Memorial of Saints (August 31)

on August 31:

• Raymund Nonnatus, confessor;
• Paulinus of Trier, bishop;
• Aidan of Lindisfarne, bishop

Memorial of Saints (August 30)

on August 30:

• Felix and Adauctus, martyrs;
• Pammachius;
• Rumon or Ruan;
• Fantinus, abbot;
• Margaret Ward, martyr

St. Fantinus (10th century A.D.) was a Basilian monk and abbot of a monastery in Calabria. He suddenly left the monastery and went about preaching of an impending destruction. His prophetic action was confirmed, when the Saracens came to invade their monastery. He travelled to Greece, and finally landed in Salonika, where he died. Fantinus came to be known for the miracles he is reputed to have performed.

St. Margaret Ward (d. ca. 1588 A.D.) was born in Congleton, England. She was arrested together with her Irish servant, John Roche, for helping Fr. Richard Watson escape from Bridewell Prison. Both were offered freedom if they would ask the Queen's pardon. When they both refused, they were both hanged, drawn and quartered, because they refused to divulge the priest's hiding place.

Memorial of Saints (August 29)

on August 29:

• Beheading of John the Baptist, martyr;
• Sabina, martyr;
• Medericus or Merry, abbot

St. Sabina (d. ca. 119 A.D.) was converted by her Christian Syrian servant, Serapia. Serapia suffered martyrdom for her faith during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. Sabina suffered martyrdom also a month later.

St. Medericus, or Merry (d. ca. 700 A.D.) was born at Autun, France. He entered a monastery at the very young age of 13 and eventually became abbot. His holiness attracted many to the monastery and so he decided to be a hermit. When he became ill, he was obliged to return. In his old age, he went on pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Germanus in Paris. He resumed his life of a hermit near the city where he eventually passed away.

Interested in the lives of the Saints? Check out one book and many others at Librarything.com

Memorial of Saints (August 28)

Augustine (died 430 A.D.): born in Tagaste, North Africa; after a dissolute life, he received baptism at age 33 from Ambrose; elected bishop of Hippo; combatted Manicheans, the Donatists and Pelagius; most noted for his Confessions and the City of God; over 500 homilies are extant; considered a founder of monastic life in the West, his Rule is observed by some 150 religious communities today; one of the four great doctors of the Latin Church; called the "Doctor of grace."

Learn more

• The Confessions, by St. Augustine of Hippo
• St. Augustine of Hippo, one of the Church Fathers - Pillars of the Church
• The life, writings & spirituality of St. Augustine
• More about The Confessions of St. Augustine

More details of the book, The Confessions, at Librarything.com

also on August 28:

• Hermes;
• Julian of Brioude, martyr;
• Alexander, John III, and Paul IV, bishops;
• Moses the Black;
• Edmund Arrowsmith, priest and martyr;
• Joachim of Vedruña, religious

St. Julian of Brioude (d. ca. 304) was a native of Vienne in Gaul and a Christian officer in the Roman army. He retired to Auvergne, but Crispin, the governor of Vienne, began the persecution of Christians living under his governance. Julian was arrested and was beheaded for his faith near Brioude.

The story of St. Moses the Black is colorfully illustrated in the book, Saints Behaving Badly, by Craughwell. You can learn more about the details of this book at Librarything.com. Moses the Black began his life with a band of violent marauders and thieves. Eventually, he was led to a monastery in the desert to escape from those who wanted him dead. In the monastery, he experienced conversion of manners and morals. When a band of Berbers invaded the monastery, despite his fighting skills, Moses was killed together with six other monks. He refused to defend himself by the manner of force he used to have before his conversion.

St. Hermes was a resident of Rome. He lived in the second century - a time when Christian martyrdom abounded with the likes of St. Ignatius of Antioch and St. Justin Martyr. Because of his faith in Christ, St. Hermes was imprisoned like many other Christians of his time. It was a judge named Aurelian who had Hermes arrested and executed for his Christian faith (died ca. 120 A.D.).

Memorial of Saints (August 27)

Monica (died 387 A.D.): at Ostia; born in Tagaste in Roman Africa; after 30 years of prayer, she obtained the conversion of her dissolute pagan husband; under the guidance of Ambrose, she won the conversion of her eldest son, Augustine; patroness of mothers.

also on August 27:

• Marcellus and Companions, martyrs;
• Poemen, abbot; Caesarius of Arles, bishop;
• Syagrius, bishop;
• Hugh or Little Hugh of Lincoln;
• Margaret the Barefooted, widow;
• David Lewis, priest and martyr

New Testament Book by Fr. Etienne Charpentier

For those who have background in bible study and sharing in groups, this book by Fr. Etienne Charpentier is easy to understand. The content is presented in brief paragraphs with accompanying illustrations and maps related to biblical times. The book's content covers all the books of the New Testament from the gospels, to the epistles and the book of Revelation.

