as Thou did inspire the blessed Peter Canisius, model and guide of the perfect Catechist, with a profound respect and a holy affection for childhood, a taste and a marked devotion for instructing them in Christian doctrine, a special aptitude, in making them understand its mysteries and love its beauties. I ask this of Thee, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Peter Canisius. Amen.
St Peter Canisius (1521-1397) Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 27 April – The Memorial of St Peter Canisius SJ (1521-1397) Confessor, Doctor of the Church and St Peter Armengol OdeM (c 1238-1304) – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Matthew 5:13-19
“Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so, will be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments, will be called greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” – Matthew 5:19
REFLECTION – “For what reason then does He call some of these commandments “least,” although they are so magnificent and lofty? Jesus spoke this way because He was about to introduce His own teaching, as a new law . As He humbles Himself and speaks of Himself with great modesty, so He refers to His own teaching in the same manner. In this way, Jesus teaches us to practice humility in everything. And besides, since some suspected His teaching to be a new departure, He temporarily taught it in a more reserved way.
But when you hear “least in the Kingdom of Heaven,” you are to think of nothing but hell and punishment. For it was His practice to speak, not only of the joy the Kingdom brings but also, of the time of the resurrection and the fearful event of the Second Coming.
Think of one who calls a brother a fool. That one, transgresses only one commandment, maybe even the slightest one and falls into hell. Compare that one with another, who breaks all the commandments and instigates others to break them too. Do both have the same relationship to the Kingdom? This is not the argument Jesus is making. Rather, He means, that one who transgresses only one of the commands will, on the final day, be the least—that is, cast out—and last and will fall into hell!” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Archbishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (The Gospel of Saint Matthew, Homily 16).
PRAYER – God, Who didst give strength and learning to blessed Peter Thy Confessor for the defence of the Catholic faith, mercifully grant, that by his example and teaching, the erring may be saved and the faithful remain constant in the confession of truth. 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 – 27 April – Saint Peter Armengol OdeM (c 1238-1304) “The Martyr who Wasn’t,” Spanish Priest of the Mercedarian Friars, Penitent, Mystic, Born as Pedro Armengol Rocafort in c 1238 at Tarragona, Urgell region, eastern Spanish Pyrenees and died on 27 April 1304 at Tarragona, Urgell region, eastern Spanish Pyrenees of natural causes. Patronages – Persecuted Catholics, Conversion of the youth. Also known as – “The Martyr who Wasn’t,” “The Unconquerable Martyr of Jesus Christ,” “The Gangster Saint,” Pere Ermengol, Pedro Armengaudius, Peter Ermengol, Pietro Armengaudio. Beatified on 28 March 1686, by Pope Innocent XI and Canonised on 8 April 1687, by the same Pope. His body was incorrupt until it was destroyed during the horrors of the Spanish Civil War.
The Roman Martyrology states of him today: “At Tarragona, the blessed Peter Armengaudius, of the Order of Blessed Mary of Merry for the Redemption of Captives, who endured many tribulations in Africa in ransoming the faithful and finally closed his career peacefully, in the Convent of St Mary of the Meadows.”
From Gangster to Convert Pedro Armengol Rocafort was born in Tarragona in c 1238 to the nobleman Arnau Armengol Rocafort, descendants of the Counts of Urgel, whose ancestors were directly linked to the Counts of Barcelona and the Monarchs of Aragon and Castile.
Despite the great care taken by his parents regarding his education, young Peter gave himself over to a life of total dissipation, vice and caprice. “Abyssus abyssum invocat” (Deep calleth on deep), say the Scriptures. Thus Peter joined a gang of criminals who, pursued by Justice, led the life of bandits in the mountains. Soon, young Armengol became the leader of that gang.
Penance for His Misdeeds Filled with shame, the repentant youth retired to a Mercedarian Monastery in Barcelona. With an ardent desire to repair the injuries done to God, he became a Monk in that religious order founded by Saint Peter Nolasco to ransom Catholics captured by the Mohammedans. He requested the habit with such insistence and gave such conclusive proofs of his vocation, that he was received into the Mercedarian Order by the Venerable William de Bas, the French-born successor of the holy Founder.
The disorderly passions were now conquered by Peter Armengol in religious life. He understood how to subdue them with such promptitude, through penance, mortification of the senses and continual prayer, that even before he reached the end of his novitiate, he had managed to subject them to the dominion of his will and reason.
During the eight years of his profession, he was entrusted with the important task of dealing directly with the ransom of captives. He carried out this function in the Provinces of Spain, which were still in the power of the Saracens. Nonetheless, his greatest desire was to go to Africa and become a captive himself, for the ransom of Christians.
On an expedition to that continent, he arrived in Bugia in the company of Friar William Florentino. There, they ransomed 119 captives without any incident. However, before departing, Friar Armengol learned of a prison where18 children were incarcerated, who, impelled by the threats of punishments, remained in danger of denying the Faith. The religious happily offered himself as hostage for the ransom of the innocent captives.
His release was promised in exchange for a stipulated sum. But, if the payment did not arrive within the set time, he would suffer harsh punishments. Divine Providence had disposed that this man of God would thus give proof of his special confidence in the omnipotent mediation of the Blessed Virgin, to whom he was deeply devoted.
