Today with the Saints: August 2015

Monday, August 31, 2015

August 31: St. Raymond Nonnatus

History

Saint Raymond was a Spanish priest who had the job of ransoming slaves. He would go to slave owners in Algeria, pay for slaves, and then set them free. Then his money ran out, so he was taken hostage for several slaves. While he was held hostage, he preached about Jesus, and several Algerians became Christians. This made the governor very angry. He was beaten and punished, but he kept preaching. The governor had his lips padlocked shut to keep him quiet!

Activity

Many people leave padlocks for prayer intentions at the altar of
Saint Raymond Nonnatus in the Metropolitan Cathedral, Mexico City

In some countries, people who ask Saint Raymond Nonnatus to pray for them will leave a padlock on an altar at church. Make your own padlocks, then "open" them and eat them up!

1. Using kitchen shears, cut candy vines (like Twizzlers®) in half so you have two short lengths. Cut each piece in half lengthwise so that you have thinner pieces.

2. Carefully nudge the ends of the candy into the filling of a Newton cookie so that it looks like a padlock.

3. To enjoy these treats, "unlock" the padlocks by pulling out the candy.

Saint Raymond Nonnatus, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholic Online

Sunday, August 30, 2015

August 30: St. Jeanne Jugan

St. Jeanne Jugan

History

Jeanne Jugan was born in France in 1792. He mom was a widow who worked very hard to care for her eight children, all living together in a one-room cottage with a dirt floor. At age 16, Jeanne went to work as a kitchen maid for a rich family who helped a lot of power people. From them, Jeanne leaned what Christian charity really meant. Years later, she met a Christian lady named Mile. Together they would go to Mass every day, pray, teach catechism to the local children and help the poor. Jeanne went on to start the Little Sisters of the Poor, opening houses to take in people who needed help. To support these guests, Jeanne instructed the Little Sisters to go door to door with a basket, asking for donations of food, clothing and money.

Activity

The Little Sisters of the Poor have continued to grow and expand since St. Jeanne Jugan died in 1879. They are now in 31 countries around the world, and they still beg for donations to help them support the many poor people they serve. You can help by sending a donation to them. Even better, you can take a basket and visit the neighbors you know, asking them to make a donation to help the poor. Pray for every one who gives you a contribution.

Saint Jeanne Jugan, pray for us!

Saturday, August 29, 2015

August 29: St. Sabina

History

Saint Sabina was not always a Christian. Her female servant was the one who taught Sabina about Jesus. At the time, the government was fighting against Christianity by killing as many Christians as they could. Sabina’s servant was executed for being a Christian, one of many people who were martyred for Jesus in those times. Sabina had the body buried with her ancestors. That got her in trouble with the government, and Sabina was also executed for being a Christian.

Activity

In some parts of the world even now, Christians are threatened the same way Saint Sabina and her servant were. Today, pray for all of those who are persecuted for their faith, that God will strengthen them no matter what happens.

Saint Sabina, pray for us!

Friday, August 28, 2015

August 28: Saint Augustine of Hippo

History

Yesterday was the feast of Saint Augustine’s mother, Monica, and today we honor him. When he was a young man, Augustine didn’t care one bit about Jesus. He so full of pride, he couldn’t believe in God, and he sinned all the time. But through his mother’s prayers and the powerful words of Saint Ambrose, Augustine believed in Jesus. The only problem was, he thought he had sinned too much to ever be a Christian. He asked the Lord to end his sinful nature once and for all. Suddenly, he heard a child’s voice singing, “Take up and read!” He grabbed a book of the Letters of Saint Paul and the first thing he read was, “Put away all impurity and live in imitation of Jesus.” From that moment on, Augustine had the grace to live a Christian life. He became a great priest, bishop and writer whom Christians still look up to today.

Activity

Did you ever have a bad day when you did one naughty thing after another and it seemed like you couldn’t help yourself? That’s probably how Saint Augustine felt when he first believed in Jesus but didn’t think he could ever stop sinning. The answer was to trust in the Lord and to make up his mind to live like Jesus lived. Today, memorize a verse from one of the letters of St. Paul that talks about putting away impurity: Colossians 3:5: "Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry)."

