March 31: St. Benjamin the Deacon

St. Benjamin

History

Benjamin was born in Persia around the beginning of the fifth century. He was a deacon for the Church, but due to the government persecuting Christians, he was sent to jail for a year. He was set free on the condition that he would never speak to anybody who worked for the king about religion. But Benjamin believed it was his duty to preach about Jesus to anyone and everyone. In the end, he was arrested again and cruelly tortured until he died.

Activity

We are really, really lucky these days. Most of us live in countries where we are free to talk about Jesus openly. But there are some nations where Christians can be arrested for preaching about Christ. Today, pray that God will strengthen those Christians who live under the threat of arrest – or worse – if they share the Gospel. Because everyone in those countries needs to learn about Jesus, too.

Saint Benjamin the Deacon, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

EWTN

365 Rosaries

Catholic Online

March 30: St. John Climacus

"The Ladder of Divine Ascent"
(St. John Climacus is pictured at the top,
being welcomed to heaven by Christ.)

History

John lived in Palastine in the 7^th century. He became a religious hermit when he was only 16, living on Mt. Sinai, where he studied the lives of the saints. God gave him a great gift for writing, and John wrote “The Ladder of Divine Ascent,” which explains how to use ascetic virtues — like humility, forgiveness, contentment, penance and honesty — to become closer to God. He used Jacob’s Ladder as the framework, and developed 30 steps to correspond with the age of Jesus at His baptism.

Activity

Today, make a Jacob’s Ladder toy out of wood, ribbon and small wire nails (I have also had excellent results with tacky glue instead of nails). Here are the instructions. To remind yourself of St. John Climacus' "Ladder of Divine Ascent," on one side, use a permanent marker to draw a cross. On the other, draw a triangle to represent the Holy Trinity.

Saint John Climacus, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

EWTN

Catholic Online

"The Ladder of Divine Ascent"

March 29: St. Berthold

St. Berthold

History 

Berthold was a priest in Palestine. There were a lot of people living as hermits all over the region, each doing their own thing. Berthold got them together to live in a community on Mount Carmel. So, he helped start the Carmelite Order, which is still very large and active today. He was the first superior of the order, which means he created their rule of life.

Activity

Part of the rule of the Carmelite Order is the way the community prays. Throughout the world, some Carmelite orders observe what is called “Saturday Station.” This special prayer is based on the traditional belief that from the burial of Jesus in the tomb throughout Saturday, Mary kept the hope of His Resurrection alive in her heart. It’s a beautiful devotion for a Saturday night in Lent! Try it with your family today.

Saint Berthold, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

EWTN

Catholic Online

March 28: Saint Venturino

St. Venturino

History

Venturino was an Italian priest. Because God gave him the gift of wonderful preaching, he attracted huge crowds wherever he went. Venturino announced he was going to Rome in 1335, but Pope Benedict XII misunderstood and thought he was coming to Rome to take over. The pope sent letters to Venturino’s superiors asking them to stop his trip, but the letters didn’t arrive in time. Twelve days after Venturino got to Rome, he found out he wasn't supposed to be there, so he left. But he wanted to talk things over with the pope so there would be no hard feelings. When Venturino asked to see the pope, he was arrested instead! He had to stay in jail until the next pope, Clement VI figured out that it as all a big misunderstanding. He got Venturino out of prison and asked him to be the head of an important crusade.

Activity

Anybody can make a mistake, even the pope! Sometimes, our parents or teachers accuse us of doing something we didn’t do, and they won’t listen when we try to explain. Then we end up punished! Today, think of a time that happened to you. How did you react? Now, pray that God will help you forgive the person who punished you for something you didn’t do…and if you didn’t take the punishment with grace, ask God to build your faith so that if and when it happens again, you will respond the way He wants you to.

Saint Venturino, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Saints SQPN

Catholic Online 

March 27: St. Rupert

St. Rupert 

History

Saint Rupert was born in what we call Germany in the 7^th century, where he became a priest and then a bishop. He worked very hard to tell people about Jesus so that they would become Christians. Then the Duke of Bavaria (also part of Germany) asked Rupert to take over a town that was almost deserted, called Iuvavum. Rupert build a church, a monastery, and a school. He brought in missionaries to work with the people. Now Iuvavum is known as the thriving city of Salzburg, Austria.

Activity

St. Rupert knew that the best way to save a dying town was to bring them real food…for their souls. That’s why he built a church first. But he fed the people in other ways, too. He created jobs for them, he fed their minds, and he fed their stomachs. Today, try this simple but delicious Salzburg-style supper, the original skillet meal. It’s called Gröstl.

1½ tbsp olive oil


1 lb smoked bacon or cooked ham, cubed.

1 onion, cut in large dice.

1 lb. boiled, chilled and cubed potatoes (waxy ones like red potatoes work best)

1 to 1½ pounds cooked potatoes (preferably waxy ones)

1 ½ teaspoon paprika

1 pinch chili powder

1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped

1 egg per person.

1. Heat oil in a 12” cast iron skilled. Fry the bacon and onion together for 10 minutes until the bacon is golden. Remove the bacon and onion to a plate lined with paper towels.

2. In the bacon fat, fry the potatoes for 10 minutes until golden. Add the spices and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Return the back and onion to heat through. Sprinkle with parsley.

3. In a non-stick skillet, heated with a little more oil, fry the eggs the way you like them (over easy, over medium, etc.).

4. To serve, scoop some of the bacon and potato mixture into a bowl and top with a fried egg.

St. Rupert, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholic News Agency

Catholic Online

March 26: St. Margaret Clitherow

History

Margaret was raised Anglican, but a few years after she was married, she joined the Catholic Church. Catholic priests were being persecuted and even killed by order of Queen Elizabeth I, so Margaret hid priests in her home, where they said Mass for her, her children and all her Catholic neighbors. Then she was found out and arrested. When she refused to give up Catholicism and return to the Anglican Church, she was sentenced to die. She wrote to a friend, “…I feel the weakness of my flesh, which is troubled at this news, but my spirit rejoices greatly. For the love of God, pray for me and ask all good people to do likewise."

Activity

In certain countries, Catholic priests and sisters and laypeople are still being persecuted the way St. Margaret Clitherow was. Imagine how scary it would be to be threatened with jail or death, simply because of what you believe! Those people need our prayers, so today, pray that every Catholic facing persecution today will be strengthened by God to remain faithful and loving no matter what happens.

St. Margaret Clitherow, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

EWTN

Catholic Online