October 31: Saint Wolfgang

Saint Wolfgang and the Devil
Munich, Germany

History

Saint Wolfgang was a German Benedictine who became the head of the monastery school. In the year 972, he became bishop of Regensburg, and he did many great things. Legend says he argued so effectively with the devil, the devil was forced to help him build a new cathedral.

Activity

It's All Hallow's Eve - or Halloween as we call it in the U.S. If you click on the picture above, you can get a printable version of Saint Wolfgang making the devil build a church. Print it out and include it with any other decorations you might have. 

Saint Wolfgang, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

SQPN

Catholic Online

October 30: Saint Alphonsus

St. Alphonsus
Luxembourg City
Photo by Cayambe

History

Alphonso wanted to be a Jesuit priest, but when his father died, he returned home to run the family business. He got married and had three children. But then one by one, his family died, and Alphonso sold the business and went back to the Jesuits. He wasn’t healthy enough for the priesthood, but he was accepted as a lay brother. He worked as the hall porter for 46 years, greeting visitors, running errands and delivering messages. Most of the Jesuits didn’t notice that Alphonsus had a wonderful ministry. Many people came to him for advice and spiritual direction.

Activity

Perhaps the reason Saint Alphonsus was so effective in ministering to people was the fact that each time the doorbell rang, he looked at the door and pictured God Himself standing outside. This is an attitude we can all develop in our own hearts! To help you remember, place a small icon or picture of the Lord on your front door.

Saint Alphonso, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholic Online

October 29: St. Narcissus

Altarpiece of St. Narcissus
Cathedral of Girona, Spain
Photo by JoJan

History

Saint Narcissus was born at the end of the first century. He became bishop of Jerusalem when he was nearly 80 years old, and when he was almost 100 years old, he and Bishop Theophilus of Caesarea held a big meeting about when to celebrate Easter. Because Jesus was resurrected on a Sunday, they agreed Easter should always be on a Sunday instead of moving through the week like Christmas does. Narcissus also was very effective in praying for miracles. Once, his deacons didn’t have enough oil to fill the lamps at church, so Narcissus prayed over a jug of water, and the water changed to oil. He died while he was kneeling in prayer when he was 117 years old.

Activity

Saint Narcissus was constantly in prayer for unity and peace among all Christians. Today, pray that all Christians will again be unified in the love of Christ.

Saint Narcissus, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic News Agency

Catholic Online 

October 28: St. Jude

Saint Jude at the Basilica
of St. Jean de Latran in Rome

History

Saint Jude was one of the twelve Apostles and a relative of Jesus. He is called Jude or Thaddeus so that people don't confuse him with Judas Iscariot. At the Last Supper, Jude was the one who asked Jesus an important question – why had He revealed Himself to only a handful of people instead of the whole world? (John 14:22) Jesus responded by telling the Twelve that anybody who loved Him would obey Him, and God will make a home in that person. This was something that Jude took to heart. After Jesus ascended into heaven, Jude traveled through Judea, Samaria Syria, Mesopotamia, Libya, and other countries, teaching people about Christ. He also wrote an epistle (found in the New Testament), which shows his passion for teaching people to remain in the love of God.

Activity

Read the book of Jude in your Bible. Pay attention to the strong words he used to make his point. Then, memorize Jude 1:21:

Keep yourselves in the love of God and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

Saint Jude, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia
St. Jude Network

Catholic Online

October 27: Saint Frumentius

Icon of Saint Frumentius
from the Middle Ages

History

Frumentius was born in Lebanon. He and his brother, Aedesius, were sent to Ethiopia to tell people about Jesus. They were shipwrecked on the way, but they still made it. Both were given important jobs for the Ethipiean king. After a while, Frumentius went to Alexandria to ask the bishop to send more missionaries to Ethiopia. The bishop did so, but first he made Frumentius a bishop. He and his brother are the apostles of Ethiopia.

Activity

Saint Frumentius loved the people of Ethiopia and served them with all his heart. Tonight, make a simple but tasty Ethiopian Dinner of Tsebhi Sga (beef stew), green beans, and Injera (bread).

Saint Frumentius, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic News Agency

Catholic Online