Saint Blaise
புனிதர் பிளெய்ஸ்
மறைசாட்சி, தூய உதவியாளர்:
பிறப்பு: தெரியவில்லை
செபஸ்டீ, வரலாற்று ஆர்மேனியா
இறப்பு: கி.பி. 316
ஏற்கும் சமயம்:
ரோமன் கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபை
கிழக்கு மரபுவழி திருச்சபை
ஓரியண்டல் மரபுவழி திருச்சபை
நினைவுத் திருநாள்: ஃபெப்ரவரி 3
பாதுகாவல்:
விலங்குகள், கட்டிடப் பணியாளர்கள், கால்நடை மருத்துவர்கள், தொண்டை, கல் வெட்டும் தொழிலாளர், செதுக்கும் பணி செய்பவர்கள், கம்பளி தொழிலாளர்கள், குழந்தைகள், “மராட்டி” (Maratea), “இத்தாலி” (Italy), “சிசிலி” (Sicily), “டாலமஷியா” (Dalmatia), “டப்ரோவ்னிக்” (Dubrovnik), “சியுடாட் டெல் எஸ்ட்” (Ciudad del Este), “பராகுவே” (Paraguay), “காம்பானரியோ” (Campanário), “மேடிரா” (Madeira), “ரூபியரா” (Rubiera).
புனிதர் பிளெய்ஸ், ஒரு மருத்துவரும், பண்டைய “வரலாற்று ஆர்மேனியாவின்” (Historical Armenia) “செபஸ்டீ” (Sebastea) எனுமிடத்தின் ஆயருமாவார். இது, தற்கால “மத்திய துருக்கி” (Central Turkey) நாட்டிலுள்ள “சிவாஸ்” (Sivas) எனுமிடமாகும்.
நம்மிடமிருக்கும் அவரைப்பற்றிய முதல் குறிப்பு, கி.பி. 5ம் ஆண்டின் இறுதியில் அல்லது 6ம் நூற்றாண்டின் துவக்கத்தில் உள்ள ஒரு மருத்துவர், “அடியஸ் அமிடெனஸ்” (Aëtius Amidenus) மருத்துவ எழுத்துக்களின் கையெழுத்துப் பிரதிகளில் உள்ளது; தொண்டையில் சிக்கியிருக்கும் பொருட்களை நீக்கி சிகிச்சையளிப்பதில் அவரது உதவி அங்கு இருந்திருக்கிறது. புனிதர் பிளெய்ஸ், மறைசாட்சி என்ற மகத்துவம் பெற்ற இடம், “செபஸ்டீ” (Sebastea) என்று அறிவித்தது, இத்தாலியின் பெரும் வர்த்தகரும், ஆராய்ச்சியாளரும், மற்றும் எழுத்தாளருமான “மார்க்கோ போலோ” (Marco Polo) ஆவார். இத்திருத்தலம் “சிட்டாடல்” மலைக்கு (Citadel Mount) அருகில் இருப்பதாக கி.பி. 1253ம் ஆண்டு அறிவித்தவர், பிளெமிஷ் பிரான்சிஸ்கன் மிஷனரியும், மற்றும் ஆராய்ச்சியாளருமான (Flemish Franciscan missionary and explorer) வில்லியம் (William of Rubruck) ஆவார். இருப்பினும், அது தற்போது இல்லை.
தாம் பிறந்த ஆர்மேனியாவின் செபஸ்டீ நகரில், தமது இளமையில் தத்துவம் கற்ற இவர், ஒரு மருத்துவராக பணியாற்றினார். உடல் வியாதிகளை குணமாக்கிய புனிதர் பிளெய்ஸ், ஒரு ஆன்மாக்களின் மருத்துவர் ஆவார். அனைத்து பகுதிகளிலிருந்தும், உடல் மற்றும் ஆவிக்குரிய நோய்களை குணப்படுத்துவதற்காக மக்கள் அவரிடம் திரண்டனர். தாமாக தம்மைத் தேடி வந்த விலங்குகளைக்கூட அவர் குணப்படுத்தியதாகவும், பின்னாளில், அவர் அவைகளால் உதவி பெற்றதாகவும் கூறப்படுகிறது.
பின்னர், தமது தொழிலிலிருந்து ஓய்வு பெற்ற இவர், ஒரு குகைக்கு சென்று செப வாழ்வில் ஈடுபட்டார். “செபஸ்டீ” ஆயராக, பிளெய்ஸ், தமது மக்களுக்கு தமது வாய் வார்த்தைகளை முன்னுதாரணமாக அறிவுறுத்தினார். கடவுளுடைய ஊழியரான பிளெய்ஸின் மகத்தான நற்பண்புகளும், பரிசுத்த தன்மைகளும் அவருடைய பல அற்புதங்களால் உறுதிப்படுத்தப்பட்டன.
(Acta Sanctorum) எனும் புனிதர்களின் சரித்திர பதிவு நூலின்படி, இவர் அடித்து துன்புறுத்தப்பட்டும், கூரிய இரும்பினாலான முனைகள் கொண்ட சீப்பு போன்ற ஆயுதத்தால் (Iron comb) சித்திரவதை செய்யப்பட்டும், இறுதியில் தலை வெட்டப்பட்டும், மறைசாட்சியாக படுகொலை செய்யப்பட்டார்.
கி.பி. 316ம் ஆண்டு, “கப்படோசியாவின்” ஆளுநரான (Governor of Cappadocia) “அக்ரிகோலா” (Agricola) என்பவரும், “லெஸ்ஸர் ஆர்மேனியா” (Lesser Armenia) என்றும், “ஆர்மேனியா மைனர்” (Armenia Minor) என்றும் அழைக்கப்படும் அதிகாரியும் இணைந்து, “ரோமப்பேரரசர்” (Emperor of the Roman Empire) “லிசினியஸ்” (Licinius) என்பவரின் உத்தரவின்படி, கிறிஸ்தவர்களை துன்புறுத்தத் தொடங்கினர். பிளெய்ஸ் பிடிபட்டார். விசாரணை மற்றும் கடுமையான வாதங்களின் பின்னர், அவர் சிறையில் தள்ளப்பட்டார். பின்னர் அவர் தலை வெட்டப்பட்டு படுகொலை செய்யப்பட்டார்.
