Saint Thomas Aquinas

Feast Day: January 28
Doctor of the Church (Angelicus Doctor), Prince of Scholastics


Born at Rocca Secca in the Kingdom of Naples, the year of Thomas’ birth is not certain; either 1225 or 1227.

His father, Landulph, was Count of Aquino while his mother, Theodora, was Countess of Teano. His family was related to the Emperors Henry VI and Frederick II, and to the Kings of Aragon, Castile, and France.

At the age of five, as it was the custom of that time, he was sent to obtain his first training from the Benedictines of Monte Casino then to the University of Naples around 1236. At the age of seventeen, in spite of the opposition of his family, he entered the Order of St. Dominic in Naples.

At the request of their mother, the brothers of Thomas, who were soldiers under the Emperor Frederick, took him back forcibly and imprisoned him in the fortress of San Giovanni. He was detained nearly two years; they even went so far as to send a beautiful young lady into Thomas’ room for the purpose of alluring him. But as soon as the lady came inside, he drew a burning stick from the fire and drove her out from his room.

These long months of imprisonment were not put to waste, however, for Thomas spent his time reading the valuable books (Holy Scriptures, Aristotle's Metaphysics, and the "Sentences" of Peter Lombard),which his kind sister obtained for him.

After eighteen months or so in confinement and with all their efforts put in vain, her mother relented and Thomas was set free.

He was ordained priest in 1250. Upon the advice of Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas then journeyed to Paris to continue his studies and to teach in their Study House. This may be regarded as the beginning of his public career, for his teaching soon attracted the attention of both the professors and the students. Subsequently, St. Thomas began teaching, lecturing and writing. At the same time, he also began to publish his first works.

The reputation of Saint Thomas as a Philosopher and theologian spread far and wide, and he was frequently invited to preach and give lectures.

In due time, Saint Thomas was admitted to the degree of Doctor in Theology. By the age of thirty-one, he received his doctorate.

On his way to the second Council of Lyons, he fell sick and died at the Cistercian monastery of Fossa Nuova in 1274 leaving the "Summa Theologica" unfinished.

St. Thomas was one of the greatest and most influential theologians of all time. But despite that, he remained childlike. Once, there was this friar who made a ruse about a horse flying over the priory. The friars were laughing at Thomas as he ran to the window to look at the flying horse. Laughing at himself, he added, “I thought it was easier for a horse to fly than for a friar to utter a lie”.

Saint Thomas was canonized in 1323 and declared Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius V.

Patronage:

St. Thomas Aquinas is the patron saint of a variety of individuals and groups, including theologians, philosophers, academics, Catholic schools, universities, and students. He is also often invoked by those seeking to understand and deepen their faith through intellectual exploration.

Prayer to St Thomas Aquinas:

O God, who inspired St. Thomas Aquinas with an ardent love for knowledge and truth, and who enabled him to harmonize faith and reason, we humbly ask for your guidance and wisdom. May we, like him, seek to understand the mysteries of our faith and the world around us with a heart full of devotion and a mind open to the light of reason.

St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church, intercede for us before the throne of grace. Help us to navigate the challenges of our time, especially in matters of faith and morality. Grant us the courage to pursue truth relentlessly, and may our pursuit of knowledge always lead us closer to you, the source of all wisdom.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Reflections:

Before he began his study, Saint Thomas always prays for God's assistance, for he acknowledged that not all truths are learned by human intellect alone but that some truths are known through revelation (God revealing the truth to us) and through experience (our own personal experience of God).

For Saint Thomas Aquinas, faith and reason are not in conflict.
The fullness of truth is found only in God.
Saint Thomas Aquinas' constant search for truth is essential in a life dedicated to the pursuit of sanctity and perfect charity.

 St. Thomas also teaches us the importance of humility. Despite his incredible intellect, he remained humble and open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He recognized that human knowledge is limited, and our understanding of God's mysteries is always incomplete.

