— St. Pius X (1835-1914) defended traditional Catholic doctrine against modernist interpretations and was deeply devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He encouraged frequent reception of the Holy Eucharist, lowered the age for First Holy Communion, and initiated the codification of the Code of Canon Law.
— “Mary taken up to Heaven, ‘By her maternal charity, she cares for the brethren of her Son, who still journey on earth surrounded by dangers and difficulties, until they are led into the happiness of their blessed home’ (Lumen Gentium, n. 62). Let us invoke the Holy Virgin, that she may be the star […]
— Known as the Apostle of Consecration to Mary, St. Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941) saved the life of fellow prisoner Sgt. Gajowniczek, by offering to take his place in a starvation bunker at Auschwitz. A witness noted, “Despite the inhumane and savage atrocities, Fr. Kolbe maintained deep faith and dignity… he prayed and tried to encourage […]
— St. Clare (1194-1253) was 18 when she first heard St. Francis preach during a service; he would become her close friend and spiritual guide. Under his direction, Clare founded the Order of Poor Ladies and in 1216, became the abbess. Clare continued to promote their simple and austere way of life, refusing to allow […]
— Born into an observant Jewish family, Edith Stein (1891–1942) was a philosopher, brilliant writer, and nurse. She was drawn to the Catholic faith after reading the writings of St. Teresa of Avila, eventually joining the Carmelites and taking the name “Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.” In 1942, St. Teresa was arrested by the Gestapo […]
“A man who governs his passions is master of the world. We must either command them or be enslaved to them. It is better to be the hammer than the anvil.” – St. Dominic — Born of wealthy Spanish nobility, St. Dominic (1170-1221) founded the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) and worked to eradicate the Albigensian […]
— Born into a family of nobility, St. Ignatius (1491-1556) was a soldier whose physical prowess led him through many battles. His life took a turn when his leg was shattered at the Battle of Pamplona. During recovery he read about the life of Christ and lives of the saints, which prompted his conversion and […]
— Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus are mentioned in Scripture as being close friends of Jesus. After the death of Lazarus, Martha would profess: “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world.” (Jn 11:27)
— Today we honor the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Devotion to Saints Joachim and Anne is an extension of the veneration due the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.
— St. James was called by Christ while fishing on the sea of Galilee with his brother John the Evangelist. Saint James was one of three Apostles who witnessed the Transfiguration and Agony at Gethsemane and also the first of the Apostles to be martyred. — The well-traveled pilgrimage to the apostle’s shrine, known as […]