அப்போஸ்தலர்களின்படி, கைது செய்யப்பட்டு, சிறைச் சாலைக்கு அவரை கொண்டு செல்லும் வழியில், தமது ஒரே குழந்தையின் தொண்டையில் மீன் முள் சிக்கியதால் துயருற்ற தாய் ஒருவர், இவரது காலடியில் வந்து விழுந்தாள். தமது குழந்தையை குணமாக்க வேண்டி அவரது பரிந்துரையை வலியுறுத்தினாள். நின்று, அவளுடைய துயரத்தைத் தொட்டு, அவர் தனது ஜெபங்களைக் கொடுத்தார்; குழந்தை குணப்படுத்தப்பட்டது. இதன் விளைவாக, தொண்டை காயங்கள் மற்றும் நோய்களுக்கு எதிரான பாதுகாப்பிற்காக பிளேஸ் அழைக்கப்படுகிறார்.
கவர்னரின் வேட்டைக்காரர்கள் அவரை திரும்ப செபஸ்டீ கொண்டு செல்லும் வழியில், ஒரு ஏழைப் பெண்ணை சந்தித்தனர். அந்த பெண்ணுடைய ஒரே பன்றியை ஒரு ஓநாய் பிடித்ததாக அழுதாள். பிளெய்ஸின் கட்டளையின்பேரில், ஓநாய் பன்றியை உயிருடனும் காயப்படுத்தாமலும் விட்டுச் சென்றது.
இவரது நினைவுத் திருநாளானது, “இலத்தீன்” (Latin Church) திருச்சபைகளில் ஃபெப்ரவரி மாதம் மூன்றாம் நாளும், “கிழக்கு மரபுவழி” (Eastern Orthodox) மற்றும் “கிரேக்க கத்தோலிக்க” (Greek Catholic) திருச்சபைகளில் ஃபெப்ரவரி மாதம் பதினொன்றாம் தேதியும் நினைவுகூறப்படுகின்றது.
Also known as
Biagio, Blase, Blasius
Profile
Physician. Bishop of Sebaste, Armenia. Lived in a cave on Mount Argeus. Healer of men and animals; according to legend, sick animals would come to him on their own for help, but would never disturb him at prayer.
Agricola, governor of Cappadocia, came to Sebaste to persecute Christians. His huntsmen went into the forests of Argeus to find wild animals for the arena games, and found many waiting outside Blaise's cave. Discovered in prayer, Blaise was arrested, and Agricola tried to get him to recant his faith. While in prison, Blaise ministered to and healed fellow prisoners, including saving a child who was choking on a fish bone; this led to the blessing of throats on Blaise's feast day.
Thrown into a lake to drown, Blaise stood on the surface and invited his persecutors to walk out and prove the power of their gods; they drowned. When he returned to land, he was martyred by being beaten, his flesh torn with wool combs (which led to his association with and patronage of those involved in the wool trade), and then beheading.
Blaise has been extremely popular for centuries in both the Eastern and Western Churches. In 1222 the Council of Oxford prohibited servile labour in England on his feast. He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers
Born
Armenian
Died
flesh torn by iron wool-combs, then beheaded c.316
Saint Marie Rivier
Also known as
• Marinette Rivier
• Anne-Marie Rivier
• Marie-Anne Rivier
Profile
At the age of sixteen months, Marie broke her hip in a fall that left her crippled. Her mother, refusing to give up, carried the child to a local Pieta statue each day to pray. On 8 September 1774, having seen her mother spend hours in prayer, Marie was suddenly able to walk. However, the effects of her early immobility, and the rickets she suffered, stayed with her, and even as an adult she stood only four foot, four inches tall.
At age seventeen Marie tried to join the Sisters of Notre Dame, but was refused due to her poor health, and returned to her parents' home. By age eighteen Marie was devoting herself to evangelization and care for the poor in her home parish. She started her own school in 1786, a place that welcomed the well-off and the impoverished.
When the French Revolution began in 1789, and religious expression was suppressed, Marie held covert Sunday prayer services when there was no priest available to celebrate Mass. In 1794 the government confiscated the Dominican house her school had been using, sold it, and kicked out Marie and her teachers. As they left, the convent's statue of the Virgin Mary smiled at them and moved; the little group took it as a sign, and decided to stay together. When all other convents were being closed, Marie and four like-minded friends opened a new one on 21 November 1796 near Thueyts, Ardeche, France. They became the foundation of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary (White Ladies). The Sisters devoted themselves to teaching and home evangelization, care for orphans and the abandoned, bringing Jesus to anyone who would listen, and in their words "to pass on hope".
By the time of Marie's death, there were 350 Sisters and 114 houses; today there are over 3,000 Sisters working in France, Switzerland, Canada, United States, England, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Mozambique, Japan, Philippines, Senegal-Gambia, Ireland, Peru, Brazil, Cameroon, and Ecuador.
Born
19 December 1768 at Montpezat-sous-Bauzon, Ardèche, France
Died
3 February 1838 in Bourg-Saint-Andéol, Ardèche, France of natural causes
Beatified
• 23 May 1982 by Pope John Paul II
• the beatification miracle involved the healing of a seven-year-old girl from infantile acrodynia (caused by mercury poisoning, it leads to physical and neurological damage) on 3 February 1938
Canonized
• 15 May 2022 by Pope Francis
• the canonization miracle involved the healing of a newborn baby girl in 2015 from "early generalized non-immunological embryo-fetal hydrops" in the Philippines
Blessed Helena Stollenwerk
Also known as
• Anna Helena Stollenwerk
• Maria Stollenwerk
• Maria Virgo
• Maria Elena
Additional Memorial
28 November (Roermond, Netherlands)
Profile
Anna grew up in a pious farm family that was always involved in parish life. Feeling a call to religious life in her youth, Anna joined the Society of the Holy Childhood. She was interested in missionary work in China, and wrote about the desire to Saint Arnold Janssen, founder of the Society of the Divine Word who had sent missionaries to China in 1879. Though Saint Arnold had no immediate plans for missionary sisters, he took on Helena to work in the mission kitchen where she met three others with the same calling, doing the same work.
