Memorial of Saints (December 31)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Sylvester I, pope
• Melania the Younger, widow
• Columba of Sens, virgin and martyr

St. Sylvester I (died ca. 335 A.D.) became Pope in 314 A.D. He experienced the freedom which the Emperor Constantine granted to all adherents of the Christian faith and was able to contribute much to the spread of Christianity.

Pope Sylvester I sent a delegate to the Council of Nicaea to approve the dogma about the divinity of Christ. The General Council of Nicaea condemned two heresies: Donatism and Arianism. During St. Sylvester I's pontificate, many new churches were built: the basilicas of St. Peter and St. John Lateran.

More on Saints in the Roman Calendar - December 31

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar - December 31

• Venerable Melania

St. Melania (383-439 A.D.) is both commemorated on December 31 in the Roman Calendar and the Byzantine Calendar. She is the daughter of a Roman senator, who was the son of Melania the Elder. Melania the Younger was married against her will by her father when she was only fourteen years old. After the two children she gave birth to died, her father agreed to respect her desire to devote her life to God. And then when her father passed away, leaving her with enormous wealth, she, her husband, and her mother, turned their country villa into a religious center.

In 417 A.D., they made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Melania's mother died 14 years later and her husband died in the following year. St. Melania died at Jerusalem on December 31. Venerable Melania has been venerated in the Eastern Church for many centuries and she began to have a cult in the West when Pope Pius X approved the observance of her feast in 1908 A.D. for the Somaschi - an observance followed by the Latin Catholics of Constantinople and Jerusalem.

Memorial of Saints (December 30)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Egwin of Worcester, bishop
• Sabinus and Companions, martyrs
• Anysia, martyr
• Anysius, bishop

St. Egwin of Worcester (died ca. 717 A.D.) was a descendant of the Mercian kings. He became a religious in his youth and in 692 or 693 A.D., was named bishop of Worcester, England. Committed to the reform of the clergy, he evoked the enmity of a faction in his diocese. As a consequence, Egwin was forced to withdraw from his see for a time. He made a penitential pilgrimage to Rome to defend himself against the charges of overturn and received papal vindication. Upon his return to England, with the help of the king of Mercia, Egwin founded Evesham Monastery. This monastery developed into one of the great Benedictine monasteries in medieval England. St. Egwin died at Evesham and was buried in the monastery.

December 30 - Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• Anysia
• Venerable Zoticus

Feast of the Holy Family (C)

(Edited) Sunday Reflections (from) Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Feast of the Holy Family (C), December 30, 2012
Liturgical readings
Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
Psalm 128
Colossians 3:12-21
Luke 2:41-52

"On the third day they came upon him in the temple."

Like all Jewish families, St. Joseph and the Blessed Mother brought the Lord Jesus with them for the feast of the Passover. The Lord was twelve years of age at the time. So they went to Jerusalem for that very purpose. When the feast had ended, Joseph and Mary journeyed back home not knowing that Jesus was not with them. As soon as Joseph and Mary realized this, they returned to Jerusalem in search of him. On the third day of their search, they found him in the temple. Jesus was sitting among the teachers of the Law. When Mary approached Jesus and expressed her anxiety at not having him by their side, Jesus replied in words his parents did not understand.

St. Joseph and the Blessed Mother were responsible parents. Although the Lord Jesus may have known the way back home - since it was their yearly custom to do so - his parents nevertheless wanted to be certain that he was safe. Both of them knew in faith generally, that they were entrusted with someone of divine origin because of the many events related to his birth: the angel Gabriel; the miraculous conception of Elizabeth; the angel's messages to Joseph in his dreams; the visit of the shepherds; the visit and gifts of the Magi. However, Joseph and Mary's limited human understanding cannot comprehend the words Jesus spoke to them upon finding Him at the Temple. The Lord's wisdom and knowledge are beyond any human of His age and also beyond any understanding at the level of His parents.

Jesus, like any Jewish boy, was obedient to his parents. After that event in the finding at the Temple of Jerusalem, traditional stories report that Jesus spent thirty years in Nazareth growing up with the people of his own generation. His mother kept all the events related to her Son in her memory and contemplated them in her heart. Jesus also learned the trade of his foster-father Joseph: carpentry. Nothing much is known about this hidden years, except that Jesus progressed steadily in wisdom before God and his townmates in Nazareth. This story of the Finding in the Temple, and mention of their hidden family life, reminds all the faithful of the many good qualities each one of them exemplifies for every member of the Christian family.

Memorial of Saints (December 29)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Thomas Becket, bishop and martyr
• Trophimus, bishop
• Marcellus Akimetes,abbot
• Ebrulf or Evroult, abbot
• Peter the Venerable, abbot

December 29 - Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• The Holy Innocents
• Marcellus, Hegumen-Abbot

Memorial of Saints (December 28)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Holy Innocents, martyrs
• Antony of Lerins
• Gaspar del Bufalo

The Holy Innocents (first century A.D.) were put to death by King Herod in an effort to destroy the One who was to be born King of the Jews out of fear for his own throne (Matthew 2:16-18). They are venerated as martyrs who died not because of Christ, but instead of Christ, Learn more

St. Gaspar del Bufalo (1786-1837 A.D.) was the founder of the Society of the Precious Blood in 1815 A.D., an order of priests and brothers dedicated to parish ministry, parish missions and other forms of missionary work. They promote devotion to the Precious Blood as a sign of Christ's redemptive love for all humanity. (Pope Pius IX was an early member of the congregation.) St. Gaspar del Bufalo was canonized in 1954 A.D.

December 28 - Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• 20,000 Martyrs in Nicomedia
• St. Domna, Martyr

The 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia refers to victims of persecution of Christians in Nicomedia, Bithynia (modern Izmit, Turkey) by the Roman emperors Diocletian and Maximian in the early 4th century A.D.

According to various martyrologies, the persecution included the burning of a church that held numerous Christians on Christmas Day.

The story of their martyrdom began after the Emperor Maximian returned from battle and won against the Ethiopians in 304 A.D. To thank their gods after the victory Maximian acquired, everyone was ordered to sacrifice to idols. The Christians were in the church celebrating Christmas. When the Christians refused to sacrifice to idols, the Emperor Maximian and his soldiers entered the Church and told the Christians that they could escape punishment if they renounce Christ. Since the Christians refused to do so, Maximian ordered the soldiers to kill the priest Glycerius by burning him to death, including all the Christians in the church. Learn more from Wikipedia.org

Memorial of Saints (December 27)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• John, apostle and evangelist
• Fabiola, widow
• Nicarete, virgin
• Theodore and Theophanes
• John Stone, priest and martyr

St. John was born in Bethsaida, Galilee. He and his brother James followed Christ and became apostles, with John becoming Christ's beloved disciple. In the hour of Christ's death on the Cross, John was with Mary, the mother of Jesus, at the foot of the Cross. It was there before the death of Christ, that Christ entrusted His mother to John.

St. John was not only an apostle but also an evangelist like his companion-apostle Matthew. John's gospel is the last gospel to be written. Three letters are also attributed to John in the New Testament. John is the only apostle not to die as a martyr.

December 27 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• St. Stephen, Protomartyr, Apostle and Archdeacon
• Theodore, brother of St. Theophanes

Sts. Theodore (ca. 775-841 A.D.) and Theophanes (born ca. 778 A.D.) were born at Kerak, Moab (Transjordan) and became monks at St. Sabas Monastery. He and his brother Theophanes were exiled to an island in the Black Sea when they opposed the iconclastic activities of Emperor Leo the Armenian. Upon the death of Emperor Leo in 820 A.D., the brothers returned to Constantinople. They were again banished by Emperor Theophilus in 829 A.D.. When Theophilus died, Theophanes was brought back and was later named bishop of Nicaea. Both brothers are called Graptoi (written-on) because twelve lines of verses had been cut into their skins for their opposition to iconoclasm.

