St. Lawrence Justinian, Bishop and Confessor
by VP
Posted on Friday September 05, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
Statue of Saint Lawrence Justinian in the Cathedral of Padua
"BORN at Venice, in 1380, of a noble family, St. Lawrence Justinian at the age of nineteen entered the Congregation of the Canons Regular of St. George of Alga, and became distinguished in his community by his fervor, humility, and other virtues. After having, in consequence, been elected General of his Order in 1433, he was appointed bishop of Venice by Pope Eugenius IV. Here his sanctity shone forth in brilliant colors. He was accustomed to style the poor and unfortunate his "household," and therefore granted them an audience whenever they wished it. He deprived himself personally of all the accessories of his high position, and lived an austerely poor life, in order to amply supply the wants of his adopted family. He became the idol of his flock. He reformed all abuses in his diocese, and equalled, at last, even the Doge in authority. St. Lawrence died in 1455, illustrious for his miracles.
Generous as brave,
Affection, kindness, the sweet offices
Of love and duty, were to him as needful
As his daily bread.
SAMUEL ROGERS.
Favorite Practice: To tend the poor lovingly for the sake of Him whom they represent.
Saint Teresa of Calcutta
by VP
Posted on Friday September 05, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"Jesus loves His priests very much and wants them to grow in holiness by
living the priesthood to the full – this simple way will help very
much. Let us pray and ask Our Lady to take care of them as she did of
Jesus.”
-- Mother Teresa of Calcutta ©Mother Teresa Center. Used with Permission.
Our Lady, Holy Name Cathedral, Raleigh NC
Prayer for Priests
Mary, Mother of Jesus, throw your mantle of purity over our priests.
Protect them, guide them, and keep them in your heart.
Be a Mother to them, especially in times of discouragement and loneliness.
Love them and keep them belonging completely to Jesus.
Like Jesus, they, too, are your sons, so keep their hearts pure and virginal.
Keep their minds filled with Jesus, and put Jesus always on their lips,
so that He is the one they offer to sinner and to all they meet.
Mary, Mother of Jesus, be their Mother, loving them and bringing them joy.
Take special care of sick and dying priests, and the ones most tempted.
Remember how they spent their youth and old age, their entire lives serving and giving all to Jesus.
Mary, bless them and keep a special place for them in your heart.
Give them a piece of your heart, so beautiful and pure and immaculate,
so full of love and humility, so that they, too, can grow in the likeness of Christ.
Dear Mary, make them humble like you, and holy like Jesus.
Amen.
