Cristy Li

Pope Saint John XXIII (1881-1963)
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(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
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(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

Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938)
Image Courtesy: Archbishop Jose Gomez

(Franciscan Media) St. Faustina name is forever linked to the annual Feast of Divine Mercy (celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter) the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Divine Mercy Prayer, recited each day at 3:00 PM by many people.

Born in what is now, West Central Poland (part of Germany before WW I) Sister Maria Faustina, worked as a housekeeper in three cities before joining the ‘Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy’ in 1925–In addition to carrying out her work faithfully serving the needs of the Sisters and the local population, she also had a deep interior life, this included receiving revelations from the Lord Jesus, messages that she recorded in her diary at the request of Christ and her Confessors.

At a time when some Catholics had an image of God as such a strict Judge that they may be tempted to despair about the possibility of being forgiven, Jesus chose to emphasize His mercy and forgiveness for sins acknowledged and confessed.

“I do not want to punish aching mankind but I desire to heal it,” Jesus told St. Faustina, “pressing it to My merciful heart.” (Diary 1588) The two rays emanating from Christ’s heart St. Fautina said, represents the ‘blood and water’ poured out after Jesus’ death. (John 19:34)

While Sister Maria Faustina knew that the revelations she had already received did not constitute holiness itself, she wrote in her diary: “Neither graces, nor revelations, nor raptures, nor gifts granted to a soul make it perfect but rather the intimate union of the soul with God. These gifts are merely ornaments of the soul but constitute neither its essence nor its perfection. My sanctity and perfection consist in the close union of my will with the will of God.” (Diary 1107)

Sister Maria Faustina died on this date in Poland Krakow of tuberculosis–she was Beatified in 1993 and Canonized in 2000 by Pope Saint John Paul II

More here from EWTN

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

Saint Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)
Image Courtesy: Catholic Online

(Franciscan Media) Born in Italy Umbria, Francis (baptismal name ‘Giovanni’) father Pietro Bernardone returned from a trip to France to find out his wife had given birth to a son. Far from being excited and overjoyed according to Catholic Online Pietro was furious because his wife had their baby baptized as ‘Giovanni’ after St. John the Baptist — The last thing that Pietro wanted in his son, was a ‘Man of God’ for he wanted a man of business, a cloth merchant like he was and especially wanted a son who would reflect his infatuation with France, so Pietro had him renamed ‘Francesco’ which was equivalent in calling him a Frenchman.

Francesco (‘Francis’) enjoyed a very rich easy life growing up because of his father’s wealth and the permissiveness of the times. From the very beginning everyone loved Francis as he was a happy go lucky young lad–when he was picky, people would excuse him, when he was ill, people cared for him. if he did poorly in school people excused him, in many ways, he was too easy to like for his own good–no one attempted to control or teach him.

As he grew up, Francis became the leader of the crowd of young people who spent their nights at wild parties–Francis himself acknowledged his misspent youthful days saying, “I lived in sin,’ during that time.

Serious illness brought young Francis to see the error in his ways with his frolicking life–prayer lengthy and difficult, led Francis to a self emptying  like that of Jesus Christ, climaxed by embracing a leper he met on the road. It symbolized his complete obedience to what he had heard in a payer:

“Francis! Everything that you have loved and desired in the flesh, it is your duty to despise and hate, if you wish to know My will and when you have begun this, all that now seems sweet and lovely to you will become intolerable and bitter but all that you used to avoid will turn itself to great sweetness and exceeding joy.”

From the Cross in the neglected field Chapel of San Damiano, Christ told Francis: “Go out and build up My House, for it is nearly falling down.” Francis would become the totally poor and humble workman. Francis must have suspected a deeper meaning to ‘build My House’ but he would have been content to be the rest of his life the ‘poor nothing man’ actually putting brick-on-brick on abandoned Chapels.

Francis gave up all of his possessions, piling even his clothes before his father Pietro (who was demanding restitution for Francis’ gifts to the poor–so that he would be totally free to say: “Our Father in Heaven.” Francis was for a time considered to be a religious fanatic, begging from door-to-door to get money for his work, evoking sadness and disgust in the hearts of his (now) former friends and ridicule from the thoughtless but genuineness will tell.

A few people began to realize that Francis was actually trying to live a Christian life. He really believed what Jesus said about proclaiming the Kingdom of God, ‘Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money–not even an extra tunic.’ —Luke 9:2-3

Francis’ first rule for his followers was a collection of texts from the Gospels. He had no idea of founding an Order but once it began, he protected it and accepted all the legal structures needed to support it. Francis’ devotion and loyalty to the Church were absolute and highly exemplary at a time when various movements of reform tended to break the Church’s unity. Francis was torn between a life devoted entirely to prayer and a life of active preaching the Good News, he decided in favor of the latter but always returned to solitude whenever he could.

During the last years of Francis’ relatively short life (he passed away at the age of 44) he was half-blind and seriously ill. Two years prior to his death, Francis received the ‘Stigmata’, the real and painful wounds of Christ in his hands, feet and side.

Francis passed away on this date in Italy Portiuncula and was Canonized in 1228 by Pope Gregory IX

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