Cristy Li

Saint Claude de la Colombiere (1641-1682)
Holy Card: Ecrater.com

(Franciscan Media) Born in France Lyons, Claude de la Colombiere during his youthful days studied philosophy, writing and public speaking–It was during this period according to the Vatican that Claude first sensed his vocation to a religious life in the Society of Jesus–By the age of 17, he entered the ‘Jesuit Novitiate’ at Avignon. In 1660 he moved from the Novitiate to College (also in Avignon) where he pronounced his first vows, completing his studies in philosophy, following which he taught grammar and the humanities for five years.

In 1666 Claude went to the College of Clermont in Paris to study theology, he was assigned by his Superiors the additional responsibility of tutoring the children of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Minister of Finance for King Louis XIV

With his theological studies completed and ordained a Jesuit Priest in 1675 he was appointed Superior at Paray-Le-Monial in France where the Convent of St. Margaret Mary was located, here Fr. Claude became the spiritual director, encouraging her in the spread of the devotion to the Sacred Heart.

Fr. Claude became known for his remarkable gift of judgment together with his solid ministry and was sent to England to be a Court Preacher to the Duchess of York, taking up residence in Saint James Palace in London, his radiant personality and talents were noted by everyone.

The intense pace of Fr. Claude’s work and poor climate combined to undermine his health and evidence of a serious pulmonary disease began to appear.

When the alleged ‘Popish Plot’ of 1678′ occurred, Fr. Claude was accused of complicity and taken to the severe King’s Bench Prison, where he remained for 3 weeks in very poor condition, until he was expelled from England by royal decree returning to France.

The events in England further weakened Fr. Claude, during the Summer of 1681 in a very weakened condition, he returned to spending Paray-Le-Monial, where he spent his last days.

Saint Claude de la Colombiere –Image Courtesy: Pinterest

 On the 15 February, 1682 during the First Sunday of Lent, Fr. Claude passed away–In June, 1929 Pope Pius XI Beatified Claude de la Colombiere, subsequently being Canonized on the 31 May, 1992 by Pope Saint John Paul II

Saint Giles Mary of St. Joseph
Image: All Saints & Martyrs

(Franciscan Media) In the same year that a power hungry Napoleon Bonaparte led his Army into Russia, Brother (Francesco) Giles Mary of St. Joseph, ended a life of humble service to the Franciscan community and to the citizens of Italy Naples.

Francesco was born in Italy Taranto to very poor parents and as a child according to All Saints & Martyrs (Francesco) Giles Mary had learned rope making and was very good at his trade–his father’s death when he was 18 necessitated him to care for his family.

After securing their future, Brother (Francesco) Giles Mary, entered the ‘Friars Minor at Galastone’ in 1754 and for 53 years, he served in various roles at St. Paschal Hospice in Naples.

“Love God, Love God” was Brother Giles Mary characteristic phrase as he gathered food for the Friars and shared some of his bounty with the poor–all the while consoling the troubled and urging everyone he met to repent. The charity which Brother Giles Mary reflected on the streets of Naples, was born in prayer and nurtured in the common life of the Friars.

The people that Brother Giles Mary met during his rounds earned his the nickname: ‘Consoler of Naples’ — Following his life of faithfulness to God, he was declared ‘Blessed’ by Pope Pius IX in 1888 and Canonized on the 02 June, 1996 by Pope Saint John Paul II

(Franciscan Media) The persecution of Christians began in Alexandria during the reign of Emperor Philip–the first victim of the pagan mob who refused to worship their pagan idols was an old man named Mertrius who was tortured and subsequently stoned to death, the second person who refused to bow down to their idols was a Christian Woman named Quinta, her words infuriated the mob, she was scourged and then stoned to death.

While many of the Christians were fleeing the city, abandoning all of their possessions, Apollonia was seized by the mob, that beat her, knocking her teeth out, subsequently lighting a large fire, the mob threatened to throw Apollonia in if she refused to curse God, she begged them to wait a moment, pretending to be considering their demands, instead she threw herself into the flames and so suffered martyrdom.

