Friday, March 24, 2017

March 24: St. Catherine of Genoa

St. Catherine of Genoa by Giovanni Agostina Ratti

History

Catherine tried to become a nun when she was 13, but she was too young. Three years later, she married a nobleman named Julian, who was very selfish. Because she didn't know what else to do, Catherine also became really selfish. One day, she went to confession, and God gave her a new understanding of her sins and how much He loved her anyway. She turned her life around and that made Julian realize he needed Jesus, too. By then, they were broke due to their selfish habits. They moved into a hospital and serve the poor for the rest of their lives.

Activity

God gives us so many graces when we go to Confession! Take some time today to prepare your heart and go to confession.

Saint Catherine of Genoa, pray for us!

Thursday, January 5, 2017

January 5: Saint John Neumann

History

Born in Bohemia in 1811, John Neumann studied to be a priest, but just before his ordination in 1835, the bishop decided there were too many priests. John knew many different languages, so he wrote to other bishops in Europe to see if they needed him, but they all had plenty of priests. John had to go work in a factory instead of doing what he knew God was calling him to do. Some of his co-workers taught him English so that John could write to American bishops. And so he was able to sail across the ocean and be ordained in western New York. He had many Catholics to care for all over the western part of the state. Eventually, he was appointed bishop of Philadelphia.

Activity

John had a lot of perseverance. Even when it looked like he would never be able to accomplish what God wanted him to do, he kept trying. Today, make a resolution to set aside time every day to work toward what you believe God is calling you to do. That might mean taking time to study, do some research, or to go out and serve the poor or something like that.

Saint John Neumann, pray for us!

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

January 4: Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
St. Paul Catholic Church
Westerville, Ohio
Photo by Nheyob

History

Elizabeth grew up in a popular, rich family and had every advantage, but she preferred to read more than anything. She married a rich young man, and they had several wonderful years together until the hard times came. First, her husband’s father died, leaving them in charge of seven little brothers and sisters and a business that failed. Then her husband became sick and died. Elizabeth found help in the Catholic Church. Through the Holy Eucharist and the knowledge that the Blessed Mother was her mother, two, Elizabeth grew in faith and confidence. She started the first free Catholic school in the U.S. and a religious order. Elizabeth became the first U.S. saint ever canonized by the Church.

Activity

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton found comfort and joy in the Holy Eucharist, even before she was confirmed Catholic and could receive. Today, pay a visit to your parish to pray before the tabernacle for a little while. (If a nearby parish or chapel is offering Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament – meaning the Eucharist is on display in a monstrance, that would be even better.) While you are praying, ask God to give you the same love for the Eucharist that Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton had.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us!

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

January 3: Saint Genevieve

Painting (detail) of Saint Geneviève

from the Carnavallet Museum,

image by Le Scripteur (est. 1501-1600)

History

When Genevieve was only 7 years old, Saint Germain of Auxerre came to visit her small village near Paris. He noticed her in a big crowd of people and talked about what she would accomplish for Jesus. She was consecrated to God right away and became a nun when she was 15. Genevieve devoted herself to prayer, worship and helping the poor. When the people of Paris where packing up to leave because Attila the Hun was getting ready to attack, Genevieve convinced them to fast and pray instead. Attila the Hun changed his mind about Paris and never did attack!

Activity

How often do you wish that somebody would tell you exactly what God planned to do with your life? We can't all have somebody like Saint Germain prophesy over us. But we can and should pray to the Lord regularly and ask Him to tell us what He wants us to do. And then we must remain silent and listen to the "still small voice" to learn God's will for our lives. Start doing it today, and keep it up - this is a New Year's Resolution that will bear much fruit in your life!

Saint Genevieve, pray for us!

