Saints of Cancer
This book is a collection of small articles, profiles of Saints, Beati and Venerables of the Church who have suffered with cancer, healed people with cancer, or have a tradition of patronage against cancer and for its sufferers. Articles are taken from the web site http://saints.SQPN.com .
Expanded versions of these and thousands of similar profiles of Christian saints with images, support documents, links to other sites, liturgical calendar, ebooks and more are available at the web site Saints.SQPN.com , and it's just a small part of the SQPN - the Star Quest Production Network. SQPN is leading the way in Catholic new media with audio and video, books and blogs, podcasts and television, and the most welcoming community of clergy and laity you'll find online. Come by and see us.
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Saint Agatha of Sicily
Memorial
5 February
Profile
We have little reliable information about this martyr, who has been honoured since ancient times, and whose name is included in the canon of the Mass. Young, beautiful and rich, Agatha lived a life consecrated to God. When Decius announced the edicts against Christians, the magistrate Quinctianus tried to profit by Agatha's sanctity; he planned to blackmail her into sex in exchange for not charging her. Handed over to a brothel, she refused to accept customers. After rejecting Quinctianus's advances, she was beaten, imprisoned, tortured, her breasts were crushed and cut off. She told the judge, "Cruel man, have you forgotten your mother and the breast that nourished you, that you dare to mutilate me this way?" One version has it that Saint Peter healed her. She was then imprisoned again, then rolled on live coals; when she was near death, an earthquake stuck. In the destruction that followed, a friend of the magistrate was crushed, and the magistrate fled. Agatha thanked God for an end to her pain, and died.
Legend says that carrying her veil, taken from her tomb in Catania, in procession has averted eruptions of Mount Etna. Her intercession is reported to have saved Malta from Turkish invasion in 1551.
Born
in prison at Catania or Palermo, Sicily (sources vary)
Died
martyred c.250 at Catania, Sicily by being rolled on coals Name Meaning
good
Patronage
against breast cancer against breast disease against earthquakes against eruptions of Mount Etna against fire against natural disasters against sterility against volcanic eruptions Ali, Sicily, Italy bell-founders Capua, Italy Catania, Sicily, Italy fire prevention jewelers Malta martyrs nurses Palermo, Sicily, Italy rape victims San Marino single laywomen torture victims wet-nurses Zamarramala, Spain
Representation breasts on a dish embers knife loaves of bread on a dish pincers shears tongs veil virgin martyr wearing a veil and bearing her severed breasts on a silver platter
Readings
Jesus Christ, Lord of all things! You see my heart, you know my desires. Possess all that I am - you alone. I am your sheep; make me worthy to overcome the devil. - Saint Agatha
Lord, my creator, you have protected me since I was in the cradle. You have taken me from the love of the world and given me patience to suffer. Now receive my spirit. - Saint Agatha
My fellow Christians, our annual celebration of a martyr's feast has brought us together. Agatha achieved renown in the early Church for her noble victory. For her, Christ's death was recent, his blood was still moist. Her robe is the mark of her faithful witness to Christ. Agatha, the name of our saint, means "good." She was truly good, for she lived as a child of God. Agatha, her goodness coincides with her name and her way of life. She won a good name by her noble deeds, and by her name she points to the nobility of those deeds. Agatha, her mere name wins all men over to her company. She teaches them by her example to hasten with her to the true Good, God alone. - from a homily on Saint Agatha by Saint Methodius of Sicily
Saint Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga
Memorial
18 August
Profile
Alberto's father died when the boy was four years old, and he grew up in poverty. Educated at the Jesuit College in Santiago, Chile. He early felt a call to religion, and to work with those as poor as himself. He entered the Jesuit novitiate in 1923, and was ordained in 1933. He taught religion at Colegion San Ignacio , trained teachers at Catholic University in Santiago, led retreats for young men, and worked in the poor areas of the city whenever he could. In 1941 he wrote Is Chile a Catholic Country? , and became national chaplain to the youth movement Catholic Action . During a retreat in 1944, Father Alberto started the work that would lead to El Hagar de Cristo which shelters the homeless and tries to rescue abandoned children, and was later modelled somewhat on the American Boys Town movement. In 1947, Hurtado founded the Chilean Trade Union Association (ASICH ) to promote a Christian labour-union movement. He founded the journal Mensaje , dedicated to explaining the Church's teaching, in 1951. He wrote several works in his later years on trade unions, social humanism and the Christian social order.
Born
22 January 1901 at Vina del Mar, Chile
Died
18 August 1952 at Santiago, Chile of pancreatic cancer
Venerated 21 December 1991 by Pope John Paul II (decree of heroic virtues)
Beatified
16 October 1994 by Pope John Paul II
Canonized
23 October 2005 by Pope Benedict XVI at Rome, Italy
Readings
I am happy, Lord. - Saint Alberto's frequent prayer during his fight with cancer
Saint Aldegundis
Also known as
Adelgundis Aldegonda Aldegonde Aldegondes Aldegun Aldegunais Aldegund Orgonne
Memorial 30 January
Profile
Daughter of Saint Walbert and Saint Bertilia; sister of Saint Waldetrudis; aunt of Saint Madalberta. Lived in the convent at Mons, Belgium with Waldetrudis. Benedictine abbess. Hermitess at Maubeuge Abbey; her cell became the core of a Benedictine monastery she founded, and she served as its first abbess. Visionary. Friend of Saint Humbert of Pelagius.
Born
c.633 at Hainault, Belgium
Died
30 January 684, probably of breast cancer, at Maubeuge Abbey, France buried there
Patronage
against breast cancer against cancer against childhood diseases against sudden death against wounds cancer patients Blessed Artemide Zatti
Memorial
15 March
Profile
One of three sons born to Albino Vecchi and Luigi Zatti. His was a poor family, and the boy had to drop out of school at age nine to work for a wealthy neighbor. The family eventually immigrated to Bahia Blanca, Argentina to find work, arriving in Buenos Aires on 9 February 1897. There Artemide worked in a tile factory, and attended a local parochial school run by the Salesians. He felt drawn to the Salesians, and at age 20 entered their seminary, Casa di Bernal.
Artemide contracted tuberculosis while caring for a young Salesian priest with the disease, a man who died from it in 1902. He was sent to San Josè Hospital for what little treatment there was in that day, but with little hope. With his friend and unofficial doctor, Father Evarisio Garrone, Artemide prayed for the intervention of Our Lady, Help of Christians, offering to dedicate his life to the care of the sick; the young Salesian was miraculously and completely healed.
He kept his promise. He worked in the San Jose pharmacy, and learned about hospital management from Father Garrone. Upon his mentor's death, Artemide took charge of the hospital, and what time he could spare from his administrative duty was spent caring for patients. Today the hospital is now named in his honour.
Born
12 October 1880 at Boretto, Reggio Emilia, in northern Italy
Died
15 March 1951 of cancer at Bahia Blanca, Argentina relics interred in the Salesian chapel at Viedma, Argentina
Venerated
7 July 1997 by Pope John Paul II (decree of heroic virtue)
Beatified
14 April 2002 by Pope John Paul II Blessed Carlos Manuel Cecilio Rodriguez Santiago
Memorial
13 July
Profile
Second of five children born to Manuel Baudilio Rodriguez and Herminia Santiago; one of his sisters is a Carmelite nun, one brother a Benedictine monk, the first Puerto Rican to be an abbot. At age 6, the family store and home were burned to the ground; the family moved in with his mother's family, and Carlos spent time with his pious maternal grandmother Alexjandrina Esteras. At age 9 he wrestled a rabid dog that had snatched up his 1-year-old cousin; Carlos was badly wounded in the fight; the cousin is now his 70's. Carlos suffered from ulcerative colitis from age 13, which interrupted a brilliant scholarly career; he completed high school, but it was several years before he could move on to college. Carlos never passed up a chance to serve as an altar boy. He worked as an office clerk until 1946, and tried to attend the University of Puerto Rico, but his health prevented it. After a few lessons, he taught himself to play piano and organ, and he loved to spend days hiking in the countryside.
Worked as an office clerk at Caguas, Puerto Rico, and at the University of Puerto Rico Agriculture Experiment Station. Translator, converting English documents to Spanish. Used his translating skills to write, and with his modest salary to publish Liturgy and Christian Culture magazines. With the help of Father McWilliams, he founded a Liturgy Circle at Caguas. With Father McGlone, he organized the chorus Te Deum Laudamus .
His principal apostolic work was at Catholic University Center, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico where he evangelized to students and teachers. Carlos organized another Liturgy Circle ( Circulo de Cultura Christiana : Christian Culture Circle ), and published Christian Life Days to help university students enjoy the liturgical seasons. Member of the Brotherhood of Christian Doctrine , Holy Name Society , and Knights of Columbus . Taught catechism to high school students. Encouraged liturgical renewal among clergy and laity, and worked for active participation of the laity, the use of vernacular language, and devotion to the Paschal Vigil - all prior to Vatican II.
