Saint Columbanus
துறவி கொலும்பான்
பிறப்பு
542,
லைன்ஸ்டர் Leinster, அயர்லாந்து
இறப்பு
23 நவம்பர் 615,
போபியோ Bobbio, இத்தாலி
பாதுகாவல்: அயர்லாந்து, போப்பியோ, தீய ஆவியிடமிருந்து
இவர் தன் வயதில் துறவற மடத்தில் சேர்ந்து துறவு வாழ்வை மேற்கொண்டார். 560 ஆம் ஆண்டில் பாங்கோர் (Bangor) என்ற நகரில் துறவற சபை ஒன்றை நிறுவினார். பின்னர் இச்சபையை கொலும்பான் சிறந்த முறையில் வளர்த்தெடுத்தார். ஏறக்குறைய 30 ஆண்டுகள் இவர் பல்வேறு துறையில் பணியாற்றினார். நீண்ட காலம் ஆசிரியராகவும் இருந்தார். இவர் 590 ஆம் ஆண்டு தன்னுடன் 30 ஆண் துறவிகளை அழைத்துக்கொண்டு பாங்கோர் விட்டு வெளியேறி இங்கிலாந்திற்கு சென்றார். அங்கு போர்களில் பாதிக்கப்பட்ட மக்களுக்கென்று மீண்டும் துறவற சபை ஒன்றை நிறுவினார்.
இங்கிலாந்தில் புதிய சபைக்காக துன்பங்கள் பலவற்றை சுமந்தார். இருப்பினும் மனந்தளராமல் சிறந்த மறையுரையை ஆற்றி, பல இளைஞர்களை இறைவன்பால் ஈர்த்தார். அதன்பிறகு லுக்செயுல் (Luxeuil) என்ற இடத்தில் பல இளைஞர்களைக் கொண்டு மீண்டுமோர் துறவற சபையை தொடங்கினார். இவர் தான் சென்ற இடமெல்லாம் அந்நகரின் கலாச்சாரத்திற்கேற்றவாறு துறவற சபைகளின் ஒழுங்குகளை அமைத்துக்கொடுத்தார். மிக குறைந்த ஆண்டுகள் ஆயிரக்கணக்கான இளைஞர்கள் இவரின் சபையில் சேர்ந்து இறைப்பணியாற்றினர்.
இவர் தொடங்கிய சபைகள் நன்கு வளர்ச்சியடைந்தபின் புனித பெனடிக்ட் துறவற ஒழுங்குகளை தான் தொடங்கிய அனைத்து சபைகளிலும் கடைபிடித்து வாழ வழிவகுத்துக் கொடுத்தார். தான் நிறுவிய துறவற சபைகளுக்காக கொலும்பான் அயராது உழைத்தார். அதன்பிறகு 613 ஆம் ஆண்டு நோயால் தாக்கப்பட்டார். இருப்பினும் தன் உடல் நோயைப்பற்றி கவலை கொள்ளாமல் ஜெர்மனியிலுள்ள போடன் சே (Boden See) வந்தடைந்தார். அங்கு சில காலம் மறைப்பணியாற்றியபின் தன்னுடன் அவரின் சபை சகோதரர் ஒருவரை அழைத்துக்கொண்டு இத்தாலி நாட்டிற்கு சென்று போபியோவில் மீண்டும் சபையை தொடங்கினார். இத்துறவற சபையே இவர் நிறுவிய கடைசி சபையானது. ஏறக்குறைய இரண்டு ஆண்டுகள் அங்கு வாழ்ந்தபின் காலமானார். மறைநூல்களையும் பண்டைய இலக்கியங்களையும் கற்றுத்தேர்ந்த இவர் தான் நிறுவிய சபைகளை இறைவனின் மகிமைக்காக அயராது உழைத்து உயர்த்தினார். கிறிஸ்துவ வாழ்விக்கும், துறவற வாழ்வுக்கும் மிகவும் பாராட்டபெற்றவராய் திகழ்ந்தார்.
Also known as
• Columbanus of Luxeuil
• Columbanus of Bobbio
• Columba of...
• Columban of...
Additional Memorial
24 November (Benedictines and Ireland)
Profile
Well-born, handsome and educated, Columbanus was torn between a desire for God and easy access to the pleasures of the world. Acting on advice of a holy anchoress, he decided to withdraw from the world. His family opposed the choice, his mother going so far as to block the door. Monk at Lough Erne. He studied Scripture extensively, and wrote a commentary on the Psalms. Monk at Bangor under abbot Saint Comgall.
In middle age, Columbanus felt a call to missionary life. With twelve companions (Saint Attala, Columbanus the Younger, Cummain, Domgal, Eogain, Eunan, Saint Gall, Gurgano, Libran, Lua, Sigisbert and Waldoleno) he travelled to Scotland, England, and then to France in 585. The area, though nominally Christian, had fallen far from the faith, but were ready for missionaries, and they had some success. They were warmly greeted at the court of Gontram, and king of Burgundy invited the band to stay. They chose the half-ruined Roman fortress of Annegray in the Vosges Mountains for their new home with Columbanus as their abbot.