Monday, January 2, 2017

January 2: St. Basil the Great

Fresco of St. Basil the Great, Macedonia

History

Basil grew up in a big family. Not only did his parents become saints (Saint Basil the Elder and Saint Emmelia), three of his brothers and one of his sisters also became saints: Gregory of Nyssa, Macrina the Younger, Naucratius and Peter of Sebaste. Basil started out as a lawyer like his dad. Then he became a monk and started his own monastery where the monks were dedicated to prayer, manual labor, and living as a true community of brothers who loved and helped each others. Basil eventually was made a bishop, and he got quite famous for teaching people about Jesus and helping the poor.

Activity

Imagine so many people in one family becoming saints! That’s really the goal for all of us, though. Today, pray that God will help each person in your family become a saint – say one prayer for each family member.

Saint Basil the Great, pray for us!

Sunday, January 1, 2017

January 1: Octave of Christmas, the Solemnity of Mary

"But Mary Kept All These Things and
Pondered Them in Her Heart" (1888)
By Alice Havers

History

The Church has always celebrated the eighth day after Christmas, January 1. Originally, it was the feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord, because in the Jewish tradition, boys were given a special operation on the eighth day after they were born. Then, the name of the feast day was changed to the Holy Name of Jesus, because Jewish children were also named on the eighth day after birth. Now we call it the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and we take this opportunity to think about Mary's great faith in agreeing to be the mother of Jesus, no matter what that might mean for her. We also thank God that He chose to give us a Savior who was born of a woman, fully human so that He could die for our sin.

Activity

Our cakes, fresh from the oven

After Mass, even though there is a LOT of football on television, you should also take a little time as a family (maybe halftime?) to kneel together and pray the Hail Mary. There are a lot of other traditions surrounding this feast day, many based on the country your ancestors came from. Some people make eggnog to drink; others make a rice and black-eyed pea stew called Hopping John. Another tradition is “God Cakes”, which use purchased puff pastry, and a lemon and current filling (currents are like small, sweet raisins).

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Saturday, December 31, 2016

December 31: Pope Saint Sylvester

Statue of Pope Saint Sylvester
at the Church of Saint Sylvester
Pisa, Italy

History

Born in Rome and ordained by Pope Saint Marcellinus, Sylvester became pope only two years after Christianity had become legal. One of the most important gatherings in Church history happened during his papacy: the Council of Nice in 325, where hundreds of priests, bishops and theologians met to talk about what God wanted to do with the Church. But Pope Sylvester was too old to go. He sent two priests to represent him. When the Council ended. Pope Sylvester agreed with all their decisions, including the Nicene Creed

Activity

At every Sunday Mass, we stand together to pray the Nicene Creed. Read it together today. Do you know it by heart? If you memorize it, it’s easier to think through what the words mean as you say them at Mass. Work on memorizing the Creed today if you haven’t already.

Pope Saint Sylvester, pray for us!

Friday, December 30, 2016

December 30: Saint Anysia

History

Saint Anysia grew up wealthy, but she never wanted to live a rich life. She dedicated herself to Jesus and her money to helping the poor. Everybody knew she did this because she was a Christian. One day, a soldier tried to drag Anysia into a pagan temple to make a sacrifice to his false gods. Anysia resisted, making him so angry, he drew his sword and killed her.

Activity

We are so lucky we live in a time when we can act like Christians and help the poor without being afraid. Many of us help the poor before Christmas or even on Christmas day, but the poor need our help every day. To honor the memory of Saint Anysia, go through all your belongings and find good, useful things that don't work for you any more but could be used by somebody else. (No raggedy clothing or threadbare socks!) Maybe you got two of the same item for Christmas, so you can give away the spare. Take these items to a homeless shelter in your community to be given to somebody in need.

Saint Anysia, pray for us!

Thursday, December 29, 2016

December 29: Saint Aileran

History

Aileran was an Irish monk and a scholar. He liked to learn about Jesus and saints, and then write books about them. He wrote about all the great Irish saints who had lived before him, including Saint Patrick and Saint Brigid. The last thing Aileran ever wrote was about the genealogy of Christ that is found in the Gospel of Matthew.

