இன்றைய புனிதர்கள் ஜனவரி 18

 Blessed Andrés de Peschiera Grego

Also known as

• Andrés Gregho

• Andrés of Peschiera

• Andrew...

• Apostle of the Valtellina

Profile

Raised in a pious family, Andrés grew up on the shore of Lake Garda in Italy. He early felt a desire to become a hermit, and tried living in monastic style at his father‘s home. When his father died, the 15 year old Andrew joined the Dominicans at the priory at Brescia, Italy. Studied at the San Marco monastery in Florence, Italy with Saint Antoninus of Florence, Blessed Lawrence of Riprafratta, Blessed Constantius of Fabriano, and Blessed Antony della Chiesa. Priest. Travelling preacher in the Valtellina region of Italy, and the areas of Switzerland where the Albigensian heresy had taken root; he worked in the area for 45 years, travelling the mountains on foot, staying with the poor, staying where he could, hiding from bandits and heretics, living off whatever came to hand. Among the parishes, churches, hospitals, schools, orphanages and monasteries he founded was the convent at Morbegno, Italy which became a base of operations for Dominicans trying to bring the people back to orthodox Christianity, and where Andrés retired to spend his final years as a prayerful monk.

Born

1400 in Peschiera del Garda, Italy

Died

• 18 January 1485 in the Dominican convent at Morbegno, Sondrio, Lombardy, Italy of natural causes

• buried at the parish church in Morbegno

• miracles reported at his tomb

• the number of pilgrims who came to it caused the friars to relocate his relics twice, each time to a place with easier access

Beatified

26 September 1820 by Pope Pius VII (cultus confirmation)

Blessed Maria Teresa Fasce

Profile

Taught catechetism to children. She grew to love Augustinian spirituality, and became acquainted with the human and spiritual adventure of Rita of Cascia, whose canonization in 1900 was very special to Maria, leading to her desire to be an Augustinian religious in the monastery of Cascia, Italy. She entered in June 1906 at age 25, made her initial vows on Christmas 1907, taking the name Maria Teresa.

The community was in sad decline when Maria Teresa entered, and she became disillusioned. In 1911, she stayed her family for a period of reflection, but returned to the convent, taking her solemn vows on 22 March 1912. Novice mistress in 1914. After writing letters about the terrible spiritual condition of the community, she was appointed vicar from 1917 to 1920, and abbess from 1920 till her death in 1947.

The little chapel containing Saint Rita's body was almost unknown when Mother Maria entered the monastery. Today the basilica is a place of pilgrimage for thousands who learned of Rita through the pamphlet, Dalle Api alle Rose, which Mother Maria started in 1923. Mother Maria's dream was to bring people to God through Saint Rita - and it has worked.

The monastery took in orphan girls, and many live in the modern "Saint Rita's Hive" next to the church. An Augustinian seminary, a hospital, retreat house, and other services grew up around the chapel. Mother Maria Teresa's love was the cause of it all, her spirit sustaining her frail body through the years and work.

Born

27 December 1881 at Torriglia, Genoa, Italy as Maria Fasce

Died

• 18 January 1947 of natural causes

• buried next to Saint Rita of Cascia

Beatified

12 October 1997 by Pope John Paul II

Saint Margaret of Hungary

ஹங்கேரியின் புனிதர் மார்கரெட் 

துறவி/ கன்னியர்:

பிறப்பு: ஜனவரி 27, 1242

க்ளிஸ் ஃபோர்ட்ரெஸ், க்ளிஸ், குரோஷியா அரசு

இறப்பு: ஜனவரி 18, 1271 (வயது 28)

நியுலக் ஸ்ஸிகெட், ஹங்கேரி அரசு

ஏற்கும் சமயம்:

ரோமன் கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபை

முக்திபேறு பட்டம்: ஜூலை 28, 1789

திருத்தந்தை ஆறாம் பயஸ்

புனிதர் பட்டம்: நவம்பர் 19, 1943

திருத்தந்தை பன்னிரெண்டாம் பயஸ்

நினைவுத் திருநாள்: ஜனவரி 18

புனிதர் மார்கரெட், ஒரு கன்னியரும், “டொமினிக்கன்” (Dominican nun) சபையைச் சேர்ந்த அருட்சகோதரியும் ஆவார். இவர், “ஹங்கேரி” (Hungary) நாட்டின் அரசனான “நான்காம் பேலாவின்” (King Béla IV) மகள் ஆவார். இவரது தாயாரின் பெயர், “மரியா லஸ்கரீனா” (Maria Laskarina) ஆகும். இவர், “போலந்தின் புனிதர் கிங்கா” (St. Kinga of Poland), மற்றும் “போலந்தின் அருளாளர் யோலந்தா” (Blessed Yolanda of Poland) ஆகியோரின் சகோதரியாவார். இவர், புகழ்பெற்ற “ஹங்கேரியின் புனிதர் எலிசபெத்தின்” (Saint Elizabeth of Hungary) சகோதரரின் மகள் (மருமகள்) ஆவார்.

மார்கரெட், “குரோஷியா அரசின்” (Kingdom of Croatia) “க்ளிஸ் ஃபோர்ட்ரெஸ்” (Klis Fortress) எனுமிடத்தில் அரச தம்பதியினருக்கு எட்டாவது - கடைசி மகளாகப் பிறந்தார். அவர்கள், கி.பி. 1241–42 ஆண்டு காலத்தில், “மங்கோலியர்களின் ஹங்கேரி மீதான படையெடுப்பின்போது” (Mongol invasion of Hungary) வாழ்ந்தவர்களாவர். அவர்களது தந்தை அந்நாட்டின் அரசராதலால், மங்கோலியர்களிடமிருந்து ஹங்கேரி விடுவிக்கப்பட்டால், அவர்கள் தமது குழந்தையை ஆன்மீகத்திற்கு அர்ப்பணிப்பதாக அவரது பெற்றோர் உறுதிமொழியேற்றனர்.

