St. Marguerite d'Youville
Feastday: October 16
Patron: of widows, difficult marriages, death of young children
Birth: October 15, 1701
Death: December 23, 1771
Beatified: 1959 by Pope John XXIII
Canonized: December 9, 1990, Vatican Basilica, by Pope John Paul II
Foundress of the Sisters of Charity, the Grey Nuns of Canada. St. Marguerite D'Youville was born at Varennes, Quebec, on October 15, Marie Marguerite Dufrost de La Jemmerais. She studied under the Ursulines, married Francois D'Youville in 1722, and became a widow in 1730. She worked to support herself and her three children, devoted much of her time to the Confraternity of the Holy Family in charitable activities.
In 1737, with three companions, she founded the Grey Nuns when they took their initial vows; a formal declaration took place in 1745. Two years later she was appointed Directress of the General Hospital in Montreal, which was taken over by the Grey Nuns, and had the rule of the Grey Nuns, with Marguerite as Superior, confirmed by Bishop of Pontbriand of Quebec in 1755.
She died in Montreal on December 23, and since her death, the Grey Nuns have established schools, hospitals, and orphanages throughout Canada, the United States, Africa, and South America, and are especially known for their work among the Eskimos. She was beatified by Pope John XXIII in 1959 and canonized in 1990 by Pope John Paul II.
Marguerite d'Youville, SGM (French pronunciation: [maʁɡʁit djuvil]; October 15, 1701 – December 23, 1771) was a French Canadian Catholic widow who founded the Order of Sisters of Charity of Montreal, commonly known as the Grey Nuns. She was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1990, becoming the first native-born Canadian to be declared a saint.
Early life and marriage
She was born Marie-Marguerite Dufrost de Lajemmerais in 1701 at Varennes, Quebec, oldest daughter of Christophe du Frost, Sieur de la Gesmerays (1661–1708) and Marie-Renée Gaultier de Varennes. (According to Quebec naming conventions, she would have always been known as Marguerite, not Marie.) Her father died when she was a young girl. Despite her family's poverty, at age 11 she was able to attend the Ursuline convent in Quebec City for two years before returning home to teach her younger brothers and sisters.[1] Marguerite's impending marriage to a scion of Varennes society was foiled by her mother's marriage below her class to Timothy Sullivan, an Irish doctor who was seen by the townspeople as a disreputable foreigner.[2] On August 12, 1722, at Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, she married François d'Youville, a bootlegger who sold liquor illegally to Indigenous Peoples in exchange for furs and who frequently left home for long periods for parts unknown. Despite this, the couple eventually had six children before François died in 1730. By age 30 she had suffered the loss of her father, husband and four of her six children, who died in infancy. Marguerite experienced a religious renewal during her marriage. "In all these sufferings Marguerite grew in her belief of God's presence in her life and His tender love for every human person. She, in turn, wanted to make known His compassionate love to all. She undertook many charitable works with complete trust in God, whom she loved as a Father."[1]
Marguerite d'Youville Sanctuary in Varennes
Marguerite and three other women founded in 1737 a religious association to provide a home for the poor in Montreal. At first, the home only housed four or five members, but it grew as the women raised funds. As their actions went against the social conventions of the day, d'Youville and her colleagues were mocked by their friends and relatives and even by the poor they helped. Some called them "les grises", which can mean "the grey women" but which also means "the drunken women",[3] in reference to d'Youville's late husband's career as a bootlegger. By 1744 the association had become a Catholic religious order with a rule and a formal community. In 1747 they were granted a charter to operate the General Hospital of Montreal, which by that time was in ruins and heavily in debt. d'Youville and her fellow workers brought the hospital back into financial security,[4] but the hospital was destroyed by fire in 1765.[1] The order rebuilt the hospital soon after. By this time, the order was commonly known as the "Grey Nuns of Montreal" after the nickname given to the nuns in ridicule years earlier. Years later, as the order expanded to other cities, the order became known simply as the "Grey Nuns".
Slave owner
d'Youville has been described as "one of Montreal's more prominent slaveholders".[5][6] d'Youville and the Grey Nuns used enslaved laborers in their hospital and purchased and sold both Indian slaves and British prisoners, including an English slave which she purchased from the Indians. The vast majority of the 'slaves' in the hospital were English soldiers and would be better described as prisoners of war. As described in 'The Captors' Narrative: Catholic Women and Their Puritan Men on the Early American Frontier': "These 21 men were not captive freeholders, resentful of their captors' religion and longing to reestablish themselves at home. They were for the most part young soldiers, many of them conscripts, simply wishing to survive their captivity. However strange they may have found the community that held them and the woman who supervised them, they were probably relieved to find themselves in a situation that offered a strong possibility of survival. They knew their fellow soldiers to be dying in nearby prisons -- places notorious for their exposure to the heat and cold and unchecked pestilence. As hard as they must have worked at Pointe-Saint-Charles, the men could easily have regarded their captivity at least as a partial blessing."[7]
Legacy
Marguerite d'Youville died in 1771 at the General Hospital. In 1959, she was beatified by Pope John XXIII, who called her "Mother of Universal Charity", and was canonized in 1990 by Pope John Paul II. She is the first native-born Canadian to be elevated to sainthood by the Roman Catholic Church. Her feast day is October 16. In 1961, a shrine was built in her birthplace of Varennes. Today, it is the site of a permanent exhibit about the life and works of Marguerite.[8] The review process included a medically inexplicable cure of acute myeloid leukemia after relapse. The woman is the only known long-term survivor in the world, having lived more than 40 years from a condition that typically kills people in 18 months.[9]
A large number of Roman Catholic churches, schools, women's shelters, charity shops, and other institutions in Canada and worldwide are named after St. Marguerite d'Youville. Most notably, the renowned academic institution of higher learning, D'Youville College in Buffalo, NY, is named after her.[10] The D'Youville Academy at Plattsburgh, New York was founded in 1860.[11]
Sir Louis-Amable Jetté’s wife, Lady Jetté, wrote a biography of Marie-Marguerite d'Youville.[12]
Final resting place
In 2010, Mother Marie-Marguerite d'Youville's remains were removed from Grey Nuns Motherhouse and relocated to her birthplace of Varennes.[13]
Recognition
On September 21, 1978, Canada Post issued 'Marguerite d'Youville' based on a design by Antoine Dumas. The 14¢ stamps are perforated 13.5 and were printed by Canadian Bank Note Company, Limited
St. Bercharius
Feastday: October 16
Birth: 636
Death: 696
Benedictine abbot and founder, martyred at Moutier-en-Der, France. He was a native of Aquitaine who became a monk at Luxeuil and was ordained. Bercharius became the first abbot at Hautvilliers, founded by St. Nivard. He also founded the monastery at Moutier-en-Der and a convent at Puellemontier. Bercharius was stabbed by Dagnin, a deranged monk whom he had disciplined, and died two days later on March 26.