His health declined further; he suffered from rectal cancer, and the misery of aggressive surgery in 1963. At one point he felt himself abandoned by God, but soon rediscovered his faith, and his enthusiasm. Puerto Rico's first Blessed.
Born
22 November 1918 at Caguas, Puerto Rico
Died
13 July 1963 of cancer at Caguas, Puerto Rico
Venerable
7 July 1997 by Pope John Paul II
Beatified
29 April 2001 by Pope John Paul II the miraculous cure of a patient's non-Hodgkins malignant lymphoma in 1981 is attributed to him his Cause is unique, being carried forward by the laity
Readings
We need Catholics who are alert to the present moment...modern Catholics who know how to nourish themselves in the past but whose eyes are fixed on the future. - Blessed Carlos
Venerable Chiara Badano
Also known as
Luce Badano
Profile
Young lay woman in the Diocese of Aqui Terme, Italy. Daughter of Ruggero Badano, a truck driver, and Maria Teresa Caviglia. A kind, happy and pious girl, she enjoyed tennis, swimming, hiking, singing, dancing and initially wanted to be a flight attendant. Member of the Focolare Movement at age nine. At age 16 she began to feel drawn to religious life; soon afterward she was diagnosed with cancer in her shoulder. Chiara insisted that she could become a missionary, but the cancer spread quickly, affecting her spine, and she lost the use of her legs. She finally accepted that she wasn't going anywhere and spent her remaining time praying and being supportive of her family and friends.
Born
29 October 1971 in Savona, Italy
Died
7 October 1990 in Sassello, Savona, Italy of natural causes
Venerated
3 July 2008 by Pope Benedict XVI
Beatified
25 September 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI
Readings
"Don’t cry for me. I am going to Jesus. At my funeral I don’t want people to cry, but rather to sing with all their voices." - Venerable Chiara during a medical crisis near the end of her life Blessed Claudio Granzotto
Also known as
Claudius Granzotto Riccardo Granzotto
Memorial
15 August
Profile
Youngest of nine children in a peasant farming family. His father died when Claudio was nine years old. Drafted into the Italian army at age 15, he served three years. Sculptor, studying and graduating with honours from the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice, Italy in 1929. Professed brother of the Order of Friars Minor in 1933. Known for his life of prayer, his work with the poor, and his unquestioned artistic skill.
Born
23 August 1900 at San Lucia di Piave, Treviso, Italy
Died 15 August 1947 in Padua, Italy of a brain tumor
Venerated
7 September 1989 by Pope John Paul II (decree of heroic virtues)
Beatified
20 November 1994 by Pope John Paul II at Rome, Italy
Blessed Edward Oldcorne
Memorial
7 April
Profile
Jesuit priest, ordained in Rome, Italy, and received into the Society in 1587. Worked in the English mission in Worcestershire for 16 years. Father Edward developed throat cancer, but kept preaching through the pain. He made a pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Winifred of Wales in Flintshire to seek a cure; his cancer healed, and he returned strong and healthy to his vocation. Edward fell victim to the revenge following the Gunpowder Plot , a foolish conspiracy hatched by a small group of frustrated Catholic Englishmen to blow up the king and parliament. All it did was provide an excuse for renewed persecution of Catholics, especially Jesuits. Edward was arrested, falsely accused, and tortured on the rack for five days for information about the Plot . Martyred with Blessed Ralph Ashley.
Born
1561 at York, North Yorkshire, England
Died
hanged, drawn, and quartered on 7 April 1607 at Worcester, Worcestershire, England
Venerated
8 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI (decree of martyrdom)
Beatified
15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI
Saint Emily de Rodat Also known as
Marie Guillemette Emilie de Rodat Emilie de Rodat
Memorial
19 September
Profile
Raised by her grandmother. Educated at Maison Sain-Cyr, Villefrance, France, and at age 18, she became a teacher there. Drawn to religious life, she joined three different orders, but was not comfortable with any of them. In 1815 she began tutoring poor children on her own time, and by 1816 had founded a free school with three assistants and 40 students. This formed the foundation of a teaching institute that has since become the Religious Congregation of the Holy Family of Villefranche . Within her life they had established 38 institutions, and were caring for women in unfortunate circumstances, orphans, prisoners, retirement homes for aged religious, and the elderly in general.
Born 6 September 1787 at Chateau Druelles, Rodez, Aveyron, France as Marie Guillemette Emilie de Rodat
Died
19 September 1852 in Villefranche, Aveyron, France of cancer
Venerated
19 May 1901 by Pope Leo XIII (decree of heroic virtue)
Beatified
9 June 1940 by Pope Pius XII
Canonized
23 April 1950 by Pope Pius XII
Readings
I was sixteen years of age when I learned to know Our Lord. This experience overwhelmed me and I wanted God and only God. - Saint Emily de Rodat
Saint Eugene de Mazenod
Also known as Charles Joseph Eugene de Mazenod
Memorial
21 May
Profile
Eldest son of Charles- Antoine De Mazenod and Marie-Rose Joannis. His mother was of the French middle class, convent educated, and wealthy; his father was an aristocrat, classically educated, and poor. Their marriage, and Eugene's home life, were plagued by constant family in-fighting, and interference from his maternal grandmother and a neurotic maternal aunt. The women never let his father forget that they brought the money to the family.
On 13 December 1790, at age eight, Eugene fled with his family to exile in Italy to escape the French Revolution. He spent eleven years in Italy, living in Nice, Turin, Venice, Naples, and Palermo. While he learned Italian and German from dealing with people day to day, the bulk of his education came in Venice from Father Bartolo Zinelli, a local priest. In Palermo he was exposed to a wild and worldly life among rich young Italian nobles.
After the Revolution, his mother returned to France, but his father stayed in Italy, ostensibly for political reasons. Upon his own return to France in 1802 in an attempt to reclaim the family lands, Eugene tried to reunite his parents, but failed, and they were divorced, an unusual event in the early 19th century. His often unsupervised youth, the constant fighting at home, and the eventual break up of his family led to his patronage of dysfunctional families and those in them.
For years, Eugene struggled in himself, drawn on the one hand to the wordly life he knew from Palermo, and the beauty of the religious life he had seen in Venice with Don Bartolo. In an effort to work it out, Eugene began teaching catechism and working with prisoners in 1805. God won at last, assisted by a mystical experience at the foot of a cross on Good Friday 1807 when Eugene was momentarily touched by the full force of the love of God. He entered the seminary of Saint Sulpice, Paris in 1808. Ordained on 21 December 1811 at age 29 at Amiens, France. Because of his noble birth, he was immediately offered the position of Vicar General to the bishop of Amiens. Eugene renounced his family's wealth, and preferred to become a parish priest in Aix-en-Provence, working among the poor, preaching missions and bringing them the church in their native Provencal dialect, not the French used by the upper classes. He worked among the sick, prisoners, the poor, and the overlooked young. Eugune contracted, and nearly died from, typhus while working in prisons.
Eugene gathered other workers around him, both clergy and laymen. They worked from a former Carmelite convent, and the priests among them formed the Missionaries of Provence who conducted parish missions throughout the region. They were successful, and their reputation spread, bringing requests for them outside the region. Eugene realized the need for formal organization, and on 17 February 1826 he received approval from Pope Leo XII to found a new congregation, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate founded on his core of missionaries. Though he would have preferred to remain a missionary, Eugene knew that position with the Church hierarchy would allow him to insure the success of his little congregation. He was appointed Vicar-General of Marseille in 1823. Titular bishop of Icosia on 14 October 1832. Co-adjutor in 1834. Bishop of Marseille, France on 24 December 1837, ordained by Pope Gregory XVI.
He founded 23 parishes, built or retored 50 churches, cared for aged and persecuted priests, restored ecclesiastical discipline, and developed catechetics for young people. Started work on the cathedral and shrine of Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille. Welcomed 33 congregations of religious brothers and sisters into the diocese. More than doubled the number of priests in his diocese, and celebrated all ordinations himself.
Eugene realigned parishes and maneuvered behind the scenes to weaken the government monopoly on education. He was an outspoken supporter of the papacy, and fought government intervention into Church matters. Publicly endorsed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, and worked for its promulgation. His printed writings run to 25 volumes. Made a peer of the French Empire. Archbishop of Marseille in 1851 by Pope Blessed Pius IX. Helped Saint Emily de Vialar re-build the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Apparition after their move to Marseille. Named senator and member of the Legion of Honour by Napoleon III in 1856. Proposed as cardinal in 1859.
On 2 December 1841, Bishop de Mazenod's first overseas missionaries arrived in Canada. By the time of his death in 1861, there were six Oblate bishops and over 400 missionaries working in ten countries. The Oblates continue their good work to this day with some 5,000 missionaries in 68 countries.
