Today with the Saints: April 2015

Thursday, April 30, 2015

April 30: Pope Saint Pius V

Pope Saint Pius V
by August Kraus

History

His given name was Antonio Ghislieri, and he became a monk when he was only 14. Then, during a very difficult time in Christian history, he was called on to bring people back to holiness. He was so famous for his devotion to Christ, he was elected pope in 1566 and took the name Pius V. Then he worked even harder to make sure that all Catholics understood the teachings of the Church and how to love and follow Christ. When the Turks were threatening to invade Europe and get rid of Christianity, Pope Pius V organized a resisting force and got people to pray the Rosary all over Europe. The Europeans won the battle.

Activity

One of the things that Pope Pius V did was create the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Catechism collects all the teachings of the Church in an organized book, so it’s easy to look up the information you need. There are many different Catechisms, and you can read two of them online. The full catechism is here. The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is a simplified, question-and-answer version of the Catechism that is great for families. You can read the Compendium here. Today, use these online resources to look up the answer to a question you or somebody in your family has. Don’t forget to bookmark both resources!

Pope Saint Pius V, pray for us!

April 30: Pope Saint Pius V

Pope Saint Pius V
by August Kraus

History

Activity

Pope Saint Pius V, pray for us!

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

April 29: St. Catherine of Siena

St. Catherine of Siena
by Baldassare Franceschini

History

Catherine was only 6 years old when she started to see heavenly visions. First, she could see guardian angels protecting people. When she was 16, she started to have visions of Jesus, His mother and the saints. She didn’t learn to read or write until she was almost grown up, but she was very, very smart about theology, and she was a good teacher. Popes and other people listened to her, and she has been named one of the Doctors of the Church.

Activity

One of the things that Saint Catherine of Siena told people is, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” Today, make yourself a special votive candle holder to remember her words. You can get plain glass votive cups from craft stores for less than $1. Cut up small pieces of tissue paper in any color you like. Then paint a little decoupage glue (like Modge Podge or a mixture of equal parts white glue and water) and place a bit of tissue paper on it. Continue working around the votive cup until it’s all covered with overlapping tissue paper. Then paint the whole outside of the cup with your decoupage glue again. (Add a second coat when it dries). When it’s completely dry, place a small votive candle in the cup, light it and ask Saint Catherine of Siena to pray for you!

Saint Catherine of Siena, pray for us!

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

April 28: Saint Peter Chanel

St. Peter Chanel

History

Peter was a French priest who went to the South Pacific on a missionary journey. Peter visited the island of Futuna with two laymen. King Niuliki was happy to meet them – at first. But once the missionaries learned the local language and started to teach people about Jesus, the king felt his position as high priest in their pagan religion was being compromised. When the prince decided to become a Christian, that was the last straw. King Niuliki had the missionaries killed. But that didn’t end Christianity on that island. Within months, almost everybody was a Christian, including the man who killed Peter Chanel.

Activity

Christians on the island of Futuna were very sorry that Saint Peter Chanel had been martyred. They created a special song and dance as a prayer of penitence. It’s called the eke, and it is still performed today. Watch this video to see it and think about how God was able to use Saint Peter Chanel to spread the Gospel even after he was killed.

Saint Peter Chanel, pray for us!

Monday, April 27, 2015

April 27: St. Zita

Window of St. Zita
at St. Leonard Church
Madison, Nebraska

History

St. Zita was born into a poor but holy family. Her sister became a nun, but Zita became a housekeeper when she was only 12. She worked very hard for her employers, but she also made time every day to go to Mass, pray, and and help the poor. The family she worked for was at first worried that she was giving away too much food to hungry people, but they soon realized that she was doing the work of the Lord and gave her free reign to decide her own working schedule so she could help the poor as much as she wanted to - and she still managed to get all her housekeeping duties done.

