— 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.
— 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 […]
— 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 […]
— 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, […]
— 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 […]
We wish you and family a blessed and safe Independence Day! ~ from all of us at Midwest Theological Forum (Apostolic Journey – Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore – 10/08/1995)
— 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.
— 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 […]
— 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 […]
— 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 […]