Activity

Today, read the first chapter of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew wrote this Gospel to prove to other Jews like Himself that Jesus is the Messiah. Why do you think it was important for Matthew to include Jesus' genealogy? That was one of the things that Saint Aileran found interesting.

Saint Aileran, pray for us!

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

December 28: Saint Anthony the Hermit

St. Anthony the Hermit
(detail)
by Baltasar de Echave

History

Saint Anthony became a monk when he was a young man. For a while, he lived in a community, but he had so many men who wanted to learn from him, he didn’t have the time to focus on Jesus that he really wanted. So he ran away to a more quiet location and lived as a hermit, all by himself. Saint Anthony grew so close to Jesus that he understood the Lord’s will very well, and God was able to work miracles through him.

Activity

With Christmas, it is a very busy time of year! Some of us have so many gatherings with family and friends spread throughout the week, we can forget to make special time for Jesus. Saint Anthony never forgot this and neither should we. Today, set a timer for 15 minutes and spend that time totally alone with Jesus, talking to Him and listening to Him. What would happen in your life if you did that every day?

Saint Anthony the Hermit, pray for us!

Friday, September 9, 2016

September 9: St. Peter Claver

St. Peter Claver
Statue from St. Nicholas
Church in Strassburg

History

When Peter Claver was a young priest, his mentor, Saint Alphonsus Rodgriguez, inspired him to go to the America to preach the Gospel to “millions of perishing souls.” When Peter arrived in what we now call Columbia in the year 1610, he was horrified at the sight of the slave trade. He dedicated himself to serving the captives from Africa. He would meet the boats with medicine, water and food and hurry down to tend to the sick and dying. He taught the Africans about Jesus and administered Sacraments as they became Christians. He also traveled to the plantations where the slaves were forced to labor and begged their masters to treat them well.

Activity

Human trafficking is still a big problem in the world today, and just like Saint Peter Claver 400 years ago, there are priests and religious brothers and sisters, plus lay Catholics, who are working very hard to rescue the victims of modern-day slavery. Today, make a donation to Catholic Charities USA in honor of Saint Peter Claver, earmarked “for human trafficking victims.” You can mail your donation to Catholic Charities USA, P.O. Box 17066, Baltimore, MD, 21297-1066 or make a donation online.

Saint Peter Claver, pray for us!

Thursday, September 8, 2016

September 8: Birth of Mary

"The Nativity of the Virgin" by Jan Erasmus Quellinus

History

The Bible doesn't say anything about the birth of Our Lady, but tradition and a book called the Protoevangelium of James gives us one version of the story. Mary's parents, Anna and Joachim, were godly people who loved the Lord. They were never able to have a baby, but they prayed and prayed that God would give them a child. When they were quite old and everybody else would have given up any hope, they received a message from the Lord that they would have a child who would be part of God's plan of salvation for the world. Saint Augustine (whom we learned about a couple weeks ago) called Mary, "the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley."

Activity

Today, plant some Lily of the Valley bulbs in your yard. These are also called "Our Lady's Tears." Next spring, around Easter time, the bulbs will bloom and become another reminder of what Our Lady did for all of us by agreeing to be the mother of Christ. (And you can make a birthday cake for Mary, too, if you like!)

Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our deaths!

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

September 7: Saint Cloud

St. Cloud statue from
a hospital in St. Cloud, MN

History

Clodoald, or Cloud, was in line to become King of France, but he had a mean uncle who was killing everybody who stood in his way. Cloud’s two older brothers were killed, but he got away. He wasn’t interested in becoming king anyway. He wanted to be a priest, and he worked hard at teaching people to love Jesus and to live lives of purity and devotion.

Activity

Did you know you can turn a bar of Ivory soap into a cloud? Follow these instructions, and then take your Saint Cloud’s Day Clouds into the bath. (You can cut one bar into thirds or fourths to make an individual cloud for each child.) As you make the outside of your body pure, think about making the inside of your heart pure, too.

