Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr

12 NOVEMBER 2009. Today the Church celebrates the memorial of Saint Josaphat, born about 1580 in the Ukraine. Saint Josaphat--whose baptismal name was Johannes--was born into an orthodox family and from an early age he showed great piety. As a child, Josaphat applied himself with zeal to the study of ecclesiastical Slav, learning to recite the entire casoslov (or breviary), which from an early age he prayed daily. Much of Saint Josaphat's early religious training came from the breviary, as many of the orthodox clergy at the time, in Saint Josaphat's area, were not formally educated and, therefore, not permitted to give catechetical instruction.

Centuries before Saint Josaphat's birth, in 1054, the Great Schism occurred, separating the Eastern churches under Constantinople from the Western churches under Rome. Nearly five centuries later, the orthodox metropolitan of Kiev and five orthodox bishops committed to bringing themselves and the faithful in their pastoral care back into union with Rome. It was into this context that Saint Josaphat was born, and he experienced both the positive and negative consequences of the reunification. Many of the followers of the metropolitan did not want to return to communion with Rome, which led to a schism in the Orthodox Ruthenian Church, creating great division that sometimes led to bloodshed.

On 23 November 1595, the Ruthenian Church, through the Union of Brest, reunited with the Roman Catholic Church. However, schismatic Ruthenian separatists refused the reunification.

In 1604, at about the age of 24, Saint Josaphat embraced Catholicism and entered the Basilian monastery of the Trinity at Vilna. In the monastery, Saint Josaphat met Joseph Benjamin Rutsky; the two became lifelong friends and allies in the Church and spent long periods of time planning for the reunification of the Ruthenian separatists with Rome and a reform of monastic life.

After his ordination as a Byzantine Rite priest, now Father Josaphat was sent to Rome to found new Basilian houses, and Rutsky became the abbot of Vilna. Saint Josaphat returned to take Rutsky's place as abbot, when Rutsky was named Archbishop of Kiev. In his role as abbot of Vilna and other monasteries, Saint Josaphat began to put into practice his ideas for reunification and monastic reform. However, Josaphat's practices were austere and ascetic, to the extent that one community went so far as to threaten to throw him into the river until he persuaded them to see his purposes.

After leading several monasteries, on 12 November 1617, Saint Josaphat was reluctantly consecrated as the bishop of Vitebsk. He became archbishop of Polotsk in 1618. Upon becoming bishop, Saint Josaphat found the state of the Church in ruins, literally. Buildings were falling down, priests and monks were marrying multiple times, and there seemed to be a lack of commitment by the clergy to live a life of pastoral service modeled on Christ. To this scene, Saint Josaphat instituted many reforms, including holding synods, publishing a catechism for universal use, and instituting rules of conduct for clergy. Despite the improvements found under the bishopric of Saint Josaphat, the separatist Ruthenians tried in every way to injure Saint Josaphat's efforts at complete reunification, going so far as to even set up a competing diocese and archbishop. The Roman Catholics with whom Saint Josaphat was seeking communion did not give him great support either--owing at least in part to Saint Josphat's adherence to the Byantive Rite and not "Romanizing" his practices.

In October 1623, Saint Josaphat decided to return to Vitebsk to quell the division with the Ruthenian separatists himself. The separatists did their best to incite a violent reaction from Saint Josaphat and his followers, hurling insults and profanity at them. When finally, one of the inciters was confined by Saint Josaphat's party, the separatists launched a violent attack against Saint Josaphat and his followers.

On 12 November 1623, an angry mob attacked Saint Josaphat, killing him and many followers. Saint Josaphat was beaten with a stick, then an ax, and finally shot in the head. His body was drug through the streets and thrown in the river with the body of a dog that had tried to protect him.

However, the violence in the end had the opposite effect of pushing forward the separatists' agenda. Saint Josaphat's rival archbishop was reconciled with Rome and the weight of opinion came down decidedly on the side of those seeking complete reunification with Rome.

Josaphat was beatified by Pope Urban VIII on 16 May 1643. And, in 1867, Saint Josaphat became the first saint of the Eastern Church to be canonized a saint by Rome.

Prayer

Lord,
fill your Church with the Spirit
that gave Saint Josaphat courage
to lay down his life for his people.
By his prayers
may your Spirit make us strong
and willing to offer our lives
for our brothers and sisters.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Saint Martin of Tours, bishop

11 NOVEMBER 2009. Today's memorial celebrated by the Church is that of Saint Martin of Tours, patron saint of beggars, soldiers, and the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps.

