Saints presentations

““Saints of God in Glory,Saints of God in Glory,
Be with us,Be with us,
Rejoice with us,Rejoice with us,
Sing praise with us,Sing praise with us,
And pray with us now!”And pray with us now!”

““SaintS of God inSaintS of God in
Glory”Glory”
““Saints of God in Glory,Saints of God in Glory,
Be with us,Be with us,
Rejoice with us,Rejoice with us,
Sing praise with us,Sing praise with us,
And pray with us now!”And pray with us now!”

SusannaSusannaFeast Day: August 11Feast Day: August 11
Susanna or ShoshanaSusanna or Shoshana – Book of Daniel Chap 13– Book of Daniel Chap 13
A fair Hebrew wife who is falsely accused byA fair Hebrew wife who is falsely accused by
lecherous voyeurs. As she bathes in her garden,lecherous voyeurs. As she bathes in her garden,
having sent her servants away, two(2) lusty eldershaving sent her servants away, two(2) lusty elders
secretly observe the lovely Susanna. She issecretly observe the lovely Susanna. She is
accosted on the way back to her house and theyaccosted on the way back to her house and they
attempt to blackmail her, claiming they will sayattempt to blackmail her, claiming they will say
she was meeting with a young lover unless sheshe was meeting with a young lover unless she
agrees to have sex with them. She flatly refuses, isagrees to have sex with them. She flatly refuses, is
arrested and about to be put to death whenarrested and about to be put to death when
Daniel interrupts the proceedings. He has theDaniel interrupts the proceedings. He has the
men separated and questioned privately. Inmen separated and questioned privately. In
asking them about what tree it was they sawasking them about what tree it was they saw
Susanna and her lover, they were unable to agree.Susanna and her lover, they were unable to agree.
One said a Mastic the other an Evergreen OakOne said a Mastic the other an Evergreen Oak
Tree. Daniel mentions that an Angel is standingTree. Daniel mentions that an Angel is standing
ready to cut the one in two and the other to beready to cut the one in two and the other to be
sawed in two. The great difference between thesawed in two. The great difference between the
two trees was their undoing. They were arrestedtwo trees was their undoing. They were arrested
and executed and Virtue Triumphed.and executed and Virtue Triumphed.

Saint Angela MericiSaint Angela Merici
Feast Day – January 27Feast Day – January 27
Died 1540Died 1540
Said “NO” to Pope Clement VII when asked toSaid “NO” to Pope Clement VII when asked to
assume leadership of an Order of Nursing Nuns.assume leadership of an Order of Nursing Nuns.
She had just returned from a trip to the Holy Land.She had just returned from a trip to the Holy Land.
On the way there she had fallen ill and become blind.On the way there she had fallen ill and become blind.
Nevertheless, she insisted on continuing herNevertheless, she insisted on continuing her
pilgrimage and toured the holy sites with the devotionpilgrimage and toured the holy sites with the devotion
of her heart rather than her eyes. On the way backof her heart rather than her eyes. On the way back
she had recovered her sight. But this must have beenshe had recovered her sight. But this must have been
a reminder to her not to shut her eyes to the needsa reminder to her not to shut her eyes to the needs
she saw around her, not to shut her heart to God’sshe saw around her, not to shut her heart to God’s
call. She took a life of educating young girls andcall. She took a life of educating young girls and
dedicating her life to following God’s call.dedicating her life to following God’s call.
PrayerPrayer: Saint Angela, you were not afraid of change.: Saint Angela, you were not afraid of change.
You did not let stereotypes keep you from serving.You did not let stereotypes keep you from serving.
Help us to overcome our fear of change in order toHelp us to overcome our fear of change in order to
follow God's call and allow others to follow theirs.follow God's call and allow others to follow theirs.

MiriamMiriam
At her mother Jochebed's request, MiriamAt her mother Jochebed's request, Miriam
hid her baby brother Moses by the side ofhid her baby brother Moses by the side of
a river to evade the Pharaoh’s order thata river to evade the Pharaoh’s order that
newborn Hebrew boys be killed. Shenewborn Hebrew boys be killed. She
watched as the Pharaoh’s daughterwatched as the Pharaoh’s daughter
discovered the infant and decided to adoptdiscovered the infant and decided to adopt
him. Miriam then suggested that thehim. Miriam then suggested that the
princess take on a nurse for the child, andprincess take on a nurse for the child, and
suggested Jochebed; as a result, Moses wassuggested Jochebed; as a result, Moses was
raised to be familiar with his backgroundraised to be familiar with his background
as a Hebrew.as a Hebrew.
Miriam is called a prophetess and isMiriam is called a prophetess and is
traditionally believed to have composed atraditionally believed to have composed a
brief victory song after Pharaoh’s army wasbrief victory song after Pharaoh’s army was
drowned in the Red Sea.drowned in the Red Sea. “LET US SING“LET US SING
TO THE LORD, HE HAS COVEREDTO THE LORD, HE HAS COVERED
HIMSELF IN GLORY!”HIMSELF IN GLORY!” [Responsorial[Responsorial
Psalm after 3Psalm after 3rdrd
Reading of Easter Vigil.]Reading of Easter Vigil.]

RachelRachel
RachelRachel (Hebrew:(Hebrew: ‫רחל‬‫רחל‬,,
Modern Modern Ra elḥRa elḥ Tiberian Tiberian R l,āḫēR l,āḫē
R lāḥēR lāḥē ; meaning "ewe {idiomatically: ; meaning "ewe {idiomatically:
one with purity}"), as described in theone with purity}"), as described in the
Hebrew Bible, is a prophet and theHebrew Bible, is a prophet and the
favourite wife of Jacob, one of the threefavourite wife of Jacob, one of the three
Biblical Patriarchs, and mother ofBiblical Patriarchs, and mother of
Joseph and Benjamin. She was theJoseph and Benjamin. She was the
daughter of Laban and the youngerdaughter of Laban and the younger
sister of Leah, Jacob's first wife. Jacobsister of Leah, Jacob's first wife. Jacob
was her first cousin, as Jacob's motherwas her first cousin, as Jacob's mother
Rebecca was Laban's sister.Rebecca was Laban's sister.
Rachel died on the eleventh day of theRachel died on the eleventh day of the
Hebrew month of Heshvan, and wasHebrew month of Heshvan, and was
buried by Jacob on the road to Efrat,buried by Jacob on the road to Efrat,
just outside Bethlehem. Today Rachel’sjust outside Bethlehem. Today Rachel’s
Tomb, located between Bethlehem andTomb, located between Bethlehem and
the Jerusalem neighbourhood of Gilo, isthe Jerusalem neighbourhood of Gilo, is
visited by tens of thousands of visitorsvisited by tens of thousands of visitors
each year.each year.

St. Elizabeth of PortugalSt. Elizabeth of PortugalFeast Day: July 4
Patron of the Third Order of St.
Francis
Saint Elizabeth of PortugalSaint Elizabeth of Portugal also knownalso known
asas Elizabeth of AragonElizabeth of Aragon (1271 – 4 July(1271 – 4 July
1336) (1336) (ElisabetElisabet in Catalan,in Catalan, IsabelIsabel in bothin both
Portuguese and Spanish) was Queen consortPortuguese and Spanish) was Queen consort
of Portugal.of Portugal.
Saint Elizabeth showed an early enthusiasmSaint Elizabeth showed an early enthusiasm
for religion: she said the full Divine Officefor religion: she said the full Divine Office
daily, fasted and did other penances, anddaily, fasted and did other penances, and
attended twice daily choral masses.attended twice daily choral masses.
King Denis died in the year 1325, and his sonKing Denis died in the year 1325, and his son
Afonso succeeded him. Elizabeth then retiredAfonso succeeded him. Elizabeth then retired
to the convent of the Poor Clares (now knownto the convent of the Poor Clares (now known
as the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha)as the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha)
which she had founded in the year 1314 atwhich she had founded in the year 1314 at
Coimbra. She took the habit of the FranciscanCoimbra. She took the habit of the Franciscan
Order, wishing to devote the rest of her life toOrder, wishing to devote the rest of her life to
the poor and sick in obscuritythe poor and sick in obscurity
Miracles were said to have followed upon herMiracles were said to have followed upon her

St. Margaret of ScotlandSt. Margaret of Scotland
Feast Day is November 16Feast Day is November 16 ..
Saint MargaretSaint Margaret (c. 1045 – 16 November 1093),(c. 1045 – 16 November 1093),
was the sister of Edgarwas the sister of Edgar ÆthelingÆtheling, the short-ruling, the short-ruling
and uncrowned Anglo-Saxon King of England Sheand uncrowned Anglo-Saxon King of England She
married Malcolm III, King of Scots, becoming hismarried Malcolm III, King of Scots, becoming his
Queen consort.Queen consort.
Saint Margaret of Scotland was a queen and needleSaint Margaret of Scotland was a queen and needle
worker.worker.
Saint Margaret was canonised in the year 1250 bySaint Margaret was canonised in the year 1250 by
Pope Innocent IV in recognition of her personalPope Innocent IV in recognition of her personal
holiness, fidelity to the Church, work for religiousholiness, fidelity to the Church, work for religious
reform, and charity. She attended to charitablereform, and charity. She attended to charitable
works, and personally served orphans and the poorworks, and personally served orphans and the poor
every day before she ate. She rose at midnight toevery day before she ate. She rose at midnight to
attend church services every night. She was knownattend church services every night. She was known
for her work for religious reform. She wasfor her work for religious reform. She was
considered to be an exemplar of the "just ruler", andconsidered to be an exemplar of the "just ruler", and
also influenced her husband and children to be justalso influenced her husband and children to be just
and holy rulers.and holy rulers.