St. Theodore is commemorated in both the Roman Calendar and the Byzantine Calendar this day, December 27. St. Theophanes (called the Chronicler) is commemorated in the Roman Calendar every 12th of March.

Memorial of Saints (December 26)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Stephen, martyr
• Archelaus, bishop
• Dionysius, pope
• Zosimus, pope

St. Stephen (1st century A.D.) was one of the first deacons in the early Christian Church of Jerusalem. As a brilliant speaker he was very successful and drew the hatred of the Jews on himself. The story of his martyrdom is presented in the Acts of the Apostles.

Sts. Stephen, Archelaus, Dionysius, Zosimus, Learn more

December 26 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• Synaxis of the Most Holy Mother of God and St. Joseph, her Spouse
• St. Euthymius, Priest-Martyr

(Author's note: AI Overview from Google Search on the "Synaxis" provided below. Generative AI is experimental)

The Synaxis of the Most Holy Mother of God and St. Joseph, her Spouse is a celebration in the Eastern Orthodox Church that takes place on December 26. It is celebrated on the second day of the Feast of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. The name of the festival refers to the gathering of the faithful to honor the Virgin Mary and her spouse, St. Joseph.

The word "Synaxis" refers to a gathering for worship, or a congregation that meets for a liturgical service. It can also refer to an early part of the Eastern Orthodox Church's divine liturgy.

St. Euthymius the Great:

In the Roman Calendar, the feast of St. Euthymius is every January 20. In the Byzantine Calendar, he is commemorated today, December 26.

More on St. Euthymius the Great (Wikipedia.org)

Solemnity of Christmas (Years A, B, & C)

(Edited) Reflection (from) Christmas Mass for the Day (B), December 25, 2011

Author's note: The Liturgical readings for Christmas Mass for the Day is the same for all liturgical cycles: Year A, B, & C

Liturgical readings
Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm 98
Hebrews 1:1-6
John 1:1-18

"The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us."

In a sermon for Christmas, St. Bernard (a Cistercian abbot of the monastery of Clairvaux in the beginning of the 2nd millenium), describes the mystery of Christmas as follows:

"A little child has been given to us, but in Him dwells all the fullness of a divine nature...the smaller He became through His human nature the greater was His goodness; the more He lowered Himself for us, the dearer He is to us."

What can humble some human minds is the challenge to have faith in this little child, who has that fullness of divinity which contains the Wisdom of God - a Wisdom not only for the known universe that everyone knows, but also for what is unknown. In a little child, the hope of humanity is borne in the lowliness of a baby, born of a simple maiden from Nazareth.

Looking at the traditional Christmas crèche, and taking time to contemplate how God-became-flesh-in-Jesus, can fill any soul with a hope not like any hope found in the other liturgical season of the Catholic faith. As present external circumstances appear to be heading towards negativity and a downtrend, the mystery of hope and joy which the Christ-Child presents every Christmas to all the faithful, is enough to dispel any form of discouragement or sorrow one may have encountered in the difficulties of life this past year. And it gives all a source of hope for a future that all anticipate. This hope for a future is found in the Christmas spirit of the Eucharist itself. And it is magnified with the knowledge that the Spirit of God is present in all who receive this hope in the Eucharist in every corner of the world. The Eucharist brings that Christmas hope to every heart until it overflows and benefits others as well.

It has been two millenia since that mystery of the Word-became-flesh quietly entered human history in a small town in Bethlehem. This Spirit of the Word-became-flesh from then on continued to be poured out all over the world through the zeal of the apostles and their followers. Until now, it continues to be poured out to all humanity through the Church and all its members of every culture and race. Though there are still others who may not as yet see the light of the truth of the Incarnation, everyone knows by heart that the spirit of joy and hope which the poor Bethlehem scene brings, can still inspire a world in need of this Christmas spirit. It is the task of every baptized Catholic not only to remain in this Christmas hope, but also to bring it to others in the very circumstances of each one's respective work and state of life.

Memorial of Saints (December 25)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• CHRISTMAS
• Anastasia of Sirmium, martyr
• Eugenia, virgin and martyr
• The Martyrs of Nicomedia

Related blog posts:

• Origin of the Christmas Crèche Custom, Learn more
• Advent, Christmas & Liturgical Hymns, Learn more

December 25 in the Byzantine Calendar

• The Nativity of Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ, or "Christmas Day"

Memorial of Saints (December 24)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Irmina, virgin
• Gregory of Spoleto, martyr
• Delphinus, bishop
• Tharsilla and Emiliana, virgins
• Adela, widow
• Sharbel Makhlouf, hermit

St. Irmina (died ca. 710 A.D.) was the daughter of St. Dagobert II of the Franks and was betrothed to Count Herman. When a jealous suitor lured Herman to his death over a cliff outside Treves, Irmina decided to become a nun at a monastery near Treves, which her father also either founded or restored. St. Irmina aided St. Willibrod in his missionary work and in 698 A.D., gave him the building and grounds on which he founded the famous Echternach Monastery. St. Irmina died at Alsace at Weissenberg Monastery, which her father had founded.

St. Sharbel Makhlouf (1828-1898 A.D.) was a hermit. Born in a remote village in Lebanon, he was a shepherd in his early years and spent time in a cave praying and meditating. He often visited a hermitage where two of his uncles were monks. In 1851 A.D., he entered the Maronite monastery of Our Lady of Maifouk. He took solemn vows in 1853 A.D. and then studied philosophy and theology. Ordained a priest in 1859 A.D., he began to live austerely. In 1866 A.D., he moved to a small hermitage owned by the great monastery of St. Maro in Annaya. St. Sharbel died in 1898 A.D. and was buried in a nearby cemetery. He was beatified in 1965 A.D. and canonized in 1977 A.D.

December 24 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• Sts. Eugenia, Venerable Martyr and her two slaves, Protus and Hyacinth

St. Eugenia (died ca. 257 A.D.) was a Roman martyr. She was the daughter of a Duke during the reign of Emperor Valerian.

Eugenia fled from her father's house dressed in men's clothing and was baptized by Helenus, bishop of Heliopolis. Helenus sent her to an abbey of which she became abbot. She got into a legal entanglement, but was exonerated, when she revealed she was a woman and the daughter of the judge - who was her father. St. Eugenia's father was converted to Christianity. And she converted many others, including her mother. She suffered martyrdom by the sword in Rome.

The Byzantine Calendar commemorates St. Eugenia today while the Roman Calendar commemorates her on the 25th of December.

This day (December 24) in the history of the Catholic Church

The Second Vatican Council in the 1960s had many official observers. One official observer was a Polish-born Hasidic rabbi who was a strong supporter of the civil rights and peace movements in the United States of America. His name was Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-1972 A.D.). He is quoted as saying,

"indifference to evil is worse than evil itself"

Abraham Heschel wrote works that recalled Christians to their Jewish roots, and his appreciation for the Catholic principle of sacramentality was reflected in his sense of "the holy dimension of all existence." Today, December 24, commemorates the day of his death. (SEARCHING IN THE WILDERNESS Jewish Christian Relations Today: The Legacy of Abraham Joshua Heschel Michael A. Chester, the Oxford Institute for Methodist Theological Studies, 2007, Learn more)

Memorial of Saints (December 23)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• John of Kanty, priest
• The Ten Martyrs of Crete
• Victoria and Anatolia, virgins and martyrs
• Servulus
• Dagobert of Austrasia
• Thorlac, bishop
• Marie Margeruite d'Youville

St. John of Kanty (1390-1473 A.D.) was a Polish priest and professor at the University of Cracow. John was born of a well-to-do family at Kanty, near Oswiecim (Auschwitz) in Poland. For some unknown reason, perhaps out of envy at his success, he was later removed from his teaching position and assigned to a parish in Olkusz. His parish ministry being unsuccessful, he was later recalled to occupy a chair of theology at the university. He urged his students to oppose false opinions with moderation and courtesy. And he himself was held in such high esteem that his academic gown was used to vest each new doctor of the university.

