St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Foster in Foster, Victoria | Church

St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Foster

Locality: Foster, Victoria

Phone: +61 3 5182 5028

Address: 19 Oconnell Rd 3960 Foster, VIC, Australia

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24.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: ST JOSAPHAT Josaphat was born John Kuncevic in the Ukraine around 1580. He worked as a merchant until 1604, when he became a monk of the Ukrainian Order of Saint Basil and took the name Josaphat. He lived a very mortified life, went barefoot even in winter, refrained from the use of wine and flesh-meat, and always wore penitential garb. Later ordained a priest of the Byzantine Church, and in his thirties, he was made bishop of Vitebsk and then archbishop of... Polotsk. He took on an ambitious task, striving to re-incorporate the Eastern Orthodox tradition with the authority of the Catholic Church. While rejecting the anti-Western sentiments of many of his countrymen, Josaphat also resisted any attempt to compromise the Eastern Catholic churches’ own traditions. He produced catechisms and works of apologetics, while implementing long overdue reforms of the clergy and attending to the needs of the poor. In 1620, opponents arranged for the consecration of a rival archbishop. Tensions between supporters and opponents escalated, Josaphat lamented the onset of attacks that would lead to his death. You make ambushes for me everywhere, in the streets, on the bridges, on the highways, and in the marketplace. I am here among you as a shepherd, and you ought to know that I would be happy to give my life for you. In 1623 Josaphat died praying for the men who shot and then beheaded him before dumping his body in a river. St Josaphat’s body was discovered incorrupt, 5 years later. He was canonized in 1867. See more

24.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: ST THERESE of LISIEUX ( Little Flower) Born in Alencon France in 1873, Therese was the youngest of 9 children, 5 of whom survived childhood. Her mother died when she was four and a half years old. Soon after, Therese became so ill with a fever that people thought she was dying. When Therese saw her sisters praying to a statue of Mary in her room, she also prayed. Therese saw Mary smile at her and suddenly she was cured. All 4 of her elder sisters became n...uns, and at the age of 15 she entered the Carmelite convent at Lisieux, having been refused admission a year earlier. Thérèse said she came to the Carmel convent to save souls and pray for priests. She suffered from depression, scruplesa causeless feeling of guiltand, at the end, religious doubts, but kept the rule to perfection and maintained a smiling, pleasant, and unselfish manner. Before her death in 1897 from tuberculosis, she acknowledged that, because of her difficult nature, not one day had ever passed without a struggle. The world came to know Therese through her autobiography, "Story of a Soul". "What matters in life," she wrote, "is not great deeds, but great love." Therese's spirituality is of doing the ordinary, with extraordinary love. Thérèse was canonized in 1925. On October 19, 1997, Pope John Paul II proclaimed her a Doctor of the Church, the third woman to be so recognized in light of her holiness and the influence of her teaching on spirituality in the Church. She is patron of missionaries, florists and gardeners and loss of parents. Feast Day: October 1 See more

23.01.2022 Dear Parishioners, Hope you are safe and well. Please find attached weekend bulletin for your information.

23.01.2022 Dear all Please find attached weekend bulletin for your information. Have a safe and blessed weekend.

21.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: ST DIDACUS (San Diego) San Diego was born c1400 in Andalusia, Spain. When still young he became a hermit, who supported himself by weaving mats. He served as a Franciscan lay-brother at the convent of Arizafa. His rapid progress in virtue made him a model to all his companions. His soul was continually occupied with God in prayer and meditation. From this source, he gathered such supernatural insight concerning God and the mysteries of Faith that learned t...heologians listened with astonishment to the inspiring conversations of this uneducated lay brother. He was sent as a missionary to the Canary Islands in 1442, which were still inhabited by wild infidels. Diego, eager for martyrdom, bore with dauntless patience the many hardships that came his way. By word and example, he helped in converting many infidels. In 1445, he was appointed guardian of the chief friary on the islands at Fortaventura. He returned unharmed to Spain in 1449. Diego was sent to Rome, in 1450 for the canonization of Saint Bernardine of Siena. An epidemic broke out among the gathered Franciscans and he worked himself to exhaustion to help his brothers. He is reported to have miraculously cured many of the sick. He then returned to Spain and spent the rest of his life as a prayerful Christian at Alcala. He died in 1463 due to an abscess. Instead of a foul odour, fragrance emitted from his infection. His body remained incorrupt, and continued to emit a pleasant odour. San Diego is patron of Franciscan laity, Franciscan lay brothers and the diocese of San Diego, California, which was named for this Franciscan, who was canonized in 1588. See more

21.01.2022 Hope this finds you well. Please find attached weekend bulletin for your information. Stay safe. God bless you all

21.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: ST WENCESLAUS Wenceslaus was born in Bohemia in 907 to a Catholic father and a pagan mother. After his father was killed in battle, Ludmilla, Wenceslaus’s grandmother took over his education. Ludmilla, who is also a recognized saint, was determined that Wenceslaus would do two things: be a Christian and rule his country instead of letting his mother take over. Pagan nobles killed Ludmilla, yet she had done her work well. Wenceslaus became the ruler a w...ell-educated, Christian one. Wenceslaus first made peace with his mother so that he could govern. He worked with the Church, ended the persecution of the Christians, brought back exiled priests, and built churches. He set an example all could follow. He gave alms, was just to those who were rich and those who were poor, visited prisoners, and promoted the religious and educational improvement of his people. To make this happen, he had to make peace with the king of the German empire at the expense of Bohemian nationalism. This caused opposition, and nobles grew angry they were ruled by a Christian king. Boleslaus, was Jealous that his brother was king. As Wenceslaus was on his way to Mass one morning, Boleslaus hit him. As they struggled, the friends of Boleslaus ran up and killed King Wenceslaus at the chapel door. Before he died, Wenceslaus asked God’s mercy for his brother. Immediately, Wenceslaus was recognized as a martyr. He was proclaimed patron of Bohemia, now the Czech Republic. His life shines as a brilliant example of love of country and neighbour. Feast Day: September 28 See more

20.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: ROBERT BELLARMINE Robert Bellarmine was born on October 4, 1542 at Montepulciano, Italy, to an impoverished noble Italian family. His uncle was a cardinal who later became Pope Marcellus II. His early intellectual accomplishments gave his father hope that Bellarmine would restore the family’s fortunes through a political career. His mother’s wish that he enter the Society of Jesus prevailed. After ordination, he was assigned to teach Greek at a boys’ sch...ool. Legend tells us that since he could not speak or read Greek, the only way he could teach it to his students was to stay a lesson ahead of them. Later, he wrote a book to teach Hebrew to college students. As another unknown language to him, the only way he could teach it was to first learn Hebrew himself. Robert quickly became a respected theologian. He devoted himself to three areas of study: Scripture, Church history, and the teachings of the Fathers of the Church, whose sermons and writings are the basis of our Catholic beliefs. He also wrote important books on Church teachings. He taught at a university in Rome and advised five popes. He always taught that the most important truth of our faith is our belief in the real person of Jesus, God’s only Son, who died and rose from the dead to save us from sin and death. Robert died in 1621 and was canonized in 1930. The Church honours Cardinal Bellarmine as both a saint and a Doctor, or great teacher, of the Church. When we pray the Creed at Mass, we can thank St Robert for helping us to understand what we mean when we proclaim, We believe in God. Feast Day: September 17 See more

19.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: ST LEO the GREAT St Leo the Great, was born into a Roman aristocratic family. He became a very well-known deacon of the Church by 431. Leo was widely respected for his love for the Lord, intelligence and persuasive nature. He was also gifted in bringing reconciliation between disputing groups of Christians. That is why he was often sent out to settle disputes, both secular and theological. Leo was unanimously elected as pope in 440. Pope Leo was deepl...y dedicated to his service as pope. He saw himself as privileged to sit in the Chair of St Peter, as the servant of the servants of God. He became known as one of the best administrative popes of the ancient Church. But he was so much more. During his reign, he tirelessly fought to preserve the unity of the Church and its faith; and to ensure the safety of his people against invasions from armies which sought to destroy the Church and the Christian influence on culture which she brought to bear. Leo used his authority, in both doctrinal and disciplinary matters, against a number of heresies troubling the Western church including Pelagianism (involving the denial of Original Sin) and Manichaeanism (a gnostic system that saw matter as evil). In 452, Pope Leo led a delegation which successfully negotiated with the barbarian king Attilla the Hun to prevent an invasion of Rome. His true significance rests in his doctrinal insistence on the mysteries of Christ and the Church and in the supernatural charisms of the spiritual life given to humanity in Christ and in his Body, the Church. See more

18.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: ST MARTIN of TOURS St Martin of Tours was born to pagan parents in the year 316, in what is now Hungary. At age of 12, he began to think about a serious question should he remain a pagan and believe in many gods, or should he accept the one God of the Christians? Martin became a catechumen. At age 15, Martin followed his father and became a soldier in the Roman army. Again he questioned himself should he follow Christ, or should he kill others for the R...oman Empire? He prayed, then he quit the army. When he was 54, Martin had gathered a group of hermits into a monastic community the first in France. The people of Tours insisted that Martin leave the monastery and become their bishop. Martin prayed, then went to the cathedral at Tours to be the bishop. Unlike many bishops, he did not live in a grand home, but rather in a monk’s cell. Martin taught the people all he knew about God’s kingdom. He preached the good news that God loved all people pagan and Christian, heretic and saint. A famous story about Martin occurred when he was still a soldier. One day, he met a beggar wearing rags. He took his sword and cut his military cloak in half and gave half to the poor man for his warmth. That night, Martin dreamed that Jesus was wearing the half of a cloak he had given away. During the Middle Ages, Martin’s cloak (cappa) became a relic that French kings would take into battle. The person whose job it was to care for the cloak was often a priest, and he was called a cappellani. It is from this that the word chaplain evolved. St Martin is patron of horses, soldiers and South Africa See more

