Saint Rita of Cascia

Saint Justin Martyr (100–165) was a Christian apologist and one of the more revered Roman Catholic Saints. His numerous works actually depicted the earliest Christian apologies that still exist to this date.

He was born at Flavia Neapolis or the presently known Nablus. According the the Church records, Justin became a martyr at Rome under the authority of Marcus Aurelius the Emperor.

Justin considered himself a Samaritan, but probably has Roman or Greek blood because of his father and as well as his grandfather. However he was brought up in the early days as a pagan.

St Justin then got seriously involved in philosophy, after which he converted to the Christian religion, and became a devotee to preaching true philosophy. He traveled far and wide to propagate and teach the Christian religion and finally decided to stay in Rome as a Christian teacher.

St Justin Martyr is honored today as one of the revered Roman Catholic Saints. His feast day is on April 14. He is the Patron Saint of apologists and lecturers.

Saint Matthias was a devout follower of Our Lord Jesus during his public time on Earth. As the story goes, Saint Peter asked the people present in deep prayer to select an apostle who will be a replacement to Judas. The position was a very important one as the chosen man will act as a bishop, like the other apostles. He also said that the chosen one should have been with the Lord from His Holy Baptism until Ressurection.

Two names were proposed according to the Acts of the Apostles’ Chapter One. One was Joseph, also known as Barsabbas and the other, Matthias. Both of them – Joseph and Matthias – were serious contenders to the place of Judas and were much thought of by the followers of Jesus. Finally, they had to cast lots and in the end, the name of Mattias was selected.

St. Matthias was a good disciple. He preached and announced the Good News in many places such as Judea and Cappadocia (which is today’s Turkey). He earned many followers and believers of his messages. However, the enemies of the Lord saw the threat coming from Catholic Saint Matthias and decided that it has to end. In their hands, Matthias died a martyr.

Patron Saint: Carpenters, Against Alcoholism
Feast Day: May 14

Saint Catherine of Sweden is the daughter of a more known saint; St Bridget. Catherine born on 1330, promised to take the vow of continence with her husband. In 1348, she traveled to Rome to follow her mother who went there after the death of her husband.

Catherine's husband, on the other hand, died a short time after she went to Rome. Thereafter, St Catherine and her mother considered Rome as a major base for pilgrimage to other religious places such as Jerusalem.

Aside from engaging in pilgrimages, the mother and daughter spent their spare time saying the prayers and meditating. The also work to uplift the spirit of the poor, leading them to the Lord.

After one pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Bridget passed away. Catherine brought her mother back to her country of birth; Bridget was buried it Vadstena, specifically in the Order of the Holy Savior Convent. Catherine, who was also its founder, headed the order. She passed away 24 March 1381.

St. Catherine is known as the Patron Saint of Protection against abortion and miscarriages. She is also recognized as the Patroness of Sweden. Her feast day is on March 22.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe
Feast day: August 14
Patron Saint of the Family, Drug Addition, Amateur Radio, Political Prisoners

St Maximilian Kolbe is a Polish Franciscan priest who volunteered himself to die by taking the place of a complete stranger during the Nazi times in a Auschwitz, Poland concentration camp.

He was declared by Pope John Paul the Second as the Patron Saint of the World’s Difficult Century.

Prayer to Saint Maximilian
(To be prayed for 9 consecutive days)

Catholic Saint Maximilian Kolbe, follower of Saint Francis de Assisi, and was inflamed by God’s love, you gave your whole life to works of charity. Please look upon us who confide these petitions through your powerful intercession (you can now mention your intention here).

Consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, you became founder to the Militia of the Immaculata Movement, helping countless souls toward holiness thru the help of Virgin Mary by lead them to goodness and to the Lord God. Help us, through her, to receive the grace of leading numerous souls to Jesus Christ.

In your conformity to Our Lord Jesus, the Divine Savior, you possess a high sense of charity as you offered your very own life for the salvation of a fellow prisoner. Implore the Lord God that we may, through our good deeds, witness the Love of Jesus Christ's Love for the whole world, and ultimately be able to join you in enjoying the holy vision of God.