St. Thorlac of Skalholt (1133-1193 A.D.) was born in Iceland, became a deacon when he was fifteen, and was ordained when he was eighteen. He was sent abroad to study and then returned to Iceland in 1161 A.D. He founded a community of Augustinian Canons and became its abbot. In 1178 A.D., he was named bishop of Skalholt, one of Iceland's two dioceses. He reformed the see, insisted on clerical discipline and celibacy, abolished lay patronage, and fought simony. He planned to resign and move to Thykkviboer and retire, but he died on December 23. The bishops of Iceland canonized him in 1198 A.D. and made patron saint of Iceland, but his cult has never been formally approved by the Holy See in Rome. Learn more from CatholicNewsAgency.com.

December 23 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• The Ten Martyrs of Crete

The Ten Martyrs of Crete are both commemorated in the Roman Calendar and the Byzantine Calendar. These ten were executed during the reign of the Roman emperor Decius from 249 to 251 A.D.

• Theodulus,
• Saturninus,
• Euporus,
• Gelasius,
• Eunician, (and all the four above were from Gortyn),
• Zoticus from Knossos,
• Pompius from Lebena,
• Agathopus from Panormos,
• Basilides from Kydonia (Hania),
• and Evaristus from Iraklion

The ten refused to worship at the shrine of the deity of the emperor Decius as god of Rome. The ten were brought before the governor of Crete. At their trial they steadfastly confessed their faith in Christ and refused to worship the emperor and other idols. They were imprisoned and tortured for one month. But the torture did not change their opinions, and they continued to glorifying God. They were sentenced by the governor of Crete to be beheaded. Learn more from OrthodoxWiki.org.

4th Sunday of Advent (C)

(Edited) Sunday Reflections (from) Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

4th Sunday of Advent (C), December 23, 2012
Liturgical readings
Micah 5:1-4a
Psalm 80
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-45

"Blessed is she who trusted that the Lord's words to her would be fulfilled."

There are only a few passages in the New Testament which refer to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In this Sunday's gospel, we find her visiting her cousin Elizabeth. Mary does not speak in the passage, except for a mention of her greeting. That greeting from Mary caused Elizabeth to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Great joy filled Elizabeth's heart that she was moved to praise Mary for trusting the Lord's words. One ought to note that Elizabeth's words of praise became part of every Catholic's prayer in the rosary. Both Elizabeth's and Mary's humility before God is rooted in that patient hope of a people awaiting their deliverance from God - which is now fulfilled in Mary's womb after 42 generations since the time of their ancestor Abraham.

Meditating on this mystery of the Visitation, one can seek to understand the meaning of the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth. We see how God's action can enter human history even in the most unexpected places. And involving members of Jewish society who were closest to God in prayer: a virgin from Nazareth (who knows no man) now conceives the Word of God in her immaculate womb; and an aged and married woman (known to be barren) now conceives a son in her old age (in a town of Judah not even named in the gospel). Two miraculous conceptions. Two miracles of life. These miracles of life will bring great tidings and joy to the world. And it all began with a humble trust in God's Word.

To trust in God and His will is what all are called to do daily. It may not be easy at first, since that trust will be tried several times in life. Mary is a good example for all in the exercise of faith and obedience to God's will. That is why next to Jesus, she is the most loved, and the one whom many go to in times of need. Just as the gospel presents her bringing the Good News of salvation and deliverance from sin to her cousin Elizabeth, devotion to Mary will also lead anyone to a greater praise of God's mercy and a greater love for Christ, our Redeemer and Prince of Peace.

Memorial of Saints (December 22)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Chaermon, Ischyion and other martyrs
• Anastasia, martyr

St. Chaermon (died ca. 250 A.D.) was bishop of Nilopolis, Egypt. During Decius' persecution of Christians, and when he was already an old man, he fled to the mountains of Arabia and was never seen again.

December 22 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• St. Anastasia, Great-Martyr

St. Anastasia (d. ca. 304 A.D.) is commemorated this day in both the Roman Calendar and the Byzantine Calendar. She was a martyr venerated in Rome since the fifth century A.D. and is mentioned in the Canon of the Roman Mass.

There are many versions on her life. One story says she was the daughter of a noble Roman and had Chrysogonus as her spiritual director. She was married to a pagan and cared for Christians who were in prison during the persecution of Christians during Diocletian's reign. Because of her aid to prisoners, she herself was eventually arrested and executed.

Memorial of Saints (December 21)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Peter Canisius, priest and doctor of the Church
• Anastasius II of Antioch, bishop and martyr

St. Peter Canisius (1521-1597 A.D.) was born in Nijmegen, Holland and studied at Cologne and Louvain. At the age of 23 years, he joined the Jesuits. In 1546 A.D., he was ordained, was theologian to the Cardinal of Augsburg, and attended the Council of Trent. For 30 years, Peter Canisius worked in Germany for the renewal of the Catholic life after the Protestant Reformation had done much harm. He is famous for his catechism. As a Jesuit Provincial he founded several Jesuit colleges.

Related blog posts:

• St. Peter Canisius, priest and Jesuit, Learn more
• The Doctors of the Church: Teachers of the Catholic Faith, Learn more
• Hearts on Fire: Praying with Jesuits, Learn more

December 21 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• St. Juliana, Virgin-Martyr

Memorial of Saints (December 20)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Philogonius, bishop
• Ammon and Companions, martyrs
• Ursicinus, abbot
• Dominic of Silos, abbot

St. Philogonius (died ca. 324 A.D.) was a layman and lawyer at Antioch who got married and had a daughter. In 319 A.D., he was named bishop of Antioch. As bishop of Antioch, he was one of the first to denounce the Arian heresy. During the persecution of Christians under Emperors Maximinus and Licinius, he was imprisoned for a time. He was eulogized by St. John Chrysostom in a still extant panegyric.

Learn more at Wikipedia.org on St. Philogonius

December 20 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• St. Ignatius "Theophorus", Priest-Martyr Bishop at Antioch

The Russian and Greek Orthodox Churches commemorate St. Ignatius of Antioch on this day.

St. Ignatius is the Apostolic Father whose letters to the various churches in the ancient Christian world serve as a major source of information regarding the life, faith, and structure of the early Church in Asia Minor and Rome. He also used the name Theophorus (Gk., "bearer of God").

St. Ignatius of Antioch was martyred for his faith in Christ. He was taken to the Colosseum and thrown to the lions, dying almost immediately. In his letter to the Romans, he had described himself as "the wheat of God [to] be ground by the teeth of wild beasts to become pure bread."

The Church at Antioch kept his feast on October 17. The Roman Calendar had observed it on February 1 until in 1969 A.D., when it transferred it to October 17 in order to bring the date into line with the Church at Antioch. The Eastern Churches continue to celebrate his feast this day, December 20.

Related blog post

• St. Stephen, St. Ignatius of Antioch, and the Martyrs of the Early Christian Eras, Learn more

Memorial of Saints (December 19)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Nemesius, martyr
• Anastasius I, pope
• Urban V, pope

St. Nemesius (died ca. 250 A.D.) was an Egyptian. He was arrested in Alexandria during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Decius. Nemesius was cleared of charges of thievery but was found guilty of being a Christian. St. Nemesius was scourged and burned to death.

