Archive for the ‘Islam’ Category

Today Christians Celebrate the Feast of St. John of God, Patron Saint of the Dying & Hospitals – Please Pray For Us!

Friday, March 8th, 2024

St John of God

Saint John of God (1495-1550)
Image Courtesy:
CNA

(EWTN) Few people in this world who have made any name for themselves in any sphere, began life under such adverse conditions.

John was born in Portugal Montemayor-el-Novo to middle class parents, tragically at the age of 8 he was abducted according to and later was abandoned to homelessness in a remote part of Spain Oropesa, there he had no one and had no place to live and subsequently worked as a shepherd boy on the neighboring countryside until the age of twenty two before he realized a change in circumstances.

It was during an age of wars and conquests and even the country villagers , when the day’s work was over, could talk of little else but the new countries being discovered, the great battles being fought and the wonderful deeds being done by the heroes of the day. 

For John, this was the life he wanted for himself and for the next 18 yrs, he lived and fought with the Emperor’s armyfirst against the French, then the Turks, according to Catholic News Agency all the while during this time, his morals began to decline for a greedy, brutal way of life.

John’s conscience was from time-to-time troubled, particularly by the memories of his early youth before he was taken away from his parents and despite falling into a lifestyle of violence and plundering, he had a certain weakness for those who were poor or in extreme distress and would give to them charity–it wasn’t until the age of 42 before John’s life and sinfulness began to take its toll.

Subsequently John returned to Spain and picked up nearly right where he had left off some 20 yrs earlier, working again as a Shepherd.

This time however John was committed to living out the faith in God that he regained from his youth. John traveled to North Africa seeking to help Christians  there who had been enslaved by Muslims.

Eventually however he returned to Spain and settled for a time selling Christian books and other things, always encouraging his customers to live their faith sincerely to God–Saint John of God reputation as the ‘Patron Saint of Booksellers’ derives from this period.

In time, John felt compelled to give himself entirely to the service of the poor, sick and vulnerable that he opened his home to them–allowing it to become a combined hospital, homeless-shelter and half-way house run entirely by John himself. When not bandaging up the wounded or breaking up fights, John would go out seeking charity.

The Bishop of Granada approved of John’s work and gave him the name, ‘John of God’ subsequently a group of volunteers came to accompany him in his work, many who had earlier come to him when they were in need themselves.

Others resented John’s work and assaulted his reputation by reminding others of his past sins but John, unfazed in his humility would acknowledge the truth in what was being said as a testament to God’s grace in his life.

John continued serving the poor and the sick for the next 15 years before meeting his death through an act of charity–he jumped into a freezing river to save a drowning man, he subsequently returned home shivering (likely suffering from hypothermia) and laid down in one of his hospital beds–John’s health steadily declined. The Bishop of Granada was called and he came to deliver last rites.

As the Bishop prepared him for death, ‘John of God’  expressed a number of anxieties:

  • “The first is that I have received so many graces from God and have not recognized them and have repaid them with so little of my own.”
  • “The second is, after I am dead, I fear lest the poor woman I have rescued and the poor sinners I have reclaimed, may be treated badly.”
  • “The third is those who have trusted me with money and who have not been fully repaid, nay suffer loss on my account.”

The Bishop however assured John that he had nothing to fear–John then asked to be alone and summoned his last strength to rise from his bed to knell before a crucifix. 

John of God, passed away while in prayer with his face pressed against the figure of Jesus Christ–John of God was Canonized on the 16 October 1690 in Rome by Pope Alexander VIII

More here from Franciscan Media

Related: For Today’s Most Holy Scripture Readings for the Memorial of St. John of God, Visit: -USCCB

Today Christians Commemorate St. Berard and Companions, Martyrs for Jesus Christ – Please Pray For Us!

Tuesday, January 16th, 2024

Saint Berard and CompanionsSt. Berard & Companions — Martyrs of the Franciscan Order
Images: 365 Rosaries

(Franciscan Media) Preaching the Gospel is often dangerous work. Leaving ones home, adjusting to new cultures and languages is difficult enough but martyrdom caps all the other sacrifices.

