Cristy Li

St. Frumentius –Image: St. Paul Street Evangelization

(CNA) St. Frumentius helped in a great capacity to bring Christianity to Ethiopia — Born in Lebanon, he was shipwrecked in East Africa while voyaging on the Red Sea, only he and his brother Saint Aedeius survived.

They were subsequently taken to the King at Ethiopia and became members of the Court, when the King passed away, the two brothers stayed on as part of the Queen’s Royal Court — She permitted the two brothers to introduce Christianity to the country, as well as opening up trade between Ethiopia and the West.

Frumentius convinced St. Athanasius (Feast Day: 02 May) to send Missionaries from Alexandria — Frumentius was later consecrated as the Bishop of Ethiopia. During his lifetime, he helped to convert many people to Christianity before his death in 380

Blessed Bartholomew of Vicenza

(Franciscan Media) Dominicans honor one of their own today. — Blessed Bartholomew of Vicenza was born in 1200 in Italy, at the age of 20 he entered the Dominicans, following his Ordination into the Priesthood, he would go on to serve in several leadership positions. — As a young Priest, he founded a military Order whose purpose was to keep civil peace in towns throughout Italy.

In 1248 Fr. Bartholomew was appointed a Bishop, for most men, this appointment would be an honor, a tribute to their holiness and their demonstrated leadership skills but for the new Bishop Bartholomew, it was a form of exile that had been urged by an anti-papal group that was only too happy to see him leave Cyprus. — Not many years later however, Bishop Bartholomew was transferred back to Vicenza. Despite the anti-papal feelings that were still evident, Bishop Bartholomew worked diligently, especially through his preaching, to rebuild his Diocese and strengthen the people’s loyalty to Rome.

During his years in Cyprus, Bishop Bartholomew befriended King Louis IX of France, it is said he gave the Holy Bishop Bartholomew a relic of Christ’s Crown of Thorns.

Bishop Bartholomew passed away in 1270 he was Beatified in 1793 by Pope Pius VI

St Peter of Alcantara (1499-1562)
Image Courtesy: Pinterest

(EWTN) Born in Spain Alcantara, Peter’s father was born in a noble family with his father Governor and his mother was of the noble family of Sanbia.

Following a course of Grammar and Philosophy in his native community, Peter was sent at the age of 14 to the University of Salamanca — Returning home two years later, Peter would become a Franciscan in the Convent of the ‘Stricter Observance of Manxaretes’ at the age of 22 he was sent to found a new community of the ‘Stricter Observance’ at Badjoz — In 1524 Peter was Ordained a Priest and the following year, made Guardian of the Convent of ‘St Mary of the Angels’ at Robredillo.

Fr. Peter within a few years began preaching with much success, he preferred ministering to the poor; Fr, Peter’s sermons taken largely from the Prophets and Sapiential Books/Writings (Wisdom) breathe the tenderest human sympathy.

Despite Fr. Peter’s success as a minister, still he was not above washing dishes and chopping firewood according to Franciscan Media he did not seek attention, indeed he preferred solitude and prayer — It is said, that he only 90 minutes each night. Fr. Peter’s penitential side was also evident when it came to food and clothing, while others spoke of Church reform, Fr. Peter’s ‘reform’ began with himself, his patience was so great that a Proverb arose regarding Fr. Peter:

“To bear such an insult one must have the patience of Peter of Alcantara.”

In 1544, Fr. Peter received permission to form a group of Franciscans that followed the Rule of St. Francis with even greater rigor. These Friars became known as the ‘Alcantarines’ — Some of the Spanish Friars who went to North & South American during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries were members of this order. By the end of the 19th century the ‘Alcantarines’ were joined by other observant Friars to form the Order of the Friars Minor.

Fr. Peter passed away at the age of 63 in Spain and was Beatified in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV and Canonized in 1669 by Pope Clement IX

St. Anthony Mary Claret (1807-1870)
Image Courtesy: Catholic Online

(CNA) Born in Spain Catalonia at Salent in the Diocese of Vich, Anthony was trained for manual labor since his father was a weaver according to EWTN but in 1829 Anthony entered the Seminary at Vich and Ordained into the Priesthood in 1835 and was subsequently assigned as a pastor in his home parish and for 10 yrs worked there.

In 1849 Fr. Anthony gathered together 5 other Priests and formed the basis of the ‘Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary’ –popularly known as ‘The Claretians’ subsequently at the suggestion of the Queen of Spain Isabella II, Fr. Anthony was named Archbishop of Cuba Santiago in 1850 successfully reforming the Clergy and Laity, preaching against Slavery and regularized numerous marriages.

As a result of Archbishop Claret’s activities, he would often receive death threats and on one occasion, an attempt was actually made on his life.

In 1857 Archbishop Claret was recalled back to Spain as Confessor to the Queen00in this position, he was able to exert some influence in the naming of Bishop’s together with establishing a ‘Center for Ecclesiastical Studies’ at the Escorial (Monastery in Central Spain) and worked towards the recognition of religious orders in Spain.

In 1869 while in Rome preparing for the ‘First Vatican Council’ Archbishop Claret followed Queen Isabella II into exile and at the insistence of the Spanish Ambassador, Archbishop Claret was placed under house-arrest in the Cistercian Monastery in France, where he would subsequently breathe his last on this date in 1870

Archbishop Claret was Beatified in 1934 by Pope Pius XI and Canonized in 1950 by Pope Pius XII

More here from Franciscan Media

Related: For Today’s Holy Scripture Readings for the Memorial of St. Anthony Mary Claret, Visit: -USCCB

St. John of Capistrano (1386-1456)
Image Courtesy: St Paul Street Evangelization

(Franciscan Media) Its been said that Saint’s are the worlds greatest optimists. Not blind to the existence and consequence of evil, they based their confidence on the power of Christ’s redemption. The power of conversion through Christ, extends not only to sinful persons but also to calamitous events.

Imagine being born in the 14th century, one third of the population and nearly 40% of the Clergy were wiped out by the bubonic plague. The Western schism split of the Church with 2 or 3 claimants to the Holy See at one time. — England and France were at war, Italy’s cities in conflict, its not a wonder that ‘doom and gloom’ dominated the spirits of people living during this period.

John Capistrano born in Italy Capistrano, was the son of a German Knight according to SQPN and he would bury his father while he was still quite young.  As a young man, John studied at the University of Prague and later worked as an Attorney in Naples, becoming a reforming Governor in Italy Perugia under King Landislas. When war broke out between Perugia and the ‘House of Malatesta’ in 1416 John attempted to broker a peace treaty but when the opponents ignored the truce, John was taken as a prisoner-of-war.

During John’s imprisonment, he made a decision to change vocations. He had married just before the war but his marriage was never consummated and with his bride’s consent, his marriage was subsequently annulled.

At the age of 30 John joined the Franciscans at Perugia and was Ordained a Priest, 4 years later.

Fr. John’s ministry attracted great throngs during a time of religious apathy and confusion–Subsequently he together with 12 Franciscan Brethren were received warmly, instrumental in reviving Christianity throughout Italy, Germany, Bohemia, Austria, Hungary, Poland and Russia together with establishing communities of Franciscans.

The Franciscan Order during this same period was in turmoil concerning the interpretation and observance of the Rule of Saint Francis — Through Fr. John’s tireless efforts and his expertise in law, the heretical Fraticelli were suppressed and the ‘Spirituals’ were freed from interference in their stricter observance.

When the Muslims of Turkey captured Constantinople in 1453 Fr. John, was commissioned by Pope Callistus II to preach at a crusade in defense of Europe. Gaining little response in Bavaria and Austria, Fr. John decided to concentrate his efforts in Hungary, leading an Army of 70,000 Christian Soldiers according to SQPN to Belgrade under the great General John Hunyadi there they gained and overwhelming victory and the siege of Belgrade was lifted.

Worn out by his years of indefatigable work, Fr. John became easy prey to infection and illness subsequent to the battle to free Europe from the Muslims and he passed away on this date in 1456 at Hungary Villach.

Fr. John of Capistrano was Beatified in 1650 by Pope Innocent X and was Canonized in 1690 by Pope Alexander VIII

Related: For Today’s Most Holy Scripture Readings on the Memorial of St. John of Capistrano, Visit: -USCCB

Saint Mary Salome, Zebedee with their sons Saint James the Greater and Saint John the Apostle Image/Artwork:–Mutual Art.com

(EWTN) One of the Holy Women present at the Crucifixion of Christ and who visited His tomb on the morning of the Resurrection.

See: Mark 15:40 and Mark 16:1

In Mark 15:40 we read: “There were also Women looking on from a distance, among them were Mary Magdalene and Mary the Mother of James the Younger (also referred as James the Less) and of Joses (also referred to as Joseph) and Salome.”

The parallel passage of Matthew 27:56 reads: “Among them were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.”

Comparison of the two gives a well grounded probability that the Salome of the former is identical with the mother of the sons of Zebedee, in the latter, who is mentioned also in Matthew 20:20 in connection with the petition (favor) of her sons.

