Saint Chromatius of Aquileia
Profile
Chromatius' father died when the boy was an infant, and he was raised by his mother and large family of older siblings. Ordained c.387. Attended the Synod of Aquileia, and worked for the strong denunciation of Arianism that resulted from the synod. Bishop of Aquileia in 388.
He worked for peace with invading troops led by Alaric, and provided aid to those who suffered by being in his path. Active correspondent with Saint Ambrose of Milan. Friend of Saint Jerome, who dedicated several works to him. Influential in the translation of early Christian works into Latin for wider use. Financed Saint Jerome's translation of the Bible, and Rufinus' translation of Eusebius' Ecclesiastical History. Wrote several respected scripture commentaries, seventeen of which survive. Friend of Saint John Chrysostom, supporting him and writing on his behalf against the unjust accusations of Emperor Arcadius.
Born
4th century at Aquileia, Italy
Died
2 December 407 in Italy of natural causes
Blessed John van Ruysbroeck
Also known as
• John Ruysbroeck
• Jan van Ruusbroec
• John the Admirable Doctor
• John the Divine Doctor
• Ruysbroeck the Admirable
Profile
Nothing is known of John's father, but history remembers his mother as a very pious woman who eventually entered a convent. At age eleven John moved in with and was educated by his uncle, Father John Hinckaert at Saint Gudule's, Brussels, Belgium. Ordained in 1317. Served as chaplain at Saint Gudule's for 26 years.
In response to pamphlets teaching heresy, John began to write his own, primarily on false mysticism being taught. None of these writings have survived.
In 1343, John and his uncle retired to a hermitage in Groenendael. His reputation for wisdom and holiness began to spread, and the hermitage attracted like-minded men. The group founded a formal community of Augustinian canons regular on 13 March 1349 with John as prior. Many people came for spiritual guidance by the canons, and especially from John. He led a life of extreme austerity, became famous as a sublime contemplative and skilled director of souls. As the Spirit moved him, he resumed writing. Noted as the greatest of the Flemish mystical writers.
Born
1293 near Brussels, Belgium
Died
• 2 December 1381 at Groenendael of natural causes
• relics translated to Saint Gudule's, Brussels, Belgium in 1783, but were lost or destroyed during the French Revolution
Beatified
1 December 1908 by Pope Pius X
Blessed Rafal Chylinski
Also known as
Melchior Chylinski
Profile
A pious youth, his family nicknamed him "the little monk." After graduating the Jesuit college in Poznan, Poland, Melchior joined the cavalry, and was made an officer within three years. In 1715, against the advice of his brothers in arms, Melchior joined the Conventual Friars Minor in Kraków, Poland, took the name Rafal, and was ordained in 1717.
Assigned to parishes in nine cities, he was eventually sent to Lagiewniki in central Poland, where he spent most of the last 13 years of his life. He distributed food, supplies and clothing to the poor, and played the harp, lute and mandolin to accompany liturgical hymns. Spent 20 months in Warsaw ministering to flood and epidemic victims. Known for simple and candid sermons, generosity, and as a great confessor. All classes were drawn to the self-sacrificing way he lived out his religious profession and priestly ministry.
Born
8 January 1694 at Buk, Poznan, Poland as Melchior Chylinski
Died
• 2 December 1741 at Lagiewniki, Lodzkie, Poland
• the Conventual church there became a place of pilgrimage
Beatified
9 June 1991 at Warsaw, Poland by Pope John Paul II
Blessed Maria Angela Astorch
அருளாளர் மரியா ஏஞ்சலா அஸ்டோர்ச்
மறைப்பணியாளர்/ சபை நிறுவனர்:
பிறப்பு: செப்டம்பர் 1, 1592
பார்சிலோனா, ஸ்பெயின்
இறப்பு: டிசம்பர் 2, 1665
முர்சியா, ஸ்பெயின்
முக்திபேறு பட்டம்: மே 23 1982
திருத்தந்தை 2ம் ஜான் பவுல்
நினைவுத் திருநாள்: டிசம்பர் 2
அருளாளர் மரியா ஏஞ்சலா அஸ்டோர்ச், ஒரு ஸ்பேனிஷ் துறவியும் "சரகோசா" (Zaragoza) மற்றும் "மூர்சியா" (Murcia) ஆகிய இடங்களிலுள்ள "எளிய சகோதரியருக்கான கப்புச்சின் துறவு சபையின்” (Capuchin Poor Clares) நிறுவனரும் ஆவார். "மூர்சியாவில்" (Murcia) மரித்த இவர், கி.பி. 1982ம் ஆண்டு, மே மாதம், 23ம் நாள், திருத்தந்தை “இரண்டாம் ஜான் பவுல்” (Pope John Paul II) அவர்களால் அருளாளராக அருட்பொழிவு செய்யப்பட்டார்.
