Memorial of Saints (July 3)

Thomas: (died 1st c. A.D.); his doubting gave way to faith when he saw the risen Lord; associated with founding the Church in south India; mentioned in the Roman Canon; patron of builders, India and Pakistan.

also on July 3:

• Leo II, pope and confessor;
• Anatolius, bishop;
• Irenaeus and Mustiola, martyrs;
• Julius and Aaron, martyrs;
• Heliodorus, bishop;
• Anatolius of Constantinople, bishop;
• Rumold or Rombaut, martyr;
• Bernardino Realino.

Bernardino Realino, (1530-1616 A.D.), was a lawwyer and then at 34 years old joined the Jesuits. He was engaged in pastoral work and also became a rector. His reputation for holiness increased as he grew older. His blood, which came from an unhealed wound before his death was collected in vials and remained in a liquid state. He was canonized in 1947 A.D. by Pope Pius XII.

Memorial of Saints (July 2)

• Processus and Martinian, martyrs;
• Monegundis, widow;
• Otto of Bamberg, bishop

Processus and Martinian, according to pious stories, were the wardens of Peter and Paul when the two apostles were in Mammertine Prison in Rome. Both wardens were converted by the apostles, were tortured by their superior when they would not sacrifice to Jupiter. They were both sworded to death.

Monegundis (d. 570 A.D.) was married with two children. When her two children died she became a recluse, with her husband's permission, in a cell in Chartres, France. She moved to Tours and attracted numerous disciples. After her death many miracles were reported at her tomb.

Otto of Bamberg (d. 1139 A.D.) was ordained at a young age. In 1124 A.D., at the invitation of Boleslaus III of Poland, he headed a group of missionaries to eastern Pomerania, where they made thousands of converts. He was canonized in 1189 A.D.

Memorial of Saints (July 1)

• Shenute, abbot;
• Theodoric or Thierry, abbot;
• Carilefus or Calais, abbot;
• Gall of Clermont, bishop;
• Eparchius or Cybard;
• Simeon Salus;
• Serf or Servanus, bishop;
• Oliver Plunkett, bishop and martyr

Shenute (d. ca. 450 A.D.) became a monk at the double monastery at Dair-al-Abiad near Atripe in the Thebaid and succeeded his Uncle Bhol, who had founded the abbey as abbot. He was a leader in the development of monastic communal life and in time was regarded as archimandrite of all the surrounding monasteries. He wrote extensively and is believed to have died when he was 118.

Theodoric (died 533 A.D.) was born in Rheims, Gaul, married against his will, and persuaded his wife to agree to a separation. He became a priest, founded a religious community, became known for his conversions, and reportedly cured King Theodoric of ophthalmia.

Carilefus (d. ca. 540 A.D.) became a monk at Menat Monastery near Riom, France with his friend St. Avitus. They transferred to Micy abbey, were both ordained, and then Carilefus went to Maine to become a hermit. His holiness attracted followers. He organized them into a monastery where he became its abbot.

Oliver Plunket (1629-81 A.D.) was ordained in 1654 A.D. He was a professor of theology, was consultor of the Sacred Congregation of the Index, and was procurator for the Irish bishops. In 1669 A.D., he was named archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. Because of the persecution of Catholics, he was imprisoned on charges of conspiring to bring about a rebellion against the British crown. Convicted of high treason, he was hanged, drawn and quartered on July 1, 1681 A.D.