Saint DymphnaSaint DymphnaFeast Day is May 15Feast Day is May 15
Patron saint of those who suffer from mental illnesses andPatron saint of those who suffer from mental illnesses and
nervous system disorders, epileptics, mental healthnervous system disorders, epileptics, mental health
professionals, incest victims and runawaysprofessionals, incest victims and runaways
St. Dymphna is also known as "Dimpna" or "Dympna" andSt. Dymphna is also known as "Dimpna" or "Dympna" and
may be synonymous with the Irish saints Davets andmay be synonymous with the Irish saints Davets and
Damhnait (Damhnade).Damhnait (Damhnade).
Dymphna was born in Ireland, where her father was aDymphna was born in Ireland, where her father was a
king. Her mother died when Dymphna was only fourteen.king. Her mother died when Dymphna was only fourteen.
Her father Damon scoured the world for a suitableHer father Damon scoured the world for a suitable
replacement, someone as beautiful, virtuous, andreplacement, someone as beautiful, virtuous, and
clearheaded as his wife. After the search failed, hisclearheaded as his wife. After the search failed, his
advisors pointed out to the chief that his teenage daughteradvisors pointed out to the chief that his teenage daughter
had inherited all these traits. Damon made sexualhad inherited all these traits. Damon made sexual
advances towards Dymphna. Together with heradvances towards Dymphna. Together with her
confessor,she fled to Gheel, Belgium. There they tookconfessor,she fled to Gheel, Belgium. There they took
refuge at a chapel near the present day site of Gheel, notrefuge at a chapel near the present day site of Gheel, not
far from Antwerp. However Damon's spies tracked themfar from Antwerp. However Damon's spies tracked them
down and the chief set out after them. Confronting themdown and the chief set out after them. Confronting them
at Gheel, he ordered his soldiers to slay her Confessorat Gheel, he ordered his soldiers to slay her Confessor
and begged Dymphna to return with him to Ireland.and begged Dymphna to return with him to Ireland.
When she refused, he decapitated her. Locals later buriedWhen she refused, he decapitated her. Locals later buried
the two bodies. A little later, the bodies were relocatedthe two bodies. A little later, the bodies were relocated
into a more suitable location.into a more suitable location.

St. Theresa of AvilaSt. Theresa of Avila
Saint Teresa of ÁvilaSaint Teresa of Ávila, also called, also called Saint TeresaSaint Teresa
of Jesusof Jesus, baptized as, baptized as Teresa Sánchez deTeresa Sánchez de
Cepeda y AhumadaCepeda y Ahumada, (March 28, 1515, at, (March 28, 1515, at
Gotarrendura (Ávila), Old Castile, Spain – OctoberGotarrendura (Ávila), Old Castile, Spain – October
4, 1582, at Alba de Tormes, Salamanca, Spain) was a4, 1582, at Alba de Tormes, Salamanca, Spain) was a
prominentprominent SpanishSpanish mystic, Carmelite nun, and writermystic, Carmelite nun, and writer
of the Counter Reformation, and theologian ofof the Counter Reformation, and theologian of
contemplative life through mental prayer. She was acontemplative life through mental prayer. She was a
reformer of the Carmelite Order and is consideredreformer of the Carmelite Order and is considered
to be, along with John of the Cross, a founder of theto be, along with John of the Cross, a founder of the
Discalced Carmelites.Discalced Carmelites.
Forty years after her death, she was canonized, inForty years after her death, she was canonized, in
1622 by Pope Gregory XV, and in 1970 named a1622 by Pope Gregory XV, and in 1970 named a
Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI. Her books,Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI. Her books,
which include her autobiography,which include her autobiography, The Life of TeresaThe Life of Teresa
of Jesusof Jesus, and her seminal work,, and her seminal work, El Castillo InteriorEl Castillo Interior
(The Interior Castle), are integral part of the Spanish(The Interior Castle), are integral part of the Spanish
Renaissance literature as well as Christian mysticismRenaissance literature as well as Christian mysticism
and Christian meditation practices as she entails inand Christian meditation practices as she entails in
her other important workher other important work Camino de PerfecciónCamino de Perfección
(The Way of Perfection).(The Way of Perfection).
Her remains are scattered throughout Europe, a gHer remains are scattered throughout Europe, a g
grisly testament to the Relic Heritage of the Church.grisly testament to the Relic Heritage of the Church.

St. Marie AlacoquéSt. Marie Alacoqué
Marguerite Marie AlacoqueMarguerite Marie Alacoque oror SaintSaint
Margaret Mary AlacoqueMargaret Mary Alacoque (22 July 1647 – 17(22 July 1647 – 17
October 1690) was a French Roman Catholic nunOctober 1690) was a French Roman Catholic nun
and mystic, who promoted devotion to the Sacredand mystic, who promoted devotion to the Sacred
Heart of Jesus in its modern form.Heart of Jesus in its modern form.
From early childhood, Margaret was described asFrom early childhood, Margaret was described as
showing intense love for the Blessed Sacrament andshowing intense love for the Blessed Sacrament and
as preferring silence and prayer to childhood play.as preferring silence and prayer to childhood play.
After her First Communion at the age of nine, sheAfter her First Communion at the age of nine, she
practised in secret severe corporal mortificationpractised in secret severe corporal mortification
(including carving the name "Jesus" into her chest as(including carving the name "Jesus" into her chest as
an adolescent.an adolescent.
She had visions of Jesus Christ, which she thoughtShe had visions of Jesus Christ, which she thought
were a normal part of human experience andwere a normal part of human experience and
continued to practise austerity.continued to practise austerity.
After Margaret Mary's death, on 17 October 1690,After Margaret Mary's death, on 17 October 1690,
the devotion to the Sacred Heart was fostered by thethe devotion to the Sacred Heart was fostered by the
Jesuits and the subject of controversies within theJesuits and the subject of controversies within the
Church. The practice was not officially recognizedChurch. The practice was not officially recognized
till 75 years after her death.till 75 years after her death.

St.Elizabeth~Ann SeatonSt.Elizabeth~Ann Seaton
Feast Day: January 4Feast Day: January 4
Saint Elizabeth Ann Bayley SetonSaint Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton (August 28,(August 28,
1774 – January 4, 1821) was the first native-born1774 – January 4, 1821) was the first native-born
citizen of the United States to be canonized ascitizen of the United States to be canonized as
celebrated by Pope Paul VI on September 14, 1975.celebrated by Pope Paul VI on September 14, 1975.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is popularly considered aSt. Elizabeth Ann Seton is popularly considered a
patron saint of Catholic schools. Her name appearspatron saint of Catholic schools. Her name appears
on the front two doors of St. Patrick's Cathedral, ason the front two doors of St. Patrick's Cathedral, as
aa "Daughter of New York""Daughter of New York". The National Shrine of. The National Shrine of
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland,St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland,
is open to the public. In addition, In New Yorkis open to the public. In addition, In New York
City, the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was builtCity, the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was built
on the site of her home in Manhattan, and ison the site of her home in Manhattan, and is
accessible to the public. She had many schoolsaccessible to the public. She had many schools
named after her.named after her.

Saint HeleneSaint Helene
Feast DayFeast Day in the Roman Catholic Church falls on 18in the Roman Catholic Church falls on 18
AugustAugust
Saint HelenaSaint Helena also known asalso known as Saint HelenSaint Helen,,
Helena AugustaHelena Augusta oror Helena of ConstantinopleHelena of Constantinople
((caca. 246/50 – 18 August 330) was the consort of. 246/50 – 18 August 330) was the consort of
Emperor Constantius, and the mother of EmperorEmperor Constantius, and the mother of Emperor
Constantine I. She is traditionally credited with findingConstantine I. She is traditionally credited with finding
the relics of the “True Cross”.the relics of the “True Cross”.
She is considered by the Eastern Orthodox, OrientalShe is considered by the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental
Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches as a saint,Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches as a saint,
famed for her piety. Her feast day as a saint of thefamed for her piety. Her feast day as a saint of the
Orthodox Christian Church is celebrated with her sonOrthodox Christian Church is celebrated with her son
on 21 May, theon 21 May, the "Feast of the Holy Great Sovereigns"Feast of the Holy Great Sovereigns
Constantine and Helen, Equal to the Apostles.Constantine and Helen, Equal to the Apostles. Her.Her.
Her feast day in the Coptic Orthodox Church is on 9Her feast day in the Coptic Orthodox Church is on 9
Pashons. Eusebius records the details of herPashons. Eusebius records the details of her
pilgrimage to Palestine and other eastern provincespilgrimage to Palestine and other eastern provinces
She is the patron saint of New Discoveries.She is the patron saint of New Discoveries.

