Thursday, February 25, 2010

Saint Joan of Arc (Jeanne d'Arc also known as Jeanne la Pucelle, the Maid)

Feast Day: May 30

A peasant girl, Joan of Arc was born on January 6, 1412 in the village of Domremy, at the time of the Hundred Years’ War when Henry V of England begun invading Normandy.   The English king along with the Duke of Burgundy, were gobbling up more and more French territory and regions were being lost to the English and the Burgundians. Domremy is a frontier village and during her childhood several local raids occurred there.  On one occasion, as her village was being burned by the Burgundians, Joan along with her parents and siblings fled eight miles distant to Neufchatel.

St. Joan of Arc experienced her first vision at the age of 12, when she heard voices as she was out alone in the fields.  These “voices” are from St. Michael, St. Catherine of Alexandria, and St. Margaret who constantly spoke to her and which she afterward came to call her "counsel".  Gradually, the call of God was made known and the mission to take Charles to Rheims to be crowned, and to recover her homeland from English domination was revealed to her.  By May 1428, at the age of 16, the voices  insisted for Joan of Arc to see Robert Baudricourt who commanded for Charles VII in the neighboring town of Vaucouleurs and say that she was appointed to lead the Dauphin to his crowning. Baudricourt laughed and said that her father ought to give her a whipping.  His sarcastic response, however, did not deter Jeanne d’Arc to ask permission to visit the royal French court at Chinon.

In January 1429, Joan of Arc left Domremy to go again to Vaucouleurs where she made a notable prediction about a military reversal near Orléans. After a perilous journey through the territory of the Burgundians, Jeanne d'Arc reached Chinon on March 6.  Two days later, she was admitted into the presence of Charles VII.  On May 8, 1429, after overcoming opposition from prelates, courtiers and lawyers, the 17-year-old Joan was given a small army with which she raised the siege of Orleans.

Jeanne la Pucelle, the Maid, carried a sacred sword that bore a white banner adorned with lilies, and a holy cross with the names of  "Jesus, Maria,". The siege of Orleans was raised on the 9th of May and a series of spectacular military victories followed that led to Charles VII's coronation at Reims.  Joan stood proudly behind the King with her banner bearing the figure of God the Father with two kneeling angels and the words, "Jesus Maria" ; Jesus on the cross and a little girl offering to Our Lady a fleur-de-lis, the royal emblem of France.

During the fight, Joan was wounded in the shoulder by an arrow and in another incident was again injured and had to be dragged to safety.

After the winter truce, Jeanne d'Arc  hurried off to the aid of Compiegne where she was captured by the Burgundians and sold to the Duke of Bedford. After months of imprisonment, she was tried at Rouen by an ecclesiastical court and when she refused to retract the statement she had about her “counsel” who commanded her to do what she had done, she was condemned to death as a heretic and burned at the stake on May 30, 1431.  Joan of Arc was nineteen years old.

 Twenty-four years later, she was exonerated of all guilt and was declared a martyr.  She was beatified in 1909 and canonized in 1920.

St. Joan of Arc is the patroness of soldiers and of France.


Patronage:
St. Joan of Arc is the patron saint of France, soldiers, military personnel, and martyrs. She is also venerated as a symbol of courage, faith, and women's empowerment.


Prayer to St. Joan of Arc:
Saint Joan of Arc,
You who heard the voices of heaven and followed the divine calling with unwavering courage,
Intercede for us in our times of doubt and uncertainty.
Help us to find strength in adversity, just as you did on the battlefield.

May your example inspire us to stand up for justice, truth, and faith,
Even when faced with daunting challenges.
Guide us with your unwavering faith in God's plan,
And grant us the wisdom to discern His will in our lives.

Saint Joan of Arc, pray for us,
That we may have the courage to face our trials with grace and perseverance,
And that, like you, we may always trust in God's divine providence.

Amen.