Background for understanding NT texts

The background for understanding the text of the New Testament books and epistles is the explanation of the three stages of formation in the completion of the NT writings. Without reading the content of the book by Fr. Charpentier, you can simply review the illustrations and already obtain a good understanding how the writings came into being: starting from the person of Jesus of Nazareth, to the oral traditions (unrecorded sources from the early Christian communities) that were shared among the early Christians, until writers were inspired by the Holy Spirit to bring all into the present canonical books and epistles.

A good comprehensive guide

The reader of the New Testament texts can always refer to this book when certain questions arise upon the meaning of certain chapters or passages. It provides the context for understanding the text because of information about the author of the books, the community in which he belongs or the community which his writing is addressed to, the geographical context of the book [with miniature maps for study], some selected texts of the book which have short commentaries, outlines of the main topics of the book, parallel studies of similar texts with other gospels, and much more. The book grounds the reader very well in the history of the Christian faith.

Topics in the book

Listed here are the topics that give the book its structure:

• A Guide to the Bible
• Getting Ready for our Journey
• The Three Stages in the Formation of the New Testament
• The Literary Genre of the Gospel
• Literary Genres in the Gospels
• The World of the First Christians
• The Roman Empire
• Palestine
• Jamnia - Judaism after AD 70
• The First Christians
• Easter
• The Disciples Proclaim their Faith: the Kerygma
• The Disciples Celebrate their Faith: Creed and Hymns
• The Disciples Tell of their Faith: Narratives
• And Now...?
• Paul and his Letters
• The Gospel according to Mark
• The Gospel according to Matthew
• The Work of Luke: The Gospel of Acts
• The Work of John: The Gospel and the Letters
• The Apocalypse: the Book of Revelation
• The Beginning of the Gospel

Check more details about this book at Librarything.com

Memorial of Saints (August 26)

St. Joan Elizabeth Bichier des Ages was the foundress of the Daughters of the Cross. A priest drew up a rule of life for her and suggested that she found a community of nuns to continue the apostolate she already began with the poor. By 1811 A.D., there were already 25 nuns in the community. Between the years 1819-1825 A.D., 28 new convents and houses were founded in 12 dioceses of France. The Daughters of the Cross were part of the expansion of French religious congregations in the 19th century - congregations all dedicated to social service (died ca. 1838 A.D.).

St. Teresa of Jesus Jornet Ibars was the foundress of the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Aged. She first joined the Poor Clares in Spain, but was obliged to leave because of her poor health. Then years later, with Fr. Novoa, Teresa founded a community to care for the aged at Barbastro, Spain. After the community received papal approval in 1887 A.D., their Congregation expanded to other countries (died ca. 1897 A.D.).

St. Caesarius of Arles first entered the monastery at Lérins. When he got sick, he left and recuperated at Arles. His uncle was the bishop there. After three years in Arles and having recuperated well, his uncle passed away and Caesarius had to succeed him as bishop in 503 A.D. As bishop, St. Caesarius effected many reforms, fought Arianism, and preached well the gospel of Christ. Between 505-513 A.D., the political tensions in Arles caused Caesarius to be exiled. When the Frankish tribes also captured Arles in 536 A.D., St. Caesarius spent his last years at St. John's Convent, living an exemplary holy and charitable life (died ca. 543 A.D.). Learn more

St. Zephyrinus succeeded Pope St. Victor I in 199 A.D. Callistus was his deacon and adviser. Zephyrinus came into conflict with his deacon Callistus and with Hippolytus. This was the time in Church history when Monarchianism and small schisms were prevalent among Christians. St. Zephyrinus is listed in the Roman Martyrology (died ca. 217 A.D.).

St. Caesarius of Arles, Archbishop & Father of the Church

St. Caesarius of Arles, Archbishop: 470-543 A.D.

Latin Father of the Church

Entering the monastery at Lérins

St. Caesarius was born at Chalon-sur-Saone, Burgundy, in 470 A.D., of a good Gallo-Roman family. He decided to pursue an ecclesiastical career by entering the monastery of Lérins when he was about 18 to 20 years of age. As a cellarer in the monastery, he incurred the enmity of some of the monks. Then, an illness caused him to leave the monastery to go back to Arles to recuperate. While recuperating at Arles, he came to the attention of his uncle Eonus, the bishop of Arles. His uncle had him transferred from Lérins to the episcopal see of Arles, and then ordained him.

