* * *** St. Augustine of Canterbury (d. 604/605) was the respected prior of the monastery of St. Andrew in Rome when he was sent by St. Gregory the Great to lead a group of missionary monks to Anglo-Saxon England. Although Christian missionaries had preached there years before, the invading tribes forced a number of Christians west and into hiding. In time, Augustine’s mission would be prosperous. King Aethelbert of Kent allowed the group to preach, and eventually, the King and many of his people converted, to set the future course of Christianity in Britain.

— Known as “Apostle to the English,” St. Augustine became the first Archbishop of Canterbury in 597.

* * *** “Cheerfulness strengthens the heart and helps us to persevere. A servant of God ought always to be in good spirits. Charity and cheerfulness, or charity and humility, should be our motto.” (St. Philip Neri)

— So much to say about this influential saint: *Founder of the ‘Congregation of the Oratory’ and ‘Confraternity of the Most Holy Trinity’ *Pursued philosophical and theological studies with the Augustinians *Mission work in Rome for nearly 17 years, before being ordained *Engaging and cheerful nature; conversed with people of all ages/societal levels *Brought people […]

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Born in England, St. Bede (d. 735) was a priest, monk, theologian, and historian. At the Benedictine Monastery, Bede was known as “the most observant and happiest of all monks.” He had a passion for learning, writing, and teaching and composed many works of his own, including commentaries on Scripture. His classic title, “Ecclesiastical History […]

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“Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.” (Lk 24:50-53) (Many of the […]

* * *** “In all your actions, seek in the first place the kingdom of God and his glory. Direct all you do purely to his honor. Persevere in brotherly charity, and practice first all that you desire to teach others. By this means, the Holy Spirit will be your master, and will give you such wisdom and such a tongue that no adversary will be able to stand against you.” (St. Bernardine of Siena)

— Known as the Apostle of Italy, St. Bernardine (1380-1444), was a Franciscan missionary priest and effective preacher. Traveling across Italy on foot, his mission was to revive the country’s Catholic faith and he also encouraged devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, which he associated with the Christogram (IHS). The Feast of the Most […]

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“Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.” (Lk 24:50-53) (Ecclesiastical Provinces of […]

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— Born in Madrid, St. Isidore (1070–1130) was a farm laborer for most of his life, employed by a wealthy landowner in Spain. He is remembered for his piety, his love for the poor, and also how he cared for animals. Although St. Isidore was not a scholar or a religious, he is revered among […]

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— On May 13, 1917, Our Lady first appeared to three shepherd children in the village of Fatima. The Blessed Virgin would appear six times to Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta with a message to pray for the conversion of sinners and peace in the world. The final apparition took place on October 13, 1917, with […]

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“SPE SALVI facti sumus”–in hope we were saved, says St. Paul to the Romans, and likewise to us (Rom 8:24). According to the Christian faith, “redemption”—salvation—is not simply a given. Redemption is offered to us in the sense that we have been given hope, trustworthy hope, by virtue of which we can face our present: […]

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— This little book is both practical and inspirational. Fr. Lorda draws upon many Christian apologists–from the Church Fathers to St. Thomas Aquinas as well as the Spanish mystics John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila–offering insight for reaching the heights of Christian life through our work, leisure pursuits, and with family. The Virtues […]

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