Saint Martin was born in what is today Hungary in about 316. Martin was the son of a soldier in the Roman army, and although he was from a pagan family, Saint Martin presented himself to the Church at the age of 10 as a catechumen (or, candidate for Baptism). When Saint Martin's father was transferred to Ticinum, Cisalpine Gaul (today Pavia, Italy) Martin moved too, and upon reaching the appropriate age was conscripted into the Roman Army.

As a soldier in the Roman army, Saint Martim met a half-naked and shivering beggar outside the gates of the city of Amien. Immediately, moved with pity for the man, Saint Martin cut his own cloak in half and shared it with the beggar. That night, Saint Martin had a dream of Jesus wearing his half-cloak. In his dream, Jesus said to the angels: "Here is Martin, the Roman soldier who is not baptized, he has clothed me." This dream confirmed in Martin his piety, and he was baptized as a Christian at the age of 18.

Saint Martin still served two more years in the Army. Just before a battle was to take place in Worms, Saint Martin determined that his faith prohibited him from fighting. When he refused to fight, he was jailed for cowardice. However, in response to the charge, Saint Martin offered to go before the enemy unarmed. His military leaders were going to take Martin up on his offer, but the armies made peace and the battle never occurred.

After his service as a soldier, Saint Martin declared his vocation and became a disciple of Saint Hilary of Poitiers. In his ensuing years, Saint Martin spent time in various places, including spending some time living as a hermit off of the Italian coast. During this time he experienced the happiness of converting his mother to Christianity. Saint Hilary spent a period of time in exile, but upon his return, Saint Martin and Saint Hilary built a monastery at Liguge, where Saint Martin lived until being chosen a Bishop of Tours in 371.

At probably the age of 55, Saint Martin became the Bishop of Tours. He continued, though, to lead the same simple life that he had lived in the monastery. At first as bishop, Saint Martin lived in a little cell near the church. However, soon after, Saint Martin laid the foundations for the celebrated monastery of Marmoutier, which consisted originally of only a few grottos hewn into the rock with wooden cells. However, many eventually flocked to this monastery which is the reason that Saint Martin became known as the founder of monasticisim in Gaul.

During his time as bishop, many heresies plagued the Church. While a staunch supporter of the Church in the face of heresy, Saint Martin was also opposed to those who would put heretics to death, making efforts to save them from execution.

On the whole, Saint Martin's life was known for his constant prayer. Many miracles were attributed to Saint Martin during his life and after his death. Saint Martin died on 8 November 397 at about the age of 81.

During the middle ages, the veneration of Saint Martin was very popular. In many places in Europe today, Saint Martin's Day is still celebrated by the faithful and others alike.

As a historical footnote, it is interesting to know that Martin Luther, who initiated the Protestant Reformation, was named after Saint Martin and was baptized on Saint Martin's feast day, 11 November.

Prayer

God, Your bishop Saint Martin glorified You
by both his life and his death.
Renew in us Your grace,
so that neither death nor life can
separate us from Your love.

Amen.

Pope Saint Leo the Great

10 NOVEMBER 2009. Today the Church celebrates the memorial of Pope Saint Leo the Great. While history does not record the place or date of Saint Leo's birth, tradition tells that he was born in Tuscany. Pope Leo's pontificate began on 29 September 440 and lasted until his death on 10 November 461. Pope Leo's pontificate, besides Pope Gregory I, was the most significant and important in the Church of antiquity.

We know that by 431, Saint Leo was a deacon that held an important enough role that Cyril of Alexandria appears to have tried to persuade Saint Leo to throw the weight of Rome behind his claim to patriarchal jurisdiction over Palestine. However, nothing more showed the confidence of the Church in Saint Leo, than being dispatched to Gaul to settle a dispute between its two highest officials.

While on his mission to Gaul, Pope Sixtus III died, and the people unanimously elected Saint Leo as Pope. In 440, he began his epoch papacy, know best for centralizing the government of the Church.

In the early years of his papacy, Pope Leo disputed the authentic leadership of the Church with Pope Dioscorus, Pope of Alexandria, the metropolitan of Thessalonica, and the Gallica Church, saying that the Church must be lead by the successor of Peter: "The care of the universal Church should converge towards Peter's one seat, and nothing anywhere should be separated from its Head."

Calling on secular authorities for support, in 445 Pope Leo secured an edict from Emperor Valentinian recognizing the primacy of the Bishop of Rome.