Elected bishop of Arles by succeeding Eonus

St. Caesarius spent three years reforming a monastery that was located nearby in Arles. He was elected then, against his wishes, to succeed his uncle Eonus as bishop of Arles in 503 A.D. As bishop, St. Caesarius played a prominent role in the ecclesiastical administration of southern Gaul and campaigned for Arles to be the prime diocese of Gaul.

Accomplishments as bishop of Arles

St. Caesarius put into effect numerous reforms. He also fought against Arianism and ordered the Divine Office to be sung in the churches of Arles every day of the week. He was known to have preached frequently and was very successful in this ministry. He also founded a convent at Arles, with his sister, Caesaria, as abbess. He then wrote a Rule for the nuns of this convent - a Rule which has remained as basis for the way of life of a number of religious. One of the provisions of the Rule was the right of the nuns to choose their abbess. Another provision was the need for every nun to learn how to read and write.

Falsely accused of annexing Arles to Burgundy

In 505 A.D., St. Caesarius was banished to Bordeaux by King Alaric II of the Visigoths, because of the king's mistaken belief that St. Caesarius was trying to make Arles part of the Burgundian kingdom (where St. Caesarius was born). But as the falsity of St. Caesarius' accuser was discovered, King Alaric recalled St. Caesarius back to Arles.

The siege of Arles by Burgundy

Arles was eventually besieged by the King of Burgundy. St. Caesarius aided the victims of this siege. Then he was again arrested when Theodoric the Ostrogoth seized Arles. But then, as with King Alaric before, charges against St. Caesarius were dropped at a meeting with Theodoric at Ravenna in 513 A.D.

Receiving the pallium from Pope St. Symmachus

St. Caesarius then traveled to Rome, was made apostolic delegate in Gaul, and received the pallium from Pope St. Symmachus. This is reportedly the first instance in which the pallium was granted to any Western European bishop.

Political achievements and last years

In 536 A.D., Arles was captured by the Franks. St. Caesarius spent most of his time at St. John's convent, where he died on August 27, 543 A.D., at the age of seventy-three. At the time of his death, St. Caesarius had administered the episcopal see of Arles for forty years and was the most famous bishop in Gaul. He was noted for his holiness, charity, and devotion. He was also instrumental in securing the condemnation of semi-Pelagianism at the Council of Orange in 529 A.D. He was noted to have published an adaptation of Roman law, largely based on the Theodosian code - a code which was to be the civil code of Gaul.

St. Caesarius of Arles was one among many strong bishops, who managed their episcopal sees, so that the Christian faith may survive the Germanic flood during the fourth and fifth centuries. The other strong Gallic bishops were: St. Martin of Tours (d. 397 A.D.), St. Liborius of Le Mans (d. 397 A.D.), Severinus of Cologne (d. ca. 400 A.D.), St. Avitus of Vienne (d. 518 A.D.), and St. Remigius of Reims (d. ca. 533 A.D.)

Father of the Church

St. Caesarius of Arles is one of the Latin Fathers of the Church. The Fathers of the Church were saintly writers of the early centuries. St. Caesarius was known to have written his sermons. Several of them have survived to this day. His feast is celebrated by the Church on August 26 or 27.

References of this series

• Pocket Catholic Dictionary, by John A. Hardon, S.J.
• A Year with the Saints, by Don Bosco Press Inc.
• Dictionary of Saints, by John J. Delaney
• A Concise History of the Catholic Church, by Thomas Bokenkotter
• A History of the Church, by Franzen and Dolan

21st Sunday of the Year (B)

Liturgical Readings
Isaiah 22:19-23
Psalm 138
Romans 11:33-36
Matthew 16:13-20

To be posted and published soon.

Memorial of Saints (August 24)

on August 24:

• Bartholomew, apostle;
  Learn more what happened to St. Bartholomew after Pentecost
• The Martyrs of Utica;
• Audoenus or Ouen, bishop

St. Ouen, a.k.a. as Owen or Audoenus, (ca. 610-684 A.D.) was born near Soissons, France. He was educated at Medard Abbey and was made chancellor by King Clotaire II's son. Ouen wanted to become a monk but was persuaded not to be one by Dagobert, the King's son. As a layman, he promoted religion and combatted simony. He continued to be chancellor when Clovis II was made king, was ordained in 641 A.D., and became archbishop of Rouen. Encouraging learning and the founding of new monasteries, he was known to be charitable - supporting missionary activities to pagan areas of his see.

