Feast of Saints Celebrated in the Month of April

on April 1: Melito, bishop; Walaricus or Valery, abbot;
Macarius the Wonder-Worker; Hugh of Grenoble, bishop; Hugh of
Bonnevaux, abbot; Gilbert of Caithness, bishop; Catherine of
Palma, virgin

Pedro Calungsod was a teen-aged native of the Visayas
region of the Philippines. He was one of the Boy catechists who
went with some Spanish Jesuit missionaries from the Philippines
to the Ladrones Islands, later renamed "Marianas" - in the
western Pacific in 1668 to evangelize the Chamorros. On 2 April
1672, while helping Fr. Diego Luis de San Vitores, the rector
of the Mission, to recover a runaway servant and to do some
baptism at the village of Tomhon on the island of Guam, he was
killed by two natives for his being a Christian, for catechizing
the Chamorros and for helping in the administration of the
Sacrament of Baptism. His body was thrown into deep ocean
together with that of the rector who was also killed after him.
(April 2)

Francis de Paola: (died 1507); founded the Order of
Minims, a congregation of hermits, "the least in God's
household." (April 2)

also on April 2: Apphian and Theodosia, martyrs; Mary of
Egypt; Nicetus or Nizier of Lyons, bishop; Ebba the Younger,
virgin; John Paine, priest and martyr

on April 3: Pancras of Taormina, bishop and martyr; Sixtus
or Xystus I, pope and martyr; Agape, Chionia and Irene, virgin
and martyrs; Burgundofara or Fare, virgin; Nicetas, abbot;
Richard Wyche or Richard of Chichester, bishop; Luigi Scrosoppi

Isidore (died 635): succeeded his brother St. Leander,
as bishop of Seville; presided over the Council of Toledo
(633); completed the Mozarabic liturgy; combatted Arianism in
Spain; known as the "Schoolmaster of the Middle Ages",
especially for his Etymologies. (April 4)

also on April 4: Agathopus and Theodulus, martyrs;
Tigernach, bishop; Plato, abbot; Benedict the Black

on April 5: Vincent Ferrer, priest; Derfel Gadarn; Ethelburga
of Lyminge, matron; Gerald of Sauve-Majeure, abbot; Albert of
Montecorvino, bishop

on April 6: The Martyrs in Persia; Marcellinus, martyr;
Celestine I, pope; Eutychius, bishop; Prudentius of Troyes,
bishop; William of Eskhill, abbot

Jean-Baptiste de la Salle: (died 1719); from Rheims;
canon of the diocese of Paris; gave away his fortune to found
the (1680) Brothers of the Christian Schools (FSC), today
numbering some 7,200 religious; authored the "Conduct of Schools";
patron of teachers. (April 7)

also on April 7: Hegesippus Aphraates; George the Younger,
bishop; Celsus or Ceallach, bishop; Aybert; Henry Walpole,
priest and martyr

on April 8: Dionysius of Corinth, bishop; Perpetuus, bishop;
Walter of Pontoise, abbot; Julie Billiart, virgin

on April 9: Mary of Cleophas, matron; Waldetrudis or Waudru,
widow; Hugh of Rouen, bishop; Gaucherius, abbot

on April 10: Bademus, abbot; The Martyrs under the Danes;
Macarius or Macaire of Ghent; Fulbert, bishop; Paternus of
Abdinghof; Michael de Sanctis

Stanislaus: (died 1079); as bishop of Cracow he
assisted the poor; personally slain by the oppressive and
savage king, Boleslaus II; patron of Poland. (April 11)

also on April 11: Barsanuphius; Isaac of Spoleto;
Godeberta, virgin; Guthlac; Gemma Galgani, virgin

on April 12: Julius I, pope; Zeno of Verona, bishop; Sabas
the Goth, martyr; Alferius, abbot

on April 13: Martin I, pope and martyr; Hermenegild,
martyr; Agathonica, Papylus, and Carpus, martyrs; Martius or
Mars, abbot

on April 14: Tiburtius, Valerius and Maximus, martyrs;
Ardalion, martyr; Lambert of Lyons, bishop; Bernard of Tiron,
abbot; Caradoc; Benezet; Antony, Eustace and John, martyrs;
Lidwina of Schiedam, virgin

on April 15: Basilissa and Anastasia, martyrs; Padarn or
Patern, bishop; Ruadan of Lothra, abbot; Hunna or Huva, matron

on April 16: Optatus and Companions and Encratis, virgin and
martyrs; Turibius of Astorga, bishop; Paternus or Pair, bishop;
Fructuosus of Braga, bishop; Magnus, martyr; Drogo or Druon;
Contardo; Joseph Benedict Labre; Bernadette Soubirous, virgin

on April 17: Mappalicus and Companions, martyrs; Innocent
of Tortona, bishop; Donnan and Companions, martyrs; Robert of
Chaise-Dieu, abbot; Stephen Harding, abbot

on April 18: Apolonius the Apologist, martyr; Laserian,
Laisren or Molaisse, bishop; Idesbald, abbot; Galdinus, bishop

on April 19: Leo IX, pope; Expeditus; Ursmar, abbot and
bishop; Geroldus; Alphege, bishop and martyr

on April 20: Marcellinus of Embrun, bishop; Marcian or Marian;
Caedwalla; Hildegund, virgin; Agnes of Montepulciano, virgin