In 1219 with the blessings of St. Francis, Berard departed Italy with Peter, Adjute, Accurs, Odo and Vitalis to minister in Morocco–Enroute in Spain, Vitalis became ill and commanded the other Friars to continue their mission without him.

The Friars tried ministering in Seville, then in Muslim lands but made no converts, they continued on to Morocco where they ministered in the marketplace, they were subsequently apprehended and ordered to leave the country–they refused. When they began ministering again an exasperated Sultan ordered them executed.

After enduring severe beatings and declining various bribes of power, riches and position to renounce their Christian faith, the Friars replied:

“We despise all those things for the sake of Christ.”

St Berard and...

The five Friars were beheaded by the Sultan himself on the 16 January, 1220 becoming the first Franciscan martyrs.

When St. Francis learned of their deaths he exclaimed, “Now I can truly say that I have five Friars Minor.” Their relics were brought to Portugal where they prompted a young Augustinian Canon–Anthony of Padua to join the Franciscans and set off for Morocco the following year.

The five Friars of the Franciscan Order martyred for Jesus Christ were Canonized in 1481 by Pope Sixtus IV after many miracles had occurred through their intercession.

At first glance, the story of the five Franciscan Friars martyrs reads as if these brave and holy men failed in their mission–they failed to convert many and only succeeded in achieving death for their cause, however the fire of evangelism and missionary work that was lit by their martyrdom has forever changed the Franciscan Order as well as the world.

We look at the brave sacrifices of these five Friars, offering thanks. We are inspired to move courageously and single minded purpose to pursue the truth of our faith living as witnesses to the love of Jesus Christ.

More here from 365 Rosaries

Related: Defenders of Christendom –Roman Catholic Saints.com

Today Christians Celebrate Feast of St. John of Capistrano, Priest, Patron Saint of Lawyers & Judges – Please Pray For Us!

Monday, October 23rd, 2023

St John of CapistranoSt. John of Capistrano (1386-1456)
Image Courtesy: St Paul Street Evangelization

(Franciscan Media) Its been said that Saint’s are the worlds greatest optimists. Not blind to the existence and consequence of evil, they based their confidence on the power of Christ’s redemption. The power of conversion through Christ, extends not only to sinful persons but also to calamitous events.

Imagine being born in the 14th century, one third of the population and nearly 40% of the Clergy were wiped out by the bubonic plague. The Western schism split of the Church with 2 or 3 claimants to the Holy See at one time. — England and France were at war, Italy’s cities in conflict, its not a wonder that ‘doom and gloom’ dominated the spirits of people living during this period.

John Capistrano born in Italy Capistrano, was the son of a German Knight according to SQPN and he would bury his father while he was still quite young.  As a young man, John studied at the University of Prague and later worked as an Attorney in Naples, becoming a reforming Governor in Italy Perugia under King Landislas. When war broke out between Perugia and the ‘House of Malatesta’ in 1416 John attempted to broker a peace treaty but when the opponents ignored the truce, John was taken as a prisoner-of-war.

During John’s imprisonment, he made a decision to change vocations. He had married just before the war but his marriage was never consummated and with his bride’s consent, his marriage was subsequently annulled.

At the age of 30 John joined the Franciscans at Perugia and was Ordained a Priest, 4 years later.

Fr. John’s ministry attracted great throngs during a time of religious apathy and confusion–Subsequently he together with 12 Franciscan Brethren were received warmly, instrumental in reviving Christianity throughout Italy, Germany, Bohemia, Austria, Hungary, Poland and Russia together with establishing communities of Franciscans.

The Franciscan Order during this same period was in turmoil concerning the interpretation and observance of the Rule of Saint Francis — Through Fr. John’s tireless efforts and his expertise in law, the heretical Fraticelli were suppressed and the ‘Spirituals’ were freed from interference in their stricter observance.

When the Muslims of Turkey captured Constantinople in 1453 Fr. John, was commissioned by Pope Callistus II to preach at a crusade in defense of Europe. Gaining little response in Bavaria and Austria, Fr. John decided to concentrate his efforts in Hungary, leading an Army of 70,000 Christian Soldiers according to SQPN to Belgrade under the great General John Hunyadi there they gained and overwhelming victory and the siege of Belgrade was lifted.