மூன்று வயதான மார்கரெட், கி.பி. 1245ம் ஆண்டு, “வெஸ்ப்ரெம்” (Veszprém) எனுமிடத்திலுள்ள டொமினிகன் மடாலயத்திற்கு தனது பெற்றோரால் ஒப்படைக்கப்பட்டார். ஆறு வருடங்கள் கழித்து, ஒன்பது வயதான குழந்தை மார்கரெட், “ரேபிட்” தீவிலுள்ள (Rabbit Island) (தற்போதைய மார்கரெட் தீவு - (today Margaret Island) “நியுலக் ச்ஸிகெட்” (Nyulak Szigete) எனுமிடத்தில் அவரது பெற்றோரால் நிறுவப்பட்ட “அர்ச்சிஷ்ட கன்னி மரியாள்” (Monastery of the Blessed Virgin) மடத்திற்கு மாற்றப்பட்டார்.

மீதமுள்ள தமது வாழ்நாள் முழுவதையும் அங்கேயே வாழ்ந்து, தம்மை ஆன்மீகத்திற்கு ஒப்புக் கொடுத்த மார்கரெட், “பொஹெமியாவின்" (Bohemia) அரசர் “இரண்டாம் ஒட்டோகாருக்கு” (King Ottokar II) தம்மை அரசியல் திருமணம் செய்விக்க தமது தந்தை செய்த அனைத்து முயற்ச்சிகளையும் எதிர்த்தார். அவர் தமது பதினெட்டு வயதின்போது தமது சபையின் சத்திய பிரமாணங்களை எடுத்துக்கொண்டதாக தோன்றுகிறது. தாம் எடுத்துக்கொண்ட சத்தியப் பிரமாணங்களை, தமது சபையின் பாரம்பரியத்துக்கு எதிராக, திருத்தந்தையின் மூலமாக ரத்து செய்யும் தமது தந்தையின் முயற்சிகளை தவிர்ப்பதற்காக, அவர் இன்னும் பிற அரச குடும்ப கன்னியருடன் இணைந்து சத்திய பிரமாணங்களை ஏற்றுக்கொண்டார்.

இவரது வாழ்க்கை சம்பந்தமான பல்வேறு விபரங்கள், ஒருவேளை 14 ஆம் நூற்றாண்டில் எழுதப்பட்ட (Legend of Saint Margaret) எனப்படும் இவரது சுயசரித நூல்களில் காணக்கிடைக்கின்றன. பின்னர் இது, 15ம் நூற்றாண்டில், “இலத்தீன்” (Latin) மொழியிலிருந்து “ஹங்கேரியன்” (Hungarian) மொழிக்கு மொழிமாற்றம் செய்யப்பட்டது. ஆரம்பகால குழந்தை பருவத்திலிருந்து மார்கரெட் தன்னைத்தானே வருத்திக்கொண்டார். இரும்பிலான அரைக்கச்சை அணிந்தும், மயிர் ஆடைகள் அணிந்தும், கம்பி மற்றும் ஆணிகளாலான காலணிகள் அணிந்தும் தம்மை வருத்திக்கொண்டார். பின்னர், மடத்தின் சாக்கடை சுத்தம் செய்வது போன்ற அழுக்கான பணிகளையும் செய்தார்.

கி.பி. 1271ம் ஆண்டு, ஜனவரி மாதம், பதினெட்டாம் தேதி மரித்துப்போன மார்கரெட்டின் புனிதர் பட்டத்திற்கான நடவடிக்கைகள், அவரது சகோதரர் அரசன் “ஐந்தாம் ஸ்டீபனின்” (King Stephen V) வேண்டுகோளுக்கிணங்க கி.பி. 1271ம் ஆண்டு தொடங்கப்பட்டு, கி.பி. 1276ம் ஆண்டுவரை நடந்தன. ஆனாலும், அவரது பரிந்துரைகளால் 74க்கும் மேற்பட்ட அற்புதங்கள் நடந்தும் புனிதர் பட்டத்திற்கான பணிகள் நிறைவேறவில்லை. நிகழ்ந்த அற்புதங்களில் பல, இவரை நோக்கி செபித்ததால், இவரது பரிந்துரையால் நோய் நீன்கியதாகும். மேலும் சில, மரித்தவர்கள் உயிர்த்தெழுந்தனர். கி.பி. 1640ம் ஆண்டு முதல், கி.பி. 1770ம் ஆண்டுவரையான முயற்சிகளும் தோல்வியடைந்தன. இறுதியில், கி.பி. 1943ம் ஆண்டு, நவம்பர் மாதம், 19ம் நாள், திருத்தந்தை “பன்னிரெண்டாம் பயஸ்” (Pope Pius XII) அவர்களால் புனிதர் பட்டம் வழங்கப்பட்டது.

Also known as

Marguerite

Profile

Daughter of King Bela IV of Hungary and Marie Laskaris; grand-daughter of the Byzantine emperor. When Hungary was freed from the Tatars, her parents had pledged their next child to God. To keep this promise, Margaret was placed in a Dominican convent at Veszprem, Hungary at age 3; Blessed Helen of Hungary served as her novice mistress. She transferred at age ten to the convent of the Blessed Virgin founded by her parents on the Hasen Insel near Buda, where she lived the rest of her life. At one point her father arranged a marriage for her to King Ottokar II of Bohemia, but she adamently refused. She took vows at age 18. Known for severe self-imposed penances, and for kindness to those of lower social station. The investigation for her canonization lists 27 miracles including healings and a case of awakening from death.

Born

1242

Died

• 18 January 1271 at Budapest, Hungary

• relics given to the Poor Clares at Pozsony (modern Bratislava, Slovak Republic) when the Dominican Order in the area was dissolved

• most of her relics were destroyed in 1789, but some are still preserved at Gran, Gyor, Pannonhalma, Hungary

Canonized

19 November 1943 by Pope Pius XII

Blessed Christina Ciccarelli

Also known as

• Christina of Aquila

• Matthia Ciccarelli

Profile

Youngest of six children of Domenico de Pericolo. Drawn to the religious life from an early age. Augustinian recluse at the monastery of Saint Lucia in Aquileia, Italy in June 1505, taking the name Christina. Abbess. Prophet, healer, and visionary, noted for her piety, humility, generosity to the poor, and ecstasies; sought after as a spiritual director by people from all walks of life. On the feast of Corpus Christi, Christina was seen to levitate, and the image of a Host in a golden pyx radiated from her breast. A vision on Good Friday caused invisible stigmata and the pains of Crucifixion until the next day.

Born

24 February 1481 at Luco, Abruzzi, Italy as Matthia Ciccarelli

Died

• 18 January 1543 at Aquileia, Italy of natural causes

• buried at the church in the monastery of Saint Lucia just to the right of the altar

Beatified

1841 by Pope Gregory XVI (cultus confirmed)

Saint Deicola

Also known as

Deel, Deicolus, Deille, Delle, Desle, Dichul, Diey, Deicuil, Dicuil

Profile

Older brother of Saint Gall. Monk. Studied at Bangor Abbey under Saint Comgall of Bangor and Saint Columba. Evangelized in Austrasia and Burgundy in 567. One of the twelve who accompanied Saint Columba to France and helped found the abbey of Luxeuil. When Saint Columba was exiled by Thierry II, Deicola, too old to accompany him, founded the monastery of Lure in the Vosges, France. He then retired to the monastery as a hermit.

Born

in Leinster, Ireland

Died

625 at Vosges, France of natural causes

Blessed Regina Protmann

Profile

Born to a wealthy familiy, at age 19 she gave it all up to live in community with like-minded friends and work with the sick and the poor. This was the foundation of the Sisters of Saint Catherine, Virgin and Martyr which expanded its mission to educating the young. The Sisters continue their work today with 120 communities in Europe, Africa and South America.

Born

1552 in Braniewo (Braunsberg), Warminsko-Mazurskie, Prussia (in modern Poland)

Died

18 January 1613 in Braniewo (Braunsberg), Warminsko-Mazurskie, Prussia (in modern Poland) of natural causes

Beatified

• 13 June 1999 by Pope John Paul II

• her beatification miracle took place in Brazil

Blessed Beatrix of Este the Younger

Profile

Born to the family of the Norman dukes of Apulia, Italy. Daughter of the Marques of Ferrara, Italy. Niece of Blessed Beatrix of Este the Elder. Betrothed to Galeazzo Manfredi of Vicenza, Italy, but just before the wedding he died of wounds received in combat. Beatrix refused to return to her father's home but became a Benedictine nun at San Lazzaro convent near Ferrara. Founded the Benedictine convent of Saint Antony at Ferrara.

Died

1262 of natural causes

Beatified

• 1774 by Pope Clement XIV (cultus confirmed)

• memorial date set by Pope Pius VI

Blessed Fazzio of Verona

Also known as

Facio, Facius, Fatius, Fazio, Fazius

Profile

An accomplished goldsmith in Verona, Italy, his business opponents developed a vicious hatred for him. He moved to Cremona, Italy, where he worked and gave away his earnings to the poor. Pilgrim to Compostela, Spain, and to Rome, Italy. Returning to his native Verona, he was falsely accused by old opponents, arrested, tried and aquitted; he immediately returned to Cremona. Founded the Order of the Holy Spirit at Cremona, an Order charged with the care of pilgrims and the sick.

Born

1190 in Verona, Italy

Died

1272 of natural causes

Blessed Juan Barrera Méndez

Profile

Child of the diocese of Quiché, Guatemala. He was member of Catholic Action, and taught the faith to small children. Abducted, tortured for hours, then murdered by government forces at the age of 12. Martyr.

Born

4 August 1967 in Potrero Viejo, Quiché, Guatemala

Died

1980 in Segundo Centro de la Vega, Zacualpa, Quiché, Guatemala

Beatified

• 23 April 2021 by Pope Francis

• beatification recognition celebrated in Santa Cruz del Quiché, Guatemala

Saint Prisca of Rome

Also known as

Priscilla, Prisque

Profile

Born to the imperial Roman nobility. Supported the Church in Rome, Italy. Martyr.

Died

• stabbed with a sword in 275 in Rome, Italy

• buried in the catacomb of Priscilla on the Via Salaria, Rome, Italy

• relics translated to the nearby church of Saint Prisca on the Aventine Hill, a church she may have helped found

Saint Paul of Egypt

Profile

Leader of a group of 37 Christian Egyptian noblemen who created and worked in an organization to spread the faith through Egypt. Though there were many converts, the men were attacked, beaten, arrested and abused in various places around the country. The governor of the region had them all arrested, brought to him, and ordered them to make public sacrifices to show they were good citizens. Paul, as their leader, explained that death was better than denial of their faith. Martyr.

Blessed Félicité Pricet

Additional Memorial

2 January as one of the Martyrs of Anjou

Profile

Lay woman of the diocese of Angers, France. Martyred in the persecutions of the French Revolution.

Born

c.1745 in Châtillon-sur-Sèvre, Maine-et-Loire, France

Died

18 January 1794 in Avrillé, Maine-et-Loire, France

Beatified

19 February 1984 by Pope John Paul II at Rome, Italy

Blessed Charlotte Lucas

Additional Memorial

2 January as one of the Martyrs of Anjou

Profile

Lay woman of the diocese of Angers, France. Martyred in the persecutions of the French Revolution.

Born

1 April 1752 in Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Maine-et-Loire, France

Died

18 January 1794 in Avrillé, Maine-et-Loire, France

Beatified

19 February 1984 by Pope John Paul II at Rome, Italy

Blessed Monique Pichery

Additional Memorial

2 January as one of the Martyrs of Anjou

Profile

Lay woman of the diocese of Angers, France. Martyred in the persecutions of the French Revolution.

Born

4 April 1762 in Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Maine-et-Loire, France

Died

18 January 1794 in Avrillé, Maine-et-Loire, France

Beatified

19 February 1984 by Pope John Paul II at Rome, Italy

Blessed Victoire Gusteau

Additional Memorial

2 January as one of the Martyrs of Anjou

Profile

Lay woman of the diocese of Angers, France. Martyred in the persecutions of the French Revolution.

Born

c.1745 in Châtillon-sur-Sèvre, Deux-Sèvres France

Died

18 January 1794 in Avrillé, Maine-et-Loire, France

Beatified

19 February 1984 by Pope John Paul II at Rome, Italy

Saint Susanna the Martyr

Profile

Young girl who fled to Nola, Italy to escape persecution. Arrested there for her faith, she was taken to Salerno, Italy, tortured and martyred with Saint Thecla and Saint Archelais.

Born

at Romagna, Italy

Died

beheaded in 293 at Salerno, Italy

Name Meaning

lily (Susanna)

Saint Archelais the Martyr

Profile

Young girl who fled to Nola, Italy to escape persecution. Arrested there for her faith, she was taken to Salerno, Italy, tortured and martyred with Saint Thecla and Saint Susanna.

Born

at Romagna, Italy

Died

beheaded in 293 at Salerno, Italy

Saint Thecla the Martyr

Profile

Young girl who fled to Nola, Italy, to escape persecution. Arrested there for her faith, she was taken to Salerno, tortured and martyred with Saint Archelais and Saint Susanna.

Born

at Romagna, Italy

Died

beheaded in 293 at Salerno, Italy

Blessed Juan de Laers

Profile

One of the first Mercedarian friars to join the order, he served as assistant to Saint Peter Nolasco. Worked in the area of Majorca, Spain. Miracle worker, he is reputed to be able to calm the seas by prayer.

Died

Barcelona, Spain of natural causes

Saint Ulfrid of Sweden

Also known as

• Ulfrid of Sverige

• Wilfrid, Wolfred, Wolfried, Wulfrad, Wulfrid

Profile

Missionary bishop to Germany and Sweden. Martyred for chopping down an idol of the god Thor.

Born

10th century England

Died

• 18 January 1028 by Norse pagans

• body thrown into a marsh

Saint Volusian of Tours

Also known as

Volusianus

Profile

As a layman, he suffered through years of a terrible marriage. Imperial Roman senator at Tours, France. Bishop of Tours in 488. Exiled to Spain in 496 by Arian Visigoths. May have been martyred, but records are unclear.

Died

496 at Toulouse, France

Saint Agathius the Martyr

Profile

One of a group of eight missionaries who worked in eastern Egypt. They were sufficiently successful that they were arrested and murdered for being "disturbers of public order"; only Agathius's name has come down to us. Martyr.

Died

burned at the stake in eastern Egypt

Saint Lucius of Carthage

Profile

Bishop in North Africa. Attended the Council of Carthage in 259. Martyred in the persecutions of Decius.

Died

259 in Carthage, North Africa (modern Tunis, Tunisia)

Saint Paul of Carthage

Profile

Bishop in North Africa. Attended the Council of Carthage in 259. Martyred in the persecutions of Decius.

Died

259 in Carthage, North Africa (modern Tunis, Tunisia)

Saint Success of Carthage

Profile

Bishop in North Africa. Attended the Council of Carthage in 259. Martyred in the persecutions of Decius.

Died

259 in Carthage, North Africa (modern Tunis, Tunisia)

Saint Ammonius

Profile

Soldier. Arrested with Saint Moseus for the crime of hiring and supporting Christians during the persecutions of Decius. Condemned to labour in the mines of Bithynia. Martyr.

Died

burned to death in 250

Saint Moseus

Profile

Soldier. Arrested with Saint Ammonius for the crime of hiring and supporting Christians during the persecutions of Decius. Condemned to labour in the mines of Bithynia. Martyr.

Died

burned to death in 250

Saint Melanippus of Nicaea

Also known as

Melanippi, Melanippo, Melanuhfôs, Meliufos

Profile

Martyr.

Died

3rd century Nicaea, Bithynia (in modern Turkey)

Saint Cosconius of Nicaea

Also known as

Cosconi, Cosconio, Cosconium

Profile

Martyr.

Died

3rd century Nicaea, Bithynia (in modern Turkey)

Saint Athenogenes of Pontus

Profile

Priest. Hymnist. Martyr.

Died

burned at the stake in 196 in Pontus, Asia Minor

Saint Zeno of Nicaea

Also known as

Zenone, Zenonis

Profile

Martyr.

Died

3rd century Nicaea, Bithynia (in modern Turkey)

Saint Day

Also known as

Dye

Profile

A church near Redruth, Cornwall, England is named for him. No information about him has survived.

Saint Catus

Profile

Timeline: Saint Catus lived and died somewhere in the second century AD.

Location: He met his end in Numidia, a region encompassing parts of present-day Algeria and Tunisia.

Martyrdom: While the specifics of his martyrdom are unknown, being referred to as a "saint" and associated with Numidia during that period strongly suggests he perished for his Christian faith.

இன்றைய புனிதர்கள் ஜனவரி 17

 Saint Anthony the Abbot

புனிதர் வனத்து அந்தோனியார் 

வணக்கத்துக்குரியர்; துறவிகளின் தந்தை; 

கடவுளை கைகளில் ஏந்தியவர்:

பிறப்பு: கி.பி. 251

ஹெராகிளியோபோலிஸ் மேக்னா,எகிப்து

இறப்பு: கி.பி. 356 

கோல்சிம் மலை, எகிப்து

ஏற்கும் சமயம்: 

கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபை

காப்டிக் மரபுவழி திருச்சபை

கிழக்கு அஸ்ஸிரியன் திருச்சபை

கிழக்கு மரபுவழி திருச்சபை

ஓரியண்ட்டல் திருச்சபை

ஆங்கிலிக்கன் சமூகம்

முக்கிய திருத்தலங்கள்: 

புனித வனத்து அந்தோனியார் மடம், எகிப்து

புனித அந்தோனியார் திருத்தலம், மாரம்பாடி, தமிழ்நாடு

புனித அன்டோய்ன்-அய்'அப்பாயே, ஃபிரான்ஸ்

நினைவுத் திருநாள்: ஜனவரி 17

பாதுகாவல்: 

தோல் நோய்கள், கூடை நெய்வோர், சவக்கிடங்கு தோண்டுவோர்

புனித வனத்து அந்தோனியார் (Anthony of the Desert) எகிப்து நாட்டின் கிறிஸ்தவ துறவியும் தமது மரணத்தின் பின்னர் புனிதராகவும் மதிக்கப்பட்டவரும் ஆவார். இவர், தமக்குப் பின்வந்த அனைத்து துறவிகளின் தந்தை (Father of All Monks) என்றும் அழைக்கப்படுகின்றார்.

இவர் பின்வரும் பல்வேறு பட்டப்பெயர்களால் அழைக்கப்படுகிறார்:

"பெரிய அந்தோனியார்" (Anthony the Great) 

"எகிப்தின் அந்தோனியார்" (Anthony of Egypt) 

"மடாதிபதி அந்தோனியார்" (Anthony the Abbot) 

"பாலைவனத்து அந்தோனியார்" (Anthony of the Desert) 

“துறவி அந்தோனியார்" (Anthony the Anchorite)

"அலெக்சான்றியாவின் அதனாசியஸ்" (Athanasius of Alexandria) எழுதிய அந்தோனியாரின் சரிதம், அதன் லத்தீன் மொழியாக்கம் மூலம், முக்கியமாக மேற்கத்திய ஐரோப்பிய நாடுகளில் கிறிஸ்தவ துறவறத்தின் கருவினை பரப்புவதில் உதவியது.

புனித வனத்து அந்தோனியார், எகிப்து நாட்டிலுள்ள "கோமா” (Coma) என்னும் சிற்றூரில் மிக வசதி படைத்த செல்வம் மிக்க குடும்பத்தில் பிறந்தார். சுமார் பதினெட்டு வயதில் பெற்றோர்களை இழந்தார். இதனால் தம்முடைய திருமணமாகாத உடன்பிறந்த சகோதரியை கவனிக்கும் பொறுப்பை ஏற்றார்.

தினம் தவறாது திருப்பலியில் பங்கெடுத்தார். சிறிது காலத்திலேயே ஆண்டவர் இயேசு கிறிஸ்துவின் நற்செய்தி அறிவுரையான, "உமக்கு இன்னும் ஒன்று குறைபடுகிறது. உமக்குள்ள யாவற்றையும் விற்று ஏழைகளுக்கு கொடும்; அப்போது விண்ணகத்தில் நீர் செல்வராய் இருப்பீர். பின்பு வந்து என்னைப் பின்பற்றும்." (லூக் 18:22) என்பதை பின்செல்ல முடிவெடுத்தார்.

பின்னர், தன் சொத்துக்கள் செல்வங்கள் அனைத்தையும் ஏழைகளுக்கு பகிர்ந்து கொடுத்துவிட்டு, தமது சகோதரியை கிறிஸ்தவ கன்னியர் குழுவொன்றில் விட்டார். பின்னர், இயேசுவைத் தேடி தனிமையில் வனத்திற்கு சென்று தவ வாழ்வு வாழ்ந்தார். பாலைவனத்தில் சிறிய இல்லம் ஒன்றை அமைத்து கடுமையான வாழ்வு வாழ்ந்தார். ஏறக்குறைய 20 ஆண்டுகள் காட்டிலும் பாலைவனத்திலும் வாழ்ந்தார்.

பின்னர் இவர் அரசர் “மாக்சிமினஸ் டாஸா” (Maciminus Daza) என்பவருடன் இணைந்து கிறிஸ்தவ மக்களுக்கு பல அறிவுரைகளை வழங்கினார். அரசர் மாக்சிமீனுசின் ஆலோசகராகவும் பணியாற்றினார். துறவிகள் பலரின் வாழ்வுக்கு வழிகாட்டினார். இவர் வாழ்ந்த வாழ்க்கையை கண்ட பல இளைஞர்கள் இவரைப் பின்பற்றி குருவானார்கள். இவர் தன்னை பின்பற்றிய மற்ற துறவிகளையும் பாலைவனத்தில் கதவு இல்லாமல் அமைக்கப்பட்ட குடிசைகளில் வாழ வைத்தார்.

இவர் தன்னுடன் வாழ்ந்த அனைத்து குருக்களுக்கும் இறைவன் தனக்களித்த அன்பை வாரி வழங்கி தந்தையாய் இருந்தார். தனது துறவிகளுக்காக எதிரிகளால் பலமுறை வேதனைக்குட்படுத்தப்பட்டார். “டையோக்ளேசியன்” (Diocletian) என்ற அரசன் கிறிஸ்தவர்களை துன்புறுத்தியபோது உறுதியுடன் நம்பிக்கையை அறிக்கையிடுமாறு புனித அந்தோனியார் அவர்களை ஊக்குவித்தார். “ஆரியன்” (Arians) ஆதரவாளர்களுக்கு எதிராக போராடிய அத்தனாசியுசுக்கு துணை நின்றார்.

கரடுமுரடான கட்டாந்தரையில் படுத்து உறங்கி உப்பும், ரொட்டித் துண்டும் உண்டு உடலை ஒருத்து வாழ்ந்தார்.

புனிதரின் பக்தி முயற்சியை முறியடிக்க சாத்தான் பல வகைகளில் சோதித்தான் முடிவு தோல்வியே. அந்தோனியார் பல மீயியற்கை சோதனைகளை எதிர்கொண்டார், பல முறை சாத்தான் அவரை சோதித்தது. ஒரு முறை சாத்தான் பெண் வேடமிட்டு வந்து சோதிக்க சிலுவை அடையாளத்தால் அவனை முறியடித்தார், மறுமுறை தங்க, வெள்ளிக்கட்டிகளை பாதையில் இட்டு பொருளாசையால் சோதிக்க, அந்தோனியார் அதை ஒரு பொருட்டாய் மதிக்காமல் இயேசுவின் பெயரால் விரட்டியடித்தார். சிலுவை அடையாளத்தினாலும், இயேசுவின் பெயராலும், செபத்தாலுமே, பேய்களை எல்லாம் சிதறடித்தார்.

இறுதிக்காலம்:

தமது இறுதிக்காலம் நெருங்கியதை உணர்ந்த வனத்து அந்தோனியார், தமது சீடர்கள் அனைவரையும் "புனித மகாரியஸ்" (Saint Macarius) என்ற துறவியைப் பின்செல்ல அறிவுறுத்தினார். தமது அங்கி ஒன்றினை "புனித அதனாசியஸ்" (Saint Athanasius) என்பவருக்கு அளிக்கும்படி அறிவுறுத்தினார். மற்றொரு அங்கியினை தமது சீடர்களில் ஒருவரான "புனித செராபியனுக்கு" (Saint Serapion) அளிக்கும்படி அறிவுறுத்தினார்.

கி.பி 356ம் ஆண்டு இறந்த அவரது விருப்பப்படி அவரது சீடர் துறவிகளைத் தவிர வேறு எவருக்கும் தெரியாமல் அவரது கல்லறை இரகசியமாக மறைக்கப்பட்டது. கல்லறை வெளிப்படையாக இருந்திருந்தால் மக்கள் தம் கல்லறையையே பெரிதாக எண்ணி, படைத்த இறைவனை மறந்துவிடுவார்கள் என்று அவர் கருதியதே இதற்கு காரணம்.

அனேகமாக, இவர் தமது தாய்மொழியான "காப்டிக்" (Coptic) மொழியையே பேசினார். ஆனால் அவரது கற்பித்தல் யாவும் கிரேக்க மொழியாக்கத்திலேயே பரவின. இவரது சரித்திரம் "புனிதர் அதனாஸியசால்" (Saint Athanasius) எழுதப்பட்டன. "புனிதர் பெரிய அந்தோனியாரின் சரித்திரம்" (Life of Saint Anthony the Great) என்று தலைப்பிடப்பட்டது. இப்புனிதர் தாமாக துறவு மடம் எதுவும் நிறுவவோ அமைக்கவோ இல்லையென்றாலும், அவரைச்சுற்றி ஒரு சமூகம், அவரையும் அவரது துறவறத்தையும் அவரது தனிமைப்படுத்தப்பட்ட வாழ்க்கையையும் முன்னுதாரணமாக எடுத்துக்கொண்டு வளர்ந்தது. புனிதர் அதனாஸியஸ் எழுதிய இவரது சரிதம், இவரது கொள்கைகளை பரப்புவதில் மிகவும் உதவியாக இருந்தது.

Also known as

• Abba Antonius

• Anthony of Egypt

• Anthony of the Desert

• Anthony the Anchorite

• Anthony the Great

• Anthony the Hermit

• Antonio Abate

• Father of Cenobites

• Father of All Monks

• Father of Western Monasticism

Profile

Following the death of his parents when he was about 20, Anthony insured that his sister completed her education, then he sold his house, furniture, and the land he owned, gave the proceeds to the poor, joined the anchorites who lived nearby, and moved into an empty sepulchre. At age 35 he moved to the desert to live alone; he lived 20 years in an abandoned fort.

Anthony barricaded the place for solitude, but admirers and would-be students broke in. He miraculously healed people, and agreed to be the spiritual counselor of others. His recommendation was to base life on the Gospel. Word spread, and so many disciples arrived that Anthony founded two monasteries on the Nile, one at Pispir, one at Arsinoe. Many of those who lived near him supported themselves by making baskets and brushes, and from that came his patronage of those trades.

Anthony briefly left his seclusion in 311, going to Alexandria, Egypt to fight Arianism, and to comfort the victims of the persecutions of Maximinus. At some point in his life, he met with his sister again. She, too, had withdrawn from the world, and directed a community of nuns. Anthony retired to the desert, living in a cave on Mount Colzim.

Descriptions paint him as uniformly modest and courteous. His example led many to take up the monastic life, and to follow his way. Late in life Anthony became a close friend of Saint Paul the Hermit, and he buried the aged anchorite, leading to his patronage of gravediggers. His biography was written by his friend Saint Athanasius of Alexandria.

His relationship with pigs and patronage of swineherds is a little complicated. Skin diseases were sometimes treated with applications of pork fat, which reduced inflammation and itching. As Anthony's intervention aided in the same conditions, he was shown in art accompanied by a pig. People who saw the art work, but did not have it explained, thought there was a direct connection between Anthony and pigs - and people who worked with swine took him as their patron.

Born

251 at Heracleus, Egypt

Died

• 356 at Mount Colzim of natural causes

• relics near Vienne, France

Blessed Teresio Olivelli

Also known as

Agostino Gracchi (alias used when in the Italian Resistance)

Profile

Son of Domenico Olivelli and Clelia Invernizzi, Teresio grew up in a very religious family. His maternal uncle, Father Rocco Invernizzi, was the boy’s spiritual teacher and director. His family moved to Pavia, Italy in 1926. Studied at Ghislieri College and then in 1934 at the law school at the University of Pavia, graduating there with honors in 1938. Member of Catholic Action and a Fascist student group. Professor of administrative law at the University of Turin, Italy; there he began a personal ministry of caring for the poor and orphaned. He wrote a number of articles on the law, social conditions and current events, and won an oratory competition in Trieste, Italy with a thesis on human dignities for all people, regardless of race.

He volunteered to fight in the Spanish Civil War in 1936. Studied in Berlin, Germany from 1939 to 1941, and spoke fluent German. Volunteered to fight on the Russian front in 1941, but was injured by frostbite. His experiences in war turned him against Fascism, and he refused to swear allegiance to the Italian Social Republic government in 1943. For this, he was deported to Innsbruck, Austria on 9 September 1943, but managed to return to Milan, Italy on 20 October 1943. There he founded an underground newspaper that promoted Christianity and Christian alteratives to Facism. Due to acts like the deportation of Jews, Teresio gave up all thoughts of reconciliation with Facism, and began fighting in the Italian Resistance. Arrested on 27 April 1944 in Milan, he was imprisoned in a series of prisons, and routinely tortured by the Nazis, he was known for sharing his meagre rations with other prisoners, and treating their injuries. At one point he was imprisoned with and befriended Blessed Odoardo Focherini. Beaten to death for trying to defend a Ukranian prisoner. Posthumously awarded the Medal of Military Valor.

Born

7 January 1916 at Bellagio, Como, Italy

Died

• beaten to death by a guard on 12 January 1945 at Hersbruck, Nürnberger Land, Germany

• cremated at the Hersbruck camp and his ashes dumped in a common grave

Venerated

• 14 December 2015 by Pope Francis (decree of heroic virtues)

• 16 June 2017 by Pope Francis (decree of martyrdom)

Beatified

• 3 February 2018 by Pope Francis

• beatification recognition celebrated at Palazzetto di Vigevano, Vigevano, Italy presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato

Blessed Rosalina of Villeneuve

Also known as

Roseline, Roselyne, Rosalinde

Profile

Born to an ancient and noble family; daughter of Count Arnaud. As a child, Rosalina was noted for her charity to the poor, often slipping away to give food to beggars outside the family castle. Her father, seeing that she was giving away expensive meals, ordered her to stop. Saddened, she obeyed for about a week, but the sight of the beggars at the castle door was too much for her. Late one night, she filled her apron with food, and started toward the doors. Her father caught her, and demanded to know what she carried; when she opened the apron, it was filled with roses. He immediately ordered the cooks to feed everyone at the door.

She became a Carthusian nun, entering the monastery of Bertrand in the diocese of Gap, France. Prioress of Celle-Roubaud in Provence, France. Her mother joined the order with her, and her brother built a church for their house.

Rosalina had frequent visions, the gift of reading hearts, and other mystical phenomena. Her brother Hélian fought and was captured in the Crusades. Legend says he was freed from his chains and led safely home across the seas by a vision of Rosalina who appeared to him in a cloud of roses.

Born

1267 in a castle at Villeneuve, France

Died

• tomb of Blessed Rosalina of Villeneuve

• 17 January 1329

• buried at Celle-Roubaud, Provence, France

• body incorrupt

• relics translated in 1607 to a chapel devoted to her

• tomb became a scene for miracles

Beatified

1851 by Pope Blessed Pius IX (cultus confirmed)

Saint Jenaro Sánchez DelGadillo

Additional Memorial

21 May as one of the Martyrs of the Mexican Revolution

Profile

Seminarian at Guadalajara, Mexico. Ordained in 1911. Priest at several parishes, including Tecolotlan, Jalisco. Noted for his combination of pastoral work with his parishioners and the sick, and for his organzational and administrative skills. When anti-religious laws were promulgated, he celebrated Mass in private homes. Arrested on 17 January 1927 while preparing to celebrate Mass on a farm. Martyr.

Born

19 September 1886 at Zapopán, diocese of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

Died

• hanged from a mesquite tree on 17 January 1927 at Tecolotlan, Jalisco, Mexico

• corpse mutilated and left hanging as a warning

• relics translated to Cocula, Jalisco in 1934

Canonized

21 May 2000 by Pope John Paul II during the Jubilee of Mexico

Blessed Enrico Comentina

Also known as

• Enrico of Asti

• Henry...

Profile

Born to the nobility. Papal auditor. Bishop of Negroponte. Papal legate in Asia Minor where he worked for the union of Greek and Latin Churches. Patriarch of Constantinople in 1339. Negotiated an alliance between King Hugh IV of Cyprus and the Knights Hospitaler against the Turks in 1342. Pope Clement VI appointed him papal legate in the crusade against Smyrna. Martyred while celebrating Mass.

Died

• beheaded on 17 January 1345 in Smyrna, Turkey

• re-interred in the church of San Francesco in Asti, Italy in 1392

• during the transport, the urn containing his relics was miraculously saved from being lost in a storm; this led to him being known as a "saint of the water", and his patronage when water needs to be controlled, either more or less

• re-interred under the altar in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Asti in 1801

Blessed Gamelbert of Michaelsbuch

Profile

Born to a wealthy family, and may have been a member of the nobility. Pilgrim to Rome, Italy. Parish priest in Michaelsbuch, Germany for over 50 years. Founded the Benedictine Metten Abbey in Bavaria, Germany. Uncle of its first abbot, Blessed Utto of Metten.

Born

720 in Bavaria (in modern Germany)

Died

c.802 of natural causes

Beatified

25 August 1909 by Pope Saint Pius X (cultus confirmed)

Our Lady of Pontmain

1871ஆம் ஆண்டு ஜெர்மனிக்கும் பிரான்சுக்கும் இடையே கடுமையான போர் நடந்தது.

அதே ஆண்டு ஜனவரி 17-ஆம் நாள் ஜெர்மன் நாட்டுப் படை பிரான்ஸ் நாட்டைத் தாக்க வந்தபோது, போன்ட்மெயின் (Pontmain)எந்த இடத்தில் இருந்த மக்கள் பாதுகாப்பதற்காக விண்ணை நோக்கி மன்றாடினார்கள். அப்பொழுது மேகங்கள் நடுவே கையில் திருச்சிலுவையுடன், விண்மீன்கள் பொறிக்கப்பட்ட அடர் ஊதா நிற உடையில் புனித கன்னி மரியா தோன்றினார்.

அவரைக் கண்டதும் மக்களெல்லாம் மிகுந்த மகிழ்ச்சியடைந்தார்கள். பின்னர் மரியா அவர்களிடம், "நீங்கள் தொடர்ந்து மன்றாடுங்கள். அப்பொழுது என் மகன் உங்களுடைய வேண்டுதலைக் கேட்டு உங்களுக்குப் பதில் அளிப்பார்" என்று சொல்லிவிட்டு மறைந்தார். 

இதனால் மக்கள் இயேசுவிடம் நம்பிக்கையோடு மன்றாடினார்கள். அவர்களுடைய மன்றாட்டின் பயனாக ஜெர்மன் நாட்டுப் படை ஜனவரி 28 ஆம் நாள் பிரான்சிஸிலிருந்து பின்வாங்கியது.

இச்செய்தியை அறிந்த மக்கள் இயேசுவையும் புனித கன்னி மரியாவையும் போற்றிப் புகழ்ந்தார்கள்.

Date of Occurrence

17 January 1871

Status

approval of diocesan bishop

Description

During the Franco-Prussian War, German troops approached the town of Pontmain, France and the villagers there prayed for protection. On the evening of 17 January 1871, Mary appeared in the sky for several minutes over the town. She wore a dark blue dress covered in stars, carried a crucifix, and below her were the words Pray please. God will hear you soon. My son lets Himself be touched. That night the German army was ordered to withdraw, and an armistice ending the war was signed eleven days later on 28 January.

Saint Sulpicius of Bourges

Also known as

• Pius of Bourges

• Sulpice of Bourges

• Sulpicius the Pious

Profile

Born wealthy. Decided young to live celibately, and devoted himself to charity. Bishop of Bourges, France in 624. Spiritual teacher of Saint Remaclus. He became known for his personal piety and austerity, and such a good example that he is reported to have converted his entire diocese. Fought for the rights of his people against King Dagobert's minister, Lullo. Attended the Council of Clichy in 627. Late in life he resigned his see to devote himself to prayer and service to the poor.

Died

647 of natural causes

Saint Julian Sabas the Elder

Also known as

Julian the Ascetic

Additional Memorials

• 24 January (Greek Church)

• 18 October (Greek Menaea)

Profile

Hermit in a cave in Mesopotamia on the banks of the Euphrates near Edessa, and then on Mount Sinai. Legend says he ate only once a week. Ministered to and encourged Christians persecuted by Julian the Apostate. Enemies proclaimed that Julian was a follower of Arianism. He travelled to Antioch in 372, made several public speeches against the heresy - then returned to his cave where he lived the rest of his life. A brief biography of Julian was written by Saint John Chrystostom.

Born

Mesopotamian

Died

377 of natural causes

Blessed Beatrix of Cappenberg

Profile

Born to the nobility, she was Countess of Cappenberg in modern Germany. Sister of Blessed Godfrey of Cappenberg and Blessed Otto of Cappenberg. When the family turned their estate over to the Premonstratensians and turned the castle lands into a monastery, Beatrix became a Premonstratensian nun there.

Born

c.1100 in Cappenger castle, Cappenberg, Selm, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Saint Nennius

Also known as

Nennidhius, Ninnidh, Ninnaid

Additional Memorial

6 January as one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland

Profile

Born to the Irish nobility, Ninnian was early drawn to religious life. Spiritual student of Saint Fiechus of Leinster and of Saint Finnian of Clonard. Hermit on Inis-muighe-samb in Lake Erne. His reputation for learning and personal piety attracted many spiritual students to the island.

Born

Irish

Saint Neosnadia

Profile

Fifth-century woman. Several ancient chapels and churches in the area of Poitiers, France are dedicated to her, and some art-work associates her with sheep, wool and spinning, but no certain information about her has survived.

Born

near Loudon, diocese of Poitiers, France

Saint Mildgytha

Also known as

Mildgith, Milgitha, Milgithe, Mildgyth

Profile

Born a princess, the daughter of Merewalh, King of Mercia, and Saint Ebbe in Thanet. Sister of Saint Milburga and Saint Mildred of Thanet. Benedictine nun, receiving the veil from her mother at Minster on the Isle of Thanet. Abbess of a Northumbrian convent.

Died

c.676 of natural causes

Saint Richimir

Also known as

Richimirus, Rigomer

Profile

Benedictine monk. With a group of disciple brother monks, and with the support of the bishop of Le Mans, France, he founded the Benedictine monastery now known as Saint-Rigomer-des-Bois in the Loire Valley of France, and served as its first abbot.

Died

c.715 of natural causes

Saint Molaise by Kilmolash

Also known as

• Molaise of Devenish

• Laserian

Profile

Priest in Kilmolash, Ireland who helped convert the people in the Inishlounaght region.

Born

c.500 in Ireland

Died

c.560 in Ireland of natural causes

Blessed Joseph of Freising

Profile

Benedictine monk. Founded the monastery of Saint Zeno at Isen, Bavaria, Germany in 752. Bishop of Freising (near Munich), Germany in 764.

Died

• 764 of natural causes

• relics at the monastery at Isen, Germany

Saint Marcellus of Die

Also known as

Marcelo

Profile

Bishop of Die, province of Lugdunense, Gaul (in modern France). Exiled by Arian king Eurico for defending orthodox Christianity.

Died

510 of natural causes

Saint Meleusippus

Profile

Triplet brother of Saint Speusippus and Saint Eleusippus; grandson of Saint Leonilla. Martyred by Marcus Aurelius. An extraordinary series of legends grew up around the family over the years.

Died

Langres, France

Saint Eleusippus

Profile

Triplet brother of Saint Speusippus and Saint Meleusippus; grandson of Saint Leonilla. Martyred by Marcus Aurelius. An extraordinary series of legends grew up around the family over the years.

Died

Langres, France

Saint Speusippus

Profile

Triplet brother of Saint Eleusippus and Saint Meleusippus; grandson of Saint Leonilla. Martyred by Marcus Aurelius. An extraordinary series of legends grew up around the family over the years.

Died

Langres, France

Saint Anthony of Rome

Profile

Benedictine monk at Saint Andrew's monastery on the Coelian Hill, Rome, Italy under abbot Saint Gregory the Great who later wrote about him. Miracle worker.

Died

c.590 of natural causes

Saint John of Rome

Profile

Benedictine monk at Saint Andrew's monastery on the Coelian Hill, Rome, Italy under abbot Saint Gregory the Great who later wrote about him. Miracle worker.

Died

c.590 of natural causes

Saint Achillas of Sketis

Also known as

• Achilleus

• one of the Flowers of the Desert

Profile

Fourth century desert hermit in Egypt for decades. Friend of Saint Amoes of Sketis.

Saint Leonilla

Profile

Grandmother of Saint Speusippus, Saint Eleusippus and Saint Meleusippus. Martyred by Marcus Aurelius. An extraordinary series of legends grew up around the family over the years.

Died

Langres, France

Saint Merulus of Rome

Profile

Benedictine monk at Saint Andrew's monastery on the Coelian Hill, Rome, Italy under abbot Saint Gregory the Great who later wrote about him. Miracle worker.

Died

c.590 of natural causes

Saint Amoes of Sketis

Also known as

one of the Flowers of the Desert

Profile

Fourth century desert hermit in Egypt for decades. Friend of Saint Achillas of Sketis.

Saint Pior

Profile

Hermit in a cave in the Baid desert on the Nile in Egypt. Spiritual student of Saint Anthony the Abbot.

Died

395 of natural causes

Saint Genulfus

Also known as

Genou

Profile

Third century monk at Celle-sur-Naton, France.

Saint Genitus

Profile

Third century monk at Celle-sur-Naton, France.