Cristy Li

St. Pedro de San Jose Betancur (1626-1667)
Image: Santos y Beatos

(Vatican) Pedro (aka St. Peter de Betancurt) was born in 1626 on the Canary Islands, his family were very poor and he started work as a shepherd of the small family stock. Pedro’s family raised him soundly in the faith and as a young boy, he learned to see God in everything around him.

When Pedro learned about the miserable living conditions of the people of the ‘West Indies’ he felt called by God to take the Christian message there–In 1650 when he was just 23 yrs old, Pedro left for Guatemala where a relative had already gone to become Secy of the Governor-General unfortunately Pedro’s funds ran out in, Havana, so Pedro had to pay for his passage from that point on by working on a ship which docked at Honduras from where he walked to Guatemala City.

Pedro was now so poor that he had to stand in a bread line at the Franciscan Friary and it was there he met Fernando Espino, a famous missionary that befriended him and remained his life long counselor. Fernando found Pedro a job in a local textile factory.

In 1653 Pedro realized his ambition to enter the local Jesuit college in the hope of becoming a Priest. Pedro however showed little aptitude for study which led him to withdraw from school but here Providence once more helped him as he met Fr. Manuel Lobo, who had become Pedro’s confessor.

Fernando invited Pedro to join the Franciscan Order as a Lay Brother but Pedro however felt that God wanted him elsewhere, subsequently in 1655 Pedro joined the ‘Third Order of St. Francis’ and from then on, he dedicated himself to alleviating sufferings of those less fortunate.

Pedro became the Apostle to African-American slaves the Indios subjected to inhuman labor. In 1658 Pedro was given a hut that he converted into a hospital “Our Lady of Bethlehem’ for the poor who had been discharged from the local hospital but still required  convalescence. Pedro later founded a hostel for the homeless, a school for poor and abandoned children and a Chapel.

Receiving financial help for these foundations from both civil and religious authorities, Pedro sought charity to endow the Masses celebrated by area Priests, which allowed Masses to be celebrated in the early morning hours so the poor may not miss daily Mass.

Pedro had small chapels constructed with the poor areas where children came also for instruction–Every year, Pedro would gather the children and sing the ‘Seven Joys of the Franciscan Rosary’ in honor of our Blessed Mother, a custom still continued today in Guatemala.

Joined by Men and Women who became the ‘Bethlehemite Brothers’ and the ‘Bethlehemite Sisters’ Pedro formulated a Rule that included the active apostolate of working with the poor, sick and the less fortunate, based upon a life of rich in prayer, fasting and penance–the Bethlehemite Congregation was thus established.

Pedro died at the age of 41 yrs old, throughout his life Jesus Christ was the focus of Pedro’s spiritual meditation, he was always able to see in the poor the face of ‘the Child Jesus’ and to serve them devoutly and became known as the ‘St. Francis of the Americas.’

Calling St. Pedro de San Jose Betancur, Pope Saint John Paul II noted at his Canonization  that Pedro was an “outstanding example” of Christian mercy and practicing it “heroically  with the lowliest and most deprived,” adding:

“Let us think of the children and young people who are homeless or deprived of an education, abandoned Women with their many needs and the hordes of social outcasts who live in the cities. Of the victims of organized crime, of prostitution or drugs; of the sick who are neglected and the elderly that live in loneliness.”

Pedro very much wanted to become a Priest but God had other plans for him. As individuals, we often pride ourselves in our ability to reason but as Saint Pedro de San Jose Betancur life shows, other skills may be an even more crucial element of our humanity, than a clever mind, compassion, imagination and love.

Unable to master his studies for the Priesthood despite his efforts, Saint Pedro responded to the needs of the homeless and the sick, he provided education to the poor and Salvation through God to the wealthy.

Pedro became holy–as fully human as any of us can ever be.

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Saint Mark
Image Courtesy: Catholic Online

(Franciscan Media) Most of what we know of Mark comes directly from the scriptures, he is usually identified with the ‘Mark’ of Acts 12:6-12 Paul and Barnabas (Mark’s cousin) took him along on their first missionary trip through Cyprus–Mark is credited with founding the Church in Alexandria and with writing the second Gospel in Greek for the Gentile converts to Christianity after the death of Peter and Paul between AD 60-70

(According to EWTN Papias and St. Clement also report that Mark wrote his Gospel at the request of the Romans, who as they relate desired to have that committed to writing which St. Peter had taught them by his words. Mark did accordingly set himself to record what had been a long conversation learned from St. Peter)

The Gospel of Mark, the oldest and shortest of the four Gospels emphasizes Jesus’ rejection by humanity while being God’s triumphant envoy.

Evidently a friend of Mark ‘the Evangelist’ Peter referred to him as ‘My Son’ —1 Peter 5:13 most evidently showing the strong bond between them.

As with the Gospel writer Luke, Mark was not one of the twelve apostles and one can not be certain if he even knew Jesus personally. Some scholars believe that ‘Mark the Evangelist’ is speaking of himself when speaking about the arrest of Jesus in Gethsemane:

“Now a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body and they seized him but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.” —Mark 14:51-52

The exact date of Mark’s martyrdom is uncertain, according to EWTN it is thought to be on this date in 62 or 63  or in the 8th year of Nero according to Saint Jerome who lived some 265 to 270 years after Mark’s death.

More here from New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia

St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen (1577-1622)
Image: All Saints & Martyrs

(EWTN) Born in Germany Sigmaringen and christened ‘Mark’ he went to the university in Switzerland studying philosophy and law. Fidelis was a good, decent and respected lawyer, according to Franciscan Media accepting cases to help the poor and oppressed, becoming known as ‘The Poor Mans Lawyer.’

Justice and his faith directed Fidelis actions and he would become disgusted with the corruption and injustice he found among his colleagues which resulted in him abandoning his law practice to become a Priest and entering the Capuchin Friars in Firbourg he subsequently would dispose of his possessions, dividing them between the impoverished Seminarians and the poor.

After completing studies in theology, Fidelis received his Holy Orders and said his first Mass in the Convent at Firbourg on the ‘Feast of St. Francis’ in 1612 and he would subsequently consecrate himself to God by taking the habit. From that moment forward, implicit obedience, humility and charity were his delight.

Fr. Fidelis received orders from his superiors and was sent to the Convent at  Weltkirchen (present day Austria) where many converted because of his zealous work–Later, the Congregation For the Doctrine of the Faith commissioned Fr. Fidelis to go and minister at ‘Grisons’ (Graununden region of Switzerland) he was the first missionary that was sent there since the residents had embraced Calvinism–Eight other Priests from Fr. Fidelis order worked along side of him as his assistants.

Some of the Calvinists became angered at Fr. Fidelis work and success at converting their brethren and threatened his life.

On this date in 1622 Fr. Fidelis made his confession to his assistant’s Priests, celebrated Mass and delivered a sermon at Grusch, following which he stood silent with his eyes fixed on heaven in joy–Later Fr. Fidelis foretold of his death to several persons in the clearest of terms and executed his last letters, ‘P. Fidelis, prope diem esca vermium’ (Fr. Fidelis, who will be shortly the food of worms) subsequently traveling to Sevis (Seewis im Prattigau) to celebrate Mass and delivering a sermon with great energy urging the Christians to be strong.

Following Mass in Sevis on the road back to Grusch, Fr, Fidelis met twenty Calvinists with a minister leading them, they called Fr. Fidelis a ‘false prophet’ and urged him to deny his faith and embrace their heresy.

Fr. Fidelis replied to them saying: “I am sent to you to confute (or refute) not to embrace your heresy. The Catholic religion is the faith of all ages, I fear not death.”

Subsequently one of the Calvinists beat him to the ground by striking him in the head with his sword, Fr. Fidelis rose and on his knees, stretched out his arms in the form of a Cross and said in a feeble voice towards heaven:

“Pardon my enemies O Lord, blinded by passion they know not what they do. Lord Jesus have pity on me, Mary Mother of Jesus assist me.”

