Memorial of Saints (December 12)

St. Jane Frances de Chantal was a widow with seven children before she met St. Francis de Sales. Francis de Sales wanted her to lead the religious community he wanted to found. So, in 1610 A.D., Francis and Jane Frances founded the Congregation of the visitation - a community for widows and young girls who want to live a religious life. Before her death, this community grew to more than sixty houses (died ca. 1641 A.D.).

Sts. Epimachus and Alexander were imprisoned, tortured and burned to death during Decius' persecution of Christians. Four women were also martyred together with Epimachus and Alexander: Ammonaria, Mercuria, Dionisia, and another unnamed woman martyr. All of these six Christians of the 3rd century were martyred at Alexandria, Egypt (died ca. 250 A.D.).

St. Finnian of Clonard was an Irishman who spent several years in Wales at monasteries led by St. Cadoc and St. Gildas. After living as a monk in Wales, he returned to Ireland and founded several monasteries, the most notable of which was Clonard in Meath. He is popularly called the "Teacher of Irish Saints" (died ca. 549 A.D.).

St. Corentin was a hermit in Britanny, before he was chosen bishop by its inhabitants. Reputed to have performed many miracles, he came to be known as the first bishop of Quimper, Brittany (died 6th century).

St. Edburga was an Englishwoman who succeeded St. Mildred as abbess of Minster-in-Thanet. She went on a pilgrimage to Rome and met St. Boniface - who came to be known as the "Apostle to Germany". After this encounter with St. Boniface, Edburga conducted a lot of correspondence with him. St. Edburga was also noted as a good calligrapher (died ca. 751 A.D.).

St. Vicelin was ordained by St. Norbert at Magdeburg. In 1126 A.D., he began missionary work among the Wends. He also founded many monasteries, and was very successful in his work. When pirates attacked his area, members of his community were able to escape. Vicelin eventually was named bishop of Staargard. However, he could not administer his diocese due to Emperor Frederick Barbarossa's opposition (died ca. 1154 A.D.).

Memorial of Saints (December 11)

St. Damasus I succeeded Pope Liberius to the papacy. His papal administration lasted eighteen years and two months. Damasus approved the Vulgate (Latin translation of the Bible) written by St. Jerome, and promoted the cult of the martyrs. He is remembered for his modesty, despite his being a very learned man. He is known also for his compassion for the poor, the innocence of his manners, and his holiness. His remains are buried in a small church built on the Ardeatina Way in Rome (died ca. 384 A.D.).

St. Daniel the Stylite was from Syria. He became a monk and soon followed the example of St. Simeon Stylites the Elder. He lived on a "stylos" or "pillar" in Constantinople, where he performed his priestly duties such as celebrating the Mass, preaching sermons, dispensing spiritual advice, and caring for the sick. Renowned for his sanctity and spiritual insights, Daniel lived on a pillar for the last 33 years of his life and was buried in an oratory at the foot of the pillar (died ca. 493 A.D.).

St. Barsabas is known in Christian tradition as an abbot of Persia. He was arrested with twelve of his monks during the persecution of Christians under the reign of King Sapor II. They were all tortured and then beheaded. A passing Mazdean was inspired by the fortitude and patience which these monks displayed under torture. This Mazdean was converted, believed in Christ, and was eventually executed with Barsabas and his monks (died ca. 4th century A.D.).

Sts. Fuscian, Victoricus and Gentian were martyrs. Tradition tells their story. Fuscian and Victoricus were Romans sent to evangelize the Morini in Gaul. Both missionaries were moderately successful. When the two decided to visit St. Quintinus, they learned from an old man named Gentian that Quintinus had been martyred. When the governor heard of the presence of Fuscian and Victoricus in his domain, he had them arrested. Gentian was also arrested, but when he resisted the arrest of the soldiers, they beheaded Gentian on the spot. Fuscian and Victoricus were taken to Amiens, tortured and then beheaded at Saint-aux-Bois (date of death unknown).

2nd Sunday of Advent (B)

(Edited) Sunday reflections: (From) years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)

December 7, 2014
Liturgical readings
Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
Psalm 85
2 Peter 3:8-14
Mark 1:1-8

"He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

The first reading is from the book of Isaiah and prefigures the person of John the Baptist. The first reading refers to the first coming of Christ (the first Advent). The second reading is from the second letter of Peter and refers to the second coming of Christ - a second Advent. This second Advent in the reading is described in cataclysmic terms: "the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar, and the elements will be dissolved by fire". The gospel reading then describes the prophet John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus. In the gospel reading, John baptizes the people Israel, and leads them to a path to repentance before God. John continues the work of the prophets to bring back the people Israel to God because of their present infidelity to the covenant - a covenant established between them and God since the time of their forefather Abraham.

The hope and anticipation of a Messiah expressed in the readings reminds this present generation of that time when the Lord will come again: in the Parousia, (or Second Coming). The liturgical season of Advent is always a strong reminder of this event. But instead of the fear and anxiety which this event can give, all are encouraged to see the Parousia as an event that brings the final redemption of all. Advent is the season to prepare for such an event. The modern spirit of this season which focuses on Christmas parties and family get-togethers can be balanced by giving more time to listen well to the Advent homilies in Mass and make them a guide in living well this season. Every priest-presider teaches what Advent is and what the spirit of anticipation for Christmas means for all. Listening well obtains a greater understanding of what one's Advent-faith in Christ should be.

What can this Advent-faith in Christ mean? One simple understanding is to prepare Christ's indwelling in one's soul. This direction makes any soul more patient - especially in a time when it is difficult to be so (dealing with traffic, long lines to the cashier, and the common stress of purchasing Noche Buena and gifts). The season of Advent calls all to pause and slow down, to take more opportunities to thank God for the blessings He has given the whole year: life, family, friends, work, and resources to spend for food and gifts. It is the time of year to be humble (to acknowledge one's finitude and return to the Lord); to be vigilant (to avoid excess in food and wine, to be sober and awake); to be joyful (in anticipation of Christ's presence this Christmas); and to have peace (that even with all the bad news we read in social media, each one is held in the saving hand of the Lord).