Cristy Li

St. Martin of Tours (316-397)
Image Courtesy: St. Paul Street Evangelization

(EWTN) Saint Martin called ‘The Glory of Gaul’ was born in Hungary Savaria to Pagan parents. Martin’s father was an Officer in the Roman Army who had risen up through the ranks. While Martin was still a child, his father was transferred to a new duty station in Italy Pavia, here Martin learned about Christianity, feeling drawn to it he became a convert to Christianity.

As the son of a Veteran, at the age of 15 Martin was obligated to begin service in the Army, though never shirking his military duty, he is said to have lived more like a Monk than a Soldier. Martin was stationed in Gaul (European region today known as the areas of France, Belgium and Southern Netherlands) when the incident occurred which tradition and art work have rendered him famous.

As Martin rode toward the town of Amiens one Winter’s day, he noticed near the gates a poor man, thinly clothed, shivering in the cold and begging for charity. Martin saw that none who had passed this Beggar had stopped to help him. While Martin had nothing with him but the clothes he wore to help the miserable Beggar, Martin drew the sword from his scabbard, cutting his woolen cloak into two pieces, giving one half to the Beggar and he wrapped the other half around himself.

The following night the story continues, Martin in his sleep, saw Jesus Christ surrounded by Angels and dressed in the half of the cloak that he had given away to the Beggar. A voice would bid Martin to look at it well and say whether he recognized it? Martin then heard Jesus say to His Angels: “Martin as yet only a Catechumen has covered me with his cloak.”

Martin’s friend and biographer Sulpicius Severus said, that as a consequence of this vision, Martin “flew to be Baptized.”

At the age of 23 Martin would refuse a ‘War Bonus’ according to Franciscan Media and told the Emperor Juilan his Commander-in-Chief: “I have served you as a Soldier, now let me serve Christ. Give the bounty to those who are going to fight but I am a Soldier of Christ and it is not lawful for me to fight.”

Julian was angered and accused Martin of cowardice according to EWTN however Martin told Juilan that he was ready to go into battle the next day, unarmed and would advance alone against the enemy in the name of Christ — Julian had him taken off to prison but discharged Martin soon after a truce had been made.

Subsequent to Martin’s discharge from the Army, he would depart to be a disciple of St. Hilary Bishop of Poitiers (Feast Day: 13 January) Bishop Hilary gladly received Martin and Ordained him a Deacon.

Martin would work with great zeal against the Arians according to Franciscan Media and subsequently became a Monk, living first at Milan and later on a small island of Gallinara — When Bishop Hilary was restored to his See after being exiled, Martin went to France and established what may have been the first Monastery, living there for 10 years, forming his disciples and ministering throughout the countryside.

The people of France Tours would demand that Martin become their Bishop–he had been drawn to the City of Tours as a ruse, to minister to the needs of a sick person and was brought to the Church where he reluctantly allowed himself to be consecrated Bishop. Some of the consecrating Bishops thought his rumpled appearance and unkempt hair indicated that he was not dignified enough for the office.

Along with Saint Ambrose (Feast Day: 07 December) Bishop Martin rejected Bishop Ithacius’ principle of putting heretics to death, as well as the intrusion of the Emperor into such matters. — Bishop Martin prevailed upon the Emperor to spare the life of the heretic Priscillian for his efforts, Bishop Martin was then accused of the same heresy and Priscillian was executed. Bishop Martin subsequently would plead for the cessation of the persecution of Priscillian’s followers.

Bishop Martin passed away on the 08 November, 397 in France Candes and three days later was buried at Tours–Some 2,000 Monks and Nuns attended his funeral. Bishop Martin’s successor would build a Chapel over his grave which was later replaced by a fine Basilica.

More here from SQPN

Related: For Today’s Holy Scripture for the ‘Memorial of St. Martin of Tours’ Bishop, Visit: -USCCB

(Angelus News) Benignus, born in Ireland and baptized by St. Patrick (415-493) the son of an Irish Chief, he became one of Bishop Patrick’s most loyal disciples, subsequently taking over as Chief Bishop of Ireland.

More here from Catholic Online

‘Four Crowned Martyrs’
at Museum of Orsanmichele Italy, Florence
Image Courtesy: National Galley of Art, Washington DC

(uCatholic) St Castorus, St Claudius, St Nicostratus and St Simpronian, were tortured and martyred for Christ during the reign and persecutions of Emperor Diocletian (from 284-305)

• See also: St Cosmas and St Damian Martyrs for Christ
  Feast Day: 26 September

According to history, the ‘Four Crowned Martyrs’ were skilled stone carvers. Emperor Diocletian was so impressed with their work that he commissioned them to do several carvings which they did to his satisfaction but when they refused to carve a statute to the Roman god ‘Aesculapius’ because they were Christians they were imprisoned and subsequently executed by being drowned according to SQPN in 305

More here from EWTN

St. Didacus (1400-1463)
Image: Univ of San Diego

(Franciscan Media) San Diego de Alcala de Henares (St. Didacus) was born in Spain Seville, his family were poor but God fearing according to Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala— While still quite young Didacus, joined the Third Order of St. Francis when he had scarcely reached young manhood and under the direction of a devout Tritiary Priest, he would serve God for a long period of time as a Hermit developing a reputation for great insight into God’s ways.