The simple lives and obvious holiness of the group drew disciples to join them, and the sick to be healed by their prayers. Columbanus, to find solitude for prayer, often lived for long periods in a cave seven miles from the monastery, using a messenger to stay in touch with his brothers. When the number of new monks over-crowded the old fortress, King Gontram gave them the old castle of Luxeuil to found a new house in 590. Soon after, a third house was founded at Fontaines. Columbanus served as master of them all, and wrote a Rule for them; it incorporated many Celtic practices, was approved by the Council of Macon in 627, but was superseded by the Benedictine.
Problems arose early in the 7th century. Many Frankish bishops objected to a foreign missionary with so much influence, to the Celtic practices he brought, especially those related to Easter, and his independence from them. In 602 he was summoned to appear before them for judgment; instead of appearing, he sent a letter advising them to hold more synods, and to concern themselves with more important things than which rite he used to celebrate Easter. The dispute over Easter continued to years, with Columbanus appealing to multiple popes for help, but was only settled with Columbanus abandoned the Celtic calender when he moved to Italy.
In addition to his problems with the bishops, Columbanus spoke out against vice and corruption in the royal household and court, which was in the midst of a series of complex power grabs. Brunehault stirred up the bishops and nobilty against the abbot; Thierry ordered him to conform to the local ways, and shut up. Columbanus refused, and was briefly imprisoned at Besançon, but he escaped and returned to Luxeuil. Thierry and Brunehault sent an armed force to force him and his foreign monks back to Ireland. As soon as his ship set sail, a storm drove them back to shore; the captain took it as a sign, and set the monks free.
They made their way to King Clothaire at Soissons, Neustria and then the court of King Theodebert of Austrasia in 611. He travelled to Metz, France, then Mainz, Germany, Suevi, Alamanni, and finally Lake Zurich. Their evangelization work there was unsuccessful, and the group passed on to Arbon, then Bregenz, and then Lake Constance. Saint Gall, who knew the local language best, took the lead in this region; many were converted to the faith, and the group founded a new monastery as their home and base. However, a year later political upheaval caused Columbanus to cross the Alps into Italy, arriving in Milan in 612. The Christian royal family treated him well, and he preached and wrote against Arianism and Nestorianism. In gratitude, the Lombard king gave him a tract of land call Bobbio between Milan and Genoa in Italy. There he rebuilt a half-ruined church of Saint Peter, and around it he founded an abbey that was to be the source for evangelization throughout northern Italy for centuries to come.
Columbanus always enjoyed being in the forests and caves, and as he walked through the woods, birds and squirrels would ride on his shoulders. Toward the end of his life came word that his old enemies were dead, and his brothers wanted him to come back north, but he declined. Knowing that his time was almost done, he retired to a cave for solitude, and died as he had predicted. His influence continued for centuries as those he converted handed on the faith, the brothers he taught evanglized untold numbers more, and his brother monks founded over one hundred monasteries to protect learning and spread the faith.
Miracles ascribed to Columbanus include -
• to obtain food for a sick brother monk, he cured the wife of the donor
• once when he was surrounded by wolves, he simply walked through them
• at one point he needed a cave for his solitary prayers; a bear lived there; when Columbanus asked, the bear left
• when he needed water in order to live in the cave, a spring appeared nearby
• when the Luxeuil Abbey granary ran empty, Columbanus prayed over it and it refilled
• he multiplied bread and beer for his community
• he cured several sick monks, who then got straight out of bed to reap the monastery's harvest
• gave sight to a blind man at Orleans
• he destroyed a vat of beer being prepared for a pagan festival by breathing on it
• when the monastery needed help in the fields, he tamed a bear, and yoked it to a plough
Born
543 at West Leinster, Ireland
Died
• 21 November 615 in a cave at Bobbio, Italy of natural causes
• interred at the abbey church of Bobbio
• miracles reported at his tomb
• relics re-interred in a new altar there in 1482
• altar and shrine were refurbished and the relics re-interred in the early 20th century
Pope Saint Clement I
புனித முதலாம் கிளமெண்ட்
4ஆம் திருத்தந்தை :
பிறப்பு : கி. பி. முதலாம் நூற்றாண்டு
உரோமை, உரோமைப் பேரரசு
இறப்பு : மரபுப்படி 99 அல்லது 101
கெர்சொனேசுஸ் டாவுரிக்கா (இன்றைய கிரிமேயா, உக்ரேய்ன்)
புனித முதலாம் கிளமெண்ட், கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபையால் நான்காம் திருத்தந்தையாகக் கருதப்படுகிறார். இவரை "ரோம் நகர் புனித கிளமெண்ட்" என்று அழைப்பதும் உண்டு. இவர் தொடக்க காலத் திருச்சபையின் தலைசிறந்த இறையியல் வல்லுநராய் இருப்பதால் "முதல் திருத்தூதுத் தந்தை" (Frist Apostolic Father) என்றும் அறியப்படுகிறார்.
முதலாம் கிளமெண்டின் வாழ்க்கை பற்றி அதிக விவரங்கள் தெரியவில்லை. கிளமெண்டு புனித பேதுருவிடமிருந்து திருப்பொழிவு பெற்றார்; முதல் நூற்றாண்டின் கடைசிப் பகுதியில் ரோமத் திருச்சபையின் தலைவர்களுள் ஒருவராகத் திகழ்ந்தார்.
