* * *** On May 13, 1917, Our Lady first appeared to three shepherd children in the village of Fatima. The Blessed Virgin would appear six times to Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta with a message to pray for the conversion of sinners, peace in the world, and repentance from sin. The final apparition took place on October 13, 1917, with a crowd of thousands witnessing the Miracle of the Sun. In 1930, the local bishop formally approved the apparitions.

~ “O God, who chose the Mother of your Son to be our Mother also, grant us that, persevering in penance and prayer for the salvation of the world, we may further more effectively each day the reign of Christ.” – from the Proper of Saints, Daily Roman Missal

* * *** From a young age, St. Damien’s true desire was that of religious life; when he was old enough, he entered the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. In 1864, St. Damien was sent to Hawaii and would serve there for nine years before his request to go to the leper colony at Molokai. St. Damien found the colony poorly maintained, but under his devoted care and leadership, the colony would build houses, schools, and a church. He asked to remain there permanently and eventually contracted leprosy himself. Despite his illness, St. Damian continued his mission work.

~ “Father of mercy, who gave us in Saint Damien a shining witness of love for the poorest and most abandoned, grant that, by his intercession, as faithful witnesses of the heart of your Son Jesus, we too may be servants of the most needy and rejected. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~ from the […]

* * *** “Sayings of Light and Love,” #109

The beloved ‘Mystical Doctor’ and Carmelite reformer suffered trials during much of his religious life. These trials would lead him to detachment of the material in the world… bringing him closer to Christ.

* * *** These two Apostles are celebrated on the same date as their relics were brought to Rome together and kept in the Church of the Twelve Holy Apostles.

— St. Philip was born in the town of Bethsaida in Galilee, and according to tradition he was martyred at Hierapolis, the Greek city where he had been preaching. St. Philip was one of the first apostles called by Christ himself and then Philip brought Nathaniel to the Lord: “Philip found Nathanael and told him, […]

* * *** The Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker was instituted in 1955 by Pope Pius XII and is celebrated on May 1, which corresponds to the day labor is honored in many countries.

~ Saint Joseph, carpenter and foster father of Jesus, is an exemplary model for us. All human labor can be sanctified, which in turn can sanctify oneself and others, making each of the faithful a participant in Christ’s work of redemption. ~ “O God, Creator of all things, who laid down for the human race […]

* * *** Saint Pius V (1504– 1572) was one of the most notable popes of the sixteenth century. A principal leader of the Catholic Reformation, he enforced the decrees of the historic Council of Trent.

~ The pontiff lived an ascetic lifestyle, and expected others in the papal court to also live a simpler life, which did not gain him favor. Instead of partaking in extravagant luxuries, which were the norm, he used resources to help provide food for the hungry. Saint Pius V published the Roman Catechism, revised the […]

* * *** St. Catherine (1347– 1380) was a Third Order Dominican, mystic, political activist, and author.

~ St. Catherine wrote letters to rulers and clergy in defense of the Church and her influence proved to be significant. She was instrumental in the return of Pope Gregory XI from Avignon to Rome, ending the “Avignon Papacy.” Her short life is an example of courage; in word and deed, St. Catherine displayed her […]

* * *** St. Louis (1673-1716) was born in Montfort, France, and is remembered for encouraging devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and also his love and ministry to the poor.

~ The influential saint composed several books, including his notable classics, “The Secret of the Rosary” and “True Devotion to Mary”. St. Louis founded the Missionaries of the Company of Mary and the Daughters of Wisdom, a religious institute of women devoted to the poor and the sick.

* * *** We honor the French priest who was martyred in 1841 for his mission work on the island of Futuna.

~ St. Peter’s strong desire to serve in the foreign missions drew him to the Society of Mary (Marists). In 1837, St. Peter would be assigned to Futuna to proclaim the Faith, and at first he was received well by the king and pagans. The king eventually grew angry when seeing the fruits of St. […]

* * *** We remember this great evangelist and martyr. St. Mark spread the Good News on his various missionary journeys with St. Paul, St. Peter, and St. Barnabas. The Gospel of St. Mark emphasizes the miraculous powers of Jesus Christ.

~ “And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, and had a leather girdle around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, […]

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