Flaming Torch of Confidence In captivity, Friar Armengol worked prodigies of charity among the infidels, converting many by the efficacy of his preaching. The time prescribed for the delivery of the money came and passed without the payment being made. The infidels threw him in prison and even denied the food necessary for his sustenance but Our Lord, by means of His angels, miraculously provided for his survival.
Tired of tormenting him, the Moors conspired to take his life. They accused him of blaspheming Mohammed and of being a spy sent by the Christian kings, thus raising the ire of the Saracen Judge who condemned Friar Peter to death by hanging. When everything seemed lost, Friar Armengol prayed to Our Lady and confided in her.
The unjust execution was carried out and Peter’s body was left hanging from the gallows. The Moors wanted his corpse to feed birds of prey. Thus, the holy man’s body remained suspended. Six days had elapsed when Friar William arrived with the ransom money. Learning what had happened, he went with great sorrow, in the company of some captives, to see the lamentable sight. Reaching the site of the execution, he noticed that the body did not emit a bad odour but rather exhaled a heavenly fragrance. To their astonishment, Friar Armengol spoke, telling them that the Blessed Mother saved his life. Astounded by the stupendous miracle, some pagans converted to the Catholic religion on the spot.
Learning of the portentous miracle, Barcelona impatiently awaited the return of the unconquerable Martyr of Jesus Christ. In the City, they received him with great joy, escorting him from the port to his Monastery, giving thanks to Our Lord for His marvels. The religious wanted to hear from Friar Peter’s mouth what had happened but despite their earnest pleas, he would not speak. Finally, the Superior ordered him to tell all that had occurred. Obedient, the man of God spoke:
“The Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our own Mother, asked her Most Holy Son, to conserve my life. Having obtained this favour, this same sovereign Queen, sustained me with her most holy hands, so that the weight of my body, would not hang upon the rope by which I was suspended!”
For the rest of his life, Friar Armengol had a twisted neck and a pale complexion, authentic signs of what had taken place. He retired to the Monastery of Our Lady de los Prados, where he practised heroic virtue and spent his days in familiar conversation with the Queen of Angels, whom he loved so dearly with filial devotion.
Recalling the miracle of his hanging, he frequently told the religious of the Monastery of this marvel:
“Believe me, my dear brothers, that I do not believe myself to have lived, except for those few but most happy days when, hanging from the gallows, I was held to be dead.”
He rendered his soul to God on 27 April 1304. Our Lord deigned to give proofs of the glorification of His servant with seven miracles, the cures of three men and four women, even before his death. On 28 March 1686 Pope Innocent the XI approved the public cult to the Saint and formalised his Canonisation tbghhe following year at St Peter’s in Rome. On 14 October 1688, Pope Benedict XIV inscribed Saint Peter Armengol in the Roman Martyrology.
The Tomb of the Saint Today the remains of Saint Armengol can be found in Guardia dels Prats. The small village still preserves much of its medieval character: tortuous, narrow stone-studded streets, buildings that recall old palaces or noble residences and a charming Romanesque–style Church.
The body of Saint Peter Armengol was preserved incorrupt until 1936. During the Spanish Civil War, however, communist marauders invaded and sacked the Church, carrying off his venerable body to the public square where they burned it. Some children gathered up what they could of these ashes and took the precious remains to their homes, where their mothers kept them with great care.
Later, after the communists were vanquished, the precious relics were returned to the Church, where they are kept in a reliquary over the main Altar – largely forgotten by “progressive” Catholics – in silent testimony of the sanctity of the Catholic Church. However, there remain some true faithful who, each year, pocess with a statue of this wonderful to honour his memory.
In our times of profound moral crisis, let us ask Saint Armengol to obtain for us before the throne of God, graces of unbending fidelity, unwavering hope and heroic confidence in the powerful intercession of Our Lady.
Source: Cf. Abbe Rohrbacher, Histoire Universelle de l’Eglise Catholique, vol. 20, Gaume Freres Libraires, Paris, 1845, pp. 40-43.
St Pollio of Cybalae St Simeon of Jerusalem St Stephen of Tarsus St Tertullian of Bologna St Theophilus of Brescia St Winewald of Beverley
St Zita of Lucca (1212-1272) Virgin, Laywoman, Apostle of the Poor. – Her reputation was such that Dante in the Inferno referred to the City of Luccam, her birthplace and home, as “Santa Zita.” P atronages – housewives, butlers, housemaid, domestic servants (proclaimed by Pope Pius XII), housemaid, lost keys, maids, manservants, people ridiculed for their piety, rape victims, servants, servers, single laywomen, waiters, Lucca, Italy. Her body is incorrupt. Biography:. https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/04/27/saint-of-the-day-27-april-st-zita-of-lucca/
Martyrs of Nicomedia: A group of Christians murdered together for their faith. In most cases all we have are their names – Dioscurus, Evanthia, Felicia, Felix, Germana, Germelina, Johannes, Julius, Laetissima, Nikeforus, Papias, Serapion and Victorinus. They died at Nicomedia, Bithynia, Asia Minor (modern Izmit, Turkey).
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