Activity

Saint Zita used to say, "A servant is not holy if she is not busy." She also said, "Lazy people of our position is fake holiness." With our modern lives being so full of activities and responsibilities, it can be easy of us to make prayer, Bible study, worship and serving others the lowest priority of our day. Watch this video about setting godly priorities and make a commitment to do the "God things" first. You'll be surprised at how everything that you need to get done will get done when you put the Lord first! If you get discouraged, ask Saint Zita to pray for you.

Saint Zita, pray for us!

Sunday, April 26, 2015

April 26: Pope Saint Cletus

St. Cletus

History

The name “Cletus” means, “One Who Has Been Called,” and that is the perfect name for him because Cletus was called by God to serve the Church. He was ordained a priest by Saint Peter himself. Cletus (sometimes called Anacletus) also became the third pope, serving from the year 76 to 88. He ordained quite a few priests himself, as the Church was growing quickly at that time.

Activity

One of the smart things that Pope Saint Cletus did was he divide Rome into 25 parishes so that the people could be served more efficiently. Today, look at your diocese’s website and find out how many parishes are overseen by your local bishop or archbishop. Pray for each parish by name, asking God to bless them.

Saint Cletus, pray for us!

Friday, April 24, 2015

April 25: The Apostle Mark

History

Mark is referred to in the Bible as “John Mark.” He and his mom were two of the first Christians, and the Church met in their house in Jerusalem for quite some time. Mark and St. Barnabas were cousins, and both of them went with Saint Paul on his missionary journey to Cyprus. Mark also assisted Saint Peter in Rome. Around the year 60 A.D., the Romans asked Mark to write down the story of Christ as Saint Peter had told it, which became the second Gospel of the New Testament.

Activity

Saint Mark’s symbol is the lion, so why not make some lion cupcakes to celebrate his feast day? Bake any flavor you want, and then frost them with vanilla frosting tinted golden yellow. Use some black decorator gel to draw on a simple face. For the mane, you can either use more frosting and a star tip (or put it in a baggie with the corner snipped in the shape of an M) as shown, or just buy some chocolate candy sprinkles to make the hair around the lion’s face.

Saint Mark, pray for us!

April 24: Saint Mary Clopas

Salome, Mary Magdalene and Mary Clopas
are told by an angel that Jesus has risen
from the dead. Illustration by Smirke.

History

We don’t know too much about Saint Mary Clopas, other than that she loved Jesus, she’s the mother two sons (James and Joseph) and the wife of Cleophas. Her son James was one of the Apostles, and some scholars think that her husband was the brother of Saint Joseph, our Lord’s foster-father. This would explain her sometimes being called the “sister of Mary” - meaning sister-in-law. Mary Clopas was with the Blessed Mother and Mary Magdalene at the Crucifixion (John 19:25), and she also accompanied Mary Magdalene to the Lord’s tomb to anoint His body (Matthew 28:1), so she was one of the first to find out about His Resurrection.

Activit

Even though it's been almost three weeks since Easter, Catholics are still celebrating the Resurrection! Today, imagine what it must have been like to be full of sorrow and to go to Jesus’ tomb, only to find it empty! Then, choose one of these coloring pages (simple, medium, complex) and make a beautiful picture to show how you think the women felt when they found out Christ is risen.

Saint Mary Clopas, pray for us!

Thursday, April 23, 2015

April 23: Saint George

History

George was a Roman soldier – in fact, he was one of Emperor Diocletian’s favorite soldiers. Diocletian was a pagan, and he hated Christians. He started killing any Christian he met…and he didn’t know that George was a Christian, too. George could have hidden his faith, but he didn’t. He marched right up to Diocletian and told him to stop being so unfair and cruel. Then he quit the army. This is why George is shown slaying a dragon in pictures – the dragon represents evil, and George was not afraid to stand up to evil.

Activity

Saint George’s courage and loyalty to Christ earned him the title of Patron of England. Last year, we celebrated with bangers and mash for dinner – sausages and mashed potatoes with onion gravy. Or, you can make your own fire-breathing dragon using green paper cups, yellow paper streamers and stick-on wiggly eyes.

Saint George, pray for us!

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

April 22: Saint Abdiesus and Companions

History

Abdiesus was a deacon in Persia. He was arrested by soldiers during the reign of King Shapur II, who hated Christians. With seven other priests, bishops and noblemen — Abrosimus, Acepsimus, Azadanes, Azades, Bicor, Mareas, and Milles — and a woman named Tarbula, they were martyred for believing in Jesus.

Activity

At the most difficult time in their lives, Saint Abdiesus and the eight other Christians martyred on this day had the sweetness of knowing they were not alone. They had Christ and the whole communion of saints standing with them and they laid down their lives for Christ. Today, remember their faith by making these delicious Persian treats: walnut cookies scented with rose water. (You can buy rose water at natural food stores.)

Saint Abdiesus, pray for us!

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

April 21: Saint Anselm

History

When Anselm was 15, he tried to enter a monastery, but his dad didn’t like the idea, so the superior refused to take Anselm. Out of disappointment, Anselm stopped being faithful to Jesus. Then 12 years later, he had a reawakening. He returned to the monastery and was accepted. He quickly earned a reputation for being able to use reason and logic to support faith in Christ. When he was 60, he became an archbishop, but the king got angry when Anselm wouldn’t do whatever he was told, so Anselm was exiled. Anselm didn’t let this bother him. He had already learned that even if he didn’t get what he wanted, he should stay faithful to the Lord. He focused on caring for the poor and trying to end slavery.

Activity

There are many times in a Christian’s life when we pray for something that we know is right and good, but we don’t get the answer we are looking for – maybe not for a long time. Maybe not ever. Then we must remember that God doesn’t make mistakes. If we don’t get what we want – even when what we want is right and good – we need to remember that God is still in control and working out everything for our best interests. That’s what Saint Anselm understood. Today, memorize a verse that will help you all your life, Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Whenever you are frustrated by not getting the answers you seek in prayer, recite this verse.

Saint Anselm, pray for us!

Monday, April 20, 2015

April 20: Saint Marcian

History

Marcian (sometimes called Marian) escaped to Bourges, France when some marauders overthrew the Roman Empire. He went to an abbey and became a novice under the tutilege of saint Mamertinus, who was abbot. Mamertinus thought it wise to test Marian, so he gave him what the brothers considered to be the worst job: taking care of the abbey's cows and sheep. But Marcian loved animals and animals loved him. Birds ate out of his hands, bears and wolves left his flocks alone when he commanded them to leave.

Activity

Wouldn't it be great if you could have the same way with animals that St. Marcian had? Give it a try. Take some old bread or birdseed to a park and see if you can get birds to eat out of your hand. Or if you have a pet, work on training him/her to learn a new trick. Be kind and gentle - if you get frustrated, ask St. Marcian to pray that you will be at peace with your animal friend.

Saint Marcian, pray for us!

Sunday, April 19, 2015

April 19: St. Alphege

History

Born in England in 953, Alphege was first a monk, then a hermit, then abbot of an abbey, and eventually bishop of Winchester. For 20 years, he served the Church faithfully, living a modest lifestyle as he served the poor. King Aethelred sent Bishop Alphege to work out a peace treaty with the Danish chieftain Anlaf, who wanted to take over England. Alphege was so successful, Anlaf converted to Christianity and promised to never invade England. Alphege became Archbishop of Canterbury, but then another Danish chieftain captured him and asked for three thousand pounds in ransom. That would be about $3,000,000,000 in the U.S. today. Alphege refused to give the Danes one single penny. He believed that his life was worth nothing - Christ was worth everything. The Danish soldiers started throwing the bones of an ox they had just eaten at Alphege. Then somebody hit him with an ax and he was beaten to death.

Activity

For many decades, people in Scandinavia celebrated St. Alphege's faith with a big feast on the day of his martyrdom. Here's an easy recipe for a Danish-style ox (or beef) stew that you can make for dinner tonight in honor of St. Alphege.