Saint Cloud, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Saints Info

365 Rosaries

Catholic Online

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

September 6: Saint Eleutherius the Abbot

Saint Eleutherius the Abbot (Image from SQPN)

History

Saint Eleutherius was a simple man of great faith who was the head of a monastery. He helped a child who was possessed by the devil. But then Eleutherius became full of pride and said that the child would be safe in the monastery school because of all the good men who lived there. The devil attacked the child again, and Eleutherius realized his mistake. He fasted and prayed with all the other monks until the child was free again. After that, when Eleutherius prayed for a miracle, it usually happened.

Activity

When God answers our prayers for a miracle – like He did for Saint Eleutherius – it’s a sweet experience! Here’s a pretend “miracle” with a sweet ending to help you remember to strive to say and pray for the right things. “Miracle” Peach Cobbler is not really a miracle because it’s kitchen chemistry that makes the crust appear, but it’s a fun way to remember the miracles that Saint Eleutherius prayed for.

Saint Eleutherius the Abbot, pray for us!

Monday, September 5, 2016

September 5: Saint Teresa of Calcutta

1988 photo by Evert Odekerken

History

Born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in 1910, she joined the Sisters of Loreta to become a missionary. She served in Calcutta, India and became Mother Teresa after making her final profession of vows. When she was 36, she received a message from Jesus to “Come be My light,” and His desire to save souls became her focus for the rest of her life. She started a new religious community called the Missionaries of Charity to serve the poorest of the poor. In time, she became famous, winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Only after she died did the world find out that she felt rejected by God after starting her noble work. The fact that she continued to serve despite this doubt shows her great faith and commitment to Jesus. She was canonized by Pope Francis yesterday!

Activity

Today, color a picture of Saint Teresa to hang in your room, remind yourself that even if you doubt God's love for you, He is there, loving you and helping you love others. Here’s a simple coloring page and one that is more complex for older children.

Blessed Mother Teresa, pray for us!

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

July 27: St. Pantaleon

History

St. Pantaleon was a famous Christian doctor, but because he was surrounded by people who did not believe in Jesus, he eventually gave up his faith. A holy priest talked to him, and Pantaleon returned to the Church. Unfortunately, that meant he was arrested and sentenced to die if he would not renounce Jesus. Pantaleon refused to make the same mistake twice and proclaimed Jesus. Soldiers tried to burn him with torches, but a holy vision appeared, healing Pantaleon and putting out the flames. Next, the soldiers tried to throw him into a tub of boiling lead, but the fire under the pot went out and the lead immediately became cold and solid. Pantaleon was then tied to a huge stone and thrown into the sea, but the stone floated. The soliders then imprisoned Pantaleon with wild animals that were supposed to tear him limb from limb, but the animals acted just like gentle pets. Then he was tied to a large wheel to be beaten, but the ropes snapped and the wheel shattered. Finally, one of the soldiers was told to cut off his head, but the sword bent. All the soldiers became Christians, too!

Activity

It’s hard to imagine having as much faith as Saint Pantaleon did when he was being persecuted. Today, the kind of persecution we face as Christians is a lot less scary. We might get made fun of or insulted, but we probably won’t be tied to a big rock and thrown into the sea. Still, it can be hard to stand up for Jesus when people are being mean to us. Pray that God will give you and your whole family the strength to withstand persecution.

St. Pantaleon, pray for us!

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

July 26: Saint Joachim and Saint Anne

Saints Anne and Joachim
with the Blessed Virgin Mary
by Josef Anton Mahlknecht (1859)

History

Traditionally, Jesus’ grandparents – the parents of Mary – are called Joachim and Anne. One legend says that Joachim and Anne were childless for many years before Mary was born. They dedicated Mary to God and raised her to love and serve the Lord. We know this because when the angel appeared to Mary to tell her that she had been chosen to become the mother of Christ, Mary was ready and willing to do anything God asked of her.

