Commemoration of Saints (March 28)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• Guntramnus
• Tutilo [1]
• Hesychius of Jerusalem, priest [3]

St. Guntramnus (d. ca. 592 A.D.) was the King of Burgundy and part of Aquitaine in 561 A.D. A record of his life was according to St. Gregory of Tours. St. Guntramnus endowed churches and monasteries and was a just ruler who supported three synods and worked to improve clerical discipline. Even if in his personal life he divorced his wife and had the doctor of another's wife killed, he spent the later years of his life doing penance for his misdeeds [2].

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 28]

• Hilary, Monk and St. Stephen, wonderworker
• St. Jonas and his brother, St. Barachisius of Bethasa, Martyrs [2]

St. Hilary or St. Hilarion, spent many years as a hermit and then was ordained to the priesthood. He was then made hegumen of Pelekete monastery near the Dardanelles in the 8th century A.D. St. Hilary had the gifts of clairvoyance and was a wonderworker. St. Stephen or St. Stephen the Confessor, was the hegumen of Triglia monastery in Constantinople, who suffered under the iconoclast Emperor Leo the Armenian. Since he did not want to obey the Emperor's iconoclastic policies and adhered to the orthodoxy of the Christian faith, he was denounced and sent to prison in 815 A.D. St. Stephen was weakened and got sick because of imprisonment and died in prison as a result of his sufferings [4].

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon
• [2] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney
• [3] Lives of the Saints, Richard P. McBrien
• [4] Mar. 28 Our Venerable Father Hilary the Younger & The Holy Stephen the Wonder-worker, by Byzantinela.com

Commemoration of Saints (March 27)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• John of Egypt
• Rupert of Salzburg [1]

St. John of Egypt (ca. 304-394 A.D.) became a carpenter and then a hermit at the age of 25. He was under the spiritual direction of an old anchorite for the next ten years. After the death of his spiritual director, St. John visited several monasteries and then built a hermitage on a hill near Lycopolis. His hermitage was well enclosed with only one window. Soon, he drew huge crowds with his miracles, wisdom & prophecies. He also had the ability to read men's minds and look into their souls. St. John of Egypt became one of the most well-known of the desert hermits. He died in his hermitage which was discovered in 1925 A.D. [2].

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 27]

• Matrona of Seluna, Martyr [2]

St. Matrona of Seluna (3rd or 4th century A.D.) or Matrona of Thessalonica, was the servant of Pantilla, a Jewish woman and wife of the governor of Thessalonica. The story of her martyrdom began when Matrona refused to follow Pantilla into the synagogue. As a result, Pantilla beat Matrona so severely that caused Matrona's death a few days later.

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon
• [2] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney
• [3] Matrona of Thessalonica, Orthodoxwiki.org

Commemoration of Saints (March 26)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• Castulus, martyr
• Felix of Trier, bishop
• Macartan, bishop
• Braulio, bishop
• Ludger, bishop
• Basil the Younger, hermit [1]

The Catholic Church commemorates 1 martyr, 4 bishops and 1 hermit on March 26. This list is not exhaustive because there are new beati and canonized persons not yet in this list, as in the other previous lists of this Blog.

Featured today is St. Castulus as he is the only martyr in the list. The intercession of martyrs are commonly known as effective and strong. This may be due to the fact that the manner of their death is most configured to the death of our Lord Jesus Christ - a martyrdom for the cause of building the Church.

St. Castulus of Rome (d. ca. 286 A.D.) was the Emperor's chamberlain who sheltered Christians in his home. Before 286 A.D., the edict of Milan was not yet decreed, and so Christians were terribly tortured and sentenced to death. Since St. Castulus worked for the Christian faith by arranging Christian services in the palace and in so doing produced many converts, he was called to answer for this evangelical work for God. A Christian apostate, named Torquatus, denounced Castulus to Fabian, the prefect of the city. St. Castulus was therefore tortured and sentenced to death by being smothered in a pit - dying to receive the eternal crown of life for his martyrdom.

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 26]

• Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel [2]

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon
• [2] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney

Commemoration of Saints (March 25)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• Annunciation of the Lord
• Dismas
• Barontius
• Hermenland, abbot
• Alfwold, bishop
• Lucy Filippini, virgin
• Margaret Clitherow, martyr [1]

Today, March 25, both the Catholic Church and the Churches that follow the Byzantine Calendar, celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. In the Byzantine Calendar, there is a focus on the Blessed Mother in that mystery of the Christian faith.

The feast of the Annunciation in the Roman Calendar is given the highest liturgical rank, that of Solemnity. The biblical source of this liturgical feast is in the gospel of Luke (Lk 1:26-38), which provides an account of the angel's announcement to the Blessed Virgin that she was chosen to be the Mother of the Son of God, Jesus Christ [2].

Many spiritualities in the Catholic Church honor well the mystery of the Annunciation. One of these spiritualities from the French School is Montfortian spirituality - a spirituality based on the life, writings, and apostolic works of St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, a French priest, missionary and founder of religious congregations. In Montfortian spirituality, the Solemnity of the Annunciation is the principal feast of congregations and associations influenced by the life and teachings of St. Louis-Marie: congregations like the Missionaries of the Company of Mary, the Daughters of Wisdom, the Brothers of St. Gabriel, and associations like the Confraternity of Mary Queen of All Hearts. All these congregations and associations, as well as others not mentioned in this list, make an intention to live and to spread the marian life taught by St. Louis-Marie in order to sanctify themselves more easily and more surely.

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 25]

• Annunciation of our Most Holy Queen, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary [2]

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon
• [2] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney
• [3] Lives of the Saints, Richard P. McBrien

Commemoration of Saints (March 24)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• Irenaeus of Sirmium, bishop and martyr
• Aldemar, abbot
• Catherine of Vadstena, virgin
• Simon of Trent and William of Norwich [1]

Irenaeus of Sirmium (d. 304 A.D.) was a bishop in an area near Belgrade in present-day Serbia. He was brought before the governor during the reign of Emperor Diocletian because of the persecution of Christians. St. Irenaeus of Sirmium was tortured, imprisoned and then was beheaded for his refusal to sacrifice to pagan gods. His body was thrown into the river. He is commemorated today in the Catholic Church, while the Orthodox Churches on the Old Calendar commemorate him on April 6 [2][3][4].

Author's note: There is a difference between Eastern Catholic Churches and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Eastern Catholics are in communion with the Vatican but retain their liturgical, theological, and cultural traditions. Eastern Orthodox Churches are independent from the Vatican and maintain their own leadership and traditions. Usually, Saints that are commemorated in the area of Eastern Europe and the Asia Minor area have different dates of commemoration due to this generally known difference [5].

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 24]

• Zachary, and James, Confessor
• Artemius, Bishop of Thessalonica
• St. Artemon, Martyr-Presbyter of Laodicea [2]

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon
• [2] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney
• [3] Irenaeus of Sirmium, En.Wikipedia.org
• [4] April 6th (Eastern Orthodox liturgics), En. Wikipedia.org
• [5] AI Overview for search query difference between eastern catholics and orthodox, Google.com, March 24

Commemoration of Saints (March 23)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• Turibius de Mongrovejo, bishop
• Victorian & Companions, martyrs
• Benedict the Hermit
• Ethelwald the Hermit
• Joseph Oriol [1]

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 23]

• St. Nicon, Venerable Martyr & 200 companions [2]

Author's note: As you follows this Blog in the study of the Lives of the Saints, generally called hagiography, you can notice certain stages in their lives which are common in the path to holiness.

These stages, although not applicable to all the Saints and Beati who are canonized and beatified in the Church, is common for those who began a not-so-good-start in life. I will list five stages which I have observed:

• First stage: A not-so-good-beginning in life. He or she may have been worldly or wasteful of his time. Some of whom I can mention are: St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Camillus de Lellis, St. Moses the Ethiopian, St. Augustine of Hippo, St. Mary of Egypt, St. John of God
• Second stage: Then they begin to experience a spiritual conversion: St. Augustine of Hippo hearing the words of the Bible, St. Ignatius of Loyola convaslescing in his family's home after being hit by a cannonball, etc.
• Third stage: After this initial spiritual conversion, they enter into a period of much prayer and reflection. Some enter into caves or go to the desert for more solitude. Some undertake a pilgrimage to Rome or to the Holy Land.
• Fourth stage: After they have been spiritually purged of bad habits, broke off from worldly relationships, and illuminated with the grace of God, they either enter into a religious order or congregation, or they found and build a new one. St. Ignatius of Loyola founded the Jesuits. St. Teresa of Avila reformed Carmelite spirituality and founded the Discalced Carmelites.
• Fifth stage: And lastly, these enlightened followers of Christ have been so united with God's will that they undertake tremendous spiritual endeavours such as apostolates and missions to many peoples in distant lands. They built churches, hospices, institutes for the sick, the elderly, or schools and universities.

This is the "classic" path to holiness which delineate the spiritual journey of many Saints through the observation of their lives as they go through five stages.

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon

3rd Sunday of Lent (C)

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

3rd Sunday of Lent (C), March 3, 2013

Liturgical readings
Exodus 3:1-8, 13-15
Psalm 103
1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12
Luke 13:1-9

"Leave it another year while I hoe around it."

In the Catholic edition of the New Revised Standard Version, the gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Lent (C) is divided into two, with the following paragraph headings: "Repent or Perish" (Luke 13:1-5), and "The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree" (Luke 13:6-9). One gospel theme that can tie up these two paragraphs is the theme of repentance that will bear fruit for hopes of a better Christian life. In the first paragraph, Jesus teaches that unless we repent and live according to His teaching, we will perish in our sins. In the second paragraph (which contains the parable), the Lord adds the truth of God's mercy and patience. Despite the sinfulness presented in this gospel and our own sinfulness, the Lord still gives us more time (symbolized by the parable's phrase: "leave it another year") to repent and turn our lives closer towards Him.

Let us examine two versions of a statement in the parable: "Leave it another year". "Leave it one more year". There is a difference between two English versions of this statement (written originally in ancient Greek). The second one appears more emphatic, specific and accurate in meaning. Both versions describe the vinedresser's plea to the owner of the vineyard to allow him to work an additional year for the fig tree, with hopes that it will still bear fruit. Bible scholar Karris says that in the Old Testament, Israel is frequently likened to God's vineyard (cf. Isaiah 5:1-6). For many years God has sent prophets to Israel that they may reform and listen to Him. He finally sent His Son, Jesus, to intercede and mediate with God for Israel and all humanity as well. It is thus in Jesus Christ and in the sacramental life of the Church that all God's children are allowed additional time for sorrow for sin, confession, repentance, and a strong resolve to amend one's life.

Every year the Lenten season arrives and gives us more time - that "one more year" of which the parable speaks of. Every Lenten season, we are reminded why God sent His Son Jesus - to give us more time and opportunity to acknowledge our sinfulness, and be reminded that in Jesus we regain our citizenship in heaven. That is why the Church calls all to more prayer, fasting and abstinence. By such spiritual practices, one can restrain oneself better from a vicious direction: which can be gluttony, impurity, anger or impatience. Undertaking a spiritual discipline during Lent can empty oneself of excessive self-love which surely blinds anyone from seeing the needs of others. Purging one's soul from any vice or venial sin can reveal the life the soul needs from the perspective of His wisdom. And Lent 2025 is that "one more year", that "another year". It is a call not to put this year to waste. For it is also declared as a Year of Hope. The Vatican even encourages all the faithful, especially all the lay faithful, to take the opportunity to obey the requirements that will obtain for us a double plenary indulgence (which is a rare opportunity for all the faithful).

Read the spiritual practices necessary for the double plenary indulgence.

Paraphrasing the gospel of Luke 13:1-9, Read here.

Commemoration of Saints (March 22)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• Paul of Narbonne and Companions
• Basil of Ancyra, martyr
• Deogratias, bishop
• Benvenuto of Osimo, bishop
• Nicholas of Flue
• Nicholas Owen, martyr [1]

Today, March 22, the Catholic Church commemorates a group of missionaries, 2 martyrs, 2 bishops, and 1 hermit.

St. Paul of Narbonne (d. ca. 290 A.D.) was with a group of missionaries (7 bishops) that were sent to Gaul from Rome to preach the gospel. He founded several churches and was closely associated with Narbonne [2]. Very little sources are extant to determine the life and work of St. Paul of Narbonne. One source says that he was martyred together with St. Denis but he survived to establish the church at Narbonne and became its first bishop. St. Paul of Narbonne may have died of natural causes [3].

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 22]

• St. Basil, Priest-Martyr, Presbyter of the Church in Ancyra
• Venerable Isaak, Monk [2]

St. Basil of Ancyra (d. ca. 362 A.D.) should not be confused with St. Basil the Great of Caesarea, Cappadocia, in Asia Minor. Although both lived and worked in the same century, in locations in Asia Minor, and fought against Arianism, St. Basil of Ancyra was a hieromartyr and priest, while St. Basil the Great was a bishop and a doctor of the Church.

St. Basil of Ancyra fought well against Arianism. He encouraged his followers to cling firmly to the orthodox tenets of the Christian faith. Because of this St. Basil was deposed from his priestly rank by a local Arian council. However, a Council of 230 bishops in Palestine reinstated him. St. Basil of Ancyra was also under Bishop Marcellus. He defended Bishop Marcellus when the bishop was deposed by the Arians. As a result, he was tortured and then executed during the reign of Julian the Apostate [2][4].

St. Basil of Ancyra is both commemorated this day, March 22, in the calendar of the Catholic Church and in the Byzantine Calendar.

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon
• [2] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney
• [3] Paul of Narbonne, En.Wikipedia.org
• [4] AI Overview for search query St. Basil, Priest-Martyr, Presbyter of the Church in Ancyra, Google.com, March 22, 2025

Commemoration of Saints (March 21)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• Serapion, bishop
• Enda, abbot [1]

St. Serapion (d. ca. 370 A.D.) became head of the catechetical school in Alexandria. He also became a hermit in the desert where he became friends with St. Anthony of Egypt. From his place in the desert, he was called to be bishop of Thumis, Lower Egypt.

He accomplished these significant works:

• he actively supported St. Athanasius in the fight against Arianism
• he attended the Council of Sardis in 347 A.D.
• aside from Arianism, he also fought against the Manichaeans
• he wrote a treatise against Manichaeanism and also on the Psalms
• he wrote the Eucholocium, a Sacramentary

St. Serapion may have died in exile because of his fight against Arianism and his support of St. Athanasius in their opposition to that heresy [2].

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 21]

• Jacob, Bishop and Confessor [2]

There are little sources online on St. Jacob, Bishop and Confessor. A search on Microsoft Bing for the search query "Venerable Jacob the Confessor (James the Confessor), Bishop, of the Studion" has a link which shows websites and images referring to St. Jacob the Confessor: Oca.org, Byzantinela.com, En.Wikipedia.org, Orthodoxtimes.com [3]

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon
• [2] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney
• [3] Search results for search query "Venerable Jacob the Confessor...", Microsoft Bing.com, March 21, 2025

Commemoration of Saints (March 20)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• Photina and Companions, martyrs
• Martin of Braga, bishop
• Cuthbert, bishop
• Herbert, priest
• Wulfram, bishop
• The Martyrs of Mar Saba [1]

Today the Catholic Church commemorates 2 groups of martyrs, 3 bishops, and 1 priest.

There are two Saints mentioned in this roster that lived in the same era and also worked together: St. Cuthbert and St. Herbert. Venerable Bede, a well-known writer and doctor of the Church, wrote that St. Cuthbert was a Briton (other sources say he may have been a Scot or even Irish).

St. Cuthbert (d. ca. 687 A.D.) became a monk at Melrose Abbey. He did missionary work and was transferred to become prior of Lindisfarne. Before he was made bishop of the see in Lindisfarne, he received permission to live as a hermit in an island near Bamborough.

Living as a hermit on an island may have been the time when he also worked with St. Herbert (d. ca. 687). Herbert, who became Cuthbert's disciple, was a priest and lived on an island in Lake Derwentwater, England. This island was thereafter named St. Herbert's Island in his honor.

In about the year 685 A.D., St. Cuthbert was busy in administering the see of Lindisfarne and cared for the sick that decimated the population of his diocese. He did this in the last two years of his life before his death in ca. 687 A.D. St. Cuthbert was known for working numerous miracles of healing and for having the gift of prophecy [2].

More on the lives of the Saints commemorated on March 20

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 20]

• Martyrs of the Monastery of St. Sabbas [2]

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon
• [2] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney

From the Classics to Vatican II

Sources and articles from noted theologians and writers

Listed in this blog post are sources and articles from noted contemporary theologians and spiritual writers. Their writings are good material for understanding the theology of Vatican II and its development in modern Catholic thought.

