Bl. Isidore Bakanja
Feastday: August 12
Birth: 1887
Death: 1909
Beatified: 24 April 1994 by Pope John Paul II
Isidore Bakanja (c. 1887 – 15 August 1909) was a Congolese Catholic layman who suffered martyrdom in 1909 and was beatified on 24 April 1994 by Pope John Paul II.
Life
Bakanja accepted the Christian faith at eighteen years of age through the ministry of Cistercian missionaries in the Belgian Congo. He was a very devout convert and catechist. Bakanja had a great love for the Blessed Virgin Mary that he expressed through recitation of the rosary and by being invested in the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. His Belgian colonist employers had ordered him to cease sharing the gospel as well as remove the scapular that he wore as a witness to his faith. Isidore's refusal to comply with the demands of his supervisor resulted in his being brutally beaten and chained.
As a result of the beating and persistent ill treatment he received, Bakanja's wounds became severely infected. As his condition worsened his supervisor sought to keep him from the view of the plantation's inspector. However, Bakanja was discovered and taken to the inspector's home for treatment. His condition had deteriorated so severely, however, that no further medical attention could help him.
At this point Isidore told the inspector "tell them that I am dying because I am a Christian." Missionaries in the area visited Isidore and urged him to forgive the supervisor. He assured them that he already had, declaring "When I am in heaven, I shall pray for him very much."[1]
Veneration
His feast day is 15 August, on 12 August in the liturgical calendar of the Carmelite order.
The National Shrine of Saint Jude, Faversham, United Kingdom contains an icon of Isidore. In 2004 a fire broke out in the Shrine Chapel which destroyed the murals which hung there, and it damaged much of the other artwork. The decision was made to install icons depicting saints inspired by the Carmelite Rule of Saint Albert, and in commemoration of the 8th centenary of the Carmelite Rule in 2007. The icons were written by Sister Petra Clare, a Benedictine hermit living in Scotland, United Kingdom
St. Eusebius of Milan
Feastday: August 12
Death: 462
Bishop of Milan, Italy, the successor of St. Lazarus. A Greek by birth, Eusebius aided Pope St. Leo the Great in repressing the heresy of Eutychianism.
Eusebius (Italian: Eusebio) was Archbishop of Milan from 449 to 462. He is honoured as a saint and his feast day is 12 August.[1]
Life
According to the writings of Ennodius, bishop of Pavia in early 6th-century, Eusebius was Greek. He probably participated, as bishop of Milan, to a synod held in Rome in 449 which condemned the doctrines of Eutyches, deemed to be heretic.[2] Surely Eusebius was the addressee of a letter written by Pope Leo the Great and carried to Milan in 451 by Abundius bishop of Como and Senator, who were returning to North Italy from Constantinople. In 451 Eusebius convened a Provincial Council in Milan, attended by eighteen bishops,[1] where the Tome of Leo was read and approved, and consequently the doctrines of Eutyches were condemned.[2]
The main political event in Eusebius' episcopate was the 452 invasion of Italy by the Huns led by Attila. The Huns razed Aquileia and then moved East and sacked numerous cities such as Padua. They entered also in Milan where Attila occupied the imperial palace and set fire to a large part of the town, destroying also the cathedral of Saint Tecla.[3] Eusebius, along with many citizens, fled from the Huns and left the town. They returned in Milan only when Attila was convinced by Pope Leo to retire. Eusebius led the reconstruction of the town, including the cathedral which was re-consecrated in 453 by Maximus II bishop of Turin (not to be confused with Saint Maximus of Turin)[2] who for the occasion spoke the homely De reparatione ecclesiae mediolanensis.[4]
Eusebius died on 8 August, probably in 462, and his remains were interred in the city's basilica of St. Lorenzo Maggiore. His feast is celebrated on 12 August.[3] A late tradition, with no historical basis, associates Eusebius with the Milan's family of the Pagani.
Saint Jeanne de Chantal
புனிதர் ஜேன் ஃபிரான்செஸ் டி சான்ட்டல்
நிறுவனர்:
பிறப்பு: ஜனவரி 28, 1572
டிஜோன், பர்கண்டி, ஃபிரான்ஸ்
இறப்பு: டிசம்பர் 13, 1641 (வயது 69)
மௌலின்ஸ், ஃபிரான்ஸ்
ஏற்கும் சமயம்:
ரோமன் கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபை
முக்திபேறு பட்டம்: நவம்பர் 21, 1751
திருத்தந்தை 14ம் பெனடிக்ட்
புனிதர்பட்டம்: ஜூலை 16, 1767
திருத்தந்தை 13ம் கிளமென்ட்
முக்கிய திருத்தலங்கள்:
அன்னேஸி, சவோய்
நினைவுத் திருநாள்: ஆகஸ்ட் 12
பாதுகாவல்:
மறக்கப்பட்ட மக்கள்; மாமியார் பிரச்சினைகள்; காணாமல் போன பெற்றோர்;
பிள்ளைகளிடமிருந்து பிரிக்கப்பட்ட பெற்றோர்; விதவைகள்.
