The Angelic Doctor

Today, January 28th, the Church honors Saint Thomas Aquinas.  Thomas was born about the year 1225 into the family of the Count of Aquino.  He first studied at the monastery of Monte Cassino and later at the University of Naples.  Afterwards he joined the Friars Preachers and completed his studies at Paris and Cologne, his instructor being Saint Albert the Great.  Becoming himself a teacher, he wrote many learned volumes and was especially renowned for his philosophical and theological studies.  Saint Thomas died near Terracina on 7th March 1274, but his memory is honored on 28th January, the day his body was transferred to Toulouse in 1369.

God Our Father, You made Thomas Aquinas known for his holiness and learning.  Help us to grow in wisdom by his teaching, and in holiness by imitating his faith.  Grant this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Today, October 4th, the Church honors one of the most beloved saints of all time, Francis of Assisi.

From the Liturgy of the Hours:

Saint Francis was born at Assisi in 1182.  After a carefree youth, he renounced his paternal wealth and committed himself to God. He led a life of evangelical poverty and preached the love of God to all.  He established a rule which a number of his companions followed and which gained the approval of the Holy See.  Subsequently, he founded an order of nuns and a society of laypersons who practice penance while living in the world.  He died in 1226.

From a letter written by Saint Francis:

Furthermore, let us produce worthy fruits of penance.  Let us also love our neighbors as ourselves.  Let us have charity and humility.  Let us give alms because these cleanse our souls from the stains of sin.  Men lose all the material things they leave behind them in this world, but they carry with them the reward of their charity and the alms they give.  For these they will receive from the Lord the reward and recompense they deserve.  We must not be wise and prudent according to the flesh.  Rather we must be simple, humble and pure.  We should never desire to be over others.  Instead, we ought to be servants who are submissive to every human being for God's sake.  The Spirit of the Lord will rest on all who live in this way and persevere in it until the end.  He will permanently dwell in them.  They will be the Father's children who do his work.  They are the spouses, brothers and mothers of our Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAYER:  FATHER, YOU HELPED SAINT FRANCIS TO REFLECT THE IMAGE OF CHRIST THROUGH A LIFE OF POVERTY AND HUMILITY.  MAY WE FOLLOW YOUR SON BY WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF FRANCIS OF ASSISI, AND BY IMITATING HIS JOYFUL LOVE.  GRANT THIS THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, YOUR SON, WHO LIVES AND REIGNS WITH YOU AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, ONE GOD, FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN.

Saint Robert Bellarmine

Today, September 17th, the Church honors Saint Robert Bellarmine.



Read more about Saint Robert here.

Saint John Chrysostom

From The Liturgy of the Hours:


"Saint John Chrysostem was born at Antioch about the year 349.  After an extensive education he embraced a life of asceticism.  He was ordained a priest and distinguished himself by his preaching which achieved great spiritual results among his hearers.  He was elected bishop of Constantinople in 397 and proved himself a capable pastor, committed to reforming the life of the clergy and the faithful.  Twice he was forced into exile by the hatred of the imperial court and the envy of his enemies.  After he had completed his difficult labors, he died at Comana in Pontus on September 14, 407.  His preaching and writing explained Catholic doctrine and presented the ideal Christian life.  For this reason he is called Chrysostem, or Golden Mouth.


PRAYER:  FATHER, THE STRENGTH OF ALL WHO TRUST IN YOU, YOU MADE JOHN CHRYSOSTEM RENOWNED FOR HIS ELOQUENCE AND HEROIC IN HIS SUFFERINGS.  MAY WE LEARN FROM HIS TEACHING AND GAIN COURAGE FROM HIS PATIENT ENDURANCE.  WE ASK THIS THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, YOUR SON, WHO LIVES AND REIGNS WITH YOU AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, ONE GOD, FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN.

Pope Saint Gregory the Great

Today, September 3rd, the Church honors Pope Gregory the Great.

Beheading of John the Baptist, Martyr

Beheading of John the Baptist by Caravaggio

Today, August 29th, the Church honors the martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist.

From The Gospel of Mark (6: 20 - 28).

". . . for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee. For when Herodias' daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, "Ask me whatever you wish, and I will grant it." And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom." And she went out, and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the baptizer." And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." And the king was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother."