There have been many Churches and alters dedicated to Apollonia, the Patroness of Dentists and people have sought her intercession that have suffered toothaches and dental issues–Saint Augustine explained her voluntary martyrdom as a special inspiration of the Holy Spirit–Apollonia attained glory in her later years, standing firm before her persecutors even as other Christians fled the city.

Related: Saint Apollonia –Children’s Rosary

Our Lady of Lourdes
Image: Catholic Tradition

On the 08 December, 1854 Pope Pius IX proclaimed the precept of the ‘Immaculate Conception’ in the apostolic constitution Ineffabilis Deus a little more than three years later on the 11 February, 1858 the ‘Blessed Virgin’ to a poor, sickly 14 yr old Bernadette Soubiroux writes EWTN there were eighteen in all, the last occurring on the 16 July of the same year–Bernadette, often fell into joy.

Bernadette’s family Catholic faith was scarcely more than lukewarm, while she knew the  prayers of: Our Father; Hail Mary;  the Creed and she also the Miraculous Medals:

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you and for all who do not have recourse to you, especially the enemies of the Church and those recommended to you. Amen

The mysterious visions that Bernadette saw in the hallow of the rock Massabielle, was that of a young and beautiful lady: “Lovelier than I have ever seen,” said Bernadette but the young lady was the only one who seen the vision, although sometimes, many stood with her. Now and then the image spoke to the Seer that was also the only one to hear her voice.

During interviews Bernadette gave an account of what she saw, “It was something white in the shape of a girl, she used the word “aquero” (this thing) it was ‘a pretty young girl with a rosary over her arm,’ her white robe was encircled by a blue girdle, she worse a white veil, there was a yellow rose on each foot and a rosary was in her hand.

Bernadette was also impressed by the fact that the Lady she saw, did not use the informal form of address (tu) but the polite form (vous) the humble virgin appeared to a humble young girl and treated her with dignity.

Though that humble young lady Bernadette, the Virgin Mary revitalized the faith to millions. People began to flock to Lourdes from other parts of France and from all over the world.

In 1862 the Bishop of the Diocese  declared the faithful “justified in believing the reality of the apparition.” A Basilica was constructed upon the rock of Massabielle by Fr. Peyramale, the parish priest.

In 1873 the great ‘national’ French pilgrimages were inaugurated. Three years later, the Basilica was consecrated and the statue solemnly crowned. In 1883 the foundation stone of another Church was laid, as the first was no longer large enough, it was constructed at the foot of the Basilica and was consecrated in 1901 and called the ‘Church of the Rosary’ — Pope Leo XIII authorized a special office and a Mass, in commemoration of the apparition and in 1907 Pope Pius X extended the observance of this feast to the entire Church.

Related: Novena To: Our Lady of Lourdes -EWTN

Prayer Requests Direct From Lourdes Gift Shop

For Today’s Holy Scripture on the Memorial of ‘Our Lady of Lourdes’ Visit: -USCCB

Saint Scholastica (480-542)
Image Courtesy: Joy Filled Family

(Franciscan Media) Twins will many times share the same interests and ideas, therefore its no surprise that Scholastica and her twin brother Saint Benedict established religious communities about five miles of one another.

Scholastica consecrated herself to God from her earliest youth writes EWTN she and her twin brother were brought up together, until he left Central Italy for Rome to continue his studies.

Once a year Scholastica visited her brother, as she wasn’t allowed in the Monastery, he would go out with some of his friends to meet her at some small distance in a farmhouse. Benedict and his sister Scholastica would spend these visits in the praises of God and with sharing with one another on matters of their Christian faith. 

When Scholastica’s bother was sent to ‘Mount Cassino’ she chose her retreat at Plombariola where she founded and governed a Nunnery–Saint Bertharius who was a Benedictine Abbot of Cassino some 300 yrs after says that Scholastica was instructed in virtue.

