Heroes Of Virtue

Robert Sheridan II III Table of Contents

A Grail Press Book III. Table of contents 53. Refrences IV. Forward 55. Acknowledgments

© 2012 by Grail Press VIII. Preface 56 Colophon XI. Path to Sainthood All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization 1. John Paul II No portion of this book may be used without the express written permission 3. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton of Grail Press or Robert Sheridan. 5. St. Maria Goretti 7. St. Charles Lwanga Published in the United States by Grail Press, Chico, California. 9. St. Joan of Arc The Grail Press logo is a trademark of Grail Press. 11. St. Gemma Galgani www.grailpress.com 13. St. Ignatius of Loyola

Illustrations and text by Robert Sheridan 15. St. John Bosco 17. St. Teresa of Avila Designed by Robert Sheridan 19 St. Paul Printed and bound at California State University, Chico. 21. St. Timothy 23. St. Thomas Aquinas 25. St. Monica 27. Bl. Giorgio Frassati 29. St. Gianna Molla 31. St. Jude 33. St. Maximilian Kolbe 35. St. Francis of Assisi 37 St. Clare of Assisi 39. St. Martin De Porres 41. St. Lucy 43. Venerable Michael J. McGivney 45. St. Juan Diego 47. The Blessed Virgin Mary 49 The Resurrection 51. Glossary of Terms IV V Forward

Forward us to use the mediums such as music, drama, and art to teach the faith (he would have encouraged us to use the new social media as well). In going through Rob Sheridan’s work Heroes of Virtue, I cannot help but think of how this “new” presentation of the saints is an embodiment of what That being said, in going through Mr. Sheridan’s book of art, one thing is was so close to the heart of Blessed John Paul II—the new evangelization. clear, God has entrusted Rob with an extraordinary gift, the gift so close to His own heart, the gift of creativity. We can say that an artist has two In March of 1983, in his now popular address to the Latin America measures of prominence: the ability to bring to life the thing or person that is Bishops in Port Au-Prince, Haiti, John Paul II used the phrase “the new being drawn and the ingenuity to use art as a tool for teaching. Well, Rob has evangelization” for the first time during his pontificate. Among other things, managed to do both. He has brought to life the saints in a most striking way, he stated that “the laity must be trained and released into the service of and by using various symbols and signs tied to the story of each saint, his art evangelization as missionaries of the new evangelization”. A phrase that was is certainly educational. first coined by Pope Paul VI, John Paul II offered a fresh synthesis to what is new about evangelization. On that early spring day in 1983, He stated quite Furthermore, Rob’s imagination captures our attention in ways that has us simply that evangelization is new in its “ardor, methods, and expression”. looking beyond ourselves. Each portrait leads us to encounter the beauty From that point on, the Church has been made to contemplate and examine of the many leading actors and actresses that have been on the stage of how she can better transmit the faith to the whole world with due attention Christianity. Whether it be the more popular ‘heroes of virtue’ like that of St. given to that threefold structure of ‘ardor, methods, and expression.’ Teresa of Avila and St. Francis of Assisi; or the lesser know ‘heroes of virtue’ like that of St. Gemma Galgani and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati; or if it is In regards to ardor, John Paul II spoke of this principle of the new the figure of Jesus Christ Himself, the pattern of all the saints, Rob provokes evangelization within the context of possessing a holy fervor for the faith. the heart with color and style to get all of us thinking about what it takes to Essentially, out from a saintly zeal for God, under the inspiration of the Holy be a saint. Spirit, man would be inspired to do great things for God. For this reason, John Paul II saw the Holy Spirit as the protagonist for the new evangelization. Rob’s work of originality does not stop at the art itself. Mr. Sheridan does an Rob’s work no doubt is inspired by God and is the fruit of one who possesses excellent job of offering for us a comprehensible account of each saint. From a holy fervor for the faith. the biblical text, to the prayers, to the Feast Days, all the way down to the detail of each saint’s patronage and attributes, Rob’s pedagogy on the saints By methods, John Paul II spoke to the manner in which the Body of Christ is a real earmark of that third principle of the new evangelization, expression. shares in the mission of the Church to teach according to his or her talent. You see, once we understand the call to be attentive to our gift, we are then His message was clear: the methods by which we transmit the faith ought to able to see the obligation to express this gift in a new and dynamic way, be inspired by God and rooted in the distinctiveness of our gift and talent. seeking inventive ways in which to reach an ever changing populous. The Such attention to the particularity of our talent brings together the “various point of focus is to communicate the faith in an intelligible manner, in a tones and harmony” of the teaching Body of Christ. John Paul II encouraged language that your audience can understand. I think you will agree with me VI VII

when I say that Rob has “brought down” the saints into a language we can all understand.

While Rob’s work will cross the divide of generations, there is no doubt there will be great interest among the generation of youth. I believe this work will offer a fresh resource within the circles of youth ministry. On this topic of youth, I would have to believe the towering figure of John Paul II is looking down at Rob’s work with a big smile. It is to never forget that the man from Poland who became Pope was himself a lover of the arts. John Paul II was both a writer and an actor. He often saw his own work inspired by the Holy Spirit to keep the faith alive during a time when the Nazis were attempting to stomp out the faith. He was a man of vision like that of this work.

John Paul II’s threefold principle of ardor, methods, and expression, serves one single purpose: to summon man to contemplate the beauty of truth and at once encourage a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I believe that Rob’s vision of catechizing the much neglected topic of the saints is an important contribution to the Church in her new evangelization.

John Paul II was once asked what is the ‘end game’ of the new evangelization. His response: “a new springtime of prayer and holiness”. Rob Sheridan’s work focuses on men and women of holiness to inspire the ‘end game’ of the new evangelization— ‘a new springtime of prayer and holiness.’

March 9, 2012

St. Frances of Rome, a Heroine of Virtue

Joseph Hollcraft PhD VIII XI Preface

Why an illustrated book of the saints? We honor the saints because scripture tells us “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and To answer this question we must first look at some other questions. “Why imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7) The saints provide us with example that do you choose a saint name at baptism and confirmation?” “Why is so much being Christ-like can be done. It might not seem that way when we look at emphasis put on Mary and the Saints?” “Why pray to the Saints? Can’t I the lives of some saints and read of fantastical miracles and legendary deeds. just go to God? It sounds a bit like idolatry with all of those statues, and holy We can see these things as alien and think that we can never achieve such cards.” These are common questions we might have as Catholics or that non- things. It is to be sure that these miracles can be a great testament to the Catholics might ask us. To answer these questions we must first know who power of faith and the fact that God still works miracles in the world, but it’s and what a saint is. also important to we are able look beyond these extraordinary deeds. When To put it in succinct a terms as possible a saint is someone who has died that we look beyond the extraordinary that we can see that they were sons and the Catholic Church has recognized as having lived a life of heroic virtue, has daughters, mothers and fathers, priests and lay persons. When we look past gone to heaven after their death, and intercedes to Christ on our behalf. the mighty deeds and amazing times these people lived in, we see that what This does not mean that the only people in heaven are the ones the Church made the saints great was they lived their ordinary lives in has recognized. extraordinary ways.

We pray to the saints because we believe in the power of prayer. When we are The saints never took the easy route and they lived their faith authentically. It ill or going through a difficult time in our life we might ask someone to pray wasn’t the visions he experienced that made St. Maximilian Kolbe great, it’s for us. We most often ask our family and friends, but we will also ask people the fact that he said yes to the teachings of Christ despite the fact that they we recognize as living holy lives to pray for us as well, like a priest or pastor. would lead him to his death. There are no miracles attributed to St. Elizabeth Often times we put these people at the top of our list of those to ask. This is Ann Seton during her life, but it was her perseverance in the face of adversity a very good practice for scripture says, “Therefore, confess your sins to one and her willingness to say yes to God. St. Francis shows us the impact that another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer one single person living out the Gospel of Christ authentically can have not of a righteous person is very powerful.” (James 5:16). “But the saints are dead,” on just the Church but on the world as a whole. you might reply. We must remember again that scripture says, We honor their sacrifices and their lives and strive to emulate them in order “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, that we too might grow closer to Christ. The whole purpose of our faith is to neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, grow closer to Jesus, and that is why we have stained glass windows, prayer nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of cards, candles, etc... These things remind us of our heroes in faith just like God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39) Since death cannot a young basketball player might put a poster of Michael Jordan in his room separate us from God the saints are still members of the Body of Christ and to help inspire him to “Be like Mike” as the slogan used to say. It is with the the Church has recognized them as being truly righteous. So do not be afraid help of the saints that we will achieve our goal. to ask a saint for prayers just as you would your family or friends. X iX Path to Sainthood

“Be imitators of me as I am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) Just as St. Paul To be sure the Catholic Church does not make anyone a saint. The Church instructed the Corinthians to follow his example as a Christian, the Church merely recognizes saints. Someone who is recognized by the Catholic Church instructs us to find a saint to imitate. That is why during the sacraments of as being a saint undergoes a formal canonization process and once they are baptism and confirmation we are asked to choose a saints name. Our patron canonized it is believed that the soul of that person is in heaven. saint is a particular saint whose life is one that inspires us, challenges us, Servant of God: and that we can identify with. This saint will be our own personal friend, The process for canonization is opened by the bishop of the deceased person’s confidant, and prayer warrior who will help us be more like Christ. diocese five years after their death, although in some cases like Blessed John The answers to these questions are the reasons why I love the saints and have Paul II this length of time may be shortened. An exhaustive investigation goes created this book. In looking back on the last forty years of the Church, her into researching the person’s life, writings and interviewing of eyewitnesses. history, and her art I became disheartened. I, like many of my generation, Once the investigation is concluded it is presented to the Congregation for the have begun to rediscover the saints who have been hidden away because of Causes of the Saints. After this point the body is exhumed and examined. modernity, embarrassment, and ignorance. I looked at the art of our Church Venerable depicting the lives of the saints and saw it wallowing in the stagnation of the Following the examination of the investigation the case is brought before the beautiful but dated works of the ancient church or in the kitsch of the 1960’s Pope who will then declare the person’s heroic virtue. Once this declaration is and 1970’s. After much prayer and encouragement I feel God has called me made the person’s status is upgraded to venerable. Venerable person’s do not to share the stories of these great men and women in a new way, through have feast days or churches built in their honor, but they may have medals story, prayer, and a newer style of artwork not often seen within the church. and prayer cards made in order to encourage the faithful to pray for their I hope that you will enjoy the art and find it new, refreshing, inspiring, and intercession to further their cause for canonization. reverential. Blessed I wanted to introduce, or perhaps re-introduce, you to a set of friends who Beatification occurs with the “worthy belief” that person in question is in can be with you your whole life. So I encourage you dear reader, Catholic or heaven, either because they died a martyr’s death or at least one miracle has not, to read through this book with an open heart and mind, and prepared to been attributed to their intercession after death.. A feast day is assigned to meet some people with whom can share an amazing adventure in faith. that person, but is usualy only celebrated in the home diocese. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses let us also Saint lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with After two posthumous miracles have been verified by the Vatican and perseverance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1) attributed to the intercession the Pope then canonizes the person and their feast day is open to the whole of the Universal Church. As it is held certain that the person is in heaven churches may now be named in their honor.

