St. Aedan of Ferns

 

Feast Day: January 31

Saint Aedan of Ferns, also known as Máedóc or Áedán or Aidan, was an early Christian saint in Ireland. He is remembered for his piety, humility, and dedication to spreading Christianity in Ireland. 

Born around 558 A.D. in County Cavan, Ireland.

As a young man, Aedan was known for his deep religious fervor. He studied under St. David in Wales and later returned to Ireland.  Aedan was renowned for his austerity, devotion, and miracles.

He founded a monastery at Ferns in County Wexford, which became a center of religion and learning.

His life was characterized by humility, a deep sense of prayer, and compassion for the needy. St. Aedan of Ferns died of natural causes on January 31, 632 A.D.

He left a lasting impact through his missionary work and the establishment of the Diocese of Ferns.

Patronage:

St. Aedan of Ferns is known to be the patron saint of:

The Diocese of Ferns in Ireland.

He is often invoked for protection and guidance.

Prayer to St. Aedan of Ferns:

"O Holy St. Aedan, faithful servant of God, you who tirelessly spread the Christian faith in Ireland and founded the monastery of Ferns, guide us in our spiritual journey. May we learn from your humility, your unwavering faith, and your dedication to serving others. Intercede for us, that we may find strength in times of trial and remain steadfast in our love for Christ. Amen."

Reflection on St. Aedan's Life:

Reflecting on the life of St. Aedan, we are reminded of the importance of humility and service in our Christian journey. His dedication to prayer and his compassion for others serve as an example for us in our daily lives. As we seek to follow his example, we are called to deepen our faith, to serve others selflessly, and to spread the message of Christ's love through our actions and words. St. Aedan's life encourages us to pursue a closer relationship with God and to be a light to those around us.

St. Adrian of Nicomedia

Feast Day: September 8

St. Adrian was a high-ranking officer at the court of the Roman Emperor Maximian. He lived in Nicomedia, which was then a prominent city in the Roman Empire, near modern-day İzmit, Turkey. His story is closely linked with the persecution of Christians during the reign of Emperor Maximian.

As the story goes, during a time of intense Christian persecution, Adrian witnessed the faith and courage of Christian prisoners. Struck by their resilience and the truth of their beliefs, he declared himself a Christian and was subsequently arrested. He refused to renounce his faith and was thus subjected to brutal torture. Despite the suffering, he remained steadfast in his beliefs.

Adrian's wife, Natalia, played a significant role in his story. She supported him through his conversion and subsequent trials, and after his death, she continued to venerate him and spread his story.

After his death, his relics were reported to have healing powers, and many miracles were attributed to them. These miracles often included the healing of illnesses and the protection of those who invoked his name in prayer.

Endurance in Torture: The most significant miracle associated with St. Adrian is the supernatural endurance and faith he displayed during his torture. This unwavering faith in the face of extreme suffering was seen as miraculous.

Patronage:

St. Adrian of Nicomedia is considered the patron saint of soldiers, arms dealers, butchers, and epilepsy sufferers. His patronage of soldiers and arms dealers is likely due to his military background and his role in the Roman army. His association with butchers may derive from the manner of his martyrdom, which involved severe physical torture. The reason behind his patronage of epilepsy sufferers is less clear but is a tradition that has been long established in the Church.

Prayer to St Adrian:

"O Saint Adrian, brave and faithful servant of God, you who endured suffering and held steadfast in your faith, inspire us with your courage. As a patron of soldiers and those who face adversity, guide us in our struggles. May your example of unwavering belief in the face of trials strengthen our faith and resolve. Intercede for us, that we may remain faithful and strong in our trials. Amen."

Reflection:

Reflecting on the life of St. Adrian of Nicomedia, we find a profound example of transformation and courage. His journey from a high-ranking officer in a pagan empire to a devout Christian martyr highlights the power of faith to change hearts and minds. His story teaches us the value of standing up for what we believe in, even in the face of great adversity.

St. Adrian's life also underscores the importance of witnessing to others. His conversion was a result of observing the faith of other Christians, reminding us that our actions and words can profoundly impact those around us. His unwavering commitment in the face of torture and death serves as a testament to the depth of his faith and the strength of his character.

In today's world, where we often face challenges to our beliefs and values, St. Adrian's story is a source of inspiration and encouragement. It calls us to live our faith with conviction, courage, and a willingness to make sacrifices for what we hold true.

Saint John Bosco

Feast Day : January 31

Don Bosco was born on 16 August 1815 in a village called Becchi north of Italy. John’s father died when he was two years old and was brought up by his mother, Margaret. At the age of nine, John Bosco had been having dreams that revealed God's will in his life. He was in a field with an unruly crowd of children and John was asked to lead them. “Not with blows, but with kindness and love you must win over these your friends. I shall give you a Teacher under whose guidance you will become wise”. This vision became a guiding force that inspired him to become a priest and led him to minister to the poor and neglected boys.

While attending college and seminary, he did myriads of work such as a shoemaker, tailor, carpenter, baker and John Bosco would go to circuses, fairs and carnivals to learn how to juggle and do magicians tricks in order to relate to the boys that he was teaching.   His aim was to provide fun and games with teaching and praying so as to catch the attention of the children.  After this entertainment, he would talk about God and teach them.