Blessed Catherine ofBlessed Catherine of
St. AugustineSt. AugustineFeast Day:Feast Day: 8 May8 May..
In his homily on the day of the beatification of BlessedIn his homily on the day of the beatification of Blessed
Marie Catherine Pope John Paul II said: "Among theMarie Catherine Pope John Paul II said: "Among the
founders of the Church of Canada in its spiritualfounders of the Church of Canada in its spiritual
springtime can be numbered Marie Catherine, thisspringtime can be numbered Marie Catherine, this
Augustinian whose hand, as well as her heart, wasAugustinian whose hand, as well as her heart, was
nothing other than charity."nothing other than charity."
Catherine de Longpre was born at Saint Saveur nearCatherine de Longpre was born at Saint Saveur near
Cherbourg, France, on 3 May 1632. On the advice of SaintCherbourg, France, on 3 May 1632. On the advice of Saint
John Eudes she became a postulant in the Hospital ofJohn Eudes she became a postulant in the Hospital of
Hotel-Dieux and in 1644 took the habit of the AugustinianHotel-Dieux and in 1644 took the habit of the Augustinian
Hospitaller Sisters of the Mercy of Jesus. To theHospitaller Sisters of the Mercy of Jesus. To the
displeasure of her family, she volunteered for the missiondispleasure of her family, she volunteered for the mission
of her community in Quebec, Canada, and arrived thereof her community in Quebec, Canada, and arrived there
on 19 August 1648. Catherine was resolved to live and dieon 19 August 1648. Catherine was resolved to live and die
in Canada in service to the poor and sick. Conscious of thein Canada in service to the poor and sick. Conscious of the
great numbers of people who had grown distant from theirgreat numbers of people who had grown distant from their
faith in her adopted country, Catherine offered herself as afaith in her adopted country, Catherine offered herself as a
victim for sinners, hiding from everyone the debilitatingvictim for sinners, hiding from everyone the debilitating
illness which she bore patiently until her death on 8 Marchillness which she bore patiently until her death on 8 March
1668 at the age of thirty-six.1668 at the age of thirty-six.
She was beatified by Pope John Paul II on Easter Sunday,She was beatified by Pope John Paul II on Easter Sunday,

St. AnneSt. Anne
Mother of the Blessed Virgin MaryMother of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Saint AnneSaint Anne (also Ann or Anna, from Hebrew(also Ann or Anna, from Hebrew
HannahHannah ‫חנ‬ַ‫חנ‬ַ meaning "favour" or "grace.") of David'smeaning "favour" or "grace.") of David's
house and line, was the mother of the Virgin Maryhouse and line, was the mother of the Virgin Mary
and grandmother of Jesus Christ according toand grandmother of Jesus Christ according to
Christian and Islamic tradition. Her name Anne is theChristian and Islamic tradition. Her name Anne is the
Greek rendering of the Hebrew name Hannah.Greek rendering of the Hebrew name Hannah.
Mary's mother is not named in the canonical GospelsMary's mother is not named in the canonical Gospels
or the Qur'an.or the Qur'an.
According to the apocryphal Gospel of James, AnneAccording to the apocryphal Gospel of James, Anne
and her husband Joachim, after years of childlessness,and her husband Joachim, after years of childlessness,
were visited by an angel who told them that theywere visited by an angel who told them that they
would conceive a child. Anne promised to dedicatewould conceive a child. Anne promised to dedicate
the child to God's service. Joachim and Anne arethe child to God's service. Joachim and Anne are
believed to have given Mary to the service of thebelieved to have given Mary to the service of the
Second Temple when the girl was three years old.Second Temple when the girl was three years old.
Anne is the patron saint of Quebec, Brittany, theAnne is the patron saint of Quebec, Brittany, the
Mi'kmaq peoples, women in labour, housewives,Mi'kmaq peoples, women in labour, housewives,
grandmothers, and miners.grandmothers, and miners.
The ancient prayer – “The ancient prayer – “Bonne Ste. Anne, find me aBonne Ste. Anne, find me a
man!”,man!”, is popular is Québec.is popular is Québec.

EstherEstherBornBorn HadassahHadassah, is the eponymous heroine of the Biblical, is the eponymous heroine of the Biblical BookBook
of Estherof Esther. According to the Bible she was a Jewish queen of the. According to the Bible she was a Jewish queen of the
Persian king Ahasuerus (traditionally identified with Xerxes I).Persian king Ahasuerus (traditionally identified with Xerxes I).
Her story is the basis for the celebration of Purim in JewishHer story is the basis for the celebration of Purim in Jewish
tradition.tradition. King Ahasuerus chose Esther, an orphaned Jewish childKing Ahasuerus chose Esther, an orphaned Jewish child
raised in Persia by Mordecai, her cousin, to replace the recalcitrantraised in Persia by Mordecai, her cousin, to replace the recalcitrant
queen Vashti. Esther was originally named Hadassah, meaningqueen Vashti. Esther was originally named Hadassah, meaning
myrtle, and received her name of Esther when she entered the royalmyrtle, and received her name of Esther when she entered the royal
harem.harem. Esther told the king of Haman's plan to massacre all Jews inEsther told the king of Haman's plan to massacre all Jews in
the Persian Empire, and acknowledged her own Jewish ethnicity.the Persian Empire, and acknowledged her own Jewish ethnicity.
The king was enraged and ordered Haman to be hanged on theThe king was enraged and ordered Haman to be hanged on the
gallows he had built for Mordecai. The king then appointedgallows he had built for Mordecai. The king then appointed
Mordecai as his prime minister, and gave the Jews the right toMordecai as his prime minister, and gave the Jews the right to
defend themselves against any enemy. The king also issued adefend themselves against any enemy. The king also issued a
second edict allowing the Jews to arm themselves, and kill not onlysecond edict allowing the Jews to arm themselves, and kill not only
their enemies but also their enemies' wives and children, as well astheir enemies but also their enemies' wives and children, as well as
betake of the plunder This precipitated a series of reprisals by thebetake of the plunder This precipitated a series of reprisals by the
Jews against their enemies. This fight began on the 13th of Adar,Jews against their enemies. This fight began on the 13th of Adar,
the date the Jews were originally slated to be exterminated. Estherthe date the Jews were originally slated to be exterminated. Esther
and the Jews went on to kill only their would-be executioners, andand the Jews went on to kill only their would-be executioners, and
not their wives and children, this altogether meaning three hundrednot their wives and children, this altogether meaning three hundred
killed in Susa alone, fifteen in the rest of the empire. The Jews alsokilled in Susa alone, fifteen in the rest of the empire. The Jews also
took no plunder Jews established an annual feast, the feast oftook no plunder Jews established an annual feast, the feast of
Purim, in memory of their deliverance. According to traditionalPurim, in memory of their deliverance. According to traditional
Jewish dating this took place about fifty-two years after the start ofJewish dating this took place about fifty-two years after the start of
the Babylonian Exile.the Babylonian Exile.

Saint ElizabethSaint ElizabethFeast Day is November 5.Feast Day is November 5.
Wife of Zechariah, Mother of John the Baptist, cousinWife of Zechariah, Mother of John the Baptist, cousin
of Mary, the Mother of God. According to the Gospelof Mary, the Mother of God. According to the Gospel
of Luke, Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron the priest.of Luke, Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron the priest.
She and her husband Zechariah were "righteous beforeShe and her husband Zechariah were "righteous before
God, living blamelessly“, but childless. Zechariah wasGod, living blamelessly“, but childless. Zechariah was
visited by the angel Gabriel, who told him his wife wouldvisited by the angel Gabriel, who told him his wife would
have a son whohave a son who "will be great in the sight of the Lord“."will be great in the sight of the Lord“.
The pregnant Elizabeth received a visit from her relative,The pregnant Elizabeth received a visit from her relative,
Mary who was pregnant with Jesus:Mary who was pregnant with Jesus: And it came toAnd it came to
pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation ofpass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of
Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And ElizabethMary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth
was filled with the Holy Ghost and she cried out withwas filled with the Holy Ghost and she cried out with
a loud voice: "Blessed art thou amongst women anda loud voice: "Blessed art thou amongst women and
blessed is the fruit of thy womb."blessed is the fruit of thy womb."
When Mary heard this she recited what is now known asWhen Mary heard this she recited what is now known as
the Magnificat. This event is called the Visitation.the Magnificat. This event is called the Visitation.

