Archive for April, 2025

Today Christians Commemorate St. George, Martyr for Jesus Christ – Please Pray For Us!

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025

Martyrdom of Saint GeorgeMartyrdom of Saint George (Paolo Veronese 1564)
Image Courtesy: WikiArt

(EWTN) Born somewhere between 275 and 281 in Bithynia Nicomedia (modern day  NW Turkey) George is by far one of the most illustrious martyrs for Jesus Christ. The Greeks have long distinguished him by the title of ‘The Greek Martyr’ and keep his festival a holiday of obligation. To this day, St. George is honored as principle patron by several Eastern nations, particularly the Georgians. The intercession of St. George was implored especially in battles and by Soldiers in the ‘Byzantine Empire’ (330-1453) and its said that St. George himself was a mighty soldier.

There stood formally in Constantinople 5 or 6 Churches dedicated in his honor, Timothy II (1612-1620) rebuilt and enlarged ‘The Church of St. George’ in Istanbul and is open to the public to this date.

The extraordinary devotion to all Christendom to St. George, would seem to evidence how glorious St. George’s triumph and name have always been in the Church.

All of his acts, relate how St. George suffered under  the Emperor Diocletian — One account of his martyrdom comes from Ecclesiastical history which relates:

That Diocletian issued an Order to tear down all of the Churches to their foundations and destroy the Sacred Scriptures by fire…a certain man of no mean origin but highly esteemed by his temporal dignities, stimulated by a Divine zeal and excited by an ardent faith, took the Emperor’s Order as it was openly displayed for public inspection and tore it up into shreds. This act so enraged Diocletian, that he had the ‘certain man’ identified by more than one ancient source including Eusebius Bishop of Caesarea (263-339) as St. George though other historians have suggested that this isn’t likely.

St. George is usually depicted in Christian art as a Soldier on horseback killing a dragon with a lance. This image is representative of a popular legend of St. George which first appeared in 1275 in a romance entitled, ‘The Golden Legend’ (from 1470 to 1530 was the most often printed book in Europe) which George saved a town terrorized by a dragon with one blow of his lance. The image however is also and more significantly a powerful symbol of the victory of the Christian faith over evil (sometimes interpreted more contextually in the early Church as ‘Paganism’) personified by Satan who is symbolized by the dragon according to the imagery of the Book of Revelations.

The reason why St. George has been regarded as the Patron Saint of Soldiers is partly upon the score of his profession and partly upon the credit of a relation of his appearing to the Christian Army in the Holy War before the battle of Antioch. The success of this battle proving fortunate to the Christians under the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem by ‘Godfrey de Bouillion’ made the name of St. George more famous in Europe and disposed of Soldiers more particularly his intercession.

While some Christians dishonor the profession of Soldiers and weaponry, we find the names of more Soldiers recorded in Martyrologies  than almost any other profession. Every true disciple of Jesus Christ must be a Martyr in the disposition of ones heart and must be prepared to lose everything and to suffer anything rather than to offend Almighty God.

Every good Christian is also a Martyr by the patience and courage with
which one bears all trials. There is no virtue more necessary,
nor of which the exercise ought to be more frequent than patience–which I often fail, I digress.

In this mortal life we have continually something to suffer from, disappointments, from injustice, irritations, jealously, animosity of others, from ourselves in mental anguish, grief and physical pains. Even our own weaknesses and faults are to us subjects of patience. We likewise have many other burdens both of our own and to others to bear, it is only patience that we are to possess our souls.

By this, it affords us comfort in all of our distress/unhappiness and maintains our souls in unshaken tranquility and peace. This is true greatness of mind and the virtue of an heroic soul…What comfort should we find, what peace should we enjoy, what treasures of virtue should we amass, what a harvest of merits should we reap, if we had learned the true spirit of Christian patience. This is the martyrdom and the crown of every faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. 

Related: For Today’s Most Holy Scripture Readings for the Memorial of St. George, Visit: -USCCB

Facing Our Battles With St. George and Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton -Seton Shrine

Today Christians Commemorate St. Adalbert of Prague, Bishop & Martyr for Jesus Christ – Please Pray For Us!

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025

St. Adalbert of Prague

Saint Adalbert (956-997)

(EWTN) Born Wojtech in Bohemia Cidilnou into a noble family, Wojtech was ordained a Priest when he was 27 changing his name to ‘Adalbert’ when he was chosen as Archbishop of Prague–Those who resisted his program of standing up against the pagan practices of Central Europe according to Franciscan Media forced him into exile–where he went to Rome and released of his episcopal obligations by Pope John XV

Adalbert withdrew to a Monastery and occupied himself in the most humble duties of the house.

In time, the people of Prague requested that Bishop Adalbert return and he was received with great demonstrations of joy but within a short time again, he was expelled a second time and returned to Rome after excommunicating those who had violated the right of the sanctuary by dragging a Woman accused of adultery from the Church and murdering her.

The people of Hungary were just then turning to Christianity, Bishop Adalbert went there to work as a missionary, after a short stay, he left to minister and evangelize in Poland and was made Archbishop of Gensen but again, he relinquished his position and set out to minister and evangelize the idolatrous inhabitants of the Kingdom of Prussia.

Bishop Adalbert at first saw success however his authoritative manner in telling the people to abandon their paganism irritated them and he was killed together with two of his companions by pagan priests in 997 near Konigsberg–the city was renamed Kaliningard, now part of Russia.

In 999 Bishop Adalbert was Canonized and is the Patron Saint of the Czech Republic of Bohemia and Poland.

Today Christians Commemorate St. Anselm, Benedictine Monk, Archbishop of Centerbury – Please Pray For Us!

Monday, April 21st, 2025

Saint Anselm

Saint Anselm (1033-1109)
Image:
The Beauty and Mystery of Life & Faith

(EWTN) Born in Italy at Aosta in part of the Piedmont region, Anselm’s father provided little in the way of moral or religious influence to his son–Anslem’s mother on the other hand was a very devout Woman and chose to send Anselm to school run by the Benedictine Order.

Anselm felt a profound religious calling during those years, spurred in-part by a dream in which he met and conversed with God. — Anselm’s father forbid him to become a Monk, this disappointment was followed by a period of severe illness and the early death of his beloved mother.

Unable to join the Monks and tired of the mistreatment by his father, Anselm left home and wandered throughout parts of France and Italy for 3 yrs, his life regained direction in Normandy where he met the Benedictine Prior Lanfranc of Pavia (1005-1089) becoming his disciple/student.

Lanfranc recognized his his pupil Anselm intellectual gifts and encouraged his vocation into a religious life. Accepted into the Monastery of Bec in Normandy, according to Franciscan Media Anselm was Ordained a Priest at the age of 27 and succeeded his teacher Lanfranc in 1063 when he was called to become Abbot of a different monastery.

Considered to be an original and independent thinker, Fr. Anselm was admired for his patience, gentleness and teaching skills. Under his leadership, the Abbey of Bec became a monastic school, influential in philosophical and theological studies.

During these years at the community’s request, Fr. Anselm began writing and publishing his theological works, comparable to those of Saint Augustine (Feast Day: 28 Aug) Fr. Anselm best known work is: Cur Deus Homo (‘Why God Became Man’)

At the age of 60 Fr. Anselm reluctantly accepted the position of Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093 his appointment was initially opposed by King William Rufus but later accepted.

For a three year period Fr. Anselm’s insistence on self-government of the Church against the claims of the state to its administration and property, caused him to be exiled from England but Fr. Anselm was successful in his struggle and returned to his Diocese in 1106

In the remaining years of Fr. Anselm’s life, he worked to reform the Church and continued with his theological research–following the motto: ‘Faith Seeking Understanding.’

Fr. Anselm passed away on this date in 1109 in England Canterbury, he was Canonized in 1492 by Pope Alexander IV — In 1720 Saint Anselm was named ‘Doctor of the Church’ by Pope Clement XI

More here from Franciscan Media

Resurrection of the Lord — Five Important Facts to Know About Easter

Sunday, April 20th, 2025

(ChurchPOP) Easter is the most important liturgical time for Christians, it celebrates Jesus’ victory of sin, death and salvation for mankind. It is God’s greatest act of love to redeem mankind.

Here are Five Things to Know About Easter!

1. Easter Isn’t Simply a Holiday, It’s an Entire Season!

2. The Word Easter Holds Meaning!

3. The Octave of Easter

4. Divine Mercy Sunday

A Prayer for Easter from St. Hippoolytus of Rome

“Christ is Risen! The world below lies desolate Christ is Risen! The spirits of evil are fallen, Christ is Risen! The Angels of God are rejoicing, Christ is Risen! The tombs of the dead are empty, Christ is Risen, indeed from the dead, the first of the sleepers, glory and power are His forever and ever. Amen!

Related:  What is the Meaning of Divine Mercy Sunday?

Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter

Saturday, April 19th, 2025

You are my inheritance O Lord!

Preserve (Protect) me, O God, for in You I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord,
I have no good apart from You!
As the Holy ones in the land, they are the noble,
in whom is all my delight!

Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows,
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names upon my lips.

You are my inheritance O Lord!

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup,
You hold my lot.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
I have a goodly heritage!

You are my inheritance O Lord!

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I keep the Lord always before me
because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

You are my inheritance O Lord!

Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,
my body also rests secure.
For You do not give me up to Hell
or let Your faithful one see corruption. (-Psalm 16:10)

You are my inheritance O Lord!

You show me the path of life.
in Your presence there is fullness of joy;
in Your right hand are pleasures forevermore!

You are my inheritance O Lord!  –Psalm 16:1-11

Related: Twelve Things You Need to Know About Holy Saturday

When Jesus Stormed the Gates of Hell: The Forgotten Events of Holy Saturday

Good Friday of The Lord’s Passion

Friday, April 18th, 2025


Christ Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a Cross. Therefore God also highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bend in Heaven, on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Amen! –Philippians 2:8-11

Related: Archbishop Fulton Sheen: The Seven Last Words of Christ

A Meditation on the Passion of Our Lord, in Sacred Art from the Ages

Today Christians Commemorate St. Benedict Joseph Labre, Patron Saint of the Homeless – Please Pray For Us!

Thursday, April 17th, 2025

St Bendict Joseph Labre

St. Benedict Joseph Labre (1748-1783)
Image: 365 Rosaries

(Franciscan Media) Born in France in a middle-class family, Benedict Joseph Labre was the eldest of 18 children and his parents were able to give to their children considerable opportunities in the way of education.

Benedict Joseph received his earliest education in a nearby school conducted by the Vicar of the Parish. By the age of 12, Benedict Joseph’s education was taken over by his Uncle (Francois Joseph Labre) with whom he went to live. During the next six years, he made considerable progress in his studies of Latin, History and Philosophy but found himself unable to conquer a constantly growing distaste for learning and knowledge. Benedict Joseph has a love of solitude, discipline and devotion to his religious exercises which were a distinguishable feature of his life.

At the age of 16 Benedict resolved to embrace a religious life as a Trappist (Cistercian Order of Monks established by the Abbot de Rance in 1664 and noted for an austere rule that included remaining silent for much of the time —Oxford Dictionary) however, on the advice of his Uncle Francois, he returned home to seek permission of his parents which they refused to consent so Benedict resume his visits to the Rectory, redoubling his penances and devotion, striving to make ready for his life of complete self-sacrifice to which the voice within his soul seemed to be calling him.

Following the death of his Uncle Francois during an epidemic in 1766 Benedict, dedicated himself to the service of the poor, sick and dying all the while, his absorbing thoughts were still to live a religious life–fearing however that further opposition of his parents would be resistance to the will of God.

Benedict’s petition at Val-Sainte Aldegonde was unsuccessful and he was referred to a different Monastery of the same Order at Neuville. There he was told that because he was not yet 20, there was no hurry and was encouraged to learn plaint chant and logic. During the next two years, Benedict applied twice unsuccessfully to be received at La Trappe, he was finally able to obtain admission to the ‘Cistercian Abbey of Sept-Fonts’ in 1769

After a brief stay at the ‘Cistercian Abbey of Sept-Fonts’ during which time Benedict’s exactness in religious observances and humility, endeared him to the entire community, his health deteriorated and it was decided that his vocation lay elsewhere.

During his time of convalescence he resolved that he would go to Rome and from Italy Chieri, he wrote to his parents a letter (which was the last they would receive from him) in which he informed them his intentions to enter one of the Monasteries in Italy noted for their strictness in religious life. A short time however after mailing the letter to them. Benedict appeared to have an internal illumination which set at rest further any doubts that he may have as to what his manner of living may be. Benedict realized ‘that it was God’s will that like St. Alexis he should abandon his country, his parents and whatever is flattering in the world to lead a new sort of life, a life most painful, most penitential, not in a wilderness nor in a cloister but in the midst of the world, devoutly visiting as a pilgrim the famous places of Christian devotion.’

Benedict traveled from one great shrine to another living off charity, he wore the clothes of a beggar and shared what little food he had with the poor. Filled with the love of God and his neighbor, Benedict had special devotion to the Blessed Holy Mother. While in Rome, he lived in the Colosseum for a time and was called ‘The Poor Man of the 40 Hours of Devotion’ and ‘The Beggar of Rome,’ the locals accepted his ragged appearance better than he did–his excuse to himself was that ‘our comfort is not in this world.’

Worn out by his poverty and self-denial, on the 16 April, 1783 Benedict made his way to the steps of the Church of Santa Maria dei Monti in Rome, utterly exhausted, he was carried a neighboring house where he passed away.

Following Benedict’s death, a multitude of unequivocal miracles were attributed to his intercession. The life written by his Confessor Marconi, evidenced 136 miraculous cures being certified up to 06 July, 1783 

Benedict was proclaimed Venerable in 1859 by Pope Pius IX and Canonized in 1881 by Pope Leo XIII

More here from EWTN

Today Christians Commemorate St. Bernadette Soubirous, Patron Saint of the Family and Poverty – Please Pray For Us!

Wednesday, April 16th, 2025

St Bernadette Soubirous

(Franciscan Media) Born in 1844 Bernadette was the eldest child of a very poor Mill Operator in France Lourdes. Her father Francois, was a good-natured, easy going man according to EWTN with little ability for operating a business and before many years, he forfeited the business due to debts.

During much of Bernadette’s childhood, her father worked menial jobs, picking up a days work as opportunity presented itself, from time-to-time Francois escaped his problems by turning to alcohol, something that is common to this day for some people.

Bernadette’s mother Louise and her children naturally were the ones that suffered the most as a consequence of Francois’ ineffectiveness to adequately provide for his family.

Louise was a hard worker, warm hearted neighbor and a model in her religious observances. To help feed and clothe her children, it was often necessary for Louise to go out and work by day–doing laundry for more prosperous citizens of her community and at least one occasion, she helped to harvest a crop of grain.

Bernadette was never strong as she suffered from a respiratory disease (it isn’t known whether it was asthma or tuberculosis) while her mother worked outside the home to help provide for her family, Bernadette cared for her siblings and helped in their moral and religious education.

During the Autumn of 1855 cholera struck Lourdes, Bernadette was not spared and because of her already weakened condition due to her health. A year later, the ‘Soubirous Family’ with less than a month of food in their home, sent Bernadette to live with her Auntie Bernarde to work with her.

When Bernadette returned to Lourdes, it made her very happy to be admitted to the day school conducted by the ‘Sisters of Charity’ and receive Christian instruction. At last, Bernadette began her secular education. The Nuns soon discovered that beneath the quiet and modest exterior, Bernadette had a winning personality and a sense of humor.

One very cold day when Bernadette returned home from school, her mother gave her permission to go down by the river and collect driftwood and fallen branches. Accompanied by her sister Toinette Marie and her friend Marie Abadie. Removing her stocking to cross the stream Bernadette heard a noise like a gush of wind toward the grotto, when she looked up, Bernadette saw a beautiful young lady who placed herself in a small niche in the rock, at one side of the opening and slightly above it. Bernadette starred in fascination when she saw the luminous apparition dressed in a soft white robe, golden roses gleamed on her bare feet–when the figure smiled at Bernadette, her sister and friend and beckoned them, the girls early reservations vanished and Bernadette reverently sunk to her knees and made a sign of the cross and drew her Rosary beads from her pocket that she always carried–the mysterious being also had a Rosary of large white beads and Bernadette recounted:

“The Lady let me pray alone, she passed the beads of the Rosary between her fingers but said nothing, only at the end of each decade, did she say the Gloria with me.”

When the recitation was finished, the Lady vanished into the cave and the golden mist disappeared with her–this experience affected Bernadette profoundly.

Bernadette subsequently exhibited independence. When she told her Confessor of the apparition, he made light of it think that she suffered from hallucinations. Nevertheless on the following Sunday, Bernadette asked for permission to go down to the grotto again, her father told her she may go as long as she took a flask of Holy water with her fearing that the apparition was actually a demon. Upon her arrival, Bernadette knelt down before the grotto and soon the Lady appeared as before. Bernadette sprinkled Holy water at her, the Lady smiled and bent her head, when the Rosary was finished she disappeared.

There were 18 appearances in all according to Franciscan Media the final one occurring on the ‘Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (16 July) although Bernadette, her sister Toinette Marie and their friend Marie Abadie provoked skepticism, Bernadette’s visions of ‘The Lady’ brought great crowds of the curious.

During the 13th appearance (02 March) of ‘The Lady’ Bernadette explained that she was instructed to, “Go tell the Priests to come here in procession to build a chapel here,’ at the grotto where the visions took place; During the 16th appearance (25 March) of ‘The Lady’ she revealed her name Bernadette recounted:

“She lifted up her eyes to heaven, joined her hands as though in prayer that were held out and opened towards the ground and said to me: ‘Que soy era Immaculada Concepciou.” (I am the Immaculate Conception) It was only when these word were explained to Bernadette, did she come to realize who ‘The Lady’ was.

Few visions have undergone the scrutiny that these appearance of the ‘Immaculate Conception’ were subject to. Lourdes became one of the most popular Marian shrines in the world, attracting millions of visitors. Many miracles have been reported at the Shrine and in the waters of the Spring. After thorough investigation, Church authorities confirmed the authenticity of the ‘Immaculate Conception’ in 1858

During Bernadette’s lifetime her privacy was continually invaded which she bore as patiently as she could but as her fame grew, she began to withdraw more and more.

In September 1878 Bernadette made her perpetual and final vows committing the rest of her life which was ebbing away to poverty, chastity, obedience and charity. When she was confined to a wheelchair or bed, she went on with her fine needlework and now had more time for prayer and meditation.

The Nun’s and the Superior all come to regard Sister Bernadette as the ‘Vessel of Divine Grace’ and believed in the reality of her visions of the ‘Immaculate Conception’ during her youth.

Once a visitor stopped Sister Bernadette as she was passing down a corridor and asked where she could get a glimpse of Sister Bernadette? The little Nun said, “Just watch that doorway and presently you will see her go through” and she slipped away through the door. Such was the prestige her presence gave to the Order, that many young Women now joined it.

In December 1878 Sister Bernadette illnesses worsened and she was confined to her bed in ‘The White Chapel’ as she referred to her bed with its white curtains, she passed away on this date a few months later.

Sister Bernadette Soubirous was Beatified in 1925 and Canonized in 1933 by Pope Pius XI

Related: Prayer For the Feast of St. Bernadette -Lourdes Prayer Request

Today Christians Commemorate St. Hunna, Please Pray For Us!

Tuesday, April 15th, 2025

(CNA) Known as ‘The Holy Washerwoman’ St. Hunna was a 7th century noblewoman who cared for, washed and devoted herself to the poor, she was Canonized by Pope Leo X in 1520

  • Jesus: “Do unto others
    as you would have them do to you.” –Luke 6:31

More here from Catholic Online

Related: Why Do Catholic’s Seek the Intercession of Saint’s?

How Can You Become a Saint?

Today Christians Commemorate St. Peter Gonzales, Confessor, Patron Saint of Mariners – Please Pray For Us!

Monday, April 14th, 2025

Saint Peter Gonzalez

Saint Peter Gonzales
Image Courtesy: Catholic Online

(EWTN) The best of historians place the birth of Saint Peter Gonzalez in Spain in the year 1190 where he descended from an illustrious family.

Peter’s wonderful scholastic achievement in his studies, showed him endowed with an extraordinary quickness and he embraced an ecclesiastical state, though at that time a stranger to the spirit of disengagement and humility which should essentially accompany it.

To fight against pride and self-love, Peter labored strenuously to put off the old man by abstinence, humility and becoming quickly a new man in Christ-recollected, penitent, meek and humble. The better to secure his victory over the world and himself, he entered the Austere Order of St. Dominic — Having made his vows and strengthened his soul in the spirit of humility and penance, he was ordered by his superiors to employ his talents in the ministry of the divine word to which he consecrated the rest of his life to the great advantage of innumerable souls.

Fr. Gonzales passed the best part of the night in holy meditations or in the singing of praises of God, he spent the entire day ministering to the faithful, his words always animated with a burning charity and supported by example.

After King Ferdinand III and his troops defeated the Moors at Cordoba according to Franciscan Media Fr. Gonzales was successful in restraining the soldier from pillaging and he persuaded King Ferdinand, to treat the defeated Moors humanely and with compassion.

Fr. Gonzales was passionate to minister the great truths of Christianity to the poor and peasants and he ministered at many different places. At Baiona a municipality in Spain Galicia a number of individuals wanted him to preach in the open fields, subsequently a violent storm arose with wind, thunder and lightning, his audience became very uneasy, Fr. Gonzales prevailed upon them to stay and by prayer appeased the storm. All places around them were being deluged but not a drop of rain fell upon the audience. — Spanish and Portuguese Mariners invoke his intercession in storms

In April 1246 Fr. Peter Gonzales passed away during his travels in Spain Saintiago de Compostela — Fr. Peter Gonzales was Beatified in 1254 by Pope Innocent IV and Canonized in 1741 by Pope Benedict XIV

More here from Franciscan Media