இன்றைய புனிதர்கள் மே 18

 Saint Felix of Cantalice

கேன்டலிஸ் நகர் புனிதர் ஃபெலிக்ஸ் 

கப்புச்சின் துறவி:

பிறப்பு: மே 18, 1515

கேன்டலிஸ், இத்தாலி

இறப்பு: மே 18, 1587

ரோம், இத்தாலி

ஏற்கும் சமயம்: 

ரோமன் கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபை

அருளாளர் பட்டம் : அக்டோபர் 1, 1625

திருத்தந்தை எட்டாம் அர்பன்

புனிதர் பட்டம்: கி.பி. 1712

திருத்தந்தை பதினொன்றாம் கிளமென்ட்

நினைவுத் திருவிழா: மே 18

சித்தரிக்கப்படும் வகை: 

கப்புச்சின் திருவுடையில் 

குழந்தை இயேசுவை கரங்களில் தாங்கி

பாதுகாவல்: 

ஸ்பெல்லோ நகர் (Spello)

கேன்டலிஸ் நகர் புனிதர் ஃபெலிக்ஸ், மத்திய இத்தாலி நாட்டின் “லாஸியோ” (Lazio) பிராந்தியத்தின், "கேன்டலிஸ்" (Cantalice) என்ற நகரில் கி.பி. 1515ம் ஆண்டு, ஒரு விவசாய கூலி குடும்பத்தில் பிறந்தவர் ஆவார். "ஸன்ட்டி" மற்றும் "ஸன்ட்டா பொர்ரி" (Santi and Santa Porri) ஆகிய பெற்றோரின் நான்கு ஆண் மகவுகளில் மூன்றாவதாகப் பிறந்தவர்.

வறுமையின் காரணமாக “சிட்டாடுகேல்” (Cittàducale) நகருக்கு அருகிலுள்ள ஒரு பண்ணை வீட்டில் தமது பத்து வயதிலிருந்தே கால்நடைகளை மேய்ப்பவராகவும் பண்ணைப் பணியாளாகவும் வேலை செய்தார். தமது பணி நேரத்தின்போது செபிக்க கற்றுக்கொண்ட ஃபெலிக்ஸ், அங்கு வரும் கப்புச்சின் சபை துறவிகளின் வாழ்வால் பெரிதும் ஈர்க்கப்பட்டார். தமது 28 வயது வரை அதே கால்நடைகளை மேய்க்கும் மற்றும் பண்ணைப்பணிகளைச் செய்துவந்தார்.

கி.பி. 1543ம் ஆண்டு, இலையுதிர் காலம் முடிவடையும் சமயத்தில் புதிதாக தொடங்கப்பட்டிருந்த கப்புச்சின் துறவு இல்லத்தில் "பொதுநிலை சகோதரராக" (Lay Brother) இணைந்தார். எழுத படிக்க தெரியாத ஃபெலிக்ஸ், செபங்களை மனப்பாடம் செய்துகொண்டு செபத்தில் தன்னை இணைத்து இறைமனிதனாக வாழ்ந்தார். 1547ம் ஆண்டு, ரோம் நகருக்கு அனுப்பப்பட்ட ஃபெலிக்ஸ், தமது வாழ்வின் மீதமுள்ள சுமார் நாற்பது வருட காலத்தை அங்கேயே கப்புச்சின் துரவியரின் உணவு மற்றும் இதர தேவைகளுக்காக யாசகம் செய்து கழித்தார். யாசகத்திற்காக செல்லும் இவர் காலணிகள் அணிவதில்லை. மாறாக, தமது தோள்களில் ஒரு பெரிய சாக்குப் பையை சுமது செல்வார்.

இந்த எளிய துறவியின் வாழ்வில் புனிதம் நிறைந்து கிடப்பதைக் கண்ட மக்கள், இவரின் செபங்களுக்காக, ஆசீர்க்காக ஓவ்வொரு நாளும் காத்துக்கிடந்தனர். இவர் தனது இனிய குரலால் பாடி சிறுவர் சிறுமிகளை தன்பால் ஈர்த்து அவர்களுக்கு ஞான அறிவை ஊட்டினார் என்பது குறிப்பிடத்தக்கது. 

படிப்பறிவு இல்லாத ஃபெலிக்ஸ் தனது இறை ஞானத்தால் பெரும் அறிஞராக திகழ்ந்தார். பலவிதமான மக்களின் பிரச்சனைகளுக்கு சாதுரியமான முடிவை அள்ளித்தந்து ரோம் நகர தெருக்களின் ஞானி எனப் போற்றப்பட்டார். 

ஒளிவு மறைவின்றி பேசும் வழக்கமுள்ள சகோதரர் ஃபெலிக்ஸ், புனிதர் சார்லஸ் போரோமியோ (Charles Borromeo), புனிதர் பிலிப் நேரி (St. Philip Neri) மற்றும் சில கர்தினால்களின் அறிமுகமானதுடன் நண்பராகவும் ஆனார்.

புனிதர் பதுவை அந்தோணியாரைப் போல, இவரும் குழந்தை இயேசுவை கரத்தில் ஏந்துவதைப் போன்று ஓவியங்களில் சித்தரிக்கப்பட்டிருந்தார். ஒருமுறை இவருக்கு காட்சியளித்த இறை அன்னை அதிதூய கன்னி மரியாள் இவரது கைகளில் குழந்தை இயேசுவை தந்தார் என்பர்.

சகோதரர் ஃபெலிக்ஸ் கி.பி. 1587ம் ஆண்டு, தமது 72 வயதான பிறந்த தினத்தன்றே தமது இவ்வுலக வாழ்வை விட்டு அகன்றார். 

ஃபிரான்சிஸ்கன் சபையின் ஒரு கிளையாக கி.பி. 1528ம் ஆண்டு, அங்கீகரிக்கப்பட்ட கப்புச்சின் சபையின் முதல் புனிதராக 1712ம் ஆண்டு, சகோதரர் ஃபெலிக்ஸ் உயர்த்தப்பட்டார்.

Also known as

• Ass of the Capuchins (his own nickname for himself)

• Brother Deo Gratias ("Deo Gratias" was his habitual greeting)

• Felix of Catalicio

• Felix of Cantalica

• Felice Porri

Profile

Born to pious peasants, he was a shepherd in his youth. At age nine he was hired out as a shepherd and farm hand at Cotta Ducale; he worked there over twenty years. A pious youth and man, Felix spent his free time in prayer.

Having little education, Felix had a friend read him the lives of the early Desert Fathers; they left him torn - he wanted to live as a hermit, but feared he would give in to temptation if he had no superior. He sought entrance to the Capuchins; they were hesistant, but finally accepted him as a lay brother in 1543 at Anticoli, Italy near Rome. Sent to Rome in 1547 as questor for the community; he stayed there the rest of his life.

Felix's reputation for holiness spread quickly. He could not even read, yet theologians consulted him on spiritualality and Scripture. Sinners on the street would hide from him when it became obvious he could see their sins, and knew their hearts. Felix preached in the street, rebuked corrupt politicians and officials, and exhorted young men to stop leading dissolute lives. Once during Carnival, a time of open vice in the streets, Felix and Saint Philip Neri organized a procession of Capuchin friars right into the middle of the revellers; Fra Lupo, a well-known Capuchin preacher, spoke to the crowds, and Carnival ended for the year.

Felix worked with the children of Rome; his inherent simplicity and lack of education made him rather childlike, and children trusted him. He composed simple teaching canticles, and had the children gather in groups to sing them as a way to teach them catechism. The canticles became well-known and popular, and while Felix was begging for his house, Roman citizens would invite him in to sing for them; he saw these invitations as opportunities to teach, and always jumped at them.

During the famine of 1580, the city fathers asked the Capuchins for the loan of Felix as a fund raiser; he was tireless in the work. His friend, Saint Philip Neri, considered Felix the greatest saint then living. Saint Charles Borromeo sought Saint Philip's help to draw up the constitutions of the Oblates of Saint Ambrose; Philip referred him to Felix as a the best advisor.

Felix slept little, ate what came to hand, attended Mass every morning. He had a great devotion to Our Lady, frequently prayed the rosary, and was sometimes swept away in ecstacy, unable to finish the prayers. Received a vision of the Virgin Mary during which he was allowed to hold the Christ Child in his arms. Acclaimed a saint by the people of Rome immediately after his death.

Born

18 May 1515 at Cantalice, Abruzzi, Italy

Died

• 18 May 1587 at Rome, Italy of natural causes

• so many came to his funeral that some were injured in the press to get into the church, and an extra door had to be knocked through one wall so they could exit

• buried under an altar in the church of the Immaculate Conception in Rome

• miracles reported at his tomb

Canonized

22 May 1712 by Pope Clement XI

Patronage

• Cantalice, Italy

• Spello, Italy

Blessed Burchard of Beinwil

Additional Memorial

• Monday after Ascension Day (Beinwil, Switzerland)

• 20 August (pilgrimage date)

Profile

Educated at the Benedictine monastery near his home village. Had some connection to the Kappel monastery as he is mentioned in their records. Parish priest in Beinwil, Switzerland. Known as a miracle worker, but primarily for his decades of concern for the physical and spiritual well-being of his parishioners.

Legend says that Burchard raised a wild bird from a chick (an owl, crow or jackdaw; records vary), and taught it not only to speak, but to hold conversations with him. When his household fell into evil and dissolute ways while Burchard was gone, the bird told the priest what it had witnessed. The servants killed the bird and threw the carcass into a mine shaft near the vicarage. The dead bird returned to him and managed to explain what had happened and who had done it.

Burchard once travelled to the nearby village to Unterhorben to minister to a dying woman. He was met on the road by a messenger who told him that the woman had died and he need not continue. Father Burchard went on to the house, prayed over the woman, and she came back to life long enough to receive the final sacraments and blessings.

Born

early 12th century in Langemat, Muri, Switzerland

Died

• c.1192 in Beinwil, Switzerland of natural causes

• buried in his parish church graveyard

• tomb opened and relics moved during the construction of a chapel on his grave site in 1619

• tomb opened and relics moved during renovation in 1754

• relics returned to the tomb in 1784

• a spring-fed holy well is found near his tomb

Beatified

• beginning immediately after his death locals visited his grave to ask for intercession

• by 1228 there was a lamp burning perpetually at his grave

• by 1407 there are records of pilgrimages to his tomb

• by 1587 there are statements by witnesses to miracles obtained through the intercession of Father Burchard

• a confraternity dedicated to Blessed Burchard, Saint Peter and Saint Paul was founded in 1588

• titular patron of his parish church in 1813

• Sacred Congregation of Rites granted the celebration of a Mass and Office in his honour in 1817

• feast added to the Proper of the diocese of Basel, Switzerland in 1866

Patronage

Beinwil, Switzerland

Representation

priest with an owl, crow, jackdaw or blackbird, which sometimes has a broken wing

Blessed Blandina Merten

Also known as

• Maria Magdalena Merten

• Blandine of the Sacred Heart

• Blandina del Sacro Cuore

Profile

After graduating from the Marienau Institute of Teaching, Maria taught in several Catholic elementary schools in the Trier, Germany region. She was known for her special care to the children of the poor, helping them however she could, and ensuring their active lives in the parish. Feeling a call to religious life, Maria joined the Ursulines of Calvarienberg-Ahrweiler, taking the name Blandine of the Sacred Heart and making her perpetual vows on 4 November 1913. As the Ursulines are a teaching order, Sister Blandine returned to teaching and added religious education, and served as a catechist. Assigned to Saarbrücken, Germany in 1916, she soon developed incurable tuberculosis. She was transferred to Trier for treatment and a better climate, continued to teach when she was strong enough, and effectively lived her last two years in the house infirmary where she spent her time in prayer.

Born

10 July 1883 in Düppennweiler, Saar, Germany

Died

• 18 May 1918 in Trier, Germany of tuberculosis

• buried at the Basilica of Saint Paulinus in Trier

Beatified

• 1 November 1987 by Pope John Paul II

• beatification celebrated in Saint Peter's Square, Rome, Italy

• the beatification miracle involved the cure of Sister Irimberta Puntigam, SSpS, of a malignant sarcoma in 1969

Blessed William of Toulouse

Profile

Born to the French nobility. Joined the Augustinians in Toulouse, France at age 19. Studied there and in Paris, France. Prior of the Augustinian house of Pamiers, France. Spiritual director, exorcist and, most importantly, a noted, popular preacher in Toulouse whose sermons brought many to religious life. Promoted devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Sorrowful Mother, and for praying for souls in Purgatory. Known for his simple life, deeply spiritual preaching and writer, and his deep prayer life; none of his sermons have survived, and his only writing we have is Vision of the Punishments in Purgatory and Hell.

Born

c.1297 in Toulouse, France

Died

• 18 May 1369 in Toulouse, France of natural causes

• buried in the cemetery of the Saint Etienne monastery in Toulouse

• so many miracles reported at his grave that he was re-interred in the monastery church

Beatified

• 1893 by Pope Leo XIII (cultus confirmation)

• the only French Augustinian friar declared Blessed by the Church so far

Blessed Stanislaw Kubski

Additional Memorial

12 June as one of the 108 Martyrs of World War II

Profile

Priest in the archdiocese of Gniezno, Poland, serving in the parish of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Inowroclaw, Poland. Known for his pastoral work, especially with the poor and the unemployed. He was arrested by the invading Nazi forces on 2 September 1939, the 2nd day of the war against Poland. He was sent to forced labour in Buchenwald concentration camp, then to the Dachau concentration camp. When he was no longer able to work, he was thrown into the gas chambers. Martyr.

Born

13 August 1876 in Ksiaz, Wielkopolskie, Poland

Died

18 May 1942 in the gas chambers of Dachau, Oberbayern, Germany

Beatified

13 June 1999 by Pope John Paul II

Pope Saint John I

புனிதர் முதலாம் யோவான் 

53ம் திருத்தந்தை, மறைசாட்சி:

பிறப்பு: கி.பி. 470

துஸ்கானி, இத்தாலி

இறப்பு: மே 18, 526

ரவென்னா 

ஏற்கும் சபை: 

கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபை

கிழக்கு மரபுவழி திருச்சபை

நினைவுத் திருவிழா: மே 18

திருத்தந்தை புனிதர் முதலாம் யோவான், கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபையின் 53ம் திருத்தந்தையாக கி.பி. 523ம் ஆண்டு முதல் கி.பி. 526ம் ஆண்டு வரை ஆட்சி செய்தவர் ஆவார். சியன்னா நகரில் (Siena) பிறந்த இவர், திருத்தந்தையான போது மிகவும் நலிவுற்று இருந்தார்.

இவர் ஹார்மிஸ்தாஸ் (Hormisdas) என்ற திருத்தந்தைக்கு அடுத்தப்படியாக கி.பி. 523ம் ஆண்டு, ஆகஸ்ட் மாதம், 13ம் நாள், திருத்தந்தையாக தேர்ந்தெடுக்கப்பட்டார். கான்ஸ்டண்டினோபிள் (Constantinople) நகரில், தூதுவராக காலடி எடுத்து வைத்த முதல் திருத்தந்தை இவரேயாவார்.

இவர் திருத்தந்தையாக இருந்தபோது, ஆரிய மதத்தை சேர்ந்த சேர்ந்த அரசன் முதல் தியோடரிக் (Theoderich) ரோம் நகரை ஆட்சி செய்து வந்தான். அப்போது கான்ஸ்டாண்டினோபிளில் இருந்த மன்னர் ஜஸ்டினோஸ் (Justinos) அந்நகரிலிருந்த ஆரிய மதத்தை சார்ந்த முதலாம் ஜஸ்டினோஸ் என்பவரை கொடுமைப்படுத்துகிறான் என்பதைப்பற்றி கேள்விப்பட்டான். இதனால் மன்னர் ஜஸ்டினோஸிடம் இப்பிரச்சனைகளைப்பற்றி பேசவும், மீண்டும் சமாதானத்தை ஏற்படுத்தவும் வேண்டி, அரசர் தியோடரிக், திருத்தந்தையை தூதுவராக கான்ஸ்டாண்டினோபிளுக்கு அனுப்பி வைத்தான். திருத்தந்தையை அன்புடன் நடத்துமாறு அந்நாட்டு மன்னருக்கு தூதுவிட்டான்.

அப்போது திருத்தந்தை, மன்னர் ஜஸ்டினோஸிடம் மிகவும் அன்பாகவும், ஞானத்தோடும், பேசி எல்லாப் பிரச்சனைகளையும் தீர்த்துவைத்து, நல்லதோர் உறவை ஏற்படுத்தி, சமாதான உடன்படிக்கை செய்து வைத்துவிட்டு, மீண்டும் திருத்தந்தை இத்தாலி நாட்டிற்கு திரும்பினார். நடந்தவைகள் அனைத்தையும் அரசர் தியோடரிடம் எடுத்து கூறினார் திருத்தந்தை. 