The doctrine of the Incarnation (true God and true man) was confirmed by Pope Leo in a letter to the Patriarch of Constantinople. And, at the Council of Chalceon in 451, the same letter was confirmed as the true expression of Catholic faith concerning the person of Christ.

However, aside from important governance matters of the Church, Saint Pope Leo is probably is probably most notably known for meeting Atila the Hun outside Rome in 452, and convincing him to turn back from his sack of Western Europe.

Pope Saint Leo the Great died in 461, leaving many important letters and writings of great historical value. Known for his governance efforts, Pope Leo's pontificate is most significant for the development and implementation of the doctrine of Petrine supremacy.

According to Saint Leo, the Church is built upon Peter, in pursuance of the promise of Matthew 16:16-19. Peter participates in everything which is Christ's; what the other apostles have in common with him they have through him. What is true of Peter is true also of his successors. Every bishop is charged with the care of his own special flock, but the Bishop of Rome is entrusted with the care of the whole Church. Other bishops are his assistants in this great task.

Both the Catholic Church and many Anglicans mark 10 November as the feast day of Pope Saint Leo the Great. The Eastern Orthodox churches mark 18 February as his feast day.

Prayer

God, you established Your Church
on the solid rock of the Apostles
and You will never allow the powers
of hell to dominate her.
Grant that she may persevere
in Your truth
and enjoy continual peace
through the intercession of Pope Leo.

Amen.

Dedication of St. John Lateran

9 NOVEMBER 2009. Today the Church celebrates the feast of the dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome. You may ask, why is a feast day dedicated to a church building? Well, the answer is that today is not so much about the building alone, as it is about the consistent and liturgical presence at the site of the basilica, and its symbolism for the universal Church.

While many Catholics probably think that Saint Peter's Basilica is the central locale of the universal Church, the Basilica of Saint John Lateran is actually that spot (officially named, the Archbasilica Sanctissimi Salvatoris et Sancti Iohannes Baptista et Evangelista in Laterano (Archbasilica of the Most Holy Savior and Sts. John the Baptist and the Evangelist at the Lateran)). Every diocese has a cathedral, and the Diocese of Rome, headed by the Holy Father, the bishop of Rome, is no different. St. John Lateran is the cathedral church for the Diocese of Rome, the Pope's own church and so, in a sense, the diocesan church of the entire Church--the spiritual home of all the faithful.

The first basilica on the site was built in the Fourth Century, after the Emperor Constantine donated the land that he had received from the wealthy Lateran family. St. John Lateran was the official residence for the Pope until the 15th century. The current Basilica structure was commissioned by Pope Innocent X in 1646. One of Rome's most imposing churches, the facade is crowned with 15 massive statutes of Christ, Saint John the Baptist, John the Evangelist, and 12 doctors of the Church. The only part of the original Lateran Palace remaining is the Pope's private chapel--the Sancta Sanctorum, which includes the Scala Sancta, or Holy Stairs (said to be the chairs that Jesus ascended at the praetorium of Pilate in Jerusalem, brought to Rome in the Fourth Century by Saint Helena, mother of Constantine the Great).

Below the main altar of the Basilica is a small wooden table that tradition says was used by Saint Peter and the first subsequent popes (through Saint Sylvester I (314-355)) to say mass. The remains of several popes are entombed at the Basilica, including Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903). Many important historical events have occurred at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, including the signing of the Lateran Pacts (establishing the Vatican City State) and five Ecumenical Councils.

Initially, the observance of the dedication of Saint John Lateran was limited to Rome. But, in 1565 it was extended to the universal church. As each of us are living stones that compose the Church on earth (1 Peter 2:4-8), this feast is a celebration of all of our participation in the living Church, most famously symbolized by the Basilica of Saint John Lateran: the physical church that all of us can call our worldly home.

Prayer

God, out of living and chosen stones
You prepare an eternal dwelling
for Yourself.
Multiply in your Church
the spirit of grace that you have given her,
so that Your people
may ever grow into that building
which is the heavenly Jerusalem.

Amen.

Saint Francis de Capillas, Blessed Alfonsus Navarrete, and Companions, Martyrs

6 NOVEMBER 2009. Today we celebrate the memorial of Saint Francis de Capillas, Blessed Alfonsus Navarrete, and Companions, Martyrs of The Far East.