According to the ‘Dialogues of Saint Gregory the Great’ (Chapter 33) the twins, spent their final day together. Scholastica sensed her death was close at hand and she begged her brother to stay with her until the next day. Benedict “By no persuasion would agree to that, saying that he may not be any means stay all night outside the Abbey.”

Three days later Benedict was praying in his Monastery (Chapter 34) and saw the soul of his dear sister Scholastica rising towards heaven in the form of a white dove.

“Rejoicing much to see her (Scholastica) great glory, with hymns and praise, he gave thanks to Almighty God and imparted the news of her death to the Monks”

Benedict sent them presently to bring her body to his Abbey to have her buried in that grave which he had provided for himself. By this means it fell out that, as their souls were always one in God while they lived, so their bodies continued together after their death.

Related: For Today’s Most Holy Scripture Readings and More, Visit: -USCCB

Saint Jerome Emiliani (1481-1537)
Image Courtesy: Catholic Online

(Vatican) The life of Jerome Emiliani, a layman from Italy Venice, was at it were ‘refounded’ on the night of the 27th September, 1511 when after making a sincere vow to ‘Our Lady of Treviso’ to change his behavior, through the intercession of the ‘Mother of God’ he found himself freed from the chains of prison, which he later presented at the alter of the Virgin Mary.

A careless and irreligious soldier in his earlier days in Venice, Jerome had been captured in a skirmish at an outpost town and chained in a dungeon. While in prison, Jerome had lots of time to think and reflect on his past and he gradually learned to pray. When he was finally freed of his chains, Jerome returned to Venice, where he took charge of the education of his nephews and began studying for the priesthood.

In the years following Jerome’s ordination, events again called him to a decision and a new lifestyle.

Plague and famine swept through Northern Italy and Fr. Jerome began caring for the sick and feeding the hungry at his own expense. While serving those less fortunate, he soon resolved to devote himself together with his possessions to others–particularly, abandoned and unwanted children.

Fr. Jerome founded three Orphanages, a shelter for penitent prostitutes and a hospital. Around 1532, Jerome and two other Priests, established a congregation the ‘Clerks Regular of Somasca’ (present day) Somascan Fathers dedicated to care for Orphans and the education of youth.

In February 1537 Fr.Jerome fell a martyr to his zeal contracting a disease at Bergamo and passed away at Somascha — Beatified by Pope Benedict XIV in 1747 Jerome was Canonized by Pope Clement XIII in 1767

In 1928 Pope Pius XI named Saint Jerome Emiliani, Patron of Orphans and Abandoned Children.

Saint Mother Josephine Bakhita (1868-1947)
Image Courtesy: Cassie Pease Designs

(Natl Catholic Register) When Josephine Bakhita passed away, thousands of Italians passed by her casket to pay respects to a simple Woman who had achieved great renown for her kindness–To this day, the people of Italy Schio honor now Saint Josephine, a former African slave with the title: ‘Nostra Madre Moretta’ which means Our Black Mother.

Born in Sudan, Olgossa in the Darfur region, Josephine was kidnapped at the age of 7, sold into slavery and given the name ‘Bakhita’ which means ‘Fortune’ she was resold several times, finally in 1883 to Callisto Legnani, the Italian Counsel in Sudan Khartoum.

Two years later Callisto Legnani took Bakhita to Italy and gave her to a friend Augusto Michieli–Bakhita became a Nanny to ‘Mimmna Michieli’ who she accompanied to the ‘Venice Institute of the Catechumens’ run by the ‘Canosian Sisters’ — While Mimmina was in school, Bakhita felt drawn to the Catholic Church, she was later baptized and confirmed in 1890, taking the name Josephine.

When the Michieli’s returned to Africa and wanted to take Mimmna and Josephine back with them, Josephine refused to go. During a subsequent Court case the ‘Canossian Sisters’ and the Patriarch of Venice, intervened on Josephine’s behalf–The Judge concluded that since Slavery was illegal in Italy, she had actually been free to do what she wanted and go where she pleased since 1885

Josephine entered the ‘Institute of St. Magdalene of Canossa’ in 1893 and made her profession 3 yrs later. In 1902, Josephine was transferred to Italy, Schio, where she assisted her religious community through Cooking, Sewing, Embroidery and welcoming visitors at the door. Josephine soon became well loved by children attending the Sisters school and the local citizens–she once said:

• “Be good, love the Lord, pray for those who do not know Him.
  What a great grace it is to know God.”

Josephine was Beatified on 17 May, 1992 and Canonized on the 01 October, 2000

More here from the Vatican

Saint Colette Holy Card
Image Courtesy: Catholic Holy Cards

(Franciscan Media) Colette did not seek the limelight but in doing God’s will, she certainly attracted a lot of attention.

Born in 1381 in France Corbie, Colette’s father was Robert Boelett, a carpenter of the famous ‘Benedictine Abbey of Corbie’ her mother Marguerite Moyon.

Colette joined successively the ‘Bequines’ and the Benedictines, subsequently living for 4 years in solitary. Known for her sincere reverence, she was also quite intelligent and energetic.

Having resolved to reform the ‘Poor Clares’ reintroducing  the ‘Primitive Rule of St. Clare’ in the 17 Monasteries she established ‘Colettine Poor Clares’ reform movement grew, spreading to other countries and is still thriving today.

Saint Colette, was Beatified on the 23 January, 1740 and Canonized on the 24 May, 1807

Saint Paul Miki & Companions –Image Courtesy: Catholic Online

(CNA) In the year 1597 a group of 26 Martyrs in Japan Nagasaka were Martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ–During the 16th Century, Catholic Missionaries had reached Japan by the efforts of a Jesuit Saint Francis Xaiver (1506-1552) missionary outreach continued after his death, subsequently around 200,000 Japanese became Christians.

Brother Paul Miki a Jesuit, native of Japan and son of a military leader, had become best known among the 26 martyrs for his eloquent teaching.

Religious tensions led to a period of persecution of Christians under the Taiko, Toyotomi  Heidyoshi in 1587 during which many Churches were destroyed and missionaries forced to work in secret.

In 1593, Franciscan missionaries arrived in Japan from the Philippines by order of  Spain’s King Philip II these new arrivals, gave themselves zealously to the work of charity and evangelism but their presence disturbed a delicate situation between the Church and Japanese authorities.

Suspicion against Catholic missionaries grew when a Spanish ship was seized off the Japanese coast found to be carrying munitions–Toyotomi responded by executing Brother Paul Miki and his 25 companions on a hill, now known as the ‘Holy Mountain’ overlooking Nagasaki–the group were comprised of three native Jesuits, six foreign Franciscans, several lay Catholics–including some children, suffering a martyrs death by being slashed and crucified.

While hanging on a cross awaiting death, Brother Paul Miki, ministered to the people gathered there for the executions:

“The sentence of judgment says these men came to Japan from the Philippines but I did not come from any other country, I am a true Japanese. The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ, I certainly did teach the doctrine of Christ. I thank God it is for this reason I die. I believe that I am telling only the truth before I die. I know you believe me and I want to say to you all once again: Ask Christ to help you to become happy, I obey Christ.

After Christ’s example, I forgive my persecutors, I do not hate them. I ask God to have pity on all and I hope my blood will fall on my fellow men as faithful rain.”

When missionaries returned to Japan in the 1860’s they at first found no Christians but after establishing themselves, they discovered that thousands of Christians lived around Nagasaki and they had secretly preserved their faith.

Beatified in 1627 the 26 Martyrs of Japan were Canonized in 1862 by Pope Pius IX

More here from Franciscan Media

Related: Today’s Holy Scripture Readings on the Memorial of St. Paul Miki and Companions -USCCB

Twenty Six Martyrs Museum, Japan Nagasaki –26 Martyrs.com