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Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, Uncategorized

First Friday, Friday in the 4th Week in Lent – Fast & Abstinence, Notre-Dame de Grace, Honfleur/ Our Lady of Grace, Normandy, France, St Isidore of Seville and the Saints for 4 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Friday in the Fourth Week of Lent – Fast & Abstinence

First Friday of the Month

Notre-Dame de Grace, Honfleur, Normandie / Our Lady of Grace, Normandy, France – 4 April:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/04/easter-sunday-2021-the-resurrection-of-the-lord-solemnity-of-solemnities-our-lady-of-grace-normandy-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

St Isidore of Seville (c560-636) Bishop, Confessor, Father & Doctor of the Church, Writer, Teacher, Reformer and Evangelist. Sometimes called – “The Last Scholar of the Ancient World.”
Brilliant St Isidore’s life:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/04/04/saint-of-the-day-4-april-st-isidore-of-seville-father-and-doctor-of-the-church/

St Benedict of Palermo OFM (1526-1589) Friar Minor of the Observance, Confessor.
Celebrated yesterday 3 April and today on some calendars.
About St Benedict:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/04/04/saint-of-the-day-4-april-st-benedict-of-sicily-o-f-m-1526-1589/

St Aleth of Dijon (1064-1106) Laywoman, Mother of 7, 4 of whom are Saints including the Doctor of Light, St Bernard (of Clairvaux), The other 3 Saints are St Humbeline of Jully (c1091-c1136) a Benedictine Nun, St Gerard of Clairvaux (Died 1138) Bernard older brother, Blessed Nivard of Clairvaux (c1100-c1150) Bernard’s youngest brother.
Lovely St Aleth:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/04/saint-of-the-day-4-april-saint-aleth-of-dijon-1064-1106-laywoman/

St Guerir (8th Century) Monk and Hermit
St Henry of Gheest
St Hildebert of Ghent
St Peter of Poitiers (c1130-1215) Bishop

St Plato (c734-813) Monk, Confessor, Defender of sacred images and of the Sacraments of Marriage and Holy Orders.
St Plato’s Courageous Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/04/saint-of-the-day-4-april-saint-plato-c-734-813/

St Theodulus of Thessalonica
St Theonas of Egypt
St Tigernach of Clogher

St Zosimus of Palestine (Died c560) Priest, Monk, Hermit.
As already reported in the legendary life of St Mary of Egypt, St Zosimus, a Monk and Hermit, is the one who discovers St Mary in the desert and gave her Holy Communion shortly before her death.
The Roman Martyrology reports: “In Palestine, the Anchorite, St Zosimus, who buried the remains of St Mary of Egypt.”
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/04/saint-of-the-day-4-april-st-zosimus-of-palestine-c-460-c-560-priest-hermit/

Martyred in Cairo
François de la Terre de Labour
Nicolas of Montecorpino

Martyrs of Thessalonica – 14 Saints: Fourteen Christians who were Martyred together, date unknown. No other information, except the names of 12 of them, has survived – Ingenuus, Julianus, Julius, Matutinus, Orbanus, Palatinus, Paulus, Publius, Quinilianus, Saturninus, Successus, Victor and two whose names have not come down to us.
Agathopus the Deacon, Theodulus the Lector.

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Saint of the Day – 28 March – St Tutilo OSB (c850-c915) Monk of St Gall, a “Man for all Seasons.”

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Saint of the Day – 28 March – St Tutilo OSB (c850-c915) Monk of St Gall, Teacher and leader of the Monastic School, Musician, Poet, Painter, Sculptor, Builder, Goldsmith and Hymnist and Composer – truly a “Man for all Seasons.” Born in Ireland in c850 and died at the St Gall Monastery in c915.= of natural causes.Also known as – Tuathal, Tutilo von Gallen, Tutilo of Gall, Tuathal…Tuotilo… Tutilóne…

Ivory Relief Sculpture by St Tutilo

When St Gall, the companion of St Columban, died in Switzerland in 640, a Monastery was built over the place of his burial. This became the famous Monastery of St Gall, one of the most influential Monasteries of the Middle Ages and the centre of music, art and scholarly learning throughout that period.

In about the middle of the 9th Century, when travelliung on his return from a visit to Rome, an Irishman named Moengul stopped at the Abbey and decided to stay, along with a number of Irish companions, among them Tutilo. Moengul was given charge of the Abbey schools and he became the teacher of Tutilo, St Notker and St Radpert, who were distinguished for their learning and their artistic skills. Tutilo, in particular, was a universal genius – musician, poet, painter, sculptor, builder, goldsmith, head of the monastic school and composer.

Two Ivory Artworks by St Tutilo used as Manuscript Covers

He was part of the Abbey at its greatest time and the influence of Gall spread throughout Europe. The Gregorian Chant manuscripts from the Monastery, many of them undoubtedly the work of St Tutilo, are considered among the most authentic and were studied carefully when the Monks of Solesmes were restoring the tradition of Gregorian Chant to the Catholic Church. The scribes of St Gall supplied most of the Monasteries of Europe with manuscript books of Gregorian Chant, all of them priceless works of the art of Illumination.

Proof of the Irish influence at St Gall is a large collection of Irish manuscripts at the Abbey from the 7th, 8th and 9th Centuries.

Tutilo was known to be handsome, a large, powerfully built man, eloquent and quick-witted, who brought something of the Irish love of learning and the arts, to St Gall. He died in c915 at the height of the abbey’s influence. He is remembered as an inspired Teacher, a dedicated Monk, an illustrious Musician and Hymnist and a highly competent scholar.

St Gall Monastery

It is reported that the most interesting items at the St Gall Abbey are the ivory tablets attributed to Tutilo. His paintings and some other artworks can be found at Konstanz, Metz, St Gall and Mainz, Abbeys and Monasteries.

St Tutilo was buried at a Chapel dedicated to St Catherine in St Gall, which was later renamed and dedicated in his honour as a Saint. His Feastday is celebrated today, 28 March.

St Gall Monastery Church
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Saint of the Day – 10 March – Saint Andrew OSB Vall (Died 1097) Abbot

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Saint of the Day – 10 March – Saint Andrew OSB Vall (Died 1097) Abbot of the Vallombrosian Monastery in Strumi in Florence, writer, peacemaker. Born in Parma, Italy and died in 1097 of natural causes in his Monastery in Florence. Also known as – Andrew the Ligurian (or Genoese).

In the mid-11th Century, the Italian City of Milan, was ruled by a corrupt Archbishop named Guido, who took a permissive attitude toward the Ecclesiastical abuses of simony (the buying or selling of Ecclesiastical Offices) and clerical immorality (Priests living with concubines).

Those working to stop these abuses, were led by the Martyred Deacon Saint Arialdo (C1010-1066), supported by his close friend, Andrew, from Parma. The Holy See naturally supported Arialdo and excommunicated the Archbishop himself, charging him with the crime of simony. Guido retaliated by having Arialdo tortured and murdered.
Arialdo’s friend Andrew, attended to his honourable burial, and afterward entered the Vallombrosan Order. He subsequently became the Abbot of the Vallombrosan Monastery of Strumi, where he took up his pen to write a biography of his Martyred friend Arialdo and another of the Vallombrosans’Founder, Saint John Gualbert.

St Arialdo Deacon and Martyr – on the right might just be our Saint Andrew prior to becoming a Monk

Sadly, most of Andrew’s writings were later lost in a 16th Century fire at the Vallombrosans’ Monastery in Florence. Andrew was a peacemaker, credited with reconciling, in his lifetime, the opposing cities of Florence and Arezzo.

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Nostra Signora della Luce / Our Lady of Light, Palermo, Italy, (18th Century), St Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows and the Saints for 27 February

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Nostra Signora della Luce / Our Lady of Light, Palermo, Italy, (18th Century) – 27 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/27/our-lady-of-light-palermo-italy-18th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-27-february/

St Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin/Gabriel Possenti CP (1838-1862) Confessor, Passionist Religious and student preparing for the Priesthood. Gabriel was known for his great devotion to the Sorrows of the Virgin Mary. St Gabriel was Canonised on 13 May 1920 by Pope Benedict XV.
Loving St Gabriel:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/27/saint-of-the-day-27-february-st-gabriel-of-our-lady-of-sorrows-cp-1838-1862/

St Abundius of Rome
St Alexander of Rome
St Alnoth
St Antigonus of Rome

St Baldomerus of Saint Just (Died c650) SubDeacon, Lay Brother, Blacksmith.
His Devoted Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/27/saint-of-the-day-27-february-saint-baldomerus-of-saint-just-died-c650-subdeacon/

St Basilios of Constantinople
St Comgan
Bl Emmanuel of Cremona Bishop
St Fortunatus of Rome
St Herefrith of Lindsey
St Honorina
St John (c900-976) Abbot of Gorze Monastery
St Luke of Messina

Blessed Mark Barkworth OSB (c 1572–1601) Priest Martyr – one of the English Martyrs. Mark was Beatified by Pope Pius XI on 15 December 1929.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/27/saint-of-the-day-27-february-blessed-mark-barkworth-osb-c-1572-1601-priest-martyr/

St Procopius of Decapolis
St Thalilaeus

Blessed William Richardson (1572–1603) English Priest, Martyr. He was Beatified on 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI. Born in Yorkshire and died by being hanged, drawn and quartered on 27 February 1603 at Tyburn, London, aged just 31. William owns the dubious honour of being the last Martyr under Elizabeth I’s barbaric policy of murdering Catholics and especially Priests, in this manner.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/27/saint-of-the-day-27-february-blessed-william-richardson-1572-1603-english-priest-martyr/

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Saint of the Day – 23 February – Saint Romana (Died c324) Virgin, Recluse

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Saint of the Day – 23 February – Saint Romana (Died c324) Virgin, Recluse, Miracle-worker. Born in c308 and died in c324 in her cave in Todi, Umbria, Italy of natural causes.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Todi, St Romana, Viurgin, who was Baptised by Pope St Sylvester. She led a heavenly life in caves and dens and wrought glorious miracles.”

St Pope Sylvester

Romana was the daughter of Calfurnius, the Prefect of Rome. Having embraced the Christian Faith, she renounced all the comforts and conveniences which her rank would have allowed her.

Following her religious vocation, she ran away from home and, at the age of 10, she reached St Silvester on Mount Soratte, to be Baptised.

Inside the church of Santa Romana on Soratte (a mountain in Sabina) there is the following inscription:
“23 FEBEUARII ^ TUDERTI ^ St ROMANE VIRGINIS QUE A S. SILVESTRO BAPTIZATA IN HANC ANTRI ET SPELUCIS CELESTE VITA DUXIT ET MIRACULORV.GLORIS CLARUIT.”
(23 FEBRUARY ^ TUDERTI ^ ST ROMAN VIRGIN WHO WAS BAPTISED BY ST SILVESTER IN THIS CAVE. SHE LIVED A CELESTIAL LIFE AND WAS REPLETE WITH MIRACULOUS GLORY).
Nowadays it is almost illegible.

Romana on Mount Soratte. lived in a hermitage, She wanted to live in that very cave, perhaps because she felt close to Pope Sylvester, whose sanctity she admired. And it is in these places that a legendary relationship was born, between the Saint and his devotee, who reached him at the top of the mountain, perhaps using some secret passage, wedging herself into the bowels of the mountain.

Silvester warned her each time and once said to her: “now you will return when the roses have bloomed.” It was the middle of winter which had often stained the steep climbs of the mountain with white, when one morning Romana returned to Silvester with a rose; it had bloomed.

The Saint then set out alone towards the City of Todi. In the gorges of Forello, she established her home inside a cave. Although she lived alone, her constant prayer and her faith, were such that many Christians approached her, praising her sanctity.

Romana died in prayer surrounded by the faithful, in the year c324. The body of the Saint was buried in the cave where she lived and in which an Altar was built, where masses were continuously celebrated.

In 1301 her body was transferred to St Fortunatus Church in Todi.

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Saint of the Day – 1 July – St Domitian (c347-440) Abbot

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Saint of the Day – 1 July – St Domitian (c347-440) Abbot, who had been the first Hermit of the surrounding region in France, Founder of a Monastery which became the foundation of the spiritual, cultural and social teachings of its region and day. Born in c347 in Rome and died in 440 at the Saint Rambert de Joux Abbey in the Diocese of Lyons in France of natural causes. Also known as – Domitian of Bebron, Domitian of Lerins, Domiziano… Additional Memorial – 1 September in the Diocese of Belley

The Roman Martyrology reads: “In the Diocese of Lyons, the decease of St Domitian, Abbot, who was the first to lead there, an eremitical life. After having assembled, in that place, many servants of God and gained great renown for virtues and miracles, he was gathered to his fathers at an advanced age.”

Information about the life of Saint Domitian comes mainly from an anonymous ‘Vita’ written many centuries after Domitian’s had died. According to this source, Domitian lived in the 5th Century, initially dedicating himself to the life of a Hermit in Gallia Lugdunensis, a region which today includes part of south-eastern France. His vocation as a Hermit led him to settle in the area of ​​Bebron, in the Alps, where he led a life of prayer and asceticism.

However, Domitian’s fame for sanctity soon attracted disciples eager to follow his example. A community gathered around him, giving life to a monastery which became a centre of spiritual reference for the region. Domitian became the Abbot of this community, leading his brothers with wisdom and compassion.

The Monastery founded by him in Bebron played a significant role in the spread of monasticism in the region. Known as the Monastery of Bebron or theAbbey of Saint-Rambert-de-Joux, it became a place of intense spiritual and cultural activity. The Monks, under the guidance of Domitian, devoted themselves to prayer, study and manual labour, contributing to the economic and social development of the area.

The fame of the sanctity of Saint Domitian spread rapidly beyond the confines of his Monastery. His death, which occurred at an advanced age, was marked by deep mourning on the part of his community and the faithful of the region. His body was buried inside the Monastery C hurch, becoming an object of veneration for pilgrims, who came from all over to ask for his intercession.
The cult of Saint Domitian consolidated, over the centuries, as attested by several mentions in calendars and martyrologies. The Roman Martyrology commemorates him on 1 July, while the Diocese of Belley celebrates him on 1 September. His memory is particularly alive in the Bugey region, where the Monasterywhich he had founded prospered for centuries, taking the name of Abbey of Saint-Rambert-en-Bugey, see below.

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Saint of the Day – 12 June – Saint Odulf of Utrecht (Died c865) Priest

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Saint of the Day – 12 June – Saint Odulf of Utrecht (Died c865) Priest, Monk, Prior, zealous Missionary to the Frisians. Odulf was gifted with the charism of prophecy. Born in Brabant (in modern Belgium) and died in c865 of natural causes at his Monastery, Saint Martin of Utrecht. Patronages – Borgloon, Belgium, Evesham, England, Stavoren, Holland, Utrecht, Holland. Also known as – Odulph of Stavoren, Odulf of Evesham, Odolfo…Odulf…Odulfo…Odulphus… Additional Memorial – 18 July on some calendars.

According to a fairly reliable Vita from the 10th Century, Odulf, son of the Frankish Ludgis of Oorschoot, was educated at the school of Utrecht, where he excelled in his studies and attracted all by his piety and learning. Ordained a Priest, he was attracted by the monastic life of prayer and detachment from the world but his parents ardently desired him to exercise pastoral care in Oorschoot, since the local Church stood on their property and probably belonged to them.

After a few years, having distributed his goods among the poor, Odulf took on the monastic Habit in the Monastery of Saint Martin of Utrecht attached to the Cathedral. He became Prior there while St Frederick was the Bishop, who, havingby the aid of Odulf, completed the mission among the Frisians, asked him to dedicate himself to pastoral care in the recently erected Church of Pensoren. Odulf accepted, on condition that he could later return to the Monastery to retire and die there.

St Martin’s Abbey Monastery, Utrecht

After a very fruitful activity, he returned in an unspecified year to his Monastery. The Norman incursions of the following decades brought serious damage and suffering to Oorschoot, as Odulf had predicted if the community had strayed from the straight path of Christian truth. Odulf intervened decisively in the election of Bishop Ungaro.

He died around the year 865 and his cult soon spread around Holland and Belgium. His remains were later transferred from Utrecht, where however a Relic remained, to Pensoren and from there, in around 1034 to London and Evesham Abbey – it is told that St Odulf’s Relics were actually stolen and re-appeared in England, where our Saint became the Patron of Evesham. His Feast Day is on June 12th.

Evesham Abbey
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Notre-Dames de Betharam / Our Lady of Betharam, France (1503), St Pope Soter, St Pope Vaius – Martyrs and the Saints for 22 April

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Notre-Dames de Betharam / Our Lady of Betharam, France (1503) – 22 April:
Saint Bernadette Soubirous frequently visited the Shrine of Betharram. In fact, the rosary beads that Bernadette used when praying with the Blessed Virgin during the first apparition at Lourdes had come from the Betharram Shrine and the priest to whom she was sent after the apparitions, was Saint Michel Garicoïts (1797-1863) the Priest of Betharram. He it was who alone believed Bernadette’s accounts of the apparitions at Lourdes. He was Canonised in 1947. About St Michel Garicoits here: https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/14/saint-of-the-day-14-may-saint-michel-garicoits-1797-1863/
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/22/notre-dames-de-betharam-our-lady-of-betharam-france-1503/

St Pope Caius I (Died 296) Martyr, Bishop of Rome from 17 December 283 to his death in 296. Christian tradition makes him a native of the Dalmatian city of Salona, today Solin near Split, the son of a man also named Caius and a member of a noble family related to the Emperor Diocletian.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/22/saint-of-the-day-22-april-saint-pope-caius-i-died-613/

St Pope Soter (Died c174) Martyr, Bishop of Rome from c167 to his death c 174. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rome, on the Appian Way, the birthday of St Soter, Pope and Martyr.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/04/22/saint-of-the-day-st-pope-soter-died-c-174/

St Abel McAedh
St Aceptismas of Hnaita

Saint Altfried of Münster (Died 849) the Third Bishop of Münster from (839–849) and Abbot of Essen-Werden and Helmstedt. Born in the 9th Century, n Friesland (in modern Netherlands) and died on 22 April 849 of natural causes. Altfried was a nephew of St Ludger (c 742-809) and his second successor in the See of Münster, as well as a successor as Abbot of the Abbey of Essen-Werden (founded by St Ludger). The second successor was also a close relative, St Gerfried of Münster. Altfried also wrote a comprehensive Vita of St Ludger.
St Altfried’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/22/saint-of-the-day-22april-saint-altfried-of-munster-died-849/

St Apelles of Smyrna
St Arwald
St Epipodius of Lyon
St Euflamia

Blessed Francis of Fabriano OFM (1251-1322) Priest of the Order of the Friars Minor, Theologian, Spiritual Writer, renowned Preacher. He was Beatified on 1 April 1755 after Pope Pius VI.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/22/saint-of-the-day-22-april-blessed-francis-of-fabriano-ofm-1251-1322-priest/

St Helimenas
St Joseph of Persia
St Leo of Sens

St Leonides Adamantius of Alexandria (Died 202) Martyr – Layman – Father of Origen (Adamantius) Philosopher, Rhetorician, a great scholar. Died by beheading in 202 at Alexandria, Egypt.
Interesting:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/22/saint-of-the-day-22-april-saint-leonides-adamantius-of-alexandria-died-202-martyr/

St Lucius of Laodicea
Blessed Maria Gabriella Sagheddu
St Opportuna of Montreuil
St Senorina

St Theodore of Sykeon (Died 613)
About St Theordore:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/04/22/saint-of-the-day-22-april-st-theodore-of-sykeon/

St Virginio

Blessed Wolfhelm of Brauweiler (c1020-1091) Abbot

Martyrs of Persia: Bishops, Priests, Deacons and Laity who were Martyred in Persia and celebrated together. Several of them have their stories related in the Acta of Saints Abdon and Sennen.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WATCHING, The HEART, The SECOND COMING, The WORD, Uncategorized

One Minute Reflection – 25 November – ‘…Christ enters at the open door. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 25 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – St Catherine of Alexandria (Died c305) Virgin Martyr – Sirach 51:1-8; 5:12, Matthew 25:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Watch, therefore because you know not the day, nor the hour.” – 25:13

REFLECTION – “You are one of the virgins who illumine the beauty of your body with the light of the mind, you are all the more fit to be compared with the Church. In the hours of the night, think always on Christ and hope for His coming at every moment. …
Christ enters at the open door. He will not fail to do so, for He has promised to enter. Embrace Him, Whom you have sought. Approach Him and be illumined.
Hold Him and ask Him not to go away quickly. Beg Him not to depart. For “His Word runs swiftly” (Ps 147:15) and will not be held by the slothful or negligent soul. Let your soul run to His call and follow closely, the sound of His heavenly Voice, for His passing is swift. …

With what ties is Christ to be held?
Not by force, not by chains but rather, by the bonds of charity.
He is kept and held by the ties of the mind, by the love of the heart.
So, if you wish to hold Christ, seek Him continually and fear no fatigue.
It is often in pain of body, amid the very hands of the persecutors that Christ may really be found. … In a little while, in a brief moment, when you have escaped the hands of your persecutors and have not succumbed to the powers of the world, Christ will meet you and will not allow you to be tempted further.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Archbishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church (De virginitate, PL 16, 283-286 – The Nun’s Ideals).

PRAYER – O God, Who gave the law to Moses on Sinai’s height and through Thy holy Angels, miraculously placed there, the body of blessed Catherine, Thy Virgin and Martyr, grant, we beseech Thee that by her merits and intercession, we may reach that towering eminence which is Christ our Lord.Through the same 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).

Posted in GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, GOD the FATHER, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, Uncategorized

Thought for the Day – 13 September – Filial and Servile Fear

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Thought for the Day – 13 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Filial and Servile Fear

“It is true that the fear of God is recommended many times in Sacred Scripture but, it is filial fear which is intended, not servile fear.

Servile fear keeps us apart from God.
But filial fear is akin to love and brings us closer to Him.
We should desire never to offend God because we love Him, not because we fear Him.
When one loves another with all one’s heart, iot is nearly impossible to offend him.
In this sense “the fear of Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov 1:7) and, therefore, of sanctity.
It is a gift of the Holy Spirit which produces, in us, a complete and loving submission to God, our Father and keeps us far from sin because, it is displeasing to Him.

The filial fear is pleasing to God, for “he fulfils the desire of those who fear Him, He hears their cry and saves them” (Ps 144:19).

“Love, therefore,” writes St Paul, “is the fulfilment of the law” (Rom 13:10).
We should certainly fear God but above all, we should love Him.
If we love Him, we shall be glad to keep His commanments and we shall have great spiritual peace, contentment and growth in sanctity, all given by the grace of God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/18/thought-for-the-day-18-september-filial-and-servile-fear/

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, SAINT of the DAY, Uncategorized

Our Morning Offering – 9 August – St John Vianney’s I Love Thee, O My God

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Our Morning Offering – 9 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” and the Memorial of St John Vianney (1786-1859) Confessor

I Love Thee, O My God
By St John Vianney (1786-1859)

I love Thee,
O my God
and my only desire is to love Thee
until the last breath of my life.
I love Thee,
O my infinitely lovable God
and I would rather die loving Thee
than live without loving Thee.
I love Thee, Lord
and the only grace I ask,
is to love Thee eternally.
My God,
if my tongue cannot say
in every moment that I love Thee,
I wish my heart to repeat it to Thee
as often as I draw breath!
Amen

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Saint of the Day – 6 July – Blessed Thomas Alfield (c 1552-1585) Priest Martyr

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Saint of the Day – 6 July – Blessed Thomas Alfield (c 1552-1585) Priest Martyr Born in Gloucester, England and died by being hung, drawn and quartered on 6 July 1585 at Tyburn, London, England. Also known as – Thomas Aufield, Thomas Alphilde, Thomas Hawfield, Thomas Offeldus, Thomas Badger. Additional Memorial – 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai. Thomas was Beatified on 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI.

Thomas was born a protestant, it seems of a wealthy family and educated at Eton College and King’s College, Cambridge, where he obtained a Degree in 1568. He then converted to Roman Catholicism and in September 1576, at the age of 24. Thomas then travelled to the English College at Douai, France, to study for the Priesthood but did not finish at that time, presumably due to certain circumstances at home..

4 years later, in September 1580 Thomas returned to the Seminary, by then moved to Rheims and was Ordained a Priest on 4 March 1581 and later that month set out for the English Mission.

Thomas seems to have mostly ministered in the North, where he was arrested on 2 May 1582. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London, where he apostatised under torture, returning to protestantism. He was released on the payment of bail by his family and he he then returned to Gloucester.

By the following April, Thomas riddled with guilt and grief over his betrayal of Christ and His Church, returned to Rheims to repent and to be received back into the fold. Around this time he was approached by Captain John Davis, the mariner requesting an introduction to Cardinal William Allen (who was the major force in founding Seminaries for the training of the English for their own country. Davis proposed that the ships he had been given by the government for piracy against Spain be crewed by Catholics to serve the Pope or the King of Spain against the Turks or other enemies. Thomas met Davis at Rouen and brought him to Rheims to meet Williams. Davis’s plan was conveyed to the Pope, who referred Davis to the King of Spain.

On the failure of the negotiations, Thomas returned to England and was arrested for circulating Catholic literature. The booklet was “True and Modest Defence,” a defence of the Faith. Thomas was sent to the Tower, and again put to tortur, this time maintaining his strength, by the grace of God, through all the violence and horror.

He was charged under the Religion Act 1580 which prohibited publication of any book against the Queen and her protestant religion. He was then transferred to Newgate where he was tried, convicted and hung at Tyburn alongside his assistant Blessed Thomas Webley.

Douai College
Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, NOTES to Followers, Uncategorized

Storms, Floods, 3 Day Black-Out and counting ….

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Wishing you all, dearest Readers, a most Holy and Devout Feast Day of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus our Beloved Saviour.

As you see from the title, we are in darkness. I am writing this on my phone on borrowed signal from my neighbour’s solar driven wifi. We pray we will be restored to electricity today.

In the meantime, let us pray for the workers out there. Much love, hugs and prayer ANA

Posted in Uncategorized

Saint of the Day – 27 March – St John of Lycopolis (c305-394) Hermit,

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Saint of the Day – 27 March – St John of Lycopolis (c305-394) Hermit, Spiritual Advisor, Miracle-worker. graced with the gifts of prophecy and seeing into the hearts of men. John was known and admired by the great Saints of his time, including Saint Jerome, Saint Augustine, Saint Cassian and others. Born in c305 at Assiut, Egypt and died in 394 of natural causes. Also known as – Johannes av Egypt, John of Egypt, John of the Thebaid, John the Anchorite, John the Egyptian, John the Hermit.

John’s parents were poor and he trained as a carpenter. At the age of 25, he became a Hermit under the guidance of an elderly Recluse He spent a decade with this Hermit, taking direction from him and learning from him. St John Cassian recounts a tale that this spiritual counsellor directed John to water a dry stick every day for a year. After this test of obedience, his superior threw the stick away. When the older Hermit died, John spent the next five years travelling and visiting Monasteries.

John was noted for performing seemingly absurd acts such as rolling rocks from place to place and cultivating dead trees. Finally, he withdrew to the top of a cliff near Lycopolis, Egypt, where he could avoid all human contact. There he carved three small cells within the rock, one for sleeping, one for work and the last for praying. Then he walled them up with himself inside, leaving only a small opening.

He communicated through this opening to those who brought him food and water twice a week. Crowds would gather on those two days to hear him preach.

John never ate until sunset and lived on a diet of dried fruit and vegetables for fifty years. He refused bread and never ate anything cooked. He lived this way well into his nineties.

He possess the spiritual gift of prophecy and often predicting the future and knowing the details of persons he had never met. He predicted future victories to the Emperor Theodosius the Great who became his student, coming to him for advice and counselling.

He avoided seeing women, in particular, to avoid temptation but, he avoided all people for the last fifty years of his life. Saint Augustine wrote that John was tempted by devils and that he performed miraculous cures. St Augustine records that John cured a woman of blindness and then appeared to her in a vision to avoid seeing her in person.

John prayed incessantly and foreseeing his own death, he asked that no-one visit him for three days. He spent these last three days of his life without food or drink or any interaction except with God through prayer. He was discovered dead in his cell, with his body in a position of prayer.

John’s multi-roomed cell was re-discovered in the early 1900s.

Posted in QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, The HEART, Uncategorized

One Minute Reflection – 28 January – ‘You are a jailor of your wealth, not its owner … you are its slave and not its master.’

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One Minute Reflection – 28 January – St Peter Nolasco OdeM (c 1182–c 1256) Confessor, Founder – 1 Corinthians 4:9-14, Luke 12:32-34 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Sell what you possess and give alms. Make for yourselves purses which do not grow old, a treasure unfailing in Heaven, where neither thief draws near, nor moth destroys.” – Luke 12:33

REFLECTION – “You are a jailor of your wealth, not its owner, you who bury your gold in the ground (cf Mt 25:25); you are its slave and not its master. Christ said: “Where your treasure is there also your heart will be” so it is your heart you have buried. Rather, sell your gold and buy salvation; sell what is metal and acquire God’s Kingdom; sell the field and purchase for yourself eternal life!

In saying this I am speaking the truth because I am relying on the words of Him Who is Truth: “If you wish to be perfect, sell what you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in Heaven” (Mt 19:21). Do not be cast down by these words, lest the same thing be said to you, as to the rich young man: “It will be difficult for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 19:23). Still more, when you read this sentence, consider that death can snatch these possessions away from you that the aggression of someone powerful, can carry them away. At the end of the day, you will have seen no further than insignificant goods, in place of great wealth – these are no more than a treasure of coins, rather than treasures of grace. By their very nature, they perish, rather than remaining forever!” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church (Naboth the poor, 58).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who, as an example of Thy love, divinely taught St Peter to enrich Thy Church with new offspring, a family of Religious devoted to the ransom of the faithful, grant by his intercession that we may be released from the slavery of sin and rejoice in lasting freedom 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).

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Feast of the Chair of the Apostle, St Peter at Rome, Notre-Dame de Dijon / Our Lady of Dijon (1513) and Memorials of the Saints – 18 January

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Feast of the Chair of the Apostle, St Peter at Rome:
This Feast was instituted to commemorate the establishment of the Holy See at Rome.
In 1960, Pope John XXIII removed from the General Roman Calendar, the 18 January Feast of the Chair of Peter at Rome.
Two Liturgical Feasts were celebrated in Rome, in Honour of Chairs of Saint Peter, one of which was kept in the Baptismal Chapel of St Peter’s Basilica, the other at the Catacomb of Priscilla. The dates of these celebrations are 18 January and 22 February.
The two Feasts were included in the Tridentine Calendar with the rank of Double, which, in 1604, Pope Clement VIII raised to the rank of Greater Double.
Those traditional Catholics. who do not accept the changes made by Pope John XXIII, continue to celebrate both Feast days: “Saint Peter’s Chair at Rome” on 18 January and the “Chair of Saint Peter at Antioch” on 22 February.
https://anastpaul.com/2017/02/22/feast-of-the-chair-of-st-peter-22-february/

Notre-Dame de Dijon / Our Lady of Dijon (1513) – 18 January:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/18/our-lady-of-dijon-and-memorials-of-the-saints-18-january/

St Prisca of Rome (1st Century) Child Virgin Martyr.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In the City of Rome, the holy Virgin and Martyr Prisca; after many tortures she gained the Crown of Martyrdom under Emperor Claudius II (about 270).”
Her Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/18/saint-of-the-day-18-january-saint-prisca-1st-century/

St Agathius the Martyr
St Ammonius of Astas

Blessed Andrés Grego de Peschiera OP (1400-1485) “the Apostle of the Valtelline,” Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, Confessor, Missionary, miracle-worker,
About Bl Andrés:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/18/saint-of-the-day-18-january-blessed-andres-grego-de-peschieraop-1400-1485/

St Archelais the Martyr
Blessed Beatrix d’Este the Younger (c 1230-1262) Benedictine Nun
St Catus

Blessed Cristina Ciccarelli OSA (1481–1543) Religious of the Order of Saint Augustine, Mystic, Stigmatist, Apostle of the poor, Reformer, she had a had a particular devotion to the Eucharist and to the Passion and Death of Christ, she was granted the gift of Prophecy, visions and levitation. Beatified in 1841 by Pope Gregory XVI .
About Bl Cristina:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/18/saint-of-the-day-18-january-blessed-cristina-ciccarelli-osa-1481-1543/

St Day/Dye
St Deicola of Lure
Bl Fazzio of Verona
St Leobard of Tours
St Moseus of Astas
St Susanna the Martyr
St Thecla the Martyr
St Ulfrid of Sverige
St Volusian of Tours

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Notre Dame d’Esperance de Pontmain / Our Lady of Pontmain (1871), St Anthony Abbot (251-356) and Memorials of the Saints – 17 January

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Notre Dame d’Esperance de Pontmain / Our Lady of Hope, Our Lady of Pontmain (1871) – 17 January:
HERE;
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/17/feast-of-our-lady-of-hope-of-pontmain-and-memorials-of-the-saints-17-january/

St Anthony Abbot (251-356) Monk and Hermit.
St Anthony’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/01/17/saint-of-the-day-17-january-st-anthony-abbot-c-251-356/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/01/17/saint-of-the-day-17-january-st-anthony-abbot/

St Achillas of Sketis
St Amoes of Sketis
St Anthony of Rome
Bl Euphemia Domitilla

Blessed Gamelbert of Michaelsbuch (c 720-c 802) Priest, Monk, Hermit. “Such was his kindness of heart, that he used to buy the little birds caught by the peasants, in order to set them free. He never allowed his servants to work in the fields or woods, if bad weather threatened. He valued, above everything, peace and concord and kept the peace among his parishioners, as far as he possibly could.” – from “The Little Bollandists” by Monsignor Paul Guérin, 1882
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/17/saint-of-the-day-17-january-blessed-gamelbert-of-michaelsbuch-c-720-c-802/

St Genitus
St Genulfus
St John of Rome
Blessed Joseph of Freising (Died 764) Bishop
St Julian Sabas the Elder
St Marcellus of Die
St Merulus of Rome
St Mildgytha
St Nennius
St Neosnadia
St Pior
St Richimir

Blessed Rosalina of Villeneuve O.Cart. (1263–1329) Nun of the Carthusaian Order, Mystic, Apostle of Charity. Beatified in 1851 by Pope Blessed Pius IX.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/17/saint-of-the-day-17-january-blessed-rosalina-of-villeneuve-o-cart-1263-1329/

St Sabinus of Piacenza

St Sulpicius the Pious of Bourges (Died c 647) Bishop, Miracle-worker, servant of the poor.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/17/saint-of-the-day-17-january-saint-sulpicius-of-bourges-died-c-647/

Martyrs of Langres – Triplet Brothers with their Grandmother: At Langres, in the time of Marcus Aurelius, the Saints Eleusippus, Meleusippus, Speusippus, born at one birth, who were crowned with Martyrdom, together with their grandmother, Leonilla,

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The Octave Day of Epiphany, Panny Marie Vítězné / Our Lady of Victory, Prague (1620) and Memorials of the Saints – 13 January

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The Octave Day of Epiphany

Panny Marie Vítězné / Our Lady of Victory, Prague, Czech Republic (1620), home of the Infant of Prague: 13 January:
Among shrines dedicated to Our Lady of Victory, that at Prague has become world-famous because it is also the home of the Statue of the Infant of Prague.
This Wonderful Shrine:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/13/our-lady-of-victory-prague-and-memorials-of-the-saints-13-january/

St Agrecius of Trier
St Andrew of Trier
St Berno of Cluny
St Designatus of Maastricht
St Elian of Brittany
St Enogatus of Aleth
St Erbin of Cornwall
St Glaphyra
St Gumesindus of Córdoba
St Hermylus
Bl Hildemar of Arrouaise
Bl Ida of Argensolles
Bl Ivetta of Huy Widow, Mother, Recluse, Mystic

St Kentigern “Mungo” of Glasgow (c 518-614) Founder and Archbishop of Glasgow, Missionary, Miracle-worker, known as “Saint Mungo.”
About St Mungo:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/13/saint-of-the-day-13-january-saint-kentigern-mungo-of-glasgow-518-614/

St Leontius of Caesarea (Died 337) Bishop
Bl Matteo de Lana
St Peter of Capitolíade

St Remigius of Rheims (c 438-533) Bishop “Apostle of the Franks,” Bishop of Rheims, Lord Chancellor of France, renowned Scholar and Rhetorician, Missionary and zealous Preacher of the Gospel for the glory of the Kingdom of God, miracle-worker.
An Amazing Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/13/saint-of-the-day-13-january-saint-remigius-of-rheims-c-438-533-apostle-of-the-franks/

St Servusdei of Córdoba
St Stephen of Liège
St Stratonicus

Blessed Veronica of Binasco OSA (c 1445-1497) Virgin Mystic
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/13/saint-of-the-day-13-january-blessed-veronica-of-binasco-osa-c-1445-1497/

St Viventius
St Vivenzio of Blera

Forty Martyred Soldiers at Rome: Forty soldiers Martyred in the persecutions of Gallienus. They were Martyred in 262 on the Via Lavicana, Rome, Italy.

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Sixth Day within the Octave of Epiphany, Notre-Dame de Bessiere / Our Lady of Bessiere, France, Madonna della Vetrana / Our Lady of the Vetrana Italy (1691) and Memorials of the Saints – 11 January

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Sixth Day within the Octave of Epiphany

Notre-Dame de Bessiere / Our Lady of Bessiere, Limousin, France – 11 January:
Here
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/11/memorials-of-the-saints-11-january-4/

Madonna della Vetrana / Our Lady of the Vetrana (Castellana Grotte, Bari, Puglia, Italy (1691) – 11 January:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/11/notre-dame-de-bessiere-our-lady-of-bessiere-limousin-france-madonna-della-vetrana-our-lady-of-the-vetrana-castellana-grotte-bari-puglia-italy-1691-and-memorials-of-the-saints-11-january/

St Pope Hyginus (Died 142) Papal Ascension c 138. It is believed he was a Martyr for Christ and suffered during the persecution of Antoninus, although our ancient sources do not confirm this. Tradition holds that during his Papacy he determined the various prerogatives of the clergy and defined the grades of the ecclesiastical hierarchy. Hyginus also instituted Godparents at Baptism to assist the baptised during their Christian life. In addition, he decreed, that all Churches be Consecrated.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/11/saint-of-the-day-11-january-saint-pope-hyginus-died-142/

St Alexander of Fermo
St Anastasius of Suppentonia (Died c 570) Monk, Abbot
St Boadin of Ireland
St Breandan of Ireland (the name is not an error)
St Eithne
St Fedelemia
St Honorata of Pavia
St Leucius of Alexandria
St Leucius of Brindisi
St Liberata of Pavia
St Lucius the Soldier
St Luminosa of Pavia
St Mark the Soldier
St Michael of Klopsk
St Palaemon
St Paldo
St Peter Balsam
St Peter of Alexandria
St Peter of Anea
St Peter the Soldier

St Salvius of Amiens (Died c 625) The 5th Bishop of Amiens, France, Monk, miracle-worker.
About St Salvius:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/11/saint-of-the-day-11-january-saint-salvius-of-amiens-died-c-625/

St Salvius of North Africa (Died 6th Century) Martyr

St Severus of Alexandria
St Speciosa of Pavia
St Taso
St Theodosius the Soldier
St Theodosius of Antioch

St Theodosius the Cenobiarch (423-529) Hermit/ AbboT/Founder of the Cenobitical Communities.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/01/11/saint-of-the-day-11-january-st-theodosius-the-cenobiarch/

St Tipasio of Tigava

St Vitalis of Gaza (Died c 625) Monk, Hermit. “At Gaza, Vitalis was a monk for many years and earned considerable controversy for his methods in reforming the local prostitutes and scandalous women.” (Roman Martyrology).
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/01/11/saint-of-the-day-11-january-st-vitalis-of-gaza-died-c-625/

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The Fifth Day within the Octave of Epiphany, Madonna del Pianto / The Weeping Madonna, Rome, Italy (1546) and Memorials of the Saints – 10 January

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The Fifth Day within the Octave of Epiphany

Madonna del Pianto / Madonna of the Lament or the Weeping Madonna, Rome, Italy (1546) – 10 January:

St Aldo of Carbonari
St Pope Agatho
St Arcontius of Viviers
Bl Benincasa of Cava
St Dermot of Inis Clothrann
St Domitian of Melitene

Blessed Pope Gregory X TOSF (1210-1276) Bishop of Rome 1272-1276. Beatified on 8 July 1713 by Pope Clement XI.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/10/saint-of-the-day-10-january-blessed-pope-gregory-x-1210-1276/

Blessed Giles of Lorenzana OFM (1443-1518) Lay Brother of the Friars Minor.

St John Camillus the Good (Died c 669) Confessor, Bishop of Milan
St Maurilius of Cahors
St Nicanor of Cyprus

St Paul the Hermit (c 230-342) The First Desert Hermit
“In Thebais, the birthday of St Paul, the first Hermit, who lived alone in the desert from the sixteenth to the one hundred and thirteenth year of his age. His soul was seen by St Anthony Abbot, carried by Angels among the choirs of Apostles and Prophets. His Feast is celebrated on the 15th day of this Month.” (Roman Martyrology).

St Peter Orseolo OSB Cam. (928–987) Doge of Venice, Monk, Administrator, Governor. Apostle of Charity. Canonised recognised in 1027 by the Bishop of Elne, France and his Cultus was confirmed by Pope Clement XII in 1731.
About St Peter:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/01/10/saint-of-the-day-10-january-st-peter-orseolo-o-s-b-cam-928-987/

St Petronius of Die
Bl Raymond de Fosso
St Saethryth of Faremoutier
St Thecla of Lentini
St Thomian of Armagh
St Valerius of Limoges

St William of Bourges O.Cist (c 1140-1209) Archbishop of Bourges from 1200 until his death, Confessor, Monk, renowned for miracles and virtue.
About St William:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/10/saint-of-the-day-10-january-saint-william-of-bourges-o-cist-c-1140-1209/

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Saint of the Day – 9 January – Saint Waningus of Fécamp (Died c 688) Abbot

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Saint of the Day – 9 January – Saint Waningus of Fécamp (Died c 688) Monk, Abbot, Count and Royal Official , husband and father of Saint Desiderius of Fontenelle.  widower. Born in Rouen, France and died in c 688 of natural causes. Also known as – Waningus of Ham, Vaneng, Waneng, Wanging, Waning, Wanning. Additional Memorials – 31 January (Normandy, France), 15 February (Rouen, France), 23 September (translation of relics).

Born in Rouen, Waningus was Governor of the Pays de Caux in Neustria., N ormandy, at which time he took great pleasure in hunting. Nevertheless, he was very pious and particularly devout to Saint Eulalia of Barcelona.

One night he dreamt that she reminded him of the difficulties the rich had in entering Heaven. He heard that holy Virgin and Martyr repeat to him those words of our blessed “it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to be saved.”

Soon after, around 648, Waningus withdrew from Court to assist St Wandrille in founding Fontenelle Abbey and in building the Churches of Saints Peter and Paul.

About ten years later, after recovering from a serious illness, Waningus founded the Church of the Holy Trinity and the adjoining Abbey of the Holy Trinity at Fécamp for nuns. under the direction of Saint Owen and Saint Waningus as Abbot. He sheltered Saint Leodegarius when he was being pursued by his enemies.

This Saint is titular Patron of several Churches in Aquitain and Normandy and has given his name to the village of Saint Vaneng. His body is possessed in a rich Shrine, in the abbatial Church of our Lady at Ham, in Picardy, belonging to the regular canons of Saint Augustine.

The Abbey of the Holy Trinity in Fécamp (see below) was honoured by the Dukes of Normandy above all their other Monasteries and is the richest and most magnificent Abbey in Normandy.

Waningus entrusted his son, St Desiderius (died c 700) to be educated by the Abbot of Fontenelle. Desiderius later became a Monk at the Abbey. His Feast Day is kept on 18 December; his Relics are at Ghent, Belgium.

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The Seventh Day of the Octave of Christmas, Santa María la Real de Uxue / Our Lady of Uxue (Uxue, Spain) (8th Century) and Memorials of the Saints – 31 December

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The Seventh Day of the Octave of Christmas

Santa María la Real de Uxue / Our Lady of Uxue (Uxue, Spain) (8th Century) – 31 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/31/the-seventh-day-of-the-octave-of-christmas-santa-maria-la-real-de-uxue-our-lady-of-uxue-uxue-spain-8th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-31-december/

St Pope Sylvester I (Died 335) Papal Ascension 314. Bishop of Rome, Confessor.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/31/saint-of-the-day-st-pope-sylvester-i-died-335/

St Columba of Sens (c 256-273) Virgin Martyr.
The Roman Martyrology states: “At Sens in Lugdunense Gaul, now in France, Saint Colomba, Virgin and Martyr.”
Her Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/31/saint-of-the-day-31-december-saint-columba-of-sens-c-256-273-virgin-martyr/

Bl Dominic de Cubells
St Donatus of Rome
St Eustadius of Bourges
St Festus of Valencia
St Gelasius of Palestine
Bl Giuseppina Nicoli
St Hermes the Exorcist
Saint Marius Aventicus (c 530-594) Bishop

St Melania the Younger (c 383-439) Foundress, Desert Hermit, Wife, Mother, Widow.
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/31/saint-of-the-day-31-december-saint-melania-the-younger-c-383-439/

St Offa of Benevento
Bl Peter of Subiaco
St Pinian
St Potentian of Sens
St Sabinian of Sens
St Theophylact of Ohrid
Bl Walembert of Cambrai
Bl Wisinto of Kremsmünster
St Zeno of Rome
St Zoticus of Constantinople

Martyrs of Catania – 10 Saints: A group of early Christians Martyred together, date unknown. The only other information to survive are ten of their names – Attalus, Cornelius, Fabian, Flos, Minervinus, Pontian, Quintian, Sextus, Simplician and Stephen. They were martyred in Catania, Sicily, Italy.

Martyrs of Rome – 10 Saints: A group of Roman women Martyred in an early persecution, date unknown. We known the names of ten of them – Dominanda, Donata, Hilaria, Nominanda, Paolina, Paulina, Rogata, Rustica, Saturnina and Serotina.
Their relics were enshrined in the catacombs of Via Salaria, Rome, Italy.

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The Fifth Day of the Octave of Christmas, Unsere Liebe Frau vom Speyer / Our Lady of Speyer, Germany Featuring the Salve Regina and St Bernard (1146) and Memorials of the Saints – 29 December

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The Fifth Day of the Octave of Christmas

Unsere Liebe Frau vom Speyer / Our Lady of Speyer, Germany Featuring the Salve Regina and St Bernard (1146) – 29 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/29/the-fifth-day-of-the-octave-of-christmas-unsere-liebe-frau-vom-speyer-our-lady-of-speyer-germany-featuring-the-salve-regina-and-st-bernard-1146-and-memorials-of-the-saints-29-december/

St Thomas à Becket (1118-1170) Martyr, Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170. He engaged in conflict with Henry II, King of England, over the rights and privileges of the Church and was murdered by followers of the King in Canterbury Cathedral. Soon after his death, he was Canonised by Pope Alexander III.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/29/saint-of-the-day-29-december-st-thomas-a-becket-1118-1170/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/29/saint-of-the-day-29-december-st-thomas-a-becket-1118-1170-martyr-archbishop-of-canterbury/

St Aileran of Clonard
St Albert of Gambron
St Aproniano de Felipe González
St David the King

St Ebrulf of Ouche (c 626-c 706) Abbot, Hermit, Founder of many Monasteries, Married but separated by mutual agreement, Miracle-worker.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/29/saint-of-the-day-29-december-saint-ebrulf-of-ouche-c-626-7c-06/

St Enrique Juan Requena
St Florent of Bourges
Bl Francis Ruiz
Blessed Gérard Cagnoli OFM (c 1267-1342) Confessor, Lay Brother of the Friars Minor, Hermit.

St Girald of Fontenelle
St Jacinto Gutiérrez Terciado
St Juan Bautista Ferreres Boluda
St Libosus of Vaga
St Marcellus the Righteous
St Martinian of Milan
Bl Paul Mary
Bl Peter the Venerable
St Quartillosa of Carthage
St Thaddeus of Scythia
St Trophimus of Arles
St Trophimus of Ephesus

Blessed William Howard (1614–1680) Martyr, Married Laymam and Father, 1st Viscount Stafford. William was the grandson of the Venerable Philip Howard, Earl of Arundel, fifth son of Earl Thomas (the first great art collector of England) and Uncle of Thomas Philip – Cardinal Howard. Beatified on 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/29/saint-of-the-day-29-december-blessed-william-howard-1614-1680-martyr/

Martyrs of North Africa – 8 Saints: A group of Christians executed together for their faith. The only details to survive are eight names – Crescentius, Dominic, Honoratus, Lybosus, Primian, Saturninus, Secundus and Victor.

Martyrs of Rome – 3 Saints: A group of Christians executed together for their faith. The only details to survive are three names – Boniface, Callistus and Felix.

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St Stephen the ProtoMartyr, Madonna della Acheropita / Our Lady of Rossano, Italy (1140) and Memorials of the Saints – 26 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

St Stephen the ProtoMartyr (c 05-c 34) The Second Day in the Christmas Octave
St Stephen’s Story:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/26/saint-of-the-day-st-stephen-the-first-martyr-26-december-the-second-day-in-the-octave-of-christmas/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/26/saint-of-the-day-26-december-st-stephen-the-protomartyr-c-05-c-34-26-december/

Madonna della Acheropita, Maria Santissima Acheropita / Our Lady of Acheropita, Rossano, Italy (1140) – 26 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/26/st-stephen-the-protomartyr-c-05-c-34-feast-the-second-day-in-the-christmas-octave-madonna-della-acheropita-maria-santissima-acheropita-our-lady-of-acheropita-rossano-italy-1140-and-memoria/

St Abadiu of Antinoë
St Amaethlu of Anglesey
St Archelaus of Mesopotamia
Bl Daniel of Villiers

St Pope Dionysius (Died 268) Bishop of Rome from 22 July 259 to his death on 26 December 268. According to early Church records, Dionysius was the first Pope not Martyred for his Faith.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/26/saint-of-the-day-26-december-st-pope-dionysius-died-268/

St Euthymius of Sardis
St Evaristo
Blessed Giovanni Orsini (1333-1411) Cardinal Archbishop of Turin
Bl Jean of Hainaut
St Margaret of Hohenfels
Bl Marinus of Rome
Bl Paganus of Lecco
Bl Pierre Boffet
St Tathai of Wales
St Theodore the Sacristan

St Vincenza Maria Lopez (1847- 1890) Religious Sister, Founder of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/26/saint-of-the-day-26-december-saint-vincenza-maria-lopez-1847-1890/

St Zeno of Gaza

St Pope Zosimus (Died 418) Bishop of Rome from 18 March 417 to his death on 26 December 418, Confessor. Greek by birth, his short Pontificate was characterised by serious conflicts with the Bishops of Gaul and those of Africa.
St Zosimus’ Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/26/saint-of-the-day-saint-pope-zosimus-died-418/

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Notre-Dame de Chartres / Our Lady of Chartres, (1935) and Memorials of the Saints – 22 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Notre-Dame de Chartres / Our Lady of Chartres, (Pèlerinage de Chartres / The Chartres Pilgrimage) Mother of Youth (1935): also known as the Pilgrimage of Christendom, has been gathering thousands of people on the Solemnity of Pentecost for a three-day trek from the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris to the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Chartres:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/22/notre-dame-de-chartres-our-lady-of-chartres-pelerinage-de-chartres-the-chartres-pilgrimage-mother-of-youth-1935-and-memorials-of-the-saints-22-december/

St Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917) – Italian-American Religious Sister, who founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She was the first naturalised citizen of the United States to be canonised on 7 July 1946 by Pope Pius XII.
About St Frances:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-st-frances-xavier-cabrini-m-s-c-1850-1917/

St Abban of New Ross
Bl Adam of Saxony
St Amaswinthus of Málaga
St Athernaise of Fife
St Bertheid of Münster
St Chaeremon of Nilopolis

St Flavian of Acquapendente (Died 363) Martyr Layman, Prefect of Imperial Rome, Husband of Saint Dafrosa, Father of Saint Bibiana and Saint Demetria. The Roman Martyrology states: “At Rome, ex-Prefect, who, under Julian the Apostate, was condemned to be branded for Christ and banished to Aquae Taurinae, where he gave up his soul to God in prayer.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-saint-flavian-of-acquapendente-died-363-martyr/

St Honoratus of Toulouse

St Hungerus Frisus of Utrecht (Died 866) Bishop of Utrecht
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-saint-hungerus-frisus-of-utrecht-died-866/

St Ischirione of Alexandria

Blessed Jutta of Disibodenberg OSB (c 1084-1136) Nun of the Benedictine Order, Foundress and Abbess, Spiritual Director (most notably of St Hildegard of Bingen), Mystic, miracle worker.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-blessed-jutta-of-disibodenberg-osb-c-1084-1136/

Bl Ottone of Toulouse

Blessed Thomas Holland SJ (1600-1642) Priest of the Society of Jesus and Martyr. of England and Wales. With eyes closed in prayer, Fr Holland looked at a Priest secretly in the crowd and received absolution. After he was hanged, his body was beheaded and quartered and exposed on London Bridge. Fr Holland was only forty-two years of age and a Jesuit for eighteen years. Pope Pius XI Beatified him on 15 December 1929.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-blessed-thomas-holland-sj-1600-1642-priest-and-martyr-his-faith-was-his-crime/

St Zeno of Nicomedia

Martyrs of Ostia – 3 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together. The only details about them to survive are three names – Demetrius, Florus and Honoratus. They were martyred at Ostia, Italy.

Martyrs of Rhaitu – 43 Saints: 43 Monks Martyred by Blemmyes, in Raíthu, Egypt, date unknown.

Martyrs of Via Lavicana – 30 Saints: A group of 30 Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian.
c 303 in Rome, Italy and were buried between two bay trees on the Via Lavicana outside Rome.

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Feast of St Thomas, Apostle of Christ, Martyr, Notre-Dame de Saint-Acheul / Our Lady of Saint Acheul, France, (4th Century) and Memorials of the Saints – 21 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Day Six

Feast of St Thomas, Apostle of Christ, Martyr
His Feast was moved to 3 July in 1969
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/03/saint-of-the-day-feast-of-st-thomas-apostle-of-christ/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/03/feast-of-st-thomas-apostle-of-christ-martyr-3-july/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/03/saint-of-the-day-3-july-st-thomas-the-apostle-of-christ/

Notre-Dame de Saint-Acheul / Our Lady of Saint Acheul, Amiens, France, founded by Saint Firmin, Bishop (4th Century) – 21 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/21/feast-of-st-thomas-apostle-of-christ-christmas-novena-to-the-christ-child-day-six-notre-dame-de-saint-acheul-our-lady-of-saint-acheul-amiens-france-4th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

Bl Adrian of Dalmatia

St Anastasius II of Antioch (Died 609) Bishop and Martyr, Confessor, Defender of the Faith.
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-saint-anastasius-ii-of-antioch/

St Baudacarius of Bobbio
St Beornwald of Bampton
Bl Bezela of Göda

Blessed Daniel of the Annunciation OdeM Mercedarian Friar. Daniel was a Mercedarian Friar at the Monastery of Santa Maria della Pace in Naples, Italy. He was a staunch defender of the freedom of the Church from state control and of his Order.(13th Century?)
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-blessed-daniel-of-the-annunciation-odem/

St Dioscorus

Blessed Dominic Spadafora OP (1450-1521) Dominican Priest, renowned Preacher and Evangelist. His body is incorrupt.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-blessed-dominic-spadafora-op-1450-1521/

St Festus of Tuscany
St Glycerius of Nicomedia
St James of Valencia
St John of Tuscany
St John Vincent
St Micah the Prophet
St Severin of Trèves (Died c 300) Bishop, Confessor
Bl Sibrand of Marigård
St Themistocles of Lycia

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Nuestra Señora de Toledo / Our Lady of Toledo, Spain (The Chasuble of St Ildephonsus) (657) and Memorials of the Saints – 19 December

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Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus – Day Four

Nuestra Señora de Toledo (La Casulla de Santo Ildephonsus) / Our Lady of Toledo, Spain (The Chasuble of St Ildephonsus) (657) – 19 December:

Blessed Pope Urban V (1310-1370) Bishop of Rome from 28 September 1362 to his death in 1370, Priest, Benedictine Monk, Abbot, Canon lawyer, brilliant scholar, teacher.
About Blessed Pope Urban:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/19/saint-of-the-day-19-december-blessed-pope-urban-v-1310-1370/

St Adelaide of Susa (c 1014-1091) Countess, Married Laywoman
St Avitus of Micy
Bl Berengar of Banares

St Berardo Valeara OSB (c 1050-1122) Bishop of Teramo, Italy, Priest, Benedictine Monk at Monte Cassino, Reformer, Evangelist, Apostle of Charity and Peace.
His life:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/19/saint-of-the-day-st-berardo-valeara-of-teramo-osb-c-1050-1122/

St Boniface of Cilicia
Bl Cecilia of Ferrara
St Fausta of Sirmium
St Gregory of Auxerre
St Jaume Boguñá Casanovas
St Johannes Gogniat
St Jordi Sampé Tarragó
St Josep Albareda Ramoneda
Bl Konrad Liechtenau
St Manirus of Scotland (c 700-824) Confessor, Bishop, Missionary
St Meuris of Alexandria
St Nemesius of Alexandria
St René Dubroux
St Ribert of Saint-Oyend
St Thea of Alexandria
St Timothy the Deacon

Blessed William of Fenoli O.Cart. (1065-1120) Carthusian Monk, Hermit, Miracle-worker. Beatified on 29 March 1860 by Pope Pius IX (cultus confirmation).
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/19/saint-of-the-day-19-december-blessed-william-of-fenoli-o-cart-1065-1120/

Blessed Mercedarian Fathers – (6 Beati): A group of Mercedarian Friars noted for their dedication to the Order’s Rule, for their continuous prayer life and their personal piety.

  • Blessed Bartolomeo of Podio
  • Blessed Giovanni of Verdera
  • Blessed Guglielmo de Gallinaris
  • Blessed Guglielmo of Prunera
  • Blessed Pietro of Benevento
  • Blessed Pietro of Gualba

Martyrs of Nicaea – (4 Saints): A group of Christians Martyred together. The only surviving details are four of their names – Darius, Paul, Secundus and Zosimus. They were martyred at Nicaea, Bithynia (modern Izmit, Turkey).

Martyrs of Nicomedia – (5 Saints): A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little more than the names of five – Anastasius, Cyriacus, Paulillus, Secundus and Syndimius. They were martyred in 303 at Nicomedia, Asia Minor.

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Ember Saturday, Madonna del Terremoto / Our Lady of the Earthquake, Basilicata, Italy (1857) and Memorials of the Saints – 17 Decenber

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Ember Saturday – Fast and Abstinence

Christmas Novena Day Two

Madonna del Terremoto (Madonna del Carmine) / Our Lady of the Earthquake, Paterno, Potenza, Basilicata, Italy (1857) – 17 December. (As Patron-Our Lady of Carmel – 26 July):
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/17/christmas-novena-ember-day-madonna-del-terremoto-madonna-del-carmine-our-lady-of-the-earthquake-paterno-potenza-basilicata-italy-1857-and-memorials-of-the-saints-17-december/

St Lazarus of Bethany (1st Century) Friend amd Disciple of Jesus, raised to life by Jesus after having been in his tomb for 4 days, brother of Sts Martha and Mary of Bethany, Bishop of Marseilles, France, , Martyr, Missionary. Died by being beheaded in the 1st century in a cave near Marseilles, France.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-saint-lazarus-of-bethany-1st-century-friend-amd-disciple-of-jesus/
https://youtu.be/2lKQxnddtc0?list=PL5_ax08Z6UX_mLioFoTdw7kxsvLEwe9s5

St Briarch of Bourbriac
St Judicaël
St Maxentiolus
St Modestus of Jerusalem

St Olympias of Constantinople (c 361-365 – 408) Childless Widow, Diaconess, friend of St John Chrysostom, Apostle of charity and Founder of a Convent, hospital and an orphanage, Defender of the true faith.
About St Olympias:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-st-olympias-of-constantinople-c-361-365-408/

Bl Peter of Spain

St Sturmi of Fulda OSB (c 705-779) Priest, Monk, Missionary, disciple of Saint Boniface and Founder and first Abbot of the Benedictine Monastery and Abbey of Fulda. Known as “The Apostle of the Saxons,” “The Apostle of Germany.”
About St Sturmi:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-saint-sturmi-of-fulda-c-705-779/

St Tydecho
St Wivina (1103-c 1170) Virgin, Abbess
St Yolanda

Martyrs of Eleutheropolis – (60+ Martyrs-Beati): Approximately 60 Christian soldiers in the imperial Roman army of emperor Heraclius; they were murdered as a group for their faith by invading Saracen Muslims. We know the names of two of them – Calaoicus and Florian. 638 in Eleutheropolis (Beit Jibrin), Palestine.

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Accident Annie – 11 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Dear friends I took a tumble on Friday and have sprained my Mouse hand and wrist. I cannot do more than thumb type but it is healing well. I think another 2 days should do it with the help of your prayers which I beg. ♡ Ana

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Nostra Signora dell’Immacolata Concezione / Our Lady of the Conception, Naples, Italy (1618) and Memorials of the Saints – 9 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception

Nostra Signora dell’Immacolata Concezione / Our Lady of the Conception, Naples, Italy (1618) – 9 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/09/nostra-signora-dellimmacolata-concezione-our-lady-of-the-conception-naples-italy-1618-and-memorials-of-the-saints-9-december/

St Adam Scotus
Bl Agustín García Calvo *
St Auditor of Saint-Nectaire
St Balda of Jouarre
St Budoc of Brittany
Bl Carmen Rodríguez Banazal *
St Caesar of Korone
St Cephas
Ven Clara Isabella Fornari OSC (1697–1744) Virgin, Nun of the Poor Clares, Mystic, Stigmatist
St Cyprian of Perigueux
Bl Dolores Broseta Bonet *
Bl Estefanía Irisarri Irigaray *
St Ethelgiva of Shaftesbury
St Gorgonia
Bl Isidora Izquierdo García *
Bl José Ferrer Esteve *
Bl José Giménez López *
Bl Josefa Laborra Goyeneche *
Bl Josep Lluís Carrera Comas *
St Julian of Apamea
Bl Julián Rodríguez Sánchez *

St Leocadia of Toledo (Died c 304) Virgin Martyr. Hearing of the Martyrdom of St Eulalia, she prayed that God would not prolong her exile but unite her speedily with her beloved Lord in His glory.
Her Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/09/saint-of-the-day-9-december-saint-leocadia-of-toledo-died-c-304-virgin-martyr/

Blessed Liborius Wagner (1593-1631) Priest and Martyr, Confessor, Teacher.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/09/saint-of-the-day-9-december-blessed-liborius-wagner-1593-1631-priest-and-martyr/

Bl María Pilar Nalda Franco *
St Michaela Andrusikiewicz
St Nectarius of Auvergne

St Peter Fourier CRSA (1565-1640) “The Good Father of Mattaincourt,” Priest, Founder, Reformer, Confessor, Ascetic, Theologian, Teacher, Preacher, Apostle of Prayer, Penance and Charity, Marian devotee. Together with the Blessed Alix Le Clerc, in 1597, Fourier founded the Congregation of Notre Dame of Canonesses Regular of St Augustine, who were committed to the free education of children, taking a fourth vow to that goal. St Peter was Beatified on 20 January 1730 by Pope Benedict XIII and Canonised on 27 May 1897 by Pope Leo XIII.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/09/saint-of-the-day-9-december-st-peter-fourier-c-r-s-a-1565-1640/

St Proculus of Verona
Bl Recaredo de Los Ríos Fabregat *

St Syrus of Pavia (1st Century) The First Bishop og Pavia, Italy, Confessor, Miracle-worker, Defender of the Faith, Evangeliser.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/09/saint-of-the-day-9-december-saint-syrus-of-pavia-1st-century/

St Valeria of Limoges
St Wulfric of Holme

Blessed Mercedarian Fathers – (10 Beati): The memorial of ten Mercedarian Friars who were especially celebrated for their holiness.

  • Arnaldo de Querol • Berengario Pic • Bernardo de Collotorto • Domenico de Ripparia • Giovanni de Mora • Guglielmo Pagesi • Lorenzo da Lorca • Pietro Serra • Raimondo Binezes • Sancio de Vaillo

Martyred Salesians of Valencia – (5 Beati)

Martyrs of North Africa – (4 Saints): Twenty-four Christians murdered together in North Africa for their faith. The only details to survive are four of their names – Bassian, Peter, Primitivus and Successus.

Martyrs of Samosata – (7 Saints): Seven Martyrs crucified in 297 in Samosata (an area of modern Turkey) for refusing to perform a pagan rite in celebration of the victory of Emperor Maximian over the Persians. They are – Abibus, Hipparchus, James, Lollian, Paragnus, Philotheus and Romanus. They were crucified in 297 in Samosata (an area in modern Turkey).