Born
1 August 1782 at Aix-en-Provence, southern France as Charles Joseph Eugene de Mazenod
Died
21 May 1861 at Marseille, France of cancer on 12 December 1936, his body was exhumed and found to be intact part of his heart is venerated at Blessed Sacrament Chapel at the Oblate-owned Lourdes Grotto of the Southwest in San Antonio, Texas
Venerated
19 November 1970 by Pope Paul VI
Beatified
19 October 1975 by Pope Paul VI
Canonized
3 December 1995 by Pope John Paul II at Saint Peter's Square, Rome, Italy
Patronage
dysfunctional families
Readings
I am a priest, a priest of Jesus Christ. That says it all. - Saint Eugene
To love the Church is to love Jesus Christ, and vice versa. - Saint Eugene
We glorify God in the masterpiece of his power and love...it is the Son whom we honour in the person of his Mother. - Saint Eugene
Leave nothing undared for the Kingdom of God. - Saint Eugene Learn who you are in the eyes of God. - Saint Eugene
Blessed Eugenie Smet
Also known as
Marie de la Providence Mary of Providence
Memorial
7 February
Profile
Friend of Saint John Vianney. Felt a call to acts of charity made on behalf of souls in purgatory. Founded the Auxiliatrices des Ames du Purgatoire ( Society of Helpers of the Holy Souls ) in Paris, France on 19 January 1856. The Society continues its missionary work today in 22 countries.
Born
25 March 1825 at Lille, France
Died 7 February 1871 at Paris, France of cancer
Venerated
22 February 1955 by Pope Pius XII (decree of heroic virtues)
Beatified
26 May 1957 by Pope Pius XII in Rome, Italy
Patronage
people rejected by religious orders
Readings
If one of our friends was imprisoned in a house of fire, how we should rush to her help. Then think how we should try to deliver the souls in Purgatory. - Blessed Eugenie Smet
Saint Ezekiel Moreno y Diaz
Also known as
Ezequiel Moreno y Díaz
Memorial
19 August Profile
Raised in a pious family in a pious town. Joined the Augustinian Recollects on 21 September 1864 at Montegudo, Navarra, Spain. Prior of his monastery. Ordained at Manila, Philippines on 3 June 1871, and became a well-known missionary. Vicar apostolic of Casanare and bishop of Pinara, Colombia on 23 October 1893. Bishop of Pasto, Columbia on 2 December 1893. Noted for his generous charity to the faithful of his diocese.
Born
9 April 1848 at Alfaro, Tarazona, Spain
Died
19 August 1906 at Montegudo, Navarra, Spain of cancer of the palatte the miracles related to his beatification and canonization involve cures of cancer patients
Venerated
1 February 1975 by Pope Paul VI (decree of heroic virtues)
Beatified
1 November 1975 by Pope Paul VI Canonized
11 October 1992 by Pope John Paul II at Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Patronage
against cancer
Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos
Also known as
Father Seelos Francesco Saverio Seelos Franz Xaver Seelos
Memorial
5 October
Profile
One of twelve children born to Mang and Frances Schwarzenbach Seelos; he was named for Saint Francis Xavier. His father was a textile merchant who became parish sacristan. Francis was Confirmed on 3 September 1828, and made his first Communion on 2 April 1830. The boy wanted to be a priest from an early age, and often claimed he would be another Francis Xavier.
He completed his basic studies in Füssen, Germany, and graduated from the Institute of Saint Stephen in Augsburg, Germany in 1839. Received a degree in philosophy and theology from the University of Munich , and entered the Saint Jerome seminary in Dillingen an der Donau, Germany on 19 September 1842.
Francis became familiar with the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer , and their mission to work with the poorest, the abandoned, and immigrants. He joined on 22 November 1842. Feeling a call to minister to German immigrants to America, he left the seminary on 9 December 1842, sailed for the America on 17 March 1843, and arrived in New York on 20 April. Ordained in the Redemptorist Church of Saint James in Baltimore, Maryland on 22 December 1844.
Worked nine years at Saint Philomena parish in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, six of those years as assistant pastor to, and spiritual student of Saint John Neumann, and the other three as superior and novice master of his Redemptorist community. Faithful to the Redemptorist teachings, he led a simple life, preached a simple message, and was always available to those in need. His sermons drew crowds from neighboring towns, there were lines outside his confessional, and he never tired of working with children. He heard Confessions in English, German, and French, from black and whites and anyone else with a burden.
Transferred to parish ministries in Baltimore in 1854, Cumberland, Maryland in 1857, and Annapolis, Maryland in 1862. Proposed as bishop of Pittsburgh in 1860, but he begged to be excused "from this act of God", and his desire was granted by Pope Pius IX.
In 1863, during the American Civil War, all men were obliged to be available for active military duty. Seelos, as Superior of the Redemptorist Seminary, met with President Abraham Lincoln, and obtained an agreement not to send seminarians to the front. Seelos soon after lost his position as Prefect of Students for being "too lenient".
From 1863 to 1866 he lived as an itinerant mission preacher in both English and German in Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. Hearing of an influx of German immigrants to New Orleans, Louisiana, he pastored a Redemptorist church there beginning in 1866. He worked with yellow fever victims until he was taken by the illness the next year.
Born
11 January 1819 at Füssen, Bavaria, Germany baptized on the same day
Died
4 October 1867 in New Orleans, Louisiana of yellow fever buried in a crypt beneath the floor of Saint Mary's Assumption Church, New Orleans
Venerated
27 January 2000 by Pope John Paul II (decree of heroic virtues)
Beatified
9 April 2000 by Pope John Paul II at Rome, Italy responsible for the miraculous healing from inoperable liver cancer of Angela Boudreaux in 1966
Readings
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight. I offer praise to You for the grace You have bestowed on Your humble missionary, Father Francis Xavier Seelos. May I have the same joyful vigor that Father Seelos possessed during his earthly life to love You deeply and live faithfully Your gospel. Amen. - Byron Miller, C.Ss.R.
Faithful to the spirit and charism of the Redemptorist Congregation to which he belonged, Father Francis Xavier Seelos often meditated upon these words of the Psalmist. Sustained by God's grace and an intense life of prayer, Father Seelos left his native Bavaria and committed himself generously and joyfully to the missionary apostolate among immigrant communities in the United States.
In the various places where he worked, Father Francis Xavier brought his enthusiasm, spirit of sacrifice and apostolic zeal. To the abandoned and the lost he preached the message of Jesus Christ, "the source of eternal salvation" (Heb 5: 9), and in the hours spent in the confessional he convinced many to return to God. Today, Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos invites the members of the Church to deepen their union with Christ in the sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist. Through his intercession, may all who work in the vineyard for the salvation of God's people be encouraged and strengthened in their task. - Pope John Paul II at the beatification recognition for Blessed Francis
Saint Galla of Rome
Memorial
5 October
Profile
Born to the Roman nobility, the daughter Symmachus the Younger who served as consul in 485; sister-in-law of Boethius. Lay woman, marrying soon after her father's murder, but widowed after a year of marriage; legend says she grew a beard to avoid further offers of marriage. She became a wealthy and pious recluse on Vatican Hill, joining with a community of women near Saint Peter's Basilica, caring for the poor and sick, she founded a convent and hospital. Reputed to have once healed a young deaf and mute girl by blessing some water, and having the girl drink from it.
A brief biography of her was written by Saint Gregory the Great in his Dialogues . Believed to have been the inspiration for Concerning the State of Widowhood written by Saint Fulgentius of Ruspe. An image now above the altar of Santa Maria in Campitelli, Italy and formally housed in a church dedicated to Galla, is thought to have been based on a vision Galla received of Our Lady.
Died
c.550 of breast cancer
Saint Giles
Also known as
Aegidus Egidio
Memorial
1 September Profile
Born a wealthy noble. When his parents died, Giles used his fortune to help the poor. Known as a miracle worker. To avoid followers and adulation, he left Greece c.683 for France where he lived as a hermit in a cave in the diocese of Nimes, a cave whose mouth was guarded by a thick thorn bush, and a lifestyle so impoverished that, legend says, God sent a hind to Giles to nourish him with her milk.
One day after he had lived there for several years in meditation, a royal hunting party chased the hind into Giles' cave. One hunter shot an arrow into the thorn bush, hoping to hit the deer, but instead hit Giles in the leg, crippling him. The king sent doctors to care for hermit's wound, and though Giles begged to be left alone, the king came often to see him.
From this, Gile's fame as sage and miracle worker spread, and would-be followers gathered near the cave. The French king, because of his admiration, built the monastery of Saint Gilles du Gard for these followers, and Giles became its first abbot, establishing his own discipline there. A small town grew up around the monastery, and upon Giles' death, his grave became a shrine and place of pilgrimage; the monastery later became a Benedictine house.
The combination of the town, monastery, shrine and pilgrims led to many handicapped beggars hoping for alms; this and Giles' insistence that he wished to live outside the walls of the city, and his own damaged leg, led to his patronage of beggars, and to cripples since begging was the only source of income for many. Hospitals and safe houses for the poor, crippled, and leprous were constructed in England and Scotland, and were built so cripples could reach them easily. On their passage to Tyburn for execution, convicts were allowed to stop at Saint Giles' Hospital where they were presented with a bowl of ale called Saint Giles' Bowl , "thereof to drink at their pleasure, as their last refreshing in this life." Once in Scotland during the seventeenth century his relics were stolen from a church and a great riot occurred.
In Spain, shepherds consider Giles the protector of rams. It was formerly the custom to wash the rams and colour their wool a bright shade on Giles' feast day, tie lighted candles to their horns, and bring the animals down the mountain paths to the chapels and churches to have them blessed. Among the Basques, the shepherds come down from the Pyrenees on 1 September, attired in full costume, sheepskin coats, staves, and crooks, to attend Mass with their best rams, an event that marks the beginning of autumn festivals, marked by processions and dancing in the fields. One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers .
Born
at Athens, Greece
Died
between 710 and 724 in France of natural causes
Patronage
against breast cancer against epilepsy against fear of night against insanity against leprosy against mental illness against noctiphobia against sterility beggars blacksmiths breast feeding cancer patients cripples disabled people Edinburgh, Scotland epileptics forests handicapped people hermits horses lepers mentally ill people noctiphobics physically challenged people paupers poor people rams spur makers Tolfa, Italy woods
Representation
arrow crosier hermitage hind saint accompanied by a hind Blessed Isidore of Saint Joseph
Also known as
Brother of the Will of God Isidore de Loor Isidoor de Loor Isidoor of Saint Joseph Isidoro De Loor di San Giuseppe
Memorial
6 October
Profile
Oldest of three children born to a pious farm family, and loved working the fields. Passionist lay brother, entering the congregation in 1906, and making his vows on 13 September 1908, taking the name Isidore of Saint Joseph . Known for an intense prayer life, and for his personal simplicity and charity. Lost his right eye to cancer in 1911, and suffered through cancer during his few remaining years.
Born
18 April 1881 at Vrasene, diocese of Gent-Gand, Flanders, Belgium Died
6 October 1916 of cancer and pleurisy at Kortrijk, West Flanders, Belgium
Venerated
12 July 1982 by Pope John Paul II
Beatified
30 September 1984 by Pope John Paul II
Blessed James Salomone
Also known as
Father of the Poor James of Salomonio James Salomonelli James Salomonio James Salomonius James the Venetian
Memorial
31 May
Profile
Born to the nobility, and an only child. His father died when James was very small, his mother left the family to become a Cistercian nun, and James was raised by his grandmother. Tutored by a Cistercian monk who taught the boy to meditate. When he came of age, he became a Dominican at Santa Maria Celeste in Venice, Italy. On his way to the monastery he gave away his money to the poor he met on the way, keeping only enough to buy books; on arrival, he found a lay-brother in need of clothes; he gave the man the rest of his money, and entered empty-handed. Dominican for 66 years, holding offices in several houses in and around Venice. When word got out about his gift for spiritual direction, he feared the noteriety, and tried to withdraw from public life, transferring to the house in Forli, Italy, a place noted for its poverty and strict observance. Worked with the sick, heard confessions by the hour, and gave away everything that came to hand. Noted healer with hundreds of miraculous cures attributed to his intervention.
Born
1231 at Venice, Italy
Died
31 March 1314 of cancer at Forli, Italy buried in the chapel at Forli Beatified
1526 by Pope Clement VII
Patronage
against cancer cancer patients Forli, Italy
Representation
Dominican surrounded by a horde of petitioners Dominican with a staff and book and the Christ-child over his heart Dominican holding a heart with the letters "IHS" on it
Prayers
God of endless ages, in your providence you gave your people Blessed James to attain the mystery of salvation. By his life and prayers may we come to know your Son and so experience his presence more fully in our lives. 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. - General Calendar of the Order of Preachers Venerable Janez Francišek Gnidovec
Also known as
Ivan Franjo Gnidovec
Profile
Born to a small, poor, pious farm family, Janez began working the cows and hogs as a small boy. His mother died when the boy was seven. An excellent student, Janez helped support his family by tutoring other boys. When his father died in February 1892, Janez prayed for guidance - and felt a call to the priesthood. Ordained as a Vincentian priest on 23 June 1896. Taught catechism, and in 1905 became a teacher and rector of a diocesan college. During World War I the college served as a hospital, and Janez ministered to all the soldiers brought there for recovery, learning Hungarian to help the men who spoke it.
During all this time as a priest, Father Janez felt that he was in the wrong place. On 7 December 1919, he resigned from the college and began a Lazarist novitiate. His skills and spirituality were immediately recognized, and he was appointed assistant to the seminary director.
Reluctant bishop of Skopje, Macedonia on 30 November 1924. Catholics in his diocese were a small minority, and the region was in great turmoil following the Balkan War and World War I. Bishop Janez came in as a highly spiritual outsider whose skill with languages allowed him to communicate with everyone in his troubled diocese. There was a shortage of priests, and the new bishop brought in priests from other areas, and founded a seminary for locals. Local Muslim and Orthodox officials objected to activist Catholics, and opposed the construction of Catholic churchs. Janez helped the poor and started charity work, which also brought official objection. He supported organizations such as fraternities of the Blessed sacrament, fraternities of the Sacred Heart, Catholic Action, and the Legion of Mary to support a revitalized spirituality in his diocese; Blessed Teresa of Calcutta was a member of the Legion in his diocese. Founded the magazine Blagovijest ( The Good News ) on 25 March 1928 to reach the remote areas of his diocese. He worked for Ecumenism and for less oppression of Catholics, many of whom publicly claimed to be Muslims and lived as covert Christians. He won over many people by ministering to anyone in need, regardless of background or religion.
Born
29 September 1873 in Veliki Lipovec, Žužemberk, Slovenia
Died
3 February 1939 in Ljubljana, Slovenia of a brain cancer
Venerated
27 March 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI (decree of heroic virtues)
Saint Josemaria Escriva
Also known as
Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer
Memorial
26 June Profile
One of six children born to Jose and Dolores Escriva; three of his siblings died in infancy. His father was a small businessman, and when his business failed in 1915, the family moved to Logroño, Spain. As a young man, Josemaria saw the bare footprints left in the snow by a monk; the sight moved him, and kindled a desire for religious vocation. He studied for the priesthood in Logroño and Zaragoza, Spain. His father died in 1924, and Josemaria had to simultaneously support the family while studying. Ordained in Zaragoza on 28 March 1925.
Assigned for a while to a rural parish, and then in Zaragoza. Moved to Madrid, Spain in 1927 to study law. Following a profound spiritual retreat, Josemaria founded Opus Dei in Madrid on 2 October 1928, opening a new way for the faithful to sanctify themselves in the midst of the world through their work and fulfillment of their personal, family and social duties. The next few years were spent studying at the University of Madrid, teaching to support his mother and siblings, ministering to the poor and sick, and working to build the foundation of Opus Dei .
Religious persecution in the Spanish Civil War forced Josemaria into hiding, and he ministered covertly to his parishioners. He escaped across the Pyrenees to Burgos, Spain. At the end of the war in 1939, he returned to his studies in Madrid. Doctor of law. Retreat master for laity, priests, and religious.
On 14 February 1943 he founded the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross , united to Opus Dei . Josemaria moved to Rome, Italy in 1946, and earned a doctorate in theology from the Lateran University. Consultor to two Vatican Congregations. Honorary member of the Pontifical Academy of Theology. Named a prelate of honor by Pope Pius XII.
Opus Dei received the approval of the Holy See on 16 June 1950. Josemaria travelled frequently throughout Europe and Latin America to work for the growth of Opus Dei , and by the time of his death, it had spread to five continents with over 60,000 members of 80 nationalities, and today has over 80,000 members, most laymen.
Born 9 January 1902 at Barbastro, Spain
Died
26 June 1975 of natural causes in his office in Rome, Italy interred at Prelatic Church of Our Lady of Peace at Viale Bruno Buozzi 75, Rome, Italy
Venerated
9 April 1990 by Pope John Paul II (decree of heroic virtues)
Beatified
17 May 1992 by Pope John Paul II the beatification miracle involved the cure in 1976 of Carmelite Sister Concepcion Boullon Rubio from the nearly-fatal cancerous form of lipomatosis following prayers by her family for the intercession of Father Josemaria
Canonized
6 October 2002 by Pope John Paul II the canonization miracle involved saving a surgeon's hands from a career-ending disease
Readings
With supernatural intuition, Blessed Josemaria untiringly preached the universal call to holiness and apostolate. Christ calls everyone to become holy in the realities of everyday life. Hence work too is a means of personal holiness and apostolate, when it is done in union with Jesus Christ. - Pope John Paul II in his homily at the beatification of Saint Josemaria
Saint Joseph of Leonessa
Also known as
Eufranio Desiderio Joseph Desideri
Memorial
4 February
Profile
Third of eight children born to John Desideri, a wool merchant, and Serafina Paolini. His parents died when the boy was 12 years old, and he was raised and educated by his uncle Battista Desideri, a teacher in Viterbo, Italy. Desideri arranged a marriage for Eufranio with a local noble family, but the young man felt a call to religious life. Worry over his vocation, and fear of hurting his uncle, made Eufranio sick; he returned to Leonissa to recover. There he met, and was greatly impressed by, a group of Capuchin monks. When Eufranio told his uncle of his desire to join them, Desideri insisted that he continue his studies.
