Wednesday, May 25, 2016

May 25: Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi

St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi

History

Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi joined a Carmelite order so she could devote all her time to Jesus. Sometimes, she would have ecstasies – holy experiences with God. In one of them, Jesus told her that she would soon feel that Jesus had left her, but He would be closer to her than ever. For five years, Sister Mary Margaret had no desire to pray and was tempted by every kind of sin. She grew so depressed, she thought she would kill herself. Instead, she kept praying and doing penance and serving others, even though she didn’t feel God at all.

Activity

Saint Mary Magdalene grew so holy, she was able to act like she enjoyed the things she really didn’t like to do at all. This way, she was able to do penance without anybody around her realizing she was doing it. Today, ask God to help you do this, too – approach even your worst tasks with a smile and a cheerful attitude.

Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, pray for us!


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Tuesday, May 24, 2016

May 24: The Feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians

Our Lady, Help of Christians
statue in Cantabria, Spain
Photo by Enrique López-Tamayo Biosca

History

Back in 1571, Christianity was facing a very real threat from the Turks. But Pope Pius V asked everybody to pray the Rosary, and the Turks lost the war in just five hours. More than 100 years later, the Turks tried to attack again, but all the Christians prayed the Rosary and asked Mary for help. Again, the Turks lost. About 100 years after that, Napoleon arrested Pope Pius VII and kept him in prison for five years. Pius VII promised God that when he was returned to the Vatican, he would start a special feast for Mary. He was freed and returned to Rome on May 24, 1814. So, that’st the day he chose for the feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians, in honor of Mary’s intercession on these and other occasions.

Activity

Have you ever felt that you just wanted your mom, because she would somehow figure out a way to make things better? That’s what the Church’s mother – Mary – can do for all of us, too. Her prayers are very powerful. Here’s a video to watch of some high school students singing a beautiful prayer to Mary

Our Lady, Help of Christians, pray for us!


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Monday, May 23, 2016

May 23: St. Julia

St. Julia

History

St. Julia was born in South Africa and raised in a Christian family. But she was captured and sold as slave. Julia served her master as she would serve Christ, doing every task to the best of her ability. Her master respected her. One day, he took her on a business trip. They stopped at an island, where the governor tried to trade four of his best slave women for Julia, because she was so beautiful and such a good worker. Her master said he wouldn’t let Julia go for any amount of money. When Julia refused to take part in the governor’s pagan worship, he waited until her master was asleep and then tried to force her to worship idols. Julia remained strong in Christ, and the governor had her killed because of her faith. 

Activity

Because Julia was a slave, she was not able to preach to her pagan master about Jesus. Instead, she showed him what Christians were like by being honest, hard-working and devout. There are times when all Christians have to show their love for Jesus instead of using words. Today, find a way let Christ’s love shine through you in what you do and how you do it.  

Saint Julia, pray for us!


More reading for parents:

Catholic Online

Sunday, May 22, 2016

May 22: St. Rita

St. Rita

History

Rita begged her parents to let her enter the convent, but they found her a husband instead. Rita did her best to be a good wife and mother, even though her husband frequently got angry and was very mean to her. Whether on purpose or not, he taught their sons to be mean to her, too. Then Rita’s husband was fatally wounded in a fight. Before he died, he became a Christian because of Rita’s prayers. Then Rita spent her days in fasting, prayer and doing good works. In time, she because an Augustinian nun. 

Activity

Saint Rita thought that her husband would never believe in Christ, but he did. She also thought she would never become a nun, but that happened too. Now she is a patron saint of impossible causes. Today, ask Saint Rita to pray for the “impossible” thing you’ve been praying for. 

Saint Rita, pray for us!


More reading for parents:

National Shrine of Saint Rita

Saturday, May 21, 2016

May 21: Saint Eugene de Mazenod

St. Eugene de Mazenod
Marseille Cathedral, France
Photo by Finoskov

History

Eugene was born into a middle-class French family shortly before the French Revolution started. Because of the uprising, he and his family had to flee to Italy. His family life was very unhappy. His parents argued all the time, and his grandmother and his aunt (who lived with them) were always rude to his father for not having enough money. For a while, Eugene was tutored by a priest in Italy, who taught him to love and serve Christ. As a young man, Eugene thought he might want be careless and selfish like the wealthy young men he knew. Then on Good Friday in 1807, when he was praying in front of a Crucifix, Eugene suddenly realized the full impact of God's love. He became a priest and eventually a bishop. 