St. Colman of Kilroot
Feastday: October 16
Death: 6th century
Abbot-bishop of Kiltrout, near Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland. He was a disciple of St. Ailbhe of Emly.
St. Kiara
Feastday: October 16
Death: 680
Irish virgin, a disciple of St. Fintan Munnu Kiara, who is also listed as Chier, lived near Nenagh, in Tipperary, Ireland.
Saint Ciera of Ireland (alternately Chera, Chier, Ciara, Cyra, Keira, Keara, Kiara, Kiera, Ceara, Cier, Ciar) was an abbess in the 7th century who died in 679. Her history is probably commingled with another Cera (alternately Ciar, Ciara) who lived in the 6th century. However, some authors maintain that monastic mistakes account for references to Cera in the 6th century or that a single Cera had an exceptionally long life span.[1][2]
Life
There are two stories connected with the saint(s). In the first story, Cera's prayers saved an Irish town from a foul-smelling fire. When a noxious blaze broke out in "Muscraig, in Momonia," St. Brendan instructed the inhabitants to seek Cera's prayers. They followed his instructions, Cera prayed in response to their supplications, and the fire disappeared.[1][3] Since St. Brendan died in 577, this story likely refers to an earlier Cera. "Muscraig, in Momonia" may refer to Muskerry, an area outside of Cork. "Momonia" refers to southern Ireland in at least one ancient map.[4]
The other story relates how St. Cera established a nunnery called Teych-Telle around the year 625. Cera was the daughter of Duibhre (or Dubreus) reportedly in the bloodline of the kings of Connor (or Conaire). She, along with 5 other virgins asked Saint Fintan Munnu for a place to serve God. He and his monks gave the women their abbey in Heli (or Hele). Heli may have been in County Westmeath. He blessed Cera, and instructed her to name the place after St. Telle who had given birth to four children, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the plain of Miodhluachra that day.[2][5][6]
St. Cera eventually returned to her own province and founded another monastery, Killchree, which she governed until her death in 679.[3] The later Franciscan Kilcrea Friary stands about a mile west of where her monastery stood, and claims to have taken its name, Kilcrea, in her honor: "Kilcrea (Cill Chre) means the Cell of Cere, Ciara, Cera or Cyra
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
புனித மார்கரெட் மரி அலக்கோக்
(Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque)
திருவிழா : அக்டோபர் 16, 17 October 16 (October 17 by the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary and universally prior to 1969; transferred to Oct 20 in Canada)
பிறப்பு : 22 ஜூலை, 1647, லாட்டகொர், பர்கன்டி,பிரான்சு
இறப்பு : 17அக்டோபர், 1690(அகவை 43) பரே-லீ-மொனியல், பர்கன்டி, பிரான்சு
அருளாளர் பட்டம் : 18 செப்டம்பர் 1864,ரோம் (திருத்தந்தை 9ம் பயஸ்)
புனிதர் பட்டம் : 13 மே 1920,ரோம் (திருத்தந்தை 15ம் பெனடிக்ட்)
பாதுகாவல் : போலியோ பாதித்தோர், திருஇதய பக்தர்கள், பெற்றோரை இழந்தோர்
புனித மார்கரெட் மரி அலக்கோக் (Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque) அல்லது புனித மார்கரெட் மரியா (22 ஜூலை 1647 – 17 அக்டோபர் 1690), பிரான்சு நாட்டைச் சார்ந்த கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபையின் அருட்சகோதரி (கன்னியர்) மற்றும் மறைபொருளாளர் ஆவார். இயேசுவின் திருஇதய பக்திக்கு தற்போதைய வடிவம் கொடுத்தவர் இவரே.
தொடக்க காலம்
மார்கரெட் மரியா, 1647ஆம் ஆண்டு ஜூலை 22ந்தேதி பிரான்ஸ் நாட்டின் பர்கன்டியில் உள்ள லாட்டகொர் என்ற இடத்தில் பிறந்தார். இவரது பெற்றோர்கள் புண்ணிய வாழ்வில் சிறந்து விளங்கியவர்கள். மார்கரெட் சிறு வயது முதலே, திவ்விய நற்கருணையில் இருக்கும் ஆண்டவர் இயேசுவின்மீது அதிக பக்தி கொண்டிருந்தார்; இயேசுவோடு அமைதியில் பேசுவது இவரது வழக்கமாக இருந்தது. இவர் முடக்கு வாதத்தால் பாதிக்கப்பட்டபோது, மரியன்னையின் உதவியால் குணமடைந்தார். இதற்கு நன்றியாகத் துறவற சபை ஒன்றில் சேர்ந்து கன்னியராக விரும்பினார்.
இயேசுவின் காட்சிகள்
1671 மே 25ந்தேதி, மார்கரெட் தனது 24ஆம் வயதில் பரே நகரிலுள்ள விசிட்டேசன் (மினவுதல் அல்லது சந்திப்பு) துறவற சபையில் இணைந்தார். அதே ஆண்டு ஆகஸ்ட் 25ந்தேதி தனது துறவற உடைகளைப் பெற்றுக்கொண்டார். 1672ஆம் ஆண்டு, இவர் கன்னியருக்கான இறுதி வாக்குறுதிகளை உச்சரித்தார்.
அந்த துறவற மடத்தில் மார்கரெட் திவ்விய நற்கருணை முன்பாக அதிக நேரம் செலவிட்டார். இயேசு கிறிஸ்துவின் பல காட்சிகளை காணும் பேறு மார்கரெட் மரியாவுக்கு கிடைத்தது. பலமுறை இயேசுவின் வேதனையுற்ற உருவத்தை இவர் காட்சியாக கண்டுள்ளார்.
1673 டிசம்பர் 27ந்தேதி, இயேசு கிறிஸ்து அன்புத் தீ பற்றி எரியும் இதயத்துடன் முதல்முறை மார்கரெட்டுக்கு காட்சி அளித்து, தனது திரு இதயத்தின் பக்தியைப் பரப்பும் திருத்தூதராக இவரைத் தேர்ந்து கொண்டார். அதன் பிறகு பதினெட்டு மாதங்கள் வரை, இயேசு இவருக்கு பலமுறை காட்சி அளித்தார். இயேசு இறப்பதற்கு முந்திய நாள் கெத்சமனித் தோட்டத்தில் அனுபவித்த மரண வேதனையை நினைவுகூரும் வகையில், ஒவ்வொரு வியாழனும் இரவில் திருமணி ஆராதனை மேற்கொள்ளுமாறு இயேசு இவரிடம் கூறினார்.
மார்கரெட் இயேசுவின் திரு இதய பக்தியைப் பரப்ப ஆர்வமுடன் உழைத்தார். மாதத்தின் முதல் வியாழக்கிழமை இரவு 11மணி முதல் 12மணி வரை நற்கருணை ஆராதனை செய்தல், முதல் வெள்ளிக்கிழமை திருப்பலியில் பங்கேற்று திவ்விய நற்கருணை உட்கொள்தல் போன்ற பக்தி முயற்சிகளையும் இயேசு இவர் வழியாகக் கற்றுக்கொடுத்தார். இயேசுவின் திருவுடல், திருஇரத்தப் பெருவிழாவைத் தொடர்ந்து வரும் வெள்ளிக்கிழமை அன்று இயேசுவின் திருஇதயப் பெருவிழா கொண்டாடப்பட வேண்டுமென்றும் மார்கரெட் மூலம் இயேசு கிறிஸ்து அறிவுறுத்தினார்.
தொடக்கத்தில் மார்கரெட் கண்ட காட்சிகளை நம்ப பலரும் மறுத்தனர். அவ்வேளையில் இவரது சபையின் ஒப்புரவாளராக இருந்த புனித கிளாட் தெ லா கொலம்பியர், இவரது காட்சிகளின் உண்மைத்தன்மையை முதன்முதலில் ஏற்று அறிக்கையிட்டார். அதன்பின், இவரது சபையைச் சார்ந்த மற்ற அருட்சகோதரிகள் அக்காட்சிகளை ஏற்றுக்கொண்டனர். 1686ஆம் ஆண்டு, அந்த துறவற மடத்தில் தனிப்பட்டவிதத்தில் முதல்முறையாக இயேசுவின் திருஇதயத்திற்கு விழா கொண்டாடப்பட்டது, இரண்டு ஆண்டுகளுக்கு பிறகு இயேசுவின் திருஇதயத்தின் பெயரால் அங்கு ஒரு சிற்றாலயமும் எழுப்பப்பட்டது.
புனிதர் பட்டம்
புனித மார்கரெட் மரியாவின் மெழுகு உருவம் இவ்வுலகில் இயேசு கிறிஸ்துவைப் பலமுறைக் காணப் பேறுபெற்ற மார்கரெட் மரியா, அவரை நிரந்தரமாகக் காண 1690 அக்டோபர் 17ந்தேதி விண்ணகம் சென்றார். திருஇதய பத்தி பற்றி மார்கரெட் எழுதிய குறிப்புகள், 1698ல் ஜெ. க்ரோய்செட் என்பவரால் இயேசுவின் திருஇதய பக்தி (La Devotion au Sacré-Coeur de Jesus) என்ற பெயரில் புத்தகமாக வெளியிடப்பட்டன.1824ல் திருத்தந்தை 12ம் லியோ இவரை வணக்கத்திற்குரியவர் என்று அறிவித்தார்.
மார்கரெட் இறந்து 140 ஆண்டுகள் கழித்து 1830ல் இவரது கல்லறைத் தோண்டப்பட்ட வேளையில், அழியாத நிலையில் இருந்த மார்கரெட் மரியாவின் உடல் வெளியே எடுக்கப்பட்டது. அப்போது இரண்டு அதிசயங்களும் நடைபெற்றன. 1864ல் திருத்தந்தை 9ம் பயஸ் இவருக்கு அருளாளர் பட்டம்வழங்கினார்.
1920ஆம் ஆண்டு திருத்தந்தை 15ம் பெனடிக்ட் இவருக்கு புனிதர் பட்டம் வழங்கினார். 1929ல் மார்கரெட் இறந்த அக்டோபர் 17ந்தேதியில் இவரது நினைவைக் கொண்டாடும் வகையில் இவரது விழா யில் இணைக்கப்பட்டது.1969ல் இவரது விழா அக்டோபர் 16ந்தேதிக்கு மாற்றப்பட்டது.
1928ல் திருத்தந்தை 11ம் பயஸ் இரக்கமுள்ள மீட்பர் (Miserentissimus Redemptor) என்ற தனது சுற்றுமடலில் மார்கரெட் மரியா கண்ட காட்சிகளை உறுதிசெய்யும் விதத்தில், இயேசு தன்னை மார்கரெட் மரிக்கு வெளிப்படுத்தி, அவரது இதயத்துக்கு மரியாதை செலுத்துவோருக்கு விண்ணக அருள்வரங்களை வழங்குவதாக வாக்குறுதி அளித்திருக்கிறார்" என்று குறிப்பிட்டுள்ளார்.
Feastday: October 16
Patron: of those suffering with polio, devotees of the Sacred Heart, loss of parents
Birth: July 22, 1647
Death: October 17, 1690
Beatified: September 18, 1864, Rome by Pope Pius IX
Canonized: May 13, 1920, Vatican City, by Pope Benedict XV
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French Roman Catholic Visitation nun and mystic, is greatly recognized for her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
She was born in 1647 in France as the only daughter of Claude and Philiberte Lamyn Alacoque. Margaret has always shown an intense love for the Blessed Sacrament and preferred silence over typical childhood play. She began practicing severe corporal mortification after her first communion at 9-years-old.
She continued this until rheumatic fever confined her to her bed for four years. After making a vow to the Blessed Virgin Mary to consecrate herself to religious life, Margaret instantly returned to perfect health. In recognition of this favor, Margaret added the name Mary to her baptismal name.
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque experienced visions of Jesus Christ for most of her life, but thought they were a normal part of life and continued to practice austerity.
After the death of her father, Margaret and her family were forced into poverty when a relative refused to hand over the family's assets. Margaret's only comfort in life was her frequent visits to pray before the Blessed Sacrament at a local church.
At 17-years-old, Margaret's family was able to regain control of their assets. Margaret's mother started encouraging her to become more social, in hopes she would find a suitable husband.
One night, after attending a ball in an evening dress, Margaret had a vision of Christ, scourged and bloody. He accused Margaret of forgetting about him. He showed her that His heart was full of love for her because of the promise she made to His Blessed Mother as a child. After this vision, Margaret was determined to fulfill the vow she made years ago. She entered the Visitation Convent at Paray-le-Monial in May 1671 to become a nun.
St. Margaret Mary was admitted to wearing the religious habit in August 1671 but was not officially admitted to profession until November 1672. Although she was described as humble, simple, kind and patient, Margaret had to prove the authenticity of her vocation.
During her time in this monastery, Margaret received several private revelations of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. These visions showed her the "form of the devotion, the chief features being reception of Holy Communion on the first Friday of each month, Eucharistic adoration during a 'Holy hour' on Thursdays, and the celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart." The Lord Jesus requested His love be made evident through her.
In her vision, she was instructed to spend an hour every Thursday night meditating on Jesus' Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, a practice, known as "The Holy Hour," that later became widespread.
In December 1673, Jesus appeared to Margaret Mary again, and allowed her to rest her head on His heart. His human heart was to be the symbol of His divine-human love. He revealed to her the wonders of His love. He explained to her that he wished to make these wonders known to all the world, and that He chose her for His work.
Margaret Mary convinced her superior, Mother de Saumaise, her visions were authentic. However, she struggled with convincing others of the validity of her apparitions, even those in her own community. A group of theologians declared her visions delusions and suggested she eat better. Even parents of children she instructed began calling her an imposter.
Margaret eventually gained the support from the community's confessor, St. Claude de la Colombiere, who declared her visions were genuine. Finally, all opposition from the community, regarding Margaret's visions, ended in 1683, when Margaret Mary became the assistant to the Superior.
St. Margaret Mary, who later became known as Novice Mistress, led the monastery in observing the Feast of the Sacred Heart privately, and inspired the construction of a chapel built to honor the Sacred Heart.
Margaret Mary died a couple of years later, at the age of 43, on October 17, 1690, while being anointed. She spoke the words, "I need nothing but God, and to lose myself in the heart of Jesus."
After her death, the devotion to the Sacred Heart was adopted by the Jesuits but remained controversial within the Church. The practice did not become officially recognized until 75 years later.
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque was the topic of discussion long after hear death. People talked about her mission and qualities, her revelations and spiritual maxims and her teachings on the Sacred Heart. On September 18, 1864, Margaret Mary was beatified by Pope Pius IX. When her tomb was opened a few years later, two immediate cures took place and her body laid incorrupt.
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque was officially canonized on May 13, 1920 by Pope Benedict XV and, in 1928, Pope Pius XI upheld the Church's position regarding the credibility behind her visions of Jesus Christ. He stated Jesus "manifested Himself" to Margaret and the chief features of devotion to the Sacred Heart are "reception of Holy Communion on the first Friday of each month, Eucharistic adoration during a 'Holy hour' on Thursdays, and the celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart."
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque is the patron saint of devotees of the Sacred Heart, and those suffering with polio and from the loss of parents. Her feast day is celebrated on October 16. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French Roman Catholic Visitation nun and mystic, is greatly recognized for her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
She was born in 1647 in France as the only daughter of Claude and Philiberte Lamyn Alacoque. Margaret has always shown an intense love for the Blessed Sacrament and preferred silence over typical childhood play. She began practicing severe corporal mortification after her first communion at 9-years-old.
She continued this until rheumatic fever confined her to her bed for four years. After making a vow to the Blessed Virgin Mary to consecrate herself to religious life, Margaret instantly returned to perfect health. In recognition of this favor, Margaret added the name Mary to her baptismal name.
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque experienced visions of Jesus Christ for most of her life, but thought they were a normal part of life and continued to practice austerity.
After the death of her father, Margaret and her family were forced into poverty when a relative refused to hand over the family's assets. Margaret's only comfort in life was her frequent visits to pray before the Blessed Sacrament at a local church.
At 17-years-old, Margaret's family was able to regain control of their assets. Margaret's mother started encouraging her to become more social, in hopes she would find a suitable husband.
One night, after attending a ball in an evening dress, Margaret had a vision of Christ, scourged and bloody. He accused Margaret of forgetting about him. He showed her that His heart was full of love for her because of the promise she made to His Blessed Mother as a child. After this vision, Margaret was determined to fulfill the vow she made years ago. She entered the Visitation Convent at Paray-le-Monial in May 1671 to become a nun.
St. Margaret Mary was admitted to wearing the religious habit in August 1671 but was not officially admitted to profession until November 1672. Although she was described as humble, simple, kind and patient, Margaret had to prove the authenticity of her vocation.
During her time in this monastery, Margaret received several private revelations of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. These visions showed her the "form of the devotion, the chief features being reception of Holy Communion on the first Friday of each month, Eucharistic adoration during a 'Holy hour' on Thursdays, and the celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart." The Lord Jesus requested His love be made evident through her.
In her vision, she was instructed to spend an hour every Thursday night meditating on Jesus' Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, a practice, known as "The Holy Hour," that later became widespread.
In December 1673, Jesus appeared to Margaret Mary again, and allowed her to rest her head on His heart. His human heart was to be the symbol of His divine-human love. He revealed to her the wonders of His love. He explained to her that he wished to make these wonders known to all the world, and that He chose her for His work.
Margaret Mary convinced her superior, Mother de Saumaise, her visions were authentic. However, she struggled with convincing others of the validity of her apparitions, even those in her own community. A group of theologians declared her visions delusions and suggested she eat better. Even parents of children she instructed began calling her an imposter.
Margaret eventually gained the support from the community's confessor, St. Claude de la Colombiere, who declared her visions were genuine. Finally, all opposition from the community, regarding Margaret's visions, ended in 1683, when Margaret Mary became the assistant to the Superior.
St. Margaret Mary, who later became known as Novice Mistress, led the monastery in observing the Feast of the Sacred Heart privately, and inspired the construction of a chapel built to honor the Sacred Heart.
Margaret Mary died a couple of years later, at the age of 43, on October 17, 1690, while being anointed. She spoke the words, "I need nothing but God, and to lose myself in the heart of Jesus."
After her death, the devotion to the Sacred Heart was adopted by the Jesuits but remained controversial within the Church. The practice did not become officially recognized until 75 years later.
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque was the topic of discussion long after hear death. People talked about her mission and qualities, her revelations and spiritual maxims and her teachings on the Sacred Heart. On September 18, 1864, Margaret Mary was beatified by Pope Pius IX. When her tomb was opened a few years later, two immediate cures took place and her body laid incorrupt.
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque was officially canonized on May 13, 1920 by Pope Benedict XV and, in 1928, Pope Pius XI upheld the Church's position regarding the credibility behind her visions of Jesus Christ. He stated Jesus "manifested Himself" to Margaret and the chief features of devotion to the Sacred Heart are "reception of Holy Communion on the first Friday of each month, Eucharistic adoration during a 'Holy hour' on Thursdays, and the celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart."
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque is the patron saint of devotees of the Sacred Heart, and those suffering with polio and from the loss of parents. Her feast day is celebrated on October 16.
Margaret Mary Alacoque, VHM (French: Marguerite-Marie Alacoque) (22 July 1647 – 17 October 1690), was a French Catholic Visitation nun and mystic who promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in its modern form
Saint Hedwig of Andechs
சிலேசியா புனிதர் ஹெட்விக்
கைம்பெண், துறவி:
(Widow & Hermit)
பிறப்பு: கி.பி. 1174
அந்தேக்ஸ், பவேரியா, தூய ரோமப் பேரரசு
(Andechs, Bavaria, Holy Roman Empire)
இறப்பு: அக்டோபர் 15, 1243 (வயது 68–69)
ட்ர்செப்னிகா துறவுமடம், சிலேசியா, போலந்து
(Trzebnica Abbey, Silesia, Poland)
ஏற்கும் சமயம்:
ரோமன் கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபை
(Roman Catholic Church)
புனிதர் பட்டம்: மார்ச் 26, 1267
திருத்தந்தை நான்காம் கிளமெண்ட்
(Pope Clement IV)
முக்கிய திருத்தலங்கள்:
அன்டேக்ஸ் துறவு மடம், மற்றும் தூய ஹெட்விக்’கின் ஆலயம், பெர்லின்
(Andechs Abbey and St. Hedwig's Cathedral in Berlin)
பாதுகாவல்:
அன்டேக்ஸ் துறவு மடம் (Andechs Abbey), பிராண்டன்பேர்க் (Brandenburg), பெர்லின் (Berlin), போலந்து (Poland), சிலேசியா (Silesia), க்ராகோவ் (Kraków), வ்ரோக்ளா (Wrocław), ட்ருஸ்பினிகா (Trzebnica), “கோர்லிட்ஸ்” ரோமன் கத்தோலிக்க மறைமாவட்டம் (Görlitz, the Roman Catholic Diocese), அனாதைகள் (Orphans)
நினைவுத் திருநாள்: அக்டோபர் 16
புனிதர் “சிலேசியாவின் ஹெட்விக்” (Saint Hedwig of Silesia) என்றும், “அன்டேக்ஸின் ஹெட்விக்” (Saint Hedwig of Andechs) என்றும் அழைக்கப்படும் இவர், ஒரு “சிலேசிய சீமாட்டி, அல்லது பிரபுவின் மனைவியும்,” (Duchess of Silesia), “போலந்தின் சீமாட்டியும்” (Duchess of Poland) ஆவார்.
ஹெட்விக், “அன்டேக்ஸ்” நாட்டின் பிரபுவான “நான்காம் பெர்தோல்ட்” (Berthold IV of Andechs), மற்றும் அவரது இரண்டாம் மனைவியான “அக்னேஸ்” (Agnes of Wettin) ஆகியோருக்குப் பிறந்தவர் ஆவார்.
தமது பன்னிரண்டு வயதிலேயே சிலேசியா நாட்டை சேர்ந்த “முதலாம் ஹென்றி” (Henry I the Bearded) என்பவரை திருமணம் செய்து வாழ்ந்த இவர், ஏழு குழந்தைகளுக்கு தாயானார். இவர் தனது குடும்பத்தில் மகிழ்ச்சியாக வாழ்ந்தார். ஹென்றி டிரேப்னிட்ஸ் (Trebnitz) என்ற ஊரில் சிஸ்டர்சியன் (Cistersien) துறவற மடத்திற்கென்று, துறவற இல்லம் ஒன்றை கட்டினார். அம்மடத்தில் துறவற இல்லத்திற்கான, மருத்துவமனை ஒன்றையும் கட்டினார்.
கி.பி. 1238ம் ஆண்டு, ஹென்றி இறந்து போனார். இதனால் அதே ஆண்டு, தமது சகோதரியாகிய “கேட்ரூட்” (Gertrude) தலைமை தாங்கி நடத்திவந்த துறவற மடத்தில், சத்தியப் பிரமாணம் ஏற்காத, துறவற சீருடையணிந்த, பொதுநிலை அருட்சகோதரியாக (Lay Sister) சேர்ந்த ஹெட்விக், செபதவ வாழ்வில் ஈடுபட்டார். அப்போது தன் பிள்ளைகளிடையே பிரச்சினைகள் எழுந்தது. இவரின் ஒரே பிள்ளையான “இரண்டாம் ஹென்றி” (Henry II the Pious) மங்கோலியர்களால் கொல்லப்பட்டார். ஹெட்விக் தன் பிள்ளைகளுக்காக இடைவிடாமல் செபித்து செபத்தினாலேயே மங்கோலியர்களை வென்றார்.
ஹெட்விக் எப்போதுமே ஏழைகளுக்கும் கைம்பெண்களுக்கும் அனாதைகளுக்கும் உதவி வந்திருக்கின்றார். நோயுற்றோர்க்காகவும் தொழு நோயாளிகளுக்காகவும் பல்வேறு மருத்துவமனைகளை நிறுவினார். தனக்கு சொந்தமான நிலங்களை திருச்சபைக்கு வழங்கினார். தனது கணவர் உதவியுடன் ஏழைகளுக்கு ஏராளமான் உதவிகளை செய்தார். இவர் குளிர்காலத்தில் கூட பனிகட்டிகள் கொட்டியபோதும், காலணிகள் அணியாமலே பனியில் நடந்து சென்று செபம் செய்து, மறைப்பணியாற்றி ஏழைகளுக்கு உதவியுள்ளார். கி.பி. 1243ம் ஆண்டு, அக்டோபர் மாதம், 15ம் தேதி மரித்த இவரது உடல், இவரது கணவரின் உடல் அடக்கம் செய்யப்பட்ட அதே “ட்ரேஸ்பெனிகா” (Trzebnica Abbey) துறவு மடத்தில் அடக்கம் செய்யப்பட்டது. இவரது உடலின் மிச்சங்கள் (Relic) ஜெர்மனியின் தலைநகர் பெர்லினில் உள்ள “தூய ஹெட்விக்” (St. Hedwig's Cathedral in Berlin) பேராலயத்தில் வைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன.
Also known as
• Hedwig of Silesia
• Hedwig von Andechs
• Jadwiga Slaska
• Hedvigis, Hedwiges, Avoice
Profile
Daughter of Berthold IV, Duke of Merania. Aunt of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. Married Prince Henry I the Bearded of Silesia and Poland in 1186 at age 12. Mother of seven, including Saint Gertrude of Trebnitz. Cared for the sick both personally and by founding hospitals. Widow. Upon her husband's death, she gave away her fortune and entered the monastery at Trebnitz where her daughter was abbess.
Born
1174 in Castle Andechs, Bavaria (part of modern Germany)
Died
• 15 October 1243 at at Trzebnica, Silesia (part of modern Poland)
• relics preserved at Adechs Abbey
Canonized
26 March 1267 by Pope Clement IV
Patronage
• against jealousy
• brides
• duchesses
• death of children
• difficult marriages
• widows
• Silesia
• diocese of Görlitz, Germany
• Andechs Abbey, Bavaria, Germany
• 6 cities
Saint Gerard Majella
புனித_ஜெரால்டு_மெஜல்லா (1725-1755)
அக்டோபர் 16
இவர் (#St_Gerald_Mejalla) இத்தாலியில் உள்ள மூரோ (Muro) என்ற ஊரைச் சார்ந்தவர்.
இவரது குடும்பம் மிகவும் வறிய குடும்பம். இவரது தந்தை தையல்தொழில் செய்துக் குடும்பத்தைக் கரையேற்றி வந்தார். இவருக்குப் பன்னிரண்டு வயது நடக்கும்போது இவரது தந்தை இறந்து போனார். இதனால் இவர் பெருந்துயர் அடைந்தார்.
இவருக்குத் துறவியாகப் போக வேண்டும் என்ற எண்ணம் இருந்தது. அதனால் இவர் கப்புச்சின் சபைக்குச் சென்றார். அங்கிருந்தவர்கள் இவருடைய உடல்நிலையைக் காரணம் காட்டி, இவரைத் தங்களது சபையில் சேர்த்துக்கொள்ள அனுமதி மறுத்துவிட்டனர். இதன் பிறகு இவர் இரட்சகர் சபைக்குச் சென்றன்ர். அச்சபையில் இருந்தவர்கள் இவரை ஒரு சகோதரராக ஏற்றுக்கொண்டார்கள்.
துறவு மடத்தில் இவருக்குக் கொடுக்கப்பட்ட தோட்ட வேலை, நோயாளர்களைக் கவனித்துக் கொள்ளுதல், கோயில் பணியாளர்... போன்ற சிறு சிறு வேலைகளைக் கூட இவர் மனமுவந்து செய்தார். அதே நேரத்தில் இவர் வல்ல செயல்களைச் செய்பவராகவும் இருந்தார்.
ஒருமுறை பெண்மணி ஒருவர், தன்னுடைய வயிற்றில் வளரும் கருவிற்கு இவர்தான் காரணம் என்று இவர்மீது அபாண்டமாகப் பழிசுமத்தினார். அதற்கு இவர் எதுவும் சொல்லாமல் அமைதியாக இருந்தார். கடைசியில்தான் உண்மை தெரிய வந்து, இவர் குற்றமற்றவர் என்று நிரூபிக்கப்பட்டார்.
இன்னொரு முறை இவர் தனது நண்பருடைய வீட்டிற்கு விருந்துக்குச் சென்றிருந்தார். விருந்து முடிந்து வெளியே வந்துபொழுது, தன்னுடைய கைக்குட்டையை நண்பருடைய வீட்டிலேயே மறந்து வைத்துவிட்டு வந்துவிட்டார். அதை இவரது நண்பரின் மனைவி எடுத்துக்கொண்டு வந்து இவரிடம் கொடுத்த பொழுது, "இதை நீங்களே வைத்துக் கொள்ளுங்கள், உங்களுக்குத் தேவைப்படும்" என்று சொல்லிவிட்டு இவர் வந்து விட்டார்.
இது நடந்து ஓரிரு மாதங்கள் கழித்து இவரது நண்பரின் மனைவி பேறுகால வலியில் துடித்த போது, அவர் இவர் கொடுத்துவிட்டுச் சென்ற கைக்குட்டையை நினைத்துப் பார்த்து, அதைத் தன் வைத்து வேண்டியபொழுது, அவருக்கு நல்ல முறையில் குழந்தை பிறந்தது.இதனாலேயே இவர் தாய்மார்களுக்கும், கர்ப்பிணிப் பெண்களுக்கும் பாதுகாவலராக இருக்கிறார்.
நாள்கள் மெல்ல நகர்கையில் இவரது உடல்நலம் குன்றியது.இதனால் இவர் 1755 ஆம் ஆண்டு இறையடி சேர்ந்தார். இவருக்கு 1904 ஆம் ஆண்டு திருத்தந்தை பத்தாம் பயஸால் புனிதர் பட்டம் கொடுக்கப்பட்டது.
Profile
Son of a tailor who died when the boy was 12, leaving the family in poverty. Gerard tried to join the Capuchins, but his health prevented it He was accepted as a Redemptorist lay brother serving his congregation as sacristan, gardener, porter, infirmarian, and tailor. Miracle worker.
When falsely accused by a pregnant woman of being the father of her child, he retreated to silence; she later recanted and cleared him, and thus began his association as patron of all aspects of pregnancy. Reputed to bilocate and read consciences. His last will consisted of the following small note on the door of his cell: "Here the will of God is done, as God wills, and as long as God wills."
Born
23 April 1725 at Muro, Italy
Died
• 16 October 1755 at Caposele, Provincia di Avellino, Campania, Italy of tuberculosis
• interred in the Basilica di San Gerardo Maiella in Materdomini Caposele, Provincia di Avellino, Campania, Italy
Canonized
11 December 1904 by Pope Saint Pius X
Patronage
• childbirth
• children
• expectant mothers
• falsely accused people
• good confessions
• lay brothers
• motherhood
• mothers
• pregnant women
• pro-life movement
• unborn children
• Basilicata, Italy
• Muro, Italy
Saint Longinus the Centurian
Also known as
Longino
Additional Memorials
• 15 October (Extraordinary Form)
• 22 October (Armenian Apostolic Church)
Profile
Soldier who pierced the side of Jesus at the Crucifixion. Convert. Martyred by order of Pontius Pilate.
Born
Cappadocia
Died
• martyred in Cappadocia in the 1st century
• relics in the church of Saint Augustine, Rome, Italy
Patronage
soldiers
Representation
• lance
• soldier, often in a uniform contemporaneous with the artist, carrying a spear
• soldier at the foot of the cross
Saint Gall
Also known as
Callo, Chelleh, Gaaech, Gallen, Gallo, Gallonus, Gallunus, Gallus, Gilianus
Profile
Younger brother of Saint Deicola. Studied at Bangor Abbey under Saint Comgall of Bangor and Saint Columba. Bible scholar. Priest. One of the twelve who accompanied Saint Columbanus to France and helped found Luxeuil Abbey. He followed Columbanus into exile in 610 and then to Austrasia, where he preached with little success around Lake Zurich, and near Bregenz.
Illness forced Gall to leave Columbanus's party in 612, though some say the leader suspected Gall of malingering, and imposed a penance on him, which Gall faithfully observed, of not celebrating Mass during Columba's life. When he recovered, Gall lived as a hermit on the Steinach River, attracting disciples. Saint Gall Monastery occupied this site, becoming a center of literature, the arts, and music, though legend to the contrary, Saint Gall did not found it. Worked there with Saint Magnus of Füssen. Legend also says that one night during this period Gall ordered a bear to bring fire wood for his group of hermits - and it did.
Exorcist. Twice refused bishoprics offered by King Sigebert, whose betrothed he had freed of demons which fled from her in the form of blackbirds. Reportedly was the offered the abbacy of Luxeuil on the death of Saint Eustace but declined, and remained a hermit.
Born
Irish
Died
c.630 at Bregenz, Switzerland
Patronage
• birds, geese, poultry
• Sweden
• Switzerland
Representation
• abbot blessing a bear, which brings him a log of wood
• birds
• carrying a loaf and a pilgrim's staff
• holding a hermit's tau staff with a nearby bear with a log
Saint Bertrand of Comminges
Profile
Son of a military officer. His family exepected a military life for Bertrand, but he was drawn to religion, joined the canons of Toulouse, and became an archdeacon. Bishop of Comminges, France c.1075, a position he served for nearly 50 years; this area is part of the modern diocese of Toulouse. Reformed the clergy, enforced their discipline, and placed the cathedral canons under Augustinian Rule. Worked in the Synod of Poitiers in 1100; this synod excommunicated King Philip I, and were stoned by the public for their trouble. Helped preside at the consecration of the cemetery of Saint Mary at Auch during which some embittered monks from Saint Orens tried to burn down the church.
Once during a sermon at Val d'Azun, Bertrand was particularly forceful in taking the faithful to task for their sins. A near riot broke out, which Bertrand calmed before serious problems occurred. To make up for the disturbance, the local leaders agreed to provide free butter to Comminges every year during the week after Pentecost, a custom that continued until stopped by the French Revolution nearly 700 years later.
Born
11th century France
Died
1123 of natural causes
Canonized
1309 by Pope Alexander III
Patronage
Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, France
Blessed Józef Jankowski
Also known as
prisoner 16895
Additional Memorial
12 June as one of the 108 Martyrs of World War II
Profile
Second of eight children of Robert and Michalina Jankowski. Joined the Pallottines in 1929, making his final vows on 5 August 1931. Ordained on 2 August 1936 in the archdiocese of Gniezno, Poland. Particularly involved in ministry to children and young people, working as a chaplain and catechist in schools in the area of Oltarzew, Poland. Seminary treasurer and director of novices on 31 March 1941. Had a devotion to Saint Teresa of Avila who inspired his interior spiritual life. Tortured and martyred in the Nazi persecutions.
Born
17 November 1910 in Czyczkowy, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Poland
Died
beaten to death by a guard on 16 October 1941 in the prison camp at Oswiecim (Auschwitz), Malopolskie, occupied Poland
Beatified
13 June 1999 by Pope John Paul II in Warsaw, Poland
Patronage
• Oltarzew, Poland
• Ozarów Mazowiecki, Poland
Blessed Augustine Thevarparampil
Also known as
• Kunjachan
• Good Shepherd of the Dalits
Profile
Priest in the eparchy of Palai, India, ordained on 17 December 1921. Worked the the "untouchable" caste in India, bringing them to the faith, and giving them some basic education to improve their lot in this world.
Born
1 April 1891 in Ramapuram, Kerala, India
Died
16 October 1973 in Ramapuram, Kerala, India of natural causes
Beatified
• 30 April 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI
• recognition celebrated at Ramapuram, Palai, India
Blessed Anicet Koplinski
Also known as
Adalbert Koplinski
Additional Memorial
12 June as one of the 108 Polish Martyrs of World War II
Profile
Franciscan Capuchin friar. Priest. Friend of Blessed Fidelis Chojnacki. Martyred in the Nazi persecutions of World War II.
Born
30 July 1875 at Debrzyno, Pomorskie, Poland
Died
16 October 1941 in the gas chambers of the Auschwitz concentration camp in occupied Poland
Beatified
13 June 1999 by Pope John Paul II at Warsaw, Poland
Saint Lull
Also known as
Lul, Lullon, Lullus, Lulo
Profile
Related to Saint Boniface. Monk at Malmesbury Abbey in England. Missionary to Germany with Boniface who ordained him a priest with a mission of training new priests. Bishop of Mainz, Germany. After the death of Boniface, Lull took charge of the missionary work. Founded several monasteries in the region.
Died
787
Saint Mummolinus of Noyon
Also known as
Momelin, Mommolenus, Mommolinus, Mummolin
Profile
Monk at Luxeuil Abbey in France. Abbot at the monastery at Saint Omer. Abbot of Sithin. Friend of Saint Bertin the Great. Bishop of Noyon-Tournai, Belgium.
Born
at Constance, Scotland
Died
c.686 of natural causes
Saint Eliphius of Toul
Also known as
Eloff, Elophe, Éliphe
Profile
Martyred in the persecutions of Julian the Apostate.
Born
in Ireland
Died
• beheaded in 362 in Toul, France
• relics translated to Cologne, Germany in the 10th century
Saint Ambrose of Cahors
Also known as
Ambroise, Ambrosius
Profile
Bishop of Cahors, France during a turbulent period; he was forced to flee his diocese several times to escape enemies. He retired from his see to live as a hermit near Bourges, France. In his old age he made a pilgimage to Rome, Italy.
Died
c.752 at Saint-Ambroise-sur-Arnon, Berry, France
Saint Balderic of Montfaucon
Also known as
Baldric, Baudry, Balderik, Balderich, Beaufroi
Profile
Born a prince, the son of King Sigebert I of Austrasia, an area in the east of modern France; brother of Saint Bova, and uncle of Saint Doda of Rheims. Founded the monastery of Montfaucon in Switzerland and a convent for his sister in Rheims, France.
Died
c.640 of natural causes
Saint Anastasius of Tombolenia
Profile
Monk on the island of Tombolenia of the coast of Brittany, France. Monk at the monastery of Cluny. Hermit in the region of the Pyrenees in western France.
Born
Venice, Italy
Died
c.1085 near Pamiers, Gaul (in modern France) of natural causes
Blessed Jesús Villaverde Andrés
Profile
Dominican priest. Martyred in the Spanish Civil War.
Born
4 December 1877 in San Miguel de Dueñas, León, Spain
Died
16 October 1936 in Madrid, Spain
Beatified
28 October 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI
Blessed Gerald of Fossanuova
Profile
Cistercian monk at Fossanuova Abbey. Abbot of Fossanuova. Abbot of Clairvaux in 1170.
Born
at Lombardy, Italy
Died
killed by an unruly brother monk in 1177 at Igny Abbey, Arcis-le-Ponsart, Marne, France
Saint Dulcidius of Agen
Also known as
Dulcet, Dulcidio, Doucis
Profile
Bishop of Agen, France. Fought the Arian heresy, brought to his diocese by invading Vandals and Visigoths. Miracle worker.
Died
c.450 in Agen, Aquitaine (in modern France)
Saint Florentinus of Trier
Also known as
• Florentinus of Treve
• Florentius...
Profile
Fourth-century bishop of Trier, Germany.
Saint Silvanus of Ahun
Also known as
Salvan, Sauvan, Silvain, Souvain, Sylvanus
Profile
Deacon martyred by Vandals.
Died
c.264 in Agedunum, Gaul (modern Ahun, France)
Representation
deacon in a dalmatic holding a book and palm
Saint Amandus of Limoges
Also known as
• Amandus of Haute-Vienne
• Amand, Amatius, Amantius
Profile
Hermit at the conflux of the Glanne and Vienne Rivers, diocese of Limoges, France.
Died
5th century of natural causes
Saint Baldwin
Also known as
Balduin, Balduinus, Baudoin, Baudouin, Boudewijn
Profile
Son of Saint Sadalberga and Saint Blandinus of Laon. Brother of Saint Anstrude of Laon. Archdeacon of Laon in the time of Dagobert I, King of France. Martyred by Ebroin.
Died
c.680
Saint Conogan of Quimper
Also known as
Albinus, Conogon, Gwen
Profile
Bishop of Quimper, France.
Died
460
Saint Vitalis of Noirmoutier
Also known as
Vial
Profile
Monk on Noirmoutier-en-l'Île, France. Hermit on Mont Scobrit near the Loire River.
Born
in England
Died
c.740
Saint Magnobodus of Angers
Also known as
Mainboeuf, Maimbod
Profile
Born to the Frankish nobility. Bishop of Angers, France, chosen by popular acclaim due to his personal piety.
Died
c.670
Saint Martinian of Mauretania
Profile
Enslaved by Arian Vandals in Mauretania in North Africa. Martyred in the persecutions of Genseric.
Died
dragged to death by horses in 458
St. Maxima
Feastday: October 16
Martinian, his brother Saturian and their two brothers were slaves in Africa at the time of Arian King Jenseric's persecution of Catholics. They were converted to Christianity by another slave, Maxima. When their master insisted that Martinian marry Maxima, who had taken a vow of virginity, they fled to a monastery but were brought back and beaten for their attempt to escape. When their master died, his widow gave them to a Vandal, who freed Maxima (she later entered a monastery) and sold the men to a Berber chief. They converted many, petitioned the Pope to send them a priest, and were then tortured and dragged to their deaths by horses for their Faith. Their feast day is October 16.
Saint Saturian of Mauretania
Profile
Enslaved by Arian Vandals in Mauretania in North Africa. Martyred in the persecutions of Genseric.
Died
dragged to death by horses in 458
Saint Bolonia
Also known as
Boulogne
Profile
Nun. Martyred at age 15 in the persecutions of Julian the Apostate. Then village of Saint Boulogne in Maine, France is named for her.
Died
362
Saint Gaudericus of Mirepoix
Also known as
Gauderico
Profile
Farmer in the region of the Pyrenees known for his devotion to the Mother of God.
Saint Eremberta of Wierre
Profile
Niece of Saint Wulmar. Seventh-century nun. Abbess of Wierre-aux-Bois Abbey in France which Wulmar built for her.
Saint Bonita of Brioude
Profile
Tenth-century nun in the region of Brioude, Aquitaine (in modern France).
Saint Vidal of Retz
Profile
Eighth-century hermit in the region of Retz, Brittany (near modern Nantes, France).
Saint Junian
Profile
Fifth-century hermit at Commodoliacus (modern Saint-Junien, France). Known as a miracle worker.
Martyrs in Africa
Profile
A group of 220 Christians martyrs about whom we know nothing but that they died for their faith.
Martyrs of North Africa
Profile
A group of 365 Christians who were martyred together in the persecutions of the Vandal king Genseric. The only details that have survived are the names of two of the martyrs - Nereus and Saturninus.
Died
450 in North Africa
Also celebrated but no entry yet
• Purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• Evodius of Uzala
• Fortunatus of Casei
• Petra de San José
