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— Born in a Lebanese mountain village, St. Sharbel (1828-1898) was a Maronite priest and hermit-monk. Originally revered among Lebanese Christians, his reputation for holiness (and many miracles) spread throughout the world, leading countless pilgrims to his tomb. — While only some are called to the hermit life, that which St. Sharbel practiced -contemplative silence, […]

* * *** “Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?'” (Jn 20:15)

— St. Thomas Aquinas named her ‘apostle to the apostles’… all four gospels identify Mary as a prime witness to the Resurrection and she was asked by Jesus himself to announce the news to the Apostles.

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— St. Apollinaris was one of the first great martyrs of the church. According to tradition, he was consecrated Bishop of Ravenna by St. Peter during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Apollinaris preached the Good News and worked miracles, and although many converted to the faith, he also provoked the ire of idolaters.

* * *** “The best perfection of a religious man is to do common things in a perfect manner. A constant fidelity in small things is a great and heroic virtue.” (St. Bonaventure)

— Known as the Seraphic Doctor, St. Bonaventure (1221–1274) is considered one of the most influential theologians of the Middle Ages. He was elected Minister General of the Friars Minor and composed a number of important works, including his mystical treatise “The Journey of the Mind to God.” Through generations, St. Bonaventure continues to inspire […]

* * *** the young and steadfast “Lily of the Mohawks”

— Born in the Mohawk village of Ossernenon, St. Kateri (1656–1680) was the daughter of a Mohawk chief and an Algonquin woman who had been assimilated into the tribe after she was taken captive. When a smallpox epidemic hit her village, Kateri was orphaned and left with impaired eyesight and facial scars. She was often […]

* * *** “Idleness is the enemy of the soul; and therefore the brethren ought to be employed in manual labor at certain times, at others, in devout reading.” (from the Rule of St. Benedict)

— Known as the “Father of Western Monasticism,” St. Benedict of Nursia (480-547) was a visionary. His instruction on religious life, known as the “Rule of St. Benedict,” is still directing monastic life today. ‘The Rule’ is also widely read by those outside the monastic community who seek “to do battle for Christ the Lord, […]

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— Daughter of King Peter III of Aragon, St. Elizabeth (1271-1336) was a devout child, developing a spiritual strength that would equip her in life. At a young age, she was given in marriage to Denis, King of Portugal. He would have several illegitimate children, resulting in great strife over heirship to the throne. Elizabeth […]

* * *** “My Lord and my God!”… the great acclamation of St. Thomas after touching the wounds of Christ (Jn 20:28).

— Although Thomas is best remembered for doubting the Resurrection; his work proved steadfast in preaching the Gospel. After Pentecost, the ‘scattering of The Twelve’ would take Thomas far outside the Roman Empire, preaching the Gospel as far as India.

* * *** We honor the unnamed First Martyrs in Rome who endured much suffering under the reign of Nero.

— In AD 64, a great fire destroyed large sections of Rome and many believed Nero was to blame for matters of his own interest. To deflect suspicion from himself, Nero accused the Christians of the arson and increased his efforts to persecute them. Christians were seen as an unpopular and expanding group “given to […]

* * *** We honor Sts. Peter and Paul with the highest order of liturgical feast.

— St. Peter, “Leader of the Twelve,” was chosen by Jesus at the Sea of Galilee: “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” (Mt 16:18) — St. Paul, “Apostle to the Gentiles,” was […]

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