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— Born into Hungarian nobility, St. Elizabeth (1207-1231) is remembered for her charitable works and devotion in caring for the poor and the sick. St. Elizabeth was an early member of the Third Order of St. Francis and honored as its patroness.

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— During St. Leo’s pontificate, the Council of Chalcedon (451) defined Jesus Christ as one divine Person having two natures (divine and human), combating the Monophysitism heresy. St. Leo had written his Epistola Dogmatica (the “Tome” of Leo) to Patriarch Flavian of Constantinople, which was read and assented to by the Council Fathers.

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— The feast of the Lateran Basilica marks the dedication of the cathedral church of Rome by Pope Sylvester I. Its universal celebration is a sign of love for and union with the See of St. Peter. On the basilica, a Latin inscription reads, “the mother and mistress of all churches of Rome and the […]

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— Today’s great feast honors all the saints now in Heaven… those who have been recognized by the Church as well as those who have not been canonized.

*** *** *** The Order of Penance ~ New!

— This revised ritual edition of The Order of Penance is available for pre-order! (shipping begins January 25, 2023) * First use for priests: February 22 (Ash Wednesday); Mandatory use for priests: April 16 (Divine Mercy Sunday) — Please visit: www.theologicalforum.org/Category/118/Product/636/The_Order_of_Penance

*** *** *** “Open wide the doors for Christ.” (St. John Paul II)

— A strong defender of the family, St. John Paul II began the tradition of World Youth Day and the World Meeting of Families. He developed many themes during his papacy including, “The Culture of Life,” “The Universal Call to Holiness,” “Christian Marriage and Family Life as the domestic church,” and “Theology of the Body.”

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— “Letters to My Brother Priests” ~ 20% savings through October 23, 2022! — Includes the complete collection of St. John Paul II’s Holy Thursday letters to priests from 1979 to 2005. Please visit: www.theologicalforum.org/Category/127/

*** *** *** “Let fire and the cross; let the crowds of wild beasts; let tearings, breakings, and dislocations of bones; let cutting off of members; let shatterings of the whole body; and let all the dreadful torments of the devil come upon me: only let me attain to Jesus Christ.” (St. Ignatius to the Romans, Ch. 5)

— St. Ignatius (d. 107) was consecrated Bishop of Antioch and later martyred in Rome under Trajan. Considered one of the great Apostolic Fathers, he wrote a series of letters pertaining to Christology, ecclesiology, and the Sacraments. His name is mentioned in the Roman Canon.