Cristy Li

St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
Image: SQPN

(CNA) Born into the nobility in France Burgundy, Bernard was educated at the age of 9 at the renowned school at Chattillon-sur-Seine according to EWTN maintained by the Secular Canons of Saint Vorles — Bernard developed a fondness of literature and devoted himself for sometime to poetry, his success in his studies won him the admiration of his Master and his growth in a virtuous life was no less marked.

In the year 1111 at the age of 20, Bernard left home to join the Monastic community at Citeaux according to Franciscan Media his 5 brothers, 2 uncles and some 30 young friends would follow him into the Monastery. After only 3 years, Bernard was sent with 12 other Monks to establish a new Monastery in the Diocese of Champagne, which became known as the Clairvaux (Valley of Light) he would subsequently lead other Monks there as the Abbot, where he would spend the rest of his life.

Bernard was quite zealous according to Franciscan Media and quite demanding but much more so on himself than others–Following an illness, he learned to be more patient with others and understanding.

The influence as Abbot of Clairvaux was soon felt in Provincial affairs according to EWTN with Bernard defending the rights of the Church against the encroachments of government (we need a St. Bernard of Clairvaux today — Please pray for us! — I digress) more-and-more, he was called away from the Monastery to help to settle long-standing disputes according to Franciscan Media and on more than one occasion, he apparently stepped on some sensitive toes in Rome.

Bernard was completely dedicated to the primacy of the Roman See–In reply to a letter of warning from Rome, he said that the Good Fathers had enough to do to keep the Church in one piece and if any matters arose that warranted their interest he would be the first to let them know. Shortly thereafter, Bernard became involved in a full blown schism and settled it in favor of the Roman Pontiff against the anti-pope.

The Holy See prevailed on Bernard to preach the ‘Second Crusade’ throughout Europe, his eloquence was so overwhelming that a great army was assembled and the success of the crusade seemed assured however, the ideals of the men and their leaders were not those of Abbott Bernard and the endeavor ended as a complete military and moral disaster which Bernard felt responsible in some way for which hastened his death which came on this date in 1153 at the Clairvaux Abbey in France.

Bernard in his lifetime founded 163 Monasteries according to EWTN in different parts of Europe and wrote a number of books available at Amazon.com these include: Homilies on the Gospel ‘Missus Est’ (1120); Apology to William of St. Thierry, Against the Claims of the Monks of Cluny (1122); De Laudibus Novae Militiae (1129); Book of Precepts and Dispensations (1131) and others.

Canonized in 1170 by Pope Alexander III — In 2009, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI spoke of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux saying of today’s Great Saint:

“For Bernard, in fact, true knowledge of God consisted in a personal, profound experience of Jesus Christ and His love…this is true of every Christian. Faith is first and foremost a personal and intimate encounter with Jesus, it is having an experience of His closeness, His friendship and His love. It is in this way that we learn to know Him even better, to love Him and to follow Him more and more. May this happen to each one of us!”

Related: For Today’s Holy Scripture Readings for the Memorial of St. Bernard de Clairvaux, Visit: -USCCB

Saint Dominic de Guzman
Image: Ashmolean Museum

(CNA) Born in Spain Caleruega, Dominic was born into wealthy nobility his parents Felix Guzman and Joanna of Aza (his mother was Beatified in 1828 by Pope Leo XII) as would his brother Mannes (in 1834 by Pope Gregory XVI) who would become a Dominican — Antonio, Dominic’s eldest brother would also become a Priest.

Dominic received his early education from his uncle who was a Priest before entering the University of Palencia where he studied for 10 yrs. In one notable incident from this period, Dominic sold his entire collection of rare books to provide relief for the poor in the city.

Following Dominic’s Ordination into the Priesthood, he was asked by Bishop Diego of Osma, to participate in local Church reforms. — Fr. Dominic de Guzman spent 9 yrs in Osma, pursuing a life of intense prayer before being called to accompany the Bishop on business for King Alfonso IX of Castile in 1203

While traveling to France with the Bishop, Fr. Dominic de Guzman began to think about founding a new religious order to promote the truth. In 1204 he and Bishop Diego, were sent by Pope Innocent III to assist in the effort against the Albigensian’s which eventually involved both military force and theological persuasion. 

In France, Fr. Dominic de Guzman engaged in doctrinal debates and established a Convent whose rule would eventually become a template for the life of Dominican Women, Fr. Dominic de Guzman continued his preaching mission from 1208-1215 during the intensification  of the military campaign against the Albigensian’s.

In 1214  Fr. Dominic de Guzman extreme physical asceticism (self-discipline; abstinence) caused him to fall into a coma, during which the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to him and instructed him to promote the prayer of the Rosary. Its focus on the Incarnation and Life of Christ directly countered the Albigensian attitude towards matters as evil.

During that same year, Fr. Dominic de Guzman returned to Tolouse and obtained the Bishop’s approval of his plan for an order dedicated to preaching. Fr. Dominic de Guzman and a group, gained local recognition as a religious congregation and he accompanied Tolouse Bishop to Rome for an Ecumenical Council in 1215

The Council stressed the Church’s need for better preaching but also set up a barrier to the institution  of new religious orders. Fr. Dominic de Guzman obtained Papal approval of his plan in 1216 and was named as the Pope’s Theologian. — The Order of Preachers expanded in Europe with Papal help in 1218

Fr. Dominic de Guzman spent the last several years of his life building up ‘The Order of Preachers’ while continuing his preaching missions, which it is said it had converted some 100,000 people.

Subsequently following several weeks of illness, Fr. Dominic de Guzman passed away in August 1221 in Italy Bologna and was Canonized in 1234 by Pope Gregory IX

In 2010 Pope Benedict XVI said: “This great Saint reminds us that in the heart of the Church a missionary fire must always burn. It must be a constant incentive to make the first proclamation of the Gospel and whenever necessary, a new evangelization. Christ in fact, is the most precious good thing that the men and women of every time and every place have the right to know and love and it is comforting to see that in the Church today, there are many pastors and lay faithful alike, members of ancient religious orders and new ecclesial movements who spend their lives joyfully for this supreme ideal, proclaiming and witnessing the Gospel.”

More here from Franciscan Media and here from EWTN

• You May Know the Joy of Salvation, Forgiveness of Sins
  and the Assurance of Eternal Life Today,
  Through The Good News of Christ Jesus!
  

St. John Mary Vianney (1786-1859) –Image: Archbishop Jose Gomez

(CNA) Born in France Lyons into a farm family, in John’s youthful days he would teach other children their prayers according to SQPN and Catechism.

Ordained a Priest in 1815, he became Curate Ecully and was subsequently sent to the remote community in France Ars (about 20 miles North of Lyon) in 1818 to become their Parish Priest.

Upon his arrival, Fr. John Vianney immediately began praying and working for the conversion of people in his Parish, although he found himself unworthy of his mission as a Pastor, he allowed himself to be consumed by the love of God as he served others.

Fr. John Vianney slowly helped to revive the community’s faith through both his prayers and the witness of his lifestyle–he would deliver powerful Homilies on the mercy and love of God and it is said ‘that even staunch sinners were converted upon hearing him.’ In addition, Fr. Vianney, restored his Church, formed an La Providence Orphanage (which became a home for the most destitute and school for girls from the surrounding region. Many of the girls once grown went on to have religious lives) and cared for the poor.

Fr. Vianney’s reputation as a Confessor grew rapidly and people traveled from all over France to see him in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation — Firmly committed to the conversion of people, he would sometimes spend up to 16 hrs a day in the Confessional.

Situations calling for ‘impossible’ deeds followed Fr. Vianney everywhere according to Franciscan Media and as a Pastor dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament, he would encounter people who were indifferent and comfortable with their lifestyles which led Fr. Vianney into praying, fasts and short nights of rest in unfailing humility, gentleness, patience and cheerfulness.