Saint Francis, Blessed Alfonsus, and their companions were robed with the white robe of martrydom for trying to spread the Gospel to Japan and China in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

In Japan, Blessed Alfonsus Navarrete, a Spanish Dominican, was beheaded on 1 June 1617 in Omura. In 1622, nine other Dominicans were burned to death in Nagasaki. All told, from 1614 through 1632, more than 100 Spanish and Japanese Dominicans (novices, cooperator brothers, tertiaries, and confraternity members) were martyred for the faith.

Saint Francisco had labored for a number of years in the Phillippines before going to China in 1642. In China, Saint Francis de Capillas, also a Spanish Dominican, was beheaded in 15 January 1648. In the following century several Spanish Dominicans were also martyred in China, including Bishop Peter Sanz on 26 May 1747 and Bishop Francis Serrano along with the priests Joachim Royo, John Alcober, and Francisco Diaz on 28 October 1748.

Saint Francisco de Capillas was proclaimed Protomartyr (First Martyr) of China on 16 September 1748 by Pope Benedict XIV. Two centuries later, he was beatified by Pope Pius X on 2 May 1909. Still nearly another century after his beatification, he was canonized by the great Pope John Paul II on 1 October 2000.

Blessed Francis de Capillas was beatified on 7 May 1867 by Pope Blessed Pius IX.

Blessed Simon Ballacchi

5 NOVEMBER 2009. Today we celebrate the optional memorial of Blessed Simon Ballacchi, an Italian cooperator brother. His life of service and penance is an example to us all of loving God through simple actions.

Blessed Simon was born around 1240 A.D. in the village of Sant'Archangelo in the Diocese of Rimini, Italy. He was the son of Count Ballacchi and the nephew of two Archbishops of Rimini, and his brother became a priest. It was in Rimini that Blessed Simon received the the habit of a cooperator brother at the age of 27. Apparently Brother Simon's family was not happy about his entry into the Order, as they had expected him to manage the family's property.

Tradition tells us that Blessed Simon led a life in Rimini that was distinguished for humility and kindness.

Blessed Simon was also known for his strict penances for the conversion of sinners, imitating Saint Dominic. He wore an iron link around himself for twenty years and whipped himself every night. During Lent, Blessed Simon lived on only bread and water, and found time for additional prayer by giving up sleep. However, despite the strictness of his penances, Brother Simon was also famous for his sweetness of life, particularly in his dealings with the poor, to whom he taught the basics of Christian life with wisdom.

Brother Simon would leave the monastery to walk around the village carrying a cross in his hand, calling the children to catechism. He often volunteered for the simplest tasks around the monastery, working mainly in the garden, even if the weather was bad.

At the age of 57 Blessed Simon became blind. For the last several years of his life he was bedridden. However, he bore these afflictions with great courage and was always in good spirits. Blessed Simon died in Rimini on 3 November around the year 1319 A.D. After his death, Brother Simon was honored by a great number of people for several days.

Simon Ballacchi was beatified on 14 March 1820 when his cult was confirmed by Pope Pius VII.

Prayer:

O God, you adorned blessed Simon
with the desire to be joined
in prayer and the prerogative of humility,
having turned away from the vanity
of the world;
grant that we may imitate him
and seek you alone, so that we
may be able at last to reach
the rewards promised to the humble in heaven.
Through our Lord.

Amen.

Saint Charles Borromeo

4 NOVEMBER 2009. Today is the memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo (Carlo Borromeo). Saint Borromeo is known for his efforts in leading many important reform efforts during the Catholic Counter-Reformation.

Born on 2 October 1538, to Gilberto II Borromeo, Count of Arona, and Margherita de' Medici (sister of the future Pope Pus IV), Saint Borremeo began life, as the second son and third of six children, in an aristocratic family. Indeed, the saint was born in the castle of Arona on the shores of Lago Maggiore in northern Italy. Saint Borromeo's early years were spent in Arona and Milan. At the age of 12 the saint's father permitted him to receive the tonsure, and upon the resignation of his uncle, Giulio Cesare Borromeo, he became the titular abbot of Saints Gratinian and Felinus in Arona. Upon recieving tonsure, Saint Borromeo's father sent him to pursue studies in Milan; Saint Borromeo also studied canon and civil law in Pavia.

In August 1558 Saint Borromeo's father died. Although not the eldest son, Saint Borromeo was asked by his family to take over management of its affairs following the death of thier patriarch. He did so, but after a time Saint Borromeo resumed his studies, receiving his doctorate of civil and canon law in 1559.