More on Saints - December 19

December 19 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• St. Boniface, Martyr

In the Byzantine calendar, December 19th commemorates St. Boniface of Tarsus (died ca. 306 A.D.). He was a Christian martyr who lived in the 3rd century in Cilicia (modern-day southern Turkey).

Boniface was a slave of Aglaia (or Aglaida) with whom he led a dissolute life. His way of life changed when Aglaia sent him to the East for martyrs' relics. Arriving at Tarsus in Cilicia, he was caught in the persecution of Christians. He displayed his unwavering faith before Simplicius, the governor. For this, Boniface suffered martyrdom for refusing to renounce his faith. His own body constituted part of the relics that were sent back to Aglaia, who eventually converted to the Christian faith. Aglaia built a church, Santi Bonifacio e Alessio, to enshrine the relics, and then spent the remaining fifteen years of her life doing penance.

St. Boniface is revered in the Eastern Orthodox Church for his courage and steadfastness in the face of adversity. He is commemorated in the Roman Calendar every May 14.

More on St. Boniface of Tarsus from Wikipedia.org

Memorial of Saints (December 18)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Winebald, abbot
• Rufus and Zosimus, martyrs
• Gatian, bishop
• Flannan, bishop
• Samthann, abbess

St. Winebald (died ca. 761 A.D.) was the son of a West Saxon named Richard. Richard, the father of Winebald and Winebald's brother, Willibald, proceeded to Rome. On the way to Rome, Richard died at Lucca, while Winebald remained there because he became ill. His brother Willibald however went on to the Holy Land.

At Rome, Winebald proceeded to study for seven years, went back for a while to England, but returned to Rome to devote himself to a religious life. In 739 A.D., he accompanied St. Boniface back to Germany as a missionary and worked in Thuringia where he was eventually ordained. He later labored in Bavaria, spent some time with St. Boniface at Rome, and joined his brother Willibald who became bishop of Eichstatt.

St. Samthann, Citation from Wikipedia - The Free Encyclopedia, Learn more

December 18 - Saints, Learn more

December 18 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• St. Sebastian and Companions

Today, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of St. Sebastian. He was martyred along with his fellow deacon-martyrs during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian. St. Sebastian is often depicted in religious art as being pierced by arrows.

In the Roman Calendar his feast is celebrated on January 20.

Memorial of Saints (December 17)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• John of Matha, founder
• Lazarus
• Olympias, widow
• Begga,widow
• Sturmi, abbot
• Wivina, virgin

St. John of Matha (d. ca. 1213 A.D.) was the founder of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity, more known as the Trinitarians.

John was born at Faucon in Provence of a well-to-do family and after his schooling was completed, he retired to a hermitage. When he found his privacy often disturbed, he went to study theology in Paris where he received a doctorate and was ordained a priest.

It was said that he received the inspiration to devote his life to the ransoming of Christian slaves from the Muslims during his first Mass. He traveled to Rome to secure papal approval for his venture. Innocent III was so impressed that he ordered the bishop of Paris and the abbot of the monastery of St. Victor to draw up a Rule. Once done, Innocent III approved the foundation of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity in 1198 A.D. Members of the Order went to Morocco, Tunis and Spain, and several hundred captives were said to be released.

St. John of Matha spent his last two years in Rome and died there on December 17, 1213 A.D.

This is also the feast day of Lazarus (first century A.D.). Lazarus was the brother of Martha and Mary. He was the close friend of Jesus who raised him from the dead (John 1:1-44)

Devotion to Lazarus was so widespread in the early Church. The Saturday before Palm Sunday was referred to as Lazarus Saturday because of the procession on that day to the church built over his tomb in Bethany. Lazarus is commemorated in the East on May 4.

December 17 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• St. Daniel, and Sts. Three Youths, Ananias, Azarias, and Misael

Hananiah or Ananias, Mishael, and Azariah, whose names in Chaldean are Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, are figures from chapter 3 of the biblical Book of Daniel. In the narrative, the three Jewish men are thrown into a fiery furnace by Nebuchadnezzar II, King of Babylon for refusing to bow to the king's image.

Citation from Google Search:

• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Wikipedia.org

Memorial of Saints (December 16)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Adelaide, widow

St. Adelaide (931-999 A.D.) was the daughter of Rudolf of Upper Burgundy. She married Lothair of Italy when she was 16 years old as part of the terms of a treaty between her father Rudolf and and the father of Lothair, Hugh of Provence. Lothair died in 950 A.D. due to poisoning by his successor. Adelaide was imprisoned afterwards because she refused to marry the successor's son. When an invading German King Otto the Great freed her from prison, Adelaide married him in 951 A.D.

Otto the Great was crowned Emperor in Rome the following year and died in 973 A.D. His son, Otto II, succeeded him and because of the enmity of Otto II's wife, Adelaide left the court. However, the two were eventually reconciled by Abbot Majolus of Cluny.

St. Adelaide was active in founding and restoring monasteries. She also worked in the conversion of the Slavs. She died in a monastery she founded at Selta, near Cologne.

Related blog posts:

• St. Majolus, St. Odilo, and St. Hugh: Benedictine Abbots of Cluny, Learn more
• The Achievements in Reform of the Benedictine Monastery at Cluny, France, Learn more

December 16 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• St. Aggeus, Prophet

3rd Sunday of Advent (C)

(Edited) Sunday Reflections (from) Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

3rd Sunday of Advent (C), December 16, 2012
Liturgical readings
Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Isaiah 12
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:10-18

"What ought we to do?"

In the gospel reading Last Sunday, St. John is depicted as preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. In this Sunday's gospel, (the feast of Gaudete Sunday), John the Baptist continues to preach - addressing himself to three groups of people: those who have a surplus of basic needs, a group of tax collectors, and a company of soldiers. These groups of people are the rich, and those employed by the Roman empire to have power over its subjects (financially and by military force). When John proclaimed a baptism of repentance, these groups of people wanted to know what that meant for them. So they asked John directly. St. John was very practical in his response: he instructed them to care for those who were marginalized in the Empire - the poor and the powerless.

St. John's appearance in the Jordan area reminded the people of God's promises to Israel (as it is also expressed through the prophet Zephaniah: "Shout for joy, O daughter Zion...the Lord has removed the judgment against you.") John's appearance made the people wonder: 'Is John the Messiah?' John however said plainly that he was not, and that the Messiah will come soon, to baptize the people with the Holy Spirit and with fire. But before this baptism of the Messiah was to be fulfilled, John had to work and call the people Israel back to God: to repent and to care for others. He exhorted those with surpluses and those who wielded authority and power, to use them not as the pagans do, but with the justice and mercy Yahweh requires of them.

Righteousness, justice and mercy. Three Christian virtues to safeguard one's spiritual path from a direction of selfishness, unfair practices, and abuse of power. It takes time for each of the faithful, to reflect, and to see in what ways each one can practice these virtues according to each one's state of life. Advent is a special season of grace for this very purpose. It is a time for prayer and purification, in joyful expectation of One who alone can give all who believe with a quality of hope that can hurdle any present challenge. Advent is a season to patiently wait for the Promised One, as described in the reading from Zephaniah and heralded by John the Baptist. "...the Lord, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear."

Memorial of Saints (December 15)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Stephen of Surosh, bishop
• Nino, virgin
• Valerian and other martyrs in Africa
• Paul of Latros
• Mary di Rosa, foundress
• Frances Schervier, foundress

St. Stephen of Surosh (ca. 760 A.D.) was born in Cappadocia, Asia Minor. He was named bishop of Surosh in the Crimea and was exiled for upholding the veneration of relics during the persecution of iconoclast Emperor Leo III. Stephen returned when Constantine became Emperor in 740 A.D., and devoted himself to missionary work among the Slavs, Khazars and Varangians.

St. Mary di Rosa (1813-1855 A.D.) and Blessed Frances Schervier (1819-1876 A.D.) are both foundresses of religious congregations. Mary di Rosa is the foundress of the Handmaids of Charity while Frances Schervier is the foundress of the Sisters of the Poor of St. Francis.

The Handmaids of Charity are devoted to the care of the sick. The congregation was given papal approval in 1850 A.D. St. Mary di Rosa was canonized in 1954 A.D.

The Sisters of the Poor of St. Francis was approved by the archbishop of Cologne. It consisted of two "families", one devoted to the contemplative life and the other to the active apostolate.

December 15 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• St. Eleutherius, Priest-Martyr
• Paul of Latra

St. Paul of Latra (or Latros) is both in the Roman Calendar and the Byzantine Calendar of Saints. He was the son of an officer in the imperial army. His father died in battle and when his mother died, his brother Basil persuaded him to become a monk at Karia on Mount Olympus. When Paul's abbot died, he became a hermit on Mount Latros in Bithynia. His holiness attracted followers and so Paul organized them into a laura. After 12 years, he retired further into the mountain fastness in search of greater solitude and then into a cave on the island of Samos. He spent the rest of his life in prayer and spiritual exercises. St. Paul of Latra died in 956 A.D.

Memorial of Saints (December 14)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• John of the Cross, priest and doctor
• Spiridion, bishop
• Nicasius, bishop and Companions, martyrs
• Venantius Fortunatus, bishop
• Dioscorus and others, martyrs

Related blog posts:

• St. John of the Cross, Doctor of Mystical Theology, Learn more
• Carmelite Spirituality, Learn more
• St. Albert of Jerusalem and the First Carmelite Rule of Life, Learn more

St. John of the Cross (1542-1591 A.D.) was born near Avila, Spain. He studied at a Jesuit school and became a male nurse. In 1563 A.D. he entered the Carmelite Order. Shortly after his ordination, John met Teresa of Avila who convinced him to join her in her efforts to reform the Carmelite friars and nuns. This caused him many sufferings. His reforms were opposed by many; he was even kidnapped and imprisoned in Toledo. St. John of the Cross is known mostly for his poems and treatises about mystical theology.

December 14 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• Sts. Thyrsus, Leucius, Philemon, Appollonius, Arianus, and Callinicus, Martyrs

Memorial of Saints (December 13)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Lucy, virgin and martyr
• Eustratius and Companions, martyrs
• Judoc or Josse
• Aubert of Cambrai, bishop
• Odilia or Ottilia, virgin

St. Lucy: (died probably in Sicily c. 304 A.D. under Diocletian). Born in Syracuse, Sicily of noble and wealthy parents, she intended to give her fortune to the poor. However, she was a victim of an attempted rape during the Diocletian persecution of Christians. When she resisted, she was denounced as a Christian, arrested, tortured, and killed.

A pious story say that because she had very beautiful eyes, she tore out her own eyes, and offered it to the rapist whom she resisted strongly. This is the reason for her being depicted in art as carrying a tray with two eyes. She is now patroness of those afflicted with diseases of the eye and associated with festivals of light, especially in Scandinavia. The popular song Santa Lucia commemorates her. St. Lucy is mentioned in the Roman Canon and made patroness of Syracuse and all Sicily.

St. Odilia (660-720 A.D.) was an abbess. She is the patron saint of the sightless because of a pious story that describes her as being born without sight. The story goes on to say that at her baptism, she was given back her sight. Devotion to St. Odilia is popular in Germany, France and the Netherlands.

December 13 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• Sts. Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius and Orestes, Martyrs
• St. Lucy, Virgin-Martyr

Memorial of Saints (December 12)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Our Lady of Guadalupe
• Jane Frances de Chantal, religious
• Epimachus Alexander and Companions, martyrs
• Finian of Clonard, bishop
• Corentin or Cury, bishop
• Edburga, virgin
• Vicelin, bishop

Today is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. She appeared four times to St. Juan Diego on Tepeyac hill outside of Mexico City. The apparition produced a miraculous imprint on the tilma (cloak) of Juan Diego. This image was meant to convince the local bishop, of the Blessed Virgin's appearance to Juan Diego, and that a chapel be built right on the spot where she appeared. The bishop was convinced. He kept Juan Diego's tilma, first in his private chapel and then in the church on public display, where it attracted great attention.

On December 26, 1531 A.D., a procession formed to transfer the miraculous image back to Tepeyac Hill where it was installed in a small, hastily built chapel.

The image on the cloak of Juan Diego gave the native Indians the assurance that Christianity was also a faith for them; that Our Lady of Guadalupe was loving and compassionate to them.

In 1754 A.D., Pope Benedict XIV authorized a Mass and Office to be celebrated on December 12 under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

St. Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641 A.D.) was born of an aristocratic family at Dijon, France. She married the Baron of Chantal and they had six children. Her husband died in 1601 A.D., but three years after, she met St. Francis de Sales. St. Francis de Sales, who became her spiritual director, 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 the death of Jane Frances, this community grew to more than sixty houses.

More on Saints for December 12

Related blog posts:

• St. Juan Diego, (December 9)
• St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane Frances de Chantal
• French School of Spirituality
• Our Lady of Lourdes and Other Marian Apparitions

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• St. Spiridion, Wonderworker

St. Spiridion, or Spyridon, was a fourth-century shepherd who became bishop of a small and remote area northeast of Cyprus. Spiridion was known for his knowledge of the Bible though he was unschooled. He was also known for his simplicity and holiness, and was credited with many miracles. According to the Roman Martyrology, he attended the Council of Nicaea where he converted a skeptical philosopher. St. Spiridion was firm in his opposition to Arianism.

St. Spiridion is patron saint of Corfu, Zakythos, and Kephalonia. Devotion to St. Spiridion is strong in Cyprus. His feast day in the Roman Calendar is every December 14. The Russian and Greek Orthodox Churches celebrate his feast today, December 12.

Memorial of Saints (December 11)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Damasus I, pope
• Daniel the Stylite
• Barsabas, martyr
• Fuscian, Victorinus, and Gentian, martyrs

St. Damasus I (305-384 A.D.) succeeded Pope Liberius to the papacy. He became pope in a time of turmoil, because the Church was divided by an antipope. Damasus I had to fight many heresies and in the ensuing conflict he was accused of scandals that caused his exile.

He was able to return to Rome and called St. Jerome to be his secretary. He then commissioned Jerome to make a new translation of the Bible into Latin. St. Jerome obeyed and translated the whole Bible into Latin from the ancient Greek manuscripts, the original Hebrew, Aramaic texts, and existing Latin translations. After St. Jerome completed the translation, Damasus I approved what is now called the Vulgate (the Latin translation of the Bible).

Damasus I also changed the liturgical language of Greek into Latin because the people did not understand. He also promoted devotion to the martyrs of the faith. Remembered for his modesty, and despite his being a very learned man, he is known for his compassion for the poor, the innocence of his manners, and his holiness. St. Damasus I's papal administration lasted eighteen years and two months. His remains are buried in a small church built on the Ardeatina Way in Rome (died ca. 384 A.D.).

St. Daniel the Stylite (409-493 A.D.) 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. 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. He is one of the many "pillar" Saints whose holiness edified the people of their time.

Related information: The story of Stylite or the Pillar-Saints & the Stylite Tower Umm Ar-Rasas, Jordan, YouTube video, 2:34 minutes

Learn more - December 11 Saints

December 11 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• Daniel, Stylite

The Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches also celebrate the feast of Daniel the Stylite on this day.

Memorial of Saints (December 10)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Melquiades, pope
• Eulalia of Merida, virgin and martyr
• Gregory III, pope
• Mennas, Hermogenes, and Eugraphus, martyrs
• Edmund Gennings, Eustace White, Polydore Plasden, Swithen Wells, John Roberts

St. Gregory III (died ca. 741 A.D.) was born in Syria and became a priest in Rome. In 731 A.D., he was elected to the Papacy. He supported the missionary activities in the Church, especially the missionary work of St. Boniface in Germany.

Sts. Edward Gennings (1567-1591 A.D.), Polydore Plasden (1563 A.D.), John Roberts (ca. 1576-1610 A.D.), Swithin Wells (1536-1591 A.D.), and Eustace White (d. ca. 1591 A.D.) are among the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. They were canonized in 1970 A.D. Sts. Edward, Polydore, and Eustace were priests. St. Swithin was a schoolmaster and married to Margaret, who was also sentenced to death, but reprieved. (She died in prison eleven years later.) St. John Roberts was a Benedictine monk.

December 10 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• Sts. Mennas, Hermogenes, and Eugraphus, Martyrs

This day marks the feast on the martyrs Mennas, Hermogenes, and Eugraphus. The martyrs' feast coincide (both December 10) in the Roman Calendar and the Byzantine Calendar. (It is also celebrated this day by the Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches).

St. Mennas was a civil servant in Rome while Eugraphus was his friend and secretary. When Mennas publicly lashed at the critics of Christianity, the Roman Emperor sent one of his magistrates, Hermogenes, to investigate. Mennas was tried in court and Hermogenes ordered Mennas to be tortured and his tongue cut out. After a time, Mennas and his secretary Eugraphus, were summoned before Hermogenes. When the tongueless Mennas spoke in a "sweet and beautiful voice", Hermogenes fell to his knees in acceptance of Christ. All three, Mennas, Eugraphus and Hermogenes, were beheaded at the command of the Roman governor.

Today in Catholic Church History

On December 10, 1968 A.D. marks the day of death of Thomas Merton, Trappist monk and activist in the cause of world peace, social justice, and interfaith harmony. He influenced millions of people of all faiths and of no faith with his spiritual writings. His autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain, is a modern classic.

Memorial of Saints (December 9)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Juan Diego
• Peter Fourier
• Hipparchus and Companions, martyrs
• the Seven Martyrs of Samosata
• Leocadia, virgin and martyr
• Gorgonia, widow
• Budoc or Beuzec, abbot

St. Juan Diego: In 1531 A.D., while he was on his way to Mass, Our Lady appeared four times to Juan Diego Cuatitlatoatzin (meaning “the talking eagle”), at Tepayac, near Mexico City. Juan Diego was said to be a native convert, a widower, and advancing in years. He was a member of the Chichimeca people, perhaps also a leader of his own people and may have been involved in the area’s textile industry.

In Our Lady's apparition, she praised Juan Diego for his humility and faithfulness. She then urged him to go to the bishop and request a church to be built where he stood. Upon visiting the bishop, the bishop asked a sign from Juan Diego to authenticate the request of Our Lady. So Juan went back to the place of Our Lady's apparition and was instructed by the Virgin to gather roses, cover them, and deliver them to the bishop. Juan Diego did as the Virgin instructed. He gathered the roses in his tilma (cloak) and brought them to the bishop. As he unveiled the roses before the bishop, Our Lady of Guadalupe shone and emerged on his cloak. The bishop was convinced.

Known for his holiness, St. Juan Diego devoted himself, tradition says, to the pilgrims who came to see the miraculous image of Mary imprinted on his cloak. Juan Diego was beatified in 1990 A.D. by Pope John Paul II in Mexico City, and was canonized in 2002 A.D.

St. Peter Fourier (1565-1640 A.D.) was born in Mirecourt, France. When he was 15, he studied at a Jesuit university. After 5 years, he entered the Augustinians. He was ordained in 1589 A.D., continued with his studies, and obtained a doctorate in theology. He began to reform his community but faced strong opposition.

In 1597 A.D., he was assigned to a dilapidated parish, where he saw the need of children for care and education. In 1598 A.D., he founded with Alix Le Clerq as superior, the "Canonesses Regular of St. Augustine of the Congregation of Our Lady" for the free education of the children.

In 1622 A.D., the bishop of Toul asked him to reform and unite the religious houses of his order (the Canons Regular of St. Augustine) into one congregation. He merged the Canon Regulars into the Congregation of Our Saviour. Peter was elected superior general against his will.

In 1632 A.D., the Kingdom of France was invaded by the Duchy of Lorraine. When Peter Fourier refused an oath of allegiance to King Louis XIII, he and his community went into exile. They went to Burgundy. As a chaplain there, St. Peter Fourier took care of a small convent and taught children in a free school.

More details from Wikipedia.org, Peter Fourier

December 9 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• Patapius of Thebes

2nd Sunday of Advent (C)

(Edited) Sunday Reflections (from) Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

2nd Sunday of Advent (C), December 9, 2012

Liturgical readings

Baruch 5:1-9
Psalm 126
Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11
Luke 3:1-6

"Make ready the way of the Lord."

St. John the Baptist is a strong character in the readings during the Advent season. His leadership is a prophetic service to his people - leading them to a baptism of repentance and forgiveness of sins. Entrusted by the Lord to prepare God's people for the coming of the Messiah, his baptism will take away their "robes of mourning and misery" - caused by many infidelities to Yahweh. So we see St. John in the gospel crying out in the Jordan river and calling the people to prepare for their salvation in God. This salvation will make them see once more that God's promises and His faithfulness are true: the Lord has, is, and will continue to do great things for them, and fill their hearts and their land with His mercy, justice and joy.

Repentance and amendment of life. These are very important themes to reflect upon during Advent; it helps to make our hearts ready for the Lord.  It can begin with the grace and healing received in Confession. When our sins have been taken away by the Lord in the Sacrament, it makes strong our life of charity in God's name: in every thought, word and deed. The law of Christ is not only something external to us, but is engraved much more deeply within our heart and soul. We learn in the Spirit and in the Church that only Jesus can save us, and that our hopes find its true fulfillment in Him. God saves, but we also have to do our part in working for our salvation, as well as that of our neighbor's, through the grace of perseverance and fortitude we receive from Him.

To repent and amend our life needs a little more work. We have to take it to heart and to daily practice. It is especially in these times when the family is beset by so much uncertainty and moral degeneration, that Christ's call becomes stronger: calling every family to renew their commitment to work for His kingdom. The Lord's prophetic call at the beginning of His public life echoes also during Advent: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel." It only takes humble and contrite hearts to make that first steps needed to renew our resolutions and make ready the way of the Lord. Once we resolve to a renewal of hearts and minds to God, Jesus will be with us despite all the uncertainty and adversity we experience around us. He is our Emmanuel; He will continue to be with us for all time.

Memorial of Saints (December 8)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• Romaric, abbot

The feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrates the conception of Mary in the womb of St. Anne without the stain of original sin. This feast originated in the East and spread through Europe in the 12th century A.D. In 1476 A.D., Pope Sixtus IV listed it in the Roman Calendar. While the majority of the Franciscans propagated the teaching about the Immaculate Conception of Mary, the majority of the Dominicans were against it. But on December 8, 1854 A.D., Pope Pius IX's bull Ineffabilis Deus (Latin for "Ineffable God") declared it as dogma for all Catholics to believe. The Blessed Mother's preservation from original sin was a "singular grace and privilege" given her by God "in view of the merits of Jesus Christ" as the Savior of the human race.

Historical details: While it was still not officially declared by the bull of Pope Pius IX, the introduction of this feast in France was contested by St. Bernard of Clairvaux (Cistercian).

This launched a process of contestability that would last for three centuries. Most of the scholastics, including

• St. Anselm of Canterbury (Benedictine),
• St. Thomas Aquinas (Dominican),
• St. Albert the Great (Dominican),
• and St. Bonaventure (Franciscan)

opposed it on the grounds that it detracted from the universality of the redemption. However, the feast was defended by John Duns Scotus (Franciscan) and many of the Franciscans who adopted the feast in 1263 A.D.

Those who opposed the feast granted that Mary was sanctified in St. Anne's womb but argued that she had to be touched by original sin for at least one instant. John Duns Scotus resolved these objections by arguing that Christ can save in two ways:

• in the first, he rescues from sin those already fallen;
• in the second, he preserves someone from being touched by sin even for an instant.

Later Councils and Popes affirmed the belief

• The Council of Basel (1439 A.D.)
• Pope Sixtus IV in 1476 A.D.
• The Council of Trent (1545-1563 A.D.)
• Pope Clement XI in 1708 A.D.

Since the Council of Trent the belief was defended not only by the Franciscans, but also the Carmelites, by many Dominicans, and also the Jesuits.

Other historical details that affirmed the belief

• St. Catherine Laboure promoted the devotion in 1830 A.D.
• The First Council of Baltimore in 1846 A.D.

So, after so many centuries of contesting, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is on the General Roman Calendar.

Related blog post

• The Immaculate Conception

December 8 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• The Immaculate Conception of Our Most Holy Queen, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary
• "The Conception of St. Anne"

The Conception by St. Anne of the Most Holy Theotokos is observed by the Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches the next day, on December 9. But in the Byzantine Calendar, it is observed on this date, December 8.

Memorial of Saints (December 7)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the Church
• Eutychian, priest
• Josepha Rosello, virgin

St. Ambrose of Milan (339-397 A.D.) was born at Gaul but went to Rome where he became a lawyer and even consul of Milan. He was acclaimed by the people as bishop. One week later, he was baptized. After getting more instructions he was ordained priest and bishop. St. Ambrose was known as an apostle of charity. He reformed the liturgy, wrote commentaries on the Old Testament and the Gospel of Luke. As bishop, he directed many to the Catholic faith, among them St. Augustine of Hippo. St. Ambrose of Milan and St. Augustine of Hippo are both "Fathers of the Church and Doctors of the Church. "Father of the Church" is a more traditional title than Doctor of the Church, Learn more.

St. Josepha Rosello (1811-1880 A.D.) was born and baptized as Benedetta in Liguria, Italy. Together with two cousins, she founded a community in Savona in 1837 A.D. The Congregation, the Daughters of Our Lady of Pity, takes care of the education of poor girls, the founding of hospitals, and doing charitable works. Josepha Rosello was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1949 A.D.

December 7 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• Ambrose, Bishop of Milan

In 1298 A.D., Ambrose of Milan was named Doctor of the Church. His feast today is in the General Roman Calendar. It commemorates not the day of his death, (as most Saints are commemorated), but on the day of his consecration as a bishop. His feast is also celebrated on this day by the:

• Greek Orthodox Church
• Russian Orthodox Church
• Church of England
• Episcopal Church in the USA
• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Memorial of Saints (December 6)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Nicholas of Myra, bishop
• Dionysia, Majoricus, and Companions, martyrs
• Abraham of Kratia, bishop

St. Nicholas of Myra (died 4th c. A.D.): He was bishop of Myra (now in Turkey) in Asia Minor. He signed the document at the Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.) which affirmed the divinity of Christ.

St. Nicholas was known as a compassionate man who cared for the young ones and helped all those he saw in need or came to him for help. He became one of the most loved and honored saints. More than 2,000 churches are named in his honor in Europe alone.

He is the patron of Russia, Greece, Sicily and Lorraine, and of children and sailors.

St. Abraham of Kratia (ca. 474-558 A.D.) was born in Emesa, Syria. He became a monk but was forced to flee to Constantinople because the community he belonged was dispersed by nomadic raiders. In Constantinople, he became a procurator of a monastery.

When he reached twenty-six he became abbot of the monastery in Kratia in Bythinia. About ten years later he went to Palestine to seek solitude and a life of contemplation. However, he was forced to return by his bishop and eventually became the local bishop of Kratia. He served as bishop for 13 years before he retired in 525 A.D. Again he left for Palestine and remained there for the rest of his life.

December 6 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra

St. Nicholas of Myra became the basis of the legend of Santa Claus. His feast is on the General Roman Calendar and is also observed by the:

• Greek Orthodox Church
• Russian Orthodox Church
• Church of England
• Episcopal Church in the USA
• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Memorial of Saints (December 5)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Sabas
• Philip Rinaldi
• Crispina
• Nicetius of Trier
• Birinus
• Sigiramnus
• John Almond

St. Sabas was the son of an army office and had a hard life as a youth. He felt drawn to monastic life and so, he ran away to a monastery near his birth place. When his family wanted him back home, he chose to remain in the monastery.

He then became a hermit under the guidance of St. Euthymius. He founded a hermitage which would be called after him, Mar Saba.

In 491 A.D., the patriarch of Jerusalem ordained him a priest and made him responsible for all hermits in Palestine. As a hermit, he attracted a number of followers, and thus organized them into a laura - (hermit huts in circular form around a chapel).

He then left the country at 91 years old and went to see the emperor in Constantinople to ask him favors for his monks and for the population in Palestine which suffered under heavy taxes. He died after a fulfilled life, well-balanced between prayer and activity.

St. Sabas is considered one of the founders of Eastern monasticism. His monastery is one of the four oldest inhabited monasteries in the world (died ca. 532 A.D.).

More on Saints - December 5

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• St. Sabas, Hegumen-Abbot

St. Sabas' feast is also observed this day by the Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches and by the Benedictines and Cistercians.

From Google Gemini

A hegumen-abbot is the head of a monastery in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches. The term "hegumen" comes from the Greek word meaning "leader" or "one who is in charge." It is similar to the title of "abbot" in Western Christianity.

Here are some key points about hegumen-abbots:

Role: They are responsible for the spiritual and administrative leadership of their monastery. This includes overseeing daily prayers, spiritual guidance of the monks, and managing the monastery's finances and property.

Appointment: Hegumen-abbots are typically appointed by a bishop or other higher church authority.

Rank: The rank of hegumen-abbot is considered higher than that of a simple monk but lower than that of an archimandrite, another monastic title.

Attire: Hegumen-abbots wear distinctive clothing, including a black monastic mantle and a pectoral cross.

Memorial of Saints (December 4)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• John Damascene, priest and doctor
• Maruthas, bishop
• Anno, bishop
• Osmund, bishop
• Bernard of Parma, bishop
• Barbara, virgin and martyr

St. John Damascene (675-749 A.D.). John was born in Damascus, Syria, of a Christian Arab family. For a while he was a financial officer for a Muslim Caliph in the city before he resigned, went to Jerusalem, and entered the monastery of Mar Saba. In 726 A.D., he was ordained and spent much of his time with study and writing. John was known for his encyclopedic knowledge and theological method, both of which inspired St. Thomas of Aquinas, the Dominican. John was not only gifted in writing, but also had talent in music. His more important contribution to the Church of his time was his defense of the veneration of sacred images against the iconoclasts (died ca. 749 A.D.).

More on Saints for December 4

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar - December 4

• St. Barbara, Great Virgin-Martyr
• St. John Damascene

Related blog posts:

• December 4 is the feast of St. Barbara in both the Calendars of the Roman Catholic Church and the Byzantine Calendar. She is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, Learn more
• The Doctors of the Church: Teachers of the Catholic Faith, Learn more
• St. John Damascene, Priest and Doctor of the Church, Learn more

Details from the History of the Catholic Church

There were 32 Doctors of the Church before St. John Paul II raised St. Therese of Lisieux and declared her with this title on October 19, 1997 A.D.

Pope Benedict XVI added two more with St. Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th century A.D. Benedictine abbess and mystic, and St. John of Avila, a 16th century A.D. priest.

Pope Francis also added two more with the title Doctor of the Church for St. Irenaeus of Lyons and St. Gregory of Narek. As of this writing, the Catholic Church has named 37 Doctors of the Church.

Citations from Google Gemini:

18 of those named as Doctors of the Church lived and died before the Great Schism of 1054 A.D. These 18 are also held in high esteem by the Eastern Orthodox Church, although it does not use the formal title Doctor of the Church.

• Doctor of the Church, Wikipedia.org

Memorial of Saints (December 3)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Francis Xavier, priest
• Lucius
• Claudius, Hilaria & Companions, martyrs
• Cassian, martyr
• Sola

Francis Xavier: (died 1552 A.D. at age 46). Francis Xavier was from Navarre and was born of a noble Basque family. He then went to Paris in 1525 A.D. to study there. In the University of Paris, he met Ignatius of Loyola, and became one of the founding Jesuits of the Society of Jesus. After his ordination, Francis Xavier went as a missionary to Asia and preached in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Japan. While waiting for a boat to bring him to China, he died of exhaustion and fever on the island of Shangchwan near Canton. He is the patron saint of all foreign missions.

Related blog posts:

• O Deus Ego Amo Te, is a poem used as an alternative to the hymn of Thursday, Night Prayer. The poem is composed by Gerard Manley Hopkins, who made St.Francis Xavier's original prayer into this contemporary version and translation. Learn more.

December 3 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• St. Sophonias, Prophet
• Theodulus

The Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches celebrate the feast of St. Sophonias or Zephaniah, a seventh-century B.C. minor prophet who may have been the cousin of the major prophet Jeremiah.

Memorial of Saints (December 2)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Bibiana, virgin and martyr
• Chromatius, bishop

St. Bibiana or Viviana (4th century A.D.) and the story of her life does not have historical records. But there is a church in Rome that is dedicated to her and it existed already in the 5th century A.D. It had been dedicated by the Pope himself. According to pious stories, Bibiana was the daughter of the ex-prefect Flavian, who had been tortured for his faith and banished to Acquapendente during the persecution of Julian the Apostate. After Flavian's death, Flavian's wife was beheaded and Bibiana and her sister were arrested. Bibiana's sister dropped dead on her arrest and Bibiana was scourged to death.

December 2 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• St. Habacuc, one of the Twelve Lesser Prophets

December 2 in the History of the Catholic Church

On December 2, 1980 A.D., four missionaries were raped and murdered in El Salvador: Maura Clarke, Ita Ford, Dorothy Kazel, and Jean Donovan. Maura Clarke and Ita Ford were Maryknoll sisters, Dorothy Kazel was an Ursuline sister, and Jean Donovan was a lay missionary. Nine months ago, Bishop Oscar Romero had been assassinated while celebrating Mass, because of his commitment to human rights and the Church's "preferential option for the poor".

Citations from Google Gemini

While there hasn't been an official cause for canonization initiated for Ita Ford, Maura Clarke, Dorothy Kazel, and Jean Donovan, their martyrdom and their unwavering commitment to justice and peace have led many to consider them saints. Their story continues to inspire and their legacy lives on.

• Salvadoran City Claims Maryknoll Martyrs As Its Own, Learn more
• Recognizing Saints: The Process of Canonization, Learn more

Memorial of Saints (December 1)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Eligius of Noyon, bishop
• Edmund Campion, Ralph Sherwin, Alexander Briant, & Robert Southwell, priests and martyrs, (four of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales)
• Ansanus, martyr
• Agericus or Airy, bishop
• Tudwal, bishop
• Charles de Foucauld

Sts. Edmund Campion, Ralph Sherwin, & Robert Southwell were Jesuits. St. Alexander Briant was a diocesan priest. When St. Alexander was imprisoned in the Tower of London, he wrote a letter to the Jesuits in England reflecting on his plight and asked to be admitted to the Society of Jesus. Consequently, he is numbered among the Jesuits' martyrs.

St. Robert Southwell was a Jesuit poet known for his poem, "The Burning Babe". Here is a quote from that poem:

Love is the fire
and sighs the smoke,
the ashes shame and scorns;
The fuel Justice layeth on,
and Mercy blows the coals;
The metal in this furnace wrought
are men's defiled souls,
For which, as now on fire I am,
to work them to their good,
So will I melt into a bath,
to wash them in my blood;
With this He vanish'd out of sight,
and swiftly shrunk away,
And straight I call'd unto mind
that it was Christmas day.

December 1 Saints in the Byzantine Calendar

• St. Nahum, Prophet
• St. Filaret, the "Almsgiver"
• St. Ananias, Martyr

The Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches celebrate today the feast of St. Nahum, a minor prophet in the Old Testament who was the father of another minor prophet, Amos.

The Church of England commemorates on December 1 Charles de Foucauld (1858-1916 A.D.). Charles de Foucauld was a French soldier, explorer, geographer, ethnographer, hermit, and Catholic priest who lived among the Tuareg people in the Sahara in Algeria (as a witness in the midst of non-Christians). His writings led to the founding of a number of religious communities inspired by his example, such as the Little Brothers of Jesus.

Charles de Foucauld was canonized by Pope Francis on 15 May 2022 A.D. in Rome. The Roman Catholic Church also celebrates the feast day of St. Charles de Foucauld every December 1.

1st Sunday of Advent (C)

(Edited) Sunday Reflections (from) Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

1st Sunday of Advent (C), December 2, 2012
Liturgical readings
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25
1 Thessalonians 3:12 - 4:2
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

"Pray constantly..."

All Catholics should see the immense value of constant prayer. For this contributes to a vigilant spirit which can help a soul aware of his mortal condition and a conscious need for God and His salvation. Jesus Himself tells His disciples to pray constantly, for the discipline can guard them against all indulgence, drunkenness and worldly cares. The Lord meant the counsel not only for His disciples, but to all the faithful in the Universal Church. It is by praying constantly with faith that all who believe in Christ will be given "the strength to escape whatever is in prospect". Constant prayer, vigilance and faith will make any soul ready to "stand secure before the Son of Man".

This counsel of constant prayer in the Bible is inculturated in the many Catholic spiritualities that grew along the continuum of history. This counsel, as many would probably say, is not incompatible with a busy work or life in today's modern context. Spiritual masters such as St. John Climacus, St. Elizabeth Seton, and St. Josemaria Escriva convince us today that it is a discipline possible if it is taken to heart (and to practice). Below are some quotes from them that can inspire all to take up the discipline of prayer, silence and reflection:

"the remembrance of Jesus...with each breath." (St. John Climacus)

"we must pray literally without ceasing - without ceasing - in every occurence and enjoyment of our lives." (St. Elizabeth Seton)

"those words that struck you when you were praying: engrave this in your memory..." (St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer)

From the time of Jesus, to St. John Climacus (7th century), to St. Elizabeth Seton (18th century), to St. Josemaria Escriva (20th century), and to our present Eucharistic celebrations, the spirit of constant prayer is kept alive. This is especially relevant at this time of Advent when all prepare for the Parousia (the Second Coming of the Lord). Nobody knows when the Second Coming of Jesus will happen. But it is wise to prepare. If one faithfully joins the constant prayers of the Church in the Eucharist, and do what is asked, there is no need to worry of "dying of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the earth". For even if the "powers in the heavens will be shaken", one can learn through a spiritual discipline to wait with joy for the salvation promised by the Lord.