பார்சிலோனாவில் வசதியான குடும்பத்தில் பிறந்த ஏஞ்சலாவின் தந்தை "கிறிஸ்டோபல் கோர்டி" (Cristóbal Cortey) ஒரு புத்தக வியாபாரி ஆவார். இவரது தாயாரின் பெயர் "கேடலினா அஸ்ட்ரோக்" (Catalina Astroch) ஆகும். இவர்களுக்குப் பிறந்த நான்கு குழந்தைகளில் ஆஞ்சலா கடைக்குட்டி குழந்தை ஆவார்.
இவருக்கு நான்கு வயதாகியபோதே இவரது பெற்றோர் இருவரும் மரித்துப் போயினர். அனாதையாக தனித்து விடப்பட்ட மரியா, இவர்களது வீட்டின் பணிப்பெண்ணின் பாதுகாவலில் விடப்பட்டார்.
கி.பி. 1599ம் ஆண்டு, தமது ஏழு வயதில் விஷமருந்திய ஏஞ்சலா, மரித்த நிலையில் காணப்பட்டார். அப்போது, பார்சிலோனாவில் புதிதாய் நிறுவப்பட்டிருந்த “கபுச்சின் துறவு சபையில்” (Capuchin Monastery) அருட்சகோதரியாக இருந்த இவரது சகோதரி "இசபெல் அஸ்டோர்ச்" (Isabel Astorch), மரியாவின் இறுதிச் சடங்குக்கு ஏற்பாடுகள் செய்தார். இறுதி ஊர்வலத்தின் தயாரிப்புக்களுக்கு இடையே மரியாவின் சகோதரி "இசபெலின்" (Isabel) ஜெபத்தினால் அதிசயிக்கும் வகையில் மரியா உயிருடன் மீண்டு வந்தார்.
புத்துயிர் பெற்ற மரியா பிரம்மாண்ட சாத்தியக்கூறுகளுடன் மேம்பட்ட முதிர்ச்சி பெற்றார். லத்தீன் மொழியிலுள்ள புத்தகங்களை படிக்கவும் கடினமாக உழைக்கவும் கற்றார்.
கி.பி. 1603ம் ஆண்டு, செப்டம்பர் மாதம், 16ம் தேதி, தமது பதினோரு வயதில், "அன்னை ஏஞ்செலா செரஃபினா ப்ராட்" (Mother Angela Serafina Prat) அவர்களால் நிறுவப்பட்ட "பார்சிலோனாவின் புனிதர் மார்கரெட்" (Monastery of St. Margaret of Barcelona) துறவற மடத்தில் இணைந்தார்.
பார்சிலோனாவில் இருந்த கப்புச்சின் துறவற சபையில் தனது 17ம் வயதில் துறவற வார்த்தைப் பாடுகளைப் பெற்றார். தான் துறவியான 8 ஆண்டுகள் கழித்து, சரகோசா (Saragossa) என்ற ஊரில் துறவற மடம் ஒன்றைக்கட்டினார். அதன்பிறகு அவ்வில்லத்திற்கு தானே தலைமை பொறுப்பையும் ஏற்றார்.
ஞானத்தாலும், அறிவாலும் சிறந்து விளங்கி தன் மடத்தை வழிநடத்தினார். அதன்பின்னர், ஸ்பெயின் நாட்டின் “சரகோஸா” (Zaragoza) என்ற இடத்தில் “தூய மார்கரிட்டா” (Monastery of Santa Margarita) எனும் பெயரில் ஒரு துறவு மடத்தை நிறுவினார். இவர் அம்மடத்திலிருந்த காலத்தில், அம்மடம் அடித்தளங்களின் ஒரு செழுமையான மையமாக மாறியது. கி.பி. 1614-1623 ஆண்டு காலத்தில் புகுமுக பயிற்சித் துறவியரின் (Mistress of Novices) தலைமையேற்றார். கி.பி. 1623-1626 ஆண்டு காலத்தில் பயிற்சி முடித்த இளம் துறவியரின் (Teacher of young Professed) ஆசிரியையாக இருந்தார். கி.பி. 1626-1642 ஆண்டு காலத்தில் மடாதிபதியாக (Abbess) பணியாற்றினார்.