Saint Augustine, pray for us!

Thursday, August 27, 2015

August 27: Saint Monica

History

Saint Monica had a hard life. Her husband was generous, but he wasn’t a Christian, and he had a terrible temper. His mother lived with them, and she was also mean to Saint Monica. But Saint Monica was very patient. She prayed for them all the time, and they eventually became Christians, too. Two of her children entered the religious life, but the oldest, Augustine, did not believe in God. For 17 years, Saint Monica prayed for him, often weeping from fear her son would never love Jesus. Finally, Augustine became a Christian – in fact, he became a wonderful saint, just like his mother.

Activity

Today’s activity comes from Sole Searching Mama, who honored Saint Monica a couple of years ago with a lime pie to represent the “sour” turning “sweet.” Here’s a recipe for a Frozen Key Lime Pie that’s easy to make (make it even easier with a pre-made crust and bottle lime juice). If you want to follow Sole Searching Mamma’s suggestions, color the lime filling blue with a little food coloring to represent the sea of tears that Saint Monica shed when praying for her son to become a Christian. Out of time? Go ahead and buy a frozen pie, ready-made. Before you eat, think of somebody you know who is not a Christian and pray that God will make Himself known to that person.

Saint Monica, pray for us!

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

August 26 Teresa of Jesus Jornet Ibars

History

Even when she was a little girl, Teresa worried about poor people. She used to bring them to her aunt, who would be able to help them. When Teresa grew up, she wanted to dedicate her life to helping the poor. She started the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Aged, and her own sister came to help her care for all the older people she was caring for. By the time Teresa died, she had founded more than 50 houses where the aged were cared for with love and dignity.

Activity

There are many elderly people who are all alone in the world, with nobody to care for them or love them. Today, think about the elderly people whom you see at Mass every week. Do any of them seem to be alone and without help? How can you help them? Even if you can't think of a way to help, pray that God will send somebody to tend to all older folks in their final years.

Saint Teresa of Jesus Jornet Ibars, pray for us!

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

August 25: Saint Louis, King of France

History

St. Louis was born to be the king of France, but his mother, Blanche, raised him to be a devoted servant of Christ as well as his country. Perhaps because he lived in a palace, surrounded by comforts, King Louis IX made it a habit to wear a hair shirt (which made him itch) under his fancy clothes so he would never forget the sufferings of the poor and oppressed. He fed more than 100 poor people every day from the royal table, and twice, he went to war to protect Christians in other countries.

Activity

For many, many years Christians have done different things that made them just a little bit uncomfortable so that they have a constant reminder to pray or to serve others. Try it today with three strands of itchy wool yarn (representing the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) knotted around your wrist.

Saint Louis, King of France, Pray for us!

Monday, August 24, 2015

August 24: St. Bartholomew

History

Saint Bartholomew (also called Nathanael in the Gospel of John) was one of the first of Christ’s disciples. After Jesus ascended into heaven, Bartholomew went to preach about Him in India and Armenia, which is in the Middle East. Some people believed and became Christians, but some people didn’t want to listen to him. They tortured him by cutting the skin off of his body until he died.

Activity

People all over the world celebrate Saint Bartholomew’s day in different ways. In Kent, England, there is a children’s race around Saint Bartholomew’s Hospital, and each child gets a current bun. In Austria, people bring butter to church to be blessed. In other places, people eat spiced nuts and gingerbread, possibly because he preached in India where there are many spices. The gingerbread is usually decorated with icing and sometimes gold. Here’s an easy recipe for gingerbread that you can bake. When it’s cooled, cut it into pieces and have fun decorating!

Ingredients:

• 3-1/3 cups sifted all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon ginger

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter

• ¾ cups sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1-1/3 cups milk

• White icing, gold decorator dust, etc.