John Bosco was ordained in 1841, just short of his 26th birthday. In Italy, priests are called Don, so John Bosco was also known as Don Bosco. He continued to teach catechism to orphans and with loving guidance led the young people to a useful, fulfilled lives. Don Bosco saw education as the key to helping the boys. He built technical schools to teach them skilled jobs like printing, bookbinding and mechanics. In those days, these were the skills that were needed to provide a better future for these young generation.

Soon enough, others were inspired to follow him in responding to the needs of the youth. Thus, he started the Salesian Missions in South America and founded the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) in 1859. He also founded the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians in 1872, and Union of Cooperator Salesians three years after.

Don Bosco died on January 31, 1888 and was canonized a saint by Pope Pius XI in 1934.

Patronage:

St. John Bosco is the patron saint of schoolchildren, young people, and magicians (due to his use of magic tricks to engage children in his religious teachings).

 Prayer to St. John Bosco:

"O glorious St. John Bosco, who, in order to lead young people to the feet of the divine Master and to mold them in the light of faith and Christian morality, did heroically sacrifice yourself to the very end of your life and set up a proper religious institute destined to endure and to bring to the world the sweet and comforting fruits of your major labors, obtain also for us from Our Lord the grace of a truly Christian education for our children, and especially obtain for the youth of our times a complete dedication to their duties, the avoidance of any vice, and the courageous practice of all virtues. Amen."

Reflection:

*Saint John Bosco became the bearer of God's love to these young boys.  With John's gift of friendship, joy, love of life...he dedicated his life to service and reached out to these children to provide for them both their material and spiritual needs.

May we continue to walk with others in the spirit of St. John Bosco and fulfill every human longing for love, joy and meaning.

*Reflecting on the life of St. John Bosco, we are reminded of the profound impact that love, education, and faith can have on shaping the lives of the young. His dedication to empowering the youth, especially those marginalized, shows the transformative power of compassion and dedication. In today's world, where many young people face challenges and uncertainties, the example set by St. John Bosco encourages us to support and guide them with patience, understanding, and unwavering faith.

Saint Blaise

Feast  Day: February 3


Only a few facts are known about Saint Blaise.

Saint Blaise was born in to a noble and affluent family who raised him to be a man of God. He spent time studying philosophy and later medicine.

Saint Blaise became the bishop of Sebastea in Armenia during the reign of Licinius in the early fourth century, when a series of persecution began again.  In one of his prayers, he got a message to set off to the mountains so as to escape persecution. He lived in a cave on Mount Argeus but as soon as people found out where he was, they came flocking to him from nearby countries and provinces for the cure of their ailments both spiritual and physical.

He was discovered by the huntsmen when they saw the myriads of people waiting outside the cave while Blaise was praying.  He was arrested, put in prison and was martyred. While in prison, a boy was brought to him who had a fishbone stuck in his throat -this led to the blessing of throats on February 3- Saint Blaise’s feast day.

The blessing of St. Blaise is done by consecrating two candles which are then held in a crossed position by a priest and pressed against the throat or over the head as the following blessing is said: "May God at the intercession of St. Blasius preserve you from throat troubles and every other evil."

Patronage:

Saint Blaise is venerated as the patron saint of:

Throat illnesses

Animals

Wool combers

Veterinarians

Various places and professions associated with throat diseases

Feast Day

Roman Catholic Church: Celebrated on February 3.

Eastern Orthodox Church: Celebrated on February 11.

Prayer to Saint Blaise

"O Glorious Saint Blaise, who by your martyrdom has left to the Church a precious witness to the faith, obtain for us the grace to preserve within ourselves this divine gift, and to defend, without human respect, both by word and example, the truth of that same faith, which is so wickedly attacked and slandered in these our times. You who miraculously cured a little child when it was at the point of death by reason of an affliction of the throat, grant us your powerful protection in like misfortunes; and, above all, obtain for us the grace of dying a holy death. Amen."

Reflection:

Reflecting on the life of Saint Blaise encourages us to consider the strength of faith in the face of adversity. His commitment to serving others, despite the danger to his own life, highlights the virtue of selflessness. In our own lives, we can draw inspiration from his example to aid those in need and to stand firm in our beliefs, even when faced with challenges. The story of Saint Blaise also reminds us of the power of intercessory prayer and the importance of spiritual well-being alongside physical health.

Saint Maria Goretti

Feast Day: July 6


Maria Teresa Goretti was born in Corinaldo, Ancona, Italy, on October 16 1890. She was the third out of six children of Luigi Goretti and Assunta Carlini. By the time she turned six, her family had become so poor that they were forced to give up their farm and moved to the Serenelli farm to survive. His father, a farmworker died of malaria and her mother had to struggle to feed her children. Her mother, sisters and brother worked in the fields while Maria stayed home to clean the house, sew and cook.


While alone in the house, sewing, Alessandro (Alexander) Serenelli came in and tried to rape her. Maria Goretti was 11. Not submitting to her assailant, she was stabbed several times with a knife.
As Maria Goretti lay in the hospital for two days, she prayed and forgave her attacker and died holding a crucifix and looking at the picture of the Blessed Virgin.

