Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr

Saint Boniface (also known as Winfrid; Wynfrith; Apostle of Germany) was born at Crediton, Devonshire, England in 675 A.D. He was educated at the Benedictine monastery at Exeter, England, and he joined the Benedictine Order at Nutshalling, and was ordained in 705.

In 716 he attempted a missionary journey to Friesland but had to abandon the effort due to political disturbances. He was offered the abbacy at Nutshalling, but declined and was sent to Germany east of the Rhine as missionary by Pope Gregory II in 719. There he was assisted by Saint Albinus, Saint Abel, and Saint Agatha. He destroyed pagan idols and temples and built churches on the temple sites. He was called to Rome by Gregory II who consecrated him regional bishop in 722. 

Upon returning Boniface encountered a group worshipping at the sacred oak of the Norse thunder god, Thor, at Geismar. Boniface walked up to the tree, removed his shirt, took up an axe, and he hacked down the six foot wide wooden god. Boniface stood on the trunk, and asked, "How stands your mighty god? My God is stronger than he."

In 732 Pope Gregory III made Boniface Archbishop with no definite province. He founded or restored the dioceses of Bavaria, Thuringia, and Franconia. In 741 he was commissioned by Pope Zacharias to reform the whole Frankish church, after which success he was made Archbishop of Mainz in 748.

In 754 Saint Boniface resigned his see to accomplish his dream of missionary work in Friesland. He built a number of churches there, but, he was attacked by pagans, and he along with 52 of his converts were martyred at Friesland, Holland. 

Saint Boniface is buried in the cathedral at Fulda.

Saint John Gabriel Perboyre, Priest and Martyr

Saint John Gabriel Perboyre, also known as Jean-Gabriel Perboyre, was born on January 6, 1802 at Le Puech, near Mongesty, Cahors diocese, southern France. He was the eldest son of Pierre Perboyre and his wife Marie. John’s parents were farmers, and had eight children, five of whom entered the religious life. Three sons became priests in the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians), and two daughters entered the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.

In 1816, John accompanied a younger brother, Louis, to a high school started by their uncle, Father Jacques Perboyre, C.M. (Congregation of the Mission; Fathers of the Company of Mary; Vincentians; Lazarists), to prepare young men for the seminary. John began to feel a call to the priesthood himself while there, and on June 16, 1817 he made the decision to prepare for the priesthood. Being an obedient son, he had written his parents to tell them of his decision, but told them he would return home to the farm if they objected. They did not, and on December 27, 1818, John entered the Vincentian community.

 On December 28, 1820, John took his vows and then went to Paris in January of 1821 to start his study of theology. In October 1823, he was sent to Montdidier, between Paris and Amiens. The Congregation had a boys' boarding school there, and John Gabriel was given charge of a class, with eight boys. In April 1824, he went back to Paris to be ordained sub-deacon, and returned to Montdidier to teach philosophy. In May 1825, he went back to Paris to be ordained deacon. On September 23, 1826, John was ordained a priest in the Rue de Bac by Bishop Louis Dubourg, the former Bishop of New Orleans, on the anniversary of St. Vincent de Paul’s priestly ordination date. In September of 1826 after his ordination, he was appointed professor at the major seminary of Saint Flour, and in September 1827, he was appointed superior at the minor seminary of Saint Flour.

John and his brother Louis exchanged many letters apparently, of which 13 survive today. In one of those, Louis told John that he wanted to go to China after ordination. Louis undertook the voyage to China, but never arrived there, dying at sea on May 2, 1831.  John began to seek permission to replace his brother on the mission to China but his Superior General and Council insisted that his health was not good enough. At John’s persistence, they finally asked the doctor, and he gave permission. In February 1835, he wrote to his uncle:

I’ve great news for you. God has just granted me a very precious favor which I certainly don't deserve. When he was pleased to give me a vocation to the priesthood the main reason which made me answer his call was the hope of being able to preach to pagans the good news of salvation. Since then I've never really lost sight of this target, and above all the idea of the Chinese mission always made my heart beat faster.

In March of 1835, John set sail from Le Havre with two confreres, Joseph Gabet and Joseph Perry, arriving at the Portuguese colony of Macao at the end of August. While at Macao, he became ill and while there he studied Chinese.

Just before Christmas, he began the journey to the interior of China, a distance of 600 miles by sea, and another equally great distance by land. He arrived at Ho-nan Province in mid-August of 1836. He wrote several letters upon his arrival there, among them one to his father, the first in over two years:

If we have to suffer martyrdom it would be a great grace given to us by God; it's something to be desired, not feared.

In December of 1836, John preached his first sermon in the Chinese language and then went on his first mission. After he had been in China for over a year he wrote that experienced confreres should be involved in the administration decisions from Macao and Paris, as those who had not experienced the life there, could not understand the problems faced by the missionary.

From September of 1838 until Pentecost of 1839, John gave 17 missions. He was then to go on a round of visits to the mission stations but was replaced by another confrere due to his having leg problems. This meant that John was in Kou-tchen when a band of soldiers arrived in September of 1839. He having breakfast with Giuseppe Rizzolati OFM and Jean-Henri Baldus CM. Rizzolati and Baldus ran off in one direction, John Gabriel in the opposite. John hid in a bamboo “forest“, where he was found the next day after being betrayed by a catechumen.

There are two conflicting stories on John’s being betrayed by the catechumen. One account says that the catechumen met the soldiers, who explained that they were looking for the priest. In that account  the catechumen was said to have asked what they would pay for information and they said "thirty taels". However, Baldus in letters he wrote in 1841 after the first account was published, disputes this. Baldus (who was there) said the man who had written the first account was no where near there, contained many errors, and "romantic and, at a minimum, very exaggerated". In a second letter written later by Baldus, he says:

Secondly, the handing over, or betrayal, was brought about not by money but by fear, for Father Perboyre's supposed guide had been beaten up, according to the messengers from Hou-pé.

Initially, during the early time of his imprisonment, John was treated fairly well by orders of the mandarin (former high ranking Chinese official). This changed however under a different mandarin, and John was beaten, hung by his thumbs, made to kneel on iron chains, on pieces of broken crockery, and flogged with bamboo rods. One account says that he was tortured so severely, that his flesh hung in strips.

André Yang C.M., successfully passed himself off as a merchant who was studying the prison system and was able to visit John, bringing him food and hearing his confession. Many of the prison guards assured Yang that John Gabriel would be well treated. However, John suffered his tortures for over a year.

Saint John Gabriel Perboyre was charged with the crimes that he had entered China illegally to preach Christianity "and to deceive and seduce the people". He was found guilty and on September 11, 1840, he was martyred by being strangled on a cross-shaped gibbet, the strangulation being carried out in three stages, and then a kick in the lower abdomen (or side, sources vary) that put an end to his sufferings.

Saint John Gabriel Perboyre was beatified by Pope Leo XIII on November 10, 1889, and he was canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 2, 1996. He is the first saint associated with China. His relics now rest in the chapel of the Vincentian Motherhouse in Paris, France.

Saint Phillip Neri, Priest

Saint Philip Neri (also known as Philip Romolo Neri; Apostle of Rome; Amabile Santo) was born in 1515 A.D. at Florence, Italy. Though related to nobility, Philip came from a poor family. His father, Francisco Neri, worked as a notary. Philip's brother died in childhood, but his two sisters, Caterina and Elisabetta survived. Philip was a pious youth, and the Dominicans taught him humanities.

In 1533, Philip moved to San Germano to help some family with their business, and while there would escape to a local Dominican chapel in the mountains. He received word in a vision that he had an apostolate in Rome. So, he cut himself off from his family and went there. Philip was befriended by Galeotto Caccia who took him in, and paid him to tutor his two sons. Philip wrote poetry in Latin and Italian, and as well, he studied philosophy and theology. When he tired of learning, he sold all his books and gave the money to the poor.

Philip began to visit and care for the sick and impoverished pilgrims. He founded a society of like-minded folk to do the same. He was a friend of Saint Ignatius Loyola. A layman, he lived in the city as a hermit. During Easter season of 1544, while praying in the catacomb of San Sebastiano, he received a vision of a globe of fire that entered his chest, and he experienced an ecstasy that physically enlarged his heart.

With Persiano Rose, he founded the Confraternity of the Most Holy Trinity. He began to preach, with many converts. In 1550, he considered retiring to the life of a solitary hermit, but received further visions that told him his mission was in Rome. Later he considered missionary work in India, but further visions convinced him to stay in Rome.

Philip entered the priesthood in 1551, where he heard confessions by the hour. He could tell penitents their sins before they confessed, and had the gift of conferring visions. He began working with youth, finding safe places for them to play, and becoming involved in their lives. Pope Gregory XIII tried to make him a cardinal, but Philip declined. He founded the Congregation of the Oratory, approval being granted by Pope Gregory XIII in 1575. It spread rapidly through Italy and Philip was elected superior general. His life was remarkable for his singular devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. In later years, he was beset by several illnesses, each of which was in turn cured through prayer.

Saint Philip Neri died of natural causes on May 27, 1595 at Rome, Italy. His body is at a shrine in Chiesa Nuova.

The Easter Paschal Homily of Saint John Chrysostom | Resurrection Sermon for Holy Pascha and Eastertide Octave -Welcome to The Crossroads Initiative

The Easter Paschal Homily of Saint John Chrysostom | Resurrection Sermon for Holy Pascha and Eastertide Octave -Welcome to The Crossroads Initiative

Holy Saturday Reading | He Descended into Hell | The Harrowing of Hell | Triduum | Holy Week -Welcome to The Crossroads Initiative

Holy Saturday Reading | He Descended into Hell | The Harrowing of Hell | Triduum | Holy Week -Welcome to The Crossroads Initiative

Confessions of Saint Patrick -Welcome to The Crossroads Initiative

Confessions of Saint Patrick -Welcome to The Crossroads Initiative

Saint Patrick of Ireland

 

 

Saint Patrick of Ireland (also known as Apostle of Ireland; Maewyn Succat; Patricius; Patrizio) was born at Scotland in 387- 390 A.D. (sources vary) as Maewyn Succat. He was born to a family of high rank, and at the age of sixteen was captured by Irish raiders and sold into slavery in Dalriada.

During his captivity he was converted, and acquired a knowledge of the Celtic language. After six years of captivity, he had a dream in which he was commanded to return to Britain. He escaped, returned to Britain, then went to Gaul, and studied at Tours, Urins, and Auxerre.

He was guided by Saint Germain at Auxerre and went as his mission companion to Britain. Pope Saint Celestine I, at the recommendation of Saint Germain, entrusted Saint Patrick with the mission of converting Britain and Ireland. Patrick was consecrated in the city of Turin at the hands of Saint Maximus and shortly afterwards set out for the Irish mission. His chariot driver was Saint Odran, and Saint Jarlath was one of his spiritual students.

He and his companions landed at Wicklow Head sometime around 433, where they were attacked by the Druids. They went on to Dalriada, and erected a church at Sabhall. On Easter Sunday in 433, Patrick pleaded for the faith before King Leoghaire, and converted his brother, Conall, and Dubhtach, the chief bard. It was on this occasion that Saint Patrick is said to have plucked a shamrock from the grass, to explain by its triple leaf and single stem the doctrine of the Blessed Trinity. After this, Patrick was allowed to preach the faith throughout Ireland.

In 33 years he effectively converted Ireland. It is recorded that he consecrated no less than 350 bishops, and continued until his death to visit and watch over the churches he had founded in all the provinces of Ireland. When not engaged in the work of the sacred ministry, his time was spent in prayer and penitential austerities.

During his apostolate in Ireland he was subjected to frequent trials by the Druids and other opponents of the Faith, and no less than twelve times he and his companions were condemned to death. From all these trials he was liberated by Providence, and did not die until the conversion of Ireland was complete.

Saint Patrick died of natural causes around 461-464 A.D. at Saul, County Down, Ireland.

New Publication of Saint Irenaeus' Writing : "Against Heresies"

There is a new publication in a single volume, of the complete English text of Saint Irenaeus' "Against Heresies". This is the writing Saint Irenaeus used to expose the fallacies of Gnosticism, and to eliminate it as a threat to the true faith.

According to the publishers: "the text is freshly re-typeset, but retains the complete translation from the Ante-Nicene Fathers series"...

This would be a great addition to any library of the Early Church Fathers. It is available in hardcover at : http://www.lulu.com/content/8416937

and in softcover at : http://www.lulu.com/content/2169582

A New Offer from Faith of the Fathers Blogs

 My Daily Saints Quotations

The author of this blog has put together a little ebook of about 30 pages. This "book" contains a different saint quotation for each day of the year. On those days where it is the feast or memorial of the saint being quoted, the saints name appears in bold type.

I spent a good deal of time on this little project, and I am offering it to our blog readers for $1.99. Unlike this blog however, there are no illustrations of the various saints.

I know with the economy as it is right now, everyone is having to struggle, including yours truly. This is just a way of my attempting to earn a little extra for myself, and give you, our readers something in return.

So if you would like to help this blogger out,  you can order it by clicking :

Your ebook will be sent to you by email as an attachment in PDF format (sorry only english is available) within 24-48 hours of the processing of your payment. You will need Adobe Reader or another PDF reader to view it. You may download Adobe Reader by clicking here:

  .

Saint Agnes of Rome

  

Virgin And Martyr

Saint Agnes of Rome (also known as Ines; Ines del Campo; Ynez) was a consecrated virgin martyr born in Rome. We have more ancient authority for the story of Saint Agnes than exists in many cases. Saint Jerome wrote of her as being venerated in his day, and her legend is one of the oldeststories of a saint. She had vowed never to marry when very young. At the age of 12 or 13, a young nobleman wanted to marry her, but, she refused since she had consecrated herself to Christ and said that to do so would be an insult to her heavenly Spouse. The young nobleman's father was the Prefect Sempronius, and upon learning Agnes had rejected his son and that she was a Christian, he ordered Agnes to sacrifice to the pagan gods and lose her virginity by rape. She was taken to a Roman temple of Minerva (Athena), and when led to the altar, she made the Sign of the Cross. She was threatened, then tortured when she refused to turn against God. She was tortured by fire, then either decapitated or stabbed in the throat (sources vary) in 254 or 304 (again, sources vary).

Saint Agnes' virginity and heroism are renowned, and her name occurs in the prayer "Nobis quoque peccatoribus," in the Canon of the Mass. The catacombs of Saint Agnes on the Via Nomentana grew up around her crypt there, on a small piece of property owned by her family. The Christians constantly went to pray at her grave. She was the foster-sister of Saint Emerentiana, who was stoned to death by a crowd for praying at her sister's grave, when she admitted the relationship and that she too was a Christian.

As her parents and friends were paying their devotions at her tomb, she appeared to them in a glorified form, and beside her was a lamb whiter than snow. Agnes assured her friends of her perfect happiness, and again vanished, and from that time on, they no longer mourned her.

On Saint Agnes' feast day two lambs are blessed at her church in Rome, and then their wool is woven into the palliums (bands of white wool) which the pope confers on archbishops as symbol of their jurisdiction.

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.

Saint Mary Frances of the Five Wounds

Anna Maria Rosa was born in Naples in 1715 and was christened Mary Frances. The family belonged to the middle class of society. Her mother was a devout and gentle woman, who had much to contend with from her hot-tempered husband. She was very worried before the birth of this child. Saint John Joseph of the Cross, lived in Naples at that time, calmed her and recommended special care of the child, as it was destined to attain to great holiness.

Mary Frances was scarcely 4 years old when she began to spend hours in prayer. She sometimes even arose at night to pray. She had such a desire to know the truths of the Catholic Faith that an angel appeared to her and instructed her regularly. Before she was seven, she desired to receive Holy Communion. The priest was astonished at her knowledge of the Faith, as well as her ardent desire for the Bread of Angels, and felt that he could not deny her the privilege.

As she grew, Mary would help her parents in their work. Her father was a weaver of gold lace and was anxious to have his children help as early as possible. He found that Mary Frances was not only the most willing but also the most skilled in the work.

When she was only sixteen years old, a rich young man asked her father for her hand in marriage. Rejoicing at the favorable prospect, her father at once gave his consent.

Mary’s father was shocked at Mary’s defiance when she was told of the plans for her marriage. She refused and would only espouse her Heavenly Bridegroom. Mary asked her father’s permission to become a Franciscan Tertiary. He became so enraged that he seized a rope and whipped the delicate girl unmercifully, until her mother intervened. He then locked her in a room, where she received only bread and water, and no one was permitted to speak to her.

Mary considered herself fortunate to be able to offer her divine bridegroom this early proof of her fidelity. She saw this as a pre-nuptial celebration. The earnest plea of a priest made her father, who after all was a believing Christian, realize that he had done wrong. He gave his blessing for Mary to take the Tertiary habit and serve God as a consecrated virgin at home, as was customary in those days.

Joy, joy, holy joy! Mary received the habit and with it the surname "of the Five Wounds." This name was prophetic of her ensuing years. At home she had much to endure. Her father never quite got over Mary not marrying the wealthy young man.

When God favored her with unusual graces, she was sometimes granted ecstasies at prayer and suffered our Lord's agony with Him, her own brothers and sisters insulted her as an imposter. Even her confessor felt obliged to deal harshly with her. For a long time she could find consolation nowhere but in the wounds of Christ.

Her confessor believed at last that it was God who was doing these things in her. Mary’s mother had died and he saw to it that she found a home with a fellow Tertiary. There one day, as she herself lay ill, she learned that her father was near death. She asked Almighty God to let her suffer her father's death agony and his purgatory. Both requests were granted.

Mary suffered continuously but our Lord also gave her great graces and consolations. She received the marks of the wounds of Christ and was granted the gift of prophesy and of miracles. When Pius VI was crowned pope in 1775, she saw him in a vision wearing a crown of thorns. Pope Pius died 24 years later as a prisoner of the French Revolution at Valence.

Mary Frances also prophesied the tragic events of the French Revolution. She asked that she be taken from this world before they would happen and her request was granted. She died on October 6, 1791, kissing the feet of her crucifix. God glorified her by many miracles. She was beatified by Pope Gregory XVI, and canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1867.

The Nuns of Compiegne-Saints & Martyrs

As we have seen the French revolution was to lead to untold inhumanity against man, but also it was a direct attack on the Church itself and it struck at the heart of the Church in our Priests and Religious, in which many suffered Martyrdom.

Instead of a revolution that freed the poor from the oppression of poverty it instead, was a tyrannical and obscene political movement. For if one is either rich or poor we are all children of God, and murder is never acceptable to solving social problems.

As the people reeled from one disaster to the next in this blood thirsty landscape where no amount of blood shed could quench the lust of the murderers, for in their blood lust these killers spared no one! The persecution of the Catholic Church in France is almost unequalled, in the annals of history.

But no matter the political turmoil or the unrest of the people, the Church stands Strong and firm, including both Priests and Religious.

So when the 'new' law of France was declared that of liberty it was to be in a perverted sense, in that many stormed the Monasteries and Convents to 'release' the 'imprisoned' in order to 'enlighten' these Holy men and women to this amazing freedom, which was simply a form of enchainment to the State! And when they in turn informed the officials that they were already free in their Love for Christ, many officials took this as a provocation to their 'new world order' in their 'enlightened age'.

So we come to the Carmelite Sisters of Compeigne, who had fled persecution in England only to find it arriving on their doorstep once they arrived in France. In themselves these holy Sisters were quite ordinary souls they lived their religious vocation as devoutly and as humbly as they could, and prayed for peace in France. They tried to obey the civil authorities, despite the obnoxious way their Rule of Life was treated!

These most Holy Nuns also kept prayer vigils for all those suffering under this terrible persecution and offered themselves as victim souls in expiation against the terrible sins being committed against the Church, God and their fellow man.

Perhaps this was too much for these 'brave' men of the revolution who when hearing of the Nuns devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus had the Nuns of Compiegne arrested! Obviously by their very pious and humble prayers they were considered 'provocateurs'.

And in this bloody thirsty generation it seemed their blood lust was still not appeased and so these innocent and Holy Nuns were arrested on trumped up charges. What was their crime? The officials found portraits of Jesus of the Sacred Heart, these Nuns were then deemed enemies of the peoples, and they faced their trial which was a kangaroo court of mere thugs and degenerates.

The Nuns of Compiegne were accused of being 'parasites' and of being 'deluded' in that they these revolutionaries were more enlightened than to actually believe that God existed, for these degenerates God NO longer existed but their perverse Law did!

But these Holy Nuns were not silent against such a gross injustice, and it would be Mother Henriette who upon handing these officials her written statement they then read it aloud, "How false are the judgments that the world makes of us! Its profound ignorance disapproves of our promises; all that it adorns itself with is but pure vanity. Its only reality is the sorrow that devours it. I despise its pride, I consider its hatred an honour; and I prefer my chains to its spurious freedom. O day of eternal celebration, O day forever holy, when, vowing myself to Carmel I won the heart of God. O beloved and precious bonds I strengthen you each day; all that the earth can offer me is worthless in my eyes; your sarcasm, worldlings, compared to my joy is a dead giveaway: that joy outweighs all the cares to which your soul is prey."

This declaration of their love for God and many other devout nuns praising God were enough for the 'Judge' to pass judgement and that was death by guillotine!

Many of these Holy Nuns went to the guillotine singing songs of Praises to God on High but also for mercy to those who were to martyr them. These heroic Nuns truly had their prayers heard and died for the expiation of many who were committing horrendous and barbarous acts in the name of 'liberty'!

These Holy Nuns of Compiegne died in 1794.

They were beatified in 1906 by Pope Pius X.

Copyright © 2007 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

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Saint Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga

Alberto was born in 1901, in Vina del Mar, Chile. His father died when Albert was only four, and his mother moved with her two sons to Santiago after selling the family farm to pay off debts. Albert knew what was to be poor from an early age and remembered how frequently the family had to move. He was very acquainted with the struggles of the homeless and needy.

“It is good to put your hands together to pray, but it is better to open them in order to give,” were the watchwords of Alberto’s mother. He learned compassion from his mother and would share what little he had with the poor children. He attended the Jesuit school in Santiago on a scholarship. From a very young age Albert showed deep concern for the poor who lived in the slums. He spent Sunday afternoons helping serve the poor in the most blighted areas.

Alberto spent many hours in prayer and could feel a growing call to become a Jesuit priest. He postponed his desire to become a Jesuit until his mother and brother were better provided for. After leaving school, he worked afternoons and evenings to help support the family and also to support his law studies at the Catholic University.

Graduating at 22 years, with a law degree, he entered the Jesuit novitiate. His formation years in the Society of Jesus took him through South America and Europe. He was ordained in Belgium in 1933. Alberto was so happy and content and only wanted to live out his ministry wholeheartedly.

Albert returned to Santiago in 1936 to teach at St Ignatius School and gave adult classes in at the Catholic University. Young people were drawn to him through the retreats and missions he led. His passion for Christ was evident and it sparked young hearts to give themselves to Christ, to work in the vineyard for His glory.

The Eucharist was the central unifying force of Father Alberto’s life. The Mass was his life and he saw his life as a continual Mass.

Alberto had a heart for the poor. He worried about the poor and the orphans that roamed Santiago’s streets. They were ignored and forgotten but Father Alberto would change that. In the poor and homeless, Father Hurtado saw Christ. "Christ, in his mystical body, is dying of tuberculosis on the streets or under a bridge." and "If we don’t see Christ in the person we rub elbows with every moment, that is because our faith is tepid and our love imperfect."

In 1944, a very sick homeless man knocked on Father Hurtado’s door looking for a place to stay. This encounter left him feeling very distressed. He voiced his concerns at a women’s retreat and suggested opening a shelter. The women were so moved that they responded by giving very generous donations of land, jewels and money. This was the beginning of El Hogar de Cristo, Christ’s Home which opened in May 1945. The hospice was open to anyone.

The hospices increased in number and not only did they offer the poor shelter for the night but also helped re-habilitate people and taught them true Christian values. He wanted them to respect their value as a person and more so as a child of God. Father Alberto would go out in the night in his green truck looking for children sleeping on the streets. People recall Father Hurtado in his green pickup truck picking up the poor and homeless and bringing them to the Hogar.

Father Alberto wrote a book, Is Chile a Catholic Country?, which criticized materialism and its toxic effects on the young and poor. He criticized the very unjust social structure and systems. His critiques were not well received. He was misunderstood and seen as a radical. Undaunted, he started labor unions whose foundations were based on Christian humanism and the Church’s social teachings. It was “a way to make the Church present in the area of organized labor.” He wrote many papers on social justice and the Church in the years that followed.

He encouraged the businessmen, employers and the rich to act as coworkers with Jesus for the betterment of the society. To the workers, he helped them to see their labor as a Christian activity, not something separate from their faith.

At fifty, Father Alberto had the symptoms of the disease that would end his life. He had a stroke and was then diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He received his prognosis as a gift from God. His most eloquent testimony was given during his last illness and death. The greatness of God and the depth of the man himself were revealed in the way he faced the moment of his departure.

Upon learning of his immanent death, he replied: “How can I not be overjoyed! How can I not be grateful to God! Instead of a violent death he has sent me a long illness so that I can prepare myself; He has not sent me pain but rather the pleasure of seeing so many friends, to be able to see them all. Truly for me God has been a loving Father; the best of fathers.”

Despite his great pain, he was heard to say, “I am content, O Lord, I am content”. He lingered for more than a year and died in 1951 surrounded by his Jesuit brothers. At his funeral, great crowds came to bid farewell to their beloved priest, Papa Alberto.

On October 16, 1994, Pope John Paul II beatified Father Alberto in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican and Pope Benedict XVI canonized him in 2005.

Blessed Titus Brandsma-Martyr

Not too many people have heard of the heroic Priest Titus Brandsma; let us take a more intimate look at this great man of Faith and courage, who lived the true meaning of living and dying for love of God and his fellow man.

Anno Brandsma was born in a little hamlet area of Friesland, Holland in the year 1881 on February 23; he was born into a very tight knit but loving family. His Mother was of an anxious nature and so was very protective of her family, as was his Father, Titus, who was also very proud of their Friesland heritage. Catholicism was not well embraced where the Brandsma family lived and so Titus as head of their home became involved in local politics as he tried hard to preserve their culture from modern intrusion.

But also apart from politics Titus, Anno's father made his living as a dairy farmer in that region of Holland, where he focused on producing milk and cheese to be sold. It was hard living with very few modern conviences, so all the children from early on were raised with a great work ethic as well as a strong Catholic Faith.

Anno attended the Franciscan school or 'gymnasium' at Megen, Holland, many of the students from this school like Anno would later enter the Priesthood. But Anno told others that he didn’t particularly like this school and preferred a more communal approach in living and studying their Faith and the schools other curricular activities.

Upon completion of his studies with the Franciscans, Anno Brandsma felt a calling to embrace the Carmelite Order; he entered the Carmelite Monastery in Boxmeer Holland in the year 1898, where he took his fathers name Titus as his religious name. From the beginning of entering the Carmelite Monastery, Titus showed an extraordinary gift for journalism and writing. Titus was ordained a Catholic Priest on June 17, 1905, and after further studies at the Roman Gregorian University, graduated on October 25, 1909 with a doctorate in philosophy.

Father Titus Brandsma spent his early Ministry in education where he joined the faculty of the newly founded Catholic University of Nijmegen in 1923. Because of Fr. Titus journalistic interests and gift of writing the Archbishop De Jong of Utrecht appointed Fr. Titus as spiritual advisor to the staff members of the more than thirty Catholic newspapers in Holland; this coincided with the more virulent and tyrannical presence of the Chancellor of Germany, Adolf Hitler! It didn’t take long for Fr. Titus to begin criticizing the new German Leadership.

When the Germans invaded Holland in the year 1940 then began the persecution of the Jewish people, upon this the Dutch resistance rose up to counteract the Nazi oppression. Also the Catholic Hierarchy announced that the Sacraments would be refused to Catholics who supported the Nazi occupation and it’s Regime!

During this difficult and most dangerous of times Fr. Titus Brandsma also became more involved in the Dutch resistance, making little effort to conceal his activities from the Nazi's. And it was his refusal and the Church's refusal to print National Socialist propaganda which infuriated the Nazi's. Especially as Fr. Titus also felt compelled to personally deliver to each Catholic editor a letter from the bishops ordering them not to comply with a new law requiring them to print official Nazi publications.

This proved to be too much provocation for the Nazi's and they arrested Father Titus on January 19, 1942; he was interned at Scheveningen and Amersfoort in Holland before being sent to Dachau, where he arrived on June 19, 1942.

Father Titus Brandsma's health was always a little fragile and he suffered periodically with kidney infections throughout the 1930's. So the brutal conditions at Dachau quickly saw his health decline rapidly. Fr. Titus had many times to visit the camp 'hospital' due to his health problems, which then enabled the Nazi's to use this Holy Priest for biological experiments!

But even though Father Titus was imprisoned at Dachau, these were not empty years, as Fr. Titus kept up his prolific abilities to write with deep and mystical meaning upon suffering, and also other holy works.

But unfortunately this Holy Priest health could not stand up to the brutal beatings, forced labour and the vile experiments upon his emaciated figure. Father Titus Brandsma a man and a Priest of Holy and Courageous countenance was killed by the Nazi's with a lethal injection on July 26th in 1942!

This was a Priest who lived a joy filled life even amidst the greatest evil; he is a testament to the Spirit of Love for God and his fellow man. He is a modern mystic, though many of his writings were lost during the years of the war what remained is Mystical Theology based on his own sufferings and that of the Church. Though he did not seek martyrdom yet he bowed with humility when it embraced him as one who is called to atone for the many. With a Christ like love he forgave his enemies and is a shining example of love conquering evil!

Titus Brandsma, 0. Carm. was declared Blessed by Pope John Paul, II on November 1985.

Copyright © 2007 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

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St John Bosco

John Bosco was born into an impoverished family in the year 1815 in a small house around the Piedmont area of Italy. Both his parents tried their hardest to provide for their family, but, when John was only 2 years old his father died, leaving his mother, Margaret to be the sole provider. To help support his Mother and family, John was hired out as a shepherd to the local farmers of the region. This was hard for the young John as he was an extrovert by nature and he possessed an avid curiosity to learn as much as he could.

The young John would sometimes go to circuses, and then to the amusement of his friends he would play act the performances he saw, and also some of the tricks that were used, but this was not enough to satisfy the longing John had in his wish to enter the Priesthood. He confided this longing to his Mother who allowed him to attend school for part of the year in order to gain an education to enter the Seminary. Though times were hard, like many mothers, Margaret wanted the best for her children, so she made no objections upon hearing of John's desire to enter the Priesthood at such a young age.

Finally the day came when John could fulfill his deepest desire and enter the Seminary to become a Priest. In order for him to attend college and the Seminary John worked at many jobs as a shoemaker, baker and carpenter, whilst studying diligently at the same time. Johns Gift in being able to retain facts would be of great benefit to him, as his curious mind grasped the deepest mysteries of our Faith.

But being exuberant in nature, Johns love of people shone forth and his compassion for young and troubled boys soon became evident to those around him. Johns sense of humour also made him accessible to these troubled young lads. Finally the day came when he entered the Priesthood his Mother, Margaret who was overcome with joy at the Faith John displayed begged him to always be a good role model and Priest, John indeed was to keep his word!

But it was as he worked in these different jobs that John Bosco came to see and recognise the plight of the poor young boys of his country and soon realised that if help was not given to them then they would probably enter into the criminal underworld. But though Don Bosco knew the plight of the boys he also knew that it would take more than handouts to help them gain self respect and also to maintain their Faith in God and the Church.

Hence from this Don Bosco was to begin his fledgling vocation, to save the boys from a fate worse than death, he wanted to help save their souls before they were lost to the criminal elements surrounding them. Coming from a poor background himself enabled Don Bosco to connect with the youth in his area and to gain their trust and respect.

In order to teach the boys the Faith of the Catholic Church, Don Bosco chose to weave familiar parables and also short analogues in order for the boys to understand that God never changes but that He could change them for the better. Don Bosco in order to provide a home for these boys bought a derelict farm almost uninhabitable, but with the help of these very same boys he taught them how to do carpentry and other necessities, it was not long before the farm was up and running.

But Don Bosco also knew that young boys also needed time to play and fool around in a jocular manner and he encouraged their play time, in that it allowed them all to exert their energies into a wholesome way of having plain simple good fun. So the daily life of the boys soon fell into a daily routine of building, growing vegetables and generally working the farm to help make it self productive.

Though the boys worked hard and played hard Don Bosco did not neglect their spiritual needs and instructed them in the Faith, and what God expects from each of them, for this Priest embraced the work ethic alongside their spiritual development. So from his example the boys tried to live in order to please God through their work and their lives.

