THE JOURNEY PODCAST - FRANCIS MOSSANG: Recent Episodes
Francis Mossang
St. Charles Lwanga was a Ugandan Catholic convert who was martyred in 1886 at the age of 26, along with 21 other Ugandan martyrs, for refusing to renounce their Christian faith. He served as chief of the royal pages and later major-domo in the court of King Mwanga II of Buganda.Lwanga protected the young pages from the king's sexual demands and encouraged them to remain chaste and faithful. When King Mwanga ordered the execution of Christians, Lwanga baptized four catechumens and led the Christian pages to their martyrdom. On June 3, 1886, Lwanga and 12 other Catholic martyrs were burned alive at Namugongo. Lwanga faced death with courage, never shedding a tear or cry as he was slowly burned from his feet to head. He died praying for the conversion of his executioners and the king.St. Charles Lwanga is the patron saint of African Catholic youth and Catholic Action. He was beatified in 1920 and canonized in 1964 by Pope Paul VI, who also honored the Anglican martyrs killed for the same reason.
Born in London and raised in Milan, Carlo’s wealthy parents were not particularly religious. Upon receiving his first communion at age seven, Carlo became a frequent communicant, making a point of praying before the tabernacle before or after every Mass. In addition to Francis of Assisi, Carlo took several of the younger saints as his models, including Bernadette Soubirous, Jacinta and Francisco Marto, and Dominic Savio.
Saint Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan orders of the Friars Minor, the women's Order of St. Clare, and the lay Third Order.
St. Therese had a simple yet powerful message that still resonates in the hearts of millions today.
First Reading: Acts 2:42-47 |Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9 |Gospel Reading: John 20:19-31 |
First Reading: Acts 10:34a, 37-43 | Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 | Gospel Reading: John 20:1-9
First Reading: Isaiah 52:13—53:12 | Second Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 | Gospel: John 18:1-19:42 |
•1st Reading - Isaiah 50:4-7 |•2nd Reading - Philippians 2:6-11 | •Gospel Reading - Matthew 26:14-27:66 |(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
1st Reading: Jeremiah 20:10-13Gospel Reading: John 10:31-42(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
A Camaldolese hermit, originally a German merchant. He was traveling on business and stopped at Murano, Italy, where he became a Camaldolese. Daniel was slain by robbers.(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
1st Reading - Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10 |
2nd Reading - Hebrews 10:4-10 |
Gospel Reading - Luke 1:26-38 |
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All that is known of Dismas is that he is theGoodThief crucified withChriston Calvary. The other thief is known as Gestas. A completely unsubstantiated myth from the Arabic Gospel of the Infancy that enjoyed great popularity in the West during theMiddle Ageshad two thieves who held up the HolyFamilyon the way to Egypt. Dismas bought off Gestas with forty drachmas to leave them unmolested, whereupon the Infant predicted that they would be crucified with Him in Jerusalem, and that Dismas would accompany Him to Paradise. Hisfeast dayis March 25th.
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1st Reading - Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22 |
Gospel Reading - John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 |
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St. Catherine was born near the beginning of the fourteenth century to parents Ulfo and St. Bridget of Sweden. At the age of seven, Catherine was sent to the Abbey at Risburgh by her parents and placed under the care of the abbess to receive an education and to build a foundation for her spiritual life.
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1st Reading - Exodus 32:7-14 |
Gospel Reading - John 5:31-47 |
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St. Turibius of Mogrovejo was born in Spain in 1538, into a noble family. As a child, Turibius had a daily habit of praying the Rosary and the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and prayed and fasted often.
Turibius studied law at the University of Salamanca, spending five years as a judge in Granada. When his judicial wisdom drew the attention of King Philip II, the king asked that Turibius become a consecrated missionary archbishop for the Spanish colony of Peru.
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1st Reading Isaiah 49:8-15 |
Gospel Reading John 5:17-30 |
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María Josefa was born in 1842, the eldest daughter of a large Spanish Catholic family. Her father died at a young age, leaving her mother responsible for the family well-being. María was sent to Madrid to live with wealthy relatives while receiving an education.
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Many people, even Catholics and other Christians also get confused with these two, Ascension and Assumption.
We bring you the answer here in this Catholic Universe Podcast.
This article is from Aleteia, an online Catholic news and information website.
https://aleteia.org/2021/05/13/ascension-vs-assumption-what-is-the-difference/
First Reading : EZEKIEL 47:1-9, 12
Gospel Reading : JOHN 5:1-16
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Nicholas of Flüe was a Swiss hermit and ascetic who is the patron saint of Switzerland. He is sometimes invoked as Brother Klaus. A farmer, military leader, member of the assembly, councillor, judge and mystic, he was respected as a man of complete moral integrity. He is known for having fasted for over twenty years.(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
First Reading 2 SAMUEL 7:4-5, 12-14, 16 |Second Reading ROMANS 4:13, 16-18, 22 | Gospel Reading MATTHEW 1:16, 18-21, 24 |
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BishopofLindisfarne, patron ofDurham, born about 635; died 20 March, 687. His emblem is the head of St. Oswald, king andmartyr, which he is represented as bearing in his hands. Hisfeastis kept in Great Britain andIrelandon the 20th of March, and he is patron of theDiocese of Hexham and Newcastle, where his commemoration is inserted among the Suffrages of the Saints.