In the summer of 1559, Pope Paul IV died and Saint Borromeo's uncle, Cardinal Giovanni Angelo de' Medici was elected as Pope Pius IV. After the papal election of his uncle, Saint Borromeo was summoned to Rome and was given the charge of administering all the papal states (as Secretary of State). On 31 January 1560, Saint Borromeo was made a cardinal-deacon, being given the title of Saints Vitus and Modestus. At this time also the Arbishop of Milan resigned and on 8 February Cardinal Borromeo was named as administrator of the vacant see. Throught this time, Saint Borromeo was charged with administrating the papal states, administrating the Archdiocese of Milan, and managing his family's business affairs. Through this all, Saint Borromeo still found time to study, and founded a college in Pavia, today known as Almo Collegio Borromeo, which is dedicated to Saint Justina of Padua.

Soon, however, the affairs of the Secretary of State consumed Cardinal Borromeo's efforts. The Council of Trent had been suspended since 1552, but in large part due to Saint Borromoe's efforts, it was resumed in 1562 and was concluded in 1563. In November 1562, however, Saint Borromeo's older brother died, which led his family to try and convince Saint Borromeo to quit the Church, marry, and have children so the family's name would not end. However, Saint Borromeo declined to leave the Church and was secretly ordained a priest on 4 September 1563, impressing himself forever in the service of the Church.

On 7 December 1563, Saint Borromeo was consecrated a bishop in the Sistine Chapel, and receive the pallium on 23 March 1564. Now, as Archbishop of Milan, Saint Borromeo set himself to the reformation of his archdiocese. Reformation of the diocese was badly needed, as the diocese had been neglected by the absence of previous archbishops. In this reformation, Saint Borromeo's focus appeared to be better liturgical practives and the better education and development of the clergy. Saint Borromeo founded many seminaries, colleges, and communities of edcucation for candidates for Holy Orders. Saint Borromeo also founded the Oblates of Saint Ambrose, a community of lay men that did not take Holy Orders, but devoted themselves to the Church and followed a discipline of monastic prayers and study.

In response to the Protestant Reformation, Saint Borromeo was instrumental in the leadership he lent to the Catholic counter-reformation.

When Milan was hit with bubonic plague in 1576, Saint Borromeo led the efforts to care for the sick and bury the dead. He took no personal precautions and handed out punishment for those, expecially clergy, who were remiss in discharging their duties.

Many of the reforms pressed by Saint Borromeo were met with opposition by civil leaders and some religious communities. In fact, the Brothers of Humiity (the Humiliati) even attempted to assissinate him, so great was their opposition to his reforms.

Suffering from fever, Cardinal Borromeo died on 3 November 1584, at the age of 46. Throngs of people attended his death outside the place were he lay, saying prayers for him. Saint Borromeo was canonized on 1 November 1610, by Pope Paul V. However, the Milanese people celebrated his feast day long before his canonization, so great was their affection for their beloved Archbishop.

Indeed, the affection by all of Europe for Saint Borromoe after his death was overwhelming. His correspondence showed the degree to which his opinions were sought. He was a trusted advisor to each of the popes that he served under, and the Catholic sovereigns of Europe (Henry III of France, Philip II of Spain, Mary Queen of Scots, and others) regularly sought his advice. His brother cardinals, too, wrote in praise of his virtues.

Saint Charles Borromeo, pray for us.

Prayer to Saint Martin de Porres

To you Saint Martin de Porres
we prayerfully lift up our hearts
filled with serene confidence and devotion.
Mindful of your unbounded and helpful charity
to all levels of society
and also of your meekness and humility of heart,
we offer our petitions to you.

Pour out upon our families the precious gifts
of your solicitous and generous intercession;
show to the people of every race and every color
the paths of unity and of justice;
implore from our Father in heaven
the coming of his kingdom,
so that through mutual benevolence in God
men may increase the fruits of grace
and merit the rewards of eternal life.

Amen.

Saint Martin de Porres

3 NOVEMBER 2009. Today is the memorial of Saint Martin de Porres, a Dominican cooperator brother who is an example to all of us of humility and compassion in the service of God.

Saint Martin (Juan Martin de Porres) was born in Lima, Peru on 9 December 1579; the illegitimate son of a Spanish nobleman and a young, black girl, who had been born in Panama. Like so many children today who come from similar circumstances, St. Martin grew up very poor, and his mother ultimately could not care for him and his sister, Juana. St. martin was confided to a primary school for two years, and then was placed with a barber/surgeon to learn the medical arts. Even though only 10 at the time, St. Martin took great joy in learning the medical arts because that learning would enable him to serve others while earning a living.