Here's a video I saw in YouTube (Fr. Barron comments on St. Thomas Aquinas) that I'd like to share with you.
 

Saint Genevieve

Feast Day: January 3 

St. Genevieve was born at Nanterre near Paris around the year 422. She was seven years old when Bishop Germanus of Auxerre along with Bishop Lupus of Troyes, stopped at Nanterre, on their way to Great Britain to contest the heresy of Pelagius. Amidst the crowd, Genevieve eagerly listened as her father hoisted her up to his shoulder so that she could have a better view. Her fervor attracted the attention of Bishop Germanus that at the end of his sermon he gave Genevieve a medal engraved with a cross.

At age 15, Genevieve took her religious vows. During her lifetime she had visions and prophesied future events. But these special favors caused her so much suffering for her visions and prophecies were treated as frauds and deceits. Yet, in spite of it she continued to do the will of God.

In 449, the barbaric tribe of the Franks besieged the city of Paris. King Childeric planned on starving the people for them to surrender. Genevieve helped the soldiers procure grain for the starving citizens and though Paris came under enemy control, King Childeric of the Franks respected Genevieve, and at her request spared the lives of many citizens.

Then in the year 451, Attila the Hun went marching toward Rome; Paris lay in his path. The people were terrified and prepared to flee. But Genevieve gathered the people of Paris in prayer for God’s protection. “Do not run to fortified castles in the countryside, but run to your churches here in Paris. Do not rely on arms and armies, but put your trust in God.” She also urged them to do works of penance; and her exhortations prevailed. The barbarians, for no apparent reason, suddenly changed the route of the march, leaving Paris untouched.

The life of St. Genevieve was one of great asceticism and constant prayer and this is seen in her love for the people and her country.

Genevieve was eighty nine when she died.

Patronage:

Saint Genevieve is the patron saint of Paris, France, and is also venerated as the patroness of various other causes, including:

Catastrophes: Due to her reputation for interceding in times of crisis, she is often invoked for protection during natural disasters and calamities.

Bakers and Butchers: Genevieve is said to have saved the city of Paris from famine on multiple occasions, making her a patron of those who provide sustenance through food.

Women: She is often seen as a symbol of strong female devotion and leadership within the Christian faith.

Prayer to Saint Genevieve:

"Saint Genevieve, holy patroness of Paris and protector in times of need, we humbly ask for your intercession. Just as you guided the people of Paris with your faith and courage, please watch over us in our daily lives. Help us to be charitable, to have strength in times of adversity, and to live our lives in service to others, just as you did. May your example inspire us to follow the path of faith and goodness. Amen."

Reflection:

*Genevieve believed in God and she followed God’s leadings. Despite the calumny she suffered she continued to do God‘s will, that’s how she trusted God. She would rather go through the shame of being maligned than risk being told “Oh, you of little faith!” To her pleasing God is all that matters.

*How people easily believe in rumors and yet remain skeptical in the word of God. Our egos and self-righteousness hinder us from hearing the message; we tend to see only the messenger, who is just like us, a sinner. “Why would God choose her or him over me? “ “What has she or he done to deserve God’s favor?” In our efforts to belittle others to look better ourselves, we misuse our energy and fail to see the loving God behind the messenger and the message.

*St. Genevieve showed us that it is indeed by the path of fidelity, and not by the path of feelings or reasoning that we will know God and begin to hear His voice.

Saint Francis de Sales

Feast Day: January 24


Francis de Sales was born to a wealthy family in France in 1567. His parents intended for him to become a lawyer, but Francis believed he is pre-destined to be a priest.

During the time of the Protestant reformation (1517-1648), Francis decided to go to Switzerland then a Calvinist territory, to convert around 60,000 Calvinists back to Catholicism. Everyone thought this to be an absurd plan that even his father refused to help him.  By the time he left, he only got one supporter - his cousin.

