இன்றைய புனிதர்கள் டிசம்பர் 27

 St. Maximus

Feastday: December 27

Death: 282

Patriarch of Alexandria, Egypt, administering the patriarchate while St. Dionysius was in exile and then succeeding him. Reportedly, he drove the heretical bishop of Antioch, Paul of Samosata, out of Egypt.

Life

Little is known of the life of Bishop Maximus. He was priest in Alexandria, Egypt who administered the see of Alexandria while Bp. Dionysius, his predecessor, was in exile during persecutions.

Maximus was elected to the cathedra of Alexandria after the death of Bp. Dionysius. He participated in the Synod of Antioch that condemned the teachings of Paul Samosata who was then the Bishop of Antioch. Bp. Maximus reposed in 282 of natural causes.

Saint John the Apostle

திருத்தூதர் புனிதர் யோவான் 

இயேசுவின் அன்பு சீடர், நற்செய்தியாளர், திருத்தூதர்:

பிறப்பு: கி.பி. 6

பெத்சாய்தா, கலிலேயா, ரோமப் பேரரசு

இறப்பு: கி.பி. 100

பட்மோஸ், கிரேக்கம், ரோமப் பேரரசு

ஏற்கும் சபை/ சமயம்: அனைத்து கிறிஸ்தவ பிரிவுகளும்

நினைவுத் திருவிழா: டிசம்பர் 27

சித்தரிக்கப்படும் வகை: 

புத்தகம், கழுகு, இரசக் கிண்ணம்

பாதுகாவல்: 

அன்பு, விசுவாசம், நட்பு, ஆசிரியர்கள், புத்தக விற்பனையாளர்கள், தீயால் சுடப்பட்டவர்கள், விஷத்தால் பாதிக்கப்பட்டவர்கள், கலை-முகவர்கள், ஆசிரியர்கள், வெளியீட்டாளர்கள், எழுத்தாளர்கள், தேர்வுகள், அறிஞர்கள், இறையியலாளர்கள்

புனிதர் யோவான் அல்லது புனிதர் அருளப்பர் இயேசு கிறிஸ்துவின் பன்னிரு திருத்தூதர்களில் ஒருவர். இவர் இயேசுவின் அன்பு சீடர் ஆவார். கிறிஸ்தியல் கொள்கைகளைக் கொண்ட யோவான் நற்செய்தியை இவர்தான் எழுதினார் என்று பாரம்பரியமாக நம்பப்படுகிறது. இவர் கிறிஸ்தவ திருச்சபையின் தொடக்க காலத்தில் இருந்தே புனிதராக போற்றப்படுகிறார்.

புனிதரின் வாழ்வு:

புனிதர் யோவான் கலிலேயாவைச் சார்ந்தவர். 

இவரது தந்தை பெயர் “செபதேயு” (Zebedee). தாயாரின் பெயர், “சலோமி” (Salome) ஆகும். இயேசுவின் திருத்தூதர்களுள் ஒருவரான பெரிய “யாக்கோபு” (James) இவரது சகோதரர் ஆவார். இவர்கள் மீன் பிடிக்கும் தொழிலை மேற்கொண்டிருந்தனர். முதலில் “திருமுழுக்கு யோவானின்” (John the Baptist) சீடராக இருந்த யோவான், அவரது வழிகாட்டுதலின்படி இயேசுவைப் பின்பற்றினார். இயேசு தனது பன்னிரு திருத்தூதர்களில் ஒருவராக இவரை ஏற்றுக்கொண்டார்.

இயேசு யோவானையும், அவர் சகோதரர் யாக்கோபையும் “இடியின் மக்கள்” ("Boanerges" - "Sons of thunder") என்று அழைத்தார். திருத்தூதர்களிலேயே மிகவும் இளையவராக யோவான் இருந்தார். எனவே, இயேசு இவரை மிகவும் அன்பு செய்தார்.

இயேசுவின் உருமாற்றம் (மத்தேயு நற்செய்தி 17:1) உள்ளிட்ட முக்கிய நிகழ்வுகளில் உடனிருந்த மூன்று திருத்தூதர்களுள் யோவானும் ஒருவர்.

இறுதி இரவுணவின்போது, இவர் இயேசுவின் மார்பில் சாய்ந்திருந்ததாக யோவான் நற்செய்தி குறிப்பிடுகிறது. இயேசு திருப்பாடுகளின்போது, இவர் தைரியமாக அவரைப் பின்தொடர்ந்து சென்று சிலுவை அடியில் நின்றார். அதன் விளைவாக, தனது தாய் மரியாளைப் பாதுகாக்கும் பொறுப்பை இயேசு, யோவானிடம் அளித்தார்.

இயேசுவின் விண்ணேற்றத்திற்கு பிறகு, திருத்தூதர் பேதுருவோடு இணைந்து சிறிது காலம் எருசலேமில் நற்செய்தி அறிவித்த யோவான், மரியாளின் விண்ணேற்புக்கு பின்னர் “எபேசஸ்” (Ephesus) நகருக்கு சென்று போதித்தார் என்று நம்பப்படுகிறது.

கிறிஸ்த துன்புறுத்தல்களுக்கு பேர்போன பேரரசன் “டொமீஷியன்” (Emperor Domitian) ஆண்ட முதலாம் நூற்றாண்டின் இறுதியில், ஆதி கிறிஸ்தவ எழுத்தாளரும், “இலத்தீன் கிறிஸ்தவத்தின் தந்தை” (The Father of Latin Christianity) என்றழைக்கப்படும் “தெர்துல்லியன்” (Tertullian) என்பவரின் கூற்றின்படி, கொதிக்கும் எண்ணெய் கொப்பரையில் போடப்பட்டும், இவர் யாதொரு தீங்குமின்றி உயிர் பிழைத்ததாக கூறப்படுகிறது. இந்த அற்புத நிகழ்வை நேரில் கண்ட “கொலோஸ்ஸிய” (Colosseum) பார்வையாளர்கள் அனைவரும், கிறிஸ்தவத்திற்கு மனம் மாறினர். அதன்பின் “கிரேக்க பட்மொஸ்” தீவுக்கு (Greek island of Patmos) நாடு கடத்தப்பட்ட யோவான், அங்கேயே மரணம் அடைந்தார்.

யோவானின் திருப்பண்டங்கள் எதுவும் கிடைக்காததால், இவரும் உடலோடு விண்ணகத்திற்கு எடுத்துக்கொள்ளப்பட்டிருக்கலாம் என்று ஒரு நம்பிக்கை நிலவுகிறது.

இஸ்லாமிய பார்வை:

இஸ்லாமியர்களின் புனித நூலான “கொரான்” (Quran), இயேசுவின் சீடர்களைப் பற்றி பேசுகிறது. ஆனால், எவரது பெயரும் குறிப்பிடப்படவில்லை. முஸ்லிம் விளக்கங்கள், மற்றும் புனித கொரான் விளக்கவுரைகள் அவர்களின் பெயர்களை குறிப்பிடுவதுடன், யோவானின் பெயரையும் குறிப்பிடுகிறது. “அந்தியோக்கியாவுக்கு” (Antioch) நற்செய்தி அறிவிக்கச் சென்ற மூன்று அப்போஸ்தலர்களில் யோவானும் ஒருவர் என்று, ஆதிகால இஸ்லாமிய மரபு கூறுகிறது.

Also known as

• Apostle of Charity

• Beloved Apostle

• Beloved Disciple

• Giovanni Evangelista

• John the Divine

• John the Evangelist

• John the Theologian

Additional Memorials

• 8 May (Greek Orthodox)

• 6 May (before the Latin gate)

Profile

Son of Zebedee and Salome. Fisherman. Brother of Saint James the Greater, and called one of the Sons of Thunder. Disciple of Saint John the Baptist. Friend of Saint Peter the Apostle. Called by Jesus during the first year of His ministry, and traveled everywhere with Him, becoming so close as to be known as the beloved disciple. Took part in the Last Supper. The only one of the Twelve not to forsake the Saviour in the hour of His Passion, standing at the foot of the cross. Made guardian of Our Lady by Jesus, and he took her into his home. Upon hearing of the Resurrection, he was the first to reach the tomb; when he met the risen Lord at the lake of Tiberias, he was the first to recognize Him.

During the era of the new Church, he worked in Jerusalem and at Ephesus. During Jesus' ministry, he tried to block a Samaritan from their group, but Jesus explained the open nature of the new Way, and he worked on that principle to found churches in Asia Minor and baptizing converts in Samaria. Imprisoned with Peter for preaching after Pentecost. Wrote the fourth Gospel, three Epistles, and possibly the Book of Revelation. Survived all his fellow apostles.

Traditional stories:

• Emperor Dometian had him brought to Rome, beaten, poisoned, and thrown into a cauldron of boiling oil, but he stepped out unharmed and was banished to Patmos instead. This is commemorated by the feast of Saint John before the Latin Gate.

• When John was en route to preach in Asia, his ship was wrecked in a storm; all but John were cast ashore. John was assumed dead, but two weeks later the waves cast him ashore alive at the feet of his disciple Prochoros.

• When John denounced idol worship as demonic, followers of Artemis stoned him; the rocks turned and hit the throwers.

• He prayed in a temple of Artemis; fire from heaven killed 200 men who worshipped the idol. When the remaining group begged for mercy, he raised the 200 from the dead; they all converted and were baptized.

• Drove out a demon who had lived in a pagan temple for 249 years.

• Aboard ship, he purified vessels of sea water for drinking.

• Ceonops, a magician, pretended to bring three dead people come to life; the "people" were actually demons who mimicked people so the magician could turn people away from Christ. Through prayer, John caused the magician to drown and the demons to vanish.

• Once a year his grave gave off a fragrant dust that cured the sick.

Died

• c.101 at Ephesus (in modern Turkey)

• a church was built over his tomb, which was later converted to a mosque

Blessed Sára Salkaházi

Also known as

Sára Schalkház

Profile

Second of three children born to Leopold and Klotild Salkahaz, hotel owners. Her father died when Sara was two. Her brother described her as "a tomboy with a strong will and a mind of her own; when it came to play she would always join the boys in their games or tug of war". She began writing plays as a teenager, and at the same time developed a deep prayer life. She received a degree and taught elementary school for a year, but gave it up to work as a bookbinder. She began writing again, and was active in the Hungarian literary world. Journalist. Member of the leadership of the National Christian Socialist Party of Czechoslovakia, and editor of the Party newspaper.

Sara was engaged to be married, but broke it off when she realized a call to a different life. Joined the Sisters of Social Service in 1929, making her vows in 1930. Worked at the Catholic Charities Office in Kosice, Slovakia. Supervised charity efforts, taught religion, lectured, continued to write, and she organized groups of lay women to help with the Church's social work. Organized a national Catholic Women's Association. Sara worked herself to complete exhaustion; seeing this, her supervisors refused to allow her to take her final vows in the Sisters. However, Sara lived the rest of her life with self-imposed restrictions as though she had taken vows.

In 1941 she was assigned to be national director of the Hungarian Catholic Working Women's Movement which had about 10,000 members across the country, and edited its magazine. Wrote against Nazism. She continued her social work with the poor and the displaced, and started hostels to provide safe housing for working single women, and as a place to hide Jews and others being sought by the Nazis. Started vocational schools, leadership classes for working lay people, and retreat centers for them. On 27 December 1944 Nazis surround the Working Women's Hostel, 4 Bokréta-Street, Budapest, looking for Jews. When Sára arrived, she immediately introduced herself as being in charge of the house. She and five others were taken by the Nazis to the Danube, stripped naked, and murdered; the Sisters saved more than 1,000 people.

Born

11 May 1899 in Kassa, Hungary (modern Košice, Slovakia)

Died

• shot on 27 December 1944 by members of the Arrow Cross Party on the banks of the River Danube in Budapest, Hungary

• body thrown into the Danube

Beatified

• 17 September 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI

• recognition celebrated at Budapest, Hungary by Cardinal Peter Erdo

• first non-aristocrat Hungarian to be beatified

Saint Nicarete of Constantinople

Also known as

• Nicarete of Nicomedia

• Niceras, Nikarete, Nicaretes

Profile

Wealthy Byzantine noble woman who lived in Constantinople in private vows of chastity, and used her position to help the poor and sick. Close friend of Saint John Chrysostom, and was exiled with him. When the soldiers came to escort her from the city, and steal any money or jewels she was taking on the trip, they found she had nothing left - she had already given all her possessions to the poor.

Born

4th century Nicomedia, Bithynia, Asia Minor (modern Izmit, Turkey)

Died

c.405 of natural causes

Saint Theodorus of Apamea

Also known as

• one of the Grapti, from the Greek graptoi = "written upon"

• Theodorus the Branded

• Theodorus the Lettered-Upon

• Theodore

Profile

Son of Venerable Jonah the Presbyter. Brother of Saint Theophanes of Nicaea. Grew up in Jerusalem as a pious youth, but little is known of his early life. Monk at Saint Sabas' laura in Jerusalem. Known for his intelligence and fidelity to their rule.

Strong defender of sacred images during the time of the inconoclasts. Persecuted for their beliefs by Byzantine iconoclast Emperor Leo V the Armenian beginning c.813. Priest. Sent as the Patriach's emissary to the court in Constantinople to persuade Leo not to interfere in ecclesiastical matters. Leo had Theodorus scourged, then exiled him and Theophanes to a barren island in the Black Sea.

After the emperor's death, the brothers returned to the monastery in 820. They were tortured and banished again in 829 when the iconoclast emperor Theophilus came to power. Recalled to Constantinople in 831 they were offered the chance to discuss matters with the iconoclasts and change their minds. They refused, and their tormenters took two days to cut a 12-line iambic verse into their foreheads. They were then tortured and banished to Apamea, Bithynia. Theodorus died in prison, and is considered a martyr.

Born

c.775 at Kerak, Moab (Trans-Jordan)

Died

c.841 at Apamea, Bithynia from the privations of prison life

Saint Theophanes of Nicaea

Also known as

• one of the Grapti, from the Greek graptoi = "written upon"

• Theophanes the Hymnographer

• Theophan

Profile

Son of Venerable Jonah the Presbyter. Brother of Saint Theodorus. Grew up in Jerusalem as a pious youth, but little is known of his early life. Monk at Saint Sabas' laura in Jerusalem. Known for his intelligence and fidelity to their rule.

Priest. Strong defender of sacred images during the time of the inconoclasts. Persecuted for their beliefs by Byzantine iconoclast Emperor Leo V the Armenian beginning c.813, including exile with his brother Theodorus to a barren island in the Black Sea.

After the emperor's death, the brothers returned to the monastery in 820. They were tortured and banished again in 829 when the iconoclast emperor Theophilus came to power. Recalled to Constantinople in 831, they were offered the chance to discuss matters with the iconoclasts and change their minds. They refused, and their tormenters took two days to cut a 12-line iambic verse into their foreheads. They were then tortured and banished to Apamea, Bithynia.

Theophanes lived to see the resolution Iconoclast controversy in 842. Archbishop of Nicaea from 842 until his death. He wrote a many religious poems and hymns, including one on his brother.

Born

c.775 at Kerak, Moab (Trans-Jordan)

Died

11 October 845 at Nicaea of natural causes

Saint Fabiola of Rome

Profile

Born to the Roman patrician class. Divorced from her first marriage after being abused by her adulterous husband. Widowed in second marriage. Friend of Saint Jerome, Saint Paula of Rome, and Saint Pammachius. Founded the first hospital in the west. Built a hospice in Porto Romano for the area poor and for sick pilgrims. After doing penance for her divorce, she re-entered communion with the Church by dispensation of Pope Saint Siricius. Pilgrim to the Holy Lands in 394 where she worked in a hospice in Bethlehem. Wanted to live as a hermit in Jerusalem, but never managed it. Saint Jerome wrote of her life.

Born

4th century in Rome, Italy

Died

399 in Rome, Italy of natural causes

Blessed Odoardo Focherini

Also known as

Edward Focherini

Profile

Layman in the diocese of Carpi, Italy. Married, a father of seven, who worked as a journalist. Focherini provided Jews with false documents so they could escape Nazi death camps by emigrating to Switzerland. Arrested by the Nazi authorities, he was sentenced to a concentration camp where he later died. Martyr. In 1969 he was proclaimed a Righteous Gentile by Yad Vashem, the official Israeli Holocaust memorial.

