Bl. Thomas Reynolds
Feastday: January 21
Death: 1642
English martyr. Born Thomas Green at Oxford, he left England and studied at Reims, France, and at Valladolid and Seville in Spain. Ordained in 1592, he went to England but was exiled in 1606. Thomas returned and labored for the faith until his arrest in 1628. He spent fourteen years in prison until he was hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn, with Blessed Alban Bartholomew Roe. Thomas was eighty at the time.
St. Alban Bartholomew Roe
Feastday: January 21
Death: 1642
Missionary and martyr, one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. Alban is believed to have been born in Bury St. Edmund's, England, about 1580. He converted to Catholicism and went to the English College at Douai, where he was dismissed for an infraction of discipline. In 1612 he became an ordained Benedictine at Dieulouard, France. From there he was sent to England. In 1615 he was arrested and banished. In 1618 he returned to England and was imprisoned again. This imprisonment lasted until 1623, when the Spanish ambassador obtained his release. In 1625, once again having returned to England to care for Catholics, Alban was arrested for the last time. For seventeen years he remained in prison and was then tried and condemned. Alban was sentenced with Thomas Reynolds, another English martyr. They were hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn on January 21, 1642.
Saint Alban Roe (20 July 1583 – 21 January 1642) was an English Benedictine priest, remembered as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
Early life
Bartholomew Roe was born in 1583, in Suffolk. He was brought up a Protestant and with his brother James converted to Catholicism; both became Benedictine monks.
Details of Roe’s life are scant. He was not typically monastic, but of an explosive and unpredictable temperament.[2] It has been said that the outstanding characteristics of his life were cheerfulness and tenacity, and that his sanctity was unquestionable.[3]
The disruption caused by the dissolution of the monasteries deprived Benedictine monks of a key aspect of their life: lifelong stability within a community. Large monasteries had disappeared and those houses which remained consisted of small fragmented groups or even isolated individuals. Inevitably for monks at this time, this type of community led some to focus on contemplation, becoming withdrawn mystics whilst others out of necessity were more practical and individual, and focussed on the missionary aspect.[4]
Conversion
Roe's conversion experience was unusual: he tried to convert an imprisoned Catholic to Protestantism, but found himself defeated in argument. From this time, according to Challoner, "Mr. Roe was very uneasy in mind upon the score of religion; nor did this uneasiness cease till by reading and confessing with Catholic Priests he was thoroughly convinced of his errors and determined to embrace the ancient faith. Having found the treasure of God’s truth himself, he was very desirous to impart the same to the souls of his neighbours."[5] Consequently, in 1607 he entered the English College at Douai to study for the priesthood.
Roe was not only content to rub people up the wrong way, but to make sure that they noticed. When the Prior had some cupboards removed from near to his bed, Roe declared: "There is more trouble with a few fools than with all the wise; if you pull down, I will build up; if you destroy, I will rebuild."[6]
He was expelled from the college in 1610 due his temperament, records stating that "we consider the said Bartholomew Roe is not at all fitted for the purposes of this College on account of his contempt for the discipline and for his superiors and of his misleading certain youths living in the College and also of the great danger of his still leading others astray, and therefore we adjudge that he must be dismissed from the College."[7]
Roe did not leave quietly, but used his considerable skills to organise a campaign against the authorities. A significant body of monks seem to have seen him as some sort of hero and backed his appeal to the President.[8] This allowed him later in 1613 to join the English Benedictine Community of St.Lawrence at Dieulouard in Lorraine, being ordained in 1615. There is no record of him being at all troublesome at Dieulouard. He became a founder member of the new English Benedictine Community at St. Edmund, Paris, hence his religious name Fr. Alban of St. Edmund.
Ministry and arrest
Roe was professed in 1612 and after ordination in 1615 joined the missions and worked in London, being arrested and deported shortly after his arrival.
He returned in 1618 and was imprisoned until 1623, whereby his release and re-exile was organised by the Spanish Ambassador, Gondomar. He returned two years later and was incarcerated for 17 years in the Fleet prison. Conditions in the Fleet were relaxed and he was able to minister to souls during the day provided he was back in his cell at night.[9] He was zealous for the conversion of souls and lacking a church could be found in ale houses playing cards with the customers. This was permitted under the Constitutions of the English Benedictine Congregation at the time; the stakes were not monetary, but short prayers.[10] Of course, this behaviour scandalised the Puritans, but as he was already a prisoner, there was little more they could do against him. He was also allowed to receive visitors in prison where in addition to strengthening his resolve through private prayer he taught visitors prayers and made many converts. Richard Challoner notes him translating "several pious tracts into English, some of which he caused to be published in print, others he left behind him in manuscript." [11]
Name Sake in the United States
St. Alban Roe Catholic School and Parish was founded in 1980 in the city of Wildwood, Missouri. It is located off of highway 109. It is a small Catholic school supported by the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
Trial
In 1641 he was transferred to close confinement within the strict Newgate prison. In his trial in 1642 he was found guilty of treason under the statute 27 Eliz c.2 for being a priest.[12]
Challoner details his initial refusal to enter a plea.[13] It then transpired that the chief witness against him was a fallen Catholic who he had formerly helped. Thinking he could win him round again, he pleaded not guilty, but objected to being tried by "twelve ignorant jurymen", who were unconcerned about the shedding of his innocent blood. The judge was intimidated by Roe making a mockery of the proceedings, and took him aside for a private conversation. This went badly with, Roe declaring "My Saviour has suffered far more for me than all that; and I am willing to suffer the worst of torments for his sake." The judge sent him back to prison where he was advised by who Challoner describes as "some grave and learned priests" to follow the example of those before him and consent to being tried by the court. The jury took about a minute to find him guilty. He then, in mockery, bowed low to the judge and the whole bench for granting him this great favour which he greatly desired.