PRAYER: "GOD OUR FATHER, YOU CALLED JOHN THE BAPTIST TO BE THE HERALD OF YOUR SON'S BIRTH AND DEATH. AS HE GAVE HIS LIFE IN WITNESS TO TRUTH AND JUSTICE, SO MAY WE STRIVE TO PROFESS OUR FAITH IN YOUR GOSPEL. GRANT THIS THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, YOUR SON, WHO LIVES AND REIGNS WITH YOU AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, ONE GOD, FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN.

"Salome" by Pierre Bonnard (1865)

Saint Pontian and Saint Hippolytus

Martyrdom of Saint Hippolytus

Today, August 13th, the Church honors Saint Pontian, Pope and Martyr, and Saint Hipploytus, Martyr.



LORD, MAY THE LOYAL SUFFERING OF YOUR SAINTS, PONTIAN AND HIPPOLYTUS, FILL US WITH YOUR LOVE, AND MAKE OUR HEARTS STEADFAST IN FAITH. GRANT THIS THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, YOUR SON, WHO LIVES AND REIGNS WITH YOU AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, ONE GOD, FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN.

Saint Dominic

Saint Dominic by El Greco

Today, August 8th, the Church honors Saint Dominic. From The Liturgy of the Hours:

Saint Dominic was born in Calaruega in Spain around the year 1170. He studied theology at Palencia and was made canon of the church of Osma. He worked effectively against the Albigensian heresy through preaching and good example. To carry on this work he gathered together companions and founded the Order of Preachers. He died at Bologna on August 6, 1221.

PRAYER: LORD, LET THE HOLINESS AND TEACHING OF SAINT DOMINIC COME TO THE AID OF YOUR CHURCH. MAY HE HELP US NOW WITH HIS PRAYERS AS HE ONCE INSPIRED PEOPLE BY HIS PREACHING. WE ASK THIS THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, YOUR SON, WHO LIVES AND REIGNS WITH YOU AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, ONE GOD, FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN.

Saint Joachim and Saint Ann

Today, July 26th, the Church honors the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joachim and Saint Ann.

From The Liturgy of the Hours:

From an ancient tradition, going back even to the second century, the parents of the Virgin Mary are known by the names of Joachim and Ann. Devotion to Saint Ann is found in the sixth century in the East, and by the tenth century it was widespread in the West. Saint Joachim was likewise honored, but at a more recent date.

PRAYER: GOD OF OUR FATHERS, YOU GAVE SAINTS JOACHIM AND ANN THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING THE PARENTS OF MARY, THE MOTHER OF YOUR INCARNATE SON. MAY THEIR PRAYERS HELP US TO ATTAIN THE SALVATION YOU HAVE PROMISED TO YOUR PEOPLE. GRANT THIS THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, YOUR SON, WHO LIVES AND REIGNS WITH YOU AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, ONE GOD, FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN.

Saint James the Greater, Apostle

From The Liturgy of the Hours:

Saint James, son of Zebedee and brother of Saint John the apostle, was born at Bethsaida. He was present at most of the miracles performed by Christ and was put to death by Herod around the year 42. He is honored in Compostella in Spain where a famous church is dedicated in his honor.

PRAYER: ALMIGHTY FATHER, BY THE MARTYRDOM OF SAINT JAMES YOU BLESSED THE WORK OF THE EARLY CHURCH. MAY HIS PROFESSION OF FAITH GIVE US COURAGE AND HIS PRAYERS BRING US STRENGTH. WE ASK THIS THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, YOUR SON, WHO LIVES AND REIGNS WITH YOU AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, ONE GOD, FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN.

FROM THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER: GRANT, O MERCIFUL GOD, THAT, AS THINE HOLY APOSTLE SAINT JAMES, LEAVING HIS FATHER AND ALL THAT HE HAD, WITHOUT DELAY WAS OBEDIENT UNTO THE CALLING OF THY SON JESUS CHRIST, AND FOLLOWED HIM; SO WE, FORSAKING ALL WORDLY AND CARNAL AFFECTIONS, MAY BE EVERMORE READY TO FOLLOW THY HOLY COMMANDMENTS; THROUGH THE SAME JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD. AMEN.

Saint Bridget of Sweden

Today, July 23, the Church honors Saint Bridget of Sweden.

From the Liturgy of the Hours: Saint Bridget was born in Sweden in 1303. She married and gave birth to eight children for whom she was a devoted mother. After her husband's death she continued to live in the world but devoted herself to the ascetic life as a member of the Third Order of Saint Francis. She then founded a religious order and, journeying to Rome for the sake of penance, became a model of great virtue for all. She also wrote many works in which she related her mystical experiences. Saint Bridget died at Rome in 1373.

PRAYER: LORD OUR GOD, YOU REVEALED THE SECRETS OF HEAVEN TO SAINT BRIDGET AS SHE MEDITATED ON THE SUFFERING AND DEATH OF YOUR SON. MAY YOUR PEOPLE REJOICE IN THE REVELATION OF YOUR GLORY. GRANT THIS THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, YOUR SON, WHO LIVES AND REIGNS WITH YOU AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, ONE GOD, FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN.

Saint Mary Magdalene

Today, July 22, the Church celebrates the memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene.

From The Liturgy of the Hours: Mary Magdalene was one of Christ's disciples and was present when He died. Early on the morning of the resurrection, she was, according to Saint Mark's account (16:9), the first to see the risen Lord. By the twelfth century, particularly, devotion to Saint Mary Magdalene was widespread in the Western Church.

PRAYER: FATHER, YOUR SON FIRST ENTRUSTED TO MARY MAGDALENE THE JOYFUL NEWS OF HIS RESURRECTION. BY HER PRAYERS AND EXAMPLE MAY WE PROCLAIM CHRIST AS OUR LIVING LORD AND ONE DAY SEE HIM IN GLORY, FOR HE LIVES AND REIGNS WITH YOU AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, ONE GOD, FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN.

Actress Lynsey Baxter as Mary Magdalene in the movie The Gospel of John

Saint Lawrence of Brindisi

Today, July 21, the Church honors Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, Priest and Doctor of the Church.

From The Liturgy of the Hours:

Saint Lawrence was born in 1559. He entered the Capuchin Friars, taught theology to his fellow religious, and was chosen to fill positions of leadership in his order. He became famous throughout Europe as an effective and forceful preacher. He wrote many works explaining the faith and died at Lisbon in 1619.

Saint Bonaventure

Today, July 15th, the Church honors Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.

From The Liturgy of the Hours:

Saint Bonaventure was born about the year 1218 at Banorea in Tuscany. He studied philosophy and theology at Paris and, having earned the title Master, he taught his fellow members of the Order of Friars Minor with great success. He was elected Minister General of the Order, a position he filled with prudence and wisdom. After being made Cardinal-Bishop of Albano, he died at the Council of Lyons in 1274. His writings did much to illuminate the study of both theology and philosophy.

Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Memorial of Saint Francis

SAINT AUGUSTINE

Today, August 28, the Church honors Saint Augustine.

Saint Clare of Assisi

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga

Saint Aloysius was born of the princely family of Castiglione in 1568 near Mantua in Lombardy. Instructed in piety by his mother, he manifested an inclination to religious life. He legally delivered his share of the ancestral dominion to his brother and entered the Society of Jesus. While serving the sick during a plague, he himself contracted the disease and died in 1591.

Father of love, giver of all good things, in Saint Aloysius You combined remarkable innocence with the spirit of penance. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Source: Liturgy of the Hours

Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr

Saint Boniface was born in England about the year 673. He was first professed in the monastic life at Exeter but in 719 went to Germany to preach the Gospel. He made many converts there and was consecrated bishop, ruling over the church at Mainz. He attracted many companions by whose help he founded or restored dioceses in Bavaria, Thuringia and Franconia. He also convened councils and promulgated laws. While preaching the Gospel to the Frisians, Saint Boniface was killed by pagans in 754. His body is buried in the monastery of Fulda.

As the cool illustration shows, one of the things that Saint Boniface was known for was destroying pagan shrines and building Christian Churches on top of them to show the power of the true God. Here he is depicted chopping down a holy tree dedicated to the pagan God Thor. In other words, Saint Boniface was definitely not politically correct in respecting the beliefs of the pagans! In our politically correct, morally relativistic culture, where we are required to believe that the beliefs of all people are equally valid, no doubt Saint Boniface would get martyred again.

Lord, your martyr Boniface spread the faith by his teaching and witnessed to it with his blood. By the help of his prayers keep us loyal to our faith and give us the courage to profess it in our lives. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(Source: Liturgy of the Hours).