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, 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

Commemoration of Saints (March 5)

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

• Adrian and Eubulus, martyrs
• Phocas of Antioch, martyr
• Eusebius of Cremona
• Gerasimus, abbot
• Ciaran of Saighir, bishop
• Piran, abbot
• Virgil of Arles, bishop
• John Joseph of the Cross [1]

St. Virgil of Arles (died ca. 610 A.D.) was born in Gascony, France and was educated at Lerins off the coast of Cannes [1]. He became a monk, abbot of Lerins, and archbishop of Arles where he built a basilica in honor of St. Stephen and the Saviour [2]. This is what is commonly said of him in books and sources online:

• he probably consecrated St. Augustine of Canterbury to the episcopate
• he was reproved by Gregory I for forcing the conversion of Jews
• he was a wonder worker who was credited with many miracles [3]

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 5]

• St. Conon, Martyr [1]

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney
• [2] Virgilius of Arles, Wikipedia.org
• [3] AI Overview for search query St. Virgil of Arles, Google.com, March 5, 2025

Commemoration of Saints (March 4)

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

• Casimir, confessor
• Adrian and Companions
• Peter of Cava, bishop

St. Casimir of Poland (1458-1484 A.D.) was the son of King Casimir IV of Poland and Elizabeth of Austria. He was the third of the thirteen children of the Polish royal family [1]. Casimir was drawn toward a life of holiness even at a young age.

Upon reaching the age of fifteen, nobles from Hungary came to King Casimir IV to ask him to place Casimir on the throne of that country. Though reluctant to do so, Casimir obeyed his father and led an army to the borders of Hungary. Confronted by the large army assembled by the opposing forces, many of the Polish troops deserted. This event led Casimir to see that the war would be unjust because of the casualties that would result. He returned with his army back to Poland. While his father was unhappy with the decision, Casimir gained the Poles attention to give him the title of "Peacemaker".

Casimir served as the viceroy of Poland from 1479-1483 A.D. while his father was out of the country. St. Casimir died at the young age of twenty-six in 1484 A.D. due to his austere practices. He was canonized by Pope Adrian VI in 1522 A.D. and named the patron saint of Poland and Lithuania [2]. St. Casimir is buried in the Cathedral of Vilnius. Miracles were reported at his tomb. Devotion to him is popular among Polish and Lithuanian immigrants to the United States and Canada [3].

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 4]

• Gerasimus, a Hermit
• Sts. Paul and his sister Juliana, Martyrs

St. Gerasimus of Kefalonia (1509-1579 A.D.) is the patron saint of the island of Kefalonia in Greece. He is a hermit and a follower of St. Euthymius, who brought Gerasimus to the Christian faith when he followed for a time Eutychianism.

Gerasimus founded a laura near Jericho for the disciples who gathered around him. He became well-known for his mortifications, the austerity of his rule, and his miracles [1] [4].

References: Books, Websites & Search Results

• [1] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney
• [2] Saints for Our Time, by Ed Ransom
• [3] Lives of the Saints, Richard P. McBrien
• [4] Search result for "st gerasimus", Google.com, March 4, 2025

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While the author of Enkindle in Them the Fire of Your Love strives to provide accurate and engaging content, the Blog is a creative space where human effort and original insight is bridged with scripture, hagiography and Generative AI responses. As such, occasional errors or oversights may occur. You are encouraged to verify key details — such as names, dates, places, and events — with trusted sources. Your feedback and keen observations help the author improve and deliver even better content. You can use the Contact Form section. Thank you for visiting and reading the Blog since its beginning in 2004!

Commemoration of Saints (March 3)

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

• Marinus and Astyrius, martyrs
• Chelidonius and Emeterius, martyrs
• Arthelais, virgin
• Non
• Winwaloe, abbot
• Anselm of Nonantola, abbot
• Cunegund, widow
• Gervinus, abbot
• Aelred of Rievaulx, abbot
• Teresa Eustochio Verzeri
• Katharine Drexel, foundress

St. Cunegund (978-1033 A.D.) was the empress of Germany who entered the Benedictine nuns after her husband's death [1] in 1024 A.D. Traditional stories tell that early in her married life to Henry II, the slander of some of those at the court of the Emperor caused him to question Cunegund's constancy. St. Cunegund was able to dispel with virtue all the innuendos hurled against her and emerged unscathed from the ordeal [2].

St. Cunegund devoted her last years to prayer and care of the sick. She is a patron saint of Lithuania, Poland, and Luxembourg [1].

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 3]

• St. Eutropias and his bodyguards, Sts. Cleonicus and Basilicus, Martyrs

Sts. Eutropias (or Eutropius), Cleonicus and Basilicus were holy martyrs from the city of Amasea, Asia Minor, in ca. 308 A.D. Eutropius and Cleonicus were brothers while Basilicus was the nephew of the great Martyr Theodore the Recruit. After the martyrdom of Theodore, the three comrades ended up in prison. They converted many of the pagans in prison to the Christian faith.

The holy martyrs persevered in their faith despite the pressure to offer public worship and sacrifice to pagan gods. On March 3, Eutropius and Cleonicus were crucified. Basilicus, who was left in prison, was then led to his execution in Komana. The executioners beheaded him and threw his body into a river. His fellow Christians found his body and buried it in a ploughed field [3].

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] Lives of the Saints, Richard P. McBrien
• [2] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney
• [3] Martyrs Eutropius, Cleonicus, and Basiliscus of Amasea, Oca.org

Commemoration of Saints (March 2)

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

• Chad of Lichfield, abbot and bishop

St. Chad of Lichfield (d. ca. 672 A.D.) became abbot of Lastingham upon the death of his brother. He was consecrated bishop of the Northumbrians by a bishop and two other coconsecrators who were considered simoniacal [1]. Theodore, the archbishop of Canterbury, refused to recognize Chad's consecration. St. Chad yielded to Archbishop Theodore's judgment, saying:

"If you consider that I have not been properly ordained, I gladly resign. I never thought myself worthy of the office and agreed to undertake it, though unworthy, only under obedience."

St. Chad then retired to his abbacy at Lastingham.

Impressed by Chad's humility, Archbishop Theodore had Chad reconsecrated for Lichfield. Chad then built a small place where he could pray and read with seven or eight other monks; he also built a monastery in his diocese.

Chad died in 672 A.D. Venerated as a saint after his death from a plague, his relics were later transferred to the Church of St. Peter on the site presently occupied by Lichfield Cathedral. Miracles were reported from his relics in the shrine. [2]

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 2]

• St. Theodotus, Priest-Martyr

St. Theodotus (d. ca. 304 A.D.) was raised by a Christian woman named Thecusa and when of age, became an innkeeper at Ancrya, Galatia. During the persecution of Christians under Diocletian he helped imprisoned Christians. Thecusa and six other Christian women were arrested and paraded naked in an open chariot because they refused to wear the robes of pagan priestesses and join a pagan festival. When they continually refused they were sentenced to death by drowning. Theodotus recovered their bodies for a proper Christian burial but he was betrayed by an apostate. He was sentenced to death, tortured and beheaded. Fronto, the local priest, came to the city, recovered Theodotus' lifeless body, and sent it to the town of Malus, where a chapel was built to enshrine it. [3]

References: Books, Websites & AI Search Results

• [1] In the Catholic Church, "simony" refers to the act of buying or selling spiritual things, like church offices or sacred items, essentially considered a grave sin; the term originates from the biblical story of Simon Magus who attempted to purchase the power to bestow the Holy Spirit from the apostles, offering money in exchange for this spiritual gift. AI Overview, response to "simony in the catholic church", Google.com, March 2, 2025
• [2] Lives of the Saints, Richard P. McBrien
• [3] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney

Commemoration of Saints (March 1)

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

• David, bishop
• Felix II, pope
• Albinus of Angers, bishop
• Swithbert, bishop
• Rudesind, bishop

St. David of Wales (5th-6th A.D.) was the third son of King Sant and St. Non. He was ordained a priest, engaged in missionary activities, and eventually founded twelve monasteries [1]. These monasteries he built in both Wales and England. One of the monasteries he built was Menevia, now St. David's, at southwest and central Wales, a monastery known for following the ascetic way of life of the monks of Egypt. The austere practices they adopted from the Egyptian monks were:

• rigorous manual labor
• immersion in cold water
• study
• a diet of bread, water, salt, and vegetables [2]

According to traditional stories, when St. David was about to give a sermon at the synod of Brefi in 550 A.D., the ground beneath him swelled to make him more visible from the back of the crowd [1]. His eloquence eventually made him eligible to be elected primate of the Cambrian Church. He also convened a Council called the Synod of Victory, so called because it marked the final influence of Pelagianism [3].

St. David died at a monastery he built in Mynyw and his cult was approved by Pope Callistus II in ca. 1120 A.D. He is the patron saint of Wales [3].

Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [March 1]

• St. Eudoxia, Venerable-Martyr

The name of St. Eudoxia is associated with other names, such as Eudokia of Heliopolis or Eudokia the Martyr [4][5]. She was said to have led an evil life until converted to Christianity by Bishop Theodotus. During the persecution of Christians under Trajan, she was beheaded for her faith [3]. A Venerable-Martyr of the 3rd century A.D., she is commemorated in the Byzantine Calendar every March 1st.

References: Books and AI Overviews

• [1] The Dictionary of Saints, Annette Sandoval
• [2] Lives of the Saints, Richard P. McBrien
• [3] Dictionary of Saints, John J. Delaney
• [4] Eudokia of Heliopolis, OrthodoxSaintDay@Youtube
• [5] AI Overview, response to "St. Eudoxia Venerable Martyr", March 1, 2025, Google.com