They trudged through the countryside enduring the bitter winter and patiently evangelizing from district to district.  Doors shut in their faces and rocks thrown at them.  After three years with not a single convert, his cousin left him alone.

Francis kept on praying and continually searched for ways to reach the people.  As no one would even open their doors to him, he wrote out his sermons, made several copies of it and slipped them under the doors. These tracts consist of the leading dogmas of the Church and the logical reasoning behind the teachings of the Church. This first recorded religious tracts were later collected and printed in a volume called Catholic Controversy: St. Francis De Sales Defense of the Faith

By the time Francis left to go back to France, he is said to have converted 40,000 Calvinists back to Catholicism.

In 1602, Francis was made bishop of the diocese of Geneva, another Calvinist territory.
 He believed that the foremost duty of a bishop was spiritual direction.  Francis gave spiritual direction to lay people and proved with his own life that people can grow in holiness even when they are not called for “religious life”.  To keep his flock strong in faith he wrote books such as Introduction to Devout Life, Treatise on the Devout Life and Treatise of the Love of God.   Francis advice to busy people is to "Retire at various times into the solitude of your own heart, even while outwardly engaged in discussions or transactions with others and talk to God."

Through his zeal and kind preaching he brought encouragement and guidance to innumerable persons, one of whom was St. Jane Frances de Chantal.

Patronage:

St. Francis de Sales is the patron saint of writers, journalists, and the Catholic press due to his prolific writings and his efforts to use the written word to spread the faith.

Prayer to St Francis de Sales:

O God, who through Saint Francis de Sales

gave us a great teacher of the devout life,

grant that we may learn to follow his teachings

and practice his virtues with ardent love for You.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Reflection:

* Saint Francis de Sales' life and teachings emphasize the importance of gentleness, patience, and love in spreading the message of faith. His approach to spirituality encourages us to lead lives of devotion and holiness in the midst of our daily routines. Let us strive to emulate his example by approaching our faith with sincerity, compassion, and a deep love for God and our fellow human beings. May his intercession guide us in our journey toward a more devout and meaningful life.

* St. Francis de Sales love for God enabled him to surpass all the obstacles, even conquering his own temper and impatience.  He was convinced of the existence of God and the teachings of the Church instituted by Christ that he defended God and His Church amidst all the difficulties and seemingly hopeless efforts.  He shared this love with others by patiently bringing people to God and accompanying them on their spiritual journey so that they too will experience and see for themselves this wonderful, awesome God.

Saint Nicholas

Feast Day: December 6

St. Nicholas, also known as Nicholas of Myra, was a Christian bishop who lived in the Roman province of Lycia, in what is now modern-day Turkey, during the 4th century. He is one of the most beloved and widely venerated saints in both the Eastern Orthodox and Western Christian traditions. St. Nicholas was born around the year 270 AD in the city of Patara, in Asia Minor. He came from a wealthy family and was raised in the Christian faith.

St. Nicholas is renowned for his extraordinary acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion. One of the most famous stories associated with him tells of how he secretly provided a dowry to three poor sisters to save them from a life of destitution and potential slavery. According to the legend, he threw bags of gold through the girls' window at night, which landed in stockings or shoes drying by the fireplace, giving rise to the tradition of hanging stockings for Christmas.

In addition to his charitable acts, St. Nicholas was known for his strong faith and commitment to the Christian Church. He was consecrated as Bishop of Myra and became a defender of the Christian faith during a time of persecution. St. Nicholas was imprisoned and suffered for his beliefs but remained steadfast in his commitment to Christ.

St. Nicholas died on December 6, 343 AD, and his death is commemorated on this date in the Christian calendar. He was interred in the Church of St. Nicholas in Myra, which became a popular pilgrimage site. Over the centuries, devotion to St. Nicholas spread throughout Europe, and he became the patron saint of various groups and causes, including sailors, children, and merchants.