Fr. John Vianney passed away on this date at the age of 73 after serving over 40 years as the Parish Priest of Ars — In 1905 he was Beatified by Pope Saint Pius X and was Canonized in 1925 by Pope Pius XI

More here from Pope Benedict XVI

Saint Mary MacKillop (1842-1909)
Image: Catholic Online

(Franciscan Media) Born in Australia Melbourne, Mary was the eldest child of Alexander and Flora MacKillop poor Scottish immigrants–Alexander had studied for the Priesthood according to SQPN but was never Ordained. Mary was educated in private schools and bu her father. To help support her family which struggled financially, Mary worked as a ‘Nursery Governess’ while in her teens, together with tutoring and teaching–subsequently Mary established a ‘Seminary for Young Ladies’ in her home.

Mary felt called to a religious life but felt obligated to continue Teaching to help support her family, however a scandal caused by a jealous and corrupt education official, caused Mary to resign her teaching position and to leave the school without guilt with the support of her family. –Mary and her sister moved to South Australia Penola, there they met Fr. Julian Tennison-Woods in 1860 who became Mary’s spiritual director. Together they founded a new community of Women, ‘The Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart’ (becoming known as the Josephite Sisters) its members were to staff schools, especially for poor children, orphanages and do other charitable work.

As the ‘Josephite Sisters’ grew so did Mary’s problems. Fr. Julian Tennison-Woods proved unreliable in many way and his responsibilities for the direction of the ‘Josephite Sisters’ were removed. Meanwhile, Mary had the support of some local Bishop’s as she and her Sisters went out their work but the Bishop in South Australia, aging and relying on others for advice, briefly excommunicated Mary, charging her with disobedience and dispensed 50 of Mary’s Sisters from their vows. — In truth, the Bishop’s quarrel was about power and who had authority over whom? The Bishop ultimately rescinded his Order of excommunication.

Mary had insisted that the ‘Josephite Sisters’ should be governed by an elected mother answerable to Rome and not to the local Bishop — There was also a dispute whether or not the ‘Josephite Sisters’ should own property. In the end, Rome proved to be Mary’s best source of support. After a long wait, official approval of the ‘Josephite Sisters’ and how it was to be governed came from Pope Leo XIII

Despite Mary’s struggles with Church authorities, she along with her Sisters were able to offer social services that few, if any government agencies in Australia could. The ‘Josephite Sisters’ served both Protestants and Catholics alike. They worked among the indigenous (aborigines) Australians, they taught in schools and orphanages together with serving unmarried mothers.

Finances, or the lack thereof was a continual worry but the Sister’s who sought charity door-to-door, were bolstered by faith and conviction that their struggles were merely opportunities to draw closer to God.

By the time that Mary was approaching the twilight, the ‘Josephite Sisters’ were thriving. Mary passed away in 1909 in Sydney of a stroke. In 1995 Mary was Beatified by Pope Saint John Paul II and was Canonized in 2010 by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI becoming the first Saint of Australia.

More here from Sisters of St. Joseph

Saint Benedict of Norcia (480-543) Image: Pinterest

(CNA) Born into the Nobility of Italy Rome, there is not much known of Benedict’s early childhood — In 2008 Pope Benedict XVI speaking of St. Benedict said:

“…Young Benedict was put off by the dissolute lifestyle of many of his fellow students and did not wish to make the same mistakes — he wanted only to please God…Thus even before he finished his studies, Benedict left Rome and with drew to the solitude of the mountains east of Rome. After a short stay in the village of Enfide (now Affile) where for a time he lived with a ‘religious community’ of Monks (and) he became a Hermit in the neighboring locality of Subiaco.”

There Benedict spent three years in solitude with God which was a time of maturity to him, facing and overcoming three fundamental temptations of every human being:

• (1) the temptation of self affirmation–putting oneself at the center of everyone else;

• (2) the temptation of sensuality;

• (3) the temptation of anger and revenge.

Pope Emeritus Benedict said, “In fact, Benedict was convinced that only after overcoming these temptations would he be able to say a useful word to others about their own situations of neediness. Thus having tranquilized his soul, he could be in full control of the drive of his ego and thus create peace around him. Only then did he decide to found his first Monasteries in the Valley of Anio, near Subiaco.”