Alexander was captured and since he was a minor the sentence was commuted to 30 years in prison. He remained unrepentant until he had a dream that he was in a garden and Maria was there giving him lilies. This vision led to his conversion and later became a laybrother at the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin) where he worked as a receptionist and gardener.

Maria Goretti was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950 and Assunta attended the canonization of her child. Alexander too witnessed St. Maria Goretti's canonization.

Maria Goretti, one of the youngest canonized saints is represented as a young girl with a bouquet of lilies in her hands.

Patronage:

Saint Maria Goretti is the patron saint of youth, young women, purity, and victims of rape.

Prayer to Saint Maria Goretti:

"Dear Saint Maria Goretti, your heart was so full of mercy that you forgave your assailant even as you lay dying. Help us to show mercy and forgiveness to others. Teach us to protect purity of heart, body, and soul, and to value the dignity of each person. Guide the youth in choosing what is right and help those who have fallen to rise again. Through your intercession, may we all find the strength to flee from sin and serve God with a pure heart. Amen."

Reflection:

*St. Maria Goretti prayed for Alexander - the first step and act in forgiveness as this let's you focus on God instead of the offender.

To forgive and be forgiven are two powerful, grace-filled experiences.

St Maria Goretti had extended to Alexander the love and forgiveness that God has extended to all of us through Our Lord Jesus Christ's crucifixion. Because of this St Maria Goretti was able to see her assailant as Jesus sees him. She loved as God loves.

*Reflecting on the life of Saint Maria Goretti, we are reminded of the profound virtues of forgiveness and purity. Her story is a testament to the strength of faith and the power of forgiveness, even in the face of unimaginable suffering. Her young age and steadfast commitment to her beliefs challenge us to consider our own convictions and the depth of our forgiveness. In a world where purity and innocence are often undervalued, Saint Maria Goretti stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the sanctity of every human life. Her legacy inspires us to seek a path of virtue, forgiveness, and love, no matter the challenges we face.

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.

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.

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 Vincent de Paul

Feast Day: Sept 27

Early Years

Born at Pouy, a village in southwestern, France, in April 24, 1581 to a peasant family. Vincent was faithful to his studies as well as to his duties, spending a good part of his early years working in the fields and tending the sheep. His father arranged for him to attend a Franciscan school and soon after went to study theology in Toulouse University.

Vincent was ordained in 1600 during which France was suffering from the effects of religious wars. Large parts of the country had converted to Protestantism, some had abandoned their faith and most seminaries closed doors.

Charity in Action

Pierre de Bérulle, a well-known priest and leader of a movement of church renewal became Vincent’s confessor and spiritual director. At the request of M. de Berulle, Vincent took charge of the poor rural parish of Clichy near Paris, but several months later, he was called back to Paris to serve as a tutor for the children of Philippe-Emmanuel de Gondi, an illustrious French family. He also became the chaplain and gave missions to the peasants working in the family’s vast estate. In January 1617, while giving a sermon on confession, the peasants responded so overwhelmingly that additional priests had to be called in to help hear confessions.

It was during Vincent’s period of spiritual darkness that he was convinced he was meant to serve the poor. He left the Gondi and with the approval of M. de Berulle, was made curé of Chatillon-les-Dombes. As he was preparing for Mass, a parishioner told him of a poor family in need of help. Deeply moved, he urged parishioners to organize themselves for the service of the poor. Out of this he founded the Confraternities of charity, which later gave rise to Ladies of Charity. In his missions, he also converted several people back to the faith.

Five months later, he was recalled by the Gondi and devoted himself to evangelizing and organizing more conferences for the poor. Several priests, inspired by his example, joined him and nearly everywhere a conference of charity was founded for the benefit of the poor.

In the next seven years, St. Vincent turned his attention towards the condemned convicts in the galleys, who were chained on their legs and fed only with black bread and water. Assisted by a priest, they went down into the galleys to bring food, medicine and spoke kind words to them. He was made chaplain-in-chief of the galleys and converted many of them as well as led back to God many fallen-away Catholics.

Apostle to All

In 1625, Vincent was given a substantial financial gift from the Gondi family and by this, founded a religious institute of priests known as the Congregation of the Mission.

It was also around this time that Vincent met Louise de Marillac, a wealthy widow who came to him for spiritual direction. Eight years later, they co-founded the Daughters of Charity, the first non-cloistered women’s religious order. Friends of Vincent from high places gave funds to build hospitals and homes for the poor, and the women from the Daughters of Charity worked in the hospitals, in schools and among the sick at home. He also secured for the poor the services of the Ladies of Charity, such as the Duchesse d'Aiguillon and about as many as 200 ladies of the highest rank. It was due to them that he was able to collect a sizeable amount to fund his various projects in uplifting the lives of the poor and the abandoned.

St. Vincent de Paul established a seminary for ecclesiastics studying theology and founded Saint-Lazare for young clerics, laymen as well as priests. There was also a lesser seminary called the Seminary of St. Charles.

The king granted the lands for the erection of the hospital and with the assistance of some nameless donors Vincent founded the Hospice of the Name of Jesus, which took care of forty old people of both sexes.

St. Vincent's zeal and charity was not restricted to Paris, but reached to all other provinces in dire need of help. All the things he had done had made him famous even to the nobilities. These honors, however, did not change Vincent's modesty and simplicity. He went to the Court only through necessity and he made no use of his influence except for the welfare of the poor and in the interest of the Church.

Up to the time of St. Vincent's death, he had accepted the direction of eleven seminaries, organized 550 missions to the poor in rural areas, not to mention the international missions to Tunis, Italy, Scotland, Ireland and Madagascar.

What kept Vincent going despite his busy schedule was prayer, and it was in his prayers that he developed faith and trust in God and received the strength to overcome his weakness.

During the French Revolution, some 130 years after Vincent’s death, a group of rioting mobs smashed the statues of saints to replace it with statues of secular heroes and heroines. But upon seeing the statue of Vincent de Paul who had helped so many and done so much good for the people, the revolutionaries just didn’t have the heart to destroy his image.

Patronage:

Saint Vincent de Paul is known as the patron saint of charitable societies, including the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, which was named after him. He is also the patron saint of horses, hospitals, leprosy, lost articles, prison chaplains, and volunteers.

Prayer:

Dear St. Vincent de Paul,

You who dedicated your life to serving the poor and marginalized,

We seek your intercession in our times of need.

Help us find the strength and compassion to reach out to those less fortunate,

To see the face of Christ in every person we encounter.

Guide us in our efforts to relieve suffering and poverty,

To be instruments of God's love and mercy in the world.

Inspire us to be selfless in our service, just as you were,

And grant us the grace to follow in your footsteps.

St. Vincent de Paul, patron of charitable organizations and volunteers,

Pray for us and help us to be vessels of God's love,

So that we may bring comfort and hope to those in need.

Amen.

Reflection:

* St. Vincent de Paul's life reminds us of the profound impact one person can have when driven by a deep sense of compassion and a commitment to serving others. He emerged from humble beginnings to become a beacon of hope for the poor and marginalized, founding organizations that continue to make a difference today.

As we reflect on his life and legacy, let us contemplate our own capacity for compassion and selflessness. Are there ways in which we can follow in his footsteps, reaching out to those in need in our communities? Let us remember that even small acts of kindness and service can have a profound impact on the lives of others, and through our actions, we can be instruments of God's love and mercy in the world.

*St. Vincent de Paul’s life is focused on God and everywhere he looked (whether in the learned and the uncouth, nobility or peasants, rich and poor) he saw the face of God. To him there is no difference between the rich and poor for they are all children of the true living God. “Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3); and on the other end, “Whatsoever you did to the least of these, you did to Me.” (Matthew 25:40)


*St. Vincent de Paul invites us to work with him in the mission of healing through justice and compassion, so that we too can do great things out of love. We are made for people and not for things, and by following him we might also be fully men and women, not for things or possessions, but for others.

* St. Vincent must be a man so simple, selfless, and pure-hearted for him to resist the temptation that comes along with wealth, power and fame. He mingled with the rich and the poor and touched their lives to bring out the best in them – the image of Jesus Christ in them.

Saint Benedict

Founder of Western Monasticism
Feast Day: July 11

Life Entrusted to God

Benedict was born in Nursia about the year 480. He was very young when he was sent to Rome to receive the first part of his education. While there, he was shocked at the decadence he observed from the Roman youth and in order to be freed from the snares of it, Benedict left the city. Up among the hills he found a place known as Sublacum. It was here that he met Romanus, a monk from a neighboring monastery who gave him the monastic habit, and led him to a deep narrow cave, almost inaccessible to men. In this cavern, now called the Holy Grotto, Bennet or Benedict lived as a hermit. Unknown to all but his friend Romanus, who each day saved for him a part of his own ration of bread and on a basket, let it down a rope with a bell tied around it to give him notice. Benedict was about fourteen or fifteen years old at that time. He passed the next three years in this manner, ardent to know the ways of the Lord. Until one Easter Sunday, a certain pious priest in that country heard a voice which said: "You are preparing for yourself a banquet, while my servant at Sublacum is distressed with hunger." The priest immediately set out in search of the hermit.

Founder of a New Order

Word of his holiness had spread abroad and inspired several to forsake the world. In one instance, some nearby monks, after the death of their abbot, ask for his leadership. He was unwilling to take upon him that charge and declined in the spirit of sincere humility, assuring the monks that their ways and his would not agree. They insisted, but his warning proved true and he returned to his solitude.

The next set of followers was more sincere and at last he found himself in a position to initiate the great work for which God had been preparing for him - that is to establish a single religious order in the West. This was the idea that had slowly been taking root during his years of solitude. “To bring together those who wished to share the monastic life, both men of the world who yearned to escape material concerns and the monks who had been living in solitude or in widely scattered communities, to make of them one flock, binding them by fraternal bonds, under one observance, in the permanent worship of God.”

Benedict set up twelve monasteries where monks lived in separate communities of twelve and became the founder of the order of Benedictine monks.

Progressing along God’s Pathways

Benedict extended his kindness to the people of the countryside, curing the sick and giving alms and food to the poor.
It was told, that when Campania suffered from a famine, he gave away all the provisions stored in the abbey, leaving with them only five loaves. The monks where dismayed, but he assured them, "You have not enough today, but tomorrow you will have too much." Indeed, the next morning a large donation of flour was left at the monastery gate.

About the year 528, he retired to Monte Cassino, a place destroyed by the Goths. The inhabitants there, left without a priest, was falling back into paganism and people would offer sacrifices on Apollo’s temple. After a preliminary 40 day fast, Benedict set to work by preaching to the people and winning them back to the faith. With the help of these converts, Benedict broke the statue of Apollo, overthrew the altar, and cut down the sacred grove. He built two chapels on the mountain; one dedicated to St. Martin, the other to St. John the Baptist. It was here that he founded the monastery that became the roots of the Church's monastic system. It was here too that he composed his 'Regula Monachorum’.


His sister, Saint Scholastica, settled nearby to live a religious life.

Patronage:

Saint Benedict is the patron saint of many things, including:

Monks and nuns: He is the patron of those who live a monastic or contemplative life.

Europe: Saint Benedict is considered one of the patron saints of Europe due to the significant influence of Benedictine monasteries on the continent's history and culture.

Schoolchildren: His influence on education and scholarship has led to his patronage of students and scholars.

Prayer to St Benedict:

O gracious and holy Father,

give us wisdom to perceive you,

diligence to seek you,

patience to wait for you,

eyes to behold you,

a heart to meditate upon you,

and a life to proclaim you,

through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord.

St Benedict we also ask for your constant protection for myself and my family.

Amen.

Reflection:

*St. Benedict's desert experience stripped him of his human ways and transformed them into divine ways.

The desert experience or “total abandonment” that St. Benedict did to be alone with God tore down the obstacles that stood in the way to perfect charity towards God and towards others. By entrusting himself to the Father, Benedict became open to the indwelling of the Spirit. And formed by the Holy Spirit's values, Benedict came to see reality with God's eyes and his attitude toward the world is transformed.

Our inordinate passions, bad habits, egotistical love, self-destructing desires, pleasures etc occupy our hearts and yet still leave us wanting. We need to give up all these - our little pleasures, selfishness and dependencies… and be emptied in order to be filled.

The desert tests us if our joy comes from God or from the trivial delights of the world.

We need not go to the physical desert to experience this. Our openness to God and acceptance of His will in our lives, our daily carrying of the Cross (sufferings, trials, daily irritations, tribulations, struggles, our experience of loneliness, depression…), our attempts to love Him with all our heart, with all our soul and with all our mind, and our efforts to become a better person and to love others as we should is our “desert” experience.

The spiritual desert experience is a search for love that has always been there. As we empty ourselves we are letting that love - the overwhelming love of God - to transform us.

*****

“Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.”

* Put God first in your life and He will sure to lead you where you should go.

List of Saints

A
Saint Aaron
Saint Abba Dorotheus
Saint Adrian
Saint Aedan of Ferns
Saint Aelred
Saint Afra
Saint Agapetus
Saint Agatha
Saint Agnes
saint Agostina Peitrantoni
Saint Alban
Saint Albert the Great
Saint Albinus
Saint Alexander
Saint Alexandra
Saint Alexis
Saint Alexius
Saint Alice
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga
Saint Alphonsus Liguori
Saint Ambrose
Saint Amelia
Saint Anastasia
Saint Andrew the Apostle
Saint Andrew Avellino
Saint Andrew Kim Taegon
Saint Angela Merici
Saint Angela of Foligno
Saint Anicetus
Saint Anne
Saint Anselm
Saint Antoninus
Saint Anthony Mary Claret
Saint Anthony of Egypt
Saint Anthony of Padua
Saint Anthony Zaccaria
Saint Anthony the Great
Saint Apollinaris
Saint Apollonia
Saint Apollonius

Saint Arnold Janssen

Saint Athanasius
Saint Augustine of Canterbury
Saint Augustine of Hippo
Saint Avitus
B
Saint Bademus
Saint Bakhita
Saint Barbara
Saint Barbatus
Saint Barnabas
Saint Barsanuphius
Saint Bartholomew the Apostle
Saint Basil the Great
Saint Bathildes
Saint Bede the Venerable
Saint Benedict
Saint Benedict of Anian
Saint Benedict Joseph Labré
Saint Benezet
Saint Benjamin
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
Saint Bernard of Montjoux
Saint Bernadette
Saint Bernardine of Siena/ Saint Bernadino of Siena
Saint Bertha
Saint Bertille
Saint Bibiana
Saint Blaise
Saint Bonaventure
Saint Boniface
Saint Brendan the Navigator
Saint Bridget of Sweden/Saint Birgitta of Sweden
Saint Bridgid
Saint Bruno
C
Saint Cajetan
Saint Callistus
Saint Camillus Of Lellis
Saint Canutus
Saint Casimir
Saint Catherine Labouré
Saint Catharine of Sweden
Saint Catherine of Alexandria
Saint Catherine of Bologna
Saint Catherine of Genoa
Saint Catherine of Ricci
Saint Catherine of Siena
Saint Cecilia
Saint Celestine
Saint Charles Borromeo
Saint Charles of Sezze
Saint Christian Demosthenes
Saint Christina
Saint Christopher
Saint Chromatius of Aquileia
Saint Clare of Assisi
Saint Claude of Montefalco
Saint Clement of Rome/ Pope Clement
Saint Clotilda
Saint Cloud
Saint Colette
Saint Columbanus
Saint Cornelius
Saints Cosmas and Damian
Saint Crescentia Hoess
Saint Cunegundes
Saint Cyprian
Saint Cyriacus
Saint Cyril
Saint Cyril of Alexandria
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem
D
Saint Damasus
Saint David
Saint Delphinus
Saint Denis
Saint Didacus
Saint Dionysius
Saint Dominic
Saint Dominic Savio
Saint Dorothy
Saint Dunstan
Saint Dymphna
E
Saint Edburga of Winchester
Saint Edith Stein /Saint Theresa Benedicta
Saint Edmund of Canterbury
Saint Edward the Confessor
Saint Edwin
Saint Eleutherius
Saint Eligius
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary
Saint Elizabeth of Portugal
Saint Elizabeth of the Visitation
Saint Elphege
Saint Encratis
Saint Ephraem
Saint Epiphanius
Saint Etheldreda
Saint Eucherius
Saint Eugenius
Saint Eulalia
Saint Elmo
Saint Emily de Vialar
Saint Eugene I/Pope Eugene I
Saint Eugene de Mazeno
Saint Eulogius
Saint Euphemia
Saint Euphrasia
Saint Eusebius
Saint Eusebius
Saint Eustace
Saint Evaristus
F
Saint Felicitas
Saint Felix of Cantalice
Saint Felix of Valois