In 1889, to further the missionary work in Argentina, Saint Arnold founded the Sisters-Servants of the Holy Spirit. Helena became one of the first 12 Sisters, joining on 17 January 1892, taking the name Sister Maria, making her profession on 12 March 1894, and is considered their co-founder. She was a natural leader with a sense of responsibility for the mission, treated everyone, including fellow sisters, with motherly care, and became a servant to all.
The Sisters began working in Argentina in 1895, and then in Togo in 1897. In 1896, Saint Arnold founded a cloistered, contemplative branch of the Sisters; in 1898, Helena left the missions for the cloister. She contracted tubercular meningitis in 1899, made her profession as contemplative Sister on 31 January 1900, and died three days later. Her good work continues today as the Order she helped found has nearly 4,000 sisters working in 37 countries.
Born
28 November 1852 in Rollensbroich, Archdiocese of Cologne, Rhineland Palatinate, Germany as Anna Helena Stollenwerk
Died
• 3 February 1900 in Steyl, Venlo, Limburg, Netherlands of tubercular meningitis
• buried in the tomb of the Missionary Sisters in the convent of Notre Dame
• re-interred in 1907 in the cemetery of the convent
• re-interred in May 1915 in the cemetery of the new Holy Spirit convent
• some relics enshrined by the Missionary Sisters in Nettetal, Germany
• some relics enshrined by the Missionary Sisters in Steyl, Netherlands in late September 1934
Beatified
17 May 1995 by Pope John Paul II
Saint Ansgar
புனிதர் ஆன்ஸ்கர்
வடக்கின் அப்போஸ்தலர்/ பேராயர்:
பிறப்பு: செப்டம்பர் 8, 801
அமியன்ஸ்
இறப்பு: ஃபெப்ரவரி 3, 865
ப்ரெமன்
ஏற்கும் சமயம்:
ரோமன் கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபை
கிழக்கு மரபுவழி திருச்சபை
லூதரன் திருச்சபை
ஆங்கிலிக்கன் சமூகம்
நினைவுத்திருநாள்: ஃபெப்ரவரி 3
பாதுகாவல்:
ஸ்கேண்டிநேவியா
புனிதர் ஆன்ஸ்கர், ஃப்ராங்க்ஸ் அரசின் (Kingdom of the East Franks) வடக்குப் பிராந்தியத்திலுள்ள "ஹம்பர்க்-ப்ரெமன்" (Hamburg-Bremen) மறைமாவட்டத்தின் பேராயராக (Archbishop) பணியாற்றியவர் ஆவார். ஐரோப்பாவின் வடக்கு நாடுகளில் கிறிஸ்தவ மறையை எடுத்துச் செல்வதிலும், மறைபரப்பு பணியாற்றியதாலும், இவர் வடக்கின் அப்போஸ்தலர் (Apostle of the North) என்று அழைக்கப்படுகின்றார்.
இவர், கி.பி. 801ம் ஆண்டு, வடக்கு ஃபிரான்சின் (Northern France) "அமியன்ஸ்" (Amiens) நகர் அருகே பிரபல "ஃபிரான்கிஷ்" (Frankish) குடும்பத்தில் பிறந்தார். இவரது தாயார் இவரின் சிறு வயதிலேயே மரணம் அடைந்ததால், இவர் "கோர்பி" (Corbie Abbey) எனும் துறவற மடாலயத்தில் வளர்ந்தார். "பிகார்டி" (Picardy) நகரிலுள்ள "பெனடிக்டைன்" (Benedictine monastery) துறவு மடத்தில் கல்வி கற்றார்.
ஆன்ஸ்கர், கி.பி. 831ம் ஆண்டு, “ஹம்பர்க்” (Hamburg) மறைமாவட்டத்தின் பேராயராக நியமிக்கப்பட்டார். கி.பி. 831ம் ஆண்டு, நவம்பர் மாதம், இவர் பேராயராக அருட்பொழிவு செய்யப்பட்டார். அதற்கான ஏற்பாடுகளுக்கு திருத்தந்தை நான்காம் கிரகோரி (Gregory IV) ஒப்புதல் அளித்தார். "பல்லியம்" (Pallium) (பேராயராக ஒருவர் அருட்பொழிவு செய்யப்படும் நிகழ்வின்போது அவர் அணிவதற்கான ஒருவித கம்பளியால் நெய்யப்பட்ட அங்கி, திருத்தந்தையால் அளிக்கப்படும். அதனை “பல்லியம்” என்பர்.) எனப்படும் மேலங்கியை பெற்றுக்கொள்வதற்காக ஆன்ஸ்கர் தாமே நேரில் ரோம் சென்றார்.
பின்னர் இவர் “டென்மார்க்” (Denmark), “நார்வே” (Norway), மற்றும் “ஸ்வீடன்” (Sweden) ஆகிய நாடுகளுக்கு திருத்தந்தையின் தூதுவராகத் தேர்ந்தெடுக்கப்பட்டு மிகச் சிறப்பாக சுவிசேஷப் பணியாற்றினார். இதன் பயனாக ஏராளமான பெனடிக்டைன் துறவு மடங்களை அங்கெல்லாம் நிறுவினார்.