மரியா ஏஞ்சலாவின் ஆன்மீக முன்னேற்றம் அவரது சுயசரித கதைகளில் பதிவு செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளன. அவற்றில், அவர் தமக்கு கி.பி. 1626-1656 ஆண்டு காலத்தில் ஏற்பட்ட ஆன்ம பலம் கொண்ட இறை அனுபவங்களைப் பற்றி சொல்கிறார். அவர், எண்ணிலடங்கா இயேசுவின் திருக்காட்சிகளை பெற்றார். அவைகளை தானே தன் கைப்பட எழுதியும் வைத்தார்.
கி.பி. 1640ம் ஆண்டு, அருட்சகோதரி மரியா ஏஞ்சலா, ஸ்பெயின் நாட்டின் மூர்சியா எனும் இடத்தில் புதிதாய் ஒரு துறவற மடத்தினை நிறுவினார். அதற்கு “தூய அருட்சாதனங்களின் பெரு மகிழ்ச்சிநிலை” (Exaltation of the Holy Sacrament) என்று பெயர் சூட்டினார். மீண்டும் இங்கேயும் புகுமுக துறவியரின் பயிற்சி கால தலைவராகவும், மடாதிபதியாகவும் பணியாற்றினார். ஏஞ்சலா இங்கேயிருந்த காலகட்டத்தில், வெள்ளம் – கொள்ளைநோய் போன்ற கடினமான தருணங்களையும் சந்தித்தார். கி.பி. 1648ம் ஆண்டு பிளேக் கொள்ளை நோய் வேகமாக பரவியிருந்தது. பின்னர் கி.பி. 1651 மற்றும் 1653 ம் ஆண்டுகளில் “சேகுரா” (River Segura) நதியில் வெள்ளம் பெருக்கெடுத்து ஓடியது. இதுபோன்ற அவசர காலங்களில் மக்களுக்கு சலிக்காது சேவையாற்றினார்.
கி.பி. 1655ம் ஆண்டு, அருட்சகோதரி மரியா ஏஞ்சலா தமது மோசமான உடல்நிலையால் எழுத்துப் பணிகளை நிறுத்தினார். கி.பி. 1660ம் ஆண்டில் தமது மன நலனை இழந்த அருட்சகோதரி, ஒரு குழந்தை போல நடந்துகொள்ள ஆரம்பித்தார். கி.பி. 1661ம் ஆண்டில் தமது மடாதிபதி பொறுப்பை விட்டு விலகினார். கி.பி. 1665ம் ஆண்டு நவம்பர் மாதம், 21ம் தேதி, உடலின் ஒரு பக்கம் செயலற்றுப் போக வைக்கும் (Hemiplegia) வாத நோயால் பாதிக்கப்பட்டார். அவரது மனநிலை தேறாமலே போனது. தமது இறுதி அருட்சாதனங்களைப் பெற்றுக்கொண்ட அருட்சகோதரி ஏஞ்சலா, டிசம்பர் மாதம் 2ம் தேதி கிறிஸ்துவுக்குள் மரித்தார்.
Also known as
• Jerónima María Astorch
• Jerónima María Cortey
• Jerónima Maria Agnese
• Mystic of the Breviary
Profile
Raised in a pious family. Poor Clare Capuchin nun at Barcelona, Spain, entering the Order on 16 September 1603 and making her religious profession on 8 September 1609. Novice mistress and director of formation. Founded a monastery in Zaragoza, Spain on 9 May 1614. Abbess in 1627. Founded a monastery in Murcia, Spain on 2 June 1645 where she served abbess until 1661. She spent her spare time studying the sacred texts and the great Church writers, she came to a profound understanding of the Breviary, the schedule of prayers and hymns recited each day. Mystic and visionary who could see and communicate with her guardian angel.
Born
1 September 1592 at Barcelona, Spain
Died
• 2 December 1665 in Murcia, Spain
• body incorrupt
• relics damaged during the Spainsh Civil War
Beatified
23 May 1982 by Pope John Paul II
Saint Bibiana
Also known as
Viviana, Vivian, Vibiana
Profile
Her parents, Saint Flavian of Acquapendente and Dafrosa of Acquapendente, were martyred in the persecutions of Julian the Apostate, and Vivian and her sister Demetria were turned over to a woman named Rufina who tried to force them into prostitution. Upon her continued refusal to co-operate, Vivian was imprisoned in a mad house, then flogged to death.
A church was built over her grave, in the garden of which grew an herb that cured headache and epilepsy. This and her time spent with the mentally ill led to her areas of patronage.
Born
in 4th century in Rome, Italy
Died
• scourged to death c.361
• her body was left to the dogs, but none would touch her, and she was buried two days later in the Pretestato Catacombs, Rome, Italy
• relics enshrined in the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, Los Angeles, California from 1855 until the building burned in August 1865
*bull; relics enshrined in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Los Angeles, California
Blessed Ivan Sleziuk
Also known as
• Ivan Slezyuk
• John Sleziuk
Memorial
27 June as one of the Martyrs Killed Under Communist Regimes in Eastern Europe
Profile
Greek Catholic. Ordained in 1923. Co-adjutor bishop in April 1945. Arrested for his faith on 2 June 1945, and sentenced to ten years in the forced labour camps in Vorkuta, Russia; transferred in 1950 to Mordovia, Russia. Released on 15 November 1954, and returned to Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine. Arrested again for his faith in 1962; sentenced to five years in the forced labour camps. Released on 30 November 1968. Routinely and repeatedly interrogated by the KGB until his death.
Born
14 January 1896 at Zhyvachiv, Stanislaviv District, Ukraine
Died
2 December 1973 in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
Beatified
27 June 2001 by Pope John Paul II in Ukraine
Pope Saint Silverio
Also known as
Sylvere, Silverius
Profile
Son of Pope Hormisdas, who had entered religious life after raising a family. Sub-deacon when elected pope at the insistence of King Theodaha the Ostrogoth. A humble man caught in the middle of a political ploy by Vigilius and the Empress Theodora to seize the pontificate for the Monophysites. Kidnapped, convicted of a trumped-up charge of treason, and exiled to the island of Ponza, Italy.
Born
480 at Frosinone, Campania (in modern Italy)
Papal Ascension
8 June 536
Died
starved in November 537
Saint Oderisius de Marsi
Also known as
Oderisius I, Odorisius
Profile
Born to the nobility, son of the count of Marsi. Educated at Monte Cassino monastery. Poet. Benedictine monk at Monte Cassino under the direction of Diseiderius II who would become Pope Blessed Victor III. Deacon of Saint Agatha's church. Priest. Cardinal in 1059, elevated by Pope Nicholas II. Abbot at Monte Cassino in 1087. Patron of impoverished scholars of his day, hugely expanded the abbey library and promoted the work of its copyists. Mediator between Crusaders and the Greek emperor Alexicus.
Born
at Marsi, Italy
Died
1105 of natural causes
Our Lady of Liesse
Also known as
• Our Lady, Cause of our Joy
• Our Lady of Joy
Profile
An ancient statue of the Madonna and Child. It was brought from Egypt to France during the Crusades by three Knights of Malta who had been briefly captured by Saracens. It was enshrined at Liesse, diocese of Soissons. The original statue was destroyed during the French Revolution. A duplicate was installed and crowned in 1857.
Saint Athanasius of the Caves
Also known as
• Athanasius of Kiev
• Athanasius of the Resurrection
• Afanasij of
Profile
Hermit in the caves around Kiev, Ukraine. He was found dead, and his brother monks and hermits prepared to bury him; he suddenly sat back up, returned from the dead. He would not tell the brothers what he had seen, just told them to stay true to their Rule and obey their abbot. Known as a healer and miracle worker.
Died
c.1176 of natural causes
Saint Avitus of Rouen
Also known as
Avidien, Avinziano, Avinzio, Avit, Avitianus, Avitien, Avito, Evincianus
Profile
Bishop of Rouen, France in the early 4th-century. Signed and supported the decrees of the First Council of Arles in 314.
Died
• 325 of natural causes
• interred in a crypt in the church of Saint-Gervais, Rouen, France
• relics dispersed during the Norman invasions of the area
Blessed Francisco del Valle Villar
Also known as
Brother Leon Justino
Profile
Member of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Martyred in the Spanish Civil War.
Born
25 May 1906 in Grañon, Logroño, Spain
Died
2 December 1936 in Manresa, Barcelona, Spain
Beatified
28 October 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI
Saint Nonnus of Edessa
Also known as
Nennos, Ninos, Nono, Nonnos
Profile
Deacon. Monk at the monastery of Tabenna in upper Egypt. Bishop of Edessa, Mesopotamia. Attended the Council of Chalcedon in 451. It was through his prayers that Saint Pelagia the Penitent was converted to Christianity.
Blessed Robert of Matallana
Profile
Benedictine Cistercian monk of La Criste in Champagne, France. Abbot at the Matallana monastery in Valladolid, Spain.
Died
1185 of natural causes
Habakkuk the Prophet
Also known as
Avvakoum, Habacuc
Profile
Habakkuk was a prophet of Judah who lived in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, during a time of great turmoil and upheaval. The Babylonian Empire was on the rise, and Judah was facing increasing pressure from its neighbors. Habakkuk's prophetic message was one of judgment and hope. He warned the people of Judah of the impending destruction of Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonians, but he also offered them hope for the future. Habakkuk's book is divided into three chapters.
Blessed John Amero
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Dominican lay-brother at Baeza, Spain. Noted for having only two interests in life: study and prayer. Directed by his spiritual directors to take holy orders.
Died
1566 of natural causes
Saint Silvanus
Also known as
Sylvanus
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Monk at Constantinople. Bishop of Troas, Phrygia. Prohibited his priests from working in secular courts.
Died
c.450 of natural causes
Saint Pontian
Profile
Saint Pontian (died c. 259) was a Christian martyr who was executed during the persecutions of Emperor Valerian. He is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Early Life
Pontian was born in Rome in the late 2nd century. He was a member of a wealthy family, and he received a good education. Pontian became a Christian at a young age, and he was known for his piety and his devotion to the Church.
Election as Pope
In 230, Pontian was elected Pope of the Catholic Church. He was a popular choice, and he was known for his humility and his wisdom. Pontian ruled the Church during a difficult time, as the Roman Empire was facing persecution from the Emperor Maximinus Thrax.
Persecution and Abdication
In 235, Maximinus Thrax issued an edict ordering the exile of all Christian clergy. Pontian was arrested and sent to the island of Sardinia. He was forced to work in the mines, and he suffered greatly from the harsh conditions.
In 236, Pontian realized that his continued imprisonment was preventing the Church from choosing a new leader. He made the difficult decision to abdicate the papacy. This was the first time that a pope had ever resigned, and it set an important precedent for future popes.
Martyrdom
After his abdication, Pontian was returned to Rome. He was imprisoned again, and he was eventually martyred along with four unnamed Christians. The date of his death is uncertain, but it is believed to have been around 259.
Legacy
Saint Pontian is remembered for his humility, his courage, and his willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the Church. He is considered a model of Christian leadership, and he is venerated as a saint by both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.
Saint Evasius of Brescia
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Sure, here is a profile of Saint Evasius of Brescia:
Saint Evasius of Brescia was an early bishop of Brescia, Italy. He is traditionally considered to have been the first bishop of the city, although some historians believe that he may have been the second or third. Evasius is said to have been martyred during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian in the late 3rd century.
Early Life and Ministry
There is very little information about Evasius's early life. He is believed to have been born in Brescia, and he was probably a member of a wealthy family. Evasius became a Christian at a young age, and he was known for his piety and his devotion to the Church.
Evasius was ordained as a deacon and then as a priest. He is said to have been a powerful preacher, and he converted many people to Christianity. Evasius was also known for his charitable work, and he helped the poor and the sick.
Bishop of Brescia
Evasius was elected bishop of Brescia in the late 3rd century. He was a popular choice, and he was known for his wisdom and his leadership. Evasius led the Church in Brescia during a difficult time, as the Roman Empire was facing persecution from Emperor Diocletian.
Persecution and Martyrdom
In 303, Diocletian issued an edict ordering the destruction of Christian churches and the burning of Christian scriptures. Evasius was arrested and imprisoned for his refusal to renounce his faith. He was tortured, but he remained steadfast in his beliefs.
Evasius was eventually beheaded, along with many other Christians. The date of his death is uncertain, but it is believed to have been around 304.
