Day 26: St. Teresa of Avila patroness of those with headaches

I hope that nobody reading this has a headache, but in case there is someone out there who does, pray to St. Teresa!  She'll help you out.

Lived from: 1515 to 1582
Hometown: Avila, Spain
Feast Day: October 15th

From a young age, Teresa was devoted to God and loved God and the stories of the saints.  She was educated by the Augustinian nuns, but had to leave early because she had poor health.  From that point on she remained at home.  The letters of St. James inspired her to become a religious sister, even though her father did not approve of it.  However, in the end God's will came through and she took vows as a Carmelite nun in 1535.  Her physical health deteriorated as she grew older, and she soon turned to mental prayer/contemplation, which she spent most of her time in.  God would often grant her visions which would impress in her mind, however they would never affect her body in any way.  Some of her visions include an angel piercing her heart with an arrow, as well as her own mystical marriage to Christ.  By the end of her life she founded the Convent of Disclaced Carmelites and several other convents of reformed Carmelites.  Teresa is also the author of 3 autobiographies on her own spiritual journey.  She is also a Doctor of the Church.  For more information:

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14515b.htm

Day 25: St. Bernardine of Siena, Patron of Advertising

Attention!  Come and take this chance to celebrate the one and only Bernardine of Siena, patron saint of Advertising.  Next time you need something to advertise, look no further than St. Bernardine. 

Lived from 1380 to 1444
Hometown: Siena, Italy
Feast Day: May 20th

Bernardine was an orphan who grew up under the care of his aunts, who taught him a life of virtue and care for the poor.  He achieved a good education in philosophy, canon law, and holy scriptures.  At the age of 20 he joined the confraternity of Our Lady to serve those sick with the plague in the hospital.  He managed to avoid the sickness except for a bad fever, which he survived.  After his aunt died of the plague, he spent his time in prayer for the will of God to be revealed to him.  At the age of 22 he took on the habit of the Franciscans and lived a life of solitude and penance for 12 years, but it was found that he was great at preaching so he was sent to preach throughout Western Europe.  Bernadine was known for many things, including his devotion to the Blessed Virgin and his skills in peacemaking, especially between Italian warring cities.  He was the one who created a new symbol for the people, putting the initials of Jesus IHS in the middle of the sun, replacing some of the faction symbols used by the people.  He was faithful and humble, refusing every bishop position that was offered him.  However he did end up as vicar-general of his order by the time he died.  For more information:

https://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/B/stbernadineofsiena.asp

Day 24: St. Martha, Patroness of Hostesses

It's approaching summer time, which means parties and picnics, so for all of those having company, pray to St. Martha, patroness of Hostesses! 

Lived from ? to about 80 A.Dish
Hometown: Bethany, Judea
Feast Day: July 29th

Martha was the sister of Mary and Lazarus of Bethany, all the friends of Jesus.  She is most known for her role as hostess in her own household, doing the work around the house while her sister Mary and others were listening to Jesus, but Jesus tells her that Mary was in the right in listening to him.  In the gospel of John, Martha also was the one who told Jesus that she believed he was the Messiah and the one who would save the world.  For more information:

https://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/M/stmartha.asp

St. Martha, thank you for your example of faith and trust.  Please be with us as we welcome guests into our own homes and teach us to listen and trust in Jesus while having company over.  

Day 23: St. Thomas Aquinas, Patron of College Students

I know several people graduating High School this year, so in honor of graduation season here is the patron saint of all newly appointed College Students!

Lived From: 1225 to 1274
Hometown: Sicily, Italy
Feast Day: January 28th

St. Thomas was born to noble parents who wanted him to achieve a high status and become abbot of the nearby wealthy monastery.  However, Thomas, after finishing education at the University of Naples, he decided to enter the Dominicans, a poor preaching community.  His parents were displeased, and at one point imprisoned him for one year in their castle so that he would not go with the Dominicans.  After escaping, he finished education in Paris under Albert the Great, interested in the classics, particularly the works of Aristotle.  He spent the rest of the years in his life teaching at Universities and directing schools.  A great theologian and defender of the faith, Thomas is most well known for his writings.  He wrote two main books on Theology as well as other commentaries and writings, all of which influenced the theology of the Church.  His last work was never completed, as he had a spiritual revelation at which he said his writings were straw compared to what was revealed to him.  For more information:

http://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Thomas-Aquinas

St. Thomas, as student, teacher, and thinker, please guide all college students towards knowledge, wisdom and understanding.  Thank you Thomas, for your example and your influence in the Catholic Church. 

Day 22: St. Benedict Joseph Labre, Patron of the Homeless

Through the intercession of St. Benedict Joseph Labre may the Holy Spirit come upon those who are homeless and may we be able to see Jesus in the homeless around us!

Lived From 1748 to 1783
Hometown: France
Feast Day: April 17th

St. Benedict was born as the eldest of a very large family and was a very peaceful, meditative person.  His uncle, a parish priest taught him the ways of becoming a priest.  He wished to become a religious at the age of 16, but failed.  He would try to enter a monastery at least 3 more times, but he was either underage or did not have the academic requirements.  When he was 25 he decided to become a pilgrim and started traveling, with Rome as his destination, living off of whatever charity he could get and only owning a cloak, a cross, and a pair of beads.  His feet were partly covered but he still bore every type of weather.  He often traveled from shrine to shrine, begging for money or anything.  People often avoided him because of his bad odor and rugged appearance; he was glad for this.  He had created his own little monastery of isolation among the poor of the world.  He slept where he could, at one point finding a shelter in the Colosseum.  He was also known to share what little possessions he had with the other poor around him.  He died after dragging himself to a nearby church, very ill.  Some nearby residents picked him up and he died peacefully in their house.
For more information:

http://www.ewtn.com/library/MARY/STBEN.HTM

Day 21: St. Rita of Cascia, patroness of impossible causes

Happy Early Feast Day St. Rita!  (It's tomorrow, but I'm sure she won't mind us celebrating a bit early).

Lived From 1381 to 1457
Hometown: Cascia, Italy
Feast Day: May 22nd

Rita was born as an only child to an older couple in Cascia.  As a girl she desired to enter the Augustinian nuns in her city, but her parents pressured her into marriage.  She married a man named Paulo who was cruel to her, and they had 2 sons.  18 years into their marriage, Paulo was murdered in a brawl with enemies of his.  Afterwards, Rita preached peace to her sons so that they would not avenge their father, but they would not listen.  She entrusted the matter to God.  Both sons soon caught fatal illnesses and died within a year of each other.  Alone, Rita asked to be permitted into the Augustinian nuns at the age of 36.  She was refused at first but would not give up and did whatever it took to enter.  She did, and spent the next 40 years praying, fasting and working.  She was well known for her charity, determination, prayerfulness, and loving care for the sick.  Near the end of her life she was meditating before the image of Jesus and on her forehead appeared the wounds from the crown of thorns.  The wound remained open until her death. 
For more information:

http://www.saintritashrine.org/life-of-saint-rita/

Day 20: St. Sebastian, Patron of Athletes

With the exciting playoff season in both hockey and basketball, let us pray to St. Sebastian for the safety of all athletes everywhere!

Lived from: ? to about 288?
Hometown: Gaul
Feast Day: January 20th

Sebastian was born into a Christian family and was devout his whole life, so much so that he entered the Roman Army so that he could assist martyrs without arousing suspicion.  He encouraged martyrs to be steadfast in faith.  He also performed many miracles and converted prisoners, jailers, and even the governor of Rome. Soon Emperor Diocletian found out he was doing this and ordered his execution by archers.  The archers filled his body with arrows and left him for dead.  He was revived however, by a Christian widow, who advised him to flee.  However, he presented himself to the Emperor and rebuked the Emperor for his cruelty to Christians.  The Emperor ordered his execution again, this time by a beating.  He was beat to death for real this time.  Sebastian is the patron saint of athletes because of his physical fitness and success in the military. 
For more information:

http://www.ewtn.com/library/MARY/SEBASTN.htm

Day 19: St. Frances of Rome: Patroness of automobile drivers

Yes, saints can become patron saints of objects that did not yet exist during the time they lived.  Take Frances of Rome, patroness of anyone who drives a car.

Lived From: 1384 to 1440
Hometown: Rome, Italy
Feast Day: March 9th

St. Frances was a young girl when she wanted to join a religious community, but did not because of her parents' wish that she marry.  So at the age of 12 she was married to her husband Lorenzo.  They remained married for 40 years, and she bore two children.  She still found ways in her married lifestyle to serve God, and she and her sister-in-law often went out into the streets of Rome begging for the poor.  She was friendly to all those around her, especially young women.  Eventually, she attracted enough followers that, with the approval and support of her husband, she organized a religious group of women called the Oblates of Mary who followed the Benedictine Rule.  After her husband died, Frances herself became Superior of the order.  She was also gifted with ecstasy and the ability to perform miracles.   Another unique gift of hers was her ability to see her guardian angel as a light guiding the way and keeping her safe, kind of like a headlight on a car, and thus she is the patron saint of all motorists. 
For more information:

http://www.loyolapress.com/saints-stories-for-kids.htm?cId=401514

Day 18: St. Charles Lwanga, patron of Catholic Youth Action in Africa

There are saints that we all know and there are saints that we have never met.  I never knew about St. Charles till yesterday, so now you get to meet him!


Lived from 1886 to 1964
Hometown: Uganda, Africa
Feast Day: June 3rd

St. Charles lived during the time of the first Catholic missions in Central Africa.  Uganda had made progress in the 1870s, and priests were able to convert several citizens and a number of pages who worked in the king's court.  Charles learned the faith from the missionary priests and entered into service as one of the king's pages before he was baptized.  He served as an assistant to St. Joseph Mukaso, the chief page under king Mwanga.  Joseph was active in protecting the rest of the pages against the king, who was not only anti-Christian but also liked to commit sexual abuse with his pages.  However, after St. Joseph spoke out openly against the king he was beheaded.  In stepped St. Charles Lwanga, who was baptized on the night of his predecessor's martyrdom.  He took charge of the pages, secretly baptizing four of them, and encouraging many others to be baptized.  6 months later, King Mwanga learned that there were Christians among them and ordered that the Christians be separated from the others.  Charles and his group stepped forward, all between the ages of 13 and 25.  They were willing to keep their faith to the death and that's what they did.  Charles, as older, was separated from the rest and burned at the stake.  For more information:

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=488

St. Charles, thank you for your martyrdom for the faith.  You had faith not only in God but also in the young people you worked with and yourself.   Give us your faith and confidence and be present for the youth in Africa and around the world.  Pray for us!

Day 17: St. Margaret of Cortona: patroness against temptations

An awesome Saint with an awesome story that will provide help to all of us sinners, and her feast day was yesterday!  Happy Feast St. Margaret!

Lived From 1247 to 1297
Hometown: Laviano, Italy
Feast Day: May 16th

Margaret was born into a small farming village.  Her mother died when she was young and was often mistreated under the care of her father and stepmother.  At the age of 17 she ran off with a lover of hers.  They lived together for 9 years and had one son together, but never married.  One day her lover was murdered in the woods, which she took as a sign from God and took on a complete spiritual conversion.  Margaret took her son and returned to her father's house, but they were refused shelter.  They were homeless until Margaret followed an inner voice that told her to take refuge in the nearby town of Cortona.  There she found a group of Franciscan friars, who took them in.  Her son eventually became one of the friars and her a Third Order Franciscan.  Through this entire journey she fought temptations to return to her life before and find other lovers for herself.  She struggled so much that she once wanted to tear her own face with a knife, but a priest forbid it.  From 1277 on she sought only a close relationship with Christ and was often given visions of Christ.  She founded a hospital for the sick and her own convent before she died in 1297. 
For more information:

http://saintmargaretofcortona.com/st-margaret-of-cortona/

Day 16: St. Vitus, patron against oversleeping

I personally love Mondays, but if you don't, and are afraid of oversleeping on any particular Monday, then St. Vitus is the man to go to!


Lived from about 290 to 303 AD
Hometown: Sicily, Italy
Feast Day: June 15th. 

St. Vitus was the son of a pagan Roman Senator, but converted to Christianity with the help of his tutor, St. Modestus, and nurse, St. Crescentia, also martyrs.  Because of persecutions, the three of them set off and fled to Lucania first, then to Rome where Vitus drove a demon out of the son of the Emperor.  The Emperor wanted a sacrifice to the pagan gods in honor of this cure, but Vitus refused and was sentenced to several tortures, but survived.  After a terrible storm, an angel of God brought him out of Rome back to Lucania where he eventually was killed for his Christianity by being boiled in oil.  It is said that when he died a rooster was also boiled with him, and because the rooster is the early riser, he is the patron saint against oversleeping.  For more information:

http://catholicsaints.info/saint-vitus/

St. Vitus, thank you for your persistence in faith and your ability to trust in God's path.  You were not afraid to die for your faith, may we have the same courage and persistence that you had.  St. Vitus, pray for us!

Day 15: St. Peter, patron of the Universal Church

Blessed Feast of Pentecost to everyone!  Happy Birthday to the Church!  Let's celebrate with one of the patrons of the Universal Church, St. Peter!  (The other patron is St. Joseph, if your curious)

Lived from ? to about 65AD
Hometown: Galilee
Feast Day: June 29th

What is there to not say about St. Peter?  Leader of the 12 Apostles of Jesus, his occupations included being a fisherman and also being the very first pope of the Church.  Originally named Simon, he was called by Jesus when fishing.  He was told to follow Jesus and he would become a fisher of men.  Peter was the one who answered for the apostles when Jesus asked them who they thought he was.  Peter said he was Jesus was the Son of God, and at that point Simon's name was changed from Simon to Peter, meaning Rock in Aramaic.  Jesus declared that on this rock he would build his church, and he did.  Peter became the leader of the Church, the first pope, leading the church in Jerusalem and then traveling to Rome, where he was martyred with St. Paul by crucifixion, but on an upside down cross because he refused to be crucified in the same way that Christ was.  There is a lot more to say on St. Peter, so for more information:

http://www.ewtn.com/library/MARY/PETER.htm

St. Peter, present at the very first Pentecost, intercede to the Holy Spirit for us, and may we use the Spirit to change the world like you did through the Universal Church.  St. Peter pray for us and Veni Sancte Spiritus!

Day 14: St. Isidore, patron saint of farmers

Here's to all the farmers working hard this summer to grow food for the world!

Lived from 1070 to 1170
Hometown: Madrid, Spain
Feast Day: May 15th.

Isidore was born into a poor farming family.  He had little to no education, and was taught everything he knew of his faith from his own parents, and the faith just grew from there.  At a young age, when he was able to start working, he was given in service to a wealthy landlord, whom he would work for as a farmer for the rest of his life.  His three loves were God, his family and his labor.  Eventually he was married to St. Maria de la Cabeza.  They had one son, but he died as a child.  They still thrived as a faithful, working couple.  Isidore often went to mass before coming to work in the morning, and at one point his co-workers complained that he was so late to work every day.  When his master went to find him one morning, he was found praying while an angel was doing his ploughing for him.  This was not only the miracle for Isidore.  He had a great love for the poor and he would feed them with food that miraculously multiplied.  He died peacefully five years before his wife died. 
For more information:

https://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/I/stisidorethefarmer.asp

St. Isidore, thank you for your example in showing that even as a humble farmer, you can still be a great saint.  Teach us how to integrate prayer into our work like you did, and serve God through every action, no matter how small.  Thank you St. Isidore, and bless all workers, especially farmers! 

Day 13: St. John, Patron of Good Friendships

Be grateful for the friendships one has, and when there are friendships that do strain, pray to St. John the Evangelist.  He'll help you out.

Lived from ? to around 100 AD
Hometown: Galilee
Feast Day: December 27th

St. John is the apostle of Jesus and brother of James.  He was also a fisherman when he was called by Jesus to follow him. He is known as the one who was close to Jesus, reclining with him at the last supper.  Jesus' mother, Mary, was entrusted to John at the crucifixion.  John also wrote the fourth gospel, known as the most theological gospel.  There is a whole lot more to this beautiful saint, please see the link below for more information:

http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/saint.aspx?id=1242

St. John, teach us the love of Friendship that we all need in our lives.  Help us in all of our friendship relationships.  St. John, pray for us!

Day 12: St. Catherine of Siena, Patroness of Nurses

In honor of Nurses Week, I present just one of the patron saints of Nurses (there are others).  St. Catherine of Siena, pray for all of the Nurses who do such important work!

Lived from 1347 to 1380
Hometown: Siena, Italy
Feast Day: April 29th

Catherine was born as the youngest of a very large family and as a child she was very religious and very joyful.  She consecrated herself to Jesus when she was 7 years old and at the age of 18 she became a Dominican sister.  She often had visions of Jesus, Mary, and the saints and had conversations with them.  After some years of living in seclusion in a cell, she did ministry, loving especially to work in the hospitals treating people with the most terrible diseases.  She also began to attract followers, and wrote letters to those followers.  Her letters eventually expanded to the papacy and princes, advising them on issues of both church and state. The end of her life she spent in Rome, pleading for unity of the Church during the great Schism and that Urban VI should be pope.  For more information:

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03447a.htm

St. Catherine, thank you for showing us how to combine love for Jesus and for the people you serve.  May we learn from you a great love for what is right and improving the life of people around us.  St. Catherine of Siena, pray for us!

Day 11: Bl. Imelda, Patroness of First Communicants

It is the season for First Communicants, so let's look at Bl. Imelda. 

Lived From 1322 to 1333
Hometown: Bologna, Italy
Feast Day: May 13th

Imelda was born to a noble and religious Italian Family.  She herself showed strong devotion to the Lord from a young age.  She even made her own chapel in her room out of pictures and flowers.  AT the age of 9, she asked to go to live with the Dominican Nuns and study there, in part so that she might one day become a sister herself.  She spent most of her time praying with the nuns and meditating on the saints.  She had a great devotion to St. Agnes, and at one point had visions and conversations with St. Agnes often. Now, at this time, children had to wait until the age of 12 to receive first communion.   However, Imelda begged over and over for the nuns to allow her to receive the Eucharist, despite her age.  On the feast of the Ascension, 1333, she asked the priest to receive communion.  When he refused she fervently prayed to Jesus to let her receive this grace.  She was still praying even after mass ended, and one sister, before leaving, saw Imelda and noticed that a bright light was shining around her, and in front of her a Eucharist was suspended in mid-air.  The sister immediately told the priest to give her first communion, and Imelda was filled with such joy and ecstasy at that very moment that she died from the joy right after she was given the Eucharist.  For more information:

http://www.nashvilledominican.org/community/our-dominican-heritage/our-saints-and-blesseds/bl-imelda-lambertini-2/

Bl. Imelda, teach us the passion for the Eucharist which you always had, and acknowledge the true presence of Jesus.  Teach us also your persistence in receiving the graces from heaven above.  May Jesus Christ in the presence of the Eucharist be with us now and forever. 

Day 10: St. Patrick, Patron of Engineers

You thought Patrick was only the patron saint of Ireland?  Turns out our Irish patron has some other tricks up his sleeve.  Here's to all of the engineers I know.

Lived from about 400 to 493
Hometown: ???  Probably England
Feast Day: March 17th

Patrick was born in England and at the age of 16 was taken by pirates off to Ireland where he was sold into slavery as a shepherd.  He would often be praying among the flock.  After six years he escaped and returned to Britain.  Having had a spiritual conversion in slavery, he studied in France to become a priest and eventually became a bishop at the age of 43.  He then had a vision of the children of Ireland reaching out to him, and saw this as a sign to do mission work in Ireland.  He went to the nation where no one had before taught the faith, and had success in converting many and even obtaining protection of kings.  He founded the entire church in Ireland, even though he also suffered opposition from the pagans in the land as well as the clergy from England because of the way he did his mission work.  Why is he the patron saint of Engineers?  Because he is known to have literally built churches in Ireland, teaching the Irish to build their arches using lime mortar instead of usual dry masonry, and introducing other Roman technology to the Irish. 
For more information:


www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/saint.aspx?id=1325

St. Patrick, your cleverness and intelligence caused you to think like an engineer, outside of the box, and teach the Irish in new and different ways that missionaries didn't usually do.  May we all think outside the box like you do and find solutions to whatever situations we may find ourselves in.  

Day 9: St. Genevieve: Patroness of Paris

Today we meet a brave and pious lady: St. Genevieve, protector of Paris.

Lived from about 419 to 512
Hometown: Nanterre, France
Feast Day: January 3rd.

St. Genevieve had the composure of a saint from a young age.  At 7 years old, she met Sts. Germanus and Lupus.  St. Germanus became attracted to her and told her parents that she was destined to live a life devoted to God and that others would follow her example.  Later, she and two other companions would receive the religious veil from the Bishop of Paris.  She lived a prayerful and virtuous life, and fasted for her entire life, only eating two meals a week.  Because of her visions and miracles she was often scorned by others.  However, around 451 the Huns were going to take over Paris, and the citizens were preparing to flee.  Genevieve told them to trust in God and do penance, as heaven would protect them.  The citizens turned to God and the Huns took a different direction away from the city.  Thus she is the protector of France.  For more information:

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06413f.htm

St. Genevieve, you paved the way with your holy life for the people in France.  Teach us to trust in God completely like you did, and know that God is always protecting us no matter what crazy situation we may find ourselves in. 

Day 8: St. Monica, Patroness of Mothers

In honor of Mothers day, let us honor one of the patron saints of mothers, St. Monica!

Lived from: about 323 to 387
Hometown: Tagaste, North Africa
Feast Day: August 27th. 

Monica married young to a wealthy pagan, Patricius, who had violent temper and often criticized Monica for her charity and piety.  Furthermore, Monica's angry mother in law also lived with them, and she had to run this household.  However, Monica eventually converted both her husband and his mother to Christianity.  She had three children, the eldest being St. Augustine.  Because of Augustine's immoral lifestyle, for a while Monica refused to let Augustine live in her house.  However, after a vision that assured her Augustine would return to the faith, she spent her time in prayer and fasting for him and always remained very close to her son.  She even followed him when he left for Rome without telling her.   And when she got there and found he was in Milan instead, she went to Milan.  Monica adopted St. Ambrose as her spiritual director in Milan, who had a great influence on her.  There she continued praying for Augustine through his conversion.  She even became a leader of devout women in Milan.  She died shortly after Augustine's baptism.  For more information:

https://www.ewtn.com/library/MARY/MONICA.htm

St. Monica, thank you for your motherly example.  You fully demonstrate the fully devoted love of a mother towards her children.  Help us to not only appreciate our own mothers and all that they do for us, but also help those who need a mother's love. 

Day 7: St. Gemma Galgani, Patroness of a lot of things

Meet St. Gemma, the patroness of pharmacists, students, those suffering from back illnesses, those struggling with temptations,  and those seeking purity of heart.  Quite the wide resume you have there St. Gemma!

Lived from 1878 to 1903
Hometown:  Camigliano, Italy
Feast Day: April 11th

St. Gemma was born to Catholic parents, her father being a pharmacist and her mother sadly dying when Gemma was young.  Gemma was sent to a school where she was a fast learner and great student.  As she learned she desired to grow closer and closer to God.  Unfortunately she had to quit school because she had a spinal disease.  However she was miraculously cured from this after praying to St. Gabriel Possenti.  She lived a prayerful lifestyle and wanted to become a nun, but her poor health prevented her from doing so.  In 1899 Gemma saw a vision of Christ crucified and later on received the stigmata, which would receive every week from Thursday until Friday.  She kept receiving these until the last three years of her life, where her spiritual director forbade her to accept them because of her poor health.  She died at the age of 25 of Tuberculosis, although people said her face was so peaceful it was hard to believe she was dead.  For more information:

http://www.stgemmagalgani.com/p/blessed-gemma-galgani-biography-of.html

St. Gemma, thank you for your patronage in many things.  Your devotion to the suffering Lord teaches us strength and beauty when there is suffering.  Give us the fortitude we all need to continue growing closer to God.