ஆன்ஸ்கர் வாழ்நாள் முழுவதும் கடினமான மயிராடைகளையே (Rough Hair Shirt) அணிந்தார். ரொட்டி மற்றும் தண்ணீரையே உணவாக அருந்தினார். எழைகளின்பால் மிகுந்த பரிவும் கருணையும் காட்டினார். கண் பார்வையற்ற சகோதர சகோதரியர்க்கும், ஊனமுற்றோர்க்கும், ஏழை எளியோர்க்கும் கருணையுடன் சேவை புரிந்தார். இவர் நற்செய்திப் பணியாற்றுவதற்காக பல இன்னல்களுக்கு ஆளானார். இருப்பினும் இறுதிவரை தமது அழைத்தலில் மனந்தளராமல் இருந்து, நம்பிக்கை இழக்காமல் ஆர்வமுடன் பணியாற்றினார்.
ஸ்வீடன் நாட்டின் முதல் மறைப்பரப்பாளர் மற்றும் "நோர்டிக் நாடுகளில்" (Nordic countries) மறை பணியாளர்களின் வரிசைக் கிரமத்தினை (Hierarchy) அமைத்தவர் என்பதாலும் இவர் “ஸ்கேண்டிநேவியாவின்” (Patron of Scandinavia) பாதுகாவலர் என அறிவிக்கப்பட்டார்.
Also known as
• Amschar, Anscario, Anschar, Anscharius, Ansgario, Ansgarius, Anskar, Oscar, Scharies
• Apostle of the North
• Apostle of Scandanavia
Profile
Born to the French nobility. Benedictine monk at Old Corbie Abbey in Picardy (in modern France) and New Corbie in Westphalia (in modern Germany). Studied under Saint Adelard of Corbie and Saint Paschasius Radbert. Accompanied the converted King Harold to Denmark when the exiled king returned home. Missionary to Denmark and Sweden. Founded first Christian church in Sweden c.832. Abbot of New Corbie c.834. Archbishop of Hamburg, Germany, ordained by Pope Gregory IV. Papal legate to the Scandanavian countries. Established the first Christian school in Denmark, but was run out by pagans, and the school was burned to the ground. Campaigned against slavery. Archbishop of Bremen, Germany. Converted Erik, King of Jutland. Great preacher, a miracle worker, and greatly devoted to the poor and sick. Sadly, after his death most of his gains for the Church in the north were lost to resurgent paganism.
Born
801 at Amiens, Picardy, France
Died
• 3 February 865 at Bremen, Germany
• relics at Bremen and Hamburg in Germany, and Copenhagen, Denmark
Our Lady of Suyapa
Also known as
• La Morenita
• Nuestra Señora de Suyapa
• Our Lady of the Conception of Suyapa
• The Dear Dark One
• Virgen de Suyapa
• Virgin of Suyapa
Profile
A title and image of the Blessed Virgin Mary popular in Honduras. The statue of this representation is in the Basilica of Suyapa, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The sculptor and date of creation are unknown, but the statue was found by a farm worker on 3 February 1747. His family kept it as a focus for personal devotion. In 1768 a miraculous healing was attributed to Our Lady from this devotion. A chapel was built for the statue in 1777 to make public devotion possible.
The statue was stolen in 1936 by a mentally ill woman who lived close by; it was located at her home and quickly returned. The quick end of the Football War in 1969 between Honduras and El Savador was attributed to the intercession of Mary following the outpouring of prayers to her under this title. The staute was stolen against on 1 September 1986; the thief stripped it of its gold, silver and jewels, and then abandoned it in a restaurant men's room in Tegucigalpa.
The Orden de los Caballeros de Suyapa (Order of the Knights of Suyapa) is a group of men who care for the statue and its chapel, and guard it full time when it is toured around Honduras each February.
Saint Claudine Thévenet
புனித_கிளாடின்_தேவனெட் (1774-1837)
பிப்ரவரி 03
இவர் (#StClaudineOfThevenet) பிரான்சில் உள்ள ஒரு கிறிஸ்தவக் குடும்பத்தில் பிறந்தவர். இவரது பெற்றோர் இறைநம்பிக்கையில் உறுதியாக இருந்ததால், இவரும் இறை நம்பிக்கையில் நல்ல முறையில் வளர்ந்து வந்தார்.
இவரது காலத்தில் பிரெஞ்சுப் புரட்சியின் தீவிரம் மிகுதியாக இருந்தது. அதில் இவரது சகோதரர்கள் இருவர் கொல்லப்பட்டனர். அவர்கள் இருவரும் கொல்லப்பட்ட போது, தங்களைக் கொலைசெய்தவர்களை மன்னித்தவாறே இறந்தனர். மட்டுமல்லாமல் இவரும் அவர்களை மன்னிக்குமாறு கேட்டுக் கொண்டனர்.
இதன் பிறகு இவர் அருள்பணியாளர் அந்த்ரே காயின்ரே என்பவரோடு சேர்ந்து உழைக்கும் பெண்களின் முன்னேற்றத்திற்காகப் பாடுபட்டார். அதற்காக 'இயேசு மரியின் சகோதரிகள்' என்ற சபையை நிறுவினார். அருள் பணியாளரின் மறைவிற்குப் பிறகு இவரே அச்சபையின் தலைவியானார்.
இவர் ஏழைகள் மற்றும் பெண் குழந்தைகளின் கல்விக்காக அயராது பாடுபட்டார். அதற்காகப் பல கல்வி நிறுவனங்களைத் தொடங்கினார். இவர் ஆற்றிய பணிகளைப் பார்த்துவிட்டுப் பலரும் இவரது சபையில் இணைந்தனர். இதனால் இவரது சபை பல நாடுகளுக்குப் பரவியது.
இவர் 1837 ஆம் ஆண்டு இறையடி சேர்ந்தார். இவரது சபை 1947 ஆம் ஆண்டு டிசம்பர் திங்கள் 31 ஆம் நாள் திருத்தந்தை ஒன்பதாம் பயஸால் அங்கீகரிக்கப்பட்டது. மேலும் இவருக்கு 1993 ஆம் ஆண்டு திருத்தந்தை இரண்டாம் ஜான்பால் அவர்களால் புனிதர் பட்டம் கொடுக்கப்பட்டது.
Also known as
• Mary of Saint Ignatius
• Mary of Saint Ignatius Thevenet
• Mother Saint Ignatius
• Saint of Lyon
Profile
Raised in a pious family. Two of her brothers were murdered in the excesses of the French Revolution; they went to their deaths forgiving their killers and asking Claudine to do the same. Claudine worked with working class young women around Lyon, France. In 1816, with Father André Coindre, she formed a group that would become the Religious of Jesus and Mary (Sisters of Jesus-Marie) at Lyon in 1818, a teaching order dedicated to educating poor girls. Taking the name Mary of Saint Ignatius, she served as superior of the Sisters. The Order received papal approval from Pope Blessed Pius IX on 31 December 1847, and today runs boarding schools, colleges, and retreat houses in Europe, India and North America.
Born
30 March 1774 at Lyon, France as Claudine Thévenet
Died
3 February 1837 at Lyon, France of natural causes
Canonized
21 March 1993 by Pope John Paul II
Blessed John Nelson
Additional Memorial
29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai
Profile
Studied for the priesthood at Douai, France, beginning at age 39. Ordained at Binche, Hainault (in modern Belgium) on 11 June 1576. Two of his four brothers followed him into the priesthood. John returned to England on 7 November 1576 as a missioner to London. Joined the Jesuits at some point; though the date has been lost it was probably close to the time of his arrest.
In November 1577, he performed an exorcism on one of his parishioners; during the ceremony, the person predicted Father John's impending doom. A week later, in the evening of 1 December 1577, John was arrested while at prayers, charged with Catholicism. On 30 January 1578 he managed to celebrate Mass in Newgate prison, apparently with materials that had been smuggled in. Condemned on 1 February 1578 for the treason of Catholic priesthood and refusal to acknowledge the Queen's supremacy in spiritual matters; he was thrown into the pit of the Tower of London for two days, and then excuted. His dying words were "I forgive the queen and all the authors of my death."
Born
1534 at Skelton, Yorkshire, England
Died
hanged, drawn, and quartered on 3 February 1578 at Tyburn, London, England
Beatified
29 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII (cultus confirmation)
Blessed Iustus Takayama Ukon
Also known as
• Hikogoro Shigetomo
• Takayama Ukon
Profile
Born to a family of wealthy land owners in feudal Japan. After learning of Christianity from Jesuit missionaries, he converted at age 12. Married, layman, and a samurai. When Shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi banned Christianity, Takayama refused to give up his faith, lost all his lands, assets, rank and power, and was exiled to the Philippines in 1614 when all Christians were ordered deported. Takayama chose his faith over his career, his position and his wealth. Though he died of natural causes, because he contracted the fatal illness due to choosing his faith over the world, he is considered a martyr.
Born
c.1552 in Haibara-cho, Nara, Japan
Died
3 February 1615 in Manila, Philippines of natural causes
Beatified
• 7 February 2017 by Pope Francis
• recognition celebrated at the Oskaka-jo Hall, Kyobashi, Osaka, Japan, presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato
Saint Hadelin of Chelles
Also known as
• Hadelin of Dinant
• Adelino, Adelin, Adelinus
Additional Memorial
11 October (translation of relics)
Profile
Born to the nobility. Benedictine monk. Spiritual student of Saint Remaclus. Worked with Remaclus at Solignac, at Maastricht, Netherlands, and at Stavelot, Belgium. Priest, ordained at by Saint Remaclus. With the assistance of Remaclus and Pepin of Heristal, he founded the Chelles Abbey, diocese of Liege, Belgium. Spent his later years as a hermit near Dinant on the Meuse.
Born
at Gascony (in modern France)
Died
• c.690 at the monastery of Celles, Namour, Belgium of natural causes
• relics tranferred to the Visé church near Liége, Belgium in 1338
Saint Lawrence the Illuminator
Also known as
• Lawrence of Spoleto
• Laurence...
Profile
Fled from Syria with 300 Catholic companions to Italy due to Monophysite persecution of Severus in 514. Ordained a priest in Rome, Italy. Preacher in Umbria, Italy. Founded a monastery at Spoleto, Italy. Bishop of Spoleto for 20 years. When he arrived to assume his see, the people rejected him as a foreigner, but the city gates miraculously opened on their own to let him in, and the people realized that God wanted him there. He later resigned to found the abbey of Farfa in the Sabine hills near Rome. A renowned peacemaker, Lawrence had the gift of healing blindness, both physical and spiritual, which led to the title Illuminator.
Born
Syrian
Died
576 at Farfa, Italy, monastery of natural causes
Saint Anna the Prophetess
Profile
Jewish, the daughter of Phanuel, tribe of Aser. Married at age fourteen; widowed at twenty-one. At age 72 she was charged with the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Temple from her presentation there at age three until her betrothal to Saint Joseph. She was in attendance at the Temple when Jesus was presented. Having all her life believed in the prophecies of the Old Testament, she was the only woman in the Temple to greet Jesus.
Born
1st century BC
Died
1st century of natural causes
Blessed Alois Andritzki
Also known as
Alojs Andricki
Profile
One of six childen born to Johann Andritzki Kantor, a school teacher, and Magdalena Andritzki. Ordained on 30 July 1939 in the diocese of Dresden-Meissen, Germany. Arrested by the Gestapo for producing Christmas plays which were described as having "hostile statements" against the Nazi regime. Died in the Dachau concentration camp. Martyr.
Born
2 July 1914 in Radibor, Dresden, Germany
Died
euthanized by lethal injection on 3 February 1943 in Dachau, Oberbayern, Germany
Beatified
13 June 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI
Saint Margaret of England
Also known as
• Margaret the Englishwoman
• Margarita, Margherita, Marguerite
Profile
Born to an English mother and Hungarian father. Relative of Saint Thomas of Canterbury. Her mother died while the two were on a lengthy pilgrimage in the holy lands. Margaret then made solo pilgrimages to Montserrat in Spanish Catalonia, and Puy, France. Benedictine Cistercian nun at Sauve-Benite, diocese of Le Puy-en-Velay, France.
Born
in Hungary
Died
• 1192 at Sauve-Benite, Le Puy-en-Velay, France of natural causes
• her tomb quickly became a point for pilgrimage, and a site of miracles
Saint Werburgh of Chester
Also known as
Vereburga, Werburga, Wereburge
Profile
Born a princess, the daughter of King Wulfhere of Mercia and his queen, Saint Ermenilda. Nun. Spiritual student of Saint Etheldreda. Worked for reform in female religious houses throughout England. Reported to read minds.
Born
in Staffordshire, England
Died
3 February 699 of natural causes
Saint Berlindis of Meerbeke
Also known as
Bellaude, Berlinda
Profile
Born to the nobility, the daughter of Odolard, Duke of Lothringia and Nona, and the niece of Saint Amand of Maastricht. Odolard developed leprosy; when Berlindis would not drink from the same glass as her father, the duke disowned her. Benedictine nun at Saint Mary's convent, Moorsel, Belgium. Anchoress at Meerbeke, Belgium.
Born
at Meerbeke, Belgium
Died
702 of natural causes
Saint Leonius of Poitiers
Also known as
Leonio, Lienne
Additional Memorial
14 February (archdiocese of Poitiers, France)
Profile
Priest, ordained by his spiritual teacher Saint Hilary of Poitiers. He opposed Arianism, went into exile with Saint Hilary, and was with him when Hilary died.
Died
• late 4th century in Poitiers, Aquitaine, France of natural causes
• relics transferred to La-Roche-sur-Yon, France in 994
• relics dispersed and destroyed by anti–Catholic forces in the Hundred Years War
Blessed John Vallejo
Profile
Member of the Mercedarians at the convent of San Antonio in Valladolid, Spain. Known for his personal piety, his quiet devotion to the Order, to penance, and for the gift of prophecy; he even predicted the date of his own death. He freed more than 500 Christians enslaved by Moors in Algeria c.1561.
Died
• 25 August 1592
• body found incorrupt and his blood continue to flow after his death
Saint Celerinus of Carthage
Also known as
Celerino
Profile
Nephew of Saint Laurentinus, Saint Laurentius, and Saint Clerina. Imprisoned and tortured during the persecutions of Decius in Rome, Italy. He was eventually freed and returned home to Carthage. Ordained as a deacon by Saint Cyprian. Because he suffered so much, and because he was willing to die for the faith, he has always been listed as a martyr.
Born
Carthage, North Africa
Died
c.250 of natural causes
Saint Ia of Cornwall
Also known as
Hia, Hya, Iia, Ives
Profile
Sister of Saint Ercus (Euny). Spiritual student of Saint Baricus. Missionary to Cornwall with Saint Fingar, Saint Piala and as many as 777 companions. Legend says that to reach Cornwall, she sailed across the Irish Sea on a leaf. Saint Ives, Cornwall is named for her. Martyr.
Born
Irish
Died
martyred in 450 at the River Hayle, Cornwall, England
Saint Blasius of Armentarius
Profile
Third century shepherd in the area of Armentarius, Cappadocia (an area of modern Turkey) whose reputation for piety led to his arrest and extensive torture during a persecution of Christians in the area. He survived it, and died years later, his example having brought many to the faith. Legend says that at his death, his shepherd's staff put out roots, branched out, and later bloomed.
Also known as
Evancius, Evance
Profile
Bishop of Vienne, France in 581. Actively involved in the 1st Council of Mâcon in 581, the 2nd Council of Lyon in 582, the 2nd Council of Mâcon in 584 and the 2nd Council of Valence in 584.
Died
13 January 586 of natural causes
Blessed Helinand of Pronleroy
Also known as
Elinand, Elinando, Elinandus
Profile
Court singer and troubadour. Convert. Benedictine Cistercian monk at Froidmont, France.
Born
c.1160 at Pronleroy, diocese of Beauvais, France
Died
c.1237 of natural causes
Blessed Balbina of Assisi
Profile
A spiritual student of Saint Clare of Assisi, Balbina became a Poor Clare nun at the monastery of San Damiano. Helped found the Poor Clare monastery at Spello, Italy.
Born
1214
Died
3 February 1240 in Spello, Italy
Saint Werburgh of Bardney
Also known as
• Werburgh of Mercia
• Werburga, Werburg
Profile
Married to Ceolred of Mercia. Widow. Nun and then abbess at Bardney, England.
Born
in Mercia, England
Died
c.785 of natural causes
Saint Laurentinus of Carthage
Profile
Brother of Saint Laurentius and Saint Clerina. Uncle of Saint Celerinus. Martyred in the persecutions of Decius.
Died
3rd century near Carthage, North Africa
Saint Remedius of Gap
Also known as
Reméde, Remedio
Profile
Bishop of Gap, France.
Died
• early 5th century of natural causes
• relics transferred to Tulle, France in the 13th century
Saint Laurentius of Carthage
Profile
Brother of Saint Laurentinus and Saint Clerina. Uncle of Saint Celerinus. Martyred in the persecutions of Decius.
Died
3rd century near Carthage, North Africa
Saint Oliver of Ancona
Also known as
• Oliver of Pontonuovo
• Liberius, Oliverius, Oliverus
Profile
Benedictine monk at Santa Maria di Portonuovo at Ancona, Italy.
Died
c.1050
Saint Clerina of Carthage
Profile
Brother of Saint Laurentinus and Saint Laurentius. Aunt of Saint Celerinus. Martyred in the persecutions of Decius.
Died
3rd century near Carthage, North Africa
Blessed John Zakoly
Also known as
John of Csanad
Profile
Bishop of Csanád, Hungary. Pauline monk. Prior of the house at Diósgyor (modern Miskolc), Hungary.
Died
1494 of natural causes
Saint Anatolius of Salins
Profile
Bishop in Scotland. Pilgrim to Rome, Italy. He abandoned his see to live as a hermit at Salins, France.