Eufranio agreed, and moved to Spoleto, Italy to do so, but kept in contact with the monks. Following a novitiate year in which the monks did everything to test and dissuade the young man, he joined the Capuchin Franciscans on 8 January 1573 at age 18, taking the religious name Joseph . Suffered through several self-imposed austerities including fasting three days a week and sleeping on bare boards. Ordained at Amelia, Italy on 24 September 1580. Preacher throughout the regions of Umbria, Lazio and Abruzzi regions of Italy. Father Joseph once converted an entire band of 50 highway bandits, who then showed up as a group for his Lent sermons.
Missionary to Muslim Pera near Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey), receiving his commision on 1 August 1587. Chaplain for 4,000 Christian galley slaves. Often offered to take the place of some slave who was being worked to death, but the authorities never accepted. Ministering to prisoners in a remote camp, he got home late, and was forced to sleep outside the walls of his assigned area; spent a month in jail, charged as a spy for being in the wrong place. Preached to any who would listen, brought lapsed Christians back to the Church and converted Muslims. Worked with prisoners during a plague outbreak.
Joseph repeatedly sought an audience with the Sultan; he planned to ask for a decree of religious freedom. His forceful methods led to his being arrested and condemned to death for trespassing on royal property. Hung by hooks over a smoky fire for three days, he was freed (legend says by an angel), and returned to Italy, in autumn 1589.
There he resumed his vocation of wandering preacher to small villages throughout the country. Preached to and for the poor, and spread the teachings of the Council of Trent . Helped establish hospitals, homeless shelters, and food banks. Ministered in prisons, to the sick, and the poor. With his crucifix in hand, he would wade into gang fights and brawls, praying, and preaching peace and good sense. Born
8 January 1556 at Leonessa, Umbria, Italy as Eufranio Desiderio
Died
Saturday 4 February 1612 at Umbria, Italy of cancer and post-operative problems from surgery for that cancer
Name Meaning
whom the Lord adds (Joseph)
Beatified
22 June 1737 by Pope Clement XII
Canonized
29 June 1746 by Pope Benedict XIV
Patronage
Leonessa, Italy
Representation
with Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Readings
Every Christian must be a living book wherein one can read the teaching of the gospel. This is what Saint Paul says to the Corinthians, 'Clearly you are a letter of Christ which I have delivered, a letter written not with ink, but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh in the heart' (2 Corinthians 3:3). Our heart is the parchment; through my ministry the Holy Spirit is the writer because 'my tongue is nimble as the pen of a skillful scribe'(Psalms 45:2). - from a sermon by Saint Joseph of Leonissa
Blessed Ladislao Batthyany-Strattmann
Also known as
Ladislaus Batthyány- Strattmann László Batthyány- Strattmann
Memorial
22 January
Profile
Born into an ancient noble Hungarian family, the sixth of ten brothers. His family moved to Austria when he was six years old, and his mother died when he was twelve. When of age he studied agriculture, chemistry, physics, philosophy, literature, music, and medicine at the University of Vienna , graduating with a medical degree in 1900. On 10 November 1898 he married Countess Maria Teresa Coreth, a pious woman, and the couple had thirteen children; the whole family attended Mass and prayed the Rosary every day.
In 1902 Ladislaus opened a private 25-bed hospital in Kittsee, Austria. He worked there as a general practitioner, and when he had sufficient staff, specialized as a surgeon and eye doctor. During World War I the flood of injured soldiers required him to expand the hospital to 120 beds.
In 1915 Ladislaus inherited the castle of Körmend, Hungary, and with it the family name Strattman and the title of Prince . In 1920 he moved his family to the castle, and turned one wing into a hospital specializing in eye diseases. Ladislaus' skills led him to become an internationally known specialist in opthamology.
Dr Ladislaus never turned away a patient because they could not pay, and provided funds to the destitute. He treated all, kept them in hospital as long as necessary, gave away medications, accepted what patients would pay when they would, but never asked a fee from anyone except that they pray an Our Father for him. He prayed over each patient before working on them, knew that his skills were simply God working through his hands, and saw his family fortune as a way to help the poor. He was considered a saint in life by his family, his patients and fellow healers.
Born
20 October 1870 in Dunakiliti, Hungary
Died
22 January 1931 at Vienna, Austria of bladder cancer buried in the family tomb in Güssing, Hungary
Venerated
11 July 1992 by Pope John Paul II (decree of heroic virtues)
Beatified
23 March 2003 by Pope John Paul II Readings
When I grow up, I will be a doctor and give free treatment to the sick and the poor. - Blessed Ladislao as a little boy
In fidelity and charity. - Blessed Ladislao's life motto
I am happy. I am suffering atrociously, but I love my sufferings and am consoled in knowing that I support them for Christ. - Blessed Ladislao to his sister, discussing his terminal cancer
Blessed Ladislaus Findysz
Also known as
Wladyslaw Findysz
Memorial
21 August
Profile
Born to pious peasants, the son of Stanislaus Findysz and Apollonia Rachwal. Received his early education from the Felician Sisters . Joined the Marian Solidality as a young student. Entered the major seminary in Przemysl in the autumn of 1927. Spiritual student of Blessed John Balicki. Ordained on 19 June 1932.
Assistant parish priest at Boryslaw, Poland (in modern Ukraine) on 1 August 1932. Assistant parish priest at Drohobycz, Poland (in modern Ukraine) on 17 September 1935. Assistant parish priest at Strzyzów, Poland on 1 August 1937. Assistant parish priest at Jaslo, Poland on 10 October 1940. Parish administrator and then parish priest in Nowy Zmigród beginning on 8 July 1941.
On 3 October 1944 Ladislaus and the rest of the town were expelled by the retreating German army. Having survived the oppression of the Nazis, he returned on 23 January 1945 to rebuild the parish, and to care for war refugees under the oppression of the Communists. He saved several Greek Catholic families who were being persecuted and exiled by the Communists. From 1946 until his death he was under surveillance of the secret police; that same year he was recognized for his good work by being declared an honorary canon. Ordered to stop teaching the catechism in 1952. In order to hinder his work, in 1952 and 1954 he was ordered to live outside the area of his parish. Vice-dean of the Nowy Zmigród deanery in 1957; dean in 1962.
In 1963 he started the Conciliar Works of Charity , a letter writing campaign to parishioners to exhort them to return to the Church, and to spread the word of the reforms of Vatican II. The Communists took a very dim view of this work, and on 25 November 1963 Father Ladislaus was arrested and imprisoned in the Rzeszów Castle, two months after major surgery to remove Ladislaus' thyroid gland. A standard show trial was conducted on 16 and 17 December 1963, and Ladislaus was given a 30 month sentence for the crime of "forcing" religion on his parishioners. This was followed by (also standard) series of published slanders and lies to discredit Ladislaus while he was being abused and starved in prison. Transferred to the central prison hospital on 25 January 1964, his health broken, and suffering from cancer of the esophagus. Surgery was postponed, and Ladislaus was permitted to suffer and deteriorate. Released from prison to his parish, Nowy Zmigród, on 29 February 1964 due to his health, but civilian doctors proclaimed his tumors inoperable. Martyr.
Born
13 December 1907 in Kroscienko Nizne, near Krosno, Poland
Died
morning of 21 August 1964 of cancer of the esophagus in the presbytery of Nowy Zmigród, Poland buried the same day in the parish cemetery
Venerated
20 December 2004 by Pope John Paul II (decree of heroic virtues)
Beatified
19 June 2005 by Pope Benedict XVI recognition celebrated by Cardinal Jozef Glemp in Pilsudski Square, Warsaw, Poland the Cause for canonization began on 27 June 2000, the first Cause from the diocese of Rzeszów beatification approved on 20 December 2004 by Pope John Paul II first successful cause for beatification of a martyr of the Communist persecution in Poland recognition originally scheduled for 24 April 2005, but delayed due to the death of Pope John Paul II
Blessed Laura of Saint Catherine of Siena
Also known as
Laura Montoya y Upegui María Laura de Jesus Montoya Upegui
Memorial
21 October
Profile
Educated at the Holy Spirit School in Amalfi, Colombia, and in Medellín, Colombia. Teacher. Beginning in 1908, she worked as missionary to the natives in the Uraba and Sarare regions. Founded the Works of the Indians and the Congregation of Missionary Sisters of Immaculate Mary and of Saint Catherine of Siena who minister to the poor throughout South America. Known for her defense of Indian rights, and as a strong role model for South American girls.
