Cristy Li

(Franciscan Media) The persecution of Christians began in Alexandria during the reign of Emperor Philip–the first victim of the pagan mob who refused to worship their pagan idols was an old man named Mertrius who was tortured and subsequently stoned to death, the second person who refused to bow down to their idols was a Christian Woman named Quinta, her words infuriated the mob, she was scourged and then stoned to death.

While many of the Christians were fleeing the city, abandoning all of their possessions, Apollonia was seized by the mob, that beat her, knocking her teeth out, subsequently lighting a large fire, the mob threatened to throw Apollonia in if she refused to curse God, she begged them to wait a moment, pretending to be considering their demands, instead she threw herself into the flames and so suffered martyrdom.

There have been many Churches and alters dedicated to Apollonia, the Patroness of Dentists and people have sought her intercession that have suffered toothaches and dental issues–Saint Augustine explained her voluntary martyrdom as a special inspiration of the Holy Spirit–Apollonia attained glory in her later years, standing firm before her persecutors even as other Christians fled the city.

Related: Saint Apollonia –Children’s Rosary

Our Lady of Lourdes
Image: Catholic Tradition

On the 08 December, 1854 Pope Pius IX proclaimed the precept of the ‘Immaculate Conception’ in the apostolic constitution Ineffabilis Deus a little more than three years later on the 11 February, 1858 the ‘Blessed Virgin’ to a poor, sickly 14 yr old Bernadette Soubiroux writes EWTN there were eighteen in all, the last occurring on the 16 July of the same year–Bernadette, often fell into joy.

Bernadette’s family Catholic faith was scarcely more than lukewarm, while she knew the  prayers of: Our Father; Hail Mary;  the Creed and she also the Miraculous Medals:

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you and for all who do not have recourse to you, especially the enemies of the Church and those recommended to you. Amen

The mysterious visions that Bernadette saw in the hallow of the rock Massabielle, was that of a young and beautiful lady: “Lovelier than I have ever seen,” said Bernadette but the young lady was the only one who seen the vision, although sometimes, many stood with her. Now and then the image spoke to the Seer that was also the only one to hear her voice.

During interviews Bernadette gave an account of what she saw, “It was something white in the shape of a girl, she used the word “aquero” (this thing) it was ‘a pretty young girl with a rosary over her arm,’ her white robe was encircled by a blue girdle, she worse a white veil, there was a yellow rose on each foot and a rosary was in her hand.

Bernadette was also impressed by the fact that the Lady she saw, did not use the informal form of address (tu) but the polite form (vous) the humble virgin appeared to a humble young girl and treated her with dignity.

Though that humble young lady Bernadette, the Virgin Mary revitalized the faith to millions. People began to flock to Lourdes from other parts of France and from all over the world.

In 1862 the Bishop of the Diocese  declared the faithful “justified in believing the reality of the apparition.” A Basilica was constructed upon the rock of Massabielle by Fr. Peyramale, the parish priest.

In 1873 the great ‘national’ French pilgrimages were inaugurated. Three years later, the Basilica was consecrated and the statue solemnly crowned. In 1883 the foundation stone of another Church was laid, as the first was no longer large enough, it was constructed at the foot of the Basilica and was consecrated in 1901 and called the ‘Church of the Rosary’ — Pope Leo XIII authorized a special office and a Mass, in commemoration of the apparition and in 1907 Pope Pius X extended the observance of this feast to the entire Church.

Related: Novena To: Our Lady of Lourdes -EWTN

Prayer Requests Direct From Lourdes Gift Shop

For Today’s Holy Scripture on the Memorial of ‘Our Lady of Lourdes’ Visit: -USCCB

Saint Scholastica (480-542)
Image Courtesy: Joy Filled Family

(Franciscan Media) Twins will many times share the same interests and ideas, therefore its no surprise that Scholastica and her twin brother Saint Benedict established religious communities about five miles of one another.

Scholastica consecrated herself to God from her earliest youth writes EWTN she and her twin brother were brought up together, until he left Central Italy for Rome to continue his studies.

Once a year Scholastica visited her brother, as she wasn’t allowed in the Monastery, he would go out with some of his friends to meet her at some small distance in a farmhouse. Benedict and his sister Scholastica would spend these visits in the praises of God and with sharing with one another on matters of their Christian faith. 

When Scholastica’s bother was sent to ‘Mount Cassino’ she chose her retreat at Plombariola where she founded and governed a Nunnery–Saint Bertharius who was a Benedictine Abbot of Cassino some 300 yrs after says that Scholastica was instructed in virtue.

According to the ‘Dialogues of Saint Gregory the Great’ (Chapter 33) the twins, spent their final day together. Scholastica sensed her death was close at hand and she begged her brother to stay with her until the next day. Benedict “By no persuasion would agree to that, saying that he may not be any means stay all night outside the Abbey.”

Three days later Benedict was praying in his Monastery (Chapter 34) and saw the soul of his dear sister Scholastica rising towards heaven in the form of a white dove.

“Rejoicing much to see her (Scholastica) great glory, with hymns and praise, he gave thanks to Almighty God and imparted the news of her death to the Monks”

Benedict sent them presently to bring her body to his Abbey to have her buried in that grave which he had provided for himself. By this means it fell out that, as their souls were always one in God while they lived, so their bodies continued together after their death.

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

Saint Jerome Emiliani (1481-1537)
Image Courtesy: Catholic Online

(Vatican) The life of Jerome Emiliani, a layman from Italy Venice, was at it were ‘refounded’ on the night of the 27th September, 1511 when after making a sincere vow to ‘Our Lady of Treviso’ to change his behavior, through the intercession of the ‘Mother of God’ he found himself freed from the chains of prison, which he later presented at the alter of the Virgin Mary.

A careless and irreligious soldier in his earlier days in Venice, Jerome had been captured in a skirmish at an outpost town and chained in a dungeon. While in prison, Jerome had lots of time to think and reflect on his past and he gradually learned to pray. When he was finally freed of his chains, Jerome returned to Venice, where he took charge of the education of his nephews and began studying for the priesthood.

In the years following Jerome’s ordination, events again called him to a decision and a new lifestyle.

Plague and famine swept through Northern Italy and Fr. Jerome began caring for the sick and feeding the hungry at his own expense. While serving those less fortunate, he soon resolved to devote himself together with his possessions to others–particularly, abandoned and unwanted children.

Fr. Jerome founded three Orphanages, a shelter for penitent prostitutes and a hospital. Around 1532, Jerome and two other Priests, established a congregation the ‘Clerks Regular of Somasca’ (present day) Somascan Fathers dedicated to care for Orphans and the education of youth.

In February 1537 Fr.Jerome fell a martyr to his zeal contracting a disease at Bergamo and passed away at Somascha — Beatified by Pope Benedict XIV in 1747 Jerome was Canonized by Pope Clement XIII in 1767

In 1928 Pope Pius XI named Saint Jerome Emiliani, Patron of Orphans and Abandoned Children.

Saint Mother Josephine Bakhita (1868-1947)
Image Courtesy: Cassie Pease Designs

(Natl Catholic Register) When Josephine Bakhita passed away, thousands of Italians passed by her casket to pay respects to a simple Woman who had achieved great renown for her kindness–To this day, the people of Italy Schio honor now Saint Josephine, a former African slave with the title: ‘Nostra Madre Moretta’ which means Our Black Mother.

Born in Sudan, Olgossa in the Darfur region, Josephine was kidnapped at the age of 7, sold into slavery and given the name ‘Bakhita’ which means ‘Fortune’ she was resold several times, finally in 1883 to Callisto Legnani, the Italian Counsel in Sudan Khartoum.

Two years later Callisto Legnani took Bakhita to Italy and gave her to a friend Augusto Michieli–Bakhita became a Nanny to ‘Mimmna Michieli’ who she accompanied to the ‘Venice Institute of the Catechumens’ run by the ‘Canosian Sisters’ — While Mimmina was in school, Bakhita felt drawn to the Catholic Church, she was later baptized and confirmed in 1890, taking the name Josephine.

When the Michieli’s returned to Africa and wanted to take Mimmna and Josephine back with them, Josephine refused to go. During a subsequent Court case the ‘Canossian Sisters’ and the Patriarch of Venice, intervened on Josephine’s behalf–The Judge concluded that since Slavery was illegal in Italy, she had actually been free to do what she wanted and go where she pleased since 1885

Josephine entered the ‘Institute of St. Magdalene of Canossa’ in 1893 and made her profession 3 yrs later. In 1902, Josephine was transferred to Italy, Schio, where she assisted her religious community through Cooking, Sewing, Embroidery and welcoming visitors at the door. Josephine soon became well loved by children attending the Sisters school and the local citizens–she once said:

• “Be good, love the Lord, pray for those who do not know Him.
  What a great grace it is to know God.”

Josephine was Beatified on 17 May, 1992 and Canonized on the 01 October, 2000

More here from the Vatican

Saint Colette Holy Card
Image Courtesy: Catholic Holy Cards

(Franciscan Media) Colette did not seek the limelight but in doing God’s will, she certainly attracted a lot of attention.

Born in 1381 in France Corbie, Colette’s father was Robert Boelett, a carpenter of the famous ‘Benedictine Abbey of Corbie’ her mother Marguerite Moyon.

Colette joined successively the ‘Bequines’ and the Benedictines, subsequently living for 4 years in solitary. Known for her sincere reverence, she was also quite intelligent and energetic.

Having resolved to reform the ‘Poor Clares’ reintroducing  the ‘Primitive Rule of St. Clare’ in the 17 Monasteries she established ‘Colettine Poor Clares’ reform movement grew, spreading to other countries and is still thriving today.

Saint Colette, was Beatified on the 23 January, 1740 and Canonized on the 24 May, 1807

Saint Paul Miki & Companions –Image Courtesy: Catholic Online

(CNA) In the year 1597 a group of 26 Martyrs in Japan Nagasaka were Martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ–During the 16th Century, Catholic Missionaries had reached Japan by the efforts of a Jesuit Saint Francis Xaiver (1506-1552) missionary outreach continued after his death, subsequently around 200,000 Japanese became Christians.

Brother Paul Miki a Jesuit, native of Japan and son of a military leader, had become best known among the 26 martyrs for his eloquent teaching.

Religious tensions led to a period of persecution of Christians under the Taiko, Toyotomi  Heidyoshi in 1587 during which many Churches were destroyed and missionaries forced to work in secret.

In 1593, Franciscan missionaries arrived in Japan from the Philippines by order of  Spain’s King Philip II these new arrivals, gave themselves zealously to the work of charity and evangelism but their presence disturbed a delicate situation between the Church and Japanese authorities.

Suspicion against Catholic missionaries grew when a Spanish ship was seized off the Japanese coast found to be carrying munitions–Toyotomi responded by executing Brother Paul Miki and his 25 companions on a hill, now known as the ‘Holy Mountain’ overlooking Nagasaki–the group were comprised of three native Jesuits, six foreign Franciscans, several lay Catholics–including some children, suffering a martyrs death by being slashed and crucified.

While hanging on a cross awaiting death, Brother Paul Miki, ministered to the people gathered there for the executions:

“The sentence of judgment says these men came to Japan from the Philippines but I did not come from any other country, I am a true Japanese. The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ, I certainly did teach the doctrine of Christ. I thank God it is for this reason I die. I believe that I am telling only the truth before I die. I know you believe me and I want to say to you all once again: Ask Christ to help you to become happy, I obey Christ.

After Christ’s example, I forgive my persecutors, I do not hate them. I ask God to have pity on all and I hope my blood will fall on my fellow men as faithful rain.”

When missionaries returned to Japan in the 1860’s they at first found no Christians but after establishing themselves, they discovered that thousands of Christians lived around Nagasaki and they had secretly preserved their faith.

Beatified in 1627 the 26 Martyrs of Japan were Canonized in 1862 by Pope Pius IX

More here from Franciscan Media

Related: Today’s Holy Scripture Readings on the Memorial of St. Paul Miki and Companions -USCCB

Twenty Six Martyrs Museum, Japan Nagasaki –26 Martyrs.com

(Franciscan Media) As in the case of Saint Agnes, Virgin Martyr, Patron of the Children of Mary she too was martyred for Jesus Christ during the persecution of Emperor Decius in 251

Agatha was from a rich and illustrious family and was consecrated to God in her tender years and triumphed over numerous assaults of her chastity.

Quintianus, a man of Consular dignity, bent on gratifying both his lust and his greed for wealth, imagined he should easily encompass his wicked designs on Agatha by means of the Emperors Order against the Christians. Quintianus caused Agatha to be arrested and brought before him at Catana, seeing herself in the hands of the persecutors, Agatha made this prayer:

“Jesus Christ, Lord of all things, You see my heart, You know my desire-possess alone all that I am, I am Your sheep, make me worthy to overcome the devil.”

Agatha wept, praying for courage and strength–When she appeared before Quintianus, he gave orders for her to be put into the hands of Aphrodisia, a most wicked woman with six daughters all prostitutes, kept in a brothel. Agatha suffered in this infamous place sexual assaults and schemes against her virtue, more terrible to her than any tortures or death.

Placing her confidence in God, Agatha never ceased with her sighs and most earnest tears to implore God’s protection and by it was an over-match for all of their hellish attempts, the entire month she was imprisoned there.

Quintanus being informed of Agatha’s fidelity after 30 days, ordered her again to be brought before him–this virgin in her first interrogation told him to be a Servant of Jesus Christ was the most illustrious nobility and true liberty. Quintanus offended by her answers, commanded that she be beaten and sent to prison–Agatha entered it with great joy.

The following day Agatha was interrogated again and answered in equal devotion that Jesus Christ was her life and salvation–Quintanus then ordered that she be stretched on the rack, which torment was usually accompanied with the tearing of human flesh with iron hooks and burning them with torches.

The Governor enraged to see her suffer all this with cheerfulness, commanded that her breasts be severed, at which she made him this reproach:

“Cruel tyrant, do not blush to torture this part of my body, you that sucked the breasts of a woman yourself.”

The Governor remanded her to prison, with a stern order that neither salves or food should be provided to Agatha but God would be Himself her physician and the Apostle St. Peter in a vision comforted her, healing her wounds and filled the dungeon with a heavenly light.

Quintanus, four days after and not the least moved by Agatha’s miraculous cure of her wounds, ordered that she be rolled naked over hot coals mixed with broken pottery. Subsequently being carried back to prison, Agatha made this prayer:

“Lord my Creator, You have ever protected me from the cradle, You have take me from the love of the world and given me patience to suffer, receive now my soul.”

After her prayer, she sweetly passed away.

Agatha’s name was inserted in the Canon of the Mass in 530

The year following Agatha’s death, the stilling of an eruption of Mt. Etna was attributed to her intercession. As a result, people continued to ask her prayers for protection against fire.

More here on St. Agatha from EWTN

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

Saint Joseph of Leonissa
Image Courtesy: Mary Gilder Sleeve.com

(CNA) Joesph of Italy Leonassa, Umbria was the 3rd of 8 children at Baptism, he was given the name ‘Eufrano’ –From infancy he showed a remarkably religious bent of mind, writes EWTN erecting little alters and spending much time in prayer, often he would gather his companions and got them to pray with him.

Impressed by the example of Matthew Silvestri, who had left the medical profession to embrace the Capuchin life and whose holiness was evident, Eufrano was inspired to become a Capuchin. After overcoming family opposition, Eufrano was admitted to the religious order and received the habit and the name “Joseph” making a profession on the 08 January, 1573

On the 21 May, 1581 the Capuchin General Vicar issued patents for preaching, the ministry Joseph would be engaged for the remainder of his life.

In 1587, Joseph was sent to Constantinople (modern day Turkey, Istanbul) to minister to the Christians held captive there, writes Capuchin Franciscan Friars upon arriving, Joseph and his companions lodged in a derelict house of Benedictine Monks. The poverty which the Friars lived, attracted the attention of the Turks, who went in numbers to see the new missionaries. Joseph was very caring in his ministry to the captive Christians in the galleys–Each day he went into the city to preach and subsequently was thrown into prison, he was only released at the intervention of the Italy Venice agent.

Warned not to resume his work, he did, was again imprisoned subsequently and was condemned to death. Miraculously freed, Joseph returned to Italy, where he ministered to the poor, reconciled feuding families and warring cities that had been at odds for years.

Joseph was beatified by Pope Clement XII in 1737 and on the 29 June, 1746 was canonized by Pope Benedict XIV

Patron Saint of Veterinarian’s & Throat Illnesses
Image: Catholic Online

(EWTN) It isn’t known precisely when and where Saint Blaise lived but according to tradition, he was Bishop of Armenia Sebaste, in the early part of of the 4th century and suffered a martyrs death, under the Roman Emperor Licinius, who had commanded the Governor of the province to prevent the spread of Christianity in his territory–Subsequent to this order, Blaise fled to the mountains and lived in a cave frequented by wild beasts.

Blaise used his skills to help nurse animals that he found wounded or ill and when the Emperor’s hunters determined to collect wild animals for sport, they discovered Blaise in the cave and carried him off to prison.

Legend has it as the hunters were on their way to prison with Blaise, a Woman came with her young son who had a fish bone lodged in his throat and was choking, at Blaise’s command, the child was able to cough-up the fish bone.

Gov Agricolaus of Cappadocia, attempted to persuade Blase to sacrifice to idols, when Blaise refused, he was beaten–the second time he refused, Blaise was suspended from a tree and his skin torn open with iron rakes and later beheaded.

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