Activity

Because of his own family life, Saint Eugene de Mazenod is a patron for dysfunctional families. We all know of a family where nobody gets along - and where the parents are thinking about divorce. Today, pray for them and ask Saint Eugene to pray for them as well. (If you are in a position to do so, suggest that a couple considering divorce try Retrouvaille first, a self-directed program of rediscovery that has helped many couples remember why they fell in love in the first place.) 

Saint Eugene de Mazenod, pray for us! 


More reading for parents: 

Friday, May 20, 2016

May 20: Saint Bernardine of Siena

St. Bernardine of Siena

History

Even though Bernardine was very good at caring for sick people, he did not know if that was what God wanted him to do. He fasted and prayed until he realized he should join the Franciscans. The Franciscans were missionary preachers, but Bernardine’s voice was weak and hoarse, so he spent his first 12 years praying that God would prepare him for mission work. The first time he preached, his voice was so strong and commanding, everybody loved what he had to say. Pope Pius II compared him to the Apostle Paul, too. Bernardine preached until he died peacefully when he was almost 64 years old. 

Activity 

One of the things that Saint Bernadine loved to preach about most was the name of Jesus. In fact, the Church thinks that he is the one that invented the "IHS" symbol that you see in so many churches. In Greek, the letters "IHS" are the first three letters of Jesus' name. Today, make an IHS sign to hang in your bedroom. Here's a simple coloring pagea fancy one, and one with a decorative cross

Saint Bernadine of Siena, pray for us!


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Thursday, May 19, 2016

May 19: Pope St. Celestine V

Pope St. Celestine V

History

His parents named him Peter, and he became a hermit when he was 20, spending all his time in prayer and Bible study. When he was 84, the world had been without a pope for 2 years because the College of Cardinals could not agree whom to elect. Peter wrote them a note telling them that God was not pleased, so the cardinals elected him pope! Peter was not happy – he even tried to run away. Finally, he accepted and took the name Celestine V. Unfortunately, he was so humble and unable to say no, people started to use him to get what they wanted. After five months, Pope Celestine went to the cardinals to apologize for doing a terrible job. He resigned and a new pope was elected. 


Activity

It can be really hard to figure out what we are supposed to do. Sometimes, even the people who God gives us as leaders can make a mistake and give us tasks that are way too hard for us. When that happens, we must remember to be like Pope Saint Celestine V. He tried and when he realized he was failing again and again, he resigned. Think about your own life today - is there something you need to humbly admit that you're not able to handle? 

Pope Saint Celestine V, pray for us!


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Wednesday, May 18, 2016

May 18: Pope Saint John I

History

John was only pope for a little less than three years, from 523 to 526. He was a very frail man when he was elected, but the emperor at that time sent him all the way to Constantinople anyway, on a peace-seeking mission. Everything went very well – maybe too well, because the emperor decided that Pope John must have been conspiring against him with the ruler of Constantinople. When Pope John returned to Italy, he was arrested, and he died in prison.  

Activity

Pope John I wasn’t strong or powerful, but God didn’t need him to be anything other than faithful. That’s why Pope John was able to do such good work for the Lord. Today, memorize I Corinthians 2:9, “ And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  

Pope Saint John I, pray for us!


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Tuesday, May 17, 2016

May 17: St. Paschal Baylon

St. Paschal Baylon

History

Saint Paschal Baylon's parents were poor Spainards, but they were rich in faith. So when he was born on the Feast of Pentecost, which is called "the Pasch" in Spain, they named him Paschal. Paschal had to work as a shepherd instead of going to school, but he would carry a book with him, and if anybody walked by, he would ask that person to teach him letters and words until he learned how to read. He grew up to become a monk, and he often had visions when he was praying before the Blessed Sacrament. He prayed all the time, even while working. 


Activity

In honor of Saint Paschal Baylon today, make a simple Spanish tortilla for dinner. It's sort of like a frittata or an omelet, and it's a good, cheap meal. 

Saint Paschal Baylon, pray for us!


More reading for parents: 

Monday, May 16, 2016

May 16: St. Simon Stock

St. Simon Stock receiving the
 brown scapular from the
Blessed Mother

History

Simon was a Carmelite monk who started a lot of Carmelite communities in Europe. He became Vicar General of the order, but that mean dealing with a lot of problems. Some people made fun of the monks. Other people were tired of donating money to them. The monks argued with each other. One day when Simon was praying, he saw a vision of the Blessed Mother with a brown scapular. She told him that it would make a difference for his order, and it did.  Things got better almost immediately. 



Activity

The idea of a scapular is rooted in the words of Christ: Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30The brown scapular is two small pieces of brown wool with string or wool connecting them so that the wearer has one piece of fabric over his or her chest and the other over his or her back. Any Catholic can wear one – even a baby – but you have to have your scapular blessed and “imposed” by a priest – basically, that means that as the priest places the scapular over your head, he prays a certain prayer.  If you don’t have a brown scapular, get one today – you can even get one for free on this website

Saint Simon Stock, pray for us!


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Sunday, May 15, 2016

May 15: Pentecost Sunday

"Pentecost" by Juan Bautista Maino

History

Pentecost is celebrated on the 50th day after Easter. It’s also called Whitsun or Whitsunday in England, probably because it was the traditional day for new Christians to wear white clothing and be baptized at church. Pentecost is also considered to be the birthday of the Church, because when the Apostles were gathered on this day, the Holy Spirit rushed in like a mighty wind, leaving “tongues of fire” over each person’s head, and suddenly they were all given the gifts they needed to tell people about Jesus. It’s also the Jewish feast of Shavuot, celebrating the gifts of the Ten Commandments to Moses at Sinai. 

Activity

Your day should be filled with activities, because this is a very important feast day! Make sure you go to Mass, of course, but for the rest of your day, here’s a list of things – choose whatever works best for your family. 

1. Wear red clothing (red is the color of the Holy Spirit).

2. Read about the original Pentecost in your Bible – Acts 2.

3. Eat white foods (a Whitsunday tradition). How about some powdered sugar donuts after Mass, mozzarella cheese sticks for a snack, cauliflower for your side dish and supper and so on. Catholic Cuisine has more suggestions here.  

4. Make  a birthday cake!  A white cake with some sort of red representing the tongues of fire is traditional. Here’s a recipe for strawberry cake.  

5. If the weather cooperates, fly kites – remembering the mighty wind that announced the arrival of the Holy Spirit. 



All the saints of heaven, pray for us!


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Friday, May 13, 2016

May 13: Saint John the Silent

History

John became a monk when he was 18. Ten years later, he was made bishop of Colonia in Armenia, but John struggled with this role because he was having trouble with certain sins. While praying one night, he saw a bright cross form in the air and heard a voice tell him to follow the light to a nearby monastery. So, he became a monk again and stayed alone with God as much as he could. 

Activity

We all have sins that we struggle to overcome, whether it’s being lazy about our responsibilities or not getting along with a family member or something else. We can find the answer when we some silent time alone with God, so He can show us what to do.

Saint John the Silent, pray for us!


More reading for parents:

Catholic Online

Thursday, May 12, 2016

May 12: Saints Nereus and Achilleus

Flavia Domitilla with
with Sts.  Nereus & Achilleus
by Peter Paul Reubens

History

Nereus and Achilleus were Roman soldiers from the household of the wealthy Flavia Domitilla. They were instructed to arrest and execute Christians by the emperor. They followed these orders until they met St. Peter. Peter taught them about Jesus, and they both became Christians, baptized by Peter himself. This took a great deal of courage on the part of Nereus and Achilleus, because they knew exactly what kind of martyrdom awaited them for believing in Christ. With Flavia Domitilla, who had also become a Christian, they were exiled and then killed for their faith. 

Activity

Do you ever feel like hiding your faith in Christ or your status as a Catholic Christian so that people will not tease you or reject you? Even though we don’t have to worry about being killed for our faith, it can still take courage to be open about our love for Jesus. Today, ask Saints Nereus and Achilleus to pray that you will be brave, and pray this traditional Prayer for Courage.

Saints Nereus and Achilleus, pray for us!


More reading for parents:

Catholic Online

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

May 11: St. Ignatius of Laconi

St. Ignatius of Laconi

History

When Ignatius was 17 years old, he got very sick. He promised God he would become a friar if he got well. But when he was healed, Ignatius’ father would not let him go to the monastery, because they needed his help on their farm. A few years later, Ignatius was almost killed in an accident with his horse. Knowing that God had saved him, Ignatius immediately went into the monastery. He never did anything spectacular as a friar. Mostly what he did was go house to house and ask for food and donations for the poor. But as he did it, he comforted the sick, helped enemies forgive each other, and led sinners to Jesus. 