17.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: BLESSED LUKE BELLUDI When St Anthony in his apostolic zeal was occupied in reforming the inhabitants of Padua, a young man presented himself to him and humbly begged for the habit of the Friars Minor. This was in the year 1220. Luke Belludi such was the name of the young aspirant belonging to one of the noblest families of Padua, had received a brilliant education. Far from imitating the usual conduct of his fellow students at the university, he kept to ...himself and employed his leisure hours in useful and holy occupations. St Anthony, who had discovered that Luke had a pure and humble soul, joined with a well-cultivated and talented mind, gladly recommended him to St Francis, who received him personally into the order. St Anthony chose Friar Luke as his companion in the numerous missions which he gave from that time until 1231 at Padua, Rimini, and elsewhere. Blessed Luke made wonderful progress in religious perfection under the skilful direction of St Anthony, whose apostolic labours he continued after the death of the latter. In 1239, Padua was occupied by its enemies, and many officials and commoners were put to death. Luke was banished from the city. He secretly returned, though, to pray at the tomb of Saint Anthony for the city’s deliverance from their captors. One night a voice came from Saint Anthony’s tomb telling Luke that the city would soon be delivered from its evil tyrant. Soon this came to pass, and Luke was elected Padua’s provincial minister. Luke, like Anthony, was blessed with the gift of miracles. See more

17.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: ST JANUARIUS Januarius was born in Benevento. At a young age of 15, he became local priest of his parish, and at age 20, he became Bishop of Naples. During the persecution of Christians by Emperor Diocletian, he hid his fellow Christians and prevented them from being caught. However, he was eventually arrested, on account of his profession of the Christian religion. Refusing to recant his faith, and his constant assertion of the truth of the Gospel, Januar...ius was cast into the fiery furnace. The flames caused him no harm, so he was then led into the coliseum to be mauled by wild animals. The beasts, however, laid themselves down in tame submission at his feet. He was then ordered to be beheaded immediately. He was martyred on 19 September 305AD. His body was transferred in 1497 to Naples, and there honourably interred in the church, where his holy blood is kept unto this day in a phial of glass, which being set near his head becomes liquid and bubbles up as though it were fresh. Thousands of people assemble to witness this miracle in Naples Cathedral three times a year: on September 19 (St Januarius’s Day, commemorating his martyrdom), on December 16 (celebrating his patronage of Naples and its archdiocese), and on the Saturday before the first Sunday of May (commemorating the reunification of his relics). The blood has sometimes changed upon the visit of a pope. On March 21, 2015, Pope Francis venerated the dried blood during a visit to Naples Cathedral, saying the Lord's Prayer over it and kissing it. Archbishop Sepe then declared that "The blood has half liquefied, which shows that Saint Januarius loves our pope and Naples." See more

17.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: JOSEPH of CUPERTINO Joseph was born in 1603 in Cupertino, Italy to poor parents. His father was a carpenter, but was unable to make ends meet and had to put the family house up for sale just as his wife came to term she bore Joseph in a shed behind the house. Joseph’s father died when he was young, and his widowed mother abused him. Joseph’s development suffered he had a hot temper, and became absent-minded. Village people knew him as ‘Bocca Aperta’... (Open Mouth), because he would wander about aimlessly with his mouth open. One thing did consume his attention: he threw himself into devotional practices and grew in his faith. The religious orders he tried to join wanted him to help out and do work, but he was inept and clumsy he would drop whole piles of dishes, or forgot his duties, or could not be trusted with even minor responsibilities. Finally, he found a home with the Franciscans of La Grotella (the little grotto) and was accepted first as a servant, then as a full brother in the community. After his ordination, Joseph’s life came in tune with the divine in a new and radical way. He began to experience ecstasies and visions and was a worker of miracles. During Mass or prayer, he would often be lifted from his feet he was observed levitating more than 70 times, a number of his levitations were well-documented. The experience of levitation is a physical expression of the deep prayer that raises the heart and mind to God. At the age of 60 he died at a Franciscan monastery in Osimo. He is patron of aviation, astronauts, mental handicaps, students and examinations. Feast Day: September 18 See more