Born 26 May 1874 in Jerico, Antioquía, Colombia as Laura Montoya y Upegui
Died
21 October 1949 in Medellín, Colombia of natural causes
Venerated
22 January 1991 by Pope John Paul II (decree of heroic virtues)
Beatified
25 April 2004 by Pope John Paul II the miracle involved the 1994 cure of an 86 year old woman with uterine cancer
Saint Leopold Bogdan Mandic
Also known as
Adeodato Bogdan Mandic Apostle of the Confession Apostle of Unity Bogdan Ivan Mandic Brother Leopold Leopoldo of Castelnuovo
Memorial 12 May
Profile
Saint Leopold was a contrast between physical frailty and spiritual strength. Four foot five inches tall, and physically weak, his health became worse with age. He had a stammer, suffered abdominal pains, and was gradually deformed by chronic arthritis, making his frame stooped, his hands gnarled, and his life one of endless pain. Spiritually, Leopold Mandic was a giant, full of Christian strength. His humility and faith in God enabled him to accept his poor physical condition, and realize God's power - for without God he could do nothing.
Twelfth child born to Peter and Caroline Mandic. Physically malformed and delicate of health, Bogdan early showed signs of great spiritual strength and integrity. At age 16, Bogdan left Dalmatia for Italy where he became a student at the Capuchin Seraphic School at Udine, and an aspirant to the Capuchins. He applied himself to his studies, and entered the Capuchin Order as a novice on 20 April 1884 at Bassano del Grappa, taking the religious name Brother Leopold . After his Profession of Vows in May 1885, Leopold began clerical studies at Padua and Venice. Ordained in Venice on 20 September 1890.
He wanted to be a missionary in Eastern Europe, an area torn apart by religious strife, but he was denied by his superiors because of his frailty and general ill-health. Stationed at various Friaries in the Venetian Province from 1890 to 1906, including his homeland of Dalmatia, where the Italian friars had a mission. Posted to Padua, Italy in 1906 where, except for a year spent in a prison camp in World War I because he would not renounce his Croat nationality, he remained for the rest of his life. In Padua he became a Confessor and Spiritual Director for almost forty years. Father Leopold encouraged many, especially the hopeless in enslavement to sin. Though he did not go to the missions, his long service in the confessional proved it to be his own apostolate. For nearly forty years, twelve hours a day, he absolved and councelled thousands of penitents, always weak but always available.
Born
12 May 1866 at Herceg Novi, Dubrovacko- Neretvanska Croatia as Adeodato Died
30 July 1942 at the Friary in Padua, Italy of oesophageal cancer
Venerated
1 March 1974 by Pope Paul VI (decree of heroic virtues)
Beatified
2 May 1976 by Pope Paul VI
Canonized
16 October 1983 by Pope John Paul II
Prayers
O God, source of life and love, you gave Saint Leopold a tremendous compassion for sinners and a desire for church unity. Through his prayers, grant that we may acknowledge our need of forgiveness, show love to others, and strive to bring about a living unity among Christians. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings
Have faith! Everything will be alright. Faith, Faith! - advice from Saint Leopold Mandic
I am like a bird in a cage, but my heart is beyond the seas. - Saint Leopold Mandic when he realized that he would never be a missionary
We have in heaven the heart of a mother, The Virgin, our Mother, who at the foot of the Cross suffered as much as possible for a human creature, understands our troubles and consoles us. - Saint Leopold Mandic
Blessed Liduina Meneguzzi
Also known as
Ecumenical Flame Elisa Angela Meneguzzi Sister Great (meaning of Gudda ) Sister Gudda (Ethiopian nickname) Sister Liduina
Memorial
2 December
Profile Born to a poor farm family. Noted as a child for her piety, attending daily Mass, praying often, teaching catechism as soon as she was old enough, and considering the religious life. At age 14 she began working as a servant to local wealthy families, and in the hotels around the hot springs of Abano. On 5 March 1926 she answered the call to religious life and joined the Sisters of the Congregation of Saint Francis de Sales .
She worked for years at the Santa Croce boarding school as housekeeper, sacristan, nurse and big sister to the girls. In 1937 she was finally allowed to enter the mission fields, working at Dire-Dawa, Ethiopia, a cosmopolitan, crossroads city with people of many backgrounds, races and religions including Catholics, Copts, Muslims and native pagans. Liduina worked as a nurse in the Parini Civil Hospital first with civilian patients, and after the outbreak of World War II, with injured soldiers. When the city was bombed she worked in the streets, carrying the wounded to shelter, baptizing dying children, leading dying Christians through acts of contrition.
Her work with the Ethiopians, black and white, Christian, Muslim and neither, gave her the chance to speak to them all about the faith. She would tell any who would listen about the goodness of God the Father; her example led many to ask, and her ecumenism anticipated the later work of Vatican II.
Born
12 September 1901 in Albano Terme, Padua, Italy as Elisa Angela Meneguzzi
Died
2 December 1941 of cancer in Dire-Dawa, Ethiopia at the insistence of the injured soldiers who loved her, she was buried in the military graveyard at Dire-Dawa relics translated to the motherhouse of the Sisters of the Congregation of Saint Francis de Sales in Padua, Italy in July 1961
Venerated
25 June 1996 by Pope John Paul II (promulgation of decree on heroic virtues)
Beatified
20 October 2002 by Pope John Paul II
Readings The message that the Blessed Liduina Meneguzzi nowadays brings to the Church and to the world is that of hope and love. A kind of hope which redeems men both from their selfishness and from aberrant forms of violence. A kind of love which is an urge to solidarity, to sharing out and to service, following the example of Christ who came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life to save all of us. - from the Decree on the Heroicness of the Virtues of Blessed Liduina by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints
I've never seen someone dying with such joy and bliss. - the doctor who attended Liduina at the end
Saint Lucia Filippini
Also known as
Lucy Filippini
Memorial
25 March
Profile
Orphaned when very young. Worked under Blessed Rose Venerini to train schoolmistresses. Founded the Pious Matrons , a group devoted to the education of young girls. Founded several schools throughout Italy. Called to Rome, Italy by Pope Clement XI in 1707 to establish the first school there. Victim of a number of illnesses and ailments throughout her life.
Born
13 January 1672 at Corneto, Tuscany, Italy
Died
25 March 1732 of cancer at Montefiascone, Italy buried at the Cathedral of Montefiascone
Beatified
13 June 1926 by Pope Pius XI
Canonized
22 June 1930 by Pope Pius XI
Readings
After she had lost both her parents, Cardinal Marc'Antonio Barbarigo of blessed memory took her into his care. He later availed himself of her services in the founding of schools of Christian doctrine for young girls. Active with the greatest ardor for this foundation and its propagation, she fully realized the importance of this work for the glory of God, the saving of souls, and the Christian education of women. Her ability and experience made her work flourish and spread to our diocese and to many others. Her endeavors earned her the name of una donna forte--a strong woman. Though she lived wholly for her foundation, she never ceased praying at the feet of the Lord, thus uniting, in admirable fashion, the virtues of Martha and Mary. To set her up also as a model of invincible patience, God put her to the severest tests. She died on the Feast of the Annunciation, March 25, 1732, at the age of 60, of cancer, in terrible pain, which she endured with supreme patience. - on a parchment found in the grave of Saint Lucia
Blessed Margarita de Maturana
Also known as
Margarita María Margarita María López de Maturana y Ortiz de Zárate Margarita Maturana Mother Margarita de Maturana Mother Maturana Pilar López de Maturana Ortiz de Zárate
Memorial
23 July
Profile
Pilar and her twin sister Leonor were the youngest of five children born to Juana Ortiz de Zarate and Vicente Lopez de Maturana. Both girls were known for their piety in their youth, and Leonor eventually joined the Carmelites of Charity . On 10 August 1903, Pilar entered the novitiate of the Vera Cruz Mercedarian Monastery at Berriz, Spain, taking the name Margarita . She taught school and later served as principal. By 1922 her health began to suffer, and she developed a duodenal ulcer that plagued her the rest of her life.
Even within a cloistered contemplative order, Margarita was drawn to missionaries, and every night spent time in prayer for their work; when interest in missionaries developed at her school, she formed a group dedicated to praying for them. She eventually felt the call to move from the contemplative life to missionary work, and to take like minded sisters with her. In September 1924 her house asked the superior general of their order to make the case for them, and on 23 January 1926 they were given approval for an experimental move to the missions. On 5 November 1926 a group reached Wuhu, China, and on 4 March 1928 another arrived in Saipan in the northern Marianas islands. Margarita was named Mother Superior of her house on 16 April 1927. On 11 November 1928 she arrived in Ponape in the Marianas on her first mission trip.
The work that she and her sisters did was so successful that on 17 May 1930 the Sacred Congregation for the Religious approved making the house in Berriz a Missionary Institute. On 30 July 1931 Mother Margarita was chosen first Superior General of Mercedarian Missionaries of Bérriz , a position in which she served her remaining years. She made two more lengthy mission trips to the south Pacific, but the ulcer eventually led to cancer, her health failed, and she returned home for treatment and to run the administration of her house. Today there are over 500 Missionary sisters working all over the planet.