Activity

It’s easy to think you have to become an important person before you can accomplish great things for God, but that’s not true. Ignatius never did anything special, but his loving, face-to-face conversations made a big difference in people’s lives. Today, think of a way to do what Saint Ignatius of Laconi. Comfort somebody who is sick, help two arguing people make up, or remind somebody that Jesus died for their sins. 

Saint Ignatius of Laconi, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Online

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

May 10: Saint Damien of Molokai

History

Saint Damien was born in Belgium. He joined the Sacred Hearts Fathers and went to Honolulu, Hawaii, to work in missions. Then when he was 33, he volunteered to work in a leper colony on smaller Hawaiian island called Molokai. Back then, there was no cure for leprosy (or Hansen's Disease) like there is today, so the colony was completely cut off from other people. Damien built hospital facilities and clinics and churches to take care of the patients there. He also built about 600 coffins. Eventually, he caught the disease himself, and he died in 1889. 

Activity

Even though there are medicines that cure Hansen's Disease, there are people around the world who still suffer from the disease. The Damien the Leper Society works to provide medicine and care for lepers who are forced to live in remote jungles of Vietnam and the Philippines. Today, make a donation (any amount) to this society in St. Damien's name. 

Saint Damien of Molokai, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

StDamien.org 

Monday, May 9, 2016

May 9: Saint Pachomius

St. Pachomius

History

Pachomius was born around 292 and became an Egyptian soldier. Christians were so kind to him and the other soldiers that he became a Christian, too. He joined a monk named Palemon, and the two of them prayed constantly, day and night. After a while, Pachomius started the first ever-monastic order, writing the Rule of living for all the men and women who joined it.



Activity

A monastery is kind of like a family, except with only brothers or sisters living together. Each monastery has a Rule to help everybody live in harmony. Families also have rules to live by – sometimes written out, sometimes “unwritten” rules. It’s a good idea to have written rules that keep your family’s faith front and center at all times. Today, write out your family’s faith rules. You can make them fancy (see example at the right) or simple, but be sure they get on the wall today.


Saint Pachomius, pray for us!


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Sunday, May 8, 2016

May 8: St. Peter of Tarantaise

St. Peter of Tarantaise

History

Peter was born in France and joined the Cistercian Order when he was 20 years old, along with his two brothers and his dad (his mom and sister also entered the religious life). Peter had a great gift for hospitality. When he was the abbot of Tamie in the Tarantaise Mountains, he built a hospice for travelers. He always helped the poor, and he started a custom of providing free bread and soup to farmers in spring, when their winter stores had been used up but their new plants were not yet producing. 


Activity

St. Peter of Tarantaise’s custom of distributing bread and soup to farmers during their “hungry” springtime lasted for more than 600 years, until the French Revolution. And even today in France, people make “May Bread” (pain de mai) all year round. It’s a delicious sandwich bread that toasts beautifully. Here is a recipe with step-by-step photos (this chef bakes it in a special pan, but a regular loaf pan works just as well). If you can, make an extra loaf and some soup and take it to somebody in your parish whom you know is having trouble making ends meet – a single mom (it is Mother's Day in the U.S. after all!), a disabled person, or an elderly couple on a fixed income. 

Saint Peter of Tarantaise, pray for us!


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Saturday, May 7, 2016

May 7: Saint Rose Venerini

St. Rose Venerini

History

Born in Italy, Rose entered a convent soon after the man she planned to marry died. But then her father died, and she had to go back home to take care of her mother. Rose started leading all the girls and women in the neighborhood in the Rosary every evening. Then she discovered that many of them did not know much about their faith, so she started to teach them. She also trained other teachers and started schools in various places. Sometimes people didn’t want the schools and even set them on fire, but Rose kept on teaching, full of faith that this was what God wanted her to do. 

Activity

Praying the Rosary as a family every evening can help keep everyone tuned into to what God wants each of you to do. If you are not doing this devotional – or if you’ve fallen out of the habit, start praying together again today. If you have very small children, you might just want to do part of the Rosary (say, the first decade) and finish the rest of it with your older kids and/or spouse after the little ones are in bed.

Saint Rose of Venerini, pray for us!


More reading for parents:

Catholic News Agency
American Catholic
Catholic Online

Friday, May 6, 2016

May 6: St. Lucius of Cyrene

The Church in Antioch
founded by St. Lucius and others

History

Lucius is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 13, He was a missionary with Paul (and possibly also with Luke), and he one of the people who helped start a parish in Antioch. He also was one of the first Christians to preach the Gospel to non-Jewish people. Later on, he became the first bishop of Cyrene. 

Activity

The Church still relies on missionaries like Lucius to go out into the world and tell people about Jesus. Missionaries usually have to leave behind their moms and dads, their homes, and every comfortable thing. Some of them even risk their lives by going to countries where Christianity is illegal. Today, pray for all the missionaries in the world, that God will encourage them and protect them so they can do what He has called them to do. 

Saint Lucius of Cyrene, pray for us!


More reading for parents:

Thursday, May 5, 2016

May 5: Feast of the Ascension

 

L'Ascension
by Guillaume Fouace

History

Today is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics all over the world - although in some dioceses, the feast has been moved to Sunday. Be sure to go to Mass today - even if the feast has been moved in your diocese, make the effort! It's a very special day. This feast celebrates Jesus ascending into Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father, just like we say in the Creed at every Mass. This is a very important event because it is like a promise to us that we, too, will go to heaven some day, Lord willing.

This feast has been celebrated for many centuries in different ways. In parts of Italy, families go on a picnic and the children hunt for crickets, which they keep as singing pets! 

Activity

Read about Jesus' ascension in Acts 1:1-11. Today is also the first day of the Novena to the Holy Spirit - sign up here for daily prayers sent straight to your email box. Because it's a feast day, make sure you feast! Some sort of poultry is traditional (because birds fly and Jesus flew up to heaven) Even if you only have time for an ordinary dinner, have a special dessert. Tiramisu is a great choice, because its name means "lift me up" in Italian!
Here's a delicious recipe from Food Network, and here's an easier version from Betty Crocker. Both recipes use purchased lady fingers, espresso and a homemade filling. If the kids balk at the idea of this coffee-flavored dessert, then get a box of blue raspberry gelatin and some non-dairy whipped topping to make cloud parfaits. Simply make the gelatin as directed. When set, use a fork to scrape it up into shreds. Spoon the shreds into parfait glasses, pausing now and then to add a dollop of whipped topping to look like clouds. 

All the saints in heaven, pray for us!


More reading for parents: 

Fisheaters

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

May 4: Saint Florian

St. Florian
Photo by Oliver Abels

History

Saint Florian was an officer of the Roman army, and he was a Christian. Once he came upon a town where there was a raging fire. Florian prayed to the Lord and then threw a single bucket of water on the fire, and the flames died down immediately. Then the emperor found out that Florian was a Christian and sentenced him to be burned to death. Florian stood on top of the pile of wood and preached about Jesus. He told the soldiers that if they tried to burn him, he would climb the flames to heaven. So instead, the soldiers beat him and then threw him into a river with a heavy stone tied around his neck. 

Activity

Saint Florian is a patron against fire. In his honor today, make sure that your family has a safety plan in case of fire. Every person in your family needs to know what to do when faced with fire, even the very youngest children. Plus, you should check your smoke detectors (vacuum them thoroughly!) and make sure you have a working fire extinguisher. Here is a checklist you can use.

Saint Florian, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

May 3: Saint James the Lesser

St. James the Lesser

History

Among the 12 Apostles called by Jesus, there were two named James. The first was one James, son of Zebedee. The other James is called “James the Lesser”, probably because he was younger than the other James. After Jesus ascended into heaven, James the Lesser was a great help to the Church. He was the first bishop of Jerusalem, and he wrote a very important letter that is now in our New Testament. He was stoned to death a few years after writing the letter because he was a follower of Christ.


Activity

The Epistle of James is packed with a lot of wisdom. James covers a lot of topics, but one of the most important questions he addresses is faith verses works. Some Christians thought they only had to believe in Jesus to be saved (some Christians still think that today!), but James explained that we must put our faith into action. Today,read the second chapter of James’ epistle. Then, memorize verse 26: For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.”

Saint James the Lesser, pray for us!

More reading for parents: