Saint Joachim and Saint Anne July 26 First Century
St. Joachim and St. Anne, the parents of Our Lady and grandparents of Jesus, are known to us through legend and tradition. An affluent and pious couple, Joachim and Anne prayed many years for a child and promised to dedicate the child to God. An angel appeared to each separately to announce that their prayer would be answered. When the child, Mary, reached the age of three, Joachim and Anne gave her to the service of the Temple. Joachim’s and Anne’s teaching and example strengthened Mary in her faith and courage, preparing her to become “the handmaid of the Lord.” Saints Joachim and Anne are models for all parents and grandparents. St. Anne is a patron saint of mothers and women in labor and St. Joachim is a patron saint for fathers and grandparents.
Saint Rita of Cascia May 22 1386-1457
Born near Spoleto, Italy, Rita wished to become a nun but her elderly parents insisted on her betrothal at age 12 to a man who turned out to be ill-tempered and violent. Rita had two sons and spent 18 extremely unhappy years in an abusive home. Her husband was stabbed to death in a brawl, and her sons swore vengeance on the killers. Through Rita’s prayers and effort, the boys forgave the murderers and further bloodshed was averted. The sons died shortly thereafter and Rita entered the convent of Augustinian nuns at Cascia in 1413, earning fame for her austerity, devotion to prayer, and charity. She prayed to suffer as Christ and received wounds on her forehead for 15 years that resembled the crown of thorns. Confined to her bed with illness the last four years of her life, Rita asked a friend to bring her a rose from her family’s estate. Although it was January, the friend went seeking the flower, and found a single rose blossom on an otherwise bare bush. Upon St. Rita’s death, numerous miracles were reported. St. Rita is a patron saint of hopeless causes.
Saint Thomas More June 22 1478-1535
St. Thomas More, martyr, was born in London, served as a page for the Archbishop of Canterbury, studied law at Oxford, and entered Parliament. He was friends with the great scholars of Europe and wrote the world-renowned book Utopia. He had a son and three daughters by his first wife, who died young, and then he remarried a widow to help raise his children. A devoted family man, More insisted on educating his daughters as well as his son—an unusual equality for the times. In 1529, he became Lord Chancellor of England for King Henry VIII. More opposed Henry VIII on the matter of divorce and the supremacy of the pope, and resigned his post as Chancellor in 1532. He returned to private life and his writing, but was confined to the Tower when he refused to sign the Oath of Supremacy which declared Henry the head of the church in England. More was convicted of treason and beheaded in 1535. St. Thomas More is the patron saint of lawyers.
Saint John Bosco January 31 1815-1888
John Bosco lost his father when he was two years old, and at an early age he began working to help support his family. Beginning at the age of nine, John had a series of dreams calling him to minister to poor and neglected boys. Family and advisors scoffed at the dreams, but John found them compelling. He attended circuses and carnivals and practiced the tricks he saw the magicians and jugglers perform, then used the tricks to gain the attention of gangs of boys. After amusing them, he would teach them about Christ and urge them into Mass. He worked as a tailor, baker, shoemaker, and carpenter while attending college and the seminary and was ordained in 1841. He continued his ministry with youth, teaching catechism to orphans and apprentices, serving as a chaplain in a hospice for girls, and writing about the Faith for children. Bosco founded the Salesians of Don Bosco in 1859, an order of priests who work with and educate boys. In 1872, he founded the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians, and in 1875, the Union of Cooperator Salesians. St. John Bosco is the patron saint of young men and schoolchildren.
Saint Maria Goretti July 6 1890-1902
Maria Goretti was born in Ancona, Italy, one of six children of a poor farm working family. Her father died of malaria when Maria was a young child, and her mother struggled to support the family. At the age of 12, Maria was attacked by Alessandro Serenelli, a 19 year old farm hand, who attempted to rape her. Maria cried that she would rather die than submit, and Alessandro stabbed her fourteen times. Maria survived in the hospital for two days, and forgave her murderer. Serenelli was sentenced to 30 years in prison. While in prison, Serenelli had a vision of Maria in which she gave him an armful of lilies. Serenelli awoke, repented, and upon his release from prison went immediately to Maria’s mother to beg forgiveness. He later testified at the hearings for Maria’s beatification. St. Maria Goretti is the patron saint of young women and rape victims.
