Cristy Li

St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)

(CNA) Born in Spain at Avila Castile City, Teresa Sanchez Capeda, was the third in a Jewish family who converted to Christianity during the reign of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella — Teresa’s father Alphonsus became a very religious Catholic and owned a collection of spiritual books of the type Teresa would later compose herself.

As a child, Teresa was fascinated by stories of the Saints and Martyrs for Christ as was her brother Roderigo according to EWTN who was near her age and her childhood friend. Once when Teresa was just 7, the trio of friends made a plan to run away to Africa where they may be Martyred by the Muslim inhabitants. — They set out on their way secretly, expecting to beg their way there like the poor Friars but only had gone a short distance from home when the three friends were met by an Uncle and returned to their anxious Mother, who had sent servants into the streets to search for them. Subsequent to this, both Teresa and her brother Roderigo now thought they may like to become ‘Religious Hermits’ they attempted to construct little stones from stones they found in the garden.

When Teresa was just 14 yrs old, her mother died causing Teresa to suffer much grief, prompting her to embrace an even deeper devotion to the Virgin Mary as her spiritual mother. Together with this good resolution, Teresa also developed immoderate interests in reading popular fiction and caring for her personal appearance.

Though Teresa’s ‘Spiritual Directors’ later in life would just these thoughts and ideas relatively minor, they still would represent a noticeable loss of her Childhood zeal for God. — A little later in Teresa’s life, her father Alphonsus decided that his teenage daughter needed a change of environment and he sent Teresa to be educated in a Convent of Augustinian Nuns. While Teresa found their life dull at first she soon came to understand and realize its spiritual advantages.

After about a year-and-a- half in the Convent, Teresa fell ill what according to EWTN seems to have been a “malignant type of malaria” and her father Alphonsus brought her home to recover. After Teresa recuperated, she went to stay with her eldest sister who had married and gone to live in the country but insisted that she’d return to the Carmelite Convent as soon as she was able.

After about 3 yrs, Teresa returned to the Convent, her intelligence, warmth and charm made her a favorite and she found much joy and pleasure being with the others. It was a custom in Spain during those days for the young Nuns to receive their acquaintances  in the Convent’s parlor and Teresa spent much time their, chatting with friends.

Teresa became especially attracted to one of the visitors whose company was disturbing to her, though she told herself there could be no question of sin, since she was doing what so many others better than her were doing. During this relaxed time, she gave up her habit of ‘mental praying’ using as a pretext the poor state of her health.

“This excuse of bodily weakness,” she would write afterwards, “was not a sufficient reason why I should abandon so good a thing, which required no physical strength but only love and habit. In the midst of sickness the best prayer may be offered and its a mistake to think it can only be offered in solitude.”

Teresa would subsequently return to the practice of ‘mental prayer’ and never abandoned it again.

For the next 3 years Teresa made remarkable progress in her spiritual life, developing the practice of recalling herself into the presence of God though quiet contemplation. When Teresa was nearly 40, she experienced profound changes within her own soul together with remarkable visions that appeared only could come from God.

Under the direction of Teresa’s Confessors, she would write about some of these experiences in an autobiography The Life of Teresa of Jesus that she completed in 1565

Teresa had always been accustomed to contemplate Christ’s presence within her after Him in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Now however she understood that the presence she received did not simply fade:

God was in-fact, with her always and had been all along. It was simply a matter of putting herself in God’s presence with love and attention–as anyone can do at any moment.

This revolution in Teresa’s spiritual life, enabled her to play a significant role in the renewal of the Church that followed the ‘Council of Trent’ — Teresa proposed the Carmelite Nuns return to their original rule of life, a simple and austere form of monasticism that was founded on silence and solitude which had received Papal approval during the 12th century and was believed to date back to the Old Testament Prophet of Elijah.