DIRECTIONS

1. Sift the flour, ginger, and soda together.

2. Cream the butter with the sugar; add the eggs, then the sifted flour, and finally the milk. Mix well.

3. Let dough rest for a half an hour while you preheat the oven to 350° F. Gently move the dough into a greased 13x9 pan, level it and bake for about thirty-five minutes.

Recipe Source: Feast Day Cookbook by Katherine Burton and Helmut Ripperger, David McKay Company, Inc., New York, 1951

Saint Bartholomew, pray for us!

Sunday, August 23, 2015

August 23: Saint Rose of Lima

History

Saint Rose was given the name Isabel when she was born, but she was so beautiful, she was called Rose. She had no desire to be looked at, however – she wanted people to simply love Jesus as much as she did. When she talked about Him, she grew even more beautiful, because her face glowed and her eyes sparkled.

Activity

When Saint Rose was a little girl, her mother made a wreath of roses to put on her head to show off her loveliness. But Rose wanted to give everything to Jesus. Today, use these simple instructions and some wired ribbon to make ribbon roses. Some years ago, my youngest daughter twisted several of these together to make a wreath and placed it around the feet of a statue of Jesus at church. It’s still there, and it makes her smile every time she sees it. You can do, that, too! (If you don’t have time to drive to church today, you can bring the wreath your family makes next Sunday.)

Saint Rose of Lima, pray for us!

Saturday, August 22, 2015

August 22: Saint Sigfrid of Wearmouth

I couldn't find an image of Saint Sigfrid
of Wearmouth but this un-named saint is
reading a scroll, so it could be him.

History

Saint Sigfrid lived in England more around 1400 years ago. Many people respected him. Sigfrid was known for three things: he was very obedient to Christ, he was sick all the time, and he knew the Bible inside and out. Maybe it was knowing the Bible that helped him endure the pain and weakness that came from his illnesses.

Activity

Saint Sigfrid knew it was important to know and understand Scripture to help him through any kind of troubles. We should always learn and memorize Bible verses, because the Scriptures will help us, too. Here is a verse to memorize today in honor of Saint Sigfrid (Younger children can memorize just the last nine words if they have trouble with the whole thing):

“Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” — 2 Corinthians 12:10

Saint Sigfrid of Wearmouth, pray for us!

Friday, August 21, 2015

August 21: Saint Pope Pius X

St. Pope Pius X (1903)

History

Born in Venice, Italy, Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto became Pope Pius X on August 4, 1903. He did many great things as pope. He encouraged people to receive the Holy Eucharist as frequently as possible, inspired people to study the Bible, and created the first Canon Law to help all Catholics stay unified in their practice of the Christian faith. All he wanted to do his whole life was to "Restore all things to Christ" and that's exactly what he did.

Activity

Saint Pius X had a motto that kept him on track throughout his life, “Restore all things to Christ.” This is a motto that we all need today, when so much of the world is pushing Christ away. Today, make a banner with these words to hang over your bed or in some other place you will see it every day. Use this simple coloring page or this one, which is more complex, color it any way you like, and write the motto, "Restore all things to Christ" underneath it.

Saint Pius X, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

American Catholic

Thursday, August 20, 2015

August 20: Saint Bernard

St. Bernard
(Photo by Tinodela)

History

Saint Bernard’s parents were devoted to Christ, and they taught him to love and serve the Lord, too. When he went to college, everybody noticed his beautiful faith. After his mother died, he entered a religious order, where he quickly became a leader among the other brothers. He helped start a new monastery and wrote many beautiful prayers, including the Memorare, a prayer that many, many Catholics have relied on to get them through all kinds of troubles and temptations.

Activity

Today, pray the Memorare together as a family on behalf of all the Christians in the Middle East who are facing persecution and martyrdom.

"Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never

was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection,

implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left

unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee,

O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come;

before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of

the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in

thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen."