Saint Gertrude of Nivelles March 17 626-659
The daughter of Blessed Pepin I of Landen and Blessed Itta of Ida, Gertrude was devoted to religious life from an early age and turned down a noble marriage. Ida founded a double Benedictine monastery at Nivelles, and Gertrude became abbess at the young age of 20. Gertrude was noted for her hospitality to pilgrims and aid to Irish monks. She gave land to St. Foillan to build the monastery of Fosses. She was a scholar, mystic, and visionary. It is said that fair weather on her feast day means it is time for spring planting. St. Gertrude is the patron saint of travelers and gardeners.
Saint Brendan the Navigator May 16 460-577
St. Brendan, brother of St. Briga, was born in Ireland and ordained in 512. He became a monk and founded a large monastery at Clonfert plus cells at Ardfert, Shankeel, Aleth, Plouaret, Inchquin Island, and Annaghdown. Legend says that Clonfert housed over three thousand monks and the rule was dictated to Brendan by an angel. Brendan is called “the Navigator” for his travels across the high seas of the Atlantic, evangelizing to the island inhabitants. Legend says he visited Scotland and Wales, the Canaries, and even America. St. Brendan is a patron saint of sailors and travelers.
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton January 4 1774-1821
Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton was born into a high society Episcopalian family and married the wealthy businessman William Seton in 1794. After about ten happy years, William’s business failed and during a trip to Italy he died of tuberculosis, leaving an impoverished Elizabeth with five children. Devout Italian friends helped Elizabeth and her children return to the United States, but during the time she spent with them she was introduced to the Catholic faith. Elizabeth converted to Catholicism in 1805, alienating many of her relatives and in-laws. To support herself and her children, she opened a school in New York, then at the invitation of the archbishop she moved to Baltimore and opened the first Catholic school for girls in America, the precursor of today’s parochial schools. She founded the Sisters of Charity in 1809, the first American religious community for women. Mother Seton died of tuberculosis in 1821 and was the first native born American to be canonized. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is a patron saint of widows, orphans, and persons having difficulty with in-laws.
Saint Thomas Aquinas January 28 1226-1274
St. Thomas Aquinas, born in Lombardy, Italy, was the son of the Count of Aquino. He was educated by the Benedictines of Monte Cassino and quickly surpassed the other students. At age 17, he secretly joined the mendicant Dominican Friars, greatly upsetting his noble family, who imprisoned him for a year to dissuade him from his vocation. St. Thomas persevered and was ordained in 1250. He studied in Paris and Cologne and was teaching and writing theology and philosophy by the age of 22. In 1261, Pope Urban IV called him to Rome where he was appointed to teach, but he declined any ecclesiastical honors. His works, including the famed Summa Theologica, make Aquinas one of the most influential theologians of all time, and he was proclaimed Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo VIII in 1567. St. Thomas Aquinas is a patron saint of universities and students.
Saint Peter the Apostle June 29 ? – 64
Simon was born in Bethsaida and became a fisherman on Lake Genesareth. His brother St. Andrew introduced him to Christ, who changed his name to Peter, or Cephas, meaning “rock.” The name change signified the establishment of the Catholic Church with Peter as its foundation. From the earliest days of the Church, Peter was recognized as the Supreme Pontiff. Peter is recorded more than any other apostle in the New Testament and was the first disciple to see the Risen Christ. He was instrumental in bringing Christianity to the gentiles and traveled extensively to preach the Gospel. Peter, the first Pope, was martyred in Rome during the reign of Nero. Tradition tells us he insisted on being crucified upside down, claiming he was not worthy to die in the same manner as Christ. St. Peter is a patron saint of popes and fishermen.
Saint Brigid of Ireland February 1 453-523
Brigid was born near Dundalk, Ireland, the daughter of an Irish chieftain, Dubtrach, and his slave, Brocca. Brocca had been baptized by St. Patrick and the young Brigid heard St. Patrick preach. Brigid was noted for her generosity and concern for the poor, and often dismayed her father by giving away his belongings to the less fortunate. She took the veil at a young age and about 468 founded her first monastery, serving as the abbess for seven nuns. In 470 she founded the double monastery at Kildare, which became a great center of piety and learning. Brigid traveled throughout Ireland, opening many monasteries for priests and nuns. St. Brigid is a patron saint for a wide range of petitioners: infants, fatherless children, dairy workers, poultry farmers, midwives, mariners, blacksmiths, and nuns are some of her special charges.
