St. Bernardin of Sienna, Confessor, A.D. 1444.
by VP
Posted on Tuesday May 20, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints

"A HOLY man, who having employed the years of his youth in exercises of piety, put himself into an hospital, among the number of those who were to take care of the sick. There he satisfied all the duties of that place with wonderful charity, and in the practice of great mortification. He declared his aversion so much against whatever savoured of impurity, that no one dared to speak an unbecoming word in his presence. He afterwards entered the order of St. Francis, where endeavouring to outgo all in humility and other exercises of a religious life, and by his zealous preaching to reclaim the world from vice, he ended his days in the year 1444.
Learn from this servant of God to shew your charity to the sick, as occasion shall offer. There are many ways in which you may bring them comfort; and if at any time their weakness proves a trial of your patience, see that you be not wanting in it. Bearing with the infirmities of the miserable, is a sure means of finding mercy with God. Pray daily for all that are thus visited by the hand of God with distempers of mind or body, especially for the poor who are destitute of help, that heaven would be their comfort, and mercifully supply their wants. Learn something of the zeal of this saint, in prudently making war against vice, and in particular discountenancing whatever offends against chastity. St. Paul commands you to avoid all filthy communication, and that no indecent word should be so much as named among Christians. Be exact, even to a niceness, in observing this precept. Carefully avoid all expressions of double meaning, which no pious Christian can employ, or tolerate in others, without denouncing that purity, which the Gospel requires, and evidently hazarding his salvation. Can there be innocence in being the devil's instrument, and conveying poison into the souls of others, which penetrates deeper, the more wit it carries with it? All such discourse and expressions are a breach of the commandments, and contrary to the Gospel; and must be renounced by all, who pretend to be Christians. Make firm resolutions upon this matter; discourage all such pernicious practice in others, and pray for all who place their diversion in what is so serviceable to the devil." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
-"And I say that the priest doth more grievous wrong by giving bad example merely by scandalizing his neighbor by a wicked life, than if a layman where to go out to rob in the highway.The reason is this: that he who standeth in the highway doth rob the man who passeth by, and doth take from him his money, his horse, his garments, and all that which he findeth, but the other with his evil example doth make away with both soul and body of the man whom he doth scandalize thereby, and leaveth him to say and to do evil and to commit sin."Source: Sermons (iv backbiters are treated of with most beautiful examples, page 28) Saint Bernardine of Siena
-"Whenever you hear sodomy mentioned, each and every one of you spit on
the ground and clean your mouth out as well. If they don't want to
change their ways by any other means, maybe they will change when
they're made fools of. Spit hard! Maybe the water of your spit will
extinguish their fire." Lenten sermon preached in Santa Croce, 1424
Prayer:
"Apostle of peace! Italy, whose factions were so often quelled by thee, may well number thee among her protectors. Behold her now a prey to the enemies of Jesus, rebellious against the Church of God, and abandoned to her fate. Oh! Forget not, that she is thy native land, that she was obedient to thy preaching, and that thy memory was long most dear to her. Intercede in her favor; deliver her from her oppressors; and show, that when earthly armies fail, the hosts of heaven can always save both cities and countries.
Illustrious son of the great Patriarch of Assisi! The seraphic Order venerates thee as one of its main supports. Thou didst re-animate it to its primitive observance; continue, now from heaven, to protect the work thou commenced here on earth. The Order of St. Francis is one of the grandest consolations of holy Mother Church; make this Order for ever flourish, protect it in its trials, give it increase in proportion to the necessities of the Faithful; for thou art the second Father of this venerable family, and thy prayers are powerful with the Redeemer, whose glorious Name thou confessed upon earth." Source: Dom Gueranger
St. Dunstan, archbishop of Canterbury, Confessor, A.D. 988
by VP
Posted on Monday May 19, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"He spent his youth under the care of some Irish monks at Glastonbury, and outstripped all his companions in his studies. When grown up, he was received among the clergy: and as he had now chosen God for his inheritance, he endeavoured to make him the beginning and end of all his actions. He was temperate in his diet, sparing in sleep, grave in his deportment, sweet and affable in his conversation, diligent in flying evil, courageous and constant in following good. He loved chastity, and hated impurity; which he more effectually declined by avoiding idleness After he was ordained priest he served the church of Glastonbury, living in a small cell, and spending his hours in fasting, prayer, and manual labour. King Edmond gave him the territory of Glastonbury, to build a church and monastery there. St. Dunstan soon stocked it with a numerous community of Benedictine monks, over whom he presided as abbot, and whom he trained up in regular discipline and religious perfection. After the death of King Edmond, and his brother Edred, the throne was occupied by Edwy, a young prince of a debauched and profligate character. St. Dunstan sought in vain to reclaim him; and the young king, in return for his charitable remonstrances, banished him the kingdom. The saint remained one year in Flanders, and was then recalled by King Edgar, who insisted on his accepting the see of Worcester. He was consecrated bishop in the year 957. Four years after, St. Dunstan was made archbishop of Canterbury, and appointed by the pope apostolic legate throughout the kingdom. The multiplicity of affairs with which he was charged, his preaching and other spiritual labours, did not hinder him from finding time for prayer, and reading the divine Scriptures. The nearer his time came for being united to his sovereign good, the more he aspired to him. At length the time came, when his labours were to be crowned; and he gave up his soul to his Creator, on the 19th of May, 988, being about seventy years old.