–Robert Sheridan 1 2 Blessed John Paul II

Prayer to Blessed John Biography “TotusTuus” (All Yours) Paul II -John Paul II’s Papal The man who would be pope for the last quarter of the 20th century was born God our Father, in your wise and Motto loving providence you raised up Karol Wojtyla in Poland on May 18th, 1920. His early life was not an easy Pope John Paul II as shepherd and Now I say to you that you one. He lost his mother when he was eight years old, and his father died when universal father of your pilgrim are Peter, and upon this Church on earth. Your spirit made he was twenty. His homeland was overrun by Nazi Germany in 1939 and he him a shining light ablaze with rock I will build my church, the radiance of your Son, even in was forced to attend an underground seminary to become a priest. Shortly and all the powers of hell the darkest shadows, that we might will not conquer it. after the Nazis were defeated Poland was taken over by Communist forces. not fear. –Matthew 6:18 Through him you called your Church to walk in justice, to taste After becoming a priest, he worked extensively with young people, and your mercy, and to face in worship formed a group that discussed philosophy, played sports, prayed and helped the Son whose fiery rays illumine the splendor and dignity of each the sick. During his priesthood he constantly had to contend with living human life. in a Communist occupied country which subjected the Church to heavy He has now crossed the threshold of hope to hear the song of the persecution and futilely attempted to take control of the Church. Word, no longer in echoes but face to face with his beloved Mary and When Pope John Paul I died 33 days after becoming Pope, John Paul II was all the saints. Embrace him with your everlasting mercy and preserve elected to be his successor. He became one of the most beloved Popes of all in your Church the voice of this time. He charismatically emphasized teachings on the defense of life in all shepherd who said the Fisherman: “Lord, you know that I love you.” it’s stages, the gift of sexuality, and the dignity of the person. He would visit Amen. more countries than any world leader and empowered the youth of the church John Paul the Great, pray for us. with the establishment of World Youth Day. He canonized more saints than had been canonized in the last 500 years, and helped change the world with his instrumental role in the fall of Communism. He survived assassination attempts from the Communists and Al-Qaida and at the end of his life taught the world about redemptive suffering. Is it any wonder that after his death the streets of the Vatican echolalia the cry, “ Santo Subito!” (“Saint Immediately!”)?

Official Prayer to Blessed John Paul II Patron: Feast: O Holy Trinity,we thank you for having given to the Church Pope John Paul II,and for having made him shine with your fatherly World Youth Day October 22 tenderness, the glory of the Cross of Christ and the splendor of the Spirit of love. He, trusting completely in your infinite mercy and in the maternal intercession of Mary, has shown himself in the likeness of Jesus the Good Shepherd and has pointed out to us holiness as the path to reach eternal communion with You. Grant us, through his intercession, according to your will, the grace that we implore, in the hope that he will soon be numbered among your saints. Amen. 3 4 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Prayer to St. Elizabeth Biography “The first end I propose in our daily work is to do the will of God; secondly, to do it in the manner he wills it; and thirdly to do it because it is his will.” Lord God, you blessed Elizabeth Ann Seton with gifts of grace as St. Elizabeth was born into a wealthy Episcopal family in New York during –St. Elizabeth Seton wife and mother, educator and the American Revolution and at age 20 she married the love of her life, foundress, so that she might spend “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he her life in service to your people. William. They had five children together and were very happy. However leads me; he restores my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of his name. Even though I walk Through her example and prayers, financial troubles and illness caused her husband to move the family to Italy. through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff may we learn to express our love for They were held in quarantine where William died. comfort me.” –Psalm 23: 1–4 you in love for our fellow men and women. After her husband’s death Elizabeth was taken in by an Italian family. She We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and was amazed by their devotion to the Eucharist and upon turning to America reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, and she found solace in the Catholic Church. After weeks of agonizing prayer one God, for ever and ever. Amen she converted despite the displeasure of her late husband’s family and her –Prayer from the National Shrine of own. Her sister chastised her for joining a church whose membership was St. Elizabeth Ann Seton “dirty, filthy, red-faced and [their] church a horrid place of spits and pushing, ragged.” With no money and a family to raise she attempted to open a school and take in borders but was forced to close it due to anti-Catholic bigotry.

Elizabeth was eventually able to establish a school for girls in the Catholic settlement of Emittsburg. It was the first free school in the United States. Now a widow, Elizabeth professed her vows of obedience and chastity and was joined by like-minded women to found the Sisters of St. Joseph. They were dedicated to the care of children and the sick. The order and schools soon spread nationwide and upon her death at age 46 she had left a lasting mark on the faith and the country.

Elizabeth was intensely devoted to the Eucharist, The Bible, The Blessed Mother, and she prayed the 23rd Psalm often. She was the first native born United States Citizen to be canonized.

Prayer by St. Elizabeth Ann Patroness: Feast Day: Our Father, you would not willingly call on us to suffer. You say all things work together for our good if we are faithful to You. Therefore, Catholic Schools, and the State of Maryland. January 4th if You ordain it: through disappointment and poverty, sickness and pain, even shame and contempt and calumny, You will support us Attributes: Habit, text book. with the consolation of Your Grace and compensate us for any temporal suffering by the possession of that peace which the world can neither give nor take away. Amen. 5 6 St. Maria Goretti

Prayer to Biography “Young people, pleasure of St. Maria Goretti the eyes of Jesus, are you St. Maria was born into a very poor family in Italy. Her father died when determined to resist any Oh Saint Maria Goretti who, strengthened by God’s grace, did she was just nine years old. Her mother, brother, and sisters worked the fields, attack on your chastity with not hesitate even at the age of the help of grace of God?” twelve to shed your blood and while Maria would stay home and tend to the household chores like sewing –Speech by Pope Pius sacrifice life itself to defend your and cooking. Although they lacked material goods and money they were virginal purity, look graciously on XII at St. Maria’s the unhappy human race, which very close to one another and had a deep love for God. canonization has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation. Teach us all, and One day while sewing her neighbor Alessandro, a twenty-year-old who had “Do you not know that your especially youth,with what courage and promptitude we should flee been obsessing over the young girl for years, threatened to stab Maria if she body is a temple of the Holy for the love of Jesus anything that Spirit within you, which could offend Him or stain our would not submit to his lust. The eleven-year-old Maria refused to surrender you have from God? You souls with sin. Obtain for us from saying it would be a sin. In a rage he assaulted Maria and stabbed her are not your own;you were our Lord victory in temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and fourteen times. She was discovered by her mother and rushed to a hospital. bought with a price. So the grace which we earnestly beg glorify God in your body.” of thee (here insert intention), and Maria underwent a grueling surgery without anesthesia. Following the 1 Corinthians 6:19,20 may we one day enjoy with thee surgery she told those around her bedside that she forgave Alessandro and the imperishable glory of Heaven. Amen. wished for him to be in heaven. She survived for twenty-four hours before she died from her injuries. Alessandro was captured shortly thereafter.

After three years in prison Alessandro experienced a vision of Maria where she gave him some lilies, which turned to ash in his hands. After the vision he repented. After his release he found Maria’s still living mother and begged her forgiveness. Her mother stated that if Maria could forgive him then how could she do any less. Alessandro prayed to Maria every day and joined an order of lay monks.

Both Alessandro and Maria’s mother were present at her canonization on July 24th 1950. Maria is the youngest person to be canonized a saint.

Prayer to St. Maria before a date Patroness: Feast Day: Dear Little Saint Maria Goretti! Teach me that God must be my first love and that all other love is based on Him and Him alone. Rape victims , teenage girls, modern youth, chastity, forgiveness, purity, and Children of July 6th Obtain for me the grace to cease toying with the occasions of sin and to remember that my body and the bodies of all in grace are Mary. Attributes temples of the Holy Spirit, destined someday for a glorious resurrection. Through your beautiful example, teach me the value and Title: Lilies, knife, farmer’s clothing, dignity of Christian modesty. Grant that I may never be the occasion of dragging others into Hell, by suggestive words or evil deeds of Virgin and Martyr white garment any kind. Through the merits of your Martyrdom, obtain for me the grace to turn aside from sin, no matter what the cost, so that one day I may enjoy Heaven with you and all the other saints. Amen. 7 8 St. Charles Lwanga

Prayer to St. Charles Biography “A well that has many Lwanga and the Ugandan sources never runs dry. Martyrs St. Charles Lwanga was a page in the court of King Mwanga of Uganda. The When we are gone others will come after us.” St. Charles Lwanga and the king, feeling Christian missionaries as a threat to his reign, issued a decree –One of the Ugandan Martyrs of Uganda, we ask your that Christians abandon their faith or face death. The king massacred a group prayers of intercession on behalf Martyrs Executed of all who suffer from the unjust of Anglicans including the Anglican Bishop. The king’s chief servant, who exercise of authority. May you who were so cruelly persecuted for your was also a Catholic priest, begged the king to spare them. The king had him Whoever loves his life loses it, faith in Jesus Christ intercede for and whoever hates his life beheaded. all who are oppressed, that they in this world will keep it for might be comforted by the Divine eternal life. Mercy and empowered by the gift Charles, who assisted the priest, took up his teaching and baptized those in –John 12:25 and grace of fortitude. May justice need and led the underground church. Charles also protected some of the be the goal of all people and may all who are called by the name pages from the king’s unwanted sexual advances. Christian join together in works of redemption directed at the sins and The king soon discovered that Charles was leading the Christian community the structures of sin that afflict our communities. Amen. and he ordered Charles and his friends to renounce their faith. They would not and so he had the 47 young men, some as young as 13, burned to death in a slow burning fire. In the face of death not one of the men renounced their faith. Charles was the first to be burned alive by the king.

As he was being burnt Charles was reported to have said, “It is as if you are pouring water on me. Please repent and become a Christian like me”. Despite the king‘s best efforts Christianity survived in Uganda and Charles’ sacrifice continues to be an ispiration for Chrisitans in Uganda.

Prayer to the Maryrs of Uganda: Patron: Feast Day: Martyrs of Uganda, pray for the faith where it is in danger and for Christians who must suffer because of their faith. Give them the African Catholic Youth Action, converts, and torture victims. June 3rd same courage, zeal, and joy you showed. And help those of us who live in places where Christianity is accepted to remain aware of the Attributes: persecution in other parts of the world. Amen Title: Martyr Fire, palm branch. 9 10 St. Joan of Arc

Prayer to St. Joan of Arc Biography “One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in Saint Joan of Arc, patron of Jeanne d’Arc, also called The Maid of Orléans was a poor peasant girl living it. But to sacrifice France, my patron saint, I ask what you are and to live you now to fight this battle with living in France during the 100 Years’ War against the English. When she me by prayer, just as you led your without belief, that is a fate was twelve she received visions of St. Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint troops to victory in battle. You, who more terrible than dying.” were filled with the Holy Spirit Margaret, who told her to drive the English out of France. She replied, “I can –St. Joan of Arc and chosen by God, help me this day with the favor I ask [here say neither ride a horse nor command soldiers.” St. Michael told her, “God will your intention]. Grant me by your I will sing to the LORD, for help you.” divine and powerful intercession, he is gloriously triumphant; the courage and strength I need to horse and chariot he At the age of sixteen Joan attempted to gain access to the royal court and endure this constant fight. Oh St. has cast into the sea. My Joan, help me to be victorious in began to declare in public that she was being charged by God to lead the the tasks God presents to me. strength and my refuge French army against the English and the deposed prince would soon be is the Lord, and he has become my savior. This is I thank you and ask you for your declared king. She was denied access to the court several times but the people continuing protection of God’s my God, I praise him the were behind Joan and purchased the poor girl armor and weaponry. When people. God of my father, I extol she was finally presented to the court of the prince the royal court attempted him. The Lord is a warrior, Lord is his name! to fool her by disguising the prince and presenting her with a false prince, but –Exodous 15: 1–3 led by God Joan saw through the ruse. Leary of the girl and her visions the prince had her examined by the priests. Upon their approval Joan was put in charge of a small army and led them to several victories. Throughout her military career she demonstrated Divine Guidance.