Beyond these references in the Gospel narrative and what may be inferred from them nothing is known of Salome, though some scholars conjecture more or less plausibly that she is the sister of the Blessed Virgin Mary mentioned in John 19:25

Related: Feast of St. Mary Salome –Catholic News Agency

Alternative Feast Day: Pope Saint John Paul II –Franciscan Media

Saint Hilarion (291-371)
Image Courtesy: SQPN

(EWTN) Born in Israel, (*) Hilarion’s parents were idolaters, he was sent to Egypt Alexandra to study grammar when he was still quite young, due to his good nature, he was exceedingly beloved by all that knew him and people were naturally attracted to him throughout his life.

Following his conversion to Christianity according to Franciscan Media Hilarion spent two months with St. Anthony of Egypt (251-356 — Feast Day: 17 January) who spent much of his life in solitude and prayer in the desert. Moved by St. Anthony’s example of virtue, his manner of life, fervent prayer and humility in receiving Brethren.

Hilarion would travel back to his home together with some Monks, upon his arrival according to EWTN — Hilarion, now just 15 yrs of age, would find that his parents had passed, he then would give away all of his possessions, some to his Christian Brethren and the rest to the poor reserving nothing for himself. — Returning to a life of solitude and prayer, Hilarion retired into the desert about 7 miles from Egypt Majuma.

At the beginning of this period, certain bandits who hid in the desert would encounter Hilarion and inquired of him, what if thieves and assassins came to him? Hilarion responded: “The poor and the naked fear no thieves.”

They replied, ‘They may kill you.”

Hilarion replied: “It is true and for this very reason, I am not afraid of them because it is my endeavor to be always prepared for death.”

After spending some 20 yrs in the desert, Hilarion would perform his first miracle:

A certain married Woman of Eleutheropolis (a Roman City in Israel about 30 miles SW of Jerusalem) who was the scorn of her husband for being unable to conceive children, sought out Hilarion and prevailed upon him to pray that God would bless her with a child. Before the end of that year, she conceived a son.

A second miracle, much enhanced Hilarion’s reputation. Elpidius who was subsequently perfect of the ‘praetorium’ and his wife Aristeneta, returning from a visit of they had with St. Anthony, to receive his blessings and instructions arrived into Israel with their three children that had fallen sick — with their fever proving worse than than the power of medicines, their mother Aristeneta distraught sought out Hilarion. Upon his invoking the ‘Holy Name of Jesus’ by the children’s bedside, the children fell into a violent sweat by which they were refreshed and able to eat, to know their mother and kissed Hilarion’s hand.

Upon the report of this miracle, many people flocked to Hilarion, among other miraculous cures, several persons possessed by demons were delivered.  As Hilarion’s fame grew, a small group of disciples wanted to follow him. — In time, Hilarion began a series of journeys searching for a place where he could live away from the world, he would later settle in Cyprus, living until the age of 80

Saint Hilarion is celebrated as the founder of ‘Monasticism’ a religious way of life in which one renounces worldly pleasures to devote oneself entirely to a spiritual life.

(*) EWTN reports that St. Hilarion was from Gaza, — I disagree with their historical interpretation of the reference to a geographical location called ‘Palestine’ given its common/ordinary usage today, based upon scholarly and Biblical authority.

For a more detailed analysis see here ‘A Brief Historical Review of the Gaza Jewish Community’ –The Jewish Magazine, 2013

St. Paul of the Cross (1694-1775)
Image Courtesy: St. Paul Street Evangelization

(FranciscanMedia) Born in Italy, Paul was the son of a merchant according to SQPN and a religious devout youth, living at a time (similar to today) that many regarded Jesus as a good moral teacher but not much more.

After a brief time as a Soldier, Paul returned to solitude and prayer, developing a devotion to Christ’s passion. Paul saw in Jesus’ passion a demonstration of God’s love for all people. In turn that devotion nurtured his compassion and supported a preaching ministry that touched the hearts of many listeners. — Paul became known as one of the most popular Ministers of his day, both for his words and his generous acts of mercy.

Paul founded the ‘Congregation of the Discalced Clerks of the Most Holy Cross and Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ’ whose members combined devotion to Christ’s passion with ministry to the poor and rigorous penances. — Known as the ‘Passionists’ they added a 4th vow to the traditional 3 of poverty, chastity and obedience to include, spreading the memory of Christ’s passion among the faithful. — In 1747 Paul was elected ‘Superior General’ of the congregation, spending the remainder of his life in Rome.

In the month of October, 1775 Paul died and was Beatified in 1852 and Canonized in 1867 by Blessed Pope Pius IX

Over 2000 of St. Paul of the Cross letters and several of his short writings have survived and are available here courtesy of the ‘Passionate Nuns’ and here and at Amazon.com

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

St Issac Jogues (1607-1646) and Companions (1593-1649)
Image Courtesy: St. Paul Street Evangelization

(EWTN) The labors of the Jesuit and Franciscan Missionaries in the New World (North America) form an important chapter of the Church and the Western Hemisphere.