Pray for all the bishops of God's Church, and in particular for those of your country. Pray for all the people, that virtue and truth may be established among them; that before all things they may seek the kingdom of God, and his justice." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Saint Yves of Brittany, Confessor, Priest and Lawyer
by VP
Posted on Monday May 19, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
Saint Yves, Cathédrale Saint-Tugdual de Tréguier public domain
"Saint Yves Helori, descended from a noble and virtuous family near Treguier in Brittany, was born in 1253. At fourteen years of age he went to Paris, and afterwards to Orleans to pursue his studies. His mother was accustomed to say to him often that he ought to live in such a way as became a Saint, to which his answer always was that he indeed hoped to be one. This resolution took deep root in his soul, and was a constant spur to virtue and a check against the least shadow of any dangerous course. His time was chiefly divided between study and prayer. For his recreation he visited the hospitals, where he attended the sick with great charity, and comforted them in the severe trials which their sufferings occasioned.
Saint Yves made a private vow of perpetual chastity; but this was not known, and many honorable matches were proposed to him, which he modestly rejected as incompatible with his studious life. He deliberated long whether to embrace the religious or the clerical state; but his desire to serve his neighbor determined him at length in favor of the latter. He wished, out of humility, to remain in the lesser orders; but his bishop compelled him to receive the priesthood, a step which cost him many tears, though he had qualified himself for that sacred dignity by his perfect purity of mind and body, as well as a long and fervent preparation.
He was appointed ecclesiastical judge for the diocese of Rennes. Saint Yves protected orphans and widows, defended the poor, and administered justice to all with an impartiality, application, and tenderness which gained him the good-will even of those who lost their causes. He was surnamed the advocate of the poor. He built near his own house a hospital for the poor and sick; he washed their feet, cleansed their ulcers, served them at table, and ate only the scraps which they left. He distributed among the poor his grain, or the price for which he sold it, immediately after the harvest. When a certain person endeavored to persuade him to keep it for a few months, that he might sell it at a better price, he answered, I know not whether I shall then be alive to give it. Another time the same person said to him, I have gained a 20% profit by keeping my grain. But I, replied the Saint, recalling the Lord's promises, a hundredfold, by immediately giving it away.
During the Lent of 1303 he felt his strength failing him; yet, far from abating anything in his austerities, he thought himself obliged to redouble his fervor in proportion as he advanced nearer to eternity. On the eve of the Ascension he preached to his people and said Mass supported at the altar by two persons, and he gave advice to all who addressed themselves to him. After this he lay down on his pallet of plaited twigs and branches, and received the Last Sacraments. From that moment on he spoke with God alone, until his soul went to possess Him in His glory. His death occurred in May, 1303, in his fiftieth year.
Reflection. Saint Yves was a Saint amid the dangers of the world. He preserved his virtue untainted only by arming himself carefully against its perils by conversing assiduously with God in prayer and holy meditation, and by watchfully shunning the snares of bad company. Without these precautions all the instructions of parents and all other means of virtue are ineffectual. The soul which does not steer wide of danger is sure to founder on the reef.
Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints, by John Gilmary Shea (1894).Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
Heavenly Father who art God, have mercy upon us.
Son, Redeemer of the world, who art God, have mercy upon us.
Holy Ghost, who art God, have mercy upon us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy upon us.
Holy Mary, Queen of All Saints, pray for us.
Saint Yves, father of the poor, pray for us.
Saint Yves, light of Brittany, pray for us.
Saint Yves, model of charity, pray for us.
Saint Yves, advocate of priests, pray for us.
Saint Yves, servant of the Cross, pray for us.