Benedict’s Monasteries became centers of education for children, in tradition which would continue in the order during his lifetime and beyond. — Benedict’s monastic movement like its forebears in the Christian East, attracted large numbers of people who were looking to live their Christian faith more deeply.

During 529 Benedict left Subiaco for Monte Cassino (about 80 miles South of Rome) this move was geographically and spiritually significant, making a more public emergence of the Western Monastic movement. Benedict destroyed a Pagan Temple atop a mountain and constructed two Oratories in its place.

It was most likely at Monte Cassino that Benedict drew up a Rule for Life (known as the famous ‘Rule of St. Benedict’ which emphasized prayer, work, simplicity and hospitality–though known as a ‘Rule for Monks’ it is addressed to all those who seek ‘to do battle for Christ the Lord, the true King.’

Saint Benedict’s life was marked by various intrigues and miraculous incidents which are described in his biography, written by Pope Saint Gregory the Great — One of the most remarkable was Benedict’s meeting in 543 King Totila of the Goths, in which he rebuked the king’s lifestyle and prophesied his death.

Saint Scholastica (Feast Day: 10 February) Benedict’s sister also embraced a religious life as a Nun, she likely died just before or after her brother Saint Benedict. During his final years, it is reported that he had a profound mystical experience, which is said to have involved a supernatural vision of God and the whole of creation.

Around the age of 63 Benedict became ill, he was carried into the Church at Monte Cassino by his fellow Monks, where he received the Eucharist for the final time–Held up by his disciples, he raised up his hands in prayer before dying in their arms.

Benedict was Canonized in 1220 by Pope Honorius III

More here from Franciscan Media

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

Saint Veronica Giuliani (1660-1727)
Image: Enrosadira

(Franciscan Media) Born in Italy Mercatell and given the name Ursula at Baptism, she showed marvelous signs of sanctity at an early age. — When but 18 mos old, she uttered her first words according to EWTN to a shopman who was serving a false measure of oil saying distinctly to him: “Do justice, God sees you.”

By the age of 3 , Ursula began to be favored with ‘Divine Communications’ and to show great compassion to the poor and would set apart a portion of her food and some of her clothing for poor, scantly clad children. These traits together with a great love of the Cross developed as she grew older.

When Ursula was 17 she joined the Capuchin ‘Poor Clares’ her father had preferred she would marry but she instead convinced him that she wanted to become a Nun — During this time in her life, Ursula took the name ‘Veronica’ in memory of the Passion. At the conclusion of the ceremony of her reception, the Bishop said to the Abbess, “I commend this new daughter to your special care for she will one day be a great Saint.”

During Veronica’s first years at the monastery,she became absolutely submissive to her directors, though her Novitiate was marked by extraordinary interior trials and temptations to leave the monastery and return to the world.

At Veronica’s profession in 1678 she conceived a great desire to suffer in union with Our Savior crucified for the conversion of sinners. — About this time she had a vision of Christ bearing His Cross and henceforth suffered an acute physical pain in her heart.

Following Sister Veronica’s death, the figure of the Cross was found impressed upon her heart.

In 1693 Sister Veronica entered upon a new phase in her spiritual life, when she had a vision of the Chalice symbolizing the ‘Divine Passion’ which was to be reenacted in her own soul. At first, Sister Veronica shrank from accepting it and only by great effort eventually submitted, she then began to experience intense spiritual suffering. — One year later, Sister Veronica received the impression of the ‘Crown of Thorns’ the wounds becoming visible and the pain permanent.

By Order of the Bishop, Sister Veronica submitted to medical treatment but received no relief from the pain. While Sister Veronica lived in this supernatural mystical life, she remained a practical Woman of her affairs.

Foe 34 years, Sister Veronica was the ‘Novice Mistress’ (trainer of the novices that came to the monastery) guiding them with great prudence. In 1716 Sister Veronica was elected Abbess and during her tenure, she enlarged the convent and had a good system of plumbing laid down.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI said of Saint Veronica Giuliani in December 2010 that she proved “a courageous witness of the beauty and power of Divine Love,” who received the divine gift of intimate unity with Christ in his suffering, death and a “true image” of  Jesus Christ on the Cross.

Saint Veronica placed Christ above all things in her life, as could be seen in her diary (which spans more than 22,000 handwritten pages) — In her writings, she described a relationship with Christ that saw him as a Divine spouse to whom she sought to be more and more united in love. — Sister Veronica, “also experienced  a relationship of profound intimacy with the Virgin Mary, attested by the words she heard Our Lady say one day which she reports in her diary:

“I made you rest on my breast, you were united with my soul
and from it you were taken as a flight to God.”

Saint Veronica Giuliani invites us to develop in our Christian life, our union with the Lord in living for others, abandoning ourselves to His will with complete and total trust and the union with the Church, the Bride of Christ.

Saint Veronica was Beatified in 1804 by Pope Pius VII and Canonized in 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI

More here from Catholic News Agency

St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria (1502-1539)

(CNA) Born into an Italian family of nobility in Cremona, Anthony’s father died shortly after his birth, his mother Antonietta though only 18 yrs old, chose not to remarry, preferring instead to devote herself to works of charity and Anothny’s education.

Antonietta’s son, took after her in devotion to God and generosity towards the poor. As a youth, Anthony studied Latin and Greek and later was sent to Pavia to study Philosophy subsequently studying Medicine and earning his degree by the age of 22 and then returned to Cremona.

Despite Anthony’s noble background and secular education, the young Physician had no interest in marrying or accumulating wealth. While caring for the physical infirmities of his patients, Anthony would also encourage that they find spiritual healing through repentance and the sacraments.

Anthony began teaching Catechism to children and went on to participate in the religious formation of young adults subsequently he decided to withdraw from medicine altogether and with the encouragement of his spiritual director, he went on to study for the Priesthood.

Ordained by the age of 26 now Fr. Anthony Zaccaria, is said to have experienced a miraculous occurrence during the Celebration of his first Mass as a young Priest–Being surrounded by a supernatural light and a multitude of Angels during the consecration of the Eucharist. — Contemporary witnesses marveled at the event and testified to it after Fr. Anthony’s death.

Church life in Cremona suffered a decline in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, Fr, Anthony encountered a widespread ignorance and religious indifference among the Laity, while many of the clergy were either weak or corrupt. — In these dire circumstances, Fr. Anthony devoted his life to proclaiming the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ both clearly and charitably. Within the span of just two years, his eloquent preaching and tireless pastoral care is said to have changed the moral character of the city dramatically.

In 1530 Fr. Anthony moved to Milan, where a similar spirit of corruption and religious neglect prevailed, there he decided to form a priestly society, the ‘Clerics Regular of St. Paul’ — Inspired by the Apostle’s life and writings, the new Order was founded on a vision of humility, asceticism, poverty and the ministry of preaching. Subsequently Fr. Anthony also founded a Women’s religious Order, ‘The Angelic Sisters of St. Paul” an organization the Laity of St. Paul, geared toward the sanctification of those outside the priesthood and religious life; Later Fr. Anthony pioneered the ’40 Hours’ of devotion, involving continuous prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

Less than 10 years after moving to Milan, Fr. Anthony became seriously ill, returning to his mother’s home in Cremona — The founder of the ‘Clerics Regular of St Paul’ subsequently died on this date in 1539 during the liturgical octave of the Feast of Saint’s Peter & Paul (Feast Day: 29th June) at the age of just 36 Fr. Anthony the young Physician later Ordained a Priest, was buried at St. Paul’s Convent of the Angelics in Milan.

In 2001 Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger the future Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI wrote the preface for a book on St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria ‘Igniting the Flame of Faith: St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria’ praising him as “one of the great figures of Catholic reform in the 1500s” who was involved “in the renewal of Christian life in an era of profound crisis.”

Fr. Anthony Zaccaria was Beatified in 1849 by Pope Pius IX and Canonized in 1887 by Pope Leo XIII

More here from Franciscan Media

Related: The Reformer: St. Anthony Zaccaria by Andrea Erba –Amazon

For Today’s Holy Scripture Readings for the Memorial of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Visit: -USCCB

Saint Thomas the Apostle

(Franciscan Media) Poor Thomas, he made one poor remark and was branded as ‘Doubting Thomas’ ever since but if he doubted, he also believed. Thomas made what is certainly the most explicit statement of faith in the New Testament: “My Lord and My God.” —John 20:28 and in so expressing his faith, gave Christians a prayer that will be said until the end of time. — Thomas also occasioned a compliment from Jesus to all later Christians:

“Have you believed because you have seen Me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
John 20:29

Saint Thomas should be equally well known for his courage. Perhaps what he said was impetuous–since he ran, like the rest at the showdown but he can scarcely have been insincere when he expressed his willingness to die for Jesus.

The occasion when Jesus proposed to go to Bethany after Lazarus had died. Since Bethany was near Jerusalem, this meant walking into the very midst of his enemies and to almost certain death. Realizing this, Thomas said to the other Apostles: “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” —John 11:16

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI reminds us that the “Apostle Thomas’ life is important to us for at least three reasons:

• First, it comforts us in our own insecurity;

• Second it shows us that every doubt can lead to an outcome brighter than any uncertainty;

• Lastly, because the words that Jesus addressed to him, reminds us of the true meaning of mature faith and encourages us to persevere, despite the difficulty along our journey of adhesion to him.

Saint Thomas’ example will never fail to strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Our God.”

Full text here of Pope Benedict XVI on St. Thomas

More here from EWTN

Related: For Today’s Most Holy Scripture Readings and More, Visit: -USCCB

St. Irenaeus “The Glory of God is Man Fully Alive” –Image: Patheos

(CNA) Born in Smyrna (Asia Minor — Modern Day Turkey Izmir) Irenaeus was a Bishop and Writer in what is present day France, he is best remembered for defending Christian orthodoxy, especially the reality of Jesus Christ’s human Incarnation against the set of heresies known as Gnosticism an ancient cult that believed in salvation by knowledge; Gnostics were people that believed that the faith taught in the Church was merely symbolism for the simple-minded that were unable to grasp difficult concepts.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI spoke admiringly of Saint Irenaeus in March, 2007, recalling how this early Church Father, “refuted the Gnostic dualism and pessimism which debased corporeal realities. He (St. Irenaeus) decisively  claimed the original holiness of matter, of the body, of the flesh no less than of the spirit but his works went far beyond the confutation of heresy: in fact one can say that he emerges as the first great Theologian who created systematic theology; he himself speaks of the system of theology, that is, of the internal coherence of all faith. At the heart of his doctrine is the question of the ‘Rule of Faith’ and its transmission. For Irenaeus the ‘Rule of Faith’ coincided in the practice with the ‘Apostles Creed’ which gives us the key for interpreting the Gospel, for interpreting the Creed in light of the Gospel. The Creed, which is a sort of Gospel synthesis , helps us understand what it means and how we should read the Gospel itself.”

While some of Saint Irenaeus most important writings have survived, the details of his life are not well preserved.

We do know that Saint Irenaeus  became a Priest in served in the Church of Lyons during a difficult time in the late 170s During this time of state persecution and doctrinal controversy, Fr. Irenaeus was sent to Rome to provide Pope Saint Eleutherius with a letter about the heretical movement known as ‘Montanism’ — After returning to Lyons, Fr. Irenaeus, became the city’s second Bishop, following the Martyrdom of Saint Pothinus (Feast Day: 02 June)

Bishop Irenaeus refuted the ‘Gnostic’ errors in his concise book “Against Heresies’ which is still studied to this day for its historical value and theological insights.

Saint Irenaeus earthly life ended around 220, some have speculated that he was Martyred however as with his birth and youth, the details of his death are not definitively known.

More here from Franciscan Media

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