Patronage:

St. Nicholas is the patron saint of:

Children: St. Nicholas is known for his care and love for children, which is why he is often associated with the modern figure of Santa Claus.

Sailors: Due to his connection to the sea and maritime miracles attributed to him.

Merchants and Shopkeepers: His reputation for generosity and protection of those in need made him a natural patron for merchants and traders.

Repentant Thieves: St. Nicholas is believed to have intervened on behalf of thieves who repented of their crimes.

Feast Day:

St. Nicholas's feast day is celebrated on December 6th in the Western Christian tradition and on December 19th in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. These dates commemorate his death and his entry into heavenly glory.

Prayer to St. Nicholas:

O Holy St. Nicholas,

You who gave to the poor and protected the innocent,

Intercede for us before the throne of God.

Guide us in acts of charity and selflessness,

That we may follow your example of love.

You who watched over sailors in the storm,

Be our protector in times of danger and uncertainty.

Lead us safely through the tempests of life,

And help us find our way to the shores of peace.

Bless our children with your loving care,

And grant us the wisdom to nurture their faith.

Strengthen our hearts, O Nicholas,

To be beacons of hope and kindness in this world.

Amen.

Reflection:

St. Nicholas's life reminds us of the transformative power of selfless love and generosity. In a world often marred by selfishness and materialism, his example encourages us to look beyond our own needs and reach out to those less fortunate. Whether it's through acts of kindness, charity, or simply lending a helping hand to those in need, we can all strive to embody the spirit of St. Nicholas and make the world a better place for others. His unwavering faith and dedication to his beliefs also serve as a reminder that faith can sustain us through life's challenges, and that our convictions should guide our actions and choices. St. Nicholas continues to inspire countless people to this day, urging us to be a source of light and hope in the lives of those around us.

Christ is the reason why we celebrate Christmas.  So, let us put Christ back into Christmas for this is the greatest gift we can have this season.

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal (Jeanne-Francoise Fremyot)

Feast Day:  August 12

Jeanne-Francoise Fremyot was born in 1572 and raised in a Catholic family during the time of the Protestant reformation.  Her mother died before she turned 2.

At age 20, she got married to Baron Christopher de Chantal.  They shared many common interests, loved each other very much and were blessed with 4 children.  After 9 years of marriage,  Christopher was mortally wounded in a hunting accident.  For 9 days, Jane Frances de Chantal suffered intense agony.  She beseeched God to take everything she has in this world save for her husband.  Nevertheless, Christopher died. (Over the course of her life, she experienced the death of her stepmother, her sister and her first 2 children).

However friends and family tried to distract her, Jane was inconsolable.  After months of mourning, her father-in-law invited her to stay with them at Monthelon.  She busied herself with the family estate and continued to carry out her charitable works.  During this time, she had been feeling a strong attraction to religious life.

In the lent of 1604, she received an invitation from her brother to meet the Bishop of Geneva who was coming over to their hometown, Dijon, France to preach.  Jane was deeply touched by Bishop Francis de Sales’ sermon.  Five months later, the bishop became her spiritual director.

Jane Frances de Chantal had everything to live for and yet she chose to be a nun.

Under the direction of Francis de Sales, the Visitation Sisters, a religious order was formed.  The name of the congregation was after the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth.   A combination of contemplation depicted by the Blessed Virgin’s prayer –The Magnificat (considered as the most spiritual and contemplative canticle ever written) and the charity toward neighbor that Mary showed by serving Elizabeth.  A contemplative in action - the Visitation Sisters share a common life centered on prayer and balanced with action as they go out to care for the poor and the sick.

These years of productivity and accomplishments were also years of spiritual darkness for Jane de Chantal.  She was plague with temptation and for 41 years Jane struggled to fight it.

One of St. Francis de Sales’ advice to Jane was to seek God’s will in her everyday life and to love God’s will.