Saint-Yves, devoted to penitence, pray for us.
Saint Yves, example of all purity, pray for us.
Saint Yves, mirror of chastity, pray for us.
Saint Yves, enemy of impurity, pray for us.
Saint Yves, example of all the virtues, pray for us.
Saint Yves, victorious and triumphant of temptations, pray for us.
Saint Yves, victorious of the world, pray for us.
Saint Yves, man worthy of honor, pray for us.
Saint Yves, stainless man, pray for us,
Saint Yves, gentle man, pray for us,
Saint Yves, defender of the innocent, pray for us.
Saint Yves, protector of virgins, pray for us,
Saint Yves, protector of widows and orphans, pray for us.
Saint Yves, worker of miracles, pray for us.
Saint Yves, terror of demons, pray for us.
Saint Yves, healer of the sick, pray for us.
Saint Yves, safety of seafarers, pray for us.
Saint Yves, consoler of the afflicted, pray for us.
Saint Yves, provider of food for the hungry, pray for us.
Saint Yves, refuge of the downtrodden, pray for us.
Saint Yves, helper of all who invoke thee, pray for us.
Saint Yves, bright light among men of law, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
V. Pray for us, O glorious Saint Yves,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
O God, from whom cometh all that is right and just, Thou didst establish Saint Yves as a judge in the midst of his brethren, making him the friend and advocate of the poor. Do Thou make us, by his intercession, steadfast in the pursuit of justice and confident in Thy merciful goodness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
St. Venantius, MARTYR, A.D. 250.
by VP
Posted on Sunday May 18, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
Scarsellino: Martyrdom of St. Venantius of Camerino
"A YOUTH of fifteen, of Camerino in Italy, who was accuesd under Decius the emperor, for his faith in Christ. He suffered many martyrdoms, being scourged, hung up by the heels over smoke, cast upon a dunghill with his teeth beaten out, and his jaws broken. He was also exposed to lions, dragged by horses, thrown off a rock, and at length beheaded with many others, who, moved by that divine power, which appeared so visibly in his protection, had believed in Christ. Pray for all those, who throughout the world suffer for their faith, for truth, or for justice. Pray for all of both sexes, who at the age of this martyr, being charmed with the follies and vanities of the world, are solicitous to please themselves, but forget God. It is an afflicting thought to consider the great corruption of youth; how early a knowledge they have of evil, and how ripe they are for vice. It is the care and duty of parents to prevent this mischief, by sweetly inspiring them with good principles, by teaching them the art of employing themselves usefully, of loving business and home. Reasonable diversions are not to be denied them; but care must be taken that they grow not too much in love with them. When diversions are allowed as an encouragement to duty, they are very commendable, and have a very good effect. But if a person is fond of idle conversation, loves gaming, plays, romances, entertainments, and late hours, is averse to all employment, to the methods of good discipline, and to whatever is serious and moderate; such a one is in the highway to ruin. It must be therefore the care of parents discreetly to moderate such inclinations in their children, and by easy self-denials insensibly lead them to the practice of overcoming themselves. This is laying in them the first seeds of martyrdom, and teaching them to be Christians.
Pray for patience and courage for
yourself in all difficulties and troubles: and let the great sufferings of this martyr in his tender years be a subject of reproach and confusion to you, that you yet understand so little, what it is to suffer with resignation and patience." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
St. Paschal Baylon, CONFESSOR, A.D. 1592.
by VP
Posted on Saturday May 17, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
LienzoS Pascual
"THIS saint was born of poor but pious parents, in a small town in the kingdom of Arragon. From his tender years he gave many indications of future sanctity. His parents were too poor to afford to send him to school; but he carried a book with him into the fields, where he kept sheep, and begged those whom he met to teach him the letters. Thus in a short time he learned to read. He would never look into books of mere amusement; but the lives of the saints, and above all, meditations on the life of Christ, were his chief delight. Some of his companions were addicted to swearing, quarrelling, and fighting; nor were they to be reclaimed by his gentle rebukes. He therefore determined to leave them; and after some time spent in prayer and austerities to learn the will of God, he resolved to enter a religious order. He was admitted as a lay brother into an austere convent of bare-foot reformed Franciscans. Though his rule was severe, he added to its rigour, but always with simplicity of heart, without the least attachment to his own will. He had never more than one habit, and that always threadbare. He walked without sandals in the snows, and in the roughest roads. He accommodated himself to all places and seasons; and was always content, cheerful, mild, affable, and full of respect for all. He thought himself honoured, if employed in any painful and low office to serve any one. He had a great devotion to the Mother of God, whose intercession he never ceased to implore, that he might be preserved from sin. The Blessed Sacrament was the object of his tender devotion; as also the passion of our Saviour. He died near Valentia on the 17th of May, in 1592, being fifty-two years old.