From these early beginnings began Don Bosco's Order the Society of Saint Francis de Sales, which would become known as 'The Salesians', but it was not all plain sailing for this affable Priest. In trying to secure a better future for his beloved boys, also brought criticism from those around him and many complaints were lodged against Don Bosco and his venture to help the poor youth in his area. But Don Bosco was resolute in nature and nothing would deter him from this vocation, in providing a sustainable livelihood for the boys that entered his home, so that their future could also be guaranteed!

Things were to become so difficult for Don Bosco that he was joined by his Mother, Margaret to help provide the boys with a security and a love which only a mother figure could provide. So, Margaret Bosco was soon to become the 'mother' of hundreds of boys. In order to help her son in his mission, Margaret sold everything she possessed in the world for she knew within her own heart that these boys would be lost if help was not provided, therefore she gave all she had, including herself.

Don Bosco was the sole provider and also the only hope for these boys, for this Holy Priest knew that in order for the boys to respect others they must first start with themselves. He knew the vices which could lead any of these young boys astray and so through love, acceptance, compassion and discipline he taught these troubled youths, self control and self discipline not by the rod but by love.

This Holy Priest tried to instill in these boys a sense of self worth, by giving them hope for their futures that there was a way out of the poverty cycle. Don Bosco also instructed the boys in the virtues and to strive with all their might to embrace these virtues and to ward off sin in all its forms. He instructed the boys in all elements of the Faith and encouraged strongly the frequent use of the Sacraments, most especially that of Penance.

From his own youth the young John Bosco was the recipient of many visions, which helped guide him to helping his precious boys to the Light of Jesus and a firm foundation in the Tenets of the Church, he never wavered from the mission that God and our Lady asked of him. Later Don Bosco would be joined in his mission by Mary Mazzarello who would also follow his rule in providing a good and wholesome place to help the troubled young girls of her area. Both Don Bosco and Mary Mazzarello would become Saints.

Don John Bosco died at the age of seventy-two in 1888.

Saint John Bosco was Canonized in 1934 by Pope Pius XI.


Copyright © 2007 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

St. Nicholas of Myra

There have been many legends concerning St. Nicholas but exactly who is Nicholas?

Nicholas, was born into a relatively prosperous family around the third century, in the town of Patara, Turkey. He was fortunate in that both of his parents were Christians and passed on their Faith to their son, before they died from an epidemic which had affected the whole region.

Being that Nicholas parents were so very devout upon receiving his inheritance, the young Nicholas gave all his wealth to the poor. He had taken Jesus Gospel message of selling all you have to aid the poor seriously and so he did. For the young Nicholas did not hanker after 'worldly' goods, for he had seen with the death of his own parents, that life was short so be generous now and do not hesitate to give.

But Nicholas gave more than his money; he also dedicated his life to serving the poor, visiting the sick and lonely. His love of God shone through everything he did and his cheerful exterior hid the interior penances and sacrifices he made for the salvation of souls.

At a very young age Nicholas was ordained a Bishop in the region of Myra, but though he gained this honour at a young age, Nicholas kept his humility and meekness of spirit to the forefront, as he continued to live a simple life of helping his flock.

And through the example of Jesus, Bishop Nicholas shepherded his people well, even unto experiencing miracles. But also like Jesus Bishop Nicholas was also subjected to imprisonment and various humiliations under the evil leadership of Emperor Diocletian.

Bishop Nicholas was released from imprisonment as he was able to attend the Council of Nicaea in the year 325 AD, though some historians dispute this.

But what we do know of St. Nicholas is that he was a kind, gentle and generous man who tended to the welfare of the people in his region, while always keeping a gentle and humble heart.

There have been many stories attributed to St. Nicholas one of these being that the Bishop upon hearing that a father was destitute and was trying to sell his own daughters into slavery. Bishop Nicholas very quickly intervened and saved both father and daughters from a catastrophe, for in those times, it was necessary for each daughter to have a dowry. The poor father had no money, but through the compassionate intervention of Bishop Nicholas, the home of this man was kept safe, as at different times bags of gold would appear at this fathers home which supplied his daughters with the necessary dowry.

Another story is that of three students who upon traveling in a dangerous region were murdered, Bishop Nicholas saw what had happened in a dream and was horrified! As he happened to be close by the Bishop went immediately to the murdered students and upon praying over their dead bodies, all three students rose from the dead.

There is much more to Saint Nicholas than his giving presents to the poor, for Bishop Nicholas gave them a treasure greater than any present, he gave them his love.

And it is this love that should be the real lesson of Christmas, in that St. Nicholas gave of himself to all he met in living out the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. It is through the example of St. Nicholas that we learn Christmas is not about buying the best; it is about giving the best of yourself to benefit others in a spirit of love and compassion.

Peace of Christ

Copyright © 2006 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

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AMONG THE SAINTS: BL. ELIZABETH OF THE TRINITY

Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity is another great Saint of Carmel. It is through the vitality of Elizabeth's unique spirituality that we gain an insight into what is meant by living a 'Heaven on earth'. Elizabeth makes clear God's awesome Love for His children and she also helps us to understand that God is within reach for each of us. Though Elizabeth lived a short life her teachings on the Trinity will live on and will help many a sojourner to find that Heaven is truly lived within the soul when we love with the Power of God's love.

Read more about this wonderful Saint of Carmel by reading Sister Margaret Dorgan's reflection by clicking here.

Peace of Christ to ALL

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Saint Gregory the Great

For a man of immense intelligence and who was born into a noble and holy family, Gregory did all he could to avoid both the power and the glory which the Church would afford him.

At the heart of Gregory was a simple but complex man. A man of simple tastes who longed to live a contemplative life of prayer as a Monk, yet glory shadowed his steps. It is a well known truth that the most capable men are those who do all they can to avoid power and ostentation.

Gregory not only tried to avoid it he virtually ran away from it. Still like a whisper on the breeze it caught up with him, this man of simple tastes.

Gregory was born around the year 540 while the Church was still in its birth pangs and heresies still lured the unaware. Whenever the Catholic Church has been threatened God produces Great Sons of the Church not to save it but to enrich and make known what is already there. So it is that Gregory stepped into a time of history that was not only tumultuous, but lusty in both ideas and manners.

As the Roman Empire fell and the robust and brutal barbarians brought in their own beliefs which was not based on Christian Doctrine but on the heresy of Arianism. Into this arena came Gregory a man both gentle and inflexible in matters of Divine Truth. A man who would persuade the masses to follow him and the Teachings of the One True Church, yet he insisted on forcible conversions to the Catholic Church. Gregory was a diplomat who respected the Jewish Traditions and yet was intransigent with those who held pagan beliefs. Perhaps Gregory had seen the bitters tears shed by those who suffered under the governing of the Lombards.

In order to combat these heresies Gregory wanted much to evangelize what was then known as the Angles(English). With the Pope's permission Gregory set sail to do just that, unfortunately there were others who strongly objected to losing this great man of fire from the Church and so Gregory was recalled back to Rome.