At this early age, Saint Martin spent hours each night in prayer, a practice that increased as he grew older.

At the age of 15, Saint Martin asked to be admitted to the Dominican Convent of the Rosary in Lima. There Saint Martin was first received as a tertiary, and worked as a servant boy, but his duties grew as the saint's superiors noted his charity and piety. Dropping the racial limits that were in place at the time, Saint Martin was received as a full member of the Dominican Order at the age of 24.

Upon receiving the habit of a cooperator brother, Saint Martin was made the head of the convent's infirmary, where he remained in service to the convent until his death.

Saint Martin was deeply attached to adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. So much so, that he was unaffected when the step he was kneeling on one night, while praying before the Blessed Sacrament, caught fire. There was much confusion and chaos that followed, but Saint Martin never noticed it and never moved.

Saint Martin was also known for his charity and care for those outside the convent. One day a beggar covered with ulcers came to the convent. Saint Martin provided his own bed to care for the poor man. When one of Saint Martin's brothers reproved him for going too far in his charitable work, Saint Martin said this:

Compassion, my dear Brother, is preferable to cleanliness. Reflect that with a little soap I can easily clean my bed covers, but even with a torrent of tears I would never wash from my soul the stain that my harshness toward the unfortunate would create.

When an epidemic struck Lima, there were at one time as many as 60 ill religious in the convent. Although the postulants and professed members of the community were on opposite sides of the convent, isolated from one another, there were many reports of Saint Martin moving freely through closed doors to tend to them. During this epidemic, the convent became unable to house all the ill that Saint Martin was cared for. So, Saint Martin's superior forbade him from taking in anyone else. In response, Saint Martin's sister opened her home to care for the overflowing ill.

Then, upon finding a poor native in the streets bleeding from a dagger wound, Saint Martin brought him back to the convent and used his own bed to treat the man until he could be moved to his sister's house. When the superior learned that Saint Martin had disobeyed him, he chastised Saint Martin, who responded by saying: "Forgive my error, and please instruct me, for I did not know that the precept of obedience took precedence over that of charity." Acknowledging the response, the superior allowed Saint Martin to continue to care for the ill.

It is said that during normal times, Saint Martin's alms fed about 160 people every day, and that the amount of money he distributed to the poor is difficult, if not impossible, to explain by ordinary calculations.

While Saint Martin is said to have always wanted to be a missionary, he never left his native Lima. However, he was reportedly seen all over the world (China, Africa, Algeria, and Japan) during his lifetime. An African slave said he knew Saint Martin when he was consoled by him in Africa, being told of the fruits of heaven. When that same man saw Saint Martin in Lima he was overjoyed to see him and asked if he had enjoyed a good voyage. It was only later that the man learned St. Martin had never left Lima.

Saint Martin also extended his love and charity to animals, keeping a hospital for dogs and cats at his sister's house. Saint Martin is sometimes depicted with a dog, a cat, a bird, and a mouse eating from the same dish. Saint Martin was also well known for his spiritual wisdom.

Saint Martin died on 3 November 1639. When he died his virtues and the miracles attributed to him were well known. After death, Saint Martin's body was displayed for all to pay their respects. Each person person who saw Saint Martin's body snipped a small piece of cloth from his habit to keep as a relic. It is said that three habits were snipped from his body.

Saint Martin was beatified by Pope Gregory XVI in 1837. Blessed Pope John XXIII canonized Saint Martin de Porres on 6 May 1962.

Saint Martin is the patron saint of the Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, black people, hair stylists, innkeepers, mixed-race people, Peru, poor people, public education, public health, public schools, race relations, social justice, state schools, television, Mexico, and Peruvian Naval Aviators.

All Souls Day

2 November 2009. Today we celebrate All Souls Day, the day on which the Church commemorates the faithful departed. Those souls who have departed this world before us, without attaining full sanctification and moral perfection, can be aided on the journey from purgatory to heaven by our prayers and the sacrifice of the mass.

Officially, today is Commemoratio omnium Fidelium Defunctorum in Latin (literally translated as the Feast of All Souls, Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed). Clergy and religious today are obligated to say the Office of the Dead.