தொடக்க காலத் திருச்சபை எழுத்தாளர்கள் பொதுவாக கிளமெண்டைப் புனித பேதுருவுக்குப் பின் மூன்றாம் அல்லது நான்காம் திருத்தந்தையாக வரிசைப்படுத்துகின்றனர். தெர்த்துல்லியன் கருத்துப்படி, கிளமெண்டு புனித பேதுருவுக்குப் பின் திருத்தந்தையாகப் பொறுபேற்றார். இக்குழப்பநிலை நிலவுவதற்கு ஒரு முக்கிய காரணம் முதல் நூற்றாண்டில் ஆயர் பதவி துல்லியமாக வரையறுக்கப்பட்டு, ஒரு மறைமாவட்டத்துக்கு ஒருவரே ஆயராக இருக்க முடியும் என்ற கருத்து தெளிவாக எழாததுதான்.
திருத்தந்தை முதலாம் கிளமெண்டின் எழுத்துப் படைப்பாக இன்று உள்ளது அவர் கொரிந்தியருக்கு எழுதிய மடல் ஆகும். அது சுமார் 96ல் எழுதப்பட்டது. புதிய ஏற்பாட்டைத் தவிர்த்து, தொடக்க காலத்தில் உருவான எழுத்துப் படையல்களுள் இதுவே மிக்க பழமையானது ஆகும். கொரிந்து திருச்சபைத் தலைவர்கள் சிலருக்கிடையே ஏற்பட்ட விவாதத்தைத் தொடர்ந்து அவர்களுள் சிலர் பதவி நீக்கப்பட்டனர். இச்சிக்கல் குறித்துத் தீர்ப்பு வழங்குவதாக கிளமெண்டின் மடல் உள்ளது. திருச்சபையில் "ஆயர்கள்" "திருத்தொண்டர்கள்" என்னும் திருப்பணியாளர்கள் திருத்தூதர்களால் நியமிக்கப்பட்டவர்கள் ஆதலால் அதிகாரம் கொண்டிருக்கிறார்கள் என்று கிளமெண்ட் எடுத்துக் கூறினார்.
கிளமெண்டின் கடிதம் திருச்சபைகளில் புதிய ஏற்பாட்டுக் கடிதங்கள் போலவே வாசிக்கப்பட்டது. ஆயர்கள் (மூப்பர்கள்) திருச்சபையில் திருத்தூதர்களிடமிருந்து வரும் அதிகாரத்தைக் கொண்டுள்ளனர் என்று வலியுறுத்திய முதல் வல்லுநர் கிளமெண்ட் தான்.
கிளமெண்ட் இரண்டாம் கடிதம் ஒன்றினையும் எழுதினார் என்றொரு மரபு உண்டு. ஆயினும் அண்மைக்கால அறிஞர்கள், அக்கடிதத்தை எழுதியவர் வேறொருவர் என்று கருதுகின்றனர்.
நான்காம் நூற்றாண்டின் அளவில் தொடங்கிய ஒரு மரபின்படி, கிளமெண்ட் ட்ரேஜன் மன்னன் காலத்தில் தம் கிறித்த நம்பிக்கையை முன்னிட்டுச் சிறையில் அடைக்கப்பட்டார். அங்கும் அவர் பிற சிறைக்கைதிகளுக்குக் கிறிஸ்துவின் செய்தியை அறிவித்தார். பின்னர் அவரை ஒரு நங்கூரத்தில் கட்டி கடலில் ஆழ்த்திக் கொன்றுவிட்டார்கள்.
பல கிறிஸ்தவ சபைகள் கிளமெண்டைப் புனிதராகப் போற்றுகின்றன. ரோமன் கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபை, லூதரன் சபை, மற்றும் ஆங்கிலிக்கன் சபை அவரது விழாவை நவம்பர் 23ஆம் நாளும், கீழை மரபுவழித் திருச்சபைகள் சில நவம்பர் 24, வேறு சில நவம்பர் 25 ஆகிய நாள்களில் கொண்டாடுகின்றன.
புனித பவுல் பிலிப்பியருக்கு எழுதிய திருமுகத்தில் "கிளமந்து" என்னும் ஓர் உடனுழைப்பாளர் பற்றிப் பேசுகிறார் (பிலிப்பியர் 4:3). அவர் திருத்தந்தை கிளமெண்டாக இருக்கலாம் என்று கி.பி. 3 மற்றும் நான்காம் நூற்றாண்டு ஆசிரியர்கள் கருதுகிறார்கள். அவர்களுள் ஒரிஜென், யூசேபியஸ், ஜெரோம் போன்றோர் அடங்குவர்.
"திருத்தந்தையர் நூல்" (Liber Pontificalis) என்னும் பண்டைக்கால நூலின்படி, கிளமெண்ட் பேதுருவை அறிந்திருந்தார். கிரேக்க நாட்டில் ட்ரேஜன் மன்னனின் ஆட்சிக்கால மூன்றாம் ஆண்டில் (அதாவது கி.பி. 101இல்) இறந்தார்.
Also known as
• Clement of Rome
• Clemens Romanus
Profile
Convert, brought to Christianity either by Saint Peter or by Saint Paul. One of the Seventy Apostles. Consecrated as a bishop by Saint Peter the Apostle. Mentioned in Philippians 4:3. Fourth Pope. Apostolic Father. The Basilica of Saint Clement in Rome, Italy, one of the earliest parish churches in the city, is probably built on the site of Clement's home. Author of the Epistle to the Corinthians. His name occurs in the Canon of the Mass. Origen and Saint Jerome identify him as working with Saint Paul the Apostle. Martyred in the persecutions of Trajan.
Born
Rome, Italy
Papal Ascension
c.88
Died
• martyred c.101
• relics in the basilica of Saint Clement
Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro
Profile
Son of a mining engineer. From childhood he was known for high spirits and cheerfulness, and he grew up in a pious home. Born to privilege, he had great affinity for the poor and working classes. Victim of recurring stomach disorder. Jesuit novice at 20. Exiled during the Mexican Revolution, he continued his studies abroad.
Ordained in Belgium in 1925 at age 36, he returned to Mexico in 1926, a time when churches were closed, priests were in hiding, and persecution of the Church was government policy. Father Miguel used disguises to conduct an underground ministry, bringing the comfort of charity and the sacraments to the covert faithful.
Falsely accused in 1927 of a bombing attempt, Pro became a wanted man, was betrayed to the police, and without trial, he was sentenced to death. The photograph on this page was taken the day of his martyrdom. As he was about to be shot, he forgave his executioners, refused a blindfold, and died shouting "Long live Christ the King!" The government prohibited a public funeral, but the faithful lined the streets when his body passed.
Born
13 January 1891 at Guadalupe, Zacatecas, Mexico
Died
shot by firing squad on 23 November 1927 in Mexico City, Mexico
Beatified
25 September 1988 by Pope John Paul II
Blessed Enrichetta Alfieri
Also known as
• Sister Maria Angela
• Henrietta Alfieri
• prisoner 3209
• Mother of San Vittore
• Angel of San Vittore
• La Mamma di San Vittore
Profile
From childhood Enrichetta felt a call to religious life, and joined the Sisters of Charity of Saint Joan Antida Thouret on 20 December 1911. She worked as a kindergarten teacher in Vercelli, Italy, but was forced to quit when she developed Pott's disease, a form of tuberculosis of the spine, in 1917. On 25 February 1923 she was miraculously cured by a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France through the intercession of Mary Immaculate.
She recovered so completely that on 24 May 1923 Sisters Maria Angela was assigned to prison ministry at San Vittore Prison in Milan, Italy. Her work with the prisoners was a great success, and she became known as the Mother and Angel of San Vittore, and was named the superior of the Sisters there in 1939.
She was there when it became an SS headquarters and prison for Jews, priests, nuns and resistance workers who were fighting the Axis powers of World War II. She and the Sisters helped them by smuggling in supplies, smuggling out messages and working with Church authorities to intervene for the prisoners, saving many in the process. On 23 September 1944 a message from a prisoner was intercepted that was director to Enrichetta, and she was arrested for spying and sentenced to death or imprisonment in Germany. Church officials, including Blessed Alfredo Ildefonso Schuster, Archbishop of Milan, intervened for her, and she was transferred to the Sisters' house in Brescia, Italy where she wrote a memoir of her imprisonment. On 7 May 1945, at the end of the war, she was re-assigned to the San Vittore where she administered to prisoners of war - including the former jailers.
Born
23 February 1891 in Borgo Vercelli, Vercelli, Italy
Died
23 November 1951 in Milan, Italy of natural causes
Beatified
26 June 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI
Blessed Margaret of Savoy
Also known as
Margarita, Margherita, Marguerite
Profile
Born to the nobility, daughter of Amadeo of Savoy, Lord of Piedmont and titular Prince of Achaea, and Catherine of Geneva. Married to Theodore Paleologus, marquis of Montferrat on 17 January 1403. Widowed in 1418. Declined a marriage offer from Philip, Visconti of Milan. Influenced by Saint Vincent Ferrer, she became a Dominican tertiary. In 1426 she founded a house at Alba, Liguria and served as its Prioress. In 1451, 25 years later, she received papal approval for the congregation from Pope Eugene IV. She was subject to visions and ecstasies, and was a reputed miracle worker. Her later years were spent under a cloud of controversy as her house faced false charges of doctrinal irregularities, and she charges of being overly strict with her nuns.
Born
21 June 1382 at Pignerol, Italy
Died
• 23 November 1464 at Alba, Piedmont, Italy of natural causes
• re-interred at her monastery in 1481
Beatified
9 October 1669 by Pope Clement IX (cultus confirmed)
Saint Felicity of Rome
Also known as
Felicitas
Profile
Rich, noble widow. Mother of seven sons, all of whom were martyred - Alexander, Vitalis, Martial, Januarius, Felix, Philip and Silvanus.
Felicity was devoted to charity and caring for the poor. She was arrested for her faith and ordered to worship pagan gods; she refused. Her sons were arrested and given the same order; they refused. After a series of appeals, all of which were turned down, they were all ordered executed by emperor Antoninus. Felicity was forced to watch as her children were murdered one by one; after each one she was given the chance to denouce her faith. Martyr.
Died
• beheaded in 165 at Rome, Italy
• buried in the cemetery of Maximus beside the Via Salaria, Rome
• relics in Capuchin church at Montefiascone, Tuscany, Italy
Saint Trudo of Hesbaye
Also known as
• Apostle of Hasbein
• Tron, Trond, Trudjen, Trudon, Trudone, Trutjen, Truyen
Profile
Son of Blessed Adela. Related to the dukes of Austrasia. Benedictine monk under Saint Remaclus. Studied at the cathedral at Metz, France. Ordained by Saint Clodulf of Metz. Noted preacher. Built a church on the land around his family's home c.656, and had it blessed by Saint Theodard of Liege in the names of Saint Quintinus and Saint Remigius of Rheims. Evangelized the throughout the area of Hasbein, and as the converts grew he was forced to build a monastery which was later named for him. Founded a convent near Bruges, Belgium c.660. The assorted movements of his relics have led to several local lists having different dates for his memorial.
Born
7th century in Hasbein (Hasbeye), Brabant province
Died
• c.695 of natural causes
• buried in the church of Saint Quintinus and Saint Remigius that he had built
• relics translated in 880
• relics later hidden to save them from Norman incursions, and lost
• relics re-discovered in 1169
Saint Clement of Metz
Profile
Bishop of Metz, France; tradition says he was sent there as a missionary by Saint Peter the Apostle.
Legend says that when Clement arrived in Metz, the area was besieged by the Graoully, a large, poison-breathed serpent that lived in a local Roman amphitheatre with an army of snakes. Clement chased away the snakes and banished the Graoully by making the Sign of the Cross at them. This led to the conversion of the whole town.
Saint Amphilocus of Iconium
Also known as
Amfilokius, Amphilochius, Anfiloquio, Anfilochio
Profile
Cousin and friend of Saint Gregory Nazianus; close friend of Saint Basil the Great. Studied law and rhetoric in Constantinople, and taught rhetoic there. Bishop of Iconium (modern Konya, Turkey) in 374. Fought against heresies of Arianism, the Manichaeans and the Messalians. Attended the Council of Constantinople in 381. Presided over the synod in Sida, Pamphylia in 394. He wrote poetry in classical Greek, and his letters to Gregory and Basil have survived to today.
Born
339 in Cappadocia, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey)
Died
400 of natural causes
Saint Loëvan of Brittany
Also known as
Laouénan, Louénan, Lavan
Additional Memorials
• 23 January (in Brittany)
• 2nd Sunday in July (procession in Tréflaouénan, France)
Profile
Monk and then abbot of the monastery of Saint Tudwals of Tréguier in Brittany (in modern France) c.528 to c.564 from where he evangalized the region.
Born
early 6th century Britain
Died
• c.564 of natural causes
• relics enshrined in Tréflaouénan, France until the 16th century
• it became the custom to swear oaths involving credit and debt on the relics of Saint Loëvan
Saint Alexander Newski
Also known as
• Alexander Nevski
• Alexander Nevsky
Additional Memorials
• 30 August (translation of relics)
• 23 May (Russian Orthodox as one of the saints of Rostov and Yaroslavl)
Profile
Grand Duke of Novgorod and Kiev. He defeated the Swedes in battle on the River Neva; from that he derived his surname of Newski (Nevski). Defended his land against invading Tatars. Confessor of the faith.
Born
1219 in Vladimir, Russia
Died
• 1263 in Gorodetz, Russia
• relics at Saint Petersburg, Russia
Saint Cecilia Yu Sosa
Also known as
• Caecilia Yu So-Sa
• Jechillia Yu So-Sa
Additional Memorial
20 September as one of the Marytrs of Korea
Profile
Married lay woman in the apostolic vicariate of Korea. Mother of Saint Paul Chong Hasang and Saint Jung Hye. Martyr.
Born
1761 in Seoul, South Korea
Died
23 November 1839 in Bo-jeong Prison, Seoul, South Korea of injuries following repeated whippings
Canonized
6 May 1984 by Pope John Paul II
Saint Falitrus of Chabris
Also known as
Faletrius, Faletrus, Falier, Falère, Phaletrius, Phalier, Phalitrus
Profile
Saint Falitrus of Chabris, also known as Falitrus the Hermit, was a 7th-century French hermit and saint. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and his feast day is celebrated on November 22.
Early Life and Hermitage
Falitrus was born into a noble family in Gaul (present-day France) in the early 7th century. He received a classical education and was known for his intelligence and his devotion to God. From a young age, he felt a calling to the religious life and desired to dedicate himself to prayer and contemplation.
After completing his studies, Falitrus renounced his worldly possessions and embraced a life of asceticism. He retreated to a remote area near the town of Chabris in central France and established a hermitage. Falitrus lived a simple life of prayer, fasting, and manual labor. He became known for his humility, his piety, and his love for God.
Reputation and Miracles
Falitrus's reputation for holiness spread throughout the region, and many people came to seek his counsel and prayers. He was known for his gift of discernment and his ability to offer spiritual guidance to those who sought his help. He is also said to have performed many miracles, including healing the sick and casting out demons.
Falitrus's hermitage became a center of pilgrimage, and many people traveled to Chabris to seek his blessings. He remained a humble and devout servant of God throughout his life, never seeking attention or praise for his extraordinary gifts.