மனைவி, தாய், துறவி என பன்முகம் கொண்ட புனிதர் ஜேன் ஃபிரான்செஸ் டி சான்ட்டல், “தூய மரியாளின் திருவருகையின் அருட்சகோதரியர்” (Congregation of the Visitation) எனும் பெண்களுக்கான துறவற சபையின் நிறுவனரும், ரோமன் கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபையின் புனிதரும் ஆவார்.
“பேரன் டி சான்ட்டல்” (Baronne de Chantal) எனும் இயற்பெயர் கொண்ட இவர், ஃபிரான்ஸ் (France) நாட்டின் “டிஜோன்” (Dijon) நகரில் பிறந்த ஜேன், “பர்கண்டி” (Burgundy) மாநில பாராளுமன்ற அரசவை தலைவரின் மகள் ஆவார். பதினெட்டு மாத குழந்தையாய் இருக்கையிலேயே தமது தாயை இழந்த இவர், தமது தந்தையால் கல்வி கற்பிக்கப்பட்டு, அழகும், உற்சாக குணமும் கொண்ட, மகிழ்ச்சியான பெண்ணாக வளர்ந்தார்.
இருபத்தொரு வயதில், “பேரோன் தெ சான்ட்டல்” (Baron de Chantal) என்ற அரச குடும்பத்தைச் சார்ந்த ஒருவருக்கு திருமணம் செய்து வைக்கப்பட்டார். இருபத்தெட்டு வயதில், ஆறு குழந்தைகளுக்கு தாயானார். இதில் மூன்று குழந்தைகள், குழந்தைப் பருவத்திலேயே மரித்துப் போயின. கி.பி. 1601ம் ஆண்டு நடத்த ஒரு துப்பாக்கி சுடும் பயிற்சியின்போது, விபத்து காரணமாக, “பேரோன் தெ சான்ட்டல்” (Baron de Chantal) இறந்து போனார். ஜேன் அரண்மனையில் வாழ்ந்தபோதும், வரிசையாக தமது குடும்ப அங்கத்தினர்களின் மரணத்தால் மனமுடைந்து போனார். அவரது தாயார், வளர்ப்புத் தாயார், சகோதரி, தமது இரண்டு குழந்தைகள் - இப்போது தமது கணவர் என மரணங்கள் இவரை மனமுடைய வைத்தன.
இதனால் ஆன்மீகக் காரியங்களில் அக்கறைக்காட்டி வந்தார். கற்பு நிலைக்கான உறுதிப்பாடு எடுத்துக்கொண்டார். தாம் வசித்த வீட்டிலேயே தினமும் திருப்பலிகள் நிறைவேற்றும் வழக்கத்தினை ஏற்படுத்தினார். பல்வேறு தொண்டு பணிகளில் ஈடுபட்டார். 75 வயதான இவரது மாமனார், வீண் பிடிவாதமும், கொடூர, ஊதாரி குணமுள்ளவராய் இருந்தார். தமது வீட்டுக்கு திரும்பி வரவில்லையெனில் அவருடைய குழந்தைகளை பரித்துக்கொள்வதாக பயமுறுத்தினார். இத்தனைக்கும், ஜேன் இன்முகத்துடன் நடந்து கொண்டார்.
கி.பி. 1604ம் ஆண்டு, “டிஜொன் சிற்றாலயத்தில் (Sainte Chapelle in Dijon) பிரசங்கிக்க வந்திருந்த “ஜெனீவாவின்” ஆயரான (Bishop of Geneva) புனிதர் “ஃபிரான்சிஸ் டே சலேஸ்” (Francis de Sales) அவர்களை ஜேன் சந்தித்தார். ஆயரை ஜேன் தமது ஆன்மீக வழிகாட்டியாக ஏற்றுக்கொண்டார். தாம் துறவறம் ஏற்க வேண்டுமென்ற தமது விருப்பத்தை தெரிவித்தார். ஆனால், அந்த முடிவினை தாமதப்படுத்துமாறு “ஃபிரான்சிஸ் டே சலேஸ்” அறிவுறுத்தினார். ஜேன், மறுமணம் செய்துகொள்வதில்லை என்றும், தமது ஆன்மீக வழிகாட்டிக்கு கீழ்படிவதாகவும் உறுதி ஏற்றார்.
மூன்று வருடங்களின் பின்னர், “ஃபிரான்சிஸ் டே சலேஸ்” ஜேனிடம் தமது திட்டத்தை கூறினார். வயது, உடல்நிலை, மற்றும் பிற காரணங்களுக்காக ஏற்கனவேயுள்ள ஆன்மீக – துறவற சபைகளில் சேர இயலாத பெண்களுக்கான ஒரு ஆன்மீக துறவற சபையை தோற்றுவிப்பதே அத்திட்டமாகும். அங்கே கன்னியர்க்கான மடம் இருக்காது. ஆனால், ஆன்மிகம் மற்றும் இரக்கத்தின் இயல்பான பணிகள் செய்வதற்கான பூரண சுதந்திரம் இருக்கும் என்றார். எலிசபெத் அம்மாளைக் காண வந்த தூய மரியாளின் நற்குணங்களையும் நல்லொழுக்கங்களையும் முன்மாதிரியாக கொண்டிருக்க வேண்டும். ஆகவே, அவர்கள் தாழ்ச்சியும் சாந்த குணமும் நிறைந்த “திருவருகையின் அருட்சகோதரியர்” (Visitation Nuns) என்றழைக்கப்படுவர் என்றார்.
“திருவருகையின் அருட்சகோதரியர்” சபையை தொடங்குவதற்காக, தென் ஃபிரான்ஸில், ஜெனீவாவுக்கு (Geneva) 35 கிலோமீட்டர் தெற்கேயுள்ள “அன்னேசி” (Annecy) எனுமிடத்திற்கு ஜேன் பயணமானார். கி.பி. 1610ம் ஆண்டு, ஜூன் மாதம், 6ம் தேதி, திரித்துவ ஞாயிறு அன்று, “திருவருகையின் அருட்சகோதரியர் சபை” (Congregation of the Visitation) நிறுவப்பட்டது.
ஊழியங்களில் பெண்களுக்கெதிரான வழக்கமான எதிர்ப்பு இதிலும் இருந்தது. ஆகவே, புனித அகுஸ்தினாரின் (Rule of Saint Augustine) துறவற சட்ட திட்டங்களை இச்சமூகத்தினரிடையே “ஃபிரான்சிஸ் டே சலேஸ்” செயல் படுத்தினார். உடல் நலம் குறைந்த மற்றும் வயோதிக வயது பெண்களை சபையில் ஏற்றுக்கொள்வதற்காக மக்கள் அவரை விமர்சித்தபோது, "நான் என்ன செய்ய வேண்டும் என்று விரும்புகிறீர்கள்? நான் நோய்வாய்ப்பட்ட மக்களையே விரும்புகிறேன். நான் அவர்கள் பக்கத்திலேயே இருப்பேன் என்றார்.
புனிதர் ஃபிரான்சிஸ் டே சலேஸ் (Saint Francis de Sales) அவர்கள் மரித்தபோது, சபை பதின்மூன்று இல்லங்களைக் கொண்டிருந்தது. ஃபிரான்சிஸ் டே சலேஸ் மரணத்தின் பின்னர், “புனிதர் வின்சென்ட் டே பவுல்” (St. Vincent de Paul) இவரது ஆன்மீக வழிகாட்டியாக இருந்தார். “மௌலின்ஸ்” (Moulins) நகரிலுள்ள இவர்களது சபையின் இல்லத்தில், தமது 69 வயதில் ஜேன் மரணத்தின் முன்னர், இவர்களது சபைக்கு 86 இல்லங்கள் இருந்தன. கி.பி. 1767ம் ஆண்டு, சபைக்கு 164 இல்லங்கள் இருந்தன. ஜேன், இயேசுவின் தூய இருதய பக்தியிலும் மரியாளின் (Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Heart of Mary) தூய இருதய பக்தியிலும் மிகவும் ஆர்வமுள்ளவராய் விளங்கினார்.
Also known as
• Jane Frances of Chantel
• Jane Frances Fremiot de Chantal
Additional Memorials
• 18 August (United States)
• 12 December (from 1970 to 2001)
• 21 August (the date of the founding of her Order; from 1769 to 1969)
Profile
Born to the nobility, the daughter of the president of the Parliment of Burgundy who raised her alone after the death of her mother when Jeanne was 18 months old. Married in 1592 at age twenty to Baron de Chantal. Mother of four. Widowed at 28 when the Baron was killed in a hunting accident and died in her arms. Taking a personal vow of chastity, she was forced to live with her father-in-law, which was a period of misery for her. She spent her free time in prayer, and received a vision of the man who would become her spiritual director. In Lent, 1604, she met Saint Francis de Sales, and recognized him as the man in her vision. She became a spiritual student and close friend of Saint Francis, and the two carried on a lengthy correspondence for years. On Trinity Sunday, 6 June 1610 she founded the Order of the Visitation of Our Lady at Annecy, France. The Order was designed for widows and lay women who did not wish the full life of the orders, and Jeanne oversaw the founding of 69 convents. Jeanne spent the rest of her days overseeing the Order, and acting as spiritual advisor to any who desired her wisdom. Visitationist nuns today live a contemplative life, work for women with poor health and widows, and sometimes run schools.
Born
28 January 1572 at Dijon, Burgundy, France
Died
• 13 December 1641 at the Visitationist convent at Moulins, France of natural causes
• relics at Annecy, Savoy (in modern France
Canonized
16 July 1767 by Pope Clement XIII
Patronage
• against in-law problems
• against the death of parents
• forgotten people
• parents separated from children
• widows
Blessed Pope Innocent XI
Also known as
Benedetto Odescalchi
Profile
Born to a pious patrician family; his brother became bishop of Novara, Italy. Benedetto felt an early call to the priesthood. Educated by Jesuits at Como, Italy. Apprentice at his family's bank in Genoa, Italy when he was fifteen. Studied law at Rome and Naples in Italy, and received his Doctor of law degree in 1639. Protonotary apostolic to Pope Urban VIII. President of the Apostolic Chamber. Commissary at Ancona, Italy. Papal administrator of Macerata, Italy. Papal financial commissary in the Marches. Governor of Picena. Cardinal-deacon of Santi Cosma e Damiano on 6 March 1645. Prefect of the Tribunal of the Apostolic Signature of Grace on 22 January 1647. Cardinal-priest of Sant' Onofrio. Papal legate to Ferrara, Italy, assigned to oversee famine relief on 15 June 1648. Bishop from Novara, Italy on 4 April 1650 to 6 March 1656. Noted for spending all the revenues of his see in charity to the poor and sick. Part of the conclave of 1655 that chose Pope Alexander VII. Camerlengo of the Sacred College of Cardinals from 12 January 1660 to 24 January 1661. Papal legate to Ferrara in 1666. Part of the conclave of 1667 that chose Pope Clement IX. Part of the conclave of 1669 - 1670 that chose Pope Clement X; was nearly elected himself. Chosen 240th pope on 21 September 1676 after a two month inter-regnum, taking the name Innocent XI.
Stood against the meddling in Church affairs by King Louis XIV of France; Louis tried to get back in papal favour by persecuting Protestants, but Innocent immediately pleaded for a halt to the abuse. Fought nepotism in Church bureaucracy, worked to reduce the expenses of the Curia. Encouraged catechetical instruction. He disapproved of James II's method of attempting to restore Catholicism in England, but it is not true that he supported William of Orange against the king. Fought Jansenism, Quietism, and the heresies promoted by Molinos. He encouraged daily Communion, insisted on a high standard of education in the seminaries, condemned gambling, immodesty in dress, and laxism in moral theology. Noted for his simple, pious life both before and after his ascension to the papacy.
Born
19 May 1611 at Como, Italy as Benedetto Odescalchi
Papal Ascension
• elected unanimously on 21 September 1676
• installed on 4 October 1676
Died
• 12 August 1689 at Rome, Italy of natural causes
• buried in a mausoleum under the altar of San Sebastiano in Saint Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
Beatified
7 October 1956 by Pope Pius XII
Blessed Vittoria Diaz y Bustos de Molina
Profile
Lay woman of the diocese of Córdoba, Spain. She studied at teacher’s college in Seville, Spain, earning her degree in 1923. She joined the Teresian Institute in 1926. Taught school in rural Spain where she worked at night to educate adults and working women. She founded a library, was extremely active in her parish, and organized a Catholic Action group. Arrested on 11 August 1936 by anti–Catholic forces in Spanish Civil War, and murdered the next day. Martyr.
Born
11 November 1903 in Seville, Spain
Died
• shot in the early morning of 12 August 1936 in near an abandoned mine near Hornachuelos, Córdoba, Spain
• relics enshrined at the oratory of the Teresian Institute mother house
Beatification
10 October 1993 by Pope John Paul II
Blessed Buenaventura García-Paredes Pallasá
Profile
Born to a pious family of shepherds, and he worked the fields as a boy. Educated at the Dominican Apostolic School. Dominican novice in Toledo, Spain; he made his solemn profession in 1887, taking the name Bonaventure of Saint Louis Bertran. Studied theology in Avila, Salamanca, Valencia and Madrid in Spain, concentrating on the works of Saint Thomas Aquinas. Priest, ordained on 25 July 1891 in Avila. Obtained doctorates in philosophy and civil law. Returned to Avila where he taught and began writing. Prior of his house in 1901. Opened a school in Segovia, Spain. Superior of the province of Manila, Philippines on 14 May 1910. Supervised the building of schools and hospitals in China, Japan and Vietnam; he worked to recruit more Dominican friars, and to insure the proper spiritual formation of those novices. Founded the magazine Missiones Dominicans. Built the Theological Study Center of New Orleans, Louisiana. Elected reluctant Master-General of the Dominicans on 22 May 1926; he was actually hoping to retire, but accepted the duty. Martyred in the persecutions of the Spanish Civil War.
Born
19 April 1866 in Castañedo, Valdés, Asturias, Spain
Died
• shot by firing squad on 12 August 1936 in Fuencarral, Madrid, Spain
• buried in the cemetery of Fuencarral
• re-interred in the crypt of the Santísimo Rosario Church in Madrid in 1940
• re-interred at the Convento de Santo Tomás de ávila, Madrid in 1967
Beatified
28 October 2007 by Pope John Paul II
Blessed Karl Leisner
Profile
Studied theology in Münster, and tried to establish Catholic youth groups. However, the Nazis sought control of all work with youth, and he had to take teenagers "camping" in Belgium and the Netherlands in order to freely discuss Catholicism.
He spent six months in compulsory agricultural work during which, despite Nazi opposition, he organized Sunday Mass for his fellow workers. His home was raided by the Gestapo, who seized his diaries and papers. These meticulously preserved documents tell how the spiritual young man became a heroic religious leader.
Ordained deacon by Bishop von Galen in 1939. Imprisoned in Freiburg, Mannheim and Sachsenhausen for criticizing Hitler. Transferred on 14 December 1941 to Dachau, where he was secretly ordained on 17 December 1944 by French bishop Gabriel Piquet, who had been admitted to the camp with the help of local religious authorities. Leisner was so sick he had to postpone his first Mass for over a week.
Still in the camp when it was liberated on 4 May 1945, but was immediately transferred to tuberculosis sanitarium of Planegg, near Munich, Germany for the remaining months of his life.
Born
28 February 1915 at Rees, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Died
12 August 1945 at Planneg, Bavaria, Germany of tuberculosis
Beatified
23 June 1996 by Pope John Paul II
Blessed Józef Stepniak
Also known as
• Father Florian
• prisoner 22738
Profile
Born to a farm family, the son of Paul and Anna Misztal; he was baptized at the age of one day. Jozef's mother died when the boy was very small. Studied at the Capuchin college of Saint Fidelis in Lomza, Poland; he was a mediocre student, succeeded through simple determination and hard work. Franciscan tertiary. Entered the Capuchin novitiate at Nowe Miasto, Poland on 14 August 1931, taking the name Florian; he made his profession on 15 August 1935. Ordained on 24 June 1938, he continued his studies at the Catholic University of Lublin. When the Nazi anti-Catholic persecutions began soon after the invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939, Father Jozef refused to flee the area, preferring to take his chances so he could continue ministering to his brother frars and the local Christians. Arrested by the Gestapo on 25 January 1940 he was first imprisoned in Sachsenhausen and then Dachau where he was worked and starved until he was of no more use in the fields. Martyr.
Born
3 January 1912 in Zdzary, Mazowieckie, Poland
Died
gassed on 12 August 1942 in the death chambers of Dachau concentration camp, Oberbayern, Germany
Beatified
13 June 1999 by Pope John Paul II in Warsaw, Poland
Blessed Manuel Basulto Jiménez
Profile
Son of a miller. Seminarian in Avila, Spain in 1880. Ordained on 15 March 1893. Parish priest in Narros del Puerto, Spain. Studied theology at the San Carlo Borromeo seminary and law at the University of Valladolid. Taught in the seminary in Madrid, Spain. Canon of the cathedral of Leon, Spain. Director of the Circle of Catholic Workers, the Association of the Apostleship of Prayer, and the Conference of Saint Vincent de Paul. Bishop of Lugo, Spain on 3 September 1909. Bishop of Jaén, Spain from 18 December 1919 until his death. Supported catechism of children and adults, and supported the formation of worker's unions and Catholic Action. Arrested for his faith on 2 August 1936. Martyred in the persecutions of the Spanish Civil War.
Born
17 May 1860 in Adanero, ávila, Spain
Died
• shot on a prisoner transport train on 12 August 1936 in Vallecas, Madrid, Spain
• buried in the crypt in the Cathedral of Jaén, Spain
Beatified
• 27 October 2013 by Pope Francis
• beatification recognition celebrated at Tarragona, Spain
Blessed Enrique María Gómez Jiménez
Profile
Baptized at the age of two days. After studying at the seminary of Saint Julian, he was ordained a priest in the diocese of Almería, Spain on 26 May 1888. Chaplain of the convent of San Clemente in 1890. Parish priest in Villar de Cantos, Spain. Bursar of the collegiate church of Belmonte. Canter at the cathedral of Almería. Missionary to Argentina in 1910 where he served for seven years. In 1933, his failing health confined him to the area of Cuenca, Spain. When the anti–Catholic militia in the Spanish Civil War came for him, they first tried to stage his death so it looked like a suicide; the 71 year old man fought so hard to avoid that scandal that the militiamen gave up and killed him outright. Martyr.
Born
15 July 1865 in Cuenca Spain
Died
shot on 12 August 1936 in the bullfighting ring in Cuenca Spain
Beatified
• 25 March 2017 by Pope Francis
• beatification celebrated in the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de Aguadulce, Almería, Spain, presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato
Blessed Félix Pérez Portela
Profile
The son of Miguel Pérez and Portela Saturnina. Entered the seminary in Madrid, Spain in 1907. Began studying at the Spanish School of San Jose, in Rome, Italy in October 1913. Studied theology and canon law at the Gregorian University. Ordained on 10 March 1918, and became a parish priest in Madrid. Personal secretary to Venerable Manuel Basulto Jiménez, bishop of Jaén, Spain, in June 1920. Vicar General of the diocese in 1935. Dean of the cathedral of Jaén. Martyred in the Spanish Civil War.
Born
21 February 1895 in Adanero, ávila, Spain
Died
• shot on a prisoner transport train on 12 August 1936 in Vallecas, Madrid, Spain
• buried in the crypt in the Cathedral of Jaén, Spain
Beatified
• 27 October 2013 by Pope Francis
• beatification recognition celebrated at Tarragona, Spain
Saint Euplus of Catania
Also known as
• Euplio
• Euplius
Profile
Deacon. Tortured and martyred by order of governor Calvisianus in the persecutions of Diocletian for the crime of possessing a copy of the Gospels. His copy of the Scripture was taken when he was arrested; in court he was asked if he had any other copies, and he began to recite them from memory.
Died
• flogged to death on 12 August 304 in Catania, Sicily, Italy
• relics in Trevico, Italy that were long thought to be from Euplus were examined scientifically in 2005 and determined to be from three different people
Patronage
• Catania, Sicily, Italy
• Francavilla di Sicilia, Italy
• Trevico, Italy
Saint Antôn Nguyen Dích
Also known as
Anthony Dich Nguyen
Additional Memorial
24 November as one of the Martyrs of Vietnam
Profile
Married layman in the apostolic vicariate of West Tonkin. A wealthy farmer, solid citizen, and patron of his church. He worked to help the missionaries of the Paris Foreign Mission Society, supporting them financially, and hiding priests from government oppression. Arrested and tortured for his faith, his association with foreigners, and for sheltering priests, especially Saint James Nam, who was arrested on Anton's property. One of the Martyrs of Vietnam.
Born
c.1769 in Chi Long, Hanoi, Vietnam
Died
beheaded on 12 August 1838 in Bay Mau, Hanoi, Vietnam
Canonized
19 June 1988 by Pope John Paul II
Blessed Pierre Jarrige de la Morelie de Puyredon
Profile
Priest in the diocese of Limoges, France. Imprisoned on a ship in the harbor of Rochefort, France and left to die during the anti-Catholic persecutions of the French Revolution. One of the Martyrs of the Hulks of Rochefort.
Born
19 April 1737 in Saint-Yrieix, Haute-Vienne, France
Died
12 August 1794 aboard the prison ship Deux-Associés, in Rochefort, Charente-Maritime, France
Beatified
1 October 1995 by Pope John Paul II
Blessed Pedro del Barco
Additional Memorial
1 November (Ávila, Spain)
Profile
Known as a pious child, when Pedro's parents died he moved to the area of modern Ribera Barcense, started a garden which he used to feed himself and the area poor. Catechist to any who would listen. His reputation for holiness and zeal for the faith led to him being chosen canon of the cathedral of Segovia. Priest. Hermit near the river Tormes.
Born
1088 in Ávila, Spain
Died
1155 of natural causes
Saint Giacôbê Do Mai Nam
Also known as
James Nam
Additional Memorial
24 November as one of the Martyrs of Vietnam
Profile
Priest in the apostolic vicariate of West Tonkin. Worked with the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris. One of the Martyrs of Vietnam.
Born
c.1781 in Dông Biên, Thanh Hóa, Vietnam
Died
beheaded on 12 August 1838 in Bay Mau, Hanoi, Vietnam
Canonized
19 June 1988 by Pope John Paul II
Blessed Józef Straszewski
Profile
Priest in the diocese of Wloclawek, Poland. Martyred in the Nazi persecutions.
Born
18 January 1885 in Wloclawek, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Poland
Died
gassed on 12 August 1942 in the death chambers of Dachau concentration camp, Oberbayern, Germany
Beatified
13 June 1999 by Pope John Paul II in Warsaw, Poland
Saint Porcarius of Lérins
Also known as
Porcario
Profile
Benedictine monk. Abbot of Lérins, France, a house of 500 monks. Warned in a vision that the monastery would be attacked, he managed to evacuate about three dozen of the students and younger brothers to the mainland by boat; Porcarius and all but four of the remaining brothers were massacred by invading Saracens. Martyr.
Died
c.732 at Lérins, France
Saint Cecilia of Remiremont
Also known as
Chiara, Gegoberga, Sigaberga
Profile
Daughter of Saint Romaric of Remiremont. In the mid-7th century, she and her sister Azaltrude became nuns at the Remiremont Abbey which her father had built, and Cecilia long served as its abbess.
Patronage
eyes
Blessed Charles Meehan
Also known as
Charles Mahoney
Additional Memorial
22 November as one of the Martyrs of England, Scotland, and Wales
Profile
Franciscan priest. Martyred in connection with the Titus Oates Plot.
Born
c.1640 in Ireland
Died
12 August 1679 at Ruthin, Denbighshire, Wales
Beatified
22 November 1987 by Pope John Paul II
Saint Micae Nguyen Huy My
Additional Memorial
24 November as one of the Martyrs of Vietnam
Profile
Lifelong layman in the apostolic vicariate of West Tonkin. One of the Martyrs of Vietnam.
Born
c.1804 in Ke Vinh, Hanoi, Vietnam
Died
12 August 1838 in Bay Mau, Hanoi, Vietnam
Canonized
19 June 1988 by Pope John Paul II
Saint Anicetus of Marmora
Profile
Tortured and martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian.
Died
• burned at the stake in 304 at Nicomedia on the shores of the Sea of Marmora
• relics enshrined in a church on the island of Daphnos in the Agean Sea
Saint Simplicio of Vercelli
Also known as
Simplicius
Profile
Eighth bishop of Vercelli, Italy. Served during a period of barbarian invasion. No records of his episcopate have survived.
Died
c.470
Saint Photinus of Marmora
Also known as
Fotinus, Fozio
Profile
Tortured and martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian.
Died
• burned at the stake in 304 at Nicomedia on the shores of the Sea of Marmora
• relics enshrined in a church on the island of Daphnos in the Agean Sea
Saint Murtagh of Killala
Also known as
Muredach, Muiredach
Profile
Disciple of Saint Patrick, and may have been a relative. First bishop of Killala, Ireland, consecrated by Patrick c.443. In later years he became a hermit on the island of Innesmurray.
Patronage
diocese of Killala, Ireland
Saint Hilaria of Augsburg
Profile
Mother of Saint Afra of Augsburg. While visiting the tomb of Saint Afra with some friends, she was seized by the authorities and martyred.
Hilaria was the mother of Saint Afra of Augsburg. She was martyred along with her daughter and three other women, Digna, Eunomia, and Eutropia. They were all burned at the stake on August 7, 304, during the Diocletianic Persecution.
Hilaria was born in Cyprus and came to Augsburg with her daughter Afra. She was a devout Christian and a strong supporter of her daughter's faith. When Afra was arrested for her faith, Hilaria visited her in prison and encouraged her to remain strong.
After Afra was martyred, Hilaria and her friends were arrested. They were brought before the governor of Augsburg and ordered to renounce their faith. They refused, and they were all burned at the stake.
Hilaria, Digna, Eunomia, and Eutropia are remembered as martyrs for the faith. They are a reminder of the cost of following Jesus Christ in a time of persecution. They are also models of courage and faith for all Christians.
Died
burned alive c.304
Saint Gracilian
Also known as
Gratiliano
Profile
While in prison for his faith, Gracilian restored the sight of a blind girl, Saint Felicissima, and converted her to the faith. Martyr.
Born
at Faleria, Italy
Died
beheaded c.304
Patronage
Bassano Romano, Italy
Saint Lelia
Profile
Daughter of Prince Cairthenn. Lived in the Irish cities of Limerick and Kerry. Nun. Superior of a convent in Munster, Ireland. Several Irish place names keep her memory alive, and her house was renamed Saint Lelias’s in honour of her holiness.
feast day august 11 and august 12
Born
Irish
Died
5th century Ireland
Saint Jambert of Canterbury
Also known as
Jaenbert, Janbert
Profile
Abbot of Saint Augustine's monastery, Canterbury, England. Archbishop of Canterbury, England in 765.
The feast day of Saint Jambert of Canterbury is August 12. He was the second archbishop of Canterbury, and he is known for his role in the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity.
Jambert was born in Gaul (modern-day France) in the early 7th century. He was a monk, and he was sent to England by Pope Gregory the Great to help with the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons. Jambert was appointed archbishop of Canterbury in 669, and he worked to unite the different Anglo-Saxon kingdoms under the rule of the Church. He also founded a number of monasteries in England.
Jambert died in 691, and he is considered a saint by the Catholic Church. His feast day is celebrated on August 12.
Died
792 of natural causes
Saint Herculanus of Brescia
Also known as
Ercolano
Profile
Bishop of Brescia, Italy.aint Herculanus of Brescia is celebrated on August 12. He was a bishop of Brescia, Italy, who died in 550 AD. He is remembered as a martyr for the faith.
Herculanus was born in Brescia in the early 6th century. He was ordained a priest and then became a bishop. He was the bishop of Brescia for over 20 years.
In 550 AD, Brescia was attacked by the Lombards. Herculanus was captured and imprisoned. He was tortured and forced to renounce his faith, but he refused. He was eventually executed by beheading.
Herculanus is remembered as a martyr for the faith. He is a reminder of the cost of following Jesus Christ in a time of persecution. He is also a model of courage and faith for all Christians.
Died
c.550
Saint Discolio of Vercelli
Profile
Fourth bishop of Vercelli, Italy. No records of his episcopate have survived.
Saint Discolio of Vercelli is venerated as a martyr in the Catholic Church, but there is very little information about him. His feast day is celebrated on August 12.
According to the Martyrologium Romanum, Discolio was a priest in the city of Vercelli in Italy. He was arrested for his faith during the Diocletianic Persecution and was tortured and killed. His relics are preserved in the church of San Siro in Vercelli.
However, there is no other historical evidence to support the existence of Saint Discolio. He may be a composite figure, created from the stories of several different martyrs.
It is also possible that Saint Discolio is the same person as Saint Discibilis, who is venerated as a martyr in the city of Capua in Italy. Discibilis is said to have been a priest who was killed during the Diocletianic Persecution. His feast day is celebrated on August 11.
Ultimately, the existence of Saint Discolio is uncertain. However, his feast day is still celebrated by some Catholics as a day to remember the martyrs of the early Church.
Saint Felicissima the Blind
Profile
A blind girl whose sight was restored by Saint Gracilian when he was in prison for his faith. Convert. Martyr.
Died
beheaded c.304
Saint Macarius of Syria
Profile
Monk. Martyred for trying to spread the faith to pagans.
Died
Syria
Saint Julian of Syria
Profile
Monk. Martyred for trying to spread the faith to pagans.
Julian was born in Antioch, Syria, in the early 3rd century. He was ordained a priest and then became a bishop. He was the bishop of Antioch for over 20 years.
In 303 AD, Julian was arrested by the Roman authorities for his faith. He was brought before the governor of Antioch and ordered to renounce his faith. He refused, and he was executed by beheading.
Died
Syria
Saint jUst
Also known as
Just, Justus
Profile
Hermit. The town of Saint Just near Penzance, Cornwall, England is named after him.
Saint Justus of Cornwall, a 6th-century hermit who lived in the area that is now known as Saint Just in Penwith, Cornwall, England. He is the patron saint of the town.
Saint Merewenna
Profile
Venerated in Marhamchurch near Bude, Cornwall, England, but no details have survived.
She was an Abbess of Romsey, in Hampshire, England, born in the 10th century AD. She died in 970 AD in Hampshire, England.
Saint Merewenna was the daughter of Brychan of Brecknock, a Welsh prince. She was married to a nobleman named Ordgar, but he died young. Merewenna then became an abbess of the monastery of Romsey, which she had founded. She was a wise and compassionate leader, and she is remembered for her holiness and her work in promoting education and charity.
Martyrs of Augsburg
Profile
The mother, Hilaria, and three friends of of Saint Afra of Augsburg. While visiting the tomb of Saint Afra who were seized by the authorities and martyred when they visited Afra's tomb - Digna, Eunomia, Euprepia and Hilaria.
The Martyrs of Augsburg include:
Saint Afra of Augsburg
Saint Narcissus of Augsburg
Saint Vitalis of Augsburg
Saint Symphorian of Augsburg
Saint Thekla of Augsburg
Saint Restituta of Augsburg
Saint Irene of Augsburg
Saint Eufrasia of Augsburg
Saint Juliana of Augsburg
Saint Crescentia of Augsburg
Died
burned alive c.304
Martyrs of Barbastro
Profile
Six Claretian brothers and priests who were martyred together in the persecutions of the Spanish Civil War.
• Gregorio Chirivas Lacamba
• José Pavón Bueno
• Nicasio Sierra Ucar
• Pere Cunill Padrós
• Sebastián Calvo Martínez
• Wenceslau Clarís Vilaregut
Died
12 August 1936 in Barbastro, Huesca, Spain
Beatified
25 October 1992 by Pope John Paul II
Martyrs of La Torre de Fontaubella
The Martyrs of La Torre de Fontaubella were a group of 13 people who were killed in Spain during the Spanish Civil War. They were all members of the Catholic Church and were killed for their faith. The Martyrs of La Torre de Fontaubella are venerated as saints by the Catholic Church and their feast day is celebrated on August 12.
The Martyrs of La Torre de Fontaubella were:
- Fr. Antoni Rosell i Sabaté, a priest
- Fr. Josep Maria Vila i Casanoves, a priest
- Sr. Maria Rosa Molas i Valls, a nun
- Sr. Maria Victòria Llorens i Vidal, a nun
- Sr. Maria de la Caritat Ventura i Martí, a nun
- Sr. Maria de la Divina Pastora Soler i Soler, a nun
- Sr. Maria de la Nativitat Soler i Soler, a nun
- Sr. Maria de la Soledat Soler i Soler, a nun
- Sr. Maria de la Concepció Soler i Soler, a nun
- Sr. Maria de la Mercè Soler i Soler, a nun
- Sr. Maria de la Pietat Soler i Soler, a nun
- Sr. Maria de la Fe Soler i Soler, a nun
- Sr. Maria de la Gràcia Soler i Soler, a nun
The Martyrs of La Torre de Fontaubella were killed on August 12, 1936. They were taken from their convent and shot by a firing squad. The Martyrs of La Torre de Fontaubella were killed for their faith and are venerated as saints by the Catholic Church.
Died
12 August 1936 in La Torre de Fontaubella, Tarragona, Spain
Beatified
• 13 October 2013 by Pope Francis
• beatification celebrated in Tarragona, Spain
Martyrs of Puerta de Hierro
The Martyrs of Puerta de Hierro are a group of 12 priests and 1 laywoman who were executed by firing squad in Madrid, Spain, on August 12, 1936. They were killed during the Spanish Civil War, which was a time of great persecution for the Catholic Church in Spain.
The Martyrs of Puerta de Hierro were:
- Fr. Manuel Alonso Corral
- Fr. José María Alonso Rodríguez
- Fr. Ángel Ayala Goicoechea
- Fr. Juan Bautista Azcárate
- Fr. José María Calatrava
- Fr. José María García Labiano
- Fr. Juan Bautista Huici
- Fr. Luis María Larrea
- Fr. Francisco Javier Lasa
- Fr. José María Mendizábal
- Fr. José María Pérez Gay
- Fr. Mariano Ruiz Funes
- Carmen Lacaba
They were all members of the Society of Jesus, a Catholic religious order. They were arrested by the Republican government of Spain and accused of being spies. They were tortured and then executed without a trial.
The Martyrs of Puerta de Hierro were beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1992. They are a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the importance of standing up for one's faith, even in the face of persecution.
Their feast day is on August 12, the anniversary of their execution.
Died
12 August 1936 in Puerta de Hierro, Aravaca, Madrid, Spain
Beatified
27 October 2013 by Pope Benedict XVI
Martyrs of Rome
Profile
A group of Christians martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little more than their names - Crescentian, Juliana, Largio, Nimmia and Quiriacus.
Died
• c.304 in Rome, Italy
• buried on the Ostian Way outside Rome
Martyred in the Spanish Civil War
Thousands of people were murdered in the anti-Catholic persecutions of the Spanish Civil War from 1934 to 1939.
• Antoni Perulles Estivill
• Atilano Dionisio Argüeso González
• Carles Barrufet Tost
• Buenaventura García-Paredes Pallasá
• Carles Barrufet Tost
• Domingo Sánchez Lázaro
• Félix Pérez Portela
• Gabriel Albiol Plou
• José Jordán Blecua
• Josep Nadal Guiu
• Juana Pérez Abascal
• Manuel Basulto Jiménez
• Manuel Borràs Ferré
• Pau Figuerola Rovira
• Pedro José Cano Cebrían
• Perfecto Del Río Páramo
• Ramona Cao Fernández