Reflection:

*For Saint Joan of Arc to obey as she did, she must have had a deep relationship with God.  Because of this intimate relationship with Him, she is convinced of His existence and knows God’s nature and His “voice”.  This is shown in her ardent faith in God.   Someone who knows what God is like knows what his voice is like.  For this reason, she is able to obey despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

This brings to mind the responsorial psalm:  “I know my sheep and my sheep knows me”

John 10: 2-5 “But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.”

We will not recognize God’s voice unless we know Him and if we want to follow God’s will, we must know how to discern His leadings.

Discernment is the art of knowing the “voice” of God.

To Jeanne la Pucelle, the idea might well seem too absurd, but because of her intimate relationship with the “Shepherd” she knew what she was doing.  Saint Joan of Arc acted boldly.  She remained simple and never became conceited or self-seeking.  To her obeying God and doing what pleases Him (no matter the outcome) is her mission, and this she accomplished triumphantly.

*St. Joan of Arc's life reminds us of the incredible power of faith, determination, and conviction. She was a young woman from a humble background who, in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, followed what she believed to be a divine calling. Her courage and faith led her to achieve remarkable victories and inspire countless others.

In our own lives, we may not be called to lead armies or engage in epic battles, but we can draw inspiration from Joan's unwavering commitment to her beliefs and her willingness to stand up for what she knew was right. Her story reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we can find strength and purpose when we trust in God and follow our inner convictions.

On the Feast Day of St. Joan of Arc, let us reflect on our own journeys, our own callings, and our own convictions. May we find the courage to pursue them with faith and determination, just as she did, knowing that God's guidance and grace are always with us.


Friday, February 19, 2010

Saint Martin de Porres

Feast Day: November 3

The father of Martin de Porres was a Spanish knight & adventurer and his mother a colored freed-woman from Panama.  Martin de Porres was born on the 9th of December, 1579 in Lima, Peru.  Don Juan de Porres left Martin’s mother and just sent money every now and then.   Martin grew up in poverty and bore the stigma of having mixed blood and the shame of being an illegitimate child.  

When Martin turned 8, his father sent money for him and his sister to go to school. At age 12, he became an apprentice to a barber-surgeon where he learned to cut hair as well as to draw blood, prepare medicinal herbs, set broken bones and to properly care for the sick.  It was also during this time that he became a servant in the Holy Rosary Dominican priory.  At fifteen, he was allowed to become a lay brother at the Dominican Friary and was placed in charge of the infirmary.

St. Martin de Porres spent much time in prayer and meditation and had a great devotion to the sacrament of the Eucharist.  God endowed him with many supernatural graces and lights.  There are recorded instances when he was seen bi-locating or was inside the chapel levitating and so filled with love for Christ.  He went about curing the sick and giving alms to the poor; helped the farm laborers, Negroes and mulattoes.  He was good-natured and charitable and thus gained the name “Martin the charitable”.  He is also known as the first Black Saint from the Americas.


Patronage:

Animals: St. Martin de Porres is the patron saint of animals, especially for those who care for and show kindness to them.

Racial Harmony: He is also venerated as a symbol of racial harmony and social justice due to his mixed-race heritage and his tireless efforts to help all people, regardless of their background.


Prayer to St. Martin de Porres:

O compassionate St. Martin de Porres, you who humbly served the marginalized and cared for the suffering, we turn to you in our times of need. You, who showed love to all, regardless of their race or station in life, inspire us to follow your example of boundless charity.

Help us to embrace humility and find joy in serving others, especially those who are most in need. Intercede for us, dear Saint, in our petitions for healing, unity, and harmony among all people. Pray for us that we may become instruments of God's love and peace in the world.

St. Martin de Porres, patron of animals and advocate for social justice, we seek your guidance and intercession. Amen.


Reflection:

*What amazes me about Saint Martin de Porres is his profound humility.  He had suffered much and had experienced terrible humiliation yet instead of wallowing in self-pity  or  instead of redeeming himself by compensating or retaliating he continued to live in self- imposed poverty and reached out to the sick, the poor and the oppressed.  To me, this is a clear evidence that he was able to transcend the prejudice and humiliation he went through in his childhood.