Memorial of Saints (August 23)

Isabela de Oliva (also, Rose of Lima) (died 1617 A.D.): died at age 31; Peruvian mystic; nicknamed "Rosa" because of her beauty; OP tertiary who lived a life of penance and solitude, caring for the homeless, elderly and sick; first declared saint of the New World (1672 A.D.); patroness of South America, especially Peru; also of florists and gardeners. Proclaimed by Pius XII as Secondary Patroness of the Philippines.

also on August 23:

• Philip Benizi, confessor;
• Claudius, Asterius, Neon, Domnina and Theonilla, martyrs;
• Eugene or Eoghan, bishop

Philip Benizi (1233-1285 A.D.) studied medicine at Paris and Padua and began to practice it in Florence. After only a year in practice, he joined the Servites in 1254 A.D., and was ordained in 1258 A.D. at Siena. He assumed many posts in his community and despite his protests, he was soon elected prior general. He codified the rules of his Order and a number of miracles were attributed to him. When his name as a papal candidate was proposed by Cardinal Ottobuoni, he fled and hid in a cave until a new Pope was elected. He accomplished many other assignments until he retired to a Servite house at Todi because of health reasons. He was canonized in 1671 A.D.

Memorial of Saints (August 22)

Queenship of Mary

Learn more about devotion to Mary according to St. Louis Marie de Montfort

• 7 Wonderful Effects of Devotion to Mary
• Mary's Part in the Sanctification of Christians

also on August 22:

• Timothy and Symphorianus, martyrs;
• Sigfrid, abbot;
• Andrew of Fiesole;
• John Kemble and John Wall, priests and martyrs

Sts. Timothy (d. 311 A.D.) and Symphorianus (d. ca. 180) were martyrs during the era of Christian persecutions. Timothy was a priest from Antioch, Syria. When he refused to sacrifice to pagan gods, he was imprisoned, tortured, and then beheaded. Symphorianus, or Symphorian, was a Christian of noble birth in Autun, Gaul. Because he denounced the pagan goddess Cybele, he was beaten and imprisoned. When he persisted in his refusal to accept pagan gods, he was beheaded.

Memorial of Saints (August 21)

Pius X (died 20 Aug 1914 A.D.):

• undertook liturgical and canonical reforms especially communion for children and frequent communion for adults;
• condemned Modernism in Lamentabili and Pascendi dominici gregis (1907 A.D.);
• motto "renew all things in Christ"; patron of sick pilgrims.

also on August 21:

• Luxorius, Cisellus and Camerinus, martyrs;
• Bonosus and Maximian, martyrs;
• Sidonius Apollinaris, bishop;
• Abraham of Smolensk, abbot

St. Pius X was elected to the papacy in 1903 A.D. This surprised many of the faithful because he had neither intellectual achievements nor diplomatic experience. Yet he is known for his tireless apostolates, generous charities and his holiness. He became known in Church history as the Pope of the Eucharist, because he reduced the required age for first Communion from 14 to 7 years of age. He also encouraged all the faithful to receive Communion as often as they can. When an international war was about to break, Pius X tried to prevent it. He however passed away a few days before World War I began (died 1914 A.D.).

Sts. Luxorius, Cisellus and Camerinus were martyrs during Emperor Diocletian's persecution of Christians. Luxorius was a soldier in the Roman army, but became Christian after he prayerfully read the book of Psalms in the Bible. Because of his faith in Jesus, he was arrested, together with two young boys whom he encouraged after their baptism - Cisellus and Camerinus. St. Luxorius was first scourged with a whip, and then all three were put to death by the sword (died ca. 303 A.D.).

Sts. Bonosus and Maximian were both Christian officers at Antioch. Both were arrested, because they refused to replace the Christian symbol (which Constantine had placed on army standards) with a pagan symbol. It was Julian the Apostate who ordered the pagan symbol to replace the Christian symbol. And when Bonosus and Maximian also refused to worship the pagan gods, they were eventually flogged, racked, and then beheaded (died 363 A.D.).

