Memorial of Saints (January 29)

St. Gildas the Wise was first married and then widowed before he became a monk. He studied in Ireland and became a pupil of St. Illtyd. Afterwards, he made a pilgrimage to Rome in 520 A.D. Upon his return, he established a religious house at Ruys in Britanny, where he spent his last years. He also wrote "De excidio Britanniae", describing a historical period of decadence in Britain (died ca. 570 A.D.).

St. Sulpicius Severus was appointed bishop of Bourges in 584 A.D. He attended the Council of Mācon in 585 A.D. Nothing more is known of his life save for his being mentioned in the writings of St. Gregory of Tours (died ca. 591 A.D.).

St. Sabinian was converted to Christianity together with his sister St. Sabina. Both of them went to Gaul and Sabinian was successful in making converts of the native peoples. Sabinian was then brought before Emperor Aurelian and condemned to death. When fire and arrows were ineffective at his execution, he was beheaded. He is the apostle of Troyes - the place of his execution (died ca. 275 A.D.).

4th Sunday of the Year (B)

(Edited) Reflections (From) 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B), January 29, 2012

Liturgical readings

Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Psalm 95
1 Corinthians 7:32-35
Mark 1:21-28

"Jesus rebuked him sharply."

We live in a world that has acquired much scientific and technological know-how that a majority forget that there is a world beyond just the physical. This is a spiritual world where God's Spirit and His ancient enemy battle for the possession of souls. In the early Christian centuries (ca. 540s A.D.), St. Gregory calls the ancient enemy against God, "hostis antiquus", and mentions it in his biography on St. Benedict of Nursia. Now this is the ancient enemy which the gospel this Sunday presents, and this enemy can take the form of unclean spirits. Seeing him present in a man, Jesus confronted this unclean spirit who challenged Jesus' authority. Jesus sharply rebuked the unclean spirit until with a loud shriek, it came out of the man.

The gospel of Mark describes unclean spirits as noisy, destructive, and crying out or shouting with a loud voice. That is why Jesus' response to such unclean spirits was always: "Be silent, come out of the man". If the mystery of God and His mercy was revealed to all Christians in the Person of Jesus, then the mystery of evil is revealed (at least in how the gospel of Mark describes it) as something noisy, violent and against Jesus. One will discover in this passage of Mark and in the other passages about unclean spirits, that Jesus, in His divine mercy, cares to act as a Savior to men with unclean spirits; He saves them by banishing the unclean spirit with His divine authority.

What do present gospel studies say about this passage from Mark? Bible scholar Wilfrid Harrington defines this unclean spirit in Mark's gospel as a demon. Harrington writes that the struggle between the demon and Jesus in the gospel passage, is also a struggle that is continued in the life of everyone of us - whatever our state of life. Whether that evil comes from within us (through our weakness against temptations and distractions in life and work), outside us, or from both within and without, we all can learn from this gospel. It is Jesus (in the community of the Church and in the Sacraments) who can use His authority to expel evil and heal individuals from its influence - which is generally manifested in various infirmities or habits of anger or greed.

Lines Written in St. Teresa of Avila's Breviary

The poem of St. Teresa of Avila - said to be written in her breviary - is made as an alternative to the hymn of Tuesday's Night Prayer. The poem is well known and also made into a chant by the Taize community in France:

Let nothing disturb thee,
Nothing affright thee;
All things are passing;
God never changeth;
Patient endurance
Attaineth to all things;
Who God possesseth
In nothing is wanting;
Alone God sufficeth.

The wisdom St. Teresa of Avila expresses in this poem is undisputed. It is a wisdom born from her deep prayer, fruiutful contemplation, and perseverance in doing God's will. St. Teresa of Avila lived in a time when Spain's Catholic Church was very much dominated by a male hierarchy. Even in such a climate were the odds is against her, St. Teresa heard the Lord's call and responded to it by her work to reform Carmel. She led the reformation that directed the Order to its original spirit - poverty, simplicity, prayer and self-denial. She was greatly opposed by many for her efforts. Despite all the opposition she had to experience, St. Teresa continued on, and built the mission entrusted to her by the Lord.

The poem above is a fruit of St. Teresa's spiritual experiences and her work in the reformation of the Carmelite Order. Through wisdom, she learned (as all those who seek God learn also), that ultimately, only God is what is important above all others. Possessing God in one's soul is the one thing necessary. It directs all lives and efforts in the pursuit of His holy will.

God's presence in one's mind and heart will create a peace which nothing can disturb, nor frighten. It produces an equanimity born of wisdom. When wisdom reveals that all things are passing in relation to One who is Eternal, the spiritual discipline to patiently seek God's will, and persevere in it comes naturally. For faith and confidence in God's Divine Providence is all that was, is, and ever shall be needed.

Memorial of Saints (January 23)

St. Emerentiana, according to Tradition, was a foster sister of St. Agnes - one of the illustrious virgin-martyrs of the early Church. When St. Agnes was martyred because of her faith in Christ, Emerentiana prayed at the grave of her foster sister. It was while praying at the grave of St. Agnes that Emerentiana, who was just in her teenage years, was seen by an anti-Christian mob and was stoned to death (died ca. 304 A.D.).

St. Asclas was a Christian from Egypt who was arrested for his faith and tortured under the rule of governor Arrian. St. Asclas was able to miraculously convince Arrian to acknowledge the God of the Christians in writing. However, Arrian had eventually subjected Asclas to further torture and had him drowned in the river Antinoe (died ca. 3rd century).

St. Agathangelus was the deacon of St. Clement, bishop of Ancrya, Galatia. Both Clement and Agathangelus devoted themselves to the education of the young and the poverty-stricken. During the persecution of Christians, both were tortured and executed by the sword (died ca. 308 A.D.).

St. John the Almsgiver was from a noble family in Cyprus. He married early in life, but after his wife and child passed away, he entered into religious life. Because of John's holiness and charity, he was named patriarch of Alexandria in 608 A.D. He earned the title "Almsgiver" because of his well known concern and financial aid to the poor (died ca. 619 A.D.).

St. Ildephonsus of Toledo became a monk at Agalia, near Toledo in Spain. He soon became the abbot of that monastery and had occasion to attend the two councils in Toledo in 653 A.D. and 655 A.D. In 657 A.D., he was named archbishop of Toledo. Known for his devotion to the Mother of God, he also wrote several theological treatises - one of which was dedicated to Mary (died ca. 667 A.D.).

St. Barnard was raised in the court of Charlemagne. He restored the monastery at Ambronay in 800 A.D. Eventually he decided to join the Benedictines there and soon became Ambronay's abbot. Because of his gifts of leadership, he was also named archbishop of Vienne. As the prelate of Vienne, he founded the abbey of Romans in 837 A.D. (died ca. 841 A.D.).

St. Lufthildis was very charitable to the poor. Unmarried and a virgin, her charity was misunderstood by her stepmother, who always mistreated her. So she left home to become a hermitess at Cologne, Germany. Numerous miracles were known to have occured at her tomb (died ca. 850 A.D.).

St. Maimbod, also known as Mainbouef, was an Irish missionary. Tradition narrates that Maimbod was martyred by pagans while preaching near Kaltenbrunn in Alsace, northeastern France (died ca. 880 A.D.).

Blessed Henry Suso was a German Dominican mystic who wrote and preached much in his time. He wrote "Book of Eternal Wisdom" and an autobiography. In 1343 A.D., he was elected prior of Diessenhafen and lived in the Dominican house at Ulm, Germany, where he died on January 25, 1365 A.D.

A Hymn to God the Father

Poems are used as an alternative to the hymns in the Night Prayer section of the breviary. The poem for Monday's Night Prayer, A Hymn to God the Father, is attributed to John Donne

The poem is as follows:

Wilt Thou forgive that sin where I begun,
Which was my sin, though it were done before?
Wilt Thou forgive that sin through which I run,
And do run still, though still I do deplore?
When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done,
For I have more.

Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I have won
Others to sin? and made my sin their door?
Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I did shun
A year or two, but wallowed in a score?
When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done,
For I have more.

I have a sin of fear, that when I have spun
My last thread, I shall perish on the shore;
But swear by Thy self, that at my death Thy Son
Shall shine as he shines now and heretofore;
And, having done that, Thou hast done,
I fear no more.

Night Prayer always reminds the faithful of the sins committed during the day. It could be a sin committed by word or by an action. It can also be a sin of omission - the good the person was not able to do. Examination of one's conscience helps in seeing all the sins of commission and omission during the day. One can also examine one's thoughts and feelings. Getting to the root of one's ill thoughts or feelings can help in understanding what vice can be replaced with a good habit of thought. Also, getting at the root of one's feelings of anger, envy or pride can save one from being controlled by these vices.

This poem for Monday's Night Prayer makes all aware of sin in its many dimensions. The first stanza of the poem speaks of both original sin and personal sin. It makes one realize the strong influence of sin, for even when God forgives, it seems that "[He] hast not done", "for I have more". It appears as if man's basic sinfulness overtakes God's mercy and forgiveness.

The second stanza of the poem helps one to realize that one's sins can also lead others to sin. Also, the sin that one has avoided for a long time, can suddenly become a sin again committed many times over. Everyone knows that God forgives, but it feels that "[He] hast not done" because sins multiply in a way that overtakes the forgiveness and mercy of God. In this regard, one can remember what St. Paul said about the law of sin in his soul in one of his epistles: how he is influenced to do what he should not do.

The third stanza of the poem teaches all not to fear dying in sin, but to have access to Jesus' forgiveness. With trust in Christ's mercy - the Divine Mercy - Christ will brightly shine His great mercy to finally conquer the darkness of all sins. And there is no need to fear losing the salvation of one's souls if the direction of one's primordial commitment is to confess one's sins, to do penance and to amend and reform one's life to build the City of God.

Memorial of Saints (January 22)

Bl. Laura Vicuña was 10 years old when she defended her purity from the improper advances of a man - a hacienda owner in Mercedes, Chile. Educated by the Salesian Sisters since 8 years old, Laura learned to value holiness and chastity. After the incident with the hacienda owner, whom she and her mother worked for, they fled from him and from a possible life of concubinage. In 1904 A.D., Laura was beaten into unconsciousness when she refused to go back to the hacienda owner's house. She died a week later (died ca. 1904 A.D.).

St. Vincent Saragossa was a deacon martyred during the persecution of Christians under Dacian, governor of Spain, and under the reign of the Roman Emperor Maximian. Tradition relates his martyrdom as something gruesome - starved to death, racked and roasted on a gridiron. Vincent is the patron saint of Portugal (died ca. 304 A.D.).

St. Vincent Pallotti is the founder of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate - composed of priests, nuns and lay people. Known for his missionary spirit, Vincent organized trade schools for poor boys, worked among the poor, and was a sought-after confessor. St. Vincent brought back many to the Church (died ca. 1850 A.D.).

St. Anastasius was a soldier in the Persian army. Converted to Christianity, he left the army and was baptized in Jerusalem. He then decided to become a monk at Jerusalem in 621 A.D. Traveling to Palestine, he was arrested for preaching against pagan gods. Ordered to recant his Christian faith, Anastasius refused. Unshaken, he was tortured, strangled and then beheaded - the 69th martyr in the reign of King Chosroës in Bethsalre, Assyria (died ca. 628 A.D.).

St. Blesilla got married but her husband died seven months after. She contracted a fever but was cured. This experience led her to live a life of great austerity and holiness. She died suddenly at Rome when only twenty years of age (died ca. 383 A.D.).

St. Dominic of Sora was a Benedictine monk whose birthplace was in Foligno, Etruria, Italy. Nothing much is known of his life save for his building many monasteries in various parts of Italy (died ca. 1031 A.D.).

St. Berhtwald was also a Benedictine monk like Dominic of Sora. He became a bishop of Ramsbury in 1005 A.D. and was reputed to have the gift of visions and prophecies. He was also generous to Glastonbury and Malmesbury abbeys (died ca. 1045 A.D.).

St. Valerius of Saragossa was the bishop who educated St. Vincent the deacon. He was imprisoned because of the persecutions at that time in Spain and in the whole Roman Empire under Emperor Maximian. Nothing much is known of Valerius save for his return from exile (died ca. 304 A.D.).

3rd Sunday of the Year (B)

(Edited) Reflections (From) 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (B), January 22, 2012

Liturgical readings

Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Psalm 25
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Mark 1:14-20

"Reform your lives and believe in the good news!"

The message of Jesus at the beginning of His public ministry, until the end of His earthly life is clear: a clarion call to reform and believe in Him and the Kingdom of God. Jesus continues the prophetic tradition of His people's faith - calling all Israel to turn away from their sinful ways and to turn back to God. In this mission, Jesus called others to join Him. The gospel passage mentions the first four: Simon (Peter), Andrew, James and John. It is amazing to see how they responded: "they immediately abandoned their nets". James and John did not only abandon their fishermen's nets; they also abandoned their father! What was in Jesus and His message that made these men respond in such a radical manner?

The Christian spirit of reform after biblical times has always sparked a revival, renewal and rebirth of Jesus' ideals in the lives of the people in history - both outside and inside the Church. When the faithful's ways of living are misdirected towards a lowering of moral standards, the Spirit of God calls again, in the person of many Saints along the continuum of history, to lead people back to the noble ideals Jesus represented. From St. Benedict in the 5th century to the Cistercians in the 11th century; from the desert monks and hermits of Egypt in the 3rd century to the Hispanic reformers of the 16th century (Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Ignatius of Loyola); and from modern times: Frank Duff, Josemaria Escriva, Sr. Lucia of Fatima, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and John Paul II.

All of the faithful are also called to follow the noble ideals of Christianity in whatever circumstances one's life and faith presents itself. Merely by a resolve to reform one's life, carry it out with patience and perseverance, and fidelity to it till the end, is already important. It may involve some sacrifice that allows God to purge bad habits and vices in one's way of life and work. That is the difficult part; but it is possible with God. Once the discipline is learned well, then the road becomes easier. It is a lifelong task (and a gift) - this continuous conversion of hearts and minds towards God. Believing in Jesus and His good news, will give lives direction, hope and meaning. Christ is the Truth, the Way and Life for us.

Lead, Kindly Light, by J. H. Newman

This prayer-poem by J. H. Newman, is an alternative to the hymn, "Lord Jesus Christ, Abide with Us", for Friday, in the Night Prayer section of the breviary. The poem has a somber tone because it equates night to the reality of death. But as the poem ends, it delivers a tone of hope, knowing that beyond death, the poet shall see a morning filled with smiling angels - a desire that has been rekindled in the poet's heart.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, with a rhythmic refrain of
"lead Thou me on" - in reference to God as Light.

Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom,
Lead thou me on;
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Lead thou me on.
Keep thou my feet, I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor prayed that thou
Shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and see my path; but now
Lead thou me on.
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will: remember not past years.

So long thy power hath blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone,
And with the morn those Angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.

In the first stanza, the poet prays to God to lead him through the dark night. Even though he knows he is far from home, he desires not to hurry, but to take one step at a time - which reveals the poet's wisdom of being careful in one's stride during the night.

In the second stanza, the poet confesses that he was very self-willed and full of pride. He chose the path he wished to tread on but now knows how sinful the path was - since He did not put God in the picture. In his realization, he asks God not to remember those past years, but now to lead him where God really wants to lead him - to the morning where angels smile.

In the third stanza, after the poet's realization of his self-seeking direction and pride, he feels that the Lord can bless him and lead him now over all obstacles during the night. And when this night has gone and the morning arrives, the poet anticipates the joy of seeing the angels smile - welcoming him back to his true home where the Light led him.

One lesson that can be learned from this poem is to have an attitude that is open to God's leading. Often, anyone's self-seeking direction and self-reliant attitude, can cause him, and others as well, to not see the Light clearly. Thus, even if one does not fall, one can "trip" or "stumble" more into the night. This is natural in youth and the ages before midlife. Once midlife has passed, many realize how important it is to trust more in God, especially when the "night" of old age is approaching. This trust can purify one's soul from residues of pride and self-reliance from the past. But what is most important is to understand that whether it is "morning" or "night", the Light of God should always be one's guide. He speaks to us in prayer, and in the Sacraments especially in the Eucharist. He is also the best guide in Confession. He is the Good Shepherd leading us to safe pastures in this life and towards the next.

O Deus Ego Amo Te

There is a poem used as an alternative to the hymn of Thursday, Night Prayer. The poem is composed by Gerard Manley Hopkins, a Jesuit known for his highly descriptive and picturesque style. His style presents a complexity of beautiful imagery.

In this poem, O Deus Ego Amo Te, Hopkins plainly expresses his love for God, and shares how he sees God's love for him through the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross.

The poem is presented in just one long stanza, and ends with an
Amen:


O God, I love Thee, I love Thee -
Not out of hope of heaven for me
Nor fearing not to love and be
In the everlasting burning.
Thou, Thou, my Jesus, after me
Didst reach thine arms out dying
For my sake sufferedst nails and lance,
Mocked and marred countenance,
Sorrows passing number,
Sweat and care and cumber,
Yea and death, and this for me,
And Thou couldst see me sinning:
Then I, why should not I love Thee,
Jesu, so much in love with me?
Not for heaven's sake; not to be
Out of hell by loving Thee;
Not for any gains I see;
But just the way that Thou didst me
I do love and I will love Thee;
What must I love Thee, Lord, for then?
For being my King and God. Amen.

The poem of St. Francis Xavier, which also is an expression of love for God, is similar in tone and spirit to Hopkin's poem. In fact, Hopkins poem is really a contemporary version and translation of Xavier's original. Reading the original of St. Francis Xavier's poem, because of the old English language in which it is presented, it is difficult to understand at first reading that the poet is seeking a personal reason for loving God. However, in Hopkin's translation, one can easily follow the order of thought and meaning - until it reached the conclusion of commitment to love the Lord as King and God.

Memorial of Saints (January 16)

St. Marcellus I succeeded St. Marcellinus to the papacy in 308 A.D. As Pope, Marcellus reorganized the Church in Rome and settled the lapsi controversy by issuing a papal decree. This decree caused widespread civil disorders. It was due to this unrest that led Emperor Maxentius to send Marcellus into exile (died ca. 309 A.D.).

St. Priscilla is the wife of the Christian martyr Mancius Glabrio. She is traditionally known to be the mother of St. Pudens. But what she is more known for is her home on the Via Salaria in Rome, which was used by St. Peter the Apostle as his headquarters for leading the Christians. St. Priscilla's home has a catacomb underneath it (died ca. 98 A.D.).

St. Honoratus is the founder of the monastery in Lérins, off the coast of southern France. In honor of this saint, the island is now called Saint-Honorat. St. Honoratus was named archbishop of Arles in 426 A.D. The monastery he founded produced southern France's leading bishops and writers - one of whom was St. Vincent of Lérins. St. Honoratus is the patron saint of bakers (died ca. 429 A.D.).

St. Fursey was an Irishman who left his home to build a monastery at Killursa. Twelve years later, he went with his brothers Sts. Foillan and Ultan, to settle in England, where they built a monastery on land donated by Sigebert. After several years in this monastery, St. Fursey went on to Gaul (now in France) and built a monastery at Lagny (died ca. 648 A.D.).

St. Henry of Cocket was from Denmark, and since his youth wanted to live a religious life. He travelled to England and built a hermitage on the island of Cocket, off the coast of northeastern England (known at that time as Northumberland). Henry lived as a hermit until his death in ca. 1127 A.D.

St. Berard and his Franciscan companions (Sts. Peter, Odo, Accursio, and Adjutus) were the Franciscan order's first martyrs. St. Francis of Assisi sent St. Berard and his four companions to a mission among the Muslims in southern Spain and Morocco. Despite warnings from the local Muslim sultan at the time, they continued to preach zealously Christ and the gospel. All five Franciscans were martyred for Christ on January 16, 1220 A.D.

2nd Sunday of the Year (B)

(Edited) Reflections: (From) 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (B), January 15, 2012

Liturgical readings

1 Samuel 3:3-10, 19
Psalm 40
1 Corinthians 6:13-15, 17-20
John 1:35-42

"Look! There is the Lamb of God!"

For many years, the Jewish people were awaiting the coming of their Messiah. One of their prophets, Isaiah, foretold that this Messiah, this Christ, will herald good news, bring glad tidings, and restore His people Israel. But what the Jews did not expect, was that this Messiah will save not only His people, but the whole of humanity - through the Gentile peoples evangelized by Paul. The Jews were God's chosen people, but God in His mercy, extended His favor to anyone who would believe and accept His Son, Jesus. And the beginning of that merciful will is presented in the gospel: John points out to Jesus as the Lamb of God to his two disciples, "Look! There is the Lamb of God!".

For those two disciples who began to follow Jesus, many more came to see for themselves who the Messiah is. They addressed Him as Rabbi, which means Teacher. Andrew referred to Him as the Messiah (which means Anointed) when he came to his brother Simon Peter. Gradually, Jesus came to be known to the people; and by various titles - Lamb of God, Rabbi, Messiah. As He brought hope to His people two millenia before, He now brings that same hope to us through the Church's proclamation of the Word and the celebration of the Sacraments.

What seems to be an important element in discovering one's hope in Jesus is an attitude of listening. If the two disciples did not listen to John and continued with what they were doing, they would not have known the truth about Jesus as the Lamb of God. Andrew also listened, and ran to his brother Peter, saying: "We have found the Messiah!" That joy in the disciples' discovery of Jesus as the Messiah becomes one's joy too when you listen well to the Word. Listening can begin externally with hearing the Word in the Mass. But this listening can have more depth when you let that Word of hope sink well into the ground of your heart.

Memorial of Saints (January 13)

St. Hilary of Poitiers was a layman who reluctantly became bishop of Poitiers in ca. 350 A.D. Since the Arians were influencing the Church at the time, Hilary defended the orthodox teaching of the Church against them. He fought against Arian Bishop Saturninus, and as a consequence was exiled to Phrygia. After some time, Hilary was able to return to Poitiers and was instrumental in a synod's deposition and excommunication of Saturninus. Hilary was a good theologian. He wrote many treatises and was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1851 A.D. (died ca. 368 A.D.).

St. Agrecius was bishop of Trèves and attended the Council of Arles in 314 A.D. As bishop, he devoted himself to reconverting the people back to the Christian faith in the area around Trèves. Nothing more is known of Agrecius save for the story that his appointment as bishop was upon the request of Empress Helena, who also sent Agrecius some of the relics of the Cross of Christ (died ca. 329 A.D.).

St. Berno joined the Benedictines at St. Martin's, Autun, and became abbot of Baume-les-Messieurs. He also founded the monastery of Gigny and became its abbot. After some time, Duke William of Aquitaine made him abbot of Cluny. St. Berno is the first of the great abbots of the monastery at Cluny, in France - a monastic reform movement that had an enormous influence on the spirit of monasticism in Europe (died ca. 927 A.D.).

Visionaries, Stigmatists and Incorruptibles (Last Part)

Introduction

This blog post concludes the Series on Visionaries, Stigmatists and Incorruptibles. The first part of the blog post will recount the story of St. Pio of Pietrelcina's stigmata, while the second part will give a brief summary and list of some of the holy men and women whose flesh remain incorrupt to this present age.

Padre Pio

St. Pio of Pietrelcina (d. 1968 A.D.), a.k.a. Padre Pio, passed away just 32 years before the turn of the new millenium. Although he lived in till the modern age of the 1960s, many of those who have seen, met or have encountered the saint say that his spiritual presence radiates a feeling that transports you to the world of the Middle Ages. Padre Pio is the second most popular Franciscan (Capuchin) stigmatic next to St. Francis of Assisi. Because of modern technology, many were able to photograph and document the miracle and gift of his stigmata.

September 20, 1918 A.D.

Padre Pio received the gift of the stigmata on September 20, 1918 A.D., several months before the end of World War I. Many crowds flocked to him to see the bleeding wounds on his hands and feet. From that 20th day of September up to his death in 1968 A.D., there were exactly 50 years of stigmatization. And at the time of Padre Pio's death, many (especially the doctors and physicians who were examining and studying his wounds) were surprised to see the wounds suddenly disappear as if they have never been present. To learn more about Padre Pio, you can search at any search engine for the details on his life and the miracle of his stigmatization.

Incorrupt bodies of holy men and women

When given the opportunity to see the incorrupt body of a blessed or saint, one will truly be in awe and wonder at the power of God, and how He is able to do the impossible - going against the natural laws of science. The incorrupt bodies of many saints are truly mysteries that cannot be explained by science. Only with the eyes of faith can one know that there is something of God there. As one searches and researches on those holy men and women whose flesh remains incorrupt to this present age, one will be surprised to learn that the Church has been gifted with not only a handful of these miracles, but many. The more known ones are like the body of St. Bernadette Soubirous (the visionary of Lourdes, France). There are many, so much more. The list given in the next paragraph attest to the truth that this gift from God is meant to upbuild the faith of the Church.

A list of God's miracles

Listed below is just a sample of the many holy men and women whose flesh have remained incorrupt to this day. Here are a few names to get you started in your search for their hagiography online:

• St. Catherine of Bologna
• St. Gemma Galgani
• St. Adrian of Canterbury (died in the 8th century)
• Blessed Louis Orione
• St. James Alberione (founder of the Pauline family)
• St. Ubaldo Gubbio
• St. Esmeralda Eutochia Calafatto
• St. Eufemia
• Venerable Maria Crescencia
• St. Dominic Savio
• St. Patricia
• St. Sharbel Makhlouf

Video files

There are many video files in YouTube which you can search, view and learn more of God's miracles through the incorrupt bodies of His faithful and holy servants.

St. Theodosius the Cenobiarch, feast January 11

Born in Cappadocia, Asia Minor

Theodosius was born at Garissus, Cappadocia (from where St. Basil and his family also have their origins) in 423 A.D. In his youth, he made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where he visited St. Simeon Stylites and was able to learn the ways of holiness in the East. After this pilgrimage and journey, he entered one of the monasteries existing near Jerusalem. Then after a number of years, he was appointed to head a church in an area near Bethlehem. He left this appointment to become a hermit in the desert of Judah. Theodosius' extraordinary piety drew quite a number of followers, whom he organized into a monastic community at Cathismus (near Bethlehem).

Began to promote cenobitic monastic life

The monastery near Bethlehem that Theodosius found began to fill up with monks. It was at this time that he saw the need of cenobitic monastic life - religious life in community. He also realized a need to help people living near the monastery. So he attached three hospices or infirmaries next to it: one for the sick, another for the aged, and a third for the mentally disturbed. In the monastery, Theodosius organized the monks according to four language groups to facilitate prayer and communication in the communities. He also made a daily schedule for the monks which consisted of prayer, manual labor, and rest. This monastic system and organization resembled a small city and became a model of its kind in the East. It was this monastic structure that earned St. Theodosius the title, "Cenobiarch" - meaning, abbot general of all cenobitic communities in Palestine.

A strong advocate against heresies

There was a group of Monophysites at that time who believed that Jesus Christ only had a divine nature and was not human. St. Sabas, who was made head of all those living in hermitages in Palestine, fought alongside St. Theodosius against these Monophysites. Both of them also opposed the heresy of Eutychianism which was promoted by Emperor Anastasius. Because of the success and effectivity of their preaching, Theodosius was banished by an imperial edict. But when Emperor Justin replaced Anastasius, Theodosius was recalled back to his role as Cenobiarch in Palestine.

A long and holy life

Theodosius was already 95 years old when he was recalled to resume his duties as head of all cenobitic monastic life in the East. But he never expected to live for another eleven years. Upon his death at the age of about 106, the patriarch of Jerusalem and a majority of the Jerusalem population attended his funeral. Many miracles were attributed to his intercession. Though his feast is not on the General Roman Calendar, the Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches acknowledge it. St. Theodosius the Cenobiarch then became known as a leading pioneer of cenobitic or communal monasticism in the East.

Edited from the following sources:

• A Year with the Saints, by Don Bosco Press, Inc.
• Lives of the Saints, by Richard P. McBrien
• Dictionary of Saints, by John J. Delaney

Visionaries, Stigmatists and Incorruptibles (Part Five)

St. Francis the Stigmatic

One story of St. Francis' stigmatization is based on a biography written by Johannes Jorgensen. This author examined many documents and visited many parts of Italy where St. Francis was known to have lived and preached. The story of the stigmatization of Francis of Assisi begins after the Feast of the Assumption, 1224 A.D. When St. Francis withdrew from the Brothers (his companions) to go into greater solitude, Francis made a hut for himself and made arrangements with Brother Leo to visit him once in the day to bring bread and water - once by night for Matins (prayers recited in the early hours of the morning after midnight).

The instruction for Brother Leo

Since Brother Leo had the responsiblity of bringing food and water, and to pray Matins with St. Francis, he was instructed by St. Francis with a procedure to accomplish his tasks. As Leo would step upon the bridge that led to the hut of St. Francis, >he was to say aloud the prayer which begins the recitation of the breviary: "O Lord, thou wilt open my lips." If St. Francis gave the proper response, "And my mouth shall declare Thy praise", then Brother Leo was to proceed to the hut of St. Francis. If Brother Leo did not get an answer from Francis, he was to go home quietly. Francis gave this instruction to Leo because Francis was sometimes in such a state of rapture - so filled with God's love and presence that he could not speak.

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Days and nights went by until the feast of the Holy Cross (September 14) would be at hand. The Cross and the Crucified Lord had always been an object of devotion on Francis' part. During the Mass for this Feast, Francis felt deeply the strong words referring to Jesus and His Cross. He lay in prayer outside his cell on the morning of September 14. He prayed that he may feel in his soul and body the passion of Christ. He also prayed that his heart may receive that great charity by which Jesus willingly underwent His passion for the redemption of all sinners. During this time of prayer, Francis saw a seraph coming down from heaven with six bright wings. As Francis saw this vision, his heart was mixed with fear, joy, sorrow, and wonder. Through an inner flame, the vision left a wonderful image and imprint of Christ's passion on the body, heart, soul, and mind of St. Francis. Though St. Francis said nothing of this to his Brothers, they found that his habit and clothes were bloody when they went to the wash.

The Brothers understood what happened

It was Brother Leo who first knew of what happened to Francis. Then Brother Rufino also learned of this miraculous gift. Leo was the one who fixed the bandages on Francis, while Brother Rufino washed the clothes of Francis. As for Francis, he was filled with great joy - a complete liberation from all care and dejection. Together with Brother Leo, the two eventually left Mount Alverna where Francis received his stigmata, and journeyed on foot. Francis rode a donkey because he could not walk on the journey.

The news spread with great joy

As St. Francis returned to the villages where he lived and preached, the people met him with olive branches and the cry, "Ecco il Santo"! As Francis gave his hand to be kissed, miracles were accomplished. A woman whose life was in danger was cured. Another woman was cured from her hysteria. As Francis returned eventually to Portiuncula (where his conversion began), he felt as if all the zeal of his youth was returned. He again went out on missionary trips - particularly to the lepers to whom he preached, counseled, and cared for.

To be continued

In the next blog post, the story of Padre Pio's stigmata will be related. Padre Pio, a spiritual son of St. Francis, also received the gift of the stigmata on his physical body. Padre Pio is one saint closer to the modern generation as he passed away in 1968 A.D.

St. Adrian of Canterbury, Abbot

St. Adrian of Canterbury, Abbot: d. ca. 710 A.D.

St. Adrian was born in Africa. He was a very learned and saintly Latin and Greek scholar. Being gifted with excellent learning abilities, he became well-versed in the Holy Scriptures and in the studies on the Fathers of the Church.

During his early years in religious life, he became the abbot of the monastery of Nerida, near Naples in present-day Italy. Because of this remarkable saint's intellectual talents, Pope St. Vitalian believed in him. He was then officially appointed as archbishop of Canterbury, but he declined the appointment. But, he was requested to accompany St. Theodore to England. It was St. Theodore who accepted the appointment to the position of archbishop of Canterbury. On his part, St. Theodore then duly appointed Adrian as abbot of Sts. Peter and Paul monastery in Canterbury.

St. Adrian's talents and commitment to the Church were needed at a time when the English people needed much instruction in the Catholic faith. Thus, Adrian applied all his learning, especially his knowledge of the Bible in this missionary endeavour. Due to his exceptional abilities and knowledge, Adrian was sought out by many, who later on became his followers. St. Adrian taught all his followers many subjects, including Greek, Latin, poetry, astronomy, and calendar calculation. During all his thirty-nine years as abbot of Sts. Peter and Paul monastery, the monastery became renowned as a center of learning in the West. Adrian's monastic school attracted many students from all Europe. His learning had a great and far-reaching influence.

St. Adrian died on January 9, 710 A.D. in Canterbury. His tomb became famous for the miracles that occured there. Tradition reports that upon the exhumation of his tomb, his body was incorrupt. The Church now celebrates his feast every January 9.

Sources of this blog post:

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

Memorial of Saints (January 9)

St. Marciana was a Christian from Mauritania, in the West coast of Africa. Accused as a Christian during the rule of Emperor Diocletian, she was arrested and brought to gladiators who tried to rape her. Her virginity however was miraculously preserved. But eventually, she was sent to the ampitheater where she was killed by a wild bull and a leopard (died ca. 303 A.D.).

Sts. Julian and Basilissa (his wife), used their home as a hospital to care for the poor and the sick. After St. Basilissa's death, Julian was arrested as a Christian during the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian. St. Julian was martyred together with a priest, and a mother and her child (died ca. 304 A.D.).

St. Peter of Sebastea is a brother of St. Basil (who founded Eastern monasticism). Peter entered a monastery in Armenia and eventually became its abbot in 362 A.D. In 380 A.D., he became bishop of Sebastea. As bishop, he worked against the Arian heresy and attended well the General Council of Constantinople (died ca. 391 A.D.).

St. Waningus left his position as a governor in Neustria to devote his life to God after a dream he experienced. In the dream, St. Eulalia of Barcelona warned him of the difficulties a rich man will have in entering the Kingdom of God. Because of this warning in a dream, St. Waningus left his political life, and together with St. Wandrille, helped to found an abbey, a church, and a convent (died ca. 683 A.D.).

St. Adrian of Canterbury became abbot of a monastery near Naples, Italy. St. Theodore, who became archbishop of Canterbury, appointed Adrian to be abbot of St. Augustine's monastery. As abbot of this monastery, the monastery became renowned as a center of learning. When St. Adrian's tomb was exhumed, his body was found to be incorrupt (died ca. 710 A.D.).

St. Berhtwald of Canterbury became abbot of Reculver in Kent, England. He succeeded St. Theodore as archbishop of Canterbury. Berhtwald was archbishop for thirty-seven years. He was noted to be a very good scripture scholar (died ca. 731 A.D.).

Memorial of Saints (January 8)

St. Severinus of Noricum was an ascetic. He loved the contemplative life and also his mission among the Roman peoples of Noricum in Austria. From his life and mission in Noricum, he moved on to become superior of different monasteries - teaching his monks love for the poor, the sick and the oppressed. St. Severinus was also known for his prophecies and his miracles. One of his miracles was to help the famine-stricken city of Faviana. Through his intercessory prayers, the ice in the river Danube (next to Faviana) cracked. Because of this miracle, the city acknowledged him as their wonder-worker (died ca. 533 A.D.).

St. Apollinaris the Apologist defended the faith through a letter he sent to the Emperor Marcus Aurelius (ca. 161-180 A.D.). Apollinaris pointed out that a recent military victory had been achieved mainly because of the Emperor's twelfth legion - which was composed mainly of Christian soldiers. Apollinaris argued that both the prayers and the fighting skills of these Christian soldiers contributed much to the victory of the Emperor. The prayers of the Christian soldiers produced a miraculous rain shower that quenched their thirst. When this rain shower then turned into a thunderstorm, it blinded and then frightened the Emperor's opponents (died ca. 179 A.D.).

St. Lawrence Giustiniani was an archbishop of Venice known for his concern for the poor. Early in life, he entered an Augustinian monastery and was ordained priest in 1046 A.D. He eventually became superior general of the Augustinian canons from 1424-1431 A.D. As general, he wrote works of an ascetical and mystical nature. When he became archbishop, his episcopate was noted for its austerity and charity to the poor -in the form of food and clothing (died ca. 1455 A.D.).

St. Lucian of Beauvais was a missionary in Gaul. Catholic tradition says that he is a companion of St. Denis of Paris. Lucian was made bishop of Beauvais. He was martyred there together with Maximian and Julian. Lucian's companions were martyred earlier before his own execution (died ca. 290 A.D.).

St. Severinus of Septempeda was the brother of St. Victorinus. Severinus became bishop of Septempeda in Ancona, Italy. The area in which he administered his see was later on to be known as San Severino (died ca. 550 A.D.).

St. Erhard was an Irishman. Tradition says he became auxiliary bishop of Ratisbon and then abbot of Ebersheimmünster Abbey. Nothing more is known of St. Erhard save for these little biographical details about his life (died ca. 686 A.D.).

St. Gudula was educated at Nivelles under her cousin St. Gertrude. After her cousin Gertrude's death in 664 A.D., she returned to the family castle near Morzelles. It was here that she led a holy life dedicated to God until her death. She was noted for her help to the poor in her area and became patroness of Brussels (died ca. 712 A.D.).

St. Pega was the sister of St. Guthlac. She lived a secluded life near her brother's hermitage at Croyland in the Fens in England. She was reputed to have cured a blind man. After her brother's death, she made a pilgrimage to Rome where she passed away (died ca. 719 A.D.).

St. Thorfinn was a Norwegian who became a canon of the cathedral at Nidaros. In time, he became bishop of Hamar. His support of the archbishop of Nidaros against King Eric caused his exile. In his exile he experienced a shipwreck, but was eventually able to reach the Cistercian abbey of Ter Doest near Flanders. His life was commemorated in a poem written by Walter de Muda (died ca. 1285 A.D.).

Epiphany (B)

(Edited) Reflections (from:) Ephiphany, January 8, 2012

Liturgical readings

Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72
Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12

"They found the child with Mary his mother."

In many Catholic homes, the traditional Nativity decor would be complete if it included small figurines of the three wise men, the shepherds, some stable animals, and an angel atop the baby Jesus, the Blessed Mother, and St. Joseph. All those little statues representing the Holy Family were mentioned in the gospels: the shepherds in Luke 2:8ff; the wise men in Matthew 2:1ff; and the angels in Luke 2:13ff. The stable animals were made part of the manger scene in the traditional Nativity set as additional symbols to help the family cultivate that atmosphere of simplicity and tranquillity experienced in many villages of old - especially during the Christmas season.

From a contemplative look at that cute and attractive Nativity set, it is time to focus more seriously at the "three wise men". These men were termed "astrologers" in the New American Bible. In the Good News Bible, they are mentioned as "some visitors from the East who studied the stars". The NRSV Bible and the Jerusalem Bible terms them as "wise men from the East". There is mention of "Magi" in the subtitle of the gospel passage in the Jerusalem Bible. Whoever these visitors from the East were, the gospel reveals to its readers and hearers that they have knowledge too of the prophecy about the birth of Jesus. They saw the star that would lead them to the birth of a Davidic King. So, believing or wanting to verify the prophecy, they followed the star, and found themselves in the poor little town of Bethlehem. In the poverty of a manger, they prostrated themselves before the Christ-Child.

It was a star that let the astrologers to Jesus. It was not only Jewish prophets that knew of this prophecy, but also people from nearby Eastern countries - like these wise men. There have been many founders of world religions that have been born and entered human history and civilization. But it was only Jesus whose birth was pre-announced. In his book, "Life of Christ", Bishop Fulton Sheen wrote that this very reason which makes Christ's divinity certain. And the divinity of Jesus Christ was manifested to the world through the wise men from the East. As the wise men saw the child with his mother, they saw with their eyes of faith how that divinity is wrapped in the tender flesh of a baby, born of a humble virgin from Nazareth.

St. John Nepomucene Neumann, Bishop

St. John Nepomucene Neumann, Bishop: 1811-1860 A.D.

America's Unspectacular Saint - Feast, January 5

Birth, family background, education, and ordination
Born at Prachatitz, Bohemia, [in what is now the Czech Republic] on March 28, and the third of six children of Agnes and Philip Neumann [a Bohemian mother and a German father], John was early attracted to the religious life. He was a voracious reader and student of a wide variety of languages and sciences. He entered the diocesan seminary of Budweis in 1831 A.D., and two years later the archepiscopal seminary and theological school at Charles Ferdinand University at Prague. Unable to be ordained because of a surplus of priests in Bohemia, John went to the United States in 1836 A.D. and was ordained in New York later within the same year. He then devoted the next four years to missionary work, especially among German-speaking Catholics, in upstate New York.

Entered the Redemptorist Order
By 1840 A.D., John wanted to deepen his spiritual life, so he became a member of the few Redemptorists in the United States at Pittsburgh and was the first Redemptorist priest to be professed in the United States. At 29 years of age, John Neumann plunged into an unremitting round of pastoral work in Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. After four years as a Redemptorist missionary he became an American citizen and was named the provincial of the Redemptorists. He built St. Peter and Paul Church in Baltimore, and was appointed the rector of St. Alphonsus Church in that city in 1851 A.D.

Pope Pius IX had named him bishop of Philadelphia
A few weeks before his 41st birthday, John returned to his room one evening after a busy day of ministry and found on his desk the ring and pectoral cross which Archbishop Francis Patrick Kenrick had worn for twenty-one years as bishop of Philadelphia. (The archbishop had paid a visit that afternoon). Neumann was aghast. He realized that Pope Pius IX had named him bishop of Philadelphia - an area which had more Catholics than any other - many of whom were Irish immigrants and some of them the elite of Catholic society in the city. As the fourth bishop of Philadelphia, John now had the opportunity to make great inroads into what had become his passion: the education of poor German, French, Irish and Indian Catholics.

A busy reorganizer and very close to the people
\ During his eight years as bishop of Philadelphia, he reorganized the diocese, as well as opened eighty new churches and nearly one hundred schools. To staff these schools, John brought in many religious orders of priests and nuns. At the first national council of Catholic bishops, he helped to map out a plan of Catholic education for the whole United States.

Although active in his support of education and busy with the duties of leading a diocese, John Neumann was never far from his people. By the time he became a bishop, he spoke twelve languages and made it a point to address each of his people in their own language. At the time of his death, John Neumann was renowned for his holiness, charity, pastoral work, and his preaching. He was canonized in 1977 A.D. by Pope Paul VI, the first American male saint.

Unspectacular but simplicity performed with constant perfection amidst difficulties spell heroism
St. John Neumann was almost overlooked as a serious candidate for sainthood for many years; in fact, the case was put on hold in 1912 A.D. because, they said, they doubted whether he had the necessary "heroic virtue"; he was "too ordinary" a man to be a candidate. However, there were persistent pleas for his cause. And Pope Benedict XV finally came to the conclusion that even the most simple works, when performed with constant perfection amidst difficulties, already spells heroism. Pope Paul VI made the same point in his homily at the ceremony on October 13, 1963 A.D., the day he beatified Bishop John Neumann. He referred to the "ancient biographers" of saints who sought the unusual and miraculous aspects of the lives of the saints, perhaps too much. The Pope admitted that they too had to understand that the life of a Christian who is really moved by faith and grace cannot but be wonderful.

The sainting of Bishop John Neumann was a triumph and a model for the millions of men and women who live unspectacular lives in persistent patience and quiet virtues every day before God whose will they strive to follow.

References of this article

• Dictionary of Saints, by John J. Delaney
• Saints for Our Time, by Ed Ransom
• The Who's Who of Heaven: Saints for All Seasons, by Msgr. John P. Kleinz

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, America's First Native-Born Saint

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious: 1774-1821 A.D.

America's First Native-Born Saint - Feast, January 4

Birth and family background

Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton was born in New York City on August 28, 1774 A.D., just two years before the Declaration of Independence was signed. She might be truly be called a daughter of the American Revolution.

Elizabeth's father, Dr. Richard Bayley, was a prominent physician and professor of anatomy at King's College (now Columbia University). Her mother, and later, her stepmother, were staunch Episcopalians who instilled in her an appreciation of prayer and the Scriptures. She was the stepsister of Archbishop James Roosevelt Bayley of Baltimore.


Elizabeth was educated by her father. Then at nineteen, she married a wealthy businessman named William Magee Seton, with whom she had five children. In the first years of her marriage, Elizabeth plunged into social work and in 1797 A.D. helped to found the Society for the Relief of Poor Widows with Small Children. A few years later, in 1803 A.D., her husband's business failed, and William contracted tuberculosis. The couple went to Italy in hopes of effecting a cure but William died shortly after they arrived.

Back in the United States and conversion to Catholicism

In her stay in Italy for some months, she observed the Catholic Church in action. She became convinced that the Catholic Church was rooted back to the apostles and to Christ. After her return to the United States in 1805 A.D., she became a Catholic. Her Episcopalian family and friends were outraged and turned on her savagely, cutting themselves off from her completely. Her sister told her that Catholics were "dirty, filthy, red-faced". Elizabeth however did not change her faith when she was ostracized, but she was eventually driven to Baltimore, where she was warmly welcomed by the Catholic community.

Apostolic work and foundation of a religious community

At the suggestion of a Sulpician superior, Father Louis DuBourg, she opened a school for girls in Baltimore. Soon her sisters Cecilia and Harriet, who had become Catholics, joined her. With other women they formed a religious community. Elizabeth took private vows before Archbishop John Carroll of Baltimore. He encouraged her to form a new community. So Elizabeth founded a religious community along with four companions. They opened a school for poor children in Emmitsburg, Maryland, which was the beginning of the Catholic parochial school system in the United States.

Approval of her community's Rule and its growth

Archbishop Carroll of Baltimore approved the rule of Elizabeth's community in 1812 A.D., and in 1813 A.D., Elizabeth and eighteen other women took vows in the new religious order, the Sisters of Charity - the first American religious society. The religious order spread throughout the United States and numbered some twenty communities by the time of her death at Emmitsburg on January 4. She was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1975 A.D., the first American-born saint.

"Our daily work is to do the will of God"

St. Elizabeth expanded the principle that "our daily work is to do the will of God" in a conference she gave her spiritual daughters. It is printed as the Second Reading of the Office of Readings for her feast day of January 4:

I know what his will is by those who direct me; whatever they bid me do, if it is ever so small in itself, is the will of God for me. Then do it in the manner he wills it, not sewing an old thing as if it were new, or a new thing as if it were old; not fretting because the oven is too hot, or in a fuss because it is too cold. You creeping like a snail because no one pushes you. Our dear Savior was never in extremes. The third object is to do his will because he wills it, that is, to be ready to quit at any moment and do anything else to which you may be called...

Be above the vain fears of nature and efforts of your enemy. You are children of eternity. Your immortal crown awaits you, and the best of Fathers waits there to reward your duty and love. You may indeed sow here in tears, but you may be sure there to reap in joy.

With her elevated to the honor of sainthood, the faithful now pray, "St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us."

References of this article

• Dictionary of Saints, by John J. Delaney
• Saints for Our Time, by Ed Ransom
• The Who's Who of Heaven: Saints for All Seasons, by Msgr. John P. Kleinz

The Blessed Virgin Mary

Mary

Introduction

The Blessed Mother is known by many names and titles: Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, The Immaculate Conception, the Seat of Wisdom, the House of Gold, and many more. All these names and titles refer to one and the same person - Mary of Nazareth. Catholics refer to Mary in many ways, but all these ways refer to her as the Mother of Jesus - the great Mother of God whom all Catholics honor and venerate but do not worship. Without knowledge of Mary, Jesus would only be a mythic figure coming from nowhere. The gospel image of a real baby in the arms of Mary tells all that Jesus was incarnated in the womb of a virgin. That gospel image is often celebrated every Christmas season and never fails to touch human hearts with joy, peace and a strong sense of family ties.

Mary in the New Testament

Mary is mentioned in all of the four gospels. It is however in the gospel of Luke where she is mentioned more:

• she assented to be the Mother of God upon announcement of the angel Gabriel that God's favor rests well on her [Luke 1:26-38]
• she is a virgin: "one who does not know man" - with the term "know man" as connotating sexual relations [Luke 1:34]
• she visited her cousin Elizabeth to help her since Elizabeth was also with child but in her old age [Luke 1:39-56]
• she gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem with simple shepherds paying homage to the baby Jesus in the manger [Luke 2:1-20]
• she, together with Joseph, presented Jesus in the Temple to be consecrated to God [Luke 2:21-40]
• with Joseph, she sought and found the child Jesus in the Temple - speaking words of wisdom with the elders there [Luke 2:41-52]
• she and some of Jesus' relatives were considered part of a greater family for Jesus: "those who hear the word of God and do God's will" [Matthew 12:46-50]
• she was also instrumental in solving the problem in the wedding of Cana [John 2:1-11]
• she, two other women, and the disciple John, stood by Jesus at the foot of the cross [John 19:25-27]
• after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, Mary waited together with the apostles and disciples for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost [Acts 1:14]

These are some of the references to Mary in the New Testament. There are many more and all of them help readers obtain a gospel image of Mary as a person. A good book that will help understand this gospel image of Mary is "Mary in the New Testament", edited by Raymond E. Brown, Karl P. Donfried, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, and John Reumann.

Mary's Assumption into heaven

The dogma or doctrine on the assumption of Mary to heaven teaches that Mary has been taken body and soul - her full humanity - to heaven where she receives the full and eternal vision of God. Traditional sources do not say that she did not die, only that she has already received what all the faithful will also all receive in fitting degree when all are finally brought to the Father. This article of faith on the assumption of Mary is not in the Bible. There is an apocryphal account of it in the Transitus Beatae Mariae of Pseudo-Melito, but it is not considered inspired text like the Bible. In Catholic faith, when the Bible is silent or ambiguous on a certain event or person, the Church often sources out the truth in Sacred Tradition (the unwritten word of God). And a lot that was discussed on the truth of the Assumption of Mary were taken from Sacred Tradition. However, although not a full reference, the Church maintains that there is a biblical allusion to the assumption of Mary in the passage of Apocalypse 12:1 - "A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars."

The Immaculate Conception

This dogma is one of the most Catholic, and sometimes misunderstood article of faith in Catholicism. This article of faith is found within the text of the gospel account of the Annunciation of the angel Gabriel to Mary. Catholics believe greatly in the Immaculate Conception - meaning that from the moment of Mary's conception in the womb of her mother, St. Anne, Mary was kept free from original sin by the power of divine grace. Since she was to bear the Son of God, it is but fitting that the womb that will conceive and bear Him, is pure and completely untainted with any trace of sin. Thus is she titled, the Immaculate Conception. Mary continued to remain sinless throughout her life. Since she did not have original sin (the sin all mankind inherits upon conception because of the disobedience to God of Adam and Eve), she did not deserve to suffer the consequences of it, so at the end of her life, she was assumed in her full humanity by God into heaven.

Devotion to Mary

Devotions are traditional forms of prayers that are not part of the Mass. They can be public or private - expressing love for God and neighbor personified in Mary (or the saints). One form of devotion to Mary is the praying of the holy rosary. The holy rosary is made up of decades of beads to represent the four mysteries (joyful, sorrowful, light, and glorious) of the Christian faith which sum up the life of Jesus and Mary's participative role in it. Another form of devotion to Mary is the May crowning. May is the month of honoring Mary for Catholics. Traditionally, Catholic parishes pick one day in May to host a devotion called a May crowning. On this day a young girl is chosen to place a crown of roses on a statue of Mary which is sometimes carried in a procession around the neighborhood. All those in attendance sing hymns and pray the rosary. Other devotions to Mary include: the First Saturdays devotion, the pilgrimages to Marian shrines all over the world, and the honoring of Marian apparitions through scapulars and medals.

Except for Jesus, Mary, throughout the ages is the subject of many poems, hymns, statues, icons, paintings, treatises, and sermons more than any other in all human history. To understand why Catholics are so affectionate and attached to the Mother of God, we just have to look at the most primal of all emotions: the bond between a mother and her child.

Feasts of Saints Celebrated in the Month of January

Mary, Mother of God, (January 1)

also on January 1: Concordius, martyr; Felix of Bourger; Almachius or Telemachus, martyr; Euphrosyne, virgin; Eugendus or Oyend, abbot; William of Saint Benignus, abbot; Fulgentius, bishop; Clarus, abbot; Peter of Atroa, abbot; Odilo, abbot; Franchea, virgin; Guiseppe Maria Tomasi

Basil: (died 1 Jan. 379 A.D.); hermit who became bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia: noted for his learning; foe of Arianism; wrote a rule on monasticism; source of Eucharistic Prayer IV; along with Gregory Nazianzen, Athanasius (2 May) and John Chrysostom (13 Sept), considered one of the four great doctors of the Eastern Church. (January 2)

Gregory Nazianzen: (died 25 Jan. 389 or 390 A.D.); Patriarch of Constantinople; noted for his knowledge of Sacred Scripture and for his outstanding teaching abilities and eloquence. (January 2)

also on January 2: Macarius of Alexandria; Munchin, bishop; Vincentian; Adalhard or Adelard, abbot; Caspar del Bufalo

on January 3: Antherus, priest and martyr; Geneviève, virgin; Bertilia of Mereuil, widow

on January 4: Elizabeth Ann Seton; Gregory of Langres, bishop; Pharaïldis, virgin; Rigobert of Rheims, bishop

on January 5: John Neumann, bishop; Apollinaris Syncletica, virgin; Syncletica, virgin; Simeon Stylites; Convoyon, abbot; Dorotheus the Younger, abbot; Gerlac

on January 6: John of Ribera, bishop; Charles Melchior from Sezze, religious; Raphaela Maria Porras of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, virgin; Wiltrudis, widow; Erminold, abbot; Guarinus or Guérin, bishop

Raymond of Peñafort (died 1275 A.D. at age of 99); O.P.; second master general after St. Dominic; collator of canon law, esp. Decretales Gregorii IX; noted work on penance: Summa de casibus poenitentiae; patron of canonists and lawyers. (January 7)

also on January 7: Lucian of Antioch, martyr; Valentine, bishop; Tillo; Aldric, bishop; Reinold; Canute Lavard; Kentigerna, widow

on January 8: Apollinaris of Hierapolis, bishop; Lucian of Beauvais, martyr; Severinus of Noricum; Severinus of Septempeda, bishop; Erhard, bishop; Gudula, virgin; Pega, virgin; Wulsin, bishop; Thorfinn, bishop

on January 9: Marciana, virgin and martyr; Julian, Basilissa and Companions, martyrs; Peter of Sebaste, bishop; Waningus or Vaneng; Adrian of Canterbury, abbot; Berhtwald of Canterbury, abbot

on January 10: Marcian; John the Good, bishop; Agatho, priest; Peter Orseolo; William, bishop

on January 11: Theodosius the Cenobiarch; Salvius or Sauve, bishop

on January 12: Arcadius, martyr; Tigirius and Eutropius, martyrs; Caesaria, virgin; Victorian, abbot; Benedict or Benet Biscop, bishop; Antony Pucci, priest

Hilary of Poitiers: (died 367 A.D.); married and convert from paganism; leading opponent of Arianism in the West; most noted work: De Trinitate (January 13)

also on January 13: Agrecius or Agritius, bishop; Berno, abbot

on January 14: Felix Nola, confessor; Macrina the Elder, widow; Barbasymas and Companions, martyrs; Datius, bishop; Kentigern or Mungo, bishop; Sava, bishop

on January 15: Paul the First Hermit, confessor; Maur, abbot; Macarius the Elder; Isidore of Alexandria; John Calybites; Ita, virgin; Bonet or Bonitus, bishop; Ceowulf

on January 16: Marcellus I, priest; Priscilla, matron; Honoratus, bishop; Fursey, abbot; Henry of Cocket; Berard and Companions, martyrs

Anthony: (died 356 A.D. at the age of 105); born in Upper Egypt; hermit and early founder of religious life; called the "Patriarch of Monks"; aided Athanasius of Alexandria in combating Arianism; patron invoked against skin diseases. (January 17)

also on January 17: Speusippus, Eleusippus and Meleusippus, martyrs; Genulf or Genou, bishop; Julian Sabas, hermit; Sabinus of Piacenza, bishop; Richimir, abbot; Sulpicius II or Sulpice

on January 18: Prisca, virgin and martyr; Volusian, bishop; Deicolus or Desle, abbot

on January 19: Canute or Knute, king and martyr; Germanicus, martyr; Nathalan, bishop; Albert of Cashel, bishop; Fillan or Foelan, abbot; Wulstan, bishop; Henry of Uppsala, bishop and martyr

Fabian (died 250 A.D. under Decius; layman elected bishop of Rome in 236 A.D.; an "incomparable man" (St. Cyprian to Pope St. Cornelius) (January 20)

Sebastian: (died 288? A.D. at Rome under Diocletian); Christian soldier whose acta tell of his being pierced by arrows, later being clubbed to death. (January 20)

also on January 20: Euthymius the Great, abbot; Fechin, abbot; Eustochia Calafato

Agnes: (died beginning of the 4th c. A.D.); martyred under Diocletian at the age of 12 (so Augustine and Ambrose report): patroness of Christian virtue confronted by political and social violence; represented with a martyr's palm and a lamb (her name in Latin, agnus=lamb); today, two lambs, whose wool is used to make the pallia presented to newly appointed Metropolitan archbishops on June 29, are blessed; named mentioned in the Roman Canon. (January 21)

also on January 21: Fructuosus of Tarragona, bishop and martyr; Patroclus, martyr; Epiphanius of Pavia, bishop; Meinrad, martyr; Alban Roe, priest and martyr

Vincent: (died in early 4th c. A.D., at Valencia, Spain); deacon of the Church of Saragossa; protomartyr of Spain; patron of wine-producers. (January 22)

also on January 22: Anastasius, martyr; Blesilla, widow; Dominic of Sora, abbot; Berhtwald, bishop; Valerius of Saragossa; Vincent Pallotti, priest

on January 23: Emerentiana, virgin and martyr; Asclas, martyr; Agathangelus and Clement, martyrs; John the Almsgiver, patriarch; Ildephonsus, bishop; Bernard or Barnard, bishop; Lufthildis, virgin; Maimbod, martyr

Francis de Sales: (died 1622 A.D.); bishop of Geneva; sought to bring many back to the Church through his personal life and writings, especially his Controversies and several devout treatises, including his Introduction to the Devout Life; founder with St. Jane Frances de Chantal (18 Aug.) of the Visitation Order; patron of writers, journalists and the deaf. (January 24)

also on January 24: Babylas, bishop and martyr; Felician, bishop and martyr; Messalina, martyr; Macedonius

on January 25: Conversion of Paul, apostle; Artemas, martyr; Juventinus and Maximinus, martyrs; Publius, abbot; Apollo, abbot; Praejectus or Prix, bishop and martyr; Poppo, abbot

Timothy: (died c. 97 A.D.); First bishop of Ephesus, missionary, and companion of St. Paul. A native of Lystra, he was the son of a Jewish woman named Eunice and a Greek Gentile. Converted to the faith by St. Paul, he became a very valuable assistant and companion to him on several missions, such as those to the Corinthians and Thessalonians. (January 26)

Titus: (died c. 96 A.D.); A disciple and companion of St. Paul to whom the great saint addressed one of his letters. He was left on the island of Crete to help organize the Church. According to Eusebius of Caesarea in the Ecclesiastical History, he served as the first bishop of Crete. (January 26)

also on January 26: Paula, widow; Conan, bishop; Alberic, abbot; Eystein, bishop; Margaret of Hungary, virgin

Angela Merici: (died 1540 A.D. at Brescia); orphaned at 10; foundress of the Ursulines, the first teaching order especially for poor young girls; sought re-evangelization of families through education of future wives and mothers. (January 27)

also on January 27: Julian of Le Mans, bishop; Marius or May, abbot; Vitalian, priest

Thomas Aquinas: (died 1274 A.D.); O.P.; the "Angelic Doctor" who wrote the Summa Theologiae and authored Adoro te devote, O salutaris, Tantum ergo, and Pange lingua; patron of Catholic schools, colleges and universities, of philosophers, theologians and booksellers. (January 28)

also on January 28: Peter Nolasco, confessor; John of Reomay, abbot; Paulinus of Aquileia, bishop; Charlemagne; Amadeus, bishop; Peter Thomas, bishop

on January 29: Sabinian, martyr; Gildas the Wise, abbot; Sulpicius "Severus", bishop

on January 30: Martina, virgin and martyr; Barsimaeus, bishop; Bathildis, widow; Aldegundis, virgin; Adelelmus or Aleaume, abbot; Hyacintha Mariscotti, virgin; Mutien Marie Wiaux

John Bosco: (died 1888 A.D. at Turin); founded (1859 A.D.) the Salesians, today numbering over 17,500; dedicated to educating youth; with St. Mary Mazzarello, founded the Salesian Sisters; a pioneer in vocational training; patron of editors.(January 31)

also on January 31: Cyrus and John, martyrs; Marcella, widow; Aidan or Maedoc of Ferns, bishop; Adamus of Coldingham; Ulphia, virgin; Eusebius, martyr; Nicetas of Novgorod, bishop; Francis Xavier Bianchi