Born
25 July 1884 on the 3rd floor of 52 Tenderia Street, Bilboa, Vizcaya, Spain as Pilar López de Maturana y Ortiz de Zárate
Died
12:15 am on 23 July 1934 at Donostia-San Sebastian, Berriz, Vizcaya, Spain of stomach cancer
Venerated
16 March 1987 by Pope John Paul II (decree of heroic virtues)
Beatified
22 October 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI recognition celebrated at Santiago Cathedral, Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain by Jose Cardinal Saraiva
Readings
There are moments in life of special importance such as when the Lord shows us the way to be followed and then leaves it up to our will to respond. - Blessed Margarita
I want to make good use of the time God gives me and be ready when He finally calls me to cast myself into His arms forever; in an act of supreme abandonment. What a joy! So be it. - Blessed Margarita
Blessed Maria Anna Sala
Memorial
24 November
Profile
Daughter of Giovanni and Giovannina Sala; fifth of eight children in a pious family. Educated in the convent school by the Sisters of Saint Marcellina in Vimercate, Italy. She wanted to join the Sisters , but her family needed her help, and Maria returned home. In 1848, her family obligations fulfilled, she returned to the Sisters , and made her profession on 13 September 1852. Over the next four decades she taught at the Marcellina schools in Cernusco, Chambery, Genoa, and Milan. Diagnosed with throat cancer in 1883, she kept the matter to herself and continued to work for another eight years. Throughout the beatification investigation and recognition everyone involved stressed Maria's quiet dignity and her unwavering devotion to Christ no matter how severe her pain or trying her circumstances.
Born
21 April 1829 at Brivio, Italy
Died
24 November 1891 at Milan, Italy of throat cancer remains found to be incorrupt when her Cause was introduced in 1920
Venerated
14 April 1977 by Pope Paul VI (decree of heroic virtues)
Beatified
26 October 1980 by Pope John Paul II
Saint Maria Bertilla Boscardin
Also known as Ann Francis Boscardin Anna Francesca Boscardin Maria Bertilla
Memorial
20 October
Profile
Born to a poor peasant family headed by Angelo Boscardin who, by his own account, was a violently abusive drunk. Anna had little education, was simple and innocent, and was considered mentally slow; referred to as the goose (as in, "silly as a...."). Worked as a house servant in her youth. Joined the Sisters of Saint Dorothy, Daughters of the Sacred Heart at Vincenza, Italy in 1904, taking the name Bertilla . After working in the convent's kitchen and laundry, she trained as a nurse in 1907.
Assigned to the hospital in Treviso, Italy, a facility managed by the Sisters of Saint Dorothy . Sister Maria worked in the children's ward, becoming a great favorite for her simple, gentle way with the young patients. She cared for wounded Italian soldiers during World War I, and was noted by local authorities for staying with patients in 1917 while the area was being bombed. A supervisor, angry at Bertilla's growing reputation, reassigned her to the hospital laundry. Her congregation's mother- general heard of this vindictive treatment, and transferred Bertilla back to nursing, making her the supervisor of the children's ward in 1919.
Born
6 October 1888 at Brendola, Italy as Anna Francesca Boscardin
Died
20 October 1922 of cancer at Treviso, Italy many healing miracles reported at her tomb
Venerated
31 July 1949 by Pope Pius XII (decree of heroic virtues)
Beatified
8 June 1952 by Pope Pius XII
Canonized
11 May 1961 by Pope John XXIII the crowds gathered for the recognition included family members and an unknown number of her patients Blessed Maria Euthymia Üffing
Also known as
Emma Uffing Maria Eutimia
Memorial
9 September
Profile
One of eleven children of August Üffing and Maria Schmidt, Emma grew up in a pious family in a small town. At 18 months, she developed a form of rickets that stunted her growth and left her in poor health the rest of her life. Made her First Communion on 27 April 1924, and was Confirmed on 3 September 1924. Emma worked on her parents' farm as a child, and by her early teens began to feel a call to religious life. She worked as an apprentice in house keeping management at the hospital in Hopsten, Germany, completing her studies in May 1933. Entered the Sister of the Congregation of Compassion (Klemensschwestern ) on 23 July 1933, taking the name Euthymia ; she made her simple vows on 11 October 1936, and her final profession on 15 September 1940. Assigned to work at Saint Vincent's Hosptial in Dinslaken, Germany in October 1936. Graduated with distinction from the nursing program on 3 September 1939. Worked as nurse through World War II, and in 1943 she was assigned to nurse prisoners of war and foreign workers with infectious diseases. She worked tirelessly for her charges, caring for them, praying for them, and insuring they received the sacraments. After the war she was given supervision of the huge laundry rooms of the Dinslaken hospital, her order's mother-house, and the Saint Raphael Clinic in Münster, Germany; what little spare time she had was spent in prayer before the Eucharist.
Born
8 April 1914 in Halverde, Germany as Emma Uffing
Died
morning of 9 September 1955 at Münster, Germany of cancer
Venerated
1 September 1988 by Pope John Paul II (decree of heroic virtues)
Beatified
7 October 2001 by Pope John Paul II
Readings
Her life shows us that seemingly small things can be very important in God's eyes. From the human viewpoint this sister was not a "star" in the limelight, but her silent work was a ray of light to many people that is still shining today. - Pope John Paul II during the beatification ceremony for Blessed Maria
Sister Euthymia's life was a canticle of hope in the midst of the war. - Father Emile Esche, one of Blessed Euthymia's patients
Blessed Mariano de Jesus Eues Hoyos
Also known as
Padre Marianito
Memorial
13 July Profile
Eldest son of a religious rural Colombian family in a time when the state was hostile to the Church. From age 16 he wanted to become a priest; he entered the new Medellin Seminary at age 24, and was ordained in 1872. Worked in the parishes of San Pedro and Yarumel, and in 1878 he was assigned as priest to Angostura, Colombia where he spent the rest of his life.
Mariano had a great love for the poor, especially rural labourers. His preaching was simple and effective, his time spent ministering to the spiritual and social needs of his flock, and the people who knew him considered him a saint in life. However, his parish was in an area beset by civil war, and neither side seemed sympathetic to the Church; several times Mariano had to hide in nearby caves to escape the fighting.
Padre Marianito was beatified after confirmation of a miracle in the life of Father Rafael Gildardo Velez Saldarriaga of Medellin. Velez underwent prostate surgery in 1970; in 1982 he developed cancer on the scar. He had surgery, cobalt and estrogen therapies, and seemed to have recovered. In March 1987 he developed an oedema of the legs that turned into elephantiasis followed by metastasis of the spinal column, and the 75 year old priest was pronounced terminal. But in September 1987 he began to improve. In two months the oedema was reduced, the cellulitis and bone metastasis had disappeared. Doctors and scientists examined Father Velez in June 1991, and declared his cure had no scientific explanation. Additional analyses carried out in 1997 showed complete recovery, and on 4 April 1998, the Medical Commission of the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints acknowledged unanimously that the priest's cure could not be scientifically explained, and was attributed to Padre Marianito's intercession.
Born
14 October 1845 at Yarumal, diocese of Antioquía, Colombia
Died
13 July 1926 at Angostura, Antioquia, Colombia of severe urinary system infections Venerated
3 March 1990 by Pope John Paul II (decree of heroic virtues)
Beatified
9 April 2000 by Pope John Paul II first Colombian to be beatified
Readings
I have already lived long enough. Now my greatest desire is to be united to my Jesus. - Blessed Mariano on his death bed
[Father Mariano] knew how to integrate himself totally in the life of the people, sharing in the sorrows and joys of all. For all of them he was a diligent Father, teacher and trustworthy counselor, and a faithful witness of Christ's love among them. The poor, whom he called 'Christ's nobles,' were his favorites. He never hesitated to use his own goods to alleviate the penury and indigence of the weakest. He frequently visited the sick, and was available at all times of the day and night to help them. He took care of children and youth with infinite gentleness and simplicity to lead them on the road of good habits and prudence. - Vatican Information Office
Blessed Marie-Azélie Guérin Martin
Memorial
13 July
Profile
Lifelong lay woman. Lace maker. Married to Blessed Louis Martin on 12 July 1858. Mother of nine children; five of them, all girls, survived to adulthood and became nuns; the youngest was Saint Therese of Lisieux.
Born
23 December 1831 in Saint-Denis-sur-Sarthon, Orne, France
Died
28 August 1877 in Alençon, Orne, France of breast cancer
Venerated
26 March 1994 by Pope John Paul II (decree of heroic virtues)
Beatified
Mission Sunday, 19 October 2008 by Pope Benedict XVI recognition celebrated at the cathedral at Lisieux, France on 3 July 2008 Pope Benedict XVI issued a decree acknowledging a miracle involving the 2002 repair of a normally-fatal congential lung condition suffered by the infant Pietro Schiliro of Monza, Italy following a novena prayed by Pietro's mother asking for the intervention of Blessed Louis and Blessed Marie-Azelie
Blessed Mark of Aviano
Also known as
Carlo Domenico Cristofori Marco D'Aviano Marco of Aviano
Memorial
13 August
Profile
Son of Marco Pasquale Cristofori and Rosa Zanoni. Educated at home and at the Jesuit school in Gorizia, Italy. He was especially fascinated with stories of the saints. At age 16 he left home to walk to Crete, where Venice was at war with the Ottoman Turks; he planned to preaching Christianity to Muslims and take his chance on martyrdom. After a few days of hiking, he stopped at the Capuchin house in Capodistria (modern Kopar, Slovenia), seeking food and shelter. The brothers took him in, fed him, prayed with him, and advised him to return home, which he did.