Together with Teresa’s close collaborator, the Priest and writer who would later be Canonized St. John of the Cross (Feat Day: 14 December) she founded what is known today as the “Order of Discalced Carmelites” – ‘discalced’ meaning barefoot, symbolizing the simplicity which they chose to return the Order after a period of corruption. The reform met with fierce opposition but later resulted in the founding of 30 Monasteries during her lifetime.

Teresa’s health failed her for her last time while she was traveling through Salamanca in NW Spain in 1582 Teresa accepted her final dramatic illness as God’s chosen means of calling her into His presence forever.

“O my Lord and my Spouse, the desired hour is now come,” Teresa stated. “The hour is at last come, wherein I shall pass out of this exile and my soul shall enjoy in Thy company what it hath so earnestly longed for.”

Teresa died in October 1582 in the arms of her Secretary and close friend Blessed Anne of Saint Bartholomew according to SQPN

St. Teresa was Beatified in 1614 by Pope Paul V and Canonized in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV together with three of her great contemporaries: Saint Ignatius of Loyola  Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Philip Neri

In 1970 Pope Paul VI proclaimed St Teresa of Avila as one of the first two Women ‘Doctors of the Church’ together with the 14th century Dominican St. Catherine of Siena

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Pope Saint Callistus I
Image Courtesy: St. Paul Street Evangelization

(Franciscan Media) The most reliable information about today’s Saint, Pope Callistus I that we have to rely upon comes from his one time enemy Saint Hippolytus (Feast Day: 13 August) an early Antipope, who later was reconciled with the Church and Martyred for Christ.

Callistus was born a slave according to SQPN owned by Carpophorus a Christian in the household of Caesar. — Callistus was put in charge of the bank of his Master which took in several deposits, he had made several loans to people that refused to pay back their loans and the bank went broke. Knowing that he would be blamed and punished, Callistus fled but was subsequently caught and returned to Carpophorus. Several depositors begged for Callistus’ life believing that he had not lost thew money but just hid it–they were wrong. Callistus was not a thief, just a victim but nevertheless, he was sentenced to work in the Tin Mines.

By a quirk of Roman Law, the ownership of Callistus was transferred from Carpophorus to the State and when he was subsequently ransomed out of his sentence with a number of other Christians he became a Free man, later residing in Anzio, which was the site of the famous WW II beachhead.

After Callistus was Freed from slavery, he was made Superintendent of the public Christian burial grounds in Rome (to this day its still called the Cemetery of St. Callistus) probably the first land owned by the Church.

Pope Zephrinus Ordained Callistus a Deacon, together with making him his friend and advisor. — Callistus was subsequently elected Pope by a majority vote of the Clergy and Laity of Rome. 

During his Papacy, Pope Callistus I was on more than one occasion accused of heresy by St. Hippolytus for such actions such as permitting a return to Communion for those who had sinned, repented and done penance or for declaring that differences in economic class were no barrier to marriage. This last, put in him conflict with Roman Civil Law but Pope Callistus argued that in matters concerning the Church and the Sacraments, Church Law trumped Civil Law.

In both cases, Pope Callistus taught what the Church has taught for centuries, including today and though a whole host of Schismatics wrote against him, his alleged crimes appear to have been the practice of Christianity — Pope Callistus was subsequently Martyred for Christ during the persecutions of Roman Emperor Alexander Severus (222-235) and is the first Pope (except for St. Peter) to be commemorated as a Martyr of the Church.

St. Edward King of England (1003-1066) Image: Aidan Hart

(CNA) Son of Ethelred II and Emma, daughter of Duke Richard of Normandy according to EWTN when hardly 10 yrs old, Edward was sent with his brother Alfred into Normandy to be brought up by the Court of the Duke, when the Danes seized control of England–this early experience of loss and his earnest religious convictions, caused him to renounce worldly ambition and devote himself to the love of God.

Upon the death of the Danish King Canute, Edward was called to the throne of England which he accepted dutifully and held the rest of his life.

