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— Martyred around 203, St. Irenaeus is considered one of the first great Church theologians and his important work went beyond the refutation of heresy. His system of theology includes the principle of apostolic succession and Mary’s role in the history of salvation. Some fragments of his writings have survived and are studied today for […]

* * *** “John the Baptist is ‘more than a prophet.’ In him, the Holy Spirit concludes his speaking through the prophets… John ‘came to bear witness to the light.’ In John’s sight, the Spirit thus brings to completion the careful search of the prophets and fulfills the longing of the angels.” (CCC 719)

— We honor the birth of St. John the Baptist with the highest order of liturgical feast. As the Forerunner of the Savior, St. John prepared the way for Jesus, instructing his followers to turn and follow the “Lamb of God.”

* * *** The joint feast day honors St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More. Even at great cost, these two men were faithful to truth and conscience.

— St. John (d. 1535) was Bishop of Rochester and named cardinal shortly before his death; St. Thomas (d. 1535) was a lawyer and Lord Chancellor of England. In the same year, both men would be executed by order of King Henry VIII for refusing to acknowledge Henry as supreme head of the Church of […]

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— St. Aloysius Gonzaga (1568-1591) was born into Italian aristocracy. At a young age he signed away his claim to his title and family wealth and entered the Society of Jesus. He died as a result of caring for the those stricken with the plague in the 1591 outbreak. St. Aloysius was canonized in 1726 […]

* * *** Born in Ravenna to a family of nobility, St. Romuald (d. 1027) grew up in a lavish environment. Yet, a particular life experience would prompt his journey to monasticism. St. Romuald founded the Camaldolese Order; a combination of hermit life and an austere form of community. He helped to establish and reform many monasteries, reviving the practice of hermit life to allow for more solitude.

— from St. Romuald’s Brief Rule: “Sit in your cell as in paradise; put the whole world behind you and forget it; like a skilled angler on the lookout for a catch keep a careful eye on your thoughts. The path you follow is in the psalms — don’t leave it. If you’ve come with […]

* * *** “His most Sacred Heart never ceased, and never will cease, to beat with calm and imperturbable pulsations. Likewise, it will never cease to symbolize the threefold love with which He is bound to His heavenly Father and the entire human race…” (HAURIETIS AQUAS, Pope Pius XII)

— The Solemnity of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated today, a reminder of God’s perfect love for us.

* * *** The Holy Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” (CCC 1324)

— “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in […]

* * *** Born in Nisibis, St. Ephrem (306– 373) was a deacon, poet, teacher, and defender of the faith. He is remembered for his hymns and biblical commentaries, many of which are still in existence. His works not only give praise and worship to God, but also teach the Christian faith. Confronting the heresy of his time, St. Ephrem helped to spread Christianity in Syria, and is considered one of the most significant Church Fathers in the Syriac tradition.

— from St. Ephrem’s ‘Hymn to the Light’: “The Light of the just and joy of the upright is Christ Jesus our Lord. Begotten of the Father, He manifested himself to us. He came to rescue us from darkness and to fill us with the radiance of His light.”

* * *** the bandits hoped to find gold and riches, instead… what they left on the ground, was the Ragyndrudis Codex.

— Known as the Apostle of Germany, St. Boniface (d. 754), was a Benedictine monk. Greatly esteemed by his brethren for his virtue and intellect, Boniface gave up the occasion to be abbot and instead went to preach the Gospel to the Germanic pagan tribes and organize the Church. He was appointed missionary bishop for […]

* * *** “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” (Mt 28:19-20)

— The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity is celebrated today, the Sunday following Pentecost… “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you!” (Jn 14:18)

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