His time at the monastery affected Carlo deeply, and in 1648 he became a Capuchin novice at Conegliano, Italy. He made his formal vows in 1649, taking the name Mark . Ordained on 18 September 1655 at Chioggia, Italy. He lived several years in the cloister, but in 1664 he was called to missionary duty, preaching throughout Italy. Elected superior of the Belluno, Italy house in 1672. Elected superior of the Oderzo, Italy house in 1674.
On 8 September 1676, while preaching at a monastery in Padua, Italy, Mark prayed over Sister Vincenza Francesconi, who had been bed-ridden for 13 years; she was miraculously healed. Word spread, and while he continued preaching, Mark was soon beseiged by people seeking miracles; many were healed, and many were brought to the faith.
His fame led his to become counselor on religious and political matters to Leopold I, emperor of Austria for nearly two decades. Papal legate and Apostolic Nuncio to Austria for Pope Blessed Innocent XI. He secured the release of Vienna from the Ottoman Turks on 12 September 1683. Travelled with the army from 1683 to 1689 as advisor and chaplain to soldiers of all ranks. He helped negotiate the liberation of Buda on 2 September 1686, and of Belgrade on 6 September 1688. He worked as a peacemaker throughout Europe, bringing unity to warring Catholic powers, educating them on the threat posed by the Ottoman's - and never letting them forget that all wise counsel was given by God.
Legend has it that when the Ottomans fled before the European army, they left behind a lot of their strong, bitter coffee. The Christian soldiers, to make this liberated coffee more palatable, mixed it with honey and milk; they named the drink after Mark's Order, the Capuchins, and thus cappuccino was created.
Born
17 November 1631 at Aviano, Italy as Carlo Domenico Cristofori
Died
13 August 1699 of cancer in Vienna, Austria
Venerated
6 July 1991 by Pope John Paul II (decree of heroic virtues)
Beatified
27 April 2003 by Pope John Paul II
Readings
God knows that the scope of all of my works is only to do His will. My only interest is God's glory and the good of souls. I am always an obedient son of Holy Mother Church and am ready to shed my blood and give my life for Her. - Blessed Mark of Aviano
Blessed Mark of Aviano shone with holiness as his soul burned with a longing for prayer, silence and adoration of God's mystery. This contemplative who journeyed along the highways of Europe was the centre of a wide-reaching spiritual renewal, thanks to his courageous preaching that was accompanied by numerous miracles. An unarmed prophet of divine mercy, he was impelled by circumstances to be actively committed to defending the freedom and unity of Christian Europe. Blessed Mark of Aviano reminds the European continent, opening up in these years to new prospects of cooperation, that its unity will be sounder if it is based on its common Christian roots. - Pope John Paul II in his homily at the beatification of Blessed Mark of Aviano
Blessed Nazju Falzon
Also known as
Ignatius Falzon
Memorial
1 July
Profile
Son of Francis Joseph, a judge, and Mary Teresa, the daughter of judge. Ignatius and all three of his brothers became lawyers; two of his brothers entered the priesthood. Ignatius received minor orders at age 15. He earned a degree in theology, but did not feel worthy of the priesthood, and though his bishop encouraged him, Ignatius never took the final step of becoming ordained. Taught catechism to children at the Institute of the Good Shepherd ; known to help the poorer children with money, as well.
Worked with the British soldiers and sailors stationed on Malta, meeting them by hanging around the docks and other places where they were assigned. They were rough men in a rough district of bars and and prostitutes, but when Ignatius found those who interested in the faith, he brought to his own home for services. When more and more men grew interested, he moved them to the Jesuit Church in Valletta, Malta. To explain the faith, he imported simple religious works in assorted vernacular languages, and distributed them to the men. Wrote The Comfort of the Christian Soul . He converted hundreds, and for those who stayed on the island, he became their pastor, performed their marriages, baptized their children, said homilies at their funerals.
Born
1 July 1813 at Valletta, Malta
Died
1 July 1865, Valletta, Malta of cancer buried in the family vault in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception in the Church of the Franciscan Minors, Mary of Jesus in Valletta
Venerated
23 October 1987 by Pope John Paul II (decree of heroic virtues)
Beatified
9 May 2001 by Pope John Paul II beatification miracle involved the complete disappearance of cancer in 64 year old man in 1981
Readings
The Servant of God Ignatius Falzon also had a great passion for preaching the Gospel and teaching the Catholic faith. He too put his many talents and his intellectual training at the service of catechetical work. The Apostle Paul wrote that "each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:7). Blessed Nazju was one who gave abundantly and cheerfully; and people saw in him not only boundless energy but also deep peace and joy. He renounced the worldly success for which his background had prepared him, in order to serve the spiritual good of others, including the many British soldiers and sailors stationed in Malta at the time. In his approach to them, few of whom were Catholic, he anticipated the ecumenical spirit of respect and dialogue, which is familiar to us today but which was not always prevalent at that time.
Ignatius Falzon drew his strength and inspiration from the Eucharist, prayer before the Tabernacle, devotion to Mary and the Rosary, and imitation of Saint Joseph. These are fountains of grace from which all Christians may drink. Holiness and zeal for God’s Kingdom flourish especially where parishes and communities encourage prayer and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. I urge you therefore to cherish your Maltese traditions of piety, purifying them where necessary and strengthening them with sound instruction and catechesis. There would be no better way of honouring the memory of Blessed Nazju Falzon. - Pope John Paul II during the beatification Mass for Blessed Nazju
Saint Peregrine Laziosi
Also known as
Peregrinus Laziosi Pellegrino Laziosi Peregrinus Latiosi Pellegrino Latiosi Peregrine Latiosi
Memorial
1 May
Profile
Born wealthy, he spent a worldly youth, and became involved in politics. Peregrine was initially strongly anti-Catholic. During a popular revolt, he struck the papal peace negotiator, Saint Philip Benizi, across the face. Saint Philip calmly turned the other cheek, prayed for the youth, and Peregine had a conversion. He received a vision of Our Lady who told him to go to Siena, Italy, and there to join the Servites. After training and ordination, they assigned him to his home town. He lived and worked, as much as possible, in complete silence, in solitude, and without sitting down for 30 years in an attempt to do penance for his early life. When he did speak, he was known as a fervant preacher, excellent orator, and gentle confessor. Founded a Servite house at Forli, Italy.
A victim of a spreading cancer in his foot, Peregrine was scheduled for an amputation. He spent the night before the operation in prayer; he received a vision of Christ who touched the diseased area. The next morning, Peregrine found his cancer completely healed.
Born
1260 at Forli, Italy
Died
1 May 1345 at Forli, Italy of natural causes body incorrupt
Beatified 11 September 1702 by Pope Clement XI (cultus confirmation)
Canonized
27 December 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII
Patronage
against cancer against breast cancer against open sores against skin diseases AIDS patients cancer patients sick people
Saint Syncletica
Memorial
5 January
Profile
Wealthy Alexandrian lady who abandoned her wealth and lived till age 84 as a hermitess in a tomb. Suffered in her youth by temptations and spiritual desolation; suffered in her maturity by cancer and consumption. Canonized
Pre-Congregation
Patronage
against bodily ills against loss of parents against sickness against temptations sick people single laywomen
Saints who had Cancer
Blessed Artemide Zatti Blessed Carlos Manuel Cecilio Rodriguez Santiago Blessed Claudio Granzotto Blessed Edward Oldcorne Blessed Eugenie Smet Blessed Isidore of Saint Joseph Blessed Ladislao Batthyány-Strattmann Blessed Ladislaus Findysz Blessed Liduina Meneguzzi Blessed Margarita de Maturana Blessed Maria Anna Sala Blessed Marie-Azélie Guérin Martin Blessed Mark of Aviano Blessed Nazju Falzon Saint Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga Saint Aldegundis Saint Emily de Rodat Saint Eugene de Mazenod Saint Galla of Rome Saint Joseph of Leonissa Saint Leopold Bogdan Mandic Saint Lucia Filippini Saint Maria Bertilla Boscardin Saint Peregrine Laziosi Saint Syncletica Venerable Chiara Badano Venerable Janez Francišek Gnidovec
Patrons Against Cancer
Saint Aldegundis Saint Ezekiel Moreno Saint Giles Blessed James Salomone Saint Peregrine Laziosi
Patrons Against Breast Cancer
Saint Agatha of Sicily Saint Aldegundis Saint Giles Saint Peregrine Laziosi
SQPN