Death and Veneration
Falitrus died peacefully at his hermitage in Chabris in the late 7th century. He is buried in the church of Chabris, where his tomb is still venerated today. He is considered a patron saint of hermits and is remembered for his piety, his humility, and his dedication to prayer and contemplation.
Representation in Art
Falitrus is often depicted in art as an elderly hermit with a long beard, holding a crozier or a book, symbols of his hermitage and his learning. He is sometimes shown with a wild animal, such as a bear or a wolf, symbolizing his mastery over the natural world.
Born
latter 5th century Gaul (in modern France)
Died
• 525 of natural causes
• his tomb became a pilgrimage site and a place of healing for sick children
• relics burned by Huguenots
Saint Gregory of Girgenti
Also known as
Gregory of Agrigentum
Profile
Bishop of Girgenti, Italy. Wrote a commentary on the book of Ecclesiastes, which has survived, and was a noted Bible teacher, explaining the Scriptures in a plain way to plain people.
Born
Girgenti, Sicily, Italy
Died
c.638 of natural causes
Blessed Detlev of Ratzeburg
Also known as
• Detlev of Parkentin
• Detlef of...
Profile
Born to the nobility. Premonstratensian canon. Canon of the Premonstratensian monastery in Ratzeburg (in modern Germany). Bishop of Ratzeburg. Lived as a simple friar, but was known for his charity.
Born
14th century Mecklenburg (in modern Germany)
Died
23 November 1419 of natural causes
Blessed Felícitas Cendoya Araquistain
Also known as
Sister María Cecilia
Profile
Member of the Visitation Nuns. Martyred in the Spanish Civil War.
Born
10 January 1910 in Azpeitia, Guipúzcoa, Spain
Died
23 November 1936 in Madrid, Spain
Beatified
10 May 1998 by Pope John Paul II
Saint Adalbert of Casauria
Also known as
Adalbert of Monte Caramanico
Profile
Benedictine monk at Cassoria, Abruzzi, Italy. Worked for a while with Saint Guy of Casauria. Retired to live as a hermit on Mount Caramanico where he eventually founded the abbey of Saint Nicholas.
Died
c.1045 of natural causes
Saint Mustiola of Chiusi
Profile
Cousin of Emperor Claudius. Martyred with Saint Irenaeus of Chiusi for ministering to Christian prisoners, and burying martyrs.
Died
273 at Chiusi, Tuscany, Italy
Saint Paulinus of Whitland
Also known as
• Paulinus of Wales
• Paulhen, Pewlin, Polin
Profile
Spiritual student of Saint Illtyd. Monk. Founded the monastery of Whitland in Wales and served as its abbot. Spritual teacher of Saint David of Wales and Saint Teilo of Llandaff.
Died
c.505
Saint Rachildis of Saint-Gall
Also known as
Richildis
Profile
Benedictine anchoress who lived walled up in a cell near Saint Wiborada, under obedience to the abbot of Saint Gall in Switzerland.
Died
c.946 of natural causes
Saint Sisinius of Cyzicus
Also known as
Sisinnio, Sisinio
Profile
Saint Sisinius of Cyzicus, also known as Sisinnio or Sisinio, was an early Christian bishop of Cyzicus (modern-day Güzelyurt, Turkey) and a confessor of the faith. He is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church
Life and Martyrdom
Saint Sisinius was born in Cyzicus in the late 3rd century AD. He was raised in a Christian family and became a devout believer from a young age. During the reign of Emperor Diocletian (284-305 AD), a fierce persecution of Christians erupted in the Roman Empire. Sisinius's faith was tested, but he remained steadfast in his beliefs. He openly defended his Christianity and refused to renounce his faith, even in the face of threats and torture.
Sisinius was eventually arrested and brought before the Roman authorities. He was accused of blasphemy and sentenced to death by dragging behind a horse. However, Sisinius survived the ordeal and was released from prison. He continued to preach the Gospel and to strengthen the faith of other Christians.
After the end of the Diocletianic persecution, Sisinius was elected bishop of Cyzicus. He served as bishop for many years, leading his flock with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering faith. He is remembered for his humility, his piety, and his dedication to the service of God and his people.
Death and Legacy
Saint Sisinius died peacefully in Cyzicus in the early 4th century AD. He is buried in the city, and his tomb is still venerated today. He is considered a patron saint of the city of Cyzicus and is remembered for his courage, his faith, and his unwavering commitment to Christian values.
Saint Sisinius's legacy continues to inspire Christians around the world to live lives of faith, courage, and service to others. His story reminds us that true happiness is found not in material possessions or earthly achievements but in a life dedicated to God and the pursuit of spiritual growth.
Died
stabbed with a sword in Cyzicus in the Hellespont in the early 4th century
Saint Lucretia of Mérida
Also known as
Lucrezia
Profile
Saint Lucretia of Mérida was a 4th-century Christian martyr from Mérida in Hispania (present-day Spain). She is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and her feast day is celebrated on November 23
Life and Martyrdom
Little is known about Saint Lucretia's early life. According to tradition, she was a young woman of noble birth who was raised in a Christian family. She was known for her beauty, her intelligence, and her devout faith.
During the reign of Emperor Diocletian (284-305 AD), a severe persecution of Christians broke out in the Roman Empire. Lucretia, along with many other Christians, was arrested for her faith. She was brought before the Roman authorities and interrogated about her beliefs. When she refused to renounce her Christianity, she was sentenced to death.
Lucretia was subjected to various tortures, including being whipped and burned. However, she remained steadfast in her faith and refused to give up her beliefs. She was eventually beheaded, becoming one of the many martyrs of the Diocletianic persecution.
Veneration and Legacy
Saint Lucretia's body was buried in Mérida, and her tomb soon became a place of pilgrimage for Christians. She was venerated as a martyr and her intercession was sought for healing and protection.
Over the centuries, Saint Lucretia's story has been passed down through tradition and she has become a beloved saint in Spain and throughout the Catholic world. She is remembered for her courage, her faith, and her willingness to die for her beliefs.
Saint Lucretia's legacy continues to inspire Christians today. Her story reminds us of the importance of standing up for our beliefs, even in the face of adversity. She is a reminder that true strength comes from faith and that we should never give up on our hope in God.
Died
306 in Mérida, Spain
Saint Wilfetrudis of Nivelles
Profile
Niece of Saint Gertrude of Nivelles. Abbess of the abbey in Nivelles, Belgium.Saint Wilfetrudis of Nivelles was a 7th-century Frankish noblewoman who founded the Abbey of Nivelles in Belgium. She is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church
Life and Work
Wilfetrudis was born in the late 6th century to a wealthy and influential family in the Merovingian kingdom. She was educated in the Christian faith and from a young age showed a strong devotion to God.
In 641, Wilfetrudis married Gundulf, the count of Hesbaye. The couple had several children, but Gundulf died young. After his death, Wilfetrudis decided to dedicate her life to God and to serve the poor and the sick.
In 650, Wilfetrudis founded the Abbey of Nivelles on land that she had inherited from her husband. The abbey quickly became a center of learning and spirituality, and Wilfetrudis was known for her wisdom, her compassion, and her dedication to her faith.
Wilfetrudis served as abbess of Nivelles for over 30 years. During her time in office, she oversaw the construction of a new abbey church and the expansion of the abbey's school and library. She also founded several other monasteries and hospitals in the region.
Death and Legacy
Wilfetrudis died in 687 at the age of 76. She was buried in the abbey church at Nivelles, and her tomb soon became a place of pilgrimage.
Wilfetrudis is remembered as a holy woman who dedicated her life to God and to the service of others. She is a patron saint of Nivelles and is also venerated in the Catholic Church as a saint of healing.
Died
c.670
Saint Paternian of Fano
Profile
Fled into the mountains for a period to escape the persecutions of Diocletian. Bishop of Fano, Italy.Saint Paternian of Fano was a 4th-century bishop of Fano, Italy. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church
Life and Work
Paternian was born in Fermo, Italy, around 275 AD. He was raised in a Christian family and received a classical education. From an early age, he was known for his piety, his intelligence, and his devotion to God.
During the reign of Emperor Diocletian (284-305 AD), a fierce persecution of Christians erupted in the Roman Empire. Paternian's faith was tested, but he remained steadfast in his beliefs. He refused to renounce his Christianity and openly defended his faith, even in the face of threats and torture.
Paternian's courage and resilience inspired many other Christians in Fermo. He became a beacon of hope and strength during a time of great hardship. His unwavering faith and his willingness to suffer for his beliefs made him a symbol of Christian martyrdom.
Escape, Hermitism, and Episcopate
According to tradition, Paternian was warned by an angel in a vision to escape the persecution in Fermo and hide out in a deserted place near the Metauro River. He followed the angel's instructions and fled to the mountains, where he lived as a hermit for many years.
After the end of the Diocletianic persecution, Paternian emerged from his hermitage and returned to civilization. He was eventually elected bishop of Fano, becoming a beloved leader of the Christian community. He served as bishop for many years, leading his flock with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering faith.
Death and Legacy
Paternian died peacefully in Fano around 360 AD. He is buried in the cathedral of Fano, where his tomb is still venerated today. He is considered a patron saint of the city of Fano and is remembered for his courage, his faith, and his dedication to the service of God and his people.
Died
c.343
Saint Severin of Paris
Also known as
Severino, Severinus
Profile
Sixth-century hermit who lived in a cell in Paris, France.Saint Severin of Paris, also known as Severinus of Paris or Saint Séverin, was a 6th-century hermit who lived in Paris and is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.
Life and Work
Severin was born in Aquitaine, France, in the early 6th century. He was raised in a Christian family and received a classical education. From a young age, he was known for his piety, his intelligence, and his devotion to God.
Around the age of 30, Severin decided to renounce his worldly possessions and embrace a life of asceticism. He left his home and traveled to Paris, where he established a hermitage near the Seine River. Severin lived in a simple hut and devoted himself to prayer, fasting, and manual labor. He became known for his humility, his piety, and his love for God.
Miracles and Reputation
Severin's reputation for holiness spread throughout Paris, and many people came to seek his counsel and prayers. He was known for his gift of discernment and his ability to offer spiritual guidance to those who sought his help. He is also said to have performed many miracles, including healing the sick and casting out demons.
Severin's hermitage became a center of pilgrimage, and many people traveled to Paris to seek his blessings. He remained a humble and devoted servant of God throughout his life, never seeking attention or praise for his extraordinary gifts.
Death and Legacy
Severin died peacefully at his hermitage in Paris around 540 AD. He is buried in the church of Saint-Séverin in the Latin Quarter of Paris, where his tomb is still venerated today. He is considered a patron saint of Paris and is remembered for his piety, his humility, and his dedication to prayer and contemplation.
Representation in Art
Severin is often depicted in art as an elderly hermit with a long beard, holding a crozier or a book, symbols of his hermitage and his learning. He is sometimes shown with a wild animal, such as a bear or a wolf, symbolizing his mastery over the natural world.
Blessed Guy of Casauria
Profile
Benedictine monk at Farfa. Abbot of Casauria, Italy.
Blessed Guy of Casauria was a Benedictine abbot and Italian hermit who lived in the 11th century. He is venerated as a blessed in the Catholic Church and his feast day is celebrated on November 22.
Life and Work
Guy was born in the town of Casauria, Italy, in the 11th century. He was raised in a religious household and from a young age felt a calling to the monastic life. He entered the Benedictine monastery of San Benedetto in Casauria, where he received a thorough education in theology and philosophy.
Guy quickly distinguished himself for his piety, his humility, and his devotion to God. He was known for his strict adherence to the Benedictine Rule, and his dedication to prayer and contemplation. He became a deeply respected member of the monastic community, and his reputation for holiness spread throughout the region.
Hermitage and Miracles
At some point during his life, Guy decided to leave the monastery and embrace a life of solitude as a hermit. He established a hermitage in a remote area near the town of Casauria, where he lived a simple life of prayer, fasting, and manual labor.
Guy's reputation for holiness followed him into his hermitage. Many people came to seek his counsel and prayers, and he was known for his gift of discernment and his ability to offer spiritual guidance to those who sought his help. He is also said to have performed many miracles, including healing the sick and casting out demons.
Guy's hermitage became a center of pilgrimage, and many people traveled to Casauria to seek his blessings. He remained a humble and devoted servant of God throughout his life, never seeking attention or praise for his extraordinary gifts.
Death and Legacy
Guy died peacefully at his hermitage in Casauria in the late 11th century. He was buried in the church of San Benedetto in Casauria, where his tomb is still venerated today. He is considered a patron saint of the town of Casauria and is remembered for his piety, his humility, and his dedication to prayer and contemplation.
Died
1045
Saint Faustina of Alexandria
Profile
Saint Faustina of Alexandria was a 4th-century Christian martyr from Alexandria, Egypt. She is venerated as a saint in the Coptic Orthodox Church and her feast day is celebrated on November 23.
Life and Martyrdom
Faustina was born into a wealthy family in Alexandria. She received a classical education and was known for her beauty, her intelligence, and her devout faith. During the reign of Emperor Diocletian (284-305 AD), a fierce persecution of Christians erupted in the Roman Empire. Faustina's faith was tested, but she remained steadfast in her beliefs. She openly defended her Christianity and refused to renounce her faith, even in the face of threats and torture.
Faustina was eventually arrested and brought before the Roman authorities. She was accused of blasphemy and sentenced to death by burning. She faced her execution with courage and serenity, praying for her persecutors and expressing her forgiveness.
Veneration and Legacy
Faustina's body was buried in Alexandria, and her tomb soon became a place of pilgrimage for Christians. She was venerated as a martyr and her intercession was sought for healing and protection.
Over the centuries, Saint Faustina's story has been passed down through tradition and she has become a beloved saint in Egypt and throughout the Coptic Orthodox world. She is remembered for her courage, her faith, and her willingness to die for her beliefs.
Saint Faustina's legacy continues to inspire Christians today. Her story reminds us of the importance of standing up for our beliefs, even in the face of adversity. She is a reminder that true strength comes from faith and that we should never give up on our hope in God.
Died
Alexandria, Egypt
Saint Augusta of Alexandria
Profile
Saint Augusta of Alexandria is a revered figure in the Christian tradition, particularly in the Coptic Church. She is known for her unwavering faith, her courage in the face of persecution, and her dedication to spreading the Gospel message.
Life
Augusta was born into a wealthy family in Alexandria, Egypt, in the early 4th century AD. She was raised in a Christian household and received a classical education. From an early age, she was known for her piety, her intelligence, and her devotion to God.
During the reign of Emperor Diocletian, a fierce persecution of Christians erupted in the Roman Empire. Augusta's faith was tested, but she remained steadfast in her beliefs. She refused to renounce her Christianity and openly defended her faith, even in the face of threats and torture.
Augusta's courage and resilience inspired many other Christians in Alexandria. She became a beacon of hope and strength during a time of great hardship. Her unwavering faith and her willingness to suffer for her beliefs made her a symbol of Christian martyrdom.
Death and Veneration
Augusta was eventually arrested and brought before the Roman authorities. She was accused of blasphemy and sentenced to death by stoning. She faced her execution with courage and serenity, praying for her persecutors and expressing her forgiveness.
Augusta's martyrdom is believed to have taken place around the year 303 AD. She is venerated as a saint in the Coptic Church and her feast day is celebrated on November 22. She is often depicted in art as a young woman with a beard, holding a palm branch, a symbol of martyrdom.
Died
Alexandria, Egypt