A second strike against Fr. Fidelis head would result in him falling to the ground laying in a pool of his own blood. Not satisfied with Fr. Fidelis lay dying, some of the Calvinists would repeatedly stab him and would desecrate his body as they would say to punish him for his many journeys into communities to minister to them.

Following the savage attack on Fr. Fidelis by the Calvinists and their departure as he lay dying on the road, a Catholic Woman that was hidden as she watched what occurred, found Fr. Fidelis eyes open and fixed on heaven. 

Fr. Fidelis was Beatified in 1729 by Pope Benedict XIII and Canonized in 1746 by Pope Benedict XIV

Saint Adalbert (956-997)

(EWTN) Born Wojtech in Bohemia Cidilnou into a noble family, Wojtech was ordained a Priest when he was 27 changing his name to ‘Adalbert’ when he was chosen as Archbishop of Prague–Those who resisted his program of standing up against the pagan practices of Central Europe according to Franciscan Media forced him into exile–where he went to Rome and released of his episcopal obligations by Pope John XV

Adalbert withdrew to a Monastery and occupied himself in the most humble duties of the house.

In time, the people of Prague requested that Bishop Adalbert return and he was received with great demonstrations of joy but within a short time again, he was expelled a second time and returned to Rome after excommunicating those who had violated the right of the sanctuary by dragging a Woman accused of adultery from the Church and murdering her.

The people of Hungary were just then turning to Christianity, Bishop Adalbert went there to work as a missionary, after a short stay, he left to minister and evangelize in Poland and was made Archbishop of Gensen but again, he relinquished his position and set out to minister and evangelize the idolatrous inhabitants of the Kingdom of Prussia.

Bishop Adalbert at first saw success however his authoritative manner in telling the people to abandon their paganism irritated them and he was killed together with two of his companions by pagan priests in 997 near Konigsberg–the city was renamed Kaliningard, now part of Russia.

In 999 Bishop Adalbert was Canonized and is the Patron Saint of the Czech Republic of Bohemia and Poland.

Saint Anselm (1033-1109)
Image: The Beauty and Mystery of Life & Faith

(EWTN) Born in Italy at Aosta in part of the Piedmont region, Anselm’s father provided little in the way of moral or religious influence to his son–Anslem’s mother on the other hand was a very devout Woman and chose to send Anselm to school run by the Benedictine Order.

Anselm felt a profound religious calling during those years, spurred in-part by a dream in which he met and conversed with God. — Anselm’s father forbid him to become a Monk, this disappointment was followed by a period of severe illness and the early death of his beloved mother.

Unable to join the Monks and tired of the mistreatment by his father, Anselm left home and wandered throughout parts of France and Italy for 3 yrs, his life regained direction in Normandy where he met the Benedictine Prior Lanfranc of Pavia (1005-1089) becoming his disciple/student.

Lanfranc recognized his his pupil Anselm intellectual gifts and encouraged his vocation into a religious life. Accepted into the Monastery of Bec in Normandy, according to Franciscan Media Anselm was Ordained a Priest at the age of 27 and succeeded his teacher Lanfranc in 1063 when he was called to become Abbot of a different monastery.

Considered to be an original and independent thinker, Fr. Anselm was admired for his patience, gentleness and teaching skills. Under his leadership, the Abbey of Bec became a monastic school, influential in philosophical and theological studies.

During these years at the community’s request, Fr. Anselm began writing and publishing his theological works, comparable to those of Saint Augustine (Feast Day: 28 Aug) Fr. Anselm best known work is: Cur Deus Homo (‘Why God Became Man’)

At the age of 60 Fr. Anselm reluctantly accepted the position of Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093 his appointment was initially opposed by King William Rufus but later accepted.

For a three year period Fr. Anselm’s insistence on self-government of the Church against the claims of the state to its administration and property, caused him to be exiled from England but Fr. Anselm was successful in his struggle and returned to his Diocese in 1106

In the remaining years of Fr. Anselm’s life, he worked to reform the Church and continued with his theological research–following the motto: ‘Faith Seeking Understanding.’

Fr. Anselm passed away on this date in 1109 in England Canterbury, he was Canonized in 1492 by Pope Alexander IV — In 1720 Saint Anselm was named ‘Doctor of the Church’ by Pope Clement XI

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Saint Conrad of Parzham
Image: Seryu

(Franciscan Media) Born in Germany Bavaria in 1818, Conrad was devoted from an early age to solitary prayer and became known at all of the Churches and shrines–often times waiting at the door at sunrise for first Holy Mass.

Conrad joined the ‘Capuchins’ as a Brother and was assigned to the Shrine of ‘Our Lady of Altotting’ spending more than 40 yrs of his life as a Porter, letting people into the Friary, obtaining supplies and dispensing charity to the poor while indirectly encouraging them to let God into their lives. Conrad’s helpfulness was sometimes unnerving–once Fr. Vincent seeking quiet to prepare his sermon, went up to the bell-tower of the Church, Conrad tracked him down, when someone wanting to go to Confession specifically requested Fr. Vincent.

Working with children and supporting charities to help neglected children, Conrad developed a rapport with them and was able to teach them about Christian faith, values, principles and the Rosary.

Conrad would spend hours in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament and would regularly ask Our Blessed Mother to intercede for him, together with the many people he included in his prayers.

Three days prior to his death, Conrad realized that he could no longer perform his duties and resigned his position, he followed this by Celebrating Mass and retired to his bed for the last time. Local children that Conrad taught about Jesus and the Rosary recited it outside his window until he passed away.

Conrad was Beatified in 1930 and Canonized in 1934 by Pope Pius XI

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St. Gianna Molla with Son Pieluigi
Image Courtesy: Saint Gianna.org

(Franciscan Media) Born in Italy Milan in 1922, as a young lady according to EWTN Gianna willingly accepted the gift of faith and the Christian education that she received. Gianna dedicated herself to her studies enthusiastically during her early school years, together with her university education, while at the very same time, applying her faith in generous and apostolic service among the elderly and those less fortunate than she.

After Gianna earned her degree in Medicine and after completing a surgical residency from the University of Paula in 1949 Dr. Gianna Molla, opened up a medical clinic in in Magenta (near Milan) in the early 1950s specializing in Pediatrics, giving special attention to Mothers, Babies, Seniors and the Poor.

While practicing Medicine which she considered her ‘mission’ Dr. Gianna Molla increased her generous service to ‘Catholic Action’ especially among the very young, throwing light on Christian education knowing the values and guiding principles it provides.

When Dr.Gianna Mallo became engaged to be married to Pierto Mallo which she gave thanks and praise to the Lord for her many blessings, they were married in September, 1955 

In November 1956 to Gianna’s great joy, she became a Mother of Pieluigi (pictured with her above) and was subsequently blessed with two more children, Mariolina in 1957 and Laura in 1959, Dr. Gianna loved the joys of Motherhood, her marriage and being a physician.

In September 1961 toward the end of the second month of her fourth pregnancy, Fianna learned that she developed a fibroma in her uterus–before the necessary surgical procedure and knowing as a physician the risks that her continued pregnancy brought, Gianna pleaded with the surgeon to save the life of the baby, entrusting herself to prayer and Providence. The baby’s life was saved for which she thanked the Lord. A few days before the birth of her child, Gianna was ready to sacrifice her life to save her child and told her doctor:

“If you must decide between me and the child,
do not hesitate,choose the child
I insist on it. Save the baby.”

In the morning of the 21 April, 1962 Gianna Emanuela was born but unfortunately, despite all the doctors efforts to save Dr. Gianna Molla, one week later she died and is remembered for doing what was morally right to save the life of her unborn child while sacrificing her own.

Dr. Gianna Molla, M.D. was Beatified on Mother’s Day 1994 by Pope Saint John Paul II and proposed that she was a model for all Mother’s saying:

“A Woman of exceptional love, an outstanding wife and mother, she gave witness in her daily life to the demanding values of the Gospel. By holding up this Woman as an example of Christian perfection, we would like to extol, all those high-spirited mothers of families who give themselves completely to their family, who suffer in giving birth, who are prepared for every labor and every kind of sacrifice, so that the best they have can be given to others.”

On the 16 May, 2004 Saint Gianna Beretta-Molla was Canonized in St. Peter’s Square before more than 100,000 by Pope Saint John Paul II

More here from Saint Ginna.org

St. Benedict Joseph Labre (1748-1783)
Image: 365 Rosaries

(Franciscan Media) Born in France in a middle-class family, Benedict Joseph Labre was the eldest of 18 children and his parents were able to give to their children considerable opportunities in the way of education.

Benedict Joseph received his earliest education in a nearby school conducted by the Vicar of the Parish. By the age of 12, Benedict Joseph’s education was taken over by his Uncle (Francois Joseph Labre) with whom he went to live. During the next six years, he made considerable progress in his studies of Latin, History and Philosophy but found himself unable to conquer a constantly growing distaste for learning and knowledge. Benedict Joseph has a love of solitude, discipline and devotion to his religious exercises which were a distinguishable feature of his life.

At the age of 16 Benedict resolved to embrace a religious life as a Trappist (Cistercian Order of Monks established by the Abbot de Rance in 1664 and noted for an austere rule that included remaining silent for much of the time —Oxford Dictionary) however, on the advice of his Uncle Francois, he returned home to seek permission of his parents which they refused to consent so Benedict resume his visits to the Rectory, redoubling his penances and devotion, striving to make ready for his life of complete self-sacrifice to which the voice within his soul seemed to be calling him.

Following the death of his Uncle Francois during an epidemic in 1766 Benedict, dedicated himself to the service of the poor, sick and dying all the while, his absorbing thoughts were still to live a religious life–fearing however that further opposition of his parents would be resistance to the will of God.

Benedict’s petition at Val-Sainte Aldegonde was unsuccessful and he was referred to a different Monastery of the same Order at Neuville. There he was told that because he was not yet 20, there was no hurry and was encouraged to learn plaint chant and logic. During the next two years, Benedict applied twice unsuccessfully to be received at La Trappe, he was finally able to obtain admission to the ‘Cistercian Abbey of Sept-Fonts’ in 1769

After a brief stay at the ‘Cistercian Abbey of Sept-Fonts’ during which time Benedict’s exactness in religious observances and humility, endeared him to the entire community, his health deteriorated and it was decided that his vocation lay elsewhere.

During his time of convalescence he resolved that he would go to Rome and from Italy Chieri, he wrote to his parents a letter (which was the last they would receive from him) in which he informed them his intentions to enter one of the Monasteries in Italy noted for their strictness in religious life. A short time however after mailing the letter to them. Benedict appeared to have an internal illumination which set at rest further any doubts that he may have as to what his manner of living may be. Benedict realized ‘that it was God’s will that like St. Alexis he should abandon his country, his parents and whatever is flattering in the world to lead a new sort of life, a life most painful, most penitential, not in a wilderness nor in a cloister but in the midst of the world, devoutly visiting as a pilgrim the famous places of Christian devotion.’

Benedict traveled from one great shrine to another living off charity, he wore the clothes of a beggar and shared what little food he had with the poor. Filled with the love of God and his neighbor, Benedict had special devotion to the Blessed Holy Mother. While in Rome, he lived in the Colosseum for a time and was called ‘The Poor Man of the 40 Hours of Devotion’ and ‘The Beggar of Rome,’ the locals accepted his ragged appearance better than he did–his excuse to himself was that ‘our comfort is not in this world.’

Worn out by his poverty and self-denial, on the 16 April, 1783 Benedict made his way to the steps of the Church of Santa Maria dei Monti in Rome, utterly exhausted, he was carried a neighboring house where he passed away.

Following Benedict’s death, a multitude of unequivocal miracles were attributed to his intercession. The life written by his Confessor Marconi, evidenced 136 miraculous cures being certified up to 06 July, 1783 

Benedict was proclaimed Venerable in 1859 by Pope Pius IX and Canonized in 1881 by Pope Leo XIII

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