King Edward’s Saintly bearing made him a popular sovereign and his actions even more so, he abolished an unjust tax and was known to cure people with his touch. — Having made a vow of chastity, he accepted marriage to the virtuous Editha according to New Advent.org for the sake of his kingdom but lived with her in celibacy by agreement as a sister.

Unable to fulfill a vow to embark on a pilgrimage to St. Peter’s tomb without leaving England’s subjects vulnerable to attack, his vow was commuted by the Pope into the rebuilding at Westminster of St. Peter’s Abbey, the dedication of which took place but a week before his death.

King Edward was Canonized in 1161 by Pope Alexander III

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Pope Saint John XXIII (1881-1963)
Image Courtesy: Pinterest

(CNA) Born Angelo Giusppo Roncalli in Italy Sotto il Monte, Angelo was the 4th child of 14 of a peasant but deeply religious family–Angelo’s Christian education was entrusted to his Godfather, who instilled into young Angelo a deep love and admiration of the mystery of God.

Angelo would enter the minor seminary at the age of 11 and became a ‘Secular Franciscan’ just 4 yrs later. By the age of 20, Angelo would enter the ‘Pontifical Roman Seminary’ and was Ordained into the Priesthood just 3 years later, subsequently he was appointed Secy to the Bishop of Bergamo and would teach in the Seminary. — Angelo’s great friends during this formative period were St. Charles Borromeo and St. Francis de Sales two outstanding intellectuals and also formidable pastors.

Fr. Angelo served as a military Chaplain during WW I following the war he would serve as a spiritual director at a Seminary and in 1921 served as the Italian President of the ‘Society for the Propagation of the Faith’ — In 1925, Pope Pius XI made him a Bishop and sent him to Bulgaria as the ‘Apostolic Visitator’ in 1935 he was assigned to Turkey and Greece where he would minister to Catholics and engaged in dialogue with Orthodox Christianity and Muslims.

During WW II Bishop Angelo Roncalli used his diplomatic skills to save as many Jews as he could by obtaining safe passage for them. Following WW II he was made Cardinal in 1953 and Patriarch  of Italy Venice, three day later–In  1958 he was elected the 261st Pope following the death of Pope Pius XII

As Pope John XXIII he stressed his own ‘pastoral duties’ and became an example of a ‘Pastoral Pope’ a Good Shepherd who cared deeply for people. — Pope John XXIII manifested this concern in his social encyclicals, especially “Pacem in Terris” (On Peace in the World) Pope John XXIII greatest act however was undoubtedly the inspiration to convoke the ‘Second Vatican Council’ which he opened on this date in 1962

 Pope John XXIII spirit of humble simplicity, profound goodness and deep life of prayer, radiated in all that he did and inspired people to affectionately call him “Good Pope John.”

In 1963 “Good Pope John” passed away of stomach cancer according to SQPN — Pope John XXIII was Beatified in 2000 by Pope Saint John Paul II and Canonized in 2014 by Pope Francis, alongside the man who Beatified him Pope Saint John Paul II

More here from EWTN

Related: For Today’s Most Holy Scripture Readings for the Memorial of Pope Saint John XXIII, Visit: -USCCB

St. Francis Borgia (1510-1572)
Image Courtesy: Catholic Online

(Franciscan Media) Born in Spain Valencia, Francis grew up in an important 16th century family, serving early in the Imperial Court and quickly advancing in his career but a series of events–including the death of his beloved wife, made Francis reconsider his priorities. — Francis would subsequently give away all of his possessions and would join the new and little known ‘Society of Jesus.’

A religious life proved to be the correct decision for Francis, he felt drawn to spend time in prayer and seclusion however his administrative talents also made him a natural for other vital tasks.

Francis would help in the establishment of what is know Gregorian University in Rome–Not long after his Ordination in 1551 now Fr. Francis Borgia, served as political and spiritual advisor to the Emperor in Spain, he would likewise go on to found a dozen colleges. At the age of 55, Fr. Francis Borgia was elected head of the Jesuits, he would focus on the growth of the ‘Society of Jesus’ together with the spiritual preparation of its new members and ministering throughout Europe. –Fr. Francis Borgia was likewise responsible for the founding of Jesuit Missions in Florida, Mexico and Peru.

Often regarded as the ‘Second Founder of the Jesuits’ Fr. Francis Borgia passed away in 1572 in Italy Ferrara; Beatified in in 1624 by Pope Gregory XV in Spain Madrid and Canonized in 1670 by Pope Clement X

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Saint Denis Pray For Us
Image Courtesy: Pinterest

(Franciscan Media) Martyr for Christ and Patron Saint of France.

Saint Denis is regarded as the first Bishop of Paris, his  popularity is in part due to legends, especially those connecting him with the great ‘Basilica of St. Denis’ in France Paris.

Saint Denis’ success reportedly roused the ire of the pagans, he was imprisoned by the Roman Governor and Martyred for Christ during the persecutions of Valerius together with St. Rusticus and St. Eleutherius in 258

More here from EWTN

Related: For Today’s Holy Scripture Readings on the ‘Memorial of St. Denis & Companions, Visit: -USCCB

Saint John Leonardi (1541-1609)
Image Courtesy: 365 Rosaries

(Franciscan Media) “I am only one person. Why should I do anything? What good would it do?” — Today, as in any age, people seemed plagued by the dilemma of getting involved. In his own way, Saint John Leonardi answered these questions for himself–he chose to become a Priest.

Born in Italy Lucca, John Leonardi worked as a Pharmacist’s apprentice according to SQPN while studying for the Priesthood, following his Ordination, Fr. Leonardi became very active in the ministry especially working to care for prisoners and the sick in hospitals. The example and dedication of his work attracted several young laymen who began to assist him–they too, later became Priests themselves.

Fr. Leonardi lived after the ‘Protestant Reformation’ and the ‘Council of Trent’ (1545-1563) he together with his followers established a new Congregation of Diocesan Priests ‘Clerks Regular of the Mother of God of Lucca’ for some reason, the new group of Priests provoked a huge political firestorm, resulting in Fr. Leonardi being exiled from his hometown for almost the remainder of his life. — Fr. Leonardi received encouragement and help from St. Philip Neri (Feast Day: 26 May) who provided him with lodging along with the care of his kitty.

In 1579 Fr. Leonardi formed the ‘Confraternity of the Christian Doctrine’ and likewise published a compendium of Christian doctrine that remained in use until the 19th century.

Fr. Leonardi and his companion Priests became a great power for good in Italy, their congregation of Diocesan Priests was confirmed in 1595 by Pope Clement — Fr. continued working with the sick through the remainder of his life and passed away on this date in 1609 after becoming ill after caring for victims of the plague.

Declared Venerable in 1701 by Pope Clement XI — Fr. Leonardi was Beatified in 1861 by Pope Blessed Pius IX (Feast Day: 07 February) and Canonized in 1938 by Pope Pius XI

Happy Feast Day of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary
Image: Archbishop Jose Gomez

(CNA) On this date the Church celebrates the annual Feast of ‘Our Lady of the Holy Rosary’ in honor of the 16th century naval victory which secured Europe against a militant Islamic invasion — Pope Saint Pius V attributed the victory to the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was invoked on the day of the battle through a campaign to pray the Rosary and receive Communion throughout Europe.

Sailors on more than 200 ships prayed the Rosary and received Communion in preparation for the battle.

Some accounts say that Pope Pius V was granted a miraculous vision of the ‘Holy League’s’ stunning victory. Without a doubt, Pope Pius V understood the significance of the day’s events. Vastly outnumbered the ‘Holy League’ won a dramatic and decisive battle against the Muslims destroying their entire fleet in 1571

Pope Leo XIII was particularly devoted to ‘Our Lady of the Rosary’ producing 11 Encyclicals on the subject of this Feast and its importance in the course of his long Pontificate.