St. Sidonius Apollinaris married, and worked in the court of Rome for several years. He worked until 468 A.D., and then retired in Auvergne, France. In 469 A.D., he reluctantly accepted to be named bishop of Clermont - since many believed he can defend Rome's honor against the Goths. As bishop, St. Sidonius was charitable to the monks and provided food for thousands during a great famine. Although Clermont was overran by the Goths in 474 A.D. (which cause the exile of Sidonius), Sidonius however was able to return to Clermont in 476 A.D. (died ca. 480 A.D.).

St. Abraham of Smolensk (d. 1221 A.D.) was born in Smolensk, Russia. He was orphaned at an early age and gave his inheritance to the poor. He became a priest in Bogoroditskaya monastery and was widely known for his concern for the sick and the poor. Because of his prophetic denunciations, he was deprived of his priestly functions by the Bishop of Smolensk. Soon, a prolonged drought in Smolensk led to a popular demand for his reinstatement. When his case was further examined, it eventually led to his complete exoneration by the Bishop. The Bishop begged his forgiveness. He was then appointed abbot of a simple monastery, and spent the rest of his life there where he was revered for his humility - a humility he bore with dignity for five years of unjust accusations and vilifications.

Memorial of Saints (August 20)

Bernard (died 1153 A.D.): Cistercian abbot of Clairvaux; reformer and spiritual author (e.g., On Loving God; 86 sermons on the Canticle of Canticles); preached against the Albigensians; founded 68 monasteries; preached the 2nd Crusade; denounced injustice and worked for peace; known as Doctor mellifluus; patron of Gilbraltar.

Learn more

• St. Bernard, Abbot and Devotee of the Blessed Mother
• St. Bernard, Proponent of Monastic Reform in the 10th Century

also on August 20:

• Amadour;
• Oswin, martyr;
• Philibert, abbot

Memorial of Saints (August 19)

John Eudes (died 1680 A.D.): founded (1643 A.D.) the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (Eudists) for training the clergy (today numbering about 750 religious). And the Sisters of the Good Shepherd for assisting morally endangered women, especially prostitutes; promoted cult to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Ezechiel Moreno was born in Alfaro (La Rioja, Spain on 9 April 1848 A.D.); he professed his vows in the Order of Augustinian Recollects in Monteagudo (Navarra) in 1865 A.D.; was ordained priest in Manila in 1857 A.D. and worked for 15 years as a missionary in the Philippines. Prior of Monteagudo in 1885 A.D., he left for Columbia in 1888 A.D. where he restored the Augustinian Recollect Order and reactivated the old missions. Named Apostolic Vicar of Casanare (1893 A.D.) and Bishop of Pastro (1896 A.D.), he was a model pastor for his fidelity to the Church and for his apostolic zeal. He fell ill and in 1906 A.D. returned to Spain where he died of cancer on August 19 of the same year in the convent of Monteagudo. Innumerable cures, especially cancer, are attributed to his intercession. Beatified on 1 November 1975 A.D., he was canonized, on 11 October 1992 A.D. in Santo Domingo on the occasion of the fifth Centenary of the Christianization of America.

also on August 19:

• Andrew the Tribune, martyr;
• Timothy, Agapius and Thecla, martyrs;
• Sixtus or Xystus III, pope;
• Mochta, abbot;
• Bertulf, abbot;
• Sebald;
• Louis of Anjou, bishop

20th Sunday of the Year (B)

20th Sunday of the Year (B)
Isaiah 56:1, 6-7
Psalm 67
Romans 11:13-15, 29-32
Matthew 15:21-28

To be posted and published soon

Memorial of Saints (August 17)

on August 17:

• Hyacinth, confessor;
• Mamas, martyr;
• Eusebius, priest;
• Liberatus and Companions, martyrs;
• Clare of Montefalco, virgin

Mamas (d. ca. 275 A.D.) was a shepherd at Caesarea, Cappadocia. There are two stories about him:

• The Roman Martyrology says he was the son of Saints Theodotus and Rufina, and was executed for his faith in his old age during the reign of Emperor Aurelian.
• An Eastern tradition says he was stoned to death when he was a boy. St. Basil and St. Gregory Nazianzen both wrote of the story of Mamas.

Memorial of Saints (August 16)

Stephen (died 1038 A.D.): as the first Christian king of Hungary he united and Christianized the Magyar people; received the "holy crown" from Pope Sylvester II in 1000 A.D.; renowned for his charity to beggars; known as the "apostolic king and apostle of Hungary."

also on August 16:

• Arsacius;
• Armel, abbot;
• Roch

Arsacius (d. 358 A.D.) was a Persian in the Roman army. He was persecuted as a Christian during the reign of Emperor Licinius, but was soon released. Upon his release, he became a hermit, and was known for his miracles and gift of prevision. His prediction of an earthquake happened, but he died during that calamity.

Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, Memorial of Saints (August 15)

on August 15:

• Assumption of Mary,
• Tarsicius, martyr;
• Arnulf or Arnoul of Soissons, bishop

More blog posts on the Assumtionn of Mary: The Blessed Virgin Mary, Four Marian Dogmas in the Catholic Church

Tarsicius (3rd century A.D.) was an acolyte at Rome. He was carrying the Eucharist to bring it to some Christians in prison, when he was accosted by a mob and beaten to death. This story is included in the novel "Fabiola", and Pope Damasus wrote a poem about it. St. Tarcisius is the patron of first communicants.

Feasts, Obligatory, and Optional Memorial of Saints (August 14)

Maximilian Kolbe became a Franciscan in 1907 A.D. and devoted his life to fostering devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a priest, a publisher and the founder of the "City of the Immaculate." Sentenced to hard manual labor at Auschwitz, he offered his life in exchange for that of an innocent man. He is remembered for his prophetic words, "Hatred is not a creative force. Only love is a creative power."

A new concept of martyrdom: Martyr of charity

The tradition of martyrdom has been clear since Jesus and the early Christian martyrs. But 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. Learn more about the story of St. Maximillian. Additional details of his story can be found towards the last part of the blog post, "Jesus, Strength of Martyrs".

also on August 14: Marcellus of Apamea, bishop and martyr; Fachanan, bishop; Athanasia, matron

Learn more.

Memorial of Saints (August 13)

Pontian (died 235 A.D.): bishop of Rome exiled to Sardinia where he was reconciled with Hippolytus; buried in the cemetery of Callixtus. (August 13)

Hippolytus (died 235/36 A.D.): authored Apostolic Tradition; Roman presbyter and stern rigorist; opposed Sabellianism and milder penitential discipline of Pope St. Callixtus (died 222 A.D.); exiled to Sardinia with Pontian; source of Eucharistic Prayer II. (August 13)

also on August 13:

• Cassian, martyr;
• Simplician, bishop;
• Radegund, matron;
• Maximus the Confessor, abbot;
• Benildi (Peter Romançon), religious;
• Wigbert, abbot;
• Nerses Klaiëtsi, bishop

Cassian of Imola (date unknown) was a Christian teacher at Imola, near Ravenna, Italy. He was brought to the governor of the province during the persecution of Christians. Since he refused to sacrifice to the pagan gods, he was hacked to death by his students by order of the governor.

Although listed as a Greek Father of the Church, St. Maximus Homologetes (the Confessor) was the last common Father of both the East and the West. He lived in Rome for many years and collaborated with the popes and other Western leaders to overcome the heresy of Monothelitism (the teaching that Christ had only one will). Learn more.

Memorial of Saints (August 12)

on August 12: Euplus, martyr; Murtagh or Muredach, bishop; Porcarius and Companions, martyrs

Euplus or Euplius (d. 304 A.D.) was a deacon of Sicily. During Diocletian's persecution of the Christians, he was found guilty of possessing a copy of the gospels by the governor, Calvisian. When he refused to sacrifice to the pagan gods, he was beheaded.

19th Sunday of the Year (B)

19th Sunday of the Year (B)

1 Kings 19:4-8
Psalm 78
Ephesians 4:30 - 5:2
John 6:41-51

To be posted and published soon

Memorial of Saints (August 10)

• Lawrence, deacon and martyr;
• Philomnea or Philumena

Lawrence (d. 258 A.D.) was one of the seven deacons in Rome. He suffered martyrdom in Rome during Emperor Valerian's persecution of Christians. A red-hot griddle was prepared for his death when the Prefect disapproved of his selling and distributing the Church's treasures to the poor. On the griddle or gridiron, Lawrence bore the agony, and with unbelievable courage told the executioner to "flip" him over since he was "broiled" enough on one side. Lawrence's death had made such a great impact that tradition states it signaled the end of paganism in Rome.

Lawrence is one of the martyrs of the early Christian eras. Learn more about Lawrence, Stephen, and the other martyrs.