The judge suspended the sentence and sent him back to prison for a few days. Roe's fame led to a constant stream of visitors, one of whom smuggled in the necessary items for him to say mass in his cell.
Execution
On the morning of 21 January 1642, Roe together with fellow priest Thomas Reynolds was drawn on hurdles from Newgate Prison to the place of execution. At Tyburn, Roe preached in a jovial fashion to the crowd about the meaning of his death. He was still playing to the crowd, holding up the proceedings by asking the Sheriff whether he could save his life by turning Protestant. The Sheriff agreed. Roe then turned to the crowd declaring "see then what the crime is for which I am to die and whether religion be not my only treason?"
His remark to one of his former gaolers was "My friend, I find that thou art a prophet; thou hast told me often I should be hanged."
He created quite an impression by his death and when his remains were quartered there was a scramble to dip handkerchiefs into his blood and pick up straws covered in his blood as relics. The speech he made is said to have been sent to Parliament and stored in their archives.[14]
Canonisation
Roe was declared venerable on December 1929 by Pope Pius XI and beatified one week later on 15 December. Blessed Alban Roe was canonized nearly 40 years later on 25 October 1970 by Pope Paul VI as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales with a common feast day of 25 October. His feast day is also celebrated on 21 January, the day of his martyrdom.
The communities of St. Lawrence and St. Edmund returned to England at the end of the 18th century, during the upheavals of the French revolution. St. Lawrence settled in Yorkshire at what was to become Ampleforth Abbey. St. Edmund settled at Douai Abbey, Reading
Bl. Edward Stransham
Feastday: January 21
Birth: 1554
Death: 1586
English martyr born and educated at Oxford, England. Studying at Douai and Reims, France, Edward was ordained in 1580 and was sent back to England in 1581. He worked in London and Oxford until his arrest. Condemned, Edward was martyred at Tyburn. He was beatified in 1929.
Edward Stransham (c. 1557 at Oxford[1] – executed 21 January 1586, at Tyburn) was an English Roman Catholic priest. He is a Catholic martyr, beatified in 1929.
Life
Edward Stransham was born at Oxford around 1557. He was educated at St John's College, Oxford, becoming B.A. in 1575-6. He arrived at Douai College in 1577, and went with the college to Reims in 1578, but returned to England due to illness.[1]
In 1579, however, he returned to Reims with four potential students, and was ordained priest at Soissons in December 1580. Although ill he left for England 30 June 1581, as it was thought his native air might do him good.[1] With him went fellow priest Nicholas Woodfen, of the London Diocese, ordained priest at Reims, 25 March 1581.
In 1583 Stransham came back to Reims with ten Oxford converts. After five months there he went to Paris, where he remained about eighteen months at death's door from consumption.
He was arrested in Bishopsgate Street Without, London, 17 July 1585, while saying Mass, and was condemned at the next assizes for being a priest.
He was hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn. His beatification took place in 1929, under Pope Pius XI
St. Fructuosus of Tarragona
Feastday: January 21
Death: 259
Bishop martyred with Augurius and Eulogius inTarragona, Spain. Fructuosus was the bishop of Tarragona, and Augurius and Eulogius were deacons. Arrested in 259 by the Roman governor Emilian, they were burned at the stake in the local arena. St. Augustine wrote in praise of these martyrs.
For the canonized bishop of Braga, see Fructuosus of Braga.
Saint Fructuosus of Tarragona (Catalan: Sant Fructuós (died 259) was a Christian saint, bishop and martyr. His is an important name in the early history of Christianity in Hispania. He was bishop of Tarragona and was arrested during the persecutions of Christians under the Roman Emperor Valerian (reigned 253 – 260). Along with him were two deacons, St. Augurius and St. Eulogius. In 259, he was questioned by the praeses Aemilianus and burned at the stake in the local amphitheatre in Tarraco. The Acta of the martyrdom of the bishop Fructuosus and his deacons Augurius and Eulogius document his legend; they are the earliest Hispanic Acta, "marked by a realistic simplicity which contrasts very favourably with many of the Acta of Diocletian's persecution".[1]
Acta
The text documents the following details. St. Fructuosus, and his deacons were just going to bed when they were arrested. They were examined, at which point they affirmed their belief in the Christian God. They were then sentenced to be burnt. Officers were posted to prevent any sort of disturbance breaking out. They were not completely successful, though, and near the gate of the amphitheatre some of the Christians were able to get close to Fructuosus, and one of them asked him for his prayers. St. Fructuosus replied, in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear, "I am bound to bear in mind the whole universal Church from east to west." He then added some words of consolation and encouragement to the assembled. As the flames rose and enveloped the martyrs, they stretched out their arms, praying to their God until they died.
His Acta are referred to in a hymn by Prudentius and praised and extensively quoted by Augustine of Hippo. The historical list of the bishops of Tarragona, therefore, begins with Fructuosus.
St. Fructuosus' feast day is January 21.
San Fruttuoso abbey on the Italian Riviera is dedicated to St. Fructuosus.
Saint Agnes of Rome
† இன்றைய புனிதர் †
(ஜனவரி 21)
✠ ரோம் நகர புனிதர் ஆக்னெஸ் ✠
(St. Agnes of Rome)
கன்னி, மறைசாட்சி:
(Virgin and Martyr)
பிறப்பு: கி.பி. சுமார் 291
இறப்பு: கி.பி. சுமார் 304
ஏற்கும் சமயம்:
ரோமன் கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபை
(Roman Catholic Church)
கிழக்கு கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபைகள்
(Eastern Catholic Churches)
கிழக்கு மரபுவழி திருச்சபை
(Eastern Orthodox Churches)
ஆங்கிலிக்கன் சமூகம்
(Anglican Communion)
லூதரனியம்
(Lutheranism)
ஓரியண்ட்டல் மரபுவழி திருச்சபை
(Oriental Orthodox Churches)
முக்கிய திருத்தலங்கள்:
"புனித ஆக்னெஸ் ஃபோரி லி முரா தேவாலயம்" மற்றும் "அகோன் என்னும் இடத்திலுள்ள புனித ஆக்னெஸ் தேவாலயம்" (இரண்டும் ரோம் நகரிலுள்ளன).
(Church of Sant'Agnese fuori le mura and the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, both in Rome)
நினைவுத் திருவிழா: ஜனவரி 21
சித்தரிக்கப்படும் வகை:
செம்மறி குட்டி, மறைசாட்சியின் உள்ளங்கை
(A Lamb, Martyr's Palm)
பாதுகாவல்:
கற்பு/ தூய்மை (Chastity); திருமண ஒப்பந்தமானோர் (Betrothed couples); தானியங்கள் (Crops); தோட்டக்காரர்கள் (Gardeners); சிறுமிகள் (Girls); பெண் வழிகாட்டிகள் (Girl Guides); மரியன்னையின் குழந்தைகள் (Children of Mary); கன்னியர் (Virgins); நியூ யார்க் (New York); ஃப்ரெஸ்னோ நகரம் (The City of Fresno); ரோம் நகரிலுள்ள 'கொலேஜியோ கேப்ரனிகா' (Colegio Capranica of Rome); பாலியல் வன்கொடுமையால் பாதிக்கப்பட்டோர் (Rape Victims); "ரோக்வில் சென்டர்" மறை மாவட்டம் (The Diocese of Rockville Centre)
புனிதர் ஆக்னெஸ், கிறிஸ்தவ விசுவாசத்துக்காக கொல்லப்பட்ட ஒரு மறைசாட்சியும், கன்னியும் ஆவார். இவர் அனைத்து கிறிஸ்தவப் பிரிவுகளிலும் புனிதராகப் போற்றப்படுகிறார். திருப்பலியில், அர்ச்சிஷ்ட மரியன்னையுடன் இணைந்து பெயர் குறிப்பிடப்பட்டு போற்றப்படும் ஏழு பெண் புனிதர்களுள் இவரும் ஒருவர் ஆவார்.
தொடக்க காலம்:
பழங்கால கிறிஸ்தவ மரபுகளின்படி, ரோம் நகரில் உயர்குல குடும்பத்தில் ஏறக்குறைய கி. பி. 291ம் ஆண்டு ஆக்னெஸ் பிறந்தார். ஆக்னெஸ் என்ற இலத்தீன் வார்த்தைக்கு செம்மறி குட்டி என்று பொருள். சிறு வயது முதலே இயேசுவின் மீது மிகுந்த அன்பு கொண்டிருந்தார். எனவே, 12 வயதிலேயே தனது கன்னிமையை இயேசுவுக்கு அர்ப்பணித்தார்.
இவர் அழகான தோற்றம் கொண்டவராக இருந்ததால் உயர்குல இளைஞர்கள் பலர் இவரை மணம் முடிக்க போட்டி போட்டுக்கொண்டு சென்றனர். ஆனால் இவரோ அவர்களிடம், “விண்ணக மணவாளர் இயேசு கிறிஸ்துவுக்கு எனது கன்னிமையைக் கையளித்து விட்டேன்” என்று கூறினார். இதனால் அந்த இளைஞர்கள் ஏமாற்றம் அடைந்தனர்.
கற்புடைமை:
“டயோக்ளேசியன்” (Diocletian) ரோம பேரரசனாக (Roman Emperor) இருந்த அக்காலத்தில், கிறிஸ்தவ சமயத்தை பின்பற்றிய மக்கள் ரோமானியர்களால் வதைத்துக் கொலை செய்யப்பட்டனர். ஆக்னெசைத் திருமணம் செய்ய முடியாமல் ஏமாந்த ஒருவன், கோபத்தில் இவர் கிறிஸ்தவர் என்பதை ரோம அதிகாரி (Prefect) “செம்ப்ரோனியஸ்” (Sempronius) என்பவனிடம் போய்க் கூறினான்.
தொடக்கத்தில் அதிகாரி இவரது மனதை மாற்ற முயற்சி செய்தான். ரோம தெய்வங்களுக்கு தூபம் காட்டினால் இவரை விட்டு விடுவதாகக் கூறினான். அது பலன் அளிக்காததால், கிறிஸ்தவர்களை கொடுமைப்படுத்தும் ஆயுதங்களை இவர்முன் கொண்டுவந்து காட்டி, மிரட்டினார்கள். இவரோ எதைக் கண்டும் அஞ்சவில்லை. இதனால் ஆக்னெசை நிர்வாணமாக தெருக்களில் இழுத்துச் சென்று விலைமாதர் இல்லத்தில் ஒப்படைக்குமாறும், யாரும் இவரை கறைபடுத்தலாம் என்றும் அதிகாரி அறிவித்தான்.
காமுகர்கள் பலரும் அவ்விடத்திற்கு சென்று இவரை நெருங்க முடியாமல் போனது. காமுகர்கள் இவரைத் தொட நெருங்கியபோதெல்லாம், “உன் வாளில் என் இரத்தக் கறை படிந்தாலும், இயேசு கிறிஸ்துவுக்கு அர்ப்பணமான என் உடலை உன்னால் கறைபடுத்த இயலாது” என்று ஆக்னஸ் கூறினார்.
வெவ்வேறு சரித்திர ஆசிரியர்களின்படி, ஆக்னெஸ் இப்படியான இக்கட்டான சூழ்நிலைகளிலிருந்து வெவ்வேறு விதமாக தப்பினார் என்கிறார்கள். இவரை பாலியல் வன்கொடுமை செய்ய சென்ற அனைவரும் மின்னல் போன்ற ஒரு ஒளி ஒன்றினால் கண்கள் குருடாகினர். இவர் அவர்கள்மேல் இரக்கம் காட்டி அவர்களுக்காக செபம் செய்தார். அப்பொழுது அவர்கள் பார்வை பெற்று மனம் மாறினார்கள் என்பர். ஒருமுறை, இவரது கூந்தலே வளர்ந்து இவரது உடலை மறைத்தது என்பர். ரோம அதிகாரி செம்ப்ரோனியஸின் மகன்கூட சென்று முயற்சித்தான். ஆனால் அவன் இறந்தே போனான். ஆக்னெஸ் அவனுக்காக செபித்தார். அதனால் அவன் உயிருடன் எழுந்து மனம் மாறினான்.
மறைசாட்சி:
இயேசுவின் மேல் கொண்ட அன்பாலும், இறுதி வரை ரோமத் தெய்வங்களை வணங்காத காரணத்தாலும் ரோம அதிகாரி இவருக்கு மரண தண்டனை விதித்தான். இவர் விறகுக் கட்டைகளின்மேல் கட்டப்பட்டு தீ வைக்கப்பட்டார். ஆனால், விறகுக் கட்டைகள் எரிய மறுத்தன. உடனே ஆத்திரமுற்ற அங்கிருந்த படைத் தலைவன், தமது வாளை உருவி அவரது தலையை வெட்டினான். இன்னுமொரு சரித்திரவியலாளரின் கூற்றின்படி, படைத்தலைவன் அவரது தொண்டையில் வாளை குத்திச் செருகியதாகவும் அதனால் பதின்மூன்றே வயதான ஆக்னெஸ் மறைசாட்சியாக மரித்ததாகவும் கூறப்படுகிறது.
புனிதர் ஆக்னேஸின் மன உறுதி, கன்னித்தன்மை, இளம் வயதில் தூய்மை வலியுறுத்தல், பழம்பெரும் அம்சங்களற்ற பாரம்பரியம் மற்றும் மரணம் பற்றி புனிதர் அம்புரோஸ் (Saint Ambrose) பின்னாளில் தமது எழுத்துக்களில் குறிப்பிட்டிருக்கிறார்.
இவர் மரித்த சில நாட்களின் பின்னர், இவரது கல்லறையில் செபித்தவாறிருந்த இவரது வளர்ப்பு சகோதரியான (இவரது “பாலூட்டும் தாதிப் பெண்ணின்” (Wet nurse) மகள்) புனிதர் “எமெரென்ஷியானா” (Saint Emerentiana), அங்கிருந்து அகல மறுத்த காரணத்தால், கல்லெறிந்து கொல்லப்பட்டார். பின்னாளில் இவர் புனிதராக அருட்பொழிவு செய்விக்கப்பட்டார்.
கிறிஸ்தவ சமயத்திற்கு சுதந்திரம் அளித்த ரோமப் பேரரசன் “முதலாம் கான்ஸ்டன்டைன்” (Constantine I) என்பவரது மகளான "புனிதர் கான்ஸ்டன்ஸ்" (Saint Constance) என்பவர் புனித ஆக்னெசின் கல்லறையில் செபித்ததால் தொழுநோயில் இருந்து குணம் அடைந்ததாகவும் கூறப்படுகிறது.
இவரது கல்லறையில் செபித்த பலருக்கும் இறைவன் அற்புதங்கள் பல செய்ததால், அக்காலம் முதலே இவர் புனிதராக வணங்கப்படுகிறார்.