Activity

Grandparents are really important in families. Usually, they’re the ones who taught your parents how to be parents, just like Joachim and Anne taught Mary how to be a good, godly mother for Jesus. Today, tell Joachim and Anne “Thank you,” for teaching Mary to be faithful to God, and then write notes to your own grandparents, thanking them for what they have done for you and your parents. (If your grandparents have died, you can still thank them, just by talking to them.

Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Saint Joachim at Catholic Encyclopedia

Saint Anne at Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholic Culture

Monday, July 25, 2016

July 25: Saint James the Greater

St. James the Greater
by El Greco (ca 1600)

History

James and his brother John were fisherman before Jesus walked into their lives. Not only would James become one of the twelve Apostles, he was one of Jesus’ closest friends, along with his brother and Simon Peter. Usually, James is called “James the Greater” because there was another apostle named James who was younger. But Jesus gave James and John the nickname, “Sons of Thunder.” James saw Jesus transfigured in glory, witnessed miracles and was called to stand by Jesus during His agonizing prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane the knight before He died. After Jesus returned to heaven, James helped the Church grow until he was murdered for being a Christian.

Activity

What kind of men would get the nickname “Sons of Thunder”? Loud or quiet? Today, you can make a thunder tube. (Instructions adapted from Rachel Bales’ blog)

Materials:

Empty potato chip can, packing tube or oatmeal container, etc.

Metal coil (about 18” long )

Glue gun

Decorative paper to cover the cylinder (or plain paper, stickers, crayons, etc.)

Tape

Scissors

Awl

Instructions:

1. An adult should use the awl (or scissors) to poke a small hole in the bottom of your can/tube/container.

2. Work a little of your metal coil into the hole. An adult can secure the coil into place using the glue gun. Let cool.

3. Cut the decorative paper to size and secure to the container with tape.

4. To make thunder, hold the canister with the spring hanging down and wiggle it gently.

Saint James the Greater, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholic Online

Sunday, July 24, 2016

July 24: Saint Christina

History

Saint Christina’s father was rich and powerful, but he didn’t believe in Jesus. He had some golden idols that he worshiped instead. When Christina became a Christian, she learned that idols were bad, so she broke them into pieces and gave the gold to the poor. Her father was really angry with her. He had her beaten with metal rods and thrown in a dungeon until she gave up her faith. Christina wouldn’t do it. Her father and the governor who took over after him tried to kill Christina through fire, drowning, poisonous snakes and more, but God kept protecting her. Finally, she was killed with arrows.

Activity

Here’s a tasty treat to celebrate Saint Christina’s faith.

Saint Christina’s Arrows*

Wafer cookies

Pretzel rods

Chocolate chips

Vegetable oil

Hershey Kisses

Step 1

1. With a serrated knife, saw the ends of the rectangular cookies diagonally, so that you have parallelograms that will serve as the fletching (feathers) on the arrows.

Step 2

2. Divide the wafer in half by slicing through the filling so you have two identical, thin pieces. (Younger kids can do this with a butter knife.)

Step 3

3. Melt the chocolate chips with one teaspoon of vegetable oil. Stir until smooth. Coat one (or more) pretzel per person in chocolate – set on waxed paper to dry. (If it's hot in your kitchen, you may want to put them in the fridge or freezer to speed this step up. WOH Moms or Moms of Many tip: Buy pretzels already dipped to skip this step. Or try tube-shaped cookies like these (if you don't mind the extra sugar). Move on to step 4 before you start another pretzel!

Step 4

4. While the chocolate is still wet, press the edge of one of the wafer cookies pieces on each side so that they stick out. If you took the Step 3 shortcut, melt a few kisses or chocolate chips and dip one edge of the wafer cookies into that to "glue" them onto the pretzel or tube cookie.

Step 5

5. Unwrap one Hershey kiss per pretzel. When all the pretzels are done and dry, reheat the melted chocolate chips (if necessary), and dip the uncoated end of the pretzel into the chocolate to coat. Press a kiss onto the end to serve as the arrowhead.

Return to the waxed paper and place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

*We developed this recipe because our youngest daughter is named Christine.