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St. Bernardin of Sienna, Confessor, A.D. 1444.

by VP


Posted on Tuesday May 20, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints


Saint Bernardino of Siena, 1603 painting by El Greco, Museo del Prado, Madrid

"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


Saint Dunstan and the Devil

"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


https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/Cath%C3%A9drale_Saint-Tugdual_de_Tr%C3%A9guier_-_Tr%C3%A9guier_-_C%C3%B4tes_d%27Armor_-_France_-_M%C3%A9rim%C3%A9e_PA00089701_%2820%29.jpg

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).

Litanies to Saint Yves:

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


File:St John of Nepomuk.jpg

"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


File:Dimfna van Geel (tg-uact-1048).jpg


Prayer for those Afflicted with Mental Illness:

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.

The Life of St. Dymphna:

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


Saint Boniface - Wikipedia
Saint Boniface by Cornelis Bloemaert, c. 1630

"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