இன்றைய புனிதர்கள் மே 16

 

St. John Nepomucene

Feastday: May 16

Patron: of Bohemia

Birth: 1345

Death: 1393

In his early childhood, John Nepomucene was cured of a disease through the prayers of his good parents. In thanksgiving, they consecrated him to the service of God. After he was ordained, he was sent to a parish in the city of Prague. He became a great preacher, and thousands of those who listened to him changed their way of life. Father John was invited to the court of Wenceslaus IV. He settled arguments and did many kind deeds for the needy people of the city. He also became the queen's confessor. When the king was cruel to the queen, Father John taught her to bear her cross patiently. One day, about 1393, the king asked him to tell what the queen had said in confession. When Father John refused, he was thrown into prison. A second time, he was asked to reveal the queen's confession. "If you do not tell me," said the king, "you shall die. But if you obey my commands, riches and honor will be yours." Again Father John refused. He was tortured. The king ordered to be thrown into the river. Where he drowned, a strange brightness appeared upon the water. He is known as the "martyr of the confessional." He is patron of Czechoslovakia, where he is invoked against floods and against slander. His feast day is May 16.

John of Nepomuk (or John Nepomucene) (Czech: Jan Nepomucký; German: Johannes Nepomuk; Latin: Ioannes Nepomucenus[1]) (c. 1345 – 20 March 1393)[2] is the saint of Bohemia (Czech Republic) who was drowned in the Vltava river at the behest of Wenceslaus IV of Bohemia. Later accounts state that he was the confessor of the queen of Bohemia and refused to divulge the secrets of the confessional. On the basis of this account, John of Nepomuk is considered the first martyr of the Seal of the Confessional, a patron against calumnies and, because of the manner of his death, a protector from floods and drowning.[2]

Basic biographical information

Jan z Pomuku came from the small market town of Pomuk (later renamed Nepomuk) in Bohemia, now in the Czech Republic, which belonged to the nearby Cistercian abbey.

Born in the 1340s, his father was a certain Velflín (Welflin, Wölflin) and his mother is unknown. His father's name is probably a derivative of the German name Wolfgang.[3]

Jan first studied at the University of Prague, then furthered his studies in canon law at the University of Padua from 1383 to 1387. In 1393 he was made the vicar-general of Saint Giles Cathedral by Jan of Jenštejn (1348–1400), who was the Archbishop of Prague from 1378 to 1396. In the same year, on 20 March, he was tortured and thrown into the river Vltava from Charles Bridge in Prague by order of King Wenceslaus IV.

Martyrdom of St. John Nepomuk by Szymon Czechowicz, National Museum in Warsaw.

The Dead Body of John of Nepomuk on the banks of the Vltava cca 1760 by Franz Xaver Palko.

At issue was the appointment of a new abbot for the rich and powerful Benedictine Abbey of Kladruby; its abbot was a territorial magnate whose resources would be crucial to Wenceslaus in his struggles with nobles. Wenceslaus at the same time was backing the Avignon papacy, whereas the Archbishop of Prague followed its rival, the pope at Rome. Contrary to the wishes of Wenceslaus, John confirmed the archbishop's candidate for Abbot of Kladruby, and was drowned on the emperor's orders on 20 March 1393.

This account is based on four contemporary documents. The first is the accusation of the king, presented to Pope Boniface IX on 23 April 1393, by Archbishop Jan of Jenštejn, who immediately went to Rome together with the new abbot of Kladruby.[4]

A few years later Abbott Ladolf of Sagan listed John of Nepomuk in the catalog of Sagan abbots, completed in 1398,[5] as well as in the treatise "De longævo schismate", lib. VII, c. xix.[6]

A further document is the "Chronik des Deutschordens"/Chronik des Landes Preussen, a chronicle of the Teutonic Order compiled by John of Posilge, who died in 1405.[7]

In the above accusation, Jan of Jenštejn already calls John of Nepomuk a "saint martyr". The biography of the bishop (written by his chaplain) describes John of Nepomuk as "gloriosum Christi martyrem miraculisque coruscum" (in English: "a glorious martyr of Christ and sparkling with miracles").

Thus, the vicar put to death for defending the laws and the autonomy of the Catholic Church became revered as a saint directly after his death.

Saint Simon Stock

Also known as

• Simon Anglus

• Simon the Englishman

Profile

Little is known of his early life. Legend says that at age twelve he began to live as a hermit in a hollow oak tree; the name Stock is believed derived from the old English for tree trunk. Itinerant preacher. Pilgrim to the Holy Lands, but left when invading Muslims chased out Christians. Joined the Carmelite Order soon after its arrival in England.

Simon lived and studied for several years in Rome, Italy and Mount Carmel. Elected sixth general of the Carmelites in 1247 around age 82. He helped the Order spread through England, southern and western Europe. Founded houses in Cambridge, England in 1248, Oxford in 1253, Paris, France in 1260, and Bologna, Italy in 1260. Revised the Rule of the Order to make them mendicant friars instead of hermits.

Regardless of these successes, the Order was oppressed on all sides, including by the clergy and other orders. The friars took their woes to their patroness, the Virgin Mary. Tradition says that in answer, she appeared to Simon bringing him the brown Scapular of Mount Carmel. "This shall be the privilege for you and for all the Carmelites," she told him, "that anyone dying in this habit shall be saved." On 13 January 1252 the Order received a letter of protection from Pope Innocent IV, protecting them from harassment.

Born

c.1165 in Aylesford, County Kent, England

Died

• 16 May 1265 in the Carmelite monastery at Bordeaux, France of natural causes while on a visit

• skull transferred to the Carmelite friary in Aylesford, England in 1951

Canonized

• never formally canonized

• venerated by the Carmelites since at least 1564

• the Vatican has approved Carmelite celebration of his feast

Patronage

Bordeaux, France

Saint Brendan the Navigator

Also known as

• Brendan the Voyager

• Brendan McFinlugh

• Brendan of Clonfert

• Brendan of Cluain Ferta

• Borodon, Brandan, Brendain, Breandan

Additional Memorials

• 6 January as one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland

• 14 June (translation of relics)

Profile

Son of Findloga; brother of Saint Briga. Monk. Educated by Saint Ita of Killeedy and Saint Erc of Kerry. Friend of Saint Columba and Saint Brendan of Birr, Saint Brigid, and Saint Enda of Arran. Ordained in 512. Built monastic cells at Ardfert, Shankeel, Aleth, Plouaret, Inchquin Island, and Annaghdown. Founded Clonfert monastery and monastic school c.559. Legend says that this community had at least three thousand monks, and that their Rule was dictated to Brendan by an angel.

Brendan and his brothers figure in Brendan's Voyage, a tale of monks travelling the high seas of the Atlantic, evangelizing to the islands, possibly reaching the Americas in the 6th century. At one point they stop on a small island, celebrate Easter Mass, light a fire - and then learn the island is an enormous whale!