Jane Frances de Chantal was a beacon to many.  And to St. Vincent de Paul, who began the Sisters of Charity to serve the poor, Jane Frances de Chantal (Jeanne-Francoise de Chantal) was an inspiration.

Patronage:

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal is the patron saint of widows, parents separated from their children, and the Visitation Sisters. Her dedication to family life and her ability to overcome personal hardships make her a source of inspiration for many.

Prayer:

Dear Saint Jane Frances de Chantal,

You who experienced the joys and sorrows of marriage, widowhood, and motherhood,

Help us to find strength in times of trial and to trust in God's providence.

Guide us in our daily lives, that we may show kindness, gentleness, and humility to all we encounter.

Intercede for us, dear Saint Jane Chantal, and grant us the grace to live a life of devotion and service to others, just as you did.

Amen.

Reflection:

* God's love is ineffable.  No one on earth, not even the ones who loved you that most can even come close to God's love for us. God wants us to experience this deep, everlasting love. And once we are captivated by His love, we can't help but love Him back. This love of Christ leads to imitation of Christ.  And serving and loving others is the result of knowing and loving God.
God removed all the things that hinders Jane from experiencing God's indescribable love.  In due course, Jane de Chantal lived this love and became a true disciple of God.

* St. Jane Chantal's life teaches us the importance of faith, resilience, and compassion. She faced personal tragedies and challenges but remained devoted to God and her calling. Her dedication to helping those in need, regardless of their circumstances, reminds us of the profound impact one person can have on the world through acts of love and kindness. As we reflect on her life, let us strive to emulate her virtues of gentleness, humility, and unwavering faith in God's plan for us.

Saint Thomas More

Feast Day: June 22


Early Life

Thomas was born in 1478. His father, Sir John More, is a judge at the royal court. While still a child, Thomas was sent to St. Anthony's School in London and at 13, was placed in the household of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The boy’s merry disposition and brilliant intellect attracted the notice of the archbishop, who sent him to Canterbury College of the Benedictines at Oxford. Thomas took interest in law, French, Greek, Latin, history, math and learned to play the flute as well as the violin. He also involved himself in mini-comedies and epigrams.

His father sent him to law school in London and at the age of 21, Thomas More was a lawyer himself. His great abilities had attracted attention and he was appointed lecturer on law and his lectures were highly esteemed that the appointment was renewed for three successive years. At 26, he joined the House of Commons wherein he began to oppose the large and unjust exactions of money which King Henry VII was making from his subjects.

Successful Career

By 1510, Thomas became a legal advisor to the mayor and a judge in civil cases.
He went to live near the London Charterhouse and has taken part in the spiritual exercises of the monks there. His mind wavered for some time between joining the Carthusians or the Franciscans. In the end, he abandoned the hope of becoming a priest or religious and married Jane Colt, the 17-year-old daughter of a country squire. Of it were born three daughters, Margaret, Elizabeth, and Cecilia, and a son, John. After about 6 year, Jane More died. Thomas married again very soon after his first wife's death and he chose a widow named Alice Middleton, who became devoted to the care of More's young children.

Despite his busy political career, he is a devoted family man and has maintained the deep ascetical life. Thomas was good humored and can pull out jokes and find laughter even from things that are most serious.

The Mores kept an open house and invited poor neighbors in for dinner and even let them sleep over at their house. He also put up a hospital. Thomas is known for his sense of justice, humor and integrity.

King’s Favorite

In 1521, Thomas was knighted; made sub-treasurer to the king and was nominated speaker in Parliament. Sir Thomas More came to be the favorite of the King.

Thomas had purchased a piece of land in Chelsea. Here, he built himself a mansion about a hundred yards from the north bank of the Thames, with a large garden stretching along the river. The king would sometimes visit without previous notice and he loved to dine with Thomas or walk in the garden with his arm amicably flung over More's shoulder, enjoying his brilliant conversation. In 1525, Sir Thomas More became Chancellor, controlling the courts of Lancaster and managing the properties of the king.

Sights Set on God

But the Chancellor had no illusions about the royal favor he enjoyed.

When Henry VIII appealed to Rome for a dispensation from his marriage with Catherine of Aragon, Henry hoped to have a powerful support from his close friends. Sir Thomas, however, denied him that, firmly believing that a valid marriage can never be annulled.

A few months later came the royal proclamation ordering the clergy to acknowledge Henry as "Supreme Head" of the Church. Thomas at once filed his resignation as chancellor and for the next eighteen months, Thomas More lived in seclusion and gave much time to writing. He stayed away from Anne Boleyn's coronation despite an expressed invitation, and adapted silence as the least offensive manifestation of his protest.

In 1534, the king passed a law imposing upon all the demand to abjure the authority of the Pope. Sir Thomas More adhered to his conscience and refused to make this oath.

Thomas spent his days of imprisonment in prayer and recollection. After 15 months of imprisonment, he was beheaded.

Thomas More was beatified by Pope Leo XIII, in 1886 and was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1935.

Patronage: 

St. Thomas More is the patron saint of lawyers, civil servants, politicians, and difficult marriages.

Prayer to St Thomas More:

"O God, who in martyrdom have brought true faith to its highest expression, graciously grant that, strengthened through the intercession of St. Thomas More, we may confirm by the witness of our life the faith we profess with our lips. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection:

* St. Thomas More's life reminds us of the importance of integrity and staying true to one's convictions, even in the face of great personal cost. His dedication to his faith and principles in a time of tumultuous change serves as a powerful example of moral courage and commitment to justice.

* St Thomas More was concerned with the unity of the church and what the church teaches. He was against intimidation and would rather displease the King than to cowardly conform and give displeasure to God.



  

Saint Jean-Marie Vianney / Saint John Mary Vianney

Feast Day: August 4


Father Jean-Marie Baptiste Vianney arrived in the church around 2 in the morning, carrying a lighted candle in his hand. Thousands of pilgrims from all over France all wanted to confess to the Curé of Ars. Day in and day out, Fr. Vianney started very early and end late in the night to accommodate the continual flow of pilgrims willing to hear confessions.


Early Years

Jean-Marie was born in 1786 in the village of Dardilly, France and grew up in a peasant family.
His family would attend mass in secret as the churches were closed during the French Revolution.

At 16, Jean-Marie Vianney told his family his desire to become a priest. To this, his father objected. And not until 3 years after, that his father finally relented and Jean-Marie left for the neighboring town, Ecully. Though the young lad had little formal schooling, had known no Latin and had struggled academically, Father Balley saw his potential.  He accepted and trained Vianney himself.


Ordained a Priest

By the time he reached 29, John Vianney was ordained a priest.

His first assignment was to serve as Father Balley’s assistant in Ecully. Fr. Vianney’s sermon caused the church to be filled as simple people identified themselves with him. After the death of Father Balley, the young priest was sent to the little town of Ars, an obscure place known for its taverns and the villager’s indifference to religion.

Father Vianney’s first mass was attended only by a handful of old ladies. “There is not much love for God in the parish” was the vicar general’s warning and this echoed as he saw the almost empty church. Thus, his mission of bringing the people to repentance and leading his flock to holiness began. He intensified his prayers and penance. Vianney maintained the habit of reading & studying and he took efforts in preparing his sermons. And by the example he set, he inspired many.

He would exhort the people to stay out of taverns, visited them in their homes and invited them to love the Church. Eventually, the bars closed one after another and the people’s attention shifted in repairing their dilapidated church.

Father Jean-Marie encouraged devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, held an annual procession in honor of the Feast of Corpus Christi and called the villagers to a life of prayer. This made them understand the necessity of the sacraments and gradually people were brought to confession and Holy Communion that created waves of conversions. Soon, Ars was known as the “Islet of Holiness”.