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•1st Reading - 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a |•2nd Reading - Ephesians 5:8-14•Gospel Reading - John 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38 |(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
Saint Joseph's Day, also called the Feast of Saint Joseph or the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, is in Western Christianity the principal feast day of Saint Joseph, husband of the Virgin Mary and legal father of Jesus Christ, celebrated on 19 March. It has the rank of a solemnity in the Catholic Church. (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
1st Reading: Hosea 6:1-6Gospel Reading: Luke 18:9-14(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
The crises that the Church faces today may seem minor when compared with the threat posed by the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ and almost overcame Christianity in the fourth century. Cyril was to be caught up in the controversy, accused of Arianism by Saint Jerome, and ultimately vindicated both by the men of his own time and by being declared a Doctor of the Church in 1822.(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
1st Reading: Jeremiah 7:23-28Gospel Reading: Luke 11:14-23(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
Heribert of Cologne (c. 970 – 16 March 1021), also known as Saint Heribert, was a German Roman Catholic prelate who served as the Archbishop of Cologne from 999 until his death. He also served as the Chancellor for the Emperor Otto III since 994. He also collaborated with Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor with whom relations were strained, though were strengthened over time.(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
1st Reading Deuteronomy 5:1, 5-9Gospel Reading Matthew 5:17-19(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
Born near Meux, France, Louise lost her mother when she was still a child, her beloved father when she was but 15. Her desire to become a nun was discouraged by her confessor, and a marriage was arranged. One son was born of this union. But Louise soon found herself nursing her beloved husband through a long illness that finally led to his death.(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
•1st Reading - Daniel 3:25, 34-43 |•Gospel Reading - Matthew 18:21-35 |(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
Matilda of Ringelheim, also known as Saint Matilda, was a Saxon noblewoman. Due to her marriage to Henry I in 909, she became the first Ottonian queen.[2] Her eldest son, Otto I, restored the Holy Roman Empire in 962. Matilda founded several spiritual institutions and women's convents.(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
1st Reading 2 Kings 5:1-15a | Gospel Reading: Luke 4:24-30 | (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
Noble Roman raised by Emperor Theodosius I when her father, Antigonus, died. Her mother entered a convent in Egypt, and Euphrasia, at the age of five, went with her. At the age of twelve, orphaned, she was commanded by Emperor Arcadius to marry a senator but received permission to give her wealth to the poor and remain a nun. Also known as Euphraxia, she was known for her holiness. (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
1st ReadingExodus 17:3-7 | 2nd ReadingRomans 5:1-2, 5-8 | GospelJohn 4:5-42 • (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
St. Theophanes was born in Samothrace, Greece around the year 759. He was orphaned while still a young child, but was left a large inheritance. At age twelve, Theophanes' guardian coerced him to marry, however he and his wife vowed themselves to celibacy. They lived together for several years but eventually Theophanes' wife joined a religious community and he became a hermit. (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
•1st Reading - Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 |•Gospel Reading - Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 |(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
Martyred priest of Cordoba, Spain, slain by the Moors. Arrested in 850 , Eulogius, a noted scholar of Scripture, wrote Exhortation to Martyrdom for two young virgin martyrs, Flora and Mary, who were beheaded. Released, Eulogius was named archbishop of Cordoba or Toledo. Before being consecrated, he aided Leocritia, a young Moorish woman who had converted to Christianity. They were caught and beheaded. Eulogius also wrote: The Memorial of the Saints and an Apologia. (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
1st Reading: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13A, 17B-28A | Gospel Reading: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 | (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
St Marie Eugenie was a remarkable woman. From its foundation in 1839, she led the Assumption for fifty five years. Her story is that of a woman who, springing from an irreligious background, came to understand that each one of us is called by God to a unique way of service, and that hers was to inspire countless others to strive for the building of the Kingdom of God through education. Her life is marked by her three great loves – for Jesus Christ, for Mary the Mother of Jesus and our mother and for the Church. (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
1st Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-10 | Gospel Reading: Luke 16:19-31 | (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
Frances’ life combines aspects of secular and religious life. A devoted and loving wife, she longed for a lifestyle of prayer and service, so she organized a group of women to minister to the needs of Rome’s poor. (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
1st Reading: Jeremiah 18:18-20 | Gospel Reading: Matthew 20:17-28 | (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
Having given up active Christian belief while a soldier, John was 40 before the depth of his sinfulness began to dawn on him. He decided to give the rest of his life to God’s service, and headed at once for Africa where he hoped to free captive Christians and, possibly, be martyred. (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
Saints Perpetua and Felicity were Christian martyrs who lived during the early persecution of the Church in Africa by the Emperor Severus. (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
•1st Reading - Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 |•Gospel Reading - Matthew 23:1-12 | (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
Colette did not seek the limelight, but in doing God’s will she certainly attracted a lot of attention. Colette was born in Corbie, France. At 21, she began to follow the Third Order Rule and became an anchoress, a woman walled into a room whose only opening was a window into a church. (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
1st Reading: Daniel 9:4b-10 |Gospel Reading: Luke 6:36-38 |(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
1st Reading - Genesis 12:1-4a | 2nd Reading - 2 Timothy 1:8b-10 | Gospel Reading - Matthew 17:1-9 | (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
•1st Reading - Esther 26:16:19|•Gospel Reading - Matthew 5:43-48 |(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
•1st Reading - Esther 26:16:19|•Gospel Reading - Matthew 5:43-48 |(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
On March 4, the Catholic Church honors Saint Casimir Jagiellon, a prince whose life of service to God has made him a patron saint of Poland, Lithuania, and young people.(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
•1st Reading - Esther 18:21-28 |•Gospel Reading - Matthew 5:20-26 |(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
•1st Reading - Esther 4:17 |•Gospel Reading - Matthew 7:7-12 |(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
One of the most important early English churchmen, St Chad was responsible for introducing Christianity to Mercia, the most powerful of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Not much is known of his early life, except that he had three brothers, Cedd, Cynibil and Caelin, and that they may have come from Northumbrian nobility. (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
•1st Reading - Jonah 3:1-10 |•Gospel Reading - Luke 11:29-32 |(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
David is the patron saint of Wales and perhaps the most famous of British saints. (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
Hilarius of Arles A relative of Honoratus of Arles, St. Hilarius succeeded him as bishop of Arles in 429 and wrote the only extant life of his kinsman. Hilary presided at several councils and was interested in church reform. Prosper of Aquitaine accused him of being a "semi-Pelagian" because Hilarius did not share Augustine's thoughts on grace. Hilarius incurred the wrath of Pope Leo I when he removed three bishops from their sees and appointed new bishops. Leo demoted Arles from a metropolitan see to a bishopric to assert papal power over the church in Gaul. Although Leo also restored the deposed bishops, he did not remove Hilarius from the office. Hilary died in 449, and Leo restored Arles as a metropolitanate a year later. (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
•1st Reading - Isaiah 55:10-11 |•Gospel Reading - Matthew 6:7-15 |. (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
Saint of the Day for February 27(March 1, 1838 – February 27, 1862)Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows’ StoryBorn in Italy into a large family and baptized Francis, Saint Gabriel lost his mother when he was only four years old. He was educated by the Jesuits and, having been cured twice of serious illnesses, came to believe that God was calling him to religious life. Young Francis wished to join the Jesuits but was turned down, probably because of his age, not yet 17. Following the death of a sister to cholera, his resolve to enter religious life became even stronger and he was accepted by the Passionists. Upon entering the novitiate he was given the name Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows.(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
•1st Reading - Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 |•Gospel Reading - Matthew 25:31-46 |(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
St. Mechtilde was born Matilda von Hackenberg-Wippra around the year 1240. She came from a noble family in Saxony, and when she was seven years old, she was so inspired by the lives of the nuns that she went to live at the convent of Helfta. She learned a great deal there, and was known for her humility and her fervent love for God. (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
•1st Reading - Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7 |•2nd Reading - Romans 5:12, 17-19 | •Gospel Reading - Matthew 4:1-11 | (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
Sr.Rani Maria was born on 29 January 1954 as the second child of Paily and Eliswa of Vattalil, in an ordinary peasant family. Her Baptism was on 5 February 1954 at St.Thomas Church Pulluvazhy and she was given the name ‘Mariam’ after Mother Mary, the mother of Jesus. The godparents were her uncle Varkey and grandmother Mariamma. Her God fearing parents brought her up in Christian faith and charity along with their six other children – Stephen, Annie, Varghese, Thressiamma, Celine and Lusy. Celine would later follow her elder sister Rani Maria and join the Franciscan Clarist Congregation, assuming the name Selmy Paul. (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
•1st Reading - Isaiah 58:9c-14 |•Gospel Reading - Luke 5:27-32 |(Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
St. Caesarius of Nanzianzen was the son of Saint Gregory of Nazianzen and Saint Nonna. He was a brother to Saint Gorgonia and Saint Gregory of Nazianzen. Caesarius schooled at Caesarea in Cappadocia and Alexandria in Eqypt. He relocated to Constantinople in 335 AD where he became wealthy for his physician profession. (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
•1st Reading - Isaiah 58:1-9a |•Gospel Reading - Matthew 9:14-15 | (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
Imagine being able to sit at the feet of the apostles and hear their stories of life with Jesus from their own lips. Imagine walking with those who had walked with Jesus, seen him, and touched him. That was what Polycarp was able to do as a disciple of Saint John the Evangelist. (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
•1st Reading - Deuteronomy 30:15-20•Gospel Reading - Luke 9:22-25 (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
The Feast of the Chair of St. Peter celebrates the papacy and St. Peter as the first bishop of Rome. St. Peter's original name was Simon. He was married with children and was living and working in Capernaum as a fisherman when Jesus called him to be one of the Twelve Apostles. (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
•1st Reading - Joel 2:12-18•2nd Reading - 2nd Corinthians 5:20-6:2•Gospel Reading - Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
Peter Damian was a reforming Benedictine monk and cardinal in the circle of Pope Leo IX. Dante placed him in one of the highest circles of Paradiso as a great predecessor of Francis of Assisi and he was declared a Doctor of the Church on 27 September 1828. His feast day is 21 February. (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
•1st Reading: Sirach 2:1-11 • Gospel Reading: Mark 9:30-37 • (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
Conrad was born into a noble family in northern Italy. He married the daughter of a nobleman, Euphrosyne.One day, while he was hunting, Conrad ordered his attendants to make a fire. The wind carried the flames, which set fire to nearby fields, forests, towns and villages. Upon seeing this, Conrad ran away in fear.Because he ran, an innocent man was convicted for spreading the fire and was condemned to death as punishment.Upon hearing of this, Conrad stepped forth to accept the blame, saving the innocent man's life. He paid for the damaged property and he and his wife gave everything they owned to the poor in recompense.Conrad then left to join a group of Franciscan hermits, and his wife joined the Poor Clares.Word eventually spread of Conrad's holiness, piety and gift of healing. (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
1st Reading: Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18 | 2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:16-23 | Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:38-48. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara was born on 10 February 1805 in Kainakary, a small village of Alleppey district in the Travancore state. After his primary education he joined the Pallipuram seminary attached to Saint Mary’s Church, Cherthala. Father Thomas Palackal was his malpan (professor of sacred sciences). He received his sub-diaconate in 1827 and diaconate in 1828. On 29 November 1829, he was ordained a priest at Saint Andrews Church, Arthunkal. From a very young age,Kuriakose was instructed to chant the name ‘Jesus’, as a result of which he eagerly wished to live a life dedicated to Jesus and the Church. (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel) 👇 https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
1st Reading - Hebrews 11:1-7 | Gospel Reading - Mark 9:2-13 | Subscribe to my YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
Bonfilius, Alexis, Manettus, Amideus, Hugh, Sostene, and Buonagiunta were seven successful cloth merchants from Florence, Italy. As members of a lay organization dedicated to the Blessed Mother, they were each devout in their faith. Their comradery, centered around their faith, not only united them more fully to God, but also to each other with a holy bond and a holy mission. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
1st Reading: Genesis 11:1-9 | Gospel Reading: Mark 8:34-9:1 Subscribe to my YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
St. Onesimus was a slave to Philemon, an influential man who had been converted by St. Paul. Onesimus offended Philemon and fled in order to escape any sort of retribution. He then met St. Paul while Paul was in a Roman prison. Shortly after, Onesimus was baptized. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
1st Reading - Genesis 9:1-13 | Gospel Reading - Mark 8:27-36 | Subscribe to my YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
Saints Jovita and Faustinus were said to be Christian martyrs under Hadrian. Their traditional date of death is 120. They are patron saints of Brescia. | Subscribe to my YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
1st Reading - Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22 | Gospel Reading - Mark 8:22-26 | Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@CatholicUniverse33
The love of God reigns in the hearts of all saints, but there is one who has the joy of being the patron saint of lovers: St. Valentine.According to a tradition, St. Valentine risked his life to marry couples in a Christian way during the time of persecution. He finally gave his life in martyrdom, which is the ultimate manifestation of love. The love of this holy priest for Jesus Christ and for defending the Sacrament of Matrimony inspires us to raise human love to the heights of the divine love for which we were created. Christians should take advantage of this feast to recover the Christian meaning of love and marriage in the light of Christ.
Saints Cyril and Methodius were two brothers and Byzantine Christian theologians and missionaries. For their work evangelizing the Slavs, they are known as the "Apostles to the Slavs". They are credited with devising the Glagolitic alphabet, the first alphabet used to transcribe Old Church Slavonic.
1st Reading: Genesis 6:5-8, 7:1-5, 10 | Gospel Reading: Mark: 8:14-21 | Cyril and Methodius were two brothers and Byzantine Christian theologians and missionaries. For their work evangelizing the Slavs, they are known as the "Apostles to the Slavs".
Pope asks for prayers and solidarity for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. May our almighty God Jesus Christ give them protection and Hope through the intercession of our Blessed Virgin Mary 🙏
St. Catherine de Ricci was born in Florence in 1522, and was baptized Alexandrina. Her mother died when she was an infant, and when she was six or seven, her father placed her in the Convent of Monticelli to be cared for by her aunt, Louisa de Ricci, who was a nun there.After her father took her home, Catherine was still drawn to life as a sister, and with his consent, she received the religious veil in the convent of Dominicanesses in 1535, when she was 14. She took the name Catherine.For two years, Catherine suffered extreme pains, and remedies only seemed to make them worse. She offered her suffering up for Christ, and meditated on the Passion whenever possible. She prayed constantly, making no room for anything but God in her heart and in her life.
Bishop of Brescia from about 387 until about 410; he was the successor of the writer on heresies, St. Philastrius. At the time of that saint's death Gaudentius was making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The people of Brescia bound themselves by an oath that they would accept no other bishop than Gaudentius; and St. Ambrose and other neighbouring prelates, in consequence, obliged him to return, though against his will. The Eastern bishops also threatened to refuse him Communion if he did not obey.
1st Reading: Sirach 15:15-20 |2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 |Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:17-37 |
On Feb. 11, the Catholic Church celebrates the liturgical memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, recalling a series of 18 appearances that the Blessed Virgin Mary made to a 14-year-old French peasant girl, Saint Bernadette Soubirous.The Marian apparitions began Feb. 11, 1858, ended July 16 that year and received the local bishop's approval after a four-year inquiry.Coming soon after the 1854 dogmatic definition of her Immaculate Conception, the Virgin Mary's appearances at Lourdes turned the town into a popular travel destination. Thousands of people say their medical conditions have been cured through pilgrimage, prayer and the water flowing from a spring to which Bernadette was directed by the Blessed Virgin. Experts have verified 69 cases of miraculous healing at Lourdes since 1862.
On Feb. 10, the Catholic Church remembers St. Scholastica, a nun who was the twin sister of St. Benedict, the "father of monasticism" in Western Europe.The siblings were born around 480 to a Roman noble family in Nursia, Italy. Scholastica seems to have devoted herself to God from her earliest youth, as the account of Benedict's life by Pope Gregory the Great mentions that his sister was "dedicated from her infancy to Our Lord."
St. Josephine BakhitaOn February 8, the Church commemorates the life of St. Josephine Bakhita, a Canossian Sister who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Sudan.Josephine Bakhita was born in 1869, in a small village in the Darfur region of Sudan. She was kidnapped while working-class in the fields with her family and subsequently sold into slavery. Her captors asked for her name but she was too terrified to remember so they named her “Bakhita,” which means “fortunate” in Arabic.
Saint Gonsalo Garcia (1556-1597) is a Roman Catholic saint from India. Born in the western coastal town of Vasai, an exurb of the city of Bombay, he preached from the Bassein fort during the time the town was under Portuguese colonial rule. The feast of St. Garcia has traditionally been held on the first Sunday nearest to the neap tide following Christmas in Vasai.
Paul Miki and his companions were the first martyrs of Japan, and their example sustained the Christian community there with courage, even as it survived underground for 300 years
As with many of the early and most revered martyrs in our Church, very little is known about the life and death of Saint Agatha. She was born in either Palermo or Catania, Sicily around the year 231 and died a martyr’s death in Catania around the year 251 during the persecution of Christians ordered by the Roman emperor Decius. Early devotion to her is attested to by the fact that she is one of the seven virgin martyrs listed in the Roman Canon (Eucharisitic Prayer I in today’s Missal). Since the fifth or sixth century, other details, hymns, art, and stories about her life and death have emerged. Much of what is written about her life, however, emerged centuries later, leaving its historical accuracy in question.
1st Reading: Isaiah 58:7-10 |2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 |Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:13-16
John de Brito (João de Brito, 1647-1693) was one of the earliest Jesuit missionaries in India to adopt elements of the local culture in his evangelization. He was eventually martyred because of his success and his steadfast refusal to accept honors and safety. He was born of Portuguese aristocracy and became a member of the royal court at age nine and a companion to the young prince later to become King Peter II. When de Brito was young, he almost died of an illness and his mother vowed he would wear a Jesuit cassock for a year if he were spared. He regained his health and walked around court like a miniature Jesuit, but there was nothing small about his heart or the desire that grew to actually become a Jesuit. Despite pressure from the prince and the king, he entered the Jesuit novitiate in Lisbon Dec. 17, 1662 when he was only 15 years-old. He studied classics, with an interruption because of health problems, then philosophy. He wrote to the superior general in 1668 asking to be sent to the east as a missionary, but had to finish theology first. He was ordained in February 1673 and left Lisbon for Goa in mid-March, arriving the following September. He studied more theology in Goa and was asked to remain as a teacher but he desired to be a missionary and to seek the glory of martyrdom.
This feast day celebrates both the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, as well as the Purification of Mary, which was required by the Mosaic Law forty days after the birth of a child.The Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2, also called Candlemas for the custom of using lighted candles. In the early Church it was often celebrated on February 14th, 40 days after the Epiphany, in keeping with the practice of celebrating Christmas on that date in the East. Among the Orthodox it is known as the Hypapante (“Meeting” of the Lord with Simeon).
St. John BoscoFriend of the young,Teacher in the ways of God,Your dedication to empowering the needy inspires us still.Help me to work for a better world,where the young are given the chance to flourish,where the poor’s dream for justice can come true,and where God’s compassion is shown to be real.Intercede for me as I bring my needs to you and toour heavenly Mother, the Help of Christians.Amen.
On Jan. 31, the Roman Catholic Church honors St. John Bosco (or “Don Bosco”), a 19th century Italian priest who reached out to young people to remedy their lack of education, opportunities, and faith.John Bosco was born in August of 1815 into a family of peasant farmers in Castelnuovo d'Asti – a place which would one day be renamed in the saint's honor as “Castelnuovo Don Bosco.”John's father died when he was two years old, but he drew strength from his mother Margherita's deep faith in God.Margherita also taught her son the importance of charity, using portions of her own modest means to support those in even greater need. John desired to pass on to his own young friends the example of Christian discipleship that he learned from his mother.
Queen and foundress. She was born in England, where she was enslaved and taken to Neustria, which was part of the Frankish kingdom. In time, Bathildis became a trusted member of King Clovis Il's court and married him in 649. She bore him three sons: Clotaire Ill, Childeric II, and Thierry Ill, all of whom became kings. When Clovis died in 657, Bathildis served as regent for Clotaire III. She had founded a Benedictine convent at Chelles, as well as St. Denis Monastery and Corbie. When Clotaire III assumed the throne, Bathildis retired to Chelles, where she died on January 30.
According to tradition, Saint Peter sent Apollinaris to Ravenna, Italy, as its first bishop. His preaching of the Good News was so successful that the pagans there beat him and drove him from the city. He returned, however, and was exiled a second time. After preaching in the area surrounding Ravenna, he entered the city again. After being cruelly tortured, he was put on a ship heading to Greece. Pagans there caused him to be expelled to Italy, where he went to Ravenna for a fourth time. He died from wounds received during a savage beating at Classis, a suburb of Ravenna. A beautiful basilica honoring him was built there in the sixth century.
1st Reading: Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13 | 2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 | Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:1-12a
By universal consent, Thomas Aquinas is the preeminent spokesman of the Catholic tradition of reason and of divine revelation. He is one of the great teachers of the medieval Catholic Church, honored with the titles Doctor of the Church and Angelic Doctor.At five he was given to the Benedictine monastery at Monte Cassino in his parents’ hopes that he would choose that way of life and eventually became abbot. In 1239, he was sent to Naples to complete his studies. It was here that he was first attracted to Aristotle’s philosophy.By 1243, Thomas abandoned his family’s plans for him and joined the Dominicans, much to his mother’s dismay. On her order, Thomas was captured by his brother and kept at home for over a year.
Angela Merici has the double distinction of founding the first of what are now called “secular institutes” and the first teaching order of women in the Church.Born in Desenzano, Italy, she was orphaned in her teens. As a young woman, with her heart centered on Christ, Angela joined the Third Order of St. Francis and embraced austerity. In a visionary experience, she felt called to found a “company” of women.
On Jan. 26, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the liturgical memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, close companions of the Apostle Paul and bishops of the Catholic Church in its earliest days.Both men received letters from St. Paul, which are included in the New Testament. Pope Benedict XVI discussed these early bishops during a general audience on Dec. 13, 2006, noting “their readiness to take on various offices” in “far from easy” circumstances. Both saints, the Pope said, “teach us to serve the Gospel with generosity, realizing that this also entails a service to the Church herself.”
St. Paul the Apostle was the greatest of the early Christian missionaries. He first appears in the Acts of the Apostles under the name of Saul. Saul was raised in the Jewish faith as a Pharisee trained in the strict observance of God’s Law. He believed the Law should be obeyed by himself and all Jews. Saul was upset by the early Christian Church, believing that the early Christians had broken away from their Jewish traditions. He actively persecuted the Church in Jerusalem. As the first Christian martyr Stephen was being stoned to death, Saul watched the cloaks of the persecutors (Acts 7:58).
Born in France in 1567, Francis was a patient man. He knew for thirteen years that he had a vocation to the priesthood before he mentioned it to his family. When his father said that he wanted Francis to be a soldier and sent him to Paris to study, Francis said nothing. Then when he went to Padua to get a doctorate in law, he still kept quiet, but he studied theology and practiced mental prayer while getting into swordfights and going to parties. Even when his bishop told him if he wanted to be a priest that he thought that he would have a miter waiting for him someday, Francis uttered not a word. Why did Francis wait so long? Throughout his life he waited for God's will to be clear. He never wanted to push his wishes on God, to the point where most of us would have been afraid that God would give up!
Martyr of Rome, in some traditions the foster sister of St. Agnes, stoned to death when discovered praying at Agnes' grave. Emerentiana was possibly martyred elsewhere. Her cult was confined to local calendars in 1969.
St. Vincent Pallotti (1795-1850), a priest of the Diocese of Rome, founded in 1835 an association of lay people, religious, and clergy called the Union of Catholic Apostolate to assist the Church’s missionary work, revive the faith of Catholics, and engage in universal charity. From that association grew religious communities of men and women, including the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Fathers and Brothers). Pallotti believed that all are called to be apostles of Jesus Christ in the Church and in the world.
1st Reading - Isaiah 9:1-3 | 2nd Reading - 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17. | Gospel Reading - Matthew 4:12-23
Martyred king of Denmark, sometimes called Knud. The illegitimate son of King Sven II Estridson of Denmark, Canute succeeded his brother Harald III Hen in 1081. After marrying Adela, the sister of Count Robert of Flanders, Canute built churches and monasteries. In 1085, he planned an invasion of England, but the nobles of the court rebelled against him and forced him to flee to the isle of Funen. There, Canute, his brother Benedict, and seventeen companions were slain in the church of St. Alban. Pope Paschal II authorized Canute's cult in 1101.
Margaret was born to Béla IV, king of Hungary, at a moment when the country was threatened by enemies. So the king promised God that if things reversed in his favor he would dedicate his little princess to the religious life. The prayer was answered, and Béla put Margaret in the care of the Dominican Sisters at Veszprém. When Margaret was 12, Béla built a convent for her on an island in the Danube near Buda. There the young teenager professed her vows.
Saint Anthony, the Father of monks, was born in Egypt in 251 of pious parents who departed this life while he was yet young. On hearing the words of the Gospel: “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell what thou hast, and give to the poor” (Matt. 19:21), he immediately put it into action. Distributing to the poor all he had, and fleeing from all the turmoil of the world, he departed to the desert. The manifold temptations he endured continually for the span of twenty years are incredible. His ascetic struggles by day and by night, whereby he mortified the uprisings of the passions and attained to the height of dispassion, surpass the bounds of nature; and the report of his deeds of virtue drew such a multitude to follow him that the desert was transformed into a city, while he became, so to speak, the governor, lawgiver, and master-trainer of all the citizens of this newly-formed city.
Father Joseph Vaz was born on April 21, 1651, in India. He was a Goan, born in Benaulim, and was raised in the villages of Benaulim and Sancoale. When he grew up, his father sent him to a school at Benaulim to learn Latin as a preparation for his priestly studies. Joseph Vaz made such rapid progress in his studies that his father decided to send him to the city of Goa, to the Jesuit College of Saint Paul. After completing his studies with the Jesuits, Joseph Vaz entered the Academy of Saint Thomas Aquinas for his philosophical and theological studies. In 1676 he was ordained a priest.
Also known as Paul the First Hermit and Paul of Thebes, an Egyptian hermit and friend of St. Jerome. Born in Lower The baid, Egypt, he was left an orphan at about the age of fifteen and hid during the persecution of the Church under Emperor Traj anus Decius. At the age of twenty two he went to the desert to circumvent a planned effort by his brother in law to report him to authorities as a Christian and thereby gain control of his property. Paul soon found that the eremitical life was much to his personal taste, and so remained in a desert cave for the rest of his reportedly very long life. His contemplative existence was disturbed by St. Anthony, who visited the aged Paul. Anthony also buried Paul, supposedly wrapping him in a cloak that had been given to Anthony by St. Athanasius. According to legend, two lions assisted Anthony in digging the grave. While there is little doubt that Paul lived, the only source for details on his life are found in the Vita Pauli written by St. Jerome and preserved in both Latin and Greek versions.
1st Reading - Isaiah 49:3, 5-6 | 2nd Reading - 1 Corinthians - 1: 1-3 | Gospel Reading - John 1: 29-35
Neelakandan Pillai was born into an affluent Hindu family in 1712. As a young man he went into the service of the royal household in India’s Travancore province. Eventually put in charge of state affairs, Pillai became acquainted with Captain Eustachius De Lannoy, the Dutch naval commander who trained the king of Travancore’s forces. Their relationship awakened Pillai’s interest in the captain’s Christian faith. At his baptism in 1745, Pillai chose the name Lazarus, or Devasahayam in the Malayalam language. His wife and other members of his family were baptized at the same time.
The life and times of St Benedict of Nursia can be found in the books where Pope Gregory I wrote his around the year 593 AD. Pope Gregory I says that St Benedict was a very gentle, disciplined, and pious abbot. He was a miracle worker as witnessed by his disciples namely; Constantinus, Honoratus, Valentinianus, and Simplicius.St Benedict was born in a noble family in Nursia, (in the modern-day it is called Norcia), in Umbria, Italy. His twin sister is called Scholastica. He went to study in Rome but in around 500 AD, he abandoned his studies halfway because he was disappointed by the sinful and unholy life in the city of Rome. He took a servant with him and went to live in Enfide (now known as Affile) in the Simbruini mountains near Subiaco.
St Theodosius was born at Mogariassus, called in latter ages Marissa, in Cappadocia, in 423. He imbibed the first tincture of virtue from the fervent example and pious instructions of his virtuous parents. He was ordained reader, but some time after being moved by Abraham's example to quit his country and friends, he resolved to put this motion in execution.
A Sicilian cleric, Pope/St. Agatho was born c. 577 and was elected to the Roman see in 678. He had been a monk before his election and was well-versed in Latin and Greek. Although the exarch of Ravenna, Theodore, desired independence from Rome, he eventually submitted to Agatho's rule. In 678, Bishop Wilfrid of York, claiming he had been unjustly deposed, appealed to the pope, who ruled that Bishop Wilfrid should be returned immediately to his see. Concerned about the condition of the English church, Agatho sent an envoy to teach the Britons about chant and to report to him on the state of the church. The Sixth Ecumenical Council (680-681) accepted Agatho's definitions of the two wills of Christ, although the pope did not attend the council. Agatho died during a plague in 681.
1st Reading: Numbers 6:22-27 | 2nd Reading: Galatians 4:4-7 | Gospel Reading: Luke 2:16-21
1st Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14. | 2nd Reading: Colossians 3:12-21 | Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
When the cruel edicts of Diocletian and Maximin Hercules were published against the Christians in the year 303, it required more than ordinary force in the bishops and clergy, to encourage the people to undergo martyrdom rather than apostatize. All were forbidden even to draw water or grind wheat, if they would not first incense idols placed for that purpose in the markets and on street corners.Saint Sabinus, Bishop of Spoleto, with Marcellus and Exuperantius, his deacons, and several other members of his clergy who were worthy of their sacred mandate, were apprehended in Assisi for revolt and thrown into prison by Venustianus, Governor of Etruria and Umbria. He summoned them before him a few days later and required that they adore his idol of Jupiter, richly adorned with gold. The holy bishop took up the idol and threw it down, breaking it in pieces. The prefect, furious, had his hands cut off and his deacons tortured on the rack and burnt with torches until they expired.
Born in London in 1118, Thomas was of Norman stock. He was initiated into an ecclesiastical career at a young age. Trained in the abbey of Merton, he later studied in France and at the University of Bologna and soon distinguished himself for his intellectual qualities. In 1154 he became archdeacon of the diocese of Canterbury and the following year, the new king of England, Henry II, appointed him chancellor of the realm. Thomas was the king’s most trusted man. He lived a comfortable life, and did not disdain the symbols and privileges of power. However, the future Saint did not fail in generosity towards the poor, and showed an inner freedom even in the face of the sovereign, to whom he was not only a counselor, but also a trusted friend.
Pope Francis asks for prayers for Benedict XVIAt the end of the General Audience, Pope Francis asks for “special prayers” for Benedict XVI “who is very ill.” The Holy See Press Office director confirms there has been an aggravation in his health condition but says the situation remains stable.
Feast of the Holy Innocents, also called Childermas or Innocents' Day, Christian feast in remembrance of the massacre of young children in Bethlehem by King Herod the Great in his attempt to kill the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:16–18).
1st Reading: 1 John 1:5-2:2. | Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:13-18 | https://stpaulsbyb.com
St. John the Apostle, also called Saint John the Evangelist or Saint John the Divine, (flourished 1st century CE; Western feast day December 27; Eastern feast days May 8 and September 26), one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus and traditionally believed to be the author of the three Letters of John, the Fourth Gospel, and possibly the Revelation to John in the New Testament. He played a leading role in the early church at Jerusalem.
Saint Stephen was one of the first ordained deacons of the Church. He was also the first Christian martyr. The Greek word from which we derive the English word martyr literally means witness. In that sense, every Christian is called to bear witness to Jesus Christ, in both their words and their actions. Not all are asked to shed their blood.
1st Reading: Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59 | Gospel Reading: Matthew 10:17-22 | https://stpaulsbyb.com
Praetextatus, a noble Roman, was a native of Sirmium, Pannonia, a Roman city in what is now Yugoslavia. After the death of her husband, Publius, a pagan, she traveled to Aquileia to minister to the Christians suffering persecution during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. She herself suffered martyrdom when on December 25 she was beheaded (some legends say burned) on the island of Palmaria where she had gone to visit the faithful.
Holy Family Novena Day 9 | Pray For Ukraine | The feast of the Holy Family is celebrated on the first Sunday after Christmas but you can pray the Holy Family Novena for any reason that you want. The Holy Family consists of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. They serve as a holy example for our families and us. As Blessed Pope Paul VI said, we meditate on the Holy Family that it may “teach us what family life is, its communion of love, its austere and simple beauty, and its sacred and inviolable character.” In this novena, we will reflect on different aspects of the members of the Holy Family and different events that took place in their lives to help our families and us grow in holiness. About the Holy Family: Mary was betrothed to Joseph before the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce that she would conceive the Son of God. When Joseph found out, he decided that he would divorce her quietly, but an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to trust Mary. Mary joined Joseph when he traveled to his hometown, Bethlehem, for the census. It was there that Mary gave birth to Jesus. The Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated the Sunday after we celebrate the birth of Christ (i.e., the Sunday after Christmas). God chose to come into world as a child in a family. Like most families, His family shared very real joys and sorrows. By meditating on the Holy Family, may we learn what holiness looks like for our families during both joyful and sorrowful times. Read more at: https://www.praymorenovenas.com/holy-family-novena/705288
1st Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6 | 2nd Reading: Titus:11-14 |Gospel Reading: Luke 2:1-14 | https://stpaulsbyb.com
The full armor of God that Christians are called to put on comprises the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit. https://www.christianity.com/
John was a country lad who made good in the big city and the big university of Kraków, Poland. After brilliant studies he was ordained a priest and became a professor of theology. The inevitable opposition which saints encounter led to his being ousted by rivals and sent to be a parish priest at Olkusz. An extremely humble man, he did his best, but his best was not to the liking of his parishioners. Besides, he was afraid of the responsibilities of his position. But in the end he won his people’s hearts. After some time he returned to Kraków and taught Scripture for the remainder of his life.
Holy Family Novena Day 8 | Pray For Ukraine | The feast of the Holy Family is celebrated on the first Sunday after Christmas but you can pray the Holy Family Novena for any reason that you want. The Holy Family consists of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. They serve as a holy example for our families and us. As Blessed Pope Paul VI said, we meditate on the Holy Family that it may “teach us what family life is, its communion of love, its austere and simple beauty, and its sacred and inviolable character.” In this novena, we will reflect on different aspects of the members of the Holy Family and different events that took place in their lives to help our families and us grow in holiness. About the Holy Family: Mary was betrothed to Joseph before the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce that she would conceive the Son of God. When Joseph found out, he decided that he would divorce her quietly, but an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to trust Mary. Mary joined Joseph when he traveled to his hometown, Bethlehem, for the census. It was there that Mary gave birth to Jesus. The Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated the Sunday after we celebrate the birth of Christ (i.e., the Sunday after Christmas). God chose to come into world as a child in a family. Like most families, His family shared very real joys and sorrows. By meditating on the Holy Family, may we learn what holiness looks like for our families during both joyful and sorrowful times. Read more at: https://www.praymorenovenas.com/holy-family-novena/705288
1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 | Gospel Reading: Luke 1:67-79 | https://stpaulsbyb.com
Send your prayer requests here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BH2ZftdOslA27ABYvxCQyB Frank Anthony Pavone is an American anti-abortion activist and laicized Catholic priest. He is the National Director of Priests for Life and serves as the chairman and Pastoral Director of its project Rachel's Vineyard. Outspoken Catholic priest and political activist Frank Pavone, the national director of the influential pro-life ministry Priests for Life who has been laicized, or dismissed, from the clerical state by the Catholic Church.
