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 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.

Saint Scholastica

Feast Day: February 10

Of this Saint, little is known, and almost everything there is to say about Saint Scholastica comes from the Dialogues of Saint Gregory the Great.

St. Scholastica, sister of St. Benedict, was born in Nursia (Nurcia), Italy, at around 480 AD. It is said that she was as devoted to Jesus as her brother and at such an early age she consecrated herself to a religious life. When Benedict established his monastery at Monte Cassino, Scholastica founded a Convent of Nuns in nearby Plombariola, about five miles from the Benedictines. The convent is said to have been under the direction of her brother, thus she is regarded as the first Benedictine nun.

Scholastica visited her brother once a year, but as Benedict would not allow her to enter his monastery, he would go with some of his monks to meet her at a house at some distance. There conversations were occasions spent in praising God, in conferring together on spiritual matters, and encouraging one another to a life of perfection.

St. Gregory relates a charming story of the last of these visits:

Scholastica spent the day with him in the usual practice of singing Psalms, and pious discourse followed by a frugal meal.

After it was over, Scholastica, perhaps foreknowing that it would be their last opportunity to see each other alive, asked him to delay his return till the next day and spend the evening in conversation.

St. Benedict, unwilling to break his own rule, told her he could not pass a night out of his monastery. Scholastica finding him resolved on going home, thereupon, laid her head upon the table, and prayed that God would intervene for her. Her prayer has barely ended, when the clouds broke into a storm of rain, thunder, and lightning. With such a torrential downpour, Benedict and his companions were unable to leave.

"May Almighty God forgive you, sister for what you have done," said Benedict
"I asked a favor of you," Scholastica simply replied, "and you refused it. I asked it of God, and He has granted it!"

St. Benedict was therefore obliged to comply with her request.

The next morning they parted. Three days after their last meeting, St. Scholastica died in her solitude.

At that time, Benedict was alone in contemplation on Mount Cassino. Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Benedict saw a vision of Scholastica's soul departing her body and ascending to heaven in the form of a dove. She died about the year 543, and St. Benedict followed her soon after.

 

Patronages:

Saint Scholastica is the patron saint of nuns, convulsive children, schools, tests, books, reading, and those suffering from storms and rain.

Prayer to Saint Scholastica:

"O God, to show us where innocence leads, you made the soul of your virgin Saint Scholastica soar to heaven like a dove in flight. Grant through her merits and her prayers that we may live in innocence and peace. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen."

 
Reflection:

* Saint Scholastica's life reminds us of the importance of spiritual relationships and the power of prayer. Her final meeting with Saint Benedict teaches us the value of cherishing time with loved ones and the profound impact of prayer. Scholastica's faith was so strong that it could change the weather, a metaphor for how faith can transform our circumstances. Her life encourages us to deepen our spiritual connections and trust in the power of prayer.

* To God nothing is too great or too trivial. He is always ready to hear the petitions and grant the desires of his people.

* When we are dependent on God, we are convinced that everything we are and have comes from Him. When we acknowledge our helplessness that’s when we turn to God with all our needs, hopes and dreams. St. Scholastica’s dependence on God is so great that only her confidence in God’s love and providence equals that.

Saint Monica

Feast day: August 27

Early Struggles

No one is born a saint and just like anyone else, Monica had her tendencies she needed to overcome before she developed into the person God wants her to be.
As a young girl, she was sent by her parents to draw wine for the use of the family, and it was said that Monica would take sneaking sips of wine from the casks. This she did at first, out of curiosity and fun but before long she was drinking great draughts of it whenever she gets a chance. God watched over Monica to correct her by making use of a servant-maid who had been spying on the little girl and criticizing her as a wine-bibber. This affected Monica so much that she gave up the habit.

Called to a Quiet Witness

When she was about 20 years old, Monica got married by arrangement to Patricius, a municipal counselor in Tagaste. Her mother-in-law, who was equally difficult, lived with them but St. Monica had an excellent talent as a peacemaker. And though her husband had a passionate temper and as a pagan was critical of Christians and their practices, Monica bore his outbursts with utmost patience. Through prayers coupled with the daily example of her gentleness and kindness, she finally saw the fruits of her labor when her husband and mother-in-law were converted to the Catholic faith in 370 AD, a year before Patricius’ death and the year Augustine turned seventeen.
St. Monica is always delighted to serve the poor, supplying their wants with cheerfulness and generosity. She assisted daily at the holy oblation of the altar, and never failed to go to church twice a day. She had three children; Navigius, an exemplary son; Augustine, and Perpetua, a daughter, who entered religious life.

Storming Heaven’s Gates

Augustine, who at seventeen was studying at Carthage, was seduced by the Manicheans and drawn into heresy. Monica disapproved of Augustine’s loose living and grieved bitterly for his support of the heresy of Manichaeism that she refused at first to let him live under the same roof with her.

She relented only after having seen a vision:

[One day as she was weeping over his behavior, a figure appeared and asked her the cause of her grief. She answered, and a voice issued from the mysterious figure, telling her to dry her tears; then she heard the words, "Your son is with you." Monica related this story to Augustine, and he replied that they might easily be together if she gave up her faith, for that was the main obstacle keeping them apart. Quickly she retorted, "He did not say I was with you: he said that you were with me." Augustine was impressed by the quick answer and never forgot it.] From www.ewtn.com

Awaiting God’s Timing

Although his conversion was not to take place for nine long years, Monica was so much comforted by it, that she again permitted him to eat and live with her. During all this time, Monica continued with her prayers, fasted and wept on his behalf.

Augustine was twenty-nine years old when he decided to go to Rome with the intention to teach rhetoric. Monica opposed the move, fearing that his conversion would be indefinitely postponed. Sensing that his mother would follow him, Augustine outwitted her by a ruse as to the time of sailing. Along with his wife and son, they embarked while she was spending the night in a church, praying. This, however, did not discourage Monica and continued on to Rome.

In Rome, Augustine had come under the influence of the great Bishop Ambrose and when his mother finally found him in Milan, he had given up Manichaeism.

Augustine ran a house of study and Monica helped him take care of his students.

In the Easter of 387, Augustine was baptized by Bishop Ambrose along with his son Adeodatus, who shortly thereafter passed away. Monica died of malaria later that same year, on the way back to Africa in the Italian town of Ostia. After praying for her son, Augustine, for 17 years, Monica knew her work on earth had been accomplished.

Patronage:

St. Monica is the patron saint of:

Mothers: Due to her role as a mother and her dedication to her son's conversion.

Wives: For her example of enduring difficult marriages with faith and prayer.

Abuse victims: As she experienced difficulties in her married life.

Alcoholics: In recognition of her prayers for the conversion of her son, who struggled with a worldly lifestyle.

Difficult marriages: Because she faced numerous challenges in her marriage but remained steadfast in her faith.

Prayer to St. Monica:

Dear St. Monica,

You were a shining example of faith, patience, and love. You endured the trials of a difficult marriage and the anguish of a wayward son, yet you never wavered in your devotion to God.

Through your unwavering prayers and tears, you obtained the conversion of your husband and son, Augustine, who became a great saint and doctor of the Church. Please intercede for all mothers and wives, especially those who are facing challenges in their families. Help them to persevere in faith, trust in God's plan, and never give up on their loved ones.

St. Monica, pray for us, that we may have the same perseverance and trust in God's mercy as you did. Amen.

Reflection:

St. Monica's life teaches us the power of faith, prayer, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Her unwavering commitment to her family's spiritual well-being and her trust in God's plan inspire us to never lose hope, even in the most challenging circumstances. Let us remember St. Monica as a beacon of strength and a model of Christian love and devotion, encouraging us to always pray for the conversion and salvation of our loved ones, no matter how difficult the journey may seem.

Through the examples of Monica, I can’t help but think how our heavenly mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, patiently and lovingly prays for our conversion.

How she longs for all her children to be united with Christ and how God relentlessly pursues us and waits eagerly for our return.

Patron Saints (P to T)

St. Patrick
Feast Day:  March 17
Patron of Ireland, Snakes & Engineers
      
St. Paul the Apostle
Feast Day: January 25
Patron of Publishers and Reporters; Missions
      
St. Paula
Feast Day:  January 26
Patron of Widows    
  
St. Peregrine Laziosi
Feast Day:  May 1
Patron of Cancer and Running Sores
      
St. Perpetua
Feast Day:  March 7
Patron of Martyrs and Cattle
      
St. Peter the Apostle
Feast Day:  June 29
Patron of Butchers and Fishermen
      
    
St. Petronille Pétronille, Aurelia Petronilla; Pernelle; Peroline;  Pérette; Perrenotte; Perrette; Perrine; Peyronne;  Perronelle; Petronella;Peyronnelle; Pierrette;Périne
Feast Day: May 31
Patron of Fevers; Travelers and Mountaineers
      
St. Philip the Apostle
Feast Day: May 3
Patron of Hatters and Pastry Chefs

St. Philip Neri
Feast Day:  May 26
Patron of the United States Army and Rome
      
St. Philomena
Feast Day: August 11
Patron of Children, sterility, loss causes
      
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati
Feast Day:  July 4
Patron of World Youth Day
      
St. Pio of Pietrelcina
Feast Day: September 23
Patron of adolescents, civil defense volunteers

St. Polycarp of Smyrna
Feast Day:  February 23
Patron of Dysentery and Against Earache
      

St. Rafka
Feast Day:  March 23
Patron of Bodily Ills and Loss of Parent
      
St. Raphael the Archangel
Feast Day:  September 29
Patron of the Blind, Love and Safe Journey
      
St. Raymond Nonnatus
Feast Day:  August 31
Patron of Infants and Childbirth
      
St. Rebecca
Feast Day:  September 4
Patron of Sickness
      
St. Regina
Feast Day:  September 7
Patron Against Poverty
    
St. Regis
Feast Day:  June 16
Patron of Social Workers and Lace Makers
        
    
St. Rene Goupil
Feast Day:  October 19
Patron of Anesthesiologists
      
St. Richard
Feast Day: April 3
Patron of Large Families
      
St. Rita of Cascia
Feast Day:  May 22
Patron of Loneliness and Impossible Dreams
      
St. Robert Bellarmine
Feast Day:  September 17
Patron of Catechists
  
St. Rocco(Roch)
Feast Day: August 16
Patron against Epidemics; Bachelors, surgeons
      
      
St. Rosalia
Feast Day:  September 4
Patron of Palermo, Sicily
      
St. Rose of Lima
Feast Day:  August 23
Patron of Vanity and South America

St. Sarah
Feast Day:  August 19
Patron of Infertility

St. Scholastica
Feast Day:  February 10
Patron of Nuns and Storms
    
St. Sebastian
Feast Day:  January 20
Patron of Athletes and Soldiers

  
St. Simon the Apostle
Feast Day: October 28
Patron of Couriers and tanners
    
  
St. Stanislaus
Feast Day:  November 13
Patron of Broken Bones

St. Stephen the Martyr
Feast Day:  December 26
Patron of Deacons and Stonemasons
  
St. Susanna
Feast Day: August 11
Patron of those named Susanna

St. Tarcisius
Feast Day:  August 15
Patron of Altar Servers

St. Teresa of Avila
Feast Day: October 15
Patron of Foreign Missions: loss of parents, people in religious order
    
St. Therese of Lisieux
Feast Day:  October 1
Patron of Aviators and Florists
    
St. Thomas the Apostle
Feast Day:  July 3
Patron of Architects and Blind People
    
St. Thomas Aquinas
Feast Day:  January 28
Patron of Catholic Schools and Students
    
St. Thomas A Becket
Feast Day: December 29
Patron of Clergy
    
St. Thomas More
Feast Day:  June 22
Patron of Lawyers and Statesmen
    
St. Thomas of Villanova
Feast Day:  September 18
Patron of the Poor and Orphans
    
St. Timothy
Feast Day:  January 26
Patron of Stomach Disorders
    
St. Teresa of Avila
Feast Day:  October 15
Patron of Headaches and Loss of Parents

What is a Saint?

From: Our Catholic Faith (A Manual of Religion) p 394

The model of Christian perfection is our Lord. The saints, who imitated Him steadfastly, are also patterns of perfection. This aiming, "to be holy as our heavenly Father is holy," this seeking to be like Christ - "another Christ," is to strive for Christian perfection.


"the Church,,, is held, as a matter of faith, to be unfailingly holy. This is because Christ, the son of God, who with the Father and the Spirit is hailed as 'alone holy', loved the Church as his Bride, giving himself up for her so as to sanctify her; he joined her to himself as his body and endowed her with the gift of the Holy spirit for the glory of God.' The Church, then, is "the holy People of God," and her members are called "saints".


From: Catechism of the Catholic Church p.2013

"All Christians in any state or walk of life are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of charity." All are called to holiness: "Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

In order to reach this perfection the faithful should use the strength dealt out to them by Christ's gift, so that...doing the will of the Father in everything, they may wholeheartedly devote themselves to the glory of God and to the service of their neighbor. Thus the holiness of the People of God will grow in fruitful abundance, as is clearly shown in the history of the Church through the lives of so many saints.

From: Lives of Saints p. 9-10

“Saints are human and lovable.”

“It is true indeed that some Saints performed miracles while they were still alive; it is true that many of them could have moments in which they seemed to have no feelings at all. But this is looking at the Saints only from one angle.  The truth is also that many Saints did not perform any miracle while they were still alive, for miracles are given through them not for their own sake, but in view of their service to their fellowmen.  It is also a fact that Saints have intense feelings.  It is enough to look at the martyrs and their unflinching courage.”

“Even this image of the Saints, however, would still just be another angle.  The greater part of the lives of the saint is passing 24 hours a day as we do, experiencing the same sun and the same season as we do…For the greater part of their lives, they are very much like us.”

“What makes them different from us?  Fundamentally, one thing is clear – they have lived their lives fully.  They have found a purpose and have set their whole lives on that purpose.  They have found other people, and they were ready to respond to the real needs of people.  They have experienced God and spent their days in His presence.  In short, the Saints have discovered love and know that to live they have to be transformed into love.  Yes, for Saints, to live fully means to love.  That’s why they are the most lovable humans.”
“….Their love is one, that is the love of God and neighbor, but their lives are many according to their diverse temperaments, cultures, circumstance and historical conditions.  This should be an encouragement for us.  It means that however diverse are the conditions in which we find ourselves, we can still imitate the Saints.  When the Church canonizes a Saint, She is proclaiming before the world an exemplary life which the faithful can imitate.  After all, we, too, are human, and seek to live a life fully alive, fully in love.”