Worn out by his years of indefatigable work, Fr. John became easy prey to infection and illness subsequent to the battle to free Europe from the Muslims and he passed away on this date in 1456 at Hungary Villach.

Fr. John of Capistrano was Beatified in 1650 by Pope Innocent X and was Canonized in 1690 by Pope Alexander VIII

Related: For Today’s Most Holy Scripture Readings on the Memorial of St. John of Capistrano, Visit: -USCCB

Today Christians Celebrate the Feast of St. Louis IX King of France, Patron Saint of Builders & Masons – Please Pray For Us!

Friday, August 25th, 2023

St Louis IX of France

St. Louis IX of France (1226-1270)
Image Courtesy: Brogilbert

(Franciscan Media) Born in France at Poissy, Louis was the son of King Louis VII and Blanche of Castile according to SQPN and was crowned King at the age of 11 on his father’s death. King Louis’ mother reigned during her son’s youth.

King Louis IX was known to lead an exemplary life, bearing constantly in mind his mother’s words: “I would rather see you dead at my feet than guilty of a mortal sin.” King Louis’ biographers wrote about the long hours that he spent in prayer, fasting and penance, without the knowledge of the people in the kingdom.

At the age of 19 King Louis was wed to Marguerite of Provence and the couple had a loving marriage though not without challenge as the couple had 11 children.

King Louis IX loved justice and took great measure to ensure the jurisprudence was carried out fairly, replacing the trial by battle with an examination of witnesses and encouraged the use of written records in Court proceedings. All of 13th century Christian Europe looked upon him as an international judge.

While King Louis IV of France was always respectful of the Papacy, he defended the royal interests against the Pope’s and refused to acknowledge Pope Innocent IV sentence against Emperor Frederick II.

King Louis IX was devoted to the people of his kingdom, founding hospitals, visiting the sick and like his Patron Saint Francis of Assisi (Feast Day: 04 October) he cared for people with leprosy. King Louis united France, Lords, Townsfolk, Peasants, Priests and Knights–by the force of his personality and holiness. For many years, France was at peace.

Everyday King Louis would invite 13 ‘Special Guests’ among the poor to dine with him together with a large number of the poor that were served meals near the palace–During Advent and Lent, all who presented themselves were provided with a meal which King Louis served them in person.

Disturbed by Jerusalem’s fall to the warring Muslim in 1245, King Louis IX set sail with his Naval forces to win back the Holy Land but by late 1249 with his military bogged down by the Nile and the following year his capture by the Egyptian Army, he was ransomed back to France for 1/3 of his kingdoms annual income.

In 1267 together with his three sons, King Louis led a second crusade against Muslims, this time in Syria but when plague broke out, it decimated the troops and King Louis, sickened by disease died on this date near Tunis in 1270

King Louis IX was was Canonized in 1297 by Pope Boniface VII 

More here  from EWTN

Today Christians Honor Blessed Emmanuel Ruiz and Companions, Martyrs for Jesus Christ – Please Pray For Us!

Friday, July 7th, 2023

Blessed Emanuel Ruiz and Companions

Blessed Emmanuel Ruiz & Companions
Image: Tinh Than

(Franciscan Media) Born in Spain Santander in 1804 not much is known of the early life of Emmanuel Ruiz but details of his heroic death in defense of Christianity have been passed down through generations.

Born of humble parents, Emmanuel became a Franciscan Priest and served as a missionary in Syria Damascus–this was at the same time that anti-Christian riots shook the country and thousands were martyred.

Among these were Fr. Emmanuel Ruiz, Superior of the ‘Franciscan Convent’ together with seven other Friars and three Laymen–When a menacing crowd of Islamists came looking for the men, they refused to renounce their Christian faith and become Muslim (sounds familiar, I digress) as a result, the men were subjected to horrible torture before their martyrdom in 1860

Fr. Emmanuel Ruiz, his Brother Franciscans and three Maronite Laymen were Beatified in 1926 by Pope Pius XI

Today Christians Honor Blessed Raymond Lull, Missionary To Muslims, Please Pray For Us!