This first list of articles are all ecclesiological in nature. Ecclesiology is a special branch in theology that examines and studies the theology of the Church - her nature and her mission. Although some writers' points may be critical of the Church in her classic understanding of the faith, it would be good to understand the modern theologians' points of view and know that Vatican II was convened in a time of great changes in the world. The backdrop for Vatican II was the 60s - a time for many modern principles and new philosophies that initiated a new consciousness among the peoples of the world. This new consciousness also influenced these writers and theologians who wanted to reform the Church according to modern structures that can provide more room for dialogue - especially in the administration and governance of the Church's present system.

• "The Church I Want" by Bernard Haring
• "Which Way for the Church" by Leonardo Boff
• "The Church of the New Testament" by Richard McBrien
• "Forgotten Truths of Vatican II" by Jack Mahoney
• "A Half Century of Ecclesiology" by Avery Dulles
• "The Self-Understanding of the Church after Vatican II" by Robrecht Michiels
• "Taking Up a Global Church Agenda" by Rembert Weakland
• "The Hidden Motives of Pastoral Action" by Juan Luis Segundo
• "The Church of the Poor in the Decade of the 90s" by Pablo Richard
• "Modernity and Its Challenges to Inculturation" by Marcello de Carvalho Azevedo
• "The Hermeneutic Circle" by J. Segundo
• "God Bursts Forth in the Experience of Life" by Frei Betto Libanio
• "The Experience of God" by Dermot Lane
• "Introduction to the Bible" by Dianne Bergant
• "What is Contextual Theology" by Robert McAfee Brown
• "Fundamentalism" by Eugene LaVerdiere

Other articles also of a theological nature - ranging from moral theology, ministry, Christology and Scripture are in this second list.

• "Who was Jesus?" by Richard N. Osting
• "Calling for a 'Consistent Ethic of Life'" by Cardinal Joseph Bernardin
• "The height and breadth and depth of human salvation" by Schileebeckx
• "The Theological Foundation of the Role of the Laity" by Hontiveros
• "Experience of God and Image of God" by Karl Rahner
• "Biblical Hermeneutics" by Duncan S. Ferguson
• "New Testament Exegesis" by Gordon Fee
• "Disciple and Discipleship" by Ernest Best
• "Following Jesus: Discipleship in Mark" by Ernest Best
• "Instruction on the Historical Truth of the Gospels" by the Pontifical Biblical Commission
• "Towards a Fundamental Theological Interpretation of Vatican II" by Karl Rahner

All the articles in this page takes into context the division of theology and spirituality as two distinct disciplines. In the past they were integrated, but they evolved in history into separate fields of study - with each one having its own field of understanding. This is one reason why articles on spirituality are written in the context of devotion to Christ and His Church, while the articles on theology explores new truths that often enters a direction that make it criticize the Church and her present system of administration. The safest and surest direction in understanding the Catholic faith is certainly in the Classics. But to understand peoples' attitudes and outlook now, is to be objective and take into account how the Church evolved in its understanding of Christ and His gospel through the centuries.

This third list are articles on spirituality.

• "Spirituality" from the New Dictionary of Theology
• "Mysticism" from the New Dictionary of Theology
• "Life Flows from the Eucharist" by Pope John Paul II
• "Praying in Two Directions: A Christian Method of Prayerful Decision-making by Jan Bots
• "Understanding Consolation and Desolation" by Mary C. Coelho
• "Discernment of Spirits in Ignatius of Loyola and Teresa of Avila" by William K. Delaney
• "Creation and History" by Pedro Trigo

Where to search for these articles:

The majority of these articles are taken from periodicals, theological journals, and other publications that are popularly circulated and distributed mainly in libraries. They are sourced from: The Tablet, Catholicism, Theological Studies, Louvain Studies, National Catholic Reporter, Time Magazine, The New Dictionary of Theology, Review for Religious, and many others. They can also be searched online.

The Classics are true for all time. And they can just be applied in the present time for private devotions and work. Vatican II is more time-bound with a focus on "the signs of the times" in the 60s-70s: to be a Church addressing the needs of the modern world. That is why Vatican II is also applicable; it is applicable for all present apostolates in the Church, especially the lay apostolate. But which way the Church is headed for the future, whether in a conservative, or a more liberal direction, the Classics will always be a steady anchor to keep the Church from being lost in the sea of disbelief, doubt, uncertainty or sinfulness. And if Vatican II theology will not be as relevant in the near future as it was since the 60s-70s up to the present, due to its time-bound theology and spirituality, it can still be referred to again in the future. Vatican II is part of the Church's priceless treasure in her history of documents, and her great writers and theologians. It can be integrated and reintegrated into whatever the direction the Church will take through the lead of the Holy Spirit.

Commemoration of Saints (March 19)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• Joseph, Husband of Mary
• John of Pinna
• Landoald and Companions
• Alcmund, martyr [1]

Today, March 19, the Catholic Church commemorates the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary. March 19 also commemorates 1 hermit, 1 priest and his companions, and 1 martyr.

St. Joseph was given the responsibility by God to protect His Son, Jesus, and His mother, Mary. Thus, he is the model of holy men and made the protector of the Catholic Church.

There is a new preface in the Eucharist that shows the reasons why the Catholic Church honors St. Joseph as the Husband of the Blessed Virgin:

He is that just man,
that wise and loyal servant,
whom you placed at the head of your family
With a husband's love he cherished Mary,
the Virgin Mother of God.
With fatherly care he watched over Jesus Christ your son,
conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit.

It was not only popular devotion that catapulted Joseph into the mainstream spirituality of the Church. The Catholic lay faithful themselves, of all walks of life, wanted him proclaimed official patron of the Church. So, in 1847 A.D., Pope Pius IX responded by establishing the feast of the Solemnity of St. Joseph. Also, in 1937 A.D., in the encyclical against Communism, Pope Pius XII appointed St. Joseph as the patron of the "vast campaign of the Church against world Communism". When John XXIII called the Second Vatican Council, he made St. Joseph, together with St. John the Baptist, as the official patrons of Vatican II. And if there is a branch of theology for Mary called Mariology, there is also a special branch in theology called "Josephology", with a professional theological journal established to discuss the place of Joseph in the history of salvation [3].

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 19]

• Sts. Chrysantus and Darias, Martyrs
• Thomas, Patriarch of Constantinople [2]

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon
• [2] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney
• [3] The Who's Who of Heaven: Saints for All Seasons, by Msgr. John P. Kleinz
• [4] St. John of Panaca or St. John the Syrian of Pinna, Saintforaminute.com
• [5] St. Landoald and Companions, Biblicalcylopedia.com

Commemoration of Saints (March 18)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor of the Church
• Alexander of Jerusalem, bishop and martyr
• Frigidian, bishop
• Edward the Martyr
• Anselm of Lucca, bishop
• Salvator of Horta [1]

Today, March 18, the Catholic Church commemorates 4 bishops, 1 doctor of the Church, 2 martyrs, and 1 religious.

The feast of St. Cyril of Jerusalem (315-386 A.D.) is celebrated as an Optional Memorial in the breviary and in the Mass. He was one of the six doctors of the Church who fought or were involved against Arianism. Because St. Cyril found himself in the middle of the controversy, he was accused by St. Jerome of being an Arian. However, the First Council of Constantinople exonerated him from the charges and championed St. Cyril as an orthodox member of the Church against the Arians.

It was mainly for his written works that earned for St. Cyril the title of Doctor of the Church. One of these written works was his Catecheses - 18 catechetical discourses for baptismal candidates during Lent. Another written work was Mystagogic - five catechetical discourses for those newly baptized after Easter. They are valuable because they give knowledge on the ritual and theology of the early Church in the fourth century A.D. [2]

St. Cyril is also commemorated this day by churches in the East following the Byzantine Calendar [3].

Related blog post:

• St. Cyril of Jerusalem, his birth and early history, his exiles, and more

St. Salvator of Horta (d. ca. 1567 A.D.) was a member of the Observant Franciscans. He was from Spain and was orphaned as a child. He became a shoemaker in Barcelona before he applied to the Observant Franciscans when he was 20 years old. He worked as a cook in the Order's friaries and was known and venerated for his miracles of healing. St. Salvator of Horta was canonized in 1938 A.D. [3]

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 18]

• Cyril, Archbishop of Jerusalem
• Sts. Alexandra, Claudia, Euphrasia and other Martyrs [3]

Sts. Alexandra, Claudia, Euphrasia and other companion martyrs died for their faith during the persecution of Christians under the Emperor Diocletian. These martyrs were beaten with rods, their breasts cut off, and their skins flayed so much that their intestines became visible. They were all thrown into a fiery furnace.

Their feast days are varied: May 18, according to the reference to St. Claudia in Wikipedia.org; March 20, according to the website of the Orthodox Church of America; and March 18, according to The Dictionary of Saints by John Delaney. The differences in dates are possibly due to the many different churches and liturgical traditions that observe the feast of these holy martyrs. Their martyrdoms have also been written and presented online in different groupings (Author's note: They are presented either as a group of six martyrs in Wikipedia.org, or seven martyrs in Oca.org. Wikipedia.org also includes other names to their group: the martyrs "Derphuta and her sister" and "Thecusa". The martyr name Julitta in Wikipedia.org may refer to the name Juliana).

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, by John A. Hardon
• [2] The Doctors of the Church, volume 1, by John F. Fink
• [3] Dictionary of Saints, by John J. Delaney
• [4] Virgin Martyrs Alexandria, Claudia, Euphrasia, Matrona, Juliana, Euphemia, and Theodora, Oca.org

Commemoration of Saints (March 17)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• Patrick, bishop
• Joseph of Arimathea
• Agricola, bishop
• Gertrude of Nivelles, virgin
• Paul of Cyprus
• The Martyrs of Serapeum [1]

The feast of St. Patrick is celebrated as an Optional Memorial every March 17.

St. Patrick (385/390-461 A.D.) was born either on the island of Britain or in Gaul. Much of what is commonly known of St. Patrick has come from pious stories and from legends about his miracles.

Commonly believed is that Patrick was taken off by raiders and brought to slavery in Ireland, which was still pagan. It was there that he worked as a shepherd for six years until he was able to escape. It was during this captivity that he was able to experience a conversion - from being a thoughtless youth to one of deep faith in God. After his escape from those who held him captive, he returned home and began his studies in the monastery of Lerins. He was ordained in about the year 417 A.D.

Patrick saw his vocation as one of also being sent to bring the faith to the Irish people who held him captive. After being consecrated a bishop by St. Germanus in 423 A.D., Patrick went to Ireland to replace St. Paulinus who had died the previous year. Patrick preached throughout Ireland and overcame the opposition of many hostile chieftains and their subjects through miraculous means. St. Patrick accomplished much in structuring the Church in Ireland and was credited for bringing the Irish into closer relations with the Western Church.

After St. Patrick died, the Irish churches soon grew into a large number and developed their faith well to send numerous missionaries to northern Europe. These Irish missionaries have also brought the Christian faith to the United States, to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Africa and Asia. And, wherever there are communities of Irish people, they often build a church, and name it after their patron saint, St. Patrick [3][4].

It was not long after St. Patrick's influence over the development of faith in Ireland, that Irish Catholicism produced what is soon to be called as Celtic monasticism. Monasticism in Ireland had developed earlier than monasticism in mainland Europe (which was initiated later by St. Benedict of Nursia). Early developments of monasticism in Ireland can be credited for making individual confession as a familiar form of the Sacrament's practice among the people. Though private confession existed early in the Church, it was the Irish monks who popularized and formalized the practice of private confession and penance, and then spread it throughout continental Europe during the 7th century A.D. [5]

Learn more about Celtic Christianity and its Monastic Influence on the Church

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 17]

• Venerable father, Alexis [2]

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon
• [2] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney
• [3] Saints for Our Time, by Ed Ransom
• [4] Saints Behaving Badly, by Thomas J. Craughwell
• [5] AI Overview for the search query "is it true that it was the irish monks who practice individual and private confession and made it a common practice throughout the whole church?", Google.com

Commemoration of Saints (March 16)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• Julian of Antioch, martyr
• Abraham Kidunia, hermit
• Finnian Lobhar, abbot
• Eusebia, abbess
• Gregory Makar, bishop
• Heribert, bishop [1]

On this day, March 16, the Catholic Church commemorates 2 bishops, 1 martyr, 1 hermit, 1 abbot and 1 abbess. St. Julian of Antioch is also commemorated today in the Churches that use the Byzantine Calendar [2].

St. Julian of Antioch (d. ca. 302 A.D.) is also known as Julian of Anazarbus. He was a Christian martyr from Anazarbus in Cilicia, a region in modern-day Turkey, and his relics are enshrined in Antioch. It was St. John of Chrysostom who preached a eulogy about him. This eulogy is the source of information recorded about him. The manner of his martyrdom is terrible. He was sewn in a sack with scorpions and thrown into the sea [2][3].

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 16]

• St. Sabinus and Papas, Martyrs
• St. Julian, Martyr
• St. Alexander, Priest-Martyr, Pope of Rome

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon
• [2] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney
• [3] AI Overview for the search query "is julian of antioch the same as julian of anazarbus", Google.com, March 16, 2025

2nd Sunday of Lent (C)

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

2nd Sunday of Lent (C), February 24, 2013

Liturgical readings
Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18
Psalm 27
Philippians 3:17 - 4:1
Luke 9:28-36

Listen to Him.

The 2nd Sunday of Lent in Year C presents the mystery of the Lord's Transfiguration. Luke describes this event in Chapter 9. Jesus was praying on a mountain, and then His face and clothing became dazzlingly white. The prophets Moses and Elijah appeared beside Him and spoke of the His passage which He was about to fulfil in Jerusalem. While this was happening, Peter, John and James were asleep. But the event awoke them and they saw the dazzling glory of the Lord with Moses and Elijah. Peter said: "Master, how good it is for us to be here...let us set up three booths..." A cloud suddenly overshadowed them - causing fear in their hearts. A voice spoke from the cloud: "This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to Him." As the voice fell silent, and Jesus was there alone with them, the disciples kept quiet. They told nothing of what they had witnessed.

The last time we hear of a similar Voice speaking in the same manner, was during the feast of the Lord's baptism. The gospel passage also presents a voice from heaven saying: "This is my beloved Son. My favor rests on Him." It was the voice of the Father. The voice confirms in both instances, in both the Baptism of the Lord and the Transfiguration, the divine Sonship of the Lord. The only difference between what the voice said in the event of the Baptism and in the event of the Transfiguration is the emphasis of "Listen to Him" in the Transfiguration event. That emphasis from the voice of the Father is important - for if only the apostles and disciples listened well to all that the Lord had spoken of, then they would have understood well the meaning of the events that would occur in Jerusalem, and not flee when Jesus was arrested and led to His crucifixion.

Lent is a time for more listening - one with more intent and purpose. Despite any family, work or professional responsibility, one can easily resolve to set aside more time for reflection and prayer. Reflection and prayer are very healing and life-giving spiritual activities; it helps any believer and all others around him to slow down from the frenetic pace of modern life. The times we can set for reflection and prayer, for an additional Mass on a weekday, or more visits to the Blessed Sacrament, can enkindle that spiritual vision of life that is often forgotten when life is spent too much on the surface of things. It is these times of seeking the Lord's presence in the liturgical season of Lent, where one can rediscover the priceless value of listening to the Source, God Himself in Word and Sacrament, to strengthen our resolve to follow His will in all matters of work and life.

Commemoration of Saints (March 15)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• Longinus, martyr
• Matrona, virgin and martyr
• Zachary, pope
• Lucretia, virgin and martyr
• Louise de Marillac, widow
• Clement Mary Hofbauer, priest [1]

Today, March 15, the Catholic Church commemorates 2 virgin-martyrs, 1 martyr, 1 pope, 1 widow and foundress, and 1 priest-religious.

St. Louise de Marillac (1591-1660 A.D.) was married and after her husband's death, she met St. Vincent de Paul. It was Vincent de Paul who encouraged Louise de Marillac to lead a group of aristocratic women in caring for the sick and the poor. In 1633 A.D., this group of women began to work in the Parisian home of Louise de Marillac. It soon developed under St. Vincent de Paul's spiritual guidance to become the religious congregation of the Sisters of Charity. They soon founded more apostolic communities in other parts of the world continuing to take charge of hospitals, orphanages and even schools. St. Louise de Marillac herself continued to care for the sick and even nursed those who suffered from the plague. She died on March 15 [2].

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 15]

• St. Agapius, Martyr, and six companions: Timolaus, Alexander, Alexander, Romel, Dionisii, Dionisii [1]

Martyrs Agapius, Publius, Timolaus, Romulus, two named Dionysius, and two named Alexander, at Caesarea in Palestine were executed during the persecution of Christians under Diocletian because they refused to sacrifice to pagan idols. They were terribly tortured and executed: some by burning, others by being thrown to the wild beasts or beheaded [3].

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon
• [2] Lives of the Saints, Richard P. McBrien
• [3] Martyrs Agapius and Companions, Oca.org

Books and Resources on the Holy Spirit

In Western Christianity, the least written about among the three persons of the Trinity is the Holy Spirit. However, during preparation of the Jubilee year in 2000 A.D., the year 1998 was dedicated to the person of the Holy Spirit. There is a lot of books and resources that were written on the Holy Spirit during that time. Some of these resources are included in the list given below.

• The Wellspring of Love: 30 Days Reflections on the Person of the Holy Spirit [this is an unpublished booklet that was prepared for the year 1998 A.D. in preparation for the Jubilee Year of 2000] written by Rev. Fr. Jose M. Dimaculangan
• Spiritual Gifts by Stephen B. Clark
• In the Power of the Spirit: Effective Catholic Evangelization by Kevin M. Ranaghan
• Still Riding the Wind: Learning the Ways of the Spirit by George T. Montague, S.M.
• Resting in the Spirit by Fr. Robert Degrandis
• The Holy Spirit, Lord and Giver of Life...prepared by the Theological Commission for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000
• The Spirit is Lord and Gives Life...prepared by the Pastoral-Missionary Commission of the Central Committee for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000
• The Spirit Broods Over the World by George A. Maloney, SJ
• The Holy Spirit Acting in Our Souls by Alexis Riaud
• Rebirth in the Holy Spirit by Blessed Elena Guerra
• The Acts of the Apostles: A Collegeville Bible Commentary by William S. Kurz
• The Gift of God the Holy Spirit by Andrew Apostoli, CFR
• Lord and Giver of Life, Dominum et Vivificantem, Encyclical of John Paul II written May 30, 1986

Other books in Librarything.com

Commemoration of Saints (March 14)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• Leobinus, bishop
• Eutychius, martyr
• Matilda, widow [1]

St. Leobinus (d. ca. 558 A.D.) worked at the monastery at Noailles and became a hermit with St. Avitus, before entering an abbey near Lyons in France. When raiders attacked this abbey, he was tortured so that he would reveal the treasures of the abbey. He was left almost dead by the raiders but he recovered and rejoined St. Avitus at Le Perche. After the death of St. Avitus, he continued living as a hermit.

Leobinus was eventually ordained and made abbot of Brou. But he resigned to become a monk at Lerins. He returned to Brou at the advice of St. Caesarius. Soon after, he was appointed bishop of Chartres where he instituted reforms and participated in two councils: one at Orleans and the other at Paris. St. Leobinus died on March 14 after a long illness [2].

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 14]

• Benedict, Abbot
• St. Alexander of Pidna, Priest-Martyr

Today, March 14, the Russian Orthodox Church commemorates St. Benedict of Nursia, abbot. Also commemorated today is St. Alexander of Pidna, Priest-Martyr.

St. Alexander of Pidna was a priest of Pidna, near Thessalonica in Greece. He converted many pagans to the Christian faith, and suffered torture and martyrdom through beheading, during the persecution of Christians in the reign of Emperor Galerius [3].

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon
• [2] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney
• [3] AI Overview for search query, "st alexander of pidna", Google.com, March 14, 2025

The Signs are in the Times

When the "Signs of the Times" become the "Signs are in the Times"

When the Christian faith began among the early communities in the early centuries, everything was perceived and lived as a whole - with theology and spirituality, doctrine and prayer all integrated in the life of the believers. This synthesis was strengthened by the Cappadocians (St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory Nazianzen, and St. Gregory of Nyssa) in the East, and St. Augustine of Hippo in the West. This integration and synthesis continued on into the Medieval times through the Dominican St. Thomas of Aquinas and the Franciscan St. Bonaventure.

As the Catholic faith developed further, the synthesis of theology and the spirituality of prayer began to weaken sometime before the beginning of the Eastern Schism of 1054 A.D. It became even more pronounced during and after the Protestant Reformation. What contributed to this weakening were two trends that "compartmentalized" the faith into theology on one side, and prayer and spirituality on the other. It also contributed to the eventual "forgetfulness" of the significance of the Holy Spirit.

The two trends

First of the trends was the division of dogmatic theology and spiritual theology. The former concentrated on the Church's dogmatic and doctrinal formulations, while the latter (spiritual theology) concerned itself with prayer and the individual Christian's relationship with God.

The second trend consisted in the increasing institutionalization within the Church herself. This created a division between the ecclesiastical members of the Church (the clergy and religious) who are concerned with things of the Spirit, and the lay faithful, who are relegated to temporal and secular concerns.

With the development of these two trends, understanding and living the faith since it was lived as a whole in the early centuries was lost. What was also lost was the full biblical vision of the Holy Spirit as One who renews both the Church, and all things pertaining to secular and temporal realities in the world.

Vatican II's contribution

With the charismatic movement flourishing in the 1960s A.D. and the eventual reformulation of the faith through the Second Vatican Council, the Church began to recapture again the deeper sense of tradition rooted in biblical experience and the teachings of the early Church councils. The Council is aptly described as "a grace of God and a gift of the Holy Spirit". Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Second Vatican Council has begun to integrate once more both experience and doctrine, Church and the world, and the clergy and the lay faithful.

A renewed sense of the Spirit in the world

Vatican II made the Church aware again that the Holy Spirit is present in the world - transforming it and renewing all of life. Because of this renewed understanding and perception, the Church again renewed her responsibility to respond to the needs of the world. Looking at the 'signs of the times', the Church now involves all her members, both clergy and lay faithful, to be actually involved in responsibly taking care of the earth and respecting all forms of life in all its stages.

A world in travail (Rom 8:22ff)

In the time of St. Paul, this holy apostle and missionary already sensed that "the whole creation is still groaning in travail". At the dawn of the third millenium, everyone can sense that what St. Paul said still rings true today. Creation indeed is still groaning in travail as global climactic changes have greatly affected many parts of the world. This reality is causing a renewal of faith in God as the author of all creation. As the Church aptly teaches that we are in the "age of the Spirit", it is but fitting to seek the Holy Spirit who "helps us in our weakness" and "who dost the tongue with power imbue" - especially in these uncertain climatic upheavals.

Sources of this blog post

• Dictionary of Theology, by editors Komonchak, Collins, and Lane
• Devotions to the Holy Spirit, by Brian Moore, SJ

Commemoration of Saints (March 13)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• Euphrasia, virgin
• Mochoemoc, abbot
• Gerald of Mayo, abbot
• Nicephorus of Constantinople, bishop
• Ansovinus, bishop
• Heldrad, abbot
• Roderic and Solomon, martyrs
• Leander of Seville, bishop [1]

Today, March 13, the Catholic Church commemorates 3 abbots, 3 bishops, 2 martyrs and 1 virgin. St. Nicephorus of Constantinople, bishop, is also commemorated today by the Churches using the Byzantine Calendar.

Featured in today's commemoration is St. Leander of Seville (ca. 550-600 A.D.). He was consecrated bishop of Seville in about 584 A.D. Leander devoted himself to combating the Arian heresy in Spain. It was his success in this battle that Gregory the Great advanced him to the episcopate, rewarding him with the archbishop's pallium.

St. Leander of Seville did a lot for the faith of the Church:

• he wrote treatises against Arianism
• converted many of the Arian bishops
• converted most of the Visigoths and the Spanish Suevi to the Catholic faith
• presided at the third council of Toledo in 589 A.D.
• he held a synod in Seville in 590 A.D.
• he was responsible for the reform of the Spanish liturgy
• he wrote a rule for nuns
• he is considered a doctor of the Church in the local church of Spain [2][3]

To prevent confusion as regards his feast days, Wikipedia.org says in its website that, the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches recognise the feast days for St. Leander of Seville on both 27 February and 13 March. These observances are according to particular circumstances. In the Spanish national liturgical calendar, the feast day of Leander of Seville is also commemorated every 13th of November [4].

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 13]

• Translation of Relics of our father, Nicephor, Patriarch of Constantinople

In the year 846 A.D., the tomb of St. Nikephoros (also Nicephor or Nicephorus) was opened, and the relics were found incorrupt and fragrant. They were transferred to the Church of the Holy Apostles. Since St. Nicephor was against iconoclasm, he left behind three written works against that heresy. He also wrote two historial works, Breviarum and Chronographia [3][5]

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon
• [2] Lives of the Saints, Richard P. McBrien
• [3] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney
• [4] Leander of Seville, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leander_of_Seville, Wikipedia.org
• [5] Translation of the Relics of Saint Nikephoros Patriarch of Constantinople, Oca.org

Commemoration of Saints (March 12)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• Maximilian of Theveste, martyr
• Peter, Gorgonius, and Dorotheus, martyrs
• Paul Aurelian, bishop
• Theophanes the Chronicler, abbot
• Alphege of Winchester, bishop
• Bernard of Capua, bishop
• Fina or Seraphina, virgin [1]

Today, March 12, is the commemoration of 4 martyrs, 3 bishops, 1 abbot and 1 virgin in the Catholic Church.

The abbot commemorated today is St. Theophanes the Chronicler (d. ca. 817 A.D.)

St. Theophanes was from Constantinople and was left a large fortune when his father died. He grew up at the court of Emperor Constantine V. He married, but after both his wife and himself agreed to separate for matters of vocation, Theophanes became a monk and his wife became a nun.

Theophanes built monasteries on Mount Sigriana and on the island of Kalonymos. After six years he became abbot of Mount Sigriana.

In the Council of Nicaea in 787 A.D., Theophanes supported the decrees approving the veneration of sacred images and fought against its heresy - iconoclasm. This led to a conflict with Emperor Leo the Armenian who supported iconoclasm. When Theophanes did not accede to the iconoclastic policies of Emperor Leo, he was arrested, maltreated and banished to Samothrace. It was here that he died on March 12 from all the ill treatment that he received since his imprisonment.

Theophanes is called the "Chronicler" because of his Chronographia - a historical writing that covered the years 284-813 A.D. [2]

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 12]

• Theophan of Syngria
• Gregory the Great, Pope of Rome

Today, 2 Saints are commemorated in the Orthodox Churches that follow the Byzantine Calendar: St. Theophan and St. Gregory the Great. St. Theophan is the same as the St. Theophanes that the Catholic Church also commemorates today. St. Gregory the Great, Pope of Rome, is commemorated in the Catholic Church every September 3. What is common among these two Saints is that both of them were writers.

Understanding the Differences in Dates of Commemoration

The bigger context of difference in the Dates of Commemoration of Saints is understood from the perspective of the key differences between Roman Catholicism, Eastern Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox Churches. The more specific context of the differences can be gleaned from the adoption of either the Julian Calendar or the Gregorian Calendar.

Roman Catholicism and Eastern Catholic Churches:

Eastern Catholic Churches have their own distinct liturgical rites, traditions, and canon law, but they are in full communion with the Pope. This means they recognize his authority and share the same core beliefs. Therefore, they are not separate churches, but rather churches "sui iuris" (of their own law) within the one Catholic Church.

Eastern Orthodox Churches:

The Great Schism of 1054 A.D. marked the formal separation between the Eastern Orthodox Churches and the Catholic Church. Eastern Orthodox Churches are indeed independent and self-governing, with each church typically headed by its own patriarch or archbishop. They do not recognize the Pope's universal jurisdiction. While there can be respectful dialogue and relations between the Eastern Orthodox and the Catholic Church, they are currently not in full communion. Orthodox Christians respect the bishop of Rome as one of the ancient patriarchs, but do not recognize his supreme authority.

Here's a simplified breakdown:

Catholic Church:

• Includes Roman Catholic Church (Latin Rite)
• Includes Eastern Catholic Churches (various rites)
• All united under the Pope.

Eastern Orthodox Churches:

• Independent churches (e.g., Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox)
• Do not recognize the Pope's universal authority.
• Separated from the Catholic church in 1054 A.D.

In essence, the key difference lies in the recognition of papal authority. Eastern Catholics accept it, while Eastern Orthodox Churches do not [3]. The difference therefore in the commemoration of the Saints from all these Churches spring from the difference in liturgical rites and adherence to traditional dates or changes in them due to the schisms and decentralizations of Church structures that occured in historical development of the Churches. Another contributing factor is the use of calendars: either the Julian Calendar or the Gregorian Calendar.

The Julian Calendar and the Gregorian Calendar

The Byzantine calendar is based on the Julian calendar, but with the year starting on September 1st and using an Anno Mundi (Year of the World) epoch, rather than the Anno Domini (A.D., Year of our Lord) as used in the West. The Byzantine calendar, used by the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Byzantine Empire, fundamentally followed the Julian calendar.

Unlike Western Europe, the Byzantine world never adopted the Anno Domini system, which counts years from the birth of Jesus.

While the Gregorian calendar was reformed in the West in 1582 A.D. to correct for the drift in the Julian calendar, it was not widely adopted in the East, and many churches continued using the Julian calendar for liturgical purposes. Some Orthodox churches, like the Russian Orthodox Church, still use the Julian calendar today to calculate the dates of moveable feasts, while other churches use the Revised Julian calendar for fixed dates [4].

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon
• [2] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney
• [3] Prompt to Gemini, "clarify this: roman catholicism and eastern catholics with their own rites and liturgies, but loyal to the roman pontiff, are united as one catholic church. eastern orthodox churches are independent christian churches that separated from rome in 1054 A.D. with the great schism", March 12, 2025
• [4] AI Overview for the search query "does the byzantine calendar follow the julian or the gregorian calendar?", Google.com, March 12, 2025

Commemoration of Saints (March 11)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• Constantine, martyr
• Sophronius, bishop
• Vindician, bishop
• Benedict Crispus, bishop
• Oengus, abbot and bishop
• Eulogius of Cordova, martyr
• Aurea, virgin
• Teresa Margaret Redi, virgin [1]

St. Oengus or Aengus (d. ca. 824 A.D.) was from a noble family in Ulster, Ireland. He entered a monastery in Leix and became one of the most learned men in Ireland in his time. His desire for solitude led him to retire to a cell a few miles from the monastery, but his asceticism and spiritual practices attracted so many visitors. He was thus forced to leave that cell.

After the Clonenagh monastery in Leix, Oengus entered the monastery of Tallaght without revealing his identity. He worked as a servant. When the abbot, Maelruain, learned of who he was, the abbot insisted that he assume a rightful place of honor because of his great learning. When Maelruain passed away in 787 A.D., St. Oengus returned to the monastery where he began - at Clonenagh in Leix. He became abbot and then was later consecrated as a bishop. He retired to Dysartbeagh, or Dysartenos, where he died on March 11.

St. Oengus or Aengus is often called "the Culdec or Culdee" (God's Vassal) for his writings. Of his writings, he is known for the Felire - a metrical hymn to the saints. It was also a register of saints and their feast days, written in the vernacular [2][3][4]

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 11]

• Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem [2]

Today, March 11, St. Sophronius (d. ca. 638 A.D.), Patriarch of Jerusalem, Bishop, is commemorated in the Catholic Church and in the Byzantine Calendar of the Eastern Orthodox Churches. Before he became Patriarch of Jerusalem, he was a monk and a theologian.

He wrote much:

• composed a Florilegium ("Anthology") of some 600 texts from the Early Church Fathers
• an Encomium on the Alexandrian martyrs Cyrus and John in gratitude for the cure of his failing vision
• 23 Anacreontic (classical metre) poems
• the Life of St. Mary of Egypt

According to the Passion of the 60 Martyrs of Gaza, Sophronius was executed for baptising Muslim converts. This may have been after he was forced to flee Jerusalem (when the Saracens captured the city in 638 A.D.) and went to Alexandria where he may have died or executed [5][6].

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon
• [2] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney
• [3] Dysartbeagh, Wikipedia.org
• [4] Oengus of Tallaght, Wikipedia.org
• [5] Sophronius of Jerusalem, Wikipedia.org
• [6] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem: Music CD

"Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem, Healing Worship" from the City of David with Paul Wilbur

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem is a music CD which any charismatic music afficionado will appreciate. It is worship music and the style of presentation is majestic and magnificent. The choir's rendition is inspiring and uplifting.

A brief introduction

The music CD is lively worship music with prayer for the peace of Jerusalem as its subject and theme. The cover design of the music CD shows an Israeli soldier praying before the wailing wall with a rifle dangling behind his back. And under the title, "Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem", is found a dove presented in a flash of white light passing through. In the background of both these subjects is the city of Jerusalem populated by soldiers.

The lyrics of the song

Since the songs are an occasion to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, much of the lyrics and words of the songs are in Hebrew. But the songs are not really in pure Hebrew. It is a combination of both Hebrew and English lyrics. The effect of this combination brings you into an atmosphere of Jewish religious culture.

The titles of the songs

• Introit
• Blessed Are You
• Let the Weight of Your Glory Fall
• For Your Name Is Holy
• Baruch Haba (Blessed Is He Who Comes)
• Ma Tovu (O How Good)
• In Your Presence O God
• Prayer For The Peace Of Jerusalem (Musical
  Underscore)
• Shalom Jerusalem
• Kadosh
• Show Me Your Face
• Even So
• Lord Take Up Your Holy Throne

A quote from the CD

This is a quote from the back cover of the music CD. I quote it here to signify the importance of praying for peace in Jerusalem.

"Significant for the times, Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem contains passionate songs of prayer that reveal a longing for the return of the Messiah and peace for Jerusalem. "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. - [Psalm 122:6]"

Commemoration of Saints (March 10)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• Codratus and Companions, martyrs
• Macarius of Jerusalem, bishop
• Simplicius, pope
• Kessog, bishop and martyr
• Anastasia Patricia, virgin
• Drotte, abbot
• Attalas, abbot
• Himelin
• John Ogilvie, priest and martyr [1]

Today, March 10, both the Catholic Church and the Churches that use the Byzantine Calendar commemorate St. Codratus of Corinth (d. ca. 258 A.D.).

Codratus was born to Greek parents. Traditional stories say his mother died in the wilderness after trying to escape the persecution of Christians during the reign of Decius. Codratus therefore grew up in the wild.

When he came of age, Codratus was able to study medicine and led an ascetical life together with a group of disciples. During the persecution of Christians under Valerian, Codratus was summoned by Jason, prefect of Greece. Four of his followers were with him: Dionysius, Anectus, Crescens and Paul. When all of them refused to sacrifice to pagan gods, they were thrown to the wild beasts. But when they were not harmed by the wild beasts, all of them were beheaded [2].

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 10]

• Sts. Codratus and companions: Cyprian, Anectus and Criscent

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon
• [2] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney

Lenten Reflection: The Prayers of St. Philip Howard and Elizabeth Leseur

Two spiritual leaders teach the meaning of Christian suffering through their own experience and prayers. They are St. Philip Howard and Elizabeth Leseur.

St. Philip Howard (ca. 1557-1595 A.D.) was baptized a Catholic but raised as a Protestant. He lived after the time England broke its relations with the Vatican in 1536 A.D. From a politically privileged family, he did not do much good during his time in the royal court. However, when he heard how St. Edmund Campion debated at London, Philip began to rethink and reform his life. He was reconciled with his neglected wife and returned to the Catholic Church in 1584 A.D. As a Catholic, he was accused of treason when it became a common belief that he worked with Mary Queen of Scots. The charge was not proven, but he was fined with an amount of money. He was again charged with treason during the time of the Spanish Armada and ordered executed. However, the sentence was never carried out. But he was imprisoned for a long time until he died on October 19. He was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales [1].

St. Philip Howard wrote a prayer that describes the context of the suffering he had to endure:

"O Christ my Lord, who for my sins did hang upon a tree, grant that your grace in me poor wretch, may still ingrafted be. Grant that your naked hanging there may kill in me all pride, and care of wealth since you did then in such poor state abide. Grant that your crown of prickling thorns, which you for me did wear, may make me willing for your sake all shame and pain to bear. Grant that your pierced hand, which did of nothing all things frame, may move me to lift up my hands and ever praise your name. Grant that your wounded feet, whose steps were perfect evermore, may learn my feet to tread those paths which you have gone before. Grant that your blessed grave wherein your body lay awhile, may bury all such vain delights as may my mind defile. Grant, Lord, that your ascending then may lift my mind to thee, that there my heart and joy rest, though here in flesh I be."

Another spiritual influence on the meaning of Christian suffering is Elizabeth Leseur. Elizabeth Leseur was a French mystic who was known for her diary and the conversion of her husband to the Christian faith. Because her husband was a medical doctor who was anti-clerical and part of the atheistic movement, Elizabeth suffered much in her married life before his conversion [2].

In her prayer, Elizabeth Leseur sees suffering as one with great use to others, if it is suffered with and for Jesus. She prays:

"Lord, make us realise that simply suffering for Jesus' sake and by bearing about our bodies the dying of Jesus, we can do more for him and for others than we can be being active. It is very hard to understand this, so please make us realise that our very helplessness can be of great use to others, if we suffer it with and for Jesus."

Those who are not in a state of suffering at present, may forget the value of human suffering if it is offered in union with Jesus who suffered on the Cross. They may even be adverse to its presence, in others and in themselves, seeking only what will bring comfort and ease. But once, like Elizabeth Leseur, one sees the meaning of any suffering and "graft" that suffering to the "dying of Jesus", it has much meaning in the Christian sense. In the prayer of St. Philip Howard mentioned above, it can even have a redemptive use.

It takes a certain level of suffering experienced by both St. Philip Howard and Elizabeth Leseur to pray as they did in the prayers written above. Some often view suffering from the outside, like the friends of Job, who present many theories for what Job had experienced in his suffering. This is when empathy and compassion weakens, leaving the soul open to pride and moralizing (as did the friends of Job).

Elizabeth Leseur, in another prayer, teach us about the meaning of Christian suffering:

"Our suffering works mysteriously, first in ourselves by a kind of renewal and also in others who are perhaps far away, without ever knowing what we are accomplishing. Christ on the cross has perhaps done more for humanity than Christ speaking and acting in Galilee or Jerusalem. Suffering creates life. It transforms everything it touches. Help us to understand this through Christ, our Lord."

It is in prayer and a deeper spiritual relationship with Christ crucified that the gift to understand Christian suffering is bathed in great light. Lent is therefore an opportunity to look at suffering not from secondary experiences, but within, in reflecting from the pain, burdens, and afflictions of our past. Much wisdom can be obtained from understanding why God "makes bad things happen to good people" at certain times in life. To penetrate the mystery of suffering and see the trials of this life as the passion of Christ will make one more according to His likeness and image: a man for others and in service to building God's Kingdom. Even at times when one has hurdled a "Job-like" suffering, Lent is a time to reflect on how suffering, seen in the context of Christ's suffering, can make us see hope and life beyond that suffering. Just as Elizabeth Leseur "bear about our bodies the dying of Jesus" in her life, and St. Philip Howard prays for the grace that will "bury all such vain delights as may [our] mind defile", we may be purified of pride and be led by the Spirit, who lifts us beyond all human suffering.

Related blog posts:

• [1] Dictionary of Saints, by John J. Delaney
• [2] AI Overview for search query "elizabeth leseur", March 9, 2025, Google.com

1st Sunday of Lent (C)

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

1st Sunday of Lent (C), February 17, 2013

Liturgical readings
Deuteronomy 26:4-10
Psalm 91
Romans 10:8-13
Luke 4:1-13

"The devil left Jesus to await another opportunity."

In the gospel from Luke 4:1-13, the Lord was tempted by the devil in the desert when He was fasting for 40 days. If one reads the gospel story more intently, you can notice how the Lord defended Himself well by being consistently grounded in his following Scripture. The devil was not as consistent: he used bread in his first temptation, and used the Scripture only when the Lord defended Himself with Scripture. In the third temptation, the devil quoted from Scripture twice - with the gospel presenting it by the connective "and" or "and again". But the Lord was humble and wise. He replied "It also says," and with just one Scripture reference: "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test." His reply has a depth of meaning that can nullify the devil's first two temptations.

Jesus, by His example in this gospel story, shows us how we are to battle and stand our ground against temptation. Since He knew how human flesh and its mortal condition can be tempted by the devil, He will help us in any time of trial and adversity, so that we do not fall into temptation and sin. Lent is that season of grace by which He strengthens the spirit of the faithful. The means that Jesus took should also be one's means - prayer and fasting. And since the Lord practiced works of mercy during His public ministry, works of mercy and charity can be added also to prayer and fasting. If one examines the sermon of St. Peter Chrysologus for Ash Wednesday in the Christian breviary, you will learn how prayer, fasting and mercy are the three means that can make anyone's faith stand firm, a life of devotion constant, and the practice of virtue endure. The degree to which one consistently adheres to this spiritual principle during Lent will produce enough faith, devotion, and virtue to help hurdle the daily temptations and struggles of life.

Lent is also a liturgical season of healing, purification and vigilance. It heals and purifies from sin, especially when one makes an effort to go to Confession. It makes the spiritual vision of the soul sharper and its life in the Spirit stronger. It reminds us of human frailty and mortality - making us wiser and more contemplative in our attitudes in life. It leads to understand the wisdom hidden in the Cross of our Lord, and it provides meaning to all the pain and suffering experienced in life. The grace of Lent and its discipline makes us fear sin and avoid offending God by our words and actions. Without the discipline of Lent, the solemn respect and reverence we often lose during the rest of the Church's liturgical season, is restored. The Lord becomes again the force and center of our life. He, His sacrifice on the Cross, and His love calls all to be the Christians He wants each one of us to be: men and women restored in His likeness, in word and deed.

Commemoration of Saints (March 9)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• Frances of Rome, religious
• Pacian, bishop
• Gregory of Nyssa, bishop
• Bosa, bishop
• Catherine of Bologna, virgin
• Dominic Savio [1]

The feast of St. Frances of Rome is commemorated today as an Optional Memorial.

St. Frances of Rome (1384-1440 A.D.) was married and also worked to minister to the poor of Rome. When her husband's mother died, she was required to assume the duties of the household of her husband. Despite this responsibility, Frances continued with her work with the poor, even helping those who suffered from a plague in the early 1400s A.D., and also with those who suffered in another pestilence which struck Rome around 1413 A.D. It is from these works with the poor that Frances was able to form a society of women, one without vows and living in the world. The members of the society pledged their lives to God and to the service of the poor. They became known as the Oblates of Tor de' Speechi. St. Frances of Rome died in the spring of 1440 A.D. She was canonized in the year 1608 A.D. [2] [3].

St. Gregory of Nyssa (ca. 330-395 A.D.) was the brother of St. Basil the Great. He was named bishop of Nyssa in 372 A.D. St. Gregory was active in 381 A.D. in the General Council of Constantinople, which fought against Arianism. He accomplished a lot of written works:

• numerous theological treatises, such as
• his Catechetical Discourse
• treatises against Eunomius and Apollinaris
• a book on virginity
• commentaries on Scripture [4]

In the Catholic Church, he is commemorated on this day, March 9, but in the East, in the Byzantine Calendar, he is commemorated every 10th of January.

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 9]

• Sts. Forty Martyrs at Sebaste in Armenia [2]

The Forty Martyrs of Sebaste were Roman soldiers who were forced to stand naked on a frozen lake because they refused to abandon their Christian faith. They died from exposure to the cold. Sebaste, now in modern-day Turkey, was part of Lesser Armenia in the year 320 A.D. - the traditional date of the 40 Martyrs death [5].

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon
• [2] Saints for Our Time, by Ed Ransom
• [3] Lives of the Saints, Richard P. McBrien
• [4] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney
• [5] AI Overview for the search query "forty martyrs of sebaste in armenia", Google.com

Commemoration of Saints (March 8)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• John of God, religious
• Pontius, deacon
• Philemon & Apollonius, martyrs
• Senan, bishop
• Felix of Dunwich, bishop
• Julian of Toledo, bishop
• Humphrey, bishop
• Duthac, bishop
• Veremund, abbot
• Stephen of Obazine, abbot [1]

Today, March 8, the Catholic Church commemorates:

• 1 founder of a religious order
• 2 martyrs
• 1 deacon
• 5 bishops
• 2 abbots

Foremost among the Saints commemorated today is St. John of God (ca. 1495-1550 A.D.). His feast is celebrated as an Optional Memorial.

John began as a soldier in the wars between Spain and France, and in the wars against the Turks in Hungary. Afterwards he became a shepherd in Seville, Spain, and served also as an overseer of slaves in Morocco.

John's conversion began when he heard a sermon by St. John of Avila. This sermon filled him with such remorse that he went berserk and wildly repented of his ways. Due to his behaviour and manner of repentance, he was sent into an insane asylum. John of Avila helped him by suggesting that he apply his strength to help others rather than imposing harsh penances on himself.

In 1539 A.D., after his release from the asylum, John of God devoted himself to help the sick and the poor. He opened a house to care for them and begged for alms to supply the basic needs of the house. Soon the virtues he exemplified in his apostolic work impressed the wealthy of Grenada that they clamoured to support his efforts. This work of St. John of God was the beginning of what would be the Order of the Brothers Hospitallers, also known as the Brothers of St. John of God. The religious Order spread throughout the world, St. John of God was canonized in 1690 A.D., and made patron of booksellers, heart ailments, hospitals, nurses, printers, and the sick [2].

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 8]

• Theophylact, Bishop of Nicomedia

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon
• [2] Saints for Our Time, by Ed Ransom

Commemoration of Saints (March 7)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• Perpetua & Felicity, martyrs (Obligatory Memorial)
• Paul the Simple
• Drausius, bishop
• Esterwine, abbot
• Ardo
• Theophylact, bishop [1]

Foremost among the Saints commemorated on this day are the martyrs Perpetua & Felicity. Both are recognized at the level of the universal Church and are thus commemorated as an Obligatory Memorial.

Sts. Perpetua & Felicity were North African Christians who were sentenced to die in the arena in 203 A.D. This was the time of the persecution of Christians under Septimus Severus. It was a time when the anti-Christian sentiment was heard as "Christians to the lions!"

The story of Perpetua and Felicity's martyrdom is well told in many sources. But in view of brevity, a short description will be given here. Just after giving birth to a son, Perpetua was arrested together with other catechumens. Her husband and her slave Felicity, who gave birth to a girl, were also arrested with her. On the day of the games in the Roman colosseum, as they were led into the arena, the men were attacked by the leopards and bears; the women on the other hand were attacked by a heifer. Perpetua did not die instantly. Instead, when a gladiator wanted to make her death certain, Perpetua herself guided the sword towards her.

If by chance you happen to find a CD entitled "Passion of the Saints" by Discovery Channel, the story of Perpetua and Felicity is featured in standard documentary style. Both the names of Sts. Perpetua and Felicity are in the Canon of the Roman Mass and in the General Roman Calendar [2].

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 7]

• Sts. Priest-Martyrs at Chersonia: Basil, Ephrem, Capito, Eugene, Everius, Missionary Bishops
• Venerable Paul the Simple in Egypt, a Solitary

Sts. Basil, Ephrem or Ephraim, Capito or Caption, Eugene, Everius and other companions (Elpidius, Agathodorus, Aetherius) are hieromartyrs who evangelized the region in the North Black Sea, from the Danube to the Dniper River, including the Crimea in what is now modern-day Ukraine. Learn more at Byzantinela.com [3]

St. Paul the Simple (d. ca. 339 A.D.) is commemorated today, March 7, in both the Catholic Church and in the Byzantine Calendar. He was 60 years old when he left his unfaithful wife and sought St. Anthony of Egypt in the desert. At first St. Anthony did not want to accept him because of his advanced age. When Anthony was impressed by Paul's persistence, he took him in, but put him under a test in an attempt to discourage him. However, when Paul showed humility, eagerness and obedience, St. Anthony was convinced and gave a cell to him. From that moment, St. Paul the Simple performed miracles of healing, revealed his power to read men's minds, and impressed St. Anthony that he referred to Paul as the ideal of what a monk ought to be. Paul was named "the Simple" because of his childlike innocence [4].

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Pocket Catholic Dictionary, John A. Hardon
• [2] Lives of the Saints, Richard P. McBrien
• [3] March 7 The Holy Martyrs and Bishops of Cherson, https://byzantinela.com/mar-07-2023/
• [4] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney

Commemoration of Saints (March 6)

Solemnities, Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials, and Traditional Dates of Commemoration

• Fridolin, abbot
• Cyneburga, Cyneswide, and Tibba
• Chrodegang, bishop
• Balred and Bilfred
• Cadroe, abbot
• Ollegarius, bishop
• Cyril of Constantinople
• Colette, virgin
• Agnes of Bohemia [1]

St. Chrodegang of Metz (ca. 712-766 A.D.) was born near Liege in present-day Belgium and became bishop of Metz in 742 A.D. He accomplished many things:

• he reformed his clergy at Metz
• he authored a Rule for canons, based on the Rule of St. Benedict of Nursia
• he was the founder of a school of church music at Metz

St. Chrodegang of Metz died on March 6, 766 A.D. and was buried in the abbey of Gorze which he founded [2].

Learn more - Saints for March 6 in the Catholic Church

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 6]

• Forty-two Martyrs at Ammorius: Theodore, Constantin, Callistus, Theophil and others with them

The Forty-two Martyrs of Ammorius (or Ammorium, Amorium) refers to a group of Byzantine officials who were arrested and sentenced to death by the Abbasid Caliphate upon the capture of Ammorium in 838 A.D. These 42 officials refused to convert to Islam when their city fell to the Muslims. They are commemorated in the Byzantine Calendar every March 6 [3].

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney
• [2] Lives of the Saints, Richard P. McBrien
• [3] The Forty-two Martyrs of Ammorium, AI Overview, Google.com, March 6, 2025