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16.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: DEDICATION of the LATERAN BASILICA Today the Universal Church celebrates the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, the oldest and highest ranking of the four major basilicas in Rome. In ancient Rome this was the church where everyone was baptized. Originally the palace of the Laterani Family, the building was given to emperor Constantine who, in turn, gave the palace to the bishop of Rome in AD 313. Ever since, it has been the official c...athedral of the Pope, the mother church of all Christendom, the cathedral of the world. One of the most arresting features of the Basilica are the monumental statues of the 12 apostles that stand as if they are supporting the ceiling of the church. Larger than life and full of dramatic intensity, the sculptures show the Apostles holding the instruments of their martyrdom. They are represented not as they were on earth but how they are in heaven. The wooden altar on which St Peter celebrated Mass while in Rome is inside the main altar. The heads of Sts Peter and Paul were once believed to be inside busts above the main altar. Part of the table on which the Last Supper was celebrated is said to be behind a bronze depiction of the Last Supper. According an inscription placed on the church by Pope Clement XII, this church is Mother and Head of all the churches of the City [of Rome] and the world. This feast reminds us that each of us is united with the Church of Rome by special bonds of fidelity and obedience. The mother-church of Rome is also our mother and our spiritual home. See more

16.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: ARCHANGELS: MICHAEL, GABRIEL, AND RAPHAEL Angels are messengers from God. Three of the special messengers mentioned in the Bible are the archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. The names of each of these archangels tell us about the work God gave them to do. Michael’s name means who is like God. God gave Michael the responsibility of protecting us as God protects us. Gabriel’s name means hero of God. Gabriel is God’s hero because he communicated Go...d’s message to people. We remember Gabriel best for being the angel who announced to Mary that she would be the mother of God’s only Son. Raphael’s name means God has healed. In the Bible, Raphael heals a blind man and is said to have stirred the water in a pool where Jesus healed a paralysed man. On this feast day of the archangels, we remember that God’s messengers guide us in our journey to everlasting life with our Father. We can pray to Michael when we face temptation. We can ask Gabriel to help us say yes to God as Mary did so many years ago. We can pray to Raphael when we are ill or know someone who is in need of healing. We honour the archangels as saints. They remind us that God is always with us and that God loves so much about us that he gives us special helpers to light and guide us to him. Patrons of soldiers & police (Michael); messengers & postal workers (Gabriel); travellers & the blind (Raphael) Feast Day: September 29 See more

15.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: BLESSED MIGUEL AGUSTIN PRO Miguel Pro was born January 13, 1891, in Guadalupe Mexico. After a happy childhood in a loving and religious family, he entered the seminary in 1911 to study to become a Jesuit priest. The seminary closed when the government began to persecute Catholics. Miguel had to flee his country and was finally ordained in Belgium in 1925 when he was 34 years old. Miguel returned to Mexico even though it was dangerous as the government had... forbidden Catholics to practice their faith. The Cristero War (1926-1929) saw faithful Catholics rebelling against the oppression of the government, and the military and government officials responded with great brutality. Miguel had to minister to his beloved Mexican people in secret. He wore disguises to protect himself and others. He dressed as a beggar and visited homes to say Mass or baptize babies. He wore a police officer’s uniform when he visited the jail to bring the Sacraments to prisoners. He was willing to do anything to help people know that the Church loved and cared for them in Jesus’ name. Miguel was arrested and charged with attempting to kill Mexico’s president. The charges were completely untrue, but the police wanted an excuse to be rid of this problem priest. Without a trial, Miguel was sentenced to death before a firing squad. Miguel’s last words before stretching out his arms to die were Viva Cristo Rey! which means Long live Christ the King! He had blessed the soldiers and the executioners before he died. Some 40,000 people attended his funeral. Pope John Paul II beatified him in Mexico in 1988. See more

14.01.2022 Hello to All, Please find attached the bulletin, along with a flyer, "Spiritual Thoughts in a Pandemic", advertising a Zoom meeting which is free for anyone interested in attending. Have a blessed weekend

13.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: ST JOHN HENRY NEWMAN John Henry was born in London in 1801, was an English theologian and poet. He studied at Oxford’s Trinity College, was a tutor at Oriel College, and for 17 years was vicar of the university church, St Mary the Virgin. After 1833, Newman was a prominent member of the Oxford Movement, which emphasized the Church’s debt to the Church Fathers and challenged any tendency to consider truth as completely subjective. Historical research made ...Newman suspect that the Roman Catholic Church was in closest continuity with the Church that Jesus established. In 1845, he was received into full communion as a Catholic. Two years later he was ordained a Catholic priest in Rome and joined the Congregation of the Oratory, founded three centuries earlier by St Philip Neri. Returning to England, Newman founded Oratory houses in Birmingham and London and for seven years served as rector of the Catholic University of Ireland. When Newman was named a cardinal in 1879, he took as his motto Cor ad cor loquitur Heart speaks to heart. He died 3 years later. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI beatified Newman in London. Benedict noted Newman’s emphasis on the vital place of revealed religion in civilized society, but also praised his pastoral zeal for the sick, the poor, the bereaved, and those in prison. Pope Francis canonized Newman in October 2019. He is patron saint of poets. See more

13.01.2022 Below is a prayer taken from the MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE 106th WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES 2020 Father, you entrusted to Saint Joseph what you held most precious: the child Jesus and his Mother, in order to protect them from the dangers and threats of the wicked. Grant that we may experience his protection and help. May he, who shared in the sufferings of those who flee from the hatred of the powerful, console and protect all our brothers and sist...ers driven by war, poverty and necessity to leave their homes and their lands to set out as refugees for safer places. Help them, through the intercession of Saint Joseph, to find the strength to persevere, give them comfort in sorrows and courage amid their trials. Grant to those who welcome them some of the tender love of this just and wise father, who loved Jesus as a true son and sustained Mary at every step of the way. May he, who earned his bread by the work of his hands, watch over those who have seen everything in life taken away and obtain for them the dignity of a job and the serenity of a home. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, whom Saint Joseph saved by fleeing to Egypt, and trusting in the intercession of the Virgin Mary, whom he loved as a faithful husband in accordance with your will. Amen. See more

13.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: ST LORENZO RUIZ and COMPANIONS St Lorenzo Ruiz was born in 1600 in Manila to a Chinese father and a Filipino mother. Both were Christians and raised Lorenzo as a Catholic. He served happily in his parish church as an altar boy and calligrapher, and joined the Dominican Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary. Happily married and a father to 3 children, Ruiz was living an ordinary and fruitful life. However, in 1636, for unclear reasons, Ruiz was accused of... murdering a Spaniard. Fearing for his life and safety, he sought asylum on board ship with 3 Dominican priests, a Japanese priest, a layman and a leper. Only when they were at sea did he learn that they were going to Japan during a time of intense Christian persecution. The group was soon exposed as Christian, arrested, and taken to Nagasaki. They were tortured in several ways for days. Lorenzo and the Japanese priest broke at one point, and were ready to renounce their faith in exchange for release, but after their moment of crisis, they reclaimed their faith and defied their tormentors. They were subjected to an unspeakable kind of torture: After huge quantities of water were forced down their throats, they were made to lie down. Long boards were placed on their stomachs and guards then stepped on the ends of the boards, forcing the water to spurt violently from mouth, nose and ears. They were then put to death by being hanged upside down in pits. They died a slow and painful death. In 1987, Pope John Paul II canonized these 6 men. Lorenzo Ruiz is the first Filipino saint. He is patron of migrants, the poor, altar servers and separated families. See more

11.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: ST JACINTA and FRANCISCO MARTO Jacinta, Francisco and Lucia their cousin, were Portuguese shepherds, who saw apparitions of Our Lady at Cova da Iria, near Fatima. During the first appearance, Mary asked the children to return to that spot on the 13th of each month for the next six months. She asked them to learn to read and write and to pray the rosary "to obtain peace for the world and the end of the war." They were to pray for sinners and for the conversio...n of Russia. Up to 90,000 people gathered for Mary's final apparition on October 13, 1917. The apparitions didn’t change their personalities but they did help form their holiness. Francisco chose to console Jesus for the sins of the world in private prayer. A jarring vision of hell given to the children in one of the apparitions made a big impression on Jacinta. It prompted her desire to save sinners with prayer and penance, making sacrifices as instructed by Mary. Both Francisco and Jacinta participated in strict self-mortifications in response to this as well. Less than two years later, in 1919, Francisco died of influenza in his family home. He was 11. He was buried in the parish cemetery and then re-buried in the Fatima basilica in 1952. Jacinta died the next year of influenza in Lisbon. She was just 10. During her illness she offered her suffering for the conversion of sinners, peace in the world and the Holy Father. She was re-buried in the Fatima basilica in 1951. Francisco and Jacinta were canonized on May 13, 2017 by Pope Francis. See more

11.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: ST POLYCARP St. Polycarp of Smyrna was converted to Christianity by St. John in 80 A.D. Polycarp had the benefit of instruction by the apostles, the opportunity to talk with those who had seen Christ in his education and formation as a Christian. Appointed Bishop of Smyrna he became an influential leader in the Church. With the apostles gone, heresies sprang up pretending to be true teaching, persecution was strong, and controversies arose over how to celeb...rate liturgy that Jesus never laid down rules for. Polycarp, as a holy man and bishop of Smyrna, found there was only one answer -- to be true to the life of Jesus and imitate that life. Saint Ignatius of Antioch told Polycarp "your mind is grounded in God as on an immovable rock." When government officials tried to suppress Catholic loyalty to God first before loyalty to the emperor, they sought out Polycarp to make him an example. Refusing to burn incense in honour of the Roman Emperor, St. Polycarp was condemned to burn at the stake, but the flames arched around him and never touched him. He was then stabbed to death, his blood quenching the flames. The Acts of Polycarp’s martyrdom are the earliest preserved, fully reliable account of a Christian martyr’s death. St. Polycarp has been venerated as a Saint since his death in 155. He is patron saint against earache and dysentery. See more

10.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: ST PADRE PIO Born Francesco Forgione, on May 25, 1887, in Pietrelcina, Italy, into a devout Roman Catholic family. He consecrated himself to Jesus at age 5. He had a peculiar ability where he could see guardian angels, and he spoke with Jesus and the Virgin Mary. This was not something taught to him, but occurred so naturally that he assumed others could see them too. At 15 he joined the Capuchin order and took the name Pio in honour of St Pius I, whose re...lic he often saw at his local chapel. In 1910, when he became a priest, he received the stigmata for the first time, though they eventually healed. On September 20, 1918, while hearing confessions, Padre Pio felt pain in his hands and feet. He noticed the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, appearing. The experience was painful, bleeding occurred. The wounds smelled of roses, and although they continued to weep, they never became infected. Padre Pio became popular, and soon busloads of believers came to the friary for his blessing, to participate in his Masses, and to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation with him. He had a special gift for helping sinners return to living as followers of Jesus. Padre Pio used his newfound popularity to open a hospital, Home for the Relief of Suffering, in San Giovanni Rotondo, in 1956. It’s ministry continues to live on and grow today. Padre Pio was known for his piety, charity and the quality of his preaching. He famously advised, Pray, hope and don’t worry. He died on September 23, 1968, and was declared a saint in 2002. His funeral was attended by over 100,000 people. He is patron of civil defence volunteers, adolescents, and the village of Pietrelcina. Feast Day: September 23 See more

10.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: FRANCESCO ANTONIO FASANI Born on August 6, 1681 to poor peasants in the town of Lucera, St Francesco Antonio Fasani lost his father at the age of nine. His step-father sent him to the Conventual Franciscans for his education. At 15, he entered the Franciscan novitiate at Monte Gargano taking the founder as his patron. Remarkable among the young friar’s most cherished devotions was his tender love for the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary ...not a dogma of faith at the time his childlike affection for the Infant Jesus and his ardent devotion to the Most Holy Eucharist. In 1705 he was ordained to the priesthood. He was then sent to the Sagro Convento, adjoining the basilica in Assisi where St Francis is buried, for the purpose of continuing his studies. Two years later he received the doctorate in theology, and he was then appointed lector of philosophy in the college conducted by the Conventuals in his home town. Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani was promoted successively to regent of studies, guardian, and provincial, which latter office he held from 1721 to 1723. After that he served as master of novices, and then as pastor of the church of St Francis in Lucera. A bishopric was offered to him, but he declined it. He was much in demand as a confessor, spiritual director and preacher for which his ardent and filial love for the Blessed Mother was the inspiration. He gave retreats, led Lenten devotions and novenas and collected gifts for the children at Christmas. He died in 1742 just as he was beginning the solemn novena for the feast of the Immaculate Conception. See more

08.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: CATHERINE of ALEXANDRIA Born in the 3rd century Catherine came from a wealthy family; her parents were the pagan king and queen of Alexandria, Egypt. Through books and wise people Catherine learned about Christianity. A vision of the Blessed Mother and the child Jesus fanned it into a roaring, passionate fire. Catherine began to study the faith with great zeal, proclaiming it to all she met. She became a Christian because of everything she learned. When the ...Roman emperor, Maxentius, began persecuting Christians, Catherine travelled to Rome to rebuke him for his cruelty. At first, Maxentius was merely amused by this beautiful, hot-headed 18-year-old girl. He didn’t want to put her in prison or kill her, so he summoned fifty of his greatest philosophers to persuade her to give up her faith. Instead, she persuaded them, one by one, until all fifty had converted to Christianity! The angry emperor had the philosophers killed and Catherine flogged and thrown into a dungeon, and he left on a trip. While he was gone Catherine persuaded the empress to follow the way of Christ along with two hundred of the emperor’s best soldiers. When the emperor returned, he had all those people killed, even his wife. He offered to marry Catherine and make her empress if only she would deny her faith. No, said Catherine. My heart belongs only to Christ. The emperor then ordered Catherine to be tied to a large wheel with sharp spikes on it. The ropes miraculously fell off Catherine and the wheel flew apart in all directions. Finally, Maxentius had Catherine beheaded. Catherine is patron saint of philosophers, young maidens and female scholars. She is one of the 14 Holy Helpers. See more

