* * *** 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.

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— George Weigel’s publications include “Witness to Hope,” “The Truth of Catholicism,” and “The Courage to be Catholic.” He is Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center and holds EPPC’s William E. Simon Chair in Catholic Studies.

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— St. John was persuaded by 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 and study on the development of the soul. St. John’s writings are considered to […]

* * *** “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 ~ Proper of Saints, Daily Roman Missal)

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

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— On the third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday), the faithful rejoice in hope as the Solemnity of Christmas draws near!

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— The Blessed Virgin Mary first appeared to Juan Diego in 1531 at Tepeyac hill, leaving a miraculous image on Juan’s tilma. Nearly 500 years later, the tilma is still preserved at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, one of the most popular Christian pilgrimage destinations in the world.

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— 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, the Blessed […]

* * *** 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, St. Ambrose converted and baptized St. Augustine.

~ “O God, who made the Bishop Saint Ambrose a teacher of the Catholic faith and a model of apostolic courage, raise up in your Church men after your own heart to govern her with courage and wisdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~ from the Daily Roman Missal

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— Born in the third century to a wealthy family, St. Nicholas was consecrated Bishop of Myra (modern-day Turkey) and is known for his compassion and generosity to those in need.

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— The Holy Land Pilgrim Kit includes an illustrated Pilgrim Handbook, Missalette, and DVD video series of select Holy Land sites. Makes a thoughtful gift for those seeking to visit the Holy Land and anyone interested in learning more about this sacred place. — For more information, please visit: www.holy-land.org

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