Also known as
• Ines
• Ines del Campo
• Ynez
Additional Memorial
for many years there was a second feast on 28 January
Profile
Foster-sister of Saint Emerentiana. At age 12 or 13 Agnes was ordered to sacrifice to pagan gods and lose her virginity by rape. She was taken to a Roman temple to Minerva (Athena), and when led to the altar, she made the Sign of the Cross. She was threatened, then tortured when she refused to turn against God. Several young men presented themselves, offering to marry her, whether from lust or pity is not known. She said that to do so would be an insult to her heavenly Spouse, that she would keep her consecrated virginity intact, accept death, and see Christ. Martyr. Mentioned in first Eucharistic prayer. On her feast day two lambs are blessed at her church in Rome, Italy and then their wool is woven into the palliums (bands of white wool) which the pope confers on archbishops as symbol of their jurisdiction.
Died
• beheaded and burned, or tortured and stabbed to death, or stabbed in the throat (sources vary) on 21 January 254 or 304 (sources vary) at Rome, Italy
• buried beside the Via Nomentana in Rome
Name Meaning
chaste; lamb; pure one
Patronage
• affianced couples
• betrothed couples
• bodily purity
• chastity
• Children of Mary
• Colegio Capranica of Rome
• crops
• engaged couples
• gardeners
• Girl Scouts
• girls
• Manresa, Spain
• rape victims
• Rockville Centre, New York, diocese of
• virgins
Saint Meinrad of Einsiedeln
Also known as
• Meinrad of Reichenau
• Maynard, Meginrad, Meginrat, Meino
Profile
May have been a member of the noble Hohenzollern family. Educated, professed as a Benedictine monk, and ordained at the abbey on the island of Reichenau, in Lake Constance in Switzerland. Teacher in Zurich, Switzerland. Around 829 he withdrew to live in prayer as a hermit in the Black Forest. As word of his holiness and wisdom spread, he attracted many visitors and would-be students. In 836 he retreated to a more remote location near Einsiedeln (which means hermitage).
On 21 January 861 he received, fed, sheltered and entertained two rough-looking travellers. They were thieves, and when they found that Meinrad was a holy hermit who owned nothing worth stealing, they were so angry that they beat him to death. Legend says that his body was protected by ravens who attacked and chased away the murderers. Because he was such a holy man, he was considered a martyr, but there is no evidence that he died defending the faith.
In the years following his death, a series of hermits, including Blessed Benno, used his hermitage. In 934 a Benedictine monastery was built there. It survives today, still serving as monastery, retreat center, and pilgrimage site. The statue of the Blessed Virgin in its huge church is thought to have belonged to Meinrad himself.
Born
at Solgen, Swabia (Sülichgau near Wurtemberg)
Died
• beaten to death with clubs by robbers on 21 January 861 at Einsiedeln, Switzerland
• relics in the abbey church at Einsiedeln
Patronage
• Einsiedeln, Switzerland
• hospitality
• Swabia, Germany
Our Lady of Altagracia
Also known as
• Our Lady of Grace
• Our Lady of High Grace
• Protector and Queen of the hearts of the Dominicans
• Tatica from Higuey
• Virgen de la Altagracia
• Virgin of Altagracia
Profile
A portrait of the Virgin Mary in a Nativity scene. It is 13 inches (33 centimeters) wide by 18 inches (45 centimeters) high, and is painted on cloth. It is a primitive work of the Spanish school, painted c.1500. The Spanish brothers Alfonso and Antonio Trejo, two of the first European settlers on Santo Domingo, brought the portrait to the island some time prior to 1502, and eventually donated it to the parish church at Higuey. It's first shrine was finished in 1572, and in 1971 it was moved to its present Basilica. The image was crowned on 15 August 1922 during the pontificate of Pius XI. Due to its age, centuries of handling by the faithful, and exposure to candle smoke, it was in sad shape, and was restored in 1978. On 25 January 1979 by Pope John Paul II crowned the image with a gold and silver tiara, his gift to the Virgin. It's frame is made of gold, enamel and precious stones, and was constructed by an unknown 18th century artisan.
The Dominicans see the image as exemplifying Our Lady watching over the island and the growth of Christianity there. The feast day is marked by services, all-night vigils, singing, dancing, and festivals in many of the towns.
Legend says that the pious daughter of a rich merchant asked her father to bring her a portrait of Our Lady of Altagracia from Santo Domingo, but no one had heard of that title. The merchant, staying overnight at a friend's house in Higuey, described his problem as they sat outdoors after dinner. An old man with a long beard, who just happened to be passing by, pulled a rolled up painting from his bindle, gave it to the merchant, and said, "This is what you are looking for." It was the Virgin of Altagracia. They gave the old man a place to stay for the night, but by dawn he was gone, not to be seen again. The merchant placed the image on their mantle, but it repeatedly disappeared only to be found outside, and the family finally returned it to the church.
Patronage
Dominican Republic
Blessed Ines de Beniganim
Also known as
• Giuseppa Maria di Sant'Agnese
• Giuseppa Teresa Albinàna
• Ines Albiniani
• Inez
• Josefa María Albiñana Gomar
• Josepha Maria
• Josepha Maria of Saint Agnes
• Josephine Mary of Saint Agnes
• Mother Agnes
Additional Memorial
23 January (Augustinians)
Profile
Born to a poor family, the daughter of Luigi and Vincenza Gomar. Her father died when Giuseppa was very young, and as a small girl she was known for a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her uncle, who had become a subsititute father to her, tried to arrange a marriage for the girl, but she always refused, being drawn to religious life. When her mother died when Giuseppa was 18, she was free from family obligations, and joined the Discalced Augustinians on 25 October 1643 at a convent in the diocese of Valencia, Spain, taking the name Sister Giuseppa Maria di Sant'Agnese and making her vows in the summer of 1644. She worked in the convent dispensary, prepared her deceased Augustinian sisters for the grave, and spent spare time making rosaries. She became a choir nun on 18 November 1663; she spent 8 hours a day in the choir, singing when needed and spending the time between by praying for the Pope, the Church and the souls in Purgatory. Though she was uneducated and even illiterate, Sister Giuseppa was known for her theological insights, her gifts of wisdom and prophecy, and her severely ascetic life. She was consulted by people from all walks of life for her spiritual insights.
Born
9 February 1625 at Benigánim, Valencia, Spain
Died
• 21 January 1696 at Benigánim, Valencia, Spain of natural causes
• relics enshrined in the chapel of the Augustinian monastery at Benigánim
• relics stolen and lost or destroyed by anti-Catholic forces in the 1930's during the Spanish Civil War
Beatified
26 February 1888 by Pope Leo XIII
Blessed Gautier of Bruges
Also known as
• Guatier Van den Zande
• Gautier of Poitiers
• Gualterus Brugensis
• Gualterus de Brugge
• Galtier, Gauthier, Gualterus, Gualtiero, Walter
Profile
Member of the Franciscans, joining at the convent of Bruges, Belgium c.1240. Studied in Paris, France where he was the spiritual student of Saint Bonaventure of Bagnoregio. He taught theology and served as regent master in Paris from 1267 to 1269. Franciscan provincial minister for France in 1269. Part of the Franciscan general chapters in Lyon, France in 1274, Padua, Italy in 1276, and Assisi, Italy in 1279. Wrote a number of theological works, some of which have survived to today.
Chosen bishop of Poitiers, France by Pope Nicholas III on 4 December 1279; he served for over 25 years. Bishop Gautier was known as an able administrator, for his charity to the poor, and for his defense of the papal and Church rights against incursion from secular authorities. Resigning in 1305, Gautier retired to a convent in Poitiers to spend his remaining years as a prayerful Franciscan monk. Known as a miracle worker and healer.
Born
1225 in Zande, Ostend, Belgium
Died
• 21 January 1307 in Poitiers, France of natural causes
• his tomb was desecrated by Huguenots in 1562
Beatified
• popular veneration began immediately at his death
• a liturgical office in his honour was recited in the cathedral in Poitiers, France since the late 15th century
• the formal beatification is still ongoing
Patronage
against fever
Saint Publius of Malta
Also known as
Publius of Athens
Profile
Chief or prefect of the island of Malta, and a land-owner. He cared for Saint Paul when the apostle stopped there when being taken to Rome, Italy as prisoner. Paul cured Publius' father of fever and dysentery. May have been the first bishop of Malta; other writers claim he became bishop of Athens. Martyred in the persecutions of Emperor Trajan; he was approximately 92 years old at the time, and was Malta's first acknowledged saint.
Died
c.112
Patronage
• Floriana, Malta
• Malta
Readings
In the vicinity of that place were lands belonging to a man named Publius, the chief of the island. He welcomed us and received us cordially as his guests for three days. It so happened that the father of Publius was sick with a fever and dysentery. Paul visited him and, after praying, laid his hands on him and healed him. After this had taken place, the rest of the sick on the island came to Paul and were cured. They paid us great honor and when we eventually set sail they brought us the provisions we needed. - Acts 28:7-10, New American Bible
Saint Alban Bartholomew Roe
Additional Memorials
• 25 October as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales
• 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai
Profile
Convert to Catholicism. Studied at the English College at Douai, France, but was dismissed for an infraction of discipline. Benedictine priest in 1612 at Dieulouard, France. Missionary to England. He was arrested and exiled in 1615 for his work. Returning to England in 1618, he was arrested again. He sat in prison until 1623 when the Spanish ambassador obtained his release on condition that Alban leave England. Soon after, Alban returned to his homeland and continued his covert ministry. Arrested again in 1625, he lay in prison for 17 years before being tried and condemned to death for the crime of priesthood. One of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, dying with Blessed Thomas Reynolds.
Born
1583 in Bury Saint Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Died
hanged, drawn, and quartered on 21 January 1642 at Tyburn, London, England
Canonized
25 October 1970 by Pope Paul VI
Saint Epiphanius of Pavia
Also known as
• Epiphanius the Peacemaker
• Glory of Italy
• Light of Bishops
Profile
Brother of Saint Honorata and Saint Liberata. Bishop of Pavia, Italy in 467 at age 28. Powerful and influential preacher with a reputation for sanctity, charity to the poor, and working miracles. At one time or another, he intervened for his parishioners with Emperor Anthemus, the Visigoth leader Euric, the Ostrogoth commander Theodoric, and the Burgundian Gonderbald. Ambassador to the court of Euric at Toulouse, France. Rebuilt Pavia after its destruction by invaders under Odoacer. Obtained the release of 6,000 of his parishioners captured by Gondebald; Ephiphanius died on his way home from the negotiations. One of the most influential Italian leaders during the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. His successor to the bishopric, Saint Ennodius, wrote a poetic panegyric about him.
Born
439 at Pavia, Italy
Died
• 496 at Burgundy, France of a fever
• relics translated to Hildesheim, Lower Saxony (in modern Germany) in 963
Blessed Thomas Reynolds
Also known as
• Richard Reynolds
• Thomas Green
Additional Memorials
• 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai
• 1 December as one of the Martyrs of Oxford University
Profile
Studied at Rheims, France, and at Valladolid and Seville in Spain. Ordained in 1592. Returned to England to minister to covert Catholics, but was arrested and exiled in 1606. He returned and worked in secret until his arrest in 1628. He spent fourteen years in prison before being martyred with Blessed Edward Stransham.
Born
c.1562 at Oxford, England as Thomas Green
Died
hanged, drawn, and quartered in 31 January 1642 at Tyburn, London, England
Beatified
15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI
Readings
I dare look death in the face. - Blessed Thomas to his executioners when offered a blindfold
Saint Patroclus of Troyes
Also known as
Parre, Parres, Patroccus, Patroklus
Profile
Wealthy Christian of Troyes, Gaul, noted for his charity. Evangelist; he converted his successor, Saint Sabinian of Troyes. Arrested for his faith during the persecutions of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Roman officials tried to drown him in the River Seine, but he managed to briefly escape. He was, however, recaptured, and martyred.
Died
• beheaded in 259
• relics translated to Cologne, Germany on 3 July 960
• relics translated to Soest, Westphalia, Germany on 9 December 964
• relics enshrined at Saint Patroclus church in the 13th century
Patronage
Soest, Germany
Blessed Nicholas Woodfen
Also known as
Nicholas Wheeler
Additional Memorial
• 22 November as one of the Martyrs of England, Scotland, and Wales
• 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai
Profile
Studied in Rheims, France. Priest. Returned to London, England to minister to covert Catholics at the Inns of Court, all the while living in Fleet Street under the name Woodfen and dressing like a lawyer. He was eventually imprisoned, tortured and executed for the crime of being a priest. Martyr.
Born
c.1550 in Leominster, Herefordshire, England
Died
hanged, drawn, and quartered on 21 January 1586 at Tyburn, London, England
Beatified
22 November 1987 by Pope John Paul II
Blessed Edward Stransham
Additional Memorials
• 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai
• 1 December as one of the Martyrs of Oxford University
Profile
Educated at Oxford, England, Douai and Rheims, France. Ordained in 1580. Returned to England in 1581 and covertly ministered to Catholics in London and Oxford. Arrested in 1586 and martyred for the crime of priesthood. Marytred with Blessed Thomas Reynolds
Born
at Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Died
hanged, drawn, and quartered on 21 January 1586 at Tyburn, London, England
Beatified
15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI
Blessed Cristiana di Paride
Also known as
Cristiana of Assisi
Profile
Cristiana was born to the nobility, the daughter of Cristiano di Paride, a knight who served as consol of Assisi. She entered the Poor Clare monastery of San Damiano in 1246 or 1247. Spiritual student of Saint Clare of Assisi, who in the summer of 1252 cured Christiana of deafness in one ear by making the sign of the cross over it and praying for her. One of those who made depositions as part of the work for the canonization of Saint Clare.
Born
early 13th century Italy
Died
latter 13th century Italy
Saint John Yi Yun-on
Also known as
• Giovanni Yi Yun-il
• Ioannes Yi Yun-il
• Yohan Yi Yun-il
Additional Memorial
20 September as one of the Martyrs of Korea
Profile
Layman farmer. Married. Father. Catechist. Beaten, whipped and executed for his faith, the last martyr of a particular state-sponsored persecution of Christians in Korea.
Born
1823 in Hongju, Chungcheong-do, South Korea
Died
beheaded on 21 January 1867 in Daegu, Gyrongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Canonized
6 May 1984 by Pope John Paul II
Saint Fructuosus of Tarragona
Profile
Bishop of Tarragona, Spain. Arrested on 16 January 259 by the Roman governor Emilian. Martyred with Saint Augurius and Saint Eulogius in the persecutions of Valerian. Saint Augustine wrote in praise of these martyrs.
Died
burned at the stake on 21 January 259 at Tarragona, Spain
Representation
bishop singing on a funeral pyre
Saint Maccalin of Waulsort
Also known as
Macallan, Maolcalain
Profile
Friend of Saint Cadroe. During a pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Fursey in Peronne, France, Maccalin became a Benedictine monk at Gorze. Abbot at Gorze. Abbot of Saint Michael's monastery at Thierache, France. Abbot of Waulsort Abbey near Dinant, Belgium.