Memorial of Saints (August 9)

Edith Stein was born of Jewish parents in 1891 A.D., becoming an influential philosopher following her extensive studies at major German universities. Following her conversion to Catholicism she became a major force in German intellectual life, entering the Discalced Carmelites in 1933 A.D. Sister Teresa Benedicta was arrested by the Nazi regime in 1942 A.D., along with all Catholics of Jewish extraction and transported by cattle train to the death camp of Auschwitz. She died in the gas chambers at Auschwitz that same year. Learn more about St. Edith Stein, Carmelite Martyr of the Holocaust

also on August 9:

• Emygdius, martyr;
• Nathy and Felim, bishop;
• Oswald of Northumbria, martyr

Nathy (6th century A.D.) was born in Ireland. He became a disciple of St. Finnian of Clonard who made him bishop. Felim became one of the followers of St. Columba and traditionally regarded as the first bishop of Kilmore, Ireland.

Memorial of Saints (August 8)

Dominic de Guzman (died 6 Aug. 1221 A.D.): born in Caleruega, Spain; founded the Order of Preachers, an elective, fraternal form of community life devoted to contemplation, study and preaching; sought to bring Albigensians back into the Church through preaching and living evangelical poverty; his ideal contemplata tradere; canonized in 1234 A.D.

The Dominican Order was founded by St. Dominic de Guzman at about the same time as the Order of the Friars Minor, the Franciscans, with St. Francis of Assisi as their founder. Both religious orders emphasized the vow of poverty in their religious state of life. The only distinction between them is the Dominicans would emphasize the development of the intellect for preaching, while the Franciscans would emphasize simplicity and being close to the common people. Learn more

also on August 8:

• Cyriacus, Largus and Smaragdus, martyrs;
• The Fourteen Holy Helpers are a group of saints whose intercession is known to be very effective - especially against ailments and many various diseases. They were heavily invoked when a serious plague struck Europe. Learn more
• Hormisdas, martyrs;
• Altman, bishop

The Holy Use of Money, by John C. Haughey

"The Holy Use of Money: Personal Finances in Light of Christian Faith", by John C. Haughey, is a book that brings light on how some people in the world are "infected" with "mammon illness". The author presents the vision of Pentecost as a cure to ease the financial woes caused by this "mammon illness".

A Brief Overview

Although the book is excellently written, it is written with some theological terms, that may appear heavy at first for some who have no background on theology. But if really interested to understand the gist of the book, one can read it casually and refer to any AI app for understanding theological terms. You can use Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini. If you have access to a theological or any specialized dictionary, then that will greatly clarify the meaning of some terms.

The basic message and content of the book is that it makes the readers aware of what the author terms as "mammon illness". He says this illness is more of the spirit. It is where most people in our times put their trust. When, the author says, that trust is put on other things rather than on God, then one can indeed be "infected" by the illness. It makes many run after so many things, and be so anxious about concerns that are not really essential when thought out more deeply.

After the author has named the illness many of modern people have, he writes on to show that there is a "cure" to this illness. The author explains that the Pentecost symbol event can be a cure to this "mammon illness".

It has "the effect of giving the economic/financial/possessional components of our lives a meaning that conjoins them to the "spiritual" in the hearts of believers." "...To live in time and the Spirit, to live within the experience of transcendence and immanence simultaneously, to assign a spiritual worth to material possessions, to bring to material expression a spiritual experience, to transform money and property into fellowship and community - any or all of these give evidence that polarities have been bridged and that paradoxes have been integrated..." The Pentecost symbol "generate(s) a unitary vision that combines opposites - the Spirit and the economic order."

-- A very thorough and deep explanation by the author; the truth he elaborates on goes deep into the very heart of what one should truly prioritize in life and work.

The chapters of the book

The book has only nine chapters. Below is a list of the titles to give the reader an idea of the book's content.

• Naming and Healing the Illness
• The Sublation of the Economy
• Inclusion, the Second Function of Faith
• Is Tithing a Holy Use of Money?
• Obedient Hearing - The Third Function of Faith
• Extending the Tent Poles
• Discipleship and Today's Economy
• Hope and Economic Activity
• That Christ May Be My Wealth

Suggestion as to what chapters to focus on

To get the core message of the book, one can study and focus more on the first, the eighth and ninth chapters. Once the gist of the book is generally understood, then the other chapters will simply fill in the missing details. Especially important to understand is the author's spiritual treatise on the Pentecost symbol as a cure to that mammon illness. The author simply digs deeper into the truth that all material things and possessions gain its proper place when put much lower than one's trust in God. For it is the Holy Spirit that inspired the first Christian community to share and help one another not only in prayer but also in material things. In that early Christian community, no one had more, and no one had less. Each one had his or her need according to each one's respective state of life.

Memorial of Saints (August 7)

Sixtus II and four deacons were arrested on 6 Aug. 258 A.D. while celebrating the Eucharist in the cemetery of Callixtus; by the order of Valerian, they were decapitated that same day; Sixtus is named in the Roman Canon.

Cajetan (died 1547 A.D.): from Venice; co-founded the Theatines, clerks regular devoted to reform, prayer and ministry especially to the poor and the sick.

also on August 7: Donatus, bishop and martyr; Claudia, matron; Dometius the Persian, martyr; Victricius, bishop; Albert of Trapani; Donatus of Besançon, bishop

Memorial of Saints (August 6)

• The Transfiguration of Our Lord;
• Justus and Pastor, martyrs;
• Hormisdas, priest

Justus (d. ca. 304), thirteen years old, and his brother Pastor, nine years old, were beheaded during Diocletian's persecution of Christians. They are from Alcala, Spain and are now the patron saints of Alcala and Madrid.

18th Sunday of the Year (B)

18th Sunday of the Year (B)

Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15
Psalm 78
Ephesians 4:17, 20-24
John 6:24-35

(for posting and publishing soon)

Memorial of Saints (August 5)

• Dedication of St. Mary Major;
• Addai and Mari, bishops;
• Afra, martyr;
• Nonna, matron

Afra (d. 304 A.D.) was a prostitute in Augsburg who may have converted to the Christian faith during Diocletian's persecution of Christians. When she refused to sacrifice to the pagan gods, she was burned to death. Her mother rescued her body and took it to a sepulcher with the help of three servants. But the authorities apprehended them and were also burned to death when they also refused to sacrifice to the gods.

Memorial of Saints (August 3)

on August 3:

• The Finding of the Body of Stephen, protomartyr;
• Waltheof or Walthen, abbot;
• Nicodemus

When Waltheof's (d. ca. 1160 A.D.) father passed away, he went with his mother to Scotland where she married King St. David I. At his foster father's court, he came under the influence of St. Aelred. He then left to become an Augustinian canon at Nostelle Monastery in Yorkshire. Then he became abbot of Kirkham, but still was in quest of a stricter rule. So he joined the Cistercians at Wardon, Bedfordshire. Waltheof became known for his austerity, his kindness to the poor, and was credited with performing miracles. When he was to be named archbishop of St. Andrews in 1154 A.D., Waltheof refused the honor.

Memorial of Saints (August 2)

Eusebius (died 371 A.D.): considered the founder of the canons regular in the West, defender of St. Athanasius; exiled to Palestine by Constantius; with St. Hilary, an opponent of Arianism.

also on August 2:

• Stephen I, pope and martyr;
• Theodota, martyr;
• Thomas of Dover

Theodota (d. ca. 304) was of noble birth and lived in Nicaea during the persecution of Christians by Emperor Diocletian. When she refused to marry the Prefect Leucatius, Leucatius denounced her and her children to Proconsul Nicetius as Christians. When Theodota and her children refused to sacrifice to pagan gods, they were all burned to death.

Memorial of Saints (August 1)

Alphonsus Liguori (died 1787 A.D.): lawyer; founded the Redemptorists; opposed Jansenism, emphasizing Christ's love "copiosa apud eum redemptio" and Mary's help; bishop of Sant'Agata del Goti; master of moral theology; patron of confessors and moral theologians; doctor of the Church.

Learn more

• St. Alphonsus Liguori: Patron of Vocations and Founder of the Redemptorists
• The Doctors of the Church: Teachers of the Catholic Faith

Born at La Mure, France, Peter Julian Eymard became a parish priest in 1834 A.D. and joined the Marists five years later. He fostered Eucharistic adoration throughout his life and founded a religious order of priests-adorers of the Holy Eucharists who came to be known as the Priests of the Blessed Sacrament.

also on August 1:

• The Holy Machabees, martyrs;
• Faith, Hope, Charity, and their mother, Wisdom, martyrs;
• Aled, Almedha, or Eiluned, virgin and martyr;
• Ethelwold, bishop

St. Ethelwold (ca. 908-984 A.D.) was ordained by St. Alphege the Bald and became a Benedictine monk in 944 A.D. In about 954 A.D., together with others, they were responsible for the restoration of monasticism in England (which were ruined by invading Danes). In 963 A.D., he was consecrated bishop of Winchester. As bishop, he restored discipline in the cathedral - expelling the canons and replacing them with monks. By the time of his death, he had reformed and rebuilt his see. He also wrote several treatises and translated the rule of St. Benedict.