Cristy Li

St. Stephen of Hungary (975-1038)
Image Courtesy: St. Paul Street Evangelization

Before St. Stephen was born, his mother the Duchess Sarolt had a vision of the original St. Stephen the First Martyr (Feast Day: 26 December) of the Church, he told her that she would have a son and that he would evangelize the land.

Duchess Sarlot and her husband, Duke Geza converted and were baptized by St. Adalbert of Prague (Feast Day: 22 April) he also baptized their son.

Stephen shared his father’s desire to bring Catholicism to Hungary and when he came to power, he built a Monastery and launched massive conversion efforts. Pope Sylvester II proclaimed him King and Stephen devoted himself to the poor and sick. Stephen built many Churches dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, established a Monastery in Jerusalem and spread the faith everywhere he could.

Stephen’s only living son St. Emeric (Feast Day: 05 November) was a strong Catholic and was expected to succeed him but he died in a hunting accident in 1031 — St. Stephen passed away in Hungary on this date in 1038, he was buried next to his son and they were both Canonized in 1083

More here from Franciscan Media

Related: Apostolic Letter of Pope John Paul II to the People of Hungary

Assumption of the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Image: Archbishop Jose Gomez

On the 01 November, 1950 in the Apostolic Constitution Pope Pius XII proclaimed according to EWTN the ‘Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary’ a dogma of faith in these words:

“The Immaculate Mother of God, the ever-Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heaven.”

We find Homilies on the ‘Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary’ going back to the 6th century–In following centuries, the Eastern Churches held steadily to the doctrine but some authors in the West were hesitant, however by the 13th century there was universal agreement. The Feast was celebrated under various names (Commemoration; Dormition; Passing and Assumption) from at least the 5th or the 6th century. Today it is celebrated as (serious; dignified) a Solemnity.

Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s Assumption into heaven, nevertheless Revelation 12 speaks of a Woman who is caught up in the battle between good and evil. Many see this Woman as God’s people. Since Mary best embodies the people of both the Old & New Testament, her Assumption can be seen as an exemplification of the Woman’s victory.

Furthermore, in 1st Corinthians 15:20 Paul speaks of Christ’s resurrection as the First Fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Since the Blessed Virgin Mary, is closely associated with all of the mysteries of Jesus’ life, it is not surprising that the Holy Spirit has led the Church to belief in Mary’s share in His glorification. So close was Mary to Jesus on earth, she must be with Him body and soul in heaven.

Related: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Vigil –USCCB

St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe (1894-1941)
Image Courtesy: Archbishop Jose Gomez

(EWTN) Born in Pabiance (Soviet occupied) Poland and baptized ‘Raymond’ in the local Parish Church, he joined the ‘Order of Friars Minor Conventual’ at Lvov (then Poland) where he took the name ‘Maximilian’ and subsequent to completing his preliminary studies, he was sent to the ‘International Seraphic College’ in Rome to pursue doctorates in Philosophy and Theology.

In 1917 on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the conversion of Alphonse Ratisbonne a renowned anti-Catholic and agnostic who later became a Jesuit Catholic Priest, Maximilian was moved by divine grace to found a devout religious association of the faithful known as the Militia of the Immaculate which ‘encourages total consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a means of spiritual renewal for individuals and society.’

Ordained a Priest in 1918 Fr. Maximilian Kolbe, returned to Poland to teach Church history in Krakow, where he would organize the first group of the Militia of the Immaculate outside of Italy. Due to ill health, Fr. Maximilian Kolbe was free to devote his time exclusively to the promotion of the ‘Militia’ and subsequently organizing the ‘Knight of the Immaculate’ a monthly Roman Catholic magazine, promoting the knowledge, love and service of the Immaculate Virgin, in the conversion of all souls to Christ Our Lord.

The phenomenal growth of this Apostolate led to the foundation the Monastery of the Immaculate Niepokalanow in December, 1927 to promote through mass media, Fr. Maximilian Kolbe’s mission to ‘win the world for the Immaculate’ and minister the ‘Good News’ to all according to Franciscan Media later founding one in Japan–Both the ‘Militia’ and the periodical ultimately reached the one-million mark in members and subscribers–Fr. Maximilian Kolbe’s love of God was daily filtered through his devotion to Mary.

After the invasion of Poland by the Nazi’s in 1939 the ‘Monastery of the Immaculate Niepokalanow’ which then housed more than 900 Friars was bombed and ransacked, Fr. Maximilian Kolbe together with about 40 Friars were taken to holding camps, first in Germany and later Poland, then released in less than 3 months on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and permitted to return home.