At age nineteen she was captured by the English and put on trial in a corrupt English ecclesiastical court and sentenced to be burned at the stake. At her death Joan requested two priests to hold a crucifix above the flames so that an image of Our Lord would be the last thing she saw. As she burned to death her last words were “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” Twenty-years after the execution, Pope Callixtus III examined the trial, pronounced her innocent and declared her a martyr. Nearly 500 years later she was canonized by Pope Benedict XV.

Prayer to St. Joan of Arc Patroness: Feast: Most extraordinary soldier, you insistently proclaimed: “Let God be served first!” You began by winning many victories and received the Captives; France; Imprisoned people; Martyrs; People ridiculed for their piety; Prisoners; May 30th Soldiers; Victims of Rape; Women Appointed for Voluntary Emergency Service; plaudits of princes, but then you were given to the enemy and cruelly put to death. Instill in us the desire to serve God first and perform Woman’s Army Corps. Attributes: our earthly tasks with that idea ever in our minds. Sword, Banner Amen Title: Virgin and Martyr 11 12 St. Gemma Galgani

Prayer to St. Gemma Biography “ Together, let us visit Jesus Crucified. Let us look at Oh holy Gemma, I am near you, help me to pray. You who know St. Gemma was the daughter of a prosperous pharmacist in Italy. At age Him; He is lifted up on the what I and those near me need; two and a half she was placed into a private nursery school after her mother Cross. If Jesus is nailed there, look after my urgent needs and my let us not complain if we spiritual and material wants. You contracted tuberculosis. As Gemma went through school she was noted for must stand at His feet.” take care of them! I confide in you and entrust all to your loving care. being highly intelligent. Her mother died a few years later, as well as two of –St. Gemma Galgani

Offer up to Jesus that tender and her brothers and one of her sisters. When Gemma was nineteen her father Finally, let no one cause me constant care that you bore Him passed away and Gemma was left to care for her seven brothers and sisters. trouble, for I bear on my here on earth. Oh holy Gemma, body the marks of Jesus. you who physically suffered all At age twenty Gemma was stricken with spinal meningitis. She became – Galatians 6:17 the pains of the Passion of Jesus, I deaf, her hair fell out after large abscesses formed on her head, and her limbs beseech of you the grace to meditate became paralyzed. Gemma began praying for the intercession of St. Gabriel on and live the Passion of Jesus, and the sufferings of Holy Mary. of the Sorrowful Mother. When things looked bleakest a novena to the saint Pray that I will be able to walk in was suggested. When the novena was completed Gemma had a vision of the the path of humility, simplicity, love Saint and was miraculously cured. and sacrifice, fulfilling at all times and in all ways, the holy will of Through her intense prayer life, Gemma often encountered mystical visions. God. Let me live united with Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and you, Because she encountered these visions Gemma was denied entry into a for all eternity. Amen. Passionist convent to become a nun, was mocked by her younger sister and many thought she had a mental illness. The mocking became more severe when Gemma received the stigmata. Gemma endured many mistreatments with kindness and love.

At twenty-one Gemma came down with tuberculosis and she suffered horribly. Despite her illness her faith never wavered. She would eventually succumb to her illness at age twenty-five but never lost her faith, kindness, or love of God.

Prayer composed by St. Gemma Galgani Patroness: Feast: Behold me at Your most holy feet, O dear Jesus, to manifest to you my gratitude for the continual favors which You have bestowed Pharmacists, loss of parents, those suffering back injury or back pain, those suffering with April 11th headaches/migraines, those struggling with temptations to impurity and those seeking upon me, and still wish to bestow upon me. As many times as I have invoked You, O Jesus, You have made me content; I have often purity of heart. Attributes had recourse to You and You have always consoled me. How shall I express myself to You, dear Jesus? I thank you! Yet one more grace I Passionist robe, flowers (lilies desire of you, O my God, if it would be pleasing to You (here mention your request). If you were not omnipotent, I would not make this Title: and roses), guardian angel, request. O Jesus, have pity on me. May your most holy will be done in all things”. Amen Mystic stigmata, heavenward gaze 13 14 St. Ignatius of Loyola

Prayers by St. Ignatius Biography “Let us work as if success depended upon ourselves Surrender St. Ignatius was once a great knight. He was a cunning warrior and known alone, but with heartfelt Take, O Lord, and receive my conviction that we are entire liberty, my memory, my for his ability as a diplomat and a leader. His future came into question after understanding and my whole will. doing nothing, and God a cannonball struck his legs and he was severely injured. After enduring All that I am and all that I possess everything.” You have given me: I surrender several surgeries he underwent a spiritual conversion while in recovery. - Saint Ignatius of it all to You to be disposed of according to Your will. Give me Ignatius had read De Vita Christi by Ludolph of Saxony, which inspired him Loyola only Your love and Your grace; with to following the example of men like St. Francis of Assisi, and he devoted these I will be rich enough, and Then he said to them will desire nothing more. himself entirely to God. After a vision of Mary and the Child Jesus, Ignatius all: “Whoever wants to Amen left the military and took up a life of simple contemplation. be my disciple must deny themselves and take up Generosity While visiting a shrine to Our Lady he hung up his sword next to a statue of their cross daily and follow Lord, teach me to be generous. Mary and began a life as a hermit. During his time as a hermit he devoted me. –Luke 9:23 Teach me to serve you as you himself to fasting and prayer. It was then that he wrote The Spiritual deserve; to give and not to count the cost,to fight and not to heed Exercises. He then visited the Holy Land with the desire of reconverting the the wounds,to toil and not to seek area, but was sent back to Europe by the Franciscans who were in charge of for rest,to labor and not to ask for reward,save that of knowing that I protecting Christians in the area. do your will. Amen Ignatius then spent seven years learning theology and Latin. After gaining a tightly knit association of followers, Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus, which received recognition from Pope Paul III. Highly disciplined, the movement’s followers learned the Spiritual Exercises and Constitution. Education and self-examination were at the core.

Ignatius and the Jesuits were instrumental figures in the Counter- Reformation, where the Catholic Church worked to reform itself from within and countered the theology of Protestantism. At the time of Loyola’s death in 1556, there were 1,000 Jesuits organized into eleven units.

Prayer against Depression - by Saint Ignatius of Loyola Patron: Feast: O Christ Jesus, when all is darkness and we feel our weakness and helplessness, give us the sense of Your presence, Your love, and Your Society of Jesus, soldiers, educators and education, retreats July 31st strength. Help us to have perfect trust in Your protecting love and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry us, for, Title: Attributes: living close to You, we shall see Your hand, Your purpose, Your will through all things. Mystic Eucharist, chasuble, book, cross 15 16 St. John Bosco

Prayer to St. John Bosco. Biography “Everything and everyone is won by the sweetness of our St. John Bosco, father and teacher of youth, raised up by God, St. John Bosco was a natural entertainer as a youth. He used to showcase his words and works.” especially for the salvation of the skills to the neighborhood and ask only for prayers from those who watched. –St. John Bosco poor and needy children; obtain that we may be enkindled by the Early in his childhood he had a dream in which he learned what his life same fire of charity as inflamed “Let the children come to me; you. You labored unceasingly in the would be dedicated to. In the dream he saw a bunch of young boys as a pack do not prevent them, for the search of souls for Christ. May we, of vicious dogs ready to attack him. He raised his fist to strike them when he kingdom of God belongs to with the help of your prayers, find such as these. Amen, I say God as you did and enjoy eternal heard a voice which said, “Not with blows, but with charity and gentleness beatitude with you. Amen to you, whoever does not must you draw these friends to the path of virtue.” accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter John followed his dream into the priesthood and as a priest found himself it.” teaching young boys on the street who had no place to go, and were too old –Mark 10:14-15 for catechism classes. He began to travel from town to town teaching young men in this way and soon found himself drawing a company of followers. His company was dedicated to his “Preventive System of Education.” He believed education to be a “matter of the heart” and said that the boys must not only be loved, but know that they are loved. He also pointed to three components of the Preventive System: reason, religion and kindness. His group would eventually become the Salesian Society.

John Bosco was also known for his dreams. His most famous dream was of a ship with the pope as the captain. The ship was attacked by several other smaller ships and the pope was killed. A new pope took his place and he was killed as well. However, every time a pope fell a new one would take his place. When a storm began to roll in the pope commanded the ship to anchor itself to two pillars, one with Mary at the top and the other with the Eucharist. When the storm hit the smaller ships were lost, but the ship with the pope as captain stayed afloat.

Prayer to St. John Bosco Patron: Feast: In need of special help, I appeal with confidence to you, Saint John Bosco, for I require not only spiritual graces, but also temporal ones, Christian apprentices, editors, publishers, schoolchildren, Jan. 31st young people, magicians and particularly...(add your personal intentions here) May you, who on earth had such great devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament Attributes: and to Mary Help of Christians, and who always had compassion for those who were suffering, obtain from Jesus and His Heavenly Salesian cassock Mother the grace I now request, and also a sincere resignation to the Will of God. 17 18 St. Teresa of Ávila

Prayer of St. Teresa of Biography “Let nothing disturb thee; Avila Let nothing dismay thee; St. Teresa was a sickly child born to Spanish nobility. She lost her mother All thing pass; God never Lord, Thou knowest better than I myself that I am growing older at an early age and despite the wishes of her father ran away to a Carmelite changes. Patience attains and will someday be old. Keep me All that it strives for. He from the fatal habit of thinking I convent at seventeen. Soon after taking her vows she began to experience a who has God finds he lacks must say something on every subject very deep interior life and spent many hours contemplating spiritual writings. nothing: God and on every occasion. It was during these contemplations that she began receiving visions. She alone suffices.” –St. Teresa of Avila Release me from craving to would go into a trance called an ecstasy. Despite her contemplative life Teresa straighten out everybody’s affairs. was not just a quiet, placid saint, she had an endearing and natural quality. “But you, when you pray, go Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful but not bossy. Her life energy attracted and inspired many who were close to her. They into your inner room, close your door and pray to your With my vast store of wisdom, it admired her for both her outer charm and inner serenity. At the same time seems a pity not to use it all; but Father who is in secret, and Thou knowest, Lord, that I want her religious ecstasies caused jealousy and suspicions in others. your Father who sees what a few friends at the end. Keep my is done in secret will reward mind free from the recital of endless During these visions Jesus would often appear physically to her although details; give me wings to get to the you. point. invisible. She experienced these visions for almost two years. In another vision –Matthew 6:6 Seal my lips on my aches and she saw an angel who pierced her heart with a fiery lance causing her great pains;they are increasing, and love of rehearsing them is becoming physical pain but caused her soul to burn with love for God. This gave rise to sweeter as the years go by. her motto “Lord, either let me suffer or let me die.” I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a Perhaps her most famous vision was of “a most beautiful crystal globe, made lessening cock-sureness when my memory seems to clash with the in the shape of a castle, and containing seven mansions, in the seventh memories of others. and innermost of which was the King of Glory, in the greatest splendor, Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken. illumining and beautifying them all. The nearer one to the centre, the Keep me reasonably sweet, for stronger was the light,” inspired her to write a book on contemplative a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil. prayer called “The Interior Castle.” St. Teresa wrote many works and was Give me the ability to see good instrumental in the “Counter-Reformation” a response to the protestant things in unexpected places and talents in unexpected people; and reformation. She died at age 67 her final words were “My Lord, it is time to give, O Lord, the grace to tell move on. Well then, may your will be done. O my Lord and my Spouse, the them so. hour that I have longed for has come. It is time to meet one another.”

Prayer to St. Teresa of Avila Patroness: Feast Day: O wonderful daughter of Spain, you taught us to walk the way of Christian perfection which is the way of the Cross. You inspired Bodily ills; headaches; lacemakers; loss of parents; people in need of grace; people in Oct. 15th religious orders; people ridiculed for their piety; sick people; sickness; Spain innumerable men and women by your writings as well as your conduct, deserving the title of Doctor of the Church. Ever faithful to St. Attributes: Peter’s successors, inspire fidelity to religious vows on the part of those who have taken them and make them ever true to their vocations. Title: Habit of the Discalced Amen. Mystic, Doctor of the Church Carmelites, Book and Quill, arrow-pierced heart 19 20 St. Paul

Prayer of Biography ”Be strong in the Lord and the Apostle Paul in his mighty power. Put (Ephesians 3: 14 - 19) St. Paul’s was born Saul of Tarsus, and he studied under the celebrated Jewish on the full armor of God rabbi, Gamaliel, at Jerusalem. He was trained as a teacher and was well so that you can take your I kneel before the Father, from stand against the devil’s Whom every family in heaven and versed in Hebrew law and scriptures. He became a member of the sect of the schemes. Stand firm then, on earth is named, that He may grant you in accord with the riches Pharisees, a political group within the Jewish religion who believed in the with the belt of truth of His glory to be strengthened with resurrection after death and were violent persecutors of the Christians. He buckled around your waist, power through His Spirit in the with the breastplate of inner self, and that Christ may was present at the death of the first martyr St. Stephen. righteousness in place, and dwell in your hearts through faith; with your feet fitted with that you, rooted and grounded On a mission of persecution as he neared Damascus a violent light from in love, may have strength to the readiness that comes comprehend with all the holy ones heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground blinded and heard a voice from the gospel of peace. In what is the breadth and length and addition to all this, take height and depth, and to know say to him “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul up the shield of faith, with the love of Christ that surpasses asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and knowledge, so that you may be which you can extinguish filled with all the fullness of God. go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”(Acts 9:3-6) Saul was all the flaming arrows healed and baptized in Damascus and traveled about preaching the Gospel. of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the After his baptism Saul changed his name to Paul. sword of the Spirit, which is The Christians were suspicious of Paul but he warmed them over. He went to the word of God.” –Ephesians 6:10-11,13- Jerusalem to see Peter and pay his homage to the head of the Church. After 17 receiving his blessing, Paul traveled all over converting gentiles as he was often chased out of synagogues. He established many churches and wrote many epistles, which are some of the earliest known Christian writings.

Paul was eventually arrested in the temple of Jerusalem after he was attacked by a crowd of devout Jews. As a Roman citizen he made an appeal to the emperor for a fair trial. He would endure shipwrecks, stoning, and beatings before he was transferred to Rome. As a Roman citizen he was spared crucifixion but he was beheaded on the order of Emperor Nero, but not before spreading the Gospel of Christ all over the region.

Prayer to St. Paul Patron: Feast: O glorious St. Paul, after persecuting the Church you became by God’s grace its most zealous Apostle. To carry the knowledge of Jesus, Missions; Theologians; Gentile Christians January 25 (The Conversion of Paul) our Divine Savior, to the uttermost parts of the earth you joyfully endured prison, scroungings, stonings, and shipwreck, as well as all Title: manner of persecutions culminating in the shedding of the last drop of your blood for our Lord Jesus Christ. Obtain for us the grace to Martyr and Apostle to the Gentiles Attributes: labor strenuously to bring the faith to others and to accept any trials and tribulations that may come our way. Help us to be inspired Sword by your Epistles and to partake of your indomitable love for Jesus, so that after we have finished our course we may join you in praising 21 22 St. Timothy

Prayer to St. Timothy Biography ‘I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, Dear St. Timothy, you were a faithful friend, companion and St. Timothy was born to a Jewish mother but was not circumcised according so that I may be cheered collaborator of St. Paul. You took to the law. He was one of the first generation of Christian converts. St. Paul by news of you. I have no your spiritual direction obediently one like him, who will be and faithfully from St. Paul. Dear met the young man in Lystra while he was preaching the Gospel there. Paul genuinely anxious for your Saint, God achieved much through you and St. Paul in the founding was impressed by the young man and took him on as student to replace St. welfare. They all look after of the early Christian communities Barnabas. Paul came to call Timothy his “own son in the faith.” Paul was their own interests, not in Greece and Rome. Like Paul you those of Jesus Christ. But suffered imprisonment and finally concerned however how Timothy would be accepted by the Jews and so he Timothy’s worth you know, martyrdom. All this was possible because you responded so generously personally circumcised him. how as a son with a father to God’s calling. Help us in our he has served with me in pilgrimage on this earth. Help us to Timothy was ordained and went with St. Paul on his second missionary the gospel.’ keep our eyes on our Lord, to listen –Philipians. 2:19-22 to his teachings, and obedient to journey. They were forced to part ways in Berea because St. Paul had incurred his exhortations. Most importantly, the wrath of the Jewish community. Timothy remained there establishing the dear saint, help us to be good Let no one have contempt collaborators in the vineyard of the Christian community. After having planted that community Paul sent word for your youth, but set an Lord. Amen. for him to travel to Thessalonica as the church there needed support because example for those who of the persecution they were undergoing. believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. After many travels and meeting back up with St. Paul, Timothy was ordained –1 Timothy 4:12 as bishop of Ephasus. It was while he was here that St. Paul wrote his first and second letters to Timothy that are found in the New Testament. In the letters Timothy is praised by St. Paul for his knowledge of the Scriptures, and is encouraged to set an example to his community despite his young age. Paul also tells Timothy to take “a little wine” due to his chronic ailments, particularly of the stomach.

Timothy served as the Bishop of Ephasus for fifteen years. In the year 80 Timothy tried to halt a pagan procession of idols, ceremonies, and songs. In response to his preaching of the gospel, the angry pagans beat him, dragged him through the streets, and stoned him to death.

Prayer to Saint Timothy Patron: Feast: Dear Saint, well known for your gentleness, you were a most faithful disciple of Saint Paul, and like him traveled much to bring the Stomach Disorders January 24th Good News to all people. The Letters Paul wrote to you reveal your zeal and inspire us with confidence in you. You too were cast into Titles: Attributes: prison and you too gave your life for Christ. So with confidence we dare to ask, please obtain relief for {name of sufferer}, if it be God’s Bishop and Martyr Bishop’s mitre, scripture will. 23 24 St. Thomas Aquinas

A Students Prayer Biography “All that I have written by St. Thomas Aquinas seems like straw to me When St. Thomas became of age to choose his state of life, he renounced compared to what I have Creator of all things,true source of light and wisdom,origin of all the things of this world and resolved to enter the Order of St. Dominic in seen and what has been being,graciously let a ray of your revealed to me.” light penetrate the darkness of my spite of the opposition of his family. At the age of seventeen, he joined the –St. Thomas Aquinas understanding. Dominicans of Naples. Some members of his family resorted to all manner Take from me the double darkness of means over a two year period to break his constancy. They even went so far Wisdom will save you from in which I have been born, an the ways of wicked men, obscurity of sin and ignorance. as to send a prostitute to tempt him. But all their efforts were in vain and by from men whose words Give me a keen understanding, a God’s grace St. Thomas persevered in his vocation. are perverse, who leave the retentive memory, and the ability to grasp things correctly and straight paths to walk in fundamentally. After making his vows, he studied under St. Albert the Great. It was during dark ways, who delight in Grant me the talent of being exact this time he was nicknamed the “dumb ox” because of his silent ways and doing wrong and rejoice in my explanations and the ability in the perverseness of evil, huge size, but he was really a brilliant student. At the age of twenty-two, he to express myself with thoroughness whose paths are crooked and charm. was appointed to teach in the city and he began to publish his first works. and who are devious in Point out the beginning, direct the After four years he was sent to Paris. and was ordained a priest. At the age of their ways. progress, and help in the completion. I ask this through Christ our Lord. thirty-one, he received his doctorate. –Proverbs 2:12-15

Amen. St. Thomas was constantly offered accolades by kings and popes but he refused them all. St. Thomas wrote many volumes of theology and he preached often. He wrote two of the most influential works of theology Summa Contra Gentiles and Summa Theologica, which remained unfinished. He also wrote several beautiful prayers, many of them on the Eucharist. He tirelessly wrote and worked as well to try to reunite the Catholic Church in the west with the Orthodox Church in the east.

Despite his great understanding and knowledge, at the end of his life Thomas came to understand that God is a mystery and stood in awe of his infinite depth. As he died he said, “I receive Thee, ransom of my soul. For love of Thee have I studied and kept vigil, toiled, preached and taught...”

Prayer to St. Thomas Aquinas Patronage: Feast: Wonderful Theologian and Doctor of the Church, you learned more from the Crucifix than from books. Combining both sources, you Academics; against storms; against lightning; apologists; book sellers; Catholic academies, January 28th schools, and universities; chastity; learning; pencil makers; philosophers; publishers; left us the marvelous Summa of theology, broadcasting most glorious enlightenment to all. You always sought for true light and studied scholars; students; theologians. Attributes: for God’s honor and glory. Help us all to study our religion as well as all other subjects needed for life, without ambition and pride in The Summa Theologica, a model imitation of you. Amen. Title: church, the Sun Doctor of the Church, Virgin 25 26 St. Monica

Prayer to St. Monica of Biography “Son, nothing in this world Mothers now affords me delight. I St. Monica was born to a Christian family in the early fourth century. She do not know what there is O glorious St. Monica, greatly challenged among mothers, I feel was married to an official named Patritius who was a pagan. Patritius was now for me to do or why I particularly attracted by you who am still here, all my hopes gave such an enlightened example cruel to Monica and verbally abusive to her as well as adulterous. He was in this world being now of motherly love. annoyed by her piety, prayer and almsgiving. To compound her suffering in fulfilled.” Who could understand better than this married life she also lived with his very difficult mother who was also –To her son Augustine you the anxieties and fears of a about his conversion mother worrying about the eternal abusive to poor Monica. Monica patiently endured her situation and prayed salvation of her children? You endured all, since in the order of for both of their conversions. Monica was not the only mistreated woman “ Do not let your hearts be nature, St. Augustine is the fruit troubled. You have faith in of your womb, and in the order of in her village and she soon used her position to begin a prayer group for the God; have faith also in me.” grace, the fruit of your tears. For other wives. this reason I am greatly convinced – John 14:1 that if you here on earth, with the sanctity of your life and the Monica and Patritius had three children through their marriage but he perseverance of your prayers, were forbade her from getting them baptized. His position only softened when one of the great models of the Christian mother, you must enjoy their youngest son Augustine became gravely ill and Monica became worried in heaven the privilege of being their singular protector. for the soul of her son. Her husband agreed but went back on his word when Augustine recovered. Augustine would be a cause of great worry for Monica Obtain for me the grace to faithfully imitate your virtues, and as he was wayward and lazy. Monica would tirelessly pray for him and for furthermore, may my children her husband. When Augustine was sent off to Carthage to complete his avoid those errors and failures you disapproved of so strongly in studies Monica’s prayers for Patritius were finally answered and he became a your son. And if it will happen, to my misfortune, that they too fall, Christian although he died shortly thereafter. grant me the grace to obtain with my prayers, supported by yours, as Augustine would grieve Monica terribly when he became a pagan and she perfect a conversion as you were able to obtain for your son. Amen. went to a bishop for consolation. As she wept the bishop told her “the child of those tears shall never perish.” Monica followed her son all over Italy until she met St. Ambrose. With his help after seventeen years Augustine converted. Monica died shortly after his baptism but her prayers and persistence had a profound effect on him and her son became one of the great doctors of the church.

Prayer to St. Monica Patroness: Feast: Dear St. Monica, troubled wife and mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet, you never despaired or lost Those who have difficult marriages, mothers, disappointing children, victims of adultery August 27th or unfaithfulness, victims of verbal abuse, and conversion of relatives. faith. With confidence, persistence, and profound faith, you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Patricius, and your beloved son, Augustine; your prayers were answered. Grant me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, that God may favorably hear my plea for(mention request here...)and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen 27 28 Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

Prayer to Walk the Path Biography “To live without faith, of the Beatitudes without a patrimony to Pier Giorgio Frassati was born into a wealthy family. Though an average defend, without a steady “O Father, you gave to the young struggle for truth, that is not Pier Giorgio Frassati the joy of student, Pier Giorgio was known among his peers for his devotion and piety. meeting Christ and of living his living, but existing.” faith in the service of the poor and He was dedicated to works of social action, charity, prayer and community. –Blessed Pier the sick; through his intercession He was involved with many Catholic youth, athletic and student groups. He Giorgio Frassati may we, too, walk the path of the beatitudes and follow the was strongly anti-fascist and did not hide his political views example of his generosity, spreading Blessed are you who are the spirit of the Gospel in society. Despite his family’s wealth, Pier Giorgio’s father was austere and never gave poor, for the kingdom of Through Christ our Lord, Amen.” his children too much money, Pier Giorgio however donated most or all of his God is yours. Blessed are By Cardinal you who are now hungry, Giovanni Saldarini, Archbishop money to people he saw as more “needy” than him, and as a result he became of Turin for you will be satisfied. accustomed to giving his train-fare to the poor and running back home. Blessed are you who are Despite the many organizations to which Pier Giorgio belonged, he was now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when not a passive “joiner”; records show that he was active and involved in each, people hate you, and when fulfilling all the duties of membership. they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as Participating in a Church-organized demonstration in Rome, he withstood evil on account of the Son police violence and rallied his friends by grabbing the banner which the of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, police had knocked out of someone’s hands. He held it high while using the your reward will be great in pole to ward off their blows. When arrested, he refused special treatment he heaven. would have received because of his father’s political position. One night a For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same group of fascists broke into his family’s home to attack him and his father, but way. Pier Giorgio beat them off single-handedly chasing them down the street. – Luke 6: 20-23

Pier Giorgio died in 1925 of poliomyelitis. His family expected to find many of his friends at his funeral, but were surprised, to find the streets lined with thousands of mourners as the procession passed by. Poor people from the city petitioned the Archbishop to begin the cause for canonization. Pope John Paul II called pier Giorgio the “Man of Eight Beatitudes.”.

Prayer for courage Patron: Feast “Heavenly Father, Give me the courage to strive for the highest goals, to flee every temptation to be mediocre. Enable me to aspire to Young people, poor, Pan de Vida Retreat July 4 greatness, as Pier Giorgio did, and to open my heart with joy to Your call to holiness. Free me from the fear of failure. I want to be, Lord, firmly and forever united to You. Grant me the graces I ask You through Pier Giorgio’s intercession, by the merits of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.” 29 30 St. Gianna Molla

Prayer to St. Gianna Molla Biography “The doctor should not God our Father we praise You meddle. The right of the and we bless you because in Saint Gianna Francesca Beretta was the tenth of thirteen children in her family. child is equal to the right of Gianna Beretta Molla you have the mother’s life. The doctor given us one who witnessed to the Gianna began studying medicine and after she received her medical diploma Gospel as a young women, as a wife, can’t decide; it is a sin to as a mother, and as a doctor. We she opened an office of pediatrics. kill in the womb.” thank you because through the gift – St. Gianna of her life we can learn to welcome Gianna hoped to join her brother, a missionary priest in Brazil, where she and honor every human person. intended to offer her medical expertise as an OB/GYN to poor women. “Greater love has no one You, Lord Jesus, were for Gianna a splendid example. She learned However, her chronic ill health made this impractical. She soon met Pietro than this, that he lay down to recognize you in the beauty of Molla, an engineer who worked in her office and they were soon married. The his life for nature. As she was questioning his friends” her choice of vocation she went in couple had three children, but Gianna suffered two miscarriages search of you and the best way to –John 15:13 serve you. Through her married after this.In 1961, Gianna was once again expecting. During the second love she became a sign of your love month, Gianna developed a fibroma on her uterus. After examination, the for the Church and for humanity. Like you, the Good Samaritan, she doctors gave her three choices: an abortion, which would save her life and cared for everyone who was sick, small or weak. Following your allow her to continue to have children; a complete hysterectomy, which example, out of love she gave herself would preserve her life, but take the unborn child’s life, and prevent further entirely, generating new life. Holy Spirit, Source of every pregnancy; or removal of only the fibroma, with the potential of further perfection, give us wisdom, complications. Roman Catholic teaching would have allowed her to obtain a intelligence, and courage so that, following the example of hysterectomy, but would forbid an abortion. Saint Gianna and through her intercession, we may know how to Wanting to preserve her child’s life, she opted for the removal of the fibroma. place ourselves at the service of each person we meet in our personal, After the operation, complications continued throughout her pregnancy. family and professional lives, and thus grow in love and holiness. Gianna was quite clear about her wishes, expressing to her family, Amen. “This time it will be a difficult delivery, and they may have to save one or the other -- I want them to save my baby.” On April 21, 1962, Good Friday of that year, Gianna went to the hospital, where her fourth child was successfully delivered. However, Gianna died of septic peritonitis seven days after the birth. Her final words were “Jesus, I love you”

Prayer of St. Gianna Molla Patron: Feast: Jesus, I promise You to submit myself to all that You permit to befall me, make me only know Your will. My most sweet Jesus, infinitely Mothers, physicians, pre-born children. April 28th merciful God, most tender Father of souls, and in a particular way of the most weak, most miserable, most infirm which You carry Title: Attributes: with special tenderness between Your divine arms, I come to You to ask You, through the love and merits of Your Sacred Heart, the Martyr Doctors coat grace to comprehend and to do always Your holy will, the grace to confide in You, the grace to rest securely through time and eternity in Your loving divine arms. Amen 31 32 St. Jude

The prayer to St. Jude Biography “But you, beloved, remember the words spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, for they told you, “In [the] last time there will be scoffers who will live according to their own godless desires.” These Most holy apostle, Saint Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, St. Jude, known as Thaddaeus, was a brother of the Apostle St. James the are the ones who cause divisions; they live on the natural plane, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, build the Church honors and invokes you Less. St. Jude was one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus. Church Tradition tells yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God and wait for universally, as the patron of hopeless the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. On those who waver, have mercy; save others by cases, of things almost despaired of. us that Jude was the son of Clopas and Mary, who was herself a relative of snatching them out of the fire; on others have mercy with fear, abhorring even the outer garment stained by Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use I implore you, of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and he was born in Galilee. There is also a tradition the flesh.” that particular privilege given to in the Orthodox Church in the east that asserts that St. Jude was the –Jude 1: 17–23 you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired bridegroom at the wedding at Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle. of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the In the Bible St. Jude was the apostle who asked Jesus at the Last Supper why consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and He would not manifest Himself to the whole world after His resurrection. sufferings, particularly (here make your request) and that I may praise Little else is known of his life. Ancient writers tell us that he preached God with you and all the elect the Gospel throughout the Middle East. St. Jude is traditionally depicted forever. I promise, O blessed Saint Jude, to be mindful of this great carrying the image of Jesus in his hand. According to one legend it represents favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and the imprint of the Divine Countenance that was entrusted to him by Jesus. to gratefully encourage devotion to King Abagar of Edessa in Syria asked Jesus to cure him of leprosy and also you. Amen. sent an artist to bring him a drawing of Jesus. Impressed with King Abagar’s great faith, Jesus pressed his face on a cloth and gave it to St. Jude to take to the King and cure him. The King was cured and converted to Christianity along with most of his subjects.

He is the author of the epistle to the Churches of the East, particularly to the Jewish converts, and directed against the heresies of the Simonians, Nicolaites, and Gnostics. He is said to have suffered martyrdom in Persia where he was beaten with a club and then his head was shattered with a broad axe. St. Jude is invoked in desperate situations because his New Testament letter stresses that the faithful should persevere in the environment of harsh, difficult circumstances, just as their forefathers had done before them.

Prayer to St. Jude Patron: Feast O Holy St. Jude! Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor for all who Armenia, lost causes, desperate situations, hospitals, the Chicago October 28th Police Department, invoke you, special patron in time of need; to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg you, to whom God has Attributes: given such great power, to come to my assistance; help me now in my urgent need and grant my earnest petition. I will never forget thy Title: Axe, club, boat, oar, medallion, graces and favors you obtain for me and I will do my utmost to spread devotion to you.Amen. St. Jude, pray for us and all who honor Apostle and Martyr Pentecost fire thee and invoke thy aid. (Say 3 Our Father’s, 3 Hail Mary’s, and 3 Glory Be’s after this.) 33 34 St. Maximilian Kolbe

Immaculata prayer by Biography “No one in the world can St. Maximillian Kolbe change Truth. What we Maximilian was born in 1894 in Poland and was strongly influenced by a can do and should do is to O Immaculata, Queen of Heaven and earth, refuge of sinners and childhood vision of Mary he had. “She came to me holding two crowns, one seek truth and to serve it our most loving Mother, God has when we have found it. The willed to entrust the entire order white, and the other red. She asked me if I was willing to accept either of real conflict is the inner of mercy to you. I, (name), a these crowns. The white one meant that I should persevere in purity and the conflict. Beyond armies repentant sinner, cast myself at your feet, humbly imploring you to take red that I should become a martyr. I said that I would accept them both.” of occupation and the me with all that I am and have, hetacombs of extermination wholly to yourself as your possession He followed his vision and studied to become a priest. Before his ordination camps, there are two and property. Please make of me, of irreconcilable enemies in all my powers of soul and body, of as a priest, Maximilian founded the Immaculata Movement after seeing my whole life, death and eternity, the depth of every soul: good whatever most pleases you. violent protests against the pope. After receiving a doctorate in theology, and evil, sin and love. And If it pleases you, use all that I am he spread the Movement through a magazine entitled “The Knight of the what use are the victories and have without reserve, wholly on the battlefield if we are Immaculata” and helped form a community of 800 men, the largest in the to accomplish what was said of you: ourselves are defeated “She will crush your head,” and world. After traveling all over Europe to further his movement he returned in our innermost “You alone have destroyed all heresies in the whole world.” Let me be a home. After the Nazis invaded, he was arrested repeatedly for criticizing the personal selves?” fit instrument in your immaculate –St. Maximilian Kolbe and merciful hands for introducing Nazi’s in print and on the radio before he was sent to the concentration camp and increasing your glory to the at Auschwitz for printing anti-Nazi propaganda. maximum in all the many strayed “Present your bodies as a and indifferent souls, and thus help living sacrifice, holy and On July 31, 1941, in reprisal for one prisoner’s escape, ten men were chosen extend as far as possible the blessed acceptable to God, which is kingdom of the most Sacred Heart to die in starvation cells. Father Kolbe offered himself in place of a young your spiritual worship. of Jesus. For wherever you enter you obtain the grace of conversion husband and father. During the time in the cell he led the men in songs and –Romans 12:1 and growth in holiness, since it is prayer. After three weeks of dehydration and starvation, only Kolbe and through your hands that all graces come to us from the most Sacred three others were still alive. He encouraged others that they would soon be in Heart of Jesus. heaven. Each time the guards checked on him he was kneeling in the middle V. Allow me to praise you, O Sacred Virgin of the cell and looking calmly at those who entered, while the others lay R. Give me strength against your moaning and complaining, on the ground around him. He was killed with an enemies Amen injection of carbolic acid. Some who were present at the injection say that he raised his left arm and calmly waited for the injection.

Prayer to St. Maximillian Patron: Feast: O Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “Greater love than this no man has that a man lay down his life for his friends,” through the Drug addicts, families, journalists, prisoners, amateur radio operators, pro-life movement August 14th intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose life illustrated such love, we beseech you to grant our petitions. (Pause here to mention the Title: Attributes: special requests you have.) Through the Militia of the Immaculata movement, which Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion Virgin and Martyr Rosary, Concentration camp to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us an example of unselfish uniform. love for all people, a love that was inspired by true devotion to Mary. Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we too may give ourselves entirely without reserve to the love and service of our heavenly Queen in order that we may better love and serve our neighbor in imitation of 35 36 St. Francis of Assisi

Prayer of Saint Francis of Biography “Preach the Gospel always, Assisi and if necessary use words” St. Francis was born to a very wealthy merchant in Assisi. With his vast –St. Francis Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, wealth he lived a very wild and sinful life but his outlook on life began to let me sow love; where there is As you go, proclaim this change when he was selling cloth for his father and a beggar asked him for injury,pardon where there is doubt, message: ‘The kingdom faith; where there is despair, hope; alms. Francis gave the man all he had, only to be scolded by his friends and where there is darkness, light; and of heaven has come near.’ where there is sadness, joy. father. Shortly thereafter Francis joined the military and was taken captive Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have O Divine Master, grant that I may only to be released a year later. not so much seek to be consoled as leprosy, drive out demons. to console; to be understood as to Upon returning Francis attempted to return to his wild ways and fell seriously Freely you have received; understand; to be loved as to love. freely give. For it is in giving that we receive; ill. After recovering he went to enlist in the military, but along the way he “Do not get any gold or silver it is in pardoning that we are stopped at the church of San Damiano. In the church Francis had a vision of or copper to take with you pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen Jesus who told him to rebuild the church. Francis took this command literally, in your belts— no bag for the journey or extra shirt renounced his family and began to rebuild the church. or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. After rebuilding the church Francis came to realize that vision meant to Matthew 10:7–10 reinvigorate the Universal Church. Francis inspired by Matthew 10:9 took up the life of poverty and went about proclaiming the Gospel. Francis began to draw many followers to his order and it was granted formal recognition from the Pope after he had a dream of Francis saving the Church.

Francis found a close connection with God through His creation in the outdoors and had a natural affinity for animals. He once stopped a wolf from terrorizing the village of Gubio. The wolf was his companion while he preached in the town and the people cared for the wolf after Francis left. He created the first nativity scene using live animals to teach his followers about the Incarnation. While fasting on a mountain Francis had another vision and received the stigmata. The stigmata caused him sever pain for the rest of his life. Francis died in his humble hut and was declared a saint two years later.

Prayer to Saint Francis of Assisi Patron: Feast: O beloved Saint Francis, gentle and poor, your obedience to God and your simple, deep love for all God’s creatures led you to the heights Animals; the environment; Italy; merchants; stowaways; cub scouts October 4th of heavenly perfection and turned many hearts to follow God’s will. Now, in our day, pray also for us, in our ministry to the many Title: Attributes: who come here searching for peace and intercede for us as we come before the Lord with our special requests.[Mention your special Mystic Birds, animals, wolf at feet, Poor intention.] Franciscan habit, Stigmata, Tau O blessed Saint of God, from your throne among the hosts of heaven present our petitions before our faithful Lord. May your prayers on Cross 37 38 St. Clare of Assisi

A Prayer to St. Clare of Biography “I come, O Lord, unto Thy Assisi, For Healing sanctuary to see the life and Clare was a beautiful Italian girl born into nobility. At age fifteen her parents food of my soul. As I hope O Blessed Saint Clare, your life shines like a beacon and cast its wanted her to marry a wealthy young man but Clare asked if she could wait in Thee, O Lord, inspire light down the ages of the Church me with that confidence to guide the way of Christ. Look until she turned eighteen. Religious even as a child Clare’s heart was filled which brings me to Thy with compassion on the poor and to bursting when a radical new preacher came into town named Francis. holy mountain. Permit me, humble who call on you for help. As you bow before your Eucharistic Although Clare was supposed to marry, she decided to leave her wealth and Divine Jesus, to come closer Lord in Heaven, speak to Him of to Thee, that my whole my afflicted body and my broken follow the way of poverty that Francis had been living. She ran away on soul may do homage to the spirit. Ask Him to heal me and to Palm Sunday and in a little chapel outside Assisi, she gave herself to God. St. greatness of Thy majesty; wash away my sins in His precious Blood. Francis cut off her hair and gave her a rough brown habit to wear, tied with a that my heart, with its tenderest affections, may Great Servant of Christ, remember plain cord around her waist. Francis brought her to a cloister of nuns but she the needs of my family and all acknowledge Thine infinite those I pray for. Defend us from was almost pulled out by her father who wanted to force her to marry. love; that my memory may everything that would threaten our dwell on the admirable Holy Catholic faith. Hear the cry Clare would leave that convent and travel to the San Damiano Church which mysteries here renewed of the poor and make it a song of intercession, rising from your poor Francis had rebuilt and began her own order of nuns. St. Clare and her sisters every day, and that the heart to the Eucharistic Heart of sacrifice of my whole being wore no shoes, ate no meat, lived in a poor house, and kept silent most of the Jesus, our Healer, our Savior, and may accompany Thine.” our Lord. Amen. time. She would be a devoted follower of Francis and his way of poverty her –St. Clare entire life and she cared for him in his final years For my flesh is real food St. Clare had an intense devotion to the Eucharist and recognized the true and my blood is real drink presence of Christ’s body and blood. Once, an army of soldiers came to –John 6:55 attack Assisi and they planned to raid the convent first. Although very sick, St. Clare had herself carried to the wall and where the enemies could see it, she placed the Blessed Sacrament. On her knees, she prayed “O Lord, protect these Sisters whom I cannot protect now.” A voice seemed to answer: “I will keep them always in My care.” After her prayer the attackers were overcome with fright and abandoned their plans. When her death was fast approaching Clare was ministered to by her sister, friends, and even the pope.

A Prayer to St. Clare of Assisi, for Intercession Patroness: Feast : O glorious Saint Clare! God has given you the power of working miracles continually, and the favor of answering the prayers of those Eye disease, goldsmiths, laundry, embroiderers, gilders, good weather, needleworkers, August 11 who invoke your assistance in misfortune, anxiety and distress. We beseech you, obtain for us from Jesus, through Mary, His Blessed telephones, telegraphs, television Attributes : Mother, what we beg of you so fervently and hopefully, if it be for the greater honor and glory of God and for the good of our souls. Monstrance, pyx, lamp, habit of Amen. the Poor Clares 39 40 St. Martin de Porres

Prayer to St. Martin de Biography “Compassion is preferable Porress to cleanliness. With a little St. Martin was the illegitimate son of a freed woman from Panama and a soap I can easily clean my To be said by those in distress Spanish grandee from Lima, Peru. Martin inherited the features and dark sheet, but with a torrent of In this pain and sadness which tears I would never wash weighs me down and for which I complexion of his mother. After the birth of a sister, the father abandoned the can find no human support, I turn the stain that my harshness to you, Saint Martin. Be my friend family. Martin was reared in poverty, locked into a low level of Lima’s society. toward and my protector and intercede When he was 12, his mother apprenticed him to a barber-surgeon. He learned the unfortunate for me with our merciful Father would create.” in heaven. Ask that my sins be how to cut hair and also how to draw blood, care for wounds and prepare and forgiven and that I may be freed –St. Martin de Porres from the evils which burden and administer medicines. distract me. Give me your spirit “Then the righteous will of sacrifice that I may welcome After a few years Martin applied to the Dominicans to be a “lay helper,” not whatever God sends me for love of answer him, ‘Lord, when Him who makes all things a means feeling himself worthy to be a religious brother. After nine years, the example did we see you hungry and of holiness. of his prayer and penance, charity and humility led the community to request feed you, or thirsty and give O Heavenly Father, in the name of you something to drink? your Son and of His Blessed Mother, him to make full religious profession. Many of his nights were spent in When did we see you a and by the merits of your faithful prayer and penitential practices; his days were filled with nursing the sick and stranger and invite you servant Martin, help me in my great trouble and do not forsake caring for the poor. It was particularly impressive that he treated all people in, or needing clothes and me. Amen. clothe you? When did we regardless of their color, race or status. He was instrumental in founding an see you sick or in prison and orphanage, took care of slaves brought from Africa and managed the daily go to alms of the priory with practicality as well as generosity. When his priory was visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly in debt, he said, “I am only a poor mulatto. Sell me. I am the property of the I tell you, whatever you did order. Sell me.” for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, Side by side with his daily work Martin’s life reflected God’s extraordinary you did for me.’ gifts: ecstasies that lifted him into the air, light filling the room where he –Matthew 25:37-40 prayed, miraculous knowledge, instantaneous cures and a remarkable rapport with animals. His charity extended to beasts of the field and even to the vermin of the kitchen. He would excuse the raids of mice and rats on the grounds that they were underfed; he kept stray cats and dogs at his sister’s house.

