Memorial of Saints (July 1)

• Shenute, abbot;
• Theodoric or Thierry, abbot;
• Carilefus or Calais, abbot;
• Gall of Clermont, bishop;
• Eparchius or Cybard;
• Simeon Salus;
• Serf or Servanus, bishop;
• Oliver Plunkett, bishop and martyr

Shenute (d. ca. 450 A.D.) became a monk at the double monastery at Dair-al-Abiad near Atripe in the Thebaid and succeeded his Uncle Bhol, who had founded the abbey as abbot. He was a leader in the development of monastic communal life and in time was regarded as archimandrite of all the surrounding monasteries. He wrote extensively and is believed to have died when he was 118.

Theodoric (died 533 A.D.) was born in Rheims, Gaul, married against his will, and persuaded his wife to agree to a separation. He became a priest, founded a religious community, became known for his conversions, and reportedly cured King Theodoric of ophthalmia.

Carilefus (d. ca. 540 A.D.) became a monk at Menat Monastery near Riom, France with his friend St. Avitus. They transferred to Micy abbey, were both ordained, and then Carilefus went to Maine to become a hermit. His holiness attracted followers. He organized them into a monastery where he became its abbot.

Oliver Plunket (1629-81 A.D.) was ordained in 1654 A.D. He was a professor of theology, was consultor of the Sacred Congregation of the Index, and was procurator for the Irish bishops. In 1669 A.D., he was named archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. Because of the persecution of Catholics, he was imprisoned on charges of conspiring to bring about a rebellion against the British crown. Convicted of high treason, he was hanged, drawn and quartered on July 1, 1681 A.D.

Memorial of Saints (June 29)

Peter (died c. 64 A.D. in Rome under Nero); Galilean fisherman; spokesman for the Twelve who became "Prince of the Apostles"; two epistles are ascribed to him; patron of those in fishing industry.

Paul: according to tradition, was martyred in Rome c. 67 A.D.; Pharisee who became the "Apostle of the Gentiles"; his letters may be dated from c. 50-65 A.D.; patron of the lay apostolate, of Malta and Greece.

also on June 29:

• Cassius, bishop;
• Salome and Judith;
• Emma, widow

Cassius (d. 558 A.D.), was an exemplary bishop of Narni noted for his charity and devotion to the people of Narni. He died while on a pilgrimage to Rome.

Salome and Judith (9th century A.D.). Salome became an anchoress in a cell attached to the monastery-church built by Walter the abbot, a reputed relative. Judith, an aunt or cousin sent by the English king to find Salome, arrived at Altaich, decided to become an anchoress and occupied a cell built for her adjoining that of Salome. She remained on after Salome's death, and was buried next to the grave of her niece.

Emma (d. ca. 1045 A.D.), was married and had two children. The two were murdered during an uprising at the mines owned by her husband, Landgrave William of Friesach. Emma decided to devote her life to God.

Memorial of Saints (June28)

Irenaeus: (died 202 A.D.); from Smyrna; disciple of Polycarp; for 25 years the bishop of Lyons; wrote against the Gnostics, esp Adversus haereses; first to provide a coherent rationale for a Christian Bible including both Testaments, and the first to offer a comprehensive account of belief in God’s universal providential and redemptive economy. Learn more

also on June 28:

• Plutarch,
• Potamiaena and Companions, martyrs;
• Paul I, pope;
• Heimrad;
• Sergius and Germanus of Valaam, abbots;
• John Southworth, priest and martyr

Plutarch, d. ca. 202 A.D., was arrested for his faith during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Septimus Severus. He was executed together with others who attended Origen's catechetical school in Alexandria, Egypt.

Potamiaena was the daughter of Marcella who both attended Origen's catechetical school in Alexandria. Potamiaena was put to death in boiling pitch.

Paul I, d. 767 A.D., rebuilt churches and monasteries in Rome, opposed the iconaclasm of Emperor Constantine Copronymus, and died at St. Paul's Outside the Walls in Rome on June 28.

Heimrad experienced a lot of trouble in his life until eventually settled down to an austere life in a forest near what is now Wolfhagen, Hesse-Nassau, and died there. Many miracles were recorded at his tomb, which attracted great numbers of pilgrims.

Sergius and Germanus founded a Russian monastery on Valaam (Valamo) Island in Lake Ladoga in southeastern Finland, where they evangelized the pagan Karelians around the lake.

John Southworth, 1592-1654 A.D., was a Catholic priest who was hanged, drawn, and quartered for his priesthood at Tyburn on June 28.