During WW II the Friars turned to caring for about 5,000 Jewish refugees as well as providing a repair shop for farming machinery within the area.

In February 1941 the Gastepo returned to ‘Niepokalanow’ and rearrested Fr. Maximilian Kolbe–the Nazi’s purpose this time was to ‘liquidate’ undesirables. Fr. Maximilian was first taken to Pawiak Prison Camp in Poland Warsaw and subsequently transferred to Auschwitz.

Over the entrance of the concentration camp gate was a sign in German: “Arbeit Macht Frei” (‘Work Makes Free’) in reality upon entering the Prisoners were told that all Jews had the right to live only two weeks, Roman Catholic Priests, 1 month.

At Auschwitz, thousands of Catholic Priests were murdered according to Yad Vashem together with Nun’s such as Saint Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein: Feast Day 09 August) and multitudes of undesirable Lay Catholics. The objective of Hitler in his hatred of Jesus Christ, was both to remove all witnesses to the truth of the original revelation of the God of Israel, as well as all who came to believe in Him in His Incarnation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Fr. Maximilian Kolbe’s  response to the vicious hatred and brutality of the savage Nazi prison guards was ever obedient, meek and forgiving–he gave counsel to all his fellow prisoners:

“Trust in the Immaculate — Forgive! Love your enemies and pray for your persecutors.” Fr. Maximilian Kolbe was noted for his generosity, in surrendering his food, despite the ravages of starvation that he suffered and always going to the end of the line of the Infirmary, despite the acute tuberculosis that afflicted him.

In August 1941 a prisoner successfully escaped from the same section that Fr. Maximilian Kolbe was imprisoned. In reprisal, Auschwitz’s Commandant  ordered death by starvation for 10 men chosen at random from the same section.

One of the condemned Sgt. Franciszek Gajowniczek shouted out lamenting that he would never see his wife and children again. In his place, Fr. Maximilian Kolbe who had been standing all night long during the selection of the condemned mercifully stepped forward, offering his own life in exchange for this man. — Ten days later, having led the other 9 in prayers and hymns, Fr. Maximilian Kolbe was given a lethal injection of carbolic acid and died.

Fr. Maximilian Kolbe was Beatified in 1973 by Pope Paul VI and Canonized in 1982 as a ‘Martyr of Charity’ by Pope Saint John Paul II

Related: Homily Pope John Paul II at Brzezinka Concentration Camp

Pope Saint Pontian & Saint Hippolytus
Image Courtesy: Fr. Brad Sweet@Twitter

Two men were martyred for their faith after exhaustion and brutal treatment…

Pope Saint Pontian: Born in Italy Rome, was chosen as the 18th Pope (230-235) During his reign he held a synod which confirmed the excommunication of the great theologian Origen in Alexandria.

In 235 Pope Pontian was banished to exile to work in the mines on the unhealthy island of Sardinia by the Roman Emperor, he subsequently abdicated the Papacy so that a successor could be elected in Rome–Pontian would subsequently die of harsh treatment.

Saint Hippolytus: Third century imperial Roman soldier according to SQPN assigned to guard Christian prisoners, he was subsequently converted by them and became a Priest — Censured in later years by the Pope for not coming down hard enough on certain heresy, was labeled a tool in the hands of one Callistus coming close to advocating the opposite heresy himself.

When Callistus I was elected Pope, Hippolytus accused him of being too lenient on Penitents and had himself elected as Antipope by a group of followers–he felt the Church must be composed of pure souls uncompromisingly separated from the world. Hippolytus remained in schism through the reigns of three Pope’s.

In 235 he would also be banished to the unhealthy island of Sardinia — Shortly before or after his banishment he was reconciled to the Church. Hippolytus died according to SQPN by being dragged or torn apart by horses while in exile.

Related: For Today’s Holy Scripture Readings for the Memorial of Pope St. Pontian and St. Hippolytus -USCCB

St. Jane Frances de Chantal  (1562-1641) –
Image Courtesy: Fr. Robert Barron

(Franciscan Media) Born in France Dijon, Jane Frances was a wife, mother, Nun and co-founder of The Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary (now Sisters of the Visitation of Holy Mary) in 1610 in France (Savoy) Annecy,  “To give to God daughters of prayer and souls so interior that they may be found worthy to serve His infinite Majesty and to adore Him in spirit and in truth.” –St. Francis de Sales

Jane Frances’ mother passed away when Jane was just 18 mo old, her father head of the French Parliament became the main influence on her education. — Over the years, Jane developed into a beautiful young Woman of refinement, lively and cheerful in temperament that by the age of 21 she married Baron de Chantel, with who she had six children (three of which died in infancy) at the castle at Bourbilly where they lived, Jane restored order to the household according to EWTN which was on the brink of ruin, bringing back prosperity.

During Baron de Chantel’s absence at the Court or with the Army, when reproached for her extremely sober manner of dress, Jane replied: “The eyes  which I must please are a hundred miles from here.” Jane found more than once that God blessed with miracles the care that she gave the suffering member of Christ.

Baron de Chantel was accidentally killed by an arquebus (an early type portable gun supported on a tripod) in 1601 — Left widowed at just 28 with 4 children, the broken-hearted baroness took a vow of chastity. In all of her prayers, she sought God to send her a guide. Subsequently God in a vision showed her the spiritual director He held in reserve for her. In order to safe guard her children’s property, she was obliged to go live at Monthelon, in the home of her father-in-law who was ruled over by an arrogant and wicked servant. This was real servitude which she bore patiently and gently for 7 years when at last, her virtue triumphed over the ill will of the old man and house keeper.

During Lent 1604 Jane visited her father at Dijon, where Francis de Sales (Feast Day: 24 January) was preaching at the Sainte Chappelle, she immediately recognized him as the mysterious director which had been shown to her in a vision–then began an admirable correspondence between the two future Saints.

Jane told Franci’s of her desire to become a Nun but he however persuaded her to defer her decision–Subsequently after three years, he told Jane of his plan to found an institute of Women, which would be a haven for those whose health, age or other considerations barred them from entering the already established communities. There would be no cloister (seclusion from the world) and they would be free to undertake spiritual and corporal works of mercy. They were primarily intended to exemplify the ‘Virtues of Mary at the Visitation’ (hence the name Visitation of Holy Mary) humility and meekness.

The usual opposition of Women in active ministry arose and Frances de Sales was obliged to make it a cloistered community following the Rule of St. Augustine — Francis wrote his famous Treatise on the Love of God for them.

The congregation (three Women) began when Jane Frances was now age 45 she underwent great sufferings: Francis de Sales died in 1622; her son was killed; a plague ravaged France; her daughter-in-law and a son-in-law died; Jane encouraged the local authorities to make great efforts for the victims of the plague and she would put all of her Convent’s resources at the disposal for the sick.

During a part of Jane Frances’ religious life, she underwent great trial of the spirit–interior anguish, darkness and spiritual dryness. Jane passed away while on a visitation of Convents of the community in France Moulins.

Jane Frances was Beatified in 1751 by Pope Benedict XIV and Canonized in 1767 by Pope Clement XIII

Related: For Today’s Most Holy Scripture for the Memorial of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Visit: -USCCB

St. Clare of Assisi (1194-1253)
Image Courtesy: Archbishop Jose Gomez

(CNA) Born in Italy Assisi into a noble family, Clare’s mother received a sign before her birth that Clare would be a bright light of God in the world. As a child, Clare was already very strongly drawn to the things of God, praying fervently, devoutly visiting the Blessed Sacrament and manifesting a tender love towards the poor.

When Clare was 18 yrs of age she heard St. Francis (Feast Day: 04 October) preaching in the town square during Lent and she knew at once that God wanted her to consecrate herself to Him. The next evening Clare left her house at night and ran to meet St. Francis and his Companions at the Church they were staying in and shared her desire to follow him in his way of life.

St. Francis received her, gave her his tunic, cut off her golden locks and sent her to a Benedictine Convent because she could not stay with the Brothers. Clare’s younger sister St. Agnes soon joined her and the two young Women had to resist much pressure from their family to return home.

When Clare was 22 yrs old , St. Francis placed her in a small house beside the Convent and made her Superior, a post she would serve for the rest of her life.

The Poor Clare Sisters as they would became known, lived an unusually austere life for Women of their time, walking barefoot around town, wearing sackcloth, seeking alms (donations/charity) and living without any possessions, completely dependent on others for food of what was given to them but the emphasis of their lives was and still is–contemplation.

Many young noble Women left all they had to take on the Poor Habit of Clare and the Order grew rapidly with houses being founded all over Italy, all of them took Clare as their model and inspiration.

Clare’s reputation for holiness was such that the Pope came to her deathbed in 1253 to give her absolution and wanted to Canonize her immediately upon her death but was advised by the Cardinal’s to wait.

In absolute tranquility Clare would draw her last breathe on this date in 1253 saying to one of her bothers just before she passed: “Dear brother, ever since through His servant Francis, I have known the Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, I have never in my whole life found any pain or sickness that could trouble me.”

Clare was Canonized just two years subsequent to her death by Pope Alexander IV

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Saint Lawrence Distributing Alms –Image: Pinterest

(Vatican) Lawrence is believed to have been born in Spain at Osca, a town near Aragon near the foot of the Pyrenees. As a youth, he was sent to Saragonza to complete his secular and theological studies, it was here that Lawrence first encountered the future Pope Sixtus II a teacher in what was then one of the most renowned centers of academic learning–the future Pope was one of the most famous and esteemed teachers.

Lawrence who would become the head of the Deacons of the Roman Church was remarkable for his human qualities, his subtlety of the mind and for his intelligence. Between Master and Disciple a communion of life and friendship grew. With the passage of time, love for Rome, the center of Christianity and seat of the Vicar of Christ, was consolidated and grew stronger in both.

Eventually following a migratory wave which was then very pronounced, both left Spain for the city where the Apostle Peter had established his See and given supreme witness. Thus Master and Disciple were able to realize their ideal of evangelism  and missionary activity to the point of shedding their blood in Rome, the heart of Christianity.

Sixtus was raised to the Chair of St. Peter and began a Pontificate which would last for less than a year. — Without hesitation, he desired to have Lawrence his friend and Disciple at his side so as to entrust to him the important Office of Proto-Deacon. Both sealed their life of communion and friendship by dying at the hands of the same persecutor a few days apart from each other.

St. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage preserves an account of the death of Pope Saint Sixtus  in one of his letters. Commenting on the situation of great uncertainty and unease in which the Church found herself because of increasing hostility towards Christians he notes:

“The Emperor Valerian has consigned to the Senate a decree by which he has determined that all Bishops, Priests and Deacons will be immediately be put to death.” Saint Cyprian then continued, “I communicate to you that Sixtus suffered martyrdom on the 6th August together with four Deacons while they were in a cemetery. The Roman authorities have established a norm according to which all Christians who have been denounced must be executed and their goods confiscated by the Imperial treasury.” (CSEL 3, 839-840)

Following Pope Sixtus martyrdom, Lawrence became the principal authority of the Roman Church having been the Church’s treasurer. When he was summoned before the executioners he was Ordered to bring all of the wealth of the Church with him. Lawrence showed up with a handful of crippled, poor and sick men and when questioned replied that, “These are the treasure of the Church.”

Lawrence was immediately then martyred for Jesus Christ by being burned to death this date in 258 on a gridiron.

More here from Franciscan Media and here from EWTN

Saint Cajetan (1480-1547)
Image Courtesy: Catholic Online

(EWTN) Born in Italy Vicenza, Cajetan family were of Venetian nobility and under the care of his deeply religious mother he was a studious and exemplary youth. As a young man, he studied law in Padua according to SQPN earning his law degree by the age of 24 becoming a Prothonotary Apostolic in the Court of Julius II, taking an important share in reconciling the Republic of Venice with the Pope.

Upon the death of Julius II in 1513, Cajetan withdrew from the Court and is credited with the founding shortly thereafter the Theatine Order to foster the Church mission, together with reviving the spirit and zeal of the Clergy in Rome, which spread to other communities. Though remarkable because of Cajetan love of God, he didn’t enter the Priesthood himself  until 1516

Recalled to Vicenza in the following year due to the death of his beloved mother, he subsequently founded there a hospital for the terminally ill, thus giving proof of the active charity that filled his life. — Fr. Cajetan passion was however more moved by spiritual diseases that plagued mankind and infected the Clergy of all ranks and like Saint Augustine (Feast Day: 27 May) in earlier times, he was diligent to help reform them by instituting a body of regular Clergy who should combine the spirit of monasticism with the exercises of the active ministry.

Returning to Rome in 1523 Fr. Cajetan laid the foundations of his new congregation which was Canonically erected by Pope Clement VII in 1524 — One of Fr. Cajetan four companions was Giovanni Pietro Caraffa, Bishop of Chieti — later Pope Paul VI — They managed to escape to Venice after their house in Rome was wrecked when Emperor Charles V’s troops sacked Rome in 1527 The Theatines were outstanding among the Catholic reform movements that took shape before the Protestant Reformation.

Fr. Cajetan likewise founded a ‘Monte de Pieta’ (a bank to help the poor and offer an alternative to Loan Sharks) in Naples, one of the many charitable, non-profit credit organizations that loaned money on the security of pawned objects, which later became the Bank of Naples.

In 1547 Fr. Cajetan passed away in Naples — In 1629 he was Beatified by Pope Urban VIII and Canonized in 1671 by Pope Clement X

More here from Franciscan Media

Related: For Today’s Bible Readings for the Memorial of St. Cajetan, Visit: -USCCB