Saint Fiaker/ Fiacre
Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Saint Fina
Saint Finbarr
Saint Finnian of Clonard
Saint Firmin
Saint Flavian
Saint Florian
Saint Frances Cabrini
Saint Frances of Rome
Saint Francis Borgia
Saint Francis Caracciolo
Saint Francis of Assisi
Saint Francis de Paula
Saint Francis de Sales
Saint Francis Xavier
Saint Frumentius
Saint Fulgentius
G
Saint Gabriel Possenti
Saint Gal
Saint Gall
Saint Gatian
Saint Gemma Galgani
Saint Genesius of Rome
Saint Genevieve
Saint George
Saint Gerard Majella
Saint Germaine de Pibrac
Saint Germanus
Saint Gertrude the Great
Saint Gianna Beretta Molla
Saint Giles
Saint Grace
Saint Goar
Saint Gontran
Saint Gorgonia
Saint Gregory
Saint Gregory Nazianzen
Saint Gregory of Sinai
Saint Gregory Thaumaturgus
Saint Gregory the Great
Saint Gregory VII
Saint Guy of Anderlecht
H
Saint Hannibal di'Francia
Saint Hedwig of Silesia
Saint Hegesippus
Saint Helena
Saint Heliodorus
Saint Henry II
Saint Herman of Reichenau
Saint Hermenegild
Saint Hilarion
Saint Hilary of Poitiers
Saint Hildegarde von Bingen
Saint Hippolytus
Saint Honoratus
Saint Honorius of Amiens
Saint Hospitius
Saint Hubert of Liege
Saint Hugh
Saint Hugh of Cluny
Saint Hyacinth
I
Saint Ignatius of Antioch
Saint Ignatius of Loyola
Saint Irenaeus
Saint Isaac Jogues
Saint Isaak of Syria
Saint Isabella of Portugal
Saint Ischyrion
Saint Isidore of Seville
J
Saint James the Greater
Saint James the Lesser
Saint Jane Frances de Chantal/Jeanne de Chantal
Saint Jane of Valois
Saint Januarius
Saint Jason
Saint Jerome
Saint Jerome Emiliani
Saint Joan of Arc
Saint Joaquina
Saint John the Apostle
Saint John Berchmans
Saint John Bosco
Saint John Cantius
Saint John Chrysostom
Saint John Climacus
Saint John Francis Regis
Saint John Fisher
Saint John Gualbert
Saint John Licci
Saint John Macias
Saint John Nepomucen
Saint John Neumann
Saint John Ogilvie
Saint John of Capistrano
Saint John of Egypt
Saint John of God
Saint John of Matha
Saint John of Saint Fagondez
Saint John of the Cross
Saint John the Almoner
Saint John the Baptist
Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Saint John the Silent
Saint John Vianney
Saint Jose Marie Escriva
Saint Joseph the Worker
Saint Joseph Cafasso
Saint Joseph Calasanctius
Saint Joseph Calasanza
Saint Joseph Mukasa Balikuddembe
Saint Joseph of Cupertino
Saint Joseph Freinademetz
Saint Josephine Bakhita
Saint Joshua
Saint Juan Diego
Saint Jude Thaddeus
Saint Julia Billiart
Saint Julian Hospitaller
Saint Juliana of Cumae
Saint Juliana Falconieri
Saint Julius
Saint Justin de Jacobis
Saint Justina
K
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
Saint Katharine Drexel
St. Kenneth
St. Kevin
St. Kiernan
St. Kilian
L
Saint Ladislas
Saint Lambert
Saint Laurence
Saint Laurence Justinian
Saint Laurence O'Toole of Dublin
Saint Lazarus
Saint Leander
Saint Leo the Great
Saint Leocadia
Saint Leonard
Saint Leonides
Saint Liberatus
Saint Longinus
Saint Lorenzo Ruiz
Saint Louis
Saint Louis IX
Saint Louis Bertrand
Saint Louise de Marillac
Saint Louis Marie de Montfort
Saint Lucian
Saint Lucia of Syracuse/Saint Lucy
Saint Ludger
Saint Lugartha Lee Yu-Hye
Saint Luigi Orione
Saint Luke the Apostle
M
Saint Macarius of Alexandria
Saint Madeleine Sophi Barat
Saint Madonna del Ghisallo
Saint Magloire
Saint Malachi O'More
Saint Mammertus
Saint Marcella
Saint Marcellin Champagnat
Saint Marcellinus
Saint Marcellus
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
Saint Margaret of Antioch
Saint Margaet of Cortona
Saint Margaret of Scotland
Saint Margaret of Youville
Saint Maria Faustina
Saint Maria Goretti
Saint Marie Magdalen Postel
Saint Mark the Evangelist
Saint Martha
Saint Martin de Porres
Saint Martin of Tours
Saint Mary Euphrasia Pelletier
Saint Mary Magdalen
Saint Mary Magdalen of Pazzi
Saint Mary Mazzarello
Saint Mary of Edessa
Saint Mary of Egypt
Saint Matilda
Saint Matthew
Saint Matthias the Apostle
Saint Maud
Saint Maurice
Saint Maurus
Saint Maximilian Kolbe
Saint Maximus the Confessor
Saint Mechtild of Magdeburg
Saint Medard
Saint Mello
Saint Mesmin
Saint Michael the Archangel
Saint Monica
Saint Moses the Ethiopian
N
Saint Narcissus
Saint Nemesion
Saint Nicasius
Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas of Flue
Saint Nicholas of Tolentino
Saint Nilus of Sinai
Saint Nimatullah
Saint Nino de Atocha
Saint Nonna
Saint Norbert
O
Saint Odilia
Saint Odo of Cluny
Saint Olivia
Saint Oliver Plunkett
Saint Olympias
Saint Omer
Saint Onesimus
Saint Oswald
P
Saint Pachomius
Saint Palladius of the Scots
Saint Pamphilus
Saint Pancrasius
Saint Pantaenus
Saint Pantaleon
Saint Paphnutius
Saint Paschal Baylon
Saint Paternus
Saint Patrick of Ireland
Saint Paul the Apostle
Saint Paul of the Cross
Saint Paula
Saint Paulinus of Nola
Saint Perpetua
Saint Peter the Apostle
Saint Peter Baptist
Saint Peter Canisius
Saint Peter Celestine
Saint Peter Claver
Saint Peter Chrysologus
Saint Peter Damian
Saint Peter Julian Eymard
Saint Peter Nolasco
Saint Peter of Alcantara
Saint Peter of Alexandria
Saint Peter of Luxemburg
Saint Petronilla
Saint Philip the Apostle
Saint Philip Benizi
Saint Philip Neri
Saint Philogonius
Saint Philomena
Saint Phocas
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina
Saint Pius X
Saint Placid
Saint Polycarp of Smyrna
Saint Porphyry
Saint Prosper of Aquitaine
Q
Saint Quintin
R
Saint Rachel
Saint Radegundes
Saint Rafka
Saint Raphaela Mary Porras
Saint Raymund Nonnatus
Saint Raymund of Pennafort
Saint Rebecca
Saint Regis
Saint Remigius of Reims
Saint Rene Goupil
Saint Richard of Chichester
Saint Rita of Cascia
Saint Robert Bellarmine
Saint Robert of Newminster
Saint Roch
Saint Romanus of Rouen
Saint Romuald
Saint Rosalia
Saint Rose of Lima
Saint Rose of Viterbo
Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne
S
Saint Sabas
Saint Sabinus
Saint Saturninus
Saint Scholastica
Saint Sebastian
Saint Seraphim of Sarov
Saint Serenus
Saint Servulus
Saint Severianus
Saint Severinus of Agaunum
Saint Sharbel
Saint Silverius
Saint Simeon
Saint Simeon Stylites
Saint Simon the Apostle
Saint Simon Stock
Saint Simplicius
Saint Soledad
Saint Soter
Saint Stanislaus
Saint Stanislas Kostka
Saint Stephen
Saint Swithin
Saint Sylvester
Saint Symphorian
T
Saint Tarachus
Saint Tarasius
Saint Teresa of Avila
Saint Thecla
Saint Theodore Tyro
Saint Theodoret
Saint Theodosius
Saint Theophane Venard
Saint Therese of the Child Jesus/Thérèse of Lisieux
Saint Theresia Benedicta /Edith Stein
Saint Thomas
Saint Thomas Aquinas
Saint Thomas á Becket
Saint Thomas More
Saint Thomas of Canterbury
Saint Thomas of Villanova
Saint Timothy
Saint Titus
U
Saint Ursula
V
Saint Valentine of Rome
Saint Valery
Saint Venantius
Saint Veronica of Milan
Saint Victor
Saint Victor of Marseilles
Saint Vincent
Saint Vincent Ferrer
Saint Vincent de Paul
Saint Vincent Palloti
Saint Vicenta Maria Lopez Vicuña
Saint Vitalis
W
Saint Walter of Pontnoise
Saint Wenceslaus
Saint Wilfrid
Saint William of Monte-Vergine
Saint William of Rochester
Saint Willibrord
Saint Wolfgang
Saint Wulfran
Y
Saint Yvo
Saint Yves
Z
Saint Zachary
Saint Zephyrinus
Saint Zita
Saint Zoe of Rome