Didacus penances were heroic and he became so generous to the poor that the Friars sometimes grew uneasy about his charity. Didacus would volunteer for the Missions on the Canary Islands, laboring there energetically and profitably–while there, he became the Superior of a Friary.

In 1450 Franciscan Didacus was sent to Rome to attend the Canonization of Saint Bernardine of Siena (Feast Day: 20 May) when many Friars that had gathered there for the celebration fell sick, Didacus stayed caring for them for 3 months. Following Didacus return to Spain, he pursued a contemplative life full time, showing the Friars the wisdom of the ways of God.

When Didacus felt the end of his life was nearing, he requested an old worn-out habit, so that he may die in it, as the true son of the poor St. Francis. Before breathing his last, Didacus looked at a Crucifix and said:

“O faithful wood, O precious nails. You have borne an exceedingly sweet burden, for you have been judged worthy to bear the Lord and King of Heaven.”

Didacus passed away in November 1463 at the Franciscan Monastery in Spain Alcala holding a Crucifix to his heart. — Didacus was Canonized in 1588 by Pope Sixtus V

St. Didacus (St. San Diego de Alcala de Henares) is the Patron Saint for both the City and University of San Diego, California

St. Peter together with St. Martha, St. Mary Magdalene
& St. Leonard Artwork by: Antonio da Correggio

(CNA) St. Leonard was a French nobleman of great reputation in the Court of Clovis I according to EWTN and in the “flower of his age” converted Christianity together with many thousands of others according to SQPN through the witness of Archbishop Saint Regimius subsequent to the victorious Battle of Tolbiac in 496

Following Leonard’s conversion to Christianity, he began a life of ministry and austerity dedicated to God–with his earnest desire to know God better, Leonard decided to enter the Monastery at Orleans, where Saint Mesmin governed that had been founded by his uncle Saint Euspicius in 508 — In this house, Leonard took the religious habit, subsequently his brother Saint Lifiard would follow Leonard’s example according to SQPN leaving the King’s Court, building a Monastery at Meun and living there.

Leonard further desiring a life of solitude and prayer, with drew into the forest at Limousin, converting many along on the way, he would sustain himself on herbs, wild fruits and spring water. Subsequently, Leonard would build an Oratory, leaving it only for journeys to Churches.

People would soon recognize Leonard’s holiness and would beg to live with him at a Monastery that he would subsequently form around his Oratory. — Leonard possessed great compassion for imprisoned prisons and would convert many of them to Christianity and obtained their release.

In 559 Leonard passed away, following his death, many Churches were dedicated to him in France, England, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Bohemia, Poland and other countries. Pilgrims would flock to Leonard’s tomb. — In one small village in Bavaria, there are records of 4,000 prayers granted through Saint Leonard’s intercession.

More here from Catholic Online

Related: Alternative Saint of the Day: St Nicholas Tavelic & Companions -Franciscan Media

St. Zechariah & St. Elizabeth
Image Courtesy: St. Paul Street Evangelization

(SQPN) St. Zechariah was a Jewish Priest in Jerusalem and married to St. Elizabeth, they were the parents of St. John the Baptist (more here on the Solemnity of John the Baptist birth and here on his Martyrdom)

During Zechariah’s latter years he was visited in the Temple by the Angel Gabriel who Foretold the Birth of John the Baptist See: Luke 1:5-24 to Zechariah for he and his wife Elizabeth:

“Both of them being righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord but they had no children because Elizabeth was barren and they were both getting on in years.” See: Luke 1:6-7 — God heard their prayers and would bless them with a son which they would name him John, and they “will have joy and gladness and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.” See: Luke 1:13-15

Saint Elizabeth’s name which has been borne by several Saint’s which means in Hebrew ‘Worshiper of God’ she was the descendant of Aaron the Patriarch brother of Moses and high Priest of the Torah.

More here on Saint Aaron the Patriarch

Related: Other Memorials 05 November:
St. Bertille -EWTN
and St. Sylvia -Catholic Online

St. Charles Borromeo (1538-1584)
Image Courtesy: Laurent Benoit-Marie

(Franciscan Media) Born in Italy Novara to a wealthy family, Charles was the third of six children according to SQPN his father was Giberto II Borromeo, his mother Margherita de Medici and his uncle Pope Pius IV (1559-1565)

Even though Charles belonged to the Milanese (Milan) nobility and his mother and uncle were ascendants of the powerful ‘Medici’ family, Charles desired to devote himself to the Church. — When his uncle Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Medici, was elected Pope, he made Charles Cardinal-Deacon and Administrator of the Archdiocese of Milan, even though he was yet a laymen — because of his intellectual qualities, Charles was entrusted with several important office connected with the Vatican, he would later be appointed Secy of State with the responsibility of the Papal states.

With the untimely death of Charles’ elder brother brought Charles to the definite decision to be Ordained a Priest, despite his relatives persuasion that he instead be married. Soon after he was Ordained a Priest at the age of 25, Fr. Charles was consecrated Bishop of Milan.

Due to Bishop Charles Borromeo work at the Council of Trent he was not permitted to take up residence in Milan until the ‘Council’ was over. Bishop Borromeo encouraged the Pope to renew in 1562 after it had been suspended for 10 years all the while working behind the scenes. — Bishop Borromeo deserves the credit for keeping the ‘Council’ in session when at several points it was on the verge of breaking up, Bishop Borromeo, took it upon himself, the arduous task of the entire correspondence during the final phase.

Eventually Bishop Borromeo was allowed to devote his time to the Archdiocese of Milan, where the religious and moral picture was far from positive. The reform needed in every phase of Catholic life among both the Clergy and Laity was initiated at a Provincial Council of all the Bishop’s under him. — Specific regulations were drawn up for the Bishop’s and other Clergy. If the people were to be converted to a better life, Bishop Borromeo had to be the first to give a good example and renew their apostolic spirit.

Bishop Borromeo took that initiative of providing a good example and would allot most of his income to charity, he would forbid himself of all luxury and would impose strict penances upon himself. — Bishop Borromeo would sacrifice wealth, high honors, esteem and influence to become poor.

During the plague and famine of 1576, Bishop Borromeo attempted to feed between 60,000 to 70,000 people daily. To accomplish this mission, he borrowed large sums of money that took years to repay. — Where the civil authorities fled at the height of the plague and famine, Bishop Borromeo stayed in the city, where he would minister and provide counsel to the sick and dying, always helping anyone in need.

Bishop Borromeo’s work and heavy burdens took their toll on him and began affecting his health and at just 46 yrs of age he died in November 1584 — Bishop Borromeo was Beatified in 1602 by Pope Clement VIII and Canonized just 8 yrs later in 1610 by Pope Paul V

Related: For Today’s Holy Scripture Readings on the Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, Visit: -USCCB

St. Martin de Porres (1579-1639) Image Courtesy: uCatholic

(CNA) Born in Peru Lima, St. Martin de Porres was the son of a Spanish Grandee (nobleman) Juan de Porres and a freed slave Ana Valasquez from Panama.

Born biracial, Martin was in his day of a lower social caste, though his father looked out for him and made sure that his son, apprenticed in a good trade. Martin would study to be a barber, which at that time meant that he’d also learn medicine. Martin would become quite well known for his compassion, skill as a barber, together with his care for many people and animals.

In 1594 Martin chose to become a Dominican Lay Brother in Peru Lima, according to EWTN and served in various humble offices. Outside of the Monastery, he became widely known for his continuing care for the poor and sick. — Martin would go on to found an orphanage and would minister to African-American slaves brought to Peru Lima, he was aided by St. Rose of Lima (Feast Day: 23 August) who respected his penances and labors.

During St. Martin’s lifetime, he became a formidable fundraiser, obtaining thousands of dollars for dowries for poor young Women so that they could marry or enter the Convent.

Many of St. Martin’s Lay Brothers accepted him as their ‘Spiritual Director’ but he would continue to call himself a “poor slave” throughout his lifetime.

St. Martin de Porres passed away on this date in 1639, he was Beatified in 1837 by Pope Gregory XVI and Canonized in 1962 by Pope John XXIII

More here from Franciscan Media

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

On ‘All Souls Day’ We Remember
Those Who Have Gone Before Us
By Saying a Prayer for Our Dearly Departed
Image Courtesy: CRS@Twitter

(Franciscan Media) The Church has encouraged prayers for those who have passed away before us from the earliest of times as an act of charity.

“If we had no care for the dead,
we would not be in the habit of praying for them.”
–St. Augustine

Yet pre-Christian rites for the deceased retained such a strong hold on the superstitious imaginations, that a liturgical commemoration was not observed until the early Middle-Ages, when monastic communities began to mark an annual day of prayer for their departed members.

In the middle of the 11th century, St. Odilo Abbot of France Cluny, decreed that all Cluniac Monasteries offer special prayers and sing for ‘Office for the Dead’ on the 02 November the day after the Solemnity of All Saints — This custom spread from Cluny and was finally adopted throughout the Church.

The theological underpinning of today’s Feast, is the acknowledgement of human frailty. Since few people achieve perfection in life but rather go to their graves still scarred with traces of sinfulness, some period of purification seems necessary before a soul comes face-to-face with God. — The Council of Trent affirmed this purgatory state and insisted that the prayers of the living can speed the process of purification.

Superstition easily clung to the observance. Medieval popular belief held that the souls in purgatory could appear on this day in the for of Witches, toads or will-o’-the-wisps (a phosphorescent light seen hovering or floating at night over marshy ground) graveside food offerings would supposedly ease the rest of the dead.

Observances of a more religious nature have survived. These include: Public processions or private visits to cemeteries, the decorating of graves with flowers, lights and candles. — Today Feast of ‘All Souls Day’ is observed with great fervor in Mexico.

Candles Light Up a Cemetery in Commemoration
of All the Faithful Departed on ‘All Souls Day’

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