Prayer to St. Martin de Porres Patron: Feast : To you Saint Martin de Porres we prayerfully lift up our hearts filled with serene confidence and devotion. Mindful of your unbounded African-Americans, hair stylists, innkeepers, mixed-race people, Peru, poor people, public November 3 education, public health, public schools, race relations, social justice, state schools, 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 television, Mexico Peruvian Naval Aviators Attributes : our families the precious gifts of your solicitous and generous intercession; show to the people of every race and every color the paths of Broom, crucifix, rosary, a heart 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. 41 42 St. Lucy

Prayer to St. Lucy Biography “No one’s body is polluted so as to endanger the soul if it Saint Lucy, There is little that we know to be true about St. Lucy. All we really know has not pleased the mind. Whose beautiful name Signifies If you were to lift my hand light, By the light of FaithWhich as fact was that a brave woman who lived in Syracuse lost her life in the God bestowed upon you, Increase to your idol and so make persecution of Christians in the reign of Emperor Diocletian. Her veneration and preserve His light in my me offer against my will, I soul, So that I may avoid evil, Be spread to Rome so that by the sixth century the whole Church recognized her would still be guiltless in zealous in the performance Of the sight of the true God, good works, And abhor nothing courage in defense of the faith. So much as the blindness And the who judges according to the darkness Of evil and sin. The biography we do have of St. Lucy may be a legend. According to the will and knows all things. If now, against my will, you Obtain for me, By your Intercessory legend Lucy made a vow of perpetual virginity for Christ despite the fact her With God, Perfect vision For my cause me to be polluted, bodily eyes And the grace to use mother arranged a marriage for her with a pagan who was in love with Lucy’s a twofold purity will be them For God’s greater honor And gloriously imputed to me. glory And the salvation of souls. eyes. Lucy guessed that mother would not be convinced by a young girl’s You cannot bend my will to vow, and after hearing Mark 5:21-24 and the tales of St. Agatha she devised St. Lucy, Virgin and martyr, your purpose; whatever you Hear my prayers And obtain my a plan to convince her mother of the power of Christ. Through prayers at petitions. do to my body, that cannot happen to me.” Amen. the tomb of Saint Agatha, her mother’s long bought with dysentery was –St. Lucy cured miraculously. They took the dowry money she had received from her betrothed and gave it all to the poor. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and Unfortunately, her rejected pagan bridegroom became furious with Lucy. throw it away. It is better To appease him Lucy gouged out her own eyes to repay him, but they for you to enter life with miraculously grew back. Lucy’s betrothed then reported her to the governor one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the as a Christian. The governor tried to send her into prostitution but the guards fire of hell. who came to take her way found her so filled with the Holy Spirit that she –Matthew 18:9 was as stiff and as heavy as a mountain. Perplexed the soldiers hitched her to a team of oxen who could not budge her. They then attempted to stab her through the throat. With the sword in her throat she began to prophesy about the end of Emperor Diocletian’s reign which saw the worst persecutions against the church. She was not moved from that spot until a priest came to deliver the Eucharist. After eating it she died.

Prayer to St. Lucy Patroness: Feast: Relying on Your goodness, O God, we humbly ask you, by the intercession of your servant, Saint Lucy, to give perfect vision to our eyes, Blind; martyrs; epidemics; salesmen, Syracuse, Italy, throat infections, writers Dec. 13th that we may serve for your greater honor and glory. And we pray for the salvation of our souls in this world, that we may come to the Title: Attributes: enjoyment of the unfailing light of the Lamb of God in heaven. Virgin and Martyr Cord; eyes; eyes on a dish; lamp; St. Lucy, virgin and martyr, hear our prayers and answer our petitions. swords; woman hitched to a Amen. yoke of oxen. 43 44 Venerable Michael J. McGivney

Knights of Colombus Biography “ The Glory of the Knights of Prayer Columbus is not based on Fr. McGivney’s parents were Irish Catholic immigrants who came to America humanitarian works alone. O Almighty and Eternal God, Lord of the Universe, sustain us, at a time when Catholics suffered discrimination. They were unable to get Even more admirable have we beseech Thee, o’er the course of been your insistence upon “life’s tempestuous sea.” Keep us, we jobs except in the most dangerous professions, join labor unions, or get the supremacy of God and pray Thee, secure within the Bark insurance. These men often died in line of duty leaving no one to care for your fidelity to the Vicar of of Peter, ever trustful of Christ and his Vicars to guide us along the their families. Catholics were even forbidden from owning property. Fr. Christ.” ways of peace and prosperity. May – Pope Paul VI Jesus, Our Savior, preserve us in McGivney was born into the poverty and hardship that faced many Catholic the unity of the Holy Faith and families. He went to work at a young age and eventually joined the seminary. confirm our hopes of sharing its Religion that God our treasures with America. Send forth Father accepts as pure and the power and love of the Holy His first assignment as a priest was at the first Catholic parish in New Haven, faultless is this: to look after Spirit, that we may be blessed in Connecticut. The local neighborhood was not happy about the Catholic orphans and widows in our efforts to set forth Thy glory in this land under the patronage presence and the New York Times even carried a headline which read “How their distress and to keep of Mary’s Immaculate Conception. oneself from being polluted Let our Fraternity flourish in an aristocratic avenue was blemished by a Roman Church edifice.” Despite by the world. justice and charity and give eternal his often poor health Fr. McGivney worked tirelesly in his many parish –James 1:27 praise and glory to the Most Holy Trinity. Be mindful of each of our ministries. While performing his duties he saw a need to provide for widows brothers, departed, and receive them into the haven of eternal and orphans in addition, he sought to provide Catholic men with the peace. Amen. opportunity to practice charity in their communities and, in strengthening Mary Immaculate, Mother of the Knights of Columbus, pray for us. their mutual faith, strengthen each other. So Fr. McGivney and a small group of men in the basement of his parish formed the Knights of Columbus. The Knights would work tirelessly to care for widows, work to end religious discrimination, protect churches from vandalism, and ultimately lay the foundation for lay action within the Church.

The Knights established an insurance program to care for Catholic widows and children. Fr. McGivney died at age 38 from pneumonia but his order lives on and now boasts over 1.7 million Catholic men over the age of 18 who still work tirelessly to do good works world wide. For information on how to join visit kofc.org

Prayer for the canonization of Fr. McGivney Patron: Attributes: O great and glorious God, you imbued your holy priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, with deep priestly virtue and especially with Knights of Colombus Cassock, KofC emblem pastoral concern for the poor, the orphan, the widow, for the Christian education of youth, for the protection of the faith of the working man of his day. Now that his priestly ministry continues to spread to countless millions throughout the world through the efforts and influence of the Order of the Knights of Columbus, which Father McGivney founded, we beseech you, Heavenly Father, to raise your faithful servant, Michael, to the honours of the altar. We ask this favor through our Lord Jesus Christ and His holy mother,Mary and our mother. Amen. 45 46 St. Juan Diego

Prayer to St. Juan Diego for Biography “I am a nobody, I am a small robe, a tiny ladder, the tail end, a leaf.” happy employment –St. Juan Diego Dear Juan Diego, when the Lady St. Juan Diego was a native of Mexico when the Spanish missionaries came of Tepeyac Hill gave you her picture, to the New World. His birth name was Cuauhtlatohuac which means “When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, she also gave you a task to fill your behold, your son!’. Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’” “Talking Eagle” in his native language. He and his wife were one of the first days with happy labor. It was your –John 19:26-27 privilege and joy to spend the hours to be baptized by the missionaries and he took the name Juan Diego. He was caring for the chapel of the Tilma, devastated a few years afterwards when his wife died. telling its story to those who came there. Here the time of your earthly After his wife’s death Juan Diego would walk a great distance every Saturday pilgrimage passed quickly and to attend Sunday Mass. On cold days he would wear a tilma. One day while happily because you worked for Our Lady of Guadalupe. walking he heard a voice calling to him from Tepeyac, a hill that was near his Dear Juan Diego, please help me route. He walked up the hill and saw a Lady who told him to have the Bishop find steady employment that my build a shrine on the hill in her honor. He recognized the Lady as the Virgin time and talent may be devoted to the tasks suited to my nature and Mary and did as she asked. The Bishop was doubtful of Juan Diego’s story ability. and demanded a sign. Juan Diego returned to the Lady and said the Bishop May my hours of toil then, give did not believe him and that she should find another messenger as he was not fair return and more to him who hires me. May my work not be worthy. The Lady told him that she would provide a sign the following day. done for mere profit, or just to When he returned to his uncle’s home he found his uncle seriously ill. Juan make a living. Rather, may it be done to make of myself, one Diego left to get a priest and tried to avoid the Lady and the hill, but the Lady more able to honor the Creator. intercepted him and told him to climb the hill and collect the flowers there. May it be done with reverence It was December and flowers would not grow in the cold, but when he got and appreciation of the materials, all supplied by God, and only to the top he saw Castilian Roses which had not yet been brought over from modified by man. May my work be Spain. He gathered them up in his tilma and brought them to the Bishop. done to enjoy the benefits of skilled When he unfurled his tilma the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was and honest craftsmanship. And especially let my work be done mystically drawn on the cloth before their very eyes and Bishop realized that to make known and lead others he had his sign. After the miracle 8 million natives converted to the faith and to love the same Lady you serve a Basilica was built on the site. It is believed that Juan Diego was responsible so well. Through Christ Our Lord, for the conversions of more Christians than even St. Paul.

Prayer to St. Juan Diego Patron: Feast Native Americans, Mexico, Dec. 9th You who were chosen by Our Lady of Guadalupe as an instrument to show your people and the world that the way of Christianity is one of love, compassion, understanding, values, sacrifices, repentance of our sins, appreciation and respect for God’s creation, and most Attributes: of all one of humility and obedience. You who we know is now in the Kingdom of the Lord and close to our Mother, be our angel and Tilma, Roses, Our Lady protect us, stay with us as we struggle in this modern life not knowing most of the time where to set our priorities. Help us to pray to our of Guadalupe, Eagle God to obtain the gifts of the Holy Spirit and use them for the good of humanity and the good of our Church, through the Heart of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the Heart of Jesus. Amen. 47 48 The Blessed Virgin Mary

How to pray the Rosary Biography “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my A sign of the cross on the Crucifix and then the Apostles’ Creed; Much of what we know about the Blessed Virgin Mary’s early life comes from spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked An Our Father on the first large the Sacred Tradition of the Church. Her parents were St. Joaquim and St. bead; upon his handmaid’s Anne and it is believed in the Catholic Church that God provided His saving lowliness; behold, from A Hail Mary on each of the three small beads with the following grace on the cross to his mother at the moment of her conception to preserve now on will all ages call me intentions (the theological virtues): her from sin. It is because she was free from sin that she heard the Archangel blessed. The Mighty One 1. For the increase of faith has done great things for 2. For the increase of hope Gabriel exclaim to her, “Hail, full of grace.” Because she was full of grace me, and holy is his name. 3. For the increase of charity there was no room for sin. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He A Glory Be to the Father; As the Bible tells us, Mary was a virgin and conceived Jesus in her womb has shown might with his Announce the mystery by the power of the Holy Spirit. Her betrothed husband Joseph served as a arm, dispersed the arrogant An “Our Father” on the large bead of mind and heart. He has protector for both her and Jesus and she remained a virgin until the end of A “Hail Mary” on each of the thrown down the rulers adjacent ten small beads; her days. Mary gave birth to Jesus in a small stable in Bethlehem and laid her from their thrones but lifted A “Glory Be to the Father”; baby in a manger. She would follow her son throughout his life and during up the lowly. The hungry he (The Fatima Prayer is commonly has filled with good things; his ministry. It was at her intercession at a wedding that Jesus worked his first added here, as a pious addition: “O the rich he has sent away My Jesus, Forgive us our sins. Save public miracle. She was also one of the few who were there when he served as empty. ” us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to Heaven. Especially those both priest and victim on the cross. While on the cross Jesus looked down at – Luke 1:46-53 most in need of thy mercy.”) his mother and said “Behold your son,” and then looking at the apostle John Again an Our Father on the next “Do whatever He tells you.” large bead, followed by ten Hail he said, “Behold your mother.” The Church teaches that here Jesus gave his –John 2:5 Marys on the small beads, the mother to world. Glory Be to the Father, and Fatima Prayer, for each of the following decades; After the resurrection she prayed with the Apostles in the upper room on the In conclusion, Hail Holy Queen day of Pentecost when they received the Holy Spirit and began their mission and a sign of the cross. to spread the Gospel throughout the world. It is because of Mary’s yes to God The Hail Mary when she conceived the Lord, her interceding at the wedding at Cana, her Hail, Mary, full of grace. The constant devotion to her son, and for her suffering with him at the Cross that Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the Church reveres, loves and holds her up as the perfect Christian. fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary,

The Memorare Patroness: Feasts: Remember, O Most Gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to Thy protection, implored Thy help or Airplane pilots, bicyclists, blood donors, boatmen, coffee shop owners, construction January 1st (as Mother workers, cooks, fishermen, mothers, motorcyclists, nuns, restaurateurs, sailors, police of God) sought Thine intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto Thee, O Virgin of Virgins, my Mother; to Thee do I officers, travellers Army personnel virgins Attributes: come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in Thy mercy, hear and Titles: Blue mantle, crown of 12 stars, answer me. Amen. Mother of God, The Immaculate Conception, Queen of Heaven roses, pregnant woman. 49 50 Resurrection of Jesus

You are the Christ About the Resurrection “For what I received I by St. Augustine passed on to you as of first In the Book of Genesis we are told how through the sins of our first parents, importance: that Christ You are Christ, my Holy Father, my Tender God, my Great King, my Adam and Eve, humanity lost its fellowship with God. The rest of the Bible died for our sins according Good Shepherd, my Only Master, to the Scriptures, that he my Best Helper, my Most Beautiful tells the story of how God continuously draws humanity back to Him was buried, that he was and my Beloved, my Living Bread, through a series of covenants he makes with the nation of Israel. Each of raised on the third day my Priest Forever, my Leader to my Country, my True Light, my these covenants builds up to the ultimate covenant, the covenant made in according to the Scriptures, Holy Sweetness, my Straight Way, and that he appeared my Excellent Wisdom, my Pure Jesus’ blood at the Last Supper through the Cross. This covenant, however, to Peter, and then to the Simplicity, my Peaceful Harmony, means nothing without the resurrection of Jesus three days later. Twelve. After that, he my Entire Protection, my Good Portion, my Everlasting Salvation. appeared to more than five The bodily resurrection of Jesus is the most fundamental aspect of our hundred of the brothers Christ Jesus, Sweet Lord, why have I ever loved, why in my whole life Catholic faith. The resurrection shows the justice of God who exalted and sisters at the same have I ever desired anything except time, most of whom are Christ to a life of glory, as Christ had humbled Himself unto death. The You, Jesus my God? Where was I still living, though some when I was not in spirit with You? Resurrection completed the mystery of our salvation and redemption; by His have fallen asleep. Then he Now, from this time forth, do you, all my desires, grow hot, and flow death Christ freed us from sin, and by His Resurrection He restored to us the appeared to James, then to out upon the Lord Jesus: run... you all the apostles, and last of most important privileges lost by sin. By His Resurrection we acknowledge have been tardy until now; hasten all he appeared to me also, where you are going; seek Whom Christ as the immortal God, the efficient and exemplary cause of our own as to one abnormally born. you are seeking. O, Jesus may he who loves You not be an anathema; resurrection and as the model and the support of our new life in grace. –1 Corinthians 15:3-7 may he who loves You not be filled with bitterness. Through our faith in the working of God we are spiritually resurrected with “I am the resurrection and O, Sweet Jesus, may every good Jesus, and are redeemed so that they may walk in a new way of life and wait the life; whoever believes in feeling that is fitted for Your praise, me, even if he dies, will live, love You, delight in You, adore You! with the faith in His promise that we too will rise to life after our death at God of my heart, and my Portion, and everyone who lives and Christ Jesus, may my heart faint the end of time. As St. Paul stated: “If Christ was not raised, then all our believes in me will never away in spirit, and may You be my preaching is useless, and your trust in God is useless.”(1 Corinthians 15:14) die. Do you believe this?” Life within me! May the live coal –John 11:25-26 of Your Love grow hot within my The resurrection forms the point in scripture where Jesus gives his ultimate spirit and break forth into a perfect fire; may it burn incessantly on the demonstration that he has power over life and death, thus he has the ability altar of my heart; may it glow in to give people eternal life. According to the Bible, “God raised him from the my innermost being; may it blaze in hidden recesses of my soul; and dead,” “he ascended to heaven, to the “right hand of God,” and will return in the days of my consummation again. (Acts 1:9–11)

The Our Father Titles: Feast: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this Messiah, Christ, Son of God, King of the Jews, Suffering Servant, Great High Priest, Easter Sunday Lord, Son of Man,Emmanuel, Holy One, Son of David, Rabbi, Word, Alpha & Omega, day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation and deliver us I Am, Son of Mary, Savior, Lamb of God, The Good Shepherd, from evil. Amen. Anima Christi Soul of Christ, sanctify me Body of Christ, save me Blood of Christ, inebriate me Water from the side of Christ, wash me Passion of Christ, strengthen me O good Jesus, hear me Within Thy wounds hide me Separated from Thee let me never be From the malicious 51 52 Glossary of Terms

Patron/Patroness A patron saint is a saint who is regarded as the intercessor and advocate in A Mystic is anyone who actively and willfully seeks a direct relationship and Mystic heaven of a nation, place, craft, activity, class, clan, family, or person. Patron union with God through prayer and devotion. There are some extraordinary saints, because they have already died and gone to heaven, are believed to be Mystics who are called by God to a special sacrificial union with Him, and able to intercede effectively for the needs of their special charges. most of the mystics in this book have received extraordinary mystical graces from God to strengthen and guide them in their mission within the Church. By the express Will of God, the Mystics are united with Jesus and Mary in Doctor of the Church This title is given to a saint from whose writings the whole Church is held suffering for the conversion of sinners. They are the great lovers of God who to have received a great advantage and to whom “eminent learning” and offer and give of themselves completely to “fill up what is lacking in the “great sanctity” have been attributed by a proclamation of a pope or of an afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church” (Colossians ecumenical council. This honor is given rarely, and only after canonization. 1:24). Although the Mystics are often submerged in a sea of pain, as willed by God, they are also at the same time full of love, joy and happiness, ravished by the love of God, in a joyful union with Jesus and His Mother. Virgin The Catholic Encyclopedia says: “There are two elements in virginity: the material element, that is to say, the absence, in the past and in the present,

of all complete and voluntary delectation, whether from lust or from the The calendar of saints is a traditional Christian method of organizing a Feast Day lawful use of marriage; and the formal element, that is the firm resolution liturgical year by associating each day with one or more saints and referring to abstain forever from sexual pleasure.” And, “Virginity is irreparably lost to the feast day of said saint. The system arose from the early Christian by sexual pleasure, voluntarily and completely experienced.” Far from the custom of annual commemoration of martyrs on the dates of their deaths, negative connotations our society has placed on virginity the Church holds or birth into heaven, and is thus referred to in Latin as dies natalis (“day of virginity in the highest regard as a great gift from God and not something to birth”). be squandered lightly.

Attributes are various visual symbols used in religious art to help identify a Attributes Martyr Originally meaning witness, during the early days of the Church, the term saint. Christianity has used symbolism from its very beginnings. Each saint acquired the extended meaning of a believer who is called to witness for has a story and a reason why he or she led an exemplary life. These symbols their religious belief, and on account of this witness, endures suffering and/ have been used to tell these stories throughout the history of the Church. The or death. The early Christians saw Jesus as the first and greatest martyr, on study of these forms part of iconography in Art history. The attributes were account of his crucifixion. particularly used so that the illiterate could recognize a scene, and to give each of the saints something of a personality in art. The attributes are often used to illustrate part of a saint’s personality or, in the case of the martyrs, how that saint died. 53 54 Refrences

Aquinas, S. T. (2008). Summa Theologica. Retrieved 03 02, 2011, from New Monvel, M. B. (1980). Joan of Arc. New York, New York: The Viking Press. Advent: http://www.newadvent.org/summa/ Poole, S. (1995). Our Lady of Guadalupe: The Origins and Sources of a Avila, S. T. (2009). The Interior Castle or the Mansions . New York, New Mexican National Symbol, 1531-1797 . Tuscon, Arizona: University of York: TAN Books and Publishers . Arizona Press.

Br. John Neumann, M. T. (2004, 7 10). St. Maximillian Kolbe. Retrieved Vatican News Serivce. (2005, 06 30). John Paul II Biography. Retrieved 04 02 19, 2005, from Catholocism.org: http://catholicism.org/maximilian-kolbe. 18, 2009, from Vatican News Service: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/ html john_paul_ii/biography/index.htm

Butler, A. (1991). Butler’s Lives of the Saints. New York, New York: Harper Vatican News Service. (2005). Gianna Beretta Molla . Retrieved 03 19, 2005, Clolins. from Vatican News Service: http://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/ saints/ns_lit_doc_20040516_beretta-molla_en.html Catholic Online. (2009). St. Lucy. Retrieved 02 26, 2012, from Catholic Online: http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=75 Venerable Fr. Germanus, C. (2000). The Life of St. Gemma Galgani. New York, New York: TAN Books. FrassatiUSA, Inc. (2012). Biography of Blessed Pier Giorgio . Retrieved 01 27, 2012, from The Official USA Website for Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: http:// Voragine, J. d. (1995). The Golden Legend. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton www.frassatiusa.org/index.cfm?load=page&page=253 University Press .

Hippo, S. A. (2009). Confessions. Retrieved 03 02, 2011, from New Advent: http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1101.htm

Hughes, R. J. (2009, 01 06). Mother Seton. Retrieved 04 18, 2009, from Catholic Online: http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story. php?id=31387&page=1

Loyola, S. I. (2010). TAN Classic: The Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola. (F. E. Mullan, Ed.) New York, New York: Saint Benedict Press & TAN Books.

M.Afr., A. S. ( 2003). Charles Lwanga. Retrieved 04 17, 2009, from Dictionary of African Christian Biography: http://www.dacb.org/stories/ uganda/lwanga_charles.html 55 56 Acknowledgements Colophon

This book could not have been made without the help and support of many, This book was printed on Inkpress DuoMatte 30 and hand bound at many people who deserve acknowledgements and accolades! California State Chico.

My family - Who raised me and taught me to be the best person I can be. Thisbody of this text uses the Garamond font which was named after 16th century punch cutter Claude Garamond. Garamond font is known for it’s Ray Hollcraft - Without his invitation I would not be Catholic. And you fluidity and consistency. Garamond is well regarded for it’s readability in wouldn’t be reading this book. print. The Bros. - My backbone and support structure! You guys have been with me The headers of this book use the Charlemagne font, named after Emperor through the good times and the bad and continue to challenge and support Charlemagne who revived classical Roman letters during his reign in the late me in my faith. Tenth Century. These letterforms were the inspiration for Carol Twombly’s Fr. Terry Fulton - My favorite priest. You are truly a great priest! Thank you 1989 Adobe Originals typeface. The spiky serifs add to it’s unique charm. for always bringing me the true presence of Christ in the sacraments and All the artwork was created by Robert Sheridan. It was hand drawn with liturgy, and for teaching me what it really means to be humble. pencil and then inked and colored using a combination of Adobe Photoshop Kevin Staszkow and the Diocese of Sacramento - For commissioning the card CS5 and Adobe Illustrator CS5 using a Wacom Cintiq Screen tablet. series that gave the initial inspiration for this book.

All of my Art Teachers - For believing in me, teaching me and affirming my work and talent.

My beautiful wife and children - who make all my effort worth it. I love you guys. If I make it to heaven it is through your presence in my life which makes me a better man..

God - Words cannot express what He has done for me.