A Life Lived For Others

His care for the people was genuine and many came to seek him. All kinds of people from neighboring places came to Ars to listen to him. The sick came to be healed and St. Vianney sought the intercession of St. Philomena for the healing of the sick. He also put a free school for girls that eventually turned into an orphanage. Everyday he would spend not less than 15 hours in the confessional and sometimes he would be heard weeping at the offenses made against God. Such was the love, patience, compassion and zeal Father Vianney lavished on God’s people.

As Father Jean-Marie Vianney was winning souls, he was on the other hand battling the preternatural harassment of the Devil.   The parish priest would be knocked down by a hard slap and yet no one was in the room with him. Shouts, loud knocks and other strange noises were heard. Vianney noticed that this intensified the night before a huge conversion or “a big catch” was made and he sees this as a good sign.

For 41 years, Father Jean-Marie Vianney remained the parish priest in Ars, and yet unknown to many, the temptation to leave Ars and to live in solitude was among the many challenges he had to face. He felt unworthy to be a parish priest and repeatedly sought permission from the Bishop to leave the town but each time he was denied. In his great desire to live in a monastery, he attempted several times to slip out of the village only to come back again for he sensed deep within him that God was calling him to remain in Ars and his work with the sinners was his mission in life.

Patronage

St. John Vianney is widely known as the patron saint of parish priests, recognized for his commitment to the pastoral care of his parishioners and his extraordinary dedication to the sacrament of confession.

Prayer Inspired by St. John Vianney

"O Holy St. John Vianney, you who dedicated your life to bringing souls closer to God, guide us in our spiritual journey. Teach us the value of simplicity, the strength of humility, and the power of confession. Help the priests of our time to be true shepherds, leading with compassion and wisdom. May your example inspire us to deepen our faith and live in closer communion with our Lord. Amen."

Reflection:

* Reflecting on the life of St. John Vianney, one is inspired by his unwavering faith and tireless devotion to his parishioners. He reminds us of the profound impact of living a life dedicated to service and prayer. In a world often distracted by material pursuits, his life stands as a testament to the grace that comes from a simple, humble, and devout existence focused on spiritual growth and helping others. His legacy encourages us to seek deeper connections with our faith and to value the spiritual guidance provided by those who have dedicated their lives to the service of God.

*Before Fr. Jean-Marie Vianney was sent to Ars, the Lord was not the center of the townspeople’s lives.  Father Vianney’s vocation as a priest was lived to the point where he truly became "another Christ" and his prayers and examples made the people feel that Christ is present among them.
When the people began living their lives centered on God, their lives began to change.

*No matter how little we have to offer, God is able to use our lives to benefit others.

*Matthew 12: 29
“How can anyone break into the strong man’s house and make off with his belongings, unless he first ties him up?  Only then can he plunder his house.”

The role of priests is vital and irreplaceable - they administer the sacraments, presides over Mass, absolves sins…. No wonder priests are constantly assailed by God’s enemies.  In the above verse, the priest represents the strong man in the house.  Bring the priest down and the rest will follow.  Father Vianney fought against these evils with prayer, fasting, penance and a deep relationship with God. 
Our duty is to pray for our priests and provide them with the support and encouragement they need.

Saint Catherine of Siena

Doctor of the Church
Feast Day: April 29

Early Years

Catherine Benincasa was born in Sienna in 1347, she is the youngest in the 25 siblings.

At the age of six, while on the way home with her brother, she suddenly stopped still, gazing up into the sky. Her brother who had walked on ahead came back for her and grabbed her by the hand and at once Catherine woke up from her trance. The vision she was having was of Christ seated in glory with the Apostles Peter, Paul, and John. After that experience, little Catherine made a vow to herself that she will give her whole life to God.

At sixteen, she was allowed to become a Dominican tertiary which was customarily granted only to matrons or widows. She wore the habit but was permitted to live with her family.

Catherine continued to have visions, mystical experience and ecstatic flights. Soon she was known all over town, many thought her a saint but others see her as a fanatic.

During the dreadful outbreak of the plague, Catherine worked incessantly to relieve the plague-stricken people. She nursed them, prepared them for death and even buried them with her own hands. She also spent time with the prisoners and converted them.

Great Schism

It is impossible to explain here in detail the turbulent period in which Catherine lived and the work she has done during this complex political and religious turmoil. Suffice it to say that the traditional See of the Holy Father from the time of Saint Peter is Rome. However, the newly elected Pope Clement V chose to have his coronation at Lyons. He established his residence at Avignon and for seventy-four-year the popes had been residing there. The Holy Roman Empire and the Papacy were engaged in a sporadic struggle for power - Ghibelline was the name given to the imperial party in Italy and Guelph to the supporters of the Papacy. This is a period which historians called the Babylonian Captivity. Both popes excommunicated each other, launched troops against one another and Italy was bursting with internal strife. The Italians railed against the long absence of the popes from Rome as well as the meddling of France in papal administration.

Catherine labored to restore unity in the Church. Catherine was said to be an uneducated girl yet letter after letter was unleashed to popes, princes and leaders of Europe. She wrote to the Popes at Avignon, beseeching them to return to Rome. To Pope Urban (the second pope she had counseled and commanded), Catherine wrote to warn him to control his harsh and arrogant temper. She made stern calls aimed at Pope Gregory XI for church reforms and she kept on writing the Popes to labor for peace. St. Catherine also corresponded to the King of France urging him to form a crusade and end the dissensions in Christendom. She would boldly go to Avignon to see the Pope and say that he had been appointed by God to plead that the Pope return to Rome. St. Catherine of Siena was known for her ability to settle dispute and had build a reputation as a worker of miracles.

Stigmata

In 1375, Catherine accepted an invitation to visit Pisa. While making her Communion and gazing at the crucifix, five rays of blood descended and pierced her hands, feet and heart. The wounds remained as stigmata (wounds corresponding with those made in the hands and feet of the Our Lord, Jesus when he was crucified on the cross).


Finally, yielding to the pleadings of Catherine of Siena, Pope Gregory XI left Avignon in 1377 and returned to Rome thus ending the so-called Babylonian Captivity.

After having written 380 astonishing letters, Catherine died when she was only 33. Her body was found incorrupt in 1430.

Patronage:

Europe; Italy; against fire; bodily ills; people ridiculed for their piety; nurses; sick people; miscarriages

Prayer to St. Catherine of Siena:

O glorious St. Catherine of Siena,

you who embraced a life of prayer and service,

and through your deep love for Christ,

you became a beacon of light in a troubled world.

Help us, dear saint, to follow your example,

to seek God with all our hearts,

and to serve our fellow human beings

with compassion and love.

Intercede for us in times of turmoil and confusion,

that we may always find our way back to the path of righteousness,

just as you helped to guide the Church back to Rome.

St. Catherine, patroness of Italy and Europe,

pray for us and help us to live virtuously and seek God's will

in all that we do. Amen.

Reflection:

*After reading her biography and all the things she had accomplished, I was surprised to see that she was only 33 when she died. This reminds me of the song my niece sings in her nursery class “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” Indeed her accomplishment was supernatural. On her own she could not have done it.

*St. Catherine defended the cause of God. Her political and social involvement is a practical application of her intense prayer life and religious convictions.

* St. Catherine of Siena's life reminds us of the transformative power of faith, prayer, and selfless service. Her commitment to God and her unwavering dedication to bringing about positive change in the Church and society serve as an inspiration to all of us. We can reflect on her life and strive to deepen our own faith, cultivate a life of prayer, and actively work towards making the world a better place through acts of love and compassion. St. Catherine's legacy encourages us to embrace the divine within ourselves and in others, seeking unity, peace, and the greater good in all our endeavors.

*One is never a Christian only for oneself. God made us for others.