Monday, June 26th, 2023

Blessed Raymond LullBecause of Catholics Like Raymond Lull (1235-1315) –Patheos.com

(Franciscan Media) Born in Spain Palma Majorca, Raymond earned a position in the King’s Court there–One day a Homily inspired him to dedicate his life to working for the conversions of Muslims in North Africa to Christianity.

Raymond became a ‘Secular Franciscan’ founded a college in Majorca in 1276 where Missionaries could learn Arabic and its culture, he traveled extensively through Tunis to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with Muslims–Raymond wrote more than 300 works in Latin, Arabic and Catalan on Theology, Logic and Philosophy, he was also fond of writing both fiction and poetry.

As the years passed, Brother Raymond retired in solitude spending 9 years in a Hermitage and during this time, he continued his writings in which he earned the title: Enlightened Doctor.

At the age of 79, Raymond went to North Africa continuing his ministry as a Missionary to the Muslims, there an angry crowd of Islamists stoned him (but did not kill him) in Algeria Bougie — Genoese Merchants took Raymond back to Spain Mallorca where he subsequently died.

Raymond Lull was Beatified in 1750 by Pope Benedict XIV

More here by Samuel M. Zwemer, FRGS

Today Christians Celebrate Feast of St. Anthony of Padua, Priest & Doctor of the Church, Patron Saint of the Poor – Please Pray For Us!

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

Saint Anthony of Padau...

St. Anthony of Padua (1195-1231)
Image: Catholic Online

(Franciscan Media) Born in Portugal Lisbon into a wealthy family, at his baptism he was given the name ‘Fernando’ according to Pope Benedict XVI and was educated by a group of Priests writes Catholic News Agency until the age of 15 when he made a decision to enter a religious life.

Fernando moved into St. Vincent’s Monastery in Lisbon which followed the monastic Rule of St. Augustine — Fernando however disliked the constant visits and interruptions of  his friends and subsequently moved to a more remote house of the same Order, there he dedicated himself to solitude study of the Bible and of the Church Fathers, acquiring theological knowledge that was to bear fruit according to Pope Emeritus Benedict, later in life in his teaching and ministry activities.

In 1220 when the remains of Saint Berard and Companions (Feast Day: 16 January) the first Franciscan Martyrs were brought to Portugal for burial and veneration, Fernando was inspired by their lives and commitment to the Gospel. — Later when a group of Franciscan’s later visited the Monastery, Fernando told them that he wanted to adopt their humble lifestyle. Some of the Augustine Monks criticized and mocked Fernando’s interest in the Franciscans which had only been established recently before in 1209 but prayers, confirmed his desire to follow the example of St. Francis (Founder of the Franciscan Order) who was still living at the time.

Fernando eventually obtained permission to enter the Franciscans. At that time, he took the name ‘Anthony’ after the 4th century Monk St. Anthony of Egypt (Feast Day: 17 January)

Anthony desired to emulate the commitment of St. Berard and Companions the Franciscan Martyrs that gave their life to God while ministering to the Muslims. Traveling by ship, Anthony became seriously ill and could not carry out his intended work–the ship was supposed to take him to Spain for treatment but was blown off course and ended up in Italy.

Through this series of mishaps,  Anthony ended up near Assisi, where St. Francis was holding a major meeting for members of his Order of Franciscans. Despite Anthony’s poor health, he resolved to stay in Italy to be closer to St. Francis himself, initially concealing his deep knowledge of Theology and Scripture, offering to serve in the kitchen among the Brothers, together with reading scriptures and performing other menial tasks.

At the time, no one realized that Anthony was anything but a kitchen assistant and obedient Franciscan Priest according to Catholic News Agency however around 1224 Anthony became obligated to deliver an improvised speech before an assembly of Dominicans and Franciscans, none of who had prepared any remarks. Anthony’s eloquence stunned the crowd and St. Francis himself soon learned what kind of man the ‘Dishwashing Priest’ really was.

Subsequently St. Francois gave Fr. Anthony permission to teach theology in the Franciscan Order, “provided however, that as the Rule prescribes the spirit of prayer and devotion may not be extinguished.”