Saint AgnesSaint Agnes
Agnes of RomeAgnes of Rome (c. 291 – c.304) is a virgin–(c. 291 – c.304) is a virgin–
martyr, venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholicmartyr, venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic
Church, Eastern Catholic Churches, the AnglicanChurch, Eastern Catholic Churches, the Anglican
Communion, and in Eastern Orthodoxy. She is oneCommunion, and in Eastern Orthodoxy. She is one
of seven women, excluding the Blessed Virgin,of seven women, excluding the Blessed Virgin,
commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass.commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass.
She is the patron saint of chastity, gardeners, girls,She is the patron saint of chastity, gardeners, girls,
engaged couples, rape victims, and virgins.engaged couples, rape victims, and virgins.
She was of the Roman Nobility and desired to haveShe was of the Roman Nobility and desired to have
God as her Spouse. The Prefect Sempronius wantedGod as her Spouse. The Prefect Sempronius wanted
her for his Son’s Wife. She refused and this led toher for his Son’s Wife. She refused and this led to
her execution. She was beheaded in the arena afterher execution. She was beheaded in the arena after
attempts to burn her alive failed. Enroute to aattempts to burn her alive failed. Enroute to a
brothel as a means of defiling her prior to her death,brothel as a means of defiling her prior to her death,
she was dragged naked through the streets, since byshe was dragged naked through the streets, since by
Roman Law, it was illegal to execute a Virgin, but herRoman Law, it was illegal to execute a Virgin, but her
hair grew to cover her body and preserve her dignity.hair grew to cover her body and preserve her dignity.
Men who tried to rape her, were immediately struckMen who tried to rape her, were immediately struck
blind.blind.

Saint ScholasticaSaint ScholasticaFeast Day is 10 February.Feast Day is 10 February.
Scholastica is the patron saint of nuns, convulsiveScholastica is the patron saint of nuns, convulsive
children,children,
and is invoked against storms and rainand is invoked against storms and rain “Foundress of“Foundress of
Benedictine Order of Nuns.”Benedictine Order of Nuns.”
ScholasticaScholastica (c. 480 - February 10, 547) was born in Italy, she(c. 480 - February 10, 547) was born in Italy, she
was the twin sister of St. Benedict of Nursia.was the twin sister of St. Benedict of Nursia.
St. Gregory the Great, in hisSt. Gregory the Great, in his DialoguesDialogues, tells us that she was, tells us that she was
a nun and leader of a community for women ata nun and leader of a community for women at
Plombariola, about five miles from Benedict's abbey atPlombariola, about five miles from Benedict's abbey at
Monte Casino. We do not know what rule this communityMonte Casino. We do not know what rule this community
followed, although it seems most likely it was the Rule of St.followed, although it seems most likely it was the Rule of St.
Benedict. Scholastica was dedicated to God from a youngBenedict. Scholastica was dedicated to God from a young
age (some tellings of her story indicate that she precededage (some tellings of her story indicate that she preceded
Benedict in godliness, and he came to holiness after sheBenedict in godliness, and he came to holiness after she
did). The most commonly told story about her is that shedid). The most commonly told story about her is that she
would, once a year, go and visit her brother at a place nearwould, once a year, go and visit her brother at a place near
his abbey, and they would spend the day worshipinghis abbey, and they would spend the day worshiping

St. Perpetua & St. FelicitySt. Perpetua & St. Felicity
Perpetua and FelicityPerpetua and Felicity (died on 7 March 203) are Christian martyrs of the 3rd(died on 7 March 203) are Christian martyrs of the 3rd
century.century.
Perpetua (born in 181) was a 22-year old married noble, and a nursing mother. HerPerpetua (born in 181) was a 22-year old married noble, and a nursing mother. Her
co-martyr Felicity, an expectant mother, was her slave. They suffered together atco-martyr Felicity, an expectant mother, was her slave. They suffered together at
Carthage in the Roman province of Africa.Carthage in the Roman province of Africa. The record of theThe record of the "Passion of St."Passion of St.
Perpetua, St. Felicitas, and their Companions"Perpetua, St. Felicitas, and their Companions" is said to preserve the actual words ofis said to preserve the actual words of
the martyrs and their friends.the martyrs and their friends.
““But Perpetua, that she might have some taste of pain, was pierced between the bonesBut Perpetua, that she might have some taste of pain, was pierced between the bones
and shrieked out; and when the swordsman's hand wandered still (for he was aand shrieked out; and when the swordsman's hand wandered still (for he was a
novice), herself set it upon her own neck. Perchance so great a woman could not elsenovice), herself set it upon her own neck. Perchance so great a woman could not else
have been slain (being feared of the unclean spirit) had she not herself so willed it."have been slain (being feared of the unclean spirit) had she not herself so willed it."
So ends theSo ends the ActaActa.. Their bodies were interred at Carthage.Their bodies were interred at Carthage.

Saint Clare of AssisiSaint Clare of Assisi
Saint Clare of AssisiSaint Clare of Assisi bornborn ChiaraChiara
OffreduccioOffreduccio (July 16, 1194 – August 11, 1253) is(July 16, 1194 – August 11, 1253) is
a saint of Italy and one of the first followers of Sainta saint of Italy and one of the first followers of Saint
Francis of Assisi. She founded the Order of PoorFrancis of Assisi. She founded the Order of Poor
Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in theLadies, a monastic religious order for women in the
Franciscan tradition, and wrote their Rule of Life--Franciscan tradition, and wrote their Rule of Life--
the first monastic rule known to have been writtenthe first monastic rule known to have been written
by a woman. Following her death, the order sheby a woman. Following her death, the order she
founded was renamed in her honour as the Orderfounded was renamed in her honour as the Order
of Saint Clare, commonly referred to today as theof Saint Clare, commonly referred to today as the
Poor Clares.Poor Clares.
In art, Clare is often shown carrying a monstranceIn art, Clare is often shown carrying a monstrance
or pyx, in commemoration of the time when sheor pyx, in commemoration of the time when she
warded away the soldiers of Frederick II at thewarded away the soldiers of Frederick II at the
gates of her convent by displaying the Blessedgates of her convent by displaying the Blessed
Sacrament and kneeling in prayer.Sacrament and kneeling in prayer.
Pope Pius XII designated her as the patron saint ofPope Pius XII designated her as the patron saint of
television in 1958, on the basis that when she wastelevision in 1958, on the basis that when she was
too ill to attend Mass, she had reportedly been abletoo ill to attend Mass, she had reportedly been able
to see and hear it on the wall of her room. Theto see and hear it on the wall of her room. The
Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) wasEternal Word Television Network (EWTN) was
founded by a Poor Clare nun, Mother Angelica.founded by a Poor Clare nun, Mother Angelica.

St. Mary Magdalene of PazziSt. Mary Magdalene of Pazzi
Feast Day is May 25Feast Day is May 25thth
and is shared with St. Bede Theand is shared with St. Bede The
Venerable, and St Gregory VII, PopeVenerable, and St Gregory VII, Pope
Saint Maria Magdalena de PazziSaint Maria Magdalena de Pazzi (April 2, 1566 –(April 2, 1566 –
May 25, 1607) is an incorrupt saint.May 25, 1607) is an incorrupt saint.
St. Maria Magdalena de Pazzi was born into one of theSt. Maria Magdalena de Pazzi was born into one of the
wealthiest and most distinguished noble families of Renaissancewealthiest and most distinguished noble families of Renaissance
Florence, Italy known as theFlorence, Italy known as the "de Pazzi""de Pazzi" and she was baptizedand she was baptized
with the name ofwith the name of "Catherine""Catherine" (known affectionately as(known affectionately as "Atrina""Atrina" oror
"Rina""Rina"). She experienced her first ecstasy when she was only). She experienced her first ecstasy when she was only
twelve, in her mother's presence. From then on, she continuedtwelve, in her mother's presence. From then on, she continued
to witness many varied mystical experiences. She was sent to ato witness many varied mystical experiences. She was sent to a
convent at age 14, but was returned home by her family, whoconvent at age 14, but was returned home by her family, who
opposed her religious vocation and wanted her to marry aopposed her religious vocation and wanted her to marry a
distinguished man. However, they eventually conceded, anddistinguished man. However, they eventually conceded, and
Catherine became a Carmelite of the Ancient Observance at 16,Catherine became a Carmelite of the Ancient Observance at 16,
taking the name of Sister Maria Magdalena, at a convent that istaking the name of Sister Maria Magdalena, at a convent that is
now the site of San Frediano in Cestello. Her life took a coursenow the site of San Frediano in Cestello. Her life took a course
similar to that of other women who have become great mystics,similar to that of other women who have become great mystics,
characterized by an early love of prayer and penance, charity forcharacterized by an early love of prayer and penance, charity for
the poor, and an evangelical spirit.the poor, and an evangelical spirit.
St. Maria Magdalena was a descendant of theSt. Maria Magdalena was a descendant of the "de Pazzi""de Pazzi" familyfamily
who were the first to scale the walls of Jerusalem during the Firstwho were the first to scale the walls of Jerusalem during the First
Crusade. She was also related to the famed Pazzi of theCrusade. She was also related to the famed Pazzi of the "Pazzi"Pazzi
conspiracy"conspiracy" who was supported by Pope Sixtus IV againstwho was supported by Pope Sixtus IV against
members of the Medici family.members of the Medici family.
Countless miracles followed after her death in 1607. Her.Countless miracles followed after her death in 1607. Her.
This is also Fr. Tim’s Birthday…. wink, wink, nudge, nudge!This is also Fr. Tim’s Birthday…. wink, wink, nudge, nudge!

