Time Is Of The Essence

We are seeing and hearing more and more of the desperate plight of the people in Haiti after the devastating earthquake.

The people of Haiti desperately need our aid and support. You may begin by going to the site for Catholic Relief Services, and making a donation now. If you are not comfortable making a donation online, you may donate to Catholic Relief Services by phone, by calling 1-800-736-3467 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (U.S. and Canada), or you may send a check by mail to: Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21203-7090


You may also go to The Hunger Site, and click on the banner entitled “Earthquake in Haiti - PLEASE HELP NOW”.

This is so important, that this same post is going to be placed on all of the Faith of the Fathers blogs.

Let’s all do what we can. No matter how little it seems, all donations help.

Saint Abraham Kidunaia

Saint Abraham Kidunaia was born into wealth around 296 A.D. at Edessa, Syria. He had been given a “most virtuous” education by his parents, who desired him to marry. Being forced into an arranged marriage at a young age, Abraham fled during the wedding festivities. He had desired to live a celibate, religious life and had told his new wife of his resolve. He hid in a building two miles from Edessa, and holed himself up in a cell, leaving only a small hole through which he could receive food and water. His friends found him at prayer there after a seventeen day search. His family and friends gave in to his wishes, and he spent the next ten years in his cell.

His parents died, and Saint Abraham was left their large estates. He entrusted a virtuous friend to sell these estates and give all the proceeds to the poor. Many came to him seeking spiritual advice, and he taught and comforted those who came to him.

The unrepentant pagan village of Beth-Kiduna was in the diocese of Edessa, and the bishop had sent several holy monks and missionaries there to preach the gospel to the inhabitants. The people of the village had “loaded with injuries and outrages” all who had been sent by the bishop, and none that he sent would or could remain at the village.

Being familiar with Abraham's pious life, the bishop ordered him to leave his cell, and against Abraham's wishes, ordained him, and sent him as a missionary priest to the village. He went to the village, found the inhabitants doggedly determined not hear him speak. He wept and prayed among them without ceasing, built a church, smashed idols, was beaten, badly treated, and was banished from the town three times. Yet, unlike his predecessors, he would not give up, and he would return each time with the same zeal. After three years, his good example along with his meekness, patience, and his extraordinary grace, the entire village was converted and baptised. He remained with them for one more year to instruct them in the faith, prayed that God would send the village a better pastor than he, and he returned to his cell.

Saint Abraham left the cell only twice more, once when a niece, Saint Mary of Edessa, was living a wild and misspent life. Abraham disguised himself as a soldier, which he knew would get her attention, and went to her home. Over supper he convinced her of the error of her ways, and she converted and changed her life, and he returned to his cell. His final trip out was his funeral, attended by a large, loving crowd of mourners.

Saint Abraham Kidunaia died of natural causes around 366 A.D. near Edessa, Syria. Saint Abraham's friend, Saint Ephrem of Syria, wrote his biography.

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Blessed Didacus Joseph of Cadiz

Blessed Didacus Joseph was born on March 29, 1743, in Cadiz, Spain. He was baptized Joseph Francis. His parents loved their faith and practiced it. He was brought up devoutly by his parents and his baptismal innocence remained with him throughout his life.

When he was old enough, Joseph learned how to serve Mass at the Capuchin Franciscan church just down the street. Joseph learned to love the Mass. He used to get up early enough to be at the church each morning to wait for the doors to be unlocked. He never missed a day.

One of the Capuchin priests or brothers gave Joseph a book about the lives of the Capuchin saints. He read it and read it again. Joseph learned every story. He grew to love the holy men who were poor and humble like Jesus.

The day came when he asked to join the order. At first he was refused entry because of poor education gaining entry only after a great deal of persistence. Although difficulties in studies remained with him during his years as a student, in time he was raised to the priesthood and then sent out to preach.

He was sent out to preach to the people the Good News of Jesus. He loved doing this. He had wonderful gifts for preaching the Word of God and it soon became evident. He travelled throughout Spain teaching and preaching in remote villages and crowded towns. His homilies were so clear and kind that people listened.

Everyone marvelled at the singular power and sweetness of his words, which swayed his audiences and left marked impressions on their lives. They even brought friends to listen. Soon an ordinary church was too small for the crowds. When Father Didacus was preaching, the talks were held outdoors, usually in the town square or in the streets.

Father Didacus loved to preach about the Blessed Trinity. He was always available to hear confessions, too. He was happy when people came to the sacrament of Reconciliation. He was capable of touching the heart of those who came to him for confession. Whenever he had some free time, he visited prisons and hospitals. He also would pay calls at the homes of shut-ins. Most of his nights were spent in prayer.

It was undoubtedly the Holy Spirit who because of Didacus' humility and virtue, converted this unlearned man into the most celebrated preacher in Spain. No doubt the Holy Spirit listened to his long and ardent prayers for guidance during the time that he spoke. On occasions Father Didacus was raised supernaturally into the air so that he required assistance to regain the floor of the pulpit.

Father Didacus died in 1801 and was declared "blessed" by Pope Leo XIII in 1894.