Memorial of Saints (July 13)

Henry II: (died 1024 A.D.); together with his wife, St. Cunegunda, he assisted the poor; as emperor, he respected the Church’s freedom, fostering ecclesiastical and monastic reform; founded the see of Bamberg as a center for missions to the Slavs; patron of Finland and Benedictine oblates.

also on July 13:

• Silas or Silvanus;
• Maura and Brigid;
• Eugenius of Carthage, bishop;
• Mildred, virgin;
• James of Voragine, bishop;
• Francis Solano

Silas or Silvanus (1st century A.D.) was one of the leaders of the Church of Jerusalem. He went with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch to communicate the decisions of the Council of Jerusalem to the Gentile community. Tradition says that he became the first bishop of Corinth and that he died in Macedonia.

Memorial of Saints (July 12)

John Gualbert, abbot; Nabor and Felix, martyrs; Veronica; Jason, martyr; Hermagoras and Fortunatus, martyrs; John the Iberian, abbot; John Jones, priest and martyr

John Gualbert (d. 1073 A.D.) repented after revenging on the death of his brother. He became a Benedictine monk. When he felt that he was to be made abbot, he left and founded a monastery of his own at Vallombrosa, near Fiesole. He followed the primitive Rule of St. Benedict. He and his monks became known as the Vallombrosans. They stressed charity and poverty. Their way of life spread all through Italy, particularly in Tuscany and Lombardy. John Gualbert was canonized in 1193 A.D.

Memorial of Saints (July 11)

Benedict: (died 547 A.D.); wrote famous monastic Rule noted for its wisdom and moderation; founded 12 monasteries including Monte Cassino; Benedictines today number some 8,500 religious; considered the "Patriarch of Western Monasticism"; patron of Europe.

Learn more

• The Way of Integration (depth psychology based on Benedictine spirituality)
• Benedictine Reform at Cluny and other Monastic Reforms in the 10th centruty

also on July 11:

• Drostan, abbot;
• John of Bergamo, bishop;
• Hidulf, bishop;
• Olga, widow