— “Mary taken up to Heaven, ‘By her maternal charity, she cares for the brethren of her Son, who still journey on earth surrounded by dangers and difficulties, until they are led into the happiness of their blessed home’ (Lumen Gentium, n. 62). Let us invoke the Holy Virgin, that she may be the star […]
— Known as the Apostle of Consecration to Mary, St. Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941) saved the life of fellow prisoner Sgt. Gajowniczek, by offering to take his place in a starvation bunker at Auschwitz. A witness noted, “Despite the inhumane and savage atrocities, Fr. Kolbe maintained deep faith and dignity… he prayed and tried to encourage […]
— St. Clare (1194-1253) was 18 when she first heard St. Francis preach during a service; he would become her close friend and spiritual guide. Under his direction, Clare founded the Order of Poor Ladies and in 1216, became the abbess. Clare continued to promote their simple and austere way of life, refusing to allow […]
— Born into an observant Jewish family, Edith Stein (1891–1942) was a philosopher, brilliant writer, and nurse. She was drawn to the Catholic faith after reading the writings of St. Teresa of Avila, eventually joining the Carmelites and taking the name “Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.” In 1942, St. Teresa was arrested by the Gestapo […]
“A man who governs his passions is master of the world. We must either command them or be enslaved to them. It is better to be the hammer than the anvil.” – St. Dominic — Born of wealthy Spanish nobility, St. Dominic (1170-1221) founded the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) and worked to eradicate the Albigensian […]
— “The Transfiguration invites us to open the eyes of our hearts to the mystery of God’s light, present throughout salvation history… it is Christ who constitutes the full manifestation of God’s light. His Resurrection defeated the power of the darkness of evil forever.” (Pope Benedict XVI, Castel Gandolfo – Sunday, 6 August 2006)
— Born into a family of nobility, St. Ignatius (1491-1556) was a soldier whose physical prowess led him through many battles. His life took a turn when his leg was shattered at the Battle of Pamplona. During recovery he read about the life of Christ and lives of the saints, which prompted his conversion and […]
“Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” (Jn 11:5) — Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus are mentioned in Scripture as being close friends of Jesus. After the death of Lazarus, Martha would profess: “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world.” (Jn […]
— 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) has 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 […]
— St. Thomas 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.