These were difficult and fraught years for Gregory, he had clashed with the Byzantines, and his mission to Constantinople was not seen as an enormous success. Now he could not follow his heart and evangelize the faith to the Angles, but as always Gregory was an obedient son of the Church and so with filial love he returned to Rome.

The great city though would endure its own agony as floods ravaged many areas bringing forth disease and pestilence. Rome had come to resemble a land of corpses rather than the land of the living. During this terrible upheaval and tragic episode in Roman history the Pope also succumbed and died from the aftermath of the great floods and the plague which was running rampant throughout Rome and other area's. This left the land without a shepherd but not for long.

Upon hearing the rumor that he would become the next Pope, Gregory with great trepidation tried to flee such a heavy task. This was not done in a spirit of craven fear but of a longing to remain as he was a simple man who's life revolved around prayer and mortifications. A man who's own soul was pure and self controlled who did not seek after vain glories or have need of politics. Gregory was to learn though what he longed for and what God ordained to be were two different things. God won!

Gregory was Consecrated as Pope in 590. The gentle breeze that had touched Gregory with greatness had become a hurricane and so the people turned to Pope Gregory to lead them through this momentous time in history.

Pope Gregory would do just this with such aplomb that greatness would attach itself to this simple man of faith and his awesome intellect. To read more about Pope Gregory's reign as Pope click here.

Source

New Advent

Peace of Christ to ALL

Copyright © 2006 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.


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Blessed's Edward Bamber & Thomas Whitaker

King Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church thereby proclaiming himself 'Supreme Head of the Church of England' in 1534. This would bring untold misery to those who still professed the Catholic Faith. His reign of tyranny against Catholics would be continued under the reign of his daughter Elizabeth I.

Once King Henry broke with Rome this laid the ground work for all those who followed him including the short time span in history where England was without a Monarch. Though there was no Monarch, Catholics were still not safe from the English Parliament as different factions fought for supremacy among them was one Oliver Cromwell. It seems that Charles I did not seem to have the ruthless hold that both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I enjoyed in their blood thirsty reigns.

It wasn't long before the country erupted into warring factions some who supported the claim of Charles I while the parliamentarians supported Cromwell. During this tremendous upheaval Charles I surrendered to the Scots and in 1648 Cromwell is victorious in defeating the Scottish incursion of England. Charles I was eventually beheaded, as England embraced republicanism.

One would have hoped that upon ridding the nation of tyrants England when then enjoy a time of peace and open mindedness towards those of other faiths, this was not to be.

Because of the persecutions faced by Catholic families in England many families sent their sons to be educated and Ordained Priests while they were abroad. Upon their return many chose to head towards Lancashire which had become known as sympathetic to the Catholic Faith. This was not to last.

Both Thomas Whitaker and Edward Bamber received their education in England and were then sent abroad to study for the Priesthood at Valladolid.

Upon returning to the shores of England Edward was seen to kneel and praise God for bringing him back to his native shore, a devout Priest. Unfortunately his prayer was noted by the Governor of the Castle and he was then reported to the authorities whereupon Edward found himself under arrest! He found himself banished but Edward was not here to obey the orders of man but instead to give witness and preach the Catholic Faith. Edward continued to Minister to the people despite the perilous position of Catholic Priests within the region. Like many Priests during these times of tyranny many families including those of noble birth hid Priests within their homes and castles so as to receive the Sacraments.

It surely is a testament to the strong and courageous Catholic families of England that they disregarded an unholy law and at risk of their lives they remained true to their faith. This was not a time for cold or cowardly hearts, it was also not a time for lukewarmness as English Catholics held their faith dear to them and were willing to die for their beliefs. A lesson which is much needed in these days of liberal progressives.

Edward did not have a lucky time of it and once again he found himself re-arrested not once, not twice but three times. This also shows an undue amount of courage on the part of this Priest, that he would choose to stay rather than flee and thereby save his life. Edward knew to save his life at the expense of his faith would be to enjoy no life at all. Edward refused to flee, and though he was helped and hidden by different people Edwards luck would soon run out.

Thomas Whitaker was also sent abroad upon completing his education to Valladolid where upon completing his studies he was Ordained into the Priesthood. In 1638 Thomas decided to return to England in order to give his beleaguered people recourse to the Sacraments of the Catholic Church. He pastored in the region of Lancaster where he was hidden by many of the nobility so as to conduct Mass.

The courage of these two Priests and many more like them can not be understated as they withstood the terrors that capture would bring. The English were not known for their compassion to the Catholics and many still felt threatened by anyone who would preach the One True Faith, Catholicism.

Thomas Whitaker also found himself arrested he was able to escape once and was then re-arrested. He then spent three years of imprisonment, these were severe years for a man known for his gentleness and compassion. Though he was placed under undue pressure to convert to Anglicanism Thomas refused. He continued to refuse to the end saying quietly and gently to his captors, "Use your pleasure with me, a reprieve or even a pardon upon your conditions I utterly refuse". This refusal would lead to his martyrdom.

Both Edward Bamber and Thomas Whitaker were to choose martyrdom rather than betray their Faith. This was no easy decision. Execution in those days were a terrible sight to see, many Priests would be dragged through the streets sometimes upside down hitting obstacles along the way. Once arriving at their place of execution they were then hung drawn and quartered a most despicable form of torture. Even after their death the bodies of these heroic Priests would be left on display as a warning to all other Catholics the danger of practicing their Faith.

As we in this modern era come under increasing threat by the secular world let us remember the courage of these Saints and Martyrs and hopefully follow their example. Lest they died in vain.

Edward Bamber died in 1646.

Blessed Edward Bamber was beatified in 1987 by Pope John Paul II.

Thomas Whitaker died in 1646.

Blessed Thomas Whitaker was beatified in 1987 by Pope John Paul II.

Peace of Christ to ALL

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Saint Bartholomew the Apostle

Saint Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles, and probably a close friend of the Apostle Saint Philip. He was brought to Jesus by Philip, and Bartholomew’s name is usually mentioned in the Gospels in association with Philip.

He is called Bartholomew in the Gospels of Saints Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Most scholars believe that Bartholomew is called Nathaniel in the Gospel of John, and that Bartholomew was actually his last name. The name Bartholomaios means “son of Talmai” (Tolomai or Tholmai), an ancient Hebrew name. (The King of Gessur, whose daughter was a wife of David, bore the name; see 2 Samuel 3:3.) So, in this article, I will refer to him as Saint Nathaniel bar Tolomai (this would amount to him being known as Nathaniel son of Tolomai, just as Peter was called Simon bar Jonah, which would mean Simon son of Jonah.)

We see Saint Nathaniel bar Tolomai mentioned sixth in order as follows in the synoptic (this refers to the first 3 Gospels being similar in content, order, and statement) Gospels:

Matthew 10:3. James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the publican, and James the son of Alpheus, and Thaddeus

Mark 3:18. And Andrew and Philip, and Bartholomew and Matthew, and Thomas and James of Alpheus, and Thaddeus and Simon the Cananean:

Luke 6:14. Simon, whom he surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

And then again in the Gospel of Saint John:

John 1:45. Philip findeth Nathanael and saith to him: We have found him of whom Moses, in the law and the prophets did write, Jesus the son of Joseph of Nazareth.
1:46. And Nathanael said to him: Can any thing of good come from Nazareth? Philip saith to him: Come and see.
1:47. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him and he saith of him: Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile.
1:48. Nathanael saith to him: Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said to him: Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
1:49. Nathanael answered him and said: Rabbi: Thou art the Son of God. Thou art the King of Israel.
1:50. Jesus answered and said to him: Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, thou believest: greater things than these shalt thou see.
1:51. And he saith to him: Amen, amen, I say to you, you shall see the heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

Once more in John:
John 21:2. There were together: Simon Peter and Thomas, who is called Didymus, and Nathanael, who was of Cana of Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee and two others of his disciples.

The last time that Saint Nathaniel bar Tolomai is mentioned in the New Testament is in The Acts of the Apostles:

Acts 1:13. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James of Alpheus and Simon Zelotes and Jude the brother of James.

Outside the references mentioned, there are no other instances of the name of Saint Nathaniel bar Tolomai being mentioned in the New Testament. What we know of him after the New Testament is not certain. There is no mention of him in ecclesiastical literature before Eusebius, who mentions that Pantaenus who was the master of Origen, was evangelizing in India, and was told that Saint Nathaniel bar Tolomai had preached there before him, and had given them a copy of the Gospel of Saint Matthew written in Hebrew. This was treasured by the Church there. India, was the name given to a vast area, and was not limited to the geographical area we know as India today. Other traditions indicate that Saint Nathaniel bar Tolomai also preached and evangelized in Mesopotamia, Persia, Egypt, Armenia, Lycaonia, Phrygia, and on the shores of the Black Sea.

There are conflicting traditions regarding his death. According to one, he was beheaded at Albanopolis in Armenia. According to another he was flayed (skinned alive) alive and crucified head down by order of Astyages, for having converted his brother, Polymius, King of Armenia. Because of the latter legend, he is often represented as a man holding his skin. His relics are at Saint Bartholomew-on-the-Tiber Church, in Rome, and in the cathedral in Canterbury, England.

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

Bernard of Clarivaux was born into the nobility of Burgundy, his father being, Tescelin, Lord of Fontaines and his mother Aleth of Montbard in the year 1090.

From his earliest years, Bernard showed an aptitude for learning he was also deeply devout with a zealousness not usually found in one so young. This young man even from his earliest years showed himself to be a very forceful and charismatic figure who had the ability to draw people to himself and to illuminate the love he held for his Faith to those who would listen to him.

So it was no surprise despite his delicate health that at only 22 years of age he decided to join a Monastery and live the rest of his days as a monk. Due to his charismatic personality 35 other members of his family joined him in his pursuit of the monastic way of life. Quite an achievement for one so young.

One can see even from an early age Bernard was of a determined disposition and did not suffer fools gladly. His rule was so severe that it not only caused him health problems but also his fellow brothers within the Monastery compound. Upon becoming ill, Bernard was able to rest and re-think his strict regime as many of his fellow brothers were flagging under such extreme asceticism and mortifications. When he recovered Bernard relaxed some of the stricter penances for his fellow brothers but he remained very severe with himself.

Bernard was an astute character with a keen intelligence, but this did not mean he was open to any novelty of the moment and remained true to the Teachings of the Catholic Church. He was also very forthright and was not put off by anyone's position in life, not even if that man were the Pope himself! Bernard would speak the truth and accept the consequences for his outspokenness.

This great man of the Church was also not without fault one of them being that Bernard had a great impatience for those who did not grasp facts as quickly and as easily as himself. He also had no patience for those who were indecisive and would often use his quick wit to good effect when dealing with those who were driven by their own ego's rather than a love of God. Bernard also possessed a love for conveying to all his deep passion for God and the Church and would answer all letters written, from the Pope himself to the most humble peasant. In Bernard's mind, all men should be given equal respect be they pauper or prince.

At times the slow moving of the many ecclesial bodies within the Church would set off Bernard's famous impatience, and he would send them his thoughts on various matters. His replies from Rome were equally confronting he was told in no uncertain terms to mind his own business, and keep his thoughts within his own community. It was a robust relationship between those in authority and this most clever and perceptive of men which was the essence of the character of Bernard of Clairvaux.

The very character of Bernard though would be needed by the Catholic Church when an anti-pope Anacletus II tried to overtake the reigning Pope, Innocent II. It was to Bernard that the Church turned to help sort out the mess of the two popes, and who was the legitimate Pontiff. Bernard rallied to Pope Innocent II and helped dispel the cult of Anacletus II by preaching in many different countries as he gained support for the rightful Pope, Innocent II. This would also take a toll on the health of this well spoken and intellectual son of the Church.

During all this work Bernard was also a prodigious writer and his works are still read to this very day. Bernard wrote some of the most mystical writings within the Catholic Church, which gained the respect of all those who read them, his eloquence when writing about different aspects of the Catholic Church would one day make him a Doctor of the Church and deservedly so.

Bernard was also an unwilling accomplice in the Crusades when Rome once again called upon this eloquent monk to preach to the man in the streets in order to set off for the Holy land and the sights sacred to Christianity. Even though many joined the Crusades after listening to Bernard the Crusades were not a success and many lost their lives in the ensuing battles with the Moors, this grieved Bernard deeply. It was at this time that a man tried to bring dissent within the gentile and Jewish communities as he espoused hatred of the Jews. This incensed Bernard, who then immediately rebutted what this despicable man, Raoul and his hateful rantings which incited violence against the Jewish population. Bernard with his usual forthrightness called Raoul exactly what he was a hate filled and heretical speaker who promoted murder at the cost of the innocent. Bernard's condemnation of Raoul was so strong that it gained the respect and admiration of the Jews who lived within the European provinces. So much so that many named their sons after Bernard with the Jewish dialect of Baruch.

All of this traveling and preaching eventually took its toll on the health of Bernard. A man of fierce intellect and a zealous passion for the Church, his entire life was spent in serving the Church which he so loved.

Bernard of Clairvaux died in 1153.

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux was canonized in the year 1170 by Pope Alexander III.

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux was named a Doctor of the Church in 1830 by Pope Pius VIII.

Peace of Christ to ALL

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