தினசரி புனிதர்கள் தகவல் : Tuesday, May 11, 2021

11 May 2021

இன்றைய புனிதர்கள் மே 11

Bl. Peter the Venerable

Feastday: May 11

Birth: 1092

Death: 1156

Abbot of Cluny, also known as Peter of Montboissier and called "the Venerable" owing to his holiness and wisdom. Born into a French noble family, he entered the Congregation of Cluny and held a number of posts in several houses until his election in 1122 as eighth abbot of Cluny. Peter brought a variety of reforms to the educational system of the order and to its finances, using two general chapters to win approval of his constitution. His support of education caused a controversy with his friend St. Bernard of Clairvaux, who desired the monastic life to be one of prayer and labor: On behalf of his order, Peter traveled extensively, going six times to Rome and to England and Spain. In between these journeys, Peter retired to a hermitage to pray and study. To assist the conversions of Muslims, Peter made the then unprecedented suggestion that the Koran be translated into Latin. He also authored treatises against the heretical priest Peter de Bruys and the Jews, as well as poems and sermons; his writings reveal a deep knowledge of Scripture. Peter also gave sanctuary to Peter Ahelard after his condemnation by the Council of Sens in 1140. While never formally canonized, he has long been venerated as a blessed.

Peter the Venerable (c. 1092 – 25 December 1156), also known as Peter of Montboissier, was the abbot of the Benedictine abbey of Cluny. He has been honored as a saint but has never been formally canonized. The Catholic Church's Martyrologium Romanum, issued by the Holy See in 2004, regards him as a Blessed.

Life

Born to Blessed Raingarde in Auvergne, Peter was "Dedicated to God" at birth and given to the monastery at Sauxillanges of the Congregation of Cluny where he took his vows at age seventeen. By the age of twenty he gained a professorship and was appointed prior of the monastery of Vézelay, before he moved to the monastery at Domène. Success at Vézelay and Domène led to his election as general of the order, aged thirty. After his predecessor, the abbot Pontius, had been deposed by the pope, Peter became a tireless reformer of the Cluniac order, in the face of criticism from other orders and prominent monks and theologians, including St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a Cistercian monk. His defence of his order against critics and his introduction of radical reforms, earned him the appellation of "venerable".[1]

Peter, as an associate of national and religious leaders, attended many of the international religious councils. At the Council of Pisa in 1134 he supported the cause of Pope Innocent II, and the Council of Reims in 1147 and helped avert a Church schism. He defended the rationalistic Trinitarianism of the French theologian Peter Abelard against the sentence of the Council of Sens, granting Abelard hospitality at Cluny[1] and working towards the eventual reconciliation of Abelard and his principal accuser, Bernard of Clairvaux. Peter granted Abelard a posthumous absolution at the request of Heloise.[citation needed]

Peter collected sources on, and writings about, Islam (see below) and spent a long sabbatical in Spain with Islamic scholars of all ranks. His vast correspondence reflects an almost encyclopedic theological knowledge. He produced some of the most important documents of the 12th century, and published the first Latin translation of the Qu'ran which became the standard Benedictine text used by preachers of the Crusades. His Talmudic contributions are tenuous and still under scrutiny.[2] His friendship and corresponce with Bishop Henry of Blois of Winchester and Glastonbury, between 1138 and 1142, together with his debating skills, brought wider recognition of his scholarship. The internecine truce between Peter and Bernard of Clairvaux must be seen as superficial in light of recent scholarship detailing the repressivness of Bernard's Cistercians toward the Cluniac orders.[3]

Peter the Venerable died at Cluny on 25 December 1156.[1] His works are edited in Patrologia Latina vol. 189.

Contribution to Muslim–Christian relations

Despite his active life and important role in European history, Peter's greatest achievement is his contribution to the reappraisal of the Church's relations with the religion of Islam. A proponent of studying Islam based upon its own sources, he commissioned a comprehensive translation of Islamic source material, and in 1142 he traveled to Spain where he met his translators. One scholar has described this as a "momentous event in the intellectual history of Europe."[4]

The Arabic manuscripts which Peter had translated may have been obtained in Toledo, which was an important centre for translation from the Arabic. However, Peter appears to have met his team of translators further north, possibly in La Rioja, where he is known to have visited the Cluniac monastery of Santa María la Real of Nájera. The project translated a number of texts relating to Islam (known collectively as the "corpus toletanum"). They include the Apology of al-Kindi; and most importantly the first-ever translation into Latin of the Arabic Qur'an (the "Lex Mahumet pseudoprophete") for which Robert of Ketton was the main translator. Peter of Toledo is credited for planning and annotating the collection, and Peter of Poitiers (Peter the Venerable's secretary) helped to polish the final Latin version. The team also included Robert of Ketton's friend Herman of Carinthia and a Muslim called Mohammed. The translation was completed in either June or July 1143, in what has been described as "a landmark in Islamic Studies. With this translation, the West had for the first time an instrument for the serious study of Islam."[5]

Peter used the newly translated material in his own writings on Islam, of which the most important are the Summa totius heresis Saracenorum (The Summary of the Entire Heresy of the Saracens) and the Liber contra sectam sive heresim Saracenorum (The Refutation of the Sect or Heresy of the Saracens). In these works Peter portrays Islam as a Christian heresy that approaches paganism, and he explains to St. Bernard that his goal is "ut morem illum patrum sequerer, quo nullam unquam suorum temporum vel levissimam (ut sic dicam) haeresim silendo praeterirent, quin ei totis fidei viribus resisterent et scriptis ac disputationibus esse detestandam ac damnabilem demonstrarent."[6] That is, "that I may follow the custom of those Fathers, who passed over no heresy in silence ever, even the lightest (as I will thus call it), but rather resisted it with all the strength of their faith, and showed it, through writings and arguments, to be detestable and damnable."[citation needed]

While his interpretation of Islam was basically negative, it did manage in "setting out a more reasoned approach to Islam…through using its own sources rather than those produced by the hyperactive imagination of some earlier Western Christian writers."[7] Although this alternative approach was not widely accepted or emulated by other Christian scholars of the Middle Ages, it did achieve some influence among a limited number of Church figures, including Roger Bacon.[citation needed]

At his weekly general audience in Saint Peter's Square on 14 October 2009, Pope Benedict XVI used Peter as an example of compassion and understanding, citing Peter's governance of Cluny, diplomacy, and study of Islam

St. Odilo of Cluny

Feastday: May 11

Birth: 962

Death: 1049

Abbot A member of a noble family in Auvergne, France, he entered the Benedictine monastery of Cluny about 990 and received election as abbot in 994. He was beloved and respected throughout Europe for his deep austerities and his concem for the poor. In 1006, he even sold treasures of the Church to feed the poor during a famine. Through his efforts, the monasteries belonging to Cluny increased from thirty seven to sixty five. He also helped bring about the Truce of God and the feast of All Soul's Day, and was a trusted advisor to popes and kings. He was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to the Incarnation. Fulbert of Chartres called him Archangelus Monachorum, Archangel of Monks. Odilo died on January 1 while touring his monasteries.

Saint Odilo of Cluny (c. 962 – 1 January 1049) was the fifth[1] Benedictine Abbot of Cluny, holding the post for around 54 years. During his tenure Cluny became the most important monastery in western Europe. Odilo actively worked to reform the monastic practices not only at Cluny, but at other Benedictine houses. He also promoted the Truce of God whereby military hostilities were temporarily suspended at certain times for ostensibly religious reasons. Odilo encouraged the formal practice of personal consecration to Mary. He established All Souls' Day (on 2 November) in Cluny and its monasteries as the annual commemoration to pray for all the faithful departed. The practice was soon adopted throughout the whole Western church.

Odilo was descended from an illustrious noble family of Auvergne (central France). The son of Berald de Mercoeur and Gerberga, his widowed mother became a nun at the convent of St. John in Autun after his father's death. Odilo had eight brothers and two sisters. One of his sisters married and the other became an abbess.[2]

When he was a child, he was partially paralyzed and had to be carried by the family servants on a stretcher. One day while the family was travelling, they came to a church and Odilo was left with the luggage at the church door. The door was open, and little Odilo felt God was calling him to crawl to the altar. He got to the altar and tried to stand up, but failed. He tried again and finally succeeded: he was able to walk around the altar.[2] It was believed that he had been cured of the unnamed malady by the intervention of Our Lady.

As a child, he developed a great devotion to the Virgin Mary. While still quite young, he entered the seminary of St. Julien in Brioude,[3] where he became a specialist in canon law. William of Dijon persuaded him to enter the monastery of Cluny. In 991, at the age of twenty-nine, he entered Cluny and before the end of his year of probation was made coadjutor to Abbot Mayeul, and shortly before the latter's death (994) was made abbot and received Holy orders.[3]

Odilo’s abbacy

His fifty years as Abbot were distinguished for the exceeding gentleness of his rule.[4] It was usual with him to say, that of two extremes he chose rather to offend by tenderness, than a too rigid severity.[5] He was known for showing mercy indiscriminately even to those who people said did not deserve it. He would say in response, ‘I would rather be mercifully judged for having shown mercy, than be cruelly damned for having shown cruelty."[6]

Of small stature and insignificant appearance, Odilo was a man of immense force of character. He was a man of prayer and penance, with a great devotion to the Incarnation and to the Blessed Mother. Odilo encouraged the formal practice of personal consecration to Mary.[7] He also encouraged learning in his monasteries, and had the monk Radolphus Glaber write a history of the time. He erected a magnificent monastery building, and furthered the reform of the Benedictine monasteries. It was during his abbacy that Cluny became the most important monastery in western Europe.[8] During a great famine in 1006, his liberality to the poor was by many censured as profuse; for he melted down the sacred vessels and ornaments to raise funds.[5]

Pope John XIX offered Odilo the archbishopric of Lyons, but Odilo refused and the pope then chided Odilo for disobedience. John XIX died shortly after and his successor (Benedict IX) did not press the matter any further.[9]

He is also said to have influenced the course of the famous pilgrimage route to Santiago, which runs near the monasteries.[10]

Monastic autonomy

During this period it was very common for secular lords and local rulers to try to either take control of monasteries or to seize their property. Not only this, but local bishops often also tried to impose their own authority on monasteries or to seize monastery property. It was precisely for this reason that from the earliest days of Cluny's history, Cluny did not affiliate itself with the authority of any diocese except Rome and received its charter directly from the Pope. Several Popes decreed an automatic excommunication to any bishop or secular ruler who tried to interfere or seize Cluniac property (including both the monastery and all the monasteries and properties that were owned by Cluny). However, many times the monks needed this order of excommunication renewed and repeated by the Popes because each new generation would bring a new round of figures who would go after Cluniac property. All of the abbots of Cluny in this period had to deal with this problem, and Odilo was no exception.

He attended the Synod of Ansa in 994 for this reason and successfully got the bishops present at the synod to make a statement excommunicating anyone who attacked Cluniac property. In 997 he went to Rome to make secure the status of Cluny. In 998 he obtained from Pope Gregory V. Cluny complete freedom by the diocesan Bishop and 1024 the extension of this privilege on all dependent Cluny abbeys and priories.[11]

In 1025 Gauzlin, bishop of Mâcon, claimed that the archbishop of Vienne needed his approval to give ordination to monks in Cluny. In answer to this Odilo produced the papal documents granting Cluny freedom from local diocesan control. A council at Ansa in southern Gaul nevertheless condemned Odilo's position because it claimed that the Council of Chalcedon (in 451) had decreed that the ordination of monks had to occur with diocesan consent. In answer to this, the Pope then wrote letters to various parties involved with the dispute and condemned Gauzlin's position. The Pope further decreed that any bishop who tried to enter a Cluniac monastery to even celebrate a mass would suffer automatic excommunication, unless he had been invited by the abbot. The dispute when on for years.[12]

In Germany the Cluny policy had no permanent success, as the monks there were more inclined to individualism. Odilo visited Henry II on several occasions and because of his closeness to him, he was able to intercede on several occasions for people who had disputes with him. When Henry II was crowned King of Italy in 1004, Odilo attended the ceremony. The following day there was a revolt against Henry in Pavia which was quickly crushed and the defeated party went to find Odilo so that he could ask Henry on their behalf for mercy. Odilo agreed and was able to persuade Henry, who respected his holiness so greatly, to hold back his hand and give mercy to the rebels.[13] When Henry was crowned as Holy Roman Emperor in Rome in 1014, Odilo also was present. He arrived in Rome before Christmas and spent several months together with Henry up to his coronation in February 1014. The Pope presented Henry with the gift of a golden apple ('orb') with a cross on it, representing his empire. Henry later sent this gift to Cluny.[13] When Henry died in 1024, Cluny's houses said many prayers and masses for him. During the famine of 1006, Odilo sold the gold crown the Holy Roman Emperor Henry II had presented to the abbey, in order to relieve the hunger,[5] thereby saving thousands from starvation.

He also attended the coronation of Conrad II who succeeded Henry and had a similarly good relationship with him, and thus got the Emperor to give favour to Cluny. When there was a failed revolt against Conrad in Pavia in 1026, Odilo again interceded for mercy from the Emperor for the defeated rebels.[13] In 1046 Odilo was present at the coronation of Henry III in Rome.

Reform

The rule of St. Benedict was substituted in Cluny for the domestic rule of Isidore. Under Odilo's rule not only Cluny made rapid progress but Benedictine monasteries in general were reformed and many new foundations made. Odilo threw the full Cluniac influence into the fight against simony, concubinage and the uncanonical marriage of the laity.[14] The abbots of Cluny were constantly called to reform other monasteries; however, many reformed communities soon slipped back into their old ways. Odilo sought to prevent this by making them subject to Cluny: he appointed every prior of every Cluniac house, and the profession of every monk in the remotest monastery was made in his name and subject to his sanction.[15] During his tenure thirty abbeys accepted Cluny as their mother house, and its practices were adopted by many more which did not affiliate. King Robert II of France allied himself with the Reform party. and the Cluniac reform spread through Burgundy, Provence, Auvergne, Poitou, and much of Italy and Spain. The English monastic reform undertaken by saints Dunstan, Æthelwold of Winchester and Oswald of Worcester under Cluniac influence is a conspicuous instance of Cluny's success by example. On account of his services in the reform Odilo was called by Fulbert of Chartres the "Archangel of the Monks".

Truce of God

Further information: Peace and Truce of God

The Truce of God arose in the eleventh century amid the anarchy of feudalism as a remedy for the powerlessness of lay authorities to enforce respect for the public peace. There was then an epidemic of private wars, which made Europe a battlefield bristling with fortified castles and overrun by armed bands who respected nothing, not even sanctuaries, clergy, or consecrated days. Massacres and plunders were common in that age, by the right which every petty lord pretended of revenging his own injuries and quarrels by private wars. Odilo actively promoted the Truce of God whereby military hostilities were suspended at certain times for ostensibly religious reasons. The Truce had great economic importance as it allowed commerce to continue so that people could survive; it also guaranteed sanctuary to those who sought refuge in a church. The penalty for violating the ban was excommunication.[16]

While the Truce of God was a temporary suspension of hostilities, its jurisdiction was broader that the Peace of God. It confirmed permanent peace for all churches and their grounds, the monks, clerks and chattels; all women, pilgrims, merchants and their servants, cattle and horses; and men at work in the fields. For all others peace was required throughout Advent, the season of Lent, and from the beginning of the Rogation days until eight days after Pentecost.[17] This prohibition was subsequently extended to specific days of the week, viz., Thursday, in memory of the Ascension, Friday, the day of the Passion, and Saturday, the day of the Resurrection (council 1041). By the middle of the twelfth century the number of proscribed days was extended until there was left some eighty days for fighting.

All Souls’ Day

According to one tale, a pilgrim was thrown during a storm on an island. There he had a vision of the souls in purgatory enduring the purification pain of flames as punishment for their sins. At home he went to Father Odilo of Cluny to ask whether there is not one day in the year in a special way prayer could be for the souls of the deceased.[10]

Odilo instituted the annual commemoration of all the faithful departed, to be observed by the members of his community with alms, prayers, and sacrifices, for the relief of the suffering souls in purgatory.[5] Odilo decreed that those requesting a Mass be offered for the departed should make a monetary offering for the poor, thus linking almsgiving with fasting and prayer for the dead.

He established All Souls' Day (on 2 November) in Cluny and its monasteries (probably not in 998 but after 1030,[3] and it was soon adopted in the whole Western church.

Miracles and anecdotes

Many miracles were attributed to him by the tradition, such as increases in food or wine, empty bottles of wine filled up again, a fish that he divided to feed more than it could normally feed; he walked on water and ordered his servants to follow him, which they did without falling in. He, finally, healed the sick with touch and making the sign of the cross.[2]

Pope Benedict VIII, whom had been a close friend of Cluny, supposedly some time after dying appeared to John, bishop of Porto, along with two of his friends. The Pope claimed that he remained in purgatory, and asked that Odilo be informed so that he could pray for him. A message was given to Odilo, who then proceeded to call on all Cluniac houses to offer up prayers, masses and alms for the soul of the dead Pope. Not long after this, there was said to be a figure of light followed by a host of others in white garments that entered the cloister and knelt to Odilo; the figure informed him that he was the Pope and that he had now been freed from purgatory.

Death

Many times in his life he visited Rome. In his last visit around the time of a papal election and an imperial coronation, he spent all of his time praying in different churches and in giving alms to the poor. He wished he could die there in Rome, but he then started on his journey back to Cluny. Along the way back, and not far from Rome, he had an accident with his horse that injured him. He had to be taken back to the city where so much grief was poured out for his sake that masses were offered for his recovery and the Pope visited his bedside. He stayed in the city until Easter and then left again to go back to Cluny. He continued to do his fasts and ascetic practices despite his old age and weakness. He decided to visit all the houses that Cluny had reformed, but when he visited Souvigny Priory he had to stop and remain there. At Christmas he had become so weak that he needed to be carried around the monastery. He was in St Mary's chapel when he died; he was praying for the souls in purgatory when he died.[13]

He died during the night of the New Year 1049,[4] at the age of eighty-seven. After his death, miracles were also reported from his tomb, including healings.

On the night of Odilo's funeral, a monk named Gregorinius saw him. This monk had come a long distance to come to Odilo's funeral. When the monk saw the dead abbot's spirit, he said to him, ‘how goes it with thee, master?‘ to which the spirit of Odilo replied, ‘Very well, oh brother, Christ Himself deigned to come and meet His servant. In the hour of my death He pointed out to me a fierce and terrible figure which, standing in a corner, would have terrified me by its huge monstrosity had not its malignancy been annulled by His presence.

Bl. Antonio de Sant'Anna Galvao

Feastday: May 11

Birth: 1739

Death: 1822

Beatified: Pope John Paul II

Saint Anthony of Saint Ann Galvăo was a Brazilian friar of the Franciscan Order. One of the best-known religious figures in Brazil, renowned for his healing powers, Galvăo was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on May 11, 2007, becoming the first Brazilian-born saint. Overall, he is the second Brazilian saint, after Italian-born Saint Paulina, canonized in 2002.

Anthony of St. Ann Galvão, O.F.M. (Portuguese: Antônio de Sant'Anna Galvão, IPA: [ˈsɐ̃tw ɐ̃ˈtõn̠ʲʊ dʒɪ sɐ̃ˈtɐ̃nɐ ɡaʊ̯ˈvɐ̃w]), commonly known in Brazil as Frei (Friar) Galvão (IPA: [ˈfɾej ɡawˈvɐ̃w]; May 13, 1739 – December 23, 1822), was a Brazilian friar of the Franciscan Order.[2] One of the best-known religious figures in colonial Brazil, renowned for his healing powers,[3] Galvão was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on May 11, 2007, becoming the first Brazilian-born saint.[4][5] He was the second Brazilian to be proclaimed a saint by the Catholic Church, after Austro-Hungarian-born Pauline of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus' was canonized in 2002.[6]

Early life

Galvão was born in the freguesia of Santo Antonio of Guaratinguetá, in the State of São Paulo. He was the fourth of ten children in a deeply religious family of high social and political status.[3][2][7] His father, Antônio Galvão de França, was the Captain of the village. Although he was active in the world of politics and commerce, Antônio the father also belonged to the Third Order of Saint Francis and was known for his generosity.[2] His mother, Isabel Leite de Barros, was from a farming family, and was a great-granddaughter of the famous bandeirante explorer Fernão Dias Pais, known as the "Emerald Hunter". She gave birth to eleven children before her premature death in 1755, at age 38.[2] Equally known for her generosity, Isabel was found to have given away all of her clothes to the poor at the time of her death.[2]

At age 13, Galvão was sent to the Jesuit-run seminary Colégio de Belém[2][7] in Cachoeira, Bahia by his father, which wished to provide Humanities and cultural training to his son. He followed his brother José, who was already studying there. At Colégio de Belém, which he attended from 1752 to 1756, Galvão made great progress in social studies and Christian practice. He aspired to become a Jesuit priest, but the anti-Jesuit persecution led by Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, the Marquis of Pombal, led him to enter the Franciscan Order instead.[7] in Taubaté, following the advice of his father.[3][2]

Monument to Frei Galvão in his native town of Guaratinguetá.

Franciscan friar

At age 16, Galvão gave up a promising future and his family's social influence, becoming a novice at the St. Bonaventure Friary in Vila de Macacu, Rio de Janeiro.[2][7][8] There, he adopted the religious name of Anthony of Saint Ann, in honor of his family's devotion to Saint Ann. During his novitiate year, he was known for his piety, zeal and exemplary virtues.[2] Galvão made his profession of solemn vows on 16 April 1761, taking the additional vow to defend the Blessed Virgin Mary's title of the "Immaculate Conception", which was still a controversial doctrine at that time.[2]

On 11 July 1762, Galvão was ordained a priest and transferred to St. Francis Friary in the city of São Paulo, where he continued his studies in theology and philosophy.[2] In early 1766, around the completion of his studies, Galvão made a spiritual submission of himself as a "servant and slave" of the Blessed Mother, signing a document to this effect, dated 9 March, which he signed in his own blood.[9] In 1768 he was appointed preacher, confessor and porter of the friary, an important post.[2][7]

From 1769 to 1770 Galvão served as confessor to the Recollection of St. Teresa (Portuguese: Recolhimento de Santa Teresa) in the city of São Paulo, which was a hermitage of women Recollects (recluses living in common but not under religious vows), dedicated to Teresa of Ávila.[2][7] There, he met the nun Helena Maria of the Holy Spirit, a recluse who claimed to have had visions in which Jesus was asking her to found a new Recollect house.[2][7] Galvão, her confessor, studied these messages and consulted with others who recognized them as valid and supernatural.[2]

Galvão collaborated in the foundation of the new Recollect house, named Our Lady of the Conception of Divine Providence, which was established on 2 February 1774[2][7] in the same city. It was modeled after the Conceptionist nuns,[2] and became the home for girls who wished to live a religious life but without taking vows.[3][7] With Helena's sudden death on 23 February 1775, Galvão became the new superior of the community,[2] serving as the Recollects' new spiritual leader.[7]

Frei Galvão in the Cathedral of St. Anthony in Guaratinguetá.

Around that time, a change in São Paulo's provincial government brought an inflexible leader who ordered the closing of the hermitage.[2] Galvão accepted the decision, but the recluses refused to leave the premises, and due to popular pressure and the efforts of the Bishop of São Paulo, the hermitage was soon re-opened.[2] Subsequently, with the increasing number of new recluses, more living space was required.[2][7] It took Galvão 28 years to build the hermitage and church, with the latter being inaugurated on 15 August 1802.[2] In addition to the construction work and duties within and outside his Order, Galvão committed himself to the Recollect's formation.[2] The Statutes he wrote for them was a guide for the interior life and religious discipline.[2]

When things seemed more quiet, another government intervention brought Galvão a further trial.[2] The Captain General sentenced a soldier to death for having slightly offended his son, and the friar was sent into exile for coming to the soldier's defence.[2] Again, popular demand succeeded in having the order revoked.[2]

In 1781, Galvão was appointed novice master in Cachoeiras de Macacu.[2][7] However, the Recollects and the Bishop of São Paulo appealed to the Minister Provincial, writing that "none of the inhabitants of this city will be able to bear the absence of this Religious for a single moment".[2] As a result, he returned.[2] He was later named Guardian of St. Francis Friary in São Paulo in 1798, being re-appointed in 1801.[2][7]

In 1811 Galvão founded St. Clare Friary in Sorocaba.[2][7] Eleven months later, he returned to São Paulo.[2] In his old age, he obtained permission from the bishop and the Guardian to stay at the Recollect house.[2] He died there on 23 December 1822.[3][2] Galvão was laid to rest in the Recollection Church, and his tomb continues to be a destination for pilgrimages of the faithful, who obtain graces through his intercession.[2]

In 1929, the Convent of Our Lady of the Conception of Divine Providence became a monastery, incorporated into the Order of the Immaculate Conception.[2] The building, now called the "Monastery of Light", has been declared a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO.[10] The complex now serves as the Museum of the Sacred Arts of São Paulo.

Mysticism

Galvão was a man of great and intense prayer, and mystic phenomena attributed to him include telepathy, premonition and levitation.[10] He was reportedly in two different places at the same time in order to take care of sick or dying people who had asked for his help.[10]

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Holy Mass at the canonization of Frei Galvão in São Paulo, Brazil on 11 May 2007

Many sought Galvão for his reputed healing powers, particularly when medical resources were expensive or unavailable. Galvão became known for his "paper pills": he wrote a Latin phrase from the Little Office of Our Lady ("After childbirth thou didst remain a Virgin: O Mother of God, intercede for us") in a piece of paper, rolled it like a pill, and gave it to [11][12] Once he gave the paper pill to a young woman in excruciating pain from kidney stones: the pain ceased immediately after she consumed it, and she expelled a large amount of renal calculus. On other occasions, he gave it to women suffering during difficult childbirths. After Galvão gave a paper pill to a man with such a suffering wife, the child was quickly born without further complications.[10][11] The story of the miracle pill spread, and Galvão had to teach the Recollect Sisters to make them, which they still do nowadays. They are handed out for free to some 300 faithful who request them daily.[10]

Pope Benedict XVI at the canonization of Frei Galvão (in the picture).

On October 25, 1998, Galvão became the first Brazilian-born person to be beatified by the Vatican, having been declared Venerable a year earlier, on March 8, 1997.[7] On May 11, 2007, he became the first Brazilian-born person canonized by the Roman Catholic Church, during Pope Benedict XVI's five-day visit to Brazil.[5] The open-air ceremony, which lasted over two hours in the Campo de Marte Military Airport, near downtown São Paulo, drew 800,000 people, according to official estimates.[6][13] Galvão was the first saint canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in a ceremony held outside the Vatican City.[12] His proclamation as a saint came after the Catholic Church accepted that two miracles had taken place.[3]

According to the Catholic Church, the cases of Sandra Grossi de Almeida and Daniella Cristina da Silva are miracles effected through the prayers of Galvão.[5] After taking one of the paper pills, Almeida, who had a uterine malformation that should have made it impossible for her to carry a child for more than four months, gave birth to baby boy Enzo.[5] Galvão's pills are also certified by the church with the healing, in 1990, of Daniella Cristina da Silva, a four-year-old girl suffering from what doctors considered incurable hepatitis.[6][14] Doctors, and some Catholic clergy, have dismissed the pills as placebos.[3][12] The church recommends that only terminally ill patients take the pills

St. Ansfrid

Feastday: May 11

Death: 1010

Bishop and founder, the Count of Brabant. Ansfrid was a courtier and friend of Emperor Otto III of the Holy Roman Empire. In 994, the emperor named him the bishop of Utrecht, although his appointment drew some local opposition. Ansfrid founded a monastery at Heiligensberg, Germany, and a convent at Thorn. He was stricken with blindness late in his life, a fate that brought about his retirement to this abbey. He is also listed as Ansfridus.

Saint Ansfried (Ansfrid, Ansfridus) of Utrecht (died 3 May 1010 near Leusden) was Count of Huy and the sword-bearer for Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor. He became Bishop of Utrecht in 995. He appears to have been the son or grandson of Lambert, a nobleman of the Maasgau, the area where he later founded the Abbey of Thorn, and to have been related to various important contemporaries including the royal family.

Life

The principal source of information regarding Ansfried is the De diversitatem temporum by the Benedictine Albert of Metz, written around 1022.[1]

Ansfried had the same name as a paternal uncle (patruus), Ansfried the elder, a count who supposedly held 15 counties.[2] The young Ansfried studied secular and clerical subjects under another paternal uncle, Robert, Archbishop of Trier, before attending the cathedral school at Cologne.

In 961, Otto I took Ansfried into his personal service and made him his swordbearer. When Otto was in Rome the following year to be crowned Holy Roman Emperor, he directed Ansfried to keep close at hand with the sword as a precaution against any unforeseen eventualities.[3] Karl Leyser describes this as a valuable lesson in practicality.

Because of his Christian commitment, he was highly respected and an important knight of the emperor's circle, holding rich possessions along the Meuse, in Brabant and Gelderland. Possibly all or some of his counties were inherited from his paternal uncle of the same name. As Count, he had considerable success in suppressing piracy and armed robbery.[1] In 985, Otto III granted Ansfried the right to mint coins at Medemblik,[4] on the north-south shipping route through the Vlie, as well as, the income from tolls and tax collecting.[5]

Ansfridus and Hilsondis. Stained glass windows in the abbey of Thorn, 1956.

He was married to Heresuint or Hilsondis. They had one child, Benedicta. He founded a Romanesque abbey church on his wife's estate at Thorn under the patronage of St. Michael. The abbey itself had a double cloister that housed both man and women. Ansfried planned it as a place of retirement for him and his family after he left public service. Under his control, the abbey and lands, of about 1.5 kilometers square, was reichsunmittel, making it subject only to the Emperor. Hereswitha was to be the first abbess but died on her way there; and Benedicta took her place.[6]

After his wife's death, Ansfried wanted to become a monk. However, in 995, Emperor Otto III and Bishop Notker of Liège persuaded the reluctant Ansfried to assume the then vacant see of Utrecht. Ansfried objected that as he had borne weapons as a knight, he was unworthy of the office; but the emperor prevailed. The elderly count laid down his sword on the altar of St. Mary in Aachen and was ordained priest and consecrated eighteenth Bishop of Utrecht in the same ceremony.[6] Bishop Ansfried never took a commission in the royal army, in contrast to Notger and the Bishop of Cologne.[7]

In 1006 Bishop Ansfried founded the abbey of Heiligenberg, also under the patronage of St. Michael.[8] Toward the end of his life he became increasingly weakened through fasting, and retired there as a monk,[6] caring for the sick, although almost blind himself.

Upon his death, townsfolk from Heiligenberg took possession of his body, while the people of Utrecht were extinguishing a not coincidental fire. The abbess of Thorn mediated and Ansfried was buried in the Cathedral of Saint Martin in Utrecht.[1]

Veneration

His feast day was 3 May but was later moved to 11 May.

Patronage

St. Ansfried is the patron saint of Amersfoort.

Iconography

Ansfried is portrayed holding a small church building (as a founder); as a knight with weapons at his feet, because he renounced the knighthood; with a bishop's miter and staff; or as a Benedictine monk.

The stained glass windows in St. John's Cathedral in Den Bosch depicting the seven sacraments. The sacrament of Holy Orders portrays St. Ansfried.

Bl. Albert of Bergamo

Feastday: May 11

Death: 1279

Dominican tertiary and miracle worker. Albert was a farmer living near Bergamo, Italy, where he became a Dominican Third Order member. Married, he was a champion of the poor in his hometown of Ogna. Sometime in his adult life, Albert went on a pilgrimage to the famous shrine at Santiago de Compostela in Spain. He also visited Rome and Jerusalem, perilous journeys in his era. After his pilgrimages, Albert settled in Cremona, Italy, where he became known for his piety and for his many miraculous works to benefit others.

St. Anastasius VII

Feastday: May 11

Death: 251

Martyr and convert to Christ. He was a tribune in the Roman army in the reign of Decius. Forced to torture Christians as part of the imperial persecution of the faithful, Anastasius was impressed by their courage and loyalty. He became a convert, and when his Christian faith was discovered he and his family, as well as all of his servants, were beheaded.

St. Anastasius VI

Feastday: May 11

Shop St. Anastasius VI

Patron saint of Lerida, Spain, a martyr. Anastasius' life is not documented, though he could have been any one of the martyred men of that name venerated by the Church. Leridans, however, believe that their patron was born in the city.

Saint Ignatius of Laconi

Also known as

Vincenzo Peis

† இன்றைய புனிதர் †

(மே 11)

✠ லாக்கோனி நகர் புனிதர் இக்னேஷியஸ் ✠

(St. Ignatius of Laconi)

கப்புச்சின் சபை துறவி:

(Capuchin Monk)

பிறப்பு: டிசம்பர் 10, 1701

லாக்கோனி, சார்டினியா

(Laconi, Kingdom of Sardinia)

இறப்பு: மே 11, 1781 (வயது 79)

கக்ளியரி, சார்டினியா அரசு

(Cagliari, Kingdom of Sardinia)

அருளாளர் பட்டம்: ஜூன் 16, 1940

திருத்தந்தை பன்னிரெண்டாம் பயஸ்

(Pope Pius XII)

புனிதர் பட்டம்: அக்டோபர் 21, 1951

திருத்தந்தை பன்னிரெண்டாம் பயஸ்

(Pope Pius XII)

பாதுகாவல்:

ஒரிஸ்டானோ (Oristano)

மாணவர்கள்

யாசகர்கள்

நினைவுத் திருநாள்: மே 11

புனிதர் இக்னேஷியஸ், ஒரு சார்டினியன் கப்புச்சின் சபை துறவியும் கத்தோலிக்க புனிதரும் ஆவார். தமக்கு நேர்ந்த ஒரு தீவிர நோயின் காரணமாக தமது வாழ்க்கையை கடவுளுக்கு அர்ப்பணித்த இவர், சார்டினியாவிலுள்ள கப்புசின் துறவு மடத்தில் இணைந்து, குருத்துவம் பெறாத ஒரு துறவியானார். ஏழ்மை நிலையில் உள்ளவர்களிடம் அக்கறை காட்டியதாலும், அவரது எளிய மனப்பான்மையாலும், அவர் சார்டினியாவில் நன்கு அறியப்பட்டார். தாம் சந்தித்த எல்லா மக்களோடும் கலந்து, நோயுற்றவர்களிடம் தாராள மனப்பான்மையுடன் இருந்தார். ஆனால் அவர் தனது வாழ்நாளில், ஒரு வியக்கத்தக்க அற்புதங்கள் செய்பவர் என அறியப்பட்டார். மற்றும் அவர் தனது வாழ்நாள் முழுதும், 121 அற்புதங்களை நிகழ்த்தியதாக கூறப்பட்டது.

“வின்சென்ஸோ பெய்ஸ்” (Vincenzo Peis) எனும் இயற்பெயர் கொண்ட புனிதர் இக்னேஷியஸ், கி.பி 1701ம் வருடம், டிசம்பர் மாதம், பத்தாம் நாளன்று, சார்டினியா (Sardinia) அரசிலுள்ள “லக்கோனி” (Laconi) நகரில் உள்ள ஒரு ஏழை விவசாயி குடும்பத்தில் பிறந்தார். இவரது தந்தையார் பெயர், “மட்டியா பெய்ஸ் கடெல்லோ” (Mattia Peis Cadello) ஆகும். தாயாரின் பெயர், “அன்னா மரியா சன்னா கஸு” (Anna Maria Sanna Casu) ஆகும். இவரது திருமுழுக்குப் பெயர், “ஃபிரான்செஸ்கோ இக்னேஸியோ வின்சென்ஸோ” (Francesco Ignazio Vincenzo) ஆகும்.

தமது பெற்றோருக்கு உதவுவதற்காக வயல்வெளிகளில் உழைத்த வின்சென்ஸோ, தமது இள வயதில் தீவிர நோயால் தாக்குண்டு, மிகவும் வேதனை அடைந்தார். தமது நோய் குணமானதும் "கப்புச்சின் இளம் துறவியர் சபையில் சேர்ந்து (Order of Friars Minor Capuchin) தமது வாழ்வை இறைவனுக்கு அர்ப்பணிப்பதாக வேண்டிக்கொண்டார். இவரின் மன்றாட்டை இறைவன் கேட்டதால் இவர் பூரண குணமடைந்தார். நலமடைந்த இவர், தமது பெற்றோர் "ஃபிரான்சிஸ்கன்" (Franciscans) சபையில் சேர்வதற்கு ஆட்சேபனை தெரிவித்ததால் தாம் இறைவனிடம் செய்த சத்தியத்தை மறந்துபோனார்.

அதன்பிறகு ஒருநாள் தனது 20ம் வயதில் குதிரை சவாரி செய்கையில் குதிரையின் மீதிருந்து கீழே விழுந்ததில் பலமாக அடிபட்டார். அப்போதுதான் அவர் இறைவனிடம் செய்த சத்தியத்தை மீண்டும் நினைவு கூர்ந்தார். மீண்டும் இறைவனிடம் இறைவேண்டல் செய்தார். இம்முறை, புனிதர் அசிசியின் ஃபிரான்சிஸ் (Saint Francis of Assisi) அவர்களை உதவிக்கு வேண்டி செபித்தார். ஆனால் தன் நோயை கண்டிப்பாக குணமாக்க வேண்டுமென்று செபிக்காமல், இறைவன் விரும்பினால் குணமாக்கட்டும் என்று செபித்தார். இம்முறை அவரது பெற்றோர் "ஃபிரான்சிஸ்கன்" (Franciscans) சபையில் சேர்வதற்கு ஆட்சேபனை ஏதும் தெரிவிக்கவில்லை. இவர், “புனிதர் லாரன்சை” (St. Lawrence of Brindisi) தனது தனிப்பட்ட முன்மாதிரியாக எடுத்துக் கொண்டார்.

இக்னேஷியஸ் "கக்ளியரி" (Cagliari) என்னுமிடத்திலிருந்த கப்புச்சின் துறவற மடத்தில் இணைய அனுமதி வேண்டினார். ஆனால், இவரது பலவீனமான உடல்நிலை கண்ட துறவு மடத்தின் தலைமைப் பொருப்பிலிருந்தவர்கள் தயங்கினார்கள். செல்வாக்குடைய நண்பர் ஒருவரின் தலையீட்டால் இவருக்கு மடத்தில் அனுமதி கிட்டியது.

இக்னேஷியஸ் நாற்பது வருடங்களுக்கும் மேலாக தமது மடத்திலிருந்த துறவியருடன் நட்புடனும், சுமூகமான உறவுடனும், அனைவரையும் மகிழ்ச்சிப்படுத்தியும், உதவி செய்தும் வாழ்ந்தார். பிறருக்கு பணிவிடை செய்து வாழ்ந்தார். ஆனால் அவர் பிறரைப்பற்றி ஒரு சிறிய அளவில் கூட குறை கூறவில்லை. அவரின் உதடு கடுமையான சொற்களை ஒரு நாளும் உச்சரிக்கவில்லை. அவருக்கு வேலை பளு அதிகமானபோதும் பிறரிடம் அதை ஒப்படைக்காமல், புன்முறுவலுடன் செய்து முடிப்பார்.

தனது வாழ் நாட்களில் தனது உடலில் ஏற்பட்ட ஒவ்வொரு நோய்களையும் இறைவனிடம் இறைவேண்டுதல் செய்தே குணம் பெற்றார். தமது வாழ்வின் இறுதி இரண்டு வருட காலம் கண் பார்வையில்லாது வாழ்ந்தாலும் தமது அன்றாட பணிகளை செய்வதை தவிர்க்கவில்லை. இக்னேஷியஸ், கி.பி 1781ம் ஆண்டு, மே மாதம், 11ம் நாளன்று, மாலை சுமார் மூன்று மணியளவில், “கக்ளியாரி” (Cagliari) நகரில் மரணமடைந்தார். www.stjck.blogspot.com

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Son of a poor farmer with seven children, Ignatius grew up in hard rural poverty, working the fields. At age 17, he became very ill, and promised to become a Franciscan if he was spared. When he was cured, his father convinced him to wait. At age 20 Ignatius was almost killed when he lost control of his horse; suddenly the horse stopped, and trotted on quietly. Ignatius was convinced God had saved his life again, and he decided to follow his religious vocation at once. He joined the Capuchin monastery of Saint Benedict at Buoncammino, Italy as a lay brother, taking his vows in 1722.

Worked fifteen years in his house's weaving shed, then spent forty years as part of a team who went house to house asking food and donations for the friars. People soon realized they received a gift in return from Brother Ignatius as he consoled the sick and the lonely, and cheered children of the street. He made peace between enemies, converted sinners, advised people in trouble.

People noticed Igantius would skip the house of a rich money-lender, a man who never forgave a debt, and who felt slighted because Ignatius passed his house. He complained to Brother Ignatius' superior, who knew nothing about the money-lender, and so sent Ignatius to the house. The saint returned with a large sack of food, but when the sack was emptied, blood dripped out. "This is the blood of the poor," Ignatius softly explained. "That is why I never ask for anything at that house."

Born

17 December 1701 at Laconi, Nuoro, Italy as Vincenzo Peis

Died

11 May 1781 in Cagliari, Italy of natural causes

Canonized

21 October 1951 by Pope Pius XII

Saint Matthêô Lê Van Gam

Addtional Memorial

24 November as one of the Martyrs of Vietnam

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Eldest son in a pious Christian family. Matthew briefly studied at the seminary at Lai Thieu in the apostolic vicariate of Cochinchina (modern Vietnam), but being the first-born, family obligations caused him to return home. He married to a local girl, and was the father of four, two of whom were later murdered for being Christians. At one point he cheated on his wife; he repented, she forgave him, and he used the incident to re-examine his approach to his life and faith. He decided that the best thing would be become closer to the Church, to serve in his diocese, and to help the missionaries.

During the persecutions of emperor Thiêu Tri in 1846, Mattheo, a skilled sailor, smuggled a group of threatened seminarians out of the county to Malaysia. The authorities suspected him of smuggling contraband into the country, and increased their surveillance of him when he was at sea. Stopped on another run in July to saved some diocesan clergy, he managed to bribe some of the soldiers, but was arrested, beaten, whipped, and ordered to desecrate a cross to prove his renunciation of Christianity. When he refused, he was imprisoned for 10 months, regularly tortured, and eventually executed for the crime of helping the missionaries. Martyr.

Born

c.1813 in Gò Công, Biên Hòa, Vietnam

Died

beheaded on 11 May 1847 in Cho Ðui, Dong Nai, Vietnam; it took three blows to kill him

Canonized

19 June 1988 by Pope John Paul II

Saint Francis of Girolamo

† இன்றைய புனிதர் †

(மே 11)

✠ புனிதர் ஃபிரான்சிஸ் டி கிரோலமோ ✠

(St. Francis de Girolamo)

குரு:

(Priest)

பிறப்பு: டிசம்பர் 17, 1642

குரோட்டக்லி, அபுலியா, நேப்பிள்ஸ் அரசு

(Grottaglie, Apulia, Kingdom of Naples)

இறப்பு: மே 11, 1716 (வயது 73)

நேப்பிள்ஸ், நேப்பிள்ஸ் அரசு

(Naples, Kingdom of Naples)

ஏற்கும் சமயம்:

ரோமன் கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபை

(Roman Catholic Church)

முக்திபேறு பட்டம்: மே 2, 1806

திருத்தந்தை ஏழாம் பயஸ்

(Pope Pius VII)

புனிதர் பட்டம்: மே 26, 1839

திருத்தந்தை பதினாறாம் கிரகோரி

(Pope Gregory XVI)

நினைவுத் திருநாள்: மே 11

பாதுகாவல்:

நேப்பிள்ஸ் (இணை பாதுகாவலர்)

Naples (co-patron)

புனிதர் ஃபிரான்சிஸ் டி கிரோலமோ, இயேசு சபையைச் சேர்ந்த இத்தாலி நாட்டின் ஒரு ரோமன் கத்தோலிக்க குரு ஆவார்.

புனிதர் ஃபிரான்சிஸ் டி கிரோலமோ, பாவிகளை மனமாற்றுவதற்காகவும், ஏழைகளைச் சென்றடைவதற்கும் அயராது உழைத்தார். அநேக மக்களின் மனதை அதிக நம்பிக்கையுடன் வென்றார். தமது பெரும்பான்மையான காலத்தையும் சக்தியையும் நேபிள்ஸ் நாட்டிலேயே செலவிட்டதால், நேபிள்ஸ் () நாட்டின் அப்போஸ்தலர் என்று அழைக்கப்படுகிறார்.

அவர் கி.பி. 1642ம் ஆண்டு, டிசம்பர் மாதம், 17ம் தேதியன்று, நேபிள்ஸ் (Kingdom of Naples) இராச்சியத்தின், "க்ரோட்டாக்லி" (Grottaglie) நகரில் வாழ்ந்திருந்த "ஜியோவானி லியோனார்டோ டி ஜெரோனிமோ" (Giovanni Leonardo di Geronimo) எனும் தந்தைக்கும், "ஜென்டிலெஸ்கா கிராவினா" (Gentilesca Gravina) எனும் தாயாருக்கும் பிறந்த பதினொரு குழந்தைகளில் மூத்தவராக பிறந்தார்.

தனது 12 வயதில் புதுநன்மை வாங்கிய பின்னர், அவர் தனது ஊரில் உள்ள "தியேட்டினைன்" சபை (House of the Theatines) குருக்களின் சமூகத்துடன் வாழச் சென்றார். அவர், சிறப்புமிக்க திறன்களை பெற்றவர் என்பதனை குருக்கள் தெளிவாகக் கண்டுகொண்டனர். மேலும் சபையில், மறைக்கல்வி கற்பித்தல் உள்ளிட்ட அநேக பொறுப்புக்களை அவரிடம் ஒப்படைக்கத் தொடங்கினர்.

சிவில் மற்றும் நியதிச் சட்டங்களை கற்பதற்காக நேபிள்ஸ் நகர் சென்ற ஃபிரான்சிஸ், கி.பி. 1666ம் ஆண்டில் அங்கேயே குருத்துவ அருட்பொழிவு பெற்றார். (24 வயதுகூட நிரம்பாத இளைஞராக இருந்த காரணத்தால், குருத்துவ அருட்பொழிவிற்கு அவருக்கு சிறப்பு அனுமதி கிடைக்க வேண்டியிருந்தது). அவர் நேபிள்ஸில் உள்ள இயேசுசபையின் (Jesuit Order) ஒரு பல்கலைக்கழகத்தில் ஐந்து ஆண்டுகள் கற்பிக்கும் பணியாற்றினார். அங்குள்ள மாணவர்கள் அவரை "தூய குரு" (The Holy Priest) என்று குறிப்பிட்டு அழைக்கத் தொடங்கினர்.

இயேசுசபையில் (Jesuit Order) சேர முடிவு செய்த ஃபிரான்சிஸ், அவரது மேலுள்ள உயர் குருக்களால் பல சிரமமான சோதனைகளுக்குள்ளானார். எவ்வாறாயினும், அவர் குருக்கள் அனைவரது மனதையும் கவர்ந்தார். மேலும் ஒரு பிரபலமான போதகருடன் மறைப்பணிகளுக்காக அனுப்பப்பட்டார். பின்னர் அவர் நேபிள்ஸ் நகருக்குத் திரும்பி, தமது கல்வியை முடித்து அங்குள்ள ஒரு தேவாலயத்தில் பணி நியமனம் மேற்றார்.

ஒரு மறைப்பணியாளராக ஜப்பான் நாட்டுக்குச் செல்ல ஃபிரான்சிஸ் தீவிரமாக விரும்பினார். அங்கு சென்று இறங்கிய ஒவ்வொரு மிஷனரியும் கொல்லப்பட்டதாக அங்கிருந்து வந்த அறிக்கைகள் தெரிவித்தன. அவர் நேபிள்ஸ் நகரிலேயே இருக்க வேண்டும் என்று முடிவு செய்யப்பட்டது. எனவே அவர் மற்ற மறைப்பணியாளர்களுக்கு பயிற்சி அளிக்கத் தொடங்கினார்.

அவருடைய மறையுரைகளைக் கேட்க ஏராளமான மக்கள் கூடினர். மேலும் பலர் அவரை ஒப்புரவு அருட்சாதனத்திற்காக நாடினர். அவரது பரிந்துரை காரணமாக, அநேக அற்புதங்களும் அதிசயங்களும் நிகழ்ந்ததாக தெரிவிக்கப்பட்டன. ஒவ்வொரு ஆண்டும் அவர் 400க்கும் மேற்பட்ட பாவிகளை மனம் மாற்றினார் என்று மதிப்பிடுகின்றனர். மருத்துவமனைகளில் உள்ள நோயாளிகளையும், சிறையில் அடைக்கப்பட்டிருந்த மரணதண்டனைக்கு காத்திருப்பவர்கள் உள்ளிட்ட கைதிகளையும் அவர் தவறாமல் பார்வையிடச் சென்றார். குற்றச் செயல்களுக்கு மோசமாக பெயர்பெற்ற பல இடங்களுக்கு - அவர்களுடைய சொந்த பிரதேசத்தில் கூட பாவிகளையும் குற்றவாளிகளையும் சந்திப்பதில் அவர் அச்சமின்றி இருந்தார். அவரது இம்முயற்சிகளுக்காக அவர் பல முறை தாக்கப்பட்டார்.

சில நேரங்களில் அவர் தெருவின் நடுவில் பிரசங்கிக்கத் தொடங்குவதற்கான தன்னிச்சையான வேட்கையை உணருவார். ஒரு இரவு, ஒரு புயல் காற்றின் நடுவில், இருண்ட சந்து ஒன்றில், யாருமற்ற இடத்தில் பிரசங்கிக்க ஆரம்பிக்கும்படி அழைக்கப்பட்டதாக அவர் உணர்ந்தார். மறுநாள், ஒரு திறந்த ஜன்னல் வழியாக அவரிடம் ஒப்புரவு பெறுவதற்காக ஒருவர் வந்தார்.

அவர் மாற்றிய மாற்றிய குற்றவாளிகளுள் மிகவும் பிரபலமானவர், ஒரு ஃபிரெஞ்சு பெண் ஆவார். தனது தந்தையை கொலை செய்துவிட்டு ஸ்பெயின் நாட்டுக்கு தப்பி ஓடினார். அங்கு அவர் ஒரு ஆணாக உடை அணிந்து இராணுவத்தில் சேர்ந்தார். அவர் ஃபிரான்சிஸிடமிருந்து ஆன்ம வழிநடத்துதலைத் வேண்டினார். மேலும் அவள் செய்த பாவங்களிலிருந்து மனந்திரும்பியது மட்டுமல்லாமல், ஒரு புனிதப் பெண்ணாகவும் பின்னர் அறியப்பட்டார்.

"ப்ளூரிடிஸ்" (Pleuritis) எனும் நோயால் தாக்குண்ட புனித பிரான்சிஸ் டி ஜிரோலாமோ, தனது 74 வயதில் மரித்தார். அவரது நினைவுச் சின்னங்கள் (மிச்சங்கள்) பேராலயத்தில் உள்ள நினைவுச் சின்னங்களை வைக்கும் பேழையில் வைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன.

Also known as

• Francis di Girolamo

• Francis de Geronimo

• Francis de Hieronymo

• Franciscus de Hieronymo

• Francis Jerome

• Francis of Jerome

Profile

Studied humanities and philosophy at the Jesuit college of Taranto, Italy at age 16; studied theology and canon law at the college of Gesu Vecchio. Ordained on 18 March 1666 at Naples, Italy, and served as a parish priest. Joined the Jesuits at age 28 on 1 July 1670. Rural missioner in and around Naples for 40 years.

Successful and effective preacher. Ministered in prisons, brothels, and galleys. Converted Moor and Turkish prisoners of war. Rescued chidren from dangerous and degrading situations. Opened a charity pawn shop. Organized laymen into a group called Oratio della Missione to help fellow Jesuit missioners. Numerous miraculous cures were attributed to him in and after his life. His coffin was thronged by the people of Naples during his funeral procession. A few of his letters have survived, but no sermons.

Born

17 December 1642 at Grottaglie, Apulia, near Taranto, Italy

Died

11 May 1716 at Naples, Italy of natural causes

Beatified

2 May 1806 by Pope Pius VII

Canonized

26 May 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI

Patronage

Grottaglie, Italy

Saint Gengulphus of Burgundy

Also known as

Gandoul, Gangloff, Gangolf, Gangolfo, Gangulf, Gangulfus, Gangulphus, Genf, Gengolfo, Gengou, Gengoul, Gengoux, Gengulf, Gigou, Gingolph, Golf, Gongolf

Profile

Born to wealthy Burgundian nobility, he became knight and courtier. Married a noble woman who proved frequently unfaithful. Ashamed of her actions, but not wishing her harm, Gengulphus became a hermit in his castle at Avallon, France, leaving his staff of servants to care for his wife. Murdered in his bed by his wife's lover. Especially admired in the Netherlands, Belgium, and the Savoy.

Born

Burgundy, France

Died

760

Saint Mamertus of Vienne

Also known as

Mamertius, Mammertus

Profile

Well-educated, and probably born to the Gallic nobility. May have been married at one point. Archbishop of Vienne, France in 461. Known for his secular and theological learning, and for bringing back the faith to an indifferent region. Involved in a dispute with Pope Saint Hilarius in 463 about the privileges of the diocese of Arles, France. Brought back the tradition of rogation processions which soon gained papal approval and were used throughout Europe. Built a church in honor of Saint Ferreolus whose relics were discovered in his diocese. A miracle worker, he is reported to have ended an urban disaster - through prayer he stopped a fire that was destroying the city of Vienne one Easter night.

Born

near Lyons, France

Died

• c.477 at Vienne, France of natural causes

• interred in the cathedral of Orleans, France

• relics burned by Huguenots in the 16th century

Blessed Gjon Koda

Also known as

Brother Serafin

Profile

Franciscan Friar Minor. Priest, celebrating his first Mass on 30 July 1925. Vicar in Lezhë, Albania where he was arrested and tortured by Communist authorities; they tried to get him to say that his brother Franciscans gathered for political reasons and were plotting against the state. It was a lie, and Father Serafin refused to “confess” to save himself. Martyr.

Born

25 April 1893 in Janjevë (Janjevo), Lypjan, Serbia

Died

• nails driven through his throat on 11 May 1947 in Lezhë, Albania

• secretly buried nearby, his grave was re-discovered on 16 September 1994

• relics re-interred in the walls of the Franciscan church of in Lezhë

Beatified

• 5 November 2016 by Pope Francis

• beatification celebrated at the Square of the Cathedral of Shën Shtjefnit, Shkodër, Albania, presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato

Blessed Gregory Celli of Verucchio

Also known as

• Gregory Celli

• Gregory of Verucchio

Profile

Augustinian monk in the monastery founded by his mother in Verucchio, Italy. For unknown (and apparently unjust) reasons that have not come down to us, he was dismissed by the Augustinians from the Order, but was immediately taken in by the Franciscans at Monte Carnerio.

Born

c.1225 at Verucchio, diocese of Rimini, Italy

Died

1343 at Franciscan monastery at Monte Carnerio, Rieti, Italy

Beatified

1769 (cultus confirmed)

Patronage

against drought

Blessed John Rochester

Additional Memorial

4 May (as one of the Carthusian Martyrs)

Profile

Son of John Rochester of Terling and Grisold of Bobbingworth. Carthusian choir monk at the London Charterhouse. Priest. Exiled by the government to the Charterhouse of Saint Michael at Hull, Yorkshire. Martyred with Blessed James Walworth for refusing to accept King Henry VIII as head of the Church.

Born

c.1498 at Tealing, Essex, England

Died

hanged in chains from the battlements of York, England on 11 May 1537

Beatified

20 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII

Saint Criotan of Macreddin

Also known as

• Criotan of Aghavannagh

• Criotan of Aghamanagh

• Criotan Mac Iolladon

• Chritoc, Chritocus, Credan, Credanus, Credin, Credus, Cridanus, Critanus, Mochritocus

Profile

Son of Illudion (Iladon, Lolladon). After inadvertently killing his father, Criotan withdrew from the world to live as a swineherd. Spiritual student of Saint Petroc. Monk. Travelled to Ireland to study with holy men in Ireland for 20 years, and then returned to Cornwall. Founded the church in Sancreed, Cornwall.

Born

6th century Cornwall, England

Died

7th century of natural causes

Blessed Gautier di Esterp

Also known as

• Gautier de Limousin

• Gualterio, Gualtiero, Walter

Profile

Born to the French nobility. Educated by the Augustinians at Dorat, France. Joined the Augustinians in Dorat. Priest. Abbot of the monastery of l'Esterp, Limousin, France where he served for 38 years. Known for love and support of his brother canons, and his charity to the poor.

Born

990 at Conflans Castle, Aquitaine (in modern France)

Died

• 11 May 1070 at the monastery of l'Esterp near Limoges in modern France

• interred in the church at the l'Esterp monastery

Blessed James Walworth

Additional Memorial

4 May (as one of the Carthusian Martyrs)

Profile

Carthusian priest and choir monk at the London Charterhouse. Exiled by the government to the Charterhouse of Saint Michael at Hull, Yorkshire. Martyred with Blessed John Rochester.

Born

English

Died

hanged in chains on 11 May 1537 from the battlements of York, England

Beatified

20 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII

Saint Anthimus of Rome

Profile

Parish priest in Rome, Italy, noted for his conversions, including that of a Roman prefect. The official's change of faith brought Anthimus to the attention of Roman officials who condemned him to drown in the Tiber for his religion. Thrown in, he was rescued by an angel. Continuing his work, Anthimus was later recaptured and martyred.

Died

beheaded in 303 on the Via Salaria outside Rome, Italy

Representation

man being pulled from a river by an angel

Saint Mozio of Constantinople

Also known as

Mocio

Profile

Born to a wealthy imperial Roman family. Priest. Ordered by governor Laodicio to make a sacrifice to the god Bacchus, Mozio refused; he was tortured by was not harmed by it and still refused to make the sacrifice. Martyr.

Born

Amphipolis, Macedonia

Died

• beheaded in 295 in Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey)

• by 402 there was a church was built over his grave

Saint Mayeul

Also known as

Maiolus

Profile

Archdeacon of Macon, France. When he saw he was to be made bishop, he became a monk at Cluny Abbey. Chosen assistant abbot in 954, and then abbot in 965 much against his will. Mayeul was devoted to learning, and led his brothers by good example. Counselor to Emperor Otto I and Emperor Otto II. Otto II wanted to put him forth as papabile, but Mayeul would have none of it.

Born

c.906 at Avignon, France

Died

994 at Souvigny, France en route to Paris

Saint Anastasius of Lérida

Also known as

• Anastasius of Badalona

• Anastasi of...

Profile

Son of Lleida. Imperial Roman soldier. Martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian.

Born

Lérida, Catalonia, Spain

Died

303 in Catalonia, Spain

Patronage

• Badalona, Spain

• Lérida, Spain

Blessed Vincent L'Hénoret

Profile

Member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Priest. Martyr.

Born

12 March 1921 in Pont-l'Abbé, Finistère, France

Died

11 May 1961 in Ban Ban, Xieng Khouang, Laos

Beatified

• 11 December 2016 by Pope Francis

• beatification recognition celebrated in Vientiane, Laos, presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato

Blessed Diego of Saldaña

Profile

Mercedarian. Founded the monastery of Conxo at Santiago de Compostela, Spain, and the convent of Monterrey in Verin, Spain. Auxiliary Bishop of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Died

1493 in Avila, Spain of natural causes

Saint Majolus of Cluny

Also known as

Maieul, Majodus, Mayeul

Profile

Priest. Monk at Cluny Abbey in France, taking the cowl partly to avoid becoming a bishop. Abbot of Cluny. Advisor to popes and emperors.

Born

c.906 in Avignon, France

Died

994 of natural causes

Saint Tudy

Also known as

Tegwin, Thetgo, Tudec, Tudinus, Tudi

Profile

Spiritual student of Saint Brioc. Monk, hermit and missionary in Brittany. Abbot at Landevennec, Brittany. Founded monasteries. Missionary to Cornwall.

Born

at Brittany, France

Blessed Vivaldus

Also known as

Gualdo, Ubaldo

Profile

Franciscan tertiary. A close friend of Blessed Bartholomew Buonpedoni, he tended to Bartholomew and assisted in his twenty-year ministry to lepers.

Died

1300 of natural causes

Beatified

1909 by Pope Pius X (cultus confirmed)

Saint Evellius of Pisa

Profile

Imperial advisor to emperor Nero. Converted to Christianity after witnessing the courage and faith of martyrs. He left the imperial court and fled Rome, but was captured and executed. Martyr.

Born

Pisa, Italy

Died

beheaded c.66 in Pisa, Italy

Saint Walbert of Hainault

Also known as

Vaubert

Profile

Born to the nobility. Married to Saint Bertilia of Thuringia. Father of Saint Waltrude and Saint Aldegundis.

Born

Hainault (in modern Belgium)

Died

c.678

Saint Illuminatus of San Severino

Profile

Benedictine monk at San Mariano Abbey, San Severino, Marches of Ancona, Italy.

Born

at San Severino, Marches of Ancona, Italy

Died

c.1000

Saint Possessor of Verdun

Profile

Magistrate in Verdun, France. Bishop of Verdun in 470. Led his diocese during a period of constant invasion by and trouble with Franks, Vandals and Goths.

Died

c.485

Saint Fremund of Dunstable

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Hermit. Martyred by pagan Danish invaders.

Died

• 866

• relics enshrined in Dunstable, England

Saint Maiulo of Hadrumetum

Also known as

Maiolo

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Martyr.

Died

mauled by wild animals in 3rd century Hadrumetum, Libya

Saint Diocletius of Osimo

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