The commemoration of the faithful departed, like Solemnity of All Saints yesterday, has long been a fixture on the calendar for Western Christianity. The 2 November commemoration was first instituted by Saint Odilo of Cluny at his monestary of Cluny in 998 A.D. The decree ordaining 2 November as All Souls Day is printed in the Acta Sanctorum (Saec. VI, pt. i. p. 585). The custom of All Souls Day then spread through the entire Cluniac Order, at the time the largest and most widespread network of monasteries in Europe. From there, the tradition of All Souls Day was adopted by several dioceses in France and was adopted by Rome in the Fourteenth Century.

Today, and for the entirety of November especially, we pray for all the faithful departed--for their assistance in reaching heaven from purgatory, and for the intercession of the saints on behalf off the souls in purgatory and on our behalf as well.

I pray especially for:
our two miscarried children,
Aric,
Dennis,
Paige,
Rosalie,
Joe,
Ernest,
Evelyn,
Dorothy, and
L.D.

IMAGE: William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905) - The Day of the Dead (1859) from Wikimedia Commons

Litany of Dominican Saints and Blesseds

Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the heavenly Father
have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world
have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit
have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God
have mercy on us.

Holy Mary
pray for us.
Holy Mother of God
pray for us.
Holy Virgin of Virgins
pray for us.
All you holy angels and archangels
pray for us.
All you holy Patriarchs and Prophets
pray for us.
All you holy Apostles and Evangelists
pray for us.
All you holy martyrs
pray for us.
All you holy virgins and widows
pray for us.
All you holy men and women
pray for us.

Saint Michael
pray for us.
Saint Gabriel
pray for us.
Saint Raphael
pray for us.
Saint Joseph
pray for us.
Saint John the Baptist
pray for us.
Saint Mary Magdalen
pray for us.
Holy Father Augustine
pray for us.
Holy Father Francis
pray for us.
Blessed Jane of Aza
pray for us.
Blessed Reginald
pray for us.

Holy Father Dominic
pray for us.
Holy Father Dominic
pray for us.