Saint Alphege, pray for us!

Saturday, April 18, 2015

April 18: St. Athanasia of Aegina

History

When Athanasia was a young girl weaving at her loom, she experienced a mystical union between her heart and a star. She wanted to be a religious sister, but there was a law that all single girls who were old enough had to marry soldiers. So she married a young officer when she was only 16. But 16 days later, her husband was killed in battle. Her next husband was a very religious man who decided he was called to become a monk. So, he went to a monastery and Athanasia turned their house into a convent. God used her to heal people.

Activity

When Athanasia's heart was united with a star, she knew she was called by God to serve Him. Here's a fun paper craft project - weaving two different colors of paper together to make a heart with a star in the middle (it's the first pattern at the top of the page). Make one and hang it somewhere to remind you to commit yourself to God's will every day, just as Athanasia did.

Saint Athanasia, pray for us!

Friday, April 17, 2015

April 17: St. Stephen Harding

History

Born in England, Stephen joined an abbey at a young age, but he later decided to travel around to learn from the smartest men in England, Scotland, Paris and Rome. He eventually became the abbot of a Cistercian monastery in France that was not doing well. After Saint Bernard of Clairvaux joined them with 30 other men, the monastery grew so fast, a dozen new houses were built in only 7 years. Because Stephen was very good at organizing things, he started new systems and wrote the Cistercian's "Charter of Charity."

Activity

Just like a monastery, families need order and rules to live by so that everything runs smoothly. Today, tackle something that needs to be organized, asking for Saint Stephen Harding's prayers to support you. It might be a closet or a garage - or it might be your family's daily prayer times.

Saint Stephen Harding, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

EWTN

Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholic Online

Thursday, April 16, 2015

April 16: St. Bernadette Soubirous

St. Bernadette Soubirous
(Public Domain photo)

History

Born in Lourdes, France, in 1844, Bernadette was often sick as a child and didn’t get much schooling. She hadn’t even made her First Holy Communion yet when she was 14 years old. That's when the Blessed Mother appeared to her in a cave, and they prayed the Rosary together. Bernadette would meet Our Lady in the same spot 18 times altogether. During one of these visits, the Lord’s mother asked her to dig and a spring opened up. But the most important thing that happened was that the Blessed Mother identified herself to Bernadette as the “Immaculate Conception.” This confirmed what the pope had said some years earlier. Bernadette unfortunately became quite famous – and not everybody loved her or believed her. She eventually joined a convent, where she wasn’t treated very well at first, and she suffered great pain in her final illness, but she did her chores cheerfully and prayed sincerely.

Activity

We live in a world where most people don’t think about God or heaven or anything of the sort. It can be really intimidating to testify publicly to what we believe in. Bernadette was shy and quiet – she didn’t want any attention for herself, but she willingly told her story so that people would know how generous God is and how willingly the Holy Mother will pray for each of us. Today, pray to Our Lady of Lourdes and ask for what you need to be a faithful witness for Christ.

Saint Bernadette Soubirous, pray for us!

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

April 15: St. Peter Gonzalez

St. Peter Gonzalez

History

Peter Gonzalez grew up thinking everybody would always love him. He became a priest, but only because it was a way to get into the government. One Christmas, he rode into Castille, Spain on a horse with a parade, all dressed up in his finest clothes. All the people cheered for him. Either the horse got spooked or Peter spurred him to make him prance – either way, Peter went flying off the saddle and into a big pile of manure. He wasn’t hurt, but the people stopped cheering and started laughing at him. At that moment, Peter realized how quickly he could lose the respect of others. He withdrew to a monastery, and there he had a profound encounter with Jesus. After that, Peter never wanted to be famous. He turned down a job in King Ferdinand III’s court and preached to sailors and shepherds instead.

Activity

In our culture, there is a great deal of emphasis placed on appearances. If we listen to what we hear on television, read on the Internet, or see in magazines, we have to have a certain body shape, a certain kind of hair, a certain way of speaking in order to be rich and popular. Saint Peter Gonzalez learned the hard way that none of this matters. Today, ignore what the world says you “should” be. Keep the television off. Put away the magazines. Cover your mirrors with a piece of cloth or some waxed paper. Spend your day listening to what God created you to be.

Saint Peter Gonzalez, pray for us!

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

April 14: Saint Lidwina

St. Lidwina's Vision
of the Rose Bush

History

Saint Lidwina was born in the Netherlands in 1380. When she was 15, she went skating with some friend, fell on the ice and became hurt deep inside her body. Since X-rays hadn’t been invented, nobody could find the injury, and people thought either she was making it up or that she was possessed by an evil spirit. She couldn’t walk, her eyesight was bad, and she had terrible headaches. Through all her suffering, however, Lidwina found holiness. She successfully encouraged many sinners to turn to Jesus. Once, her priest tested her by giving her an unconsecrated host, but she knew immediately that it was not the Holy Eucharist.

Activity

Once when Saint Lidwina was feeling quite discouraged, she received a vision of a flowerless rosebush with the words, "When this shall be in bloom, your suffering will be at an end." Shortly before Easter some years later, she saw the rosebush again, this time in full bloom. Today, purchase a rosebush and plant it in your yard. Think of somebody who is suffering and pray for that person every day until the rose bush blooms. (If you don't have a yard, get permission to plant a rose bush at your church or at the home of the person you are praying for.)

Saint Lidwina, pray for us!

Monday, April 13, 2015

April 13: Pope Saint Martin I

Pope St. Martin I

History

Around the time Martin I was elected pope in the year 649, some people were getting really confused and decided Jesus had only a divine will. Martin knew that Jesus has both a human will and a divine will. But the emperor of Constantinople disagreed. He issued a law that said it was illegal to even talk about what kind of will Jesus had. Martin knew he had to tell the truth, so he did. The emperor had Martin kidnapped from Rome and brought to Constantinople. Martin was thrown in a disgusting, dirty prison. He was only given a little bit of food each day, and he wasn’t even allowed to wash himself. He wrote to his friends for a little corn or some oil for a lamp, but nobody helped. Still, Martin stuck to what was true and never backed down.

Activity

When God was creating the human race, he said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” We were never meant to go through this life all by ourselves. Pope Saint Martin I had to spend the last couple years of his life miserable and friendless, with only his faith in Christ to keep him company. Today, think of somebody in your life who might be feeling really alone. Call or write that person and let them know you are praying for him or her (don’t forget to actually pray for him or her!).

Pope Saint Martin I, pray for us!

Sunday, April 12, 2015

April 12: Divine Mercy Sunday

History

In the 1930s, a Polish nun named Mary Faustina Kowalska had visions of the Lord Jesus. One of the things He asked of her was to make sure that a feast was held in celebration of His Divine Mercy on the first Sunday after Easter every year. But Sister Faustina was not able to accomplish this in her lifetime. It wasn’t until the year 2000 that Pope John Paul II answered our Lord’s request and established the Feast of Divine Mercy.

This feast is very important, because any person who has been to confession recently and goes to Mass to receive the Holy Eucharist on this day can receive total forgiveness for all the sins that he or she has committed. Read more about how to get an indulgence today here.

Activity

Today is both the final day of the Easter Octave and the feast of Divine Mercy, so you have double the reason to celebrate. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy (or go to a Divine Mercy service in your area) at 3 p.m. today, and make a favorite dinner. For a recipe that represents how Christ makes our souls pure, here's a recipe for "Divine Vanilla Cupcakes" to serve for dessert.

Saint Faustina, pray for us!

Saturday, April 11, 2015

April 11: Saint Gemma Galgani

St. Gemma Galgani

History

Born in Italy in 1878, Gemma became very sick with meningitis when she was a teen. Good medical treatment for this disease had not been invented yet, so Gemma prayed and the Lord healed her. Then when she was 21, she got a strange pain in her hands, feet and heart. Wounds opened up in each spot, and blood oozed out. This is called “the stigmata” – when a person miraculously gets the same wounds that Jesus suffered on the Cross. Gemma would get them every Thursday night, and they would last until Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. Then the wounds would close, leaving a white mark until the following week.

Activity

Saint Gemma Galgani wanted so much to be united with Jesus in His sufferings that she actually received physical wounds for a couple years of her life. This doesn’t happen to most of us. However, there is a beautiful devotion called the Stations of the Cross that can help us deepen our appreciation and love for Jesus. You can do this on your own at any church that has Stations on display, either in paintings, plaques or garden statuary. As you do this devotion, offer yourself to Jesus and ask Him to open your mind and heart to the greatness of His mercy, the way Saint Gemma’s mind and heart were open.

Saint Gemma Galgani, pray for us!

Friday, April 10, 2015

April 10: Saint Michael de Sanctis

St. Michael de Sanctis

History

Saint Michael de Sanctis knew what he wanted to do with his life when he was only six years old: become a monk and worship God. Sometimes his parents thought he took things too seriously and would try to make him stop imitating monks. When he was 12, he was able to enter the Order of Trinitarian Friars, taking vows four years later. But when he met brothers from an even more disciplined order, he asked to be transferred. He set a high standard for himself. All the other monks found him to be sincerely devoted to Christ. Sometimes during Mass, he would be so filled with joy and love for Christ, it was almost as if his body was on earth but his mind was in heaven.

Activity

Saint Michael de Sanctis loved to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. Being “face to face” with Jesus in the Eucharist has been a powerful experience for many saints. Today, stop by a Catholic parish and pray before the tabernacle (or if you have a chapel with perpetual Eucharistic Adoration in your community, so much the better!). Even if you can only schedule 10 minutes into your day for this, it can be a very powerful experience.

Saint Michael de Sanctis, pray for us!

Thursday, April 9, 2015

April 9: St. Waldetrudis

St. Waldetrudis

History

St. Waldetrudis lived in Belgium in the 7th century. Her mom, her dad and her sister are all saints. So is her husband and their four children. Waldetrudis was surrounded by people who loved and served Jesus and their neighbors, so she did the same. For some time, she was the victim of gossip – some ladies in her town were very jealous of her holiness. But Waldetrudis kept her focus on the Lord, and He frequently answered her prayers with miracles.

Activity

Gossip is so common in our culture, many people don’t even realize it’s a sin. But it’s a sin that can really do a lot of damage. It can destroy relationships and even cause somebody to lose their jobs. Saint Waldetrudis didn’t let the gossip said about her affect her relationship with Christ. If people are gossiping about you, make today the day you lay it before Jesus and ask Him to give you the grace to ignore it as Saint Waldetrudis did. But if you have gossiped about others, make today the day you ask them to forgive you. And don’t forget to confess that sin to God as well.

Saint Waldetrudis, pray for us!

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

April 8: St. Julie Billiart

St. Julie Billiart

History

Julie was born in France. During breaks on the family farm, she would tell the other workers stories about Christ. When she was 30 years old, she suddenly became paralyzed. This didn’t stop her from teaching catechism or from hiding priests to keep them safe during the French Revolution. She also had to go into hiding. Then she lost her voice – and her ability to teach, which was the only thing she ever wanted to do. But the Lord granted her a beautiful vision of religious women surrounding Calvary. Julie soon met a wealthy young woman and together, they started the order of teaching sisters Julie had seen in the vision – the Sisters of Notre Dame – and Julie suddenly got well. She traveled all over France and Belgium starting schools.

Activity

Sometimes, even when we’re sure we’re doing what the Lord wants us to do, something can happen that gets in the way. It can be really hard to stay strong in faith during those periods of darkness. Even after Saint Julie Billiart lost her ability to teach, she didn’t lose her desire to teach, nor her trust in Jesus. In the long run, things worked out better than she could have imagined. Today, ask God to give you a vision for what He wants you to accomplish for Him.