Born
Irish
Died
978 near Dinant, Belgium of natural causes
Blessed Cristiana of Assisi
Also known as
Cristina of Assisi
Profile
Daughter of Suppo di Bernardo. Poor Clare nun. May have been one of the founders of the monastery of San Damiano in Carpello, Italy in 1217. Witnessed several of the miracles performed by Saint Clare of Assisi.
Born
early 13th century Italy
Died
mid 13th century Italy
Blessed Franciscus Bang
Additional Memorial
20 September as one of the Martyrs of Korea
Profile
Layman martyr in the apostolic vicariate of Korea.
Born
Myeoncheon, Chungcheong-do, South Korea
Died
21 January 1799 in Hongju, Chungcheong-do, South Korea
Beatified
15 August 2014 by Pope Francis
Saint Agnes of Aislinger
Profile
Lived a long life of prayer and asceticism as an anchoress in a cell next to the Augustinian convent at Rebdorf, Germany. Her reputation for wisdom and holiness was widespread.
Born
15 century in Aislingen, Bavaria, Germany
Died
21 January 1504 in Rebdort, Germany of natural causes
Saint Eulogius of Tarragona
Profile
Deacon in Tarragona, Spain, working with Saint Fructuosus and Saint Augurius. Arrested in 259 by the Roman governor Emilian. Martyred in the persecutions of Valerian. Saint Augustine of Hippo wrote in praise of these martyrs.
Died
burned at the stake in 259 at Tarragona, Spain
Saint Valerian of Trebizond
Also known as
Valarianus
Profile
During the persecutions of Diocletian she fled into the mountains, believing it was safer with the wild animals than people. However, she was caught and executed. Martyr.
Died
c.303 in Trebizond (in modern Turkey)
Saint Aquila of Trebizond
Also known as
Akylas
Profile
During the persecutions of Diocletian she fled into the mountains, believing it was safer with the wild animals than people. However, she was caught and executed. Martyr.
Died
c.303 in Trebizond (in modern Turkey)
Saint Augurius the Martyr
Profile
Deacon in Tarragona, Spain. Arrested in 259 by the Roman governor Emilian. Martyred in the persecutions of Valerian. Saint Augustine of Hippo wrote in praise of him and his fellow martyrs.
Died
burned at the stake in 259 at Tarragona, Spain
Saint Candidus of Trebizond
Profile
During the persecutions of Diocletian she fled into the mountains, believing it was safer with the wild animals than people. However, she was caught and executed. Martyr.
Died
c.303 in Trebizond (in modern Turkey)
Saint Eugenius of Trebizond
Profile
During the persecutions of Diocletian she fled into the mountains, believing it was safer with the wild animals than people. However, she was caught and executed. Martyr.
Died
c.303 in Trebizond (in modern Turkey)
Saint Vimin of Holywood
Also known as
Gwynnin, Vimianus, Viminus, Vimmin, Vinim, Vivian, Wynnia, Wynnin
Profile
Sixth century bishop in Scotland. Founded the monastery of Holywood.
Born
Scotland
Died
c.615
Saint Anastasius of Constantinople
Profile
Monk in Constantinople. Spiritual student and biographer of Saint Maximus the Confessor.
Died
666 in Constantinople (modern Istanul, Turkey)
Saint Zacharias the Angelic
Also known as
• Zacharias of Mount Mercury
• Zaccaria...
Profile
Hermit and monk on Mount Mercury, Lucania, Italy.
Died
c.950 of natural causes
Saint Brigid of Kilbride
Also known as
• Brigid of Killbrige
• Briga of...
Profile
Friend of Saint Brigid of Kildare. Venerated in the diocese of Lismore, Ireland.
Saint Gunthildis of Biblisheim
Also known as
Gonthildis
Profile
Benedictine nun. First abbess of the Biblisheim Abbey in Alsace.
Died
1131
Saint Lawdog
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There are four churches in the diocese of Saint David's, Wales that are named for this 6th century saint. No information about him has survived.
Blessed Martyrs of Laval
Also known as
Nineteen Martyrs of Laval
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Fifteen men and four women who were martyred in Laval, France by anti-Catholic French Revolutionaries.
• Blessed André Duliou
• Blessed Augustin-Emmanuel Philippot
• Blessed François Duchesne
• Blessed François Migoret-Lamberdière
• Blessed Françoise Mézière
• Blessed Françoise Tréhet
• Blessed Jacques André
• Blessed Jacques Burin
• Blessed Jean-Baptiste Triquerie
• Blessed Jean-Marie Gallot
• Blessed Jeanne Veron
• Blessed John Baptist Turpin du Cormier
• Blessed Joseph Pellé
• Blessed Julien Moulé
• Blessed Julien-François Morin
• Blessed Louis Gastineau
• Blessed Marie Lhuilier
• Blessed Pierre Thomas
• Blessed René-Louis Ambroise
Born
French
Died
several dates in 1794 in Laval, Mayenne, France
Beatified
19 June 1955 by Pope Pius XII at Rome, Italy
Martyrs of Rome
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Thirty Christian soldiers executed together in the persecutions of Diocletian.
Died
304 in Rome, Italy
Mercedarian Nuns of Berriz
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Three pious Mercedarian nun at the monastery of Vera Cruz, Berriz, Spain who are remembered together on the Mercedarian calendar - Cristina, Mary Magdalene and Mary of Jesus
