catholicchurch

Although exact dates of the events in St. Patrick’s life are uncertain, early tradition credits the popular saint with converting a largely pagan society in Ireland to Christianity during the fifth century. Born in Roman Britain, when he was about 16, St. Patrick was captured by pirates and brought to Ireland. He would spend six years in captivity as a slave before escaping and returning to his homeland. When back home he studied for the priesthood and would later be ordained a bishop before heading back to Ireland. His mission was to convert the land to Christianity and build churches across the country. St. Patrick wrote in his surviving work “Confession” that his time spent in captivity greatly influenced his spiritual growth and strengthened his prayer life.

~ “O God, who chose the Bishop Saint Patrick to preach your glory to the peoples of Ireland, grant, through his merits and intercession, that those who glory in the name of Christian may never cease to proclaim your wondrous deeds to all. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~ from the Proper of Saints, Daily […]

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ANIMA CHRISTI Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O Good Jesus, hear me. In your wounds, hide me. Apart from you let me never be. From the enemy, defend me. At the hour […]

~ from “What’s Wrong with the World”

The “prince of paradox” referred to himself as an “orthodox” Christian, and would eventually convert to Catholicism from High Church Anglicanism. Chesterton shared many beliefs concerning philosophy and theology with close friend, Hilaire Belloc.

Perpetua, a young mother of Carthaginian nobility, and Felicity, a slave woman imprisoned with her and pregnant at the time, were martyred during the persecution of Emperor Severus in 203. Along with their Christian companions, they were sent to the public games in the Carthage arena. Although details of early martyrs are often unclear, a true record exists attesting to the courage of these two saints, known as “The Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity.”

~ A passage from St. Perpetua’s account in captivity, while separated from her baby: “… I was very much afraid, because I had never felt such darkness. O terrible day! O the fierce heat of the shock of the soldiery, because of the crowds! I was very distressed by my anxiety for my infant… ” […]

Born in 1458, St. Casimir was the son of King Casimir IV and Queen Elizabeth, monarchs of Poland and Lithuania. In contrast to other members of the royal court, St. Casimir preferred a life of asceticism and prayer. He was educated by Fr. John Dlugosz, the historian and diplomat whose deep piety and political expertise would greatly influence Casimir in his upbringing. Known for his material charity to the poor, St. Casimir was a compassionate young man with great devotion and love for the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

~ In 1984, at the 500th anniversary commemorating St. Casimir’s death, St. John Paul II said, “His life of purity and prayer beckons you to practise your faith with courage and zeal, to reject the deceptive attractions of modern permissive society, and to live your convictions with fearless confidence and joy.”