The Enneagram: A Tool for Understanding Others

Understanding Others and Yourself Through the Enneagram

Though there are new ways to understand others in the workforce today, the two classics that have always been referred to are: the MBTI and the Enneagram. This blog post will deal with the latter. What I will write of the Enneagram is only meant to whet your appetite for knowledge of a people-knowledge tool. More extensive and real professional information is available online or in person, through professionals.

Working today needs tools to understand your companions' attitudes and way of relating with the world. This is important to make the direction of the work productive and not counter-productive. Some basic knowledge can make it easy to avoid the usual conflicts that occur when people who work together do not understand one another. It is a basic tool in conflict management - from an interpersonal sense. This tool to know people initially is through the Enneagram personality classification. Although each individual is unique in himself, there are certain dominant characteristics that typify persons, so that they can be grouped under a common set of dominant personality traits. For starters, in the Enneagram, they can be basically grouped into three: those who function more with the heart, those who relate regularly with the head, and those who act often with the gut. "Heart people" tend to always move towards other people. "Head people" tend to distance and withdraw themselves from others in order to "sort things out". And "Gut people" are those who follow their instincts, and act to work things out from the "gut". The Enneagram has three personality types for each group of Head, Heart and Gut personalities. Type #1, #9, & #8 personalities are gut people. Type #2, #3, & #4 personalities are heart people. Type #5, #6, & #7 personalities are gut people.

The Enneagram

The Enneagram is an ancient tool for classifying personality types. This tool classifies people into nine basic personality types. Some teachers of the Enneagram give names to these nine personality types. For the purposes of this blog post, a number will suffice to avoid typecasting each personality into a one-word or two-word description. This classification of people is meant only as a guide. In reality, even when people have the same dominant traits within a group, i.e., belonging for example to personality #1, each one is really gifted with other personality traits that are uniquely his own and different from others of the same personality group. Moreover, the human being is a growing entity - both physical and spiritual. He is and will continually be molded by the attitudes he will adapt to through the many experiences life brings. But, for specific purposes, like work or professional relationships, the Enneagram can be used to create the balance necessary, so that the social grouping can be productive and life-giving, not divisive and destructive, leading to dangerous negativity. Also, it can be a source of fun, as learning and knowing others leads to discovering new insights into work and life, and seeing a God who gifts everyone the power to generate life and productive work.

The Enneagram in Catholic circles

During the 1990's, the Enneagram was popularly applied in the formation of those entering into religious life. It was important for those in formation to know not only their personality type, but also the personality types of their companions (and their formators and religious superiors), as they would be studying, working and living together in community. Those who write about the Enneagram for Catholics usually have a saint mentioned as the "patron saint" of a personality type. Some mention the culture of countries as having also an Enneagram personality type.

Enneagram personality type #1

Here is the good boy who always wants to do the right and perfect thing all the time. He wants everything perfect and in place. For him, it is not right to express his anger, because expression of anger is a sign of imperfection. Often, this personality type is serious and conscientious, and needs to add more humor to his attitude. The drive to perfection can be so all-consuming that this type of personality can easily fit in the role of a reformer of organizations, or a moral teacher. Many writers of the Enneagram say that St. Paul the Apostle, and St. Ignatius of Loyola were Enneagram personality type #1s. This is indeed evident in the letters of St. Paul when he exhorts and urges his readers to always strive to goodness and perfection.

Enneagram personality type #2

This is a service-oriented personality type. He sees the world as a place to serve and care for others. Many people depend on this personality type, as he is sensitive to people's needs. Writers of the Enneagram say St. Teresa of Calcutta belongs to this personality type. Personality type #2 often enter into professions that are service-oriented or people-oriented, like doctors, teachers, nurses, and public-service personnel. If a manager or a religious superior belongs to this personality type, he would be a leader who will certainly be loved by all. He will treat each one as a person who needs his attention and care. These personality type is a nurturing and defending type: one you can count on for service-excellence in a corporation or a religious community.

Enneagram personality type #3

Success is very important to this personality type. This personality type has a successful image projected in his smile and his handshake. Since success is important to this personality type, he will do everything in his power to achieve his goals and ambition in life. People of this personality type often enter the entertainment industry, and strive for celebrity status. Because of the successful image they project, these types of personality are very attractive to many. They can be very good role models also for the youth - especially if the image they project is one that espouses good and traditional values. If this personality type were to be applied to nations, the USA is a personality #3 country, because of its success-driven culture. On the other hand, many Enneagram writers say that Russia is a personality #1 country because of its emphasis on utopia in its philosophies.

Enneagram personality type #4

This personality type is unique and special. Artists, poets, writers, and many in the field of humanities, are grouped into this personality category. This people seek to be unique and to be different. An example of this personality type is the Trappist monk and author Thomas Merton. Thomas Merton became popular for his book 'The Seven Storey Mountain'. Reading the book, you can see the unique journey in life he made - from being non-Catholic, to one of conversion to the Catholic faith, and finally entering the Trappist monastery. He writes in depth about philosophy and theology, and some passages need several re-readings before it can be understood (very deep writings). Author Thomas Merton and other Enneagram personality type #4s are usually non-conformist. They will do what is distinct, special and unique. This may be the reason why Thomas Merton entered into the meditation practices and philosophy of the Buddhist religion.

Enneagram personality type #5

This personality type seek wisdom as the life project. They are thinkers and work to gather information, knowledge and facts. They can make wise and good decisions because of their store of knowledge and facts. Solitude, meditation and reflection come naturally to this personality type. They are very logical and objective. It is their left brain that functions more dominantly when they need to make decisions. St. Thomas Aquinas is said to be an Enneagram personality type #5. His Summa Theologica is a testimony to the sound reason and logic which the personality type #5 symbolizes.

Enneagram personality type #6

These personality type seek conformity. These are men loyal to the institution. They are very particular about obedience to rules and regulations. Whatever goes against the norm, or the rule, would upset this personality type. Personality type #6 are very good in religious communities, because the rigid structure of obedience in many religious communities gives them security. The same is true for those in military organizations. Those in very conservative business organizations that seldom change in organizational structure would also be interesting for the personality type #6. Since this type wants people to conform to the institution, it will find those who do not conform a great threat to him, and the institution he serves. Many Enneagram writers say that St. Oscar Romero (gunned down in church because of his hardline stand against the political bloc that oppresses the poor of his local Church) is a good example of personality type #6. Another Church personality who falls under this category is St. Peter. St. Peter is a man of the institution. And his Petrine function has to see that everybody in the institution conforms to it.

Enneagram personality type #7

These personality types always seek fun and enjoyment in life. He can be the spice of the group - bringing the group to heights of humor and laughter. This personality type is very active - running here and there and doing so many things all at the same time. A man given to multitasking! Hyperactivity is probably second nature to him. Even with all the work and activities this person does, he always finds ways to enjoy life, and make others enjoy through his jokes and humorous stories. He can influence others to gather in parties and socials. In a corporate set-up or a religious community, if you need someone to organize your party, or your social gathering, get a personality type #7 and for certain, your gathering will be a fun-filled success.

Enneagram personality type #8

This personality type needs to be in charge of things. He is a leader, and is aware where the power in a group resides. Many politicians or those in leadership positions belong to this personality type. These people are strong personalities. Sometimes they forget how strong they are, that they overlook (their own weakness) and the feelings of others - trampling whatever is in their way when they act or speak. Because of their need to be in charge, and the need to take leadership positions, they are often concerned with issues of justice and peace. Those who are members of political groups that are espouse justice-oriented causes and advocate human rights, can belong to personality type #8.

Enneagram personality type #9

This personality type is peaceful and always seeks harmony in his relationships and environment. Those who belong to this personality type are very stable in the way they carry themselves. They do not want anything, nor anyone, to 'rock the boat', so to speak. Since this type seeks harmony and understanding, they move towards humanitarian activities. They can be very altruistic, and are often concerned with the state of mankind and the world. World leaders who have personality type #9 often make a great and positive impact in the global policital scene, because of the ideals their personality represent. Since the world in its positive direction always seeks universal harmony, brotherhood, peace and unity, a world leader having the personality type #9 will surely be a great gift for humanity.

Additional note:

All these personality types are gifts. All contribute to the common good and the greater good. Not one is a cut above the rest. Not one is better than the other. When gathered together in a community or a workforce, each one brings the gift of his personality to the social setting. Sometimes it would be fun to see how these personalities act when it comes to a certain situation. Take for instance an emergency situation like a fire. #1s would get his list of emergency procedures and act accordingly; #2s would be aware of the people who may be affected by the fire and work to save them; #3s would make themselves appear as calm, in-charge of the situation, and at the same time organize others to put the fire out; #4s would be very emotional and hyper-sensitive; #5s would pause and think what would be the best thing to do; #6s would go to the phone directory and call the fire department, or go to one responsible for the building; #7s would tell everybody there is nothing to worry about, and may even bring humor to the situation; #8s would really take charge of the situation; and #9s would be calm, stable, and confident that everything will be well.

Memorial of Saints (February 27)

St. Leander of Seville was the brother of St. Isidore of Seville. Leander's works as bishop resulted in the conversion of the Visigoths and the Suevi. Since the king was against his work, Leander was exiled to Constantinople. It is to Leander that the Church received the formulation of the Nicene Creed in the West, and also a Rule for a community of nuns (died ca. 600 A.D.).

St. Gabriel Possenti entered the Passionist novitiate in 1856 A.D. Because of his devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows, he took the religious name Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. He was known for his cheerfulness, and his commitment to prayer and penance. Gabriel was only twenty-four years old when he died of tuberculosis in Abruzzi, Italy (died ca. 1862 A.D.).

St. Alnoth was a cowherder who lived in the estate of a monastery at Northamptonshire, England. Alnoth grew in holiness in his state of life as a cowherder. He then decided to live the life of a hermit near Stowe. Because of the dangerous state of things where he lived, Alnoth was killed by a group of bandits (died ca. 700 A.D.).

St. John of Gorze inherited a wealthy estate upon the death of his father. John was attracted to religious life and visited several monasteries. He was to go on a second pilgrimage to Rome, but the bishop of the diocese where he studied sent him, and a companion to a run-down abbey in Gorze. John revitalized the abbey and became prior. Eventually, he was elected abbot of Gorze abbey in 960 A.D. (died ca. 974 A.D.).