Blessed Bertrand
pray for us.
Blessed Mannes
pray for us.
Blessed Diana
pray for us.
Blessed Jordan of Saxony
pray for us.
Blessed John of Salerno
pray for us.
Blessed William and Companions
pray for us.
Blessed Ceslaus
pray for us.
Blessed Isnard
pray for us.
Blessed Guala
pray for us.
Blessed Peter Gonzalez
pray for us.
Saint Zdislava
pray for us.
Saint Peter of Verona
pray for us.
Blessed Nicholas
pray for us.
Saint Hyacinth
pray for us.
Blessed Gonsalvo
pray for us.
Blessed Sadoc and Companions
pray for us.
Blessed Giles
pray for us.
Saint Margaret of Hungary
pray for us.
Blessed Batholomew of Vincenza
pray for us.
Saint Thomas Aquinas
pray for us.
Saint Raymond of Penyafort
pray for us.
Blessed Innocent V
pray for us.
Blessed Albert of Bergamo
pray for us.
Saint Albert the Great
pray for us.
Blessed John of Vercelli
pray for us.
Blessed Ambrose
pray for us.
Blessed Cecilia
pray for us.
Blessed Benvenuta
pray for us.
Blessed James of Varazze
pray for us.
Blessed James of Bevagna
pray for us.
Blessed Benedict XI
pray for us.
Blessed Jane of Orvieto
pray for us.
Blessed Jordan of Pisa
pray for us.
Saint Emily
pray for us.
Blessed James Salomonio
pray for us.
Saint Agnes of Montepulciano
pray for us.
Blessed Simon
pray for us.
Blessed Margaret of Castello
pray for us.
Blessed Augustine Kazotic
pray for us.
Blessed James Benefatti
pray for us.
Blessed Imelda
pray for us.
Blessed Dalmatius
pray for us.
Blessed Margaret Ebner
pray for us.
Blessed Villana
pray for us.
Blessed Peter Ruffia
pray for us.
Blessed Henry
pray for us.
Blessed Sibyllina
pray for us.
Blessed Anthony of Pavonio
pray for us.
Saint Catherine of Siena
pray for us.
Blessed Marcolino
pray for us.
Blessed Raymond of Capua
pray for us.
Blessed Andrew Franchi
pray for us.
Saint Vincent Ferrer
pray for us.
Blessed Clara
pray for us.
Blessed John Dominic
pray for us.
Blessed Alvarez
pray for us.
Blessed Maria
pray for us.
Blessed Peter of Castello
pray for us.
Blessed Andrew Abellon
pray for us.
Blessed Stephen
pray for us.
Blessed Peter Geremia
pray for us.
Blessed John of Fiesole
pray for us.
Blessed Lawrence of Ripafratta
pray for us.
Blessed Anthony della Chiesa
pray for us.
Saint Antoninus
pray for us.
Blessed Anthony Neyrot
pray for us.
Blessed Margaret of Savoy
pray for us.
Blessed Bartholomew of Cerverio
pray for us.
Blessed Matthew
pray for us.
Blessed Constantius
pray for us.
Blessed Christopher
pray for us.
Blessed Damian
pray for us.
Blessed Andrew of Peschiera
pray for us.
Blessed Bernard
pray for us.
Blessed Jane of Portugal
pray for us.
Blessed James of Ulm
pray for us.
Blessed Augustine of Biella
pray for us.
Blessed Aimo
pray for us.
Blessed Sebastian
pray for us.
Blessed Mark
pray for us.
Blessed Columba
pray for us.
Blessed Magdalen
pray for us.
Blessed Osanna of Mantua
pray for us.
Blessed John Liccio
pray for us.
Blessed Dominic Spadafora
pray for us.
Blessed Stephana
pray for us.
Saint Adrian
pray for us.
Blessed Lucy
pray for us.
Blessed Catherine Racconigi
pray for us.
Blessed Osanna of Kotor
pray for us.
Saint Pius V
pray for us.
Saint John of Cologne
pray for us.
Blessed Maria Bartholomew
pray for us.
Saint Louis Bertrand
pray for us.
Saint Catherine de Ricci
pray for us.
Blessed Robert
pray for us.
Blessed Alphonsus and Companions
pray for us.
Saint Rose
pray for us.
Saint Dominic Ibanez and Companions
pray for us.
Blessed Agnes of Jesus
pray for us.
Saint Lawrence Ruiz and Companions
pray for us.
Saint Martin de Porres
pray for us.
Blessed Peter Higgins
pray for us.
Blessed Francis de Capillas
pray for us.
Saint Juan Macias
pray for us.
Blessed Terence
pray for us.
Blessed Ann of the Angels
pray for us.
Blessed Francis de Posadas
pray for us.
Saint Louis de Montfort
pray for us.
Blessed Francis Gil
pray for us.
Saint Matteo
pray for us.
Blessed Peter Sanz and Companions
pray for us.
Saint Vincent Liem
pray for us.
Saint Hyacinth Castaneda
pray for us.
Blessed Marie
pray for us.
Blessed George
pray for us.
Blessed Catherine Jarrige
pray for us.
Saint Ignatius and Companions
pray for us.
Saint Dominic An-Kham and Companions
pray for us.
Saint Joseph Khang and Companions
pray for us.
Saint Francis Coll
pray for us.
Blessed Hyacinthe Cormier
pray for us.
Blessed Pier Giorgio
pray for us.
Blessed Bartolo
pray for us.
Blessed Michael Czartoryski
pray for us.
Blessed Julia Rodzinska
pray for us.
All holy Dominican brothers and sisters
pray for us.

Lamb of God, who takes 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 takes away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.

Let us pray.--
God, source of all holiness, you have enriched your Church
with many gifts in the saints of the Order of Preachers.
By following the example of our brothers and sisters,
may we come to enjoy their company
for ever in the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Your Son, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Solemnity of All Saints

1 NOVEMBER 2009. Today the Church celebrates the solemnity of All Saints--the annual feast of all those that the Church recognizes as having attained the beatific vision. This year, there are five new saints to celebrate, who were canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on 11 October of this year.

The celebration of all saints has been a fixture on the Church calendar for a very long time. On 13 May 609 or 610, Pope Boniface IV consecrated the Pantheon to the Blessed Virgin Mary and all martyrs and ordered that an anniversary of all saints be celebrated each year. The celebration moved to its current slot on the calendar during the pontificate of Gregory III (731-741). The annual commemoration was then extended to the universal Church by Pope Gregory IV (827-844).

The Solemnity of All Saints is a holy day of obligation in the United States, unless it falls on a Monday or Saturday.

The Solemnity of All Saints is always followed by All Souls Day on 2 November.

The saints have recognized the attainment of holiness in their lives that all faithful strive for. In the presence of the Holy Trinity, the saints can intercede for us and are a powerful assistance and great comfort in our time of need.

If you have not done so lately, pray to your patron saint. If you do not have a patron saint, take the time to do some research and find one--the stories of the lives and experiences of the saints are a magnificent tapestry that draw upon all walks of life, circumstances, and vocations. If you need research help, drop me a line.