Anselm: (died 803); Benedictine abbot and duke. He was
born in Forum Julii, Italy. Heir to a local title but left his
titles and power, and in 750 founded a monastery at Tanano, Italy.
He went to Monte Casino for seven years, until Desiderius, the
new Lombard ruler, fell to the armies of Charlemagne. Anselm
stayed in Nonantula near Modena, Italy until his death.
(April 21)

also on April 21: Simeon Barsabae, bishop; and Companions,
martyrs; Anastasius I of Antioch, bishop; Bueno, abbot; Malrubius
or Maelrubba, abbot; Conrad of Parzham

on April 22: Epipodius and Alexander, martyrs; Leonides,
martyr; Agapitus I, pope; Theodore of Sykeon, bishop; Opportuna,
virgin and abbess

George: (died 300); Martyr and patron saint of England,
Portugal, Germany, Aragon, (Spain), Genoa and Venice. He was
venerated in England as early as the 8th c. and was the patron
of the Crusaders. The cult of St. George is part of the history
of Crusades and England. He has been a popular figure for
artists, depicted as a young knight in mortal combat with a
dragon, a Middle Ages symbol of evil. (April 23)

also on April 23: Felix, Fortunatus and Achilleus,
martyrs; Ibar, bishop; Gerard of Toul, bishop; Adalbert of Prague,
bishop and martyr [was ordained bishop of Prague in 983. During
his episcopate he encouraged the evangelization of the Magyar.
Having founded the monastery of Brevnov, he was forced into exile
by the nobility of Prague. He tirelessly preached the Gospel in
Poland, Hungary, Russia and Prussia, where he was martyred at
the age of 41]

Fidelis: (died 1622); Franciscan Capuchin martyr.
A practicing lawyer, he traveled across Europe as a tutor to
aristocrats but then started defending the poor. In 1612, he
became a Franciscan Capuchin monk. As a missionary, he was
so successful that he was taken a spy for the Austrian emperor.
He was stabbed to death in a church in Seewis. Canonized by Pope
Benedict XIV. (April 24)

also on April 24: Mellitus, bishop; Ivo, bishop; Egbert;
William Firmatus; Mary Euphrasia Pelletier, virgin

on April 25: Mark, evangelist; Anianus, bishop; Heribald,
bishop

on April 26: Peter of Braga, bishop; Richarius or Riquiet,
abbot; Paschasius Radbertus, abbot; Franca of Piacenza, virgin
and abbess; Stephen of Perm, bishop

on April 27: Anthimus, bishop; Asicus or Tassach, bishop;
Maughold or Maccul, bishop; Floribert, bishop; Stephen Pechersky,
bishop; Zita, virgin; Turibius of Lima, bishop; Theodore the
Sanctified, abbot

Peter Mary Chanel: (died 1841); French Marist missionary
on the Pacific islands of Wallis and Futuna where he was murdered;
destroyed cult of evil spirits; protomartyr and patron of Oceania.
(April 28)

Louis de Montfort was born to a poor family in 1673 at
Montfort-La-Carne in Britanny. Ordained at the age of 27, he was
deeply devoted to the Blessed Virgin, as exemplified by his book
"The Secret of the Rosary", the first work to describe the method
by which the Rosary is prayed even to our day. During his life,
he founded both a missionary band of men (Company of Mary) and a
religious institute of women devoted to the poor (Congregation of
the Daughters of Divine Wisdom) (April 28)

also on April 28: Vitalis, martyr

Catherine of Siena: (died 1380); O.P. tertiary, mystic
and author (The Dialogues); peacemaker within the Church and
renewer of religious life; worked toward ending the Avignon
papacy under Gregory XI (1377); declared doctor of the Church in
1970; patroness of Italy. (April 29)

also on April 29: Peter of Verona; Wilfrid the Younger,
bishop; The Abbots of Cluny: Berno, Odo, Mayeul, Odilo, Hugh,
Aymard, and Peter the Venerable; Robert of Molesome, abbot;
Joseph Cottolengo

Pius V: (died 1572); O.P. who implemented the reforms
of the Council of Trent; promulgated the Roman Catechism,
the Roman Missal, and the Roman Breviary used
until Vatican II. (April 30)

also on April 30: Maximus, martyr; Eutropius of Saintes,
bishop and martyr; James and Marian, martyrs; Forannan, abbot;
Gualfardus or Wolfhard

The Rosary According to St. Louis-Marie de Montfort

Introduction

The origins of praying the rosary depends on where you focus your search. One traditional story says that since the lay faithful could not pray the 150 psalms prayed by the clergy and monks, they instead adapted to the simple prayer of 150 Hail Marys - which was easier to memorize and recite. Another story of its origin is connected with St. Dominic's battle against the Albigensian heresy. This story says that the Blessed Virgin Mary gave the rosary to St. Dominic de Guzman to obtain victory against the Albigensians.

The Rosary as an established prayer

Since origins are difficult to ascertain when historical records in the past are not yet fully documented, what is definite is that the rosary as a prayer was established in the Church. An official Catholic rosary confraternity was founded and the establishment of numerous papal indulgences were given to this prayer. By 1573 A.D., an official feast of the rosary was declared and made part of the annual Catholic liturgical cycle.

St. Louis-Marie de Montfort and the rosary

Many saints wrote about the rosary and encouraged everyone to devote themselves to Mary through praying it regularly. In his book, "The Secret of the Rosary", St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, says that the rosary recited with the meditation of the mysteries brings about the following marvelous results:

• 1 it brings us to a perfect knowledge of Jesus
• 2 it purifies our souls from sin
• 3 it gives us victory over our enemies
• 4 it makes the practice of virtue easy
• 5 it makes our love for God more ardent and fervent
• 6 it enriches us with graces and merits
• 7 it supplies us with what is needed to pay our debts to God and to others
• 8 it obtains all kinds of graces from God

For many lay faithful who are employed, practice a profession, manage a business, and care for a family, the 7th benefit is a relief! It is a consolation to seriously consider that praying to Mary according to Montfort can help pay debts! But look how Montfort composed his list. This benefit is placed only towards the end. What is important for Montfort is the first benefit - "it gradually brings us a perfect knowledge of Jesus Christ" (Secret of the Rosary #81).

A Christ-centered prayer

The rosary is classified under all Marian devotions, and St. Louis-Marie de Montfort teaches that its primary end is to know Christ-Wisdom better. With St. John Paul II adding the light mysteries to the rosary, the devotion now points all the faithful more and more to the person of Christ. The rosary therefore is now seen as a Christ-centered prayer that helps the devotee know Christ, the Eternal Wisdom of God. It is the meditations accompanying the recitation of the prayers reveals who Christ is for us. As all the faithful contemplate the Person of Jesus in the joyful, sorrowful, luminous and glorious mysteries, all are led to know, love and serve the Lord all the more.

Sources of this blog post

• The New Concise Catholic Dictionary, by Ekstrom
• God Alone, by Montfort Publications

Devotion to the Blessed Mother: Seven Wonderful Effects

Devotion to Mary: Seven Wonderful Effects

Introduction

In his book, "The True Devotion to Mary", St. Louis-Marie de Montfort writes on the seven wonderful effects which the practice of devotion to Mary can produce in any soul. These seven wonderful effects upon the soul are:

• (1) knowledge of our unworthiness


• (2) a share in Mary's faith


• (3) the gift of pure love


• (4) great confidence in God and in Mary


• (5) communication of the spirit of Mary


• (6) transformation into the likeness of Jesus


• (7) the greater glory of Christ

(1) Knowledge of our unworthiness

Devotion to the Blessed Mother gives light from the Holy Spirit. It is this light that will reveal our evil inclinations, and the knowledge of man's incapability to do any good apart from what God produces in all souls as their Creator. This knowledge also reveals all that is sinful and destructive in the soul. In the spiritual language of the 18th century, St. Louis-Marie says: "you will despise yourself and think of yourself as a snail that soils everything with its slime, as a toad that poisons everything with its venom, as a malevolent serpent seeking only to deceive". He goes on to write despite man's unworthiness, the humble Virgin Mary shall share her humility with all who do not look down slightingly upon anyone. [True Devotion #213]

(2) A share in Mary's faith

Practicing devotion to Mary, all have the privilege of sharing in her faith. Mary's faith is strong. According to Montfort, her faith is "stronger than that of all the patriarchs, prophets, apostles and saints". The more all gain the friendship of Mary in a devotion to her, the more all will be inspired by her faith and its application to daily work and life. It will help all to be less dependent on feelings of spiritual consolation, especially extraordinary ones. The faith that Mary shares and inspires in all who devote themselves to her us is a lively faith, a firm faith, an active faith, a probing faith, and a courageous faith. It is this quality of faith that will lead all souls to carry out God's will without hesitation: the salvation of our own souls and that of others as well. Mary's faith is an all-powerful weapon against darkness and death. It is a faith which that gives strength to resist the Evil One and the other enemies of mankind's salvation. [True Devotion #214]

(3) The gift of pure love

Devotion to Mary will rid all hearts of all scruples and excessive servile fear. She will fill every heart with pure love of which Mary herself is the treasury. Instead of a relationship of servile fear to God's judgment, Mary shall help all see that God is a loving Father whom His children are called to please at all times. The gift of pure love will help devotees speak to God in prayer very trustfully as a child does to his Father. Whenever anyone fails to please God, all that is needed is to humbly beg His pardon, repent, and rise again to enjoy His favor once more. In this peaceful, relaxed and uplifted state, and with much hope, the journey to God as Father continues. [True Devotion #215]

(4) Great confidence in God and in Mary

After faithfully devoting oneself to the holy Mother of God, Mary will fill the soul with unbounded confidence in God and in herself. The more souls give themselves to Jesus through her, the more she will impart to souls her virtues and clothe them in her own merits. The more devotees increase their confidence in Mary and give her in trust all that they are and possess, the less they shall trust in themselves. They would trust much more in her whom devotion made the very treasury of all life. Mary is God's "treasury" - where He has placed all that He holds most precious. When devotees make Mary - "the treasury of the Lord" - also their treasure, they will eventually be weaned from all earthly pleasures and rest on her as the treasure wherein all good things will come to every soul. [True Devotion #216]

(5) Communication of the spirit of Mary

When souls devote themselves fully to Mary, her soul will be communicated to every soul to glorify the Lord. When the spirit of Mary is communicated, she will be enthroned in every hearts and subject those hearts to the dominion of Jesus. When this wonderful effect happens in devoted souls, wonderful things will also happen. As the Holy Spirit finds Mary present in any soul, He will come down into that soul with great power. The Spirit will fill devoted souls with His gifts, especially with wisdom, and produce a manifold of graces. This wonderful effect will dawn upon all only when they have understood well the true devotion to Mary and put it into practice. Knowing well this, St. Ambrose exclaims, "May the soul of Mary be in each one of us to glorify the Lord! May the spirit of Mary be in each one of us to rejoice in God!" [True Devotion #217]

(6) Transformation into the likeness of Jesus

The more we practice faithfully devotion to Mary, the more in time she will be well cultivated in our soul as God's "Tree of Life". Eventually, being present in our soul, she will in due time bring forth her fruit - none other than Christ Jesus our Lord. Montfort says that other souls often work hard in gaining Christ in their lives but find nothing. Though how much they try, Jesus is hardly recognizable in them. Montfort tells us that if we follow the immaculate path of Mary and live the devotion he teaches, she will be a holy place, a "mold", in which our sanctity shall be realized. There is a difference between carving a statue by hammer and chisel and making a statue by using a mold. The first method takes more effort and time; the second is easier and faster. St. Augustine calls Mary the "mold of God". She is capable in forming us into the likeness of Christ faster, for as she formed Christ in her, so shall she form Christ in us.
[True Devotion #218-221]

(7) The greater glory of Christ

When this devotion is lived sincerely, we can give glory to Christ faster than other demanding devotions which may take many years. As we give ourselves more to Mary, we lay aside our own intentions and make Mary's intentions our own - possessing thus the high quality and purity of her intentions - intentions which give much glory to God. Montfort tells us how much she gives glory to God: "more...than all the angels and saints have given or will ever give Him". We can give greater glory to God if we are content to rely on Mary's dispositions, for perfect glory is given to God only by the lowly and humble of heart. And such is Mary. She is an echo of God, speaking and repeating only God. If you say "Mary" she says "God". When St. Elizabeth praised Mary and called her blessed because she had believed, Mary said, "My soul glorifies the Lord". [True
Devotion #222-225]

Summary

Mary holds a special place in the history of salvation. She is not God, but she is greater than the angels, the apostles and the saints. Her special title as Theotokos, the Mother of God, is a title many saints have supported and had approved in an ecumenical council. Her appeal towards many Catholics of all cultures around the world is so widespread that she is understood easily and well by both farmer and king. Devotion to Mary is not given to all. It is a gift from God. But it is a gift that all souls can pray for and be strengthened in, especially in times of difficulty, strife and uncertainty. Her message has always been, "Do whatever He [Christ] tells you" (John 2:5). If we practice well the devotion to the Blessed Mother as taught by St. Louis-Marie de Montfort, we are assured of the wonderful effects upon our soul that this devotion rewards.

Related resources:

• Six Popular Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary


• Books on Mary and a Documentary on the Nativity, from Ignatius Press.com


• Method of Praying the Holy Rosary


• God Alone: The Collected Writings of St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort