Saint John Berchmans
St. John Berchmans was born at Diest in Brabant (Modern Belgium), on March 13, 1599; died at Rome, August 13, 1621. He is the patron saint of Altar Boys His parents watched with the greatest solicitude over the formation of his character. He was naturally kind, gentle, and affectionate towards them, a favourite with his playmates, brave and open, attractive in manner, and with a bright, joyful disposition. Yet he was also, by natural disposition, impetuous and fickle.
Saint Catherine of Alexandria
Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin and Martyr whose feast day is November 25th. She is one of the 14 Holy Helpers and the patroness of philosophers, preachers, nurses, mechanics, craftsmen who work with a wheel (potters, spinners, etc.), archivists, dying people, educators, girls, jurists, lawyers, librarians, libraries, maidens, millers, hat-makers, nurses, philosophers, preachers, scholars, schoolchildren, scribes, secretaries, and unmarried girls.
The Martyrs of Vietnam
Several groups of martyrs were slain for the faith in Vietnam from 1798 until 1861. Between 1798 and 1853, sixty-four were martyred, receiving beatification in 1900. Those who died in a second group, between 1859 and 1861, were beatified in 1909. There were twenty-eight courageous men and women who died for the faith during a long period of persecution.
Pope Saint Clement
Little is known of this apostolic father beyond a few facts. He was a disciple of S. Peter, and perhaps of S. Paul. It is thought that the Clement whom S. Paul praises as a faithful fellow- worker, whose name is written in the Book of Life [Philippians 4:3], was Clement, afterwards bishop of Rome. But there is great difficulty in admitting this supposition. It is certain that Clement, the idol of the Petrine party in the Primitive Church, about whom their myths and traditions circled lovingly, was quite removed in feeling from the Pauline party.
Saint Cecilia
Saint Cecilia, the patron of music, is said to have heard heavenly music inside her heart when she was forced to marry the pagan, Valerian. A wealth of music, art and festivals in honor of St. Cecilia has grown from this little bit of information from her biography. She is the acclaimed patron saint of music, especially church music, as well as that of musicians, composers, instrument makers and poets. The name Cecilia means blind and so, although we don't know if she herself couldn't see, she is also the Catholic patron saint of the blind.
Feast of the Presentation of Mary
The Protoevangelium of James tells us that Anna and Joachim offered Mary to God in the Temple when she was three years old. This was to carry out a promise made to God when Anna was still childless. Mary’s presentation has an important theological purpose. It continues the impact of the feasts of the Immaculate Conception and of the birth of Mary.
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Pope Pius XI universally instituted The Feast of Christ the King in 1925 in his encyclical Quas Primas. Pope Pius XI connected the denial of Christ as king to the rise of secularism. At the time of Quas Primas, secularism was on the rise, and many Christians, even Catholics, were doubting Christ's authority, as well as the Church's, and even doubting Christ's existence.
Saint Agnes of Assisi
Saint Agnes was the sister of St. Clare and her first follower. When Agnes left home two weeks after Clare’s departure, their family attempted to bring Agnes back by force. They tried to drag her out of the monastery, but all of a sudden her body became so heavy that several knights could not budge it. Her uncle Monaldo tried to strike her but was temporarily paralyzed. The knights then left Agnes and Clare in peace.
Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne
Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne, R.S.C.J. (also known as the Society of The Sacred Heart), born August 29, 1769 – died November 18, 1852, was a Catholic Religious Sister and French-American Saint. She spent the last half of her life teaching and serving the people of the Midwestern United States.
Saint Hugh of Lincoln
St. Hugh of Lincoln was the son of William, Lord of Avalon. In 1175 became Abbot of the first Carthusian monastery in England. His reputation for holiness and sanctity spread all over England and attracted many to the monastery. He was one of the leaders in denouncing the persecution of the Jews that swept England, 1190-91