The Scandinavian island nation of Iceland celebrates its national patron, St. Thorlak Thorhallsson, on Dec. 23.Although Iceland's national assembly declared him a saint in 1198, only five years after his death, this “unofficial” canonization did not become an official part of the Church's liturgical calendar until Pope John Paul II confirmed him as the country's patron in January 1984.
Holy Family Novena Day 7 | Pray For Ukraine | The feast of the Holy Family is celebrated on the first Sunday after Christmas but you can pray the Holy Family Novena for any reason that you want. The Holy Family consists of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. They serve as a holy example for our families and us. As Blessed Pope Paul VI said, we meditate on the Holy Family that it may “teach us what family life is, its communion of love, its austere and simple beauty, and its sacred and inviolable character.” In this novena, we will reflect on different aspects of the members of the Holy Family and different events that took place in their lives to help our families and us grow in holiness. About the Holy Family: Mary was betrothed to Joseph before the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce that she would conceive the Son of God. When Joseph found out, he decided that he would divorce her quietly, but an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to trust Mary. Mary joined Joseph when he traveled to his hometown, Bethlehem, for the census. It was there that Mary gave birth to Jesus. The Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated the Sunday after we celebrate the birth of Christ (i.e., the Sunday after Christmas). God chose to come into world as a child in a family. Like most families, His family shared very real joys and sorrows. By meditating on the Holy Family, may we learn what holiness looks like for our families during both joyful and sorrowful times. Read more at: https://www.praymorenovenas.com/holy-family-novena/705288
1st Reading: Malachi 3:1-4, 4:5-6 | Gospel Reading: Luke 1: 57-66 | https://stpaulsbyb.com
Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (also called Mother Cabrini), was the first American citizen to be canonized by the Roman Catholic Church. Maria Francesca Cabrini was born July 15, 1850, in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano Lombardy, Italy.
Holy Family Novena Day 6 | Pray For Ukraine |The feast of the Holy Family is celebrated on the first Sunday after Christmas but you can pray the Holy Family Novena for any reason that you want. The Holy Family consists of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. They serve as a holy example for our families and us. As Blessed Pope Paul VI said, we meditate on the Holy Family that it may “teach us what family life is, its communion of love, its austere and simple beauty, and its sacred and inviolable character.” In this novena, we will reflect on different aspects of the members of the Holy Family and different events that took place in their lives to help our families and us grow in holiness. About the Holy Family: Mary was betrothed to Joseph before the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce that she would conceive the Son of God. When Joseph found out, he decided that he would divorce her quietly, but an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to trust Mary. Mary joined Joseph when he traveled to his hometown, Bethlehem, for the census. It was there that Mary gave birth to Jesus. The Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated the Sunday after we celebrate the birth of Christ (i.e., the Sunday after Christmas). God chose to come into world as a child in a family. Like most families, His family shared very real joys and sorrows. By meditating on the Holy Family, may we learn what holiness looks like for our families during both joyful and sorrowful times. Read more at: https://www.praymorenovenas.com/holy-family-novena/705288
An important figure in the Catholic counter-reformation that responded to the 16th century spread of Protestantism, the priest and Doctor of the Church Saint Peter Canisius is remembered liturgically on Dec. 21.His efforts as a preacher, author, and religious educator strengthened the Catholic faith in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and parts of Central Europe during a period of doctrinal confusion.
Holy Family Novena Day 5 | Pray For Ukraine | The feast of the Holy Family is celebrated on the first Sunday after Christmas but you can pray the Holy Family Novena for any reason that you want. The Holy Family consists of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. They serve as a holy example for our families and us. As Blessed Pope Paul VI said, we meditate on the Holy Family that it may “teach us what family life is, its communion of love, its austere and simple beauty, and its sacred and inviolable character.” In this novena, we will reflect on different aspects of the members of the Holy Family and different events that took place in their lives to help our families and us grow in holiness. About the Holy Family: Mary was betrothed to Joseph before the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce that she would conceive the Son of God. When Joseph found out, he decided that he would divorce her quietly, but an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to trust Mary. Mary joined Joseph when he traveled to his hometown, Bethlehem, for the census. It was there that Mary gave birth to Jesus. The Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated the Sunday after we celebrate the birth of Christ (i.e., the Sunday after Christmas). God chose to come into world as a child in a family. Like most families, His family shared very real joys and sorrows. By meditating on the Holy Family, may we learn what holiness looks like for our families during both joyful and sorrowful times. Read more at: https://www.praymorenovenas.com/holy-family-novena/705288
1st Reading: Song of Solomon 2:8-14 | Gospel Reading: Luke 1:39:45 | https://stpaulsbyb.com
Holy Family Novena Day 4 | Pray For Ukraine | The feast of the Holy Family is celebrated on the first Sunday after Christmas but you can pray the Holy Family Novena for any reason that you want. The Holy Family consists of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. They serve as a holy example for our families and us. As Blessed Pope Paul VI said, we meditate on the Holy Family that it may “teach us what family life is, its communion of love, its austere and simple beauty, and its sacred and inviolable character.” In this novena, we will reflect on different aspects of the members of the Holy Family and different events that took place in their lives to help our families and us grow in holiness. About the Holy Family: Mary was betrothed to Joseph before the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce that she would conceive the Son of God. When Joseph found out, he decided that he would divorce her quietly, but an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to trust Mary. Mary joined Joseph when he traveled to his hometown, Bethlehem, for the census. It was there that Mary gave birth to Jesus. The Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated the Sunday after we celebrate the birth of Christ (i.e., the Sunday after Christmas). God chose to come into world as a child in a family. Like most families, His family shared very real joys and sorrows. By meditating on the Holy Family, may we learn what holiness looks like for our families during both joyful and sorrowful times. Read more at: https://www.praymorenovenas.com/holy-family-novena/705288
Holy Family Novena Day 3 | Pray For Ukraine | The feast of the Holy Family is celebrated on the first Sunday after Christmas but you can pray the Holy Family Novena for any reason that you want. The Holy Family consists of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. They serve as a holy example for our families and us. As Blessed Pope Paul VI said, we meditate on the Holy Family that it may “teach us what family life is, its communion of love, its austere and simple beauty, and its sacred and inviolable character.” In this novena, we will reflect on different aspects of the members of the Holy Family and different events that took place in their lives to help our families and us grow in holiness. About the Holy Family: Mary was betrothed to Joseph before the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce that she would conceive the Son of God. When Joseph found out, he decided that he would divorce her quietly, but an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to trust Mary. Mary joined Joseph when he traveled to his hometown, Bethlehem, for the census. It was there that Mary gave birth to Jesus. The Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated the Sunday after we celebrate the birth of Christ (i.e., the Sunday after Christmas). God chose to come into world as a child in a family. Like most families, His family shared very real joys and sorrows. By meditating on the Holy Family, may we learn what holiness looks like for our families during both joyful and sorrowful times. Read more at: https://www.praymorenovenas.com/holy-family-novena/705288
Holy Family Novena Day 2 | Pray For Ukraine|The feast of the Holy Family is celebrated on the first Sunday after Christmas but you can pray the Holy Family Novena for any reason that you want.The Holy Family consists of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. They serve as a holy example for our families and us. As Blessed Pope Paul VI said, we meditate on the Holy Family that it may “teach us what family life is, its communion of love, its austere and simple beauty, and its sacred and inviolable character.” In this novena, we will reflect on different aspects of the members of the Holy Family and different events that took place in their lives to help our families and us grow in holiness.About the Holy Family:Mary was betrothed to Joseph before the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce that she would conceive the Son of God. When Joseph found out, he decided that he would divorce her quietly, but an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to trust Mary. Mary joined Joseph when he traveled to his hometown, Bethlehem, for the census. It was there that Mary gave birth to Jesus. The Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated the Sunday after we celebrate the birth of Christ (i.e., the Sunday after Christmas).God chose to come into world as a child in a family. Like most families, His family shared very real joys and sorrows. By meditating on the Holy Family, may we learn what holiness looks like for our families during both joyful and sorrowful times.Read more at: https://www.praymorenovenas.com/holy-family-novena/705288
Daily Mass Readings and Reflections (Feast of St. Winebald)4th Sunday of Advent December 18First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14. 2nd Reading Romans 1:1-7 Gospel Reading: Matthew 1:18-24https://stpaulsbyb.com
The feast of the Holy Family is celebrated on the first Sunday after Christmas but you can pray the Holy Family Novena for any reason that you want.The Holy Family consists of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. They serve as a holy example for our families and us. As Blessed Pope Paul VI said, we meditate on the Holy Family that it may “teach us what family life is, its communion of love, its austere and simple beauty, and its sacred and inviolable character.” In this novena, we will reflect on different aspects of the members of the Holy Family and different events that took place in their lives to help our families and us grow in holiness.About the Holy Family: Mary was betrothed to Joseph before the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce that she would conceive the Son of God. When Joseph found out, he decided that he would divorce her quietly, but an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to trust Mary. Mary joined Joseph when he traveled to his hometown, Bethlehem, for the census. It was there that Mary gave birth to Jesus. The Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated the Sunday after we celebrate the birth of Christ (i.e., the Sunday after Christmas).God chose to come into world as a child in a family. Like most families, His family shared very real joys and sorrows. By meditating on the Holy Family, may we learn what holiness looks like for our families during both joyful and sorrowful times.Read more at: https://www.praymorenovenas.com/holy-family-novena/705288
(Feast of St. Lazarus)3rd Week of AdventDecember 17, FridayFirst Reading: Genesis 49:2, 8-10Gospel Reading: Matthew 1:1-17https://stpaulsbyb.com/
3rd Week of Advent December 16, FridayFirst Reading: Isaiah 56:1-3a, 6-8. Gospel Reading: John 5: 33-36https://stpaulsbyb.com/
3rd Week of Advent, Thursday. 1st Reading:. Isaiah 54:1-10. Gospel Reading: Luke 7:24-30. https://stpaulsbyb.com/
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge—no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
3rd Week of Advent December 14, Wednesday.First Reading: Isaiah 45:6b–8, 18, 21b–25I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the Lord, who does all these things. “Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause them both to sprout; I the Lord have created it. For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): I am the Lord, and there is no other. Was it not I, the Lord? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Saviour; there is none besides me. Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: ‘To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.’ Only in the Lord, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; to him shall come and be ashamed all who were incensed against him. In the Lord all the offspring of Israel shall be justified and shall glory.”Gospel Reading: Luke 7:19–23At that time: John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”Reflection: Reading today’s Gospel passage, one wonders if John the Baptist is convinced or confused about the identity of Jesus. Is it for his sake or for the sake of his disciples that he sends two of them to Jesus with a question: whether Jesus is the one who is to come or they need to look for another. In fact, John is urging Jesus to make a public statement of His true identity. Jesus lets His actions do the talking rather than making a public declaration that He is the Messiah. The signs and wonders He works are there for everyone to see. Jesus, in fact, compares the prophecies of the Old Testament with His own deeds. It is evident that His deeds are a fulfilment of the OT prophecies. This alone is the test of the truth that Jesus is truly the Messiah. Do I believe in, follow, and submit myself to the Lordship of Jesus?https://stpaulsbyb.com/
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. O glorious prince St. Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits, servant in the house of the Divine Kingand our admirable conductor, you who shine with excellenceand superhuman virtue deliver us from all evil,who turn to you with confidenceand enable us by your gracious protectionto serve God more and more faithfully every day. Amen.
1st Reading - Zephaniah 3:1–2, 9–13Thus says the Lord: “Woe to her who is rebellious and defiled, the oppressing city! She listens to no voice; she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the Lord; she does not draw near to her God. “For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord. From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, the daughter of my dispersed ones, shall bring my offering. On that day you shall not be put to shame because of the deeds by which you have rebelled against me; for then I will remove from your midst your proudly exultant ones, and you shall no longer be haughty in my holy mountain. But I will leave in your midst a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord, those who are left in Israel; they shall do no injustice and speak no lies, nor shall there be found in their mouth a deceitful tongue. For they shall graze and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.” GOSPEL READING :Matthew 21:28–32At that time: Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people, “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not’, but afterwards he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir’, but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterwards change your minds and believe him.https://stpaulsbyb.com/
1st Reading - Numbers 24:2–7, 15–17a.In those days: Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. And the Spirit of God came upon him, and he took up his discourse and said, “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened, the oracle of him who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered: How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your encampments, O Israel! Like palm groves that stretch afar, like gardens beside a river, like aloes that the Lord has planted, like cedar trees beside the waters. Water shall flow from his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters; his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.” And he took up his discourse and said, “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened, the oracle of him who hears the words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered: I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel.” Gospel Reading - Matthew 21:23-27 At that time: When Jesus entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven’, he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man’, we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things. (3rd Week of Advent Dec 12, Monday). Content Source: https://stpaulsbyb.com
In 1935, St. Faustina received a vision of an angel sent by God to chastise a certain city. She began to pray for mercy, but her prayers were powerless. Suddenly she saw the Holy Trinity and felt the power of Jesus’ grace within her. At the same time she found herself pleading with God for mercy with words she heard interiorly.
One of the first prayers he penned as a pope was to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Shortly after St. John Paul II was installed as pope on October 22, 1978, he made plans for his first apostolic trip. It was to be in Mexico at the end of January, only a few short months into his pontificate.There he made many appearances and speeches, including a short pilgrimage to the shrine that holds the original image of Our Lady of Guadalupe north of Mexico City. There he paused for a few moments to recite a lengthy prayer to the Virgin Mary.
In this Episode I'm basically giving an introduction about myself and what my podcast is gonna be in the coming episodes.