The purpose of the ‘Holy Rosary’ is to help meditate on the great mysteries of Our Salvation. Pope Pius XII called it a compendium of the Gospel. The main focus is on Jesus–his birth, life, death and resurrection. — The ‘Our Fathers’ reminds us that Jesus’ Father is the initiator of Our Salvation; The ‘Hail Mary’s’ reminds us to join Mary in contemplating these mysteries. They also make us aware that Mary was and is intimately joined with her Son in all of the mysteries of His earthly and heavenly existence; The ‘Glory Be’s’ reminds us that the purpose of all life is the glory of the Holy Trinity.

The ‘Holy Rosary’ appeals to many, it is simple–the continually repetition of words helps create an atmosphere in which to contemplate the mysteries of God. We sense that Jesus and Mary are with us in the joys and sorrows of life. We grow in hope that God will bring us to share in the glory of Jesus and Mary forever.

More here from Franciscan Media and here from USCCB

Related: Tyler, TX Bishop Calls on Everyone to ‘Storm Heaven’ in 54 day Rosary Novena -ChurchPOP

Saint Bruno (1030-1101)
Image Courtesy: Catholic Online

(EWTN) Born in Germany Cologne, Bruno is believed to have belonged to a prominent family, while little is known of his youthful days, one does know that he studied Theology in the present day French City of Rheims before returning to Germany where he was Ordained a Priest around 1055 and soon thereafter returning to Rheims, Fr. Bruno became head of the school and taught that he attended for nearly two decades, acquiring an excellent reputation.

Fr. Bruno became Chancellor of the local Diocese in 1075 his time as Chancellor coincided with an uproar in Rheims over the behavior of its new Bishop Manasses de Gournai — Suspended by the decision of a local council the Bishop appealed to Rome, while attacking and robbing the homes of his opponents. Fr. Bruno left the Diocese during this period even though he was considered a possible successor to Bishop Manasses, though Fr. Bruno was uninterested in leading the Church in Rheims.

Having resolved to renounce their worldly goods and positions and enter a religious life, Fr. Bruno and two of his friends. Inspired by a dream to seek the guidance from Bishop of Grenoble (later Canonized Saint Hugh of Grenoble Feast Day: 01 April) Fr. Bruno settled in the Chartreuse Mountains in 1084 joined by a small group of scholars looking to become Monks.

In 1088 one of Fr. Bruno’s former students was elected as Pope Blessed Urban II — Six years into his religious life, Fr. Bruno was called to leave his remote South Eastern France Monastery to assist Pope Urban II in his struggle against a rival papal claimant as well as the hostile Emperor Henry IV

Fr Bruno would serve as a close advisor to Pope Urban II during this critical period, around this time he would reject another opportunity to become a Bishop, this time in the Italian region of Calabria. While he received Pope Urban II blessing to return to his monastic life, Fr. Bruno was required to remain in Italy to help Pope Urban II periodically rather than returning to the Monastery that he loved in France.

Around 1090 Fr. Bruno befriended Roger Great Count of Sicily and Calabria who granted land to Fr. Bruno’s group of Monks which enabled the founding of the Monastery of St. Stephen in 1095 — The Monks were known then as they are to this day for their strict practice of self-discipline, poverty and prayer.

Fr. Bruno passed away on this date after making a notable profession of faith, which was preserved for posterity. In his final testimony, he gave particular emphasis to the doctrine of Christ’s Eucharistic presence, which had already begun to be questioned in parts of the Western Church:

“I believe in the Sacraments that the Church believes and holds in reverence and especially that what has been consecrated  on the altar is the true Flesh and the true Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which we receive for the forgiveness of our sins and the hope for eternal salvation.”

Veneration of St. Bruno was given final approval in 1514, he was never formally Canonized as the Carthusians were averse to all occasions of publicity however Pope Clement X extended his Feast to the entire Church in 1674

More here from Franciscan Media and here from The Carthusian Order