Christ in the World

–“As we solemnly offer the annual sacrifice for the beginning of Lent, we entreat you, O Lord, that, through works of penance and charity, we may turn away from harmful pleasures and, cleansed from our sins, may become worthy to celebrate devoutly the Passion of your Son. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.” (Lent ~ Prayer over the Offerings), from the Daily Roman Missal

–“So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you. Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that […]

Born into a wealthy and prominent family in Thessalonica, brothers Cyril and Methodius evangelized Moravia, Bohemia, and Bulgaria. Their ardent love for Christ would drive them to renounce wealth and status in order to fully commit themselves in service to the Lord. St. John Paul II proclaimed them patron saints of Europe along with St. Benedict of Nursia.

~ “O God, who enlightened the Slavic peoples through the brothers Saints Cyril and Methodius, grant that out hearts may grasp the words of your teaching, and perfect us as a people of one accord in true faith and right confession. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~ from the Proper of Saints, Daily Roman Missal […]

Today marks the first apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Bernadette, the young peasant girl from Southern France. In 1858, Our Lady revealed herself to St. Bernadette as “the Immaculate Conception,” and her loving message was a call to conversion, prayer, and charity.

~ “Grant us, O merciful God, protection in our weakness, that we, who keep the Memorial of the Immaculate Mother of God, may, with the help of her intercession, rise up from our iniquities. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~ from the Proper of Saints, Daily Roman Missal

Born in 480 to a Roman noble family, St. Scholastica was the twin sister of St. Benedict, the “father of monasticism.” Following the rule of her brother, she founded the Order of Benedictine nuns. According to the “Dialogues of St. Gregory the Great,” they spent their last day together in prayer and conversation.

~ “As we celebrate anew the Memorial of the Virgin Saint Scholastica, we pray, O Lord, that, following her example, we may serve you with pure love and happily receive what comes from loving you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~ from the Proper of Saints, Daily Roman Missal

St. Agatha is one of the most highly venerated of the virgin martyrs in the early Church. Although there is little that is known about her life, tradition holds that she was born in Sicily to a noble family, and martyred there during the time of Emperor Decius in the third century. St. Agatha is among the saints commemorated in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I).

~ “May the Virgin Martyr Saint Agatha implore your compassion for us, O Lord, we pray, for she found favor with you by the courage of her martyrdom and the merit of her chastity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~ from the Proper of Saints, Daily Roman Missal

In both the Eastern and Western Church, there is widespread veneration of St. Blasé due to the many cures attributed to him. According to tradition, he was a physician before being consecrated Bishop of Sebaste in Armenia and in 316 martyred under Licinius.

“Hear, O Lord, the supplications your people make under the patronage of the Martyr Saint Blaise, and grant that they may rejoice in peace in this present life, and find help for life eternal. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one […]