St. Stephen was the first Christian martyr and one of the seven deacons who helped the Apostles. He died praying for his executioners; showing his perfect imitation of Christ even unto death. His name is included in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I).

And as they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And he knelt down and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:59-60) ~ from the Didache Bible

We wish you a Blessed Christmas!

~ from all of us at Midwest Theological Forum

St. John of Kanty, also known as John Cantius, was born in Cracow, Poland. He taught at the Jagiellonian University for most of his life and was noted for his piety and the humble, unassuming spirit of charity that pervaded his professional life.

~ Patron of St. John Cantius Church in Chicago, where both the extraordinary and ordinary forms of the Latin Rite are celebrated.

Born in a town near Avila, Spain, the Carmelite St. John was persuaded by St. Teresa of Avila to join her in reforming the Carmelites, and as a result he suffered many tribulations, including imprisonment.

During his incarceration he wrote “Dark Night of the Soul,” a profound work of mysticism. ~ from the Proper of Saints, Daily Roman Missal

The image of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the tilma of St. Juan Diego is kept, miraculously preserved, in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, in Mexico City.

“A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” (Rev 12:1) ~ from the Proper of Saints, Daily Roman Missal

Pope Bl. Pius IX solemnly defined the traditional belief of the Church: the Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived free from all stain of Original Sin.

Her Immaculate Conception is the most beautiful fruit of the work of redemption accomplished by her Son, Jesus Christ. Chosen to be the Mother of the Savior, God did not allow sin to contaminate her, which makes her a model of holiness of life for all Christians. ~ from the Proper of Saints, Daily Roman […]

While St. Ambrose was serving the imperial government and yet a catechumen, he was elected Bishop of Milan. He distinguished himself through apostolic zeal, service to the poor, and effective care of the faithful.

An articulate opponent of Arianism in the West, he converted and baptized St. Augustine. ~ from the Proper of Saints, Daily Roman Missal

St. Nicholas was present at the First Ecumenical Council where he signed the document affirming the divinity of Christ ~

Consecrated Bishop of Myra in modern-day Turkey, St. Nicholas is known for his compassion to the poor. ~ from the Proper of Saints, Daily Roman Missal

St. Andrew was a disciple of St. John the Baptist before he became a follower of Christ.

“Andrew told his brother Simon: We have found the Messiah, the Christ, and he brought him to Jesus.” (Cf. Jn 1:41-42) from the Proper of Saints, Daily Roman Missal

Christ Carrying the Cross by Marco Palmezzano ~ from the Roman Missal, Third Edition

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