08.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: ANDREW DUNG-LAC and COMPANIONS St. Andrew Dung-Lac's name was originally Dung An Trân. He was born about 1795 in a poor and pagan family in North Vietnam. When he was 12 the family had to move to Hanoi where his parents could find work. There he met a catechist and got food and shelter from him. He also got an education in the Christian faith for 3 years, and was baptized in Vinh-Tri with the Christian name Andrew (Andrew Dung). After learning Chinese and La...tin he became a catechist, and thereafter taught catechism in the country. He was chosen to study theology, and on March 15, 1823 he was ordained a priest. As parish priest in Ke-Dâm he was tireless in his preaching. He often fasted and lived a simple and moral life, he was a good example for the people, and many were baptized. In 1835 he was imprisoned under emperor Minh-Mang's persecutions (called Vietnam's emperor Nero), but his freedom was purchased by donations from members of the congregation he served. To avoid persecutions, he changed his name to Lac (Andrew Lac) and moved to another prefecture to continue his work. But on November 10, 1839 he was again arrested, this time with Peter Thi, a Vietnamese priest whom he was visiting so that he might go to confession. Once again Andrew was liberated, along with Peter Thi, in exchange for money. Their freedom however was brief. They were soon re-arrested and taken to Hanoi, where both suffered dreadful torture. Finally, both were beheaded December 21, 1839. He was canonized along with 116 other martyrs in 1988. See more

06.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: ST MATTHEW St Matthew was the son of Alpheus, and he was likely born in Galilee. Matthew was one of the twelve apostles the first to respond to the call to follow Jesus. He wrote the first Gospel, recording the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Before he was called by Jesus to become His apostle, Matthew was a Jewish tax collector. As such, he was considered to be among the sinners due to the unfair practices conducted by tax collectors. It came ...as a great surprise to many when Jesus called St. Matthew to join him. But Matthew’s example of faith demonstrates that Jesus can redeem any sinner. When Jesus first saw Matthew at his customs post, he said Follow me. Matthew’s response was one of immediate obedience he directly abandoned his position and became one of Jesus’ disciples. Given authority to teach and heal, Matthew preached Jesus’ message of the coming Kingdom of Heaven and remained a faithful follower until Jesus’ arrest, when he and the other disciples abandoned their master during his time of trial and his crucifixion. After Jesus’ death, Matthew retreated to Galilee, where he became one of the witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection. Later, he was among the apostles in Jerusalem said to be present at the Ascension. St Matthew the Apostle serves as an example that Christ came to save all who are lost the greatest of sinners chief amongst them. For those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do (Matthew 9:13) St Matthew is the patron saint of bookkeepers and bankers. Feast Day: September 21 See more

05.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: ST POPE PAUL VI Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini was born on September 26, 1897, in Concesio, Italy. Ordained in 1920, he worked many years in the Vatican Secretariat of State. He organized the Vatican’s massive relief work for political refugees during World War II. After being named Pro-Secretary of State in 1952, Montini was appointed Archbishop of Milan and became known as the archbishop of the workers. He revitalized the diocese, p...reaching the Gospel’s social message and promoting Catholic education and the Catholic press. Pope John XXIII named him a cardinal in 1958 and soon after announced the Second Vatican Council. When Pope John XXIII died, the well-respected Montini was elected on June 21, 1963 to succeed him, taking the name Paul VI. He continued the Council and overcame resistance to implement reforms in the areas of liturgy, Church governance, and the attitudes of Catholics toward other religions. Though controversies surrounding ideas and encyclicals, especially 1968’s Humane vitae, can be seen as overshadowing his pontificate, the reality is Paul VI’s papacy and writings aimed constantly at working toward lasting justice and peace. He brought a message of human rights, human dignity, and human development to the world. A brilliant, deeply spiritual, humble, and gentle man, Paul VI never failed to glimpse the radiant beauty of the transfigured Lord. No coincidence, then, that he ended his earthly life on the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, August 6, 1978. Patron of Archdiocese of Milan, Second Vatican Council Feast Day: September 26 See more

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03.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: ST COLUMBAN Columban was born in Leinster in 543. As a young student, he was so impressed by the dedicated Irish monks who introduced him to religion and literature that he decided to join their ranks. He entered a monastery at Bangor, County Down, and placed himself under the spiritual guidance of its founder, Comgall. For 30 years he lived quietly in prayer, work, and study. Desiring greater self-sacrifice, Columban asked his abbot if he could go into vol...untary exile, leaving his native Ireland to start a monastery on the Continent. Twelve other monks set out with him in 590 for the land of the Franks. Amid hardship and persecution, Columban and his followers founded monasteries throughout France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. His mission was noted for his remarkable zeal, having once been described as traveling through Europe like a flaming torch enkindling the fire of God’s love in the hearts of men. Columban’s great contribution to the Catholic Church was the new spirit in European monasticism he had instilled, a spirit of total commitment to Christ and to the values of the Gospels. His denunciations of the immoral practices of the royal court and the general populace led to his exile from France and Switzerland. He founded his last monastery at Bobbio in Italy where he died on 23 November 615. In the words of Pope Pius XI, Columban is to be reckoned among those exceptional people whom Divine Providence is wont to raise up in the most difficult periods of human history to restore causes almost lost. St Columban is patron saint of motorcyclists. See more