Fr. Anthony taught theology in several Italian and French cities, while strictly following his Franciscan vows while also preaching regularly–Later he dedicated himself entirely to the work of preaching as a Missionary in France, Italy and Spain, teaching an authentic love of God to many people–whether they be Royalty or Peasants who had fallen away from the Christian faith, Catholicism and morality.

Known for his bold preaching and austere lifestyle, Fr. Anthony also had a reputation as a worker of miracles which often came about in the course of disputes with heretics.

Fr. Anthony’s biographers related stories of a few of the miracles:

  • The first being of a horse which refused to eat for three days, accepting food only after it had been placed in Adoration before the Eucharist  that Fr. Anthony brought in his hands;
  • Another miracle involved poisoned meat which Fr. Anthony ate without any harm after making the sign of the Cross over it;
  • A final miracle recounted a group of fish which rose out of the sea to hear Fr. Anthony’s preaching where heretical residents of a city refused to listen.

Following Lent in 1231 Fr. Anthony’s health was in decline–he retreated to a remote location, taking along two companions for assistance. When his worsening health persisted, Fr. Anthony was carried back to the Franciscan Monastery in Padua, where crowds of people converged in groups, in hopes of paying their homage to the Holy Priest–After receiving last rites, Fr. Anthony prayed the Church’s seven traditional penitential psalms, sung a hymn to the Virgin Mary and died on this date at the age of 36 in 1231

Fr. Anthony’s well established holiness, combined with many miracles working during his lifetime, so moved Pope Gregory IX who knew Fr. Anthony personally to Canonize him just 1 year following his death adding:

“St. Anthony, residing now in heaven is honored on earth by many miracles daily seen at his tomb, which we are certified by authentic writings.”

More here from EWTN and here from CatholicSaints.Info

Related: For Today’s  Holy Scripture Readings for the Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua Visit: -USCCB

Today Christians Celebrate the Feast of St. Isidore the Farmer, Patron Saint of Rural Communities – Please Pray For Us!

Monday, May 15th, 2023

Saint Isidore the Farmer

Saint Isidore the Farmer (1070-1130)
Image: Pinterest

Born in Spain Madrid to poor parents, Isidore was named after Saint Isidore of Seville (Feast Day: 04 April) and while his parents could not afford to provide their son with a formal education, they instilled in him a love of prayer and an hatred of sin at an early age.

When Isidore was barely old enough to wield a hoe, he took employment for Juan de Vergas, according to Franciscan Media a wealthy landowner from Madrid, working faithfully on his estate outside the city for his entire life.

As the years past and Isidore reached the age of marriage in his day, he met a young woman Maria de la Cabeza (Feast Day: 09 September) who shared his Christian values and later they were married–subsequently they had one son who died as a child. Following his death, they agreed to serve God together and had no other children.

Isidore became a model of how to unite prayer and work in the Christian life. Every morning he would arise early to celebrate Mass and all day long as he toiled in the fields, he would be praying to God, the Saints and/or to his Guardian Angel. Isidore would spend many holidays making pilgrimages to visit Churches of Madrid and surrounding areas.

One day, Isidore’s envious co-workers complained to Juan de Vergas that Isidore had been arriving late for work for he lingered in Church too long following Mass. When de Vergas went to investigate, he saw Angels plowing the field in Isidore’s place; Another time, de Vergas saw two Angels working alongside of Isidore, so that he would accomplish 3 times as much as his fellow co-workers.

Isidore became well known for his love and generosity for the poor, miraculously supplying them with food, together with his kindness to animals–Isidore reportedly worked many miracles throughout his life and was already considered to be a Saint among men before his death on this date in 1130

On the 12 March, 1622 Isidore was Canonized by Pope Gregory XV

It is said that in the year 1212 that Saint Isidore appeared to King Alfonso VIII (1155-1214) who at the time was engaged in war with the Moors (Islamic Jihadists at Las Navas de Tolosa) to show him a way to surprise the enemy.

King Alfonso was successful in his military campaign against the Moors and Almohads (Islamic Caliphate) in a decisive Christian victory that helped turn the tide of the ‘Reconquista’ recapturing territory seized by Muslims, according to Encyclopedia Britannica that had occupied most of the Iberian Peninsula.