Saint Paul the Apostle January 25 and June 29 3-65
Saul, who became St. Paul, the Apostle of the Gentiles, was a tent maker and Talmudic scholar. A devout Pharisee, he persecuted Christians and participated in the stoning of St. Stephen, the first Martyr. While traveling to Damascus to arrest some Christians there, he was knocked to the ground, struck blind, and received a heavenly message to convert to Christianity. Saul was baptized, changed his name to Paul, and dedicated his life to spreading the message of the Gospels. Paul became a missionary and evangelist, preaching in Tarsus, Antioch, Cypress, Pamphylia, Pisidia, Lycaonia, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, Galatia, Macedonia, Philippi, Thessalonica, Beroea, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Rome, and Spain. His writings include fourteen canonical Epistles that strongly influenced the development of Christianity. St. Paul suffered shipwreck, beatings, and imprisonment and was beheaded in Rome. He is a patron saint of authors, journalists, and tentmakers, and a protector from snakebites.
Saint Mary Magdalene July 22 First Century
Mary Magdalene was beautiful, proud, and a well known sinner. When she met Jesus, however, she repented her former life and had great faith that she would be forgiven. She wept at Christ’s feet, bathed them with her tears, wiped them with her hair, and anointed them with precious oil. Another time she poured a costly ointment on Christ’s head. The disciples criticized Mary for these acts of devotion, but Christ commended her for her love. Tradition says Mary Magdalene was among the persecuted Christians who found refuge in the south of France, where she lived the life of a contemplative and mystic for thirty years. Mary Magdalene is a patron saint of penitents, converts, contemplatives, pharmacists and hairdressers.
Saint Therese of Lisieux October 1 1873-1897
Therese Martin was born to a middle-class French family, the pampered youngest of five sisters. Both her father, a watchmaker, and her mother, a lace-maker, have been declared Venerable by the Church. Therese lost her mother when she was only four years old, and at age 8 was cured of an illness when a statue of the Blessed Virgin smiled at her. Therese became a Carmelite nun at age 15, following two of her older sisters. Her spirituality was based on her “Little Way,” relying on small daily sacrifices and trust in Jesus to reach perfection. She contracted tuberculosis in 1896 and suffered greatly, but dictated her autobiography, Story of a Soul. Upon her death at the age of 24, the autobiography was widely circulated and many miracles attributed to this Little Flower. St. Therese of Lisieux was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope John Paul II. She is the patron saint of the missions, AIDS sufferers, and aviators.
Saint John Vianney, the Cure of Ars August 4 1786-1859
John Vianney was a farm hand who longed to be a priest, but he was not a good student. Latin was particularly difficult for him. He persevered and was ordained in 1815 at the age of 30. He was assigned as parish priest to Ars, a remote hamlet in France noted for its lax attendance at Mass and the sacraments. The Cure began visiting his parishioners, especially the sick and poor, and spent days in prayer doing penance for them. He was tormented by evil spirits, particularly at night. Vianney was especially gifted as a confessor, and thousands of people came to him for reconciliation. It is reported that he spent up to 16 hours a day in the confessional, and even the staunchest of sinners were converted at his word. St. John Vianney is the patron saint of parish priests.
Saint Augustine of Hippo August 28 354-430
Augustine, born in Africa, was the son of a pagan father and a devout Christian mother, St. Monica, who suffered over the wild and dissolute life Augustine led in youth. Highly intelligent but proud and lustful, Augustine fell victim to the Manichaean heresy. Through the prayers of his mother and St. Ambrose of Milan, he converted, was baptized, and reformed his life. Augustine was ordained and became Bishop of Hippo. He fought the heresies of Donatism, Pelagianism, and Manichaeism and was a leader of the Church during the fall of the Roman Empire. Augustine’s writings, including his Confessions, led to his being declared a Doctor of the Church. St. Augustine is the patron saint of brewers and printers.