Born
Scottish
Died
9th century
Saint Heridag of Hamburg
Also known as
Heridad
Profile
First priest to serve in the church in Hamburg, Germany in the early 9th century. No other information about him has survived.
Saint Caellainn
Also known as
Caoilfionn
Profile
A church in Roscommon, Ireland is named in her honor. No other information has survived.
Born
Irish
Died
6th century
Saint Blasius of Oreto
Also known as
Blasius of Cisuentes
Profile
Bishop of Oreto, Spain. Martyred in the persecutions of Nero.
Died
c.68 in Cisuentes, Spain
Saint Ignatius of Africa
Profile
Uncle of Saint Celerinus. Martyr. Saint Cyprian wrote about him.
Born
Africa
Died
3rd century Africa
Saint Sempronius of Africa
Also known as
Symphronius
Profile
Martyr.
Died
unspecified location in Africa
Saint Philip of Vienne
Profile
Bishop of Vienne, France during a period of great political turmoil and rampant heresy.
Saint Felix of Africa
Profile
Martyr.
Died
unspecified location in Africa
Saint Eutichio
Profile
Martyr.
Died
• Rome, Italy
• interred in the catacombs of the Appian Way outside Rome
Saint Hippolytus of Africa
Profile
Martyr.
Died
unspecified location in north Africa
Saint Lupicinus of Lyon
Also known as
Lupicino
Profile
Bishop of Lyon, France in 486.
Saint Tigides of Gap
Also known as
Teridio, Teridius, Tigrido
Profile
Sixth century bishop of Gap, France.
Saint Liafdag
Profile
Bishop in Jutland, Denmark. Martyred by local pagans.
Died
980 in Denmark
Saint Cuanna of Glenn
Profile
Monk. Abbot of Mag Bile in Ireland from 731 to 746.
Saint Deodatus of Lagny
Profile
Eighth century monk at Lagny, France.
Saint Felix of Lyons
Profile
Bishop of Lyons, France.
Saint Felix of Lyons! He's an important figure in early Christian history, particularly in the city of Lyon. Here's what I can tell you about him:
Life and Episcopacy:
Unfortunately, much of Saint Felix's life remains shrouded in mystery due to the limited historical records from his era (2nd century AD). We know he served as the Bishop of Lyon, France, during the late 2nd or early 3rd century.
He is remembered for his leadership during a period of intense persecution against Christians in Lyon and Vienne under the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Martyrdom and Legacy:
Saint Felix is most well-known for his martyrdom around 177 AD. According to historical accounts, he was arrested along with other Christians and subjected to various tortures and trials. He remained steadfast in his faith and refused to renounce Christianity.
Ultimately, Saint Felix was condemned to death and executed, becoming a symbol of courage and unwavering faith in the face of persecution.
His martyrdom had a profound impact on the early Christian community in Lyon and beyond. He is venerated as a saint in both the Catholic and Orthodox churches, and his feast day is celebrated on June 2nd.
there is another Saint Felix whose feast day also falls on February 3rd. This Saint Felix was not the Bishop of Lyon, but rather the Bishop of Croton (Crotone), Italy. He lived and served in the mid-4th century, making him quite distinct from the Saint Felix of Lyon of the 2nd-3rd century.
While both saints share the same feast day, they have distinct historical contexts and legacies. Here's some information about Saint Felix of Croton to avoid potential confusion:
Bishop of Croton: He served as the Bishop of Croton, located in Calabria, Italy, during the 4th century. He played a significant role in the spread of Christianity within the region and is credited with the construction of several churches.
Miracles and Veneration: Various miracles, including healing the sick and raising the dead, are attributed to Saint Felix of Croton. He is also known for his efforts to combat paganism and promote Christian orthodoxy.
Limited Information: Similar to Saint Felix of Lyon, details about his life are also scarce. However, he is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, and his feast day on February 3rd is celebrated locally in Croton and surrounding areas.
Benedictine Martyrs
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A collective memorial of all members of the Benedictine Order who have died as martyrs for the faith.
Profiled Benedictine Martyrs
• Blessed Abel Ángel Palazuelos Maruri
• Blessed Agustí Busquets Creixell
• Blessed Albertin-Marie Maisonade
• Blessed Aleix Civil Castellví
• Blessed Ambroise-Augustin Chevreux
• Blessed Ángel Carmelo Boix Cosials
• Blessed Àngel Maria Rodamilans Canals
• Blessed Antolín Pablos Villanueva
• Blessed Antoni Lladós Salud
• Blessed Antonio Fuertes Boira
• Blessed Antonio Suárez Riu
• Blessed Augustin-Joseph Desgardin
• Blessed Càndid Feliu Soler
• Blessed Cipriano González Millán
• Blessed Claude Richard
• Blessed Conrad of Seldenbüren
• Blessed Fernando Salinas Romeo
• Blessed Francesc Maria de Paula Sánchez Solé
• Blessed Gerard of Clairvaux
• Blessed Gervais-Protais Brunel
• Blessed Ignace-Alexandre-Joseph Cardon
• Blessed Ignasi Guilà Ximenes
• Blessed Jan Chrysostom Zavrel
• Blessed János Brenner
• Blessed Jaume Caballé Bru
• Blessed Jaume Vendrell Olivella
• Blessed Joan Grau Bullich
• Blessed Joan Roca Bosch
• Blessed John Beche
• Blessed John Rugg
• Blessed John Sordi
• Blessed John Thorne
• Blessed José Antón Gómez
• Blessed José Erausquin Aramburu
• Blessed Josep Albareda Ramoneda
• Blessed Josep Maria Fontseré Masdeú
• Blessed Josep Maria Jordá i Jordá
• Blessed Julián Heredia Zubia
• Blessed Julio Fernández Muñiz
• Blessed Konrad II of Mondsee
• Blessed Leandro Cuesta Andrés
• Blessed León Alesanco Maestro
• Blessed Leoncio Ibáñez Caballero
• Blessed Lluis Casanovas Vila
• Blessed Lorenzo Santolaria Ester
• Blessed Lorenzo Sobrevia Cañardo
• Blessed Louis Barreau de La Touche
• Blessed Louis-François Lebrun
• Blessed Luis Palacios Lozano
• Blessed Luis Vidaurrázaga González
• Blessed María de la Salud Baldoví Trull
• Blessed Mariano Palau Sin
• Blessed Mariano Sierra Almázor
• Blessed Mark Barkworth
• Blessed Martín Donamaría Valencia
• Blessed Maturin-Marie Pitri
• Blessed Modeste-Marie Burgen
• Blessed Pere Vallmitjana Abarca
• Blessed Pere Vilar Espona
• Blessed Peter of Subiaco
• Blessed Philip Powel
• Blessed Rafael Alcocer Martínez
• Blessed Ramón Sanz De Galdeano Mañeru
• Blessed René-Julien Massey
• Blessed Richard Whiting
• Blessed Roger James
• Blessed Rosalie du Verdier de la Sorinière
• Blessed Santiago Pardo López
• Blessed Suzanne-Agathe Deloye
• Blessed Thiemo of Salzburg
• Blessed Thomas Pickering
• Blessed Thomas Tunstal
• Blessed Vicente Burrel Enjuanes
• Blessed William Eynon
• Blessed William Scott
• Blessed Zosimo Maria Brambat
• Five Polish Brothers
• Martyred Subiaco Benedictines of Barcelona
• Martyrs of Cardeña
• Martyrs of Croyland
• Martyrs of Messina
• Saint Abbo of Fleury
• Saint Adalbert of Prague
• Saint Ageranus of Bèze
• Saint Agigulf
• Saint Aigulf
• Saint Aigulphus of Lérins
• Saint Alban Bartholomew Roe
• Saint Altigianus
• Saint Amarinus of Clermont
• Saint Ambrose Edward Barlow
• Saint Arnulf of Novalesa
• Saint Beocca of Chertsey
• Saint Berard of Bèze
• Saint Bernard of Lérida
• Saint Bertha of Avenay
• Saint Boniface of Crediton
• Saint Bruno of Querfort
• Saint Deusdedit of Montecassino
• Saint Donatus of Messina
• Saint Elleher
• Saint Eobán of Utrecht
• Saint Ernest of Mecca
• Saint Ethor of Chertsey
• Saint Eutychius of Messina
• Saint Faustus of Messina
• Saint Firmatus of Messina
• Saint Frugentius the Martyr
• Saint Genesius of Bèze
• Saint Gerard Sagredo
• Saint Gibardus of Luxeuil
• Saint Gundekar
• Saint Hadulph
• Saint Hedda of Peterborough
• Saint Hedda the Abbot
• Saint Hilarinus
• Saint Hildebert of Ghent
• Saint John Roberts
• Saint Marinus of Maurienne
• Saint Placidus of Messina
• Saint Porcarius of Lérins
• Saint Rodron of Bèze
• Saint Rumold
• Saint Sifrard of Bèze
• Saint Stephen of Burgos
• Saint Thiento of Wessobrunn
• Saint Victorinus of Messina
• Saint Vincent of Léon
• Saint Wiborada of Gall
Our Lady of Saideneida
Our Lady of Saideneida is a venerated icon of the Virgin Mary located in the Our Lady of Saidnaya Monastery near Damascus, Syria. It's one of the oldest and most renowned Marian shrines in the Middle East, drawing pilgrims from all over the world.
History and Legend:
The monastery itself is believed to have been founded by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, following visions of the Virgin Mary.
Tradition attributes the icon of Our Lady of Saideneida to Saint Luke the Evangelist, but its exact origins remain shrouded in mystery. Some sources suggest it was brought to the monastery from Constantinople or Jerusalem around the 9th century.
The Icon:
The icon depicts Mary holding the Christ Child in her arms, both figures adorned with gold and jewels. Their serene expressions and gentle poses have captivated the hearts of believers for centuries.
The icon is said to possess miraculous powers and has been associated with countless healings, answered prayers, and acts of protection.
Significance:
Our Lady of Saideneida is revered by Christians of various denominations, including Greek Orthodox, Catholic, and Syrian Orthodox.
Muslims also hold the monastery and the icon in high regard, often visiting to seek blessings and offer prayers.
The feast day of Our Lady of Saideneida is celebrated on September 8th, drawing thousands of pilgrims to the monastery for a week-long festival.
Recent Events:
Sadly, the Syrian Civil War caused significant damage to the monastery in 2013. However, restoration efforts are underway, and the monastery remains a beacon of hope and faith for many.
Our Lady of Saideneida actually has two feast days celebrated by different communities:
September 8th: This is the main feast day recognized by most Christian denominations, including Greek Orthodox, Catholic, and Syrian Orthodox. It draws thousands of pilgrims to the monastery for a week-long festival and is associated with the icon's supposed appearance at the site.
February 3rd: This feast day is primarily observed by Eastern Orthodox Christians. It commemorates a legend associated with the Emperor Justinian I, who, while leading his army through the desert, received a vision of the Virgin Mary at the location where the monastery now stands. The Virgin instructed him to build a church there, hence the connection to February 3rd.
Simeon the Elder
Simeon the Righteous, also known as Simeon the God-Receiver. His feast day is indeed celebrated on February 3rd in both the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches.
He is mentioned in the Gospel of Luke (2:25-35) as a righteous and devout man who lived in Jerusalem. When Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus at the Temple, Simeon was given the revelation by the Holy Spirit that he wouldn't die until he had seen the Messiah.
Upon encountering Jesus, Simeon proclaimed him as the "Light to enlighten the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel" (Luke 2:32). He then blessed Mary and prophesied about the future suffering of Jesus and the sorrow she would experience.
Simeon is venerated as a saint for his faith, righteousness, and obedience to God's will. He is seen as a symbol of hope and anticipation for the arrival of the Messiah, and his feast day marks the culmination of the forty-day Christmas season in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.