Born

460 at Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland

Died

• c.577 at Annaghdown (Enach Duin)

• buried at Clonfert, Ireland

Patronage

• boatmen, mariners, sailors, watermen

• travellers

• whales

• diocese of Ardfert, Ireland

• diocese of Clonfert, Ireland

• diocese of Kerry, Ireland

Saint Honorius of Amiens

Also known as

Honoratus, Honortus, Honoré

Profile

Born to the nobility. Known as a pious child, he was educated by Saint Beatus of Amiens. Reluctant bishop of Amiens, France, believing himself unworthy. Legend says that a ray of divine light and holy oil appeared upon his head at the time of his selection as bishop. Re-discovered the relics of Saint Victoricus of Amiens, Saint Fuscian of Amiens, and Saint Gentian of Amiens, which had been lost for 300 years.

Legend says that when word reached the family home in Porthieu that Honorius had been chosen bishop, his old nursemaid, who was baking bread at the time, announced that the boy was no more going to be a bishop that then baker's peel she was leaning on would turn back into a tree. The wooden peel promptly grew roots and branches and turned into a blackberry tree what was still be shown to pilgrims 900 years later. This naturally led to a baker's peel being one of his emblems, and his patronage of trades associated with baking.

Born

Porthieu, Amiens, France

Died

• 30 September 653 at Porthieu, Amiens, France of natural causes

• miracles reported at his tomb, especially in 1060 when his body was exhumed

Patronage

• against drought

• bakers

• bakers of holy wafers

• cake makers

• candlemakers, chandlers

• confectioners

• corn chandlers

• florists

• flour merchants

• oil refiners

• pastry chefs

Saint Andrew Bobola

இன்றைய புனிதர் 

(மே 16) 

✠ புனிதர் ஆண்ட்ரூ பொபோலா ✠ 

போலந்து நாட்டின் மறைசாட்சி:

பிறப்பு: கி.பி. 1591

சண்டோமிர் பலடைன், போலந்து அரசு 

இறப்பு: மே 16, 1657 

ஜானாவ், போலந்து 

ஏற்கும் சமயம்:

ரோமன் கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபை 

முக்திபேறு பட்டம்: அக்டோபர் 30, 1853

திருத்தந்தை ஒன்பதாம் பயஸ் 

புனிதர் பட்டம்: ஏப்ரல் 17, 1938

திருத்தந்தை பதினோறாம் பயஸ் 

நினைவுத் திருநாள்: மே 16 

பாதுகாவல்: 

போலந்து, வார்சாவ் உயர்மறை மாவட்டம் 

புனிதர் ஆண்ட்ரூ, ஒரு போலிஷ் மறைப்பணியாளரும், இயேசு சபையின் மறைசாட்சியும் ஆவார். “லித்துவானியாவின் அப்போஸ்தலர்”  என்றும், "ஆன்மாக்களை வேட்டையாடுபவர்" என்றும் அறியப்படுகிறார். 

கி.பி. 1591ம் ஆண்டு, பிறந்த பொபோலா, கி.பி. 1611ம் ஆண்டு, தமது இருபதாம் வயதில் "விளினஸ்" எனும் இடத்திலுள்ள இயேசு சபையில்  இணைந்தார். கி.பி. 1622ம் ஆண்டு, குருத்துவ அருட்பொழிவு செய்விக்கப்பட்ட இவர், ஆலோசகராகவும், போதகராகவும் இயேசு சபை இல்ல தலைவராகவும் பல்வேறு இடங்களில் பணியாற்றினார். 

கி.பி. 1652ம் ஆண்டு முதல் கிரேக்க பிரிவினையைச் சேர்ந்தவர்களால் போலந்து நாட்டில் குழப்ப சூழ்நிலை நிலவிய காலகட்டத்தில் லித்துவேனியாவில்  மறைபணியாளராக பணியாற்றினார். அப்போது போலந்து நாட்டில் மிகவும் குழப்பம் ஏற்பட்டது. பிரிவினையாளர்கள் வெறி பிடித்தவர்களைப் போல நடந்துகொண்டனர். ஆனால் ஆண்ட்ரூ அவர்களிடையே அஞ்சாமல், பணிவுடன் மறைப் பணியாற்றினார். ஏழை எளியவர்களின் குடிசைகளுக்கு சென்று, அவர்களை சந்தித்து, மறைக்கல்வியை நுணுக்கமாகக் கற்றுக்கொடுத்தார். போலந்து நாட்டில் பிளேக் நோய் பரவியபோது, நோயுற்ற மக்களை பரிவுடன் கவனித்துக்கொண்டார். 

“கோசாக்ஸ்” என்றழைக்கப்பட்ட குழப்பக்காரர்கள் போலந்து நாட்டிலிருந்த கத்தோலிக்க மக்களை வேரோடு அழிக்க திட்டமிட்டனர். அப்போது ஜானாவ் என்ற இடத்தில் இவர்களின் பிடியில் ஆண்ட்ரூ சிக்கிக்கொண்டார். இக்கொடிய வெறியர்கள் இவரை தடியாலும், சாட்டையாலும் அடித்தனர். குதிரையின் பின் காலில் இவரை காட்டி, குதிரையை அடித்து, வேகமாக ஓடவிட்டனர். குதிரை ஓடிய இடமெல்லாம் இவரை இழுத்து சென்றது. இதனால் குரு ஆண்ட்ரூ சாகும் தருவாய்க்கு தள்ளப்பட்டார். 

அப்போது அவர்கள் ஆண்ட்ரூவிடம், “நீ ஒரு குருவா?” என்று வினவி ஏளனம் செய்தனர். அப்போது ஆண்ட்ரூ, "ஆம், நான் கத்தோலிக்க விசுவாசத்தில் பிறந்தவன். நான் குருதான். குருவாகவே கிறிஸ்துவுக்காக இறக்கவும் விரும்புகிறேன்" என்று கூறினார். மீண்டும், "நான் கிறிஸ்துவுக்காக இறப்பதால், அவர் எனக்கு மீட்பளிப்பார். நீங்களோ மனந்திரும்புவீர்கள். அதற்கு நீங்கள் தவம் புரிவீர்கள், இல்லையேல் மீட்பு பெறமாட்டீர்கள்" என்று கூறினார். இச்சொற்களை கேட்டதால் மேலும் அவர்கள் சீற்றங்கொண்டு, முன்பைவிட பன்மடங்கு துன்புறுத்தினர். ஆண்ட்ரூவின் தலையில் அடித்து, கூரிய ஈட்டியால் தலையில் குத்தினார்கள். அவரின் உடலில் தோலை உரித்தனர். தீப்பந்தங்களை வைத்து அவரது நெஞ்சில் சுட்டு, காயம் உண்டாக்கினர். அப்போது கூட ஆண்ட்ரூ மனம் தளரவில்லை. மாறாக, தமது விசுவாசப் பிரமாணத்தை சொல்லிக் கொண்டிருந்தார். 

இவரின் விசுவாசத்தைக் கண்ட அவர்கள், மீண்டும் ஆண்ட்ரூவின் காதுகளையும், மூக்கையும் வெட்டினர். நாவையும் கண்களையும் பிடுங்கி எறிந்தனர். சாகும் நிலையில் புனிதர் கிடந்தபோதும், பகைவர்கள் மனமிரங்காமல் தொடர்ந்து துன்புறுத்தினர். இறுதியாக இரக்கமற்றவர்களின் துன்புறுத்தல்களை தாங்கமுடியாமல், கி.பி. 1657ம் ஆண்டு, மே மாதம், 16ம் நாளன்று, இப்புனிதரின் தூய ஆன்மா இறைவனடி சேர்ந்தது.

Also known as

• Andrzej Bobola

• Apostle of Lithuania

• Hunter of Souls

Additional Memorials

• 21 February in Poland

• 23 May (Jesuits)

Profile

Born to the Polish nobility. Studied at the Jesuit school at Sandomierz, Poland. He joined the Jesuits on 31 July 1611 at Vilna, Lithuania. Studied and taught philosophy. Ordained on 12 March 1622. Parish priest at Vilna in 1625. Superior of the Jesuit community at Bobrinks in 1630. Worked with the sick during a plague outbreak.

Successful missionary to the Orthodox from 1636 to 1656, preaching along the roads, bringing whole villages back to Catholicism. In 1652 Prince Radziwell gave Andrew a house in Pinsk as a refuge for Jesuits hiding from the Cossacks and Tartars. He was captured just after Mass on 10 May 1657 during a Cossack raid on Pinsk. He was severely beaten, dragged by horses, tortured, hacked with knives, skinned alive, and when he tried to pray for them, they tore out his tongue and murdered him, all for being a Christian; he never surrendered his faith. Martyr.

Born

30 November 1591 at Sandomierz, Poland

Died

• beheaded at Janow on 16 May 1657 at Pinsk (in modern Belarus)

• buried at the Jesuit school in Pinsk, but his grave was forgotten when the Jesuits were forced to abandon the town

• he later appeared in visions to the rector of the school, pointing out his grave

• relics translated to Polosk in 1808

• body found incorrupt

• body later taken to Moscow, Russia by the Bolsheviks

• body taken to Rome, Italy in 1922

• currently entombed at the Jesuit church in Cracow, Poland

Canonized

17 April 1938 by Pope Pius XI

Patronage

• Poland

• archdiocese of Warsaw, Poland

Saint Ubaldus Baldassini

Also known as

• Ubaldus of Gubbio

• Ubaldo, Ubald, Ubalde

Profile

Born to the nobility. Related to Saint Sperandia. Ubaldo's father, Rovaldo Baldassini, died when the boy was very young; his mother was an invalid, afflicted with what we now consider a neurological disease. Raised by his uncle. Educated by the prior of the cathedral in Gubbio, Italy. Canon regular. Monk at the Monastery of Saint Secondo in Gubbio for several years. Dean of the cathedral in Gubio. Ordained in 1115. Around 1120 he convinced the canons of his chapter to live a common life together under the rule given by Peter degli Onesti; this communal life was designed to keep them out of worldly ways. Ubaldo wanted to be a hermit, but was advised against it, and in 1128 he accepted the bishopric of Gubbio. Known as a patient, gentle, and brave pastor to his people. Convinced Emperor Frederick Barbarossa not to sack Gubbio as he had done other cities. The tomb and shrine of Ubaldus is still a place of pilgrimage.

Born

c.1085 at Gubbio near Ancona, Umbria, Italy as Ubaldo Baldassini

Died

• around sunrise on Monday 16 May 1160 at Gubbio near Ancona, Umbria, Italy of natural causes

• relics re-interred on 11 September 1194

• his right hand little finger is held as a relic in Thann, France

Canonized

1192 by Pope Celestine III

Blessed Vladimir Ghika

Also known as

• Vladimir Ghica

• Apostolic Wanderer

Profile

Born a Romanian prince, grandson of the last ruler of Moldavia, Prince Gregory V. Studied in Toulouse, France, at the University of Paris, in Romania, and at the Dominican university in Rome, Italy. Established the first free hospital in Romania, and the country's first ambulance service. Ordained in Paris, France on 7 October 1923. On 3 August 1939 he returned to the archdiocese of Bucharest, Romania, and cared for his parishioners, the sick, and refugees throughout World War II. Arrested by Communists on 18 November 1952 for the crime of being Christian. Tortured, beaten, starved, and finally martyred.

Born

25 December 1873 in Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey)

Died

16 May 1954 in Jilava, Bucharest, Romania from years of torture, starvation and general abuse

Beatified

• 31 August 2013 by Pope Francis

• beatification recognition celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Amato in Bucharest, Romania

Saint Possidius of Calama

Profile

Spiritual student of Saint Augustine of Hippo. Bishop of Calama, Numidia in North Africa in 397. He preached against Arianism, Donatism and Pelagianism in his diocese. He and his priests were assaulted by followers of these heresies, and his churches damaged; Possidius was eventually driven into exile by Arian Vandals. Brought relics of Saint Stephen the Martyr to his diocese, and established Augustinians at the cathedral. Wrote a biography of Saint Augustine, and compiled a catalogue of Augustine's work.

Born

c.370 in North Africa

Died

c.440 in Mirandola, Italy of natural causes

Canonized

19 August 1672 by Pope Clement X

Patronage

• Mirandola, Italy

• Rhegio, Italy

Blessed Vitaliy Bayrak

Also known as

• Vitalii Bairak

• Vitalij Bajrak

• Volodomyr Bairak

Profile

Greek Catholic. Joined the Basilian Order of Saint Josaphat monastery on 4 September 1924. Ordained on 13 August 1933. Prior of Drohobych in 1941. Arrested for his faith on 17 September 1945 by the NKVD. On 13 November 1945 his property was confiscated, and he was sentenced to eight years in a forced labour camp. Martyr.

Born

24 February 1907 at Shvaikivtsy, Ternopil's'ka oblast', Ukraine

Died

beaten to death on 21 April in 1946 in prison at Drohobych, L'vivs'ka oblast', Ukraine

Beatified

27 June 2001 by Pope John Paul II at Ukraine

Saint Peregrinus of Auxerre

Also known as

Pellegrino

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Missionary to Auxerre, Gaul (modern France), sent by Pope Saint Sixtus II to serve as the area's first bishop. Worked with Saint Curcodomus of Auxerre. Killed by order of the area's imperial governor when he tried to interfere with the consecration of a temple to the pagan god Jupiter. Martyr.

Born

Rome, Italy

Died

beheaded c.261 in Bouhy, France

Blessed Michal Wozniak

Additional Memorial

12 June as one of the 108 Martyrs of World War II

Profile

Priest in the archdiocese of Warsaw, Poland. Imprisoned, tortured and murdered by Nazis for the crime of being a Catholic priest. Martyr.

Born

28 July 1875 in Suchým Lesie, Pecice, Mazowieckie, Poland

Died

16 May 1942 in the concentration camp at Dachau, Oberbayern, Germany

Beatified

13 June 1999 by Pope John Paul II

Blessed Adam of San Sabine

Also known as

Adam of Fermo

Profile

Hermit on Mount Vissiano near Fermo, Italy. Benedictine monk at San Sabine abbey. Abbot of San Sabine.

Born

at Fermo, Italy

Died

• c.1210 a San Sabine abbey of natural causes

• re-interred in the cathedral of Fermo, Italy

Patronage

against epilepsy

Blessed Adam of Adami

Profile

Franciscan friar and preacher based in the convent of Fermo, Italy. Legend says that when he preached outdoors he would tell the birds to keep quiet, and, of course, they would. Once, having gotten lost in a forest, he encountered a wolf; he asked it to lead him to his original destination, and, of course, it did.

Died

c.1286 at the Franciscan convent of Fermo, Italy of natural causes

Saint Fidolus of Aumont

Also known as

• Fidolus of Troyes

• Fal, Fidolo, Fidouls, Phal

Profile

Son of an official in Auvergne, France. Kidnapped and sold into slavery, he was ransomed by Abbot Aventinus of Aumont Abbey near Troyes, France. Fidolus became a monk himself, and then abbot of Aumont, which was later called Saint-Phal in memory of his holiness.

Died

c.540

Blessed Louis of Mercy

Also known as

Ludovico della Pieta

Profile

Contemplative Mercidarian at the convent of Saint Antolino in Valladolid, Spain. In 1331 he ransomed 207 Christian slaves from Moorish occupied Granada.

Died

14 century in Valladolid, Spain

Saint Abdas of Cascar

Also known as

Audas of Cascar

Profile

Bishop of Cascar in Persia. Martyred with 28 companions whose names have not come down to us at the start of the persecutions of the Persian emperor Sapor. Abdas was tempted with release and rewards to break the seal of confession; he refused.

Died

420 at Ledan, Persia

Saint Francoveus

Also known as

Franchy

Profile

Seventh-century monk in Saint Martin de la Bretonnière (modern Sainte Maire, Nièvre), France. Noted for the jealousy he caused by living strictly according the Benedictine Rule. When the abbey was destroyed, he lived as a hermit in the Nivernais region near Nevers, France.

Saint Germerius of Toulouse

Also known as

Germier

Profile

Bishop of Toulouse, France for 50 years.

Born

c.480 in Angouleme, France

Died

c.560 in Dux, France of natural causes

Saint Annobert of Séez

Also known as

Alnobert, Alnobertus

Profile

Monk at Almenèches, France. Bishop of Séez, France c.685.

Died

c.689

Saint Carantoc

Also known as

Carantock, Carannog, Carantocus, Carentoc

Profile

Sixth-century monk. Abbot. Founded the church of Llangranog in Wales.

Saint Carantac

Also known as

Carantog, Caimach, Carnath, Cairnach, Carantoc

Profile

Worked with Saint Patrick to bring Christianity to Ireland.

Born

5th century Wales

Saint Primael of Quimper

Profile

Hermit near Quimper, France.

Born

British Isles

Died

c.450

Saint Peregrinus of Terni

Profile

Bishop of Terni, Italy, and founder of its cathedral.

Died

c.138

Saint Hilary of Pavia

Profile

Bishop of Pavia in northern Italy. Fought Arianism.

Died

376 of natural causes

Saint Fort of Bordeaux

Also known as

Forannan

Profile

First Bishop of Bordeaux, France. Martyr.

Saint Gennadius of Uzalis

Profile

Martyr.

Died

Uzalis in North Africa

Saint Diocletian of Osimo

Profile

Martyr.

Died

Osimo, Italy

Saint Maxima of Fréjus

Profile

Nun in the area of Fréjus, France.

Saint Felix of Uzalis

Profile

Martyr.

Died

Uzalis in North Africa

Saint Fiorenzo of Osimo

Profile

Martyr.

Died

Osimo, Italy

Saint Aquilinus of Isauria

Profile

Martyr.

Saint Victorian of Isauria

Profile

Martyr.

Martyrs of Saint Sabas

Profile

A group of 44 monks, whose names have not come down to us, who were massacred by Moors at the monastery of Saint Sabas in Palestine.

இன்றைய புனிதர்கள் மே 15

 St. Peter

Feastday: May 15

Death: 3rd century

Martyr during the brutal persecutions of the Church under Emperor Trajanus Decius. A native of the area around the Hellespont, Peter was put to death at Troas with Sts. Andrew, Dionysia, and Paul.

St. Jeanne de Lestonnac

Feastday: May 15

Patron: of abuse victims, people rejected by religious orders, widows

Birth: 1556

Death: 1640

Image of St. Jeanne de LestonnacIn France, in the XVI century and in Bordeaux, the port at the mouth of the Garonne which became an important centre for Humanism, we approach Jeanne de Lestonnac's life.

Entering her home, we meet Richard de Lestonnac, her father - a counsellor in the Parliament of Bordeaux - and Jeanne Eyquem de Montaigne, her mother. Perhaps Montaigne's name is familiar. You will have heard, maybe, about Michael de Montaigne, the philosopher who wrote the "Essays" and created a new literary genre. He was Jeanne's uncle; they were great friends and his influence can be seen in her work.

Jeanne, the eldest of the Lestonnac - Eyquem de Montaigne family, was born in 1556. During this century a sharp political and religious conflict was raging. The advance of the Protestant Reformation, led by Calvin's followers, clashed with Catholic tradition, and the effects were felt everywhere. While still a child, Jeanne experienced the consequences of the religious differences between her parents. Her father - a fervent Catholic -wished to share his faith with her and had her baptized. Her mother "was convinced that the greatest benefit she could bestow on her daughter was to educate her in the religion of Calvin."

The girl's faith was put to the test and eventually gained from the struggle. Jeanne opted for her father's faith. Her first spiritual experience was as if an interior voice confirmed her choice and left an impression on her for the rest of her life.

"Be careful, daughter. Don't let the fire that I have enkindled in your heart, to serve me so fervently, ever die out."

Her desire to serve the Lord made her search for models of great women, such as St. Scholastica, St. Clare, St. Catherine of Siena, St.Teresa of Avila... but, considering the situation of religious life in France, it was difficult for her to pursue her ideal. When her father proposed that she marry, she took it as a clear sign of God's will.

Jeanne de Lestonnac, O.D.N., (December 27, 1556 – February 2, 1640), alternately known as Joan of Lestonnac, was a Roman Catholic saint and foundress of the Sisters of the Company of Mary, Our Lady, in 1607. The new institute, approved by Paul V in 1607, was the first religious order of women-teachers approved by the Church. Her feast day is May 15.

St. Gerebrand

Feastday: May 15

Death: 7th century

Martyred Irish priest, companion of St. Dymphna. He was quite elderly when he went with St. Dymphna to Belgium, where they were slain by pagans. Gerebrand, sometimes called Gerebern, is patron of a Rhineland area.

St. Dionysia

Feastday: May 15

Death: 1st century

Martyr, who died at the age of sixteen in Lampsacus, Mysia. Dionysia witnessed the trial of three Christians, Nichomacus, Peter, and Andrew. During a torture on the rack, Nichomacus recanted and denied Christ. Dionysia rebuked him for his cowardice and was arrested. She was tortured and turned over to three men for physical assault. An angel halted their advances, and Dionysia escaped. She did not flee the area, but went to the arena where Andrew and Peter hadjust died. There, she demanded martyrdom beside the two saints, but soldiers carried her to another site, where she died by the sword.

St. Caesarn

Feastday: May 15

Virgin recluse at Otranto in southern Italy. To defend her virtue, Cacsarea took refuge in a cave near Otranto. The site became a popular pilgrimage destination.

St. Britwin

Feastday: May 15

Death: 733

Benedictine abbot of Beverley, England, and friend of St. John of Beverley, who became the bishop of York. Britwin did much to foster monasticism and culture in England.

St. Dymphna

Feastday: May 15

Patron: of those suffering for nervous and mental afflictions

Birth: 7th century

Death: 7th century

Canonized: on 620

Image of St. Dymphna

Dymphna was born in Ireland sometime in the seventh century to a pagan father and devout Christian mother. When she was fourteen, she consecrated herself to Christ and took a vow of chastity. Soon afterward, her mother died and her father - who had loved his wife deeply - began to suffer a rapid deterioration of his mental stability.

So unhinged was Dymphna's father, Damon, that the King's counselors suggested he remarry. Though he was still grieving for his wife, he agreed to remarry if a woman as beautiful as she could be found.

Damon sent messengers throughout his town and other lands to find woman of noble birth who resembled his wife and would be willing to marry him, but when none could be found, his evil advisors whispered sinful suggestions to marry his own daughter. So twisted were Damon's thoughts that he recognized only his wife when he looked upon Dymphna, and so he consented to the arrangement.

When she heard of her father's misguided plot, Dymphna fled her castle with her confessor, a priest named Gerebran, two trusted servants, and the king's fool. The group sailed toward what is now called Belgium, and hid in the town of Geel.

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Though it becomes uncertain what exactly happened next, the best-known version claims the group settled in Geel, where Dymphna built a hospital for the poor and sick, but in using her wealth, her father was able to discover her location.

When Damon found his daughter was in Belgium, he traveled to Geel and captured them. He ordered the priest's head to be separated from his body and attempted to convince Dymphna to return to Ireland and marry him.

When Dymphna refused, Damon became enraged and drew his sword. He struck Dymphna's head from her shoulders and left her there. When she died, Dymphna was only fifteen-years-old. After her father left Geel, the residents collected both Dymphna and Gerebran's remains and laid them to rest in a cave.

In defense of her purity, Dymphna received the crown of martyrdom around the year 620 and became known as the "Lily of Éire. In 1349, a church honoring St. Dymphna was built in Geel, and by 1480, so many pilgrims were arriving in need of treatment for mental ills, that the church was expanded. The expanded sanctuary was eventually overflowing again, leaving the townspeople to accept them into their homes, which began a tradition of care for the mentally ill that continues to this day.

Unfortunately, in the 15th century, the original St. Dymphna Church in Geel burned to the ground, and the magnificent Church of St. Dymphna was erected and consecrated in 1532, where it still stands above the location her body was originally buried.

Many miracles have been proven to take place at her shrine in the church erected in her honor, and her remains were placed in a silver reliquary in the church. Some of her remains can also be found at the Shrine to Saint Dymphna in the United States.

The priest who had helped Dymphna was also sainted, and his remains were moved to Xanten, Germany.

The United States National Shrine of Saint Dymphna is at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Massillon, Ohio and St. Dymphna's Special School can be found in ballina, County Mayo, Republic of Ireland.

Saint Dymphna is the patroness of those suffering nervous and mental afflictions as well as victims of incest.

Traditionally, Saint Dymphna is often portrayed with a crown on her head, dressed in royal robes, and holding a sword. In modern art, Saint Dymphna is shown holding the sword, which symbolizes her martyrdom, quite awkwardly. She is also often shown holding a lamp, while some holy cards feature her wearing green and white, holding a book and white lilies.

Prayer:

Hear us, O God, Our Saviour, as we honor St. Dymphna, patron of those afflicted with mental and emotional illness. Help us to be inspired by her example and comforted by her merciful help. Amen.

Saint Dymphna[1] is a Christian saint honoured in Catholic and Orthodox traditions.[2][3] According to tradition, she lived in the 7th century. She was murdered by her father.

The story of St. Dymphna was first recorded in the 13th century by a canon of the Church of St. Aubert at Cambrai, France. It was commissioned by Guiard of Laon (1238–1248), the Bishop of Cambrai.

The author expressly stated that his work was based upon a long-standing oral tradition as well as a persuasive history of miraculous healings of the mentally ill.

St. Torquatus

Feastday: May 15

Patron: of Guadix

Death: 1st century

Christian missionary in Spain, with Ctesiphon, Secundus, Indaletius, Caccilius, Hesychius, and Euphrasius. According to tradition, they were each disciples of the Apostles Peter and Paul and were sent to Spain to spread the faith. The majority of them suffered martyrdom in various parts of the Iberian peninsula, and each is honored on the same feast day; the Mozarabic rite also gives a common feast for them in its liturgy. Torquatus worked in the area around Granada.

Saint Torquatus (Spanish: Santo Torcuato) is venerated as the patron saint of Guadix, Spain. Tradition makes him a Christian missionary of the 1st century, during the Apostolic Age. He evangelized the town of Acci, identified as Guadix, and became its first bishop.

He is one of the group of Seven Apostolic Men (siete varones apostólicos), seven Christian clerics ordained in Rome by Saints Peter and Paul and sent to evangelize the Hispania. Besides Torquatus, this group includes Sts. Hesychius, Caecilius, Ctesiphon, Euphrasius, Indaletius, and Secundius (Isicio, Cecilio, Tesifonte, Eufrasio, Hesiquio y Segundo).

It is not certain whether Torquatus was a martyr or confessor of the faith.[1]

Veneration

The Gate of Saint Torquatus (Puerta de San Torcuato) in Guadix.

Torquatus' relics were rediscovered in the 8th century during the Moorish invasion of Spain, in a church built in his honor, near the Limia River.[1]

Torquatus' relics and those of Euphrasius were translated to Galicia.[2] Torquatus’ relics remained for a long time in the Visigothic church of Santa Comba de Bande (Ourense) (Santa Comba de Baños).

In the 10th century, Torquatus' relics were translated to San Salvador de Celanova (in Celanova, Ourense).[1]

In 1592, the sepulcher at Celanova was opened and part of Torquatus’ relics were distributed to Guadix, Compostela, and Ourense, and also to El Escorial, and to the Jesuit college at Guadix, and in 1627, to Granada.[1] The relics that remained in San Salvador de Celanova were placed in the main chapel of the church of the monastery, together with those of Saint Rudesind, the monastery’s founder.[1]

The cathedral of Guadix conserves three relics associated with Saint Torquatus: his arm, his jawbone, and his calcaneus (this last relic is not on display).[2]

It has been theorized[3] that Torquatus, may be a Christian version of the Celtic god Bandua

Saint Isidore the Farmer

† இன்றைய புனிதர் †

(மே 15)

✠ புனிதர் இஸிடோர் ✠

(St. Isidore the Laborer)

விவசாயிகளின் பாதுகாவல் புனிதர்:

(Patron Saint of Farmers)

பிறப்பு: கி.பி. 1070

மேட்ரிட், கேஸ்டைல் அரசு

(Madrid, Kingdom of Castile)

இறப்பு: மே 15, 1130 (வயது 59)

மேட்ரிட், கேஸ்டைல் அரசு

(Madrid, Kingdom of Castile)

ஏற்கும் சமயம்:

ரோமன் கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபை

(Roman Catholic Church)

அகில்பயன் திருச்சபை (ஃபிலிப்பைன் நாட்டின் தனி திருச்சபை)

(Aglipayan Church)

முக்திபேறு பட்டம்: மே 2, 1619

திருத்தந்தை ஐந்தாம் பவுல்

(Pope Paul V)

புனிதர் பட்டம்: மார்ச் 12, 1622

திருத்தந்தை பதினைந்தாம் கிரகோரி

(Pope Gregory XV)

நினைவுத் திருநாள்: மே 15

பாதுகாவல்:

மேட்ரிட், விவசாயம், விவசாயி, தினக்கூலி

புனிதர் இஸிடோர் ஒரு ஸ்பேனிஷ் பண்ணைத் தொழிலாளியும் ஏழைகள் மற்றும் கால்நடைகள் மீது கொண்ட அன்பின் காரணமாக நன்கு அறியப்பட்டவரும் ஆவார். இவர் "மேட்ரிட்" (Madrid) நகர் மற்றும் விவசாயிகளின் பாதுகாவல் புனிதர் ஆவார்.

ஸ்பெய்ன் நாட்டின் "மேட்ரிட்" (Madrid) நகரில் சுமார் கி.பி. 1070ம் ஆண்டு ஏழைப் பெற்றோருக்கு மகனாகப் பிறந்த இவர், கிறிஸ்தவ விசுவாசம் மிக்க குடும்பத்தைச் சேர்ந்தவர் ஆவார். இவர், "மேட்ரிட்" நகரின் புறநகர் பகுதியில் "ஜுவான் டி வர்காஸ்" (Juan de Vargas) எனும் பணக்கார நிலச்சுவான்தாரின் பண்ணையில் பண்ணைத் தொழிலாளியாக பணிபுரிந்தார்.

நடுத்தர வயதைக் கடந்த இஸிடோர், "மரியா டொர்ரிபியா" (Maria Torribia) எனும் இளம்பெண்ணை திருமணம் செய்தார். இவர்களுக்கு ஒரு ஆண் குழந்தை பிறந்தது. ஒருமுறை, இவர்களது குழந்தை மிகவும் ஆழமான ஒரு கிணற்றில் தவறி விழுந்துவிட்டது. இஸிடோர் மற்றும் மரியா இருவரும் செய்த செபத்தின் பலனாக கிணற்றின் நீர் மேலெழுந்து குழந்தை மேலே வந்ததாகவும் அது காப்பாற்றப்பட்டதாகவும் கூறப்படுகின்றது. தமது செபத்தினால் குழந்தை பிழைத்துக்கொண்டதற்கு நன்றி கூறும் விதமாக, அவர்களிருவரும் பாலியல் உறவைத் தவிர்ப்பதற்காக தனித்தனி வீடுகளில் வாழ்ந்தனர். அவர்களது மகன் பின்னர் இளம் வயதில் மரித்துப்போனான்.

இஸிடோர் ஏழைகளின் மீதும் கால்நடைகளின் மீதும் மிக்க அன்பு கொண்டவராக இருந்தார். தன்னிடம் உள்ள உணவு எதுவாகினும் அதனை ஏழைகளுக்கு கொடுத்தே தாமும் உண்பார்.

இஸிடோர் கி.பி. 1130ம் ஆண்டு, மே மாதம், 15ம் நாளன்று, மேட்ரிட் நகரினருகே மரித்தார்.

Also known as

• Isadore the Farmer

• Isidore Bonden

• Isidore of Madrid

• Isidore the Laborer

• Isidore the Worker

• Isidro Labrador

Profile

Pious farmer. Married to Saint Mary de la Cabeza. Their son died young; they became convinced it was the will of God that they not have children, and they lived together chastely the rest of their lives, doing good works. Accused by fellow workers of shirking his duties by attending Mass each day, taking time out for prayers, etc. Isidore claimed he had no choice but to follow the highest Master. One tale says that when his master came in the morning to chastise him for skipping work for church, he found angels plowing the fields in place of Isidore. Miracles and cures reported at his grave, in which his body remains incorrupt.

Born

c.1070 at Madrid, Castille (part of modern Spain)

Died

• 15 May 1130 at Madrid, Spain of natural causes

• buried at the Church of San Isidro in Madrid

Canonized

12 March 1622 by Pope Gregory XV

Patronage

• against the death of children

• agricultural workers, farm workers, farmers, field hands, husbandmen, ranchers

• day laborers

• for rain

• livestock

• rural communities

• United States National Rural Life Conference

• World Youth Day 2011

• diocese of Digos, Philippines

• diocese of Malaybalay, Philippines

• 24 cities

Blessed Andrew Abellon

Profile

In his youth he got to listen to the preaching of Saint Vincent Ferrer. Joined the Dominicans at Saint Maximin monastery. Priest. Prior of Saint Mary Magdalen monastery, Provence, France, a noted pilgrimage site; tradition says it is one of the places where Saint Mary Magdalen went after the Crucifixion, and the monastery laid claim to her relics. Supported missionaries and preached home missions. Noted artist in his day, especially known for his manuscript illuminations.

Born

1375 at Saint Maximin, Provence, France

Died

• 15 May 1450 at Aix-en-Provence, France of natural causes

• buried in the Church of the Magdalen

• his tomb became known as a site of miraculous cures

Beatified

1902 by Pope Leo XIII (cultus confirmed)

Patronage

against fever

Saint Euphrasius of Andújar

Also known as

• Euphrasius of Illiturgi

• Euphrasius of Illiturgis

• Euphemia, Eufrasio

• Apostle of Spain

Profile

First century spiritual student of the Apostles. One of the first group of missionaries to Spain, ordained by Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Martyr.

Legend says that he once travelled from Spain to Rome, Italy in 30 minutes in order to help the Pope; he managed the quick trip by bribing a captive goblin with leftover food. He is also reputed to have brought a portrait of the Virgin Mary which had been painted by Saint Luke and given to him by Saint Peter.

Died

• 1st century in Illiturgis, Spain

• church built over his sepulcher in the 7th century

• relics taken to the Mao River valley in the Lugo province of Galacia, Spain ahead of invading Moors

• re-interred in the church of Santa María do Mao, O Incio, Spain

• some relics taken to Ajaccio, Corsica

• some relics taken to the cathedral in Jaén, Spain

Patronage

• diocese of Ajaccio, France

• diocese of Jaén, Spain

• Corsica

• Ajaccio, France

• Andújar, Spain

Saint Hallvard of Oslo

Also known as

• Hallvard Vebjørnsson

• Hallvard of Lier

• Alvard, Alvardo, Halward

Profile

Born to the Norwegian royalty. In 1043, as he was about to cross the Drammenfjord in a boat, a woman ran up to him, begging his help; she claimed she was falsely accused of theft, and feared for her life. Hallvard took her aboard, but the pursuers reached them before he could push off. They demanded he give her up, but he refused, saying the woman swore she was innocent. One of the pursuers shot and killed both Hallvard and the woman with a bow. The mob attached a stone to Hallvard's body and threw it into the sea; it floated, and was later enshrined at Christ Church, Oslo, Norway. Revered as a martyr because he died in defense of innocence, in the best spirit of chivalry.

Born

c.1020

Died

• shot with an arrow c.1043 at Drammen, Drammen kommune, Buskerud fylke, Norway

• buried in the Saint Hallvard Cathedral, Oslo, Oslo kommune, Oslo fylke, Norway

Patronage

• protection of innocence

• protection of virtue

• Oslo, Norway

Saint Severinus of Septempeda

Also known as

Severino

Profile

Brother of Saint Victorinus of Camerino. The two brothers distributed their wealth to the poor in their area, then retired to live as hermits on Monte Nero, Italy. Ordered by Pope Vigilius to become Bishop of Septempeda, an area in the Marches of Ancona, Italy. Severinus was so successful at reviving the faith in his diocese that the town is now known as San Severino Marche in his honour.

Born

Septempeda (modern San Severino Marche, Italy)

Died

• 550 of natural causes

• interred in the cathedral in San Severino Marche, Italy

• relics hidden in the side altar of the cathedral during an incursion by the Goths

• relics taken to the site of his hermitage on Monte Nero, Italy on 3 November 590

• church built there and relics enshrined in 944

• relics hidden from invaders and lost in 1197

• relics re-discovered on 15 May 1576

Patronage

San Severino Marche, Italy

Saint Caesarea of Otranto

Additional Memorial

11 September in Santa Cesarea Terme, Italy; tradition says it's the date she fled her father's house

Profile

Daughter of Louis and Lucrezia. Following the death of her mother, the teenage Caesarea left home to escape the incestuous interests of her father. She consecrated herself to God, and withdrew from the world to live as an anchoress in a cave near Otranto, Italy where she devoted herself to prayer.

Born

14th century

Died

14th century of natural causes

Canonized

• due to her reputation for holiness, a church was soon built at the cave of Caesareo

• cultus known to have been in place in the 17th century

Patronage

• Porto Cesareo, Italy

• Santa Cesarea Terme, Italy

Saint Achilles of Larissa

Also known as

• Achilles of Thessaly

• Achilles the Thaumaturgist

• Achillas, Achillius, Ailus, Achilius

Profile

Born to an imperial Roman patrician family, he received a good education, especially in philosophy. On the death of his parents, he sold all his property, gave the money to the poor, and went on pilgrimage to the Holy Lands and then to Rome, Italy. Bishop of Larissa, Thessaly, Greece. Reported to have attended the first Council of Nicaea. Fought Arianism. Miracle worker.

Born

3rd century in Cappadocia, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey)

Died

• c.331 in Larissa, Thessaly of natural causes

• relics venerated at Presba, Bulgaria since 978

Saint Denysa of Troas

Also known as

Dionysia

Profile

A Christian girl ordered to sacrifice to pagan idols during the persecutions of Decius. She refused and was given over to a house of prostitution to be raped into submission. She fought against her "customers" until exhausted at which point her guardian angel appeared and frightened the men away from her. The next morning she fled the house to the site where a mob had dragged Saint Andrew and Saint Paul of Troas, and began proclaiming her faith. The proconsul had her dragged away and executed. Martyr.

Died

beheaded in Alexandria Troas (in modern Turkey) c.250

Saint Sophia of Rome

† இன்றைய புனிதர் †

(மே 15)

✠ புனிதர் சோஃபியா ✠

(St. Sophia of Rome)

மறைசாட்சி:

(Martyr)

பிறப்பு: இத்தாலி 

இறப்பு: கி.பி. 137

ரோம்

ஏற்கும் சமயம்:

ரோமன் கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபை

(Roman Catholic Church)

கிழக்கு மரபுவழி திருச்சபை

(Eastern Orthodox Church)

நினைவுத் திருநாள்: மே 15

புனிதர் சோஃபியா, ஓர் திருமணமான பெண் ஆவார். இவருக்கு 3 பெண் குழந்தைகள் பிறந்தனர். இவரின் முதல் குழந்தையின் பெயர் விசுவாசம் (Faith). இரண்டாவது குழந்தையின் பெயர் நம்பிக்கை (Hope). மூன்றாவது குழந்தையின் பெயர் "கருணை" (Charity).

1 கொரி 13-ல் குறிப்பிடும் இறைவார்த்தைகளை தன் குழந்தைகளுக்கு திருமுழுக்கு பெயராக வைத்தார் சோஃபியா. கிறிஸ்துவை இவர்கள் தங்களின் உயிருக்கும் மேலாக நேசித்தார்கள்.

கி.பி. 117ம் ஆண்டு முதல், கி.பி. 138ம் ஆண்டு வரையான காலகட்டத்தில் "ஹட்ரியான்" (Hadrian) எனும் கொடுங்கோல் அரசனில் ஆட்சி காலத்தில் கிறிஸ்தவ மக்கள் துன்புறுத்தப்பட்டனர். 

கிறிஸ்துவில் கொண்ட விசுவாசத்தினால் சோஃபியாவும் அவரது மூன்று மகள்களும் கொடிய வெறியர்களால் பலவித துன்பத்திற்கு ஆளானார்கள். குழந்தைகள் ஒவ்வொருவரையும் ஒருவர் பின் ஒருவராக கொன்றார்கள். அதன்பின் தாய் சோஃபியாவையும் கொன்றார்கள். சோஃபியாவை வைத்தே, அவரின் கைகளாலேயே தன் குழந்தைகளை கொன்று புதைத்தார்கள். பின்பு சோஃபியாவை குழந்தைகளின் கல்லறையிலேயே வைத்து அவரையும் கொலை செய்தார்கள்.

கி.பி. 778ம் ஆண்டுகளில் இவர்களது கல்லறைகளை ஆல்சேஸ்-ல் (Alsace) உள்ள "எஸ்ச்சாவ்" (Eschau) என்ற ஊரிலிருக்கும் ஒரு பெண்களின் துறவற மடத்திற்கு மாற்றப்பட்டுள்ளதாக வரலாறு கூறுகின்றது. அதன்பிறகு பல்கேரியா (Bulgaria) நாட்டின் தலைநகரை இப்புனிதரின் பெயர் கொண்டு சோஃபியா என்றழைக்கப்பட்டது. பின்னர் ஆறாம் நூற்றாண்டில் புனித சோஃபியாவிற்கென்று ஓர் ஆலயம் கட்டப்பட்டது. பின்னர் கி.பி. 1376-லிருந்து பல்கேரியா நாட்டின் சோஃபியா பேராலயம் மிகவும் புகழ் பெற்று பேசப்படுகின்றது. அதன் மறுபெயராக இவ்வாலயம் Holy Wisdom என்றழைக்கப்படுகின்றது. இவருக்கு பல்கேரியா நாட்டில் 20 மீட்டர் உயரமான ஒரு பெரிய சுரூபம் வைத்து இன்றுவரை வணங்கப்படுகின்றது.

Also known as

• Kalte Sophia

• Cold Sophia

• Wet Sophia

• Sophie. Sofia, Zofia

Profile

Young woman martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian.

Died

• c.304 in Rome, Italy

• buried in the cemetery of Gordianus and Epimachus outside Rome

• some relics enshrined at the convent at Eschau, France by Saint Remigius of Strasbourg in 778

• some relics enshrined at the high altar of the church of San Martino ai Monti in Rome by Pope Sergius II c.845

Patronage

• against late frosts

• for the growth of crops

Saint Gerebernus

Also known as

Genebern, Genebrard, Gerebern, Gereborn, Gerebran, Gerebrand

Profile

Aged 7th century Irish priest who baptized Saint Dympna in her infancy, accompanied her when she fled to Belgium, and died at her side.

Born

Ireland

Died

• beheaded in Gheel, Belgium

• head preserved as a relic at Gheel, Belgium

• relics enshrined at Sonsbeck, Germany where they have been the target of His "holy robbers", thieves who specialized in stealing relics

Patronage

• against fever

• against gout

• Sonsbeck, Germany

Saint Simplicius of Sardinia

Also known as

• Simplicius of Fausania

• Simplicius of Olbia

• Simplicio...

Profile

First bishop of Gallura, Italy. Marytred in the persecutions of Diocletian.

Died

buried alive in 304 in Sardinia, Italy

Patronage

diocese of Tempio-Ampurias, Italy

Saint Adiutor of Campania

Also known as

Adjutor, Adiutore

Profile

Priest in North African. Tortured and exiled by being stick in a boat without a rudder and sent out to sea by the Arian Vandals. The boat landed in the Campania region of southern Italy, and he resumed his ministry with the people there.

Patronage

diocese of Amalfi-Cava de 'Tirreni, Italy

Saint Bertha of Bingen

Also known as

Berta

Profile

Daughter of Pepin II. Married to a pagan. Mother of Saint Rupert of Bingen. Widow. Founded several hospices for the poor. Pilgrim to Rome, Italy. After the pilgrimage, she sold all her possessions, gave away her wealth, and spent the remainder of her life as a prayerful hermitess near Bingen, Germany.

Saint Hilary of Galeata

Also known as

Ellero, Ilaro

Profile

Hermit near the River Ronco, Italy. He and some others hermits joined to build the Galeata monastery; it was later renamed Sant-Ilaro in his honour, and given to the Camaldolese Order.

Died

558 of natural causes

Patronage

Lugo, Italy

Saint Isaias

Profile

Monk at the Monastery of the Caves under the direction of Saint Anthony and Saint Theodosius, founders of the house. Abbot at Saint Demtrius Abbey, Kiev in 1062. Bishop of Rostov in 1077. Evangelist to the unconverted of Rostov, teacher of the converted. Miracle worker.

Born

11th century Kiev, Ukraine

Died

• 1090 of natural causes

• relics enshrined in the Cathedral of Rostov, Russia in 1160

Saint Peter of Lampsacus

Profile

Martyred in the persecutions of Decius for refusing to sacrifice to a statue of Venus.

Died

beheaded c.250 in Lampsacus, Asia Minor

Blessed Joan Montpeó Masip

Profile

Seminarian of the archdiocese of Tarragona, Spain. Martyred in the Spanish Civil War.

Born

31 October 1918 in Borges del Camp, Tarragona, Spain

Died

15 May 1938 in Riudecols, Tarragona, Spain

Beatified

• 13 October 2013 by Pope Francis

• beatification celebrated in Tarragona, Spain

Saint Andrew of Troas

Profile

Christian imprisoned for refusing to sacrifice to pagan idols during the persecutions of Decius. After one night in prison, a mob stirred up by the priests of Diana demanded that he and Saint Paul be turned over to them. The two were scourged, dragged out of town, and murdered. Martyr.

Died

stoned to death in Alexandria Troas (in modern Turkey) c.250

Saint Paul of Troas

Profile

Christian imprisoned for refusing to sacrifice to pagan idols during the persecutions of Decius. After one night in prison, a mob stirred up by the priests of Diana demanded that he and Saint Andrew be turned over to them. The two were scourged, dragged out of town, and murdered. Martyr.

Died

stoned to death in Alexandria Troas (in modern Turkey) c.250

Saint Rupert of Bingen

Profile

Son of Saint Bertha of Bingen. Ninth-century hillside hermit near Bingen, Germany. Died while returning from pilgrimage to Rome, Italy. His hill has since been name Rupertsberg in his honour.

Born

near Mainz, Rhineland Palatinate (in modern Germany)

Saint Alvardo 

Profile

Wealthy merchant, and a cousin of King Olaf of Norway. Killed when he defended a woman falsely accused of theft. Martyr.

Born

Norway

Died

• 15 May 1043

• interred in the cathedral of Oslo, Norway

Saint Colman Mc O'Laoighse

Also known as

Columbanus Mc O'Laoighse

Profile

Sixth-century spiritual student of Saint Columba and Saint Fintan of Clonenagh. Founded a monastery in Oughaval, Ireland, and served as its first abbot. A church at Stradbally, Ireland is dedicated to him.

Blessed Clemente of Bressanone

Profile

Franciscan friar minor. Sent to the Pinerolo region to preach against Waldensianism, he brought many back to the faith.

Born

Bressanone, Italy

Died

murdered on 15 May 1655 near San Secondo di Pinerolo, Italy

Saint Rheticus of Autun

Also known as

Rheticius, Reticius, Rhétice

Profile

Bishop of Autun, France c.310. Both Saint Augustine of Hippo and Saint Jerome wrote about him and his knowledge of Scripture.

Born

Gallo-Roman

Died

334 of natural causes

Blessed Diego of Valdieri

Profile

Franciscan friar minor. Sent to the Pinerolo region to preach against Waldensianism, he brought many back to the faith.

Born

Valdieri, Italy

Died

murdered on 15 May 1655 near San Secondo di Pinerolo, Italy

Saint Bercthun of Beverley

Also known as

Bertin, Britwin, Brithwin, Brithun

Profile

Benedictine monk. Spiritual student of Saint John of Beverley. First abbot of Beverley in England.

Died

733

Saint Nicholas the Mystic

Profile

Patriarch of Constantinople. Deposed and exiled by emperor Leo VI when he opposed the emperor’s fourth marriage, which was prohibited by the laws of the Eastern Church.

Saint Hesychius of Gibraltar

Profile

First century spiritual student of the Apostles. One of the first group of missionaries to Spain. Marytr.

Saint Victorinus of Clermont

Profile

Convert. Martyred by Teutonic barbarians led by Chrocas.

Died

c.264 in Clermont, France

Saint Caecilius of Granada

Profile

First century spiritual student of the Apostles. One of the first group of missionaries to Spain.

Saint Cassius of Clermont

Profile

Priest. Martyred by Teutonic barbarians led by Chrocas.

Died

c.264 in Clermont, France

Saint Ctesiphon of Verga

Profile

First century spiritual student of the Apostles. One of the first group of missionaries to Spain.

Saint Indaletius of Urci

Profile

First century spiritual student of the Apostles. One of the first group of missionaries to Spain.

Saint Maximus of Clermont

Profile

Martyred by Teutonic barbarians led by Chrocas.

Died

c.264 in Clermont, France

Saint Secundus of Avila

Profile

First century spiritual student of the Apostles. One of the first group of missionaries to Spain.

Saint Waldalenus of Bèze

Profile

Brother of Saint Adalsindis. Founded the monastery of Bèze, France.

Martyrs of Maleville

Profile

50 Mercedarian friars murdered for their faith by Huguenots.

Died

1563 in the Mercedarian convent of Maleville in Rodez, France

Marytrs of Persia

Profile

Three Christians who were tortured, mutilated, imprisoned, starved and finally executed together for refusing to worship the sun and fire during the persecutions of Shapur II. We know nothing else about them but their names - Bohtiso, Isaac and Simeon.

Died

beheaded or burned at the stake (records vary) in the late 3rd century somewhere in Persia