Legacy
Saint Evasius is remembered for his courage, his faith, and his willingness to die for his beliefs. He is considered a model of Christian leadership, and he is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church.
Saint Lupus of Verona
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Saint Lupus of Verona was a bishop of Verona, Italy, who was revered for his piety, charity, and wisdom. He is traditionally believed to have served as bishop during the 7th century.
Early Life
Little is known about Saint Lupus's early life. He was likely born in Verona, Italy, and received a strong Christian upbringing. He is said to have been ordained a priest and subsequently became a renowned preacher, known for his eloquence and dedication to spreading the Gospel.
Bishopric of Verona
Lupus's appointment as bishop of Verona is generally attributed to the early 7th century. During his tenure, he diligently served the Verona community, demonstrating exceptional pastoral care and fostering unity among the faithful. His reputation for wisdom and compassion extended beyond Verona, attracting people from neighboring regions seeking spiritual guidance and support.
Charitable Works and Social Welfare
Saint Lupus was deeply committed to alleviating suffering and promoting the well-being of the poor and marginalized. He actively engaged in charitable works, providing food, shelter, and other necessities to those in need. His efforts in social welfare earned him immense respect and admiration from the Verona populace.
Spiritual Guidance and Pastoral Care
Lupus's leadership as bishop extended beyond administrative matters to encompass spiritual guidance and pastoral care. He was known for his compassionate approach, offering solace and spiritual direction to those seeking his counsel. His sermons and teachings were deeply impactful, inspiring the faithful to live with integrity and devotion.
Miracles and Divine Favor
Saint Lupus's reputation for holiness and piety was further enhanced by stories of miraculous occurrences attributed to his intercession. These accounts, though not officially recognized by the Church, added to his veneration among the people of Verona.
Greek Martyrs of Rome
Also known as
Martyrs Groeci
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Several Greek Christians martyred in the persecutions of Valerian - Adria, Aurelia, Eusebius, Hippolytus, Marcellus, Mary Martana, Maximus, Neon and Paulina.
Died
• by various means between 254 and 259 in Rome, Italy
• buried in the Callistus catacombs
Martyrs of Africa
Profile
Four Christians martyred in Africa in the persecutions of Arian Vandals - Januarius, Securus, Severus and Victorinus.
Aurelia of Alexandria
There is very little information about Berengar Cantull's early life. He was born in the 10th century in the village of Cantull, near the city of Mantua, Italy. Berengar was a devout Christian who dedicated himself to serving the poor and sick. He is said to have been a skilled healer, and he is often depicted in paintings with a dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, on his shoulder.
Berengar's life took a dramatic turn during the persecutions of Emperor Henry II. Berengar was arrested for his Christian faith and was tortured in an attempt to make him renounce his beliefs. He refused to give in to the torture, and he was eventually beheaded.
Veneration
Berengar's martyrdom made him a local hero, and he was quickly venerated as a saint. His tomb became a popular pilgrimage site, and his relics were said to have miraculous powers. Berengar's feast day is celebrated on December 2nd.
Blanche of Castile
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Blanche of Castile (Spanish: Blanca de Castilla; 4 March 1188 – 27 November 1252) was Queen of France by marriage to Louis VIII. She was a skilled politician, administrator, and educator, and she played a crucial role in shaping the reign of her son, Louis IX, who became known as Saint Louis.
Early Life and Marriage
Blanche was born in Palencia, Spain, on 4 March 1188, the third daughter of King Alfonso VIII of Castile and Eleanor of England. She was raised in a court that was known for its piety and learning, and she received a thorough education in both secular and religious subjects.
In 1200, at the age of twelve, Blanche was married to the future King Louis VIII of France. The marriage was arranged to strengthen the alliance between France and Castile. Louis was a young and inexperienced king, and Blanche quickly became his most trusted advisor.
Regency During Louis IX's Minority
When Louis VIII died in 1226, Blanche's son, Louis IX, was only twelve years old. Blanche became regent of France, ruling on behalf of her young son. She faced a number of challenges during her regency, including rebellions from French nobles and threats from neighboring powers. However, she was a shrewd and capable ruler, and she successfully defended the throne for her son.
Blanche was a strong believer in justice and mercy. She reformed the French legal system and abolished some of the most brutal punishments. She also encouraged her son to be a just and merciful ruler.
Influence on St. Louis
Louis IX was a deeply religious man, and Blanche played a significant role in shaping his faith. She taught him to be compassionate and to put the needs of others before his own. She also encouraged him to participate in the Crusades, which he saw as a way to defend Christianity and to help the poor and oppressed.
Blanche's influence on Louis IX was profound. He became one of the most revered saints in the Catholic Church, and he is remembered as a wise and just ruler. Blanche's legacy is also secure as one of the most powerful and influential women in French history.
Legacy
Blanche of Castile was a remarkable woman who played a pivotal role in shaping the history of France. She was a skilled politician, a devoted mother, and a devout Christian. Her legacy is one of strength, intelligence, and piety.
Jesse of Tsilkani
Saint Jesse of Tsilkani (also known as Ise) was a Syrian monk and saint who lived in the 6th century. He was one of the thirteen Syrian Fathers, a group of monks who helped to introduce monasticism to Georgia. Saint Jesse is considered to be a founding father of Georgian monasticism.
Early Life
Saint Jesse was born in Antioch, Syria, into a wealthy and pious family. He was educated in the classics and the Scriptures, and he was ordained as a deacon at a young age.
Call to Monasticism
When Jesse was thirty years old, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening. He felt called to leave the world behind and devote his life to God. He traveled to Georgia with a group of other monks, and they settled in the village of Tsilkani.
Ministry in Georgia
In Tsilkani, Saint Jesse founded a monastery and preached the Gospel to the people of Georgia. He is said to have been a powerful preacher, and he is credited with converting many people to Christianity. He also worked to improve the lives of the poor and the sick, and he is said to have performed many miracles.
Miracle of the Ksani River
One of the most famous miracles of Saint Jesse is said to have taken place on the banks of the Ksani River. The river was flowing in the wrong direction, and the people of Tsilkani were afraid that it would flood their village. Saint Jesse prayed to God, and the river immediately reversed its course and flowed in the right direction.
Death and Veneration
Saint Jesse died in Tsilkani at the age of 80. He is buried in the Tsilkani Church of the Most Holy Theotokos. He is considered to be one of the most important saints of the Georgian Orthodox Church, and his feast day is celebrated on December 2.
Lucius of Chur
Saint Lucius of Chur is a revered figure in the history of the Catholic Church, particularly in the region of Chur in Switzerland. Although historical records are sparse and his life story is partly shrouded in legend, he is considered the first bishop of Chur and is venerated as a martyr.
Early Life and Mission
According to legend, Lucius was born in Britain and was a devout Christian. He traveled to the region of Rätien, in what is now Switzerland, to spread the Gospel. He is said to have established a church in Chur and worked tirelessly to convert the local population to Christianity.
Martyrdom and Legacy
The exact circumstances of Lucius's death are uncertain, but he is believed to have been martyred for his faith. Some accounts say he was stoned to death, while others suggest he was beheaded. His death is traditionally dated to the 4th century AD.
Regardless of the details of his demise, Lucius is revered as a martyr and a saint. His feast day is celebrated on December 2nd. He is the patron saint of the city of Chur and the diocese of Chur.
Miracles and Relics
Numerous miracles are attributed to Lucius, including cures of the sick and the blind. His tomb in Chur became a popular pilgrimage site, and his relics were highly venerated. In 923, however, the relics were stolen by the Magyars. They were eventually recovered in 1108 and returned to Chur, where they are now kept in the cathedral.
Stefan Uros of Serbia
Saint Stefan Uroš V, the second and last Emperor of Serbia (1355–1371), who was also known as Uroš the Weak. His feast day is celebrated on December 2.
Stefan Uroš V was born in 1336 and was the son of Stefan Dušan, the first Emperor of Serbia. He succeeded his father to the throne in 1355, but his reign was marked by internal strife and the decline of Serbian power.
Uroš V was a weak and indecisive ruler, and he was unable to prevent the fragmentation of the Serbian Empire. He also faced constant threats from the Ottoman Empire, which was expanding its power in the Balkans.
In 1371, Uroš V was deposed by his son, Marko, but he continued to claim the imperial title until his death in 1371.
Stefan Uroš V is remembered as a tragic figure who was unable to save the Serbian Empire from collapse. However, he is also venerated as a saint by the Serbian Orthodox Church, and his feast day is celebrated on December 2.
