December 7: Saint Mary Joseph Rossello

History

When Saint Mary Joseph Rossello was a girl, most parents carefully saved money as a dowry that was given to the daughter’s husband when she married, or to the religious order she joined as a nun or religious sister. Mary Joseph’s parents had many children and not much money, so it was very difficult for them to save any money at all. Mary Joseph wanted to enter a convent, but without a dowry, she couldn’t. She had to go to work. But her bishop knew she had a talent for teaching other girls religion, so he bought a house, turned two rooms into classrooms, and gave it to Mary Joseph and a few other women as a new order, the Institute of the Daughters of Mercy. For 40 years, Sister Mary Joseph led the order, and she always took in new sisters without requiring any dowry.

Activity

Dowries aren’t an issue for most women these days, but college debt can prevent a woman from joining a religious order, because all her debts must be paid before she enters. The Mater Ecclesiae Fund for Vocations provides grants to women to cover their college debt so they can enter the community God has called them to. (They also help pay the debts of men called to become priests.) Today, please consider making a donation of any amount in honor of Saint Mary Joseph Rossello. 

Saint Mary Joseph Rossello, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Roman Catholic Saints

SQPN

Catholic Online

November 30: Saint Andrew

St. Andrew the Apostle
by Francisco de Zurbaran

History

Saint Andrew was Saint Peter’s brother. They were both fisherman. Andrew became a disciple of Saint John the Baptist, but when John announced that Jesus was the Lamb of God, Andrew chose to follow Jesus, the first of the 12 Apostles. Initially, Andrew and Peter kept fishing, but then Jesus promised to make them “fishers of men” so they left their boats and stayed with the Lord.

Activity

Here’s a fisherman snack to enjoy today. All you need are fish-shaped crackers, small stick-shaped pretzels and either peanut butter or a soft cheese (like cream cheese). Scatter the crackers on a plate (or on a sheet of blue construction paper to look like the ocean).  Add a small spoonful of peanut butter or cheese. Now take one of your fishing poles (the pretzels!), dip the end in the peanut butter or cheese and “catch” a fish to eat.

Saint Andrew the Apostle, pray for us!

More reading for parents

Catholic Encyclopedia

EWTN

Catholic Online

November 29: St. Saturninus

St. Saturninus
photo by Andreas Praefcke

History

Pope Fabian made Saturninus the bishop of Toulouse, where he helped convert many pagans by his wonderful preaching and a few miracles that God did through him. Of course this made the pagan priests angry. One day they seized him, dragged him into their temple and demanded that he sacrifice to their false gods. Saturninus refused, stating "I adore one only God, and to him I am ready to offer a sacrifice of praise." The pagans beat him, then tied his feet to a wild bull. The bull was driven through the streets, and Saturninus was killed. 

Activity

Two Christian woman gathered up Saturninus body after he died and buried it so his body would be protected. One of Saturninus' successors built a little chapel over his grave, and later on, this was added to and turned into a beautiful basilica. It's still standing today, and you can go to this website to see the photos. 

Special Note: Today is the first Advent, the weeks of penance and preparation before Christmas. Here are the instructions for making a 3-D felt advent wreath that my children and I designed a couple years ago, a fun and easy activity to share with your kids today. 

November 28: Saint Catherine Labouré

St. Catherine Labouré

History

The Blessed Mother appeared to Sister Catherine Labouré in 1830. The first time, Sister Catherine was told that she would be given a mission. The second time, Saint Mary showed her the Miraculous Medal, and asked her to have it made. Sister Catherine only revealed this to the priest who was her spiritual director, then she went back to her humble life in the convent. After the priest and the bishop had the medals made, the Miraculous Medal became one of the most popular devotions in the Church. But Sister Catherine was so humble, even most of her own sisters had no idea that she had received the visions until after she died.

Activity

Do you have a miraculous medal? Use this template to print one out on card stock (print on both sides of the card). Color it, cut it out and then hang it in your room. 

Saint Catherine Labouré, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Mary's Touch

EWTN

Catholic Online

November 27: St. Francesco Antonio Fasani

History

Francesco was bon in Italy and became a Franciscan priest in 1705. He was a good teacher and a good leader. After serving his congregation for some years, he became pastor of a church back in his home town. Everybody loved him because he was sincere, humble and devout. His example led people to pray more and to go to confession. And he always remembered to help the poor. 

Activity

In the U.S., today is called "Black Friday", an ominous name for the first day of Christmas shopping. People are generally encouraged to spend a whole lot of money. But that's not what St. Francesco would tell us to do. So, instead of  going to a mall to shop today, go to church and make a holy hour. And then go through your house to find every useful thing that is not being used and donate it to the poor. 

Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

American Catholic

365 Rosaries

Catholic Online

Last year, we learned about St. James Inntercisus and strove to be courageous in our faith. 

November 26: St. Alypius

History

All his life, Saint Alypius just wanted to be by himself and worship God. After seeing a holy vision, he built a church named after St. Euphemia the Martyr and set up a pillar next to it. For 53 years, he stayed on top of the pillar, praying to God and teaching people who came to talk to him. Eventually, two monasteries were built on either side of the pillar, one for men and one for women.

Activity

It's Thanksgiving Day in the U.S., a time to gather with family and friends. But today, find a little time to be by yourself with God. It's so important that we always make worshiping Him the most important part of our day!

St. Alypius, pray for us! 

More reading for parents:

Bio at CatholicSaints.Info
Bio at Reddit
Catholic Online

Last year, we learned about St. John Berchmans and the devotion he started. Instructions for making a chaplet to go with the devotion are included in the link.

November 25: Saint Catherine of Alexandria

St. Catherine of Alexandria
by Juan Correa,
Museo Nacional de Arte
Mexico City, Mexico

History

Saint Catherine of Alexandria was a Greek princess in the 4^th century. She was very beautiful, and she was very, very smart. When she was 14, she learned about Jesus and became a Christian. Hundreds of people she knew also became Christians because of what she told them about Jesus. She went to see the Roman Emperor Maxentius to get him to stop persecuting Christians. He had her debate some of his best pagan teachers, but Catherine’s statements about Christ turned them into Christians, too. That made Maxentius angry. After Catherine convinced Maxentius’ wife to become a Christian, too, he lost his temper. He condemned her to death on a machine called the breaking wheel, but as soon as Catherine touched it, it fell apart.

Activity

In artwork, St. Catherine of Alexandria is often shown with the torture wheel that fell apart when she touched it. Here's a recipe for slice-and-bake pinwheel cookies to make in honor of her faithfulness to Jesus. 

St. Catherine of Alexandria, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

EWTN

Catholic Online

November 24: Vietnamese Martyrs

Some of the Vietnamese Martyrs

History

From the 1500s to 1866, Catholic missionaries brought Jesus to the people of Vietnam. Many believed in Him, even though Christians were treated very poorly and sometimes even killed for their faith. In 1988, Blessed Pope John Paul II canonized 117 Catholic bishops, priests and lay people who were martyred in Vietnam. Their faithfulness enabled Christianity to grow in a country where the Lord was not welcome.

Activity

Sometimes, it is hard for us to realize just how many saints have died so that the rest of us can live as Christians openly. Today, make a chain of paper dolls. Use as much paper as you need until you get to 117 figures. Then thank God for the faithfulness of the Vietnamese martyrs.

Martyrs of Vietnam, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

American Catholic

Catholic Online

November 23: Blessed Miguel Pro

Blessed Miguel Pro standing and praying
for God to forgive his executioners
just before his death on Nov. 23, 1927

History

Miguel lived in Guadalupe, Mexico, during a very difficult time. He was born in 1891, and he went to seminary when he was 20 years old. Three years later, however, the Mexican government began attacking Catholics. Churches were closed and priests went into hiding so they would not be killed. Miguel and other seminarians escaped to the United States. He eventually went to Belgium to be ordained a priest, then returned to Mexico. He spent the rest of his life in secret ministry. He would disguise himself as a beggar or a delivery man or a fancy business owner and go to people’s homes to baptize babies or celebrate Mass. Then somebody lied and said he had tried to kill a former Mexican president. He was captured and sentenced to death. He died proclaiming, “Viva Cristo Rey!” or “Long live Christ the King!” 

Activity

Blessed Miguel pro loved sweet treats like cocol (sweet bread with poppy seeds) and chocolate caliente (hot chocolate). So, mix up some hot chocolate and watch this short video about Fr. Pro. (If you have some time and the wherewithal to make a yeast bread, here is a recipe for cocol, too). 

Blessed Father Pro, pray for us! 

More reading for parents:

Biography at Ignatian Spirituality

American Catholic

Catholic Online 

November 22: Saint Cecilia

St. Cecelia and St. Valerian
by Lelio Orsi (1511-1587)
Galleria Borghese

History

Saint Cecilia loved Jesus so much, she wanted to give Him everything she had and everything she was. Her parents promised her in marriage to a young man named Valerian, but she told him that an angel watched over her to keep her set apart for God. Valerian naturally wanted to see the angel, and Cecilia said he must believe in God and be baptized before that would happen. He went to Pope Urban, who taught him and baptized him. When Valerian retuned, he saw the angel watching over Cecilia as she prayed. The angel held two crowns of flowers, one for each of them, which he placed on their heads.

Activity

Saint Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians because she heard heavenly music. Today, get out your musical instruments and “make a joyful noise” to the Lord. If you don’t happen to have any musical instruments, you can make paper plate tambourines in just minutes.

Saint Cecilia, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

American Catholic

Catholic Online

November 21: St. Rufus

History

In the Gospel of Mark 15:21, we first hear of Rufus when his dad, Simon of Cyrene, was forced to carry Jesus' cross with Him by the Roman soldiers. Simon, Rufus and their whole family became strong and brave Christians. In fact, they were like family to St. Paul. When Paul wrote his letter to the Romans, he puts in a special greeting for Rufas and his mom, saying that she had been "a mother to me also." 

Activity

Throughout our lives, there are people who act as spiritual fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters for us, encouraging us to grow in our faith in many different ways - just like St. Rufus and his mom did for St. Paul. Who has done that for you? Your godparents? Your confirmation sponsor? Today, call or email that person to say hello and to thank them for helping you on your walk with Christ. 

Saint Rufus, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Online

November 20: St. Bernward of Hildesheim

St. Bernward of Hildesheim
St. Bernward's Church in
Hildesheim, Germany
Photo by Torben Brinker

History

Saint Bernward was a priest and also a tutor for the emperor’s son for a while. Then he was made bishop of Hildesheim, Germany. He was very interested in architecture and metal work, which came in handy when he had to build a Saint Michael’s Abbey in Hildesheim. He blessed and set the cornerstone in the year 1010, but it wasn’t quite finished when he died in 1022. His successor, Bishop Godehard finished the church. It was destroyed during World War II, but rebuilt, and now it is a historic site, where a 1,000-year-old rose bush – perhaps enjoyed by Saint Bernward himself - still blooms.

Activity

Saint Bernward enjoyed making metal objects for the church, including a processional cross that is preserved in a museum (and sometimes used even now - see picture to the right). Today, you can make an embossed metal cross to hang over your bed.

                        1.    Start with metal sheets, purchased at a craft store. 

                              (Like these or these.)

2.   Cut the metal into a shape of a cross, any size you like, but make sure each “leg” of the cross is at least 1” wide.

3.   Flip the cross shiny side down onto a piece of cardboard cut from the side of a cereal box. Tape it down on all sides to keep it from shifting.

4.   Use a dull pencil to draw a design on the metal, pressing down firmly. If you want to draw letters on the cross, remember to make them backward (mirror image).

5.    When you are all done, carefully remove the tape, turn the cross over and admire your design. Use a regular small hole punch to make a hole near the top so you can hang it over your bed.

Saint Bernward, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholic Online

November 19: Saint Nerses the Great

St. Nerses the Great

History

Saint Nerses the Great lived in Armenia more than 1700 years ago. He became a priest after his wife died. All the people wanted him to be their Catholicos (bishop). He refused, saying he wasn’t worthy of the title, but then a dove settled right above his head, and somebody cried out, "You are pleasing God! His Spirit rested upon you!" Nerses was a good leader. He corrected many problems, and many more Amernians became Christians. But that made the king angry, so he sent Nerses and 70 others to live on a deserted island in the middle of the sea, where they would surely starve to death. Nerses prayed, and a strong wind came and blew the fish right out of the sea onto the beach so all had plenty to eat.

Activity

Today, you can cook fish the way they do in Armenia, where Nerses lived. Here’s a simple recipe for Armenian-style baked fish. If fish is out of your budget, try this vegetarian Armenian lentil soup instead.

Saint Nerses the Great, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

The Educator – Armenian Church

Catholic Online

November 18: Saint Rose Philippine Duschesne

St. Rose Philippine Duschesne
Cathedral Basilica in St. Louis
Photo by Andrew Balet

History

Born in France, Saint Rose joined the Society of the Sacred Heart as a religious sister. In 1818, when she was 49 years old, she was sent to the United States. She started out working for pioneer girls whose families were trying to tame the wild plains of Missouri, but what she really wanted to do was minister to the Native Americans. She endured terrible winters, wildfires, unbearable heat, poverty, hunger, illness, and many other disappointments for 23 years. At last, she was able to start a school for Pottawatomie children in Kansas, where the Native Americans called her “Ouahkahkanumad,” the Woman Who Always Prays.

Activity

Saint Rose had to learn how to communicate with the Native Americans whom she lived and worked with in Kansas. Today, you can learn to pray the Sign of the Cross in the Pottawatomie language, just as she must have done.

Saint Rose Philippine Duschesne, pray for us!

More reading for parents: 

Vatican biography

American Catholic

Catholic Online

November 17: St. Elisabeth of Hungary

St. Elisabeth of Hungary
St. Martin Church,
Ravensburg
Photo by Andreas Pfarrkirch

History

Saint Elisabeth was the daughter of the King of Hungary, so she was born a princess. Her parents promised that she would marry Prince Louis of Thuringia (a kingdom in what is now central Germany) when Elisabeth was only four years old and Louis was a baby! Elisabeth was a very holy woman who always shared her riches with the poor. That made her husband’s parents angry, because they thought it wasn’t right for a princess to give away things from the royal treasury. Once when she was trying to leave the castle with a basket of bread under her cloak, Louis stopped her and asked to see what she was carrying. When she showed him the basket, all the bread had turned to roses. This miracle not only kept her from getting in trouble with her in-laws, it helped Louis become a devoted Christian. 

Activity

Because of the “miracle of roses” that Elisabeth received from God, she is the patron saint of bakers. Today, bake some very special bread: cinnamon rolls shaped like roses! You can follow the instructions here (use your own recipe or the one included on that page). I always add cream-cheese icing to our cinnamon rolls, so I guess our roses look like they've been through a snow storm! 

If you are adventurous, you might want to try the recipe for these Red Velvet Rolls with frosting tinted pink for red rose rolls. Our family enjoyed these.

November 16: Saint Margaret of Scotland

November 16: Saint Margaret of Scotland

St. Margaret of Scotland
by Edward Burne-Jones

History

Margaret was the daughter of the King of England. She and her mother and sisters sailed to Scotland when warring kings tried to take over their country. King Malcolm of Scotland fell in love with Margaret and they were married. Malcolm was a good man and a good king, but not a very polite or faithful. Margaret’s good example changed him and everybody in the whole country. She taught people patience, courtesy and good manners. Margaret also helped make the churches beautiful, using her skills in sewing and embroidery. She made people want to worship Christ.

Activity

Margaret was very clever about inspiring people to choose to do the right thing. At her table, she ended every meal with a Grace Cup (also called St. Margaret’s Blessing). After praying the Prayer After Meals, this cup was filled with a special drink and passed around the table so everybody could have a sip. Nobody wanted to leave before the Grace Cup, so they all developed a good habit of praying the Prayer After Meals. You don’t need a special cup or drink to develop this habit in your family – just start praying the Prayer After Meals today. 

Saint Margaret of Scotland, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

EWTN

American Catholic

Catholic Online

Information about Grace after meals

November 15: Saint Albert the Great

St. Albert the Great
Fresco by Tommaso da Modena

History

Albert the Great was not only a bishop, he was a scientist. During the 1200s, he was an expert in biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, geography, and mathematics. He was also a teacher – one of his most famous students was Saint Thomas Aquinas. Albert wrote many important things, and that’s why he was named a Doctor of the Church.

Activity

Albert the Great studied nature and did many interesting experiments. He also wrote about music, including how chant affected people by helping us get rid of unholy thoughts, think more deeply about God and try to love God more perfectly. He did not have any recording equipment because it hadn’t been invented yet, but if he had, he probably would have been thrilled to find out that if you record the sound of crickets and then play it back at a very slow speed, it sounds just like a choir chanting hymns of praise to God. Listen here.

Saint Albert the Great, pray for us!

More reading for parents: 

EWTN

Catholic Online

November 14: Saint Lawrence O’Toole

St. Lawrence O'Tool
Christ Church Cathedral
Dublin, Ireland
Photo by Andreas F. Borchert

History

Lawrence was a holy young man. He became the abbot of a monastery when he was only 25 years old and eventually became the archbishop of Dublin, Ireland. While celebrating Mass once, a crazed man struck him on the head, knocking him out. Everybody thought Saint Lawrence would surely die, but he woke up. He asked for some water, blessed it and washed out the wound with it. Immediately, his head stopped bleeding and he was able to complete the Mass. Lawrence often was able to prevent wars by convincing kings to negotiate for peace. 

Activity

To keep himself humble, Saint Lawrence O’Toole wore a hair shirt – a sort of itchy undershirt that would keep him from getting too comfortable and remind him to trust the Lord and pray. Would a hair shirt help you, too? You can find out by wearing a pair of wool socks, a string of wool tied around your wrist or ankle, or something else that itches. Every time you feel the itch, say a prayer!

SPECIAL NOTE: More than three years ago, the heart of St. Lawrence O’Toole (which had been preserved in a metal heart-shaped box) was stolen from Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin. It has not yet been recovered. Please pray for the relic’s safe and prompt return.

Saint Lawrence O’Toole, pray for us!

More reading for parents: 

Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholic Online

November 13: Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini

November 13: Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini

Mother Cabrini

History

St. Frances always wanted to become a nun who worked in missions. She even gave up candy when she was a child because she didn't want to grow used to it when she wouldn't be able to eat it on the mission field. When she grew up, she wasn’t healthy enough to be admitted to a convent. She cared for her parents until they died and then taught at a girl’s school. Her bishop asked her to start the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart to care for poor children in schools and hospitals, so at last she was a nun. In 1889, Pope Leo XIII asked her to go to the United States to work with Italian immigrants. She rapidly started schools, hospitals and orphanages, touching the lives of thousands of people. She became the first American citizen to be canonized a saint.

Activity

To celebrate Mother Cabrini’s feast, make a traditional Italian risotto for supper tonight. Here's a vegetarian recipe using fall veggies (since today is Friday.) Not a risotto fan? Try this delicious pasta and bean soup. 

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Missionary Sisters website

EWTN

Catholic Online

November 12 St. Josaphat of Polotsk

"Martyrdom of Jozafat Kuncewicz in Vitebsk"
by Józef Simmler   

History

About 500 years before Saint Josaphat was born, the Church suffered a terrible split: Catholics in the west and Orthodox in the east. Josaphat grew up to become a priest and he tried to convince his Orthodox brothers and sisters that healing the Church was the right thing to do. After he became bishop, he started to accomplish a lot of good things, but some Orthodox people decided to elect their own bishops because they didn’t like Josaphat’s ideas about reuniting with the pope. People were angry and they became violent. Josaphat was killed trying to protect his friends and servants from an angry mob.

Activity

For centuries, popes have attempted to reunify the Church, but the same problems keep people from being humble enough to make it happen. Today, join Saint Josaphat in praying that the Orthodox and Catholic Christians well reunite, that we all may be one Church.

Saint Josaphat, pray for us!

More reading for parents:  

Catholic Encyclopedia

American Catholic

Catholic Online

November 11: Saint Martin of Tours

"St. Martin of Tours Renouncing His Weapons"
by Simone Martini, Capella di San Martino
 in St. Francis Church, Assisi, Italy 

History

Though Martin wanted to be a monk, he was forced to join the army when he was 15. He did his best to be a true Christian and a soldier, helping the poor he met, but then he was supposed to fight in a war. Martin told the king, “Put me in front of the army, without weapons or armor, but I will not draw sword again. I am the soldier of Christ.” The king angrily said he would do exactly that. Fortunately, the other army wanted to settle peacefully. Martin was kicked out of the army and became a holy priest and bishop. In a town where people worshiped a tree, Martin told them to cut it down. They said okay, but only if he would sit where the tree would fall. He agreed. Just as the tree was about to fall on Martin, he made the sign of the cross. The tree fell in the opposite direction, slowly enough for everybody to get out of the way in time. Many people became Christians that day. 

Activity

Make a paper bag tree today. All you need is lunch sacks, colored paper, scissors and a glue stick. You might even want to make a little paper doll Saint Martin of Tours to place next to it to remember how God convinced people that He is real!

Saint Martin of Tours, pray for us!

More reading for parents: 

Catholic Encyclopedia

EWTN

Catholic Online 

November 10: Saint Leo the Great

St. Pope Leo the Great
by Francisco Herrera the Younger
Prado Museum, Madrid, Spain

History

As pope, Saint Leo accomplished many amazing things, which is why he is called “Leo the Great.” One thing he did was make our beliefs about Jesus being God as well as man (“God Incarnate”) absolutely clear. When Attila the Hun, who was trying to take over the whole world by force, arrived in Rome, Pope Leo met him at the gates of the city and convinced him to leave without stealing anything or hurting anybody.

Activity

The name “Leo” means “lion,” and Saint Leo the Great was certainly a lot like a lion in the work he did for Jesus. Celebrate his faith and courage by making a cake and decorating it to look like a lion. Here are some easy instructions that start with a simple round cake, frosting, cookies and candy.

Saint Leo the great, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Culture

Catholic Online

November 9: Saint Benignus

Saint Benignus window at
St. Benin's Church in County Galway
Ireland. Photo by Andreas F. Borchert

History

Saint Benignus did not know about Jesus until he heard Saint Patrick of Ireland preach. Once he became a Christian, Benignus became Saint Patrick’s “psalm singer” – in other words, he led the singing and chanting when Saint Patrick celebrated Mass. Later, Benignus became the bishop of Ireland.

Activity

Today, you can be a psalm singer, too. Many of the hymns we sing at Mass are psalms set to music, such as Psalm 29. Pick your favorite and sing it out loud.  

Saint Benignus, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholic Online