More here from EWTN

Publishers Note: Pope Pius V (Feast Day 30 April) is remembered as a defender of Catholic doctrine and Christian civilization for implementing steps in his time to stop the spread of militant Islam, bringing together both Spanish and Italian naval forces–realizing a dramatic and decisive battle against the Muslim’s, destroying their entire naval fleet in 1571

Today Christians Celebrate Feast of Pope Saint Pius V, Please Pray For Us!

Sunday, April 30th, 2023

Pope Saint Pius V

Pope Saint Pius V (1504-1572)
Image: Luisa Piccarreta

(EWTN) Born Michael Ghislieri in Italy Alessandria in 1504 into an impoverished family despite their distinguished past, Michael the future Pope Saint Pius V was instructed by members of the Dominican Order, choosing to join them at the age of 14 after a decade of study in theology and philosophy, he was Ordained a Priest becoming known for his solemn penances. his long hours of prayer, fasting and the Holiness of his speech.

Fr. Michael Ghislieri was elected Bishop of Sutri in 1556 and one year later Cardinal, he became known in this capacity as an able yet unflinching man who rigorously fought heresy and corruption wherever he found it. In 1566 he was elected Pope and took the name Pius V.

A defender of Catholic doctrine and Christian civilization during the tumultuous 16th century, this Dominican Pope is remembered for implementing steps to stop the spread of militant Islam, bringing together both Spanish and Italian Naval forces including those of the Papal states. Seriously outnumbered, Pope Pius V requested that each Sailor and all of Europe pray the Holy Rosary and receive Communion. During this same time, Pope Pius V Ordered a 40 hour devotion in Rome during which time the battle took place–The Christian ‘Holy League’ vastly outnumbered, won a dramatic and decisive battle against the Muslims, destroying their entire fleet in 1571

Pope Pius V was charged with the task of implementing sweeping reforms according to Franciscan Media which included: Ordering the founding of seminaries for the proper training of Priests; Publishing a new Missal together with a new Breviary; a new Catechism and established the new ‘Confraternity of Christian Doctrine’ classes for the young. Pope Pius V likewise zealously enforced legislation against abuses in the Church and patiently served the sick and poor by overseeing the construction of hospitals, providing food for the hungry and giving money customarily used for Papal banquets to poor converts–Pius V decision to continue wearing the white Dominican habit led to the custom of the Pope wearing a white cassock which continues to this day.

In striving to reform both Church and State, Pope Pius V encountered vehement opposition from England’s Queen Elizabeth and the Roman Emperor Maximilian II

Pope Pius V in 1572 was working toward a new and broader alliance of Western Christian powers against expansionist Islamic Jihad, unfortunately for civilization he didn’t live long enough to see this through, becoming ill and died on the 01 May uttering:

“O Lord, increase my sufferings and my patience.” 

Pope Pius V was Beatified by Pope Clement X in 1672 and was Canonized by Pope Clement XI in 1712 — Since that time only two other Pope’s Saint Pius X in 1954 and John Paul II in 2014 have been declared a Saint.

More here from Franciscan Media

Related: For Today’s Holy Scripture Readings for the Memorial of Pope Saint Pius V, Visit: -USCCB

Today Christians Commemorate St. Casilda, Please Pray For Us!

Saturday, April 9th, 2022

St CasildaSaint Casilda of Toledo
Image: Annie Konstin, Saint Peter & Paul School, San Francisco@Flickr

(Franciscan Media) Born to Islamic parents in Spain Toledo in the 10th century, Casilda was raised Muslim but showed special kindness to Christian prisoners, carrying bread to them according to Zurbaran hidden in her clothes.

On one occasion the soldiers questioned what she was carrying under her skirt and as she proceeded to show them the bread it miraculously turned into a bouquet of roses.

As a young Woman, Casilda became ill but had no confidence that any Arab doctor could help her to regain her health and so she made a pilgrimage to the Shrine of San Vicenzo, like so many people before her, seeking the healing waters of the shrine which relieved Casilda of her illness.

In response, Casilda became a Christian, living the rest of her life in solitude, prayer and penance not far from the healing spring.

More here from Catholic Online