Cristy Li

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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(Franciscan Media) Born in 1844 Bernadette was the eldest child of a very poor Mill Operator in France Lourdes. Her father Francois, was a good-natured, easy going man according to EWTN with little ability for operating a business and before many years, he forfeited the business due to debts.

During much of Bernadette’s childhood, her father worked menial jobs, picking up a days work as opportunity presented itself, from time-to-time Francois escaped his problems by turning to alcohol, something that is common to this day for some people.

Bernadette’s mother Louise and her children naturally were the ones that suffered the most as a consequence of Francois’ ineffectiveness to adequately provide for his family.

Louise was a hard worker, warm hearted neighbor and a model in her religious observances. To help feed and clothe her children, it was often necessary for Louise to go out and work by day–doing laundry for more prosperous citizens of her community and at least one occasion, she helped to harvest a crop of grain.

Bernadette was never strong as she suffered from a respiratory disease (it isn’t known whether it was asthma or tuberculosis) while her mother worked outside the home to help provide for her family, Bernadette cared for her siblings and helped in their moral and religious education.

During the Autumn of 1855 cholera struck Lourdes, Bernadette was not spared and because of her already weakened condition due to her health. A year later, the ‘Soubirous Family’ with less than a month of food in their home, sent Bernadette to live with her Auntie Bernarde to work with her.

When Bernadette returned to Lourdes, it made her very happy to be admitted to the day school conducted by the ‘Sisters of Charity’ and receive Christian instruction. At last, Bernadette began her secular education. The Nuns soon discovered that beneath the quiet and modest exterior, Bernadette had a winning personality and a sense of humor.

One very cold day when Bernadette returned home from school, her mother gave her permission to go down by the river and collect driftwood and fallen branches. Accompanied by her sister Toinette Marie and her friend Marie Abadie. Removing her stocking to cross the stream Bernadette heard a noise like a gush of wind toward the grotto, when she looked up, Bernadette saw a beautiful young lady who placed herself in a small niche in the rock, at one side of the opening and slightly above it. Bernadette starred in fascination when she saw the luminous apparition dressed in a soft white robe, golden roses gleamed on her bare feet–when the figure smiled at Bernadette, her sister and friend and beckoned them, the girls early reservations vanished and Bernadette reverently sunk to her knees and made a sign of the cross and drew her Rosary beads from her pocket that she always carried–the mysterious being also had a Rosary of large white beads and Bernadette recounted:

“The Lady let me pray alone, she passed the beads of the Rosary between her fingers but said nothing, only at the end of each decade, did she say the Gloria with me.”

When the recitation was finished, the Lady vanished into the cave and the golden mist disappeared with her–this experience affected Bernadette profoundly.

Bernadette subsequently exhibited independence. When she told her Confessor of the apparition, he made light of it think that she suffered from hallucinations. Nevertheless on the following Sunday, Bernadette asked for permission to go down to the grotto again, her father told her she may go as long as she took a flask of Holy water with her fearing that the apparition was actually a demon. Upon her arrival, Bernadette knelt down before the grotto and soon the Lady appeared as before. Bernadette sprinkled Holy water at her, the Lady smiled and bent her head, when the Rosary was finished she disappeared.

There were 18 appearances in all according to Franciscan Media the final one occurring on the ‘Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (16 July) although Bernadette, her sister Toinette Marie and their friend Marie Abadie provoked skepticism, Bernadette’s visions of ‘The Lady’ brought great crowds of the curious.

During the 13th appearance (02 March) of ‘The Lady’ Bernadette explained that she was instructed to, “Go tell the Priests to come here in procession to build a chapel here,’ at the grotto where the visions took place; During the 16th appearance (25 March) of ‘The Lady’ she revealed her name Bernadette recounted:

“She lifted up her eyes to heaven, joined her hands as though in prayer that were held out and opened towards the ground and said to me: ‘Que soy era Immaculada Concepciou.” (I am the Immaculate Conception) It was only when these word were explained to Bernadette, did she come to realize who ‘The Lady’ was.

Few visions have undergone the scrutiny that these appearance of the ‘Immaculate Conception’ were subject to. Lourdes became one of the most popular Marian shrines in the world, attracting millions of visitors. Many miracles have been reported at the Shrine and in the waters of the Spring. After thorough investigation, Church authorities confirmed the authenticity of the ‘Immaculate Conception’ in 1858

During Bernadette’s lifetime her privacy was continually invaded which she bore as patiently as she could but as her fame grew, she began to withdraw more and more.

In September 1878 Bernadette made her perpetual and final vows committing the rest of her life which was ebbing away to poverty, chastity, obedience and charity. When she was confined to a wheelchair or bed, she went on with her fine needlework and now had more time for prayer and meditation.

The Nun’s and the Superior all come to regard Sister Bernadette as the ‘Vessel of Divine Grace’ and believed in the reality of her visions of the ‘Immaculate Conception’ during her youth.

Once a visitor stopped Sister Bernadette as she was passing down a corridor and asked where she could get a glimpse of Sister Bernadette? The little Nun said, “Just watch that doorway and presently you will see her go through” and she slipped away through the door. Such was the prestige her presence gave to the Order, that many young Women now joined it.

In December 1878 Sister Bernadette illnesses worsened and she was confined to her bed in ‘The White Chapel’ as she referred to her bed with its white curtains, she passed away on this date a few months later.

Sister Bernadette Soubirous was Beatified in 1925 and Canonized in 1933 by Pope Pius XI

Related: Prayer For the Feast of St. Bernadette -Lourdes Prayer Request

Saint Peter Gonzales
Image Courtesy: Catholic Online

(EWTN) The best of historians place the birth of Saint Peter Gonzalez in Spain in the year 1190 where he descended from an illustrious family.

Peter’s wonderful scholastic achievement in his studies, showed him endowed with an extraordinary quickness and he embraced an ecclesiastical state, though at that time a stranger to the spirit of disengagement and humility which should essentially accompany it.

To fight against pride and self-love, Peter labored strenuously to put off the old man by abstinence, humility and becoming quickly a new man in Christ-recollected, penitent, meek and humble. The better to secure his victory over the world and himself, he entered the Austere Order of St. Dominic — Having made his vows and strengthened his soul in the spirit of humility and penance, he was ordered by his superiors to employ his talents in the ministry of the divine word to which he consecrated the rest of his life to the great advantage of innumerable souls.

Fr. Gonzales passed the best part of the night in holy meditations or in the singing of praises of God, he spent the entire day ministering to the faithful, his words always animated with a burning charity and supported by example.

After King Ferdinand III and his troops defeated the Moors at Cordoba according to Franciscan Media Fr. Gonzales was successful in restraining the soldier from pillaging and he persuaded King Ferdinand, to treat the defeated Moors humanely and with compassion.

Fr. Gonzales was passionate to minister the great truths of Christianity to the poor and peasants and he ministered at many different places. At Baiona a municipality in Spain Galicia a number of individuals wanted him to preach in the open fields, subsequently a violent storm arose with wind, thunder and lightning, his audience became very uneasy, Fr. Gonzales prevailed upon them to stay and by prayer appeased the storm. All places around them were being deluged but not a drop of rain fell upon the audience. — Spanish and Portuguese Mariners invoke his intercession in storms

In April 1246 Fr. Peter Gonzales passed away during his travels in Spain Saintiago de Compostela — Fr. Peter Gonzales was Beatified in 1254 by Pope Innocent IV and Canonized in 1741 by Pope Benedict XIV

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Pope Saint Martin I
Image: Catholic Culture

(EWTN) Born in Italy at Todi on the Tiber, Pope Martin was born in either the late 6th or early 7th century, he became a Deacon according to Catholic News Agency and served in Rome, where he acquired a reputation for education and holiness.

Pope Theodore I chose Martin as his representative (Papal Nuncio) to the Emperor in Constantinople during a period of theological controversy between the Imperial Capitol and the Roman Church.

The dispute that Martin became involved first as Papal Nuncio and later as Pope himself, was over Jesus’ human nature. (See: Galatians 4:4 and ‘Jesus Christ, God and Man’ –EWTN) Although the Church had already acknowledged the Eternal Son of God as ‘becoming man’ within history, some Eastern Bishops continued to insist that Christ’s human nature was not entirely like that of other humans.

During the 7th century, authorities within the Byzantine Church and empire, promoted a version of this heresy known as ‘monothelitism’ which taught that Jesus Christ had two natures–one human and one divine but only one will.

Pope Theodore condemned this teaching and excommunicated Patriarch Pyrrhus of Constantinople for holding to it.

Martin inherited this controversy when he succeeded Theodore I as Pope. At the Lateran Council of 649 Pope Martin I, followed his predecessors lead in condemning Pyrrhus’ successor Patriarch Paul II, who accepted Emperor Constans II decision to forbid all discussion of whether or not Jesus Christ had both a human and divine will–Pope Martin I condemned monothelitism completely and denounced those who held to it.

Pope Martin insisted that the teaching that denied Christ’s human will could not be glossed over as an irrelevant point. To refuse to acknowledge Jesus Christ’s distinct divine and human wills he believed, was to deny the Biblical teaching that Christ was like humanity in everything other than sin.

“For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sinning.” —Hebrews 4:15

The Byzantine Emperor retaliated against Pope Martin by sending his own representative to Italy during the Council, with Orders either to arrest the Pope or have him killed.

A servant of the Emperor who attempted to assassinate Pope Martin while he was distributing Holy Communion later testified that he suddenly lost his eyesight and could not carry out the death sentence.

In 653 the Emperor again sought to silence Pope Martin, this time by sending a delegation to abduct him, a struggle ensued and the Pope was taken to Constantinople before being exiled to the Island of Naxos for a year. Those who attempted to send help to the exiled Pope Martin, were denounced as traitors of the Byzantine Empire–Eventually Pope Martin was brought back to Constantinople and sentenced to death.

Pope Martin’s appointed executioners stripped him of his clothes and led him through the city before locking him in a prison with a group of murderers–he was beaten so badly that he appeared to be on the verge of death. At the last moment however both the Patriarch of Constantinople and Emperor agreed that Pope Martin should not be executed and instead was kept in a prison before being banished again to an island that was suffering from severe famine. Pope Martin wrote to a friend that he was “not only separated from the rest of the world…even deprived of the means to live” and here passed the remaining days of his life.

Buried in the Church of Our Lady in Crimea Cherson, many miracles are related are wrought by Pope Saint Martin I in life and after his death in 655 — Pope Saint Martin was the last of the early Pontiff’s to be Venerated as a Martyr.

The Third Ecumenical Council of Constantinople eventually vindicated Pope Saint Martin I, by confirming in 681 that Jesus Christ had both a divine and human will.

More here from Franciscan Media

Related: For Today’s Most Holy Scripture Readings – Memorial of St. Martin I, Pope & Martyr Visit: -USCCB

St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr (1030-1079)

(Franciscan Media) Anyone who reads the history of Eastern Europe cannot help but chance on the name ‘Stanislaus’ the Bishop of Poland Krakow, who died for his faith in Jesus Christ at the hands of King Boleslaus II

Born in Poland Szczepanow in the Diocese of Krakow according to EWTN in 1030 his parents members of the nobility showed great zeal and charity in their Catholic lives. Their son studied for a time in Poland and then went on to learn theology and Canon law in Paris. The death of his parents left him a large inheritance which he gave away to the poor.

Following Stanislaus ordination as a Priest, he served the Church in Krakow in various pastoral and administrative posts–following the death of the Diocese’s leader Bishop Lambert Zula, Fr. Stanislaus was chosen his successor.

Bishop Stanislaus worked tirelessly for the Diocese and denounced vices regardless of consequence. About this time, Boelslaus had become King of Poland who was becoming notorious for his violent and depraved lifestyle. After a series of disputes over his scandalous behavior, atrocious cruelty and unbridled lust, Bishop Stanislaus found no success in his efforts to help King Boelslaus see the error in his ways and reform himself.

Sparing neither tears nor prayer and admonitions to King Boleslaus to lead a more Christian life, Boleslaus was excommunicated and the Canons of the Cathedral were instructed to discontinue the Divine Offices in case the King should attempt to enter. Bishop Stanislaus then retired  to the Chapel of St. Michael to celebrate Mass.

King Boleslaus became furious with Bishop Stanislaus and sent his guards to murder him, when they proved unwilling or unable to do so, Boleslaus took matters into his own hands and struck Bishop Stanislaus down with a sword during the Celebration of Mass. Bishop Stanislaus was soon thereafter acclaimed as a Martyr while Boleslaus II lost his grip on power and left Poland–In later years, the fallen Monarch is said to lived out his days in a Monastery repenting for the murder. 

Bishop Stanislaus was Canonized in 1253 by Pope Innocent IV

Related: For Today’s Most Holy Scripture Readings — Memorial of St. Stanislaus -USCCB