Canonization

By canonizing some of the faithful, i.e., by solemnly proclaiming that they practiced heroic virtue and lived in fidelity to God's grace, the Church recognizes the power of the Spirit of holiness within her and sustains the hope of believers by proposing the saints to them as models and intercessors. "the saints have always been the source and origin of renewal in the most difficult moments in the Church's history. Indeed, "holiness is the hidden source and infallible measure of her apostolic activity and missionary zeal."

From: Catechism of the Catholic Church p.823

Canonization Process

VATICAN CITY, SEP 12, 1997 (VIS) - Today the Holy See Press Office made public the following note on canonical procedure for causes of beatification and canonization:

"1. Canon norms regarding the procedure to be followed for causes of saints are contained in the Apostolic Constitution 'Divinus Perfectionis Magister,' promulgated by John Paul II on January 25, 1983.

"2. To begin a cause it is necessary for at least 5 years to have passed since the death of the candidate. This is to allow greater balance and objectivity in evaluating the case and to let the emotions of the moment dissipate.

"3. The bishop of the diocese in which the person whose beatification is being requested died is responsible for beginning the investigation. The promoter group ('Actor Causae'): diocese, parish, religious congregation, association, asks the bishop through the postulator for the opening of the investigation. The bishop, once the 'nulla osta' of the Holy See is obtained, forms a diocesan tribunal for this purpose. Witnesses are called before the tribunal to recount concrete facts on the exercise of Christian virtues considered heroic, that is, the theological virtues: faith, hope and charity, and the cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude, and others specific to his state in life. In addition, all documents regarding the candidate must be gathered. At this point he is entitled to the title of Servant of God.

"4. Once the diocesan investigation is finished, the acts and documentation are passed on to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The public copy used for further work is put together here. The postulator, resident in Rome, follows the preparation of the 'Positio', or summary of the documentation that proves the heroic exercise of virtue, under the direction of a relator of the Congregation. The 'Positio' undergoes an examination (theological) by nine theologians who give their vote. If the majority of the theologians are in favour, the cause is passed on for examination by cardinals and bishops who are members of the congregation. They hold meetings twice a month. If their judgment is favourable, the prefect of the congregation presents the results of the entire course of the cause to the Holy Father, who gives his approval and authorizes the congregation to draft the relative decree. The public reading and promulgation of the decree follows.

"5. For the beatification of a confessor a miracle attributed to the Servant of God, verified after his death, is necessary. The required miracle must be proven through the appropriate canonical investigation, following a procedure analogous to that for heroic virtues. This one too is concluded with the relative decree. Once the two decrees are promulgated (regarding the heroic virtues and the miracle) the Holy Father decides on beatification, which is the concession of public worship, limited to a particular sphere. With beatification the candidate receives the title of Blessed.

"6. For canonization another miracle is needed, attributed to the intercession of the Blessed and having occurred after his beatification. The methods for ascertainment of the affirmed miracle are the same as those followed for beatification. Canonization is understood as the concession of public worship in the Universal Church. Pontifical infallibility is involved. With canonization, the Blessed acquires the title of Saint."

From: http://www.catholic-pages.com/saints/process.asp


The canonization process

“Canonization” is the process by which someone becomes a saint. The “canonization process” is a long, arduous investigation into the life and virtues of someone who is thought to have lived a saintly life. It begins in the diocese where the person died and eventually winds its way to the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

Many people are involved in the canonization process – people who knew the candidate, theologians, doctors, bishops and cardinals, and finally the Pope himself. During the first phase of the process, a person being considered for canonization is referred to as a “Servant of God.”

The first step on the path to sainthood is the determination – through a study of his/her life and writings and the testimony of witnesses – that the Servant of God practiced heroic virtue. At this point he or she is referred to as “Venerable.” To advance to beatification, a miracle is needed (unless the person was a martyr; Martyrs do not require miracles!).

What is it about miracles? Pope Benedict himself gives us the answer: “As well as reassuring us that the Servant of God lives in Heaven in communion with God, miracles constitute the divine confirmation of the judgment expressed by the ecclesial authority on his/her virtuous life.”

From: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/letters/2006/documents

A possible miracle is studied by a panel of theologians, doctors and clergy. If it is accepted, the Servant of God may be beatified. He or she is then given the title “Blessed.”

A second proven miracle is required for canonization, the final step in the process. Once this is approved, the Pope signs the decree of canonization and assigns a date for the ceremony. Although beatifications often take place in the Blessed’s native country, canonizations are held in Rome in the presence of the Pope. Once canonized, the Blessed acquires the title of Saint and may be venerated by the Universal Church. (for a detailed article on the canonization process see

From: http://www.catholic-pages.com/saints/process.asp

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.”