 This reminds me of the quote from Mother Teresa about if you are humble nothing can hurt you.  Here's an  accurate quote on that one:

"Humility is the mother of all virtues; purity, charity and obedience.  It is in being humble that our love becomes real, devoted and ardent.  If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.  If you are blamed you will not be discouraged.  If they call you a saint you will not put yourself on a pedestal." 
-Mother Teresa of Calcutta, 'The Joy in Loving' page 363


 To Martin de Porres, only God suffices. His knowledge of the greatness of God, made him aware of his dignity as a child of God as well as his nothingness.  Though he is nothing, God loves him profoundly.  This experience of God’s love is all that mattered.  God’s love redeemed Martin and healed him of his pains.  To Saint Martin de Porres, God’s love was the source of all the love he generously shared to the poor, the sick and the unwanted and he looked on these poor people the way he looked at himself - a child of God.

* In God’s great wisdom, He chose Martin de Porres, an illegitimate, Negro to be a Saint to show that His love is universal.  

* St. Martin de Porres' life reminds us of the profound impact one person can have through simple acts of kindness and selfless service. His example teaches us to look beyond outward appearances and prejudices, to see the inherent dignity in every person, and to treat all with love and compassion.

As we celebrate his feast day, let us reflect on how we can emulate his virtues in our own lives. May we find joy in humble service, reach out to those in need, and work towards a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race or background. St. Martin de Porres, pray for us and help us be agents of love, unity, and peace in our communities and in the world.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini

Feast Day: November 13


St. Frances was born in Lombardi, Italy on July 15, 1850. She was the thirteenth child of a farmer's family and was educated to be a school teacher.

In her teens, she desired to become a Nun, but poor health stood in her way. The idea however, never deserted her so she sought admission from one religious order to another only to be rejected over and over.  Finally, Monsignor Serrati, saw her potential and assigned her to a small orphanage which had been poorly managed and the funds squandered.  Despite this, Frances attracted other recruits to the community.  She made her vows  and took the religious habit in September 1877.   Eventually, at the request of her Bishop, St Frances Xavier Cabrini  founded the "Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart" to care for poor children in schools and hospitals.    Along with her are 6 other sisters from the orphanage.

St Frances Cabrini's time marked the period of great migrations to America.  In Italy, Bishop Scalabrini, spoke to her about the religious and social conditions of the Italian immigrants in the States and pleaded her to go there.

Even with her frail condition, Frances Cabrini along with other six sisters traveled to New York City to work among the thousands of Italian immigrants.  Upon arriving, they were told that the house intended to be Cabrini’s first orphanage in the United States was not available. Cabrini was advised to return, but determined to establish the orphanage and believing that this was God’s will for her, she refused to leave.  St Frances Xavier Cabrini set up  orphanages and schools for the Scalabrini Fathers; organized schools and adult education classes for the immigrants as well as put up hospitals in New York and Chicago and a mission in New Orleans. She didn’t stop there but went all the way to Nicaragua, South America, England and Spain to set up schools and hospital.  At the time of her death, on December 22, 1917, at Chicago, Illinois.  Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini founded nearly seventy institutions dedicated to caring for the poor, abandoned, uneducated and the sick.  In these institutions, she was known to have an astute business sense and fine administrative abilities.

In 1946, she was elevated to sainthood by Pope Pius XII making Frances Xavier Cabrini the first American citizen to be canonized. One of the miracles attributed to her was the complete healing of the baby accidentally blinded at birth.

Patronage:
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini is the patron saint of immigrants, hospital administrators, and the Universal Church.

Prayer:
Dear St. Frances Xavier Cabrini,
You who dedicated your life to serving the needs of immigrants and the marginalized,
We turn to you in times of uncertainty and change,
Asking for your intercession and guidance.

Help us to have the courage and compassion you displayed,
As we strive to welcome and support those who seek refuge in our land,
Grant us the strength to see the face of Christ in every person we encounter,
And inspire us to work tirelessly for justice and equality.

St. Cabrini, patroness of immigrants and hospital administrators,
Pray for us, that we may follow your example of selflessness and love.
Amen.


Reflection:

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini is a woman of prayer and action.  Surely, she met disappointment and difficulties in executing these tasks but her deep trust in God gave her the strength to continue doing Christ's work.  She always accepted challenging moments in her life with patience and love. And because of her persistence and desire to give herself wholly to God she became a pioneer worker for the Italian immigrants and established orphanages, schools, and hospitals, in over eight countries in Europe, North, Central and South America.

Mother Cabrini is a source of inspiration to women of today.  She is consistent and uncompromising in her faith and values.  By balancing prayer and action whether in taking care of the children, cooking, cleaning the house or working or running an institution…..etc.  Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini proclaimed Christ not only by words, but by example and service as well.  

As we reflect on her life and work, may we also be moved to reach out to the marginalized and offer them the compassion and support they deserve. St. Cabrini's dedication to serving immigrants reminds us of our duty to welcome and care for those who seek refuge and a better life, just as she did during her lifetime.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz




Feast Day: September 28

Lorenzo Ruiz was born in Binondo, Manila on November 28, 1594.  His father was Chinese and his mother Filipino.  During his youth, Lorenzo was educated by the Dominican Fathers and from them he learned the fundamentals of faith.  He became the errand boy of the friars and was an altar boy at Binondo convent.  As he grew older, he was employed as their "escribano" because of his skillful hand.

Lorenzo is a devout Catholic and was a great devotee of the Blessed Virgin.  He was blessed with two sons and a daughter and had a happy and harmonious married life.  Things changed, however, when he found himself being accused of a crime he did not commit after having an argument with a Spaniard. Fearing for his life, he sought to escape and when he learned that the Dominicans were preparing to embark on a mission to Japan, he joined the group.  He bade goodbye to his loved ones and left the Philippines with a heavy heart.

The expedition was a clandestine one for the Christians were hunted down, persecuted and put to death in Japan at that time.  His intention, at the start was to remain in Macau to earn a living for his family.  But St. Lorenzo Ruiz changed his plan and decided to be a missionary instead.  Not many days after their arrival in Okinawa, the missionaries were arrested and thrown into prison. Two years after, they were brought in a torture chamber in Nagasaki. There they suffered incredible torture as they were hung by their feet and were submerged in water which brought some of his companions to recant their faith. There were beaten and needles were inserted inside their finger nails while they were being questioned.

"If we grant you your life, are you willing to renounce your faith?"

To this St. Lorenzo Ruiz answered:

"I am a Christian and this I profess, and although I did not come to Japan to become a martyr, I am now willing to give up my life for God. You can do with me as you will please."

On September 1637, muzzled and hand tied the prisoners marched to the place of execution.  Saint Lorenzo Ruiz was hanged head down inside a small pit called a 'horca y hoya'.  Only his limbs were seen from above the ground.  To slow down the flow of blood, he was bound and his flesh slightly cut.  For three days, his torturer left him this way. Their bodies were burned and the ashes were thrown into the sea.

He and his companions were beatified by Pope John Paul II during the Papal visit to Manila on 18 February 1981.  He was canonized on October 18, 1987.

 He is recognized as the first Filipino Saint and Martyr.


Patronage:
St. Lorenzo Ruiz is the patron saint of several causes and groups, including:

Filipino Youth: He is a role model for Filipino youth, exemplifying faith, courage, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Filipino migrants and overseas workers: St. Lorenzo Ruiz's story resonates with the struggles of Filipino migrants and overseas workers, offering them inspiration and intercession.


Prayer to St Lorenzo Ruiz:

O Holy Martyr Lorenzo Ruiz,
You faced persecution and suffering
with unwavering faith and love for Christ.
You remained steadfast in your beliefs
and willingly endured torment and death
rather than renounce your faith.
Pray for us, dear saint,
that we may find the strength and courage
to stand firm in our beliefs
and remain faithful to Christ in the face of adversity.
Intercede for all Filipinos and migrants
who seek your protection and guidance.
Amen.


Reflections:

* The life of St. Lorenzo Ruiz reminds us of the power of faith and the strength of the human spirit. He endured unimaginable suffering and remained unwavering in his commitment to his Christian beliefs. His story is an inspiration to all who face trials and tribulations in life.

In our own lives, we may encounter challenges and difficulties that test our faith and resolve. St. Lorenzo Ruiz teaches us the importance of standing firm in our convictions, even when the world around us may be hostile or uncertain. His example reminds us that true strength comes from our faith in God and our willingness to endure hardships for the sake of our beliefs.

Let us reflect on the courage and faith of St. Lorenzo Ruiz and seek his intercession when we face adversity in our own lives. May his story inspire us to live with unwavering faith and to remain steadfast in our devotion to Christ, no matter the circumstances.

*Anyone can be a saint. Saint Lorenzo Ruiz or more known to Filipinos as San Lorenzo Ruiz is an ordinary man.  Just like us, he simply wants to have a happy, peaceful, harmonious life.  However, his circumstances changed and he was thrust into a situation so complicated.   Yet, even if he didn’t want what was happening in his life, Saint Lorenzo Ruiz faced it with unwavering courage and unyielding faith and trust in God.  In the end, he willingly gave his life to a God who is truly deserving of all Saint Lorenzo Ruiz can offer.

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz encourages us to never lose faith and to always trust in God no matter what.  Surely, God was with him during those terrible last days and though his body was suffering, his soul found happiness, peace and assurance that his suffering was not in vain.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Saint Vincenta Maria Lopez y Vicuña





Feast Day: December 26

Saint Vicenta Maria Lopez y Vicuña was born at Cascante, Spain in March 24, 1847. Vicenta had a happy childhood. She was a daughter of a famous lawyer, reared in a Catholic home and educated in Madrid. She may have had a good chance of living a comfortable life yet she chose the way of austerity and sacrifice. Vicenta’s uncle was a priest while her aunt was a nun who founded a home for domestic servants. This perhaps, fostered her attraction to religious life. At 23, she too became a nun and organized a group of ladies to protect and promote the welfare of the working girls- This was the beginning of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate. Along with this, Vicenta Maria founded several foundations, technical training schools, hostels, canteen, and provided these working girls boarding houses while they are away from home. She was a mother and homemaker to them, helping and teaching them in the ways of the Lord.

Her congregation spread throughout Spain and other parts of Europe as well as in Latin America. She endured many trials and difficulties which she faced with courage and faith. Saint Vicenta Maria died on December 26, 1890. Sixty years after her death and through numerous graces obtained through her intercession, she was canonized Saint.


Patronage:

St. Vicuña is considered a patroness of vulnerable children, young women, and all those who work to protect and care for them. Her life serves as an example of selflessness and devotion to the welfare of others, particularly those in difficult circumstances.


Prayer St. Vicuña:

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the life and legacy of St. Vicuña, who dedicated her life to the care and protection of vulnerable children and young women. Through her example, may we be inspired to show compassion and love to those in need, especially those who are marginalized and oppressed.

St. Vicuña, pray for us, that we may follow your path of selfless service and be a source of hope and healing for those who are most in need. Help us to be instruments of your mercy and grace in the world. Amen.



Reflection:


*What could have prompted Saint Vicenta Maria to abandon a life of comfort and live an austere life for others? LOVE.
In her desire to give herself totally to God, she gave up all that she had and all that she might have been. She love God abundantly (a love that she first received from God) and that love overflowed to her neighbors.

* St. Vicuña's life reminds us of the profound impact one person's compassion and dedication can have on the lives of others. Her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a beacon of hope for countless young girls and women serves as a powerful reminder that each of us has the potential to make a difference in the world. As we celebrate her feast day, let us reflect on the ways we can extend kindness and support to those who are marginalized and vulnerable in our own communities, and may we find inspiration in her unwavering faith and love for others.