Anna the ProphetessAnna the Prophetess
AnnaAnna oror Anna the ProphetessAnna the Prophetess was awas a
biblical figure mentioned only in thebiblical figure mentioned only in the
Gospel of Luke. According to that Gospel,Gospel of Luke. According to that Gospel,
she was an aged Jewish prophetess whoshe was an aged Jewish prophetess who
prophesied about Jesus at the Temple ofprophesied about Jesus at the Temple of
Jerusalem. She appears in Luke 2:36-38 inJerusalem. She appears in Luke 2:36-38 in
the episode of the presentation of Jesus atthe episode of the presentation of Jesus at
the Temple.the Temple.
While Luke gave some elements, Anna'sWhile Luke gave some elements, Anna's
life and background are obscure. From thelife and background are obscure. From the
three verses in Luke, the following isthree verses in Luke, the following is
known of Anna: She was a Prophetess;known of Anna: She was a Prophetess;
The Daughter of Phanuel; A member ofThe Daughter of Phanuel; A member of
the Tribe of Asher; Widowed after 7 yearsthe Tribe of Asher; Widowed after 7 years
of marriage; A devout Jew who practicedof marriage; A devout Jew who practiced
prayer and fasting; She was almost 105prayer and fasting; She was almost 105
years old at the Presentation.years old at the Presentation.

Saint MonicaSaint MonicaFeast Day:Feast Day: August 27August 27
Patron of Wives and Abuse VictimsPatron of Wives and Abuse Victims
St. MonicaSt. Monica was married by arrangement to a paganwas married by arrangement to a pagan
official in North Africa, who was much older thanofficial in North Africa, who was much older than
she, and although generous, was also violentshe, and although generous, was also violent
tempered. His mother Lived with them and wastempered. His mother Lived with them and was
equally difficult, which proved a constant challenge toequally difficult, which proved a constant challenge to
St. Monica. She had three children; Augustine,St. Monica. She had three children; Augustine,
Navigius, and Perpetua. Through her patience andNavigius, and Perpetua. Through her patience and
prayers, she was able to convert her husband and hisprayers, she was able to convert her husband and his
mother to the Catholic faith in 370 He died a year·mother to the Catholic faith in 370 He died a year·
later. Perpetua and Navigius entered the religiouslater. Perpetua and Navigius entered the religious
Life. St. Augustine was much more difficult, as sheLife. St. Augustine was much more difficult, as she
had to pray for him for 17 years, begging the prayershad to pray for him for 17 years, begging the prayers
of priests who, for a while, tried to avoid her becauseof priests who, for a while, tried to avoid her because
of her persistence at this seemingly hopelessof her persistence at this seemingly hopeless
endeavor. One priest did console her by saying, "it isendeavor. One priest did console her by saying, "it is
not possible that the son of so many tears shouldnot possible that the son of so many tears should
perish." This thought, coupled with a vision that sheperish." This thought, coupled with a vision that she
had received strengthened her. St. Augustine washad received strengthened her. St. Augustine was
baptized by St Ambrose in 387. St Monica died laterbaptized by St Ambrose in 387. St Monica died later
that same year, on the way back to Africa from Romethat same year, on the way back to Africa from Rome
in the Italian town of Ostia.in the Italian town of Ostia.

Saint MonicaSaint Monica
 St Monica your faith and patience areSt Monica your faith and patience are
an inspiration to us.an inspiration to us.
 Help us in our daily married life to beHelp us in our daily married life to be
more patient and understanding ofmore patient and understanding of
difficult situations, help us to be adifficult situations, help us to be a
better mother and have faith thatbetter mother and have faith that
prayer will help us.prayer will help us.
 Your life shows us what the power ofYour life shows us what the power of
prayer can achieve. AMENprayer can achieve. AMEN

St Bernadette SoubirousSt Bernadette SoubirousFeast Day: April 16
Famed visionary of Lourdes, baptized Mary Bernard. She
was born in Lourdes, France, on January 7, 1844, the
daughter of Francis and Louise Soubirous. Bernadette, a
severe asthma sufferer, lived in abject poverty. On
February 11, 1858, she was granted a vision of the Blessed
Virgin Mary in a cave on the banks of the Gave River near
Lourdes. She was placed in considerable jeopardy when
she reported the vision, and crowds gathered when she had
futher visits from the Virgin. The civil authorities tried to
frighten Bernadette into recanting her accounts, but she
remained faithful to the vision. A spring emerged from the
cave and the waters were discovered to be of a miraculous
nature, capable of healing the sick and lame. Bernadette
announced that the vision stated that she was the
Immaculate Conception, and that a church should be
erected on the site. Many authorities tried to shut down
the spring and delay the construction of the chapel, but the
influence and fame of the visions reached Empress
Eugenie of France, wife of Napoleon Ill, and construction
went forward. Crowds gathered, free of harassment from
the anticlerical and antireligious officials. In 1866,
Bernadette was sent to the Sisters of Notre Dame in
Nevers. There she became a member of the community,
and faced some rather harsh treatment from the mistress
of novices. This oppression ended when it was discovered
that she suffered from a painful, incurable illness. She
died in Nevers on April 16,1879, still giving the same
account of her visions. Lourdes became one of the major
pilgrimage destinations in the world, and the spring has

St Bernadette SoubirousSt Bernadette Soubirous St Bernadette, through your intercession giveSt Bernadette, through your intercession give
me the grace of praying in the occasions of sin.me the grace of praying in the occasions of sin.
 Grant me a holy recollection, the grace ofGrant me a holy recollection, the grace of
being aware of Mary’s holy presence and thebeing aware of Mary’s holy presence and the
virtue of silence. Grant me from God, the holyvirtue of silence. Grant me from God, the holy
virtue of spiritual and bodily purity, as well asvirtue of spiritual and bodily purity, as well as
purity of conscience through humble, frequentpurity of conscience through humble, frequent
and sincere confession, for the grater glory ofand sincere confession, for the grater glory of
God. Obtain for me a heroic faith along with aGod. Obtain for me a heroic faith along with a
loving filled confidence in the Most Sacredloving filled confidence in the Most Sacred
Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart ofHeart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of
Mary. AMENMary. AMEN

St.St. CatherineCatherine of Sienaof Siena
Feast Day: April 29
Patron Fire prevention
1347 - 1380
The 25th child of a wool dyer in northern Italy, St.
Catherine started having mystical experiences when she
was only 6, seeing guardian angels as clearly as the
people they protected. She became a Dominican
tertiary when she was 16, and continued to have visions
of Christ, Mary, and the saints. St. Catherine was one of
the most brilliant theological minds of her day, although
she never had any formal education. She persuaded the
Pope to go back to Rome from Avignon, in 1377, and
when she died she was endeavoring to heal the Great
Western Schism. In 1375 Our Lord give her the
Stigmata, which was visible only after her death. Her
spiritual director was Blessed Raymond of Capua. St,
Catherine's letters, and a treatise called "a dialogue" are
considered among the most brilliant writings in the
history of the Catholic Church. She died when she was
only 33, and her body was found incorrupt in 1430.

St.St. CatherineCatherine of Sienaof Siena Heavenly Father, your glory is in your saints.Heavenly Father, your glory is in your saints.
We praise your glory in the life of theWe praise your glory in the life of the
admirable St Catherine of Siena, a virgin andadmirable St Catherine of Siena, a virgin and
doctor of the church. Her whole life was adoctor of the church. Her whole life was a
noble sacrifice inspired by an ardent love ofnoble sacrifice inspired by an ardent love of
Jesus, your unblemished lamb. In troubledJesus, your unblemished lamb. In troubled
times, she strenuously upheld the rights of Histimes, she strenuously upheld the rights of His
beloved spouse, the Church.beloved spouse, the Church.
 Father honour her merits and hear her prayersFather honour her merits and hear her prayers
for each of us and for our whole parish familyfor each of us and for our whole parish family
dedicated to her. We ask this through Jesus,dedicated to her. We ask this through Jesus,
your Son, in the bond of the Holy Spirit.your Son, in the bond of the Holy Spirit.AMENAMEN

St Brigid of IrelandSt Brigid of IrelandFeast Day: February 1
Ppatron of Ireland
Brigid was probably born at Faughart near Dundalk, Louth, Ireland.
Her parents were baptized by St. Patrick, with whom she developed a
close friendship. According to legend, her father was Dubhthach, an
Irish chieftain of Lienster, and her mother, Brocca, was a slave at his
court. Even as a young girl she evinced an interest for a religious life
and took the veil in her youth from St. Macaille at Croghan and
probably was professed by St Mel of Armagh, who is believed to have
conferred abbatial authority on her. She settled with seven of her
virgins at the foot of Croghan Hill for a time and about the year 468,
followed Mel to Meath. About the year 470 she founded a double
monastery at Cill-Dara (Kildare) and was Abbess of the convent, the
first in Ireland. The foundation developed into a center of learning
and spirituality, and around it grew up the Cathedral city of Kildare.
She founded a school of art at Kildare and itsilhuminated manuscripts
became famous, notably the Book of Kildare, which was praised as
one of the finest of all illuminated Irish manuscripts before its
disappearance three centuries ago. Brigid was one of the most
remarkable women of her times, and despite the numerous legendary,
extravagant, and even fantastic miracles attributed to her, there is no
doubt that her extraordinary spirituality, boundless charity, and
compassion for those in distress were real. She died at Kildare on
February 1. The Mary of the Gael, she is buried at Downpatrick with
St. Columba and St. Patrick, with whom she is the. Her name is
sometimes Bridget and Bride.

St Brigid of IrelandSt Brigid of Ireland Brigid, you were a woman of peace. YouBrigid, you were a woman of peace. You
brought harmony where there was conflict.brought harmony where there was conflict.
You brought light to the darkness. YouYou brought light to the darkness. You
brought hope to the downcast. May the mantlebrought hope to the downcast. May the mantle
of your peace cover those who are troubledof your peace cover those who are troubled
and anxious, and may peace be firmly rootedand anxious, and may peace be firmly rooted
in our hearts and in our world.in our hearts and in our world.
 Inspire us to act justly and to reverence allInspire us to act justly and to reverence all
God has made. Strengthen what is weak withinGod has made. Strengthen what is weak within
us. Calm us into a quietness that heals andus. Calm us into a quietness that heals and
listens. May we grow each day into greaterlistens. May we grow each day into greater
wholeness in mind, body and spirit. AMENwholeness in mind, body and spirit. AMEN

Saint CeciliaSaint CeciliaFeast Day: November 22Feast Day: November 22
PPatroness of music
St. Cecilia is the patron saint of musicianc and Chrch musicSt. Cecilia is the patron saint of musicianc and Chrch music
because as she was dying she sang to God.. It is also writtenbecause as she was dying she sang to God.. It is also written
that as the musicians palyed at her wedding she “sang in herthat as the musicians palyed at her wedding she “sang in her
heart to the Lord.” St Cecilia is one of seven women,heart to the Lord.” St Cecilia is one of seven women,
excluding the Blessed Virgin, commerated by name in theexcluding the Blessed Virgin, commerated by name in the
Canon of the Mass. It was long supposed that she was aCanon of the Mass. It was long supposed that she was a
noble lady of Rome who, with her husband, Valerian, hisnoble lady of Rome who, with her husband, Valerian, his
brother Toburtius, and a Roman soldier, suffered martyrdombrother Toburtius, and a Roman soldier, suffered martyrdom
c. 230, under the Emperor Alexander Severous.c. 230, under the Emperor Alexander Severous...
She arranged to have her home preserved as a church beforeShe arranged to have her home preserved as a church before
she was arrested. At that time, the officials attempted to killshe was arrested. At that time, the officials attempted to kill
her by smothering her by steam. However, the attempt failedher by smothering her by steam. However, the attempt failed
and she was to have her head chopped off, but they wereand she was to have her head chopped off, but they were
unsuccessful 3 times, and she would not die until sheunsuccessful 3 times, and she would not die until she
received the sacrament of Holy Communiion. Ceciliareceived the sacrament of Holy Communiion. Cecilia
survived another 3 days before succumbing. In the last 3survived another 3 days before succumbing. In the last 3
days of her life, she opened her eyes, gazed at her family anddays of her life, she opened her eyes, gazed at her family and
friends who crowded around her cell, closed them, and neverfriends who crowded around her cell, closed them, and never
opened them again. The people by her cell knewopened them again. The people by her cell knew
immediately that she was to become a saint in heaven. Whenimmediately that she was to become a saint in heaven. When
herher incorruptible bodyincorruptible body was found long after her death, itwas found long after her death, it
was found that on one hand she had 3 fingers outstretchedwas found that on one hand she had 3 fingers outstretched
and on the other hand just one finger, denoting her belief inand on the other hand just one finger, denoting her belief in
the Trinity. The skeull of St Cecilia is kept as a relic in thethe Trinity. The skeull of St Cecilia is kept as a relic in the

Saint CeciliaSaint Cecilia O glorious saint who chose to die instead ofO glorious saint who chose to die instead of
denying your king, we pray you to please helpdenying your king, we pray you to please help
us as His fair praise we sing.us as His fair praise we sing.
 We lift our hearts in joyous song to honourWe lift our hearts in joyous song to honour
Him this way and while we sing, rememberingHim this way and while we sing, remembering
to sing is to doubly pray. At once in our heartsto sing is to doubly pray. At once in our hearts
and from our tongues we offer double prayerand from our tongues we offer double prayer
sent heavenward on winged notes to praisesent heavenward on winged notes to praise
God dwelling there, while in our hearts andGod dwelling there, while in our hearts and
from our tongues we try, with song to praisefrom our tongues we try, with song to praise
God twice. We ask dear saint, to help us to beGod twice. We ask dear saint, to help us to be
united close to Christ. AMENunited close to Christ. AMEN

St. FaustinaSt. FaustinaFeast Day: October 5
Saint Faustina (1905 - 1938) was born Helena Kowalska in a small village
west of Lodz, Poland on August 25, 1905. She was the third of ten
children. When she was almost twenty, she entered the Congregation of
the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, whose members devote themselves to
the care and education of troubled young women. The following year she
received her religious habit and was given the name Sister Maria Faustina,
to which she added, "of the Most Blessed Sacrament", as was permitted by
her congregation's custom. In the 1930's, Sister Faustina received from the
Lord a message of mercy that she was told to spread throughout the world.
She was asked to become theapostle and secretary of God's mercy, a
model of how to be merciful to others, and an instrument for
reemphasizing God's plan of mercy for the world. It was not a glamorous
prospect. Her entire life, in imitation of Christ's, was to be a sacrafice - a
life lived for others. At the Divine Lord's request, she willingly offered her
personal sufferings in union with Him to atone for the sins of others; in her
daily life she was to become a doer of mercy, bringing joy and peace to
others, and by writing about God's mercy, she was to encourage others to
trust in Him and thus prepare the world for His coming again. Her special
devotion toMary Immaculate and to thesacraments of Eucharist and
Reconcilition gave her the strength to bear all her sufferings as an offering
to God on behalf of the Church and those in special need, especially great
sinners and the dying. After her death from tuberculosis in 1938, even her
closest associates were amazed as they began to discover what great
sufferings and deep mystical experiences had been given to this Sister of
theirs, who had always been so cheerful and humble. She had taken deeply
into her heart, God's gospel command to "be merciful even as your
heavenly Father is merciful" as well as her confessor's directive that she
should act in such a way that everyone who came in contact with her would
go away joyful. The message of mercy that Sister Faustina received is now
being spread throughout the world; her diary, Divine Mercy in my Soul,
has become the handbook for devotion to the Divine Mercy.

St. FaustinaSt. Faustina Do what You will with me, O Jesus, I will adore YouDo what You will with me, O Jesus, I will adore You
in everything. May your will be done in me, O myin everything. May your will be done in me, O my
Lord and my God, and I will praise Your infiniteLord and my God, and I will praise Your infinite
mercy.mercy.

[Divine Mercy chaplet, prayed with rosary beads][Divine Mercy chaplet, prayed with rosary beads]
 On the Our Father beads, we say: Eternal Father, IOn the Our Father beads, we say: Eternal Father, I
offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity ofoffer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of
Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, inYour dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in
atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
 On the Hail Mary beads we say: For the sake of HisOn the Hail Mary beads we say: For the sake of His
sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on thesorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the
whole world. Conclude with: Holy God, Holy Mightywhole world. Conclude with: Holy God, Holy Mighty
One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy onus and onOne, Holy Immortal One, have mercy onus and on

St. AgathaSt. AgathaFeast Day: February 5
Patroness of Bellmakers, Protector against the outbreak
of fire.
Although we have evidence that Agatha was venerated at least as far
back as the sixth century, the only facts we have about her are that she
was born in Sicily and died there a martyr. In the legend of her life,
she belonged to a rich, important family. When she was young, she
dedicated her life to God and resisted any men who wanted to marry
her or have sex with her. One of these men, Quintian, was of a high
enough rank that he felt he could force her to acquiesce. Knowing she
was a Christian in a time of persecution, he had her arrested and
brought before the judge - - himself. He expected her to give in to
when faced with torture and possible death, but she simply affirmed
her belief in God by praying: "Jesus Christ, Lord of all, you see my
heart, you know my desires. Possess all that I am. I am your sheep:
make me worthy to overcome the devil." Legend tells us that Quintian
imprisoned her in a brothel in order to get her to change her mind.
Quintian brought her back before him after she had suffered a month
of assault and humiliation in the brothel, but Agatha had never
wavered, proclaiming that her freedom came from Jesus. Quintian
sent her to prison, instead of back to the brothel -- a move intended to
make her more afraid, but which probably was a great relief to her.
When she continued to profess her faith in Jesus, Quintian had her
tortured. He refused her any medical care but God gave her all the
care she needed in the form of a vision of St. Peter. When she was
tortured again, she died after saying a final prayer: "Lord, my Creator,
you have always protected me from the cradle; you have taken me
from the love of the world and given me patience to suffer. Receive
my soul." Because one of the tortures she supposedly suffered was to
have her breasts cut off, she was often depicted carrying her breasts on
a plate. It is thought that blessing of the bread that takes place on her

St. AgathaSt. Agatha Saint Agatha, you suffered sexual assalt andSaint Agatha, you suffered sexual assalt and
indignity because of your faith. Help heal allindignity because of your faith. Help heal all
those who are survivors of sexual assalts andthose who are survivors of sexual assalts and
protect those women who are in danger.protect those women who are in danger.
AMENAMEN
 Prayers St Agatha said: Jesus Christ, Lord of allPrayers St Agatha said: Jesus Christ, Lord of all
things, you see my heart, you know my desires.things, you see my heart, you know my desires.
Possess all that I am- you alone. I am your sheep,Possess all that I am- you alone. I am your sheep,
make me worthy to overcome the devil. AMENmake me worthy to overcome the devil. AMEN
 Lord, my creator, you have protected me since I wasLord, my creator, you have protected me since I was
in the cradle. You have taken from me, the love of thein the cradle. You have taken from me, the love of the
world and given me patience to suffer, Now receiveworld and given me patience to suffer, Now receive
my spirit. AMENmy spirit. AMEN

St Rita of CasciaSt Rita of Cascia
Feast Day: May 22
Patron saint of hopeless causes
1457
Augustiniannun, also called Margarita. She was born in
Roccaporena, near Spoleto, Italy, in 1381, and expressed
from an early age the desire to become a nun. Her elderly
parents insisted that she be married at the age of twelve to a
man described in accounts of her life as cruel and harsh. She
spent eighteen extremely unhappy years, had two sons, and
was finally widowed when her husband was killed in a brawl.
Both sons also died, and Rita, still anxious to become a nun,
tried unsuccessfully to enter the Augustinians in their convent
at Cascia. She was refused because she was a widow and
because of the requirement that all sisters should be virgins.
Finally, in 1413, the order gave her entry, and she earned
fame for her austerity, devotion to prayer, and charity. In the
midst of chronic illnesses, she received visions and wounds on
her forehead which resembled the crown of thorns. She died
on May 22 at Cascia, and many miracles were reported
instantly. Canonized in 1900, she is honored in Spain as La
Santa de los Impossibles.

St Rita of CasciaSt Rita of Cascia O powerful St Rita, you are called the Saint of theO powerful St Rita, you are called the Saint of the
Impossible. In this time of need, I come to youImpossible. In this time of need, I come to you
with confidence. You know my trials, for youwith confidence. You know my trials, for you
yourself were many times burdened in this life.yourself were many times burdened in this life.
Come to my help, pray with me, intercede on myCome to my help, pray with me, intercede on my
behalf before the Father. I know that God has abehalf before the Father. I know that God has a
most generous heart and that He is a most lovingmost generous heart and that He is a most loving
Father. Join your prayers to mine and obtain forFather. Join your prayers to mine and obtain for
me the grace and assistance I desire and need some the grace and assistance I desire and need so
much.much.
 I promise to use this favour, when granted, toI promise to use this favour, when granted, to
better my life, to proclaim God’s mercy and tobetter my life, to proclaim God’s mercy and to
make you widely known and loved. AMEN

St. Maria GorettiSt. Maria Goretti
Feast Day: July 6
Patron of youth, young women, purity, and victims of rape
1890 - 1902
Born in Corinaldo, Ancona, Italy, on October 16 1890; her
farmworker father moved his family to Ferrier di Conca, near Anzio.
Her father died of malaria and her mother had to struggle to feed her
children.
In 1902 an eighteen-year-old neighbor, Alexander, grabbed her from
her steps and tried to rape her. When Maria said that she would
rather died than submit, Alexander began stabbing her with a knife.
As she lay in the hospital, she forgave Alexander before she died. Her
death didn't end her forgivness, however. Alexander was captured and
sentenced to thirty years. He was unrepentant until he had a dream
that he was in a garden. Maria was there and gave him flowers. When
he woke, he was a changed man, repenting of his crime and living a
reformed life. When he was released after 27 years he went directly to
Maria's mother to beg her forgiveness, which she gave. "If my daughter
can forgive him, who am I to withold forgiveness," she said.
When Maria was declared a saint in 1950, Alexander was there in the
St. Peter's crowd to celebrate her canonization. She was canonized by
Pope Pius XII in 1950 for her purity as model for youth. She is called
a martyr because she fought against Alexander's attempts at sexual
assault. However, the most important aspect of her story is her
forgiveness of her attacker -- her concern for her enemy extending
even beyond death.

St. Maria GorettiSt. Maria Goretti O St Maria Goretti, who strengthened by God’sO St Maria Goretti, who strengthened by God’s
grace, did not hesitate even at the age of twelve tograce, did not hesitate even at the age of twelve to
shed your blood and sacrifice life itself to defend youshed your blood and sacrifice life itself to defend you
virginal purity, look graciously on the unhappyvirginal purity, look graciously on the unhappy
human race which has strayed for from the path ofhuman race which has strayed for from the path of
eternal salvation.eternal salvation.
 Teach us all, and especially youth, with what courageTeach us all, and especially youth, with what courage
and promptitude we should flee for the love of Jesusand promptitude we should flee for the love of Jesus
anything that could offend Him or stain our soulsanything that could offend Him or stain our souls
with sin. Obtain for us form our Lord, victory inwith sin. Obtain for us form our Lord, victory in
temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and thetemptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and the
grace which we earnestly beg of thee, and may wegrace which we earnestly beg of thee, and may we
one day enjoy with thee the imperishable glory ofone day enjoy with thee the imperishable glory of
Heaven. AMENHeaven. AMEN

St. Marguerite d’YouvilleSt. Marguerite d’Youville
Feast Day: October 16
1771
Foundress of the Sisters of Charity, the Grey Nuns of Canada.
St. Marguerite D'Youville was born Marie Marguerite Dufrost
de La Jemmerais at Varennes, Quebec, on October 15. She
studied under the Ursulines, married Francois D'Youville in
1722, and became a widow in 1730. She worked to support
herself and her three children, devoted much of her time to
the Confraternity of the Holy Family in charitable activities..
In 1737, with three companions, she founded the Grey Nuns
when they took their initial vows; a formal declaration took
place in 1745. Two years later she was appointed Directress of
the General Hospital in Montreal, which was taken over by
the Grey Nuns, and had the rule of the Grey Nuns, with
Marguerite as Superior, confirmed by Bishop of Pontbriand
of Quebec in 1755.
She died in Montreal on December 23, and since her death,
the Grey Nuns have established schools, hospitals, and
orphanages throughout Canada, the United States, Africa, and
South America, and are especially known for their work
among the Eskimos. She was Beatified by PopeJohn XXIII
in 1959 and canonized in 1990 by Pope John Paul II.

St. Marguerite d’YouvilleSt. Marguerite d’Youville
 St Marguerite d’Youville during your lifetime,St Marguerite d’Youville during your lifetime,
you opened your heart and home to every typeyou opened your heart and home to every type
of human misery. Listen now to my prayer ofof human misery. Listen now to my prayer of
petition. (state request)petition. (state request)
 I count on you to plead with the God of love toI count on you to plead with the God of love to
grant the favour I seek with confidence andgrant the favour I seek with confidence and
trust. Gift us as you were gifted, with evertrust. Gift us as you were gifted, with ever
deepening faith, with firm hope and trust. Letdeepening faith, with firm hope and trust. Let
my life be all of service of love.my life be all of service of love.
 Mother of Universal Charity, your love for theMother of Universal Charity, your love for the
poor made the impossible possible. Pleasepoor made the impossible possible. Please
make haste to help me. AMENmake haste to help me. AMEN

Blessed Kateri TekakwithaBlessed Kateri TekakwithaFeast Day: July 14
Patron of the environment and ecology
1656 - April 17, 1680
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin, has not yet been canonized. Kateri
was born near the town of Auriesville, New York, in the year 1656, the
daughter of a Mohawk warrior. She was four years old when her
mother died of smallpox. The disease also attacked Kateri and
transfigured her face. She was adopted by her two aunts and an uncle.
Kateri became converted as a teenager. She was baptized at the age of
twenty and incurred the great hostility of her tribe. Although she had
to suffer greatly for her Faith, she remained firm in it. Kateri went to
the new Christian colony of Indians in Canada. Here she lived a life
dedicated to prayer, penitential practices, and care for the sick and
aged. Every morning, even in bitterest winter, she stood before the
chapel door until it opened at four and remained there until after the
last Mass. She was devoted to the Eucharist and to Jesus Crucified.
She died on April 17, 1680 at the age of twenty-four. She is known as
the "Lily of the Mohawks". Devotion to Kateri is responsible for
establishing Native American ministries in Catholic Churches all over
the United States and Canada. Kateri was declared venerable by the
Catholic Church in 1943 and she was Beatified in 1980. Work is
currently underway to have her Canonized by the Church. Hundreds
of thousands have visited shrines to Kateri erected at both St Francis
Xavier and Caughnawaga and at her birth place at Auriesville, New
York.Pilgrimages at these sites continue today.
Blessed Kateri Teckakwitha is the first Native American to be
declared a Blessed.

Blessed Kateri TekakwithaBlessed Kateri Tekakwitha
 Lord God, You called the virgin BlessedLord God, You called the virgin Blessed
Kateri Tekakwitha, to shine among theKateri Tekakwitha, to shine among the
American Indian people as an example ofAmerican Indian people as an example of
innocence of life.innocence of life.
 Through her intercession, may all people ofThrough her intercession, may all people of
every tribe, tongue and nation, having beenevery tribe, tongue and nation, having been
gathered into Your Church, proclaim yourgathered into Your Church, proclaim your
greatness in one song of praise. We ask thisgreatness in one song of praise. We ask this
through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, whothrough our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who
lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. AMENone God, forever and ever. AMEN

St Joan of ArcSt Joan of ArcFeast Day: May 30
Patron of soldiers and France
St. Joan of Arc (1412 - 1431) is the patroness of soldiers and of France. On
January 6, 1412, Joan of Arc was born to pious parents of the French
peasant class, at the obscure village of Domremy, near the province of
Lorraine. At a very early age, she heard voices: those of St. Michael, St.
Catherine and St. Margaret. At first the messages were personal and
general. Then at last came the crowning order. In May, 1428, her voices "of
St. Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret" told Joan to go to the King of
France and help him reconquer his kingdom. For at that time the English
king was after the throne of France, and the Duke of Burgundy, the chief
rival of the French king, was siding with him and gobbling up evermore
French territory.
After overcoming opposition from churchmen and courtiers, the seventeen
year old girl was given a small army with which she raised the seige of
Orleans on May 8, 1429. She then enjoyed a series of spectacular military
successes, during which the King was able to enter Rheims and be crowned
with her at his side.
In May 1430, as she was attempting to relieve Compiegne, she was
captured by the Burgundians and sold to the English when Charles and the
French did nothing to save her. After months of imprisonment, she was
tried at Rouen by a tribunal presided over by the infamous Peter Cauchon,
Bishop of Beauvais, who hoped that the English would help him to
become archbishop.
Through her unfamiliarity with the technicalities of theology, Joan was
trapped into making a few damaging statements. When she refused to
retract the assertion that it was the saints of God who had commanded her
to do what she had done, she was condemned to death as a heretic,
sorceress, and adulteress, and burned at the stake on May 30, 1431. She
was nineteen years old. Some thirty years later, she was exonerated of all
guilt and she was ultimately canonized in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV,

St Joan of ArcSt Joan of Arc
 Lord, You wondrously raised up Saint Joan ofLord, You wondrously raised up Saint Joan of
Arc, Your virgin, to defend the faith and herArc, Your virgin, to defend the faith and her
country.country.
 Through her intercession grant that the ChurchThrough her intercession grant that the Church
may overcome the snares of her enemies andmay overcome the snares of her enemies and
enjoy unbroken peace. AMENenjoy unbroken peace. AMEN

St. Mary MagdeleneSt. Mary Magdelene
Feast Day: July 22
She is called "the Penitent". St. Mary was given the name 'Magdalen’
because, though a Jewish girl, she lived in a Gentile town called
Magdale, in northern Galilee, and her culture and manners were those
of a Gentile. St.Luke records that she was a notorious sinner, and had
seven devils removed from her. She was present at Our Lords'
Crucifixion, and with Joanna and Mary, the mother of James and
Salome, at Jesus' empty tomb. " After Jesus' body had been placed in
the tomb, Mary went to anoint it with spices early Easter Sunday
morning. Not finding the Sacred Body, she began to weep, and seeing
someone whom she thought was the gardener, she asked him if he
knew where the Body of her beloved Master had been taken. But then
the person spoke in a voice she knew so well: "Mary!" It was Jesus,
risen from the dead! He had chosen to show Himself first to Mary
Magdalen, the repentent sinner.
Fourteen years after Our Lord's death, St Mary was put in a boat by
theJews without sails or oars - along with Sts.Lazarus and Martha, St.
Maximin (who baptized her), St. Sidonius ("the man born blind"), her
maid Sera, and the body of St. Anne, the mother of the Blessed
Virgin. They were sent drifting out to sea and landed on the shores of
Southern France, where she spent the rest of her life as a
contemplative in a cave known as Sainte-Baume. She was given the
Holy Eucharist daily by angels as her only food, and died when she
was 72. St Mary was transported miraculously, just before she died,
to the chapel of St. Maximin, where she received the last sacraments.

St. Mary MagdeleneSt. Mary Magdelene
 Saint Mary Magdelene, woman of many sins,Saint Mary Magdelene, woman of many sins,
who by conversion, became the beloved ofwho by conversion, became the beloved of
Jesus, thank you for your witness that JesusJesus, thank you for your witness that Jesus
forgives through the miracle of love.forgives through the miracle of love.
 You who already possesses eternal happinessYou who already possesses eternal happiness
in His glorious presence, please intercede forin His glorious presence, please intercede for
me, so that some day I may share in the sameme, so that some day I may share in the same
everlasting joy. AMENeverlasting joy. AMEN

St. Marguerite BourgeoysSt. Marguerite Bourgeoys
Feast Day: January 12 (Canada)
Marguerite had survived many threats in the twenty-six years she had
been in wilderness of Canada. She had lived through Iroquois attacks,
a fire that destroyed her small village, plagues on the ships that she
took back and forth to France, but nothing threatened her dreams
and hopes more than what her own Bishop said to her in 1679. He
told her that she had to join her Congregation of Notre Dame with its
teaching sisters to a cloistered religious order of Ursulines. She
reminded him that the Ursulines because they were cloistered could
not go out and teach, as her Sisters had done.. But Marguerite had
overcome many challenges to get to this day and was not deterred. In
her own native France, she had belonged to a sodality of women who
cared for the sick. The stories of hardships and dangers in Montreal
that made other people shiver, had awakened a call from God in her
to serve the Native Americans and settlers who endured this adversity.
She met with the governor of what was then called Ville Marie and
convinced him she was the person he was looking for to help start a
school for the children of Montreal.. She helped the remarkable
Jeanne Mance, who ran the hospital. When she finally had healthy
children to teach, she had to set to up school in a stable. The poor
and uneducated would not and could not travel to a Quebec cloister
over miles of frontier at the risk of their lives. But her Sisters were
more than willing to live in huts in order to fulfill their call from God.
She had set up schools all over the territory, not just for children.
When the king, in well-meaning ignorance, had sent untrained
orphans over to be colonists she had set up a school for the women to
teach them how to survive and thrive in Canada. Marguerite lived to
see the triumph when their Rule was made official in 1698. She was
canonized in 1982 by Pope John Paul II.

St. Marguerite BourgeoysSt. Marguerite Bourgeoys
 Marguerite Bourgeoys, you who contributed so greatly toMarguerite Bourgeoys, you who contributed so greatly to
the human and Christian promotion of the family in thethe human and Christian promotion of the family in the
New World, continue to protect our homes. Inspire youngNew World, continue to protect our homes. Inspire young
couples to prepare in a Christina manner for marriage.couples to prepare in a Christina manner for marriage.
Help husbands and wives to grow in love and fidelity toHelp husbands and wives to grow in love and fidelity to
their commitments. Assist parents in the education oftheir commitments. Assist parents in the education of
their children. Obtain for them the necessary material andtheir children. Obtain for them the necessary material and
spiritual means to provide for their need. Come to thespiritual means to provide for their need. Come to the
help of those whose happiness is threatened or shattered.help of those whose happiness is threatened or shattered.
Bring joy to unhappy children.Bring joy to unhappy children.
 Grant that we may rediscover in the Holy family ofGrant that we may rediscover in the Holy family of
Nazareth, an ever living model of family life based onNazareth, an ever living model of family life based on
Gospel values, and obtain for us the protection ofGospel values, and obtain for us the protection of
Jesus, Mary and Joseph. AMENJesus, Mary and Joseph. AMEN

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