Sts. Besas, Cronion and Julian were martyrs. Already crippled with gout, Julian was scourged and then burned to death. Cronion was martyred together with Julian. Both Cronion and Julian helped the martyred Christians during Decius' persecution of Christians. St. Besas was a soldier who defended Julian and Cronion when the two were to be executed. Because of Besas' defense, he was also martyred (died ca. 250 A.D.).

St. Thalelaeus lived as a hermit near Gala - probably an area near Cilicia, in Asia Minor where he was born. Thalelaeus was able to convert many to the Christian faith, especially those who wanted to worship at a pagan shrine near his hermit's shack. Since he was gifted also with the gift of tears by the Holy Spirit, he was surnamed Epiklautos - meaning "weeping much" (died ca. 450 A.D.).

St. Baldomerus was a locksmith in Lyons, France. Because of his reputation for holiness, the abbot of St. Justus ordained him to the minor order of the subdiaconate. Baldomerus' cell was next to the monastery of the abbot of St. Justus. It was in this cell that St. Baldomerus spent the rest of his life in prayer and meditation (died ca. 660 A.D.).

St. Anne Line was disowned by her father when she became a Roman Catholic, and married Roger Line - also a Roman Catholic. Because England separated from the Roman Church, Anne helped priests of the Roman Church to find shelter in England. Because of this, Anne was arrested and hanged - one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales (died ca. 1601 A.D.).

Three Pope-Saints and Fathers of the Church

Introduction

St. Dionysius, St. Damasus I, and St. Celestine I, were popes during the 3rd to the 5th century A.D. They are also listed as Latin Fathers of the Church.

St. Dionysius, Pope: d. ca. 268 A.D.

Dionysius was a Greek and a priest in Rome when he was elected Pope on July 22, 259 A.D. In 260 A.D., he issued an important doctrinal letter that condemned Sabellianism. He also sent large sums of money to the Cappadocian churches that were devastated by the Goths, and to ransom back Christians held captive by the Goths. St. Dionysius was successful in rebuilding the Church. He died in Rome - the first Pope not listed as a martyr. The Church celebrates his feast on December 26.

St. Damasus I, Pope: d. ca. 384 A.D.

Damasus was born in Rome in 306 A.D., and became deacon in the church of his father, who was a priest (priestly celibacy was not yet instituted as Church law at the time). When St. Damasus was elected Pope in 366 A.D., he had to contend with an antipope, Ursinus - who was elected by an opposing minority faction. Although Ursinus was eventually defeated and exiled by Emperor Valentinian, the opponents of St. Damasus remained actively against him.

St. Damasus' opponents charged him with incontinence, but Damasus was cleared by a Roman synod. As Pope, he did the following: (1) forbidding gifts given by widows and orphans to bishops; (2) opposed Arianism; (3) sent legates to the Council of Constantinople in 381 A.D.; (4) and denounced the teaching of Macedonius that the Holy Spirit is not divine.

St. Damasus was a bible scholar. He published the canon of the Holy Scripture as decreed by a council in Rome in 374 A.D. His secretary was St. Jerome, who at St. Damasus' request, began to write the biblical commentaries and the translation of the Bible to Latin - the Vulgate - which also earned for St. Jerome the title, Latin Father of the Church.

St. Damasus was especially known for promoting the cult of the martyrs. He is remembered for his Christian humility, his compassion for the poor, the innocence of his manners, and his holiness. He died in Rome and was buried in a small church along the Ardeatine Way. The Church celebrates his feast on December 11.

St. Celestine I, Pope: d. ca. 432 A.D.

Born in Italy, Celestine became a deacon, and was elected Pope on September 20, 422 A.D. He supported St. Germanus of Auxerre in the fight against Pelagianism and was a friend of St. Augustine whom he corresponded with.

St. Celestine held a council in Rome in 430 A.D. to condemn the Nestorian heresy. It was finally achieved in the General Council of Ephesus in 431 A.D. - which formally condemned Nestorianism.

(Nestorianism claimed that there were two distinct persons in Christ - one human, the other divine. The Church, however, held the orthodox claim that Christ was a divine person who assumed a human nature).

Sources of this blog post:

• Dictionary of Saints, by John J. Delaney
• Pocket Catholic Dictionary, by John A. Hardon, SJ
• A Year with the Saints, by Don Bosco Press, Inc.

Jesus, Strength of Martyrs

(note: It is said that the intercession of the Martyrs, especially against temptation and evil is an effective prayer. One reason is that of all the Saints, their life and death is closest in similarity to Christ. In the Litany of the Saints, the Martyrs are grouped after the Apostles, and placed before the group of Bishops and Doctors of the Church, signifying the quality of their witness.)

The Christian Martyrs of the First Centuries

Martyrs: Called to Live and Die Like Christ

Jesus, Martyr Par Excellence

Martyrdom has its roots in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Christ sacrificed His own Body and Blood by dying on the cross, to save all humanity from sin. During His entire public ministry Christ preached the values of God's Kingdom. The Sanhedrin at the time were not open to what He preached and even doubted the origin of the miracles He was performed. Because of allegiance to legal traditions, their minds were closed to the confines of the Jewish Law. But Jesus went beyond the legal confines of old Jewish traditions and opened a new tradition of love, forgiveness, gratitude and service. The Kingdom of God Christ preached caused Him a terrible martyr's death on the Cross. But it was the example of His whole life, teaching, works and martyr's death that inspired many believers to follow Christ also to the point of shedding their own blood for the faith and life of the Church. It began with the Apostles and then with the Christian martyrs.

The early Christian martyrs

The example of Christ has sparked inspiration among many in the early Church. The first martyr who followed Him was Stephen (note: the story of his martyrdom is chronicled in the book of the Acts of the Apostles). St. Stephen was stoned to death because the Jews believed his speech was blasphemy. Stephen became the first martyr of the Christian faith together with the early apostolic community.

The early sporadic persecutions of Christians

Christians were seen as a threat by the Roman authorities, particularly by Nero. In one instance of unexplained behavior, Nero had set Rome on fire - playing the lyre while letting Rome burn in flames. This naturally angered the Roman populace. Nero publicly made the Christians the scapegoat, and blamed them before the Roman populace for the burning of Rome. This began greater hatred towards those who placed their faith in Christ; it was the onset of Christian persecutions. Persecutions at this time were sporadic; not yet full-fledged and completely developed. But the persecutions were utterly cruel. The description of some accounts say that the Christians were poured with pitch and tar, set high on poles, and then set on fire to burn to death. If one reads the many accounts of the martyrs' deaths, you will really be inspired because they are remarkably heroic.

The following are brief descriptions of the martyrs' deaths:

St. Appollonia (Feast day: Feb 9) - Appollonia was attacked by a mob and thrown into a bonfire, because she refused to curse Christ; but this they did after they had pulled out all her teeth. This is one reason she is made patroness of dentists and toothache sufferers.



Sts. Perpetua and Felicity (feast: Feb 9) - Perpetua was a noble woman and mother of an infant, and Perpetua was her pregnant slave girl; Perpetua chose death rather than renounce her faith; she gave her child to her pagan father, and went off to martyrdom together with Felicity; both of them were under the mercy of a mad bull; the mad bull gored Felicity first and then went for Perpetua, although Perpetua was only maimed; a Roman soldier was going to stab her to death, but she courageously guided the sword of the soldier so that her martyrdom will be certain.


St. Lawrence - Lawrence, like St. Stephen, was a deacon; he was grilled alive on a gridiron; he was so courageous that he laughingly told his persecutors and tormentors that he was already "done" on one side, and was ready to be "flipped" over.


St. Ignatius of Antioch - Ignatius was a bishop and wrote a lot about the Christian faith; he said that he was willing to be ground by the teeth of the wild beasts that he may be turned into the pure bread of Christ; he was thrown to the wild beasts.


St. Agatha (Feast day: Feb 5) - Agatha spurned the advances of a Roman counsel; the Roman counsel was angered and had her stretched on a rack, her breasts cut off, and then threw Agatha naked on top of burning coals.


St. Sebastian - Sebastian rose to a high rank in the Emperor's personal guard; the Emperor suddenly discovered he was a Christian, and so had him tied up to a tree for target practice by the other soldiers.


St. Venantius - Venantius was whipped, hanged upside down over a fire, then they smashed his jaws and threw him to the lions who showed no interest in his almost lifeless form; finally, his persecutors and tormentors had to cut off his head to silence his constant prayers.


St. Polycarp (Feast day: Feb 23) - Polycarp was 86 years old when he was martyred; he was a bishop; when the Roman soldiers came for him, he still showed charity by inviting them to dinner; but then they eventually arrested him, and had him burned alive; legends say that the flames formed like gentle sails around Polycarp's body, as if not touching him; because of this the Romans stabbed him to death; after the stabbing, it was said that a dove flew out from his side; with his death, people rushed to get his bones, because they believe that the bones of the martyrs had immense power to intercede with God.

Religious tolerance after the Constantine edict

The persecution of Christians ceased, and religious tolerance was imposed, when the Roman emperor Constantine saw a vision in the sky. In the vision, he saw a cross, and heard a voice say, "by this sign, conquer". He believed the vision and the message, and was able to obtain victory in his military conquests. After this experience, Emperor Constantine made a decree not to persecute the Christians of Rome anymore. Christians now had the opportunity to promote and propagate their faith. Since Christianity became an official religion of the Roman empire, many kings defended their Christian domains, and conquered and converted new ones: King Wenceslaus, was murdered because he converted Bohemia. Edmund of East Anglia died fighting the Viking invaders. Oswald was dismembered because he wanted to bring all of England into the Christian fold.

Two great martyrs we must also recognize for our contemporary times are St. Thomas a Beckett and St. Joan of Arc.

St. Thomas a Beckett was not serious with his Christian faith until Henry II, King of England, made him Archbishop of Canterbury. After Thomas became Archbishop of Canterbury, he suddenly took religion seriously, and started to oppose Henry II in matters of Church against state. This angered Henry II, and in a fit of rage muttered that he wanted Thomas, who was also his friend, dead. The soldiers of the King took him at his word, and killed Thomas at the Cathedral, while he was saying Mass.

Another great martyr and patron saint of France was St. Joan of Arc. Not yet 20 years old, she was burnt on the stake because the English Catholic church believed she was a witch who 'heard voices'. But Joan only confessed that it was the Lord who commissioned her to help the Dauphin of France become King. It was her conviction of the veracity of the 'voices' as of divine origin that she led the army of France to victory against the English. By leading the French military to victory, the Dauphin was crowned King. However, something happened that led to the capture of Joan by the English Catholics. She was tried by the court of the English church and found guilty of witchcraft. She was condemned to death by being burned on a stake. But after her death, Joan's mother worked for the vindication of her daughter, and the sentence was reversed. Eventually, Joan was canonized as a saint in the Catholic church. St. Joan of Arc is probably the only saint in the history of the Church that was killed also by another arm of the Church itself.

A new concept of martyrdom: Martyr of charity

When we look to modern times, a new model of martyrdom bloomed and came to fruition through the example and witness of St. Maximillian Kolbe, a Polish priest. This is the story of St. Maximillian.

Maximillian Kolbe was arrested together with other Poles when Germany invaded Poland at the beginning of World War II. They were imprisoned. The description of his martyrdom is heroic. In the cell block where St. Maximillian Kolbe was imprisoned, certain prisoners have escaped. In a fit of rage, the German soldiers picked out randomly certain men to die in behalf of those who escaped. Among that group sentenced to death was a man who protested to the German commandant because he had a wife and children. It was here that Maximillian Kolbe stepped in, and said that he would take the man's place. And so the man stepped back to the prison, and Maximillian Kolbe stepped up to martyrdom. The Church was a bit baffled at first as to how they would categorize this saint's martyrdom because Maximillian did not die out of a people's animosity for his Christian faith. Rather, he died because he wanted to save the life of a man and his family. The Church therefore, especially those in charge for the Cause of the Canonization of Saints, said that the concept of martyrdom had to be broadened, to include those who gave up their lives in order to save others. And thus St. Maximillian Kolbe became the first martyr of charity. He was canonized under the papal administration of St. John Paul II, the first Polish pope.

1st Sunday of Lent (A)

(Edited) Sunday Reflections: (From:) Liturgical years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)

March 9, 2014
Liturgical readings
Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7
Psalm 51
Romans 5:12-19
Matthew 4:1-11

"Jesus was led into the desert by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil."

Reading the text more closely, one can see how the devil uses three things to tempt Christ - and one after the other. In the second temptation, the devil uses Scripture to match Jesus' knowledge of God's Word. Christ however was consistent in all His defense since the beginning. He never wavered from His pure trust in God's Word. Jesus was so firmly anchored on the Truth, quoting from a pure objective: for the purpose of God's Kingdom.

One of the greatest minds in Catholic tradition, St. Augustine of Hippo, knew by experience what temptation to sin is. He gives this deep reflection on the gospel story of Jesus'temptation by the devil in the desert:

'If in Christ we have been tempted, in Him we overcome the devil...
Jesus could have kept the devil from Himself, but if He were not
tempted He could not teach us how to triumph over temptation' .

St. Augustine teaches a practical path to ward off evil: to seek Christ in our soul and to be firmly anchored and rooted in Christ. Only in Jesus can we overcome temptations. Although we may not be victorious over evil every time (as spiritual falls are always a reality), we know that with humility and rising again, Christ will be there for us.

Temptation is part of the daily struggle in Christian life. It enters our life whether we are rich or poor, honored or in disgrace, young or old, and healthy or sick. St. Francis de Sales, another great teacher in Catholic tradition, has this to say for people of all walks of life:

"so long as your will refuses its consent - not only to the temptation,
but to the pleasure which flows from it - God is not offended."

We do not sin if we resist the temptation at its beginnings - even if it troubles us, gives us anxieties, makes us uncertain, or finds us weak. It is in Jesus that we are encouraged, and are able to overcome temptations in life. The more we have Jesus in our mind and heart, and the more we are fed by His Word and Sacrament, we will be equipped to overcome any temptation.

Scripture quotes for reflection:
The Lord God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life (Genesis 2)
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me (Psalm 51)
Just as through one man's disobedience all became sinners, so through one man's obedience all shall become just (Romans 5)
At that the devil left Jesus, and angels came and waited on him (Matthew 4)

Saints Behaving Badly

"Saints Behaving Badly" by Thomas J. Craughwell

Introduction:

"Saints Behaving Badly" is a book that presents in contemporary writing style the lives of sinners-turned-saints. If the traditional manner of narrating their lives included popular legends and pious stories, the book's presentation includes background information from social and historical sources. It is these socio-historical references that contemporary readers will discover the human side of each saint. In some, there is even a spirit of light humour. The author of the book, however, does not downplay the traditional stories surrounding the saint's life; he situates them according to the actual context of past Catholic culture, with concrete references to the country of origin of each saint.

The book narrates the lives of 28 saints, who even with their initial "bad behavior", were able to change their sinful ways, and lead very holy lives until the last remaining years of their life. These stories can inspire and encourage anybody interested. And the message by author Craughwell is simple: "there's hope for all of us".

A sample of 28 sinners-turned-saints

In the author's sample list, he did not include St. Mary Magdalene - the woman from whom Jesus exorcised seven devils. Because the author uses modern tools in interpreting Scripture, and also employs historical methods of analysis, he explains how tradition sees St. Mary Magdalene as a prostitute, and how modern tools of interpreting scripture presently reveal that she is not. It is this way of presenting the lives of the saints that the author opens our eyes to new ways of seeing the saints: both in their holy and human sides - yet keeping a balance, so that as a whole, their life is viewed as a witness to God's life-changing power.


As one follows the list given by the author and the "sin title" next to each saint, one may be surprised to learn that many of these saints started as cutthroats, crooks, trollops, con men, and devil worshippers. Beginning in the front flap of the book cover, the author mentions three of these gallery of sinners-turned-saints: St. Olga, who unleashed a bloodbath on her husband's assassins; St. Mary of Egypt, who walked the streets looking for new sexual conquests; and St. Thomas Becket, who despite being rich, refused to give his cloak to a man freezing to death in the street.

Saints featured in "Saints Behaving Badly"

• St. Matthew, Extortionist


• St. Dismas, Thief


• St. Callixtus, Embezzler


• St. Hippolytus, Antipope


• St. Christopher, Servant of the Devil


• St. Pelagia, Promiscuous Actress


• St. Genesius, Scoffer


• St. Moses the Ethiopian, Cutthroat and Gang Leader


• St. Fabiola, Bigamist


• St. Augustine, Heretic and Playboy


• St. Alipius, Obsessed with BloodSports


• St. Patrick, Worshipper of False Gods


• St. Mary of Egypt, Seductress


• St. Columba, Warmonger


• St. Olga, Mass Murderer


• St. Vladimir, Fratricide, Rapist and Practitioner of Human Sacrifice


• St. Olaf, Viking


• St. Thomas Becket, Hedonist


• St. Francis of Assisi, Wastrel


• Blessed Giles of Portugal, Satanist


• St. Margaret of Cortona, Rich Man's Mistress


• Blessed Angela of Foligno, Gossip and Hedonist


• St. Ignatius of Loyola, Egotist


• St. John of God, Gambler and Drunkard


• St. Camillus de Lellis, Cardsharp and Con Man


• St. Philip Howard, Cynic and Negligent Husband


• St. Peter Claver, Dithering Novice


• Venerable Matt Talbot, Chronic Alcoholic

Summary:

This book will give us new eyes to see that not all saints started right and ended right. Although saints like Catherine of Siena, Dominic Savio, and Bernadette Soubirous were already filled with God's spirit early in life, other saints started either worldly lives or as sinners like the 28 lives in this book's pages. The 28 true stories in this book help us realize that the call to follow Christ is made to every man and woman and to every situation in life - even to one who has trodden a sinful journey. And the 28 lives featured in these pages tell us of a God whose mercy and compassion can powerfully change lives of sin, to lives of holiness, that can influence many to follow, as they chose to follow Christ. If you by chance to get a copy of the book, you not only enjoy, because of many humorously written passages, but you really get inspired!

Three Degrees of Knowledge According to St. Isaac the Syrian

Introduction

The "In Search of True Wisdom" speaks of a character named Father Panteleimon. Father Panteleimon spoke of three degrees of knowledge according to the teaching of St. Isaac the Syrian. The three degrees of knowledge lead to growth in divine knowledge of God according to the Orthodox tradition.

Profane knowledge

The first degree of knowledge is called profane knowledge. This knowledge is obtained in a university degree - in the arts or the sciences. This knowledge is basic and important because it is necessary for communicating with one another in society - to work together and build families, homes, businesses and industries.

Knowledge acquired through prayer

The second degree is knowledge acquired through prayer, watching, fasting, studying the Sacred Scriptures, and learning from the Fathers of the Church. This knowledge awakens in man a greater desire for things spiritual. This second degree involves a greater sense of detachment from the world and its familiar activities.

Theoria

The third degree of knowledge is what St. Isaac the Syrian calls theoria
. Theoria is divinely infused knowledge - an experiential connatural love-knowledge that only God can give. This third degree of knowledge is a gift from God which can be received through "a glimpse", a "spiritual taste". Usually, it is known during a prolonged retreat.

St. Peter Damian, Bishop & Doctor of the Church, Feast Feb 21

Feast day, February 21

Born at Ravenna and educated by his archpriest brother

St. Peter Damian was born of poor parents at Ravenna, Italy, in 1007 A.D. Orphaned when very young, one of his brothers took him in but put him to work with heavy chores like tending a herd of swine. Another brother, who happened to be the archpriest of Ravenna, took pity on Peter. He recognized Peter's intelligence and arranged for his education by sending him to good schools. In recognition for his brother's kindness and goodness, Peter adopted his brother's name, Damian, as his surname. After his education at Faenza, and then at Parma, Peter became a professor of great ability.

Joined the Benedictines at Fonte Avellana

In 1035 A.D., St. Peter Damian entered the Benedictines of Fonte Avellana, living as a hermit and devoting himself to the intensive study of Scripture. St. Peter adapted to this life eagerly, and slept so little that he developed severe insomnia. Despite this suffering, he was able to study the Bible so well that he became well-versed in the Scriptures. Peter was well admired by his fellow monks who unanimously recommended that he become abbot upon the superior's death. Though St. Peter was reluctant to assume the position, when it became a matter of obedience, he indeed succeeded the abbot when the abbot died in 1043 A.D.

Abbot and cardinal-bishop of Ostia

St. Peter Damian proved to be a well-loved superior. He founded five other monasteries, and appointed priors, who led monastic communities under St. Peter's general direction. In his leadership abilities, St. Peter Damian was known to be uncompromising toward worldliness and denounced the practice of simony. In 1057 A.D., he was named cardinal-bishop of Ostia by Pope Stephen IX. However, when he attempted to resign his diocese, his request was refused at first during the papacy of Nicholas II. He finally was able to persuade the next pope, Pope Alexander II, so that he may return to a simple monastic way of life. But, Pope Alexander II permitted St. Peter Damian to resign with the condition that he shall make himself available if his help was needed.

Ecclesiastical involvement even upon retiring to monastic life

After Peter Damian retired to the life of a monk, Pope Alexander II did indeed call upon Peter from time to time. St. Peter Damian still had to return to his work of ecclesiastical reform. He opposed the antipopes, especially Honorius II, and engaged in several papal diplomatic missions to France and Germany. He went to King Henry IV of Germany to persuade the King to abandon his plan to divorce his wife, Bertha. At another diplomatic mission, the Pope also sent Peter to Ravenna to settle troubles after the archbishop had been excommunicated. When St. Peter arrived at Ravenna, he found the archbishop had already passed away, but he imposed suitable penances on the accomplices for the archbishop's crimes.

Written works of St. Peter Damian

St. Peter Damian had many written works. In 1051 A.D., he wrote the book Liber Gomorrhianus. This book attacked the many vices of the clergy, especially clerical marriage. Two years later, St. Peter also wrote Liber Gratissimus - a defense of the legitimacy of ordinations even when money was paid to obtain the office of priesthood. Of the many letters that he wrote, some one hundred seventy are still existing today. Also extant are his fifty-three sermons, seven biographies (including one of St. Romuald), and other writings on purgatory, the Eucharist, and clerical celibacy.

Death and elevation to the title Doctor of the Church

After his mission to the diocese of Ravenna, St. Peter Damian got ill while travelling back to his monastery. He made it to a monastery outside Faenza, where he died on the eighth day of his illness, with the monks gathered around him saying the Divine Office. It was February 22, 1072 A.D. For many years, devotions to St. Peter Damian were celebrated where he lived and worked. Though he was never formally canonized, in 1828 A.D., Pope Leo XII extended his feast to the Universal Church and declared him a Doctor of the Church. The Church celebrates his feast every February 21.

Edited from the following sources

• Dictionary of Saints, by John J. Delaney
• The Doctors of the Church vol 2, by John F. Fink
• A Year With the Saints, by Don Bosco Press, Inc.
• Saints for Our Times, by Ransom

Memorial of Saints on February 20

St. Ulric was an English hermit. He entered this state of life upon meeting a beggar he conversed with. But before he became a hermit, he worked as a parish priest. In his conversion to the eremitical (hermit's) life, Ulric led a penitential and holy life. It was the example of Ulric's life which led kings Henry I and Stephen (successor to Henry) to make a pilgrimage to Ulric's hermit cell. Various miracles were reported at Ulric's tomb (died ca. 1154 A.D.).

Blessed Elizabeth of Mantua was an Italian of noble and wealthy ancestry. Elizabeth and one of her sisters entered the Third Order of the Servites after their mother's death. Elizabeth was known to have the gift of making predictions - with one prediction accurately made about her death, before it happened a year after. Many miracles were reported to have happened at her tomb (died ca. 1468 A.D.).

St. Eleutherius of Tournai became bishop of Tournai in Gaul in the year 486 A.D. At that time, the Arian heresy was influencing many Christians to believe in its teaching. But St. Eleutherius was able to win back his people from the Arians' influence. Because of his success, a group of Arians attacked him and beat him up as he left his church (died ca. 532 A.D.).

Sts. Tyrannio, Zenobius and Companions were martyrs of the early 4th century A.D. Tyrannio was bishop of Tyre, while Zenobius was a priest and physician of Sidon. Together with other Christians, they were martyred for their faith in Christ. St. Tyrannio was tortured, and then drowned. St. Zenobius was put on a rack, and died later on from the torture (died ca. 310 A.D.).

St. Sadoth was a deacon who represented his bishop in the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. When Sadoth's bishop was martyred, Sadoth succeeded him to the episcopate. But because of the intense persecutions of Christians at the time by Persian King Sapor II, Sadoth went into hiding. King Sapor II eventually reached the area where Sadoth was, and had him and the faithful of his diocese imprisoned. All of them were tortured. St. Sadoth was beheaded (died ca. 342 A.D.).

St. Eucherius of Orleans became a Benedictine monk. Despite his vehement objections, he was elected bishop of Orleans in 721 A.D. When Eucherius opposed Charles Martel in the use of Church revenues to finance his wars, Martel exiled Eucherius to Cologne in Germany. In Cologne, Eucherius became popular, so Charles had him arrested but allowed Eucherius to retire to a monastery near Maastricht in the Netherlands (died ca. 743 A.D.).

Memorial of Saints on February 13

Blessed Jordan of Saxony entered the Dominicans, the Order of Preachers. He succeeded St. Dominic de Guzman (founder of the Dominicans) as master general of their religious Order in 1222 A.D. He died in ca. 1237 A.D.

St. Catherine de' Ricci was a Dominican nun known for her wisdom and concern for the sick. Over a 12-year period, she had deep spiritual experiences that led to her reception of the stigmata - the physical wounds of Christ crucified manifested in the body (died ca. 1590 A.D.).

St. Ermengild was of English nobility in 7th-8th century Kent, England. By her holy life, she converted her pagan husband and influenced him to lead their people to Christianity. After her husband's death, Ermengild entered a convent founded by her mother. After her mother's death, she became the third abbess of that convent (died ca. 703 A.D.).

St. Polyeuctus was a pagan Roman officer at first. Converted to Christianity by his friend Nearchus, he was imprisoned and tortured when ordered to renounce his faith in Christ. Zealous of his faith, he was eventually beheaded and died as a martyr for Christ (died ca. 259 A.D.).

St. Stephen of Rieti was abbot of a monastery near Rieti, Italy. There are not many sources about his life except for a mention of him by St. Gregory the Great. Gregory, who died in 604 A.D., and was an Italian who became pope in 590 A.D., praised St. Stephen of Rieti in one of his homilies (died ca. 560 A.D.).

St. Modomnoc became a monk and went to Wales to study under St. David. Catholic tradition tells the story how Modomnoc introduced bees to his native Ireland. When Modomnoc returned to Ireland from Wales, the bees accompanied him. Back home in Ireland, Modomnoc settled at Kilkenney and became bishop of Ossory (died ca. 6th century).

St. Licinius became a courtier at the court of his cousin King Clotaire I. He was then named count of Anjou by King Chilperic. After his intended marriage was discontinued because his bride-to-be got sick with leprosy, he decided rather to enter religious life. He entered a monastery and was elected as bishop of Anjou in 586 A.D. (died ca. 616 A.D.).

St. Martinian became a hermit when he was eighteen years old. He lived a solitary life for about twenty-five years. Catholic tradition tells many stories about Martinian: his resistance to the flattery of Zoe, a wealthy woman; his rescue of a girl from drowning because of a shipwreck; and his final years at Athens (died ca. 4th century A.D.).

7th Sunday of the Year (A)

(Edited) Sunday reflections: (From:) Liturgical years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)

February 23, 2014
Liturgical readings
Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18
Psalm 103
1 Corinthians 3:16-23
Matthew 5:38-48

"His sun rises on the bad and the good."

When Christ spoke of the importance of love of enemies in the gospel of Matthew, He emphasized this counsel with a reference to Jewish Law in Exodus 21:23-25. In that Exodus passage from the Old Testament, the Jewish Law quotes an "eye for eye". The context of this quote is a law that must be obeyed when a man hurts another man's pregnant wife, and causes her to have a miscarriage:

"...you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe" (Exodus 21:24).

Christ however puts love and forgiveness as a value greater than this Jewish law. By sacrificing His life on the cross to save mankind, He exemplified well this teaching. St. Gregory (ca. 540-604 A.D.) also made a comment on this:

"[Christ's] prayer to God was pure...for in the midst of His suffering...He prayed for His persecutors: 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing'".

It is natural for man to strike back when it is struck by another. This is instinctive for any man's survival. However, Christ teaches a wisdom that connects us to heaven, more than to this world with its animal instincts. It is a wisdom that helps us to pray and work for the perfection God wants of us. We all know the basic command that men should not kill. Christ's counsel to forgive our enemies elevates our soul from just the instinctual level to hurt whoever offended us. It is not an easy counsel to practice, but through the Spirit of Christ in the Sacraments, and perseverance in doing what is good and right, we can be more merciful and forgiving.

Scripture quotes for reflection:
You shall not bear hatred for your brother in your heart (Leviticus 19)
The Lord pardons all your iniquities; He heals all your ills (Psalm 103)
The temple of God is holy, and we are His temple (1 Corinthians 3)
Give to the man who begs from you; do not turn your back on the borrower (Matthew 5)

Celtic Christianity and its Monastic Influence on the Church

Introduction

Before the predominant model of monasticism began by St. Benedict of Nursia at Monte Cassino in 520 A.D., monasticism had another way of life and prayer in the newly converted Celtic lands of the Far West. This was rooted in the faith introduced by St. Patrick (ca. 461 A.D.). The monasteries of Celtic Christianity became centers of ecclesiastical life, as well as great schools of learning. Those in the forefront of the Celtic school were famous abbots like: Sts. Samson, Cadoc, Gildas, and David. They carried their monastic ideals across most of Europe: at Luxeuil in ca. 590 A.D.; at Jumieges in France; at Stavelot and Malmedy in Belgium; at St. Gall in Switzerland; and at Bobbio in Italy. These monasteries were founded by the Irish monks.

Historical notes: St. Patrick Christianizes Ireland

After being carried as a slave to Ireland around ca. 401 A.D., Patrick became acquainted with both the country and the language. When he was able to return to England in 407 A.D., some writings say he became a monk in the monastery of Lerin, then became a cleric in Auxerre, and eventually was sent as a missionary to Ireland where he acted as bishop. St. Patrick not only converted the Celtic tribes very well but organized them ecclesiastically. Because of St. Patrick's monastic formation, a monastic character thus became typical of Irish Christianity. It was the Irish monasteries that became the religious centers for each of the numerous Celtic tribes. Aside from the monastic leaders already mentioned above, there are other great holy founders like: Finnian, Columban the Elder of Hy, Comgall of Bangor, Brendan, Kevin, and Columban the Younger.

Irish Catholicism and private confession

In the sixth century, the monastic ideal that blossomed in Ireland became popular. Monasteries eventually became advanced schools of intellectual life and piety. The island produced countless saints and scholars and was called the "Insula Sanctorum". This golden age of the Irish Church lasted until about 740 A.D. It was from this golden age of Irish monasticism that the entire Catholic Church inherited the practice of private confession. The custom of private confession was first practiced by the Irish monks, who eventually recommended it to the lay faithful since they ask for advice on spiritual matters. Private confession thus became an instrument for spiritual guidance.

A monasticism which has a missionary spirit

In spite of its strong anchoritic (hermit) character, Irish monasticism also had a strong missionary spirit. Holy pilgrimage, the "Perigrinari pro Christo", was their ascetic ideal. This active Irish missionary monks were especially active in northwestern Germany, in Franconia, in Thuringia, Alemannia, Swabia, and Bavaria. Among the better known missionary monks were St. Kilian of Wurzburg (martyred in 689 A.D. with Colonatus and Totnanus), Pirminius (d. 753 A.D.), Corbinianus of Freising (d. 725 A.D.), Fridolin of Sackingen (ca. 600 A.D.), Trudpert of the Untermunster valley (d. ca. 607 A.D.), Rupertus of Worms (d. ca. 718 A.D.), Emmeranus of Regensburg (d. 715 A.D.), Findan of Rheinau (d. 878 A.D.), Furseus (d. ca. 647 A.D.), Eligius (d. ca. 660 A.D.), Amandus, Lambert, and Hubertus.

Conclusion

This summarized history of monasticism in the Celtic Church, makes one see that the monastic charism is like a prism which reflects many colors when the rays of the sun shine upon it. Each color of the monastic charism represents a specific monastic spiritual tradition that has sprung from the following of Christ and His gospel. Of the many monastic ideals (such as that of St. Basil in the East, the monks of the desert in Egypt, and the Benedictine monks of the West), the specific contribution of Irish monasticism to the whole Church is a sophisticated and ascetic striving for perfection through the individual guidance given in private confession. With Vatican II's introduction of communal penitential services, because of the Irish monastic influence, private confession still remains as a cherished tradition of confession in the Church today.

The Church Fathers: Early Pillars of the Church

Fathers of the Church

Church Fathers of the post-canonical period

Introduction

"Father of the Church" is a traditional title given to Christian preachers, writers and theologians of the post-canonical period (after the books of the Old and New Testament were formed). Unlike the title of "doctor of the Church", which denotes an outstanding teacher, "Father of the Church" is a popular title but not given officially by the Church. Thus, if "Father of the Church" and "doctor of the Church" are not synonymous terms, there Fathers of the Church who were declared doctors of the Church as well.

The Fathers of the Church came immediately after the age of the New Testament and contributed much to the doctrine of the Christian faith. They were reputedly known for their sanctity (even if some have never been given the title of sainthood), and their opinions have always mattered greatly in the Catholic Church. The influence of the Fathers of the Church also extend beyond Roman Catholicism. The Orthodox Christians are more devoted to them than the Catholics, while the Anglicans and the Protestants have made extensive use of their teaching.

Popular Church Fathers

Ignatius - a bishop of Antioch in Syria, ca. 110-117 A.D., who wrote a letter to each of the six churches exhorting unity among the believers. The basis of this unity was the threefold ministry of bishop, presbyter (priest), and deacon. The churches Ignatius wrote to were at Ephesus, Magnesia, Tralles, Rome, Philadelphia, and Smyrna. Ignatius was led through Asia Minor to his execution as a martyr in Rome.

Justin - he was called the Martyr from his testimony unto death in Rome ca. 165 A.D. Born in Samaria of heathen parents, Justin was a student of philosophy and was gradually converted to Christianity. Justin believed that Christianity was the oldest, the truest, and most divine among all the philosophies. In Christianity's defense, he wrote his "Apology" which defends Christianity against the attacks of Judaism by means of a discussion between himself and a Jew named Trypho.


Tatian - he was from Syria or Assyria and wrote in the middle of the second century. He is known chiefly for his "Diatessaron", which interweaves the four Gospels into one continuous narrative.


Irenaeus - he was born in Asia Minor in the second quarter of the second century. As bishop of Lyons, he was known chiefly for his book refuting various Gnostic schools: "Refutation of Gnosticism" and "Against Heresies". The latter is the oldest surviving work in which the Church repudiated heresy. Irenaeus also wrote several books and letters which are regarded as treatises. (note: St. Irenaeus of Lyons has been declared the 37th Doctor of the Church by Pope Francis last January 21, 2022).


Tertullian - born in Carthage ca. 150-155 A.D., Tertullian studied law and was converted to Christianity ca. 190-195 A.D. He is regarded as the Father of Latin theology. When he died in ca. 223 A.D., he had left the Montanists and founded a sect of his own. His chief polemical work was "Against Marcion" in five books written over a period of about twelve years, ca. 200-212 A.D.


Clement of Alexandria - a successor of Pantaenus as head of the Alexandrian catechetical school from ca. 200 A.D. till his death in ca. 215 A.D. Clement was a presbyter of the Alexandrian Church. Not really a great theologian, Clement was a Greek puritan who understood philosophy as the handmaid of Christianity, and was known to have led the Greeks to Christ. Four of his more important surviving writings are: the "Exhortation to the Heathen", the "Protrepticus", or "Address", the "Instructor", and the "Stromateis", or "Miscellanies".


Origen - Origen was born in ca. 184-185 A.D. and lived mostly in Alexandria where he headed the catechetical school. He died in Caesarea in 254 A.D. during the Decian persecution. Origen is noted to be "the greatest Christian scholar and the most prolific Christian writer of antiquity". He wrote thousands of scrolls similar in length to the Gospel of Matthew. He was also a biblical critic and exegete, interpreting Scripture allegorically. Some of his numerous commentaries and doctrinal works include "On Prayer", "Contra Celsum", and "De Principiis". He was also compiler of the famous Hexapla, which contained the Old Testament in six columns. Also attributed to him were the Greek translations of Aquila, Theodotion, and Symmachus.


Hippolytus - born in ca. 170 A.D., Hippolytus spent most of his life in Rome where he was a priest and then bishop for about seven years (ca. 222-23 A.D. to 230 A.D.). He split with Calixtus when Calixtus was elected as bishop. Sent into exile to the mines of Sardinia in 235 A.D., he died there and was buried on the road to Tivoli. He wrote many books but is known chiefly for his "Refutation of All Heresies" which seeks to show that heresies have their source in Greek philosophy and paganism.


Cyprian - Cyprian was born probably in Carthage ca. 200-210 A.D. and spent all of his life there. He became bishop of Carthage from 248-249 A.D. till his death as a martyr in the year 258 A.D.


Eusebius of Caesarea - Eusebius was born ca. 260 A.D. in Palestine, and became bishop of Caesarea from ca. 315 A.D. till his death in 340 A.D. He played a prominent role in the Council of Nicea, and was known chiefly for his "Church History" in ten books, written between 323-325 A.D. He also wrote "Theophany", a brief exposition of the meaning of Christ.


Didymus - Didymus was a disciple of Origen. Blind early in his youth, he became one of the last presidents of the catechetical school at Alexandria. He died ca. 398 A.D. and was noted chiefly for his exegesis of Biblical books and his three books, "On the Trinity". Also surviving are his treatise on the Holy Spirit in a Latin translation.


Epiphanius of Salamis - Epiphanius was born in Palestine between 310 A.D. and 320 A.D. He was an ascetic who became bishop of Salamis, the capital of Cyprus, in 367 A.D. He spent his life hunting heretics and died at sea on his way from Constantinople to Cyprus in 403 A.D. He wrote the "Ancoratus", which is a defense of Christian doctrine in 373 A.D. He also wrote the more important "Panarion", which is a work against heresies - between 374 A.D. and 377 A.D.


Jerome - St. Jerome was born in Stridon, Dalmatia, between 331 A.D. and 342 A.D. He obtained his education in Rome and was baptized ca. 370 A.D. In 385 A.D., he left Rome for Jerusalem where he presided over a monastery as an ascetic till his death in 420 A.D. His supreme gift to Christendom was the Vulgate - a translation of the whole Bible into Latin. Also of great importance are his many commentaries on biblical books, his dialogue against the Pelagians in three books (415 A.D.), and "On Illustrious Men" written in 392 A.D. and 393 A.D. Many of his letters are also preserved.


Augustine - St. Augustine of Hippo was born in North Africa in 354 A.D. and died in August 430 A.D. Augustine is noted to be the most prominent of the Western Fathers of the Church. He is the most quoted in the present Catechism (together with St. Thomas Aquinas). Of all his works, the popular ones are his "Confessions" and his "City of God".

A list of Latin Fathers of the Church

• St. Ambrose, bishop of Milan (340-97)


• Arnobius, apologist (d. 327)


• St. Augustine, bishop of Hippo (354-430)


• St. Benedict, father of Western monasticism
  (480-546)


• St. Caesarius, Archbishop of Arles (470-542)


• St. John Cassian, abbot, ascetical writer (360-435)
  


• St. Celestine I, Pope (d. 432)


• St. Cornelius, Pope (d. 253)


• St. Cyprian, bishop of Carthage (d. 258)


• St. Damasus I, Pope (d. 384)


• St. Dionysius, Pope (d. 268)


• St. Ennodius, bishop of Pavia (473-521)


• St. Eucherius, bishop of Lyons (d. 449)


• St. Fulgentius, bishop of Ruspe (468-533)


• St. Gregory of Elvira (died after 392)


• St. Gregory the Great, Pope (540-604)


• St. Hilary, bishop of Poitiers (315-68)


• St. Innocent I, Pope (d. 417)


• St. Irenaeus, bishop of Lyons (130-200)


• St. Isidore, Archbishop of Seville (560-636)


• St. Jerome, priest, (343-420)


• Lactantius Firmianus, apologist (240-320)


• St. Leo the Great, Pope (390-461)


• Marius Mercator, Latin polemicist (early fifth
  century)


• Marius Victorinus, Roman rhetorician (fourth
  century)


• Minucius Felix, apologist (second or third
  century)


• Novatian, the Schismatic (200-62)


• St. Optatus, bishop of Mileve (fourth century)
  


• St. Pacian, bishop of Barcelona (fourth century)
  


• St. Pamphilus, priest (240-309)


• St. Paulinus, bishop of Nola (353-431)


• St. Peter Chrysologus, archbishop of Ravenna
  (400-50)


• St. Phoebadius, bishop of Agen (d. 395)


• St. Prosper of Aquitaine, theologian (390-463)
  


• Rufinus, Latin translator of Greek theology
  (345-410)


• Salvian, priest (400-80)


• St. Siricius, Pope (334-99)


• Tertullian, apologist (160-223)


• St. Vincent of Lerins, priest and monk (d. 450)
  

A list of Greek Fathers of the Church

• St. Anastasius Sinaita, apologist, monk (d. 700)
  


• St. Andrew of Crete, archbishop of Gortyna
  (660-740)


• Aphraates, Syriac monk (early fourth century)


• St. Archelaus, bishop of Cascar (d. 282)


• St. Athanasius, archbishop of Alexandria
  (c. 297-373)


• Athenagoras, apologist (second century)


• St. Basil the Great, archbishop of Caesarea
  (329-79)


• St. Caesarius of Nazianzus (330-69)


• St. Clement of Alexandria, theologian (150-215)
  


• St. Clement I of Rome, Pope (30-101)


• St. Cyril, bishop of Jerusalem (315-86)


• St. Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria (376-444)


• Didymus the Blind, theologian (313-98)


• Diodore, bishop of Tarsus (d. 392)


• Dionysius the Pseudo-Areopagite, mystical
  theologian (late fifth century)


• St. Dionysius the Great, archbishop of Alexandria
  (190-264)


• St. Epiphanius, bishop of Salamis (315-403)


• Eusebius, bishop of Caesarea (260-340)


• St. Eustathius, bishop of Antioch (fourth century)
  


• St. Firmillian, bishop of Caesarea (d. 268)


• Gennadius I, Patriarch of Constantinople (d. 471)
  


• St. Germanus, Patriarch of Constantinople (634-733)
  


• St. Gregory of Nazianzus, bishop of Sasima (329-90)
  


• St. Gregory of Nyssa (330-95)


• St. Gregory Thaumaturgus, bishop of Neocaesarea
  (213-70)


• Hermas, author of "The Shepherd" (second century)


• St. Hippolytus, martyr (170-236)


• St. Ignatius, bishop of Antioch (35-107)


• St. Isidore of Pelusium, abbot (360-c. 450)


• St. John Chrysostom, patriarch of Constantinople
  (347-407)


• St. John Climacus, monk (579-649)


• St. John Damascene, defender of sacred images
  (675-749)


• St. Julius I, pope (d. 352)


• St. Justin Martyr, apologist (100-65)


• St. Leontius of Byzantium, theologian (sixth
  century)


• St. Macarius the Great, monk (300-90)


• St. Maximus, abbot and confessor (580-662)


• St. Melito, bishop of Sardis (d. 190)


• St. Methodius, bishop of Olympus (d. 311)


• St. Nilus the Elder, priest and monk (d. 430)


• Origen, head of the catechetical school of Alexandria
  (184-254)


• St. Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna (69-155)


• St. Proclus, patriarch of Constantinople (d. 446)
  


• St. Serapion, bishop of Thmuis (died after 362)


• St. Sophronius, patriarch of Jerusalem (560-638)


• Tatian the Assyrian, apologist and theologian
  (120-80)


• Theodore, bishop of Mopsuestia (350-428)


• Theodoret, bishop of Cyrrhus (393-458)


• St. Theophilus, bishop of Antioch (late second
  century)

References of this article

• Pocket Catholic Dictionary, by John A. Hardon, S.J.


• Gospel Parallels, by Burton H. Throckmorton, Jr.


• The New Dictionary of Theology, by editors Komonchak, Collins, and Lane

Sts. Cyril and Methodius (feast: Feb 14) and the Patron Saints of Europe

Sts. Cyril and Methodius and the Six Patrons of Europe

Introduction

In 1999 A.D., Pope John Paul II declared St. Benedict of Nursia [Pope Paul VI also named St. Benedict as patron protector of Europe in 1964] as one of the six patrons of Europe - together with St. Cyril and St. Methodius, St. Edith Stein, St. Bridget of Sweden, and St. Catherine of Siena. These six great men and women was a force for good in Europe's spirituality - influencing especially the political sphere of their respective countries and regions of apostolate and mission. With their great love for God, they have successfully sowed the seed of the Gospel on the good soil of many European cultures.

Their year of birth and death, and feast day

• St. Cyril, c. 825-884 A.D., feast day February 14
• St. Methodius, c. 826-884 A.D., feast day February 14
• St. Benedict of Nursia, c. 480-c. 547 A.D., feast day July 11
• St. Catherine of Siena, 1347-1380 A.D., feast day April 29
• St. Bridget of Sweden, 1303-1373 A.D., feast day July 23
• St. Edith Stein, 1891-1942, feast day August 9

Sts. Cyril and Methodius

Sts. Cyril and Methodius are blood brothers born at Thessalonika, Greece, and have their roots from a senatorial family. Both were living in a monastery on the Bosporus in 861 A.D., when Emperor Michael III sent them to convert the Khazars in the Dnieper-Volga regions of Russia. Learning the Khazar language, they gained numerous converts. After their mission, on their return to Greece, Methodius became abbot of a monastery. In 863 A.D., at the request of Prince Rotislav of Moravia, Photius, the patriarch of Constantinople, sent the two brothers to convert the Moravians. Since the two brothers knew the Slavonic tongue, they were very successful. They invented an alphabet, based largely on Greek capitals, marking the beginnings of Slavonic writing. This mission incurred the enmity of the German clergy because of their use of Slavonic in Church services. A second reason for enmity is they come from a region in Constantinople - a region suspect in the West because of the widespread heresy there.

When Cyril and Methodius were summoned to Rome by Pope Nicholas I, as they were on their way to Rome, the Pope passed away. They were then received by Pope Adrian II. Adrian welcomed the two brothers warmly, and was convinced of their orthodoxy. He approved their use of the Slavonic language and consecrated them as bishops. While in Rome, Cyril became a monk, but soon died on February 14. Methodius, on the other hand, returned to Moravia. Pope Adrian then created the archidiocese of Moravia and Pannonia, and made Methodius archbishop at Velehrad, Czechoslovakia. This move again angered the Germans. In 870 A.D., King Louis the German, and the German bishops deposed Methodius. He was released two years later by Pope John VIII and returned to his see. St. Methodius had to continuously convince John VIII of his orthodoxy. He eventually obtained permission from the Pope to use the Slavonic language in his teaching and mission. This struggle with the Germans continued all through the rest of St. Methodius' life until his death on April 6.

Sts. Cyril and Methodius are called "Apostles to the Slavs". To this day, the liturgical language of the Russians, Serbs, Ukrainians, and Bulgars is composed by the two brothers who brought the Catholic faith to them.

St. Benedict of Nursia

St. Benedict's spirituality attracted great numbers of disciples. He organized them into twelve monasteries, made manual work part of the community program, and built the monasteries as centers of learning and spirituality. St. Benedict wrote a rule composed of seventy-three sections. This Rule organized the monks into a single monastic community in the great Abbey of Monte Cassino. In the rule, Benedict prescribed common sense, a life of moderate asceticism, prayer, study, work, and community life under one superior. The Rule also stressed obedience, stability, zeal, and the recitation of the Divine Office as central to their monastic way of life. This rule influenced and still influence spiritual and monastic life in the West until the present time.

As St. Benedict governed this monastic movement and system, he also counselled rulers and Popes, ministered to the poor and the destitute around the monasteries, and repaired the damages wrought by the Totila the Lombard's invasion. Up to this time, the monastic system of St. Benedict has given the Church many great men and women - all holy saints and servants of God: 50 Benedictine Popes, 7,000 plus Benedictine bishops, and 40,000 plus Benedictine saints.

St. Catherine of Siena

St. Catherine was noted to be an apostle for the unity in the Church. In her political efforts, she was unsuccessful in attempting to mediate between the city-state of Florence and with the papal administration of Pope Gregory. But, her meeting with the Pontiff at Avignon and her pleas led the Pontiff to return the papacy to Rome in 1376 A.D. [the papacy was moved to Avignon, France, seventy years earlier]. Even if unsuccessful the first time, she again returned to Florence and this time she was successful in reconciling Florence and the Holy See. This ended a situation which had caused great turbulence throughout all of Italy.

This is how the Great Schism was finally resolved. After Pope Gregory's death in 1378 A.D., Urban VI was elected as pope. But dissident cardinals elected Robert of Geneva as antipope Clement VII at Fondi. This development created a papal court at Avignon, France. St. Catherine worked indefatigably for the support of Urban VI and the end of the schism. In this work, she finally suffered a paralytic stroke on April 21 and died a few days later in Rome on April 29.

St. Bridget of Sweden

St. Bridget of Sweden experienced visions and revelations early in life. After marrying and having children, she made a holy pilgrimage to St. Olaf at Norway. Upon her husband's death in 1344 A.D., she spent the next four years living in the Cistercian monastery of Alvastra. As a result of a revelation in her visions, she denounced the King and Queen of Sweden for their frivolous lives. She then founded a monastery at Vadstena in 1344 A.D. This marked the beginning of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity (the Brigettines) [other sources name her order as the Order of the Most Holy Savior]. Vadstena then became the intellectual center of fifteenth century Sweden.

St. Bridget was outspoken against King Magnus' crusade against the Letts and the Estonians. She also wrote to Pope Clement VI at Avignon, France - telling him that she saw a vision that demanded the return of the papacy from Avignon, France to Rome, Italy. Despite receiving much disfavor because of her outspokenness, she went to Rome in 1349 A.D. and impressed the whole city, especially the poor, with her holiness. Incessant in her Christian mission and never lacking zeal, she continued on - reforming monasteries around Rome. And despite her denunciation of people in high offices, including Pope Urban V, the constitutions of her Order was approved in 1370 A.D. Before she passed away in 1373 A.D., St. Bridget made a final journey to the Holy Land in 1371 A.D. Canonized in 1391 A.D., she is also known as Birgitta.

St. Edith Stein

Born to Orthodox Jewish parents in a region which was formerly part of Germany, Edith Stein renounced her faith and became an atheist. Her interest in philosophy spurred her to pursue studies in that area. Though her studies were interrupted by the First World War, after the war, she received her doctorate in philosophy from the University of Freiburg. Attracted to Catholicism during her studies, it was only upon reading the works of St. Teresa of Avila that her intellectual interest with leading Catholic philosophers blossomed well into faith. Eventually, she was baptized a Catholic in 1922 A.D. She began to teach at a Dominican school for girls, continued her studies, and started to write an extensive body of original works in Catholic philosophy. In 1933 A.D., she was forced to leave her position as lecturer at an Institute in Munster because of Nazi laws on the Jews. She decided to become a Carmelite nun - taking the religious name Sr. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, in 1934 A.D. The persecution of the Jews led her to flee to Holland in the late 1930s. But the Nazis invaded Holland and so in August 1942 A.D., she was taken by the Gestapo and put to death in the Auschwitz gas chamber that same month.

Summary

Six great saints and pillars of holiness. All spiritual lighthouses that channel the light of Christ to the whole continent of Europe. Their spirituality leaves an important legacy to the Catholic faith: learning, prayer and work, peace and unity, prayer and prophetic witness, mission and community life, education and teaching, and the witnessing to Christ through martyrdom. These six great men and women have influenced many generations of Europeans. They are part of that great spiritual foundation that has Christianized Europe and continues to call Europe back to its Christian roots.

6th Sunday of the Year (A)

Reflections for liturgical years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)

February 16, 2014
Liturgical readings
Ecclesiasticus 15:15-20
Psalm 119
1 Corinthians 2:6-10
Matthew 5:17-37

"Unless your holiness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees..."


To be Catholic involves more than just obeying God's commanments. It also means following the Lord's counsels in the gospels: counsels that lead to practice virtue. The counsels are more than just the basic morality. More than just obeying the command not to kill and not to commit adultery. It involves practicing not to grow angry that can lead to sin. Not to kill is a command of God in the Ten Commandments; not to grow angry that leads to sin is a counsel from Jesus. This direction to progress in the practice of virtue, is similar to the command against adultery. Jesus counsels strictly to avoid occasions where the eyes can lead to sin in one's heart.


St. Francis de Sales speaks about the counsel on anger in his book, "Introduction to the Devout Life". He writes:

'It is better simply to refuse all entry to anger - however just - rather than give access to it, however little it may be...because before you know it, if you give access, it might become as big as a stump'.

From out of the core of one's heart, all desires and actions flow towards others. The Lord Jesus and St. Francis de Sales are right in saying that letting anger enter one's hearts can lead anyone into serious sin. It must be checked by spiritual discipline and not left unchecked in its early stages.

The gospel counsel on anger and impurity involves not only obeying the Ten Commandments and the rules of the Church. It means obeying God's will from the heart. Jesus and His gospel reveals to us pathways to holiness. But following Jesus does not mean we can obey at once. It is a direction of practice and discipline one takes with the Holy Spirit as Advocate in the Church and her sacraments. If one falls from grace once in a while, we can always pick up our hearts gently, and with trust in God, begin the task of following Him again.

Scripture quotes from the Sunday readings:
Immense is the wisdom of the Lord; he is mighty in power, and all-seeing (Sirach 15)
You have commanded that your precepts be diligently kept (Psalm 119)
God has revealed this wisdom to us through the Spirit (1 Corinthians)
Unless our holiness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees we shall
not enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 5)

Four Basic Means of Acquiring Christ, Divine Wisdom According to Montfort

St. Louis-Marie of Montfort and His Spirituality

The Four Basic Means of Acquiring Christ, Divine Wisdom According to the Teachings of St. Louis-Marie de Montfort

St. Louis-Marie de Montfort


St. Louis-Marie de Montfort lived in the years 1673-1716 A.D. In his missionary years, Montfort conducted numerous parish missions all over France. These missions eventually led to the founding of three religious congregations: the Company of Mary, the Daughters of Wisdom and the Brothers of St. Gabriel. All congregations follow Montfort's teachings and spirituality.

The basic spiritual intuition of St. Louis-Marie de Montfort is that Jesus is the Divine Wisdom from which no earthly knowledge nor philosphy can equal. This intuition is based on a passage in Scripture from the letter to the Corinthians: "For Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God" [1 Corinthians 1:22-24].

As St. Louis-Marie de Montfort was caught up with this truth, he now gives four means and ways of acquiring Christ, Divine Wisdom, in Christian life.

Four Means of Acquiring Christ, Divine Wisdom

• Ardent desire for wisdom
• Constant and continuous prayer
• Universal mortification - self-denial and renouncing the world and the flesh
• A loving and genuine devotion to the Blessed Virgin

First means: Ardent desire


According to St. Louis-Marie de Montfort, the first means for acquiring Divine Wisdom is to have an ardent desire for it. This is basic to anything we want to acquire in spiritual life or temporal life. To have an ardent desire will increase the motivation to search for that which all hearts want. Following this basic logic, St. Louis-Marie de Montfort translates this truth: if one does not hunger, thirst or ardently desire Christ, divine Wisdom, then it is not likely one will be able to be in union with Him of wisdom.

Second means: Continuous prayer


The second means taught by St. Louis-Marie de Montfort is a truth also based in the gospel. In a gospel passage, Jesus said that all one needs to do is to ask, and you shall receive; knock, and the door shall be opened up to you; seek, and you shall find. And one should not desist or give up on prayer, to ask, to knock, and to seek. To persevere in prayer is important if one is to receive what God promises. There is a parable that illustrates the importance of perseverance in prayer. This parable tells the story of a man who had a visit from a friend near midnight. That friend needed loaves of bread. But the man was already in bed with his family, and has his residence all locked up. So he said "no". But because of the persistence of his friend, he acceded to the request, and gave his friend the loaves he needed. Also there is a gospel saying: "If we who are sinful and evil, know how to give good things to our children, how much more will the ever Goodness of the Father give His most Holy Spirit to those who ask Him."

Third means: Universal mortification


St. Louis-Marie de Montfort belongs to the classic tradition of sanctity that truly believes in the teaching: "if you wish to follow Me, you must deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Me [even to Calvary]". Montfort teaches plainly that if one follows the wisdom of the flesh, the wisdom of the world, and the wisdom proferred by the Evil One, then one will not for certain acquire Jesus, the Divine Wisdom of one's life. What is important is self-denial - a self-denial that crucifies one's flesh of its base desires, and renouncing everything in the world that goes against the wisdom of Christ. So it is important to resist the temptations to earthly power, the flesh, the acquisition of excessive wealth. For these can weaken one's strength against the virtues of humility, purity and greed. The liturgical season of Lent can help anyone assess that which truly matters in life: a way of life that is responsible and in the service of God (in work, life and family). And to avoid all else that can hinder one's acquiring of Christ, Divine Wisdom.

Fourth means: A true, genuine and loving devotion to Mary

This is St. Louis-Marie de Montfort classic means of obtaining Christ, Divine Wisdom. He teaches how important to make one's devotion to Mary true and genuine. He stresses this because of his awareness to false devotions - those which do not lead to commitment to Christ as Eternal Wisdom and Divine Wisdom. For St. Louis-Marie de Montfort, true devotion to Mary is a devotion that makes Christ as the object of the devotion and one that leads to make a decisive desire to consecrate one's whole self and life - past, present and future - to the will of God through the hands of the Blessed Mother. For St. Louis-Marie de Montfort, this true devotion to the Blessed Virgin, is the greatest means of acquiring Divine Wisdom. Just as Mary said YES to the Lord at the Annunciation, and received in her womb the Son of God, so she is generously willing to give Christ, divine Wisdom, to all who ask it from her.

St. Bernadette Soubirous & the Patron Saints of France

St. Bernadette Soubirous and the Patron Saints of France

Patron Saints

Catholic tradition assigns a patron saint as a name at baptism and also at confirmation. This practice still prevails and is highly recommended by the Church and many religious educators.


Besides patron saints as names for individuals, saints are also adopted and appointed by popes as patrons of four groups: (1) parishes and other Church institutions; (2) for dioceses; (3) countries; and (4) a wide variety of trades and professions. It was Pope Pius XII who particularly fostered this practice.


For France as a nation, many patron saints have been assigned: Our Lady of the Assumption, St. Denis, St. Bernadette Soubirous, St. Joan of Arc, St. Martin of Tours, St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Remigius.

St. Bernadette Soubirous

Her feast day is celebrated every February 11. Born in Lourdes, France, St. Bernadette lived in abject poverty with her parents. Uneducated, she suffered from asthma. On February 11, 1858 A.D., while collecting firewood with two other girls on the banks of the Gave River near Lourdes, she heard the sound of a strong wind. This led her to see a cave filled with light. That light was an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. After seeing the vision, she reported it to others, but her report provoked skepticism. Still, St. Bernadette continued and persisted in her visits to the Blessed Mother in the cave from February 18 up to March 4. In one of her visits, Mary asked St. Bernadette to pray for the conversion of sinners, and to tell the priests to build a chapel at the site. Because of St. Bernadette's witness, the Church authorities eventually believed and soon Lourdes became one of the great pilgrimage centers of modern Christendom. The shrine at Lourdes attract millions of visitors every year. And miracles of healing are being reported at the shrine, for the waters of the spring are miraculous - causing healing of both body and soul. St. Bernadette died on April 16, 1879 A.D. at the age of thirty-five. Her body remains incorrupt to this day attesting to the great power of God's grace.

St. Denis

October 9 is the feast day of St. Denis, bishop and martyr. What is known of St. Denis is his birth in Italy and his commission by Pope Fabian to be a missionary to Gaul in 250 A.D. As St. Denis performed his mission in Gaul, he converted many people to the Christian faith. He was made the first bishop of Paris. With the help of his companion priest, St. Rusticus, and the deacon, St. Eleutherius, St. Denis converted many inhabitants around Paris. Since not all within the environs of Paris were Christian, St. Denis and his two companions were arrested. All three were imprisoned and beheaded on October 9 near Paris during the persecution of Christians by Decius. The bodies of these three martyrs were thrown into the Seine River, but soon recovered by their converts. All three were given a Christian burial. A chapel was built over their tomb and later became the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Denis. This also became the burial place of the Kings of France.

St. Joan of Arc

A third patron saint of France is St. Joan of Arc. Her feast day is celebrated every May 30. As a young girl, Joan received heavenly messages from voices she heard. These voices from God called her to lead the army of France against the British, and help the King of France reconquer the kingdom. St. Joan was victorious in her battles, but was captured by the British and burned to the stake as a "witch". They believed that the voices Bernadette heard were from the Evil One. After Bernadette's martyrdom at the stake, her mother worked to reverse the charge against Joan. Eventually, Joan was considered innocent of all the accusations and charges that caused her martyrdom. She was canonized in 1920 A.D.

Other patron saints of France

The other patron saints of France are: Our Lady of the Assumption; St. Martin of Tours, an outstanding pioneer of Western monasticism before St. Benedict; St. Therese of Lisieux, "the saint of the little way"; and St. Remigius, a bishop held in great veneration for his holiness, learning, and miracles.

Our Lady of Lourdes (feast: Feb 11) & Other Marian Apparitions

Six Popular Apparitions of Mary

Introduction

There are many recorded apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in different parts of the world. Of these apparitions, she appears often to children and youths of different races and cultures. The messages she presents to these young people are for the Church as a whole, but the revelation was made either public or private. In some apparitions, the vision of the Blessed Virgin is accompanied by miraculous signs and wonders.


Because the revelations and the signs still have to be authenticated, the Catholic Church takes a very conservative stance towards all these apparitions. Any new Marian apparition does not receive approbation at once but will take time (often years or centuries) before all studies and investigations have been made by the Church authorities. The Church authorities have as their norm for authenticity the nearness of the apparition messages to the gospel teaching. If the messages of the visionaries who saw the Blessed Mary repeats what the gospel teaches and says nothing beyond it, then the apparition may be valued as genuine and true.

Six popular Marian apparitions that have received approbation

There are many popular Marian apparitions authenticated by the Church. This blog post will limit itself to six apparitions that have worldwide appeal and popularity: Lourdes, La Salette, Mt. Carmel, the Miraculous Medal, Fatima and Guadalupe. All of these apparitions happened in countries of the European continent; the only exception is the apparition at Guadalupe, Mexico.

Lourdes

On February 11, 1858 A. D., the Blessed Virgin appeared to a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous. Bernadette saw the vision of Mary in a grotto of Lourdes, France, while she and two other girls were collecting firewood out in the countryside. The vision presented a beatiful lady dressed in white, wearing a blue belt with a rosary in her hands, and two golden roses at her feet. At first, Bernadette was unaware who this young lady was. When she asked her name, the lady replied: I am the Immaculate Conception. The Lady then told Bernadette of the spring that was miraculous and has healing powers. This grotto at Lourdes soon attracted millions of people who go there to pray and drink the miraculous water that healed many people - both physically and spiritually.

La Salette

On September 19, 1846 A.D., the Blessed Mother appeared to two young cowherds on a mountain of the French Alps in a village called La Salette. These two young children saw Mary dressed in white and weeping bitterly throughout their conversation. The message she imparted to the children is a message calling the people to repent and show greater respect for God's law, especially the first three commandments of the 10 commandments. This apparition of the Blessed Mother at La Salette produced many La Salette Shrines and Pilgrimage Centers throughout the Catholic world.

Mt. Carmel

On July 16, 1521 A.D., the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Simon Stock, the head of the Carmelite Brothers in England. She gave to St. Simon a Brown Scapular as a sign of her special protection. The Scapular is accompanied by a promise that all "who will wear it devoutly will have a happy death". Another favor attached to this Brown Scapular is the promise that the Blessed Mother will assist and console all the children of Carmel detained in Purgatory - speedily releasing them on the first Saturday after their death. (note: The Carmelites trace their roots to 83 A.D. when the first church dedicated to the Immaculate Mother of God was founded on Mt. Carmel, a beatiful promontory in Israel facing the Mediterrenean Sea. Since then, many foundations of Carmel spread all over Europe.)

Miraculous Medal

In 1830 A.D,, when Catherine Labouré was a 24-year-old novice of the Daughters of Charity in France, she saw the Virgin Mary three times. The first apparition occured in July 18, 1830. It was in November 27 when the Virgin Mary showed Catherine the "Miraculous Medal", and commissioned the saint to have one made to spread its devotion. This apparition of Mary is a private revelation and only Father Aladel, the spiritual director of St. Catherine Labouré, knew about it. In time, Catherine gave word so that the devotion would spread. The Miraculous Medal shows the image of Mary atop a white ball with rays of light emanating from her hands. Surrounding this image are the words, "O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee." The Blessed Mother gives the assurance that whoever wears the medal with confidence will obtain great graces from heaven.

Fatima

On October 13, 1917 A.D., a great miracle happened. As 70,000 people watched apprehensively at the scene of three young children in Fatima, Portugal, the sun suddenly whirled like a gigantic fire-wheel and started to make a plunge at a dizzying speed towards the earth. It was a rainy day and the suddenly made all things dry. This was the culmination of a series of mysterious events in which the Blessed Mother gave her messages to three young Portuguese children [starting May 13, 1917]. The messages were about events which were to have earth-shaking consequences. Sister Lucia, who recently passed away, holds the secret of those messages. She has revealed these messages only to the papacy.

Guadalupe

At dawn of December 9, 1531 A.D., on his way to church, Juan Diego saw the Blessed Mother shining like the sun and stepping over precious stones. She said that it is her wish that a church be built there where she could show all her love, compassion, help and protection. Juan Diego was involved in the textile industry and was a simple layman. When Juan Diego carried the message of the vision to the bishop, the bishop did not believe. The bishop asked for a sign from Juan Diego. The Blessed Mother then told Juan Diego to wrap all the roses he could find on the hill in a mantle, and then present it to the bishop. Juan Diego did as Mary told him. When he opened the mantle to present the roses to the bishop, the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary appeared on it. And so the bishop believed, and a church was built on the place of the apparitions. That was in Guadalupe, a locality in Mexico.

Summary:

The Catholic faith always stresses that the Blessed Virgin Mary has a unique role in the salvation of humanity. This role we see through the messages she gives in her apparitions to people all over the world. In her messages, the Blessed Virgin only stresses what the gospel teaches: to repent of personal sins and to return to the Lord in prayer, fasting and penance. Those who are not Catholic often do not see the special role that Mary has in the salvation of the world. It is through her appearances, and the messages to her visionaries, that reveal to the world her role in bringing back people to Jesus, her Son.

Mary's Part in the Sanctification of Christians

Introduction

Many Catholics devote themselves to Mary out of love for the Mother of God. Most devotions were inherited from parents or from being involved in Marian groups and associations. But if you want to find a solid reason for the necessity of devotion to the Blessed Mother, St. Louis-Marie de Montfort in his book, "True Devotion to Mary", gives an important purpose for this devotion:
Mary has a role in our journey to wholeness and holiness.

The "treasury of the Lord"

Montfort says that as the Father and Creator of the world gathered all the waters together and called them the seas, in the same way He gathered "all His graces together and called them Mary" (True Devotion #23). That is why the gospel of Luke also tells of the angel calling Mary "highly favoured" or "full of grace" (in Greek, 'kekaritomene'). The saints call Mary the "treasury of the Lord", since from all the graces God has given her, all those devoted to her are made rich.

The 'mystic channel': Christ's aqueduct

By His life and death, Jesus imparted to His mother His infinite merits and His eminent virtues. Through her, He applies His merits to those devoted to her; He transmits His virtues and distributes His graces. Mary is, as it were, a mystic channel, through which He causes His waters of mercy to flow gently and abundantly to arid souls (True Devotion #24).

The Holy Spirit sanctifies us through Mary

Montfort also states that the Holy Spirit wishes to mold each and everyone of us in holiness "in and through Mary". The Spirit wills that Mary's virtues also take root in us that we "may grow from strength to strength and from grace to grace". He also wills that Mary reproduce herself in all her devotees that the following virtues may take root in us: Mary's invincible faith, profound humility, total mortification, sublime prayer, ardent charity, and firm hope (True Devotion #34).

The formation and education of great saints

Together with the Holy Spirit, Mary produced the greatest miracle that ever was or ever will be: the Word of God incarnate, a God-man, Christ the Eternal Wisdom of God. In the same way, when Mary has taken root in souls, in her "school of holiness", she will form and educate great saints - "wonders of grace" which only Mary can produce. These great saints will "come at the end the world" and their formation and education are reserved only through Mary's school of holiness (True Devotion #35).

Conclusion

Devotion to Mary is not only meant for intercessory prayers and daily petitions that we entreat for the necessities of daily life: health, work, success for the work of our hands, protection against adversities and dangers, security from the onslaught of temptations within and around us, and peace for ourselves and the members of our family. Much more than these, according to Montfort, devotion to Mary is a school of holiness - one in which we grow in faith, humility, mortification, prayer, charity and hope. Mary is the treasury of the Lord by which Jesus distributes the Father's graces to us. She is the spiritual mold by which the Holy Spirit forms us in the likeness of Christ's holiness.