02.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: ST JEROME St Jerome was born c347 in Croatia. His love for God and his son Jesus Christ was extraordinarily intense. He was above all a Scripture scholar, translating most of the Old Testament from Hebrew. He also wrote commentaries which are a great source of scriptural inspiration for us today. He was an avid student, a thorough scholar, a prodigious letter-writer and a consultant to monk, bishop, and pope. St Augustine said of him, What Jerome is igno...rant of, no mortal has ever known. St Jerome is particularly important for having made a translation of the Bible which came to be called the Vulgate. To do such work, Jerome prepared himself well. He was master of Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and Chaldaic. He began his studies at his birthplace, Stridon in Dalmatia. After his preliminary education, he went to Rome, the centre of learning at that time, and then to Trier, Germany, where the scholar was very much in evidence. He spent several years in each place, always trying to find the very best teachers. He once served as private secretary to Pope Damasus. After these studies, he travelled extensively in Palestine, marking each spot of Christ’s life with an outpouring of devotion. He spent 5 years in the desert of Chalcis so that he might give himself up to prayer, penance, and study. Finally, he settled in Bethlehem and lived in the cave believed to have been the birthplace of Christ. Jerome died in Bethlehem in 420. His remains now lie buried in the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome. He is patron saint of librarians, translators & scholars. Feast Day: September 30 See more

02.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: STS. LOUIS and ZELIE MARTIN Louis was born in 1823 in Bordeaux. When his hope of entering religious life was thwarted, he became a watchmaker. Zelie Guerin was born in 1831. She, too, hoped to become a religious, but eventually understood that it was not God’s will. She became a successful lacemaker. Louis and Zelie married in 1858 after a three-month courtship. For almost a year the couple lived as celibates, but the advice of a confessor changed their... minds and they decided to raise as many children as possible for the glory of God. Zelie gave birth to 9 children, 5 of whom entered religious life. The family lived a comfortable lifestyle, but they suffered the loss of 4 children at an early age and had to deal with a rebellious daughter. Their devotion never wavered, however. The couple lived modestly, reached out to the poor and the needy, and led daily prayers in the household. St Therese (the Little Flower), would later write: God gave me a father and a mother who were more worthy of heaven than of earth. At age 45, Zelie died of breast cancer. Louis and his daughters moved to Lisieux. Gradually his daughters left to enter the convent. Louis died in 1894 after suffering greatly, including a three-year stay in a psychiatric hospital. Louis and Zelie Martin were beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008 and canonized by Pope Francis in 2015. They are patron saints of illness, marriage, parenting and widowers. See more

01.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: CHAIR of SAINT PETER Today we celebrate the feast of the Chair of Saint Peter. We are not celebrating a piece of furniture, but the role and office of Peter within the Church., Presently held by Pope Francis, that office has been around for over 2,000 years and is both a source of authority and unity as well as a cause of significant tension among the followers of Jesus. It is a day when we recognize who and what the chair stands for. The chair of Peter is ...not the chair of a local bishop, for the chair of the Bishop of Rome is in his cathedral of John Lateran. So, while the present occupant of the Chair of Peter is Pope Francis, we are not focusing on his role as the local bishop of the diocese of Rome. Rather, we’re celebrating his role as shepherd or bishop of the universal Church, a role that is intricately one with, but not identical to, his position as bishop of Rome. So, the chair of Peter is, first, a stand-in for the pope as bishop of the world-wide Church. In the middle of St. Peter’s Basilica, the gilt bronze casting designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini encloses the wooden relic proposed to be the actual chair upon which Peter sat when he was Bishop of Rome. We are celebrating the authority of the universal bishop. It’s the authority given by Jesus to Peter to lead and guide the Church in Jesus’ place. For Jesus told Peter that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church . . . (Mt 16:18). See more

01.01.2022 SAINT OF THE DAY: ST CORNELIUS In the third century, the emperor Decius decided that all who would not give up their Christian faith should be killed. The pope, Fabian, was martyred along with many others. But there were apostates, Christians who did give up their faith. Emperor Decius thought that without a pope, the Church would die, so he prevented the election of another bishop of Rome. A council of priests secretly carried on the work. After a year, while the emper...or was away at war, Cornelius was elected pope. Pope Cornelius reigned for a little over two years, from March 251 to June 253. Decius’ persecution gave rise to the greatest pastoral dilemma of the third century how, and whether, to reintegrate Christians who had offered pagan sacrifice, regretted it, and desired to enter again into the embrace of Mother Church. Also, whether bishops, priests, and deacons who had apostatized could perform valid sacraments. Cornelius’ rival, the antipope Novatian, held that lapsed Christians were idolaters, and idolatry was, in the Old Testament especially, unforgivable. The Church could not absolve such apostates. They were to be judged by God alone at death. Cornelius, Saint Cyprian, and other bishops favoured a more moderate position. They taught that the lapsi could be reintegrated into the Church through repentance and an appropriate penance. Cornelius’ position won the day, forever and always, establishing an important theological precedent: There is no sin that cannot be forgiven. In 253 Cornelius was exiled by the emperor Gallus and died either of hardships or decapitation. See more