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 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!

More reading for parents:

Catholic News Agency

EWTN

Catholic Online

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 a while 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!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholicism

Catholic Online

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!

More reading for parents:

American Catholic

"Unforgettable Fire" by Elizabeth Scalia (First Things)
Catholic Online

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!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

EWTN

Catholic Online

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! 

More reading for parents: 

EWTN
Catholic News Agency
Catholic Online

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!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

Saints SQPN

Catholic Online

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!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

American Catholic

Catholic Online

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!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholicism

Catholic Online

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!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

American Catholic

Catholic Online

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! 

More reading for parents:

Catholic Online

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. 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! 

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

American Catholic

Catholic Online

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! 

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

Archdiocese of Atlanta

Catholic Online

April 13: Pope Saint Martin I

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 pray!). 

Pope Saint Martin I, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

American Catholic

Catholic Online

April 12: Saint Teresa de Jesus de Los Andes

St. Teresa de Jesus de Los Andes

History

Saint Teresa de Jesus de Los Andes is Chile’s first saint. She was born in 1900 and named Juanita. At her Catholic school, she read about Saint Therese of Lisieux, the Carmelite sister. When Juanita was 14, she entered a Carmelite monastery and took the name Teresa de Jesus. She wrote to her sister, “How happy I am…I’ve been captured in the loving nets of the Divine Fisherman.” She died at the age of 19 from typhus, but even though she didn’t live long, her whole life was one of devotion to Christ. 

Activity

Carmelites live apart from the world so they do not get distracted by other things and can really focus on Christ. Sometimes, it’s harder for us when we many things that beg for our attention. Saint Teresa de Jesus wrote, “I am God’s. He created me and is my beginning and my end.” We often refer to Christ as the Alpha and Omega, because alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and omega is the last letter – the beginning and the end. Today, color this picture of Jesus as the Alpha and Omega, and hang it somewhere to remind you to put Jesus first all day, every day. 

Saint Teresa de Jesus de Los Andes, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Vatican biography

American Catholic

365 Rosaries

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!

More reading for parents:

Saint Gemma Galgani homepage

Saints SQPN

Catholic Online

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 after Mass, stop and pray before the tabernacle. It can be a very powerful experience. 

Saint Michael de Sanctis, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

365 Rosaries

Catholic Online

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 destroy relationships or cause somebody to lose a jobs or other bad things. 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. 

Saint Waldetrudis, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Holy Spirit Interactive

University of Notre Dame

Catholic Online

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. 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. 

Saint Julie Billiart pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

American Catholic

Catholic Online

April 7: Saint John Baptist de la Salle

St. John Baptist de la Salle

History

John came from a rich family in France during the 1600s. He was chosen for the priesthood when he was only 11 years old, but he was not ordained until he was 27. He was assigned to create a school for poor boys. John didn’t like that idea very much at first, but the more he got involved with teaching boys who didn’t have much of a chance in life, the more he became convinced that this was what God wanted him to do. He lived as poor as the children he was teaching, and created new methods to teach these unruly boys. He was very successful, even starting a new religious order to help run the schools, a teacher’s college and homes for troubled kids from wealthy families.

Activity

Where would we be without teachers like St. John de la Salle, who find new, creative ways to enrich the mind of young people? Today, think of a teacher (or two or three) who is really making a difference for kids who struggle with learning, poverty, family problems and other issues. Pray for that teacher and then write him or her an encouraging note. 

Saint John Baptist de la Salle, pray for us!

More reading for parents: 

American Catholic

EWTN

Catholic Online

April 6: Saint Crescentia Hoess

St. Crescentia Hoess

History

Things hardly ever went well for Sister Crescentia. Her family in Bavaria was so poor that when she tried to enter the Order of Saint Francis at the age of 18, her dowry wasn’t enough, and she was turned away. Eventually, the mayor and all the residents of her town appealed to the superior and Crescentia was admitted. The sisters treated her like a beggar. She was given the worst chores, but she did them cheerfully and well. Once she was even told to fetch water with a sieve, and through a miracle, she was able to succeed. In time, she became respected and loved throughout the convent. At the end of her life, she lost the use of her limbs and could only lay in great pain on her bed, curled up like a baby. But she kept her eyes on Jesus and remained joyful until she died on Easter Sunday. 

Activity

Saint Crescentia Hoess learned to endure any difficulty without complaining – and even cheerfully. Today, follow her example and pray this “Prayer of Love to God” that she wrote whenever things get rough for you.

Prayer of Love to God 

Grant, O God, that love and suffering may grow hand in hand in me, so that I may love you more and more with the cheerful disposition which is the fruit of love. O Lord, only grant me love for you, and I shall be rich enough. I desire only that you leave me to my nothingness and that you alone, if I may say so, be all in all and loved and honored by everybody. I wish to take pleasure in nothing but only in you and your love. Amen

Saint Crescentia Hoess, pray for us!

More reading for parents: 

Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration

365 Rosaries

St. Aloysius of Gonzaga blog