Saint Bernard, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

American Catholic

Catholic Online

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

August 19: Saint John Eudes

St. John Eudes

History

Saint John Eudes grew up on a farm in France and became a priest. He did a lot of good things, but one of his most important works was starting seminaries to help train new priests. He started seminaries in four different towns. He also helped start the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Activity

Seminaries are very important to the Church because this is where men are trained to be good, holy priests. Every diocese in the world needs to have at least one man studying for the priesthood every year, and most seminaries are starting classes very soon. Write thank-you notes to each of your diocese’s seminarians (enclosing a Sacred Heart of Jesus prayer card if you wish) and pray for them. Then, as a family, pray this prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O most holy heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore you, I love you, and with lively sorrow for my sins I offer you this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to your will. Grant, Good Jesus, that I may live in you and for you. Protect me in the midst of danger. Comfort me in my afflictions. Give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.

Saint John Eudes, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

American Catholic

Catholic Online

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

August 18: Saint Helena

St. Helena

History

Saint Helena was married to a Roman general, and her son was Constantine the Great, who became emperor of Rome in the year 312. Helena became a Christian, and so did Constantine. He gave her the freedom to do many acts of charity and also to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land to see where Jesus lived and to trace His journey with the Cross before He was crucified for our sins. While she was there, she found part of the True Cross that Jesus died on and brought it back to Rome to inspire other Christians. It can still be seen today at a Vatican museum.

Activity

Saint Helena had a deep appreciation for the sacrifice that Jesus made for our sins, which is why she wanted to go to the Holy Land. Even though most of us can't make that pilgrimage, there is a special devotion in the Church that is also a very wonderful experience, called Stations of the Cross. You can make your own Stations of the Cross booklet today with this downloadable booklet from Crusaders for Christ.

Saint Helena, pray for us!

Monday, August 17, 2015

August 17: Saint Clare of Montefalco

St. Clare of Montefalco

History

Saint Clare was a religious sister who was especially devoted to the Passion of Christ. Once she saw a vision of Christ and offered her own heart as a place for Him to leave His Cross. When Sister Clare died, her heart was removed by a doctor and a small crucifix, about the size of a man’s thumb, was found imprinted on the muscles. Though she died in 1308, her body and her heart have not deteriorated, and Catholics often go to pray by her side and ask the Lord to make them as devoted to Him as she was.

The heart of St. Clare with its
image of the crucifix

Activity

It would be really difficult to fly to Italy today to see Saint Clare’s miraculously preserved body and heart. But thanks to the Internet, you can see photos of them. While you look at these photos, pray that God will make your heart as devoted to Jesus as Saint Clare’s was.

Saint Clare of Montefalco, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholic Online

Saturday, August 15, 2015

August 15&16: Feast of the Assumption of Mary

History

Catholics have always believed that Mary was assumed to heaven when her life on earth was over. As one legend tells it, all the Apostles who were still alive were gathered at Mary’s bedside as she was dying, except for Thomas. By the time he got there, she had been buried in a tomb. He had the tomb opened, but Mary’s body was gone. Only beautiful lilies and roses remained.

This is an important feast day for Catholics, because Mary’s Assumption gives us the hope that God will take us to heaven, too. It is usually a Holy Day of Obligation, but because it's Saturday, the actual feast will be observed at Sunday Masses this weekend. Traditionally, people bring flowers from their gardens to place at the Mary altar at church, and they would bring baskets of fruit and herbs (especially the kinds used as medicine in the old days) to be blessed.

Activity

If it works out for your family, go to the vigil Mass at your parish this evening. You can carry your celebration on through Sunday with a special meal or dessert, like this Fluffy Cloud Dessert found at Catholic Cuisine. (It’s a frozen dessert made with strawberries, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate sandwich cookies and frozen whipped topping, so be sure to prepare it in the morning.)

You may want to bring a bouquet of flowers to set at the Mary altar at your church, or you might want to make a gift basket filled with fruit and flowers to give to your priest or somebody else you know. The blog Shower of Roses has more ideas for celebrating here.

Blessed Mother Mary, pray for us!

Friday, August 14, 2015

August 14: Saint Maximilian Kolbe

Photo by Bogdan Migulski

History

Maximilian Kolbe was born in 1894 in Poland where he became a priest and started religious communities in Poland, Japan and India. In 1939, Poland was taken over by the dangerous Nazi Regime. Father Kolbe would get on the radio and tell everybody how bad the Nazi government was. He was arrested and sent to a concentration camp called Auschwitz. One day, the Nazi soldiers chose ten men to starve to death. Father Kolbe offered to take the place of one of the men, a father who had sons in the camp to protect.

Activity

For most of us, it’s hard to imagine what starvation is actually like. Sometimes, Catholics fast (give up food) for a day or even just a meal to remember the sufferings of Christ or other people. It’s not very smart for growing children to go without meals, but you can give up snacks between meals today. You might get very hungry, and that can help you understand a tiny bit of what Saint Maximilian Kolbe suffered for somebody else. And whenever you feel hungry, say a prayer for the Christians who have been forced out of their homes who are also going hungry right now.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us!

Thursday, August 13, 2015

August 13: Saint Hippolytus & Saint Pontiac

History

Saint Hippolytus was a very smart priest but his pride got the better of him. He argued with four popes in a row because he thought they were too merciful with sinners. He even allowed himself to be elected rival pope. But because both Hippolytus and the real pope, Pontian, believed in Christ, they were exiled together by the emperor. Working side by side in mines, Pope Pontian showed Hippolytus how he had been wrong. Hippolytus confessed his sin and was reconciled to the Church.

Activity

Anytime we think we’re smarter than other people and start arguing with them, we are committing the sin of pride. Somebody is right, and somebody is wrong, but we should always try not to argue with other people and calmly rely on the Church’s teaching to resolve our differences. If you have been quarrelling with anybody (a family member or friend), be humble and try to be reconciled today.

Saint Hippolytus and Saint Pontian, pray for us!

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

August 12: St. Jane Frances de Chantal

St. Jane Frances de Chantal

History

Jane grew up in a family where the children were encouraged to talk about their faith in Christ every day. She was kind and good-hearted. After she got married and had children (four in all), she and her husband worked hard and had enough to share with the poor. Jane would give bread and soup to every hungry person who came to her. Sometimes, people would take her food, then return to the end of the line to get more. But Jane said, "What if God turned me away when I came back to him again and again with the same request?"

Activity

Today, honor Saint Jane Frances de Chantal by taking soup to a food bank that distributes food to the poor. Then, during your family prayers tonight, thank God that He always welcomes your requests, even if you ask the same thing over and over.

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, pray for us!

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

August 11 Saint Clare

History

Clare was devoted to Jesus. She started a new religious order for women, and they wore no shoes, ate no meat, and hardly ever talked to each other. Instead, they talked to God. Once when Clare was very sick, some mean soldiers came to their convent but she had the Blessed Sacrament displayed where the soldiers could see it and then knelt and prayed that God would save the Sisters. The soldiers suddenly became very frightened and ran away.

Activity

Saint Clare told the sisters to remember the miracle of the Blessed Sacrament. She said that whenever they were in church, they should pray, "Save me, O Lord, from every evil – of soul and body." Today, make a Saint Clare's Cheesecake to remember the miracle. You can find the recipe at Catholic Cuisine.

Saint Clare, pray for us!

Monday, August 10, 2015

August 10: Saint Lawrence

History

Saint Lawrence was a priest who served the poor and needy. The prefect of Rome started persecuting Christians. He even killed the pope. He was so greedy, he ordered Lawrence to bring all the Churches treasures to him. Lawrence agreed to do this. He came back with every poor and sick person he could find and told the prefect, “This is the Church’s treasure!” The prefect angrily ordered soldiers to torture Lawrence to death. They tied Lawrence to a large iron grill over a fire. Lawrence was so filled with love for God, he hardly felt the flames. He even joked to the soldiers, “Turn me over. I’m done on this side.” Before he died, he prayed that everyone in Rome would become Christians, and that the Catholic faith would spread all over the world…which it has.

Activity

Today, cook your supper over a grill in honor of Saint Lawrence. When you pray before you eat, add a prayer for people all over the world to become Christians.