Saint Monica August 27 322-387
The mother of St. Augustine, Monica was a Christian from birth but given in marriage to a pagan official known for his violent temper. Monica shared her home with her equally bad-tempered mother-in-law. Monica prayed constantly for the conversion of her husband, mother-in-law, and son. The mother-in-law converted to the Christian faith in 370 and the husband converted on his deathbed a year later. Augustine, the son, required more perseverance, and Monica prayed for 17 years before Augustine was baptized in 387. Monica had two other children, Navigius and Perpetua, who both entered the Religious Life. St. Monica is the patron saint of wives, abuse victims, and lapsed Catholics.
Saint Joan of Arc May 30 1412-1431
One of five children born to pious French peasants, at the age of 13 Joan began hearing messages from St. Margaret of Antioch, St. Catherine of Alexandia, and St. Michael the Archangel. In 1428, the voices directed Joan to go to the King of France and help him reconquer his kingdom, at that time occupied by the English allied with the Duke of Burgundy. After overcoming the opposition of churchmen and courtiers, the 17 year old Joan led the French army from one successful battle to another, bringing Charles VII to the throne. In May 1430, Joan was captured by the Burgundians and sold to the English for ten thousand francs. She was tried by an ecclesiastical court and executed as a heretic, sorceress, and adulteress. In 1456 her case was re-tried, and Joan was posthumously acquitted. St. Joan of Arc is a patron saint of soldiers, captives, and rape victims.
Saint Maximilian Kolbe August 14 1894-1941
Born Raymond Kolbe in Poland, Maximilian was a mischievous child, sometimes considered wild, and a trial to his parents. At the age of 12, around the time of his First Communion, he had a vision of the Virgin Mary. He remained devoted to Mary all his life and founded the Militia of the Immaculata, a pious association in her service. Maximilian joined the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor Conventual and his ordination to the priesthood followed in 1918. He furthered the Immaculata Movement, traveling to Japan and India. He returned home in 1936, publishing a magazine entitled The Knight of the Immaculata. He was imprisoned twice by the Nazis. The second arrest was in 1941, and Maximilian was sent to the concentration camp in Auschwitz. In reprisal for one prisoner’s escape, the Nazis chose ten men to die in a starvation bunker. Kolbe offered his life in place of a young husband and father. Kolbe was the last of the ten to die, martyred by lethal injection on August 14, 1941. St. Maximilian Kolbe is the patron saint of prisoners, drug addicts, journalists, and the pro-life movement.
Saint Gregory the Great September 3 540-604
Born in Rome, the son of a wealthy senator, Gregory was highly educated and appointed Chief Magistrate of Rome at age 34. After the death of his father, Gregory sold his possessions, turned his home into a Benedictine monastery, and used his wealth to build six more monasteries. He became a missionary to England and, elected Pope in 590, sent monks to evangelize England, France, Spain, and Africa. One of the four great Doctors of the Latin Church, Gregory wrote seminal works on the Mass and Office and is particularly noted for his contributions to the liturgy through the music of Gregorian Chants. St. Gregory is a patron saint of musicians, singers, educators, and stone masons.
Saint Cecilia November 22 ? – 117
Cecilia was born into a patrician Roman family. She vowed her virginity to God, but her parents married her to Valerian of Trastevere. During the wedding ceremony, she heard heavenly music in her heart. She told her new husband that she was accompanied by an angel that protected her, and Valerian asked to see it. Cecilia explained that first he would have to believe in one God and be baptized, to which Valerian agreed. He was baptized by Pope Urban, and upon returning home he found Cecilia praying with an angel beside her. Cecilia is said to have converted hundreds of Romans to Catholicism by her preaching, despite the emperor’s persecution of Christians. Valerian and his brother were martyred, and when Cecilia had them buried at her villa on the Apian Way, she was arrested and beheaded. St. Cecilia is a patron saint of musicians, composers, and poets.
Saint Vincent de Paul September 27 1581-1660
Born into a poor peasant family in Gascony, France, Vincent’s high intelligence was recognized early and he spent four years studying with the Franciscan friars at Acqs. He was hired as a tutor and thus enabled to continue his studies. He entered the University of Toulouse in 1596 and was ordained in 1600. While on a sea voyage from Marseilles to Narbonne, he was captured by Turkish pirates and sold into slavery in Tunis. He converted his owner and was freed, then returned to France and served as a parish priest near Paris. He was noted for his charity, starting organizations to help the poor, nurse the sick, and find jobs for the unemployed. He served as the chaplain at the court of Henry IV of France, and founded the Congregation of the Daughters of Charity and the Congregation of Priests of the Mission (Lazarists). St. Vincent de Paul is the patron saint for charities, hospitals, and volunteers.
Saint Katharine Drexel March 3 1858-1955
The daughter of wealthy railroad entrepreneurs and philanthropists Francis and Emma (Bouvier) Drexel, Katharine was taught from an early age to use her wealth for the benefit of others. Her particular interest was with Black and Native Americans, and she began by donating money, but then recognized her own vocation and entered the novitiate of the Sisters of Mercy. She founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Indians and Colored, now called the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, in 1913. She opened the first mission school for Indians, in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1894, and by 1942 had a system of Catholic schools for Blacks in 13 states, 40 mission centers, 23 rural schools, and 50 Indian missions. Katharine also founded Xavier University in New Orleans, the first U.S. university for Blacks.
Saint Francis of Assisi October 4 1181-1226
The son of a rich cloth merchant in Assisi, Francis was impetuous, charming, and popular. He became the leader of a group of young people noted for their wild parties and eagerly went to battle for his city during its war with Perugia. Francis was captured and imprisoned, held for a year before being ransomed. While imprisoned, Francis had a call from Christ, and upon his release he took the Gospels for his rule of life. He infuriated his family by dressing in rough clothes and begging for his sustenance. He visited hospitals, nursed the sick, preached in the streets, and repaired the ancient church at San Damiano. With papal blessing, he founded the Franciscans in 1209. Francis felt that all of nature, all of God’s creation, was part of his brotherhood. Francis received the stigmata in 1224, which remained until his death. St. Francis of Assisi is a patron saint of animals, zoos, ecologists, merchants, and dying alone.
Saint Clare of Assisi August 11 1194-1253
Clare, a beautiful Italian noblewoman, heard St. Francis of Assisi preach and yearned to live a similar humble life for Jesus. In 1212, she and her cousin ran away from her mother’s palace to join Francis. She founded the order of Poor Clares, living in silence and depending solely on alms for their sustenance. Eventually her mother and sisters joined the order. Once, when a party of soldiers attempted to raid the convent, Clare displayed the Holy Sacrament in a monstrance at the convent gate and prayed before it. The attackers left. Toward the end of her life when she was too ill to attend Mass, an image of the service would appear on the wall of her cell. In commemoration of this miracle, St. Clare is the patron saint of television. She is also a patron saint for eyes, needle workers, and telephones.
Saint John of the Cross December 14 1542-1591
Born into a poor family in Spain, John spent his early years often hungry and homeless. He joined the Lay Carmelites at age 21, studied in Salamanca, and became a Carmelite priest at age 25. Persuaded by St. Teresa of Avila, John sought to reform the order. His efforts angered many members, and John was imprisoned in a small cell and beaten. He escaped after nine months, taking only the mystical poetry he had written during his incarceration. He hid from his pursuers in a convent infirmary. John of the Cross was a compassionate mystic who wrote practical books on spiritual growth and prayer in addition to his beautiful poems. His experience of spiritual aridity is famously described in his “Dark Night of the Soul.” St. John of the Cross was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church and is a patron saint of contemplatives, mystics, and poets.
Saint Jane Frances de Chantal August 18 1572-1641
Jane’s mother died when she was just 18 months old, so the young noblewoman was raised by her father, the president of the Parliament of Burgundy. At age 20, Jane was married to the Baron de Chantal—and quickly learned that he was deeply in debt. She took charge of the estate and brought the finances under control while winning the respect and affection of the workers. She personally distributed bread and soup to the poor who came to her home. Widowed at 28, Jane and her four children were forced to live with her father-in-law, a time of great difficulty for her. She met St. Francis de Sales in 1604 and he became her spiritual director. In 1610, with his help, she founded the Order of the Visitation of Our Lady, designed for widows and laywomen who did not wish the full life of the orders. Jane oversaw the founding of 69 convents and served as spiritual advisor to anyone who desired her wisdom. St. Jane Frances de Chantal is a patron saint for widows, persons with in-law problems, and loss of parents.
|