திருத்தந்தை ரோம் திரும்பிய சில மாதங்களிலேயே கான்ஸ்டாண்டினோபிள் மன்னன், அவரை சந்தித்து பேச ரோம் வந்தான். இவர்கள் இருவருக்கும் நல்லதோர் உறவு ஏற்பட்டது. திருச்சபையையும், நாட்டையும் நல்வழியில் வழிநடத்த ஒருவர் மற்றவர்க்கு உதவி செய்தனர். இவர்களின் நல்லுறவை கண்ட அரசர் தியோடரிக், பொறாமை கொண்டு பயமுற்றான். அவர்கள் இவனுக்கெதிராக சதித்திட்டம் தீட்டுவதாக எண்ணினான். இதனால் தியோடரிக் ஆத்திரம்கொண்டு மன்னன் ஜஸ்டினின் ஆட்களில் ஒருவரான பொயித்தியஸ் (Poithias) என்பவரைக் கொன்றான். அதன்பின் திருச்சபைக்கெதிராக பல அநியாயங்களை செய்தான். பிறகு ரவென்னா நகரில் திருத்தந்தையைச் சிறையிலிட்டான். அங்கு அவர் சொல்லொண்ணாத் துயரங்களை அடைந்தார். கொடிய வேதனைக்குப்பின் உயிர்நீத்தார். அவர் இறந்த சில நாட்களுக்குப்பின் தியோடரிக்கும் இறந்தார். ஆனால் அவன் இறப்பதற்கு முன் தனக்குப்பிடித்த ஒருவரை திருத்தந்தையாக தேர்ந்தெடுத்துவிட்டு இறந்தார்.

இவரது மீபொருட்கள் பின்னர் ரோமில் உள்ள புனித பேதுரு பேராலயத்தில் அடக்கம் செய்யப்பட்டது.

Profile

Priest in Rome. Elected 53rd pope in 523. Italy's ruler, Theodoric the Goth, was an Arian, and for a while he let Catholics alone, but in later life he became suspicious of everyone, imagining conspiracies and attempts to seize his throne. He tried to involve Pope John in his political machinations. John led a delegation to Constantinople to negotiate with Emperor Justin I; he was the first pope to travel to Constantinople, and while there crowned Justin. The mission was successful, but Theodoric thought John and Justin I had plotted against him. While returning to Rome, John was kidnapped and imprisoned by Theodoric's soldiers; he died in custody.

Born

in Populonia, Tuscany, Italy

Papal Ascension

13 August 523

Died

18 May 526 of thirst and starvation in prison in Ravenna, Italy

Saint Venantius of Camerino

Also known as

Venanzio, Wigand

Profile

Teenager tortured extensively and martyred with ten other Christians during the persecutions of Decius.

Born

c.235

Died

• beheaded c.250 at Camerino, Italy

• relics at Camerino

Patronage

Camerino, Italy

Representation

• young man crucified upside-down with smoke coming from his head

• young man holding the citadel of Camerino, Italy

• young man holding the city of Camerino, a palm, and a book

• young man with a banner holding a city wall

Blessed Jan Oprzadek

Also known as

• Marcin Oprzadek

• Martin Oprzadek

Additional Memorial

12 June as one of the 108 Martyrs of World War II

Profile

Joined the Franciscan Friars Minor in the province of Saint Mary of the Angels in 1912. Drafted into military service in World War I, he returned to the monastery after the war and made his solemn profession on 4 October 1924, taking the name Marcin. Priest. Arrested on 26 August 1940 with several other friars during the Nazi persecutions. Deported to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, then to Hartheim where he was executed. Martyr.

Born

4 March 1884 in Koscielec, diocese of Krakow, Poland

Died

18 May 1942 in the gas chambers of Hartheim, Austria

Beatified

13 June 1999 by Pope John Paul II

Saint Eric of Sweden

Also known as

• Henry of Sweden

• Eric The Lawgiver

• Eric IX

• Erico IX, King of Sweden

Profile

King of Sweden. Defended his country from Finnish invasions. Codified Swedish law under Gospel principles. Used his throne to spread the Gospel through his kingdom. Built the first large church in Sweden at Old Uppsala. Murdered by conspiratorial, anti-Christian Swedish nobles; martyr. Never formally canonized, his cultus developed almost immediately upon his death. Due to his zeal in the defense of his country and his faith, his banner has been carried by Swedes, including non-Catholics, for centuries.

Died

beheaded on 18 May 1161 as he left Mass

Patronage

• farmers

• Sweden

Saint Potamon of Heraclea

Also known as

• Potamon of Alexandria

• Potamone....

Profile

Bishop of Heraclea, Egypt. Tortured, mutilated and crippled for his faith during the persecutions of Maximinus Daia in the early 4th century. Attended the Council of Nice in 325 and zealously opposed Arianism. Friend of Saint Athanasius whom he defended in the Council of Tyre in 335. When the Arian Gregory grabbed power in Egypt in 341, he had Potamon beaten with clubs and left for dead; Potamon received medical help, survived his inujuries for a while, but eventually died from the damage. Martyr. Athanasius wrote about his life and referred to Potamon as a "double martyr" because of the abuse he suffered in two separate persecutions.

Died

in 341 in Alexandria, Egypt from injuries sustained from a beating with clubs

Saint Elgiva of Shaftesbury

Also known as

Aelfgifu, Aelgifu, Aelgytha, Algyva, Elfgiva

Profile

Queen; wife of King Edmund I. Mother of King Edwy of Saxony, and Saint Edgar the Peaceful. Widowed young. Known all her life for her personal piety and support of the Church, endowing several churches and monasteries Later in life she retired to become a Benedictine nun and then abbess at Shaftesbury, England.

Died

• 971 of natural causes

• buried in Shaftesbury Abbey

Blessed Roland of Hasnon

Also known as

Rolando, Rotland

Profile

Benedictine monk at the abbey of St-Armand in northern France. Founded the monastery at Hasnon, France in 1069 and served as its first abbot.

Died

• 9 November 1084

• body found incorrupt a century later

Saint Dioscorus of Kynopolis

Also known as

Dioscorus of Alexandria

Profile

Lector in a church in Kynopolis, Egypt. Martyr.

Died

burned to death between sheets of red hot metal c.305 in Kynopolis, Egypt

Saint Merililaun

Also known as

Merolilaun, Merolitain, Merolilan

Profile

Eighth century pilgrim, martyred while en route to Rome, Italy.

Born

England

Died

near Rheims, France

Saint Felix of Salona

Also known as

• Felix of Split

• Felice...

Profile

Martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian.

Died

299 in Salona, Dalmatia

Saint Feredarius of Iona

Profile

Monk. Abbot of Iona in Scotland in 863.

Born

Ireland

Died

c.863

Saint Felix of Spoleto

Profile

Bishop of Spoleto, Italy. Martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian.

Died

c.304

Saint Serapione of Alexandria

Profile

Martyr.

Died

341 in Alexandria, Egypt

Saint Ortasio of Alexandria

Profile

Martyr.

Died

341 in Alexandria, Egypt

Martyrs of Ancyra

Profile

Seven Christians martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian, and the innkeeper who was executed for giving them a Christian burial - Alexandria, Claudia, Euphrasia, Julitta, Matrona, Phaina, Thecusa and Theodatus.

Died

c.304 in Ancyra, Galatia (in modern Turkey)

இன்றைய புனிதர்கள் மே 17

 St. Heradius

Feastday: May 17

Death: 303

Martyr with Aquilinus, Paul, and two companions. They were put to death at Nyon on Lake Geneva, Switzerland.

Saint Giulia Salzano

Also known as

• Donna Giulietta

• Julia Salzano

• Prophetess of the New Evangelization

Profile

Daughter of Adelaide Valentino and Diego Salzano. Her father was a captain in the Lancers of King Ferdinand II of Naples, and died when Giulia was four years old. Raised and educated by the Sisters of Charity in the Royal Orphanage of Saint Nicola La Strada until age fifteen. School teacher and catechist in Casoria, Naples. Friend and co-worker with Blessed Caterina Volpicelli. Noted for her personal devotion to the Virgin Mary. She encouraged others in devotion to Our Lady and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Foundress of the Congregation of the Catechetical Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1905.

Born

13 October 1846 in Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Caserta, Italy

Died

17 May 1929 in Casoria, Naples, Italy of natural causes

Canonized

17 October 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI

Saint Pascal Baylon

புனிதர் பாஸ்ச்சால் பேலோன் 

நற்கருணையின் தேவதூதன்:

பிறப்பு: மே 16, 1540

டோரேஹெர்மோசா, அரகன்

இறப்பு: மே 17, 1592 (வயது 52)

வில்லர்ரியல், அரக்கன் அரசு, ஸ்பெயின் 

ஏற்கும் சமயம்:

ரோமன் கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபை

அருளாளர் பட்டம்: அக்டோபர் 29, 1618

திருத்தந்தை ஐந்தாம் பவுல்

புனிதர் பட்டம்: அக்டோபர் 16, 1690 

திருத்தந்தை எட்டாம் அலெக்ஸாண்டர்

முக்கிய திருத்தலங்கள்:

"விலா ரியல்" எனுமிடத்திலுள்ள "ராயல் சிற்றாலயம்"

நினைவுத் திருநாள்: மே 17

பாதுகாவல்: 

நற்கருணைச் சங்கங்கள் (Eucharistic Associations),

நற்கருணை மகாசபைகள் (Eucharistic Congress),

ஒபாண்டோ (Obando), புலகன் (Bulacan), வில்லர்ரியல் (Villarreal), சமையல்காரர்கள் (Cooks), டோரேஹெர்மோசா (Torrehermosa), அல்கோனெல் டி அரிசா (Alconchel de Ariza),

சீர்கெர்பே-காஸ்டெல்லோன் டி லா ப்லானா மறைமாவட்டம் (Diocese of Segorbe-Castellón de la Plana), மேய்ப்பர்கள், ஆண் குழந்தைகள் மற்றும் குருத்துவ பணி.

புனிதர் பாஸ்ச்சால் பேலோன், ஒரு ஸ்பேனிஷ் கத்தோலிக்க பொதுநிலை துறவியும் (Spanish Roman Catholic Lay Brother), புனிதருமாவார். இவர் நற்கருணை மகாசபைகள் (Eucharistic Congress) மற்றும் நற்கருணைச் சங்கங்கள் (Eucharistic Associations) ஆகியவற்றின் பாதுகாவலரும் ஆவார்.

ஒரு ஏழை விவசாயியான "மார்ட்டின் பேலோன்" (Martin Baylon) இவரது தந்தை ஆவார். "எலிசபெத் ஜூபேரா" (Elizabeth Jubera) இவரது தாயார் ஆவார். தமது இளமைக் காலத்தில் ஆடுகளை மேய்க்கும் பணியில் இருந்த பாஸ்ச்சால் பேலோன், ஆன்மீக வாழ்க்கையில் நுழைய அதிக விருப்பம் கொண்டிருந்தார். ஆடுகளை பராமரிக்கும் ஆயனாக கூலி வேலைக்கு சேர்ந்த இவர் ஒருபோதும் பள்ளிக்கூடம் போனதேயில்லை. ஆடுகளுடன் மேய்ச்சலுக்கு போகும்போதெல்லாம் தம்முடன் ஒரு புத்தகத்தையும் கொண்டு செல்வார். வழிப்போக்கர்களிடமெல்லாம் தமக்கு எழுதப்படிக்க கற்றுத் தரும்படி கெஞ்சுவார். அப்படியே இவர் தானாகவே எழுதவும், படிக்கவும் கற்றுக்கொண்டார். ஆடு, மாடுகளை வயலில் மேய்க்கும்போது கடவுளின் படைப்பை கண்டு ரசித்த இவர் ஆன்மீக புத்தகங்களை படிக்க கற்றுக்கொண்டார்.

கி.பி. சுமார் 1564ம் ஆண்டு, சீரமைக்கப்பட்ட ஃபிரான்சிஸ்கன் சபையில் (Reformed Franciscan Order) பொதுநிலை சகோதரராக (Lay Brother) இணைந்தார். அப்போதுதான் அவர் முதன்முதலில் துறவிகளின் வாழ்வைப்பற்றி கேள்விப்பட்டு, அவர்களைப்பற்றி அறிந்துகொண்டார். 

அங்கு அவர் எளிமை மற்றும் தாழ்ச்சியான வாழ்வை வாழ்ந்தார். மக்களிடம் மிகவும் அன்பாகவும், பாசமாகவும் இருந்தார். திவ்விய நற்கருணை பீடத்தின் முன் மணிக்கணக்காக - பல நாட்களில் முழு இரவு அமர்ந்து செபிப்பார். அதிலிருந்து தாம் அளவற்ற மகிழ்ச்சியையும், மனநிறைவையும் பெற்றார். இவருக்கும் அவ்வில்லத்திலிருந்த திவ்விய நற்கருணை பேழைக்கும் காந்தம் போன்றதொரு உறவு இருந்தது. எப்போதும் இறைவனிடம் தொடர்பு கொண்டிருந்த அவர் பரிசுத்த ஆவி திருநாளன்று இறைவனடி சேர்ந்தார். அவரது கல்லறையில் எண்ணிலங்கா அற்புதங்கள் இன்று வரை நடந்து வருகின்றது.

Also known as

Paschal

Profile

Son of the pious peasants Martin Baylon and Elizabeth Jubera. From youth he displayed great devotion to the Eucharist. Worked as a shepherd from ages 7 to 24, and was a good influence on his shepherd friends, an often rowdy group. Franciscan lay brother with friars of the Alcantarine Reform, often serving as cook or doorkeeper. His charity to the poor and afflicted, his unfailing courtesy and humility were remarkable even by Franciscan standards. While travelling in France, he defended the Real Presence against the blasphemies of a Calvinist preacher, and narrowly escaped death at the hands of a Huguenot mob. Poorly educated, he was still a counselor sought by rich and poor alike. His cultus is especially strong in Spain and southern Italy, in Central and South America.

Born

24 May 1540 (feast of Pentecost) at Torre Hermosa, Aragon, (modern Spain)

Died

15 May 1592 (feast of Pentecost) at Villa Reale, Spain of natural causes

Canonized

16 October 1690 by Pope Alexander VIII

Patronage

• cooks

• shepherds

• Eucharistic congresses and organizations (proclaimed by Pope Leo XIII on 28 November 1897)

• diocese of Segorbe-Castellón de la Plana, Spain

• Obado, Bulacan, Philippines

Blessed Ivan Ziatyk

Additional Memorial

27 June as one of the Martyrs Killed Under Communist Regimes in Eastern Europe

Profile

Greek Catholic. Graduated high school in 1919, and obtained a degree in theology in 1923. Ordained in 1923. Taught catechism and theology, and served as prefect of students at the seminary at Peremysyl, Poland from 1925 to 1935. Joined the Redemptorists in 1935. Noted preacher when stationed at Lviv.

Prior of the monastery in Ternopil during the Nazi occupation. Vicar General of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church after his superiors were arrested or expelled. Arrested on 5 January 1950 for his faith, for preaching, and for being a Redemptorist. Held in Zolochiv prison, then exiled to Ozerlah, Irkhutsk, Russia. Tortured routinely, beaten severely, and eventually died in prison. One of the Martyrs Killed Under Communist Regimes in Eastern Europe.

Born

26 December 1899 at Odrekhiv, in present day Poland

Died

• Easter Sunday, 17 May 1952 from injuries received in a beating three days earlier at Ozerlah, Irkhutsk, Russia

• buried at Ozerlah

Beatified

27 June 2001 by Pope John Paul II in Ukraine

Saint Madron of Cornwall

Also known as

Maden, Madern, Maderne, Madon, Medron

Profile

Monk and hermit. Cures worked at Saint Madron's Church, Cornwall, England. Honoured in Brittany. Like many holy people of the time, there is a well that is considered "his", and is noted for its healing powers. Tradition says that you ask for healing from some ill, then leave a piece of cloth from your clothing at the well; as the cloth deteriorates, the illness dissipates.

Born

Cornwall, England

Died

c.545 near Land's End, Cornwall, England

Patronage

against pain

Blessed Antonia Mesina

Also known as

Antonia Messina

Profile

Second of ten children born to a peasant family. She received only four years of school, quitting to take over housekeeping from her mother, Grazia, who was bed-ridden with a heart condition. Joined Catholic Action at age ten, becoming an active and lively member and recruiter. At age 16, while out gathering wood for home, she was beaten and murdered by a teenage would-be rapist, fighting him off to her last breath; considered a martyr to purity.

Born

21 June 1919 in Orgosolo, Sardinia, Italy

Died

17 May 1935, Ovadduthai, Orgosolo, Nuoro, Italy

Beatified

Sunday 4 October 1987 by Pope John Paul II at Rome, Italy

Patronage

• martyrs

• rape victims

Saint Restituta of Vercelli

Profile

After her husband was martyred for his faith, Restituta moved from Sardinia to Rome, Italy. Her two small children were baptized there by Pope Saint Eusebius, and given the names Eusebio and Eusebia. The boy grew to become Saint Eusebius, first bishop of Vercelli, Italy, while the girl, Eusebia, became a nun and then abbess of the monastery in Vercelli. With her children grown and in religious life, Resituta returned to Sardinia where she died a martyr.

Born

latter 3rd century Sardinia (part of modern Italy)

Died

• early 4th century near Cagliari, Sardinia (part of modern Italy)

• relics enshrined in a chapel in Cagliari, which were re-discovered in 1607

Saint Peter Lieou

Also known as

• Liu Wenyuan Petrus

• Baiduo

• Peter Liu Wenyuan

Additional Memorial

28 September as one of the Martyrs of China

Profile

Married lay man convert to Christianity. Catechist. Exiled to Mongolia for his faith in 1814. He was permitted to return from exile in 1827 and began working with Catholic missionaries. When the persecutions of the faith resumed, many Christians were imprisoned. Peter initially evaded arrest, but was caught ministering to prisoners, including his own sons. Martyr.

Born

c.1760 in Guizhou, China

Died

strangled to death on 17 May 1834 at Guiyang, Guizhou, China

Canonized

1 October 2000 by Pope John Paul II

Saint Rasso of Grafrath

Also known as

Ratho of Grafrath

Profile

Born to the German nobility, he became a Count (Graf). As a soldier, he fought invading Hungarians. Pilgrim to the Holy Lands and then to Rome, Italy. Returning home, he founded a Benedictine monastery and entered it as a monk; the area around the house became known as Grafrath in his honor.

Born

Bavaria, Germany

Died

953

Saint Restituta of Carthage

Profile

Virgin-martyr, tortured and killed during the persecutions of Diocletian.

Born

African

Died

• burned to death on a boat c.304 off Carthage, Tunisia

• the boat grounded on the island of Ischia near Naples, Italy

• relics believed housed in the Cathedral of Naples

Patronage

Lacco Ameno, Italy

Blessed Bernard of Verdun 

Profile

Born to the French nobility, he gave up the worldly life to join the Mercedarians and ransom Christians enslaved by Muslims. He travelled to Tunis in north Africa in 1408, freed 300 slaves, and was killed by Muslims for remaining a Christian.

Born

14th century France

Died

beaten to death in 1408 in Tunis, Tunisia

Saint Silaus of Lucca

Also known as

• Silave, Silan

• Father of the Poor

Profile

Monk. Abbot of Saint Brendan's Abbey. Bishop. In later life he moved to Italy where he was known for his charity to the poor.

Born

Ireland

Died

1100 in Lucca, Italy

Canonized

1183 by Pope Lucius III

Saint Cathan of Bute

Also known as

Cadan, Catan, Chattan

Profile

Uncle of Saint Blane. Sixth-century bishop on the Isle of Bute, Scotland, a place often known as Kil-Cathan in his honor.

Born

Ireland

Died

• tomb at Tamlacht, Ireland

• relics at Tamlacht and on the Isle of Bute, Scotland

Saint Fionnchan of Druim-Eanaigh

Also known as

• Fionnchan of Droma Enaigh

• Fionnchan of Druim Fes

• Fionnchan of Druim Fesi

• Fionnchan of Druim Fess

• Finnchan, Findchanus

Profile

6th century bishop of Druim-Eanaigh, Ireland.

Saint Maw

Profile

Immigrated from Ireland to Cornwall, England to live as a hermit by the sea near Falmouth. His reputation for piety led to would-be students, and he helped spread Christianity through the region. The area of his hermitage, and a holy well are known as Saint Mawes.

Born

Ireland

Saint Mailduf of Malmesbury

Also known as

Maeldulph, Maildubh, Maildulf

Profile

Monk. Abbot. Founded the monastery at Malmesbury, England. Spiritual teacher of Saint Aldhelm of Sherborne.

Born

Ireland

Died

673

Blessed Isabella Crivelli

Profile

Poor Clare nun at the convent of Sant'Apollinare in Porta Romana, Milan, Italy known for her mystical prayer life.

Born

latter 15th century

Died

c.1527 in Milan, Italy of natural causes

Saint Victor Roma

Also known as

• Victor of Basilla

• Vittore...

Profile

Martyr.

Died

4th century in the cemetery of Basilla on the Via Salaria Antica in Rome, Italy

Saint Adrione of Alexandria

Also known as

Adrian, Adriano

Profile

Martyr.

Born

Adria, Italy

Died

4th century Alexandria, Egypt

Saint Heraclius of Noviodunum

Also known as

Eraclio

Profile

Martyr.

Died

4th century at Noviodunum, Mesia (in modern Romania)

Saint Solochanus of Chalcedon

Profile

Soldier martyred in Chalcedon along with many of his Christian companions in the persecutions of emperor Maximian.

Saint Thethmar

Also known as

Theodemar

Profile

Premonstratensian canon. Missionary to the Wends in Germany, working with Saint Vicelin of Oldenburg.

Died

1152

Saint Paul of Noviodunum

Also known as

Paolo

Profile

Martyr.

Died

4th century at Noviodunum, Mesia (in modern Romania)

Martyrs of Alexandria

Profile

Three Christians martyred together; no details about them have survived except their names - Adrio, Basilla and Victor.

Died

4th century Alexandria, Egypt

Martyrs of Nyon

Profile

A group of Christians martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little more than three of their names - Aquilinus, Heradius and Paul.

Died

303 at Noyon, Switzerland

Also celebrated but no entry yet

• Emiliano I of Vercelli

இன்றைய புனிதர்கள் மே 16

 St. Domnolus

Feastday: May 16

Death: 581

Bishop of Le Mans, France. An abbot of a monastery in Paris, Domnolus declined the bishopric of Avignon from King Clotaire I of the Franks , accepting Le Mans eventually and serving there for twenty-one years. Domnolus attended the Council of Tours in 566 and built churches, monasteries, and a hospice.

John of Nepomuk

Born c.1345

Nepomuk

Died 20 March 1393 (aged 47–48)

Prague

Venerated in Roman Catholic Church

Beatified 31 May 1721, Rome by Pope Innocent XIII

Canonized 19 March 1729, Rome by Pope Benedict XIII

Feast 16 May

Patronage confessors, mariners, raftsmen, millers, bridges, against hazards by water, for discretion; Bohemia, San Juan, Batangas, Malibay, Pasay; Alfonso, Cavite; Moalboal, Cebu; San Remigio, Cebu; Cabiao, Spanish Navy Marines

John of Nepomuk (or John Nepomucene) (Czech: Jan Nepomucký; German: Johannes Nepomuk; Latin: Ioannes Nepomucenus[1]) (c. 1345 – 20 March 1393)[2] was the saint of Bohemia (Czech Republic) who was drowned in the Vltava river at the behest of Wenceslaus IV of Bohemia. Later accounts state that he was the confessor of the queen of Bohemia and refused to divulge the secrets of the confessional. On the basis of this account, John of Nepomuk is considered the first martyr of the Seal of the Confessional, a patron against calumnies and, because of the manner of his death, a protector from floods and drowning.

Jan z Pomuku came from the small market town of Pomuk (later renamed Nepomuk) in Bohemia, now in the Czech Republic, which belonged to the nearby Cistercian abbey.

Born in the 1340s, his father was a certain Velflín (Welflin, Wölflin) and his mother is unknown. His father's name is probably a derivative of the German name Wolfgang.[3]

Jan first studied at the University of Prague, then furthered his studies in canon law at the University of Padua from 1383 to 1387. In 1393 he was made the vicar-general of Saint Giles Cathedral by Jan of Jenštejn (1348–1400), who was the Archbishop of Prague from 1378 to 1396. In the same year, on 20 March, he was tortured and thrown into the river Vltava from Charles Bridge in Prague by order of King Wenceslaus IV.

At issue was the appointment of a new abbot for the rich and powerful Benedictine Abbey of Kladruby; its abbot was a territorial magnate whose resources would be crucial to Wenceslaus in his struggles with nobles. Wenceslaus at the same time was backing the Avignon papacy, whereas the Archbishop of Prague followed its rival, the pope at Rome. Contrary to the wishes of Wenceslaus, John confirmed the archbishop's candidate for Abbot of Kladruby, and was drowned on the king's orders on 20 March 1393.

This account is based on four contemporary documents. The first is the accusation of the king, presented to Pope Boniface IX on 23 April 1393, by Archbishop Jan of Jenštejn, who immediately went to Rome together with the new abbot of Kladruby.[4]

A few years later Abbott Ladolf of Sagan listed John of Nepomuk in the catalog of Sagan abbots, completed in 1398,[5] as well as in the treatise "De longævo schismate", lib. VII, c. xix.[6]

A further document is the "Chronik des Deutschordens"/Chronik des Landes Preussen, a chronicle of the Teutonic Order compiled by John of Posilge, who died in 1405.[7]

In the above accusation, Jan of Jenštejn already calls John of Nepomuk a "saint martyr". The biography of the bishop (written by his chaplain) describes John of Nepomuk as "gloriosum Christi martyrem miraculisque coruscum" (in English: "a glorious martyr of Christ and sparkling with miracles").

Thus, the vicar put to death for defending the laws and the autonomy of the Catholic Church became revered as a saint directly after his death

Saint Simon Stock

Also known as

• Simon Anglus

• Simon the Englishman

Profile

Little is known of his early life. Legend says that at age twelve he began to live as a hermit in a hollow oak tree; the name Stock is believed derived from the old English for tree trunk. Itinerant preacher. Pilgrim to the Holy Lands, but left when invading Muslims chased out Christians. Joined the Carmelite Order soon after its arrival in England.

Simon lived and studied for several years in Rome, Italy and Mount Carmel. Elected sixth general of the Carmelites in 1247 around age 82. He helped the Order spread through England, southern and western Europe. Founded houses in Cambridge, England in 1248, Oxford in 1253, Paris, France in 1260, and Bologna, Italy in 1260. Revised the Rule of the Order to make them mendicant friars instead of hermits.

Regardless of these successes, the Order was oppressed on all sides, including by the clergy and other orders. The friars took their woes to their patroness, the Virgin Mary. Tradition says that in answer, she appeared to Simon bringing him the brown Scapular of Mount Carmel. "This shall be the privilege for you and for all the Carmelites," she told him, "that anyone dying in this habit shall be saved." On 13 January 1252 the Order received a letter of protection from Pope Innocent IV, protecting them from harassment.

Born

c.1165 in Aylesford, County Kent, England

Died

• 16 May 1265 in the Carmelite monastery at Bordeaux, France of natural causes while on a visit

• skull transferred to the Carmelite friary in Aylesford, England in 1951

Canonized

• never formally canonized

• venerated by the Carmelites since at least 1564

• the Vatican has approved Carmelite celebration of his feast

Patronage

Bordeaux, France

Saint Brendan the Navigator

Also known as

• Brendan the Voyager

• Brendan McFinlugh

• Brendan of Clonfert

• Brendan of Cluain Ferta

• Borodon, Brandan, Brendain, Breandan

Additional Memorials

• 6 January as one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland

• 14 June (translation of relics)

Profile

Son of Findloga; brother of Saint Briga. Monk. Educated by Saint Ita of Killeedy and Saint Erc of Kerry. Friend of Saint Columba and Saint Brendan of Birr, Saint Brigid, and Saint Enda of Arran. Ordained in 512. Built monastic cells at Ardfert, Shankeel, Aleth, Plouaret, Inchquin Island, and Annaghdown. Founded Clonfert monastery and monastic school c.559. Legend says that this community had at least three thousand monks, and that their Rule was dictated to Brendan by an angel.

Brendan and his brothers figure in Brendan's Voyage, a tale of monks travelling the high seas of the Atlantic, evangelizing to the islands, possibly reaching the Americas in the 6th century. At one point they stop on a small island, celebrate Easter Mass, light a fire - and then learn the island is an enormous whale!

Born

460 at Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland

Died

• c.577 at Annaghdown (Enach Duin)

• buried at Clonfert, Ireland

Patronage

• boatmen, mariners, sailors, watermen

• travellers

• whales

• diocese of Ardfert, Ireland

• diocese of Clonfert, Ireland

• diocese of Kerry, Ireland

Representation

• priest celebrating Mass on board ship while fish gather to listen

• whale

• one of a group of monks in a small boat

Saint Honorius of Amiens

Also known as

Honoratus, Honortus, Honoré

Profile

Born to the nobility. Known as a pious child, he was educated by Saint Beatus of Amiens. Reluctant bishop of Amiens, France, believing himself unworthy. Legend says that a ray of divine light and holy oil appeared upon his head at the time of his selection as bishop. Re-discovered the relics of Saint Victoricus of Amiens, Saint Fuscian of Amiens, and Saint Gentian of Amiens, which had been lost for 300 years.

Legend says that when word reached the family home in Porthieu that Honorius had been chosen bishop, his old nursemaid, who was baking bread at the time, announced that the boy was no more going to be a bishop that then baker's peel she was leaning on would turn back into a tree. The wooden peel promptly grew roots and branches and turned into a blackberry tree what was still be shown to pilgrims 900 years later. This naturally led to a baker's peel being one of his emblems, and his patronage of trades associated with baking.

Born

Porthieu, Amiens, France

Died

• 30 September 653 at Porthieu, Amiens, France of natural causes

• miracles reported at his tomb, especially in 1060 when his body was exhumed

Patronage

• against drought

• bakers

• bakers of holy wafers

• cake makers

• candlemakers, chandlers

• confectioners

• corn chandlers

• florists

• flour merchants

• oil refiners

• pastry chefs

Representation

• baker's peel or shovel

• bishop with a large Host

• bishop with three Hosts on a baker's shovel

• loaves of bread

• prelate with a hand reaching from heaven to give him bread for the Mass

Saint Andrew Bobola

புனிதர் ஆண்ட்ரூ பொபோலா 

போலந்து நாட்டின் மறைசாட்சி:

பிறப்பு: கி.பி. 1591

சண்டோமிர் பலடைன், போலந்து அரசு 

இறப்பு: மே 16, 1657 

ஜானாவ், போலந்து 

ஏற்கும் சமயம்:

ரோமன் கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபை 

முக்திபேறு பட்டம்: அக்டோபர் 30, 1853

திருத்தந்தை ஒன்பதாம் பயஸ் 

புனிதர் பட்டம்: ஏப்ரல் 17, 1938

திருத்தந்தை பதினோறாம் பயஸ் 

நினைவுத் திருநாள்: மே 16 

பாதுகாவல்: 

போலந்து, வார்சாவ் உயர்மறை மாவட்டம் 

புனிதர் ஆண்ட்ரூ, ஒரு போலிஷ் மறைப்பணியாளரும், இயேசு சபையின் மறைசாட்சியும் ஆவார். “லித்துவானியாவின் அப்போஸ்தலர்”  என்றும், "ஆன்மாக்களை வேட்டையாடுபவர்" என்றும் அறியப்படுகிறார். 

கி.பி. 1591ம் ஆண்டு, பிறந்த பொபோலா, கி.பி. 1611ம் ஆண்டு, தமது இருபதாம் வயதில் "விளினஸ்" எனும் இடத்திலுள்ள இயேசு சபையில்  இணைந்தார். கி.பி. 1622ம் ஆண்டு, குருத்துவ அருட்பொழிவு செய்விக்கப்பட்ட இவர், ஆலோசகராகவும், போதகராகவும் இயேசு சபை இல்ல தலைவராகவும் பல்வேறு இடங்களில் பணியாற்றினார். 

கி.பி. 1652ம் ஆண்டு முதல் கிரேக்க பிரிவினையைச் சேர்ந்தவர்களால் போலந்து நாட்டில் குழப்ப சூழ்நிலை நிலவிய காலகட்டத்தில் லித்துவேனியாவில்  மறைபணியாளராக பணியாற்றினார். அப்போது போலந்து நாட்டில் மிகவும் குழப்பம் ஏற்பட்டது. பிரிவினையாளர்கள் வெறி பிடித்தவர்களைப் போல நடந்துகொண்டனர். ஆனால் ஆண்ட்ரூ அவர்களிடையே அஞ்சாமல், பணிவுடன் மறைப் பணியாற்றினார். ஏழை எளியவர்களின் குடிசைகளுக்கு சென்று, அவர்களை சந்தித்து, மறைக்கல்வியை நுணுக்கமாகக் கற்றுக்கொடுத்தார். போலந்து நாட்டில் பிளேக் நோய் பரவியபோது, நோயுற்ற மக்களை பரிவுடன் கவனித்துக்கொண்டார். 

“கோசாக்ஸ்” என்றழைக்கப்பட்ட குழப்பக்காரர்கள் போலந்து நாட்டிலிருந்த கத்தோலிக்க மக்களை வேரோடு அழிக்க திட்டமிட்டனர். அப்போது ஜானாவ் என்ற இடத்தில் இவர்களின் பிடியில் ஆண்ட்ரூ சிக்கிக்கொண்டார். இக்கொடிய வெறியர்கள் இவரை தடியாலும், சாட்டையாலும் அடித்தனர். குதிரையின் பின் காலில் இவரை காட்டி, குதிரையை அடித்து, வேகமாக ஓடவிட்டனர். குதிரை ஓடிய இடமெல்லாம் இவரை இழுத்து சென்றது. இதனால் குரு ஆண்ட்ரூ சாகும் தருவாய்க்கு தள்ளப்பட்டார். 

அப்போது அவர்கள் ஆண்ட்ரூவிடம், “நீ ஒரு குருவா?” என்று வினவி ஏளனம் செய்தனர். அப்போது ஆண்ட்ரூ, "ஆம், நான் கத்தோலிக்க விசுவாசத்தில் பிறந்தவன். நான் குருதான். குருவாகவே கிறிஸ்துவுக்காக இறக்கவும் விரும்புகிறேன்" என்று கூறினார். மீண்டும், "நான் கிறிஸ்துவுக்காக இறப்பதால், அவர் எனக்கு மீட்பளிப்பார். நீங்களோ மனந்திரும்புவீர்கள். அதற்கு நீங்கள் தவம் புரிவீர்கள், இல்லையேல் மீட்பு பெறமாட்டீர்கள்" என்று கூறினார். இச்சொற்களை கேட்டதால் மேலும் அவர்கள் சீற்றங்கொண்டு, முன்பைவிட பன்மடங்கு துன்புறுத்தினர். ஆண்ட்ரூவின் தலையில் அடித்து, கூரிய ஈட்டியால் தலையில் குத்தினார்கள். அவரின் உடலில் தோலை உரித்தனர். தீப்பந்தங்களை வைத்து அவரது நெஞ்சில் சுட்டு, காயம் உண்டாக்கினர். அப்போது கூட ஆண்ட்ரூ மனம் தளரவில்லை. மாறாக, தமது விசுவாசப் பிரமாணத்தை சொல்லிக் கொண்டிருந்தார். 

இவரின் விசுவாசத்தைக் கண்ட அவர்கள், மீண்டும் ஆண்ட்ரூவின் காதுகளையும், மூக்கையும் வெட்டினர். நாவையும் கண்களையும் பிடுங்கி எறிந்தனர். சாகும் நிலையில் புனிதர் கிடந்தபோதும், பகைவர்கள் மனமிரங்காமல் தொடர்ந்து துன்புறுத்தினர். இறுதியாக இரக்கமற்றவர்களின் துன்புறுத்தல்களை தாங்கமுடியாமல், கி.பி. 1657ம் ஆண்டு, மே மாதம், 16ம் நாளன்று, இப்புனிதரின் தூய ஆன்மா இறைவனடி சேர்ந்தது.

Also known as

• Andrzej Bobola

• Apostle of Lithuania

• Hunter of Souls

Additional Memorials

• 21 February in Poland

• 23 May (Jesuits)

Profile

Born to the Polish nobility. Studied at the Jesuit school at Sandomierz, Poland. He joined the Jesuits on 31 July 1611 at Vilna, Lithuania. Studied and taught philosophy. Ordained on 12 March 1622. Parish priest at Vilna in 1625. Superior of the Jesuit community at Bobrinks in 1630. Worked with the sick during a plague outbreak.

Successful missionary to the Orthodox from 1636 to 1656, preaching along the roads, bringing whole villages back to Catholicism. In 1652 Prince Radziwell gave Andrew a house in Pinsk as a refuge for Jesuits hiding from the Cossacks and Tartars. He was captured just after Mass on 10 May 1657 during a Cossack raid on Pinsk. He was severely beaten, dragged by horses, tortured, hacked with knives, skinned alive, and when he tried to pray for them, they tore out his tongue and murdered him, all for being a Christian; he never surrendered his faith. Martyr.

Born

30 November 1591 at Sandomierz, Poland

Died

• beheaded at Janow on 16 May 1657 at Pinsk (in modern Belarus)

• buried at the Jesuit school in Pinsk, but his grave was forgotten when the Jesuits were forced to abandon the town

• he later appeared in visions to the rector of the school, pointing out his grave

• relics translated to Polosk in 1808

• body found incorrupt

• body later taken to Moscow, Russia by the Bolsheviks

• body taken to Rome, Italy in 1922

• currently entombed at the Jesuit church in Cracow, Poland

Canonized

17 April 1938 by Pope Pius XI

Patronage

• Poland

• archdiocese of Warsaw, Poland

Saint Ubaldus Baldassini

Also known as

• Ubaldus of Gubbio

• Ubaldo, Ubald, Ubalde

Profile

Born to the nobility. Related to Saint Sperandia. Ubaldo's father, Rovaldo Baldassini, died when the boy was very young; his mother was an invalid, afflicted with what we now consider a neurological disease. Raised by his uncle. Educated by the prior of the cathedral in Gubbio, Italy. Canon regular. Monk at the Monastery of Saint Secondo in Gubbio for several years. Dean of the cathedral in Gubio. Ordained in 1115. Around 1120 he convinced the canons of his chapter to live a common life together under the rule given by Peter degli Onesti; this communal life was designed to keep them out of worldly ways. Ubaldo wanted to be a hermit, but was advised against it, and in 1128 he accepted the bishopric of Gubbio. Known as a patient, gentle, and brave pastor to his people. Convinced Emperor Frederick Barbarossa not to sack Gubbio as he had done other cities. The tomb and shrine of Ubaldus is still a place of pilgrimage.

Born

c.1085 at Gubbio near Ancona, Umbria, Italy as Ubaldo Baldassini

Died

• around sunrise on Monday 16 May 1160 at Gubbio near Ancona, Umbria, Italy of natural causes

• relics re-interred on 11 September 1194

• his right hand little finger is held as a relic in Thann, France

Canonized

1192 by Pope Celestine III

Representation

• bishop giving a blessing as angels carry his crozier

• bishop delivering a blessing while a devil flees from it

• bishop holding a model of Gubbio

Patronage

• against autism

• against demonic possession; possessed people

• against migraine

• against neuralgia

• against obsession; obsessive compulsives

• autistics, autistic children

• sick children

• Gubbio, Italy

• Montovi, Italy

Saint Gens of Le Beaucet

Also known as

• Gens du Beaucet

• Gens Bournarel

• Gens the Hermit

• Gein, Gence, Gensius, Gentius, Genzio

Profile

Hermit at Le Beaucet, France in the early 12th century, drawn to the life of a holy solitary in his teens. His father gave him two cows, and he lived from their milk, from the garden that they plowed, and by trading milk and vegetables to other people. He was known for severe penances, a life of constant prayer, and as a miracle worker.

Legend says that a dought was ended by a religious procession led by Gens. Another says that when his parents visited him, he caused a spring of fresh water and one of wine to spring from the earth to give them drink. Another says that when a wolf tried to attack Gens’s cows, he caused it to stop, prayed for it, tamed it, and the animal helped the cattle plow the garden plot.

Born

1104 in Monteux, Carpentras, France

Died

• 16 May 1127 or 1140 (records vary) at Le Beaucet, France of natural causes

• buried under a rock in the valley of Le Beaucet

• a monastery was later built near the tomb

• for centuries, in a dry May, members of La confrérie de Saint-Gens (Brotherhood of Saint-Gens-de-Monteux) made a pilgrimage from the local church to the old hermitage, carrying a statue of the saint

Patronage

• for rain

• Saint-Gence, France

• Saint-Gein, France

Blessed Jan Chrysostom Zavrel

Also known as

• Dominique-Marie

• Jan Chrysostom Zawrel

Profile

Dominican friar and priest in the Congregation of Saint Sabina in Prague (in modern Czech Republic) with the name Father Chrysostom. In May 1776 he joined the Cistercian Congregation of Casamari, making his profession on 6 June 1777, and taking the name Father Domenico Maria. He served the house as a master of novices, and was noted for his prayer life and pious wisdom.

When anti–Christian French revolutionary soldiers broke into the abbey and scattered reserved Eucharistic Hosts in mockery of the Real Presence, Father Jan and some brother monks gathered Them up and started a period of Adoration in the abbey infirmary. The soldiers forced their way into the infirmary and murdered the monks. Martyr.

Born

1725 in Chodov, Prague (in modern Czech Republic)

Died

• 13 May 1799 in Casamari Abbey, Veroli, Frosinone, Italy

• relics enshrined in the abbey church in 1951

Beatified

• 17 April 2021 by Pope Francis

• the beatification recognition was celebrated in the Cistercian Abbey of Casamari, Veroli, Italy

Blessed Vladimir Ghika

Also known as

• Vladimir Ghica

• Apostolic Wanderer

Profile

Born a Romanian prince, grandson of the last ruler of Moldavia, Prince Gregory V. Studied in Toulouse, France, at the University of Paris, in Romania, and at the Dominican university in Rome, Italy. Established the first free hospital in Romania, and the country's first ambulance service. Ordained in Paris, France on 7 October 1923. On 3 August 1939 he returned to the archdiocese of Bucharest, Romania, and cared for his parishioners, the sick, and refugees throughout World War II. Arrested by Communists on 18 November 1952 for the crime of being Christian. Tortured, beaten, starved, and finally martyred.

Born

25 December 1873 in Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey)

Died

16 May 1954 in Jilava, Bucharest, Romania from years of torture, starvation and general abuse

Beatified

• 31 August 2013 by Pope Francis

• beatification recognition celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Amato in Bucharest, Romania

Blessed Albertin-Marie Maisonade

Profile

Cistercian chorister monk who fled from the persecutions of the French Revolution to the Congregation of Casamari in Veroli, Italy, making his profession on 20 November 1793. Known for his devotion to Eucharistic adoration and the Mass. When anti–Christian French revolutionary soldiers broke into the abbey and scattered reserved Eucharistic Hosts in mockery of the Real Presence, Albertin and some brother monks gathered Them up and started a period of Adoration in the abbey infirmary. The soldiers forced their way into the infirmary and murdered the monks. Martyr.

Born

Bordeaux, Gironde, France

Died

• stabbed and shot twice on the night of 13 May 1799 in Casamari Abbey, Veroli, Frosinone, Italy

• relics enshrined in the abbey church in 1951

Beatified

• 17 April 2021 by Pope Francis

• the beatification recognition was celebrated in the Cistercian Abbey of Casamari, Veroli, Italy

Blessed Ignace-Alexandre-Joseph Cardon

Also known as

Brother Simèon-Marie

Profile

Benedictine monk, making his profession on 4 August 1782 at the monastery of San Mauro in Saint-Faron de Meaux, France. Being opposed to the Civil Constitution of the Clergy imposed during the French Revolution, Brother Simèon-Marie fled France in 1795 and became a Cistercian priest in the Congregation of Casamari on 5 May 1797. He served as treasurer, prior and, in 1798, abbot of the Casamari abbey. He was known for his personal piety, adminstrative skill, and for ministry to the sick. Martyred by invading French revolutionary soldiers.

Born

Cambrai, Nord, France

Died

14 May 1799 in Casamari Abbey, Veroli, Frosinone, Italy of injuries sustained on 13 May

Beatified

• 17 April 2021 by Pope Francis

• the beatification recognition was celebrated in the Cistercian Abbey of Casamari, Veroli, Italy

Blessed Maturin-Marie Pitri

Profile

Drafted into the French army, he was assigned to serve in Italy during the Napoleonic wars. He became seriously ill in Veroli, Italy, hospitalized, and while being cared for by Blessed Ignace-Alexandre-Joseph Cardon, Maturin admitted to being drawn to religious life, and of a desire to join the Cistercians. When he recovered from his illness in January 1799, Blessed Ignace helped smuggle Maturin to the Casamari abbey where he began working toward becoming a Cistercian brother. Martyred by invading French revolutionary soldiers.

Born

Fontainebleau, Seine-et-Marne, France

Died

shot on 13 May 1799 in Casamari, Veroli, Frosinone, Italy

Beatified

• 17 April 2021 by Pope Francis

• the beatification recognition was celebrated in the Cistercian Abbey of Casamari, Veroli, Italy

Saint Possidius of Calama

Profile

Spiritual student of Saint Augustine of Hippo. Bishop of Calama, Numidia in North Africa in 397. He preached against Arianism, Donatism and Pelagianism in his diocese. He and his priests were assaulted by followers of these heresies, and his churches damaged; Possidius was eventually driven into exile by Arian Vandals. Brought relics of Saint Stephen the Martyr to his diocese, and established Augustinians at the cathedral. Wrote a biography of Saint Augustine, and compiled a catalogue of Augustine's work.

Born

c.370 in North Africa

Died

c.440 in Mirandola, Italy of natural causes

Canonized

19 August 1672 by Pope Clement X

Patronage

• Mirandola, Italy

• Rhegio, Italy

Blessed Modeste-Marie Burgen

Also known as

Bougue

Profile

Trappist monk at the abbey of Settefonti, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy. When it was suppressed as part of the anti–Christian effort at the start of the French Revolution, he fled to the Cistercian Congregation of Casamari where he was received as a new brother, making his simple vows on 9 January 1797. Martyred by invading French revolutionary soldiers.

Born

Bourgogne, Marne, France

Died

13 May 1799 in Casamari Abbey, Veroli, Frosinone, Italy

Beatified

• 17 April 2021 by Pope Francis

• the beatification recognition was celebrated in the Cistercian Abbey of Casamari, Veroli, Italy

Blessed Vitaliy Bayrak

Also known as

• Vitalii Bairak

• Vitalij Bajrak

• Volodomyr Bairak

Profile

Greek Catholic. Joined the Basilian Order of Saint Josaphat monastery on 4 September 1924. Ordained on 13 August 1933. Prior of Drohobych in 1941. Arrested for his faith on 17 September 1945 by the NKVD. On 13 November 1945 his property was confiscated, and he was sentenced to eight years in a forced labour camp. Martyr.

Born

24 February 1907 at Shvaikivtsy, Ternopil's'ka oblast', Ukraine

Died

beaten to death on 21 April in 1946 in prison at Drohobych, L'vivs'ka oblast', Ukraine

Beatified

27 June 2001 by Pope John Paul II at Ukraine

Blessed Zosimo Maria Brambat

Profile

Cistercian brother in the Congregation of Casamari, he joined the abbey in 1792 and made his profession on 20 November 1795. Martyred by invading French revolutionary soldiers, he died while trying to get to a location where he could receive the sacraments before his death.

Born

Milan, Italy

Died

16 May 1799 in Casamari, Veroli, Frosinone, Italy from injuries received on 13 May 1799

Beatified

• 17 April 2021 by Pope Francis

• the beatification recognition was celebrated in the Cistercian Abbey of Casamari, Veroli, Italy

Saint Germerius of Toulouse

Also known as

Germerio, Germier

Profile

Priest. Bishop of Toulouse, France for 50 years. Noted for living an austere life devoted to prayer and almsgiving, as a miracle worker and healer, and a devotion to Saint Saturninus, the first bishop of Toulouse.

Born

c.480 in Angouleme, France

Died

• c.560 in Dux, France of natural causes

• buried in the church of Saint Jacques

Patronage

Major Seminary of Toulouse, France

Blessed Michal Wozniak

Additional Memorial

12 June as one of the 108 Martyrs of World War II

Profile

Priest in the archdiocese of Warsaw, Poland. Imprisoned, tortured and murdered by Nazis for the crime of being a Catholic priest. Martyr.

Born

28 July 1875 in Suchým Lesie, Pecice, Mazowieckie, Poland

Died

16 May 1942 in the concentration camp at Dachau, Oberbayern, Germany

Beatified

13 June 1999 by Pope John Paul II

Saint Peregrinus of Auxerre

Also known as

Pellegrino

Profile

Missionary to Auxerre, Gaul (modern France), sent by Pope Saint Sixtus II to serve as the area's first bishop. Worked with Saint Curcodomus of Auxerre. Killed by order of the area's imperial governor when he tried to interfere with the consecration of a temple to the pagan god Jupiter. Martyr.

Born

Rome, Italy

Died

beheaded c.261 in Bouhy, France

Blessed Adam of San Sabine

Also known as

Adam of Fermo

Profile

Hermit on Mount Vissiano near Fermo, Italy. Benedictine monk at San Sabine abbey. Abbot of San Sabine.

Born

at Fermo, Italy

Died

• c.1210 a San Sabine abbey of natural causes

• re-interred in the cathedral of Fermo, Italy

Patronage

against epilepsy

Blessed Adam of Adami

Profile

Franciscan friar and preacher based in the convent of Fermo, Italy. Legend says that when he preached outdoors he would tell the birds to keep quiet, and, of course, they would. Once, having gotten lost in a forest, he encountered a wolf; he asked it to lead him to his original destination, and, of course, it did.

Died

c.1286 at the Franciscan convent of Fermo, Italy of natural causes

Saint Fidolus of Aumont

Also known as

• Fidolus of Troyes

• Fal, Fidolo, Fidouls, Phal

Profile

Son of an official in Auvergne, France. Kidnapped and sold into slavery, he was ransomed by Abbot Aventinus of Aumont Abbey near Troyes, France. Fidolus became a monk himself, and then abbot of Aumont, which was later called Saint-Phal in memory of his holiness.

Died

c.540

Blessed Louis of Mercy

Also known as

Ludovico della Pieta

Profile

Contemplative Mercidarian at the convent of Saint Antolino in Valladolid, Spain. In 1331 he ransomed 207 Christian slaves from Moorish occupied Granada.

Died

14 century in Valladolid, Spain

Saint Abdas of Cascar

Also known as

Audas of Cascar

Profile

Bishop of Cascar in Persia. Martyred with 28 companions whose names have not come down to us at the start of the persecutions of the Persian emperor Sapor. Abdas was tempted with release and rewards to break the seal of confession; he refused.

Died

420 at Ledan, Persia

Saint Francoveus

Also known as

Franchy

Profile

Seventh-century monk in Saint Martin de la Bretonnière (modern Sainte Maire, Nièvre), France. Noted for the jealousy he caused by living strictly according the Benedictine Rule. When the abbey was destroyed, he lived as a hermit in the Nivernais region near Nevers, France.

Saint Annobert of Séez

Also known as

Alnobert, Alnobertus

Profile

Monk at Almenèches, France. Bishop of Séez, France c.685.

Died

c.689

Saint Carantoc

Also known as

Carantock, Carannog, Carantocus, Carentoc

Profile

Sixth-century monk. Abbot. Founded the church of Llangranog in Wales.

Saint Carantac

Also known as

Carantog, Caimach, Carnath, Cairnach, Carantoc

Profile

Worked with Saint Patrick to bring Christianity to Ireland.

Born

5th century Wales

Saint Primael of Quimper

Profile

Hermit near Quimper, France.

Born

British Isles

Died

c.450

Saint Peregrinus of Terni

Profile

Bishop of Terni, Italy, and founder of its cathedral.

Died

c.138

Saint Hilary of Pavia

Profile

Bishop of Pavia in northern Italy. Fought Arianism.

Died

376 of natural causes

Saint Fort of Bordeaux

Also known as

Forannan

Profile

First Bishop of Bordeaux, France. Martyr.

Saint Gennadius of Uzalis

Profile

Martyr.

Died

Uzalis in North Africa

Saint Diocletian of Osimo

Profile

Martyr.

Died

Osimo, Italy

Saint Maxima of Fréjus

Profile

Nun in the area of Fréjus, France.

Saint Felix of Uzalis

Profile

Martyr.

Died

Uzalis in North Africa

Saint Fiorenzo of Osimo

Profile

Martyr.

Died

Osimo, Italy

Saint Aquilinus of Isauria

Profile

Martyr.

Saint Victorian of Isauria

Profile

Martyr.

Martyrs of Saint Sabas

Profile

A group of 44 monks, whose names have not come down to us, who were massacred by Moors at the monastery of Saint Sabas in Palestine.