These Missionaries were for the most part men of culture and learning, carefully chosen and rigorously trained. Many of them gave up important careers in the Church to endure the dangers and hardship of the wilderness. In New France, as Canada was called then, this is where Jesuit Isaac Jogues spent his Missionaries years. Their lot was hardship, disease, solitude and not uncommon torture and/or violent death.

The perils of forest and trail, the intense cold, miserable food and pest infested huts of the Indians, changed them after a few years into haggard old men, yet their spirits remained undaunted, strengthened as they were by a resolute faith. — What the American Historian Francis Parkman in his book ‘The Jesuits in North America’ (available at Amazon.com) he wrote of Fr. John de Brebeuf, Jesuit leader in Canada, applies most equally to the other members of this noble band:

“His was the ancient faith uncurtailed, redeemed from the decay of centuries, kindled with new life and stimulated to be preternatural and fruitfulness.”

The pioneer French Explorers Cartier and Champlain, were men of devotion, eager to have the aid of the religious orders in opening up the new continent and both Jesuits and Franciscans were encouraged to establish Catholicism in Canada–Jesuits led the way there, while Franciscans and Dominicans became active in the SW United States and in South America.

Early in the 17th century, the Jesuits began to arrive in Quebec and quickly pushed on into the interior to be engulfed by the forest or to be taken prisoner by the Indians to be treated as Slaves or objects of barter, yet at times they were met with heartening response. Among the more notable of these men were: Fr. Brebeuf; Daniel; Masse; Lalemant; Chabanel; Ragueneau; Garnier; Fr. Jorgues and Le Jeune.

It was Le Jeune a Huguenot (a French Protestant) in his earlier days, that conceived the plan for keeping his Superiors of the ‘Society of Jesus’ as well as the European Laity informed of the great undertaking by the careful compilation of Missionaries letters which described in detail their experiences and impressions.

Every Summer for a period of 40 years these reports were dispatched back to Paris, where they were published serially under the title:

‘Jesuit Relations’ (1610-1791) — They form an historical chronicle of the highest value and it is to them that we are mainly indebted for our knowledge of Fr. Jogues.

Fr. Isaac Jogues joined the Jesuits at France Rouen in 1624 according to SQPN teaching literature. Fr. Jogues became a Missionary to New France (now Canada) in 1636 starting in Quebec, he worked with the Hurons and Petuns (native Americans) in the area around the Great Lakes.

This was a rough assignment for Fr. Jogues, not only were the living conditions harsh but the local Indians blamed the ‘Blackrobes’ for any disease, sickness, bad luck or any of their problems that occurred.

In August 1642, Fr. Jogues was captured by the Mohawk Indians, enslaved, tortured and mutilated for 13 months. While there, he continued to minister Christianity to any one that would listen. With the help of local Dutch Settlers, he was finally able to escape his captivity and returned to France to recover. — In 1644, Fr. Jogues would return to New France, to continue his work with the Indians and negotiated a peace-treaty with the Iroquois.

St. Jogues, St. Brebeuf and several Lay Missionaries were subsequently blamed for ‘Christian Sorcery’ by the Indians because of an epidemic of crop failures and were martyred for Christ in October in 1646 at Ossernenon, what would later become part of New York State. — In 1925 St. Jogues was Beatified and was Canonized in 1930 by Pope Pius XI

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St. Luke the Evangelist & Apostle
Image Courtesy: St. Paul Street Evangelization

(Franciscan Media) St. Luke wrote one of the three major portions of the New Testament a two volume work composing the third Gospel (probably written around AD 70 and 85) and Acts of the Apostles. In the two books he shows the parallel between the Life of Christ and that of the Church.

St. Luke is the only non-Jewish Christian among the Gospel writers. Tradition holds him to be from Antioch of Syria — St. Paul (Feast Day: 29th June) refers to him as “the beloved physician,” — See: Colossians 4:14

During St. Paul’s second missionary journey (*) See: Acts 15:36 – 18:22 St. Luke remains at Philippi for several years until St. Paul returns from his third mission journey (*) See: Acts 18:23 – 21:26 and accompanies St. Paul to Jerusalem, remaining near him when he’s imprisoned at Caesarea. During these two years, St. Luke had an opportunity to seek information and interview persons who had known Jesus. St. Luke accompanied St. Paul on the dangerous journey to Rome where he was a faithful companion: “Only Luke is with me,” –2 Timothy 4:11 St. Paul writes.

More here and here from EWTN

See Commentary: (*) Apocryphal Acts of St Paul -Catholic Encyclopedia

St. Luke: “Authenticity of the Gospel” –Catholic Encyclopedia