Born

6 June 1907 in Carpi, Modena, Italy

Died

27 December 1944 in Hersbruck concentration camp, Nürnberger Land, Germany from an untreated leg infection

Beatified

• 15 June 2013 by Pope Francis

• beatification recognition celebrated at the Piazza Martiri, Carpi, Modena, Italy, presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato

Blessed Alfredo Parte-Saiz

Also known as

Alfredo of the Virgin

Profile

Member of the Piarists, making his vows on 13 August 1916. Began working in the Pious Schools in Villacarriedo, Spain in 1922. Ordained in Palencia, Spain on 3 March 1928. Arrested on 17 November 1936 for the crime of being a Catholic priest during the Spanish Civil War; he was imprisoned on a ship in the port of Santander. He was "tried" on 27 December 1936 and offered clemency if he would deny being a priest and a Piarst; he declined. Martyr.

Born

2 June 1899 in Cilleruelo de Bricia, Burgos, Spain

Died

shot in the head on 27 December 1936 in on a prison ship in the harbor of Santander, Cantabria, Spain

Beatified

1 October 1995 by Pope John Paul II

Blessed Francesco Spoto

Profile

Priest. Member of the Congregation of Missionary Servants of the Poor. Chosen superior general of the Congregation in 1959. He re-vitalized the group, encouraging vocations, and leading missionaries to Biringi, Congo. Beaten by Simba rebels in the middle of the Congo civil war, he suffered for 11 days before dying from the injuries; he forgave his killers. Martyr.

Born

8 July 1924 in Raffadali, Agrigento, Italy

Died

27 December 1964 at Erira, Orientale (modern Democratic Republic of Congo) after having been attacked by Simba rebels on 11 December 1964

Beatified

• 21 April 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI

• recognition celebrated at Palermo, Sicily, officiated by Cardinal Salvatore de Giorgi

Blessed Roger of Verdun

Profile

Born to the nobility. Courtier to Emperor Lothair III of Süpplingenburg. Having heard Saint Norbert of Xanten preach, Roger gave up the worldly life to become a wandering Premonstratensian preacher. Monk at the Prémontré monastery in Laon, France. In 1135 he was assigned by Blessed Hugh of Fosse to lead a group of monks at the monastery of Saint-Paul in Verdun, France; he served as their abbot until his death, and under his leadership the house grew to 300 brothers.

Born

late 11th century Germany

Died

1138 of natural causes

Blessed Christina Ebner

Also known as

Kristina Ebner

Profile

Daughter of Seyfried Ebner and Elizabeth Kuhdorf. Entered the Dominican monastery of Saint John the Baptist in Engeltal in the Burgraviate of Nuremberg (in modern Germany) at age twelve. Nun. Visionary. Wrote an account of her visions and spiritual journey. Prioress of her house.

Born

Good Friday, 26 March 1277 in Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany

Died

27 December 1356 in Engeltal, Nuremberg, Germany of natural causes

Blessed Alejo Pan López

Also known as

Ambrosio of Santibáñez

Profile

Franciscan Capuchin priest. Martyred in the Spanish Civil War.

Born

24 October 1888 in Santibáñez de la Isla, Léon, Spain

Died

27 December 1936 in Santander, Cantabria, Spain

Beatified

13 October 2013 by Pope Francis

Blessed Walto of Wessobrünn

Also known as

Balto of Wessobrünn

Profile

Benedictine monk. Abbot of Wessobrünn in Bavaria in 1129. Brought many benefactors to the abbey due to his goodness and miracles.

Born

1090

Died

1156 of natural causes

Blessed Hesso of Beinwil

Also known as

Esso, Esson, Hesson

Profile

Benedictine monk. Procurator at the abbey of Hirschau under Blessed William. Formed the abbey in Beinwil, Switzerland in 1085, and served as its first abbot.

Died

1133 of natural causes

Blessed Adelheidis of Tennenbach

Profile

Born to an aristocratic family. Benedictine Cistercian nun and recluse at Tennenbach Abbey.

Born

at Thöningen, Germany

Died

1273 at Tennenbach Abbey in Germany of natural causes

Blessed Raymond de Barellis

Profile

Mercedarian monk at the convent of Saint Eulalia in Lerida, Spain.

இன்றைய புனிதர்கள் டிசம்பர் 26

 Saint Stephen the Martyr

 புனிதர் ஸ்தேவான் 

திருத்தொண்டர் மற்றும் முதல் மறைசாட்சி:

இறப்பு: கி.பி. சுமார் 34

ஜெருசலேம், ஜூதாயு, ரோமப் பேரரசு

ஏற்கும் சபை/ சமயம்: 

அனைத்து கிறிஸ்தவ பிரிவுகளும்

திருவிழா: டிசம்பர் 26

சித்தரிக்கப்படும் வகை: 

கற்கள், திருத்தொண்டர் உடை, தூப கலசம், நற்செய்தி நூல்

பாதுகாவல்:

சவப்பெட்டி செய்வோர், திருத்தொண்டர்கள், பீட சிறுவர், தலைவலி; குதிரைகள்; கொத்தனார்கள்; செர்பியா

புனித ஸ்தேவான் கிறிஸ்தவத்தின் முதல் இரத்தசாட்சி ஆவார். கிரேக்க மொழியில் இவரது பெயரின் பொருள் மகுடம் (கிரீடம்) என்பதாகும். இவர் தன் உயிர்த் தியாகத்திற்காக கடவுளால் மகுடம் சூட்டப்பட்டதாக நம்பப்படுகின்றது. இவர் கலையில் பொதுவாக மூன்று கற்களை ஏந்தியவராகவும், திருத்தொண்டர்களுக்கான உடையிலும் சித்தரிக்கப்படுகிறார். திருத்தூதர் பணிகளின்படி, இவர், எருசலேம் நகரில், ஆதி திருச்சபையின் திருத்தொண்டராவார். அவருடைய போதனைகள், பல்வேறு ஜெபக்கூடங்களின் உறுப்பினர்களின் பகைமையை தூண்டியது.

இறப்பு:

திருத்தூதர் பணிகளின்படி தலைமைச் சங்கத்தின் முன் ஸ்தேவானை நிறுத்தி, மோசேக்கும் கடவுளுக்கும் எதிராகப் பழிச்சொற்கள் சொன்னதாக குற்றம் சாட்டினர். 

~ திருத்தூதர் பணிகள் 6:11

விசாரணையின் போது, ஸ்தேவான் பின்வருமாறு கூறினார்:

"இதோ, வானம் திறந்திருப்பதையும், மானிட மகன் கடவுளது வலப்பக்கத்தில் நிற்பதையும் காண்கிறேன்." 

~ திருத்தூதர் பணிகள் 7:56

திருத்தூதர் பணிகள் 6 மற்றும் 7ம் அதிகாரங்கள் இந்த விசாரணையை விவரிக்கின்றன.

தூஷிப்பவராகவும், இறை பழி சொல்பவராகவும், வசைபாடுபவராகவும் குற்றம் சாட்டப்பட்ட இவர், தன்மீது அறிக்கையிடப்படும் தீர்ப்பைக் காண வந்து காத்திருந்த யூத அதிகாரிகளின் முன்னர் நீண்ட உரையாற்றினார்.

பின்னர், இவர் குற்றவாளியாக தீர்ப்பிடப்பட்டு, நகரத்திற்கு வெளியே இழுத்துக் கொண்டு போய் கல்லெறிந்து கொல்லப்பட்டார். அவர் மறைசாட்சியாக கொல்லப்பட்டதை நேரில் கண்ட சாட்சியான “பரிசேயர்” (Pharisee) “டார்சஸ்” நகரைச்சேர்ந்த “சவுல்” (Saul of Tarsus) எனும் இளைஞரிடம் மேலுடைகளை ஒப்படைத்தார்கள். (இவரே பின்னாளில் அப்போஸ்தலரான பவுல் (Paul the Apostle) ஆவார்). ஸ்தேவானை துன்புறுத்தியபோது யூதர்கள் அப்போது நேர்மையாளர்களை கொலை செய்வதாக அவர் சாடினார்.

"எந்த இறைவாக்கினரைத்தான் உங்கள் மூதாதையர் துன்புறுத்தாமலிருந்தார்கள்? நேர்மையாளருடைய வருகையை முன்னறிவித்தோரையம் அவர்கள் கொலை செய்தார்கள். இப்போது நீங்கள் இயேசுவைக் காட்டிக்கொடுத்துக் கொன்று விட்டீர்கள்." 

~ திருத்தூதர் பணிகள் 7:52)

பின்பு முழந்தாள்படியிட்டு உரத்த குரலில், "ஆண்டவரே, இந்தப் பாவத்தை இவர்கள் மேல் சுமத்தாதேயும்" என்று சொல்லி உயிர்விட்டார்.

கல்லறை:

இவரின் கல்லறையின் இடத்தை அறிந்தார் எவரும் இல்லை. கி.பி. 415ம் ஆண்டு, எருசலேமிற்கு திருப்பயணம் செய்தபோது, “லூசியான்” (Lucian) என்னும் குருவுக்கு கிடைக்கப்பெற்ற காட்சியின்படி இவரது மிச்சங்கள், “பெய்ட் ஜிமல்” (Beit Jimal) எனும் இடத்திலிருப்பதாக அறிவிக்கப்பட்டது. அதே ஆண்டு, டிசம்பர் மாதம் 26ம் நாள், கிறிஸ்தவ முதல் மறைசாட்சியின் உடலின் மிச்சங்கள் ஊர்வலமாக எடுத்துச் செல்லப்பட்டு, “ஹகியா சியோன்” (Church of Hagia Sion) தேவாலயத்தில் அடக்கம் செய்யப்பட்டது. இதே நாள், இவரது நினைவுத் திருநாளாக கொண்டாடப்படுகின்றது. கி.பி. 439ம் ஆண்டு, இவரை கௌரவிக்கும் விதமாக, “பேரரசி ஏலியா யூடோசியா”, (Empress Aelia Eudocia) “டமாஸ்கஸ் வாயிலின்” (Damascus Gate) வடக்கே ஒரு புதிய தேவாலயம் கட்டி, இவரது மிச்சங்களை மாற்றினார். பன்னிரெண்டாம் நூற்றாண்டில் இவ்வாலயம் இடிக்கப்பட்டது. “செயின்ட் எட்டியேன்” (Saint-Étienne) என்றழைக்கப்படும் ஒரு இருபதாம் நூற்றாண்டு ஃபிரெஞ்ச் கத்தோலிக்க ஆலயம், அதே இடத்தில் கட்டப்பட்டது. அதேவேளை, மற்றுமொரு “கிரேக்க மரபுவழி திருச்சபையின்) (Greek Orthodox Church of St Stephen) ஆலயமொன்று, இவரது பெயராலேயே, இவர் மறைசாட்சியாக கொல்லப்பட்டதாக சொல்லப்படும் இடத்தில் கட்டப்பட்டது.

எருசலேமின் பிரதான வடக்கு வாயிலை, “புனிதர் ஸ்தேவான் வாயில்” (Saint Stephen's Gate) என்று “சிலுவைப் போராளிகள்” (The Crusaders) முதலில் அழைத்தனர்.

பிற்காலத்தில், ரோம் நகரின் வெளிப்புற சுவர்களில் தூய லாரன்ஸ் பேராலயம்” (Basilica of Saint Lawrence outside the Walls) கட்டப்பட்டபோது, திருத்தந்தை “இரண்டாம் பெலாஜியஸ்” (Pope Pelagius II) புனிதர் ஸ்தேவானுடைய உடலின் மிச்சங்களை எடுத்துச் சென்று அங்கே அடக்கம் செய்தார்.

Also known as

Stephen the Deacon

Additional Memorials

• 3 August (discovery of relics)

• 7 May (translation of relics)

Profile

First Christian martyr. Deacon. Preacher. All we know of him is related in the Acts of the Apostles. While preaching the Gospel in the streets, angry Jews who believed his message to be blasphemy dragged him outside the city, and stoned him to death. In the crowd, on the side of the mob, was a man who would later be known as Saint Paul the Apostle.

Died

stoned to death c.33

Pope Saint Dionysius

Profile

Roman citizen. Nothing is known about his early life. Monk. Priest. Bishop in Rome during the papacy of Saint Stephen I. Involved in the controversy over orthodox and heretical forms of Baptism. Following an inter-regnum of a year caused by the persecutions of Valerian, Dionyius was chosen 25th Pope.

Issued a doctrinal letter to correct the writings of Patriarch Dionysius of Alexandria regarding the Trinity. The letter opposed Sabellianism, and insisted on the true doctrine of Three Persons in one Godhead. Sent large sums of money to the churches of Cappadocia for construction and the ransom of slaves; invading Goths had destroyed the buildings and enslaved the faithful. Brought order to the Church after a period of no leadership, and made peace with Emperor Gallienus who issued an edict of toleration. He condemned Paul of Samosata as a heretic. First pope to die not as a martyr.

Born

in Greece

Papal Ascension

22 July 259

Died

• 26 or 27 December 268 at Rome, Italy of natural causes

• buried in the papal crypt in the catacomb of Callistus

Saint Vincenza María López y Vicuña

Also known as

Vicenta María López Vicuña

Profile

Daughter of a lawyer. Educated in Madrid, Spain. As a young woman she refused an arranged marriage and took a private vow of chastity. She lived with her aunt, Eulolia de Vicuna, who had founded a home for domestic servants. With her aunt's help, Vincenza founded a group of women to minister to working girls, who were open to all sorts of abuse. She developed a Rule for the group, and in 1878 with three companions she took vows. They formed what became the Daughters of Mary Immaculate for Domestic Service which received papal approval from Pope Leo XIII in 1888, and which in Vincentia's life had spread throughout Europe and Latin America.

Born

22 March 1847 at Cascante, Navarre, Spain

Died

26 December 1890 in Madrid, Spain of natural causes

Canonized

25 May 1975 by Pope Paul VI

Blessed Agnes Phila

Also known as

Margarita, Aknaet

Profile

Daughter of Joachim and Anna Thit Son Chum; she was baptized in Viengkhuk, Thaland in 1924, and her god-mother was the aunt of Sister Lúcia dos Santos. Joined the Congregation of the Lovers of the Cross in Siengvang, Laos, taking the name Agnes and making her final vows on 16 November 1928. Assigned as a school teacher in Songkhon, Thailand in 1932. Martyred in the anti-Christian persecutions that began when the French left Thailand.

Born

1909 in Ban Nahi, Nong Khai, Thailand as Margaret Phila

Died

shot on 26 December 1940 in the cemetery of Ban Songkhon, Mukdahan, Thailand

Beatified

22 October 1989 by Pope John Paul II

Blessed Lucie Khambang

Also known as

Lucia, Lusia

Profile

Daughter of James and Mary Dam May Li; baptized on 10 March 1917, Confirmed and received her first Communion on 4 June 1925. Joined the Congregation of the Lovers of the Cross, beginning the novitiate on 18 October 1935 and making her final profession in Siengvang, Laos on 15 October 1937. Assigned as a school teacher in early 1940. Martyred in the anti-Christian persecutions that began when the French left Thailand.

Born

22 January 1917 in Ban Wiang Khuk, Nong Khai, Thailand

Died

shot on 26 December 1940 in the cemetery of Ban Songkhon, Mukdahan, Thailand

Beatified

22 October 1989 by Pope John Paul II

Saint Evaristo of Constantinople

Also known as

Evarestus, Sergio

Profile

Courtier to a relative who was an official in the Byzantine court in Constantinople c.842. Travelled on court business to the area of modern Bulgaria. However, by this point he had read himself into a more religious life, and soon after entered a monastery in Constantinople, taking the name Evaristo. He served his house in a variety offices and ways, including abbot for 30 years, the rest of his life.

Born

17 April 819 in Galatia, Asia Minor as Sergio

Died

24 December 897 at the monastery in Constantinople of natural causes

Blessed Agata Phutta Bi

Also known as

Akatha Phuttha

Profile

Raised in a pagan family, Agata converted to Christianity in her 30's, being baptized and confirmed on 3 March 1918 at Siengvang, Laos. Worked in the kitchens of the Catholic missions in the Thai cities of Mong Seng, Pkase and Songkhon. Martyred in the anti-Christian persecutions that began when the French left Thailand.

Born

1882 in Ban Kengpho, Savannakhet, Laos

Died

shot on 26 December 1940 in the cemetery of Ban Songkhon, Mukdahan, Thailand

Beatified

22 October 1989 by Pope John Paul II

Blessed Cecilia Butsi

Also known as

Sesilia Butsi

Profile

Daughter of Amato Sinuen and Agatha Thep. Worked in the kitchen of a Catholic mission in the archdiocese of Thare and Nonseng, Thailand, and know for the joy and courage she brought to living as an oppressed Christian. Martyred in the anti-Christian persecutions that began when the French left Thailand.

Born

16 December 1924 in Ban Songkhon, Mukdahan, Thailand

Died

shot on 26 December 1940 in the cemetery of Ban Songkhon, Mukdahan, Thailand

Beatified

22 October 1989 by Pope John Paul II

Pope Saint Zosimus

Profile

Little is known about Zosimus' life before his election as Pope. May have been Jewish by birth, and his father may have been named Abram. He tried to expand the power of the pontificate, but allowed his personality, and his personality clashes with local bishops, to enter into the matter. A number of his letters survive, as well as a Decree ordering priests to stay out of taverns. Fought Pelagianism and Pelagius himself.

Papal Ascension

18 March 417

Died

• 27 December 418 of natural causes

• buried at Church of Saint Laurence in Agro Verano

Blessed Giovanni Orsini

Profile

Born to the Italian nobility; his was a pious family and several of his brothers became monks. Canon lawyer. Canon of the cathedral of Turin, Italy. Commendatory abbot of Rivalta, Italy. Priest. Noted preacher. Archbishop of Turin in 1364. Zealous preacher against heresy, including Waldensianism, while travelling continually to each of the parishes in his diocese. During the Avignon papacy he tried to get the pope to return to Rome. Created cardional in 1388. Apostolic legate to the court of King Charles VI.

Born

1333 in Rivalta, Torino, Italy

Died

• 1411 in Torino, Italy

• buried in the cathedral of Turin

Blessed Jean of Hainaut

Profile

Civil and canon lawyer. Premonstratensian monk. Canon of the Joyenval monastery in the area of Ile-de-France. Abbot of his house in 1441; he served for over 30 years. Norbertine visitor for areas of Austria, Hungary, and the German areas of Swabia and Bavaria which required him to inspect all monasteries and insure adherence to the Order's rule. The Joyenval house was destroyed by English and Burgundian; Jean obtained permission to take his monks and the surviving relics of the saints on travels through France to beg alms.

Born

early 15th century Hainaut, Belgium

Died

1472 of natural causes

Blessed Bibiana Khamphai

Profile

Daughter of Lon and Monica Di Benedetto. Pious girl, dedicated to the sacraments, and attended the Catholic mission of Songkhon, Thailand. Martyred in the anti-Christian persecutions that began when the French left Thailand.

Born

4 November 1925 in Ban Songkhon, Mukdahan, Thailand

Died

shot on 26 December 1940 in the cemetery of Ban Songkhon, Mukdahan, Thailand

Beatified

22 October 1989 by Pope John Paul II

Blessed Maria Phon

Profile

Daughter of John the Baptist and Catherine Tan Pha. A pious girl, Maria lived with an aunt named Mary and attended the local Catholic mission. Martyred in the anti-Christian persecutions that began when the French left Thailand.

Born

6 January 1929 in Ban Songkhon, Mukdahan, Thailand

Died

shot on 26 December 1940 in the cemetery of Ban Songkhon, Mukdahan, Thailand

Beatified

22 October 1989 by Pope John Paul II

Saint Marinus of Rome

Also known as

Marin, Marino

Profile

Son of an imperial Roman senator; served as senator himself. For being a Christian during the persecutions of emperor Numerian and the prefect Marcian, he was stripped of office, arrested, stripped of title, property and freedom, made a slave, tortured and executed. He miraculously survived torture chambers, wild beasts, fire, and water in the persecutions of Numerian, but was eventually Martyred. His story may be pious fiction.

Died

beheaded in 283

Blessed Pierre Boffet

Profile

Mercedarian. Professor of theology. Noted preacher. Worked to ransom Christians enslaved in Muslim-controlled areas. While on a ransom mission to Tunisia in 1442, he and Blessed Lorenzo Company were shipwrecked and imprisoned for ransom themselves. When Pierre converted a Muslim to Christianity, he was abused and executed. Martyr.

Born

France

Died

1452

Saint Tathai

Also known as

• Athaeus, Athan, Atheus, Tathal, Tathan, Tathar

• Father of all Gwent

Profile

Nephew of Saint Samson of Dol. Hermit in Glamorgan, Wales. Founded the monastery at Llantathan (Saint Athan), Gwent. Founded the monastery school at Caerwent. Reputed miracle worker, he was noted gentleness, love of the country, for his generosity to travellers and the poor.

Born

5th century Irish

Died

6th century at Caerwent or Llantathan, Wales of natural causes

Saint Archelaus of Mesopotamia

Profile

Bishop of Chacar (Kashkar; Cascus; Charchar) Mesopotamia. Fought Manichaeism. His writings on the heresy were valued by Saint Jerome.

Died

c.280

Blessed Paganus of Lecco

Profile

Dominican friar for 50 years, received into the Order by Saint Dominic himself. Succeeded Saint Peter the Martyr as inquisitor general, and like him became a martyr.

Born

13th century Lecco, Italy

Died

murdered by heretics on 26 December 1274 at Valtellina, Como, Italy

Saint Zeno of Gaza

Also known as

Zenon

Profile

Cousin of Saint Eusebius and Saint Nestabus. Monk. Survived the persecutions of Julian the Apostate. Bishop of Maïouma in Palestine where he continued to live as close as he could to the monastic rules, including doing manual labour.

Died

c.400 of natural causes

Blessed Margaret of Hohenfels

Also known as

Margarita, Margherita, Marguerite

Profile

Born to the nobility. Benedictine nun and prioress at Bingen under Saint Hildegard.

Died

c.1150

Saint Amaethlu of Anglesey

Also known as

• Amaethlu of Wales

• Amaethlin, Maethlu, Maethlin

Profile

Sixth century hermit. Founded a church in Anglesey, Wales, now named Llanfaethlu.

Blessed Daniel of Villiers

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Soldier. Knight. Benedictine Cistercian monk. Cellarer of the great Cistercian abbey of Villiers in the Brabant region.

Died

late 12th century of natural causes

Saint Theodore the Sacristan

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Sixth century sacristan for the Church of Saint Peter in Rome, Italy. Saint Gregory the Great wrote that Theodore often saw angels.

Saint Abadiu of Antinoë

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Bishop of Antinoë. Martyred by Arians.

Saint Abadiu of Antinoë, revered as a bishop and martyr, is a significant figure in the Coptic Orthodox Church. While specifics of his life remain shrouded in the mists of time, his legacy as a steadfast defender of his faith continues to inspire.

Historical Context:

Abadiu lived during the 4th century AD, a period marked by theological controversies within the Christian Church. One of the most prominent disputes was Arianism, which challenged the divinity of Jesus Christ. Abadiu firmly opposed Arian teachings and passionately defended Nicene orthodoxy, which emphasized Jesus' divinity as equal to the Father.

Leadership and Martyrdom:

As bishop of Antinoë, an ancient city in Roman Egypt, Abadiu shepherded his flock with dedication and unwavering faith. He is said to have been a powerful preacher and a tireless advocate for the marginalized. His resolute stance against Arianism is believed to have drawn the ire of Arian authorities, ultimately leading to his martyrdom.

Veneration and Legacy:

The Coptic Church venerates Saint Abadiu as a courageous champion of orthodoxy. His feast day is celebrated on December 26th, and his memory is cherished by Coptic communities worldwide. Abadiu's unwavering commitment to his beliefs in the face of adversity serves as a powerful testament to the strength of faith and the enduring legacy of those who stand firm in their convictions.

 Isaac II of Optina

Schema-Archimandrite among the group of monastics of Optina Monastery in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries known as the Optina Elders.

Venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, with feast days on December 26 and October 11 (alongside all the Optina Elders).

Life and Legacy:

Born Ivan Nikolayevich Bobrakov in 1865 to a peasant family in Orel province, Russia.

Entered Optina Monastery as a novice in 1884.

Tonsured into the mantia with the name Isaac in 1898.

Ordained a priest in 1898.

Appointed abbot with the rank of archimandrite in 1913, becoming the last abbot of Optina Monastery before its closure by the Bolsheviks in 1923.

Known for his calm demeanor, simplicity, and deep spirituality.

Played a significant role in guiding and advising many people who sought spiritual counsel at Optina Monastery.

Imprisoned and martyred by the Soviet regime in 1938 for his faith.

Significance:

Venerable Isaac II is revered as a spiritual guide and teacher who offered wisdom and comfort to countless individuals during a tumultuous time in Russian history.

His teachings on prayer, humility, and acceptance of God's will continue to inspire believers today.

His life and martyrdom serve as a powerful reminder of the perseverance of faith in the face of persecution.

Secundus Pollo

Blessed Secondo Pollo (1908-1941) was a Catholic priest and Italian military chaplain, revered for his dedication to his faith and his bravery in the face of danger. His life, though tragically cut short, offers a testament to the power of conviction and the enduring legacy of a life lived in service of others.

Early Life and Calling:

Born in Caresanablot, Italy, in 1908, Secondo displayed a deep and devout nature from a young age. He felt a strong calling to the priesthood and entered the seminary at Vercelli in 1919.

Following his ordination in 1931, he served as a teacher, spiritual advisor, and lecturer in both philosophy and theology. His charisma and compassion made him a beloved figure within the community.

Military Service and Martyrdom:

With the outbreak of World War II, Secondo was drafted into the Italian army in 1940. He readily accepted the role of chaplain, eager to offer spiritual support to his fellow soldiers.

Assigned to the Alpine battalion, he saw action in the treacherous mountain terrain of Montenegro. Facing harsh conditions and constant danger, Secondo remained a source of strength and comfort for his troops.

On December 26, 1941, during a fierce battle near Dragali, he rushed to the aid of a wounded soldier under heavy enemy fire. Tragically, he was struck down by enemy bullets and died heroically.

Legacy and Veneration:

Blessed Secondo Pollo is remembered for his unwavering faith, courage, and selflessness. His selfless act of rushing to the aid of a fallen comrade despite the peril exemplifies the depth of his commitment to his fellow soldiers.

In 1998, Pope John Paul II beatified Secondo Pollo, recognizing his heroic sacrifice and profound faith. His feast day is celebrated on December 26th.

Blessed Secondo Pollo continues to inspire generations of believers and military personnel alike. His story serves as a reminder of the power of faith to overcome adversity and the enduring impact of a life lived with courage and compassion.