Practise the humility of this
saint. For though you are not obliged to follow him in habit, yet,
unless, like him, you are truly humble and poor in spirit, you cannot be
a true disciple. Pride has many subtle ways, and requires your best
observation to discover it, and yet greater care to overcome it. Study
all its ways, and by prayers call in heaven to your assistance." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
St. Ubaldus, BISHOP AND CONFESSOR, A.D. 1160.
by VP
Posted on Friday May 16, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"AFTER a pious education in a seminary at Gubio, a city in the ecclesiastical states, he was made by the bishop prior of his cathedral. After some time he was consecrated bishop of Gubio, by the pope himself. He made it his whole business to adorn his high station with all the virtues of a true successor of the apostles. But the mildness and patience, by which he appeared insensible to injuries and affronts, was one of the brightest parts of his character. The two last years of his life, he laboured under a complication of painful distempers, which he bore with the patience of a saint. On Easter day, his devotion to the glorious mystery of that festival, made him forget his infirm condition, so that he got up, said Mass, and gave the people a discourse on eternal life. He continued till the feast of the Ascension to prepare himself for death, and having received the rites of the Church, expired on the 16th of May, 1160.
Pray for all the pastors of the Church;
that they may carefully watch over their flock, and be examples to them
in all holiness and virtue. Pray that you may be faithful in your
charge, whatever it be. There is no state without many obligations
attached to it; and to be careless in them, is to be wanting to justice.
This is a point, on which all Christians ought to examine themselves, as often as they think of making their peace with God. Otherwise they may unthinkingly live on under the guilt of great sins, go with these to the sacraments, and have nothing in the end to trust to, but the unsafe plea of ignorance or inadvertence, which will not be allowed in those cases which by the obligation of their
state they were bound to know. St Ubaldus having been eminent for
relieving such as were possessed with unclean spirits, pray for all who
are thus possessed: their misery demands your charity. And if you are
molested with this troublesome enemy, pray for help, and be watchful
against his snares. Beseech God to strengthen you. Infirmity amidst
continual dangers can be no other way secure." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
St. John Nepomucen, MARTYR, A.D. 1383.
by VP
Posted on Friday May 16, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints

"His parents neglected nothing to give him a good education; nor could a child give more promising hopes of future greatness by his mildness, gentleness, docility, devotion, and application to his studies. He had from his tender years regarded the priesthood as the great object of his pious ambition, that he might devote himself in the most perfect manner to promote the divine honour. Having produced great fruit after his ordination in extirpating vice, and recalling many who had strayed from the paths of virtue, he was chosen a canon of Prague, and afterwards called to preach at court before the Emperor Wenceslaus. He was much applauded by the court and by the emperor himself, whose wicked passions the saint was for some time enabled to check. The emperor offered him great dignities, but he constantly refused them all. He would only accept the office of almoner, which enabled him to assist the poor, and gain souls to God.
The empress chose him for her director, and under his guidance, made great progress in virtue and piety. But Wenceslaus, the emperor, was a man of savage and vicious inclinations, and only grew more impatient and extravagant by the piety of the empress, and by the tenderness and condescension with which she behaved towards him. In a fit of mad jealousy, he made her virtuous conduct an argument for suspicion; and made an impious attempt to extort from St. John what she had disclosed to him in the secret of confession. The saint was struck with horror at such a question; and could never be brought, either by promises or threats, or torments, to betray the confidence reposed in him. By the wicked emperor's command he was thrown into a dungeon, and afterwards released and tempted again by the same impious proposal. The saint firmly refused, and was again put into prison and inhumanly tortured. He was stretched on a sort of rack;
burning torches were applied to his body; he was burnt at a slow fire,
and tormented in other ways. Under his tortures, he pronounced no other
words but the sacred names of Jesus and Mary, and when loosened from the rack, was left half dead. But our Lord visited his servant with the sweetest consolations. Soon after the barbarous emperor ordered the holy man to be thrown off a bridge into the river with his hands tied, which was executed on the 16th of May, 1383. A heavenly light appeared over his body in the waters. It was taken out of the river with great honour, and every one flocked to kiss the hands and feet of the glorious
martyr, and recommend themselves to his prayers.
Implore his
intercession this day; and pray that you may ever, like him, be firm and
faithful to your duty to God, unmoved by any fear of men." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Saint Dymphna, Virgin and Martyr, patron saint of nervous and mental patients
by VP
Posted on Thursday May 15, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
Lord Jesus Christ, You have willed that Saint Dymphna should be invoked by thousands of clients as the patroness of nervous and mental disease and have brought about that her interest in these patients should be an inspiration to and an ideal for charity at her great shrine and throughout the world. Grant that, through the prayers of this youthful martyr of purity, those who suffer of nervous and mental illness everywhere on earth may be helped and consoled. I recommend to you in particular ... (Here mention those you wish to pray for).
Be pleased to hear the prayers of Saint Dumphna and of Your Blessed Mother, health of the sick and Comforter of the Afflicted, in behalf of those whom I recommend to the love and compassion of Your Sacred Heart. Give them patience to bear with their affliction and resignation to do Your Divine Will. Give them the consolation they need and especially the cure they so much desire, if it be Your will. May we all serve Your suffering members with a charity which may merit for us the reward of being united forever in Heaven with You, our Divine Head, Who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever, Amen.
O God, we beg You through Your Servant, Saint Dymphna, who sealed with her blood the love she had for you, her Eternal Spouse, to grant relief to those in our midst who suffer from mental afflictions and nervous disorders. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Virgin and Martyr
Catholics for the most part are entirely unfamiliar with many
of the glorious saints of Ireland. One such forgotten or
unknown saint, who, on account of her spotless virtue and
glorious martyrdom, is sometimes referred to as the "Lily of
Eire,” is St. Dymphna.
Many details of the life of St. Dymphna are lacking, but the
outstanding facts of her short life, as well as the many
miracles worked through her intercession after her death, are
well known. Her life was written by a certain Peter, a Canon
Regular of St. Autbert’s Church in Cambray, France, in 1680.
Other writers before him have written about her and entertained
almost tender devotion toward her.
Dymphna was born in the seventh century, when Ireland was
almost universally Catholic. Yet, strange to say, her father,
Damon, a petty king or chieftain of Oriel, was a pagan. He was a
man of great wealth and power, acquired by his success in
many wars. Her mother was also of noble descent, exceptionally
beautiful, and a devout Christian. Dymphna herself is said to
have borne a striking resemblance to her mother and to have
inherited both her beauty and charm of disposition. She was a
most sweet and winsome child. Every affection and attention was
lavished on her from birth. Heaven, too, favored her with
special graces.
Dymphna was fourteen when tragedy struck the household. Her
mother died and her father is said to have been afflicted with
a mental illness, brought on by his grief.The girl was
entrusted to the care of a devout Christian woman, who prepared
her for Baptism. Father Gerebran, an old and venerable priest,
baptized her. He was evidently a member of the household and
later taught Dymphna her letters along with the truths of
religion. A bright and eager pupil, she advanced rapidly in
wisdom and grace. When still very young, Dymphna, like so many
other noble Irish maidens before and after her, being filled
with a deep love for Jesus Christ, chose Him for her Divine
Spouse and consecrated her virginity to Him and to His Blessed
Mother by a vow of chastity.
In a frantic effort to fill the void in his life caused by
the death of his wife, Dymphna's father sent messengers
throughout his own and other lands to find some woman of noble
birth, resembling his beloved wife, who would be willing to
marry him. Their search was fruitless. Very likely filled with
fear of punishments, they proposed another plan. They directed
the king’s attention to the remarkable resemblance between
Dymphna and her mother, both in physical beauty and charm of
disposition, and suggested that he propose marriage to her.
Under the stress of mental illness and passion, the king was
willing to follow this scandalous proposal. He tried to persuade
Dymphna by promises of riches and flattering words. But she
was filled with disgust by the persistent advances of her
father, not only because she saw the evil of such a marriage,
but also because she had already dedicated herself to a life
of virginity and would have rejected marriage under any
circumstances.
Dymphna laid the matter before Father Gerebran and upon his
advice decided to flee from her homeland. He himself agreed to
accompany her, together with two other friends, the court
jester and his wife. The little group hurried to the coast.
Faithful vassals rowed them across the mist-laden North Sea.
They landed upon the Belgian coast near Antwerp. Fleeing
inland, the fugitives made their way to Gelium — now Gheel —
where hospitable villagers received the Celtic strangers into
their homes. They found here a chapel dedicated to St. Martin
of Tours, and decided to make their home near it. Dymphna
soon made herself beloved by her tender care of the sick and
poor.
Damon, very angry at the disappearance of his daughter,
immediately set out in search of the fugitives. They were
eventually traced to Belgium. When Dymphna’s father tried to
persuade her to return with him, Father Gerebran rebuked him
for his wicked proposal. In order to break down her resistance,
the king gave orders that Father Gerebran should be put to
death. Without delay, his wicked retainers laid violent hands
upon the priest. With one blow of a sword his head was severed
from his shoulders.
The death of her beloved spiritual guide only confirmed
Dymphna’s resolution to resist unto blood, if needs be, herself.
Her father again tried to persuade her to return to Ireland
with him. This time she not only refused but even scorned his
cruel threats. Infuriated by her resistance, he drew his sword
and struck off the head of his daughter. She was then only
fifteen years of age. Dymphna received the crown of martyrdom
between the years 620 and 640.
The records of Dymphna’s life and death say that the bodies
of the two martyrs lay on the ground for quite some time
before the inhabitants of Gheel removed them to a cave. Some
years later a more suitable place was sought. When the working
men, assigned to the task, entered the cave and cleared away
the rubble, they discovered two beautifully sculptured tombs of
pure white stone. They opened Dymphna’s coffin and found lying
over her breast a red tile bearing the inscription: ‘'Here lies
the body of the holy virgin and martyr, Dymphna.” Her remains
were placed in a small church of the town and kept there for
many years. Source: Saint Dymphna : patron of the nervous and emotionally disturbed. Father Lawrence Lovasik 1953
Saint Peter Lampsacus
by VP
Posted on Thursday May 15, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
HORROR OF UNCHASTITY. It was at Lampsacus, a town of the Hellespont, during the persecution of the emperor Decius, that a youth, named Peter, was denounced to the proconsul as a Christian. He was ordered to burn incense in honour of the goddess Venus. "Would you have me," replied the generous confessor of the faith, "honour her whom you yourselves acknowledge to be dishonoured by her vices? The actions you impute to her strike me with disgust, and are punishable even by your own laws. No! I despise a woman of bad life, and I honour only the One God, my Lord Jesus Christ, the God made man for the expiation of the sins of the world." The proconsul caused torture to be applied, which racked, his limbs while wrenching them with most cruel grasp; but, at length, seeing his perseverance and the joy he manifested to suffer for the name of Jesus Christ, he shortened his torments by causing his head to be struck off.
MORAL REFLECTION. -How is it that, while despising
vice, the worldly-minded hold in respect the persons of the vicious;
and, while condemning vice, pardon it in their own case? "Know you not,"
says the Apostle, "that the unchaste shall not enter the kingdom of
Heaven?"-(1 Cor. vi. 9.) The Pictorial Half Hours with the Saints by Abbe Lecanu
St. Boniface, MARTYR, A.D. about 307.
by VP
Posted on Wednesday May 14, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"He was a Roman citizen, and had lived wickedly for some time with a rich lady whom he served as her chief steward But at length being sensibly touched with the horror of his crimes, he not only quitted the occasion of his sin, but left the city too, and endeavoured to make the best satisfaction he could, by visiting those who were imprisoned for their faith. He encouraged them in their sufferings, and buried the bodies of such as were put to death. For which, being apprehended at Tarsus, he was put to most cruel torments; in all which, no other voice of his was heard than this: "I give thee thanks, O Jesus, Son of the living God." Being afterwards beheaded, he thus finished a happy penance and martyrdom.
Pray for all those, who live engaged in a sinful state; that being truly sensible of their wickedness, they may sincerely repent, and forsake both it, and the occasions of it, and do penance for their sins. All these are linked to the devil with the strongest chains; and stand in need of a very powerful grace to disengage themselves. Have compassion on them, and shew your charity, not only in a short petition this day, but by daily importuning heaven for their deliverance. Why should so many perish, so many members of the same
body with yourself, without your endeavours for their relief? Beg
therefore for a sincere repentance for them. Their grief is not sincere,
unless they fly from the occasion of their sin, and bring forth worthy fruits of penance. Without this, repeated absolutions are fruitless, and only add the guilt of sacrilege to their repeated crimes. The same applies to all other sins, as of unjust gains, bad company, gaming, and the like: in all which, if the occasions
be not forsaken, it is in vain to confess, and make offers to amend.
Consider if you are any way concerned. Take good advice, and heartily
pray for grace, that you may separate from all that, which otherwise
will separate you eternally from God." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother